Illusions of Intimacy

Interviewing fantasy romance author Charlene Wilson about Cornerstone Deep Echoes

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to be able to interview fantasy romance author Charlene Wilson today. The second book of her Shilo Manor series, Cornerstone Deep Echoes, will release February 15th, and I can't wait to read it. CONTEST: one commenter will win a copy of her new book and a chance for more prizes--details below.
Welcome, Charlene!

Thankyou so much for having me here today, Marsha.

In your Shilo Manor books, CornerstoneDeep and Cornerstone Deep Echoes, whyare the Wizards of Shilo Manor serving in another dimension?

The Shilos, Cole, James, and Vincent,are very different from the people of Cornerstone Deep. They come from the central plane, Meridian. They live very long lives and have advanced tothe point that they can do what the people of Cornerstone Deep call magic. But, probably the most memorable thing about Meridiansis their Breath of Zephyr. All soulsfrom the gifted plane have a scent that seeps from their breath. It’s evident when they’re around those closeto them like family and friends. Themen’s scent is licorice and women’s is almond. Along with this common scent, they have a personal aroma that they canshare with their chosen love. **Note** For those following my Cornerstone Deep Echoes virtual booktour, hop over to ShiloManor.comand enter the answer to the question for extra chances to win the grand prizeat the end of the tour. Illusions of Intimacy is one of the specialstops.*wink*

While they have special talents andtheir world has progressed to a generally peaceful society, the otherdimensions are home to souls that are still young in their development and learning. The Cornerstone realms are exuberant, strongwilled, aggressive, while the Midway realms are meek, extremely loyal, andsubmissive.

Meridian was the first dimensionthe gods created in the Arched Spectrum of Realms and if you imagine an arch,it sets at the meridian cap. The otherfour dimensions, Midway Summit, Midway Deep, Cornerstone Summit, andCornerstone Deep, fill the positions down each side. You guessed it. They fill the cornerstones and the midwaysections. They differentiate each sideby calling them Deep and Summit.

Well, about two thousand years ago,the inhabitants of Cornerstone Summit caused such destruction that it affected everyplane in the spectrum. A CornerstoneRealm was compromised and the Arch weakened. The Counsel deemed it necessary to place Sentinels on these Cornerstonedimensions to observe and step in if necessary to ward off another disasterlest the whole spectrum failed. Enterthe Shilo family. Being highly favoredof the gods, Sylis and Lilith Shilo, along with their three sons, were calledto serve in Cornerstone Deep. Theparents died several years before the Chroniclesof Shilo Manor story begins.

Why does the antagonist, LordDressen, want to possess your heroine, Mianna? Does he have feelings for her,or is it just a power struggle between him and the Shilo brothers?

Oh,Lord Kyle Dressen is definitely in love with Anna…as in love as he can beconsidering his view of love. Lol. No, he was after Anna before he and theShilos came to odds. In fact, it’s thesituation with her that sets them as enemies. And what comes to light in CornerstoneDeep Echoes pushes it further. Noneof them could have ever imagined what the past really was like…or who LordDressen really is.

What possible danger does your hero,Cole, face if he angers the gods in his efforts to protect Mianna?

Bless him, Cole is led by his heartand sometimes he just doesn’t make level-headed decisions. How many times had he said that James wasmore suited to be head of the Sentinel family? Many. But his father knewsomething he didn’t and when he learns what that is…

But, being a Sentinel, his actions couldbring about some heavy consequences. Theymake covenants, promise to hold to some mighty lofty standards. When Cole tries to save Anna/Mianna in bookone, his desperate actions almost cost both of their lives—hers at his handsand his at the judgment of a God. Inbook two, not only does he cross the line again in an attempt to protect her,but his anger consumes him to the point of taking a life and blatantly ignoringyet another sacred covenant. WhenTaravaughn, God of Life, appears and summons the white blossoms that carry aMeridian soul to the next life, he knows without a doubt he’d done theunforgivable.

How does Mianna grow as a characterin this second book? What does she give to Cole in return for his protection?

Mianna is forced to grow quickly inbook two. When Anna is saved by her soulbeing transferred back to Mianna’s lifespan, to her, she’s taken from the1600’s and placed into the future. It’sa whole new world to her—indoor hot and cold running water, instant candles, theloss of her family. Not to mentionhaving a new body to deal with. Her feetare too big, coffee is her new best friend, and cigarettes don’t make hersneeze anymore. In fact, she cravesthem. And then, she finds the one sheloves, the man she’d just married, has…a girlfriend? How could she have ever dreamed when she fellasleep in her new husband’s arms, she would wake up to find everything hadchanged?

Cole’s protection is never viewed asa job—by Cole or Mianna. Though he madea covenant with Arlyn, Goddess of Love, to protect, it’s a natural result ofthe love they share. The problem isMianna doesn’t realize the true danger she’s in. And when Lord Dressen shares the fact theCole Shilo never searched for her to be reborn, she questions where she reallybelongs; with Cole or with the man Anna obviously had personal ties with. After all, she had just seen her beloved withanother woman. Surely he’d moved on inthe years she’d been gone. Right?

