{Giveaway and Book Tour} Ties to the Blood Moon by Robin P Waldrop

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Welcome to the Ties to the Blood Moon Virtual Book Tour hosted by Bree @ The Magic Attic. Today, I have the privilege of showing you the first excerpt from the first installment of Robin P Waldrop's enticing tale about mythical creatures and ancient lore. 

Excerpt - Prologue

Aunt Bev kept telling me it wasn’t my fault. But, if I had waited one more day before leaving to spend spring break with her in Alaska, I would have been home to pull my mother from the burning house. I knew my aunt meant well, but it hadn’t helped with my dreams for the past two weeks. Or should I say, nightmares?

As soon as I lay down and closed my eyes, the same scene filled my mind over and over again. Almost like a memory. I was in the woods just outside my house and helplessly watched a huge ferocious dog-like creature circling my house while it burned. At first glance the animal appeared to be red, but as I continued to stare, the color of his fur shifted like dancing flames. My home was on fire and I looked helplessly on, listening to my mother’s screams coming from somewhere inside. I knew I had to save her, but I was afraid.

“Mom,” I screamed, and started to rush for the house when the beast noticed me and snarled. I froze, unable to move. His yellow eyes glowed as if they reflected the fire behind him and I saw his blood-stained fangs.

I quickly ran away from the house. Away from saving my mother from the hungry flames that consumed her. I glanced to either side as I ran and saw the faint reddish glow of several other dogs through the trees. They had joined the first dog in the pursuit of his prey.

My lungs burned as the woods ignited behind the dogs, forcing me to run faster or be consumed by the same fire that claimed my mother’s life. I skidded to a stop at the edge of a cliff and spun around to face the pack of wild beasts as one by one they emerged from the burning trees and approached me. They appeared to be almost smiling.

I had two choices—each of them a death sentence. I chose the latter and leaped from the cliff. The dogs peered over the edge as I fell away from them. They seemed disappointed with my choice. As they moved away out of sight I looked below and saw the ground rushing up at me.

Right before impact I woke up and realized I was still falling. I hit the hardwood floor beside my bed and cried out.

That's enough to make you want to read the book...right? Well, were not done yet...check out this awesome book trailer and then enter for a chance to win an ebook of Ties to the Blood Moon.

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(Author Interview) Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning

 

An Interview with Taryn Browning!

Surprise - We are revealing the cover to the second Dark Seeker Book during this tour. You will find the third piece of the puzzle somewhere in my post.

Be sure to follow the tour so you can find all six pieces. Tomorrow's stop is at my good friend Giselle's blog, Xpresso Reads.

  

Kristin: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

       I live in Virginia with my husband, two young boys and dog. I love reading, writing and spending

       time with my friends and family.

Kristin: What is the name of the book you are currently promoting?

        Dark Seeker

Kristin: Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

     I guess you could say it was inspired by my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Both Buffy and

     Janie are strong female characters who do what it takes to get the job done. Plus, they both

     hunt the undead.

Kristin: How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

     Actually, Dark Seeker is my second book. When I wrote my third book I landed my phenomenal

     agent. So I’d say it was about two years between the time I first wrote it, edited it, sent it to beta-

     readers and my critique partner, and edited it some more, lol. I was also querying and writing

     my third book at the same time. To write the first draft of Dark Seeker it took about two months.

Kristin: Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

     As much as I love Janie, Kai is probably my favorite. He’s mysterious and flawed, with a

     complicated past, which makes him a very interesting character. The book switches to his point

     of view later in the story, giving the reader a look into Kai’s inner thoughts.

Kristin: Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

     Definitely. Janie is very dedicated and hard working, which I believe I am too. But she is

     also stubborn and at times reckless. I’m more of a perfectionist. I love Janie’s strong-willed,

     independent personality. I wish I was as confident at seventeen.

Kristin: Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

     I’m currently working on book 2 in the Seeker series. I’m also designing the cover, which has

     been really fun.

Kristin: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

     I draw my inspiration from the amazing writers in the YA genre. I love reading young adult

     paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I am so grateful for the talent and craft they’ve shared

     with their readers. They were my inspiration to start writing my own stories and for this I am so

     thankful.

Kristin: Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

     Yes. I always create a playlist before I start writing a story. Most of the playlists consist of rock

     and alternative music because I write paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I like to wear

     headphones. In a way, it’s like they cut me off from the rest of the world and allow me to delve

     into the world I’m creating.

Kristin: If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

    Hmm, that’s a tough question. Reading and writing has become such and important part of

    my life. I actually can’t imagine not writing. I’m a former teacher, so I guess I would use my

    education in reading to become a reading specialist.

Kristin: Independently published or commercially published?

     Independently.

Kristin: If independent…did you attempt to get commercially published?

     My agent has manuscripts for submission to editors so I’m working toward traditional

     publication, but I also love being able to independently publish a series that is dear to my heart.

     I love the characters in Dark Seeker and couldn’t wait to share their stories. So I’m very happy

     for the opportunity to be able to put a novel out on my own.

