#ParanormalRomance #CoverReveal! Eva’s Homecoming
Hi Everyone!
Summer is here and so are my Heartland fairies!
I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of Eva’s Homecoming, the first story in my Heartland Fae series. Bookstore purchase links coming soon, but in the meantime, here’s the cover journey for this little tale…
Eva and Angus’s love story made its first public appearance last summer in the romance anthology, “Flip The Trope: Romance Gone Wild,” edited by USA Today best-selling author Virginia Nelson. Virginia not only edited every story in the collection, but also created the fun cover. Bright pink! So eye-catching!
The anthology was a short-term publication, meaning my individual story would need a cover of its own. While the anthology was available, a separate cover for Eva’s Homecoming was created by the fabulous author and artist Rebekah Ganiere (VWZDesigns). The couple has amazing hair (love the flowing red hair so much!) and a sexy vibe. Rebekah made the series logo, too. In short, I love it!
Then, I started writing the second story in the series. During the writing process, I decided I’d like the series covers to focus solely on my strong alpha heroines. My stories are character-driven, and the women in the Heartland are smart, strong, and sassy. They deserved to take center stage.
With this new direction in mind, the multi-talented author and artist Brantwijn Serrah created the final, female-focused cover you see below. We do regular edit-for-art trades, which means you’ve seen her work gracing the covers of my Cupid Dating Agency series, as well. I hope you love this new cover as much as I do!
As you can see, Virginia, Rebekah, and Brantwijn are incredible artists. Be sure to visit their websites to view more of their cover eye candy and to learn more about the stories they write.
Happy reading and happy viewing!
xo,
Celia
Jasmine Moon: Interview & Playlist
Hello Dear Readers,
Last but not least in the Black Hills Wolves Interview & Playlist posts, here’s Jasmine Moon, the third standalone story of my wolf shifter trio for the Black Hills Wolves multi-author series. Listen to the story’s playlist while you enjoy the chat with workaholic lovebirds Mina and Evan.
xoxo,
Celia
Jasmine Moon – YouTube Playlist
Music is an integral part of the writing process for me. It sets the creative mood for whatever story I’m working on and often inspires my Muse in interesting and sometimes unexpected ways. Here’s the soundtrack for Jasmine Moon, a high-heat paranormal romance starring Evan and Mina. Happy listening!
- “At This Moment” by Billy Vera & The Beaters
- “Adia” by Sara McLachlan
- “All Of Me” by John Legend
- “Say You Love Me” by Jessie Ware
- “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding
- “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
- “Kiss Me” by Ed Sheeran
- “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran
- “Locked Away” by R. City, Featuring Adam Levine
- “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd
- “Same Old Love” by Selena Gomez
- “House on Fire” by Sia
- “The Fight” by Sia
- “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX
- “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League
- “Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran
- “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails (NIN)
- “House Record” (Original mix) by Steve Lawler
- “Can’t Stop” (Original mix) by Steve Lawler
- “Steve Lawler” (Livio & Roby’s Black Sea Coast mix) by Steve Lawler
- “All Is My Love” by Miranda Wong
- “Fantasy-Impromptu in C Sharp Minor, Op. 66” by Frederic Chopin, played by Piotr Paleczny
- “Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2; ‘Moonlight Sonata’” by Beethoven, played by Stephen Kovacevich
Jasmine Moon is the forty-ninth book in the Black Hills Wolves line, a multi-author, shared world series from Decadent Publishing, full of sexy wolf shifters. Each book in the series is a unique, stand-alone read. This means you can dive in and read the stories in any order you want, such as right here! My three “Moon” stories (Diamond Moon, Under A Mating Moon, Jasmine Moon) star the Luparell siblings and their love-interests. Happy reading!
Want more music? Check out the soundtracks for the other 2 Moon stories:
Diamond Moon | Under A Mating Moon
Jasmine Moon Character Interview: Evan & Mina
Celia: Hi Everyone, thanks for stopping by the blog today! I’m here with Evan and Mina from Jasmine Moon. I’ll let them introduce themselves…
Mina: Hi, I’m Jasmine, but everyone calls me Mina. Except for Mom. I’m forever a flower to her. *laughs*
Evan: Mina suits you. You’re fierce. Hi, I’m Evan, also known as the eldest Luparell sibling.
Celia: And you’re both workaholics. *They nod* Please describe yourself for our readers.
Mina: I’m a redhead. I’ve been told I’m a bit snarky like my pal Lexi.
