Hi guys, we have M.A. Church popping in today with the tour for her upcoming release Behind the Eight Ball, we ask M.A. a couple of questions, we have a great excerpt, there’s a brilliant giveaway and we have Cat’s pre-release review, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Behind the Eight Ball
M.A. Church
A cool morning, a yard full of birds, and a kitty on a mission. What more could a werecat want? Beta Heller Wirth has it all, except a mate—a shifter mate, that is. The last thing he wants is one of those dangerous humans who kill without remorse. Heller knows about that firsthand. So what does the goddess Bast do? She gives Heller exactly what he does not want—a human: business owner Lawson Dupre.
Lawson hasn’t a clue what just happened in his car detail shop. One minute a cute client is about to pass out, then he perks up and starts flirting. Next thing, he runs out the door like the hounds of hell are after him. Learning that Heller is a werecat doesn’t freak out Lawson. He happens to be one of those rare humans who knows paranormals exists. He even lives with one. Watch the fur fly as Heller and Lawson battle hurt feelings, misguided beliefs, and a power shift in Heller’s clowder.
Excerpt
Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing M.A. Church author of Behind the Eight Ball. Hi Michelle, thank you for agreeing to this interview.
Why do you write?
I guess there are all sorts of answers to that, but my answer is because I enjoy it. Yes, there are times it’s stressful. There are times I want to beat my head against the keyboard. There are even times I walk away from the computer because I’m so frustrated.
But when the words flow and I’m in the zone, the process can be truly rewarding. A sense of accomplishment is truly something else. And when things are going good, I enjoy weaving an interesting story.
Which of your books was the most difficult to write?
Hmm, I would have to say my Bad Boy series. It’s dark, and somewhat twisted. There are no good guys, only degrees of less evil. It really is outside of what I normally write, and it was hard for me. I struggled with it at times. And since I wrote that, I haven’t written anything else that was as dark.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
Well, the first thing that comes to mind about Heller is the fact that he’s a shifter. That makes him pretty special, lol. He’s a pretty complicated fella. He is a diva, yes, but there’s more to him than just the need for attention. When you get through all the layers, Heller really is a sweet guy who only wants to be loved. *grin* You just have to get to that part.
How much research do you do for your books?
I always research my books, but I end up doing more for certain books. I tend to spend a lot of time researching folklore. I also spent a lot of time trying to figure out all sorts of things like how certain weapons work, the geography of some areas, weather in areas, entertainment offered in certain cities, and so on. Even if I’m writing sci-fi or paranormal, most of my stories tend to take place in present-day, so there’s that contemporary edge to the stories that needs to make sense to the reader.
Who designs your covers?
The majority of my books are with Dreamspinner, so my covers have been designed by them. Paul Richmond designed the covers for the Fur, Felines, and Fangs series. L.C. Chase designed the Leap of Faith series and the Moonlit series, and finally Catt Ford designed to The God series.
Excerpt
Step.
Step.
Stop.
The rustling of dead leaves caught my attention, and I froze with one paw still in the air. Not moving and barely daring to breathe, I waited. My whiskers twitched as a cool October breeze disturbed the scent of decaying leaves and rich soil. The foliage trembled again as something rooted around.
I slowly lowered my paw. The disturbance wasn’t very noticeable except to my predatory gaze. The movement continued. Gradually, bit by bit, I crept forward, making sure my long fur didn’t disturb the surrounding mounds of dying leaves. It was times like these I wished my coat were short like Dolf’s. One thing was for sure—whatever was below those leaves was going to be mine shortly. All I needed was to cover a little more distance and I’d be close enough.
Step.
Step.
Crouch.
Heart thumping, I watched as the movement continued. My muscles tightened and my bottom started wiggling. Unable to wait, I sprang forward, claws extended. Leaves flew into the air as I landed on my target. Bugs scattered. Eyes narrowed, I searched for…. There! There was the little bugger. I growled at the big black beetle and trapped it with my paw.
Seconds passed. The bug wiggled under my paw, tickling me. Hunched down, I carefully lifted my paw and peeked. Dammit, can’t see. Unable to get a good look, I lifted my paw a little higher… and there it went, scuttling across the ground. Gleefully I slammed a paw down, trying to trap it. Slap. Slap. Slap. Arrgh! What’s the deal? I keep missing.
Looked like I’d found myself in a game of whack-a-mole, except with a beetle. And off we went. The bug scurried away with me hot on its trail. Every time I thought I had a paw on it, I ended up missing. Stupid critter was fast. I bounded along behind as it raced across the ground. Then it suddenly cut back and ran straight under me.
Surprised, I leaped in the air, all four paws coming off the ground. Whoa! Zigged when I should have zagged. I landed and nonchalantly licked a paw. Hope no one saw that. I had to give the bug credit. That was a smart move. The shrill cry of a mockingbird caught my attention. I lifted my head, searching for the little tattletale.
