Darkest Embrace by Robyn M. Pierce: Interview + Giveaway

Darkest Embrace (The Lanistter Chronicles #1)
by  Robyn M. Pierce

Paranormal Romance

While running away to escape the actions of her deceased father, Elyssa Smith is caught in the worst storm that Lanistter Isle has ever seen, forcing her to seek shelter in the only place nearby -- Lanistter Castle. Soon, however, it's made clear that the inhabitants of the castle are the ones she's running away from in the first place. 

Zeke Lanistter is the head of the European Lanistter branch -- and a sadist through and through. He has bloody plans for Elyssa, and will stop at nothing to get rid of her. 

Reid Lanistter is known by many for his womanizing. But when Elyssa enters the castle, he does all he can to protect her from Zeke, unexpectedly morphing into a one-woman man. 

In a sinister turn of events, Reid becomes the danger to Elyssa's life, and it’s Zeke who finds himself doing whatever he can to protect Elyssa...

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Robyn M. Pierce is an author from Las Vegas, where the night is never-ending. She has two white cats that lure her into taking catnaps more often than not and can be terrorists when it’s dinnertime.

The Lanistter Chronicles has been her primary focus since 2006, when she started writing stories of her own. (She used to be a fan fiction writer!)

While on her journey with the Lanistter family, she has come up with enough book ideas to fill a shelf, and there are still more to come. Check her out online at
www.RobynMariePierce.com

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Q&A with Author Robyn M. Pierce

Tell us a little bit about your main characters.
Elyssa Smith, Reid Lanistter, and Zeke Lanistter are the main characters of Darkest Embrace, with Zeke & Reid's family following in a close second place.

Elyssa is running away from home because her father made a horrible decision. She's a little tough, but when things finally get to be too much, she sort of shuts down.

Reid is a womanizer. Plain and simple. He's never once thought about living his immortal life with one woman, so when he meets Elyssa, he's startled by the fact that he actually wants to know her. He also abuses his puppy dog face a little too much. (Don't fall for it!)

Zeke is... Not really the best guy. He takes pleasure in beating and killing women. He usually brings in a new victim and is done with them after many hours. He NEVER obsesses over a victim... Until Elyssa.

  What is the best advice you have been given?
Don't stop writing. Sit in your chair and write every day, but don't stop no matter what.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
I want to say it hasn't really, but I know it has. It's very difficult to explain how. Although, the most obvious way my environment has affected my writing is that I've always had support, no matter what. That's really helped me keep going on days where I doubt myself.

Describe your ideal writing spot.
Somewhere cool (but not too cool!), where I feel comfy. I have to have a proper desk chair to really get into writing, so that's my only REAL requirement for a writing spot, haha.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would probably choose to go to Italy, because I'm Italian (more specifically, Sicilian) and it would be lovely to go to such a beautiful place. It would be inspiring.

If you could have any superhuman ability, what would you choose and why?
Invisibility. I feel most comfortable being out of the spotlight, so if things get too focused on me, it would be nice to just POOF! Disappear.

Which do you prefer: hard/paperbacks or ebooks?
I love the feel of a hardback/paperback, but I appreciate the convenience of ebooks. Haha, I guess I really don't mind either, but if I HAD to choose, hardback/paperback all the way! :)

What book are you reading now?
I'm re-reading Divergent by Veronica Roth for the second time. I enjoy her characters and the way she built the world. It's absolutely a fantastic read. I have yet to see the movie, though, haha!

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When the Heart Lies by Christina North + Giveaway

When the Heart Lies
by Christina North

Contemporary Romance/Suspense

Kindle Edition, 332 pages

The biggest secrets have a habit of catching up with you…

Romance novelist Kinsley Wentworth has a knack for approaching life as if she was a character in one of her novels. Kinsley is desperately in need of love, the one thing missing from her marriage.

Bad decisions can have terrifying consequences…

After a failed attempt at reconciliation with her estranged husband Nick, Kinsley meets Wayde online, he’s allegedly searching for her missing brother, and they develop a friendship. Wayde convinces Kinsley that he will help her find her estranged brother if she moves to Florida with her young son, but Kinsley soon finds herself trapped in an abusive and potentially life-threatening situation.

A knight in shining armor…
Unknown to Kinsley, she is not totally alone; she has a protector. Jackson, a private investigator hired to watch over her and her son, is always close at hand. A little too close, Jackson is falling for a woman in a hopeless situation.

A fairy-tale happily ever after?

Kinsley is convinced she can forgo her own need for love to provide her son with a traditional family. But Jackson is determined to give Kinsley the space and time she needs, confident she will figure out that he is the reality she has been looking for all along.

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 Christina North is an author who prides herself on creating characters that are authentic, yet, heartbreakingly, troubled souls. Often unlikable, they live, love, and struggle, in a way that not everyone can empathize with. Her characters are recreation of the kind of people we all know, love, and possibly loathe at times.

