Welcome back, Ms. Romkey. The 3rd book in the Speak of the Devil series is here at last! Books 1 & 2 were fabulous and fun YA novels! I really enjoyed both of them and I’m sure book 3 will be fantastic.
The Devil You Know ~ Speak of the Devil – Book 3
Holy Hell!
After battling her way back from Hell only to discover Luc didn’t make it out, Lily must rally the angels to descend back into the Devil’s domain. Now she has thirty days to rescue her angelic warrior boyfriend and break the curse to free God before Lucifer and his demon army destroy all of humanity on Earth. Forget passing the eleventh grade. Lily must face the ultimate final exam to give the Devil his due and save the world before the reapers catch up and deliver the death she cheated from them a year ago.
“I can’t see a thing,” Belle said, leaning forward in her seat as if that would help. But I knew how this played out because I’d been here before. I was going to hit the water again, drown again, die again. My heart raced and though I wasn’t in the water yet, I already had trouble breathing.
“Mike!” I yelled, and he reached for me as the car skidded to the edge of the bridge. Belle overcorrected and the car hit the side, bending the rail down, and over we went.
A brief instant passed. The silver sliver of the skinny moon’s reflection glinted in the black water below as we headed straight for it.
“I got ya.” Mike gripped my hand tightly. I closed my eyes and braced for impact.
All I could think was “unbelievable.” Sarcasm. My last thought before dying was sarcastic. Perfect.
Then…impact. Painful, cold, breathtaking impact. This time Mike was ready. He opened the doors easily and pulled me from the car before it filled up and dragged us down to the dredges of the Missouri River. I blacked out.
I woke up lying in the mud on the side of the river. Belle and Mike glowed green as they healed me. I didn’t see Heaven this time. I saw them hovering over me, while I coughed and choked back to consciousness.
“What the hell?” I managed to blurt out before another coughing fit took hold of me.
“We can’t walk to the church,” Belle said. “She’s freezing now.”
“We could try to take her with,” Mike said and gave her a knowing glance.
She looked at me for a second, then shrugged. “We can try.”
Mike helped me into a sitting position. “I’m going to try to take you with me the rest of the way to the church.”
“Wait. What just happened?” I asked as I became more aware.
“I don’t know. We had an accident,” he said.
“Yeah, an accident just like the one that killed us before.”
About the Author:
Shawna Romkey
Shawna grew up around farms in the heart of Missouri but went to the University of Kansas, was raised in the US but now lives on the ocean in Nova Scotia with her husband, two sons, an Irish wolfhound and a rescue mutt she loves to death. She’s a non-conformist who follows her heart.
She has her BA in creative writing from the University of Kansas where one of her plays was chosen by her creative writing professor to be produced locally, and two of her short stories were published in a university creative arts handbook. She earned her MA in English from Central Missouri State University where she wrote a novel as her thesis.
She’s taught English at the university and secondary levels for close to twenty years and can’t quite fathom how all of her students have grown up, yet she’s managed to stay the same. She’s a huge geek and fan of Xena, Buffy and all kick ass women, and loves to write stories that have strong female characters.
To celebrate her newest release, Shawna is giving away a $25 amazon gift card to one lucky person.
Purchase a copy of any of the Speak of the Devil books to be entered to win a $25 Giftcard (Open US & Internationally). Just enter the information in the link and a winner will be contacted on February 28th, 2016.
If you enjoy well-written YA fiction featuring feisty characters and sizzling supernatural creatures that span the spectrum from ghosts to mermaids to angels, then do yourself a favor and take a chance with the Fall in Love with YA Giveaway.
Giveaway runs from February 8 to February 15. Winners will be notified by email by February 19th. Please share with your friends and spread the word about this awesome giveaway!
by Travis Luedke, C.N. Lesley, Danielle DeVor, Maer Wilson, Steven Ramirez,
Jody A. Kessler, Louann Carroll, Ross G. Homer, M. Joseph Murphy, Robert P. Wills, Karenne Griffin, and Allan B. Anderson
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Release Date: December 2, 2015
***SPECIAL NOTE: SAVE A LIFE, BUY A BOOK***
This fund-raising anthology of Horror and Sci-Fi short stories was created to benefit Altoine Scarborough, a man in desperate need of a heart transplant. The stories, cover art, formatting, editing and compilation were all donated. Every penny of the royalties we receive will go to Al’s GOFUNDME project. (MW)
Vampires to ghosts to monsters—and futures we won’t want to see come true—fill this collection of dark stories that are sure to give you chills. This stellar, fan-favorite group, which includes award-winning and best-selling authors, brings a unique voice to some familiar and not-so-familiar creatures. Join Travis Luedke, C.N. Lesley, Danielle DeVor, Maer Wilson, Steven Ramirez, Jody A. Kessler, Louann Carroll, Ross G, Homer, M. Joseph Murphy, Robert P. Wills, Karenne Griffin, and Allan B. Anderson for a trip into the Darkness.
