Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Cursed by Athena Floras #PNR #YA #Giveaway

 

Cursed
Dark Kindred Spirits 
Book 2
Athena Floras

Genre: YA PNR
Date of Publication: January 4th, 2021
ASIN: B08P21DRQM
Number of pages: 104
Word Count: 25 299
Cover Artist: Nicholas Mallet

Tagline: Happiness and true love can come from sacrifice and the deepest sorrow.

Book Description:

All hail the Misfits and the Cursed…

There is a sanctuary for anyone who needs refuge. It’s called Beyond the Horizon. When a group of teens are invited to spend their summer vacation at the sanctuary, they think they just got lucky. But little do they know that things are too good to be true. Not everyone is who they seem to be at Beyond the Horizon. There are enemies amongst them waiting for the perfect time to strike.

For her entire life, Brianna Meadows has been misunderstood. Everything she does and says is wrong. She’s a klutz and always getting in people’s way. All she ever wished for is to be accepted, liked, and normal. When she gets an invitation to spend her summer vacation at Beyond the Horizon, she thinks her wish may come true. But she must be very careful what she wishes for, because it can turn into her worst nightmare.

Chase Hamell doesn’t have much time left. The family curse has started to take its toll on him. The first-born male in the Hamell clan will turn into a monster when he turns eighteen, which is just months away. When he hears that the sanctuary is owned by witches who can undo the curse, he seeks them out. But to break the curse involves making a huge sacrifice, one that Chase might not be able to commit to, because in order to end the curse, someone he loves must die.

Can Brianna and Chase find what they both need and desire before their enemies succeed in snuffing them out?

Amazon      Amazon.co.uk     Amazon.ca


Excerpt:

The blood moon set high in the sky was the Earth’s guardian angel tonight. It stood watch while all the Earth’s blessed and damned creatures roamed freely. It guided them to their redemption or eternal damnation.

The enchantress took a deep, channeling breath while she absorbed the magic and the energy this night brought forth. It was the perfect time to seek the answers she’d long sought.

If the omnipotent transcendental powers would not reveal them to her tonight, then all hope was lost.

She perched the silver chalice engraved with defined runes on the altar in the garden. She poured the spellbinding liquid into it and began to chant the spell she’d memorized.

At first, nothing happened, but like everything else in life, she needed to be patient and persistent. She continued on with the ritual until the potion started to twirl, then churn. It soon glowed a celestial blue.

Peering into the aquatic abyss, she asked, “Reveal to me the means to restore the harmony. The balance must be brought back to the line.”

An image gradually morphed in the chalice. It appeared to be a tall, thin girl with unruly shoulder length red hair who knelt on the floor. She seemed to have fallen and had scraped her knees because blood trickled onto the uneven concrete.

The enchantress cocked a brow while she curiously observed the scene. Why was the Voyeur Chalice showing her this teenager? The girl was no older than seventeen. How did she fit into the whole scheme?

Knowing that she wouldn’t get more answers until she performed the next part of the ritual, the enchantress raised the chalice and languidly sipped the elixir. The bitterness made her shudder until a transcendent voice spoke to her in her mind.

The enchantress’s eyes glazed over and she remained perfectly still paying acute attention to what was said.

Once the answer and all its details were divulged to her, she lit the candle ending the liturgy.

With leaden legs, she walked back into the building. The ritual had taken its toll on her. She’d need to rest to fully recover. But before she could, she had to send a message.

The kindle needed to be laid down so that the catalyst could catch fire and set off the next chain of events.

Unprecedented things would soon begin to happen.

 

* * * *

 

Brianna Meadows thought that this would be her lucky day. She’d felt it the moment she’d awoken this morning. The uplifting energy surrounded her and urged her on. She could move mountains if the feat were physically possible.

So when her mother had asked her to pick up her facial cream at the department store, Brianna had jumped at the chance to go.

She’d been planning to apply for the stock clerk’s job she’d seen posted on the store’s door earlier this week.

She made sure to hold her head high and strut with confidence as she walked up to the customer service counter. A cashier standing there, wearing a white and red striped uniform, greeted her with a smile.

“Good morning. How can I help you?”

Brianna cleared her voice. “Umm, yeah. I’m here to apply for the stock clerk’s job you have posted on the door.”

