Golden Stake Awards in the 2017 International Vampire Film and Arts Award.

This year I was thrilled that my book, BloodGifted, was nominated for the coveted Golden Stake Award in the International Vampire Film and Arts Festival (IVFAF). Just to be nominated, let alone to reach the shortlist of the final six, is an honour considering the hundreds of entries the judges receive. And, there was amazing competition from some best selling, brilliant writers of vampire genre including the talented husband and wife duo Karpov-Kinrade of Vampire Girl fame. (*Hint* There's a movie in the works.)
The awards are held in a location dear to every vampire lovers heart: in Vlad Dracul's (Dracula) birthplace, the citadel in Sighisoara, Romania.

I would've loved to have been able to personally attend; to roam through the narrow medieval streets and gaze at the same stone houses that Romania's most infamous son would've been familiar with. Sadly, Romania is a long way from Australia.
Maybe next year.
Instead, I appeared via skype, as all nominees were required to give a 20min. presentation that included a reading from our books.
So here I am, on the big screen giving a brief into about myself then answering questions from the audience.

It was fun and I tried hard not to allow my nerves to show.

Anyways, it was a great experience, and although I didn't eventually take the top prize, my Dantonville Legacy series had international exposure. 

And that's invaluable.

If you'd like to know why BloodGifted was shortlisted for this award, just CLICK HERE and start reading.

Do Your Characters Have A Family Tree?

Tolkien did it, CS Lewis did it and various other authors do it, too.
In the back of their books they add all these interesting little tidbits to draw readers even deeper into their imaginary worlds. Things like a glossary, which lists a brief biography of all their characters; detailed maps of their fantasy worlds and, at times, even a genealogy.
I love genealogies.
Books series' often go through a range of characters, sometimes over generations, so seeing them all presented on one chart is a great reminder of their relationship to each other as the stories progress.
I created one for my Dantonville Legacy series and it was included as part of the back matter in the first paperback edition of Book 1, BloodGifted, but it was harder to do in the digital version, and so it didn't go in.
But, here it is now and I've included an updated version with characters from the 2nd and 3rd books.

If you want to find out more about these characters, you can start the series here - Amazon

Friday Fragment - A Dantonville Chronicle: Luc and Judy's Story

Recently, I've had requests from readers to provide the backstories of some of the other characters in my Dantonville Legacy series, and I couldn't think of anything more fun.
So, here's the first one: Luc and Judy's first meeting.

Enjoy!

‘Wait for me here, I won’t be long,’ my father said before he turned and went to the door, muttering , ‘I don’t want him to see you.’

‘Him? Who?’

He left me alone in the front reception room of the palatial residence in Vaucluse he’d asked me to drive him to - wondering who on earth he was referring to. It certainly wasn’t a house call - he’d left his medical bag on the back seat of the car.

I glanced around. It was a pleasant room: cream-jacquard wallpaper and beige carpet. Several leather-upholstered armchairs were arranged round a coffee table on which sat a small marble bust. Bookshelves lined the walls the spaces between each interspersed with potted ferns on metal stands. Large bay windows looked out onto a gravelled front drive and the tree-lined lane beyond. A few straggly bushes poked their branches above the windowsill, their dry branches scratching against the panes in the wind. Pity they weren’t roses. Roses would've looked lovely, I thought. It only heightened my sense of unease at my father’s parting words.

After running my finger along some of the books, and even perusing a few, I became curious about the rest of the house. My father didn’t say how long he’d be. I glanced at my watch - he’d been gone nearly fifteen minutes.

No one in the hallway as I peeked out the door. Quiet too. And the servant who'd let us in was nowhere to be seen.

Should I call out?

Sunlight streamed in through the coloured-glass panels in the front door, illuminating the dust mites that flitted through the air and landed on the painted images of dragons, griffins and other mythological creatures that ran like a dado along the length of the walls. It was unlike any decoration I’d ever seen. Whoever lived here must have a sense of the gothic, I thought, and wondered if I’d encounter a suit of armour somewhere in a secluded corner.

To my left a grand staircase led to the upper levels of the house, and past that were other rooms, their open doors giving a glimpse of what lay beyond.

My curiosity was piqued. Would it do any harm to have a quick look around while I waited?

