Release Blitz for Second Nature by AE Watson!!

Title: Second Nature (Crimson Cover Mysteries, Book Two)

Author: A.E. Watson           

Genre: YA romance, horror, mystery, and thriller

Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:

Flirting, first love, fighting for your life.

All the things that represent a spectacular fall in Crimson Cove, named after the sight one sees when the trees all turn red in the crisp autumn air.

When school starts and the events of the summer no one is likely to forget haven't been solved, the five girls decide to take matters into their own hands.

But the problem with lifting stones to find the secrets hidden under them is that you never can tell just what lies beneath.

For the five unlikely friends, what lies beneath involves each and every one of them.

And as the story twists and turns, they start to see they are each connected to the murder and the disappearance still rocking the small sea side community.

Don't miss the exciting second book in The Crimson Cove Mysteries.

Facebook Release Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/1045098982201871/

I am the mother of two beautiful girls who are growing up so fast, the wife of a cute guy in a uniform (my own personal hero), and a writer.

My family will tell you it doesn't exactly fall into that order. Especially around dinner time when I "Cook" from a takeout menu with my face plastered to my computer. I also have two cats who I adore more than I should, like more than people I know, and a dog. He is a beagle who is naughty but just so darned cute. He gives you that little beagle face and then steals your slice of pizza.

I have a busy mind and even busier fingers. I can write fast and keep track of a large cast, but I can't remember why I'm at the grocery store. I try to write lists but they always end up being notes for books or indie bands. I LOVE INDIE MUSIC! I talk to myself in the car and sing too loud for my skill level. The invention of Bluetooth has made talking in the car less awkward but if you hear me singing, run. I love writing. I love my characters like they are my friends and I am telling their version of the truth.

My worst flaw is the horrid English accent which I read everything with. If I read aloud it comes too. I'm not English, so I can't even do the accent which makes it awkward for anyone who is nearby.

My favourite authors are Robert Jordan and Jane Austen and Robert Mccammon and Jim Crace. I think Stephen King and Dean Koontz have the most unique imaginations. I have the hardest time not LOVING Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger. I know all the serial killers have a copy but I adored that novel. It made me feel a thousand different things and one of them was more alive. (And not in the least bit serial killer-ish) When I grow up I want to be James Patterson or Nora Roberts. I aspire to be like them, always trying to hone my skills and work harder. My genres are all over the map. I have Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, Science Fiction, Erotica (under Sophie Starr my porn name so my mom doesn't know), Thrillers, and even some Romantic Comedies. If you would like to reach me for whatever reason, please visit me at my facebook page -facebook.com/TaraBrownAuthor. You can also email me at tarabrownauthor@hotmail.com Thanks for checking me out and I hope you got lost in something I wrote or it made you so HAPPY/SAD/BLISSFUL/TURNED ON/ANGRY/EXCITED/FRIGHTENED/HORRIFIED/MAD that you couldn't believe it. The list of what is coming out this year is not completed. I will keep my Facebook page as up to date as I can. Here is a short breakdown of my genres and pen names. TARA BROWN- My main page and essentially my brand. Books published under Tara Brown will be adult and mostly suspense and romance. The Lonely and Single Lady Spy Series are among those. Not intended for young readers, at all. 18 and over. AE WATSON - My pen name for Young Adult books. Born, HERE, The Seventh Day, White Girl Problems, etc. This is my page that is safe for YA readers of a mature reading level. ERIN LEIGH - Adult Romance and Chick Lit. 18 and over recommended reading level. TL BROWN - Adult Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy. NOT FOR YOUNG READERS AT ALL!! SOPHIE STARR - Adult Only Erotica. NOT FOR YOUNG READERS AT ALL!!!!!!!! Hope you have a great day and of course, happy reading! Remember to read at your comfort level. Not all books published by me, Tara Brown, are suited for everyone.

