Stephanie Judice's Blog

Hello, paranormal lovers! For those who are a fan of the sarcastic, smart-ass Jeremy from the Setti series, I have a little treat for you. If you don't know him, you'll know him pretty well by the end of this story. This short is set during RESISTANCE, book two of the Setti series, telling the romantic tale of Jeremy and Hannah.  

One thing to note before you read if you're unfamiliar with the Setti series. The Setti each have different powers. The Sounders hold the power to wield destruction against their enemy, the demonic reapers and their slaves, the shadow scouts, through their own voices. They also have an affinity for music. Jeremy is a Sounder. Hannah is a Light-bearer, one who can harness energy, all energy, and use it to destroy the enemy. The side-effect is a bright glow under the skin. So, without further ado, here's JEREMY'S HEART. Hope you enjoy.



Jeremy’s Heart

Snow. What on earth was its purpose other than to freeze my ass off? Even in my Wyatt Earp duster, I was freakin’ cold, man. Cold. Ruha beat his drumsticks on a stump next to me. Max sat on another, strumming his guitar. I tapped my fingers on my knees to a different beat. Music consumed us. Sounders heard music all the time—like it streamed through our blood or souls or something, waiting to claw its way out. My fingers automatically started to play the keys of an invisible piano—Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” It was the first song I ever learned. I remembered Ms. Breaux who taught me to play. I was nine, sitting in my back yard and trying to build a clubhouse out of some rusting tin my dad had piled behind the shed. Seemed like I was always working on some project by myself. Didn’t play well with others, as they say.  I was doing a piss-poor job of it when I heard music coming from the house next door. My dad called our neighbor the crazy, old cat lady, so I’d never ventured too close, thinking a witchy woman with a hooked nose and warts hid inside. But that music, so sad and beautiful—it drew me closer. She caught me peeking in her window, but I wasn’t scared. She wasn’t witchy at all. She had silver hair and smelled like jasmine. Kind of nice, actually.After filling me up with hot chocolate and lemon cake, she became my best friend. I probably should’ve been more cautious now that I think about it. She could’ve been some serial kid-killer or something. But, I knew she wasn’t. Even then, I knew the look of loneliness in someone’s eyes.My dad said playing the piano was for pansies, so I never told him that I was sneaking over for lessons every afternoon. I’d sit on the piano bench with a calico curled in my lap then listen, watch, and learn. I asked her once why she liked Beethoven so much. Never would forget her answer.“The love of my life played Beethoven for me. I miss him. When I play this music, he comes back to me for a while.”She never told me where he went. I never asked. Years later when Ms. Breaux’s fingers were bent up with arthritis, I’d go over and play “Moonlight Sonata” for her. She’d sit back on her floral sofa, close her eyes, and smile. When she died, I was one of four people at her funeral. She left me her piano, but my dad said we had no room or business with a piano.The tune wouldn’t stop playing in my head today.“Where is she?” asked Ruha.“She’ll be here soon,” I said, snapping back to the present.As if on cue, Hannah rounded the corner of fir trees. She walked across the clearing where we’d been covertly meeting since our arrival at Mount Haven. I loved to watch her walk.Damn. Look at her. Long legs, slim hips, white-blonde hair blowing around her perfect face. The surprise was her eyes—dark brown and mesmerizing, like they held a secret.I wanted to know the secret. I wanted to know everything. If the girl had any clue what she did to me, she’d stop. It should be against the law to creep into a guy’s head and invade his thoughts day and night. Still, I kept it casual ‘cause I had no idea how to read her. I could never tell if she was being nice or flirty. Girls confused me. I’d never had a girlfriend before. I almost did, but our time was cut short—too short.Jessie and I were a perfect fit, despite our different tastes in music. I hated punk. She despised metal. Still, we connected somehow on that freaky night of the football game back in Beau Chêne, Louisiana, when shadow scouts showed up and caused mass hysteria. Jessie gave me a ride home. Except we didn’t go home.We drove to the bayou, sat on the hood of the truck, and talked all night. She dropped me off at my house near dawn. My parents didn’t notice, didn’t care. I was only worried she would be in trouble.The last thing she said to me was, “Let’s do this again. Say, tonight?”I agreed. Of course, that night was when Jessie ceased to be Jessie. The image of the reaper flying into the sky, dragging her with him still haunted me. I couldn’t save her. I carried the guilt on my back like Sisyphus pushing his boulder in Hades, day after day.Hannah stood in front of me now with a sweet smile on her face. The boulder felt a little lighter.“What’s the verdict?” I asked.        “Yes!” “Alright!” shouted Ruha, hopping up to the news.Max stopped playing and joined us. Hannah laughed—a throaty, beautiful thing to hear.“Luke is already setting up in the cafeteria. We’d better hurry if we want to get all of the equipment ready in time.”“What the hell are we waiting for?” I asked. “Let’s go.”

