2015 Kick Off Blog Hop!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Wow! Time sure flies. 2015 already. Welcome to our blog hop. Those who comment on this post will be entered to win some signed cover flats and other goodies from me. The link to your next stop is at the bottom of the page.

I want to take a moment to thank every reader who has supported me since my journey as a published author started back in 2008. Whether you’re new to my work or you’ve been with me from book 1, I appreciate you more than words can say. 

A werewolf with an unusual power is forced to face the monsters of her past and the uncertainty of the future after a dangerous vampire awakens the darkness within her.

If you’re new to my writing you may be interested in the free urban fantasy ebook box set I have available. Alexa O’Brien Huntress Book 1-4 is free on Amazon, Nook, Apple iBooks and Kobo. 

 

 

I’m excited to share with you all an excerpt from my upcoming release, CRIMSON SIN (Rebel Heart Book 1). 

An angel girl with a destiny. Now she has to choose: serve the light or the dark.

Available for preorder now at Amazon, Nook, Apple iBooks & Kobo. 

EXCERPT:

I blacked out. Not the unconscious, snoring, passed out kind of black out, but the still functioning with no idea what the hell was going on kind of black out. The dangerous kind.

Everything was a blur, a jumble of random images and sensations that made no sense: Rowen slumped against the wall. The overpowering stench of whiskey. Someone whispering in my ear.

The scent of cologne filled my nostrils at one point. The heat of a mouth on mine followed. It was all very disorienting. I knew I didn’t want my first kiss with Rowen to be like this. It was all wrong. When I felt the smooth touch of a steel tongue stud against my bottom lip, I panicked.

These things came rushing back to me when I woke up several hours later.

Worst. Hangover. Ever.

My head felt heavy, and when I felt a pillow beneath my cheek, I was afraid to open my eyes. Then I was afraid not to.

Shame slithered through me before I had even assessed the situation. I was in a bed, that much was clear. Beside me I felt the weight and warmth of another person. It had been a long time since I’d woken up beside someone with no recollection of the previous night. It wasn’t something I made a habit of. As far as one night stands go, I’d only had one, and I had hoped to keep it that way.

My pulse pounded as I lifted my head and prepared to face my poor choices. The sheets slid against my skin. I was dressed in only my bra and underwear. Still, that was promising.

Holding my breath, I turned to my companion, and my heart sank. Arrow was passed out beside me. Arm flung up over his face, sheets bunched around his waist, he slumbered. He was very obviously naked, and I swallowed hard at the sight of what the sheets barely hid.

“This can’t be happening,” I whispered. Unable to look away, I stared at him.

The collage of skulls, roses, and winged creatures tattooed on his arms was not the end of his ink. Song lyrics were written on his side in script. Low on his hip sat a raven, it’s wings spread as if about to take flight. He was well built for his frame. Not bulky but hard in all the right places.

I realized I was gawking at him and suddenly worried that he would feel it and wake up. Casting a frantic glance about the room, I spied my clothes on the floor near the door. Now if I could just get to them without waking Arrow… I slid off the bed, slowly, inch by inch. Only when I was on my feet did I breathe again.

My head spun, and I needed a moment to get my balance. Each step I took was carefully calculated. I kept glancing back at Arrow, afraid to take my eyes off him. I could puzzle out what the hell happened later. I just needed to get out of there.

I bent to pick my clothes up. Sliding my skirt up my legs, I heard motion in the bed behind me and froze.

With his voice husky with sleep, Arrow asked, “Leaving already?” I turned to find him lying there facing me, his head propped up on one hand. Hair disheveled and cocky grin in place, he raised an inquisitive brow.

Confused and horrified, I stammered my reply. “I did not—We didn’t—Don’t even try to tell me that we—?”

“Fucked? No. We didn’t. You passed out. But you wanted it.”

I shook my head in disbelief, and the simple action sent a jolt of pain slamming through my skull. “Bullshit. You drugged me. There’s no way I would willingly get into bed with you otherwise.”

“I’m sure you really want to believe that.” As I hurriedly finished dressing, he watched me with the intensity of a predator about to pounce.

“I knew you were dark, but I didn’t think you were such a pig.” I searched the room until I found my purse, then double-checked that my things were still safely inside.

“That’s right,” he said, sitting up in the bed. “I’m dark. Which means I’m committed to my agenda. I’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill that commitment.” He reached out, caught hold of my arm, and dragged me onto the bed beside him.

I shoved him away with both hands on his warm, firm chest and jumped off the bed before he could grab for me again. “Keep your hands off me, Arrow. I can only imagine what kind of sick shit you did to me last night.”