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Halloween Scream

October 31, 2015

Sierra

The noise of the creaking stairs, the ones I had just crept up, sounded like it echoed in my ears. Someone had followed us here. “Jake,” I whispered, hoping he was messing around. If he was, I would be angry. I lifted one leg after the other and slipped my high heels off, holding them both so I could tiptoe through the half-constructed mansion without making noise. Jake didn't answer, but the footsteps had stopped from the moment I whispered. The scary movie marathon we’d had before Rachel died flashed through my head, bringing ideas and memories with it. I tiptoed around the corner, brushing my Frankenstein’s bride dress on the rough edge where the unfinished walls met. The drywall scraped against me, making me wince as I hurried along the corridor to the back deck. Whoever was in the house with me was either moving silently too or they were standing still, listening. Either way, I had a terrible feeling this wasn't a game. That meant one thing: Jake was injured or hiding. And I was alone. My heart raced, my eyes burned from not blinking—fearful I would miss something—and my mouth was as dry as a mouthful of popcorn. The floor creaked. I froze. “Sierra,” someone whispered into the dark. My skin crawled when I realized it wasn't Jake. It wasn't his whisper. I’d heard that enough times, always in the dark, to know it wasn't him. “Sierra, don't be scared.” It sounded like something it couldn't be, but I didn't believe. I stayed perfectly still, waiting for the moment I needed to run to the back deck and jump down onto the sandy beach. What had the girls in the horror movies done wrong? What could I avoid? My mind raced, remembering the runners always got caught. They always got stabbed. Usually in the back. The thought of it made my skin burn where I imagined the knife would slice. The hiders always got caught. They were the ones breathing too loudly or hiding in stupid places. “Sierra, I won’t hurt you if you come to me.” I squeezed my eyes shut for half a second and waited for the answer, the right choice, to pop into my head. A dog barked, making me jump and open my eyes. The sound was joined by the creaking of the floorboards again. With gentle breaths and controlled movements I crept along the hallway, entering the spot where the kitchen or master bedroom would likely go. The house was freshly sealed with windows and doors, but it was still in the drywall stage with plywood floors. The massive back deck was through the white French doors, facing the beach and open ocean. The moon offered light, enough to make shadows move with me. I hurried to an alcove I assumed would one day be a nook for a breakfast bar or maybe the ensuite soaker tub. I pressed my back against the wall and stared at the bright white French doors. If I could make it to them, I was free. If only I had my cell phone, I could call the police or Jake or Vincent. Someone would come and help me. Even Ashton might answer. But that wasn't an option. I scolded myself for my weakness in me and forced my focus to be on the doors. They were my answer. They were my hope. As I exhaled and plotted my moment to run and everything I would do from that point on, the floor creaked in the hallway behind me. It was now or never. Live or die. I took one more breath and pushed off from the wall…

Cover Reveal for Drawing down the Moon by Steve Lee Climer!!

Title: Drawing Down the Moon

Author: Steven Lee Climer  

Genre: YA Horror/Dark Fantasy
Expected Release Date: Nov. 4, 2014 
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb: A group of misfits learn how to conjure an ancient dark evil that gives them the power to be judge, jury, and executioner.

Ronan and her friends unlock the secrets of delivering vengeance on their tormentors with an ancient artifact found in Ronan's mom's mail. However, it goes beyond petty high school teasing and the trio begins doling out horrific punishments. When it goes too far and Ronan wants out, Lyda, the charming new student, gets in her way. Ronan must break Lyda's hold on her friends before they become the monsters hunting each other. 

Tag Line: Because Every Teen Wants Revenge

Steven Lee Climer lives in Metropolitan Detroit with his partner.  He is an avid amateur bodybuilder, gardener, and all-around handyman.  He has sold the motion picture rights of his novel Demonesque to After Dark Productions, and is the recipient of several honors including the Darrell Award, Eppie for Best Horror Novel 2000, and 1997 finalist for Best First Novel from the International Horror Guild.

Author Links: 
www.stevenleeclimer.com 

https://www.facebook.com/stevenleeclimer

Twitter @Stevenleeclimer

Book Blitz for Confessions of Sylva Slasher!!

Title:  The Confessions of Sylva Slasher

Author:  Ace Antonio Hall

Published:  April 14th, 2013 by Montag Press

Word Count:  84,000

Genre: YA Horror

Recommended Age:  12+

Synopsis:

SPRING BREAK GETS WILD ON THE LIVELIEST CRUISE IN THE PACIFIC UNTIL THE UNDEAD CRASH THE PARTY.

Eighteen-year-old Sylva Fleischer and her friends raise the dead for a living for police investigations and mourning families. Two years after her high school crush, a hot guy named Brandon, is assumed dead, Sylva’s friends convince her to go on a spring break cruise in an effort to suppress her depression over him. But when passengers mysteriously die and reanimate into flesheating zombies like she’s never seen before, Sylva plunges into a horrifying struggle between a ship infested with the undead and the scariest thing of all: a second chance with Brandon after she discovers he’s still alive. This is a zombie story that eats right to the core and leaves you licking your chops for more.

Amazon | GoodReads

About the Author:

Ace Antonio Hall graduated from Long Island University with a BFA. He is a former NYC middle school English teacher who can't get enough of zombies and Spider-Man comic books. When he's not in the gym working off the extra calories from eating way too many donuts, Ace writes young adult horror fiction.

His novel The Confessions of Sylva Slasher was released April 14, 2013 by Montag Press. The second book in his series, Crystal Coffin, will be available next year.

Ace's short story Dead Chick Walking made the Fall 2013 edition of the best-selling Calliope Magazine and his science fiction story, They, won the Honorable  Mention distinction for the 2013 Writers of the Future Award.

For updates and news, follow him on Twitter @aceantoniohall, like his facebook author fan page or visit www.aceantoniohall.com where you can read his blog, updated regularly.

Amazon Author Page | Twitter | GoodReads | Website | Blog

THE EXCERPT:

I took a step forward. “Whoa!” One more step and I would’ve slipped off the mountain.

The mountain?

All of a sudden, I found myself standing on Theodore Roosevelt’s head at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota.

“Gammy? People just don’t transport to different places. I mean, unless you have access to the Starship Enterprise and didn’t tell me.”

“Isn’t the sun shining bright?” Gammy asked. “And the sky … It’s a flawless, beautiful blue.”

Hundreds of colorful butterflies came toward me then, flying around my head. “Shoo,” I said, waving for them to go away.”

“Aren’t they pretty,” Gammy said. She stood over on Abraham Lincoln’s head, pitching rocks at the trees below.

“I guess. How—how did I get here?”

She didn’t answer.

I glanced around, feeling her awkward silence. “Why are there so many butterflies?”

“Butterflies,” she said. “Funny how butterflies come out of old, ugly cocoons, huh?”

I gave her a strange look, trying to absorb everything around me. “Uh, yeah, um … cocoons sometimes remind me of coffins—’cause I used to think the caterpillars were dead inside of them when I was little.”

Gammy chuckled. “And then they emerge into something more beautiful, more powerful than they were before. Like how you let them boys dare you into raising that dead soldier.”

“That didn’t make me more beautiful. It scarred me for life.”

“Did it?”

“Yeah, I raised some lunatic jarhead that went on a rampage and killed the cadets with me. I’d be in jail right now if Reaper hadn’t made the case disappear, somehow. Trust me, I was scarred for life, Gammy.”

“On the contrary, dear. The moment you beheaded that deadhead, as you call him, you grew.”

“Grew?”

“Yes, child. You came into who you were supposed to be. That deadhead saved your life, your death, and your rebirth. You are just like these butterflies, shedding one life for another.”

I watched the colorful butterflies float around us and said nothing.

She picked up a rock and threw it at a tree. “Like I always say, sweetie, everything ain’t always what it seems, you know. Woot-hoo, did you see that? I hit that tree dead on.”

I looked down at my hands and my feet, seeing pink converses, blue jeans, my lean waist, and a long-sleeved, midriff black tee that read GOT ZOMBIES? in lower-cased white letters. Yay.

“I’m back,” I said. “Okay, I’m game. What gives?”

I glanced at my chipped, blue fingernails and bit off an irritating hanging piece. I lifted my head back up, and Gammy stood next to me.

“We’re at Mt Rushmore,” she said. “This is the life after life. Come and give me a hug girl, before my arms fall off from poor circulation.”

“Oh, uh,” I said, picking myself up with a grunt from the hard, rocky surface. “We’re … dead?”

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Review for Betraying Innocence by Airicka Phoenix!!!

Book Name: Betraying Innocence

Author: Airicka Phoenix
Publisher: Fire & Ash Publishing
Release date: October 30, 2013

Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Romance

Warnings: Contains language and sexual content. 17+
Formats: e-book, paperback

Betraying Innocence Synopsis

October 31, 1983, seventeen year old Johnny Baits vanishes without a trace, leaving the slumbering town of Chipawaha Creek, British Columbia reeling with his mysterious disappearance. Twenty-nine years later, The French family moves into his home, never realizing they're not alone in the house.

For seventeen year old Roseanna French moving to a strange new town is a problem she can handle. But even she's not prepared for the evil that has been sitting dormant for years... waiting. When seemingly harmless noises and creeping shadows at night leads to the murder of the people closest to her, Ana has to find a way to stop the evil before it can consume her completely and she can no longer wash the blood from her hands.

Rafael Ramirez is battling his own demons. Unlike Ana's, his has been haunting him for years. But running isn't an option. He has a mother, a brother and a sister looking to him to keep them safe. He doesn’t have time for pretty girls with issues, even if the sight of her makes him hope for things a guy like him doesn’t deserve. But when Ana asks Rafe for help, what can he do except give it? But what happens when the evil comes after his family? Can they stop it before it's too late or will it claim them the way it had claimed Johnny?

