Deal Sharing Aunt: Destiny Calling by Maureen L. Bonatch Interview and Giveaway

Destiny Calling

The Enchantlings
Volume 1
Maureen L. Bonatch

Genre: Paranormal Romance

subgenre: suspense, fantasy. Theme: New Adult, demons
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: December 22 2014
978-1-62830-666-8 Paperback
978-1-62830-667-5 Digital
Number of pages: 310
Word Count: 80,630
Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor (DCA Graphics)

Book Description:

Hope only wants to find out if her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with her touch makes her the devil's spawn, or his exterminator. But when the woman who raised her is murdered by something not human, she loses the only family she knew and discovers one she might wish she hadn’t.

Drawn back to the home town she vowed never to return to, her ability is seen as an asset to everyone but Hope, and she doesn't know who to trust. Her family wants her to help them overcome an enemy oppressing the human population, while the man of her dreams is courting her for the Underworld.

Time is running out, and Hope’s choice may be made for her, as she discovers she’s a pawn in a bigger game played by a merciless ruler who doesn't lose.

Tagline: Hope Doesn’t Know If The Man She Can Touch Is A Dream Come True, Or A Nightmare Just Beginning.

Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback The Wild Rose Press

Excerpt:

I strained to release my arm from Griffith’s vise-like grip while scanning the surrounding trees, trying to determine which was less of a threat, the beast of a man holding me or those who might be waiting for me in the woods.

“You will come inside, now.” Griffith spoke slowly and deliberately as if I were a small child.

I batted at the hand Griffith placed on my head. “I’m not a puppy, quit petting me.”

“I will protect you.” Griffith’s warm breath caressed my ear. “If for no other reason, to find out what I’m giving up and why she wants you so badly.”

I inhaled his masculine scent, like musky earth. It washed over my face, and the tension in my jaw released. I stopped struggling. “Are you the devil?” My tongue was thick and heavy so the words came out slurred.

“Not even close.” His words soothed and comforted, like having a weighted blanket cocoon me. Each movement was an effort. It wasn’t the same as the thing in the woods. This was more like the feeling after a long massage or bubble bath.

“It’s not safe.” Griffith wrapped his arms around me, and I rested against his broad chest.

“It’s not safe.” I nodded. My muscles relaxed and my eyelids grew heavy.

“It’s cold. We’re going inside.” Griffith kept his arm supporting me as he steered me toward the house.

“We’re going inside.” I parroted and walked up the steps, leaning heavily on him.

Out of the corner of my eye, something was cautiously moving at the edge of the woods. Branches snapped as whatever was observing us crept closer.

About the Author:

Growing up with four siblings had Maureen familiar with escaping into a good book, or the recesses of her mind. She realized later in life everyone didn’t have characters telling stories in their heads, or weren’t envisioning magic and mayhem within the everyday. This, and long walks in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania spawned a love of writing.

Since her desire to become a Solid Gold Dancer was thwarted when the show was discontinued, Maureen opted to pursue other paths. Attempting to conquer new endeavors proved fruitful with her first novella, while other attempts, such as challenging a fear of heights with parasailing, were unsuccessful.

Therefore she’s chased other interests, though none-the-less-daring, but closer to the ground, such as belly-dancing, becoming a self-proclaimed tequila connoisseur, fulfilling her role as biker babe to her alpha hubby and surviving motherhood to twins (so far).

Penning stories boasting laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world.

Interview:

Where are you from? I’m from a small town in Western Pennsylvania.

Tell us your latest news? My paranormal romance, Destiny Calling, was just released on December 22^nd! The story is laced with humor, light suspense and characters with extraordinary abilities. It’s available in paperback or kindle.

When and why did you begin writing? I’ve always enjoyed writing, whether it was journaling, short stories or flash fiction. I was one of the few kids in class to get excited when the assignment was a term paper instead of an exam J I began writing seriously about eight years ago, when I realized I’d never stopped to take the time to pursue my dream with vigor. I spent the first few years taking classes and reading books on the craft. I wrote short stories, flash fiction then a novella until I progressed into novels when my character’s stories became more complex.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? When I signed the contract for my first full-length book, which would be Destiny Calling. I also have a novella published entitled That Magic Moment.

What inspired you to write your first book? The first book I wrote (which is still in the midst of major edits) was inspired by a writing contest. The contest was for a fifty thousand-word story about a conflict of interest. At the time I’d only been writing short stories, but was inspired with an idea for a longer story. I wrote that book in a month, and what it proved to me more than anything was that I could write a full-length novel. It was a heady sense of accomplishment.

Do you have a specific writing style? I’m what is referred to as a panster. This means that I write ‘by the seat of my pants’ or without an outline. I’ve tried time and time again to outline and plan the story beforehand, but the most it does is gives me a general idea where the story will go. I follow my characters lead and don’t always know the end myself until I get there.

How did you come up with the title? My titles usually come to me before I even start the story. The title, and the story line, for Destiny Calling came to me from observing a payphone ringing that no one answered. I contemplated who might be calling and if the call could change someone’s destiny.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? It’s a lighthearted look at how no one is all good, or all bad. The world is full of grey areas and it’s up to you to make the choice each day of how you want to perceive it.

How much of the book is realistic? I like to say my stories are set in an ordinary world with people dealing with extraordinary abilities.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? No. I may pick up character traits from people I see or know, but generally incorporate them with many other traits that are not the same as any individual I know.

What books have most influenced your life most? This is difficult to narrow down, but I’ll name a few that have influenced my writing. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein, The Stand by Stephen King, Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan Series, The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner and The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? At this time, I’d say Kim Harrison. I adore her writing style and voice.

What book are you reading now? I’m actually in the middle of several books. Soul Seducer by Alicia Dean and Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Yes, Sophia Kimble. I read her debut novel, a paranormal romance entitled Protect Her and was amazed at how she wove in the historical aspects of the story with the paranormal. I’m not always a fan of historical books, but after reading her vivid description that took me back in time she may have changed my mind!

What are your current projects? I have several manuscripts in different stages. I’m finishing the first draft and editing of Book 2 of The Enchantlings Series and I’ve polished another Paranormal Romance that I’m going to be sending out. I also have two other stories in need of my time for editing.

What would you like my readers to know? That my stories are light hearted, full of quirky characters and a wonderful escape from the stressors of everyday

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbonatch