Saturday, May 12, 2012

Book Tour for Bloodstorm by Amber Kallyn (Promo & GIVEAWAY)


The vampire genre has a new author making magic with the release of what promises to be an exciting series full of intriguing paranormal creatures in a small town.  Courtesy of Bewitching Book Tours Amber is here today giving us a glimpse of her new book as well as a great giveaway.  So here's a taste of Bloodstorm.....

BLOODSTORM (Heart of a Vampire, Book 1) by Amber Kallyn

When duty forces a shaman to stop a vampire from her revenge, love doesn’t just burn... it bites.

For two hundred years, Niki DeVeraux has been tracking the monster who murdered her family and made her a vampire. She finally catches up to him in a small Arizona town, only to face more than she bargained for. Amid an imperious vampire King, a shaky truce between the local clan and shifter pack, and a too-sexy sheriff who makes her remember she’s still a woman, Niki’s single-minded purpose is threatened for the first time since her turning.

Between his duties as Keeper of the peace for the Magic Council and heir to his tribe’s shamanistic magic, Sheriff Shane Spencer’s job is to protect humanity and stop the friction between the local Arcaine races before it turns into an all out blood war. To make matters worse, there’s an irresistible rouge vampire in town enflaming his senses.

When wolves start turning up dead, the tension between the paranormal races grows and suspicion falls on Niki. Shane knows she’s not to blame, and it has nothing to do with the primal urges she stirs within him. Working together, they must find a way to stop the hostilities from going over the edge. Trouble is, the desires raging between Niki and Shane might prove more dangerous than the surrounding threats.

EXCERPT #1:

As Shane Spencer finished the last of his beer, his deputy, Chase Campton, strode by, slapping him on the back.
 
“Another re-election year well done, Sheriff.”
 
The small crowd in the bar cheered and the waitress, Rae, slipped another bottle onto his corner table.
 
Shane tipped his cowboy hat politely and plastered on a fake smile, unable to join in the spirit. All day, something dark had been hanging over the town. Not that anyone else sensed it. He needed to go to his childhood home. On the edge of town, the house sat at the borderline of the Apache reservation and Moss Creek.
 
His father, head shaman and seer, would know what the signs meant. Once again, doubt crept up inside Shane. How did the Fates pass over the eldest in their family and choose him as their father’s successor? It had never before happened in their tribe’s history.
 
He nursed the beer, deep in thought.
 
The door banged open, a cold autumn breeze swirled the smoky air. A woman followed it in, stopping just inside the bar. The air vibrated with unseen power. Even the deepest shadows shivered. Everyone in the bar fell silent, turning as one to look her way.
 
She held her head high, long black hair curling over her shoulders like silk. Her bright green gaze scanned the tables. She passed over Shane without pause, only to snap back to him.
 
Magic filled the room and the hair on his forearms rose. The other people in the bar were forgotten. Only the two of them existed.
 
His heartbeat slowed, skipped a beat, sped up like a race horse barreling down the track.
 
The doorframe towered over her slight form. Yet her body was ripe, lush with curves. The tight blue jeans emphasized her hips, the narrowness of her waist. And the sleeveless white tank showed her breasts off to perfection.
 
He swallowed, though his mouth was dry.
 
Her eyes widened and even over the distance of the room, he heard her soft, feminine gasp. Palms slick, he shakily set the bottle back on the table.
 
His blood screamed primitive urges... demanding he drag her off to his cave.
 
It wasn’t like him.
 
Women, even the most beautiful, had never affected him this way. He’d met with the rich and beautiful, models and actresses galore during his time in the city. Gathering the remaining shreds of his willpower, he closed his eyes calling on the magic of his ancestors. The spirits of the earth responded and power surged through him. Magic raised the hairs on his arms and the back of his neck as the whispers of the spirits of the nearby forest filled him. Ignoring it to concentrate on what was here and now, he reopened his eyes. Colorful hues surrounded everyone in the bar.
 
Her aura struck him like a punch to the gut. A deep maroon, with flecks of black, revealed exactly what she was.
 
Vampire.
 
And not local.
 
He blinked again, letting the sight fade.
 
The woman finally looked away and took another step into the bar. As quickly as it had hit, the power surging through the room dissipated. People once more talked and laughed, raising their glasses in toasts.
 
What the hell kind of vampire was she, to cause such a raging lust?
 
The woman strode to the bar, her glare shouting ‘Don’t mess with me’. Though she didn’t look old enough to drink, let alone be in a bar in the first place, the bartender immediately poured her a shot of whiskey.
 
Shane would be talking to Henry about it later.
 
First, he needed to figure out what this vampire was doing in Moss Creek. Sure, the small mountain town was a hub of paranormal activity, with the local vampire clan and the shifter pack taking advantage of the surrounding nature. But rogues generally tended to stay out of places dominated by orderly clans, knowing the structure and politics were handed down by the Magic Council.
 
