Merry Christmas from Clan Dantonville

Merry Christmas and all the blessings of the season

I wish all my lovely readers a very merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous new year.

In my last newsletter I said that the next time you all hear from me will be from my brand spanking new Wordpress website. Alas, life too often has other ideas and interferes with the best laid plans.

Anyone who knows me well, laughs when using my name and technology in the same sentence. So sadly, my Wordpress website is taking a little longer to set up then I anticipated. But, it is coming together and my Home page is done. Here's the link if anyone would like to check it out and tell me what you think of it http://www.timamarialacoba.com 

And if anyone knows how to add a slider to my Book page header, please let me know. I'd be most grateful.

Until then, I'm posting from my old blogger site.

NEWS ABOUT BLOODWISH AND TERENS

I'm thrilled to announce that BloodWish will be released in time for Valentine's Day - Feb 14th 2018. I can't wait to share this final book in Laura and Alec's story. But, that's not the end. I've listened to my readers who've asked for books on the other guys in the Dantonville Can. So, the next book in the series will be on Terens, which is scheduled for Christmas 2018.

And does he have a story to tell! Let me just say that there's more to "Sexy Terry" than what you've read so far.

I hope you'll enjoy reading it.

Since Christmas is practically upon us, I've been baking. My family is originally from the Czech Republic, and the traditional seasonal cookies, cakes, buns and breads are to die for. They're also waistline killers!

But what the heck, it's only once a year, right?

Unfortunately, here in Australia, Christmas is in summer and the temperature can soar way past the hundred degree mark. Without the good old air-conditioning blasting away, there's no way anyone could have a hot oven going. And what's Christmas without turkey, pudding and cookies?

And being the sharing girl that I am (*wink*) here's a plate of my Czech Christmas cookies.

Most countries, and even individuals, celebrate Christmas with a range of traditions. One of the most famous is kissing under the mistletoe. That one's fun.

While writing BloodPledge, the second book in my Dantonville Legacy Series, I needed a particularly gruesome tradition for Terens and Sam, the once former Roman soldiers. So, it couldn't be anything soft, and being vampires, of course, there had to be some blood involved. It also had to be unique and based on something practical.

I had a ball writing it.

Here's the scene: 

‘Don’t you think it’s ironic. Nobody speaks Latin anymore, yet Frisian’s everywhere—in modern English? Maybe it’s just as well I didn’t waste my time learning to speak yours.’

Cal guffawed, reached for the decanter and poured himself another glass of wine. ‘How you gonna counter that one, Terens?’

‘Only one way I know.’ Terens rose from his seat and flexed his right arm. ‘Brand new model.’

‘By all means, test it out.’ Sam’s chair scrapped across the floor as he too, rose and began flexing his right arm. ‘Ready to lose some fingers?’ The two stood facing each other, grinning.

Kari rolled her eyes. ‘Oh no, not this stupid game.’

Alec leaned toward me and whispered, ‘Maybe we should go for a stroll around the deck.’

‘Why?’ I asked. ‘What are they going to do?’

‘Their version of an arm wrestle.’ Alec looked uncomfortable. ‘They do it every Christmas.’

‘It’s gross, Laura.’ Kari grimaced. ‘The loser must chop off a finger and hand it over. The one with the biggest collection wins.’

‘You’re kidding! At Christmas?’

‘It’s the only time they can do it—good way to test the strength of the Ingenii blood. Any lost appendage regenerates in an instant,’ Alec said.

‘Sorry boys, you know I can’t stay to watch,’ Judy said. ‘If anyone wants me I’ll be in my room.’ She wished us goodnight and kissed Luc and Marcus on the cheek. The men rose and bowed as she left the room.

‘Think I’ll do the same,’ I said when I saw Terens move one of the candelabras aside and pull a blade from beneath his trouser leg. ‘No way am I going to watch them cut off fingers, even if it is some weird Christmas tradition.’

‘Allez, ma petite, this is not for a lady’s eyes.’
‘I agree,’ Kari said, and skipped to my side of the table. ‘Let’s join Judy.’

I still had Alec’s Christmas present. This was a good time to slip away and give it to him.

‘Meet you there, Kari. There’s something I need to do.’ I mouthed the words, 'Present for Alec'.

