Title-Dahlia Series-Blood Crave Book # 1
By- Christina Channelle
Publication Date- December 21,2012
Genre- YA Paranormal
Blurb-
What would you do if your dreams were more than just dreams?
When you knew in the depths of your soul that you were unlike the rest?
For seventeen-year-old Dahlia Winters, this is her truth.
Her coping mechanism is to simply forget and deny the strangeness that
is her life. Orphaned, her past remains a mystery. Now residing with a
foster family, she finally feels normal–or attempts to. Yet, dreams
continue to torment her. Not only consumed by visions of miraculously
healing wounds, but of a lust for something she should never naturally
crave.
Then a green-eyed stranger enters her life echoing her
inner thoughts and voicing warnings about others wanting to harm her. He
knows things about her that no one should possibly know, and he awakens
her in ways she never expected.
This leads Dahlia to discover who she really is, for she is
more than justhuman. With this newfound knowledge, and the elements
suddenly fighting against her, she finds it hard to trust anyone. And as
she finally awakens and comes to grips with the power she possesses,
she fights to stay alive.
Before the world, as she knows it, ceases to exist.
“All I ever wanted was some normalcy.”
Dahlia Winters. Orphan. Dreamer. Sarcastic. Maybe a tad bit
jaded. But with her upbringing, (living in an orphanage) it’s hard to
trust people, especially when you’re the outcast. Living with her latest
foster family in Cedar Oaks, she tries to turn things around, even
cracking a smile now and then. But the past seems to always rear its
ugly head. And trusting a stranger, no less, is the one thing she must
do in order to survive.
EXCERPT:
I was five when I knew something was different about me.
My first memory.
I had no recollection of who my parents were or what they
even looked like. All I knew was that I was alone at the orphanage,
disconnected from the outside world. I picture it even now, almost like
an oil painting: the thick bristles of the paintbrush created the bright
blue sky as it connected to the shockingly white snow. The snow
blanketed everything around me, as if protecting me, the green forest
displayed at every angle.
The orphanage was out of place in such a nature-infused
environment. A large, two-story building, its windows seemed to cover
almost every surface. I remembered the brightness of the sun as it hit
my sleepy face through one of those many windows. It would instantly
warm my body, greeting me to yet another day.
Vines covered old gray bricks as they coursed over the
external surface of the orphanage. I had nightmares about those same
vines making their way into my room as I slept. They’d appear ominously
as their shadows pounded against the walls, taunting me as a storm
brewed on outside. Venturing toward my bed, the vines would slither
across my body, trapping me in place. One would wrap around my neck,
squeezing tightly, as I struggled for air. Rendered frozen, the feeling
of fear would take hold, bubbling up deep inside my chest. And as I felt
the burning pain in my throat, a thought would flash through my mind of
this moment being my last. It never was, though, as I would instantly
wake up.
I always did have a wild imagination.
To chase away the terror, I would stand before my
windowpane the morning after. Sighing in relief, my eyes would be drawn
to the vast forest off in the distance. It surrounded the orphanage,
like a gatekeeper, the leaves of the trees bristling in irritation. The
wind blew right through those tall structures, whistling, as my ears
picked up the all too familiar sound.
I somehow found myself standing directly in front of that
very forest. My memory was hazy on exactly how I got there but I
recalled waking up, after one of my many dreams, to the feeling of
immense hunger as my body stirred in discomfort.
Then suddenly I was at the foot of the forest.
I would not describe the sensation as simple hunger. I
would almost describe it as a feeling of starvation, like there was some
essential component my body was missing. Whatever it was, this need was
so powerful I was weak in the knees with the pain; my belly contracted
and released, contracted and released, continually. Food provided
temporary relief for me, but there was always this presence in the
corner of my mind as my brain searched for the one thing my body craved.
I ignored that nagging voice in my head, the one whispering
for the one thing I needed. It was something unfathomable yet inherent.
I paid it no attention and just openly stared at the forest beckoning
me. Taking shallow breaths, the cool air blew in and out between my
cold, chapped lips.
It was at that exact moment I realized the forest isolated
me from everything and everyone outside of its confines—almost like a
hungry bird circling its prey. Even young, my instincts picked up on
that, immediately telling me something.
Eyes were watching me.
Title-Fallen Tears Series-Blood Crave # 1.5
By- Christina Channelle
Genre- YA Paranormal
Publication Date- January 25, 2013
Blurb-
We left off from DAHLIA with only a name–a name that is the
next piece to the puzzle. A name that will eventually, “lead us to
him.” But before we delve into the continuation of the Blood Crave
Series, let’s answer the question that’s been on all our minds.
Who is Rowan?
This 21,000 word novella answers that question, and of how Rowan has come to know the vampire with pitch-black eyes.
“Life sucks. Literally. And then you die.”
