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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Posted on by Tima

Here we are again at the end of another year and another Christmas. It's been an interesting year for me having taken all these months off from writing to catch up on other activities, and to spend more time with my mum who turned 91 this year. Every day with her is precious.

I want to thank everyone for their support in buying and enjoying my little gothic romance series - The Dantonville Legacy. It's meant so much to me. So, thank you. And starting January, I'll be back at my desk writing Terens's story, but he'll be going by his Roman name - Terentius. Look out for it next November.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, filled with joy, peace and love, and all the best for the new year.

Tima

What I’m reading, and a couple of FREE books

Posted on by Tima

Although it's been nine months since I published BloodWish, the final book in Alec and Laura's story - and released the complete box set of the series - it feels like only yesterday. As the old adage says, my how time flies. Still, it's given me a much needed break to get my thoughts together and plan my next step, which is, to write Terens's story then Jake's, and of course, Sam and Cal's. I'm already rubbing my hands in glee.

BUT ... and this is a big but, I'm taking some time off to read and reduce the towering pile of books currently leaning at a precarious angle on my bedside table. Not to mention my TBR collection on my ereader. I swear that kindle app will explode if I keep adding books without giving myself the time to read them.

So, what's the 1st book(s) off that bedside table pile? David Gibbins's Jack Howard series. I'm halfway through the 3rd book, The Last Gospel. His first two - Atlantis, and Crusader Gold - had me riveted; eyes glued to the page into the wee small hours of the morning. What can I say? Fabulous, and absolute page-turners. Like me, he's an archaeologist (underwater), so he knows his stuff, and can he spin a damn good yarn. If you're into Indiana Jones' style stories - but with real archaeology and all the techno-gizmo info and dialogue that goes with it - then David Gibbins's books are a must.
All I can say is, this guy must have a great time at the end of every dig/dive sitting at his laptop and belting out these adventures 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He's got about 12 books out in his Jack Howard series and I'll be reading each one of them. Looks like more late nights in store.

I really ought to write an archaeological adventure based on my own experiences one day.

Stay tuned.

Now, here are a couple of paranormal romance freebies for you to enjoy. Get them quick before they revert to full price again.

 

Is she his enemy …
… or salvation?

Only a soul mate can save him from turning rogue and setting humanity on fire.

When Saberthorn’s niece is murdered, his dragon cry of vengeance is heard far and wide. In days he’s eliminated all responsible, except one. The witch he seeks eludes him. Ten years later, on the verge of losing his humanity, a portal opens. The dragon in Saberthorn roars.

Could it really be her?

The hunt is on. But when he catches up to his amber-eyed enemy and she knocks him on his rear with a well placed fist, a deep craving awakens. Will Saber be able to follow through on his vow?

Hang on tight as you soar with sexy shifters because this powerful tale of love will leave you breathless.

GET IT HERE

 

Sol Eriksen is out of options, and nearly out of time.

Promised to a cruel king’s harem, Sol's freedom is doomed to end as summer turns to fall. When Sol meets a distractingly beautiful stranger who claims to be the legendary monster Fenris wolf, Sol thinks he must be a madman or a demon. She knows she shouldn’t listen to him. Or trust him.

And she should not, under any circumstances, kiss him again.

* * * *
Now available as a complete set for the first time, this epic polyamorous fantasy romance inspired by the Norse myth of Loki’s son Fenris spans five separate books.

GET IT HERE

 

Until next time, happy reading,

Tima

New project and free reads

Posted on by Tima

One of the fun things in beginning a new project is the research, and right now I'm delving deep into my own family history by writing my mum's memoir. She lived through an incredible time: World War Two and the Nazi occupation of her country (Czechoslovakia) and then the communist takeover that lasted for nearly 43 years.

My family had to flee their homeland to seek refuge in another country. They lost everything but at least they had their lives.

Those were hard times.

