Staying Safe

Hope you’re all staying as safe as you can. Except for my weekly trek to the grocery store, I've been staying at home. Work and life continue for me, as I’m lucky enough to work from home. As an introvert, I spent a lot of time at home before the pandemic, so it’s not as much as a disruption in my life as it is for many.

Like everyone, I miss being able to go out and do what I want, but this is a necessary step right now. I’ve been isolating at home and social distancing when I need to be out.

I admit, I’ve been delving a little too deeply into the sweets/chocolate. I love 95% dark Lindt chocolate. Yum. And I’ve binged on a couple of Netflix series.

But for me, it always comes back to reading. It’s what I do when the stress gets to be too much. I’ve reread old favorites and bought some new. A friend gave me a gift card for books. It’s like they know me.

If you’re like me and looking for a new book, you might consider checking out Fury Unleashed, the first book in my new paranormal series—Forgotten Brotherhood.


TEASER:

He was once again dressed all in black—jeans that clung to his thighs, a T-shirt so tight it might as well have been painted on, and the same leather jacket he’d worn last night. Sexy and dangerous were the best way to describe him.

She, on the other hand, was clean but grungy. She'd scrubbed the blood from her pants and jacket, but her top had been a write-off. She wore one of Maccus’s shirts, which swallowed her smaller frame and hung below her jacket.

Clothes were secondary to her. She never left home without her edged weapons and gun.

A girl had to have her priorities straight.

Fury Unleashed
Forgotten Brotherhood, Book One

Maccus Fury, a fallen angel, is trying hard to keep his sanity. Seems being an assassin might be catching up with him. Now, Heaven, or Hell, has sent a beautiful assassin to kill him. Lovely. She’s pretending to seduce him, and he’s okay with that. She’s smart and snarky—but she has no idea what she’s walked into. And he’s more than peeved that they only sent one person. They’re going to need an army if they want him dead.

Morrigan Quill is one of Hell’s bounty hunters. She sold her soul to keep her sister safe, and now she’s working off her contract by catching bad guys and dragging them back to hell. When Lucifer makes her a new offer––that’s definitely too good to be true—she can’t say no. All she has to do is kill a powerful and crazy-hot fallen angel, who will totally kick her ass in battle.

Good thing he won’t see what’s coming next.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084M1NQ88
Entangled: https://entangledpublishing.com/fury-unleashed.html

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fury-unleashed-n-j-walters/1136398720

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fury-unleashed-1

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/fury-unleashed/id1498471438

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

                   

Visit me at:

Website: http://www.njwalters.com

Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com

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Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

Take that Risk

Fear of change is a powerful entity. But I believe it was Tommy Cruise in Risky Business who said "Sometimes you have to say, what the fuck."

Case in point, the Passport to Romance event I talked about last month. The event replaced the book fair we used to have as part of the Emerald City Writers Conference. Over the last few years, the book fair had become like many other book fairs I've attended. A sad, boring, yard sale. Attendance was low and there wasn't much excitement.

When I proposed the Passport to Romance reader appreciation event, I was fortunate enough to have a board and conference chair who believed in my vision. And in Carmen Cook, the perfect person to bring my idea of an event where readers and authors could come together, gush about books, take picture with handsome men, and all without the pressure of "buy my book" hovering in the air.

Let me tell you, convincing a group of authors to give away items for free was a harder sell then I anticipated, but those who embraced the concept saw the smile on the attendees faces when being handed a book, and the authors then understood what we were trying to accomplish- reach out and connect with potentially new readers in a fun and interactive way.

But my favorite part was afterward, and seeing those readers' post on Facebook about their experiences and share their pictures. When I see their friends comment and ask about where they were, and how much fun it looked, and say how they want to attend next year? Yep, I am Muppet flailing for joy.

Yes, the event was a huge success, and the wheels are in motion to make next year even better. Yay!!!

So when the boring and blah no longer work, don't be afraid to shake things up and try something new. Great things can happen.

Danielle Monsch gave out some
of her Entwined Realms books.
Lucky readers.

My Elite Ghost girls- Saranna DeWylde and Sabrina York

My boy Scott Nova

I could have taken them all home in my bosom.

I'm smiling but believe me, I was terrified

Until next time, y'all!

