Saven boxed set - Limited Time Special Price.

Today is my stop during the Book Blitz for The Saven Series Box Set by Siobhan Davis. For a very limited time you can read the first three books in this special box set collection for only 0.99!

The normal retail price is $6.99/£4.99. Find out why Saven Deception, book one in this Amazon bestselling series, has been shortlisted for the Best Young Adult Book in the 2016 CAP Awards. Over 50,000 copies downloaded in the ten months since publication. Get your copy of the box set on Amazon!

This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 11 till 18 October, you can view the complete blitz schedule here.

Today I'll share an excerpt from this series, as well as details of each book, and there's a great giveaway. You can enter to win a copy of this box set or a paperback copy of Lux Beginnings by Jennifer L Armentrout. You can enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

Saven Box Set (Saven #1, #2 and #2.5)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: October 11, 2016

Blurb:
What if you were meant to kill the one you love?

"Recommended to fans of The 5th Wave, Insignia, Across the Universe, and Unwind series." Schuyler Central High School Library

"The Heir to the Lux Series." Dreamland Teenage Fantasy

This box set contains Saven Deception, Saven Disclosure, and Saven Denial.

You can buy the Saven Box Set on Amazon

Books included in this box set:
Saven Deception (Saven #1)

Blurb:
THE TRUTH DOESN'T ALWAYS SET YOU FREE

I've fallen hard for an alien, but he's harboring secrets.
Massive secrets that threaten the very essence of humanity.
How can I give him my heart when his race plans on taking my future?

Sadie Owens has been slowly dying inside. Bit by bit, piece by piece, day by day. Trapped in a life she hates, she relies on only one person--herself.

Despised by her family and betrayed by an unscrupulous government, Sadie dreams of a different life. When she is chosen to participate in the government's new social experiment, she is ecstatic at the prospect of spending six months in Thalassic City, the shiny new city under the sea.

Immediately drawn to Logan Chandler, Sadie is captivated by the beautiful boy with the ocean-blue eyes. Logan seems to embody everything that has been forbidden, but he isn't all he appears to be.

Confused over Logan's true intentions and concerned when best friend Jenna starts transforming in front of her eyes, Sadie partners with newcomer Jarod in a bid to uncover the government's real agenda. The truth is more shocking than anything she could ever have imagined.

When Sadie finally understands why the Saven walk among us, will it be too late to save her heart and the human race?

Excerpt From Saven Deception:
"Come, sit," he says, his fingers curling gently around the tips of mine.
I plop down on the beanbag beside him and yelp. 

"You are hurt." He frowns. "Let me take a look."

 He scrunches the edge of my shirt, but I clamp down on his hand. There's no way I'm admitting that it's my butt that's sore, and no way am I ready to let him inspect that part of my anatomy. Yet.

Get you, my inner devil teases.
"I'm fine." I pin him with a "drop it" look.
"You are so stubborn." Shaking his head, he unscrews the cap from his bottle.
"I'm stubborn?" I level an incredulous look his way. "Have you not looked in the mirror recently, dude?"
He laughs and the sound sends warmth flooding through me.
"You've a lovely laugh," I blurt out. Ohmigod! I can't believe I said something so cheesy.
"I do?" He looks amused.
"Yep." I'm resorting to one-word replies now for fear of what else might inadvertently tumble out of my mouth.
He stares intently at me, his fiery eyes penetrating my soul. The cord buzzes with anticipation. I might've forgotten how to breathe again. "You are beautiful, through and through."
With each passing second, my heart pounds faster and faster. He inclines toward me and I move closer. Butterflies are throwing a mad party in the pit of my stomach. Like magnets, we inch closer and closer still. As my pulse throbs, he zeroes in on my lips and his eyes linger there.
I've imagined this moment so many times without ever really believing I'd get to experience it. Now that I'm here, seconds away from my first real kiss, I'm terrified of the strength of my emotion. I never knew it could be like this. That I could feel such a strong connection to a boy; that my body could tremble with such intense desire. And our lips haven't even met yet.
We are a hairsbreadth from one another. I bridge the final distance and close my eyes. His fingers brush my lips and I'm tingly all over. Reopening my eyes, I see the adoration glistening in his gaze. For me.
"Ala beatra." The words roll seductively and respectfully off his tongue.
I've no idea what it means, or what language he's speaking, but it sounds beautiful.
And like a form of worship.
Though it's possible I'm deluding myself.
He closes his eyes and presses his mouth to mine. His touch is feather soft and it unravels me. I kiss him back equally gently and he moans softly. His lips exert more pressure as he draws me in flush with his solid chest. I've never felt this much emotion before. It's almost too much, but at the same time, not enough.
Gaining in confidence, I encircle my arms around his neck and melt into him, savoring the feel of his body as it presses against mine. Angling his head, he extends the kiss, and it grows in intensity and fire. I'm matching him, kiss for kiss, and my need for him is reaching an all-time high. I can't get enough of him. He is everywhere, and yet I need more.

