April 23, 2017 · 9:37 am

A Look Inside Private Eyes by Diane Burton ~ New Release: The Case of the Meddling Mama

Happy World Book Day!! What a perfect day to host my friend and fellow author Diane Burton. Diane is sharing an article about Private Eyes AND her fabulous new release!

 

Private Eyes

When I started writing the Alex O’Hara mystery series, I pictured my heroine as a grownup Nancy Drew. Alex (short for Alexandra) got into the investigation business through her father. He and his business partner started an investigation agency back in the 1960s. Alex went to work for them in high school, doing menial chores first then rising to junior detective and finally promoted to detective. Along the way, she graduated from college with a degree in criminal justice. When her father and his partner decided to retire, they sold the business to her.

Private Eyes appear to have a glamorous profession, at least in movies and on TV. Remember Rockford? In real life, a detective spends most of his/her time on the internet not in the field. That wasn’t the way it was when Allan Pinkerton started up the first detective agency in America.

Allan Pinkerton Photo credit: Library of Congress

Pinkerton got into the detecting business by accident. He’d opened a barrel-making business in 1842. One day while he was scrounging for lumber, he came across a band of counterfeiters. After he set up a surveillance, he helped the police arrest the band. Pretty soon, people were asking him to help the police find and arrest other criminals.

Alex O’Hara is a licensed private investigator. She helped the police arrest an international assassin, a Black Widower gang, and a major drug dealer—all by accident. The assassin underestimated Alex. The Black Widower, who preyed on older women, married them then killed them for their money, didn’t expect his prey to hire Alex to check him out. Alex didn’t set out to find these dastardly villains. She came upon them by accident.

Possibly Kate Warne (holding pole) stands in front of Pinkerton Photo credit: PI Mall

When Allan Pinkerton hired Kate Warne in 1856, she became America’s first female detective. She was able to ferret out secrets that men couldn’t—for example, she became friends of a villain’s wife thereby learning the location of the stolen loot. She even pretended to be a fortune teller and got the criminal to confirm his guilt. Allan Pinkerton claimed Kate was one of his best investigators and had her buried in his family plot.

Even though women have been detectives for over 160 years, the investigation business is still an “old boys club.” Consequently, Alex O’Hara deliberately chose a masculine nickname so as not to be prejudged.

I found several similarities between Allan Pinkerton and Alex O’Hara, after the fact. I didn’t intend for fictional Alex to be like the famous detective. Pinkerton’s agency still does some detecting, though they mostly leave that to the police and the FBI. Today, the agency does risk management assessment along with private security and guard service. Alex hasn’t guarded anyone. Yet.

Interestingly, both the Pinkertons and Alex do employment screening, what Alex calls her bread-and-butter cases. Lately, she’s taking her agency in a new direction—checking out potential mates found on the internet.

Private investigation hasn’t gone too far from its roots, over 160 years ago. Like the Pinkerton Agency, Alex has to be flexible, to see opportunities, like online dating, and move with the times.

In the third book in the Alex O’Hara Novels, Alex is up to her ears in mysteries. After surviving an attempted murder, all she wants is R&R time with Nick Palzetti. But his mother leaving his father (“that horse’s patoot”) and moving in with Alex put a crimp in their plans. Then Nick leaves on assignment and the teen she rescued from an abusive father believes his buddy is doing drugs. Meanwhile, Alex has two easy cases to take her mind off her shaky relationship with Nick—a philandering husband and a background check on a client’s boyfriend. Piece of cake.

Here’s an excerpt:

When two women entered the exclusive dress shop, Ellie left to greet them while her assistant chivvied me to put on the shoes. White socks, black strappy heels, and the gorgeous emerald green bridesmaid dress—I made such a fashion statement as I stood on the platform. Call Vogue.

I so didn’t want to be there, especially when I recognized one of the women. I’d been the bearer of bad news to Nora Finley last week—her Mr. Perfect turned out to be a Black Widower. He and his cohorts had the perfect plan, a plan I thwarted just in time.

“Oh, you’re here,” Nora cried out when she spotted me and tugged on her companion’s wrist, practically dragging her over. “Ginnie, this is the PI that saved my life, Alex O’Hara!”

I cringed while heat bloomed in my cheeks.

Nora looked up at me. “I’ve been telling Ginnie here that she absolutely must hire you to check out her boyfriend—she met him on one of those online dating sites.”

Ginnie winced, like she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. I knew the feeling.

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Kobo ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Smashwords

About the Author:

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched and Outer Rim series, she is the author of One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense, and the Alex O’Hara PI mystery series. She is also a contributor to two anthologies: Portals, Volume 2 and How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in West Michigan. They have two children and three grandchildren.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Connect with Diane Burton online

Blog:  http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/dmburton72

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor

Goodreads: Diane Burton Author

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/

Sign up for Diane’s new release alert: http://eepurl.com/bdHtYf

 

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April 22, 2017 · 9:28 am

IN THOSE FIRST BRIGHT DAYS OF ELVIS by Josephine Rascoe Keenan

I’m sure those who know me can imagine how excited I am about today’s guest…I admit, I haven’t read the book yet, but with a title like that, you can bet I’m going to. Please help me welcome Josephine, with an intriguing book and a truly fascinating interview….

One trivial decision can change a whole life.

In Those First Bright Days of Elvis, Book I of the YA series, The Days of Elvis. 

When fifteen-year-old Julie Morgan makes a casual decision to attend a concert at the football stadium of her Arkansas hometown her life is irreparably changed. At the concert she encounters three strangers: a lookalike, who could pass for her twin; a college boy, who will be the love of her life; and Elvis Presley, with whom she forms an unlikely friendship as his “good luck charm,” before his meteoric rise to fame. Julie, a small-town girl bound by the social code of the 1950s, makes a serious mistake in in her attempts to cope with her broken home and bolster her damaged self-esteem. One misstep leads to another, and another, and yet another, ultimately catapulting her into a terrible dilemma with no apparent way out.

In Those First Bright Days of Elvis weaves a story of human anguish and betrayal, love and loss, recrimination and regret, and shows how choices, once made, can change one’s life forever. The book meticulously recreates the “golden days” of drive-in movies, screen wire petticoats, and flashy American cars, when the world seemed brighter and more innocent than today. But was it?

After working many years in theatre and film as a director and as a professional actress, Josephine Rascoe Keenan retired to focus on writing novels and short stories for young people.  In May of 2016 Pen-L Publishing launched her debut novel, In Those First Bright Days of Elvis, Book I of a series entitled The Days of Elvis, about a young girl with an absentee father.  Book II, In Those Dazzling Days of Elvis, launches in June of 2017. Two of Josephine’s stories have appeared in the teen magazine, Cricket, and her poem, A Ride on Grandpa’s Foot appeared in Modern Maturity magazine. Her plays have toured with Artreach Touring Theatre; and one was chosen as a winner of Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s New Play Contest.

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

I was born and raised in Arkansas’s oil patch, El Dorado, city of “black gold,” where In Those First Bright Days of Elvis is set. We make it more southern and call it El Duh ray duh. I now live in Cincinnati, Ohio with my husband Frank and two feline princesses, Katie Katherine Kalico and Molly Underfoot.

Where did you get the idea for In Those First Bright Days of Elvis?

I have always preferred historical fiction to dull history books we studied in the classroom. I wanted to give young people of today a glimpse of what life was like in the middle of the 20th century—how it was similar, and how it was different.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

The most difficult thing for me was finding information about how to actually write a book. I wrote two other books, yet unpublished, before writing In Those First Bright Days of Elvis. Just because you may be good at English grammar and love to read, doesn’t mean you have the know-how to construct a plot and create characters your readers will love. The first thing I learned about writing novels was that without trouble for the main character, a book is not interesting. This led me to the next step, the creation of a compelling plot and characters that people could relate to. I strongly believe that my work in theatre has helped me to write convincing dialogue for my books.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

With regard to this book, the most difficult part was doing the volumes of research necessary to give authenticity to a work of historical fiction, even though the story stems principally from the imagination.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

The only real person in the books is Elvis Presley, and his dialogue and letters are fictional. All of Elvis Presley’s concerts, recording dates, and appearances used in the book were thoroughly researched. The Hillbilly Amateur Show, which occurs in Chapter One of In Those First Bright Days of Elvis really did take place on October 17, 1955, at the War Memorial Stadium in El Dorado, Arkansas. According to eye witnesses who attended the concert, he wore the clothes described in my book.

All other events and characters, no matter how much they may remind you of someone you know or knew, are totally fictional. Naturally a writer draws on human characteristics to create a credible character, but it is more fun, in my opinion, to make up a character than to describe someone real.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

In those days there was no Drivers Ed in the schools; parents taught kids to drive. The first thing I learned about driving was to back down the driveway. The idea was if you could back up, it was a piece of cake to go forward. In the small town of El Dorado we got our learner’s permits as young as age 12. By age 14 we were fully licensed to drive, when and if our folks would let us have the car.

The only drugs we knew of were prescriptions from the doctor, or aspirin for headaches, and coke syrup for upset stomachs. Our teachers could give us a hug to show they valued us and a whipping if we didn’t “sit down and shut up” when told.  It went without saying that if you got a whipping in school, you got another one when you got home. Parents backed the teachers and Principal. In spite of threats, few kids were ever whipped in school. The presence of the wooden paddle with holes in it lying on the teacher’s desk was enough to deter most misbehavior. We were full of energy and found it difficult to sit still and study all day, but we did so, rather than take the consequences. School was interesting and fun, once you bit the bullet and realized you had no choice except to knuckle down.

When I grew up, there were no cell phones, no computers, and few families had televisions. I was fourteen years old before we got a TV in our home. Kids today don’t know how lucky they are not to have to sit at home and wait for their boyfriends or girlfriends to call. Another tidbit: Girls did not call boys in those days. They had to wait for the boy to call them.

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

I would have to say A Year Down Yonder, by Richard Peck—a brilliant writer. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it, as well as the two companion books, A Long Way from Chicago, and A Time of Giving. All three books will touch your deepest emotions, bringing tears as well as side-splitting laughter. These books, though written for kids, must surely attract a huge crossover readership, for they so accurately and humorously reveal human nature and devoted family life.

