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Archive for the ‘Western’ Category

Solitary Horseman by Deborah Camp ~ Author Interview and Giveaway

Posted: August 24, 2016 in Author Interview, Blog Tour, giveaways, historical romance, Western
Tags: Author Deborah Camp, author Q&A, giveaway, historical romance/western, Solitary Horseman

I remember reading Zane Grey’s westerns when I was young. I couldn’t wait for each new release. It’s been a long time since then, and I find I’ve slipped away from the genre.

I’ve found a wonderful new author and am excited to share her historical western romance, Solitary Horseman.

The cover art is visually stunning and captures the essence of the cowboy and his trusted horse.

Come on in. Enjoy the interview with author Deborah Camp.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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Author Interview

Do you have any tattoos? Where? When did you get it/them? Where are they on your body?

I don’t have any. I actually dislike tattoos. I don’t understand the concept. Seems that people need something visual to remember things. I don’t. I can recall important moments and people without a visual hint. Tattoos make me think of prisons and drunk sailors and I don’t like to think about those. I think the human body is lovely without ink.

Is your life anything like it was two years ago?

Actually, it is quite the same. I work. I play. I foster dogs for a rescue group. I read a lot. Life is good.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a child. I had my first novel accepted by a New York publisher in 1978. I’ve made my living writing since I graduated from college.

What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?

Approach it as you would any profession. Learn your trade. Take classes. Join writers’ groups. Go to critique sessions. Enter writing contests, both local, state, and national. Read one of your favorite books as if it were a textbook. Mark in it the POV (point of view) and when the POV changes. Is it written in present or past tense or both? When is the main conflict introduced? How is this conflict carried out through the novel? When are the main characters introduced and how are they introduced to readers? When is the first “action” scene in the book? And so on. Dissect it. Learn from it. Read “how to” books by authors such as Stephen King, Lawrence Block, and Dean Koontz. Read writers magazines such as Writers Digest and Publishers Weekly. Know your stuff before you submit to a publisher or a literary agent.

Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.

I find the first decade following the Civil War more interesting than the war – for the South, at least. Although I think that what they were fighting for (slave trade) is despicable, I sympathize with the aftermath they faced as the losing side. Their money was worthless, but they still had to pay taxes and buy things. They’d all lost family and friends. They were under a “new rule.” The life they’d known was finished and they had to pick up the tatters and knit some kind of existence from them. So, this book deals with how people coped and didn’t cope. It deals with the bitterness running through the South and how it manifested in people. Living in the South, I can tell you that the bitterness still exists today. It runs very deep and the scars remain.

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Solitary Horseman

by Deborah Camp

Genre: Historical Romance (Western)

Synopsis

Texas rancher Callum Latimer believed that the Civil War had killed everything tender and yearning inside of him until he struck up a partnership with Banner Payne. His dark-haired, golden-eyed, spirited neighbor stirred embers that he thought were long dead . . .

Sunlight glided over hair as she shifted from one boot to the other, and before his mind could catch up with his instincts, Callum reached out and wrapped his index finger around one of her auburn curls. Its softness against his calloused skin sent longing through him like a rushing river. She’d be like that all over – soft where he was hard, giving where he was not. He heard her gasp and his heart bucked.

Amazon

Excerpt

As long as he could remember, the Paynes were the family everyone in these parts shunned. His pa made noise about Otis Payne stealing cattle from him, but the bad blood between him and Otis went farther back than that – years before Callum was born. The Paynes had a good piece of land and had usually turned out a healthy herd of cattle, but they were a slovenly lot. The children had always looked unkempt. That probably had to do with them not having a mother to look after them. Alva had died when Banner was just a babe.

The war had taken two of her brothers, leaving only Hollis. Otis had died six months before the war ended. Callum had heard that Banner was running the Payne ranch, but he didn’t believe it. He figured Hollis was trying to be the boss and his cowhands were taking advantage of him. Stealing him blind, probably. That’s what he’d heard from Eller and from folks in town.

Leaning a shoulder against the porch post, Callum watched the horse and wagon make its way toward the house. Behind him, the hound growled. “No, Rowdy,” he commanded and the growl faded to whine.

The sun burned his eyes, making it difficult to discern any details of the Payne’s girl’s face. She reined the sway-backed horse in the shade of the house and Callum could finally see her bonnet and pretty dress. After she wrapped the reins around the brake, she turned toward him and a smile curved her pink lips as her gaze met his boldly, confidently.

Callum shifted his weight from one boot to the other as a bolt of awareness shot through him. Damn, she’d grown into a beauty, he thought, taking in her reddish brown hair and heart-shaped face. And those eyes – dark gold. The eyes of a tiger.

“’Afternoon to you, Misters Latimer.” Her voice had a husky quality, as pleasing as aged whiskey. “I bet you’re surprised to see me.”

“I don’t like surprises,” Seth said.

She swallowed and her smile faltered for a moment. Directing her full attention to Callum, she took in a breath that lifted her breasts and the white ruffles covering them. “Your herd looks profitable. Good, sound stock.”

“That’s what we’re aiming for,” Callum said, wondering what was going on under that blue bonnet. She was up to something – but what? “How’s the Payne herd?”

Her smile vanished and she shrugged. “Not what it should be. I’m missing some. It’s been a bad year for calves, but a good year for coyotes, wolves, and rustlers.”

“Your pappy stole cattle from me,” Seth said, repeating an oft-spouted accusation.

Banner’s gaze whipped to the older man’s frowning visage and Callum could almost feel her fighting back scalding words.

“Sir, my father is dead and can no longer defend himself.” She squared her shoulders. “And I’m not here to fight old battles. I have new ones to address. I’ll come right the point as I know you have work to attend to – as have I. Northerners are sniffing around our place and several have offered to buy me out.”

“Damn Yankees,” Seth groused and Rowdy growled as if in agreement.

Banner gave a sniff of contempt. “Of course, they want to pay half of what it’s worth.” She looked off into the distance and it seemed that a shadow passed over her face. “Looks like I’m going to have to sell. I don’t want the Yankees to prosper from what my family bled and died for, so I’m here to offer it to you.” Her gaze swept to Callum again. “I’ll sell it to you. All I ask is that you let Hollis stay on.”

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Author Deborah Camp

SolitaryHorseman author

Author of more than 45 novels, Deborah lives in Oklahoma. She has been a full-time writer since she graduated from the University of Tulsa. She worked for a few years as a reporter for newspapers before becoming a freelance writer. Deborah’s first novel was published in the late 1970s and her books have been published by Jove, New American Library, Harlequin, Silhouette, and Avon. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Authors Hall of Fame and she is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of the Author’s Guild.

Lover of the west and the people who tried to tame it, Deborah likes to write about strong, independent women and the men who are their equals. She grew up on a diet of TV westerns which have served her well. Since she appreciates men with devilish twinkles in their eyes, she likes to mix laughter in with the love scenes in her books. Also widely published in non-fiction, she writes and edits for a magazine focused on small businesses. Deborah taught fiction writing for more than 10 years at a community college. She is currently working on her next historical romance set in the wild, wonderful west.

