Amanda from Dark Divas awarded Suburban Demon with the highest rating, 5 divas! Here's what she had to say. Click here to read the original review.
Summary: Life sucks for Liz, a Repere demon from Philadelphia. Banished to the suburbs of South Jersey, she has to clean-up a clan of teenage, zit-faced vampires. If that isn’t bad enough, Max, demon-hater and rival vampire slayer, follows her pointed ears across the Delaware River just to torment her in her exile.
Max has a problem. The love of his life isn’t human. And her recent banishment only makes him think about her more. He finds himself paired with the sexy demon fighting to save horny, high school kids from sharp, vampire fangs.
Together, they stumble upon a heap of undead trouble. A master vampire created a super clan comprised of the oldest, most powerful vampires from Philly, Baltimore, and New York. Liz and Max, the newest vampire slayers in the suburbs, are the number one target.
My Review: I love when a kick ass Demon Vampire slayer and her human counterpart come together in whirlwind of naked bodies and death blows. Laura Herbertson’s action packed Urban Fantasy had me rooting for our heroes.
We first meet Liz trailing a bunch of teenage vamps through the suburban outskirts of South Jersey. While stationed behind a tree with the smell of overcooked rotating hot dogs permeating the air effectively cutting off her sense of where her little vamp kiddies went. She scans the area and we soon find that Max is right there with her, like he had been for the past year.
Of course, we know wherever you find the evil little blood sucking vamps they most likely are up to no good. Let’s face it, teen vamps with their teen hormones just can’t help themselves.(Yeah right) As Liz and Max successfully take down the group of teens, Liz with her empathy spares the only remaining vamp in hopes of finding his master and ending the reign of terror he has caused for this little community.
Closed in together for the night while waiting for the Master Vamp to show, Max makes it known that he wants Liz, always has, always will. With their little tryst in the bathroom leaving the room and myself steamy, we find our little vamp friend has escaped and it is up to them to find the vamp and take down the Master.
Let’s get the negative out of the way first; why oh why couldn’t this be longer Mrs. Herbertson? Why did you have to cut it off when everything was getting good? I found myself in a trance as I read this story and before I could even say wow, this is good, it was over, I felt lost. (*laugh’s*)
Okay, now on to what I like...EVERYTHING! I liked how she described the vamps “crumbling” as they were staked or beheaded, I liked the witty banter between Liz and Max and I absolutely adored her ability to show each character’s vulnerability. I liked the way she didn’t drag out each characters feelings, she made them determined to fit together no matter what.
Liz is a very strong Demon and in such, I was happy she played her that way, and I have to say I also loved the fact that she gave Liz almost a motherly quality. I can honestly say what a breath of fresh air it is to see a strong woman; demon or what have you demanding that she also have her turn at the action.
I liked that Max, an alpha in his own right, doesn’t use his abilities to hold Liz back, he knows that she is his equal and treats her as such. We see his feelings pour through his hard shell and consume him as he takes her against the sink of the hotel bathroom, and although he may choose the wrong use of words for what happens, you know he liked it and you know he would do it again.
All and all, I was very happy with this story, although it was short and I would have liked it to be longer, the length of the story was enough to weave a wonderful tale of a Demon and her warrior king!
Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Amanda
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Dreaded Synopsis
I told you I finished writing my young adult novel right? It's currently in the hands of my beta readers (aka family and critique partners). That doesn't mean I sit idly while I wait for their comments. Heck no. There are query letters to write, literary agents to research, similar authors to research, and I have to dedicate some time to worrying about getting published in this crappy economy. Maybe I should hold off a year...
Anyway, back to my point. Unlike my first novel, this time around I'm launching a precision attack on the publishing industry. Instead of querying every agent that handles the genre, I'm researching authors with similar novels, or authors whose careers I'd admire. Then I find out which literary agent represents them. I write a personalized query letter with a blurb about my book, the word count, some of my credentials, and how I admire their client and why my writing is similar to theirs. Notice I said similar, I'm not claiming to be the next Stephanie Meyer, nor a cross between Scott Westerfeld and Ally Carter. I mean, what the heck does that mean anyway?
I'm not going to post my query letter here, but I can tell you, it took me 4 tries to write it and it's darn good. I'm happy with it. I'm debating on mentioning the book I wrote is the first in a series. I probably should, in the sake of full disclosure.
Query letter done, several agents have been identified for my attack...now I look up their submission guidelines because agents are so busy that they look for reasons to toss out your work. I'd hate to be tossed out because I didn't follow the rules. Some agents require email queries, some snail mail, some require the first five pages, some need the first 30...and worst of all, some agents require a synopsis.
Welcome to my hell. A synopsis is usually a 1-3 page summary of your novel. The entire novel condensed into a few pages. Actually, it's really like 1 page. It's best to keep the synopsis short because agents have a limited amount of time, and if you are able to summarize a 74,000 novel into a single page, while keeping it consistent with the tone and voice of the book, that's the mark of a great writer. Brevity is the soul of wit, right?
Yeah. Query letters I can rock, but not synopses. Let me give you an example. This is my trying to condense The Sorceror's Stone into a single page.
Well crap. Anyone reading this is going to wonder what Harry Potter has done to deserve an invitation to a school like that. I better include the part about the zoo.
And I've taken up WAY too much space summarizing the first scene in the book. I have the whole sorceror's stone plot to jam in here yet. To hell with it. I quit.
There is a plethora of advice out there on how to write a good synopsis. here, here, here, here, and here for starters. I've read them, and I've come to one conclusion: If you want a good synopsis, have someone else write it for you.
In the meantime, I unfortunately have to cancel the attack on the agents who require a synopsis. Either that or decide what would be more damaging- a badly written synopsis, or leaving out the synopsis entirely?
