Been to NEIGHBORLEE, OHIO recently?

LONDON HOLIDAY
The new Neighborlee, Ohio book by Michelle Levigne

What happens when you combine a weird video camera (with triangular batteries), a computer programming assignment, an attack by an interdimensional invader, and the magic of Divine's Emporium?

Athena Longfellow and her cousin, Doni Halliday, find out the hard way when they learn they have the task/talent to be "guardians" for the odd little town of Neighborlee -- the weirdness capital of the United States, possibly of the world. When they start having dreams that "eavesdrop" on a recurring enemy of their town trying to break through the dimensional barriers, an overnight stay at Divine's ends up with Athena chasing a doppelganger of Doni through a weird, mirror version of the shop.

Several years later, they are still feeling the repercussions as Athena starts college and participates in an experimental computer programming class. When they use Doni as the "face" of the fictional host of a social networking site, London Holiday is born ... and the weirdness only escalates.

Who, or what, is London Holiday?

Read the book, from Uncial Press, to find out!

Other titles set in Neighborlee, Ohio include: Divine's Emporium, Have Yourself a Faerie Little Christmas, and Divine Knight. Note: The events of London Holiday take place before the other three books.

www.MLevigne.com and www.UncialPress.com

SNOW CHEETAH, Chronicles of Kassouk Book Five

NEW RELEASE: SNOW CHEETAH
Book Five in the Chronicles of Kassouk futuristic action romance series
by Vijaya Schartz
From Desert Breeze Publishing
http://amzn.com/B00P4H3T5C

Also available from B&N, ARE, and other online retailers. The paperback will be released in December 2014. All books in the series can be read independently as they feature different characters and a different love story, set in the same world at different times.

Here is what this new book is about:

On a mission to annex a planet for Earth, Captain Martial Terrien faces a culture with incredible psychic abilities, and falls for its lovely but forbidden queen.
Natalia, future queen of Kassouk, pressured into bonding with a power-hungry prince, yearns to improve her people's lives. She finds the handsome Earth captain a refreshing distraction, despite his five fingers and ridiculous claim of being human, like the lowly workers of her world.

Captain Martial Terrien, nano-enhanced Space Marine from Earth, is on a secret, desperate mission to find his people a new home. The unexpected population on the chosen planet complicates his task, especially since the ruling caste can read minds, levitate, and teleport at will. Furthermore, the lovely princess and her pet cheetah take a shine to him, and beautiful women always spelled disaster in his past.

Natalia's jilted suitor, determined to reign at any cost, vows to annihilate the Earthlings. When the conflict escalates, can Martial obey Earth Central Command, or will he jeopardize the future of his race to save Natalia and her people?

http://amzn.com/B00P4H3T5C

EXCERPT:

When her arm weakened and her steps grew shaky, he did a somersault over her head, leaving her confused. Then he shoved her sideways, and tackled her. He pinned her to the soft mat, face up, while he held her sword arm to the floor.

He had her.

Her hair came undone around her head, like a bright halo on the soft gray mat, and her luminous green gaze locked with his. Her lips opened slightly, and he couldn’t help but stare. She looked so helpless, her chest heaving. Her eyes unfocused and her pupils dilated. She was not playing the game anymore... neither was he.

Her breath hitched. He lowered his face to hers and hovered closer to marvel at her beauty. She kept staring at him. He couldn’t resist the temptation to probe her mind. A mistake. She was calling to him, wanting him to kiss her. He lowered his gaze to her mouth and she licked her slightly open lips. How could he possibly resist her sensual call?

Slowly, deliberately, he brushed her pliant lips, enjoying the soft contact. When she tasted him with a lick, he held his fire, afraid she would balk at a fierce response. She had to be a virgin. Then she let go of the sword. He relaxed his hold, and she caressed his hair.

The sensation of her six‑fingered hand on his head awakened shored up needs he could no longer contain. Cupping her fiery mane, he claimed her mouth and ravished it with the fervor of a starving man.

She moaned softly and arched under him, as if seeking body contact. Flashes of all the disastrous consequences their relationship could bring barely cooled his lust, but he must stop this now.

