EXCITING NEWS!!!

Crushed is being published by Clean Teen Publishing.  If you wanted to read it but haven't, you'll have to wait now until it comes out next year.  It is getting a new cover, more editing, and some much needed marketing.

Sometimes good books slip through the cracks.  I focused most of my marketing energy on Vampires Rule and Bait (both of those series), and I didn't have time for Crushed.  But I always felt this book series-- teen witches using their powers to play dangerous games at school-- deserved better than what I gave it.

I'll keep you up to date on what is happening with it.  Just wanted to let you know.  :)

Interview with Sasha Leigh

1. Give us a brief description of your book.

Alyssa Frank dies during a brutal attack brought on by students from a neighboring school. She wakes up in an "in-between" and soon learns that second chances exist. Sent back to relive the last week of her life, she tries to turn the week from hell into the very best days of her life. But when she learns of what she failed to see the first time around, her easy-go-lucky ambition turns into a fight to make things right.

Fate’s Exchange is a story of right and wrong, love, friendship, and the consequences that every decision you make reveals. Being marked by Death leads to only one outcome: dying. But when the Sisters of Fate have other plans, tasking angels to protect Alyssa, anything is possible.

2. Where did the idea come from?

A few years ago, I wrote a synopsis for a book like this. I think the initial idea came from a dream I’d had—or that state in between being asleep and waking up. When I decided to start writing it, I couldn’t find the synopsis, but the idea was still quite clear. Initially, it was a way to get my head out of another series, but "pantsing" my way through, the story developed as I wrote it, and eventually became the series it is now.

3. Who was the hardest character to write for and why?

Mr. Tinsley was difficult to write about, not so much in what he does, but who he is and how others view him. To get away with what he’s done for so long he has to be charismatic and unassuming while in the public eye, but then he also has to have the Creep Factor that makes Alyssa suspicious. There were a lot of rewrites and fine-tuning to his character i.e. what he says, how he says it, and the way he carries himself.

4. When did you decide you wanted to write?

Writing definitely wasn’t something I thought about seriously growing up. I always had my nose in a book, and members of my family have some notable accomplishments for writing, but I was more into writing poetry and drawing than stories. Before really sitting down to write, I penned two novels that found the delete button just so I could get the story out of my head.

Going back to university changed things for me, I think, though not right away. After a lot of humming and hawing, and then a lot of research (about writing fiction, plots, characters, etc.), I started to really start writing approximately a year ago.

5. What are you working on now?

I am simultaneously writing the fifth novel for Twisted Fate, Fate’s Disguise, and the third novel for Cast from Power, Casting Light. My day job and daughter take up most of my time, but when I’m not writing or working, I am blogging, updating my website, or figuring out marketing for Fate’s Exchange by methods of trial-and-error—does anyone ever get that down pat?

6. Where can readers find you online?

All of my information, including links to Author Central and Goodreads, can be found on my blog: http://www.MythicWords.blogspot.ca

NEW BOXED SETS!!!

I'm super excited to announce that The Raven Saga and The Morgan Sisters are now available as ebook boxed sets - just in time for Christmas! Both sets are priced at a reduced cost making them perfect Christmas gifts for lovers of YA urban fantasy. If you have friends or family who love Harry Potter, then these sets are perfect for you (or so I've been told)!

The Morgan Sisters

Books 1-4 of The Morgan Sisters

THE GHOST OF JOSIAH GRIMSHAW

Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they soon realize there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.
Sent off to London for two weeks of 'work experience', the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.
At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone.

DAISY MADIGAN'S PARADISE

When tragedy falls upon 15 year old Daisy Madigan, she escapes to the only place she feels safe, the cemetery of Abney Park. There, in the company of the dearly departed, she realizes she is changing, growing stronger and faster by the day. But in the darkness lurks a terror even she can't imagine facing.

THE TEMPORAL STONE

It's been a couple of months since Emma and Lana entered the Praxos Academy and life has been hectic ever since. What with regular A level classes combined with learning all about the supernatural world, control classes, self defence and fight night, the girls are constantly busy.
But when their world seems to stop right in front of them, they and their fellow Watchers, have a huge mystery to solve. A mystery which will lead them on a long road trip across south west England where they will meet all kinds of strange creatures, some intent on causing harm and others desperate to put a stop to the problem.

LOOKING FOR LUCY JO

It's their first Christmas since entering the Praxos Academy and 16-year-old sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane Morgan are looking forward to some serious R&R. But when their little sister mysteriously disappears from her bed on Christmas Eve, all thoughts of fun disappear with her. Emma and Lana must do everything in their power to locate her and bring her home safely. Easier said than done, they are forced to go on yet another journey, this time taking them out to the murky depths of the North Sea as well as to the far reaches of southern Portugal.

˃˃˃ "I would go so far as to say that this could be the beginnings of a series as good as those by J.K. Rowling!"
˃˃˃ "I loved the bad guys, the graveyard antics, the talking dead, the superpowers of the kick-a** ninja chicks, and the rite of initiation the sisters go through"

The Raven Saga

Books 1-3 of The Raven Saga

RAVEN

After the inexplicable disappearance of Lilly Taylor's parents, she has no choice but to move to Canada where she unravels some frightening yet intriguing family secrets...
Her whole life had been based on a lie. Lilly had grown up in a loveless home with a father who she had barely ever seen and a mother who was... well, not very motherly.
After they mysteriously disappear without a trace, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is.
Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.
Raven is a fantasy novel for children and young adults set in the beautiful province of British Columbia.

DECEMBER MOON

On her 15th birthday, December Moon discovers she is the descendant of a family of witches, kept in the dark her entire life in an effort to protect her. But when Lilly, her best friend, finds herself in danger from one of the world's most evil vampires, December will do everything in her power to stop him. December Moon is a fantasy novel for children and young adults set in BC, Canada.

THE LOST SOUL

December and Lilly have got their work cut out for them. Not only are they desperately trying to figure out the identity of the Lost Soul, and track him down, they've also got to investigate why Powell River's newest resident has got all of their men falling at her feet.
But when they learn that the Nephilim might be involved, it becomes clear that they're all in extreme danger...

About Suzy

Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was ten. The Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood sweetheart, Michael, two neurotic dogs and a cat who thinks she's a princess.
Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy was offered the position of trainee journalist for a local English newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she moved on to become assistant editor for the region's largest English language publisher. Since then she has also worked as the editor of one of the Algarve's most loved monthly lifestyle magazines. Early in 2010 however, Suzy began working as a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan's Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo (The Morgan Sisters), Forever Fredless and And Then There Was You (for adults only!).

Website: www.suzyturner.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/suzyturner
Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks
Facebook Romance: http://www.facebook.com/suzyturnerromance
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/suzy_turner
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks
YA Blog: http://www.suzyturner.blogspot.com
Chick Lit Blog: http://www.fictiondreams.com

Just in time for Christmas... join us for a very special four day event. Starting on Black Friday and moving into Cyber Monday, we will be showcasing some great deals on books for your Kindle (or other ereaders), playing games like Caption This and Christmas Movie Trivia, posting excerpts from our books, and hosting giveaways.  

This is a multi-author event with tons of good books for you to enjoy this holiday season. Hope to see you there.

Oh, and remember to tell your book-addicted friends about this event.

News at Amazon

I thought this was awesome and interesting. Amazon has fixed it so you can click a button and be notified every time your favorite author(s) come out with a new book. I am definitely doing this. You have to search for the author and click on their Amazon Author Page. To your right you will see a small thing that says something like: Want to know when your favorite author has a new book out. So you just click on it, I guess, and you're all set. Here is mine: http://www.amazon.com/Kasi-Blake/e/B004ZH6MJM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1415139108&sr=1-2-ent

Review for BAIT

I haven't posted a review from another blogger for any of my books in a long time, so I thought I'd do it now.  This review is for Bait.  The blogger approached me about reviewing it, which is always a good sign, and she loved it.

Check out the review now.  http://fantasybookchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/bait-order-of-spirit-realm-1-by-kc.html

You can download a copy of Bait here:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJ182E4

Or get a copy at B&N, Smashwords, Kobo, Ibookstore, etc.

Pre-Order for Christmas

WIZARDS RULE

Time to pre-order Wizards Rule for Christmas.  You asked for it, and it is finally coming to pass.  Join Jack and Silver as they fight the dark wizard.  Who will win?  Who will survive?

Have a Nook?  Here is the B&N link.

Have a Kindle?  Here is the Amazon link

Want it in another format?  Here is the Smashwords link.

Seven 11 Blog Hop

From WIZARDS RULE (available for pre-order at Amazon).

“M-my—” She cleared her throat and tried again. “My name is—”

“I know who you are, dear Silver, and I know why you’ve come.” He stepped out of the shadows, a figure wrapped in a black cloak complete with a hood that concealed his face.

“Jack—”

“—is a vampire again,” Samuel finished her sentence. “And you are hoping I can restore his humanity.”

She tried to smile but failed. “Can you?”

“Absolutely. I could do it without breaking a sweat. My powers are beyond your understanding.”

The heavy weight riding on her shoulders lifted off in an instant, and her smile turned genuine. “When can you—”

“I didn’t say I would do it.”

“But—”

“There is something I want from you first.”

“What?” She would give him anything in exchange for Jack’s mortal life.

The wizard raised a hand and flicked his fingers. Her head twisted to the left of its own accord. She heard her neck snap. The horrible sound filled her ears, and she wanted to scream, but it was over. Too late to do anything other than fall. Darkness overtook her, and she crumpled to the floor.

Her dead eyes stared up at the wizard.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OAU9I9K

Check out these other short excerpts as well:

Bethany Lopez

Heather Hildenbrand

Kayla Smith

Amanda Aksel

Liz Long Cover Reveal

I am so excited to share the cover of A REAPER MADE with you today! In case you haven't read the synopsis, you can learn more about what to expect from the upcoming NA Paranormal title (see below). The book will be released on October 30th (just in time for Halloween, yippee!) on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and KOBO. Want to join in on the online release party? You could win all kinds of ebooks, swag, and maybe even a gift card or two. JOIN HERE! Huge thanks to all the amazing bloggers and authors who volunteered to help with the cover reveal! Without further ado, here is the cover for A REAPER MADE.

___________________________ Synopsis: Grace had finally gotten used to her new afterlife as a “Made” – a Reaper who used to be human. When Made Reapers and souls begin disappearing, however, Grace and her mentor Tully suspect demons. Grace’s worst fears are confirmed when her living family is threatened. She’ll have to break every rule in the Reaper book to save them, including using a little magic to become temporarily human. With the help of Tully and her witchy friend Tessa, Grace goes undercover to save the fates of kidnapped souls – only to discover that demons aren’t working alone. Betrayal and distrust runs deep and Grace discovers that sometimes even Reapers are prone to humanity. ___________________________ And just in case you'd like to see the full wrap for paperback, I'm more than happy to share that too because I LOVE the back! All cover art done by my brilliant BFF, Erica Dickson.