Rowan Miller. Fighter. Stubborn. Lonely. A family is what
she craves more than anything, someone to call her anchor. Living on the
streets after her dad passes away, she stumbles upon a lone stranger
who just might be the one person that’ll make her feel alive again. Or
kill her in the process. Either way, things will never be the same
again.
EXCERPT:
He looks like a demon warrior.
That was the first thought that crossed twelve-year-old
Rowan Miller’s mind as her eyes caught sight of the dark, foreboding
figure standing before her.
Eyes closed, she had been lying on the cold, wet grass.
Water slowly seeped through her already chilled body while her dark,
curly locks surrounded her head like a halo. Her hands felt like blocks
of ice as she squeezed them into fists, then switched to rubbing her
fingers together. She hoped she could get them warm—if only a little
bit. The night had been cruel, both rain and the harshness of the wind
taunting Rowan where she lay, as if mirroring the two feelings consuming
her.
Anger.
Sadness.
She tried conjuring up more blissful memories from her
past. The feeling of hot sand between her toes as she raised her head to
the intensely bright sun; the sound of sweet laughter erupting from her
friends as she attempted to mimic their English teacher’s penguin-like
gait; the overwhelming taste of hot fudge sundae after a long bike ride
on a warm summer day.
The look of adoration on her father’s face as he applauded vigorously during her dance recital.
These memories briefly pierced her mind but it was
difficult to forget her reality. These thoughts provided only a weak
mirage to where she really was.
As it happened, she was alone in the dark, seeking shelter underneath a bridge from the harsh weather.
Rowan wrapped her arms tightly around herself, trying her
best to forget the fact that she was chilled to the bone. The whirling
sound of the wind continued on as the rain pounded all around her.
She tried forgetting the fact that she couldn’t keep her
teeth from chattering, or that her body wouldn’t stop shaking. The fact
that her stomach was in so much pain—empty because her last meal had
been twenty-four hours prior. It had been half of a sandwich left behind
on a restaurant table by someone. They had gotten up to go to the
washroom when she quickly snatched the food.
As the rain persisted, Rowan tried to forget that she was all alone in this world.
That was what she had been thinking when she suddenly felt
she was no longer alone. It was a new kind of presence, bringing an even
deeper chill to the already cold air.
Rowan instantly stilled where she rested, her body on high
alert. The streets had been unkind to her and she quickly learned it was
necessary to be cautious at all times.
For the past three months, she’d been on her own,
struggling to manage life on the streets since her father passed. It
wasn’t easy, especially at such a young age, but she had quickly grown
up in that time. Running away from a system that she truly detested,
she’d fled to this unknown city, hoping it would be better than the
emotional abuse she received at the numerous foster homes where she had
stayed.
Anything was better than that.
Bringing her mind back to the present, her eyes opened to
reveal a man standing by her feet. Although the night was dark, she
instantly locked gazes with his equally dark eyes as he stared down at
her in complete and utter silence. A lingering stillness overtook the
two as they continued to stare at one another, Rowan’s eyes slowly
widening with fright.
Her body silently shook, racing with thoughts of how to
escape. But as she tried to get up her body wouldn’t—or rather
couldn’t—move. It was as if his eyes had somehow cast a spell on her and
she was literally frozen to the spot. Her mind struggled against her
immobile body with no success. It carried on like that, this stillness,
until he finally spoke.
“I too, am alone in this world.”
Links-
Title- Rowan Series- Blood Crave Series # 2
By- Christina Channelle
Publication Date- April 1, 2013
Genre- YA Paranormal
Blurb-
Things Rowan has been trying to avoid for the many years
since she was first turned. Her choice: to sleep away the darkness; it
beats having to deal with the craziness of life. Or rather, death.
However soon after awakening, she stumbles upon a lone figure whose
presence is shrouded with mystery.
She assists him in his search for answers making it even
more difficult for Rowan to forget her past. She realizes she can’t hide
forever as she is literally being sucked back into her chaotic world: a
world where both fallen angels and vampires exist, manifested on earth
as lapsus and lamia.
Not particularly … friendly with one another.
Rowan struggles to resist her hunger as a demon vampire
while dealing with unwanted desires for a fallen angel from the past: a
relationship that could only spell trouble. Not to mention the
unresolved feelings she still has for a loved one from long ago.
While all of this is happening, they must all seek the
hidden evil that hunts them—for there’s an ancient fighting to wake up
and destroy everything Rowan holds dear.
EXCERPT:
Boys were too easy—a pretty face and they
were hooked. Internally, she rolled her eyes at his response. She could
tell he no longer thought of being lost.
Frankly, it was quite pathetic.
Putting on an apologetic face, she frowned, stepping
forward. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” She brushed a
hand against his upper arm for added effect and knew he worked out from
the bulge felt beneath his clothes. She felt the shiver vibrate through
his body from her contact.
Hook, line and sinker.
She rather enjoyed this game of cat and mouse. It gave her
something to do and, to be honest, it was rather refreshing. Mind
control wasn’t as entertaining and she didn’t do it unless needed.
