Dirty Little Secret (#2)

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday they get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets.
To participate in the meme all you need to do is: 
1. Be a follower of Under the Covers. 
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image and copy instructions. 
3. Answer the question they propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Add your link in their post!

This week's question is:

Book abuse! What's the worst thing you've done to a book.

Actually, books are pretty safe with me as I'm very good with keeping them in great condition. I don't dog-ear pages, I don't roll-over them during the reading... Nothing that can damage the book in any way. BUT I have all paperbacks (with just a few exceptions) and let's face it, they're definitely more delicate than hard copies so, despite the fact that I'm super-careful with not breaking their spines, it happened twice. :( I'm sure everyone of you understands how hurtful it is when that happens... *Sigh*

What about you? What's the worst thing you've done to a book?

"Kept" by Zoe Winters

KEPT BY ZOE WINTERS

SERIES: First Novella in the Blood Lust Anthology
PUBLISHER: IncuBooks
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
SOURCE: Free E-copy via Zoe Winter's newsletter

SUMMARY (from Goodreads)

As a cat therian (shifter), Greta’s blood is already sought after to enhance spells and potions, but due to a quirk of her birth, her blood is potent enough to kill for. When her tribe plans to sacrifice her, Greta must ally herself with Dayne, the dangerous local sorcerer, and the only person strong enough to protect her.

MY REVIEW

Most people find novellas frustrating to read because they end quickly. Of course, when we find a really good story we never want to see the end coming, but isn't this the case of every book, short or not? What's really important is to run into a good author who knows how to let you live in a dream state, no matter if it's just for one hour or an entire day.

Having said that, "Kept" is 86 pages of pure, amazing charm. There are more details than you can except to usually find in novellas, definitely great characters and lots of sexual tension going on between the main ones (especially during the first part) that made the whole read even more pleasurable. I was able to feel close to both, Greta and Dayne, they definitely got me on the right emotional level, plus Dayne isn't the classic hero... He's... Well, Dayne. Simple as that!

You can get "Kept" for free by subscribing to Zoe Winter's newsletter. All you have to do is send a blank email to FreeKept@gmail.com and I strongly suggest you to do so, because "Kept" is really a captivating introduction to a fascinating preternaturals world. Oh, and don't forget to visit TherianType.com Ha! Genius!

RATING: 4.5/5

Winners for Zoe Winters and Kimberly Kinrade Kindle Fire Giveaway!

The winners are as follows:

First Prize: Signed copies of Zoe Winters’ and Kimberly Kinrade’s books (all the books pictured above): Alexandra Z. (email addy starts with “vair”)

Grand Prize: Signed copies of all books plus an Amazon Gift card for $200 (to purchase a Kindle Fire or whatever the winner would prefer instead.): Valerie L. (email addy starts with “just.v”)

Blogger Prize: (the blogger with the most comments on their post): Signed copies of all books: Gracen Miller (Road to Hell blog)

If you didn’t win but thought books from either of our authors looked good, then please support them and their work! Information again for the authors and where to find their books is below:

Learn more about Zoe Winters's Preternatural Series here:
http://zoewintersbooks.com/books/
Book 1: Blood Lust

Book 2: Save My Soul

Book 3: The Catalyst

Book 4: Life Cycle

And more about Kimberly Kinrade's Forbidden Series here:
http://kimberlykinrade.com/books/forbidden-series/
Book 1: Forbidden Mind
Book 2: Forbidden Fire
Book 3: Forbidden Life (coming Oct. 2, 2012)

About Zoe Winters

Zoe Winters writes quirky and sometimes dark paranormal romance. Her favorite colors are rainbow and clear.
To receive updates on new releases from the author, send an email to: zoewintersbooks AT gmail DOT com with "Subscribe" in the subject line. Newsletters go out only when there is an actual new release or a big contest. Your inbox will not be cluttered, newsletters won't go out more frequently than once a month, and you may unsubscribe at any time.
You can visit the author at: http://www.zoewintersbooks.com
Be sure also to visit http://www.theriantype.com for some fun supplemental material.

Twitter Page - Like her on Facebook - Amazon Author Page - Goodreads Author Profile

About Kimberly Kinrade

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes all things paranormal and fantasy, including award-winning young adult and children's books.

Visit her at http://KimberlyKInrade.com
Also visit http://IPIAcademy.com to participate in a fun fan-based site with swag and info on all things paranormal. You even get to be a secret agent!

Twitter Page - Like her on Facebook - Amazon Author Page - Goodreads Author Page

Piatkus Entice Writing Competition!

WIN A PUBLISHING CONTRACT WITH PIATKUS ENTICE!
*Don't miss this amazing opportunity!*

We all need a little romance in our lives, but have you ever had that niggling feeling you could be doing more than just reading about it?

Sometimes to make the magic happen, you have to take things in your own hands. So if you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to have your romantic writing published, now’s your chance!

Piatkus Entice is offering you the opportunity of a lifetime – to win one of three publishing contracts.

The three winners’ novels will be published in summer 2013, with Entice accepting entries in the following genres:

1) Romance/contemporary women’s fiction

2) Historical romance

3) Paranormal romance

One winner from each category will be chosen and their novel will be published as an ebook  under the Piatkus Entice imprint.

The winners will be announced at the Festival of Romance 2012*. To enter you will need to submit the following:

- A one page synopsis of your book

- Cover blurb

- Your completed manuscript of 80 – 100,000 words (double spaced/Times New Roman 12)

- Author biography and photo

- Contact information including telephone number and email address

Entries should be emailed as Word document attachments to: Piatkus.Entice@littlebrown.co.uk with the subject line ‘Piatkus Entice publishing contract’ plus the category to which you are applying e.g. ‘historical romance’.

The closing date for entries is 30th September 2012. Terms and conditions apply. Please read them carefully before sending in your entry as all entries must comply with its requirements.

Dirty Little Secret (#1)

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday they get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets.
To participate in the meme all you need to do is: 
1. Be a follower of Under the Covers. 
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image and copy instructions. 
3. Answer the question they propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Add your link in their post!

This week's question is:

What quote or picture would you get tattooed from a book and where would you get it?

The answer can be one and only:

I can picture it on my lower back (I'd like it on my wrist, too), but without "The Demon Trapper Series" text.

Isn't it a beauty? And the series is a kick-ass OMG-how-awesome one!

What about you? What quote or picture would you get tattooed from a book and where would you get it?

"Craving" by Miranda Stork

CRAVING BY MIRANDA STORK

SERIES: Darkest Desires #1
PUBLISHER: Moon Rose Publishing
GENRE: Erotica/Paranormal
SOURCE: Free E-copy from Amazon

SUMMARY (from Goodreads)

Sex and the paranormal have always gone hand and hand, and these stories will delve into your deepest fears and fantasies....

CRAVING

A young woman has a strange urge, one she cannot fulfil-she dreams of fangs and blood along with her most sensual thoughts. She is beginning to think she will go mad, when a chance encounter with a stranger occurs at a country hotel...

TRAPPED

A simple night in the woods with her possibly ex-boyfriend starts terribly for Selena, and gets worse at it turns murderous. But what she doesn't realise is that sometimes murderous creatures get a taste for women lost in the woods...

GIVING INTO TEMPTATION

Elisabeth is a useless Wiccan witch, with less power in her whole body than anyone else's little finger. So when she finds an advert advertising help with finding your magickal niche, she decides to take it up. But the bearer of the advert has another reason to attract her to him...

HUNTING THE HUNTER

Having been alive longer than any other vampire she knows, Arielle has fought quite a few hunters in her time. But one night a hunter breaks in who catches her attention, and her desires...and a vampire’s desires may not always be what you want them to be...

Warning! This book contains graphic scenes of sex, mild BDSM scenes, some swearing, very hot and sexy men and women both paranormal and human, and just a sprinkle of cheekiness!

MY REVIEW

Miranda Stork has managed to write four short erotic paranormal stories without being repetitive and it was a pleasure reading them in one sit. (Warning: that happens because standing up is such a very hard task once you start the reading...)

"Craving" and "Hunting The Hunter" were definitely the faster and the ones I enjoyed less, despite vampires (you know I love them) and the undeniable mood they put you in... What I really liked were the characters in "Giving Into Temptation", but then it's "Trapped" that won the gold. There's the potential for a very captivating story with the right horror background, an heroine who finally doesn't have I-am-going-to-die-in-the-next-couple-of-minutes-because-that-is-how-stupid-I-am written all over her the instant she makes an appearance, and then, of course, there's the alpha male... Let's be honest everyone, the alpha has always that sex appeal that can't be denied, doesn't he? Read the collection and then tell me if I'm wrong.

