A Magic Redemption by Tena Stetler #MFRWHooks
In continuing the Halloween Theme for #MFRWhooks this week Award winning A MAGIC REDEMPTION is the fifth book in the award winning A DEMON’S WITCH SERIES! The book takes place in Ireland after a deal is brokered but revenge is afoot. While part of a series like all my books, A Magic Redemption can be read as a stand alone.
A little about A MAGIC REDEMPTION – Even with magic, finding your place in the world proves more difficult than imagined especially when someone is out for revenge.
Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.
Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.
When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?
A peek between the pages of A Magic Redemption:
The road to her cottage took them by the pub. He didn’t want to spoil a great day by stopping by Shaughnessy’s. But he had a nagging feeling that was exactly what he was supposed to do. Prior experience taught him nothing but trouble would come if he ignored his gut. “Mind if we stop by the pub on the way home. Storm can stay in the truck for a few minutes. I want to make sure—”
“Everything is all right?”
“Of course it’s all right. I’ve taken time off before.” Gavin bristled. “I had a life before—” He stopped mid-sentence. No way was he going to spoil this day.
She shifted in her seat to face him. “Before what? Me? Before your sister married an assassin? Or Brandy became engaged to a vampire? Before your world came crashing down amid demons, vampires, witches, and world ending shit?” She paused, closed her eyes, and leaned her head against the seat again. “I didn’t mean that. I’ve been on edge since the dream—nightmare—premonition. Call it what you want. Today was a nice reprieve. But when we hit the edge of town—what’d you call ’em—” she tapped her temple. “My spidey senses went off.” She shivered.
He turned on the street behind the pub. The parking lot was full to running over. Weaving through the cars without finding a space, he pulled back onto the road. After circling the block, he parked down the street and cut the engine. “Stay put for a sec.” Gavin stepped out of the truck and surveyed the area. Nothing seemed out of place or unusual.
A slow creak indicated Synn had opened her door. “Stay girl. We’ll be back.” She eased the door closed.
He strode to her side and glared down at her but said nothing. Not looking for a fight. Slipping an arm around her waist, they strolled to front of the pub. He yanked open the heavy wooden door. Friendly voices, raucous laughter, and the yeasty scent of the pub spilled out. Tension eased in his muscles. He released the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Synn walked through the door first and froze.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Magic Redemption, Halloween, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Suspense, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 6 comments.
A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING – 99 Cent Sale – #MFRWHooks
For #MFRWhooks this week I’m celebrating Christmas in July with 99 cent Sale on A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING! from the award winning A Witch’s Journey Series. A small town paranormal romance/mystery. It’s down to the wire, will the nosy McKay ghosts, Lathen’s werewolf pack, Pepper’s parents, and her best friend help or hinder the wedding and holiday plans? Then Lathen’s covert military mission threatens life as he knows it. Torn in too many directions will Pepper and Lathen make it to the alter?
So pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about A Witch’s Holiday Wedding!
A bit about A Witch’s Holiday Wedding:
Elemental witch, Pepper McKay and former Navy SEAL, Lathen Quartz have built Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on enchanted McKay land. During a romantic interlude on Halloween night, Pepper happily agrees to become Lathen’s wife. What better day than Winter Solstice for their wedding in a town that loves celebrations and Christmas. However, planning a wedding and operating their wildlife center takes a toll on both Pepper and Lathen.
When the couple takes a much-needed break for Thanksgiving with family in Colorado, a Maine snowstorm fills the center with injured wildlife. Lathen finds himself drawn into a covert military mission, while trying to deal with issues concerning friends and family. Pepper wants to cancel the wedding. Is she having second thoughts? Will the nosy McKay ghosts, Lathen’s werewolf pack, Pepper’s parents, and her best friend help or hinder the wedding and holiday plans?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Holiday Wedding: The hook.
Half an hour later, Lathen turned the truck onto the gravel drive to the cabin, slowed, and stared at the dark SUV parked in front of the cabin. Slowly he guided the truck behind the vehicle, noticing that the plates were government issue. What the hell is this?
