Monday, December 22, 2014

Holiday Hop Winners For This Blog

I am happy to announce the winners for my daily giveaways during the Holiday Hop!

  • Monday         -    Jean Patton      -  Spa socks, Gloves and hand lotion
  • Tuesday         -    Melissa Weeks - Hot Chocolate and the Trimmings
  • Wednesday    -    Michelle Mendoze  -  Body wash and Body lotion
  • Thursday        -    Vanessa Nieto  - Planner, Notepad and Pens
  • Friday            -     Debra Guyette - Signed copy of Mating the Enemy and Believe bookmark

I want to thank everyone for participating and making this a fun event.  I enjoyed reading your comments.  And for those lucky enough to have won the Holiday Hop gift cards remember my newest in the Paranormal Wars: Juarez series Talon's Prey is available Jan 3.  


Shea

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Winter Solstice

Today we celebrate the winter solstice, which happens to be the shortest day of the year. So why do people celebrate it when it is the darkest day?  Well, instead of looking at the glass half empty our ancestors chose to look at the positive side of things.  From this day forward the sun will be extending its time each day.  It's a unique way of looking at things.  A day that is dark and gloomy is instead called the Holiday of Lights.


It's a day when we look forward to the future and the good things still come.  So enjoy today and remember sunnier days are coming.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Friday, December 19, 2014

Holiday Hop - Day 5

HOLIDAY HOP

WELCOME TO THE SIREN AUTHOR'S HOLIDAY HOP

Join us as we celebrate the holidays with you by sharing our upcoming/current releases. 
You also can enter on the Holiday Hop site for a chance to win one of these prizes:

$100 Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$100 Amazon gift card International reader
$50   Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$50   Amazon gift card International reader

To enter go to the Holiday Hop link for contest rules.   You can enter to win daily Dec. 15-19 to increase your chance to win.

My word:
NEW




I will also be giving away prizes each day.  So come back and visit this site every day from Dec. 15 - Dec 19. Make a comment with your email address for a chance to win today's prize:


  Friday:  Signed copy of Mating the Enemy, the book that started the Paranormal Wars Series.
              Believe bookmark

SNEAK PEAK FOR TALON'S PREY

Here's a sneak peak for the Talon's Prey, the newest book out January 3, 2015 in the Paranormal Wars: Juarez series.

Gibson Martin has always loved two things, to cook and to sing.  One of them he excels at, the other, well his motto is if you don’t like it, leave.  When he meets Alpha, Talon Ramirez, who happens to be his mate he’s overjoyed the man doesn’t grumble about his voice, which others compare to an animal dying.
Talon Ramirez thinks his mate’s off-key singing is adorable.  He especially likes the way Gibson’s loses himself to the music while shaking his ass and singing his heart out while cooking the best food Talon has ever tasted.  Now he just needs to find a way to keep his mate safe while the rebels plan an attack against Juarez that will devastate the city.
 Will they be able to overcome the danger in store for them?  Will Gibson’s singing get any better? 
Or will Talon’s men need to buy earplugs? 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Holiday Hop - Day 4

HOLIDAY HOP

WELCOME TO THE SIREN AUTHOR'S HOLIDAY HOP

Join us as we celebrate the holidays with you by sharing our upcoming/current releases. 
You also can enter on the Holiday Hop site for a chance to win one of these prizes:

$100 Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$100 Amazon gift card International reader
$50   Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$50   Amazon gift card International reader

To enter go to the Holiday Hop link for contest rules.   You can enter to win daily Dec. 15-19 to increase your chance to win.

My word:
NEW




I will also be giving away prizes each day.  So come back and visit this site every day from Dec. 15 - Dec 19. Make a comment with your email address for a chance to win today's prize:


    Thursday:  2015 Planner, notepad and pens

 

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

In case you haven't turned on your radio or been in any store in America since Thanksgiving, Christmas music can be heard no matter where you go.  No matter your mood there is something for everyone.  Everything from country to pop or opera to rock can be found to help get you into the Christmas spirit.

For me there is only one song that gets me into the Christmas mood.  It hardly matters who sings it, although at the current moment the version from Glee is my favorite this year.  The song - We Need a Little Christmas.  No matter my mood as soon as the song starts it lifts my spirits and I'm ready to take on any Christmas task.  But if I'm trying to just relax after a day of shopping, my song of choice is O Holy Night, again my favorite version is from Glee by Lea Michelle.

Let me know what your favorite holiday song is when you leave a comment.  Don't forget to put your email address for a chance to win Thursday's prize.


PARANORMAL WARS: JUAREZ


Get Book 1 of this exciting new series.


Forest Bradford is a coyote shifter who has always fought against his parents’ need to control him.  So when he met his mate, Blade Castillo, a black panther and an elite soldier in the Alliance Army, he refused to let the man order him around.  He’s disconcerted when he has to face his own needs when it comes to his mate but he fights the urge to submit even though it’s what he and his coyote want.

