Excerpt of RELICS, out today in eBook

"RELICS is an intense thrill ride of a futuristic romance; I highly recommend it." Marlene Breakfield - Paranormal Romance


"...an intriguing romance... all the staples of a good science fiction story." - Romantic Times

" ...will keep you captivated from beginning to end." - Gina - Love Romances - 5-hearts rating

"I consider this to be among the best reads of the year!" - Johnna - Fallen Angel Reviews - Rating: 5 angels

BLURB:

The year is 2023, and an alien invader has infiltrated the human race. In a dangerous future threatened by aliens and infiltrated by hybrids, archeologist Celene Dupres witnesses her father's murder. Vowing to avenge him and retrieve his precious alien relics, she finds the perfect ally and protector. But the man she trusts, the man with whom she is falling in love, is the secret agent sent to kill her. Kin, however is more than a killing machine. Despite his love for Celene, can he accomplish his gruesome mission, and save humanity from the threat embedded in her DNA?

EXCERPT:

When the officer walked away with his entourage, Celene thought of following him, but she didn't trust herself to remain calm. Besides, she felt relief at his disappearance, but she found it difficult to breathe, as if the dot of a phase-gun heated her nape. Then she recognized the uneasy sensation. Someone was watching her!


Celene spun around and stared straight at her observer. Twenty feet away, a tall Asian man in a tan Italian suit and black silk shirt leaned against the wall in an easy stance, sipping from a square glass. Who was he? An ORION hit man? Had he seen what happened to her? Was he watching her for personal or professional interest? He looked Chinese, with a curtain of wavy black hair framing a serious face. What a magnificent specimen of raw animal sex appeal. His splendidly muscled frame turned away from her gaze, and the very gesture made her ache for his attention. She hated herself for that weakness but could not help it.

Although troubled by her emotional response to the handsome Chinese, Celene needed to find out why he watched her, so she walked toward the mysterious man who made her pulse quicken. Careful, there. She felt light-headed. Was it the aftermath of her near invisibility, the champagne, or the adrenalin? She wanted him to look at her, she wanted to gaze into the depths of his wide, almond eyes. Even from a distance, he looked dangerous, like a Bengal tiger, never to be tamed.

It took no effort to smile when she reached him. "My name is Celene Dupres, archeologist." She extended her free hand.

With a surprised and slightly embarrassed smile, the stranger faced her in a graceful motion. "Armand Dupres' daughter?" She detected a hint of Mandarin accent. When he took her offered hand in a warm grip, his dark gaze made her legs feel like pudding. "Kin Raidon, avid collector, at your service."

I wish.

"You said something?" His open grin bothered her as he caressed the magnificent jade medallion of an exquisite dragon on his muscled chest. Could he read her feelings?

Celene felt herself flush. "And what do you collect, Mr. Raidon?"

"Please, call me Kin. I specialize in Anaz-voohri artifacts. Found any lately?" His enigmatic expression made the question sound even more dangerous.

Celene cleared her throat. "These relics are rare and most of them have been appropriated by the Global Government. I know of none available for purchase at the moment." She paused. "Why were you watching me earlier?"
His dark brown eyes glinted with flecks of gold. "Maybe I was watching the same man you were watching."
"I wasn't watching anyone." How unsettling to discover she had been so obvious despite her efforts to look natural.

"Yes, you were." Kin nodded in the direction the officer had gone. "He noticed you, and attention from him is never a good thing."

"You know the man?" Celene felt elated at finally learning something useful.

Sipping on his drink, Kin seemed in no hurry to answer. "His name is Jason Carrick, a powerful and ruthless collector. He always gets what he wants, one way or another."

"A collector?" Celene tried to sound casual. "Rather unusual for a military man."

Kin's dark eyes narrowed. "Men of action can appreciate art, too, you know?"

"And what in heaven is wrong with the man's eyes?"

"One of them is made of glass. A battle wound against a hybrid." Obviously, Kin knew much about Jason Carrick.

"Hybrid? As in half-alien, half-human?"

Kin shrugged. "That's his story."

Celene had to take a chance. She looked around to make sure no one stood close enough to hear. "How much do you know about the organization called ORION?"

Kin's face remained guarded. "Not much. They are rather secretive. Are you one of those conspiracy theory nuts?"

Celene did not like the insinuation. "I could take offense, but you know what? For some reason, in the last few days some of these theories are starting to make sense to me. How far do you think Jason Carrick would go to get what he wants?"

Kin sighed. "Whatever it takes."

Celene lowered her voice. "Even slaughtering a team of innocent archeologists?"

Kin remained very still then nodded gravely.

"And what about you?" Celene held his gaze. "How far would you go to get what you want?"

"You ask too many questions." As if to soften the blow, he chuckled, all charm. "It all depends on what I want and why."

The eBook is on sale now at ARE, SMASHWORDS, OMNILIT, and will be in a few days at Amazon and Barnes & Noble


WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

My Archangel twin books in eBooks in January

ARCHANGEL BOOK ONE - CRUSADER:

Michael Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets Michael's family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.


"...engaging and fast-paced... a harmonious mix of enticing story... where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful... fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a marvelous tale of good and evil..." The Charlotte Austin Review

"...Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one's breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one and the many." - The Book Reader

"...relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!" - Metaphysical Reviews

"A mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting." - Curled Up With a Good Book.

ARCHANGEL BOOK TWO - CHECKMATE:

To quench his vengeful lust for the Archangel who scattered his remains at the edge of the universe, the Reptilian ruler orders the sacrificial death of Michael's teenage daughter. Half human and a full-fledged Archangel on his father's home world, Michael must return to Earth to save his daughter from fiendish claws, and his native planet from enslavement or worse... But the way home is fraught with dangers, some more insidious than others. Nothing prepared Michael for the kind of trial he must face, when his rambunctious past catches up with him at the worst possible time...

"Sword-and-shield adventure... aliens and angels and dreams truer than life and depraved shapeshifters and evil sorcerers and parallel universes... Funny and sad and very intelligent." - The Book Reader

"Wickedly insightful. Grab this today along with the prequel, Archangel Crusader." - Five stars - Curled up With a Good Book

"...charm that keeps you reading... A fun piece of escapism... hours of sheer entertainment." - Rapport Magazine

"You will be hooked... a good read from start to finish." - Alan Caruba - BookViews

"Rollicks right along at a good clip... a fun concoction and a fast, zippy read... Really, this one is among the most pleasurable." - Writer's Digest

These eBooks from BWLPP will be available in download from all the usual eBook retailers on the web, where other book by Vijaya are already available:

Amazon.com HERE
From ARe HERE

Happy Holidays.
Vijaya Schartz

Welcome Author Theresa Stillwagon

You need to know them!

Your characters, I mean.

Before you even think about beginning to write, you need to know the hero and heroine of your WIP. You need to know them inside and out, past and present. For me, I need to know everything about them from their names to their favorite color. The more you know about your characters; the easier it'll be to write their story.

How do I get to know my characters?

Every writer is different. I have a few different charts and a list of questions I ask my characters to answer. I usually have to do the in-depth stuff after I start writing, however. In the middle, when the plot starts to bog down, getting out the old list of questions works wonders for me. It's amazing what you find out when you allow your characters to speak for themselves. Knowing your characters this intimately adds another layer to your plot.

For my newest Whispers Publishing release, The Gift, I realized half-way through the story that my heroine (Dana) didn't really have a problem with my hero (Ben) being ten years younger than her at all. Her problems went deeper than that. Dana feels unsure if she'll be good enough to keep a man like Ben interested, period. You see her husband was never satisfied with their sex life, and (what I just found out) he was having an affair with a much younger woman. She didn't find out about this until months after his death. So she wondering, how can I think of satisfying this younger man if I couldn't even manage to keep my husband happy? I would've never known this if I hadn't asked her a bunch of questions when I got bog down.

Another good reason to write stuff down is to keep track of your character's description and background. You wouldn't want the heroine to have green eyes in the beginning of the book and gray at the end, or have the hero be thirty at the beginning and forty at the end, unless ten years have gone by. You wouldn't want a secondary character to be blind than suddenly wear glasses. Keeping track of people is especially important when writing a series of books with continuing characters.

You may not remember Rose was a blonde in book one but turned into a red-head in book three. But you can bet some reader will catch it.

You need to know your characters as well as you know yourself.

Theresa Stillwagon

http://tstillwagon.wordpress.com/

RELICS is coming to eBooks on December 15, 2010

Book Two of the Ancient Enemy series, RELICS will be out December 15, 2010 in all eBook formats, and you can enter my contest to WIN THE PDF VERSION by visiting my website contest page HERE

The Anasazi taken to the stars by Alien visitors eight hundred years ago, have returned to conquer the planet of their ancestors, Earth.

When archeologist Celene Dupres is called to an alien ship crash site and witnesses her father's massacre, little does she know that inside her DNA sleeps a trigger implanted by aliens when she was abducted as a child. Determined to avenge her father's murder and retrieve his alien relics, Celene meets the dangerously handsome Kin Raidon who offers to help, and leads her into a world of international intrigue. But Kin is much more than he appears...


Government agencies like ORION are hunting Celene for the threat she represents to humanity. Not all the factions agree, and Kin seems like the perfect protector for Celene. But this man she chooses to trust, the man she is learning to love, is the secret agent assigned to kill her...

Read an excerpt HERE

"It's an absolute page-turner and I could barely put it down." Beverly Forehand - Round Table Reviews

"RELICS is an intense thrill ride of a futuristic romance; I highly recommend it." Marlene Breakfield - Paranormal Romance

"...an intriguing romance... all the staples of a good science fiction story." Romantic Times

" ...will keep you captivated from beginning to end." Gina - Love Romances - 5-hearts rating

More about this book on my website at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Wishing you all a fantastic Thanksgiving season.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-fi and Romance with a Kick





"I consider this to be among the best reads of the year!"

Johnna - Fallen Angel Reviews - Rating: 5 angels

 

Welcome Author Stephanie Burkhart

First, I'd like to thank Vijaya for having me here today to talk about the Borealis II Anthology and my story in it, "Shadows and Light."
Just a little about me: After being raised in New Hampshire and growing a wicked New England accent, this Patriot fan joined the US Army. I spent 7 years stationed in Germany and will never find a real gyros here like I did at the Greek restaurants in Germany. In 1991, I married a fair haired boy from California. We settled in Castaic, CA in 2000. I now work for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. My wicked New England accent is more like a whisper these days.
Birth of the Borealis Anthologies
Author J. Morgan and Desert Breeze Editor in Chief, Gail Delaney, were talking one day about how they love sci-fi. JMO jokingly said, "You should do a science fiction anthology." Gail, with a devilish gleam in her eye, loved the idea and ran with it.
I pride myself on being able to write multiple genres and I cut my teen writing short stories, but I'd never done science fiction. When Gail asked me to write "Shadows and Light," I jumped at the chance.
The story
Persephone Talon and Elijah Kess are investigating the Uudon Trade on the Borealis for the Rebellion. When they learn they have the same assignment, will their attraction help or hinder their mission?

