Happy Anniversary, Sean

Today is our 8 yr anniversary. I thought this picture was fitting. Why you ask? On our Christmas gifts we always make up fictional characters from TV shows for the To and From. Fred and Wilma always make an appearance on the gift tags. :)  Corny? Maybe but we love having fun.

Happy Birthday, Connor

Five years ago I gave birth to a preemie. He weighed 14oz. The little guy fought a good fight for 6 days, but was plagued by too many issues. We decided (at the doctor's suggestion) to take him off his oxygen.
For anyone who has lost a child you know the pain. Connor was the second person I sat with while taking their final breath. While I know it was for the best, it was the toughest thing I've done to date.
We later found out just how serious his issues were and know he never would've had any quality of life.

Today I want to wish my son a happy birthday. I love and miss him every day.

Six Years Ago

I had my first book published. The publishing house is no longer in business, but I'm thrilled they accepted my book. They published four other books before folding. It's difficult for authors now. Do you traditional or indie publish. For me I like the profits of indie. It's all a matter of choice though. Neither way is wrong.

Happy Anniversary to me! :)

Unwrapped (formerly Mistletoe Studs) my first ever published book is now available for 0.99 on Smashwords. All versions available.

Unwrapped

30 years gone

30 years ago I was getting ready for school when I called home to talk to my mom. I was staying with a friend to finish high school. It was almost Christmas break and I was making plans to come home for the holiday's.
My step-father answered and aburptly told me my uncle died. (he had no class or tact)...imagine being 16 and hearing your favorite uncle was dead. Needless to say I was shocked.
When the details came out I learned he was killed by a drunk driver. My uncle was only 30yrs old. He was always there for me and then he was gone.
I've never forgotten that day and I always think about Donny. I love and miss him even 30 years later.

A Splash of Hope

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – A Splash of Hope

SERIES – Spiced Life Book 1

AUTHOR – Charity Parkerson

GENRE – Romantic Suspense

PUBLICATION DATE – 12/13/13

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 177

PUBLISHER – Punk & Sissy Publications

COVER ARTIST – Punk & Sissy Publications

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Two years ago, Faith Hope left her hometown vowing never to return. When her sister leaves the town’s hottest bachelor standing at the altar and disappears, Faith is forced to face her past in order to find her.

With a little bit of luck, some devious planning, and a splash of hope Faith may get her happily-ever-after... whether she wants it or not.

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE UK – AMAZON PAPERBACK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – GOODREADS – SHELFARI – AUDIBLE

EXCERPT

Her feet hurt, and she’d moved beyond stickiness from the heat over two hours earlier. Faith was also sick beyond tears at knocking on doors no one bothered answering. At the thought of being forced to stand even one second longer in the blazing sun, Faith beat her fist harder against the solid oak door. It was standing in between her and Adam. That was unacceptable. She waited a moment longer. When she thought she’d throw her arms up in defeat, the door swung open. A disgruntled-looking Adam stared out at her. Faith let her eyes travel the length of him. His hair stood on end and his shirtless state threatened to make her swallow her tongue. His chest and stomach appeared as if they’d been carved from stone. The baggy gray shorts he wore, might have at one time been sweatpants. That is, before someone took a pair of scissors to them. They were more appealing than the most expensive of suits. Holy shit. She had to tear her eyes away. Not hers.

Faith was almost certain she’d pulled Adam away from his workout by her incessant knocking. Unfortunately, he was so goddamn yummy she forgot why she was there. She was staring at the line of hair that disappeared beneath his waistband until he cleared his throat. Damn it. She thought she’d already forced her eyes away. Nope. She was still gazing at the deep lines etched into his stomach. Lifting her gaze back to his, Adam’s eyebrows rose in question, but his smoke-colored eyes distracted her once more.

“I’m assuming this has something to do with Serenity,” he said, when she remained silent.

Oh yes, Serenity, Faith reminded herself. She was here about the sister who’d snagged him.

AUTHOR BIO

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with Ellora's Cave Publishing, Midnight Books, and Punk & Sissy Publications. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

*2014 Golden Ankh nominee

*Winner of 2, 2014 Readers' Favorite Awards

*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner

*2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner

*ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance

*Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

Amazon Author Page – Website/Blog – Facebook – Twitter – Google+ - Pinterest – Tumblr – Networked Blogs – Goodreads – Shelfari – Others – Ellora’s Cave - Passionate Ink

GIVEAWAY

$5.00 USD Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blitz Organized & Hosted by

For All in the Hope

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – For All in the Hope

SERIES – Going off Dreams

AUTHOR – K.E. Nowinsky

GENRE – Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction

PUBLICATION DATE – December 9th, 2014

PUBLISHER – Kindle Direct Publishing

COVER ARTIST – Going off Dreams Saga Productions

BOOK SYNOPSIS

For All in the Hope picks up right where Going off Dreams (book 1) leaves off. Nyx wakes up in the dark realm of Tartarus without her man next to her in bed. They had Xylo, the wicked Woodland Dryad prisoner until they discover that not only is she missing, Nyx’s man Tobar is missing too. Plus, another ally and friend, the Feung Phoenix Shifter and best friend of Tobar’s, Zhou is critically injured! There is a race against time to find out what happened and to rescue Tobar before those that want to destroy Nyx and her powers permanently turn Tobar.