About the Author:

Liz Long is a ridiculously proud graduate of Longwood University with a BA in English. Her inspiration comes from action and thriller genres and she spends entirely too much time watching superhero movies. Her fabulous day job as a social media editor includes writing for a publishing company in Roanoke, VA.

Her first book, Gifted, is the first book in the Donovan Circus series, where superpowers meets the circus. Burned is the second adventure. Her standalone book Witch Hearts, is a story about a serial killer hunting witches for their powers. All titles are available at Amazon on Kindle and paperback, Barnes & Noble for Nook, and iBooks.

Find Liz Online

Website I Facebook I Twitter I Amazon Author Page

Want to join?

STREET TEAM

Do you know what a street team is?

The music industry has been using street teams for years.  Members are mega fans who enjoy promoting the music.  They call radio stations and request the songs, hand out fliers, pin up posters, etc.  Now authors are using them to help promote online, Tweet about books, post about them on blogs, etc.  

What do you get in return?

Members are the first to hear news on upcoming books.  They get to meet and make friends with others who enjoy the same books.  Also, they sometimes get free print copies of books, swag such as bookmarks, a closer relationship with the author, and they know their opinions are heard.  In fact, sometimes when I am having trouble naming a character or deciding what to do about a certain character, I will ask the members what they think.

However, I'm not sure about doing this yet.  Do I have MEGA fans yet who love to discuss my books with others?  Right now I'm just testing the waters.  If enough people aren't interested, I'll wait for another year or two.

If you think it sounds like an awesome opportunity and you would like to join my street team, let me know.  Maybe will do it.  

THE WALKING DEAD

Get your scorecards ready.

The Walking Dead returns in October for the fifth season, and we all have one question on our minds.  Who will live to see season six?

1.  Rick: After his wife died, he went crazy for a while.  The man actually thought he could put down his weapons and farm for a while.  Sorry, Rick.  There are zombies everywhere, and they want to eat you.  He finally came to his senses, and at the end of last season we got to see some of that fire back in his eyes as he stated, "They are (bleep)ing with the wrong people."  That's right.  You go, Rick!  Problem is Rick's decision making skills are not one hundred percent reliable.  Most of the time I think the group would be better off to do the opposite of what he says.

Rick's odds of living?  GOOD.  I think Rick will outlive everyone else because the form more or less revolves around him.  I've heard the producers are toying with the idea of killing him off, but I don't see it happening soon.

2.  Daryl:  He started off as a total jerk, but when you put that badass mechanical bow with a motorcycle and a knowing sneer, who can resist?  Daryl has risen to the top of the heap.  He's got fans out there who would riot if he died.  Personally, I would love to see Daryl and Carol hook up.  They are so cute when they tease each other.

Daryl's odd of living: EXCELLENT.

3. Beth:  This girl has come out of nowhere, going from background dressing to an up and comer.  She and Daryl spent a while together, and they got kind of close.  Then she disappeared.  A lot of people are saying she was eaten, but I don't think so.  The producers have plans for this girl.

Beth's odds of living:  GOOD

4.  Carol:  This woman is fast becoming a badass in her own right.  No longer a human punching bag, we've seen her make hard decisions and kill humans in order to save others.  She is one of my favorites.

Carol's odds of living:  EXCELLENT.  Got to keep her, at least for now.  She and Daryl have some unfinished business.

5.  Carl:  Rick's son drives me nuts.  From the very beginning I have been begging zombies to take a bite out of him, but he is lucky.  Way too lucky.  Maybe it will run out someday.

Carl's odds of living: FAIR.  He's a toss up.  The kid is so dumb that he eventually has to die.  Come on zombies.

6.  Glenn:  Speaking of luck.  He sure has had his fair share of it.  After being separated from his wife and trapped at the prison, he managed to make it out and find new friends.

Glenn's odds of living?  FAIR.  People like him, but I think he's going to get it one of these days.

7.  Maggie:  Glenn's wife has taken quite a few chances in order to find him again.  The lovebirds were reunited, but I think one of them is going to get it soon.  Just a hunch.

Maggie's odds of living?  FAIR

8.  Michone:  This girl is badass and I love watching her in action.  She walks among zombies, using tricks that no one else has incorporated.  Come on, people.  Watch how it's done.

Michone's odds of living:  EXCELLENT.  She is so skilled, she can kill these things in her sleep.

9.  Scientist, GI Joe and his girl, those traveling with Maggie:  I can't remember their names, but all of these people are hanging on a thread.  Any or all of them could die at any given time.  Not to worry.  The show adds new people all the time.

Odds of survival:  NOT GOOD

*EXTRA:  Who do I want to see added to the show?

1. Sam and Dean Winchester would love this place.
2.  The Winter Soldier from Captain America.  He's a badass and would take out half the zombie population in a week.
3.  Also, I would love to see someone get bitten and not turn.  Then we'd know their blood is the cure.  LOL

YA Society Excerpts

Welcome to Fun Friday by the YA Society Storytellers

Looking for Lucy Jo (The Morgan Sisters #3) by Suzy Turner

Bait (Order of the Spirit Realm #1) by Kasi Blake

Who We Were by Christy Sloat

Learning to Swim (Hearts Out of Water #1) by Annie Cosby

7-11 Blog Hop

I have joined a new group.  Each month on the 11th I will post seven lines from one of my books and give you the links so you can check out at least seven other authors.  Here we go.  This is from my work-in-progress Wizards Rule, the first seven lines in the manuscript.

Blood seeped through the cracks between Jack's fingers as he grasped his upper arm through torn denim.  Burning pain tried to distract him from the immediate problem.  Sitting on the floor behind the bar in a local tavern, he was wedged between Cowboy and Isobel with no perceivable way out of this mess.  He stared at the shelves of alcohol directly in front of him and wondered if perhaps it was blame for their slow reaction time.  Although vampires couldn't drink straight from the bottle, they could get intoxicated second-hand by sampling the blood of a drunk person, and that's what they were doing when a hunter started shooting up the place.  Dead vampires were scattered around the room like discarded toys in a giant child's bedroom, killed by silver bullets.

"Let's go to the Vampire Festival," Jack said in a mocking voice.  "It will be fun, and hunters don't go there because of the freezing temps."

So there it is, the beginning of Wizards Rule.

Here are other participating bloggers:  Keep in mind that not all are YA. 

Heather Hildenbrand
Kayla Smith
Alicia Sheehy
S M Boyce
Justine Winter
Steph Nuss
Amanda Aksel

Author Book Signing

I will be at the Joplin Public Library on October 4th from 1pm to 4pm, selling autographed copies of my books along with some other local authors.

Hope to see you there!

Reviews: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Whenever I need to get my feet back on the ground and deflate my ego, all I have to do is read some reviews for my books on Goodreads.  Wow.  I haven't been in there for a long time, but I have read several reviews for the same books on Amazon.  People on Amazon (for the most part) seem to love me and my books.  Then you go over to Goodreads and those people seem to hate me and everything I write.  What a difference.  I wonder why?  What do you think?

Is it because there are a lot of authors on Goodreads?  Are they trying to knock down the competition?

Or do readers on Goodreads feel more passionately about their books and judge them more harshly?

I don't think writers should read reviews of their own work.  I know, I know, I just admitted to doing it myself.  But it never brings about anything good.  Either your head gets too big to fit in the door or you leave the site feeling depressed.  When I first got published, I checked all the sites every day, eager to hear from readers.  These days I rarely look.  It doesn't change anything.  Bad reviews might hurt sales, depending on what the person says about the book, but usually people want to make up their own minds.  I know I do.

Do you change your mind about buying a book if you see a bad review?

What changes my mind?  1. I find out the main character is unsympathetic and people didn't like them.  2. There are numerous errors on every page.  3. Everyone is saying they hate the ending or that there wasn't an ending.  4. There is a lot of cursing or real graphic sexual situations.

I changed my mind about buying the last book in the series that started with Shiver.  I loved the first book, but almost everyone said in their reviews that the end of the book is abrupt and they felt like the author ran out of time and quit.  That doesn't sound good.

If the reader sounds like they just enjoy griping about stuff, I ignore them and read the book.

What stops you from reading something?

Blockbuster Summer Reviews

Confession time.  I rarely go to the movies, and why would I when my living room is so comfortable?  I have a big screen television, no on kicking my seat or distracting me with their huge Iphone as they text during the movie, and I can pause it when I need to use the bathroom so I don't miss anything.  That being said, we (the YA Storyteller Society) are making a list of our top movies for the summer.  Since I don't see them until they come to DVD, I will break down for you what I WANT to see.

1.  Transformers 4:  I loved the other movies because of Shia, so I'm anxious to see how the franchise does without him.  It looks promising.  Who doesn't love Mark Wahlberg?

2.  Lucy:  A badass chick who can make people drop with a wave of her hand.  What's not to love here?  Hope it is as good as it looks.

3.  Into the Storm:  I live in tornado alley, and every time I watched Twister we got stormy weather, so I'm leery about this, but it looks so cool.

4.  if i stay:  The girl in this movie (don't know her name yet) is incredible, and I can't wait to see it.  Looks like a beautiful story, and I hope she stays with the guy.

5.  ???

I don't think I have a fifth, honestly.  Nasty comedies that make crude jokes about sex are a big turn off to me, and I hate gruesome horror flicks.  I only watch cartoon movies when I have a kid in the house.  That doesn't leave much for me to choose from, so I guess I'll leave my list at four.

What movies are you looking forward to?

Need a Review on Amazon for WARRIOR

A couple hundred people have downloaded it so far, but no one has left a review yet.  I don't understand it.  Hunter got reviewed right away.  If you've read it, please leave a review.  Thank you!!!

Big Brother Smackdown

Usually I write about book-related stuff on here, but I am a Big Brother addict and thought I should just admit it.  LOL.  The past few years, in my opinion, have lacked good players (except for the returning players who are always good).  Outside of Ian, I don't remember liking any new players for a long time, so I am excited about this season.  So far it has been a blast.  I don't have any favorites yet, but I enjoy watching the antics of these people as they try to scheme their way to half a million dollars.

Do you have a favorite?

Who do you want to see win?

Who do you think will actually win?

I have enjoyed the whole Caleb/Amber thing with him stalking her and her with nowhere to go.  Personally, I thought she was sending him mixed messages.  She claimed she didn't like him, but then she jumped on him and wrapped her legs around his waist at one point, and I was thinking, "If you don't like him, why are you acting like you do?"

Also, the whole house turning on Frankie and him fighting back is interesting.  Even if he doesn't go home this week, they will get him eventually.  He won't last until the end now.  I'd like to see Christine go home.  Trying to turn Nicole against Hayden by telling her that he was kissing Victoria was over the line because real feelings were involved there.  At least Nic wasn't dumb enough to believe her.

Zach annoys the snot out of me.  Am I the only one?

Superstitions

This week the YA Storyteller Society will be discussing superstitions.

When you were a kid, did you ever play the game where you can't step on any cracks in the sidewalk because it was bad luck?

