Book Tour Schedule

Here is the link to the entire Book Blog Tour presented by Bewitching Book Tours. I hope you will stop by the sites and say hello. And enter the giveaway, of course!

Get the Book Tour Schedule here

Blog Tour Day One is off to a Superb Start!

My Book Blog Tour with Bewitching Book Tours is rolling out tomorrow. However, one of the wonderful blog sites has already published their post. Head over to Diane's Book Blog to read an Author Interview, Book Excerpt, and enter a new Prize Pack Giveaway that you won't want to miss. 

Visit Diane's Book Blog Tour Stop

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Werewolves of the West Updates and Excerpt

My book blog tour with Bewitching Book Tours is just around the corner. I'm so excited to share my series with new readers and bloggers, some all the way across "the pond" in the UK. Too cool! I will be posting the schedule of blog stops soon. In the meantime, I'd like to share the dates, some of the fun book swag prizes for the accompanying giveaways, AND a new excerpt from She Kissed a Vampire, book two in the Werewolves of the West series. 

1. Mark you calendars! Great Giveaways, Excerpts, Interviews and more along the way. 

2. Check out the amazing key chains! Make sure to enter the upcoming giveaways associated with the blog tour. Don't worry. I'll post more details on how to win. 

3. Take a minute to read another excerpt from She Kissed a Vampire:

Melanie Larson

With a giant on both sides and Ava trailing close behind, I made my way down the faery equivalence of a Hollywood red carpet, my bare feet sinking into the squishy-soft fabric. If moss and velvet mated, this carpet would have been the result.

 I was grateful for Ava’s sound advice. She’d suggested that I go barefoot to show my respect for nature, something faeries valued, and more importantly, so I wouldn’t fall flat on my face. I was glad I’d listened. For some reason, I felt almost powerful. Ready to react to whatever misadventure found us. I’d been warned, again by Ava, that this would be a night to remember, and not for its quality comforts and peaceful prattling, but for its raunchy revelry and gross indulgence. The atmosphere already hinted at the debauchery to come.

Frighteningly beautiful creatures, scantily dressed, lounged around tables overflowing with obscene amounts of food. They stopped their celebrating as I was paraded by with my own unique entourage. My appearance causing them to murmur and giggle amongst themselves. For most, their eyes remained cold and hostile contrary to their blinding smiles. They found me interesting, perhaps even intriguing, but that was as far as their favor extended. I was an unwelcome outsider who’d caught the fancy of their prince. Though honoring me was required etiquette, liking me was not.

Ava had made certain to explain the importance of this event. I was the honored guest of Prince Kellen, The Dark Court’s future sovereign. His father alone outranked him. From what I’d learned while she completed my dazzling hair design, Kellen had always been domineering and indulged to the extreme by daddy-o, the Unseelie King. No one knew for certain whom his mother was considering the current king preferred young men in his bed.

According to Ava, he’d bedded the previous queen and then banished her to the human realm following the birth of their son. Others believed Kellen was an adopted child, possibly negotiated away from the Seelie Court and their light worshiping brethren. It was rumored that he bore resemblance to the light court twin, Nox. The other light twin, Lux, had been missing since early childhood. One more unsolved faery mystery.

I didn’t have time to ponder further. An elevated dais, featuring one grand table laden with colorful foods and floral arrangements, rose up in front of the room. Kellen had risen and extended his hand, waiting for my arrival.

 A hush fell over the rowdy room. The gleam in his strange swirling eyes told me everything I didn’t want to know. He found me far more appetizing than the exotic foods. My heart stampeded and I trembled in his presence. My heightened senses, though somewhat decreased since my initial reaction to Ava’s blood, still intensified my responses.

Kellen looked like a golden sex god. His hair tumbled over sculpted shoulders and seemed even longer than I remembered, its length doing nothing to diminish his masculinity. He was shirtless, his lean form rippling with muscled perfection. I heard Ava gasp behind me, equally taken by his untamed sensuality. Even with my bond to Alcuin and Ava’s blood donation, I wasn’t immune to his appeal. He’d managed, with the help of his father’s magic, to turn up the dial of his desirability to a whole new level. If they succeeded and somehow found a way to break my blood bond, I’d be doomed for sure.