The Story Teaser
I enjoy watching book/story trailers. I even bought a book once based on the teaser. I think that having a video is a great accent tool for promotion because it gives the reader a visual of the story. I knew I had to have a trailer for "Shadows and Light."

Unfortunately, I have no video skills and paying for a story trailer, which inexpensive if you shop around, makes my nose twitch because I'd rather spend the money on other promotion efforts.

I had to learn to make my own trailer.
Thank goodness for Gail Delaney! We got together and she showed me how to use iMovie on my Macbook. The fun was about to begin.
First, I had to find music. Kevin MacLeod has some great royalty free stuff – you just have to give him the credit. It didn't take long to find the lithium grunge beat I needed. Then I hung out on Dreamstime (a place to find stock photography) and Nasa. Unfortunately, all the good images I had to pay for. The cost was worth it considering my savings. I worked on my textboxes and BAM! I had a great trailer that captured the ambience of the story.

Here's a link to the Shadows & Light Story Teaser on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2moYlgwCA

Excerpt:
The door slid open to the elevator and Elijah stepped onto SL7. The sickening sweet smell of rotting pineapples hung in the air. He pulled out a small strip filter and placed it over the bridge of his nose. It would absorb the stench and allow him to smell clean air for up to thirty minutes. A small, darkened alcove was just to the right of the elevator. He walked past it and down the dimly light hall. On the surface, it appeared to be a living level. There were rooms, dirty doors, greasy crust on the baseboards. The overhead lights were in need of replacement.
Then it struck him. The hall was empty. Where were the occupants? Granted, they would be slums, as Aachen would put it, but there was no one around. Why?
To keep appearances.
Humph. Appearances. Secrets. Spies. The work was draining. He had to be alert all the time. What happened to that carefree kid with the sunny disposition who learned to cook with his mother in the kitchens of the royal family? He sighed. That kid lost his innocence when he saw the horrors of war firsthand -- sins committed by the TPP. And all he wanted to do was get back at them. Only he was coming to realize that the TPP was infinite and his little part was that -- little. He felt like David in that ancient Earth Bible story David and Goliath. His mother would read to him from it growing up. It would be nice to find that sense of family again.
Focusing, he walked to the end of the corridor. A heavy titanium door marked 'Secure Access Only' stared back at him. The code pad on the side of the door indicated it wanted a retinal verification to enter. Retinal patterns were extremely hard to forge.
Was Dan right? Was the whole level shut off? Why? For what purpose? What were the scientists up to?
A shadow teased the corner of his eye. Spinning around, the shadow disappeared into the alcove near the entrance elevator.

He braced his back against the hallway wall and slithered against it toward the alcove, careful not to make a sound. With his dark uniform and the dim lighting, he should be hard to detect.

The shadow's breathing was normal, taking small rhythmic breaths.
Pouncing, he leapt into the alcove and lunged for the shadow, grabbing its arm. The cloak's hood fell away from her face.

