We're lucky today to have author Shyla Colt in the house to answer our fave three questions. Here we go!
SC: Tell me a little
bit about your main character of this book.
Author SC: Nakeeta
Alva is a witch with a dark past. Kind, but guarded, and fiercely independent,
she’s blindsided by the truth about her lineage, and the role she’ll play in
saving the world. The thirty-something makes a living running a metaphysical
shop where she reads fortunes, gives spiritual guidance, and sells metaphysical
goods. The daughter of a witch from New Orleans, and a Native American Shaman,
she has a colorful heritage and interesting traditions.
SC: I think I want to
visit her stop. Do you believe in the paranormal and if so, do you have an
experience you can share?
Author SC: I
absolutely believe in the paranormal.
SC: What titles are
you working on now that you can tell us about?
Author SC: I’m
working on the follow up to Bad Blood, Bad Moon. Joss has spent most of her life with the
White Creek pack, bound by duty, and forced to play a role she doesn’t believe
in to keep her mother safe. When she discovers
SC: Thanks for stopping by today. Let's take a look at your
novel now.
Bad Blood
Bad Duology
Book One
Shyla Colt
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Date of Publication: 9/28
ASIN: B07G6TPBZ4
Number of pages: 230
Word Count: 53,317
Cover Artist: Dreams 2 Media
Tagline: He saved her life, and stole her Freedom
Book Description:
A reluctant knight
A magical descendent
A race against time
A freak accident thrusts Nakeeta Alva into a dangerous world of secrets, ancient spells, and a legacy she never wanted. The last in a magical line, she’s tasked with restoring the balance to a supernatural world poised for ruin.
Tasked with the care of their savior, Crewe’s main focus is survival. Used to giving orders, the knight isn’t prepared for the sassy witch’s mouth or her lure. The powerful woman reminded him of his humanity and challenged his beliefs.
Keeping her safe is his mission, but the real danger may be losing his heart.
Together, they will save the world … or die trying.
Amazon
Excerpt
1:
The crack of
thunder, proceeded by a bright flash of lighting, drew her attention from the
words that swam on the yellowed pages in front of her. Her skin prickled. Hairs
begin to rise, and she shifted in her
seat. “This storm is wrong.” She
whispered. There was power building up behind the
weather or perhaps causing it.
She stood and walked from the table, pressing
her nose to the cold glass like a child. “Who knows we’re here?” Nervous energy
added to her anxiety. Clouds raced over the sky, blocking out the full moon. A
slash of lighting exploded, turning the clouds an eerie neon green. Swirling
fog crept over the grounds.
“Wrong in what
way?” Crewe joined her to watch the abnormal display.
“It’s unnatural?
Can’t you feel it?” She opened their link, letting her emotions bleed into his.
He tensed. “Are
we under attack?”
“I’m not sure.”
The words felt like a lie. People didn’t work this kind of magic for shits and
giggles.
“I’m not taking
a chance. Let’s get to a more secure location.”
She smiled
sadly. “There’s no place you can hide
from magic. It’s specific like that. Standing your ground, and hoping you have
enough magic to equal or overpower the
other person is all you have. Focus. This is no novice.” Lighting struck the
ground close to the castle. She twitched. It struck again closer, turning up
the ground. A wind tunnel began to form. The base as dark as night.
“They’re calling
me out.”
“Who?”
The evil feeling
of black magic crawled up her spine. She knew the signature well.
“Genevieve. The
Priestess.”
“Can you defeat
her?”
“Before? No.
Now.” She shrugged. “It’s hard to say. Why are you looking for me?”
“She must know
who you truly are.”
“If she did. She
never would’ve let me go.” She rubbed her arms to counter the chill setting in.
“How did you
escape her the first time?”
She bowed her
head. “I found a suitable replacement. I seduced a witch with latent powers,
gave her a place to belong, and showed her all the pretty things that came
along with the coven. Once, she was hooked, I was freed.” Her throat swelled.
“I’m not proud of what I did—.”
“But we all do
what we must to survive.”
