Showing posts with label Dark Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dark Fantasy. Show all posts

Sunday, January 4, 2015

GothicKids Movie of the Month: January 2015

Into the Woods

Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and the Wicked Witch played by Meryl Streep, the perfect choice for the part, to name a few. 

What do almost all the classic fairy-tale's have in common? They all end up going into the woods. In this retelling all of the stories become one as upon entering the woods all of their worlds collide into one dark musical truly unlike any other, giving you the feel of watching a play on the big-screen. There may be princes and princesses', towers, turets and magic, but there will be no simple black and white happily ever after. All of the characters will learn more about themselves and each other as they embark upon their journey, and learn the hard way that what you wish for may not necessarily be what you truly want, or need. The grass is always greeners until you truly take a walk on the other side.

Full of good clean laughs that will have you and your spawns cracking up so hard you may want to line your underwear. The only downer is the ending, that will have you wondering how you truly feel about it the whole while on your drive home from the theater. But, it is a movie you and yours can enjoy together that won't have you snoring in the seat beside them.



Sunday, December 21, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Razel Dazzel





Fairytale Retelling / Erotica
Date Published: December 9, 2014

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A modern twist on a long haired tale....


Will she let down her hair for the man of her fantasies?

Famous for her long, golden hair and beaming smile, Razel D’Punz is the hottest model in the industry. But although most women would kill to get ahead in this profession, Razel lives an isolated life; one she has learnt to accept...until she meets Matthew Prince, a new photographer in the business.

Refusing to let her mother/agent’s strict rules stop her from spending time with the man of her fantasies, Razel quickly discovers that one night with Matthew isn’t enough.... And neither is the life she is chained to. Something will have to change if she is ever to get her very own Happily Ever After.


Warning: This title contains explicit language and graphic sex.



EXCERPT

Prologue

They were two beautiful people. Both strong and healthy, exactly what she was looking for.

The male was at least six foot, slender, but his body was firm. His light brown hair was slicked back, making his jaw-line and chiseled cheekbones more defined. His eyes were firmly fixed on his partner as they attempted the triple spin.

The female—such a petite thing with snow-white skin and a dazzling set of white teeth. Her blueeyes shone as she gazed up at him from a slanted dip. Her golden hair was tied up with stray curls hanging around her face.

Such a beautiful couple. They will do perfectly. She waited for the show to end.

*****

Gabriella stood in front of the dressing room door. The small copper star resting against the worn wood had lost its gleam; the scratched metal had seen better days. She moved her attention to the two sheets of paper pinned below it, one reading: Robert Burton; the other: Nina Hewson. The dancing couple from Arizona. A couple whose lives were about to change.

She knocked sharply upon the door, which opened immediately, bringing her eye to eye with the polite, green-blue gaze of Robert.

“May I help you?”

“You may indeed.” She walked past him into the small room.

The dressing room, like the rest of the broken-down theater, wasn’t anything special. The general necessities were there; a mirror, vanity table, railing for costumes, and two chairs that looked like they had been stolen from a high school classroom. And from what she could guess, the hideous, moth-eaten red fabric hanging from the wall toward the end of the small space was the door to the restroom. The faded floral wallpaper peeled in many places, and the room stank of sweat and cheap perfume. Her nose wriggled almost uncontrollably as the rancid smell swamped her. At the soundof the door shutting, she turned and focused her attention on Nina, who was standing and pulling her faded, pink silk robe shut.

She drank their beauty in almost hungrily, reminding herself why she was in the hellhole of a theatre in the first place. Robert moved and stood beside Nina, who had folded her arms across her chest.

Happy with her choice, Gabriella dusted one of the chairs and sat, making herself as comfortable as possible. This was the last place in the world she would ever choose to be, but for her plan to work, she would need working class people. Individuals hungry enough for fame and fortune that they would sell their souls to the devil himself just for a taste. Who could be more famished than a struggling performer; or in this case, a couple of performers?

