Blaze Ignites
Scourge Survivor Series, Book 1
JL Madore
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Date of Publication: April 15, 2013
Number of pages: 318
Word Count: 107,000
Cover Artist: David Wysotski
Blaze Ignites blends strong, clever women and tough, sexy men in a fast paced, volatile cocktail of action, seduction and wicked humour.
"Destiny my ass." Jade Glaster refuses to believe the Fates rule her life. Orphaned after an attack by Scourge soldiers, a young Jade vows never to be powerless again. Once grown and strong, wielding the affinities of fire and healing, Jade protects innocents as an enforcer for her world's elite policing agency—The Talon.
When an emissary mission to reinstate a race of exiled Elves brings Galan into her life, Jade finds herself overwhelmed by new passions, some welcome, some not. Although Galan's antiquated views on women offend her to her heated core, when the Scourge attack his family, she helps him navigate the outside worlds he knows nothing about—the magical Realm of the Fair and, stranger still . . . the modern streets of Toronto.
Through their sensually charged pursuit of justice, Jade discovers that when dealing with the Fates—destiny is never random.
Excerpt:
~ Chapter 1 ~
Gun versus wand.
Lexi and I saw the standoff escalating beyond the crush of half-naked, leather-clad bodies on the dance floor. The patrons of the tavern, human and not, ceased shimmying to the techno-rock of the house band and drew wands and daggers in every direction.
"Let us through people." Raising my palms I called my powers. "Castian, come to me." A surge of arcane energy lifted my hair as my affinity awoke. "Down!" I shielded Lexi and avoided the white-gold energy bolt zinging past our heads. It hit the mirrored wall over the bar, bursting into a shower of sparks and jagged shards.
A shot rang out. Shit.
Magic buzzed and crackled in the air like a bug-light in August. I threw out some heat to part the remaining sea of bodies. Ignoring the sneers of rubberneckers, we pushed through and my sister and I joined the altercation.
A scruffy, brute of a man sporting a bandana stood, gun poised, staring straight into the wand-tip of one of the Academy of Affinities' fifth-year wizardry students.
"Problem, gentlemen?" I asked, easing into their circle.
With shoulders rigid and wand steady, the student, Nash Blackpaw, focused straight ahead. "Jade, this asshole thinks he's dragging my friend back to the Modern Realm."
I assessed the native girl shielded behind his back. She looked shaken but unharmed.
"I don't think," the brute hissed. "This is a family matter. Jade is it?" Pushing down the urge to wipe the amused sneer off the bastard's face I tried to remain professional. "Jade is what friends and students call me. You can call me Blaze. That is my official nom de guerre."
I held up my wrist and revealed my Talon brand. Cold, sharp eyes narrowed on my copper skin as the trademark golden hawk of a Talon enforcer appeared. "Sir, you are armed with intent to do harm on Haven grounds. This entire mountain is a sanctuary. According to Fae law, the girl is welcome to claim refuge here."
"Screw the laws," he spat, shifting the business end of the gun toward me. "Fae laws force our race to live in the Modern Realm—force us to hide who we are as if we're worth less than those fucking humans. The gods won't care about one worthless runaway. Tell your boy here to lower his wand and we're gone."
Catching Lexi's eye, I glanced toward the girl and my sister dissolved into the crowd.
"Again, that would be no." The muzzle of the gun pointed at my chest at an almost point blank range. My skin tingled warm. I pushed back my temper. "I know how you must feel—"
"You know nothing," he snapped, spittle flying. "You are human."
With his full attention on me, I wove more persuasion into my words. "As a Talon enforcer, I ensure the laws of both realms are upheld. You smuggled a gun from the Modern Realm onto sanctuary grounds. There's no chance you're leaving with the girl. The Portal Gates are sealed for summer solstice and you have things to answer for. Your only option here is to lower your weapon."
My suggestion had the barrel wavering. He clutched the grip with both hands and stabilized it. His jaw clenched as his index finger tightened on the trigger. I gave another push of energy and when I thought I was at my limit, I pushed further. Perspiration beaded across his furrowed brow. I held on. Needles of pain ran through my jaw as I clenched my teeth. After another minute, the Glock clattered to the tavern floor.
He lunged.
My feet left the ground as his shoulder caught my cheek. Something solid connected with my ribs and I hit the dance floor in an awkward half-twist. My back connected with the wood plank right before my head bounced. I was still seeing white splotches bursting in front of my eyes when the brute's staggering weight lifted and two Were-lion bouncers took control.
One snatched the weapon and shoved it into the waistband of his jeans. His litter-mate grabbed the guy's thick arms and wrenched them back until I expected to hear the snap of bone. Rumbling like a storm cloud, the pair of Weres cable-tied the guy's hands and signaled to everyone that the show was over.