The clack of my footsteps on the tiled floor was magnified in the overwhelming silence, and my heart pounded at the fear I might be taken for an intruder. I stopped and considered going back. Father could appear at any moment and I doubt he’d be happy if I wandered off. Yet he didn’t say how long he’d be.

Only a quick look. 

Eight steps and I was admiring a spacious dining room. The long glass-topped table could have seated twelve. Organza curtains flapped in the breeze whispering through the open French doors. I glimpsed pink camellia bushes and a paved path ….

‘Would you like to see the garden?’

My heart flew into my throat and I spun around. Everything around me faded as I focused on the tall, stunning fair-haired man who approached me.

His eyes were the exact shade as mine: lavender.

*Start the series here - BloodGifted, Book 1 in the Dantonville Legacy Series eBook 

                                                                                                                       Paperback

Enjoy a Deleted Scene From BloodGifted.

For all my Dantonville Legacy fans here's a deleted chapter from the first book in the series, BloodGifted. It didn't make the final cut, as the book was already well over the word limit I'd set for myself.
The scene takes place in Jenny's house right after Laura walked out on Alec and Matt in the cafe, the day after she and Alec had met.

Enjoy ☺️💕🌸

Jenny

     ‘Stupid men!’ After walking out on Matt and Alec, I made my way to Jen’s place.
     It wasn’t far, only two blocks from the cafe in a quiet, tree-lined street halfway down a steep hill. It was part of a group of lovely century-old sandstone cottages that had escaped the bulldozer in the late nineteen-sixties, when almost all suburban councils were in a frenzy to demolish the old in their haste to construct modern apartment complexes - like mine.
     They got more rates that way.
     I knocked on the familiar glossy blue front door.
     ‘I was about to call you.’ She stood back to allow me to enter, her head cocked to one side as I strode past. ‘Uh oh. I know that look. Man trouble?’
     ‘You have no idea.’
     ‘Kitchen,’ she ordered.
     We strode down the long, book-lined hallway, past the poky bedrooms and into the open living area that was Jenny’s favourite part of the house - her sunny kitchen. I knew it almost as well as my own - welcoming, comforting and far away from the strange, new and dark world Alec represented.
I went straight to the kettle and switched it on.
     ‘That bad, huh?’ She leant against the sink and watched silently as I fetched a tin of tea bags from the cupboard and slammed it on the bench. She rescued the mugs I was reaching for before they met the same fate.
     ‘Laura, hon, tell me.’
     ‘Bloody men!’
     ‘What else is new?’
     Good point. Settling me in a chair, she finished making the tea and placed a steaming cup of Earl Grey into my hands.
     ‘Matt’s angry.’ Misery coated my voice, and as much as I was able, I told Jenny about the new man who’d entered my life - Alec Munro-‘He’s … a family friend … on Aunt judy’s side’ -the meeting in the cafe and my parting words. ‘He nearly started a punch-up in the cafe.’
     Jenny whistled and gave me an incredulous stare.
     My stomach churned at having to avoid the words “vampire”, “blood”, “magic rings” or that Alec was a murder suspect. Yet how could I reveal all that? The biggest secret of my life and I couldn’t share it with my best friend.
     Life had taken a turn for the worse but I promised myself that one day she would know all.
     ‘That’s the action of a man guarding his property,’ she said shaking her head.
     ‘I’m nobody’s property!’
     ‘Men don’t think that way, hon.’
     ‘Tell me about it.’ I gulped down my tea wishing it were something stronger.
     ‘From what you told me, your aunt’s asked you to take her place at this event, this Alec guy as your escort, right?’
     ‘Uh huh.’
     ‘It has to be a Dantonville and you’re the only one available?’
     ‘Y-e-e-e-s.’ Technically true.
     ‘And Matt’s not happy.’ She leaned forward and braced her arms on the table. ‘Describe this Alexander Munro.’
     ‘About one-eighty-centimetres - taller than Matt - lean but muscular, broad shoulders, dark hair.’
     ‘Eyes?’
     I really didn’t want to answer that, but I did. ‘Violety-mauve.’
     ‘You mean lavender? Like yours? That’s incredible.’
     ‘Mmmm.’
     ‘Okay … age?’
     ‘Um … twenty-nine.’ I nearly blurted out Alec’s chronological age.
