#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! 

 

The Vampire of Blackpool Tells Her Story #HDH #ReadMe

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from one of my works in progress, currently named The Vampire of Blackpool. It is next on my list for editing and publishing.

Leaping up into the air, I struggled to ascend at first.  My balance was unsteady and my body felt like a lead weight.  Gritting my teeth, I forced my mind to focus, and I managed a swift if unstable flight to the hospital.  Fortunately it was only a short distance away, but by the time I alighted behind a brick store shed in the grounds of my destination, I almost collapsed.  I was starving.  I was weak.  I managed to walk slowly across the road and towards the double doors that led into the waiting room for the casualty department.  There were ambulances and vehicles coming and going, but the pavement was strangely empty of people.  All the busy life was contained within the building.

Staggering through the automatic doors, I gasped as a wave of sheer exhaustion poured over me.  I was descending into bloodlust.  I very nearly attacked the first person I set eyes on, but at the last moment managed to control myself.  I was surrounded by beating hearts and succulent bodies.  I needed blood.   As I leaned against the wall, my breath rasping, my eyes wild with hunger and pain, I became aware of voices approaching as two nurses hurried to my aid.

“Here,” one woman shouted, “Let us help you.”

 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 image courtesy of Sam Briggs at Deviant Art

The Writer on Maternity Leave

You may wonder why my blog has gone a little quiet recently. It is because I am expecting a baby any day now, and so I am a little distracted as you can imagine! I have a toddler who is very lively, a husband who recently had an accident at work (not too serious thankfully), and a boisterous dog to contend with, so my writing schedule has gone a little sporadic.

My current task is to finish editing the manuscript for my Victorian vampire novel The Darkness of Love, which is due for release in September and will be published by Chances Press. I am just over halfway through the manuscript now, so hopefully I will find time and energy to complete it before my new baby arrives. I really do not want to miss the deadline. I suppose in a way I am expecting two babies...

Vampire Seduction Games in The Darkness of Love #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today I share an excerpt from my upcoming release, The Darkness of Love. This Victorian vampire story tells us how Marcus Scott (from the Redcliffe novels) became the man he is today.

Gregory smiled as he surveyed the poor, helpless young man in Amelia’s bed.  She reported that Marcus had been excellent, strong and compliant, and extremely invigorating.  Now he lay staring at Gregory with a mixture of terror and defiance on his youthful face.  He swallowed nervously, unsure whether to speak, and he pulled the bed sheet higher as though to try and conceal his obvious state of undress.
“Good morning, Marcus,” Lord Stockton said as he approached the bed, “I understand you are feeling ill.”
Marcus nodded.
“I apologize, my Lord,” he replied in a hoarse voice, “this appears very improper, and it will not happen again.”
“Do not fear  me, Marcus, at least not yet,” Gregory replied briskly, “You may rest for a while until you are strong enough to return to your room.  I do not require your assistance today, I would rather you regain your strength.  Now rest, and I will send a maid with clothes and food for you.  I am sure this is simply a lethargy and will pass within the day.” 
“Thank you, my Lord,” Marcus replied weakly,  “I am indebted to you,” . 
“No matter,” Gregory said, “I am aware of Amelia’s activity, and I understand that you were totally at her mercy.  We will not speak of this again.”

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 image courtesy of Pinterest

A Witch’s Familiar in Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my third published book Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel), when our heroine Jessica Stone learns to control her powerful animal familiar, the snow tiger, Suri.

Danny was standing in the same position, in the middle of the room, staring at the space where Suri had been standing a moment before.  His hand was still raised, and I watched as he blinked slowly, opened his eyes, and looked in confusion at his hand.  He dropped it to his side and looked at me, then turned to face Jack.
“What the hell just happened?” he said in a low voice, his Irish accent thick and heavy as he tried to establish what he was doing.  
“You were transfixed by her animal familiar,” Jack replied, his accent matching that of his brother.  
“Fuck,” Danny said softly, and he turned his head to stare at me, “How the fuck did you do that, Jessica?” 
I shuddered at his coarse language, and I shook my head.
“I, I don’t know,” I stuttered, “I wanted you both to stop fighting.  Suri said she could help, and the next thing I knew she was here, standing in front of us.  Shit.” 

