WHOO-HOO! It's Official!

I'm retiring! After 35 years of teaching, I'll be retiring to be a full-time writer as of June, 2014!

A.D. Roland is my Guest Author Tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio

 

If you like high fantasy, romance, healer mages, goblin kings, and magic, then you won't want to miss tonight's "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio! A. D. Roland will be my guest author, and she'll be reading from her newest release, Dark Consort.

Show time is 11 pm et/ 10 pm ct
Don't miss it!
***
Ruler of a withering kingdom, Ceron has come to terms with the fact that the only way to save his country is to carry on with one of his ancestors' worst traditions--the kidnapping and sacrifice of a mage to revive the dying magic of Aichinn. Through his short reign, he's fought hard to bury his hateful legacy and create a new, peaceful rule. The demons that have plagued his bloodline, however, have other plans. Vile plans. They want blood and war, death and destruction. Even as he fights them, tooth and nail, he realizes he can't fight them forever. 

Kaeda just can't get it right. A healer mage in the lush, bountiful Northlands, no matter of training seems to awaken more than a trickle of her magic. When the mysterious visitor from a southern state offers her an escape from the looming banishment, she takes him up without a second thought. Unfortunately, the stranger isn't who he says he is. 

He's the dreaded King of Nightmare and Shadow, the Lord of the Goblins, the Dark King Ceron. And he wants her. Despite being kidnapped, imprisoned, and deceived, Kaeda discovers she's meant for so much more than what Ceron intends. The very land of Aichinn embraces her, and her natural abilities flood forth. The dying kingdom has a chance to live again. With the awakening of the land's magic, Ceron's demons rise in full force, determined to wield the burgeoning power as their own. 

Kaeda is Ceron's only chance to save Aichinn--if he doesn't destroy her first.

Not in the English Language - Sehnsucht

A Battle Lord Conundrum - Should I or Shouldn't I?

Back in 2006 when I wrote the first book of the Battle Lord Saga, The Battle Lord's Lady, I had initially intended to have at least four books in the series. Two more books later, in 2007, I knew I wanted to continue Atty and Yulen's story through their children. I even knew their names, their "uniquenesses", and I had rough drafts of their stories. But I also knew I couldn't call them the Battle Lord Saga. That title was exclusively for Atty and Yulen.

Thus, I created:

The logo is a work in progress, but can you see my problem?

Not yet?

Well, how about if I add this?

Now do you see my problem?

Never in a million years could I anticipate this. In many ways, it's funny. But my question is this, and I'm asking for some feedback.

Should I continue to use the D'Jacques Dynasty idea and series name for Mattox, Mistelle, and Lucien D'Jacques? And risk people saying I ripped off the name from a TV series? (I actually got the idea from a History Channel show on the Chinese Ming Dynasty. I've even used the D'Jacques Dynasty term in my books.) Or should I drop the idea and try to come up with a new series title?

Are You Willing to See More Anthropomorphisms?

(He probably has indigestion from all those missing socks.)

Manic Readers Gives VALL'S WILL Five Stars!

In a galaxy far, far away, in a time far into the future, Will captains a space ship that is largely charged with peace keeping missions. On a routine trip, she finds a hostile ship with prisoners aboard, and it is her duty to retrieve them and return them to their own planets and families. One of the prisoners is not like the others, however. He is a strange wild-looking humanoid, who has been a board the ship and mistreated for about 20 years, since he was 9 years old.

He is a rarity, and Will’s ship doctors can’t figure out what species he is or where he comes from. As time passes, they find the bad guys who kidnapped him want him back at any cost, even if they have to destroy planets and declare war. At the same time the humanoid, they call Vall, falls in love with Will, calling her ‘his Will’. Amazingly she falls in love with him also, which isn’t done in this future world.

When Vall gets better, stronger, and begins to communicate, more of his history becomes clear, and his super powers begin to manifest, but circumstances and Will’s orders keep them apart.

I couldn’t put Vall’s Will down. There is non-stop action, excellent writing, plus a new problem and/or mystery around every corner. What will happen to the lovers? How will a galaxy war be averted? What will Vall’s part be in the grand scheme of things, and what will Will’s role be?

I think you’ll like the story and the characters. We learn much more about Will, as well as the perceived roles of women in the future, than we do of Vall, but that doesn’t seem to matter. We like Vall from minute one, and root for him all the way.

Reviewed by Alberta

(Full review here.)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

On the Twelfth Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - tajci2008
Amazon Gift Card - romannorma97

Congratulations! Please email me to claim your prize! 

Thanks again to all who entered!  

It's a Double Delight when Lisa Kessler Returns Tonight to "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio!

It's a Double Delight tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio! Lisa Kessler returns, and she'll be reading from two of her new releases! Hunter's Moon, Book 2 of the Moon Series, paranormal romance novel, with werewolf shifters. And Beg Me to Slay, a paranormal romance novel with demons.

Show time is 11 pm et/10 pm ct
You don't want to miss it!
***

Beg Me to Slay 

He'll slay her demons, but it may cost her heart...

Four years ago Tegan Ashton was attacked. Determined never to be a victim again, she devotes her life to martial arts and self-defense. When her assailant returns to finish what he started, only one person can help her. 

Gabe is a private investigator by day and demon slayer by night. After losing loved ones, he vows to defend people from a threat they don't realize exists. 

The relationship is supposed to be strictly business, but fighting demons together stirs up emotions they never expected. Turns out demon slaying is a breeze compared to facing their scarred pasts and even worse - hearts.

Hunter's Moon - Book 2 of the Moon Series

Sasha's future was stolen from her the moment she was bitten. Now she's on the run from the Nero Organization that transformed her from a human detective into a shape shifting jaguar assassin. 

When a rogue bounty hunter threatens her younger sister, she'll be forced to fight, and with nowhere else to turn, Sasha will need to trust the one man who has every reason to want her dead. 

Aren is a werewolf with a secret. While protecting his twin brother and Alpha of the Pack, he found his one mate for life. Sadly she's also the jaguar assassin who tried to kill them both. Now Aren is struggling between his animal nature to love and protect her, and his loyalty to the Pack.

On the Eleventh Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - bookshop(at)post
Amazon Gift Card - callistar33

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On the Tenth Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - sam.jo
Amazon Gift Card - jamietaka

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It's not too late to enter! Click here for details! International fans are also welcome!

On the Ninth Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - vitajex
Amazon Gift Card - arafel1962

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On the Eighth Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - sprilley
Amazon Gift Card - blakesmomma

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On the Seventh Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - sheelabrpt09
Amazon Gift Card - joorl

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On the Sixth Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - thumbelinda03
Amazon Gift Card - corrythenetter

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On the Fifth Giveaway Day of Christmas..

Ebook - steph_4464
Amazon Gift Card - tashytashy

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There's still time to enter! International entries are also welcome!

Rachael Stapleton is my Guest Author Tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio

Time travel and reincarnation! Rachael Stapleton is my guest author tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio! She'll be reading from her epic fantasy romance, The Temple of Indra's Jewel.

Don't miss it!
Show time is 11 pm et/ 10 ct
* * *

Sophia Marcil awakens from a snorkeling accident in the Lérins Islands to find herself in the chambers—and the body—of a nineteenth-century princess.

In a confused state and with no idea of her whereabouts, Sophia embarks on a desperate quest for answers, hoping she can find her way back to her fiancé, Nick, and her true identity.

 After she finds a diary in an antique desk, Sophia follows a clue that leads her to a questionable alchemist, who relays the history and magic of the mysterious amethyst she inherited from her greatgrandmother— the only possession that made the leap through time with her and perhaps the only thing that can prevent her from becoming a pawn in a murderous plot for the throne.

Using her inheritance, Sophia races through time to the twenty-first century to solve the mystery of her family’s past.

But once she is there, she unearths a dire warning about a curse that clings to her heirloom, leading her down a dangerous path involving two men from different times and ultimately puts her life at risk.

In this tale of obsession, greed and passion, a woman on a journey through time struggles to regain a family heirloom and control its magic, hoping to break the curse before it breaks her.

On the Fourth Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - beauxreguard212
Amazon Gift Card - blancastrega

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On the Third Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - norgar889
Amazon Gift Card - lblsaize4

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On the Second Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - gcollg55

Amazon Gift Card - parettasil

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On the First Giveaway Day of Christmas...

Ebook - rcummins22
Amazon Gift Card - drainbamaged

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The 12 Giveaway Days of Christmas Begins Tomorrow!

Email me now so you don't miss out!
International entries welcome!

My first set of winners will be announced tomorrow!

Graphene Aerogel - The World's Lightest Material

Graphene aerogel is seven times lighter than air, can balance on a blade of grass.

Chinese material scientists have created the world’s lightest material: A graphene aerogel that is seven times lighter than air, and 12% lighter than the previous record holder (aerographite). A cubic centimeter of the graphene aerogel weighs just 0.16 milligrams — or, if you’re having a problem conceptualizing that, a cubic meter weighs just 160 grams (5.6 ounces). The graphene aerogel is so light that an cube inch of the stuff can be balanced on a blade of grass, the stamen of a flower, or the fluffy seed head of a dandelion.

Most aerogels are produced using a sol-gel process, where a gel is dehydrated until only the aerogel remains. Some aerogels are also produced using the template  method — aerographite, for example, is created by growing carbon on a lattice (template) of zinc oxide crystals — and then the zinc oxide is removed in an oven, leaving just the carbon aerogel. To create the graphene aerogel, however, researchers at Zhejiang University use a novel freeze-drying method. Basically, it seems like the researchers  create a solution of graphene and carbon nanotubes, pour it into a mold, and then freeze dry it. Freeze drying dehydrates the solution, leaving single-atom-thick layers of graphene, supported by carbon nanotubes. The researchers say that there’s no limit to the size of the container: You could make a mini graphene aerogel using this process, or a meter-cubed aerogel if you wish.

The end result is an aerogel that weighs just 0.16 milligrams per cubic centimeter, and has truly superb elasticity and absorption. The graphene aerogel can recover completely after more than 90% compression, and absorb up to 900 times its own weight in oil, at a rate of 68.8 grams per second. With these two features combined, lead researcher Gao Chao hopes that the material might be used to mop up oil spills, squeezed to reclaim the oil, and then thrown back in the ocean to mop up more oil. Beyond filtration, graphene aerogel might be used as insulation — or, if it’s as conductive as aerographite (which seems likely), graphene aerogel could enable the creation of lighter, higher-energy-density batteries.

NOTIFICATION OF CONTRACT TERMINATION

LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I, LINDA MOONEY, WRITING AS LINDA MOONEY, GAIL SMITH, AND CAROLYN GREGG, DO DECLARE THAT RED ROSE PUBLISHING AND WENDI FELTER HAVE BEEN PROPERLY NOTIFIED OF NON-RENEWAL OF THE FOLLOWING BOOKS. AND THEREFORE MY CONTRACTS FOR THESE BOOKS HAVE BEEN TERMINATED.

36 Exposures

Written as Linda Mooney

ISBN 978-1-60435-491-1

contracted 5/8/2009

with an E-book release date of 12/31/2009

Castle's Keep

Written as Linda Mooney

ISBN 978-1-60435-293-1

contracted 6/26/2008

with an E-book release date of 2/12/2009

Chicken Fried Beefcake

Written as Carolyn Gregg

ISBN 978-1-60435-410-2

contracted 5/26/2009

with an E-book release date of 9/10/2009

Code 30

Written as Gail Smith

ISBN 978-1-60435-686-1

contracted 8/28/2009

with an E-book release date of 4/29/2010

E I E I O

Written as Gail Smith

ISBN 978-1-60435-660-1

contracted 9/25/2009

with an E-book release date of 2/11/2010 

Eenie Meenie

Written as Gail Smith

ISBN 978-1-60435-341-9

contracted 6/11/2009

with an E-book release date of 2/12/2009 

Fits Like a Glove

Written as Carolyn Gregg

ISBN 978-1-60435-124-8

contracted 12/4/2007

with an E-book release date of 4/24/2008

La Petite Mort

Written as Carolyn Gregg

ISBN 978-1-60435-198-9

contracted 6/26/2008

with an E-book release date of 8/28/2008

Pearl of Passion

Written as Carolyn Gregg

ISBN 978-1-60435-157-6

contracted 2/28/2008

with an E-book release date of 5/22/2008

Rub My Pumpkin

Written as Carolyn Gregg

ISBN 978-1-60435-789-9

contracted 9/3/2010

with an E-book release date of 10/7/2010

Sand Castle

Written as Linda Mooney

ISBN 978-1-60435-267-2

contracted 8/22/2008

with an E-book release date of 12/4/2008

Suckers

Written as Carolyn Gregg

ISBN 978-1-60435-483-6

contracted 9/22/2008

with an E-book release date of 9/27/2009

Winter's Fyre

Written as Carolyn Gregg

ISBN 978-1-60435-046-3

contracted 9/8/2007

with an E-book release date of 11/15/2007

Helen Henderson Returns Tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio

Helen Henderson returns to "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio to read an excerpt from her newest release, the fantasy/paranormal romance Imprisoned in Stone.

Show Time is 11 pm et/ 10 pm ct
You're gonna love what you hear!
***

For the crime of disobedience, the Brethren imprisoned Dylan’s soul in stone. After centuries, he felt the touch of another’s mind and hope for escape from his eternal prison soars. However, his potential savor is unaware of her latent magic--and her only knowledge of him comes from an eerie message on the wall and nightmarish dreams.

Cuhlwch, the current head of the Brethren plans to control any and all who have magic... and will do anything to achieve his goals. Even though he is displeased with his son, Colwynn, who has healed without payment, Cuhlwch wants Colwynn to father a child, a successor to be trained in the traditions of the Brethren. And Cuhlwch means to have one, including using magic to enforce his will. Only Colwynn wants to choose his own mate--an unknown woman whose magic calls him from afar.

A spell kept secret for generations.
A brotherhood thirsting for power.
Demands that cannot be obeyed.
And in the middle of it all-- a woman who stands to lose everything.

Four paths--one destiny. With the power to bind souls and control all magic in the balance.

A Wonder of Medicine. With Bees.

Portuguese designer Susana Soares has developed a device for detecting cancer and other serious diseases using trained bees. The bees are placed in a glass chamber into which the patient exhales; the bees fly into a smaller secondary chamber if they detect cancer.

Scientists have found that honey bees - Apis mellifera - have an extraordinary sense of smell that is more acute than that of a sniffer dog and can detect airborne molecules in the parts-per-trillion range.

Bees can be trained to detect specific chemical odors, including the biomarkers associated with diseases such as tuberculosis, lung, skin and pancreatic cancer.

When It Realizes You're Still There, and Goes Back Into Hiding

This is adorable!

The Lighted Path

 

The first innovative bicycle path in the Netherlands will be paved with light stones that will charge during the day and emit light during the evening. The path will run by the home that Vincent van Gogh lived in from 1883-5.

How to Add More Time to Your Life

I'd love to try the shoe-tying gimmick, but I can't quite seem to figure it out.

It's My Excuse, Too!

It's Time to Sign Up For the 12 Giveaway Days of Christmas!

Click here for details, and to enter!

Ashley Harris is my Guest Author Tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio

Ashley Harris is my guest author tonight on "Other Worlds of Romance" on Blog Talk Radio. She'll be reading from her YA paranormal romance, Shock Me.