Evan: You forgot to mention freckles. Love your freckles. As for me, I’m tall like the rest of my family, with short brown hair, and brown eyes.
Mina: Whiskey brown eyes, you doofus. So golden. And he’s gorgeous.
Evan: If you say so.
Celia: *grins* You’re a totally cute couple. Where are you from originally and where are you living now?
Mina: I’m from Southern California. Ventura. I’m in Los Lobos for the wedding. I designed the bride’s dress.
Evan: I was born and raised in Indiana. My work is there as well. I’m also in Los Lobos for the wedding.
Celia: It’s going to be a great time, I’m sure. Let’s play a short round of this or that. Breakfast: eat it or skip it?
Mina: Eat it. I love breakfast food. Especially donuts.
Evan: Eat it, but bacon, eggs, and sausage. Shifters need protein.
Celia: Beer or wine? Coffee or tea?
Evan: Whiskey. And coffee. Sometimes together. Midwest winters are brutal.
Mina: Yesssssss! Irish Coffee is the best on a snowy night in front of a fireplace.
Celia: Sounds lovely. Next up: Mountains or Beach? Snow or rain?
Evan: Mountains and snow.
Mina: Ha! Beach and rain, but I have to say the Black Hills are awesome could someday possibly feel like home…
Celia: Last this or that: Commitment or fling?
Mina: Ohhhhh, you went there. Well, I might have said fling, once upon a time, but then I met this guy. *points at Evan and winks*
Evan: Same. I thought I didn’t have time for a committed relationship, but then I ran into this spirited redhead at an airport…
Celia: We’ll leave it right there. Thanks to you both for chatting with us today, and thanks again, dear blog visitors, for checking out Diamond Moon, Under A Mating Moon, and Jasmine Moon!
Under A Mating Moon: Interview & Playlist
Hello Dear Readers,
My Black Hills Wolves tour has ended. Here are some bonus materials for Under A Mating Moon, the second standalone story in my set of three for the Black Hills Wolves multi-author series. Please enjoy the story’s playlist as well as a chat with Lexi and Jake, the lovebirds of the story.
xoxo,
Celia
Under A Mating Moon – YouTube Playlist
Music is a big part of my daily life: my daughter sings, I play the piano, my husband works on electronic music tracks, and we all listen to our favorite artists du jour. Music inspires and motivates us, and it’s an essential part of my writing process. Here’s the soundtrack for Under A Mating Moon, a high-heat paranormal romance starring Jake and Lexi.
* “Apologize” – OneRepublic
* “Say Something” – Great Big World
* “I Threw It All Away” – Saint Etienne
* “Let Her Go” – Passenger
* “Easy” (Switch Screens) – Son Lux featuring Lorde
* “Sail” (Unlimited Gravity Remix) – AWOLNATION
* “Kino-l Mix” – Ani, Lee Douglas
* “Hear Them Calling” (Chemical Burn Mix) – Single Cell Orchestra
* “Talatone” – Blawan
* “When I Was Your Man” – Bruno Mars
* “Tenerife Sea” – Ed Sheeran
* “Complex Chemistry” (Carl A. Finlow Remix) – The Pretension All-Stars
* “Storm the CPU” – Bass Kittens, Volum
* “Robotique” – Bass Kittens
* “I’m OK With That” – Justin Maxwell
* “Get Me” – Justin Maxwell
* “Synchronize” – Justin Maxwell
* “Bad Habit” – Justin Maxwell
* “That’s What I Like – Original Mix” – Mark Pistel, Jack Dangers
* “Planet Shock Future Rock” – Buck Funk 3000
* “Innocence” (Original Mix) – Nero
* “You Can’t Stop” (Paul Johnson Remix) – Auto Repeat
* “To The Beat” – Matt Whitehead
* “Stay Up” – Evil Nine, El-P
* “Kintamani” (Hanoman’s Forest Mix) – Transglobal Underground
* “Piano Sonata 1. Allegro Non Troppo” – John Ireland, Malcolm Binns
Under A Mating Moon is the twenty-seventh book in the Black Hills Wolves line, a multi-author, shared world series from Decadent Publishing, full of sexy wolf shifters. Each book in the series is a unique, stand-alone read. This means you can dive in and read the stories in any order you want, such as right here! My three “Moon” stories (Diamond Moon, Under A Mating Moon, Jasmine Moon) star the Luparell siblings and their love-interests. Happy reading!
