​When I decided to write Bring Me To Life I was hoping for a darker story than I had done before. Something with a different tone than the light, funny stories I normally do. I’m still not sure if I quite got what I was aiming to do, but it came out as the story it needed to be. It kind of ended up feeling like a version of Snow White’s encounter with the Huntsman, with a humorous drop of–I’ll admit it–Stockholm Syndrome. Not really a way around that one. But for me, the focus was more about how they bonded over similar shades of brokenness. The characters had darker pasts than I was used to writing.
 
It was challenging, trying to be in the heads of these two characters in particular. Ezra far more than Anastasia.  He had so much grief that I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep a hold on how he should be, and the arc his character went through. Making a serial killer lovable was about as hard as I thought it would be. Anastasia was far easier. She was snarky and apathetic. Thankfully, I am both of those things. So I had somewhere to draw from. All I had to do was start typing and the story felt like it was writing itself. It helped that I never seemed to know how a conversation was going to end between the two of them. They had a very thin line between love and hate.
 
The factor that really chose the tone were those characters. They had strong enough personalities that when they were dropped in a scene, they tended to push where it needed to go. Even when it was the opposite of my plan. Or if it undid things to come. I had to work around them. Much like spoiled children, really. I appeased them. My hopes are that it continues throughout the rest of the series, because I think the characters always know much better than I do when it comes to their actions and story.
 
Throughout the entire time I was writing the story, I depended heavily on my friend and occasional writing partner. She would tell me what was good and what I needed to pull back on. She helped with the construction of Ezra and who he was supposed to be. Without her, this wouldn’t be the book I love. The book that I hope a lot of people love like I do.  

TITLE: Bring Me To Life
RELEASE DATE: January 15, 2016
AUTHOR: Nicole Thorn
PAGE COUNT: 498
ISBN: 978-1523276868 & 152327686X
IMPRINT: Howling Wolf
CATEGORIES: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
SYNOPSIS: Anastasia wanted to be a witch. One of her friends even found a spell to give her magic. But before the spell is over, Anastasia dies. She wakes up in Hell, having to serve a purgatory sentence for her crime.
 
When Anastasia is suddenly ripped out of Hell and brought topside, Ezra, a demon working for Lucifer, is told to send her soul down below. When he finds her, there are questions that must be answered. He decides to keep her alive until he knows her friends won’t resurrect her again.
 
While he still has Anastasia, he’s sent on another assignment. They have to work together to stop a murderer. But as she and Ezra grow closer, the decision to get away from him becomes harder. To save her life and find out the truth behind her death, she must leave the only person who has made her ever feel alive.
 
BOOK PAGE: http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/bringmetolife.html 

Nicole "Cappie" Thorn was born in California but, after a stint in Kansas, moved to a suburb of Phoenix. She spends a lot of her free time knitting and reading from her massive book collection. Her eclectic tastes, like Disneyland, Buffy and all things London, carry into her writing. She started writing in her early twenties and finds it wonderfully addictive.
 
EMAIL: [email protected]
 
AUTHOR LINKS:  https://twitter.com/NicoleThorn, https://www.facebook.com/nicole.thorn.9, https://www.facebook.com/NicoleThornAuthor
 
AMAZON US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AC5HQ9K
 
AMAZON UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AC5HQ9K
 
BARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bring-me-to-life-nicole-thorn/1123237725?ean=2940152770797
 
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/bring-me-to-life-12
 
GOOGLE PLAY:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Nicole_Thorn_Bring_Me_to_Life?id=fKZXCwAAQBAJ&hl=en
 
iBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1073132185
 
CREATESPACE: https://www.createspace.com/5981894
 
PAPERBACK: http://www.amazon.com/Bring-Me-Life-Nicole-Thorn/dp/152327686X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452835640&sr=8-1&keywords=bring+me+to+life+by+nicole+thorn+paperback