ííí
Three hours later, we were ready. We’d covered the windows with black visqueen and set up the stage.  I checked the sound system one last time. We were good to go. I couldn’t believe it when Roman had slipped me the knowledge that there was a ton of music equipment in the attic above the cafeteria. It took a lot of sneaking around and tuning things up at the old archery field, but we did it. The moment we played for the very first time, it was like we’d been together forever, like fate or something.I tested the mic when a group of girls opened the door of the cafeteria and crept in slowly. “Is it true?” one of them asked. “Roman said, he said—”I glanced at Luke who’d already started thrumming his bass guitar. Ruha drummed a short beat.“Time to rock-n-roll,” I said to Max, looking like he might pee his pants at any minute. “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. Just do what we did in practice these past two weeks.”He nodded, his face drained of all color. The girls at the door squealed in a very girlish way. One took off running back out the door.Hannah never squealed. Quiet and calm. She reminded me of the Elf Queen Galadriel in Lord of the Rings. She actually kind of looked like her, too. Damn. The whole camp seemed to pile into the room while we finished warming up.I stepped up to the mic and welcomed the crowd. A pulse of energy hummed in my veins. Usually, my Sounder power stirred only when reapers were near. But, when the Setti gathered in numbers like this, something happened. The room itself came alive.My clansmen Ben, Mel, and Clara pushed through the crowd toward the front. Clara beamed a smile at me—my sister from another mister. Hannah’s eyes were on me. I felt like I might fly when I finally spoke.“We are Flight of Icarus,” I said, as the band started the beat to the first song on our playlist. A line from somewhere, I don’t know where, came to mind. “Flying high, trying not to get burned,” I mumbled. “This one goes out to the coolest Guardian out there.”We slammed hard into “Firewoman” by The Cult. The crowd went insane. The smile on Clara’s face was enough. As I belted out the lyrics, my eyes slipped to Hannah, sitting on the edge of the stage, watching me closely. Admiring me? No. Not her. But maybe.The crowd truly was on fire. Electricity pulsed through the room in rhythm to the music. Setti power vibrated and amplified. Strange that it was invisible, yet so tangible at the same time. When I launched into the opening lines of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” I felt like we could’ve raised Cobain from the dead with the energy pumping in that room. All the time, Hannah watched quietly from her perch at the edge of the stage. Above all else, I could feel her energy the most. What’s more, I could see it. Her skin began to shimmer white with her Setti power as a Light-bearer.Her dark eyes caught mine as I screamed the finale of Cobain’s tribute to the teens of the world. My heart skipped a beat. The power she wielded with those eyes was unnatural, unfair, and un-freakin’-believable. The song ended. I took a deep breath and held out my hand to her.“Come on, Lightning, get up here.”She took my hand and jumped to her feet, moving close to the mic. I could hardly breathe when I said, “This one is for all of us.”I stepped back. Luke moved to the piano, leading us into the next tune—the one I’d been waiting for. I stood there and watched Hannah croon the first lines of “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence.Beautiful. So beautiful. The girl was going to make me lose my religion. I almost missed my cue when Hannah sang the chorus.“Wake me up inside!”I chimed in, echoing her words like Paul McCoy did for Amy Lee. But I didn’t see dark-haired Amy Lee. All I could see was her. Hannah, growing brighter with every chord she sang. Her skin glowed from within. I found myself screaming the desperate lyrics and meaning them from the depths of my soul.“Save me!”“Save me from the dark,” she crooned, gazing at me from deep, brown eyes.We were close now, sharing the mic. So close I could hardly control myself. Around us, the crowd vibrated with an energy I’ve never felt before. I didn’t see them. I didn’t care. My whole being was pulled toward the blonde-haired angel who held my heart in her pretty, little hands.Then we harmonized, “Bring me to life.”Luke ended the song with the piano melody. The room roared with applause, and I couldn’t move. I was frozen. So was she. My eyes fixed on hers. If eyes were truly windows to the soul and if there was ever a time when looks spoke the truth, it was now. I couldn’t keep my feelings hidden as I stared at her, while the room was on fire with cheers for more.She breathed rapidly. Her chest rose and fell at a quickening pace. Finally, I pulled away and took Luke’s place behind the piano. This was Hannah’s solo.My fingers found the keys, shaking a little. Hannah dropped her head. Her eyes closed as she began singing “Sally’s Song” from The Nightmare Before Christmas. She fought for this song to go on the playlist until she won. As she sang the words, I hoped, I prayed they were for me. And I never was the kind of person to do either of those things. For once, I wanted something so far beyond my reach—too good for someone like me.“Will we ever---- end up together. . . .”How could God create such a creature and plant her in my path? It was torture. My mind reeled. I tried to shake it off, playing the final keys to the song. But it was like a disease. Yeah. I’d been infected by Hannah, and there was no cure. Actually, there was. I couldn’t wait to get through the rest of the playlist. I needed to be alone with her. There was no stopping me at this point. I had to know, even if that meant the worst kind of rejection.I’d lived with rejection all my life—from my parents, my peers, everyone. I’d learned how to cope. Just stop caring. Simple, actually. My Setti clan were the first to embrace me as one of their own. They were the first I let over the wall I’d built. Could fortune possibly smile on me one more time? Or was my world going to come crashing down? I looked at her. God in Heaven, what are you doing to me? I wanted her. Bad.We ended the night with Stone Sour’s “Through Glass,” singing about the stars, lies, home and being alone inside your head. Clara had disappeared somewhere, and I never did see Gabe. He’d been his loner self lately. Who knows? Didn’t matter. All that mattered was finishing this gig and getting off the stage.The final eruption of roars and cheers nearly lifted the roof off. Ruha, Luke, and Max came forward. I took Hannah’s hand and pulled her to my side. We all took a bow, then another. As people started to crowd the stage, Luke and Ruha stepped up, accepting pats on the back and all that. No way, man.I gripped Hannah’s hand tighter, pulling her with me down the stairs behind the stage. There was a back door by the office. I pushed it open and led her through. It was snowing again. I was only wearing my Iron Maiden t-shirt and jeans. Still, I didn’t even feel the cold. How could that be? All I felt was the heat in my veins and the warmth shining off her luminescent skin. She truly looked like an angel, casually leaning back against the wooden building. Watching me pace.I stopped and turned to stand in front of her. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.“Jeremy, the swaggering guy with a cocky answer for everything, is actually speechless.”Damn. The way she talked. Dark eyes drew me closer. I could fall into the abyss and be lost forever.“What’s on your mind, cowboy?”Funny nickname she’d been using lately. I stepped even closer, so afraid, but in such raw need to touch her. I traced my thumb along her cheekbone, pushing her hair away from her face. She drew in a sharp breath.“You rock my world, girl,” I said, knowing my voice was low and rough. Her eyes grew a little wider. She was about to pull away, I was sure of it. Then her words stopped my heart from beating.“And you rock mine,” she said, leaning her head toward my touch. “Kiss me. I’ve waited long enough.”No problem. My lips met hers. Then my body caught on fire. So soft. So warm. I couldn’t stop kissing her. She made a whimpering sound. I thought I might be crushing her against the wall, so I pulled her down to the snow. I braced her on top of me, so she wouldn’t be cold, never letting her lips part from mine. No way was I letting her go.I was dreaming. I had to be. Angels didn’t dance with devils. They certainly didn’t make out with them. Still, she didn’t just let me kiss her. She asked for it and kissed me back. With more than a little enthusiasm, I might add. I rolled over. Her head rested on my arm. The snow melted away from her body. Side effect of a Light-bearer, I guess.“You really are hot,” I said with a grin.She laughed. God, that laugh. “There’s the Jeremy I know. Making jokes at my expense.”“How is that at your expense? You really are hot—literally and, well, in every other way.”I was aware my eyes wandered, but I couldn’t help it. She blushed. I planted several light kisses along one cheek, her eyelids, then back to her mouth. Those lips. Damn. She was melting me from the inside out. I wanted her to be mine. I wanted it so bad I thought I might lose my mind.I pulled back.“Why do you call me cowboy?”She sort of shrugged.“Come on. Tell me.”She smiled such a sweet smile I wanted to kiss her again. Hell, who was I kidding? I wanted to kiss her nonstop at this point, lock her inside a cabin where no one would bother us for say, eternity.“Because you are. You’re like one of those cool, loner types. And—” she stopped abruptly.“And what?” I asked, kissing down her jaw to her neck. She paused as I trailed across her windpipe to the other side.“And sort of lonely like a cowboy.”I stopped and looked at her.“I’m sorry,” she said, “I didn’t mean to, well, you asked—”“No, no,” I said. “It’s true. I just didn’t realize you could see it.”“I don’t think everyone can, Jeremy. But I see you, and I like what I see.”I almost came completely unhinged. My hand was in her hair. My lips on her again. I tried not to crush her, but I wanted to get closer, so much closer. I was vaguely aware that her skin began to glow brighter and brighter. When I thought I might make her lips too swollen from my rough need of her, I pulled away. Those half-open dark eyes could’ve pulled me into Hell, and I would’ve gladly followed with a stupid smile on my face.When I finally found my voice, the words that came out weren’t exactly romantic.“You’ve ruined me.”She frowned.“How have I ruined you?”I pulled her hand from my shoulder and pressed it over my heart.“You feel that?”She smiled.“God, girl. You have more power over me than any demonic reaper ever could. I could be cut into a million pieces and never bleed as much as I would with a wound from you.”The danger I was in, dangling my life over the edge of a cliff. I had just opened a door closed too, too long ago—slammed shut and locked tight against the world at large. But now, a gentle hand, a soft voice, a beautiful face lured me to the edge. A bewitching angel peered into that fractured place where a boy played alone. Would she push me over the edge or catch me before I fell?“Why would I wound you, Jeremy?”Deep, fathomless eyes. I could drown in the black and die a happy man. I realized then I was shaking. I’d never felt, well, anything this much. I’d grown up learning how not to feel a damn thing. It was like my body couldn’t take it.“Jeremy,” she said in a soft whisper, “I love you.”She did not just say that to me. Not her. I fell onto my back and closed my eyes. She couldn’t love me. I felt her body shift over mine. Her hand swept my hair away from my forehead. I shivered.“Jeremy? I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have said that, even if I know it to be true. We haven’t known each other that long, but my heart won’t deny it. Neither will I.”I opened my eyes to see the dark-eyed angel peering down at me. I cupped her cheek then threaded my fingers into her hair, pulling her closer. I was afraid to say this too loudly. The angels might hear and take her away, back to a safe place far from the likes of me. The door was so wide open, no going back now.“Hannah, you have enslaved me, heart and soul. It scares the shit out of me, but there it is. I won’t love you a little bit or just for a while, I don’t know how. I’ll love you fully and forever.”My voice came out ragged and uncontrolled. So unlike me. This whole scene was nothing I’d ever imagined. The boy in the dark room wanted something he never dreamed possible.She smiled. “Good.”“Good? That’s it? I’m your slave forever, and she says good?”A throaty laugh. Damn, this girl. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her down to me, promising in my heart to cherish this gift. She planted a gentle kiss on my lips then laid her head on my shoulder.“Good,” she whispered.“Good,” I echoed.We lay there for I don’t know how long. The night remained in shadow around us. No stars, no moon. The reapers had changed the sky into a constant gray slate, blocking out any light from above. Still, I felt no cold with her so close to me.“What is that you’re humming?” she asked after some time.“What? I was humming?”“Yes. What is it? Sounds lovely,” she said, snuggling closer.I realized then what tune was in my head.“It’s Beethoven. It’s called ‘Moonlight Sonata.’ ”“I love that. Will you play it for me sometime?” she asked softly.“Of course I will. Whenever you want. I’m your slave, remember?”She laughed. I pulled her closer, kissing the top of her beautiful, blonde head.

