DARK SACRIFICE **RELEASE DAY**

Today is the release of the second installment in the DARK PARADISE SERIES. DARK SACRIFICE, and I am thrilled to be hosting this day for  the awesome Angie Sandro.  I am currently reading Dark Sacrifice and can not wait to post my review. So far I can tell you guys this is a must read!!! A page turner like the first book Dark Paradise. 

DARK SACRIFICE

Angie Sandro

August 5, 2014

Grand Central Publishing/ Forever Yours

GOODREADS

                                                                               A GIFT AND A CURSE


Mala LaCroix sees dead people -really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.
                                                                     

                                                                               A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH

Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces-both human and otherworldly-who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls . 



EXCERPT:

On Saturdays, the local farmers set up a market in Paradise Park. I plan to do my veggie shopping there since I didn’t get my garden planted this year. The streets bordering the park are packed. I’m lucky to find a spot in the parking lot of First National Bank kitty-corner from the Memorial Rose Garden. Colorful tents are lined up in orderly rows in the square. Each section is separated, with the organic foods in one row and regular folk who want to sell extra produce in the other. Local shops also set up booths selling everything from pastries, coffee and tea, handmade clothing and soaps, fresh eggs, organic meat, and toys and games. A freaktastic clown stands on the street corner with a tank of helium and a gaggle of kids around him. I’m tempted to buy Landry a balloon to cheer him up.

The passenger door slams shut as soon as I shut off the engine. Landry wastes no time coming around to open my door and lift me to the ground before I can squawk in protest. He strides off while I grab my cloth shopping bag, leaving me to stare after his retreating back in shock. When he’s halfway across the street, he pauses and turns around.

“This is your idea. Hurry,” he yells. 

“I’m coming.” I shut the door and run to catch up. When I reach him, he moves around me until I’m on his blind side. He starts forward again, but slows his steps so they match mine. If I didn’t know him so well, I’d think he didn’t have a care in the world, but I do. He walks like he did in jail—shoulders back and tight, chest slightly raised. He scans the area, alert for a threat.

I take his hand, squeezing when he tries to pull away.

We blend into the crowd, strolling up and down the rows. It’s a mix of people of all ages. A few people say “hi.” Most don’t. A large percentage of them stare. I feel like I’m at the mercy of paparazzi.

“Smile and wave,” I mutter from the corner of my mouth, jabbing Landry in the side with my elbow.

“Huh?”

“You’re acting like you’ve done something wrong, but you haven’t. Don’t let these fools see you sweat. Weakness breeds violence. Like a silverback gorilla in the jungle, you need to beat your chest and fling your poop at someone.”

His snort-laugh doubles him over, and I pat him on the back. “That’s perfect,” I say. “No worries.”

He turns and lifts me into a breath-stealing hug. “Thanks,” he whispers in my ear and presses a brotherly kiss to my forehead. Wish he’d move his lips a little lower. Would a few inches kill him?

My voice comes a little thick and raspy too, and I cough to clear my throat. “No problem.”

How long has he been standing here holding me? We have an even larger audience than before. Now we really are the object of paparazzi-like behavior as people snap pictures of our embrace with their phones. I wrap my arms around his neck and press my cheek against his. “Cheese,” I say, grinning for the cameras.

A couple of high school kids start to laugh.

One yells, “Give her another kiss, Landry.”

“Yeah, Landry. Give me a kiss.” I bat my eyelashes, whispering in his ear, “I swear if you drop me on my ass in public—”

I don’t have to finish the threat.

His mouth steals across mine.

 I lean into him, head tilting. My arms tighten around his neck. His lips are soft and juicy, like peaches. Yum. My thoughts scatter and swirl, leaving only the sensation of his mouth on mine.

He breaks free first and lowers me to my feet. He avoids my gaze. “Did it work?” he asks, running his fingers through his black hair so it falls forward to shield his eye again. He shifts from his forward foot to his back which somehow puts distance between us without him having to move.

I laugh, playing off the hurt. “Yeah, we gave our fans a titillating bit of new gossip to take the place of the old. Rumors about our relationship will be flying through town before lunch.” I glance around to be sure. The crowd drifts away, realizing there’s nothing more to see. Even better, nobody hurls insults or throws dead animals at our heads. “Let’s go.”

