POP QUIZ & GIVEAWAY - Kym Grosso

Welcome to my next victim...I mean author:
Kym Grosso!!

Kym has graciously stopped by to share her new novel with us:
Luca's Magic Embrace

This is Book #2 in her Immortals of New Orleans series.  Who doesn't love the town of New Orleans?  I know I do, I just got back from my first visit there in November and I can now understand what the fuss is all about.

So take a moment and see how much you have in common with Kym and then read up about her book, watch the trailer and then enter her giveaway!

Pop Quiz

My favorite drink: Champagne
My first job: Waitress
My dream vacation location: Tahiti
Prefer giving or getting presents:  Without a doubt, I like giving presents!
My favorite day of the week: Saturday
Morning or night person: Very much a night person
My favorite ice cream topping: Chocolate jimmies
Do you slow down or speed up at yellow lights: Both, but more likely to speed up :-)
Walk back or leave shopping cart in parking lot: Walk it back but only to the cart cubby
My favorite sleeping position: Tummy
Did you make your bed today: Nope
Do you put both socks on and then the shoes, or one sock and the same shoe: Both socks and then my shoes
What do you like on your baked potato:  Butter, salt, pepper and sour cream
Peace on earth or cure for cancer:  This is so tough, but my Mom died a few years ago from cancer, so I'd have to go with Cure for Cancer
ATV, jet-ski or snow mobile: Jet-ski
Do you close the toilet seat: Sometimes
Your current pen; black, blue, red or other: Pink Sharpie
My favorite scent:  Asiatic lillies
Sweet or salty: Salty
Is your work area organized or chaotic: Others would think it is chaotic, but it's organized to me

Thank you Kym for playing along with me.  I always enjoy seeing how much I have in common with authors.

Author Bio:

Luca’s Magic Embrace is my second paranormal romance novel, which is the second novel in the Immortals of New Orleans Series. I have also written and published several articles about autism. I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism and I started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, I started my own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blog and write articles for PsychologyToday.com.

I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our dog, Ace. My hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of our favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But we also love traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains.  I love reading mysteries, romances and about all things regarding vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals.

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Twitter: @KymGrosso

 UK Amazon

An erotic paranormal romance...

Sexy vampire, Luca Macquarie doesn't do love; especially not with humans. Yet, ever since he rescued Samantha Irving, he can't deny the enigmatic attraction he's developed for the alluring mortal woman. Concerned for her safety, he's determined to bring Samantha back to her coven. His mission is to go find the novice witch and bring her home, nothing more, nothing less; falling for her is not supposed to be part of the plan.

Samantha doesn't want to be a witch, yet that's exactly what she is. After failing to elicit her magic, she escapes to the mountains in an attempt to resume a semblance of her previous human life. When an arsonist torches her cabin, Samantha's worst fears are realized. Aware that her life is on the line, she reluctantly agrees to return to New Orleans with Luca.

In the Big Easy, Samantha and Luca embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical amulet that promises to release her obligation from an ancient, lethal vampire who's been threatening her life. With cryptic clues and clandestine allies, will Luca and Samantha destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it, setting forth a chain of catastrophic consequences? And will Luca give into his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures heart?

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

EXCERPT:

As he got halfway down the path, he watched Samantha stretch on the dock. He halted, admiring her firm ass as she bent forward to grab her right calf. His cock jerked to attention as he fantasized about ripping off her clothes and taking her from behind on her hands and knees right out in the open on the wooden pier. No one would see, he surmised, looking around at the isolated woods. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he sighed. He could not get involved with this human. He knew how fragile they were, how easily they could die. Luca refused to let that happen again.

Just as he thought he’d regained control of himself, his mouth dropped wide open. With her back facing Luca, Samantha crossed her arms in front of her and removed her flimsy, stretchy tank top. Jesus, what was she doing? He continued to watch in awe as she kicked off her sneakers, hooked her thumbs on the waist of her pants and stripped them off until she was standing on the end of the dock stark naked. She reached a hand up into her ponytail and freed her fiery mane; the soft tendrils scattered over her creamy pale shoulders, teasing the small of her back. The perfectly-formed globes of her buttocks called to him; his erection pressed tightly against his zipper.

Luca could not believe she’d stripped nude in front of him and every small creature in the woods. He couldn’t help but smile as she launched herself off the dock in a perfect dive. Did she know he was watching her? How could she not have known? He’d told her he’d keep an eye on her at the lake. Little temptress, what was she doing?

With preternatural speed, he arrived at the dock just as her hands breached the shimmering dark-blue water. Samantha bobbed up to the surface and spun to face him. He could hardly believe the reckless abandon she demonstrated, given that she’d been held up in a strange coven less than a week ago. She was resilient, young and full of energy, representing a zest for life that he’d long forgotten.

