Barnes and Noble Book Fair

If you think you may be placing an order at Barnes & Noble this weekend, please take a look at a way to help a great organization earn a little extra money without spending any extra yourself.  

My daughter attends the Rockford Dance Company, and it is a fantastic non-profit organization that works to bring the art of dance (ballet, tap, modern, and jazz) to children and young adults across the area.  With state funding declining across the board, donations like these are what helps keep the Rockford Dance Company running.

Guest author Heather Killough-Walden

Please welcome Author Heather Killough-Walden

I write about vampires.

They say that to write well, you must write what you know. Many have mirthfully and even lovingly referred to me as a vampire. I always duck my head coyly and never bother to deny it.

There is a mystique to this title, and a verity in it as well. I am not quick to cast it off.

But there is someone who calls me something else, and this one knows me deeply.

My daughter calls me Moon Dancer.

I’ve never been a fan of the day. Even as a little girl, I felt there was something so pompous about the sun, so showy and pushy. It was selfish, the sun. It stole the spotlight and shoved real beauty into the background.

I would hide away and while away until the sun finally got tired of its bullying.

Then I would creep to a window or step outside – and smile.

An entire universe revealed itself; stars, planets, darkness.

The contrast of purple, indigo, midnight, and black against the pulsing twinkle of distant possibilities left me breathless.

I laughed out loud sometimes. As a child, I reached my little hands up and clutched at the endlessness, delighting in the light year pixie dust. Nothing blinded me. It only shared and entertained and pleased.

I dream at night, but not in sleep. I look up, and I imagine, and I wonder.

I always have.

My daughter calls me Moon Dancer because I come alive when the sun goes down. After twilight has faded into the sable shades of infinity, I breathe.

I dance.

In the forever – and on the moon.

- Heather Killough-Walden

Heather Killough-Walden Reading List

The Lost Angels series:

Always Angel (eBook-only introductory novella)

Avenger's Angel

Messenger's Angel

Death's Angel

Warrior's Angel (release date TBA)

Samael (release date TBA)

The October Trilogy:

Sam I Am

Secretly Sam

Suddenly Sam (October 1, 2013)

Neverland Trilogy:

Forever Neverland

Beyond Neverland (release date TBA)

Never Neverland (release date TBA)

The Big Bad Wolf series:

The Heat (no longer available separately - purchase in the Big Bad Wolf Romance Compilation)

El Ardor (Spanish version of The Heat, available March, 2013)

The Strip (no longer available separately - purchase in the Big Bad Wolf Romance Compilation)

The Spell

The Hunt

The Big Bad Wolf Romance Compilation (all four books together, in proper chronological order)

The Kings - A Big Bad Wolf spinoff series:

The Vampire King

The Phantom King

The Warlock King

The Goblin King (release date TBA)

(future The Kings books TBA; at least 13 total)

The Chosen Soul Trilogy:

The Chosen Soul

Drake of Tanith

Queen of Abaddon (release date TBA; 2013)

Redeemer (stand-alone)

Hell Bent (stand-alone)

Vampire, Vampire (stand-alone)

A Sinister Game (stand-alone)

The Third Kiss series:

Dorian's Dream (release date TBA)

Aleksei's Dream (release date TBA)

(future The Third Kiss books TBA; open-ended series)

Heather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series, The Kings, and the October Trilogy. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/killough-walden and Twitter (@killoughwalden)!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Vampire-King-Kings-ebook/dp/B00761TN1S/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

http://www.amazon.com/The-Phantom-King-Kings-ebook/dp/B0082SJRMY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

http://www.amazon.com/The-Warlock-King-Kings-ebook/dp/B00BF4RUTE/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

Review: The Silver Thread by Emigh Cannaday

Title: The Silver Thread: Book Two
Author: Emigh Cannaday
Source: Author Request
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Talvi Marinossian has slain maenads and fought off vampire attacks, but nothing has prepared him for marrying one of those forbidden "Modern Girls".  As soon as he gets ahold of Annika, she starts slipping away from him, after learning more about her elven husband's past than she ever expected to.  Of course, it doesn't help that he's still a shameless flirt, unforthcoming about his livelihood, his secret cell phone, and the reason he keeps another woman's handkerchief in his pocket.  Waiting for the other shoe to drop, Annika bides her time focusing on her music and her job, and it isn't long before the newlyweds find themselves completely out of sync with one another.  Just when they start to find their rhythm, Talvi is called away on business and whisks Annika off to Paris for what is supposed to be a working vacation.  But one bad decision leads to another, and the chaos that ensues may cost someone their life.