And the things I'm learning, which my mother had never spoken about before, are fascinating, especially about the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1938. I had no idea that the German soldiers were ordered to treat Czech citizens with respect. Having been part of the Austro-Hungarian empire for over 400 years, many Czechs had German relations (like mine) and visa-versa. One of my mother’s German cousins was conscripted into the army (Wermacht), and on his way to the Front managed to visit our family in Brno. They spent a whole night talking, trying to comfort him, as he was deeply distressed that he was being forced to fight. He hated Hitler, as did many of his fellow soldiers. But it was a choice between fighting for the Fatherland or being sent - with your entire family - to a concentration camp. Thankfully he survived the war and returned unharmed.

I hope to have the memoir completed by Christmas, although what I'm going to title it is still anyone's guess.

In other news:

If you're looking for some great reads this month, have a look at these.

 

Are you beach ready? For just .99 cents, you can fill your Kindle with romance reads until Christmas. Preorder the Sweetest Obsessions Boxed Set and get 16 FREE books for a limited time.

DON’T WAIT!

Sweetest Obsessions 

Sweetest Obsessions Boxset

 

Or, if you're into gargoyles, try Lisa Smeaton's new boxset Gargoyle Awakening. Currently at 99c.

A modern sorceress and her medieval gargoyle protector battle evil and their own forbidden love in this action-packed contemporary fantasy series.

SORCERESS AWAKENING
When Lillian finds herself facing off against other mythological impossibilities, help comes from an unlikely source—the stone gargoyle who has been sleeping in her garden for the last twelve years. In a heartbeat, her ordinary life becomes far more complicated, and if her overprotective, shape-shifting guardian is to be believed, there’s an evil demi-goddess just waiting for the chance to enslave them both.

SORCERESS RISING
Ignorance nearly killed Lillian once.
That time, she’d known nothing of magic until Gregory, her Gargoyle Protector, awoke from his stone sleep and saved her from demons escaped from the Magic Realm. They defeated the demonic Riven at great personal cost, one that forced them both to hibernate for months while they mended.
Healed, Lillian wakes to a world greatly changed.

SORCERESS HUNTING
Some victories feel more like defeat.
Lillian and Gregory may have defeated the demonic Riven, but human authorities are now aware that something equally as intelligent but far more deadly shares their world. To the Avatars’ dismay, this is not just a guns in the woods, boots on the ground kind of hunt. Scientists are spearheading this pursuit, and Lillian and Gregory are their intended targets.
If that wasn’t complication enough, Lillian’s little brother, Shadowlight, saves the life of a female soldier and now he must hide his pet human from the other fae for her own safety.
Corporal Anna Makenzie is no pet, but she’ll be the first to admit, she feels fiercely protective toward the lonely young gargoyle, and if anyone messes with the kid, she’ll go full metal bitch all over their ass.

GET IT HERE

Until next time, lovelies,

Happy Reading,

Tima

 

The Dantonville Legacy Box Set is LIVE!

Posted on by Tima
It's been an amazing week culminating in the publication of my first ever box set.

And here it is!

I absolutely love the cover, especially the silhouette of Alec and Laura on the side. And for those who, as yet, haven't read the series, I've numbered them in order so you know exactly where to start. Unfortunately, there wasn't room on the spine to add the word Prequel to Laura's Locket, and somehow a zero number - is zero a number? - doesn't look as good. So, as you can see, it's numberless.

Anyways, hours of reading pleasure await.

Plus, you're getting $25.95 of value at ONLY $9.95!

Bargain.

Also, quite a few people have bought the paperbacks. Thank you, lovelies ♥♥♥ To show my appreciation, I'm giving away these lovely hooked metal key rings. After all, what better way to mark your place in Dantonville than with one of these shiny, sparkly goodies: a fantasy key ring for a fantasy story.

I have six to giveaway. Just send me a pic of your paperback purchase receipt (in the comments section of this blog) and I'll post one off to you. And, if you've already purchased one, same thing: just add a pic of your receipt.

Easy peasy.

I made a couple for myself and they look gorgeous hanging down the sides of my current reads.