What is your favorite book of all time? What is your favorite childhood book?

My favorite book of all time must be Gone with the Wind, although I have read and delighted in many books. To name a few: Anya Seton’s Katherine; Mary Stewart’s  Merlin Trilogy (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment); Désirée by Annemarie Selinko. I’ve enjoyed many classics, including Eliot’s Silas Marner, Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd, Hemmingway’s The Sun Also Rises, and Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. I adore Gary Schmidt’s middle-grade books, especially Okay For Now and The Wednesday Wars, and how could I omit the great Harry Potter series?

My favorite childhood books were the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. When needing comfort, I still turn to Laura’s stories.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

I have had many jobs in my life, for acting and directing theatrical productions do not provide steady work. In New York, I worked for Goodson-Todman Television Productions on To Tell The Truth (daytime), a game show. I taught speech and drama for three years in the D. C. area, and I have worked with temporary employment services, such as Kelly Girl. For many years I supplemented my work in the entertainment industry as a realtor. But I always knew in the back of my mind that someday I would focus entirely on writing. In 2006 that day came. Somewhat regretfully, I abandoned my lifelong career in theatre and film to write fulltime for young people. Regretfully because I adored being in the world of entertainment and played some intriguing roles that brought me enormous gratification, as well as awards for excellence in both acting and directing.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

The most famous person I have ever met was Johnny Cash. We met when I was fortunate enough to be chosen for a feature role in his movie, The Pride of Jesse Hallum. During breaks when the film crew was busy lighting our stand-ins, Johnny and I sat on a log and talked about Arkansas, where we both hailed from. He was a truly admirable person. Over the course of my years in theatre, I’ve had the priviledge of working with many famous people. To name a few: Karen Grassle (known for Caroline Ingalls in the Little House on the Prairie television series) in As You Like It at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival; Daniel Davis (known for The Hunt for Red October and the sitcom The Nanny) in the Cincinnati Playhouse production of Hamlet; Robert Townsend (known for The Five Heartbeats) in the PBS Ket television series Another Page; major league Cincinnati Reds baseball star Johnny Bench in a Fifth Third Bank TV commercial; Patricia Neal narrated a PBS special I appeared in for KET called This Other Eden; Soupy Sales (known for What’s My Line and other TV game shows) in Tomboy Productions film This Train.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I want readers get in touch with their emotions as they read not only this first book in The Days of Elvis series, but also the next two, In Those Dazzling Days of Elvis, (coming out in June 2017), and In Those Glory Days of Elvis, (coming out in the spring of 2018.) I hope that they will laugh, cry, and relate to the characters. I hope the book will stir their emotions and touch their lives in such a way that they will see that people are pretty much the same today as they were in that historic time period known as the Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Most of all I hope they will find answers to their own problems through the characters and their choices.

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

This is the most fun question of all, because I look forward to the three books in The Days of Elvis series being made into a movie. (I believe if you believe it will, it has a much greater chance of happening.)

I would invite the following actors to audition. In my own directing of theatrical works, I never precast a show. It is so important to evaluate how actors sound and look together as an ensemble.

For the following roles:

Julie/Carmen – Emma Stone and Rooney Mara

Mama – Amy Adams, Julia Roberts, and Julianne Moore

Claudia – Cameron Diaz and Kara Sedgwick

Scott (the father) – Matt Damon and Russell Crowe

Farrel – Sterling Knight and Shia La Beouf

Engene Hoffmeyer – Jamie Bell and Rupert Grint

Maylene – Jennifer Lawrence

Frances Latimer – Hollan Roden and Blake Lively

Mamaw (in book III) – ME! (-:

Papaw – Billy Bob Thornton

What is your favorite:

Movie – Pretty Woman

Music – Classical and Rock ‘n’ Roll

Place you’ve visited – the American west

Place you’d like to visit – DeSmet, SD

TV show from childhood – As the World Turns

TV show from adulthood – The Duchess of Duke Street

Food – Hot Water Cornbread and turnip greens

Sports team – The Arkansas Razorbacks

I prefer television to board/card games

What is your favorite quote?

“Of all the sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been.’” John Greenleaf Whittier

Thank you, Alicia, for your support and thanks to your readers.

Follow me on Facebook: Josephine.Keenan1

and Twitter: FJKeenan1

Visit me at www.KeenanNovels.com, and sign up for my blog.

 

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April 21, 2017 · 5:00 am

Friday Fragment Contest – #Giveaway #FunGame #BookLovers – April 21, 2017

fri-fragments-and-spotalie

Happy Friday and welcome to my weekly contest –

Guess the fragment, and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, given away monthly!!!

Below you will find three different books, by three different authors, and beneath each, you will find three different short excerpts. Only one excerpt is from the listed book. Using the form at the bottom of the post, enter your guesses as to which excerpt is correct for each book. Once a month, I will draw a name from all those who attempt a guess on this game, AND on my Facebook SpotaLie game (check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/) The winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Each week, the first person to guess all 3 correctly receives an additional entry. (TIP: Click on each link and read the blurbs for a better chance at guessing correctly) – Remember, you get an entry just for guessing!

In addition to filling out the contact form, we’d also love it if you would comment, whether it is about your guesses, the books, the authors, etc. 

Have fun!

NOTE – I am discontinuing the weekly Friday Fragment contest and SpotaLie Facebook Contest after April. Beginning in May, rather than these two regular postings, I will have random games and prizes where I do more frequently and give various prizes, rather than one monthly prize. Sometimes it will be a 5 or 10 dollar gift card, sometimes other items. This way, more participants have a chance of winning. Thank you to all the authors and readers who have played along with these fun games. Check my Alicia Dean Friends and Fan Club group for info and the new games.

Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary to win. There is no limit on how many times one entrant can win. You do not have to guess correctly to be entered in the monthly drawing.

*** The game runs from the day it’s posted through the following Friday morning when the next post goes up, so feel free to send your guesses in and comment any time during that week. In order to stay up to date on each post, follow my blog by signing up in the column to the right. 

Book 1:

My Lord Ghost by Meredith Bond

Find Meredith here: http://www.meredithbond.com

Snippet A:

Oh, but his old bones ached. His whole body trembled with the cold as he galloped across a bare countryside soaked in the pale gray shadows of moonlight. Why hadn’t he taken a carriage? He could have been warm and snug inside with a hot brick at his feet. Thank goodness it wouldn’t be much longer. He hated being old almost as much as he hated this infernal cycle of life in which he was trapped. The standing stones appeared in the distance, beckoning to him. As always, they stood waiting to welcome him home.

Snippet B:

I got up. Grateful for the moonlight, I managed to find and light my bedside candle. Donning my robe, I crept to the connecting door. Putting my ear to the door, I listened closely. Alternate moans and sobs mixed with wails of pure despair. Gooseflesh covered my arms.
Very slowly, I turned the handle. The door wasn’t locked. Taking a deep but quiet breath in, I tiptoed toward the bed. My hand hesitated at the curtain’s edge. Slowly I grasped hold of the heavy fabric and began to inch it open, trying to peer
inside.
“NO!” the man’s voice yelled…
Snippet C:

Rose turned back to the gentlemen and said with an apologetic smile and a shrug, “mia kaké arché kánei éna kakó télos ”

“I beg your pardon!” the duke sputtered. “Perhaps the reason why your aunt hasn’t introduced you is because you have never been taught how to behave in public.”

“I beg your pardon, sir,” her father started, his eyes narrowing with anger. Rose put a hand on his arm.

“She is nattering on in some strange, unknown language,” the man said, scowling down at her. “Either that, or she’s lost her mind and is speaking gibberish!” 

“My Lord Duke, I believe the young lady was speaking Greek,” a younger gentleman said. He was quite a sight.

Book 2:

Nothing Stays the Same by Catherine Chant

Find Catherine here: http://www.CatherineChant.com

Snippet A:

Despite her best efforts, tears seeped from Sable’s eyes as she dutifully followed her mother away from the grave. She didn’t dare try to wipe at them or call attention to herself in any way. “Don’t embarrass me” had been her mother’s motto for as long as Sable could remember. Falling apart and making scenes was not allowed in good families like theirs. Sable marched stiffly toward the long, black car waiting to take her family back to their house for the repast. She’d never understood the practice. Eating and socializing was the last thing on her mind.

Snippet B:

Callie couldn’t put the album down. She traced her finger across the name, then flipped it over to read the back. “Nana, who’s Joey Tempo?” Kind of a corny name, really. Probably a novelty record. It would make a nice addition to her vintage album collection, though, even if it weren’t right for the party. “A singer from the 50’s,” her grandmother answered without pausing in her work. “Like Elvis Presley.” Like Elvis? “Yeah, but I’ve heard of Elvis. How come I’ve never heard of this Joey guy? Was his music any good?”

Snippet C:

Brennan sat forward and rubbed a rough hand across his face, massaged his temples. What the hell happened today? One minute he’d been listening to some old tape of his father’s, the next he’d woken up on a studio lot in 1973. And then…his father. Of all the people to suddenly come face-to-face with. Now, Leah. Leah. He fell back against the cushions again with a long, drawn-out sigh. Why did the best moments of his life always seem to piggyback on the worst? Like that day in the record store. He’d been about to ask Leah out and bam! His father’s dead.

Book 3:

The Pleasure Device (Harwell Heirs Book 1) by Regina Kammer

 

Find Regina here: http://kammerotica.com/

Snippet A:

“Sophie, you’re looking radiant. And Helena, all grown up.” The familiar voice filled her with a glow of joy. “Uncle Arthur!” Uncle Arthur, ever so dapper in his evening attire, stood next to a column with his arms open wide waiting for her to hug him. Helena knew she had to restrain herself in such a public place. Still, he was her favorite uncle, and she, his favorite niece, a private joke since neither had any more of such relations. He wrapped his arms around her and patted her politely, then turned to Mama and kissed her on both cheeks.