Review: In Flames (Destined #1) by: Elissa Daye

Title: In Flames (destined #1)
Author: Elissa Daye
Source: Review request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 192 pages 
Reviewed by: Emi 

A cursed lineage. A secret magic. A destiny that neither one of them could have predicted.

When Elkliss Keep is rampaged by her sinister Uncle Simeon, Lysandra lost everything she had ever known or loved within a heartbeat. Destiny catapults her into a life she could never have foreseen; a life filled with an unquenchable desire for a man, whose aloof people harbor a secret almost as dangerous as her own.

When Aiden first sets eyes on Lysandra, the beast inside will not be fulfilled until he possesses her. He soon he realizes that Lysandra could be the one true mate that would make his cursed life easier to live.

I really enjoyed this story! I was hooked from the very beginning. In Flames is the first book in the Destined series, it's a great introduction to the women of Lena. Strong magical women who will do what is necessary to protect their own.  Lysandra was thrown into a world hate and servitude until destiny comes looking for her, and though the path isn't that clear for at the time, she does a wonderful job embracing it. While Aiden is a bit guarded with Lysandra, he eventually gives in to the feelings he can no longer hide from himself. There is a little jealousy and  treachery involved, which makes the story all the more interesting!  I highly recommend it! 

In flames will be free on Amazon March 14-16 here is the link, enjoy! 

http://www.amazon.com/In-Flames-Destined-Series-ebook/dp/B008LFKWXQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362847093&sr=1-1&keywords=In+flames

March issue of BTS eMAG

Review Darkest Risings by S.K. Yule

Title: Darkest Risings (Darkest #4) 

Author: S.K. Yule

Source: Author Request

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: Novel

Reviewed by: Laurie 

When Wilhemina Jenkins returns to her hometown after being away for years, the last thing she expects is to find a tall, sexy stranger with stormy turquoise eyes who will fan the flames of her desire.

Aldin Aleksandrov has spent most of his long existence as a vampire protecting humankind from shadowdrifters. The violence and loneliness has all but made him lose hope of finding his life mate.

However, once he meets the beautiful Wilhemina, irresistible chemistry and circumstances toss them on a path riddled with danger, twists, turns, surprises, and ultimately a love that neither can deny.

A Cat Tale

A CAT TALE

A woman was enjoying a good game of golf with her girlfriends. "Oh, no!" she suddenly exclaimed, "Look at the time! I have to rush home and fix dinner for my husband! He'll be so freaking mad if it's not ready on time."

When she got home, she discovered all she had in the fridge was a wilted lettuce leaf, an egg, and a can of cat food. With no time to go to the supermarket, she opened the can of cat food, stirred in the egg, and garnished it with the lettuce leaf. She greeted her husband warmly when he came home, and then watched in horror as he sat down to his dinner. To her surprise, he seemed to be enjoying it.

"Darling, this is the best dinner you've made me in 40 years of marriage! You can make this for me any day."

Needless to say, every golf day from then on, the woman made her husband the same dish. She told her golf partners about it, and they were all horrified. "You're going to kill him!" they exclaimed.

Two months later, her husband died. The women were sitting around the clubhouse, and one of them said, "You killed him! We told you that feeding him that cat food every week would do him in! How can you just sit there so calmly knowing you murdered your husband?"

