Super Book Blast Tour: The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich Giveaway

The Silver Sphere

By

Michael Dadich 

BLURB:  

Shelby Pardow never imagined she could kill someone. All she wants to do is hide from her troubled father… when she is teleported to awaiting soldiers on the planet Azimuth. Here she is not a child, but Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members whom Malefic Cacoethes has drugged and imprisoned. He seeks to become dictator of this world (and then Earth by proxy).

His father, Biskara, is an evil celestial entity, tracked by the Assembly with an armillary device, The Silver Sphere. With the Assembly now deposed, Biskara directs Malefic and the Nightlanders to their strategic targets. Unless….

Can Shelby find the other Kin, and develop courage and combat skills? Can the Kin reassemble in time to release or replace the Assembly, overthrowing Malefic and restraining Biskara?

  

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

I’ve been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure.

Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly 9-year-old son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.

For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website at

http://www.thesilversphere.org.org.

GIVEAWAY:

Michael will be awarding a $75 Amazon or BN.com GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tours. 

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/11/super-book-blast-silver-sphere-by.html

Book Tour: Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor Interview

Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor

Blackthorn Series Book One

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Publisher:  Bookouture

ISBN:  9781909490000

ASIN: B00AAMO252

Number of pages:  380

Word Count:  117,000

Cover Artist:  Henry Steadman

Book Trailer:  http://youtu.be/PKxHJfXeqW0

Amazon    Apple   Kobo

Barnes and Noble  Sony ebooks

Book Description:

For vengeance - would you trust a vampire?

For justice - could you betray your family?

For love - are you ready to question everything you believe in?

Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy – a master vampire – comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.

For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next.

She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for.

Or die.

Interview:

1.    Where did you get the idea for the novel?

The concept for the Blackthorn series starting evolving 16 years ago when I relocated to a big city over 300 miles away from everything I knew. Not long after moving there, I got lost walking home one night. I ended up in a very isolated and run-down area. Iron bars were on windows. Metal shutters were on doors. The place was dead. I was terrified, but the idea for Blackthorn was born – dark paranormal stories set in an urban, gritty backdrop of social unrest, where vampires brush shoulders with humans. It instantly became a dystopian world where humans were calling the shots, where there was segregation and prejudice. It was the perfect environment to breed conflict between characters, particularly my heroes and heroines. Blackthorn inevitably developed into a backdrop for dark and intense romances that will eventually each play an integral role in the future of all who live there.

As to what inspired Blood Shadows, the first book in the series, it must be 10 years or so since I came up with the idea so I can’t place it exactly. I remember seeing a film where there was a chase down a back alley along a chain-link fence and I immediately thought of an agent responsible for keeping vampires in order in Blackthorn. I love strong heroines so I wanted to make the agent a woman. The bad-boy vampire was inevitable.

2.    Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

My publisher came up with title Blood Shadows. Blood Shadows was originally called ‘Beguiling The Enemy’, which was a working title when I subbed it to the New Voices 2011 writing competition. I’d already written another book in the series called Blood Roses (coming Spring 2013) when I signed a three-book deal with my publisher. They wanted to tie the series titles together as part of the branding for Blackthorn. As my heroine is a shadow reader, Blood Shadows worked perfectly.

3.    Which came first, the title or the novel?

The novel always comes first.

4.    Since becoming a writer, what the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

I’ve been a writer for almost thirty years, so that would be tough to answer. I only became a published author very recently. Signing a three-book deal was immense. Then aside from finally being able to hold a copy of my book in my hand, I think the most exciting thing was seeing all the design work for Blackthorn. I have a tremendous cover designer (he’s worked with some of the biggest mainstream names in the world) who took on the Blackthorn book covers and crest. I cried when I saw it all.

5.    What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

The last one I read was Ash by James Herbert. He’s one of my favourite authors. It was superb.

