Release Day Blast: Mystical Bites

Bite sized stories bursting with magic. Suspend your disbelief and let your imagination take you away. Trust yourself to fly as you follow 23 talented authors on a journey through magical realms. There, find love with a werewolf, make it rain with a coven of witches, fight alongside dragons, and more. Give into the magic, and step into our worlds.​ 

  Add it to goodreads Join the release day party! Buy it here!     

  About the Authors:

 

Penelope Anne Bartotto Penelope Anne Bartotto started writing once she discovered crayons were not a recommended dietary option. Fueled by coffee she has written numerous poems and flash fiction, as well as short stories featured in Paranormal Anthology with a Twist and Dark Light Four. Married with three adult children, she calls Wisconsin her home. Now free to pursue her love of the written word, between reviewing for InD'Tale Magazine and editing, she continues to work on her great American novel.   

  

Reven Archer Black Reven Archer Black lives in Canada but her imagination lives in the speculative fiction world, dallying with fantasy more than other genres. Her writing adventures started one fateful night when she was 6 years old. Now she is armed with a wildly eclectic music collection and a large helping of weird ideas, exploring the dark side of human nature. Reven’s first novel, Ascension, is slated for release in 2015, kicking off her epic fantasy series, Blood & Heritage. She welcomes everyone to drop by her social media pages and say hello, especially if they come with humour and chocolate. 

  Cathrina Constantine Cathrina Constantine is a young adult author. She writes paranormal/thriller/dystopia/romance/mystery/fantasy/contemporary novels. To date she's published: Wickedly They Come, Wickedly They Dream, Tallas, short stories in A Touch of Winter, Twist of Fate, and her 4th novel, Don't Forget to Breathe will be published by CHBB in Feb. 2015.  

     

  Michael Cross Michael Cross lives in Seattle, WA. This land is prone to lots of rain, fantastic adventures and the occasional flyby dragon. When Cross isn’t working on his next novel, he spends his time reading, modding steampunk inventions or working on his airship with his copilot chihuahua. Cross dreamed of becoming a storyteller back when he was read stories like “The Odyssey” and legends of Roman soldiers and Arthur. He writes mostly paranormal, fantasy, New Adult and steampunk.   

  

Nicole L Daffurn Sunshine, surf and family are the corner stones of Nicky’s world. Being born and raised on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia gave her the opportunity to chase her dream of photography and later novel writing. She fell in love with fantasy and dystopian and crafted stories with strong men and powerful women. As well as her many contributions to chbb anthologies, her debut novel through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly - Courageous Souls - was released November 6 2014. Her Second Novel - The Darkness Within was published February 5th 2015. When she is not busy being an author, you will find her walking along the water with her husband or chasing after her two children.   

  Joe DiCicco Joe DiCicco is a 30 year old author of horror, sci-fi, dystopian and dark fantasy. He has one novel and two short stories available on Amazon. He currently resides in upstate NY.     

  

KC Finn K. C. Finn was born and raised in Cardiff, South Wales, where her love for storytelling grew at a precociously young age. After developing the medical condition M.E. / C.F.S., Kim turned to writing to escape the pressures of disabled living, only to become hooked on the incredible world of publishing.     

  

Jordanne Fuller Jordanne Fuller is a mishmash of creative talents whirling into one another, solidified into a woman. She has been writing since she can remember but didn't realize how much she enjoyed it until her poetry explosion at the age of sixteen. At twenty, she wrote her first (unfinished) novel that will likely never see the light of day. Now that she is thirty(ish) Jordanne has finished her first novel that she hopes to publish in the near future. Dusk is her first piece to enter the hands of a publishing company, and the stand alone prequel to Night, her current novel in progress.  

  

HL Houghton H.L. Houghton remembers sitting on the floor with a little red typewriter, tapping keys and asking her mother for spellings. She was three years old and from that day to this, she has dreamed of writing wonderful things for others to read. H.L has published a collection of funny vampire stories titled 'Almost Dead' and a short story , 'Dakkar,' available in Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing's 'After Tomorrow Anthology'.When she isn’t writing she can be found with a camera glued to her face or a book in her hand. She loves music, singing badly and watching people run from the rain. 

