A Magic Redemption #MFRWHooks by Tena Stetler
#MFRWHooks reads this week. Celebrating Spring, March, and all things Ireland. A Magic Redemption. What better way than a little mystery and magic, when finding your place in the world process more difficult than imagined especially when someone is out of revenge.
Could she really be descended from the elite Guardians Guild made up of magical creatures formed over a millennium ago? Leave your ordinary world behind,. Be swept into a magical fantasy adventure you won’t want to leave. Download your copy today! http://a.co/d/hQ2qTXa
Pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about A Magic Redemption!
A little about A Magic Redemption:
Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.
Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.
When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?
A peek between the pages of A Magic Redemption.
The road to her cottage took them by the pub. He didn’t want to spoil a great day by stopping by Shaughnessy’s. But he had a nagging feeling that was exactly what he was supposed to do. Prior experience taught him nothing but trouble would come if he ignored his gut. “Mind if we stop by the pub on the way home. Storm can stay in the truck for a few minutes. I want to make sure—”
“Everything is all right?”
“Of course it’s all right. I’ve taken time off before.” Gavin bristled. “I had a life before—” He stopped mid-sentence. No way was he going to spoil this day.
She shifted in her seat to face him. “Before what? Me? Before your sister married an assassin? Or Brandy became engaged to a vampire? Before your world came crashing down amid demons, vampires, witches, and world ending shit?” She paused, closed her eyes, and leaned her head against the seat again. “I didn’t mean that. I’ve been on edge since the dream—nightmare—premonition. Call it what you want. Today was a nice reprieve. But when we hit the edge of town—what’d you call ’em—” she tapped her temple. “My spidey senses went off.” She shivered.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Magic Redemption, Ireland, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 8 comments.
Return of the Raven by Judith Sterling – Interview
Give a warm welcome to Judith Sterling, author of Return of the Raven (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book Five). Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Judith and Return of the Raven. Let’s start with Judith.
Have you ever cried while writing a book?
I cried while writing this one! Especially the last two chapters. I can’t tell you what happens in the scenes, but I needed some long hugs from my husband—and numerous tissues—to recover.
How did you do in English as a kid?
Straight “A”s all through school and college. Other than history, it was my favorite subject. Call me a nerd, but I used to read the dictionary for fun, even in elementary school.
Before I had a family, I wrote late at night, usually from midnight until 5:00 a.m. I’m a real night owl! Once I had kids, I wrote while they were at school. Since COVID, I have to write while they’re home, and that’s a tall order. My desk is in an alcove of the dining room; basically, Grand Central Station. I need to use super focus to get things done.
How did you come up with the title?
It just popped into my head and seemed the only appropriate title. The meaning is both literal and symbolic, and it applies to more than one character. (I can’t say more, or I’d give things away!)
Who do you see as a hero/heroine in your life?
My mom. She’s strong, steadfast, loving, and intuitive.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An author. Always.
What is your favorite drink? It’s a three-way tie: sweet iced tea, hot tea with cream and sugar, or chocolate milk. If we’re talking alcohol, I’d probably go with a frozen strawberry margarita.
Do you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or working in a factory?
No! Been there, done that. I held many secretarial and administrative assistant jobs and even worked as a reservation sales agent for Delta Air Lines. Creativity took a back seat to repetitive tasks. Now I love being an author and teaching history as a tour guide at The Witch House here in Salem, Massachusetts.
A little about Return of the Raven.
Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom.
Haunted by his parents’ sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She’s hard to resist…and harder to set free.
The heart’s desire and history’s demands don’t always agree. Yet true love is eternal.
Do you have set times during the day that you write?
A peek between the pages of Return of the Raven.
Dressed in blue-striped pajamas, Griffin stood in front of his bed. His gaze shifted back and forth between two books. Usually, he was a decisive reader, but tonight was different. He’d had Margaret on the mind the entire time he perused the library shelves, and even now, the sound of her bathwater filling the tub next door plagued his focus.
Nevertheless, he’d narrowed the choice to two books: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles or Dennis Wheatley’s The Devil Rides Out. He’d read both before and enjoyed them immensely, so he couldn’t go wrong with either one.
So what’s it going to be? Murder on the moors or black magic on Salisbury Plain?
Margaret’s clear-toned voice penetrated the wall between their bedrooms. She was humming the first part of the sonata he’d played tonight. Not only did she have an ear for language; she also had one for music. She had perfect pitch, too, as did he, which allowed him to discern that she hummed the exact same notes he’d played on the Steinway. Her singing voice was just as lovely as he’d imagined it might be.
His brow furrowed. He had no business imagining anything about her, least of all her naked body slipping into a warm bath and—
Stop! He huffed and rubbed his mouth with his hand. Then he refocused his attention on the books for the umpteenth time. Come on now. Murder or magic? Magic or murder?
“Griff!” A note of panic tinged her voice.
Meg! In trouble!
He dashed into the hall and into her bedroom, then flung open the bathroom door. She stood in the bathtub, clad in bubbles whose brethren spilled over the side of the tub onto the floor. Luckily, the white foam covered all but her neck, head, and one shoulder.
“There’s too much of it.” She gestured to the mess and sent a cluster of bubbles flying through the air.
“I can see that. Are you hurt?”
“No, just unnerved. They kept building and building until I feared they might cover the entire chamber.”
“First, let’s turn off the water.” He reached into the sea of foam, found the faucets, and twisted each one in turn. “How much of the soapy liquid did you use?”
“The whole bottle.”
His eyes widened. “Well, that explains it. Only a small amount is necessary.”
“When Hannah showed me how to use it, she simply turned the bottle upside down to demonstrate pouring. I assumed all of the liquid was needed.” With a rueful expression, she looked around her. “Obviously not.”
She was adorable. And underneath those bubbles, she was nude. Time to go!
“Well, I’m glad ʼtwas nothing serious. I’ll just be going now.” With an about face, he headed for the door.
“Wait.”
Uh oh. What does she want now? He turned back around.
“I must know something, and you’re the only one who can help me know it.”
A warning bell pealed in his mind and urged his heart to quicken its pace. “What do you want to know?”
“Earlier, you called me attractive, but you haven’t seen all of me.”
Only by the grace of those bubbles! Did she intend to bare all? No…modesty would prevent that. But the look in her eye—that steady gleam of determination—made him nervous. “Surely you don’t mean—”
“I do. All of my married life, Evoric has mocked me and deemed me unappealing.”
“To him mayhap.” Or eunuchs. Otherwise…
Adamantly, she shook her head. “To all men. Or so he says.”
He is such a sleaze. “He’s just trying to make excuses for his own failure.”
“That may be, but I’ll never know for certain unless you look upon me yourself and give me your honest opinion.”
Dear God. How did I get myself into this mess? “I really think ʼtis better if—”
“Griff.” Her violet eyes pleaded with him. “I know I’ve asked a lot from you, but I need this. Otherwise, I’ll wonder about it the rest of my life.”
How could he deny her the chance to rebuild her self-confidence? He took a deep breath, pushed it out, and braced for what would come. “Very well. Show yourself to me.”
Buy Links
Amazon https://amzn.com/B08RYD2GW8
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8
Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/return-of-the-raven-judith-sterling/1138556276
Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/return-of-the-raven/id1547199256
Author Bio
Judith Sterling is an award-winning author whose love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Whether penning medieval romance (The Novels of Ravenwood) or young adult paranormal fantasy (the Guardians of Erin series), her favorite themes include true love, destiny, time travel, healing, redemption, and finding the hidden magic which exists all around us. She loves to share that magic with readers and whisk them far away from their troubles, particularly to locations in the British Isles.
Your website: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/
Your facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judithsterlingfiction/
Twitter:
One Other link of importance: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16291161.Judith_Sterling
Title of current release: Return of the Raven
Buy link: https://amzn.com/B08RYD2GW8
Author name: Judith Sterling
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Book Five, Judith Sterling, Novels of Ravenwood, Paranormal Romance, Return of the Raven by Tena Stetler with 6 comments.
Midnight Acquisition by Jayne York – An Interview
Give a warm welcome to Jayne York, author of Midnight Acquisition, her new release. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Jayne and her Midnight Acquisition.
Jayne tell us what inspired this particular story?
I’ve been a custom jeweler for something like forty years. As you can imagine, the number of customers I’ve worked with during that time is daunting. They all have one thing in common though—each and everyone has a story attached to the project they bring to me. It doesn’t matter if it’s the creation of an engagement ring that starts their story or the restoration of a family piece that’s been lovingly handed down from generation to generation. It’s always a privilege to participate in commemorating their personal legend.
What mistakes have you made and what did you learn from them?
The list of mistakes is too long to compile I’m afraid. The one that sticks out the most prominently comes from a lesson I learned in writing my first book “If Wishes Were Horses”, and that is that you should be very selective when sharing your work. It’s easy to be dissuaded by people who have no real talent for storytelling. Asking random opinions can draw you off your path toward publication. It can dampen your enthusiasm or your spirits, and cause you shove your work under the bed. Always make certain those you ask for an opinion are better writers than you are.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
Fearlessness. Take your destiny in your hands and step out of your comfort zone. That’s where life is.
Where do your story ideas come from? If they come to you in the middle of the night, do you get up and write them all down?
My desk, my purse and my phone are littered with “notes to self.” I sleep too soundly to remember brilliant ideas from dreams, but often times while zoning out during long drives I’ll work out plot twists and have to grab my phone to record an idea or pull off the road to furiously jot down the note before it gets lost in the ether.
Okay, you’re casting the movie version of your novel – who would you choose for the main characters? We’re talking dream cast.
Now this one’s simple because I always have an actor in mind when developing a character. I post a pic of them to my desktop to keep their image fresh as I’m picturing them in action in the book.
