Angie Sandro's Blog
December 25, 2016
Holiday Read: MARK OF THE DRAGON
If you're in the mood for an addictive, fast-paced Urban Fantasy, then check out JW Troemner's wonderful novel, Mark of the Dragon (Urban Dragon Series, Book 1). This is the first novel in a completed nine book series, which is free on Kindle Unlimited.
So enjoy your holiday vacation by giving yourself, or someone else, this fabulous gift.
Amazon
Blurb:
Rosario Hernandez doesn't ask for much. She'd like to sleep on a bed instead of a sidewalk, to know where her next meal is coming from, and maybe, if she's really feeling optimistic, to get a girlfriend. More than anything, though, she wants her best friend Arkay to not murder anyone— because Arkay is a dragon, claws and all, and she has a penchant for vigilante justice.
When Arkay's latest escapade goes sour, Rosariogets stuck with a stolen van and a cooler full of human organs. Now they're on the run, and it's not just the cops who want answers. The owner of the cooler is still out there, and they want to replace what they've lost— by any means necessary.
Grab the entire series for $20.93 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
JW Troemner was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States, where she lives with her partner in a house full of pets. Most days she can be found gazing longingly at sinkholes and abandoned buildings.
Amazon / Amazon Author Page / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Website / Mailing list
So enjoy your holiday vacation by giving yourself, or someone else, this fabulous gift.
Amazon
Blurb:
Rosario Hernandez doesn't ask for much. She'd like to sleep on a bed instead of a sidewalk, to know where her next meal is coming from, and maybe, if she's really feeling optimistic, to get a girlfriend. More than anything, though, she wants her best friend Arkay to not murder anyone— because Arkay is a dragon, claws and all, and she has a penchant for vigilante justice.
When Arkay's latest escapade goes sour, Rosariogets stuck with a stolen van and a cooler full of human organs. Now they're on the run, and it's not just the cops who want answers. The owner of the cooler is still out there, and they want to replace what they've lost— by any means necessary.
Grab the entire series for $20.93 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
JW Troemner was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States, where she lives with her partner in a house full of pets. Most days she can be found gazing longingly at sinkholes and abandoned buildings.
Amazon / Amazon Author Page / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Website / Mailing list
Published on December 25, 2016 03:00
June 24, 2016
Mark of the Dragon Cover Reveal- JW Troemner
I'm happy to reveal the cover for my critique partner, JW Troemner's wonderful new novel, Mark of the Dragon (Urban Dragon, Book 1). This is one of my favorite stories of all time. Of course, I'm a bit biased. But come on? Who wouldn't love to have a spunky, ass-kicking dragon for a best friend?
Blurb:Rosario Hernandez doesn't ask for much. She'd like to sleep on a bed instead of a sidewalk, to know where her next meal is coming from, and maybe, if she's really feeling optimistic, to get a girlfriend. More than anything, though, she wants her best friend Arkay to not murder anyone— because Arkay is a dragon, claws and all, and she has a penchant for vigilante justice. When Arkay's latest escapade goes sour, Rosario gets stuck with a stolen van and a cooler full of human organs. Now they're on the run, and it's not just the cops who want answers. The owner of the cooler is still out there, and they want to replace what they've lost— by any means necessary.
Bio:JW Troemner was born in Germany and emigrated to the United States, where she lives with her partner in a house full of pets. Most days she can be found gazing longingly at sinkholes and abandoned buildings.Goodreads: Facebook: Twitter: Website: Mailing list:
Blurb:Rosario Hernandez doesn't ask for much. She'd like to sleep on a bed instead of a sidewalk, to know where her next meal is coming from, and maybe, if she's really feeling optimistic, to get a girlfriend. More than anything, though, she wants her best friend Arkay to not murder anyone— because Arkay is a dragon, claws and all, and she has a penchant for vigilante justice. When Arkay's latest escapade goes sour, Rosario gets stuck with a stolen van and a cooler full of human organs. Now they're on the run, and it's not just the cops who want answers. The owner of the cooler is still out there, and they want to replace what they've lost— by any means necessary.