Other News

When not plotting and planning and outlining and writing my next book, I do tile painting. I use a combination of painting and decoupage, then give it at least 20 coats of varnish to seal it all and create a hardy finish. It's my down-time, my way to relax and let my thoughts wander ... usually while listening to music or watching an old murder mystery on TV.  It's a great way to be creative without straining to meet a deadline or worry about troublesome fictional characters. Not that my characters are a problem. They always tell me exactly what they want to do and I comply!

If you'd like to share what you do to relax, let me know in the comments section.

 

As you know I like to share the work of fellow authors.

Check out M A Jewell's new release: Jungle Salvation

Dragged back into the human world by well-meaning friends, jaguar shifter Matteo D’Cruz realizes he’s been in cat form for over seventy years. With another transformation, he could lose his tenuous hold on his humanity. There’s no salvation for a feral shifter, only execution. Damaged by grief and guilt, he’s not sure he cares. However, when he discovers an unmated female shifter, he can’t resist her scintillating allure or his instinct to protect her at all costs.

Carefree Dakota Gorman travels to Brazil to rescue her sister. Determined to expose the drug lords who have manipulated her sibling into a hurried wedding, she’s certain the baffling hottie Matteo is one of them. After Dakota’s sister turns into a giant jaguar before her eyes, she must confront a new reality, one including hidden family traits.

Matteo helps her trigger her first exhilarating metamorphosis into a jaguar, leaving no doubt about her genetics, but her joy is cut short. A blackmailer sends Matteo a video of her transformation, demanding DNA samples. The extortionist threatens to post the recording to the internet and expose the shifters to the world. Dredging up courage she didn’t know she had, Dakota joins Matteo and the other jag shifters to save her family—and her new species—from scientific experimentation.

BUY IT HERE

That's all for now.

Until next time, happy reading,

Tima

BloodWish Paperback is NOW Available … and Much More.

Posted on by Tima

It's taken a while, but the paperback copy of BloodWish is finally available on Amazon. I'm thrilled my readers can now download the print copy to either accompany their ebook or add to their print collection. My fabulous art designer, JC Clarke, did a fantastic job creating the beautiful cover. I can't stop looking at it. And my formatter (an amazing cover designer herself), the uber talented, Patti Roberts, designed the interior, including the symbolic sword graphic at the beginning of each chapter. Kudos to the one who rightly guesses who the sword refers to. You  might be surprised.

BUY IT HERE 

In other exciting news, I'll be releasing a box set of the entire Dantonville Legacy Series (including the prequel, Laura's Locket, as a bonus) later this month. There'll be over 2,600 pages of action-packed steamy romance to savour and devour. PLUS, it'll be selling for just $9.99! That's $25.95 worth of reading value for less than $10!

It's one heck of a bargain, wouldn't you agree?

Here's a sneak peek at the cover -

As soon as it's published, you will be the first to know. Perhaps I may even do a little giveaway to celebrate. I have so many beads, baubles and shiny lovelies left over from my jewellery making days (another hobby of mine) that I'm tempted to make a few goodies, like a one-off set of key rings, pendants and bookmarks that, in colour and design, reflect the themes in the books.

I'll keep you posted.

In the meanwhile, have a look at the latest new release by MA Jewell - Jungle Rapture. For those of you who enjoy a good shifter romance, click on the link below.

**Whet your appetite for Book II’s release on March 15th**

For a limited time only, JUNGLE RAPTURE, the jaguar queens book i is on sale for $0.99 at all major booksellers. 

Jungle Rapture

An advocate for endangered species,  Kelsi Gorman travels to the Brazilian Amazon to investigate rumors of a mysterious black jaguar the size of a saber-toothed tiger. Instead, the enormous cat finds her knee-deep in mud, blood, and smugglers.

Jaime Salazar, one of a few surviving all-male jaguar shifters, encounters a scent he'd never thought to find –female jag shifter. Jag queens exist only in the elders' stories, but someone's staked out a she-cat like poacher’s bait.

In a fit of primal instinct, Jaime marks Kelsi as his mate. Now, no other female will arouse him. To avoid a long celibate life, he is forced to woo his reluctant mate to be. But first, he must keep her alive.

CLICK HERE

Until next time, happy reading,

Tima 

BloodWish is LIVE!