Want more music? Check out the soundtracks for the other 2 Moon stories:
Diamond Moon | Jasmine Moon
Diamond Moon Character Interview: Lexi & Jake
Under A Mating Moon Character Interview: Jake & Lexi
By Celia Breslin
Celia: Hi Everyone, thanks for visiting the tour! I’m here today with Jake and Lexi from Diamond Moon. I’ll let them introduce themselves…
Jake: Hi, I’m Jacob Marsden, but my friends and family call me “Jake.” My fans know me as DJ Lone Wolf.
Lexi: And I’m Alexina Luparell. Call me Lexi. Everyone does.
Celia: Please describe yourself for the readers? What is your hair color? Eye color?
Jake: Sandy blond, I suppose. Blue eyes.
Lexi: He’s so modest. Sexy, sky-blue eyes. As for me, I have light brown hair and amber brown eyes. Jake says they’re the color of whiskey.
Celia: And where were you born? Where is home, currently?
Jake: I was born in Bath, England. My family relocated to Indiana where I was raised until I was fourteen. Then we moved to Coventry, England, where my father is the Alpha of the local pack. I have an apartment in London, but I’m currently on tour in the U.S., so I suppose you could say I’m living on the road…and, I’ve stopped in Los Lobos, South Dakota for a brief break. I have family there.
Lexi: I was born in Los Lobos but raised in Indiana, right alongside this doofus here. *nudges Jake* I currently live in Southern California. I’m in Los Lobos right now to help my brother plan his wedding.
Celia: What a nice sister you are! Speaking of family, who are you closest to?
Jake: My sister Jade, though we don’t see each other that often due to my travels. When I was a kid, I spent most of my time with her and her best friend. *points at Lexi*
Lexi: *waves* Yep, that would be me, the best friend. I’m closest to my brother Ross, and to Jake’s sister Jade.
Celia: Great! Let’s get deep: what or who is the greatest love of your life?
Jake: The “who” is Lexi. I’ve known she was my mate since we were kids. She, on the other hand, refused to believe me back then. The “what” is music. I love composing in many genres, including modern classical, contemporary jazz, and electronic, particularly electro and techno. *smiles* Yes, I’m aware of how unusual that is.
Lexi: Aw, isn’t he sweet? And crazy talented? My “what” is art. I’m really into studying the human form. And I design avatars for video games. It’s a fun gig.
Celia: What is the quality you most like in a person?
Jake: Compassion and intelligence.
Lexi: There’s nothing sexier than a guy with brains… *ogles Jake* …And tattoos and piercings.
Celia: What do you most value in a friendship?
Jake: Loyalty.
Lexi: Ditto on that. Unconditional acceptance is good, too.
Celia: Unconditional love and acceptance sounds good to me, too! Last question for today: which word or phrase do you tend to use too much?
Jake: *chuckles* Lexi would tell you I call her “Sunflower” too often. But I know she secretly loves it.
Lexi: Busted! And since we’re going for pet names here, I’d say, “J-Bird.” *smirks* I intend to continue overusing it, too.
Celia: Thanks for chatting today, Jake and Lexi!
Diamond Moon: Character Interview & Playlist
Hi Everyone!
As promised, here’s the first of three posts with bonus materials for my Black Hills Wolves. The tour has four more days left, so be sure to visit the landing page at Silver Dagger Tours to enter the giveaway and read excerpts.
xoxo,
Celia
Diamond Moon – YouTube Playlist
Music is an essential part of my writing process. Here’s the soundtrack for Diamond Moon, my high-heat, paranormal romance starring Ross and Darci. Enjoy!
