ANCIENT ENEMY SERIES - Romantic action Science Fiction - by Vijaya Schartz

Find Vijaya's eBooks at AMAZON.COM - B&N - ARe - SMASHWORDS

 BOOK ONE - ANAZ-VOOHRI

The Anaz-voohri have returned from the stars after eight hundred years, to claim the planet of their ancestors... a blue orb named Earth. Since he witnessed the abduction of his baby sister by an alien creature, Zack will stop at nothing to rescue her, even if it means joining the Special Forces. But Tia Vargas, the reckless Amazon training the secret unit for a highly classified mission, has no use for this handsome, rebellious recruit, at least not on the battlefield, until Zack’s farfetched stories prove to be true, and tragedy strikes...

Reviews:

"an epic novel of enduring love despite Herculean obstacles and extraterrestrial intrigues. I was caught up from the first sentence... I adored this book." 5 cups rating Kathy - Coffee Time Romance

"Fast paced with just the right amount of action... The romance between Zack and Tia was very realistic... I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it... very memorable." Five angels rating -Teresa, Fallen Angel Reviews

"a fantastic futuristic science fiction adventure... the evil Captain Kavak certainly ranks as one of the worst villains ever encountered! ...the romantic element is intertwined in the storyline. ...a book that is definitely out-of-this-world!" 4.5 rating - Debbie, ck2skwips&Kritiques

"This one will keep you wondering till the end of the book... so good, you can easily see the scenes in your head" 4-stars rating - Ann Beardsly, Scribes World

"Engrossing... a lot of action... good character development... Anaz-voohri is excellent."
Kate Cuthbert - All About Romance

"Ms. Schartz offers her readers an enthralling story. Zack is a charming, headstrong, and determined character, the likes of which anyone would be pleased to call friend... a definite must read " Gina - Love Romances - four hearts rating

"...engrossing tale of the fight against an alien race determined to have the planet Earth for themselves. Full of secrets, ambitions and political machinations, ANAZ-VOOHRI keeps the reader on her toes..." - Shaiha - Love Romances

"...well-written characters ...bad-guy aliens intent on destroying humanity...romance, adventure and plenty of futuristic shoot-'em-up action." Karen Sweeny-Justice - Romantic Times Magazine

BOOK TWO - RELICS

The year is 2023, and an alien invader has infiltrated the human race.

In a dangerous future threatened by aliens and infiltrated by hybrids, archeologist Celene Dupres witnesses her father's murder. Vowing to avenge him and retrieve his precious alien relics, she finds the perfect ally and protector. But the man she trusts, the man with whom she is falling in love, is the secret agent sent to kill her. Kin, however is more than a killing machine. Despite his love for Celene, can he accomplish his gruesome mission, and save humanity from the threat embedded in her DNA?

"RELICS is an intense thrill ride of a futuristic romance; I highly recommend it." Marlene Breakfield - Paranormal Romance

"...an intriguing romance... all the staples of a good science fiction story." - Romantic Times

" ...will keep you captivated from beginning to end." - Gina - Love Romances - 5-hearts

"I consider this to be among the best reads of the year!" -  Johnna - Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 angels

BOOK THREE - KICKING BOTS

Dr. Melissa Campbell, researcher at the San Francisco Center for Disease Control, requests help to protect her precious vaccine, one that could end the deadly alien plague. She didn't expect a crazy renegade like Bennett for a bodyguard. She hates military types, and this genetically enhanced super-soldier is pure testosterone, hot-headed, quick-tempered, impulsive, and downright impossible. But these are dangerous times with riots in the streets, and rumors of alien invasion. In a breathless race against time, experience the decisive battle for humankind, one that will decide whether Earth belongs to humanity, or to a powerful alien race...

