Category Archives: Books

Cover Reveal! Amy Patrick’s HIDDEN DEEP

February 9, 2015Books, mermaidsAmy Patrick, Hidden DeepPintip

Friends, I am so thrilled to have my friend Amy Patrick in the lagoon today. Today, we get to reveal the cover of her new YA fantasy novel, HIDDEN DEEP! Isn’t it gorgeous?! I can’t wait to read this one!

Hidden Deep (Book 1 of the Hidden Trilogy)

by Amy Patrick
Release Date: 03/23/15

Summary from Goodreads:

Give in to the Glamour…

Sixteen-year-old Ryann Carroll has just run into the guy who saved her life ten years ago. You might think she’d be happy to see him again. Not exactly. She’s a bit underdressed (as in skinny-dipping) and he’s not supposed to exist.

After her father’s affair, all Ryann wants is to escape the family implosion fallout and find a little peace. She also wouldn’t mind a first date that didn’t suck, but she’s determined not to end up like her mom: vulnerable, betrayed, destroyed. Ryann’s recently moved back to her childhood home in rural Mississippi, the same place where ten years earlier she became lost in the woods overnight and nearly died.

She’s still irresistibly drawn to those woods. There she encounters the boy who kept her from freezing to death that long ago winter night and was nowhere to be seen when rescuers arrived. He’s still mysterious, but now all grown-up and gorgeous, too. And the more she’s with him, the greater the threat he poses to Ryann’s strict policy– never want someone more than he wants you.

Seventeen-year-old Lad knows the law of his people all too well: Don’t get careless and Don’t get caught. It’s allowed his race to live undetected in this world for thousands of years, mentioned only in flawed and fading folklore…

Lad’s never been able to forget about Ryann since that night ten years ago. When he sees her again, his fascination re-ignites and becomes a growing desire that tempts him to break all the rules. He’s not even supposed to talk to a human, much less fall in love with one.

And the timing is atrocious. The Assemblage is coming, the rift between the Light and Dark is widening, and mysterious celebrity fan pods are becoming more and more widespread and influential. Lad may have to trade his own chance at happiness to keep the humans, especially Ryann, blissfully unaware and safe.

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24686734-hidden-deep–book-1-of-the-hidden-trilogy

About the Author

Amy Patrick is a two-time Golden Heart finalist (2013 and 2014) who writes Contemporary Romance and Young Adult fantasy/paranormal. Her books have won and finaled in many RWA chapter contests, and she is the author of the 20 SOMETHING series. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons and actually craves the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where she grew up. She’s been a professional singer and news anchor and currently narrates audio books as well as working as a station host for a Boston TV station.

Author Links:

Website │Twitter │ Facebook │ Goodreads

Distilled Spirits Release

December 12, 2014Books, Loni Lynne, mermaids, WritingDistilled Spirits, Loni Lynne, Paranormal Roamce, Wanted: One GhostLoni Lynne

Yes, the long-awaited sequel to Wanted: One Ghost is finally going to be out. And I couldn’t be more excited!

What started out as a short story (that became revised and reformatted) on our site back in October of 2013 is now a full-fledged novel about Wanted: One Ghost’s hero, James Addison’s former tavern lady, Millie Taylor.

Millie is still haunting his old stomping grounds, Old Town Tavern and Inn but she’s got ‘spirit’ all her own. Here is a snippet from Distilled Spirits:

Didn’t believe in ghosts? Well that was a fine, “How do you do!” Millie sat quietly in the rafters looking down on the two men discussing business.

She huffed in disgust, blowing a curl out of her face.

As handsome as the new guy was he was also a royal pain in the arse! He and his crew were fixing up her tavern. They’d poked and prodded the old girl, painting and tearing out parts and pieces and replacing them with others. Now they were discussing renovating her old room. It had been updated a time or two since she’d originally been here in the 1700’s. What was wrong with it?

The Rogers had been the owners of the Old Town Tavern and Inn since before she came to the colonies. She’d watched as each generation took over, seeing the differences and similarities throughout the years. Dave reminded her of old Hank, the man who hired her off the boat from England. As tough and burly as he looked, he was a good man with a kind heart. He’d married his high school sweetheart, Claire, and they’d raised two fine sons. But when Claire died over five years ago, a little bit of him died, too.

Why he’d turned to Jillian Chambers, their local accountant, in the following years, Millie would never know. That woman had more talons than a falcon and for some strange reason, very few facial expressions. For as youthful as she tried to be, she looked a bit odd and it didn’t help that she never really supported Dave in his efforts to make something of the tavern. The woman hated the place with a passion and made sure everyone knew how she felt in words and actions.

The scrape of wooden chairs alerted her to the end of the meeting between Dave and the younger man. From her perch she could get a good look at Sean. What she’d seen of him this past month, he wasn’t someone she’d kick out of the haystack. She grinned at the wicked thought. Perhaps that was why she found herself in his room today. But what was it about him that intrigued her so? Was it the way his blue trousers formed to his limbs? Or the jacket and shirt that hugged his chest? He pulled the look off very well.

His sandy colored hair was short, trimmed close to his head, not long and tied back as men wore it in her day. But there was something rugged about the look and it suited his muscular frame and his angular jaw. Millie’s fingers itched. Oh, to be able to trace those lines.

Still, it perturbed her that he didn’t believe in ghosts. She would really like to be able to speak to him about the tavern, let him know what it meant to her that he was helping Dave with renovations.

Well, if he didn’t believe in her then she’d just have to find some way to make him believe.

Distilled Spirits releases Monday, December 15th and is available now on Amazon for pre-order and Wanted: One Ghost is available for just .99 until the end of the year. So you can enjoy Wanted: One Ghost and read Distilled Spirits soon after!