Posted on by Tima

It's nearly Christmas, and I just managed to complete BloodWish, the last book in the series. Yay! I'm so thrilled to finally release it, yet also a little sad at having to say goodbye to Alec and Laura. Their story was amazing to write, as well as so much fun.

I hope you enjoy reading BloodWish as much as I enjoyed writing it.

It's available at all digital retail outlets (links below), but the paperback won't be available until sometime early in the new year. I need to recoup some of my energy before I tackle that hurdle.

Amazon Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble and Kobo

Now I have in mind to write Jake's story. I had originally planned to start with Terens, but it seems Jake is pretty adamant I tell his first. So, there it is. If all goes well, I hope to release his book this time next year. And I think it will be entitled, "Justinius." I love the old Roman names. Plus, there are too many books already published with the name Jake.

In the meanwhile, I'm elbows deep in Christmas baking. My kitchen wafts with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies and biscuits, while Christmas carols play in the background. The tree is up and decorating one end of my living room, while festive lights and ornaments twinkle at the other end.

I love this time of the year.

Afterwards, I'm simply going to relax by sitting and reading. I have a massive backlog of books on my kindle. It's going to be fun choosing from the three-hundred-or-so list of books on there.

I wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year.

And if you're after some reading material for the holidays - apart from my book series, of course - check out the selection below.

A passionate one night stand sparks a struggle between two worlds. A young Irish priest meets his match in the spirited woman he’s sent to tame. And the Norse trickster Loki finds more than he bargained for when he partners with Thor to retrieve the Thunderer’s lost hammer.

Sensual and poetic, this spellbinding collection of erotic stories from Samantha MacLeod transports you to a world where gods walk among mortals, the long-dead return to embrace the living, and the fires of passion burn bright enough to transform even the immortals.

Samantha Mc Leod's book is now up for pre-order at only $2.99

Go get it - Amazon

 

Best Friends to Lovers Romance

Elton.

I could summarize him in three words: My Best Friend
He was the stereotypical nice guy and a great support system.
The only problem was, that's not what women wanted. Including me.

I came up with this great idea to give him an identity overhaul, a makeover really.
I liked to call it the school for potential boyfriends,
A transition into being the kind of guy women wanted.

There also was one other problem.
I didn't know that the changes he made because of me would work so well.
I didn't know that I wouldn't like the sudden female attention they had for him.
I didn't know I'd like his "bad boy" image too much.

This wasn't part of the plan.
I couldn't stop thinking about him.
I didn't want to admit I was attracted to him.
I had to have him and I couldn't stop feeling that way.

Question is:  Did he feel the same way?

AUTHOR NOTE: This is a best friends to lovers romance. It has some adult scenes and language and thus you need to be 18+ to buy and read this book. Don't worry it ends in HEA.

Get it here: Amazon 

 

"Epic read for all lovers of fantasy." ★★★★★

"Spellbindingly brilliant YA fantasy for all ages." ★★★★★

"Luscious, rich, powerhouse read." ★★★★★

When fate brings the young Prince Ryzyn and the rover girl Gem together, not only do their lives become forever entwined, their meeting also ignites the power within an ancient object—the Heart of Cyan.

With the mystical Heart discovered, the wielder must prepare for an epic battle against a vicious, pervasive darkness that threatens all of Parlethis. Magical forces unite for the good of the land, but will that be enough to stop the Shadowland creatures from destroying them all?

Join the incredible journey full of magical beings, terrifying and majestic creatures, and the two young hearts destined to save a kingdom.

Be Swift ~ Be True

Eve of the Exceptionals is a YA Epic Adventure, HEA Romance full of swords, sorcery, archery, magic, monsters, witches, & danger for lovers of His Dark Materials series, Harry Potter, Stardust, The Princess Bride, & The Shannara series.

Get it here: Amazon 

You can also find more information about Parker Sinclair's books on her Amazon author page and on her website

 

Devastated by her cheating fiancé, surgery nurse Poochie Thibodeaux returns to her not-so-well-loved hometown and runs headlong into her high-school love. Guarding her soul against new wounds, she resists his seductive charm—with limited success.

