Cover reveal: The Devil’s Triangle by Toni De Palma

Another great cover reveal for a Crescent Moon Press author!

devil's triangle jpg

The Devils Triangle by Toni De Palma

When 17 year old Cooper dies in an attempt to burn down his school, he finds himself in the afterlife. Lucy, the Devil’s sister who has crossed party lines, decides to give Cooper another shot at heaven. The deal? Cooper returns to Earth and has to find a girl named Grace. The rest is up to him.

While Cooper figures out his mission, he’s thrown into the life he’s always wanted. Great parents, a spot on the Varsity football team and a real future are all within reach. But what he really wants is Grace, a feisty girl with an abusive boyfriend that can pound Cooper into pulp if he doesn’t watch out.

While Lucy plays demonic-puppeteer, clues to an unknown past between Cooper and Grace start to unravel. Cooper discovers that what’s keeping he and Grace apart is far more sinister than anything this bad boy could have ever imagined.

Find Toni and The Devil’s Triangle here:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13610688-devil-s-triangle

Website: http://tonidepalma.com/published-works.html

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToniDePalma1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/toni.depalma

Featured book: Goddess on the Run by Marne Ann Kirk

I’m featuring a book by a CMP author today, Goddess on the Run by Marne Ann Kirk! Love the cover and she has a fun excerpt to share. And I’m partial to the Tuatha de Danaan so I will have to check this one out.


Goddess On The Run
A Tale of the Holy Water Warriors, Book 1
Available now on Amazon, B&N, and at your local bookstore!
Crescent Moon Press
ISBN: 978-1-937254-59-9
E-ISBN: 978-1-937254-60-5
www.marneannkirk.com
marne@marneannkirk.com

All Fomorian Hells are about to break loose on earth, making human souls the daily special, if the Tuatha de Danaan can’t stop it.

Teagan, a Celtic demi-goddess hiding from her destiny in small-town Colorado, wants nothing to do with her mother’s forgotten realm or the drama of a battle of the gods. And Merric is forbidden fruit she’s too smart to taste.

Merric, leader of the Tuatha de Danaan warriors, has other plans. Teagan holds the key to salvation, for both him and their worlds, whether she wants to or not. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her of her duty.

But can he find the key to her heart?

Reviews:
“Goddess On the Run has everything a reader could ask for—Teagan, a heroine gutsy yet vulnerable, Merric, a hero willing to die for his soulmate and their child, and a High Deamon threatening to destroy the thing they hold most dear. Kirk has fashioned a story both action-packed and romantic with characters that will stay with you long after their adventure is over.” Jeanne Stein, Best-Selling Author of the Anna Strong Chronicles

Excerpt to Goddess on the Run:

Chapter One

Great. Just fan-friggen-tabulous. Not even halfway through her shift and Teagan had an ass-grabber.

Another one.

Of course, this moron’s lack of respect for personal boundaries was why she’d gotten this table of five. The girls had named her The Enforcer for a reason.

She’d let him play for a moment. He wasn’t hurting her, after all. But soon he’d pay, and she’d make certain it did hurt him.

Yep, a little public humiliation, and he’d never touch another lady without her permission again.

But first, money. A girl had to have her priorities.

“Can I get you boys anything else?” she asked, setting a Corona in front of each of them.

The Friday night band sang their standard classic, “Friends in Low Places,” and several patrons whooped or sang along. Lively crowd tonight–at least a couple hundred cowboys, college kids, tourists, and locals were bound to mean good tips. Everyone was lookin’ for love.

Blondie, the man sitting across the table from where she stood, smiled and tossed down a hundred dollar bill. “Tequila shots?”

Mr. Hands, on her left, inched his grope further up the back of her inner thigh. If he went any higher, he’d be fondling parts of her only seen by her doctor and her vibrator.

