A “Serenya’s Song” Interview with Mysti Parker + FREE BOOK

Author Alice J. Black, soon to be published over at our young adult imprint Fire and Ice sat down to question Fantasy Romance author Mysti Parker on the second book in her Tallenmere series.

First, a bit about the book:

No one ever said love was easy…

Serenya Crowe may be a half-elf commoner, but she’s no ordinary woman. With the ability to interpret dreams, and a birth defect that forces her to wear gloves, she’s endured gossip and the cruelty of her husband, Sebastian, The Earl of Summerwind. All she’s ever wanted is to live a quiet life and raise a family. When she meets the new stranger in town, her world and her heart, are turned upside down.

Wood-elf Jayden Ravenwing is an ex-secret agent who wants nothing more than to forget matters of the heart. He left the bustle of Leogard and his failed marriage to make a fresh start in Summerwind. He never planned to fall in love again, especially with the enchanting Serenya Crowe.

When a strange portal opens on the Crowe property, Jayden is thrown into an investigation, knowing that if he fails, Serenya and everyone in the town may die.

Together, he and Serenya must overcome an ancient evil, and their own inner demons, to save Summerwind and find the love they’ve always dreamed of.

Alice J. Black: Serenya is truly a sweet woman. Is she based off anyone you know in real life?

Mysti Parker: Not anyone in particular, though I admit to some parallels in my own life, like having a stepfather and never knowing my real father. Her struggle to discover who she really is and how she fits into the world around her is also something I can relate to.

AJB: What about Jayden? Do you know anyone who has been a womaniser such as he?

MP: I know a few, but not naming names! Jayden is very special to me. He’s the only character so far who has played significant roles in all the books in the series, so I’ve been able to really develop his character and get to know him inside and out. Whether he’ll appear in later books is yet to be seen, but I’d say it’s likely. My husband feels very sorry for Jayden and calls him my whipping boy. I do put him through the wringer, but I think he’s strong enough to handle it.

AJB: Does Serenya and Jayden’s relationship remind you of any in real life?

MP: I can’t say their trials reminded me of anyone in particular, because of all the supernatural elements involved. But metaphorically, their challenges represent a real relationship or marriage and all the work two people must do to stay together. Their love (and that of any of the couples I write) is also a reflection of that between me and my husband—challenged but unconditional.

AJB: Who was the best character to write?

MP: Serenya was probably the most fun, because I had never written anyone like her before, nor had I read any characters like her before. I didn’t depend on any well-known paranormal subjects, like vampires or werewolves. All her secrets were a fresh creation on my part, so my imagination had a field day!

AJB: Who was the hardest character to write?

MP: Sebastian Crowe, the Earl of Summerwind. As Serenya’s abusive husband, he took a great deal of work to turn him into a well-rounded character that ended up playing a big part in the book. At first, he came across as just a nasty brute, but I (and my critique partners) wanted more out of him. So, after 287 drafts, I think I finally got him right.

AJB: What inspired you to write Serenya’s Song?

MP: Jayden did. He needed somewhere to live after A Ranger’s Tale, so I built Summerwind for him and stuck him into another impossible love story. As the story’s themes emerged, I felt inspired to emphasize the theme of stepparents and how they can love their stepchildren as much as a biological child. I think Serenya’s relationship with her stepfather Douglas reflected that theme well.

AJB: The world that Serenya lives in is complex, did you always know there would be different creatures within it?

MP: Oh yes, from the start, I wanted to build a fantasy world from the ground up, taking readers on a grand tour so they can enjoy the ride as much as I’ve enjoyed designing it.

AJB: Serenya embraces her new identity. What advice would you give to someone who found themselves in an identity crisis?

MP: Having been in an identity crisis myself, I know how hard it is to rediscover who you are. I’ve been a mom since 2001, and now with three kids, a husband, and a constant slew of chores, it’s too easy to lose myself in the process of caring for everyone else. That’s why I write. It’s always been something I enjoy, and when I create a new story, it’s something I can claim just for myself. Writing a story or book is something that has a definite beginning and end. It’s not like laundry or dishes that have to be done over and over and over. The process is hard at times. I won’t lie about that. But, the sense of accomplishment when I hold the finished product in my hands is so freeing.