Her books have been re-issued on Amazon for Kindle Direct and have attracted tens of thousands of new fans. For a list of them, visit her website.

Blog / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Click on the banner below to follow the tour and comment.

The more you comment, the more chances to win!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

New Release in The Cowboy and the Vampire Series ~ The Last Sunset ~ Check it out and enter the giveaway

Posted: June 10, 2016 in giveaways, horror, Paranormal or fantasy, Series, Western
Tags: Authors Hays & Mc Fall, giveaway, Horror, PNR, The Cowboy and the Vampire Series, The Last Sunset, western

I have got to get this series. I’m a huge fan of Western PNR Horror. And these sound fabulous.

If you haven’t read any, you should try these. Never know what you might be missing.

Check out the series.

Enjoy the glimpse inside the book.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway.

The Cowboy and the Vampire: The Last Sunset

The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection Book Four

Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

Genre: Horror, Western, PNR

Publisher: Pumpjack Press,

Date of Publication: June 9, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-9974113-0-0 / ASIN: B01F0MFBE2

Number of pages: 357 / Word Count: 83,000

Cover Artist: Aaron Perkins

Synopsis

The Cowboy and the Vampire: The Last Sunset is the fourth book in award-winning The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection, a series called everything from cult classic to trailblazer in a new genre: Western Gothic.

Take one long, last look at LonePine, Wyoming, population 438. It’s been two years since the vampires quit the quirky little town and things are mostly back to normal — broken dreams and never enough whiskey. But that’s about to go to hell.

Hold on tight for a midnight showdown when a psychotic religious order takes the entire town hostage — including Tucker’s long-lost brother — to lure Lizzie from her frozen exile in Russia. The mad monks know Lizzie’s murder will strand the ruling vampire elite in a disembodied afterlife so the cult can impose their twisted beliefs on the living and undead alike. It’s a rip-roarin’ stampede as a cowboy and a vampire try to round up the shattered pieces of their unusual romance.

With the fate of the world on the line yet again, can Tucker and Lizzie put aside their broken hearts to face one last sunset together?

Slap leather or reach for the sky.

This is the fourth book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection.

Amazon

Excerpt:

The first few months were anguish. But then she threw herself into bringing order to her inherited chaos. If she was to run this vampire shit show, she would run it right. And she had, intensely, ruthlessly, for the first year.

Now, everyone knew the rules, knew the consequences for breaking the coda, and—if grudgingly—understood the wisdom behind the annual allocation. She kept her word, showing no favoritism. Nine turns picked by the Council, followed by one pick for Lizzie, with nine nights of rest. By the end of the first year, a fragile trust in her leadership was established.

By the beginning of the second year of her self-imposed exile, as the intensity of the work began to wane, she realized something had shifted. The full weight of her future lodged permanently, sadly, in her soul.

Rurik, forever circling like a handsome vulture, sensed the change.

“Finally, you admit to yourself he is not coming for you,” Rurik said.

“I knew he wouldn’t come,” Lizzie said, more sharply than intended.

“I’m not the one who requires persuading on this point,” Rurik said. “But no matter the reason, I am pleased. Stop working so hard. Amuse yourself with the privileges and pleasures your position affords. You can have anything you want, with no punishment.”

“Punishment?”

“From the society you once valued, or from yourself,” Rurik said. “You are free from guilt, free of all constraints, free to act upon your desires and to assume the glorious existence that awaits only your assent.”

Rurik felt something akin to compassion as he watched Lizzie struggle to control her emotions, mistaking liberation for captivity. He was right in one sense, though; she was coming to the same realization all vampires faced at some point in their long, undead existence, even those whose turning was consensual: there was no going back.

Yes, Lizzie thought, defiantly, as the first year passed into the second. If she was no longer ever to be a human, she might as well have fun. Why the hell not? She submerged herself into her passions and found that although not exactly fulfilling, it was diverting, covering her nightly routines with a shroud of hedonistic numbness that prevented any feelings at all—other than immediate pleasure—from surfacing.

She would never admit it, ever, but Rurik was right on another point. She had waited. She had hoped he would come for her, but why would he? She made it clear by breaking his heart that they would never be together. That he believed her ruse broke her heart.

Such a sad and dusty little tragedy, she thought, clutching the railing. A shadow by the lake’s edge caught her eye—Rurik, out with his dogs.

He felt her gaze and looked up, taking in her nude body and letting his senses wash over it, the closest—it seemed—he would come to possessing her, at least for the time being.

She could feel his heart stuttering, but held her own body in perfect check until he averted his eyes and continued his walk.

Lizzie once again considered whether it was time to move. Rurik’s home was spacious and lonely and safe and remote, and while he had been a good host to her, he enjoyed the power of proximity over the other tribes, and she understood he was motivated by a hope of his own.

“It is inevitable that you and I come together,” he once told her. “You have known this since we first met in that godforsaken American outpost.”

“Nothing is inevitable,” she said. Thwarting his passions had become a habit.

She wondered if Rurik ever missed the man he had once been, the brilliant military strategist who helped turn back the crusaders all those many years ago in a battle for Russia’s soul. “Ironic that you lost your soul in the process,” she said aloud and in his direction.

Her private cell phone buzzed on the bedside table. Lizzie padded back into the room, the wolfhound in tow.

Elita. She picked up the phone.

“Yes?”

“My queen,” Elita said, managing to sound both sarcastic and reverential. Was there a difference, Lizzie wondered?

“My loyal subject, my lovely maid-in-waiting,” Lizzie replied. In all this madness, Elita was her only certainty.

“Whatever that means,” Elita said. “How’s the frozen tundra treating you?”

“Still frozen. Have you wrestled the American Royals and the Reptiles into peaceful coexistence?”

“We’re making progress, one corpse at a time.”

“When will you visit?” Lizzie asked.

“I’m on my way now,” Elita said.

Lizzie paused. That was not a good sign. “That’s a welcome, but unexpected surprise.”

“What I must tell you may not be so welcome.”

“Tell me now,” Lizzie said.

“I’ll save the details until I can tell you face to face, but in brief, I’ve heard rumblings, screaming really, that you have a new enemy.”

“Why would that concern me?”

“Keep your guard up until I arrive.”

“My guard is never down,” Lizzie said, breaking the connection.”

About Authors Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

Clark Hays

Between the two of them, Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall have worked in writing jobs ranging from cowboy-poet to energy journalist to restaurant reviewer to university press officer. After they met, their writing career took center stage when they wrote the first book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection as a test for marriage. They passed. Clark and Kathleen now live in Portland, Oregon.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Diamond In The Rough by Lori L. Robinett

Posted: May 13, 2016 in Book Blast, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, Western
Tags: Author Lori L. Robinett, contemporary romance, Diamond In The Rough, giveaway, western

Diamond InTheRough_Banner copy

I love cowboys. Ever since I was young and stayed up late with my Dad to watch westerns, I’ve adored them.