She was my moon in the darkness, lighting my way. The angel loved me, and for once in my Godforsaken life, I finally felt safe. 

Summer Edition
Victim #11: Christine Fonseca

I'm thrilled to have Christine with us today! The conclusion to her amazing REQUIEM series comes out later this month, so this is perfect timing to get a little taste of DOMINUS. Most of you are familiar with my unconventional Q&A, so let's just get started and meet Christine!
THE AUTHOR:
1.) A simile that best describes you? I approach life with an artist’s eye, like a curator regarding a painting, noting every detail seen and unseen.
2.) Your favorite summer vacation spot and why? This is hard – there are so many. Most summers are spent at home, in my back yard. But I guess I would have to say it is a tie between beach locations, like Hawaii (Maui in particular – we LOVE Maui. My parents used to live on the islands) and Italy (I LOVE the Tuscany region in particular. Talk about inspirational!)
3.) Three must-haves while sitting on the beach? My iPad (music and books in one space), my iPhone (camera), and water or iced-tea. This is assuming that I’m already wearing sunscreen (I burn like crazy..)
4.) Where you live and who lives with you? I am a Southern California native, living in our version of Napa Valley – Temecula, with my husband and two daughters. It’s a nice life.
5.) The best thing about where you live? Its a very family-oriented community, which I love. But the best things??? Seeing hot-air balloons over the vineyards and hanging out for movies-in-the-park for summer. Love this place!
6.) The worst thing about where you live? Summers can be hot. 102 degrees hot. But I am lucky enough to live in a micro-climate that gets a nice afternoon, ocean-influenced breeze to cool things off.
7.) Quote by your favorite author of all-time? I have numerous FAVORITE authors, so this is incredibly hard for me. But I will go with Mary Shelley. She and Frankenstein has inspired much of the way I write thrillers/horrors. Here is one of my favorite quotes from that book:“I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy one, I will indulge the other.”
THE BOOK: Since DOMINUS, the thrilling conclusion to the Requiem series, is being released in late August, I will use that series for this section, focusing on DOMINUS.
1) If your main character were any flavor ice-cream, what would he/she be and why? My main character throughout the series, and this book, is Nesayiel (Nesy) – a warrior angel killed and returned as a human girl. If she were a flavor of ice cream I would say she is Praline’s and cream – there is the solid foundation of confidence represented by the “cream”, punctuated with moments of strength and compassion represented by the Praline pieces and accented by an undertone of sweetness and vulnerability represented in the caramel. Too much of either and the overall flavor composition is ruin – just like with Nesy.
2) Name of the villain or antagonist in your story and three verbs to describe him/her? Azzaziel has been the antagonist throughout the series. But Lilith is spotlighted in DOMINUS, so I think I will use her. Three verbs to describe her would be Betray, Dominate, Revenge
3) If your villain were a summer element (blistering heat, summer storm, tidal wave, or a rip-tide), what would he/she be and why? Lilith is definitely a tornado, both due to her violent, wind-like nature and the chaos and devastation she leaves in her wake.
4) Describe the main plot of your story in one sentence. Sometimes death is the only way to save a life.
5) The best theme of your story? The best theme of the series in total is - Some sacrifices should never be made...even for love.
6) One of your favorite sentences in your book? “The frigid cold adheres to my skin, providing its own kind of armor around my heart and forging a fierce conviction.”

Thank you so much, Christine, for sharing with us today. We all look forward to the release of DOMINUS later this month! 

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THE GIRL GUIDE

Tantalizing Talks! Summer Edition 2013

Victim #10: Colette Saucier
Welcome, readers! Today, we have the fabulous Colette Saucier with her newest novel, Alicia’s Possession. Let me say first that I am not your typical suspense/romance reader. But, Alicia’s Possession has opened me up to a whole new genre! I was riveted from the first page. Set primarily on a lake house in the South, Detective Mason responds to Alicia’s call having overheard a gunshot across the water in the early morning hours. Convinced she has witnessed a murder, Mason is ensnared in a mystery with far too many loose ends for everything to be "as it seems." Even more so, he's ensnared by the sensual woman at the center of it all.
I pride myself on figuring out mysteries quickly, but this one kept me guessing till the very end, which made me a very happy reader. And the romance is HOT! Trust me when I tell you, this is a must-read! Let's hear what Colette has to say.
THE AUTHOR:1)    Your favorite vacation spot and why?     Although I do LOVE to go to the beach (particularly Destin), my favorite vacation destination is Amsterdam. The city is beautiful and so small we can walk it from end to end. Plus, it is conveniently located to Belgium, which must be the best-kept secret in Europe, and it is a lovely ferry-ride over to England.     Also, Amsterdam has some other recreational benefits as well, which are probably best left for another discussion…
2)   Three must-haves while sitting on the beach (if you were to have this luxury this summer)?     iPod, light reading, and pineapple juice mixed with coconut rum
3)   Where you live and who lives with you?Southeast Louisiana with my husband and our two dogs.
4)   The best thing about where you live? The food.
5)   The worst thing about where you live? I’m going to say the heat and humidity.
6)   Currently your favorite author and why?I think it is and ever shall be William Shakespeare. His plays are so rich, I find something new each time I see or read one of them again.
7)   Quote by your favorite author of all-time? He has so many, it’s hard to choose one! Here are three from scores: “Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better.” “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”[I KNEW we were kindred spirits. LOVE my Shakespeare!--Stephanie]                                                                             
THE BOOK:1)    Name of the main character and three adjectives to describe him/her?       Alicia – When we first meet her, she is terribly depressed, but she is also curious, vigilant, and persistent.
2)   If your main character could be any season—Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter—what would he/she be? Why?     I will say Alicia is winter because of her depression and loneliness.
3)   Name of the villain or antagonist in your story and three words to describe him/her?      I refuse to name the villain since it is something of a mystery. I’ll say: Cunning, duplicitous, sociopathic.
4)   If your hero were a summer element (a tidal wave, blistering heat, summer storm, or balmy breeze), what would he/she be and why?      I think Mason is a welcome balmy breeze to bring warmth and comfort to Alicia’s cold winter life.
5)   If your heroine were any flavor ice-cream, what would she be and why?Pralines and cream because she’s sweet, Southern, rich, 6)   Describe the main plot of your story in one sentence.       After recovering from a freak car crash that put her in a coma for two months and left her with no memory of the accident, a wealthy socialite becomes convinced there is a connection between the seemingly mysterious disappearance of her neighbor and a series of bizarre things happening inside her own house; but everyone, including the detective called to investigate the neighbor's disappearance, thinks the woman's head injury has left her unable to distinguish reality from fantasy.
7)   The best theme of your story? Sometimes giving up control can be the most liberating experience of all.
8)   One of your favorite sentences in your book?      I have no favorite sentences because I follow Faulkner’s advice and kill my darlings.
9)   One thing you’d like readers to know about the world you created or the characters in them?      Although this is a romantic suspense, that’s just the beginning. Because this is my first time dipping into the world of (extremely light) Dominance and Submission, the characters had to be completely believable. Mason had to be a truly decent man who sees that this vulnerable woman needs someone to take care of her. Alicia had to have a history that had caused her not to be able to trust anyone and then I had to place her in a situation so desperate she would be willing to surrender control completely.  I hope I have succeeded in bringing these characters to life.
Yes, Colette! You definitely have! This was such a great read and I highly recommend it to all readers seeking a thrill-ride of suspense and some wicked romance. ;)