  

CL McCollum C.L. McCollum spends her time delving into the wonder of the world. She’s always been drawn to the “How” and the “Why” and the “Is this even possible?” That addiction to wonder has led her to the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy. C. L. is on the Great Agent Hunt for her first full length novel, but has stories featured in the charity anthology Clichés for a Cause: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night (October 2014) and the After Tomorrow anthology (December 2014). Currently, C. L. is keeping it weird in Austin, TX with the love of her life and their various furry roommates. 

  

Roxanne Milson Originating from the sunny Gold Coast, Australia, Roxanne now resides in the small city of Tauranga in New Zealand. All her life Roxanne has used her love of art and writing to bring her creative imagination to life. Born to love fantasy and anything Victorian Gothic, she has come to love various genres and writes stories in fantasy, Steampunk, dark Gothic and even crime thrillers. Currently, Roxanne is working on her first two novels in a series of crime thrillers known as the Echoes of Murder, an epic dark fantasy and several short stories in various genres including paranormal and fantasy. When Roxanne is not planning and writing her stories, she’s drawing them, bringing all her characters to life through visual art. And when she’s not doing either of those, she’s curled up with her cats or out horseback riding. 

  

Stacey Janie McIntosh In 2011 she had her first short story Freya published in an anthology, nine more followed bringing the total up to ten. The latest two Shadows of Annwn and The Hunter Million are published in the CHBB Anthology Mystical Bites.

  

  Emma Michaels is the bestselling author of the Society of Feathers series. As an avid reader she started her book blog in 2009 (www.EmmaMichaels.com) and over the years has received numerous publications. Working to help Indies and small presses from around the world she has received the nickname ‘The Mad Hatter’ for her versatility in graphic design, publishing, marketing, and blogging.       

  

Lexi Ostrow Lexi Ostrow has been in love with the written word since second grade when her librarian started a writing club. Born in sunny southern California she’s spent time in various places across the country and can’t wait to settle down somewhere in the French Quarter when she’s able too. Lexi has been a writer ever since the second grade in some form or another. Getting her degree in creative writing and her master’s in journalism she couldn’t wait to get a chance to put her fantasies down on paper. From paranormal romance to thriller there isn’t a genre she doesn’t love to spend her time reading or writing.   

  Demetria Patalano Demi started out writing poetry, which evolved into short stories. Waiting for her goal to become a full-length author is soon to come. She currently is involved in Anthologies for Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. She loves to read, write, and take pictures. Demi is from a small town in southern Illinois. She is a homemaker to, two beautiful children Nikolai 4 and Dani Jo 8     

  

Heather Sharpe Heather Sharpe is an ex-teacher turned stay at home mom. She lives on six acres in Kansas with her husband and three year old son, and more pets than any sane Mommy would agree to. In any time not spent chasing pets and children Heather likes to go to the lake, crochet, or bake.     

   

  Jessica Slater Jessica was born in Brisbane and raised in a beautiful country town; Warwick. Since the moment she could read and write she never stopped and it was always an endless pile of books and paper.When she isn’t writing or reading you can find her working as a manager at KFC or taking walks with her partner and beautiful dog.     

  AL Staum Andrea L. Staum is the author the Dragonchild Lore series, The Attic’s Secret novella, and has contributed to several best selling anthologies. She's a trained motorcycle technician, an amateur home renovator, and somehow manages to find time to write. She lives in south central Wisconsin with her husband, three 'unique' cats. 

     

  Pavarati K Tyler Award-winning author of multi-cultural and transgressive literature, Pavarti K. Tyler can be found with Doc Martens strapped on over fishnets, but a girlish giggle as easily and likely as a throaty guffaw.     

  Jess Watkins Jess is an avid reader, writer and chocolate devourer. She runs a book blog called A Book Addict's Bookshelves and co-runs Worlds of Words. She has lived in three different countries and owns an unreasonable number of t-shirts. A Whovian, Browncoat and Sherlockian, Jess loves anything to do with superheroes, Game of Thrones and Joss Whedon. She is the author of Girl Meets Underworld, As We Lie Dying and Escaping Rapture which is part of the After Tomorrow Anthology.

  Gina A Watson Gina Ashley Watson is an Australian Writer who has always loved to tell a story. She started writing her first book in 2012 and has loved writing ever since. Gina studies a Bachelor of Writing and Creative Communication at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. Her favourite genres to write in are: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult and loves to read in those genres as well. Gina’s life now revolves around her boyfriend and family as well as studying, writing and trying to squeeze in time to read.   

  

Luke West Luke has been writing for as long as he can remember, getting the initial 'buzz' when his short story 'Gus the Bus' was selected for publication in his primary school newsletter. He finds his characters to be unique with addictive personalities and loves to connect with his readers.       

Matthew Wilson Matthew Wilson, 31, has had over 150 appearances in such places as Horror Zine, Star*Line, Spellbound, Illumen, Apokrupha Press, Hazardous Press, Gaslight Press, Sorcerers Signal and many more.

Villain Interview: The Conception

The Conception

by L.J. Amodeo

Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing

Publication Date: August 8th, 2015

Language: English

Genre: Young Adult Supernatural Romance

About the Book

Will Elizabeth elude her fate, or will she defy an ancient prophesy, causing a cataclysmic fall of all things mortal and supernatural?

Escaping the danger that seeks her, Elizabeth’s best friend, Freddie hides her at a safe haven known as The Flame; a location off the grid and under the protection of the Legion of Light. Entry to the Watchers forbidden. Left alone at The Flame, Elizabeth faces inner turmoil, battling new feelings for her childhood friend and guardian Freddie, while questioning her feelings for Michael. Yet, as the battle of the ages approaches, Elizabeth chooses to do the unthinkable. Awakening the Dark Realm’s fiercest warriors and betraying the Trinity, the destiny of all and the balance of the realms will be decided by the birth of one child. 

Danger. Romance. Mystery. All come together in this gripping sequel to Descendant.

Purchase here >> http://smarturl.it/theconception 

Book Trailer- https://youtu.be/rpH9pWbrbbQ

*Join online release party*

https://www.facebook.com/events/872491916171381/

Chapter 4:

            My routine at Eden had become a daily ritual. In the early morning hours, I’d go for a run, play the piano, or stroll the grounds of Eden. After a quick shower, I’d head toward a set of French doors that opened up to a stone terrace overlooking Lake Louise. Every morning Faith prepared a table of scrumptious breakfast foods and the morning paper alongside my journal. I never tired of writing about the sprawling gardens of rosebushes, mixed Canterbury bells, and Elderflowers infused with chamomile. I’d sit, gladly inhaling the scent of the freshly baked biscuits, warm croissants, and raspberry tea.

            The beautiful imagery was halted, as I reflected back to the morning of December 21^st, the day after my arrival at Lake Louise, I recalled glancing at the morning paper that was neatly folded on a round English garden table next to a cup of tea. The paper was opened to a small article written in the New York State blotter. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperately wanting to read the article whose title caught my eye, but dithered momentarily instead. I blinked as I held up the paper, focusing on one particular story written in small black ink:

“Local Allegany Woman and Her Daughter Plunge to Their Deaths”

The morning of December 20th, a woman and her daughter plunged to their death off the icy cliffs of Chimney Bluffs, on Lake Ontario, New York. Just after 10 AM, a call from eye witnesses, Dr. Seth Bates and his young daughter, came in through the New York State Police, and other police and emergency centers throughout the region. Icy roads caused particularly treacherous conditions as road crews rushed to respond to dropping temperatures and the onset of freezing rain.