BOOK LINKS:
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Click HERE to see other books by Airicka Phoenix!

THE REVIEW:

Wow.... is pretty much all I can say.... WOW!!!!

I started this book Friday morning and finished yesterday afternoon.  I loved this book!!  There was suspense, romance, comedy!!  Plus... there is a ninja spy reference in there that made me smile!  Just because that is what I know Airicka is... I SWEAR!!!!  

When Ana French moves to Chipawaha Creek, British Columbia, she tries to make the best of it. Her world changes after she catches the very cute and half naked neighbor Rapheal Ramierz in her backyard. He makes it known to her that he only wants one thing from her, which causes her to want to be away from him as much as possible.

Soon, things start happening in her house, causing her to have a mental breakdown.  Rafe saves her from what could have been a very dangerous situation.  Something is haunting her house, and when she finds out who it is, it causes a chain reaction she was not prepared for.  

Before she realizes it, Rafe seems to be saving her time and time again, causing her growing attraction to him to turn into something more.  Despite the warnings from everyone in the neighborhood, her heart wins out.  She sees the boy underneath the act he plays, and Rafe doesn't know what to do.  He needs her, and will protect her at all cost.  

Soon, the two find out there is a secret in town.  A deadly secret that is not meant to come to light, and there are people who will stop at nothing to keep it hidden. 

I could not put this book down!!  The chemistry between Rafe and Ana is electric, and they can not stay away from each other.  

I've already told Airicka... Rafe is my new book boyfriend!!  He's beautiful... and damaged. Because of circumstances beyond his control, he's been made the bad boy in town.  Ana, knows that isn't him, and causes him to become a better person for her and his family.  He loves her completely, and is always there to save her from being harmed.  Being incredibly sexy is just a plus!!

Ana, I completely adored!! She was funny and witty and didn't allow Rafe to take himself too seriously.  Just as he would do anything save her, she would do anything to save him and her family.  Something or someone wants to harm them, and it is up to her and Rafe to find out the truth.  

~~~~~~~

THE AUTHOR:

AUTHOR BIO:

Huddled beneath a perpetual cloud of imagination, International Best-Selling author Airicka Phoenix lives with her huband and four gorgeous children in the beautiful province of British Columbia. When she's not busy playing with her imaginary friends, creating worlds and toying with fictional lives, she can be found reading, polishing her collection of daggers, or chilling with her kids.

Airicka is the creator of THE TOUCH SAGA, THE SONS OF JUDGMENT SAGA, THE LOST GIRL SERIES, GAMES OF FIRE, and BETRAYING INNOCENCE. The conclusion of Finding Kia, book 2 of The Lost Girl Series, REVEALING KIA, will be out November 2013. She also has plans to release a Sci-Fi horror/romance, WHEN NIGHT FALLS, in December of 2013.

Airicka also writes adult paranormal & contemporary romance under her alter ego, Morgana Phoenix. She has a paranormal short coming out December 2013 in SNOWED IN, An Anthology and CAPTURE ME, Morgana's debut novel will be released Fall 2014.

For more about Airicka, visit her website at: http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/

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THE EXCERPT:

“Where is he?” he growled, doing a circle. “Where is he?”

“I … I think he’s gone,” Ana croaked, fighting not to give into the fainting sensation beckoning her to sway into its arms.

Rafe hurried over to her and took her hand. “Come on!”

She let herself be dragged up the path to the house, positive she would never have made it there on her own.

On the porch, he stopped and faced to her, his eyes intense. “Get inside and lock the door.”

Ana wanted to laugh. If she could’ve stopped shivering, stopped her teeth from chattering, her heart from going crazy in her chest, she would have reminded him that a closed door didn’t apply to ghosts. That locked or not, it wouldn’t stop that thing from getting inside. But there was something else, another reason that going inside wouldn’t help.

“He’s in there,” she told him, tears suddenly burning her eyes. Her bottom lip trembled.

“What?” He yanked her away from the open door and thrust her behind him. “Where?”

She sniffled, wanting so desperately to just bury her face into the planes of his back and cry. “In my room,” she whispered, absolutely certain of this now. “He’s inside my walls.”

It no longer mattered if he thought her insane. Her problems were so much bigger, so much more frightening. Plus, was she crazy if he’d seen it too? If he’d fought it? Was she still insane?

Rafe didn’t look disbelieving. He looked horrified and angry. His eyes widened, darting between her and the door. “What was that thing, Ana?”

“I don’t know!” she cried, no longer able to stop the flood of tears that washed down her face, mixing with the pond water. “I don’t know! I don’t know! I thought I was crazy. I thought … I’m not crazy! You saw him. You saw him, didn’t you? I’m not—”

She was suddenly in his arms, held so tight it was almost impossible to breathe. But it wasn’t close enough.

“Shh,” he whispered into her temple. “You’re not crazy. I saw him, too.”

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Release Day Blitz and Giveaway for Eighth Note by Kimberly Stedronsky!!

Book Title: Eighth Note

Author: Kimberly Stedronsky

Genre: Paranormal Horror Romance

Release Date: October 31, 2013

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis:

Eighth Note (Fire Ballad One)

Kimberly Stedronsky

Eva Reed saved the world.

Actually, she saved two worlds, but who’s counting?

Finding herself in the middle of present day suburbia, married and a mom at only twenty years old, she’s beyond bored. Even with her popular music blog and her handsome husband Will catering to her every impulse, she longs to use the incredible powers that she possesses.

But Earth is no place for magic.

When Cole Mathison arrives, asking for Eva’s help in solving the death of a famous pop star, she cannot resist the overwhelming pull to use her abilities again.

Eva finds that there is more to the sinister murder than what the evidence shows.  

People who listen continue to die, and she must rely on her immortality to protect her from a frequency that is shattering minds and stopping hearts.

There are forces at work that she could never have imagined...

And evil will be heard.

Buy Links:

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Author Bio:

Kimberly Stedronsky is an Ohio author who prefers an epic love story. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education, which she uses as an excuse to be as immature as possible on a daily basis.

She is married to a stand-up comedian Marine veteran, and their three children are appropriately sarcastic.

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Excerpt

“I’ve spent the last thirty years proving to myself that I wasn’t crazy. I’ve… helped… people with paranormal activity.”

“You’re a ghost hunter?” I snorted, listening to the monitor crackle and Perry cry out softly. Will gave a deep, amused sigh, gesturing to the house.

“I am going to bed. Ten minutes, Eva.”

I automatically scowled at his order. “I’ll be up in a little while,” I countered, using all of my self control not to tell him off for treating me like a kid.

“Yes, love.” He bent to me, practically lifting me off the ground to catch me off guard with a possessive kiss. I could only hold on to his shoulders as his mouth moved over mine, and it took me five witless seconds to realize that the display was completely for Cole.