BROWN THE RECLUSE by Steven Ramirez – Ted Brown is a man slipping away from reality. Long estranged from his family and living in Seattle, he works at a job he no longer values and lately appears to be losing his memory. But when he discovers a spider in his apartment, that’s when things get really interesting.
THE RAID by Maer Wilson – Gamers are often loyal to their teammates. When Aelan and her friends tackle an evil dragon, that loyalty goes far beyond what anyone expects.
THE BONES by Danielle DeVor – Sometimes, things leave a residue, like the smell left behind when toast is burned. When a medical student brings a skeleton home to study, her child’s life will never be the same.
THE WHISPERING by Karenne Griffin – The small village of Gorland is horrified as their children kill themselves in what appear to be suicide pacts. But there is much more going on and only one child has the key.
THE DIARY OF A MADMAN by Robert P. Wills – Just because others don’t see the ghosts, doesn’t mean they aren’t real.
THE CALL: AN ANGEL FALLS NOVELLA by Jody A. Kessler – Professional shaman and cranky, anti-social ghost hunter, Chris Abeyta, finds spirits and helps them cross over to the afterlife. In his latest case, he and Juliana Crowson find the ghost of a girl trapped by time and a heart-wrenching tale of a camping trip gone terribly wrong.
THE FOUNDLINGS: JENNY’S TALE by Louann Carroll – Technology meets morality when Jenny loses her only friend. Terrified and alone she must choose between reentering the world or living the rest of her life in the dark.
MUMANS by Ross G. Homer – He found love in the most unlikely place. But could he keep the love he found?
A TALE OF TWO QUEENS AND A FROZEN HEART by Allan B. Anderson – Reily, an experienced troubleshooter, is hired to find two teams who have gone missing in a frozen wasteland. But even his skills may not be enough to survive what he discovers.
THE VAMPIRE AND THE VALIANT WARRIOR by M. Joseph Murphy – A noble thief in search of ancient treasure stumbles upon the den of a sadistic vampire.
HELL IS NEVER FULL by C.N. Lesley – When the seed of hate is sown it puts forth shoots of malice that bear flowers of evil. Time has no meaning for revenge.
DREAMS OF NIGHTLIFE LAS VEGAS by Travis Luedke – An author has an unexpected encounter with one of his most dangerous – and sexy – creations.
For more information about Al’s situation or to donate directly to his GoFundMe project, please check out these links below:
★•**•.★ Book Blitz & Giveaway ★•**•.★
Haunting Me
An Angel Falls #3
Genre: NewAdultParanormalRomance
I hope you fall in love with the newest book in the series! So much happens in Haunting Me. The 3rd installment of An Angel Falls is an emotional roller coaster ride – my editor was in tears – and my beta reader was laughing her butt off. Those are always good signs! 🙂 Keep reading to find out more.
On the Back Cover:
Angel of Death, Nathaniel Evans’, newest case sends him on a perilous and magical journey to the Irish countryside in search of one unattainable answer: How does an Angel of Death fall from grace and return to life?
Back in Colorado, Juliana’s mishaps with a book of spells and her well-meaning attempts to save her brother’s life could cost her more than a ghostly haunting and a deadly virus. It could cost her everything she loves – her family, her home and her relationship with Nathaniel.
While on the hunt for answers, Nathaniel finds himself imprisoned with fairies and fighting a battle of strength, skill, wit and sorcery to win his freedom back from a ruthless fallen angel. Nathaniel must survive the duel if he wants to change his destiny and fulfill his desire for mortality and a chance to be with Juliana forever.
Enter the Giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card below.
Haunting Me is on sale for a limited time ~ .99 cents On Amazon (paperback available soon)
If you would like to start with book 1, Death Lies Between Us, it’s also .99 cents for a limited time: Amazon
Read an Excerpt from the Novel
“What happened? What’s going on with Jared?”