Saven Disclosure (Saven #2)
By Siobhan Davis

Blurb:
THE TRUTH CAN'T HIDE FOREVER

To protect Logan, I have no choice but to deceive him.
But I’m not the only one hiding the truth.
Will our love survive all the secrets and lies?

Enemy alien ships crowd the skies over Earth while the world waits with bated breath. The Saven have been exposed, and where once they were abhorred, they are now championed as our greatest ally and our only possible savior.

Logan and Sadie have been separated, and the longer he is gone, the more their love is tested by duty, doubts, and deception.
Sadie and Jarod have infiltrated the highest levels of government, but they are playing a dangerous game. Surrounded by people with conflicting agendas—hell-bent on using her for their own aim—Sadie is confused when the lines between good and evil are blurred. It’s impossible to tell friend from foe, and no one can be trusted.

When the full extent of the experiments taking place in Sector Twenty is disclosed, Sadie can no longer sit back and watch as the lower classes face a horrific fate. Racing to save her loved ones and mankind, she risks her own safety and the love she’s waited a lifetime for to do the right thing.

But no one thought to save her from herself.

Saven Denial (Saven #2.5)
By Siobhan Davis

Blurb:
THE TRUTH HURTS

My mother was right to fear me.
I’m an abomination.
And the world should be very afraid.

Sadie has been kidnapped by the Tor, the vindictive alien race who destroyed Thalassic City. As her past, present, and future collides, her worst nightmare looks set to become her shocking new reality.

A deliberate pawn in leader Griselda’s vengeful game, Sadie is horrified to learn the truth about her heritage and the destiny that’s already been mapped out for her. Refusing to cooperate, she risks paying the ultimate price for her defiance.

Love for Logan is her only motivation to stay alive. Saving him is the only thing that matters—the fate of the world depends upon it. While he may never forgive her, she’s determined to protect him. Until her dying breath.

About the Author:
Siobhan Davis writes young adult science fiction fantasy romance books, and she is the author of the Amazon bestselling True Calling and Saven series.

A self-professed teenager forever--at least when it comes to books, music, and films, Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. She loves baking, shoes, bags, makeup, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).

Before pursuing a full-time writing career, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in Human Resources over the last twenty years.

She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

You can find and contact Siobhan here:
- Website
- Blog
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Google +
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Newsletter
Sample chapters, quotes, reviews and book excerpts are all available to download from the authors website

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Saven Box Set. One winner will receive an e-copy of the Saven Series Boxset by Siobhan Davis and one winner will receive a paperback copy of Lux Beginnings (Obsidian & Onyx) by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Open internationally.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

        

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

Bewitched - Nancy Fraser's latest romance

We're exchanging starship escape pods for broomsticks today on the Flightdeck as I welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author Nancy Fraser and her new release just in time for Halloween - 'Bewitched'

Bewitched

By Nancy Fraser

The Wild Rose Press

Genre: Vintage Historical

Release Date: October 7, 2016

Book Blurb:

Chicago, Fall 1964

Allison Stiles is the epitome of responsibility. Guardian to her two rambunctious younger brothers, she also runs a home daycare. While she doesn't have time for a vacation, she really needs a diversion.   Enter Eric Thomas, her new neighbor. Tall, dark and handsome and just what she needs to get her mind off her responsibilities, even if only for a short time.