In a world that is often harsh and unforgiving, they don’t always make the right choices and do battle to find their way. Perhaps, you’re one of them. Christina is determined to take her readers with her as she examines the darker side of life in the depth and bring peace and happiness in the end. She also enjoys mixing it up with a bit of suspense, a dash of thrills, and a great romance.


A single mother of two teenage boys, Christina was born and raised in Upstate, New York and now resides in Richmond, Virginia. She aspires to live the remainder of her life, creating stories that will touch the hearts of readers everywhere.

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Excerpt

After Nick finished his daily workout he headed for the office, but before the second chirp that disarmed his car security system, he spotted Xavier’s limo as it slowly rolled to a stop in front of the driveway, effectively blocking his car in. He looked in the opposite direction, then turned back to face the limo and stood waiting. The tinted window on the driver’s side edged down as slowly as the car rolled up.

The driver jerked his head directing him to get in. He set his briefcase on the hood of his Mercedes Z Series Roadster and got into the limo. He didn’t say anything and settled comfortably into the leather seat across from Xavier.

“We should talk Nick,” Xavier said.

“About?”

“Kinsley.”

“Kinsley? My marriage. My business. I’ll handle things my way.”

Xavier’s fist tensed against his thigh, and his jaw set tight leaving his words forced and pressured. “Your way is avoiding, which doesn’t work in business or in life. I gave you her post office box number. Finding her physical address would be simple.” He waited for a response. There was none. “It would make sense for a husband who loves his wife to do that. To fight to get her back.”

Nick stared at Xavier intently and then laughed. “I don’t fight for any woman. That’s where we differ. You have your persona. I have mine. You’re the rich iconic business mogul, the relatively faithful family man. I’m the playboy heir. Anything else and I’m Xavier Wentworth’s semi-successful son. I much prefer people to think of me as that lucky bastard who can bang any woman he pleases and has a beautiful wife and son to boot. The envy of men, the desire of women. Thanks to all your hard work, it’s been easy.”

“Your wife is gone.”

Nick grasped the door handle. “She’ll be back.”

Before he opened the door, Xavier reached over and rested his hand on top of his. “I’m not so sure she will be back, Nick. She needs to know you love her. A woman needs that from her husband. Money can’t compare to a woman knowing she’s loved.” Xavier lifted his hand, and Nick headed back to his car without responding.

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Romantic Ruckus by Kara Leigh Miller (editor) + Giveaway

Romantic Ruckus
by Kara Leigh Miller (editor)

Every girl dreams of her knight in shining armor riding in on a white horse, sweeping her off her feet, and living happily ever after. But what happens when prince charming is actually a nerd wrapped in tin foil whose horse is a rusty Camaro?

Welcome to the world of Romantic Ruckus, where happily ever after isn't so happy after all.

Authors:
Airika Sneve - Anne E. Johnson - B. T. Petro - B. Tanton - Cathy Douglas - Christine Edwards - Dayna Ingram - Dina Lyuber - Gerri Leen - Giovanni Valentino - John H. Dromey - John Julius - Jonathan Todd Riley - Leo Norman - Lisa McCormack - Melissa Osburn - Melodie Corrigall - Ross Baxter - Ryan Priest - Sandra J. Kachurek - Shannon Brisson - Tim Jeffreys - Tom Jolly - Tyson West

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About KARA LEIGH MILLER:
Kara is a multi-published author who isn't afraid to push the boundaries. All of Kara's books can be found on her Website. Kara is a member of The Romance Writers of America, the CNY Romance Writers, and the CNY Writers Haven. Writing is her passion and she spends countless hours reading, writing, and studying the craft of young adult writing. In addition to her contributions here at Strange Musings Press, she's the Managing Editor for Anaiah Press, a Christian fiction press.

You connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.  
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Strange Musings Press:
We are a small publisher founded and run by two authors with a variety of skills and talents. Visit our Staff page for more information about who we are.

Currently, Strange Musings Press is strictly an e-publisher of anthologies: Alternate Hilarities , Romantic Ruckus, and Alternate Hilarities 2 - Vampires Suck . We are now reading for Alternate Hilarities 3: Hysterical Realms

We DO NOT accept or publish stand alone stories, novels, or novellas at this time so please don't query us for those. We'll send you a humorous and snarky rejection letter.

The goal of these anthologies is to help aspiring authors get published and to have fun. Everything we do here is in the spirit of humor. If we offend you in any way, well, we probably don't care =)

Take a moment to look around and submit a story or two if you'd like. Got questions? Got a joke you want to tell us? Want to tell us how awesome we are? Stand in line and send us an email at: strangemusings.editor@verizon.net.

Website: http://www.strangemusingspress.com/p/main.html
Twitter: https://twitter.com/strange_Musings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrangeMusingsPress
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For the month of August, the ebook of our first anthology Alternate Hilarities will be 99 cents.
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Alternate-Hilarities-John-H-Dromey-ebook/dp/B00JP035VM
Smashword Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/426670  

Stories you will find in Romantic Ruckus

First Love by Ross Baxter
Dating can be a heartbreaking learning experience at the best of times. We’ve all been let down at one time or another, but add alcohol, science and telepathy to the mix and the results can be a true education.