So my advice would be to find something you truly enjoy doing, whether that’s writing or painting or playing golf or reading, and make that your “thing”. Make time for it, set goals for yourself and work at them until you accomplish them. You’ll find yourself somewhere along the way.

AJB: Are you currently working on something new? If so would you care to share a snippet with us?

MP: I’m actually working on my very first historical novel. Here’s the blurb (for now):

Set in 1866 Lebanon TN, Portia McAllister, having lost both husband and only child to the ravages of the American Civil War, leaves home to take a job as tutor for a widower’s child. All she wants is to escape the grief, to guard her heart and never love again. Fate has other plans.

Beau Stanford came home from war to find his wife dead and his once-thriving horse farm barely hanging on. He takes in a young widow to teach his son and help run the house while he tries to turn things around.Despite his best efforts, he’s drawn to Portia from the start.

Amid post-war restoration, racial violence, and a morphine-addicted friend, love seems like an unnecessary luxury. When Beau’s late wife’s beautiful, rich young cousin arrives in town with her sights set on him, he’s forced to decide between a woman who’s lost everything but has won his heart or a woman whose money can protect his livelihood. His choice holds more impact than any of them realizes.

 

And here’s an exclusive excerpt that hasn’t been shared anywhere else. Enjoy!

Rubbing her bare forearms nervously, she broke the awkward silence. “Thank you for the dress. It was quite unexpected.”

“I felt the need to replace what you lost.” Dropping his foot back to the ground, he pushed off the wall and stepped closer. “I didn’t think you’d come tonight.”

“I didn’t know if I should…or if you…wanted me to.”

The musicians must have come back from their intermission, because the flowing, rhythmic sounds of a waltz floated across the veranda.

Beau held out his hand, breaking the border of shadow and light that separated them and revealing the callouses of a hard-working man. “May I have this dance?”

Her heart thumped a warning inside her chest. You’re stepping over a line you shouldn’t cross. But the warm beacon of his eyes caught her in his spell, and she lost all notion of refusing him. Slowly, carefully, as though she were about to touch Briar Rose’s spindle, she accepted his hand. His other hand settled on her waist, and he drew her to him, away from the window and prying eyes. They stood like this for one eternal moment, secure in their shadowy refuge. Portia could have soared into the cosmos, had Beau not kept her secure in his arms.

“I don’t dance very well,” she admitted quietly as she rested her palm on his chest. She could feel his strong muscles and the steady rhythm of his heart.

“It’s just a waltz. Simplest dance there is. It’s the only one I ever learned, though Claire tried her best to teach me. Her toes paid the price.”

“My toes are just as penniless as I am, so let’s not spend beyond their means.”

“Deal.”

Portia smiled, relaxing with their easy banter. Beau led, keeping her hand in his firm but gentle grip. She followed, and they soon fell into the rhythm of sultry strings and piano chords. Glancing down at her feet, she missed her step and landed on Beau’s toe.

“Sorry.”

“Up here.” His soothing, deep voice eased her fears as expertly as he calmed his horses. “Don’t look at your feet. Always look ahead or into your partner’s eyes.”

“All right.”

It is easier this way, looking into your partner’s eyes. And there was no place she’d have rather looked right then. His deep-set eyes were gray in this light and softened by his serene smile. She could have stared into them until her feet grew numb if time would allow.

As the last notes of the waltz glided out onto the veranda, she burned into her memory the strength in his hand on her waist, the way he smiled and gently guided her back into the step when she lost focus. No matter what happened from this night on, she never wanted to forget the way it felt right then, dancing in Beau Stanford’s arms.

The final chords faded into silence. Beau went still, but he held her there against him. She longed to remain in the sanctuary of him, man and woman, united body and soul. He let go of her hand and touched her face, trailing his fingers lightly along her cheek. Portia lifted her chin to accept his kiss, but her spirit fell back to earth when his jaw tightened.