The cashier frowned. “Hmm, they didn’t get rid of that yet?” Her expression switched into an apologetic one. “I’m so sorry, but the job has already been filled.”

“Oh.” Brianna spun on the heel of her ballerina shoes, ready to head toward the cosmetics aisle when the cashier asked, “Did you bring your CV with you?”

“Yes, I did.” Brianna held up the manilla envelope she carried it in.

“Why don’t you give it to me. I’ll give it to the manager. Maybe he’ll keep you in mind when another job opening comes up.” She smiled brightly.

“That’s very kind of you. Thanks.” Brianna slid it to her on the sloping counter.

As she walked away, she felt her heart stir. The cashier didn’t have to go out of her way to accommodate Brianna like she did. Brianna was touched by her kind gesture even though she had a strong hunch the store manager would most probably chuck her CV into the recycling bin.

Casting her discouraging thoughts out of her mind, she moseyed over to get her mom’s cream. Her mother had given her a fifty-dollar bill and told her to buy herself something with the change.

The cream cost only twenty-three dollars and thirty-nine cents, which left her with twenty-five dollars and sixty-one cents to splurge on herself. She pressed the tips of her wild curls between her index finger and thumb. She wished she could tame them somewhat so it didn’t look like she’d just been electrocuted.

She glided her hand along the edge of the shelf, perusing the selection of hair conditioners that would straighten her hair when she accidentally tipped a plastic bottle that rested close to the edge. Multiple bottles toppled to the floor.

Laughter burst out behind her. She spun around to find Cynthia Doyle and Seraphina Peck, two of the popular girls in her school, covering their mouths, trying to muffle their chuckles.

Cynthia leaned in to whisper something into Seraphina’s ear, which made her bend over in hysterics.

They obviously were making fun of Brianna. What else was new? Brianna had been the object of their ridicule all of the school year. Why would they stop now even though the school year had ended and summer had begun? Ignoring their cruel behavior, she crouched to gather the fallen bottles. One by one, she placed them back where they belonged.

The sound of stiletto heels clicking on the tiled floor reverberated in Brianna’s ears. She cursed under her breath. She knew who approached. It was Seraphina. She had a unique rhythm to her gait. What did she want? Hadn’t she tormented her enough in school?

“Is there something you’re looking for?” Seraphina asked as she came to stand next to her.

“I was just looking?” she mumbled.

“It was hard not to notice you after you made everything fall. If you’re looking for a special conditioner, maybe I can help you search, so you won’t make anything else fall.”

Brianna wished the jab had just slid off of her, instead of cutting deep.

Glancing at the shelf, she replied, “I was looking for something that could straighten my curls.”

Seraphina snorted. “Well, you’re looking in the wrong place for that. There isn’t any over the counter product to tame your wild hair. You need super concentrated industrial products. You should go to a professional hairdresser who uses strong chemicals to straighten it. She would be your only hope.”

“Yeah, right,” Brianna grumbled as she walked away.

She huffed, trying to rein in her frustrations and anger. Sometimes bad news was good news. The fact the job had already been filled was a blessing in disguise. She wouldn’t have been able to work in the same store those two bullies worked. She wouldn’t have survived more than a day in that toxic environment.

She made a mental note to avoid this department store from now on. Her mother would have to come herself to get her facial cream.

As she reached the exit, she rested her left foot awkwardly on the cracked concrete and she fell hard forward. Her knees adsorbed the full brunt of the forceful hit as they made contact with the concrete.

Pain shot through her legs and she gasped, trying to resist the discomfort.

She’d been completely wrong about this day. It hadn’t been her lucky day. It was the unluckiest one she’d had in a while. It couldn’t possibly get worse, she thought.

But she was so very wrong, because from twenty feet away, she heard giggling. Cynthia and Seraphina were at it again.

 

About the Author: 

Athena Floras is a wife and proud mother of three who loves to read and write suspenseful and romantic stories. When she isn't busy being a mom, she spends her spare time in her den, totally immersing herself into the whimsical, fantastical world of fiction. She hopes the stories and characters she creates will bring readers as much pleasure and entertainment as they have her.