GET YOUR COPY AT:

B&N/KOBO/ITUNES/GOOGLE PLAY

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen.
Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.

FIND ANGIE HERE:

BLOG

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

DARK PARADISE RELEASE DAY BLITZ w/DARK PARADISE AND BEAUTIFUL CREATURES SERIES GIVEAWAY

I am so excited to announce the release of Angie Sandro  debut novel. I have had the pleasure of reading this thriller and let me just say it's a must read. Get your copy today.

About DARK PARADISE:

DARK LEGACY

Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of "witch women," she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She's haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.

DEADLY SECRETS
Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he wonders if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister's killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything-their families, their love, and even their live

BUY LINKS:       B/N                                 KOBO                   iTUNES                      AMAZON

EXCERPT: 

Landry’s truck sits in the driveway when I stroll out of the house at a quarter to eight in the morning. I’m in such a glorious mood that I don’t bother trying to sneak off without him catching sight of me. It would’ve been easy, I learn upon climbing on the bumper and sticking my head through the truck’s open window. He has the seat pushed back and his legs stretched out kitty corner across the passenger seat. Snores, loud enough to scare a bear, echo through the cab.

            I reach in and poke his shoulder a few times. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

            Landry’s thick lashes flutter then open to meet mine. “I’m supposed to be woken with a kiss, not a jab.”

            I snort. “I don’t kiss slimy critters. You’re playing double duty as a frog, and I throw them in a frying pan with a little butter and garlic.”

            “Oh, so now you’re trying to butter me up?”

            The heat of a blush rises. “Saints, boy. You’re fraying my last nerve.” I plant my hands on my hips, toe tapping. “What are you doing here? In case you forgot, I’m mad at you.”

“No you’re not.” He grins and runs his fingers through his thick hair. My breath catches as my brain stutters. I shake my head to dispel the wave of pheromone-induced stupidity that washes over me. My noses twitches. Why does he have to smell so good? Like cinnamon and brown sugar. “Did you forget yester—”

An oily paper bag flies in my direction. I grab it out of the air before it drops to the ground. It’s warm in my hands, and the smell makes my mouth water. “Ooh, cinnamon rolls,” I mumble around the melting mouthful of cinnamon-y goodness. “I love these.”

“I know,” Landry says, throwing open the truck door.

I hop off the bumper with a scowl. The arrogant jerk thinks he has me eating out of his hands; all he has to do is flutter those insanely long eyelashes, smile to show off his pearly whites, and tempt me with fresh, warm buns.

“These are mine?” I clutch the bag to my chest as I eye him in suspicion.

“Yeah, they’re your favorite, right?”

“Mmm hmm.”

Landry props his elbow on the open window and ducks his head. Black hair tangles across his face, hiding his eyes. “I hoped you’d be more accepting of my apology if I bribed you with sweets. Forgive me for being an ass yesterday?”

Lucky guy. He figured out the fastest way to soften my heartstrings—sugar. Wait how does he know they’re my favorite? Stupid question. It’s like him knowing my nickname and my job. He pays way too much attention to me, and I’m kinda scared to ask why. I stare at my sticky fingers, then lick the icing off one by one. Landry’s gaze draws my attention. He’s staring at my mouth. My gut tightens in response, and I slowly lick my lips. Get a grip. Don’t trust him just because he says he’s sorry.

            I concentrate on the mouthful of cinnamon roll. Each chew echoes the rapid patter of my heart. God, why does my body react like this when I’m around him? Why? He’s still staring at me. Can’t he tell I’m uncomfortable? Oh, I get it. He’s irritating me on purpose so I can’t totally ignore him.

I pass the empty bag to him. “You’re not going away, are you?”

“Nope.” He smiles.

DARK PARADISE ***BOOK REVIEW***

DARK PARADISE by Angie Sandro

Release date: July 1, 2014

Grand Central Publishing/ Forever Yours

Genre: NA Southern Gothic

DARK LEGACY

Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of “witch women,” she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She’s haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.

                                                                    DEADLY SECRETS

Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he starts to wonder if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister’s killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything—their families, their love, and even their lives.

***WARNING*** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!

MY THOUGHTS:


To say I was excited to get my hands on a copy of this book, is a major understatement. I have been anticipating the release date since Angie made her cover reveal. So, when I spotted a post on twitter stating,  I could get my hands on a copy before it's release, I hurried over and snatched it up.