* “Divide” – Birthday Massacre
* “Red Stars” – Birthday Massacre
* “Pale” – Birthday Massacre
* “Midnight” – Birthday Massacre
* “Shooting Arrows at the Sky” – Birthday Massacre
* “You’re Here” – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
* “Infiltrator” – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
* “Is Your Love Strong Enough” – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (feat. How To Destroy Angels)
* “Disparate Youth” – Santigold
* “Say Something” – A Great Big World
* “You’ll Be Okay” – A Great Big World
* “One More Night” – Maroon 5
* “This Love” – Maroon 5
* “Love Somebody” – Maroon 5
* “Secret” – Maroon 5
* “Just The Way You Are” – Bruno Mars
* “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
* “It Will Rain” – Bruno Mars
* “Photograph” – Ed Sheeran
* “Bloodstream” – Ed Sheeran
* “I See Fire” – Ed Sheeran
* “Kiss Me” – Ed Sheeran
* “All of Me” – John Legend
* “Pearls” – Sade
* “If I Ain’t Got You” – Alicia Keyes
* “Fallin’” – Alicia Keyes
* “Small Town Moon” – Regina Spektor
* “L’Amour Looks Something Like You” – Kate Bush
* “Oh To Be In Love” – Kate Bush
* “Feel It” – Kate Bush
Diamond Moon is the twelfth book in the Black Hills Wolves line, a multi-author, shared world series from Decadent Publishing, full of sexy wolf shifters. Each book in the series is a unique, stand-alone read. This means you can dive in and read the stories in any order you want, such as right here! My three “Moon” stories (Diamond Moon, Under A Mating Moon, Jasmine Moon) star the Luparell siblings and their love-interests. Happy reading!
Want more music? Check out the soundtracks for the other 2 Moon stories:
Under A Mating Moon | Jasmine Moon
Diamond Moon Character Interview: Ross & Darci
Hi Everyone! I’m here today with Ross and Darci from Diamond Moon. I’ll let them introduce themselves…
Darci: “Hi, I’m Darci Diamond. When I was little, my dad used to call me DeeDee. Ross calls me Moonbeam. He says my pale skin reminds him of moonlight.
Ross: *levels a heated stare at Darci* Indeed it does, baby. Ross Luparell here. No nickname. Well, Darci calls me some interesting names when we’re intimate, but why don’t we let the readers learn that for themselves?
Celia: Fair enough. What is your hair color? Eye color?
Darci: “My hair is black and short and a bit curly on the ends, styled in a pixie cut. I have green eyes, like my dad.”
Ross: I have brown hair with a lot of red in it. Shoulder length with some layers. My eyes are brown. Darci likens them to milk chocolate.”
Celia: I’d have to agree with Darci on that one. How old are you both? And what’s your occupation?
Darci: “I’m 25 and fresh out of grad school, with a degree in Computer Science.”
Ross: “I love a girl with brains. I’m 29. I own a software company, though I’m currently overseeing some construction projects in Los Lobos. Building homes for the pack members who need them.”
Darci: “He’s being modest. He’s a freaking computer genius. And those homes? They’re gorgeous, and he’s paying for all of them.”
Celia: Ross is awesome! So, where were you both born and where is home for you now?
Darci: “I was born and raised in Ashland, Oregon. I came to Los Lobos to get some help with my…well, I suppose that’s another thing for our readers to discover on their own.”
Ross: *nods* “That’s right, Moonbeam. I was born and raised in Southern Indiana. Used to run with the wolf packs in Hoosier National Forest. I returned to Los Lobos to help families in need and to make a home here with the Tao pack. My parents were Tao pack members when the former pack leader Magnus still lived.”
Celia: Speaking of homes, let’s get silly… Tell us what’s in your fridge, on the bedroom floor or nightstand, or even in your garbage can?
Darci: *laughs* “This should be fun… Okay, fridge first. The one back in Ashland, Oregon. I lived with my human aunt and she’s vegan, so basically vegetables and fruit. She stocked local, organic milk, eggs and cheese for me since she figured my wolf side would need some protein. Yep, it’s true—I’m a vegetarian shifter. I’ve never eaten meat in my life. As to your other questions…In our home in Los Lobos, nothing but the rug on our bedroom floor and some cat toys. Garbage can is empty. Computer tablet on my nightstand. I like to play video games before I sleep.”
Ross: “I’m a carnivore.” *arches a brow at Darci* “As a wolf should be. You’ll find red meat, coffee, cheese, and beer in my fridge. Plus, veggies and fruit for Darci. In the bedroom, I have books on the nightstand too. Nothing in the bedroom wastebasket. My cat likes to push it over and attack any contents I’m foolish enough to leave in there. Don’t get me started about the ton of tissue he shredded the other day. What a mess…
Celia: Aw, your kitty sounds entertaining. So, in terms of loved ones, who are the people you are closest to?
Darci: “My aunt. She raised me after my parents died. I was six when they…”
Ross: *squeezes Darci’s hand* Family is everything to me. My parents live in Indiana. I also have a brother and sister. Evan and Lexi. Haven’t seen them in a while. Hope to rectify that soon.
Celia: You will indeed see them soon. Last question for today: do you have a catch-phrase or some word you overuse?
