Rare Form by Jen Crane: Excerpt and Giveaway

Today we're taking part in the RARE FORM blog tour, sneaking a peek at chapter eleven from this exciting new adult paranormal romance that just released yesterday! There's also a rafflecopter at the end of the post, so be sure to take part in that. But first, a little more about RARE FORM.

Rare Form by Jen Crane
(Descended of Dragons, #1)
Publication date: October 6th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

A Secret Past
Fiery redhead Stella Stonewall can’t decide between a margarita and a manhattan. The rest of her life? Please. Stella has never really fit in, and her pretty world comes crashing down when she learns it was never her world at all.

Rowan Gresham is domineering, brooding, and as sexy as chocolate-dipped sin. When he transports Stella to the magical realm of her parents she recognizes her rightful place immediately. Gresham’s motivations are less clear.

A Scorching Chemistry
The enigmatic Gresham aids in Stella’s metamorphosis and their chemistry ignites, though a long-time girlfriend and a significant age difference stand in the way.

A Battle for the Rest of Her Life
Stella’s life fast-tracks to extraordinary when she enrolls at Radix Citadel for Supernatural Learning, an enchanted college whose students turn furry on the regular. As Stella learns to navigate the magical new world of Thayer she must also find her animal form, a task as elusive as her ancestry. Stella soon faces an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn to manipulate an animal form she never knew she possessed.

Rare Form

Descended of Dragons, Book 1

By Jen Crane

www.JenCraneBooks.com

Chapter 11 Excerpt (535 words)

Stella and her friends receive class assignments for aide in finding their metamorphoses.

Stella’s assignment only reveals more questions.

This was the moment we had been waiting for—to learn to reach that part of us linked directly to our evolutionary heritage.

Professor Martin held a stack of crisp white paper, and as he weaved between tables he distributed an individualized handout to each person in the class. He called out the surnames of the recipients. “Adder, Avenatio, Bartlet, Corleone, Durand…”

Damn alphabetical listings and an “S” name.

“…Redfern…” I had seen Boone, Layla, Ewan, Bex, and then finally Timbra all greedily snatch their stapled papers from the professor’s hand and devour its contents. I was dying to get my hands on mine.

“…Stonewall…” My heart stuttered to a stop and I sucked a breath in through my teeth. It took him 900 seconds to get to my desk, and when he finally got close enough I lifted off of my stool and snatched it right out of his hands. He probably gave me a censorious look, but I don’t know for sure because once I had the handout in my hands my gaze never left it. My whole identity could be revealed in the next second. All I had to do was turn the page.

The printouts were personalized for each student and listed family histories, genetic anomalies, and other information, as well as the name and contact information for each student’s advisor.

Many students shared advisors since genetic classifications intersected. Bex, for example, whose genetic ancestry was that of lions was paired—much to her obvious distaste—with another student whose family evolved from hyenas.

Likewise, Boone and Raynor shared an advisor since they both fell within the scientific suborder Caniformia. I had already learned of Raynor’s ancestry of seals. Boone, I was not surprised to learn, was descended of great dogs—ancient Greek Molossians.

“My ancestors chased the beasts of the forests,” Boone boasted. “How about you, Bristol?” he asked as he turned on his stool to face Ewan.

“My people are the beasts of the forests,” Ewan said menacingly. “You wanna have a go now?”

“Ah. No thanks,” Boone blew him off with a laugh and a shake of his head, ever the good-natured soul.

“And you, Stella? From what great line are your people descended?” Boone asked.

Of course he had no way to know that this subject was uncomfortable for me. I had not shared with anyone the enigma of my paternity; not even Timbra.

The paper was so starched that I had to lick my finger to flip to the second page. The cover whirred as I threw it over in search of my information.

Except for one line, my handout was blank. The only information listed?

Metamorphosis Advisor: Rowan Gresham

My heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach. I closed my eyes in defeat and anger and let out two or three breaths before I opened them again. I leaned to look at Timbra and Layla’s handouts to make sure that mine was, in fact, the anomaly. Of course it was. I knew I wouldn’t get any information about myself or my animal form that day. I never answered Boone’s question. I was so frustrated I couldn’t speak for fear of breaking out in tears.