Moving into the house he inherited from his uncle was not part of Eric Thomas' plan. Yet, starting a new business ties up a good portion of his capital, so he forgoes the fancy downtown apartment for the quaint Rogers Park neighborhood.

Now if he could just get his mind off his sexy neighbor and back on the business at hand.

♥♥♥

Excerpt 

Eric shifted from one foot to the other, balancing the box of office supplies he’d purchased on his hip while lifting the grocery bag from the trunk with his opposite hand.

He’d spent the morning touring office space in midtown Chicago and still not found anything within their price range. It looked as if the Thomas-Watson Agency would have to flourish a bit longer in its makeshift digs.

Thank heaven courting clients could be done in a restaurant, or the client’s office, rather than in the cramped confines of his back room.

A noise drew his attention from his office-hunting dilemma and toward the daycare across the street. The petite blonde was leading a line of small children through a maze of toys.

Her long hair blew across her cheeks with each gust of wind, and she reached up to brush the errant strands off her face. His body tightened when he imagined her fingertips stroking his cheek in the same way.

He shook his head, dislodging the thought. The last thing he needed was the complication of a woman. Especially one who came saddled with a bunch of noisy kids.

Yeah, but they do eventually go home, you know.

Rather than acknowledge his inner voice of reason, he shifted his gaze and scanned the rest of the daycare’s large yard. Another woman, taller, thinner, with jet black hair was organizing a game of tag among a few of the older children.

And despite the noisy diversion of their laughter, his attention was drawn back to the blonde. All around her, activity had stopped. Three little girls sat in silence at her feet.

She’d taken a seat on the front steps and lifted one of the smallest of the bunch onto her lap. Even surrounded by a handful of children, her tapered slacks and t-shirt covered in bright splashes of primary colors, she exuded an allure that set his nerves on edge.

She bent to listen to something the child was saying, and he found himself straining to hear as well. The faint sound of the child’s cries drew her obvious compassion, and she gathered the little boy to her chest.

Lucky kid.

He stomped up the porch stairs, cursing the fact he could be so easily distracted. Mental note number three: stop ogling your sexy neighbor.

♥♥♥

Buy Links:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Bewitched-Nancy-Fraser-ebook/dp/B01L5T1XFA/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bewitched-nancy-fraser/1124468351?ean=2940156721115

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/bewitched-27

The Wild Rose Press: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/4602-bewitched.html?search_query=bewitched+by+nancy+fraser&results=1

♥♥♥

Fun Fact: 

The friendly neighborhood traditions of Halloween were gleaned from my own childhood when it wasn’t unusual to trek for miles for pillowcases full of candy. Nobody worried about tainted treats. We trick or treated in stores, restaurants, and even in bars. We ran gleefully through the streets from the first streetlight until we could barely see our hands in front of our faces. It was the one time our parents looked the other way about curfew and more than one classmate missed school the next day due to a tummy ache.

♥♥♥

Author Bio:

Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published twenty-two books in both full-length and novella format. Nancy will release her 25th book in early 2017. She is currently working on her next Rock and Roll novella and two other equally exciting projects.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

♥♥♥

Media Links:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor  @nfraserauthor

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

An interview with Susan Coryell

I am excited to have fellow Wild Rose Press on the Flight Deck today to tell us a bit about herself and her latest release.  Welcome Susan  - Tell us a little more about yourself – 3 things not many people know about you:

S.C.:  I am pretty much a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” gal, but here are three

obscure facts about me: I was a championship tree-climber as a child—once reaching the top of a 100-foot poplar and hanging by my knees from a branch. My girlfriend called my mother out of the house to see me. I will not report her response in this G-rated blog!  My first name is Mary, which I dropped when I went to school. My brothers are twins and my husband is a twin; I was grateful to have three children one at a time.

Lol, I used to love climbing trees as a child too! I've always been known by my middle name - but I have no connection with the twin thing! :) What do you do for fun when not writing?

S.C.:  Hubs made a big sign and nailed it to our boat dock. It reads: “Writer’s Block.” The word Block has a slash-mark through it and underneath it says DOCK. What it means, of course, is that whenever I am “blocked” with my writing I meander down to the water for inspiration. Water pretty much defines my fun. Boating, jet-skiing, kayaking and water skiing are my active water sports. Sitting on the dock watching everybody else play (frequently while sipping an adult beverage) would be the more passive fun. I also golf, practice yoga, and read—sometimes three books at once.

