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Spotlight Mondays with Mephistopheles: 9am - Rhys by Dan O'Brien

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Welcome to the fourth day of the Mondays with Mephistopheles: 9am - Rhys blog tour. It will run until August 9th and will feature excerpts and new author interviews each day. But first, here is the obligatory blurb about the novel to settle you into this strange world:

Abraham Rogers has an unusual psychotherapy practice: monsters. This first installment is a session with Rhys, the IT vampire who can’t quite connect with the modern world the way he would like.


A few questions for the author:


What do you want from life?

To achieve my goals. I have been moving in that direction and it feels good to stay determined and persevere. I keep making new goals, which will make sure that I am always pursing something. I just want to continue doing what I want to do....


If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for?

Is an infinite number of wishes on the table? If so, then that. Otherwise, wisdom, patience, and clarity.


What three things would you take to a Desert Island?

My Kindle with all of my books (I can fashion a charging station out of a pineapple. Don't believe me? Search YouTube), my wife, and my survival bag.



Here be an excerpt for your enjoyment:


Abe knew that Rhys suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder, though it was more likely a bout of generalized anxiety tied to some kind of recent drama. 

It had taken Abe several sessions to become accustomed to the idiosyncratic behavior of the moody child of the night. As a psychologist he was supposed to remain composed, but the first few sessions bordered on frightening. 

Rhys had on more than one occasion threatened him with bloodletting if he continued down a particular course of questioning. This passed as the vampire soon revealed his aversion to the sight of blood and the passion with which he dreaded violence. 

“What of social engagements?”

Rhys collected himself before speaking. “In 400 years I have bedded many women, but Eileen was different. She was unfettered by my flights of sorrow. At first she thought it was going to be blood and bondage, but she soon saw that we are just bored with this world.”

“We have not spoken of Eileen in some time, Rhys. Have you done what I suggested?”

“Go out and meet people. Are you quite mad?”

Abe and Rhys came to this point often. “You came to me because you wished to overcome some of your fears, some of the things that were holding you back. You asked me to treat you as any other patient because the alienation and loneliness was at the very center of your concerns.”

Rhys nodded and motioned with his hands. “Do not get flustered. I recall what I said.”

“Very good. So have you?”

“I created a profile on one of this computer dating sites. That is not how a man met a woman in my time.”

Abe smiled. “Things have indeed changed.”

“I get these messages from women wondering if I am a goth or if I am an Anne Rice fan. I find the process disgusting.”

“Disgusting how?”

“I am not a literary character beholden to some novelist somewhere.”

“Do you take offense to the portrayal of your kind in the media? In fiction?”

Rhys leaned back into the couch, his reed-like frame consumed by the cushions. “Not all of them. Stoker did not terribly displease me. I prefer Mrs. Rice’s portrayal of my people, even if we are not as refined and romantic as the masses would hope. These sparkly, brooding types obsessed with teenagers paint us as horny men incapable of satiating our lust for youth. A terrible literary metaphor if I have ever seen one.”



Bio: A psychologist, author, editor, philosopher, martial artist, and skeptic, he has published several novels and currently has many in print, including: The End of the World Playlist, Bitten, The Journey, The Ocean and the Hourglass, The Path of the Fallen, The Portent, and Cerulean Dreams. Follow him on Twitter (@AuthorDanOBrien) or visit his blog http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com. He recently started a consultation business. You can find more information about it here: http://www.amalgamconsulting.com/.



All of his books are only 99 cents on Kindle right now!


Download Mondays with Mephistopheles for free on Kindle from 8/21 until 8/25!


Would you like to win a Kindle Fire?

Visit http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/ and follow the blog for a chance to win a Kindle Fire!