"Persephone?" he whispered.
~~~~
Goodie Time: Leave a response and I'll be back tomorrow, 9 NOV to pick two people to receive an autographed postcard of the Borealis II cover.
Answer this question: How has Star Wars resonated with you? I'll pick a winner to receive a PDF copy of the Borealis II Anthology.
The Borealis II Anthology is available for Kindle, Nook, Sony Ebook Reader, All Romance Books and at Desert Breeze Publishing.
Here's a link to the Borealis II Anthology on the Desert Breeze Site: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-121/Borealis-Space-Anthology-Stephanie/Detail.bok

You can find me on the web at:
Website:
http://sgcardin.tripod.com/
Blog:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166?ref=ts

BLACK JAGUAR IS OUT TODAY

BLACK JAGUAR, Book Three in the Chronicles of Kassouk series, is out today from DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING

When Kahuel sails away from Yalta to explore a new world, it is in large part to escape his past. He also hopes to prove himself as a worthy prince. But when tragedy strikes, and the new continent proves to be inhabited, he discovers that the powerful Mutant of Kassouk who commandeered his expedition has an alternate purpose.


Princess Talina of the Chosen clan, a peaceful native tribe concealed and protected by a race of powerful aliens, believes she can never wed. But when foreigners land on her shores, and they bring with them the legendary Lost Daughter of the Chosen prophecy, she realizes her fate is about to change. But how strange that the foreigners cannot mind-talk, and why to the felines like them is a mystery.

The Estrell people, a galactic race with problems of their own, have a crucial use for the innocent Chosen, and they cannot let a bunch of explorers jeopardize decades of work intended to insure the survival of their dying race.

With the future of the entire planet at stake, the struggle for power and for survival will play on this virgin continent, away from civilization. Can Kahuel, with his warriors and felines, simple weapons and Human ingenuity, prevail against impossible odds?

"This is a good story with a futuristic world building that is written very well. The reader will be drawn into the story and find it very had to put down until the very end of it... The story and people are very believable and engaging to read about." Rating = 4 Roses Red Roses for Authors Review Blog

"From one extreme to another the societal differences in this story keep you riveted. It is much like watching an episode of “Stargate,” where an advanced civilization engineers a primitive culture to suit their needs and perpetuate the image of deities to keep their subjects in line. As the truth comes to light, Kahuel and Talina are not so disparate in their basic beliefs that their love for family, friends, and wildlife cannot bond them tightly, even during the worst of times. This strange blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and sweet romance is a great way to whisk yourself off to another time and place without ever having to leave your comfy chair." Lototy - CoffeeTime Romance - Rating = 4 Cups

"Ms. Schartz has continued her spellbinding series with this fast paced story that ensnared me from the very start... I enjoyed watching the interaction of the humans with their feline friends and how they would do anything to protect each other. The visual descriptions of the jungle scenes brought them to life for this reader. I for one can't wait for the next book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series." Teresa - Fallen Angel Reviews Rating = 5 Angels

Find this title and many other eBooks from Vijaya:

At Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4


At All Romance eBooks:

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-fi and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Anaz-voohri coming out next week in eBook

Ancient Enemy Book One, ANAZ-VOOHRI, is coming out next week in electronic format from BWLPP with a fresh new cover. Don't you love it? I do. It[s fast-paced sci-fi action with lots of romance.

"An epic novel of enduring love despite Herculean obstacles and extraterrestrial intrigues. I was caught up from the first sentence... I adored this book." 5 cups - Kathy - Coffee Time Romance

"Fast paced with just the right amount of action... The romance between Zack and Tia was very realistic... I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it... very memorable." 5 angels -Teresa, Fallen Angel Reviews

"a fantastic futuristic science fiction adventure... the evil Captain Kavak certainly ranks as one of the worst villains ever encountered! ...definitely out-of-this-world!" 4.5 clovers - Debbie, ck2skwips&Kritiques

""Engrossing... a lot of action... good character development... Anaz-voohri is excellent." - Kate Cuthbert - All About Romance

"Ms. Schartz offers her readers an enthralling story. Zack is a charming, headstrong, and determined character, the likes of which anyone would be pleased to call friend... a definite must read " 4 hearts - Gina - Love Romances

BLURB:

The Anaz-voohri have returned from the stars after eight hundred years, to claim the planet of their ancestors... a blue orb named Earth. Since he witnessed the abduction of his baby sister by an alien creature, Zack will stop at nothing to rescue her, even if it means joining the Special Forces. But Tia Vargas, the reckless Amazon training the secret unit for a highly classified mission, has no use for this handsome, rebellious recruit, at least not on the battlefield, until Zack’s farfetched stories prove to be true, and tragedy strikes...

Book Two in the series, RELICS, will be released in November, and Book Three, KICKING BOTS in December.

You can find all my ebooks at ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz
Or in Amazon Kindle at;
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4

And in all other formats at your favorite eBook store.
Have a wonderful week.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Alien Lockdown is coming out next week in eBook

With a new title and a new cover, this all times favorite of my readers, Alien Lockdown, is coming out in eBook version (the paperback was out in 2006) Alien Lockdown will be available from Amazon, All eBook Romances, Mobi-lit, and Smashwords, thanks to my new publisher, BWLPP.

Don't you love this cover? I do.

"The action reminded me of an INDIANA JONES movie and the romance was equally intense." - Paranormal Romance Reviews.
"the fantastic anticipation only a ticking bomb can generate, I was enthralled from page one" - 4 Stars rating - Lynn Lowe - Ecataromance

"...suspenseful, gripping saga of survival, betrayal, and hope...the resourcefulness and courage that occurs when a person refuses to admit defeat and die." - 5 Angels rating - Dena - Fallen Angel Reviews

The year is 3033, and deep in the bowels of the underground galactic prison, something has gone terribly wrong. An artist at heart, Rhonda never wanted this prison medic job. When the civilians vanish and an earthquake damages the nuclear reactor, she must go down to repair it with Captain Perfect himself, Cole Riggeur, who always plays by the rules and never trusted a woman in his life. But in the underground penitentiary, the most wicked convicts in the Galaxy are loose, and a treacherous shape-shifter plans his revenge. Disconnected from the Garrison, against impossible odds, Cole and Rhonda now face their greatest challenge... trusting each other in order to survive.

