Author: DelSheree

DelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. Literally. She didn't speak a single word for the first three months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting it before having it published. Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, painting, sewing, and working with other authors. DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.

Character Artwork: Evan and Clyth (On A Wing and A Dare by Linda Ulleseit)

Today I’m pleased to showcase some beautiful Character Artwork from Linda Ulleseit’s novels On A Wing and A Dare and In the Winds of Danger. 

The artwork was done by the talented Susan Stec! 
Meet Evan and Clyth!
Flying Horse Books
Linda Ulleseit Media Kit
Contact: FlyingHorseBooks@gmail.com
Author Bio: Linda Ulleseit was born and raised in Saratoga, California, and has taught elementary school in San Jose since 1996. She enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, reading, and spending time with her family. Her favorite subject is writing, and her students get a lot of practice scribbling stories and essays. Someday Linda hopes to see books written by former students alongside hers in bookstores.
Her first novel, ON A WING AND A DARE, was published in 2012. It is a Young Adult fantasy set in medieval Wales, complete with flying horses, a love triangle, and treachery. It’s sequel, IN THE WINDS OF DANGER, was released March, 2013. The focus of that book is the misty past of a groom and the murky future of a rider.
As a child, Linda always loved to write. She took her first creative writing course in seventh grade, accumulating a closet full of stories that she never showed anyone until 2007. At that time, she gave the first draft of a flying horse book to a teacher colleague to read. . ON A WING AND A DARE began as a NaNoWriMo novel in 2009. It was revised with the help of reviewers on thenextbigwriter.com over the next two years. For NaNo 2011, Linda drafted the sequel, IN THE WINDS OF DANGER.
The next Flying Horse book is a novella titled WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON. It will be released as an ebook in Fall 2013. It follows the story of Hoel and Neste, parents of a main character in ON A WING AND A DARE. This fall, also, Linda will begin drafting UNDER A WILD AND DARKENING SKY, the end to the flying horse trilogy.
Follow me on TWITTER: Linda Ullesesit
Follow me on FACEBOOK: Flying Horse Books
Read my author blog: flyinghorsebooks@wordpress.com
Read my blog about teaching reading and writing: Ulleseit@wordpress.com
ON A WING AND A DARE
Purchase
Book Blurb: Flying horses…a love triangle…poison….Welcome to Tremeirchson.
In Tremeirchson, a barn leader’s children are expected to follow their parents into the sky, becoming riders of the magnificent winged horses that are the medieval Welsh village’s legacy. Neither Emma nor Davyd, however, want to follow that tradition.
Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.
Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.
As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever.
IN THE WINDS OF DANGER
Purchase
Book blurb:
Nineteen year old Nia is shocked when she is secretly offered the leadership of Third Barn. This new barn full of flying horses will need someone confident, experienced, and innovative, so why are both warring factions pursuing an untried girl? Suspicious that both sides want a puppet instead of a leader, Nia races to discover their secrets before making the biggest decision of her life.

Some of those secrets are unknowingly buried in the disconnected memories of a young groom named Owain. Terror and guilt haunt Owain’s dreams – and then a face from his nightmare arrives in High Meadow. Owain looks for answers in his past and uncovers a dangerous plot that could doom High Meadow’s future. How can he foil the plot and save his people as well as the winged horses?

WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON
(a flying horse novella)
Book Blurb: Eighteen year old Neste rides a winged horse in Tremeirchson’s Aerial Games and she is betrothed to the barn leader’s son, Hoel. Life would be wonderful if Hoel wasn’t so unpleasant to the other riders. Adam, on the other hand, is handsome and nice but a terrible rider. Together, Hoel and Adam are the perfect man. Obviously she can’t have both of them. When Neste’s winged horse is involved in a terrible accident, her life changes and she must make different choices about her future. Can she go against her father’s dying wish that she marry Hoel? Can she forgive Adam? Can she make a life away from the barn and the winged horses she loves?

Don’t forget to enter The Meet the Characters Giveaway!


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Character Surprise Post: Melanie Martin (The Funeral Singer by Linda Budzinski)

Today I’m welcoming Linda Budzinski to the blogfest to tell us more about the characters in her novel, The Funeral Singer. 

Meet the Characters: Melanie Martin
In THE FUNERAL SINGER, Melanie Martin’s best friend, Lana, says to her, “I swear, you are the only girl I know who spends more time fantasizing about her funeral than her wedding.”
Lana’s right, but who can blame Mel? After all, she’s surrounded by death all day long at her father’s mortuary. So, what would Mel’s funeral look like? If she could have her way:
The service: There’d be lots of music and of course videos. Friends and family would take turns sharing their memories of her–and not just the good ones or the sweet ones or the funny ones, but the bad ones, too. Because that’s all a part of who she is.
The dress code: No black! And no jeans! (After all, this isn’t a rock concert!)

The flowers: Anything but lilies. As Mel says, “They’re gorgeous, but they stink up the place.”

The casket: Definitely a wood … most likely maple. Strong, natural, practical. And reminiscent of the huge tree outside her bedroom window.
The readings: Sara Teasdale’s “The New Moon” (of course) and Lamentations 3: 17-26.

The music: There would be all kinds of tunes, but the featured songs would be “Amazing Grace,” “You Are More” by Tenth Avenue North, and “White Out” by The Grime (her rock band).