     Jenny’s eyes never left my face. ‘Laura, on a scale of one to ten, level one being, let’s say bad teeth, no lips, scrawny body, to ten being a regular hottie male-model-make-women-salivate type of guy. Where would you place this Alec Munro?’
     Because I didn’t answer straight away, Jen gave me her suspicious look: lowered head, raised eyebrows and pursed lips.
     ‘Eleven.’
     At that, she threw her hands in the air and rolled her eyes. ‘Oh hon, wake up and smell the testosterone! Of course Matt’s reacting, what did you expect? First you tell him you have to meet this guy alone, then accompany him to some plush event where he’s not invited and this morning you’re meeting him for coffee - again - alone. No wonder he bolted down there as soon as he woke up and read your note!’ She looked at me as if I was an idiot. ‘Especially if this Alec looks like, you know, a hottie from heaven.’
     ‘Oh Jen! I was hoping I was wrong, but hearing you say it….’ I buried my face in my hands.
     ‘Tell me, hon, did this guy try to come on to you, you know, hold your hand, lock eyes …? And did Matt see any of that?’
     What the??? ‘I know what coming onto me means. I’m not stupid!’
     ‘No you’re not, Laura, but you can be so naive sometimes it worries me.’
     Blame my emotional stuntedness on my weird genes. I sighed. ‘Alec did take my hand to apologise for - the inconvenience, but that was before Matt showed up.’
     ‘How soon before?’
     I chewed on my lower lip and shook my head. ‘I’m sure he didn’t see anything, and I took my hand away as soon as I could.’
     ‘Honey, Matt’s a detective. He has the eyes of a hawk.’
     I groaned. Lowered my head and banged it lightly on the table. It seemed the most sensible thing to do.
     Jenny’s hand patted the top of my head. ‘Want my advice?'
     I nodded into the table.
     ‘Reassure him. That’s what he needs to hear from you. This Alec Munro’s an unknown and Matt’s worried. Tell him you love him and that you’re only accompanying this guy to do your aunt a favour. After this, you’ll never see him again. Right? End of problem.’
     If only it was that simple. How could I tell her that I’d be seeing Alec for the next fifty years - twice a week?
     Jenny gazed at me, expectant. ‘Laura, this shouldn’t be a problem, you know, unless…?’
     ‘Unless what?’ My head shot up.
     ‘You feel something for this other guy,’ she said softly.
     In that sunny kitchen, a cold chill crept its way up my spine. I was fond of Matt, no, I loved him … I was sure of it. The fact that Alec was beyond good looking had nothing to do with it.
     Then why did my stomach flip when Jen mentioned his name?
     You’re being ridiculous, Laura. I gripped the tea cup and brought it up to my lips. Blast, it was empty. ‘No, I’m not doing that to Matt - ever.’ I rose from the table and rinsed the empty cup in the sink. Jenny’s silence sent an arrow through my heart. ‘Sorry Jen. I didn’t mean that the way it came out.’
      'S’okay, and I don’t blame you. Just don’t make the same mistake I did.’
     Jenny knew the heartache of falling for another man - two weeks before her wedding. The fact she’d broken off the engagement, married the other guy who'd then promptly left her when she found out she couldn’t have kids, was testament to her following her own heart.
     ‘Did you?’
     ‘Still can’t answer that.’ Her usually lively eyes turned sad and I couldn’t bear to see that.
     ‘Ball gown,’ I blurted out.
     ‘What?’
     ‘I need to buy a ball gown.’
     ‘You’re going then?’
     ‘I have to.’
     ‘Okay, but if I can have the last word here? Matt is crazy about you. Rang last week sussing out whether he had a chance. He was worried that you’d hold back because of the age gap between you. I told him to go for it; that he’ll always look older because of your funny DNA. That’s all he needed to know.’
     I was speechless.
     ‘And - did he?’ she asked.
     I nodded. ‘Last night - in the car - coming home.’
     ‘Well then.’ And that was it, her final word. ‘You’d better go and buy that dress. Wish I could join you. Unfortunately,’ she pointed to the pile of marking stacked high in the laundry basket next to the table, ‘got to get them done by Monday.’
     ‘No worries, Jen. I came at short notice anyway.’
     She saw me to the door, and after a peck on the cheek, ‘Make sure you tell me everything afterwards,’ I left to scour the shops to find something suitable to wear to a vampire ceremony.
     Perhaps I should ask the shop assistants? 

