An Interview with STORM

playing the game by Shawnte Borris #sizzling

Posted by brriske

Playing the Game, Derek Backhard by Shawnte Borris

Release Date: March 30, 2016

Genre: Romance, Sports Romance

Tour Dates: April 29, 2016

Since being drafted by the NHL to play for his home team at age nineteen, Derek Backhard has had everything he’s ever dreamed of – unrivaled MVP mentions, countless goals and assists, even being compared to the great one. Holding the power to control his future in the palm of his hands, nothing stood in his way.

Until the unthinkable happened, and everything about his life shifted. Past priorities fell away the moment he held baby Ryder in his arms mere moments after losing his close friend, and Ryder’s father, Brad.

After weeks of watching Liz fall apart over the loss of her husband as she struggled to adjust to life as a single parent, Derek vows to give her and Ryder everything they deserve, creating a life he never knew he always wanted.

Rocked to her core by her changing feelings for him, Liz doesn’t know what to do with Derek or his offer. Uncertainty swirls within her as she leans on her lifelong friend during the hard times, but how much of his attention is real, and how much is pity?

Is she strong enough to let him in and let him take care of her, or will she force him away and back into the life she thinks he really wants?

iBooks – Amazon US – Amazon UK

Interview:

**Can you tell us a little about Playing the Game?**

PTG wasn’t supposed to happen at first. *spoiler* I had no plan to write a series until Brad died in book one and as I grieved him, yes I grieved him too as it was also a shock to me that he died. Brad kept talking and talking that he wanted his scene to be written, he wanted his own book but I had to figure out a way to make that happen. Yes the book is about Derek but that is why Brad shadows the book so much.

Playing the Game is actually the second book in The Game series, do readers need to read the first book in order to completely understand and enjoy Playing the Game?

Absolutely you need to read book one. You need to get to know each character first and why they say and do the stuff that they do. Yes in book two they’ve grown, but I still feel it’s very important that you understand the development and bond they all have together.

What can you tell us about the first book, The Game?

The Game was written all in fun. Kirsten is my other half really, I’m very straight-shooting and I don’t give anything away when I make a business deal. I am often told I am a very hard person to read which sometimes comes off that I am a b*tch, just like Kirsten. If I changed professions and went into business, Kirsten is exactly how I want to be. I also have a strong bond with my high school friend twenty years later so it was important to me that Kirsten had that too.

**What was the inspiration for Playing the Game?**

Easy, I wrote a book about my ultra-ego. LOL

What about hockey and the NFL draws you in?

I’m not sure what draws me to hockey, besides that I’m Canadian and it’s a passion we share. When I watch the games at home, I’m loud. I talked to the players, give the coach my coaching opinions and I yell when stupid moves are made. Yet, when I go to a live game I sit and front of my seat never taking my eyes off the ice and I’m as quiet as a mouse. I really am the most boring person to take to a game. As for the NFL, I don’t watch and when I do, I’m lost because it different rules then the CFL.

Do you have a favorite hockey player or team?

My favorite team is the Oilers, there are my home team (you don’t cheer for another team other than your home team, that is just wrong) and don’t make fun of my team either because what you are going to poke fun at me with, I make the same statements. LOL! I don’t have a favorite player because it’s a team effort, not one play is better than another.

**While writing Playing the Game plot and outline? If so did you follow it, or did it go off track and turn out differently than excepted?**

I write an outline plot for every book and character, however when I start writing and developing each character they start to take over. I have yet to actually write a book that looks anything like my plot and outline. My books always turn out different when what’s in my head when I start to write.

**How much control do your characters have over the outcome of the book? Did they throw any curve balls balls at you in Playing the Game?**

Yes, the characters have a lot of control over my work, apparently. I find they all become bossy. Definitely curve balls are thrown in, such as Brad- he was not to die and Derek was to finish out his playing career due to an injury, not by choice.

Describe Derek in five words.

Dominate, Fierce, Loving, Caretaker and HOT

Describe Liz in five words.

Soft, Outgoing, Quiet, Nurturing and Passionate

What was going through Derek’s mind when he first held Liz’s son, Ryder?

I think tons of emotions were running through his head at one time. It’s hard to pin point which one to really focus on, a lot was happening at his point in time of the book.

**Do you have a favorite scene/moment in Playing the Game?**

Chapter twelve is one of my favorites because it’s real life. My favorite line is “Press Cougar Claudia.” LOL it still makes me laugh.

**Do you identify with any of the characters in Playing the Game?**

I have Kirsten work ethic but I also am entune to Liz’s nurturing.

**Do you plan to write more about any of the characters in Playing the Game? Maybe one of Derek’s team members?**

Adam and Caroline’s story is next followed by Logan and Steve’s. So far I have no plan to write another hockey book but if I was, I think Jonesy would get a book.

Do you aim for a certain number of pages or words each day?