Darci: *grins* “Well, I have no idea what I say, but Ross definitely goes overboard with the whole Moonbeam deal.”
Ross: “It’s true, Moonbeam.” *shoots her a smoldering stare* That’s not likely to change. Ever.”
Celia: Thanks for chatting today, Ross and Darci! And thanks again, dear blog visitors, for checking out the tour for Diamond Moon, Under A Mating Moon, and Jasmine Moon!
Spring #PNR Tour & #Giveaway: #BlackHillsWolves
Hi Everyone!
This month, I’m editing the second Heartland Fae story and finishing up the third story for The Cupid Dating Agency. While I’m busy in the editing/writing cave, I let my Black Hills Wolves out to play.
Visit the tour to read excerpts from all three books and enter the giveaway! I’ll post some bonus materials next week here on the blog, too.
Happy reading!
xo,
Celia
Celia’s Comic Review: The Me You Love In The Dark
Hello Dear Readers!
I’ve been away from the blog since the December 2021 holidays, but I’m back now! The winter months were spent in the editing/writing cave and now Spring 2022 is upon us. I’ll have some new paranormal romance reads for you soon. In the meantime, check out the two reviews of “The Me You Love In The Dark” I wrote for the fab I Smell Sheep Blog. The review of issue #1 includes some art you’ll want to check out. Then, read my thoughts on the on the whole series.
Happy reading!
xo,
Celia
An artist named Ro retreats from the grind of the city to an old house in a small town to find solace and inspiration without realizing the muse within is not what she expected…
Celia’s Reviews
Issue #1: I like a good ghost story, and this first issue of “The Me You Love in the Dark” sets me up to look forward to precisely that from the entire series. The opening hook is a classic thriller set-up: struggling artist Ro Meadows rents a haunted house, of course. Poor Ro doesn’t really believe in ghosts, but hey, if it exists, maybe it will help with her creative block. Or, maybe not…
Continue reading at I Smell Sheep!
TP (collects issues 1-5): Shortly after I reviewed the first comic in this series, the TP landed in my inbox, and I immediately sank back into the spooky story. What a pleasant surprise to learn the dark entity isn’t a “ghost” but rather some sort of ancient dark entity who takes on the role of muse for our artist. But he’s not simply there to assist her with creativity and inspiration…
Continue reading at I Smell Sheep!
More I Smell Sheep Comic Reviews by Celia |
Deck The Halls With #Books! @CeliaBreslin’s Jasmine Moon
Happy Holidays Dear Readers!
‘Tis the season for some merry merry, so I joined Bewitching Books Tours’ multi-author tour with one of my Black Hills Wolves stories: Jasmine Moon. Visit any of my tour stops this month to enjoy some Holiday-themed posts (cookie recipe and holiday viewing recs!), and be sure to enter my giveaway for a chance at a $20 Amazon US e-gift card!
xo,
Celia
p.s. Mark your calendars: Come to the live, multi-author Deck The Halls With Books Holiday Extravaganza Party on Facebook, Tuesday, December 14, for chitchat and chances at still more giveaways! I’ll be there 10 – 11 AM Pacific / 1 – 2 PM Eastern.
JASMINE MOON Tour Schedule
12/1 The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
12/1 Roxanne’s Realm
12/2 Jazzy Book Reviews
12/2 Sadie’s Spotlight
12/3 Sapphyria’s Books
12/6 JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder
12/7 Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
12/8 Westveil Publishing
12/9 The Book Junkie Reads
12/10 Supernatural Central
12/13 Lisa’s World of Books
12/14 Fangtastic Books
12/14 Midnight Musings with Bertena
12/15 Paranormalists
12/15 Booklover Sue
(12/16 – 12/21 I’ll be on winter break with the family as of 12/16. Be sure to check out the other authors on tour!)
2021 Deck The Halls With Books Multi-Author Giveaway
Multi-author prize pack, including a $20 USD AmazonUS e-gift card from me. 🙂
Enter the 2021 Bewitching Book Tours Deck The Halls With Books Rafflecopter giveaway.