In the Earthly realm, Eryn is still coping with the fact that she has to leave her family and everything she knows and loves. She struggles to keep the stress of the realms from shattering her realities. As mortal Eryn, she’s a daughter to loving parents, the bigger sister to her outgoing younger sister Lena, who is living with her, and she’s also trying to balance Ryan in her life. After Christmas, Lena’s ex fiancé makes another tragic appearance that will change their fates forever.

Back in Tartarus, Nyx comes head to head with the Darkness that wants to consume her powers. Just when you would think the battle is over, another sinister entity comes forward trying to claim her powers. Meanwhile she’s continuing to build her relationships with her friends and allies she’s made in Tartarus while also learning the capabilities of her powers that the Darkness wants to consume and wield for their dark purposes. Nyx discovers her qualities within the quests and becomes the deity that will bring light to the darkness.

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE PRE-ORDER – THUNDERCLAP - BARNES & NOBLES

---

BOOK 1 (Going Off Dreams) BUY LINKS

AMAZON - BARNES & NOBLES

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EXCERPT

GIFT OF ESCAPE

Opening my eyes the images surrounding me were blurry and unfocused. Not knowing where I was, made me feel sick within the pit of my stomach and threatening to escape. My heart was in competition, feeling as if it were going to burst through my chest along with my breathing; it was catching in my lungs like knives.

Surveying the scene, items started making some sense. When my eyes focused, I could make out the dark room with the help of the soft glow from the lights above me. I knew I had returned. I was back in Arden’s Hut, something didn’t feel right though, I was alone. Immediately I moved my hand to feel the sheets on the bed next to me, only feeling empty fabric and coldness where I expected warmth.

My feet met the cool wooden floor as I searched the small quarters along with the connecting bathroom. He wasn’t anywhere, no note, no sign of him ever being there. My heart plummeted in a swan dive directly to the pit of my stomach, this felt all too real and familiar. The emptiness and dread, as if the darkness would swallow me whole was threatening to entrap my consciousness. Commotion from the hallway broke the threatening fear.

Not being able to hear what was going on; I crept toward the huge thick door. Carefully, I maneuvered my toes on the floor, not to wake the creaky boards beneath me. When I heard a familiar voice say “Get Nyx, we’ll have to tell her.” The knock at the door was a little shocking, making my already erratic breathing nearly stop all together.

Drawing a deep breath in I cracked the door peaking out, my eyes focused on the dark silhouette, light that was being filtered from behind her somewhere. As my eyes adjusted more I could associate the name with the being; Arden. She was one of the first entities I met here in this realm.

While it was dark and perilous there was a sense that there could be more, quite a weird sensation of both hesitation and promise. I knew there were threats possibly lurking in the shadows and yet I also had formed friendships and allies with some unique and wonderful beings here. While the threat was prominent I also felt secure and a sense of being home.

When I first met Arden I had seen her materialize on the edge of a mystical forest, which seemed like a lifetime ago. Her hair, black as the night that plagued Tartarus, and her eyes a mystic violet. She reminded me of a Native American goddess. She had the fighting skills of Qamait; goddess of war with the Nuxalk Nation. Her body looks sculpted like a well-trained assassin, fit with curves to draw any male prey. With her enchanted bow and her whip KiKi to aid in her quests, she was magnificent and wicked to witness in battle.

Arden was more of an older sister figure. Within minutes of meeting her I felt a sense of shared spiritual security within our devotion and dedication to those we hold near to us. Plainly put, I liked Arden. She was usually in better spirits though. Now her face was serious and worried which in turn worried me further and only added to my desperation.

Looking at her through the entrance to my bedroom chamber, the light flickered from the candles in the hallway flirting with her skin enhancing her natural beauty. She said, “Nyx, you’ll need to come with me.”

“What’s going on?” I asked her.

She didn’t answer as she walked up toward the main hall.