Men, marking their territory. Please.

“I won’t keep her long,” Cole promised, and Will responded with a quick nod before heading for the house. “All happily ever after here, I take it?”

I turned to him, tucking my hands under the sleeves of my hoodie. “Obviously. Now tell me what’s going on.”

He scratched his chin. “No, I’m not a ghost hunter. I just… lend a hand. When crazy, unexplainable shit happens.”

“I hate to tell you this, but people die. Every day. I’m sure the toxicology reports will come back with some fun party results.”

He stared at me, contemplating. I returned his look, waiting impatiently. Finally, he pulled his phone out of his pocket, handing it over to me.

“The security cameras caught her death. There’s no sound. Eva honey, are you sure you can handle this?”

I accepted his iPhone, shrugging. “Um, I set my father-in-law on fire from the inside out. I think I can handle watching someone die.”

His palm covered my hand, and his fingertip swept the screen open. His nails weren’t nearly as manicured as Will’s, and his calloused skin felt rough on mine. “No sound,” he repeated, and I nodded, trying not to appear as confused as I felt.

The street lamp flickered over our heads, and I waved my hand to turn the bulb completely off, leaving us in darkness.

The video began with an aerial view of Nina, black and white, in the studio. I could hear that the sound had been wiped from the video, and the continuous, looping whisper kept time with my heartbeat as my pulse began to pound in my ears.

Nina was tall and blonde, with adorable dimples that kept her looking years younger than her actual age. She had two fingers over her earpiece as she sang, and I watched her drag the back of her other hand over her brow in mid-verse.

She stopped singing, and the rushing sound intensified.

She was coughing; I watched her reach for something, and then tip her head back and take a long drink from a bottle of water.

Cole’s hand slid around my waist, and I almost screamed. I’d been so involved in the video, waiting, holding my breath, I’d almost forgotten he was next to me.

“Eva.” He warned. I ignored him, narrowing my eyes and focusing on the iPhone screen.

Nina stilled suddenly, and the water bottle slipped from her hand.

Long seconds passed as she stood there, frozen, still, and I started to lift my finger to touch the screen, checking to see if the video paused.

Her head jerked down violently, chin to chest. All of her hair surrounded her face.

When her head snapped upward to meet the camera face-on, my hand clamped over Cole’s arm.

Her mouth was a wide, dark O, no teeth, no sound… no pupils. Blackness seeped from the corners of her eyes, and she began to bend backward, further, further still, until her entire body was folded- backwards- at the waist.

Text copyright © 2013 Kimberly Stedro

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The Prophecy (Book #3 of The Children of Lilth Series) By C. David Belt!!

Title: The Prophecy (The Children of Lilith Volume 3)

Author: C. David Belt

Genre: LDS, Horror, Vampire

Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Synopsis:

Volume 3, The Prophecy: 

For 6,000 years, Lilith and her Children have walked the earth, hunting, preying, seducing, corrupting, ruling from the shadows...until now. 

An ancient prophecy, spoken by Adam, Lilith's grandfather, foretells her doom. She will do anything, corrupt any innocent, murder countless mortals to save herself.  To survive, she knows she must destroy Carl and Moira Morgan.  The war has begun.  And Carl and Moira know, win or lose, it all ends here.

BUY LINKS:

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THE EXCERPT:

“‘Sons of God! Brood of Light-Bearer who fell!’ That is how I would render the first half.”

The message is in plain text. The email address looks like a random mix of letters and numbers, and the email provider is one that supports anonymous accounts.

I’ve been collaborating with colleagues across the country and in the U.K., Israel, and Egypt for more than a week. We’ve been trying to decipher the twenty-four syllables of Adamic (at least I assume it’s Adamic) that Lilith uttered at the battle at the farm. My colleagues are experts in Hebrew, Arabic, Egyptian, Greek, and Latin. We’ve been exchanging emails ever since I asked for their help.

Of course, I’ve told them I’m not at liberty to reveal the source just yet, but I’m certain it’s a language that predated all others, a protolanguage. In the beginning, some refused to collaborate on the project because I wouldn’t reveal my source, because I was being cryptic. But eventually, most couldn’t resist the lure of the puzzle. That’s something we all share in common, my colleagues and I: we can’t resist the potential, the lure of hidden knowledge.

And of course, I can’t tell my academic friends that the source is a native speaker. I also can’t tell them that the text is an outburst from a six-thousand-year-old vampire after she’d been impaled by the very spear that once pierced Christ’s side, a spear being wielded by a former Nazi assassin who is now a repentant vampire.

In other words, I can’t betray my friends.

Volume 2, The Penitent:

In 6,000 years, no vampire has ever defied Lilith, Queen of the vampires...until now. 

Moira and Carl Morgan have saved the city from the horror of Michael and his evil wives, but victory has come at terrible cost.  And there are consequences to every choice, every victory.  Word has spread that someone has broken Lilith's power, that someone has defied the ancient Queen of the vampires.   And she's not happy about it.

BUY LINKS:

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iTunes