No, I’m an erratic writer. With so much going on, on the farm at different times of the year it’s hard to sit and write some days. One day I will write eight pages, the next three days nothing then fifteen pages. My goal is to get two books out a year… maybe three.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I didn’t know I wanted to become an author, it wasn’t my intent at all. I have my schooling to teach special needs children and when I stopped teaching to have my family, writing found me when my youngest started kindergarten full time.

You have a number of books released, do you have a favorite?

Currently I have six books published with hopefully two more on the way this year and two more covers complete after that… with another one being developed in August.

When you’re not writing, what can you be found doing?

Reading, traveling, farming, 4H and of course chilling with my family and friends.

What are you writing now? Anything you can tell us about it?

When I come back from A Weekend With The Authors, in Nashville in May I am going to be starting an MC (motorcycle series) Waking Up In Leather. It’s not going to be your traditional MC book, it will focus more on romance but of course there will be crude things involved.

What is something that you find particularly challenging about writing or being an author in general?

The most challenging for me is to stick to deadlines, I absolutely SUCK at them. The other is reaching out to my readers, I wish there was additional ways to meet more of them, find out their story. I love book signings for this reason I don’t necessarily sell myself, I’d much rather meet the readers.

What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

Write for you and no one else! You will not please everyone and nor should you. Write because it’s a passion for you, not for another way to make an income- because it’s that’s the case you will be eating mac and cheese forever.

Do you have any writing rituals? Anything you must have while writing? Coffee? Candy? etc.

Candy, I eat so much candy it’s sickening really and when I edit I binge eat everything.

Who influenced your writing/life the most?

No one influences my writing because I write for me and what I want to read. But I will say this journey all started when I was thirty and I read my first ever book beginning to cover, then the entire series in three days. Thanks to Twilight.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

I truly can’t thank my readers and bloggers enough. This past year was a nightmare and each and every reader and blogger stuck by me till the bitter end and for that they will always have my gratitude.

What are the names of your published books and where can we purchase them?

With Love

The Game

Playing The Game

Falling For Bentley

Catching Haley

Haley & Bentley

All my books are available where most e-books are sold

What is next for you?

Waking Up In Leather (MC Series) 2016

He’s My Home (spin off to Falling For Bentley Series) Travis & Whitney 2016

Strings (YA) 2017

Fear (MMA) 2017

Breakaway (YA) 2018

Fighting The Game (??) Adam & Caroline

Negotiating The Game (??) Steve & Logan

What reviewers are saying…

“I have been anticipating this book forever and I can happily say I was not disappointed.” Sweet Love

“I loved the part with Press Cougar Claudia.” Rebecca A

“Pages were so well written and you feel the emotion of the characters point of view.” CeeJays Reading Review

“Such a refreshing story.” T. Cantu

“The perfect sequel to The Game. Just like in all of Shawnte’s books, Playing The Game gives the reader exactly what they are looking and hoping for.” Ariel

“5 hockey puck stars!!!” Melissa M

“If you enjoy funny banter, crazy best friends, and sweet and supportive friends then this is a series for you.” Keri Q

“WOW!! Awesome book!! I thought I loved Derek from The Game until I read this book! My love & admiration for this character is 100 times more!!” Jenny S

“This book tugged at everything in my heart, oh man, all the feels. Shawnte wrote the hell out of this book.” Silvia S

“Story worth reading, it tender, it grabs you by your heart and you shed tears and then laugh.” Jara B

All about the Author:

Shawnte is an international bestselling romance author with her Falling for Bentley series. She hales from central Alberta, Canada. Where she is a mother of two and co-owns a cow/calf operation with her husband of twelve years. As much as she fusses about farming, she enjoys the rural living lifestyle it offers.

When Shawnté is not sitting at her kitchen table hammering away on her laptop while watching the moose chase her cows across the yard, yes this really happens. Then she is busy attend school activities, community events and chauffeuring children here and there. She is big on playing softball and watching hockey.

When the time comes to relax, you will find her snuggled underneath her down comforter reading on her Ipad. Wait…who are we kidding, if the dishes, vacuuming, laundry or the bathrooms needs a hose down, you’ll always hear her say, “Just after this chapter.” She doesn’t have a favorite author or best story because everyday she falls in love with someone new.

You will find Shawnte on Facebook, Twitter and TSU. Please go like her page and leave a review/star rating on the books she’s wrote that you fell in love with.

Facebook – Website – Twitter

Tieryn’s Fury by Abigail Owen #review

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1623210386

Posted by brriske

TIERYN’S FURY (SHADOWCAT NATION #3)

The day Shane Callahan lost his wife and was forced to run from the only home they’d ever known was the day he’d vowed he’d kill every last man responsible. He’s waited years in hiding, but is finally on the verge of taking his revenge. Until he is assigned to protect a Healer and is forced to halt in his quest.

As the Alpha’s daughter and the Healer in her Dare of mountain lion shifters, Tieryn McGraw has enjoyed a privileged life. As the fiancé of the next Alpha in line, she expects that to continue. But then she ends up on the run with a man determined not to like her…and who makes her question everything about her decisions and her future.

Shane needs her to heal more than his body. But can Tieryn heal his soul and prove to him that love is a higher purpose than revenge?