You can catch up on more information about Distilled Spirits on these sites and links:

Loni Lynne’s website: http://www.lonilynne.com

Loni Lynne’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lonilynne

Loni Lynne’s Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/LoniLynne1

Loni Lynne’s Goodread Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7115619.Loni_Lynne

Loni Lynne’s Mailing List: http://www.lonilynne.com/mailing-list.html

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone out there from Loni Mermaid and her sisters at the Mermaid Lagoon!

THE BEST KIND OF LOVE is here! It’s here!

December 10, 2014Books, Interview, Kerri Carpenter, Kimberly MacCarron, mermaidssecond chances, small-town romance, THE BEST KIND OF LOVEKimberly MacCarron

I’m so excited to interview our very own Mermaid-Kerri Carpenter today. We are all flipping our sparkly fins in the lagoon as we celebrate the release of THE BEST KIND OF LOVE.

Click here to buy Kerri Carpenter’s newest release

I was privileged to be on the ground level of her post yesterday. We were roomies in NYC for the RWA conference, and I was also in her critique group when she started writing Penelope and Ethan’s story.

We started out as a group of six, but a few dropped out, and then three of us stuck it out. We had the best critique group ever. We met at a local bar/restaurant and drank mojitos with cool sugar cane stirrers. We drank. We ate. We laughed. Then we would discuss our books. Best. Critique. Group. EVER.

My favorite scene in THE BEST KIND OF LOVE is when the heroine shoves the hero off the porch and into the rose bush. Hope that’s not a spoiler alert. Is it? Sorry! But, I so loved that scene. It was the type of scene where it just comes alive in your mind. I could completely see it. I loved Penelope’s awesome blend of feisty and vulnerable.

In the spirit of Christmas, I have to sing, “These are a few of my favorite things” about this book. 1) Second-chance love. 2) Feisty yet vulnerable characters. 3) Family dynamics. 4) Fabulous sisters x4! 5) Small-town setting.
This book has it all!

Now, I’d like to ask Kerri some fun questions that James Lipton asks at the end of INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO:

1. What is your favorite word? Any two words (or parts of words) combined like awesomesauce, asshat, glittertastic.
2. What is your least favorite word? (I CAN’T believe I’m going to say this but I truly hate, hate, hate this word.) Titties
3. What turns you on? Kindness and loyalty. A really good bottle of wine and some candles doesn’t hurt either.
4. What turns you off? Intentional meanness.
5. What sound or noise do you love? The sound of waves crashing on the beach.
6. What sound or noise do you hate? Whistling
7. What is your favorite curse word? Fuck-balls
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I always wanted to play a villain on a Soap Opera or be an MTV VJ in the 90s.
9. What profession would you not like to do? Dishwasher, because there’s nothing I hate more than washing dishes!
10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? You did a great job! I’m proud of you. Come see everyone – they’ve been waiting.

Man, Kerri, that last answer reminds me of The Titanic when the old woman dies after tossing that diamond into the ocean (WTH?) and her younger spirit moves through the ship seeing everyone again. Then she sees Jack. I don’t know what brought tears to my eyes. Their short-lived yet eternal romance or the fact that she threw that damn diamond into the ocean. Probably the diamond.

Does anyone have a question for Kerri? One lucky commenter will be swimming away with a free copy of THE BEST KIND OF LOVE.

Visit Kerri at her awesomesauce website here. Follow @authorKerri on Twitter here.

The Giving Season & Free Christmas Titles!

December 4, 2014Books, Carlene Love Flores, Free Read, generosityDianna Love, Free Christmas Romance Books, The Giving SeasonCarlene

Happy Thursday, fishy friends!

Today there are two things I want to share with you and I just can’t decide which topic to blog about. After much deliberation, I’m taking the easy route and going with BOTH!

Firstly, it’s the Giving Season, and there’s this very special lady out there who is one of those people. You know, the kind who give and give and give but never want any attention brought to their generosity. And you try your very hardest to respect their wishes but eventually you just can’t take it any longer! This lady this past year for me has been the incomparable Dianna Love. I don’t even know where to start, to be honest. Do I tell you about her fabulous books? They’re out of this world, crazy good and I am salivating to crack open my copy of Demon Storm, Book 5 of the Belador series. So. Good.

Or how she is hands down one of the most reader friendly authors I’ve ever met? Her thoughtfulness made my cross-country move this summer the bomb-diggity and she’s also one of the most fun people to pose for pictures with.

Carlene Love’s “Dianna Love squee moment” at San Diego Comic Con 🙂

There’s all the great stuff she’s constantly doing to help fellow writers too. Her notes on how to write a short story continue to be lifesavers to me. For instance, start with a couple who have history together. Easy but poignant. Seriously, it would take several blog posts to properly gush about Dianna. And here’s the real kicker. I’m but one of thousands of fans she manages to touch like this on a daily basis. I’m going to ask you to trust me on all this because deep down, I really do want to respect her wishes to keep the behind-the-scenes things she does for her fans on the down low. Just know that she’s out there doing it and for that giving spirit of hers, I want to simply say, in a very public way, THANK YOU, DIANNA. You are an amazing human being and I wish all of life’s best blessings on you and yours.

And this brings me to the second and equally awesome part of today’s blog post. I’ve just come across a few brand new, free Christmas romance titles from my publisher! These are short, quick and sexy reads and I’ve already downloaded my copies. Hoping you’ll find something you fall in love with too. If you’d like to download, you can click on the book covers.

From my dear friend who is equally generous and talented, Sandra Bunino, Christmas Fantasy: Dahlia and Tristan…

Take a sexy trip to your next Christmas fantasy…

A late night train ride kick starts Alexis Winters’ holiday spirit when she finds a seat next to a sexy stranger. Will she get off at the next stop or stay aboard and fulfill the fantasy of a lifetime?