New York State Police investigated the one vehicle fatality, killing Grace Morgan, 47, of Caneadea, NY and her daughter Elizabeth, 17. Emergency workers were able to recover the vehicle from the frozen waters of Ontario Lake, along with the remains of Grace Morgan. The body of her daughter has not yet been recovered.

Dr. Bates claimed that Elizabeth Morgan was a patient of his at Letchworth Village Asylum. He also disclosed that Elizabeth had attempted several times to commit harm to herself and was suicidal. Dr. Bates commented, “It saddens me that Ms. Morgan’s daughter may have intentionally caused the tragic accident that resulted in their untimely deaths.” The accident remains under investigation.

***

            The news of our deaths and how I was responsible for it infuriated me still. The reminders escalated a fury from my chest to my fingers, causing me to tear apart the morning paper, wanting desperately to strike the psychiatrist whose lies riddled the paper on that fateful morning instead, with the biggest and deadliest blade I could have gotten my hands on.

Villain Interview: Sebastian Nikolav

∞Please state your name.

Nik: My name is Sabastian Nikolav

∞I see you have an accent. Are you Russian?

Nik: Da

∞What part of Russia are you originally from?

Nik: St. Petersburg

∞What was your childhood like growing up in Russia?

Nik: Poor. Dark. My father was mine worker and mother clean homes for rich.

I was not an easy child. My parents were too old and tired to control me. When I was boy, I like to kill the animal from the neighbor’s farm. The blood give me pleasure. The farmer want my father to pay for dead animals, but we were too poor. When I turn nine, my parents put me in orphanage. But no one want me. Too old.

∞So at what age did you leave the orphanage?

Nik: Maybe like fifteen-sixteen. I run away because I kill a monakhinya, how do you say in English, nun?

∞Did you serve time in prison for your crime?

Nik: Eventually, when I got caught. But before, I join a street gang. We do bad things. Drugs, steal, beat people––a lot. And if we have to, we kill. So I was in and out of Black Vorkin Juvenile Prison for most of my teen years. Before I got release, I get in fight with rival gang and they almost kill me. That’s when I meet Dr. Luca Gaven.

∞What made you move to Oregon?

Nik: Work. I work now exclusively for Dr. Gaven.

∞What kind of work do you do for the doctor?

Nik: Things.

  

∞We all do things, but what sorts of things do you do for Dr. Gaven? Are you a technician, assistant, sonographer, EMT?

Nik: Tracker

∞Can you explain what a tracker would do during a typical day at work?

Nik: I track people that the doctor wants me to track. In other words, I follow them, watch them, track them and if need be. . .must I spell it out?

∞Who are you tracking now?

Nik: The last remaining descendant. She is known as the key keeper and it is my job to find her and bring her to Luca.

∞Why are you looking for her? Is this a special key that the doctor wants?

Nik: Da. It is written that she is the chosen one for Dr. Gaven’s prophecy and legacy. So now I am looking for Elizabeth Morgan. I have good idea where she is hiding.

∞What happens once you find her?

Nik: What happens in bedroom, stays in bedroom!

About the Author 

LJ Amodeo was born and raised in New York. A wife and busy mother of three, she juggles many jobs as a devoted NYC middle school foreign language teacher, owner/founder of BizzyMom Productions, and author of the Descendant Series. LJ, always had a flare for writing and attended St. John’s University with hopes of someday becoming a journalist. However, her passion of working with adolescents, inspired her to become a public school teacher. She always knew that working with kids would be her greatest reward and joy.

LJ first started her writing career on a whim of imagination, subliminal messages in 2009. Her first novel DESCENDANT released in early Spring of 2015. Long hours and many sleepless nights, her thoughts are transcribed into this high paced, dark young adult/crossover paranormal romance. This epic novel is the second book in the Descendant Series. THE CONCEPTION is scheduled to release August 8, 2015.