Snippet B:

She loved Arthur, she really did. He was the best brother in the world. Why, at that very moment he danced with his fiancée Henrietta—Henny—her full skirts swinging like a bell in perfect rhythm to his lead, their faces flushed and smiling. His countenance reflected the swell of pride he felt toward Henny, hers how absolutely besotted she was with him. They were a perfect couple and Sophia did not wish them ill will in the slightest, but she did take umbrage over the fact that Arthur was allowed to marry for love and she was not.

Snippet C:

She jumped at Arthur’s hiss, tumbling backward to the carpet. He grabbed her around the waist, lifting her quite readily, hauling her down the corridor. His anger was palpable, his fingers digging into her side, the knuckles of his other hand white as he clutched a book. He slammed her against the wainscoting of a recessed doorway, threw the book to the floor and dug the heels of his palms painfully into her shoulders. “What the hell do you think you were doing?” His breath fanned hot on her lips, the hint of tobacco and brandy flaring her nostrils.

 

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Which Snippet is from Book 1 - My Lord GhostCupid Scores(required)

Which Snippet is from Book 2 - Nothing Stays the Same(required)

Which Snippet is from Book 3 - The Pleasure Device(required)

 

The correct answers from last week: (No one guessed correctly, I’m afraid. :()

Book 1 – B

Book 2 – C

Book 3 – C

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April 20, 2017 · 10:02 am

Fiction: Research to add authenticity and color by Min Edwards

Please help me welcome Min Edwards with an informative article and a few of her wonderful books…

Good morning, Min. I appreciate you joining us and sharing your knowledge.

Thanks so much for having me here today, Alicia.

Fiction: Research to add authenticity and color

Hi, my name is Min Edwards. Actually, it’s Pam Headrick, but I write under a nom de plume for several reasons. The most important one though is that I want to separate my author persona from my business persona. As Pam Headrick I’m a book designer, A Thirsty Mind Book Design, and have been for almost seven years. And as an author I want to be known as Min Edwards, an homage to my mother, Minnie Larna Edwards Headrick, a life-long reader who read even when she could no longer remember what she read.

Today I want to talk for a bit about research for fiction writing. I’m an expert at academic research as I wrote papers, articles, theses for years as a professional archaeologist. But that kind of research is exacting and very structured. For the last few years that I’ve been writing novels, I haven’t felt the need to research anything except perhaps a specific kind of helicopter, what those plastic police cuffs are called, the most popular gun used in the drug trade. Things like that. But a few months ago I decided to write a women’s historical fiction. What was I thinking?

The Russian Phoenix (coming soon) was born while I was writing my latest novel, Precious Stone, the last book in my High Tide Suspense series. The heroine was the great-granddaughter of a Russian woman who arrived in Maine in 1930. She died before my character’s birth and Colleen, the great-granddaughter never knew her. But when men threatened her about a so-called treasure that her ancestor Natasha ‘stole’ from Russia in 1913, she began wondering about great-gran.

And now I’m mired in research as I write Natasha’s story. What was St. Petersburg, Russia like in 1913, the Romanov Jubilee year? What did the living quarters look like for families like Natasha’s, a distant cousin of the Tsarina, in the Alexander Palace? Were there trains conveniently located between cities and smaller towns? If you were leaving Russia, how did you get to the western border? And who’s border was it at the time, the year before the Great War began? Trains… were they the same in all countries in Europe (and I found that no… they weren’t.) You’ve of course heard of narrow-gauge tracks. We have those in various places in the US mostly for sight-seeing trains like the one out of Durango, Colorado. But in Europe the width of the rails was even more diverse. There’s standard gauge in most of Europe (4’ 8.5”). Then there’s the Iberian Gauge in Spain and the Russian Gauge in parts of the old Soviet Union… and the Irish Gauge. It’s suggested that the reason for the differences in gauge was for protection… keeping unwanted armies from invading your country by rail. I don’t know why the Irish thought they needed a different rail size to protect them from invaders though. Who in their right mind would ferry a train across the Irish Sea. Trivia… don’t you love it?

My story has moved from Russia and Germany and now I’m researching Scotland in the 1920s. What was life like on an estate? What kinds of crops were grown? What did the interiors look like? Plumbing… was there any in those old manses?

Next, I’m having Natasha travel to America in 1930. What was her passenger ship like? How long did it take her to get from her home on Loch Lomond to the nearest port and then ‘across the pond’? So many questions, so little time before publication date.

The internet is my only source since I live in a tiny coastal town and no longer have the huge libraries of The University of Texas system in Austin where I lived before moving to Maine. Gosh I miss the Perry-Castañeda stacks at UT… and the Geology and Classics libraries as well. Besides that, can you really believe information on the internet? Wikipedia often isn’t accurate, but you can get some nice color from it… like cruise ships on the Rhine in 1913, the Rhine Gorge and Lorelei Rock. But try finding an accurate… and accurately annotated map of Edinburgh for 1913. I found Princes Street thankfully so I just had my characters living and working there. I might change that before publication, but for right now I know where they are. I won’t lose them and they won’t lose themselves.

The next phase of research concerns Maine in the 1930s and 40s. For that I’ll go to the source… the remembrances of the older townsfolk of my tiny coastal village. I’ve heard some of the stories such as the year the bays froze over; the tales of children walking five to ten miles to school in the snow; the frequent loss of fishermen in the treacherous waters off the coast or in the bay. I guess I need to get onto my online community bulletin board and troll for informants. Time’s a wastin’. This kind of research I’m looking forward to. Talking to folks, especially after I just spent more than four months as a hermit, something I seem to do every winter. Before too long I’m afraid people will be sending my son condolences on the death—or disappearance of his mother! But the news will be untimely as I’ve been sitting in my kitchen window writing since Thanksgiving.

I’ve enjoyed these searches for trivia and even though it slows my writing down considerably, I think I might pen another historical soon. Perhaps one of Texas in the 1840s. The frontier has always appealed to me. In fact, my Master’s Thesis for The University of Texas at Austin was on the prehistoric and historic use of a clay dune system along the Gulf of Mexico… a mouthful but I discovered so much trivia that wasn’t appropriate for a scholarly thesis although would certainly be right at home in a novel. So, stay tuned… another historical might be in the wings.

The Russian Phoenix

Follow me on Amazon for the publication date:

Amazon Author Page:  http://amzn.to/2bHJ1kb

Precious Stone

Available now at Amazon and other online bookstores

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fM6a85

ePub Readers: https://www.books2read.com/u/bP1Gk7

 

Min Edwards

I wear many hats… author, book designer, archaeologist, and citizen of the edge of America… Lubec, Maine, the most eastern town in the U.S. I’m a life-long reader, but I don’t chain myself to only one genre. I love, almost equally, romance, suspense, thrillers, sci-fi. And if a book takes me someplace I’ve never been with a story that makes my heart beat with excitement, then I consider that an excellent book. I strive for the same excellence in my own stories.

My first novel, STONE BAY, a Contemporary Romance, was published in March of 2014. It was followed by a new Romantic Suspense series, Hide Tide Suspense, bringing danger to the small village of Stone Bay, Maine. Out now in the series are STONE COLD, STONE HEART, STONE FALL and PRECIOUS STONE. Finally for the conclusion of the series, THE RUSSIAN PHOENIX, a women’s fiction historical and the prequel to PRECIOUS STONE is coming soon. These books can be found on my Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2bHJ1kb

You may also find all of my published books at sites such as iBooks, B&N and Kobo through Books2Read.com

Stone Bay: https://books2read.com/u/bw8gDG

Stone Cold: https://books2read.com/u/49x5y8

Stone Heart: https://books2read.com/u/b6QP9J

Stone Fall: https://books2read.com/u/mgK8V6

Precious Stone: https://www.books2read.com/u/bP1Gk7

And follow me on my website blog page for my writing thoughts:

www.MinEdwards.com

Twitter @MEdwardsAuthor

twitter.com/MEdwardsAuthor

My Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/AuthorMinEdwards

My Personal Pinterest:

www.pinterest.com/athirstymind

And my Author Pinterest Page:

www.pinterest.com/minedwards

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April 19, 2017 · 7:35 pm

Profit: Utopia the Conclusion (Book IV The Beckett Series) By Mary Martinez

Please help me welcome Mary Martinez…

Have you ready any of Mary’s books? If so, which one?

I haven’t yet, but this one looks like a winner!

Check out her giveaway below!

 

Blurb:

Matt Beckett is the Chief Financial officer for World Banking Association (WBA). Over a year ago an agency known as the HEAD group tried to take over the WBA. Matt’s sister, Reagan Beckett, a member of a Federal Special Task Force took out one of the key players, a serial killer known as the Headman. Now the founder of HEAD, Andrew Phillips, is back and ready to finish what he’d started with a new and dastardly key player from the Dark web.

Matt doesn’t have any desire to be involved in any cloak and dagger stuff. He’d rather leave that to the other law enforcement Beckett’s. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like he’ll have a choice.

Bryn Connelly is the Chief Audit Executive also for the WBA. She had been one of the Headman’s targets and thought her days of danger were over. However, she finds herself working with laid back Matt Beckett, much to her dismay.

Matt couldn’t be more delighted when Reagan informs him he’ll be working the lovely Bryn. He’s been trying to catch her eye for five years, now. However, their sleuthing quickly lands them in a precarious position.

It’s up to Matt and Bryn to finish what Reagan and her team started, but can he win the lovely Bryn and save the day? Or will he lose her forever if the WBA falls into the wrong hands?

Excerpt:

“No shop talk or you’re banned from Christmas dinner.”

“Ma, you can’t ban me from a home-cooked meal.” Matt looked down his body. “Look at me, I’m skin and bones, because I don’t have a good woman to cook for me.”

Martha gave him a light slug to the shoulder. “And whose fault is that, young man?”

“Yeah?” Reagan raised a brow at him and took another sip. “How’s the lovely Bryn?”

Martha gasped and looked at him. Damn Reagan. Now his mother was going to hound him.

“Who is Bryn?” Martha’s eyes twinkled in anticipation.

He shot Reagan a look that he hoped conveyed that she would pay. “Bryn is a woman I work with from time to time at WBA.”