Website/Blog: https://athenafloras.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlorasAthena 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Athena-Floras/e/B018N7U26S 






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Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Release Day Blitz Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen #ReleaseDayBlitz #SciFi



Join the Live Release Day Celebration for Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen at 10am EST on Facebook with special guest USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Kol.  https://www.facebook.com/events/2533205153651500



Replaced Part
Transformed Nexus 
Book One
Stephanie Hansen

Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Publisher: Fire and Ice YA and Tantor Audio
Date of Publication: 02/23/21
ISBN: 9781953735027
ASIN: B08RZB9PXL
Number of pages: 232
Word Count: 67,770
Cover Artist: Caroline Andrus

Tagline: When a clopil named Vex warns you of danger…Listen!

Book Description:

In the year 2163 a corrupt World Government controls everything on our planet and beyond. 

Sixteen year-old Sierra has been so caught up in her own world of saving animal test subjects and her father’s disappearance, she hasn’t paid much attention. When she finally finds his location, she and her friend set off on a covert interplanetary mission to rescue him, she begins to see the corruption first hand. 

Discovering that her father has been on the front lines secretly trying to save human test subjects inspires her to join a revolution. But she is afraid of the collateral damage of hurting the people she loves. Will she find the strength to make a deal with the mad scientist Cromwell to save not just her friends and family but everyone?

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/xOmzBgWfIN8

Amazon      BN     Kobo


Excerpt:

To make a smoke bomb all you need is potassium nitrate, sugar, water and a fuse. Programming holograph messaging to be ‘smoke screen projection only’ is much more difficult. It’s a digital version of invisible ink and completely security cam resistant. I pull up Yesha’s incoming call. The smoke allows her image to take shape and it almost feels like she’s in the room with me.

“I can’t believe you talked me into this, you little gomer.”

Yesha frequently begins conversations in the middle, no introduction or formal interrogation into my life. I think that’s why I like her.

“It didn’t take much to convince you.”

“Did you receive the package?”

I hold up the box addressed to me, Sierra, but I’ve removed the contents.

“Yep, right here, see.”

Yesha’s laugh is like a chorus of toads with hiccups. Her image vibrates on the smoke.

“That’s only the box, you drone bug!”

“I know.”

I hold up the syringes that had been inside the box.

“Be careful with those. Check the labels.”

I roll a syringe in my hands like Kitchen, one of our home bots, does with pretzel dough.

“One says healing serum, which I asked for. Why does the other say anti?”

“Backup. You always need an emergency abort mission option.”

“All right. Thanks!”

Yesha interrupts before I collapse the projection.

“Just be sure not to give the anti if you haven’t given the original serum.”

After she’s gone, I look at my subject.

I shouldn’t be doing this, but I find the koala’s eyes drawing me in like a poli-magno crash about to happen. It’s impossible to turn away.

The Science Olympiad team’s going to put me on probation again, which stinks since they’re the only local, human friends I have.

Following protocol gets us nowhere, however.

Mom’s going to be agitated because this isn’t the first time I’ve broken the rules.

I guide the koala out of the cage, leaving her brothers inside. I have to shake off feelings of jealousy. I don’t have any siblings.

“Why ya look so sad?”

Uplifting experiments have given us animals who speak. “Why do you look so sad, Eucarpo?”

The koala glances back at her brothers and then her eyes look up at me past her round, stub nose, and adorable ears. The sensation of an infant wrapping tiny fingers around mine envelops me. I can’t let them endure more unethical testing just so we can have the best DNA combination. I was okay with the testing when the purpose was to help those that were sick and it was beneficial to the koala species, but I can’t stomach testing these sweet things just for superficial reasons.

“Hate leaving ‘em behind.”

“They’re going after you if this works.”

“What ya mean, if?”

“Healing adaptation experiments have just begun.”

“But ya aced the test?”

“Well, yeah, but that was just practice. This is the first time I’ve used it on a living being. Don’t worry, it should all go as planned. I’m just being paranoid.”

It would be nice if I could stop blabbering when I’m nervous. Sometimes you just have to go for it and see where the cards fall. That was something my dad used to say. Before he disappeared, he used to tell me lots of things. He’s been gone almost a decade, but I might as well as have “Missing Dad” tattooed on my forehead.

“Ya paranoid?Ne’er!”

As she raises the fur above her eyes, I scratch behind her ear, and she leans into it like a bear scratching its back on a tree trunk. Her fur is soft as manufactured silk charmeuse.