From sexy contemporary author, J.R. Gray, Illicit Activity…

The Christmas season is fast approaching. Jesse and George try to keep their connection alive with stolen late night dinners and secret meetings, which never seem to be enough.
Zac doesn’t take no for an answer, and has set his sights on George’s slave Elliot as his newest conquest. Determined to see Elliot and bring him some holiday spirit, Zac starts a battle of wits with George. But Will George be able to outsmart Zac, and keep him away from Elliot, for long?

And from the lovely and talented Angelique Voisen, A New Haven Christmas…

While the rest of his pack mates are celebrating the holiday season with their newfound mates, Peter Sanders is miserably counting off the minutes until he can head home. Pete knows he’s no one’s ideal mate. He’s mediocre, sells video games for a living, and still lives with his mother. Pete begins to think it’s going to be another miserable Christmas when his dream hunk strikes up a conversation with him.

Fabio Luigi may be new to the New Haven pack, but he isn’t blind to the glances a certain submissive wolf has been giving him all season long. Pete may believe they come from two different worlds for sparks to fly, but Fabio intends to prove Pete wrong.

And they’re all FREE! Happy Giving Season, fishy friends! So now I’d like to know, is there anyone special out there who goes the extra mile but perhaps doesn’t take the credit they deserve? Tell us about them!

Fishy Kisses,

Carlene Mermaid

Interview with Cover Model James Rizzo

November 18, 2014Books, Interview, James Rizzo, Loni Lynne, mermaids, Mermaids & FriendsLoni Lynne

This next few weeks will be an exciting time as I officially reveal the cover of my sequel to Wanted: One Ghost, Distilled Spirits. I knew I wanted the wonderfully talented Taria A. Reed to create my cover again since she’d done such a fantastic job on Wanted: One Ghost. As I anxiously awaited her design, I couldn’t even imagine what she’d come up with. When I saw the proof I was floored! I couldn’t have picked a better cover. She captured my characters Millie Taylor and Sean Lightfoot beautifully. See for yourself!

Those eyes are so captivating!

I asked Ms. Reed who the models were and she told me. I wanted to thank them for such a fantastic job. My ghost, Millie Taylor is portrayed by the lovely, Liana Young and her hero, Sean Lightfoot is portrayed by the very handsome, James Rizzo.

I’ve been lucky enough to have the gorgeous James Rizzo with me today. I still can’t believe he is the cover model for my latest novel, Distilled Spirits. How fantastic is that!! Taria Reed seemed to know what I had in mind for my hero, Sean Lightfoot, when she created the cover with James.

So James, I’m going to get right to the meat of this interview. I have an inquisitive mind. I love to research the characters in my books—so I figured it might be fun to ‘research’ the man who portrays Sean Lightfoot for my book cover. As a reader of romance, I like to think that the model actually is the character in the book. As a realist, I know that is not the case so I’d like to see what it is about James Rizzo that makes a perfect character for many romance books.

Loni Lynne: Okay…I need to know (I’m probably old enough to be your mother but humor me), just how young are you?

James: I turned 35 on November 14^th

Loni Lynne: Happy Be-lated Birthday, by a few days. 🙂

(Okay, maybe not old enough to be his mother–aunt maybe). I’ve lived all over the United States Michigan, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Hawaii and Maryland, where were you born and did you move around a lot growing up or did you stay in one place?

James: I was born in Wilmington, DE, where I resided until I went to College in 1998. My first big move was to Maywood, NJ to pursue modeling and acting in New York 12 years ago.

Loni Lynne: Since I lived all over the country growing up I ended up going to 13 different schools in 12 years. I loved English Literature, American History and Art. What were your favorite classes in high school?

James: My favorite classes would have to be health and science- such as biology, and chemistry. I’ve always been very creative and fascinated with the human body.

Loni Lynne: You’ve modeled for some great book covers. How long have you been modeling and what made you decide to pursue the career?

James: I have been modeling since I was 20 years old. I decided to pursue it after competing in body-building for almost 3 years. I realized I didn’t want to be grotesque with custom clothes so I decided to trim down and pursue acting/modeling. My first transition from Body-building to modeling was when I participated in a Wilhelmina “South Beach Superstar Search”in Miami, Florida. I won the 2003 top promotional model category and have been doing it ever since.

Loni Lynne: No doubt you won! You would’ve gotten my vote.

Fate has a funny way of leading us where we need to be, how did fate lead you to be a cover model? Do you see yourself modeling ten years from now? Where do you see yourself then? Or are you like me and ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ as far as life goes?

James: I have always been a someone that believes in overcoming life’s obstacles through hard-work and dedication. I can usually accomplish anything I put my mind to. My persistence in a very competitive industry allowed me to become a cover model. I see myself living in California as a working actor 10 years from now. I will continue to model because it has always been a passion.

Loni Lynne: We’ll definitely be looking for you in film and TV.

When you posed for Taria Reed (my fabulous cover artist), did you realize you would end up on the cover of Distilled Spirits? What’s the process for doing a photo shoot?

James: I was not aware I would end on the cover but Taria did mention that she had a few covers lined up for me. Taria originally discovered me through Model Mayhem, which is a great site for discovering new talent for any project. The process for doing a photo shoot usually consists of photographers and models sharing a mutual agreement as far as type of shoot, location, and time frame. The shoot should be convenient for both parties and the details such as wardrobe etc. should be discussed beforehand. I am very experienced and easy to work with.

Loni Lynne: Distilled Spirits is a paranormal romance based on a 200 year old ghost (Millie Taylor) who is brought back to life, kind of, by our hero (Sean Lightfoot). Do you believe in ghosts? What would you do if you were to encounter a friendly entity?