My mom’s lip quivers as she shakes her head. “His blood pressure is so low. And he has fluid in his lungs. They think it’s hantavirus, sweetie. It came on so fast. I didn’t know he was this sick. His heart… It’s not…. It’s struggling.”
She can’t say it aloud. I don’t blame her and I’m not even sure I want to know the details. I’ve never seen my mom like this. Being shaken to your core is a wake-up call like no other.
Letting go of Mom, I move around the side of the bed and take Jared’s hand in mine. Mom takes his other one.
I give the Angel of Death, Marcus, a death glare. Only for a second. Just long enough for him to see that I know he delayed me on purpose. I’d like to drill him with a few questions about our little adventure, then slap him halfway to Pluto, but I won’t let him distract me from Jared any longer than he already has.
“Hantavirus?” I say. “Can’t you get that from mouse droppings?”
“Yes, you can,” Mom whispers.
I close my eyes and sigh, feeling defeated. Even at home, being extra super-duper careful, Jared still couldn’t escape the grip of death. “He was searching inside the garden shed. He said it was disgusting inside.”
“That was probably it,” she says. Tears leak down her face and she looks up at the doctor to see if he’s listening.
I can’t stand to see my mom crying so I stare down at my brother in the bed. “Jared?” I whisper. He doesn’t respond. He’s unconscious. I lean over and kiss his forehead. “You can wake up now, baby brother. You have too much to do, remember?” I stroke the side of his hair and give it a little tug like I used to do when I was really little and wanted his attention. “You’re not done, and I’m not done being your sister.”
The doctor murmurs to my mom, “If he doesn’t start to respond soon, we’ll try what we discussed earlier.”
Mom gives the faintest of nods and the doctor slips out of the room. The nurse moves a chair from over by the corner and places it behind me. I give her a weak smile and sit down.
Before leaving, she hugs my mom and says, “He’ll wake up, Diane. He’s young and strong.”
Jared is young, but he’s just not as strong as he used to be after his last near-death experience. I take a deep breath and close my eyes against the heaviness in the room.
“Mom,” I say as I look over at her.
She tears her gaze away from Jared’s face. Her fear is the most frightening thing I have ever seen in my life. I dig deep, pulling every ounce of determination and faith I didn’t know I had from somewhere bottomless and profound. There must be a well of strength buried inside this body. It’s a place no one ever wants to unearth and tap into. Yet, people reach this unbearable level of pain and drink from the sacred hidden depths within themselves somehow managing to accomplish all that needs to be done. Nineteen years old happens to be my time for this bitter drink of reality.
“Take my hand,” I whisper as I reach across the cotton blanket covering Jared’s body.
The three of us form a circle. There’s still no response from Jared. The hum and beep of his monitors fill the room with the eerie reminder Jared may not make it through this one.
“Jules, his life was short, but not unacknowledged.”
I ignore Marcus and center my focus only on Jared.
“There is great value in the quality of life, not the quantity.”
I release my mom and Jared’s hands and get up from the chair. Mom hardly seems to notice what I’m doing. I walk over to Marcus and stomp on his foot. Of course, I only stamp the floor, but it helps me feel better.
“I was stuck in a ditch for who knows how long while my brother was dying,” I say as calmly as I can, but it still comes out like icy needles. Needles I hope are making their points felt in Marcus’s guilty conscious.
***~***~***
I have a new novella coming out in November. Unwrapping Treasure is the first story in my Granite Lake Romance series – a new adult contemporary romance – What?! You may be asking, no paranormal? That’s correct, but this lovely little story will hopefully capture your heart with a couple of new and intriguing characters. I’ll be sharing the full description and cover art soon! So be on the lookout.
As always, thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway!
Welcome back, Maer Wilson. Apocalypta Z looks fascinating! Let’s find out more about this new release ~
First – meteors. Now – zombies. Ninety-nine percent of humans and animals have become zombified, leaving the rest scrambling to survive. Maddie Worthing and Nick Stanton are among the few not infected. They’re gathering survivors and doing what they can to preserve life in their isolated desert town. Joined by the remaining townspeople and a few scientists, they search for a way to make it through the apocalypse.
The key to humanity’s continued existence may lie within the mystery surrounding Maddie’s puppy. But they need to survive the roving gangs, crazy scientists and troublemakers within their own ranks in order to discover it.