6.    What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?

The first full-length book I ever wrote was a children’s story called The Gift about a girl who inherits a pen and whatever she writes with it, happens. I was a teenager when I wrote it. It started off light-hearted but quickly got very dark. It showed how dangerous it can be making judgement and decisions about other people’s lives. I quickly resolved I’d be better placed writing adult stories!

7.    What is your writing process?

First, I think of a concept that is going to create conflict. I then speed-date the hero and heroine in an isolated room to see if they spark. After that, I plan out the core conflict between them and how that will be incorporated into an external plot. To structure, I ensure there are at least three pivotal moments in their relationship and three in the plot. I put all this into an outline before writing the first draft. I keep writing until the end is written. After that, I go back and revise, then revise some more. Finally I send it to my editor.

8.    Who are your favourite authors of all time?

Anne Rice, Bram Stoker, Emily Bronte, Roald Dahl, James Herbert, James Patterson and Stephen King.

9.    At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?

I tend to be guided by what people want me to write. And if someone just wants my signature, that’s fine too.

10. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I don’t know – I guess that depends on what their perception of me is! I’ve had a lot of people assume I’m American, mainly because US writers dominate paranormal romance. I’m British – Welsh to be precise.

I guess because of the dark nature of my books and some of the graphic scenes, I don’t quite reflect the social stereotype of a special needs teacher who spent years as a Sunday school teacher and has an active passion for animal welfare.

11. How do you react to a bad review?

I’ve been lucky so far. (I emphasise ‘so far’ – it’s inevitably only a matter of time.) Since the launch of Blood Shadows last month, I’ve been met with amazing reviews from bloggers and 4 to 5 star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads – all of which I’m extremely grateful for. I suppose the closest I’ve come to a negative review is a 2 star rating off a reader. That was hard. Really hard. But there will be plenty of people who won’t like what I write, and I have to deal with that. I can’t please everyone and will screw myself up trying. That’s not what writing is about – especially not my kind of stories.

12. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

I celebrated my signing with dinner with my husband. For my first sale I was immersed in revisions for the second book and lots of work around the launch, so I compensated by celebrating with my readers on Facebook and Twitter. I’m lucky to have a lot of interaction with my readers, which I love. 

Excerpt:

He appeared from behind her.

    His movements were swift and accurate: snatching the gun from her hand, in the same instant he forced her face-first up against the wall, her earpiece hitting the ground.

    She caught her breath, pressed her palms and knee to the wall in preparation to push back but his hard body was already against hers, his power reminding her that the strength she had in spirit was absolutely no match for the supposedly three hundred-year-old six-foot vampire who had her pinned to the wall as easily as he would a sheet of paper. And as she felt the tip of her own gun press below her ribs, she knew all four shots of the potent sedative, too powerful for the human body, would end it all for her.

    Just like that.

    But instead of firing, his soft lips brushed her ear, the arrogant upward curl of those enticing bow lips as clear in her mind as if he were facing her. He tutted playfully, his low rasp raking beneath her skin. ‘A little girl doing a man’s job – bound to end in tears.’

    Caitlin clenched her fists. Brovin and Morgan had to be less than a minute away. She had to stall him. Her instinct was to try to reach back and catch his wrist. All she needed was her fingers on his pulse point and she’d finally know those dark recesses that no expert could reach – information she so desperately needed. But she knew she wouldn’t have enough time to wait for that painfully slow vampire heartbeat, even if she was in a position to get to him. There was only one way she was going to get the time with him that she wanted and needed.

    ‘Kane Malloy, I’m detaining you under section 3.4 of the Vampire Disciplinary Clause…’

    He laughed, deep, guttural, terse. ‘You’re detaining me?’

    ‘On twenty-one alleged accounts of crimes against members of the third species including your own, thirty-two against humans…’

    ‘Delusional as well as reckless. Are you seriously the best they’ve got?’

    ‘It’s over, Kane.’

    ‘You breathe too fast to be convincing,’ he goaded.

    ‘You don’t breathe enough to judge me.’