See below for links on where to discover more about Colette! ;)

Colette's Website
Colette's Blog
Colette's FaceBook Page
Alicia's PossessionSecret  Cravings  Publishing  Store   -             All eBook formatsAmazon for KindleAmazon UK for KindleBarnes & Noble for Nook

Tantalizing Talks! Summer Edition 2013
Victim #9: Poppet
Welcome back to TT, you lovely readers! Yes, we've had a long siesta for our funky Q&A, but I'm back with our first summer edition. Look who I have today! I'm so thrilled to introduce paranormal romance author, Poppet, and her delectable Valhalla Series. (The covers alone will make your neck snap with a double-take.) Here's a little teaser for Master of Umbra:
"Deliah is in grave danger, running for her life from a man who needs her dead, when serendipity plants her in the path of the Master of Umbra. 
Inducted into the mysterious Eagle clan of the Scottish highlands, Deliah is torn between her fate and destiny when kin clash for her affections. Falling for the scandalous villain who heads the Berserkers of the Hebrides, her fragile hope is snuffed out early by revelation and impending war."
From the opening page, I have been riveted to Deliah's story. A damsel in distress, a swoon-worthy hero, and a beguiling villain in the lush setting of the Scottish highlands. Need I say more? (She had me at Scotsmen and highlands.) But, enough of my yammering. Let's hear what Poppet has to say.

THE AUTHOR: 1.) Your favorite holiday movie and why? That's a tough one. I tend to think of movies in terms of connotation and so I'm going to answer this in an abstract way. My favorite Samhain movie (Halloween) is Practical Magic. That is one of my all-time favorite movies. My favorite 'christian based' movie is Constantine. So that would be my favorite Xmas (Yule) movie.
2.) Three must-haves while sitting on the beach? Hahahahaaaaa *evil grin*• Hunky Mr. Poppet
• a bottle of coconut oil
• my phone so I can take pictures and read!
3.) Where you live and who lives with you? I live with Mr Poppet, 4 cats and a dog, 4 bats and 2 mice, in a slice of nirvana in the concrete jungle.
4.) The best thing about where you live?Um... I live here (lol). Honestly, I'm just happy that my garden defies superstition and expectation, letting me grow tropical plants in a garden that by zone shouldn't be able to achieve such a feat.
5.) The worst thing about where you live? The thunderstorms are insane and so regular they make using computers a game of chicken.
6.) Currently your favorite author and why? Always Charles De Lint, followed by Helen Fielding (always).
7.) Quote by your favorite author of all-time? "My books have all generated controversy." – Helen Fielding
THE BOOK: 1) Name of the main character and three adjectives to describe him/her? Ewan – ferocious, ethical, sexy
2) If your main character could be any season—Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter—what would he/she be? Why? The biggest thunderstorm of autumn. Why: Because he's as black and dangerous as that storm, he is a tempest who is a catalyst for change and retribution.
3) Name of the villain or antagonist in your story and three words to describe him/her? Leug - manipulative, sly, irresistible


4) If your main character were a winter element (a blizzard, icy wind, stinging sleet, a frost, or icicles), what would he/she be and why? All of the above. He cuts like an icy wind, he amputates with falling icicles, he destroys like the frost, he covers, shields, protects (like snow insulates the ground only to feed roots when it melts), he obscures, the way his goddess of the blizzard. He is the Master of Umbra, he is the master of darkness and death and his haven is the winter hinterland. Frost flowers.I even have frost flowers IN this novel. [See pic.]
5) If your villain were any flavor ice-cream, what would he/she be and why? My villain would be cloudberry sorbet. Why? Because he's a Norse god, he's sticky and sweet, and utterly addictive. (Cloudberries are native to the Scottish highlands and Norway)
6) Describe the main plot of your story in one sentence. The frost giant reclaims his soulmate only to be a martyr and hand her to his best friend, all while dodging war and gathering the clans for a violent conniption.
7) The best theme of your story? Love protects.
8) One of your favorite sentences in your book? "It's sweeter than promises and smoother than lies."
9) One thing you’d like readers to know about the world you created or the characters in them? It's a delicious immersion inside the Norse influence in Scotland.
Thank you so much, Stephanie!





