He helped me up the few stairs onto the platform and kissed my forehead chastely, making me shiver. Heat spiraled down my legs, and I swayed toward him. He chuckled and ran his finger over my cheek. I leaned closer to my sworn enemy, disgusted by my body’s betrayal. I was beginning to doubt my faery helper. What if her blood had made me more susceptible to Kellen? I had a terrifying feeling that I might have been conned by the one faery I’d so wanted to trust.

“Ava, you outdid yourself this time. She is exquisite. You have earned a place at my table this evening, as an equal.” Kellen gestured for her to join us.

Her sharp intake of breath told me this pronouncement was unexpected and highly unconventional. “My Lord?” Her voice shook.

“Please, you have earned it.” He directed her to the seat on my left, forcing another fae to move aside.

The king, who appeared no older than Kellen, clapped his hands together three times. The crowded hall erupted into conversation and music, surprising me. I hadn’t realized just how quiet the room had become. With everything back in motion, the king directed his attention toward me.

“She is indeed lovely. Breathtaking even. Maybe I should make her my queen and extend my reign. What do you think, son? She would produce a remarkable heir.”

The whole table paused, all eyes on their king. The audience suddenly silent again, seemed to collectively hold their breath, their shock tangible. I was as dumbfounded as the rest. This was a turn of events I hadn’t anticipated.

“Father …?” For the first time, the prince looked like a lost little boy about to lose his favorite toy.

“Don’t look so surprised, Kellen. You have assumed that I am ready to step aside and transfer my kingdom to you. Unfortunately, you are impulsive and have little skill in governing. How would the humans say this? Ah yes … ‘it’s all about me.’ In this case, it’s about you. It’s always about what Kellen wants.” He sniggered at his humorous attempt. The others laughed on cue, but were clearly made uncomfortable by his puzzling comments.

Glancing between the two faeries, I wasn’t sure who was the lesser of two evils. Kellen was a known commodity. His father, especially after his outburst, was a mystery.

I decided to test the water and bowed my head. “You flatter me, your Lordship.” I lifted my eyes in what I hoped was a coy demonstration of my approval.

The king’s face blossomed with light, his pleasure evident. “Kellen, move next to Ava. Melanie will sit at my side. I find her a refreshing breath of air.”

The prince’s mouth had fallen open, and he looked ready to cry. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost. Ava looked pleased and winked in my direction. I wondered what she was up to now. Maybe she was on my side after all, though I didn’t doubt that her personal satisfaction would always come first.

“A toast!” The king rose.

 Everyone clamored to their feet, goblets raised. Unsure what to do, I followed along.

“We drink to my future bride!”

Refusing to drink, Kellen glanced between me and his father before snapping his fingers. An assortment of fae separated themselves from the audience, swords drawn.

“I’d hoped to avoid this awhile longer,” Kellen said and then shrugged. “You should have left what is mine alone.”

“What is the meaning of this?” the king sputtered. “Sit down, son, before I have you removed. I will forgive this transgression with the understanding you think you’re in love or some other nonsense.”

Kellen made no move to obey. Instead, he glowered at his father who was beginning to look alarmed. Ava tapped my leg and pointed under the table. Together we slid beneath.

The last thing I heard before the clashing of metal was a swooshing sound and a loud thud. Turning toward the thud, I found myself looking into the still aware eyes of the king—the king’s head minus his body to be more exact.

Holding back my scream was impossible. I wailed like a banshee and grabbed for Ava as my forced engagement feast erupted into a Dark Court civil war.

Would you like to read more? If so, you can find She Kissed a Vampire at the following online retailers. Paperback is coming soon. 

Kindle

Nook

KOBO

And don't forget to leave a review! I value your thoughts and opinions, and, more importantly, so do other readers who are trying to determine what to read in this vast market of reading choices. Ratings and reviews left on Goodreads are also much appreciated!