Title: Disco Inferno!
Author: Doug E. Jones
Genre: Coming of Age Fiction
Number of Pages: 240
Synopsis: disco inferno! is a star-crossed teen romance set in 1979 Chicago in the days leading up to local rock radio station the Loop’s infamous Disco Demolition Night promotion at Comiskey Park. Bobby is a teenager from the northern suburbs. He loves the Cubs, John Travolta, and disco, while Misty is a city girl who digs the White Sox, the Ramones, and rock ‘n’ roll. But when their worlds collide on the 4th of July, feelings change, hearts melt, and sparks fly! This novel is rated PG-13 for mild weed and alcohol use, brief nudity, and occasional bad language.

Disco Inferno! is a fascinating coming-of-age novel set at the end of the disco era in 1979. Bobby, loves disco and can't fathom why anyone would listen to any other kind of music. That is until he meets Misty, a beautiful girl from another town who happens to listen to rock 'n' roll. The pair instantly feel fireworks, and it's not just because it's the Fourth of July, but continual mishaps keep Bobby and Misty from hooking up. Chicago's Disco Demolition Night is coming up and Bobby sees his chance to finally get the girl, but when things get out of control Bobby just hopes to get out alive!

Well-written and appealing Disco Inferno! has lively and eccentric characters that readers will easily feel a connection with. I love how the story takes place in the 70's and the author does a wonderful job of transporting readers back to a time of bell bottoms, baseball, and Disco Fever. I was just a young kid in 1979, but Disco Inferno! had me reminiscing about my childhood days. The romance, friendship, and fun make Disco Inferno! an all around great read.

I highly recommend picking up a copy.      

Vision of the Griffin’s Heart, Andy Smithson, Book 5

Four years ago, Andy Smithson discovered he is the Chosen one to break a 500-yr-old curse plaguing the land of Oomaldee when he unexpectedly and mysteriously found himself there. To do so, he must collect ingredients for a magical potion. Thus far he has gathered the scale of a red dragon, venom from a giant serpent, a unicorn’s horn, and the tail feather of a phoenix. Now he must ask a griffin for one of its talons. There’s just one problem…humans have poached griffin treasure, causing these mythical creatures to attack on sight.
 
Complicating matters, the evil Abaddon, sovereign of Oomaldee’s northern neighbor, is turning more and more citizens into zolt in his ongoing campaign of terror as he sets in motion the final steps of his plan to conquer the land. Things really start to heat up in book five!
 
If you loved Harry Potter, you’ll love the Andy Smithson series chalk full of mythical creatures, newly invented animals like zolt, herewolves, and therewolves, a complex plot with evolving characters, and positive themes including responsibility, diligence, dignity, friendship and more.
 
Purchase Kindle and Paperback 
 
The Buzz

5 Stars! - “A marvelous book in a great series!” – Erik Weibel (Age 14) This Kid Reviews Books Blog
“Readers of this series have come to anticipate a host of challenges, intense battles, and on an epic scale. In Vision of the Griffin’s Heart, you won’t be disappointed. For lovers of fantasy, I consider it a must read.” – Richard Weatherly, Author
“One of the admirable qualities I like about the entire series is seeing Andy’s growth from a self-absorbed kid to a more thoughtful teen as he learns how to deal with the various crises which face him, all the while knowing that the future may hold unpleasant consequences.  The watchword for Vision of the Griffin's Heart is “courage.” – Wayne Walker, Home School Book Review 

​


​Blast of the Dragon’s Fury (Andy Smithson, Book One) ebook is FREE. Download a copy at Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, Google, B&N.
Listen to the FREE podcast of Book 1 by L. R. W. Lee on Podiobooks.
Book one is also available in paperback.

​Venom of the Serpent’s Cunning (Andy Smithson, Book Two) is available in Kindle and Paperback.
Download the professionally recorded audiobook at Amazon
It’s only $1.99 if you download the eBook first…Savings of $16!
​

​Disgrace of the Unicorn’s Honor (Andy Smithson, Book Three) is available in Kindle and Paperback.