Want to read the entire book? Get it here - Amazon eBook Paperback
 

***Giveaway Time!***

As many of you know, my Dantonville Legacy series has recently had a cover-makeover, which means that I still have a whole lot of swag left over featuring the old covers, such as this T-shirt and paperbacks.

So, I'm running a flash giveaway!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

The rules are simple, and based on some lovely feedback I've had from my readers recently.
Just tell me:
WHICH MEMBER OF CLAN DANTONVILLE YOU'D LOVE TO SEE FEATURED NEXT IN HIS/HER OWN BOOK?

You can answer this question both here (on my blog) and on my facebook page.

The T-shirt is a size 14-16(AU) so whether you like a snug fit or loose, it should fit most bodies. Get it for yourself, a relative or friend and come join the Clan Dantonville family.
Since I have several old-cover paperbacks to off-load, I'll throw in a second prize winner, as well. They'll be able to choose which of the old-cover Dantonville Legacy paperbacks they'd like to add to their collection, or perhaps even start a new one.

RULES:

The Giveaway starts TODAY and ends Monday March 27th (AEST).
All comments are to be left either on my blog or on my facebook page. Bonus points for anyone who leaves comments on both sites, and I'll enter your name TWICE for a double chance to win.

I'll announce the winners as soon as the contest closes and it'll be up to them to contact me to claim their prizes.

Good luck!

BloodGifted Sale - One Day Only 99c

Have you ever had a dream?
A holiday to some exotic location, a romantic adventure or meeting the love of your life?
Well, my dream is to become a NYT best selling author.
And right now that seems so remote -  a fantasy, like the stories that I write about never ageing.
But, some dreams can come true.
Last weekend, I attended the Books By The Bridge event where I got the chance to meet some NYT best selling authors and they shared with me how they had achieved it.
It takes time and hard work, and lots of sales.
Like my heroine, Laura, who is thrust into a strange new world, I'm asking you to help thrust me into the world of the best sellers.
So, how can you help? If you haven't bought BloodGifted, go buy it today at a one-day-only special price of 99c.

Buy BloodGifted here - Amazon
If you've already bought and read it (you wonderful person, you), please leave a review. Even if it's only one sentence.
Thank you for helping me achieve my little fantasy.
May all your dreams come true.

Tima Maria Lacoba

PS As a thank you to any who purcahse a copy of BloodGifted and/or leave a review, I'll send a gorgeous Dantonville charm bracelet. You can even choose your own colour. Just email me a pic of the Amazon purchase receipt and/or your review.

Do All Fictional Heroines Have to be Kick-Arse?

When I started my Dantonville Legacy Series, almost from the beginning, I knew Laura would not be one of the trendy kick-arse heroines so prevalent in urban fantasy today. She was to be an everyday woman - a primary school teacher -  caught up in an extraordinary situation, for which she was  ill-prepared. The greatest danger she had ever faced was being trampled to death by maniacal bargain hunters at the post Christmas sales.
How would many of us, with basic defensive skills, survive in a world peopled by beings faster and stronger, and who hungered for our blood - literally? Face it, your average Jane or John Doe wouldn't. Nor would it be a realistic expectation. I know I'd be cactus!
How many modern women know how to wield a sword? Or a bow and arrow, or dagger? Well, some might, but it's not exactly part of the school curriculum, last time I looked. (Although it might not be a bad idea). Despite the popularity of the feminist ideal, not every woman is geared to kick-arse - not matter how much most of us dream of being able to do just that.
My character, Laura, is in no position to suddenly transform into a warrior princess. 

Picture courtesy of Tech Times http://www.techtimes.com/articles/70426/20150720/nbc-reboot-xena-warrior-princess.htm

Whether she likes it or not, having to depend on others isn't an option, until she learns those skills necessary to give her an even chance. From there, she grows and develops into the person who can lead a nation, not by the strength of her sword arm, but from the respect she has earned from those more physically powerful than her. 