Wow, you have a lot going on! What comes first: the plot or the characters?

S.C.:   Actually, I always start with a theme—an underlying meaning or message I want my readers to take away from my book. For EAGLEBAIT, my YA anti-bully book, a major theme is building self-esteem as a way to ward off school bullies. For my Overhome Trilogy, cozy mystery/Southern Gothics, an over-arching theme concerns the culture and society of the South where long-held-hard-felt ideas battle with modernity. Another theme for the series: History defines us—not just our past, but also our present and our future. We ignore history at our own peril and the ghost of history can return to haunt us without warning.

Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it.

NOBODY KNOWS completes the Overhome Trilogy.  In A RED, RED ROSE, protag Ashby Overton is a wide-eyed twenty-something searching for her family roots and, consequently, herself in her journey to her historic ancestral Overhome Estate in Southern Virginia. Ashby is aided in her quests by Rosabelle, a family spirit residing in the mansion.  BENEATH THE STONES continues the saga as Ashby, now twenty-five and owner of the Estate, battles Civil War ghosts as she attempts to save her home from bankruptcy.  NOBODY KNOWS picks up five years later as Ashby is visited by a descendant of a former slave at Overhome during the Civil War. Tall, dark and handsome, Professor Ellis O. Grady believes he and Ashby are related; indeed, his middle name is Overton. Together they work through myriad slave spirits riled up by his arrival and other disturbing local events.

Blurb for NOBODY KNOWS: Why do ancient spirits hover at the crossroads between two worlds: the living and the dead? 

With a successful writing career and blissful marriage, Ashby Overton is fulfilled and content at historic Overhome Estate in Southern Virginia'until a stranger walks into her life. The arrival of Professor Ellis O. Grady coincides with a violent and bizarre turbulence emanating from the dark world of Overhome's ancient spirits.

As paranormal events build into chaos, Ashby must use her sixth sense to sort out the real from the imagined in both the visible and the invisible worlds as, stirred into fury, the souls of Civil War slaves engage in a dangerous battle destined to reveal long-held secrets of the past.

What is the connection between the enigmatic professor, a slave-built chapel and a restored overseer's cottage on Overhome Estate? Ashby struggles to find the answers before the spirits destroy her family's heritage, and the lives of those she loves.

NOBODY KNOWS for Kindle: https://amzn.com/B01L5TXLJ6
NOBODY KNOWS print: https://amzn.com/1509210504 

Excerpt for NOBODY KNOWS:

     Walking over the weedy ground, I felt the desolate abandonment of those

long-dead. A few tilting gravestones, so blurred with time that their epitaphs were illegible, listed toward the ground as if sheltering from a punishing wind. Scattered among the patchwork grasses were small, thin stone markers set in the dirt, little more than raw rocks, though several bore the faint outline of initials which had been chiseled into them so long ago. Ellis and I surveyed the bleak cemetery, each harboring our own thoughts. 

I don’t know how long we stood there breathing in the silence. Then, I heard the voice.—so clear, so distinct, that I startled and almost fell back. Did my companion hear it, too? I darted a look at him. He stood with eyes closed, evidently completely lost in his own reverie. I held my breath and listened with all my senses on alert. The voice wavered this time, as though trailing away, but its repeated message was identical to the one I had first heard at the Overseer’s Cottage when the candlestick went missing. I had thought, then, that I heard “red apple,” which made no sense. Now I understood. 

“Jared Chapel,” the voice warned. Yes, its tone was severe. Demanding. “Jared Chapel.”

     I touched Ellis’s arm. “It’s here, Ellis. I know it is.” And when he blinked uncomprehendingly, I added, “You wondered if Jared Chapel offers anything in your search for your ancestry. It’s here—there’s something here. I feel it and I...I know it.”

     He blinked several times, a serious expression on his face. “You know because...”

     “Sometimes the past speaks to me. I can’t explain it, but I have to trust the voice that tells me things.”

