Monday Monday

Hiho. I meant to post yesterday but had a day of a massive headache. That a walk cured, but then it came back. Grr.... And? I forgot my camera on said-walk, so no pictures! :( (What,you're asking, don't you have tons?)

But it's Monday, so let's recap, shall we? The music of the week. I've got "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley stuck in my head again. Blame my hubby. He got a Marley t-shirt this week with Three Little Birds on it and now that song's playing in my head. 

I've been editing, again, as usual. If you saw my newsletter today, you know what that was. :)  It feels good to get back into the story, even if it's only editing it because ....shew, last week was a no writing week and I'm not too fond of those! I'll show you what else I was working on, fairly soon, here. Patience, my friends.

(However, I am going to say I failed on Camp Nanowrimo, again. I meant to participate more than one day, but then revisions pulled me away. At least I have some something started that I hope will turn into something worth a damn before the end of forever.)

But I posted a review up on my book blog. Yes, I finished another in my challenge list. So that's good, right? If all goes well, I'll have another finished by the end of the week. Possibly before. I'm also reading...well, several things, but one specifically off my list of books I got last year: Betrayal's Price  by Lisa Blackwood. What do I think of it? Too soon to tell definitively, but so far, I'm enjoying it.

Let's see... Well? There's really not all that much to report for this week. I guess I'll move on to the books I've procured this week.

First, remember my Kindle woes from last week? *snaps* I gave up. I sort of had to, would you believe the elastic in the cover was giving me allergy fits? Yep. At least, I think that's what it was.

So, I went out and got a new one. It's not the edition I wanted, but a step way up from what I had so, so far, I'm happy with it. I hope this one will last a couple years. *knock on wood* We'll see.

And on to the new books:


Out of Time Series Box Set (Books 1-3) (Out Of Time Box Set) by Monique Martin.

and The Dragon Rider's Daughter by Suzanne G. Rogers.


Well,herm... Looks like, other than those two, not much. Oh, I got a few things today but they weren't "last week" so I'm going to save those. Keep y'all in suspense. :) In the meantime, just know the pile grew, and meanwhile, I've shaved a few more off it. I think the tower is the same height it was last week, that way. Maybe a hair taller. *sheepish grin*

And for the blog posts from last week, a little post on:

Youtubers I enjoy.
Shows I bingewatch.
(That last was from the week before, actually).

Oh, and I updated my newsletter last night. I hope y'all got it. :) You don't want to miss the goodies, this time out. You'll find the form there in my side bar or here. Anyway, that's about all the musings for today. Have a wonderful Monday night, friends!

***

Juli D. Revezzo is the author of the MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, the latest in the Antique Magic paranormal series, also the Celtic Stewards Chronicles fantasy romance series, as well as the Victorian Romance HOUSE OF DARK ENVY, among others. Her books are available at Amazon and elsewhere.

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Continuing all the plans...

^{Sunday Post was conceived by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.}
 

And the attempts at scheduling failed again. I'm not sweating it, though. There was just a little news to report this week, anyway. I've been working hard on the various fiction projects. All are getting closer. One, I'm still debating some initial details on. Stay tuned.

On the marketing front.... The Antique Magic series is now available for borrowing with KindleUnlimited/Amazon Prime (except for Caitlin's Book of Shadows, which is still permafree).

I also piddled about with my new camera a bit. I've attempted a couple night time photographs, in the last few weeks. Let me tell ya, those things are harder to do than you'd think! On the 10th, we tried several full moon shots. Sad to report, I'd term them a failure, as even though we got one ("we got one!!" *buzzer*), it was too far off to get fully in focus. Still, we managed...

but... we fouled up the camera settings, trying them. Whoops! Never fear, with some calm-headed finagling, I was able to reset it the way it was supposed to be. I have an excuse! This is the first time my husband ever tried to use a digital 35 mm camera. :) Yes, we can totally blame it on him. I let him handle the thing in the dark. *shakes head*

I tried again a few days ago, and it just isn't possible without my tripod, which I didn't have on me, that the time. But I am learning.