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THE EXCERPT:

There’s something seriously wrong with me.

I cannae Sleep.

Or, to be more precise, I dinnae want to Sleep. And since I can catch a full day’s rest only once each week, abstaining could have . . . consequences. It makes me irritable. It affects my judgment. It in-creases the ever-present likelihood that I might . . . slip up.

And if I slip up, people die.

Ach! I’m so hungry!

’Tis another thing that’s worrying me. I should nae be hungry! Nae even a wee bit! I Fed just after sunrise! We both did. Carl, my husband, and I consumed two quarts each just before we went to bed. ’Twas a bit of a luxury, those two quarts. One should’ve been sufficient, enough for a week in a pinch. But here I am, lying in bed beside my Sleeping husband, and all I can think of is how hungry I am, how tired I am, and how much I dread going to Sleep!

’Tis nae use.

I rise from bed. Carl does nae notice. To all appearances he could be dead. I slip into my dressing gown and make my way to the living room. I take several turns about the room as I try desperately to think of something else, anything other than my hunger, my weariness, and my fear.

A scratching sound! Aye, lassie, focus on that. Someone’s at my flow-er bed again, digging it up. And I’m nigh certain I know who ’tis. That’s twice this year. I should peek out and catch . . . but, nae, ’tis the side facing the Sun.

My stomach growls.

Perhaps just a wee pint more.

I walk into the kitchen. Though nobody’s watching me, I try to keep my pace casual, walking, strolling as if I’m nae in a hurry, as if I’m nae desperate to get there. Why do I bother? There’s nary a soul to see me. Who am I trying to deceive? Myself?

I open the refrigerator, and the cold air transports the sweet fra-grance to my nostrils. To be sure, ’tis tainted by the odor of the preservative, but that cannae mask the nectar of . . .

There! Outside! Something far sweeter than the contents of my icebox!

Evil.

Though I cannae smell it just yet, I can feel the general direction.

Quickly I close the refrigerator and head to the window. A cau-tious glance, while I carefully stay in the shadows, reveals nothing about the source of the evil, but it does show an overcast sky.

I shudder with relief, and my mouth begins to water. In a trice, I rush to the door and throw open the chest beside it. This is my emergency kit. I retrieve all the things I need: the bottle of heavy-duty spray-on sunscreen, the sweatpants, sweatshirt, gloves, boots, sun-glasses, cloak, and hood. In just a few seconds, I’ve applied every bit of protection. Only at this point, when I’m prepared, do I pause for a wee tick to be sure there’s still a reason to venture outside.

Aye, the evil’s still there. Sweet corruption.

I open the front door quietly so as not to alert anyone to my pre-sence. Aye, but I want to throw it open!

And the scent of pure evil washes over me. The honeyed fragrance engulfs my senses. Drool spills from my eager lips.

So close!

The familiar rage builds like a smithy furnace stoked by a bellows within me. Here! In my very neighborhood, practically on my front lawn!

Through the red haze of my wrath, I barely notice that my flower beds are indeed torn up, the destroyer having fled. I dinnae care for that. The one I Hunt now has done far worse than petty vandalism. Nae, the evil I smell can be caused only by murder and violence.

The scent turns my head to the southwest. I cannae see the source, but the direction is certain. I follow the airborne spoor across the street and to the right toward . . . Aye! That open garage! ’Tis the Mur-phys’ home. I can see two cars, neither one of them running. Now I can hear voices—hushed but emphatic voices.

“. . . my money, cabrón?”

I dinnae recognize the voice.

“Tomorrow! I’ll have it tomorrow!”

That voice I recognize. ’Tis Aaron Murphy. I dinnae know the the family well since they are nae in my ward, but Aaron’s the oldest boy in the family. He’s plays football or baseball or some other sport at the high school. I do hope he’s nae the source of the evil.

I approach the garage with all stealth, fighting hard to contain the mounting rage and the ravenous hunger.

“You said that yesterday, man. And the day before that. You been hiding from me!”

“I swear, Manny! Tomorrow!”

“You don’t get it, muchacho. I give you product. You sell it to your little friends at school. You give me my money. I give you more product. You sell it. You give me money. You get to go on making everyone think you just a good little Mormon boy. That’s how it works.”

“Please, Manny!”

“Not this time, cabrón! I gotta teach you a lesson. Today, I’m just gonna break your fingers.”

I round a corner of the garage and take in the whole scene. In the confined space between a compact car on the left and the Murphy fam-ily’s minivan on the right, Aaron, the all-American boy, is pinned a-gainst the larger vehicle, held there by a big Hispanic man complete with bandana, gold chains, tattoos, multiple piercings, and a nasty-looking switchblade. Manny, the thug, has one hand at Aaron’s throat. The other hand holds the knife an inch away from the lad’s eye.

“Next time I cut off one of your fingers, muchacho. Just try catching a football like . . .”

A snarl rips from my throat.

Manny releases the boy and spins to face me. He looks startled, but nae frightened. Aaron’s head snaps in my direction, but he remains rooted to the spot. He looks horrified.

The thug’s face twists in an evil leer. “Beat it, chica. This is none of your business.”

I laugh low and menacingly. “Ach, nae, rat. Ye are my business.”

