Excerpt: Darkness Falls (Nature’s Fury, #1) by A.E. Faulkner + giveaway

Darkness Falls (Nature’s Fury, #1)
by A.E. Faulkner
March 31st 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult
Book 1 of 5: Nature's Fury

Our family trip to the beach ended before it even began. Mother Nature made sure of that.

Our parents…gone in an instant. It’s just me and my sister. 100 miles from home. No car. No phones. No money. Down to our last crumbs of food.

But just when we figure out what to do, she vanishes.

Mother Nature reached her breaking point and everyone’s paying the price. I have a feeling she isn’t done just yet.

But guess what? Neither am I.

Can Quinn survive the dark side of humanity and outrun nature’s fury? Click Buy Now to find out.

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Darkness Falls, Excerpt 1:
“Aidan, man, we should probably get going soon,” Jeff says, pulling me away from the threatening spiral of memories. His interruption is a welcome distraction.

“You’re right,” Aidan says, his eyes locked with mine. “But before we go, Quinn, you need to know, you’re not safe here. Do you have somewhere else to go?”

“What are you talking about?” My head volleys back and forth between the guys. Jeff runs a hand through his short brown hair and exhales a sigh. He leans in conspiratorially and says in a hushed voice, “Look, we’ve been checking out the unoccupied homes around here. You know, just borrowing things to help us get by. But one of the trailers we went to, we thought it was empty…”

Aidan finishes for him. “Quinn, one of your neighbors is dead. We thought the trailer was vacant, so we went inside. We grabbed some canned food and other stuff from the kitchen and then we went to the bedroom to see if there were any blankets and pillows.”

Tag-teaming again, Jeff continues. “We thought the smell was some food rotting. But… we found her just lying there on the bed, lifeless. Looked like she was stabbed. There was blood on the sheets and blanket.” He pauses momentarily before breaking the silence. “We would have helped her if we could, but she was gone.”

I raise a hand to cover my gaping mouth. The scream I heard the other night. That must have been it. Why didn’t I think to go see what was happening? Maybe I could have helped her. Maybe I could have stopped it.

“Guys, which trailer? Where did you see this?” I don’t know many of the permanent residents, and if it was someone who is only here for vacations, there’s no chance I know her.

Aidan steps to the edge of the porch and points, “Two homes down in that direction. The one with the wishing well in the front yard.” I wrap my arms around myself to contain the shiver running through me. The guys exchange a look and I know what’s coming next.

“Look, we gotta go,” Aidan says. “How about we check on you tomorrow? Would that be okay? Just make sure you’re alright.” Before I can filter my thoughts, they escape my lips. “That would be really nice. Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Okay,” Jeff says, nodding. The guys eye each other, silently communicating. They hesitate for just a moment and then Aidan speaks again. “Quinn, just keep a low profile, okay? Try to keep yourself hidden. We’ll come back tomorrow night after it gets dark and we can talk more then.”

“Okay,” I say. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow. Or, today I guess.” The guys watch me head inside the trailer. I lock the door and peer out the window, watching them leave. I barely know them, but I sense they’re like me and Riley—good people trying to navigate their way through a bad situation.

As I tiptoe back to the bedroom and settle under the covers, I vow to tell Riley everything. She deserves to know we could be in danger here and she needs to meet Aidan and Jeff. Maybe they are our ticket out of here.

About the Author:
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A. E. Faulkner was born and raised in Pennsylvania. When she’s not lost in a book, she loves spending time with her husband and two sons, especially while hiking, biking, or exploring nature. She loves almost everything about nature—ticks excluded, and one of her biggest fears is the repercussions we will face when nature can no longer tolerate human destruction. As such, she never tires of reading dystopian-themed tales. Stories about the end of the world absolutely fascinate her.

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Historical Romance Author Rachel L. Demeter: 7 Tips to Beat Writer’s Block + giveaway

7 Tips to Beat Writer’s Block
By Rachel L. Demeter 

 

With Red Kingdom’s recent release, I’ve found myself overwhelmed and stumbling into that scary domain of writer’s block.

Storytelling is a magical art, where words have the power to transport readers to distant lands, evoke deep emotions, and ignite the fires of imagination. But even the most seasoned writers sometimes find themselves in need of a spark to ignite their creative engines.

Inspiration lives all around us.

Here are a few ways I personally beat writer's block.

1. Explore Nature's Tapestry:
Nature, with its breathtaking beauty and captivating mysteries, has been a timeless muse for writers. A leisurely stroll through a forest, the crashing waves of the ocean, or the delicate petals of a flower can stir your imagination. Observe the intricate details of the natural world—the play of light, the symphony of sounds—and let them inspire scenes, settings, and even the essence of your characters.

