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.

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.

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
 

Meet Paranormal Romance Writing Duo, Jane Ederlyn

Jane Ederlyn is the alter ego of a writing duo from South Florida. Jane, a registered nurse by day, by night lives to create havoc and conflict in their stories, relentlessly strategizing ways to kill off one more character. 
Ederlyn, a cruise-line professional by day, by night loves to plot meticulous happily-ever-afters for the hero and heroine, often battling Jane to save her favorites. They can usually be found at their favorite Barnes & Noble sipping lattes and pondering “what ifs?” or at the mall shoe shopping.

Reborn is book #1 and we're working on Return book #2 which is slotted for fall of 2017.

 
Marie Josette d’Orgemont, cousin to Louis XVI, watched in horror as a rogue creature took her husband’s life before turning on her. A powerful vampire swept in and spared her life, but she never suspected surviving meant immortality or the price she’d have to pay to protect her surviving son.

Centuries later, in Miami, with her family on the verge of extinction, Marie is preoccupied with the continuation of her human bloodline. When she meets sexy and persistent Odin Ulfsson, his icy-blue gaze and burning touch are hard to resist. Will a forbidden romance with the Nordic werewolf be the key to her happiness, or will it set in motion a wrath that endangers not only her last human heir but her entire existence?

 Buy it here: Amazon (US)
                    Amazon (UK)
                    Amazon (CA)
                    Amazon (AU)
                    Universal link
                    Goodreads

Meet Candace Osmond - Blood and Iron

Published author and freelance writer/editor, Candace Osmond was born in North York, ON. She published her first book by the age of 25, the first installment in a Paranormal Romance series to which two others were published with it; The Iron World Series.  
Now residing in a small town in Eastern Canada with her husband and two kids, Candace writes full time developing articles for just about every niche, more novels, and a hoard of short stories.

 

Iron & Wine is an Urban Fantasy set in world full of hidden magical places and secret societies cloaked by modern day. In the first instalment of the Iron World Series, young artist Avery Quinn reluctantly leaves behind her quiet and comfortable home in the country and moves to the city with her best friend Julie Ryan. With the expectation that college will be the most exciting part of her life, Avery hopes that her little world remains quiet and simple. But after a troublesome blue sprite looking for help appears in her bedroom one night, her boss turns out to be a three hundred year old vampire, and her best friend accidentally reveals herself as an orphaned pixie, school quickly becomes the least of her worries. Every aspect of Avery’s life explodes with mythical beings and legendary creatures who all play a very important role in her existence. Some are friends, some are guardians, while others quickly become life threatening and deadly enemies. Avery must learn to juggle living in both her world and theirs, but in this magical tale of strange love, strong bonds and scary beings; what once was nothing more than mere fairy tales told to her by her Aunt Tess are now a scary reality and Avery has somehow landed deep in the middle with little or no way out except death or worse…the loss of her humanity.

Interested? Get it here 

Meet Indie Author Jesse Frankel - For Those With A Zombie And Vampire Fetish

J.S. Frankel was born in Toronto, Canada, a good number of years ago and managed to scrape through the University of Toronto with a BA in English Literature. 
In 1988 he moved to Japan and started teaching ESL to anyone who would listen to him. 
In 1997, he married the charming Akiko Koike and their union produced two sons, Kai and Ray. J.S. Frankel makes his home in Osaka where he teaches English by day and writes by night until the wee hours of the morning.

 Let me introduce the Nightmare Crew trilogy. It basically features a vampire, a zombie with a cleaning fetish in the first and second novels, a lab-created hybrid werewolf and sentient water. The first novel, Beginnings, has the blurb as follows: 
    
"Paul Wiseman, orphan and runaway, was looking for a family. He found one—and got a little more than he bargained for in the process. Being an orphan is no fun. Having no friends isn’t much fun, either. When Paul Wiseman, seventeen, runs away from an orphanage to try his luck on the mean streets of New York, he finds himself trapped and almost beaten to death one night. Rescued by a vampire named Angela, Paul goes to her small house in upstate New York where he meets her friends—Ooze, a sentient water being, Sandstorm, who uses his sandy body to blind his opponents, and CF—short for Cannon Fodder—a zombie. The four of them become the Nightmare Crew—beings created by a scientist to fight against the lawless elements of the city. In joining them, Paul finds a family, friendship and maybe even love. However, the company that allowed the creation of these beings wants them back, and they’ll stop at nothing to retrieve what they believe to be their property. It soon comes down to a battle between those born and those created…and it’s up to Paul to fight for the only family he’s ever known."

 Find Jesse Frankel's books here on Amazon

For the Love of a Good Fae, Veronica Del Rosa

Number 3 in my parade of indie authors today, and who'll be appearing in Our Books Are Not for Free event, is Veronica Del Rosa.

Hi everyone! I’m Veronica Del Rosa and I write paranormal romance/urban fantasy books. I live in Toronto with my husband and our young son, although before that we lived in Ottawa. The capital of Canada is just way too damn cold for me! Brrr.
I’ve been reading since I was eight years old and realized stories could transport me to a new world. When I was around ten, I fell into the world of romance novels and couldn’t get enough. My mom’s immense collection of Harlequin soon fell prey to me.

I started writing a few years ago when I was complaining about a popular book series. My husband very nicely told me to either put up or shut up. He said if I could write a better story, then do it. Wonder if he regrets that? *laughs* He’s actually been one of my biggest supporters.
Some random facts about me: I love romance novels, but I hate romantic movies. However, I love action movies and the ones that let me turn my brain off for a few hours. I’m a military brat, and while it was hard always being the new kid, it helped me learn independent, plus all that downtime from having few friends meant I could read!
My time slot is Feb 11th at 3 pm. I hope to see you there!

 A novella in the Enforcers and Coterie series. Each one is a standalone book delving deeper into a world where magic co-exists peacefully with the ordinary, for the most part...

Lilith Tremaine spends most of her time in an insane asylum, recovering from a vicious attack, or so the world believes. Craving revenge, she’d made a binding oath to the Light Fae queen, Tatiana. A mistake she can’t undo.

Caymus, an elite warrior for Queen Tatiana, has always followed his queen’s wishes. His latest assignment, however, strains his loyalty. Infiltrate a warlord demon’s stronghold and retrieve a dangerous object. The prize Tatiana dangles convinces him to complete the hazardous mission – Lilith’s freedom.

Feeling responsible for Lilith’s attack and subsequent oath to the queen, Caymus would do anything to free the woman he loves from a lifetime of servitude. Even if it means his own death.

Check out Veronica's Amazon book page here.

Sunday Showcase: Paranormal Romance Author Maggie Anderson

1. What inspired you to write in your genre?

When I was fourteen, our English teacher asked us to read Dracula for a review. As we’d read a couple of Shakespearean books prior, I thought it would be just another unenjoyable book that I couldn’t get my head around. I was WRONG! I was seduced by Bram Stoker’s unorthodox, charismatic character and have loved all things Vampire ever since.

2. If you write a series, how many books can your readers expect?

I do write a series. The Dark Legacy urban fantasy series. At this stage, I’m writing book four and my continue to write more because I love the characters, but I’m taking a break after this book to focus on others I’ve had simmering in my head for a while now.

3. If you had the chance to spend the day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

If I had a chance to spend a day with one of my characters it would have to be Reece Daniels. He stepped up and took over Dark Legacy, when Andre was meant to be the lead character, and has continued to stand out in all of the books so far. He has morals and believes in treating people right. He also has a lot of courage. Some of which he doesn’t even realize he has.

4. Are there any books or authors you admire?

I love the Alex Cross series of books by James Patterson. They tell a thrilling tale and pull you into the story. I also love the Addison Holmes series by Liliana Hart. They’re quirky and Addison is a likeable, amusing character with a certain amount of bravado when she needs it.

5. What is one of the biggest misconceptions that you think people have about authors in general?

I think people tend to think authors have it easy and make a lot of money from their writing. Some do, yes. The lucky ones. But most of us are doing our best to get our books into the hands of readers and not able to make a living from what we love the most. Being an indie author is hard-going. People think writing is a hobby. I’ve had friends say that to me. It’s not! It’s long hours of researching, writing, promoting, marketing, social networking and more!

6. If money was no object and you could travel to any place in the world for your dream vacation where would you go and what would you do?

I’ve always wanted to visit Machu Picchu. To be able to stand on the landscape of a village thousands of years old would be incredible! I think it would be a spiritual journey, a place to connect with your inner self.

Maggie is the author of several books:

Dark Legacy
Once Bitten
Soul Chaser
Driving Me Crazy
Love's Twist of Fate
A Night of Passion
A Night of Passion: Clean Romance Edition

Her newest release is Soul Chaser, Bk 3 in the Dark Legacy series.