Cover Reveal On The Run by MaryLynn Bast

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Blog Tour Kickoff Giveaway & Review Blood and Sacrifice by Jessica Gibson

Monday, August 19, 2013
Title: Blood and Sacrifice
Author: Jessica Gibson
Series: Blood Ties Novella Series (#2)
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: May 2013
Edition: Kindle
Source: Purchase
Rating:
Bronwyn left everything behind when she left with Ronan. She became what he needed her to be and forgot the rest. Too bad the past won't stay in the past.
Rider bursts back into her life uninvited, and is not the man she remembers. There is an edge to him that was not there before. Bronwyn is torn by guilt over what he has become and anger at being blamed for it.
When Ronan ended his maker’s life, he inherited a line of vampires and a whole set of problems to go along with it. Bronwyn must decide if their love is worth it, worth the killing, and the constant disruption of their lives.
Is love enough? Can Bronwyn find herself again and strike a balance between who she wants to be and who Ronan needs her to be? Or will she lose herself all over again?

Review Love and Blood by Jessica Gibson

Sunday, August 18, 2013
Title: Love and Blood
Author: Jessica Gibson
Series: Blood Ties
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Dec 8 2012
Edition: Kindle
Source: Purchased
Rating:
Bronwyn Fitzgibbons was young and reckless. It was easy for Ronan to steal her human life and make her a vampire. She ran, but she never forgot him--or how he made her feel.

Rider saved Bronwyn from the new life she loathed and the new self she detested. His love restored her sanity.

Now Ronan is back to claim her. She struggles like hell against him, but she cannot deny the overwhelming power of her maker. Will Bronwyn surrender to the one who could possess her utterly? Or can she find the strength to choose the one who loves her as she is?


Spotlight The Twins of Devonshire and the Curse of the Widow by Dan O'Brien

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Welcome to the last day of The Twins of Devonshire and the Curse of the Widow blog tour. It will run until August 17th and will feature excerpts and new author interviews each day. But first, here is the obligatory blurb about the novel to settle you into this strange world:

A plague has covered the land, a single word on the lips of the frightened masses: the Widow. Washing a wave of terror over the countryside and then disappearing like a thief in the night, the Widow holds a kingdom in the palm of her hand. The eyes of Chaos have settled on Prima Terra and heroes must rise. Xeno Lobo, enigmatic and cryptic, hunts the Widow, seeking an object taken from him years before. Will he be able to stem the tide of violence and horror that sweeps the land?



A few questions for the author:


How can we contact you or find out more about your books? 

You can like my Facebook page, or follow my blog, where I will be raffling off a Kindle Fire in September to a lucky follower. If you aren't already following my blog, I would encourage you to do so. I am also very active on Twitter: @AuthorDanOBrien. I like to hear from fellow writers and readers alike, so get in touch!

What can we expect from you in the future?

I have a lot of releases slated for fall and the following year. I started an apocalyptic serial called B-Sides that will unfold over the coming months, starting with Hobbes Family and Water. The re-launch of The Ocean and the Hourglass is coming, along with several new releases.


What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Share your experiences with others, leave a review, share updates, and follow me on social media. By being connected to readers, and readers being connected to me, I am able to get the word out about my books. Buying a book doesn't hurt either.



Here be an excerpt for your enjoyment:

Dawn was breaking as Xeno and Uthen rode into Sel’verene. A sheet of freshly fallen snow covered the majority of the street. The sparse buildings seemed more the part of tombs than businesses. They spied the sign that had INN sprawled across it in faded black paint and tied their horse out front, taking a moment to look up and down the deserted street.

Xeno grasped the rusted iron handle and turned it. Emitting a thin, squealing creak as the door swung inward, it revealed the darkened interior. With the exception of the dwindling embers in the fireplace and the dancing light of the lantern at the counter, there was little luminance of which to speak. They approached the counter, their snow-drenched boots leaving puddles of water and slush as they made their way.

Xeno peered over the empty counter, his eyes adjusting to the sudden darkness. “Hello?” he called, his voice echoing in the chamber.

The rustle of footsteps and then the muttering of several small voices came from the staircase to their right. Xeno moved to inspect when a young woman emerged from around the corner, her white dress covered in a dark brown shawl. “Can I help you?” she whispered, her voice more youthful than her appearance.

Xeno stared at the young girl for a moment.

Producing a small satchel of coins, he laid them upon the counter. “My companion and I weathered the snowstorm and need a room for the day and part of the night. Can that be arranged?”

“We have many rooms,” she began, but was interrupted by a craven, bent man who emerged from the same corner as the girl.

His thinning gray hair was almost non-existent, and his glasses slid to his nose. The freckles and dried skin made him appear the part of a troll. His back was crooked and his clothes hung from him as if he were a walking skeleton that had just risen from his grave.

“From where have you come?” asked the man with a harsh tone, his voice raspy.

“Far away from these parts, we are merely passing through,” replied Xeno quickly, knowing full well that the man was wary of strangers; especially those who had come looking for spirits in the darkness.

“Far away, eh? Your companion looks the part of a soldier,” crooned the old man.

“No, sir,” began Uthen and then trying to think quickly, he continued, “I’m a––uh…”

“We are entertainers, from the west. We have merely lost our way,” finished Xeno, flashing Uthen a disgusted glance. The man regarded them suspiciously and then scoffed, disappearing around the corner.

“Entertainers?” queried the girl with as much enthusiasm as she could muster.

“Storytellers mostly,” replied Xeno as he opened the satchel of coins. “How much for that room?”

“Seven gold is what we charge, but if you are entertainers….”

“Seven it is,” replied Xeno as he placed the seven golden coins marked with the emblem of the Nine Kings near the girl. She made them disappear beneath the table into an iron box.

“Would you tell me a story sometime? We don’t have many strangers who pass through, and none who can weave a wonderful tale.”

Xeno hesitated for a moment. “Of course, we shall tell a grand story of good and evil here tonight, after some rest. How does that sound?”

“Thank you, I will be waiting.” The girl skipped off. This was a change from the somber zombie who had stalked out to wait upon them.

“Was that wise?”

“Uthen, sometimes the Fates choose to play strange tricks upon us mortals, and it is best to just take them as they come.”

Uthen could not fault Xeno’s words, knowing that he would be reluctant to deny a few moments of peace to a town steeped in its own despair and misery. As they made their way up the stairs, they saw that snow had begun to fall once again.




Bio: A psychologist, author, editor, philosopher, martial artist, and skeptic, he has published several novels and currently has many in print, including: The End of the World Playlist, Bitten, The Journey, The Ocean and the Hourglass, The Path of the Fallen, The Portent, and Cerulean Dreams. Follow him on Twitter (@AuthorDanOBrien) or visit his blog http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com. He recently started a consultation business. You can find more information about it here: http://www.amalgamconsulting.com/.



All of his books are only 99 cents on Kindle right now!


Download The Twins of Devonshire and the Curse of the Widow for free on Kindle from 8/13 until 8/17!


Would you like to win a Kindle Fire?

Visit http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/ and follow the blog for a chance to win a Kindle Fire!


Release Day Blitz Love Lies and Deception by L.P. Dover

Thursday, August 15, 2013

What do you do when the one person you thought you knew turns out to be the one you knew the least?

Twenty-three year old Marissa Chase, and soon to be college graduate, has everything going for her: wonderful friends, a lucrative degree, and a chance to explore the world. What made it even better – or so she thought – was when her path crossed with the alluring Alec Holden. Unable to stay away from him, Marissa experiences a love like no other, and falls into his world of passion and intrigue. However, things begin to shift when this path takes a deadly turn.

Her trust is put to the test when hidden dangers unfold before her, revealing secrets that have been buried for years. Secrets that were meant to stay hidden. Murder, lies, and betrayal … will Marissa figure it all out in time and escape with her life intact, or will she be too late and fall into the trap of deception?



Facebook Release Party:




            L.P. Dover lives in the beautiful state of North Carolina with her husband and two wonderful daughters.  She’s an avid reader that loves her collection of books. Writing has always been her passion and she’s delighted to share it with the world.  L.P. Dover spent several years in college starting out with a major in Psychology and then switching to dental.  She worked in the dental field for eight years and then decided to stay home with her two beautiful girls.

Her works consist of the Forever Fae series, and the Second Chances series. She’s really excited to be able to experience writing in the different genres.  Her reading used to consist of nothing but suspense thrillers, but now she can't get away from the paranormal/fantasy books.  Now that she has started on her passion and began writing, you will not see her go anywhere without a notebook, pen, and her secret energy builder … chocolate.



Places to Find L.P. Dover


Places to find Love Lies and Deception

Amazon
Barnes and Noble



Review Tender Mercies by Kitty Thomas

Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Title: Tender Mercies
Author: Kitty Thomas
Genre: Dark Erotica/BDSM
Publisher: Burlesque Press
Release Date: May 6 2011
Edition: Kindle
Source: Author for Honest Review
Rating:



"Grace. That word that finally meant something again. Mercy. Favor. Good will."

Fed up with play kink, Grace Warner moves to an island that embraces erotic slavery to be with a man she met online. Within hours of her arrival, everything is ripped from her, and she quickly learns play is preferable to the realities of actual enslavement.Asher Collins has spent the past year mourning and blaming himself for the death of his slave, Darcy. When Grace catches his eye at a showing, obviously abused, he becomes obsessed with buying her and finding a way to atone for his own past sins.




This is a work of fiction, and the author does not endorse or condone any behavior done to another human being without their consent. This work contains subject matter which is not appropriate for minors including depictions of abuse, slavery, dubious consent, and anal play.

Naughty or Nice Christmas Card Exchange

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Close Encounters With The Night King

Read Between The Lines
 
Read Between The Lines
 

Welcome to the second annual Nice or Naughty Christmas Card Exchange!! RBTL(Read Between the Lines) has joined with CEWTNK (Close Encounters with the Night Kind)  to bring you this fun and inexpensive way to connect to new bloggers and discover new authors! Are you not a blogger or author but want to participate? No problem!! You can join in the fun too! But we do have some rules!

1. Addresses that are submitted and exchanged are to be used for this event ONLY! We want this to be fun event and DO NOT want to worry about someone using our addresses for nefarious purposes!! And yes SPAM is not allowed!!

2. You may send Business cards, bookmarks, swag, or other items with the card as long as it is book, blogger, or Christmas related.

3. If for any reason you can not send out your cards, notify us. We want to make sure everyone participating gets a card.

4. The most Important Rule: HAVE FUN!! Even if you are on the NICE list...try...LOL!!!!

The sign-up sheet is below! Entries will be accepted until November 25. Everyone will receive their card addresses by December 1. If you have any questions please email  Anna: sadase98@gmail.com or Nikki: viajeradelmar@aol.com.
Please grab the badge, place it in your sidebar, and link to this post. Help us get the word out!!







Cover Reveal Bet on Ecstasy by Stacey Kennedy

Title: Bet on Ecstasy
Series: Pact Of Seduction (#3)
Genre: Ménage à Trois
Publisher: Loose Id
Release Date: Sept 24 2013
Business partners, Smith and Brock share their fortune, success, and they share their women. A healthy competitive streak built MDR Software into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, and their on-going bets continuously raise the stakes. The current proposition: an arranged ménage encounter through the sex club, Castle Dolce Vita. The prize: a sexy kitten, Kyra.
While the two wealthy, powerful men are enough to pique Kyra’s interests to fulfill the Pact of Seduction and live out her ultimate fantasy, a bet forged between the men comes with an intriguing promise. Her pleasure is now part of their wager.
Soon, Kyra fights against her desire for the men as she struggles through the complications of a ménage relationship. Of course, the men take their bets seriously and are determined to show Kyra that in this game of seduction no one loses.




Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She loves in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy's books. If she's not plugging away at a new story, you'll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy, Supernatural, True Blood and Lost Girl. 


