Redline is Now Available

At long last, Redline  (Book 4 in the Full Throttle Series) is available in ebook form.

Now that Jess DeLand has escaped her alcoholic mother’s grip, all she wants is a chance to be normal. To hang out with her wisecracking-but-intuitive boyfriend Cody, learn as much she can about restoring cars from her mentor Kasey, and fill in as substitute big sister to Rhett when her friend Teri Sue goes off to college. But when her past crashes headlong into her present, all hopes of normal go spinning off into the weeds. Jess’s attempts to spare her friends—and herself—from the things she’d rather keep hidden, threaten to destroy the new life she’s built. Maybe normal is too much to ask for.

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Redline is currently available with these distributors:

• Amazon: http://bit.ly/RedlineAmazon
• Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/RedlineBarnesandNoble
• Smashwords: http://bit.ly/RedlineSmashwords
• Kobo: http://bit.ly/Redline-Kobo

Eventually it will also available at Sony and Apple, but first it has to be approved for the Smashwords Premium Catalog and sent to those vendors. That process can take some time.

For those of you waiting for the paperback, it should be out around the middle of May.

Looking for a Good Sci-Fi/Paranormal Read?

My friend Stacey just released her new book, Found, and I’d like to give her a shout out, not only because she was cool enough to put an excerpt of Dead Heat at the back to promote me, but also because it’s an awesome book. I was a beta reader for Stacey, and I have to say the voice in Found totally rocks. If you’re looking for a great futuristic read with humor and sass, pick up a copy of this book today.

From Stacey Wallace Benefiel, the author of the Zellie Wells trilogy, comes a New Adult trilogy set in the Society world.

Penny Black hasn’t had it easy. Just about everything you’d expect to happen to a harassed foster-kid turned junkie has happened to Penny. Add in the mysterious power to rewind time, conducting events around her, and it’s a wonder she held up on the streets for so many years. Now, at seventeen, the New Society has found her. Finally, Penny is where she belongs. But that doesn’t stop the visions, or the need to protect the victims shown to her.

*The Penny Black trilogy is a companion to the Zellie Wells trilogy and not a continuation of the series. (It’s set 18 years in the future with a new cast of characters.)
*Due to language and sexuality, FOUND is recommended for older teens. (Most of the characters are out of high school and preparing for college.)

Purchase links:

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Kobo
• Smashwords

Coming soon to the Apple iBook store and in paperback!

Haven’t read the Zellie Wells trilogy yet? Pick up all three novels together for $6.99 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and iTunes. Or get the first novel, Glimpse, for FREE at all ebook retailers.

Some Updates

It’s been nearly three months since I wrote a blog post. I’ve thought about it a few times, and even went so far as to take voice notes on my walks, but ultimately, cleaning up and posting those ideas seemed like too much work. I’m really burned out. Not just stressed and overworked—which (let’s face it) is sort of my regular operating speed—but totally and utterly fried. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve dropped out of writers groups, turned off most of my Facebook notifications, and given serious thought to dumping my Twitter account. (The main reason I haven’t done this last thing is I’ve been too lazy to make the effort.) I’ve also gotten behind on my blog reading. If I used to come around to your blog and comment, and I haven’t lately, it’s not because I’ve forgotten about you. I just don’t have the energy. I spent a good part of the last year-and-a-half caught up in the social networking/marketing game, and it’s gotten to the point where I practically have an anxiety attack just thinking about that stuff. So I’ve made a lot of changes. I’m not messing with promotion anymore. My social networking (which is practically non-existent) is currently limited to two things—hanging out with friends and conversing with fans. Regardless of how important it might be for writers to promote each other, I just don’t care any more. The only author-related activities I’m willing to take part in are two local critique groups in which I’ve made a great many friendships and … writing. No more teaching, no more blog tours, no more book fairs or public appearances. Even so, I feel stressed.