Are the books in your Shilo Manor series written in a sequencewhich the reader must follow, or can CornerstoneDeep Echoes be read as a stand-alone without CornerstoneDeep?

The books in the Chronicles of Shilo Manor series aren’trandom happenings. The story continuesfrom book one and it will continue from book two, to three. I’m working on Cornerstone Deep Destiny now. But, I hope I wrote Cornerstone Deep Echoes in a way that if the reader chooses to readit first, they won’t feel lost. Don’tworry, no huge “info dumps.” *wink* Lol.

Thank you for joining in my releasecelebration, Marsha.

CONTEST:

Today,here on Illusions of Intimacy, I’m offering a PDF copy of Cornerstone Deep Echoes to a lucky commenter. Be one of the first to own it! Leave an email address with your comment so Ican contact you if you win. Allcommenters who leave an email address will also be entered into the basket fora chance to win the weekly and grand prize drawings. Prizes include e-books and signed paperbacksof both books, gift cards from Bath and Body Works online and Amazon.com, andscented candles. Details are posted at ShiloManor.com, on my FacebookFan Page, and on my blog, CharleneBlogs.

See you around the sphere!

AuthorBio

A writer of paranormal romance,Charlene loves what magic can add to relationships. She currently lives in a small rural town in Arkansas and enjoysclose family ties with her two beautiful daughters.

Charlene’s interest in writing beganin her early teens and she took any creative writing coursesavailable. As she married and started a family, she had to set asideher writing and focus on the more pressing matters of job andfamily.

Many of the attitudes andpersonalities woven into her characters were taken from those she worked withwhile serving as a Deputy at a large detention center. From kindness tobigotry, the variety of personal outlook was amazing. As time now affords her, she is able topursue her love of writing and incorporates those experiences into some of her work.

Her first novel, Cornerstone Deep, was published inNovember 2010 by Class Act Books. Hersecond, Cornerstone Deep Echoes, willbe released February 2012, also by Class Act Books. The stories keep coming and she keepstyping. On to the next!

Author site: http://CharleneAWilson.com

Blog: http://CharleneAWilsonblog.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlene-A-Wilson-Romance-Author/162568770441255

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AuthorCAWilson

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/charlene-a-wilson/15/989/1b8

BuyLinks All Books: (CD Echoes won’t be listed yet since it releases Feb 15^th. But these links are to the books under myname and people will find it there after that).

ClassAct Books

Amazon

CornerstoneDeep - blurb

It's their nature - long lives andrebirth. They're from another dimension, one gifted with advance abilities, butthey serve in Cornerstone Deep. They're the Wizards of Shilo Manor.

They outlive the mortals of thisrealm by thousands of years, and when it comes to love the cruel fact isreinforced. Reincarnation doesn't exist on this plane. They lose their wives todeath with no hope of reuniting. Yet they continue to accept others forwhatever time they have together. Save for Cole. His love for his last wifestill burns in his soul four centuries after her death.

When the service they render to thenoblemen of Cornerstone Deep brings him face to face with Anna, somethingunexpected happens. In a realm of silent souls, hers calls to him. He responds with a kiss—one that joined with the spell of servitude sheinhaled, binds her soul.

Breaking ancient covenants, angeringthe lords, and bringing the gods' wrath upon him, Cole tries desperately toundo his wrong and free his love—despite the determination of the nobleman tokeep her.

~ *~

My life is a mirage of endless time.But you in this moment engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul. (ColeShilo)

CDEchoes - blurb

Mianna’s return heals Cole’s souland he promises to follow her for the rest of his existence. But the past isn’t what he believes. The fight for her has only begun.

Lord Dressen’s obsession grows asunexpected knowledge is revealed. Hissearch for Mianna has spanned six life times and he won’t give up now. The courts stand behind him. Power pulses through his veins. Determination peeks and not even Cole Shilocan stop him. He will win hisprize.

Struggling to stay ahead, Cole’sanger explodes. Nothing is sacred whenit comes to keeping his love—not even covenants made with gods. But, through all his efforts, lofty ordamned, the truth remains. Will echoesof another life cause him to fail?

~ * ~

“Everybreath you take is a song to my soul.”

Cornerstone Deep Echoes

Excerpt

Chapter One

Exhaustionracked Cole’s body. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath to cleansehis lungs. The harm he’d caused Anna pulsed through his fatigued mind in fitsof memory—distorted flashes that reminded him of the deceit, broken covenants,and ethereal anger. Pressing his palms onto his brow, his head sank deeper intothe pillow. Did his actions really cost her soul six life times?

Hedragged a hand down his face and blew air through his pursed lips. He’d bound hersoul and even with his formidable skill with spells, he was unable to undo hiswrong. Whatever cost Arylin saw fit to impose, he was grateful for theintervention. Only the Goddess of Love, with her boundless benevolence, wouldhave found a way for them to continue their souls’ progression.

TheGod of Life’s fury rang in his ears as scenes of the night before haunted him.“You have defiled that which is sacred. No Meridian shall cause my child’s death withoutpromise of rebirth. Griffin,I demand justice!”