So let's get into it, Dark Paradise, if you don't know by now is Angie Sandro's debut novel. And let me tell you it does not disappoint. Malaise LaCroix is one heck of a heroine.  Angie weaves a story that boast mystery, suspense, with witch craft and love that unfolds in the dirty South. I love it.

All things Mala...

Mala (as she's called)  was born into a family of voodoo/hoodoo women and to a alcoholic prostitute, none of which she's able to live down. Just like in all small town someone has to be the source of gossip, and Mala gives the town folk a lot to gossip about.

When she finds the dead body of Lainey Prince in the bayou on her land,  and reports it to the police. The right thing to do right... wrong. She's not only on her mother's hit list, but she just added  satanic ritual murderer to her infamous list of short comings for gossipers.

Things heat up when Landry Prince, Lainey's brother enters the scene seeking her help to solve his sister's murder, while believing she maybe the killer he's searching for.

Lainey wants to avenge her death from the grave. So like a normal ghost she haunts the two people capable of helping her Mala and Landry.

Angie takes the reader on a ride that leaves you begging for mercy. There were times my stomach was in knots and I  cried uncle. The story is paced well, and the twist at the end is unexpected.

Character:


Mala is great she's everything you'd expect from a heroine, she's strong calculated and she has heart. She's learned to be guarded because of she is and the rumors, but not to guarded where she doesn't let anyone in.

Jasmine I absolutely love, as a Southern girl I can identify with this mother(abuse, alcohol and prostitution aside) the flavor she brings jumps off the page. I personally would have loved to have seen more of her. She's one of those parents you'd pat on the head thinking if only she knew better. Love her.

Landry although gorgeous and sexy, I didn't find him to be too arrogant, which you'd expect. However I thought most of the time he fell a little flat. I needed more from him, a little more depth. I was happy that he didn't have that you know you want me attitude, and he wasn't afraid to be in love with her. This is what drew me to him.

Aunt Magnolia, Yeah baby bring it on. She's kick-a** and scary as hell, and it's because of her I can't wait for book 2. She's a rich 3 dimensional character that I believe will ooze drama, suspense, fear and excitement in the next installment.

Georgie...I don't know about him I'm still forming my opinion. Let's see what he brings to the table next...


What I loved

Angie drops you in the rich Creole cultural and holds you there until she's ready to release you. There is no doubt of the bayou and the dangers it brings, or the hatred that lingers at Mala's door. Not just from her being a descendant of a slave master, but from townie's who she thought where friends.   Keep you friends close and your enemies closer, rings true in the pages of Dark Paradise.

My all time favorite things were saying's such as "liver lips" that brings back memories of my own childhood. I love the rich Southern feel this novel has. I also loved that Angie left us with a cliffhanger, but Dark Paradise is a complete story that didn't leave me frustrated at having to wait for the next installment.  But eagerly anticipating it's arrival.


Dark Paradise is one I don't think you should sleep on. I rate this debut novel 5 kick-ass stars!!!
Kudoos Angie Sandro!!!

ANGIE SANDRO:

Bio:

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen.

Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story.

Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador


Author Links:

 PRE- ORDER ON AMAZON

ADD ON GOODREAD

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

BLOG

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

PINTREST

Dark Paradise

DARK PARADISE ***COVER REVEAL***

DARK PARADISE

Angie Sandro

July 1, 2014

Grand Central Publishing/ Forever Yours

BOOK BLURB:

DARK LEGACY

Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of “witch women,” she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She’s haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.

DEADLY SECRETS

Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he starts to wonder if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister’s killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything—their families, their love, and even their lives.

GIVEAWAY:

Angie is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

ANGIE SANDRO:

Bio:

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen.

Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story.

Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador


Author Links:

 PRE- ORDER ON AMAZON

ADD ON GOODREAD

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

BLOG

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

PINTREST

Sharing Our Voices

Hey all,

 I know I been MIA but most of you know I'm doing NaNoWriMo this year and I'm writing like the wind. As of this post I'm just over 15k and plan to finish the day with 25k. The reason for this post, is to ask if you all can stop over at Angie Sandro's blog she has a 'Sharing Our Voice's' and yours trult if featured today. Please show your support for me and Angie by following the link and sharing your thoughts in the comment section.
                                                       Check me out here!