Anyway, back to my point. Unlike my first novel, this time around I'm launching a precision attack on the publishing industry. Instead of querying every agent that handles the genre, I'm researching authors with similar novels, or authors whose careers I'd admire. Then I find out which literary agent represents them. I write a personalized query letter with a blurb about my book, the word count, some of my credentials, and how I admire their client and why my writing is similar to theirs. Notice I said similar, I'm not claiming to be the next Stephanie Meyer, nor a cross between Scott Westerfeld and Ally Carter. I mean, what the heck does that mean anyway?
I'm not going to post my query letter here, but I can tell you, it took me 4 tries to write it and it's darn good. I'm happy with it. I'm debating on mentioning the book I wrote is the first in a series. I probably should, in the sake of full disclosure.
Query letter done, several agents have been identified for my attack...now I look up their submission guidelines because agents are so busy that they look for reasons to toss out your work. I'd hate to be tossed out because I didn't follow the rules. Some agents require email queries, some snail mail, some require the first five pages, some need the first 30...and worst of all, some agents require a synopsis.
Welcome to my hell. A synopsis is usually a 1-3 page summary of your novel. The entire novel condensed into a few pages. Actually, it's really like 1 page. It's best to keep the synopsis short because agents have a limited amount of time, and if you are able to summarize a 74,000 novel into a single page, while keeping it consistent with the tone and voice of the book, that's the mark of a great writer. Brevity is the soul of wit, right?
Yeah. Query letters I can rock, but not synopses. Let me give you an example. This is my trying to condense The Sorceror's Stone into a single page.
Harry Potter is an orphan who has never had a birthday party or friends of any kind. The only life he's known is at the hands of his unloving aunt and uncle, who force him to live in the cupboard under the stairs. Harry's life is about to change when he receives an invitation to attend Hogwarts, a school for witches and wizards.
Well crap. Anyone reading this is going to wonder what Harry Potter has done to deserve an invitation to a school like that. I better include the part about the zoo.
Harry Potter is an orphan who has never had a birthday party or friends of any kind. The only life he's known is at the hands of his unloving aunt and uncle, who force him to live in the cupboard under the stairs. During his cousin's birthday trip to the zoo, Harry imagines the glass for the reptiles' cages disappearing. The next thing he knew, it came true!
Harry's life is about to change when he receives an invitation to attend Hogwarts, a school for witches and wizards.
And I've taken up WAY too much space summarizing the first scene in the book. I have the whole sorceror's stone plot to jam in here yet. To hell with it. I quit.
There is a plethora of advice out there on how to write a good synopsis. here, here, here, here, and here for starters. I've read them, and I've come to one conclusion: If you want a good synopsis, have someone else write it for you.
In the meantime, I unfortunately have to cancel the attack on the agents who require a synopsis. Either that or decide what would be more damaging- a badly written synopsis, or leaving out the synopsis entirely?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Barnes and Noble
You can now purchase Tabitha Shay and Jaydyn Chelcee books online at Barnes and Noble! Here are the direct links:
Purchase Witch's Brew here. Saylym Winslow regains forgotten magical powers, but is determined to ignore them. No way is she a witch; magic brings nothing but trouble. But when Talon, Waken Prince and assassin of witches is assigned to terminate Saylym by stealing her soul, she discovers being a real, spell-casting witch is only the beginning of her problems. Talon is enchanted by Saylym's beauty and charm and refuses to do his duty. He is given a choice by the powerful Waken Guild: Handfast with the trouble making witch to keep her in line or they will send Drayke, the most ruthless waken assassin, to hunt her down. Sparks fly in this bewitching, sexy battle of the sexes--witch-style.
Purchase Witch's Heart here . Journey into a world where magic rules and death is the penalty for mistakes--return to the kingdom of Ru-Noc, where witches, wizards, and warlocks dwell... Hannah Miller is starting over--new life, new location, and the grand opening of the Sugar 'N' Spice bakery with her best friend, Kirrah Walker. But Hannah soon discovers Sanctuary is not small town America. Trapped in a world of magic where humans are considered aliens--Hannah soon becomes the target of a waken assassin. The male witch, Sage, is sent to terminate Hannah, the impertinent human who has dared to enter their sacred realm. Sage usually complies with the guild's orders, but he faces this assignment with dread. He hasn't forgotten what took place at the Salem witch trials in 1692 and has vowed to avoid all mortals--until he sees Hannah for the first time.
Purchase Witch's Moon here. Ru-Noc: A magical world teetering on the edge of destruction. Excited about her first Beltane, the feisty and strong-willed Princess of Ru-Noc makes plans to find her ideal mate. But Princess Kali's world is turned upside down when finds herself whisked away and trapped in the mortal realm of vampires. Captain Koran T knows he's in serious trouble when the King of Ru-Noc orders him to kidnap Princess Kali. He's no different than any other male of his species at mating time, so the urge to breed Kali is strong. But Koran T has a dark secret of his own, one that could have him banished from the coven. Fall under the spell of a Witch's Moon--when dark forces gather to threaten the very existence of Ru-Noc--and Princess Kali and Captain Koran cross swords in a fierce battle only a witch can win!
Purchase In The Arms of Danger here. Every woman needs a little danger in her life, but what's perilous about a wildlife shoot in the beautiful Montana wilderness? Armed with only a camera, Lacey Weston treks through the rough terrain and captures more on film than she bargains for--the murder of another young woman. Fearing for her life, Lacey flees the scene and stumbles straight into the path of a man who strongly resembles the murderer. Sheriff Danger Blackstone, with his piercing gray eyes and rugged physique, could be the man in her undeveloped pictures. With no where else to run and hide, Lacey must decide if she dares to trust her life to the only person who can protect her--one whose apparent grudge against Anglo females makes him less than approachable--the very man she suspects of murder. In the Arms of Danger is a suspenseful, action-packed romance with hard-bodied cowboys and long, hot nights that gives a whole new meaning to the Wild West.