AUTHOR BIO:
Though she grew up on a working cattle ranch, Jen Crane has been in love with fantasy and science fiction since seeing a bootleg tape of Quantum Leap in the 90’s.

She has a master’s degree, and solid work histories in government and non-profit administration. She’s been published in reputable newspapers and magazines.

One day, though, she said, “Life’s too real for nonfiction. I’m gonna write about love and magic.”

Jen is happily living out her dream in The South with her husband and three children, striking that delicate balance between inspiration and frustration.

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Interview with Tish Thawer, Author of The Witches of Black Brook

The Witches of BlackBrook by Tish Thawer 

(The Witches of BlackBrook #1) 

Published by: Amber Leaf Publishing

Publication date: June 23rd 2015

Genres: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Through space and time, sisters entwined. Lost then found, souls remain bound.

Three sisters escape the Salem witch trials when the eldest casts a spell that hurdles their souls forward through time. After centuries separated, fate has finally reunited them in the present day.

One the healer, one the teacher, and one the deceiver.

Will their reunion return their full powers, or end their souls journey forever?

A Witches of BlackBrook novel.

           

INTERVIEW

Welcome to We Do Write, Tish! When and why did you begin writing?

In 2010 I woke up from a dream and had the title of my first book running through my head. Minutes later, I knew the other two titles, and had the entire story-line of The Rose Trilogy all worked out.

Who encouraged you or what made you decide to write a novel and seek publication?

I’ve been a member of Shelfari since 2007, and was asked to become a Librarian for them after putting in countless hours of editing. Being so emerged in books and seeing all the wonderful series on a daily basis while working in the backend of the site, to say that books had become my life, was an understatement. I’m now one of 13 Librarians for the hundreds of thousands of members, as well as one of it’s top 50 editors.

What drew you to write Paranormal Romance?

I always go back to the phrase, “Write what you know.” And while my genre is considered paranormal for the unrealistic and fantastical elements, it’s what I know. It’s what I prefer to read and what I’ve studied in my actual life. (Psstt...in case you’re wondering, yes, I’m a witch.)

Of all your characters, who’s your favorite, and why?

Raven. She’s tough but sensitive, sexy but tom-boyish, and has a wicked sense of humor and a sharp tongue.

What would you love to write someday but haven’t yet?

I started a contemporary romance trilogy that I’d love to return to. I just have to figure out how to write it without someone getting bitten and turning into a vampire or werewolf. LOL

Were books a big part of your life growing up? If so, what books would you say influenced you most as a child?

Actually...no. My mother was the reader in the family and to this day, she teases me about how it took thirty some years for me to finally catch on.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?

I’m 44, have 16 tattoos, and cuss like a sailor. (Sorry, Grandma.)

I started teaching dance when I was 15 years old.

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Watching TV and movies, and playing games with my family.

Three things always found in your refrigerator:

Stuffed olives, Soda, Cheese

Writing is often a sedentary profession. Is there anything you do to beat stress and keep in shape?

I hike and exercise in my home, and dance as often as possible.

You’re in line at Starbucks. What are you ordering?

Java Chip Frap with Whip or a Caramel Apple Spice

Where do you go when you need to recharge?

Sedona, AZ or back home to Colorado.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tish Thawer writes paranormal romances for all ages. Her magickal elements and detailed world-building are a welcome constant in every novel. Before becoming a writer she worked as a computer consultant, a photographer and a graphic designer. She also operates a custom glass etching business, in addition to being a wife and the mother of three wonderful children. She's been a fan of the paranormal for as long as she can remember. Anything to do with superpowers, myth and magic has always held a special place in her heart. From her first paranormal cartoon, Isis, to the phenomenon that is Twilight, this genre has always been a part of her life.

You can find Tish on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTishThawer

A common FAQ: "How do you pronounce her last name?"

Answer: Think "Bower" or "Thow-er". It's Persian!

                  

Book Blitz: Taking Chances by Rita and TJ Webb + GIVEAWAY

Today we are happy to feature Taking Chances, a NA Paranormal Romance and the second in the Paranormal Investigations series by Rita and TJ Webb.


