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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Road to Hell series welcomes author Nicky Peacock



Please welcome Author, Nicky Peacock onto the Road to Hell. Nicky is the author of Bad Blood. Other books written by Nicky are numerous anthologies in the genres of horror and paranormal romance.

Now, it’s time to create a little hell and get to the good stuff by revealing all of Nicky’s wicked secrets while on the Road to Hell. LOL Yeah, you wish! ;-D 

Grab your favorite drink, sink your teeth into something decadent, sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know Nicky…

~ ~ ~

GRACEN:  Tell me three things about yourself that we cannot find on the internet or in your bio?

Nicky: Hmmmm, let me think – nowadays the internet can tell you pretty much anything a budding stalker would want to know about an author! Okay then, here goes:
I drink tea without milk or lemon.
I turn into a child again every time I see a Muppet.
I’m a nail polish addict! I cannot stop buying it and have over 200 bottles!

GRACEN: What hobbies and interests do you participate in when you’re not writing?

Nicky: I don’t get much free time that isn’t filled with writing. After working a full time job, friends and family time, writing time – there’s not much left! I do like a good PJ TV/Movie sofa day and have been known to go to a local spa – although I tend to write there too!


GRACEN: Do you have any writing quirks or certain things you MUST have or do before beginning the writing process?

Nicky: I have to shut my internet connection down! If I don’t, I end up drifting onto social network sites or shopping for nail polish! I can only concentrate when I’m not tempted away – my will power is almost zero!


GRACEN: If you were plotting to take over the world, how would you do it?

Nicky: I’d begin by releasing a vampires VS zombies novel through Noble Romance, then I’d… only kidding.  I’d start by holding hot villain sidekick auditions – once I’d chosen my army of well-oiled muscular men minions, I’d have them work day and night on a time machine – they probably wouldn’t come up with much, but I do like a white lab coat on man!


GRACEN: If you could make one statement that the entire planet would hear and remember, what would it be?

Nicky: If it bothers you, stop moaning and do something about it!


GRACENWhat genre do you write and why that genre?

Nicky: I tend to write horrors, urban fantasy and paranormal romance. I just love the possibilities of the supernatural and hate writing under mundane rules of the ‘normal. I mean, we’re forced to live in reality – books should be filled with fantasy and wonder.


GRACEN: For those who are not yet familiar with Bad Blood, can you please give us some details about the book and/or series?

Nicky: Bad Blood is a YA vampires VS zombies novel set in modern England. It’s told first person from a vampire’s point of view who ends up hip deep in a zombie apocalypse. She has to work side by side with her arch nemesis and also manages to find a man who looks just like her murdered true love.


GRACEN:  Do you have any new stories in the works and can you tell us a bit about it/them?

Nicky: I’m working on a YA urban fantasy at the moment set in the US and also another set in the UK which is part of a series I’m putting together. The second Bad Blood is also in the pipeline – told you I have very little time left after writing.


GRACEN: If you could describe your writing with one word or brief phrase, what would it be? Please delve into the core of your writing to tell us what word or phrase you want readers to take with them when they’ve finished reading your story.

Nicky: Scary supernatural shenanigans.


GRACEN: What, in your opinion, makes your story unique and what makes it stand out from other stories in your genre? Think of this as a pitch to convince readers to pick up your books.

Nicky: It’s all about two monsters that have become popular in their own rights, mashed up together in a bloody, romantic, sometimes funny, but always action-packed story.

GRACEN: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?

Nicky: I’m betting that could be an on-going question with me! I do some pretty crazy stuff! I once went to a pub (English bar) lock-in for an overnight séance! I was literally locked in overnight. Fortunately the only truly frightening thing that night was the menu!

GRACEN: Of all your books, which character did you have the most fun creating and why?

