Writing my Favorite Villian...

Hey Hey everyone! Let me just say while I realllllyyyy tried this month's post is going to have no doughnuts or pictures of Lake Michigan. 

I know .... right! But as much as I tried to find a way to include doughnuts... It just wasn't there. 

As most of you know I write steamy romance suspense so basically every book I write has a villain in it. But they are your basic serial killer with my little spin (like in my upcoming release the killer tats doughnuts across his victim's bellies and in A Mermaid's Wish the serial killer is Neptune's nephew). 

A Mermaid's Wish

My favorite villain I wrote ... I loved writing her...a lot! Is Ovezara. She is my fantasy series under my pen name Tasarla Romaney. This was a fun series to write not just because of Ovezara but it has e magic, adventure, fantasy creatures, and things that live no where else than in my mind.

So without any more delay let me introduce you to Ovezara. 

The glass orb sailed through the air and smashed against the stone wall. 

"He's alive and at the hag's door," Ovezara screamed. The mud men sank back as she stalked around the chamber.

"Mistress, he is far from winning." A zombie whose name she couldn't recall leaned against a fireplace mantle. The sorceress growled and raised her hand to smite the thing.

"Really, Ovezara. If you try to destroy my favorite minion, it will take centuries to train a replacement. Your replacement." Trelek stepped into the room. The keeper's gaze was hard.

The bricks above the zombie's head crumbled. Ovezara wasn't sure what upset her more, Crenshaw or the truth in the keeper's statement. The look in the warlock's eyes would have crippled her with fear a few years ago, but today her stomach merely roiled as she prepared herself for the pain. "I've questioned your usefulness often in these past weeks. Maybe I was wrong, and you weren't ready."

She walked over to the window. The cool spring breeze carried the scent of death. Below her were the feeding pits. She chose to ignore his comment. "It's not just that he lived to reach the oracle but that he has been joined by the others."

"They will not succeed in getting the Scepter of Hope. Your beasts grow stronger, and more are freed every night. The barrier separating the worlds is weakening. Soon everyone from the Baicikla Sea to the Dovazitic Mountains will fear you. No one will challenge your rule." The keeper moved to stand beside her, the hint of brimstone accompanying him.

Ovezara looked at Trelek. The keeper had been her only companion for what seemed like centuries, but in actuality was sixteen years. His black hair stood in spikey clumps as it had the first day, she'd met him. If it hadn't been for his guidance, her power would have never developed past that of a healer. Solid black eyes bore into her. At one time, they would have seen into her spirit and fear would have danced across her stomach. Today, she smiled. "That has been your promise. One I have waited patiently for."

If you'd like to read more of Ovezara, the series is The Night of The Gryphon and the first book is The Hollow King (the second is The Warrior Queen and the 3rd will be out in August is The Prince of Light)

Blurb

Thought by most to be a simple child's chant… A king of no kingdom Who walks among the living yet is void of all but breathe He will be known as the Hollow King and will yield the Spector. The Warrior Queen with compassion will fuel the Hope The one who walks on two legs but has the soul of an animal will guide the Spector’s magic. Together they will use the Spector of Hope to rid the land of evil. Until creatures most thought to be make-believe start to hunt at night… Freed by Ovezara, a sorceress of what seems to be unlimited power. Queen Taraly dying father's command is to visit Grandmother June and learn what must be done to stop them. King Crenshaw has lost his kingdom to the Ovezara and vows to have revenge. Sancha returns from a hunting trip to find his father's body torn to shreds by an evil so dark people refuse to acknowledge it. The three unite to find the fabled Spector of Hope. As their quest starts to unfold, they realize that the line between good and evil is often blurred. What they believed to good is twisted. Can they locate the Spector of Hope in time to restore good and save all from the evil Ovezara unleashes?

 If Ovezara is someone you'd like to read more about here's the buy link...

The Hollow King

The Warrior Queen

Thanks for stopping by and have a great month!

Book Recommendations: Reading Is Way More Fun Than Back-To-School Preparations

By Michelle Monkou

With my children well on their way to the land of adulthood, my back to school experience is not the usual mad dash to buy uniforms, sign up one child or the other in a team sport, or assist with the long summer reading list that they are only beginning to tackle before school starts.