On the reading front, I've been in a reading slump, lately. That's about all I can say about that. I blame having stories in my head to get down. I'd like to add some audiobooks to my reading pile, but that's on my list of things I'd like to do this year: up my books read from last year. Until then ... shall we get to the lists?

Books collected this week:

Lament of the Last Goddess by Jolene Dawe
Flash Gold by Lindsay Buroker
Hunted by Lindsay Buroker
Seduction at the Christmas Court by Jenna Jaxon
Liberty Awakened: Isle of Fangs Book 1 by Alicia Dean (Which, actually, I got through an Instafreebie link)
Touchstone of Love  - Beth Barany

Posts from this week:

These early days of the new year  

Planning--a writer's writing life #indie #authorhelp #IndieAuthors #mondayblogs #mondaymotivation  

Attempts at journaling-- #journaling #selfdevelopment

More posts are forthcoming this week. :) I even have one scheduled up! Go me! So, plans continue. What are you planning for this week?
 

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Continuing all the plans @julidrevezzo http://bit.ly/2jOwJKj Tweet this!

Juli D. Revezzo is the author of the MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, the latest in the Antique Magic paranormal series, also the Celtic Stewards Chronicles fantasy romance series, as well as the Gothic romance LADY OF THE TAROT. Her books are available at Amazon and elsewhere.

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Spirit Touched by Jolene Dawe

Spirit Touched by Jolene Dawe

Spirit Touched

by

Jolene Dawe

Spirit Touched: A Calenya Summoner’s Tale by Jolene Dawe is an intense Dystopian tale of a priestess left to continue the work after the gods have abandoned her people. Calenya Summoner has been brought up into this world after its “End”. The gods have left the people to deal on their own with the strange, dangerous creatures of the night.

Some have even come to worship these nasty beings as if they were the gods themselves. Calenya knows better. She  and her brethren are the only ones with the knowledge and training to use the magic which keeps these beings at bay.

But there are some who have other ideas of how to cope, by making deals with darkness. When Calenya finds a potential Summoner about to be used as a sacrifice, can she save him? You’ll have to read to find out.

Synopsis:
The world ended long ago, and most of the gods have left. Nightmares stalk the earth, and mortal creatures eke out a living the best they can, in small pockets scattered across the landscape. Only a small number of people, blessed by what few gods remain, stand between the creatures of the day and the monsters that plague the night.
Caleyna hoped for an uneventful patrol: walk the old roads, check in on villages, provide help where it was needed, and report in. Instead, there’s a swarm advancing on unsuspecting villagers, a fellow Summoner in need, and worse, her shadow has gone missing . . .

I enjoyed Spirit Touched, and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next! If I had one criticism *ducks* it was that I wanted more. 30 pages wasn’t enough of Calenya. (*gimmegimme*!) I hope that Ms. Dawe will continue the series soon-like because I’d certainly like to read the next installment in Calenya’s story! If you like dark, dystopian fantasy, especially those stories with a pagan bent, I think you will enjoy this story.If you’d like to check it out, it’s available at Amazon.

And…you can check out more about Jolene’s work at her site: https://naiadis.wordpress.com/

Review copy provided by the author.




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***

Juli D. Revezzo is the author of the Antique Magic paranormal series and the Celtic Stewards Chronicles fantasy romance series, as well as the Steampunk romance Watchmaker's Heart. Her books are available at Amazon and elsewhere.     *Goodreads button by Pure Imagination

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Smashwords Site-Wide July #Sale including my #paranormal book The Artist’s Inheritance and #PNR book Changeling’s Crown #discount

Just wanted to pop in here and announce I've got two books in the Smashwords summer Sale.

First,The Artist's Inheritance:

The balance between good and evil can be an art... or a curse.
Trevor and Caitlin were once happy newlyweds, profiting from Trevor's art. Until Trevor inherits his brother's house, and with it, his part of a family curse. Now, Caitlin will stop at nothing to save her beloved husband from insanity and suicide, even if it means becoming a witch.