 

In the city that never sleeps, a gypsy has seen Reece’s future. Someone he loves will die!

A romantic Vegas getaway turns into another paranormal nightmare for Reece when Charlotte is kidnapped from the airport. Who has taken her and why?

The PI and his team work around the clock. Time is ticking. Sent on a wild goose chase across Sin City by the unknown assailant, can they find her? Is the unidentified body of a Jane Doe lying in the County Coroner’s Office Charlotte? Are they already too late?

A series of unorthodox deaths forces Sheriff Lozano to enlist Reece’s help. He’s heard rumors about the private investigator and wants to find out if they’re true. Can they work together to solve the mystery of the murders? Will Reece let the sheriff in on what has happened to his fiancée?

As the two cases collide, Reece takes matters into his own hands and enters the subterranean world beneath Las Vegas alone. What has he discovered? And what ancient evil is he hunting?

 

EXTRACT

 

The dark tunnel seemed endless as Reece raced along it, peering over his shoulder wondering if the creatures were still in hot pursuit. He had to find a place to hide until the sun came up. The stark white beam of his flashlight app bobbed against the graffitied walls as he ran, but within seconds the glow faded, flickered and died, leaving him in total pitch black. Reece lurched to a stop and smacked his phone against his hand hoping it would jolt a few more seconds of life into the battery. It didn’t. “Shit!”

His heart rose in his throat and he sucked in a strangled breath, unable to inhale a full ribcage of air. The claustrophobic atmosphere was thick around him and he felt like he was suffocating. How did they find me so fast? He thought he’d have more time.

Manic laughter resonated out of the deep shadows in the underground drains and Reece’s eyes darted around the gloom. They were almost on top of him.

He broke into a panicked run, stumbling over broken concrete, cans, bottles and other rubbish strewn along the fetid, damp passage. He tripped on something soft and landed on top of it, the small amount of oxygen he’d managed to inhale whooshing out of him with the heavy thud. Feeling around, unable to see, and his brain making the connection, Reece felt buttons, material, a hand, a face… a sticky wet crater where the nose had been. Another face… holes where the eyes should have been. Bodies!

Bile gushed up his throat and he staggered to his feet, his heart beating so fast it felt like butterfly wings against his ribs. He spat the bitter liquid onto the ground and rushed into the shadows. He had to find a way out or somewhere to hide before they reached him or he’d be another rotting corpse amongst the body count. 

Want to read more?  Here's where you can find it:

Amazon (US)  Amazon (UK)  Amazon (AU)  Amazon (CA)  iBooks  Smashwords 

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 ...

New Indie Author: Bailey Ziehmer

Let me introduce debut author, Bailey Ziehmer.

My name is Bailey Ziehmer. I love writing, acting, the colors purple and black, and wolves. When I was five years old, I moved in with my grandparents because my parents couldn’t take care of me. When I was nine, my mother passed away. Though it was hard for me, I kept charging forward in hopes for a new life. It did come. I started to write fan fiction stories with my trusty sidekick, a six-pound Chihuahua named Bella. The ideas seemed to flow out of me constantly, and every time they did, I wrote them down. I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing, because it’s my life and passion. I want to become an actress and writer, and as I write my books, I believe that every day, it will get easier to find the perfect acting job. I never had full support with a lot of the things I did, but my grandparents were always there for me, as were some of my friends. I struggled a lot with my studies in high school, so I put all my feelings in my books. I’ve learned that the nicer you are, the more people will remember you. So I’ve tried to help and care for many, because I know what it feels like to be lonely. With each day that passes, life gets easier, and every day, I get happier. I’ve made sure that I still continue to care and help others and leave my spot everywhere I go, so that I am unforgettable.