Hisgaze returned to his love at his side and he listened to the sweet sound of hersteady breathing. Strands of sleep-messed hair fluttered along the pillow eachtime she exhaled. Griffin, as God of Conformance, had everyright to end him when Taravaughn called for justice. Surely, that was thedesired punishment. To sentence him to serve her for the rest of her naturallife only echoed Cole’s heart’s intent from the start.

Asthe morning sun’s light inched up the comforter’s patchwork pattern, he hitchedhis knee around her legs, forming his body to hers. For Arylin to return Anna’ssoul to a previous life blessed them both beyond his dreams. It freed thebinding and... He buried his face in her long waves and the scent of rosesfilled him. He had Mianna back.

“Mianna.”His whisper warmed his lips as it pooled against her neck.

Shestirred and he pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “Cole.” Her sleepy eyesfluttered open but closed as if her lids were too heavy. “Have you been awakelong?”

Hesmiled as the sound of her voice dispelled his mind’s troubles. “A while. Howare you feeling?”

Herhand lifted and she brushed his long hair with her fingers before resting it ather side. “So tired. I don’t think I’ve ever been so tired.” Her soft voiceturned to a mumble. “You couldn’t have given me a better wedding gift but,” shedrew a deep breath, “what did it do to me? What does Unsigh mean?”

Coleblinked to the side. She doesn’t know what Unsigh means? He lifted hishead to peer at her cherubic face. Did she say wedding gift? Realizationflushed his senses. Arylin returned her memory to our wedding night. Wetruly are starting our life together over.

Hepulled the comforter up to her chin and wrapped his arm around her waist.“Unsigh means one heart, my love. It joins our passion when you create thesymbol and utter the spell. It’s an enchantment only you can call on.”

“Oh,”she breathed. “It’s amazing…really. It’s just…I’m so…” As she drifted back intosleep, Cole’s brow furrowed. Mianna’s spell had never caused her fatigue, noteven when her soul called upon it in Anna’s lifetime.

Aspray of sun’s rays pitched across his face as they hit the wide dressermirror. With a scowl, he squinted at the glare and twitched his hand at thewindow. The crepe sheers whipped closed followed by a thick swish from theburgundy drapes. The room plunged into darkness. As his eyes adjusted, dimlight from the vanity area competed with the beams’ peek through the gapsaround the window coverings. He sighed and sat up, resting his arm on his knee.

Perhapsit was everything she’d been through and she just needed rest. She’dexperienced more trauma in the last week than he had in the last twenty-fivehundred years. Her life as Anna had hardly been easy—abandonment, loss, andthen manipulated by a man whose attention she’d refused. He raked a hand overhis scalp. Then to nearly lose her life while they tried to unbind her soul,only to be saved by grace at the price of six life times’ progression…

Colegazed over at the petite form beside him. He shook his head and brushed thedark hair from her face. How could Anna’s features be so similar to Mianna’s?The gentle slope of her nose, the curve of her bowtie lips. He tilted his headand gently stroked her cheek with his finger. Or was it the love he held in hisheart that colored his view? A smile blossomed from his lips and he leaned toher, touching his brow to hers. His black hair fell to the pillow like a sheetof satin, deepening the shadows. No matter the reason. He had her back. And he vowedto never lose her again.

~ * ~

Asatisfied grin tugged at Lord Dressen’s lips as he looked out over the gatherednoblemen. Low voices filled the stately hall. Marble bracing columns led way tothe arched beams in the domed ceiling. Sunbeams poured through the twelve-footwindows, filling the space with a yellow haze. The gold that framed thelife-sized portraits along the walls appeared to glow, accenting theirsubjects.

Theturn-out was as hoped. He had the majority of the Grand Marshals’ court in attendanceand every member seemed dedicated to support him. His heavy brow furrowed andhe lifted his chin. Cole Shilo, you’ll pay for taking Anna from me.

Thedull rumble of conversation subsided as he stepped to Officiator’s stand andtook his chair at the center of the table. He nodded to the two uniformedgentlemen who stood guard at the entrance and they stepped out, closing thedoors behind them.

LordCarrington tugged at his vest as he strode up the center aisle. A more trustedfriend he’d never had. The tall man moved with trained temperance. An admirabletrait; grace under pressure. Taking his place at Dressen’s side, he leaned tohim with a hushed voice. “Ninety-nine are in attendance. Lord Standish’s menare the only ones not to sign in.”

“Wecan do without them. What are twenty-two votes against ninety-nine?”

Carringtonnodded and ran a hand along his tailored beard. “One concern I feel I mustvoice, Kyle.” He looked at his friend and his brown eyes twitched. “Standishmay not hold the court’s majority, but he’s a strong believer in tradition. Themen here control a vote, but many of their wives and family are faithful to theGods, including my own. They practice religious rites and that encompasses theShilos as Sentinels. If this isn’t handled with care it could become nasty.”

Dressensighed and he glanced at the portraits that lined the room. Every Grand Marshalthat had held a senior position was portrayed. His gaze gravitated to thedepiction of Sylis Shilo at the center of the hall. The founder seemed to watchhis every move—his coal hair, onyx eyes, and square features set firm. Dressensneered. A wizard surrounded by noblemen.