Anna - The Super Diva

Get it now on Amazon!

Website- http://annaalexander.net/
Facebook
Twitter- @AnnaWriter
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Danielle Monsch and The Cage King are Here and Kicking Ass!

Danielle Monsch is back with another in her Entwined Realm series. Finally!! Gargoyles and Orcs. Vampires and Fae. Whatever otherworldly species gets your blood racing, they're in Danielle's world. Yay!!

Book Two of the Entwined Realms-

To the Victor belong the Spoils, and as the Ruler of the Fight Scene, all the spoils belong to Esh - Money, Fame, Power... Everything, except one woman who disappeared five years ago.

Now Nalah is back, a member of the Guild and in need of his help to get access to the greatest Cage Match in the New Realms. To Nalah, this is nothing but an assignment, Esh only a tool to be used to collect a magical artifact of great power, and she will not, will not, allow the fire that has always burned bright between them to reignite - no matter how much Esh tempts her.

Five years ago Nalah left, and in that time she may have forgotten something, something Esh will remind her of - when The Cage King fights, he always wins.

Buy Links -

Amazon Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Cage-King-Novella-Entwined-Realms-ebook/dp/B00MMX261E/
Apple iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id893504163

Barnes & Noble Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cage-king-danielle-monsch/1119878789

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/the-cage-king/
All Romance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thecageking-1598850-143.html

Enjoy!

Anna- The Super Diva

Winner- Passionate Plume

 Best Novella

Find me and say Hi!
Website- http://annaalexander.net/
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Twitter- @AnnaWriter
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Do You Remember Your First?

It's August, which means in my house we're doing a clean sweep. Bags of clothes, toys and books are taken to St.Vincent's and for a few short days I have a tidy house. As I rearrange my bookcase, I see them. They look exactly the same as when I first read them long ago. When I was a young teen, I had an entire wall of the slim, red books. A six-foot tall, four-foot wide bookshelf of Harlequin Temptations, Blazes and Silhouette Desires.

The first adult romance I read was A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss when I was 14 years old. I read the entire book in two days after school and I remember thinking, "Ah, that's how it works." Oh, Christopher Seton. How I loved you. But alas, the book did not belong to me and I had to return it to my friend Rosie. Total bummer. But I was hooked, and soon I was reading every romance I could get my hands on. Those little red Harlequins were my drug of choice. $2.99 and twelve new stories every month. I could read one a day, and I looked forward to every trip to the grocery store. I still can't believe my mother bought them for me.

I did read some of the Presents, Intrigues, Historicals and Super Romances, but the Blazes and Desires were my favorite. And then came the Silhouette Shadows. Twilight Phantasies by Maggie Shayne was my first vampire novel. (Yeah, I missed the entire Anne Rice craze) Oh. My. God. I read that book at least twenty times. While I can't remember names, I can still see scenes in my mind. The dungeon. The love scenes before the fireplace... sigh... Now this was before paranormal was paranormal, and I didn't know these types of book existed. My world was rocked. This was my genre.

I lost the first book,
but I still have the sequel.

But then I grew up, and the chances to read became few and far between as a life of responsibility set in. When I moved into my first apartment, the wall of books came with me. Then I moved cross-country, twice, and the number of books had to be culled, and some, unfortunately, became lost. (Twilight Phantasies- sniff) The wall is now down to eighteen and they were the only romances I had for a long time. Then I had my wisdom teeth pulled, and the opportunity to read presented itself. I know, I had to be knocked out with a mouthful of gauze in order to get some free time. I picked up one of my old red books and was swept back in time to when I spent all night in my room with my favorite heroes. That little red book started me reading again, and in turn back, to writing.

So as I sort and de-clutter, I look at those books, smile, and leave them exactly where they are.

Do you still have your first romance novel? What is it?

Passionate Plume Winner
Best Novella

Anna- The Super Diva

Find me and say Hi!
Website- http://annaalexander.net/
Facebook
Twitter- @AnnaWriter
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If you had a choice, what would you like to see in a Paranormal Romance?

Sitting down in front of the keyboard, I thought about what I wanted to cover today. Looking at the stack of notes to my side, I knew then and there what I was going to blog about today - Supernaturals.