Her epitaph: It definitely would not say, “Beloved Mother/Wife/Daughter/Etc.” Perhaps it would quote Harvey Mackay: “Talent is God-given; be humble. Fame is man-given; be thankful. Conceit is self-given; be careful.”
Linda Acorn Budzinski decided in the second grade that she wanted to be a “Paperback Writer,” just like in the Beatles song. She majored in journalism in college and now works in marketing and communications. She spent 18 years at a trade association in the funeral service industry, where she discovered that funeral directors are some of the bravest and most compassionate people on earth. Linda lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Joe, and their chihuahua, Demitria. She has two step-daughters, Eris and Sarah. Published in September 2013 by Swoon Romance, THE FUNERAL SINGER is her debut novel. She is represented by Andrea Somberg of Harvey Klinger Inc. and can be found atwww.lindabudinski.com.


THE FUNERAL SINGER
Available now on Amazon.com!
Publisher: Swoon Romance
www.lindabudzinski.com

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Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

As a part of the 4th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer, I’m giving away a signed paperback copy of my new book, Wicked Hunger, along with a great prize pack of swag! 

Enter to win below on the Rafflecopter, then stop by the other blogs on the Linky list for chances to win other great prizes!





Wicked Hunger

Book One in the 
SomeOne Wicked This Way Comes Series

Vanessa and Zander Roth are good at lying. They have to be when they are hiding a deadly secret. Day after day, they struggle to rein in their uncontrollable hunger for pain and suffering in order to live normal lives. Things only get worse when Ivy Guerra appears with her pink-striped hair and secrets. The vicious hunger Ivy inspires is frightening, not to mention suspicious. 

Vanessa’s instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy’s appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy’s secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories. 

One of them is right about Ivy … but if they lose control of their hunger, it won’t matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they’ll all be dead.

Wicked Hunger 
is available now from: 
·         Amazon Kindle US
·         Amazon Paperback US
·         Amazon Kindle UK
·         Amazon Paperback UK
·         B&N
·         Kobo
·         Goodreads

Enter to win a signed copy below!

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Feistiest Girl Contest

It’s once again time to vote! Last week you started voting for your favorite Hottest Guy. This week you can vote on your favorite Feistiest Girl from some fabulous new books! 

And the nominees are…


SYNOLA HARPER—YOU’RE BUSTING MY NUPTIALS, BY AUTHOR ANN EVERETT
Synola Harper is a sassy mouth. Tequila drinking, twenty-six-year old Texan who is never at a loss for words, especially when it comes to local bar owner and private eye, Jinx Monroe. She never backs down from any situation regardless if it’s a gun-fight or doing a strip tease for a bunch of clowns. She works part-time at Sweet Thangs Bakery and writes snappy hang-tags for Luscious Legs Jeans Company.

YOU’RE BUSTING MY NUPTIALS : Amazon  : Website : 
 Smashwords : Facebook



PERSEPHONE — PERSEPHONE BY KAITLIN BEVIS

Persephone begins the series as a shy sixteen year old living in Athens, Georgia. She’s not well liked by the girls of her school, but luckily her best friend Melissa does all the fighting for her. When not in school, she works at Demeter’s Garden (her mom’s flower shop), has a crush on the hot new senior, Joel, and a passion for the “Dusk” series. Her plan in life was to go to UGA, marry the rock star Orpheus, have twin girls named Harmony and Melody, and move into the house with the white picket fence on South Lumpkin  street.
         
All of that falls apart when her mother announces that Persephone is actually a goddess.  Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. The only place Persephone will be safe from Boreas is in the Underworld. But the only way to get there without dying is to become Hades’ wife. After Hades assures her their marriage won’t mean anything beyond granting her the ability to come and go from the living realm, Persephone agrees to wait out the winter in the Underworld. While there she learns how to control her powers and explores her growing feelings for Hades. But when Boreas takes her best friend hostage, Persephone knows the time to hide has come to an end.

Website : Goodreads : Amazon : Twitter  : Facebook


LAYOL — THE OTHER F WORD BY SUSAN STEC
Fun moments with Layol from sections of the book:

Layol yelped a laugh, sent her tray flying, and cherry juice drizzled down Soahc’s face, onto her saffron dress, and pooled around the silver belt cinched at her waist.

Everyone’s eyes got big.

Soahc froze, a red droplet hanging off the tip of her nose. She glared at her.
The lunchroom began to burble with giggles, and rolled into boisterous laughter.

“Karma’s a pixie. You shouldn’t’ve laughed at Dek when she fell in the restroom,” Layol said, and tucked a smile between her teeth.

“Yeah, how’s it feel?” Dekram blurted, body shaking, wings dusting yellow sparkles. O’mifairygodmother! Did I just say all that?

“You wingless little…little gremlins!” Soahc rocketed toward the bathroom, her minions in frantic pursuit.

“Exit time!” Layol grabbed a rolled-up romaine leaf stuffed with cream cheese and dates with one hand and Dekram’s arm with the other.


VANESSA ROTH — WICKED HUNGER BY DELSHEREE GLADDEN


Name: Vanessa, but please don’t call me that!
Nickname: Van is much better, thanks
Hobbies: Dancing, mainly ballet and hip-hop. I know, I know, it’s shocking given how moody and crazy everyone thinks I am. I’m learning Jeet Kune Do, but don’t tell Grandma or she’ll kill me!
Biggest fear: Losing any more of the people I love. 
Favorite food: Black Forest cake, but only Grandma’s. Everyone else’s is gross compared to hers. 
Worst habit: Biting, but I’ve mainly got that under control now. 
Quote: “People who don’t know me well think I’m a moody, dark teenager. I’m really just trying not to kill them.”
Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
B&N :  Kobo :  Goodreads : DelSheree’s Blog : DelSheree’s Website : Facebook : Twitter : Wattpad : Amazon

JAYDEN — DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL BY EM HAVENS

Jayden Schroeder is a spoiled, self-centered brat. Even facing purgatory, demons, and her final judgment she doesn’t have a problem mouthing off to the very people who can keep her safe. The only people who she will have contact with while in limbo. Through her journeys, she learns to be a demon-slaying badass, pulverizing them with her favorite sawed off shotgun. When bullets run out, she’s quick to hack them up with a machete. When the battles make a surprising turn, not only is she willing to break the rules, but she has no problem questioning the “man in charge” and standing up for what she believes is right. She also isn’t shy about her attraction to Marshal Britton, the sexy Marine who is 50 years her senior…but not really. With the time paradox, she’s robbing the cradle. Neither matters to Jayden. When her mind is made up, she’ll do or get what she wants, and not even heaven or hell will stand in her way.


