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Archive for 'halloween'



N.J. Walters: Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 25th, 2023

The days are getting shorter, and the air has a distinct bite to it. The trees are losing their leaves as the wind whistles through their branches. Pumpkins are appearing on porch steps and children of all ages are getting excited about the upcoming holiday.

We’re days away from Halloween, the time of year where creatures of the night such as vampires, demons and ghosts, but most especially werewolves seem a little more real to us all. Why do I say most especially werewolves? It’s simple really. I’m celebrating the fact I have a new werewolf book.

But seriously, what makes these shapeshifters so appealing to readers of all genres, especially romance readers? Personally, I think it’s the fact that they’re stripped down to the basics. They rely on their animal instincts when dealing with others—human or those of their own kind. They are strong and can be brutal, when necessary, yet nurturing and caring to those they consider family or pack. They live by their own set of rules, and these differ from those which humans live under. They change, transforming themselves, sometimes at will and other times needing the light of the full moon to do so—depending on the writer penning the story.

Elemental best describes them. They are powerful creatures, in tune with the earth. We can all easily picture a lone wolf on a hillside howling at the moon. It makes us shiver in dread at the same time it makes us wish we could be closer to the wolf. The wolf calls to us on a primal level. We admire it even as we fear it.

What happens when that wolf is a true lone wolf, one who answers to no alpha or pack, whose destiny is to be both judge and executioner for rogue werewolves? Find out in Taming the White Wolf.

Taming the White Wolf
Lone Wolf Legacy, Book 1

White wolf Devlin Moore has spent nearly the last century following his destiny: hunting rogue werewolves. His fate is to be the only one of his kind—hardened, feared, and brutally ruthless. Only now, Devlin’s not alone. There are two others. And if that wasn’t unsettling enough, Devlin is drawn to New York City for what appears to be a human…

As far as Devlin can tell, vibrant artist Zoe Galvani is no threat. But there’s something about her— from her unusual eyes that look similar to the same shocking hue as his own, to his growing need to mark her as his that suggests magical forces may be at play.

Now there’s no escaping each other, or the attraction that grows stronger by the second. But no one, especially a human woman, should have this effect on a lone wolf. And just when he’s sure that having her could be his undoing…the truth steps out of the shadows.

If you want to read more, you can find Taming the White Wolf here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7NTXG92/
Entangled Publishing: https://entangledpublishing.com/books/taming-the-white-wolf
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-white-wolf-n-j-walters/1143634327
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/taming-the-white-wolf
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/taming-the-white-wolf/id6450183902

About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit her at:
Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

10 Things I love about Halloween (Contest)
Tuesday, October 24th, 2023

UPDATE: The winner is…Jeanette Whetzel!
*~*~*

We’re counting down! It’s just a week away now. We still haven’t painted our pumpkins, and I know my dd is dreading the mess. The kids love doing it, but whoo! Paint gets everywhere so we do it on the lawn with a large throwaway tarp or tablecloth. This weekend, they’re going to the theme park in Hot Springs for a scary Halloween night. I’ll stay home and enjoy the quiet. The kids all have plans for Halloween night—which neighborhoods and community buildings to hit, which friends they’ll bring along… Fun will be had by all.

Here’s a fun list of 10 things I love about Halloween…

  • 👻 “The veil” between the worlds of the living and the dead thins
  • 🎃 The family decorates pumpkins
  • 📺 Halloween movies play
  • 🌃 Kids play in the dark
  • 🧛 Vampires are cool again
  • 🧟 Zombies come out to play
  • 👹 Monsters carry candy buckets
  • 🤡 Clowns become rightfully scary
  • 🧹 Tiny wicked witches arrive at the door asking for candy
  • 🍬 Candy becomes an acceptable food group!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon GC, tell me five things you love about Halloween or share a memory of a Halloween past!

Happy Halloween! Plus, Ghosts of Halloween Past (Pictures!)
Monday, October 31st, 2022

I hope the kids have fun and that you sneak pieces of their candy! I plan to!