“She works at DIG?” Referring to one of the five entities of WBA.

He sighed, he might as well get the Q & A over with since she’d just keep at him until he gave in anyway. His mother could be like a dog with a bone.

“No, she’s with Corporation of International Finance, or CIF, she’s their Chief Auditor Executive.” He glanced at his sister who stood sipping her drink innocently and glared. “She is a very nice person and no, before you ask, we are not seeing each other.”

“Not that he doesn’t want to see her, she just has better taste in men.” Reagan laughed.

“Reagan, any woman would be lucky to date your brother.”

Matt held in a groan. Man, he needed to get out of here. He looked to his brother, brothers-in-law, anyone to rescue him. But Reagan wasn’t going to let that happen.

“Ma, you’d love her. She has the most beautiful red hair, green eyes, and she speaks with this lovely Irish accent.”

“Gan, Gan!”

Matt looked down at his niece, Lucy, he wanted to give her a big kiss for interrupting. But the little one was currently pulling on Reagan’s jean clad leg. His sister set her glass on the side table and swung Lucy up above her head, her giggles drew the attention of everyone in the room.

Escape. Matt didn’t waste any time, while his mother and sister were occupied with the adorable dark haired cutie he raced toward his brothers and talk of football.

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XP4SS17/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/profit-mary-martinez/1126011699?ean=9781544787978

Books A Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Profit-Book-Beckett-Series/Mary-Martinez/9781544787978?id=6218957261198

Indie Bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781544787978

Bio:

Video Bio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISsOcM0kyzY

Just a bit about me:

Mary lives in Magna, a little town west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Together with her husband, she has six grown children, and six wonderful grandsons and five beautiful granddaughters. She loves to spend time with family and friends–she includes good books as friends!

Mary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing, and Italy for the wine. And most recently she discovered she was Irish and Scottish, of course they had to visit Ireland and Scotland. Mary fell in love with both, but the green hills of Ireland felt like home.  With the experience from the exotic places she has visited, she is able to fill her books with colorful descriptions of cities, painting a colorful backdrop for her characters. One of her favorite US destinations is New York/Brooklyn, where her beloved Beckett’s live. When she visits, she can wander their neighborhoods, favorite parks, and visit their favorite pub, Putnum’s.

They are avid concert ‘Ho’s’! Yes, they pretty much want to do them all. They love outdoor amphitheaters the best and attend as many during the warmer months as possible.

Mary writes mostly romantic suspense, romance, women’s fiction, and she has just begun to dabble in young adult mystery. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA). During her writing career she has been a conference coordinator, workshop presenter, and chapter president for the Utah Chapter of RWA. In 2007 she was presented with the Utah RWA service award in acknowledgment and appreciation for outstanding service. Mary has also participated in numerous library panels on writing and co-presented a workshop on writing a series at the League of Utah Writers conference.

Mary and her husband are also enthusiastic college football fans. They have season tickets to the UTES, University of Utah Football and they tailgate every game. They love tailgating so much, that they were married at a tailgating in 1999.

GO UTES!

Goodreads giveaway: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/232210-profit-book-v-the-beckett-series-utopia-the-conclusion

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contact Links:

Web site: http://www.marymartinez.com/

Mary’s Garden Blog: http://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.com/

The After Work Cook Blog: http://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryMartinez/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marylmartinez

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marylmartinez3/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MaryMartinez3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlmartinez3/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTww3B2ofa11UPFrSe0WGAg

Mary’s Book Group: Open a Book and embark on a new adventure! https://www.facebook.com/groups/MarysBookGroup/

Thank you, Alicia, for hosting me on your blog!

My pleasure…the book looks fantastic – LOVE the cover!

14 Comments

Filed under Author Blog Post, giveaway, New Release, Uncategorized

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April 17, 2017 · 7:56 am

Author Interview with Jacki Renée ~ New Release: Necessary Lies ~ #Giveaway

Please help me welcome Jacki Renée…(Be sure to check out her AWESOME giveaway!!)

 

Happy to have you here, Jacki. Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?

Born and raised in sunny Southern California, I live minutes away from the construction site for the LA Rams football stadium. I’m a single mother of two amazing daughters, ages 24 and 16 (the age difference is a blessing and a curse). We have 3 dogs, 2 bunnies, and 1 turtle.

Where did you get the idea for Necessary Lies?

NECESSARY LIES started as a short story for a post on a free social publishing site. One morning, while driving to work and listening to Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM, the first two lines of Stay With Me by Sam Smith made me ask myself, ‘what if Bryan felt that way?’ and the seed was planted for the story to grow into a full-length novel with plot twists and turns and a secret backstory. One evening I was watching Dancing With The Stars and heard Leela James sing Fall For You live. Her soulful voice gave my story its journey of trust and love. I was sitting in the car in front of my daughter’s middle school waiting for them to return from grad-nite and heard Not A Bad Thing by Justin Timberlake on the radio. My hero now had a voice and a purpose, and the one book turned into a trilogy.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

I can’t really say I chose to write romantic suspense, the theme of my storyline just happens to fall in that subgenre with a high heat level.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

I like to use industry standards as guidelines for being different. I don’t want my stories to fit neatly in any box.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

For me, the most difficult thing about writing a book is sending my baby [book] off into the world to be read and judged. Liked or disliked. Hoping everyone loves it, yet remaining open minded when someone doesn’t.

Are there any tricks, habits or superstitions you have when creating a story?

When I’m having a difficult time writing, I go sit in the car with my laptop. Being out of the house gets me over the hurdle and knowing the closest electrical outlet is just steps away allows me to enclose myself for a few hours.

Do you collect anything?

I collect tote bags. It is an obsession. If I’m at an event and vendors are handing tote bags, I have to have one (or two).

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Necessary Lies?

I’m fascinated by the way the brain processes words and use that knowledge to my advantage by intentionally using double entendres to hide the truth in plain sight. I want my readers to come away with feeling challenged to think outside the box when reading the Lies storyline.

What is your favorite quote?

The dirt always comes out in the wash.

If you could spend time with a character from your book, whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please :))

I would want to hang out with Max. He is funny and carefree. Flamboyant and quick witted. I can picture us going shopping and him convincing me the dress doesn’t make my butt look big even though the mirror says differently. He would make me buy the highest heels I can stand in, then teach me how to stomp the runway in them.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

The very first writing contest I entered, a judge wrote: ‘You need to read more books in your genre and follow those examples. It’s obvious you are clueless about what romantic suspense is’ [copied directly from the scoresheet]. Little did that judge know, I do read romantic suspense, but I believe there is more than one way to spin a suspense tale.

What has been the best compliment?

I asked a critic partner, if she would provide a quote for my press release. She wrote: Necessary Lies is an intriguing story told in an intriguing way. The use of two first person POVs kept me totally engaged and it will you, too. – Michal Scott

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

The brotherhood and bond between the Men of Phantom is based on the friendship my nephew has with his friends. They have known each other for 20+ years. These young men are ‘ride-or-die’ friends and all successful in their own way. I try to capture that bond in each story of the series.

How did you come up with the title?

Sometimes it is necessary to tell a lie to protect a loved one.

Your favorite…

Movie – The Color Purple, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

Music – All genres except heavy-metal and gangster rap

Place you’ve visited – Boulder, Colorado; Tempe, Arizona

Place you’d like to visit – Washington D.C.; Chicago, Illinois,

TV show from childhood – Good Times, What’s Happening, The Brady Bunch, The Love Boat, reruns of The Munsters, The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy, Gidget

TV show from adulthood – Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless, Baby Daddy

 

Thank you, Jacki. Wow, fun interview. That judge needs a lesson in etiquette and courtesy. Ha, I LOVE Justin Timberlake. And Baby Daddy. You’re the only other person I’ve heard of who watches. 🙂

Jacki is giving away a fabulous prize: An I Am Jacki Renée Tote Bag filled with, (1) Men of Phantom T-Shirt, (1) Rubber Book Mark (made out of recycled tires), (1) Pen, (1) Mini Journal, and (1) $25 Amazon Gift Card.

To enter, answer this question: On her wedding day, what borrowed item was Danielle given? – (A name will be drawn from the correct answers)

Author’s Bio:

Dare to Take a Risk and Stand out From the Crowd.

I am Jacki Renée. If you see me behind the wheel—lips moving, no one else in the car—don’t be frightened. I’m having a conversation with one of the many characters who live in my mind. But if I’m bobbing my head and snapping my fingers, getting into the beat of the music and the lyrics to the song, do not disturb. I’m developing a story or a character.

Music sparks my inspiration to write and I listen to a variety of music. I credit my story ideas to the emotions I sense when listening to music. It’s the tone of the artist’s voice mixed with the sounds coming from the instruments that sends my literal mind into another dimension. I play songs on repeat until I can put into words how I want my characters to be perceived.

Reading is my Passion, writing is my Pleasure. An avid reader, I pick up a book to escape everyday life for a few hours. And if the story is exceptionally good, I’ll escape reality for twenty-four hours. Reading novels since high school, from timeless literary masterpieces to today’s mainstream fiction, I’ve found both passion and pleasure in the written world of books. I divide my “me time” between my daughters, writing, and reading. It started as an after-work hobby until a follower encouraged me to try writing on a professional level. I nurtured my gift into an obtainable dream.

A web search for information on a teen soap opera series tapped into my pleasure for writing. My first adventure happened when I stumbled upon FanFiction. After months of following many aspiring writers on the website, I worked up the courage to submit a one-shot story. The feedback and comments I received encouraged me to write more. It didn’t take long before the one-shots turned into short stories. Then one day, a short story turned into my first full-length novel, which expanded into a trilogy and now a planned series of trilogies. Even after a two-year break from posting on the site, my stories are still getting views, favorites, and comments. I look back on those posts to measure how much I’ve grown. The redundancy, grammar, and punctuation errors are criminal acts for which I could be prosecuted, but those stories are my beginnings. My babies. When I give pep talks to author friends, I always start with, “you have to crawl before you walk; walk before you run; then run so you can leap over the hurdles and cross the finish line as a published author.”