Samantha smiled as she waved to him to join her in the deep abyss. She called out to him, “Come in, Luca! The water’s great!” She laughed and dove again; her white bottom peeked out for a second before submerging yet again.

“Darlin’, I’ve got no suit. Besides, vampires don’t swim.” He wanted desperately to go in after her, but knew it would lead to so much more than a morning swim.

“You’ve got your birthday suit. Please, you’re not gonna make a girl swim alone, are ya?” she purred.

“Is it cold?” He was starting to waver in his firm decision to stay on shore.

“Naw, it’s plenty warm. It’s late August, had plenty of time to heat up. Come on!” she begged.

“You a good swimmer?” Luca asked.

“Yes. Why’re you asking?” she replied.

“Because I’m coming in to get you!” Losing all control, Luca quickly pulled off his white t-shirt and began to undress.

As he unzipped his pants, Samantha screamed playfully and started to swim away. Stripped naked, Samantha admired his rippling abs out the side of her eyes. She knew he’d be coming for her.

Breaching the water, Luca cursed. “Damn, it’s cold. You lied to me, woman. You’d better swim fast because I’m goin’ to catch you!”

Luca dove under the water once again, determined to catch up with the very slippery, naked woman who’d enticed him to jump into a cold mountain lake in the middle of the day. It had been at least a hundred years since he’d indulged in such a childish activity, but he simply could not resist her. While vampires could be exposed to sunlight, he was weakened to the state of a human during the day. Breaking the surface, he searched for her and spied feet splashing several yards from him. He dove once again, knowing he’d soon catch his prey.

Samantha gasped for air after racing away from Luca. She spun in a circle, treading water as she looked for a trace of him. The smooth lake gave no clues as to where he was. She knew he was somewhere. Somewhere close. Looking towards the cabin, she screamed loudly as hands came around her waist.

Luca pulled her close to him and began to tickle her mercilessly. “Ah, little witch, you lied to me. The water is nearly freezing. And since I can’t spank you in the water, this is your punishment.” He continued to tickle her as she laughed hysterically, thrashing in the water.

“I’m sorry,” she pleaded. “Uncle! Uncle!”

Luca stopped tickling her but didn’t let her go. Instead he let his hands move from her waist to just under her breasts, encircling her ribcage. Samantha relaxed back onto him, letting her head fall back onto his shoulder as they both floated on their backs in the peaceful reserve.

“I’m happy you joined me. I love it up here in the woods. It’s so peaceful.” Samantha wrapped her arms around his, fully aware of where his arms supported her. As they moved as one in the water, she could feel the hardness of him brushing her bottom. Yet she wasn’t afraid. She was aroused and excited that he’d joined her in such a very human activity.

“I’m happy you convinced me to swim with you,” Luca responded. “I haven’t done this in such a long time. I’d forgotten how wonderful it is to skinny dip.”

“How old are you, Luca?”

“Very old, indeed, my dear Samantha. I was turned in the eighteen hundreds. So I’m well over two hundred years old….give or take a few years.”

“Do you miss being human?” Samantha asked.

“No, darlin’. Being human is so ordinary. And now that you’re a witch, you’ve joined our little club of supernaturals. I sense your fear. But I promise you that you’ll be all right. In fact, you’ll probably love it once you find your magic.” Luca squeezed her tightly and kissed her shoulder.

“Ah, and there’s the rub my friend. I have no magic. Nothing. Ilsbeth seems to think there’s something about me, but I can’t do a thing. Believe me, I’ve tried. Nothing happens,” Samantha huffed.

“It will come, Samantha. I can smell the magic on you, and it’s as sweet as honey. It’s there. Maybe it hasn’t shown itself yet, but it will.”

“You sound so confident, Luca. I wish I could be like you. But I feel so defeated. Seriously, Luca. I’ve been kidnapped, forced into working at a sex club, beaten and then told I was a witch. I’ve had to take a leave of absence from my real life. I can’t tell anyone human what’s really happened to me. And now, on top of everything, you think I’m in danger, and I have to return to that God forsaken city where it all started. I just want to lie back in this lake and forget everything,” she confided.

“Do you remember what you told me that night we were at Kade’s?” Luca asked.

“Yes. No. I don’t know. I said a lot of things. I was crying. I was upset. What do you mean? What did I say?” Samantha laughed a little, knowing how confused she sounded.

“You said you were a strong person. And while I don’t know you very well, I believe that’s true,” he continued. “Since you’ve been here at the cabin, you’ve stared down a wolf, talked with an Alpha and held a knife to a vampire. You’re either crazy or strong, and I can tell you that I know it’s the latter. You’ll survive what’s to come. You can do this, Samantha.”