He regarded me from his place in the bed, an evil light in his hazel eyes. “I told you. Nothing happened. We made out a little. That’s about it. It’s not too late to change that though.” When I continued to stare at him with contempt, he shrugged and added, “Seriously. I’m not a rapist. Besides, you have to be willing. You’re nephilim. I can’t take you against your will. Not without punishment.”

I had no way of knowing if that was true, but I didn’t get the feeling that he was lying. “Yeah? Well, good. I am very much not willing.”

My hand was on the doorknob when his next words froze me in my tracks. “Sure. But it doesn’t look that way in this photo I took. A photo that might accidentally get sent to Rowen.” Arrow waved his phone around, jerking it back out of my grasp when I reached for it. He held it close enough for me to see the picture he’d taken of me asleep in his bed in my underwear.

It was bad. Just one look gave the impression that more had gone on in that bed between us than what actually had. If Rowen saw it, he would believe I’d screwed his best friend.

“Why did you take that?” I asked, trying to act like it didn’t bother me. “What are you trying to achieve?”

“At the moment, I’m trying to achieve some blackmail.” Arrow tucked the phone under his pillow. “Stay away from Rowen, and I won’t show it to him.”

 

Wishing you all a safe and happy new year!

Alexa O’Brien Series Photos

Interested in seeing some real life photos of the locations featured in the Alexa O’Brien series? I’m going to share a few in this post. 

The Rotary Park Bridge 

It’s been mentioned a few times but is most well known as the place where Alexa and Shaz had an emotional moment in Death Wish. 

 

The bridge as seen from the picnic area of Rotary Park.

One of the many walking paths in town. This is the one where Alexa attacked David in Once Bitten. Much creepier down there at night. 

This is from the edge of town, an example of how there is a field and forest right outside some people’s backyards. People living on the edges of the town have the best location, in my opinion. 

This is a shot of the city of Edmonton. This is the downtown core where The Wicked Kiss is located. I don’t own this photo. I found it on Google and it appears to belong to Edmonton Home Pros. 

I hope to add some more photos in the future. If there’s any specific location from the series you’d like to see, let me know and I’ll do my best. Of course some things are fictionally tweaked and altered so they may be best left up to your imagination. 🙂

Out of Print Titles – Lyric’s Gift & Love in Death’s Embrace

My stand alone paranormal romance novels, Lyric’s Gift and Love in Death’s Embrace, have gone out of print. That means they’ve been pulled from publication and are more or less, in the vault. I don’t have any plan to re-release them currently. However, if you would really like to read either one, email me and I will send you a free ebook copy. I’ve noticed a few people searching for them so I wanted to let you all know what happened to them. Thanks everyone for your support. ❤

Email: trinamleeauthor@gmail.com

Sizzling Summer Nights Blog Hop!

Welcome to our blog hop!

Thanks for joining us. If you stumbled upon this post by accident, the hop home page is HERE. Otherwise just follow the arrows at the top when you’re finished looking at each blog.

To celebrate summer, I’m having a promotional deal on the first four books in my urban fantasy series. Alexa O’Brien Book 1-4 is FREE in ebook at:

    

 

Below you’ll find an excerpt from my newest release, September Moon (Alexa O’Brien Book 8).

 

Excerpt:

As I walked through the backyard, I tugged off my clothing and let it fall to the ground. Then I unleashed the wolf, finding freedom when my four paws touched the yellowing grass.

Leaving Arys trapped inside the house was just another way of testing his limits. It would make him crazy.

This was what I needed right now. Vampires and demons couldn’t touch me in the forest while the sun reigned in the sky. Nature called my name, and I answered.

My destination was the small but active pond, teeming with tiny creatures living in and around it. It was my happy place. The only place I could go to find solace that didn’t involve making someone bleed. I ran at full speed to the forest behind my house. Weaving through trees, bounding over fallen logs, and listening to the constant chatter of birds overhead, I was home.

I kept expecting Arys to touch my mind, to beckon me back to the house. He didn’t. My heart pained at our constant fighting. We needed to maintain a united front. Somehow. It wasn’t going to be easy, but when was it ever? If we allowed ourselves to be torn apart before facing our greatest challenge, we would never be able to conquer it.

Being wolf was necessary for my sanity. It wouldn’t be long before the vampire within me was fully manifested. As much as I’d like to pretend I was ready for that, I knew I never would be.

I found a nice patch of shade beneath some trees and curled up beside the pond. For a long time I lay there, wishing the human thoughts away, watching the birds hop around beside the water.