Taking Chances by Rita Webb and T.J. Webb
(Paranormal Investigations #2)
Publication date: January 7th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

How far would you go to save a friend?

People are going missing in Kodiak, Alaska.

The evidence: bloody bear prints larger than any bear Jason or Emma have ever seen and black ooze that can eat the flesh from bones.

Bears don't wander into busy shopping districts, turn off security alarms, and break into stores. When Emma’s friend goes missing, Jason and Emma realize the cops aren't up to handling the situation.

Something’s wrong in the paranormal world. Can Jason and Emma fix things before someone else gets hurt?

           

EXCERPT

I wake to the sound of buzzing in my ear. It zips around my head, first landing on my pillow, then on my nose, before flitting over to Emma lying beside me. My eyes still closed, I listen to the pattern of its movements, and then with inhuman speed, I snatch it out of the air.

Opening my eyes, I peek into a small crack I make in my hand. A creature even smaller than a pixie with pale skin and blue hair and eyes the color of a stormy sea glares at me. She’s wearing a tunic made from thick, white material trimmed in purple fur. Delicate butterfly wings protrude from her back, quivering slightly as if a wind stirs them, but trapped inside my hand, there’s no wind.

“Emma.”

She mumbles something and rolls away from me.

“Emma,” I whisper a little louder.

“What?”

“We seem to have a visitor.”

Emma rolls back toward me and peeks at me through a slit in her eyes. “Huh?”

“It’s too small to be a pixie. What’s smaller than a pixie?”

“You let me go at once.” The voice is as tiny as the creature, and a foot kicks at my fingers.

“Stop that. It tickles.”

“Let me go, monster. Or I eat you.”

I laugh. “How do you speak English? The other pixies in the forest only spoke in squeaks.”

“I’m not pixie.” She pulls herself up to her full height of – what, two inches? — and lifts her nose in the air. “I’m smarter.”

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Our adventure started with a camping trip and a bottle of whiskey. Apparently Rita is a scary monster, and TJ needed liquid courage to give her that first kiss.

When not fighting over who gets to read our favorite books first, we’re swapping kisses, plot ideas, and movie quotes in the kitchen.

Together, we home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.

Come play a little hooky with us by getting our first book for free on our website: 

    

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Cover Reveal: Feel by Karen-Anne Stewart

Today we're taking part in the cover reveal for the new New Adult Paranormal Romance by Karen-Anne Stewart. Check out the warm colors of FEEL.

Feel by Karen-Anne Stewart
Publication date: December 2014
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:
The one whose emotions I can’t feel is the one who makes me feel the most.

I was a sensitive, at least that’s what I was told by the boy who saved me from the overwhelming emotions that consumed my soul, the boy who saved me from myself when my gift became stronger. Through the years, he was my redemption, my reason to take my next breath…then, he was gone.

Jensen always told me I was strong, but I didn’t believe him until I was forced to be strong on my own, and I kept breathing without him. I’ve taken 42 million breaths since the moment he sent me away. Now, four years later, he’s standing in front of me, and I can barely breathe.

This isn’t just a story about the abilities I possess; it’s a story about something much stronger…the love of the man who possesses every part of me.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23352590-feel

AUTHOR BIO:

Karen-Anne Stewart has always adored reading and has now fallen in love with writing. Her written works are The Rain Trilogy: Saving Rain, Healing Rain, and After the Rain. Her debut novel, Saving Rain: The First Novel in The Rain Trilogy, was a nominee for the Book Junkie’s Choice Awards and is a nominee for the 2013 RONE Awards.

When Karen-Anne isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and visiting new places. She fuels her addiction of creating new stories by her only other addiction, caffeine, and listening to a myriad of musical genres. Tucked away near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Karen-Anne lives with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and their cat. She plans on writing new adult romance as long as her fingers maintain dexterity.

Author Links:

http://www.karen-annestewart.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6920317.Karen_Anne_Stewart

https://www.facebook.com/SKarenAnne

https://twitter.com/SKarenAnne

Blog Tour: Dwellers of Darkness - Interview with author Stacey Marie Brown

Today we join the Dwellers of Darkness blog tour by chatting with author Stacey Marie Brown. Join us as we get to know more about Stacey and her NA Paranormal novel. Make sure you keep reading to take part in the giveaway!