Ghosts of Halloweens past…

When someone was the only kid (and did not want her picture taken!)…

All four being their creepy best…

All four plus a one at the cemetary!

This year, we’re down to two… *cries*

Despite the ample chest, she’s still a kid at heart! 🙂

And the biggest kid has been working on her makeup for tonight (the sad look is part of the “look” or so I’m told)…

A Halloween Giveaway! And the Saturday Puzzle!
Saturday, October 29th, 2022

Halloween is one of my family’s favorite holidays. We love any excuse to dress up, and we always go all-out. Proof is in the photo I’m providing for the puzzle!

As a gift to you, I’m offering to give away the first in my Beaux Rêve Coven series (very appropriate for Halloween!). If you love witches and demons living their lives in a swampy bayou, you’re in for a treat. This offer won’t last long, so be sure to download your copy today! Feel free to share this giveaway with your friends!

Also, if you haven’t already subscribed to my blog, why not do so now? (See the subscriber block in the column on the left!) That way you won’t miss a contest or FREE read in the future, plus you’ll meet other authors you might not know. It’s always an adventure here!

This is the world inside my series…

In Jefferson Parish, deep in the bayou, is a place called Bonne Nuit. Off the beaten path, isolated by swamp and connected to the sea, there the Beaux Rêve Coven thrives. Five witches… Too many demons to count…

Happy Reading!
~DD

Once in a Blue Moon is FREE!

Once in a Blue Moon

Bryn Cavanaugh and her coven like that the community they live in is isolated thanks to a storm that destroyed the bridge between them and the outside world. Now the state wants the bridge rebuilt. When the construction crew checks into the inn, Bryn begins to suspect something about the crew’s boss isn’t quite…human.

Bridges are Ethan Thorne’s thing—after all, he’s a troll—so building a simple span over a remote canal in backwater Louisiana shouldn’t be this much of a problem. When he follows the pretty little innkeeper to a midnight rendezvous, he discovers why his crew keeps running in to trouble. Bryn and her coven are casting spells in the moonlight.

As a troll, Ethan feels the sting of his low place in demon hierarchy. But finding an unprotected coven of witches in the middle of the bayou could lead to all sorts of adventure. And it’s better to keep your enemies close…

Get your FREE READ here!

Saturday Puzzle

Solve the puzzle and then tell me the last time you dressed up for Halloween!

Halloween movie recommendations, anyone? (Contest)
Thursday, October 27th, 2022

UPDATE: The winner is…Chelsea K!
*~*~*

We have a full weekend before Halloween hits, and the kids are on pins and needles waiting for the day. Their mom and I figure we can spend one night this weekend watching something fun to get ready—so forget about horror movies, y’all!

We’ve already watched Hocus Pocus and the second movie. We couldn’t wait for this weekend to do that. So, what’s left?

Make your recommendations for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card! What’s something you like watching with the family on the holiday?

Cameron Allie: Happy Halloween (Contest)
Monday, October 24th, 2022

UPDATE: The winners are…Colleen C and ButtonsMom2003!
*~*~*

Happy Halloween!

Today I come with news of a Halloween book sale!

Have you been on the hunt this month for fantasy, PNR or Halloween themed books? Look no further.

12 authors have come together to bring you a selection of books for just .99 cents each!

You can see the full list at my website. It includes 10 stories, an anthology, and a box set. Authors involved in this sale include: Dena Garson, Pepper McGraw, Kali Willows, Angela M Hudson, Aisling Elizabeth, A.R. McDermott, Dani M. Ward, Tanja Longoria, Amanda V Shane, and Cameron Allie.

Check out the ebook sale here!

Contest

For now, I’ll leave you with an excerpt from my own addition to the sale, as well as a contest. For a chance to win an eBook copy of both The Siren and the Water Witch, and The Siren and the Hellhound, comment on this post and tell us about your favorite Halloween costume. (Note: The Siren and the Hellhound won’t be gifted to the winner until it releases in mid-November).

Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets

Excerpt…

Ian raced off as fast as he could, but she was faster. Of course, she was faster; she was a fucking vampire.

When she blocked off his retreat, he turned and started in another direction. Her laughter followed him. Like a cat with a mouse, she toyed with him. Mocking him, taunting him, and foiling each escape. He was under no false assumptions. She was playing with him.

“Little human, come with me,” she whispered. “I’d love to take you home for dinner.”

This time, when she spoke, no haze encircled him, just fear and dread. Her laugh was cut short when a wolf howled in the distance. Seeming on alert, her posture changed, and she lunged for him, all her teasing gone. He braced himself for her attack, sheltering his face as best he could, but her weight never hit him.

Mid-jump, something tackled her to the ground.

A beast, something definitely from a horror flick, rose up over her. It stood at least seven feet tall on its hind legs. Brown fur covered most of its body. It had a wide chest and wolf-like features but walked on two feet. Saliva fell from its mouth, dangling from its teeth like some rabid dog. Its attention turned to him but flickered back to the woman when she attacked it, kicking at its legs before launching nails-first toward the creature’s throat.

Movement behind him caused Ian to turn. More wolf-like creatures were barreling toward them, snapping tree limbs and leaving claw marks in the earth.

Abandoning the skirmish, Ian ran once more.

At one point, he’d been in fine shape, his body toned, his cardio excellent, but in the last year, he’d let physical exercise lapse, and now he felt the repercussions. His lungs burned, his legs ached. He wouldn’t be able to keep up this pace for long. He needed to find help or shelter. Somewhere to hide.

He didn’t bother to look back when he heard something, or more correctly, somethings, from the sound of it, in pursuit of him. He simply pushed on. Nightmare or not, it was his only chance. Praying he’d wake up, he tried running in a zig-zag pattern, but something threw him to the ground, and a second later, pain sliced across his back. Harsh, unforgiving, and deep, claws sunk into his skin.

He screamed in anguish, tears rushing to his eyes. Not a dream. So not a dream.

He was done for. This was the end.

Unexpectedly, the weight above him was removed. Ian pushed up a bit and watched as the vampire woman from before fought against the brown wolf creature.

Pushing to his knees, Ian felt blood dripping down his back. His shirt hung off his body, shredded by the wolf-man’s claws.

He staggered a bit, trying to get to his feet. That’s when he felt hot breath against his cheek. Twisting his head, he came face to face with another wolf-man. This one seemed bigger, its eyes black as night, as it stared at him, spittle hanging from its jowls.

Ian swallowed.

The creature opened its mouth and released a horrific roar.

Spit hit Ian’s face. The power behind that fierce sound moved Ian’s entire body, pushing him backward, like a fat pig blown from its straw house by the big bad wolf.

The creature stalked toward him, and once more, Ian’s legs propelled him forward. A few hundred yards, and he dove behind a pile of brush. He cowered there, knowing it was only a matter of time before they nabbed him.

With one hand, he reached back to assess the damage. The wound was deep. Three, maybe even four slashes across his skin. He’d need stitches or staples, and if he didn’t get help soon, likely a blood transfusion.

A low growl drew his attention. He peeked around the pile of twigs and leaves and spotted the two wolves pacing along what seemed to be an invisible line on the ground. Standing against a tree trunk further back was a woman.

“Why aren’t they attacking?” He wondered out loud as he used his sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow.

“Because they aren’t allowed to hunt on my territory.”

Ian’s gaze swung to the newest voice. This new being was just as shocking as the rest, with a purple and black dress that draped from her body, cut high in the front, revealing shapely thighs covered in torn stockings. Brown hair hung in ringlets around her shoulders, tumbling out from beneath a wide-brimmed pointed black hat. One hand was propped on her hip, and the other was wrapped around a corn broom handle. A heavy metal talisman hung around her neck. The green hue of her skin made her look as though she’d walked off the pages of a comic book and left absolutely zero question as to what she was.

A witch. Now there’s was a witch.