“Luca, where have you been my whole life?” she joked. She smiled, realizing there was something about him that made her feel better. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I can do this, but I can’t do it alone. You make me feel like I get through this as long as I’m with you.” She’d never known such encouragement in her entire existence, and here was a man who had faith in her even when she didn’t have it in herself.

Luca’s heart beat against his chest at her words. He knew he shouldn’t fall for a human, but she was chipping away at whatever resolve he had left to stay away. Unable to resist her any longer, he kissed the side of her neck and slowly trailed his lips behind her ear. She moaned in arousal as he slid his hands up to caress her breasts. He wanted to take her there in the lake.

“Luca,” she whispered as he kissed and touched her. “Yes.”

With her words, he turned her around to face him, pressing his lips to hers. Their tongues swept together as they passionately kissed. Samantha wrapped her legs around Luca’s waist, aroused by the feel of his rock-hard cock bobbing up against the crease of her ass. She fingered his long hair and kissed up his cheeks as he licked her neck.

“Luca, please,” she panted. God, she wanted him. She wanted to forget everything in that moment but him.

“Samantha.” Luca wanted to stop, to tell her that they shouldn’t continue. She was so vulnerable after what had happened. As much as he wanted her, he didn’t want to take advantage either. And then there was his vow not to get involved with humans. But she tasted sweet as peaches on a warm summer day. So soft and slippery in his hands. “Mmmm…you’re so beautiful,” he murmured, unable to stop kissing her. He needed to have all of her.

As he was about to suggest they go inside the cabin, Luca tensed. He immediately released Samantha to stop and sniff the air. Smoke. He growled, baring his fangs.

“Luca, what’s wrong?” Samantha asked, frightened.

“Swim Samantha,” he ordered. “The cabin. It’s on fire.”

Be sure to check out the first book in the Immortals of New Orleans series

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!

Kym is giving away an eBook copy of Luca's Magic Embrace.

Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE!

Many entry chances are available.  By entering the giveaway you are agreeing to the terms outlined in the Rafflecopter widget.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY - Jacinta Maree

Paranormal Addicts welcomes new author Jacinta Maree.
Let's give her a warm welcome!!

Welcome Jacinta, can you tell us a little about yourself how long you've been writing? 

Thank you so much for speaking with me. I’ve been writing stories since I was just a kid. I really don’t know how I got into it, considering no one in my family are writers, it just kind of happened on its own. I completed my first story when I was in grade two; it was about a house infested with bats. All throughout my schooling years from primary school up to university I have been writing. You may be surprised to hear I wasn’t much of a reader; all of my time was spent creating my own stories. By the time I started reading novels regularly I had already developed my own writing style so it was hard for me to draw similarities between my work and those of professional authors. I must’ve done something right though.  

If you didn’t write, what other profession would you have selected?

Writing isn’t my main source of income so I have a job working in construction with my family. I had interests in Real Estate for a while and achieved my Sales Rep certificate. I was one of those annoying telemarketers who had to call up after work hours trying to get your business. Eek! Some people were nice; some would just slam the phone down in my ear or scream at me. Never again!

How do you balance between your personal life and your writing?

Sacrifices. I’m not a night life person so as soon as I get back from work I try and jump on the computer to knock out a few paragraphs. I have sporting commitments and I tend to leave my weekends open for catch ups but after work I try to limit myself to staying at home.

Other than writing, what are some of your passions in life?

I love playing video games. I especially love Bioware; the writers on the Mass Effect teams are absolutely brilliant. Actually, now that I think about it I just love video games in general. I still love looking at real estate and keeping my eye on the market, I can’t walk past a display home without venturing inside.

Envision trading places with one of your characters in your books, who would it be and why?

If I had to trade places with one of my characters, I would pick a Reaper. Hosts have a terrifying job just trying to manage the demonic ghosts attached to them, i.e. the banished. Banished Spirits are continuously in danger, I don’t think I could handle the stress and the Hunters are deluded and hated by all demon spirits. Plus Reapers are accompanied by Goons, which are giant demonic pets who are both loyal and extremely powerful. They get to remain on the human surface but are not affected by aging, sickness or death. Downside is of course you lose your identity and you are not allowed to come into contact with the living. Did I forget to mention the giant demon pet?  J  

Can you share anything your readers would be surprised to know about you?

Hmm… you may be surprised to hear I’m 22 years old. Not many people know my age.

What influenced you to get published?  

To get published has been a long life dream of mine, it was the wish I always wished for when blowing out my birthday candles every year. The only reason why I wanted to get published was to prove I was worthy of something. I’m not the best at sports or singing or art, so I thought I might be special at writing at least. I had set it to be my life’s goal to get published so I was so amazed how quickly to happened once I actually set my mind to it.

How long did it take for your first book to get published?

