Tag Archives: Paranormal

Author Interview: Belinda Boring, author of CHERISHED

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Belinda Boring

Author of the Mystic Wolves series

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she’s not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

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Lovelies, please welcome Belinda to the blog today!  I had the great opportunity to ask her a few questions and share her answers with all of you today.  Be sure to continue reading to the bottom of the post because there will be a giveaway at the end! :)

Theresa: Can you tell us something interesting about your writing process?

Belinda:  Hmmm something interesting …. Well when I begin writing each day, I need total silence. I musthave ADD or something because even the slightest noise throws me off and the next thing I know, I’m on Facebook chatting or surfing the Internet. All while my characters are standing around wondering what happened! Once I get into the story though, I turn on my play list and pick a song. I usually go with something that has a great beat and can help me tap into the emotion I’m wanting.

Theresa:  Who is your favorite character (that you’ve written)?

 Belinda:  I really enjoy all the characters I’ve written. I’m having a blast with Mason and Darcy and love the kind of relationship they have with each other. But I will admit its future characters I’m excited to write as well. Devlin is the vampire enforcer sent to help learn more about the use of vampire blood and everyone will meet him in Blood Oath (installment #3). When I outlined the story line, I laughed so hard coming up with scenes with him. He’s definitely a cocky character with swagger but watch out, you threaten those he loves and he’ll not think twice about attacking.

Theresa:  Is there anything you’re working on now?

 Belinda:  I’m working on both Blood Oath, which is the next installment in the Mystic Wolves series,and Broken Promises, a full length novel and book #1 in the Brianna Lane series. Both havesupernatural influences in them and are a lot of fun to write. I’m hoping my schedule is startingto calm down so I can finish them quickly and release them!

Theresa:  Where did the idea for your book come from?

Belinda:  To begin with, Without Mercy was only ever going to be a short story in an anthology and was the result of a dream. Ever wake up and be swamped with all kinds of intense emotions? I remember feeling this intense grief and anger, seeing a few images and wondering “What am I going to do with this?” I carried around this gut wrenching feeling all day, always on the verge of tears. My BFF finally suggested I write the scene down and I did. I went on my merry way and all was right in the world.
A little later, I was invited to contribute a short story. I immediately thought of my dream and worked more on it, fully completing the scene. But the impatient person I am, I couldn’t wait so I decided to release it. Holy smokes! The support and feedback I got from everyone was amazing and that’s when my BFF stepped forward again and suggested I turn it into a series – releasing a new installment every 4-6 weeks. I sat down, plotted out a bunch of novellas and the rest was history.

Theresa:  Are any of the characters inspired by someone in real life?

 Belinda:  I wouldn’t say they are the sole focus but you can definitely find pieces of people I love in the characters of Mystic Wolves. For example, when I finished Cherished and took a closer look at Mason, I realized “Wow, he reminds me of my husband.” I’ve been married for 11 years and there have been times where, like Mason, my husband has helped me realize how cherished I am. He shows the same love and devotion and it amazed me how it bled over into the story.

Theresa:  Do you follow a writing schedule, or just write whenever you get the chance?

Belinda:  I have so many different priorities as a blogger, promoter and writer, it’s vital that I have a schedule just so I can get everything done. Right now, I’m playing around with the schedule I have because things have changed and I’m trying to find what works. It helps knowing I have a routine but I also try to be flexible. If inspiration hits or the characters begin chatting loudly, I try to write then and there. Sometimes it works and I get excited by how much I’m able to accomplish.

Theresa:  Describe your book in a tweet (140 characters or less).

 Belinda:  Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is CHERISHED?

Theresa:  What was last book you bought?

 Belinda:  It was Lover Unleashed. Totally addicted to the Black Dagger Brotherhood at the moment … I <3Rehvenge!!

Theresa:  If you could no longer write, what career would you choose instead?

Belinda:  I would definitely stay in the book world somewhere! It wouldn’t really matter what I was doing either as long as I was following my passion for reading. I’ve even talked with my husband about opening up a bookstore. Life is so short with unexpected twists and turns. Why not find something that you love doing?

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Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Belinda!

Lovelies, Belinda has offered up ONE ebook copy of her newest novella, CHERISHED!

Cherished (Mystic Wolves #2) by Belinda BoringCHERISHED

(Mystic Wolves, #2)

by Belinda Boring

ASIN: B005JJDG3U

For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn’t happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she’s lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can’t find her, and most of all, where she’ll never have to see the look of blame in Mason’s eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved.

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy’s thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he’s ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is… Cherished?

Buy CHERISHED by Belinda Boring:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

To Enter The Giveaway:

Leave a comment with a way for me to contact you if you win!

(must be 13 yrs. or older to enter)

Winner will be drawn on Sunday, October 9th.

Follow Belinda on tour to be entered to win a grand finale giveaway!