Partly that’s due to a positive thing. A Shiny New Idea whapped me upside the head last October, and I’ve been trying to juggle that, and my revisions to Redline, ever since. This project has required an enormous amount of research, which of course takes an equally enormous amount of time. I’ll save the details for another blog post, but I do want to update my readers about Redline. I’m just shy of being two-thirds of the way through with my revisions. A lot has come up this winter, slowing my progress, but things are moving more quickly now. I think I can get it to my editor by the middle of March, which means I’ll potentially be able to get the ebook out by mid-April. I don’t want to make any concrete promises because things always come up, but I have two powerful incentives to keep me on track. One is that I really want to get busy on my new project. The other is that the Ides of March will usher in the beginning of landscaping season, and once that happens, I’ll hardly have any time for writing.

While you’re waiting, if you haven’t read Dead Heat, you might want to try that. It’s a little darker than the Full Throttle books, but if the character relationships are what you liked about those stories, I think you’ll enjoy this one as well. I know I’m way behind, and I appreciate your patience. I’ll send out a newsletter to let you know as soon as Redline is finished.

• Dead Heat on Amazon
• Dead Heaton Barnes and Noble
• Dead Heat on Smashwords

“Dead Heat blew me away. It’s a gritty ghost story interwoven with all-too-real subject matter that will make you cry for Alex, ache for Cole, and thank God for Jade. I was invested in these characters’ lives and you will be too.”

~ Stacey Wallace Benefiel, author of the Zellie Wells trilogy

YA Black Friday Sale

Tired of the malls and the stores? Looking for gifts without breaking the bank? How about 20 Young Adult books each priced at 99 cents now through Monday on Amazon? Buy some books for yourself. Gift books for others. Books are still the biggest entertainment bang for the buck, and there’s SO many great titles to choose from.

Like romance, adventure, humor, or contemporary? How about Sci-fi, fantasy, or mythology? We’ve got you covered!

Asylum by K.A. Tucker

Awaken by Sarah M. Ross

The Book of Lost Souls by Michelle Muto

The Childe by C.A. Kunz

Dead Heat by Lisa Nowak

Echo of an Earth Angel by Sarah M. Ross

Fairy Metal Thunder by J.L. Bryan

Forever Me by Thomas Amo

Here by Ella James

How to Date an Alien by Magan Vernon

Inheritance by Willow Cross

Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp

Perception by Lee Strauss

Prey & Magic (Book 5 of the Blood & Snow Series) by RasShelle Workman

Soul Kissed by Courtney Cole

Soul Quest (Book 1 of the Soul Quest Trilogy) by Amy Mauer Jones

Transfer Student by Laura Elliott

Whisper – Heather Hildenbrand

Rouge – Leigh T. Moore

October New Releases

First, I’d like to announce that the winner of Michelle Muto’s Don’t Fear the Reaper is M. R. Buttars. Congratulations, M. R.!

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Several of my friends released new books in October. Rather than do individual posts on new releases, I’ve decided to add a feature to my blog in which, at the beginning of the month, I list the books that have come out in the previous month.

And now, here are the books:

AFTER by Marla Bowie LePley (YA dystopian)

Ger, Laney, and Jenny, three teens who have never met, live a terrifying existence after all the adults suddenly die. Rioting, starvation and fear become a way of life. When psychotic teenager, Roc, takes over a secluded mountain town, they must come together and find a way to end his reign of terror.

Amazon

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Created (book 3 of the Watched series) by Cindy Hogan (YA suspense)

Ari and her friends find themselves in an independent spy school in Belgium, Bresen Academy. Test scores reveal her true abilities and the director wants to send her onto to more advanced training school immediately. She is given a two week reprieve to explore the school’s training program and hopefully make amends with both Reese and Marybeth. Despite her lack of advanced training, the director convinces Ari she would be the best fit for a mission that surfaces in Prague with a group calling themselves Division 57. Uncertain, but wanting to please, she agrees. She quickly discovers there is nothing easy about being a spy and finds her very life on the line.

Amazon      ( Get book 1 here)

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Beguilded (book 2 of the Immortal Essence series) by RaShelle Workman (YA sci-fi romance)

Venus has become immortal, just as she always wanted. In the process she hurt Zaren, lost Michael, and destroyed her family.

At least that’s what she believed.

Turns out Ramien, the god of her planets’ underworld, has her parents, and Michael.

To save them, Venus makes a deal. She must complete three trials. They seem impossible. They certainly won’t be easy. Worst of all, someone she loves won’t make it out alive.