“Not since World War Z have zombies been presented in such a unique light. Give Wilson some props, and her little dog too.” Danielle DeVor, Author of Sorrow’s Point
Read an Excerpt:
An eerie keening shattered the morning air: the apocalypse had begun.
Of course Maddie Worthing didn’t know that. She just thought her dogs had to pee.
She slowed the car and darted glances at the empty desert to see what else could have set her dogs off. She saw exactly what she’d seen for the last two hours along the two-lane highway – nothing. She didn’t see the white raven fly ahead of her to the east.
“Damn it girls, settle down,” she yelled over their ear-splitting howls. “You scared the hell out of me. Inside voices!” She rolled the windows down a little, hoping the wind would settle them.
They were ten miles from the rest stop. She hated stopping only thirty minutes from home, but the dogs continued to whine, although much softer than before.
Minutes later, Maddie pulled into the rest stop. She flexed her fingers as she released them from the wheel. The arthritis and long drive were making them uncooperative. One car was parked nearby, but no one was around. Holding Cienna’s leash, she unfastened the small poodle from her car seat and crawled into the back to do the same for Chloe.
But Cienna pulled her leash from Maddie’s cramped fingers and shot out of the car.
Maddie moved fast, shutting the car door with Chloe inside. She ran after the puppy as fast as being slightly overweight and no longer young would allow. The fear for Cienna triggered adrenalin which helped.
Exasperated with Cienna for running off and with herself for her hands that didn’t work as well as when she was younger, she called Cienna as she headed toward the bushes behind the restrooms. There was an odd smell in the air, but Maddie wrote it off; it was a rest stop after all.
“Cienna, you better get your butt back here right now or you will live in the corner for the next year!” Maddie’s voice reflected her fear that the puppy would run toward the highway. She continued toward the bushes where the puppy had disappeared. Finding a long stick, she used it to prod into the underbrush, calling for Cienna all the while.
The pup had a habit of running under bushes. She’d done the same thing at home on their large lot. So Cienna went into in a pen when she was outside. That stopped the dog from disappearing into the low hanging branches of the mesquite trees for hours. Cienna had not mastered “Come here” very well.
Maddie heard a sound behind her and turned to see three figures lurching from the restroom. She peered over her sunglasses in disbelief. They were dressed nicely enough, but their clothes had been ripped as if they had been in a horrible accident. One had blood dripping down the side of her face. Another had his head caved in on one side with strange growths, almost like small antlers, on the other. Maddie looked around for cameras. Had she stumbled onto one of those prank shows, maybe? Or a zombie movie set?
If so, it must have been a B movie. The makeup on these people was not very realistic. The blood looked rather thin as it trickled down their faces, but there was certainly enough gore. A man appeared to drag his intestines behind him. Maddie shook her head as she looked around again, forgetting to call for Cienna for a few seconds.
“Sorry if I stumbled onto your set,” she called to the figures approaching her. “I didn’t see any signs or anything.”
There was no answer as the figures came closer. Once they were only yards away, Maddie’s heart dropped into her stomach. That wasn’t makeup. Makeup didn’t have that god-awful smell. She made a few strangled mewling sounds before letting loose with a long scream. She threw the stick at the nearest figure and ran for the car, screaming for Cienna.
After a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she’s a writer. She’s always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she’s not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. Maer is a partner in Ellysian Press, a small publishing house. She also co-hosts the literary podcast MythBehaving. Maer lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her three dogs, a chihuahua and two poodles.
Her books include Relics,Portals, and Magics in the Modern Magics series. There are four prequel novelettes in the series – “Ghost Memory,” “Unwanted Ghost,” “Ghost Dancer” and “Wedding Ghost.” A recently released box set includes all the novelettes plus a new story, “Lost Ghost.” You can find all books and novelettes in the Modern Magics series at Amazon and other online retailers.
Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable and irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.
From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love’s hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.
The box set is on sale for only .99 cents! (To help us celebrate – please feel free to enter the giveaway below.)
Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels, National bestselling and Award-winning author of over 100 novels. Celia’s doomed to an arranged marriage–unless she can win the most important bet of her life!
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The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.
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The Dress by Eve Devon. Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?
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Second Chance Bride by Raine English, USA Today bestselling and Award-winning author. She thinks she’s marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else… Will this bride-to-be say “I do” to the wrong man?
