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Welcome to my place in the blogosphere!
feel free to explore the Flight Deck and check out my books and website.
Then fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and let's chat awhile!
I hope you'll stop by again for guest authors and spotlights from time to time.

Beloved Enemy joined Starquest and Children of the Mist to continue the Destiny Trilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNA Awards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.

Thursday 26 May 2016

I'm interviewed at Author Shout



Hywela Lyn was born and lived most of her life in Wales, and the beautiful countryside and legends did much to inspire her writing. Although she now lives in a small village in England, she is very proud of her … 
AUTHORSHOUT.COM


If you'd like to check it out, the link is here

http://authorshout.com/author-interview-archive/author-interview-hywela-lyn/

Monday 23 May 2016

Masked Hearts


Masked Hearts
A sweet romance anthology

By Various Authors
Publisher: 
Roane Publishing
Release Date: May 23, 2016
Keywords: Fantasy, romance, shifters, dragon, elves, masquerade, sweet

What secrets do the Masked Hearts hold?
Dragons, elves and shifters abound in these five sweet, romantic fantasy tales. But, no matter the realm of origin or the race of the species, one theme resonates throughout. To find a love that’s lasting, one must be willing to take off the mask, and reveal their true heart.


Affinity by Dana Wright

Behind the shadows lies the truth…
A magic mirror and a houseful of ghosts await Kristen when fate leads her to Wanderly House. Secrets and spirits consume her days, but one look in the magic mirror and her heart falls fast. A mask, a cloak, and a key leading her to an enchanted evening in the faery garden might be Kristen's end as all that glitters may well have sharp teeth.
Magic mirror on the wall…
Connor is trapped in Faery. With only a view through a bewitched mirror to the real world, his attention is nabbed by a curious cat shifter with a ghostly following. Can he find a way to break the spell that binds him so he can reach the girl that haunts his dreams?
When the forces of Faery and Wanderly House collide, will Kristen and Connor's love be enough to save them?

Water Woman by Claire Davon

Sparks fly when a Spanish water woman, and an African two-horned horse shifter meet at a masquerade. Kimoni has gone to ask Isidora to use her skills to aid him with his ailing grandfather. When strangers claiming to be Isidora’s relatives try to force her to share her powers, the pair is plunged into danger. Isidora and Kimoni look for a way to fight the ruthless intruders, while also saving his grandfather.
Using their combined powers, they meet the challenge, all the while conscious of the growing attraction between them. It has been a long time since Isidora has met a man who calls to her as Kimoni does. The strong, handsome horse shifter sings to her senses, and she sees a matching spark in his eyes. Can love between them blossom? Can a water woman and a horse shifter find happiness together?

Dragon Law by Nemma Wollenfang

The kingdom of Baelin is under attack. A terrifying dragon rains fire down on the capital city, burning all in his path. The people’s one hope lies with the Princess Draxa, who – in accordance with an ancient rite – must willingly sacrifice her future to sate the beast’s wrath.
For her kingdom, Draxa will do it. She will leave Andre, the fierce soldier she loves with all of her heart, don her red cloak, and make the treacherous trip into the heart of the mountain, to face the monstrous Lord Siouxlian in his lair.

Feather Fall by Sheryl Winters

Brooke Adair's autism has turned the world into a constant puzzle, especially when it comes to men. When she meets fellow swan shifter Blake Landen in a dream, though, Brooke feels a potential connection to someone who could understand her. If she lets him.
But trusting in Blake takes a whole lot more courage than Brooke has. After all, if she doesn’t take this leap, Brooke might miss out on meeting the one man she could actually learn to understand.

Duty or Desire by Sharon Hughson

Alyona Wyrden dwells contentedly in her elven realm, but when her brother disappears, she travels to Earth to bring him home.
Camden Kerr hunts down magical artifacts, keeping them out of the wrong hands. The amulet that draws Alyona to her brother is just the sort of object Cam’s after. The way his flesh responds to the lithe, blonde necklace wearer is a different matter altogether. When their paths keep crossing, Camden decides they can work together-until he discovers her elven heritage.
Can their attraction defeat prejudice? Which will rule—duty or desire?