If you’d like to get yourself a copy (of the ebook versions, all readers) for some summer reading, go to Smashwords, here, and use the code SSW25 at checkout for 25% off during their site-wide promotion!
The Smashwords sale is over but the book is still available at Amazon.

And for those of you who want something a little more fun for your summer reading…(again in ebook)
Changeling’s Crown.
(ON SALE AT AMAZON.)

When Ianthe began her career in Everland as a faery godmother, she stumbled so badly that Snow White will probably never speak to her again. After a long suspension, she’s finally been given a chance to redeem herself…but everything on this latest assignment is going wrong.

But why?

Worse, she definitely doesn’t need an attractive mortal man distracting her from her duties. Of course, needs and wants are two different things.

Briak has had his eye on Ianthe for a very, very long time, but he’s been waiting for just the right moment to make his move. Despite the fact all hell’s about to break loose on his watch, he can’t resist the opportunity to insert himself into her earthly assignment. Can he convince Ianthe of her true calling and thereby win her heart? Or will his subterfuge ultimately cost him her love?


(Offer good through July 31, 2016)




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Mary Morgan--Dragon Knight's Shield blog tour & #giveaway

I'm pleased to have best selling author Mary Morgan here today. She's just released her latest paranormal romance novel, Dragon Knight's Shield, and though she takes her characters to Scotland, they are devoted to our favorites here: dragons and our beloved Tuatha dé Danann. :) I think my readers here will enjoy her work. Read on for a little about Dragon Knight's Shield, and a giveaway.



Mary Morgan Q&A





How did you first come to write paranormal romance? What drew you to the genre?

Mary: I’ve always had a fascination with mythology, especially Irish and Scottish. In addition, my love for a good fairytale. Growing up with an overactive imagination, I would constantly weave my own stories within my mind. Therefore, it made sense that I would be drawn to write what I truly love.



This series includes something we’re very fond of here: The Tuatha dé Danaan. Can you tell us how you first discovered their myths? What’s your favorite, if you have one? J And how do they work into Dragon Knight’s Shield?

Mary: I’ve been reading and listening to the tales of the Tuatha dé Danann for decades. They’ve always been a favorite when reading about the invasions of Ireland. Perhaps it’s in my DNA—my Irish heritage. I have many favorites, but here are a few: The Legend of Cu Chulainn, The Red Branch, and The Children of Lir.

My own twist: The Dragon Knights were created by the Tuatha dé Danaan. They were the protectors of the last remaining dragon belonging to the tribe of the Goddess Danu.



What else can you tell us about your new release, Dragon Knight’s Shield?

Mary: As the oldest, Angus MacKay suffers greatly over the death of sister, Margaret. It was his brother’s sword that killed her, and as a result, Angus bears the burden of failure—for not controlling his clan. Yet, even on his journey, Angus showed me he still was a leader. Oh, he tried to discard the mantle of leadership, but it never really left him. Of course, he needed a strong woman to stand by his side, and Deirdre Flanagan was the perfect warrior woman for him.

It’s the fourth book in my series and the longest. Bringing together all four MacKay brothers took some time. They all had something to say, including their wives.

There are twists and turns, a birth, and a surprise revelation. One I hope my readers will embrace.





By what authors would you say you are influenced?

Mary: I’m not influenced, but in awe of their storytelling. One that stands out: Marion Zimmer Bradley.



Now that Dragon Knight’s Shield is out, what can curious fans expect from you next?

Mary: I’m working on the fifth and final Dragon Knight’s story, who was revealed in Dragon Knight’s Shield. I’m hoping to have it out in late summer. Also, I’m working on a Christmas novella with one of the characters from the series. It’s a surprise!



If you weren’t a writer, what career might you have pursued instead?

Mary: Archaeology or History professor.



What authors are you currently reading and keeping an eye on?

Mary: Currently, I’m reading “Agincourt” by Bernard Cornwell, and “I’ll Know It When I See It” by Alice Carey. I tend to read fiction and non-fiction at the same time.