Instead, I have one child off to graduate school in London, England. I'm...or I should say, she is....knee deep in paperwork, travel arrangements, and all the other things that you don't think about until the last minute. It's quite hectic.

So I'd like to make a few reading recommendations to offset the harried times that surrounds back-to-school time with K. M. Jackson's The Betting Vow, Tessa Dare's The Duchess Deal, and Tessa Bailey's Disorderly Conduct.

THE BETTING VOW
By K. M. Jackson

Leila Darling is past done with the supermodel thing, especially the mega-parties and high-profile flings that have done nothing but leave her alone and jaded. She’s got the talent to be a serious actress, but the industry sees her as a high-maintenance, impulsive party girl with a reputation for leaving men in the dust—especially TV producer Carter Bain. 
 
Carter’s had his eye on Leila for years, so when a bet gives him a chance to get close to her, he accepts. With the goal of getting Leila the image makeover she needs and Carter the star he desires, the game is on. Get married and stay married for six months. If Leila lasts, she gets her pick of his A-list roles. If Carter wins, she’ll take the hot sidekick part he’s offered. 
 
But as their “I do” turns up all kinds of heat, Leila and Carter find they have more in common than they ever imagined. Are these two prepared to put business aside and surrender the ultimate prize, their hearts?

I love that K. M. Jackson starts The Betting Vow by getting out of the way with any author intrusion. Immediately Leila Darling starts off her story, in her way, with a bit of pragmatism, a good dose of inner grit, and a side of vulnerability that invites us to care about her, her goals, her dreams to win. 

And of course, career driven Carter Bain, hero extraordinaire, is the perfect match for Leila. Neither knows this or wants to trust in the powerful connection, but I was in this for the long haul. In the words by Tyra Banks, in full meltdown scream, "I was rootin' for you (them)." Every step of the way. And K. M. Jackson didn't disappoint with this gem.

THE DUCHESS DEAL

By Tessa Dare

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:

- They will be husband and wife by night only.

- No lights, no kissing. 

- No questions about his battle scars. 

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:

- They will have dinner together every evening. 

- With conversation.

- And unlimited teasing.

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…

What a beautiful story! Really, I'm not being overly enthusiastic. The plotline is endearing, uplifting, and just really swoon-worthy. From beginning to end, we care about these two strangers who come together for his/her own cause.

We care about them from the very start because of Tessa Dare's writing. Talk about emotionally laden scenes. Pick any scene to read and immediately you're pulled into the time period, to the situation, to the conflict, and to the resolution.

If you haven't figured it out, I truly enjoyed The Duchess Deal. Read it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.


DISORDERLY CONDUCT
By Tessa Bailey

Police academy cadet Charlie Burns can’t believe his luck when the gorgeous blonde he meets in a bar murmurs those magic words: “Nothing serious, ’kay?” Mind-blowing, no-strings sex with Ever Carmichael—it’s the holy grail of hookups for a guy who’s too busy following in his law enforcement family’s footsteps to think about getting serious. Charlie’s all about casual…that is, until Ever calls it quits and his world tilts on its axis.

Ever knows that when you control the relationship game, you can’t get played. But for the first time, she wants more than short-term satisfaction. Step one: end her fling with commitment-phobic Charlie. Step two: sacrifice herself to the ruthless NYC dating scene. Yet everywhere she turns, there’s Charlie, being his ridiculously charming self. No online match or blind date compares to the criminally hot cop-in-training, but they’re over. Aren’t they?

If love is a four-letter-word, why does the idea of Ever seeing someone else tie Charlie up in knots?  Now he’s desperate to win her back…and a little date sabotage never hurt anyone, right?

Let's talk dirty. Let's talk sexy. Let's talk about Tessa Bailey's Disorderly Conduct which is a sensual and emotional ride that you don't want to end. Bailey casts the perfect couple to bring together and challenge each other with their philosophies on life and relationships.

While definitely a sexy read, and the scenes are a scorcher, Disorderly Conduct doesn't get bogged down by the voracious sexual appetites of Charlie and Ever. Instead their dogged approach to stay their course with each other is enhanced by how (sincerely) hungry they are for each other. What does torment their relationship are pulled from their lives and fears giving authenticity to the story. At the end of the day, this hunky romance read will have you rooting for this couple's happy ever after ending. Who doesn't like a hero who writes love letters?

