Hidden Virtual Book Tour

HIDDEN

By

M. Lathan

BLURB:  

Sixteen-year-old Leah Grant has given up on being normal. She’d settle for stopping the voices in her head, intrusive visions of the future, and better odds of making it to her seventeenth birthday.

That’s the thing about pretending to be human in a world where magic used to exist – at any moment, her cover could be blown and she’ll be burned to death like the rest of the witches.

Everything changes when she loses control of her powers and flees the orphanage she grew up in. She desperately wants to be invisible but finds her face plastered on every news channel as humans panic over the possible resurgence of her kind. And now the hunters won’t give up until they find her.

Making friends for the first time in her life and falling in love with one of them drives her to discover why she is unlike any being she’s ever met – human or otherwise. The dangerous powers inside of her that would repel Nathan, her new, handsome reason for living, are priceless to some. The locked up forever kind of priceless. And to others, they are too dangerous to allow her to live.

Let’s hope she can stay hidden.

A far second to oranges, the song I sang in the shower every night had a way of soothing me. More than anything, it made me tired enough to fall asleep. With Whitney gone, I didn’t have to whisper it.

The stars are out,

It’s time for bed.

Now close your eyes,

And rest your head.

May angels shield you with their wings,

As you dream your little angel dreams.

I didn’t recall composing that song, but apparently, I used to think I was good and perfect like the angels. I knew better now.

I stepped out of the shower and tugged a brush through my unruly brown tangles. I stared into the mirror over the sink as I started the song again. My skin screamed winter. I should be a warmer tan; I looked less creepy in the summer. Maybe that was why the girls had been digging into me so hard. I looked rather witchy. The unease that made them mock me was probably their souls warning them, urging them to notice I was different and dangerous.

At my worst, it feels like the fire that could easily shoot from my palm is raging inside of me. My heart picks up, more than when I’m scared. It pounds, I can’t hear. My blood dances, taunting me, begging me to hurt whoever’s hurt me. And I know that I can. I feel that I can.

But I don’t. I breathe and pray and let the magic cool.

Review:

Hidden is a classic girl is bullied and comes out strong story. Leah is a witch surrounded by catty girls in a boarding school. She is an orphan in a world that has taken over all forms of magical creatures. She has been forced to hide what she is and suffers from self loathing and depression. Depression is rage turned inward and that is very real in this case. She has been made to feel that the magical parts of her are from the devil. 

The thing that struck me first about this book was the dark bubbling feeling that crept up from Leah. She really believes she is evil and tries to keep her inner demons, so to speak, at bay, even when the horrid girls taunt and tease her to the point of tears. (I think I would have zotted them myself.) When she is at a breaking point and about to flame on and turn them into a pile of ash, a witch steps in and whisks her away into an epic story full of magic, wonder and mystery.

The paranormal elements were enjoyable and I really felt akin to Leah. It is hard being different and knowing that somewhere at the root of what you are is wrong in everyone else's eyes. Being a teen misfit, I can totally get her want to be invisible and the impotent rage that smacks of a Carrie meltdown in the making. (I rooted for Carrie too.) 

The story development was a little slow and I had to re-read a few parts that were a little sudden, but all in all I enjoyed the book and thought it was a good start to a series with a lot of potential. 

3/5

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

M. Lathan lives in San Antonio with her husband and mini-schnauzer. She enjoys writing and has a B.S. in Psych and a Masters in Counseling. Her passion is a blend of her two interests – creating new worlds and stocking them with crazy people. She enjoys reading anything with interesting characters and writing in front of a window while asking rhetorical questions … like her idol Carrie Bradshaw.  

Links

Website: mlathan.com

Twitter: @hiddenseries

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hiddenseries/

Buy links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=B00A6301BO

Waning Moon Book Tour

Waning Moon

by PJ Sharon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

In the year 2057, in a post-apocalyptic world where a global shift threatens the remainder of the population with extinction, sixteen-year-old genetically enhanced Lily Charmichael has more immediate problems. Her uncle is dying of cancer and her healing abilities are ineffective against the blood ties that bind them. In order to find a cure, Lily must leave the protection of her quiet town and journey into the trading city of Albany, all while avoiding the Industry, an agency that would like nothing better than to study and exploit her abilities.

 Seventeen-year-old Will Callahan has been searching for his father since severe storms blasted through the Midwest, killing his mother and sister. When he learns that his father may be in the city, he catches a ride with Lily, a girl who has come to his rescue more than once. As the two embark on a dangerous journey, the attraction between them grows. But the secrets Will’s keeping could put her in far more danger than traveling to the city with him, and if he was any kind of man, he would have told her to run the minute she found him.