I give this book 5 hearts

I’ve read all the books in this series and while they are all stand alone’s really to enjoy them fully they should be read in order. Each book has elements and characters from the previous book so it makes for a richer experience when read consecutively. That was my PSA now for the review.

Just like the previous books I absolutely loved this one.

Tieryn is a smart, sexy kuharte with the ability to heal others, but she is also harboring a second ability unheard of amongst the shifter world.

When she agrees to attend the kuharte rights meeting without her fathers permission ( who also happens to be an alpha) she is assigned Shane as a bodyguard by Sarai who of course has foreseen all this. He’s tall, dark, handsome and has attitude to spare, but he is is also hiding a promise that’s darkening his soul.

The Sparks don’t exactly fly with these two as much as some of the others more like a slow leak on a gas stove until the tension is so thick a single match will cause an inferno. My favorite couple to date they are perfect for each other and this book is fast paced, action packed and sexy as sin. There are also a lot of revelations in this one that have eluded readers in the previous books, goddesses, witches, and all out shifter war.

Tieryn’s ability will prove more important than any other when the dares are attacked and she must flee for her life with Shane. He has vowed to keep her safe but even with explosions and bullets flying the biggest danger may just be from a broken heart.

http://abigailowen.com/available-books/shadowcat-nation-series/tieryns-fury/

—

1 Comment

Interviewing Storm.

Posted by brriske

An Interview with STORM

Storm sits in the big leather chair in my studio. He stretches his legs out straight in a mock pose of nonchalance hoping to make me believe he’s not nervous. He looks around the room because he’s never been to the new house.

Victoria: How are you?

Storm: Okay. You?

Victoria: Good as gold. You want something?

Storm: You’re the one who brought me here. I assume you want something.

Victoria: I mean to drink, maybe? Coffee?

Storm: He looks perturbed. No. I don’t want coffee. I want you to say you haven’t called me in to let me know you’re about to run my family through another wringer.

Victoria: No. I’m sorry if that’s what you thought. You were needlessly concerned.

Storm: Then why am I here?

Victoria: You know you’ve managed to escape giving an interview for almost three years. It’s simply your turn.

Storm: My turn.

Victoria: People love you and want to hear what you have to say.

Storm: They can hear what I have to say in the books.

Victoria: Well, that’s true, but in the books you’re reacting to various circumstances. Here you can decide what to talk about.

Storm: Well. That is novel.

Victoria: Grins. Funny.

Storm: Are you sick?

Victoria: Well, yeah, as a matter of fact. I went to this author conference in Austin and came back with this awful cold thing. Breathing used to be easy.

Storm: You look bad.

Victoria: Thanks. Have you been taking honesty lessons from Ram?

Storm: I didn’t mean you look bad that way.

Victoria: Well, that’s a relief. So what’s been on your mind?

Storm: Same thing as always. I want take my wife home to the villa and never have to leave there again. Never have to think about vampire or hunting or anything Black Swan.

Victoria: Hmmm.

Storm: You know we all hate it when you do that.

Victoria: Do what?

Storm: When you say ‘hmmm’. Don’t play dumb.

Victoria: I’m not playing dumb. I’m sick. And I promised to have this interview finished before Thursday. You could take a little of the burden. Broad shoulders and all that.

Storm: He barked out a laugh. You’re the one who wants the interview. I’m happy to just sit here and pet the dog.

Victoria: Yawns.

Storm: Looks like you’re the one who needs coffee.

Victoria: You can’t feed germs coffee.

Storm: Why not?

Victoria: Because it would be bad.

Storm: You have some odd ideas.

Victoria: So do you.

Storm: Like what?

Victoria: Like thinking that grape farming is fun.

Storm: He gapes. It’s not farming. Growing grapes destined to become wine is an art form. You should try it. You ought to see the place in February when the mustard is in bloom. Yellow and green as far as the eye can see until the land drops off to the Pacific. There’s nothing like seeing little green buds starting to peek out of sticks in the spring time. It’s the closest thing to godliness that I can imagine.

Victoria: Sounds kind of poetic.

Storm: Call it what you want. It’s the opposite of vampire hunting. In every way including the fact that you do it in the daytime. And it’s what I want to do. When are you going to let me go home and stay there?

Victoria: Litha says you want more children.

Storm: She told you that?

Victoria: Yes.

Storm: We do, but you have to release me from vampire hunting first. I’m not getting any younger you know. If I keep going out, sooner or later I’m not going to be fast enough to get out of the way of a fang or a torn fingernail. Then what are you gonna tell your readers. If you think they were mad about Carnal…

Victoria: I know. I hear you. I really do. I’ll work on it.

Storm: Can I go now?

Victoria: All right.

Storm: You need to go to bed anyway.

Victoria: Okay. Later.

In Flight by Rachael Orman #Review

iTunes-

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/in-flight-erotic-menage-romance/id1099326170

Posted by brriske

in flight banner.jpg

Available Now On

Audible and iTunes

In Flight

By Rachael Orman

Synopsis

All it took was for the right, older man to sit next to me. That flight changed my life. What started out as boring, small talk swiftly changed to
flirting. Things got out of hand for a while, but he made sure to leave me with memories I’ll never forget.

