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Thursday, May 31, 2012
Welcome Jamie Friesen, author of Zombie Night in Canada: First Period + GIVEAWAY!
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Natalie-Nicole Bates |
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Jamie would like to offer your readers a special discount.
Reduced price Coupon Code at Smashwords.com (allows for all e-book formats to be purchased) for blog readers:
Promotional price: $3.99
Coupon Code: CX94Y
Expires: July 1, 2012
Promotional price: $3.99
Coupon Code: CX94Y
Expires: July 1, 2012
Blurb:
Tokyo. Sydney. Beijing. Cairo. Paris. Rome. New York. Los Angeles. One by one, the world’s great cities fell to the zombie plague. What chance does a small, non-descript city in Canada like Edmonton have?
The world as we know it is finished. Civilization has collapsed and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Billions of people are dead, victims of a horrific plague.
Bi-weekly paychecks, Tim Horton’s double doubles, men’s league hockey and cheap winter vacations to Cancun. That was the life Xander Barnes had known for years until a pandemic swept the globe. Efforts to slow its spread or develop quarantine zones, in many cases were too little, too late.
Nowadays, life consisted of avoiding the plague victims, ghouls who had an insatiable appetite for human flesh and finding enough food to survive day to day. How long can one ordinary man survive in a world gone mad?
Excerpt:
Fire lashed out from the base into the horde of approaching infected. Mortar bombs exploded over the infected heads, sending dozens of sharp razor-like fragments down into the skulls of the infected. In some cases, it killed them, in others, it was nothing more than a mosquito bite. The handful of heavy machineguns opened fire, spraying hundreds of rounds of lead into the group, each round tearing off a limb of an infected person in the front, then continuing on into the infected behind it and tearing off one of their limbs too. The heavy machineguns were so powerful that the rounds likely went through a half dozen or more infected before finally stopping. Stone thought back to his heavy weapons course eons ago and what his instructor had told him about the heavy machinegun the Canadian Forces used.
“If you lined up six cars side by side and fired this gun, the round would go through the first eleven doors with ease and finally come to a rest inside the twelfth door. It will also go right through cinder blocks and concrete thinner than six inches.”
He winced as he watched them fire, mowing down rows of infected. They fell below the massed fire like wheat before a scythe. Thank god he had never been on the receiving end of one of those monsters, he thought to himself. The only problem with the weapon was that they would go through their ammo in a minute or two, and then would need several minutes to refill their ammo hoppers. Sure enough, well before the horde was gone, the machineguns stopped firing. Their crews scrambled to reload as fast as possible.
Once the mortars and heavy weapons opened up, many soldiers began firing far more rapidly and unfortunately, far more inaccurately. While the heavy weapons were unlikely to kill many infected outright, it tore them apart and knocked them down, or otherwise disabled them so that snipers could finish them off later.
Meanwhile, Master Corporal Stone and the other marksmen continued their steady, methodical slaughter of the infected. Below him, troops at the fence had shoved their barrels through the chain links and were firing indiscriminately into the horde. The horde was huge and their bodies lay in heaps everywhere, but they kept coming like some elemental force such as the tide.
Stone had engaged the first infected at more than five hundred metres. Now, ten minutes later, the horde was about three hundred metres away and still closing. Stone kept firing, reloading and firing until his shoulder was sore. He hadn’t fired this much in a long time. A thundering roar came from behind him and Stone glanced backwards.
Two of the base’s Griffon helicopters had lifted off and were racing to assist the troops at the perimeter. As they did, the mortars shifted fire to the flanks of the horde and the helos flew over the fence and dropped to only fifteen feet above the ground. Both then turned broadside to the horde, and the door gunner opened fire with their miniguns, firing hundreds of rounds per minute into the horde. The miniguns fired so fast and with such ferocity that rows of infected literally melted before its onslaught, leaving gaping holes in the horde. As soon as one minigun fell silent, the pilot swiveled the chopper around 180 degrees and the other door gunner opened fire. Despite the metal rain pouring down on the horde, it never once faltered.
To Master Corporal Stone, the horde reminded him of the ocean, uncaring and relentless in its effort to wear down the beach in front of it. Methodically, he and his fellow soldiers kept pouring fire into the faceless horde bearing down on the base.
Soon the horde was at the anti-vehicle ditch, and one by one they toppled into it like lemmings diving over a cliff. The first few hundred crumpled into heaps of broken flesh when they hit the bottom of the trench. They were unable to stand back up, but soon other infected were landing on top of those already in the trench, and they were able to stand up, clawing and reaching for a way out.
“The infected have reached the trench!” Stone shouted into his radio.
“Continue firing, as per plan Foxtrot.” His radio crackled back.
Plan Foxtrot? Stone thought to himself. What the hell is plan Foxtrot? He hefted his rifle again and resumed firing, without giving it another thought.
Hours ago, he had noticed the half dozen fuel tanker trucks parked by the fence, but had never really paid any attention to them or the crews manning them. Hoses from each of the trucks had been hung over the fence and drooped down again into the trench. Suddenly, torrents of gasoline began to spray from each of the hoses, dousing the infected nearby. In less than a minute, there were pools of gasoline everywhere.
Master Corporal Stone quickly understood what Plan Foxtrot was.
Then he heard the order over the radio,” Foxtrot units, fire the trench!”
Several men opened fire with C-9 squad automatic weapons, sending bursts of fire walking up and down the length of the trench. Within seconds, most of the infected in the trench were burning. As each burning one stumbled around, it touched others, and ignited them too. In less than two minutes, every infected in the trench was on fire, and an evil, black smoke soared skyward. The sickening stench of burning and rotting flesh filled the air. Up and down the line soldiers vomited, while those with stronger constitutions simply turned green and held their breath. Stone’s constitution was no stronger than most and he too vomited, spilling out a vile mixture of coffee and sandwiches over the side of the tower and onto the ground below.
The fire in the trench was so hot that it consumed the infected rapidly, burning their legs out from underneath them, and plunging their torsos into a massive puddle of burning flesh, which burned even hotter as the fat in the chest cavities was incinerated by the intense heat.
Above the trench, troops kept firing into the oncoming horde, never wavering in their efforts to prevent the infected from breaching the base perimeter. The infected were oblivious to what was occurring to those in the trench, and all kept marching lemming-style into the flames in a vain effort to reach the base. Eventually, the numbers of infected began to thin and within an hour, the only infected near the base consisted of those being roasted in the trench.
Master Corporal Stone looked out over the expanse at the mounds of corpses, some still twitching and moving occasionally. Aimed sniper fire began to dispatch those who had survived the onslaught above ground. The fire in the trench burned for hours, and smoke poured into the sky for a day after that, as the remains smoldered.
Buy Links:
Amazon
Smashwords
Reviews:
From Smashwords:
“...Zombie Night in Canada is a fresh breath of rotting zombie corpses and gunsmoke. It has great action, a uniquely Canadian outlook (but not too Canadian as to alienate reads who don’t hail from the great white north) and great detail and an all-round exciting story. Best zombie novel I’ve read in some time.”
About Jamie:
Jamie Friesen was born in Lahr, West Germany while his father was serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He attended the University of Alberta where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History, and followed it later with a Masters of Arts in Communications & Technology. After obtaining his Bachelor's degree, Jamie went abroad and taught English in Japan and Taiwan.
He now lives in Edmonton, Canada with his wife and daughter, working in the Public Relations field and writes in his spare time, which usually translates to early mornings and lunch time.
ZNIC Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zombie-Night-in-Canada/262078575266
June 1-8 Lazy Summer Reads Blog Hop! Enter to Win!
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Natalie-Nicole Bates |
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June 1-8 is the Lazy Summer Reads Blog Hop. As a part of the hop, I will be giving away to one lucky poster their choice of any of my ebooks + a complete set of 3 limited-edition fragrances inspired by my stories and created by the Dark Beauty Boutique. You will receive the fragrances for Antique Charming, Back To You, and Change of Address. This giveaway is open to worldwide shipping, so where ever you are located in the world you can still enter to win!
To enter, simply leave a comment here at my blog with a way to get in touch with you, or send an email to: natalienicole980 at yahoo dot com
After you have entered, click on the link below to move on to the next stop on the hop for more chances to win!
To enter, simply leave a comment here at my blog with a way to get in touch with you, or send an email to: natalienicole980 at yahoo dot com
After you have entered, click on the link below to move on to the next stop on the hop for more chances to win!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
I'm at The Romance Studio's May Celebration Party + GIVEAWAY
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Natalie-Nicole Bates |
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I'm at The Romance Studio's May Celebration Party for the next few days. While I'm there, I will be giving away the complete set of three perfumes inspired by my stories: One lucky poster will receive the Antique Charming, Change of Address, and Back To You fragrances.
How cool is that?
This will probably be one of the last times I do this giveaway as I am just about out of the Antique Charming fragrance.
To enter, simply leave a comment here or at the TRS Party Site at any of my posts. Be sure to leave a way to contact you! If you prefer, you can always send an email to: natalienicole980 at yahoo dot com
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Welcome Toni LoTempio, author of Raven's Quest + GIVEAWAY!