RATING: 4/5

"Virgin Dancer" by Deborah Court

VIRGIN DANCER BY DEBORAH COURT

SERIES: Stand-alone
PUBLISHER: Deborah Court
GENRE: Erotic Romance
SOURCE: Free E-copy from Amazon

SUMMARY (from Goodreads)

Jade, a small town girl who has recently moved to New York to become a professsional ballet dancer, is wildly determined to lose her virginity. She goes to a Lower East Side club and celebrates her birthday with friends - fully intending to choose the most handsome, charismatic man she'll meet there to introduce her to the art of love that night. Instantly she falls for the blonde, tall Swedish sex god who owns the club, pretending to be a pole dancer who wants to apply for a job. But Alrik has secrets of his own, and soon Jade gets entangled in a web of danger, mystery and relentless passion...

MY REVIEW

There's nothing about this book I can possibly say I haven't extremely enjoyed (even the cover, in perfect syntony with the book, trust me).

The plot is captivating and everything is all well written with a right dose of suspense that I wasn't expecting to find here at all. Jade and Alrik (who I wish I'd meet for real) are two great characters, well defined and realistic. I loved the way their relationship evolved and let me point out that sex here is something to particularly appreciate. When you read about the sex scenes (so damn good and very well described), you find they're there for a purpose. Sex isn't something the author added just for the pleasure of classifying the book as erotic romance or to give you a more exciting read, sex is something essential and it totally helps moving the story forward. I really loved every-single-page.

Deborah Court has a beautiful style and this book was unexpectedly exciting in many ways and sensually entertaining. I highly recommend it.

RATING: 5/5

"Time Untime" by Sherrilyn Kenyon

TIME UNTIME BY SHERRILYN KENYON

SERIES: Dark-Hunter #17
PUBLISHER: Piatkus
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
SOURCE: Review copy received from the publisher

SUMMARY (from the book)

The Mayans aren’t the only ones with a 2012 prophecy… Long before recorded history, there was a warrior so feared that everyone trembled before his wrath. Only a brutal betrayal by the one closest to him could defeat him. But not even death was the end of a man so strong. The Time Untime approaches… Kateri Avani has been plagued her entire life with dreams she doesn’t understand. Images of places she’s never been and of a man she’s never seen. Her quest for answers has driven her to Las Vegas where she hopes to finally silence the demons in her mind. What she never anticipates is coming face to face with the warrior who has haunted her her entire life. Ren Waya came back from the dead to keep the prophecy he began from coming true and ending the world. For thousands of years, he has fought the same evil that once possessed him. But now that evil has brought back the one person he can’t fight. The one person who once held the most sacred part of him. His heart. But if he doesn’t kill Kateri, the deadliest of evils will reemerge and destroy everyone else on the planet. It was a sacrifice he made once. Will he be able to make it again?

MY REVIEW

A captivating plot with a good mix of romance and action is always a sign of a great story, but if you find a special character in it, that will catch your attention more than anything else. The name of such a powerful character here is Ren and his charm has nothing to do with his beauty or behaviour, but all with his background story. You can't help but feel terribly sorry for him, for all he's been through in his whole life (and we're talking thousands of years), he had to suffer so many wrongs and, most important thing, he has been denied love in all its forms. The more you read, the more you feel a deep tenderness and a desperate need to let him know that, even if it's hard to believe, someone in this world can be a decent human being.

The mythology plays a huge role in the story and it's very interesting, but I'm afraid I think it was too much. Don't get this wrong, it's all very fascinating and Kenyon's style is anything but boring, but we have lots of information to keep constantly up and the reading was slow from time to time. But despite that, I found the book enjoyable and really touching.

RATING: 3.5/5

Chasing Fate Tour: Excerpt & Giveaway!

Today I'm very happy to host Chasing Fate Tour (by Dark Mind Book Tours)!!

Welcome to Darkest Sins, Elle!

(Elle J Rossi)

Elle J Rossi grew up in rural Indiana surrounded by great people, a huge family and more animals than she could count. But the sites and sounds of the world beckoned, so she left her small town to escape into a creative world full of music. As a full time singer she was able to lose herself in a thousand different songs in a hundred different places. After meeting the love of her life and settling down, she yearned to find a new and fulfilling creative outlet. Overly fond of the happily ever after, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters lead her down dark and twisted paths. The very first word on the very first page sealed her fate. She'd found a new love. She'd found her escape. Now along with weaving haunting tales about the journey to love, she's creating cover art for authors around the world and loving every second of it. For fun, she cranks country music to take her back to her roots, and sings karaoke anytime she gets a chance. Her husband, two children, and a cat that rules the roost keep her company along the way and guarantee she doesn't get lost in the enchanted forest. She wouldn't have it any other way.

