Mia's thoughts on Valryk

Excerpt from Monster Mirror: “Changed your mind about my offer, Mia?” Valryk stood behind me, an immortal package of trouble. When I turned around he was in my personal space and a little too close again. I’d never been really, truly scared of him. Irritated? Heck yes. Nervous? Yup. Now I was scared. Maybe because I was on his turf this time.

Mia's thoughts on Aiden:

Excerpt from Monster Mirror: "Since taking that turn onto the forest preserve road, I’d crossed over into Aiden’s turf. And there was something different about his world beyond just the obvious zip code. It looked like I’d traded in the mystery of paranormal creatures floating in and out of space back home for a mega-crush on a gorgeous, mysterious guy in Cape Livingston. That boring summer I’d imagined was turning into something totally different. What I hadn’t figured out yet was if that was a good thing."

Monster Mirror now available from Amazon

Ebook

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Excerpt from Monster Mirror

Mia's words:

I live in a world filled with paranormal creatures. They showed up almost twenty years ago. That’s when the Reveal happened.

       Hollywood stopped making new horror films when the real things showed up, so I catch my supernatural education from the net’s streaming movies. “Mia,” my mom used to say a lifetime ago, “stop with all the scary movies already. Switch to rom-coms.” No way. Maybe all this interest in the supernatural was premonition and preparation for me.

Here's an excerpt from Monster Mirror:

Amazing how one wrong turn can irrevocably change your life…

CHAPTER ONE

It’s one of those lucid nightmares where you know you’re dreaming but can’t wake up. And because you can’t wake up, you’re terrified what’s happening is really real.

I run through these woods right here outside of Cape Livingston. I am familiar with them, every tree and clearing. My chest heaves with exertion and fear. I ignore the physical pain as my feet trip over the rough stones.

I look over my shoulder. A black-haired monster, big and hulking, chases me. In spite of the huge lead I start out with, the thing is catching up. It smells me. It doesn’t tire. It is strong and evil and won’t stop until it gets what it wants. I’m supposed to do something important, really important, but instead decide to run, and the thing is enraged.

Suddenly, I know I have to fulfill my honor-bound promise no matter how frightening the monster is. So I stop, turn around, and wait for it. Just wait.

The monster blurs closer as it knocks down trees in its wake and rips fissures into the dirt with its curved claws. The ground pounds louder and louder. Pine needles shake off the branches and shower the forest floor.

Terror fills every inch of my exhausted body, but it’s too late to urge my limbs to move because now my legs refuse to go. What do I wait for? Why do I stop? Move, Mia!

But I don’t move and accept my fate. I watch the monster grow larger as it rages toward my human body.

Almost here. My eyes close tight.

Coming soon...

Monster Mirror, a young adult paranormal romance novel, will be available on February 22, 2013:

 

A plan to keep evil from spilling out into the world is tested…

In a world where terrifying creatures roam the night, all seventeen-year-old Mia wants is a quiet summer in safe, supernatural-free Cape Livingston. After a wrong turn into an unknown area, she learns the Cape isn’t as predictable as expected.

Mia must protect herself from the paranormal world ready to destroy her life by using everything she’s learned from the horror movies she watches.

Will her training be enough to tip the scale in her favor? Will her choice between the boy she loves or the boy determined to deliver her as a Swap be the right one? Is her future with the Monster Mirror inevitable?

Check out my new cover for Monster Mirror

The talented artist, Amy Haffner, designed the cover of my upcoming book, Monster Mirror, a young adult paranormal romance. Release date February 22, 2013!

The Heart Gem - Amazon and Barnes & Noble

In 1885, a proper Victorian woman's place was in the home. Convention never appealed to Hallie Pinefoy.

But plans for financial independence through a successful doll-making venture have one impediment. She's inherited a curiosity shop and a handsome business partner who's proving to be a delicious distraction.

When Bremen Tyler inherits a shop in coastal England, he breaks from the mystical Ancestral clan to live a normal life. The only way to guarantee a permanent break is to marry his Heart Match, a perfect soul mate. Bremen recognizes the captivating Hallie as his true love, but she isn't cooperating with his courtship.

If he can retrieve the stolen Heart Gem, an Artifact of Love, he can use it to prove their match. The surface of the Gem reflects the essence of a couple's future life, but the risks are great. More importantly, will Hallie realize true love doesn't need proof?

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

The Heart Gem - available from The Wild Rose Press

In 1885, a proper Victorian woman's place was in the home. Convention never appealed to Hallie Pinefoy.

But plans for financial independence through a successful doll-making venture have one impediment. She's inherited a curiosity shop and a handsome business partner who's proving to be a delicious distraction.

When Bremen Tyler inherits a shop in coastal England, he breaks from the mystical Ancestral clan to live a normal life. The only way to guarantee a permanent break is to marry his Heart Match, a perfect soul mate. Bremen recognizes the captivating Hallie as his true love, but she isn't cooperating with his courtship.

If he can retrieve the stolen Heart Gem, an Artifact of Love, he can use it to prove their match. The surface of the Gem reflects the essence of a couple's future life, but the risks are great. More importantly, will Hallie realize true love doesn't need proof?

E-Book

Paperback

The Heart Gem - available pre-purchase!

In 1885, a proper Victorian woman's place was in the home. Convention never appealed to Hallie Pinefoy.

But plans for financial independence through a successful doll-making venture have one impediment. She's inherited a curiosity shop and a handsome business partner who's proving to be a delicious distraction.

When Bremen Tyler inherits a shop in coastal England, he breaks from the mystical Ancestral clan to live a normal life. The only way to guarantee a permanent break is to marry his Heart Match, a perfect soul mate. Bremen recognizes the captivating Hallie as his true love, but she isn't cooperating with his courtship.

If he can retrieve the stolen Heart Gem, an Artifact of Love, he can use it to prove their match. The surface of the Gem reflects the essence of a couple's future life, but the risks are great. More importantly, will Hallie realize true love doesn't need proof?

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Buy from Amazon

Hoping to find time to breathe in 2012

My romance novel, The Heart Gem, will be released on March 28, 2012. I'm working to complete my young adult novel, The Monster Mirror, by March 27, 2012.

April will be busy with blog tours and promotion for The Heart Gem. Right around the time things slow down, I’ll be pitching and querying The Monster Mirror.

Busy year? Yes. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As 2011 comes to a close

I have many things to be grateful for this year. On a personal level, we all came through healthy and employed, the kids in the family doing well in school, and a roof over our heads.

On a professional level, my novel The Heart Gem sold and will be released March 28, 2012. I’m steadily working on my young adult paranormal romance The Monster and can now see the end of the tunnel.

I wish everyone a fantastic 2012 filled with health, prosperity, and love.

The Heart Gem release date

The release date for The Heart Gem, a historical paranormal romance novel, is set for March 28, 2012!

The Heart Gem Excerpt

Hallie’s bottom shifted from Bremen’s lap onto the cold stone garden bench. Why was he stopping just when the moment was getting interesting? Then she heard the footsteps in the distance, rustling along the path. Her head still blissfully dazed, Bremen’s possessive hands moved to straighten the aquamarine gown’s bodice, which had drawn away completely from her breasts.

Clay stepped into sight. His face was an angry red, even in the dark night. She jumped at the intrusion and attempted to yank her hand out of Bremen’s, but his firm palm held on without releasing.

“Bremen Tyler, how dare you encroach on our relationship? Hallie and I have a long-established agreement among our families. You must honor this arrangement and withdraw your presence.” The shrillness of Clay’s voice reverberated through the grounds.

“I haven’t been informed of a promise or understanding. In fact, I have heard from the lady she is uncommitted. A state I’m determined to reverse.” Bremen’s deep voice was low and controlled.

“She would be committed to me if it were not for you. You are confusing her; she loves me but you are filling her head with promises and nonsense.”

“I have given Hallie neither false promises nor nonsense. She knows my true feelings.”

"She also knows my feelings and has said she will consider my offer of marriage.”

Both men stared, waiting for a decision

Rise of the Planet of the Apes movie review

Watched the Rise of the Planet of the Apes movie this weekend. Wow! There were lots of fabulous special effects, non-stop action, and great message about what happens when you mess with nature.

Original movie with Charlton Heston was a great classic this sci-fi geek loved. The newest movie tied in the space launch which took Heston’s character into outer space and explained how the apes were able to speak.

Trust me, there will be a sequel. Can’t wait!

New Cover!

Great new book cover!

Power outages

For the last three weeks our electric power has been going on and off. Not much fun especially when you add in the heat wave.

Not having a computer didn't stop me from writing, though. I took out the paper (!) notebook and started scribbling scenes and dialogue. Making notes on Goal, Motivation, Conflict.

So now the power is back on, but I miss the putting my thoughts on paper. So, I'm off this afternoon to the nearest coffee shop... We'll see how this works out...

Paperwork and Virtual stuff

I have finally negotiated through contract and other information for the publisher. Very exciting and grateful for this opportunity, but it is a little daunting at times.

Now must move on to the virtual stuff...

Just made my first sale!

My manuscript, The Heart Gem, is a paranormal/fantasy romance novel set in 1885. It will be published by The Wild Rose Press. Not sure yet of the publication date, but I'm very excited!

Love summer!

What better time in the Midwest than summer? Hot weather, cool drinks, slower pace. Add some festivals and grill-outs and you have a perfect fit.  I need to find a place in the world that has 70 to 90 degree weather year round, then move there.