    He exhaled curtly. Panic jolted through her as he deftly unclasped the belt threaded through her jeans. To her disgust, for the first time on any tracking operation, she froze.

    Kill her? Yes, of course the thought had crossed her mind. No matter how unbelievable or surreal it seemed, she had known it was a possibility. But rape? With her colleagues closing in there was no way even Kane would have the arrogance to attempt it in the minutes, maybe even seconds he had left.

    But this was Kane. And if he wanted to leave a message for the VCU, a dead and violated tracker would ring loud and clear.

    The fact she'd even got this close would be insult too much for his ego.

    She snapped back a breath as he yanked her belt through the loops. And as his heel cracked the buckle, destroying the only way the VCU could locate her, she knew it was about to get worse.

    Her phone followed next, removed from her back pocket by his stealthy fingers.   

    ‘You’re lucky you serve a purpose,’ he said, combing her hair back over her shoulder.

    Her heart pounded painfully. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

    ‘You’re the one who’s obsessed with me – what do you think?’

    As he traced the back of his cool fingers tenderly down her exposed neck, a caress more sensual than she would have thought possible for someone with such renowned brutality, Caitlin held her breath. She was stunned by her own involuntary arousal, suppressing it with every iota of conviction she had.

    ‘I think you’d better walk away,’ she said, battling to get her focus back on the job. ‘Or give yourself up.’

    ‘Not going to happen, Caitlin.’ Pressing the tranquiliser gun tighter into her side, Kane made her wince, his reputation restored. ‘Question is, are you going to walk out of here co-operatively or am I going to have to carry you?’

You can read the first three chapters on Scribd for free:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/113060932/Blood-Shadows-FREE-extract

Check Out What Readers Have to Say About Blood Shadows:

“Lindsay J. Pryor easily earns a place alongside Paranormal Romance's best writers!”  ~ Michele Hauf

“An incredible voice for paranormal.”  ~ Rhyannon Byrd

“I drooled on my keyboard.”

“Wow! This is just soooo good.”

“Utterly captivating.”

“Flawless, tight, sensual, electrifying!”

“Tell Kane he can have my soul RIGHT NOW!”

“Every moment was dripping with tension.”

“I forgot to blink.”

“Girl, you can WRITE! And you can write sexxxy!”

“Fang-a-licious!”

“I nearly fainted when he removed her belt.”

“The sexual tension is off the charts.”

“After Kenyon’s Zarek, I thought I’d never fall for another bad boy again...”

“Jaw-droppingly good... I’d want to shout ‘Bite Me!’”

About the Author:

Lindsay J. Pryor is a British Paranormal Romance author who writes dark, intense stories set in the dystopian world of Blackthorn.

Her trademark powerful vampire heroes and utterly combustible sensual romances have earned Lindsay comparisons with both J.R Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
A finalist in Mills & Boon’s New Voices competition in both 2010 and 2011, Lindsay has already proved a smash hit with readers.

Comments like “Utterly captivating”, “Jaw-droppingly good”, “Awesome”, “I forgot to blink”, “The sexual tension is off the charts”, “I nearly fainted when he removed her belt”, “I drooled on my keyboard” and even “Tell Kane he can have my soul RIGHT NOW!” convinced Lindsay she just might have what it took to become a published author.

With the launch of Blood Shadows, that dream is now a reality.  Her journey to published author though has been a long one.

Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old, when she quickly decided that fantasy was more interesting than reality. She thought she’d grow out of it but hasn’t yet.

Despite years of bashing out stories on an old typewriter, it was the death of her father in 2007 that finally convinced Lindsay to try and become a published author.
“One of the last things my dad said to me was to do what I wanted to do in life. After he passed away, I pulled out all my scribbles from over the years and got back to writing what I loved most – paranormal romance.”