He spoke in a ragged whisper. “There’s something I need to tell you…”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

About Mysti Parker
ysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger’s Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya’s Song, was published in April 2012. The highly anticipated third book, Hearts in Exile, has already received some great reviews. The Tallenmere series has been likened to Terry Goodkind’s ‘Sword of Truth’ series, but is probably closer to a spicy cross between Tolkien and Mercedes Lackey.

Mysti’s other writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, and Christmas Lites II. Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine EveryDayFiction. She has also served as a class mentor in Writers Village University’s six week free course, F2K.

Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder’s Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.

Website: www.mystiparker.blogspot.com
Blog: www.mystiparker.blogspot.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221
Twitter: @MystiParker
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4625596.Mysti_Parker
Email: mystiparker@yahoo.com

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

About Alice J. Black

Alice J. Black was born in the North East England and even as a child had more fascination with books than the outside world. She writes in the supernatural young adult genre and likes to experiment with other genres. She’s an avid writer on her second home, writing.com. Her debut novel, The Doors, is due for publication in September 2014 from Fire and Ice YA Books. She has had other short works published previously in the Writing.com Anthology 2013.

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Free Book

Read the book that started it all!

A Ranger’s Tale by Mysti Parker is a free e-read!

Get it here:
Amazon.com
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Smashwords.com

Melange Releases for September 28, 2013 PLUS DEALS AND STEALS!

September 28, 2013 Book Releases

September 28, 2013 Book Releases

 

We’ve got a little bit for everyone this week.

For our romance readers we have a sweet romance by LuAnn Nies called “JoAnna’s Rescue” as well as the mystery/crime romance “Craving Vengeance” by Valerie J. Clarizio, the second in the Nick Spinelli Series.

If horror is your thing be sure to check out “Lantham’s Landing” by Tara Fox Hall. This is a collection of stories involving a haunted island mansion.

Finally for the YA crowd we have “Flawed” by Pauline C. Harris. “Flawed” is the third in her “Mechanical” series.

Melange Releases

 

"JoAnna's Rescue" by LuAnn Nies ~ Melange Books

“JoAnna’s Rescue” by LuAnn Nies ~ Melange Books

“JoAnna’s Rescue” by LuAnn Nies

Architect Jeffrey Thornton worked his way to the top of one of the largest architectural firms in the United States and didn’t care who he had to step on to get there. He has no time for romance and doesn’t believe in love. However, when he decides to visit his parents for Christmas a shortcut through the mountains turns his life upside-down and takes him on a ride he’ll never forget.

JoAnna Walker lives a quiet simple life on her farm in northern Wyoming. After a snowstorm she finds herself snowbound with an unconscious, handsome stranger. Deceived by the man she thought loved her and faced with the threat of having to sell all she owns, her only salvation may be seducing the one man she had years ago sworn to hate.

 

"Craving Vengeance" by Valerie J. Clarizio ~ A Nick Spinelli Novel ~ Melange Books

“Craving Vengeance” by Valerie J. Clarizio ~ A Nick Spinelli Novel

“Craving Vengeance” by Valerie J. Clarizio

A Nick Spinelli Mystery #2

Nick Spinelli’s normal life as a homicide detective has been catapulted into a whirlwind of chaotic holiday adventures ever since he met the beautiful Shannon O’Hara.

Nick had hoped to spend his first Valentine’s Day with Shannon in a traditional manner, starting with a nice dinner out on the town and then perhaps a long warm adventurous night in her arms. His plans quickly change when cupid is found murdered in a back alley. The investigation becomes more and more inconceivable, as Spinelli discovers that Shannon is linked to the victim. When another cupid turns up dead, and it is discovered that Shannon knows him as well, Spinelli is motivated to go undercover as a singing valentine dressed as cupid, complete with wings and a quiver of arrows. How many other cupids are at risk? Is Spinelli on the killer’s list as well? The stress ignited by the day’s events causes sparks to fly between Spinelli and Shannon as he struggles to piece it all together and stop the string of slayings.