     He rubbed his chin. “You know...this is odd. Really odd.”

     I raised my eyebrows in a silent question and he continued. “Because I thought I heard something. I definitely felt...a presence I can’t explain. Someone trying to get my attention. Someone very, very seriously trying to make me understand.” 

He shook his head. “Understand what? I confess, I’m baffled.”

     “It’s a sign,” I said. “Something I’ve learned over my years at Overhome. We ignore the signs at our own peril.”

S.C.:  I feel my “fans,” those who have read the first two books will be gratified to have all (okay—most) of their questions answered.  As a stand-alone novel, NOBODY KNOWS makes some clear statements about the nature of slavery and its horrifying effects still felt today. All in all, my novels are a combination of mystery, history, a bit of romance and ghosts. Something for everyone! Each novel stands alone as well as hooking in to the saga. All are published by The Wild Rose Press.

Sounds amazing. What have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?

S.C.:  Two things—both related. I am amazed at the amount of time and effort we writers put into promotion and marketing.  While necessary, I feel all the hours spent on social media take away valuable creative time. On the positive side, that very same time commitment has garnered dozens and dozens of writer colleague friends—folks I feel as if I know as well as my neighbors—many lovely, lively, loyal compatriots offering everything from advice to consolation—real help when needed for reading, reviewing and revising. BONUS!

I agree, both about the time lost for writing, but also with the writer colleaguees and friends. What’s your writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

S.C.:  My writing process has remained the same over my twenty+ years as a published author. First I have to spend time—usually months—in one case years— THINKING through my story. This involves TELLING my story to anyone who will listen. My children soon learned to detect the story-telling glint in my eyes and they would run and hide, knowing they were in for a long session.  When the kids all flew off on their own, my sainted husband took their place as chief-listener.  What I find is that every time I tell my story it gets better—often aided by questions or added ideas from the “audience.” Only when I have my details firmly in place do I sit down at the computer to compose. Then, I write the whole manuscript without attempting to edit—though I frequently will re-read previous chapters to make sure of continuity. Revision and edits come after all this. Whew! No wonder it takes me so long to write a book!

Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What 

valuable lessons have you learned from them?

I have a very helpful writing group composed of every possible genre-specialist in the lexicon of authors: poets, memoirists, biographers, sci-fi, romance, mystery and crime writers. Eclectic (and wonky) as we are, we offer each other constructive criticism that is invaluable. I am also lucky in that I have a writing family. Daughter—with a degree in writing and experience in everything from magazine editing to university branding is an excellent critic for my mysteries. Daughter-in-law, a career librarian, knows what readers like; she tells me the truth about my own creations. Brother, a college dean and published writer of hundreds of scholarly articles and quite a few books, reads my drafts and lets me know how an intellectual male regards my overwhelmingly “chick-lit.” And good old Hubs listens patiently to every draft chapter as though it’s in contention for a Pulitzer Prize.

With plenty of writing years under my belt and thirty years of teaching writing, I have a few suggestions for beginners. First, read everything you can get your

hands on. Read widely and well. Read the genre for which you want to write. Secondly, join a writers’ group. Even if you read aloud to them nothing you have written until you are completely comfortable doing so, keep sharp ears out for what makes good writing. Finally, write for yourself first, but branch out when you are ready and write for an audience. Think: Who will want to read what I have to offer? Why? How do I best meet their needs?

And finally - where can readers connect with you?

S.C.:  I have a good website: www.susancoryellauthor.com

I am also active on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Susan-Coryell-Author-149075331807592/

My blog: www.susancoryellauthor.blogspot.com

Buy link: https://amzn.com/B01L5TXLJ6  (Please note, this is for Kindle only, as NOBODY KNOWS print releases Oct 14^th)

I love to connect with my readers and hope to hear from all who read any of my books.

Remember, everybody, HALLOWEEN is upon us at the end of October. Celebrate by reading a great ghost series, the Overhome Trilogy.

Thanks, Hywela for inviting me to guest on your excellent blog!

It's been a pleasure to have you here, today, Susan, and congratulations on the release of 'Nobody Knows' and wishing you even greater success.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

James Austin McCormick visits the Flight Deck ...