Purchase No Holds Barred here. Rimrock--Home of the Montana men and the women who tame them. Professional horse trainer Kaycee Spencer decides to relocate when she becomes the target of an insane stalker. She chooses remote Rimrock, Montana where no one can find her. Jace Remington, co-owner of the Dancing Star Ranch, refuses to allow women around his thoroughbreds--females are nothing but trouble with a capital 'T'--that is, until he meets Kaycee Spencer, a woman who crashes into his peaceful life with trouble close on her heels. Set against the backdrop of the rugged mountains of Montana, Kaycee and Jace discover that if they are going to survive the vicious serial killer stalking Kaycee, they will have to learn to trust each other. No Holds Barred, a roller-coaster ride of murder, romance, and the discovery that love just might conquer all.
Purchase Witch's Brew here. Saylym Winslow regains forgotten magical powers, but is determined to ignore them. No way is she a witch; magic brings nothing but trouble. But when Talon, Waken Prince and assassin of witches is assigned to terminate Saylym by stealing her soul, she discovers being a real, spell-casting witch is only the beginning of her problems. Talon is enchanted by Saylym's beauty and charm and refuses to do his duty. He is given a choice by the powerful Waken Guild: Handfast with the trouble making witch to keep her in line or they will send Drayke, the most ruthless waken assassin, to hunt her down. Sparks fly in this bewitching, sexy battle of the sexes--witch-style.
Purchase Witch's Heart here . Journey into a world where magic rules and death is the penalty for mistakes--return to the kingdom of Ru-Noc, where witches, wizards, and warlocks dwell... Hannah Miller is starting over--new life, new location, and the grand opening of the Sugar 'N' Spice bakery with her best friend, Kirrah Walker. But Hannah soon discovers Sanctuary is not small town America. Trapped in a world of magic where humans are considered aliens--Hannah soon becomes the target of a waken assassin. The male witch, Sage, is sent to terminate Hannah, the impertinent human who has dared to enter their sacred realm. Sage usually complies with the guild's orders, but he faces this assignment with dread. He hasn't forgotten what took place at the Salem witch trials in 1692 and has vowed to avoid all mortals--until he sees Hannah for the first time. 
Purchase Witch's Moon here. Ru-Noc: A magical world teetering on the edge of destruction. Excited about her first Beltane, the feisty and strong-willed Princess of Ru-Noc makes plans to find her ideal mate. But Princess Kali's world is turned upside down when finds herself whisked away and trapped in the mortal realm of vampires. Captain Koran T knows he's in serious trouble when the King of Ru-Noc orders him to kidnap Princess Kali. He's no different than any other male of his species at mating time, so the urge to breed Kali is strong. But Koran T has a dark secret of his own, one that could have him banished from the coven. Fall under the spell of a Witch's Moon--when dark forces gather to threaten the very existence of Ru-Noc--and Princess Kali and Captain Koran cross swords in a fierce battle only a witch can win! 
Purchase In The Arms of Danger here. Every woman needs a little danger in her life, but what's perilous about a wildlife shoot in the beautiful Montana wilderness? Armed with only a camera, Lacey Weston treks through the rough terrain and captures more on film than she bargains for--the murder of another young woman. Fearing for her life, Lacey flees the scene and stumbles straight into the path of a man who strongly resembles the murderer. Sheriff Danger Blackstone, with his piercing gray eyes and rugged physique, could be the man in her undeveloped pictures. With no where else to run and hide, Lacey must decide if she dares to trust her life to the only person who can protect her--one whose apparent grudge against Anglo females makes him less than approachable--the very man she suspects of murder. In the Arms of Danger is a suspenseful, action-packed romance with hard-bodied cowboys and long, hot nights that gives a whole new meaning to the Wild West. 
Purchase No Holds Barred here. Rimrock--Home of the Montana men and the women who tame them. Professional horse trainer Kaycee Spencer decides to relocate when she becomes the target of an insane stalker. She chooses remote Rimrock, Montana where no one can find her. Jace Remington, co-owner of the Dancing Star Ranch, refuses to allow women around his thoroughbreds--females are nothing but trouble with a capital 'T'--that is, until he meets Kaycee Spencer, a woman who crashes into his peaceful life with trouble close on her heels. Set against the backdrop of the rugged mountains of Montana, Kaycee and Jace discover that if they are going to survive the vicious serial killer stalking Kaycee, they will have to learn to trust each other. No Holds Barred, a roller-coaster ride of murder, romance, and the discovery that love just might conquer all.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Colby!
Colby is one year old today. Birthdays are big in our house, so I decided to do something to celebrate. I decided to bake homemade dog biscuits. Actually, I've been thinking about it for a while because Milkbones are $3.50 a box.
Here is the recipe I worked from. I printed it from this website where you can find loads other recipes for dog treats. I chose this one because my dog loves Milk-bones and because it seemed simple to do. I didn't have any whole wheat flour or powdered milk, so off to the store we went. After seeing the whole wheat flour was $5.69 for a small bag, my husband insisted the flour we had at home was fine. I didn't argue with him at the grocery store because we aren't white trash.
These were my ingredients and everything I used to make the dog biscuits, minus the wax paper and cookie sheet, obviously. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with a whole box of powdered milk; I guess I have to keep making dog biscuits until it's gone. Overall, these biscuits did not make that big of a mess.