2. Dive into History's Depths:
Being an author of historical romance, this is one of my favorite places to unearth inspiration. History is a treasure trove of fascinating stories, both big and small. From the grandeur of ancient civilizations to the poignant tales of individuals, history is brimming with moments of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. Look into historical events, and immerse yourself in different time periods. Let history's secrets spark your own unique twists and perspectives, breathing life into your stories.

The research behind Red Kingdom transported me to the medieval era, where contrasts were everywhere: brutality and religion, life and death, poverty and gluttony, chivalry and treachery.

3. Engage with People and Conversations:
Human interactions are a wellspring of inspiration. Engage in conversations, listen to others' experiences, and observe the way people express themselves. Whether it's a heartfelt conversation with a friend or snippets of dialogue overheard in a coffee shop, these exchanges can provide insights into the depth of emotions, conflicts, and motivations that drive your characters' journeys.

Remember: every person you meet is the protagonist in his or her own story.

4. Harness the Power of Dreams:
Dreams are the canvas on which your mind paints the most vivid and surreal landscapes. Dreams can offer a wealth of imaginative idea and help you push the boundaries of reality. Keep a dream journal by your bedside to capture fleeting visions that might later weave themselves into the fabric of your stories. Dreams provide an avenue for exploring the unexplored, making them a limitless source of inspiration.

Fun fact: I dreamt the first scene of The Frost of Springtime, and that's where the story came from!

5. Find Magic in the Mundane:
Never underestimate the potential for storytelling in everyday life. The simple act of people-watching, observing the quirks of daily routines, and experiencing the small moments that often go unnoticed can lead to profound narratives. Mundane settings and situations can be transformed into extraordinary tales when seen through the lens of creativity.

6. Read Newspapers, Human-Interest Stories and News Headlines:
The news is a cove of events, trends, and human stories that can fuel your creative fire. News headlines can serve as springboards for exploring unique angles, imagining what-if scenarios, or addressing pressing societal issues within your narratives. The world's happenings offer a plethora of ideas, emotions, and conflicts to infuse into your stories.

7. Art and Other Creative Mediums:
Music, films, books (of course), and other creative mediums can fuel your storytelling imagination. A painting might inspire a scene's atmosphere, a melody might evoke a character's emotions, or a film's plot might serve as a springboard for your own story's development. Let yourself be moved by various forms of art to infuse fresh energy into your narratives.

Fun fact: I have a go-to YouTube playlist called "Creative Inspiration," which houses all my favorite TV and film scenes! I also often reread my favorite book scenes when I’m feeling a lack of motivation.

Red Kingdom: A Dark Little Red Riding Hood Retelling (Fairy Tale Retellings Book 2)
(Stand alone)
by Rachel L. Demeter
04-10-2024
Genre: Historical Romance (Medieval)

Little Red Riding Hood reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Princess Blanchette’s world shatters when the Black Wolf tears apart her castle and everything she holds dear. All she clings to is the vow she made to her grandmother on her deathbed.

Hailed as the people’s champion, Sir Rowan Dietrich liberates the capital in a quest for vengeance. He takes Winslowe Castle with an army at his back and his wolf, Smoke, at his side.

United by a shared cause and powerful attraction, Rowan and Blanchette embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption—a path filled with loss, transformation, and ultimately, the healing power of love.

Can Norland’s resplendent princess, with her captivating beauty and spirit, tame the fabled Black Wolf?

Inspired by the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Red Kingdom is a passionate historical romance about the enduring quest for love and the longing for a world at harmony.

*Red Kingdom is a standalone installment in a series of reimagined classic fairy tales. Due to adult content and themes, it is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

What you can expect from Red Kingdom...
Dark, Medieval Setting
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Broken Alpha Hero
Strong Heroine
Wolf Companion
He Falls First
Redemption
Warring Kingdoms

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Blanchette spots the Black Wolf during the siege
Death at her feet. Death in her home. Death in the air.

Death screamed in every corner of her mind.

Then she saw him.

Rowan Dietrich, the fabled Black Wolf of Norland, strode through her castle like a waking nightmare. His armor was crudely made, black as the surrounding night, the helm’s dark metal twisted into the shape of a wolf’s snarling head. But the most striking thing about him was his height. He towered above the other fighters and battled with a chilling methodicalness. How he moved and fought frightened Blanchette the greatest.

He looked collected. Even mildly amused. As if this were nothing more than a game. Blood soaked his sword as the blade whirled, whipped, slashed, and claimed lives in a macabre dance of death. And that wolf clung to his heels, its muzzle wet with blood, snarling and leaping at any man who dared come close to its master.

Monster. Demons.

The Black Wolf of Norland had always had a mist of legend around him. She remembered the stories her mother and governess had often whispered after the feasts and in the dark of the night.