BloodGifted Extract
     Black-clad bodies scattered in all directions. So much for their bravado.
     I felt like screaming his name, but as a modern 21st century woman I didn't want to appear like the helpless heroine from a Regency novel - even though my current predicament seemed just that. And who was I kidding anyway? I was scared and seeing him was close to heaven.
     "You're late," Maris said.
     He gave her a dazzling smile that took my breath away. "Darling, I always show up at the right time."
     What? I hoped he was being facetious, yet my mouth went dry all the same. He didn't as much as glance at me; his eyes were glued to her.
     "Nice of you to join us. At last we can begin," Russell said, a frosty grin pasted to his face. From my place on the stage, I saw him nod to someone, and four vampires jumped on Alec, brought him to his knees and pinned his arms behind his back.
     "I'm sorry, Alec, but Russ insists," Maris said.
     "This really isn't necessary," Alec replied. "I've come here on my own, following the smelly trail your pet, Douglas, left behind."
     Douglas growled and bared his fangs.
     Maris laughed, made a gesture with her hand and Douglas sat back down. She strode to my side, crouched down next to me and grabbed my chin. Her fangs were barred; their tips touched my skin and made my nerve endings tingle.
     Russel joined her and sniffed at my throat. "Mmmm, delicious."

Ever dreamt about not being able to age?

*****BLOODGIFTED*****

Only $3.99 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon

“Romance, danger, violence, sex, jealousy and it's all weaved into a believable & fascinating story.”

Primary school teacher Laura Dantonville's ordinary life comes to an end when she learns her family's frightening ancestral legacy.

Propelled into a violent underworld ruled by magic, murder and mystery, and stalked by vampire clans who would do anything to possess her, Laura has to consent to the protection of a guardian – Alec Munro, powerful leader of the Dantonville clan – whose coveted position relies on her willingness to accept him.

And she has one day to make a decision.

With time running out, Laura must decide to either accept her fate or allow her vampire-hating detective boyfriend to end the legacy his way – by eliminating the vampire side of her family.

After all, they’re not human are they?

 

The New Dantonville Legacy Series Book Trailer - Check It Out.

Four years ago, I made my own video trailer for BloodGifted, the first book in my Dantonville Legacy series. At the time, it was exciting choosing my music, adding the images and quotes to create a one minute visual representation of my story. It was an adventure, and for a little while, that's all that was needed. There are now three books and one short story in the series, so the time has come for an update.
My fabulously talented cover designer, Patti Dunn Roberts introduced me to Opal Campbell - at Videos by O - who's created a modern, professional book trailer for me. Never underestimate the power of a good teaser trailer to draw in your audience and give them a taste of your book.
So, here's mine.
I hope you like it.

The Dantonville Legacy Series Book Trailer

Stained-Glass Windows and Ancient Curses.

I've always loved the beauty of stained-glass windows. There's something alluring about the jewel-like effect of watery colours cascading over stone walls and floors, illuminating, what would otherwise be, a dark interior. It's mesmerising, and many have found that, too, over the centuries. In the medieval period, people flocked into the magnificent gothic cathedrals to gaze in awe at the coloured lights, feeling themselves lifted above the the squalor in which they lived and drawn into the glories of heaven. And like books, those rich windows told stories, teaching a largely illiterate population biblical and moral lessons, and reminding them of the glorious world beyond this one.

The Abbey in Annandale, NSW, Australia

In the Victorian era, when the tax on glass had long been lifted, stained-glass windows became a status symbol with the newly established upper-middle classes. Their neo-gothic mansions boasted enormous windows of coloured glass, displaying the source of their wealth and their newly established coats-of-arms. It was meant to impress. One such Victorian mansion, near where I live, became the inspiration for the D'Antonville window in my books. But unlike those in the houses of the nouveau riche, mine displayed the sad history of a cursed family. As in a church, it told a story.
The stained glass window from St Alban's Episcopal Church in Hertfordshire in the UK (pictured here), was how I envisioned its central character, Marcus Antonius Pulcher, to appear.

http://st-albans-church.org/the-story-of-saint-alban/

      Here's how I describe it in my book, BloodGifted:

