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Friday, April 18, 2014

Excerpt of "If Death Should Love Me" by C. Desert Rose

Hello All.

All Authors is please to present you all with an excerpt of of work from one of their own. Please enjoy a piece of "If Death Should Love Me" by C. Desert Rose.

Rome, Italy
1573

Inability to understand why he was so jealous of me perplexed me. It had been that way since he, himself told me that I had been chosen to be The Collector. It seems that he'd wanted this miserable position for himself. Once, Gabriel told me that it was much easier to care for the dead than it was to care for the living. The living desired too much, wanted undeserved things, fussed about everything. He no longer wanted to guard the living: they were too needy. He wanted to collect the dead. That was easier. Or so he thought.

The Higher Sources chose me in his stead.

Our grand debate? That he wanted my rank and I did not, and even still nothing could change. Such was our destinies. Be that as it may, he blamed me for a decision that was out of my control.

“Gabriel, I never asked for this. This was never my wish.” A weary tone filled my voice. I was exacerbated.

“Yet The Higher Sources found you apt for the calling? Why not I? Am I too holy? Too perfect?” The evil fury of jealousy in his voice made his lip twitch with repulsion.

“I do not know why Gabriel. I still can not understand what persuaded them to call upon me for this. But, if it's war you want, it will be war that you'll get! I won't back down!” I said in a stern voice, making him absolutely certain that I was not going to give up.

“Well my dearest Azriel, here is a great idea. Why not simply kill all the living? It seems like a simple enough solution to our problem. Do you not think?” His conniving tone made my insides turn. “If we kill the living, then all that will be left, is the dead. Problem solved! Then everyone will be happy.”

“Gabriel, I will not let that happen!”

“It seems to me like you cannot stop me. You only 'follow orders' remember?” He laughed. A silent evil laugh, deep in his throat. “I tend to think that religion is the perfect foundation for war. Tell you what: the winner get's a statue made of himself in the Cathedral. I'll make sure of it,” he continued.

“I don't want a statue and I will not let you do this!” That was my last warning.

“We shall see.” He stated finalizing his cynical speech.

The field was congested with an enormous multitude. Two colossal crowds on either side of each other. I could see weapons in some hands. Bibles, lit flames, torches and crosses in other hands. I saw robes of red and of black. Shields, swords and soldiers in armor.

The Protestant militia on one side, and the Catholic armada on the other. Their sole intent was to destroy one and other completely. Until nothing remained of the other side.

Either side believed that their god would save them and set them free and that 'truth' would prevail.

Gabriel was elated, utterly rejoicing with all the occurrences. You see, his goal was to destroy life. Nothing more and nothing less.

This was his revenge for not having had his way. For not being the chosen one. He wanted this! He thrived for it! He had made it his ultimate goal to obtain it.

I could see him floating around in the background, whispering into the ears of the soldier and guards. Uncertainty of what he was saying abounded, but whatever it was made them even angrier. They could not see him but I was sure they could hear his influences. To an extent, I was also sure that they believed him.

Their faces would change from fear to pure hatred: disgust for their opponents.

Suddenly, a cry in the distance rattled my attention. “Attack!”

The crowds thrust together with no mercy. Everything slowed down. Excitement and numbness filled the air. Their was a combination of hate, love, sorrow, violence, defiance and decision that flowed on the battle field between them.

It was hatred for their contenders. Love, for their faith. Sorrow, for their inevitable losses. But it was violence, defiance and decision that drove them.

The crowds flowed together swiftly and smoothly. Molten lava and scolding oil, they were. Melding within each other like liquified enmity. A tangled web of rancor.

I heard screams and cries. Clinging of metal against metal. The scent of fire and smoke streamed in the air with every gust of wind. The worst of it all, was the death toll. Dead believers and soldiers that gathered in the crowd seemed to think they were still alive, floating along with savage violence lingering in their eyes. I found myself in a mad rush to collect them all.

By this point Gabriel was crouched over, squatting on the top of the Cathedral's steeple seemingly pleased with himself. Smiling as though the knowledge that he was winning the battle was settling in.

What could I do? I had no idea how I could stop this. It was not my position. I was no longer a warrior either; I was a slave. A slave to my own existence. No longer meant for anything of purpose, other than the collection of passing souls. The fury of my incapacity seeped in like coal aflame through a thin sheet, igniting my anger.

