Saturday, February 16, 2013

VBT: Review, Giveaway, and Interview with Traci Douglass author of Seal of Destiny



The author of Seal of Destiny, Traci Douglass, has graciously answered some questions for us. Here is what she had to say:

Out of all the books you've written, if you could live in one of them which would it be and why? Well, since Seal Of Destiny is my first book, my choices are limited. LOL. Actually, I’d love to hang out with all my Scion boys. How fun would that be?!  :-) My bad. I didn't realize you were a newbie! lol!

In what scenario do you do your best work? When I’m writing, I work best without distractions. I use the third bedroom in my house for an office. I close the door, put in my headphones, and zone out into my own little universe.

What are you working on and when can we expect it to be out? Right now, I’m editing the third book in the Seven Seals series and writing the fourth. The second book in the series has already been contracted by Crimson Romance and will be released May 2013.

Which books have been on your tbr shelf the longest? I’ve been reading the classics for an MFA class I’m taking, so Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre are on there right now. Also the Pirates Next Door series by Jennifer Ashley and Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series.

Paper or plastic? Neither. I bring my own bags. 

What food can't you live without? Chocolate.

Inside or outside? Inside.

Ice cream in a cone or dish? Cone. LOVE waffle cones!

What is your favorite sport? Gymnastics.

What is your favorite or least favorite veggie and fruit? Veggie –lima beans. Fruit – don’t have one. lol! Talk about evasive.

What is your favorite animal? Penguins. Or Hedgehogs. So cute! 

What is your biggest pet peeve? Rude people.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your site! Fun stuff! 


About the Author: 

Traci is the author of paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.

A storyteller since childhood, she began putting her tales down on paper in November 2011 after the idea for the Seven Seals Series occurred to her in a dream. She finished the first draft of what was to become Seal of Destiny in one month and decided to pursue a full-time writing career in January of 2012. Life has now been a rollercoaster, crash course in pursuing your dreams.

Traci is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of Seal of Destiny won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.

Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series and a new futuristic detective series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.

Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter 


Title: Seal Of Destiny

Seven Seals Series Book One

Author: Traci Douglass

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Number of pages: 263

Word Count: 70,000


Book Description:


Love conquers all… but can it stop the Apocalypse?

Mira Herald is having the worst life ever. Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction. To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.

Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.

The rogue minion attacks—with the backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire. Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they ever knew.

Will love save the day? The world’s fate depends on the answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is an excerpt for you to enjoy:

“Basta!” Kagan grabbed her by the arm and twisted slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to let her know he meant business as he directed her to a corner booth. He ignored the half-full beverages and coats scattered on the seats and shoved Mira into the confined space. When the booth’s original owners took issue with his hostile takeover, Kagan dispatched them with a lethal glare. He wasn’t sure where the girl had gotten the idea his mind was damaged, but he was damn sure he didn’t like it. He moved in behind her to block her escape.

“Oh, hell, no!” After several unsuccessful strikes to his muscled physique, Mira tried to slide out beneath the table. The angle proved too awkward. Defeated, she shoved as far away as she could into the corner and propped those killer boots on the seat in front of her in warning. “You better let me out of here, asshole, before I call the cops! I caught you stalking me, pervert!”

Kagan took a deep breath. He never lost his cool in battle, and he wasn’t about to start now. “Pervert? You’re of age, si?”

Mira glared. Kagan ticked through their earlier interactions, searching for a reason behind her intense hostility. His preternatural instincts sensed her intention before her hand reached his carotid. He blocked her quickly, locking her small hand within his and forcing it to the table beneath his own. Her pulse raced against his palm. He took another swig of beer then flashed his most endearing grin. “Let’s start over.” He released his bottle and extended his hand. “I’m Kagan.”

She refused to acquiesce. Kagan spoke in quiet tones meant to calm, to reassure. “I know I’m a stranger, but we have things to discuss.” He glanced around the crowded club, at the bodies packed tight. “We can’t do it here, though—no privacy. My apartment is close. Why don’t we go there and talk?”

