Juliana Haygert

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Categories: Covers, Lyrical Press

Cover Love: Dream On

You guys know my friend Renita Pizzitola, right? If you don’t, shame on you!

She’s got a new book coming out next year and today is the cover reveal. Look how hot it is!

Title: Dream On
Author: Renita Pizzitola
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Release Date: May 2013

Her quest begins when she closes her eyes.

Emory Bennett owns a lucrative dreamwalking business. Trained in weaponry and Muay Thai, she spends her nights entering the dream realm resolving her clients’ nightmares, whatever they might be: bad guys, scary beasts, or the classic forgot-to-wear-my-pants nightmare. Her jobs get complicated when a gorgeous man keeps appearing requesting her help.

Grayson, a fellow dreamwalker, is stuck in the dream realm while a stranger inhabits his body. He needs Emory’s assistance in the waking realm, which he can’t visit if he can’t get back into his body.

Once Emory is convinced Grayson’s not a figment of her imagination, they concoct a plan to lure the body snatcher out. But as Emory begins to fall for Grayson, the line blurs between him and the stranger who inhabits his body. She must keep it together to get close enough to discover his secrets, or divide her very soul if she can’t bring the man she loves back.

 

Author Bio:
AuthorPhotoPizzitolaRenita Pizzitola writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. An avid reader herself, she has always enjoyed stories with witty humor, romance, and fascinating characters. Renita lives in Texas with her husband and two children. When not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and playing referee to her two typically adorable children.

website | twitter | facebook | blog | goodreads

 

 

Cheers,

Categories: Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight: Karen Y. Bynum

Welcome to the Author Spotlight, Karen Y. Bynum!

 

Nicknames: *wants one*

Where do you live: near the beach, wish it were the mountains though

Your favorite dessert: Pineapple upside-down cake

Your favorite TV series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Last book you read: Winter Fairy by Lola Karns

Last movie you watched: Skyfall

Last song (or album) you bought: The Lateness of the Hour album by Alex Clare

A book/series you could read over and over again: Fever series by Karen Marie Moning

Coke or pepsi? Diet Coke

Day or night? Day

Pen or pencil? Pen

Summer or winter? Summer

Cat or dog? Dog

Tea or coffee? COFFEE

Plotter or pantser? Plantser? ;)

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil…short stories, poems, fan letters and diary entries. But I didn’t know I wanted to write young adult until I read the Twilight series. Yes, sparkly vampires inspired me! :)

What are you working on now? Currently I’m working on a dark and gritty New Adult dragon shifter story. I’m keeping hush-hush on the premise until I’m finished writing this one but am sharing snippets on my blog every Wednesday.

If you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be? Why? Food critic, because I could eat and then write about it. How awesome would that be! And I’d love to be able to put my Culinary Arts degree to good use, without having to actually cook anything. LOL

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done in your life? The first time I pitched at RWA Nationals. I was an absolute wreck! My heart raced, knees wobbled, palms sweated and I’m pretty sure at one point I forgot how to use words. Nothing scars me quite like public speaking.

What is one talent that you’re hopeless at, but you wish you had? I’d love to be able to sing!

What is one trait or physical characteristic that you are proud of/love about yourself? I’m really proud of my smile. My teeth were really crooked (way up in my gums) when I was a kid. My parents sacrificed a lot to get braces for me. I’m so thankful they did, because I love to smile!

Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? Set a word count/page number goal and then strive for it every day. Read inside your genre and out. Treat people the way you want to be treated. And remember that tomorrow is a new day.

 

About the author: Karen Y. Bynum is an author of young adult paranormal fantasy.  Her debut novel Witch Way to Turn is published through Lyrical Press.  She grew up in Hickory, North Carolina where mountains and magic surrounded her.  Even as a child, she wrote her own faery tales and prattled incessantly to her imaginary friends.

After graduating from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Communications, she went on to become certified in culinary arts from The Art Institute of Charlotte.  But it wasn’t until her aerospace engineer husband accepted a job in Virginia and they relocated that she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.