She nodded, and gave me a knowing smile as she left.
I turned to Alec. ‘I accept your offer of a stroll around the deck.’
With his arm around my waist, Alec led me from the dining room just as Sam and Terens took up their position, elbows on the table, hands clasped, steely gazes locked. Two long, menacing-looking knives lay in the centre of the table.

I shuddered and turned away. 

Did I succeed in making your squirm? If you'd like to read the rest, assuming you haven't read BloodPledge yet, read it here: 

Amazon US   Amazon CA   Amazon AU   Amazon UK 

All books are also available on Kindle Unlimited.

Until next time, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

It's Sneak Peek Time Again - Terens

This week we go back in time to Roman Britain.

The year is AD 261, and a young Sextus Terentius Varro, later known as Terens, has been given his first military assignment.
The scene takes place at the Varro villa outside the Roman legionary city of Eboracum (York) in the north of Britannia, two years before the tragic event that changed his life forever.

Sextus Terentius Varro adjusted his sword belt and glanced at his reflection in the bronze mirror. It’d been a while since he’d worn anything else but his equite toga, and it took getting used to seeing himself in uniform again, this time as tribune - tribunus equitus.

He should be grateful.

His father had paid a lot of money, and favours too probably, to purchase his commission into the XX Victrix. It had been his old legion, as he never tired of reminding his son.

Sextus rolled his eyes. If they were expecting him to be anything like his father, they were in for a surprise. He was nothing like his pater. Which is why he wasn’t surprised to learn the unit he was assigned to was sending a detachment of troops to some god-forsaken outpost on the Wall.

He was sure his father had had a hand in that.

Yeah, he should be grateful.

‘I don’t want you to go!’ His little sister Tia, latched onto his waist, one hand dangling her favourite doll. At eight years of age, she was still too innocent in the ways of the world to know why he was being sent away.

He crouched down to peer into her eyes, large dark brown ones like their mother’s. They’d begun to fill with tears. ‘Hey, you won’t miss me. You’ve got Julia here,’ he indicated her doll, ‘and Tadius and Saena,’ children of the household slaves, ‘to play with.’

Tia sniffed and wiped her nose with her sleeve. ‘I ‘spose. But you tell jokes and make me laugh when Papa is so serious.’

Yeah, and didn’t he know it.

If not for their mother telling him otherwise, he would’ve sworn Father had been born wearing a frown. It had etched permanent lines onto his brow. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen him smile.

‘Tell you what. What if I promise to send you a joke every week?’ At least her laughter would cheer up the dreary place.

‘Promise?’ Her sweet face lit up as if he’d just given her an armful of Saturnalia presents.

‘Make sure they’re clean ones.’ His mother, Cornelia, stood outside his room, the morning sunshine creating a halo around her dark curls. Her smile alone could lighten any dark mood.

He’d often wondered if she wasn’t a demigod, for how else could she have put up with the dour, austere man she’d been wed to.

‘Mother.’ He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips.

She smoothed his hair from off his forehead. ‘Oh Sextus! I’ll miss you, but your father’s right. This commission will do you a world of good.’

‘Nothing like fighting barbarians to make a man of me, right?’

She sighed, and beckoned to one of the slaves hovering nearby. ‘Take Tia to her lessons.’

Tia blinked away more tears and crushed her face to her brother’s, giving him a long, wet kiss on his cheek before running from the room, the slave traipsing after her.

He remained crouched a little longer, his gaze following her out. It would be at least a year before he’d see his little sister again.

‘Your father means well for you, Sextus.’ Cornelia seated herself on the edge of his bed and smoothed her long, light woollen robe over her knees. ‘This last year, you’ve been idling, with no sense of purpose in your life, drinking too much … and saying things best kept to yourself.’

He threw his head back and glared at the red-coloured ceiling. Okay, so he’d said some stupid things but it’d been enough to get a reprimand from the chief magistrate of the city.

‘I was drunk.’

‘That’s no excuse. If you had been anyone less than Gnaeus Terentius Varro’s son, you could have been executed!’ She closed her eyes and covered her hand with her mouth as a shudder racked her body.

Sextus’s heart lurched. He threw himself onto his knees at his mother’s feet and grasped her hand in his. ‘Mother, please …’

‘Your father loves you. Don’t ever doubt that. He called in a lot of favours to protect you and get you out of the city. And whether you like it or not, Postumus is emperor of Britain and Gaul. Gnaeus has sworn his allegiance. Do not endanger us, Sextus, I beg you.’ Her voice shook.

