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

Long Live The Gothic Novel.

Shades of horror, the paranormal, unnatural deeds done in the dark, magic and mystery are embodied in that one word: Gothic. All that is uncivilised, unnatural, macabre, grotesque and even eccentric belong in the world of the gothic novel.

Some of the most well-known classics belong to this genre.

Think Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights - untamed Cathy and wild Heathcliffe rushing headlong into a doomed relationship among the misty moors of Yorkshire. Or, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre with the eccentric Mr Rochester and a gloomy house hiding a strange secret. Every page is heavy with suspense and sexual tension, capturing readers' emotions as no other books of the time did.
And people loved it.
Couldn't get enough of it.

But the Bronte's did not create the gothic genre. Two-hundred years earlier, Horace Walpole wrote The Castle of Otranto (1765), which became an instant sensation. By the close of the eighteenth century, two more gothic novels were written - The Mysteries of Udolpho and The Monk. So sensational were they, that even Jane Austen succumbed to the trend. But her novel, Northanger Abbey, parodied the genre rather than emulated it.

Over the next century, more gothic novels were published: Frankenstein (1818); and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831), set among the soaring arches of a gothic cathedral, the sad and misshapen figure of Quasimodo swinging from the gargoyles to stare at the inhabitants of Paris below him.
In 1847, Varney the Vampire: or The Feast of Blood was published, which predated the epitome of all gothic novels - Bram Stoker's Dracula, in 1898.

These books were the best sellers of their day, and still are.

My own books, the Dantonville Legacy series, embody those characteristics of the gothic - the mystery of a cursed family waiting two-thousand years to be redeemed.
Love live the gothic novel!

 

Ebook - http://amzn.to/29uk0a1

Paperback - http://amzn.to/2kiYcFs

 

The Dantonville Legacy Series Has All New Covers

It happened so fast that I hadn't had time to boast about my new book covers. I simply updated all my social media headers without a word about it. There were too many other things going on at the same time.
Why change?
Sales had slowed right down and so something needed to be done. Also, although I loved my previous covers, the symbolic images were more reflective of urban fantasy rather than paranormal romance, the genre in which my series of books comfortably sit.
Thanks go to JC Clarke who designed and and created my new book covers.
I love them.

Since I was on a roll, I also updated the book description for BloodGifted, the first book in the series.

What’s a girl to do when she learns she’s the key to breaking a centuries-old family curse? Become dangerously intimate with a jaw-dropping vision of male hotness hiding a secret agenda of his own.

Nothing could be simpler.

Or is it?

When primary school teacher Laura Dantonville learns of her family's dark ancestral legacy, she’s propelled into a secret underworld ruled by magic, mystery and murder, and stalked by vampire clans who would do anything to possess her. For her protection, she’s assigned a guardian not knowing that part of her role in ending the ancient curse that has plagued her family for centuries, involves having a child with him.

And she has one day to make a decision.

With only five years left of servitude to his sire, Alec Munro reluctantly accepts to act as Laura’s guardian or risk remaining in slavery forever. But can he maintain a platonic relationship between them when something far more intimate is required to end his sire’s family curse?

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

After all, they’re not human are they?

Being unable to age is just the beginning.

I hope that's a great start for 2017 .😊

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.

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.

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 🙂🙂

Sunday Showcase: Meet Paranormal Author Susan Stielow

1. What inspired you to write in your genre?

To feel what it’s like to be young again. That’s why we have so many adults reading YA books these days. To remember what it was like to meet our first love, or first crush. Or to be the underdog who saves the day. Writing YA keeps me young at heart.

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

Three for the Bloodborn Series (Books 1 & 2 are already out) and three to four more in a new series I will be working on after book 3 in the Bloodborn series is finished.

3. How and why did you choose your book cover(s)?

I knew early on that I wanted my covers to match a scene from the books. But since I have an ancient computer, and no clue how to use photo-shop, I sought out the help an amazing cover artist.

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

That’s easy, Damen Kingston. He’s nice to look at, funny as hell, has the voice of an angel, and let’s not forget, a bad-ass vampire.

5. Are there any books or authors you admire?

Oh, God yes! Too many to list, but a couple of my ultimate favs is J.R. Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Darynda Jones and her Charlie Davidson - Grim Reaper series and of course J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series. I mean seriously? Who doesn’t love her.

6. Do you have a favourite movie or TV show?

XFiles I have been a huge fan of for years, but right now Supernatural and Penny Dreadful are my favs.

7. What do you find the most challenging thing about being an author?

Self doubt. That little demon will get me every time. When he creeps in I will stop writing and walk away for a few days and refresh myself.

8. 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?