Mira kicked him hard in the thigh.

“Merda!” Kagan grabbed his throbbing leg. “What’s in those damn boots? Marble?”

“Let me out of here, jackass, before I sideline your baby-maker!” Mira struggled within the tight confines of the booth. As she squirmed, the spicy scent of her shampoo wafted, and he was overcome with the strangest urge to plunge his hands into the riotous mass of her hair, to feel it curl around his fingers. She tugged on the hand pinned beneath his, and his thumb traced over her thudding veins. His heart pounding along with hers. The odd tingle sped through his torso, and his mouth turned to cotton. Her gaze blazed up at him, a swirling mix of green and golden brown. He noted the dark smudges below and wondered what kept her from slumber.

Dolce Cristo! Kagan looked away, fought for control. This was getting way out of hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bedded a woman, but apparently it had been far too long.


My thoughts:

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book but the blurb sounded good so I wanted to give it a try. I'm glad I did. :-)

Seal of Destiny was an action packed adventure with plenty of romance mixed in.

There is something to be said for a warrior who speaks Italian. ;-) I enjoyed getting to know the characters of this book and I look forward to reading more about them as this series progresses.

I received a copy of this book from Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion. I honestly enjoyed it.


Leave a question or comment for Traci or tell me your answer to one of the questions I asked her.


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I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!

21 comments:

  1. It seems to me that both characters will fight a lot before trusting each other^^ and that's fun. Look like a good book and it's probably the quality of it that made you forget it was a debut book^^ ( so promising)

    i also took my own bags to do the shopping ( or it would be plastic because there is no paperbags here)

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    1. Thanks, Miki! Hope you read and enjoy the book! :)

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    2. Really, no paper bags? I am always amazed. lol!

      And yes, maybe that is why I forgot that it was a debut.

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  2. It sounds great. I loved your review.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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  3. OO Sounds like a great read! I have to agree with Miki. I think that there will be tension between them then they will build trust. Thanks for sharing!
    -Amber
    goodblinknpark(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  4. Thanks so much for having me on your blog today! :)

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    1. You are totally welcome. Thank you for taking the time to interact with the commenters. :-) I appreciate it.

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  5. +JMJ+

    You know, Brenda, if you had asked me the "Paper or Plastic?" question before I read any of your interviews, I would have said, "Plastic. I feel safer carrying my debit card rather than a billfold full of cash." =P To this day, I blink a little whenever I see it and have to process the answer to it. LOL! But I love Traci's answer, too. =) As much as possible, I bring my own bags when shopping. I really think it's better for the environment.

    The story sounds interesting. Mira sounds like the sort who would rather face down an earthquake than stand down, so there will probably be a lot of friction between her and Kagan. =)

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    1. Ha! Enbrethiliel, I didn't realize you were a comedian. lol!

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  6. The description and excerpt definitely have me wanting to know more. I love a book with a strong heroine that gives the hero a run for his money. I can only imagine how the tension between them will progress through the book. I also have to agree, that a hero who speaks Italian is darn sexy ;) I've only read a few series similar to this one, with the angels and the prevention of Armageddon. They were really good, so I'm interested to see how this one measures up.

    Thanks for sharing with us today!

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  7. Penguins and chocolate. I like you already!

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  8. One of my pet peeves is obvious grammar mistakes, the ones that make me think, how the heck did they miss that? Also, extremely hypocritical people. Yes, I believe that everyone can be a bit of a hypocrite at times, even me, but I hate when people are huge hypocrites constantly.

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  9. Ooh this book sounds really good :)
    As to your question about what you can't live without I have to agree chocolate is a keeper. I don't care for Lima beans and never have- texture thing, I think. And I also don't like rude people especially since I've worked in the public.

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  11. I like action packed books! I will have to check this out. I like the sound of the description! Thanks for sharing the excerpt and author interview as well!

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