“Sentinels.”He scoffed. “They’re aliens. Nothing more. And their own laws protect us fromtheir dimension’s powers. What superior race agrees to such an arrangement?They’re weak. Their kind has no place on Terra.”

“Never-the-less,the faithful could rise up to protect them.” Carrington looked down at hiscufflink as he straightened the gold piece. “And I’ll be frank. Even though Isee nothing wrong with how you achieved your goal with the girl, many will seeit otherwise. Having the wizards bend her will as a servant was one thing, butcalling for total compliance pushed the agreement’s intention.”

Dressenscowled. “The Wizards of Shilo Manor accepted my bid as any other. She brokethe law and she was harvested. With the new curfew in play, she was nodifferent from the homeless.” He softened his voice. “It was the only way toget her past the idea that my standing separated us. Once she joined thehousehold, she admitted she wanted to be with me all along. She told me sheloved me. Always had. She was happy.”

Helooked at his comrade and his narrow features leered. “Cole Shilo’s desire tohave her took her from me.” He pointed a finger to accentuate his view. “I knowhe has her up at that manor.”

LordCarrington cocked his head. “We have no jurisdiction within the walls of theSentinel’s home.”

“Youjust deal with the charges.”

“Theonly real proof we have is the vision you shared from that night shedisappeared, Kyle. And that’s another issue. You were only able to share it byway of the magical means Cole Shilo gifted you.” His friend quirked his cheek.“There’s talk of a loss of integrity at the expense of…”

“Athief?” A growl rumbled in Dressen’s throat as his blood seethed.

“ASentinel, Kyle. You have to view this from these men’s perspective. I knowyou’re not religious, but religion is going to play a large part in what theydecide.”

“Thenuse their beliefs against them. Look into the covenants the wizards have made.Their long lives will show something. In two thousand years, no man can livewithout error.”

Carringtonran a finger under his collar as if it suddenly became too small. “I’ll makethe assignment. But how do you expect to get to the girl if she’s up there?”

Acrooked smile crept its way to Dressen’s lips. “I’ll find a way. You just startby calling them in for questioning and I’ll do the rest.”

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. She is the author of the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE. Look for her first of an epic fantasy romance series, SEEKING A SCRIBE: ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS ONE, to be available March, 2012. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Wednesday's Tortuga Treasure tour stops at Were Vamps Romance

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week, I'm doing some traveling away from my home blog to share about my new release, Tortuga Treasure: Ciel's Legacy.

Today, I'm being interviewed at WereVamps Romance.
Also, they're holding a CONTEST for a free digital copy of Tortuga Treasure to one lucky commenter! WereVamps gave the book a 5-Star rating.

"This book had such great description it'll bring every wordinto reality. The pace and plot was edge of your seat, action packed andintriguing. The characters were engaging, and designed very well.I recommend this book to anyone who loves pirates, mermaids, mermen,and some hot action.

Rating 5 Stars!" ~Melissa, WereVampsRomance

Monday, I'll be at JD Revezzo’s Dreaming in Ink. More hints about that stop later.

For the complete list of where I'll be visiting during the coming month, click on the Events tab above.

Tuesday's Tortuga Treasure tour stops at Castles & Guns

2012-02-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week, I'm doing some traveling away from my home blog to share about my new release, Tortuga Treasure: Ciel's Legacy.

Today, I'm a guest at Castles & Guns.

My new book involved lots of hoodoo magick. In my guest post, I'm giving advice on using hoodoo love spells. Do you need to persuade that certain someone into being your Valentine?

Tomorrow, I'll be at WereVamps Romance. More hints about that post later.

For the complete list of where I'll be visiting during the coming month, click on the Events tab above.

Indie Author Tag-Party

2012-02-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to Francine Howarth for creating this hop. It does help us directly, but also jumping around tagging books by other Indie authors gives us chances to get to know each other--always a great thing! To find the other participating authors, click on the image above.

Thank you to all the authors in this hop who are taking time to help me. It is much appreciated.

Here are Amazon links to my books and short stories:

Tortuga Treasure: Ciel's Legacy

Le Cirque De Magie

Sea Glass and Sand Memories

Tears on a Tranquil Lake

Also, please like my Amazon Author Page

Thanks, again!

Friday's Tortuga Treasure tour stops at Sapphire Phelan's Passion Corner

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week, I'm doing some traveling away from my home blog to share about my new release, Tortuga Treasure: Ciel's Legacy.

Today, I'm visiting Sapphire Phelan's Passion Corner

She asked me to make it romantic. Mypost tells how to make a merman with the magic “Kiss of Life.” A handy trick ifyou want a handsome merman…and who wouldn’t?

Next Tuesday, I'll be a guest at Castles ‘n Guns. More hints about that post later.

For the complete list of where I'll be visiting during the coming month, click on the Events tab above.

Interviewing author James West about his new epic fantasy release, The God King

2012-02-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'mvery pleased to have the chance today to ask James West some questions abouthis wonderful new epic fantasy release, The God King. CONTEST: Giveaway for a copy of his book--see below.