“Ah yeah, right dere.”

“You sure you’re ready for this?”

“It gets us closer to freedom, so I been ready a long time.”

She takes another glance at her brothers, and I pick up the syringe with self-healing serum. I begin the sedation process as no one wants to be awake when artery lining fortifies, muscles pull with new agility, and brain tissue encases itself with a biting, thin metal sheet. Another reason I’m jealous of Eucarpo is that she responds to sedation, and I don’t.

As Eucarpo drifts into a peaceful sleep, I look out the school windows and see only the steel and glass of surrounding buildings. Their reflections mirror the sky. Today the unending blue gives the impression of being in the middle of the sea. On gray days, it’s as if I’ve been swallowed by thunderclouds. I can only imagine how green fields would look. People used to love the smell of fresh-cut grass. That was before an asteroid broke through the atmosphere damaging our ecosystem and killing all plants, causing our world to work together to save Earth and its remaining, limited vegetation. The only vegetation left is kept in guarded areas and labs.

I think I can hear the machines used to keep the atmosphere from collapsing but the sound isn’t right. Instead of a hum, I hear iron clanging. The serum glides through the syringe into Eucarpo and her breathing intensifies as the cells within her body multiply. No, that isn’t the machines. It’s locker doors slamming, followed by footsteps of someone coming down the hall. No one should be here now. They should all be at the assembly that I’m skipping. I must finish before anyone else arrives. I look at the oxygen and pulse readings, cringing with every spike. It feels like an hour passes as I look at the screens, but I know it’s only been seconds. I count breaths and clock ticks, staring at Eucarpo’s oxygen and platelet numbers rising.

“Come on, the science minds keep refreshments in here.”

I think I recognize the voice coming down the hall. Every muscle in my body wants to stiffen, but I can’t freeze now.

Luckily, the serum is fast acting and Eucarpo’s readings are settling. I inject the awakening treatment and then I throw the syringes and all remaining evidence into the incinerator. The burning and sanitizing process will turn these things into energy or something else useful. Eucarpo stirs a little when I hear the door sensor click.

As the voltball captain and visual arts queen walk in, I step in front of Eucarpo.

“Look, we found someone avoiding the assembly,” Milcah says as she nudges Danver in the ribs with her elbow.

 

About the Author:

Stephanie Hansen is a PenCraft Award Winning Author. Her novella series, Altered Helix, released 2020. Her short story, Break Time, and poetry has been featured in Mind's Eye literary magazine. The Kansas Writers Association published her short story, Existing Forces, appointing her as a noted author. She has held a deep passion for writing since early childhood, but a brush with death caused her to allow it to grow. She's part of an SCBWI critique group in Lawrence, KS and two local book clubs. She attends many writers' conferences including the Writing Day Workshops, New York Pitch, Penned Con, New Letters, All Write Now, Show Me Writers Master Class, BEA, and Nebraska Writers Guild conference as well as Book Fairs and Comic-Cons. 

She is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community.

https://www.authorstephaniehansen.com/

https://www.facebook.com/writer.stephaniehansen

https://www.instagram.com/stephaniehansenauthor/

https://twitter.com/hansenwriter

https://www.pinterest.com/writershansen

https://www.goodreads.com/writerstephaniehansen



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Monday, February 22, 2021

Join Us TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 AT 10 AM EST – 12 PM EST for a Live Facebook Event with Author Stephanie Nelson

 Join Us Tomorrow! 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 AT 10 AM EST – 12 PM EST

Release Day Celebration for Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen

https://www.facebook.com/events/2533205153651500/




Replaced Part
Transformed Nexus 
Book One
Stephanie Hansen

Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Publisher: Fire and Ice YA and Tantor Audio
Date of Publication: 02/23/21
ISBN: 9781953735027
ASIN: B08RZB9PXL
Number of pages: 232
Word Count: 67,770
Cover Artist: Caroline Andrus

Tagline: When a clopil named Vex warns you of danger…Listen!

Book Description:

In the year 2163 a corrupt World Government controls everything on our planet and beyond. 

Sixteen year-old Sierra has been so caught up in her own world of saving animal test subjects and her father’s disappearance, she hasn’t paid much attention. When she finally finds his location, she and her friend set off on a covert interplanetary mission to rescue him, she begins to see the corruption first hand. 