Dream Cast: Female MC: Juliette Rochambeau
Katherine Heigl (Jen in Killers)
Male MC: Becket Ford
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones)
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Favorite movie: Casablanca
Favorite book: Outlander, Diana Gabaldon
Last book read: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Marcus Rediker
Favorite color: Turquoise
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Ebook
Pencil or pen: Computer
Favorite song: River, Joni Mitchell
Streak or not: NOT
Favorite dessert: Apple Crisp
Favorite junk food: Sea Salt/Black Pepper chips
Favorite thing to do to relax: Bourbon and Blues
Champagne or gin: Dirty Martini
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Wonder Woman
Favorite TV show: White Collar
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: Third Person
I’d die if I don’t have: Family
Review or Not: Review
Tell us a little more about Midnight Acquisition:
Juliette Rochambeau was heartbroken when the boy she loved ran from South Carolina. Fifteen years later, she returns to her hometown to appraise her family’s historic gem-encrusted necklace. Becket Ford is a thief whose regret over leaving Juliette behind tears at his heart. His remorse, however, must take a back seat when a sadistic puppet master forces him to use their connection to steal the necklace or die trying. As they both vie for possession of the priceless jewels, lingering desire and emotion from years ago explode back to life. But escaping a madman and finding a future free of their past may just be a fantasy…
A sneak peek between the pages of Midnight Acquisition:
“Hello, Jules.” His lips quirked up, and she took a hesitant step toward him as if he’d pulled on an invisible thread. A swarm of bees erupted in her chest. He stood, and she couldn’t help herself; she took him in from hair to soft leather loafers. Their gazes locked. His startling gray eyes should have been cool given the color, but the emotion swimming in their depths held her fixed in place. Riveted. The silvery center rimmed in a blue so dark it was nearly black, and thick lashes, a lush sable brown like the roots of his hair. This Beck was as familiar as home and at the same time different as night from day. Gone was the boyish promise of good looks, and in its place, a devastatingly handsome man. The shoulders she used to love were broader, his waist honed. The flat stomach she’d caressed with curious, questing fingers was now an impressive six-pack of muscle revealed by the cling of his T-shirt. His chest, when he drew in a deep breath, strained the white fabric. Her body seemed to disconnect from her mind, and the power of speech deserted her. When she finally mustered the wherewithal to reply, her voice resembled the grate of a rusty screen door. “What are you doing here?” She cleared her throat. “I mean, hello yourself. I didn’t know you were back in Charleston.” She fought the urge to sling herself across the distance and jump into his arms. Her fists clenched to drag back control. Pull yourself together, Juliette. He trashed your stupid heart and didn’t think twice.
Purchase Links:
Amazon iTunes Google Books Kobo Barnes and Noble
About the author:
I can’t resist the call of a great story. As the child of a world-class machinist and a frustrated artist, I learned early on the joy of creating handcrafted jewelry. Each piece, like every customer, has its own tale to tell. You’ll find them, collected like pearls in a strand, inside my steamy contemporary romance and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense novels. Like my one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, the heroines in my books are rare, desirable and priceless. Their hearts can only be won by sexy, formidable heroes. ~*~ Find me online at: http://JayneYork.com
Website: JayneYork.com
Blog: JayneYork.com/What’s On My Mind
Email: Jayne@JayneYork.com
Twitter: @JayneYorkAuthor
Facebook: JayneYorkAuthor
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Midnight Acquisition!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary Romance, Jayne York, Midnight Acquisition, Mystery by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Charm Me by Tena Stetler 99¢ #MFRWHooks
Looking to escape the winter doldrumes? The the award winning Charm Me a Candy Hearts Romance has got you covered. ON SALE FOR 99CENTS! #MFRWHooks reads this week. Summer Dawn Rylie’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. Can Valentine Magic bring them together forever?
Pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Charm Me!
A little about Charm Me:
Summer Dawn Rylie’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a women’s weapons class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.
Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?
A peek between the pages of Charm Me.
Getting to her feet, she brushed the dust from her black yoga pants, tugged at the bottom of her bright orange tunic, and flipped the light switch on. A soft glow of florescent lighting flooded the large room, soothing Summer’s nerves. Guess she would never be the same carefree individual she was before the incident. Oh, shake it off. You’re safe and it’s time to get on with life. “Come on Pip, let’s get this place open.”
A massive stone fireplace towered in the corner. She picked up an arm full of wood and flung it in the general direction. Logs landed in the fire pit and neatly arranged themselves in a tepee shape. With a magic flick of her finger toward the hearth, flames raced up the aspen logs. “That’s better.”
She raised her arms, about to send the yoga mats back to their proper place when the heavy wooden front door creaked open. Piper rushed toward the door, teeth bared and a growl rumbled in her throat. Summer whirled around and yelped as Devlin ambled into the room, black hair tousled and glistening with melting snowflakes. His nonchalance at the dog’s approach surprised her as he slowed to a stop. Piper sniffed around him, backed up a few inches, then stood at alert in front of Devlin.
“You scared the bejeebers out of me.” Summer held her hand to her chest as her heart thundered.
“What are you doing here?”
“Call your guard dog off and I’ll tell you.” The corners of Devlin’s mouth curved up into a smile, a faint light twinkled in the depths of his dark eyes.
“Piper, leave it…come.” The dog gave Devlin a last sideways glance, trotted back to Summer and sat at her side.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Charm Me, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, shape shifters, Witches by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