SUSAN — THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD BY SUSAN STEC

From Marcus’ mouth (after all, turnabout is fair play):
Susan is definitely feisty… and difficult, controlling, loud, cantankerous, and, well, being her mate is often exhausting, and quite trying at times. However-
Susan interrupts: Really, Marcus? You’re using a twelve letter word to describe me?
M: I assure you, darling; I used the word cantankerous in a most endearing manner.
S: Uh-huh, controlling and difficult as well, I assume.
M: There are not enough assertively problematical adjectives in the human language to describe your…unique comeliness, II mio amore?
S: You know I’m lookin’ those words up later, right?
M: We will do it together, Luv.
S: Speaking of togetherness, we’re not totally mated. I haven’t made up my mind, remember?
M: We most certainly are mated. The moment we became so will forever be engrained in inferior temporal cortex of my mind…my brother’s mind, half the team at BAMVC, and every member of your family. Do you remember the night, darling? Five cars full of immortals, all following us down the highway at seventy-five miles an hour, and you lowered your beautiful lips-
S: Shut up! It was very embarrassing.
M: Never-the-less, we did mate and nothing can change-
S: Look, we may share blood…and-
M: Excuse me, Darling. Did I interrupt you during your post about my sexual prowess last week?
S: Well, no, but…
M: I think you’ve taken up enough of these lovely readers time. As for your feistiness, I rest my case. Let’s take the rest of this intermezzo upstairs, shall we?
S: Can’t you speak English? You are so going to get it when we get up there!
M: One can only hope, darling.
Blog : Amazon : Twitter : Facebook : Goodreads : Google+ : Pintrest


LYNLEE — MAUC SERIES BY OLIVIA HARDIN

Name: Lynlee Lincoln – She’s a wand-wielding witch with an extra dose of spunk.
Profession: Lynlee is a Neutralizer. It’s her job to keep MAUCs (Magical And Undead Creatures) out of sticky situations. Are you a witch who’s spells go awry?  What about a vampire who’s last bite dug a little too deep?  Are you a werewolf with a hairy problem?  A zombie struggling to survive in a sea of pretty faces?  No matter what kind of MAUC you are, she can keep you out of trouble in the human world.
Method: She once got rid of a troll by donning a maid’s costume and cleaning up his pigsty. Trolling for Trouble (MAUCs Series One)
Friends and Family: Her BFF is a werevamp/doctor, the love of her life is a human who isn’t quite sure about magic and she’s quickly adopting a young nymph and her non-magical brother into her heart.
Strengths: She has a big heart even if she does try to deny it. She’ll drop everything for those she cares about.
Weaknesses: She doesn’t trust the powers that make her who she is, and she’s afraid to just let go and be herself.
Feistiest Quote: “Seriously? You stopped taking your potion so your friends would learn to like the ‘real you’? Do you really think this little twit won’t mind that you have the ass of a goat and horns in your head?” Tangled Up in Trouble (MAUCs Series Two)
Goodreads : Website : Amazon : Facebook : Smashwords : ibooks : Twitter

STEIN — EXTRACTED BY SHERRY FICKLIN

Stein has been a Rifter for as long as she can remember. No mission is too dangerous, no assignment too crazy. With Lex by her side, they are the undisputed leaders of the Hollows, a group of rogue time travelers bent on destroying the Tesla Institute and everything it stands for. Quick witted, ferocious, and bold Stein is every bit a warrior in her own right. Stein is always busy saving the world, changing history, and beating the living crap out of anyone who gets in her way, all while in her signature corset and top hat.

SARAH CORBEAU — COPPER GIRL BY JENNIFER ALLIS PROVOST
Sara Corbeau, the main character of Copper Girl, is quite the feisty girl.
She lives in a world where magic exists, but has been outlawed. This is problematic for Sara, since she’s a member of the Raven clan, one of the most powerful magical bloodlines in history. She’s also a metal Elemental, which means that she can mold metal—especially copper—to her will.
Sara tried to blend in with the non-magical populace; she worked at a boring office job, and lived in a small, government-issue apartment. She always waved politely at the drones whizzing overhead, and readily presented her official paperwork when asked.
That was in public.
Sara, along with her best friend, Juliana, downed a bottle of wine one afternoon and cut the government tracking devices out of their arms. Sara currently wears hers in a watch, and has been known to leave it where she was “supposed” to be.
Where does she go, you ask? She sneaks into the Otherworld, searching for her father, who went missing after the magic wars, and brother, who was arrested shortly afterward.
Then, she pulled a sexy elf into her dreams, and the two of them set out to rescue her family, take down the Iron Queen, and destroy the government.
If anything, calling Sara feisty is an understatement.
CORRINE LAMB — HUSH PUPPY BY LISA T CRESSWELL

My name is Corrine Lamb and my tombstone better not read “Born, lived and died in Carolville, North Carolina”. If I don’t get outta this redneck town, go to college, and see the world, I’ll be a complete failure. I’ll join the Peace Corps if I have to. I live with my grandma, who’s about as protective as it gets. I guess she’s trying to make up for my mama running off and leaving me after daddy died. I had my whole life figured out before Jamie showed up, romancing me with his poetry and books. I never met such a crazy white boy. He’s so wicked smart, but he plays like he’s dumb so his redneck daddy won’t know. I never thought I’d fall for a white boy in a million years. He thinks he can’t go to college, but I’m gonna enter him in a writing contest for a scholarship and he’s gonna win. I just know it. He might be kinda mad when he finds out I took some of his writing, but when he wins, he’ll forget about that, right? I can’t sit by and let him waste his life. It’d be a damn shame.