Kristin: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

     Never give up and continue writing. Writing is something we do because we love it. It’s a

     passion and an outlet that helps us stay true to ourselves. It is an amazing feeling to be able

     to share my stories with others and it is my hope that they provide the escape that my favorite

     books have given me. Keep writing, learning and improving your craft, and it will happen.

Kristin: What is the most useful advice you received while writing any book?

     Oprah said something that has stuck with me for years. I try to remember it every day. It helps

     me to not over think and analyze things. “There is a vision for my life that is greater than I could

     ever imagine.”

Kristin: When did reading and writing become important to you?

     I have always loved reading and writing. English was my favorite subject in school.

Fun Stuff

Kristin: The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

     Find Alex Pettyfer & hide out! (Haha, did I really just say that? Yes, I admit he’s my Hollywood

     crush.) Unless of course it was a zombie apocalypse. Then we’d need to put up an electric

     fence to keep them out. *Hiding with Alex Pettyfer sounds like the perfect idea to me.

Kristin: If you were stranded on an island, name the 5 things you could not live without?

     wine, books, my computer (do I get Internet on this island), my children & my husband

     *Internet is a must.

 

Kristin: What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

     glass of water, my planner, Milky Way wrapper, “I heart vampires” notepad, purple pen

Kristin: Favorite book ever?

     Wow, this is hard. If I have to name one I’d say the Hunger Games.

Kristin: Ultimate bad boy crush? (TV, Movies, or Books)

     Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. *I love David Boreanaz!!!

Kristin: Ultimate good guy crush? (TV, Movies, or Books)

     Ryan Gosling (Noah) from The Notebook. *Excellent choice...although I cried.

Kristin: Favorite food?

     Bagels or cereal

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

     Pretty in Pink

Kristin: Favorite TV show?

     Vampire Diaries *Me too. Ian Somerhalder...yummy!

Kristin: Favorite Song?

     Set Fire to the Rain by Adele

Kristin: Favorite singer or band?

     Lifehouse

Kristin: One food you would never try?

     Escargot

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

     Sushi

Kristin: Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

     Day on the beach.

Kristin: Campfire with smores or curled up in front of the fireplace?

     Curled up in front of the fireplace (with a book).

Kristin: If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

     Somewhere tropical with a white sandy beach.

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?

     I try to eat healthy by prefer junk food.

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

     Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead & Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning.

Kristin: Are there any blogs or websites you frequent?

     I have many friends in the blogging community so I frequent many blogs. I absolutely love

     reading their reviews and posts. They help me decide what to read next. I’m always in awe of

     how fantastic they are at writing reviews.

Kristin: Places my readers can stalk you?

     Facebook – “Taryn Browning” and “Dark Seeker”

     Twitter – @TarynBrowning and @DarkSeekerFans

     Website – tarynbrowning.com

     Blog – yafictionauthor.blogspot.com

     E-mail – tarynbrowning@hotmail.com

 

A special thanks to Taryn for taking the time to answer a few questions for my readers. Be sure to come back on December 21 for my review and an e-book giveaway! 

Cicada Excerpt by Belle Whittington

Synopsis:

Summertime had always been carefree and fun for Blair Reynolds and her friends--until they came upon something that was not human. As the group of friends band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human...something unnatural. And their existence relies on their ability to keep a secret.

Excerpt:

Do you realize how difficult it is to see properly when the only light available is green?”  Andrew moved

the icepack from his eye to his lip.

“So, why are you both all banged up like this?” Everett gestured to their injuries.

 

“We were wrong in thinking that no one was inside,” David snorted then shook his head.

“There are things in there …” Andrew’s voice trailed off.

“What things?” I joined my brother at the kitchen table.

“They have pictures of Mom like they’ve been following her,” Andrew winced as he lifted the

icepack to his eye once more.  “I took them.  They were taped on the wall, and I ripped them off!”

“Then he sorta went crazy in there,” David cut in.  “I don’t blame him.  I would have, too.”

“You did,” Andrew chucked a feeble laugh.

“There were other pictures,” David hopped down from the kitchen counter and sat on the other

side of Andrew.

“Natalie?”  The dark dread was growing inside of me again.  David didn’t have to nod for me to

know the answer.

“You and Everett, too,” David’s voice was matter‐of‐fact.

“They had pictures of Blair?” Everett’s brows knit together as he glanced at me and back to

David and Andrew.

“I got ‘em,” Andrew said through his teeth.  “I got all those pictures. I was going to tear that

place apart and burn it down, but …” He winced again and grabbed his ribs.

“That damned thing came out of nowhere, man!” David took up where Andrew left off.  “Those

ain’t humans.  I don’t know what the hell they are, but they sure as shit ain’t people!”

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*To enter to win the Grand Prize all you have to do is comment on one or more or the Virtual Tour Stops! Have fun and good luck. Don't forget to stop by The Fable Faerie tomorrow for a guest post and giveway. The prizes for the giveaway include Cicada bracelet and matching earrings, a Cicada bookmark, and an ebook copy of Cicada. Good luck all.

Belle was kind enough to stop by and leave a picture of the jewelry. Bree at The Magic Attic is having some complications due to weather so I wasn't able to get the pictures before now. I do apologize.