This is me, adding flour to the mixture until it forms a dough. It took longer than I wanted it to, so eventually I just dumped the rest of the flour in there. Kind of a mistake because it got a lot harder to stir. I had to use my hands after that. I think that yellowish color is from the margarine.
Here's my big honking pile of dough. The 1/2 cup measure is there to give you an idea of how large the dough mound is. I didn't have a rolling pin, so I beat the sucker flat with my fists and forearms. Not too flat, because the recipe calls for 1/2 inch thickness. In case you are wondering, yes, I did try a little piece of the dough. Not too bad actually.
Time for the cookie cutter! I bought this gem off the Cookie Cutter Shop. It's the 4 inch dog bone one. They had smaller but sold them at the same price as the large. It was $1.95 plus $2.95 shipping. It came nicely packaged a few days later. I wish the ends of the bone were more pronounced because I had a little difficulty lifting the cookie off the wax paper. I had to redo a few.
This is my helper, the birthday boy. Colby is wondering why I'm bothering, when there are perfectly good Milkbones in the box on the other side of the room. He wouldn't mind if I took a break to fetch him one. When will these be done anyway?
Here they are, ready for the oven. I made a few milk balls because I had extra dough. I figured 50 minutes in the oven will cook them all the way through. I didn't know how far apart to space the bones; I'm not what you'd call an avid baker. This cookie sheet configuration turned out well though. You can see some of the bones are misshaped. I had some trouble removing them from the dough to the cookie sheet. The thicker the dough was, the easier the job became. I was tempted to take a toothpick and write Colby in each of the bones, but I wanted my husband to still respect me.
I baked them and let them cool for a few hours. The time had come for Colby testing. The biscuits weren't rock hard as I thought they'd be. I could push on them and make an indent. They also smelled strongly of butter to the point where I think the recipe might have called for too much margarine. They definitely reminded me of people biscuits by the color and the way they smelled. I guess I was expecting more Milkbone-like. Here is the video of Colby eating his first birthday biscuit.
I'm not sure if he realized it was food, not a toy. He eventually ate it, but it took him a few minutes of playing first. I didn't expect him to take us on a tour of the house, sorry about that. I'd say after all that work, the response was fun, but anti-climatic. I was expecting a mad devouring, but got a game of keep-away instead.
Here is the recipe I worked from. I printed it from this website where you can find loads other recipes for dog treats. I chose this one because my dog loves Milk-bones and because it seemed simple to do. I didn't have any whole wheat flour or powdered milk, so off to the store we went. After seeing the whole wheat flour was $5.69 for a small bag, my husband insisted the flour we had at home was fine. I didn't argue with him at the grocery store because we aren't white trash.
These were my ingredients and everything I used to make the dog biscuits, minus the wax paper and cookie sheet, obviously. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with a whole box of powdered milk; I guess I have to keep making dog biscuits until it's gone. Overall, these biscuits did not make that big of a mess.
This is me, adding flour to the mixture until it forms a dough. It took longer than I wanted it to, so eventually I just dumped the rest of the flour in there. Kind of a mistake because it got a lot harder to stir. I had to use my hands after that. I think that yellowish color is from the margarine.
Here's my big honking pile of dough. The 1/2 cup measure is there to give you an idea of how large the dough mound is. I didn't have a rolling pin, so I beat the sucker flat with my fists and forearms. Not too flat, because the recipe calls for 1/2 inch thickness. In case you are wondering, yes, I did try a little piece of the dough. Not too bad actually.
Time for the cookie cutter! I bought this gem off the Cookie Cutter Shop. It's the 4 inch dog bone one. They had smaller but sold them at the same price as the large. It was $1.95 plus $2.95 shipping. It came nicely packaged a few days later. I wish the ends of the bone were more pronounced because I had a little difficulty lifting the cookie off the wax paper. I had to redo a few.
This is my helper, the birthday boy. Colby is wondering why I'm bothering, when there are perfectly good Milkbones in the box on the other side of the room. He wouldn't mind if I took a break to fetch him one. When will these be done anyway?
Here they are, ready for the oven. I made a few milk balls because I had extra dough. I figured 50 minutes in the oven will cook them all the way through. I didn't know how far apart to space the bones; I'm not what you'd call an avid baker. This cookie sheet configuration turned out well though. You can see some of the bones are misshaped. I had some trouble removing them from the dough to the cookie sheet. The thicker the dough was, the easier the job became. I was tempted to take a toothpick and write Colby in each of the bones, but I wanted my husband to still respect me.I baked them and let them cool for a few hours. The time had come for Colby testing. The biscuits weren't rock hard as I thought they'd be. I could push on them and make an indent. They also smelled strongly of butter to the point where I think the recipe might have called for too much margarine. They definitely reminded me of people biscuits by the color and the way they smelled. I guess I was expecting more Milkbone-like. Here is the video of Colby eating his first birthday biscuit.
I'm not sure if he realized it was food, not a toy. He eventually ate it, but it took him a few minutes of playing first. I didn't expect him to take us on a tour of the house, sorry about that. I'd say after all that work, the response was fun, but anti-climatic. I was expecting a mad devouring, but got a game of keep-away instead.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Blurb for Witch's Magic
The official blurb has been posted to Tab's website, but you can check it out here!
♥ WITCH'S MAGIC ♥
Book Four in Tabitha Shay's
"Winslow Witches of Salem"
Witches, werewolves, and vampires--an un-precedented alliance between the species.
Prince of Darkness: The realm of Vampyre is on the brink of a devastating war. In order to save his covens from total annihilation and claim his right to be king, Prince Valerian Radu must find a mate immediately and breed her. However, convincing the feisty witch, Shasta LaVeau, she's First Bride material is a war in itself--Shasta has but one thought on her mind--drive a stake through his black heart!