Thank YOU, Poppet! I'm so excited to have you with us on Tantalizing Talks and hope you'll visit again with your next release Master of Skadi in December this year. Everyone take a look below for links to discover more about the fabulous Poppet and The Valhalla Series.  
FIND POPPET ON . . .
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Okay, I meant in reference to BOOKS, people. Get your heads out of the gutter. Geesh! With the arrival of summer and extra time on my hands, I’ve been gorging in gluttonous euphoria on my favorite indulgence—urban fantasy novels. To me, it’s like dark chocolate, red wine, and a bubble bath all rolled into one.
Brilliant and imaginative urban fantasy!So, what turns me on about this genre? (Well, besides the inevitable tall, dark, and deadly leading man, that is.) I could say “escapism” or “entertainment,” but those are truths that hold for all books. Even nonfiction carries us away from our own reality into another. So, let us dig a layer deeper, shall we? In order to do so, I decided to start with the definition of “urban fantasy.” According to the wisdom of Wikipedia, it is “set in contemporary times and contains supernatural elements. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods…the prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city.” Okay, but I’d like to extend this definition if I may. In my humble opinion, urban fantasy is true modern Gothic. In addition to the supernatural, there is an inevitable element of darkness and romance in the landscape, writing style, characters, and plot. This is also true of classic Gothic literature. My favorite novel EVER is Jane Eyre, which happens to be classic Gothic lit, with its windswept moors, moonlit nights, and mysterious, brooding hero—Mr. Rochester. *Swoony sigh.* It’s no wonder that I’m inevitably drawn to urban fantasy.
My absolute fav urban fantasy series.Another similarity of classic Gothic to urban fantasy is the strong heroine and snarky banter between the love interests in the story. Aha! Now, we’re getting somewhere. So, here’s why I love it so much. The setting of this genre provides an exciting backdrop to feed my need for the dark and gritty. The characters arouse that playful side as well as the intensity of new romance. Since the leading men in this genre tend to be alphas to the core . . . well, need I say more? They turn me into a puddle of goo in the best kind of way. (Aka, Barrons from KMM’s Fever series and Raphael from Singh’s Guildhunter series. Heart, be still! Stop with your incessant palpitations!) And the strong females, who tend to be flawed but bad ass, are surrounded by darkness though they fight for what is good and just. These are the places I most long to escape to. Why? Because there is much darkness in real life. We need a sense of humor to survive as well as a reminder that love (romantic and otherwise) can defeat the evils of the world.
I asked a few of my friends about their favorite genres. Here's what they had to say.
JULIE REECE, author of YA novel CRUX:I love contemporary YA standalones. Why? Because sometimes, you just don't want a long term commitment, you know? They work like a palate cleanser for me, a break between the long term commitment of time some fantasy series can be. The whole point (for me) is that contemporaries (and chick lit) are supposed to be more realistic, so unlike paranormal or fantasy, the hero and heroine can only take so much. They have no super powers, no magic to help them accept hurt and hardship and help them cope. In real life, the people I admire most use wit and humor and courage to move on. In books, the characters I bond with have those qualities in spades. If an author is good, she will throw every obstacle she can at her poor hero and heroine to keep them from their goal, and in a romance, that’s each other.                                                     One of Reece's fav contemporary YAs.I love to seek out unusual voices in writers. Books where the pace is so good, I keep turning pages to see what will happen next. When the reader knows much the main character doesn't, I hold my breath waiting for the moment they find out! Stories that are funny, and sad, and poetic and hopeful. Relatable and sigh worthy, that’s what I get from a good contemporary. Not every contemporary has to be earth shattering and devastating for me to enjoy it. Sometimes it’s nice to laugh. Sure parts are painful and sting a bit, but isn’t life comprised of both emotions? Don’t the wounds of the characters make their moment of final sacrifice more gut-wrenching and profound? I want to shake them for their poor choices and scream at the pages of my book, and alternately hug them when they get it right. That’s what I look for in a great contemporary.


REBEKAH CAMPBELL, book blogger and author of LIVING IN THE DARK: I'd have to go with Regency fiction because there's something about "days gone by" that pull me in. Julia Quinn is a magician in that genre. Her books have everything you could ask for. Humour, drama, lovable heroines and dashing rakes and above all, her books MATTER to you. You can't help but be sucked in and find yourself wishing for a debut in society with a dowry to boot. My all-time favourite book of hers is Ten Things I Love About You. The male lead is hilarious and easygoing, but he also has this serious and sweet side that had me crying like a baby with happiness.

BROOKE DELVECCHIO, book blogger and beta reader extraordinaire:
My favorite genre is probably paranormal, although I have read quite a few dystopians that have really turned me on. I adore reading about different creatures. Although I sometimes like some fantasy thrown in there, often they can go hand in hand. I think my favorite paranormal author is probably Cassandra Clare, although, I just read Shea Berkley's series and it was fantastic. I am anxiously awaiting book 3 so I can see what happens. Oh and another is Andrea Cremer, there's just something about her books I can't seem to get enough of. I couldn't put down her Nightshade series. I loved her characters. Even as wolves they were so real as humans. As for why, I just love that it's about something different than a human. I like to see how an author creates a species different from what we know as humans. It's also great to watch such characters go through human emotions and situations, to see how they handle it since it's often quite different from what a "normal" person would do.

