My Theme Song, Sing it Loud & Sing it Proud #LASR Blogging Challenge

Welcome to #L&SR’s Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge for March 17, 2021. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!! Today’s topic My Theme Song. Pull up a chair, grab a drink. Take your choice of a Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate and let me share my theme songs!

Good morning everyone.  I’ve been following 52 Week Blog Challenge, sometimes I post, sometimes I don’t. It’s the renegade in me, I can’t help it. <shrugs>  Today I noticed a topic – Do I have a theme song? Giving that thought, I decided if I do, it would be Rachel Platten – Fight Song (forgive the ad). Yep, that’s me sending big waves into motion with more than a single word. How about several books? LOL Explosions, well not always on purpose, but yeah I’ll own that too!

Take back my life. It gets away from me more than I’d like to admit. Writing deadlines, family obligations, social engagement demands, and I hate to admit it I cringe at leaving my writing cave at times. It’s safe there and I don’t have to live in reality. Reality is completely over rated in my book! Which explains why I write Paranormal Romance/Mystery/Suspense.

The peace and quiet of my sun room, in the company of my parrot and dog, the birds chirping outside allows me to center and take back my life on my terms. The support of my own real life hero and best friend of many, many moons, my hubby, keeps me striving to meet my goals.

Air whooshes out of me in a rush when I look at my to-do-list for the next six months. Yep that’s why I’m writing this instead of my books. Procrastination at it’s best. The list several pages long flutters to the floor and for a moment I consider leaving it there. That won’t do, so I pick the cursed things up and my real world whirls into focus.  Am I in too deep? I contemplate that for a moment or two.  Hell no, I’m living my dream and I’m going to grasp that brass ring and reach the top! Hear me Roar! Oops another theme song.  Katie Perry <giggle>

Well enough reflections, time to get back into the battle and fight for what I want. Those damn books won’t write themselves. I hope you’ll join me in fighting for your dreams. No one said it’d be easy. Together, we’ll change the world, regardless of who believes, and we’ll do it one book at a time!

Alas, I must return to my writing cave. Stay tuned! Chocolate Raspberry Magic release date 7 April 2021. As I indicated, I’ve turned in the sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series to my editor at The Wild Rose Press and I have a Contract on A Witch’s Quandary!!  Now the edits to begin. Yippee! AND A new project’s last draft is DONE  Wylder West Assignment it’s headed to my editor also. Fingers crossed she like its.  Keep an eye out for more information.  Now  let’s see what the other authors list as their theme song. LOL  L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click  here.

 

In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, a little about A MAGIC REDEMPTION and it’s on sale. A Magic tale set in Ireland. Join the adventure, download a copy today of A Magic Redemption! Enjoy!

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?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Audiobook Release HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC & Sunday Snippet

 I am so excited! WooHoo!!! Just in time for Christmas, HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is out on Audiobook. Don’t you love audiobooks? You can listen on a long car ride, or running errands or even doing house work.  Nikki’s narration is friendly, cheerful and relaxed.  I know you have family or friends that would love to find an audiobook in their stocking or under the tree this year.  A feel good book with a happy ending is such a great gift any time, but especially this year. 2020 has been a difficult year for most. 

Lets take a look at the gem of a narrator. Give a holiday welcome to Nikki Zakocs, audiobook narrator.  She recently completed narration of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC just released on audiobook. Pssst… she also narrated, CHARM ME AGAIN (available now) She’ll be working on Chocolate Raspberry Magic (due out April 2021) 4th book in A Witch’s Journey plus it’s one of the One Scoop or Two series from The Wild Rose Press. 

Working with Nikki to bring my books and characters alive was an absolute blast. She is professional, courteous, and a talented narrator. Scroll down to the bottom to learn more about her. 

Below are the audio samples of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC and  Charm Me Again.  Sit back grab a hot chocolate and a snicker doodle cookie and enjoy.

Hidden Gypsy Magic – Available Now- Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic!