Friday 13 May 2016

Novus - Spotlight and Giveaway


Novus Novus by Crystal Marcos Ideal for Hunger Games and Divergent fans, Crystal Marcos delivers Novus, a riveting novel set in a dystopian future of action-adventure, suspense, and romance. Intriguing characters and a gripping storyline keep the reader turning page after page. Being a teenager is hard enough. And what if your life's path is pre determined? On top of that, you aren't even Human? Cayden was given life as a Cresecren. He expected to live out his days with the dysfunctional Human family he was assigned to serve. One fateful night, however, landed him in Gavaron, the home of maimed, elderly, or defiant Cresecren. Beyond its borders is the Den, an area much more dangerous than he ever imagined. Now seventeen, Cayden unwittingly becomes involved in a conspiracy and is one of a handful of survivors fleeing a deadly attack. They set off on a perilous journey in search of refuge and the truth. Along the way, Cayden begins to comprehend the difference between fully living and merely surviving, while trying to balance his emotions and a forbidden love.

Novus Award Novus Award2 Novus Award3
Awards: ~"Official Selection" Winner in the Young Adult category, 2015 New Apple Book Awards!~ ~Winner Best Books in the Young Adult category, 2016 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards!~ NOVUS (The Cresecren Chronicles, Book 1) has recently received two book awards! To celebrate the eBook will be on SALE for $1.99 until 5/15/2016 amazon get it Praise for the Book: “Novus by Crystal Marcos is one of those gems that make you care about the characters within the story, and while you definitely want to know what happens to them, you can't help but also not want to get to the end of the book. It's the kind of book whose characters you miss when you finish the book.” ~Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite- 5 STARS
amazonbarnes and noble
    
 Excerpt

Famous and Alecander had just reached the trees when another man jumped from the vehicle to the ground. He reached overhead to grab the rifle from the marksman as another gideon approached at top speed. I turned and joined Alecander and Famous as they rode through the woods dodging trees, bushes, and branches. Gunshots whizzed through the woods. A sizzling sound zipped by my left ear and gouged a hole the size of my fist in a nearby tree. I had heard of the “Bleeding Heart” but never witnessed it in action. It was designed to take out an enemy’s heart. I quickly decided to run in a zig-zag pattern through the forest to make it more of a challenge to hit me. This was not easy to do as I had to avoid trees and foliage. I knew they would pursue us until they killed us. My only concern was how long I could elude them. Why did they want us dead? 

Crystal Marcosadd to goodreads new   Author Crystal Marcos Award-winning author Crystal Marcos has been a storyteller her entire life. As the oldest of five children, she had to do a lot of entertaining. She lives on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State with her husband, daughter Kaylee, and infant son Jaxon. Crystal is the author of BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale and HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE. Novus, her third book and first Young Adult novel, is Book One of The Cresecren Chronicles.
  Blast Giveaway – $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash Ends 5/19/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday 12 May 2016

Release Day spotlight and Giveaway


I write futuristic and fantasy - but I also love historical westerns so it's great to be able to feature one of these today.  I hope you enjoy reading about this wonderrful new release as much as I did.

Corsets and Cuffs
by Shanna Hatfield
Series: Baker City Brides, #3
Genre: Sweet Historical Western Romance
Release Date: May 12, 2016



Sheriff Tully Barrett never knew trouble had such a pretty face. Brianna Dumont never knew the law could be so handsome and hardheaded.

Pampered and privileged, Brianna Dumont escapes the life she’s always known in an effort to clear her father’s good name. She arrives in Baker City, Oregon, intent on selling her father’s shares in a mine. Only the mine is a bust, her father’s partner is a crusty ol’ coot who hates women, and the sheriff in town is determined to keep her behind bars.

With good friends around him, a small ranch of his own, and a fulfilling job as sheriff, Tully Barrett loves his life. Then an exasperating woman shows up, making demands and driving him crazy. No matter how hard he tries to ignore her brains and beauty, she works her way under his skin.

Corsets and Cuffs captures the fun-loving banter of two strong-willed characters determined not to fall in love in this sweet historical romance.





May 13, 2016 ~ 10-11 a.m. (PT)
Games, giveaways, and oodles of fun!


Her jaw dropped open as she gaped at him. “This is ridiculous. Remove these cuffs and release me, this instant.”

“Not happening, your highness.”  He swung open the door to the jail and escorted her through the office back to the cells. No one else was in the building, something for which Brianna was grateful. Mortified to be manhandled on the way to the jail, she certainly didn’t need any spectators to her unexpected imprisonment.