I step into the shade of the garage, safely out of the muted sun-light. I throw back my hood and pull off my sunglasses, setting them on the trunk of the sedan. I fix Aaron’s eyes with my own and say with Persuasion, “Lad, go stand over there and wait for me while I deal with this.” Aaron’s expression goes slack, and he turns obediently and walks to the far wall of the garage.

I return my gaze to the gangster, who’s staring at Aaron in amaze-ment. “Now, rat,” I say, “face me. Look into my eyes and see the hellfire that awaits ye.”

Manny looks at me, his face a mask of fury. “Listen, puta . . .”

I open my mouth wide, revealing my dripping fangs.

His brown eyes go wide, and the color drains from his face. “Madre de . . . ! ”

I advance toward him, savoring his terror as I will the honeyed sweetness of his evil blood. I want to tear this vermin to shreds . . . after I consume his life.

Still brandishing the knife in one hand, he fumbles at his breast with the other and lifts a rather large and ornate gold cross on its chain. He holds it toward me as a talisman.

I cower back, shielding my face from the crucifix.

Through my fingers, I can see Manny’s face split in a leer of tri-umph. “That’s right, zorra. Now you know who’s . . .”

I straighten up, no longer feigning fear. I shake my head slowly from side to side, laughing softly. “Ooh, did I give ye a wee moment of hope, ratty? That bonnie bit of jewelry cannae protect ye from me.”

Volume 1, The Unwilling: 

In all the 6,000 years that the Children of Lilith have walked among us, there has never been an unwilling vampire...until now.

The Unwilling is the story of the world’s first and only unwilling vampire.  Set in present-day Utah, it’s the story of Carl Morgan, a decent LDS man who loses his wife and children in an automobile accident.  Then he witnesses the murder of his wayward sister at the hands of the beautiful and mysterious Rebecca.  When the police can’t find the killer, he goes searching for her.  He finds Rebecca, but she takes away everything.  She transforms him into the world’s FIRST and ONLY unwilling vampire.  Vampirism is a choice, and you’re choosing to become a serial killer, because you can only survive on HUMAN blood, not animal blood.  Carl is unwilling to murder to survive and he really doesn’t understand what has happened to him.  He’s found and mentored by Moira MacDonald, a two-hundred and seventy year-old Penitent (repentant vampire).  She teaches him how to survive without killing, how to stay true to his temple covenants (in spite of his condition), and how to get justice for his murdered sister.  But to Moira?  Carl’s very existence as an unwilling vampire turns her world upside-down, because Carl is an impossibility.  In the 6,000 years that the Children of Lilith have walked the earth, there has never been an unwilling vampire, because eternal damnation cannot be forced on someone: they must choose it, just as Moira did.  And yet, there’s Carl.  If he can exist somehow, there must be something about Moira’s condition that she doesn’t know.  Is it possible that, after two and a half centuries of searching for redemption and repentance with no hope, perhaps there might somehow be a way back?  Meanwhile, Rebecca’s vampire Master, Michael, plans to unleash a wave of new vampires on the city.  Carl and Moira must stop him before countless innocents are slaughtered.

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THE EXCERPT:

“Where am I?” I ask.

She hesitates a moment and then replies, “Ye are in my home. Do ye know how ye got here?”

Now I’m getting worried. “My memory’s a bit fuzzy. Sorry.”

“Ye carried a young woman into the emergency room at the LDS Hospital. She was unconscious and covered in blood. Ye were stag-gerin’ about and yellin’ incoherently. Ye frightened everyone. We took the young woman and attended to her, but ye collapsed. I thought it best nae to let the staff examine ye. So, I brought ye here and tended to ye myself.”

The girl. Yes, I remember the girl. “Is she OK?” I ask.

Moira nods slowly. “Aye, she’s fine. Some blood loss, but she’ll live. Ye did nae kill her.”

Kill her? What?

“W . . . why would I kill her?” I stammer. “What’re you talking about?”

She stares at me again. She seems to be holding some kind of internal debate. Her eyes narrow as she comes to a decision.

“Blood,” she says simply.

“What?”

“Blood. Human blood.”

I look at her without understanding, blinking stupidly.

“The drink,” she says. “’Twas human blood.”

In an instant, it all comes back to me.

Michael. Rebecca. Chikah. Benjamin. The Cult. The Ritual. Every-thing.

I think I’m going to throw up.

I lurch to my feet and look around frantically for a bathroom, a sink.

Moira is at my side in an instant. She pulls me toward the kitchen. “Dinnae ruin my carpet, laddie!”

Wow! Her grip is strong!

By the time I reach the sink, the nausea has passed. I lean against the sink all the same. The room is still spinning.

Moira gave me blood to drink. I drank human blood.

And I liked it.

THE AUTHOR:

AUTHOR BIO:

C. David Belt was born in Evanston, WY. As a child, he lived and traveled extensively around the Far East. He served as an LDS missionary in South Korea and southern California (Korean-speaking). He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a minor in Aerospace Studies. He served as a B-52 pilot in the US Air Force and as an Air Weapons Controller in the Washington Air National Guard. When he is not writing, he sings in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and works as a software engineer. He collects swords (mostly Scottish), axes, spears, and other medieval weapons and armor. He and his wife have six children and live in Utah with an eclectus parrot named Mork (who likes to jump on the keyboard when David is writing).

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