Next stop:  BelleBooks!!

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PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Day in the Life of Leia Shaw, author of the Shadows of Destiny series

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a peek into the lives of our favorite authors

A Day in the Life of…

Leia Shaw

Let’s see…a day in the life. Well, I’ll try to keep it short so I don’t bore you.

7:30am: wake-up call with 2yr old screaming, “Mommy! I awake!”

8:00am: tell 5 yr old to get dressed for school

8:05am: tell 5 yr old to get dressed for school. Now!

8:10am: get 5 yr old dressed for school

8:15am: separate kids fighting over toys

8:20am: tell 5 yr old to put shoes on for the bus

8:25am: tell 5 yr old to put shoes on. Now!

8:30am: put 5 yr old’s shoes on

8:31am: almost miss the bus

rest of the morning: play ponies with 2 yr old, count down till nap time

Lunch!

1pm: put 2 yr old down for nap

1:05pm: drink 3 glasses of diet coke and sit on uncomfortable stool to force eyes to remain open while I write

2:30pm: “Mommy! I awake!”

Outside time: collect rocks, follow bugs around the yard, poke things with sticks

3:30pm: 5 year old home from school

Separate kids from fighting, count down till husband gets home

5:30: “Daddy’s home!”

5:35: Throw children at him, runaway to the bathroom and lock the door

6:00: family dinner consisting of fork flipping, milk bubble blowing, and lots of dropped food for already overweight dog

Disney channel time! Count down till bed

7:30pm: Bedtime!

8:00pm: Drink caffeinated ice tea and tell husband to pinch me every 5 minutes to keep eyes open while I write

10:00pm: Bedtime! “Oh, hi, husband. How was your day?”

My 5 year old has special needs so sprinkle in some therapy and doctor’s appointments and that’s pretty much my life.

Oh, and whenever I get a spare moment, I promote my current books on twitter, facebook, and goodreads. I love to hear from fans and respond to tweets, email, and facebook comments as soon as I can.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/qWUPjp
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71270

author Leia ShawI began my writing journey while I was stranded at the airport waiting for my delayed flight. I browsed the Border’s kiosk and grew frustrated that I couldn’t find the “it factor” — the perfect combination of alpha male-ness, ass-kickery, strong females, magic, and sex.

So I spent the next four hours on an airplane writing my first book on scraps of paper and an airsick bag (which thankfully I didn’t need to use).

Now I spend too much time in my head, plotting evil villains and the hot men (and women) who ruthlessly kill them. I think far too much about fae politics, dragon power games, and how fast werewolves can change forms. But writing my paranormal romance series has given me a productive place to express those dark places in my mind.

I live in New England with my husband and two kids. Though I will go to my grave denying it, my husband insists I would be thrilled if he suddenly sprouted fangs.

 

Check out Leia’s books, the Shadows of Destiny series!

Destiny Divided by Leia Shaw

DESTINY DIVIDED (Shadows of Destiny, Book 1)

“Pure power flooded her body flowing freely through her veins. She had just found an emotion stronger than anger and fear combined. Lust. And there was no containing her now”.

After fleeing her native city – and nightmares of a traumatic childhood – Sage Peterson meets the overbearing, pretentious, yet haunted Professor Elias. He’s the only one who knows about her mysterious powers, which seem to be spiraling out of control. When he convinces her to train with him, she finds herself thrust into a five hundred year war and on the run from vampires, werewolves, and even worse – her budding feelings for James Elias.

James had been living a dull and empty existence for the past century and a half. When a fiery half-sorceress, half-witch with a stubborn streak and sharp wit enters his life, he sees her only as a potential weapon to use against his greatest enemy. But when he discovers the vulnerable woman beneath the angry mask, instinct screams to keep her safe. To protect and provide. And to claim her as his.

But will it be too late? As passion and lust ignite between them, vengeance is slipping away. And when Sage is confronted with fulfilling an unexpected destiny, will she choose to trust James with her heart?

Destiny United by Leia ShawDESTINY UNITED (Shadows of Destiny, Book 2)

Erin Bolton knows her former foster sister is a sorceress and a witch, but she wants nothing to do with that world. Fear dictates her life, panic attacks disable her, and only alcohol gives her the freedom she craves. The day before her twenty first birthday, a tall, dark, and terrifying vampire, Marcelo, turns Erin’s world upside down. He convinces her that he was sent to escort her to the safety of the Underworld, where her sister is waiting. But she wonders, who will keep her safe from him?

Marcelo postponed his eight hundred year search for his wife to perform a small favor for the Queen of the Underworld. When the errand turns into a week long journey across the country toting a fragile female, his life takes a turn for the unexpected. Especially when, on Erin’s twenty first birthday, he discovers there is more to this girl than meets the eye. And now instinct claims she’s his. His mate. Meant for him, and him alone. Forever.