That broke him. Sextus hung his head as a pang of guilt gripped his heart.

Her eyes glistened as she lifted his chin to meet her gaze. ‘You always were an impetuous child; acting before thinking. Isn’t it time that changed?’

He hated to admit to it, but this time his abandoned carousing and loose tongue had endangered those he loved most in the world, and no damn emperor was worth that.

May the gods curse them all!

He kissed her cheek then stood and reached for his helmet on the table by his bed.

‘Let me do that.’ Cornelia placed the helmet on his head and fastened the strap beneath his chin, her hand lingering there as if reluctant to let go.

‘I’ll do you proud. I promise.’ And unless any of the fickle gods decided to have sport with him, Sextus Terentius had no intention of breaking his word.

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.

Tasty Teaser from BloodWish

It's been a while since I've posted a snippet from my current Word in Progress because, let's face it, life interferes. Although I originally planned to release BloodWish by the end of this year, it's more likely to be making its appearance by April/May 2017.
So until then, enjoy.

As I searched through various drawers, my foot kicked against something solid. A black metal-rimmed trunk sat wedged between several pieces of luggage. It was heavy, and as I eased it out layers of dust made me sneeze. That was good, as it meant the previous housekeeper, whose name I couldn’t bring myself to say, hadn’t been snooping into it. She’d taken my mother’s clothes before so I wouldn’t have put it past her to have pried into all of my mother’s things.

The trunk was locked.

What was in there? What was my mother hiding that needed to be kept in a locked trunk?

I glanced around in case the key was lying somewhere close, or maybe hanging from a hook.

Nothing.

Dumb idea anyway, Laura. If you want something hidden you don’t leave the key where everyone can find it! I’d carry it with me, with my set of house and car keys where they’d blend in with the rest.

The house keys I was in possession of now, didn’t contain any extra keys – Kari and I had tested each one. That left only her handbag.

Judy had always kept it in the middle drawer of her bedside table. It was still there when I pulled it open. I hugged the black leather bag to me and inhaled its sweet leather scent as image after image paraded through my memory.

No more tears, Laura.

I began my search, shunting aside the thought that I was intruding.

For a relatively small bag, it contained so many compartments and pockets, but finally, in a side pocket, my fingers grazed a small key-shaped object.

That had to be it.

Attached was a black velvet ribbon, frayed at the edges. Traces of my mother’s perfume clung to it. Again I inhaled and let the memories assail me – if only for a little while.

Back in the closet, I knelt next to the trunk and inserted the key.

It fit.

           With a click, the lid flew open.

2016 Christmas Author Giveaway

Come and join this year's Christmas Author Giveaway. As always, there's an amazing lineup of talented writers giving away copies of their books along with other great prizes.

Check out the promos and the books on offer for your cosy Christmas and Seasonal reading, then click onto the rafflecopter to see the individual prizes, and the FREE entry instructions.
You have to be in it to win it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

 

Jewelled Bookmark Giveaway

I've always loved doing crafty things, such as quilting, cross-stitch and rug making. But, jewellery making has always been a favourite, and since I can't possibly wear all the things I make (unless I want to look like an overdressed Christmas tree) I'm giving them away.
Lately, I've been hooked on bookmarks (excuse the pun), which I'm calling my Gothic Collection - colour combinations of silver, black and red.
Anyone who purchases ANY of my books (and the first two books - Laura's Locket and BloodGifted - are ONLY 99c each), will receive one. I've made them in such a way that the jewels can be unhooked and worn separately as pendants. Just attach them to a chain or ribbon. How's that for versatility?
Paste a copy of your receipt either here or on my facebook page.

Flash Necklace Giveaway - For Paranormal Romance Lovers.

Over the next few months, I'll be running a series of flash giveaways in anticipation of the release of BloodWish, Bk 4 in my paranormal/gothic romance series. So, if that's your type of book then keep reading as this giveaway is for you.
Each giveaway - whether it be a piece of jewellery, such as a charm bracelet, earrings, necklace, pendant or anklet; a jewelled hooked bookmark or fridge-magnet keyring - will feature a Dantonville Legacy gothic romance theme.
And each one will be a one-off, meaning the winner will receive a unique piece.