Email : Twitter : Facebook : Website : Amazon : Kindle : B&N

PHOEBE — LIE TO ME BY ANGELA FRISTOE

Taking crap from her sisters or from her arch-enemy is not on Phoebe Matlin’s list of things to do. Ever. Hooking up with said rival’s ex boyfriend? Well, that is definitely something Phoebe has plans for. But a new boyfriend isn’t the only thing Phoebe is dealing with. Her gift of Truth Telling has finally kicked in and she’s realizing that her best friend Tonya is in major trouble. Even when everyone around her doubts what she knows is happening, Phoebe isn’t about to let her friend end up hurt, or worse.

Smashwords : Amazon : B&N : Twitter : Facebook : Goodreads
LIBBY SPARKS — THE DESTROYER TRILOGY BY DELSHEREE GLADDEN

Name: Libitina Sparks or Cassia The Destroyer
Nickname: Please just call me Libby
Hobbies: I love anything to do with art. Drawing, painting, pastels, charcoal…it takes me away from all the insanity. 
Biggest fear: Becoming the person everyone thinks I am. 
Favorite food: Godiva chocolate. Don’t touch my chocolate! 
Worst habit: Breaking bones. Mine, not other people’s…well, most of the time anyway. 
Quote: “I just want to get through high school and live my life without people trying to kill me.”
Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
SADIE NAVARRO — BELIEVING IN HORSES BY VALERIE ORMOND

People call me feisty when they don’t agree with me. I prefer the term persistent. One of my mentors nicknamed me “Moxie,” which I liked. But I’m not special. I just do what I think is right.
I’m part of a military family which makes me different. We move every few years and start over – new schools, friends, and routines. Change strengthens people. I reach out to people because most people don’t do that to the new kid. I explore and experience new things.
My dad goes away a lot, and I worry about him. He’s my hero. But I don’t want to talk about Afghanistan, so let’s not.
I discovered ten horses going to auction last year, which is bad. I committed to saving them and contacted horse rescues, a State delegate, a TV station, stables, and others to find homes. I can’t tell you the outcome, but it’s in the book “Believing In Horses.”
My persistence doesn’t please everyone. I’ve faced horse abusers, kill buyers, and horse thieves. I could have run away or not. But I believed in my mission, so the choice was easy.
 And when I’m thirteen, I plan to keep doing the right thing. 
Amazon : Website : Blog : Facebook : Twitter
LARA — IN MY OWN SHADOW BY SUSAN ROYAL

     I’m Lara, and I work downtown in the Metropolitan Building. I’m not really all that good at talking about myself. Just ask my good friend, Carrie. She thinks I’m antisocial. Sometimes I give in and let her drag me to some party, so she’ll get off my case for a little while. Once there, she circulates like the social butterfly she is, while I lurk around the edges of the crowd.
     Carrie and I have been BFFs for a long time, even though we are total opposites. She’s cheerful. I’m sarcastic. She’s outgoing. I’m a loner. She’s always been there for me. I just wish she’d quit trying to fix me up with some guy she thinks is my Mr. Right.
     People tell me I should have been a model, and I always assume it’s because I’m 5 foot 10 in flats, tall enough to intimidate some men. It’s funny. That’s one of the first things I noticed about Rhys. My height didn’t seem to bother him a bit. His rugged good looks were another thing.
     Everything happened so fast it was a blur, but after Rhys dragged me through a portal to another world, I realized he wasn’t the blind date Carrie had set me up with. He really was out of this world. I know you’re thinking this sounds like your typical ‘guy rescues girl from danger and takes her to another world, where they fall in love’ scenario, but you’d be wrong. Rhys treated me like an unwanted responsibility, nothing more. And I let it get under my skin. Why? Because even though I refused to admit it, I had feelings for the man.

Publisher : Book Trailer : You Tube : Website : Blog : Amazon : B&N : Goodreads : Smashwords

Now that you’ve met the nominees, it’s time to start voting! vote for your favorite character on the Rafflecopter below and earn extra entries by following the authors! 

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Character Bio: Lucien (Smoke, Wings, and Stone by Marijon Braden)

Hi DelSheree – Marijon Braden here, and I thought I’d introduce folks to one the characters in my YA/Fantasy, Smoke, Wings and Stone.  His name is Prince Lucien Hugo Gargouille, and he is quite an unusual young man.
It seems that he was born in France in 1831, but because of his, ah, Family background, he appears to be around twenty years old.  You see, he’s a gargoyle.  For thousands of years, gargoyles have defended the world against evil.  When Called to battle, they change their form and grow wings. This way they are always certain to defeat their enemies.  They age very slowly, and, when they Sleep (turn to stone) they age not at all.
Lucien is the youngest of three sons born to Queen Violetta Gargouille.  His oldest brother was killed by the Brunels, a powerful vampire clan.  The next brother, Denys, drowned.  That left Luc the only heir to the Family line, so he was taken to Wales and hidden for years, until Violetta’s sisters had children of their own, insuring the Family would continue.
He has been educated all over Europe – Geneva, Bologna, and Paris – as fitting a young prince who is next in line to inherit the crown of the Gargouille Family.   While visiting New York City, and attending a concert of the London Philharmonic, he saw a young woman, Sara Fleming, play her flute.  He was so moved by her beauty and passion that he sought her out and declared his love for her.  She was flattered by his attention, but did not realize that the words she spoke to him bound them together – forever.
Here’s a quick Q&A so you can get to know a bit about him.

