Thursday, March 26, 2015

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Shadowed Horizons by @wolff_shyla

Shadowed Horizons Banner 851 x 315

bookblast

 

clip_image002Shadowed Horizons

Anath

Book 1

Shyla Wolff

Genre: paranormal romance

Publisher: Extasy Books

Date of Publication: 12-15-14

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0162-7

ASIN: B00RC7QOIQ

Number of pages: 275

Word Count: 72,000

Cover Artist: Latrisha Waters

Book Description:

Love should never be a choice between family and the man who’s claimed your heart.

A warrior’s life is the only one Kiera’s known since her psychic brethren adopted her from the streets as a child. Though she possesses equal preternatural ability and fighting skills, they will always see her as their youngest and in need of protection.

According to their leader’s psychic vision, her twofold destiny includes saving a computer prodigy’s life and a mate who pulls her from death’s clutches. Carlin, an electronics genius, develops software/hardware which could destroy any government. Without malicious intent, he seeks to prove possibilities beyond his current reality. Bored with the aspects of his social life, he yearns for a family.

When Kiera saves Carlin from the clutches of a psychic terrorist who stalks him for his program and skills, neither is prepared for the immediate connection formed. From the first skirmish, both their lives are caught up in a maelstrom of danger and desire. Kiera struggles to keep Carlin and his work from the terrorist who wants to destroy the U.S. while resisting the extraordinary attraction between them.

Can Carlin convince her they were meant for each other and survive her warrior brethren?

Add it to Your Goodreads Shelf

Available at Amazon

excerpt

Carlin strode beside his bodyguard through the dimly lit parking garage fidgeting with his keys. “Adam, this does not make it to my top five favorite places to visit.”

A rat skittered across the floor in the shadows, and he imagined it turning a gimlet-eyed stare on its intruders. Filth, gas, and pizza from a nearby restaurant thickened the air, reminiscent of the alley apartment he occupied during college. Small pools of dingy light challenged macabre shadows for dominance—and lost. Clashing of the bleak rays and murky silhouettes added an ominous, prophetic feeling he couldn’t shake. Water stains mingled with the shadows to create fleeting two dimensional monsters. Carlin was not a fan of Rorschach. Crap, I haven’t been spooked like this in years.

Adam shrugged. “Sir, as your bodyguard, I admit this isn’t my idea of a secure location either, but it is the closest enclosed parking available to meet with your client. The open street leaves you too vulnerable. As much as you cherish your privacy, I’m surprised you agreed to help at all.”

“He’s a college buddy, needed help with a simple, high-tech security task. Seems twenty-first century technology left him in the dust.”

“Next time, why don’t you at least suggest meeting during the daytime?” Adam’s narrowed eyes and tilted head as if listening to a far-off sound—usually spelled trouble.

“Next time, remind me a proctologist’s exam would be more enjoyable, okay?” Sweat beaded his forehead despite the cool December breeze drifting over the graffiti-covered knee wall.

“Yeah, I’m feeling it too. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

Carlin’s skidding on a badly patched piece of concrete prompted his bodyguard to scan the area around them. Dirt and crumbles skittered, their audio report echoed off the walls.

"Watch your step, sir, we don’t need to broadcast our location." Adam murmured as he reached out to steady him.

“You know…” Carlin muttered, “Folks generally think of me as a good analytical and concrete thinker. Perhaps whatever higher power gifted me with intuitive abilities for logistics and computers decided on a mental tariff—common sense.”

"My sixth sense says trouble’s GPS has already locked on. Stay close.”

The gentle slide of Adam’s gun from its shoulder rig compelled Carlin to suck in the cool night air, searing his lungs.

“Sir, instincts are the best survival tool we have. They’re rarely wrong. Better safe than sorry.”

Sharp chirps split the silence, Carlin’s cell threw his heart rate into overdrive. Hair on his nape prickled as he fumbled in his pocket. With an all-thumbs equivalent, he extracted the nuisance and hit ignore.

Massive pillars supported the five-story concrete structure. Rounding one to his left, his foot stalled mid-step when Adam snatched him sideways. The colossal thug he almost plowed into blended into the shadows.

“Jesus!" The man personified hulkish features with abject malice in his gaze. The split-second observation brought Carlin a rush of adrenaline. "You're huge!" Brown hair pulled back in a ponytail swept his shoulder giving the look of a mob enforcer. A bulge of pitted, tanned skin separated a straight line of bushy eyebrows. Dark eyes appeared to hold a terrible knowledge and gave his hard stare a cold calculating look.

The brute’s gaze raked Carlin's body head to toe. Chipped yellow teeth appeared as his thin lips pulled back in a wide grin. "Time to meet your maker, prodigy." He mimicked Carlin's sidestep in a lightning-fast move and knocked Adam's gun from his right hand. Its ricocheting underneath a nearby Toyota produced multiple tin-like clinks.