Pepper leaned forward in her seat. “What’s a government SUV doing sitting in front of our home?”
“Maybe it’s the DIFW,” Lathen said hopefully. He turned off the headlights and cut the engine. The doors opened on the SUV, and four men in suits stepped out and waited.
Oh shit, this doesn’t bode well. He recognized one of the men, Lt. Commander Raymond Sale. Lathen jumped out of the truck as Pepper opened her door. “Pepper, why don’t you go on inside, let Tonk and Ember out, but keep them close. I’ll just be a minute.”
Pepper glanced from the men and back to Lathen. She opened her mouth to protest, but he shook his head and glanced toward the cabin where he could hear Tonk and Ember barking. For a beat he watched Pepper turn and walk the path to the cabin. He turned his attention to the men standing in the driveway.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Views: 454
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Witch's Holiday Wedding, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Suspense, Tena Stetler, wildlife rescue, Witches by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
DRAGON’S REVENGE by Author CJ Shane
Check out the book spotlight on Dragon’s Revenge : A Letty Valdez Mystery by CJ Shane.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. C.J. Shane will be awarding his original artwork – an ink drawing of ocotillo on handmade paper in a wooden frame ready to hang with hooks and wire. Size of frame: 6 1/2″ by 8 1/2″ (U.S. ONLY), via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Tell us a little about Dragon’s Revenge:
When Tucson private detective and Iraq War vet Letty Valdez is hired to investigate a murder, she immediately finds herself targeted by a violent criminal. To find the killer, Letty turns to an old memoir of life in late 19th century Tucson. Clues in in the memoir, with its tale of love between two immigrants – one, an Italian widow, and the other, an exiled Chinese revolutionary – launch Letty on a suspense-filled struggle to find answers, to stop the murderer – and to stay alive!
A peek between the pages of Dragon’s Revenge:
from the memoir:
Mama agreed to sing at the rededication of the cathedral. She considered this a great honor and a spiritual responsibility. She wanted to do well to show her respect and devotion. Because of this, she began practicing every week as she had time, even though the rededication was six months away. She liked to climb a ladder up onto the flat roof of our adobe house and sing there. I asked her once why she went up on the roof.
“It’s the right place to talk to God and that’s what I’m doing when I sing. Singing here helps me to be strong.” Mama said. Mama was very religious. She talked to God a lot. She also talked to Jesus, the Virgin, and all the saints. Me, I never had much use for all that.
She was up on the roof one day when Drago came up the street with his cart. When Mama didn’t appear at our front door, he entered the gate to the side yard hoping to find her at the outdoor ovens. It was then that she began singing. Drago moved into the yard and stepped away from the adobe wall so that he could see her on the roof.
Mama stood straight upright, her long skirts moving slightly in the breeze. Her hands were clasped in front of her. She took another deep breath and out came that glorious mezzo-soprano, full and textured, subtle, rich with emotions I was too young to identify but would later know, emotions like passion and longing. Tendrils of curly dark hair escaped from the knot on her neck. Her northern Italian skin, pale like a pearl, glowed in the sunlight, and her dark eyes sparkled. My mama was a beautiful woman and she sang like an angel.
Drago stood transfixed in our garden, his hands at his side, his head bent upward to watch her. He was utterly still, utterly silent. I know this because I was hiding high in the branches of a tall mesquite tree behind him where he couldn’t see me. I was supposed to be doing my chores but I, too, liked to watch Mama when she was singing.
Drago stood for the longest time listening to Mama. I was watching Mama but when I looked at Drago, I saw that tears were running down his face.
I think that was the day that Drago fell in love with Mama, the day he first heard her sing.
About the Author:
C.J. Shane is a writer and visual artist in Arizona. In addition to her mystery fiction, she is the author of eight nonfiction books. Her first fiction book, _Desert Jade: A Letty Valdez Mystery_, (11-2017) is a finalist for Best Suspense-Thriller novel, New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards.