So she’d had to drag herself downtown, forced to sit for two hours in the dump that somebody had a nerve to call a theater. No one in their right mind who cared about their career or their bodies would even consider what she was about to propose, but the information she had found on these two loved-up dreamers was enough to assure her that her money would be welcomed, even if it took quite a bit of persuading. And she was, after all, very good at persuading.

She placed her red purse on her knee and folded her hands. “May I just begin by saying that you are both simply marvelous dancers?” Her fake and flattering smile slid into place, and satisfaction stirred inside her as the compliment sank in.

Nina blushed as Robert nodded.

“Why, thank you.” His broad smile fluttered across his lips. “What can we do for you, miss?”

“I was wondering if you would like to make some extra money.”They glanced at each other.

“I was thinking along the lines of ten thousand. How does that suit you?”

Excitement sparked in their eyes. She could see the slight twitches running through their bodies at the offer, and she imagined they either wanted to embrace each other in sheer delight or fall at her feet and kiss her Prada shoes.

Nina beamed. “We would be very interested.”

“Yes,” Robert agreed, although hesitation quivered in his words. “But firstly, who are you?”

“My name is Gabriella D’Punz. I am—”

“Gabriella D’Punz, the founder of Ivory Tower Modeling Agency?” Nina dropped her arms to her side and took a step forward.

Gabriella cleared her throat and purged the surge of irritation that pulsed through her at the girl’s interruption. “That is right, my dear.”

“We accept.”

She fought the slight urge to smile at Nina’s conclusion. “You do not even know what I am proposing.”

Naturally, the girl would presume they were being offered a contract for modeling; why else would a modeling agent come to see them?

“But surely there is only one reason you would want to see us—”

“I’m afraid you have mistaken me, my dear.” Nina’s brow creased under her words. “Or should I say you jumped to conclusions. I am Gabriella D’Punz, founder and agent of Ivory Tower, but I have not come here to offer either of you a modeling contract.”

“But—”

“Although you are both beautiful—I openly admit it—and you are at a reasonable modeling quality, well, you are such wonderful dancers. That is where your hearts are, and I wouldn’t dare drag you away from that passion.”

“Then what do you want?” Nina asked, slumping down in the chair facing Gabriella.

“I want a child.” She paused as their eyebrows dipped in uncertainty to where this conversation was heading. “You see, my husband is growing old, and I am unable to have children….”

“I…I’m sorry to hear that, but what has this got to do with us?” Robert asked.

“Well, I was wondering if you could help me.”

Nina lifted her shoulders, her eyes widened a fraction. “How exactly?”

Gabriella’s focus shifted to Robert; a small smile curled her lips as realization blossomed over his face.

“Haven’t you heard of adoption?”

“Yes. But I want a surrogate mother and in all honesty, I have had my eyes on you,”—she rested her gaze on Nina—“my dear, for quite some time.”

Nina shifted in her seat. “What do you mean?”

“I want you to be my surrogate.”“What? No.” She shook her head. “No, I won’t do that.”

Robert stepped forward. “Why her? What do you mean; you’ve had your eyes on her?”“I saw a show of yours a year ago. I became interested in you. You’re both beautiful and in good health. From what I have learned of your education, you are both decently smart. All the qualities I need in a child. I have considered adoption for years, but I never found a child I liked.”

Nina’s eyes grew bigger. “What, you…you’ve been spying on us?”

“No, not spying. I just have an interest. I also have an interest in your career. You’re not making very much money. You have no home. You’re living out of Motels, travelling up and down the country—”

“How dare you!” Robert thundered. “How dare you come in here and…and poke your nose in to our business, to ask—”

“There’s no need to get hysterical.”

“No need? I...I...Get out! I want you out!”

Gabriella sighed. “I see you are going to make this difficult. So, let’s just get down to it, shall we? How much money do you want?”