There you have it, ladies and gents! So, tell us, what turns YOU on in the book world? ;)

Why do we read what we read? Serious question for those of us emotionally invested in our fictional escapes. So, what is the true reason? Do we seek an escape that offers hope and inspiration? Do we choose a tome to fulfill unquenched or longed-for desires? Or perhaps, there is a darker motive. Do we yearn for a cathartic purging of our own blacker emotions via fantasy? Do we seek a peek into a world of depravity and debauchery, just as we can’t turn away from a horrific accident on the highway, gaping in wide-eyed wonder?
I’ve been doing a bit of soul-searching on the topic recently, specifically because of a book series my lovely book club members and I have been reading. I’ll leave the author’s name out of the discussion; however, suffice it to say she repeatedly drags her hero and heroine through monstrous torment, resulting in serious heartbreak for the reader. (Um, me.) So much so, that while reading book three, I’m hunkered down in my covers, trembling with dread at what disturbing and cruel torture I will find on the next page. While the writing itself is vivid and beautiful and even intensely romantic at times, the plot-line continually makes me want to stab my kindle! (Sacrilege!)
Now, does that mean we readers want Little Red to skip happily through the woods, picking wildflowers and having a perfectly wonderful visit with Grandma? Hell no! We want Red to be seduced from her path then chased by the Big Bad Wolf, find poor Grandma killed and her own life in mortal danger before the bad-ass Huntsmen breaks into the cabin, dealing violent and bloody revenge with a deadly ax on our sharp-toothed villain. Even kids love this story for a reason. In other words, though I’m not speaking for everyone, we readers want fiction to reflect life in a way that offers a glimmer of light at the end of the dark, dark tunnel. We know reality sucks sometimes and life isn’t always fair. We get that loud and clear from the moment we get up in the morning and turn on the news. What we don’t want to discover is that there is no hope or redemption for our fictional counterparts that we grow to love and care about.
Let us step away from the reader for a moment and consider why the writer writes what he/she does. All of the questions in the opening paragraph can be repeated for them as well. If you, dear author, are only fixated on sadistic, torturous ends for your characters, then perhaps you should seek therapy rather than pick up the pen. As a writer, I know that writing is an artform as well as therapeutic, but even I know I’m not writing just for myself. I do actually consider my audience's feelings. If your reader dreads more than longs to pick up your book, there is a problem. As my friend Jessen said of our current read, “The punishments and rewards ratio in this series is seriously off balance.” Well said. The key word being balance. Even Shakespeare, the Master of Tragedy, wrote more comedies (17) than tragedies (10). He knew and understood that in a world filled with grief and hardship that “all’s well that ends well.” So, go ahead, authors. Torture, maim, kill the hero or the hero’s love if you will, but offer us some balm for the soul in the end and a reason to keep turning the page.
 *I’ve attached the trailer for Silver Linings Playbook for a little comic relief on the subject. Bradley Cooper expresses exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. (Thank you, Jessen, for this clip and recommendation.)

Come check out H.D. Gordon's new book trailer! To enter a giveaway on this cool new book, go to H.D.'s blog here and enter the rafflecopter giveaway: http://hdgordon.com/?p=1045

As the day for lovers approaches (though a bit over-commercialized with pink hearts and candies for my taste) I thought what better way to celebrate than to ruminate, and salivate, over our favorite literary leading men. Because I like to analyze and title just about everything (insane reader/writer that I am), I’ve given names to each of the various, yummy types of men that make us swoon, giggle, and want to leap through the page to replace the heroine. So, here we go . . .
1)      Mr. Snark
Devastatingly handsome, smoldering smile, and sarcastic with a bite—all of which makes you want to slap him or kiss him. Probably both, in that order. Why does he intrigue us so much? Well, hell, just look at that smirk! And you never know what’s really going on behind those scintillating looks (but we can pretty much guess). *gasp**Examples: Edward Rochester in Bronte’s Jane Eyre; Jace in Clare’s Immortal Instruments   "Jane, you are a strange and almost unearthly thing...you transfix me quite."--Rochester

 




















2 )      Prince Charming

Golden good looks with sparkling eyes and a smile that makes you melt into a pile of goo. This guy is just what his title suggests—all charm and sparkling wit. Though he may sometimes have a devious edge, he tends to be a more light-hearted leading man. But don’t think that pretty smile means he’s not badass; he’ll defend his lady love till the death then carry her off into the sunset (or nearest castle).*Examples: Prince Charming, of course; Jamie Fraser from Gabaldon’s The Outlander series, Christian McKeltar from Moning’s Fever series (the early books; he changes persona later)



"Your face is my heart...and the love of you is my soul."--Jamie Fraser  3)      The Bad Boy

Do—Not—Mess—With—Him. Seriously, ladies, this man does not play games. And if he does, you’ll never win. He’s all kinds of hot, and I promise you, you’re bound to get burned. His badass temperament is no joke. That’s just who he is. And don’t ever delude yourself with the idea of changing him. So why does this terrifying man attract us so much? I don’t know. Why is the moth drawn to the flame? We just can’t help it.
*Examples: Ryodan from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series and recently published Iced; Christian Grey in James’ 50 Shades of Grey  "We aim to please, Miss Steele."   4)      Hopelessly Devoted

This guy will take a beating and keep on ticking! No matter what idiotic thing our heroine does, he will remain steadfast and true (almost to a fault). Not much more to say about him. Beat him, abuse him, betray him. He’ll keep sniffing around the honey pot. He can’t help himself. *Examples: Edward Cullen in the Twilight series and Jacob in the Twilightseries (Funny, but true.) "I don't have the strength to stay away from you anymore." 5)      The Predator
Animal, pure and simple. Look out, ladies, because this one’s got night vision and he’s stalking you with stealth. Sometimes, he likes to play with his prey. He’ll cage you into corners and smile while doing it, making your heart beat right out of your chest or just stop altogether. Just like “The Bad Boy,” this one is lethal, so BEWARE! While The Bad Boy and the Predator are closely linked, one is certainly more beast than the other.
*Examples: Barrons from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series; Hawke from Nalini Singh’s Kiss of Snow.