Blade’s need to keep Forest safe was confusing him.  As the second to his team leader, Blade has usually looked out for the others, but with Forest it was much more than that, it was nearly an obsession.  When Forest was almost killed by the traitor they were hunting, Blade was forced to face that Forest had become a distraction that Blade couldn’t ignore.

http://www.bookstrand.com/blades-distraction

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Holiday Hop - Day 3

HOLIDAY HOP

WELCOME TO THE SIREN AUTHOR'S HOLIDAY HOP

Join us as we celebrate the holidays with you by sharing our upcoming/current releases. 
You also can enter on the Holiday Hop site for a chance to win one of these prizes:

$100 Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$100 Amazon gift card International reader
$50   Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$50   Amazon gift card International reader

To enter go to the Holiday Hop link for contest rules.   You can enter to win daily Dec. 15-19 to increase your chance to win.

My word:
NEW




I will also be giving away prizes each day.  So come back and visit this site every day from Dec. 15 - Dec 19. Make a comment with your email address for a chance to win today's prize:


    Wednesday:  Holiday body wash and Holiday body lotion
    

CHANUKAH

I would like to wish all my Jewish readers a Happy Chanukah.


PARANORMAL WARS: STONE HAVEN

GET THE ENTIRE SERIES.



Siberian Tiger shifter, Aleksi Rykov was amused to watch the enemy chasing one of their own, psy, Seth Tilton, until he realizes it’s his mate.  Rescuing Seth isn’t difficult for the powerful Alpha but keeping his mate safe from the war raging between their races may be more difficult.


Seth Tilton is taking a chance running to the one man he knows can keep him safe, Aleksi Rykov.  Seth knows the psy’s secrets and they will do anything to get him back but with Aleksi’s help Seth can help turn the tide of the war and uncover the truth.  The question is will Aleksi be willing to help the enemy?

Both sides are against their mating and doing their best to tear the two apart but they are determined to stay together against all odds.  Can they manage to find happiness by mating the enemy?




Jason Jachovich never dreamed he’d be sold to the psy only to be turned into a monster from an old Hollywood movie.  When the psy try to use him and the other humans they had changed in a war with other paranormals, Jason manages to get free but only to watch as the others like him die in a war they didn’t want to be part of.

The Alliance is stunned to see what the psy have created in an effort to defeat the Alliance. In order to defeat the were-creatures the psy have sent to fight, the Alliance must kill them but one managed to survive.  Dr. Adam Pratt is sent to study this were-creature in hopes of saving any more they come across.  What he hadn’t expected was to find his mate and become willing to do anything to save him.

http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-the-beast


Maui Knight can’t believe he’s found his mate when he saves Ian Carmichael from the psy labs.  The need to keep his mate safe has Maui denying Ian’s request to go get his sister away from Ian’s father.  Maui hadn’t counted on Ian’s determination to save his sister from their father’s dishonorable intentions.

Ian runs from the safety of the Alliance Territory in order to bring his sister back with him.  From the moment he entered his childhood home things go horribly wrong.  He saved his sister but managed to get recaptured by the psy.  The last time he’d been imprisoned by the psy they had tortured him, this time they took that torture to a whole new level.  What’s even worse is they’ve changed him.


Ian’s only hope is that Maui will once more rescue him.  Even if he does Ian isn’t sure Maui can love who Ian’s become.  

http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-forged-in-fire


 Zeke Torres was always picked on because he was a scared mouse shifter.  When his mother married a hawk shifter he had to suffer through his stepbrother’s cruelty on a daily basis.  He fought hard for his independence and vowed to never be under the control of anyone else.

Rangi Ku is an eagle shifter and Director of Communications for the Alliance’s Northern Territory.  Working late one night he was shocked when his computer was hacked with a message asking for help.  He saves the man who hacked into their network, a feat that no one has ever done, and is surprised to find Zeke is his mate.


When Alek, their Alpha Primus accuses Zeke of being a traitor Zeke must find the courage to put aside his reservations and trust Rangi to protect him.  A predator mating prey may not seem plausible but Rangi is determined to show his little mouse he is more than just his animal.



Wolfe Koa grew up only knowing pain.  As a newborn wolf shifter he was placed in a lab where every experiment known to man was inflicted on him.  When he was finally freed he vowed to destroy every lab the humans had built to torture paranormals in the name of science.

Caleb Reid was a scientist who loved helping others.  When his own race, the psy, kidnapped him and forced him to create a breed of super soldiers, humans that were infused with animal and shifter DNA, Caleb rebelled.  His act of defiance had his father’s finger cut off with the threat of the same happening to his four-year-old sister.  Not having a choice Caleb did the unthinkable and gave in to the psy’s demands.

When Wolfe realizes Caleb is his mate, he fights the need to be with his mate.  Can Wolfe overcome the mate pull or will he end up mating his worst nightmare? 



Dasan Toomre is a water mystic who is having a rough day.  Then he meets his mate, Jalin Black, a shark shifter and things start to look up.  But before they are barely introduced, a bomb rips through Stone Haven killing nine residents.  Dasan’s father was one of those residents.  Devastated he throws himself into his work in order to lessen the pain.