Prince Varis Kilvar steals in order to become a god-king. What is the source of that power?

Driven by a sense of importance and ambition, Varistakes for himself the very powers of creation with the intention of raisinghimself above all the world and the heavens.

Kian is forced by Varis tomasquerade as the world’s savior. Why does Varis want Kian to play this role?

Like all tyrants, the last thing Varis wants is tohave anyone challenge his dominance. However, Varis’s actions, and Kian’sinadvertent connection to Varis, leaves Kian with no choice but to eventually sethimself against Varis for the sake of the world.

What powers bind Kian toVaris?

In seeking and taking the powers of creation, Varis mistakenlyreleases a portion of those powers into the world. While he holds the bulk ofthose powers, Varis makes the mistake of believing no one, especially Kian, canthwart him.

Is Kian convincing in therole as a savior? Does he have a following or an army to fight with him?

Kian is a hard man who suffered greatly in his life,along with two others who are like brothers to him. All he really wants is toput aside his sword and return to the homelands of his youth, but the resultsof Varis’s actions ruin that dream. Even still, Kian nearly abandons the world,which has never shown him ease or kindness, to its fate. And if not for thelove of a strong and determined woman, he might have done just that. In theend, he relies only on his skills as a fighting man, and a small cohort oflike-minded individuals, to battle Varis. His role as a savior or a hero issomething he neither covets, chases, or even considers. Kian is merely doingwhat is right because he happens to be the only one who can, even though it wouldseemingly serve him better to avoid the conflict altogether.

Kian’s bitterness fuels hisvengeance upon Varis. How did Varis betray him?

Besides slaughtering the greatest part of Kian’smercenary company, which for a time honorably protected Varis, the prince’smost painful betrayal is what he represents to Kian: the personification of injustice,cruelty, and oppression that he has spent the majority of his life trying torise above and put behind him.

Description:

Heroes are not born, they are forged in the fires of apocalypse...

In the heavens above, the three moons crash together, streaming fire and deathin their wake; below, the seas rage as the roiling face of the world shatters.After Prince VarisKilvar steals powers to transform himself into a god, chaosreigns from the king's city of Ammathor to the forbidding walls of the BlackKeep. At his heels marches a demonic army torn from the very bowels of theThousand Hells, and the risen God King uses terror to stake his claim over alllands.

Betrayed and bound to Varis by powers he does not understand, mercenaryKianValara is forced to masquerade as the world's savior, while a beautifulSister of Najihar prepares him for his last battle. Victory against a livinggod is far from certain, but vengeance? For Kian, when the battle rage fallsupon his soul and the sword hilt is hot and alive against his palm, vengeanceis never out of reach.

Author Bio:

WhenJames was thirteen years old he read The Talisman, by Stephen King, and a seed of an ideawas planted that someday he, too, would create different worlds andrealities.

After a stint in the US Army, a year as a long-haultruck driver, and a couple as a log home builder, he enrolled at the Universityof Montana. There, he majored in Psychology and, by chance, took a creativewriting course that allowed him to revisit that old seed of an idea of creatingworlds. Words started to flow, and worlds were born.

After college, he started a small woodworkingbusiness with the express purpose of using it to fund his writingjourney.

James lives in Montana with his wife and hisbodyguard, a Mini-Schnauzer named Jonesy.

Important Links:

James’ website

James’ blog

Twitter: @jwestbooks

Facebook

Buy on Amazon

Buy on B&N

Goodreads

GiveawayInformation:

The author is giving away one eBook copy of the book on all tour stops to a lucky commenter. The winner canchoose the book in whatever eBook format they desire (via Smashwords coupon).This contest will be open internationally on all blogs.

Wedneday's Tortuga Treasure tour stops at Rachel Firasek's blog

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week, I'm beginning to travel away from my home blog to share about my new release, Tortuga Treasure: Ciel's Legacy.

Today, I'm visiting the blog of a good friend, Rachel Firasek. She asked me to write a thank-you letter to someone who influenced my writing. I'm sure who I picked to write to won't be in your top five guesses. Go see who I chose...

Friday, I'll be stopping at Sapphire Phelan's Passion Corner. More hints about that post later.

For the complete list of where I'll be visiting during the coming month, click on the Events tab above.

Tea Leaf Tales: Spitting on Sidewalks is Strictly Prohibited

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

he curvy words “spitting” and “sidewalks”make me smile and want to sing, but I stop because spittle might slip. I’mtempted though. My offense would only cost me a $5 penalty.

Those $100 fines are for sorcererswhose saliva is charmed. Wonder if the Health Department folks think they canactually catch wizards who pass along the sidewalks of town in the shadows ofdusk? Do they know their charms lie hidden and dormant until some innocent,like me, drops a little drivel onto the enchantment, dry and waiting for activation? Even chemicals in the drool from dogs’jowls can spark a little life into those charms, spreading intoxication or euphoria,depending upon the nature of the spell.

The officials seem to have the finesbackwards. If I had to pay $100, I sure wouldn’t take my chances dropping mydrivel with a whistle. No one’s watching right now…♪♫♪♫♪♪♫♫♪

Magical Monday: What treasure of Neptune washed up on the shore?

