I've Got Exciting News and I Can't Stand It! #HiddenFates #Waylaid #IAMBEINGME

Hi, peeps!

The past months I've been lying low, but not because I was being unproductive. On the contrary, I have been busy as a bee jumping from one WIP to the next, completing several stories that had been in standby mode for some months, and starting + finishing new ones that popped up and wouldn't shut up. I'm sorry, but I can't reveal everything just yet, though I have been dropping hints here and there on my Facebook pages, both under real-life names and of course, the Jo Tannah pen name. (Yes, in case you missed it, this is a pen name, but it's not invented as these are both my nicknames in real life.)

So you're asking yourself, what's happening with this crazy author? 

Well, as I said, busy writing and keeping quiet for a number of reasons. However, there are three books coming out within weeks of each other that I can now talk openly about with you guys. For those who have been following me on my FB pages, you know what these are, but most likely missed out because of all the confusing feeds and absentee notifications that seem to be currently plaguing FB. Hold on, bear with me. 

First, we have my third and final installment to the Hidden Series. This trilogy is made up of three different stories straight out of my journal. I wrote these with the Halloween Season in mind. Three paranormal stories, all based on local lore and urban legends. Next year, I will have a different set to release for the Halloween Season. I'm thinking of making this a seasonal thing, so I'm looking forward to penning more of these haunting, scary stories I grew up with.

Jonathan and Rafe Wilkins-Campbell have just bought their dream home. They thought it was a place they could both settle and enjoy the good life.  

They were wrong. 

Strange things begin to happen during the renovation, inexplicable events that defy logical explanation. When things finally get back to normal, Jonathan and Rafe enjoy getting wrapped up in the chaos of settling into their new home.

However, all is not what it seems and The House on 16th Street and its inhabitants have their own idea of how things should be. Jonathan and Rafe find themselves trapped within it, victims of the house’s every twisted need and they will need every fibre of courage and determination they possess to make it through.

Other Books in the Hidden Series

(Make sure to grab these two over at eXtasy as they're on a month-long Sale so you get to save 30%)

Second, is my short story, WAYLAID. I had written this one last year but never found the right medium to publish it with. Medium being what genre? What category? Part of an anthology? What?

And then eXtasy Books connected and asked for a short story, may or may not be a start or part of a series, paranormal, ready for publication for the GRL in Denver...well, I submitted this and was accepted. The cover is generic because it has been categorized as a themed release, the story, however, is far from generic. 

Release Date: October 22, 2017

The world is in chaos. From the gates of hell come the monsters and beasts that myths and legends are made of.

Caught at the turning point of an alternate reality, two young men’s lives are irrevocably changed.

Waylaid

The Phantom Hunters, Prequel

And finally, we have Being Me Anthology. This one is close to my heart. So if you have the time to check it out, please do. It is for charity and will do a whole lot of good for the young men and women out there who are feeling insecure and uncertain of who or what they are simply because society makes them second-guess themselves. We've all been at that stage one time or another. Let's all share a helping hand and help one another.

Preordering is now available on Amazon and Smashwords. 

At last - a book for everyone! 16 stories by 15 talented writers. The Being Me Campaign Anthology will go live on the 1st November. Get it first by pre-order and support this amazing outreach program. 

84% of young people and 80% of adults have or are suffering from bullying, discrimination or prejudice for simply being who they are. The Being Me Campaign is innovative in their approach to addressing these social issues; they are one of the only charities that does not focus on one specific area. As individuals, the Campaign is made up of many differences, and believe it’s important to have conversations together.

We are all human; we all deserve the same respect, kindness and equality. As a charity, the Being Me Campaign has an open-door policy, so people from all backgrounds and differences may come together to learn about one another, because far more unites us than divides us.

Is that it, you say?

Well, in a word: NO.

I've got several books lines up for release after these three and so far, I've stepped into 2018. This has been a good year for me. It's been prolific and the reception to most of my books have been mind-boggling. I'm constantly amazed by how many readers have come to enjoy my stories. I only hope I can keep up with the bunnies hopping in my head, be fast enough to type out the words and get them out there to be enjoyed.

For now, until November, these three books are sure to keep you entertained. Some of them are sad, some of them are frustrating, some of them are a little scary. In the end, though, they were a joy to write and I'm just glad I was able to put them down.

Have a Happy Halloween Season everyone. I'll see you soon, when the Christmas Season comes knocking.

...and yes. I have the books lined up for release. I'm just not telling when or what titles.

Love you all! Keep safe! Have fun! Enjoy the reads.

#CoverReveal #Waylaid #GRL @eXtasyBooks #mm #paranormal #romance #horror #alternativeuniverse #urbanlegend #ComingSoon

Expected Date of Publication: October 22, 2017

Publisher: EXtasy Books

Caught at the turning point of an alternate reality, two young men’s lives are irrevocably changed.

The world is in chaos. From the gates of hell come the monsters and beasts that myths and legends are made of.

It's my Birthday Week! Massive #Giveaway Hidden: Evils & 2 + 1 Bonus Prizes! #Bestseller #mm #erotic #horror #urban #paranormal #extasybookssale

The month of July is my birthday month. I find it simply amazing that my publisher, eXtasy Books, would hold an awesome book sale this summer. The good news didn't stop there. Hidden: Evils, made it to the house bestseller list (I thank my readers for this as I could never get there without you guys) and on July 20th, the first co-authored book I'm involved in is releasing. The Lemonade Stand is written with good friend, Ann Mickan. It is a contemporary, erotic romance where two gorgeous young men fall in love and may have just found their forever loves. 

The end of July, the 31st to be exact, is my birthday. So why not, I thought, celebrate this with a massive THANK YOU! to my readers and fans. I've got eBooks to giveaway, Hidden: Evils, The Way You Look Tonight and What A Difference A Day Makes. PLUS! A secret title which cover, title, and blurb I have not revealed yet. 

The only caveat to this giveaway is that you have to sign up for an Account with eXtasy Books to claim the prizes. 

This is my weeklong birthday bash - well, it's almost two weeks really, but I don't care, it's my party -and you're all invited to join the fun times with me.

Without you, I wouldn't be here. Thank you again guys, and enjoy!

Deleted Scene: Hidden: Evils :::: What really happened to Myla O'Brian? #mm #erotic #romance #supernatural #paranormal #urban #horror

Macon, Georgia

Squinting into the dark road ahead of her, Myla O’Brian slowed down the car. There was something sitting there in the middle of the road and the headlights were reflecting off something, turning whatever it was into an eerie, glowing red. Suddenly frightened, Myla punched her foot onto the accelerator, unwilling to risk herself on anything for the sake of morbid curiosity.

As her car passed beside the object on the road, she could barely see a crouching figure. It was just a glimpse, but it was something huge and it had red eyes. In the background, she heard a low thumping sound and before she knew it, it began to mimic the pace of her heartbeat. As her fear intensified, so did her heart rate speed up and the steady thumping increased its speed, making her even more petrified.

Looking into the rearview mirror, she saw the thing had disappeared, but curiously, she could still hear that thumping, beating sound. Pressing her foot harder on the accelerator, she quickly drove through the dark and empty road. Car speed increasing by the minute, she felt her heart rate speed up just as fast, the pumping, stronger. Soon, Myla saw her house ahead and she quickly yanked her steering wheel to the right, directing her car to rush into the driveway, hitting several pots that lined it. Fearful she was experiencing another panic attack, she moved quickly and slamming the door shut as she got out. She focused on her front door visible under the light she kept on when she was not at home. Walking quickly, she nervously looked behind her she but did not see anything beyond the dark avenue that led to her street. The other houses were dark with only their front porch lights left on.

She breathed a sigh of relief when she finally got the front door open and closed it behind her. Panting, breathing harshly, she turned and locked the door, peering into the eyehole to see if that thing, anything, had followed her. When she saw there was nothing in the darkness beyond the broken pots in her driveway, she closed her eyes and leaned her forehead on the door. Straightening, she walked into her house, switching the lights on in every room that she passed. Soon, all the lights in and outside of the house were lit, but she did not feel safe. For some reason, the thumping sound was still there, in her head. She put her hand to her chest and massaged it a bit, feeling her heart thump against her ribcage. As she sat at her kitchen table, she took out her cell to call her husband.

On the third ring, he answered. “Hey sweetheart, it’s late. Are you all right?”

“Jim, I’m scared. I’m really scared. And my heart, I can’t seem to relax and the thumping. It just won’t stop!” she could hear the panic in her voice.

“Honey, what happened? Try to breathe, you know the drill. Breathe in, breathe out. Just listen to my voice. Breathe in, and breathe out.” her husband knew how to calm her, but this

time, somehow, his voice was not helping. The thumping increased even more and now she was developing a headache and she could see red spots whichever she looked.

She was just about to answer her husband, trying to calm herself and keep on breathing when suddenly, the thumping stopped. She could imagine hearing the silence it was overwhelming .

“Myla? Myla? Answer me!” she heard Jim’s voice through the line and hastened to assure him. “Jim? The thumping, it’s stopped.”

“What thumping? Never mind, I am going home right now. Go upstairs and take a bath, which should relax you. Give me fifteen minutes and I’ll be home. Remember, you need to relax. It’s not good for you or the baby.” Jims sounded as if he were moving and before long, Myla heard his car alarm beep.

“I know, I’m sorry Jim. But it was just so strange and I could not control myself. I was so scared.” Myla answered, her hand cradling her swollen belly.