Jalin couldn’t believe his good fortune in meeting his mate.  When his Dasan loses his father, Jalin does his best to comfort his mate but it seems as if Dasan would rather be alone.  Too hurt to stick around, Jalin goes to the only place he finds solace, the ocean. 

Once Dasan realizes he’s pushed Jalin away he chases his mate to the Pacific Ocean.  As he looks out at the vast body of water he can only hope he’ll be able to find his mate in order to beg for a second chance.





Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Holiday Hop - Day 2

HOLIDAY HOP

WELCOME TO THE SIREN AUTHOR'S HOLIDAY HOP

Join us as we celebrate the holidays with you by sharing our upcoming/current releases. 
You also can enter on the Holiday Hop site for a chance to win one of these prizes:

$100 Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$100 Amazon gift card International reader
$50   Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$50   Amazon gift card International reader

To enter go to the Holiday Hop link for contest rules.   You can enter to win daily Dec. 15-19 to increase your chance to win.

My word:
NEW



I will also be giving away prizes each day.  So come back and visit this site every day from Dec. 15 - Dec 19. Make a comment with your email address for a chance to win today's prize:


     Tuesday:  Hot chocolate and all the trimmings.
     

CHRISTMAS MOVIES:

One of my favorite things about this holiday season is the many new and old feel good movies.  No matter your feelings about the holidays there is a movie out there for you. Everything ranging from half-hour TV movies to full-length movies can be found for whatever mood you're in this holiday season.

There are movies that will make you laugh like Elf and The Santa Clause.  Or maybe you're saying "Bah humbug" and would enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas or Scrooge.  If sentimental is what you're after Its a Wonderful Life or Miracle of 34th Street.  For me I tend to stick with the classics, animated ones like, Santa Claus is Coming to Town or  Frosty the Snowman.

In your comment leave your favorite Christmas movie along with your email address for a chance to win today's giveaway.


PARANORMAL WARS: STONE HAVEN  Book 1

MATING THE ENEMY

Get the book that started it all.

Siberian Tiger shifter, Aleksi Rykov was amused to watch the enemy chasing one of their own, psy, Seth Tilton, until he realizes it’s his mate.  Rescuing Seth isn’t difficult for the powerful Alpha but keeping his mate safe from the war raging between their races may be more difficult.

Seth Tilton is taking a chance running to the one man he knows can keep him safe, Aleksi Rykov.  Seth knows the psy’s secrets and they will do anything to get him back but with Aleksi’s help Seth can help turn the tide of the war and uncover the truth.  The question is will Aleksi be willing to help the enemy?

Both sides are against their mating and doing their best to tear the two apart but they are determined to stay together against all odds .  Can they manage to find happiness by mating the enemy?

Monday, December 15, 2014

Holiday Hop - Day 1

WELCOME TO THE SIREN AUTHOR'S HOLIDAY HOP

Join us as we celebrate the holidays with you by sharing our upcoming/current releases. 
You also can enter on the Holiday Hop site for a chance to win one of these prizes:

$100 Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$100 Amazon gift card International reader
$50   Amazon gift card U.S. reader
$50   Amazon gift card International reader

To enter go to the Holiday Hop link for contest rules.   You can enter to win daily Dec. 15-19 to increase your chance to win.

My word:
NEW




I will also be giving away prizes each day.  So come back and visit this site every day from Dec. 15 - Dec 19. Make a comment with your email address for a chance to win today's prize:


     Monday:  Two pairs of spa socks, Gloves and hand lotion.
    

BELIEVE

As the holidays approach I can't deny the thrill I feel when the Christmas tree goes up, the brightly colored lights turn on and the music of the season fills the air.  All around there is a feeling of good cheer and merriment bringing joy to all who choose to enjoy.

There is something magical about a holiday that encourages children to imagine that anything is possible if you just believe.  To me, nothing is more magical than seeing a child's face light up as they believe a man in a red suit will grant their fondest wish.

Even as an adult it's hard to deny that thrill at waking up Christmas morning with your family all around and the kids jumping up and down excitedly because Santa came.  But for me it is in that moment when the kids are tearing open the wrapping paper, their eyes going wide in excitement and squeals of joy fill the air as they run to you with the gift they had asked Santa for in their hand, I for one Believe.


PARANORMAL WARS:  MATING IN STORMY WATERS

Dasan Toomre is a water mystic who is having a rough day.  Then he meets his mate, Jalin Black, a shark shifter and things start to look up.  But before they are barely introduced, a bomb rips through Stone Haven killing nine residents.  Dasan’s father was one of those residents.  Devastated he throws himself into his work in order to lessen the pain.

Jalin couldn’t believe his good fortune in meeting his mate.  When his Dasan loses his father, Jalin does his best to comfort his mate but it seems as if Dasan would rather be alone.  Too hurt to stick around, Jalin goes to the only place he finds solace, the ocean. 