Shaz did a good job of staying downwind. He lurked far enough away that I couldn’t smell him. I could feel him though.

I wasn’t mad. If anything, I was reassured. The sun was high in the sky when at last slumber tugged at my eyelids. I gave in to the pull, happy to be among nature. Without the wolf to keep me balanced, I would have gone off the deep end long ago.

So much was yet to come. And despite the power I possessed and the reputation I had earned, I was afraid.

 

Happy Blog Hopping Everyone! 

Fool For Love Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Fool For Love Blog Hop!

The starting line for the blog hop is at http://justromance.me/  so head there if you haven’t already. We have some fabulous prizes including tons of books and a Kindle Paperwhite!

To celebrate the hop and the launch into spring here in Canada, I’m posting an excerpt from my upcoming release, SEPTEMBER MOON. It’s the 8th book in the Alexa O’Brien Huntress series.

The first four books are now available in an ebook box set for the limited promotional price of $0.99 at Amazon. Book 1, ONCE BITTEN & 2, THE WICKED KISS are also available on their own for FREE for a limited time. 

Excerpt:

We stared at one another. It was awkward and tense. I couldn’t resist the temptation to stroke him with a gentle push of power.

Kale stiffened, sitting up straighter. Just like I wanted him to, he pushed back against me. The effect was a metaphysical connection that buzzed with an electrifying sensual heat.

“That is exactly why I’ve been avoiding you,” he said with a groan. “You make me fucking crazy.”

I dropped my hold on the power dancing between us, feeling burned by his words. He didn’t pull back like I’d expected. Instead he brazenly shoved power into me, not with the intent to harm but to tempt my hunger for him. It worked, tickling me in unseen places.

Everything in me recognized him as mine. He resented me for that and understandably so. However, that was a two way street. We had both wronged the other in unforgivable ways.

“Nothing is going to change what we’ve both done, Kale. It is what it is and we have to move forward.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why isn’t it?”

His energy dropped away and he shielded so tight against me I could feel the effort he exuded. “You can’t just pretend everything is ok. It’s not.”

“I know that.” I stared at the bar where Jez sat with a cocktail in hand. “Maybe she’s right and we need to get the fuck over it.”

Kale pressed his lips tightly together and shook his head. “One day you’re going to realize why that will never happen. Until then, maybe we should keep our distance.”

I gaped at him, dumbstruck and speechless. Was he for real?

“What the fuck, Kale?” I managed to squeak out. “I thought we were friends.”

He leaned across the table and captured my hand in his. It was warm, almost hot. His shields were useless at this proximity. I could feel the strength of his power and how it so easily aligned itself with mine, ready to bend to my will.

“We were friends,” he said. “And then we were more. And now we need to be as close to nothing as possible. It’s better for both of us. Think about it.”

“No.” I shook my head vigorously and jerked my hand away. It was too tempting to use the influence I held over him to manipulate the situation. “I don’t want to think about it. Nothing you say can convince me that we should act like strangers.”

“What about Arys? Or Shaz? Can they convince you? Because I’m willing to bet they would agree with me.” He raised a dark brow in a silent challenge.

Fury slammed into me. My face grew hot and I had to think carefully so I didn’t spit out the first obscenity to hit my tongue.

“Did you seriously just try to use Arys against me? That is so shady. I get that you’re having some issues of your own right now but don’t ever use him against me. That’s bullshit.”

Kale shrugged and stood. “We need a break, Alexa. I’m sorry you don’t agree. If you can’t accept that you need it, then accept that I do. I will love you until I cease to exist. But this,” he waved his hand between us, “this is wrong. And we both know it.”

 

Thanks for reading! Anyone who comments will be entered to win a free Alexa O’Brien book 1-4 ebook box set and signed cover flats!

Happy blog hopping!

Baby, It’s Cold Outside Blog Hop

Welcome to the Baby, It’s Cold Outside Blog Hop! If you’re just finding the hop, the starting line is at JustRomance.me. 

Happy New Year! I hope your 2014 is off to a lovely start. It may not be cold where you are but it sure is here. There’s no better way to warm up than curling up with a blanket and a good book.

Book 1-4 in my Alexa O’Brien Huntress series is currently on sale for just $2.99 in ebook at Amazon and Smashwords.

If you’d like to start the series for free you can find book 1, Once Bitten absolutely FREE at all major ebook retailers.

I hope you all manage to stay warm this winter. If you’re somewhere warm already, then lucky you! I’m totally jealous. 🙂

Enjoy the blog hop. 

Anyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win a free download of the Alexa O’Brien Huntress box set!

Wishing you all an amazing new year!

Looking Back on 2013

2013 was a pretty good year for me. I have to thank my readers for the continued success of the Alexa O’Brien series. Almost two years ago I made the decision to pull the series from it’s original publisher and re-release it independently. It was a risky move that I felt was best for me and Alexa at the time. The support of my readers made it possible to take that leap. I couldn’t have done it without you all.

I have to give a shout out to the people behind the scenes that help me bring Alexa’s world to life. My cover artist, Michael Hart, my editor Leigh Hogan and my dear friend and critique partner, author Alanna Coca. Thanks guys! You’re the best!

2013 was also the year that marked my first visit to the United States. I road tripped from Edmonton, AB Canada to Las Vegas. We passed through Montana, Idaho, Utah, a bit of Arizona and then into Nevada. It was a great trip. Lots of beautiful mountain scenery. Parts of Montana are a lot like parts of Alberta, here where I live. Getting married in Vegas was a lot of fun plus I got to do hands on research for Freak Show and meet Alanna Coca in person after four years of online friendship. Las Vegas is pretty special to me now. I can’t wait to get back there.

I had the joy of attending two comic cons in my area this past year. If you haven’t been to one you have got to go. Most major cities have one annually and it is not just for comic book lovers anymore. Fans of TV, movies, video games and more all congregate together in one place and have a blast. I’ve had the chance to meet some kick ass actors like Ron Perlman, Robert Englund and Katharine Isabelle. Comic cons are my newest addiction. I am eagerly looking forward to the next one in Calgary, AB in April.

As far as movies, TV and books go, I watched and read many. Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead are leading the way on my favourites list. Catching Fire was pretty well done for a book to movie portrayal. That series is fabulous, a must read. Kim Harrison’s Ever After was a good addition to The Hollows series. She is easily my favourite UF author. 

On a personal note, my grandmother passed away in early 2013 and just a few months ago I watched my 15 year old daughter go through her first real heartbreak. It was a reminder of how we all must grow and change in this life. And how sometimes it’s gonna hurt like hell. But freedom from the pain will come, if we’re patient and faithful, refusing to let the crappy parts get the best of us. 

A reading plan on my Bible app suggested choosing a powerful word to focus on and go forward with in the new year. The first word that came to mind for me was Truth. I think it’s a neat concept that many could apply regardless of spiritual beliefs. The world could definitely use more positive energy and light in dark places. I am looking toward 2014 with hope for a positive year filled with joy and love. I wish you all the same. 

Happy New Year!

Alexa Read Through Post 2

I have finished reading Once Bitten and have started The Wicked Kiss. Writing Once Bitten was a very lengthy process. It went through several sets of rewrites before ending up the version it is now. Like every book in the series it is a story that has told itself. Even though it is one of my first books and I can see how my writing has grown since then, I am happy with how it all turned out.

I really love Alexa’s loyalty. When it comes to the other wolves in her pack she is 100% committed, even to someone like Belle. When she takes on responsibility she really means it even though she herself is still learning as she goes. Book one planted the seed for many things that would come several books later and some of which that have not yet occurred. I’m so excited to see where everything keeps going from here. And I’m happy to have you all along for the ride.

Now that I am not on such a strict deadline I should be able to post more frequently as I do the read through leading up to the Freak Show release.

Once Bitten Read Along – Looking Back

Alexa Series Read Along – Post 1

This is the first time I’ve done a read along with my readers and I’m super excited about it. It has been ages since I’ve looked back on some of the earlier books in the series. I tend to always be looking ahead, to what comes next. I’ve got to admit, it’s interesting to look back at the beginning knowing what I know now in recent books. I can see how some things fit together before even I had known they were coming.

I’m only five chapters in to book 1, Once Bitten, and right away I notice Alexa’s insecurity. She seems very concerned with how others view her in the supernatural world, particularly men. She hates it when they come to her aid or in any way treat her as inferior. Every writer puts a little of themselves into their work. Though Alexa, for the most part, is much different from me, I do think this is one trait she may have got from me. Lol. I’ve always been a bit of a ball buster toward the men. 🙂

Right away when Kale is introduced I can see him how I first envisioned him many years ago. Playful, a trouble seeker with a dark past. I didn’t know then just how dark. I’m not sure I do even now. As for Arys, I feel like he’s lingered in my subconscious for a long time before Once Bitten was written. This might sound like crazy writer speak (I can pretty much guarantee all writers possess a level of madness) but when I’m struggling with a scene or a plot point, it’s Arys I rely on to guide me through. If I had a muse for this series, it would be him.