Bio:JW Troemner was born in Germany and emigrated to the United States, where she lives with her partner in a house full of pets. Most days she can be found gazing longingly at sinkholes and abandoned buildings.Goodreads: Facebook: Twitter: Website: Mailing list:
Published on June 24, 2016 03:00
May 20, 2016
NEW RELEASE- SEX AND SORCERY by Sarah Hyde
[image error]Sex and SorcerySex Magic Book OneSarah Hyde
Genre: Steamy Paranormal
Romance
Publisher: Sarah Hyde
Date of Publication: May 9th, 2016
ASIN: B01E2SR19S
Number of pages: 212
Word Count: 60k
Cover Artist: Sarah Hyde
Book Description: Morgan Wright has just been dumped by the biggest jerk in the world. All she wants to do is sulk in bed while devouring all the ice cream on campus, but her friend has a different plan to cheer her up—break into a secret all-boys university.
According to rumor, the school trains sorcerers who are crazy good in bed. Even though Morgan’s never had an orgasm, she’s not interested in anything more than an adventure. But when cape-wearing guard, Edric stops them at the wall, Morgan finds herself drawn in by his syrupy sweet smell.
There’s only one small problem, the sorcerers at this school take their vow of celibacy seriously. But Morgan can’t stay away, and as Edric tests the limits of his vow, magic-fueled orgasms may change everything.
Amazon
Excerpt: His grip tightens and he lifts me off the ground. He’s literally holding me up by my upper arms. Now I’m scared. I let out a little squeak. My breath comes in rapid pants.
“I’m going to carry you out of here.”
I nod, shivering in his grasp. I’d agree to walk, but I don’t really want him to let go of me. Part of me likes that he’s probably leaving bruises on my arms.
His nostrils flare again. “And stop breathing,” he commands.
“I’m pretty sure I can’t do that.”
He starts to walk and I’m still dangling. He’s about ten inches taller than me and easily carries my 120lbs. His quads flex under the lightweight pants he has on. I’m inches from his face, but I can’t look into his eyes. Both of us are focusing off to the side, like I’m an offending bit of debris that must be tossed back into the woods. I lean forward, gulping down the cinnamon flavored air. If he would only pull me closer to his body I could nibble his neck. I strain against his grip, but he holds me completely immobile.
He licks his lips. His boot catches on a branch and he stumbles. Without thinking, I wrap my legs tightly around his waist. The sudden pressure the seam of my pants provides against my crotch is a relief. He grunts as he fights for balance and one hand leaves my shoulder to grab my ass before we topple over.
He’s glaring at me. With his hand on my ass. I try to keep from smiling but fail when his scowl intensifies. His fingers flex once and I know he’s about to drop me. The moment drags out. I shift my gaze up to the moon in an innocent expression, but the space between us is throbbing. My pulse has relocated itself to my clit and every orgasm that I never had is waiting to burst out of me.
“Get off of me,” he says as he removes his hand.
“Okay.” In one fast motion, I lick the side of his neck and untangle my legs. I drop to the ground in front of him. My tongue literally tingles with the flavor of his skin.
He stares down at me. “Why did you do that?”
“I had to know.” We’re close to the woods now. Almost out of sight.
He stares at my lips. Does he want permission because I’ve been fairly clear that I want him? He’s the one protesting, but we’re away from the school now. His hand is visibly trembling. I step further under the tree cover. Shadows fall across his face making him more mysterious.
“What did I taste like to you?”
I exhale slowly. I feel like if I don’t pace my breathing I’m going to pass right out. “Like cinnamon syrup. Did you eat pancakes earlier?”
He chuckles and stares at my lips again.
“You can, if you want to . . . kiss me that is,” I offer.
He looks back toward the wall, but there’s no one there.
“Or if you just want a taste, you can lick me too.”
He sucks air in through his teeth in a hissing gasp. “If it wasn’t for your smell, I’d be convinced you were another test. But no one can fake this.” He leans into me and I go perfectly still. His tongue flicks out and draws a soft wet line down the opening of my shirt.
We both moan simultaneously. A million nerve endings I didn’t know existed flare to life. My nipples go crystal hard and jut out from my shirt. Do that again.
“I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Hmmm, that was not what I was thinking at all. Why don’t you take me back to your dorm room?”
“Mostly because if you tried to cross the boundary you’d be fried to a crisp.”
I choke and cough. “What?”