With the support of family and friends, Karen embarked on a journey with the voices in her head.  They wouldn’t stop talking (yes, she does answer back) and their stories took shape.

Karen currently lives in coastal Virginia and enjoys reading, tweeting, writing and spending time with her husband and their spoiled rotten Vizsla named Rusty.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

Can you give one guy your heart and another your soul?

The last thing eighteen-year-old Breena Cross needs in her life is more complications. It’s all she can do to balance studying, working, trying to keep her foster-sister safe and drooling over the new guy at work. But things go from complicated to crazy when a fit of rage ignites the dark magic inside her and she finds herself fending off the supernatural underworld.

Myles, Breena’s drool-worthy coworker and vampire convict, is carrying a load of secrets–one of which is that he’s fang-over-lip in love with Breena and in danger of violating the terms of his sentence.

Orin is a soul-hungry assassin sent to kill Breena. However, he takes one look into her eyes and sees his own lost humanity. For once thinking of someone other than himself, he chooses not to end her life, even though it means risking his own.

Despite a convict and an assassin fighting over her, all Breena wants is custody of her sister. But to do this, she will need help from both Myles and Orin. And if Breena doesn’t learn to control the darkness within, she could lose her sister…forever.

WARNING: Contains strong language and some graphic content.

Amazon eBook | Amazon Print | Barnes and Noble eBook and Print | Publisher

 

Cheers,

Categories: Covers

Cover Love: Free Souls

Free Souls by Susan Kaye Quinn

(Book Three of the Mindjack Trilogy) Now Available!
When your mind is a weapon, freedom comes at a price.

Four months have passed since Kira left home to join Julian’s Jacker Freedom Alliance, but the hole in her heart still whistles empty where her boyfriend Raf used to be. She fills it with weapons training, JFA patrols, and an obsessive hunt for FBI agent Kestrel, ignoring Julian’s worries about her safety and repeated attempts to recruit her for his revolutionary chat-casts. When anti-jacker politician Vellus surrounds Jackertown with the National Guard, Kira discovers there’s more to Julian’s concerns than she knew, but she’s forced to take on a mission that neither want and that might be her last: assassinating Senator Vellus before he can snuff out Julian’s revolution and the jackers she’s come to love.

 

All of the Mindjack stories are available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Kobo, and iTunes
(Note Free Souls is not yet available on Kobo or iTunes)

 

Early Praise for Free Souls

“Quinn paints a picture of a not-too-distant America where politicians inflame the hatred of one section of the populace for another—all for their own gain—and you worry that her world is not so far off from our own.”
— Dianne Salerni, author of We Hear the Dead, The Caged Graves, and the forthcoming The Eighth Day
“Free Souls starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. Like a mash-up of all your favorite science-fiction adventures from Star Wars to The Legend of Korra, it blends nonstop action, nail-biting escapes, and great romance. I absolutely loved it! A great series conclusion—a must-read.”
— Leigh Talbert Moore, author of Rouge and The Truth About Faking
“Susan did it again. Free Souls was WOW! I expected Kira to step up to her role as heroine but not like this. Surprises kept coming until the very end which tied up more loose ends than I knew existed. Warning: Don’t start reading until you have time to finish. I didn’t want to put Free Souls down for a second. It’s that kind of book.”
— Sher A. Hart, Goodreads Review

 

Interview
Susan’s over at Amy Saunder’s blog today (12.14.12), answering questions about how she came up with the mages’ abilities, what kind of mage she would be, and all about her future works.

Digital Box Set
Since Free Souls is out, there is now a Digital Box Set of the Mindjack Trilogy for those of you who want the whole series!

Available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble

 

Mindjack Origins Collection
Want more Julian? Wondering how Sasha’s ability really works? Looking for EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls? This collection of novellas, scenes, and other goodies is for those craving a bit more of the characters and drama of the Mindjack series.

Includes:

Mindjack Novellas
Mind Games (Raf’s story)
The Handler (Julian’s story)
The Scribe (Sasha’s story)

TWO EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls (published nowhere else!)

