Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont

New release: Wake's Claim. A paranormal romance from #FSFRL author Michelle Dare #paranormal #romance

3/22/2019

Hi folks, I have a treat for you today. Hot off the press, a brand new release by a friend of mine, Michelle Dare.

Here are the deets:

Title:Wake’s Claim
Author: Michelle Dare
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba at Mae I Design
Publication Date: March 22nd, 2019

Check out the handsome cover, reminds me of Clarke Kent and he's pictured with one gorgeous canine. (check out its eyes).

Blurb:
Wake had lived in fear for far too long. Life hadn’t been easy for him. Every day he resisted his natural instincts to claim the one female meant for him. An event from his past stopped him in his tracks every time his primal urges pushed him toward her.

Paige accepted the role she played in Wake’s life. She was the one he wanted but never allowed himself to have. But when someone else showed interest in her, Wake had to decide once and for all.

Putting his heart on the line left the shifter vulnerable, something he never wanted to be again. And just when he gave in to his instincts, fate dealt the pair a cruel hand.

Nightmares came true, causing Paige to flee to the only place she felt safe—in the arms of Wake.

Pack life wasn’t an easy life, but Paige wouldn’t give up the man who held her heart. Only together could the two move forward and find the happiness they both deserved.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43175265-wake-s-claim

Author Bio:
Michelle Dare is a romance author. Her stories range from sweet to sinful and from new adult to fantasy. There aren’t enough hours in the day for her to write all of the story ideas in her head. When not writing or reading, she’s a wife and mom living in eastern Pennsylvania. One day she hopes to be writing from a beach where she will never have to see snow or be cold again.

Author Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichelledare
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/daresdivas/
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2bgyYn3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michelle_dare
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michelle_dare/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/m_dare/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sHnFJe
Website: http://michelledare.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: http://eepurl.com/bt14zX

Buy Link:

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Book review: A Witch's Dream World by Cheryllynn Dyess #paranormal #witch #FSFRL

3/17/2019

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A Witch's Dream World (The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn)
Published: 2015
Written by Cheryllynn Dyess
Blurb: Elizabeth has gone through so much lately with her mother's passing. Now she lives with her aunts and she has begun to have nightmares. Only her nightmares are not nightmares at all, but spirit walks. Elizabeth never knew she belonged to a family of witches that dates back centuries. It is believed that she is the strongest one of all. She never knew her father was alive or that she had a twin brother. Now she must learn about a world she never knew existed. She has to learn to embrace her heritage and figure out how to defeat the Council. They are conspiring to destroy the structure of coexisting in this new society that her ancient people hold dear. Night after night her dreams reveal so much more....but are they only dreams?

My review:
4 stars
Good story with a twist
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

Just a disclaimer: I haven't read a book in this genre before so I am unfamiliar with other witch-type books.
I like the main character Elizabeth and the fact it's a coming of age novel. She seems aware that there are witches in her world but not that she is one of them. Quite a powerful one in fact. If I were her, I would be mad as hell when I found this out as it seems that many other people know about her powers before she does and she hasn't been properly trained. Her family sure have some issues which makes for good conflict.
I do enjoy the young adult angle. She falls in love and rather quickly I thought with one, or is it two hot young men? Wesley sounds divine. I think I may have a book-crush on him. I like that there are different magical races in the book and hope this is explored more through the series. I wish there was a bit more development in the relationship. I read it as 'we have a connection so let's mate for life' kinda thing. I do enjoy a bit more romance with coy glances and 'getting to know you flirting.'
The main thing for me was that the book was finished too fast. My fault for not realising it was a novella. It left me wanting more, especially the ending where I sat bolt upright and went 'what now?' Guess I should have seen that one coming but it was really cool.
Luckily for me, I bought the 3 paperbacks, so I have just started reading A Witch's Reality. Will be back soon with another review.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Young Adult and Paranormal books. Thanks to the author for this fun read.