Princess of Light: In Shasta's opinion, the only good vampire is a staked vampire. Half-witch, half-werewolf, she leaves the borders of Ru-Noc to save her best friend, Princess Kali, from the evil fangs of Valerian, only to fall under the hypnotic spell of the sexy vampire.
Witch's Magic--where four realms collide--and there can only be one winner!
♥ WITCH'S MAGIC ♥
Book Four in Tabitha Shay's
"Winslow Witches of Salem"
Witches, werewolves, and vampires--an un-precedented alliance between the species.
Prince of Darkness: The realm of Vampyre is on the brink of a devastating war. In order to save his covens from total annihilation and claim his right to be king, Prince Valerian Radu must find a mate immediately and breed her. However, convincing the feisty witch, Shasta LaVeau, she's First Bride material is a war in itself--Shasta has but one thought on her mind--drive a stake through his black heart!
Princess of Light: In Shasta's opinion, the only good vampire is a staked vampire. Half-witch, half-werewolf, she leaves the borders of Ru-Noc to save her best friend, Princess Kali, from the evil fangs of Valerian, only to fall under the hypnotic spell of the sexy vampire.
Witch's Magic--where four realms collide--and there can only be one winner!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Witch's Heart Review
What Erin O'Riordan, author of Beltane, had to say about Tab's second book in the Winslow Witches series, Witch's Heart.
Any book that starts off with the hero being bitten by a rattlesnake in a very private part is bound to keep the reader flipping pages. Tabitha Shay's second book in the Winslow Witches series keeps the pages flipping for many other reasons,too. Shay has created a world of magic and wonder, where witches, wizards werewolves and demons interact with talking animal familiars. Danger abounds in this world, and her villains are truly hideous creatures. Despite the dark, haunted atmosphere and the mission he's been given, warlock Sage (a hottie with lavender eyes) manages to fall in love with the woman he's supposed to be hunting.
Shay is the absolute mistress of sexual tension, writing scenes that ache with the unfulfilled desires of the characters, and then skillfully granting heroine, hero and reader fulfillment. The language is explicit, especially from frog-familiar Dinka, whose amphibian mind can't seem to stay out of the gutter. With Dinka, Shay injects an element of humor into the romance.
Although Witch's Heart stood alone just fine, and I haven't read the first book in the series, I'm hooked.
review by Erin O'Riordan, author of Beltane
www.eternalpress.ca/beltane.html
www.erinoriordan.blogspot.com
Any book that starts off with the hero being bitten by a rattlesnake in a very private part is bound to keep the reader flipping pages. Tabitha Shay's second book in the Winslow Witches series keeps the pages flipping for many other reasons,too. Shay has created a world of magic and wonder, where witches, wizards werewolves and demons interact with talking animal familiars. Danger abounds in this world, and her villains are truly hideous creatures. Despite the dark, haunted atmosphere and the mission he's been given, warlock Sage (a hottie with lavender eyes) manages to fall in love with the woman he's supposed to be hunting.
Shay is the absolute mistress of sexual tension, writing scenes that ache with the unfulfilled desires of the characters, and then skillfully granting heroine, hero and reader fulfillment. The language is explicit, especially from frog-familiar Dinka, whose amphibian mind can't seem to stay out of the gutter. With Dinka, Shay injects an element of humor into the romance.
Although Witch's Heart stood alone just fine, and I haven't read the first book in the series, I'm hooked.
review by Erin O'Riordan, author of Beltane
www.eternalpress.ca/beltane.html
www.erinoriordan.blogspot.com
Friday, July 17, 2009
Welcome, Hywela Lyn
Hi Readers,
I'm so pleased to have Hywela Lyn, the popular romance author, as my guest blogger this morning. I have no doubts you'll love the excerpts Ms. Lyn has chosen to share with us today.
Enjoy....Tabs
I'm so pleased to have Hywela Lyn, the popular romance author, as my guest blogger this morning. I have no doubts you'll love the excerpts Ms. Lyn has chosen to share with us today.
Enjoy....Tabs
Of Mists and mystical worlds
Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog today, Tabitha.
It's coming up to a month since 'Children Of The Mist' saw its release. (where does the time go?) I thought I'd talk a bit about how I came up with the concept of my 'misty planet'.
A misty day in Wales! The mist comes swirling across the mountains and gives the countryside an ethereal, mystical quality. The mountains themselves are almost hidden in thick cloud, and looking toward the sea, it is difficult to tell where the sky ends and the sea begins. One of the many things I love about my native Wales is the changing weather. One day it's scorching hot, then it will turn windy – and often we have the mist. It’s the variety that keeps it interesting – and the rain keeps it green. So when I go back there to visit my friends and family and get my 'fix' of Welsh air, I never mind if it rains, it all adds to the richness of the landscape.
The beautiful scenery and the ever-changing weather have provided me with the inspiration for many of my stories. My story in Book II of the 'Song Of The Muses' series, is set in 5th Century Wales and I had fun working the waterfalls and mountains that I love into the plot. Some years ago, I looked out over the mountains near my home in Wales and saw the mist rolling in – only it wasn't mist – it was snow. I incorpor
ated the memory of that moment into a scene in my futuristic novel 'Starquest', although, being set on another planet, I changed the colour of the snow to pink – that's one of the things I love about writing futuristic and fantasy – I can 'play' around with natural forces.
There does have do be a rationale though, in this case, a tiny plant form that dispersed itself in the falling snow, thus changing the colour.
EXCERPT FROM STARQUEST
I turned back to scan the mountains, straining my eyes to try to find the Quest. The red sun cast an eerie pink glow over everything. At last, I picked out the ship, standing in the clearing beyond the forest, her hull catching the last dying rays of both suns.