Spooktacular Spotlight on #ParanormalRomance: Sea Mage by @louisabacio
Hi Everyone! Louisa Bacio is here today with her Haunted Halloween Spooktacular Bewitching Book Tour to share her recent PNR release: Sea Mage. Plus, she gives us great tips on what NOT to do while on the hunt for ghosts, as well as some spooky movie tips. Be sure to enter Louisa’s tour giveaway, too. Details below. Enjoy!
xo, Celia
Title: Sea Mage, Book 10
Series:The Nightshade Guild (multi-author series)
Author: Louisa Bacio
Publisher: Celtic Hearts Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: October 14, 2021
ASIN: B08L9RGGVS
# of pages: 120
Word count: 25K
Cover Artist: B Creative Designs
Take a SPLASH into a new paranormal romance.
Never stand down
Serena Moon treats life like a beach goer taking in the ocean’s tide. It’s all serene until you turn your back for a second, and an errant waves knocks you on your ass.
Know when you’re in over your head
When she’s entrusted with the safekeeping of the child elven queen, she enlists the help of mysterious — complete understatement— Peder, leader of the shifter sea dragons. Serena’s not sure what’s happening off the coast of SoCal but he’s got his own tricks.
It’s gotta be safe
It’ll take more than magic and mastery of the sea to take on the evil darkness determined to capture the world’s salvation. Serena and Peder must conquer unknown enemies and the complexity of love everlasting to save their hearts.
5 Things NOT to Do While Ghost Hunting
By Louisa Bacio
Yes, I’ve done it – actually hunted for ghosts. I have no idea why it’s a thing when ghosts usually come to me. I’ve done tours in California, Savannah, San Antonio, Texas, and New Orleans.
One hotspot that never fails to bring some spectral what-was-that moments is the Queen Mary in Long Beach. From slamming doors to words appearing on the mirror (yeah, I know it could have been the previous guest, but it’s still freaky) to that absolutely creepy empty pool below decks, the floating historical landmark is filled with potential for haunting.
So how about a what not to do while ghost hunting?
Here’s my list:
5) Wear Holy Water like eau de perfume, dabbed behind the ears. You are looking for ghosts, right? You don’t want to scare them away.
4) Sit in a darkened room, and inform the ghosts they’re allowed to “touch you” to let you know they’re there. (No joke! I went to an event with Amy from Ghost Hunters, and she actually called out this invitation!)
3) Invite the spectral inhabitants to travel home with you. My advice: Let them haunt wherever they currently live. Instead, I thank them for their presence, and actual say they are not welcomed to come with me.
2) Wear high heels. (Come on, we’ve all seen the horror movie. Sensible shoes, only, please!)
1) Duck under the sheets in a historical house. Probably frowned upon, and I expect the living will ask you to leave.
Got any more tips?
5 Scary Movies for the Not-So-Scary Watcher
By Louisa Bacio
Let me tell you a secret: Although I love Halloween and all that goes bump-in-the-night, I’m not a fan of horror movies. I know! For those who like a little bit of a scare, here are a few suggestions.
5) Goosebumps (yes!)
What do you mean it’s for kids? Shhh! Have you seen those killer gnomes? Enough to be fear inducing, I tell you! This selection is by far the least scariest, I admit, but it’s all in good fun.
4) Shaun of the Dead
There’s nothing like a bit of humor to make zombies less scary. The crunchy of human flesh usually leaves me feeling a bit less than but the dark tongue-in-cheek laughs and awesome soundtrack make this flick more palatable.
3) 13 Ghosts
Don’t ask why because really I have no idea. But something about this storyline fascinated me. It’s a classic tale of family members inheriting a house that seems too good to be true, and in this case it definitely is! Trapped inside are 13 ghosts. The characters/costumes are terrifying on the surface, but overall it’s a perfect mix and not too gory. Bonus for actors such as Tony Shalhoub, Matthew Lillard (who will always be my Shaggy) and Shannon Elizabeth.
2) Scream
Maybe it’s the play of horror film mythology or the repeat watching, but Scream doesn’t quite frighten me. It has all the makings of a nightmare fest. The pop culture aspect adds another level of classic thriller. Although, I will admit to imagining the Scream mask reflected in a large plate glass window recently.
1) The Others
I first saw The Others in the theater with my young cousins, and let me tell you – it has a few jump scares! Nicole Kidman portrays the perfect mother, looking out for her kids, while her husband is fighting in the war. The house appears to be haunted, or is it?
Honorable mentions: Poltergeist (The Original) and the new Fear Street series on NetFlix (admission: I did cover my eyes a few times).
About Louisa Bacio
Since selling her first short story in 2010, Louisa Bacio has published more than 40 novels, novellas and short stories, including the paranormal The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf series and Winter Solstice Ménage. Watch for her upcoming Sea Mage in The Nightshade Guild series.