I would do the only thing I could think of. Go after Gabriel! I refused to let him sit there and bask in whatever pleasure he obtained from all of this. I was already damned so worries of meaningless repercussions did not torment me. Nothing could be worse than already being condemned to this existence. Even still, I would not let Gabriel have his way. Not if I could do anything about it.

I flew to him. Anger, righteousness and pain overwhelming me. I'd never flown before that day. As the matter of fact it was the first time I'd realized that I could use my wings. Swiftly flying behind him, I grabbed him, wrapping my arms from behind, around his torso, making his wings useless. His body tensed and he stood to his feet as he tried his best to lift his arms and loosen my grip.

With all of the strength I could muster, I lifted one arm while still holding him firmly with the other and grabbed a hold of one of his wings, tearing it. Dislodging it from his back. I heard him screech and double over in pain.

A split second later he grabbed one of my arms a flipped me over. Refusing to let him go, we both fell from the roof top to the war ground below. As we fell, things seemed to slow down, then our eyes transformed—pupil, iris, sclera—mine to balls of brilliant gold, with flecks of opal and silver. Gabriel's, from soft blue to pure globes of angry sapphire.

When we hit the ground, I fell pinned beneath him but I would not give up. I kicked a leg up with all my might, making him fly from on top of me to behind me. Summoning my scythe and it came to me in a blink of an eye filling my empty hand. Gabriel saw me and summoned his sword, which also came to him as fast as his thought would allow.

We both leaped to our feet and crouched over into a battle stance, readying ourselves for the immanent war that was to take place between the two of us. I leaped, scythe in hand and swung with knowledgeable swiftness at Gabriel. Knowing that if I'd caught him, I would have quite literally sliced off his head.

My weapon made a whistling sound when it carved through the air and went for my nemesis. He barely dodged it and jumped back in order to then, almost immediately, lunge forward with his sword to swing at me.

“Azriel brother,” he mocked. “I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying this dance. Thank you.” He said sarcastically, breathing heavily as we danced around—a warriors dance.

Maliciousness had become his second nature. “I might not be able to stop the war you started Gabriel, but I will do my best to stop you!” I promised him.

Our dance continued for several minutes, then I heard a horn blow from the distance. The battle horn blew with a sound of triumph about it. I glanced over to see what had happened. One of the teams on the vast field had won this battle. In the split second that I turned to look over at the crowd, Gabriel disappeared.

Our battle did not end that night.

Decades later, a statue was built in his honor at that Cathedral. The thought curled a small wicked smile of anger on my mouth and a minimal shrug of contempt.

"If Death Should Love Me"
By:
COMING SOON

STAY TUNED FOR AN UPCOMING COVER REVEAL

Friday, April 11, 2014

Author Spotlight, Laci Paige

Today All Authors Blog welcomes
Author Laci Paige





Today Ms. Paige will be telling us all about her new release "Silken Kisses". But first, a little about Ms. Paige.

Author Bio:
Above all else, Laci enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband support their children on the soccer pitch and off. Laci enjoys the outdoors, and of course reading and writing (and chocolate). Their family lives in Hampton Roads with one lazy, old cat.

Places on the internet you can find Laci:





Silken Kisses, By Laci Paige
Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM
Heat level: 4
Release date: Soon!

Blurb: 

Mona and Steven thought they were satisfied with their relationship but as they explore the world of BDSM, Steven begins having problems. Mona believes him to still be pining after his ex-girlfriend but Steven knows that his feelings for Mona are real, unlike what he had before.

It takes friends of theirs to force them to face their issues, and not in the way they had thought. Will they be able to adapt or is the relationship doomed? Maybe it will take someone else to show them what they’re missing. 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Wow Wednesday Author Spotlight, S.E. Myers


S.E. Myers



Author Bio:

I am an author. It's what I do. It's what I want to do. It's not the only thing that I do, but, it's what I want to be when I grow up.
Stephanie was born in San Antonio, Texas and spent most of her youth in Germany. She joined the military and traveled the world...somewhat. She lived in Japan, spent time in India, and currently resides in Sacramento, California.
She is surrounded by her close friends, family, and animals. She lives with her oldest daughter (Illeana), youngest daughter (Kathryn), Punky & Snoopy (their Chorky's), and their cat (Miss Kitty). She misses her son, Gavin, terribly. He currently lives in Georgia.
Stephanie has written for many years. She started writing songs at the age of ten. Her writing progressed into short stories, poetry, screenplays, and more recently, her novel Dark Revelation.
While Dark Revelation is of the YA genre, her other WIP's (Works in Progress) are more adult in nature - and no - not that kind of adult.
Stick around, read her blog, follow her on twitter and most of all -- read her books!
She is currently working on the second book in the Dark Revelation series.