      I wandered through the downstairs hall and came upon another set of stone steps leading up to a half-landing from which streamed a beam of coloured watery light. Curious, I followed them up and came face-to-face with the image of an ancient Roman soldier.
     I sat on the topmost step and leaned my back against the wall for a better look.
     Within the confines of an exquisite lead-lined window, the soldier - whom I recognised from last night's ceremony as Marcus Antonius - stood at attention. One hand rested on a large rectangular shield at his feet, the other held a spear. The shield carried the image of a sword flanked by two coiled serpents, whose glowing red eyes were shaped like teardrops.
     My breath caught in my chest. It was the same image as on my ring.
     Hovering on either side of Marcus were eight smaller figures in Roman military uniform. I looked closer and recognised the faces of Alec's friends - Terens, Sam, Cal, Jake and four others I didn't know.
     A soft thud sounded behind me. I turned to see Luc coming up the stairs.
     "You forgot these." He handed me half a breadstick and a fresh mug of coffee.
     I blinked and refocused as I gratefully took the food, the window temporarily forgotten. Luc sat on the step next to me, leaned his back against the stone balustrade and watched me eat the breadstick. I thought I heard him murmur, ma petite, ma fille, once or twice.
     "Yes, that's him - Marcus Antonius Pulcher." He pointed at the window. "Your ancestor, my Laura."
     I stared at the image with renewed interest, barely registering the way he called me "my" Laura.
     "What you see on the shield - the two serpents - represent his children, twins: a boy Lucius Antonius and a girl, Antonia."
     I was taken aback. Kids could be difficult sometimes, but it was a bit harsh to show them as snakes. Either he was a mind reader or my face betrayed my thoughts, for he gave a faint smile. "The serpent was not regarded as evil among the ancients. It was seen as a symbol of immortality, for it shed its wrinkled old skin and grew a healthy new one."
     "Oh." What woman on the planet wouldn't want to do that?
     "You are directly descended from Antonia. I was hoping I'd get the chance to tell you the story while you were here."
     "Please do."
     Luc smiled and turning back to the window, recounted Marcus's story. I felt myself drawn back all those centuries, like a silent witness to a long ago scene as he described Marcus's ride into the village, the failed attempt to rescue Roman captives, the massacre of the villagers and the witch's curse turning him and his men into vampires. But his last words haunted me....

Want to read more? Get it here Amazon
    

An Amazing Year for The Dantonville Legacy Series.

Was 2015 memorable? You bet it was. Fabulous book sales and recognition in various awards made it my best year yet. And that's all thanks to my wonderful readers who gave this little-known indie author a chance, bought my books, left lovely reviews and pushed Bloodgifted into the Top 100 in gothic romance on Amazon. It reached as high as #3, and at the time of writing this post, it sits at #11. Who could not be happy?

It's three years since Bloodgifted was released, and in that time I also released Bloodpledge and BloodVault. Now there's only Bloodwish to come before the series is complete. But that doesn't mean it's the end. I have Terens, Jake, Cal and Sam each nudging me to write their stories. How could I disappoint them?
And the recognition? I was honoured to have been either runner-up or awarded third place in several awards this year. Here they are in order:

I can't say thank you enough to all who voted for me and The Dantonville Legacy series. Without you, my books would be languishing somewhere in the bottomless sea of books that is Amazon. I've been overwhelmed by the number of readers who've personally messaged me on facebook and twitter, and even sent emails to let me know how much they've enjoyed reading Alec and Laura's story. As a writer, there's no greater thrill than hearing how much my readers are invested in the story. And for those who want more, especially on Terens... it's coming. *wink*

 Until then, happy reading.

Win an Early Copy of The Dantonville Legacy's BloodVault.

Although it's only 9 days until the release of BloodVault, I've decided to give one lucky person the chance to win an early copy of The Dantonville Legacy's BloodVault. I'll be drawing the winner Monday November 23rd, Australian time.

If you'd like to be in the running to win, here's what you have to do.

Which key would you use?

Option 1 The Gold Key 

This opens a door which allows you to enter the world of Dantonville and swap places with any character for a day.

Who would you choose?

Option 2 The Silver Key

This opens a door into the bloodvault allowing you to drink an elixir of immortality. 

Would you drink it? Or would you leave it on the shelf?

The Rules:

1. Tell me (a) which key you would choose AND (b) answer the relevant question. Post your answer in the comments section of this post or on the relevant post on my Facebook page.

2. Only ONE entry per person.

3. The winner will be chosen using Random.org

4. No entries will be accepted after Monday 23rd. November.

Good luck and have fun.  

* BloodVault is the third book in the series. I would suggest you read the first two Dantonville Legacy books before commencing this one.

* If you're a book blogger and would like to do a review - which I would absolutely love - please contact me.