​
​Resurrection of the Phoenix’s Grace (Andy Smithson, Book Four) is available in Kindle and Paperback.

​Power of the Heir’s Passion (Andy Smithson, Prequel Novella) ebook is FREE. Pick up a copy at Amazon, Google, B&N, Smashwords. It’s also available in paperback.
Download the professionally recorded audiobook at Amazon
It’s only $1.99 if you download the eBook for $.99 first…Savings of $1!

L. R. W. Lee credits her love of fantasy with her introduction to C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. Later on, she enjoyed the complex world of Middle Earth brought to life by J. R. R. Tolkien in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The multiple dimensions of the worlds mixed with a layer of meaning, captivated her and made her desire to invent Young Adult Fantasy and Epic Fantasy worlds others could get lost in, but also take meaning away from. More recently, L. R. W. Lee has found inspiration from J. K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series as well as Brandon Mull and his best selling Fablehaven, Beyonders and Five Kingdoms series.

L. R. W. Lee writes to teach her readers principles that can transform their lives – overcoming frustration, impatience, fear and more. She also shows why responsibility, diligence and dignity are the keys to true success in life. She lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband. Their daughter is a Computer Engineer for Microsoft and their son serves in the Air Force.

​Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | 

Title: A Day with Moo (The Adventures of Midge and Moo)
Author & Illustrator: Kerry McQuaide
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Number of Pages: 34
Synopsis: Adorable. Silly. Snuggly. 

Midge and Moo are best friends. They came home from the hospital together when Midge was just two days old. They do everything together. 

Midge learns what it is like to have a partner in crime, a best friend, and someone who is there for you no matter what. 

If you and your little ones like bright, colorful illustrations and sweet, funny stories, you will love Midge and Moo. 

Get your copy of The Adventures of Midge and Moo and let the cuddling and laughing begin! 

Part of the Adventures of Midge and Moo series.

A Day with Moo is the darling story of a sweet little girl and her adorable best friend. 

From the very beginning Midge and Moo have been together. They have fun and even cause a little mischief, but just knowing they will always have one another is the greatest gift.

This is the first book in the Adventures of Midge and Moo series and it is absolutely precious. The simple text and delightful illustrations are sure to engage little ones.

I highly recommend picking up a copy.

Title: Hurricane Hound
Author: Gia Lee
Illustrator: Jason Davis
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Number of Pages: 40
Synopsis: This is the story of Hanz, the hound dog. Hanz was raised to be a hunting dog, but when he no longer wants to hunt, his cruel owner neglectfully chains him to a tree. With a hurricane fast approaching and Hanz deserted by his former master, his fate lies in the capable hands of a lovely lady who has frequently seen Hanz tied to a tree while jogging. Will she take action to save him or just ignore his barks for help like many others who have also passed by him? This is a children’s picture book about the concepts of taking loving responsibility for your pets, while embracing their unique personalities, as well as about humanely helping out animals in need when possible.

Hurricane Hound is a heartwarming story of a neglected and sad pup who wants nothing more than a family to love him.

Hanz is a hound dog and his original owner raised him to be a hunting dog. The day Hanz refuses to hunt for sport his owner is no longer kind to him. Hanz is now flea infested and spends his days tied to a tree with no fresh water or food. The highlight of his days are when a jogger passes by his yard. Hanz wishes with his whole heart that this wonderful lady would rescue him. Hanz's life is forever changed the day he's left behind.

Hurricane Hound is a sweet story that teaches young readers the importance of helping others instead of sitting ideally by while bad things happen. The illustrations are bright and colorful and Hanz is absolutely adorable. Children and parents alike will treasure this wonderful story.

I recommend picking up a copy. 