Once Dasan realizes he’s pushed Jalin away he chases his mate to the Pacific Ocean.  As he looks out at the vast body of water he can only hope he’ll be able to find his mate in order to beg for a second chance.





Thursday, December 11, 2014

Gingerbread House Day

The history of gingerbread dates back to the 900's A.D. in Europe.  It's believed a monk from Armenia went to France to teach priests there how to make the treat.  With it's soothing medicinal effects for stomach ailments the treat quickly spread throughout Europe.  Gingerbread was so prized in Germany it could only be made in Guilds.

For centuries the gingerbread was cut into shapes.  Everything from animals to people were created to the delight of many.  Requests for the treat to be cut into favorite pets were granted by the guild. Eventually the cookies were allowed to be made by the citizens and gingerbread cookies of every kind were created.

It wasn't until the 1800's that houses were formed.  It is believed they were created based on the Grimm fairy tale Hanzel and Gretel.  No matter how you like your gingerbread there is a design for everyone.  Happy baking!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Tomorrow is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.  A day designed for those with bad taste in sweaters to let their peculiar fondness for bright colors and woodland animals show for all the world to see.  So get out those red and green sweaters with pictures of reindeer wrapped in lights and put them on.  Wear that sweater with so many colors swirled together its impossible to pick out just one with a moose with string of garland wrapped in its antlers.

If anyone makes fun of the way your dressed just tell them its in honor of this special day.   That you wear that ugly sweater with pride.

Shea

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Creating a New Series - Part 4

Now that the theme has been decided, along with location, it's time to understand the town regarding the types of shops, offices and of course, its citizens.  To get a better understanding of the town, I first had to create a map that would designate not only the basic layout, but also the actual size and various shops it will encompass.  Nothing is ever set in stone (well, until its published in one of the books) so I'll be able to change certain things.

My first step was to use a whiteboard to draw out the basic layout of the town.  To keep it small, I only put in two streets that go through the downtown area with the majority of the businesses on Main with only a few on the secondary street.  Using the town that has been the inspiration for this series, I have laid out the buildings in a similar fashion.

Lastly, I listed the types of stores and offices that would work to enhance the small town feel I'm going for.  While writing each story, certain stores have needed to be changed, sometimes in location, sometimes the type of of store.  All of that is easily accomplished with an eraser and a dry erase marker.  

With each book I hope to show the true heart of the series - the residents of the town.  I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Pearl Harbor

Today we remember those that died in that fateful attack on Pearl Harbor.  A day when our nation came under attack by Japanese forces in an all out declaration of war.  The reasons, especially in our current state of affairs is important to remember but on this day, we only remember those who died in a horrific attack.

Our military is the best in the world.  Those men and women who choose to serve should be applauded for their dedication to protecting this country.  No example better tells the tale of the heroics of our military personnel than Pearl Harbor.  As fire rained down upon them every effort was made to save as many lives as possible.

For those who endured this day, know we will never forget your sacrifice.


Shea

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Christmas Cookie Day

One of my favorite things about Christmas is cookies.  Each year I get together with my nieces and we spend the day making a variety of cookies.  To enjoy the experience we make a day of it  by mixing in movies, hot chocolate and of course Christmas music.

That's the thing about Christmas, I hear people complain about everything that has to be done but if you take time to step back and find a way to enjoy each project it makes Christmas as magical as it's supposed to be.  I don't worry if everything gets done "perfectly" just that the effort was made but most importantly fun was had.

So this year gather around your family (I recommend only those interested.  If I invited my son, he'd end up wanting to leave after a half hour and nothing would get accomplished.)  If family isn't interested ask your friends.  During the phase when the kids were in their early to mid teens where family meant "boring" I used to invite my girlfriends over and we'd make a day of it.  No matter who you invite just remember to have fun.

There are so many types of cookies I enjoy over the holidays but my absolute favorite would have to be the sugar cookie cut into my favorite Christmas shapes with powered sugar frosting.  Let me know which ones are your favorites.

Remember to have fun and enjoy this time of year by spending more time with family and friends.

Shea

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Giving Tuesday

During this hectic holiday season we are so busy shopping, running around to various parties and visiting loved ones that we sometimes forget there are those less fortunate.  There are a million ways you can give, from the Toys For Tots boxes in just about every store, to the food banks that many of your supermarkets package up meals you buy to help those who need it, to adopting a family or a child by granting their Christmas list.  If you find no time this year you can even go online and donate money to one of those charities or hundreds of others.

For those who would like to get more involved there are many charities you can volunteer at. Everything from food banks and soup kitchens, to toy drives and hospitals who need volunteers to help cheer up those stuck there for the holidays.