Where can my readers learn more about you?

Mary: I love making new friends, Juli! Here are a few of my favorite places:

WEBSITE http://www.marymorganauthor.com

BLOG http://www.marymorganromancewriter.com

Twitter http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1





Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

Mary: I love hearing feedback about my stories, and I always take the time to answer your questions. It’s been an incredible journey, but I wouldn’t be here without so many embracing the Dragon Knights!





Dragon Knight’s Shield
Order of the Dragon Knights
Book Four
Mary Morgan

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Date of Publication: January 8, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5092-0542-4

Number of pages: 407
Word Count: 99,950

Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor

Book Description:

Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?



Excerpt:

Excerpt One:

His look was predatory, lustful, inviting, and she took a step backward. Words failed her as she took another step back.

He arched a brow and his smile became seductive. “Do I frighten ye?”

“No!” she lied. Like hell you do! You’re as gorgeous as sin standing there, and I want to rip your clothes from your body.

Pushing off from the wall, he stepped into the room and silently closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving hers. His hair hung in soft waves past his shoulders, and her fingers itched to twine within them. Her body ached in places so deep—longing for even the slightest touch.

“Are ye unwell, my lady?”

The burr of his voice so low—so sexy, she could only stare at him until his words resonated in her mind. “No,” she replied softly, feeling the flames of desire heat not only her face, but also her entire body.

This time when he took another step closer, Deirdre didn’t back away. Now he stood so close she could feel the warmth of his breath across her face—a mix of wine and pure male.

She watched mesmerized as he reached for a lock of her hair, twining it around his finger. “So verra soft.”

Deirdre couldn’t breathe, as he let the curl unravel and cupped her face in his hands. “Ye confuse me. Ye torment me in my dreams,” he whispered against her cheek, sending a wave of pleasure down her spine.

Without thought, she groaned and leaned into him—his beard grazing her cheek. She no longer battled her mind for the man. “Kiss me, Angus.”

Excerpt Two:

“God’s teeth, woman,” hissed Angus taking a glance around and noticing that everyone else had survived. He stormed to where she was standing and grabbed her arm. “What were ye thinking taking up a sword and fighting? Ye could have been killed.”

“You could have been killed. You required my help.”

She started to mumble, and Angus found it difficult to follow the flow of words. Narrowing his eyes, he understood her to be English. However, this did not explain her outlandish clothing. A woman should never be allowed to wear trews, he thought, as he took in her form.

“What? Never seen a woman before?” Her voice wavered. “Do I have to fight with you, too?”

He looked down into the most beautiful hazel eyes he had ever seen. “Nae.”

“No, you’ve never seen a woman, or no, you don’t want to fight? Because I’m a bit concerned by your grip on my arm and the way you’re leering at me.”

Angus swallowed. “My pardons.” Releasing her, he took a step back. “Are ye hurt?”

She shook her head. “I’ll have bruises from the fight to brag about come evening, but I’m fine.”

Seeing Egan riding toward Gunn, Angus nodded to him. “Best we leave and go into the trees. There may be more of the enemy.”

“Umm, excuse me? Don’t you think you owe me an explanation? And shouldn’t we call the police?” Waving her hand about, she added, “Why are you fighting with swords? And how did you manipulate the fire?”

He glared at her. “For the love of Danu, cease your chatter and come with me. I do not understand your words, and we waste time being out in the open.” Bending to retrieve his dirk, he was stunned when he glanced back to see the fool lass walking in the opposite direction.

“By the hounds,” he hissed. In two strides, he stood blocking her path. “Did ye not hear me?”

Her eyes blazed with fury when she spoke. “I heard you just fine. I’m going to find a policeman and report this incident. Now, if you’ll move aside, I can go get us some help.”

“Ye are not going anywhere, but to those trees. I dinnae ken what all ye are babbling, but ’tis madness we linger any longer in the clearing.” His patience had snapped and grabbing her arm, he was unprepared for the blow she landed against his jaw. “God’s blood, woman!”