“Don’t mess around with Bronson’s School. Promise me, you and your friend won’t try to get in again. I’m not joking. The wall will set you on fire if you try to cross it.”
“I promise,” I lie. Because I will do whatever it takes to get to him if he crosses that wall.
[image error]About the Author:Sarah Hyde combats the cold Maine winters by writing very steamy romances. She loves berries, happy endings, and tea. Sex and Sorcery is her adult debut.
Twitter: @fancypantssarah
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexandsorcery/
Published on May 20, 2016 03:00
March 14, 2016
TALON BLOG TOUR: $25 AMAZON GC GIVEAWAY
I'm late posting. It's been crazy a crazy week filled with unexpected chaos. Including my internet going down this morning. So, I'm sure you can appreciate the fact that all I want to do right now is read.
Do you know what the best thing about this week has been? Talon. Sybil Bartel really knows her alpha heroes. OMG, is he protective. He's the kind of man you want in an emergency. I haven't finished the book yet. That's actually what I'm doing right now. So if you had a crazy week and need to escape, I think Talon might keep your mind off the chaos of real life.
Talon by Sybil Bartel
(Uncompromising Series, #1)
Publication date: March 1st 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance
Synopsis:
Talon
I surf.
I fuck.
I pretend to smile.
Two years ago my life was perfect, until it wasn’t. I scattered my wife’s ashes then walked away from the Marines. I didn’t think I had anything else to lose.
I was wrong.
The blond showed up at my surf shop, beaten and stabbed. I did what I was trained to do—I stitched her up. I didn’t have a clue who she was and I told myself I didn’t care. Until they came looking for her.
I swore I’d take my last breath before I let anyone else hurt her except I didn’t know she was keeping a deadly secret. Now I had two choices, her life or mine.
Marriage and combat taught me the same thing—I was no one’s hero. And I was about to prove it.
Goodreads:
Amazon / iBooks / Barnes and Noble / Kobo
Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)$25 Amazon gift card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AUTHOR BIO:
Sybil Bartel grew up in Northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew her into the world of storytelling. She loves the New Adult genre, but any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes her swoon.
Sybil now resides in Southern Florida and while she doesn’t get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she isn’t writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her handsomely tattooed husband, her brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…
But Seriously?
Here are ten things you probably really want to know about Sybil.
She grew up a faculty brat. She can swear like a sailor. She loves men in uniform. She hates being told what to do. She can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks her out. Her favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—she can’t decide. She has a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on her for driving directions, ever. And she has a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell her husband.
To find out more about Sybil Bartel, be sure to follow her on Twitter (she loves to hear about your favorite book boyfriend!), visit her website, like her on Facebook or join her Facebook group Book Boyfriend Heroes for exclusive excerpts and giveaways.
Author Links:
https://twitter.com/SybilBartel
http://sybilbartel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sybilbartelauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065006266850790/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7893521.Sybil_Bartel
Published on March 14, 2016 06:48
February 9, 2016
DARK CONFESSIONS- A Dark Paradise Series Novella
ADD ON: GOODREADS It's the release day for DARK CONFESSIONS. My action-packed novella is the latest installment in the Dark Paradise series. This novella begins where DARK EMBRACE ended, but can be read as a standalone. It features two of my favorite characters from the previous novels, Bessie Caine and Ferdinand Lafitte.
Both of these characters got under my skin, and I realized that I had to write their story. They have a lot of secrets between them. If they want a shot at having a relationship, they need to be brave enough to confess their sins and learn to forgive perceived betrayals.
About DARK CONFESSIONS
For Sheriff's Deputy Elizabeth Caine, seeing is believing. But in the past few months, she's witnessed an otherworldly realm of ancient magic and ghostly spirits that defies explanation. When a friend connected to that world of witchcraft is taken captive by a ruthless criminal, Bess will risk anything to find her, even if it means enlisting the help of a former lover she can no longer trust.
Ferdinand Lafitte can't tell Bess the truth about his feelings for her, not while a powerful spell binds him. But he can guide her through the lush bayou in search of Mala LaCroix, whose fate means as much to him as it does to Bess. Yet as their search reveals the darkest kinds of sorcery, they find themselves drawn together more passionately than ever before . . .