She snapped her teeth into a grin, ignoring Mr. Hands, as she pulled the Jose Gold from one holster on her costume’s gun-slinger’s belt and six shot glasses from the cartridge loops on the other hip. Between the rowdy saloon atmosphere and the waitressing costumes–leather vest, gunfighter’s belt over short-shorts, Stetson cowboy hat and boots–it was no surprise Tommie’s Knockers drew the largest crowd in the Canyon.

Someone cursed a stream of words his mama would’ve washed his mouth out for, on the other side of the main stage. Chaos exploded in the far section of the bar as a chair shattered and a beer bottle exploded–probably on some poor fool’s head.  A girl screamed and Teagan straightened up, glancing over. The bouncers didn’t need her help, though. Six were already hustling over and stepping in, pulling two men apart and bringing things back to order. It was under control.

So why did she feel on edge tonight? Like all hells were about to break loose.

“If you’re buying one for me too, sugar,” she said, shaking it off and bringing her attention back to Blondie.

When he nodded, she twisted the cap off the bottle, pouring tequila into each glass before sliding them around. The shot glass she slid to Mr. Hands barely stayed on the table. Damn. She’d hoped to distract him from his blind-man’s examination of her butt–no such luck.

Nope. Yesteryear’s Quarterback just kept on going with one hand, like her backside was his winning season’s playbook.

She lifted her shot, saluted the men, and tossed it back. Oh, it burned good. Too bad her kind couldn’t get drunk on human alcohol. She could use a little something right now. Something to dull the sudden itch along her spine, urging her to run without motive. She wasn’t fooled. Whenever she had that itch, there was a reason.

She forced herself to smile at Blondie as she set her shooter back on the table, then tipped her head so she could surreptitiously study the bar through the shield of her bangs.

Several men milled about the dance floor, looking uncomfortable and awkward, while couples danced the two-step around them. Nothing out of place about that in a bar.

Blondie slid the Franklin across the table and tapped her hand. “Keep the change.”

“Why thanks, baby. If you need anything at all, raise your hand. See the brunette, Kelly, over by the bar? She’ll see to your every need.” Teagan slipped the bill into a pocket inside her vest.

Time to play enforcer, and just in time. She needed to clean this mess up and go on break, if for no other reason than to unwind and figure out why she felt this strung out. If she were human, she’d worry she’d been slipped something, she was so twitchy.

Was it a full moon tonight?

She turned to face Mr. Hands, leaning down slow and low, until his eyes were level with her cleavage.

He grabbed the sides of his chair, leaning closer to her.

Right where she wanted his hands–off her body.

She let her hair fall over one shoulder. “Sweetie, sometimes a little naughty is nice, but every so often, naughty goes, well, too far. Then it’s time for a little lesson in manners. Are you up for a–” She licked her upper lip, sliding her hand up his thigh until she almost brushed the bulge in his jeans. “Lesson?”

He flushed, throwing a victorious grin at his friends. “With a body as hot as you? Hell, you can teach me manners any time.”

She brought her mouth to his ear as the band finished their song. Perfect timing.

“Then here’s lesson one, hon,” she said in a stage whisper all his buddies would hear. She wrapped his package in her palm and squeezed her hand into a fist around it–hard.

“Touch me or one of the other girls again–,” she tightened her grip even more.

His eyes bulged in pain, but he sat frozen in place. Men tended to do that when you had them by the baby brains.

“One more time, and I’ll tear your nut sack from your body and feed it to an alley cat.”

Such language, but some jerks were also stupid and only understood crass.

Keeping him firmly in hand, she looked at his friends and tilted her head. “I’d feed it to the dog, but she’d barely notice the swallow.”

Author interview – Jennifer Wells

It’s been a while since I’ve done an author interview, and I’m excited to welcome Jennifer Wells to the blog today to answer some fun questions. She is the author of two novels, Magick Charm, published in 2010, and Practically Dreaming, which just came out last week.