Places to find Stacey 

Blog Tour Kick Off Fire Burns by Trista Day

Monday, August 12, 2013
Title: Fire Burns
Author: Trista Day
Series: The Unforgiven Series
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Mar 2013
Source: Author for Blog Tour and Honest Opinion
Rating:

Callie Demasi just started her senior year at Crystalport High and her life couldn't be any more ordinary. Then the nightmares start, and a strange creature tries to attack her in her sleep. If that isn't bad enough, her body starts to do things she never imagined were possible; like hold fire in the palm of her hand. It seems that the only person who knows what's really happening to her is a ghost creature named Draven - if she can keep him from disappearing on her. It's not until after her best friend Zilla is kidnapped, and she meets the handsome and arrogant Cole, that Callie begins to put the pieces together. Will her newfound powers be strong enough to save the life of her BFF, or will they both be doomed to the same fate?


Spotlight The Moon-Kissed Chi by Grinelda Markowitz

Saturday, August 10, 2013
Title: The Moon-Kissed Chi
Author: Grinelda Markowitz
Series: The Kalaydan Chronicles  (#1)
Genre: Erotica
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: May 1 2012


From the quirkiness of her daughter to the           equine escapades of Bezhyanya (her sworn bedmate) and Grayt (her serving woman), Arrinay, ruler of Kalaydan, is faced with many concerns throughout her day which she handles with grace, poise and dignity.  Will she be able to meet the challenges to come?
In the City of Kalaydan, Arrinay and Bezhyanya, the senior members of the ruling family, are faced with the early maturation of their daughter, Gayadnae.  She must start the training.  It’s Kalaydan law.  Their daughter has other ideas.  After concocting a plan to avoid responsibility and almost succeeding in carrying it out, Gayadnae’s life takes an unexpected turn.  Grayt, the ever-present serving woman to Arrinay, fills many roles and has her fingers in a number of pies.  There’s definitely more to her than is apparent on the surface.In the city of Kalaydan, Arrinay and Bezhyanya, the senior members of the ruling family, are faced with the early maturation of their daughter, Gayadnae.  She must start the training.  It’s Kalaydan law.  Their daughter has other ideas.  After concocting a plan to avoid responsibility and almost succeeding in carrying it out, Gayadnae’s life takes an unexpected turn.  Grayt, the ever-present serving woman to Arrinay, fills many roles and has her fingers in a number of pies.  There’s definitely more to her than is apparent on the surface.  Along with coordinating activities in the Main House, keeping the young mistress in line, and talking to horses, Grayt has a more secret agenda with a graver responsibilities.
A hint of trouble on the horizon and other darker activities weave their way through the backdrop of this delightful tale which takes place in the city of Kalaydan.

Cover Reveal Burned by Passion by Dez Burke

Thursday, August 8, 2013
Title: Burned by Passion
Author: Dez Burke
Genre: African American Romance/Interracial Romance 
Publisher: Pink Lotus Publishing, Inc.
Release Date: Aug 8 2013

Even good girls make mistakes.
Kira was shocked to meet her boss’s handsome, long-absent son and find him even more lethal in the flesh. He’d always been just a face in a photo - and nothing had prepared her for the way they clashed and burned when they finally met.
Blake Carter returned to America for a reunion with a father he hadn’t seen since he was ten. But Blake had never bargained for falling for his father’s sexy secretary, the beautiful and impressionable Kira Taylor…
Blake caught one glimpse of the gorgeous beauty from across the crowded room and felt the primal taste of desire like he’d never known. The sparks were more antagonism than attraction on her part as they collided over differences about the way he treated his father. But Blake had very strong persuasive skills when it came to bringing the vulnerable Kira to bend to his carnal passions…


Dez Burke grew up in rural Alabama and spent most summers reading worn copies of her Grandmother's Harlequin Romances. Even as a young girl, she noticed the absence of African American characters. So today, she writes hot, steamy romance books featuring black women and gorgeous men of all races.


Places to find Dez