AVAILABLE NOW: $1.99 AMAZON / iBOOKS / AMAZON UK / AMAZON CA / AMAZON AU / GOOGLE PLAY / B&N / KOBO ADD ON: GOODREADS
Excerpt:
“Does that include working with me?” Ferdinand asks.
With a gasp, I turn. He lounges against the doorframe, and I’m caught in his trap again, mesmerized by sheer perfection. He reminds me of a priceless Egyptian statue, painstakingly carved from ebony by a master craftsman. A real piece of work, this man. More beautiful than anything I saw in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more cunning than a grifter running a long con.
I blink to dispel the haze clouding my eyes. “I don’t like the idea, but it seems I don’t have a choice.”
Ferdinand shakes his head. “You have free will. It’s a gift, which shouldn’t be taken for granted.”
I refrain from snorting. It’s not at all lady-like. “Well, if I did, then I’d still have you in handcuffs.”
Ferdinand’s dark eyebrows rise. “Is that so?” His gaze travels leisurely down my body, leaving a trail of heat that pools between my thighs. “Your wish is my command, Chérie doux.” His accent thickens. “Any time. All I require is for you to say the magic word. Merci.”
My breath catches. It feels like I’ve got a stray piece of apple pie lodged in my throat, and no matter how much I swallow, I can’t clear the block. “I need some water,” I choke out, eyeing the door. Why won’t he move?
“I’ll go with you.” He turns sideways, waving his arm for me to precede him. As if I want him hovering behind where I can’t see his hands. Oh God. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
Five quick steps take me to the door. My skin puckers as I brush past him. Every inch of me feels jittery, on edge, like I’m about to leap out of my skin. His long fingers skim the small of my back beneath the edge of my bulletproof vest, and a spark arcs between us. The resulting burst of liquid heat causes my overly sensitive nerves to tingle. My bound breasts ache from being confined.
The bathroom is only a few paces away, but I can’t reach it fast enough. Ferdinand almost walks on my heels. He’s so close that the space between our bodies hums with electricity. Does he plan on waiting for me to come out? That won’t do.
I throw open the door to the single stall bathroom and flip on the light. Ferdinand rocks forward on his toes, head close to brushing the top of the doorframe. My hand whips out, and I grab the waistband of his jeans and yank him into the room. The door slams shut behind us.
Confusion and hunger war within his dark eyes. The heady combination threatens to bring me to my knees. His long eyelashes fan down, then up. “Lieutenant Caine?”
“Shut up. Not another word.” I thumb the door lock. Neither of us can escape now. “I can’t…not one more second.”
His hand lifts, but I wrap my fingers around his wrist and shove it down. “Don’t touch me.” I can’t take it anymore. So why be miserable and keep fighting?
Rising onto my tiptoes, I grab his collar and drag him toward me. His lips part. Perfect. My mouth slams against his—hard and rough. I steal his kiss. The one owed to me. He’s been taunting me with the possibility for hours—holding this moment over my head while playing on my emotions. No more. It’s my reward for being so damn patient.
AMAZON / iBOOKS / AMAZON UK / AMAZON CA / AMAZON AU / GOOGLE PLAY / B&N / KOBO
ADD ON: GOODREADS
Published on February 09, 2016 03:30
January 25, 2016
NOW AND AGAIN BLOG TOUR with GIVEAWAY
Now and Again by Jennifer Ellision
Book Name: Now and AgainBook Genre: New adult romance Now and Again on Goodreads
Now and Again Blurb
Unemployed. Broke. Maid of Honor.
All (unfortunately) words that describe Em Hayes.Without any job leads in San Francisco, Em caves to her mother’s promise of free rent and returns home. Her best friend, Nikki, couldn’t be more thrilled. Em’s degree in Event Management is gathering dust, and what better way to put it to use than planning Nikki’s wedding?
There’s just one flaw in that plan: Cole Connors. The girls’ former roommate. And part of the reason Em hasn’t been back since college graduation.
Em’s never been able to forget Cole—or how close they were before she pushed him aside and ran for the hills. Cole’s never forgotten Em either— but in the past two years, she hasn’t given him much choice but to try.
And, according to Nikki, there’s no better pair to plan the wedding of her dreams.