The mist almost completely enveloped the mountains now and was rapidly sweeping down toward the forest. I noticed it was no longer white but pink and attributed the change in colour to the setting suns. Suddenly I felt a wave of unexpected homesickness sweep over me as I remembered there are still a few places left on Earth where one can watch the clouds turn rosy at sunset, without being poisoned by her polluted atmosphere
I don't know how long I stood there, staring at the mountains, but when I looked away, Dahll was standing beside me once more.
"Your thoughts were far away from this planet, I think," he said softly.
I nodded. "I was thinking of my own world," I told him. "In some ways Niflheim reminds me of Earth." I shivered and drew my cloak closer around me. While I'd been standing there, the air had grown noticeably colder. I turned for another look at the Quest. I could no longer see her. In fact, the clouds of pink mist now completely obliterated the forest and the mountains. The sky had lost its colour and become a dull, metallic grey.
"That mist is getting closer," I told Dahll. "Perhaps we'd better find shelter before—" I stopped
as the true nature of those rolling pink clouds struck me.
"That's not mist," Dahll said, "it's snow!"
The planet where this scene is set is Niflheim, based on the land of ice and snow recounted in Norse legends. Niflheim is the main focus of my sequel to 'Starquest', 'Children Of The Mist'. It takes place a few years after Starquest finishes and concerns a secondary character in that story, Tamarith. I felt she deserved to have her own story and the more I researched the mythical Niflheim and its legends, the fonder I grew of it. I also learnt that my planet was a place of contrasts. Beauty and harmony in the more temperate areas, but also bleak, stark areas incapable of supporting life, dark, brooding mountains, filled with danger.
That is Niflheim, and ‘Children Of the Mist’is the story of its inhabitants overcome a danger never before encountered on their planet, aided by the hero and heroine of 'Starquest, and how two of its people faced the greatest danger of all – losing their hearts to each other.
BLURB:
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own. Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities.
Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late? Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?
EXCERPT:
Guided by Tamarith, Vidarh stopped before the first and largest cave. He would need some form of illumination. From his pack he drew a torch, which he lit and wedged into a crack in the rock. Unsaddling the pony, he turned it loose. The animal, descended from stock genetically engineered to withstand the harsh conditions, and brought with the first settlers to Niflheim, was fit and hardy. It would have no problem foraging for itself until his return.
With a resolute set to his shoulders, Vidarh retrieved his torch and made his way into the cave. Just inside the mouth, he found a hollow behind a rock in which to hide the saddle and bridle. At least it would be safe and dry there, so long as no hungry rodent decided to nibble at it. He strapped on his pack, containing a change of clothing and a few personal items, and set off along a narrow passageway at the back of the cavern.
Tamarith directed him along the various twists and turns of the labyrinth. At first, the going was easy. The walls of rock gave off a soft, diffuse luminescence, augmenting the light from his torch. After walking for so long he began to think the tunnel he followed led nowhere, the luminosity grew stronger, and the passage opened out into a large amphitheatre. The light reflected back from the walls revealed seats, formed out of pale green stone, arranged in tiers forming a semi-circle. At one end was a pool, shimmering in the soft light. Multi- colored stalactites glistened like jewelled candelabra from the roof of the cave. At the far end was a high dais flanked on each side by another passage.
Vidarh paused for only a moment to take in the beauty around him. He was familiar with the Conference Chamber of the community of Gladsheim. His mind had been there many times but this was the first time he had physically entered the place.
Instructed to take the left fork, he progressed along the labyrinths, noting the downward slope of the passage. Occasionally, when he came to a branch in the tunnel, he would stop and listen to Tamarith's voice in his mind as it guided him along the right path.
You don't have far to go. I will keep sending you the directions. You should be near the river now.
Yes. I hear it up ahead.
Be careful. We had heavier than usual snowstorms last winter. With the coming of spring, the melting snow and ice has swelled the volume of water.
Vidarh made his way along the tunnel, partly guided by his telepathic link with Tamarith, and partly by his own senses. Eventually it widened out into a large cave, through which the underground river roared as it cut its way through the mountain. On the shingle of the boulder-strewn shore, several small boats bobbed against their moorings.
After ensuring his pack was securely fastened around his waist, he climbed into one, and lashed the torch to the prow. He cast off, and took up the paddle. The river bore the craft along at a tremendous rate and it needed all his skill and attention to save the craft from dashing against the rocks. He'd heard about the fabled river of Mimir, but this was not the tranquil stream of his imagination.
The walls still reflected a phosphorescent glow. Vidarh noticed several gigantic, human-like statues on the banks as he passed, but had no time to contemplate or admire them. Rounding a bend, he came upon a wall of water ahead, cascading from the roof in a fury of white froth. The torrent boiled and raced. He gritted his teeth as he headed into the maelstrom. There was no way he could control the boat's frantic motions as it heaved and bucked like an unbroken colt. He threw down the paddle, gripped the sides of the vessel, and sent a desperate message through the ether.
Tamarith, I'm in trouble. Please—send me images of your location, quickly. I need to know what it looks like where you are.
The raging current tossed the boat around with relentless fury. All Vidarh's attention focused on maintaining contact with Tamarith, and even his finely-tuned powers could not prevent the craft from capsizing. Gasping as he hit the icy flood, he struck out with his arms in desperation, and tried to keep the watery demons from pulling him under.
Tamarith!
My first review for 'Children Of The Mist' is on the 'You Gotta Read' site, you can read it HERE
You can purchase 'Children Of The Mist, or any of my other books at The Wild Rose Press site, HERE
and please feel free to visit my Website and Blog. I love visitors!