“What? This isn’t about money,” Robert snapped.

“Nonsense, everything is about money.” She reached into her purse and pulled out her silver cigarette pouch. “Everyone has a price. So name it.”

“No. This isn’t about money. This is about a complete stranger waltzing into our dressing room demanding a baby from us!”

“I have not demanded anything from you. Please keep calm.” She placed a cigarette in her mouth and put the pouch back in her purse.“I will not! You have no right! No right to ask this! No right to go digging around in our private business!”

“I was not digging, and more to the point, I am offering you fifteen thousand dollars to have a child for me; for a woman who is unable to have children.” Gabriella pulled her lighter from her purse and lit the end of her cigarette.

“And that’s our problem?”

“I do not see what the problem is.”

“You wouldn’t, would you? You strut in here with your expensive clothes thinking you can buy people. Thinking you can buy a baby?” Robert's face grew redder with each word.

“Why did you choose us?” Nina’s voice was soft, tentative.

Removing the cigarette from between her lips, she blew out a cloud of smoke. “Because with your looks,—” Gabriella’s lips twisted into a smile “—you would give birth to a supermodel.”

“You’re disgusting,” Robert replied through clenched teeth. “Get out!”

“You’re making a big deal out of nothing. I get a child, and you get money.” She slipped the lighter back into her purse. “Money that you are both in need of.”

“Get out.” Nina stood up. Her hands balled into the material of her robe. “Please, get out.”

“Are you sure you want to turn this offer down?” She kept her attention on Nina as she stood. “Twenty thousand can really come in useful.”

Robert walked to the door and opened it. “Your money isn’t welcome here.”

She laughed, and glanced in his direction. “My money is welcome everywhere.”

“Get out.”

“Why are you so insulted?” She tucked her purse under her arm. “I am offering you twenty thousand dollars to have sex and get pregnant. Once you are pregnant, you will stay in my home as guests. My doctor will see you, take care of you, and then when it is time, he will deliver the baby. As soon as you are well, you may leave. You may leave twenty thousand dollars richer than you are at this very moment. You can get on with your lives, fulfill your dreams. Tell me what is so disagreeable?”

“You want me to get pregnant and sell my baby to you for twenty thousand dollars?” Lines creased Nina’s forehead.

“Yes.”

“No! It’s wrong.”

Gabriella shrugged. “Who said it is wrong?”

Nina shook her head. “I won’t do that.”

“Not even for twenty-five thousand dollars?” Gabriella quirked her right eyebrow. “How much do you want?”

“Get out!” Robert demanded once more.

“Fine.” She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a small ivory card, which she placed on the vanity table beside Nina. “Call me when you realize this is the best offer you will receive in your lifetime.” She walked past Robert and out the door, turning right toward the fire exit.

Gabriella heard the door slam shut as she took another drag of her cigarette. Then the shouting began. She pushed the fire exit open as her smile spread to her ears.


About the Author


Elizabeth Morgan is a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f, and contemporary; all with a degree of romance, a dose of action and a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but you can be sure that no matter what the genre, Elizabeth always manages to give a unique and often humorous spin to her stories.

Like her tagline says; A pick ‘n’ mix genre author. “I’m not greedy. I just like variety.”And that she does, author of erotic ménage horror, Creak, paranormal erotic horror and UK, US & Australian Amazon best seller (Gay/Lesbian, Fiction, Lesbian), On the Rocks, erotic romance, US, UK & Spanish Amazon bestseller (Erotica Short Story) Truth or Dare? And sweet contemporary romance, UK & US Amazon bestseller (British/Drama & Plays) Stepping Stones.

She also has her hand in self-publishing. Look out for more information on her upcoming releases at her website: www.e-morgan.com

Away from the computer, Elizabeth can be found in the garden trying hard not to kill her plants, dancing around her little cottage with the radio on while she cleans, watching movies or good television programs – Dr Who? Atlantis? The Musketeers? Heck, yes! – Or curled up with her two cats reading a book.