Whether the story is set in the old west or current times, I still enjoy reading about them.

A little romance, rustlers, and a kidnapping. Lots to entertain.

I have a fun excerpt for ya too. Gina is a hoot.

Check it out!

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Diamond In The Rough

Diamond J #2

by Lori L. Robinett

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Western

Synopsis

Ranch hand Aidan Brackston has built a new life at the Diamond J, and he keeps women at arm’s length to protect his secret . . . until he walks into the local scrapbook store on an errand for his boss. When he accidentally knocks Gina on her ass, she responds with a slap . . . and the fireworks begin.

Single mom Gina Montgomery has her hands full running a business and taking care of her little boy. The last thing she needs is a man in her life, but when a tall, dark and sexy cowboy strides into her store, she’s reminded that she’s still a young woman with hopes and desires.

Just as passion ignites between Aidan and Gina, her little boy is kidnapped by rustlers. Will the two of them be able to save her little boy . . . even if that means exposing Aidan’s secret?

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Excerpt

She peeked around the paper rack at the cowboy standing in the front of her store. He was tall, easily six foot. His shoulders were broad, his arms well muscled. A pair of work gloves tucked in his back pockets drew her eyes to his butt. Red dust covered his black cowboy hat, and his boots were scuffed. Yes, yes, yes, she thought, he was a real cowboy.

She scooped up the box of supplies and smiled around the pencil in her teeth. Something dark and fuzzy came into her field of vision, from below, right across the top of the box. Her focus shifted from the cowboy to the thing crawling across the box clutched to her breast.

Spider!!

She screamed. She pitched the box and the contents flew through the air. The spider moved fast across the old linoleum tiles, straight towards her.

She climbed on top of the folding table and squatted there. Its two front legs felt in front of it, as if it were trying to find her.

She was so focused on the spider, she didn’t see the others. Wasn’t even aware that she was not alone in the shop, until she heard Midge’s voice.

“Good grief, stop screaming, would you?”

And she saw him. The cowboy. It took a moment to remember his name. Aidan. That was it. Aidan.

Calm as could be, he walked over, picked up a piece of paper and scooped the spider up. It jerked a bit, then froze. Aidan strode to the front door. Gina stood up on the table and watched as he opened the door, squatted down and tipped the paper. Stunned, she stood and watched. She’d never seen anyone do that before.

Purchase on Amazon

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Author Lori L. Robinett

Diamond InTheRough author

Lori is the author of four books, and serves as a mentor for aspiring writers. She is a creative soul trapped in a paralegal’s body. Several years ago, she discovered (and won) National Novel Writing Month and rediscovered the joy of escaping into a world of her own creation.

She lives in rural Missouri with her husband. One very spoiled Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Beagle allow Lori and her husband to live in their house, and the outside is patrolled by BK (short for Barn Kitty) and Patches (a sweet tom cat stray that missed his calling as a lap cat).

Her novels cover everything from romance to thrillers, but mystery is the thread that binds them all together. Her favorite authors are Tawna Fenske, Tierney James, Colleen Donnelly, Allison Merritt, Lisa Medley, Lea Waite, Susan Mallery, Hugh Howey, HP Mallory and, well, the list goes on and on.

Links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Click on the banner below to follow the tour and comment.

The more you comment, the more chances to win!

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

The Friday 56 #103 ~ West Of Dead

Posted: April 22, 2016 in horror, The Friday 56, Western, Zombies
Tags: Freda's Voice, fuonlyknew, Laura Thomas, series, West Of Dead, western horror, zombies

Welcome to The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

This is a really fun meme!

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!

My 56 for this week is from

West Of Dead

A Nathaniel Caine Adventure #1

by Eric Bahle

Genre: Western Horror/Zombies

From 56% in the eBook.

Lucas dashed to the rear door and opened it a crack. When he saw the stage blocking the way, he threw the door wide and opened the coach. There was a hollow-eyed face in the opposite window, and Lucas put a bullet hole through the middle of it before climbing in the stage.

It’s bad enough to face a zombie hoard in an automobile. Can you imagine how bad it would be in a stagecoach pulled by horses. If the zombies get to the horses, you won’t be going anywhere. And there are no windows or sturdy doors to keep the hungry zombies out!

Read on if you want to know more.

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Synopsis

Fans of Joe R. Lansdale, Robert Davis, and Adam Millard will love this fast paced tale of the Weird West.

What good is a six-shooter against a horde of the undead?

Nathaniel Caine wants to forget the War and see the frontier, and a trip by stagecoach seems like the perfect way. When the stage pulls into a deserted way station with obvious signs of violence, but a disturbing lack of bodies, he suspects things are going bad. Things go from bad to worse when the passengers fall under attack by people that should be dead, and Caine must call on old skills just to survive. He’ll also need the help of a fellow passenger who knows more than he’s telling if the restless dead are to be put back in the ground.

Amazon

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The cover above is the one I have. Here’s the one on Amazon. Which do you like better?

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Leave your link and I’ll drop by your 56.

Until the next time….

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

Saturday Screams #13 ~ Bloody Good Times

Posted: April 16, 2016 in movies, reviews, thriller, Trailer, Western
Tags: fuonlyknew, Laura Thomas, movie reviews, Saturday Screams, trailers

Welcome to my Saturday Screams.

Normally, I share horror book reviews on this meme.

This week I’m going to share some movies I’ve watched recently.

I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve watched any of these.

The Hateful Eight

With a cast of beloved actors, I knew this was gonna be good. Holy shit! That’s all I can say. LOL

I’ve loved westerns ever since I was young and would stay up late watching them with my dad. Such actors as Charles Bronson, Bruce Dern, Clint Eastwood, and my all time favorite, John Wayne, filled my television screen well into the wee hours.

Many more actors have joined my list over 40 years of watching cowboys shoot from the hip. Some epic movies are watched over and over again.

But, The Hateful Eight shocked the shit out of me. Excuse the grammar. No better way I can describe it. They aren’t called The Hateful Eight for nothing!

I loved every ugly, nasty, bloody bit of it. From one to ten, I give it a ten!

AMAZON

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Black Mass

I love Johnny Depp. Such a sexy bad boy. I couldn’t wait to see him as Whitey Bulger. I can only think of two other movies where Johnny was a true bad guy. There was Sweeney Todd and Secret Window. Both favorites of mine.

Black Mass is in your face gritty. Murder is committed like it’s just business. How could the FBI ever think an alliance with Whitey would be anything but a bad idea. In all the years they protected him from prosecution, he used them to become a major crime lord, only giving them one thing that was of any real value.

Casting Johnny as Whitey was brilliant. He gave me the shivers with his dull, clouded stare and callous disregard for human life. He was a criminal through and through.

From one to ten, I give it an eight.