The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.

The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.

Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.

Snippet of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC – Audiobook:

It was like stepping back in time. A carved mahogany newel post formed a dragon’s body complete with an intricately detailed dragon head, the banister curving upstairs was a tail of the dragon complete with etched smoothed scales. Brock closed the door behind them.

Gwen stood in the entryway turning in a complete circle. “Wow…just wow. This house is beautiful.” Walking to the staircase, she touched the individual balusters. Each one was intricately etched to look like a tree or had vines and leaves carved around it. She turned her gaze to the ceiling, then tugged on his shirt sleeve and pointed.

The crown moldings were carved to depict a fairy garden in the main room off the entrance. “You know I didn’t notice any of this when I peered in the windows, only the spacious rooms and the feeling it gives off if that makes any sense.”

“It does. Let’s tour the rest of the house.” She reached for the light switch. “Is the electricity on?” Her question was answered as she flipped the switch. A warm glow lit up the room from a sparkling chandelier hanging from the center ceiling. Upon closer inspection, the chandelier was a bit dusty, but she stood in awe. “This place will cost a fortune.”

“May be out of my price range.” He took her hand and towed her up the stairs to the second story landing. In the top half of each wooden door was an oval carved to depict either a dragon, fairy, moon and star scene, or flowers. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say an old hippy decorated this house. But it dates back to the 1700s or so the title records claim. A few hundred years before the hippies.” He chuckled. “The craftsmanship in the woodworking seems authentic to the time period.”

Running her fingers lightly over the wall, she murmured. “The cream-colored walls need a little paint maybe a bit of plaster or drywall, in contrast with all the woodwork.” She shook her head in amazement. “I don’t see a nick or sign of wear. Do you?”

“No.” He walked along the hallway pushed the first door open and his jaw dropped. The crown molding was carved in a moon and star pattern matching the oval in the door. “Look at this.” He pointed to the ceiling molding.

The air whooshed out of her. She paused for a moment then sprinted to the next door with a dragon carved in the oval and pushed open the door. “Brock, you’re gonna want to see this.”

Tearing his gaze from the first room, he bolted to the next where she stood in the doorway, one hand held to her mouth the other pointing to the ceiling. Inside the light streamed in the dirty windows to reveal walls in need of paint, but again the crown molding was delicately carved in dragons and castles.

Quite a contrast from the walls to the perfectly maintained moldings.” He glanced at the baseboards. “They’re carved in the same wood, but in rounded edges fit flush to the wall. “Bet I know what is on the next door and molding.” Catching her hand, he strode to the next door, a fairy was carved into the oval. She peered up at him as he twisted the knob and pushed open the door. Releasing her hand, he pointed toward the ceiling. “Yep, as I expected. Carved images of fairies dance amongst the flower garden.”

“This house may not have a history of magic, but I’d bet it’s magical.

Charm Me Again – Audiobook– Breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.

Daylan, a warlock, is being haunted, but what the ghost wants is a mystery. His magical powers bring him no closer to an answer—until he encounters Josie, a Yoga instructor.

But when she is kidnapped by an ancient Fae Warrior set on revenge Daylan must rescue her before the rogue claims her as his own. During his quest, his world spirals out of control, and a devastating curse comes to light. Could the ghost hold the answers he needs?

Can he break the age-old curse to save Josie and their future, or will Daylan lose her forever?

A little about Nikki, my favorite narrator.   