The wife stoically replied, "I didn't kill him. He fell off the windowsill while he was licking his butt."

~~~~~~~~~~~~  

Cheers!

Blogger help with Paws with a Cause with author Allison Kraft

Apologizes in advance for the long post and rampant abuse of parentheses.

I'm one of those people who, if left to my own devices, would probably end up with a zoo in her house. I love animals, but aside from a short phase where I had 4 ferrets (we all experiment in college, right?), cats are my go-to pet. I have no doubt that 30 years or so from now I will be that crazy old lady with the house full of cats. I've accepted and embraced this as my future. I even look forward to it, because cats are awesome, and I believe one can never have too many. (As long as you can take care of them, that is. Animal hoarders make me sad.)

Right now, I have 4 cats, the most I've ever had at one time (a tie with those aforementioned ferrets). This is mainly because I acquired said cats in pairs. The first pair came a few weeks after the death of my beloved Ginger, a fat, sassy tortoiseshell who passed at the ripe old age of 17. I found them at a veterinarian's office and instantly fell in love. They were sisters and looked nearly identical, and they just so happened to be named Kate and Ana-Lucia, after characters on my then-favorite TV show, Lost. They were 7 months old, and because they were so bonded to one another they couldn't be separated, the office staff had been having no luck finding them a home. Not many people want two cats at once, especially ones that aren't cute little kittens any longer. Seeing them in that cage together broke my heart, and I had to take them home with me. (The vet tech even gave me a two-for-one deal on adoption fees since they were so relieved I was willing to take them together!)

Kate and Ana were very skittish at first, but quickly warmed up to us and I have never regretted getting them instead of a kitten. They're beautiful (their coloring is called diluted tortoiseshell, which is a regular tortie pattern but in grays and peaches instead of black and oranges) and very adorable with one another. It's obvious how much they love each other, and for the first few months we had them, the only time you'd hear them meow was if one lost sight of the other. Once the missing sister answered, all was right with the world again. They have their own personalities, which are eerily similar to their namesakes - a big reason why I didn't rename them, despite Ana-Lucia being my least favorite character on the show. If you're familiar with Lost, Kate (both the character and cat) is bold and adventurous, while Ana-Lucia is more guarded and moody. If you hear a cat grumbling in our house, it's most likely Ana getting annoyed at one of the other cats invading her personal space. We wonder sometimes if they think they're dogs: they wag their tails when they're happy and Kate is a relentless beggar, especially at the dinner table. Kate is also a lap cat, but only with me and only when I'm sitting somewhere that wouldn't be comfortable for an extended period of time, like the floor or a barstool.

I don't know where Kate and Ana came from before the vet, but I suspect they may have been feral kittens at one time. In addition to their skittishness, they eat like the food won't be there later (which usually results in one or both of them barfing it up shortly after) and they're very quiet. I've read that feral cats don't meow because their mothers teach them to be quiet - making noise can attract predators, after all. Ana squeaks from time to time, and will sometime let out a mournful cry for no apparent reason, and Kate only meows when she's got a toy in her mouth. We call it her singing toy. We also call her our sidler (after the guy in that episode of Seinfeld) because she sidles up to you so quietly, you don't realize she's there until you almost step on her. Not the healthiest habit, but we've learned to watch our step around the house.

Ana (the one on her back) sure loves her sister.

Review: Heart of the Demon By: Cynthia Garner

Title: Heart of the Demon
Author: Cynthia Garner
Source:  Publisher Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 292 pages 
Reviewed by: Emi 

Warriors of the Rift

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world—or send it spiraling into chaos.

The next opening of the rift is coming—and its consequences will be deadly. A rogue group of human-hating preternaturals is planning an apocalyptic attack, but the Council of Preternaturals may have found the key to saving the world: Keira O'Brien, a fey with a long criminal record, whose empathic abilities once made her the queen of con artists. If she successfully infiltrates the dangerous faction, the sins of her past will be forgiven.

Keira isn't the only agent working against the rogue prets. Finn Evnissyen, a powerful demon with a dark lineage, is a hired assassin looking for a way out. If he stops the threat, he will finally earn his freedom. As the rift fast approaches, and danger escalates, Finn and Keira must discover if they're on the same side—or sleeping with the enemy

Bloggers Help with Paws with a Cause with author Robyn Pierce

[Left: Hiroki;Right: Joy]

I’m proud to say that I am the mommy to my two wonderful fur-babies, Hiroki & Joy!

Cover Reveal - Shifter's Song By Vanessa North