Up in a tree it sat, its warning cries echoing around the yard. I eyed the tree. Hmm, I could climb it, but the stupid bird will probably just take off. Still, might be fun. Maybe after I finished playing with the bug… and damn. The bug.
My attention returned to where it had been, my tail slashing. Great. Lost it. Stupid bird. I sat up and threw a glare over my shoulder at the bird. Standing, I turned my back to the little menace, tail held high. That’s what I think of you, buddy. I prowled around for a while, sniffing, enjoying the coolness of the morning.
In the early morning sunlight, the dew on the grass sparkled like diamonds. Maybe it was pretty, but the stuff was also cold and wet against my paws. I was glad for my fur. As I wandered back toward the house, my stomach growled. I was hungry and… I sniffed. Oh, was that a blue jay I smelled? Oh, oh, a blue jay. Yum.
The human side of me groaned, but the kitty part wanted to jump with joy. The noisy little shits were actually quite intelligent. Catching one was always a feat. Quick as I could, I hid in the bright fall foliage by the back porch. I stayed very, very still so the stupid bird three feet from me didn’t fly off in a panic.
I licked my lips, my whiskers twitching as I watched the little rascal across from me raise its head. Shit, shit, shit. What caught its attention? Come on already. It’s all fine, nothing to worry about here. No cat hanging around. Just go back to pecking around on the ground. Everything’s good. See? I’m not moving, not even breathing.
Crouched low, I waited while my breakfast relaxed and returned to looking for acorns. Other birds came and went, but I refused to get distracted. I knew the one I wanted. Inch by agonizing inch, I crept closer to my prey. My mouth watered and my heart thumped.
The chatter of the birds around me was easy and relaxed, no distress calls sounding. That’s right. Just keep on eating. Soon I’m going to be eating you. My body tensed, back legs ready to spring me into action….
And the phone in the house rang.
About M.A.
M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!
When not writing, she’s exploring the latest M/M novel to hit the market, watching her beloved Steelers, or sitting glued to HGTV. That’s if she’s not on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two children.
She was a finalist in the Rainbow awards for 2013 and is a member of Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Where to find the author:
Blog * Twitter * Facebook * The Harvest FB fan page * Goodreads * Amazon
Giveaway!
Win a e-copy of Behind the Eight Ball!
M.A. Church Rafflecopter giveaway!
Pre-release Review
Title: Behind the Eight Ball
Series: Fur, Fangs, and Felines 02
Author: M.A. Church
Genre: Erotic Romance, Werewolves, Shapeshifters, Paranormal
Length: Novel (214pgs)
ISBN: 978-1-63476-697-5
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30th October 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: A cool morning, a yard full of birds, and a kitty on a mission. What more could a werecat want? Beta Heller Wirth has it all, except a mate—a shifter mate, that is. The last thing he wants is one of those dangerous humans who kill without remorse. Heller knows about that firsthand. So what does the goddess Bast do? She gives Heller exactly what he does not want—a human: business owner Lawson Dupre.
Lawson hasn’t a clue what just happened in his car detail shop. One minute a cute client is about to pass out, and then he perks up and starts flirting. Next thing, he runs out the door like the hounds of hell are after him. Learning that Heller is a werecat doesn’t freak out Lawson. He happens to be one of those rare humans who knows paranormals exists. He even lives with one. Watch the fur fly as Heller and Lawson battle hurt feelings, misguided beliefs, and a power shift in Heller’s clowder.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7022
Review: This is a great month to grab a new paranormal story. Not all of us like the dark, scary stuff. Here is one that is not dark, has all sorts of unique shifters a little drama, and some hot steamy romance.
The stars of the show–oops– I mean book, are Lawson and Heller. Heller is a werecat and Lawson owns a car detailing company with his two best friends Marshell and Janelle. Heller comes in to pick up his vehicle and smells is mate. He has longed to have what his heir apparent and his two mates have but he fears the Goddess has played a prank on him. What’s the problem? Lawson is human.
There are lots of characters in this book. I liked the uniqueness of what Janelle and Marshell are. And we get to see Dolf, Tal and Kirk again.
I enjoyed the closeness of the characters and thought some of the stuff Heller does as a cat was so funny.
This is part of a series. But you can read this one fine on its own. There is sufficient background so you understand the clowder and what’s going on. I do suggest you read the other book Trouble Comes in Three’s as it is a fun story
If you like werecats, unique shifters, a little mystery, interesting characters, mates, and some hot man-sex this is for you. Oh! Especially if you like cats!
Thanks for having me! 🙂
~M
Congratulations on the new release! I do need to read a book with a cat shifter… As for my favourite cat, it would be an orange European Tabby cat… That’s the breed of my cat, and I just love her. Although, honestly, whatever breed would do. I just love cats 😉
I don’t have a favorite breed but I like back cats with touch of white.
I like the small wild cats, jaguarundi is my favorite