Time seemed to fracture. Adam's left arm shoved Carlin to the side. His assailant took wily advantage in that flash of time. He watched his bodyguard go down hard from his attacker's leg sweep.

One blink and a dagger appeared in the thug's hand. Its arc and swift speed toward his belly made it little more than a glimmer in the weak light. His neurons couldn't fire fast enough to follow its passage. Two feet stood between Carlin and a trip to his maker, complements of this walking nightmare.

authorinterview

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

   I’ve always enjoyed creative writing. It wasn’t until I retired that I’ve had the time. Through the years I’ve done many things, but nothing as enjoyable or fulfilling as writing.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

    Actually, I still find it wildly fantastic that I’m published. It’s been quite a learning curve as far as editing, promoting, etc. After I received my first contract – my other half thought it might have been a fluke. When I got my second – it seemed more real to us both.

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

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

I’m retired from working in the medical field. I’ve also been a professional photographer, private investigator, and military police officer. (My life has never been boring.)

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

Shadowed Passage is set to release 5-15-15. Kyley’s and Kiera’s story continues to evolve as they find another member of their family. More espionage, paranormal abilities and of course – hot romance.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

I publish through Extasy Books. The group of folks there are absolutely wonderful. I think most folks (non-writers), don’t realize the tremendous learning curve (aside from the actual writing), that takes place behind the scenes.  I’ve met some incredible writers and staff members that go above and beyond to teach you things like formatting, coding for blogs, etc.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

If nothing distracts me, I’d say between two and three months. Though life is what’s happening while I make my plans…

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

I love writing erotic, paranormal romance. In the future – I’ll continue with what I’m currently writing and probably add more suspense.

What genre would you place your books into?

Erotic, paranormal romance, though I always try to include enough action and suspense to keep folks turning the pages.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

I’m a romantic at heart. The paranormal fascinates me. Action and romance keep me riveted. Combining these seemed to make sense.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

I think my favorite character would be Taylor. The emotional/physical strength is just sexy. The paranormal talent is fascinating.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve enjoyed writing since high school. I didn’t have the time to write a book until the later part of 2013. My family though it was a nice hobby. I think my inspiration comes mostly from Dean Koontz. I would love to spend a day in his mind…lol

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

When I finally convinced my spouse that I’d be a real writer. He bought me a special chair. I generally write in the mornings with my dogs curled at my feet and my desk facing the windows.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Absolutely! I believe you have to read them and remember that you’re getting someone’s opinion about what they like. Most importantly—you have to remember – different strokes for different folks.  I always pay attention to constructive criticism. How else do we improve? Sometimes they pick up things you don’t.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

I write the book first, then try and fashion a title that encompasses the book.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

Sometimes it’s just a given. When I think about a character’s personality, I try and pin a name that fits. As far as places, I figure out my character’s strengths and weaknesses, then develop the surroundings accordingly.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

First comes character traits, quirks, etc. Then I place them.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I try and develop the character in my mind first, then put it on paper. When I’m writing, I often find that I add/change/tweak this a bit. Unfortunately, I’m a bit of a pantzer, and let the characters lead the way, (as long as they don’t get out of hand).

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

Absolutely. Sometimes they’re more subtle than others. But my goal is to entertain.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

Usually I’ll be reading ebooks. When I find a keeper, I buy hardback to put on my shelves.

What is your favorite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

The Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz will always be my favorite. He’s a terrific word smith, with an incredible mind. I’ll read any book twice that makes me think. And yes, I’ve read his books several times. I usually end up discovering something I missed before.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

Generally, I think you lose some of the flavor in translation. Words have a way of bringing out a character that the movies just can’t do.  Watchers, by Dean Koontz was good.

Your favorite food is?

Pecans or chocolate when I’m writing.

Your favorite singer/group is?

Owen Richards, pianist

Your favorite color is?

Black – when I write THE END… lol

Your favorite Author is?

Dean Koontz, though Jeanine Frost is also incredible.

 

  giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  abouttheauthor

clip_image004

Life teaches us many lessons. One of the most important ones Shyla’s learned is to take the time to enjoy family and friends. Our circumstances change on a daily basis. However small the differences may seem, they add up over time. Through a lifetime of various trials and tribulations, she’s discovered the enjoyment of sharing her stories with those that would relish participating in the journey of extraordinary people through their everyday lives.

http://shylawolff.com/

http://shylawolff.blogspot.com/

www.amazon.com/author/shylawolff

https://www.facebook.com/shyla.wolff

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/39264448-shyla-wolff

https://twitter.com/wolff_shyla

No comments:

Post a Comment