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Natalie-Nicole Bates |
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Toni is giving away one ebook copy of Raven's Quest to one lucky poster! To enter, simply leave a comment here at the blog with a way to get in touch, or if you prefer, send an email to: natalienicole980 at yahoo dot com
Blurb:
In this short novella, Shapeshifter Raven Grace and her psychic lover, Finn McPhee, are back, traveling to parallel time in search of a demonic killer.
Excerpt:
The woman staggered into the center of the floor, weaving like a drunk. She looked to be in her early thirties, her full red lips matching the nearly non-existent dress she wore of the same color. “Death to all” she rasped, staggering forward. Her hand shot upward, and the large butcher knife there gleamed with fresh, red blood.
Raven pushed forward, her eyes darting around the large room, desperately seeking Finn. She caught sight of him. He’d been pushed back against a marble pillar, and was slowly inching forward.
His voice, inside her head: Got your weapon?
She nodded grimly, even as her fingers reached inside the useless purse slung carelessly across one slim, bare shoulder. She pulled out her weapon, cocked the safety, and plowed forward.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Hedy do the same.
And then the air was rent with another, commanding voice, a feminine one.
“Drop it. Drop the knife now.”
The knife wavered wildly in the air as the woman took a step backward, her eyes glazed over and glassy. The speaker moved into the center of the room, and both Raven and Hedy stopped in their tracks, taking in the tableaux before them. The woman who stood calmly training her stunner on the knife-wielder, was thirty if she was a day and looked to be in perfect shape, if the curves beneath the form-fitting white Dior number she wore gave any indication. Her black silk fall of hair, parted in the middle, framed a face Raven knew George would describe as “million-dollar”, but there was a steely set to her jaw, a coldness in the thin set of her lips, that kept her from being beautiful. Still in all – she was a package no man would kick out of bed, of that Raven was certain.
The newcomer moved with the speed of a striking cobra, gripping the knife hand and twisting it backward. “I said drop it.”
Fingers went limp, and there was a sharp clink! as knife met floor. The woman whipped one hand out, and the next second shiny handcuffs had been slapped on the offender.
“I need help here,” the brunette snapped. “She needs a doctor, she’s obviously drugged. Someone get a medic – what are you all waiting for?”
On the podium, Sully cleared his throat. “You’d all best listen to her, and get used to it. I realize this isn’t exactly the best introduction, but…” His arm swept out, indicating the woman. “My successor…Captain Darla Barnes.”
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ravens-quest-toni-lotempio/1108217652?ean=2940013770706Toni is an admin by day, author by night. In between working and writing, she's also mom to four bratty cats, including ROCCO the Blogging Cat, who has his own blog (www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com) Toni is at work on more novels - you can write to her at, or through her agent, Josh Getzler, at HSG Literary Agency.
Website: http://www.tonilotempio.webs.com/
Review and Interview at Paromantasy:
Friday, May 25, 2012
Welcome Virgil Allen Moore, author of Demon Vampire
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Natalie-Nicole Bates |
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Demon Vampire asks the question, if given the choice to have power, grace, and immortality at the cost of your soul, what would you do? What if the choice was easier than you think? Small incremental segments of you childhood for a boost in strength? The ability to protect your loved ones for the corners of your mind that you don't often use? Regeneration for the traits that make you who you are? If faced with a grave decision of morality, what would you choose?
Excerpt:
His eyes closed. The red apparition somehow soothed and calmed him. It was speaking directly now. It was murder. He could hear it above the raging storm coursing through him. It forced upon him glimpses of her dead body, a sight of torment. “The vast ocean of power I can grant you. The encompassing absolution of being I offer, to walk without equal as an abomination among monsters. To be feared as no other.” The voice sighed inside him. It's breath warm on the back of his thoughts. “Am I truly so disgusting? Is this not what you asked for? Do I not tempt you? Offer you what you need? Do I not wet your tongue with my invitation?”
Fear swept him, his choices were not sovereign. His gut knotted in indecision. The hot blanket of seduction that had cloaked him was convincing. It was generously welcoming. He hesitated, not knowing the demon's destination or his own. He could feel his soul slipping, a grip once tight, now failing him.
“Let it happen, give yourself to me. All you ever have to do, is acknowledge me. Your soul will satisfy my desires, my requirements.” The voice was commanding. It spoke as a god dwelling in the recesses of his senses. It continued. “Rip, tear, rend, and swallow the blood like milk.” The demon inside beckoned with a sadistic suggestion.
He was unsure, the deal was tempting, even acceptable in a sick flight of fancy. The power was enthralling. His confliction was disturbing, he was not a murderer. He knew as much, as he doubted his own integrity. It was tempting, wet in his mouth, keen on his fingertips. Absolute strength on a level unrivaled. The knowledge that no other being would ever be able to contest him. It was a spectacular promise. It was seductive.