Where you can find Elle: Website - Blog - Twitter - Facebook

Here you can read the book summary: She is forced to kill . . . When a much-needed vacation turns into work for the third Fate, Atropos vows to sever the mortal’s lifeline quickly and get back to the sea and sand. Having her mysterious quarry offer a deal in exchange for more time is an unexpected complication. Always surrounded by darkness and death, Attie embraces the chance to toy with life and love and to help right an unjust wrong. He refuses to die . . . Dru spent months praying for death. Anger over the brutal killing of his family festered until those prayers turned to plans for revenge. Making a deal with the Death Fate was the only way to extend his lease on life. He only needed a handful of days to avenge those he lost, but within minutes of meeting Atropos he knew he’d want forever.

Amazon
Smashwords

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CHASING FATE EXCERPT

It didn’t take long to find him. She didn’t need a name to know she had come to the right place. Her visions never lied and neither did the tug she felt toward the man in the center of the room. Crouched on the floor in front of a table, he appeared to be rifling through something. Methodic. Intense. She took a moment to observe. 
A man who looked this healthy shouldn’t have Death at the door, but Attie knew all too well this sort of thing happened quite often. The doctors would note heart attack or natural causes on this death certificate. His death could not be denied. She had never felt a stronger pull, like a rope had been tethered to her core while a gang of gods pulled on the opposite end. Attie rubbed her stomach, cocked her head, and studied what she could only call prey.
Bare feet met black cotton pants. He wore no shirt, and recently cut dark hair that followed a straight line across the back of his neck glistened as though he had just come from the shower. 
Her body reacted, but she instantly shut it down. She was not Chloe. She did not find mortals attractive, especially a mortal who was about to draw his last breath. Squinting, she saw the delicate fiber of his lifeline flicker in and out. Not much time left. In two steps, she closed the distance and stood over the man who had no idea a killer had entered his home. 
 Slowly reaching out, she skimmed her fingers over the fragile but taut thread. Though he never turned, his muscles bunched as if the strand was his spine and his skin sensitive to even the most gentle of touches. Curious about his reaction, Attie held the thread between her thumb and forefinger and slowly dragged her hand down. This time, the male shuddered like he knew death stood with him, ready to take his life essence. 
Impossible.
“I won’t go yet.”
Attie paused, cocked her head. To whom did he speak? Surely not her, for she could not be seen. Not in the moments before she delivered her death sentence. More than once, humans had begged for their lives, prayed not to die. But they didn’t know they begged her, prayed to her. Even those who claimed to be atheist still prayed when death came knocking at their door. Just once, it would have been nice if someone knew who brought death. Atropos.
Attie shook her head to erase the petty thoughts and resumed the task at hand. Her job was her duty, a duty she took seriously even though accolades would never come. Unsheathing her blade from the holster secured to her thigh, she held it up to the beam of moonlight filtering through the lone window.
The blade, made from perfect, uncut diamonds, glittered like a promise. A promise indeed. Atropos and her weapon, for one was never without the other, promised death. Today was this human’s day to die. 
“You are wrong. I will not die today.”

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International Giveaway!
Would you like an eBook copy of Chasing Fate?

Guess what? Elle is kindly giving away two of them!!
What are you waiting for? Fill the Rafflecopter form below and good luck! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Darkest Sins is nominated at The Bloggy Awards 2012!

Hey guys,

Did you know that the great girls at Singing & Reading In The Rain, Read-a-Holicz, Fiction Freak and ILoveTeenBooks are organizing The Bloggy Awards? The purpose of this cool event is to spread blogger love and recognize some of the most amazing blogs out there.

Darkest Sins has already been nominated for Most Creative Blogger and Best Design!! But that's not all, Dark Mind Book Tours has been nominated, as well, for Best Tour Group Blog and Best Design! How cool is that? :)

Click on the banner you see here on the left and check out all the amazing bloggers nominated like: Mind Reader, Vaempires, Fictional Candy, TToria, Miranda Stork, Cameo Renae, Happy Tails & Tales and many more!

Nominations will be open until August 13th, midnight eastern standard time. If you think we deserve a nominee even in other categories, feel free to include us there and...

Thanks everyone!!
Silvia & Darkest Sins

Win a Kindle Fire and signed copies of all of Zoe Winters' and Kimberly Kinrade's books!!

Summer is heating up, and we're making it even hotter with a sizzling summer promotion you won't want to miss.

