Blood Lust Blitz! Who Wants to Win a Kindle?

Zoe Winters is hosting a contest in celebration of the Blood Lust print release! The prize is an Amazon Kindle! NO KIDDING! Contest runs until Saturday September 4th at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

There are many ways to enter:
Tweet, Facebook, Blogging, Purchasing the book (not required), and various other ways of sharing!

Here is a link to her blog for more information on entering this contest and Blood Lust: Zoe Winters Blog

Zoe Winters is an awesome author to network with and I am so lucky to also call her my friend. Please take a moment to help an indie author pimp her book, even if for some reason you do not need a Kindle! Make sure to mention Intense sent you *winks*!

IMM: In My Mailbox 08/23/10

The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy
Rogue Angel, The Chosen by Alex Archer
Tempted at Midnight by Jacquine D'Alessandro
Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Lori Wilde

IMM: 08/24/10 to 08/28/10
Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu
In Dreams Begin by Skyler While (ARC for review)
Rogue Angel, Eternal Journey by Alex Archer
The Hunted of 2060 by Ami Rebecca Blackwelder

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Skip A Starbucks Day!

What do a skipped cup of coffee, a little Chinese orphan girl, and you have in common? C.J. Redwine, is hoping to travel to travel to China to bring home the daughter of her heart.

So here's the deal: Visit C.J.'s blog The Last Word and donate any amount you choose (suggested $5 minimum), fill out the form and you're automatically entered in the grand prize giveaway! In addition to C.J.'s blog many others have contributed prizes as well.

Zoe Who? Episode 6

 

Zoe needs help with her Internet and goes to Captain Technical Support.

http://www.zoewinters.org

I do not know about stalking, but I will certainly build Zoe a shrine!

Succinct Review: Goddess of the Sea

This is a quickie review of Goddess of the Sea (Goddess Summoning, #1) by P.C. Cast.

My first impression was, wow! The main character is totally plastered! That does not happen in many books, as least not the ones I have been reading. I was thoroughly amused. I kept smiling at Christine Canady' purely innocent silliness. As an Air Force Sergeant I expected a tough as nails woman, but she is sincere and soft. Her appetite for magic and life is inspiring.

Toward the middle of the book I nodded off a bit. Some of the magic was lost in what became an all to commonly found bad guy, misunderstood heroine, sexy Neanderthal knight, etc etc... medieval droll. Then we meet Dylan who is every womans dream-come-true merman. My eyes widened and from my slumber I discovered some of the most bizarre and sexy scenes I have read.

I could not put the book down once Dylan came into the setting. I laughed, I cried, I sobbed into the book. The book takes gold with a wonderful ending and heart wreathing emotion. I may have actually hugged this book to my chest when done. It goes to my keeper pile! Thank you for the fairy tale P.C. I look forward to the next!

Available on Amazon

IMM: In My Mailbox 08/16/10

A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix
Beneath the Skin by Adrian Phoenix
Captured by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon
Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran
Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn

IMM: 08/17/10 to 08/21/10
Kiss of Darkness by Heather Graham
Kitty and the Midnight House by Carrie Vaughn
Charming the Devil by Lois Greiman
Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

It's Alive! Blood Lust available in print!

Blood Lust by Zoe Winters is available in print from Amazon!
I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. "Zoe! Where is my copy?!" If you are not aware Blood Lust was my first book cover design. Though I have been a artist for many years, this was my first cover design. I was thrilled when Zoe asked me to redesign her cover but equally terrified. There are so many spectacular cover artists, who am I!?

I should be doing a contest as soon as I have my copy/copies. "Zoe! Where is my copy?!" I will also be bringing my copy to all family events, grocery shopping, perhaps running down the garbage man. "Hey, Look I designed this! ME! Stop the freakin' truck already?!"

Not only will I be holding a piece of art history *giggles*, but I will get to READ Zoe's book. So without further ado, I give you Blood Lust...



It's all about the blood... Comprised of three novellas, Blood Lust gives readers a snapshot look at the world of the Preternaturals Series.

KEPT:
As a cat therian (shifter), Greta's blood is already sought after to enhance spells and potions, but due to a quirk of her birth, her blood is potent enough to kill for. When her tribe plans to sacrifice her, Greta must ally herself with Dayne, the dangerous local sorcerer, and the only person strong enough to protect her.

CLAIMED:
For a vampire, Anthony isn't a picky eater, but he's drawn to Charlee's blood more than any other.  Like a fine wine saved for a special occasion, he's denied himself this pleasure. But one night, high from the potent magical blood of another, he claims his prize and loses control. Ashamed of almost killing the one woman who means anything to him, he wipes her memory of the event. When Charlee awakens with complete amnesia, Anthony is the only one who can clean up the mess he's made.