Find it on All Romance eBooks at:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz

Find it on Amazon in a few days at:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning sci-fi, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Ashes for the Elephant God is now available in eBook!

"... a broad-stroked, magnificent picture of a lavish India of the past and the present... a vivid tale of suspense... a gripping account of a woman coming to terms with heightened awareness... a destiny that yields true fulfillment." The Book Reader

"... entertaining, fast-paces yet deeply spiritual... Here is a superior metaphysical novel!" Richard Fuller - Metaphysical Reviews
"... passionate... love, lust, faith and deception... a magnificent offering to the world of fiction..." Charlotte Austin Review

"...rich, sensual... multilayered... a thriller... magical, mystical book..." Writer's Digest

To scatter her brother's ashes over the Narmada River, Fabienne leaves France for the mysterious India of her childhood dreams. Soon, as she awakens to a newfound spirituality, unexpected visions of a former life during the Raj stir ancient yearnings for a long lost passion. Mukunda, the palace architect Fabienne loved a century and a half ago, lives again as an American engineer and works on the local dam project. As Fabienne falls in love again with India and the man of her destiny, the tapestry of her previous life unfolds. But, in the karmic land of the blue gods, a ruthless foe lies in wait. The Kali worshiper, who murdered the two lovers in a faraway past, has come back through the centuries to thwart their dream once more.

If you liked Eat, Pray, Love, you will love Ashes for the Elephant God

Available now at ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS and at SMASHWORDS, and in a day or two in KINDLE

Vijaya Schartz

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Black Jaguar has a cover

The third book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series is scheduled to be released on November 1, 2010, and I just received the cover from the publisher.  I love it.  It's gorgeous and intense, and the jaguar has emerald eyes, just like in the story.  Both the beast and the master have that same mesmerizing gaze.  And I love the green background, since this particular story has a theme of tropical exploration.

Did you know that the word jaguar means "who kills in one leap?"  This is something I learned during the research I did for this story.  Yes, even when you write sci-fi romance with a hint of fantasy, you need to do serious research.

Felines are prominent in all my books, in this series, it's large felines.  White Tiger in book one, Red Leopard in Book Two, and Black Jaguar in book three.  Book four, scheduled for release next year, will be titled Blue Lioness.  You can already imagine what the cover will look like.  I also plan a prequel to this series for 2012, titled Noah's Ark.

This book will be available in November 2010 in all eBook formats from all eBook distributors, including Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Borders Kobo, Sony Reader, iPad and all readers in between.  All my stories in the series can be read individually, but if you don't like spoilers, you might want to start reading from book one and go from there.

I love this new title, and I hope you love it, too.

Vijaya Schartz

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Get ready to meet BLACK JAGUAR

I am in the middle of writing the third story in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK, and the characters are taking shape nicely.  I already consecrated a page of my website to this book, with an excerpt of the very first chapter.  You'll also enjoy the pictures I chose to represent my characters.  Love them.  Here is my very first attempt at a blurb:

When Kahuel of Yalta, known as Black Jaguar, sails away with Diablo, his faithful feline, to explore a new world, it is in large part to escape a dissolute past. He also hopes to establish himself as a worthy prince. But when tragedy strikes, and the new continent proves to be inhabited, he discovers that the powerful Mutant of Kassouk who commandeered the expedition has an ulterior motive.

Princess Talina of the Chosen Clan, a peaceful native group concealed and protected by a race of powerful aliens, believes she can never wed. But when foreigners land on her shores, led by a royal prince, and they bring with them the Lost Daughter of the sacred prophecy, she realizes her fate is about to change.

The Estrell people, a dying galactic race, have a crucial use for the innocent Chosen, and they cannot let a bunch of explorers jeopardize decades of intricate work to insure the survival of their race.

With the future of the entire planet at stake, the struggle for survival will play on this virgin continent, away from civilization. Can Kahuel save Talina and the Chosen from a terrible fate? Can he, with his warriors and felines, simple weapons and Human ingenuity, prevail against a highly advanced enemy, against impossible odds?
 
The book is coming from Desert Breeze in November 2010 and will be available in all eBook formats everywhere. 
See more pictures and read an exerpt at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com/blackjaguar.html
 
Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Welcome Author Stephanie Burkhart

I just want to thank Vijaya for having me here today. She's helped to invigorate my love of Sci-Fi and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I tried out Caprica because she mentioned it in a recent interview and now I'm watching the new Battlestar Galactica on Netflix.


Just a little about me: I was born and raised in Manchester, NH and at 18, I joined the military, serving in the army as an MP. I spent 7 years total overseas in Germany. While in the military I earned a BS in Political Science. After leaving the military, I settled in California and I now work as a dispatcher answering 911 for LAPD. My first book, "Destination: Berlin" was released in 2001 and is a "sweet" military romance suspense.

My latest release, "The Hungarian," Book One in the Budapest Moon Series doesn't involve any big cats *grin*, but it does involve a big dog and fur.

"The Hungarian" is a paranormal romance set in 1901 and takes place in England and Hungary. Count Matthias Duma harbors a dark secret, but when he meets a young British noblewoman, Katherine Archibald, he risks everything, including his secret, for her love.

Matthias's secret? He's a werewolf. As he was traveling back to his manor after watching a play in Fonyód with his first wife, Beth, wolves attacked him. His wife was killed and Matthias was bitten, made into a mythical creature of the moon.

Werewolves have been a part of myths and cultures since the early civilizations of man. In ancient Greece, one legend tells us how King Lycan fed the gods human flesh. Enraged, the gods turned him into a werewolf since it would make it easier for Lycan to feed on the human flesh he desired.

Werewolves are generally shape shifters. Once a werewolf, most written legends talk about wolves shifting at will. In "The Hungarian," Matthias can only change during the full moon. It allows for a fuller characterization of the man, not the wolf.