He steeled himself against the separation and rose slowly, with great reluctance.

She sat up on the mat, staring at him.

“I’m so sorry.” He turned away. He couldn’t watch her like that. “It won’t happen again. I promise.”

“Why not?” The disappointment in her voice and in her mind sliced him deeper than a sword.

“You are promised to another man.” As good an excuse as any. The truth was too ugly to tell. His mission might require him to annihilate her entire race.

“I do not intend to become Kaylar’s mate.” The indignant tone told much about her dislike for the man.

Martial stiffened, closing his fists, then he faced her again. “I hope we can still be friends.”

“Friends?” Tears welled in her beautiful green eyes.

“Or colleagues... diplomat and future queen.” Martial still needed more information on the Starlings.

She swallowed a sob, quickly wiped a tear, then composed her face. “Maybe when you see more of our culture, you will understand that although our females often take a submissive role, we do have a choice in the matter. We are civilized.”

“Of course, you are.” He certainly felt like the Neanderthal here.

She rose from the floor and tossed her long wavy hair behind the shoulders of her impeccable white body suit. “Then shall we meet again tomorrow?” Hope softened her face. “I planned to show you our hydroponic installations.”

“I accept, but I must bring my team.” For his own protection. He didn’t want to repeat past mistakes. And mistakes would certainly be made if he spent too much time alone with her.

Other books in the series:

 

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz

99cts Lady of Luxembourg, Curse of the Lost Isle Book 3, by Vijaya Schartz

Lady of Luxembourg
Curse of the Lost Isle Book 3

Medieval Fantasy Romance by Vijaya Schartz

99cts in kindle for a few days
http://amzn.com/B00BO0MYX6

After a few days, the price gets down to $1.99, then back to the regular price.

"Vijaya Schartz has outdone herself with this masterly crafted work of fiction. Enter the world of Melusine the Fae, a Pagan, and Count Sigefroi, a Christian, as you travel back in time to the year 978 AD... and what a complex yet realistic world Ms. Schartz has created for the reader. Can a Pagan and a Christian reconcile there religious beliefs... will love conquer all? Find out for yourself and pick up this great read today" 5 stars on Amazon

"I read this fabulous book until late in the night. I can't add any more to the wonderful reviews it has already received, so I will agree that you must buy it for a believable and satisfying ride of entertainment!" 5 stars on Amazon.

Here is the entire series available in kindle:

Princess of Bretagne (Book 1) - Pagan Queen (Book 2) - Seducing Sigefroi (Book 3) - Lady of Luxembourg (Book 4) - Chatelaine of Forez (Book 5)

 

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz  

99cts Princess of Bretagne - Curse of the Losts Isle - by Vijaya Schartz

Until the end of September, Princess of Bretagne, Book One of the Curse of the Lost Isle series, is free in kindle. If you like medieval series with romance, action, and immortals, don't miss it.

http://amzn.com/B007K1EGAM

"Schartz paints a realistic picture of life in a medieval castle, with all its smells, tastes, visuals, and feelings, and as always, all the primary, as well as the secondary characters are well-developed and interesting. I’m looking forward to the others in this series." 4.5 stars - Manic Readers

"The exciting battles and period details also drew me in as did the intrigue surrounding Elinas' son trying to prevent him from marrying Pressine. Overall, Princess of Bretagne was a solid story that I enjoyed reading. I'm very much looking forward to finding out what's next for Elinas and Pressine when the series continues with the release of Pagan Queen." - The Hope Chest Review

"The story is filled with action and danger and there are many interesting secondary characters that help drive the plot forward. I particularly like Gwenvael, Pressine's brother... Look for the just released PAGAN QUEEN, to continue the saga of these two lovers." - Romance Junkies.

Here are the other books in the series, all available in kindle right now. Princess of Bretagne - Pagan Queen, Seducing Sigefroi, Lady of Luxembourg, Chatelaine of Forez. There is also a special edition box set comprising the first three novels.