Email: ljamodeoauthor@gmail.com

Character Interview: Descendant

Descendant

by L.J. Amodeo

Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing 

Publication Date: May 26th, 2015

Language: English 

Genre: Young Adult Supernatural Romance

Paperback: 325 pages 

Blurb

A forbidden love, a sacred bloodline, and a powerful gift, plagues the last remaining descendant with an unspeakable burden and an unforgivable fate. Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Anne Morgan is no stranger to the paranormal world. Haunted by voices and visions for most of her young life, she begins to question her sanity as a teen, setting her apart as an outcast in school. In quatrains and sacred manuscripts, a Chosen One is prophesied, yet Elizabeth does not know she is the descendant of the holiest woman who ever walked the earth. The whispers and cries, meant for her mind only, are those of lost souls pleading to be liberated by the true holder of the key. In her senior year of high school, Elizabeth meets two new strangers, both who know her secret and who turn her world upside down. Meanwhile, her only friend Freddie, loyal, devoted and secretly in love with her, stands quietly in the shadows of her life as she begins to unfold the mystery of who she is destined to become.

Chapter 1: 

Another morning, another night with the same dream; my father applauding my performance of Beethoven’s Silence. He sat beside me on the bench of the baby grand, clapping exuberantly and cheering, “Bravissima!”  I could almost feel his lips brushing over my hair as I sat there staring out my window. I missed him. Not a day went by that I didn’t feel his absence, in my heart, and in our home. 

Feeling sluggish from a restless night’s sleep, I thought about my father, reliving the last time I saw him. Remembering him as the kind, loving father who had nurtured me as a child, got harder every day. My memories now, were of a man who shouted obscenities instead of praises. A man who had lost his mind. Terrifying me, until I felt broken. The man who walked out on us almost eight years ago, no longer resembled the one I called Dad. He became a stranger, yet he still haunted my dreams. The ghost who lingered in my mind and soul. A burden I wondered if I could handle much longer.

CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH SAMANTHA GAVEN, BITCH EXTRAORDINAIRE, EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE NOVEL “DESCENDANT” BY LJ AMODEO

∞Tell us something about yourself:

SAMANTHA: I’m rich, insanely gorgeous, smart and love the finer things in life. I’ve traveled the world and everyone wants to be moi! But don’t let this pretty face fool you, get on my bad side and I’ll slit your throat!

∞What about your family? What can you tell us about them?

SAMANTHA:  My mom is the department chair at Porto University, and my brother Luca is doing his residency in Quebec in Neurology. Did I mention that I hate that douche bag? He’s always stealing my spotlight! 

∞If you could spend the day with someone you admire (living or dead or imaginary), who would you pick?

SAMANTHA:  My father Dante, of course. He died a long time ago.

∞I’m sorry to hear that. How did he die?

SAMANTHA:  He was murdered. He was desecrated without honor. All because someone wouldn’t give him what he rightfully deserved. He was betrayed! He meant everything to me, and I will avenge his death.

∞Do you think you've turned out the way your parents expected?

SAMANTHA:  Hello?? Look at me! Hell yeah! I am everything my daddy expected and more, but he’s no longer around to see how I turned out. The only problem now is that swine of my brother Luca. My mother holds a special place in her heart for her prodigal son. He’s always been her favorite, the one who’ll carry the family legacy. Blah! Blah! Blah! But, Luca is a spitting image of my dad in so many ways, but not quite as powerful yet.

∞What's the worst thing you've ever done to someone?

SAMANTHA: Umm, I’m not so sure I’d like to answer that! It may get ugly. 

∞Are you keeping a secret? What is it?

SAMANTHA: Yes I am, and if I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret now, would it?

∞What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? 

SAMANTHA: Well my new friend Elizabeth thinks I am a free-spirit. I haven’t got a care in the world. She’s right! When I enter a room, everyone turns and takes notice. They sense the magnitude of mystery I emanate. Everyone is obviously enchanted with me. Boys can’t take their eyes off of me, and the girls are no competition in this little hole of a town.

∞What would you like it to say on your tombstone?