It's my pleasure to welcome a fellow Brit to the Flight Deck today.

James Austin McCormick is a college lecturer from Manchester, England and in his free time enjoys writing speculative fiction, mostly science fiction, horror and a little sword and sorcery fantasy. He is also a particular fan of classic Gothic and Victorian horror tales and is currently in the process of writing updated versions of these with a science fiction spin.

His novels include the trilogy Dragon (Dragon, Dragon: Smuggler Tales, Dragon: The Tower of Tamerlane), The Last Synn, a sword-and-sorcery story, a Science Fiction novel, Sunfall, and a horror novel, Balec. All are available from Class Act Books.

 HL: So  tell us about your writing and some more about your books, James.

JMcC: For me writing is pure escapism and the more I can create my own worlds, settings and characters the more I enjoy it. After the publication of my first SF novel, Dragon, I realized that I wanted to keep exploring this universe I’d created. So far I’ve written two more Dragon books, Dragon: Smuggler Tales and the most recent, Dragon: The Tower of Tamerlane. They’re not sequels exactly but rather fill in some of the missing periods in the first book.

Sillow, the main protagonist in the Dragon stories, is a semi-comic character. Diminutive, with long green hair, pointed ears and a child- like appearance, he's a restless, neurotic and somewhat cowardly elf who constantly finds himself in dangerous situations. Originally I intended him to be a fantasy character but as my novel developed I decided it would work better as a science fiction with a fantasy flavor. To add to the comedic element in the stories I initially paired him up with a surly, ill-tempered barbarian goliath by the name of Brok. They are the odd couple in space, often at loggerheads, constantly quarrelling but forced to work together as their fates become increasingly entwined, first as smugglers and then as government agents.

In the Tower of Tamerlan,e however, Sillow finds himself a new partner, Titanya, a beautiful and fearless pirate queen, who is more than a match for the cowardly elf.

HL Lol, I can relate to that! My own writing is mainly escapism, and a very similar thing happened to me and my Destiny trilogy - I just wanted to know more about the characters and worlds I'd created in the first book! 

This sounds like a great series, James and the covers are stunning. Thank you for being my guest today, and wishing you every success!

BLURB for Dragon: The Tower of Tamerlane:

After the death of the Tuolon Ambassador Lagua and the failure to bring the non-humanoid worlds into the Alliance, Sillow and Brok’s long partnership is finally at an end. Now a reluctant solo agent, Sillow is called upon to undertake his first mission, investigate the Tower, a high-tech prison complex along with the oligarch who runs it, a mysterious nobleman who calls himself Tamerlane.

Seeking evidence to prove Tamerlane is responsible for a series of terrorist attacks, Sillow quickly uncovers the sheer scale of his plans, a lethal military strike on all four humanoid home worlds. Caught and imprisoned however, the Sylvan finds himself helpless to warn the Alliance of the coming danger.

All the while, something has been evolving, growing stronger inside the Tower, something intangible yet far more dangerous than Tamerlane ever could be, a being implacably opposed to all life in the galaxy.

EXCERPT:

Laser fire and shouts echoed as Sillow was thrown headlong into the cell.

“What are you?” a female voiced asked. “Some type of green midget?”

Sillow groaned and tried to get up. He settled for a slumped kneeling position.

“I’m a Sylvan,” he replied. He squinted into the shadows and saw a figure seated on the upper berth of a bunk. He could make out little apart from a muscular, yet shapely pair of legs. “Who are you?”

The figure jumped down from the bunk. She was an Amazonian, strong and athletic with an impressive cleavage and long chestnut hair falling around her shoulders. She was also extremely pretty despite the artificial eye and cheek implant. She stretched out a perfectly formed silver arm, extending her hand. “Titanya.”

Sillow’s eyes widened. “The Pirate Queen?”

The woman nodded.

The Sylvan took her cybernetic hand and let himself be hauled to his feet. He found himself head high to her magnificent chest.

“Sillow,” he replied, smiling at her breasts. “I’m from the Alliance.”

“Up here, short stuff,” the woman told him.

Slowly and very reluctantly, Sillow turned his attention upwards. He grinned. “Nice to meet you.”

Outside, cries and weapon fire continued to echo through the halls.