Thanks again for letting me take over your Blog, Tabitha! Have a great weekend, everyone.
It's coming up to a month since 'Children Of The Mist' saw its release. (where does the time go?) I thought I'd talk a bit about how I came up with the concept of my 'misty planet'.
A misty day in Wales! The mist comes swirling across the mountains and gives the countryside an ethereal, mystical quality. The mountains themselves are almost hidden in thick cloud, and looking toward the sea, it is difficult to tell where the sky ends and the sea begins. One of the many things I love about my native Wales is the changing weather. One day it's scorching hot, then it will turn windy – and often we have the mist. It’s the variety that keeps it interesting – and the rain keeps it green. So when I go back there to visit my friends and family and get my 'fix' of Welsh air, I never mind if it rains, it all adds to the richness of the landscape.
The beautiful scenery and the ever-changing weather have provided me with the inspiration for many of my stories. My story in Book II of the 'Song Of The Muses' series, is set in 5th Century Wales and I had fun working the waterfalls and mountains that I love into the plot. Some years ago, I looked out over the mountains near my home in Wales and saw the mist rolling in – only it wasn't mist – it was snow. I incorpor
ated the memory of that moment into a scene in my futuristic novel 'Starquest', although, being set on another planet, I changed the colour of the snow to pink – that's one of the things I love about writing futuristic and fantasy – I can 'play' around with natural forces.
There does have do be a rationale though, in this case, a tiny plant form that dispersed itself in the falling snow, thus changing the colour.
EXCERPT FROM STARQUEST
I turned back to scan the mountains, straining my eyes to try to find the Quest. The red sun cast an eerie pink glow over everything. At last, I picked out the ship, standing in the clearing beyond the forest, her hull catching the last dying rays of both suns.
The mist almost completely enveloped the mountains now and was rapidly sweeping down toward the forest. I noticed it was no longer white but pink and attributed the change in colour to the setting suns. Suddenly I felt a wave of unexpected homesickness sweep over me as I remembered there are still a few places left on Earth where one can watch the clouds turn rosy at sunset, without being poisoned by her polluted atmosphere
I don't know how long I stood there, staring at the mountains, but when I looked away, Dahll was standing beside me once more.
"Your thoughts were far away from this planet, I think," he said softly.
I nodded. "I was thinking of my own world," I told him. "In some ways Niflheim reminds me of Earth." I shivered and drew my cloak closer around me. While I'd been standing there, the air had grown noticeably colder. I turned for another look at the Quest. I could no longer see her. In fact, the clouds of pink mist now completely obliterated the forest and the mountains. The sky had lost its colour and become a dull, metallic grey.
"That mist is getting closer," I told Dahll. "Perhaps we'd better find shelter before—" I stopped
as the true nature of those rolling pink clouds struck me.
"That's not mist," Dahll said, "it's snow!"
The planet where this scene is set is Niflheim, based on the land of ice and snow recounted in Norse legends. Niflheim is the main focus of my sequel to 'Starquest', 'Children Of The Mist'. It takes place a few years after Starquest finishes and concerns a secondary character in that story, Tamarith. I felt she deserved to have her own story and the more I researched the mythical Niflheim and its legends, the fonder I grew of it. I also learnt that my planet was a place of contrasts. Beauty and harmony in the more temperate areas, but also bleak, stark areas incapable of supporting life, dark, brooding mountains, filled with danger.
That is Niflheim, and ‘Children Of the Mist’is the story of its inhabitants overcome a danger never before encountered on their planet, aided by the hero and heroine of 'Starquest, and how two of its people faced the greatest danger of all – losing their hearts to each other.
BLURB:
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own. Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities.
Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late? Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?
EXCERPT:
Guided by Tamarith, Vidarh stopped before the first and largest cave. He would need some form of illumination. From his pack he drew a torch, which he lit and wedged into a crack in the rock. Unsaddling the pony, he turned it loose. The animal, descended from stock genetically engineered to withstand the harsh conditions, and brought with the first settlers to Niflheim, was fit and hardy. It would have no problem foraging for itself until his return.
With a resolute set to his shoulders, Vidarh retrieved his torch and made his way into the cave. Just inside the mouth, he found a hollow behind a rock in which to hide the saddle and bridle. At least it would be safe and dry there, so long as no hungry rodent decided to nibble at it. He strapped on his pack, containing a change of clothing and a few personal items, and set off along a narrow passageway at the back of the cavern.
Tamarith directed him along the various twists and turns of the labyrinth. At first, the going was easy. The walls of rock gave off a soft, diffuse luminescence, augmenting the light from his torch. After walking for so long he began to think the tunnel he followed led nowhere, the luminosity grew stronger, and the passage opened out into a large amphitheatre. The light reflected back from the walls revealed seats, formed out of pale green stone, arranged in tiers forming a semi-circle. At one end was a pool, shimmering in the soft light. Multi- colored stalactites glistened like jewelled candelabra from the roof of the cave. At the far end was a high dais flanked on each side by another passage.
Vidarh paused for only a moment to take in the beauty around him. He was familiar with the Conference Chamber of the community of Gladsheim. His mind had been there many times but this was the first time he had physically entered the place.
Instructed to take the left fork, he progressed along the labyrinths, noting the downward slope of the passage. Occasionally, when he came to a branch in the tunnel, he would stop and listen to Tamarith's voice in his mind as it guided him along the right path.
You don't have far to go. I will keep sending you the directions. You should be near the river now.
Yes. I hear it up ahead.
Be careful. We had heavier than usual snowstorms last winter. With the coming of spring, the melting snow and ice has swelled the volume of water.