Lucien – tell me 5 things you love – The Family, skiing, opera, fast cars, Sara Fleming.
5 things you hate – Television, stop lights, McDonald’s, polka music, Renata Brunel.
Greatest challenge – Navigating the Family into the 21st century – it is extremely difficult to hide the fact that you’ve been alive several hundred years in the age of the computer.
Greatest fear – That Sara is so vulnerable.  The vampire clans are hunting her.  Anything could happen.
Right Now – I am in love and learning how to be a king.  It is a wonderful time for me.
Future ambition – To make my wife happy, to have many children, and rule my people in peace.

MJ:  That’s it for now.  I hope you’ve enjoyed meeting Lucien, and will want to read more about him  in Smoke, Wings and Stone.  Thanks, DelSheree.

Catch up with Marijon Braden on: 
Amazon
B&N
Website
Goodreads
Facebook 
Twitter

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Character Bio: Maze (The Ballerina & The Fighter by Ursula Sinclair)

The Ballerina & The Fighter (Book 1)
A New Adult Contemporary
By Ursula Sinclair
Interview With Maze
My gaze swung to the door, I watch as a handsome young man walks into the restaurant and speaks to the server. She turns in my direction and points. He nods and heads toward me. I stand up and take his outstretched hand, noticing at the same time that the two hostesses at the counter are still checking him out. I smile, not blaming them. At six two of cut lean muscle, gray storm colored eyes, hair various shades of brown that looked like he combed it with his fingers, Maze is drool worthy. I focus on him. ‘Thank you for meeting me here today, Maze.’
‘No problem, Ursie. Anything for you.’ He flashes those killer dimples at me. I can’t help it I grin and we sit down. After placing our food orders. I take out my iPad and pull up my questions. ‘I just have a few questions for you. Are you ready to start now?’
He takes a drink of water. “Yeah. Go right ahead.”
Tell the reader a little bit about yourself.
 My name’s Maze Chang I’m twenty-three. Yeah I know. I don’t look Asian. But I was sorta adopted by my sorta step-father, who was really more father to me than my sperm donor. Anyway, long story short, Joe, my step-dad is Chinese and he and my mom were never married but after she died he took care of me and legally changed my surname.
Pretty cool. What else can you tell us about yourself?
Well I have bit of a temper. Can’t stand stupid people so it’s probably a good thing I’m a professional MMA fighter. I can channel that natural aggression. Oh that’s mixed martial arts but in a purer sense. Not this rolling around on the floor shit you see on YouTube or TV. I fight bare fist and feet. And also with swords. No real rules. Think old school. If you ever saw that old movie Enter The Dragonthen you know what I mean. People get seriously hurt and worse in the forums I fight in. They’re more arenas than cages. And it’s not exactly sanctioned by any legitimate fighting organization. It’s underground and controlled by a Triad group.
How long have you been a fighter, and have you ever lost a fight?
*He shakes his head* . No never lost a fight. I’ve been training since I could walk, but fighting pro for the last eight years.
You mentioned your fights are controlled by a Triad group. Other than as a fighter are you involved with them?
I try not to be but the less said about that the better.
O.K. Moving on then. Do you have a love interest?
*His entire face lights up into a smile*. Yeah I do.
Can you tell the readers a little bit about her?
That’s easy. Her name is Ivy she’s a prima ballerina and she’s my reason for everything. She makes me wants to be the man she sees when she looks at me.
So do you see yourself settling down?
With her anything is possible.
Okay now for the fun stuff. Boxers, Briefs, or none of the above?
*He grins* Ask Ivy.
Coffee, tea or chocolate?
Oh I definitely am partial to chocolate. Amazing what you can do with it in liquid form. He flashes those dimples at me.
Favorite piece of furniture?
Depends on what room I’m in with Ivy.
Thank you for being here with me today Maze. Is there anything you’d like to add?
*He snorts*. Like I had a choice. But since you have to finish our story I figured I better show up. Seriously though it was a pleasure. So now can you get back to writing and finish my HEA with my ballerina.
I will.
Blurb:
I travel through life dancing.
All I ever wanted to do was dance, as did my best friend. We’d made so many plans together, but one night an explosion changed it all. Only one of us survived, and I promised myself I’d succeed for us both. And I did, until an accident almost ruined my career, but Maze came back into my life when I needed him most. He pulled me out of the depths of my despair. But could I save him now?
I travel through life fighting.
It had always been Ivy; from the first moment I saw her leaping through the air like she had wings to lift her from the ground. But she was my dream, something I wanted more than anything else in my life. I promised myself I would stay away from her. Violence followed me everywhere and I tried to keep her far away from it. She was my point of illumination in the dark tumultuous world I lived in. But I could not stay away from her. Not when I knew she needed me. As much as I needed her. But could she accept me as I am?
To read Maze and Ivy’s story please find them here:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Ballerina-Fighter-Book-ebook/dp/B00DQ6VI60/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ballerina-the-fighter-ursula-sinclair/1115929791?ean=2940148217596
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theballerinathefighterbook1-1228402-149.html
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/334714
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-ballerina-the-fighter-book-1-1
To learn more about LaVerne Thompson writing as Ursula Sinclair visit her here:
http://lavernethompson.com
http://facebook.com/groups/lavernesnews
http://twitter.com/lavernethompson
http://isisindcblog.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/ursula.sinclair.98