Reviews:

"Begins with a bang and keeps the fireworks coming. As much as Melissa and Bennett try to fight their feelings for each other, it is too strong for them to deny... but he cannot let that prevent him from doing his job.... Can they override their programming in time to save the human race? - Sensual Reads - 4.5 stars - Sultry

"...Bennett. Sexy, balls to the walls Bennett. Ladies man, his own military militia and a devilish sense of humor. A sensational and fantastical alternate universe, painted and laid out for me with every wondrous word. I really enjoyed being taken away into the lives of the characters as they wove their way through imminent death, every lie and betrayal, every scary new path on their journey to get to the truth and save the world as they know it." Book Junkie - 4 stars

"I really enjoyed this book. Even though I hadn't read the previous two... I have always been interested in the mysterious disappearance of the Anasazi and this story nicely filled in the blanks... exceptionally well written. I am definitely going to have to find the previous books and check them out as well." - The Romance Studio - 5 hearts - rated very sensual

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/  

Vijaya's books at Amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz

Vijaya's eBooks at ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz

Vijaya's nooks at:
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=vijaya+schartz&STORE=EBOOK&SZE=100&SRT=SA

Vijaya's books at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Schartz

Mercies In Disguise is HERE!

Purchase Link:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-262/The-Roarin%27-Twenties-Book/Detail.bok
(Also available at Amazon, B&N, and other e-book retailers.)

--
A behind the scene look at The Roarin' Twenties Series ~

I have to let you in on a secret... I've been having a blast with this project! I'm thrilled at the release of the second book in this series, Mercies In Disguise. I think what has made this particular book so special to me is the setting. You see the Pine Barrens of New Jersey was where I grew up.

I love the woods. I realize some city folks would get nervous following a seemingly never-ending dirt path, where every tree looks the same – tall and scrawny—but it's home to me. I've learned many lessons in the pines, but I think the most important is "looks can be deceiving." Now, I must admit, scrub pine trees aren't the most attractive trees in the world. In fact, they look as if a good wind could knock them over. However, it isn't what you see on the outside that's most important. Rather, it's what you can't see – their complex root system – which is crucial to not only their survival, but their ability to thrive.

The soil in this neck of the woods is pure sand. It gets very dry and fires can wipe out acres upon acres in mere hours. But these hardy little pines have an amazing resilience. It's all because of their roots. They get burned, totally scorched and you'd think nothing could ever grow back, but wait even just a few weeks and before you know it, little shoots are sprouting back up. Within a few years, you can't even tell there had been a fire. What an awesome object lesson God blessed me with in my own backyard!

We see this same kind of strength through the main character, Abigail, in this story. In the midst of disappointments, storms life sends her way, and the fears she needs to face, her "roots" in Christ keeps her grounded. I hope her story (as well has her hero's) will be an encouragement to you. No matter what you may be facing today, if your "roots" are grounded in Christ, He'll see you through.

Blessings, my friends! Until next time~
JoAnn

The Roarin' Twenties

Tomorrow is the day! BOOK TWO: Mercies in Disguise will release. Here's a bit about this Historical/Inspirational Romance. Tomorrow I'll stop back by with a fun tidbit.

AVAILABLE - February 15, 2012

Abigail Madison, a gentle quiet spirit, has always dreamed of a life away from her mother’s controlling ways. Even more than that, she’s dreamed of finding someone with whom she could share her life with. However, her shyness is often taken as aloofness and no marital prospects were anywhere to be found. What was to become of her hopes?

Stanley Fisher, the Steamboat pilot of the Ticonderoga, was drafted and fought in World War I. The experiences he lived though on the battlefield left him wounded -- but not in a way that the naked eye could see. Yet, when he meets Abigail, he yearns for a love like his best friend and Captain of the Ti, Philip found in Ellie. However, with his recurring nightmares from war, what does he have to offer to this special woman?


EXCERPT

Abigail's dark hair hung to her shoulders, framing her fair face in shiny curls and her green eyes sparkled when he asked if he could take her bag. A slight blush colored her high cheekbones. He was in trouble -- deep trouble. She was every bit as beautiful in person as she was in the photograph Ellie had given him earlier today when she asked him to pick up her friend at the train station. Like a magnet, the picture had held him captive. And now that he saw her in person... he gulped. As his fellow bell bottoms would say, she was a doll. And although she was very quiet, the longer they talked he couldn't help but notice her beautiful, expressive eyes. They held a sort of tempered peace, or perhaps it was contentment, which he found completely unattainable.