“You grab me again and next time I won’t use my fist.” Her tone, this time, brittle.

Angus took a step closer, daring her to challenge him again. “And what would ye use?”

With one swift move, she flashed the dirk up between them, mere inches from his face. “This—slicing through your artery.”

He leaned to the side, feeling the coolness of the blade against his skin. “Like the one I hold at your side?” He saw her jaw clench, but not before he noticed the slight tremor. “’Tis good to ken one’s place, nae?”



“You’re a rude barbarian,” she hissed.

Dragon Knight's Shield is available at Amazon, All Romance books, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, The Wild Rose Press



About the Author:

Bestselling paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Elk Grove, California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling. Writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

Visit Mary’s website at http://www.marymorganauthor.com where you’ll find links to all of her books, blog, and pictures of her travels.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

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

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Tour giveaway

1 prize pack featuring- Signed print copy of Dragon Knight’s Shield, $25 Amazon gift card and swag.



Click here to enter the giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals....ebooks.

For those lovely new "ssshhh" Kindles, nooks and Ipads you might be wrapping up. If you have any paranormal romance fans on your list. May I suggest my fantasy romance novel...

Passion’s Sacred Dance (2nd Edition) (Celtic Stewards Chronicles, Book 1)

PASSION’S SACRED DANCE is on sale for $.99, today and tomorrow--for Black Friday. The paperback is also on sale paperback at Createspace.


Synopsis:
 Unless Stacy Macken can stave off her creditors, she may lose her renowned history center. Yet she knows in her heart that the center is sacred and what a catastrophe losing it would be. How much of a catastrophe, she hasn't a clue.

Until Aaron Fielding arrives with his tales of magical guardians and the Tuatha dé Danann, sworn warriors from Celtic legend who protect humanity from a wicked enemy seeking their destruction.

Is the end of the world imminent? What can she, a modern woman and her warrior lover, possibly have to offer when a long-prophesied druidic mythic battle explodes around them?

The Celts had their own harvest festivals, but mainly in early August (Lughnasadh) and (depending on what source you read) again at Mabon at the fall equinox. And let's not forget the big "New year" celebrations at Samhain. Thanks giving was a part of all those festivities, and friends, family, and ...well, celebrating. I think they would welcome this November holiday, as well.

So! To all my friends, enjoy this holiday (and the book!) and have a happy, thankful, safe weekend!

***

Sources: Five Ways to Have a Pagan Thanksgiving
 30 Things we Forget to Say Thank you For.

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Fantasy author Erika M. Szabo--The Ancestors’ Secret

Please welcome epic fantasy author Erika M. Szabo...

The Ancestors’ Secret series is an epic fantasy, heroic romance series with magical powers, ancient legends, love triangle and time travel that is a great read for fantasy lovers and also suitable for young adults.
Available in eBook, print and audiobook at AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/Protected-Falcon-Ancestors-Secrets-1/dp/B015RTS5OQ

Protected by the Falcon is the first book in the series:
​

Blurb:

Ilona is a doctor and is ruled by logic. When she starts to develop unusual powers, her beliefs change and she’s thrown into a world of mysteries, traditions and secrets. She doesn't know much about her heritage besides legends and rituals when begins to remember her mother’s instructions concealed as rhymes. The discovery of her healing power and ability to freeze time is exciting and frightening. A sinister man appears and Ilona connects his presence with the series of mysterious deaths around her. She has been in love with her unsuspecting best friend, when she meets a stranger. She is drawn to him and confused by the sudden magnetic feeling.

The readers said:
“This is so different from the usual fare churned out by ordinary writers.” -Valerie Byron
“Mystery, suspense, romance and well developed characters that hold reading interests from its beginning to end.” -J Faye
“Original, mystical and unique; in fact it's so original I have nothing to compare it with.” -Miss Devora
“I could feel and visualize what was happening as if I was right there.” -Lauren Sloan

Find out more about Erika and the Ancestor's Secrets series at her site and follow her on Facebook.

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