My approach to writing is to draw the outline and allow the imagination of the reader to color in the blanks. Meticulously chosen words can outline the plot yet still hide the truth in plain sight. Emotional words invoke the images and colors, sounds and scents, tastes and touch of the story. Words are the clues used to visualize the story. I strive to create a portal to a different reality, so my readers see the story through the eyes of the characters. Call me sinister, but I love keeping my readers confused to the end, then shocking them when I point out the obvious. If you commit to traveling the road, you get to experience the peaks and valleys and walk with the characters into the arms of a “Happily Ever After.”

My goals as an author are to… always finish what I start, be it a book written by a fellow author, or a manuscript I worked on but put aside. Expand my reading palate by finding new authors and “paying-it-forward.” Stay true to my beliefs, yet open myself to a world seen through the eyes of others. Always find the positive in the face of differences because my stories may not be for everyone, but they will entertain someone.

 

 

Necessary Lies Book Blurb:

What do you do when your whole life is a lie?

Single mother, Dr. Danielle Edwards, never imagined her happily-ever-after ending so soon. But now her world has been shaken off its axis. Orphaned and raised in foster care, Danielle learned early in life to be independent. The only emotional attachment she had in childhood was to her friend and now-dead husband, James. The only emotional attachment she has now, is her daughter. That was until Bryan came into their lives…

Everything about Colonel Bryan K. Hawk IV is devised to draw Danielle to him—from the way he dresses, to his motherless child. On the surface, Bryan is a successful global businessman, but he’s hiding the real purpose for his relationship with Danielle. For nine-years, he’s been investigating James Edwards. His assignment, to recover stolen information from an anti-American organization—information that exposes a centennial government secret that could start World War III. And Danielle is unknowingly caught in the middle.

Bryan is trained to get answers by any means necessary, even seduction. But the government didn’t train him how to resist someone like Danielle. Not even when he’s falling in love… not when the truth will rip them apart forever.

 

Necessary Lies Excerpt:

On the way to the grocery store, a catchy song plays on the radio and I turn up the volume. The lyrics ignite a yearning in my heart and the emotion in the singer’s voice speaks to my soul. I know what it’s like to want to give yourself to someone, but to be uncertain if they will take care of your heart. It takes ultimate trust to drop my guard and make myself vulnerable to anyone. I wanted that with Bryan. I wholeheartedly gave him something James never had. The most valued piece of me. We have history. I didn’t realize how lonely I’d been until we moved here. My world has been shaken off its axis.

 

Contact Links:

Home

facebook.com/iamjackirenee

twitter.com/iamjackirenee

instagram.com/iamjackirenee

Buy Links: (ONLY 99 cents!!)

Necessary Lies is available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Lies-Men-Phantom-Book-ebook/dp/B01LY3FGYA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492433685&sr=8-1&keywords=necessary+lies+jacki+renee

Also on: B&N, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, Scribd, Inktera, 24symbols. A personally autographed copy can be purchased through my website.

Very proud of this book cover created by Kim Killion of The Killion Group, Inc.

The hawk tattoo was designed by Terry of Terry Didum Designs.

I had never been to Boulder, Colorado. I spent a few days there to experience, firsthand, the city I fell in love with via internet research. The real came close to the fiction.

I didn’t know about this sculpture of a red-tail hawk until I walked through the courtyard of the courthouse. That is the moment I knew writing was my true life’s journey – April 2016.

Walking Pearl Street was surreal – April 2016

The tulips on Pearl Street were in full bloom – April 2016

Aww… the faces in the pansies on Pearl Street – April 2016

 

Breathtaking view of the seasons changing in Boulder, Colorado

April 2016

April 2016

April 2016

 

Thank you, and please feel free to reach out to me via my website or on any of my social media platforms.

5 Comments

Filed under Author Blog Post, giveaway, New Release

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April 16, 2017 · 4:00 am

A Plethora of #99Cent Ebooks!!! April 2017 #BargainBooks

99 Cent Ebooks galore

Check out our monthly list of 99 cent reads. All different genres, all great bargains!

Hope you discover some excellent reads!

PLEASE CONFIRM BEFORE ORDERING!!! – We are not responsible if prices are no longer 99 cents

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Hell’s Bounty by Kayden Claremont (Paranormal Erotica)

 

Raven Hart, a succubus bounty hunter for Hell, is on a hunt. She might have lost the prize for now, but she’s a winner when the hottie wants to get physical.

Marcus Dionysius, a Nephilim working for Heaven, has one mission—to prevent Hell’s beauty from stealing souls meant for the higher plane.

Working together to discover who’s snatching souls from Heaven, they realize the true danger is falling in love.

Find Kayden here at: www.kaydenclaremont.com/

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One Bad Day by Edie Hart (Contemporary Romantic Comedy Novella)

 

Tessa is having one seriously bad day. After agreeing to dress as a cheesy mascot for her boss, everything goes wrong. Gray, an off-duty police officer sees her running for her life through a dark lot and promises to keep Tessa safe…even if that means taking her home with him.

Find Edie Here: https://www.facebook.com/RomanceAuthorEdieHart

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New Beginnings by Iris Blobel (Contemporary Romance set in Australi)

Twenty-two-year-old Sophie Levesque has been guardian to her eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago, and it hasn’t been easy. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Settling into their new life, Sophie is still afraid it’s all a mistake.

Find Iris here: www.irisblobel.com

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Sacrifice and Reward, Paha Sapa Saga Book One, by Robin Deeter (Sensual Native American Romance)

 

Sky Dancer, a beautiful, Kiowa widow, and proud a Lakota warrior, Dark Horse, are forced to marry in order to create an alliance between their peoples.  Right from the beginning they clash in a tests of wills, loathing each other on sight, making a happy marriage seem out of the question.

Will the sacrifice that is asked of them save their tribes?  Can these two enemies overcome their initial hatred to find love in unlikely place or will distrust keep them from the reward they both crave?

Find Robin Deeter here: Western Romance Author Robin Deeter

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Winter Moon, Paha Sapa Saga Book Two, by Robin Deeter (Sensual Native American Romance)

Handsome French fur trader, Ames Duchamp, and beautiful Kiowa warrior, Willow, have been secretly engaged in a fiery, all-consuming love affair. When tragedy brings their relationship to light, can they withstand the heartache and hold onto their love or will feelings of inadequacy and pride tear their happiness to shreds?

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Wolf Binding Book 1 (Paranormal Romance) by Kara James

Ryan Taylor had everything going for him as Rugby half-back until a werewolf bite changed everything. Now he has to keep his secret hidden.

Jessica needs an exclusive story to lock-in her new role as a reporter. Traveling to New Zealand, she gets assigned finding out more about the elusive Ryan Taylor. Except, this bad boy would rather remain secretive.

Find Kara here:  https://www.karajamesauthor.com/

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Magic Awakened: A Paranormal Romance Boxed Set

The secrets of the heart are hidden when magic sleeps, but miracles happen when magic is awakened.

Enjoy eleven stunningly romantic supernatural tales in one divine boxed set. Fantastic beasts, shifters, and unearthly creatures face all too human conflicts and heartbreak, but always with a promise of a happily-ever-after ending.

With mates and magic, each story brings to life a unique world where anything is possible, including finding true and everlasting love, no matter who…or what you are.

 

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Love on a Train by Colleen L Donnelly

Martha fell in love with Raymond on the train, their daily commute bringing them closer and closer until the day he asked if she would like to see a picture of the girl he planned to marry. The drawing looked like Martha, his smile made her believe it was her…until he disappeared. Leaving her behind with a lonely commute, a broken heart, a fiance her family prefers, and the out of the blue – new drawings – ones that make her heart begin to beat again twenty one days before her wedding.

Find Colleen L Donnelly at http://www.colleenldonnelly.com/

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The Boat Builder’s Bed by Kris Pearson (New Zealand contemporary romance)

A beautiful house that needs her touch. A beautiful man who needs her touch even more.

Find Kris here: http://www.krispearson.com

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Secret Destiny, Book 1 (Steamy Contemporary Romance)

Amazon Bestseller in Top 100 Literary Short Story. A billionaire proposes an offer that’s so wrong, so risky and, oh wow, so incredibly sexy. Yes, it’s a terrible idea, and she’s crazy and irresponsible to accept, but she’s desperate and can’t refuse.

Find Kathy here: www.kathykulig.com

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Wyatt   Gypsy Magic Part 1 (Paranormal Romantic Suspense) by Rebecca York

https://www.amazon.com/Wyatt-Gypsy-Magic-Book-1-ebook/dp/B06XJZXYYC/

Cursed by a gypsy: justice is blind…

Find Rebecca York here: http://www.RebeccaYork.com

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Garner   Gypsy Magic Part 2 (Paranormal Romantic Suspense) by Ann Voss Peterson

 

Cursed by a gypsy: love is death…

Find Ann Voss Peterson at http://www.annvosspeterson.com/

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Andrei  Gypsy Magic Part 3 (Paranormal Romantic Suspense) by Patricia Rosemoor

Cursed by a gypsy: law is impotent

Find Patricia Rosemoor at http://PatriciaRosemoor.com

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Sink or Swim by Stacy Juba (Mystery/Romantic Suspense)

 

Personal trainer Cassidy Novak garners popularity and fame while starring in a hit reality show. She catches the attention of a stalker that turns her well-ordered life topsy-turvy. Cassidy hates the bizarre rules in this guessing game, but when her stalker forces a showdown, she plays to win.

Find Stacy Juba at http://stacyjuba.com/blog/

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A Spanish Dilemma by Meredith Bond (Regency Romance)

 

In the midst of war, treaties aren’t the only thing that need to be negotiated and romance can ignite in the most unusual way.

Find Meredith at www.meredithbond.com

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Spring Fling (Contemporary/NA Romance)

When spring break fun turns into crime, Susanna must choose between chasing bling and chasing a hot dolphin trainer. But straight-arrow Joaquin has no intention of being the boy toy of his flighty classmate. Too bad lust has such a good grip on him.

Find Carly Carson at www.carlycarson.com

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The Love of a Rake

A sensual tale of two rakes, two horses, and two not-so-very-marriage-minded women

Find Linda Rae Sande at www.lindaraesande.com

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Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies

 

Pete McNutt needs customers for his new business. Spring has arrived and it’s prime time Privy Season. After much consideration, he refines his sales pitch and heads to the monthly meeting of the Women’s Library Association.

Find Aubrey Wynne at www.aubreywynne.com

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Come Love A Cowboy, II by Keta Diablo (Three Western Romance novellas)

 

Three western romance novels set in the Old West.

Save $3.00 (if books purchased separately)

Comes An Outlaw by Keta Diablo

Chasing the Dead by Keta Diablo

Catherine’s Cowboy by Cait Braxton

Find Keta here: http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com

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When Maleen King’s father dies, she leaves fast-paced NYC to return home to the dairy farm in Idaho, but when she runs into her high-school sweetheart, she realizes their feelings for each other have never changed.

Find Jeanne here: https://www.facebook.com/JeanneStJamesAuthor

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Nothing will ever be the same after Jeff is accused of threatening to murder his wife. Or Evie is bruised one time too many by her abusive boyfriend. Or Santa Claws starts howling under the house.

Find Kris Pearson here: http://www.krispearson.com

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Romantic erotica – a strangers-to-lovers costume party adventure. This naughty novella is around 50 pages – just right for a bedtime read.

Find Kris here: http://www.krispearson.com

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Hi, I’m Frank H Jordan, information technology professional, ex-Army reservist (‘weekend warrior’) with the Australian Defence Force, and author of the Jo Modeen action/adventure series. My character, ex-Special Forces soldier Jo Modeen, has been described by one reviewer as ‘Wonder Woman’s down-under cousin’, which is no wonder, considering she was the first woman to be accepted into Australia’s elite SASR, and her mantra in life is ‘go hard or go home’!

Find Frank H Jordan here: http://frankhjordanauthor.blogspot.com.au/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Two sisters find love at a haunted inn.

Find Elaine Cantrell here https://www.facebook.com/elainepcantrell

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

Bryan is trained to get answers by any means necessary, even seduction.

Find Jacki here: https://www.iamjackirenee.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pearl Parker has to get her rag tag family away from Piper’s Hollow, TN before more mischief finds them. Drake Kincaid’s surprise proposal offers the solution she needs but neither Drake nor Pearl realize trouble will follow them to Texas or why. Pearl is not the wife Drake’s grandfather envisioned when he ordered Drake to marry by his 30th birthday; Pearl is not the meek wife Drake envisioned and he soon learns she has a mind of her own. Humor, adventure, murder, kidnapping and arson invade the passion this couple shares.

Find Caroline Clemmons at http://www.carolineclemmons.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Josephine Nailor is desperate to escape a terrible situation. When the opportunity arises via a newspaper ad, she and her best friend slip away from their oppressive fathers and head for Richmond. Neither can relax until they’re far away from their tiny hometown. With wealthy young widow Lydia Harrison’s help, Josephine and six other young women have a new life waiting in Tarnation, Texas.

Find Caroline Clemmons at http://www.carolineclemmons.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Australia’s hottest musical innovator, Hayden Crewe, can’t go anywhere without attracting a mob. But watching his estranged mother die in a Seattle hospice center, he’s never felt more alone. Until he meets long-legged, clear-minded Briar Moore, and suddenly knows exactly what will fill the hole inside.

Find Alexa Padgett here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexaPadgett/?ref=bookmarks

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A fake marriage. A real attraction. A past he doesn’t want the world- including his wife- to know.

Find Nikki Lynn Barrett here: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

He must pursue his enemy; she must protect her people. Can their love survive the duties that drive them apart?

Find Barbara Bettis here: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraBettisAuthor

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

His baby brother, her sister’s child… Despite the bad blood between them, this bad boy country singer and former barrel racer will do anything to protect him, even get married. It’s a country song in the making, but she’s just not sure her heart can carry a happy tune when he’s playing lead…

Find Sara Walter Ellwood here: http://www.sarawalterellwood.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When lightning strikes Sierra Norton flight the aircraft plunges and catapults her into the attack on Pearl Harbor. In a whirlwind blur, Sierra’s courage, skill, and passion challenges her sanity. Can the convergence of three strong women reset history to fulfill her destiny?

Find Casi here: http://casimclean.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Savanna Bradford’s impulsive reaction to her boyfriend Ryan’s proposal spirals her into a rendezvous with fate. Will the timeless struggle between dreams and passion bait her into repeating history, or will a simple gift from her bizarre encounter steer Savannah toward her true destiny before it’s too late?

Front Page

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Seth thought that he’d seen it all and that nothing would surprise him. But the one night he met Aubrey changed his world, and he’d never been so happy to be wrong.

Find Valerie here: http://www.valerieullmer.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Gabriel Kane lived by one hard and fast rule. Never mix business with pleasure. But the moment Rebecca Cole walked back into his life with only business on her mind, he finds himself forgetting about the rules.

Find Valerie here: http://www.valerieullmer.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Starting out as a Homeware representative to make money to stash, Patsy was soon on her way to taking her life back into her own hands. What started out as a money spinner soon became her focus.

Find Bridgitte Lesley here: bridgittelesley.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When her truck quit on an Ozark highway, she wasn’t ready for the lover she’d left in college to show up, or how quickly their passion rekindled.

Find Mary here: http://marywinter.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harmony Duprie enjoyed her quiet life as an internet researcher until her arrest for drug trafficking. Cleared of all charges, she needs to find out what is behind the series of events that throws her life into chaos and why. And she better take it seriously, like her life depends upon finding the right answers.

Find P.J. MacLayne here: https://facebook.com/pjmaclayne

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A sensual tale of two rakes, two horses, and two not-so-marriage-minded women.

Find Linda Rae Sande here: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Rae-Sande/e/B00BUYEI0S

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Georgiana Fields writes paranormal romantic suspense, featuring strong men and resilient women who never give up. Her stories are filled with laughs, love, struggles, and new beginnings. And always happy endings.

Find Georgiana Fields Here: http://amazon.com/author/georgianafields

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

One night with a sexy stranger is just what the doctor ordered… When a fellow RN predicts Beth Roberts will meet a tall, ripped, and totally lick-o-licious stranger who will fulfill her deepest desires, she laughs it off. Given her tragic love life, Beth has no desire to become involved again. But who could have predicted the doctor with the mischievous smile she meets at a wedding, or the chemistry sparking between them that threatens to break through her defenses? Dr. Gabriel North spent two years blaming himself for his wife’s death. Having finally battled through the guilt and overcome his demons, he’s ready to move on. When he meets a sexy nurse at his friend’s wedding, the attraction is swift and strong, and he wastes no time in pressing his advantage. One night with the woman who makes him feel alive again isn’t enough, but gaining Beth’s trust is going to take more than seduction…

You can find Jan Meredith here: https://www.facebook.com/Jan-Meredith-Author-180907778724775/ or here: https://www.facebook.com/jan.meredith.121

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Norse mythology, time travel, a dragon and love meet in his fiery fantasy romance.

Find Tina Glasneck here: tglasneck.wixsite.com/tglasneck

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Micky Llewellyn trusted men before—with disastrous results. Nick Halden’s life has unfolded according to plan—a top law career and an engagement to the perfect socialite. Fate unites them, and they must balance love and ambition to hold onto the one thing that matters.

Find Kris Here: https://www.facebook.com/krisjayneauthor/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Escaping a carjacker, Tia tumbles into the Sifra–home of the fairies. She wakes to find herself married to a Sidhe prince. While insisting their marriage is not valid, she cannot deny the passion she finds in his arms.

Find Penelope here: https://www.facebook.com/penelopemarzecbooks/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When Searching for Love…if you are caught by the one you catch …you’ve found the right one. Murdina a vampiric fey is hunting for a man, but this time she wants love not blood. She spots Cameron just as a strong wind lifts his kilt, she takes a good look and decides he’s the one.

Find Cornelia Amiri here: https://www.amazon.com/Cornelia-Amiri/e/B002BLFENY/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1489368651&sr=1-2-ent

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Can a budding office romance survive when the couple finds themselves in a knock-down-drag-out competition to win their company’s “most outrageous holiday sweater” contest?

Find Liese Sherwood-Fabre here: http://www.liesesherwoodfabre.com/books.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Love can be dangerous…and even deadly. A collection of three award-winning literary short stories explore how far some will go in the name of love.

Find Liese Sherwood-Fabre here: http://www.liesesherwoodfabre.com/books.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Nurse Sabrina Boyd has seen the Demon Cat, so someone will die. Doctor Joe, her childhood crush, is now a widower who as set his sites on Sabrina! Can she save the person the Demon Cat means to die or resist the charms of the man who was married to her cousin?

https://www.facebook.com/Mary-Marvella-Author-121044561311561/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Showgirl Felicity Brown craves singing the blues. After being discovered by a talent agent, she suddenly finds herself in danger. Derek St James needs to find her stalker if he has any chance of spending the rest of his life with the woman he loves.

You can find all Cheryl’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Wright/e/B0088GDSKM/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

She was determined to secure the succession, he was in it for the pleasure. Falling in love was not part of the arrangement.

Find Beverley here: http://www.beverleyoakley.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Beautiful, impoverished Fanny Brightwell has a few scores to settle—and a heart to win—before she can secure the wealthy, aristocratic husband her ambitious mama demands.

Find Beverley here: http://www.beverleyoakley.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hi, Amanda Spencer, here. My only interest is finding my 1st husband killer, not marrying William VanHorn. Now to convince him of that fact.

Find Anita Philmar Here – http://www.anitaphilmar.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Should I join the war between the states or find a wife? Do I know any girl I’d be willing to marry?

Find Anita Philmar Here – http://www.anitaphilmar.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

With problems at the mine, I don’t have time for the mating challenges. Nor do I want a husband. Now, how do I escape Stihl?

Find Tina Gayle Here http://www.tinagayle.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

With problems at the mine, I don’t have time for the mating challenges. Nor do I want a husband. Now, how do I escape Stihl?

Find Tina Gayle Here http://www.tinagayle.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Half-dressed and going for naked… Starlight Tyler needs to lose her virginity pronto.

Find Marie-Nicole Ryan here http://marienicoleryan.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My name is Lucky Strickland. After my cheating husband introduced me to his secret family live on our reality TV show, he had the good grace to wrap his car around the nearest oak tree. Now, I’m stuck with the aftermath.

Find Katie Graykowski here: http://www.facebook.com/katie.graykowski

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

One nature guide. One accidental forest fire. And one steamy investigator hot on her tail.

Find Jean Oram here: http://www.jeanoram.com/FREEBOOK

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Wine, truffles and a remodel…welcome to Wescott Springs where finding love is a sweet & sexy small town romp!

Find Holly at https://www.facebook.com/HollyCortelyouAuthor/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Betrayed by three women he trusted, Royce Weston has banned women not only from his ranch but from his life. Then he meets Paige at the poker tables. Sassy, spirited; she deals him a hand he can’t refuse.

Find Julie Lence here: www,julielence.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Meet Miss Anastasia Galipp: debutante, know-it-all, and spy. Her life is about to get VERY complicated.

Find Jamaila Brinkley here: http://www.jamailabrinkley.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A Harley-riding Hollywood director and single mom’s life collides with her leading man’s when he is poisoned on the set.

Find Tracey here: http://www.traceycramerkelly.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

High school sweethearts meet 12 years later & sparks still fly. For the first time, they learn the truth of their breakup & who was responsible. Is it too late to rekindle the love once shared or will their dreams be shattered forever?

Find Diana Stout at https://www.facebook.com/writerDianaStout/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Fairytales with a twist. Seven magical stories based on the original tales you only thought you knew.

Find Michelle here: http://michellezieglerauthor.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rachel Hamilton comes to Stonehenge to celebrate her birthday on Summer Solstice, only to find herself trapped beneath the massive rhyolite bluestones with sexy wizard, Dewin Kingston, who convinces her that she is the key to their escape.

Find Lynn Crain here https://www.facebook.com/LynnCrainAuthor

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Alora, a goddess from the planet Lemuria, accidentally drops a love potion through a portal. The small vial lands in Portland, Oregon’s Forest Park. Once discovered, the alluring liquid can ignite adventure and passion leading to a meant-to-be love for those that open it, if they’re brave enough to take the risk.

Find Rosalie Redd Here: http://www.rosalieredd.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Morgan Hunter uncovers evidence that the healthy foods she’s promoting may be dangerous. To learn the truth she must cross a deadly organization and accept help from the man she pushed away, but never stopped loving.

Find Kim Here: https://www.facebook.com/KimMcMahillAuthor/

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

With the aid of an inexplicable super-power, he’s determined to conquer any hurdles to gain back his freedom. Except one hot mess of an obstacle he can’t get around.

Find Naomi Bellina here: http://www.naomibellina.com/

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A broken heart. A deadly secret. A hidden love.

Find Laura Haley-McNeil here: http://laurahaleymcneil.com/?doing_wp_cron=1491760431.0366790294647216796875

 

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April 15, 2017 · 9:30 am

Author Interview with Izzy Szyn ~ New Release: Resurrection of Artemis

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Izzy Szyn with an interview and her latest release…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets? 

I’m from Detroit, live in Oklahoma City. My mom and brothers still live in Detroit and I have a sister and niece that lives here. I have dog named Misty that is Chihuahua/terrier mix.

Where did you get the idea for RESURRECTION OF ARTEMIS Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)? 

I was in a chat one night with Candi Fox and Bobbi Romans and we talked about getting together and doing a boxed set together. We decided to do superheroes/villains. I’d never written one before, but I always had this germ of an idea for one.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?

I work in a call center for iphone tech support, (not Apple) and one day our phones went crazy because there was a big outage in Texas and people were going crazy? So Artemis was born.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

Finding time to write.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

Trying to find a superhero and villain name that hadn’t been used before.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

Yes. I work in a call center helping people who have problems with their phones. It’s okay, but want to write full time.

What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?

Cheese. I like it on pizza and spaghetti, but hate grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese.

Do you collect anything?

I guess you can say flip flops, it’s my fav shoe, I think I have more of them then regular shoes.

What was your first job?

Working in a cafeteria in a Montgomery Wards. It lasted a month.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

If I could afford it, my job

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

I think it has to be Sue Barton, Student Nurse. It’s a really old book, but I read it when I was ten. I had to do a book report for school and it’s the book that turned me into a bookaholic.

What’s your favorite childhood book?

Hmmm, Wizard of Oz? I would definitely redo it one day, but of course it would be hotter.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Resurrection of Artemis?

I hope they want more, I’d write another if there was enough interest.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

I don’t mind a bad review as long as they say why they didn’t like the book. If they just put this book sucks and nothing else then I’d rather them not leave one.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

Erotic suspense thriller

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?

Pepsi, food and a bed

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yeah, I’m currently working on three others. I can’t seem to write just one at a time.

Thank you, Izzy…it was nice getting to know you. I will have to say, I find it VERY odd that you dislike cheese. It’s one of my very favorite foods! 😀 I love that you wrote about a super hero. I started a series years ago that was sort of a mixture of super hero and paranormal romance. I’ll dig it out and finish it one of these days. Thanks again for visiting with me today!

Izzy has a giveaway, and then, we’ll hear more about her latest release…

Izzy will be awarding a $10 Amazon to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here. http://reviewsbycacb.blogspot.com/p/resurrection-of-artemis-izzy-szyn-izzy.html

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blurb:

Once known as the infamous hacker Artemis, Amy Wilson now works in a coffee shop. With only months until the end of her probation from working in the technological industry that she loves, Amy is determined to keep Artemis dead and buried.

When incidents similar to the ones Amy did start occurring all fingers start pointing in Artemis’ direction, and three people that want Artemis to come out of retirement.

Quail City’s super heroes Dark Master and Calypso aka as multi-billionaire Noah Adams and his assistant Vanessa London know Amy’s secret, and also know that she is being set up. Having spent months in a flirtmance with Amy, they are tired of waiting and want both her and Artemis in their bed.

Hinderer wants to hold technology hostage, but in order to do that he needs Artemis’ assistance, and he will use any methods necessary to gain her cooperation.

 

Amazon Buy link http://amzn.to/2nAFqKe

Also on Amazon Unlimited

Excerpt

“People have been mentioning Artemis,” Calypso said. “You wouldn’t have heard anything?”

They knew, Amy thought. Somehow they knew. “No, Artemis isn’t here anymore. At least from what I heard.”

“Damn shame, too,” complained one of the customers in the shop. “Not the Artemis that is playing with the lights and stuff. But the Artemis who liked to help people with their problems.”

“Yeah, I think if someone is behind it, it’s someone pretending to be Artemis, or trying to shift the blame on her,” said another customer. “She may have done some things, but she’d never deliberately set out to get people hurt.”

Amy smiled at the person that made the comment. “I’ve been here all day. But it’s more than the traffic lights. Didn’t I hear that the other day the Financial District was shut down because the money showed at zero?”

“That is something that Artemis had fun with,” Dark Master commented. “Or had in the past.”

“I’m sure that whatever has been happening in Quail City has nothing to do with Artemis,” Amy replied.

“Hope for Artemis’ sake it’s true,” Calypso said. “Williams is ranting and raving in Commissioner James’ office asking for her to be arrested.”

Just bet he is, thought Amy. “Is there anything else I can get you?” Amy asked them. She saw that it was almost six and the last bus going towards her apartment would be there any minute.

“You in our bed,” Calypso said in her ear. “Your blue hair will look glorious on our pillows.” Then out loud stated, “That’s all for now.”

Author Info:

New York Times Bestselling Author Izzy Szyn was born in May of 2014 when a friend dared her to write. Born and raised in Detroit, Mi. Izzy now lives in Oklahoma City with her furchild Misty, the friendliest Chihuahua/Terrier you will ever meet. Currently works in a call center, where she writes in between phone calls.

Izzy loves to keep in touch with her readers. Email her at izzyszyn@gmail.com.

Find her on Facebook 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/Izzy-Szyn-379714942215154/timeline/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/izzySzyn

Blog: https://izzyszyn.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13836241.Izzy_Szyn

Google Plus link: https://plus.google.com/100905614042668276073

 

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April 14, 2017 · 9:31 am

Friday Fragment Contest – #Giveaway #FunGame #BookLovers – April 14, 2017

fri-fragments-and-spotalie

Happy Friday and welcome to my weekly contest –

Guess the fragment, and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, given away monthly!!!

Below you will find three different books, by three different authors, and beneath each, you will find three different short excerpts. Only one excerpt is from the listed book. Using the form at the bottom of the post, enter your guesses as to which excerpt is correct for each book. Once a month, I will draw a name from all those who attempt a guess on this game, AND on my Facebook SpotaLie game (check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/) The winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Each week, the first person to guess all 3 correctly receives an additional entry. (TIP: Click on each link and read the blurbs for a better chance at guessing correctly) – Remember, you get an entry just for guessing!

In addition to filling out the contact form, we’d also love it if you would comment, whether it is about your guesses, the books, the authors, etc. 

Have fun!

NOTE – I am discontinuing the weekly Friday Fragment contest and SpotaLie Facebook Contest after April. Beginning in May, rather than these two regular postings, I will have random games and prizes where I do more frequently and give various prizes, rather than one monthly prize. Sometimes it will be a 5 or 10 dollar gift card, sometimes other items. This way, more participants have a chance of winning. Thank you to all the authors and readers who have played along with these fun games. Check my Alicia Dean Friends and Fan Club group for info and the new games.

Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary to win. There is no limit on how many times one entrant can win. You do not have to guess correctly to be entered in the monthly drawing.

*** The game runs from the day it’s posted through the following Friday morning when the next post goes up, so feel free to send your guesses in and comment any time during that week. In order to stay up to date on each post, follow my blog by signing up in the column to the right. 

Book 1:

Cupid Scores by Sylvia McDaniel

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Cupid-Scores-Western-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B01N4RZJQJ/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S3FJSGSVCEXR0F0CTWPT

Snippet A:

“Dancing around this statue is going to help us find the man of our dreams?” Kelsey questioned. “Whoever made up this shit is sitting back somewhere laughing at how many fools stripped off their clothes and danced in the moonlight.” “In the middle of freaking winter,” Meghan added. “Come on, girls, we’re doing this. We’re going to prove this is either the biggest farce in town or it’s going to work for my friends. Just not for me.” “I hope this is worth it,” Meghan said as they began to remove clothing. This little escapade must be kept secret from her family.

Snippet B:

“It worked for all those other women. Why not us? The superstition says at midnight anyone chanting and dancing naked around the fountain will soon meet their true love. I’ve never believed in the notion, but hey, I’m game. We’ve got thirty minutes. Let’s go kick some Cupid butt and see if that superstition is real or not.” “You want me to take off my clothes and dance in front of you and everyone else in town, chanting some silly verse?” Meghan said, her voice rising. That was the most ridiculous thing Meghan ever heard. But then again, what if it worked?

Snippet C:

“Valentine’s Day. Today is the cheating snake’s wedding day,” Taylor Braxton said, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder before taking a sip of wine. Her third glass of the evening. “I’d like to propose a toast to his new wife. May she never find him in her bed with someone else, like I found her in mine.” The three women clinked glasses. “Maybe it was for the best. After all, lawmen are known for being serial cheaters,” Meghan, one of Taylor’s best friends, said in her quiet librarian voice. She gave a shake of auburn hair, her emerald eyes filled with sympathy.

 

Book 2:

Beloved Enemy by Hywela Lyn

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Beloved-Enemy-Hywela-Lyn/dp/1509205349/

Find Hywela here: http://www.hywelalyn.co.uk

Snippet A:

She sighed softly and decided she could leave it no longer. He turned and looked at her. “Something on scan that should not be there?” he asked, the brusque tone of his voice breaking into her musings. “No, it’s just…so beautiful out there—and so vast,” she replied. How could he fail to be moved by the stars she loved so much? “It makes me think of something my mother told me when I was a child back on Earth.” He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” “You wouldn’t be interested. It’s just a story.” She rose from her seat. “Try me.”

Snippet B:

He noticed on the shore several gigantic, human-like statues, but had no time to contemplate or admire them. After he had travelled for some time he saw ahead an immense sheet of water spilling from the roof in a fury of white and rainbow coloured froth. The water around the boat raced and boiled and he realised he was heading into a maelstrom. There was no way he could control the frantic motions of the craft as it heaved and bucked like an unbroken colt. Throwing down the paddle and gripping the sides of the boat, he sent a frantic message through the ether.

Snippet C:

“I hope for your sake nothing, or no-one, attacks us in the night.” “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” she said, mimicking his mocking tone. “And I told you, the vessel will be shielded, and any intruders are going to be sorry if they try to break through. As for the gun, you can have it back as soon as I know I can trust you.” (Unless your friends come back for you, in which case you’ll be my ticket off this planet.) His face betrayed no emotion. Curse him. What was going on behind those amazing, if ice-cold, eyes?

 

Book 3:

Wicked Lustful Tales by Maria Cox

Buy link: http://www.melange-books.com/authors/mariacox/WLTcc.html

Find Maria Here: http://www.mariacox.net

Snippet A:

During a group cycling vacation in the Caribbean Shana White learns that her boyfriend is moving to New York to further his career without her. With no intention of sulking Shana opts for a day excursion with former beau and fellow cyclist Nick Marino. After a biking accident leaves them stranded the rekindling of an old friendship and memories of their torrid past emerge leaving Shana to struggle with conflicting emotions. Now on the rebound can she afford to seek solace in Nick’s arms and risk heartache all over again?

Snippet B:

When Nina Bates discloses her pregnancy she’s soon shunned by her boyfriend and her mother. Alone and confused Nina turns to her grandmother who suggests she leave her hometown of Seattle and move to Alaska. In Anchorage, divorcee Dexter McIver hires Nina as live-in nanny to his son. An emotional bond develops between them and after Nina delivers her baby the smoldering attraction that existed for months threatens to boil over. With so much at stake should Nina and Dexter go out on a limb for a brief liaison?

Snippet C:

With a career in photography about to take off Adam Baxter is at the top of his game. Office buddy Jennifer Silva has been a supportive friend from the start and the two have an easygoing platonic relationship. But when Adam’s assistant Nellie singles out Adam’s jealous behavior he’s forced to analyze his true feelings for beautiful, caring Jennifer. Adam knows all too well that a romantic involvement can complicate matters. So, is Adam ready to put it all on the line and take their friendship to the next level?

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Which Snippet is from Book 1 - Cupid Scores(required)

Which Snippet is fro Book 2 - Beloved Enemy(required)

Which Snippet is from Book 3 - Wicked Lustful Tales(required)

 

The correct answers from last week: (No one guessed correctly, I’m afraid. :()

Book 1 – A

Book 2 – A

Book 3 – A

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April 12, 2017 · 10:12 am

I Write. Therefore, I Review by Oliver F. Chase

Please help me welcome Oliver F. Chase with an excellent article about reviewing…

 

I Write. Therefore, I Review

Why yes, I write books. Did you fail to notice the patches on the elbows of my tweed jacket, and the vacant, yet meaningful gaze?

Nah. That ain’t me. I’m the guy in the trenches, always learning and testing, and re-learning; ever on the look out for a clever turn of phrase; and always marketing my work and myself…albeit, very delicately. Nothing’s worse than a bore who believes he’s the next Lee Child.

Writers also review. Especially those of us who are as yet “undiscovered” and thus, un-contracted by a biggie. Writing is not a competition, but more like an aftermarket team sport. We write alone but need one another in the business end of creation. Like reviewing another’s novel. This is a new truth in the age of the self help publishing world. Therefore, I thought I’d pass along a few must-do’s and must-have’s  that have helped me over the years. This is a quick list that could easily be much, much longer.

When you review for another, have these few things at your fingertips:

  • Know the plot and the theme. Don’t so gauche as to give it away. That means, of course, you need to read the book, and not use someone else’s Cliff Notes.
  • Have a ready-list of main or interesting characters. Grab your reviewing audience, just like you grab someone in your own work. A great character is a way to engage others, just like wonderful scenes. You may the character were yours, but aren’t, so give insightful due to the author. Yours will be better next time, guaranteed.
    • I suggest you only refer to one scene that you liked. Remember, no spoilers.
  • If you’re reviewing for the writer crowd, you can mention pace, grammar, arc.. that sort of thing. Don’t bother if you’re reviewing for the public. No one cares.
  • Was the storyline predictable, or were you so engrossed, you simply became lost and totally blew off your brother’s wedding. Go ahead and admit you were having too much fun to pick the story apart.
  • If you did like the story, tell the reviewing audience why. Open up a bit, let them see into your private wardrobe, floppy collars and all. The reviewing audience  is looking for something real, even if fantasy or Sci-Fi. The story either rings true, or it doesn’t.
    • Oh, and the old shirts? Toss’m. They’re not coming back.
  • Do the boring stuff, too.
    • Tell the reviewer who you think would enjoy the story. If you can, compare the writing to others.
    • Be cautious about setting the prospective reader’s expectations. Let the author rise to the occasion, not the prospective reader. Be careful not to force the issue. Your credibility is on the line, too.
    • Recommend the story to right audiences: YA, thriller adults, cozy mysteries. There’s nothing wrong with a cautionary statement, as well. I appreciate these, especially for writing that makes me squirm a bit.
    • Proofread your review. Reviewers will likely do a search on you, and may even want to see what you’ve written.
    • Be professional, friendly and helpful. Leave your various chips (on your shoulder) and axes (to grind) at home. A review is no place for personal politics…unless, of course you’re reviewing an opinion piece.
  • If you’re going to zing the story, temper the author with praise. Be cautious and be honest. Praise in public. Excoriate, or in this case criticize, person-to-person.

If you can’t figure out how to critique kindly, or gently prod the doggie story that made you cringe, thank the author and pass.  Demurring may be a bigger kindness, even though we need thick skins in this business. Be circumspect, genuine, and honest.  After all, don’t we all end up in the same place, anyway?  Life’s too short for anything else.

 

Thank you SO much, Oliver. I am not good at reviews, but I will bookmark your suggestions and work on my reviewing skills. Love this article!

Check out these books by Oliver. Don’t they look like fantastic reads?

 

 

 

Bio:

Oliver grew up on military bases throughout the country and like all boys, played good guys and bad. Coaxing him into an afternoon of baseball along Lake Erie, hiking the Southern California’s hills or paddling a canoe in the North Carolina backwater didn’t take much unless a book found him first.

His best friend and he joined the Marines and took a deferment to attend college. Herb left school finding stumbling blocks that seemed insurmountable at the time. A year after graduating, Oliver stepped onto a sweaty tarmac with a manual Smith Corona typewriter not far from where Herb died. Fate usually finds a way of putting day-to-day frustrations into a cruel perspective, especially when lost in the haze of an ugly war.

Thirty-one young men flew days and nights in the mountains trying to keep the world safe for … well, says Oliver, that’s not really true, is it? The only reason we ever went into those dark, frightening places was for friends, most of whom we’d never met before that day. That they lived, meant others died and that still haunts to this day.

He spent time wandering. Lots of young veterans did so, some on foot, some just on the rails of life. Many like Oliver made stops along the road. He never slept in the park or a bus station, although many did. Most found a way out of the maze, too many others did not. Oliver promises it was not he truly at risk, but still believes pulling the right ticket is mostly a matter of circumstance and luck.

He did a bit of teaching on the Navajo reservation, spent a few years with the cops and a couple alphabet agencies but never quit writing. The old manual typewriter became a memory when his first computer came along. A notebook travels with him now, the wanderlust never completely leaving him be. Today, he spends days on the family’s tiny farm and following the season, sometimes wondering if the old Smith Corona founds a home, too. He hopes so, wishing his old friend happy days.

 

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