Giveaway #1 - a Bloodvial necklace (those who've read my books will know its significance in the story) - starts today and will be open for the next 48 hours.

To be eligible, all you need to do is:

a) Subscribe to my Newsletter and be the first to know of any subscriber-only giveaways, sneak peeks of up-coming releases and sales.

b) Follow me on my Amazon author page.

c) Then go to my Facebook page, tag three friends and share the giveaway.

That's it.

48 hours from now, I'll choose a random winner.

Good luck 🙂🙂

Please Vote For BloodVault in the Summer Indie Book Awards.

I'm thrilled to have my book, BloodVault, nominated in two categories in the Summer Indie Book Awards.
- Best Paranormal Romance Book
- Best Fantasy Book
There are many, many amazing entries, so I need as many votes as possible to keep me in the running.
You can vote EVERY DAY until the end of September.
I'll be so grateful to all those who've read any of my books, and liked them, to please vote.

Would You Attend a Vampire Masquerade Ball?

Courtesy of Gothic and Enchanted Music by Derek and Brandon Fiechter

The other day, while browsing online for some gothic music I could listen to while writing, I came across this beautiful and haunting melody titled, Gothic Waltz Music on youtube - Enchanted Ballroom. It reminded me of a little girl's jewellery music box, one I always wanted as a child but never received. 
(Yes, I've always had a gothic streak, and in my childish imagination the music box dancer wasn't a ballerina, but an enchanted princess waiting to be released from a curse. I guess that's where BloodGifted had some of its genesis.)
The music was so audibly mesmerising - as was the image with it  - that I stopped everything to listen. It's underlying dark tone sent visions of immaculately dressed vampires gliding across a dazzling ballroom, their faces covered in bejewelled masks hiding not only their faces, but their dark secret.
Humans enter at your own peril. 
I knew that one day I would have to include such an otherwordly setting in one of my books. And the opportunity came while writing, BloodVault, Bk 3 in my Dantonville Legacy Series. 
How could I resist? 
I simpy had to include a gothic ballroom scene - the annual New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball.

Click the youtube link above and listen while reading. I dare you :-) 

In the driveway, fairy lights blinked on the trunks and leafless branches of the trees, while a million tiny bulbs twinkled in the windows and the front doors of the chateau. The candelabras in the entrance hall had been polished to a mirror sheen, the candles' flames dancing and swaying on the ebony surface. Illuminated garlands twisted their way up the staircase that led to the ballroom.
We took our seats on the dais next to Luc and Judy. Swathes of entwined green and lavender silk - the D'Antonville colours - hung from the canopy and pooled on the floor. Five gold sashes lay draped across the arms of my chair. I knew their purpose, as Alec had briefed me earlier.
My mother, resplendent in a rich jade-green dress, acknowledged each guest as they were announced. Her silver-streaked auburn hair was caught back in a chignon and crowned with a white-gold tiara of intertwining leaves and flowers adorned with a single emerald. Her eyes shone behind her butterfly shaped mask.
She leant across and whispered in my ear. "You looking stunning, dear."
"As do you. Nice bling." I grinned at her tiara.
"Your father's gift at your birth." She beamed and placed her hand over his. Luc drew them to his lips and kissed her fingertips.
... The ballroom was a sea of colour. Elegant women in dazzling gowns of electric blue, silver-grey, apricot, sunny yellow and turquoise swept the room, greeting friends and chinking glasses. Lavender eyes glinted behind feathered, lace and rhinestone masks shaped like butterflies, cats and flowers, some covering only the eyes, others half the face. The men, likewise, many in tuxedos with long-nose masks or in traditional costume, added to the magnificence of the occasion.
... Alec led me from the dais, and we swayed to the romantic strains of a Strauss waltz, weaving in and out with the other couples. I floated on an idyllic cloud beneath the blue and gold rococo ceiling that gleamed in the light of crystal chandeliers. The troubles of the last few days forgotten as I lost myself in his arms and was drawn into the lavender depths of his eyes.

If you'd like to read more just click here.

There are some family secrets that should stay hidden.

***BLOODVAULT***

Bk 3 in The Dantonville Legacy Series

  “Battle scenes, action, adventure, mystery and a fiery romance.”

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Until next time ...

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.

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“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?