MATED:
Because of the vampiric blood that has run through her veins since birth, Jane has been a target for vampires who resent a human being "kindred." She's forced to disguise herself as a vampire groupie to appease them and safeguard her life. When she's abruptly given to Cole, the leader of the werewolf pack, to satisfy a gambling debt, she discovers the blood running through her veins has a far greater impact on her destiny than she ever imagined.

Available in print now at Amazon!

200 Follower Celebration Contest

So here I am, finally, doing the contest for getting 200+ followers. I am so grateful you all want to see my posts, perhaps read them and sometimes comment! Like the button to the left? Me neither, nummy but boring. We do not want boring. This is a party!

So I came up with Mr. Nummy Tummy. That's right ladies he has frosting in all the right places! But *GASP*, what about my male followers. I think there may be one or two. Just as important though. So I give to you Lady Cupcake! And do not ask where the rest of her is hiding, I am sworn to secrecy.

I have been struggling with a prize that will not break the bank. Sincerely, if it were up to me you would all win something awesome. Perhaps baby goats to mow your lawns or kayaks. But since there is a slim chance I can ship kayaks for media mail, I will stick with the traditional.

So here we go! Two prizes, one international and one USA. Each winner gets to choose any one book from the Book Depository up to $10.00 in value. International followers, please make sure they ship to your country before entering.

If I reach 400 followers by contest end I will add another two $10.00 book choice winners (one international and one USA)!

As this is in celebration and thanks of my followers, you must be a follower to enter. This will be checked. Please make sure to leave your follower name if it is not obvious. Other than that, just leave a comment. Tweeting, blogging, and bragging are all appreciated but will not get extra contest points.

The fine print: Contest ends August 31st, 2010. Only one comment will be counted toward entry. I will try and contact the winners by email, twitter, etc. Reply must be made within 48 hours of the winners announcement. I announce the winners within 3 days of the contest end. Each entry will be assigned a number and random.org will be used to generate the winners. 

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win. Once comment per household. A purchase does not increase your chances of winning. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited by law. No substitution or transfer of prize by winner permitted. Not responsible for prizes once mailed. Do not post to sweepstakes sites.

Zoe Who? Episode 5

 

The much awaited meeting between Zoe and Agent Broccoli. Dun dun DUN!

Note: Agent Broccoli is a product of Zoe's imagination and is not representative of any existing agent.

http://www.zoewinters.org

Side thought: Agent Broccoli appears to be an agent who doubles as a cover model.

Check out those abs!

IMM: In My Mailbox 08/09/10

To Tempt the Wolf by Terry Spear

IMM: 08/10/10 to 08/14/10
Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready
Mercenaries by Angela Knight
To Surrender to a Rogue by Cara Elliott
Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn
Kitty and the Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn 

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Guest Post: Suza Kates - Finding Magic

I am excited to welcome Suza Kates to Intense Whisper.  Suza recently released her new novel Whisper of a Witch. Which I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to read and review. Whisper of a Witch is a fantastic read, you can view my review here. Thank you Suza for your post and sharing the magic!

Finding Magic
I’ve been asked more than once about the inspiration for The Savannah Coven Series and why I chose to write about witches. The answer is simple. What could be better than true friendship, a mysterious island, and some romance thrown in to keep things lively? Well, if you add a little magic to the mix, anything’s possible.

I’m not just talking about spells and incantations, black cats and sparkling wands. Magic comes in many forms. I’ve always wanted to write about witches, special women who share a gift and a bond, but the time was never right. I moved to Savannah, Georgia over two years ago, but it was a walk late one night that made up my mind. The live oaks found downtown were gorgeous during the day, but with lamp posts shining up into the giant, sprawling branches and a full moon turning the city blue, I knew Savannah was the place to create a coven. I still remember that night...because it was magical.

I sit here at my desk writing, with my cat, Loki, kneading his paws into my arm and purring at me with love. My boyfriend just called and asked if I wanted him to bring me some ice cream, because I haven’t been feeling well today. The half-eaten piece of cornbread on my plate is smothered in butter, the taste and scent reminding me of my mother. It probably always will. Magic is where you find it, even in everyday things.

So when I ask myself why I want to write about witches, I think of a sisterhood, filled with strife  and joy in equal measure. I imagine that rush and tingle of finding true love for the first time. And because they are wondrous, I think of cats with yellow eyes, castles filled with chanting voices, and a starry sky that whispers of possibility. That whispers of...magic.

- Suza Kates

Cover Art Reveal II

Here I am, excited again, to share with my followers the cover design I just completed. This time around for Kait Nolan. This cover is for her upcoming paranormal romance. I will be working on her blog header this weekend.

If you look closely (click image) you might see the lightning I added into the heroines eyes! Well, maybe not. But I swear it is there *g*.

Need a reading fix? Kait's novella, Forsaken by Shadow is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Sony, Scribd, and SpringBrook Digital!

I will be posting more cover reveals very soon! Stay tuned...