Horse trainer Jack Holland, Jr. wagers all—his business and his heart—for a second chance with Poochie, the woman he never got over. Just when he hopes for their future, a vicious betrayal costs him his livelihood and, worse, makes him the prime suspect in a criminal investigation.

Jaded by infidelity and betrayal, can Poochie and Jack forgive based on trust alone?

This book is available on Book Funnel

Until the next time,

Happy reading and Merry Christmas

Tima

BloodWish is Coming – Only Nine Days To Go

Posted on by Tima

Finally, after three years, I've finished writing BloodWish, the 4th and final installment of my Dantonville Legacy Series. It's currently with my editor and after that it'll go to my beta readers who'll check for any errors and typos before the publication date, December 19th.

That's only nine days away!

It's been a labour of love besides being a huge book to write, at around 100K words. But Alec and Laura's story was always meant to be an epic, and it will be hard saying goodbye to them, and the rest of my characters. But, alas, everything must end. Although, saying that, both Alec and Laura will make guest appearances in further books I've planned on the other major characters in the series, namely, Terens, Jake, Cal and Sam. Each of them has their own story to tell. So, stay tuned.

Other News

My books are no longer exclusive to Amazon. Yes, I've made the move to other platforms, so those who prefer to shop at iBooks, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or Tolino, Scribd etc can now purchase my books from these sites too. Links are below.

https://www.books2read.com/u/mVBkOA  - All other retailers (iBooks, B&N)

https://www.kobo.com/au/en/search?query=BloodGifted - Kobo

http://mybook.to/BloodGifted - Amazon

 

If you're after some great holiday reading, why not check out some of these fabulous reads.

 


Welcome Back to the World of The Grid.
Where heroic bad-asses looking for a second chance fight a war among us in the shadows.

Marcus De Monte was born in Hell, both literally and figuratively. Birthed by a demon, sired by a human and considered a failure from the moment he took his first breath. Nothing more than fuel for the Hell fires. Allowed to live by Lucifer himself, he became determined to reach the top of the food chain by becoming an elite assassin in the Dark Lord’s army.
After reaching that bloody, hard-won goal he chose a path not ordered by Hell—one leading to love. But that love became doomed the moment it bloomed. Fueled by rage of its loss, his payment was the shameful duty of bodyguard to the Keeper of Madness – Reno Sundown and his family. But denied destiny has fatal consequences. The one chance Marcus had of being reunited with the one he loved vaporized.

But destiny has a way of masking itself until its time, and Marcus is no exception. Will the newest Keeper find his heartbeat, even when it beats quietly from the past?

Or has Hell played the ultimate trick on Marcus… and the past to burn love to ash once more?
And the dark power of Murder has a new host, and it has its own scores to settle.

BUY HERE - AMAZON

 

They took her memories. Now she’s their pawn. To find out who stole her past, she must play their game-- but if she fails, she won't make it out alive.

The court is divided, and Maea is caught in the center. Although few know about her gift, her power to see the future makes her a valuable asset. When her vision saves a foreign princess, it exposes her power to the court.

Now everyone wants her for their own, and two men vie for her attention. Mysterious courtier Johai might know about her missing memories, and how she lost them, while charming prince Adair is a notorious rogue whom may have hidden motives of his own. They will both do anything to get her on their side.

Drawn into a web of courtly intrigue, Maea discovers ties to her forgotten past and uncovers dangerous secrets that threaten the kingdom, and her life. With no one to trust, she's caught in a game of head versus heart and must pick a side. But if she chooses the wrong one, she'll lose her head.

If you loved the courtly intrigue and romance of Kushiel’s Dart and Throne of Glass, you’ll love Nicolette Andrews’s Diviner’s Prophecy.

A story of love, magic, and betrayal that readers say left them guessing until the end. Get the first book in this addictive romantic fantasy series today!