Happy Reading!!

Ecletic Reading by Paty Jager

I write in several genres and that makes me a reader of several genres. While I have written mostly romance, it isn't my favorite genre. My favorite is mystery. Not thriller. If the writer goes to deep into the killer's mind it scares me and I can't read anymore or sleep!

But I have found a mystery writer I really like. J.L. Simpson's Daisy Dunlop series is a bit like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Only it's set in England with Daisy being married to a hunky man. Daisy is trying to find herself as her one and only son is getting older and will soon be off to the university.  Her ineptitude has made finding jobs a problem. That is why her hunky husband calls in a favor from his hunky best friend to give Daisy a job. His friend is an ex-spy and does P.I. work. This is a fun series with believable secondary characters and wonderful main characters. The best news is you can start following Daisy's escapades in her first book, Lost Cause for free! http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Cause-Daisy-Dunlop-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00NK5OPLC

Not only do I like mystery but I have a fascination of good witches. I'm not sure if it came from watching "Bewitched" as a child or reading the Witch of Blackbird Pond in Junior High. I've become a believer and follower of the Coastal Coven series by Diana McCollum. Her book The Witch with a Trident Tattoo has a good witch trying to find out who or what is killing life in the ocean. The witches are all unique and "enchanting". The story line is believable and James her "familiar" is over the top and perfect for the story. Pick up your copy and enjoy hanging out with the Coastal Coven witches. http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Trident-Tattoo-Coastal-Coven-ebook/dp/B018N7F2DQ

Besides my love of a good mystery book, I have a fascination for American Indian lore. Another mystery series that I enjoy and am sorry to hear Shannon Baker isn't writing any more are the Nora Abbot Mysteries. Book one Tainted Mountain starts the series with Nora Abbot and her husband trying to keep a ski resort in Northern Arizona afloat. Many things happen and not only is her husband killed but many other lives are at stake. I met Shannon at the Left Coast Crime conference this past February and completely understand why she's ended the series. She picked an American Indian tribe who are very closed off to the world. Trying to gather information for her books was like pulling teeth.http://www.amazon.com/Tainted-Mountain-Nora-Abbott-Mystery/dp/0738734225

I've also recently finished a Young Adult novel written by Carmen Peone. It is a coming of age story set in 1870. This story follows three teen-aged boys as they head off on a three day adventure. Only things go from bad to worse and the main character must draw on things he's learned from an Indian friend to help the three survive their trip. The author of Delbert's Weir lives on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington state and has incorporated many of the Native American survival skills into the story.  http://www.amazon.com/Delberts-Weir-Gardner-Sibling-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0199AAR6I

I don't get a lot of time to read for pleasure as it seems I am always reading reference books for the current or next book I'm writing.  I hope if you pick one or all of these books up to read that you enjoy them as much as I did.

Happy Reading!

http://www.patyjager.net
Writing into the Sunset 

Summer Time - Who says the living is Easy?

By: Marcia King-Gamble
www.lovemarcia.com

It’s hot and muggy in Florida and the mosquitoes are out in full force. It gets even worse come August where the only respite is air conditioning and a dip in a lukewarm pool.  Now I know why so many people live six months of the year here and travel to cooler climates come spring.

Speaking of travel, it seems that lately I’ve been living my life on airplanes. Last month I vacationed in Alaska (not my first time there.) In a previous life, I spent many a summer in places like Anchorage, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Back in the day, I flew hunky men back and forth to Fairbanks. Oh, those were the days.

This trip, though, was about rest and relaxation. I met up with a friend in Seattle and we took the coach to Vancouver for the wonderful scenic ride.  No bears in sight, and not even a glimpse of a moose. Our cruise departed from Canada Place in Vancouver. For me, embarkation was a bittersweet experience. In my role as Director of Guest Satisfaction with a cruise line, those employees would have reported to me.

But it was good to be back in the Pacific Northwest and touring several of my favorite cities.  My first stop, Juneau; one of the bigger Alaska cities is known for the Mendenhall Glacier. I passed on going there this time around.  Not so, on a visit to The Red Dog; a Juneau staple where the entertainment is hilarious and the Alaskan ales cold.