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Character Bio: Kassia (Ice Magic, Fire Magic by Shauna Roberts)

Kassia from the forthcoming Ice Magic, Fire Magic
Name: Kassia
Age: 18
Occupation: In school learning women’s magic. Still. One would think a woman with my abilities and background could be excused!
Most distinctive feature: My exotic blonde hair. I love it. Even if I weren’t beautiful, I would still draw every eye because of it.
Skills and talents: I am the greatest magical Talent of my generation. That’s enough by itself, don’t you think? But I also have excellent taste in clothes and jewelry and superior social skills. And I’m generous with my time: The other students come to me with questions about their magic assignments, and I often help my dutiful, dowdy, do-no-wrong cousin Fila choose clothes. I fix her hair too. She would be helpless without me. 
Biggest fear: That one day my cousin Fila will outshine me.
Biggest secret: Don’t tell anyone, but I have an understanding with Urushi, the Servant’s son. We plan to marry soon. I will cure him even though his mother can’t, and we’ll be happy forever. Shhh!
Quote: I’ll tell you what Father always says: “You’ve got to go along to get along.” He knows how to be popular and successful. He’s the Servant’s closest counselor, as you surely know.
Life goals: Just one: To be chosen by the Land of Veridia to be Its Servant of Enchantment. It’s been my dream since I was a little girl. I know the current Servant is only my mother’s age and I may have a long time to wait. Still, accidents happen.
Author bio:
Shauna Roberts writes fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and romance. She currently lives in Riverside, California. She was a copyeditor and an award-winning freelance medical and science writer for 21 years before retiring to write fiction. A graduate of the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Workshop, she now serves on the Clarion Foundation Board of Directors. In 2011 she won the Speculative Literature Foundation’s Older Writers’ Grant. She teaches occasionally in the University of California at Riverside’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Contact and social media links:
Email: ShaunaRoberts@ShaunaRoberts.com
Twitter: @ShaunaRoberts5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shauna-Roberts-author/194876117254102?ref=hl
Website: http://www.ShaunaRoberts.com
Novels:
Like Mayflies in a Stream (historical fiction, Hadley Rille Books, 2009)
Ice Magic, Fire Magic(fantasy, Hadley Rille Books, late 2013)
Claimed by the Enemy(historical romance, self-published, late 2013)
About Ice Magic, Fire Magic:
The sentient land of Veridia chooses Fila as its new Servant of Enchantment. As Servant, Fila must protect Veridia and its two peoples, the magic-gifted Guardians and the nonmagical Toilers. But jealous relatives want her power at any price … even her death. Can Fila trust her only allies, a scholar who has renounced magic and an ancient spirit of pure evil?

Can she survive if she doesn’t?

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Character Interview: Ben (Twenty-Five by Rachel Hamm)

Welcome, Ben, from Rachel Hamm’s romance novel, Twenty-Five. 

Character Interview: Ben Harris, Twenty-Five
About the character:  Ben Harris is a 28 year-old entrepreneur from Boston, MA.  He runs an athletic complex in the heart of the city; loves baseball, his niece and nephew, and most of all, Abigail Bronsen.
Ben, let’s get to know some basics. Favorite movie?
Office Space.  You can’t do better than Office Space.  It’s hilarious, it’s relevant, and you’ll never look at staplers or copy machines the same way.
Favorite book?
Does Sports Illustrated count as a book?  No?  Man.  Okay, um, Abby bought me a book on the history of the Red Sox for Christmas last year.  I don’t remember the title.  I pretty much knew everything already, but the pictures are great.
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Double date with Matt & Trish.  Dinner at a new place we’ve never been, then convincing Abby to do something crazy – like midnight hide and seek at ICS.  Although, it’s fun when she convinces me to do crazy stuff, too.  I’ll never live down karaoke night!
Since you mentioned Abby… What is it you like about her?

What’s not to like! haha.  I love so many things about her.  Besides being smart, funny, and beautiful, she’s vibrant.  She lights up a room, you know?  But she underestimates herself.  When I ask her to try something new, she’s always convinced she’s not going to be good at it, but then she knocks it out of the park.  And when she does suck, she laughs about it.  She strives for success, but she’s willing to fail.  I don’t know if that makes sense, but I love it.
Tell us about your company, Inner City Sports.
I love sports.  I was really fortunate growing up that my parents were able to send me to baseball camps and basketball camps.  I played little league and peewee football.  I didn’t realize that not all kids had access to games like me until I got to high school.  So I decided to do something about it.  I joined Big Brothers in college and built ICS after grad school.  Now I work every day to make sure kids who want to play, can.  I’m really proud of it.
How would your friends describe you?
Oh man.  Matt would probably say I’m a terrible ballplayer who wouldn’t know a curveball from a fastball.  So don’t ask him.  Talk to Trish.  She’ll say I’m a great friend.  She may go into her whole knight-in-shining-armor speech, though.  She has this idea that I like to rescue and protect people.  I think it’s just because I know chivalry isn’t dead and Matt acts like he’s never heard of it.  My sister may actually be the best person, she has no delusions about me.  Tracey will say I’m good with her kids, a good cook (thanks to her teaching), and the best little brother a girl could ask for.  She’s right, of course.
What happens after the end of Twenty-Five?
I don’t know if I can answer that!  What if I give away the ending for someone who hasn’t read it yet?  How about I just say, I am very happy now.
Meet Rachel Hamm