  • I was a teacher by profession, but have always loved the Arts. Theatre, film, music.  I stayed at home with my kids when they were young and came upon audiobook narrating through a casting call for my son.  He was a child actor.  When I realized it was something I could do on my own schedule and it involved reading and acting, it was a no brainer.
  • I am a full time narrator.
  • I did theatre as a child and teenager. I do not think it is essential.  But a love of story telling and performing is what is important, in my opinion.
  • Yes, I am an audiobook listener. I have been listening to books on audio for years, way back when they were books on tape.  I love hearing a story.  Especially on long car rides or walks. I love that you can do something else while being transported to another place and time.
  • I don’t think I am suited for books with a lot of violence in them.  I have turned down a couple of books because after I read the entire book, it just wasn’t a good fit for me.
  • I love to work closely with authors. I feel it it’s a team effort and the closer we work together the better the finished product will be.
  • I have not yet been recognized for my voice, but I hope to be some day!
  • I always connect with at least one character in a book. I find something I have in common and I become that character.  This is how I really get into the book and it makes it easy to tell the story.
  • Yes, I read reviews. I love the good ones, and the not so good ones are taken with a grain of salt.  I know not to take it personally.  I can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The comments I find most constructive are the ones that give details of why they like/dislike my narration.
  • My dream author would be Phillipa Gregory. But I will have to work on my British accent a lot.  That is why it is a dream.

SPEED ROUND for a little added fun: Take it away Nikki-

Favorite movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Favorite book: Kane and Abel

Last Book Read: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Favorite Color: Midnight Blue

Stilettos, Tennies or Flipflops: Flip Flops

Coffee or Tea: Coffee

Ebook or audio book or paper back: Love all 3

Pencil or pen: Pen

Favorite Song : Stevie Nicks, Landslide

Streak or not: Streak – after a couple glasses of wine

Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu

Favorite Junk Food: Cheese Popcorn

Favorite thing to do to relax: Lay in the sun with a drink and a good book

Champagne or gin: Champagne

Paranormal or Historical; Tie between paranormal and historical

WonderWoman, Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Top Model: Wonder Woman

Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory

Hot or cold: Hot

POV: 1st Person

I’d die if I don’t have my pets

Review or not: Always Review

Nikki Zakocs Biography

Nikki lives in sunny Arizona where she records in her professional home studio.   A love of learning, reading and the arts has created her passion for narrating books.  With a Master’s degree in Education and Literacy, she spent many years reading to her students, many who were English language learners. Nikki is passionate about education, child advocacy and a true animal lover with a home full of pets. When she is not a party of one in a small padded room, she enjoys travel, photography and a good cup of coffee with a piece of cake.

Social Media Links

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NikkiZakocs

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/NZakocs

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nikkizakocs/

Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-zakocs/

 

Thank you so much Nikki for stopping by to chat with us. I look forward to working with you again very soon on a new audiobook.

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A Witch’s Holiday Wedding 99¢ Sale- Happy Holidays –

Happy Holidays!  Boy do I have a couple of sweet treats for you!  A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING is on sale for 99 cents! AND Your complimentary recipe book, 2020 Holiday Garden Gourmet (Yummy cookie recipes) is here! Continue reading to find out more.

 

2020 Holiday Garden Gourmet – A holiday gift of yummy recipes from the Authors of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

This is a complimentary recipe book compiled by The Wild Rose Press and is available online for a free download here. The recipes are provided by myself and other TWRP authors.  Please enjoy!

My contribution to the recipe book is Old Fashion Peanut Butter Cookies with a Kiss, page 170. Feel free to try all the recipes in the book. They’re YUMMY!!

 

 

Click on the cover to read more or purchase!

A Witch’s Holiday Wedding – 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?  Lathen’s covert military mission threatens life as he knows it.  Torn in too many directions will Pepper and Lathen make it to the altar?

Can they overcome the obstacles? https://amzn.com/B01MA1GYIB

A peek between the pages of A Witch’s Holiday Wedding

After she set her glass down, Lathen brushed a couple strands of hair out of her eyes and searched her face. “Are you all right?”

“I’m tired, my wedding is in a couple weeks, I have ghosts fighting over who is going to do what. Guests that have no idea the place is haunted and… Your family and pack, my parents, Gwen… To top it all off, the head of my clan, who is a ghost, is sitting in front of me wanting to know who is coming to the wedding and whether the ghosts will be outed. How could I possibly be all right?”