And the Council didn’t like Rogues.
 
Cupping the shot glass in her hands, the woman leaned towards Henry before the older man could move away.
 
Shane tensed in his seat. If she was looking for a meal...
 
Henry murmured something. The woman nodded, downed her shot and laid some money on the bar before turning and striding out.
 
Shane tried to relax, but he still yearned for the stranger, to touch her, smell her, nearly as badly as when she’d been staring at him, as if she could see down to his very soul.


Excerpt #2:

Niki emerged from the forest on the edge of a small farm. The house looked old, deserted. Dingy gray paint had nearly peeled away, though every window was freshly blackened. Tall weeds wrapped around the porch. The steps were cracked, one missing, two others broken.
 

She jumped up to the porch, landing lightly without a sound.
 
Inside the house, Robby screamed. It couldn’t be him. She’d made sure he was safe. Hadn’t she? Niki rushed the door, barreling into the dark interior.
 
More screams echoed below the floorboards.
 
Her eyes adjusted almost immediately and Niki glanced around the room. Empty but for a few scraps of wood and cloth. She slipped down a hall, into the kitchen. A doorway led into deeper darkness. The musty, damp scent drifting up from a basement told her where to go.
 
She headed down rickety stairs in silence.
 
As far as she could tell, no one was there. Yet the screams...
 
She stepped from the stairs and onto hard-packed earth. A light flashed on and she blinked at the glare. In the center of the room, on a small wooden table, lay a tape recorder, continuing to play. Robby’s tortured, pain filled whimpers filled the basement.
 
“You shouldn’t steal from other people, m’dear.” Thomas’ voice interrupted the recorded screams, sending shivers down her skin. “The boy belongs to me. Don’t worry, he’ll be properly punished for daring to escape. As for you, we’ll have our showdown soon. I do hope you are as excited as I am.”
 
The tape clicked off. Niki growled, picking it up and throwing it at the wall. It shattered, bits of metal and plastic and tape scattering on the floor. After a few deep breaths, she studied the basement. Chains were embedded all over the walls.
 
The stink of vampire was heavy.
 
But she was too late.
 
Thomas was long gone. Her fists clenched and she took another deep breath to keep from screaming.
 
At least her sire no longer had the boy to torture. And Thomas would never get him from the King’s protection. She searched for any clue, no matter how small. But nothing other than the tape recorder and the table had been left.
 
Thomas was sure to have more hiding places. How was she going to find him?
 
Steps sounded above, thudding into the living room.
 
Niki blended into the shadows behind the stairs, waiting for whoever was above to come down. The steps creaked beneath their weight.
 
A shadow stepped onto the floor and Niki flowed with the shadows, getting close. With a cry, she sprung, grabbing him by the throat and throwing him to the floor. Leaping fast, she pinned him down. Her fingers flexed as she struggled to control her anger.
 
Recognition hit and she blinked. “What are you doing here?”
 
Shane glared up at her. “Since you didn’t wait for me,” he growled, “I had to track you down. Again.”
 
She leaned back, still straddling him. “You’ve got to stop doing that.”
 
“Why?”
 
“Because.” She felt as inane as her answer sounded.
 
They realized their position at the same time. His body tensed. Slowly, his hands came to her waist.
 
Her breathing caught, then came faster as he hardened beneath her.
 
His eyes brightened with that strange golden glow. “Niki,” he whispered. “You want to move before I lose it.”
 
She scrambled away, trying to resist the urge to let him put his hands back on her. This time, on bare skin.
 
Shane shook himself as he sat up, fists curling against his thighs. His erection strained at his jeans. Niki flushed, yanking her gaze away.
 
“Business,” he ground out. After a long moment he met her gaze. “Where’s the boy?”
 
“I took him to MacDougal. The King can keep him safe.”
 
 “Good.” He glanced around the room. “Did you find anything?”
 
She jerked her chin toward the broken recorder.
 
“Temper much?”
 
“You didn’t hear it.”
 
Standing, Shane held out a hand. She stared at him for a long moment before allowing him to help her up. As soon as she was on her feet, she released his burning touch.
 
“Thomas was here, but he’s long gone now,” she said. “I don’t know where to start looking.”
 
He leaned close, until their breath mingled. “That’s where I can help.”
 
“How?” she whispered, trying to swallow as her throat closed up.
 
“It’s my job to know what’s going on in this town, if you’ve forgotten.”
 
“No.” How could she forget who, what, he was.
 
“I know this place.”
 
“So where is Thomas?”
 
“First, we head to the bar.”
 
“I’m not up for a drink and dancing.”
 
Shane headed up the stairs. When she didn’t move, he turned around. “Coming?” His gaze was hard, daring her to say no.
 
Considering she didn’t really have a choice, she followed.
 
At the top of the stairs, Shane added, “Ever heard the saying ‘use all your resources’?”
 
“Is that what you are? A resource?”
 