If reviews are anything to go by, it was a journey well worth making.

www.lindsayjpryor.com

www.twitter.com/lindsayjpryor

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-J-Pryor/198097463659257

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583988.Lindsay_J_Pryor

http://www.pinterest.com/lindsayjpryor

Book Tour: Blood Betrayal by Alison Beightol Interview & Giveaway

Blood Betrayal by Alison Beightol

Book 1 in The Primigenio Tales

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Dark fantasy 

Publisher: Charles River Press/ Cambridge Press US

EBook ISBN 13: 978-1-936185-83-2

Paperback ISBN 13: 978-1-936185-82-5

Number of pages: 384

Word Count: 98,000

Cover Artist: Laurie Mc Adams

Book Description:

Being the world’s oldest vampire, Eamon Rutherford has enjoyed women throughout the ages as beautiful meals and one night stands. That is until Eamon decides to find a mate and settle down. His less-than-perfect choice is temperamental ballerina Lauryl Mellis. When Lauryl escapes from him in London, Eamon discovers that true commitment requires him to love another more than himself. As he struggles with his inner awakening and Lauryl’s rejection, Lauryl is busy planning her own special event, which might include the death of Eamon Rutherford.

Interview:

            Thanks for having me on your blog! I’m excited to spend time with you!

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?

I’ve always loved vampire stories. I used to watch the old Christopher Lee Hammer Films Dracula movies when I was a kid and was just mesmerized so that love grew and merged with my love of writing. The specific idea came oddly enough in a theatre class while listening to a lecture about dance costume designs. Instead of listening to the lecture, I scribbled my ideas down like a madwoman. My instructor probably thought I was soaking in her lecture but in reality, I was sketching characters and a plotline.

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

The publisher came up with my title. And it did get changed from my original title, which was Life in Moonlight. I’ve learned not to get too attached to titles because they aren’t carved in stone.

3. Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it?

Like I said before, I have ALWAYS loved vampire stories. And I love the freedom that paranormal romance and urban fantasy gives me with my characters and my storylines. I like paranormal characters who are multi dimensional. Just because they are a vampire or shifter or whatever doesn’t mean they don’t have quirks or issues. I feel extremely comfortable writing in this genre. It feels quite natural. I’m working on a manuscript where there is absolutely nothing paranormal and I sometimes feel like there is a huge hole in the story.

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

Ooh picking just one is hard. So I’ll give you a quick list. 1) Getting my book deal. 2) I got a very personalized, in depth, lengthy rejection from a very well known New York editor. I printed it and kept it close to where I write, it was so good. 3) Hearing author RL Stine discuss his writing process and experiences. It was so cool to hear a well-known author talk about some things that have happened to me as well. It was validating!

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

I am getting ready to start I Kissed a Dog by Carol Van Atta who is an author with the same imprint I am with. It’s a paranormal romance. I just finished  Black Moon by Jessica Mc Quay, a faerie YA story also released from Cambridge Press.

6. What is your writing process?

I am not an outliner. I wish I was but I am a pantser. I just wing it. I wait for my characters to talk to me. Sometimes they give me the silent treatment for LONG periods of time and others, they won’t leave me alone. Since I don’t have an area to write in, I write in bed with my MacBook Air. Usually I have animal crackers handy(I love them) and Fanta Orange drink near by as well.

7. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 

I’ve never had a signing but I would definitely write some little note to them. After all, they took their hard earned money and bought my book. I like to interact with fans of the genre! I don’t think I’ll have a hard time coming up with stuff to say because I am rarely speechless!

8. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Most people would be surprised that I have terrible stage fright and bouts of self- doubt. I overcome it and people can’t tell but right before I have to do something important I am dying inside.

9. How do you react to a bad review?

Bad reviews are a fact of life. Not everyone is going to like my work. Heck, there are days I don’t like my work. So I respect their opinion. It is just that though. Their opinion. It doesn’t hurt me physically or diminish anything I’ve done. They just didn’t like my book. As long as the criticism is not personal or slanderous, I’m cool with getting slammed in a review.

10. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

Sadly, I didn’t do anything to celebrate it. Isn’t that dumb? I just told everyone and patted myself on the back and went right back to work on my work in progress. However, every now and then, I treat myself to something nice and say, ‘this is for selling your book. You deserve it’ I’m like that.

Thanks for having me on your blog! It’s such a great thing to meet everyone and chat. It’s like a non-stop block party!

About the Author: 

Alison Beightol works as a registered nurse but also studied history and theatre at the University of Florida. For as long as she can remember, she has had an affinity for vampire stories, romance, and gothic tales that keep her up at night.  Blood Betrayal: Book One of the Primigenio Tales is her first novel. Alison lives in a haunted house in rural north Florida where she is putting the final touches on book two of the Primigenio Tales: Blood of New Beginnings.

https://facebook.com/pages/Alison-Beightol-Author/121442071246963

http://www.adventuresofthecautionarytale.blogspot.com

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Excerpt: 

Prologue

The Silly Thing Didn’t Realize She Was Going To Be Late Night Meal

Who to eat, Eamon thought as he studied the capacity crowd of the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. The marker of another vampire, a much younger vampire, in the audience caught his attention. The mystery vampire’s energy had a quiet dignity intertwined in it. The marker intrigued him and he scanned the audience with greater intensity. His Blackberry vibrated in his pocket, distracting him before he could identify him or her. He looked down at his phone.

Irina.

That dancer, what do you see in her? There are plenty like her here, the text message read.

Eamon put the phone back in his pocket without responding. “That dancer” was

the reason he delayed his return to New York .There were not any others like her.

Lauryl Mellis had been the pride and problem of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School

of Dance at the American Ballet Theatre. Once at a cocktail benefit, the student dancers were selling signed dance shoes of some of the school’s notable graduates. Lauryl asked

one patron in her Georgia twang, why he wanted a smelly shoe and did he plan on

“jizzing” in it when he got home? Her dismissive attitude and scorn of the patrons

amused Eamon but not the elite school. The powers that be often bent the rules for her,

giving her chance after chance because of her talent.

Her talent and what he had seen of her stormy personality was magnetic. She

would back up whatever insult or harangue with a lovely smile or a toss of her auburn

hair. He enjoyed her from a distance, though. He’d never missed a performance or

fundraiser, but never approached her or introduced himself. She was young, still in her

teens, so he waited. Then he had lost track of her. But to his good fortune, here she was on tour in Seattle.

Eamon studied the crowd a few more minutes and then flipped through the stage

bill. He passed ads, the story synopsis for the ballet, and then found what he was looking for, Lauryl’s picture. Gone was the teen he remembered. Instead, he saw a radiant, young

woman with a dazzling smile and bright eyes. Eamon’s interest increased sharply.

The phone in his pocket vibrated again. It was Irina but he saw no need to

acknowledge his former companion. He looked back at the picture of Lauryl. The change

was remarkable. She was stunning. The idea of a dancer for a companion intrigued him.

All of that beauty and grace amplified as a vampire. It was a perfect combination. The

image lingered in his mind for a moment and then the framework of a plan materialized.

How much of her adolescent, edgy personality remained after dancing professionally for the past six years? Had she outgrown that or had she at least learned to temper it? After the performance, he’d find out.

The house lights dimmed and Eamon closed his stage bill. He tossed it onto the empty seat next to him in the box and waited as the orchestra tuned up. The cacophony of instruments merged together into a more harmonic air but the familiar sensation of a woman studying him turned his gaze back to the audience.

A young woman with light brown hair watched him. She rubbed her hand over

her thigh and crossed her legs. The slit in her skirt revealed a tantalizing preview of her

legs. Eamon followed the line of her legs back up to her ample breasts. Her body

reinforced the silent invitation in her expression. He nodded acceptance of her naive

request. The silly thing didn’t realize she was going to be a late night meal.

                                                           ******

It took more time than Eamon expected to work his way through the backstage crowd. He stopped twice to speak with business acquaintances but soon found himself outside of Lauryl’s dressing room or as close as he could get. A throng of her admirers blocked the entry. The ones that couldn’t fit in her dressing room hovered around the doorway, waiting for their opportunity to enter. He stood for a moment with the crowd but became bored after few minutes. He looked at the mass of people and focused on their collective thoughts.

Leave, he told them silently. One by one, they filed away and he entered the dressing room. Other dancers, all drinking champagne and chattering, surrounded Lauryl.

She was seated in a chair with a blanket over her shoulders and a champagne bottle tucked between her thighs. Eamon could smell blood and his eyes tracked down to a bucket of ice water that her feet were soaking in. He looked at the bucket a moment longer and then at her face. She was lovely, even lovelier than in the program picture by far.

Her pale skin was flushed pink and her green eyes sparkled with excitement. Her full lips turned in a smile for one of the dancers before she waved at them. The mass of curly, red hair he remembered was scraped back in a tight bun. She laughed at something a dancer whispered to her and she pulled the pins holding her hair back out. Auburn curls dropped down and framed her face. Eamon smiled inwardly and took a few steps toward her.

“Lauryl Mellis,” he said as he extended his hand to her. “It’s such an honor to meet you.”

Lauryl turned to him and her expression changed. Her smile withered and her eyes narrowed as the happiness disappeared from them. She took his hand like it was covered in filth and shook it. “Thanks.”

Her boredom with him was apparent but he continued on, intrigued. “I’ve followed you since you were a student at ABT. Your talent has certainly blossomed, as well as your beauty.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, thanks again.”

“You’re welcome.”

Suddenly he sensed that he was just like the school patrons that she scorned back in New York. He bristled slightly but his expression didn’t change. As he looked into her eyes, the irritation he felt faded into amusement. He’d play along with her. Besides, the delicious aroma of her blood continued to drift up from the bucket of ice in front of him. Lauryl pulled her hand away and continued to look at him with the same disinterested expression. She even intensified her dismissive stare. He knew that she wanted him to leave, which fascinated him. It also excited him because this  was a first for him. Never had a woman reacted that way to him. He concentrated on her thoughts for a moment. She thought he was a rich asshole looking to get laid.

A dancer kissed Lauryl’s cheeks and hugged her. Then Lauryl shifted in the chair. She looked at him and then looked at the door.

Eamon almost laughed. A not so subtle hint, he thought. He’d comply. After all, he had the young woman from the audience waiting for him. “I just wanted to tell you how talented and beautiful you are. Thank you for the engaging conversation.” Eamon bowed his head some and smiled.

Lauryl’s green eyes blazed angry. “I’ll remember it always.”

“So will I,” Eamon said before he walked out.

Book Tour: The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton Interview & Giveaway

The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton

Tagline: When myth becomes reality, reality becomes a nightmare.

Description:

Like any other teenager in America, Ashley just wants a normal life. But growing up in an orphanage for the insane is anything but normal. After endless therapy and increasing medication, her nightmares have only gotten worse.

Probably because they’re not nightmares.

When Ashley’s mysteriously abducted, she finds a reality even less normal than the orphanage. And she discovers something else—she’s no ordinary orphan. Faced with enemies thought to only exist in fairy tales, Ashley discovers she possesses a powerful Maya bloodline. She’s the daughter of an ancient Maya Guardian, whose duty is to protect the Stone of Muuk’ich, an enchanted relic blessed by the gods. But first she must get it back from Sarian, a power-hungry demigod who slaughtered the last guardian—Ashley’s mother. Without the stone, all will be lost.

When she meets Arwan, a hot Belizean time bender, his delicious olive skin and dark eyes make her feel a little less alone. But his gentle whispers and reassuring touch might not be all they seem. How can she balance love and duty when it’s up to her to prevent the rising of the underworld? Especially when the guy she loves might be its crown prince…

Book Trailer http://youtu.be/fN1JvOOntWw

Interview:

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?

Honestly? I have no idea. I wanted to write about something original, and I’ve always been intrigued by the Maya civilization. I love writing in a contemporary setting, so with those few cornerstones, I took what I learned about the Maya, formed a basic idea, and then got to know my characters. To be honest, that was harder than developing my story world. But the plot of my book really took on a life of its own after that. 

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

The Stone Guardian was the most representative title I could give my book. It was the first name I thought of, and I’ve been in love with it ever since.

3. Which came first, the title or the novel? 

My novel came first, but it didn’t take long for the title to follow. I think it was about a quarter of the way through when the name was born. The series name on the other hand was the very last thing I came up with. I wanted to keep it focused on the stone, so the series name is the Stone Legacy novels. It made the most sense, as the stone is Ashley’s only legacy passed down from her mother.

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

Getting my book cover was certainly exciting. But so was being offered a contract when the book was under review. Then again, my editor just requesting my manuscript was pretty amazing. There’ve been quite a few highlights along the way. I have to say though, hearing from my readers is quite possibly the most addictive feeling I’ve ever had. My readers are so amazing, and I adore hearing from people who have feedback or comments about The Stone Guardian.

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to curl up with a good book, but Darker Still by Renee Hieber is waiting for me in my Nook. I’m not very good at writing historical, but I love reading it, so I’m sure the Magic Most Foul series will be awesome.

6. What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?

The Stone Guardian is actually the first novel I’ve written. No...seriously. Now, I don’t know what awesome debt I owe to God for having it published so quickly, or if it was just an incredible stroke of luck that my editor loved my book enough to suggest publication. Either way, I couldn’t be happier.

7. What is your writing process?

I find a story goal, and then decide who my main characters are. I usually try to figure out what their backstory is since that always effects demeanor and motivations. Once I get that far, the story fills itself in while I write.

8. Who are your favorite authors of all time?

Edgar Allan Poe is one of my earliest favorites. I memorized The Raven in eight grade as my English final, and rocked it. Nathaniel Hawthorne is a great author, and I’ve recently been turned onto Toni Morrison from a friend who suggested I read The Bluest Eye. In the young adult genre, I have really enjoyed Cassandra Clare, who wove a truly unique and complicated series of novels.

9. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 

I’ve never actually done a book signing, but if I did...well, first I’d probably pass out from excitement. But after that, when readers lined up around the block to get their hands on a signed copy (that’s my overactive imagination at work) I would probably ask if they wanted me to write a note, and if they had anything in particular they wanted it to say. That way each reader got something unique, which is the least I could do for someone who waited in line to meet me.

10. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I don’t have a sense of smell. Like, none—at all. It’s worked both for me and against me over the years. I can’t smell dirty diapers or skunk, but that also means I miss out on the smell of home cooking and really nice perfume.

11. How do you react to a bad review?

I’ll never get a bad review. This is what the review fairies have told me in my dreams. You know that’s true because I am incapable of lying, and since my house is made of chocolate, I’m always in a good mood. So even if I did get a bad review, I’d just snap off a chunk of trim and life would go back to normal. But even if I decided to remove my gumdrop blinders, even then, bad reviews don’t exist in my world. Every review is a reader’s opinion, which is their right to voice because literature is highly objective to personal taste. Some people will love it, and others may not. Even the best selling books of all time have bad reviews.

12. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

I had a dinner at Cheesecake Factory with my closest friends. It was so much fun, and I’m eternally thankful to my loved ones for being so supportive—even if that means I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like.

Excerpt:

“Where are we going?” Ashley asked, walking a few steps behind. Arwan slowed his pace for her much shorter stride. She wasn’t used to hiking in the jungle, but she didn’t want to show it. He found that a cute addition to the many things he admired about her.

Without offering an explanation, he grabbed a stick from the ground. If he told her where he was taking her, it would ruin the surprise. He just hoped the creatures hadn’t taken shelter somewhere else because of the heavy rains.