The vampire had been breathtaking, in a drugging sort of way, but this woman was stunning. Her beauty was raw and real. Or maybe that was just his loopy brain trying to make sense of this crazy world he’d stumbled into.

“Your territory?”

“Yes.” Her gaze dropped to him, and her mouth turned upward in a kind smile. “This is my land, and you are safe here.”

“You can’t keep him there forever, Quinn,” a deep voice spoke from behind the pile of forest rubble.

Ian took another look around the brush. Two men, both naked, one with raven hair and the other with sandy brown, paced that invisible line. “He won’t be leaving tonight, Draven. Go home.”

A snarl came from the brown-haired man. “I’ve tasted his blood, his flesh. Give him to me.”

The vampire, presently fixing her wild hair, sighed. “I’m going to find a new quarry. Enjoy your mortal, Quinn. You know where to find me if you want rid of him.”

Ian watched the exchange with interest. In fact, he was quite invested, as it seemed his life was being negotiated.

Faster than he could see, the vampire disappeared between the trees, but the men remained.

“I want him, Quinn. Give him back.”

“You’re wasting your breath, Draven. Leave now, or I will turn away all business that comes from your pack.”

Draven, the man who had taken a pound of flesh from Ian’s back, growled. “This isn’t over.” Then as Ian watched, he transformed back into a wolf creature and fled, leaving the raven-haired man behind.

He exhaled rather loudly. “I hope you aren’t making a mistake, Quinn.”

Ian glanced to the witch, whose eyes narrowed. “Think carefully about what side you’re on, Alec, and about what your conscience can live with.”

“The pack comes first. Always.”

“And you don’t ever let me forget it,” the witch—Quinn—said.

The raven-haired man looked as though he wanted to say more, but he merely shook his head, turned, and shifted into wolf form before following in the direction Draven had taken.

Blinking, Ian tried to make sense of any part of what had happened. One minute he was fighting with Priscilla, and now he was face-to-face with a witch.

He glanced up at her, wondering if he should start running again, but when he tried to move, his body gave up, collapsing in pain.

The broom dropped to the ground as Quinn came closer, tsking softly. “And just what sort of mess have you gotten yourself into?”

Get your copy today for just .99 cents!

A Halloween Puzzle & Lots (an actual s**t-ton!) of Open Contests!
Saturday, October 30th, 2021

We take Halloween seriously, here in the Devlin house. The kids always dress up. We always take photos. This one was taken in front of a local graveyard. Our four + an extra kid who joined us for the fun! Enjoy solving the puzzle!

Open Contests Here!

  1. Cowboy’s coming in 5 Days! (Contest & Excerpt)Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!
  2. Scary Halloween Puzzle & a Cowboy Reminder! (Contest)Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
  3. COWBOY is here! Brand new release! FREE in KU! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
  4. The World of Dead Horse, MT (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!

Open Contests on the Collections site!

  1. IN ONE PICTURE: KELLY VIOLET’S “CARRY ME HOME” (CONTEST)Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!
  2. IN ONE PICTURE: MARGAY LEAH JUSTICE’S “EIGHT SECONDS” (CONTEST)Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
  3. IN ONE PICTURE: ELLE JAMES’S “FREE REIN” (CONTEST)Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
  4. IN ONE PICTURE: AVA CUVAY’S “SOLAR FLARE” (CONTEST) — Win an Amazon gift card!
  5. IN ONE PICTURE: SUKIE CHAPIN’S “THOROUGHBREDS AND THERMODYNAMICS” (CONTEST) — Win an Amazon gift card!
  6. IN ONE PICTURE: CINDY TANNER’S “COWBOYS & ZOMBIES” (CONTEST) — Win an Amazon gift card!
  7. IN ONE PICTURE: JENNIE KEW’S “TYING THE KNOT” (CONTEST) — Win an Amazon gift card!
  8. IN ONE PICTURE: REINA TORRES’ “SWEETGRASS SUMMER” (CONTEST) — Win an Amazon gift card!
  9. IN ONE PICTURE: IZZY ARCHER’S “SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT” (CONTEST) — Win an Amazon gift card!