More to come ...

She Kissed a Vampire on Sale!

Just a quick reminder:

She Kissed a Vampire is on sale during the month of January 2014 for 

Kindle, Nook, and KOBO! 

Click a link below to get your copy now! 

(Scroll down for a tasty teaser)

Kindle

Nook

KOBO

Hope you enjoy this sample from Chapter 16. Melanie Larson, one of the book's two heroines, is an unwilling guest in the Fae world's Dark Court, also referred to as the Unseelie Court. 

Chapter 16

Melanie Larson

Cupidon’s ocean excursion did indeed compare to flying and made my earlier dolphin experience seem like a bike ride with the training wheels on. He’d also provided a twist to our travel methods that made any snorkel or oxygen tank seem obsolete.

At first I thought he was planning to kiss me. I’d resisted when he tilted my head back and pressed his lips to mine. Instead of pressing for some tongue action, he blew a stream of air into my mouth. Before I could think to exhale, he spun around, positioning me below him. Face down in the water, I started to panic. He didn’t respond to my unease as I might have expected.

Not even close.

With a flip of his tail, we torpedoed into the ocean’s depths following a path of sunlight. Forget Dorothy skipping along the Yellow Brick Road; I was chasing a one way sunbeam straight to Davy’s Locker. It took several long and terrifying minutes before I realized breathing was no longer necessary. The air he’d shared had altered my lung functions. I could now see with perfect clarity. The salt water had ceased to burn my eyes.

We dove deeper. Acting as my merman guide, he pointed out a sunken vessel that looked like an ancient pirate ship. He showed me an array of vibrant fish, species so incredible I wished for my underwater camera. Some rubbed against me, tickling me with their feathery fins, their own curiosity getting the best of them. Others, malformed and sinister, kept to the shadows where they belonged. All the while, Cupidon kept one arm circled around my middle, supporting me safely through the watery wonderland.

We’d explored the ocean’s mysteries for what seemed like hours when my gurgling stomach alerted us both to my human need for sustenance.

Altering our course, we dropped further, and soon I spotted a castle. Even more amazing than the elaborate structure were the mermaids and other mermen that hurried to greet us. Their smiles were as blinding as Cupidon’s and they swam with such unequaled elegance I couldn’t stop staring. The females were beyond beautiful with their multicolored hair flowing behind in waves. Like human women, their uncovered breasts varied in size and shape, while their tails featured different shades and textures. I could have watched them for hours as they twirled through the water in a synchronized performance of acrobatic grace.

Once inside, I was shocked to discover everyone reverted to their human forms, and despite the lack of sealed doors and windows, the ocean remained outside, as if blocked from entering by an invisible border. I had to admit it felt good to be on solid ground even if I was at the bottom of a faery ocean.

My enjoyment was cut short by Kellen, who appeared from one of several side entrances, a sneer and narrowed eyes distorting his handsome features. “Enjoy your little sea adventure?” He turned to glare at Cupidon who’d taken several steps back.

The festive atmosphere had turned fearful as the merfolk inclined their heads acknowledging Kellen’s authority. An older man sailed into the room, his massive tail immediately replaced by two muscled legs. He radiated power and confidence in spite of his unwelcome visitor.

“Prince Kellen, to what do we owe this honor?” He approached to stand eye to eye with the prince.

“King of the Unseelie Sea, your son has violated our agreement.”

The king’s expression darkened. “Cupidon?”

“No, Kellen, he saved me!” I grasped at the prince’s arm. “I was drowning. I don’t know how I got out from my chamber. I swear.”

He shoved me away. I landed with humph on the floor. Cupidon dropped to his knees beside me.

“On your feet, Merman!” Kellen ordered. “Face your execution like a man, or a fish.” An evil snigger followed, making Kellen the ugliest, most revolting creature I’d ever laid eyes on.

“Let us reason. The human has stated my son rescued …” the king started.

“Silence! You old fool. Do you wish to join him?”