PLUS Mindjack flash fiction, an (imaginary) conversation between Raf and Julian, and other goodies for readers who want just a little bit more of Kira, Julian, Raf, and the Mindjack crew.

Available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble

 

ENTER TO WIN
one of FIVE ecopies of the Mindjack Origins Collection

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Cheers, 

Categories: Entangled Pub, Guest post

Why Do We Do That at Christmas – Guest Post by Boone Brux

 

Why do we do that at Christmas?

Things are heating up for the holidays and parties are in full swing. Hot toddies and wine are flowing and gifts are being exchange. But where did all these merry traditions come from? What makes us wander from house to house singing to strangers, when the only place we’d normally sing is in the shower? Well, dear reader, since my new book, Kiss of the Betrayer, released this week, I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions about medieval traditions. So let’s dive into a little history lesson.

Churches played a huge part in medieval Christmas festivities. Religious dramas and mysteries were presented by the church for the congregation’s entertainment. The Holy Family or the Nativity were particularly popular and as the interest in the Nativity grew, so did Christmas as a holiday.

 

I love the concept of caroling, though I will admit I haven’t done it since I was a kid. As someone who is the carolee, I feel a bit like someone who is caught off guard by trick or treaters. Do I offer the carolers a cookie or hot chocolate? How long can I hold this smile as they trill into yet another Christmas song? In the Middle Ages, caroling was uber popular. Probably because it was frowned upon by the church. Realizing they weren’t going to beat the singing trend, the religious powers to be decided to guide the unwashed masses to a more suitable format of hymns and religious based songs.

Who doesn’t love The Twelve Days of Christmas, if only to see if you can remember all the words? This song may have started out as a game set to music. One person would sing a stanza and then another person would add his own lines to the song, repeating the first verse. Each subsequent person would continue to build on what had been sung before them. Another possible version was that it originated as a Catholic catechism memory song. During the Reformation, this song helped many oppressed Catholics remember facts about God and Jesus during a time when their faith might have meant death.

Charades was also popular during Christmas, especially in England. Much more elaborate than today’s game, the players would dress up as the opposite sex and act out comic stories. I’m pretty certain I would have been a pro at this game.

I’d love to hear about the traditions you and your family have. Leave a comment and be entered to win an e-copy of Kiss of the Betrayer, book two in my Bringer and the Bane series.

Have a fantastic and joyous holiday.

 

About the Author: As a multi-published and an award winning author, Boone’s writing drips with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it’s not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and every even is fodder for one of Boone’s novels.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

 

Kiss of the Betrayer
Bringer and the Bane Book Two
Boone Brux
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: Print: 1620610353
E-book – 978-1620610350
Number of pages: 400
Word Count: 100,000
Amazon     B  N
Book Description:

For fifteen years Luc Le Daun has blamed himself for the death of the woman he loved. His secret guilt has led him into a life of danger, risking all and committing to none.

Killing Luc Le Daun has been all Jade Kendell has thought about for years. But when her plan goes awry and she’s brought into the Bringers’ fold, her own dark secret threatens to be revealed. Desire for a better life wars with a promise made long before she understood the ramifications.

In a deadly mission, Jade and Luc embark on a journey into the Shadow World. As they attempt the impossible, ignoring the attraction growing between them becomes harder to deny. The slightest misstep could mean the loss of their souls and give the Demon King exactly what he needs to open the Abyss of Souls and annihilate the Bringers.

 

Shield of Fire
Bringer and the Bane Book One
Boone Brux
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-17-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-33-6
Book Description:

Protecting humans is the Bringers’ duty. Sending demons to the Shadow World is their pleasure.

In one night, Ravyn’s life plunges from barely tolerable to deadly. Forced to flee the only home she’s known, she stumbles headlong into the clutches of Icarus, a powerful demon intent on stealing her powers. Unfortunately for him, she has no intention of cooperating.

When Rhys realizes the woman he’s rescued from the Bane Demon is no mere human, his obligation as a Bringer dictates he protect and train her in the ways of his people. But he’s unprepared for the intense desire he feels for the fiery Ravyn. To surrender to his need may mean her death.

