INDIE SUMMER BLOG EVENT ~ Interview & Excerpt + Giveaway! ~ Witch Hearts by Liz Long

Witch Hearts

by Liz Long

BOOK BLURB

How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells?

Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend.

If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.

WITH LIZ LONG

WITCH HEARTS AUTHOR

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

I will always go for Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Heaven in a pint!

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

On days I have to go to work, I settle for cereal. But this summer I’ve been living off bacon and garden tomato biscuits on the weekends. Holy yum.

Night owl, or early bird?

Total night owl. I don’t do “morning” so my best work happens at night. 

One food you would never eat?

That list is pretty long (especially after watching “Naked and Afraid”), but pigs feet give me the heebie-jeebies. Can’t eat ‘em. (Buh!)

Skittles or M&Ms?

Tough one, but I prefer Skittles when writing!

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

A vet. Then I realized how much math and science was involved and decided my backup plan to be a writer was a much more sensible plan. 

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?

Sounds totally lame, but I’d pay my house off first. Then again, a trip to Europe might not be totally out of the question...

Print or Ebook?

I still love print books, though I think I’m going to have to side with the ebook. I love having so many at my fingertips!

What movie are you looking forward to this year?

THIS year? Oh man, Great Gatsby and Iron Man 3 are already out. Umm, maybe Thor 2 simply because I can never get enough of that gorgeous Chris Hemsworth. 

Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is....

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - hear me out before you roll your eyes! I would be okay with just having written this one book as a stand alone - it’s a great read from beginning to end just in that one book. I wish I had half of Rowling’s imagination! It’s an interesting story with loads of possibilities (just think of what could’ve happened if he’d actually rid the world of Voldemort right then in Book 1 and how different the Wizarding World might be). 

What is next on your to read list?

I just finished reading Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)’s “The Cuckoo’s Calling” which was really excellent. I don’t have a particular book in mind for the next read, which means I’ll get to play Russian roulette on my Kindle and pick a random title - always fun!

Any other books in the works? 

Yes! I’m almost finished with the first draft of the second book in the Donovan Circus series. I’ve also started an NA title that deals with Reapers (and isn’t as scary as my witch book). 

WITCH HEARTS 

Special Excerpt

Cooper and Ruby hopped on his bike and drove back to her place. She even managed to peek out from beneath her helmet to see the city whip past her in a blur. When they finally came to a stop, she untangled herself from him – albeit a tad regretful about it – and handed him back the helmet.

“Thanks again for everything tonight. I know it wasn’t the most fun you could have, but I want everyone to be safe,” she said.

“I understand. I’m glad I went, too. I don’t want anyone else in danger. Plus, you’re good company.” He stood up as he said it, hooking the helmets on his bike.

“You don’t have walk me in or anything. I don’t want to keep you any longer than you need.”

He snorted. “You’re not keeping me from anything. I want to do it, but especially because I want to make sure you’re safe.”

Ruby bit her bottom lip. Her nerves fluttered a bit at the thought of a possible goodnight kiss. She could hardly believe how immature she sounded in her head.

It’s your best friend’s brother. This is Cooper we’re talking about, a voice in her head screamed at her.

Another voice spoke up. Yeah. It’s Cooper. And your thoughts about him have never been exactly brotherly. 

Shaking both voices away, she swiped her key fob by the entrance door and Cooper held it open for her. They took the stairs up to the second floor and walked around the corner to her apartment. Ruby stopped as soon as she saw her door.

“Something’s wrong,” she said.

“What? How can you tell?” He looked up and down the hallway.

“There was a barrier when I left. Remember I checked, put my hand on the door when we left? My spell was in place.”

“There was a soft glow on the door,” he said absentmindedly, as though remembering. His eyes narrowed and Ruby could see his veins throb in his neck as his jaw tightened.

“Only witches would be able to see it, but it’s not there.” Ruby took a few steps forward, placing her hand on the door, which was now simply cool and wooden. She retrieved her key and turned the lock, but Cooper stopped her.

“I’ll go in first.”

He swung the door wide open; he held his hands up in case of a fight or a spell, but silence greeted them. Cooper did a quick sweep of the apartment while Ruby waited in the entryway. He returned with Aziza in one arm and a letter in his hand.

“This was on your coffee table,” he said grimly. “Aziza was hiding behind the couch. She hissed until she realized it was me.”

Ruby took the note from him. As she opened it, Cooper stood beside her to read over her shoulder.

“Not all witches are equal. Some are born with extraordinary gifts; anyone can practice, but few are truly powerful. You are one of the lucky ones, Ruby. I apologize about your friend Courtney. She was powerful, but nowhere near your capabilities. I’m afraid that in order for my powers to thrive, yours must come to an end. I’ll be seeing you very soon. –X”

Liz Long is lucky enough to have a dream career in magazine publishing as an editor and writer, yet still have time to create adventures on the side. If you catch her staring off into space or talking to herself, don’t worry – it’s just her imagination at work.

Liz graduated from Longwood University with a BA in English, though her professors might be disappointed to hear she reads more fantasy fiction than literary novels. She also loves action and thriller genres. Her books might not change your life, but she hopes they steal you away from reality for a while.

To learn more about Liz, visit her website: http://lizclong.com.

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