Discovering that her father has been on the front lines secretly trying to save human test subjects inspires her to join a revolution. But she is afraid of the collateral damage of hurting the people she loves. Will she find the strength to make a deal with the mad scientist Cromwell to save not just her friends and family but everyone?

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/xOmzBgWfIN8

Amazon      BN     Kobo


Thursday, February 18, 2021

Little Ellie Isabellie Elephant Day at the Pool by Tracy Hartley #ChildrensBook #PictureBook


Little Ellie Isabellie Elephant
Day at the Pool
Tracy Hartley

Genre: Childrens/Juvenile
Publisher: Writers Republic
Date of Publication: February 26, 2020
ISBN: Paperback 9781646201440
ISBN eBook 9781646201457
Number of pages: 32
Word Count:  1085
Cover Artist:  Linda Solomon

Book Description: 

Little Ellie Isabellie is a baby elephant who is already figuring out the world around her. She has made many friends, and it makes her very happy when she is with them playing. 

One day, when her friends decided to play in a pool, Little Ellie Isabellie suddenly felt left out. Because she was small, Little Ellie Isabellie could not join her friends in the pool. But oh how badly she wanted to play in the pool with her friends. She thought of ways how to appear bigger than she is so she could be with them. But nothing worked. She was losing hope until she decided to seek help from her mother. 

Her mother understood Little Ellie Isabellie and offered to help. She thought of a solution that would work. Along the process, she made sure Little Ellie Isabellie understood that when all her solutions seem to not work, it is always a good idea to seek help.And when Little Ellie Isabellie’s mama gave her something that would allow her to join her friends, Little Ellie Isabellie was off to a great adventure. 

Find out what it was that Little Ellie Isabellie got from her mom in Little Ellie Isabellie Elephant: Day at the Pool.

Amazon      BN     Writers Republic



Short Excerpt: 

         "I may be little, ohhhh yes,
         But I can do it, ohhhh yes,
         When I face a problem, ohhhh my,
         I can face it, YOU BET!" 
         Ellie sang as she twirled around.


About the Author:

Author Tracy Hartley is a grandmother to a precious granddaughter who was born premature, weighing in only at two pounds twelve ounces. But because of abundance of love and proper nurture, her granddaughter is way on her way growing strong and doing well. Tracy and her husband of thirty years, Bill, have two grown sons—the oldest is a pilot (and the father of her granddaughter) and the youngest serves in the army.








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Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Cover Reveal The Somewhere I See You Again by Nancy Thorne

 


The Somewhere I See You Again
Nancy Thorne

Genre: YA Romance

Tagline: The lives of two teenage girls take a dramatic turn when both their families face financial ruin. Blackmail may be their only solution - and undoing.

Hannah will resort to anything to save her mother’s life. Including blackmail.Even if the target is the former boyfriend of her goody-goody best friend, Stacy.

Except, he just moved to the West Coast, and now it’s up to Hannah to convince Stacy to hitchhike with her cross-country to confront him.

It’s 1971. Change is happening. And Hannah’s understanding of the world is about to be tested by those she encounters along the way, includinga gorgeous draft dodger.

Someone is about to face a deathly experience. But it’s not Hannah’s mother.

The Somewhere I See You Again is an extraordinary story about the life-changing power of love and friendship against insurmountable odds.



About the Author:

Nancy Thorne is an award-winning author of fiction inspired by the romance and courage of youth.

Born and raised in Toronto, Nancy fostered a passion for words and creating stories in grade school but hid it much too well. Bringing to life a lifelong dream, her short stories have recently appeared in anthologies and literary journals.

Her debut novel, VICTORIAN TOWN, a  young adult paranormal romance with mystery and time travel elements, was released in 2018 and won First Place for the 2019 Dante Rossetti Award.

Nancy Thorne’s work has appeared in over seven major publications including The First Line Literary Journal and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

She has received several awards and accolades including the Writer’s Award from the APL. Her works continue to appear in many journals and online publications. She lives just outside of Toronto with her loving family, energetic labrador, and an entertaining corgi.

https://www.nancythorne.com/

https://twitter.com/nthornewrites

https://www.instagram.com/nancythorneauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/NancyThorneAuthor

https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Thorne/e/B07BH4MPSK/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17793582.Nancy_Thorne



Monday, February 15, 2021

Author Interview- The Secret of Dartwood Manor by N. A. Triptow #Fantasy #YA #Romance #Mystery #Interview


- What is your “day” job if you are not a full time author?