Then he took me home to meet his twin brother and introduce me to what it’s like to have the full attention of two men at the same time.

*Erotic Short Story about Older MEN and younger woman – M/F/M*

Order your copy today!

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1WcTh38

Audible- http://amzn.to/1WcTjbl

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Excerpt

Shifting in his seat, he turned toward me so our knees bumped in the small space. He unbuttoned his jacket and shrugged it off, revealing a crisp white
dress shirt and multi-hued tie before draping it over his lap.

“How about…what do you do when you aren’t at work? For fun, that is.” I moved so I was turned toward him as I asked the first question I could think of.

His lips pressed together, making it appear he was fighting to hide a smile. “I like to tie up and spank young women.”

If I hadn’t seen the sparkle in his eye, I would’ve thought he was completely serious from his tone of voice. Not to mention, the smile he was fighting to
hide.

“Well, sir, that’s awfully forward to share.” I returned the smile. Little did he know that I actually enjoyed such things.

“You asked. I simply answered. What do you like to do outside of work? I shared something personal, so you have to, too.” His sparkling brown eyes met mine
in an unspoken challenge. Things had swiftly moved from friendly to flirting, and I was okay with that. Not that I normally found older men attractive, but
I liked how bold he was. Somehow, he managed to find the balance between being extremely forward without crossing over into creepy.

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“Now, now… That wouldn’t be fair,” an unexpected voice said from the other side of the room. My legs dropped from around Ben’s waist as my eyes searched
for the source of the voice. Standing with one shoulder leaning against the wall of windows was a near replica of Ben, only in jeans and a t-shirt instead
of the button-up shirt and slacks that Ben wore.

“Ah, horrible timing as usual. Summer, meet Bryce, my twin. I told you I had a surprise for you. Although, now I’m wondering if I should’ve saved you all
for myself.” Ben nipped at my bottom lip before stepping back. “After our little adventure on the plane, I knew you would be just the right woman to share
with my brother. See, it takes a special woman to keep the interest of two men. A woman who can handle having the full attention of two men, four hands,
two tongues, and two needy cocks. Do you think you can handle it?”

I received a copy of this book from Rachael in exchange for an honest review. I am going to start by talking about the plot. I felt that it was a bit predictable in the long haul but there were glimpses of greatness in the heat. I had a hard time with two brothers sharing a girl because it is a bit taboo for me. I love erotic, but this one pushed my limits a bit. I also felt like the narrator ruined it a bit for me too because in the beginning half of the book her voice really echoed into the mic and had really sharp enunciation. I give this short novella a three.

Author Bio

Happily married mother of two darling, trying, beautiful, horribly energetic little girls, an adorable German Shepherd pup who makes her get off her butt
and at least go for a walk around the block, and a fat, old, lazy chihuahua.

When she isn’t spending all her time writing dirty, sexy, naughty erotic romances, she is narrating audiobooks and helping run a LBGT blog.

Rachael loves to push herself to write new things so her books vary from heterosexual romances to gay/lesbian romances to menage romances… She couldn’t
imagine writing outside of the romance genre since that’s what life is all about.. Love, sex, happiness.

She is a full supporter of the LBGT community and equality for all.

Please connect with her as she loves to know that people appreciate the time and energy she puts into each story.

Stalk Her

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/WriterRachaelOrman

Facebook Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/319935214830087

Facebook Audiobook Narrator Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeColeNarrator

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachaelOrman

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2ax2j

Fire by Hilary Storm and Kathy Coopmans #Review

Posted by brriske

Presents

FIRE

By Kathy Coopmans & Hilary Storm

What happens when his mission is to get the girl?

Find out in the conclusion of The Elite Forces Series in

FIRE by Kathy Coopmans & Hilary Storm. #MilitaryRomance

Pre-order your copy for an April 26th release here:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MsfGI7

iBooks: http://apple.co/1SMpdZF

Nook: http://bit.ly/1MOmOyi

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ovNp7C

Blurb

The moment you think you have it all is when it vanishes right before your eyes.

He had one final mission, but who knew it would go wrong? Kaleb Maverick is now fighting for his life. The life he wants to share with the woman he loves. The Fire inside him not only burns for her, it sizzles.

Jade Elliott has lost one man in her life. She’s determined not to lose another. The coldness in her heart can’t handle another loss like that. She refuses to let Kaleb go.

He’s the Fire to her Ice. She’s the Ice to his Fire. Together they cause an explosion so hot that someone is bound to get torched.

Dear heavens! Jade has fallen, and fallen hard. She is strong and the most elite female in her squad yet has been brought to her knees by the touch of one special guy. How did she let him so deep in her soul so quickly? He has been taken and she is determined to save him, despite the danger it puts her in.

Fire is hot, but is being tormented by his captor. He is being tortured in the worst ways and all he can think of is the brief time that he has felt love, Jade’s love. He hears her screams as his team drags her out of danger and hopes that she can survive his loss.