Can Marcelo give up his dream of reuniting with his long lost wife to be with the woman his body yearns for? Can Erin conquer her deep-rooted fears and confront the destiny only she can fulfill?

http://youtu.be/NEvdUmSMhuY

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PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Book Review: HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

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HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

now reading Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

Meet Stan Markowski of the Scranton PD’s Occult Crimes Unit

“Like the rest of America, Scranton’s got an uneasy ‘live and let unlive’ relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call me.

“My name’s Markowski. I carry a badge.

“Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.”

Hard Spell is the first Occult Crimes Unit Investigation. The sequel, Evil Dark, is coming April 2012.

Review:

HARD SPELL is an urban fantasy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Stan Markowski is really fun to read.  His sense of humor and wit made me laugh out loud repeatedly.  I also loved the fact that every type of supernatural creature is included in this book.  From vampires to ghouls, they’re all there.  All of the characters in the book are extremely unique and have their own distinct quirks, which made reading about them even more fun.

Justin Gustainis has written this book in such a way that it truly is a pleasure to read.  Everything flows well, the dialogue seems natural, and plot twists keep the reader guessing until the last few pages.  HARD SPELL is an easy read and kept my interest throughout.

I highly recommend HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis to any reader who loves a good cop story with paranormal elements.

Rating: 4 out of 5! 

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PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

HADES by Alexandra Adornetto GIVEAWAY!

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Win a copy of HADES, sequel to the bestseller HALO

by Alexandra Adornetto!

Giveaway of Hades by Alexandra Adonetto

Hardcover, 422 pages
Published August 30th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends
ISBN: 9780312656270
Series: Halo 

Bethany and Xavier are even closer since battling Jake Thorn and his evil influence (in Halo) and Beth and her angel siblings must still protect Venus Cove from the Dark Forces.

When a party game – a séance – inadvertently releases Jake from the Underworld, he disguises himself and tricks Beth into taking a ride on his motorcycle. When the highway opens up and swallows them, Beth learns too late that she’s now a prisoner in hell. What happens to angels there? As her archangel brother, Gabriel, her sister Ivy, Xavier, and her best friend, Molly search for her, Beth must weigh Jake’s bargaining for her freedom: one night with him, and she will be released back to Earth.
Can Jake be trusted in this wager? And is he also using Beth to engineer the fall of the archangel Gabriel? Xavier has already lost one love – when Jake tricks him into thinking that Bethany is dead, his grief and anger result in a betrayal that will leave Bethany – and readers – wondering if he is so good after all.

It will be up to Beth to use everything she’s learned about her powers as an angel – and about love – to free herself and those she loves from the clutches of Hades.

More about ‘HADES’:

“Heaven Help Her. 

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier?s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can?t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth?s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.”

 

The story that Alexandra Adornetto built in her bestselling debut, Halo, comes alive in action-packed and unexpected ways, as angels battle demons, and the power of love is put to the test.

See Alexandra Adornetto on tour this Fall: http://www.facebook.com/penfataletour

Macmillan page for the book & author: http://us.macmillan.com/hades

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Zeitghost Media has offered up ONE copy of HADES for the winner!

 US/CAN Only

Prize will be shipped directly to winner from Zeitghost Media

Winner will be drawn Sunday, September 4th!

TO ENTER:  leave a comment with a way for me to contact you!

GOOD LUCK!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Signed Book Giveaway: HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

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Signed Book Giveaway: Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY!

HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

Stan Markowski is a Detective Sergeant on the Scranton PD’s Supernatural Crimes Investigation Unit.

Like the rest of America, Scranton’s got an uneasy ‘live and let unlive’ relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call Markowski. He carries a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

Buy HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis:  Log Mark Books / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

 

Praise for HARD SPELL:

“Hard Spell deals with hardened professionals looking for supernatural things hiding under rocks, and then dragging them out and giving them a good kicking. The cops act like real cops, the vampires act like real vampires, and the monsters aren’t messing about. The plot twists and turns like a twisty turny thing, and moves like a weasel on speed. The real things feel real, and the supernatural things feel like they might be. The prose is a joy to read, and the whole thing was more fun than is probably legal.” - Simon R Green

“I enjoyed every page of Hard Spell. If Sam Spade and Jack Fleming were somehow melted together, you’d get Stan Markowski. I can’t wait to see what Gustainis does next.” – Lilith Saintcrow, author of Night Shift and Working for the Devil

“A winning mix of urban fantasy and hard-boiled detective fiction.” – Jennifer Estep, author of the Elemental Assassin series

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Win a paperback copy of HARD SPELL… Signed by the author!

  • US/Can ONLY
  • ONE winner
  • must be 13 yrs or older to enter
  • winner will be chosen Friday, September 2nd

TO ENTER:  Leave a comment with a way for me to contact you if you win!

GOOD LUCK!

 

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.