“Wait,” I said before he got far, “I bet I could find you something to eat.” I tried to appeal to what I knew would work for any hungry male. “Would you like some of this?” I asked. My bag of premium jarred honey lay across my back, and I figured it wasn’t really a meal, but I was willing to bet he’d eat whatever he could get his hands on. Or maybe he could trade Mrs. Higgins for some soup or a place to bathe. She would likely offer him something herself once she saw him. He was clearly in need of both.

The boy eyed the honey as I pulled a glass jar out of my pack, but he put his hands up and backed away. “No, I...thanks anyway…I’ll be fine…I gotta go…” He spun away and strode across the street toward an alleyway. It wasn’t like I could invite him back to the farm. Sam would kill me if I brought home a stranger. His warnings rang clear in my head even as I caught up to the boy and grabbed his arm.

“C’mon. Let me…”

The stranger whirled around, his grey eyes cold and hard. “I don’t need some girl to rescue me!”

Stunned, I took a step back. Not only did his words come as a complete surprise, but the color of his eyes rendered me speechless. I hadn’t noticed beneath his shaggy bangs before, but his eyes were a crystalline blue-grey that reminded me of an icy lake or a stormy sky. Brilliant, backlit with sunshine, and rimmed by dark, thick lashes. I sucked in a breath, confused by somehow feeling happy while being horribly offended at the same time. My brain kicked in and my heart felt the sting.

Interview:

   1.  What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I love the creative part—the blast of energy that moves through me when a story is pouring onto the page and the characters are telling the story without me. It’s very weird, exciting, and magical all at the same time.

2. If the world was perfect, and you had complete dominion, what would
you change in your life?

I would either make ten more hours in a day, or clone myself so I could be in two places at one time. That would solve a lot of issues for me, LOL.

3. Tell us about your new book and the thing about it that resonates
most with you.

WANING MOON, the first book in THE CHRONICLES OF LILY CARMICHAEL trilogy takes place in the year 2057 in a post-apocalyptic world where three quarters of the population has been wiped out by a global pandemic, and a polar shift threatens the remainder of earth’s inhabitants with extinction. But sixteen-year-old genetically altered teen, Lily Carmichael, faces bigger challenges—escape capture by a rogue government agency, save her family, and avoid falling in love.

What resonates with me most about Lily’s story is her determination in doing the right thing. She has spent her life protecting her brother, not only from capture by the Industry, but from his own destructive ability to take life with just a touch. Lily is a healer, which I totally identify with. As a Massage Therapist, I understand the joy that Lily feels when she heals someone. She and I share the desire to heal a broken world one person at a time. I admire her commitment to her family, friends, and community. I also understand the powerful pull of first love and the pain and disappointment of betrayal.

4. What are some of your favorite authors?

I love Kristan Higgins who writes fabulous, heartwarming romantic comedies. I’m also a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon who wrote the Outlander series.

5. Do you have a playlist?

I have playlists for all of my books. Oddly, I haven’t developed one yet for WANING MOON. I need to work on that.

6. What was the toughest scene you ever had to write?

Tough question. There always seems to be one in every book. In Heaven Is For Heroes, it was the opening scene where Jordie has to bury her brother Levi. I lost my brother to suicide, and Levi’s character was based on my big brother. The book was very healing for me, but that was a tough scene to write. I also had several scenes in Savage Cinderella that were hard to get just right because of the sensitive nature of her abuse. I wanted to do justice to kidnap and abuse victims, but I didn’t want the scenes to be too graphic for teen readers.

7. Chocolate milkshake or vitamin water?

You’re kidding, right? A chocolate malted milkshake any day of the week.

8. Erotica or the classics?

It depends on my mood and where I’m at in life. I’ve been through both phases, but the classics are those books that I can go back and read again and again. Erotica is like brain candy. I crave it once in a while, but I get my fill quickly and need something more substantial to really satisfy me.

9. What advice would you give a new author?

Read, read, read! Read every book you can find on the craft of writing. Join a writer’s group, find some good critique partners and write, write, write. There’s nothing like practice to hone your craft and get you one step closer to your writing goals.

10. What are you working on now?

I have a few projects in the works. I just finished the short story prequel to the trilogy, called SOUL REDEMPTION, told from Lily’s brother Zephron’s point of view. The story will be part of the October Anthology with the WG2E (Writer’s Guide to E-publishing). I’ve outlined Book Two in the trilogy, WESTERN DESERT, and I’m beginning to do my research. In between working on the trilogy and promoting the first book, I’d like to finish a contemporary YA I started last year called 21 DAYS, about a teenage girl who goes on a European cruise with her grandmother in order to kick a drug habit. I may pitch that one to traditional publishers next summer if I can get it ready in time for the RWA National convention.