“It’s alright honey, I’ll be home soon. Go upstairs, relax. I will see you in fifteen, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you, Jim. I love you,” she said, smiling as she thought of her husband.

Ending the call, Myla stood and made sure all the windows were locked. She checked outside their home once more through the peephole and windows before going upstairs. As she walked into their bedroom on the second floor, her heart thumped hard suddenly and she paused. Not hearing anything, she shrugged it off as delayed reaction to her mini-panic attack.

Walking into their bathroom, she plugged the tub and ran hot and cold water at the same time, tempering it. She looked at herself in the mirror and proceeded to slather cleansing cream to clear off her make-up before taking off her clothes. Checking the tub, she sprinkled bath crystals and immediately a citrusy scent filled the air. She checked the temperature of the water before turning back to her bedroom. Seeing the window open, she hastened to close it. Looking out into the driveway one last time and seeing it empty, she closed the bSeb sharply with finality before heading back to the bathroom.

Myla sighed as her baby moved within her. Six more weeks, more or less, her doctor had advised. This was their first baby and both she and her husband were very excited to finally meet their baby girl. Running her hand over the stretched skin, she felt the baby give a nice, determined kick. It was painful. Laughing softly and rubbing her belly lightly, she saw the tub had finally filled up. She shut off the water before she settled in, leaning her neck on the folded towel by the edge of the tub and closed her eyes to relax.

* * * *

“Myla? Honey? I’m home!” Jim called as he opened the front door. He had seen the broken pots on the driveway and the crooked way his wife’s car had parked. He shook his head, Myla must have been very stressed, she was usually so meticulous with the care of her home and car.

When no answer came from his wife, he assumed she was still in the bath. Making sure the front door was locked, he checked over the whole of downstairs before finally going up the stairs to their room. It was quiet and empty when he walked in. He saw the bathroom door was slightly open so he walked over and tapped three times on it to warn his wife he was coming in.

* * * *

Across the street, Mrs. O’Neal was startled out of her sleep when she heard a blood-curdling scream coming from outside. Quickly getting out of bed as fast as she could, she roughly pushed at her husband awake beside her, “Scott, call 911. I can hear screaming.”

“What? What?” he sputtered confused at the rough way he been woken from a deep sleep.

“Just call 911 you idiot!” she said sharply, quickly walking to her bedroom window and looking out. Her eyes locked into the house in front of theirs and her heart suddenly beat faster in fear.

“Oh, my God. It’s the O’Brian’s. Myla, oh my God. Scott. Hurry!” she quickly picked up her robe and rushed downstairs. She was through the front door and garden in no time. Not bothering to knock, she opened the O’Brian’s door and rushed up the stairs, following the horrible screams. She was thinking it was Jim. Oh, poor boy!

Scott O’Neal hurriedly picked up his phone and was trying to connect with 911 but was put on hold when it finally connected. “Fuck! Fuck!” he said to no one growing scared by the loud screams coming from across the street. His hand was trembling as he held his phone. He hurried to put on his slippers and slip into his robe, moving to follow his dear wife who was friends with their neighbors. He knew the O’Brian’s, they were a beautiful young couple and expecting their first baby.

Just as he reached his front door, he heard another scream, which sounded much like his wife’s, join the first one. Now two people were screaming and he noted absently the other houses’ lights go on and some of their neighbors were running outside in their robes, some in their skivvies, trying to see where the screams were coming from.

“911, what is your emergency?”

An eXtasy Books Bestseller

Buy Now

Out Now! Hidden: Evils (Hidden Series, Book #1) #mm #erotic #romance #horror #paranormal #urban

Sebastian Torres is a healer and midwife both by trade and by calling. He’s spent the past three years as the only male midwife in a local hospital.
Anthony Craig is intrigued by Sebastian, finding him professional and attractive. He can’t help wondering about something—why Sebastian never dates the same man twice.
When several pregnant women die in maternity wards a few states away, their fetuses missing, the police are baffled at the strange circumstances surrounding their deaths. Could there be a serial killer on the loose?
As the number of deaths escalates, Sebastian suspects a monster of legend, rather than one of the human variety, is responsible. Sebastian knows he’s the only thing standing in evil’s way, but in order to save innocent lives, he must reveal his secret to Anthony. Will Sebastian’s revelation prove too much and drive Anthony away?

eXtasy Books | Amazon | Bookstrand | Google Play | Smashwords | Kobo

The Knockers

***The three hooded dark figures adorning the walls of Santa Eulalia Cathedral, Barcelona had always scared me. I would look at the pictures and shiver in fear, wondering if these were The Knockers, or as in the Philippines Legends we refer to as Kumakatok. These are stories handed down from generation to generation and somehow, they never change. They are portents of death. This short little story is my take on the urban legend. Hope you like it.