AMAZON

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John Wick

I didn’t have much of an idea who John Wick was before I stared the movie. My son filled me in on that.

Keanu Reeves has grown on me over the years, and he nailed his part in this one. To think it all started because some entitled, punk wants his car. Hell came down in all ways bloody when they messed with John.

Surprisingly, there was one scene that made me cry. From then on, I was with John every step of the way. Give em what they deserve, and clean house!

From one to ten, I give it a nine.

AMAZON

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

Dawn Of The Chupacabra ~ Author Guest Post, Review, Freebies, and Giveaway

Posted: October 9, 2015 in Creatures, Freebies!, giveaways, horror, reviews, Series, Western
Tags: Author Michael Hebler, Dawn Of The Chupacabra, Horror, The Chupacabra Series #4, western

chupacabra photo: chupacabra chupacabra.jpg

I’ve been waiting anxiously to share more of the Chupacabra Series with you. I’ve been featuring Michael’s series for years now and it’s always so exciting to have him back again.

There’s so much to share with you today.

Michael has some free books for you!

He has an awesome guest post.

I’ll be sharing my review of the fourth book in this thrilling series, Dawn Of The Chupcabra.

And there’s a killer giveaway! So don’t forget to enter!

9 Halloween Days of Free Chills!

In promoting Dawn of the Chupacabra’s release, and in honor of the Halloween season, Michael has put together his “9 Halloween Days of Free Chills” . His short story, Rattlesnake, plus Curse of the Chupacabra will be free for 5 days!

Here are the dates for “9 Halloween Days of Free Chills”:

Click on the covers for your free copies. Make sure you check the free dates!

10/9/15 – 10/13/15 – Short Western Horror Story “Rattlesnake” about a man who kidnaps a boy for information about his missing son after narrowly escaping a town gone mad. (Retail: $0.99)

10/13/15 – 10/17/15 – eBook of Book II, Curse of the Chupacabra, which follows the survivors of the Dillmore Valley massacre as they journey through the mountains for a fresh start, despite the looming terror that awaits around every turn. (Retail: $2.99)

And now, this from Michael Hebler!

10 Fascinating Facts About the Chupacabra Series

Blog host Laura and I have conducted three interviews together, each at the release of a Chupacabra Series novel. This time, for the release of the fourth book, Dawn of the Chupacabra, Laura thought it best to break tradition by asking that I write a guest post instead. Immediately I agreed, even though I had no idea what the post would be about. I had only ever written one guest post before about the roots of the creature feature, and definitely did not want to repeat myself. Then, on my birthday, it dawned on me that the Chupacabra Series had officially been a part of my life by more than half. That egg of an idea that was nurtured in 1992 had been given life and matured into this miraculous thing over the last 23 years. Like a proud parent, it would have learned to walk and speak, learned to drive, and could have even graduated college by now. And like any upbringing, there were plenty of mistakes, which became learning experiences that aided in the development of the body of work it is today. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to share ten of my favorite “moments” that you might find fascinating.

1. Like most things conceived, it takes two. In the case of this series, it was Clint Eastwood’s remarkable film, Unforgiven, and a student written one-act play I watched in college about a small group trapped inside a saloon with monsters trying to get inside that was the inspiration. However, until 2010, the stories were only in screenplay format. It wasn’t until the film production company, Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight Series, Inception) asked if I could take my story out of the Old West that I decided to adapt the series into prose. Obviously, I declined their request.

2. Fan favorite character, Jessie, used to have a brother named Clarence. He was five years her senior, fifteen, lanky, submissive, and mousy. Jessie protected him at all costs though, like a chupacabra herself, she gave him multiple tongue lashings. Clarence was included in a large church-scene attack that was also written, and then abandoned. Let’s just say, even if he had survived to the novel adaptation, he would not have survived the Night.

3. Suzanne’s original name was Zelma. Probably the smartest change of any I made in this series. There was no reason for her to be named Zelma other than I really like the name. The problem I had with it was that after a few drafts, I realized it did not fit the time period of the Old West.

4. Many readers and reviewers of these books who typically do not enjoy reading phonetic dialogue have stated that they are not bothered by the language when reading Chupacabra. There could be a reason for this. Night of the Chupacabra is dedicated to Virginia Grafton-Wade. The reason for this dedication is in two parts: The year before Night’s release, Virigina was a 94-year-old woman to whom I delivered Meals on Wheels. A regret in Virginia’s life was that she had always wanted to write a book, but both her mind and years she had left would not allow that dream to be fulfilled. Though not a fan of horror, Virginia was a fan of westerns. Her grandfather had lived through the 1870s and 1880s and he used to tell her stories of that time period quite often. Virginia remembered how he spoke, the words and the inflections he would use. Being a second-hand expert, Virginia proofed my dialogue. This not only helped me tremendously, but it also gave her fulfillment to realize that dream of being a part of a book’s creation. Before Virginia’s death in 2014, the first three Chupacabra novels went through the Virginia dialogue grinder. Legend of the Chupacabra even includes a quote that her grandfather always repeated, which I gave to the Reverend Moyle’s character, “Do not speak ill of others, though it be the truth, rather flatter behind one’s back that your honeyed words be reported.”

5. Though not completely off the shelf, Night of the Chupacabra came close to being adapted into a graphic novel. I hope to have this idea revisited again soon.

6. The end of Night of the Chupacabra originally occurred in the mines. During the stagecoach chase of the first book, Raul explains his intentions to Drake about how they would capture and kill the beast inside the caves. Raul’s “plan” is exactly how Night of the Chupacabra ended in earlier drafts. The reason for the change was because I thought a more fitting ending was a night that began and ended in Dillmore Valley. But I did not want to abandon my cavern idea. Having my heart set on that location, I moved it to its more fitting home in Curse of the Chupacabra.

7. Growing up, my mother used to read anything by Stephen King. She had an entire bookshelf of his books, but one cover above all others used to give me the creeps. That is why the original sleeve for Cujo was the inspiration for the cover of Curse of the Chupacabra.

8. Speaking of inspiration, it can come from odd places, as well as at unexpected times. Years ago, when searching for an idea to keep the center of the story for Legend of the Chupacabra glued together, I was having a couch potato kind of day. While flipping cable channels, I happened to land on a program called Cities of the Underworld. This particular episode was about the underground tunnels of Portland, Oregon, where [Legend] would take place. By the end of the program, I knew I had found my adhesive subplot. If you can find the episode online, I highly recommend anyone to watch it. It’s fascinating.

9. Not every baddie received their comeuppance. Originally, the foul and egotistical Evelyn Diamond (from Curse of the Chupacabra) was supposed to reappear in Legend of the Chupacabra with her traveling show. Unfortunately, that slippery minx escaped the beast yet again when I realized that having her, as well as another returning character from Book II was too much of a coincidence. That other character was essential to the plot of the third book while Evelyn’s demise was nothing more than my own personal gratification. Don’t get me wrong, I love her… I love all my characters… but it just seems wrong to allow such a villainess to live. Who knows, maybe there’s a short story to be told one day.

10. Originally, this story was about a serial killer in the Old West and not a chupacabra. I didn’t even now what a chupacabra was at the time, but as this world began to develop, it did become more about a creature. However, I never could let go of the human murder aspect, which ended up being used as backstory for Book I. That backstory quickly developed into its own story and has now been released as its own novel, Dawn of the Chupacabra. So essentially, the second plot developed for the Chupacabra Series was not Book II but Book IV.

Of course, there are many other facts I would love to divulge, but many of those would risk being spoilers to those who have yet to fall prey to the complex chupacabra. I wouldn’t want to be the one responsible for straightening out any twists or turns for the journey I laid. One thing I can say is that I have always perceived this series more as family drama than a western horror. Though I’m not a fan of stories about romantic love, love of family intrigues me the most as a reader and writer. Family is what drives all my stories, including my recently released short story Rattlesnake, and my upcoming novella for 2016, The Ghost of Christmas Past.

THE END

~~~~~

DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA

by Michael Hebler

The fourth chapter in the award-winning Chupacabra Series follows an A.W.O.L. Confederate soldier, who is hunted by a demon sent to avenge the victims of his heinous crimes.

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My Review

I love creature stories and Michael’s series just keeps getting better.

I’m sure you’ve all heard mention of the legendary beast, the chupacabra. the goat sucker. Well, Michael’s put his own spin on this creature and it’s scary as hell.

This book takes you to where it all began.

The chupacabra is terrifying. So relentless. So malevolent. And it will never stop coming for it’s victim. Don’t get in its way.

While the chup is awesome, so are Michael’s characters. They live. They breathe. They bleed.

This author so easily brings his characters to life. You’ll care about them. Worry about them. You’ll love some and hate some. All are important to the story. Even the minor characters add important elements to make this story shout from the pages.

A creature born from a lust for blood vengeance, the chupacabra is not to be controlled. Michael’s use of ancient Indian rituals makes this story even more eerie.

One man, with a horrible past, does despicable deeds. Called to seek vengeance, the chupcabra beings to hunt him. The war is over for most, but the final battle is just beginning for Jeremiah Whiting.

The beginning of this story follows Jeremiah from the battlefield to home and on to Cherokee territory. You won’t like him. You’ll loathe him. Wish him dead in all kinds of ways for the terrible things he’s done. Once he starts on his terrible path, he can’t stop. The voice in his head doesn’t help much and his luck is running out. Jeremiah is lower than pond scum and you’ll be anxious for his demise.

And it’s coming. It’s horrific. It’s hungry for blood. The chupacabra will find Jeremiah. It will toy with him. Torture him. And then… you’ll see the dark side of this cat and mouse ending.

Chilling and disturbing. Fascinating and addictive. The old west is twisted and remolded for Michael’s story. Adding a mythical beast to the mix takes you down a dark and chilling road.

5 Stars

~~~~~

The Fourth Novel in the Chupacabra Series is Released

Press Release

Fort Myers, FL – October 09, 2015 – On October 13, 2015, the next installment in Michael Hebler’s award-winning dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Dawn of the Chupacabra, will be available on bookshelves and for eReader downloads.

Synopsis

Before Night, Came Dawn

An A.W.O.L. Confederate soldier is hunted by a demon sent to avenge the victims of his treacherous crimes.

Jeremiah Whiting has been a survivor since birth. He endured an abusive upbringing only to fight as a private for the losing side of the American Civil War. But when the war ends, Jeremiah’s battle does not. He will meet his greatest adversary yet, in the form of a heinous entity sent to kill him for crimes against the Cherokee Nation, and the only allies willing to fight at his side are the remarkable instincts he possesses and the voice of a deceptive Soldier who possesses him.

Hebler hopes fans and first-time readers of the series will enjoy the new dynamics in this origins story. “By going all the way back to the chupacabra’s origins, I wanted the reader to have a different experience with this novel,” states Hebler. “I intended for this entry to be grittier and scarier than previous volumes. I had to take it to a very dark place where it could be deemed logical to summon such a beast for the purpose of revenge.”

Hebler further states that this is not only an origins story for the chupacabra, but for some of the characters from previous volumes as well. He also assures the series’ same action and adventure, and promises to answer many lingering questions like who possessed the curse of the creature from Chapter I of Night of the Chupacabra.

The new book will be made available in trade paperback and eBook. Dawn of the Chupacabra also marks the final chapter to take place in the Old West before the series leaps forward into more modern times when the fifth entry, Return of the Chupacabra, is released in 2017.

The ebook is currently available for pre-order at $3.99 and will be raised to $9.99 on the release day, October 13. The print book will be retailed at $17.95.

Purchase Links:

Website / Amazon / Smashwords

~~~

Author Michael Hebler

Michael Hebler

Prior to becoming an award-winning author of his dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Michael was a full-time international film publicist who had worked on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, and the 2013 Academy Award-winning Best Foreign Language Film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty).

Born in the early 1970’s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by acting. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. But creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.

To date, Michael’s publications include NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, and LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA (Books I, II, & III of the six-part Chupacabra Series) as well as his first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael’s fourth book in the Chupacabra Series, DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA will be available in print and for ebook on October 13, 2015.

Michael currently resides in Southwest Florida.

Author Links:

Website ~ Amazon Page ~ Goodreads ~ Blog ~ Twitter

Chupacabra Series on Facebook ~ Google Plus

Email:

info@michaelhebler.com

Michael also in the beginning stages of organizing a newsletter. If you would like to be included on the list once it’s up and running, you can email Michael at the link above.

~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Grand Prize – Complete set of paperback signed copies of the Chupacabra Series (US only)

First – Choice of signed paperback copy of Dawn of the Chupacabra (US Only) OR eBooks of the complete series

Runner-Up – Choice of any Chupacabra Series eBook

Entry is easy. Just leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

The chupacabra has found you. What do you do?

Do you fight with everything you can muster?

Do you run screaming into the dark, knowing it’ll catch you?

Do you melt into a blubbering puddle of fear?

Or, do you have something else in mind?

Giveaway ends November 2nd.

~~~

Other books in the series available now.

Night Of The Chupacabra on Amazon

Curse Of The Chupacabra on Amazon

Legend Of The Chupacabra on Amazon

Click on the covers for my reviews.

~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

My Monday Minis Reviews #39 ~ Ever have one of those days where everything is trying to eat ya?!

Posted: May 4, 2015 in Creatures, horror, Monday's Minis, reviews, werewolves, Western
Tags: Cowboy Werewolf Massacre, Shark Station Nyet

scary creatures photo: Scary23.gif

Welcome to My Monday Minis Reviews.

For today I’ll be sharing two books.

There will be cowboys and werewolves and creatures of the deep.

Action, horror, thrills and intrigue.