A Southern California native, Bacio can’t imagine living far away from the ocean. She shares her household with a supportive husband, two teenagers growing too fast, and a multitude pet craziness. In her other life, Bacio teaches college classes in English, journalism and popular culture.
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Newsletter
Sea Mage Tour Giveaway
e-copy of Half-Blood Mage by Landra Graf and a mermaid prize pack (U.S. shipping)
Enter Louisa Bacio’s Rafflecopter giveaway.
Spooktacular #Supernatural #Suspense: The Wasteland Files by Lara Bernhardt
Hi Everyone! The Haunted Halloween Spooktacular from Bewitching Book Tours continues today with a look at Lara Bernhardt’s supernatural suspense story, The Wantland Files, and a poem from Edgar Allan Poe. Be sure to enter Lara’s tour giveaway, too. Details below. Enjoy!
xo, Celia
Title: The Wantland Files, Book 1
Author: Lara Bernhardt
Publisher: Admission Press
Genre: Supernatural suspense
Release Date: December 16, 2016
ISBN: 978-0998426105
ASIN: B081RFTMR5
# of pages: 286
Word count: 73,470
Cover Artist: BEAUTeBOOK
She sees dead people. He doesn’t believe in ghosts.
The X-Files meets Ghost Hunters when psychic Kimberly Wantland is forced to collaborate with skeptic Sterling Wakefield as she investigates a ghost terrorizing a young family in the season finale of her hit television series The Wantland Files.
The Wantland Files EXCERPT
The frigid blast hit her, not a tidal wave crashing over her, but an iceberg, solid and powerful. And furious.
The icy shock took her breath away. She gasped.
The entity dropped from above and sailed past, blowing her hair behind her.
Strong, warm hands grasped her arms, intent on steadying her. She shook free as Drew screamed.
“I told you to stay with the boy!” She crossed the room in three steps and knelt beside the toddler bed.
Drew no longer sat in the corner.
“Kimmy? What’s happening?” Michael called from the door.
“Just keep recording! She’s here. She’s powerful. Keep the cameras rolling.”
Danielle’s voice joined the fray. “What’s wrong? Drew! What’s happening?”
“Stay in your room,” she commanded as forcefully as she could with lungs chilled by the dark entity. “Stay with your baby!”
Her fingers trembled as she searched the bed. Every square inch of the miniature thing. Her chilled hands were not so numb that they would miss a toddler’s body. Where was he?
Frantic and scared, she lost control of her extrasensory perceptions. She stopped running her hands over the bed and held still. Clutching her crystal, she breathed deeply. Where was the entity? Where was the boy?
From Lara Bernhardt: “I remember thoroughly loving a book called It’s Halloween by Jack Prelutsky when I was little. This is a book of poems, and that appreciation only increased the older I got. The works of Edgar Allan Poe intrigued me beginning in high school. I liked all his writing and was particularly fascinated with The Raven. His poem><iLSpirit of the Dead is perhaps less well known, but perfect for Halloween.”
Spirits of the Dead
by Edgar Allan Poe
Thy soul shall find itself alone
’Mid dark thoughts of the grey tomb-stone—
Not one, of all the crowd, to pry
Into thine hour of secrecy:
Be silent in that solitude
Which is not loneliness—for then
The spirits of the dead who stood
In life before thee are again
In death around thee—and their will
Shall then overshadow thee: be still.
For the night—tho’ clear—shall frown—
And the stars shall look not down,
From their high thrones in the Heaven,
With light like Hope to mortals given—
But their red orbs, without beam,
To thy weariness shall seem
As a burning and a fever
Which would cling to thee forever:
Now are thoughts thou shalt not banish—
Now are visions ne’er to vanish—
From thy spirit shall they pass
No more—like dewdrop from the grass:
The breeze—the breath of God—is still—
And the mist upon the hill
Shadowy—shadowy—yet unbroken,
Is a symbol and a token—
How it hangs upon the trees,
A mystery of mysteries!
(1827)
About Lara Bernhardt
Lara Bernhardt is a Pushcart-nominated writer, editor, and audiobook narrator. She is Editor-in-Chief of Balkan Press and also publishes a literary magazine, Conclave. Twice a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award for Best Fiction, she writes supernatural suspense and women’s fiction.