“No. Um, no, you didn’t. I’m fine.” His voice pierced
through Rowan’s thoughts, sounding slightly off centered, almost like a
pubescent boy. It didn’t match his physique at all. She watched him
swallow deeply, clearing his throat. Rowan bit her lip, trying to hide
the smirk forming on her face.
She instantly let go of his arm, eyes widening. “Well,
then. Now that I know you’re fine….” She took a step back, smiling as
she slowly walked away. She accentuated her stride, allowing her hips to
sway gently back and forth when—
“Wait!” She paused in mid-stride, her smirk quickly forming
again. Smothering her smile, she changed her expression to one of
apologetic sincerity. Hands clasped together, she turned to face him,
watching as he jogged over. He stopped, only mere inches away from her.
“What’s your name?” he murmured.
Her candy having dissolved, Rowan chose to suck on her
tongue instead for the lingering taste, then gave her upper lip a quick
swipe. She watched his blue eyes flicker to her mouth as he followed her
movements. She slowly exhaled, her breath filling his nostrils before
finally answering.
“Rowan.”
He continued to watch her mouth, not saying a word. He sure
was slow. Although aroused, which was easily seen by his dilated eyes,
his quick, shallow breaths, the way he looked at her, he didn’t make a
move. Rowan was sure if he had his way, they’d be staring at each other
all night long.
That was so not happening.
Impatient, she pursed her lips, deciding to take things
into her own hands. He was definitely not the pursuer. Taking a closer
step to him, she brushed herself firmly against him, feeling his body
stiffen. Slowly moving her mouth toward the shell of his right ear, she
whispered something any guy would love to hear. Her devious smile locked
in place, eyes glinting wickedly.
“Would you like to have some fun?”
About the Author-
A dreamer, Christina Channelle holds two degrees in health
sciences but has always had a passion for writing. You will find her
reading other young adult novels, or typing up a new story on her
computer. When not writing, Christina spends her free time at the
movies, listening to music, or eating sushi. She’s a reality TV junkie
and has a close relationship with many characters on TV that have been a
topic of many heated discussions among friends. She resides in Ontario,
Canada.
If you had the chance to rewrite your book, would you change anything about it?
To be honest, I don’t think so. The Blood Crave Series as a
whole shows progression and growth. Not only of my writing, but of the
characters themselves. I call Dahlia my baby because that is exactly
what that book is to me: my first born child. To me, it’s perfect just
the way it is. So I wouldn’t rewrite any of the books in the series.
Although maybe I’d add some extra scenes…who knows.
Did the characters ever do anything you didn’t expect?
Absolutely! Sometimes I plan to write one way and then in
the midst of things, I go in the opposite direction. Couples that
weren’t supposed to ever happen are falling in love, and some characters
I kill off even though that wasn’t my intention. My characters have
their own voice and I have to listen to what they say, even if it
overhauls my original plans.
Who would you say is your author bestie?
My author bestie would have to be Maria Dee. We are kindred
spirits who also know each other outside of the writing world. She was
one of the very first to read my books before I self-published and it’s
always great to have a friend you can talk “book talk” to.
Who would you love to collaborate on a novel with?
Definitely my author bestie, Maria Dee. It would definitely
be a fun experience, especially if we used our current characters from
our series to create a crossover book.
If you could live in the world you’ve created would you? Why or why not?
If I had the option, I definitely would. First of all, I
would love to meet my characters and immerse myself in a
paranormal/fantasy world where just about anything can happen. Plus I
wouldn’t mind possessing some of the abilities that my characters have
because then I can have tons of fun!
Authors all have their own schedules and quirks
when writing a novel. Some like a certain room in the house, others a
certain time of the day. Do you find yourself writing better under
certain circumstances?
I find myself writing the most when I’m travelling into the
city via the train. I always listen to music then and I find my mind
drifting off, the perfect environment for me to write. Then I transfer
what I’ve written from my phone to my laptop in order to write the
remainder of the story. But when I write on my laptop, it has to be in
complete silence and I have to be alone. Perhaps my television will be
on in the background on mute, just for that background activity in the
periphery of my eyes.
If you were to get stuck all alone with any one of your characters, which one and why?
Rowan. She has a story to tell. All my characters have a
story to tell but she’s been through a lot and has had to put on this
armour of sorts to the world. She’s someone that I’d like to be friends
with, maybe break down that armour a bit. Plus she knows some really
good looking guys!
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I find it challenging to focus on one story at a time which
mind sound disorganized to many. I like to tackle a few stories at once
because it keeps my mind busy. This is a problem because it’s just
chaotic keeping all my characters on track and making sure my books come
out when they’re supposed to. It’s currently something I’m working on
and I actually made a schedule for my future projects so things are
looking good.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Go for it. If it’s something you truly enjoy doing then why not share it with the world. You can never have too many writers.
GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
No comments :
Post a Comment