I know sometimes in the marathon of shopping and gift giving we forget what the spirit of Christmas is all about.  Believe it or not, it isn't about who gives the best gift (although it is something I strive for).  It's about reaching out and spreading a bit of joy, not just to those you love but everyone.  So do what you can, and maybe this year you'll help to spread the magic of the season.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Creating a New Series - Part 3

As the ideas about the town and its people fire my imagination eventually the main characters of the book need to be settled on.  As I walk down Main Street the various types of shops are noted, some jump out at me creating their own stories before I've even had a chance to think about whether to include the location in the series.

While those places yammer at me to not just include them, but to give them their own books, an idea forms as to some of the other characters and locations to include and how they all tie together.  The one place that started it all for this series, was the town bakery.  But the location didn't feel right so it was moved to a building I fell in love with as soon as I saw it among the row of shops downtown.

Instead of blending in, this building stood out amongst the row of brick buildings, and their cookie cutter shops.  It's log cabin charm called to me to put the bakery, with its cozy warmth and yummy goodness, inside.

That bakery was all it took for the others shops to start clamoring to join in.  The first three books will be centered around the bakery, an Irish pub and a flower shop.  But there are so many more waiting for the day when their stories will be told.


Shea

Small Business Saturday

Today in this country we tend to shop at big name stores that offer us deals too good to pass up.  But let's not forget those stores owned by our friends and neighbors.  It is a struggle for a small business to survive in this day and age but there is hope.  Several years ago American Express started a campaign called Small Business Saturday.  It is the Saturday after Black Friday and it is to remind us to not forget those businesses owned by people in your community.

By just purchasing one item at a local business we could help them from having to close their doors. So while you're out there stop in at one of these stores and buy something.  You never know, you may be helping a neighbor to keep their business going.

Shea

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish all my American fans a Happy Thanksgiving.

This special holiday is often overlooked as we have already started to prepare for the holiday season of shopping, shopping and more shopping.   As Black Friday is encroaching more and more into this day it is easy to forget the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving.  It is a time to gather with family and friends in gratitude for all that we have to be thankful for.

This year has been an amazing year for me as you, my readers, have given me the dream of a lifetime.  Being an author was something I never thought was possible, but thanks to all of you, that dream became a reality.

So to all of my readers, enjoy this day as you spend it with your family and friends.  As you sit at the table for dinner make sure to think about all the good that is happening in your life and give thanks for all that you have.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone,


Shea

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

BLACK FRIDAY!

Yes it is that time of year again.  Even as we prepare to spend time with our loved ones on Thanksgiving we are prepared for what comes after, Shopping.  For years that meant getting up at the wee hours of the morning, standing in line in the cold, often freezing temperatures, to wait for the stores to open.  Times have changed and with it Black Friday has started sometime on Thanksgiving Day.

The time when we used to sit back with a game on the television while we slip into a food induced coma is no longer possible.  Now as soon as the dishes are cleared we head to the stores for a night filled with shopping.  Instead of relaxing with a piece of pumpkin pie, we are rushing into overcrowded stores to find the best deals so we can feel like we've gotten the best deal on whatever it is we are buying.

For those of you braving the hordes of people, pushing and shoving their way through their shopping lists, I wish you good luck.  Just remember this is the time of sharing, so be kind and considerate to each other.  There is nothing worth getting into a fight over, even if it is on sale for a fraction of the price.  And to those shopping here in Florida, stay out of my way for I have a black belt in shopping. (lol)

Seriously though there are a lot of ways to save and I am listing a few for you to try.  If you have an app that you use, leave a comment for others to try.

Apps:
      Poach it
      RetailMeNot
      Groupon

And to help with those Black Friday Ads dowload the Black Friday 2014 Ads app by Sazze.

Good luck out there and stay safe.


Shea


Sunday, November 23, 2014

Recipe for Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches and we make plans to spend time with our families, many of you are running around trying to find recipes for the hordes of people coming to dinner.  For you I have an old family recipe that is easy to make and delicious to eat.

Corn Casserole:
1/4 Cup of butter
1 chopped onion
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cans of corn
1/2 Cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 Cup of Parmesan Cheese

In a large frying pan on med high heat melt butter. Add onions and saute until soft (about 3 minutes). Add tomatoes and continue cooking for 2 minutes.  Then add corn and cook for 2 minutes.

In a separate bowl mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Pour corn mixture into a casserole dish and pour in half of the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese combination and stir it into the corn casserole.  Then sprinkle the other half on top.

Bake at 375 for 30 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.  Serve hot.

I hope you enjoy.

Shea 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

CREATING A NEW SERIES - Part 2

Once I identified the type of series I wanted to do (small town) I had to come up with what would drive the series.  Again discussions were had about what the series would be about.  In the end I went with what I feel is the largest factor of many small towns, Main Street.  Success of a town is often seen with the shops that line the one main road in and out of downtown and I wanted to capture that by doing the series about those that owned those stores.

The original town that guided me to write this series continued to inspire me with how its Main Street shops struggled to survive. The stores on the main highway that edge the town are frequented more than those on road that crosses through the very heart of the town.  Both in the daytime and at night it is clear that the businesses on Main Street are doing their best to draw visitors in, yet too many of the storefronts are empty, making it feel desolate.

So the question is asked - What would it take to save Main Street?


Thursday, November 13, 2014

Mating in Stormy Waters Now Available!

It's official the latest book in the Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven series is now available.  I hope you enjoy the first glimpse into the Cadre.

http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-in-stormy-waters



http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-in-stormy-watersDasan Toomre is a water mystic who is having a rough day. Then he meets his mate, Jalin Black, a shark shifter and things start to look up. But before they are barely introduced, a bomb rips through Stone Haven killing nine residents. Dasan’s father was one of those residents. Devastated, he throws himself into his work in order to lessen the pain.
Jalin couldn’t believe his good fortune in meeting his mate. When his Dasan loses his father, Jalin does his best to comfort his mate, but it seems as if Dasan would rather be alone. Too hurt to stick around, Jalin goes to the only place he finds solace, the ocean.
Once Dasan realizes he’s pushed Jalin away, he chases his mate to the Pacific Ocean. As he looks out at the vast body of water he can only hope he’ll be able to find his mate in order to beg for a second chance.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Veteran's Day

Since the inception of this country we have relied on those brave enough to fight for our rights as citizens to keep us safe.  Often we take for granted what out military men and women must endure for us to enjoy the rights of being an American.

Today is the day America gives thanks to those who have served in the Armed Forces.  A day in which we honor those who have sacrificed to keep Americans safe.  To those men and women in our Armed Forces, I thank you.

For all others, please use this day to thank the men and women who give so much to keep us safe.


Shea

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Creating a New Series

I thought I would give you some insight into what it takes to create a new series. (At least for me) This blog will be about the third series that I am currently writing.  It is about a small town on the edge of the Cherokee National Forest in North Carolina.

Everything starts with an idea.  Not all ideas are easy to think of.  In fact for this one I required several brainstorming sessions with my biggest fans, my family.  They have always been my go to group.  For this new series the rounds of discussions lasted about three weeks, I was still writing for the Paranormal Wars series at the time so there was no interruption in writing.

Over that time we discussed paranormal vs. non-paranormal, Earth vs outer space, creating a new Earth or keeping things as they are. Different types of careers were looked at that would lend to a book such as bodyguards, firemen, police (I won't mention them all as they may be used in future series).  In the end it was a trip up to my family's cabin in North Carolina that settled it for me.

The small town vibe was perfect and had me falling in love with its quaint charm.  There was even a recently married gay couple who owned a store in town.  The fact that they were able to be who they were with little problems from the locals sealed the deal for me.  How great is it that a small southern town is so accepting?  It gave me a new sense of hope about the way we treat each other and I wanted to capture it.

The series will start with three books about three friends who move to this small town.  Over the coming weeks I will talk about what it took to set up the town, name the characters and decide on names of the various businesses.  Keep checking back for an in depth look into what it took to create this new series.


Shea

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Heading to North Carolina

I am heading to the family cabin today.  It is nestled in the woods on the side of a mountain in western North Carolina.  The weather should be perfect, a cross between fall and early winter.  Mom will undoubtedly cook my favorite foods.  The challenge will be laughing at dad's jokes and stories without letting him know I have heard them all many times before.  The view out the back porch is completely surrounded by trees giving a feeling of being completely isolated from civilization. Hopefully, I'll get some major writing done.  I will try and upload a picture for everyone to see how beautiful it is in a couple of days.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Mating in Stormy Waters on Pre-Order

Mating in Stormy Waters is now available for pre-order.

http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-in-stormy-waters

Dasan Toomre is a water mystic who is having a rough day. Then he meets his mate, Jalin Black, a shark shifter and things start to look up. But before they are barely introduced, a bomb rips through Stone Haven killing nine residents. Dasan’s father was one of those residents. Devastated, he throws himself into his work in order to lessen the pain.

Jalin couldn’t believe his good fortune in meeting his mate. When his Dasan loses his father, Jalin does his best to comfort his mate, but it seems as if Dasan would rather be alone. Too hurt to stick around, Jalin goes to the only place he finds solace, the ocean.

Once Dasan realizes he’s pushed Jalin away, he chases his mate to the Pacific Ocean. As he looks out at the vast body of water he can only hope he’ll be able to find his mate in order to beg for a second chance.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Election Day!

Today is election day.  No matter your political affiliation go out there, cast your ballot and let your voice be heard.

Monday, November 3, 2014

What is Happening Here In Florida

Well, it is that time of year again.  The weather has turned cool (or freezing as the case was this year), the leaves have change, shorts are replaced with long pants and coats came out of the closet for most of the country.  Instead of going to the beach or the pool for relief from the hot sun, there are long walks to admire the changing scenery.

But here in Florida the weather only changes from too hot to breathe, to just hot.  There are no real changes in clothing, just the need for the air conditioning to be running all day to part of the day.  We are still trying to escape the heat and nature doesn't have any real perceivable changes for us to admire.  For Floridians fall means something entirely different.  In Florida we have the annual migration.  