BUY LINK - AMAZON

 

She will become his submissive and his wife...
- A marriage arranged to seal a treaty
-An innocent bride with deep, unspoken desires
- A powerful warrior who holds tight to the ancient laws of honor
In a world alive with magic, Georg reigns supreme. He is a prince by blood and a general by skill and commitment. Alina is the unloved half-sister of a petulant, selfish emperor. Her hard early years have molded her into a woman of great self-control, but more than anything she wants to be overwhelmed by a powerful man who loves her. Can Georg earn her submission?

When his beloved collared bride is in danger will Georg find the strength to save them both? Return to the world of the Snowforce...

Publisher's Note: Her Gilded Dragon is a standalone shifter romance with domestic discipline scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

BUY HERE - AMAZON

 

Some wish for gifts for Christmas, Kenzi merely wishes to be spanked, tempted and teased this holiday season.

Life hadn’t been the same for Mackenzie after losing her best friend and Dom. And any sense of holiday spirit she may have had fizzled away with that loss. Knowing only grief, and sadness her friends began calling her the Grinch and scrooge. She couldn’t muster to get into the Christmas spirit and nor did she want too, but when her local mall posts a job listing for an elf to assist Santa, she knows it may be just be exactly what she needs.

The moment she meets the mall Santa, Damon, sparks fly and bottoms redden. He’s sexy, stern, and ignites a fire deep inside her belly, and it helps that he looks nothing like the Santa from her childhood. And suddenly wishes aren’t the only thing being done on Santa’s lap. Kenzi knows he won’t let her remain in such a sour mood, and instead he vows to show her the real meaning of Christmas.

But of course, somethings are too good to be true, leaving Kenzi to wonder when her needs become too much will she find a new Dom during the most magical time of the year, or is she doomed to hate Christmas forever?

Scroll up and one click this magical holiday sizzling romance today!

BUY HERE - AMAZON

 

Betrothed to the King of Oran, Soriana must undergo a year of training to learn all that’s expected of her before the wedding, but when the king’s second in command, an unreachable man marred by scars, takes over her training, she’s finally rocked by the passion necessary to fulfill her new role as queen. Unable to keep her heart from the man she cannot have, but with the possibility of finally being able to change the lives of her people, and her childhood rival doing all she can to usurp her position, Soriana must decide if she’s strong enough to give up the love she never hoped to find to become the woman her people so desperately need.

BUY LINK - AMAZON

 

Before Roger, the engagement ring and a new lease on life,
I was still Margaret Kellerman
and Liam...well he was still my best friend.

Back then, I had only one goal,
make Liam Collins H-O-T!
Well not too much, I didn't want anyone to know,
how amazing he was.

I always said he could use a little work,
so he wouldn't get picked on as much.
Not that he cared either way,
he wasn't one to give into popularity contests.

All he needed was the right look,
a new haircut, wardrobe and he even learned to
stop saying those corny one liners
and having soap box rants.

There's just one thing...

IT COMPLETELY BACKFIRED.

I didn't think he was going to be that hot...without my help.
After the makeover, the unwanted attention
laughter turning into tears and hope became let downs,
I used to think he was my best friend
and because of Liam, I don't anymore.

AUTHOR NOTE: This is different from the ULTRA SPICY contemporary romances I generally write. If I would to label it, I would probably say it's a mesh of Chic Lit, Romantic Comedy and on the tame end of contemporary romance.

I still recommend you be 18+ to read this book

BUY LINK - AMAZON

 

And finally, if I've whetted your appetite with a fabulous lineup of books, here's a little bit more - M.A. Jewell's, Precious Gems Newsletter, filled to the brim with more goodies for your reading pleasure.

Precious Gems Special Freebies

 

Until next time, happy reading,

Tima

News and Spring Update

Posted on by Tima

Hi everyone,

It's September here in  Sydney (Australia) and it's Spring. I love Spring. All the flowers are out and my garden is bursting with fresh new blooms. I have an enclosed back verandah/conservatory, which I call my sunroom with wall to wall windows that open directly onto the garden. My desk is right beneath one of them, so when open, the breeze wafts the delicious scent of flowers right to me ... and then I sneeze and sneeze and sneeze!