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Book review: Merry Gentry series by Laurell K Hamilton -Romance, Faeries

3/9/2019

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Merry Gentry Series blurb:
Note: this series is for reader 18 years and over
Laurell K. Hamilton's bestselling series of novels featuring Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, established her as one of the hottest new writers of dark fantasy and erotic horror. Now, in a thrilling adventure of unbridled imagination, Hamilton turns her talents to the glittering, myth-drenched lands of Faerie and brings them brilliantly into the postmodern age. Enter a thrilling, sensual world as threatening as it is beautiful, replete with the titanic passions of immortal beings once worshipped as gods or demons. Full of earthly pleasures and dazzling magic, Laurell K. Hamilton's A Kiss of Shadows will hold you under its hypnotic spell.

My review:
I really enjoyed this series and would give all the books 5 stars except the final book A Shiver of Light, I would give this 4 stars.
The series is the first in this genre I had read and it hit all the marks for me:

Independent young woman who is very capable of defending herself.
Not at first what she seems. Merry is a detective who solves crimes of the paranormal kind.
Multi-layered characters (well mostly, as the series go along you suspect some of them are just there for the sex LOL)
Gorgeous faerie men and more than one
New-to-me world building and faerie-type characters
Conflict and battles
Magic

Overall, I found it to be well-written and an enjoyable series to read.
I did find the last book dragged and could have been punchier. I suspect that was Laurell K Hamilton's loss of interest. Can't really say much about the last one without giving things away, but there was less in the romance department for obvious reasons. I do wish now that they are finished that she had more of an emotional connection with the character she claimed as her greatest love. Merry did spend a fair bit of time rescuing and caring for him but I didn't feel that she had the strongest connection to him out of all the male prospects. There certainly were some great guys in the mix. Overall I loved this series and look forward to re-reading them.
I recommend you take a look.

Merry Gentry series on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Laurell-Hamiltons-Meredith-Merry-Gentry/dp/B01BPP7OU2

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Cheryllynn Dyess brings a magical touch to this interview for the FSF Readers' Lounge @CheryllynnDyess #FSFRL

2/27/2019

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Author bio: Cheryllynn's vivid imagination comes through in all she does in life. Her writing started in junior high, although she never truly shared her work until recently. They were kept hidden away in an old tattered orange folder. Original works she wrote as early as 1984 still hold ink on the pages and are just now coming to life. Paranormal and Fantasy are her favorite genres with Mystery and Thrillers close behind.
Born in Northwest Florida and raised in Southeast Georgia she developed a love for nature and the outdoors.
Her experiences outdoors allows her to create universes with vivid detail. After a detour of almost twenty years in the health care industry and obtaining her Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration/ Healthcare Information Systems she has returned to her love of writing.

Currently living in Central Texas with her family, she has begun a new chapter in life that has opened her heart and soul to many great adventures. Her hobbies include fishing, crochet, gardening...and of course reading.

Book title: Awakening Fate, The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn, Book Four

Genre: YA / Fantasy / Paranormal
Synopsis: Elizabeth thought the battles behind her were difficult until some of her past came back to haunt her. She struggles to determine what emotions she is feeling that is real or induced by the amulets of the original witches now when an unexpected person becomes the keeper of Prince Petre's items. Protecting a friend comes to the forefront of her newest goal while coming up against an adversary she didn't know existed was troublesome enough, but not to have her powers at her command...that is the true test of her will and strength. Will Elizabeth be able to accept the new keeper? Will Sorina and Prince Petre give their blessings? Can the young witch keep her friend safe as well as herself?
Publish date: Feb 6, 2019
Publisher: Self

An excerpt from Awakening Fate, The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn, Book Four