Nicky: I do have a soft spot for Bad Blood’s Britannia – she has a lot of me in her. I also loved Gen from my story ‘Split Apart’ which is in the paranormal romance anthology ‘Paramourtal 2’ She has a wicked sense of humor even though her story is quite tragic.

GRACEN: If you had the opportunity to meet just one of your characters in real life, who would it be and why?

Nicky: I’d love to meet Philippe from Bad Blood. I describe as a perfect gentleman straight off the cover of a bodice-ripper romance novel – who wouldn’t want to meet him?

GRACEN: Which of your characters would you never want to meet under any circumstance and why?

Nicky: Ironically Britannia! She’s like an angrier, heightened version of me, and I actually found it hard to control her on the page – I’d hate to see what she’d be like in real life.

GRACEN:  If you were interviewing yourself, what is the one question you would ask yourself and please give us the answer to that question?

Nicky: What’s the one thing you didn’t realize before you became an author? That it takes over your life! I do love it – I’ve always lived in my head, so it’s not that much of a change really, but it can really put your own life on hold if you’re not careful!


GRACEN:  Thanks so much for joining us, Nicky!  It’s been a treat getting to know you better! 

Website: http://nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com

Blog: http://nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickyp_author
Face Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/NickyPeacockYaBooks
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Nicky-Peacock/e/B007UH2ACW/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_4
Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4958833.Nicky_Peacock
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nickypauthor/
Tumblr: http://nickypeacock.tumblr.com/

 WOW! What a cover!! I'm in love with it!!

BLURB:

“I am Britannia. I am your protector. I will fend off the hungry hordes of undead hands that reach toward you. I am your steadfast defender. I will stand between you and the zombie masses as they try to taste your flesh. I am strong, unyielding, and dedicated to your survival. All I ask from you… is your blood.”

A five-hundred-year-old bloody game of vengeance will need to be put on hold if vampires are to survive the zombie uprising. Britannia and Nicholas, bitter enemies and the only two surviving vampires left in London, have to work together to save un-infected humans and deliver them safely to a vampire stronghold in the Scottish Highlands. Unable to drink the zombie "bad blood," the remaining vampires need the humans to stay alive. But will the vampires tell the survivors who they are and what they want from them? Will Britannia be able to hold back her vengeance for the greater good? Is survivor Josh the reincarnation of Britannia's murdered true love? And can she bring herself to deliver him to the "safe" hold? Survival instincts run deep, but bad blood can run deeper.