SAMANTHA: That’s easy. It will read... “Samantha Gaven ~ Drop Dead Gorgeous!”

About the Author:

LJ Amodeo was born and raised in New York. A wife and busy mother of three, she juggles many jobs as a devoted NYC middle school foreign language teacher, owner/founder of BizzyMom Productions, and author of the Descendant Series. LJ, always had a flare for writing and attended St. John’s University with hopes of someday becoming a journalist. However, her passion of working with adolescents, inspired her to become a public school teacher. She always knew that working with kids would be her greatest reward and joy. 

LJ first started her writing career on a whim of imagination, subliminal messages in 2009. She is enthusiastic about her first novel DESCENDANT scheduled to come out in the spring of 2015. Long hours and many sleepless nights, her thoughts are transcribed into this high paced, dark young adult/crossover paranormal romance. This epic novel is the first book in a series. Book two, THE CONCEPTION will be released late summer, 2015.

Email: ljamodeoauthor@gmail.com

Spotlight: The Silver Lining

Author: Jennifer Raygoza

Title: The Silver Lining

Series: No. Stand alone

Genre: Romance

Release Date: Saturday MAY 2, 2015

Online Release event >>> https://www.facebook.com/events/1409141592733119/

Publishing House: Hot Ink Press

Synopsis -

The media spread my face nationwide on every newspaper known to man when the story first broke. It read- James King. son of wealthy, ambitious hotel owner, Victoria King, busted for cocaine possession. 

Let’s be honest. I’ve always been a rebel, a little rough around the edges. The black sheep of the family. The outcast. No one ever thought twice about me, not even when I was arrested. The only thing was, I didn’t really do it, but I served time for the crime. 

Today my freedom was granted to me. I was permitted to leave this prison that I had lived in for the last sixteen months. The guards opened my cell, grinned and told me I could finally go back home. Home? See, it wouldn’t be my home. It would be her home. I had no home of my own anymore. Funny thing about being locked up, was that you lose everything, including yourself. You no longer exist to the outside world. You’re transparent, at least that’s how I felt until I met Emily. She was kind, and in my world people like her were far and few between. I was drawn to her like a magnet. I wanted her, but I’d kill myself trying to get her because she was damaged. I just didn’t know it yet. (Goodreads)

Excerpt:

“Are we talking about character? I’m not the jail bird here, am I?” she yelled.

“That’s not fair and you know it. Zach handed me a backpack and asked me to carry it for him. How the hell was I supposed to know we were doing a drop? I had no clue what was in that backpack.”

“Two pounds of cocaine and you had no clue? You must think I’m stupid.”

“No, you’re not stupid. A stupid person doesn’t have the ability to whore their-selves out for money in sheer perfection the way you do.”

She reached back and slapped me. The sting ran across my face. I looked down at the floor before I stared back at her. My eyes shifted from my mother to the cleaning girl who was now just staring at us. Her hand quickly covered her mouth in shock. I looked back to my mother with a mix of embarrassment and anger. I squinted my eyes and exercised a few breathing techniques, because my first reaction was to strike back. I would never hit a woman, but an unhealthy anger was building and building within me. This was our relationship. It always had been. She was poison to me and when she was around, my sunshine was stripped and torn away. No beauty. No blessings. Just a storm in high heels. 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Raygoza also known as the rebel of writing, burst through the writing scene in 2012 with a vampire series called, The Guardians. It was a story originally written just for fun, but ended up being self-published out of curiosity. Little did she know the series would be strongly embraced by vampire reader’s. Since then this down to earth, California girl has been picked up by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. She has recently released two short stories and a poetry book that includes work from her youth. 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU READ HER BOOKS?

She break hearts, kills bad guys and gives you characters that make you fall in love. This writer will have you turning pages and thirsting for more. 

Buy Links - http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsmarturl.it%2FThesilverlining&h=gAQF13vKc

Web page - Jenniferraygoza.webs.com/

Author Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/jenniferraygoza12

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/Jenniferraygoza