Rachel was born in Buffalo, NY but grew up in Burlington, NC.  Raised by northern parents in the south, she likes to say she got the best of both worlds.  Her writing is inspired by classic authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, as well as contemporary ones like JK Rowling and Claire LaZebnik.  She loves to read and has been known to spend an entire weekend engrossed in the adventures of her favorite characters.
Rachel now lives in Raleigh, NC, but someday hopes to make it to London.  She’s pretty sure (if reincarnation exists) she was British in another life.
·         Blog: www.rachelhamm.wordpress.com
·         Facebook: www.facebook.com/RachelLHammAuthor
·         Twitter: @RLHammAuthor
·         Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/RLHammAuthor
·         Email: rlhammauthor@gmail.com
·         Kindle: http://amzn.com/B00DQEYUIU
·         Paperback: http://amzn.com/0615822207

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Character Interview: Jean (In Polyester Pajamas by Catherine Dougherty)

Welcome, Jean, from Catherine Dougherty’s novels, In Polyester Pajamas and In Woolen Bikinis. 

1. How did you first meet your writer?
I met Catherine about 10 years ago when, after introducing myself in her mind, I became the main character of in Polyester Pajamas. She wanted someone with a negative attitude who was completely self-centered–that was me!
2. Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book?
No, most novels feature younger women as main characters and I don’t recall one with realtors in it. I’m sure there are some, I just haven’t read them. So, it was quite a surprise to be chosen as the main character for this women’s fiction novel.
3. Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.
I have many favorite scenes. The hold up at the lakehouse, the special moments with my mom, and, of course, the pajama party with Rosie are just some of them.  The lakehouse is exciting, the scenes with my mom are touching (and tear jerking), and the pajama party is where Rosie and I share our deepest, darkest secrets and become best friends.
4. Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you?
She had no idea about the scene at the lakehouse. Both Rosie and I created it as Catherine was writing. We ran wild in a few other places too. It never involved much convincing for her to go along with us; she thinks the best parts in the story are when we took control and told her what to do.
5. What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?
Shopping and eating are always fun and Rosie and I have a new venture that keeps us busy. I Skype often with my kids and a very special friend from Cleveland. Oh, and I’m always on the lookout for a good looking man. Always!!!
6. If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be?
I would revise the second chapter a bit. It makes me sound so horrible and I’m really not that bad . . . hmmm, or am I?
7. Tell the truth. What do you think of your fellow characters?
I love and lust after my soon-to-be ex-husband, Bob, and I dearly love my two sons, mother, and soulmate Jacob. I despise Justin–don’t get me started there! As for Rosie, I love her, too, and I couldn’t live without her, but sometimes I want to strangle her.
8. Do have any secret aspirations that your author doesn’t know about?
Yeah, I’d love to embark on another business venture–a private detective agency maybe. I have a few other aspirations to fulfill beforehand, but my author knows all about those.
9. If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
I’d spend the entire day in bed with my soon-to-be ex-husband Bob, garden with my soulmate Jacob, or hang out with my best friend Rosie.

10. What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? How about after they’ve known you for a while?
Most people don’t like me at first. They think I’m a self-centered bitch (and I am). But once they get to know me, they might see my better qualities and come to like me. I’m not that bad of a person, just a little rough around the edges.

11. What’s the worst thing that’s happened in your life? What did you learn from it?
The worst thing that happened was refusing to speak with my mom for over two years because of a stupid disagreement. It was entirely my fault and I lost those years with her and can never get them back. I learned by going through it, though–how to love unconditionally, how to forgive others and myself, and how not to hold grudges or try to control the lives of others. I’ve also realized how short life could be and how someone I love dearly can be here one day and gone tomorrow.

12. Tell us about your best friend.
My best friend is Rosie and we are opposites in almost every way. She’s kind and gentle, simple and sweet. I am not! She’s a born again Christian (but not the preachy kind) and she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out.

13. What are you most afraid of?

I’m afraid that now my children are on their own, they won’t need me anymore. I’m afraid Jacob will forget about me and Bob will someday follow through with his plans to divorce me. And I’m also afraid of someday doing something stupid and losing Rosie as a best friend.

14. What’s the best trait your author has given you? What’s the worst?
I can make people laugh and cry through my actions and thoughts. That’s my best trait and makes me a very entertaining character. I don’t hold much back. Rather, I say whatever is on my mind.
My worst trait is that I can be bossy and bitchy and I also demand everything be done my way. Since I’ve met Rosie, though, I’ve started to adjust these attitudes. Or at least I’m trying to.

15. What do you like best about ketchup? Least?

I LOVE ketchup! My favorite snack is a ketchup and butter sandwich. Yep, you heard me. Sounds gross, but it’s delicious.
What do I like the least about Ketchup? Realizing I ran out of it after cooking something I want to put it on . . . like french fries, onion rings, burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches or scrambled eggs.