Win a Kindle Fire and six signed paperback books from authors Zoe Winters and Kimberly Kinrade, and get ready to enjoy some sexy hot reads while having fun in the sun. 

From August 5-18th, Winters and Kinrade are giving away two sets of each of their paranormal romance series (all signed) to two lucky winners. The Grand Prize winner will also receive a Gift Certificate for Amazon.com to cover the cost of a Kindle Fire (but we won't tell if you just want to buy $200 worth of books instead!)

Join us in celebrating the launch of the newest in Zoe Winters's Preternatural Series, Life Cycle (how much do we love love love Tamara and Cain? So freaking much!) which now includes one novella compilation and three novels. If hot & steamy paranormal romance is your thing, then you'll fall in love with all the hunks in this series, whether they be demons, vampires, werewolves or mages… they're all so deliciously bad they're good!

Life Cycle is book 4 in the Preternaturals series. However, new readers can read this installment first with no problems. Most of the books work as stand alones, and each book focuses on a different couple. The main theme of the Preternaturals is: “Everybody is the hero of their own story.” Some characters start out villains and become heroes. Some are heroes and turn into villains. Some are heroes to some characters and villains to others.

The series world has multiple dimensions, heaven, hell (which is earth), demon dimensions, and others. Magic, reincarnation, witches, vampires, demons, werecreatures of all sorts (called therians), gods, and angels all play an important role in the Pretverse. 

It’s a world where blood is magic, authority is questioned, and soul mates always find each other, no matter how many incarnations it takes.

The Preternaturals contains a blend of snarky humor and angst that fans of the series have come to expect and enjoy.

As an extra bonus for this exciting launch, get signed copies of Kimberly Kinrade's award winning Forbidden Series—a YA paranormal romance/thriller.

"...a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment." - Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews

While light on sex (it is Young Adult after all) it's packed full of romance and a fast-paced thrilling adventure. Think X-Men meets Dollhouse if Professor X has been an evil human trafficking geneticist. 

Paranormal teens with unimaginable powers. An evil organization with deep secrets. When Sam, a girl who reads minds, meets a boy who controls minds, she discovers her future isn’t what she thought.
Together they must escape and free the others… or risk losing everything–and everyone–they love.

Learn more about Zoe Winters's Preternatural Series here:
http://zoewintersbooks.com/books/
Book 1: Blood Lust

Book 2: Save My Soul

Book 3: The Catalyst

Book 4: Life Cycle

And more about Kimberly Kinrade's Forbidden Series here:
http://kimberlykinrade.com/books/forbidden-series/
Book 1: Forbidden Mind
Book 2: Forbidden Fire
Book 3: Forbidden Life (coming Oct. 2, 2012)

About Zoe Winters

Zoe Winters writes quirky and sometimes dark paranormal romance. Her favorite colors are rainbow and clear.
To receive updates on new releases from the author, send an email to: zoewintersbooks AT gmail DOT com with "Subscribe" in the subject line. Newsletters go out only when there is an actual new release or a big contest. Your inbox will not be cluttered, newsletters won't go out more frequently than once a month, and you may unsubscribe at any time.
You can visit the author at: http://www.zoewintersbooks.com
Be sure also to visit http://www.theriantype.com for some fun supplemental material.

Twitter Page - Like her on Facebook - Amazon Author Page - Goodreads Author Profile

About Kimberly Kinrade

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes all things paranormal and fantasy, including award-winning young adult and children's books.

Visit her at http://KimberlyKInrade.com
Also visit http://IPIAcademy.com to participate in a fun fan-based site with swag and info on all things paranormal. You even get to be a secret agent!

Twitter Page - Like her on Facebook - Amazon Author Page - Goodreads Author Page

About the GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fractured Light Tour: Giveaway!

This is the last stop for Fractured Light Tour (by Dark Mind Book Tours)!!
Welcome to Darkest Sins, Rachel!

(Rachel McClellan)

Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was...

How to connect with Rachel: Website - Blog - Twitter - Facebook - Goodreads

Here you can read the book summary: I’m dying, I thought. This was unexpected and not at all how I envisioned my death. I was supposed to die gardening in a flowerbed as a hundred-year-old woman, not as a seventeen-year-old trapped in a lake beneath inches of ice. Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After a Vyken killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake. As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

Barnes & Noble
Amazon UK
Amazon US

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Rachel is offering an eBook copy of "Fractured Light" to one lucky winner!
Open Internationally, you have a week to join the giveaway.
Good luck!