When they are finally together again, will the secrets he has kept and continues to keep break them?

Fire and Ice is the perfect way to describe this couple and the relationship that is built. One could ultimately destroy the other and it is evident in every aspect of this story. I love the connections of the characters and how the camaraderie is so high. We always here about how close military units are but the author shows just how strong the connection is through every word written in this book.

Great love story, lots of angst and lots of heat. Recommended for a mature but spicy audience. Five Stars!

Ice (Book One) The Elite Forces Series

NOW ONLY $0.99!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qmuP3a

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Qs0biG

iBooks: http://apple.co/1OPZxGe

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1PGGrGB

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1VohMrL

About the Authors:

Kathy Coopmans

Amazon Best Selling Author Kathy Coopmans, lives in Michigan with her husband Tony where they have two grown sons.

After raising her children she decided to publish her first book and retiring from being a hairstylist.

She now writes full time.

She’s a huge sports fan with her favorite being Football and Tennis.

She’s a giver and will do anything she can to help another person succeed!

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Newsletter signup

Hilary Storm

Hilary Storm lives with her high school sweetheart and three children in Oklahoma. She drives her husband crazy talking about book characters everyday like they are real people. She graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with an MBA in Accounting. Her passions include being a mom, writing, reading, photography, music, mocha coffee, and spending time with friends and family. She is the international best-selling author of the Rebel Walking Series, Bryant Brothers Series, Inked Brothers Series, and Six.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Amazon Page

THANK YOU!

Blue Ocean Bob by Brooks Olbrys #kidreview

Apr 28

Posted by brriske

The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob – Into the Lead

by Brooks Olbrys

Genre: Children’s

Synopsis:
What if children’s books could help teach our kids fundamental principles for life-long success? This is the question that author, attorney, business owner and father, Brooks Olbrys asked six years ago when he began writing The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob books for children. Inspired by his young son and encouraged by motivational author and speaker Bob Proctor, Olbrys created a series of colorful, rhyming books that introduces children to timeless achievement principles wrapped in an oceanic “hero’s journey.” Olbrys distilled the lessons in the books from the teachings of experts on personal achievement Bob Proctor, Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, and Wallace Wattles, among others.

In the latest book in the series, The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob – Into the Lead, Blue Ocean Bob progresses from a job as an assistant marine biologist into a new leadership role on the island and learns valuable lessons about courage, creativity, decision-making, action and leadership. After an earthquake hits, Bob faces a series of new challenges on his quest to protect the surrounding sea and its creatures. As he does in the prior books, Bob turns to Doc the turtle, Wallace the walrus and Earl the clam for sage advice and guidance. But when his mentor, Mary Marine, is called away to a distant island, Bob puts his fears aside and steps into her shoes, ultimately recruiting an assistant of his own.
Distinguishing the series, Olbrys says, “Blue Ocean Bob books substitute worldly and aquatic challenges for evil forces or characters. Instead of facing villains or fighting battles, Bob must overcome his own fears, and the doubts of his companion Xena, each time he confronts a new challenge.”

Our family has been fortunate enough to have been able review all three books in this set. I have an eight year old boy and a six year old girl and they love Blue Ocean Bob. One of the things they like about him is how he never quits. He has struggles, feels defeated and then pushes on. They also love that he has such great animal friends that motivate him. One thing I will say about this book in the series is that I am noticing the words becoming more challenging for my son to read and understand. This is fine for me because it forces my son to ask me what a word means and learn comprehension but if you are a hands off sort of parent when it comes to reading it may get your kid feeling a little confused. Great chapter book, great illustrations to go along with it. Five kid stars.

About the book:
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob – Into the Lead by Brooks Olbrys
ISBN: 978-0982961377
Publisher: Children’s Success Unlimited
Date of publish: April 2016
Pages: 56
S.R.P.: $12.95

About the author:
A graduate of Stanford University, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts, and the University of California at Berkeley School of Law, Brooks Olbrys is the founder of Children’s Success Unlimited and a managing director at investment bank Ion Partners. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1622561375

Young Vampire’s Survival Guide by Lucy Eldritch #review

Apr 28

Posted by brriske

About the Book

Title: Young Vampire’s Survival Guide

Author: Lucy Eldritch

Genre: Vampires / Urban Paranormal / Horror

Within a month of being bitten, it cost the life of Robert James’ best friend. Within a year, hundreds had died. All because of him.

Until Robert was bitten, he was a regular college student. Now he seems to be the reluctant future of vampire kind and his world has been turned upside down. Pursued by the Dawn Warriors – a group dedicated to cleansing the world of evil – Robert’s survival is at stake. Literally.

This is the first in the New Breed Vampire Series by Lucy Eldritch. In this book she introduces us to Robert James. Robert is a student in university and he is bitten and turned into a new breed of vampire.

This is a the story of Robert finding his way as a vampire, living up to his destiny as the first in a new breed of vampire, and surviving the threats of the Dawn Warriors that are set out to destroy him. Will he succeed or will he be killed along with all of those he once cared for.