Blurb:

Ryleigh Simmons just turned seventeen. After losing her parents in a fatal accident, Ryleigh moves in
with an aunt she was unaware of and is introduced to family she never knew existed. After finding out she is a descendant of the Fae, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the assistance of Tristan - a long lost cousin. Ryleigh's Uncle Finar wants nothing more than to consume her and those like her to become the most powerful Fae in existence and Ryleigh is the only one who can stop him. 

***** 

Slowly starting to stir, she could hear the voices say, "Shhh, quiet - she's coming around." Ryleigh groaned as she attempted to open her eyes. "It's okay, little one, wake up," she could hear the soft voices calling to her. 

Ryleigh opened her eyes and shut them immediately. The blinding light felt like fire raging through her skull. She could hear rustling around her. Opening her mouth to speak, her voice caught the gravel coating in the back of her throat. "Hello," she choked up.



Links:

Dark Revelation:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Blog:

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Author Spotlight, Dianne Gardner

Today we are welcoming Author Dianne Gardner to the All Authors Blog. She will be telling us a bit about her upcoming release "Altered".




Ms. Gardner, the floor is yours...





The Pacific Northwest is my home. After living in the dry desert of Arizona for over 23 years, I tired of always praying for rain, so I decided to come and get it on my own. Gray skies and deep forests give way to the most glorious summers you could ever imagine. Not to mention the abundance of berries, clams, oysters, salmon, fruits of all kinds, to me the Puget Sound area of Washington is the richest place in the world. 
I have seven children, all grown. Sixteen grandchildren that need stories written, and so they are my inspiration.
People always find it fascinating that I lived in a mud house for over 13 years, hauling water from the well in a bucket, cooking on a wood stove, planting blue corn in desert washes, and generally living out of the box. Some of these experiences are tapped into my novels. 
My website is http://gardnersart.com You’ll find books, audios, artwork and how our movie production is coming along on that site.

Dianne Gardner, an award winning author, is also an illustrator living in the Pacific Northwest, USA. She's an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the National League of American Pen Women. Her Ian’s Realm series is published by PDMI Publishing LLC along with four short stories in the A Tale of the Four Wizards series. Her most recent book Altered will be published this year by Master Koda Publishing. She writes for middle grade and young adults targeting boys and adventure loving girls, and the young at heart.


You can see more of Dianne’s work on her website:








Blurb of "Altered":

The Privatol invades American soil, and crops propel the engine. Uncontrollable tyranny has succeeded in dictating where people live, what they do, and what they eat. When Abree, a spunky twelve-year-old is taken away to learn the process of modifying seed to Newly Constructed Food she discovers an evil plan that could alter the fate of the human race, and a way out if only she can escape to tell the others.





Sunday, April 6, 2014

Author Spotlight, Greta Burroughs




Author Bio:
Greta Burroughs loves to read. No matter where she is, there is always a book close at hand. Her love of reading began at an early age and blossomed over time to include many different genres, her favorite now being fantasy.
As a preschool and elementary school teacher, Greta tried to instill the joy of reading in the children she worked with. Books were an important part of her classroom and story time was the highlight of the day.
It has been a while since Greta was in a classroom but she had lots of experience in reading to children of various ages and remembers what they enjoyed listening to. She tries to incorporate that knowledge into her work as an author and believes it makes her a better writer of children's and young adult books.
She now resides in SC with her husband, Robert and two dogs. Greta has six books published at the present time; three children’s books in the Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat series, two MG/YA fantasy entitled Gerald and the Wee People and House on Bo-Kay Lane, and a nonfiction account of her experiences with an autoimmune blood disorder called ITP - Heartaches and Miracles.
For more information on Greta's books visit http://booksbygretaburroughs.weebly.com/



House on Bo-Kay Lane

Wee People Series Book 2


Genre:
Middle grade/young adult fantasy (ages 9 and up)


Description:

“House on Bo-Kay Lane” continues the adventure begun in book one in this series, “Gerald and the Wee People”.