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Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson, Bestselling and Award-winning author. Will two warring hearts be strong enough to survive the ultimate battle?
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Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland. She has a wedding to crash–until love gets in the way!
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Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler, Bestselling and Award-winning author. A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together…forever.
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The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark, National bestselling author. How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?
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A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride, National bestselling author. Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it’s time for their wedding!
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Kiss This by L.L. Muir, National bestselling and Award-winning author. You never expect the florist to catch the bouquet…
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Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts. How much is too much to risk for love?
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Loving Lindy by Jan Romes. In order to become the bank’s new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be “settled.” With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch–until real feelings get in the way.
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With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier. Does a simple kiss have enough magic to reunite lovers?
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Real Magic by Elsa Winckler. She’s the bridesmaid, he’s a best man. Will the magical evening stay just that or will it turn out to be real after all?
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The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde. When unexpected guests attend Akira and Zane’s wedding, lives will change forever. But for better or for worse?
***Meet the Authors***
Leigh Michaelsis the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 books, including historical romance and contemporary romance. Her non-fiction book, On Writing Romance, has been called the best guide available for romance writers, and she teaches romance writing online at Gotham Writers Workshop.
Six of her books have been finalists in the RITA contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America, and more than 35 million copies of her books are in print in 25 languages and more than 120 countries. Her books have been published by Harlequin Books, Sourcebooks, Montlake Romance, Writers Digest Books, and Arcadia Publishing.
Aileen Harkwoodis a Readers’ Crown finalist who lives in the Southern Rockies. The Last Wedding at Drayhome is the prequel to two concurrent series of fantasy romances, Spell Touched: Breens Mist Witches, Book 1, and Wedding Spell, first in the Breens Mist Weddings series, due out in September 2015. She’s passionate about green chile and the mysteries hiding in antique photographs. Check in with her at:
Eve Devon: Growing up in locations like Botswana and Venezuela gave Eve Devon a taste for adventure. Her love of romances began when her mother shoved one into her hands in a desperate attempt to keep her quiet during TV coverage of the Wimbledon tennis finals. She lives in leafy Surrey in the UK, a book-devouring, slightly melodramatic, romance-writing sassy heroine with her very own sexy hero husband! Visit the author at her website: www.EveDevon.com
Raine English USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Raine English writes sweet small-town romance, paranormal, and Gothic romantic suspense. She’s a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. Her new lighthearted contemporary romance series, Love Always, will be available June 2015. It features three childhood friends who encounter a lot more than anticipated while searching for love. Raine lives in New England with her family and her French bulldog, Bailey.
Tamara Ferguson: A member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the FTHRW Chapter, Tamara
Ferguson is the best-selling and multi-award winning author of the Tales of The Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series. Tales of the Dragonfly Book II: In Flight was a 2014 WINNER at the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her latest release, That Unforgettable Kiss, was recently a top ten Amazon bestseller in Kindle Saga Fiction.
Lynda Havilandshares her chaotic and creative life with her chef husband, two artistic teenagers, and an aging bearded dragon. She admits to being heavily influenced by hazelnut coffee, chocolate with caramel, and romantic comedies. Something Borrowed, Something Blue is a stand-alone romantic short story written for the Magical Weddings Boxed Set. But Nellie Pearle can’t be contained. Look for her and other oddly entertaining residents of Pearl Key in an upcoming paranormal suspense series.
Jody A. Kessler’s debut novel, Death Lies Between Us, is a #1 best-seller and the winner of the Readers’ Crown Award. She writes paranormal romance, historical time travel fiction, and contemporary fiction.
Jane Lark: Jane is a Kindle bestselling author and a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult romances, and she’s a sucker for a love story. “I love the feeling of falling in love and it’s wonderful to be able to do it time and time again in fiction.” She loves writing intense relationships and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations.
Bess McBrideis the bestselling author of over fifteen time travel romances as well as contemporary, historical, romantic suspense and light paranormal romances. She loves to hear from readers, and you can contact her at bessmcbride@gmail.com.
L.L. Muir lives in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains with a charming husband who makes her laugh, but does not make her do pans. Like most authors, she is constantly searching for, or borrowing pens. The best ideas always begin on a napkin.
Jennifer Gilby Robertshas a degree in physics and a postgraduate certificate in computing, so a career writing fiction was inevitable really. She was born and grew up in Surrey/Greater London, but now lives in North Yorkshire with her husband, her small daughter, a middle-aged cat and a lot of dust bunnies.
Jan Romesis a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she is also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read all genres and writes witty contemporary romance.
Heather Thurmeieris a lover of margaritas and a hater of spiders. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York where she’s become an odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. Heather’s currently writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after.
Elsa Winckler: Inspired by the writing of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James, and the Brontë sisters, Elsa Winckler likes her heroines beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. She married her college boyfriend who, after 40 years, still makes her weak in the knees. They have 3 interesting children, 3 beautiful grandsons and live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa.
Sarah Wynde graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in English, which she actually managed to put to use by becoming an editor. She’s worked on magazines, websites, and books, including ten years spent as a senior acquisitions editor with Pearson. Eventually, her love of writing pushed her into independent publishing. She likes to think of the stories she writes as unexpected fiction—bending, blending, and occasionally breaking genres.
Today we have book two in the Speak of the Devil series, The Devil Made Me Do It. I read book one, Speak of the Devil, in this series and loved it. Here is a look at the sequel. Enjoy!
The demons strike back!
Lily is working with the angels to stifle the last of the demon outbreaks and to figure out how to stop the Silence of God, so life can get back to boring normality. But all hell breaks loose when she’s stolen from school and brought face to face with the devil himself. Lily has to find her way back home to Luc, crack the prophecy that breaks the curse silencing God, and figure out how she and Luc can ever really be together; but Lucifer has other plans for her that don’t include her ever getting out of Hell intact.
Romance | Paranormal | Teen | Young Adult | YA | Fantasy | Angels | Demons
| Devils | New Adult | NA
Shawna grew up around farms in the heart of Missouri but went to the University of Kansas, was raised in the US but now lives on the ocean in Nova Scotia with her husband, two sons, one rescue dog and one overgrown puppy from hell. She’s a non-conformist who follows her heart.
She’s taught English at the university and secondary levels for close to twenty years and can’t quite fathom how all of her students have grown up, yet she’s managed to stay the same. She’s a huge geek and fan of Xena, Buffy and all kick ass women, and loves to write stories that have strong female characters.
Entertaining follow up to Speak of the Devil – Book 1. I was immediately drawn into the story and the book never slows down. That’s always a win in my opinion. (I think this book could also be a standalone if you haven’t read the first one.)
Ms. Romkey’s writing is excellent and her characters are unique. The imagery used to describe “Hell” is fabulously entertaining and Lucifer is quite the character. You hate him and love him, and can’t quite grasp exactly how insane he is. Parts of the story are hilarious while other parts had me frantically flipping pages to see what happens next. There’s plenty of great action scenes and some sweet romance between Lily and Luc. Many of the other characters, such as the angels, demons, and Lilith were quite intriguing.
The Devil Made Me Do It is well written, well edited, and an enjoyable quick read. I honestly couldn’t put it down! I definitely recommend this book to all YA paranormal lovers or anyone who likes an entertaining story.
Thanks for stopping by!
Jody
“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” ~ Nicolas Chamfort
I had the great pleasure of readingScars of The Bifrost. The young adult sci-fi romance is currently on tour and the author is awarding a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the novel to a lucky winner. If you would like, please enter the rafflecopter below.
Now, more about the novel:
Publication date: April 2013
Genres: YA paranormal/sci-fi romance
Synopsis:
Freya Catten has lived on the fringes of society her entire life, growing up in hiding with her mother in the deepest, wildest places left in North America—the national parks and forests. Freya’s mother taught her how to live off the land, away from civilization—mysteriously warning her of the dangers of getting involved with society and leaving traces of her DNA behind. But five years ago Freya’s mother abandoned her, leaving Freya to survive on her own.
Freya knows how to stay alive, whether she’s hiding in the forest or running on the city streets. She changes her appearance often and owns nothing but her backpack filled with survival gear and a necklace that had been her mother’s.
But, keeping one step ahead of Social Services isn’t her biggest fear. Freya’s true terror lies with The Takers—strange men who rappel from silver cords out of the deep blue sky from nowhere. They snatch up their victims then evaporate without a trace. Freya holds a dark suspicion—that the Takers are really after her, and they are closing in.
