Maggie Blackbird

Today, Amazon bestselling author KaSonndra Leigh is guesting.  She’s talking about her latest release Hacienda Moon, a paranormal gothic romance.  Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.

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As the author of Hacienda Moon, I chose to add more gothic suspense, intrigue and romance for this edition because I found that readers were particularly drawn to these elements in the previous edition. I wanted to build upon what had already worked well and engage readers even further with a deeper exploration of my characters and their motivations.

I also felt that adding more gothic elements would deepen the story’s sense of atmosphere and mystery, and draw the reader deeper into the world of Hacienda Moon. By focusing on the suspense and intrigue, I strove to create a more immersive experience for readers that would keep them on the edge of their seats.

Similarly, I wanted to add more romance to the story, as it provided a delightful counterbalance to the tension and suspense. With more romantic scenes, I hoped to give readers a greater emotional connection to the characters and their motivations, making it easier for them to empathize with and invest in their narratives.

Overall, I felt that adding more gothic suspense, intrigue and romance would create a more well-rounded reading experience and keep readers engaged and invested in the story. Additionally, I enjoyed exploring these elements in more detail and felt that they added depth and nuance to the story as a whole.

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Title: Hacienda Moon
Series: A Pathseekers Novel
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Genre: Paranormal Gothic Romance
Release Date: February 21, 2023
Length: 356 pages
Publisher: Trigate Realm Press

Blurb:  Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions. With a heavy heart, she escapes the hustle and bustle of New York City and moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose. Here, she meets Eric, the home’s charismatic caretaker. Despite the ghostly warnings, Tandie finds herself drawn to him, and as their affair intensifies, so does the centuries-old curse haunting them both.

Suddenly, Tandie finds herself at the center of a dark and dangerous web full of deceit and intrigue. As fear begins to consume her, she must find the courage to face the demons of her past if she is to have any chance at a future. Hacienda Moon is a captivating story full of suspense and romance that will ensnare you from start to finish.

Note to readers and bookclubs:  This is the expanded and revamped edition of the Hacienda Moon that was originally published in 2012. Please be sure to add this version to your to-read list as this edition contains more gothic suspense, intrigue, and of course romance.

Goodreads | Amazon

Saul Chelby strolled through the doors behind us as if he were a king. Dressed in a charcoal-colored suit with a white shirt underneath the jacket, he could easily pass as one.

Wearing four-inch red heels, the woman beside him stood at a level equal to Saul’s height. Her streaked blonde hair was pulled back in a tight bun. The whole package screamed leggy fashion model all over the place.

Right away his gaze found me and Frieda standing off to the side. He motioned for his date to follow as he headed in our direction.

“How nice. The king and queen have arrived,” Frieda said, raking a sarcastic gaze over the couple.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. The nerve of some people,” I said, letting out a long sigh.

“Welcome. So glad you could make it, Mr. Chelby and his date.” I beamed through a tight grin.

“Evening, ladies,” Saul said, smiling in a way that lit up the room. “The date’s name is Sasha. This is Frieda Tyson. Without her and Shania McKinnon’s talents tonight this gala would never have happened.

“We’re thankful for you both then,” Sasha purred.

“And this is the lovely and gifted Ms. Harrison,” Saul said, holding my gaze only a touch longer than what would be considered inappropriate. Sasha, who was all smiles and giggles a moment ago, suddenly looked as if someone stole her hair pieces. Her green-eyed gaze bore mental holes in my head, and her posture stiffened. Her eyes came close to bulging out and her mouth hung slightly open. “This is the Tandie Harrison I’ve heard so much about? Interesting indeed.”

No way. Saul discusses me with his dates?

How insane is that?

It was Frieda to the rescue. “Shania reserved a seat for you both at a good table. We don’t want you to lose your spots. So, I’ll say thanks for everything, Mr. Chelby. Tandie and I will scoot along on our way, now.” She attempted to pull me away, but Saul interrupted.

“I’d like a moment with Ms. Harrison if the two of you don’t mind,” Saul said without moving his eyes away from my face.

“I mind,” I said right away. A look passed between Frieda and Sasha.

“We’ll only be a moment,” Saul said to his date who was handling his inconsiderate behavior better than I could ever have done.

“Come along, Miss Sasha. I’ll show you the way to your table,” Frieda said and stretched her eyes at me just before she walked away. I turned to Saul. The grin on his face brought the devil out of me.

“The times when a man should remember his comrades become most significant in all matters of race relations whether it be an issue of war, peace, or prosperity. Let this statue sit forever in our midst as a reminder of the ones who fell for our country.” They were the words to the dedication I wrote, and Saul had memorized every single one. “Stunning tribute, Ms. Harrison.”

“It’s mighty good to see you again, Tandie,” Saul said, studying my eyes, his narrowing the slightest bit. “You’ve been crying.”

“I have not.” I scratched the back of my neck, a tension relief tactic.

“The contractor I hired has done astoundingly beautiful things for Chelby Rose. Why did you flinch when I mentioned the contractor?”

Damn him. He doesn’t miss a thing. “I didn’t flinch, okay?

“I knew this would happen. No Fontalvo has ever been able to keep his hands to himself.” He shook his head and made a scoffing laugh.

I challenged his gaze. “Really? So you set us up then?” I demanded, the blood surging through my body.

His face turned serious. “I hired a man to fix the plumbing in my house. I didn’t however give him permission to grope my tenants.”

“You know, Saul Chelby, you must have the biggest balls ever,” I blurted before I could stop myself. Saul was probably about to receive some of my frustrations about Eric too. “You disappear for weeks. The damn house could’ve floated away with me in it by now. I put my sweat, tears, and money into fixing the place up without a word of thanks. You show up at a charity function with Barbie-Bad-Ass on your arm, something my good friends organized let me add. Then you have the nerve to question me about my sex life?”

“I only mentioned the contractor. You’re the one who brought up your sex life,” he said, a smile easing across his lips. “But if you’d like to make a test run of that first thing you accused me of then I’m ready when you are.”

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Meet your word sculptress…

Author of the #1 Amazon International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.

KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she’s not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.

People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra’s response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!

Follow KaSonndra:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogazine | Amazon

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