Cover & Excerpt Reveal

Shifter's Song
By Vanessa North

Edouard Bonsaint has a bear-sized problem. He hasn't shifted in ten years, and isn't sure he even can anymore. Chaperoned by his youngest brother, Bruno, he heads to the Wiccan Haus to ask Rekkus for help. But when Bruno doesn't show up on the other side of the portal, Edouard's inability to shift is no longer his biggest problem.

Lincoln Tucker has it all: money, fame, and a golden voice. But he's in the closet twice over--few people know he's gay, and even fewer know he can shift into a songbird at will. Downtime at the Wiccan Haus between tours allows him to be himself. Throw a big toppy bear-shifter into the mix, and Lincoln might just have all he's ever wanted--if he can trust himself to hold on to Edouard.

With passions and tempers burning hot, can Lincoln help Edouard bring forth the bear and save his brother?

Genre: Paranormal M/M Romance
Release Date: March 8, 2013
Publisher: Musa Publishing

Excerpt:

Bloggers Help with Paws with a Cause with author Dani Harper

DOGS WITH JOBS – an exclusive by Fiona the Pug

Hi, my name is Fiona the Pug, and it’s about time Dani let me write another blog post! You see, I’m her executive secretary and I’ve tried to explain to her that this is part of my job description, but you know humans … they’re a little slow on the uptake.

Now you might think that assisting an honest-to-gosh author would be an exciting and totally glam position, but not really. (I’m still waiting for that rhinestone collar…) That doesn’t mean it’s not an important job!  Writers have to be encouraged constantly. I listen to her ideas, lick her toes if I like what I hear, or climb into her lap to proofread what’s on the screen for myself. Sometimes she needs a hug if things aren’t going well, and especially if she comes down with a case of the dreaded “writer’s block”. I don’t know what kind of illness that is, but it must be awful. I do my best to comfort her and remind her to drink enough coffee by sticking my face in her nearly empty cup so she has to go get another one.

It all keeps me pretty busy. Fortunately I have an assistant, Toby. Last time I blogged, he was just an apprentice, but he’s taken over some of the physical work now. Like barking out the window to keep the distractions away – especially the twenty or so cats that wander across the yard daily. No one told me that we were moving to a neighborhood with such a strong feline element. I would have advised Dani against it. Toby works very hard at keeping them at bay, though.

5 Star Review - Shifting Dreams: A Cambio Springs Mystery

Title: Shifting Dreams: A Cambio Springs Mystery
Author: Elizabeth Hunter
Source: ARC from Author
Genre: Urban Fantasy/PNR/thriller combo
Length: Novel - 277 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:
REVIEWER NOTE: FOR MAXIMUM ENJOYMENT READ THE SHORT STORY LONG RIDE HOME FIRST (99 CENTS)CLICK HERE

Caleb wanted a new start and Cambio Springs would give him that new start.
Jena was doing much the same thing but for different reasons.

Some days, Jena Crowe just can’t get a break. Work at her diner never ends, her two boys are bundles of energy, and she’s pretty sure her oldest is about to shift into something furry or feathery. Added to that, changes seem to be coming to the tiny town of Cambio Springs, big changes that not everyone in the isolated town of shapeshifters is thrilled about.

Caleb Gilbert was looking for change, and the quiet desert town seemed just the ticket for a more peaceful life. He never counted on violence finding him, nor could he have predicted just how crazy his new life would become.

When murder rocks their small community, Caleb and Jena will have to work together. And when the new Chief of Police isn’t put off by any of her usual defenses, Jena may be faced with the most frightening change of all: lowering the defenses around her carefully guarded heart.

Shifting Dreams is the first novel in Cambio Springs, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the best-selling Elemental Mysteries.

Reviw: Taken in the Night (Promise Me series Book 3) By: Tara Fox Hall

Title: Taken in the Night (Promise Me series Book 3)
Author: Tara Fox Hall 
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 194 pages 
Reviewed by: Emi 

When Theo disappears, Sar is left bereft, the uncertain guardian of Theo's newly born werecougar daughter, Elle. As months pass, clues emerge about Theo's disappearance, yet the twisting trail ends repeatedly without answer. In her grief, Sar turns to Danial and hesitantly begins to build a life with him and Elle.

Bloggers helps Paws with A Cause with guest author/giveaway Sapphire Phelan and her cat Bast

Life is always interesting when you’re living in the “Bast” lane.  “Living in the Bast Lane” is actually words on a button a friend bought and gave to me at a science fiction convention a year ago. And my black tabby cat is definitely a delight to have in our home—since September 2009.

Now I have been asked if my male black werepanther, Montsho, in Dark Leopard Magic , my sequel to Beast Magic, is based off Bast. He’s not, and it’s not because she’s female either. No, that might be more the black shorthair, Samhain; I had once, until he died at age 13. Though Montsho, is a composite of many things in my imagination. And no, she wasn’t the inspiration of the black cat form my demon Familiar hero, Charun took, when he came to Tina Epson, for the first time in my new print release, The Witch And The Familiar.