Gerald and Vernon believe their time with the wee people came to an end after they returned to their home world but begin to wonder when strange things started to happen at an abandoned house in their neighborhood. Ghostly images of familiar faces from the wee people village are seen in the windows, echoes of voices from the past haunt the boys’ dreams and an undeniable curiosity draws Gerald and Vernon to investigate the mysterious haunted house. What they find takes them back to the world of the wee people and a new adventure begins.

In “House on Bo-Kay Lane”, a mirror is found in a forgotten room in the far-seers’ training center. Sheela, a far-seer master and Alyson, an apprentice firestarter are unwillingly drawn into the depths of the mirror and wind up in the abandoned house on Bo-Kay Lane. Sheela uses her telepathic skills to enlist the aid of Gerald, Vernon and Gerald’s father, Andrew to help find the way back to the world of the wee people.

That problem resolved, they try to unravel the secrets of the mirror and find that it is a portal between their two worlds, as well as to a time in the future and possibly even to a parallel universe. They also discover that someone is trapped inside the mirror and the decision has to be made as to whether or not to help the trapped soul escape the confines of the portal.

Meanwhile, the wee people discover the origins of their world. That knowledge is not well accepted and leads to discord between them and the outworlders, Gerald, Andrew and Vernon. An uneasy truce paves the way to an understanding and acceptance of the unwelcome facts and eventually to a solution of how to deal with the man in the mirror.




Excerpt:

Streaks of lightning started to illuminate the pitch blackness of the void. Gerald Two looked over his shoulder to the portal. The gray was turning back to the darker shade of black. I’m losing it, the portal’s closing. The program’s breaking down; the circuits must all be breaking down.

The forks of electrical energy were getting more frequent. Gerald Two noticed the outline of his body beginning to glow. Static electricity, yes! I should be able to find George. He should be lit up like a Christmas tree.

He looked to the portal, barely a shade lighter than the surrounding darkness. It’s now or never. I’m sure the guys have started the abort procedure. I have to find George and get out of here.

A massive burst of light exploded between him and his only hope of escape. A tattered piece of cloth floated through the air and landed on his shoulder. What the—

On closer inspection, Gerald Two recognized it. Oh, my god, one of the wee people, I think her name was Rachel or something like that gave this to George for good luck. Hopefully, she was right, and it will improve my luck in finding my friend.

Another look at the portal: the spot of gray was getting smaller, but there was something else up there. Gerald Two was hoping it was what he thought it was. He swam through the void barely avoiding a bolt of lightning that would have turned him into a crispy critter.

Come on, give me a break. I’m almost home. Just a little bit farther. George, that had better be you up there, or else we’re both goners. 

The luck of Rachel’s handkerchief was with them. It was George’s unconscious body floating right in front of the last remnants of gray. Gerald Two grabbed the body. Just as he was reaching for the small patch of gray—the last hurdle to cross—it disappeared.


Links:



Friday, April 4, 2014

Author Spotlight, Sherrill Willis

Good day dear RWPP's

Today we are giving the floor to Ms. Sherrill Willis, Author of the Ruby Lake series.







"Ruby Lake"

Publication Date: December 29, 2013

Sydney Myers has been through several failed relationships in the past year, in addition to several other trauma's, and is now giving up on finding her knight in dented armor. When her boss sends her to Ruby Lake, a small, rural town in northern Wisconsin, the last thing she was looking for was love at first sight, not to mention a place in the world where she finally fits. Add in her city-savvy best friend, a jealous ex-girlfriend, a famous father, and a coffee shop full of off-the wall characters, and it becomes more challenging for Sydney to manage than a spinning plate competition. 

When disaster strikes close to home, Sydney is left with the unbearable choice of her family, or the life she has always dreamed of. Come with Sydney on her journey and laugh, cry and rediscover why some choices are not really choices at all, they are simply fate.





"A Wedding in Ruby Lake"
Publication Date: August 15, 2012

Humor and realism are alive in the long-awaited sequel to Ruby Lake. Author Sherrill Willis takes us deeper
into the lives of the inhabitants of the small town nestled in northern Wisconsin, where long-held secrets and hidden motivations are uncovered.

A Wedding in Ruby Lake finds Sydney Myers and Zeke Greyson planning the perfect wedding, only to receive several unexpected, but not unwanted, house guests. Illana Garet, Sydney’s city-savvy best friend, decides to come rather unexpectedly as does Zeke’s friend Tyler Shepard. They both arrive just in time to be embroiled into a new threat which proves to be far more dangerous than anyone at first had believed. The attraction between Alex, Zeke’s brother, and Illana deepens and Illana finds it hard to keep her well-maintained defenses in place. Annie “Attila the bun” Greyson is also back, but with a few surprises of her own.