But hey, I still love Spring.

 

Book News

Firstly - BloodWish should be released this Christmas! I know it's taken a long time to get this final book in this series out, but it's been a trying two years, and as always, family comes first. So, I'm thrilled to be near the end. It's been such a great series to write. 

Also, I love that moment when the image on a book cover is explained. For BloodWish, there's a picture of Laura wearing a stunning garnet and gold headdress/tiara type thing. It's just gorgeous. First moment I saw the cover model with it on, I knew exactly why she was wearing it. And ... I just finished writing that chapter. 

I love it when things come together 

Secondly - From October, I'll be removing my books from Kindle Unlimited and selling them on all other retail sites. So those of you who prefer to buy elsewhere than Amazon, you'll now be able to purchase them on Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo ... etc, too.

I'm so excited about that.

BloodPledge and BloodVault needs reviews, so ... 

If you feel so inclined, here are some easy links to leave one:

Review BloodPledge on Amazon  US http://amzn.to/1XdOrRU

Review BloodVault on Amazon US http://amzn.to/1MRn8fD 

So, until next time,

Happy reading

 

 

 

BloodWish Update

Posted on by Tima

I apologise to my wonderful and extremely patient readers for my delay in releasing BloodWish. As many of you know, I am a full time carer for my mum, who's recently undergone a series of operations - several heart procedures and a double hip replacement. That has taken a toll on my writing time.

But, when I look at the bigger picture, my mum is more important to me than completing a piece of fiction, for I only have a limited time with her.

A book can be written anytime, and it lasts forever.

Yet, saying that, BloodWish will definitely be completed THIS year. I'm more than three-quarters of the way through. And since I write all my own books - every word, line, paragraph and page - I take care to produce the best possible story and reading experience for my readers, and which is why I never rush them.
My readers are too dear to me to give them anything less than my best.
So, please hang in there and be patient with me just a little while longer  

 

Why is everyone on the road an idiot except for me?

Posted on by Tima

Now, I may not be prefect, but I try to stick to the road rules. After all, they're there for the safety of everyone, right? Well, it seems that for some, that's open to interpretation.

Take the young P-plater, for instance. Just got his license having passed both his practical and written test and no longer needs mum or dad sitting beside him, teaching him how to negotiate the tricky business of driving a vehicle on our already crowded roads. Suddenly he's free to take the car out on his own - no parents (aka translate, no moderating influence). Instead he's joined by three to five of his mates - all P-platers themselves. The car is now filled to capacity with adolescent raging hormones!

The only advance warning you get of the teen aged-laden car headed in your direction is the disappearance of the local bird life. They go into hiding. Then everything around you begins to vibrate as the first shock wave hits. You clutch the steering wheel, but it's not an earthquake. It's the steady, pulsing rhythm of loud drumbeats. You glance around and there they are, pulled up alongside, four to five hooded heads bobbing in unison, to whatever it is blaring from their loudspeakers.

And the car itself is a teenage boys fantasy - sleek, shiny and black with wings attached; to make it go faster, presumably, although how much faster you can go in a sixty zone is beyond me. And oh yes, it has double-exhaust pipes the size of the cross-city tunnel! This baby doesn't just hum, it growls.

The hooded kid at the wheel looks over at me and revs the engine. He's got to be kidding! Now, I drive a little red Toyota Yaris. A lawn mower has a bigger engine. I guess he thinks he can't lose. I smile. It's not everyday a woman like myself gets challenged by a hormone.

If the kid hadn't been so excited by the prospect of his beating me to the next red light -a whole hundred meters away - he would've noticed the stern face of the cop sitting in the police car right behind him.

Ah! The little unexpected pleasures in life.

The light just turns green and they thunder off, both exhaust pipes smoking. The police siren starts up and they're pulled over barely fifty meters ahead. I drive past and resist the urge to wave. I get enough pleasure envisioning the scene when their parents have to bail them out of jail.

Thankfully, not all teens are like that. Many are excellent drivers who put to shame some older, more experienced ones.

But, that's another story. I'll keep it for the next blog.