Thanks for being on the blog today!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I knew I would be a writer someday when I was a little girl sitting on my grandpa’s knee and telling him stories that he would help me put on paper. By the time I entered kindergarten I could already read and write, and I couldn’t wait to look up new words every morning in the ginormous Webster’s Dictionary that sat in the book case at the bottom of our stairs. I would get on the bus and ask my friends, “Do you know what pulchritudinous means?” Between that and challenging the boys to push-up contests at the bus stop, I mostly sat alone on those bus rides to school. But that just meant I had more time to make up stories.

I went on to many other endeavors in life, including the world of figure skating, and later, earning a black belt in martial arts. Though I was a mom at seventeen, I did manage to finish school and somehow made it through college, earning a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. After nineteen years, two sons, a divorce, and some fairly lean years, I found that it’s true what they say about life beginning at forty. It was about that time when I reunited with the love of my life and worked my way to owning my own business as a Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, and Yoga Instructor—all of my favorite things. To make my bliss complete, I moved out to the Berkshires and found my muse waiting for me there amongst the lilacs and humming birds.

I now write Extraordinary Stories of an Average Teenage Life in order to share hope with others, especially teens, that no matter how tough life gets, there is always a bright spot waiting just around the corner. My published books include the award winning YA Novels, HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES, ON THIN ICE, and SAVAGE CINDERELLA, available through Amazon and B&N Booksellers.

Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/pjsharonbooks

Twitter  http://www.twitter.com/pjsharon

Amazon Author Central  https://www.amazon.com/author/pjsharon

YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/pjsharon64

Pinterest  http://pinterest.com/pjsharon/

Good reads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5238865.P_J_Sharon

Secretsof7scribes  http://www.secretsof7scribes.com/

YABeyond  http://www.yabeyond.com/

PJ will be awarding an eBook copy of "Thin Ice" to one commenter at each stop and a $25 Amazon or BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

The Sweetest Taboo Virtual Tour

Sweetest Taboo

by Eva Marquez

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship.

I realized suddenly that I had gone from one extreme to the other in a few weeks. That was a mistake, and people were bound to notice. I couldn’t backtrack now, though – the damage was done. What was I supposed to say? “Yeah, I'm staying away from Mr. Stevens because I don’t want anyone to know I’m making out with him after practice” would never do.

“You know, he was pretty cool at first," I replied as nonchalantly as possible. “But one day I was late for practice and he made me go to the diving pool to swim laps. I’m not going to hang around with him if he’s going to be such a jerk, you know?”

That answer must have been good enough for Vicky, because she lightly tapped my shoulder and then jumped into the water to swim off. I laughed as I watched her swim away; she was doing the butterfly – badly – and bumping into other swimmers as she shimmied from side to side down the crowded lane. My smile faded, though, when I realized that she was probably voicing what everyone else had noticed as well. My sudden change of attitude had been just that – sudden and unexpected – and people were going to wonder why. I had to come up with a better story, and quick, or change my behavior again and hope that no one else said anything.

I wasn’t sure which option was best, or which would cause me more pain. Our late- afternoon rendezvous were becoming more and more intense, and my senses were becoming fragile. When I walked toward his classroom, now, I knew that there would be more physical contact, with less clothing. We hadn’t gone all the way yet, and Mr. Stevens was always very careful about my feelings – he asked me if I was okay with what we were doing every five minutes, it seemed – but we were both getting braver, and closer. I didn’t know if I could be close to him without really wanting him, but I was afraid of getting hurt.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was also starting to fall in love with him.

Q: Relationships between students and teachers is a really controversial issue in the media today. What inspired you to write about this in your debut novel?

A: I grew up as an immigrant in a lower-to-middle class Southern California suburb. So I tapped into that experience in ‘Sweetest Taboo’, which chronicles the love affair between a young Hispanic schoolgirl and her much older, married teacher. I drew from my experiences growing up to develop several plot ideas. Romantic experiences are universal. Provocative, illicit and risqué contexts do not take away from the experience of love, and that’s what this debut book sets out to communicate.

I was also intrigued by the news of one of my former teachers being convicted of [sexual] misconduct with a minor. Since I can remember, I have always been fascinated by similar stories making the news, but like many people, wondered about how these relationships originate and how they flourish under the radar. In Sweetest Taboo, I got to unravel one of these clandestine relationships, one exciting page at a time.

Q: Is there an instance where you feel that such a relationship should be taboo?

A: Even as I developed what I felt to be a very powerful and emotional love story in ‘Sweetest Taboo’, I do feel that such a relationship is and should be taboo. The fact is that young students should be free to attend classes without worrying about advances by their teachers and/or coaches. For the most part, I believe that to be the case in our society. However, in ‘Sweetest Taboo’ it was evident that Isabel was the one pursuing her coach and not the other way around. So is that relationship taboo, even though she instigated it. Well…yes. Mr. Stevens should have warded off her advances and he should have been the ‘adult’ and professional that he was hired to be. Perhaps this was a case of love at first sight and Mr. Stevens was swayed by what he sincerely felt was love for Isabel so the relationship was warranted? That is up to each reader to decide for him/herself. I did not include judgment in ‘Sweetest Taboo’, therefore each reader can develop their own judgment about this love story. Back to the question, though, I think student/teacher relationships should remain taboo and if a student/teacher pair finds love I believe it’s most prudent for the teacher to hold out and wait until the student has graduated and is of legal age to consent.

Q: What is the on thing you want readers to get from your book?

 

A: Because my books deal with controversial topics, cross and intersect genres and do not fit into neat little boxes, I ask my readers to be prepared for the journey. My novels are not for everyone, and those who are disturbed and bothered by stories that push the envelope or challenge societal norms would likely not find my literary work appealing. So in essence, this is a bit of a warning to potential readers and/or followers. I do not intend on writing for all audiences, as that is almost impossible to do. What I can and have committed myself to doing is writing about what I know, writing about my own contexts, environments and experiences and pushing those to the limits to create controversial stories that inspire people to perhaps think out of the box, which is very much what Ms. Adichie and Ms. Alvarez have done with their literary work. To my future readers and followers I also say, thank you! For every reader and follower I have, I am that much more enthused to write and develop characters that challenge our existing comfort levels and perceptions. I would also ask any future readers or followers to contact me if they have any questions about anything I have written, or about my future work. Many of my ideas for character development and plots come from discussions I have with friends, colleagues or people I’ve met casually at a lounge, bar or book store!

Q: Did you write with a playlist in mind?

A: I wish I were that clever! Actually, as I wrote the book I was inspired by songs that meant a great deal to me as I was growing up, songs that inspired me, songs that made me emotional, and songs that reminded me of past loves and heartaches. Since this story is about the love and heartbreak of a high school girl, I thought it would be most appropriate to tip off the reader with a song title in order to foreshadow the contents of the upcoming chapter. It made perfect sense to me, and because songs evoke such strong emotions, especially as we first discover music, love and freedom during our teenage years, I couldn’t help but title each chapter after a song that had some sort of impact on me, emotionally.

Q: Plotter or panster?

A: Definitely a plotter. My inspiration for ‘Sweetest Taboo’ came in spurts, but those spurts were carefully jotted down in a notebook as chapter titles and brief descriptions of what I wanted to include in each chapter. Plots, characters and timelines were all carefully plotted which made the writing process flow. Because of the comprehensive outline, I was able to develop each chapter at one sitting. However, as I wrote I also became somewhat of a panster, weaving new plots, characters and climaxes into each chapter. In essence, my writing process can be described as highly organized and plotted, with room for creative ‘interventions’ when the inspiration hits.

Q: What are some authors that have influenced your writing?

A: There are dozens of authors I admire, but two that have captivated me with their work are Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Julia Alvarez. Ms. Adichie is Nigerian-born and now living in London and I think I had an instant connection with her work because I lived/worked in Nigeria for two years and was able to really get to know the southern Nigerian culture and context because of my work in the communities. Her first book, Purple Hibiscus, resonated with me because of my experiences in Nigeria and her second book, Half of a Yellow Sun, was so expertly written and wove four amazing human and social stories that I fell absolutely in love with her prose and skill for telling complex stories. Ms. Adichie writes about what she knows well, Nigeria and Nigerian culture, history and society and because she does so, her books include incredibly sincere stories. Julia Alvarez is a Dominican-American who writes primarily adult fiction, although she has also written young YA fiction as well, which are characterized by fantasy-type series. My favorite all-time book from Ms. Alvarez is In the Time of the Butterflies, which is a uniquely narrated book written in the perspective of four sisters growing up in the Dominican Republic under the dictator ship of President Trujillo. It’s superbly narrated and the story just tells itself effortlessly, it seems. Another book I very much enjoyed was How the García Girls lost their Accent, which is a story about Dominican immigrants to New York and their journey into mainstream American life. What these two authors have in common is that they are strong, confident and experienced women writing fiction about their natal lands, writing about their contexts and weaving extraordinary stories of strength and love in times of adversity.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: Although I did not intend on ‘Sweetest Taboo’ being part of a series or trilogy, I decided that my next literary project would embark upon the story before the story, so to speak. Readers really want to know what Isabel was thinking when she became intimate with her school coach, they want to know how she could have gotten herself into such a mess, a mess that involved the authorities and potential prison time for Mr. Stevens, the man she loved most. So what I am doing is writing the prequel to ‘Sweetest Taboo’ that explores Isabel’s childhood and early adolescence as an immigrant in a Los Angeles suburb. Readers can expect complex and somewhat disturbing revelations, some violence, and definitely some tears. Then of course, there will be a sequel to ‘Sweetest Taboo’, where readers will learn about Isabel and Tom’s journey and what their relationship had in store for them. The stories I weave will always include trials and tribulations, but they will also include redemption and hope.

Book excerpt:

Coach Stevens and Vicky were waiting for me outside of the girl’s locker room. As soon as Vicky saw me, she gave me a nod and ran ahead toward the swimming pool, leaving Mr. Stevens and me to walk alone. This should not have been an awkward moment for either one of us; he was my coach and I was a swimmer on his team. Time spent alone before a meet should have consisted of some last words of wisdom or encouragement. Perhaps we would have discussed the races I was to swim, and my chances against the other team. We may also have talked about the classes he taught, and whether I would be using them to pad my transcript in the next two years.

Instead, though, we said nothing, and the thirty seconds it took us to walk to the poolside were slow and tense. I searched for words that would break the silence, but came up with nothing. This was the chance I had been waiting for – Mr. Stevens was walking next to me, with no one else around. I could have said anything I wanted. But my mind stubbornly refused to tick, and my lips remained glued together.

I noticed instead the confident momentum of his walk, and the proximity of his body to mine. He was close to me – almost close enough to graze my hand with his own. Certainly closer than he should have been. He seemed to tower over me, although he was only about 6 inches taller than I was. That height comforted me; I felt protected in his presence.

He must have felt the awkwardness of the silence, too, because he stopped walking and turned toward me. I stopped in turn and looked up at him.

“Isabel, are you nervous?” he asked quietly.

I had been so preoccupied with my thoughts and fantasies that I replied without thinking. “No, you don’t make me nervous.”

He drew back, confused, and I felt my cheeks flush crimson. I had misread the situation, and grasped for a way to save the conversation.

“Um, what I mean is, are you trying to make me nervous about my event?” I asked quickly, smiling. “If you are, it’s not working,” I forced another bright smile and ducked my head, looking up at him through my lashes.

He laughed and placed his hand on the back of my neck, pressing his fingers softly to my skin. I stopped breathing, reveling in the feel of his fingertips caressing me. He leaned forward to speak closer to my ear.

“You’ve got nothing to be nervous about, young lady. And you certainly don’t need to be nervous about me.”

I blushed again, and he released me. He had understood my statement, then, and seen through my attempt to cover the mistake. I looked up at him and smiled, then turned and walked toward the pool. As I put my cap on, though, I turned to look at him again, and caught the smile that lingered at the corner of his mouth. My heart hammered at my ribcage and my knees grew weak, but I forced myself to turn away and focus on the upcoming meet.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa.

Links:

www.SweetestTabooBook.com (website AND blog)

www.facebook.com/Sweetest.Taboo.YA.Book (FB Book page)

@EvaAuthor (Twitter)

www.goodreads.com/eva_marquez (GoodReads)

http://youtu.be/flff2TcA4AQ (Official Book Trailer on YouTube)

Eva will award a Kindle touch to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a swag pack of goodies to one commenter at each stop. So make sure you leave a comment!

Lycaon Press Blurb Blitz Tour and Giveaway

Lycaon Press:

http://www.lycaonpress.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

North: The Lycans by Suzanne Fuller

http://www.lycaonpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=6

Blurb:

Riley Olssen is a born and bred Lycan who lives in the quiet suburbs of Valdez, Alaska. Her life is simple: she goes to school, comes home, and shifts in the forest behind her home. When her father receives word that his brother has died, they must return to his home in Sweden to take care of the pack Davin left behind.

Soon after they arrive, Riley realizes there is much more to the small town than she'd ever expected. She discovers that the Lycans are not the only creatures to hide behind a human façade. Falling in love with the wrong Lycan is only one of the problems she encounters. In one day, her life is forever changed, and she must discover her own inner strength because all signs seem to point to a war heading her way.

Excerpt:

Ramona Salazar watched the pathetic humans in blue close the iron shutters, wrap a steel padlock around the hooks, and sit down at their desks with their cheap coffee and tiny screens. She sneered at the way they relaxed in their seats, flirting with each other. They were guards, supposedly.

They know nothing of the world! I could show them a thing or two about protection and loyalty.

They were entirely unaware of her presence above them, in the air duct. Ramona was inside the National British Museum, and had something very, very old to collect from the archives. She'd searched far and wide, been to over a dozen countries looking for these documents. Now she was close enough to feel their presence.

She pulled her black hood forward around her red hair and pale face, then slid the grate over. As silent as the night, she dropped to the marble floor. Her hooded cloak helped cushion her landing, as she rolled into the shadows. One of the guards— a marginally overweight male—snapped his head up, and looked directly at her. She closed her eyes, knowing their crimson glow would surely give her away.

"Did you hear something?" he asked the girl.

"No, and didn’t see nothing either," she told him.

His co-worker's words didn't seem to settle him, because when Ramona opened her eyes the guard stood up and wrapped his fingers around the flashlight on his belt.

Idiot, hasn't he heard that curiosity killed the cat?

Ramona pulled the hood across her cheek, allowing herself another quick glance his way. He had stepped around the desk and made his way down the darkened corridor towards her, each step carefully placed in front of the other.

Here puss, puss. Come to mami…

She turned, still draped in the thick black wool of her cape and slid the diamond blade from her hip. It shimmered in her hand. She waited until he was close.

Closer… Closer still…

"Hello?" he called into the dark, waving the beam of light erratically across her path. Still he did not see her. She almost had to laugh because it was so easy. He took the final step, the one she'd been waiting for. She turned, her hair a wild blaze in his face as she brought the blade up, slicing into his throat. She wrapped her small gloved hands around his head and dropped down to the floor, clutching his lifeless body. The flashlight rolled across the tiles, but there wasn't time to stop it. She wrapped him in her cloak, slid the blade out and pressed her lips to the wound.

His blood was bitter, and it came in great floods, but no matter how foul it tasted, Ramona drank until his body gave no more. She pulled away, wiped her bloodied mouth against her sleeve, and pressed her forefinger into the wound. It came away coated in crimson fluid. She ran it down the middle of her forehead, across her throat and rubbed it deep into a triangular scar on her wrist. It seeped into the grooves, wrapping around the edges of her skin. Her eyes burned with murderous intent and her vision became as crimson as the seeping wound on the man's neck.

"Dan?" The girl called out from around the corner. "Daniel? Are you all right? You better not be messing with me!"

"Wake up," Ramona said, kicking Daniel's foot. He twitched and his eyes flashed open. His mouth was slack and his soulless eyes looked to Ramona for guidance. "Your friend is waiting for you," she whispered. He snapped his head around, almost severing it as he stretched the skin over the wound, and looked at the girl.

"There you are!" She gasped in relief as she spotted him and stepped out from the desk. Ramona stayed within the shadows and watched. "Your coffee's getting cold and… Oh my god!" She screamed and dropped next to him. She pressed her shaking hands against his neck, tears streaming from her eyes and called out, "Help! Someone help!"

Accepted: The Shalean Moon, Book 3 by J. Lilley

http://www.lycaonpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=7

Blurb:

Andy is Shalean and in love with a human, but had no idea how to make such a relationship work.

Sam has no idea that Shalea exists, only that he is fed up waiting for Andy to make the first move. Overjoyed to find his feelings reciprocated Sam starts seeing strange things.

Something is afoot and Andy seems right in the middle of it.

What Sam discovers rocks him to the core. But he is determined to fight for their chance of happiness. Human he may be, but as long as Andy wants him, they can face anything, can't they?

Excerpt:

Sam was whistling as he left the school buildings. At last he'd decided to ask Andy straight out to go to The Cave with him. And he'd agreed—almost.

He'd admired and yes, fancied him for months, years, he amended silently. Ever since he'd accepted he was gay he'd known Andy was the one for him, recognized him as the one person he could be himself with. But Andy, macho, rugby playing Andy, had always seemed somewhat aloof. Friendly up to a point, helpful, chatty, but always keeping part of himself hidden.

Then within the last few weeks, Sam has sensed a change in Andy. Almost he thought, as if he had made peace with himself. He'd become more open about his sexuality, actually saying out loud to a crowd of classmates that yes of course he was gay, and so what? And then winked at Sam!

So, nothing ventured, and all that. So he'd ventured, and now, well, way to go, I've got a date —almost. Hopefully Andy would confirm it the following day.

And if he doesn't? Not even going to think about that.

Typical, trust me to leave the car in the furthest corner of the car park. And it's raining and shit…what? No way… no bloody way.

Sam blinked. Nothing. But he's bet his next try at rugby there'd been a fox in front of him. But what a fox. If that's what it was. Silver, and…nah, had to be a dog. You're losing it. The thought of going out with Andy, and you're losing it. Gotta be a dog.

As he got into his car and drove away, he could have sworn he'd seen eyes glinting at him from the bushes. But these eyes were not the color of a fox, or most dogs for that matter. Big bright, piercing blue, like the flash of light from a glacier on a summer's day, they stared at him. He blinked.

Nothing. Just the rain on the windscreen, the wipers passing monotonously over it.

Weird.

A person on the pavement caught his eye and he pulled up, and opened the window.

"Hi Aibhlinn isn't it? It's Sam. Sam McIlwain, I'm in your class. Do you want a lift anywhere? You're getting soaked."

The person turned, and looked at him, the hood of her coat slipping as she moved , uncovering her long pale hair. As she stared, her eyes seemed to go straight through him, and Sam shivered. Then she spoke, the soft Scottish accent refreshing, and as she spoke she smiled, and her face lit up.

"That’s kind, but no need, my mum will be here in a second. I'm just walking to meet her at the corner."

In the rain?

"Well do you want me to drop you off there?" he asked. She looked cold, and the rain was spiking her hair, darkening it; drops running down her face and onto her coat.

Then her eyes flashed, frosty and unfriendly. Gone was the seemingly friendly girl of a few seconds before. Instead now there was a stranger. One who was looking through him.

And again, weird. Those eyes!

"No thank you." She didn't even smile but walked on.

Okay, here's your hat what's the hurry. Mentally shrugging, he put his car in gear, pulled up the handbrake and…where the hell has she gone?

Death’s Melody: The Ringer’s Masquerade by Sarah J. Pepper

http://www.lycaonpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=11

Blurb:

A fate worse than death…

All of Catherine’s dreams ended with her progenitor’s sacrifice and the loss of her beloved. Surrounded by a scornful family and friendships built upon lies, she’s never felt more alone. The Ringer denies her plea to be an organ donor yet monitors her relentlessly. She is unable to live a life free of the hospital’s control. Her future unravels as disturbing questions arise and hidden lies surface. However, what’s even more troubling than the Ringer’s dangerous secrets are the torturous punishments they deliver to those who defy them.

Excerpt:

Sitting utterly still in front of the piano, Sebastian's dark eyes hinted at dangerous thoughts. He clenched his jaw. Every finger slammed down on the keys, creating a dreadful crashing echo throughout the room. His gaze never left mine as he stood, knocking over the bench. His chest didn't rise or fall as the rest of the world melted away until only he and I existed. When he finally breathed, it came out in a deep sharp exhale.

Desire paralyzed me. He walked haltingly across the room. His slow, calculated movements warned me that he was going out of his mind. The deranged look in his eyes stole the air from my lungs. Blinking wasn't an option. When he got within touching distance, he ran his hand through his hair.

Finally, he managed to speak, "If you keep looking at me like that I'll bloody—"

"Lose control," I finished for him while making my demand clear.

He closed his eyes as he dragged his fingers through the cowlick over his eyebrow. My impatience nearly drove me into his arms, but he opened his eyes seconds before I gave in. Taking the slightest step forward, he smirked, clearly enjoying the sight of me struggling. He leaned over me, his face close enough to kiss me. Instead he exhaled ever so slightly while a moan grew in his throat. It hit my neck, trickled down my chest, and stole my breath. Our bodies never touched. Every muscle flexed like it was painful for him not to wrap me in his arms.

I dug my fingernails into my palms as he tucked back a strand of my hair, careful not to touch my skin. I bit my lip as the warmth radiated off his hand. His mesmerizing blue eyes never looked as stunning—or consuming—as when he was frantic. Finally he slid his hand around the base of my neck and held me there. He teased me within an inch of my sanity. I hadn't even noticed his other hand venturing behind my back until he tightened his grip around my waist.

His lips barely grazed mine, but before he indulged in a kiss, he whispered hoarsely. "One day you'll admit the ironclad notion that I've already accepted."

"What am I in denial about?" I questioned.

"How much your soul yearns for mine," he said, and gently bit my lip.

Staring at my hands, I played the memory over and over. At the time it hadn't seemed like a turning point in our relationship. But it was. I'd let him see how frantic the mere sight of him made me, how his music lured me, how his charisma lit a fire in my soul. How his passion seized my heart. He gave me a taste of a life, of a world I never dreamed of yet had craved ever since. Thinking about it now I wished I had allowed myself to simply be with him—without distractions or limitations. Without a death sentence. Time was precious. I thought I'd understood it then.

United: The Shalean Moon, Book 4 by J. Lilley

http://www.lycaonpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=10

Blurb:

When Shalea is in trouble can one halfling and one witch save the day?

When the leaders of The Shalean Sept go missing, Troy and Ali need all their combined skills to find out what's going on. Troy is only half Shalean and part witch, and Ali is a full witch, but is that enough?

As they fight to combat the evil, help comes from an unexpected source.

Aibhlinn has secrets of her own, secrets that could destroy her. However she is determined to aid her new-found friends. Will her intervention be a help or a hindrance? Only time will tell in this fight for life or death.

Excerpt:

"No sense or odd words projected to you?" she asked, as the car bumped along the drive to the house. "No feeling of well, badness or..." She hesitated, but it had to be said. "Death?"

Behind her, she heard a gasp. Rach spoke loudly. "No, no, and no. Surely one of us would have felt it, if someone was dead." She paused and then asked, uncertainty clouding her voice, "Wouldn't we?"

Troy answered. "I don't know, Rach. Truthfully, I've no idea. You and I are only half Shalean, Leira's in Cadal. So would we get that? We all heard a shot, but only Ali felt it hit. None of us know who shot, who or what was shot, where, or why. Just that it was important, as far as I know." He drew the car to a halt, and switched the engine off.

"Wait until I get out, keep together, and if you feel anything, and I mean anything is off, say so. Even if you think you're being stupid. Say something."

Ali nodded, realized he probably couldn't see her in the darkness, and spoke firmly. "On my oath Troy." She moved her hand and felt the reassuring leather around her neck, and then a gentle pulsing from her token. Like a heartbeat, it enveloped her, reassured her and gave her courage and strength.

"I think I felt the shot because I'm a healer," she said suddenly convinced of the fact. "I...well, hell it's hard to explain. I sort of get inside whoever is ill, heal them if the gods are willing, from the inside out. Grr, that must sound stupid." She didn't know how to explain her gifts simply. "No more stupid than me saying I shift from human to leopard," Rach said. "And I think I sort of get what you mean. Does that mean you don't think whoever was shot is dead?"

Did it? Ali tried to reach insider herself, to see what she knew. All she could see was blackness. Thick, impenetrable, and cold. She shivered. "I don't know. I'll need time to clear my mind."

Troy walked around the car and opened her door, waiting while they all got out. "Remember," he cautioned. "Stay all together until we get inside, and watch out."

Leira giggled. "Troy we're exactly three feet away from the door. If you've parked any closer we'd be in the hall."

The security light came on over the door. In its orange glow, he looked sheepish. "Yeah, well. Anyway. Come on, let's go in."

He opened the door and Leira and Rach went inside. As Ali moved forward, Troy took her arm.

"Before we go in, seriously, babe, are you okay?"

Ali looked up at him, and moved closer. Maybe she should show him? She decided not to; there was too much happening and they needed to concentrate on the shooting rather than themselves. She contented herself with a quick hug.

"Of course I am. Just freaked at snake-face being where you should be."

Troy smiled; he seemed relieved.

Suddenly, his face changed. Gone were the tan, the smile, and the earring. It became younger, smaller, and malevolent. The eyes glittered, the smile became a sneer, and the Aussie twang disappeared.

"Better get used to it—babe." The affectionate name Troy used sounded harsh in someone else's voice.

This time she didn't freak. She got mad. Ali stared at the person beside her.

"If you don't butt out and bog off, I'm going to turn you into a snake," she said loudly. "Or a toad. Or even better, an ant. And you can spend all your time hoping no one stands on you. Now you're boring me." What should she do next? It was all well and good saying these things, but she had no idea if she could actually do any of it. Ali took her gifts responsibly, and apart for a few sessions when she was young of getting her dolls to walk and the dog to speak, hadn't meddled or messed with them.

"Did you hear me?" She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"I heard you babe, but what've I done to deserve that?" She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Troy?" Ali opened her eyes. "Hell, Troy. Don't do that to me. Stop becoming Struan, it's got me trying to remember morphing spells."

Lycaon Press will be awarding a $20 Lycaon Press GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $10 Lycaon Press GC to a randomly drawn host from the tour.

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