We saw her for the first time in a box with her four sisters. My husband and I had just walked out of Petsmart, having looked at stuff for dogs. Our Siberian husky, Indy, had died at age 16 ½ the past April and we still couldn’t help looking at dog toys a few months later.

Review: Broken Promise(The Promise Me series, Book 2) By: Tara Fox Hall

Title: Broken Promise (The Promise Me Series, Book 2)
Author: Tara Fox Hall
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 221 pages 
Reviewed by: Emi 

Shocked at Danial's betrayal, Sarelle returns to her old home to consider her options. Yet even as Sar plans a reconciliation with Danial, Terian arrives, confessing his desire. When Theo witnesses Terian and Sar kiss, he angrily confronts Sar, leading to startling consequences. Will Sar's heart choose Danial, Terian,…or Theo?

Bloggers Help with Paws with a Cause with author Laura Hunsaker

So you know how in PNR we always have an alpha male who is the biggest, and the strongest? Well, in my little pack, I have 2 cats and 2 dogs (we recently lost our horse). Our latest addition is a puppy named Conan. Conan just turned 1 and he’s very alpha. He’s been bossing around our female Lily, he thinks he’s the boss of all the dog toys, and he chases everything that moves. And yet, I’ve noticed that our little 8 lb cat seems to rule this pack.

Kellie is a teeny little cat but she doesn’t back down from our 110 lb puppy. It makes me laugh every time he tries to push her around. My daughter’s cat Buzz Lightyear is much bigger, but even he gets to high ground when the dogs are around.

Review: Promis Me By: Tara Fax Hall

Title: Promise Me (Promise Me series Book, 1)
Author: Tara Fox Hall
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 233 pages
Reviewed by: Emi

When young widow Sarelle McGarran finds the vampire Danial Racklan unconscious and hurt in her woods, intuitive concern quickly becomes passionate love. Together Danial and Sar work to overcome their own past heartbreaks, their vastly different lifestyles, and Danial's relentless enemies. Yet Danial needs more; an Oath of forever. But can Sar give Danial his greatest desire?

Now who would not absolutely love to find a hot vampire in their yard! When Sarelle saves Danial from dying on her property she finds herself part of a new life. Thinking that she saved just a man, she helped him recover, only to find out that he is a vampire.  Tho her acceptance of what he is is quick, she still has some trust issues. Promise Me is romantic and thrilling at the same time. As Danial tries to sweep Sarelle off her feet, they are continuously battling Daniels enemies out for revenge. There is nothing better in a novel than love & action, keeps you on your toes, lol. Great read, I definitely recommend it.  

Bloggers helps Paws with a Cause with author Teresa Gabelman

When I found about this event I couldn’t pass up the chance to join! I love animals, yeah even my son’s snake Steve Irwin. No, I haven’t touched it, held it or even fed it, but I make sure he’s okay by glancing in the huge glass case Steve calls home. Okay, I admit I’m also making sure he is still in his home. Anyway, I love animals, but dogs are my true love. I have had dogs ever since I was little. Actually, I cannot ever remember not having a dog.

Rennie, a white poodle, was given to us when the elderly couple next door couldn’t keep him anymore. I remember having to rescue him once when he ran away. I found him ten houses down cornered in the dog house of a very large female Rottweiler. To this day I’m not sure he wanted rescuing.

Corky, a mix breed of what we don’t know, was the next dog I got after my mom refused to get me another dog after Rennie passed away. Yeah, mom was a sucker for puppy eyes, mine and the dogs. Corky was a good dog, but liked to nip people on the butt when they passed by. Never vicious….just a little goose to get them moving. Right before I got married, my mom cried, not because I was leaving home, but because she thought I was taking Corky with me. Corky stayed with my mom

Review: Balkan Magic by Emigh Cannaday

Title: Balkan Magic
Author: Emigh Cannaday
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Free-spirited Annika Brisby has just turned down a proposal that promises a lifetime of security but no adventure.  Seeking some distance between herself and her ex-boyfriend, Annika travels to the Balkan Mountains.  A day hike gone to havoc sends her through a broken portal to another world.  She is discovered by wood nymphs who seem convinced that Annika's presence is more than just chance, and they vow to get her back home with the help of a slightly debauched elf named Talvi.  Unnerved at his advances, Annika makes the best of her situation by learning all she can about this dream-like new world.  But the more she gets to know the genuine Talvi, the more she wonders if there's a path leading them toward each other.  Together they sail over a monster-filled sea, navigate through a forest of flesh eating trees, and encounter a family of trolls, but the greatest obstacle will be Annika's ability to trust her new friends and confront her deepest fears.