Amazon       (Get book 1 here)

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Rise of a Rector (the final book of the Channeler series) by Heather McCorkle (YA Paranormal)

With graduation~and the hell of the last two years~behind her, Eren is hoping to finally explore her relationship with Aiden and deepen the bonds with her Society. But it seems there’s no rest for a soon-to-be legendary Mayan warrior of the apocalypse.

From the green hills of Ireland to the jungles of Mexico, and deep into lands unexpected, Eren and Aiden will stop at nothing to discover all they can about their rare power in an attempt to alter destiny. Learning about ancient secrets that no one can remember proves to be more than challenging with Eren seeing old ghosts at every turn though. Worse yet, behind the ghosts lies something darker and far more deadly than any of the trials she has endured so far.

In the jungles of Costa Rica entire villages are dying inexplicably. Near the carnage live a group of channelers who are hiding a thousand year old secret, one that could change the very fate of the planet. But the ghosts of Eren’s past have other plans, plans to seize the thread of destiny~and Eren~and manipulate both.

Amazon      Barnes and Noble      (Get book 1 here)

Get Your Spook On!

Welcome to Get your Spook On, where you’ll find over a dozen spine-chilling stories of the supernatural to put you in the Halloween mood.

Hop through all ten blogs to read the spooky questions our authors have answered. Answer the questions yourself to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon and one of four chapter critiques offered by a few of our amazing authors. Each question you answer will be worth one entry, so you can earn a total of ten chances by answering every question. To get additional entries, tweet the following or paste it to your Facebook status (and comment below to let us know you’ve done so):

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Get your spook on! Ten authors share their scary stories and give out #Halloween treats. http://bit.ly/S3UE13

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The deadline to enter is 6:00 PM EDT on October 31st. Check back here on November 2nd to see a list of winners.

Now for my creep-a-riffic question:

What’s the scariest thing your main character has had to face? (Please answer this in first person from your character’s perspective.)

Alex (from Dead Heat): The scariest thing I ever had to deal with is knowing that if I ain’t around to stop him, my old man might go after Momma.

Anne Parson (from Saving Halloween): “Could I leave everything that was known behind — my family, my home, my schedule?”

Jenny (from After): the scariest thing I’ve had to face is the mysterious death of my parents and the murder of my boyfriend, the love of my life, Shane. How will I go on without them?

Alex (from How to Date an Alien): Too many things to name, but I guess I’ll go with the one that sticks out in my mind the most. The moment my life changed forever.

As I got lost in my own world, staring at all the white walls, I felt something crawl onto my arm. I tried to flick off whatever was there, but a cold, slimy hand gripped my arm, whirling me in the direction of a short, wrinkled woman who reminded me of some sort of wicked witch from a cartoon.

“Um, can I help you?” I tried to pull my arm away from the woman’s grasp, but despite her small stature, she had the strength of someone five times her size.

She tilted her head up, and I could see that she was missing an eye, the empty socket oozing with a black liquid that glittered against her wrinkled face. The one eye she did have was the size of a large egg and was focused right on me.

“You,” she said in a voice that sounded like a hawk’s cry as she pointed a long, curled fingernail at me, “are a traitor!”

“Uh, Dad?” My body trembled from her words. I thought she was probably just some crazy prisoner of war or a refugee from some third world country, but I didn’t want her touching me or talking to me like I was the dangerous one.

My dad finally stopped his conversation as both men rushed toward the woman.

Her slimy hands reached for my neck, those long fingernails scraping against my throat.

“Must destroy the traitor,” she screeched. Her fingers swirled like tentacles around my neck and suctioned onto it like a vacuum.

I wanted to tell her that she must have made a mistake. I was just Alex, not some traitor. I gasped for air, but the more I struggled or tried to explain, the tighter her grip became and I started to lose consciousness.

At least eight men ran in and tried to pull her vice-like grip away from me, but they couldn’t move her while she mumbled in some cryptic language. I thought I was going to die right there. My life flashed before my eyes—my parents’ divorce, the birth of my half-brother, and even the Columbia recruiter looking at me with those caterpillar eyebrows. I didn’t want to die like this.