Never before had he been so enamored, nor had he ever had as much reason to keep far away from that allure. He needed to stay strong. The serenity in her eyes would vanish if she knew the sorrow buried within his heart and how it affected him. Granted, his war wounds didn't leave any scars on the outside, but they were too numerous to count on the inside.

Lord, help me overcome the past.

He took a deep breath and stepped back, widening the space between them. If he could just turn off his thoughts and stop dwelling on his recurring nightmares, he'd be great.

Time.

He was sure that's all it would take... time to put his experiences behind him. Meanwhile, he had God, work, friends, and most importantly, the determination to make it through -- somehow, someway -- without being a total killjoy and dragging a beautiful woman into the mess of his life.

Abigail finished the letter, tucked it into her handbag, and gazed trustingly into his eyes. "Will you please take me to the steamboat now?"

Stanley nodded and offered her his elbow. "I'd love to." To fill the time and keep his mind off her tiny hand warming not only his arm, but also a place in his heart, he asked, "Have you been on board the Ti before?"

Abigail nodded. "A time or two. My family and I once resided here in Vermont."

"Ah, so that's where you know Ellie from."

"Yes. We've been best friends since grade school."

--
If you haven't had the chance to read BOOK ONE: The Floating Palace, it is 20% off the retail price this week at CBD~
http://www.christianbook.com/roarin-twenties-book-floating-palace-ebook/joann-carter/9781612520605/pd/24489EB?item_code=WW&netp_id=979795&event=ESRCG&view=details
(Also available at Amazon, B&N, Desert Beeze Publishing and other e-book retailers.)

Sneak Pique -- When Shadows Fall-- Shadow Series

Coming June 2012 the first book in my Shadow Series -- When Shadows Fall.

Matthew's voice was soft, and appealing. Too appealing. Rebekah decided to go in. His closeness, and the warmth radiating from his body, caused her heart to thrum.

Robert had been gone, and thought dead for over a year. How easy it would be to fall into Matthew's arms. Let him comfort her like he'd done when she was a girl. They seemed like such strong arms. But she wasn't a child anymore. She was a married woman with a child and a sick husband who needed her.

Her first love could be nothing more than a precious memory. Her heart grew heavy. She turned and was about to take her leave when Matthew asked about Robert. "If you'd rather not talk about it, I'll understand. I only wanted you to know if you need anything, I'm here for you. I'll help in any way I can."

"That's very kind. Things are okay for now. Besides, I couldn't expect you to help the enemy." She stood still, afraid to face him. Afraid of the concern he'd show.

"Rebekah, if you love him, and he cares for you, he's no enemy of mine," his reply was tender. He caught her shoulders, turned her to face him. "I mean that with all my heart."

Rebekah nodded. He meant it. Her eyes misted. Her tears were building. If she fell into his arm, it was wrong to even think it, but… would he hold her close? Or had time changed everything? Still, she wasn't his to hold anymore. In reality she never had been, though she wanted to be. Did he wish it were different? She wished they could go back, but they couldn't. She had to accept the fact that she would never be his, and be grateful for the chance to see him again.

"I should go. Can I walk you to the house?"

Raising her head, she found his eyes in the moonlight. "You go on. It's such a lovely evening I think I'd like to stay longer. I'll look for you tomorrow."

"Goodnight then." Her heart lurched as she considered him leaving. She wondered when he'd have to say goodbye. Perhaps for forever.

"Goodnight," she whispered as she watched him cross the yard to his horse and swing his tall body effortlessly into the saddle.

"Goodnight," he called again. She waved, and watched him disappear into the darkness -- melding with the shadows on the road.

When Shadows Fall will be available June 2012.