Author Links

Twitter: @EMorgan2010



Buy Links

Download your copy of Razel Dazzle for FREE today! That's right; the eBook edition is FREE from most online retailers.


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Giveaway

A signed paperback copy of Razel Dazzle, plus a story themed charm, and a signed swag pack.





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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Guest Post and Excerpt by Author Lisa Beth Darling

Guest Post by Lisa Beth Darling

Author of the Of War Series


Why the Greeks?

It often surprises people when I tell them that Ares and Aphrodite aren't just characters in my books they are my Heavenly Mother and Father. Quite literally, for you astrologists out there, I am a Libra with Ares Rising so one could call it fate that they are my Patrons and Characters in My Head.  Yes, you could call it that, all I really know is that I feel as close to them as I do to any living creature—probably even a bit more so.  That can present some very interesting challenges when writing about them as characters. Especially the way I do it. Yes, sometimes I do worry about getting a lightning bolt or fireball in an unpleasant place but, all in all, we just consider it good fun.

Let me explain a bit further so you can understand what would make a little Scots/English/Irish girl like yours truly write about the ancient Greek Gods. Why she would adopt such odd and old pagan ways.
I grew up Roman Catholic and Baptist. (Yes, you read that right.) Up until my senior year of school I was only vague aware that there were any other Gods outside the Holy Trinity. I'd heard of ancient Egyptian 'gods' and old Norse 'gods' they were always treated in an off-handed manner. No respect.  So I never gave them much thought. It was in the 12th grade that my English teacher, Mr. DePeter, totally blew my mind when he gave us the Greek plays and tragedies as assigned reading. 

I truly felt as though I'd 'come home' in a spiritual manner. It was as though some big piece of me that I didn't even know was missing was suddenly filled in for me. My life began to 'click' and to make sense to me. I found the ancient Greek Gods completely fascinating and intriguing. I couldn't get enough.  I read all I could and in the course of that rediscovered other pantheons in books that respected them and didn't treat them as sort of Second Class Citizens. 

Yes the Celtic one did call to me and I do write about it often. I use a lot of the old Celtic ways on my spiritual path it is a rich and very eclectic.  It's my path and it makes me happy it makes me strong, confident, and peaceful. I write about them to honor them, to keep them 'alive' in some small way, to keep the connection between us vibrant so that my soul stays fulfilled.



Author Bio:  


Lisa lives in her hometown of New London, CT with her husband of 28 years, Roy. Together the two have raised two adult daughters and, as of this writing, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild.




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Kingdoms of War by Lisa Beth Darling
Of War Finale
July 15, 2014

Synopsis -

With nearly four billion souls lost to the ravages of anarchy and the dreaded disease Major Falls, Ares and Raven journey the Mortal World vainly reaching for a sliver of what was only to discover what will be. Unleashed by Apollo, Major Falls—a weaponized version of the flu and rabies-- has wiped out every person of watery Mortal Blood. 

From the fiery wreckage a new world is slowly arising one where the descendants of Olympians, Celts, Dark Fae, and all manner of Magickal Being will rule. For the last millennium the Dark Kingdom has sent small legions of its Daughters in search of its Lost Queen. Among their number is Lenora, a sharp tongued Dark Fae who joins up with ARES hoping to get close to its leader, Raven. And she does.

The Wolf inside the God of War contracts Major Falls. As Ares and Athena wander the world hoping to curtail further damage by obliterating weapons of mass destruction he slowly succumbs to the sickness taking over his fevered rabid mind. Ares may not live to see the glory of Olympus restored nor fight to keep his Wife. If he does, how high will be the price for Ares' life? How long will Alena have to keep paying Apollo?