Enjoy!

~~~~~

Cowboy Werewolf Massacre

by John Wheeler

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My Review

It seems like westerns are changing. Now there are lots of movies and books with a supernatural element to them.

This title says it all, Cowboy Werewolf Massacre.

Loved the beginning of this one. Some men are chasing a man. Or kind of a man. Yep, a werewolf.

He leaves a trail of ripped up bodies behind as he taunts the pursuers.

The author did some great character building in the beginning and I came to know them quickly. From watching so many movies I could easily picture the scenes and even put faces to some of them.

As the plot thickens, and yes, it does, more characters come into play, an important event is explained, and all hell breaks loose. Want to know what really happened the night Chicago burned?

You have werewolves and cowboys, good guys and bad guys, and some political maneuvering thrown in to add to the intrigue.

All in all a good read. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. A lot was happening and it was over quickly.

Yet, I should keep in mind this is a short story and the author did give me a good ending. One that could lead to more in this tale. I hope so.

3 Stars

~~~

Synopsis

The year is 1871. A mysterious force stalks the Wild West, killing settlers and even the toughest outlaws. Soldier-turned-bandit Jack Stark is given a choice: Hunt down whatever’s out there, or face the noose. The chase will take him from dangerous mining towns and snowy wastelands to ancient caves that hold the most terrible secrets… and eventually into the middle of one of the biggest disasters in U.S. history. As Stark soon learns, it’s not just his life at stake: the country’s future rests on his ability to shoot fast and think faster.

~~~

Shark Station Nyet

Apex Predator Series

by Carolyn McCray

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My Review

I read the first book, Salechii Park, and loved it so I knew this second book would be fun too.

The first thing I want to tell you is, relax, shut off the disbelief switch, and just take this story for what it is. Campy fun, outrageous scenes, and, oh yeah, gore. Sorry, but this is horror, not Sea World.

How else will you appreciate the weaponized sharks, or a giant squid, or bombs and saboteurs.

And how about taking a ride on a shark. Saddle up. Lopez does.

You could start this book like a movie. Here them yell, “Action!” And it begins and never stops. If someone isn’t being eaten, they are being shot at. The station is under attack and sinking. And waiting in the water is every kind of sea creature imaginable. All hungry. All with very big teeth. And all with their eyes on you.

Man oh man, I loved it!

5 Stars

shark attack photo: shark SharkAttack.gif

~~~

Synopsis

**Warning, if you ever hope to swim in the ocean again, this book is NOT for you!
Shark Station Nyet, the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster, Salechii!

From the #1 bestselling author in Action/Adventure, Men’s Adventure, Techno-thrillers, War, And Thrillers, Carolyn McCray comes the next greatest thing since Jaws!

A shark-fest for all of you Jaws, Jurassic Park, Shark Week and Sharknado lovers!

Overview:
Putin wanted weaponized sharks to help guard Russia’s coastline. And what Putin wants, he gets, however he also got far more than he expected!
Join our heroes as they battle the biggest and smartest sharks they have ever encountered!

If you are glued to Shark Week, Sharknado, Jaws, or Jurassic Park, Shark Station Nyet is going to be your new feeding frenzy!

~~~

Until the next time…..

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Moccasin Trace by Hawk MacKinney Tour Excerpt and Giveaway

Posted: April 28, 2015 in Blog Tour, Excerpt, giveaways, Western
Tags: Author Hawk MacKinney, Historical Western, Moccasin Trace

Howdy ya’ll!

Come on in and sit for a spell.

Have some lemonade to wash the dust down and check out Moccasin Trace.

I have the splendid cover to share along with a glimpse inside this book.

And a giveaway, so don’t forget to enter!

~~~

BLURB:

… it was about the land…a tale of love and loss and hope…

“The most engaging and brilliantly crafted historical work since Margaret Mitchell’s great

classic.”

Barbara Casey

Author, The Gospel According to Prissy

Hamilton Ingram looked out across the fertile Georgia bottomlands that were Moccasin Hollows,

seeing holdings it had taken generations of Ingrams to build. No drop of slave sweat ever shed

in its creation. It was about the land…his trust, his duty to preserve it for the generation of

Ingrams to come…

It is July of 1859, a month of sweltering dog days and feverish emotional bombast. Life is good

for widower Rundell Ingram and his Hazel-eyed, roan-haired son, Hamilton. Between the two of

them, they take care of Moccasin Hollows, their rustic dogtrot ancestral home, a sprawling non-
slave plantation in the rolling farming country outside Queensborough Towne in east Georgia.

Adjoining Ingram lands is Wisteria Bend, the vast slave-holding plantation of Andrew and

Corinthia Greer, their daughter Sarah, and son Benjamin.

Both families share generations of long-accepted traditions, and childhood playmates are no

longer children. The rangy, even-tempered Norman-Scottish young Hamilton is smitten with

Sarah, who has become an enticing capricious beauty—the young lovers more in love with each

passing day, and only pleasant times ahead of them.

But a blood tide of war is sweeping across the South, a tide that might be impossible to stand