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Vaempires: White Christmas Trailer Reveal & Giveaway!

VAEMPIRES: WHITE CHRISTMAS

(A PRELUDE TO THE EVOLUTIONARY WAR SERIES)

It’s almost Christmas. With the global holiday days away, the people of the world should be turning their attention toward celebrating peace and goodwill, but tension between humans, vampires, and væmpires is at an all-time high. Desperate for solutions, King Brant schedules a secret summit deep in North America’s Northern Forest. Along with Queen Anne, Princess Cassandra, Daniel’s family, and the human President and First Lady, the vampire leader seeks to reaffirm the ties between humans and vampires, while brainstorming ways to respond to the growing hostility among væmpires. 

Meanwhile, Daniel and Cassie’s relationship is at an all-time low. The princess is still reeling from her breakup with Vielyn, and Daniel doesn’t know what he should or shouldn’t do to help. Little does he know that the summit will be flooded with surprises—guests, allegations, accusations, proposals, and even Christmas Eve revelations—but not all of the surprises will be pleasant.

Amazon.com - Amazon.co.uk - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Smashwords - CreateSpace

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WHITE CHRISTMAS
GUEST POST BY THOMAS WINSHIP

Hello everyone. I’m Thomas Winship, author of Væmpires: Revolution and Væmpires: White Christmas. Both books are part of a new, ongoing vampire series that explores the question: what if vampires evolved?

Today, I’d like to spend a few moments talking about something of great personal significance:

White Christmas.

For many—myself included—that phrase triggers so much: thoughts, emotions, feelings, hopes, dreams, even memories; all of them dear, all of them special.

All of them magical.

Because that’s the true power of a white Christmas. It can remind us that magic exists; that it is real and it is tangible and that it can manifest in the natural (and yes, even the mundane) things around us.

And who among us couldn’t use some magic in his/her life?

Now, I know many people don’t celebrate Christmas. That’s fine. I have no issue with those who accept or reject the religious aspect of Christmas, just as I have no issue with those who accept or reject the secular aspect of it. Heck, I don’t even have an issue with those who bemoan the gross commercialization of the holiday.

However, I firmly believe that, if we could convince people to momentarily put aside belief systems, everyone would agree that the concept of peace and goodwill to all is a worthwhile endeavor. A magical endeavor.

And that aspect of Christmas is what I hoped to capture in my story: Væmpires: White Christmas.

Set six months before the world-shattering events of Væmpires: Revolution, Væmpires: White Christmas gave me a forum in which to showcase a softer, gentler side of the væmpires universe—it gave me the opportunity to delve into love.

Ahhh … love. It’s a gift. It’s a blessing. It’s also the basic ingredient of peace and goodwill to all.

I certainly hope you’ll love Væmpires: White Christmas.

And speaking of magic—the amazing and talented Silvia Paoletta worked her magic in creating the video trailer for Væmpires: White Christmas. (Thank you, Silvia, for once again bringing magic into my life.) We’re pleased to unveil it for all of you today.

In conjunction with the video, we’re also offering a giveaway: a Væmpires Christmas Prize Pack consisting of signed copies of Væmpires: Revolution and Væmpires: White Christmas (one each) and one Væmpires: Revolution t-shirt.

See below for instructions on how to enter.

Please let Silvia and I know what you think of the trailer. Below are links where you can find me.

Website - Email - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - YouTube
Goodreads - Amazon.com - iTunes - Barnes & Noble - Smashwords

Without further ado, I’d like to introduce: Væmpires: White Christmas.

Take care,

Thomas Winship

*VAEMPIRES: WHITE CHRISTMAS by Thomas Winship*

I can't help myself, I get emotional every time I watch it... This is my third trailer for this brilliant series! Yes, I said brilliant and now I underlined it. Why? Because it is ... Ok, you got the message, I'll stop... For now! ;) Seriously guys, if you haven't read Vaempires: Revolution yet, I strongly suggest you to do so and then go grab Vaempires: White Christmas, the beautiful prequel, you won't regret that for a second!

Thanks Tom, as I keep telling you, working with you it's an amazing pleasure!

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VAEMPIRES CHRISTMAS PRIZE PACK!
(INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY)

This giveaway is running for a month only here on Darkest Sins!

On September 4th I will announce on the blog the lucky winner of:
- a signed copy of Vaempires: Revolution
- a signed copy of Vaempires: White Christmas
- a Vaempires: Revolution T-shirt
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Four In The Morning Tour: Excerpt & Giveaway!