Of course, he gently wrapped his fingers in with hers, gave a small nod and looked to the ceiling. “Ready?” Reba asked as her and her sisters finished making the circle around them, she had every intention of keeping them safe. Elizabeth nodded then closed her eyes.
The ground was wet from dew, she had arrived in the morning time just as the sun was rising over the ridge of the horizon. Elizabeth felt the moisture seep through her socks in the high grass. She started to walk and realized Wesley was at her side, she had almost forgotten. Looking at him, her heart leaped when he smiled at her. “We have to find Sorina,” her words filled with determination.
“Lead the way, this is your territory.” He motioned a hand out as if to follow her lead.
Looking to her left, Elizabeth recognized the tree line as the same one Sorina ran into for safety when she was last here. She moved towards it quickly when she glimpsed the corners of a white gown between the trees. Stopping suddenly, Wesley almost ran into the back of her. “What’s wrong?” He whispered.
“She is here, watching,” Elizabeth whispered back. Craning to catch another glimpse she called out, “Sorina. It’s me Elizabeth. It’s safe, you can come out now.”
Moments passed before the soft voice of Sorina called back, “Why have you brought an elf with you? What is this about?”
Twisting her mouth in thought, Elizabeth knew she had to explain things. “Sorina, this is Wesley Roberts. He is Sire Levi’s son. He is… he is the keeper of Prince Petre’s items.”
Sorina suddenly was at the forest line, “No! Not an elf. They would never!” Her voice was filled with shock as she glided towards them in a rush. She circled Wesley, looking over every inch of his body. “You look like him, except for the hair.”
Wesley turned to watch the woman taking him in, “I am honored.”
She smiled at him, “I can see why the amulet chose you. Your heart is good. But I’m surprised, I never considered an elf to be a keeper. You have no magic.”
Lowering his head, Wesley considered her words. “Well, not exactly.”
Both women turned their heads quickly and responded more loudly than they intended and in unison, “WHAT!”
He chuckled. “When the coven was having their battle last year, we left as we are supposed to do. Well, I went to Southern Europe and was studying. My father wants me to take over his house one day, as expected, but he wanted me to meet a distant relative and learn from her. She is an ancestor of an elf and witch, both from Romania.”
That got a rise out of the women, Sorina instructed him, “Please continue.”
“Well, that branch of elves has magic because of their bloodline to you.” Elizabeth gasped and Wesley quickly recovered the conversation, “We would not be related. The bloodline has been so distant that none of that family would be closer than seventh cousins, at best.”
“You are the children of Leagh?” Sorina asked.
Wesley nodded, “No ma’am, not Leagh but Randolph, her twin, he married an elf… During their marriage, they had six children. One was my father's grandfather and one the grandfather of Tiffany. And the rest is history.” As he spoke Sorina covered her mouth with her hand. Randolph and Leagh was the first set of twins born after the magic was gifted to Petre and Sorina, both had returned to Romania after a few years in Northern Europe. They had said they had to be in a place they felt at home.
“Did you know this before you met Elizabeth?”
“No. I only found out when I went to train. Tiffany filled me in on the entire family history and started teaching me spells that we could work.” He turned to Elizabeth, “I wanted to tell you everything.”
She pulled back from him, angry that she hadn’t listened to him. “It was my fault. I was being stubborn and hard-headed and I… I didn’t want to listen. I wanted to be mad. How foolish!” She snipped.
Sorina took Elizabeth in an embrace and whispered in her ear, “My child there was no way anyone would blame you for your actions. You were kept hidden from the world you belonged to and when thrown in did the best you could.” Tears escaped down Elizabeth’s cheeks. Sorina held her tighter, “You are so strong even when you think you are weak.”
Wesley stood watching the two women embrace. He had wanted to be there for Elizabeth, but he knew she had been through so much emotionally, there was no way he could stay angry at her. Sorina pulled back from Elizabeth and took one of each of their hands and smiled, “You two will do great things for our people.” Looking to Wesley, “One day, you will need to meet Petre but not until he is ready. He is not as forthcoming as I am.” She released their hands and began to turn away gliding towards the woods, just at edge she turned to them one last time, “You have our blessings,” then she shimmered into nothingness.
Sitting straight up, Elizabeth turns to see Wesley slowly waking up. She turns to her mother, “He is it. He is the keeper. We have Sorina’s blessings.” Releasing Wesley’s hand, Elizabeth starts to stand when she hears him mumble. Looking back, she realizes he is having trouble coming out of the dream and put a hand on his shoulder to shake him, “Wesley, wake up.” She calls out trying to get him to come around.
He turns his head back and forth like he is fighting something, then suddenly calms down. Inside the dream, Petre came to talk to Wesley but only after Elizabeth and Sorina had gone.
Wesley tried to follow Elizabeth. As he was moving towards her, he felt something grab his arm. He turned to find a man holding onto him and looking quite angry. "Who are you?"
"You say you are the descendant of Randolph?" The man stood tall with broad shoulders holding onto Wesley's arm with a tight grip, nearly cutting off the circulation.
Wesley turned to face the man who wouldn't let him leave. Ripping his arm from the man's grasp he asked with a growl, "Who are you and why have you held me back?"
"Answer my question elf. Are you the true descendant of Randolph?" the man asked once more.
Not in the mood for games, Wesley took a step back. Sorina had said Petre wasn't very forthcoming, could this be him? He was told Petre's personality lacked compassion but this was absurd. "I won't answer anything until I know who you are? I'm thinking you're Petre, Prince Petre!" The man's face softened. The elf was smart and easily figured out who he was without over reacting.
"Walk with me my child... we have so much to discuss."