You may ask why Supernaturals? The answer is simple; I am currently working on, what will be, my debut Paranormal Romance Novel. It's only natural that my mind is filled with all things supernatural, as I plan, plot and devise a story filled with the amazing, mysterious creatures.

I have always had a love of vampires and actually, my first reads were filled with the fanged wonders. However, as my reading expanded, so too did my interests, as I came to love and be fascinated with shifters of all species.

One of my favorite is the wolf. Unfortunately, the market seems to be saturated with the all-time favorite wolf - and I can certainly see why - who wouldn't love a male, all alpha, who has the ability to call on his wolf and the strength of his pack backing him? But even with my love for the wolves, as I sat down to devise my story, I decided that I wanted to go bigger...badder. 

Enter the dragon.

Fire-breathing, mysterious, stronger than any known creature with a forty-foot wing span and, some believe, based on what actually roamed the earth during prehistoric times. Can you imagine? You're out, walking along and suddenly you hear the tell-tale "whop-whop," caused by the creature's massive wings, as he beats them up and down, majestically soaring overhead? 

Absolutely amazing...and so a story was born.

Of course, fascinated with all supernatural creatures, I couldn't be happy with only a dragon. Nope. I wanted to add more spice to the story and,  having plans to expand into a series, what better way than to have other supernaturals? There are so many yummy ones to choose from...

Naturally, there is a down side to this thinking, which I didn't consider at the time I hatched my oh-so-brilliant plan; my head is now filled (and I mean FILLED) with each supe, rattling around, banging against my skull, sometimes very loudly, wanting their own story told. Whoops. =)

That brings me to the thinking behind this post - what do you, the reader, want to read? If I were to use you as my personal muse, what creature's story would you have me tell? Why? 

Do you want to see more of the lovely, sly, slinky cats? Or could it be that you are dying to see more of the hulking, fuzzy, adorable but aggressive bears? Maybe you want more angels, demons or fey creatures? Or, possibly you really want to reach for the stars and you'd love to see some kind of usual shifter, rarely seen in the literary world?

So, the question I have for you, the reader, is what is the one Supernatural you long to read about? If you had your choice of any creature, be they vampire, fey, shifter, witch, ogre, etc. who would you like to read about and why? When you walk into the bookstore, or search the e-libraries, what are you desperately hoping to find?

As I work through this first novel, featuring a seriously kick-ass, sexy, alpha dragon, I too bring in his family, acquaintances and friends. 

This is where you come in...

How you ask? 

I have a special treat for the people who  take a moment to share their comments below, that's how. 

I will read all of the comments, selecting the one I feel will best work into my next novel/novella!

Even better? 
Your name will be listed as a thanks on my Facebook and Twitter and when I talk and write about the creation of the story, you and your character will forever be a part of it! 

In addition, as to not leave anyone out (as I love all comments), I will recognize each person who comments below with your amazing ideas! 

I will be cataloging all of your comments and, in a future blog posting, you will be able to see YOUR NAME AND YOUR SUPERNATURAL listed for thousands to see!

I am so excited to see the ideas people come up with that I'm practically shaking in my booties! Comment on whatever supernatural fills your heart - no supernatural is too common, nor to rare! Let your imagination be your destination! 

Remember to tell your friends & family. Tweet, Facebook, spread it around! Let's make this list the best of all-time, filled with all of your names & amazing supernaturals!

The more the merrier!

Supernatural away!

Hugs,

Shelbie Knight

Amazon(dot)Blonde Diva
@ShelbieKnight

Website
Email

Queen of the Blood Father, Dark Fantasy Author Tessa Dawn

Today, I am excited to welcome Guest Diva, Dark Fantasy Author Tessa Dawn as she reveals her latest release in The Blood Curse Series, Blood Father.

If you haven't yet had the chance to read Tessa's work, now is the time, with her sixth book in The Blood Curse Series releasing today, June 12th.

Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father

After my little chant, I sat down with Tessa, a glass of blood in hand, naturally, to discuss her latest release filled with sexy, dark, brooding vampires. I'm thrilled to bring it all to you today.

S: Tessa, Thank you so much for joining us here on The Decadent Divas, to share in the celebration of your newest release, Blood Father!