He stopped and faced her. “I don’t know what I am to you.”
 
She fidgeted under the intensity of his stare.
 
“No smartass comment to that?”
 
“No.” What could she say? She was confused and uncertain. Niki didn’t even want to admit such a thing to herself.
 
He sighed and shook his head. “Let’s go.”
 
She stepped out onto the porch, Shane behind her. The sun had set while they were in the farmhouse and now only the last hints of day lit the sky.
 
Around them, the forest was unnaturally quiet.
 
Niki sniffed the air and caught the distinct scent of one of the vampires from the motel.
 
Shots rang out.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


One of those rare breeds, Amber Kallyn is an Arizona native who can trace her family's history through six generations in the state. She lives with her sexy husband, and their four very active children. Included in the menagerie are two cats (though there's always room for more) and two dogs. We won't count all the fish. She also writes urban fantasy under the name Higley Browne.

Amber loves the paranormal, from dragons to werewolves to vampires. She's currently at work on her next book, probably running around the house acting out a fight scene with her collection of swords and daggers. Or maybe, wishing she had claws to practice the other fight scenes.

A voracious lover of the written word, Amber found at an early age that she could read fast. Really fast. She devours novels by the day, novellas by the hour, and is always looking to get her hands on more.

http://www.amberkallyn.com/
http://amberkallyn.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/AmberKallyn
https://twitter.com/#!/AmberKallyn
Newsletter signup: http://bit.ly/H04jPF


**********GIVEAWAY**********

There are two prizes!  The first is strictly related to my site and is a $5 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter who leaves a comment below.  Second giveaway is for a $20 Amazon GC and is tour wide (comment at each tour stop for additional entries).

-Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE!
-To be entered, MUST leave a comment, along with your email addy.
-For the tour wide giveaway the more tour stops you make a comment on the greater your chances of winning.  A list of all participating blogs can be found here.
-Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST on 5/14.

21 comments:

  1. WOW...Vampires, shifters, and Shaman Magic...Bloodstorm sounds like it has all the paranormal elements that one might need!

    Amber...I am so envious that you are a fast reader. I am such a slow reader. It takes me a long time to get through a novel.

    catherinelee100 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Catherine,
      Well, I hope you enjoy my take on them :) Everyone reads at their own pace. Slower isn't bad! I think it's just that I get so into the book I want more! Now! LOL :)
      Thanks for coming by.

      Delete
  2. Amazing excerpts. Thanks for sharing them.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Amber,

    Your new Paranormal/Vampire Series, starting with "BLOODSTORM" (Heart of a Vampire, Book 1), sounds so Intriguing with Dark-Edged Passion, Treacherous Vengeance & Animalistic Allure.

    I Love your idea of different Paranormal Creatures living among each other in a small Arizona town while trying to avoid friction & killing each other. This job is left to Sexy Sheriff Shane Spencer, Keeper of the Peace for the Magic Council and Heir to his Tribe’s Shamanistic Magic....This is soooooo GREAT!!!!!

    But of course a wrench is thrown into his already difficult job when an Irresistible Rouge Vampire, Niki DeVeraux, arrives after tracking the Monster who murdered her family and made her a Vampire over two hundred years ago to this small town.

    Amber, you have me soooo hooked already, I can't wait to your New Book, "BLOODSTORM". I wish you much success along your Bewitching Book Tours in promoting your New Series & with your Book.

    Take care & Stay Naughty,
    PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
    paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Thank you for the giveaway and awesome review. This book sounds great. Gale
    pgan427@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love paranormal romance novels. Can't wait til this one is at the top of my to-read pile :)
    Where are your urban fantasy (Higley Browne) titles available?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, forgot my email:
      sarah(dot)elizabeth(dot)bookworm(at)gmail(dot)com
      :)

      Delete
    2. Hey Sarah,
      Thanks. The urban fantasies actually aren't available yet, LOL. Still working on that :)

      Delete
  7. Oh wow, I'm impressed, I really like the sound of this book and it takes a lot to sell me another vampire book!
    Good work!

    anzuazura (at) yahoo (dot) de

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great excerpts!
    Amber, I was wondering if the series will continue with Niki and Shane as the H/H or will there be a different set with each story? Thank you for sharing. :)
    trb0917 at gmail.com

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  9. Hi Tina,
    Each book with have it's own H/h, but Niki and Shane will show up in other books :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Two good excerpts especially the second one. Just wanted to keep reading on.
    Jess1
    strive4bst at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Jess,
    Aw thank you! The biggest compliment any author could receive :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. And the winner of the $5 prize is Gayle N :)

    Congrats! You'll recieve an email from me.

    Remember, the $20 prize for the person who comments on the most blogs during the tour is open until May 17th.

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  13. So very sorry, I spelled Gale's name wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  14. That's good. I like reading both types of stories, but I prefer series where they have different H/H. Thank you for answering, Amber.
    Congrats, Gale!

    ReplyDelete