Today I'm pleased to host Four In The Morning Tour (by Dark Mind Book Tours)!!

Welcome to Darkest Sins, Christi!

(Christi Goddard)

Christi was born in Arlington, Texas in the early seventies. Her earliest memories are of seeing Jaws and Star Trek: The Motion Picture in the theater. The first was a bit much for a pre-K kid to take, and the second has much to do with what has inspired her imagination. Her father is a bit of nomad, and they moved a lot when she was a kid. She inherited this trait, and has lived many places and been just about everywhere in America. She hit puberty in Colorado, got married in Las Vegas, had her first child in Kansas, her second in Illinois. She returned to Texas just shy of turning thirty and has been there ever since. Books are Christi's first love, followed closely by movies. She loves to be told stories, and for most of her literate life, she's been a storyteller as well. Christi is in her thirties, a mother of two awesome teenage girls, and a geek on many levels. Comic books, Victorian manga, science fiction, fantasy, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Star Wars, and renaissance festivals are her greatest loves. She lives in Waco, Texas (keep Waco Whacko) with her family and lovable dog, Nelly. She has a cat named Snape who is black, full of bad attitude, and thinks he runs the place. He was deftly named.

Where you can find Christi: Website - Twitter

Here you can read the book summary: Kathleen Hayson thinks her biggest problem is her mother. The only runner up—her mouth. With a wit sharper than her mother's perfectly manicured nails, her clever remarks create more problems than they solve. But it's not her clever remarks landing her knee-deep in trouble. This time, Josh Colby is to blame. Kathleen's former childhood friend has become the school's most stuck up jerk. Before, she'd have told him to piss off and write his own stupid letter to the town slut/minister's daughter. Now Kathleen's escalating problems at home force her to reevaluate how flexible her principles are. She agrees to write the controversial letter Josh has requested. Enter Rigel, a smartass magical creature who invades her room one night, promises he has come to help her. When a boy Kathleen hates turns up dead and her mother goes missing, the letter becomes a key piece of police evidence – implicating Kathleen. As she fights her way out of a web of lies, the trust she has in those closest to her shatters. In the end, she's pushed to a terrible choice: who lives, and who else dies.