The Dantonville Legacy Series Top 100 on Amazon in Gothic Romance

It's not everyday that both books from my Dantonville Legacy series get to rank in three different countries within a few days. I'm thrilled to pieces! Bloodgifted and Bloodpledge were in Amazon's Top 100 in Gothic Romance in Britain, Canada and the USA. What is even more wonderful, is that I hadn't done any paid promotions in months. It's all thanks to my wonderful street team - The Dantonville Devotees - who spread word about my books everywhere. Where would I be without them? I love you ladies! 
It's such a great incentive to see readers enjoying my books, especially as Book 3, BloodVault, is currently with my editor (the dreaded first lot of edits is soon to arrive), and Book 4, BloodWish is on its way - the opening chapter is written.

So thank you to Canada, Britain and America for liking Dantonville.

Bloodgifted #36 in Gothic Romance in Canada

Bloodgifted #82 in Gothic Romance in the USA

Bloodpledge #82 in the UK

Bloodpledge #85 in Gothic Romance in the UK

Please excuse me for revelling in these figures as I don't know when this will happen again.
In the meantime, over the next few days, The Dantonville Legacy series is being featured on the fabulous book blog, Book Friends Forever. The lovely Dzintra Sullivan is displaying my book banner in place of her regular one, and each day people will see a different feature either about me or my books, including soon-to-be-released BloodVault. 
smile emoticon

Bleeding Heart Blog: Best Paranormal Book Award.

This month has been amazing. First, Bloodgifted came runner-up in the Bleeding Hearts Blog Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Book for 2015. What a thrill to have even been nominated, let alone come so close to a win. I thank each and every one of those lovely people who voted for me. I'm humbled. And who knows, maybe next year I'll win.

Secondly, I completed Blood Vault, Book 3 of my gothic romance series The Dantonville Legacy. But more on that in my next post. 

For now, I'm basking in my award and awaiting my official certificate in the mail. There's a space on my office wall, just above my desk, specially prepared.

"... I was hooked!! The characters and storyline were so well written that I could not put it down ... The chemistry is amazing and the twists and turns are great you don't see them coming. Overall this is a fantastic read and I can not wait to read book 2 in this series!!"- Lydia

"Oh my goodness!! Absolutely love this book ... LOVED IT LOVED IT! On to book 2 now!!! Thank you Tima for opening up your vampire world to me! You are in my top 5 favorite authors!" - LadyViki

"It is a new twist to the vampire legend with surprises galore."  - Bugsmom

"I really enjoyed Laura's character. Not only is she strong, stubborn, and fiesty, she is extremely passionate ... I can't wait to read the next book in the series Bloodpledge. I highly recommend this book to Paranormal Romance Readers and vampire lovers." - Sherri

"The characters were intriguing ... I will be adding this author to my list of favorites and I highly recommend other readers to." - Felicia

If you haven't yet entered the world of Dantonville,  I hope you will give it a try. Here's a start -
I delved into my archives and found the post of my dream cast, should a film ever be made of Bloodgifted. Like I said, I can always dream.
And if you want to find out more about me and the inspiration behind The Dantonville Legacy Series, check out an interview I did in 2013 with the super-talented best selling paranormal romance author Lindsay J Pryor on the Hot Pink Typewriter.
Don't let the old cover put you off. Check out the new one here.
Until next time ... 

A Tasty Little BloodVault Teaser.

Yes, it's Teaser Tuesday, and what better excuse to provide my readers with another little snippet from BloodVault. My word count is growing daily, so hopefully book 3 of The Dantonville Legacy saga will be completed by the end of this month.
In the meantime, enjoy.

My stomach growled. Through the open door, I spied the tray of delicacies Madame Thierry had prepared. The mini baguette I had earlier had been delicious.

The bed bounced as I bounded toward the tray. That’s when I heard it—a shrill keening, like a soul in torment. It made the hairs on my arm stand on end. It didn’t seem to be coming from anywhere within the chateau. A night bird? I stuffed another mini-baguette into my mouth and padded over to the window. Tree branches obscured most of my view, but there appeared to be a solitary figure, in white, standing on the boundary wall at the far end of the estate.

Mesmerised, I stood there. Was it a ghost, or some local nutter who liked to climb walls in the dead of night to wail at the half moon? I peered closer but the wind whipped up the tree branches and I lost sight of the figure. When the wind dropped the figure was gone. Every nerve ending tingled. If vampires existed—I’d only learnt their existence a couple of weeks ago—then why not ghosts? This chateau was hundreds of years old, maybe more. Who knows how many people died here in that time? Vampires weren’t the only inhabitants.