Something stronger than hatred was slinking through my mind, polluting every thought about forgiveness I’d entertained. Kellen’s temporary kindness last night had been a farce, another ploy to gain my affection. He’d given me food and a fancy room and I’d been impressed, relieved to avoid a less hospitable jail cell. I wouldn’t question his true nature again, and if possible, I’d kill him. The killing him idea was becoming a common occurrence. Perhaps all the vampire blood I’d consumed was messing with my beliefs on violence, or maybe the faery food had some bonus adverse effects. Either way, anyone who dared cross the new me was in for an unpleasant surprise. No more plain, average, nice girl Melanie.

 “Any last words? I’d like to know why you disobeyed a direct order,” Kellen questioned Cupidon, ignoring the king’s call for reasoning. “Please, do enlighten me.”

Squaring his shoulders, Cupidon, who now appeared far younger than I’d first thought, faced the prince. I realized that he, too, was a prince in his own right. A prince of this fantastical water kingdom nestled in the midst the dark faeries’ court. As far as I could tell the merfolk were gentle and gracious. Why they weren’t under the authority of the Seelie Court was mind boggling.

Cupidon glanced at his peers, several gave encouraging smiles. “Prince Kellen, all I wanted was to see an actual human. I asked a fire pixie for help. She owed me a boon. Through the flames she reached out to Melanie, who willingly accepted her invitation.” He gave me a sorrowful look and continued. “I created a life-threatening scenario so I could rescue her, be the hero.” His eyes pleaded for my forgiveness. “Sorry about the dolphins.”

He just didn’t get it. Despite the great time we’d had, he, too, had violated my trust. Something I could no longer tolerate and refused to put up with.

Unaware of my latest vow, he ended his explanation with an odd confession. “Once I had her, I wanted to keep her. She’s unlike anything I’ve ever beheld.”

Keep me? Like a pet. The whole thing sounded creepy with him starring as the creepiest creeper.

Kellen had calmed himself and appeared amused by the drama unfolding. “I understand your fascination, but other than the Unseelie royals, no one is to interfere with humans. Not until matters have been settled to our satisfaction.”

“I am a royal,” Cupidon offered hesitantly.

I could see Kellen’s eyes darken. He shook his head. “I was prepared to change my mind and present you with an alternative to execution. Unfortunately, what you just said is treason. You are a water royal, not a full blooded royal.” Kellen turned to the king. “What have you been teaching your people? Do you need a history lesson?”

“You shouldn’t be a royal! You’re harsh, dishonest, and …”

“Silence, son!” the king bellowed. “You’ve done enough. You’ve shamed our family and your court.”

Kellen was far from finished. “Why don’t you tell our guest what mermen do to humans after all the swimming and picnics on the beach are over? Tell her what your true intentions were.”

Cupidon looked stricken, refusing to speak. With death assured, his decision to remain silent no longer mattered.

Kellen stared at the merman. “I’d be embarrassed to tell her too, so instead, I’ll leave that to your father.”

The king faced me, his face hard, menacing even. It occurred to me that my first impression might have been wrong. Maybe there was a reason they were part of the Dark Court. His next words confirmed why.

“We breed with human females. Once a female has delivered our offspring, we feed her to the children as their first meal.”

“Would you kill her and then feed your young?” Kellen pressed.

I glanced at Cupidon. His head hung and he’d turned away from his father.

“No, your highness. We’d rip off pieces of her flesh and internal organs with our teeth, while she lived. It is tradition, and most nourishing for the babes.”

“Show the nutritious human your teeth,” Kellen commanded.

“Father … no!” Cupidon pleaded.

Kellen backhanded him.

Furious, the Mer-King hissed; his jaw unhinged and his mouth expanded into a gaping maw of razor sharp spikes, hundreds of them.

I flinched and let out a little cry.

“Now aren’t you glad I found you?” Kellen drawled. “I’ve saved you from being raped and impregnated by over a hundred fish, and then eaten by your own offspring while you watched your intestines spill from your stomach.”