Where to purchase Four In The Morning

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FOUR IN THE MORNING EXCERPT

My mom’s a liar.
What parents aren’t, right? They tell their kids lies about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. Even the Boogeyman who crouches in the shadows beneath beds has his legend whispered into the ears of young green bean-haters.
I wished my mom would use her power of deception for good. For one, I wouldn’t have to chase down people in the dark, braving the muggers and would-be rapists who lurk in the bushes on my street. 
If she’d told the boy who came knocking I was upstairs in my room, then we could have had a quick—though unlikely civil—conversation on the front porch. Instead, she told him I was out with another boy.
And she didn’t just tell this to anyone. No, of course not. She told this to Josh Colby. 
It was the equivalent of having some celebrity knock on your door after their car broke down. Except, as far as celebrities go, Josh’s status didn’t reach beyond the doors of our high school. We’d known each other for the many years of our educational careers, and mostly succeeded with our mutual effort to avoid speaking to one another.
Mocking doesn’t count.
 “Josh!”
I was too lazy to run for more than a block. To scream seemed an easier solution. When a male voice called back, I smiled at my small victory of intelligence over physical prowess.
“Yeah?”
He sounded close, within a block or so, but I couldn’t see him. The sliver of moon lacked radiance as it was smothered by dark clouds, but the streetlights were enough to confirm there was no silhouette of him on the sidewalk. He must have cut through a neighbor’s yard to head back to his house on the next street over.
“What did you want?” I winced at the sudden, sharp brilliance of lightning. Spots did flip-flops against the stretched shadows on the grass as my vision tried to recover. The scent of ozone carried on the cool breeze blended with that of a fresh cut lawn.
“That you, Elchubba?”
Elchubba is not my name. Not even close. Not that many of the kids at my school cared, and several might even be shocked to discover my real name was Kathleen. Not Kathy. Definitely not Elchubba. To my eternal frustration, I won that clever little nickname in junior high. Mostly because Ryan Dixon is a jerk, but also because I was horizontally challenged and usually clad in black from hair strand-to-toenail polish. It’s to do with Elvira. Lame, I know.
I just hoped Josh hadn’t asked my mother if Elchubba was home. I wouldn’t put it past him. Instead of correcting him, I turned on my heel and headed home. I didn’t answer him on principle. 
My house was still a sadistic distance from me when I heard Josh stumble through some bushes near the sidewalk behind me. Oh, heavy black boots, how you’ve failed me again.
“Wait!”
He mumbled a curse behind me after the distinct sound of his rubber soles tripping over a crack in the sidewalk. I didn’t slow down. Maybe he would follow me all the way back to my front door so I could slam it in his face.
He outpaced me to step into my path. I considered knocking him on his boney ass. I had the weight and momentum to do it. A whiff of whatever cheap, man-scent product he used to attract girls assaulted my nose. It reminded me of dish soap and burnt popcorn.
“Please, would you just stop?” Josh said. 
“Fine. What do you want?”
A car horn blared a few blocks away, followed by the squeal of tires. Josh glanced around like a super-secret spy. 
My response was an eye roll and crossed arms. If he didn’t want to be seen talking to me, then he shouldn’t have answered me. For that matter, he shouldn’t have come over.
Josh said, “I need you to do me a favor.”
The laugh that escaped me sounded more maniacal than I expected. “You’re high.”
Great. I wound up chasing a boy I hated down the street to do a favor for him. It was not the pinnacle of my existence. At least I hope not.
“No, I’m serious.” Josh leaned closer and dropped his voice. “I’ll pay you.”
“Then it’s not a favor. It’s a business proposition,” I said. “If you’re going to pay me for services—of the non-prostitutional variety—then it’s a business arrangement, not a favor. A favor I’d do for free.”
The hopeful look that passed his face prompted me to add, “For friends, not for you.”
“Okay, whatever.” Josh fished in a pocket of his too-baggy jeans and pulled out a folded bill. It was too dark for me to see which president. He smiled, his teeth a perfect picket fence of glaring white. “I want you to write a letter for me.”
My eyebrows lifted without my permission. “A letter? To who?” I didn’t ask why me. I was editor for the school paper and wrote for the quarterly lit magazine. 
“I’m not telling you unless you agree to do it.”
My eyes narrowed. “I’m not going to be suckered into writing a bomb threat or some stalker letter to a model you masturbate to.”
“No, no. It’s nothing like that.” Josh slouched and lowered the hand which held the bill to his side. “I was watching some old movie on TV tonight, and it got me thinking—”
I snorted.
“I’m serious, stop it. Well, this guy writes letters for a girl, but they’re from another guy who likes her.”
“You watched Cyrano de Bergerac?”
“Who? No, it was Roxy or Roseanne or something.”
“Roxanne?” I shook my head. “You were inspired by Steve Martin. Of course. You noticed that didn’t end well for the one guy, right?”
“Well, yeah. But that’s because the guy writing the letters steals her away. That won’t happen with us because you’re a girl. I mean, unless you’re a lezbo.”
My frown was so deep, my brows nearly touched. “How politically correct of you.”
“Oh. . . you mean you are?” He stepped away as if he’d just realized I was Typhoid Mary. 
I was offended on behalf of sexual libertines everywhere. “Yes, and we’re highly contagious. You better leave before you start wanting love letters for Ryan instead of whichever girl gets your mangina tingling.” 
For the record, I’m not a lesbian, but I didn’t care what he thought.
 “Well, she’s not,” Josh said. “So it wouldn’t matter if you liked her or not.” He lifted up the bill again. “I’ll give you twenty dollars to write a letter that a girl would like, and make it sound like me.”
I chuckled. “Those two concepts don’t mesh.”
“Just take it, all right?”
“No, I’m pretty sure my morals exclude this . . . escapade of falsehood.”
“What? Jesus, why can’t you talk like other people?”
“My intellect prevents it, sadly.” My wry smile belied any regret.
“No, you just like being freaky little Elchubba,” he shot back. “Only not so little.” He glared at me as he stuffed the money back in his pocket, and then strode away in a huff. 
He couldn’t have been more wrong. I didn’t like being Elchubba at all. I didn’t like being called that, I didn’t like being overweight, and I didn’t like that I had to go back into my house and explain to Darth Mother who Josh was and why I chased him down the street.
Sometimes, I feel like life is trying to swallow me whole. I do my best to flail about and get caught in its throat. More than once I’ve been sure I was hanging onto life’s uvula by my fingernails. Which, of course, just tickles life’s throat until it coughs me back out.
God, I’m tired of being coated in life’s phlegm. 
But my curiosity was piqued. What girl could Josh possibly think was worth all this trouble?

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