before.

~~~

Enjoy this glimpse inside the book

The Captain lowered his brass spyglass. “My apologies for having to disturb you,” he said to

Hamilton. With full steam and sail for now we have speed on their lead ship. They’ll try to angle

us off from the inlet this side of Santa Rosa, but I mean to give ’em no chance of that. Too

shallow in there for them to clear the reef. Once we get lee to the shoals…” he raised his glass.

“Lead frigate is gaining.” He shook his head. “First time we’ve picked up anything this close

in.”

Sarah walked to the bridge railing and fixed her eyes toward the tall white sails of the onrushing

juggernaut. Her father’s enemy, Hamilton’s enemy, her enemy; until this moment the battles

had been some place far away. Tall and sleek in the distance, coming toward them, a deadly

beauty in the mad fury of men’s devotion to destruction and death.

Hamilton asked the Captain, “Will they try to board?”

His jaw set, “When we don’t heave to, she’ll try to force us to ground. Failing that they’ll use

their guns.”

The thought of this pirate flag bearing down on them, their seafarers clamoring over the side,

stabbed Hamilton into a heated white-hot hate of Yankies — good ones, bad ones, any of them.

“They’re not boardin’ us,” the Captain said. “We’ll scuttle first. No Yankee’s puttin’ a foul foot on

my ship, as long as…”

The distant muzzle flash was followed by a muffled boom rolling across the water. Hamilton

sheltered Sarah in his arms. The shot smacked the water off their port bow, sending up a tall

blossoming white plume tall and falling back in a graceful slow splash.

“…a warning shot for us to heave to,” the Captain frowned. “Allows ’em[+> to ]adjust their

range.” He eyed Sarah, “Missus Ingram…” he agonized, “To avoid exposing you to harm, I am

prepared to yield to…”

“You will do no such thing!” Sarah bristled. Her head turned toward this full-sailed invader.

“These philistines are in our waters — attacking us!” Sarah’s blood was up.

“Sarah, the Captain’s right,” Hamilton said

“No, I say!” Sarah whirled to face both men. “We will not yield to those…those barbarians!”

Greer fiery rage showed in full vigor. Her fists clenched, “You said you could make a run for

it! Our armies need your cargo. If there’s a chance…” She glowered toward the oncoming

menace.

Hamilton saw not the pampered daughter of a rich plantation father, but a wind-whipped chalk-
faced New World Jeanne d’Arc girded for battle, blazing with indignation, exchanging armoured

horse for ship and English for Yankie, and loved her the more for it.

He nodded to the Captain, “We run for it.”

“I know how Papa felt,” her lip quivered, “…when he said he hated runnin’.”

“…to fight another day,” Hamilton hugged her tighter.

~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

With postgraduate degrees and faculty appointments in several medical universities, Hawk

MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem. In addition to

professional articles and texts on chordate neuroembryology, Hawk has authored several works

of fiction.

Hawk began writing mysteries for his school newspaper. His works of fiction, historical love

stories, science fiction and mystery-thrillers are not genre-centered, but plot-character driven,

and reflect his southwest upbringing in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Moccasin Trace, a

historical novel nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War

Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award, details the family bloodlines of his serial protagonist

in the Craige Ingram Mystery Series… murder and mayhem with a touch of romance. Vault of

Secrets, the first book in the Ingram series, was followed by Nymrod Resurrection, Blood and

Gold, and The Lady of Corpsewood Manor. All have received national attention. Hawk’s latest

release in the Ingram series is due out this fall with another mystery-thriller work out in 2014.

The Bleikovat Event, the first volume in The Cairns of Sainctuarie science fiction series, was

released in 2012.

“Without question, Hawk is one of the most gifted and imaginative writers I have had the

pleasure to represent. His reading fans have something special to look forward to in the Craige

Ingram Mystery Series. Intrigue, murder, deception and conspiracy–these are the things that

take Hawk’s main character, Navy ex-SEAL/part-time private investigator Craige Ingram, from

his South Carolina ancestral home of Moccasin Hollow to the dirty backrooms of the nation’s

capital and across Europe and the Middle East.”

Barbara Casey, President

Barbara Casey Literary Agency

Website ~ Amazon ~ B&N

~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Click on the banner below to follow the tour and comment.

The more you comment, the more chances to win!

~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

It’s Release Day for Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Posted: July 29, 2014 in Dark Fantasy, Excerpt, horror, Release day, Series, Western
Tags: Author Michael Hebler, Horror, Legend of the Chupacabra, series, western

The Legend of the Chupacabra is now available! Today is Release Day!

This is the third book in a six book series and the last one to take place in this era. The author will be taking us to new territory as the series continues.

Michael has provided an exciting excerpt from the book and you can click on the link below the book cover for my 5 Star review.

After checking out Michael’s fantastic cover art and learning all about his series, you can find purchase links, news about his upcoming release of the audible books, and catch a fun chuppie video!

Author: Michael Hebler

Style: Series

Theme: Dark Fiction / Horror / Western

Length: 372 pages (print) / 85,500 words

Binding: Perfect bound, digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf ), & audiobook

Retail: $17.95 (print) / $9.99 (audible) / $4.99 (e-book)

Click HERE for my 5 Star Review

~~~~~

chupacabra photo: chupacabra chupacabra.jpg

Synopsis:

Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure, and the futility of their sacrifices, when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy, but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.

Earlier this year, Hebler’s first volume in his Chupacabra Series, Night of the Chupacabra, earned him top honors in the category of “Horror” from the National Indie Excellence Awards. The NIEA was founded by Ellen Reid, the current President and CEO. Reid comments, “The awards celebrate the best of books in print, and represent a diverse group of first-time authors and seasoned authors.” Hebler was extremely honored to have received such extraordinary recognition for a story that had lived within his mind and heart for 20 years before its 2012 release.

In reference to Legend of the Chupacabra, Hebler hopes his fans and readers will enjoy their reunion with Jessie and Suzanne. There is no shortage of action, mystery, humor, drama, romance, or, of course, horror. And as usual, there are surprises around every turn. “I’m especially excited about including a little piece of Oregon’s scandalous history with the Portland underground,” states Hebler. “I think that particular element rivals the callousness of the chupacabra itself and examines the similarities between monster and man.”

In addition to the release of Legend of the Chupacabra in trade paperback and eBook on July 29, 2014, Hebler will also release an audiobook of his reading, which will accompany the release of the audiobooks of the first two series novels, Night of the Chupacabra and Curse of the Chupacabra.

~~~~

EXCERPT:

Blood poured out of the chief’s wound, cueing the squaws to form a ceremonious line at Eagle Claw’s feet. With their jars ready, each dancing warrior paired with a woman. It was Raven Child and Mighty Wind who were the first to concoct the sacrificial mixture. Raven Child caught Eagle Claw’s blood with her jar, while Mighty Wind poured the mountain goat’s blood out of the beast’s skull into the same, creating a broth that Eagle Claw lifted into the air, once ready. He presented the bequest to the spirits, calling the goat spirit forth with the offering of its own powers of agility and energy joined with his powers as chief, and then spouted, “Goat, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”

Eagle Claw took a sip from the jar and swallowed. He, then, poured the rest of the contents into the fire.

Storm Cloud stood at the edge of the platform. He gazed down at the flames still flipping about as the burning mixture sizzled and sparked.

With bated breath, everybody watched to see if the goat spirit had been properly deceived. Eagle Claw did exactly as instructed by Atraco. The Pniese’s instructions were to simply ask the spirits for their wisdom and protection; making sure to keep all truth from them. Deceit from a heart filled with rage and hatred was the only way to conjure revenge; the requests for help needing to be as treacherous as the act of revenge itself. The one responsible for Loud Fire’s death would suffer mercilessly before dying.

The strength of the fire changed; the flames whipped about like a blistering weapon, and the escaping smoke blackened. It was happening; the goat spirit had been fooled into accepting the offering.

Storm Cloud continued to gaze over the edge as the thick smoke began to take the shape of a mountain goat. It rose into the air–as common smoke would–but gave the illusion of the goat charging towards him. Once he and the entity met, Storm Cloud took a deep breath and inhaled the smoldering spirit. The moment the possessed fumes filled his lungs, it took every ounce of self-restraint to suppress his urge to cough, but Atraco had warned him ahead of time of this egregious mistake as it would release the spirit back into the universe, never to return. He only needed to wait a short time before the smoke spirit would find its path and seep into his body like a cancer; and the old Pniese had been right. He could feel his need subside as the spirit began to take control.

The moment the smoke spirit had been born, the black stallion became restless. He and Tree Cradle had lived most of their years together, and she thought of Black Wild as family, as he did the same of her. So it was with considerable ease that she was able to calm her four-legged brother by stroking his elongated nose and looking him in the eye to let him know all would be fine.

Tree Cradle twisted her head back to the ritual, saw that the smoke spirit was gone, and Storm Cloud’s body was beginning to relax. She wondered if Black Wild would continue to listen to her when the next eight spirits were called.

Water Stone and Talking Bear were next. As before, Eagle Claw’s blood seeped into the jar while Talking Bear poured the blood from his bear’s head.

Eagle Claw lifted the jar containing the powers of defense and transformation, calling to the bear spirit, “Bear, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”

He swallowed a single mouthful of the blood mixture then threw the remainder into the fire. Again, the blood spoke as it burned and the waves of the flames grew more intense.

Storm Cloud readied himself, now with the understanding of what was to come next should the bear spirit accept the offering.

It did.

The flames released another cloud of smoke that transformed into an earthly bear. Once more, the spirit rose towards the sky, charging at Storm Cloud as though he were its prey, only to be sucked into the young man’s body with one long breath.

Tree Cradle had guessed correctly; Black Wild did not like the bear spirit’s summoning, and he had not been as easy to tame the second time, but they both would have to endure since they were bound and could not leave. Each had a purpose for being there, as the wandering shaman had previously inculcated.