“When you put it that way.” Lathen chuckled. “It sounds just a bit… I don’t know…crazy?” His right eyebrow winged up. She saw mischief sparkle in his eyes. “We could still elope,” he offered.

 

Thank you for stopping by! Stay safe and have a happy holiday season! Don’t forget to wash you hands!

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#L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge.  Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved.

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-29-20.  Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved. Wow, this one is easy.  Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and grab a chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved.

First series that comes to mind is the Shannara Chronicles Series consisting of The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara, and The Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Books.  In particular The Elfstones of Shannara was the reason I stopped reading the series.  In the book there is this small fuzzy creature that I simply loved.  Terry Books had the audacity to kill off the creature toward the end of the book. I was so furious that I threw the book across the room and it crashed into the wall. HARD! This was at two in the morning. Woke my hubby out of a sound sleep. I never read another book of Terry Brooks.  Why? I didn’t trust he wouldn’t do such a thing again.  Now, I happen to know that I am not the only reader Terry Books pissed off due to killing that creature.  How do I know this other than talking to other readers? Because…. he has been known to start his interviews, appearances, and signings by apologizing for killing off that fuzzy creature in The Elfstones of Shannara.  Must have had an impact. LOL I know I wrote and told him about it.

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Another reason would be, and I not going to name names or titles. Once the books become a boilerplate and the plot is nearly the same with different characters, doing nearly the same things in the same place, I mark that author and his/her books off my TRB list. 

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Well, the other obvious reason you would quit reading a series you loved is that the series ended. Sad situation but it happens. LOL

 

So there you have it, Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved. I’d love to hear from you.  Tell me why you stopped reading a series you loved. List them in the comments below. 

Alas, I must return to my writing cave  where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their reasons.  L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click  here.

 

Click on the cover to read more or purchase!

CHARM ME AGAIN is a paranormal romance/mystery set in the Colorado Rockies with a Scottish Highland Ghost that won’t go away and Fae Warriors that try to save the day. Not to mention the enchanted blacksmith tools that are at the root of one problem. The ancient curse is a whole nother problem. 

For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.

As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.

Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?

A Sneak Peek into Charm Me Again!

Four striking creatures, sharp-angled features with fierce expressions on their inhumanly handsome faces appeared. Gleaming swords hung at their sides as they slipped out of the cloud and stepped onto the ground not more than fifty feet from her and Daylan along the tree line of the property. Holy shit. This can’t be happening.

She rubbed her eyes but when she opened them the men were still there. Dressed in heavy boots, jeans, and formfitting leather vests, shimmering silver bands adorned their muscular upper arms. Two of them had thick shoulder length blond hair, the others had jet black hair hanging in waves past their shoulders.

She jumped up and opened her mouth to scream. But Daylan reacted faster clapping his hand over her mouth while still facing the advancing creatures. To her surprise, a soft giggle escaped from her lips. They look like a group of medieval bikers. Their apparent leader, his reddish sable hair hung well beyond his shoulders in waves, paused a few yards in front of them.

The others flanked the leader in a V formation. Her heart beat a tattoo against her chest. The vision taking place in front of her wavered and spun. I will not pass out. I will not faint. I absolutely will not. She pried Daylan’s hand away and sucked in a deep breath then blew it out slowly.

The wind settled down to a light breeze that flipped strands of her hair over her face and eyes. Raising a hand, she brushed the hair out of her face and licked her lips nervously.

In the distance a door banged, a dog growled, then eerie silence prevailed.

“You can see the Fae, the cloud, and feel the change in temperature?” Daylan whispered, his voice tinged with surprise.

Everything snapped into focus and she nodded her eyes went wide. “Fae?” I’ve lost it. This isn’t happening. For god sakes one of them has a pointed ear sticking through his hair.

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, May 6th, Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why.  Boy that’s easy peasy! Anyone that knows me at all can identify my answer. What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?

 

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