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!

Catherine Green Guest Author at The Writing Box

I am at it again! This time you can see me on the Writing Box blog, talking about my approach to writing, the best and worst advice I have been given, and general experiences in the Indie publishing world.

The Writing Box author interview

Suspicious Werewolves in Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my second published book Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), when our heroine Jessica Stone returns to the wolves’ lair, against her better judgement.

Danny was looking straight at me with his familiar deep blue, hypnotic eyes.  It was as though I was staring at Jack and I struggled to collect myself.  His voice was soft, gentle, and even sensual.  I was very aware of his hands on my shoulders, the strength in his body.

“They know I am fond of you Jessica,” he said quietly, “I cannot deny that.  And I have never invited humans into our lair before.  My wolves are mistrustful because the females want to offer themselves as my mate.  The position would elevate their individual power and control, and for them it is a desirable role.”

I slowly took in what he was saying.

“So they think that I want to be your mate?” I asked slowly.

Danny nodded.

“But that’s crazy,” I exclaimed, “I don’t want to be a werewolf!  I mean…”

I faltered, embarrassed and Danny smiled.

 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!  

Painful Passion in Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I am returning to my debut novel, and today I offer an excerpt from Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), with a scene from the beginning of this passionate and powerful love story.

I led Jack into the small storeroom and then through the adjoining door into my kitchen.  Once inside I turned back to Jack, trying not to throw myself at him.  I crossed my arms and leaned against the cupboards in front of the window.  He looked at me with those piercing blue eyes and then his gaze dropped to my neck.  In a quick stride he was in front of me, gently moving my scarf and reaching out to touch the bruise with fingers that were cold.  How had he seen the bruise?  I was sure I had fixed the scarf properly this time, and Liz said she couldn’t see anything under it.  I winced, more from the coolness of his touch than from the pain.  
“Jessica, I am so sorry, I didn’t realize how rough I was with you.” he said, voice taut with emotion.  
I shook my hair back and blinked slowly, then looked into those amazing eyes.  
“It’s fine honestly.” I said, “I didn’t even feel it until this morning.  So why are you here?”

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!

Guest Author Feature and Book Giveaway

I am happy to announce another guest author feature on Romancing the Book, along with a competition to win a copy of my latest book, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). Go and check it out now!

http://romancing-the-book.com/2013/06/guest-contest-catherine-green.html

A Vampire Kiss in 'The Darkness of Love' #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I am preparing for publication of my fourth novel later this year, and so here is an excerpt from The Darkness of Love. This story is set in Victorian England, and is a tale of vampire tricks, power games and lusty encounters…

Amelia smiled and gestured to Gregory as she spoke.

            “My good friend, Lord Stockton,” she said, “requires sustenance, Martha.”

            The maid nodded and turned towards Gregory awaiting her instructions.  She kept her head down, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.  Gregory sat up straight in a smooth, fluid motion, and he fixed his intense gaze on the young maid.

            “Come closer, child,” he said, “let me see your face.”

            Martha moved slowly closer to the sofa, clearly nervous but too frightened to object.  She stood still, trembling slightly, as Gregory cupped a finger under her chin and raised her face to his.  She stood transfixed by his hypnotic gaze, her arms falling loosely to her sides.  Amelia moved to stand beside the maid, watching Gregory.

            He gently tilted Martha’s head to one side, revealing the unblemished, delicate line of her youthful neck, and the beating veins beneath her skin.  He opened his mouth, revealing fangs, and slowly moved in to bite the maid.  She cried out, her body stiffened, and then she fell limp in his arms, swooning with shock as he drank her blood.  Amelia raised the girl’s arm, revealed her wrist, and broke her skin, licking the blood sensuously, fixing her eyes on Gregory as she fed.  The two vampires watched each other as they sucked the rich, warm blood of the helpless servant.