~~~~

For all of you who like audio books, great news!

Michael has a tentative release date of Sunday, August 10th for all three chupacabra books. And he’s priced them at a steal for around $10 each. So keep on the lookout.

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Booksamillion

~~~~

Author Michael Hebler

Born in the early 1970′s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and a homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by becoming an actor. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. However, creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community for Meals on Wheels, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.

To date, Michael’s publications include Chupacabra Series Novels, “Night of the Chupacabra,” “Curse of the Chupacabra,” and now “Legend of the Chupacabra,” the first three of his six-part series, as well as his first publication, “The Night After Christmas,” a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael also authored the micro story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra,” (currently unavailable) preceding the events of Book I, and will release his first novella, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” on October 7, 2014. [Ghost] is a spiritual story placing the popular Dickens character in the center of its own afterlife, and life, while aiding a woman’s complicated past.

CONTACT DETAILS

Email ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog

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Fun short chupacabra footage.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler ~ My Review and the Winners Announcement

Posted: July 17, 2014 in Creatures, horror, reviews, Series, Western, Winners!
Tags: Author Michael Hebler, Legend of the Chupacabra, series, western horror

The “Legend “of the chupacabra continues

Press Release

Newport Beach, CA

– June 14, 2014 – On July 29, 2014, dark fiction author, Michael Hebler will release the latest installment in his Chupacabra Series. Legend of the Chupacabra, Book III in his 6-part series, is the final chapter of an independent trilogy before the narrative of the infamous “goat-sucker” transitions into new and thrilling territory.

Author: Michael Hebler

Style: Series

Theme: Dark Fiction / Horror / Western

Length: 372 pages (print) / 85,500 words

Binding: Perfect bound, digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf ), & audiobook

Retail: $17.95 (print & audiobook) / $4.99 (e-book)

MY REVIEW

In this third book in the Chupacabra series, you once again follow Suzanne and Jessie . It’s been six years since they killed the chupacabra and broke the curse. Or did they?

Suzanne seems to be settling down in Portland, believing things will be better now. Jessie, on the other hand, is her own worst enemy. She’s as sassy and quick to fly off the handle as ever. Even though she works in a rough and tumble saloon, she’s still expected to cater to the customers and is often mistaken for something other than a server, and she makes the poor sap pay for that mistake, often painfully.

The owner would like her to be more than a server, the bartender creeps her out with his puppy dog drooling, and a handsome young stranger sets her nerves on edge. He seems to enjoy it when she fights of the groping hands and off-color comments of the patrons. Just who is he?

It isn’t noticeable at first, the men disappearing, because they’re strangers. But then some local men disappear too and this sets off Jessie’s radar. Could it be the chupacabra? Did they kill it? Is it another one? Or is it something else?

The author excels at putting his characters in new and stranger situations. There are some new nasty characters to despise, which I always like, as they can be used as fodder for the chupacabra. But the chup isn’t selective, and likes his blood from good or evil people.

Maturing his characters, having their personalities change after each new encounter with the chupacabra, is another area Michael excels at. Especially with Jessie, as she’s gone from a young girl to a young woman. He did leave her as feisty and fearless as before, allowing me to savor her victories, worry when she lands in tight spots, and hope she’ll finally let someone get close to her.

Even the chupacabra is different, like it’s evolved, become even more evil and cunning. It likes to play with its food, and it’s always hungry. Which gives you some excellent scenes of bloody mayhem.

I was attracted to this series because of the chupacabra. Curious about the legend, and of course, its bloody path through the book.. Then I became attached to the characters and, with each new book, I looked forward to seeing what new mystery the author put them in. What, besides the chupacabra, they had to deal with.

It’s never dull, no stumbling through slow parts, as there aren’t any, and Legend of the Chupacabra leaves you hungry for more. Just like the chupacabra.

5 STARS

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chupacabra photo: chupacabra chupacabra.jpg

Synopsis:

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snoopy dancing photo: dancing snoopy dancingsnoopy.jpg

This is my favorite part!

It’s time to announce the winners!

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For the giveaway of The Chupacabra Series

by Michael Hebler

1 Grand Prize: signed copy of [Legend] print (US only)
1 First: e-books of all three Chupacabra Series novels (Night, Curse, and Legend) (Worldwide)
3 Runners-Up: e-book of [Legend] (Worldwide)

The Grand Prize Winner is : Audrey

The First Place Winner is : Candi

The Three Runners-up are :

Justin

Robin

Jessica

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And now a word from Michael

Thank you everyone for taking a moment to enter the “Legend of the Chupacabra” giveaway, and a “congratulations” to the winners. It is such a comfort to know that there are so many like-minded readers. There is no greater joy for an author than having his/her work read, and I am comfortable in speaking for all authors to say that your support is appreciated beyond any words we can write. We are your servants. As for my series, three more volumes are in the works, and scheduled to release one year apart. I hope to see you back then. Enjoy reading the Chupacabra Series even more than I enjoyed writing it.

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Congratulations!

Winners have been notified.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

I do love reading them and hope you continue to visit fuonlyknew!

Thanks so much to Michael Hebler for his wonderful books!

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Other books in the series.

“Night of the Chupacabra” was announced as Best Horror at the 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards.

Click HERE for my review.

There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread since anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account.

In the Chupacabra Series, a vampire-like, cryptozoological creature (which literally translates to “goat-sucker”) takes a supporting role to a cast of memorable characters who struggle to survive while finding their place in developing America. Currently slated for six books, the Chupacabra Series echoes strong family themes and the sacrifices required for that nature of love; and while some characters do survive long enough to make it through multiple novels, each volume will host a different protagonist to lead the reader through its continuing journey.

Amazon / B&N

Click HERE for my review.

They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

Amazon / B&N

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Author Michael Hebler

CONTACT DETAILS

Email ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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