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Excerpt (For Adult Eyes Only)-

Ares' hips moved upward in a meaningful stroke, he pierced through her body penetrating deep into her snug walls slick with waiting, making her flinch, making her cringe and shudder. She shrank away from him a moment. The hand cupping her bottom went to her jaw to hold it firmly, "You fear me?  Your Lover?"

There was no flinching or hesitation, "Never."

As she slumped against him, sliding further down on him, Ares dark eyes rolled back in his head until only the whites showed below his fluttering lids. For a second his knees threatened to give out he began sinking to floor.  Letting go of her wrists pinned above her head he expected her arms to fall limp at her sides but they didn't they wrapped around him filling him with a new strength as they raked across his back and called to his wild nature.  Feeling the fire explode to a full grown inferno, Ares stood up again planting his hand on her ass, the palm encircling her jaw eased over her chin, caressed her neck, just before it clamped around her throat as his lips closed down over hers, he felt it work hard as his tongue invaded her mouth, cutting off her air.  The legs around his waist squeezed, the wet walls suckling his cock swelled, and instead of fighting for precious air she kept her legs locked tight, using her thighs to pump up and down on him, to grind against him and welcome him home.

For what seemed forever, lost in the velvet embrace of pleasure, Ares forgot himself.  It was easy given her enthusiastic reception.  He bent deeply at the knees, surging upward time and again with a quickening pace that she did not deny but encouraged with rocking grinding hips and her talented tongue.  With the intoxicating scents of musk, honeysuckle, and the deep green of the forest filling the air, he reached down to plant his forearm under her for her ass to rest upon.  He found the soft flesh slick with the oil of their lovemaking, so he gripped the cold rock for better purchase. 

Liking her new perch, Alena kept going, she kept grinding and writhing, taking all of him inside as she moaned with the bliss of passion.  The sweet sound echoing in his head making it even lighter, until he thought he'd float away with rest of the world and all of its cares.



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Monday, May 12, 2014

The Night of Elisa Giveaway and Spotlight

The Night of Elisa by Isis Sousa

Published May 30, 2014 by Tragic Books


Synopsis - 

Sometimes, life and love can follow the most obscure paths, just as they did for Elisa.

Her life becomes a dark, cold, lonely cage the day the Devil takes her as his wife. He robs her of almost everything she holds dear: her health, her wealth and what is left of her family.

Trapped between the nuances of life and beyond-life, Elisa finds herself struggling for a better tomorrow. With her health deteriorating, how will she summon the courage and strength to stand her ground? And how far will she go in the pursuit of a dream?

Embark with Elisa on this puzzling Gothic adventure set in the late Victorian era, between the world of the Living and the picturesque, melancholic Duskland.

* * * 

"It is strange... How can I 'go home' when I have no memories of that place at all?"
- Elisa

"Stop it, Elisa. You're bleeding, my darling!"
- Leonhard

"Ah, love, the biggest poison and most dangerous drug there is."
- Dr. Charles

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Excerpt

‘Elisa’ calmed and the struggle was over. How dare she speak of me like I’m already dead? I know these faces… Father Johannes was throwing holy water over her bed and chanting in Latin.

“E-l-i-s-a i-s b-a-c-k!” a loud voice echoed in the room for all to hear. Quentin was very surprised. “She is back! Father Johannes, how is it possible?”

Father Johannes’ voice was frail. He was a short, gibbous man with an aquiline nose and big, deep eyes. “God the almighty never betrays us, my son!” He raised the wooden cross with his right hand.  “Whatever evil was holding her from life – from death – is here no more!” He came closer to Quentin, reaching for his ear. “She is strong, my son! Keep pretending until the last moment. We don’t want it to happen, but if she survives we don’t want her to tell anyone about what we did.”

“If she survives it will be for a very short time. I will take care of her once and for all, Father!” Quentin pretended he was seeing a miracle from the seven heavens. His young wife back from the dead! How was it possible? We did everything we could, but you persisted… “Elisa, my dearest, you’re alive! You live! You have come back to us!” Quentin continued, admiring that she had endured so much.