16. How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?
I have my good days and bad days. It’s tough getting older and living on my own. About a year ago, I was so depressed, I wanted to end my life–after Bob walked out on me and my youngest son went to join his brother in California. I didn’t feel needed anymore and my future looked bleak. But my attitude has gotten better since meeting Rosie. I have some bright ideas for the future that include her and Bob is still in the picture. Plus, I’ve met Jacob. Life isn’t wonderful, but it’s pretty damn good despite all my problems. If I had to change anything, it would be to have realized this sooner in life.
17. What aspect of your author’s writing style do you like best?
Catherine understands me and she writes my voice well. She’s not perfect, but she’s real, and she cares. It shows through all her works. She has a simple, direct style that makes for a great fast read that is highly entertaining and also thought-provoking.
18. If your story were a movie, who would play you?
Susan Sarandon would’ve been ideal and my first choice, except she’s about 10 years older than me, so I think it should be Julianne Moore. The book would make a great movie!
19. Describe an average day in your life.
I get up, take my dog Max for a walk (later in the story I take a run in the mornings), eat breakfast, and then I go to Home Sweet Home Realty where I work and show customers several houses and do tons of paperwork. Rosie sits right next to me at the office, so we chat and sometimes she joins me for dinner. When I get home from work, I enjoy a glass of red wine (or maybe two) and always watch my favorite show House Hunters.
20. Will you encourage your author to write a sequel?
She already has! The sequel in Woolen Bikinis was released in July 2013 and another sequel is in the works for release in 2014. It’s title is in Red Leather Jackets.

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Character Interview: Vanessa Roth (Wicked Hunger by DelSheree Gladden)

Welcome, Vanessa Roth, from DelSheree Gladden’s YA novel, Wicked Hunger. 

Vanessa Roth really tries to follow the rules her grandmother has put in place, because she knows it means keeping her secret safe, but it’s not easy. More often than not, her temper, emotions, or hunger land her in a whole mess of trouble.
1. How did you first meet your writer?
If I remember right, DelSheree was visiting Albuquerque for some kind of dental hygiene test. It seems like that’s all she was doing around that time. Anyway, I probably would have walked right by, but her daughter tripped and skinned her knee. Poor kid had forgotten her glasses again and didn’t see the curb. My hunger responded—don’t worry, I didn’t attack the poor girl—but my response caught DelSheree’s attention.
2. Want to dish about him/her?
As much as I enjoyed working with DelSheree, she tends to be a little forgetful. If she doesn’t put it in her phone with an alarm to remind her, shell space it out. Her life has been a little crazy, though, with school, job hunting, and family, so I understood and just sent a lotof reminders.
3. Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book?
Oh, I pretty much knew someone would right my story from early on. I just expected it to be in the newspaper, under the crime blotter. Being the heroine of our story never crossed my mind.
4. Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.
I don’t want to give away too much, but under the bleachers after the football game. That is the first glimmer of hope that I can be honest with Ketchup about what I am and not have him run away.
5. Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you?
There is a scene where I’m working with Noah at his house that we had some arguments about. DelSheree wanted it to go one way, but I knew what direction it was really supposed to go.
6. What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?

Controlling my hunger is always a high priority, so you’ll usually find me doing ballet or practicing Jeet Kune Do.
7. If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be?
If I could rewrite anything, it would be before the book started when my brother Zander nearly killed Ketchup and ruined my chances of being with him.
8. Tell the truth. What do you think of your fellow characters?
Zander is one of the most pigheaded, frustrating people I know, but he’s my brother and I still love him. Ivy, that girl rubbed me wrong from the second I saw her stupid pink hair. Noah is so sweet and normal. Being around him makes me believe I can actually have that one day. Oscar, well, he’s certifiably nuts, but sometimes I still think he’s the sanest of anyone I know. And Ketchup…I better not say anything about Ketchup or I’ll jinx myself.
9. If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
Disappear with Ketchup, and NO I won’t tell you where we’d go or what we’d be doing.

10. What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? How about after they’ve known you for a while?

When I first meet people, they generally think I’m weird and moody. I’m generally just trying not to kill them. Not many people stick around to get to know me, but the few who do realize I’m actually a pretty nice person—minus the hunger issues—and I love music and dancing.

11. What’s the worst thing that’s happened in your life? What did you learn from it?

Both of my parents were murdered, and it taught me that protecting my family comes before anything else, including personal relationships.

12. Tell us about your best friend.

My best friend is Laney. She never stops talking, falls off her shoes on a regular basis, and makes me laugh when I really need someone to pull me out of my dark thoughts.

13. What are you most afraid of?

Losing the people I love.

14. What’s the best trait your author has given you? What’s the worst?

That would probably be the same trait for both. Passion. I am a very passionate person when it comes to protecting my friends and family, but it tends to put me in hot water fairly often as well.

15. How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?

Pretty uncertain, actually. I know that there are some big, scary events on the horizon, but I can’t pinpoint what they are or who is going to set them in motion. I’ve had to put my life in the hands of someone I don’t trust at all and that scares me more than I can tell you.
16. What aspect of your author’s writing style do you like best?
DelSheree always manages to capture the emotion of a scene just the way I remember it happening. She makes people feel what I felt so they really understand my story.
17. If your story were a movie, who would play you?

I’d have to go with AnnaSophia Robb. She seems tough info to take on my life!
18. Describe the town where you live.
I live in Albuquerque, NM. It’s big enough for us to hide in, but secluded enough that we won’t draw a ton of attention if something goes wrong.
19. Describe an average day in your life.
I’ve got school, like most normal kids, but along with classes to suffer through, I have to deal with keeping my hunger in check. There are dozens of kids at school that my hunger wants to make a snack out of, so it can get tricky trying to dodge all of them. After school I try to feed my hunger through the physical pain hours of dance practice gives me. When all else fails, Zander and I can always use each other to keep our hunger in check.
20. Will you encourage your author to write a sequel?
I have been hounding her daily to finish the next book! She’s almost halfway through it, but I’ll keep on her until it’s complete and ready to land on the editor’s desk. Readers are already asking for the next book!
Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
B&N :  Kobo :  Goodreads : DelSheree’s Blog : DelSheree’s Website : Facebook : Twitter : Wattpad : Amazon

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