I continued to stare out the window. There it was again—arms upraised, the same high pitched wailing. A chill shot through me, and I jumped back drawing the curtains together, tightly bunching the folds of the fabric.

The Serpent Ring on my finger glowed scarlet. Whatever the figure was, it posed no threat. I took a deep breath and slowly peered through the curtain again. The ghostly form was still there.

I slipped on my boots, threw on a coat and stepped out into the empty hallway. All the lights were on and I could hear voices, none familiar. It was probably the Brethren servants. I paused at Jenny’s door. She slept, her slow heartbeat and steady breathing was quiet and peaceful. I didn’t have the heart to wake her. Other human heartbeats came from different ends of the house. I assumed the sleeping one, directly above my room, belonged to Judy. But there was another, slightly faster, heartbeat also coming from above, so close to Judy’s they could’ve been in the same room. Who? One of the staff? But there were no human staff on duty yet.

If you enjoyed this snippet, catch up on the story by reading the first two books in the series before Book 3 is released later this year.  
Amazon Apple iBooks Nook  Kobo

 

Dantonville Legacy Banner

I've been showing-off this new banner almost everywhere except on my blog. Well here it is - the up-to-date Dantonville Legacy banner featuring my soon-to-be-released book, BloodVault.

When Book 4 (BloodWish) comes out, I'll have to re-arrange everything to fit them all. It's a nice dilemma to have.
I'm nearly two-thirds of the way through writing BloodVault - 55,000 words down, another 40,000 to go. If things go according to plan, I should have this book completed by mid July. Then, it's off to my editor.
The countdown begins. I'm smiling.

BloodVault Tasty Teaser

Yesterday I celebrated the cover reveal of BloodVault, the third book in my Dantonville Legacy series. Now to whet your appetite further, here's a little tasty teaser (unedited). Enjoy!

We skirted the edge of the subterranean lake when the ruby glow from the cubes the men carried began to glow more brightly. And from the pattern of stalactites hanging from the cavern roof, I knew we neared the vault. My hunch was confirmed when the eyes of the Serpent Ring on my hand flared.

Luc held up his arm and we halted before a wall of polished stone.

‘Let me take Judith’s key. You need both hands,’ I said. Three keys inserted simultaneously were needed to unlock the vault, and Luc, Marcus, Judith and I each possessed one—three and a spare. Until my transformation, Luc had kept the spare key in the library safe, hidden discretely behind Marcus’s decaying armour. It was later entrusted to me … until Rasputin stole it.

I would get it back, if it was the last thing I did.

Luc nodded, pressed Judith’s key into my palm and slid aside a camouflaged panel hiding three locks.

Marcus joined us. ‘How many centuries since I’ve done this?’

‘Too long,’ Luc answered.

We inserted our keys into the locks as Luc thrust his own green-eyed serpent ring into the stone. Silently the door swung open and the intoxicating scent of Ingenii blood hit us in a powerful wave. We inhaled; nostrils flared and the tips of our fangs protruded beneath our upper lips. I swallowed and sheathed mine, aware of my growing hunger and that I’d be living off those vials for the next nine months.

‘Unload.’ Luc stepped aside to allow the men to pass. We followed, and the door automatically sealed itself behind us.

Marcus whistled. ‘Deus! I’d forgotten the scale of this place.’

Thousands of thumb-size, ruby vials lay line-upon-line within recessed stone bays, illuminating the cavernous space in a haze of red. Like a wine cellar, Luc had grouped the vials according to name and numerical order of Ingenii. Those closest to the entrance were the oldest. Engraved bronze plaques above each group identified the subject, from Paulus in the early 4^th century till now. Judith’s bay was the last. Beyond her the stone wall was blank, for Laura was the last of the Ingenii—the curse ends with her.

‘Line them up against that wall.’ Luc pointed to the furthest end of the cavern, where the once-smooth rock face was pockmarked with a series of small indentations, ready to receive the new stock of vials. He pressed a button on his mobile, and silently each cube unfolded and resumed its previous cabinet size. (Copyright 2015 Tima Maria Lacoba)

Want to read the first two books? Just one click here Amazon iBooks  Nook Kobo Smashwords