Em’s usually good at squashing messy feelings, but being around Cole again brings them all rushing to the surface.
And this time, she’s not sure she wants to run.
Buy Links
Now and Again is available at the following locations:
Paperback / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Smashwords / Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author
Jennifer Ellision spent a great deal of her childhood staying up past her bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When she couldn’t find the stories she wanted to read, she started writing them. She loves words, has a soft spot for fanfiction, and is a master of the fangirl flail. She resides in South Florida with her family, where she lives in fear of temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit.
Jennifer is the author of the YA fantasy series, Threats of Sky and Sea, as well as the New Adult contemporary novel, Now and Again.
Join the book buzz using hashtag #NowandAgain
Published on January 25, 2016 06:00
January 22, 2016
COVER REVEAL AND EXCERPT-DARK CONFESSIONS
It's my cover reveal day for DARK CONFESSIONS, YAY!
I'm so thankful to True Story Book Blog for hosting my exclusive cover reveal. I love this cover so much!! It's absolutely gorgeous!
So, head over to True Story Book Blog and check out the cover and excerpt.
http://www.truestorybookblog.com/…/dark-confessions-by-ang…/
I'm so thankful to True Story Book Blog for hosting my exclusive cover reveal. I love this cover so much!! It's absolutely gorgeous!
So, head over to True Story Book Blog and check out the cover and excerpt.
http://www.truestorybookblog.com/…/dark-confessions-by-ang…/
Published on January 22, 2016 15:16
December 7, 2015
OF SCIONS AND MEN AND GYRE DOUBLE COVER REVEALS
Today's the day for a dual cover reveal: OF SCIONS AND MEN by Courtney Sloan and GYRE by Jessica Gunn! Both books are in the New Adult category and are being published by Curiosity Quills Press. Here's a bit about each book: OF SCIONS AND MEN by Courtney Sloan (February 22nd, 2016)Geopolitical babysitting while arresting preternatural killers, it’s just the daily grind for Scion Rowan Brady. Brash and sarcastic, Rowan has sold her life, her career and her very blood to the controlling paranormal ruling class of America, all to make sure her kid brother can eat. Now she uses her powers as a scion to kick the ass of any preternatural creature idiotic enough to break the rules and prey upon humanity without a license. All it costs her is her freedom and a pint or two per week to her new Master. But juggling her job and duties becomes even tougher when she is tasked with keeping a contingency of diplomats from Canada from getting gnawed on. However, negotiations for an International Blood Exchange are interrupted when bodies start showing up. Now Rowan must rely on her talent and wit to defend the society she despises to save the lives she’s sworn to protect. But as she stumbles into the truth, she chances becoming a target of not only these killers, but of her own government. With shifters, ghosts, vampires and psychics all watching her, can she stop the killings before she is silenced? ADD OF SCIONS AND MEN TO GOODREADS HERE*** GYRE by Jessica Gunn (February 1st, 2016)Trevor couldn’t believe his eyes when Chelsea teleported onto SeaSatellite5. The miracle is Trevor’s absolute worst nightmare. Chelsea is Atlantean, which would be fine if Trevor’s family weren’t Lemurian—enemies of Atlantis. Then SeaSatellite5 uncovers Atlantean ruins and stumbles into the crosshairs of an ancient war. The Lemurians want the artifacts inside the ruins, and Trevor’s the only one onboard who recognizes the relics for what they really are: Link Pieces, tools used by ancient civilizations to wage their time-travel war. Chelsea and Trevor must brave the gyre of lies surrounding them. If they can’t, Atlantis will be destroyed forever.