...and for all my nano-ians, stop by give me your updates, be my buddy I'm pkouman on the nano site.



REMEMBER KEEP   WRITING
                                          WRITING
                                                WRITING
                    AND NEVER STOP WRITING
                                                             WRITING
                                                                   WRITING
                                                                                                 

So... I was tagged!!

I was tagged by the fabulous  Heather Bryant stop by and show her some love if you haven't already.

Thank you Heather this is a lot of FUN,i needed a break:)

What is the working title of your book?

That a good Question.. no really right now  it's Sapphire's Dawn

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I really can't remember I know that I created the people from my fantasy world first I knew what they were and what their purpose was. Funny thing is that who they are is the reason I haven't completed my MS.

What genre does your book fall under?

YA Fantasy I think  during #GUTGAA  I was classified under horror, goth, and epic I think. You  can get the just of it from these:0

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I only had one actress in mind for my MC and I never really thought of famous people for my supporting cast:) however I always find myself relating them to real life people I run across

The role of Zara Sapphire Stillos , I would love to have the beautiful Zoe Saldana

What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?

Twin cousins share more in common then looks,` when one is astral projected into another world only to find she is not a stranger there.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agent?

Without a doubt  represented by an agent, but I believe in my story so maybe I will do a Marissa Myers and self publish sell a ton and have agents search for me:)

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

 I am 2 years in and still not completed:(

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

There are a lot of twist and turns, as soon as your stomach settles another nerve racking adventure ensues. There are also a few surprises

Who will I tag ..hmm

Angie

TAG! You're it!

*Excerpts* Sapphire's Dawn

After some valuable critique I decided to revise this excerpt see revisions here



I decided to post an excerpt from my WIP , as a part of GUTGAA, I am looking for a critique partner or a group. If this grabs your attention, or you would like to work with me Please leave me a comment below. Also if you have the time please take a moment to critique. Applying the golden rule of course, but I am not fragile.


“Where did she come from?”

“I don't know, the young ones found her near the water. She's not a familiar, so they brought her here before going to council and, before she was conscious. She has no light doc, that's impossible right?”

I could hear them but, I couldn't see them, I felt my eyes were open but, there was only darkness. The older male voice was the doctor, but I couldn't tell if the other voice was a male or female because of the  high  pitch tone. I was sure it was a teenager like me.  I was so use to hearing this tone down every hall in school.

“No. It's not  impossible for one of us to not have a light,” answered the doctor.

I know I'm dreaming again, when I  hear  familiar voices in my head. Is that Mrs. Kensington?  OMG! Am I in class-

“What are you going to do with her doc?” the younger voice interrupted my thoughts of complete horror.

If being the new, don't touch or talk to me because, I am not interested in joining your clubs or cliques girl wasn't enough. I'm also  the  freak that falls asleep in class and  narrate a vivid account of the voices in my head. Kill me now because it will take weeks for this to blow over. The last time this happened I stayed home for a week the taunts were unbearable. After a week of absences people were more worried about me having committed suicide or something  more morbid then that.

“How is it possible for one of us not to have a light doc?” The voice shrieked

“Can you please go and get the other elders, tell them there is hybrid in our mist. They will know what to do.” I could tell the doctor was annoyed.

“A hybrid? But I thought they didn’t exist, the mere mention is what caused the last uprising” the voice was higher if at all possible. I could hear the urgency in it's footsteps as it turned and ran out of the room. Hybrid...huh. Why haven't I awakened? I can't recall  being this aware or dreaming for this long. Focus Zara, you must wake up. 

It seemed like only a few minutes had passed, when I  hear the sound of many feet approaching all at once. I understand what they were saying, but  the fear in their voices was evident even from a distance. There’s maybe three or four more voices in the room with the doctor and the boy with the high pitched voice. I knew this now because I heard someone call him Michael. The footsteps become louder as they get closer to me. “Impossible. How did she get here?” This voice was an even older man.

“We don't know the young ones found her near the forbidden waters unconscious, they brought her here when they noticed she had no light,” the doctor answered.

“We must get rid of her before the others knows she is here. We don’t need the threat of another uprising, our planet will not survive it. Let's call a gathering of all the elders at once, we will be rid of her by nightfall,”it was another older voice. I guess these are the elders he asked for.

“So is she a hybrid?” Michael’s voice was panicked, this scared me too although it was just a dream I could hear my heart thud behind my ears. Get rid of me what does that mean. Why can't I wake up. I have to get out of this dream before- I cringed at  the thought.

The background noise in my head changes. I know I am no longer in class, the feel of weightlessness tells me my body is being moved. Now there is complete silence to add to the darkness. I need to awaken before I lose my mind completely.

I heard a loud noise, as if a door was forced open, footsteps coming toward me again, as they got closer the voices became clearer. The doctor was back with the older voice they called elder, there were two voices I didn't recognize, but I could tell they were as old as this elder.

“It's the same one as before, how is this possible I thought you got rid of it doctor,” the first elder asked

“I did, I destroyed it just as you instructed. It can’t be the same one.” The doctor insisted.

Destroyed! I try to control the trembles that are erupting from my body. I don't want them to know I’m conscious. I can tell they are as afraid of me as I am of them.

“If you destroyed her why is she back? How is she back?” Another voice elder said.

The doctors voice was abrupt, “I think now the real problem is finding the portal and sealing it for good. Instead of worrying how or why she is back, let's make it impossible for her to return.” 

“They know we won't allow them to expose us, and why try now?” I recognize the first elder's voice. “ Has anyone else notice the most important factor? Not only does this girl not have a light, there is no way she could come through a portal or survived our atmosphere."

"so, she is a  hybrid because," Michael questioned. 

It is clear she is not one of us, nor is she the girl from the last time, she had to come from Earth having survived both she has to be is a hybrid.” as fast as the words left the doctors mouth a collective gasp filled the room, followed by silence. 

“There are no such beings as hybrids, and we all thank you to not spread inexplicable notions. Are you trying to cause another uprising? Our kind can not mate with human. Those are just old fables told to the young ones to keep them from trouble. Doctor, you are  too wise to believe such tales.”

“Well then, how do you explain this human girl with no light in our universe having survived the trip and our atmosphere?” The doctor was shouting in anger, and I couldn't help but wonder why I was still in this dream. It seems so real, why can't I wake up?

“I can't explain it, but in all my five centuries I have never seen a hybrid. This fact is not because we don’t believe in them, but because they simply can not and do not exist.To end this fruitless debate, I vote now that we destroy this being immediately it is already beginning to taint our views, and alter our judgement.”

All the voices in the room each vote yes to destroy me at once. The fact that this was just a dream gave little comfort as a jolt of fear course through me. I feel my body being whisked away swiftly as if I was on something with wheels. As it rolls faster my heart pounds to its rhythm. The temperature went from cool to bolstering hot. I could feel the sweat roll down my face and back. I’m having trouble breathing the heat is so stifling, my lungs ache  searching for fresh air. It was getting hotter, I could feel my skin wither, like I was on fire. I let out a scream when I realized what was happening. There was no pain, just the feeling of suffocating. I scream louder, there was still only darkness the voices were  gone. I felt something cold on my forehead, someone calling my name.

“Zara, wake up honey come back to us.” It was my mom I try to scream louder there is no sound,  I can’t breathe. I could feel my moms  hair brush against my cheeks, her breathe cool on my face. I attempt again to find air, I inhale coughing after filling my lungs, I exhale.I'm back. 

The Day Sapphire was Born!!

Sitting with my laptop on the bed thinking how will she tell them about her gifts who can she turn to. hours passed words turned to sentences, turned to paragraphs. Still I didn't know what her problem was and who was the cause of it. I talked to others close to her, trying to imagine how they would help her, or give her support. I can feel she is scared lonely, but brave and strong at the same time, but I don't know her.

Still a stranger to me, although I have guided her for a year now, and suddenly it was clear, Sapphire introduced herself to me, and I finally knew where we were going together , how I could help her solve her problems. How together we could get rid of the one who was causing so much pain.

This is when Sapphire was born, and her voice became louder in my head telling me her thoughts and feelings. I soon hope to share her with the world.

I am hoping soon to add excerpts from my book on the blog, but I am a long way from that. I had my first critique of the first chapter done by the fabulous Angie Sandro. I was nervous, excited, and surprised it wasn't as bad as I thought.
I know I don't have many followers, but maybe there are some passer bys, so stop over and check out Angie's blog here she is awesome.