#ReadMe – Beware the Wolf in My New Master - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today I share an excerpt from my second published short story My New Master, featured in the YA anthology The Mirador Fantasmagoria. This gives some back story to our favourite lieutenant werewolf, Simon Bunce from the Redcliffe novels…

 

“Ok Marie, tell me about this family.  What do you want me to do?” 

She smiled again. 

“Simon you are so young, so innocent!  I know about your mother.  But I am not like her.  Actually I am like Danny.” 

Here she nodded in his direction and I half turned to look at him.  His face was serious, his blue eyes blazing as he spoke. 

“Marie please don’t do this.  You cannot destroy this boy’s life.  Let him go.” 

He moved towards Marie and suddenly she lunged at him.  I shouted her name and tried to block her but she was stronger than I thought.  Marie shoved me so hard I staggered back to the sofa and suddenly she was on top of me again, her hand clamped around my throat as she hissed in my ear. 

“You shouldn’t have done that, Simon.”

            She lifted her face and I whimpered as I saw her eyes, not human.  They were animal eyes.  She sniffed my face and nuzzled my neck.  I struggled but she was too strong and she held me firm against the sofa with her body.  I heard Detective Mason behind her and sensed him moving cautiously closer. 

“Mistress please let him go.  You are frightening him.  Your business is with me now;, punish me, not him.”

            She laughed and spoke while looking at my face. 

“Oh Danny you are so vain!  I will deal with you afterwards.  But first I must bring Simon into our family.” 

Suddenly she struck my neck, tearing at the flesh and biting me.  I cried out but the sound was muffled by the sound of her hand over my mouth.  I felt something clawing at my stomach, heard the sound of cloth and flesh tearing, then I felt searing pain as blood poured from my body.  Everything went black.

 

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 

 

Why do I Write?

I am currently experiencing a lot of changes in my life, and yet outwardly everything appears very normal and unspectacular. My big change is that of becoming a parent and subsequently a 'responsible' adult. Several years ago my then fiance (now husband) and I bought our first house together. We got a dog. We acquired several baby turtles (and now have 2 surviving). Then we got pregnant. Well, I did. The husband did his bit, but we won't go into detail...

Anyway, I now have one daughter aged 2 years and 10 months, and one newborn daughter aged 9 weeks. I tried to keep up with my writing schedule all through my second pregnancy, although since the birth of my first daughter I haven't really kept a writing schedule. It is more a case of write what I can when I find time and energy. It didn't help when my Muse packed up and left town. She just disappeared about six months into my pregnancy. I was devastated!

I now have an abandoned manuscript that will be reassessed at some point in the future. I recently released my fourth novel, The Darkness of Love, which I wrote while my first daughter was a young baby. I plan to participate in NaNoWriMo 2013 as a method to reinvigorate my novel writing enthusiasm. So far my Muse has begun to make small noises and offer tantalizing snippets of dialogue, the occasional new idea, and some very vague plot fillers for book 4 in my Redcliffe series. I am hoping that my children will miraculously settle down during November and allow me to indulge my passion.

Which brings me to my point. Why do I write? Why do any of us write? The simple answer is because we have to. The urge is so strong, our characters are so forceful, and the stories simply have to be written or we would go insane. Recently I have lost some of that insanity, although I gained a whole new version as a mother and wife. I now eagerly await the return of my 'writer eccentricity' so that I can reconnect with myself in the best way possible. We all have our vices. Mine are reading, writing and chocolate.

#ReadMe – College is a Dangerous Place; The Teen Game - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today I share an excerpt from my first published short story The Teen Game, featured in the YA anthology Devils, Demons and Werewolves…

That afternoon I sat near to the boy I wanted.  He was tall and slender with short black hair in a spiked style.  I learnt that his name was David Samson and I set about making small talk while we had our first practical art lesson.  He was extremely shy and seemed confused as to why I wanted his attention but slowly he began to respond, amid much cajoling from his friends.  He was another local born and bred who had come to college straight from the affiliated high school.  I was very much the outsider in this place but that didn’t faze me in the slightest.  Shelley and I ended our first day with invitations to join a group of boys at the pool club in the nearby cinema complex on Wednesday evening.  Naturally the group included my David.  Everything was progressing smoothly.

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!  