Once becoming a wolf, a man had heightened senses – strength, eyesight, and smell, which Matthias does.

Interestingly, the curse of lycanthropy was thought to be divine punishment in the Catholic Church. They burned werewolves at the stake.

Burning at the stake sounds a little gruesome to me. In the "Budapest Moon Series," silver poisoning is my preferred method of doing a werewolf harm. It's less gruesome.

Matthias does his best to bear with his condition. He's not looking for love. When he meets Katherine, the forces that bring them together make it impossible for Matthias to distance himself from her. Now he's got a real challenge. How does he tell the woman he's in love with he's a mythical creature called a werewolf? That's the fun of the story!


Excerpt:


He held up the ring. "Before you say yes, I have one last thing to tell you. This is not easy for me to talk about since it is the cause of my affliction. It's a secret that my household and I have strived to hide well, but was almost compromised with your recent visit."

"Secret?" She and Liz suspected there was one.

"My wife didn't die in a carriage accident. When the wolves attacked, they overturned the carriage, and it was the easiest way to explain what happened."

"I see."

"The wolves that attacked us were no ordinary wolves," he paused. "They were werewolves."

"Werewolves?" Had she heard him right? A cool breeze tingled her spine, heightening her senses.

"Yes. Do you know what they are?"

She shivered. "Half-men, half-wolves?"

"No, they're men for the most part, but when the moon is full, they turn into wolves, roaming the night in search of prey that will satisfy them until the next full moon. These particular wolves that attacked us were in a band of gypsies passing through on their way to Ternitz. They killed my wife. Her death gave them satisfaction, and with the power of their bite, they made me a wolf. Every full moon, I transform."

Katherine slowly backed away from him. How could such creatures exist? Was he a monster? A beast? She couldn't believe that. She'd come to know him as a vital and healthy man. "No," she whispered as a slow, numbing shock washed over her. "No."

He lunged out and grabbed her wrist, holding it tightly. "That's why I have a scar on my temple -- a tell-tale mark left by my attackers. Their bite also left me with unusual translucent eyes -- wolf eyes. It's also why I hate the moon. Yes, my wife died under a full moon, but I was made into a beast that night. I'm constantly aware of what phase it's in. As the moon changes, so do I. I'm even-tempered and close to my previous disposition when there's a new moon. As the moon grows, it gets harder to check the intense emotions that grow inside me. When the moon is full, I'm a wolf during the night. During the day, I am a man, but incapacitated. After the full moon, as it wanes, I'm better able to temper my emotions."

Goodie Time: I'll be giving away two autographed postcards of the cover to two lucky posters. To be eligible to win, just post. I'll pick the winners out of a hat and announce the winners on the blog no later than the next day.

Link to the Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow

Links for the Books:

Desert Breeze Website:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok

All Romance Books
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookonethehungarian-427260-139.html

Amazon for Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B003K15NG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1273427954&sr=1-1
Visit Stephanie at:
Website:
http://sgcardin.tripod.com/
Romance Under the Moonlight Blog
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1357922219&ref=profile

New contests at Books We Love

Books We Love gives you the opportunity to win all kinds of paperbacks and ebooks, including mine, in their Sizzling Summer Sweepstakes.

Win a Borders Kobo eReader - Entry instructions on the Books We Love website: To enter the contest simply visit five of the author pages displayed on the web page index and sign the guest book of the author you choose to visit. Then fill out the entry form on the website and click submit.


PRIZES: (1) Every week until July 31 we will draw one winner to receive their choice of an ebook from any one of our Books We love authors. (2) On May 31, June 30 and July 31st we will draw three winners who will each receive an autographed copy of one of the print books displayed on the page. (4) GRAND PRIZE: Borders KOBO EREADERS on July 31st one lucky winner will receive a Kobo and their choice of any five Books We Love ebooks.
Enter Now: http://www.bookswelove.net/
 
Good Luck!
 
Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Meet Romantic Suspense author Anne Patrick

Anne Patrick is the author of ‘Sweet’ Edge of Your Seat Romantic Suspense. She has penned more than a dozen novels. She’s a confessed suspense junkie with a bad habit of mixing chocolate and diet colas when writing, which can, and often does, lead to mayhem. Her heroines are usually strong willed, witty, and often very opinionated…combinations that usually land them in situations where death seems imminent. Anne has an alter ego by the name of Kinzie Monroe, who writes Inspirational Romance. Anne, you might say, is the dark side of Kinzie. Anne’s books may be darker in subject matter, but they all carry messages of hope and faith.


First of all I’d like to thank Vijaya for having me on her blog today, and for giving me the opportunity to talk about my new book that releases this month.

In Out of the Darkness, ex-FBI Profiler Alex Michaels is forced into hiding by the serial killer who murdered her twin sister and left her with a career ending injury. Meeting up with an ex-pro football player who is also facing an uncertain future, Alex makes Royce McIntire an offer he can’t refuse. Settling into her new life, Alex has no idea the killer is hot on her tracks along with the team of FBI agents who failed to protect her before. When they all catch up to her, not only is her peaceful life shattered, but once again her life is in jeopardy.

Here’s an excerpt from it:

The house was dark as Alex Michaels drove onto the lawn. She slammed the gearshift into park, pulled her gun from its holster, and jumped from the car. She swiped frantically at the tears as she stepped cautiously to the front door and grasped the knob. Please God…Please don’t let me be too late. Her grip tightened on the 9mm as beads of perspiration formed on her forehead. Inside the entryway, she reached out with her left hand to flick the light switch.

The knife came out of nowhere.

A sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation, seared up her right forearm. Her fingers went numb and the gun clattered to the floor. She jabbed with her left arm, her clenched fist coming in contact with the jaw hidden behind a black ski mask.

The intruder retaliated with a punch to her right cheek that slammed her body back against the door. The room swirled, her knees grew weak. She struggled to stand on solid ground. With a fistful of hair, her head was jerked back as the attacker’s knee rammed her rib cage, forcing a gush of air from her lungs.

She cried out as her knees buckled and she dropped to the floor. Another blow to her rib cage knocked her back onto the floor. Her left arm pinned beneath her, she raised a bloody right arm toward the intruder and stared in horror at her hand dangling lifelessly.