Vidarh made his way along the tunnel, partly guided by his telepathic link with Tamarith, and partly by his own senses. Eventually it widened out into a large cave, through which the underground river roared as it cut its way through the mountain. On the shingle of the boulder-strewn shore, several small boats bobbed against their moorings.
After ensuring his pack was securely fastened around his waist, he climbed into one, and lashed the torch to the prow. He cast off, and took up the paddle. The river bore the craft along at a tremendous rate and it needed all his skill and attention to save the craft from dashing against the rocks. He'd heard about the fabled river of Mimir, but this was not the tranquil stream of his imagination.
The walls still reflected a phosphorescent glow. Vidarh noticed several gigantic, human-like statues on the banks as he passed, but had no time to contemplate or admire them. Rounding a bend, he came upon a wall of water ahead, cascading from the roof in a fury of white froth. The torrent boiled and raced. He gritted his teeth as he headed into the maelstrom. There was no way he could control the boat's frantic motions as it heaved and bucked like an unbroken colt. He threw down the paddle, gripped the sides of the vessel, and sent a desperate message through the ether.
Tamarith, I'm in trouble. Please—send me images of your location, quickly. I need to know what it looks like where you are.
The raging current tossed the boat around with relentless fury. All Vidarh's attention focused on maintaining contact with Tamarith, and even his finely-tuned powers could not prevent the craft from capsizing. Gasping as he hit the icy flood, he struck out with his arms in desperation, and tried to keep the watery demons from pulling him under.
Tamarith!
My first review for 'Children Of The Mist' is on the 'You Gotta Read' site, you can read it HERE
You can purchase 'Children Of The Mist, or any of my other books at The Wild Rose Press site, HERE
and please feel free to visit my Website and Blog. I love visitors!
Thanks again for letting me take over your Blog, Tabitha! Have a great weekend, everyone.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Vote for Colby
Yes, once again I'm asking for your vote for my dog. I entered him in another contest. This time it's a video contest, and I submitted the clip of him learning to swim. I really want to win this time, so PLEASE leave a comment.
You can leave an anonymous comment, but in order for the vote to count, you have to sign some kind of username.
Voting ends July 25th so get a move on!
You can leave an anonymous comment, but in order for the vote to count, you have to sign some kind of username.
Voting ends July 25th so get a move on!
VOTE HERE
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Witch's Moon Review
Another review this week by Seriously Reviewed!
Review: All I can really say is that Ms Shay has done it again! Crafting a spell-binding #3 to follow Witch's Heart #2, and Witch's Brew-the first in the series. Kali and Koran T are a fantastic couple who have denied the sexual attraction for about as long as they can. With to many laugh out loud scenes to name, and some really steamy, squirm in your seat scenes it is a great story I have no doubt will leave you wanting more.
With the series still going and the tale becoming more intoxicating as you go through it, I am sure you won't be able to stop at just one. Ms. Shay continues to stagger me with her ability to craft a story that ALWAYS delivers and leaves me giddy for the next.
I bow down to the great one. Ms. Shay, you are my hero!
Can't get any better than that.
Review: All I can really say is that Ms Shay has done it again! Crafting a spell-binding #3 to follow Witch's Heart #2, and Witch's Brew-the first in the series. Kali and Koran T are a fantastic couple who have denied the sexual attraction for about as long as they can. With to many laugh out loud scenes to name, and some really steamy, squirm in your seat scenes it is a great story I have no doubt will leave you wanting more.
With the series still going and the tale becoming more intoxicating as you go through it, I am sure you won't be able to stop at just one. Ms. Shay continues to stagger me with her ability to craft a story that ALWAYS delivers and leaves me giddy for the next.
I bow down to the great one. Ms. Shay, you are my hero!
Can't get any better than that.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Book Cover For Witch's Magic
JUST IN! Here is the cover art for Tab's newest book, Witch's Magic. It is Book Four in the Winslow Witches series. The release date is September 7, 2009 so mark your calendars!
Monday, July 6, 2009
New Review for Witch's Brew
Seriously Reviewed posted a new review of Tab's first published book, Witch's Brew.
Review: Brisk, sexy and laugh till you pee! I found the hero, Talon to be super sexy. The heroine, Saylym to be feisty and funny. And the entire realm of Ru-Noc to be a captivating delight for the senses and the imagination. I have not laughed this hard in a long time. The bed in the story is a perfect example of some of the most creative imagination I have seem in a long time.
The bad guys in the story make it all the better. They are the kind you LOVE to hate. It thrills me to no end this series will continue. I have the first three, so you can expect to see the reviews for the other two very soon, but I have to say, Ms Shay has gotten a new fan just off the first one. I can't wait to see what happens in the next story.
The cover was very nice, no major editing issues. At $6.95 US for the pdf I think it is very well worth it. I have no doubt if you like love, magic and laughter, you will find this story a total delight.
Congrats, Ms Shay. Here is to many wonderful stories ahead!
Review: Brisk, sexy and laugh till you pee! I found the hero, Talon to be super sexy. The heroine, Saylym to be feisty and funny. And the entire realm of Ru-Noc to be a captivating delight for the senses and the imagination. I have not laughed this hard in a long time. The bed in the story is a perfect example of some of the most creative imagination I have seem in a long time.
The bad guys in the story make it all the better. They are the kind you LOVE to hate. It thrills me to no end this series will continue. I have the first three, so you can expect to see the reviews for the other two very soon, but I have to say, Ms Shay has gotten a new fan just off the first one. I can't wait to see what happens in the next story.
The cover was very nice, no major editing issues. At $6.95 US for the pdf I think it is very well worth it. I have no doubt if you like love, magic and laughter, you will find this story a total delight.
Congrats, Ms Shay. Here is to many wonderful stories ahead!
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