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 image courtesy of The Black Hat Society 

Paranormal Power Struggles in Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today we have one more visit to Redcliffe in Cornwall, with an excerpt from my third novel Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). At this point, our heroine Jessica Stone is struggling to control her animal familiar, her lust for the werewolf alpha, and to reclaim the vampire she loves from his possessive former lover and mistress.

My heart was pounding.  I wanted to be alone with Danny.  But I knew it was dangerous.  Suri remained silent and watchful, careful not to upset my mood in this delicate situation.  I had no choice.  Danny was the only one that could protect me.  Left alone, I had no chance against Emily Rose and Jack.  I let out a heavy sigh.

“Alright,” I said, “I will stay at your house.  But I need to collect some things from my apartment first.”
            “Of course,” Danny said, and he turned to walk back downstairs.  I followed slowly, fighting to calm my racing heart and regulate my breathing into a more normal rhythm.  This would be a very tense evening, and probably a very tense Sunday as we waited for further activity from the vampires.  I shook my head.  My life was a complete mess.

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!  


*Image courtesy of L. Messecar via Deviant Art

Guest Article - The Redcliffe Novels; Wild Cornwall

Today I am a guest author over at Annamaria's Writing Corner, talking about the Redcliffe novels and my inspiration for the story setting from the rugged coastline of wild Cornwall, UK. Go and take a look, find out more about the adult paranormal romance series, and get to know my work a little better!

http://www.annamariabazzi.com/2013/06/10/the-redcliffe-novels/

Supernatural Chaos in Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today I offer another excerpt from my third novel Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). The young witch, Jessica Stone, is struggling to contain the power of her animal familiar. In this snippet, she has caused a little trouble with the Redcliffe werewolf pack…

“Jessica,” Simon said from his position in the living room, “Are you alright?”
Suri heard him and she turned her head.  I turned mine to face Simon, and I could feel the heat of my eyes as the power swirled hot and heavy around me once again.  Simon’s expression changed from concern to alarm, his eyes widening.  He held out his hands in a submissive gesture as he recognized the tiger in my gaze.  I smiled, and I knew it was more of a grimace by the tightness of my lips.  I advanced slowly upon the wolf lieutenant.
“I am well,” I said in a silky voice, “But I am hungry.”
Simon backed away, walking behind the sofa, preparing to fend me off as I approached.
“Jessica,” he said, “Jessica, please don’t do this.  I am not the alpha.  I am not Danny.  I cannot give you what you need.”

The Redcliffe novels are available in paperback and eBook formats, from retailers including Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and Waterstones. There will be more in the series, but first I have the small matter of expecting a baby to contend with…

Now, why not check out some more Hump Day Hook excerpts over on our blog? Or you can join us on Facebook. Happy Humping!

The Vampire of Blackpool #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Well, things are developing very quickly indeed all of a sudden, and today I share with you another excerpt from my rough first draft of The Vampire of Blackpool that was written for NaNoWriMo 2012. The manuscript has been requested for consideration by a publisher I contacted for a different project. So, who knows, there could be a few new releases this year…

“Meredith!” she called, hurrying over to me, “You came!”
She held a glass of wine in one hand and a small clutch bag tucked under her other arm.  I stood still as she approached, careful to keep my expression blank.  She faltered a little as she realised I was not so excited about her presence.
“Are you alright?” she asked uncertainly, “You look pale.”
I had to smile at her sweet naivety, and she tried not to gasp as she saw my fangs exposed.
“I am hungry,” I replied, “I have not yet found suitable food.”
“Oh,” she said quietly, glancing around her, “Where do you usually, um, find food?”
I simply stared at her, allowing my eyes to glow silver.  She caught her breath, momentarily struggling with her desire to appease me, and her as yet stronger urge to repel me using her magic.  I sensed the landlord approaching us before he spoke.
“You know the rules, Meredith,” Paul said levelly, “No feeding in my pub.  Take it outside.”

This was a snippet of conversation between the vampire protagonist Meredith Hanson, and her new friend and potential lover Samantha Morris. Now, why not check out some more Hump Day Hook excerpts over on our blog? Or you can join us on Facebook. Happy Humping!