THE KNOCKERS

The seconds ticked. Trickles of sweat ran down Ezra’s temple. It made his skin itch, but he dared not move a muscle. One moment of distraction and he could lose Christian. His gaze flicked to the wall clock. As though in slow motion, the long hand moved from ten to eleven, and settled next to the shorthand already beneath twelve. More seconds ticked by, and the hand moved again.

Outside, an owl began to hoot, but Ezra didn’t dare look out. The moment of distraction was all that it took and the hand moved closer to twelve. Ezra felt his heart thunder in his chest. He tightened his hold on Christian’s hand as the sound of wings on flight broke through the dark, silent night.

“Ezra.” Christian’s raspy voice lured Ezra from his silent vigil. With trepidation, he looked into the eyes of his beloved.

“I’m not leaving you alone,” Ezra said. A tear fell on his cheek, followed by another and another.

“You must go, my love.”

“I’m not leaving you alone,” Ezra repeated with vehemence.

“The knockers are coming.”

“They will never take you away from me.”

“There is no stopping them.”

Three knocks on the door stopped whatever words Ezra was going to say. He inched closer to Christian when the door opened. Three hooded figures, one a pretty, young woman and two elderly men stood under the light of the three moons. Ezra crouched low over Christian, sobbing out his fear and anguish into his neck.

Like a tsunami, a whispered word swept through the hut.

Vengeance.

Seconds ticked, the longhand passed the shorthand. The three hooded figures turned their backs on the assassins’ lifeless bodies. Payment accepted. Justice had been served.

Hidden: Evils #Giveaway!

Hidden: Evils, my dark novella about unknown monsters hiding out in the open is going to be release in two days. To celebrate the release, here's a Giveaway you all can enjoy.

Hidden:Evils is finally available for PreOrder! #mm #erotic #supernatural

Check out the excerpt and book trailer below. It's creepy!

Hidden: Evils Coming Sooner Than Expected

So I went off for a bit of vacation and in the departure lounge I received this email from Wayward Ink Publishing with a release date for Hidden: Evils. I panicked!

Mind you, Hidden: Evils is that book in the long lost journal and to be honest, it was a work I never expected anyone to take a chance on or even get published. It is a work I started almost six years ago and waiting all this time meant it was kind of a long shot. Imagine my surprise when I get word it was getting out there, in your hands while I was out on vacation. 

Note: I am still promoting my eXtasy Release: Compelled, my science fiction short. I was still in the middle of making plans for what to shop, where to go, where to have fun, when this information sent me on a tailspin. It was unexpected and I panicked.

The good news is, Lily Velden, WIPs CEO told me to stop and take a deep breath. She asked what I wanted to do. Basically, I grovelled and knelt on my virtual knees to please push the release back.

I know! I know! I'm crazy, right? 

But no, I think I made the right decision.

Hidden: Evils has been a long time in the works and pushing back the date meant I could have more time to deal with the worst of author problems: marketing. I feel this one needs more time to prepare with and thankfully, WIP is the type of publisher that provide the marketing ad pack not expected in others. Which means, I can sit down a bit and relax while I have to deal with the more menial task of asking bloggers, reviewers and promoters to get the book out there.

Title: Hidden: Evils
Expected Date of Publication: May 19, 2016
Cover Reveal Date: May 12, 2016
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing
Genre: MM, romance, erotic, urban legend, fantasy, paranormal

Sebastian Torres is a healer and midwife both by trade and by calling.He’s spent the past three years as the only male midwife in a local hospital.
Anthony Craig is intrigued by Sebastian, finding him professional and attractive;although, he can’t help wondering why Sebastian never dates the same man twice.
When several pregnant women diein maternity wards a few states away, their fetuses missing, the police are baffled at the strange circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Could there be a serial killer on the loose?
As the number of deaths escalates, Sebastian suspects a monster of legend,rather than one of the human variety, is responsible.
Sebastian knows he is the only thing standing in the monster’s way, but in order to save innocent lives he must reveal his secret to Anthony.
Will Sebastian’s revelation prove too much and drive Anthony away?

Someone asked me recently about what tales my father and nannies told that would keep children, me, to the right. That someone asked because all anyone has seen of my works have been sci-fi and contemporary romances. Well, folks, this is the one side of me you'll see more of, the paranormal writer. These stories are erotic and horrifying, as most of the local lore, myths and urban legends from my country. These are stories meant to horrify the children and yet we day in, day out live them. People here truly believe in the supernatural. This is the first of a series of paranormal stories based on local lore I will be penning. It's difficult for most of them, except one or two, almost always involve cannibalism. We have giants and vampires and all sorts of evil animals which I am currently working on other than the sci-fi/fantasy. You'll see more of these works coming from me because I feel more comfortable writing them and I work faster their images in my mind. Of course I will never give up on the contemporary stories. I hope. I think.

Hope you enjoy this one.

Note: If you want to review this book, don't hesitate to connect with me.