Titanya frowned. “Any idea what all that’s about?”

“Whole place is going crazy,” the Sylvan replied. “Something got into Tamerlane’s AI system.”

The woman took a couple of tentative steps toward the door. Screams echoed through the walls.

“Sounds like a warzone out there,” she remarked. “You sure the AI is causing all this?”

Sillow frowned. “You know, this is going to sound kind of crazy but…” he paused, running a hand over his pointed chin.

“What?” Titanya demanded.

“Well, it kind of looks like the one causing all this is Darius Drake. You heard of the guy?”

“Oh yeah,” the Earth woman answered. “We’ve met.”

“Well, somehow he’s put himself into the computer system.” Sillow gave an embarrassed shrug. “Sounds sort of off the wall I know.”

There was a sudden explosion and flames tore through the slits at the top of the door.

“Look out.” Sillow threw himself at Titanya, knocking her off balance and sending her tumbling to the floor. The Sylvan landed on top of her, head buried in her thick auburn

locks. A fireball tore past them, turning the bunks into cinder.

It was some moments before Sillow glanced up. He found himself looking at the stern, beautiful features of the Terran woman.

“You okay?” he asked. “Just so you know, that was me protecting you.”

 “Just so you know,” Titanya replied, “under any other circumstances I’d have busted your jaw for that.”

Sillow grinned. “You mean saving your life?”

Titanya flung the little Sylvan back onto his feet. “Yeah, right. I can’t believe a pipsqueak like you got the drop on me.”

BUY LINKS:

Publisher’s website: http://www.classactbooks.com/index.php/component/virtuemart/science-fiction/dragon-the-tower-of-tamerlane-593-detail?Itemid=0

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Tamerlane-James-Austin-McCormick-ebook/dp/B011MNZQ52/ref=la_B00F3F9SGY_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470566864&sr=1-7

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragon-Tamerlane-James-Austin-McCormick/dp/1938703634/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470585322&sr=1-7&keywords=James+Austin+McCormick

Find out more about James Austin McCormick at:

 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamesAustinMcCormick/

Twitter https://twitter.com/jimbomcc69

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9860555.James_Austin_McCormick

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/James-McCormick/e/B00F3F9SGY

Class Act Books http://www.classactbooks.com/index.php/our-authors/manufacturers/james-austin-mccormick

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

Nothing To Lose - Interview and Giveaway

I'm delighted to welcome fellow author Darlene Fredette to my blog today. Make yourself at home, and lets find out more about Darlene and her latest release.

HL: Tell us a little more about yourself  - and is there something that most people don’t know about you?

DF: Most people don’t know I am a home-body. I’m socially interactive on social media with my author friends, but once my laptop closes, I just want to be with my family at home.

HL:  I think a lot of us can relate to that! What is your latest release and what was your favourite part of writing this book/series?

DF: Nothing To Lose is a fun romance where the heroine applies for a job in a bakery that she is not qualified for. There are lots of delicious desserts being baked that will have you craving a treat.

HL:  Sounds mouthwatering! What do you do for fun when not writing?

DF: Hanging out with my family, either at home or day visits to the Valley. I also enjoy crafting items for giveaways, lounging in the yard, or reading a goof romance in my comfy chair.

HL:  So what comes first: the plot or the characters?

DF: Inspiration usually hits when I’m doing household chores. The plot will come first and the characters soon evolve. By the time my housework is done, I have a complete story outlined. Then the hard part comes…getting it from my head and onto paper.

HL: Yes.  I find inspiration when I'm busy working too - it's surprising how many ideas have come to me when mucking out a stable! 

Just for fun - if someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and actor would it be and why?

DF: For Nothing To Lose, I pictured Travis as Ryan Paevey from General Hospital, and Jesse as Evangeline Lilly from Lost. Both actors would be fitting to play the roles as hero and heroine in this story.

HL: Great choices there! What have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?

DF: From the time you start writing a new story to writing the end is the easy part. It’s the ‘waiting’ from submission to a contract offer then the process to get to publication is the hardest part. The time delays never change.