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz

The Curse of the Lost Isle series by Vijaya Schartz is going to print!

The publisher of my medieval series, BOOKS WE LOVE Ltd, located in Canada, is now starting to provide print paperbacks. So this series that was only in kindle so far, is now available in paper as well, for those of you who still like to turn the pages by hand, smell the ink, and keep their books on a physical shelf.
Here is the link on Amazon: http://amzn.com/177145251X 
And on Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz

The first book to appear in print is PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE, Book One, and it's already available. You can order it online or from your local bookstore.

I'm so excited. When I do book signings, readers always ask me for my Medieval series in print, and now I can tell them they can get the paperback. Yay!

Here is the paperback cover of Princess of Bretagne:

And of course, the kindle version is still available HERE
Books One through Five are available in kindle as well.

HAPPY READING!

Vijaya Schartz

Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz

New Tabor Heights, Ohio novel: WHEELS

It's HERE!

WHEELS, The 4th book of Year 2 of Michelle Levigne's Tabor Heights series, has just been released by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.

Please go over to the web site and check out ALL the NEW books from DBP.

What's WHEELS about?

The girl next door, forgiveness, memories, danger, dreams ... Yeah, like that really makes you want to read it?

Tommy Donnelly, Tabor's resident comedian, is heading up a Handicap Awareness Walk ... err ... ROLL in Tabor Heights. Natalie Schaefer, a report for America's Voice, has come to town to cover the walk, because she's been doing a lot of little side pieces on handicap accessibility in the magazine. Why has she been doing this? Well, Natalie was the little girl across the street who adored Tommy when they were children. She planned on marrying him someday ... then Tommy broke his back and his family disintegrated and Natalie's father took them to a new town. Should she tell him who she is, and remind him of their shared past?

In the middle of all this, a young man Tommy is helping, who has just been released from prison, is getting some pressure from former associates to return to his old life ... and to use Tommy to hide their activities.

HERE'S THE FUN PART:

Michelle based this book on a script she "almost" sold 23 years ago, to "MacGyver." (Well, they told me they liked it, and if I wanted to rewrite it, they would be glad to look at it, but by the time I rewrote it they had already chosen the scripts for the final half-season, so ... It still counts as an "almost," doesn't  it?)  Check out the Desert Breeze Facebook page in a few days, and Michelle's web site, to learn how you can get a copy of the original script that inspired it all.

New Quarry Hall book: KATHRYN, by Michelle Levigne

The third book in the women's fiction series, Quarry Hall has just been released: KATHRYN.

Published by Desert Breeze Publishing.
A parallel series with Tabor Heights.

Kathryn's retreat for relaxation and contemplation is interrupted to take a fugitive to safety, beyond the reach of authorities who may be compromised. The injured woman knows her name is Regina, but not why people were shooting at her. The journey to reach a friend in the FBI is complicated when Kathryn's illness requires frequent stops, permitting Regina's pursuers to nip at their heels.

When the mountains interfere with cell reception, and she can't stop long enough to make a call for help and advice, Kathryn has only her companion dog, her own wits, and prayer to depend on. Deception waits around every corner and Regina's attitude tests Kathryn's sympathy and her faith.

Learn more about Michelle's books at the Tabor Heights Today blog -- www.Tabor-Heights-Today.blogspot.com -- and the Living Proof blog -- www.MichelleLevigne.blogspot.com.

New release: CHATELAINE OF FOREZ- Medieval - by Vijaya Schartz

CHATELAINE OF FOREZ just went live in kindle, for only $2.99

http://amzn.com/B00I3T9VYG

 

1028 AD - Afflicted by the ondine curse, Melusine seeks the soul of her lost beloved in the young Artaud of Forez, who reigns over the verdant hills south of Burgundy, on the road of pilgrims, troubadours and merchants. But this dark and brooding Pagan lord is not at all what she expected or even hoped. He knows nothing of their past love, her Fae nature, or her secret curse. Must Melusine seduce and betroth this cold stranger to satisfy the Goddess and redeem her curse?
The gold in the rivers instills greed in the powerful, and many envy the rich Lord of Forez, including his most trusted vassals... even the Bishop of Lyon. When Artaud’s attraction to Melusine makes them the target of a holy hunt, will she find redemption from the curse, or will they burn at the stake?