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#ReleaseDay Spotlight on #UrbanFantasy: A Place of Magic by @MerrieDestefano
Hello Dear Readers! It’s release day for writer pal Merrie Destefano. Please enjoy a look at her latest paranormal fantasy and be sure to enter her tour giveaway, too. Details below. Happy reading!
xo, Celia
Title: A Place of Magic
Author: Merrie Destefano
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy
Release Date: October 12, 2021
ASIN: B09FNSVKZJ
# of pages: 320
Word count: 73,000
Cover Artist: Elona Bezooshko,
Psycat Digital Ink & Motion
Halloween is the wrong time to visit Ticonderoga Falls.
Dangerous monsters hunt in the nearby woods.
The Prey…
Maddie MacFaddin.
For her, the nearby forest holds many memories, some joyous, some forgotten. But she has no recollection of Ash, the dark, magnificent creature who saved her life as a child, or that his kind preys upon humanity.
The Monster…
Ash, a Darkling fae.
Trapped in Ticonderoga Falls for a century, he’s required to host a Hunt once a year. Then, hungry, shapeshifting faeries will descend upon the villagers and harvest their dreams.
The Hunt…
There are rules about harvesting humans; the poor creatures are so delicate. If you take too much, they’ll die. Without dreams, they perish. And perish they do—now and then—despite Ash’s efforts to keep them safe. Then he realizes Maddie is the prey his unwanted guests are after. But, try as he might, this time he’s not strong enough to protect her. The entire village is in danger.
Soon the Hunt will begin. And no one will be safe.
A Place of Magic EXCERPT
Teaser:
She knew there were things that lived in the dark, things that could never be fully understood. Things that wanted to lure you away from everything safe. Just like in the story of Hansel and Gretel, you could be surrounded by a dangerous wildwood, while a bear trap with rusty hinges waited for you to step off the safe and narrow path.
Teaser 2:
This is what it’s like, she thought. To be human. You never sneak into someone’s home or trick them into inviting you inside. You stand outside and politely knock until they answer.
And then—no enchantments involved—if they want to, they might let you inside.
Although tonight was different. Tonight, if the homeowners didn’t open the door and offer candy, which she had already discovered was sinfully delicious, then they might have to pay a price.
Excerpt:
He nodded, head lowered. Then he lifted his gaze until he was staring into her eyes. One hand rested on her shoulder. “I won’t tell anyone your secret, Elspeth. You’re safe with me.”
Then he leaned closer, his scent overwhelming, his thoughts like the wind through the leaves, a wild rushing, his skin like the embrace of the forest. His lips touched hers and she could hear his heart beating. She slid her arms around his waist, leaning into the kiss, suddenly wanting more. She wanted to cast an enchantment, to lead him into sleep, to harvest his dreams. Wanted to walk into a dream with him, to see the hidden world on the other side of his eyelids. Wanted to know everything about him.
The kiss had only just begun and already she wanted another.
His arms were around her then, and the winter chill disappeared. In its place, fire crackled through her limbs, from her fingertips to her feet.
She could see it then, the world inside him. Tender and gentle as a spring morning, the shadows of night lingering at the edge of the wood, a handful of stars scattered across a pale sky.
She never knew that humans could be filled with so much magic.
It was her first Hunt and she had chosen her prey wisely.
About Merrie Destefano
Multiple-award-winning author Merrie Destefano writes lyrical tales of magic, mystery, and hope. Her traditional books have been published by HarperCollins, Entangled Teen, and Walter Foster, while her indie imprint is Ruby Slippers Press. Her novels have won awards in both the science fiction and fantasy categories.
She worked for Focus on the Family, The Word For Today, Engaged Media, and PJS Publications, and her magazine experience includes editor of Victorian Homes magazine, Zombies magazine, Haunted: Mysteries And Legends magazine, American Farmhouse Style magazine, Vintage Gardens magazine and founding editor of Cottages and Bungalows magazine. Her co-authored art books include How To Draw Vampires, How To Draw Zombies, and How to Draw Grimm’s Dark Fairy Tales. Her edited books include The Man God Uses by Chuck Smith, Oil Pastel Step-By-Step by Nathan Rohlander, and The Art of Drawing Fantasy Characters by Jacob Glaser.
Born in the Midwest, Merrie now lives in Southern California, where she runs on caffeine, and shares her home with rescue dogs and cats. And although she dearly loves science fiction, in her heart of hearts, she still doesn’t believe airplanes should be able to fly.
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1 Signed print copy of A Place Of Magic
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