EXCERPT:
Chapter One

I repositioned myself so I could see down the edge of the building and into the dark alley below. The whole scenario was so cliché it made my butt pucker, but, hey, that was my life, one giant, shadowy cliché. Below, a damsel, clearly in distress, wearing a belt masquerading as a skirt, was being stalked by a newborn creature of the night. I could tell he was barely three months made; he wobbled around like a drunken uncle at a wedding. With his new heightened speed and strength, he’d gone from infant to superhero in one short, bloody step. It was a long time ago now, but I remembered what it was like: opening doors and pulling them off their hinges, throwing down innocent objects and embedding them ten inches into stone floors. You had to learn your motor skills all over again; the process was neither easy nor pretty.
The heels on the damsel’s boots were far too high and made an incredibly irritating,hollow clicking as she quickened her pace. She must have sensed he was behind her, lurking in the shadows waiting to strike. Even if she hadn’t seen him yet,she’d have sensed him. Prey, even ones who wear ‘come eat me’ outfits, almost always sense that a predator is near, especially when that predator is fumbling around like a new born fawn on an ice rink.
I waited for her to reach the edge of the alley before making my move. Dispatching perpetrators was difficult enough without adding in a witness intent on hugging and thanking me for saving her short, little, pointless life.
Although a lady never reveals her age, I was old enough that my every movement was fluid and precise. I’d done my time acting like the Hulk in a china shop. I’d been human for a little over nineteen years and a vampire for over four centuries. I found jumping off a building as easy as stepping off a kerb and, yeah, just as exciting.
A rush of updraft spread my long, electric-blue hair behind me like a set of soft dark angel wings flapping in my vigilant, peripheral vision. I landed square between the new vampire and his intended victim, who would now be able to continue her young life and perhaps grow up to buy a skirt that fell below the knee. I mean, come on, never mind decency, the British weather alone made her outfit an impractical age-defining choice. I felt cold just looking at her!
The vampire took one look at me and ran. He’d been warned; of course he’d been warned. He was one of Nicholas’ brood. I was probably the first topic of conversation Nicholas had with any of his new little children: “If you see a blue-eyed, blue-haired, tall girl dressed in tight red jeans, a Sex Pistols T-shirt,and a blue biker jacket, run for the hills.” That was exactly what the newbie did. He bit down on his pride, turned tail, and sped out of the alley. With the realisation I probably wouldn’t make it back in time for Doctor Who, I sighed and followed him.
At night, the streets of London are dark and dingy. Due to the government’s penny pinching, every second lamppost was off,leaving the city a hotbed of shady crime. Perfect for the likes of me, who didn’t want average Joe to see her; also perfect for the likes of the newbie vamp who was now practically launching himself across each road in a desperate bid to control his movements and get the hell away from me. His limb-flailing became more Muppet-like as he proceeded, and I followed him easily enough. Of course he ran straight into another darkened alley, classic horror-victim mistake. If someone is chasing you, it’s best to stick with the crowds; even I wouldn’t kill someone when a horde of random strangers carrying mobile phones could be taking photos and uploading videos straight to YouTube. Said strangers wouldn’t get involved and help, but they would gladly capture every gory moment for world titillation and their God-given right to five minutes of fame.
I smiled as I watched him catching his breath behind an industrial bin that, even from a distance, smelt like week-old Chinese food. Yes, we vampires do breathe when we’re newbies, although it’s more of a reflex than a necessity. Even now,I still find myself taking the odd breath in and out. It’s a habit that’s hard to break.
I leapt onto the top of the bin and leant down into the newbie’s face. We’re all exceptionally pale, but he went even paler when he saw me. His eyes had a kind of tiger-in-the-headlights glaze; predators never expect to be caught by other hunters.They’re meant to be top of the food chain.
“You belong to Nicholas?” I asked. It’s only polite to check your facts when you’re looking to kill someone.
He paused and then shook his head. “No.”
“Don’t be like that.Tell me the truth.”
I narrowed my eyes. He smelled like Nicholas, a scent that had wormed its way into my very being, as I,too, had once reluctantly belonged to him.
“Yes.” He whined a little and averted his gaze.
Never underestimate instincts. You’re born with them for a reason.
“Okay, then, let’s get this over with quick.”
I slipped down in front of him then punched him in the gut. He doubled over. I brought my knee square into his face; the momentum pushed him over onto the ground. I put my boot on his chest and held him down while I pulled out my trusty hand scythes.
“Please, I wasn’t going to kill her.”


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Tigress for Two by Marissa Dobson




Four things you didn’t know about Taber, Thorben, and Kallie from Tigress for Two. Tigress for Two is the third book in the Alaskan Tigers series.

1. Taber’s fascination with honey has kinky sex ideas running through his head.

2. Kallie is terrified to have children (you’ll have to read Tigress for Two to find out why), but you will see her again in the future and it’s likely she’ll be pregnant/have a child.

3. Thorben had a wild streak that Taber didn’t approve of while is what caused the tension between them. You’ll hear more about his wild streak as well as pranks he pulled in an upcoming book.

4. The unconventional mating in Tigress for Two between Kallie and the twins was unplanned. It was plotted and outlined as Taber and Kallie’s story, but when Thorben showed up he threw a wrench in my plans. I fought it at first, at one point even considered cutting Thorben out completely but the book stalled until I went with what Thorben demanded. Overall I’m extremely happy with how it turned out.

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She’s a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.

Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He’s her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night.

Her writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to her bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they’re helpful in their own ways.
She love to hear from readers so send her an email at marissa@marissadobson.com or visit her online at http://www.marissadobson.com

CONTEST

Monday, July 29, 2013

The Road to Hell series welcomes author T.M. Smith


Please welcome Author T.M. Smith (Tams) onto the Road to Hell. Smith is the author of Opposites, a majorly M/M novel with a touch of F/F and M/F added to the mix. Opposites is the first book in a series. Book 2, Appearances will be out late 2013. In the interim Smith is working on a novella set within the world of Opposites, The Library.

Now, it’s time to create a little hell and get to the good stuff by revealing all of Smith’s wicked secrets while on the Road to Hell. LOL  Yeah, you wish! ;-D 

Grab your favorite drink, sink your teeth into something decadent, sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know Tams …


GRACEN:  Tell me three things about yourself that we cannot find on the Internet or in your bio?

Tams: I’m a hopeless romantic! I think bacon should have its own food group.


GRACEN: I think coffee should have its own food group, so I’m totally feeling you with the bacon. And who doesn’t like bacon? Lol What hobbies and interests do you participate in when you’re not writing?

Tams: I like to travel and I have a close knit group of friends that are scattered across the country. We go to Jazz Fest in NOLA every year, and spend New Years together in a different location every year. Reading is my main “hobby” though, I have read as many as ten book in a week’s time.  


GRACEN: OMG! I looooooove NOLA and visit as often as I can. Do you have any writing quirks or certain things you MUST have or do before beginning the writing process?

Tams: Music. Music is a huge factor in my writing process. I have characters that play the piano, violin and flute so I listen to a lot of instrumental songs to get in the mind set sometimes. I’ve written scenes around songs as well. I also seem to get my creative juices flowing better when I have a mimosa in hand.




GRACEN: If you were plotting to take over the world, how would you do it?

Tams: I’d create an army of paranormal creatures that I could control that would then wreak havoc on the populous.


GRACEN: If you could make one statement that the entire planet would hear and remember, what would it be?

Tams: Do not judge that which you don’t understand.


GRACEN: Fantastic advice! What genre do you write and why that genre?

Tams: Adult/ M/M / Dystopian. I love dystopian style novels. The idea of this is what our world could become fascinates me, and there are so many different versions and concepts out there now. The Divergent trilogy, The Delirium trilogy, Star Wars, Star Trek, Dune and The Hunger Games are my very favorite dystopian series. My guilty pleasure when reading is M/M novels so I decided to merge the two and write an Adult M/M dystopian novel. M/M is moving to the fore front in the written world as of late and it’s a fresh, new genre that has a lot of wiggle room as well as room for growth.


GRACEN: I love books and movies about the future too. As you said, it’s fascinating to imagine what our future will be like. For those who are not yet familiar with Opposites, can you please give us some details about the book and/or series?

SMITH: Opposites is set in the year 2300 in a dystopian-esqe society where being gay or lesbian is the norm. To be straight, in a relationship with someone of the opposite sex, makes you an Outkast. Over 200 years ago our planet finally succumbed to global warming, when the dust settled the man with the most power and influence still alive was also gay. He rebuilt our world on his terms, and it worked, until now.

The tagline for the book is ‘Nature versus Nurture’.. where there is a will, there is a way. And the one thing you can’t take from people ultimately is just that, free will. But when this way of life is all you’ve ever known it’s hard to imagine a past where everything was opposite. And how do you move forward, progress, when your beliefs are challenged?

GRACEN:  Do you have any new stories in the works and can you tell us a bit about it/them?

SMITH: I’m currently working on a novella for the series, The Library. When I was editing Opposites some scenes had to be removed. If they didn’t advance the story or they were just sex on the page I removed them. I didn’t want to write fifty shades of gay! There is a scene in the book that happens in the library and its cut short because it was just this type of scene. So, I decided to spruce it up and release it as a free novella along with a few other scenes that were cut, elaborate on them at the same time.