"And a good night was had by all." Lexi rolled her amethyst eyes and offered me a hand up.
Interview:
Today, we welcome JL Madore to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give her a big Geeky welcome!
I have some questions for you that are writer specific as well as some fun stuff so that we can really get to know the real you. *grin* Plus we will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready to begin?
Writing Specific
1. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.
I hated reading. My whole life. I avoided it, griped when I had to read for school, just plain hated it. It wasn't until I found the Fantasy Romance / Paranormal Romance genre in 2008-2009 that I came alive.2. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Watch hours of series' with the fam. Supernatural, Falling Skies, News Room, The Unit, Glee, Walking Dead… We gather in our upstairs rec-room, close the curtains, turn off the lights and only break for bathroom runs and snacks. It's great family fun.3. How did you choose the genres you write in?
It was easy. I've never really been a fan of the real world (as my husband will confirm). So when I discovered I love all things paranormal and fantasy, it just fit. I never considered any other genres.4. Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?
Absolutely. JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood is the Holy Grail of alpha male warriors and great sex. I also love Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lora Leigh, Suzanne Brockmann . . . and so many others.5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
Actually, I've been very fortunate. There haven't been any scathing comments, but I have been struggling with a comment made by an editor I recently had evaluate a manuscript in progress. Not that it was bad, it just seemed to lock me up a bit. She said to watch that I didn't 'respond with scenes that might distance the reader in the figurative'. I'm still not sure if I do that a lot or not, but I find myself second guessing my instincts right now, which is frustrating.
The best compliment is always when readers ask when the next book is coming because they can't wait to see what happens next. I'm thrilled when readers are drawn in to my story.Fun Stuff
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?
Rhage from the Black Dagger Brotherhood- We could go to TGI Friday's and then he could take me for a walk in the park and a ride in his purple GTO . . . or maybe Vishous and we'd get some takeout at his penthouse, and then . . . or John Matthew . . . I love that guy—Can't decide. I loves me those Brothers.7. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items. What would they be?
• My husband- He's all I really need in life and we wouldn't even care about being stranded.
• My pillow-top mattress- who wants to sleep on a woven mat in the dirt, especially since my hubby's there.
• A bug net for my bed- I lived in a Panamanian rainforest. I can do bugs, tarantulas, scorpions…just not while I'm sleeping thanks.8. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who are they and why?
David Suzuki and Jane Goodall – My whole life I've been obsessed with the environment and how wildlife conservation works into our disposable and consumable world. Those are the two people I admire most for the lifetime of work they've done and the impact they've made.9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
Regular stuff. High proteins, low carbs, sadly not enough treats. We've got digestive issues in the house— different for each person—so, sadly we're on a pretty tight leash in the food department.10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Living In Her Own World Finally Pays Off (I know it's a long one—only a working title…lol)Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Summer
Coffee or Tea? Neither
Cake or Pie? Pie
Car or Truck? Car
Print or Electronic? Print
Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?
*laughs out loud* Wisdom? Me? No. But if I've learned anything from my crazy, pot-pourri life it's that you have to follow your muse. Maybe it leads you somewhere responsible and steady, maybe it takes you to another continent to live in a jungle. Either way, living your life true to your inner-self is the best story you could ever write for yourself. It may suck in the financial department (as my husband often reminds me as he's pulling out his hair) but it's the only way to find out who you truly are.
Book Tour Info:
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:
July 29:
Pembroke Sinclair - Interview
July 30:
Booked & Loaded - Guest Blog
July 31:
Mythical Books - Guest Blog
August 5:
Musings and Ramblings - Interview
August 7:
Books & Other Spells - Interview
Reviewing in Chaos
August 8:
Itara @My midnight fantasies
August 9:
A Writer's Mind - Interview
August 12:
Dalene’s Book Reviews - Review
The Speculative Salon - Review
August 13:
Frankie Blooding's Bookshelf - Guest Blog
August 14:
Kelly P's Blog
August 15:
Wicca Witch 4 Book Blog - Review
Aug 16:
Books & Tales
August 19:
Simply Infatuated - Interview
August 20:
Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews - Interview
August 21:
Faerie Tale Book - Review
August 22:
Fang-tastic Books - Guest Blog
August 23:
Jodie Pierce
August 26:
BookwormBridgette's World - Interview
Author Bio:
Almost four years later, after dozens of workshops, reading hundreds of books, joining a writing community and two critique groups, I've won two writing scholarships and believe I've got a handle on what I’m trying to say and the voice with which I want to say it.
Currently, I am working on the five book Scourge Survivor Series as well as a darker, erotic/romance paranormal series currently called Watchers of the Grey.
To connect with the author online:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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