In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy are both available through Desert Breeze Publishing.

EXCERPT

Something was burning.

The wagon raced down the road. It stopped right on her front step and was soon surrounded by a clamor of people. A chill snaking her skin, Kaitlin hiked her gown and broke into a run.

*****

Kaitlin slipped past the barricades and pushed through the crowds. Heavy smoke made it hard to catch her breath. Nothing could stop her scream when she saw her apartment building engulfed in flames.

She scanned the lines of blackened faces. Her family wasn't there. Her gaze was drawn to the building, to the raging mingling of fire and life. Kaitlin prayed her family would come out. No one exited -- the agony of her thoughts cut her like a well-sharpened saber. Looking up, her thoughts became flesh.

Jean Marc stood in the upstairs window holding a bundle. Kaitlin knew, with another slice to her soul, the bundle was Simone. Jean Marc, so quiet, protective, so uneasily riled, yelled. Tormented wails for help rose along with tears of anguish and fear as angry flames licked out behind him.

The knife in Kaitlin's gut pushed through and slit her spine, filleting with cold precision. Pandemonium reigned around her where men held out their arms, coats, and blankets, and yelled for those Kaitlin loved to jump.

Across the space of the yard, over the din of bells, the cries of man and beast, over the conflagration -- eternity settling between them -- she caught her beloved's eyes. She couldn't read them. Perhaps she could, but couldn't bear to hear the message. Jump, she bade him. He remained at the third floor window, their daughter pressed to his chest. A sparkle of flame in his tear filled eyes, spoke of things to come and time froze. She closed her eyes for a brief moment to dam the tears and looked up to find him gone.

No one had jumped.

Spurred by inner wells of terror, Kaitlin raced for the doors. She groped for the handle, ignoring the pain. The timbers that secured the awning crashed, splinters of flame flickered like fireflies around her head, and fell to her skirts like droplets of orange rain. She stopped momentarily to brush her skirts and continued passed the obstacle. Moving on, ignoring the rush of heat, she screamed for her husband, her child. Her legs ignited with heat, her lungs burned with the smell of seared flesh. She pushed on through the maze of lashing flames, ignoring the screams behind her.

Kaitlin was pulled to an abrupt stop before she could cross the threshold. She fought for release so she could join her family -- in death. She was dragged from the building, thrown to the ground and rolled into the dirt.

Afraid to look at the window and have her fears justified, she closed her eyes against the burning tears. Unaware, as she succumbed to the blackness, whether it was her voice she heard screaming so loudly, so pathetically, or the haunting cries of her husband and child, calling for salvation.

EXCERPT

"What did you think of the sermon, Samantha?"

Sam thought she'd choke on her cherry pie right there. And practically did.

"Here now." The reverend laughed as he patted her back. "Did we find a pit or was the sermon that bad?"

Visiting with a reverend was bad enough, but a reverend with humor. Sam started to choke all over again. She waved her hand in front of her face to circulate the air and gulped a deep breath. Then if her teary eyes and choking weren't enough, she had to go and snort on her exhale. Not some delicate little snort either -- no, it was a full-bodied thing. She sounded like her stepfather's grand sow. Her skin warmed. Soon she would even be as pink as the pig.

It was a disaster, unavoidable, but a disaster nonetheless. She'd never get another invite. Groaning softly, Sam put her head in her hands until she could breathe again. It'd be easier if the good reverend would quit patting her back, disrupting her heartbeat. But how did one tell a reverend to stop?

"Are you all right?" Ruth asked.

"Yes, yes." Sam surfaced, her face on fire. Reverend Trent's hand lifted from her back. "It went down the wrong pipe," she replied meekly.

"Are you sure you're all right?" the reverend asked. He handed her his napkin. Sam used it as a shield to compose behind. "It hurts something fierce when it does that," he added sympathetically.

Sam dabbed her watery eyes so she wouldn't have to look at him. 'Cause the preacher man's smile was soft, beguiling.