I teach high school English and Film Studies and I’m also pursuing a Masters in Strategic Communication from Purdue University.

- If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?

Catching Stardust

- What is the hardest thing about being an author?

Probably the editing process. It’s a very detailed process with multiple rounds to make sure everything is as perfect as it can be. It typically is the part of the writing process that takes the longest to complete.

- What is the best thing about being an author?

Getting to develop these stories, see through the eyes of these characters, and explore their worlds alongside them. It’s so much fun and I learn so much from them as I write. They become like real people to me and their stories mean so much. I hope my readers learn to love them as much as I do and find their journey’s as inspiring as I do.

- Have you ever been star struck by meeting one of your favorite authors? If so who was it?  

Yes, Shannon Hale, the author of The Books of Bayern. I love that series!

- What book changed your life?

Harry Potter (books, movies, videogames, board games, anything I could get my hands on), it was the first book that got me to read. I adored that series. We used to read it as a family and always went to the premieres of the movies together. The series was a very formative part of my childhood. I’m a very proud Ravenclaw.

- What were some of your favorite books growing up?

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Holes by Louis Sachar, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and any mythological stories I could find. 

- What books are currently in your to-be-read pile? 

A. G. Howard’s Unhinged, the second book in the Splintered Series. It’s a dark contemporary fantasy retelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Nancy Campbell Allen’s Kiss of the Spindle, the second book in her Steampunk Proper Romance series. 
Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse So Dark and Lonely, the first book in the Cursebreaker series. It’s a contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Marissa Meyer’s Heartless, a stand-alone prequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland written in the Queen of Hearts’ perspective.

- Which do you prefer ebooks, print, or audiobooks?

I actually prefer all of them. I collect print books, and I honestly love listening to audiobooks and following along in eBooks or print books depending on where I am when I’m reading. 

- If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why?

I would love to live inside the world of Harry Potter. I could have a wand, use magic, and be surrounded by a world with wonderful magical creatures. I could have gone to Hogwarts (obviously in Ravenclaw house), learned to master my Patronus (a grey squirrel), and I could be a professor at Hogwarts. It would be marvelous. 

The Secret of Dartwood Manor
The Witchling Trilogy 
Book One
N. A. Triptow

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, 
Young Adult, Romance, Mystery
Publisher: Wishing Well Publishing
Date of Publication: January 18, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-7363844-0-4
ASIN: B08RS7PTG1
Number of pages: 382 pages
Word Count: 103,825 words
Cover Artist: Nicole Triptow

Tagline: A spellbinding reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Sense and Sensibility.

Book Description: 

Witches. Ghosts. An ancient secret. Enter a world of myth and magic through this contemporary fantasy reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Sense and Sensibility.

The small New England town of Tarryville, Maine is steeped in history, having been settled by the Dartwood and Farris families who fled Salem during the witch trials. The Dartwood sisters, Eden, Mariah, and Melissa, unexpectedly return home after their parents are found murdered. Upon their arrival, the girls are plagued by dreams in which dark spectral beings haunt them. 

When the hellish creatures seem to be more than just nightmares, another mystery begins to unravel as they discover that the circumstances around the murder of their parents may be far more menacing than they appear. Frantic for answers, they must untangle the mystery of their parents’ murders and reconstruct the pieces of an ancient secret. 

With the help of the young assistant curator of their family museum, Baden Correia, and an estranged friend from their past, Evan Farris, the orphaned Dartwood sisters must uncover the truth before the darkness haunting their family descends upon them as well.

Amazon


Excerpt 1:

Mariah found herself staring at the blank screen of her laptop for longer than she intended after the video call ended, hardly even noticing when the tears began to stain her cheeks. When there were no more tears left to shed, she closed her laptop and placed it on her bedside table. Rearranging herself on her bed she crawled under the covers and tried to shut her eyes, but the room around her tugged at her mind, summoning all of the haunted bedroom scenes she’d watched a million times in movies. Suddenly thankful for the old-fashioned four-poster bed, she pulled the curtains tight around her, blocking out the unwanted sights and was finally able to go to sleep.