T: Thanks for having me - so happy to be here! :)

S: I have to start with the one question everyone wants to know when they hear vampires are involved; what would you say is the heat level in Blood Father?

T: I would say the love-scenes sizzle! Although, interestingly enough, they're not designed to - they just come out that way. (That's the best Tessa!) Here's the thing: My writing style (or voice) is very sensory and detailed. I bring the reader into my stories, walk them step-by-step in the characters' shoes, and let them feel, taste, hear and smell everything the characters' encounter. I don't pull back on the joy, the darker scenes, or the heart-wrenching moments - it's all in vivid color. So I made a calculation early on to carry that through to the love scenes. If the characters' feel it, or experience it, so will the reader. (Amen!)

T: Can you share a little hint about Blood Father?

T: Sure! Here goes!

“May the rivers run crimson with their blood.”

~ Kagen Silivasi

    Kagen Silivasi is a powerful, ancient vampire with a unique gift for healing – he is also a son, a brother, and a loner who has survived unspeakable tragedy and loss: Beneath his handsome, well-mannered exterior lies an alter ego consumed by rage and an overwhelming impulse to “kill them all…”

    Arielle Nightsong is a brave human, a rebel spirit, and an accomplished healer in her own right. Born into a harsh world of violence, cruelty, and danger, she was enslaved at the age of ten and given as a gift to the most depraved being in Mhier – the infamous king of the lycans. If not for her enduring friendship with a captive vampire, she might not have survived to escape the slave encampment…or to discover her mysterious role in an ancient Blood Curse.

    When Kagen and his brothers voyage into Mhier in search of their long lost father, it will take more than stealth and cunning to get out alive: Secrets will be revealed; loyalties will be tested; and an indomitable spirit will fracture beneath the weight of an impossible choice. 

   BLOOD FATHER ~ 

where destiny and duty collide.

S: *sitting on the edge of my seat* Can I say wow? So, given your obvious talent, when did you first start writing?

T: I've been writing since I could hold a pencil, so I think I was simply born doing it. And loving it. :)

S: What has been your biggest writing influence? (A book or another Author?)

T: There are simply too many to count. Right now, I would have to say that I'm in awe of George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones). Why? Because he also writes a form of Dark Fantasy, he knows how to pen extremely compelling characters, evil-to-the-bone villains, and he never, ever pulls his punches. I love bold, courageous writing.

S: Can you tell us a little about your current project?

T: I'm about to release book #6 in my Blood Curse Series on June 12th, and I've already started seven. (Glad to hear it!) In addition, I'm playing around with a similar dragon-themed series (These won't be your typical dragons but sexy, hot, alpha males), a single-title epic fantasy, and maybe a little short-story horror. I love my deep, emotional male-female relationships, but I also love the DARK. (And we LOVE to read it!)

S: Do you write full-time?

T: Well, I'm a full-time writer, but it's not the same thing. LOL I try to write a little every day, but it doesn't always happen.

S: Now, just for fun, I'll rattle off a question and answer the first thing that comes to mind. *Tessa cringes and laughs*

T: Okay, it's on!

Last book you read? The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison

Cake or pie? BOTH! Oh, and cookies!

Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere I can soak in a hot tub!

Hairy chest or smooth? SMOOTH.

Stand alone or series? Mostly series, but stand-alone is fun to stretch your wings (as a writer).

Novel or novella? Novel.

Tattoo or piercing? Nope.

Once Upon a Time or The End? Once Upon a Time.

S: Thank you so much for stopping by The Decadent Divas to share your new release with us Tessa! We were thrilled to have you and wish you the best of success with your new release, Blood Father!

T: Thanks for having me! ;)

Below, I have listed a video showcasing another book in Tessa's Blood Curse Series, as well as all of her social media links - and of course, the links you need to purchase Blood Father - I already have!

Facebook ~ Tessa Dawn Page: https://www.facebook.com/tessa.dawn.52

Facebook ~ BCS Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blood-Curse-Series-Fan-Page/166752026693861

Website: http://tessadawn.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tessadawnbooks

Amazon Author’s Page: http://www.amazon.com/Tessa-Dawn/e/B004A9VISU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4346631.Tessa_Dawn

Blog: http://blog.tessadawn.com/