#ReadMe – Vampire Seduction in The Darkness of Love - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my new Victorian vampire novel The Darkness of Love. It tells the story of the vampire Marcus Scott from the Redcliffe novels, from the time when he was human…

 Amelia picked up her glass and took a long sip of the rich red wine.  When she spoke again her eyes were glowing and her fangs had extended delicately.  Gregory felt her energy filling the room, and he smiled, responding with a lash of his own cold power.  He possessed the energy and strength of diamonds, hard and impenetrable.  Amelia shivered, her lips curling in a hiss, and wrapped her violet sparks around him in a cold, sharp embrace.  To a human there was nothing unusual in this room, but to a vampire, it was electric and very exciting.  They played a fine line between safety and danger, and Amelia thrived on danger.

      “You wish for me to seduce this young man at your party next week?” Amelia asked, still caressing Gregory with her power, while she stood like a marble statue in front of the fireplace.

   

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!  

Supernatural Story from Shaman Mum #ReadMe

This was the headline in my local weekly newspaper, the Middlewich Guardian, when they ran a story for my new novel The Darkness of Love this week. I just wanted to share my latest media exposure, since I am rather proud of my achievements and am in need of an ego boost while I am running the hamster wheel of young motherhood... Thanks for stopping by!

Read the article here

#ReadMe - Scandal at the Manor House! The Darkness of Love - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my new Victorian vampire novel The Darkness of Love. It tells the story of the vampire Marcus Scott from the Redcliffe novels, from the time when he was human…

     “Someone is approaching!” Sarah whispered. 

      She moved away from Marcus and he jumped to his feet, hurriedly straightening his clothes.  Sarah sat, fanning her face with her hand, and looked up to see Gregory and Amelia walking through the archway and along the path.

      “Ah, my dear, there you are,” Gregory called, “We were wondering where you had got to.”
            Sarah stood slowly, and Marcus bowed to his master, and waited for instruction.  He hoped they had not seen his embrace with Lady Stockton.  He would most definitely be turned out of the house for this.  He could barely even process what had just happened.  Had Lady Stockton really offered herself to him?  Had she asked him to be her lover?  It seemed ridiculous.  Perhaps he was dreaming.

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!  

*New Release* The Darkness of Love by Catherine Green #amreading

My new  book is live online and available to download now! You can also order it as a paperback, if you prefer a good old-fashioned book to read. Here is the description of The Darkness of Love, I'm sure you will enjoy reading it, and don't forget to leave a review!

Lord Gregory Stockton is a powerful and respected businessman embracing the modern era of the Victorian industrial revolution. He has a grand and beautiful manor house complete with a repertoire of servants, and his young wife is charming, attractive, and the perfect lady to his gentleman. The only thing they lack is an heir to the family estate. Lord Gregory knows he can never produce a child, for he is a vampire, although his wife and servants know nothing of his secrets. There are other ways to provide heirs for his estate, however, and Lord Gregory has noticed the romantic attraction between his wife and the young stable hand Marcus Scott. He hatches a plan to bring the would-be lovers together, and then cruelly tear them apart as he continues to build his empire and secure his power base in the south of England. The humans are pawns in the vampire’s game of lust, love and control. 

#ReadMe – The Darkness of Love by Catherine Green - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my new book, Victorian vampire novel The Darkness of Love.

     “Walk me to my room, Marcus,” Lady Amelia purred beside him.

      Marcus jumped, startled out of his reverie.

      “Yes, of course my Lady.” he replied, flustered.

      Lady Amelia laughed, and the sound echoed in Marcus’ head and sent shivers of anticipation up and down his spine.  He glanced at the powerful woman beside him.  She was enchanting, like a forbidden fruit that would taste delicious but would cost you your life.  Her lips were full, pouting, and a rich red colour.  Her eyes sparkled dangerously, promising mischief and delight.  And her pale bosom heaved above its tight corset of deep blue velvet.  Marcus’ mind switched back to earthly pleasures, and he felt the familiar stirrings of lust.  It had been a very strange evening all things considered.  Perhaps there was more to come.

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find uson Facebook. Happy Humping!  

Book Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Here is my review of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Fascinating and disturbing, worryingly close to our everyday reality

I read this book as the first on the list in my newly formed local book club. It was a book I had not heard of before, and I admit I was a little snobbish and decided right away that I wouldn’t enjoy it, even though I knew nothing about the story or the author. I think I have been reading a few too many indie books recently! Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed Gone Girl, and I will definitely read the other books written by Gillian Flynn. It had me hooked from the first chapter, and I felt a certain empathy for the lead characters, more especially Nick, even though he has his faults. They were believable and flawed just like the rest of us, and I can even relate aspects of all the characters to people I know in real life. The only criticism of this book is that I didn’t like the ending, and nor did my fellow book club members. It was a total anti-climax and left you feeling a little flat and unfulfilled, although I think this was intentional on the author’s part. Try the book for yourself, and you won’t be disappointed.

#amwriting New Book Coming Soon! #ReadMe

I finally have an official release date for my next novel, how exciting! My Victorian vampire story The Darkness of Love is scheduled for release on 15th October, the perfect time for a Halloween themed book tour. It was originally planned for release in September, but since I gave birth on 1st August we can be forgiven for the very slight delay. I am now eagerly awaiting the 'birth' of my literary child...

In terms of writer news, my focus will now be on promoting and marketing the new book, as well as continuing to promote my Redcliffe novels series. I will be contacting people to arrange blog tours, competitions, reviews etc in the coming weeks and months as we work on catching the Halloween and Christmas shoppers. It will be interesting to see what promotional activity I receive from my new publisher, since I am currently doing everything by myself after my experiment in partnership publishing. Watch this space and I will report back on the service.

We also have the fabulous and fraught adventure that is NaNoWriMo 2013 coming up, and the time is ticking away a little too quickly for my liking. I cannot believe that summer is almost over already! I plan to complete NaNoWriMo again this year, since it is something of a personal goal and a great way to motivate me to write a new book. I am still working on the manuscript for my vampire hunter novel, but that will continue to tick along slowly until I get my mojo back for it. I have decided that for NaNoWriMo I will begin writing the fourth Redcliffe novel, which will be both exciting and surprising, since I don't really know what will happen next.

Busy times as always my friends! Happy writing, happy reading, and welcome to Autumn (or Fall if you prefer).

#ReadMe - Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) by Catherine Green - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my third book Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel), where our reluctant witch Jessica has had a run-in with the alpha werewolf and her wayward animal familiar. As always, the vampires are never far behind when they sense trouble brewing…

I gasped when I found Marcus Scott standing before me.  He was staring at me with interest, his silvery-blue eyes full of curiosity and intrigue.  His skin was pale, and I could see his fangs protruding when he smiled.  I didn’t know whether to smile or snarl at him, given our interaction only a few hours ago.  I was definitely angry.  This whole sorry mess was his fault.

“Why are you here, Marcus?” I asked moodily.

He dropped into a squat before me, staring intently at my face.  I knew that he was trying to decide whether to touch me or not.  I moved away from him, struggling to stand up but making it clear he was not welcome when he reached out to help me.

“I came to see Jack,” Marcus replied, “What happened here?”

He straightened up as I stood, and he gestured to the room.  I realised he could sense the energy that still lingered, and maybe he had seen Jack and Danny.  I wasn’t sure. 

“You,” I said, “That’s what happened.”

“Ah,” he said, “You refer to our liaison earlier.  That was not entirely my fault, Jessica.”

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 

 

#ReadMe - Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) by Catherine Green - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my second book Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)…

            “We share the same human body, Jessica,” Suri coaxed, “And you want the wolf just as much as I do.”

            I sighed heavily, still walking steadily along the tarmac pavement that formed Redcliffe promenade.  It was quiet tonight and I only passed a couple of people, who smiled politely in greeting, which I duly returned.

            “Suri, I am so confused about all of this,” I said in my head, “Please don’t torment me any more.  We have the issue with Emily Rose to deal with, I don’t need you playing with the wolves right now.”
            Suri hissed and swiped the air with her paw, as if she wished it were my body.

            “Enough!” she snarled, “I will kill the vampire when she finally arrives before us.  She is no match for me, no matter her age and power.  I am hungry and you continue to deny me that which we both desire.”

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 
 

#ReadMe - Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) by Catherine Green - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today’s excerpt is from my first novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), and you can read the whole story for free over on Wattpad now!

I was barefoot, and almost slipped down the stairs in my haste.  I stood on tiptoes, looked through the peephole and saw the top of Jack’s head.  He must be looking down for some reason.  I flung open the door, and then gasped in horror.  He was leaning against the doorframe, his face covered in blood from what looked liked a large gash above his right eye, and several scratches and cuts on his cheeks and chin.  His clothes were dirty, torn, and bloody, and he fell through the door into my arms.  Instinctively I tried to catch him, and fell to the floor with a cry, trying to support his weight.  
“Jack!,” I cried, “Jack can you hear me?  Speak to me!”  

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!

Book Review: The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner

Here is my book review of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner:

A story inspired by a local legend in East Cheshire, England

I was quite excited to read this book, since it was set in my home county and an area with which I have become familiar during recent years. Unfortunately, I really struggled with this book. Perhaps the reason is that I am more interested in adult themes and paranormal tales at the moment. This novel is a fantasy story incorporating myth, magic and folklore, and it will be a treat for the right reader. It just wasn’t for me at this time, and I found it confusing in places.