Kept, Claimed and Mated Covers

 Cover recreation for Kept, Claimed and Mated. Before images on top and after on bottom.

In Zoe's words, "Your cover redos are like a good face lift. Everything is "better" but it's hard to point out exactly why!" To which I responded, "That's my magic, no one knows what they are paying for, but it's still worth it."

I absolutely love cover design. Even redesign *winks*. All of the authors I have worked with have been inspiring and gracious. I cannot wait to read all of their books. When I get my print copy of Blood Lust (Zoe's release comprised of the three novellas above), I am gonna sign it as the cover artisit and send it back to Zoe!

Little Promo: All three novellas above are currently available on Amazon and Smashwords. 

Follower & Bday Blow Out at Larissas Bookish Life

Hop over to Larissa's Bookish Life for a fantastic contest. Hell, just looking at the prize packs is worth visiting the blog. Awesome graphics! She is having up to 11 winners if enough people follow her blog. And really, why wouldn't you follow!? If you have not been there, it is an awesome blog full of books, vampires, love and all things that go bump in the night.

Say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Larissa and that Intense Whisper sent you. To go just click HERE or the button to the right.

Personally I would love to win any of the prizes!
Have a wonderful birthday Larissa!

Zoe Who? Episode 4

Brad and Zoe are at the convention having a brief conversation before Zoe meets the much heralded Agent Broccoli. http://www.zoewinters.org

I cannot wait to meet Agent Broccoli!!!!! But where did the nummy pizza from episode 3 go?

IMM: In My Mailbox 08/02/10

Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake

IMM: 08/03/10 to 08/07/10
Hot Mama by Jennifer Estep
Blood Feud by Alyxandra Drake
A Wild Light by Marjorie M. Liu
The Cat by Jean Johnson

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

I have an eReader!

Remember when I WON an eReader from Monica at Bibliophilic Book Blog!? No, I am not kidding! I really did and it came. The beautiful package showed up today. Silly FedEx driver left it on the step! Seriously, who just leaves gold lying around!

To the left you can see the package, contents, and a size comparison. Click the image for a bigger view. This puppy is thin! I even found the button to power it on! SQUUUEEEEEE! And the last shot... that is me looking around an eBook store! Bring me the money! Seriously. Honey, I need more money.

As I type I am synchronizing it with some eBooks I had saved from generous authors and various contest wins. I have some good ones. Seems to be moving a bit slow so I am gonna try one file a time instead of all at once. I cannot believe it is making me WAIT! Come on!

http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/

I also want to take the opportunity (WHILE I WAIT!?) to thank Monica again and again. She has a gorgeous blog, is awesome to chat with and hosts fantastic contests. Did I mention I WON AN EREADER! Please visit her blog, follow her blog and let her know Intense says thank you thank you thank you thank you! Gotta love copy and paste. I will be getting the opportunity to meet Monica at AAD this September. Hugs, jumping, and tears will surely ensue. I am going to bring the eReader with! So she can meet it, pet it. You know the normal stuff.

How can this thing still be transferring!? I must be doing something wrong. Hang on while I pull some cords and push various buttons...... Ok, lets try that. Please work! *sobs* Hmmmm... says it is synchronizing again. Tick tock!

Am I suppose to name it? I think you are all naming them. How about Lucky. Or POKEY! Maybe Dragon, Beef Cake (no, now I am hungry), MONICA, Sloth, Tortoise, Drying Paint, Hope Destroyer... where was I. Oh yes, a name. Perhaps I will hold judgment until it is done with whatever it is doing. WHAT ARE YOU DOING!

So this is me with technology. *sigh* I am sure it is all my fault. Perhaps I should have charged it instead of diving in and pushing all the buttons. No, not all at once. Ok, perhaps a few simultaneously while making guitar noises.

*giggles*


Update: I got it working!!! Was all my fault. Such a spunky little machine. A bit snarky like its mamma. *does a dance that no one wants to see*

Debut Book Release: Hush Money

Author Susan Bischoff just released her first title, Hush Money. Guess who designed the cover!?  Hush Money is a young adult (YA) book and the first in her series of Talent Chronicles. I will be heading over to Smashwords to get a copy today! Only $0.99! Currently Hush Money is available in eBook formats only, but a print version is to come.

The book sounds fantastic and unique. A breathe of fresh air for paranormal lovers. I cannot wait to review it. The main character is Joss and I allready love her from the bits Susan shared in the cover design process. Working with authors gives me a sneak peak into new books, the author character thoughts and book inspirations. I am so lucky *winks*

In a world in which psychic abilities are punishable by imprisonment, a girl must choose between keeping her secret and doing what’s right to save a friend.


A chapter 1 except can be found here! http://susan-bischoff.com/talent-chronicles/hush-money/

Want one for yourself!? Hush Money can be bought here: Amazon | Smashwords | Scribd

To learn more about Susan Bischoff and her writing visit her on: Website Blog | Twitter