Each book in the series can be read separately, but if you are like me, you’ll want to read them in the right order, which it:
Book 1 – PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE
Book 2 – PAGAN QUEEN
Book 3 – SEDUCING SIGEFROI
Book 4 – LADY OF LUXEMBOURG
Book 5 – CHATELAINE OF FOREZ
And there is a box set of the first three novels in one download, special edition Curse of the Lost Isle for $4.99.

EXCERPT:

Chapter One
March 1028 AD - Forez (now in central France)
Melusine stopped singing and shuddered in the cool water. Someone was coming. Fast approaching hooves trampled the underbrush. She straightened and gripped the well worn sides of the rectangular stone basin. Birds and insects had ceased their chirping. Through the trees, a single horseman on a black stallion galloped up the forested path to the sacred spring where she bathed.
How had he crossed the magic barrier she'd erected down the hill? Could he be an immortal like her?
She glanced at her blue robes, left in the middle of the clearing, at the foot of the tall, standing stone hugging the statue of the Great Goddess. Too far away. No time to step out of the catch basin and retrieve them. With a flurry of the hand, she wove a quick invisibility spell and willed the water around her to still.
Her heart stumbled for a beat or two. This could be the blessed day the Great Goddess had promised her. The day she finally met her former beloved... Sigefroi. Although, in his new incarnation, he wore another name.
The horseman emerged from the curtain of trees, impossibly tall, dark, muscular, in black leather gear, a crossbow across his back. A sword slapped his thigh, and a hunting knife adorned his belt. Half a dozen bloody hares hung from the back of his saddle. Definitely not her beloved Sigefroi. What now?
The stranger glanced at her, raised a dark brow and nodded a salute from the saddle. A restrained smile touched his lips. How could he possibly see her through the invisibility spell? But he'd already crossed her privacy barrier. Fae blood definitely coursed through his veins.
Melusine shrunk into her chilly bath, dreading to face him naked.
It could be worse. It could be the first Wednesday of the month, when the curse made her a serpent from the waist down. In this increasingly Christian land, discovery in ondine form could cost her to burn at the stake.
Since the local Christians avoided Pagan shrines, however, the stranger must be of the old faith.
She took a deep breath and made her voice as formidable and intimidating as she could. "Who dares violate the sacred spring of the Great One?"
"Count Artaud of Forez." The deep baritone rang loud and clear.
Melusine's heartbeat faltered. Not an immortal, but worse. "Artaud of Forez?"
"I own this land, and methinks you are the one trespassing." He dismounted with surprising agility for his size, sliding off the saddle like an acrobat.
Melusine scrutinized the young man. According to the Goddess, Artaud had inherited the soul of her late Sigefroi, but how could it be, when they looked like opposites. Where Sigefroi had been wiry and fair, with gold reddish hair and a clear gaze, Artaud had broad shoulders, straight black hair, a hale face, and a dark, brooding gaze, as deep as a lake on a moonless night. Both looked fearsome, but in different ways.
Count Artaud led his prancing stallion closer to the large rectangular basin where she bathed.
Dear Goddess! Heat crept up Melusine's cheeks. She gathered her legs and encircled her knees with her arms for modesty. "How dare you!"
"My horse is thirsty." His voice held a subtle challenge.
The black stallion snorted as its master freed him. The beast drank noisily from the far end of the long basin.
Count Artaud cast her a sidelong glance, his swarthy, square face unreadable. "The Great One would want to quench an animal's thirst."
"Only a Pagan would know the Great One respects all creatures as equal." Melusine kept her voice even, but anger gripped her insides. How could this Artaud hold the soul of her beloved? He was a cold, dark stranger, not her fiery knight of old.
His brow shot up. "I fear you have me at a disadvantage, my lady. I have never seen you at court or on my estates. Who might you be?"
Although she'd known they would soon meet, Melusine had no ready answer. An ondine? A cursed immortal? The woman you are destined to marry? The love of your past life? The enchantress who might bring your doom? She couldn't find words he might accept, even less understand. While she remembered their lifetime together, he did not.