James: No, I do not believe in Ghosts but if I encountered one, it would certainly change my outlook about the deceased. I watch Horror movies frequently and they never scare me, just find them entertaining.

Loni Lynne: You’ve been on the covers of so many great romance novels, I am just going to come out and ask…Do you ever read any of them? If so, do you see yourself in any of the characters?

James: Its funny you mentioned that. I tell my mother all the time, “I’ll keep making them, you read them.” She’s a pretty quick reader and enjoys most of the novels. My mother usually gives me her synopsis upon completion. Sometimes she mentions how certain characters relate to me. I always tell her when I’m shooting another one because she likes to say “looks like I have some more reading to do!” haha

Loni Lynne: I can imagine she’s delighted to see you on the covers. She must be very proud.

It took me a while to find my Mr. Right and live happily ever after for 25 years and looking forward to at least another 25. (Okay, yes…do the Math! Like I said…I’m old.) What about you? Have you found Mrs. Right? Or are you still looking for that perfect someone?

James: I have not found Mrs. Right yet. I will be honest; I’m extremely picky and want to make the right decision. With over 50% of marriages resulting in divorce, I certainly don’t want to rush and regret it later in life.

Loni Lynne: Good thinking. When the right one comes along, it just clicks and you know they are the one.

My ideal date would be a quiet dinner with my hubby downtown and then walking around holding hands on a brisk fall night. (His though is different—he’s such a guy!) I need to know, are you more of a romantic kind of guy or do you prefer a simpler form of dating? Any great romantic ideas to share? What would you consider the ‘perfect date’?

James: I would consider myself very romantic for the right woman. I have cooked dinner for Valentine’s Day before and surprised women with flowers. I really need to be into the girl for my creative/romantic side to come out. The perfect date for me would have to be sharing a variety of favorite food- Italian dishes, seafood, and dessert followed by a lounge with a fireplace, sharing a bottle of wine.

A strong jawline–a dependable man.

Loni Lynne: (Wow! That would be ‘perfect’. Fanning myself…)

Okay, now for random questions, shootin’ from the hip!

Favorites:

Color: Blue
Food: Steak
Movie: Anything Inspirational – last movie was “Fury” with Brad Pitt
TV Show: Married with Children
Actress and Actor: Scarlett Johansson/Denzel Washington
Holiday: Christmas

Loni Lynne: Okay back to some pertinent questions again—If you had your way, where would you like to live? Cabin in the woods/Penthouse apartment in the big city/or a bungalow by the shore? And why?

James: I love the summer months and growing up I would go boating on the weekends with my family. We use to go to Maryland and make a whole day of it- barbecues, water-skiing, jet skiing, and tubing. I enjoy a warm climate all year round so I would probably want to live in Malibu, CA or Hawaii in a beautiful beach house.

Loni Lynne: In your own words, describe yourself (internally—we know you are extremely good looking on the outside) J.

James: I am a very good-hearted person and my friends and family know I am dependable. Loyalty is the biggest attribute my family and I share. Italians are known for this.

Look at that smile…it’s in his eyes, too!

Loni Lynne: I agree. I think those attributes show through in your photos. It’s the strength in your jawline and the smile that reaches your eyes that tells the truth.

If you could pick one thing to change the world, what would that be and why?

James: I wish I could stop the violence in our society and raise more awareness about gun control. There are entirely too many shootings in schools. Children should stay more active in sports and extracurricular activities.

Loni Lynne: A very real issue in our society. It breaks my heart to hear and see it so often in the news.

Thank you so much James for being here today and sharing with us. I know you are very busy and taking time out to talk with us means so much. And again, thank you for being such a great cover model! My book really looks great with you on it!

If you have time to stop by and answer questions from my readers, we would love to hear from you!

See more of James Rizzo at Taria Reed.

Food and FLIRTING with Kerri-Mermaid

October 29, 2014Books, Interview, Kerri Carpenter, mermaidsFlirting with the CompetitionPintip

Flirting with the Competition

Friends,

I’m so excited to be talking food with Kerri-Mermaid today! As you may have noticed, we’re big foodies here in the lagoon. That is, if brightly colored drinks with cocktail umbrellas qualify as a food group. And in the lagoon, it totally does. 🙂

It’s been a busy few days for Kerri, since her first book debuted earlier this week. FLIRTING WITH THE COMPETITION is as much fun as it sounds! Almost as fun as Kerri herself. But don’t take my word for it. Read on to find out for yourself.. .

* * *

Did you know that the two main characters in my new book, FLIRTING WITH THE COMPETITION, make a food-related bet? Whitney and Jordan are up for the same job. They decide whoever loses buys a traditional steak dinner with all the fixings for the other. Who doesn’t love a steak dinner with some creamed spinach and a nice big glass of red wine! Okay, maybe I’m revealing a little too much of myself. On to the questions….

1. What is your favorite food?

Pizza!!! I actually had my favorite pizza when I studied abroad in Italy. But here in the States, I like it with extra cheese and anchovies.

Kerri at a Pirates game with one of her favorite “Pittsburgh” foods – a pierogi!

2. What is your favorite food memory?

My family is Italian and we do the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve – spaghetti with anchovies, scallops, baccala, and more. This is my favorite night of food the entire year! I have so many memories of cooking with my mom, dad, and Nunnie on Christmas Eve, I don’t even know where to begin.

3. What are Jordan and Whitney’s favorite foods? What do these foods reveal about them?

My hero Jordan is a carnivore – give him red meat and any kind of burger and he’s a happy camper. Although, sometimes he’ll order a nice piece of fish. Totally fits him too. Just when you think he can’t get any more alpha, he’ll surprise you.
Whitney is all chocolate, all the time. Unless she’s being challenged, then she’ll eat anything.

4. What food would be involved in their first date?

Funny you should ask that. While they’re stuck in the elevator together, Jordan describes where he’d take Whitney on their first date. They’d take his family’s boat up to Annapolis and dock it at this little hole-in-the-wall that has the most amazing crabs!

Bibs, mallots – Isn’t there something fun and satisfying about working for your food!

5. If you had to pick one for the rest of your life, would you choose to have mediocre food and excellent sex OR mediocre sex and excellent food? What would Jordan or Whitney say?

Whitney: Excellent food, definitely!
Jordan: Excellent sex, for sure!
(Whitney and Jordan look at each other, smile, and run off somewhere in a hurry.)
Kerri: (Rolls eyes at characters.) Um, I can’t answer this question. My mom will be reading it. *Grin*

Order your copy of FLIRTING WITH THE COMPETITION, available now!

Mermaid & Friends: Vanessa Barneveld Swims with the Mermaids

October 17, 2014Books, Giveaway, Interview, mermaids, Mermaids & Friends, PintipBloomsbury Spark, This Is Your Afterlife, Vanessa BarneveldPintip

Friends, I had a very special day planned for the lagoon today. I was all set to welcome the fabulous Vanessa Barneveld, whose YA novel, THIS IS YOUR AFTERLIFE, debuts in four short days, on October 21. I’m a huge fan of this book — not only is it fun, fresh, and touching, but it’s all delivered in Vanessa’s smooth-as-butter voice.

So you can imagine how excited I was when Vanessa agreed to dip a toe in the lagoon. But alas, due to travel difficulties (Vanessa lives in Australia, after all), she couldn’t make it. But not to worry. She promised she would send a replacement. Ah, here comes someone now…

KEIRA: Hi. I’m Keira and I’m clairvoyant. But I’m not your interview guest today. I’m just here as a ghost interpreter.

PINTIP: Ghost interpreter?

KEIRA: Not everyone can see, hear or talk to ghosts, but I can. I’ll relay everything Jimmy says and does for you and your readers. (Whispers) He’s a shameless flirt, so watch out.

JIMMY: (Coughs) I can hear you, Keira.

KEIRA: Whoops.

PINTIP: OMG. You mean you’re Keira and Jimmy? From the book?!

KEIRA: Where else? Why are you so surprised?

PINTIP: (Stutters) No reason. I was just expecting someone, you know, real. In more than one sense of the word.

JIMMY: Do I get a say in what you call this article, Pintip?’Cause I’ve got some ideas. How about Ghost Host? Ghost Host with the Most? Ghost Host Post?

KEIRA: Enough with the rhyming.

JIMMY: Interview with a Vampire Jock?

KEIRA: You’re a ghost, not Dracula.

PINTIP: Uh, those are very…nice suggestions, Jimmy. I’ll give them serious thought. (Clears throat). Why don’t we get on with the interview? So, Jimmy. Wow. I’ve never talked to a ghost before. What’s it like in the afterworld?

JIMMY: Can’t say I was thrilled about dying at seventeen, but now that I’ve gotten used to it, the ability to walk through walls is kinda cool. I had to learn how to get around. After a while, I figured out all I have to do is think of a location and I’ll be there in seconds.

(Long silence)

KEIRA: (Squints, looks around) Jimmy?

(Crickets chirp)

JIMMY: I’m back! I went to Antarctica just then. Pretty cool. Okay, what was I saying? Oh, yeah, travel. I plan to hang around for the Super Bowl. Gatecrash a luxury box.

KEIRA: You could sit on the goal posts if you wanted to. The horizontal bar thingie.

JIMMY: (Laughs) Glad you clarified that, Keira.

PINTIP: Can ghosts taste or touch?

KEIRA: Weirdly—and I never understood this—Jimmy felt a lot of physical pain in the early days of his afterlife. I likened it to phantom pain that amputees get. It’s something to do with nerve endings. Don’t ask me why ghosts get it.

JIMMY: I’m all healed now, in case you were wondering. I can’t feel a thing.

PINTIP: I’m so glad you’re no longer in pain! What do you miss the most about being alive?

JIMMY: Playing football in front of a home crowd. Hearing everyone stamp their feet on the bleachers. I miss the entire cheerleading squad. My car… But, you know what? None of the material stuff really matters. What I miss most is my family and friends. And I especially miss my brother, Dan. We fought in the days before I died. I loved him. I wish I told him when I was alive.

KEIRA: (Chokes up) He knows.

PINTIP: (Blinking back tears, too) I bet he does. So, out of all places, why did you show up in Keira’s bedroom?

JIMMY: Hey, I had no choice. Another ghost, an old lady, found me, said she knew someone who could help. Before I knew it, she was pushing me through a wall and into Keira’s bedroom.

PINTIP: Did you know Keira before you died?

KEIRA: We were in different classes. He was a senior and I’m a junior. The awful irony is that I was invisible to Jimmy when he was alive.

JIMMY: That’s not true! I noticed you. (Lowers voice) Keira with the long black hair and sexy silver eyes—

KEIRA: They’re gray.

JIMMY: Whatever color they are, they’re pretty.

PINTIP: Very smooth, Jimmy. What were your first moments like being a ghost? Did you know you’d been murdered?

KEIRA: Hold it! I don’t think Vanessa wants us to talk the murder.

JIMMY: Who’s Vanessa?

KEIRA: She’s that author I told you about. Our story—your story—wouldn’t be out there for everyone to read if it weren’t for her. Or her incredible critique partners. Or her agent. Or her editor—

JIMMY: Ha! I get it. No spoilers. Well, the afterlife was confusing for the first few days. When I “woke up” after dying, my head just killed.

KEIRA: That’s a really unfortunate choice of words.

JIMMY: Okay, I had a huge headache. Pain that was worse than any concussion I’d ever gotten playing football. There were big gaps in my memory. It felt like I was living a dream.A very intense, confusing nightmare. My death really hit home when I saw my buddies at school and they walked right through me. Keira helped me deal with all of that.

PINTIP: Sounds like Keira has a lot of wonderful qualities. Your brother Dan certainly noticed. Did you suspect any attraction between these two while you were still alive?

JIMMY: (Shakes head) I was too wrapped up in sports and my own life. I had no clue about those two. Dan keeps to himself. But now that I know Keira a lot better, I think the two of them would be great together. He’s an artist. She’s a creative type, too. And she’s got sexy silver eyes.

KEIRA: (Fidgets nervously) No comment.

PINTIP: What about you? Any cute ghosts in the afterworld?

JIMMY: Hey, forget ghost girls. These Waterworld Mermaids are freakin’ gorgeous. Can I have your number, Pintip?

KEIRA: Nuh-uh-uh, Jimmy! Pintip’s gorgeous and smart and talented, but she’s married. With kids. Go find a mermaid your own age. I know one called Ariel. She really wants to be part of your world.

JIMMY: Under the sea?

PINTIP: Unfortunately, I think she might be taken, too.

JIMMY: (Sighs) I guess ghost girls it is.

PINTIP: I’m sure you’ve got them lined up along the pearly gates already. Thanks so much for being here, you two! And give my love to Vanessa!

KEIRA: Thanks, Pintip! We will!

Aren’t they adorable? If you want to know what Keira and Jimmy look like, click here to see the book trailer.

Vanessa will be giving away a digital copy of THIS IS YOUR AFTERLIFE and a $10 gift card from Amazon to one lucky commenter.

IN ADDITION, because we are so proud of our awesome CP, Kimberly-Mermaid and I will also be giving away another copy of THIS IS YOUR AFTERLIFE, along with a lavender-themed gift basket. The gift basket is in honor of Keira’s grandmother, also a ghost, whose presence is always preceded by the scent of lavender.

Four awesome prizes! Two lucky winners!* One amazing book! Comment away!

*restricted to U.S. and Australian residents.

BLURB: When the one boy you crushed on in life can’t seem to stay away in death, it’s hard to be a normal teen when you’re a teen paranormal.

Sixteen-year-old Keira Nolan has finally got what she wanted—the captain of the football team in her bedroom. Problem is he’s not in the flesh. He’s a ghost and she’s the only one who can see him.

Keira’s determined to do anything to find Jimmy’s killer. Even it if means teaming up with his prickly-yet-dangerously-attractive brother, Dan, also Keira’s ex-best-friend. Keira finds that her childish crush is fading, but her feelings for Dan are just starting to heat up, and as the story of Jimmy’s murder unfolds, anyone could be a suspect.

This thrilling debut from Vanessa Barneveld crosses over from our world to the next, and brings a whole delightful new meaning to “teen spirit”.

BIO: Vanessa Barneveld lives in Australia. She has one husband, two cats, and three Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® nominations. When she’s not writing, devouring chocolate or dreaming of going into space, Vanessa works as a closed-captioner for the deaf and audio describer for the blind.

Social media

http://www.vanessabarneveld.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Vanessa-Barneveld/185502258167596

https://twitter.com/vanessab73

Late Assignment: Summer Reading Log

October 9, 2014Books, Kimberly MacCarron, mermaidsbook clubs, book recommendations, reading, summer reading logKimberly MacCarron

With several technology-related problems combining like the perfect storm last month, I wasn’t able to post about my summer reading adventure.

When I was a kid, I would take books up into the woods where I made myself a private place to read. It included a blanket and snacks and the book I was reading that day.

As I turned into a teen, my escape into the woods came to an abrupt end. I was way more comfortable snacking on the couch, and the potential for coming into contact with bugs gave me pause. Plus, I loved staying up late into the night and reading scary stories, and the woods were definitely NOT the place to be.

Now that I’m an adult, I still read just as much. I still get that thrill when I buy a new book. I still get that excited energy when I flip to that first page.

When a reader is born, he or she will never give up that luxury. Ever.

I started volunteering in the elementary school for something called The Book Café—a book club for kids. I was privileged to lead a book discussion with five kids who read the same book I did—Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. (That’s a whole other blog post.)

It got me thinking about instilling that love of reading into children at the earliest ages. I read non-stop with my oldest when she was little. Even though she loved the books, she’s never been my reader. Out of my five kids, two are more like me. I have to beg them to turn the lights off and go to bed. They plead for five more minutes. I shut the door, pretending to be annoyed, but secretly I’m so happy.

They’re like me! ☺

Every summer there are a ton of reading programs for kids. There are even some for adults. My local library was asking adults to read five books during the summer months. I think I covered that. I haven’t given each book a certain amount of stars or rated them in any way. I loved so many of them, but there was only one I didn’t like. But as we well know as readers and writers, books are a personal thing. What one person loves, another hates. What resonates with someone can completely turn another off. So, I won’t judge these books by their covers. I won’t even judge them by their words because words strike different feelings in different readers.

Without further ado, here’s my reading log from this summer:

Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones
The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins
The Lonesome Young by Lucy Connors
Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour
Six Months Later by Natalie Richards
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

I started the third Outlander book, Voyager, but I’m currently using it as the reward for finishing my own revisions. That plan almost never works, as I was using Darynda’s Sixth Grave as my carrot, and I ate the carrot in one day. The day it arrived. It sat for approximately forty-two minutes on my kitchen table before I decided to read the first chapter as a reward for doing something like fixing one page of dialogue in my WIP. Then I made myself a cup of tea, grabbed a snack and settled in to finish the book.