With the full weight of his body pinning her, she writhed beneath him trying to free her left arm.

“Fight me, Alex. Show me you’re not as weak as the rest.”

“I swear I’m going to kill you.” Using her feet as leverage, she rolled against him but she was no match for his strength.

He laughed. “Come on, Alex. Your sister put up a better fight than this.”

A sob escaped her lips. She could still hear Cassie’s cries for help and her bloodcurdling screams of terror.

“Sorry you didn’t make it in time to say goodbye. But you’ll be with her soon enough.”


Out of the Darkness releases this month from Champagne Books. To learn more about me and my other releases, please visit my blog: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/ or my website: http://www.annepatrick.weebly.com/

Thanks again, Vijaya, for having me on your blog!

The cover of White Tiger won the QUASAR award

After winning the Ariana Award in Sci-Fi Romance category for the cover, White Tiger went on to win the QUASAR AWARD, for best ebook cover of 2009.  I am immensely proud of Jenifer Ranieri, who designed the cover for Desert Breeze.  She also designed the second cover in the series and it's just as fabulous.

Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Vijaya Schartz is speaking April 16 at the Desert Dreams Conference

This weekend, Vijaya is speaking in Scottsdale at the Desert Dreams Writers Conference at the Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.  This event gathers New York Time best selling authors like Linda Lael Miller, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Diana Gabaldon, Jennifer Ashley, and many popular and award-winning authors, come to teach eager career-oriented writers.

Vijaya's workshop, TAMING THE BOOK PROMOTION MONSTER, is Friday at 2 pm.

The book signing gathering over fifty authors is free of charge and open to the public, Saturday at 5:45 pm until 7 pm.

Brad Schreiber (from Storytech and connected with the Writer's Journey) will speak on Sunday morning about the writer's career.


The weather promises to be fantastic.  Join us for the book signing.
Hope to see you there.

Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Task Force 125 continues with A Taste of Liberty!

Allow me to introduce my fellow author Lisa Pietsch.  Like me she writes tough girls with guns.  She authored the TASK FORCE 125 series for Sapphire Blue Publishing.  Here is what she says about herself:
"I wear a lot of hats. I’m a mother, a military wife, a veteran (U.S.A.F. Security Forces), a freelance writer and novelist. Some of my interests include terrorists and terrorism, the small arms trade, human trafficking and drug trafficking. All of these topics are represented in the Task Force 125 series which are stories of espionage and paramilitary operations centered around the character of Sarah Stevens who is recruited into the CIA’s Special Activities Division."


I hope you enjoy these excerpts she kindly provided for your enjoyment.

Her Task Force 125 series began with The Path to Freedom.
Sarah Stevens has had a very bad day that led to some major life changes. She transforms from a mild-mannered military cop to a super sexy spy and life takes off from there!

excerpt:

“Look, this mission isn’t like anything you’ve ever done as a Security Specialist. That was flat out defensive and impersonal stuff. What we’re about to do is strictly covert, offensive and very personal. Although you’ve been trained well in tactics and fighting techniques, there is no training for what you’re about to do. You either can or you can’t.”

Phew! Maybe he doesn’t know?

“Look, Vince, I understand your concerns but a roll in the hay to work over a terrorist is nothing compared to the soldiers giving their lives every day in this war. Besides, I’ve been with bastards before, so what’s one more?”

Working over a jerk is just what I need after all those jerks who have worked me over in one way or another all my life. Hell, it might even be fun.

“Only a strong woman can do what you’re about to, and we need to know now if you can handle it or not.”

Sarah stared up into Vince’s eyes and tried to reassure him. “I wouldn’t have come this far if I couldn’t. I can do this, Vince.”

“When you were in the Security Police, it was all black and white. You’re deep in the gray area now and the success of this mission depends on how convincing you can be.”

Sarah fixed her eyes on his. “Vince…I can do it.”

Vince uncrossed his arms and slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “We’re all getting our hands dirty in this war. Nobody on this team is going to judge you, but no matter what, at the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself. We can’t put you in there and then have you melt down over a moral dilemma.”

How am I going to convince this guy I can handle this? Once I convince him, the rest of the team will be onboard.

There’s only one way…

Sarah smiled a thoughtful smile.

Sarah locked her gaze onto Vince’s and stood. She took a deep breath and exhaled with a soft sigh. “Oh, Vince.” She couldn’t believe the seductive purr of her own voice as she ran her hands slowly over her hips and down the length of her mini-skirt to straighten the creases that had formed from sitting. Still maintaining eye contact, she took two slow steps toward Vince until she stood about six inches away from him.

“Did I ever thank you for the pearls?” She raised her right hand to her neck, gently caressing the pearl choker from left to right.

“They’re so beautiful,” she whispered as she trailed her fingertips slowly down the edge of the v-neck blouse she wore until they rested on her ample cleavage.

His gaze dropped from hers to follow the path of her fingers to her full breasts as she breathed slowly and deeply, but she continued to stare directly at him. With her left hand, she gently touched his right shoulder and trailed her hand seductively down his muscular arm. Liberated by the charade of playing a part, she drank in his scent, the texture of his skin, the form of his muscular arms.

“Mmm…so strong.”

When she reached his hand, she gently placed it on her left hip, holding it there with her left hand. Her body burned for him and she thrilled at his touch.

His gaze dropped to where she had placed his hand, and he took a deep breath before pulling her close and looking into her eyes once again.

The heat between them was unmistakable to Sarah. She could have him now or make her point. What she wanted to do and what she needed to do would lead to two distinctly different paths in life. The importance of her new job was far greater than the momentary satisfaction a roll in the hay might bring.

She caressed his neck just below his left ear. Her fingertips told her his heartbeat was fast and strong. She skimmed her fingertips along the line of his jaw and down his neck to his shoulder where she rested her hand. Then she whispered, “So hard.”

She pressed against him, closing the space between them. Her body was full against his and she could feel his interest rising, a hard length against her stomach.

The power she had in this situation was better than any buzz she’d ever felt. Every cell in her body was yearning for him but she fought it and stayed in control.