Personally, I never cared for superstitions.  I was the kid who walked under the ladder on a dare, pet the black cat, and opened the umbrella inside the house.  Friday the 13th is an awesome day for me.  Are you worried about superstitions?  Do you know of any weird ones I might not have heard yet?  If so, please let me know below, and check out the other members of the Society to see what they have to say about superstitions.

YA Storyteller Contest

You will find details for this awesome giveaway by clicking on the photo.  Or go here: YA Storytellers

If you love romance, check this out.

BOOK BLAST:  WARRIOR

Official Release Date: 7/13/14
This is the third book in the Order of the Spirit Realm Series.  If you haven't read them, start with BAIT.  It is free at most online ebook vendors such as Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Smashwords, etc.

This book begins two years after HUNTER ended.  Bay-Lee is fighting a Devil Tree while her mentor and boyfriend, Nick Gallos, watches from the sidelines.  Things are tense between them.  She wants to amp up their relationship, but Nick has put on the brakes.  He's got one foot out the door, and she doesn't know what to do about it.

WARRIOR brings about closure and change, some good and some bad.  Together, Nick and Bay-Lee will take on the werewolf pack that killed her mother, face their twisted pasts, and face a friend turned enemy.

Quotes from WARRIOR:

Bay-Lee: You never told me I wasn't supposed to kill it.  You told me I couldn't kill it.
Nick: I should have known you'd take that as a challenge.

Keisha: Oh, don't play Miss Innocent with me, girl.  It was your idea for me to trade places with Nick's banshee, but you've been wearing a pouty face ever since.
Bay-Lee: I don't have a pouty face.
Keisha:  Sure you don't.

Bay-Lee (after knocking Keisha down):  You hit on my boyfriend, so I thought I should hit on you.

Little girl:  There's a monster in my closet.

He added, "Reapers aren't supposed to care.They don't have compassion or love inside of them."
"But you're still human."
"Because of you!"  It sounded like an accusation instead of gratitude.  "I haven't lost my humanity because I still have you.  His facial muscles tightened.  "I can't keep living like this."
Nick threw the talisman down and stormed off, heading for the castle.
She scooped the talisman off the ground.  It was precious, even if it was malfunctioning.  Without it Nick wouldn't be able to stay with her.  She ran until she caught up with him.  Slipping it into his hand, she begged him to keep using it.  "At least until we find something else.  Please."
The purple half-circles beneath his eyes attested to his lack of sleep and made her want to cry.  She cringed when he slipped the thing around his neck.  Asking him to live like this was horrible, but she couldn't let him go, not yet.

My faves:

Favorite Action Moment:  This is a hard one to answer because I loved the werewolf battle where Bay-Lee finally gets her revenge, but I also enjoyed the fight between her and former friend Keisha.

Favorite Romantic Moment: Bay-Lee gets a splinter and Nick sucks on her finger before removing it.  By the time he finishes, her mind is not on the splinter anymore.

Favorite Funny Moment:  When Nick and Bay-Lee revisit the past by playing their special version of twenty questions, and she finds out Mike had wanted to name the band Bam-Bam.

Favorite Dramatic Moment:  Avery has to attend Orientation as Bait, and Bay-Lee is in the crowd for the first time, watching instead of participating.

Favorite Line from a Supporting Character:  Keisha says, "It was your idea for me to trade places with Nick's banshee, but you've been wearing a pouty face ever since."  Also have to give an honorable mention to little Taylor who says, "There's a monster in my closest."

Last thing Bay-Lee says to Nick:  I think you are a bad influence on me.

Favorite Reunion:  Nick and his mom

Favorite Relaxing Moment:  Avery tries to polish Bay-Lee's fingernails in an effort to bond with her.

Favorite Monster Moment:  Bay-Lee hears a soft growl in the library and sees a flash of fur.  There is a werewolf in the room with her.

Favorite Death (can't tell you because I don't want to spoil it for you)  :)

Warrior at Amazon
Warrior at B&N
Warrior at Smashwords

Coming Soon!!!

READ EXCERPT IN POST BELOW.

Sneak Peek: WARRIOR

Chapter One:

"Can I get a little help over here?" Bay-Lee shouted.

She lifted the heavy shield attached to her arm as a demonic tree tried to pound her into the ground.  Using a thick branch as a hammer, it slammed against the metal barrier, driving her to her knees, and the sword slipped from her cold fingers.  She used the flat of her empty palm to brace the shield.  Frantic, she glanced over her shoulder, wondering why her mentor wasn't yelling out instructions or encouragement.

Where was Nick?

If a resident of the Spirit Realm stepped out into the clearing at that precise moment, they would think she was worshiping the giant tree.  On her knees, she stared up at it in a combination of awe and terror.  The most shocking thing about the situation was that she was still alive.

She cursed Nick's teaching methods beneath her breath.  Every muscle in her body ached.  Tomorrow--if she made it to tomorrow--she was going to be covered in endless bruises.

She felt around for the sword, fingers tapping the soft dirt, but her gaze stayed locked on the Devil Tree.  During yesterday's lecture Nick said they were close to extinct, and she was lucky to be able to battle one.  Yeah, right.  In less than ten minutes the thing had almost killed her... twice.

Bare, mangled branches twisted this way and that in constant motion.  Rough bark fit together like a mosaic puzzle, covering the huge trunk.  A few pieces were missing, rotted away to reveal trails of dark red sap resembling blood, and that wasn't even the worst part.

Nick insisted it had a mouth that spit fire; although she hadn't spotted it yet.  If the mouth appeared, she had a surprise for it.  No way was she going to let a stupid tree set her on fire.