This is the time of year when birds flock down from the north to soak up the sun.  We get just about every type of bird one can imagine but I'm not talking about just any type of bird.  The bird I'm talking about, brings tourism (and traffic) to all time highs.  Yes folks, I'm talking about snow birds.

For those of you not versed in what a snow bird is, I will explain.  They are the people, usually retired (but not always), who travel from their homes in the northern states that travel to Florida to live during the winter months in order to get away from the snow, sleet and ice.  Just like the birds they are compared to when snow and ice melt they leave us to return to their northern homes.  

So to all you snow birds I have this to say - Welcome to Sunny Florida may the sun always shine to warm you. 

Shea

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Glimpse into Mating in Stormy Waters

Here it is your first glimpse into the newest book in the Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven Series -Mating in Stormy Waters coming Nov. 13, 2014.  I hope you enjoy it.

Excerpt:
Needing a distraction, Dasan asked, “So what do you do when you’re not dealing with the Cadre?”
“I run an import and export business,” Jalin said before taking his first bite of steak. His face lit up, then he closed his eyes as if in ecstasy before moaning in appreciation. When he opened his eyes, he said, “This is amazing.”
Pleased that his mate liked his cooking, Dasan asked, “You don’t mind that it’s well-done?”
Jalin shook his head, since his mouth was full of his second bite. Once he’d swallowed, he said, “No. I prefer rare, but the flavor of the meat is so delicious it doesn’t matter. What did you season it with?”
“I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you,” he said, laughing.
When Jalin laughed, Dasan just stared at him. His mate’s laughter filled the room, easing something deep inside Dasan. The way his mate looked so carefree and at peace was something Dasan was determined to see as often as possible.
“My mother created the recipe and my father guarded it religiously.” Dasan and his father had many arguments about his father’s fanatical need to hold on to his dead wife. He’d never understood before now. As Dasan looked across the table at his mate, he started to get the need to not let go, and he’d only known Jalin for a day.
Each morning his father started the day by telling his wife’s picture how much he loved her. “When she died, he tried following her recipes.” He grimaced at the thought of some of those meals. “I lost a lot of weight those first few months.”
He laughed lightly. “I remember the first time he tried to make her famous banana pancakes. The smoke alarm woke me that morning. When I went into the living room, I could see smoke pouring out of the kitchen. My father was cursing at the griddle for not cooperating.
“Next to him was a stack of charcoal black pancakes that could have been used as hockey pucks.” Laughing hard, he managed to spit out the rest. “When my dad saw me standing there, he said, ‘Grab a plate, Son, breakfast is ready.’”
“Did you eat it?” Jalin asked, laughing right along with Dasan.
“If you can call it ‘eating.’ Dutifully, I grabbed a plate and put one of the hard-as-stone pancakes on my plate.” Clutching his stomach, he was laughing so hard as he remembered trying to eat those pancakes. “No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t cut into them. So I took the syrup and literally drowned them in the liquid, hoping they would soften the pancakes enough to cut.”
Taking a sip of his beer, Jalin asked, “Did it work?”
Dasan shook his head. “No. Determined not to disappoint my father, who was trying so hard, I picked up the pancake and bit into it. When I pulled the still-intact pancake from my mouth, my front tooth was sticking out of the top.”
Jalin burst out laughing. “What did you do?”
“I started jumping up and down, I was so excited. Several of the kids at school had lost a tooth and they’d gotten money for them. I had been trying to wiggle my teeth every day, hoping one of them was loose. Thanks to those pancakes, I had finally lost my first tooth.” Finishing his dinner, Dasan relaxed back in his chair.
Jalin was also done, but he was sitting forward with his elbow on the table, appearing engrossed in Dasan’s story. It warmed him to know his mate was truly interested in Dasan’s life.
“Fortunately, it distracted my father from noticing I didn’t eat. Some of my friends’ parents had noticed how hungry I usually was. I think they guessed my father was having a hard time cooking, so they always sent food for me with their kids.” That was the thing about Stone Haven, the residents were always willing to lend a helping hand.”
That was mostly because of the Alpha and his inner circle. They believed in leading by example. He couldn’t count how many times the Alpha and his men would come by the garage to check on Dasan and his father through the years. They did that with all of the citizens.
Not many Alphas knew the names and family members of each of the residents in the town they lived. What was more amazing was he also knew the names of the people throughout the Northern Territory as well as the Alliance Army. Alek had once told Dasan it was important to know the people, for they are what’s important.

He and Jalin sat there for a few moments before deciding it was time to clean up. As much as Dasan wanted to have sex with his mate, in fact his body was still craving it, he wanted to continue talking to the man. Maybe Jalin would be willing to share something of himself this time.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

COVER REVEAL FOR MATING IN STORMY WATERS

Here it is, the cover for the newest book in the Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven series.  Mating in Stormy Waters tells the story of water mystic Dasan Toomre and shark shifter (Cadre member) Jalin Black.  I hope you like it as much as I do!