“Melanie, I promise, I wouldn’t have allowed that. I wanted you as my own. Never would I have shared you. You have to believe me.” Cupidon’s eyes pleaded, but all I could picture was a replica of his father’s massive shark-like mouth plastered on his perfect face. 

Kellen nodded my direction. “You know something, I feel generous today. I’ll allow Melanie to determine your punishment.”

Minus even a hint of hesitation, I made my final judgment.

The Fae were all rotten on the inside no matter how appealing they appeared on the outside. Rotten fruit, rotten meat, rotten faeries shared something in common. Rotten things needed to be disposed of.

“Kill him,” I whispered.

Cupidon’s face turned ashen and he blinked rapidly.

“Kill him,” I said again, louder this time, making certain everyone heard the merman’s fate.

“Why, Melanie? Why?” he asked, regaining his composure.

 “Because she doesn’t like fish,” Kellen answered for me.

If you're waiting for the paperback version, your wait is almost over. I'm excited to report that you will be able to actually hold a real "live" book in your hand by the end of the month. The publisher is prepping for publication. Woo Hoo! For me, as much as I love my Kindle Fire, the smell of a new book, hot off the press, is irreplaceable. 

Either way, go on and take a bite out of Werewolves of the West series. I think you'll like the taste!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Price Drop on She Kissed a Vampire eBooks!

That's right! My publisher has dropped the price for the New Year. That makes January 2014 the right time to grab a copy of She Kissed a Vampire for your reading device of choice. Trade Paperback will be available soon. I'll let you know the moment it hits the shelves. 

Feast your eyes on Zane Marshall the hot alpha male Chloe Carpenter finds herself attached to. First three people to comment on this post will win an eBook copy of my first book in the Werewolves of the West Series: I Kissed a Dog. Spread the word and win!

I'm Back ... Book Two is ready to roll (read)!

Hey Everyone! It's been far too long since I've been here. Between writing, family, day-job, holidays, writing, editing, family,day-job... okay, enough of that. Bottom Line: I am back on Blogger and plan to stay around a while. 

So many exciting things to report. But lets start with two. Checkout the amazing promo poster art from my publisher for the Werewolves of the West series. And then, head on over to Goodreads to register for a chance to read, She Kissed a Vampire, book two in the Werewolves of the West series. I'm giving away 3 trade paperback copies (autographed) and I suspect the winner will get an extra goody or two! So mark the book to read on Goodreads and enter the giveaway. It was just posted yesterday. 

Enter to Win Goodreads Giveaway!

Simply follow the above link, and once you've landed on the She Kissed a Vampire's Book Page, scroll down to enter the giveaway. 

She Kissed a Vampire ... book two in the saga.

The amazing new cover for book two in the Werewolves of the West series is here. The publisher went another direction with "the look," and I like, a lot. I love the cover for I Kissed a Dog as well. They are both unique and eye-catching. I applaud the designers who make you want to pick up my books and read. 

Back blurb teaser for She Kissed a Vampire:

Bestselling author Melanie Larson's relationship with her friend, Chloe Carpenter, is bleak. Falsely accused of murder, Chloe's fate rests in the hands of her mate, Zane Marshall, and the Pacific Pack's purebred werewolves. In an effort to help, Melanie joins forces with the pack and soon discovers the monsters she writes about in her paranormal novels really do go bump in the night. 

As Chloe struggles with legal troubles, an unwanted blood bond with a master vampire, and a reunion with her mate, Melanie untangles the attention of multiple supernatural suitors determined to claim her as their own. Strangely attracted to a brazen vampire, she must decide if the blurred line between passion and pain is worth crossing. 

Werewolves, vampires, and fae royalty race to unearth an ancient artifact with the power to extend their existence. Can Chloe and Melanie restore their friendship in time to stop magical mayhem from ruining everything they've worked so hard to redeem? 

Watch for more teasers, the trailer, and tempting tidbits as the book draws closer to publication. 

Until then, make sure you've read I Kissed a Dog. 