Author interview with Cheryllynn Dyess.

Kasper: Hi Cheryllynn, welcome aboard our levitating Reader' Lounge. Here, take a cushion and get comfy.
Cheryllynn: Thanks Kasper. Nice to be here in my fave group.

After being friends with you for 6 years, I reckon I know the answer to this first question. Do you have a pen name and why?
Yes I do. I write under my maiden name, Cheryllynn Dyess because that is what I first published under. When I got married I asked my husband if he had a problem with me continuing to do so because I’m very proud of my family’s name and very much wanted to keep it as my pen name. He was fine with it and so it was! This lounge seems to be having a rocky day today, Whoa there!

Oh my goodness, it does seems to be moving around under the cushions. What on Earth is going on?  (A two-toned muzzle pops out from under the cushions, followed by a brown head with cute brown eyes). Um, Cheryllynn, does this dog belong to you?
Yes indeed, that's my dog: Nyx. Named after the Greek Goddess of the night. She must have snuck on behind me when we were arranging the cushions.

No worries at all. I like dogs. But um, we're a mile up in the air over the Pacific. I hope she knows how to stay.
Yes, she'll be alright, I'm sure.

Alrighty.  What was the defining event that made you start writing?
That’s tricky. I started writing when I was a teen as an outlet for the things going on in my life that I couldn’t talk to anyone about that were dark and very emotional. Fast forward to 2011, when I met my future husband and he read my earlier writings and couldn’t understand why I wasn’t doing it for a living. So he made things in our lives so that I could come live with him and write full-time and be a stay at home mom to our teen boys (teens at that time) and got married shortly after.

He really is the best thing to happen to you. I know you have such a close and loving family.
What other writing have you done?
I have a book of poetry and a cookbook out. I plan to put out some short stories in my future as well.
What makes your writing unique compared to others in the genre?
I’ve been told I have a poetic style of writing but I like to feel that my ability to describe the world in which everything is going on let’s me stand out among the others.

Awesome feedback, congratulations.
What made you choose this genre?
The Paranormal and Supernatural subgenres in Fantasy are very personal...I’ve had spiritual experiences all my life and I’m drawn to those types of works. It feels natural to me!

Awesome. A little birdy (or was that a phoenix?) told me you are one of the hosts for Fae Week in the Readers' Lounge. I can't wait to hear more of your real-life tales.
What’s the story behind your book title? Awakening Fate is the fourth book in The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn and is about Elizabeth finding that fate plays a larger role in our lives than we’d like to believe. In Awakening Fate she has to accept things that are very irregular and unexpected among her people.

What’s the basic plot of your Elizabeth Fairbairn series?
Overcoming adversity and obstacles, to be simple and short really.

Which scene from your book do you like best and why?
Oh goodness that’s a hard question. Let me see… Okay, without giving away too much about the story I’ll say the scene where Elizabeth finds herself in trouble and her magic isn’t accessible and she figures out how to get out!

I'm having visions of Buffy the Vampire Slayer over here...seriously I love strong female leads.
Which is your favourite character and why?
Other than the main character, I’d go with Wesley. He’s an elf shifter who is fated to be with Elizabeth and they go through some quite difficult situations in these stories. He’s fun and always supportive of her.

How do you develop your characters?
They grow with each story. I don’t really plan that out, they tend to write themselves.

Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
Oh all the time. I grew up in Southeast Georgia and that area shows up in the Born of The Veil. In The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn, I created the area from when I stayed in Virginia. In a book coming out later, The Forgotten Soul, I used the town I was born in. Another book I’m working on called After The Storm, I am using my current hometown as a basis.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
Just do it! Write it out and then go from there. Don’t hesitate or overthink it!