Check back tomorrow and I will give you a sneak peak of their story.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Shea Balik

Today I'm the featured author on ManLove Fantasies.  Check out the article I wrote about the history of Halloween.  

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite ManLove authors. Today is your last chance.


Friday, October 24, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Joy Lynn Fielding

Hope everyone has been checking in to the ManLove Fantasies website  http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite ManLove authors.  Just leave a comment with your email address everyday in the month of October.

Today Joy Lynn Fielding talks about her incursion of spiders and how she deals with them.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Bea LaRocca

Check out today's featured author Bea LaRocca as she tells us about her book Worth Waiting For.

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with all your favorite Man Love authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Berengaria Brown

Go check out today's featured author the award winning Berengaria Brown who gives us a glimpse into The Paint Store Boys series,

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle fully loaded with your favorite Man Love authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Fantasies Contest - Maggie Walsh

Today Maggie Walsh tells us about two of her books from the The Angel Pack series.

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite ManLove authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/

Monday, October 13, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Double Your Chances To Win

That's right, today there are two featured authors, which means two chances to win a Kindle fully loaded with your favorite Man Love authors.  Just leave a comment with your email address under each author.

Today's featured authors are:
          E.A. Reynolds with a glimpse into A Panther's Bite and
          Cree Storm who tells us all about Hercules..

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Amara Lebel

Meet exciting new author Amara Lebel as she talks about her new book Denial in the Unrequited Trilogy.

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite Man Love authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/


Saturday, October 11, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Cooper McKenzie

Today's featured author Cooper McKenzie is sharing with us the book that started the series 1-800-Sex Gods.

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite Man Love authors.



Friday, October 10, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Hennessee Andrews

Today's featured author is Hennessee Andrews, who tells us all about the rodeo life and where the inspiration comes for her series Rough in the Saddle.

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite Man Love authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/


Thursday, October 9, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Belllann Summer

The Fall Fantasies Contest featured author is Bellann Summer.  She gives us some insight into her experiences as an author, including that moment she received confirmation her first book had been accepted.  Bellann also gives us a preview into her newest book Gabriel's Pretty.  

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite Man Love authors.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Missy Martine

Go check out today's featured author Missy Martine as she shares her newest book, Meredith's Pride.

Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a Kindle fully loaded with your favorite ManLove authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Taylor Brooks

Follow the link to find out more about Taylor Brooks as she tells you more about the world she has created.  Learn all about Zantharia and the men of Z Pac in her newest novel Forbidden Fruit.  Anyone want a bite?

Don't forget to leave a comment with her email address to enter a chance to win a Kindle fully loaded with all your favorite ManLove authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/ 

Friday, October 3, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest - Leah Blake

    Today's featured author for the Fall Fantasies Contest is Leah Blake. Leah will give you some insight into what she loves about fall, even giving us a recipe for "Spiced" Apple Cider. Her book Mine To Keep will be sure to heat up those cool fall days.http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/
    Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address to enter to wine a Kindle loaded with your favorite ManLove authors.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest featuring Olivia Black

Today's featured author for the Fall Fantasies Contest is Olivia Black.  Go check out her answers about her writing process.  She is also giving us all a glimpse into her book Playing for Keeps, which is available now.

You can enter to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite ManLove authors each day during the month of October by leaving a comment and your email address.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Fall Fantasies Contest!

Enter into the Fall Fantasies Contest to win a Kindle loaded with your favorite ManLove authors.

http://manlovefantasies.blogspot.com/
Today's featured author is Stormy Glenn.  Go check out the website to find out more about her as she answers some very interesting questions.  She has also posted excepts to her newest book that I'm sure we'd all love to read.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Yes, Gibson Is Getting His Own Book!

I am currently working on Gibson and Talon's story and hope to be done in a few days before I send it to my beta reader. With any luck I will have it into the publisher by the end of next week. Just to give you a teaser of this sassy chef, here's a little excerpt:

Gibson’s eyes narrowed as he stared Paytah down. “Make another comment like that and you’ll get cold cereal for breakfast,” Gibson warned.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

BLADE'S DISTRACTION

Blade's distraction is now available at Bookstrand.  This is the first book in my second series, Juarez for Paranormal Wars.  Hope you like it.



Forest Bradford is a coyote shifter who has always fought against his parents’ need to control him.  So when he met his mate, Blade Castillo, a black panther and an elite soldier in the Alliance Army, he refused to let the man order him around.  He’s disconcerted when he has to face his own needs when it comes to his mate but he fights the urge to submit even though it’s what he and his coyote want.

Blade’s need to keep Forest safe was confusing him.  As the second to his team leader, Blade has usually looked out for the others, but with Forest it was much more than that, it was nearly an obsession.  When Forest was almost killed by the traitor they were hunting, Blade was forced to face that Forest had become a distraction that Blade couldn’t ignore.


http://www.bookstrand.com/blades-distraction