Australia. Steve Irwin is my hero, and it’s always been a dream of mine to visit the Australia Zoo. I balled my eyes out the day Steve past away. It was a very emotional day for me. He was a great man.

9. Tell us about your publishing experience. Did you always intend to be traditionally published or indie published?

Being a writer isn’t easy. Especially when it comes to publishing houses. I tried traditional publishing first. They can be brutal to a new inexperienced writer. I submitted my query letters, my 3 first chapters, and so on; that the publishers ask for. At first I received no responses. Then the rejection letters starting rolling in. And when they say you need a thick skin for this business, they’re not kidding. Some letters were nice and even gave some advice. While others were downright mean. It was tough to take. I started to doubt my writing and whether my story was even good. It wasn’t until a friend read my book and loved it! So I looked into self-publishing and never looked back.

10. What have you learned as an author since you published your first book that you wish you knew when starting out?

Don’t trust ANYONE! Your book is your baby. Do your research when it comes to editors, cover artists, and so on. There are a lot of scammers out there that unfortunately, I fell victim to. Always remember that you get what you pay for.

Book 1 - Bloodborn

 

Book 2 - Scarlet Butterfly 

 

Buy Links - Amazon 

Get your copy of this fabulous series.

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 

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?

 

Vampire Chronicles

I was thrilled this year to be asked to contribute to a boxed set of paranormal stories by several best selling authors: AM Hudson, Kia Carrington-Russell and Alisha Basso. Each in their own right has enjoyed success in their genre, so it was an honour when I was approached to add one of my books to this supernatural set.

Since we aimed to offer this boxed set for free, I decided to contribute my novella Laura's Locket, the prequel to BloodGifted. It's a good introduction to my Dantonville Legacy Series and explains the strange connection between Laura and Philippe, and the reason for the tragic climax at the end of Book One. I never intended Laura's Locket to ever be more than 99c, so I really lose nothing offering it free as part of a boxed set.

I absolutely love the cover with its dark, gothic atmosphere and hints of mystery, suspense and romance. If that's what you enjoy reading, go now and download your FREE copy.

 

Buy Links: Amazon  Google Play  Barnes and Noble  

Thirsty Thursday - BloodVault Extract

It's been a while since I've added an extract from any of my books, especially from my latest release, 'BloodVault', Bk 3 in my Dantonville Legacy Series. It's been eight months since its release and since then it has sat regularly in Amazon's Top 100 in Gothic Romance. 

Thank you to all my readers who made that happen. Because of you and your enthusiasm for Dantonville, my books are doing so well. 

At the moment I'm working on Bk 4, 'BloodWish,' and hope to release that in time for Christmas. So, in the meanwhile, curl up with a little something spooky and mysterious.

Enjoy.

* * * 

EXTRACT

     That's when I heard it -  a shrill keening, like a soul in torment. It made the hairs on my arms 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 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 watched. 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 of their existence a couple of weeks ago - then why not ghosts? This chateau was hundreds of years old, maybe more. Who knows how many more people had 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 fabric.

* * *

Want to read more? Here's where you can find it - Amazon (US) Amazon (AU) Amazon (CA) Amazon (UK)

Until next time, 

Happy Reading

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

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.

First Reviews Are In For BloodVault - And They're Brilliant.

BloodVault, book 3 in my Dantonville Legacy series, had a fantastic reception on its first day in the world. Both pre-orders and sales soared. Readers from America, Britain, Europe and Australia, and even from as far away as Brazil, raced to get their copies.
I owe a big thanks to all who attended and made the day such a grand success.
Thank you.
Now, only three days later, the reviews are coming in. As with birthing a baby, there is pain and joy and you want everyone to love and fawn over your precious offspring. And that's what my books are to me. So it's with some trepidation I peek through my fingers to view those dreaded reviews. But so far, they've been only positive.

"I loved it and I want MORE. I laughed, I cried and I was gripping my kindle with anticipation."
                                                                                                                                            Tracy

"BRILLIANT!! A whirlwind of emotions ran through me … Happy, sad, mad, heartache ugh I cried. The whole series is a must read for anyone who likes pnr."                                          afranhammond

"Tima has left me speechless with this amazing read!!! I have laughed, cried, got mad through this book. I love the other books in this series but I believe she has outdone herself with BloodVault."
                                                                                                                                               Lisa

"I absolutely love author Tima Maria Lacoba! I absolutely love her books! Especially this one. I cried, I swooned, I got upset, I swooned some more, I cried some more and LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!"       LadyViki

And thank you to Nook Books and More Blog for this fabulous review.

Amazon US
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Amazon UK
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Until next time, happy reading :-)