ADD GYRE TO GOODREADS HERE***Are you ready to see the covers?*Here we go!****
PRE-ORDER GYRE HERE!PRE-ORDER OF SCIONS AND MEN HERE!***ABOUT COURTNEY SLOAN
A New Orleans native, Courtney Sloan relocated to the hills of Central Maryland after Hurricane Katrina. There she lives with her husband and fellow author, J.P. Sloan, their son and their crazy German Shepherd pup. Adding to her writing life, Courtney is also a professor at the local college and enjoys learning a world of new ideas from her students as she teaches them about writing and communicating. Courtney’s New Orleans upbringing has left her with a love for the macabre and a flare for the next to normal. She writes speculative fiction with a variety of horror and sass mixed in for flavor. She loves taking the world of politics that haunts us now, and adding the supernatural to create a gumbo of thrills to keep you up at night. A self-proclaimed lover of way too many fandoms, Courtney also loves crafting. From blankets to jams to stories, it’s always better homemade. Author Links: Twitter | WebsiteABOUT JESSICA GUNN
Jessica Gunn is a New Adult author and avid science-fiction and fantasy fan. Her favorite stories are those that transport the reader to other, more exciting worlds. When not working or writing, she can be found binge-watching Firefly and Stargate, or feeding her fascination of the ancient world’s many mysteries. Jessica also holds a degree in Anthropology.Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Website
Published on December 07, 2015 03:00
December 2, 2015
THE ROLE COVER REVEAL- RICHARD PEARSON
I'm very excited to reveal the cover for Richard Pearson's THE ROLE. I'm dying to read THIS!
I love the vibe this cover projects from what looks like velvet curtains to the actors' bare feet. Plus, there is the skulking guy hiding off to the side. Makes me curious about what's going on in this scene.
Luckily, I won't have to wait too long. Spring 2016 is right around the corner.
Title: The Role Genre: LGBT Fiction Publisher: Lethe Publication Date: Spring 2016. Format: Paperback and E-book. Find it: | Lethe | Amazon | Author: Facebook | Twitter | Synopsis:
Mason Burroughs is an actor on the verge of giving up after being turned away at audition after audition. But his life changes when he bumps into Kevin Caldwell, an old crush from acting school. Kevin helps Mason land a role that could make him the next Broadway star. However, as rehearsals begin, Mason learns that there’s a lot more drama than just what’s on stage. With a personal trainer claiming he can mold his body to resemble a Greek statue, an underhanded understudy waiting in the wings to replace him, a megalomaniacal director, and Kevin hellbent on breaking up Mason and his boyfriend, Mason must choose how much he is willing to sacrifice to make his Broadway dream a reality.
About the Author: Richard Pearson is the author of The Role an LGBT Novel which explores the backstage drama behind a Broadway show. It will be published by Lethe Press in Spring of 2016. Richard is a triple threat: Author, Actor, and Attorney. When he’s not performing in New York City, he writes and works from his home in Jersey City, which he shares with his loving husband and newborn baby daughter.
Published on December 02, 2015 08:48
November 17, 2015
Happy Release Day- Grudging by Michelle Hauck
Wishing my critique partner, Michelle Hauck a Happy Release Day! I loved GRUDGING from the very first page, but I'm biased. I've loved every book I've ever read by Michelle. She has the ability to transport me into a magical world of her creation. And I never want to leave. Congrats, Michelle!
Title: GRUDGINGAuthor: Michelle HauckPub. Date: November 17, 2015Publisher: Harper Voyager ImpulseFormat: eBookFind it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads
A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.
The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.
On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.
The Women of the Song.
But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.
A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.
Excerpt:
Shortly after the combat, Ramiro made his excuses to the men at the wall and left, returning to the citadel and taking the stairs to the roof. Some alcalde’s wife from the past had turned this spot into an outdoor garden and dining room, making it a favorite retreat for many. A peaceful place when he felt anything but. Other people’s blood spotted his white shirt. Had things gone differently, it could easily have been his own. He needed a bath and a rest, but his mind hummed from the conflict, leaving him unable to stop pacing. Cold chills claimed his limbs. His stomach was sourer than when alcohol had filled it. With no clear single-combat victory, he hadn’t earned his beard. The night reeked of disappointment.How long? How long could they keep the Northerners out?Stars spotted the night sky here, where the citadel met the top of the world. Or so it had always seemed to him as a child. Life was no longer so certain now that he was older.He drew in the cool scent of creeping jasmine, carefully tended and watered by hand in pots across the rooftop. Colina Hermosa spread before him, a humbling sight. The city stretched away from the citadel on all sides, a jewel shining with lights. It spread down the hill, becoming wider and grander as it sprawled, with imposing avenues and white-clad stucco buildings whose thick walls and small windows kept out the noonday heat. There was squalor and dirt as well, fits of temper, rudeness, and often impatience. But the darkness hid all that, washing the city of its faults and giving it a fresh life until it tumbled like the sea against the immovable stone walls that now held out the Northerners.His heart swelled with love. Something worth defending. Home. Outside the high, white walls, well beyond arrow shot, was a sight not so welcoming. There, jammed between the city and a deep, old quarry used to build the city walls, campfires burned. A red swarm of rage and death, brimstone and smoke, offering a grim contrast with the peaceful firmament. Not by the hundreds did they burn, but by the thousands, mirroring the stars in the sky. How many peasants’ houses did they demolish to feed so much hungry fire? They must be down to burning cacti. How they kept it up night after night, he couldn’t begin to comprehend. Salvadorhad talked on about supply trains and quartermasters, but Ramiro had let his imagination dwell on his first ride instead. An indulgence he regretted now.If only each fire meant a single enemy, but that was wishful thinking. Each fire contained tens of men. Tens and thousands. And behind them, the siege machines waited their turn. A lethal combination for Colina Hermosa.He touched the spot above his spleen, and whispered, “Santiago, don’t let me give in to despair.”
