New Moon Madness

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I've been hard at work revising my latest novel. Revising is a long process for me. Not as long as writing, but it seems that time just drags by while revising. I'm a few chapters away from this last read through, but when I'm not working on this piece another piece is peeking through already, and it seems this crazy new moon is only helping increase my interest in the story.

I love writing paranormal, fantasy and science fiction pieces. I fell in love with the thrill that creating the worlds gives me. Over the last few years paranormal fiction has taken over and I focused on werewolves and witches more than anything. In Witch Hunt Rei is a powerful Earth Witch who runs into a pack of werewolves in Montana. I have a healer in this latest story which is tied to the Witch Hunt world, and a third story idea centered around just the witch culture of the same world.

It may have been the idea of these witches that started to inspire a short story idea for me. A world were werewolves, vampires and other supernatural beasties are not as common in the story line. This story is based around two historically powerful families. Each family passes along their magical power to the next head of the family, and of course the families don't get along so well.

I'm not sure yet where this story is heading but this new moon tonight is pulling me towards starting some sort of outline for the story. If I do get an outline done I'm going to set it aside until I've finished those last few chapters of revision.

Enjoy this Super New Moon!

Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper

For my first book in the 2014 Shifter Challenge hosted by Parajunkee I read Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper. When I found this book I was excited because I love dragons and the idea of a shifter being able to transform into a dragon is awesome.

Taking place in the late 18th century, the story revolves around Mina, a young independent woman working as a secretary in London, and Stephen, a centuries old shape shifter. The two are thrown together when an old enemy surfaces. Mina is working for a scholar in is older years when Stephen first meets her. Stephen begins to call her Cerberus due to her fierce manner in following her employer's orders.

Soon Mina is drug into the occult underground while trying to protect her employer. This leads to Stephen's secret being relieved and the need to keep Mina close at hand. Stephen offers to employ Mina himself to keep her safe from the evil magician that is looking for Stephen's secret.

My thoughts on the book:

The story is well written and drifts more towards a detective style apposed to the romantic style most romance readers are used to. The romance adds a little extra flavor to the story and makes you want to cheer for Mina. Stephen has an air of mystery around him that I don't think is explained very well. Mina finds the answers to these secrets pretty easy and kind of left me wanting to know more about the detective side of the story.

As Stephen searches for the magician he is taken into the back rooms and dark roads of London. He takes Mina with him from time to time when he cannot do something alone. I was really drawn in by the clue hunting and smoky backrooms that created this mystery.

With all that being said, I have to add that this really isn't a book that can be judged by it's cover. Instead of a robust, sword wielding Scottish dragon, I found a gentleman who is by far more capable within the realm of magic. I'm sure Stephen can wield a sword, but I would have loved to have seen it. All in all Legend of the Highland Dragon is a great read for anyone interested in detective stories set in late 18th century London that has a flare of paranormal fun.

Witch Hunt Giveaway

Here's a great chance for two lucky readers to win a copy of Witch Hunt! The giveaway starts today and will end Fed. 3, 2014. The lucky winners will receive their copy by Fed. 10, 2014, just in time for a great Valentine's Day read. (It might just be the prefect gift for that special someone in your life.)

The rules are pretty simple. You just enter your e-mail into the Witch Hunt Giveaway box to your right. That's all! You'll be entered to win a copy, but you can increase your chances of winning by letting other people know about the giveaway, by visiting my author site, by liking the Hunter or Hunted page on Facebook, by tweeting about the contest or by sharing the contest on Facebook. That's five extra chances for you to win!

Happy reading everyone!

Parajunkee's Shifter Challenge for 2014

 

Get ready for it. Here it comes.... it's the Shifter Challenge for 2014! Hosted by Parajunkee.com this reading challenge is an awesome way to get yourself back into a reading routine.  Here are the rules posted up on the site:

"THE RULES:

1. The Shifter Challenge runs from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014
2. The challenge is to read 10 books that have a SHIFTER as a main, or supporting character
3. Books can be in any format and should be at least 100 pages. Short stories do not count. You can also post about rereads.
4. Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating or create a shelf via Goodreads, Booklikes etc. That post or shelf is the link that you will include in the link-up below. The link should be the post link not just your direct blog link. Please be courteous and include a link back to this post.
5. Post your reviews on the Review Post  "

So all you have to do is sign up for the challenge and get to reading. Don't forget to let the reading groups know what you're doing! I'm going to be signing up for this challenge as I'm a big fan of shifter stories. There is also a Vampire Challenge, but I ran myself dry on vampires a few years ago. But that would be a great challenge for any fang lovers out there.

I'm off to find my first shifter book. If you're thinking about joining may I suggest Witch Hunt or you can find a number of Shifter Romances over at Cobblestone Press. They have a shifter line that features books that center around shape shifters. 

Good dreams and happy reading everyone!