Freya realizes that if she is to ever have a normal life she must first find her mother and answer the questions that have kept her in hiding. Along the way, she meets Theron Hawk—a rugged teenage soldier from a war-torn country—and finds herself truly trusting someone for the first time in her life.
As secrets are uncovered, and Freya comes closer to solving the mysteries surrounding her life, her blood and the priceless necklace that lays at her throat, the scars of the Bifrost will threaten to rip apart Freya’s very existence.
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SCARS OF THE BIFROST is the first story in The Scars Saga and is a Young Adult science-fiction/fantasy/paranormal romance novel infused with wilderness survival, urban fantasy, dystopian elements and mythological realism.
My Thoughts
So, do you like to read sci-fi? In all honesty, I wasn’t sure that I did. I generally gravitate toward paranormal and historical fiction. I surprised myself when I started reading Scars of the Bifrost and couldn’t put it down.
Feya Catten lives on the fringes of society, never staying in one place for very long and often sleeping in the forest. She is also alone. Her mother left her and disappeared five years earlier. It seems everywhere Freya goes the “Takers” – men in jumpsuits who repel from the sky on silver cords – snatch up innocent bystanders and disappear forever. Freya knows they’re looking for her, but she doesn’t understand why. With the unexpected help of a young traveling soldier, named Theron, Freya narrowly escapes a “Taker” attack. The two begin traveling/hiding together and discover that even though they may be from completely different worlds, their souls speak to one another.
Freya and Theron’s adventures to New Orleans, Homochitto National Forest, Stockholm, and much more (I don’t want to give too much away) were packed full of action, danger, and excitement. Their relationship grows stronger and sweeter as they face one challenge after another. By the end of Scars I was completely engrossed in the story and wanted/needed to know how it was all going to pan out. Would Freya ever be united with her missing mother and who are the Takers and why do they abduct young people????
The author does a great job with the suspense but also left me hanging just enough to have to read the next book! Scars of the Bifrost is an entertaining and imaginative young adult science fiction tale and I will absolutely be waiting for the 2nd book in this series.
Overall: Action packed adventure with great drama and sweet first love….. 4.5 stars.
(Please note: In the copy I was given, the editing had not been completed. As far as I know, the latest version has been fully edited. Please don’t hold it against me if I am mistaken about this.)
The song ended too quickly. “Can you play it again?” Theron asked anxiously.
I nodded, happy he was so pleased. “As many times as you want,” I assured him and played it again and again.
The third time through I asked, “Would you like to dance?”
“I’ve never danced before.” His voice was slightly unsteady. I had watched him throw a knife with deadly accuracy into the flesh of an opponent with no hesitation, and now he was going to be nervous?
I stood over him and offered my hand. He took it and got to his feet. I positioned myself about a ruler’s length in front of him, then held my breath as I closed the gap.
“You place your hands here.” I put both of his hands on my hips.
“I like dancing already,” he said with a smile that filled even his eyes.
“Don’t be fresh,” I scolded playfully. Then I put both of my hands onto his shoulders.
“Now, I definitely like this.”
I smiled. I liked it too.
“Now we sway.” I gently rocked us back and forth and moved my feet nice and slowly.
He checked his stance and loosened up when he realized he had tensed. He looked into my face with an expression I couldn’t name. Then he closed his eyes and sunk his fingers deeply into the muscles at my waist. The action took my breath away.
Intensity. The expression on his face had been intensity.
I closed my eyes, feeling it too, and involuntarily slipped my hands up onto the nape of his neck—my fingers tangled into his dark, loose hair.
Whatareyoudoing?But the music continued to play, and I had been so broken—and obviously so had he. He was strong and overwhelming, and for this moment … just for this one moment, I wanted to allow myself to get lost in his arms, lost in his power. It was—just a song—just a moment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am an author and university student. I live in a recreational vehicle — by choice — with my awesome husband, four amazing kids, and huge, fluffy, 85 pound golden retriever named Titan. I write and do school on line as we travel throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is incredible to live in a new place every few months (sometimes weeks) and to see everything! We have lived this clan and tribal lifestyle for two years now and have been to over twenty national parks and forests. They gave me a lot of inspiration for Freya’s story.
Unlocking Brísingamen, the next book in the Scars Saga, will be released very soon!
Kansas, was raised in the US but now lives on the ocean in Nova Scotia with her husband, two sons, an Irish wolfhound and a rescue mutt she loves to death. She’s a non-conformist who follows her heart.