From the meddling ladies at the local coffee shop, the Stay a While, to the machinations of a psychopath, A Wedding in Ruby Lake is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and a few new characters to get to know. Join the Ruby Lake gang as they find out, mostly the hard way, that sometimes walls need to be torn down in order for a better foundation to be built.


"Stay a While in Ruby Lake"

Publication Date: December 9, 2013

After a shooting incident—which left Sydney Greyson and her new sister-in-law, Annie Greyson, injured—the residents of Ruby Lake now face more difficulties than ever before. Sydney is left trying to navigate a new marriage and the upcoming arrival of her twins, while dealing with the fear that shadows her every waking moment. Annie is coming to terms with a life drastically different than the one she had hoped for, and makes some painful decisions regarding who will be in her life and who she must let go. Illana Garet will have to make some tough choices, and will gain and lose much during the process. Meanwhile, the women at the local coffee shop, the Stay a While, will do everything in their power to keep everyone’s spirits up, amid much laughter and love. 

None of the members of the close-knit group in Ruby Lake will be left unscathed in the upcoming events that will shape them all. Come with them to celebrate the joys and grieve the losses that touch us all. Join them to find out why so many choose to Stay a While in Ruby Lake.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Author Spotlight, Kim Hughes

Today we are please to spotlight Author Kim Hughes.






Author Bio:

Lee is a Christian historical romance novelist. Her first published novel, Treasured Love, is available in audio or paperback. Lord Tristan's True Love, is now available on Kindle and will be offered in paperback in 2014. Both of these novels are set in Regency England (1811-1819). Lee also has mystery/conspiracy novels in the What She Knew trilogy by K R Hughes and T L Burns. Marilyn Monroe is saved and it's a race against time to see if "What She Knew" can save JFK from that fateful bullet. The first two books are available on Kindle, 'Fateful Night' and 'Darkest Day'. Lee has a story in the Holiday Keepsakes Collection from Master Koda Publishing for 2013. Lee is a native Texan. She enjoys mentoring beginning writers to editing advanced writing. She has an English degree with a minor in Journalism from West Texas University. Lee currently lives in Atlanta, GA and owns a production company with her co-author, T L Burns. They are currently working on book three in the What She Knew trilogy due out late summer 2014.



Synopsis: 


Did you know that the society of Regency England forced members of the ton to marry should they been seen in public together? The unescorted young lady’s reputation would be quite ruined otherwise.


This book is one such story and tells of Miss Caroline Denise Whittingham’s misadventures in trying to get her betrothed to ‘cry off’. Unfortunately, one of her scheme’s has her thrown out of the realm of society and her betrothed, Lord Tristan Darlington, refuses to end the engagement until she finds her way back into their good graces. Of a certainty the odds of regaining favor with the peerage are slim, in 1820 London, but Lord Darlington is a great friend of the Countess Lieven and enlists her aid.

Caroline finds him to be a pompous, stuffy lord who is puffed up with himself and his reputation; not caring a whit for her. In her efforts to expel Lord Darlington, she is deliberately rude to him in public and pretends that she is afraid he will hurt her. These escapades force him to show his nastier side to the peerage that he so desperately wants to impress.

On the day that their engagement is announced in the London Times, there is to be a grand ball. Caroline presents herself in a most inappropriate gown and causes everyone in the room to turn their backs to her. Lord Darlington merely comes to her side and forces her to dance the waltz with him acting for all the world as if nothing is amiss. Once the dance is over, he leads her into the gardens to show her how women are treated who behave so outrageously.

The tearful pleadings to her strict parents all prove to be in vain. Miss Whittingham cannot seem to win in this matter of the heart, for her father is certain that she should wed to save the family from disgrace. Her temper tantrums and quick wit keep the story moving swiftly, carrying the reader from page to page like rapids in a river.

The sparring between Miss Whittingham and Lord Darlington cause many a raised eyebrow in society, which makes the book amusing and charming to read. It is my sincere desire that you will find this book energetic as well as entertaining for it has been a pleasure to write.


Links:

Lord Tristan's True Love: http://dld.bz/dm29j
Treasured Love: http://dld.bz/dm295
Holiday Keepsakes: http://dld.bz/dm2CP

Fateful Night: smarturl.it/FatefulNight
Darkest Day: smarturl.it/DarkestDay