“To me,” the Black Wolf called to a soldier a few yards away, his deep voice effortlessly carrying above the tumult. He didn’t need to yell, not even over the mayhem. The force of his tone was enough.

One of her father’s guards raised his blade, but too slowly. Rowan Dietrich’s longsword cut his head off, then came flashing back in a terrible two-handed slash that took another soldier in the leg.

With quivering anger, she realized that this man—this wolf, this beast—was the reason the sky was falling on her family. She clutched the dagger, wishing she could stand a chance against him. How good and right it would feel to plunge the blade deep into his heart and avenge what would likely be the end of her family’s dynasty.

Of course, she’d never survive him or his demon wolf. And if she was ever to avenge her family, if she was to keep her promise, survival meant everything.

About the Author:
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I live in Sunny California with my dashing husband, who inspires my romance novels every day!

Writing has always been an integral part of my identity. Before I physically learned how to write, I'd narrate stories to my mom, and she'd record them for me.

I graduated from Chapman’s film school, where I often received the feedback on my scripts, “Your stories and characters are great, but this reads like a novel!” That’s when I realized my true calling.

In my free time, I frequent reptile expos, lift double my body’s weight, and indulge in dinosaur trivia.

I'm passionate about writing stories that explore what it means to be human and to be loved. My books focus on hope, courage, and redemption in the face of adversity.

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Excerpt: Necrosis by C.L. Schneider + giveaway

Every breath could be their last.

Necrosis
by C.L. Schneider
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Horror
How far would you go to survive—when every breath could be your last?

Amidst the chaos and fear of an apocalyptic virus, a mother fights to protect her daughter from the rotting remains of society. Navigating a frightening new world where survival is paramount and trust is a gamble, infection is only a misstep away. Despite her doubts and imperfections, Amy’s love and resolve are without question. But are they enough? Can she shield her daughter from the violence and savagery, and keep them both alive another day? For, at the end of the world, there’s no second chance. With a single bite, necrosis will set in.

Sink your teeth into this zombie survival story with a twist ending you won't see coming!

**ebook On Sale for Only .99 cents until the end of April!**
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Book Trailer:
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Necrosis Excerpt
Raspy sounds of hunger pushed from her rotted throat, washing over me with the smell of old blood and things long dead. I didn’t understand how breath still rattled in her lungs. How her vocal cords, exposed and moldy, were still capable of producing noise—a terrible wet, scraping that was so far from human. So far from her.

My mother had a sweet voice in life. Melodic. Powerful, when she wanted it to be. Her songs were one of my sharpest memories as a child. They were the soundtrack of my youth. Everyone used to say, “Bridgette could have made it big.” If she didn’t have four kids, two jobs, and a husband who cared more for drinking than working. Now she’ll never sing again.

For some reason, the thought struck me harder than the look of her gray, decomposing flesh and patchy hair; sporadic clumps of white strands, matted and darkened with bloody tissue.

Beside me, my daughter screamed, with all the gusto of a nine-year-old whose world had fallen apart. Her gaze darted from the horror inching toward us in the dining room to the real-time carnage of my boyfriend’s death happening in the kitchen, and she screamed louder.

I put a hand over her mouth, silencing the high-pitched dinner bell before it carried into the street and brought more of the undead in through the busted front door. “Shhh, Lila, please,” I whispered. “You know better.”

She nodded, tears streaming, and I removed my hand. Her shoulders shrugged in a fast, heavy breath. “Grandma…” It was all she could get out before burying her face in my leg.

I peeled Lila off me and shoved her toward the bathroom. “In there. Lock the door. Don’t open it for anyone but me. Go!”

Lila hurried off, messy, brown ponytail bouncing, as her short legs carried her down the hall and into the bathroom. The door closed. Locked. I imagined her hiding in the bathtub, curled up in a ball, clutching the dirty ladybug covered backpack she hadn’t put down since we left home. I raised the tire iron in my grip and vowed, as I had a hundred times, to do whatever was necessary to protect her. Lila was the only good thing I’d ever done in my life.

We shouldn’t have brought her here, I thought, watching my mother’s bloated jaw, snapping involuntarily, searching for a meal. My stare darted to the body in the kitchen, blood-soaked and twitching, as the mindless fiends bent over my boyfriend, devouring him alive.

It’s too much.

It's all too much. No child should have to see what we’ve all become.

We should have gone to the country like Rusty wanted. There’s too many in the city. Coming home was a mistake.

The outbreak was too widespread for an old, wheelchair dependent woman with a bad hip to survive on her own. If I’d gotten here sooner…. But there were too many states between us, and with the roads clogged and gas scarce and wandering bands of the undead everywhere, the trip became painfully long. My mother couldn’t run, couldn’t fight. But I let wishes override common sense, and convinced myself she’d be here, barricaded in, alive and well. Maybe, with Mr. and Mrs. Hitchens next door. Or the Walker family on the corner. It was a close-knit neighborhood. Everyone looked after each other. Particularly her, after my father left.