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

A remarkable beachcombing treasure! Did this magical itembelong to the lovely sea goddess whose likeness is carved on the shell? Or wasit carried by her lover, carrying some magical remembrance of her to keep themconnected while he was away?

Please help me determine who may have used this and in whatway.

In my opinion…I think it belongs to the mermen protectors orknights of the Sea Queen. They blow through the narrow end of the conch,emitting a secret signal heard only by each other. In this way, they cancommunicate warnings about the approach of dangerous attacks by those seekingto overthrow the queen’s vast power or thieves intent upon stealing hercollection of rare gems.

What do you think? Who may use this? What magic does ithold?

If you enjoy magical adventures with mermen and mermaids,you may like my recent release, TortugaTreasure: Ciel’s Legacy, available at: Amazon MuseItUpPublishing

Interviewing author Hildie McQueen about Desperate Betrayal

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to have the chance to interview Hildie McQueen about her newest fantasy romance release, Desperate Betrayal.

In your book, Desperate Betrayal, the hero, Cyn Frasier, isa member of the Protectors, a group of immortal warriors who slay demons. Washe born into this position or did he earn it? What unusual characteristics doeshe possess as an immortal warrior? How does he kill the demons?

Protectors arepredestined. They are regular humans who during their early twenties begin toexperience extraordinary changes. Theygrow taller, more muscular and develop keener hearing and eyesight. Cyn can see without aid in the dark, he alsocan hear most thoughts and he springs fangs when angry. The Protector’s leader,Julian then comes for them. The mostcommon way kill demons is by beheading them or stabbing them through the heart.

The heroine, Emma, is a half-demon. Does she take humanform? What supernatural abilities does she have?

For all intensivepurposes Emma is human, she was raised by human foster parents and doesn’t havethe blue tinge to her skin that distinguishes demons. Half demons do not need to feed on blood tosurvive, but are susceptible to urges and can be pulled into the darkness ofbloodlust and violence. Although some doe, she doesn’t possess any supernaturalabilities, poor Emma.

Emma approaches Cyn to gain his help rescuing her sisterfrom powerful demons. What does she offer him in return or how can she improvehis life?

She used his oath toprotect innocents against him. When heresists, she informs him that she knows where his best friend, anotherProtector is being held captive.

Working together puts Cyn and Emma at risk. What risks dothey face?

After realizing Emmais the key to getting into the demon compound, Cyn allows Emma into the worldof the Protectors. He risks it all in aneffort to save his best friend, a Spartan named Roderick. By the time they arrive at the compound, Emmais beginning to have feelings for Cyn and she puts her life on the line to savehim from the trap the demons have set for him.

What betrayal must Cyn and Emma overcome?

Emma’s deceit

DesperateBetrayal

By HildieMcQueen

CyndenFrasier (Cyn) is a member of a group of immortal warriors, the Protectors,assigned to protect humans in Atlanta, Georgia, the epicenter of a majoruprising in demon activity. When Cyn is approached by a beautiful woman in adirty alley, he is intrigued by the fact that she can see him for what he is, aterrifying demon slayer, and still dares to approach him.

EmmaBlake, a half-demon, has to convince Cyn to help rescue her sister frompowerful demons. Terrified that the Protector will kill her if he realizes whatshe is, she still goes against every instinct and approaches Cyn for help.Despite knowing that she is leading them both into territory so wrought withtreachery, neither of them may survive.

CanCyn and Emma overcome betrayal, the ancient rules that prevent Protectors fromtaking a wife, unless she is his one true mate? And if they do, will it evenmatter?

Available now at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Excerpt from Desperate Betrayal

“Turnaround.” His smooth voice flowed over her like velvet.

Emmatried to swallow but her mouth went dry. She turned to find he stood veryclose.

Godhelp her, she’d never seen a more handsome man than the one who stood beforeher now. Her body screamed for his touch. She wanted to be with him, her skinagainst his. But she wouldn’t sleep with him as a form of payment.

Whatif during sex he sensed that she was part demon and killed her on the spot?But, then again, maybe he would kill her just for saying no.

Sheforced herself to remain calm, and placed her hand on his chest only to draw itback when the urge to caress him became too strong.

“ListenCyn. I know most women throw themselves at you. I mean you’re extremelygood-lo… but, I, – I am not going to have sex with you, right now. Whathappened before between us, out there in the alley was because of the rush fromthe adrenaline after your encounter with the demon…,”She stopped babbling, at aloss for words.

Cynstood back with his arms crossed while he stared down at her, one eyebrowcocked. His lips curved into a crooked smile.

“Iwas going move the chair for you and ask you to come sit by the desk, so Icould get some more information from you. But I see your mind is on otherthings.” He leaned in closer to her and his smile widened. “You said ‘not rightnow’, does that mean we’ll have sex later?”

www.hildiemcqueen.com

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Hildie McQueen is a whirlwindwho refuses to wear anything but jeans and heels.

