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Reading is a happy addiction but I have to be careful when I pick up a book because I’ll become selectively oblivious with my responsibilities. Before we went on our last vacation my TBR list had grown and I was happily gearing up to hours of beach reads. By the time our vacation was over I had read all of them. It was heaven.
Even growing up I loved to read, despite a very active childhood. There would be moments of down time and I’d take full advantage. Putting that book down was always the difficult part. My favorite then, and now, has always been when a character comes alive and pulls you into their world. Writing was equally enjoyable. I was thrilled if any of my classes assigned papers, from research to personal narratives. But did I see myself as a writer when I grew up? Not really.
It wasn’t until much later that an opportunity presented itself. A friend asked if I wanted to write a couple of hours a month for an advertising and marketing company. It was too tempting for me to pass up. Perfect really. I went on the interview and after I started working there, the urge to write fiction couldn’t be ignored.
I joined a couple of writing and critique groups and five years later here I am! It can be a long and sometimes discouraging road, but if it’s what you want do not give up on your dreams. Is it difficult to write sometimes? Yes, absolutely. There are times I agonize over a chapter. And then others when the words flow like water and it’s magical. Regardless, I love it. Every day I wake up and am happy with my career. It’s definitely worth it to follow your dreams and never give up.
Cursed since birth, hunted by gods, and desperate for love—Jade never stood a chance. Half-demon, half-goddess, Jade’s fate makes her a pawn in an epic battle among the gods. Hidden on Earth with her sisters, she successfully avoids the Oneiroi—the dream gods—bent on her destruction until the prophecy, long dormant, awakens a dark shadow within her.
Roen, a reclusive Worr demon known for his battles against the Oneiroi, is called to protect Jade. Together they must unlock their mysterious connection and find a way to beat back destiny. Can she outsmart the prophecy, change her fate, and find love—even when she learns who is connected to her destruction?
Hades kissed his wife, Persephone, one last time before reluctantly relinquishing her above ground, where her mother impatiently waited.
“Behave while I’m gone, Hades.” Persephone traced a pink-kissed nail along her husband’s dark jawline.
He was loathe to shave too often as the rough stubble against her skin excited her. “Six months is ridiculously long,” he murmured against her lush lips. “Find a way to meet me at the meadow.”
Mischief danced in her eyes as she stepped onto the boat which would ferry her along the River Styx, leading her out of the Underworld. “It’s a date,” she purred, blowing her husband a sultry kiss.
That woman slays me. He watched until she was out of sight. Once his bride was gone, his attention returned to his beloved Underworld and the current state it was in.
Hades leapt onto his chariot. A resounding crack split the air as he commanded his four black horses to lead him past boiling lava pits and stalagmites to the deepest, fiery pits of the abyss—Tartarus.
Creatures scampered out of his way. Fallen angels and demons went about their business—lest they draw his anger—as he thundered past. Tormented screams echoed off cavernous walls and pools of fiery despair. His pulse roared in his veins. He reveled at what he was about to see…
The Fates’ curse had begun.
Reining his steeds to a halt, he dismounted, his black boots crunching on a mixture of bones and jagged pieces of rock. Amidst the prisons, the things of nightmares tortured imprisoned souls.
A laugh rumbled up from his gut and rolled out. He threw back his head then ran his hands through his black hair, freeing it from its tie. Pers wasn’t here right now, due to his brother, Zeus’s, acquiescence to Demeter.
Hades ignored the slow burn in his chest at the thought of his wife being gone for six long months and focused on the game of persecuting his brother instead, for he knew a thing or two about Aiesa’s offspring that Zeus did not.
An ear-splitting scream rent the air, snapping Hades out of his thoughts. New souls.
He knew who sent them. Although he benefitted from so many entering his domain, his brother would not be happy.
What a perfect time to pay Zeus a visit.
Amy McKinley is a freelance writer and author. She lives in Illinois with her husband, their four talented teenagers, and three mischievous cats. Her debut novel, Hidden is the first in the Five Fates Series.
Website: http://www.amymckinley.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amymckinley7
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amymckinleyauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/amymckinley7
Blog: https://amymckinleyauthor.wordpress.com
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ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Becky! I hope you enjoy Jade's story and good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteWhat’s the best book you’ve read so far this year? Ever?
ReplyDeleteHi Mai. So difficult to name just one book! :) I guess one of my favorites this year (and I know it wasn't released in 2015 but my TBR is long) was Revenant by Larissa Ione. I also adore Love Like the Movies by Victoria Van Tiem. I recently read the YA Arcana series by Kresley Cole and really liked them. Of course she is a favorite author. And Karen Marie Moning's Fever Series is my all time favorite. I'm anxiously awaiting her next release. Best book ever? I have a few... Born in Sin by Kinley MacGregor, many from Karen Moning's highlander series, but Dark Highlander a top contender and of course her Fever series... And for Kresley Cole, Demon from the Dark. There are a ton others from incredible authors that I absolutely adore, but those are the top on my list that come to mind first. Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThank you so much for hosting me, Judith. I'm happy to answer any questions and good luck in the drawing. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the guest post!
ReplyDelete--Trix
Hi Trix! Thanks so much :) I appreciate you stopping by and wish you luck in the drawing.
DeleteEnjoyed the guest blog and excerpt, sounds like my kind of book, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eva :) Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteWhat an absolutely fascinating excerpt. I really loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, MomJane! I wish you luck in the drawing and thanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteAnother really good excerpt for us today. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen! So glad you stopped by and good luck in the drawing.
DeleteHades sounds hot with the stubble and already missing his love! Sounds exciting and full of surprises you'd never be able to anticipate!
ReplyDeleteI so agree, Rosa-Marie :) And SO very fun to write about. The gods are a blast to write about. I hope you like Jade's story and Layla's that comes out in the spring. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteHades sounds hot with the stubble and already missing his love! Sounds exciting and full of surprises you'd never be able to anticipate!
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt, sounds like an awesome book. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria. :) I appreciate you stopping by and good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteYou're welcome and thank you :D
DeleteI love the book blurb sounds rfealy goood. Entering under the name of Virginia
ReplyDeleteThank you Virginia! I hope you like Jade's story and good luck in the drawing. :)
ReplyDelete