As the Demon King’s desire for ultimate power escalates, fathers are slated against sons, and foes are made allies. The Bane threat upon them, Rhys and Ravyn must quest to unite the last of the Bringers—and explore a passion too powerful to ignore.

Purchase Link: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/shield-of-fire/

 

Cheers,

Categories: Decadent Publishing, My Books, Release Day

Her Heart’s Secret Wish is here!

The official release day is today, even though it popped in online bookstores yesterday. Without further ado, my first book is here!

Her Heart’s Secret Wish by Juliana Haygert
Release Date: 12/12/12
Genre: NA contemporary romance
Length: 13,000 words

 

With a renowned reputation as a player, she had everything figured out…
Twenty-year-old college student, Natasha is the life of every party and the reason behind many celebrations. The easiest girl on campus has all guys at her feet and more than a few in her bed.
…until he came into the game…
Having entered the academic world by chance, Professor Jason Stone is surprised to find one of his young students a huge temptation. The infamous Natasha has caught his attention. But is there more to her than meets the eye?
…and changed the rules.
As their unexpected friendship grows, so does their attraction to each other. When Jason’s Christmas plans are canceled and he ends up at the same party as Natasha, sparks flare, destroying the safe zone around them. Will they figure out how to break through their self-imposed barriers to be together, or lose one another forever?

 

 

Excerpt: 

Her delicate brows knitted together. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with your family?”
“Change of plans.” His tone was as harsh as his disappointment. “I had to stay and saw a few posters hanging around the school. Thought it was a better option than spending Christmas Eve alone.”
The corner of her lips curled up. “Definitely.”
Though he tried, he couldn’t ignore just how beautiful and vulnerable she appeared. Her long, brown hair fell around her porcelain face and into a smooth cascade down her back. Her usually energetic green eyes shone with relief instead. She wore red lipstick, which only made her mouth more inviting. The dress hugged her perfect curves, the hemline promising fun things on the other side.
Jesus.
Jason shook his head and shifted his gaze away. He’d probably caught her making plans for later, and he still wanted her? His mind was so messed up.
“You don’t seem so well. What is it?” She stepped closer and her spicy perfume taunted his will.
He held his breath for a moment and focused. “I’m good.” He smiled at her, transforming into his usual self. The laidback gaming nerd, and fun professor he brought out for his students.
“Come in.” She gestured to the living room. “The party is starting.”
Somewhere over the last six or seven months, when their conversations had become more profound and frequent, he had lost his mind. Six or seven months ago, he would never have crashed a student party so he could stare at one of them.
Helpless, he followed her.

 

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Her Heart’s Secret Wish and a $15 Amazon or B&N gift card:

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Cheers,

Categories: Covers, SSP, Young Adult

Cover Love: Fraction of Stone

Book information:

Fraction of Stone by Kelley Lynn
Release Date: March 21st, 2013 by Sapphire Star Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy
Book Description:

Wind tunnels, torrential rains and earthquakes tear apart Casden. The cause of the world’s imbalance is unknown, but the mounting occurrences suggest there’s little time before life ceases to exist.
Rydan Gale and Akara Nazreth are the only humans with the ability to wield magic. The tattoo on their necks and the discovery of an ancient book, dictate they are the key to the world’s survival.
But the greatest obstacle for saving mankind isn’t the bizarre creatures, extreme betrayals and magic-fearing men hunting them.
It’s that Akara doesn’t believe the world is worth saving.

Book Trailer:

 

About the Author: Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.

Kelley was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands.

You can find Kelley hanging out at her blog, titled in her name, as well as the group blog she shares with her fellow critique partners, Falling for Fiction. Kelley is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

Kelley Lynn’s Links: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

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Categories: Blog Tour

Vampire Hunter’s Daughter Blitz

Vampire Hunter’s Daughter: The Complete Collection
By Jennifer Malone Wright
Genre:YA paranormal
ISBN: 978-0615650081
ASIN: B008ASVXR8
Number of pages: 217 paperback
Word Count: 78,734
Amazon      B&N
The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter: Part 1 available for free at Amazon   B&N

Book Description:

This special edition of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter contains parts I-VI, the complete collection. Fourteen-year-old Chloe witnesses her mother’s murder at the hands of a vampire. Before the vampire can kidnap her, there is an unexpected rescue by a group of vampire hunters.