*Image courtesy of Pinterest

A New Writing Challenge #15kinMay

I am still battling with the manuscript for my vampire hunter novel, although a quick glance back through my recent chapters suggests it might not be as bad as I thought. I have decided to use a very loose approach to writing this story, and am simply sitting down whenever I have time, and writing a chapter here and there. I have no idea what comes next, and I still don't know how this story will end, but it will end and I will succeed!

It helps me to read the blogs of fellow writers for advice and support. One of these is Alison Wells, author of Housewife with a Half-Life. She recently wrote a very inspiring post about how we are always intent on hurrying and speeding towards culmination of our projects. Society has evolved in such a way that we continually feel the need to better ourselves, to be successful, and to prove our worth in some physical (and usually fiscal) way. At my time in life this is more difficult to achieve, since I am currently in the young parent stage. I have a toddler for whom I am the main carer while my husband works outside the home, and I am pregnant with our second child. Naturally, there are many distractions on my time and attention.

As it turns out, Alison mentioned the #15kinMay writing challenge currently trending on Twitter. The idea for this one is that we set ourselves a target to write 15,000 words in May, and we can tweet our progress each day and support each other as we go. I admit, I haven't really participated on-line just yet, but I have decided to use it as another tool for motivation. Surely I can manage to write 15,000 words between now and the end of the month? Well, truthfully my challenge is under-way  so I probably only need to write another 10,000 words which is easily achievable.

What are you working on at the moment? Do you have writers block or struggle with your WIP? Share your news and let us support each other.

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!) 

The Vampire Hunter #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I have decided to share an excerpt from my current work in progress, a novel with a very vague title at the moment. In fact, the whole story is quite vague. For some strange reason my Muse has deserted me, but I am determined not to give up on this one! Here is a sample from the beginning of the novel, and the protagonist of this story is Dr Jennifer Worthington, The Vampire Hunter.

           Her history professor, Dr Kate Morrigan, had tried to warn Jennifer.  She had managed to accidentally disturb the young couple many times before their fateful first kiss.  Of course, she failed in her attempts.  Jennifer had pursued Matthew with a vigour that frightened her.  She had never chased a boy before.  Then again, she had never met a boy like Matthew.  He was romantic, passionate, and he seemed to know a lot about the Tudor family that she was so fascinated by.  Sometimes he spoke as though he knew them personally, telling stories of life at court as though they were memories.  When Jennifer finally found out that he was a vampire, it all fell into place.  He had known the Tudors.  He was ancient.  Matthew Ancory was a very old man in a very young body, and he had tried to turn Jennifer into a vampire to be with him.  Fortunately for her, Dr Morrigan had intervened at the right time, armed with a crossbow and wooden stakes.  The vampire had escaped, but Jennifer’s life changed forever. 

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 

We Love Werewolves!

I have just finished listening to a radio show on Red Shift Radio entitled Werewolves with Hannah Kate on the Tim Previtt Show. The title caught my attention, so I decided to listen to the show when I had sufficient time. Hannah Kate is an academic from Manchester, UK, who has a particular fascination with werewolves in popular culture. She sounds like a very interesting lady, and one I will have to become acquainted with in the course of my professional career.

What is it about werewolves that we love so much? I have always been a self-confessed vampire lover, but more recently I am falling more in love with my werewolf characters in the Redcliffe novels. It was never intended. They just have this way of charming me, with their rugged appeal, raw sexual overtones, and playful behaviour. Werewolves in fiction are becoming much more popular, although I don’t think they ever really went away from the social conscience.

When I think back over the horror films I have watched and the books I have read over the years, werewolves were always horrific creatures with snarling jaws and sharp claws. They would transform from mild-mannered human beings into crazed beasts that literally ripped through anything in their path, and we were supposed to be terrified of them. Werewolves are a blatant representation of the human condition. How many of us bottle up our feelings, pretend everything is normal and happy, when really it isn’t? I think we all have a wolf lurking within us, the same as we all have a shadowy vampire hiding in the dark recesses of our human psyche…

I would also like to share details about a new anthology seeking submissions, for all writers of ghost stories. Check out the link for submission requirements.