The blurb:

In a Zodiac-based world, finding a mate is easy. Falling in love is the hard part.

Astrology influences almost everything, from career choice to where people live. Even romantic matches are based solely on astrological compatibility and determined by the infallible Council of Venus.

Animal psychic Tierra has every reason to trust the Council—save one. Her match with fellow Virgo, Evander, works better on paper than in person. But she stubbornly hangs on, believing their relationship will grow and develop, all the while trying to rationalize her feelings for Lachlan.

Veterinarian and Reiki master, Lachlan, hides a secret, which has kept him single for more than two years. This Pisces dreams of a happily ever after with Tierra, but believes it’s impossible for him.

Tierra and Lachlan must confront their doubts, differences, and society’s belief in the Council. Will they defy the odds and choose each other? Does astrological certainty eclipse the chance to fall in love?

Pretty cover and interesting blurb. I’m hooked! And now on to our questions!

Q: Where were you born? Are you the kind of person who likes to move around a lot, or do you prefer to live in one place?
A: I was born in Reading, Pennsylvania (yep, that’s the Reading Railroad from Monopoly!). Since I got married, my husband and I have moved ten times, but I much prefer to stay in one place! We’ve been happily settled in Northern Virginia for eight years.

Q: What sparked your interest in writing? How long have you been writing?
A: I’ve always loved books! When I was a kid, I would create short stories – usually tragic romances or horror tales. After college, I tried my hand at a full-length novel writing with my best friend.

Q: What provided the inspiration for your novel, Practically Dreaming?
A: I love books almost as much as I love animals, so it was a lot of fun to add plenty of four-footed characters to this book! What could be better than adorable dogs and cats… except being able to understand what they’re thinking? My main character is an animal psychic as well as a vet. Sometimes she doesn’t always appreciate knowing her pets’ thoughts, especially when they don’t like the guy she’s dating!

Q: How long did it take you to finish it? How many drafts did you write before you were satisfied?
A: I wrote the first draft in about two or three months. Editing took about five or six passes through the book before I was satisfied with it. I’m a Virgo, which means I’m a perfectionist! It’s always difficult for me to declare something perfect enough.

Q: And congrats on Practically Dreaming launching CMP’s new signature line, Sabian Symbols! How did you approach that project?
A: Since the Sabian Symbols line is inspired by astrology, I relied quite a bit on my favorite astrologer’s help. Luckily, that’s my husband! He always pointed me in the right direction when I bounced ideas off of him. I wanted my characters to act according to their zodiac signs as much as possible. I also added in as many astrology-driven details as I could – some are obvious, but there are some more subtle details only a student of astrology might notice.

Q: How would you describe your path toward publication?
A: It took several years. I couldn’t find a home for my first novel, but the second one was picked up rather quickly. I received The Email while I was on the road on the way to visit my parents for Christmas. It was the best holiday gift I’ve ever received!

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
A: Never ever give up! It can be a long, difficult process to find the right publisher, but it’s all worth it. Start writing a blog too. It’s a great way to work on your writing, and it’s one of the ways you’ll reach out to your audience once you are published.

Q: Name a few authors who have inspired you and describe why.
A: Stephen King had famously received dozens of rejection letters, but still persevered. He’s the perfect example of what a writer can accomplish by believing in himself. I also love Diana Gabaldon’s work. I admire the way she weaves historical research in her novels and the way her characters become so real.

Q: What are you currently writing?
A: I’m returning to the world of my first book, Magick Charm. I’m writing a short story mystery about the sassy police officer, Megan, and a full-length novel in which the quirky twin, Rachel, finally finds the right guy.

Q: Coffee, tea, or hard liquor? (or all three?)
A: Coffee is necessary to the safety of everyone around me! But I have a tiki bar in my house, so I love to kick back on the weekend with a Mai Tai!