Of course, that was way more comfortable than trudging through the woods to set up my reading nook.

I’m so glad to be an adult reader…who still continues to keep a summer reading log. 🙂

Anyone have some recommendations for my winter reading log?

Immortal Heat is Hot and Historical

September 30, 2014Books, Loni Lynne, mermaids, WritingDacia, Fantasy Romance, Immortal Heat, Loni Lynne, mermaids, Paranormal, Romania, Spicy, writing, ZmeuLoni Lynne

I am excited to finally have the very first book I started writing five years ago (when I decided to go professional as a writer) ready for release!

Immortal Heat was so much fun to write. It started out when I began researching my family heritage. My paternal grandfather was actually Romanian by birth. For years I couldn’t find out much on Romania due to the fact it was a communist country and at the time, the Internet wasn’t even around. Now with the handy little tool you can not only research a place you’ve never been but virtually go there via Google Maps.

The more I delved into the history of Romania I found some fascinating story lines. I didn’t want to do Vlad Dracul since he’d been done so many times so I delved deeper–all the way back to Pre-Roman conquest when Romania was known as Dacia.

What I found out about Dacia was that the Dacians were a mystical people. Their clans went into battle carrying flags and banners in the shape of dragons to scare off their enemies. Until the Romans second conquer–(the first attempt failed)–they were protected by the dark, mysterious forests that surrounded them. Other countries refused to cross the Danube because they were afraid. Even the god they worshiped, Zamoxlis considered his warriors ‘Immortal’.

What great fodder for a paranormal novel, right?! I was so excited!

As I worked and researched further, I read about their folklore and found an interesting creature known as the Zmeu. A shapeshifter who would turn into smoke, sneak into a woman’s bedroom and seduce her, take her to his lair only to have the handsome warrior come slay the Zmeu and rescue the fair maiden. The Zmeu could shift into any form, but he was known for his human abilities and those of a Balour or Dragon. He was the equivalent of the ‘boogeyman’ to children in folklore.

But I didn’t see the Zmeu as evil. I figured if he was ‘Dragon’ then he might have been a gift from the gods to go into battle with the Dacian warriors. His kind might have even been sacred. So I created him as my ‘hero’ and Draylon Conier (pronounced Con-yea) came to life. Think of raven black hair with electric blue eyes and just enough shadow of scruf to make you think of waking up to just a touch of whisker burn– 😉 . There are some pretty serious scenes that my beta readers think are pretty smokin’. So yes, there is HEAT in this book–more ways than just the title.

Immortal Heat is the first book in my new series, The Guardians of Dacia and also my first attempt at self-publishing. I had so much wonderful help in creating this book, a little secret, my daughter Jengi created the cover and my good friend, Magda Alexander helped me with formating and self-publishing support. I have a wonderful editor, Judy who worked diligently with me to make sure all the loopholes were covered–not easy in a paranormal where you create the world to work for you.

So without further ado–I present Immortal Heat, Book 1 in The Guardians of Dacia series!

The Guardians of Dacia Series

Romania has been called the mystical land of paranormal beings and creatures of the night. Before the Romans conquered their land, Dacia was a mystical land of magic and folk-lore until one man and his army destroyed the closely woven fabric set by the gods between man and beast. Now, cursed by their gods over two thousand years ago, one immortal clan struggles to maintain their private world while still learning to live and protect their human brethren while their enemy seeks power to destroy the new world. But as the clans face extinction, a new generation of Dacian blood emerges to unite the clans once more. The world as they know it may never be the same.

Immortal Heat

Dacian Historian…

Determined to study ancient Dacian folk lore abroad, Marilyn Reddlin’s plans are cut short when she is abducted by a dark haired stranger who insists she’s in danger. The only danger she’s in is losing herself to her abductor’s inexplicable seductive energy. Draylon Conier teaches her there is more to Romania than myth and fairy tales while sweeping her into a wild adventure of paranormal mystery and intrigue.

Dacian History…

Thousands of years trying to pay back a debt, Draylon Conier is finally able to do so. Sent to capture a young, American student who is in danger while in Romania, he just has to send her back home. Easy enough for him. Unfortunately, Marilyn Reddlin is determined to thwart his every attempt—even telepathy. But there is more to her than meets the eye and the closer he gets to her, the more danger she is in, not only from the ancient immortal Dacian clans he’s trying to protect her from, but also his own sexual need.

History just got a lot harder.

They must find out what connection Marilyn has to Dacian history before Draylon destroys her when she succumbs to Immortal Heat.

Immortal Heat is available for Pre-Order on Amazon. The release date is October 6, 2014!

To read an excerpt click here: Immortal Heat and The Guardians of Dacia

Mermaids & Friends: Amy Patrick

August 8, 2014Books, Giveaway, Interview, mermaidsAmy Patrick, Channel 20 SomethingPintip

Friends, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Amy Patrick to the pond today. Her debut, CHANNEL 20 SOMETHING, released earlier this week. It’s such a fun read, and I gobbled it up in one sitting. But don’t take my recommendation alone! Here’s a blurb:

22-year-old Heidi Haynes is almost one year into her “real life”. She has her first reporting job and her first apartment, but she’s yet to experience first love. Yes, she’s in a comfortable relationship with her college sweetheart, and according to her friends and family, he’s perfect for her. But for some reason she’s not as eager to talk about walking down the aisle as he is.

And while Heidi’s doing what she wants to do, she’s not where she wants to be. She longs for big cities, big-market breaking news, and real independence from her way-too-close-by helicopter parents. Problem is, the last time she left the security of home for new places and new people, things didn’t go so well. Disastrously, in fact, and she came running back to a local college and a “safe” boyfriend.