Title: The Guardian Herd: Stormbound
Author: Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Number of Pages: 320
Synopsis: Perfect for fans of the Warriors, Survivors, and Guardians of Ga'hoole series, this sequel to The Guardian Herd: Starfire, which Peter Lerangis called "an epic tale," will have readers eagerly turning the pages.When Star received his powers on his first birthday, he became the most powerful pegasus in Anok. However, many were afraid to follow him, and felt safer staying with their over-stallions. The rest unified with Star and formed River Herd.
But now, not only does a horrible plague threaten the five herds, but Mountain Herd's over-stallion, Rockwing, has plans to kidnap Morningleaf, Star's closest companion, and take back Sky Meadow. Star begins to question his ability to keep his herd safe, especially with the threat of Nightwing the Destroyer's return. As much as Star wants to rely on his friends again for support, he's afraid of the starfire he's inherited. Star can heal, but he can also destroy. And the question is, will his dark powers overcome him?

Stormbound is a wonderfully written tale that takes readers on an enchanting journey through Anok as Star adjusts to his new role as a leader of River Herd. Rockwing, who is envious of Star, hopes to take back what he believes to be rightfully his, Sky Meadow. Star is still unsure of his new found abilities and fears he may bring more harm than good to the herd. Can Star find the courage embrace his gifts and be the strong leader he needs to be?

The Guardian Herd is a fantastic series for middle grade readers. I found Stormbound to be a sensational story filled with amazing characters and gripping action. The author's imagination shines through as she creates a magical fantasy readers will find hard to put down.

I enjoyed Stormbound and highly recommend reading this series.

Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is an active horsewoman and volunteer with U.S. Pony Club, and she draws on her love for animals for inspiration when writing her books. Jennifer graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a B.A. degree in English Literature. Jennifer lives on a small ranch in Northern California with her husband, three children, and more than her fair share of pets. 

Please visit her website for more information: jenniferlynnalvarez.com
Follow on Twitter @JenniferDiaries
Visit her Facebook page: Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

Title: Novus (The Cresecren Chronicles Book 1)
Author: Crystal Marcos
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Publication Date: August 28, 2015
Number of Pages: 319
Synopsis: Ideal for Hunger Games and Divergent fans, Crystal Marcos delivers Novus, a riveting novel set in a dystopian future of action-adventure, suspense, and romance. Intriguing characters and a gripping storyline keep the reader turning page after page. 

Being a teenager is hard enough. And what if your life’s path is predetermined? On top of that, you aren’t even Human? 

Cayden was given life as a Cresecren. He expected to live out his days with the dysfunctional Human family he was assigned to serve. One fateful night, however, landed him in Gavaron, the home of maimed, elderly, or defiant Cresecren. 

Beyond its borders is the Den, an area much more dangerous than he ever imagined. Now seventeen, Cayden unwittingly becomes involved in a conspiracy and is one of a handful of survivors fleeing a deadly attack. They set off on a perilous journey in search of refuge and the truth. Along the way, Cayden begins to comprehend the difference between fully living and merely surviving, while trying to balance his emotions and a forbidden love.

Novus is an exciting young adult dystopian novel that takes readers on a thrilling and ominous adventure that not everyone survives.

Cayden is a Cresecren teen, a "manufactured being", who's soul purpose is to serve his human family, but when an altercation transpires Cayden finds himself banned to Gavron, a Cresecren camp. Cayden prepares to spend the rest of his life in Gavron and quickly befriends Alecander, a fellow Cresecren. The pair are sent beyond the safety of the walls of Gavron to gather supplies in what is known as the Den. The Den is an unsafe place especially for Cresecrens. Alecander and Cayden are about to discover just how dangerous it is. When devastation strikes, the events that unfold alter the lives of everyone involved. It becomes difficult to determine who to trust as the sinister plan of those pulling the strings unfolds.

I am a fan of Crystal Marcos's middle grade stories and was ecstatic when she announced the release of her first young adult book. Novus is a creative masterpiece. The characters are rich and alive and the vibrant details bring the story to life. The action is gripping and easily captivating. The emotions and seemingly "human" traits that develop in these beings is enduring. When Cayden begins to experience feelings for a human teen (which is forbidden) I found myself liking his character even more. As the plot thickened and the survivors of the destruction of Gavron sought safety, I became even more engrossed in Novus and was eager to see how the group fared against their many adversities. 