She grew up on the SanDiego/Mexico border, joined the military at seventeen and never returned. After living in Germany, Texas and Hawaii,she finally settled in the beautiful southern town of Augusta, Georgia.

Biracial, half Mexican and halfAfrican-American, Hildie’s native language is Spanish, but English is herfavorite way of communicating now.

Her mission in life is to makeas many people as possible to feel normal. It’s an easy thing to do, for others to feel normal around her, becauseshe’s anything but.

It's Release Day!

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's release day for the second book in my fantasy romance mermaid/pirate series--Tortuga Treasure: Ciel's Legacy!

Description:

When Ciel firstlooks into Alvaro’s eyes she finds love. Bad timing. In the next instant he’sfatally stabbed in the back by one of his pirate mates. Her girlfriends warnher it will only bring on a heap of trouble to save him. Unable to resist, shegives him the gift of a new life as one of her kind—a merman.

Will their loveencourage him to embrace life as a merman? Can love survive if he wishes toreturn to human form? Either way, her friends speak true. No matter how muchmermagic and dark vodou Ciel and her friends cast, blood-thirsty buccaneerschase them across the Caribbean until Alvaro finally decides.

Warning: This bookcontains a magical cock-a-too, lecherous scurvy pirate dogs, hoodoo healers,the mark of the evil Black Spot, plenty of dark Haitian vodou, and passionateencounters on tropical beaches.

Available at:

Amazon

MuseItUp Publishing

My new hobby--digital painting of fantasy art

2012-01-26T09:08:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm over at The Speculative Salon, talking about how my passion for painting fantasy art has gone digital. Please join me.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. She is the author of the novel, TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE, the first in a trilogy. Part two, TORTUGA TREASURE is contracted for release in January, 2012. Look for her first of an epic fantasy romance series, SEEKING A SCRIBE: ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS ONE, to be available March, 2012. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, Le Cirque De Magie.

Interviewing author LJ DeLeon about her fantasy series, Warriors for Light

2012-01-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

I'm very happy to welcome author LJ DeLeon today, answeringmy questions about her Warriors for Light series. CONTEST--at the end of thispost, find information about how to win a $25 bookstore gift card.

In your series, Warriors for Light,book one (Warrier’s Rise) involvescomplications between Deva, a female barkeep-turned warrior and her warriortrainer, Padraig. She is faced with the task of saving Earth from the DarkLord. Padraig is faced with saving her from a fatal outcome. What danger doesshe face?

LOL!! What doesn’tDeva face? She’s filled with self-doubt for a variety of reasons, primarily shefeels inadequate to save the world. Deva is a Fae/human half-breed who has beenkept largely in the dark about the extent of her future and her powers. Worse,she has to prove to the Goddess she is worthy of those powers. Why? Because thefirst Holy Weapon—The Cáidh Arm—became a paranoid megalomaniac killer. OnlyPadraig’s love and acceptance can keep her grounded.

In book two, Dragon Child,Moira, a female fire-breathing dragon, and her wereleopard friend race to findthe Fae princess Moira was exchanged for at birth as well as a master of theblack arts who covets Moira’s power. Why must they find that master and theprincess?

Moira and herreluctant mate, Major Steve Taylor who is a wereleopard, must find Carlsonbefore he finds Allana because Carlson’s goal is to rival the Dark Lord. He cando this by draining all the magic from his victims. Allana, the missing Faeprincess, is a powerful healer who has strong magick, a link to Otherworld andhIfreann, the Goddess’ realm. Unfortunately for the Light, Carlson’s wife,Sophie, is one of Allana’s missing twin daughters, and she has bound Fae andSeraphim magic. It is a race against time to find Allana and rescue Sophie.

In the third book, Absolution, DruidLucan Woods wrestles with guilt after killing his surrogate father and bestfriend for a greater good. Who benefited from his killings? How does he hope abrotherhood of evil will relieve his feelings of guilt?

Lucan killed his mentor andfather figure to save Deva’s life in Warrior’sRise. He knew his mentor was controlled by a seedling from the Abyss andserved the Dark Lord’s daughter. He was forced to choose the greater good buthas trouble living with his actions.

In infiltrating the Brotherhoodand bringing about is destruction, Luc hopes it will be a suicide mission toend his torment. He just didn’t count on meeting Allana, his soul mate andhaving to conquer his own demons to save her.

Ultimately, a Fae princess,Alanna, may help him gain absolution.

What does she offer him, and what can he do for her in return?

Allana is a healer and canassuage his soul and give him acceptance. Luc gives her his heart, soul, andforces her to realize her lost daughters are adults and she can’t just findthem and force them to follow her.

The blurbs for the books each mention different settings: book one,Earth; book two, Earthworld; book three, hIfreann.Do they share any common setting?

There are fourworlds: Earth/Earthworld, the Dark Lord’s domain—the Abyss, the Goddess’sdomain—hIfreann, and Otherworld where the Fae and other magical beings live.All of the books in the series move from setting to setting as the storiesprogress. While each world is unique, three of them are at risk from the DarkLord and his army. The Abyss is at risk from the weapons Earth and Otherworldhave developed. Earth, the Abyss, and hIfreann share the problems ofpower-hungry individuals, who will do whatever they must to seize control. Andnot all is what is seems including the people within these worlds.