At the beginning I only approached Australian Publishing houses. It was very tough; I was lucky to get a rejection letter as a lot of the time I was either ignored or forgotten so it got quite disheartening. I had spent almost a year researching and researching until I came across Staccato Publishing who were interested in the same stuff that I’m interested in. I had approached them to get professionally editing, as I had figured my amateur editing was the reason for my knock backs. One thing led to another and amazingly they opened their doors for me to join their amazing team.

Where does your inspiration for a new book come from?

Music is my biggest inspiration! It helps move the scene along, trigger emotions and reactions and it opens up doors to new possibilities and worlds. I also find when you just take notice of the little things around you that there are so many untold stories and interesting characters to meet. I question things continuously. Why do people need sleep? What if our shadows had souls? What if aliens existed? So on. It’s really, really fun to watch the stories unfold themselves with the right nudge.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?  If so, what do you do to get out of it?

Ah, the dreaded ‘writers block’ problem nearly every author has come face to face with. I’ve created many methods to overcome writers block. My favourite… scene jumping. If I know what needs to happen but I can’t seem to write the path from A to B I just scene jump and write scene B anyway. The story always manages to connect itself together later on anyway. I also have a method of ‘don’t look back’. It’s a matter of just writing, ignoring the spelling mistakes, the awkward sentence structure and the primary school level of storytelling and just putting the plot into motion. Once you have the path mapped out it’s as simple as going back and making everything pretty and perfect.

We would love for you to paint a picture for us of you writing your books.  Do you always write in your office?  Do you ever go outside on a beautiful day and write there?  Are you listening to music when you write?  Drinking wine?  Do you do your best work during the day?  At night? 

It’s not a pretty as I would hope. I love to write while in my pajamas or something that I can just stretch and feel comfortable in. I am a morning person so all my best stuff happens as soon as I wake up. I sit at my desk in my room with the blinds open so when my eyes start to itch I can look at something other than a computer screen. I have a view into our front garden which is nice. Cup of warm tea that I finish in like 30 seconds (I’m way too eager) and I always have youtube/itunes open blasting music.

What three descriptive statements have been used about your writing that made you giddy with happiness?

Mera’s YA Books: This author really does have a brilliant imagination, while reading this story I could clearly see everything talked about in great detail without the author having to drag on about what characters and places look like.

E.C Hibbs: The entire cast is rife with believability, and an originality that truly marks them as individuals – which I found especially impressive in the case of the Banished Spirits.

Open Book Society: The seven sins are grotesquely frightening. The most hair-raising character was mother the serpent like creature. I think I would have peed myself if I had to face her.

What is one statement that has been used about your writing that makes you cringe when you read it?
Hmm… I know I have a terrible habit and when someone points it out I mentally slap myself because I ‘should know better’, I have a habit of drowning my sentences in too much descriptive words. It’s a terrible habit and I know I need to break it, simple is sometimes better.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? 

I would love to. Currently I’ve finished My Demonic Ghost book two, the Reapers. It’s sitting in the very capable hands of Staccato Publishing to go through editing. I’ve got myself focused on my NaNoWriMo book about cyborgs and romance. (Interesting combo no?). It’s my first sci-fi work and it’s definitely a challenge.

Will we be seeing a following book to this story? 

Hell Yeah! My plan is to write a trilogy, but the more I dive deeper into their world the more I feel overwhelmed by their secrets and problems. If I’m not careful, My Demonic Ghost will be looking at book four.

How did you come up with the character Lock? 

Lock was a combination of many characters. For starters I drew inspirational from Casper the Friendly ghost mainly because of his childish innocence. I wanted a young male lead to contrast with the horror and evil that is ‘the banished world’. Lock isn’t perfect, he makes mistakes and is considered to be selfish, but he is also capable of redeeming himself. To watch him grow and mature is heartwarming and one of the perks of being an author.

Thank you Jacinta for stopping by and sharing a little about yourself and your work.  We hope to see you back again.  Check out her great giveaway below and spread the word!!

Be sure to stop by her haunts!

Facebook - My Demonic Ghost

Jacinta's Blog  

Facebook - Jacinta's 

Rachael has traveled to Whitehaven to visit her father, a trek she can not help but dread given his recent descent into madness. Upon her arrival she realizes his deterioration has not only been mental, it’s been physical as well. His death comes as no surprise, but what she discovers soon after, is shocking when his burden becomes hers.

Lock is a banished spirit who must attach himself to a human host in order to hide from those who would drag him back to hell to be destroyed. When he meets Rachael he finds more than a host, he finds an ally.

Together they must defeat each of the seven sins in order to guarantee Lock's safe passage into the Third Realm, a loophole in creation that would allow him to escape hell and have peace at long last. Through their unlikely friendship, other banished spirits flock to them in hopes of a peace they hadn't dreamt possible.

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