Who is this Author:

“I am not a writer, neither is writing one of my passions, on the contrary; I see it as a necessary evil! I like to say I am an illustrator and storyteller. 

I was born and raised in Brazil and since 2009, been living in Norway with my best-half. I work as illustrator and graphic designer from my home-office, in slippers and comfy clothes. (Would really prefer PJs, but here and there someone knocks on the door!)

Love Heavy Metal, Fantasy and Dark Fantasy and most forms of visual arts.”




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Friday, March 21, 2014

Twice Tempted Review

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost
Night Prince Book Two
Published March 26, 2013 by Avon
5 BLOODY FANGS!!!!


"They say never judge a book by its' cover, but this one is just as hot as it looks!!"



Summary -

Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges...

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.  (Goodreads)


Review

What's the best way to judge how good a book truly is?  How long it takes you to read it.  Read this one in a day and a half, all while juggling the kids, work and friggin' Girl Scouts.  Though I still regret reading Up From The Grave BEFORE reading Twice Tempted, since it gave away such a big secret, "seeing" the way it played out was phenomenal.  

While I am still extremely hurt to have had to say goodbye to Cat and Bones, I am equally as glad to have Leila and Vlad.  To say these two are another dynamic duo to be a drastic understatement.  With his pyrokenisis and her electrical currents, not to mention both of their temperaments, they truly know how to heat up a page.  And if there was ever a true match for Vlad the Impaler, Leila has truly proved to be it.

Vlad has kept his heart wrapped in a cage of ice for centuries, not an easy thing to do when you're the Prince of Flames.  So should come as no wonder that he finds it difficult to allow himself to admit is true feelings for Leila.  After-all, they both went into this relationship under the agreement of remaining strictly physical.  And we all know which road is paved with good intentions.  Leila comes to her final straw after the proposal she is given is far from what she expected, and gives Vlad an ultimatum.  When he makes the wrong decision, she does the unthinkable and leaves.  Heading back to the carnival and a whole new heap of trouble.  Leila will learn the hard way that Vlad isn't the only one who likes playing with fire, with deadly circumstances.  As she is the initial target Leila is faced with a decision of her own; to trust the man she loves and humiliated by walking away from, or the man she considers a friend and has never kept his desires a secret.  So the question becomes whether the threat on her life is an act of vengeance, a ploy at a deadly love affair or whole new party altogether.

Pages filled with blood, mayhem, betrayal, deadly desires, manipulation, heat and gruesome death, readers will not be able to put this book down until the last page.  There is never a dull moment when dealing with Vlad Basarab Dracul.  And pity the man, or woman, who dare cross him.  Both Once Burned and Twice Tempted are true must reads for true vampire lovers.  Please do not cheat yourself and read this book as a stand alone.  At least start with Once Burned, but to get the full affect, read the entire Night Huntress Universe series.  And look out for the final installment to Leila and Vlad's trilogy, due out in December, 2014. 




Saturday, March 15, 2014

Darkly Sweet Great Deal!


Currently on sale for $1.99, The Hunted One by Meg Collett is a recently released paranormal action/romance novel that redefines and raises the bar in the fallen angel genre. Here is a short description of what people are calling the most unique angel novel they’ve read: 

Archangel Michaela, Heaven’s General, learns that one simple mistake can have a thousand consequences. Framed for crimes she didn’t commit against Heaven, Michaela much prove her innocence with the help of a human ally and Gabriel, a fellow Archangel who’s friendship with Michaela is deepening into something unexpected on Earth. But the line between right and wrong is ever shifting, and Michaela, disgraced and wingless, discovers a group of holy angels have their own plan for Heaven, and it is one that may prove to be the End of the Days. 

This book is for readers who love a strong heroine and who enjoy darker fantasy, paranormal action/romance books. This is the first book in a series. Second book to be released in March of 2014. 



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