Tully marched her into a cell then removed the cuffs. A smile played around the corners of his mouth as he slammed the door and turned a key in the lock. “You’re under arrest.”

Furious, she spluttered in protest. “For what? I have done nothing more than demand you carry out the responsibilities of the job the good citizens of this town entrusted into your care. You have no right…”

Tully took a step back as she grabbed hold of the cell bars and rattled them.
He smirked. “You are under arrest for assaulting an officer of the law.”

Defiant and insulted, she lifted her chin. “You deserved the slap after that impudent comment.”

Tully ignored her and continued. “You’re under arrest for assaulting an officer, being a public nuisance, harassment, and disorderly conduct.”

Incensed, she rattled the bars again. “I did no such thing, and you know it. This is an outrage. You, sir, are a bully and a beast! I demand an immediate release. Wait until your superiors hear about this. I’ll have you removed from your position. In fact, I won’t stop until the governor of this state has you tossed in prison!”

“Good luck with that, sweetheart.” Tully stalked over to the door, leading to the jail’s office, his gaze hard and penetrating. “Your time might be better spent reflecting on how you ended up in here, Miss Smarty Pants.”





FREE - May 13 - May 17
Book One: Crumpets and Cowpies


USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.


Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Email ~ Newsletter
Join Shanna's Street Team: Shanna's Hopeless Romantics





Wednesday 11 May 2016



Title: Interviewed by God - A Journey to Freedom

Author Name: Beth Banning

Author Bio:

Beth Banning is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and spiritual catalyst who lives in California with her husband, their cat, and their six pound poodle. She was born in New York City and from a very young age could sense the feelings of people around her, felt kundalini energy running through her body, and experienced other unusual events that she didn't understand. The well-meaning adults in her life told her she was depressed and that these experiences were just her imagination. Growing up in this cloud of ignorance and disbelief, these gifts were buried and unable to flourish and so she was left confused and lonely.

As a young adult she recognized the same sense of confusion and loneliness in others and became passionate about helping people better understand themselves and those around them. Later in life she took this passion into her work with her husband Neill and co-founded Focused Attention, Inc. She has written numerous books, co-created the Pathway to Personal Freedom, and the Art of Conscious Connection Seminar Series.

After many years of integrating this consciousness shifting work into her own life and teaching it to others, she experienced a profound reconnection with God that turned her life upside down. This radically changed the way she perceives the world and functions in it. Beth now lives her life guided by her inner source of divine wisdom. She is committed to helping others discover this for themselves and fully experience the essence of who they truly are.

Author Links - 





Book Genre: Spirituality
Publisher: PuddleDancer Press
Release Date: September 1, 2014

GUEST POST by Beth Banning

My 10 Favorite Authors and the Irony That Can and Can't Define Me#

I am sure most of us can relate to life’s little ironies.  Like how it seems that every time we spill something on our clothes we happen to be wearing white.  Or, the way the car battery is dead when you are in a particular rush. An irony of my life is that I'm a writer but not much of a reader I have dyslexia and reading has always been quite difficult for me. There were writers however that did interest me, and when I was interested and engaged in the writing I would read.  I was mostly drawn to those writers who wrote about universal truths, consciousness, and human evolution. 
Writers like Ram Dass, Eckhart Tolle, Gary Zukav, Neale Donald Walsch, Dan Millman, James Redfield, Benjamin Zander, Lynn twister, Malcolm Gladwell, David Hawkins and many others. The concepts, ideas, and quality of thinking presented by these authors held my attention well enough that I was willing to read even with my challenges. And when I did read what I loved is finding myself in what I was reading.
Just like Ram Dass rejected labels, I refused to let the label of ‘dyslexia’ define me.  We are all more than our labels. Labels are often a by-product of a society’s expectations…expectations that are trained into us from birth.  Just like the label of ‘beautiful’ is applied differently by different cultures; ideas, thoughts, wants, desires, are all a by-product of our society’s values.  The idea that a person with dyslexia could not become a successful author is just part of a label that I wasn’t going to apply to myself.
In his book, The New Earth, Tolle writes that “the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.”  But with all the expectations, both subtle and overt, that are put in our thoughts our entire life, how can we even know our true thoughts?
Each of the authors I mentioned above, as well as many others who explore these ideas of consciousness and self, have a common theme in their life.  Each has, at some point in their life, been inspired to look beyond their self-limiting boundaries.  For Zukav, it was perhaps the deaths in the south during the right-to-vote struggles.  Certainly Redfield was deeply influenced by the Human Potential Movement. 