Then the woman’s grip loosened and the air whooshed back into my lungs. I gasped, relieved that I might actually survive. I tried to focus on what was in front of me, but all I could see was the outline of a very tall man in a silver jumpsuit.

“No!” she screeched. “You, of all of us, should know what she is capable of!”

I looked up to see a pair of coal-black eyes staring at me as the man heaved the shaking woman away from my neck. The last thing I felt was the warm touch of his hand on my cheek before everything went dark.

Flora Hamilton (from Day of Sacrifice Omnibus): The scariest thing I’ve had to face is an entire group of Supernaturals depending on me. I grew up thinking I wasn’t worth much, just waiting to die so that my family could gain the Gods’ favor. Then, a few days before my sacrifice, my courage was put to the test. It was hard being brave for other when I couldn’t be brave for myself.

Give me spirits, witches, vamps, and evil angels anytime. My power is fire. I will burn you. J

Roxie, from Shadow Series: Well you’d think I’d say saving the world from the Shadow Apocalypse, but what felt just as epic was when I thought all my friends from middle school had abandoned me freshman year.

Desolation (from the Desolation series): By far, the scariest thing I’ve ever had to face is Michael. I remember exactly how it felt when he looked at me with all his love and goodness and knew that he saw me. All of me. He used to love me, but now? I am the exact opposite of him.

Clara (from the  Amazing but True series): Well the worst thing so far I’ve had to face is traveling through time. There is this horrible cold, dark place I have to go through. It makes me sick to my stomach. But between you and me, I think there is something in the dark place. I haven’t seen anything, but it’s just a feeling I get that something is watching me as I travel through.

(Christy from the Watched series): The scariest thing I ever had to face was meeting up with a boy I’d totally betrayed. The bad thing was, I loved him, too.

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Don’t forget to answer this question in the comments below for an additional chance to win.

And now, here are our spooktacular books!

AFTER by Marla Bowie LePley (YA dystopian)

Ger, Laney, and Jenny, three teens who have never met, live a terrifying existence after all the adults suddenly die. Each have their own story. Psychotic teenager, Roc, takes over a secluded mountain town and nurses a cruel fixation for Jenny. She may be the town’s only hope and must choose between saving herself, or saving everyone else. Ger, having already experienced tragedy, doesn’t know how to cope and is all too ready to give up. Laney, lonely and lost before the disaster, discovers unexpected love. But will it last? As Roc’s evil begins to grow, the three of them must come together and find a way to end his reign of terror.

Amazon

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Created (book 3 of the Watched series) by Cindy Hogan (YA suspense)

Ari and her friends find themselves in an independent spy school in Belgium, Bresen Academy. Test scores reveal her true abilities and the director wants to send her onto to more advanced training school immediately. She is given a two week reprieve to explore the school’s training program and hopefully make amends with both Reese and Marybeth. Despite her lack of advanced training, the director convinces Ari she would be the best fit for a mission that surfaces in Prague with a group calling themselves Division 57. Uncertain, but wanting to please, she agrees. She quickly discovers there is nothing easy about being a spy and finds her very life on the line.

Amazon    ( Get book 1 here)

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Dead Heat by Lisa Nowak (YA paranormal/urban fantasy)

Alex is a machine whisperer. He can tell what’s wrong with a broken-down car with a touch. But his gift can’t save him from the brutality of his meth-addict father. For two years, Alex experienced kindness through Cole, his mentor. Now Cole’s dead, and the violence in Alex’s life is escalating.

When Cole reappears as a ghost, Alex clings to the tenuous link. Then he learns Cole might’ve sacrificed his chance to cross over. Jade, the first girl to look beyond Alex’s past, assures him Cole can reach the Other Side—if Alex escapes from his dad. But a previous terrifying attempt has convinced Alex it’s impossible. Unless he can find the courage to try, his friend may be earthbound forever.

Amazon     Barnes and Noble

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Inky the Icky Black Spider by Laura Marshall (Children’s short story)

Inky, the icky black spider is on a mission this Halloween night. His mission: to gain entrance to the impenetrable Victorian Manson to procure the mouthwatering candy that is stashed away inside. He’ll use all his spider skills to obtain access to the candy holding facility. But will all his training be enough?