About Michelle:
Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Two papillons help balance out the teenage drama. Besides working with special needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet snack.
She is a co-host of the yearly contests Query Kombat and Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow.
Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, is published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, is published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She's repped by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.Website | Twitter | Facebook page | Tumblr | Goodreads
Title: GRUDGINGAuthor: Michelle HauckPub. Date: November 17, 2015Publisher: Harper Voyager ImpulseFormat: eBookFind it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads
A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.
The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.
On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.
The Women of the Song.
But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.
A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.
Excerpt:
Shortly after the combat, Ramiro made his excuses to the men at the wall and left, returning to the citadel and taking the stairs to the roof. Some alcalde’s wife from the past had turned this spot into an outdoor garden and dining room, making it a favorite retreat for many. A peaceful place when he felt anything but. Other people’s blood spotted his white shirt. Had things gone differently, it could easily have been his own. He needed a bath and a rest, but his mind hummed from the conflict, leaving him unable to stop pacing. Cold chills claimed his limbs. His stomach was sourer than when alcohol had filled it. With no clear single-combat victory, he hadn’t earned his beard. The night reeked of disappointment.How long? How long could they keep the Northerners out?Stars spotted the night sky here, where the citadel met the top of the world. Or so it had always seemed to him as a child. Life was no longer so certain now that he was older.He drew in the cool scent of creeping jasmine, carefully tended and watered by hand in pots across the rooftop. Colina Hermosa spread before him, a humbling sight. The city stretched away from the citadel on all sides, a jewel shining with lights. It spread down the hill, becoming wider and grander as it sprawled, with imposing avenues and white-clad stucco buildings whose thick walls and small windows kept out the noonday heat. There was squalor and dirt as well, fits of temper, rudeness, and often impatience. But the darkness hid all that, washing the city of its faults and giving it a fresh life until it tumbled like the sea against the immovable stone walls that now held out the Northerners.His heart swelled with love. Something worth defending. Home. Outside the high, white walls, well beyond arrow shot, was a sight not so welcoming. There, jammed between the city and a deep, old quarry used to build the city walls, campfires burned. A red swarm of rage and death, brimstone and smoke, offering a grim contrast with the peaceful firmament. Not by the hundreds did they burn, but by the thousands, mirroring the stars in the sky. How many peasants’ houses did they demolish to feed so much hungry fire? They must be down to burning cacti. How they kept it up night after night, he couldn’t begin to comprehend. Salvadorhad talked on about supply trains and quartermasters, but Ramiro had let his imagination dwell on his first ride instead. An indulgence he regretted now.If only each fire meant a single enemy, but that was wishful thinking. Each fire contained tens of men. Tens and thousands. And behind them, the siege machines waited their turn. A lethal combination for Colina Hermosa.He touched the spot above his spleen, and whispered, “Santiago, don’t let me give in to despair.”
About Michelle:
Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Two papillons help balance out the teenage drama. Besides working with special needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet snack.She is a co-host of the yearly contests Query Kombat and Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow.
Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, is published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, is published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She's repped by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.Website | Twitter | Facebook page | Tumblr | Goodreads
Published on November 17, 2015 06:00