She led his right hand around her waist and then let her left hand creep up his strong, solid chest and around to the back of his neck.

His mouth opened slightly and she knew he was ready to kiss her, so she sighed meaningfully and moved to within a breath of his lips with hers. Dark desire filled his eyes.

Sarah let her own eyes reflect what her body was feeling. Her mind maintained true control.

Vince’s left arm tightened around her waist and held her close while his right hand slowly caressed her hip and began to travel slowly up her waist.

When he moved to kiss her, she very gently moved her head to the side and whispered sensuously in his ear, “I am going to make him an offer no man could refuse, and then, I’m going to rock the bastard’s world.”

It took every ounce of strength she had to step out of Vince’s embrace and pretend it was all an act.

He can never know exactly how much I wanted to finish that!

Sarah allowed herself the luxury of looking Vince over slowly, from head to toe, as though he were dinner and she hadn’t eaten in, well, she’d never eaten a dinner like that.

Her gaze paused at the impressive and telling bulge below his waistline.

Such a shame we have to let that go to waste.

Her body screamed at her own betrayal. He was a sexual electromagnet switched on. Her mind fought to keep control of her body.

Walk out of the room, Sarah.

Walk out of the room, Sarah.

Walk out of the room, Sarah.

When she met his gaze again, she nodded to his apparent arousal. She barely managed to control her urge to pounce.

He couldn’t tell her in any more obvious a way that he wanted her.

She took a deep breath and appeared all business when she spoke. “Sorry about that, but I needed you to understand I can do this. By the look of things, I’d say I have you fairly well convinced.” She straightened her skirt and tossed her hair back over her right shoulder. “Now you guys need to back me up and make sure I don’t get left hanging in the warm Mediterranean breeze.”

Vince smirked and nodded. “Good enough.” His breaths were heavy and fast.

Sarah watched the telling rise and fall of his chest as she remembered what it was like to be held close to him. “Now I’ll leave you with your, uh, thoughts and see you out in the cabin in a few minutes.” Sarah slid her hand behind Vince to reach the doorknob as he stepped aside.


In the second installment of the series, entitled A Taste of Liberty, Sarah Stevens is back and ready to stand up for herself. (Warning: Adult Language)


Excerpt:

Sarah walked into her apartment and closed the door. She pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed Vince.

No answer.

Those sons of bitches are going to answer for this.

The more Sarah thought about it, the angrier she became.

Where the hell do they get off scaring my dates away like a couple of big brothers puffing up their chests?

She called Will.

He picked up on the first ring. "Sarah, you okay?"

"I'm pissed. Where's Vince?"

"We left the club about fifteen minutes ago. He was going straight back to his place."

"Great. I'll find him."

"Sa..."

Sarah hung up before he could say anything. She left her apartment, stomped down the hallway and punched the elevator button.

Son of a bitch.

When the elevator didn't show up immediately, she ripped open the stairwell door and ran down the two flights of stairs to Vince's floor.

She banged on his apartment door like a cop ready to bust a drug dealer.

Vince opened the door within seconds wearing a casual smile. "Hey, sweetheart."

A flash of pink silk caught Sarah's eye. She looked past Vince to see a beautiful brunette in pajamas lounging on his sofa.

Rage boiled beneath her skin. Every muscle in her body tensed with anger. She glared at him but he seemed oblivious as he smiled at her.

Mutherfucker!

She didn't try to stop herself as she threw her whole body into a hard punch to his stomach.

Vince wasn't expecting the hit. He braced his hands on the doorframe, bent slightly into himself and stepped back before recovering. His face was red and he looked genuinely surprised when he looked up.

His voice boomed. "What the hell was that for?"

"Don't sweetheart me, you bastard! You get to bring women home whenever you like, but I finally find a nice guy to go out to dinner with and you and your flunky, Will, have to fuck it up?"

He shook his head and grabbed her arm. "Now hold on a minute!"

Sarah cut him off. "No, you hold on!" She shook her arm free of his grip. "Let's get something clear here. We may work together but my off-duty time is mine." Sarah turned without waiting for a response and stormed down the hall. Behind her, she heard Vince's door slam shut.

Son of a bitch!


If you've already read The Path to Freedom and Sarah’s Summer, you might just want to read A Taste of Liberty, now available at Sapphire Blue Publishing; http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/

Visit me online at http://www.lisapietsch.com/ where I give away at least one book per month to a lucky blog subscriber.

RED LEOPARD has a cover - Release April 1, 2010

Chronicles of Kassouk - Book Two
RED LEOPARD
Coming April 1, 2010
from Desert Breeze Publishing

Left in charge of the fortress of Kassouk during the King's absence, what is Terek to do when a spaceship lands in his medieval backyard, and the striking woman in charge of the galactic expedition is bent upon colonization?

Galya, the Goddian princess commanding the geological vessel, has come to find a crystal with unusual hyper-conductor properties. And the futile resistance of the local population isn't going to stop her. Not even the tribal chief named RED LEOPARD, like the infernal feline that follows him everywhere.

Terek and his band of swordsmen and felines must defent their freedom, no matter the cost. But with the new arrival a legend surfaces, taking new meaning and carrying a new threat.

When political intrigue, greed, murder and betrayal tip the scales, whom can Galya really trust? Her fellow Goddians, the Mutants bred to serve her race, or her primitive Human enemy?

Find out more on my website, with picture of my characters at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/redleopard.html

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

WHITE TIGER received an ARIANA award

WHITE TIGER, Book One of the Chronicle of Kassouk series, just won an ARIANA award from EPIC, an organization dictating high standards for the ebook industry.

The cover designer is Jenifer Ranieri, who did the cover for my publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing. She obviously is very talented, and I want to thank her for such a wonderful job.

She successfully rendered the feel of the series, the fascination of the Human population for the felines they keep as pets, the medieval citadel of Kassouk where they live, the snow and the mountains, and the large moon in the background.

WHITE TIGER gathered several awards and five-star reviews since it's first publication, but this cover is very special. Learn more about this book and this series on my website at http://www.vijayaschartz.com/white%20tiger.html

The second book in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series, RED LEOPARD, is scheduled for April 2010. The third book, BLACK JAGUAR, will be out in November 2010.

Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning Sci-fi, guns, swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com