This Flash Fiction Halloween treat for the senses is sure to delight children of all ages.

Amazon 

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Saving Halloween by Lisa Ard (middle grade/ tween paranormal)

When book-smart Anne Parson meets Halloween Spavento, she sees exactly what she wants to see — a friend. Halloween waves away trouble, magically silences school bullies and offers Anne unfailing friendship. But, when the Spavento family’s enchanting exploits are exposed, will Anne face her fears and save Halloween? A spellbinding tale of outcasts who find acceptance, a girl who discovers the true meaning of family, and characters who are not always what they seem. 2012 Kay Snow Award Winner.

Amazon

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Shadow Slayer (book 2 of the Shadow series) by Laura Elliott (middle grade/ tween paranormal)

Shadows will do anything to become human. You see their influence everyday. You say things you don’t mean or do things that aren’t like you. You look, different. Friends you’ve known forever suddenly never call.

As a freshman, Roxie just wants to fit in which is impossible because she barely runs into her friends at her huge high school. Adrianne’s disappearance and Hayden’s attention rock Roxie’s world. But nothing rocks it like the most gorgeous guy at school, Drew. And nothing is more important to Roxie than astral projecting back to Planet Popular to solve the mystery of the map. But that changes when Drew invites Roxie to homecoming. Hayden warns her that something’s wrong. Why would a guy like Drew like Roxie anyway? Drew must want something. Hayden’s right. Drew is…different. Planet Popular was just the beginning. Part of a bigger world, the Shadow World. There’s a war brewing between the world of humans and the world of shadows. When the shadow invasion begins at Roxie’s high school, she’ll not only fight for her life but the lives of her family and friends, when she discovers she’s the Shadow Slayer, the one human who can save Earth from the shadow onslaught. But, Roxie can’t even kill a spider. Oh yeah, there’s an evil English teacher, an enchanted play, a sword of Sandonian steel, a homecoming of horrors, and seven magic words too.

Amazon    (Get book 1 here)

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Day of Sacrifice Omnibus by Stacey Wallace Benefiel (New Adult/Adult Urban Fantasy)

Born to die, a group of Sacrifices and their Guardian Angels band together to kill the Gods and free the world.

The Day of Sacrifice Omnibus is intended for adults due to language and sexual situations.

All six Day of Sacrifice stories together in one volume!

Amazon     Barnes and Noble

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Desolate (book 2 of the Desolation series) by Ali Cross (YA paranormal romance)

Where darkness lives, all will become desolate.

It’s been two months since sixteen-year-old Desolation Black chose Earth over Hell and her friend Miri over her eternal love, Michael.

Desi goes through the motions of life: school, training, remaining vigilant against the forces of darkness, but her dreams are full of the choices she wishes she could change. When she’s injured by a strange demon, old temptations arise, and the lines between good and evil blur. Desi discovers those choices aren’t so final after all.

And this time, the power of love—for a friend, for a lover—may not be enough to save her from the darkness that lurks within.

Amazon     Barnes and Noble     (Get book 1 here)

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How to Date an Alien by Magan Vernon (YA science fiction)

High school senior Alex Bianchi’s estranged father gets her an internship at Circe Operations Center to pad her college applications. But Circe isn’t your typical military base. It’s an alien-run operation center and not all of the aliens are friendly, especially the one that tries to kill Alex on her first day. When Ace, a dark-eyed Caltian, enters and saves the day, she can’t help but be drawn to him. Can these star-crossed lovers survive when they’re on the brink of intergalactic war?

Amazon     Barnes and Noble

Click here to go to the next stop in the Get Your Spook on blog hop.

Halloween Urban Fantasy Blog Hop

Welcome to the Halloween Urban Fantasy Blog Hop!

All the participants will be answering questions about their favorite urban fantasy stories and offering great prizes. Be sure to visit each blog for your chance to win.

And now, here are my answers:

What do you love about the urban fantasy genre (reading and writing)?

To me, the most appealing thing about urban fantasy is that it incorporates supernatural elements into the every day world. That makes it seem like there just might be a little bit of magic in the common place and that someday I might discover it.

Who is the sexiest supernatural creature? Who’s the scariest?

I never thought of supernatural creatures in terms of sexy. They all seem pretty scary to me. But if I had to choose one, I’d say Monroe from Grimm. Not Blutbads in general, just him. Scariest? Probably vampires. Werewolves don’t bother me that much. I mean, you just scratch them behind the ears or give them a belly rub, and they’re putty in your hands.

If you could make any supernatural creature, what would it look like and what powers would it have?

I think I’d create a creature that looked like a regular person, but had the agility and other characteristics of a cat. Maybe he’d even purr, and it would be somewhat involuntary, so it might happen at inopportune moments.

Do you have any Halloween rituals?

Mostly just eating candy.

Walking at midnight in a forest on Halloween – crazy, scary or adventurous?

Walking in the forest at midnight is always a little scary to me, regardless of whether or not it’s Halloween. There are creatures out there who can see in the dark better than I can, and they might be hungry.

What is your worst fear?

I don’t like talking about my worst fears. It seems too much like tempting fate. Just the idea of verbalizing them creeps me out.

What is one of your character’s worst fear?

Alex, my main character in Dead Heat, is most afraid that his dad will hurt or kill someone he cares about.

What is your favorite Urban Fantasy novel?

I like the YA/MG stuff so my tastes run toward things like the Gone series by Michael Grant and Unwind and others by Neal Shusterman.

Who is your favorite Urban Fantasy hero/heroine?

You know, none of the heroes actually stand out to me in urban fantasy. It’s more the thought-provoking story ideas, like in Unwind, where abortion has been outlawed, but if parents don’t like their kids they can have them sort of “retroactively aborted” in an unwinding procedure in which all their body parts are harvested to be used in transplants. Is that a creepy idea, or what?

Which hero/heroine would you love to be on Halloween?

I never dress up for Halloween anymore. I just don’t have time, and I’m usually too tired to think up anything good. When I was a kid, though, I used to love to come up with crazy costumes.

And now, here’s my own urban fantasy:

A man who longs for a son, and a boy who can’t escape his father’s violence. Even death can’t break the bond they share.

Alex is a machine whisperer. He can tell what’s wrong with a broken-down car with a touch. But his gift can’t save him from the brutality of his meth-addict father. For two years, Alex experienced kindness through Cole, his mentor. Now Cole’s dead, and the violence in Alex’s life is escalating.

When Cole reappears as a ghost, Alex clings to the tenuous link. Then he learns Cole might’ve sacrificed his chance to cross over. Jade, the first girl to look beyond Alex’s past, assures him Cole can reach the Other Side—if Alex escapes from his dad. But a previous terrifying attempt has convinced Alex it’s impossible. Unless he can find the courage to try, his friend may be earthbound forever.

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The prize I’m offering today is an ebook copy of Michelle Muto’s Don’t Fear the Reaper. To be entered to win, just leave a comment below.

Haunted by memories of her murdered twin, Keely Morrison is convinced suicide is her only ticket to eternal peace. But in death, she discovers the afterlife is nothing like she expected. Instead of peaceful oblivion or a joyful reunion with her sister, Keely is trapped in a netherworld on Earth with only a bounty-hunting reaper and a sarcastic demon to show her the ropes.

When the demon offers Keely her ultimate temptation–revenge on her sister’s killer–she must determine who she can trust. Because, as Keely soon learns, the reaper and demon have been keeping secrets and she fears the worst is true–that her every decision changes how, and with whom, she spends eternity.

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Sounds great, huh? Now hop over to these blogs for more fun and prizes:

• Tina Moss
• Heather McCorkle
• Angelica Jackson
• Kristie Cook
• A.J. Locke
• KH LeMoyne
• Yelana Casale

Spooktacular Interviews: Halloween Spavento

In the month of October, I’m going to be interviewing some characters for new releases with a Halloween/spooky theme. Today I’m interviewing Halloween Spavento, a character from Portland author Lisa Ard’s middle grade book, Saving Halloween.

Hi, Halloween. Welcome to the Tao of Webfoot. Could you tell me a little about your siblings?

Halloween: I don’t have any siblings, at least, none that I know of. I was left on the Spavento family’s doorstep on Halloween night twelve years ago.

Wow. That’s fascinating. I guess I’ll have to read your book to find out the story behind that answer. In my books, one of my characters is known for his insatiable appetite. How about you? What’s your favorite food?

Halloween: That’s a very difficult question to answer because my family is known for their food. My mama’s cookies are tough to beat. But then, Professor makes a great osso buco and risotto. Uncle Fenris roasts lamb to utter perfection.

Sounds delicious. Friendship is also very important to my characters, and I can imagine it must be to you, too. Can you tell me a little about your best friend?

Halloween: Anne Parson is my best, and only, friend. I met Anne in the apple orchard one day. I liked her from the moment I saw her. I don’t think she quite believed me when I said I could turn her nose into a pickle. But, she’s since come around.

A pickle, eh? That’s a handy trick. Okay, Halloween, can you describe for my readers what you look like?

Halloween: Since Uncle Fenris styled my hair for school, my red curls are much tamer. Papa says my creamy, pale skin reminds him of moonlight. I’m pretty active, so I like to wear comfortable, knit clothing – often a black jumper with green tights and black boots or black knit pants with an orange turtleneck.

So how would you spend a typical day?

Halloween: Before I started school with Anne, I studied with Professor at home. Mama likes my help in the kitchen, baking her bewitching cookies. Uncle Fenris tends our flock of sheep, so I’m often out with him in the fields and orchards in the afternoon. Papa rises at night. Our favorite activity is opera night, with lots of singing, dancing and piano playing.

Thank you very much, Halloween. Now I have a question for your author. Lisa, can you tell me something you know about this character that she would never admit?

Lisa Ard: Halloween is much loved by the large, extended Spavento family, but she still needs a friend her own age. It’s a good thing Anne happened along one fall afternoon – or did she just happen along?

Thanks, Halloween and Lisa. I’m sure some of my readers have young family members who would love to read your book.

When book-smart Anne Parson meets Halloween Spavento, she sees exactly what she wants to see — a friend. Halloween waves away trouble, magically silences school bullies and offers Anne unfailing friendship. But, when the Spavento family’s enchanting exploits are exposed, will Anne face her fears and save Halloween? A spellbinding tale of outcasts who find acceptance, a girl who discovers the true meaning of family, and characters who are not always what they seem.

Saving Halloween was a 2012 Kay Snow Award Winner

• Buy the ebook
• Buy the paperback

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Connect with Lisa Ard online:

Author website: www.authorlisaard.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlisaard

www.twitter.com/lisaard

DEAD HEAT is now available

A man who longs for a son and a boy who can’t escape his father’s violence.

Even death can’t break their bond.

 

Alex is a machine whisperer. He can tell what’s wrong with a broken-down car with a touch. But his gift can’t save him from the brutality of his meth-addict father. For two years, Alex experienced kindness through Cole, his mentor. Now Cole’s dead, and the violence in Alex’s life is escalating.

When Cole reappears as a ghost, Alex clings to the tenuous link. Then he learns Cole might’ve sacrificed his chance to cross over. Jade, the first girl to look beyond Alex’s past, assures him Cole can reach the Other Side—if Alex escapes from his dad. But a previous terrifying attempt has convinced Alex it’s impossible. Unless he can find the courage to try, his friend may be earthbound forever.

~~~~~~~~

“Dead Heat blew me away. It’s a gritty ghost story interwoven with all-too-real subject matter that will make you cry for Alex, ache for Cole, and thank God for Jade. I was invested in these characters’ lives and you will be too.”

~ Stacey Wallace Benefiel, author of the Zellie Wells trilogy

• Buy it on Amazon
• Buy it on Barnes and Noble
• Buy it on Smashwords

I’m excited about this book because not only does it deal with important social issues, like child abuse and the murky waters surrounding how best to deal with it, it also features a main character who struggles with a learning disability. This is a completely different type of book than any of my others. It came about after an agent told me he couldn’t sell Driven because it wasn’t edgy enough. I took my favorite type of story—one about the relationship between a kid and his mentor—and cranked the heat up a few dozen degrees. What if a boy who needed his mentor even more than Cody needed Race suddenly lost him?

I really hope you’ll enjoy it, even though it’s considerably darker than my Full Throttle books. For those of you who prefer paperbacks, I should have that out sometime in November.

Character Interview with Rachel Sullivan

Today I’m doing a guest post over on Literary Rambles on how to choose your publishing path, so I’ve asked Mark Petruska to let me interview Rachel Sullivan, the protagonist of his book, No Time for Kings, which is currently on sale on Amazon. I hope you enjoy the post!

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Hello, readers – Rachel Sullivan here, taking over Lisa’s blog for the day. If my name looks familiar, it’s probably because I’m a reporter for the Portland Journal. My recent story on Earth Fights Back, a radical group of eco-terrorists that had been wreaking havoc throughout the West, made the front pages when I came face-to-face with their brutal leader. If you want to read an account of that, Mark Petruska has written a thriller, No Time For Kings, available for sale through online bookstores everywhere in paperback and e-book formats. If you’ve got a Kindle, it’s only $2.99! It talks about my personal crusade to put a stop to the group while locked in a cat-and-mouse game in which there is only one winner. The critics like it, too; Portland Book Review says, “If a thriller is defined by the strengths of its villain, No Time For Kings is in dastardly hands” and San Francisco Book Review wrote, “Petruska’s debut novel is of a quality not usually seen in self-published books…(it) is engaging and well-written. (His) future as an author looks bright.” 

That was a traumatic time for me; I still have nightmares over the ordeal! So I’m going to keep this interview lighthearted and talk about “safer” topics instead.

What is your most notable physical attribute?

My red hair. No, it doesn’t come from a bottle; I’m Irish! I’ve got the freckles to prove it, too. People are also drawn to my green eyes. I’m in decent shape for a woman in her mid-30s, but could definitely work on losing a few pounds. My butt’s too big for my liking. I blame it all on Voodoo Doughnut. Their maple bacon bar is impossible to resist!

Who is your best friend?

My daughter, April. Her father and I divorced years ago, and until my boyfriend Alex came along, we only had each other to rely upon. We love to go shopping and cook meals together, and gossip about people. April is in middle school now, and beginning to feel like she’s too cool to hang around with mom. I hope it’s just a phase! She adores Alex, by the way. That has been a real balancing act, considering he was her 6^th grade teacher!

What is your biggest fear?

That Alex will fall off the wagon. He’s a recovering alcoholic, and sometimes struggles with his desires for booze. But he’s doing great, and instead of wine, we drink lots of grape soda or sparkling cider.

What is your greatest flaw?

I will go to extremes to champion a cause I believe in, occasionally putting myself in harm’s way without thinking things through clearly. I blame that on my Irish heritage. I’m very passionate and have a fiery determination, a combination of traits that means I’ll never back down from a fight – for better or worse.  

What is your deepest regret?

Marrying Paul. Not only did he turn out to be a lying cheat, but he wasn’t even original. He’s a lawyer who ended up bedding his paralegal. How cliché! Having said that, if I hadn’t married Paul, I never would have had April. That softens the blow quite a bit.

Where were you born?

Right here in Portland! I’ve lived here my whole life, and love it. The people are friendly, the air is clean, the scenery is amazing, and the politics are liberal. What more could a gal ask for?

What is in your refrigerator right now?

Uh-oh! {Laughs nervously}. Grape soda and day-old Voodoo Doughnuts? No, I’m kidding. I’m sure there are some fantastic leftovers that Alex whipped up. Probably something with chanterelle mushrooms or truffle oil. He’s the cook in the family! I can barely boil water.

What’s in your immediate future?

A pedicure, hopefully! I haven’t pampered myself in ages. We’re planning a camping trip this weekend. April has never slept in a tent! I’d prefer a cabin myself, but Alex is all about “roughing it,” so we’ll go ahead and let him have his back-to-the-wilderness weekend…but next time it’s the Hilton!

There’s also a new story unfolding that I’m working on. A new drug has hit the streets of Portland, and is turning into an epidemic. We’re not sure how it’s making its way into the city right under the noses of law enforcement. There’s rumor of a connection to the old Shanghai Tunnels underground. I’m going to look into that. If it turns into anything big, maybe Mark Petruska will end up writing another book!