The voice posed its question a final time. Its confidence was unrelenting. “Is my simple price so steep, so dire, costly, that you would die a fool's death to deny me the path fate has allowed me to etch in the stars?”
Epic Paranormal Dark Mystery
Release Date
October 30th, 2011
Purchase links for Demon Vampire
USA Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062F60O2
USA Print http://www.amazon.com/dp/1937438066
UK Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0062F60O2/276-7960540-8806063
Links for Demon Vampire: Special Science Report 1192
USA Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00615IRCG
UK Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00615IRCG/276-7960540-8806063
Websites
http://demonvampire.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12717966-demon-vampire
Release Date
October 30th, 2011
Purchase links for Demon Vampire
USA Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062F60O2
USA Print http://www.amazon.com/dp/1937438066
UK Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0062F60O2/276-7960540-8806063
Links for Demon Vampire: Special Science Report 1192
USA Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00615IRCG
UK Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00615IRCG/276-7960540-8806063
Websites
http://demonvampire.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12717966-demon-vampire
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Welcome Lynn Hones, author of A Titanic Tale
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Natalie-Nicole Bates |
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My newest release, A Titanic Tale, is a haunted look at what happened to a woman who’s selfish behavior on board the ship that horrible night followed her and her descendants into a bleak and frightening future.
Another wealthy women survived that night. She was married to a prominent millionaire, was five months pregnant and partly responsible for one of the biggest scandals of that time.
Madeleine Force, 18, rich in her own right, had been on an extended honeymoon in Egypt and Paris
Returning to America aboard the Titanic, they booked one of the most expensive parlor suites and boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg with Colonel Astor's manservant Mr. Victor Robbins, Mrs. Astor's maid, Rosalie Bidois, and her private nurse, Caroline Louise Endres, along with their pet Airedale, Kitty.
According to witnesses, after the ship hit the iceberg, the Astors were spotted in the gymnasium sitting on one of the new mechanical horses. Colonel Astor had a life vest in his hands, and with a penknife cut it opened to show his young wife what it was made of. When directed to lifeboat number 4, Colonel Astor assisted his young wife into it, and then inquired if he might accompany her. Told by Second Officer Charles Lightoller that no men were allowed until all woman and children were first safe, he stepped aside and bid his young wife goodbye. He was last seen smoking a cigarette along the rail of the doomed vessel. His lifeless body was recovered later, with thousands of dollars in his pockets.
It is said that Madeleine helped row the lifeboat that night and offered her fur stole to another woman to keep her baby warm. After being picked up by the Carpathia, Madeleine was shown to a private room.
A five-million-dollar trust fund and the use of the Astor’s homes on Fifth Avenue Newport , Road Island
During World War I she married William K. Dick and they had two sons, William F. and John H. Dick. Having remarried she relinquished all claims to the Astor fortune, but Mr. Dick was a prominent businessman himself, so she was not left destitute. They divorced in 1933. Four months later, she married prize-fighter Enzo Fiermonte, but divorced him in 1938. She died in Palm Beach , Florida
The young John Jacob Astor VI, who carried on his father’s name, died in Miami Beach , Florida
Blurb:
Beautiful Cornelia Bainesworth cared only about herself and her own life the night the Titanic went down. A curse brought on by a woman who witnessed her selfish behavior that evening destroys her, but it doesn’t stop there.
One hundred years later, the curse rears its ugly head in the life of small-town teenager Callie. As if the tragedy of her boyfriend’s death wasn’t enough, strange occurrences bring her to the brink of insanity. Callie’s search for answers is unsuccessful until a nerdy schoolmate takes up her cause and together they experience frightening apparitions, unexplained phenomena and chilling truths. These truths turn Callie’s life upside down and reveal a shocking ending to a story that began on the deck of a ship doomed the moment it saw light.
One hundred years later, the curse rears its ugly head in the life of small-town teenager Callie. As if the tragedy of her boyfriend’s death wasn’t enough, strange occurrences bring her to the brink of insanity. Callie’s search for answers is unsuccessful until a nerdy schoolmate takes up her cause and together they experience frightening apparitions, unexplained phenomena and chilling truths. These truths turn Callie’s life upside down and reveal a shocking ending to a story that began on the deck of a ship doomed the moment it saw light.
Buy Link:
Lynn's Links:
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Antique Charming is FREE today at Amazon
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Natalie-Nicole Bates |
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Antique Charming is FREE today and tomorrow at Amazon! How cool is that? If you haven't downloaded your FREE copy, do it now!
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