Ms. Eldritch writes with flare and if you can work your way around of few britishisms that I found difficult to grasp from time to time. Her characters are strong and well developed and draw you in if you like this type of story. I had some difficulty but it isn’t my normal read from time to time I like to pull myself out of my reading zone.

If you are looking for a different kind of vampire story, I would recommend this to you. It is a bit gruesome in places but it’s an interesting read. Warning – the book does end with a cliffhanger of an ending which may compel me to have to read the next installment when it becomes available.

I am an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RZRGIL1T6KJX0/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Author Bio

I’m Lucy Eldritch and I write paranormal-horror-urban-fantasy-vampire fiction set mainly in Manchester (the one in the UK, not the one in New Hampshire) and London. I also love red wine, but I suspect that’s not really something I should mention. Not professional. Something like that. So, consider it un-mentioned.

You can find me here:

http://www.vampirebookseries.com

https://twitter.com/lucyeldritch.com

And buy the books here:

Good Enough By Taryn Steele

Apr 28

Posted by brriske

Title: Good Enough

Author: Taryn Steele

Genre : Romance

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14823381.Taryn_Steele

The past doesn’t have to define the future…

With an abusive past that continues to haunt her, Hillary can only dream of a life in which she’s happy.

And when Jameson, a shy boy she never noticed in high school, reappears in her life, she starts to wonder if her dreams can become reality.

Hillary must overcome her feelings of insecurity, and past fears if she wants their relationship to survive. But with the love she’s always craved being so close, perhaps it’s time to stop listening to the voices telling her that she isn’t good enough.

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By day, Taryn is a dedicated wife and mother who works full time. By night, she continues her wife and mother duties, while plugging away at the keyboard to bring her stories and characters to life.

Taryn is an avid reader. If a story sucks her in she will stay up all hours of the night to finish it. Her favorite part of reading is when her rescue dog Ruby curls up with her.

Taryn is a big sports fan. Being a New Englander all of her life her heart belongs to the Boston Red Sox. When it comes to hockey, she follows her husband’s family and supports the Montreal Canadiens.

If you have a love/hate relationship with coffee, wine or beer like Taryn she will instantly befriend you.

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Vampire Hunter Vol 1 by Leonard D. Hilley II #review #giveaway #bewitching

Apr 27

Posted by brriske

Forrest Wollinsky:

Vampire Hunter Vol. One

Leonard D. Hilley II

Genre: YA Friendly; Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Publisher: Nocturnal Trinity Press

Date of Publication: March 13, 2016

ASIN: B01CZ4LKBQ

Number of pages: 266

Word Count: ~83,000

Book Description:

“Killing Vampires Since 1888.”

I was born in Bucharest in 1880 in the heart of the vampire population. At eight years old, I was considered a freak of nature since I was already the size of an adult male. Other children my age, and some of my teachers, shunned me.

Being rejected by one’s peers cuts deeply. Then I met my first werewolf and discovered a master vampire was plotting to kill me because of what I am. From that moment, my destiny stole my future aspirations all men grow up wanting.

This is how my destiny begins.

Amazon

Excerpt:

Chapter One

The Beginning

Bucharest, 1888

The wind howled like an awakening banshee as it swirled and lashed around our snow-covered cottage nestled in the barren trees at the edge of the forest. I was only eight years old, but it was the harshest winter in my one hundred and thirty-odd year memory.

My father had been gone for several days, which wasn’t unusual. Mother had said that he was hunting and should return soon, but the blizzard had set in with a fury, burying the roads, fields, and the forest floor beneath several feet of snow. Wherever he was, he’d be stuck for quite some time.

Snowdrifts lined three sides of our meager cottage and the snowstorm had barely started. The outside layers of snow helped insulate our rugged home. The warmth of the fire felt like the heat of summer, making it almost easy to forget about the freezing howling winds outside.

The hearth fire crackled softly under a black bubbling pot of rabbit stew. Garlic cloves were strung together above a basket of dried yams. We had enough food to last out the week, which made me wonder why my father had chosen to hunt during the worst of the blizzard.

My mother sat in her creaky rocker and was sewing a new coat for me from rabbit hides. Only eight, I was as husky and tall as a young man in his teens. It seemed that I outgrew my clothes about as quickly as she could make new ones.

While she sewed, I sat near the fire and sharpened a long curved dagger my father had given me. He had traded fox hides for the blade, and I expected to soon use it whenever my father returned with his kill.

A slight pause in the winds caused my mother to stop rocking. She leaned slightly forward and cocked her head to the side. The curious frown on her face caught my attention. I set down the whetstone and rose to my feet.

A gentle rapping at the door was faintly noticeable since the winds had quieted, and probably would have gone completely unnoticed had they continued to whistle. But there it was again.

Rap-rap-rap.

A bit bolder, but not overly pronounced or with desperation.

With my dagger gripped in my hand I eased toward the door. Confusion furrowed my mother’s brow. She set her quilt aside and held her scissors to her side, ready to help fend off whatever danger awaited outside that door.

Stepping to the side of the door, I lifted the metal latch that secured the door and eased it against the door panel, careful to be silent.

Rap-rap-rap.

Without fear, I grabbed the large oval handle and yanked open the door. A whoosh of cold air sprang forward, sucking out our much-treasured heat.

On the path directly outside the door, the snow was stained crimson beneath the gray overcast sky. A trail of blood cut farther down the path into the forest. Large heavy snowflakes dropped, steadily trying to erase the blood path. No other tracks were in the snow. No bandits or attackers were visible amongst the snowy tree trunks. The bloody path ended at the door where the body lay.

A desperate weak hand shook, reaching up for me.

“John!” my mother shouted, running across the room to the door.

In terror I stared down into my father’s haunted eyes, barely recognizing him. His face was battered, and his eyes were swollen nearly shut. Blood caked in his graying beard. His useless legs twisted behind him. How far he had crawled or how he had managed to do so with the amount of blood he had lost? It was a mystery then, and remains so even to this day. By every means he should have been dead, long before he got to the door, but his stubborn determination enabled him to ignore his pain and fight to pull himself back home.

I sheathed my dagger and grabbed his nearly frozen hand, heaving him out of the snow and across the threshold. Mother quickly closed and secured the door when we were safely inside.

My father’s cold hand fell from my grip and a huge sigh gushed from his mouth as he lost consciousness.

“Father?” I asked, dropping to my knees in front of him. Blood trickled from his nose. I glanced toward Momma. “What happened to him?”

“Get him to the bed,” she said, wiping away tears.

Placing my hands beneath his underarms, I lifted, pulling him up enough to wrap my arms around his chest until he was upright. His body was cold, but the heat of his leaking wounds stuck to me. I cringed. So much blood. I fought tears. He was dying. Had to be. Nothing lost so much blood and survived.

My father wasn’t a massive man, like he and my mother always insisted I would become. He actually weighed less than I and was several inches shorter. In spite of his stature, he was a crafty fighter, capable of defending himself against men twice his size. Stout and thinly muscular, he had incredible strength and feared no one.

For once, I was proud of my abnormally large size and his lack thereof. I hefted him and walked toward the bed, his boots scraping the wooden floor as I moved. Gurgling sounds rumbled in his throat.

“A bear?” I asked, looking at her. “Was he attacked by a bear?”

Mother brought a pail of lukewarm water and set it by the bed. She shook her head and tore strips of cloth.

I eased my father onto the bed and laid him back. He gasped and groaned in pain, but his eyes never opened.

“Strip off his coat,” she said. “His boots, too.”

I quickly obeyed.

She peeled back his shirt, revealing long gashes across his chest and abdomen. The lacerations were too narrow to be from bear claws, but the cuts were dark and deep. Older white scars were visible. On his chest above his heart was the singed outline of a cross. Two puncture marks near his shoulder were swollen, bruised. Two dark dots.

“What did this?” I asked, pointing at the wound. My fingers almost touched the marks, and she slapped my hand away.

“No!” she gasped.

“What kind of animal could do this?”

Her dark eyes were hollowed from fear. She was paler than normal and seemed more delicate.

“Mother, please tell me what did this to Father?”

She took a damp cloth and washed blood from his nose and beard. With another cloth, she washed his forehead. Tears heated her eyes. She spat out a word with complete contempt as she whispered, “Vampire.”

My chest tightened. Anger rippled inside me. “A vampire attacked him while he was hunting game?”

“No,” she replied. “He was hunting the vampire.”

“Why?”

“It is his calling, his duty. Magistrates and governors seek him out to kill vampires. They pay in gold and silver coins.”

I stared at my father’s frail body. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. “Why has he never told me?”

“To protect you.”

“From what?”

“Them.”

“Vampires?”

She nodded.

Frowning, I asked, “Why would they wish to harm me? My schoolmates tell tales that are quite scary. I’d never venture into one of their lairs.”

“You’re like your father, but you’re too young. In time you’ll be as fearless as he.”

“Too young for what, Mother?”

“To train to hunt the vampires.”

My eyes widened and fastened upon my father’s incapacitated body. He was barely alive. The possibility that he would die during the night was greater than the chance of him surviving his injuries. I didn’t think I was foolish enough to pursue the fanged demons of the night. Trained or not, hunting vampires was destined to become a short-lived profession.

“His legs are broken,” I said.

She nodded. “I know.”

Tears streamed down my mother’s cheeks. She cried quietly without calling attention to herself. I took a damp cloth and pressed it against one of the lacerations across my father’s stomach. I hoped the pressure might stop the bleeding. Some of the cuts were scabbing, but the two puncture wounds pulsed softly, in rhythm with his faint heartbeat. It was unnerving to witness, as if the injuries were alive, feeding off of his body.

While I held the cloth, her eyes widened. She rushed from the side of the bed and ran to black water pot near the hearth. She was back in seconds.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Momma was too frantic for words. She turned my father’s head to the side, pried open his mouth, and black blood oozed out. She took the damp cloth and inserted it into his mouth with her finger. She swirled her cloth-covered finger around the inside of his mouth like one washed a dish. When she pulled out the cloth, it was saturated with more of the dark blood.

“Is he bleeding that badly?” I asked.

She shook her head. “It’s not his blood.”

“What?”

“Under the bed,” she said softly. “Get the box.”

I lowered to my knees and peered under the bed. I grabbed the handle and pulled the heavy suitcase box out, scraping the floor loudly.

I lifted the heavy box and set it on the edge of the bed.

“Open it,” she said.

I did.

Inside of the box were several sharp wooden stakes, a wooden mallet, a silver cross, glass vials filled with powder, and more glass vials filled with clear liquid. My mother took one vial of the liquid, read the label, and popped the cork. She walked around to the other side of the bed.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“The puncture marks have to be purified and cleansed. Or your father will become a vampire.”

“How?”

“The bite somehow causes the victim to turn. Don’t ask me how. Your father would know but—” Her voice broke into sobs.

I wanted to tell her that he was going to be okay, but I couldn’t tell a lie that convincingly. His condition was severe. No way to deny it.

Then the revelation gripped me. I suddenly realized his injuries were intentionally far worse than I had imagined. The vampire who had inflicted the damage upon my father intended for him to die so that he, too, would become a vampire.

“What’s in the vial?” I asked.

“Holy water.”

“That will cure him?”

Mother replied, “If we can fully cleanse the wound, it’s possible that we can save him. But, it’s painful for him to endure. In his weakened condition, the cure might well kill him.”

“And if that should happen?”

“You will have to drive a stake through his heart. I can’t . . . I simply can’t do it.”

Stunned, I looked into her eyes with uncertainty, questioning. She nodded solemnly. I knew the depth of her love for my father prevented her from killing him, even if he were to turn, but I wondered if I was capable. Could I drive a stake through the heart of my father? In the matter of age, I was still a boy, struggling with a problem that only an adult should have to consider. I had to shoulder the responsibility but how?

Forrest Wollinsky: Vampire Hunter is about the beginnings of Forrest and how he found out he was destined to be a vampire hunter. The book starts out in Bucharest, Romania in 1888 when Forrest was eight years old. Forrest and his mother have been waiting several days for his father to come home from hunting, which was not unusual. It is storming outside and the snow is turning into a blizzard, but during a lull they hear a very faint knocking on the door. They go to check it out and find Forrest’s father, John who has somehow managed to crawl home when he should be dead from his injuries. Forrest’s mother quickly realizes that her husband’s injuries are even more serious, as he has also been bitten and if he dies will turn into a vampire and attack the two of them. Forrest gets his dad’s hunter’s box and in it is holy water which his mother uses to wash out the bite marks. She also washed out her husband’s mouth of the blood from the vampire that had been put there to try to make him drink it. John’s legs had been both shattered, and he was bleeding from many places. Forrest did not see how his father could possibly make it. After dealing with the bite, Forrest goes out to try to find some wood to use as braces for his father’s legs. He immediately notices something strange, going on outside, with bats in a huge flock, only as they dive at him trying to scare him, Forrest does not even flinch at all. After they tried to scare Forrest and could not the bats came together, assembling themselves into a form on the ground. It was none other than, Baron Randolph, who it seems is a master vampire. He wanted to go in and finish off Forrest’s father, but Forrest stood firm in his path not realizing how dangerous this man was. But with the comfort from the dagger his father gave him, he stands firm and the Baron leaves without doing any further harm. To find out what happens next you will have to read yourself.

This book is great. I was immediately drawn into the story. I really liked the way the characters were developed and unfolded. I believe anyone who likes vampire stories would really enjoy this book. I think this would be a book for anyone who enjoys paranormal stories and I hope there more books to follow soon.

I’m giving this book 5 hearts

Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1614478949 – Goodreads- Forrest Wollinsky:

Vampire Hunter

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1UH74J9LJZFLD/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm -Amazon- Forrest

Wollinsky: Vampire Hunter

About the Author:

Leonard D. Hilley II grew up in Fort Payne, AL, where his never-ending curiosity introduced him to the world of biology and books. During his youth he was an avid insect collector and reared butterflies and moths. His love for science eventually merged with his writing. He currently resides in Marietta, Ohio, where he writes science fiction thrillers, epic high fantasy, and YA mysteries.

Education: B.S. Biology; MFA in Creative Writing

Leonard D. Hilley II is the author of Predators of Darkness: Aftermath, Beyond the Darkness, The Game of Pawns, Death’s Valley, Shawndirea, and Devils’ Den.

Leonard D. Hilley II also writes short stories for YA. Two books were inspired by his love of biology: Rearing Dragons in My Backyard and Fiddling Worms. He also writes a mystery series for YA: Dee’s Mystery Solvers.

@Deimosweb

https://www.facebook.com/Leonard-D-Hilley-IIauthor-page-157289854329916/

Tour giveaway

10 digital copies of Forrest Wollinsky: Vampire Hunter