Once I’ve finished The Library I’ll start on Appearances so I can get that out there for fans, I did leave you guys with a cliff hanger. Then I have an idea for a gay angel love triangle story. The idea for this book is what if Lucifer was cast out of heaven because he went crazy in the aftermath of a broken heart? Lucifer and the arch angel Michael were lovers, until Gabriel came along. Hell hath no fury like a gay angel that has been scorned! Working title is “When Lucifer Fell’.

GRACEN: I love the concept! And your readers will love it as well. If you could describe your writing with one word or brief phrase, what would it be? Please delve into the core of your writing to tell us what word or phrase you want readers to take with them when they’ve finished reading your story.

Tams: One word, Diversity. Brief phrase, Love is Love. It knows no gender and doesn’t conform to restrictions and boundaries.
GRACEN: I believe love is love and I wish all my gay friends and family lived in that type of loving world. What, in your opinion, makes your story unique and what makes it stand out from other stories in your genre? Think of this as a pitch to convince readers to pick up your books.
Tams: I think I’m the first to write a dystopian M/M novel. As well, my concept of our world being turned upside down with gay/lesbian being the norm will intrigue people as it’s something fresh and new to the genre. Ultimately Opposites is story about falling in love, being true to yourself and being accepting of someone that is different.

GRACEN: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?

Tams: I’ve watched a lot of gay porn.

GRACEN: Of all your books, which character did you have the most fun creating and why?

Tams: So far my favorite creations is Maeve. She is a warrior and fiercely loyal to her family and Aiya. I loved the idea of creating a strong yet feminine lesbian character. Her weapon of choice is a ball and chain, she is one of the most adept fighters in the series and yes, she likes girls. She is who she is and she will never apologize for it. I also enjoyed the twist on soul mates I created with Maeve and Aiya, they really are soul mates they just aren’t lovers. There is a lot of my best friend Ann in Maeve, she is my tribute to the friendship and love that her and I have for each other, the bond that can never be broken regardless. Husband, wives, lovers and children may come and go.. but your best friend will be with you forever.
GRACEN: If you had the opportunity to meet just one of your characters in real life, who would it be and why?

Tams: Sawyer, hands down! In this world I’ve created that revolves around gay/lesbian coupling and laws that only apply to same sex couples, here comes Sawyer. He’s straight and his adopted family are supportive of it. To spite the fact that they are Ambassador’s put into their positions of power to uphold the laws of same sex only couples.

I wrote an early description of Sawyer and went back and changed that description to fit actor Max Irons. Everything about Max just exudes power, strength and stability. He has the blonde hair and green eyes I wanted in Sawyer and he’s really tall, I have an unnatural issue with height, I like tall men and I wanted Sawyer to be tall with a defined facial structure hair the color of wheat and eyes that shined like emeralds.

I think it would be fascinating to meet this man that challenges everything the world stands on, everything it’s built around and not only that, to fall in love with the girl that is meant to rule this world with a wife by her side not a husband.

GRACEN: Which of your characters would you never want to meet under any circumstance and why?

Tams: Marcus! You just get a brief glimpse of Marcus in Opposites, but he is going to be front and center in Appearances and he is just ever so slightly bat shit crazy! Most people are going to assume Cillian, better known as Gorilla man, would be my answer, but he’s not. Cillian is a product of society and the text book definition of ‘children learn what they live’. Marcus is just warped and he’s going to leave some bodies in his wake.
GRACEN:  If you were interviewing yourself, what is the one question you would ask yourself and please give us the answer to that question?

Tams: My favorite question to ask authors is, Who in your life would you say has influenced you the most and why.
My mother. She is my rock, my friend, my most trusted confidant and ever loyal supporter. She is always there for me even when I’m wrong. Unconditional love is what she’s shown me my entire life and taught me as well.