Show time is 11 pm et/ 10 pm ct
Don't miss it!
* * *

A promising gymnast, Donna Young is a shy, quiet nobody from the wrong side of town. The only exciting thing in life is her secret friendship with Ryan, her childhood crush. But after the accident—one that should have killed her—she discovers she has impossible powers! Why now, at sixteen, can she transform into something  shocking and inhuman? Donna doesn’t know how to use her new abilities or who she can trust, but unveiling this mystery might lead to conclusions about Ryan that are deadly.

Rich kid, Ryan Applegate is the most popular guy in town. He has a face that should be on a poster in every girl’s bedroom and dates the hottest chick in school. But ever since the big explosion at the town’s power plant, Ryan has been keeping secrets of his own that if revealed could force him to choose between his family and the girl he's forbidden to love.

As their electrifying puzzle unfolds, so unfolds a town where friends become enemies, and enemies become unrecognizable and intertwined. Tortured heroes just might be the bad guys, and Donna discovers that her and Ryan’s secrets are powerful enough to destroy everyone... including themselves.

Six on Sunday - VALL'S WILL

Six paragraphs from VALL'S WILL, a sensuously erotic sci-fi romance novel.

1. Lacing her fingers through his, she led Vall out of the landing bay, with the rest of the crew in tow. The rescued man remained silent, but he examined every aspect of the ship along the route. Each door panel, corridor offshoot, and crew member who walked by and acknowledged their captain in passing, were all given the same short but intense scrutiny. Will noticed how he continued to walk hunched over. In the brighter light, his filthy appearance stood out. For the first time, further evidence of his imprisonment was clear to see, including the prominent ribs, the lack of muscular strength and coordination, and the almost death-white skin stretched over his shoulders and collarbones. A quick glance behind him verified what she had felt earlier. He had been brutalized. Vall glanced over at her. His obvious trust in her tugged at her heart.

2. Will stopped abruptly and stared up at Vall swaying slightly. He appeared to be confused or disoriented. He was no longer naked. A pair of off-duty slacks hung off his bony hips, but he had shed the pullover top. His wrists were bound in medicated wraps, and she could see similar adhesive patches around his ribs and shoulders. His face lit up at the sight of her. His gritty thick hair had been pulled into a single rope behind his back. For a moment, Will blinked at the sight of his chest. His male nipples were heart-shaped. When he moved in her direction, she glanced back up at him.

3. Outside, the stars sped by. Planets spun overhead, then disappeared behind them. Whole galaxies whirled in brilliantly lit glory as the ship passed them by. Gradually, Vall's breathing slowed as he drifted off to sleep. Oddly enough, Will felt herself becoming equally drowsy. She was warm. She was comfortable. And for some reason she couldn't fathom, she felt protected. Safe. Wanted. It was an odd sensation, given the fact that he didn't possess a natural shield like she did. She fell asleep within his embrace, and the dreams she thought would haunt her never appeared. Or, if they did, she didn't remember.

4. "She's a captain of a Nion warship. In the whole fleet of nearly eighty, she's only one of six women capable enough to handle the job. And she's only one of three still actively on duty." Killjorn laid a hand on the young man's arm. She was mildly surprised when he didn't flinch or draw back. "She's also a young woman with a need to be loved. But she has to be careful. She can't take reckless chances, not if she's to maintain her captaincy. And that means she has to deliver you over to someone else, and have them take you to Regency Base."

5. The figure behind her almost appeared to expand in a rush of darkness and shadow. Vall descended upon him like a silent wraith. Instinctively, Plymon threw up his shields to protect himself against whatever the young man intended. To his horror, Vall plunged a hand through the aura and grabbed him by the neck. Incredibly strong fingers dug into his windpipe, nearly closing off his air. Plymon tried to struggle, but the grip was too powerful.

6. Why am I crying? Because I know this isn't over. Vall may be gone, but he'll be back. He'll come back for Willis because there is a power inside him, or a being, or something so rare and unknown that few have ever faced one. And that creature, or being, or whatever it is inhabiting him, needs Willis. He needs her because, without her, that power can overcome him. It will make him do things that would ultimately make him suffer. In the end, it could destroy him...if he doesn't have her with him.