A Mouse of a Different Color by Tyson West
Her daughter was having a princess birthday party and milf Chastity, no longer a princess, chanced on her own private Beauty and the Beast party. However, she learned you can’t always tell a beast by its cover.

Anything for You, Baby by Tyson West
Why did Clyde turn Bonnie on?
Why do good girls do bad guys?
Hybristophilia

Benign by Dayna Ingram
Benign traces the single moment - brief as the flame of a struck match yet twice as scorching - in the life of a woman when she simultaneously discovers, obtains, and, in obtaining, loses everything she never knew she desired, embodied in the dermatological abnormality of a passing stranger.

Bullets and Blackbirds by Lisa McCormack
When Kelly’s Secret Santa gifts become sinister, she turns to her gorgeous sexy boyfriend for comfort. But Secret Santa knows more than he’s telling. The darkest gift is yet to come.

Dead Party by Fred Jolly
If you got invited to a zombie party, would you wear your cutest top? See what happens when you mix smart cars, hot women, and barbeque sauce together at this year’s weirdest get-together. And find out why the words “zombie” and “lust” just don’t go together that well.

Hot Flashes by John H. Dromey
This fore-“word”-play is a verbal tease,
An intro to prose that aims to please.
Wanna join the Smile High Club? Read on.

If At First You Don’t Succeed By Gerri Leen
Gorgeous gowns, dancing, and a handsome prince: what girl wouldn’t want to attend a ball at the castle and find true love? This not terribly experienced Fairy Godmother is about to meet Cinderella, who doesn't want to go and has to be compelled, by means fair … and not so.

That Girl with the Wicked Long Hair by Gerri Leen
Rapunzel is a pretty strange story no matter how you tell it. Even so, the Brothers Grimm might be a little surprised at this narrator's technique. But finally we get the real scoop on Rapunzel, her wacky hijinks, and of course, her wicked long hair.

The Good Whiskey Made Me Do It by Christine Edwards
What really happens when the common man comes into money? Jeff inherits not only wealth, but also wisdom, and his wife doesn’t approve of the latter. His problems don’t end there, and he blames it all on the good whiskey.

Wireless Love Triangle by Jason Graff
Man loves his wireless devices. They make life more convenient How best to show our appreciation? What thoughts are worth sharing? And, what do we do when they love us back?

Young Zombies in Love by John H. Dromey
What should women do if men are attracted by their beauty and ignore their brains completely? That is the question. Is dating a zombie the answer?

The Murano Glass Cat by John Julius
Finn is a bad guy. After his girl catches him out, he decides to become a nice guy. He changes his routine, his hobbies and even his job. Can Finn switch up his game and treat his girl the way she deserves? Or will he be tempted again?

The Story So Far By B. Tanton
Danger! Beware!! Before reading The Story so Far, are you a sexually broad-minded adult? If not, proceed with the utmost caution.

Lingering By Melissa Osburn
After being widowed for two years, Gabe decides to start dating again. Her dead husband doesn't think it's such a great idea though.

Eye to Eye by Melodie Corrigal
A young man’s platonic passion for, and persistent loyalty to, his first love—spuds—creates friction in his later sexual dalliances. His innocent affection transforms initially loving mates into intolerant and unforgiving ex-partners.

The Love Gun by Anne E. Johnson
Professor Malik Jonas designed an ingenious weapon that could disintegrate the enemy. He never imagined that a simple smile could disintegrate his heart.

An Eye for Love by Dina Lyuber
What’s worse than spending Valentine’s Day alone? A lot of things, as Candace finds out after her best friend Pam drags her out for drinks.

Migration by Sandra J. Kachurek
Tom dreams of being a big-time photographer instead of a data entry man. His dream takes him to the roof of his office building in hopes of snapping a few shots of butterflies. What develops is a surprising lesson about nature, human nature.

Big Screen Romance by Sandra J. Kachurek
Trudi's got a plan to get her boyfriend back, whether he wants her or not. Her scheme unrolls on Halloween night. When she realizes she can't have him, then she'll take whatever he's got, which may be even better.

Samantha and the Queen by Cathy Douglas
You might think finding fairy-tale love would be easy when you're the most powerful woman in the world, and you have the help of a professional Relationship Scientist and her high-tech matchmaker. But beware, for the (alternate) universe is full of gold diggers!

Change of Tastes by Ryan Priest
In every city there’s an area or a street, written down nowhere but known to all. A place where the traditional lines blur and even the most taboo debauchery can be bought…for a price.

The Angry Automaton by Tim Jeffreys
I used to lie awake at night, laughing to myself, imagining him slipping her the hose. Tweaking her dials. Pushing his pipe into her socket.

A Blind Date to Die for by Giovanni Valentino
Dating is difficult but it shouldn’t be hazardous to your health. Unless she’s the one.

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