Skagway, next on our list, is rich in history. The Gold Rush Cemetery (morbid as it sounds) is a favorite place to visit. In 1898, town hero, Frank Reid fatally shot crime boss, Soapy Smith in what is now known  as The Shootout on Juneau Wharf. The fight was testosterone driven over who would control Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush. The bright spot here is your walk through the cemetery ends at the most serene waterfall.

Onto Glacier Bay where the Glaciers are eroding.  It's a spectacular sight but sad in its own way. Aren’t these pictures spectacular?

Last, but not least, we arrived in rainy Ketchikan. This time it wasn’t raining, but it did drizzle that afternoon. Ketchikan is known for its totem poles. We passed on salmon spawning but did tour Annie Watkins’ (a black woman from Arkansas) house of ill repute and I learned that in her day, the silver dollar was used like a diaphragm to prevent pregnancies.

Two weeks later, North Carolina here I come. I enjoyed a rather hectic Independence weekend. Now I am back and packing for New York and the Romance Writers of America conference. I am so looking forward to catch up with friends and hearing what’s new in our industry. If there are changes I’ll let you know. 

Speaking of new, my novella, Islands Apart should be released shortly. It was originally part of a Box Set that didn’t work out. The setting is Hawaii and the hunky hero is a disgraced football player. Look for Islands Apart at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and wherever e books are sold. Isn’t the cover designed by Jay Aheer, pretty?

The adventures are hardly over. There’s a weekend cruise planned for August and a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina for Labor Day.

Where are you traveling to this summer?

Romantically Yours,

Marcia

http://amzn.to/1Hrosxz



Marcia King-Gamble is a National Bestseller of 28 novels and 5 novellas. Marcia originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. She is a world traveler.

NO BOOKS TO READ - MARGARET TANNER

WHERE'S MY HOLIDAY BOOK? - MARGARET TANNER

Ah! Summer reading. Those long hot days lying on the beach or the sun deck, slathered in suntan lotion,  wearing a hat or sheltering under beach umbrellas or awnings so we won’t end up as red as lobsters. We have a long cool drink by our side, a few nibbles, and a book, be it print book or e-reader. What bliss. This scenario is played out every summer in most countries of the world.

Of course, if you are unfortunate enough to live in a cold climate, there is nothing like curling up by a roaring fire, watching the red flames dance as you sip a hot drink. A block of chocolate is within easy reach, and of course, a book. I mean, you can all visualize this. It happens so often.

Have you ever been on the train or bus going to work and not seen at least one person reading a book? It is like breathing, we do it all the time.

My question is. What if there were no books, or only a few books to choose from because authors weren’t writing anymore? It would be a disaster. Can’t happen you say, and maybe not, but there is the risk that one day it could.

Everyone expects, and is entitled to a fair days pay for a fair days work. In the case of authors, except for the few who make it big, most are scratching out a living, or writing for the love of it with little reward, but you don’t expect to have your work stolen.

If authors choose to give their work away, i.e. free Kindle downloads etc. that is fine, but what I find particularly frustrating are the plethora of pirate sites giving away authors’ books without their permission. Someone is making money and it sure isn’t the author. There are enough legitimately free books around these days, so there should be no need for these pirate sites, and yet readers obviously continue to patronize them. Of course, these people would not go into the supermarket and help themselves to something and walk off without paying for it.  Only thieves do that.

Downloading books from pirate sites is theft, pure and simple. If no-one went into these sites and downloaded the books, they would be out of business within a couple of weeks.

Most e-books are in the 99cents - $2.99 category, so surely this is not a great deal of money to spend for several hours of enjoyment.

I know of authors who have given up writing because they are sick of their work being stolen. So please, enjoy your holiday reading, but act with integrity and acquire your books in an honest and fair manner. That way you ensure that there are plenty of authors churning out plenty of books, so that no matter what genre you read, you will find something that suits your taste.

Margaret Tanner is an award winning historical romance writer, published by Books We Love.

Her latest release is Dangerous Birthright.

Tagline: Georgina has been living a lie because of a deadly secret from her past.

 

 

http://amzn.com/B00SQBUGSQ

http://www.margarettanner.com

http://bookswelove.net/authors/tanner-margaret/