HL:  Isn't that a fact! What’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

DF: When I first started writing, I had a full time job, so I wrote during breaks or in the evenings. Now I write full time, so my writing schedule is more flexible. After a quick browse through emails and social media, I write into the late afternoon. However, daily life sometimes puts a wrench into my perfect plan.

HL: Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it distracts you?

DF: I love all genres of music, especially the oldies. I used to listen to music while writing, but I found more singing than writing got done…lol, so no more music for me.

HL: LOL - I don't sing, not when anyone can hear me anyway! :) Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What     valuable lessons have you learned from them?

DF: My family is my biggest support system. However, to encourage my daily writing progress, I’m part of an online writing group (Trans Canada Romance Writers) where we celebrate and shout-out each other’s success. I recently joined ABA (Awesome Bad-Ass Authors). My first participation in that group will be later this month with a spotlight blog post, as well as a being part of their Halloween blog tour.

HL:   Oh I must make a note of that - the Halloween blog tour I mean. What sort of research do you do for your books and what’s your favourite source of information? 

DF: The internet is my go-to source for research. While the stories I write are romance fiction, as a writer you want to get the details of locations, events, or specific items as accurate as possible.

HL: I agree. Thank goodness for Google! Thank you so much, I’m so happy to have you featured on my blog and I wish you much success with 'Nothing To Lose'.

DF: Thank you, Lyn, for having me on your blog. It’s been a pleasure connecting with you. 

Title: Nothing To Lose
Release Date: October 05, 2016

Publisher: Escape Publishing

SubGenre(s): Contemporary
Rating: Sweet (PG)

Tagline:

She has one last hope – a small, family-run bakery that might just be baking up second chances. 

Blurb:

Dwindling finances has Jesse Robinson running out of options. With a past filled with failures, she longs for a new beginning. Applying for a job she isn’t qualified for may be another crazy mistake, but at this point Jesse has nothing to lose. 

Juggling two jobs, Travis Cooper has absolutely no time for a relationship and isn’t looking for one. But when his mother hires an unqualified baker, he has more to worry about than three-tiered wedding cakes. Like whether to break his own no-dating-employees rule and make a little room in his life for love. 

Excerpt:

     ‘How hard can baking be? Easy‐peasy. Right?’ 

She knew her words to be untrue. She’d watched shows on the Food Network. The chefs on television made creating desserts appear simple, yet Jessie’s attempts always ended with opening a window and the lid on the garbage can.

     ‘I have no choice, and at this point I have nothing to lose.’ Jessie had thought the same before her previous four jobs. Though, she did excel at one particular skill—making bad choices. If only she could include that talent as a positive trait.

     She drew in a deep breath to calm her racing pulse. Desperation rolled in the emptiness of her stomach. She’d just go into the bakery and win them over. She had to. The two hundred dollars in her bank account would cover her car payment. As long as I don’t eat or drive anywhere, I’m good.

Bio:

Darlene resides on the East Coast of Canada with her husband, daughter, and Yellow Lab. When not working on her next book, she enjoys spending time with her family. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loves to develop the many stories swimming in her head. She writes heartwarming contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners.

Contact links:

Web: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarleneLF

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarleneLF

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DarleneFredette/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/DarleneLF

Purchase Links:

Escape Publishing: 

http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/product/9781489221070

Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Lose-Darlene-Fredette-ebook/dp/B01LRPKMZE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474480100&sr=1-1&keywords=darlene+fredette

Amazon.ca:

https://www.amazon.ca/Nothing-Lose-Darlene-Fredette-ebook/dp/B01LRPKMZE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474480180&sr=1-1&keywords=darlene+fredette

GIVEAWAY - Darlene is giving away a delightful Silver bookmark with measuring cup and cupcake charms to one lucky person who comments on any of the blogs on her tour. She is also giving a lucky Silver key chain with measuring cup and cupcake charms to a commenter on her blog.  Full details HERE

Also - join us on 14th October at The Author Roast and Toast, where Darlene will be the guest of honour at a virtual party where anything goes!

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

I'm rather late posting this - but Kerry and Cat are excited to have been interviewed by Diane Burton.  If you have a moment, pop over to her blog and say hello.

http://dianeburton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/characters-from-beloved-enemy-by-hywela.html





For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)