"Lantham's Landing" by Tara Fox Hall ~ Melange Books

“Lantham’s Landing” by Tara Fox Hall

All That Remains 
Sandra has come to Latham’s Landing seeking to discover what really happened to her relative who disappeared there years before, persuading her reluctant friend Tina that a little paranormal investigation will be fun.

The Origin of Fear
Four college friends mount an expedition to Latham’s Landing—an abandoned island estate infamous for mysterious deaths—to gather pictures and inspiration for a thesis on the origin of fear.

The Fire Within
A bitter Caroline Stone embarks on a mission to destroy the evil isle estate that took her fiancé, joining with several others also out for retribution. Can the combined fire of their hate triumph over the relentless evil of Latham’s Landing?

 

"Flawed" by Pauline C. Harris ~ "Mechanical" #3 ~ Fire and Ice YA Books

“Flawed” by Pauline C. Harris ~ “Mechanical” #3

“Flawed” by Pauline C. Harris

Mechanical #3

With Yvonne in control, Michael perfected, and Drew and her friends having been captured by the creators, everything seems hopeless. But when a group of flawed androids rescue them, Drew is suddenly thrown into the middle of saving the world again.

Drew buries herself in the elaborate planning and scheming, as well as vigorously trying to bring Michael’s memory back. But as Drew loses sight of what she cares about and her world seems like it’s being ripped in two, choices are needing to be made and Drew discovers many of the people she thought she knew weren’t as they appeared to be.

Betrayal, sorrow, and passion drive Drew to the limit and she’s forced to choose, once again, between giving in to her desires and fears, or doing what she knows is the only right thing.

Melange Deals / Fire and Ice
Deals and Steals

Check out these great deals on Melange / Fire and Ice books at Amazon.com for Kindle!

 

99 cents!

“Happily Never After” by Missy Fleming Only 99 cents at Amazon.com

4.5 Stars on Amazon
(10 reviews)

“Happily Never After” by Missy Fleming

YA Paranormal/Ghost Modern Day Fairy Tale

There’s no such thing as happy endings.

“Phoenix” by Melissa Starr ~ Only 99 cents on Amazon Kindle!

4 Stars on Amazon
(8 reviews)

“Phoenix” by Melissa Starr

YA Paranormal Romance

They’ll leave you breathless…. Literally

$1.99!

“Make Me Behave” by Tara Fox Hall and Nancy Pirri ~ Only $1.99 on Amazon Kindle!

4 Stars on Amazon
(2 reviews)

“Make Me Behave” by Tara Fox Hall and Nancy Pirri

Kinky Erotica collection of short stories

 

 

 

$2.99!

4.5 Stars on Amazon
(75 reviews)

“A Ranger’s Tale” by Mysti Parker

Fantasy Romance

 

 

 

 

 

Book Releases for June 2, 2013

Melange Book Releases for June 2, 2013

Today we bring you five new books from Melange Books, with a little bit of something for everyone.

Which book are you most looking forward to reading? Leave a comment!

 

“Hearts in Exile” by Mysti Parker
 
Cover design by
Caroline Andrus

“Hearts in Exile” by Mysti Parker

Tallenmere
Book Three

In Tallenmere, fate has a way of catching up with you…

Somewhere, hidden in the waters of the Southern Sea, lies an island unlike any other. Within the amber glow of its pyrogem-laden cliffs, legend says the very heart of the dragon god Drae keeps the island, and its occupants, alive.

Loralee Munroviel, daughter of Leogard’s High Priestess Arianne, had no idea what she would face when she arrived by boat ten years ago and was left alone in exile. All she knew about Draekoria’s inhabitants was written in one tattered notebook. Now, her life revolves around keeping Drae’s descendants happy. Never in her life did she imagine being a Dragon Keeper.