What music do you listen to when writing?
Rock mostly and then some pop. I like something with a lot of energy.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?
I crochet or garden or clean! Something with lots of detail to make me not think of the story. Sometimes reading helps too!

How did you go about developing your cover artwork? I love this Awakening Fate cover.
This particular cover is art from Stella. She also did the cover for book three, A Moment of Darkness, and I asked her to keep with the same theme

Who are your five favourite authors?
C.L. Gaber, RS McCoy, NK Jemisin, Ally Shields, and Jennifer Malone Wright would be in my top favorites.

What do you write about in your Behind the Pages blog?
Things that affect me daily or in my life. I like to be very personal there so readers can get to know me as a person rather than me as a writer.

What are your writing plans for this year?
My goal is to get 6 more books out this year and have 9 more completely written.

Oh my goodness, you'll be busy!
What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?
As a member, I’d like to say it’s been fantastic. I’ve met new readers and new to me authors! It’s been fun and exciting. I hope we continue to grow as much as we have already!

Which one of your characters would you like to be?
Jewel! She is a fairy. This is a photo of what I envision her to be.

Oops! your dog Nyx has eaten my interview questions, I can see shreds of them blowing away into the ocean. Oh no.
Don't worry. I think I can summon Jewel to help us. (Cheryllynn whispered something, which caused the hairs to rise on the back of my neck. Next thing I know a gorgeous fairy appeared. She nodded her cute bobbed head and the interview questions appeared as good as new in my hand).
Gee, thanks so much, Jewel. I sure wish I had friends like you. (The fairy gave a shy smile and disappeared into thin air).

Jewel the fairy

Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: chicken
Silliest saying: This is a PG interview...so I’ll skip this one.
Best holiday spot: Beach
Most played song: Rolling in the Deep by Adele
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? Pantser for sure!
Do you prefer SciFi or fantasy: Oh...Fantasy.
Best superpower: Reading minds.
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: visit the Highlands of Scotland where my ancestors are from.

Kasper: Thanks Cheryllynn. It sure has been an adventurous evening. Please wait until we land, Nyx.... too late! I hope she's OK after that big leap.
She'll be fine. I think it's time for her dinner. Thanks again for having me. Bye.

Cheryllynn's Links:
Website: www.cheryllynndyess.com
Blog: www.behindthepages.blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheryllynndyess
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/cheryllynn_dyess
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cheryllynndyess
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/cheryllynndyess
Bookbub: https://goo.gl/zqw1Xy

Do you love sci-fi and fantasy?

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Julian Coleman pops in to frighten us #FSFNet @JulianMColeman1 #interview

8/13/2016

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Julian Coleman cites an upbringing of poverty and harsh conditions as defining factors in her writing career. Unable to sleep due to nightmares, her mind turned to dark thoughts of demons, and thus an author was born. Julian states that at first she was petrified of the demons, but now she is used to them and can even recognise their own dark beauty.
She invites us to journey into the demon realm for a scary ride with her.

I interviewed Julian for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.
Here are some of the highlights:
*   Julian's dogs sometimes enter to dreams to save her from the demons. Good puppies.
*   She explains the meaning of her pen name
*   Her career comes as a surprise after hearing about her demons
*   Her favourite quote is perfect for her circumstance
*   She chooses an excellent superpower
Read all about these interesting facts and more in the full interview here.

I have Stolen Prophet to share with you today.

Here's the synopsis:

I was riding the bus home one day when I saw a Missing Child billboard. I didn’t have any children at the time, but my heart ached for the parents of that lovely child. That’s when, especially as a writer, you ask yourself, What if? My what if evolved into a macabre tale that’s wrapped up in layers of madness and bloody revenge. I actually took a spectre from one of my nightmares and released it in my book. My foremost desire is for my readers to ache for the parent, despite the carnage she causes, and to root for her as she single-mindedly hunts for her son.

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Sci-Fi / Paranormal with a healthy sprinkling of romance. An interview with Sally Ember @sallyemberedd #FSFNet

4/17/2016

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Sally Ember is an author of many talented, from her sci-fi novels The Spanner Series which combine a blend of paranormal and romance to her other roles as an educator, business manager, Vlogger and blogger. There is more to Sally than meets the eye.
With the elements of Buddhism and meditation she discusses, we get a sense that Sally is moving along the path to enlightenment.
I interviewed Sally today for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network and uncovered some new information about this award-winning author.