Soon they arrived at a clearing where hundreds of tall, thin bushes with elegant purple blooms covered the ground. Mature trees formed a canopy overhead, while gaps in the branches allowed the sun to speckle the jungle floor with light.

“I thought you would like it here.” He watched for her reaction.

She inspected the space. “It’s neat.”

Of course, she didn’t know why they were really there. He watched her shift her weight. Did she lie when she said he didn’t make her uncomfortable? It seemed like he did. Every time he smiled at her, her cheeks flushed or her muscles tensed.

Arwan gently took her hand. She allowed him to, without hesitation. It was the first time.

Carefully, he guided her through the maze of shrubs. When they reached the center, he stood in front of her and put his lips close to her ear. “Can I hold you?” She took a small step back. He waited for her to decide and, at the slightest nod, took her hand. “I just want to show you something.”

He slid his hand gently around her waist and drew her close. Her chest jumped when they pressed together. He savored the feeling of her drumming heartbeat. In fact, he could almost hear it.

She rested her hands against his chest, and he wondered if she felt his heart drumming too. “You’re blushing.”

She pressed the backs of her hands on her face. “I am?”

He caressed the silky curve of her cheek. “You’re lovely when you blush.” The stick secure in his hand, he extended it to the side. “Watch.” With a powerful strike, he whacked a nearby bush on its base. Dozens of butterflies launched into the air.

The flight of few caused a chain reaction, and soon they blanketed the sky. Several landed in her hair and on her arms while more flew overhead.

Arwan tilted his head back to the sky. Ashley gasped and stared at the countless array of colors gliding overhead. A butterfly rested on his shoulder, pumping its cobalt blue wings. She gently blew on it, her warm breath caressing his neck.

His chest swelled with longing. He clenched his jaw. Watching her lips form into a soft circle, she continued to blow on its colorful wings. He had never wanted someone so fiercely. She brought something out of him he couldn’t control. Something instinctual, animalistic. He watched her lips, longing to kiss her. To feel her mouth pressed against his. The need surged in his chest and spread throughout his limbs. He tensed and pulled her closer.

He knew he had to be gentle. As much as he tried to conceal the need, it threatened to destroy him if he didn’t at least try. Slowly, he leaned in to kiss her. His lips hovered above hers. Her hot breath broke over his mouth.

Ashley gasped and stepped back. Her teary eyes forced him to look away. He silently cursed himself. He’d pushed her too far.

“I…” The hurt in her voice surprised him. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Before he could respond, Ashley ran back toward the house, leaving him alone in the clearing.

He watched her stumble through the trees until she was gone. The jungle was quiet, except for the sound of chirping birds and the rustling of lemurs in the trees.

He turned, balling his fists. What the hell was he thinking? He’d known that if he tried to kiss her, it would push her away. He should have shown more restraint.

Each of his steps pounded against the jungle floor. The birds’ chirps ceased, and the lemurs took quiet refuge in the branches. When he escaped the maze of bushes, he charged his fist into the trunk of a mature tree, spitting layers of bark and redwood in every direction.

About the Author:

A long time enthusiast of things that go bump in the night, Theresa started her writing career as a journalism intern—possibly the least creative writing field out there. After her first semester at a local newspaper, she washed her hands of press releases and features articles to delve into the whimsical world of young adult paranormal romance.

Since then, Theresa has gotten married, had three terrific kids, moved to central Ohio, and was repeatedly guilt tripped into adopting a menagerie of animals that are now members of the family. But don’t be fooled by her domesticated appearance. Her greatest love is travel. Having stepped foot on the soil of over a dozen countries, traveled to sixteen U.S. states—including an extended seven-year stay in Kodiak, Alaska—she is anything but settled down. But wherever life brings her, she will continue to weave tales of adventure and love with the hope her stories will bring joy and inspiration to her readers.

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