Captain Igrorio Everlyn, known as Sir Robert to his unit of Holy Paladins, has faced his share of hell, battling the evils of Emperor Sarvonn’s tyranny and the dark god Tyr’s abominations. But none of that compares to the ten years of hell he’s been without Loralee, presumed dead.

One freak storm changes everything. Now the two of them must fight to reestablish the delicate balance of the island before the dragons take things into their own hands. Through it all, they discover the secrets that kept them, and their hearts, exiled for a decade.

“Rebel” by Dennis K. Hausker
 
over design by Caroline Andrus

“Rebel” by Dennis K. Hausker

The Shattered World Saga
Book 2

Aron’s peaceful life on his father’s farm ended abruptly and he struggled with galling captivity in the palace while he formed a fearsome corps of expert fighters. They managed to escape fleeing into the wilds but their new life is tenuous with daily challenges merely to survive. His problems seem to mount on a daily basis with his personal struggles with the significant women in his life, the barbaric savages living in the wilds, and then the shocking discovery that threatens the world with a nightmare resurrected. Their limited understanding of their whole world has left them vulnerable. Can Aron and the allies rise to meet the challenge? They don’t know the answer to that question, and they fear the worst under the circumstances.

“Trials and Tribulations of a Blind Date” by Joanne Rawson & Molly Whalen
 
Cover design by Lynsee Lauritsen

“Trials and Tribulations of a Blind Date”
by Molly Whalen & Joanne Rawson

 

The Art of Embellishing Molly Whalen
Shay Mohan always thought honesty was the best policy and you treat people the way you want to be treated. And yet every relationship she had left her feeling burned until Zoe, her friend, took matters into her own hands and signed her up on an online dating site. Things begin to heat up when the ‘White Knight’ appears but is he really who he says he is or just blowing smoke?

Unexpected Blind Date by Joanne Rawson
If any of Grace Worthing’s friends dared to suggest she should go on a blind date, her answer would have been, “Blind dates are so tacky; they are definitely for the desperate.” She was so over men! After her fifth Sex on the Beach cocktail she told friends she would never have sex again, let alone have sex on a beach. Then, somewhere between her second and third tequila slammer, Grace found herself, agreeing to meet Adrian. Little did she know how interesting and unexpected her blind date would be.

How A Night Unfolds by Molly Whalen
Quinn Hancock had it all, a life that everyone dreams of, but few are able to attain. She was what you called a “triple threat,” brains, beauty, and financially successful, but none of those things kept her warm at night. She thought a change of scenery to the windy city may be just the thing to breathe life back into her love life. When her friend tries to fix her up on a blind date with a business associate, Quinn quickly figures out the difference between a blind date and being blindsided.

“Blinders Keepers” by John Rachel
 
Cover design by Caroline Andrus

“Blinders Keepers” by John Rachel

Blinders Keepers is social-political satire in the tradition of Jonathan Swift, Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller, but revved up and spit-shined to take on the historical new levels of absurdity and dysfunction of the 21st Century. It is one young man’s laugh-out-loud struggle to survive the epic disintegration of the American Dream.

“The Darkness” by Eddie Drueding
 
Cover illustration by Tad Cooga 
Cover design by Caroline Andrus

“The Darkness” by Eddie Drueding

The Arraborough series continues with Book 2, “the Darkness.” Book 1, “The Unimaginable Road” introduced a strange animal planet and the small group of friends who decided to build a safe haven from the deep-laid intrigues of their modern society.

“The Darkness” finds them facing their painful pasts and confronting their hostile environment. An expedition exploring the dark, mysterious network of caves finds evidence of horrors past, present, and future; and a seemingly random accident in a nearby city sends a tragic figure on a collision course with the peaceful denizens of Arraborough.

In Arraborough, there are no heroes, and in the end, the Darkness will claim them all.

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY!

Enter for your chance to win a free ebook copy of the first two books in the Tallenmere series by Mysti Parker!
“A Ranger’s Tale” and “Serenya’s Song” – Enter below!

Winner may choose the format of their choice. Kindle, ePub, PDF or HTML.