Overwhelmed by the feeling of safety, Chloe passes out and they whisk her away to their small community. When Chloe wakes, she comes face to face with the only other living relative, besides her mother, whom she has ever met: her grandfather. Chloe’s mother kept her hidden from the family; now, Chloe tries to unveil the family secrets.

Through her grandfather, she learns her mother was a vampire hunter. In fact, her entire family is descended from the powerful bloodlines of vampire hunters. Chloe agrees to join the family she has never known for one reason only: Chloe vows to kill the vampire responsible for her mother’s murder. With vengeance in her soul, Chloe is even more determined to follow through on her vow when she discovers the true identity of her enemy and how he is connected to her.

Experience the world of vampires hunter’s, vampires and mythology with Chloe in this exciting series.

 

Short Excerpt:

I took the first book off the stack and examined the cover. It was titled Vampires throughout History. The cover was leather and so old it was stiff and cracked in spots. The pages showed signs of age too, yellowing and stiff to the touch. There was no table of contents, so it looked like I was going to have to scan the entire book for what I was wanting. I flipped the pages carefully, so as not to tear any of them.

After an hour of scanning and about half way through the book, I found something referring to vampire children.

~~~

Although extremely rare, the natural-born offspring of vampires exist throughout the world. These rare beings are called the dhampir. Dhampir are usually the product of a vampire and mortal. The most common of these unions is a male vampire impregnating a mortal woman. Vampires, both male and female, are seductive in nature and some mortals came willingly to these unions. However, the majority of dhampir born were produced through an act of rape.

Solitary by nature, it is uncommon for a vampire to settle with any one mate for long. The children of vampires, the dhampir, more often than not exhibit all the characteristics of their vampire parent. The strength, speed and agility are the usual hereditary traits that the children develop. They are not always born with these traits but develop them as they grow into adulthood.

The dhampir are day walkers. Some of these children are sensitive to the sunlight but will not perish in the direct rays. Most have no sensitivity at all. Drinking the fresh blood of mortals is also not usually required of the dhampir; however, some have a liking for it. Very few actually need it to survive.

Most dhampir are rejected by the vampire species because of their mortality and weaknesses. Mortals often reject the dhampir, as well, due to their vampirism, so they frequently remain outcast.

Dhampir are known for becoming vampire killers. Their closeness to the vampires and their vampire characteristics make them powerful vampire hunters. The unique ability to track and kill vampires is specific to only the dhampir and the mythological race of vampire hunters.

Historically, dhampir became vampire hunters as a trade. Towns and villages became plagued by vampires who were terrorizing their homes and killing their people. The dhampir accepted contracts in exchange for monetary payment and used their likeness to their vampire counterparts to exterminate the vampires.

~~~

Holy crap, that was a lot to process. The more I read the passages, the more I understood that my being a hunter was more than my heritage; it was my history and my future. Everything about my bloodlines had hunters involved.

 

Author Bio: Jennifer Malone Wright resides in the beautiful mountains of northern Idaho with her husband and five children. Between the craziness of taking care of her children, whose ages range from fourteen all the way down to six months, and being a homemaker, Jennifer has little time left for herself. The time she does have left, usually leading far into the night, is spent working on freelance work or her beloved fiction.

When she grew up, Jennifer always had her nose in a book. She has been writing stories and poems since grade school. This love of the written word and her strong interest in the paranormal is what has led to her first novel “The Birth of Jaiden.”

In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Jennifer is also a very proud military wife. Moving around the country for the last ten years has made her a bit of a nomad and she finds it difficult to be in one place for too long.

Jennifer is also the author of The Birth of Jaiden, a paranormal novel filled with action, suspense, and even a love story.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

 

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Cheers,