4 Great Paranormal Books, 4 Great Authors ... WIN BIG!

Mega "Afterlight" Book Contest

Hosted by Author, Jessica McQuay, Black Moon

Enter to win 4 PARANORMAL BOOKS

Black Moon, Jessica McQuay

Blood Destiny, Alison Beightol

I Kissed a Dog, Carol Van Atta (that's me!)

Morningside, Ashley Madau

Click to Enter

Happy Howling Holidays!

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you have a Howling Holiday Season. 

Enjoy the following wolfy Christmas Pics:

Enter to Win Autographed Copies of I Kissed a Dog

Goodreads Book Giveaway

I Kissed a Dog

by Carol Van Atta

Giveaway ends January 11, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Books, Books, and More Books: Giveaway and Book Review of I Kissed a Dog

Books, Books, and More Books: Giveaway and Book Review of I Kissed a Dog: Giveaway and Book Review of I Kissed a Dog The Werewolves of the West Series Book One S ponsored by Bewitching Book Tours Welco...

Roxanne's Realm: Vampires vs. Werewolves by Carol Van Atta

Roxanne's Realm: Vampires vs. Werewolves by Carol Van Atta: From the Underworld movies to Twilight to Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire series , we are bombarded with the rivalry betw...

PHOTO: One of my fave vamps of all time: Gary Oldman as Dracula in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Pictured with a werewolf prop. For this particular vamp, becoming a wolf/wolfman was part of the whole package. He had it all! Fangs and Fur.

Reader Girls Blog: I Kissed a Dog Blog Tour: excerpt, interview & giv...

Reader Girls Blog: I Kissed a Dog Blog Tour: excerpt, interview & giv...: Hi and thanks for stopping by Reader Girls. We have some great tours today. We host I Kissed A Dog Blog Tour presented by Bewitching Bo...

The Blog Tour Continues!

Angry werewolf above. What big teeth you have ... 

Okay, back to the Blog Book Tour. I am a bit behind on what's been happening. I hurt my back. Ouch! That's my excuse. 

Check out the places I've been featured since the last update. 

CLICK TO READ THEIR REVIEW OF I KISSED A DOG.

CLICK TO READ PROMO POST

A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books

Visit Bibliophiles for a I Kissed a Dog Promo Spot

Carly Fall Where Fantasy Meets Romance

Visit Carly Fall's site for a I Kissed a Dog Promo Spot 

(I couldn't find blog badges or buttons for the last two sites. I'd love to display them if available.)

Day two of my Book Blog Tour and a New Review

Check out I Kissed a Dog's latest Book Review

at Crazy for Books

Visit Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance one of today's book/blog tour stops!

Visit Publishing the Paranormal, today's second 

Book/Blog Tour Stop!

My Birthday Book Release Party November 9

Book Release Party and Birthday Party Combo ... yep, it's happening. Party One in Oregon (party 2 to come in Washington) is happening on Friday, November 9, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Bumpers Bar and Grill in Fairview, OR. Books! Contests! Dinner specials! No host bar!Win an Amazon gift card (if you're the winner!) and a howling good time for all.

If you can make it, you're invited.

Here's the link to learn all about Bumpers, including how in the howl to get there:

http://www.bumpersgrill.com/

Be there or be eaten! (at the very least bitten)

Vamps vs. Weres

The age old contest, Vampire vs. Werewolf, who is the baddest of the bad? Which species do you like more, why? 

One of the best examples of the were vs. vamp feud is showcased in the Underworld movie series. One of my faves by the way. Forget the hybrids and other supernatural creatures (if you can) and vote now for your favorite beastly beast. Vampire or Werewolf, let us know in the comment section below. 

Goodreads Contest

Goodreads Book Giveaway

I Kissed a Dog

by Carol Van Atta

Giveaway ends November 21, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Bitten by Paranormal Romance: Review I Kissed a Dog by Carol Van Atta

Bitten by Paranormal Romance: Review I Kissed a Dog by Carol Van Atta: Title: I Kissed a Dog Author: Carol Van Atta Publisher: Charles River Press Source: Requested review Reviewed by: Twigs Chloe Carpen...

Cool Wolf Painting/FB Cover