Q: What books are you currently reading or on your to-be-read list?
A: What’s not on my list? I have a pile a mile high, and yet I keep buying new books! A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison and Double Dexter by Jeff Lindsay are at the top of my TBR list. I’m also looking forward to the next Pendergast novel from Preston and Child and the final novel in the Just Breathe trilogy by Kendall Grey.

Q: And now for the bonus fluff question: If you could be a character in your one of your favorite novels, which character would you be and why?
A: Claire from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. I admit, the eighteenth century world is less than glamorous and certainly dangerous, but the hero, Jamie, is well worth it!

Jennifer Wells has been writing since she was in middle school. When she discovered romance novels in junior high, she knew she wanted to write them someday. Her writing remained a hobby while she studied biology and forensic DNA science. She worked as a molecular biologist and published cancer research before finally leaving the lab and taking up her laptop full time.

She currently lives in Northern Virginia with John, her husband of sixteen years. John is a professional tarot card reader and astrologer. John and Jen have three children who happen to be cats: Josephine, Morgana Madison, and Luna. Jo is a beautiful black Siamese mix who rules the house. MoMo is a possessive Scottish Fold who loves to knead Jen’s hair. Luna is the baby, an affectionate Scottish Fold who thinks her name is “Cute.”

Jen’s website, blog, and contact information can be found at www.jennifer-wells.com.

Release day: Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick

Happy release day to Chantele Sedgwick! Her book, Not Your Average Fairy Tale, looks like a fun read!

Ash Summerland has it all–good looks, popularity, and the best grades at The Academy of Magical Beings. Ready to complete his last assignment in order to graduate, Ash is confident he will get the apprenticeship he wants.

When he opens the letter from the Council, he is shocked to discover he has been assigned to apprentice Lady Shenelle, Keeper of Happy Endings. A.K.A. the head fairy godmother. Ash is forced to grant three wishes to a troubled human girl named Kendall, and ultimately give her a “happy ever after”.

But Kendall turns out to be more than he bargained for. Still grieving over her father’s death, Kendall doesn’t want anything to do with him. And worst of all, she doesn’t believe in happy endings.

Get your copy on Amazon today!

Add it to your Goodreads list: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13537213-not-your-average-fairy-tale

Release day: Practically Dreaming by Jennifer Wells

Another CMP release! Congratulations to Jennifer Wells on the release of Practically Dreaming!

Book blurb:

In a Zodiac-based world, finding a mate is easy. Falling in love is the hard part.

Astrology influences almost everything, from career choice to where people live. Even romantic matches are based solely on astrological compatibility and determined by the infallible Council of Venus.

Animal psychic Tierra has every reason to trust the Council—save one. Her match with fellow Virgo, Evander, works better on paper than in person. But she stubbornly hangs on, believing their relationship will grow and develop, all the while trying to rationalize her feelings for Lachlan.

Veterinarian and Reiki master, Lachlan, hides a secret, which has kept him single for more than two years. This Pisces dreams of a happily ever after with Tierra, but believes it’s impossible for him.

Tierra and Lachlan must confront their doubts, differences, and society’s belief in the Council. Will they defy the odds and choose each other? Does astrological certainty eclipse the chance to fall in love?

 Author Biography

 Jennifer Wells has been writing since she was in middle school. When she discovered romance novels in junior high, she knew she wanted to write them someday. Her writing remained a hobby while she studied biology and forensic DNA science. She worked as a molecular biologist and published cancer research before finally leaving the lab and taking up her laptop full time.

She currently lives in Northern Virginia with John, her husband of sixteen years. John is a professional tarot card reader and astrologer. John and Jen have three children who happen to be cats: Josephine, Morgana Madison, and Luna. Jo is a beautiful black Siamese mix who rules the house. MoMo is a possessive Scottish Fold who loves to knead Jen’s hair. Luna is the baby, an affectionate Scottish Fold who thinks her name is “Cute.”

Jen’s website, blog, and contact information can be found at www.jennifer-wells.com.