The stillness of the manor was like a quiet pond just waiting for a fish to upset its equilibrium. The manors beside one another were nearly identical in their architectural design, but now, in the gloom of the night, the Farris manor echoed the dread of the once bright Dartwood manor with such exactness that it seemed as if they were all sleeping in a cemetery. No one stirred in the house, save for the shadows that danced through the windows in the moonlight. The stillness was disturbed, however, as one by one the shadows in the three Dartwood girls’ rooms began to move in purposeful strides. The moonlight no longer directed them in a nightly waltz as they made their way toward the girls.

The shadows, each a ghostly orb of darkness, started their trek from different locations in the rooms. In Eden’s room the mist trickled in from the window, while in Mariah’s it inched between the moth-eaten holes in the cloth ceiling of the four-poster bed, and in Melissa’s it crept in from under the bed itself. Slowly, the haze advanced upon each girl, their forms growing ever more into the silhouette of a person as they neared them. Hovering now only a foot or two above the girls, in unison, as if directed by the moon once more, an ethereal hand reached for each girl, fingers looking more like claws than anything else. A high pitched and yet deep hiss of sound escaped what should have been lips on the silhouettes, darkness protruding and encircling itself around the sleeping forms of the girls below them. Then, without warning, all three silhouettes shrieked a cry of disappointment, an unearthly shrill.

The sound woke each girl as they came to the terrible realization that what had been haunting them in their nightmares was in reality hovering just above them as they slept. Gasping, the silhouettes dissipated into nothing so quickly that none of the girls were quite certain of what they had seen. Nonetheless, each rose out of their beds with such haste that they all opened their doors at the same moment, only to be greeted by the horror-struck faces of their siblings.

 

About the Author:

N. A. Triptow graduated from The University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching with minors in History Teaching, Theatre, and British Studies. She teaches high school English and Film Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Communication and Advertising from Purdue University. In her free time, you can find her reading, watching and analyzing movies and television shows, attending the theatre, going on walks or hikes, and playing board or video games with family and friends. She lives in Utah.

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Author Interview- Clover by Nicole Kilpatrick #YAUrbanFantasy #UFRom #YARom #AuthorInterview


- What is your “day” job if you are not a full time author?

I work as a programme management assistant at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. 

- If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?

Planes, Trains, and Authorly Things

- What is the hardest thing about being an author?

I feel that balancing a full-time job while writing books is a huge challenge timewise. There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in a day for all my writing pursuits. I wish I had a magical
 device that could stop time while I write. Wouldn’t that be awesome?

- What is the best thing about being an author?

The absolute best and most fulfilling thing I’ve experienced since becoming an author is having readers tell me how much they enjoyed reading my work. Good reviews are like pixie dust for an author’s soul. If I’ve put a smile on my reader’s face, my job is done. I’m good. 

- Have you ever been star struck by meeting one of your favorite authors? If so who was it? 

I haven’t met any of my favorite authors in person. I would probably drop dead if I ever met Neil Gaiman. I have, however, had the privilege of connecting via social media and email with a few of my favorites. When Brigid Kemmerer posted an Instagram story about Clover on my release date, my heart was fit to burst. I love her work. 

- What book changed your life?

On the Road by Jack Kerouac 

- What were some of your favorite books growing up?

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. There are so many! I could go on and on. I also really enjoyed reading the Nancy Drew books. 

- What books are currently in your to be read pile?

Lots. Ever since I’ve started writing, I feel like I have less time to read, which I really regret. I’ve made it my goal to read at least 20 books in 2021. I really want to read Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. It’s been on my TBR pile for so long! I’m also looking forward to reading A Vow So Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer. 

- Which do you prefer ebooks, print, or audio books?

Print, but I do enjoy the convenience of ebooks. Most of the novels I’ve bought recently are in ebook format. I never really got into audio books, though.
 
- If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why?

Stardust by Neil Gaiman. A beautiful, idyllic town sharing a border with an extraordinary world of spirited falling stars, flying pirates, evil witches, ghosts, and more. What could be more magical and fun than that?

