My Midnight fantasies: Spotlight & Giveaway Of Hot Flashes

Hot Flashes
Author: Leila Gaskin
Published: August 23, 2013

Book Description:
“Dragons do not exist.” Ella Hixson shrieked as the mythical beasts dove from the sky, shredding the roof of her vehicle with their long talons, and sending her careening across the road in an attempt to avoid the being flambéed. Escaping her car, Ella frantically searched the sky for signs of the attacking beasts, only to find nothing but clouds heavy with their payload of rain.

Hallucinations, relationship destroying fights with her only surviving relative - her mother, and - thanks to a bodaciously bosomed, bottle-blond - jobless, Ella needs the universe to cut her a break.

Be careful what you wish for.

Circumstances conspire and Ella’s mundane existence evaporates when she discovers she is Drakkon, the hidden heir to an ancient dynasty, and she has an enemy who would see all the Drakkon race enslaved or dead.

No more ordinary days for Ella as she learns what it is to be Drakkon, tries to save a world she knows nothing about, and still be home in time to feed her dog.

Excerpt: The Interview

“Have a seat.” Sindie gestured to the ladder back wooden chair sitting to the side of the door and gave the door a brisk rap. “Ms. Oakton will be with you in a minute.” She winked as she turned to leave. “Seriously, relax! Ms. Oakton gave up cannibalism a couple of centuries ago.”

Eyes wide, Ella stared after the strange woman. A fluttering movement caught her eye. Something long and skinny with a tuft peeked out from under the long tunic, tangling with the apron strings. Ella knew people didn’t have tails. After a second look, all she saw was free swinging strings. She stuffed the experience into the ‘weird things’ box in the back of her brain and firmly shut the lid.

The door opened to reveal a small woman with a tightly wound bun of steel-grey hair adorning top of her head. “Ms. Hixson?”

Despite Ms. Oakton’s petite figure, she exuded an aura that demanded respect. At only five foot four inches herself, Ella had to squelch the urge to apologize for her height. “Ms. Oakton, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“We’ll see.” Ms. Oakton stepped back, signaling for Ella to follow. Ella resisted the urge to fidget as sharp brown eyes took in every element of her less than perfect appearance. Handing her resume to the woman, she waited for the interview to begin. Silence stretched out between them.

Then, an intrusive force filled Ella’s mind, picking apart her memories, weighing each moment for its worth. Unable to move, she sat helpless. An indistinct murmuring narrated the entire event. Nothing should have been shuffling, muttering, or moving around in the chaos of her mind. As abruptly the incursion began, it stopped, leaving Ella dazed.

The woman’s gaze never left Ella’s as the wall clock resolutely ticked each second. Finally, Ms. Oakton glanced at the resume and started the interview. The familiar give and take lacked energy, leaving Ella feeling the distinct bite of failure.

“What would you do if you found a fairy ring?”

Ella blinked. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” Ms. Oakton snapped.

“A fairy ring. Really?” Ella’s shuffled-through mind snapped back into its chaotic glory, and it was un-amused. “I’d avoid it.”

“Why?”

“I have too many responsibilities in the here and now to be trapped for any amount of time in the Underhill.” Ella snorted. “Who knows when I’d get back? Time flows differently there. I’d have to be enticed or trapped by a member of the Fae. Seeing as I don’t believe they exist, I don’t think a trip to the Underhill will be an issue.”

The diminutive woman got up from her desk and flung open the office door. “The interview is over. You may leave.”

About The Author

Born on a dark and stormy night on the other side of the world from Richmond, VA, Leila Gaskin began a life full of imaginative wanderings. Inspired by her journey, Leila takes inspiration from the places she’s lived. She is the author of several short stories ranging from horror, speculative fiction, and science fiction. HOT FLASHES, her debut novel, will be published August 2013.

With her dog as her co-pilot and the cat as the navigator, Leila explores her world and tells her stories.