Her hand searched loose black soil for cold metal as the tree continued to twist.  The borrowed weapons came from her father's private collection.  Nick's idea.  Since she was training to become a Warrior, he thought she should have the best stuff at her disposal.  She'd chosen the shield, the sword, and a secret third item currently tucked into her ankle sheath.  Her mentor didn't know about it.  If he'd seen her reach for it, he might have objected.

She found the sword's hilt, and her eager fingers grasped it tight.

"You're doing fine."  Nose in a book, Nick spoke from a few feet away, leaning against a 'harmless' tree.  His tone lacked interest.  "Keep it up."

She mumbled, "Some mentor you are."

Gunshots in the distance stole her attention.  Nick didn't seem bothered by the noise or by the fact a war raged nearby.  Hunters and monsters fought over the border, growing in intensity with each passing week. Casualties on both sides...

A soft creaking sound reached her ears.  It rose in volume to an ominous level.  She turned a split second before a branch tried to decapitate her.

She dove, hit the ground hard, and banged her elbows and knees against the deceptively soft-looking surface.  It felt like there was concrete beneath the top layer of dirt.  The branch swung over her head.  Dark hair obscured her vision.  She blew it out of the way just in time.

Another twig covered bough sliced through the air, coming straight at her.

Want to know what happens next?

Warrior is available for pre-order at B&N, and will be available everywhere on 7/13.

WARRIOR Available for Pre-Order

That's right, folks.  If you own a Nook, you can pre-order Warrior from B&N here:

 Warrior

It should also be available at Kobo, Smashwords, iapple, etc.

Sorry, Kindle users, you will have to wait to order it if you use Amazon.

Be sure to come back on Wednesday for the first chapter FREE.

Sneak Peek WARRIOR

Release date: 7/13/14

"Well, Nick severed our connection, so I can't tell what his problem is."

"He did?"  A tiny thrill rocked Bay-Lee's senses.  "Why?"

"I suspect he did it because of you."

"Me?"

Keisha frowned and tossed her pencil onto the table.  "Oh, don't play Miss innocent with me.  It was your idea for me to trade places with Nick's banshee, but you've been wearing a pouty face ever since.  Put the green-eyed monster away, and I'm not talking about Nick."

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks into Warrior as we count down the days until it's release.

Fun Friday!!!

This Fun Friday's topic is all about travel.  Where is the coolest place you've gone for a book signing or something book related?  If you haven't gone anywhere, where would you like to go?

I'll have to answer the second question because I haven't done any traveling for my writing.

I would LOVE to go to New Zealand.  It is the backdrop for my books Bait, Hunter, Warrior (coming out in three weeks, yay!) and Legend.  I did a lot of research on New Zealand through websites (loved the photos), and I talked to someone who lives there.  Of course, I also watched Lord of the Ring like a million times.  This is my fantasy destination.

Where would you want to go?

Audiobook Now Available

VAMPIRES RULE the AUDIOBOOK
Brought to you by the good people at Audible(dot)com.  You can now listen to Vampires Rule on your way to work, while you're falling asleep at night, or while you're cleaning the house.  Personally, I love to listen to books while doing other things that require my hands and my eyes.

Vampires Rule at Audible
Vampires Rule at Amazon

Remake of Stephen King's CARRIE

The promo promises You will Know Her Name.

Have you seen the remake of Stephen King's first book yet?  I hate giving away my age, but I saw the original movie when I was a teenager living in California.  Then I read the book.  It was one of my favorite horror films, so I was a bit disturbed when I heard they were remaking it.  I expected a lot of gore with little substance, and I didn't see how it could be improved on.

Boy, was I wrong.  This movie sticks close to the original, only veering off here and there to make it better.  They updated it.  Instead of just bullying Carrie at school, the mean girl takes it up a level by online bullying her.  She records Carrie in the girl's locker room at school and then uploads it for everyone to see.  Vicious.  Yeah.

Although I loved the original portrayal of Carrie, the new cast of actors was amazing.  Hey, at least they look like they should be in high school.  Some of the students in the first movie looked like they should be teaching.

Of course, the new movie amped up the gore a bit, but it was awesome.  Mean girl doesn't get to die fast and easy.  It takes a while.  That B* suffers, and maybe she even has time to reflect on what she did and why she's going to die.

The only thing I really missed in this one was the hand coming up to grab Sue at the end.  Can't believe they didn't include it.  As a teen, that was my favorite part.  I didn't watch the screen though.  I watched the audience jump a mile out of their chairs and smiled as the popcorn flew through the air.  But you don't get that experience in the remake.  Perhaps they thought it was too predictable.

Anyway, loved the remake (and you won't hear me say that very often).

Society of YA Storytellers

Couples I Want to See Married
This week we are posting about couples from books and/or movies that we would love to see married, because June is the month for weddings.  Do you have a top ten you'd like to see tie the knot?  Top five?

Here are mine:

1.  Jace and Clary (The Mortal Instrument series by Cassandra Clare):  The last book in the series, City of Heavenly Fire was just released, and I already finished it.  What a wild ride it has been.  I am going to miss Jace.  I would have loved to see a wedding happen, but they were still too young when the series ended.  Pity.

2.  Isabelle and Simon (also from the Mortal Instrument series).  I know that's cheating, but my mind is a total blank.  I can't think book titles right now, much less couples I want to see married.  I think these two would have an interesting wedding.  Maybe the bride would even bring her whip to the ceremony.

3. Sam and Grace from Shiver.  I did not read the rest of the books, just the first, but I love how he turns into a wolf and she waits for him.