White Heaven Women by Jessie B. Tyson #ReadMe #JT4a

Today I welcome author Jessie B. Tyson to my blog, to tell us about her debut novel which is on sale from 15th - 31st August as a special summer offer. 

☆‿↗⁀↘‿ WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN ‿↗⁀↘☆

A gripping tale set in Whitehaven North England 

WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN been in the top 100 paperbacks sold on Amazon Canada summer 2013!

It has also been #1 Suspense and Occult, twice!



Many people believe that we have all been here on earth before, with a different name, different life. Some live their current lives believing they’ll be reincarnated after death. This past life theme is prevalent in movies, television ad novels, including the new supernatural suspense White Heaven Women by British author Jessie B. Tyson.

White Heaven Women is a gripping tale set in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK. Flashing between 1899/ early 1900s to 2000, readers are introduced to two sisters, Beth and Sarah, and the fate that awaits them.

In the year 1899, in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK, Lady Constance Witherspoon, only 14 years of age, gives birth to twin girls during a tumultuous storm. Lady Elisa (Beth) is born with a diagnosis of demonic possession, while her twin, Lady Sarah, is crushed and killed when the ceiling collapses in the storm.

In the year 2000, Sally Witherspane returns home to Whitehaven and is haunted by relentless nightmares about demons and a baby crushed at birth. To discover the meaning of these dreams, she seeks the help of the local psychic, who instructs Sally to attend a past life meeting. It is there that Sally meets Beth Witherspoon.

Persuaded by a ghostly blue apparition, Sally documents a family history filled with deception, abuse and an ancient evil, and she must summon strength and faith to become the woman she is destined to be, one of the last descendants of the White Heaven Women.

This three minute You Tube video tells a true story why my ghosts are blue and not white like other authors spooks:-

 

Bio: Jessie B Tyson was born at Scalegill Place near Moor Row - a tiny village between the coast and the mountains in N.W. Cumbria England but lives in British Columbia, Canada. In what year? She's a senior and will not divulge that - ladies prerogative but she will be collecting a pension in a few years (grin.) She was educated in her natal area and moved to Canada in the year 2000. Jessie wrote children's and fantasy stories as a teenager. When she matured she moved on to writing adult stories. She has a great imagination and enjoys turning her vision-like dreams into enjoyable tales. Jessie considers herself as a Spiritual Christian who believes in the Power of God - but that doesn't stop her writing paranormal fiction with ghosts and demons! Jessie has a wonderful sense of humour, and loves to laugh and tease her friends. She has a generous spirit and will help anyone in need. She has an affinity with animals, especially dogs, cats, horses and dolphins. Jessie abhors all forms of cruelty to any living breathing creature. White Heaven Women is her debut novel.

You can find Jessie in the following places:

Facebook
Twitter
Jessie's Blog

There’s a Vampire Hunter in Town! New British Paranormal Action #HDH #ReadMe

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today I share an excerpt from my work in progress that has come to a standstill due to a bout of writers’ block. I refuse to give up on it, however, and so here is a snippet for your perusal.

            “Dr Worthington,” the man said politely as he stood before her.

            She looked up at him without smiling.  He wore blue jeans and a red checked shirt.  His blue eyes sparkled with power, and his short blond hair was carefully styled.  She knew immediately that he was much older than the mid-twenties age range that he embodied.

            “Yes,” she said, “Who are you?”

            “My name is Kian,” the vampire replied, “Mr Vance is expecting you.  Please, follow me.”

            He turned and walked back the way he came.  Jennifer looked around the room but everyone seemed preoccupied, perhaps a little too studiously.  Narrowing her eyes, she stood up and followed the vampire, her fingers flexing at her sides as she resisted drawing her guns too soon.  The humans were most likely enchanted not to notice the vampires.  It would cause chaos if Jennifer suddenly began wielding a gun and fighting with a powerful undead creature right in front of them.  She found herself walking into a long corridor at the back of the building, and she noted the exit leading out onto the car park.  Kian led her up a wide flight of stairs and stopped outside a brown painted door on the landing above the pub.  This was it.  He knocked once and then opened the door carefully.  Jennifer had to follow.  Drawing her guns, she squared her shoulders, let out a breath, and stepped into the room, keeping her back to the wall and the exit in sight.

 If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 

 
*Vampire Hunter image courtesy of Pinterest