Novus is a real page-turner and I highly recommend picking up a copy. 

Award-winning author Crystal Marcos has been a storyteller her entire life. As the oldest of five children, she had to do a lot of entertaining. She lives on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State with her husband and daughter Kaylee, with another child on the way. Crystal is the author of BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale and HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE. Novus, her third book and first Young Adult novel, is Book One of The Cresecren Chronicles.

Please visit: http://www.crystalmarcos.com/
Find her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrystalMarcos
Get updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalMarcos

​ELEGANTLY WASTED (Wasted #1)
 
On the eve of her high school graduation, proper socialite Francesca “Frankie” Fairholm rebelled against her elitist and controlling family to pursue the dark lifestyle of a contract killer for the enigmatic Osiris Corporation. Years later, with her training complete, she believes she's doomed to the life of a sociopathic lone gun until a botched hit brings two unlikely allies, her cousins Addison and Katharine.

Using Katharine’s etiquette school, Elegance, Inc., as a front, the trio weave through Frankie’s dark underworld, carrying out contracts, drinking too much wine, and trying not to get each other killed.

Trouble follows the team home when the death of the cruel Fairholm matriarch reveals more than they ever wanted to know about their family. As the funeral preparations play out, the trio begin to realize there is much more to their employer than meets the eye and their family connections run deeper than they ever imagined.
 
Elegantly Wasted: Amazon | Goodreads | Series Website

​UNCONTROLLABLY WASTED (Wasted #2)
 
“I needed to learn to be less melodramatic, but it was hard in this family.”


 
It’s been a year since Francesca Fairholm met the rest of the Osiris team and the company heads, her two half brothers Nero and Lex. As they groom her for leadership, it’s all Frankie can do to keep her cynical sarcasm in check as she starts training two new Strikers, avoids the romantic advances of Spark Dawson, and does her best to pry a little family history from her cold, distant Aunt Alexa.


 
With the pressure of her secret dual life building and her mother acting strangely, Frankie’s sanity is pushed to the brink when she makes a grisly discovery that shakes the young Striker to her core. Despite her cousins’ fear that her panic attacks signal a full mental breakdown, Frankie is positive she’s not crazy. Finding clarity in her personal investigation into Osiris’s origins, she uncovers more about the company than she would rather know.
 
As her life starts to unravel, things get deadly and, before she knows it, she’s facing down an old target’s pissed-off widow, an unstoppable mercenary, and the one thing she’s most terrified of admitting to herself.
It’s possible the whole situation won’t explode in her face. Yeah, like Frankie has that kind of luck.
 
Uncontrollably Wasted: Amazon | Goodreads | Series Website

​WASTELAND (Wasted #2.5)
 
Inside the halls of Osiris, the men and women who make the contract killing agency tick polish their weapons and hone their skills. But how did they start working for Nero and Lex in the first place, and when did they find out they were destined to kill people for a living?
 
Before Frankie Fairholm let you into her crazy, dysfunctional world of murder for hire, the lives of these men and women were already in danger. Their training was put to the test alongside their morals.
 
A troubled Catholic school girl with a penchant for murder, a naive con-woman in over her head, a driven socialite with a bad day that keeps getting worse, an assassin second-guessing his sworn oath... being a contract killer doesn’t mean you aren’t human, it just means your humanity is hard to find, and probably a bit tarnished.
 
Wasteland: Amazon | Goodreads | Series Website

TOTALLY WASTED (Wasted #3)
 
Welcome to family therapy, Fairholm style.
 
When Osiris headquarters fell, Frankie ran away with Spark Dawson, hoping the open ocean would wash the chaos of her life away. The Nameless, and her own primal urges, soon intrude and before Frankie knows it, she and Spark are traveling to Hong Kong to face what’s left of the company.
 