4.  Johnny and Baby from Dirty Dancing.  Thought I'd throw in a movie here.  This is one of my favorite romantic movies.  They were so in love, yet they supposedly went their separate ways at the end.  There was a talk about a second movie that just never came to be.  It was going to take place ten years later and show Baby living a successful life and then running into Johnny again.  That is so wrong.  I hate that they even talked about making a second movie.  They should have left it alone and let us think they were together and happy.

5.  Stephan and Elena from Vampire Diaries.  I'm talking about the books here, not the show.  If we are talking about the show, then I would put Elena with Damon, but in the books I preferred Stephan.  And Elena was blonde.

And that is it.  That is my list.  Who did I miss?  Who are your fav characters you would love to see walk down the aisle together?

The Society of YA Storytellers presents...

Graduation Stories:

This week we are talking about stories with graduation scenes.  One of my vampire books Werewolves Rule happens to have a graduation scene, so I am posting part of it here.  If you haven't tried my vampire series yet, what's keeping you from it?  Vampires Rule is free.  That means you can't lose.  And if you discover you love Jack, Silver, Jersey, and Billy as much as I do, you have a few more books to read in the series.  Awesome!!!

Here is the excerpt:

Unfortunately, the school put them in alphabetical order so he couldn't sit next to Silver.  He was in the front row, and she was somewhere near the back.  When 'acting' Principal Ian Carver called his name, Jack reluctantly stood. His eyes swept the crowd, and he realized with a start that he was searching for his family. The dreams of graduating, of how things should be, had brainwashed him.  His mom would have been crying.  Perhaps his father's eyes would have misted over, too.

Jack moved forward on legs that felt like rubber to accept the long-awaited piece of paper.  His hand reached out even as a familiar face stole his attention.  Billy.  Jack tripped over his own feet as he walked across the stage.  A few people chuckled in the background, and Ian raised a curious eyebrow. Worried that the hunters in the room would see his brother and go after him, Jack kept moving.  He took the diploma and shook Ian's large hand before continuing on to the other side of the stage as if nothing important was on his mind.

Jack risked another quick look at the back of the auditorium.  Billy stood near the exit.  He nodded once at Jack before using the door.  That was it.  He walked out, and Jack experienced a claustrophobic rush of panic.  Was Billy going to wait outside for him?  Was he ready to come home?  Did he need to talk to Jack about the changes warping his mind and body?  Or was he going to disappear again?

Forgetting about wanting to see Silver graduate, Jack ducked out the side door and raced around the building as fast as he could without using vampire-speed.  His heart pounded so loud he could hear it.  Arms and legs pumping, he ran until he made it to the parking lot.  Quickly, he scanned the area.  No sign of his brother.  He was too late.

Billy had vanished into the dark of night.  Out of breath, Jack bent over, hands on his knees as he struggled to regulate his breathing.  Heavy emotions clogged his throat.  

"Looking for me?" Billy asked over his shoulder.

Jack jumped and whipped around, uncertain if his brother was there to finish him off or just talk. Billy looked good... for a werewolf.  He hadn't shaved in at least three days, and there were purple half-moons beneath his eyes, but he was alive.  That's what mattered most.  Relief flooded Jack's system.

"You came," he said in a dumb statement-of-the-obvious.

"Yeah.  I was in the neighborhood."

"Are you ready to come home?"

Billy's mood darkened.  "Can't."

"What are you talking about?  There isn't a full moon anymore.  You're fine now, right?  We can find Jersey and kill him before you morph again."

"You don't get it."  Billy shoved his hands into his jean pockets.  He shifted from foot to foot, filled with untamed energy.  "That moon doesn't matter.  I can't be near you.  Even now I'm thinking of ripping your throat out."

Werewolves Rule

Available at online retailers including Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, etc.

order of the spirit realm

The Order of the Spirit Realm Series

In a single night Bay-Lee has two visitors, a dead rock star and a reaper.  One comes with a threat and the other with a warning.  They know she’s on her way to being the newest student at Van Helsing’s school, where she will learn to be a great hunter like her father.  Before she can reach her goal she will face wraiths, an angry boy with a dark prophecy hanging over his head, and her worst nightmare: werewolves.  She’s determined nothing will stop her, not even a pair of jungle green eyes.

Her roommate is killed.  Her mentor doesn’t want to mentor her.  A border monster tries to kill her.  Nothing is the way she imagined it would be.  Students whisper behind her back, saying she’s cursed.  They want her to go home, but Bay-Lee isn’t going anywhere, not when she’s this close to getting everything she’s ever wanted. 

At Orientation, she learns she’s been given the rank of Bait.  Why?  Because that is all new students are good for, to be used as bait to draw out monsters so the ‘real’ hunters can kill them.  She realizes no one is going to take her seriously until she moves up to Hunter.  With that in mind and a few friends at her side, Bay-Lee is going to tackle a dangerous mystery.

Why are hunters dying on their birthdays?  If she solves it, she will move up in rank.  If she doesn’t... her birthday is just around the corner.

BAIT is FREE at online retailers such as Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Smashwords, etc.

Bait at Amazon

Bait at Smashwords

When Hunter (book 2) opens, Bay-Lee is living in Maine with her uncle, and her mind is focused on graduating.  Her life would almost be normal if it wasn't for the fact her dead boyfriend is haunting her.  He wants her to return to New Zealand to Van Helsing's school for hunters, but she refuses.  

Then a reaper tries to kill her... maybe visiting her father wouldn't be such a bad idea.  

Hunter at Amazon

Warrior (book 3) is scheduled for release in July 2014.