Here are some of my favourite snippets from my interview with Sally Ember:
* Sally classes her genre as: 'sci-fi /romance/ speculative fiction/ paranormal/ multiverse/ utopian books for New Adult/adult/YA audiences.' Something for everyone there.
* She talks about her working relationship with Willow Raven, her cover artist
* We discover what 'vajras' are
* Sally admits to hearing voices ;-)
* Her friends and family might find some hints of themselves in her works
* Sally has a song list for her writing and how each song relates to characters and scenes
* Volume 4 of Sally's series is due for release in 2016
Click here for the full interview

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the Collective, the holos choose Clara as liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective to make the secret visits public and guide Earth's new leaders. While Earthers adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are, rebellions and conflicts arise. The Collective works with Clara to create the Psi-Warriors who fight the leaders of the resistance, the Psi-Defiers. With multiple re-sets needed to revise the past and future to save lives, in which of the timelines in the multiverse does her love, Epifanio Dang, get to be with Clara? Over Clara's thirty-year term as Chief Communicator, Earthers must undergo major transformations.

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Interview with Tima Maria Lacoba, author of the Dantonville vampire Series @TimaMariaLacoba

4/23/2015

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Tima is a former ancient historian and archaeologist who accidently smashed a 3,000 Egyptian vase while on her first dig! The supervisor made her glue it back together again. It took a week. From there she went on to specialise in late Roman-British archaeology, and the military forts along Hadrian’s Wall, because buildings don’t smash as easily. Now she has combined a love of history with another passion—story-telling—to create a dark tale of Roman soldiers cursed by a British witch.

Tima has always been a storyteller, but it wasn't until five years ago that she seriously ventured into writing. The result was Bloodgifted. In 2011 it was shortlisted in the Atlas Award and eventually came fourth place. In 2012 it was listed among the top ten in the Choclit Search for an Aussie Star

Competition. In 2013, she was offered a publishing contract but declined in favour of going indie, preferring the idea of being in charge of her own creation.
Bloodgifted is just the start of a four-part series entitled, The Dantonville Legacy.
Book 2, Bloodpledge, was released four months ago, and Book 3, Blood Vault, is due for release June 2015. She also intends to satisfy her fans requests by writing individual books on the other characters in the series. So Terens, Cal Jake and Sam will each have their own story.

Tima currently lives on the Central Coast, an hour's drive north of Sydney in Australia. Her little house is surrounded by bushland, possums and seed-dropping Rosellas on one side, and waterways on the other.

Between bouts of writing, she can be found in the kitchen baking yet another chocolate recipe. This activity is responsible for forming more gothic, urban fantasy stories in her mind for future books

Book title: Bloodgifted, Book 1 of The Dantonville Legacy

Genre: urban/fantasy/paranormal romance

Synopsis:

Being unable to age is only the beginning.

Laura Dantonville is shocked to learn her strange genetic mutation, is linked to a dark family secret—a centuries-old curse that turned her Roman ancestor into a vampire. Now that she has come of age, she is the key to breaking that curse. But she’s also the prey of rogue vampires who inhabit the city’s frightening and violent underworld, as her blood gives them the ability to daywalk. For her protection she’s assigned a guardian—the handsome, sexy and dangerous Alec Munro.

And he wants nothing to do with her. If not for her family, Alec Munro would never have been transformed into a vampire. He owes them nothing, yet he also knows his own fated role in breaking the curse, and the unthinkable consequences should he not accept.

To the Brethren, the ending of the curse spells disaster.
Among a powerful few, malice grows . . .

Publish date: July 2013

Publisher: Tima Maria Lacoba

BLOODGIFTED EXTRACT

I spun around to face him, but as I was still out of breath all I could do was stand there, with my hands clenched by my side, and glare at him. He moved away from the door and came slowly toward me. I took a step back.

‘It occurred to me I don’t like the idea of becoming a single mother,’ I managed to say between breaths.

‘You should have thought of that sooner.’ He pulled his T-shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor.