There she finds her entire family under the protection of the Sha Lù. Kat and Addi are pissed, Nero has given up, Judah won’t let anyone leave, and her mother and aunts are getting along for once in their lives. Things are weird.
 
Because Frankie’s life is never complicated enough, Spark becomes dead set on uncovering the deadly secrets Judah hid from him–and gets more than anyone bargained for in the answers he discovers.
 
Tensions are high and morality is low as Frankie starts unraveling the threads that bind them all together. As old ghosts haunt her thoughts and new enemies dance just outside her reach, she has choices to make that determine the future of everyone she knows. Now all she has to do is convince everyone she knows what she’s doing.
 
After all, if Osiris doesn’t fight the Nameless, they’ll all have to hide behind the Sha Lù for the rest of their lives...and the wine supply is running out.
 
Totally Wasted: Amazon | Goodreads | Series Website

10.  Pulp Fiction: I dig Quentin Tarantino and while this movie isn’t a “contract killer” movie per say, it does have my two favorite contract killers in it: Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield. Their dialog is some of the best in recent film.
 
9. You Kill Me: Dark comedy really hits the mark… haha see what I did there? Great cast, great acting. If I had to pick a movie that mirrors concepts in the Wasted Series, it would be this… alcoholics anonymous meets Hitman.
 
8. Collateral: this movie triggered a concept for me in my own writing… what happens when a psychopath crosses paths with an ordinary dude who has to help him? Action, suspense… and Tom Cruise in probably one of his better roles.
 
7. Kill Bill: in a world with minimal female assassin leads, this movie reigns in a super powered punch. Not one, but a whole cast of killer women is a movie after my own heart. The bride on her revenge spree is one of the best stories Tarantino has told… and hey, the concept isn’t entirely his- it’s also the brainchild of Uma Thurman herself.
 
6. The Killers (1946): Film noir is what it’s all about here. While this movie has been remade a few times, the original is worth the watch. Two hitmen show up in a small town and hold a diner hostage waiting for a mark… based on a short story by Hemingway, the movie branches out where the short story ends and digs into the story of the target…
 
5. Bangkok Dangerous (2000): I’ve always been a fan of this film about a deaf assassin… super interesting concept that’s stylish and well acted. The imagery is beautiful, and while it has some flaws, I enjoyed the plot. Note: this is the original, not the Nicolas Cage version.
 
4. Léon: The Professional: I’m a major Luc Besson fan (hello, Fifth Element), and this movie is a favorite for obvious reasons. Little girl befriends a hitman after her family is killed. If you like watching wounded souls heal… this is the movie for you. Gary Oldman is also the best psycho there is.
 
3. In Bruges: This has been a steady favorite of mine for years. A movie I will always remember my little sister calling “in broojes.” Great storyline, great dialog, funny with good characters.
 
2. John Wick: I was super surprised to fall in love with this movie.  While I’m a confessed Keanu Reeves fan girl, I had a feeling it would be just another pointless action movie that, while fun, wasn’t much for content. I was wrong. THIS MOVIE. It sent me through the ringer of emotional trauma, and Reeves is pretty much my perfect assassin.
 
1. Grosse Pointe Blank: I will always have a spot in my heart for this movie, and it’s been my solid number one since I first saw it back in ’97. I believe this is why I was inspired to write a book about a contract killer who ends up developing a conscience. Martin Blank, the self-improving assassin, is the glue for my construction of a more unique contract killer: more vulnerable than threatening.

C. Elizabeth Vescio is the author of the Wasted Series and Adventures of the Dress. She published her first book, Elegantly Wasted in 2012. Cara is also a photographer, gamer, cosplayer and animal enthusiast. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and four mutts. She’s passionate about Shakespeare, Paul Simon and Loki as portrayed by Tom Hiddleson.
 
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Wasted Series Website