Saline blurred
her vision as she nodded. A boom went off directly above the house. The rumble
seemed to shake the ground.
“She won’t
stop.”
“You can’t mean
to go out there.”
“I have to.” Her
gut pulled her toward the front door. She turned, and the hem of her deep pink
dress skimmed her toes. Better to remain barefoot, so she could tap into the earth's energy. Unlike tears before, she
felt no fear. Calm descended over her as she made the long trek through the
castle at a leisurely pace. Let her wait.
She no longer owns you. The voice inside
enhanced her confidence and helped snap
the lingering chains that held her tight to the way things once were. Once
you’d given your submission to a person, it was hard as hell to take it back
completely.
Crewe trailed
behind her, brooding and apprehensive. It wasn’t in his blood to remain on the
sidelines. He wanted to be in the thick of it, defending her. Her heart
swelled. They reached the front door, and she turned to face him. Placing her
hands on his chest, she looked up. “I
know you’ll want to help, but this fight is mine.”
“If you’re
hurt—.”
“All I’m asking
you to do is be backup. Not the front line.”
His jaw
clenched, and he nodded. He brought his
hand up to his wrist, sank his fangs in and brought it to her lips. “Drink.”
She latched on
to the sweet nectar and sucked it down in greedy mouthfuls. His power charged
her like a battery. The wound healed and
she pulled back, licking her lips. Centering herself, she used her power to
push the heavy door open and stepped into the howling winds, head held high.
Her feet padded along the wet stone as she moved toward the grassy knoll where
a figure stood in a black dress, shrouded by darkness. She knew all the
intimidation tactics, so she dismissed them. Genevie might be using the same
old tricks, but she had a new bag of them to unleash.
Shield lifted, she flinched at the lighting strikes raining
down on either side of her. The ground shook under the onslaught. She stumbled
as the earth rocked, but never fell. Using her newly gained speed, would be giving away her hand. For now,
she’d play the role to gather as much information as possible. Genevie threw
back her hood and scowled. Her slender oval-shaped face was every bit as
flawless as she remembered. No wrinkle dare mare her forehead or around her
deepest black eyes. Full lips painted black turned down. Her eyebrows drew
together as she looked at her with disgust.
“What do you
want Genevie? Our business was concluded long ago.”
“And yet, I hear
you of all the beings on this planet are the key to a revolution. I knew I
shouldn’t have let you go. Of course,
once I have your blood, there’s nowhere
you could hide that I wouldn’t find you.”
“Here I stand in
plain sight.” Keeta held up her arms.
“Do you think
your vampire will help you?”
She smirked. “I
don’t need him.”
Genevie blinked.
“Bold. Have you forgotten who I am?”
“No. I’ve
discovered who I am.”
“This is our
chance to rule. The vampires are unstable. Soon the wolves will turn on one
another to determine pack hierarchy. It’s the opening we’ve been waiting for.
Humans will be the ones to hide in the shadows.”
“And you think
witches, who mostly strive to keep the balance will be on board for this? The
darkness needs the light to exist. What do you suppose would happen if you
removed one?”
About the Author:
Shyla Colt is the sassy USA Today Bestselling author of the popular series Kings of Chaos and Dueling Devils M.C. This genre-hoppers stories feature three of her favorite things: strong females, pop culture, and alternate routes to happy ever after. Listening to her Romani soul, she pens from the heart, allowing the dynamic characters, eccentric interests, and travels as a former flight attendant to take her down untraveled roads.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, this mid-west girl is proud of her roots. She used her hometown and the surrounding areas as a backdrop for a number of books. So, if you're a Buckeye, keep an eye out for familiar places.
As a full-time writer, stay at home mother, and wife, there's never a dull moment in her household.
She weaves her tales in spare moments and the evenings with a cup of coffee or tea at her side and the characters in her head for company.
You can interact with Shyla Colt online
Website: www.shylacolt.net
Twitter: @shylacolt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shylacolt/
Good Morning! Thank you for the book description.These tours are great and we have found some terrific books so thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you for interviewing me. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying them, James. Drop by any time Shyla!
ReplyDelete