I stared open mouthed at his chiselled body, the rippling muscles of his torso and the sword and serpent tattoo on his left breast. It was identical to the image on the stained glass window. On impulse, I reached out and touched it.

‘All the men have one. It marks us as belonging to Luc’s clan,’ he said. ‘Does he have one too?’ ‘Yes.’ The look in his eyes intensified. ‘Keep touching me, Laura.’ My hands traced the hard planes of his chest, stomach and the delectable trail of dark hair that disappeared below the tops of his jeans. ‘You told me never to touch you again. You still feel that way?’ 

‘If I did, I wouldn’t be agreeing to this. It’s only sex, nothing more. A means to an end.’ 

‘Did I promise anything more?’ 

No, he didn’t. This was, as he so succinctly put it, a business arrangement.

Author Interview with Tima

Kasper: Hi Tima, welcome to my blog. I'm looking forward to learning more about the writer behind the exciting Dantonville vampire series. I read Bloodpledge last year and enjoy your writing.

What made you choose this genre?
Tima: Thanks Kasper, a pleasure to be here. Hi everyone, I enjoy writing urban/ fantasy/ paranormal as it gives more scope for the imagination, letting me delve into the realm of the supernatural. Hey, I fell in love with Bram Stoker’s Dracula when I was seventeen!

Which scene from your book do you like best and why?

The chapter entitled, Vampire Ball, was so much fun to write. I introduced historical figures who had disappeared—whose bodies were never found. It was too much to resist. Of course I had to make it appear that their disappearance was a result of them having to hide their being turned into vampires!

Which is your favourite character and why?

I love them all, but Laura—my MC—was fun to write. She’s an ordinary young woman placed into an extraordinary situation. She’s not the kick-arse type of heroine you find in many urban-fantasy books today. Laura’s the archetypal girl-next-door: she smart, funny, loving and loyal to those she loves, and she has no idea how to use a sword, dagger of any other type of weapon. She could be you or me.

Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?

Oh yes. While working on my Master’s thesis on Roman Britain, I came across an ancient Roman fort in the UK (Vindobala). It was abandoned in the mid 3rd century for no apparent reason. An idea popped into my head and I wrote it down. Ten months later I’d written Bloodgifted.

What are you working on now?

Currently I’m a third of the way through writing Book 3 in my Dantonville Legacy Series – Blood Vault. I’ve given myself a deadline of July this year.

Remind me to check that one out when it's published. I enjoyed book 2 and have posted my review here.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?

I hate when it happens, but it does, I do something physical like go for a walk, tend my garden, bake a cake or pick up a crafty project. The activity gets the oxygen pumping through my brain and the ideas eventually come.

Baking hey? I might give that one a try next time. I bet it makes you feel better too.

How did you go about developing your cover artwork?

I’m lucky to have a talented cover artist. She knows my books and chooses just the right images that reflect the stories within. Her name is Patti Roberts from Paradox Designs.

If you could only take three books with you through an interstellar portal, what would they be?

That’s a hard one as there are so many. But to narrow it down, I’d choose: (i) the Bible, (ii) Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, (iii) Gena Showalter’s The Lords of the Underworld series.

Who are your five favourite authors?

JRR Tolkien, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charlotte Bronte, CS Lewis and Gena Showalter.

What is your favourite quote?

I love this one from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing sound they make as they fly past.”

Which book character are you most like and why?

Alice in Wonderland, because my character of Laura was based on her: a girl who finds herself in a strange, and slightly frightening, place.

What’s your favourite line from a book?

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”

Who would you choose to read your audiobook?

If dreams truly came true, I’d love to have Hugh Jackman read Alec and Cate Blanchette as Laura.

That would be awesome! I hope your wish comes true.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Tima, to share your story with us. Best wishes for the Dantonville Series. I look forward to the next instalment.

This is the male MC, Alec Munro on the cover of Book 2 of the series, Bloodpledge

Here are the links to connect with Tima and check out her books:

Website/blog: – http://timamarialacoba.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook/TimaMariaLacoba

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads/TimaMariaLacoba

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

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXg_aQvKXU0

Amazon: amzn.to/18mq9Bd

iTunes: - http://bit.ly/SpEXHs

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1DI8LW0

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NZ9VMi

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1iHUN6K

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