Well-traveled Californian Aric Serrano plans to stay in small-market-Southern-Hell just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and put together a kick-ass “escape tape”. He’ll serve his one-year contract, then he’s taking off for a higher rung on the TV sports ladder—alone—the way he likes it. But when he walks into the newsroom and meets Heidi, he may have finally found something and someone worth committing to.

Heidi would be so much more comfortable if she could avoid her new co-worker—he’s just her type—the type she’s so careful to avoid. But that becomes impossible when she and Aric are forced to work together on the weekend news. Now there’s no denying the attraction between them, and she’ll have to decide between settling for the “good enough” life she already has or taking the risk of going for what she dreams of, an exciting career and a real love.

This book was as fabulous as it sounds! Just as fabulous as Amy herself, who graciously agreed to answer a few of my questions…

Pintip: Amy, thanks so much for being here! You are particularly qualified to write this story. Can you tell us a little about your background in journalism?

Amy: This series is so much fun to write, because I get to call upon so many great (and not-so-great) experiences from my 12 year career in TV news. During that time I was climbing the career ladder, moving frequently, working at 6 different stations in 4 different states. I met so many “characters” through the years, and naturally they influence my fictional characters and events. I still work for a Boston TV station as a station host, so the story ideas keep piling up!

Pintip: Well, your expertise certainly showed in this book! Tell us the truth: did any of these scenes, or a version of them, ever happen to you? Such as, ahem, stealing kisses in the edit bay?

Amy: Hmmm. There was this one time… No actually I was not guilty of “fraternizing” during my first TV job, as Heidi and Aric are. But I was sorely tempted, because when I met my husband… he was the hot new sports guy. Unfortunately, the part about the nervous stomach and throwing up in front of the governor of Mississippi one minute before air time was also based on fact.

Pintip: Oooh. I didn’t know that was how you met your husband! How romantic! Or maybe I just think it’s romantic after reading your book, lol. What was your favorite scene to write?

Amy: I’m a sucker for first-kiss scenes, reading and writing them, so that was probably my favorite.

Pintip: What was the most difficult scene?

Amy: There were a couple scenes I cried through while writing, but I won’t tell you which ones– don’t want to ruin it for someone else.

Pintip: Good idea! We’ll see if the readers can figure it out once they get to those scenes. I adore your voice. Your heroine, Heidi, is utterly charming, and I love how she says, “Oh, sugar” when she curses. How did you come up with her character?

Amy: Oh, thank you! I’m so glad you found her charming– I can’t help but sympathize with her, because though she’s flawed, she tries so hard to please everyone (sometimes too hard), as many of us are apt to do in our early twenties. She’s a born and raised Southern girl, and there’s still a bit of a taboo about “ladies” cursing in the Deep South, thus the “sugar”. Also, Heidi has a really quirky boss who’s made public cursing, short skirts, and fraternizing grounds for firing at his TV station, so she has to be careful. She’s also living very close to her crazy-but-loving family, and struggling with being a daughter and sister to them while striving for real independence and trying to figure out who she really is. I started my first TV job at 21 years old, three weeks after graduation. So while I was a “professional” and a “grown-up” on TV, I was still very much developing as a person and sometimes felt like a kid faking my way through it all.

Pintip: Ha! I still feel like a kid faking my way through it all! You also write YA under the name Amy DeLuca. How is writing NA different from writing YA?

Amy: I’d say the voice is more mature, and the consequences of your character’s decisions are often more dire. By the time you’re out of college and starting life in the “real world”, you’re making decisions that can have lifelong repercussions, good or bad. And you’re making them with little (if any) influence from your parents. NA characters are in relationships that have a real chance of lasting forever, which is sometimes, but not often true of the relationships in YA books. Of course, everyone who marries their high school sweetheart and stays married for 60 years proves that wrong, but they may be the happy exception. My YA characters never even think about getting married, but I think twenty-somethings are much more likely to have that in their minds somewhere.

Pintip: So true. Lucky for us, we get to experience it all again by reading this book. And I hear there are going to be more books in the Channel 20 Something series. What’s coming up? Might these books involve Heidi’s friends, Mara and Kenley?

Amy: You guessed it! Book 2, STILL YOURS– A 20 SOMETHING NOVEL comes out in September and tells Mara’s story. She’s taken a new TV job in Providence, Rhode Island, the last place she wanted to work because it’s way to close to home and to him, the only guy who’s ever tempted her to abandon the Himbo-hunt and open herself up to actually loving someone.

And in October, Kenley’s story comes out. It’s called STILL ME- A 20 SOMETHING NOVEL. Kenley is reeling from a shocking change in her relationship status and regretting the day she ever left her on-air job for a man. Then she lands a new job at WNN in Atlanta and meets the network’s rising star, and even at the network level, what happens behind the scenes is the real story.

Pintip: Oh, wow! I can’t wait to read Mara’s and Kenley’s stories! I’ll be the first in line to purchase them. Thanks so much for being with us today, Amy!

Amy: Thank you for having me Pintip! It’s a thrill to be here with the Waterworld Mermaids today. And I’d love to give away a copy of the CHANNEL 20 SOMETHING e-book to one of the commenters. I’m curious to ask them: are there any moments from your own career that would make a great scene in a book?

Pintip: That’s a great question! Comment away, friends, and you’ll be entered to win this wonderful book!

BUY LINKS:
Amazon
NOOK/Barnes and Noble
KOBO
All Romance

Amy is a two-time Golden Heart finalist (2013 and 2014) who writes Young Adult fiction as Amy DeLuca and New Adult romance as Amy Patrick. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons and actually craves the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where she grew up. She’s been a professional singer and news anchor and currently narrates audio books as well as working as a station host for a Boston TV station.