Do the books have any common characters?

Deva and Padraigmake appearance in each book. Other characters float in and out as theirpresence is needed to move the story and series along. But each story focuseson one couple.

You can find me at:

Website: http://www.warriorsforlight.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LJ_Deleon

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LJ-DeLeon/119234768153132

Warriors for Light is at:

Amazon

ARe

B&N

Smashwords

Warrior’sRise

Warrior’s for Light Book 1

By LJ DeLeon

ISBN: 978-1-4524372-3-1

Warrior’s Rise short blub:

A fiery barkeep and budding warrior. A hunky,bossy Fae warrior. A threat to Earth andOtherworld from the Dark Lord. Will their love be enough to stop the DarkLord’s demons?

Check out “Warrior’s Rise” for 99cents

http://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Rise-Light-Book-ebook/dp/B004T39Y88/

Warrior’s Rise Blurb:

For Fae-human half-breed Deva Morgan, life as she knows it changeson her thirtieth birthday. One moment she’s a barkeep, the next she is awarrior fated to save Earth from the Dark Lord and his demon horde. Shunned byboth her races, she faces a danger-filled quest with few allies. Too bad herpowers haven’t fully emerged or stabilized.

For Deva it islife or death, on-the-job training with her companion, Padraig O’Neal, a Faewarrior with a shadowed past. Can he quiet the storm raging inside her, helpher harness the growing power within her, and providea barrier between Deva and a fatal outcome?

Will their love be enough to save Deva and stop the DarkLord’s demons from entering Earth?

Review excerpt:

“If you enjoy urban fantasynovels filled with mythological creatures, plots twist and battles between theforces of good and evil then you will enjoy Warrior's Rise.” Review on Bittenby Paranormal Books http://tiny.cc/usc61

DragonChild

Warrior’s for Light Book 2

By LJ DeLeon

ISBN: 978-1-4524813-8-8

Dragon Child Blurb

A fire-breathing dragon, Moira O'Neal, was exchanged atbirth for a Fae princess. Discovering the truth, she escapes the cage of theroyal court and joins forces with the sexiest wereleopard on Earthworld. Shefights the urge to mate and the trap that comes with it as they race againsttime to find the missing princess and a master of the black arts who covets herpower.

Major Steve Taylor, a wereleopard in the Army For Light,partners with the impetuous Moira in the middle a dangerous mission wherefailure means all their deaths. Worse, his leopard decides Moira is his mate,leaving the man at war with his cat.

Review:

“This is one bookyou need to pick up as will be glued to the pages for it has everything toseduce readers: love, passion, action, heartache, and a hunky guy who you wouldlove be called his mate.” 5 Alpha Howl,Bitten by Paranormal Review

http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/2011/04/review-of-dragon-child-by-lj-deleon.html

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Child-Warriors-Light-ebook/dp/B004THDM6Y/

Absolution

Warrior’sfor Light Book 3

By LJ DeLeon

ISBN 978-1-4524486-0-2

Absolution Blurb:

He did the unforgivable. Druid Lucan Woods killed hissurrogate father and best friend for the greater good. Wracked with guilt, heinfiltrates a brotherhood of evil, hoping the mission is one way. Absolutionmay come from a missing Fae Princess, if he will accept it. Or will he rejecther love and use her as a pawn in his drive to destroy the leader of thebrotherhood?

Fae Princess Alanna has just learned her twindaughters are alive. She leaves hIfreann to search Earth for them. Only she cantouch Luc’s heart. But will he let her? Will he open his stained soul and allowher to enter in time to save them both?

Amazon Buy Link

http://www.amazon.com/Absolution-Warriors-For-Light-ebook/dp/B0050D8OPU/

LJ DeLeon Bio:

Bestselling author LJ DeLeon is an Army brat and aworld-traveled former CIA Intelligence Analyst who has seen enough of thisworld to appreciate other worlds. Working for the CIA was great training forwriting fantasy, paranormal, and futuristic romance--and understanding thewarrior mentality. Amazing how real life and fiction overlap.

Publisher: Dark HallowsPublishing

Darkhallowspublishing@verizon.net

CONTEST:
One $25 gift card will be given away to one lucky winner- winner's choice of Amazon,ARe, or B&N gift card. Click on this link to find the entry form.

Tea Leaf Tales: The Magical Treasure Chest

2012-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Time to play dress up. A new year.Big occasions—Gasparilla’s Pirate Invasion, Mardi Gras, and Valentine’s—of celebrationand love. Each year at this time, I open my magical treasure chest, excited tosee what the box wishes me to become.

Pearls, yards of pearls. Will I bea flapper, an independent woman, pursuing new goals? That pink bottle invitesme—I’ll be a fairy, wearing the vintage perfume, its intoxicating scent capableof spreading happiness to those I meet. But, dripping with every magicaltrinket the chest offers, an eccentric blend of my own will, I could transform andreinvent myself with the change of the wind. I want to be them all, but mustdecide soon…Gasparilla is next Saturday.

Don’t forget your beads.