The story continues two years later with Bay-Lee on her way to becoming a Warrior.  Her boyfriend is moody and distant, making her wonder how long they have before he is banished to the Spirit Realm forever.  She's certain she can't make it without him.  

Desperate, she pushes toward her goal of killing the werewolf pack that murdered her mother.  Nick insists she isn't ready yet, but what choice does she have?  Time is running out.  

Her eyes are starting to change to something less than human.  She's clocked too many hours in the other realm already.  It's now or never.  A werewolf is stalking her.  If she doesn't destroy them soon, they will kill her.  Why doesn't anyone understand?  They think she's suffering from a Freshman Meltdown, but she knows what she saw.  At least one werewolf wants her dead bad enough to risk being slaughtered by nearby hunters.

Born and raised in sunny California, Kasi Blake has always had a dark side, hidden from family and close friends.  She hides in her office at night, writing in the dark.  Part of her crosses over to other realms where she meets the most interesting and dangerous creatures.  You can find Kasi at her blog and Goodreads, FB, and Twitter.  She loves to hear from readers.

Christy Sloat

The Brown House (book 1)
Brylee Branson begrudgingly made the excruciating move with her family from the warm sandy beaches of California to a small town in New Jersey.  As if she wasn't miserable enough, they've moved into a creepy old house that everyone in the area claims is haunted.  Brylee dismisses the idea of ghosts, until she begins to see and hear things that can't be explained...

Brylee has no choice but to seek the help of new friends to unlock the secrets of this place she now calls home.  But some secrets should never be revealed.  Can the teens find a way to release the spirits imprisoned in these walls?  Or will the curse claim them, too?
*Recipient of the Readers Five Star Review.*

The Crimson Key (book 2)
Brylee Branson's best friend and boyfriend have fallen victim to a horrible curse that haunts her home.  With the witches who cast it dead she has no choice but to rely on the ghosts inside the Brown house to help her find the cure.  But time is not on her side, because Lynley's illness is spreading rapidly.  

Confused and scared, seventeen-year-old Brylee must confront a new ghost in the house she has never spoken to before.  This spirit is not a Brown relative and makes no promises to help them... unless she can re-unite her with a loved one.  The fate of those she loves now rests on her.  Can Brylee put the pieces of the puzzle together in time to save them?  Or will the Brown House claim another victim?  

The White Door (book 3)
The haunting third book best selling Visitors Series.
"When I first moved here I was still a girl who cherished the normality of teen life.  Now, after being here a year, I had come to love a boy who was both strong and courageous.  I made real friendships that would last even after death.  The selfish girl my grandmother had warned me of becoming had vanished.  A girl who stood tall, with the powers to see the dead and help those in need, appeared in her place."
In Brylee's world, nothing is normal.  She sees and speaks with the dead and, at seventeen years old, she already has a full plate.  She's in her senior year of high school and college is just around the corner, but only if she learns to control her gifts and survive in the land of the living.  She has succeeded in ridding her boyfriend, Ephraim, from the Brown family curse, but, in the end, her best friend loses her life.  Now a whole slew of new problems present itself, and, like always, Brylee is tempted to run for the hills.  With Ephraim at her side, she must come to grips with the reality that she is not an average girl and she never will be.  What will happen when the town turns on her?  Or, better yet, when a body is unearthed in her backyard?  The choices that Brylee must make will decide if she has a future or nothing at all.

Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother's loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor's Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come. 

Find her on her website: www.christysloat.com

The Brown House: 

 Author: Christy Sloat 

Category: Young Adult Mystery and Suspense 

ISBN: 9780985538545 

Publication date: 6/28/2012 

Retail Price $12.99 

Distribution 55% discount and returnable 

Pages: 324 

Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing 

Language: English 

Product dimensions: 6x9 

Shipping weight: 1 lbs 

Author contact: Christy Sloat 

csloat@verizon.net 

(856)-340-8004 

PO Box 111 

Franklinville, NJ 08322 

Christysloat.com 

Publisher Contact (for book orders)  

Anchor Group Publishing 

Anchorgrouppublishing@gmail.com 

(810) 964-3767 

PO Box 551  

Flushing, MI 48433 

The Crimson Key 

Author: Christy Sloat 

Category: Young Adult Mystery and Suspense 

ISBN: 0989175340 

Publication date: 06/12/2013 

Retail Price $12.99 

Distribution 55% discount and returnable 

Pages: 244 

Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing 

Language: English 

Product dimensions: 6x9 

Shipping weight: 1 lbs 

Author contact: Christy Sloat 

csloat@verizon.net 

(856)-340-8004 

PO Box 111 

Franklinville, NJ 08322 

Christysloat.com 

Publisher Contact (for book orders)  

Anchor Group Publishing 

Anchorgrouppublishing@gmail.com 

(810) 964-3767 

PO Box 551  

Flushing, MI 48433 

The White Door 

Author: Christy Sloat 

Category: Young Adult Mystery and Suspense 

ISBN: 0991517415 

Publication date: 03/03/2014 

Retail Price $12.99 

Distribution 55% discount and returnable 

Pages: 238 

Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing 

Language: English 

Product dimensions: 6x9 

Shipping weight: 1 lbs 

Author contact: Christy Sloat 

csloat@verizon.net 

(856)-340-8004 

PO Box 111 

Franklinville, NJ 08322 

Christysloat.com 

Publisher Contact (for book orders)  

Anchor Group Publishing 

Anchorgrouppublishing@gmail.com 

(810) 964-3767 

PO Box 551  

Flushing, MI 48433