Hi, Stacey! Welcome to We Do Write. Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since the time I learned how to put sentences together. Stories, plays, and poems were my way to release, express myself, and to escape. I don’t know why but I never thought about it as a career till the last couple of years. I went to school for acting, then architectural design. Creating worlds is always something I loved to do. When I started writing Darkness of Light, I knew without a doubt this was what I was meant to do. Everything led me here.

Tell us about DWELLERS OF DARKNESS. What’s the story about?

Dwellers of Darkness is the third book in the Darkness Series. This story continues where Fire in the Darkness left off. In the beginning we deal with the fallout from Embers disappearance/reappearance. All the characters go through huge changes in this one. Ember has finally accepted what she is, who she loves, what she wants . . . now she has to fight to keep it. There are new revelations, secrets, romance, and two hilarious pixies. The final book, Blood Beyond Darkness comes out August 2014.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Reading inspired me. A lot. The more I read, the more my own story came to me. I think other authors will understand this, but the story took over my thoughts. Scenes started coming to me in the shower or when I was about to fall asleep. The characters had strong personalities from the beginning and started coming alive. They wouldn’t let me be till I started to let them out.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I think it is VERY important to have outside help. You become too close to a story and its characters. You feel every drop of information is important, but to a reader it can be just the opposite. That was a harsh lesson when editing my first book. Now I understand a lot better and will cut scenes and characters a lot more ruthlessly. I also found they are good at knowing what should be expanded on. To you the story makes sense (in your head) but it does not always does translate on paper. Always, always, get your stuff professionally edited. It is your brand. Put the best product out there you can.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a little of both, but mostly a pantser. I like having a basic idea of what is going to happen; but every time I try to structurally plan a scene, my characters take off in the opposite way. When I let them go, they always take me to a place that’s even better than what I was planning. I love them improvising in my head, and I just type out what they are saying. These characters are so real to me. I can see their movement, habits, phrasing. My actors and I am the director.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Making an actual living from it! Also, it’s hard reading reviews when the reader says something mean, clearly didn’t understand what you were trying to say, or took it wrong. You automatically want to defend yourself and the characters decisions, but you have to take a moment, breathe, and understand that not everyone is going to like it. Those readers who really do get it, connect with it, and love it make you forget all the bad anyway. My readers make it all worth it . . . tenfold. Other hard parts are: writer’s block, finding unique twists in a story that none sees coming, and fight scenes (trying to keep up the tension and make each one different than the last). But it is ALL worth it. There is nothing I would rather be doing.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Music and caffeine! I have to leave my house and go to a café, with no Internet, but lots of caffeine and my music soundtrack to the Darkness Series. A hot guy in the corner or serving my coffee never hurts either.

What are you reading right now?

I have six books on my nightstand right now. I always multi-read until one really grabs my interest and then I’ll finish that one.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I would like to have magic to travel anywhere in a blink of an eye and live for thousands of years. The older I get the faster I feel life is going by and I would like to stay around and discover all the amazing things and places in it.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... Reading, working out, or thinking about my plots! Sad, but true. Need to start traveling again. Get a boyfriend that isn’t in a book!

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

My street team: Stacey’s Geek Squad (Eli’s Entourage) are AMAZING! Love you girls. Seriously, I would be here all day with all the people that have supported me. All the book blogs, readers, friends, fellow authors . . . THANK YOU!

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

Amazon is the best place. My website will link you to all the different places.

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Release Celebration: Stone of Destiny by Laura Howard

Happy Friday, folks! It's a beautiful spring day. The perfect day to celebrate the release of Laura Howard's newest novel in the Danaan Trilogy, Stone of Destiny! Have a look.

Stone of Destiny (The Danaan Trilogy Book 2)

by Laura Howard

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn't entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress's plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison's parents apart forever.

Despite Allison's efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she's ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix.

Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan' s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan?

          

The Forgotten Ones

Book One in The Danaan Trilogy

About Laura:

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known.