No sympathy softened the neutral face as his dark stare pierced her. He removed his black leather gloves and sat on a jutting stone next to the well worn edge of the old basin. "Devil got your tongue?"
Visions of hellish creatures flashed upon Melusine's mind at his mention of the devil. Christians believed in the devil... and Christians wanted her dead.
"Melusine..." She cleared her choking voice. "My name is Melusine."
She fancied her first name innocuous enough. Better than Melusine the Fae, immortal, cursed by the Great One, excommunicated First Lady of Luxembourg, the love and the bane of your past existence.
"Lady Melusine..." He rolled the words on his tongue. His dark, liquid eyes softened and unfocused slightly. "An unusual name for an unusual woman."
"‘Tis an ancient name, my lord." Tempted to prod his mind and find out what he thought of her, she stopped herself. If he could see through her spells, and Fae blood coursed through his veins, like Sigefroi, he would be impervious to her magic... but not to her charms.
Changing tactic, she smiled and relaxed against the hollowed stone basin, exposing her submersed nudity through the clear water. "I hear you have done well, Lord Artaud. Your lands of Lyon and Forez thrive, and your people consider you a fair and wise ruler."
He cast her a sidelong glance, then shifted his gaze to the statue of the Great One dominating the clearing. The quenched black stallion walked away a few paces and grazed the luscious grass of the hillock.
Awe widened his eyes as he faced her again. "What else have you heard about me?"
Although Melusine had kept her promise not to spy on Artaud, she knew a few things about him. "The river gold makes you richer than any king. So does the trade on the pilgrimage road to St Jacques of Compostella. Travelers speak highly of your hospitality."
Bird trills and the chirping of insects had resumed, and the sweet scent of wild flowers filled the air with vibrant life.
"What you hear is true." He faced her but kept his gaze at eye level. "I'm also a Pagan count ruling over Christian barons. That alone can get you killed these days."
"Then we have much in common, my lord." Melusine smiled seductively. "Only a devout Pagan would visit the sacred spring and the shrine of the Great One. Why else would you come here?"
He barely cracked a thin smile. "To water my horse."
His jest bothered her. So did his cool response to her charms. Hard as she tried, Melusine could not see in this man any remnant of her past love.
Had she waited these few decades for naught? Had the Great One tricked her? No. The Great One never lied. Still, even though Melusine did not intend to share this stranger's fate, she should warn him of the dangers threatening his rule.
She trailed her fingers on the water surface, blurring it. "This hill is not just a sacred shrine from time immemorial, Lord Artaud."
His dark gaze alighted upon her with a new spark of interest. "State your meaning."
"‘Tis the site of your future castle of Montarcher."
Suspicion narrowed his eyes. "How do you know of my future designs?"
Melusine's heart skipped a beat. "The Great One sees and knows all, my lord. You must build your castle in haste to face the coming dangers."
A muscle in his square jaw jumped. "What dangers?"
"Your enemies are gathering." Melusine didn't know the future, only that Artaud would need help. "Many envy your riches, my lord. Others resent your faith. But from here, you can fend them off."
"Why here?" His tone held curiosity.
Melusine straightened and gazed in the distance. She was destined to protect him, but she felt naught for this stranger. "This is a sacred site, my lord. From here, the statue of the Great One will bless and protect all your lands."
His brow rose and his eyes softened but still stared at her. "Truly?"
Melusine shrank under his scrutiny, wishing she wore clothes. "Truly, my lord."
"Thank you for the warning, my lady." He rose and whistled. His stallion trotted up to him. In one light vault, Artaud landed in the saddle.
Melusine's heart jumped. Had she done right, or had she spoiled everything? In any case, she must speak with the Great One. There must be a mistake. She could never love this dark, brooding man. He was not her long lost love.
 
* * *

Vijaya Schartz

Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz