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The Heart Collector - Book Tour and Giveaway

3/13/2019

42 Comments

 
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The Heart Collector
Auckland Steampunk Book 1
by Barbara Russell
Genre: Steampunk, Romantic Suspense

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Auckland, 1884

The Supernaturals are frightened. Despite being able to do extraordinary things like teleporting or lighting a fire with a stare, a serial killer, the Heart Collector, is slaughtering them. He rips their chests open and removes their hearts.

While other aristocratic, nineteen-year-old girls spend time dancing, Isabel trains hard to become an MI7 agent—Military Intelligence Seventh Division, a crime squad run by Supernaturals. The Heart Collector murdered her best friend, and enrolling at MI7 is the best way to help catch the killer.

Isabel senses other people’s feelings as if they were her owns. But MI7’s leader is too worried about Isabel’s safety to let her join the team.

Eager to prove that her power is valuable, Isabel volunteers to meet Murk, a dangerous Supernatural man who can turn himself invisible. MI7 desperately tried to recruit him and failed.

She believes that her power is enough to convince Murk to become an MI7’s agent and help apprehend the Heart Collector. If he wants to attack her, his feelings will broadcast his intention, and she’ll be ready.

What Isabel isn’t ready for is to fall in love with the man who will collect her heart.



Goodreads * Amazon ​

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​Chapter 1
Auckland, 1884


One of the perks of being a duchess and the lady of Hastings Manor was that I could make my own decisions.
Most of the time.
I bunched a corner of my long brocade skirt and climbed the sweeping stairs toward Victor’s office. The bustle, heavy with satin ribbons, bounced lightly, tapping on the small of my back.
On the landing, one of the little cleaning machines that roamed the house trotted around, buzzing as its brushes dusted the white marble floor. A puff of steam trailed behind it while its wheels and pistons whirred. I strode on, the star-bright tiles sparkling under my velvet slippers.
The butler bowed stiffly, carrying a tray with tea and cakes that smelled of cinnamon. “Your Grace.” He stepped aside to let me pass.
“Hollom.” My heels’ click-clacking noise died down on the blue rug covering the entrance in front of Victor’s office.
I raised my fist to knock but stopped inches away from the gleaming, polished oak wood, needing a moment to collect myself. Victor had to see reason. Convincing him that my role in the investigation was vital wouldn’t be easy, but I was nineteen and properly trained in combat. More or less. The point was, I could face danger.
My resolve wavered, and I bit the inside of my cheek. On light feet, I turned and slid inside my late father’s personal library. Victor’s supernatural hearing wouldn’t catch me in the room protected by thick walls, and the old leather-bound volumes calmed my nerves.
I cleared my throat before rehashing my speech. “Victor, you’re the leader of Military Intelligence Seven, but as Duchess of Sussex, I have the right to . . .” I shook my head. This sounded patronizing. I took a deep breath to slow my pounding heart, glad that I wasn’t wearing a corset. Another perk of being a duchess.
I squared my shoulders. A wrong word and Victor would dismiss me. “Victor, I kindly request… would you… I would appreciate if you assign me to the ongoing investigation on the Heart Collector, since I believe my skills can be an asset.” There. Simple, polite, and to the point.
I jutted out my chin and smoothed my bodice. I should’ve worn my dark green dress. It made me look taller and older. This blue gown gave me a childish air with its velvet ribbons and budding roses.
Too late.
After another deep inhalation, I marched toward Victor’s office again and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” The thick door muffled his deep voice.
I wiped my sweaty hand on my skirt before turning the handle and stepping into the office that had once belonged to my father. Victor and his younger brother Jamie stood up from their stuffed chairs and bowed.
“Good morning, Victor, Jamie.”
After the dimly lit corridor, the sunlight streaming from the floor-to-ceiling window blinded me, and I squinted, closing the door behind me.
I walked to the desk that occupied almost half of the room, keeping my eyes on Victor’s frowning face. “I need to talk to you.”
Victor stretched out an arm, indicating the empty chairs. His serious expression added wisdom to his five and twenty years. “Of course, Isabel. Please, sit.”
I perched on the very edge of the chair and set my back straight to not crush my bustle. Victor sat at his desk while Jamie settled himself next to the fireplace.
“Is something the matter?” Jamie leaned forward, his blond hair swishing about his cheeks. “You are pale.”
I faced him. “Well, I—” A dark blue bruise marked his chin, his bottom lip was split, and a fresh cut marred his forehead. “What happened to you?”
Jamie clenched and unclenched his fists. “My encounter with one of the Supernaturals we’re trying to recruit didn’t end well.”
I focused on Jamie, unleashed my power, and reached out for his feelings. A rush of energy flooded me, and heat warmed my chest. His anger, annoyance, and humiliation washed over me. Physical pain stabbed him as well. I gently prodded his body with my mental strength. His ribs hurt, and a cut on his back throbbed. His feelings left the sour taste of unripe grapes in my mouth.
I swallowed. “This Supernatural must be particularly strong to hurt you.”
Jamie stroked his bruised skin. A new wave of mortification surged from him. “He is moderately strong.”
Moderately strong? Jamie could bend iron bars with two fingers and lift twenty times his weight. How strong was this Supernatural?
Victor shifted his gaze to me. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“Exactly about this.” I nodded toward Jamie. “This Supernatural you want to recruit for the investigation on the Heart Collector.”
Victor knitted his blond eyebrows in the same way Jamie would. “You don’t have to concern yourself with that. Jamie will soon make another attempt to meet this Supernatural.”
“But.” I paused to read Victor’s feelings. His determination and mild exasperation reached me. It wasn’t a good start, but maybe my speech would convince him. “I would like you to allow me . . . I mean, to assign me to this mission since I request, kindly, I request kindly, that it would be me, myself, to do it.” Damn. So much for rehashing. I clasped my hands in my lap not to show how much they trembled. “I’d like it to be me.” I swallowed. If I weren’t so eager to get the job, I’d laugh at Victor’s scrunched face.
I searched his feelings again. Even without my supernatural empathetic power, the hard set of his jaw and his narrowed icy blue eyes told me he wasn’t pleased. I cleared my throat. “I want to meet this Supernatural.”
“You want what?” Jamie asked, propping an elbow on the mantelpiece.
I ignored him. “What did you say his name was?”
“I didn’t.” Victor straightened the pile of documents on his desk, arranged quills and inkbottles, and loosened his bow tie.


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I’m an entomologist and a soil biologist, which is a fancy way to say that I dig in the dirt, looking for bugs. Nature and books have always been my passion. I was a kid when I read The Lord Of The Ring and fell in love with fantasy novels.
When I discovered cosy mystery and crime novel, I fell in love with Hercules Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. Then I grew up and . . . Nah, I’m joking. I didn’t grow up. Don’t grow up, folks! It’s a trap.
PS I hate gardening. There, I said it. Sorry fellow Kiwis.


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

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What inspired the Heart Collector?
I’ve always loved steampunk stories. The first I read was a steampunk/futuristic novel set in Italy by Stefano Benni. A rarity since the majority of the steampunk novels are set in Victorian London, and I fell in love with the genre because it’s always a bit funny, has some sci-fi elements, and there’s usually a mystery. I’m a sucker for mysteries. I read everything by Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle. So I thought, why not setting a steampunk novel here in Auckland? This gave me the opportunity to add a bit of Maori culture in the story.

What is your favourite scene in the Heart Collector?
I think all the scenes with Trigger, the orphan Isabel—my main character—takes care of. He’s fun to write and I don’t have to worry about typos because he uses very bad grammar, lol.

What do you do when you aren’t writing?
Trekking and climbing! I love hiking with my dogs. Forests are the best places ever to think about plot holes and characters’ developments. Not to mention that a good trekking recharges me. I need to get out of the city and its noises now and then and be surrounded by trees and nature.

What advice would you give new writers?
Read everything, from memoirs to sci-fi novels. I love fiction, but true stories are the amazing. There’s a lot to learn from non-fiction books as a writer, and you never know what might inspire you.

What’s your work in progress?
I’m currently writing book 7 of the series. The first three books are in Isabel’s point of view. Then next books are written with others POVs. Isabel will always be present, in the background. She’s the protagonist of the first three books, then I’ll leave room for others characters.
I’m currently writing book 7 of the series. The first three books are in Isabel’s point of view. Then next books are written with others POVs.

Which character can you relate to the most and why?
They say that an author is the sum of all of his characters, including the villains, lol. But I feel closer to Trigger, the orphan Isabel—my main character—takes care of. He’s fun to write and I don’t have to worry about typos because he uses very bad grammar, lol.

If you choke a Smurf, of what colour does he turn?
The same colour he turns when he’s freezing.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Actually yes, I’d like to the tell to those people who say they don’t read book to please don’t say it out loud. Every time a person says they don’t read, somewhere a writer gets a writer’s block.

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42 Comments
Janet W.
3/13/2019 07:22:38 am

I love this unique cover!! Very interesting read!

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Elaine G
3/13/2019 11:04:40 am

Love this cover. Sounds like a good book too. Enjoyed reading the post.

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Victoria
3/13/2019 11:18:05 am

Awesome cover, I love the colors.

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June S.
3/13/2019 11:33:27 am

The books cover looks great, good luck on the tour.

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Calvin
3/13/2019 11:45:06 am

I like this steam punk genre, very unique

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Rita Wray
3/13/2019 01:10:42 pm

I liked the excerpt.

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James Robert
3/13/2019 01:29:05 pm

Thank you so much for taking time to bring to our attention another great read. I enjoy these tours and finding out about many terrific books.

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barbara russell
3/13/2019 01:48:48 pm

Thank you for hosting me and for your hard work, Maia :)

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wendy hutton
3/13/2019 02:01:40 pm

the cover is beautiful, good luck on the book tour

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heather
3/13/2019 02:43:01 pm

This sounds like one that will keep me interested.

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MargaretAnn Rice
3/13/2019 03:08:49 pm

I've been looking for new read, this one is it! Great cover and excerpt

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Debbie P
3/13/2019 03:11:14 pm

This book sounds like a fascinating read. Beautiful cover.

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Mary Cloud
3/13/2019 06:13:14 pm

No questions - I like the cover - its really nice

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Kelly D
3/13/2019 07:54:04 pm

I like the cover. It is really pretty.

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Barbara Montag
3/13/2019 10:18:32 pm

Oh wow this is an exciting book with a great cover - a must read!
thank you

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Dale Wilken
3/13/2019 10:19:11 pm

I loved excerpt the cover is great.

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Matt Wade
3/14/2019 11:09:12 am

Good luck on the tour! This book's premise is very unique and interesting.

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Kelly Nicholson
3/14/2019 04:29:11 pm

What do you think of the book or the cover?

i dont collect hearts,but boobs are a different thing

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lynn clayton
3/14/2019 06:22:20 pm

great cover this looks really nice

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Wendy Jensen
3/14/2019 08:27:05 pm

Beautiful, eye catching, book cover.

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bn100
3/15/2019 05:55:12 pm

cover's interesting

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Ellie Wright
3/15/2019 09:12:44 pm

Great cover! I'm looking forward to reading it.

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Serge B
3/17/2019 12:16:15 pm

I like the steampunk themed cover and dress!

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Amy F
3/17/2019 03:34:20 pm

The cover design is gorgeous! I really love it!

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Bea LaRocca
3/20/2019 08:42:31 pm

Great cover and excerpt! This sounds like an awesome read.

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Denise Higgins
3/22/2019 04:35:29 pm

Love the cover

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Lavender P.
3/23/2019 05:47:51 am

This steampunk cover has an elegance that I can only describe as Lana Del Rey meets the Great Gatsby. That is to say, that's a compliment! ^-^

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Beyond Comps
3/23/2019 06:39:57 am

Great cover! One of my faves this year!

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Chelle
3/23/2019 04:53:44 pm

"He rips their chests open and removes their hearts." yikes!

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Kathy Cozzarelli
3/23/2019 10:14:25 pm

The cover looks great, and I like the story being set in New Zealand.

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Terri Quick
3/27/2019 09:47:44 pm

Very intriguing cover & story

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Elizabeth Sullivan
3/30/2019 11:17:36 am

Huh, neat.

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Molly Zenk
4/4/2019 12:16:13 pm

Great cover! Loved the excerpt too.

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Apryl
4/6/2019 12:47:57 pm

I like the cover, but I think it would sell better if the women look more realistic and down to earth with glasses and stuff. Most average women buy books, not always models or anything. Not to be rude, but Harry Potter probably sold a lot of copies because he looked more normal. Like I don't want to feel bad after I ate a piece of cake because of some woman on a cover. Just in case you wanted to know. These are just suggestions, you don't have to. Thanks.

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Daniella Bonagura
4/6/2019 05:04:22 pm

Love the cover!

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Mood Reader
4/7/2019 11:25:31 pm

Love that cover! :)

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Jessie Redding
4/9/2019 08:09:10 pm

I think the cover is gorgeous!!

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Lisa Ellison
4/10/2019 05:03:48 pm

I love the cover, it makes me want to read the book!

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Abigail Gibson
4/10/2019 11:25:03 pm

The book cover looks great!

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Daniel M
4/11/2019 07:35:51 pm

like the cover

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tiago rosado
4/12/2019 12:08:51 pm

What do you think of the book or the cover?
Love the cover, very artistic and well done
THX

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Jerry Marquardt
4/13/2019 11:21:28 pm

I would like to give thanks for all your really great writings, including The Heart Collector, and wishing the best in keeping up the good work in the future.

Reply



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