 

I’m hoping to get some more reading time over the next day or two. I’ll post again as I make my way through. Feel free to leave comments or questions. Thanks to everyone who is doing this re-read with me. How fun! My readers rock so hard. Love you all.

~ Trina

Midsummer Night’s Dream Blog Hop!

Welcome to our Blog Hop!

If you’re just finding this post and you want to join our hop, get started HERE. It’s a great way to discover new authors and to win fabulous prizes like ebooks and gift cards. Plus, there’s a chat party on Sunday. Take the blog tour for more info.

Just a heads up, book 1 in my urban fantasy Alexa O’Brien series, ONCE BITTEN, is currently a FREE ebook download at all major retailers such as Amazon, BN and the Apple iBookstore.

To celebrate summer I’d like to share an excerpt from my upcoming release, WHISPER TO A SCREAM. It is a novella featuring Willow, a character from my Alexa O’Brien Huntress series. It is the tragic love story of an angel and the prostitute he falls in love with.

Excerpt:

I found Christina huddled in a bus shelter. Her ebony hair was in disarray. Makeup and tears stained her face accompanied by a black eye and bloody nose. Her dress was torn and tattered from the struggle. She peered up at me with uncertainty and hope, and I knew that no matter what had brought us to this moment now, I couldn’t let her down.

“Come on. Let’s get you home.” I lifted her in my arms and carried her from the bus shelter. She was stiff in my embrace for only a moment. Then she dissolved into tears and threw her arms around my neck.

I called for a taxi. The ride to the address she gave the driver was just enough time for me to question my motives. Self doubt plagued me.

“Are you sure you don’t want to see a doctor?” I asked her for the third time.

With a shake of her head, she shoved the door to her apartment open. It was a nice building in a good neighborhood. She limped inside, beckoning for me to follow.

“I’ll be fine. I just need something to kill the pain.” Flicking on the kitchen light, Christina rummaged around in a cupboard, producing a pill bottle. Instead of water, she poured a glass of tequila.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Sit down. We need to clean you up.” I steered her over to the living room couch. An attempt to remove the tequila from her hand failed. “Where are your hand towels? Do you have any rubbing alcohol or anything?”

“In the bathroom,” she pointed with an unlit cigarette before snatching a lighter from the coffee table and sparking it. “So does this mean angels don’t have some fancy healing ability?”

I gathered up a few things from the bathroom, pausing to wet a few towels with warm water. “It doesn’t work that way. We don’t all have the same power, and some things we can only do when we’ve been called to. It’s kind of complicated.”

Returning to the couch, I knelt in front of her. Trying to be gentle, I started by cleaning the blood from her pretty face. “Tell me what happened.”

“It was just like I said. The bastard beat my ass, robbed me and tossed me out of his car. This shit doesn’t happen often. I’m usually more prepared. Go figure, the one time I leave my pepper spray at home.”

It hurt me to see the cuts and bruises she bore. I would never understand how they could do this to each other. Humans thought so little of the bond they shared. How could they not see how badly they needed one another? They were so quick to lash out in abuse, so slow to show love and mercy.

“Did he violate you?” I searched her eyes, needing to know if this man had forced her. The very thought filled me with a sick feeling.

Christina blew a plume of smoke in the air and shook her head. “No, he got what he paid for before he smacked me. I guess he wanted his money back. Must be losing my touch.”

The sick sensation grew. I had never experienced the need to vomit before but I was pretty sure that’s what this felt like. The thought of a man putting his hands all over her, knowing her in a way only a true love should, it disgusted me.

“Do you like it?” I asked, fearing her answer. “Don’t you ever want to stop?”

Christina sucked in a breath, letting it out in a long sigh. “Nobody likes it. And everybody wants to stop. For a while, anyway. I told myself I would only do it for a year, to help my dad after my mom passed. Then he passed away too, and I didn’t stop.”

She sipped tequila, caressing the glass like it was an old friend. Tears welled up though she never let them fall. It was so hard to see the lost look in Christina’s eyes. She shoved a hand through her tangled hair and squeezed her eyes shut.

“I’m thirty years old and my greatest accomplishment is having sex for money. Pathetic, huh?” She said this with a self deprecating smile.

“No. Life is meaningless without mistakes. Learning from them is what counts. It’s not too late to do that, you know.” Warmth spread through me, a swell of emotion that stole my voice.  “There is a better way, I promise.”