Learn more at https://www.cjshane.com/
https://www.cjshane.com/dragons-revenge.html
Rope’s End Publishing: https://www.ropesendpublishing.com/fiction.html
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29448.C_J_Shane
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-shane
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ropes-End-Publishing-329334338020782/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Revenge-Letty-Valdez-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07KQQL5F2/
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/910170
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragons-revenge-c-j-shane/1129915766?ean=9780999387450
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dragon-s-revenge-a-letty-valdez-mystery
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragons-revenge-a-letty-valdez-mystery/id1445245747?mt=11
I hope you enjoyed learning a little about CJ Shane’s Dragon’s Revenge. Good Luck with Dragon’s Revenge!
Views: 355
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Letty Valdez Mystery, CJ Shane, Dragon's Recenge, Mystery, Suspense by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
Interview with M. L. Mastran Author of Albion Moon
There was a number of contributing factors. I have always been into reading and watching the paranormal creatures that peek our interests. I love mythology and superstition so to bring them to light in a different way from what others have done makes it so appealing. For instance. The concept of werewolves has been present in our mythologies and literatures for centuries. Our society often depicts them as evil or raging beasts who have no qualms about killing. I wanted to do something different to the degree that what if they aren’t necessarily evil. What if it’s a matter of circumstance or choice not a curse? Many things I have read and watched via movies or TV helped to mold my stories and Albion Moon was no exception. Then of course there is the question of immortality. I was looking at my dog one day and was thinking about dog years verses human years and how they age differently. Additionally, pulling in religious views, would being immortal defy God? This is why many times, werewolves are seen as evil. I put a twist on that in that my werewolves aren’t immortal but they do age differently than humans. For instance, they don’t even know the exact math but someone who was turned 300 years ago may only age three or four years during that time. It was basically reverse dog years to human years. I felt this would give my characters an end, just not for a long time.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
I see a little bit of myself in Evaline, my protagonist. She also represents a little of what I wish I was. She is quite fearless and will do what it takes to find the truth or to protect someone dear. I would do this as well but in our world, many of us, myself included, are sometimes afraid of consequences. Evaline is not necessarily focused on those concerns when she is confronted with something or facing a dilemma. She will dive first then deal with what is there when she lands. I believe this is what makes her appealing to my readers.
Where do your story ideas come from? If they come to you in the middle of the night, do you get up and write them all down?
As I eluded to above, my inspirations come from a long list of sources; books, movies, TV series, gaming ideas, etc. I also have a MA in History so most of my stories have a historical flare. I love to take ideas that I have from my inspirations and tie them into History. One of my favorite parts of Albion Moon is the back story. As Evaline and our heroes are trying to find answers, they begin to find out information about their past. A past that spans several centuries. As history tells us, the MacGregor Clan in the 15th century Scottish Highlands was quite a formidable force. In loving to research and dabble in my own bloodline, I decided to take that factual incite and add a paranormal element to it.
Why do you write what you write? Contemporary, paranormal, suspense, etc.
When I write something, I am not thinking of a genre. I’m telling the story the way I want to tell it and I’ll let the professionals figure out what it is. When I first began to send Albion Moon for representation, I quickly found out, whether they were an agent or publisher, they needed to know what genre it is plus that’s how you know who to send your materials to. If they aren’t looking for your genre, they won’t look at your materials. After speaking with a few agents and readers, I decided to query Albion Moon as one genre but it had elements of all. This became very difficult to sell but luckily, one publisher and agent saw right through that! I believe I changed it a few times before finally landing on Paranormal Thriller. As I mentioned, I am not locked into one specific genre nor do I want to be. For instance, I have a High Fantasy I’m working on as well as a non-fiction MS I’m still researching. So to define me as a writer for one specific genre is just nonsense J
A sneak peek between the pages of Albion Moon
Over the next couple days, I picked up applications from the couple of banks and other places in town as well as in Shasta, the next town over. On Thursday, Kristy, Lizzy, and I hung out and went for ice cream downtown. We hit a couple of stores as Kristy wanted to get some clothes. I loathed clothes shopping. I peeked at the racks while Kristy tried stuff on and Lizzy weighed in. She got a text. One of the other servers had called off, and Mason needed her to come in.
“I have to get to work. Sorry, Kristy,” Lizzy said.
“That’s fine,” Kristy said. “Can we get some lunch there when we take you in?”
I shook my head slightly at her scheming.
“Absolutely,” Lizzy said, looking at me. “Let’s go.”
We piled into my car and headed out onto Old River Road. It was a great day for a convertible ride. The late summer sun beamed on us as we drove down the road. I had AC/DC blaring, and as we rounded a curve, I heard a siren. Peering into my rearview mirror, I eyed the red flashing police lights atop one of the town’s two SUV police units.
Kristy glanced back. “What the fuck? You weren’t speeding.”
I looked down. I was just below the speed limit. After I pulled over, I got out my registration and insurance. The cop approached my door, and what I saw caused a huge lump to form in my throat.
Campbell had a smug look on his face as he spoke. “License, registration, and proof of insurance please.”
I handed them over without making eye contact.
He examined my license, which still had my Sacramento address on it. “A little way from Sacramento, Miss Bennett, aren’t we?”
“Yeah, I guess I am.”
“Where are you headed right now?” His tone turned from mocking to icy.
“I need to get her to work,” I said, indicating Lizzy.
He eyed Lizzy, who appeared annoyed by his questions. “Oh, a Cowan sister. How fitting. Tell your brother I got a nice cell waiting for him.” She didn’t say anything as his attention moved back to me. “So, are you here on vacation?”
My blood boiled as the dream I had with Jimmy came back to me. I glared at Campbell. “I’m visiting family for a while.”
“So, what is the address you’re staying at in town?”
“What does that matter?” Kristy interrupted any response I was about to make. “What the f—?”
“Smart ass like your brother,” he said, cutting her off. “He’s a great bunk mate for Jonas.”
Now speechless, she sat there.
After opening my door, he indicated for me to move. “Please step out of the vehicle.”
Not wishing to cause a scene, I complied and stood by my car.
He turned me around. “Face your car, hands on the hood.”
Kristy found her voice again. “Are you fucking kidding me? We weren’t doing anything!”
Campbell flashed her a look. “Shut up and don’t move.” He then patted me down. “Do you have any weapons or drug paraphernalia I need to be aware of?” He spun me back to him.
Looking at him dead in the eye, I answered, “No.”
Holding my elbow, he walked me toward his vehicle as he eyed Kristy and Lizzy, who were clearly uncomfortable with what was happening. Despite my apprehension, I followed him. He took me behind his patrol truck and returned my license.
“I suggest you watch yourself, Miss Bennett. These back roads are dangerous, and if something were to happen, it could be quite a while until you’d be found.” My stomach churned as he leaned into me and whispered, “A woman like yourself, all alone, might entice trouble.” He reached for my breast, and I reacted quickly.
Shoving the bottom of my palm up into his lip, I knocked him back but didn’t wait to see his reaction. I returned to my car, got in, then took off. I was sure he was going to follow, but he didn’t.
Kristy turned to me. “We need to report him, Evaline. That was wrong in so many ways.”
Shaking my head, I said, “It will make things worse, trust me. Just forget it, okay?”
She gave Lizzy a concerned look, who then asked, “Why did he take you back there?”
I didn’t say anything as we drove into the parking lot, parked, then got out.
Kristy was still fired up. “This is such bullshit. He made a move on you, didn’t he?”
“Just drop it, Kristy, okay? It’s over. I wanna forget it.”
The dust kicked up in the parking lot as we made our way through the front doors. A few patrons were seated at the bar, and several booths and tables were occupied. We headed to an open booth as Lizzy returned to the back.
While still a bit shaken from the encounter, I pondered what had just happened. A knot was in the pit of my stomach as thoughts raced through my mind.
Does he know I know what he is? Will he try to hurt what family I have left? Will he hurt me to find out what I know? I thought of my dream again—Jimmy had warned me. Or will he kill me?
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Albion Moon, ALbion Moon Chronicles, M.L. Mastran, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Suspense by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.