*Image courtesy of FairieGoodMother at Deviant Art

Hump Day Hook #HDH Giveaway! – Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. This week we are feeling generous, perhaps with the true beginning of summer as we head into the beautiful month of May. Anyway, our Hump Day Hook bloggers are offering giveaways today! For my part I am offering a signed paperback copy of my newly released third book in the series, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). Here is an excerpt, to give you a taster of what to expect from my adult paranormal romance series:

      Jack was silent beside me, concentrating on the road ahead.  His energy was still strong and the atmosphere inside the car was cool and angry.  He was angry with me; I knew that.  He was also confused about my powers and he was wondering just how strong and dangerous I would prove to be.  Jack couldn’t help but worry that I had hidden my true abilities from him and Danny in order to carry out some elaborate plan to assassinate them.  He hadn’t said as much, but I knew the truth.  My mother, Lillian, had visited me during the day, speaking inside my mind.  She had told me what I needed to know.  The Mason brothers lived in a state of perpetual alert for enemies.  They trusted very few people, and now I was teetering between the list of people they trusted, and people they were wary of.  Sighing again, I roused myself and shook my head, breathing slowly in and out to try and ease the pressure I felt in my chest. 

 Now for the competition rules. All I ask is for you to comment on this post and tell me why it is that Jessica (our heroine) might prove to be a threat to the safety of the Mason brothers. You can check out the details about the Redcliffe novels on the pages at the top of my blog, or on their dedicated website. You can also read the first book, Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) free on Wattpad for a limited time only. Tell me why Jessica is dangerous, and I will award a free signed copy of Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) to the winner. If there are several correct answers, I will choose one at random. Good luck!

If you enjoyed this excerpt, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and get yourself some more freebies? 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! 

Hump Day Hook #HDH – The Vampire of Blackpool

Today I will share just one more excerpt from my unpublished manuscript, The Vampire of Blackpool. This is an exchange between our protagonist, Meredith Hanson, and a vampire hunter she fought with on Blackpool promenade.

    “You will not defeat me, hunter,” I said, “I know all of your tricks.”
    He stared at me, and I refused to look away under his scrutiny.  Instead I stared back, showing him my glowing silver eyes and my gleaming fangs, wet with his blood where I had bitten and nipped him during our fight.  He licked his lips, his body tense beneath me.  I felt his confusion as his mental barrier began to weaken.  My smile widened and I leaned down, my lips a mere inch away from his.
    “You want me, hunter,” I purred, “Admit it.  You want me to kiss you, and you want to taste your blood on my lips.  I know how it works.  You are all the same.”
    I crushed my lips to his and he struggled to push me away, but not before he opened his mouth for me, and our tongues entwined for a moment.  Then he managed to force me back, and I stood up, laughing.
    “Mmm,” I murmured, “Delicious.  I will leave you to recover.  We will meet again.”
    Stepping back slowly and licking my lips, I gave him time to scramble to his feet.

If you would like to see more fantastic new novels from lots of different authors, check out our dedicated Hump Day Hook website and the Facebook group. There you will find anything from traditional romance, BDSM, erotica, sci-fi and fantasy.

*Vampire image courtesy of Pinterest

I'm Taking a Holiday!

Good day my friends! This is just a quick post to say I will be quiet on the blog this week, since I am off on a holiday (or vacation if you prefer). I will take the laptop, because I am taking the opportunity to do some research for a future Redcliffe novel...

I am visiting the Ayrshire coast in Scotland, and my friend and I will take our children for a daytrip to Glasgow while we are in the vicinity. It is the perfect chance for me to research a little about the location for the Mason brothers' undercover police job that took them away from Redcliffe just before they met Jessica Stone...

An author never sleeps as they say!

My novels are adult paranormal with equal amounts of dark romance and contemporary English Gothic. Sign up now for special offers and book release news.

*Image courtesy of Pinterest via Visit Scotland