Yet, in my heart I knew better.

I knew I’d find her stricken with the virus, holed up in the dusty rooms of the ramshackle house I grew up in. I knew what she’d look like, flesh disintegrating and mind gone. I knew what I’d have to do. I’d seen, and killed, enough of the ravaged these last four months to be prepared.

Except, I wasn’t. Her sallow, blood-stained eyes (once a soft brown) locked on me, not with the love of a mother, but with the malice of a starving predator. Her bloated fingers, tips torn down to the nailbed, dug into the floor as she crawled toward me. She wouldn’t stop unless I stopped her.

About the Author
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C. L. Schneider is an award-winning author of immersive fantasy fiction, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. While fantasy is her main focus, she also pens the occasional horror or apocalyptic tale. Born in a small Kansas town, Schneider resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds she creates, please visit her website www.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with C. L. Schneider on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.

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Signed copy of Necrosis,
$20 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner each!
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Fantasy Romance: To Ignite a Pyrite Spirit by Callie Pey

To Ignite a Pyrite Spirit
by Callie Pey
April 12, 2024
Part of: Bound by Flame (9 books)
To Ignite a Pyrite Spirit
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Dragon Shifters
Villain Backstory
Arranged Marriage
Enemies to Lovers
He falls first
Betrayal and Deception
Mates (Not Fated)
Romantasy
Mythical Creatures
Portal Fantasy
Where there is smoke. . . there is always fire.

For more than a century, dragons ruled the skies without excitement or fear. That instantly changes when a shadow appears from a world beyond with a deal too enticing to ignore. Aedan and his mages seek shelter in exchange for a bonding ritual of the dragon's golden king, Eldates, to their beautiful high priestess. But everything is not as it seems.

Captivated by Cenara, Valk refuses to lose the chance to claim her for himself. As he makes each move, he becomes further tangled in her enchantments, revealing a side of himself he'd not known before. Pyrite might not be gold, but those sun-kissed eyes stalk him all the same.

As more of her secrets come out, all of his morals are called into question. To love the mage would mean turning his back on his family. With everyone around Valk demanding action, he’s left with only one decision to make: confront what he thinks might be genuinely evil or surrender himself to their plans.

Is love worth Valk's soul if it ignites his spirit

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Callie Pey is the steamy fantasy romance author responsible for The Dryad Chronicles. She loves fantastical worlds and epic stakes that embrace love in all its forms with a heavy dose of adventure. A current Austinite, she enjoys reading almost as much as writing, painting, and finding even the smallest moments to capture joy. With one completed series behind her, Callie is now embarking on two brand new series to come: A dark fantasy not for the faint of heart and a paranormal romance that will feature parts of Texas!

Cover Reveal: Old vs New? Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #1) by Kresley Cole

Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #1)  by Kresley Cole came out 18 years ago

On October 1st, Gallery Books will re-release the book with a new cover.

 

What do you think? Old or New?

        

For fans of Ali Hazelwood’s Bride and Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians series, an innocent young vampire and a powerful werewolf king are drawn together by an unexpected soul bond in the electrifying start to Kresley Cole’s New York Times bestselling Immortals After Dark series—now with a stunning new cover.

Half vampire, half Valkyrie, Emmaline spent her entire sheltered life hidden among the Lore in New Orleans surrounded by the loving, yet overbearing coven who raised her. All Emmaline Troy wanted was a trip to Paris –to investigate her parents’ mysterious deaths there all those years ago. And to finally have a small adventure and perhaps even a first kiss.

But one crowded city night, as she’s making her way down a street, she’s knocked off her feet by striking werewolf. He’s towering, intimidating, and has an infuriatingly seductive Scottish brogue. And he won’t let her go.

The Lykae King, Lachlain MacRieve, has been imprisoned in the catacombs beneath Paris for over a 150 years by his sworn Vampire enemies, but the scent of his Fated Mate on the streets above gives him the strength to finally escape from his subterranean prison. Lachlain has waited for Her for centuries, and the last thing he expects is the bewitching vampire mix who seems to want only to escape his grasp.

Yet he knows only she can soothe the fury within him and he’s determined to make her his by the next full moon.

As Lachlain convinces the hesitant but fiery Emma to accompany him to his ancestral home in Scotland, the pair will come up against ruthless creatures, ancient evil, and the irrevocable pull of Fate. Will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a warrior to his knees and turn Emma into the fighter she was born to be?

About the Author:
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Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Game Maker series, and five award-winning historical romances. Her books have been published in 23 countries and consistently appear on the bestseller lists in the U.S. and abroad.

A master’s grad and former athlete, Kresley has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings. She lives in Florida with her family and too many pets.

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