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Sneak peak:

18 year old Bailey Chase moved to a small town called William, Alabama. She lived with her alcoholic dad who hated her and always threaten to “take care of her”. Bailey always thought he was joking, that once he was sober he’d be fine. Their first night in a new town Bailey realizes that for once her dad wasn’t joking and pushes her off a bridge near-by. Damon Jackson, a sarcastic, charming, and monstrous vampire see’s this and instantly took action. Damon was a monster with no emotion. Literally he couldn’t love. But when he first lays eyes on Bailey after saving her life he instantly starts to get his emotions back. Since that night Damon made sure to stay in Bailey’s life. Weather it was watching her sleep, passing her by in her new school, or giving her a ride home. Suddenly Bailey is thrown into the world of the supernatural, and it excites her. Falling for the charming Damon, Bailey can’t help but feel some sort of attraction. But nature has its own ideas and wants to break them apart. Their love grows as does their actions. Damon becomes more carrying and the beast in him is tamed but breaks free at times. And when you’re a vampire, breaking free means death for most. Bailey has never felt so free, adventurous, happy then she does when she’s with Damon. But can Bailey keep the beast locked away long enough to prove a point to others and to themselves that this can work? Or will nature get what it wants and put things right back on track for these two love bird? If you want an action, adventurous, romantic, crazy, supernatural book that makes you think you know what is going to happen next but takes a U turn and surprises you with something else, then this is the Unforgettable book for you.

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I Always Knew Rasputin Was a Vampire.

When choosing an antagonist for my books, being a historian, I naturally veered toward an infamous character from history. And what a huge playground that is in which to roam. With such a plethora of interesting villains it was hard to know who to choose. Psychopathic Roman emperors such as Nero and Caligula; murderous conquerors like Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane? Or more recent notorious individuals who still haunt the popular imagination, like Grigory Rasputin, the Mad Monk and confident of the last royal house of Russia - the Romanovs?
Decisions, decisions....
Characters like these make great choices for fictional villains. For one thing, they're all dead so can't sue you for character assassination! Perfect.
Why did I decide on Rasputin? He's a mysterious, fascinating and controversial figure considered evil by some sources and a saint by others. All depends on who you read. Many consider him responsible for the demise of the Romanovs, and much has been written on his strange relationship with the Czarina, Alexandra Fedorovna, wife of Nicholas II. Almost all the sources are in agreement that he had some form of hypnotic influence over the Czar's family. The fact that he was so hard to kill - poisoned, shot, bludgeoned and thrown into a freezing river to drown (he eventually died of hypothermia) - was a spur to my already-overactive imagination. What else could he be but a vampire?
It was to good to resist.

Here's how he first appears in BloodPledge, Bk2 in my Dantonville Legacy series:

     By the time I got to the top of the stairs, Kari was already at the bottom with a group of men. As I joined her, five faces turned to look at me - Marcus Antonius, Jake and Terens, and two men I didn't recognise. One stood an inch or so taller than the rest, with deep, penetrating eyes that seemed to bore into my soul.
     "Ah, our little Ingenii," he drawled. "How I was looking forward to meeting you." If a voice could drip evil, his did. Hypnotic eyes. Strange warmth crept over me.
     "Lower your eyes snake," Marcus Antonius snarled. I was vaguely aware of him pushing the man onto his knees.
     I blinked and gripped the marble bannister as Kari stepped in front of me, blocking him from my view. "Go back upstairs, Laura," she whispered over her shoulder.
     "Control your pet, Timur," Alec said from behind me as he came down the stairs, His voice held a lethal tone.
     Kari glanced up at him, smiled then stepped aside and went to stand next to Jake. Hie whispered something to her I couldn't catch; his mouth was a hard line, jaw clenched.
     Alec joined me and took my hand. He was formally dressed in a lead-coloured suit with black lapels and matching shirt, and a lavender tie that set off the brilliance of his eyes. The cut of the suit, in particular, emphasised the width of his shoulders and nearly took my breath away. It was a stunning contrast to my ivory dress and for a moment I wondered if he'd listened in on my conversation with Kari.
     ... The man rose, his gaze locked on the ground, the knuckles of his clenched fists white as they hung by his side. It seemed the very air around him crackled with suppressed rage. Had the others felt it? As Jake led him away - Kari by his side - I breathed a sigh of relief and hoped I would never have to meet the man with the penetrating eyes any time soon.
     Alec's gaze followed him until they were out of sight.
     "Who are they?" I asked.
     "Count Timur Szechenyi and Grigory Rasputin." Marcus Antonius answered in his deep baritone voice. He'd remained standing in the hallway, sword sheathed.
     "The Rasputin? The mad monk who got the Russian royal family killed?"
     "The same."
     "No wonder they couldn't kill him." From what I remembered of my high school history, he was supposedly poisoned, shot, bludgeoned and his body thrown into a frozen river by Russian aristocrats trying to protect the Czar's family. Obviously, they were unsuccessful.

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Until next time,
Happy reading.

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.