In exploring myself, as I describe in Interviewed by God, I too looked to find my own human potential.  I was inspired by writers who challenged me to seek my own truth. My irony turned out to be my asset.  Because reading was such a struggle, the scope of my reading was fairly limited to writers who wrote about things that touched my soul.  I was being enriched by the words, so the struggle was worth the payoff.  The freedom of really, really knowing yourself is the same:  a struggle worth the payoff.

Book Description:



Interviewed by God is an account of Beth Banning’s journey of spiritual awakening—her conscious connection with God and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From a very young age, Banning experienced phenomena that could only be called extraordinary: she’s received messages from spirit animals, felt kundalini energy awaken in her, and experienced dimensional shifts in her awareness that have allowed her to witness what only a few have seen. She was visited by totem animals, took ritualistic baths, and visited shamans and healers; she experienced ecstatic states and received messages; her ego mind began to battle against her higher mind. As she experienced her spiritual journey, a small voice within guided her. With doubt as her constant companion she continued to follow her inner promptings, which led her to higher levels of truth about her connection to herself and the world and reality as we know it. Written in a format in which the author is “interviewed by God,” the book is meant to be a mirror for the reader to reflect their own experiences back to them, and a gentle guide for those who are at the precipice of an extraordinary adventure and are either scared to jump or who hunger for answers and understanding.

EXCERPT:

Interviewed by God
Chapter 2, What is REALLY Real?
Pg. 11

God: Are you ready to get going?
Beth: I'm not sure why I'm writing about any of this. Who's going to care?
God: There are many people who are having experiences similar to yours and they're embarrassed or think it's all their imagination and are not allowing these experiences to blossom. There are others who are right at the precipice of these extraordinary, life-changing experiences, but they are pushing them away. These people need to know they're not alone and what they're experiencing is actually more real than what they thought was true.
Beth: They need to know that there is more to life than they are told about, is that it? They need to know that the world is much richer and more wonderful than they ever imagined.
God: Yes, it's time for people to know just how much more there is to life. You've already begun the process of transformation, and your experiences can help to guide them. I've heard you say you have had many unusual experiences. What do you mean by this?
Beth: Over the last four years, many things have happened to me that are outside the realm of ordinary human life. They come in different forms. I may feel them, hear them, or see them, but they are nothing like my previous day-to-day existence. Research has showed me that these types of experiences are not completely uncommon. On one hand, knowing that others have had similar experiences helped me at times when I thought I was going crazy. On the other hand, I mostly found that saints, eccentric geniuses or gurus in India were the ones having these experiences. There were only a few stories involving ordinary people like me.
God: So what has changed in your life over the last few years?
Beth: In short, I have gone from wanting to know everything, understand everything and control everything in my life, to a place of peacefulness and acceptance to a degree that I've never known. I don't mind now when plans change, or someone else thinks they have a better idea about how to do things. And I don't have to agree with or understand exactly what someone is talking about in order to hear what they're saying and be able to empathize with them. My whole being has shifted. As I continue to have these unique experiences, they change me and how I perceive the world in incredible ways. I've gone from an almost compulsive need to "know" everything to an acceptance of just what's going on in the moment, and a sense of calm trusting about the future.








Monday 9 May 2016

Mondays Ramblings

Well it looks like my Monday rambings are not as regular a I would like - but sometimes if I have agreed to schedule a writer on my blog and it happens to be on a Monday, then I will happily make way - after all, we authors are here to help each other, right?  And I hope the readers enjoy the variety of genres and hearing about authors they may not have come across before. Anyway today the sun is shining and as a country lover and a Brit, I thought I'd talk about the weather!

Spring seems to have come to the UK!

Hubby and me and the faithful Choccy took a walk in a nearby 'bluebell wood' and I have to say the bluebells this year are magnificent!
Myriad paths meander between the trees
and luxurious drifts of bluebells





Stop for a rest



















And everywhere, bluebells...like a sea of blue and green - I know a lot of people love the noise and bustle of the city, but me, I'm so glad I live in the country.  Outdoors is where I get my inspiration to write!