GRACEN:  Aww…what a sweet plug for your mother. Mom’s rock!! Thanks so much for joining us, Tams!  It’s been a treat getting to know you better! 

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/13ga7Cb
Buy Link Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/321969
Author Blog: http://tamssbookblog.blogspot.com
Author Twitter”  @tammystwocents1


BLURB:

In the year 2081 our planet survived global warming of an apocalyptic scale. When the dust settled and the water receded Dr. Anthony Smith, one of only a few hundred survivors of GWI, started society anew. Having come to the conclusion that injudicious breeding played a huge role in the destruction of Earth as we knew it in the twenty first century, he worked closely with other survivors to isolate the Dionysus gene. This gene has the ability to manipulate human DNA to ensure that all male children be born gay, and all female children be born lesbians. A new society is born.


In the year 2300 Dr. Smith’s descendants are ushering in the twenty fourth century having maintained control of the government that still rules society. Twins Aiya and Aiyan are preparing to meet their matches and take control of House Gaeland, the current ruling House. But not everything is as it seems.

Love is Love.. it knows no gender and doesn’t conform to restrictions and boundaries. Aiyan has found his soul mate in Kaden, the prince of House Devi that he is matched with and eventually marries. But when the person Aiya falls in love with tests the boundaries put in place after GWI, all hell breaks loose. And in the midst of one secret unraveling, another will emerge. There is a growing anomaly that threatens to destroy over two hundred years of progression. This anomaly is known as Opposites.

*WARNING* Opposites is a majorly M/M New Adult novel that contains explicit sexual content and relationships between gay, lesbian and straight couples.

EXCERPT: 

Aiyan stowed his violin and crossed the room to where Kaden stood by the wine table. Kaden took Aiyan’s hand and led him from the Ball room. “Where are we..” Aiyan’s question was cut off as Kaden pushed him into the dark corner and kissed him, strong and deep. A couple walked past engrossed enough in their conversation not to see the two shadows lurking in the corner.

Kaden took Aiyan’s hand again and walked him down the hall. He knew there was no way he’d make it back to their room, hell, he wanted to throw him down right here in the hall and fuck him until he screamed and to hell with anybody that protested. He saw the supply closet up ahead and veered that way. “Kaden, love, where are we going?“ He pushed Aiyan into the closet, up against the shelf and slammed the door, he practically jumped on him pinning him against the shelf and lifting him up, effectively wrapping both legs around his waist. Aiyan had grabbed the support beams holding the shelf up, eyes wide and glowing with anticipation, his crooked smile that drove Kaden crazy was on display. He knew exactly what was coming and he pulled Kaden closer with his legs as he kissed him again, it was a strong fierce kiss and he tore at his bottom lip with his teeth. Aiyan moaned into the kiss as Kaden began stroking him with one hand while pulling his own pants down with his other.

“Oh, goddamn.” Aiyan muttered when Kaden moved his hand down to wet him with the moisture he’d received in thanks for the stroking, he breached Aiyan with one finger then two and Aiyan gasped. Removing his fingers he fisted his own straining cock and then stroked himself a few times, using the precome as a harsh lubricant. Aiyan tried to pull him closer again and he growled at him, Aiyan chuckled and stopped. Kaden grabbed his hips and slowly drove into him all the way with the first long, slow thrust, Aiyan’s knuckles were white from the death grip he had on the beams. His moans grew louder with each thrust and Kaden had to kiss him again to shut him up, as he pounded into him things began falling off the shelves but they didn’t care.
Starring into each other’s eyes, Aiyan could see Kadens jaw clenching and he could feel his fingers digging into his hips, he pushed back on him just as hard as he was driving into him. One last push into his ass delivered with so much force the shelf cracked, Aiyan grabbed him by the hair and pulled his mouth to his, Kaden screaming into his lips as he came so hard, it took his breath away.

CONTEST