Clover 
Nicole Kilpatrick

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/ romance 
Publisher: Fire and Ice Young Adult Books
Date of Publication: December 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68046-983-7
ASIN: 1680469835
Number of pages: 270 pages
Word Count: 77K
Cover Artist: Ashley Redbird Designs

Tagline: Sometimes the best of luck can be the worst of curses.

Book Description:

When a handsome leprechaun reveals himself to Clover O’Leary on her eighteenth birthday, she is faced with three hard facts. One: he is the reason for her remarkably charmed life; Two: her luck has now taken a turn for the worse. Three: her name is a curse; a malicious gift from the powerful leprechaun who named her while she was still in the womb. 

In order to get her life back and undo the evil spell, she must travel to Ireland to seek the only creature who may be able to help: the Seelie Queen. With her intriguing leprechaun in tow, Clover crosses into the Faerie Realm, where fairies and mythical creatures abound and where finding her luck may ultimately lead to finding her love.

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2nd Excerpt

“I don’t know who or what you are, and you will explain everything to me, but before any of that, I want to thank you for helping out with Momma Ruth, for what you did back there. It really means a lot to me,” Clover rushed out.

She’d practiced beforehand what she wanted to say and hoped that it came out right. She didn’t want to sound too beholden, but she was awfully grateful and wished to show her sincerity. Finn’s penetrating stare didn’t help steel her concentration, either.

“You’re welcome. I only did what you asked me to do.”

Clover rolled her eyes and seethed. “Enough with the cryptic one-liners. I need answers.”

“You’re right. Do you want to take a walk, get some coffee maybe?”

Clover hesitated.

Finn held his hands up. “I promise to behave, and I will answer all your questions and explain everything. I could use some fresh air, that’s all.”

Clover realized she hadn’t left the apartment since the events of the previous day and could use some fresh air herself. “Okay. Let’s go.”

Finn followed Clover as she stormed out of the apartment toward the elevator. Clover almost walked right smack into the elevator doors, seemingly shocked that the doors hadn’t automatically opened for her.

Finn stifled a laugh as he silently pushed the elevator button.

When the doors opened, Clover marched in without another word. Inside the car, Clover kept her eyes down, but could feel Finn beside her. She glanced up at the reflection on the door and saw a well-built guy of about six foot three, his hands in his pockets, and a small smile on his face. Next to him was a petite girl with auburn hair in a short bob cut. She looked pissed off. When they got to the ground floor, Clover was relieved not to have to stare at their images a minute longer. She walked across the lobby with Finn following closely behind.

Pete’s eyes popped when he saw Clover approaching with some stranger.

Before he could say anything, Finn clapped him on the back and clasped his hand. “How’ve you been, man? Good to see you.”

The look of bewilderment on Pete’s face made Clover laugh out loud. She waved a quick goodbye to Pete and walked out onto West 72nd Street with Finn.

“I gather you didn’t check-in at the front desk?” Clover teased.

“Yeah, invisibility has it perks.”

Finn and Clover walked downtown. For a few precious moments, Clover just immersed herself in the activity and the inherent rhythm of the city. The busy street and the everyday hubbub of New York City seemed a strange backdrop to the surreal circumstances of the past two days.

A couple of girls walking toward them. One of them paled when she saw Finn and immediately elbowed her friend. They both swooned. Clover sneaked a peek at the man walking alongside her. He certainly was swoon worthy.

Clover stopped walking and looked up at Finn. “Listen, not that I don’t enjoy this little walk, but I still have a ton of questions. Like, why do I need your help? What’s happened? How did you save Momma Ruth? Who are you really, and more importantly, what are you?”

Finn crossed his arms and bit his lip as if to stop what he was about to say. “Okay. I’m a faerie. To be more specific, a leprechaun.”


About the Author:

Nicole Kilpatrick was born and raised in the sun-kissed Philippines islands, but now works and lives in the asphalt jungle that is New York City. A lifelong lover of books, she read the Godfather when she was twelve and instantly fell in love. While she still enjoys the occasional gangster novel, she has since discovered her true passion in young adult fantasy. Mario Puzzo was quickly replaced by J.K. Rowling in this author’s heart. 

When not writing, she can be found lounging in a cabin by a river, curled up at home reading a book, or concocting recipes in her cozy kitchen in Brooklyn, where she lives with her husband. Clover is her debut novel.

https://nicolekilpatrick.com

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