"I'm not good, Mac. Never have been. I want what I want, and I take it."   6)      Strong, Silent Type

All business, this one. And, man, can he brood! Though sometimes viewed almost cold and arrogant the way he keeps his distance, he’s just calculating. Beware of the quiet ones, ladies, because when he finally lets loose . . . ohhhhhhhh, baby!
*Examples: Dmitri from Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series (though he actually becomes “The Predator” type due to a plot twist) and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.



"You have bewitched me, body and soul." There you have it, wonderful readers! So whether you're blissfully single or the man in your life has or has not bought you a Vermont Teddy Bear, has gone “to Jarrod’s,” or mail-ordered a Pajama Gram Hoodie-Footie for you (Seriously, cable television?), you can always find true romance in the pages of your favorite book with your favorite leading man.

I would love to hear who that man is and how you would categorize him. Please feel free to share with us.



Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tantalizing Talks!
Winter Holiday Edition
Victim #8: Amanda Leigh Cowley
Hello, wonderful readers! Our second author in our holiday edition of TT is the wonderful Amanda Leigh Cowley! She was actually my first author EVER on TT. So, it is so lovely to have her back for the sequel, THE BETRAYAL, to her amazing paranormal SOUL PROTECTOR series. Gracie continues her journey in book two where the man who once kept her safe, Dan (talk about tantalizing), is now in serious trouble. Will she bury her torment, risk her life, and betray her fellow Soul Protectors to save him? I don’t know! You’ll have to read to find out! ;) Here’s a little taste of what her new novel has to offer . . .
THE AUTHOR:
1.) Your favorite holiday movie and why?
I have two favourites (is that okay?). Love Actually for the romantic in me. I love the intertwining stories, some bittersweet, some hilarious, and of course, the happy endings. My other favourite is Elf, for the pure feel-good factor. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”
2.) Three of your favorite holiday things?
(1) Wrapping up warm and taking a wander round the neighbourhood in the evening to see all the twinkly lights. It’s magical. And if there’s snow, it’s even more special.(2)Seeing my kids’ faces early on Christmas morning - although my 13-year old is less enthusiastic about the whole waking-up early thing these days.(3) Being rosy-cheeked from all the festive eating and drinking(!) at get-togethers with friends and family.
3.) Where you live and who lives with you?
I live in Northampton, England, with my hubbie and two sons.
4.) The best thing about where you live?
It’s very green. There are lots of parks, fields and a forest near us, and as it’s practically in the middle of England, it’s not too far from anywhere.
5.) The worst thing about where you live?
The weather. We do sometimes have beautiful sunshine, but not enough for me. In fact, ask any English person the worst thing about where they live and they’ll probably say the weather.
6.) Currently your favorite author and why?
Although Chick Lit isn’t my favourite genre, Marian Keyes is probably my favourite author. I think she’s incredibly witty and talented. I love how she mixes humour with all the serious stuff. Her books always have a dark side, yet they (usually) make you feel warm at the same time.
7.) Quote by your favorite author of all-time?“You will go on and meet someone else and I'll just be a chapter in your tale, but for me, you were, you are and you always will be, the whole story.” Marian Keyes ‘The Other Side of the Story’

THE BOOK: The Betrayal


1)   Name of the main character and three adjectives to describe him/her?
Gracie Reynolds: Loyal, strong, unassuming
2)  If your main character could be any season—Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter—what would he/she be? Why?
Gracie would be Spring. There is a lot of darkness and cold in her life, but she works hard to obliterate them and push forward to better things.
3)  Name of the villain or antagonist in your story and three verbs to describe him/her?
Hmm, can’t really give away the name of the villain; that would be a major spoiler. But I can give you three verbs to describe him *ahem* or her: Smouldering, scheming, hurting.
4)  If your villain were a winter element (a blizzard, icy wind, stinging sleet, a frost, or icicles), what would he/she be and why?
Definitely icicles, because he … or she, is pretty to look at, but once they become unhinged they can be deadly.
5)  Describe the main plot of your story in one sentence.
In one sentence? Blimey. Okay, here goes: After someone betrays Soul Protectors by confirming their existence to the Paranormal Research Agency several people get kidnapped and against Soul Protector hierarchy’s orders, Gracie sets out to rescue them.
6)  The best theme of your story?Betrayal, and standing up for what you believe in.
7)  One of your favorite sentences in your book?
He raised a hand and rubbed it across the barely-there stubble on his chin and the gesture was so familiar I ached to jump out of my seat and go to him, but if I did that I didn’t know if I should kiss him or slap him, so instead I sat still, barely breathing, as I waited to see what he would do next.
 8) One thing you’d like readers to know about the world you created or the characters in them?My characters aren’t perfect. They are all flawed in their own way and each of them is on a journey of self-improvement.
That was fun! Thank you so much, Stephanie, for having me on your blog. Merry Christmas to you and all your followers J xx
OMG. Smoldering villain? My favorite kind! Thank YOU so very much, Mandy! I know readers will love Gracie and her dangerous, crazy, supernatural life. For all those looking for a stocking-stuffer for yourself (i.e., your Kindle), check out where to find The Betrayal below.
Amanda's FaceBookAmanda's BlogAmazon for The BetrayalAmazon UK for The Betrayal

Happy release day! Furthermore is here and we are all so excited to share it with you.



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