The main room in Arden’s Hut consisted of wooden walls that reminded me of the consistency and texture like beavers had whittled the wood. Complete opposite, the floors were smooth and reminded me of a clean chopped tree displaying its many rings of life. When you looked above you could see smoke escaping through a fashioned hide-stretched ceiling. In the middle of the room a roaring fire encompassed by rocks that protect the many pillows thrown about – to which Arden would resort to throwing at guests when the opportunity presented itself. Her hut was comforting and inviting; when you took a deep breath in you could detect all the wonders and smells of the forest, which to me were delightful. You could also tell that her home had been around for a long time. Arden is a direct descendent of the Arduinnian Clan, who are known as the Guardians of the Forest, direct descendent of Diana, goddess of the hunt.

Upon entering Arden’s main room, my stomach immediately wrenched into a horrid knot. Zhou was laying lifelessly on the floor. This made my insides crawl knowing how powerful a fighter he is. Immediately I started contemplating what could have caused this serious condition.

Arden must have been hurting even more so. She had developed a relationship with Zhou and this only increased my concern. Arden, the true warrior that she is, was being strong for everyone. A painful lump was pressing against my throat and my eyes were pleading to cry. If Arden was holding it together, so could I.

I always liked Zhou, and I was sad to see him like this. He was still wearing his electric dark blue pants, with an equally dark purple shirt, and with the red streak in his black hair made him look intriguing. I never understood his fashion statements. I respected him though, as a fighter, a friend, and ally. With Zhou’s New Age fashion sense, it made him seem like he wasn’t from this dimension. Tartarus was more of a realm set with foliage. His choices in wardrobe against Arden’s more naturalistic approach made them both look mismatched. Seeing them together usually made me smile but, not now—Zhou was a Fenghuang, a shape shifting fire bird, more precisely a fiery phoenix. While he was very skilled in both his forms he is more powerful when he is in his phoenix form. He’s always eager for a fight. Zhou is like that big brother pulling you in to give you a noogie to remind you of the status quo. I’m afraid this time though, the fight won.

A healer Hikmat had his hands on Zhou’s forehead and chest, his eyes closed in concentration, meditating over Zhou’s lifeless body. I didn’t know Hikmat as well as some of the others in the room, I had met him only recently, and I knew he was a healer of sorts. He was a wizard when it pertained to plants, potions, and concoctions. He was a Tobar Segais like Tobar, meaning he possessed wisdom. His eyes stayed closed while his hands remained on Zhou.

Thinking of Tobar made my stomach dive even deeper. As if my stomach detached from the warm blood circulation within my body and plummeted toward the depths of despair— my mind reconnected with another concern that had me riddled right before seeing Zhou on the floor. Tobar, he was missing from our room and if Zhou was lying on the floor defeated… Tobar was an equal opponent.

Tobar was the one that introduced me into the realm. He was the one that my heart connected with and I felt drawn toward, like no other before him. A truly deep soul connection, without him next to me I felt as though a part of my being was missing. He had given me refuge from myself, I felt safe when I was with him. Without him, the danger lurking within the darkness here seemed more prominent and threatening.

With the thought of him not in sight intensified the sinking feeling that had pressed so deeply south. It began to rise more rapidly back up. I had to place my hand over my mouth to reel in my senses.

Arden kneeled down next to Zhou as closely as she could. She gently brushed her cheek against his in an intimate gesture. The room felt as if all the oxygen leaving vacuumed sealed the room, extinguishing the fire, and even the warm inside my body as I felt a sudden chill. Suffocating, I watched as she then placed her lips upon his with a soft wanting kiss. Arden’s eyes began to fill with emotion. I felt for her, as the tears sparkling against her skin escaped their confines and splashed against Zhou’s skin below. She placed her hands on his as she prayed silently.

Seeing her in such distress only made the situation feel more dire. I too bowed my head and closing my eyes.

Desperately I began to pray for Tobar’s safety and Zhou’s recovery. Please Lord, deliver Tobar back to us safely and lay your healing hands upon Zhou; as we so desperately need You now. I pray for those that have made their move against us. They’ll wish they had never been in existence once I finish with them…

My concentration broke off when Avlov and Enki joined us then. They both had bowls in their hands that contained some healing elements. Enki took Avlov’s and kneeled next to Hikmat on Zhou’s other side. Enki and I had only met recently as well. He was known as Lord of the Earth, meaning he had control over the elements and its constituents.

A Wieven, Avlov is also known as a Wise Woman. She has a vast knowledge of healing salves, rituals and how to use the elements for their benefit. She has fierce white eyes that match her white hair and almost a hipster outfit. I always liked Avlov because she wore converses.

The group that was working on Zhou, the healers, are much like those that wield magic. They can manipulate matter and they have a vast knowledge that helps them in their aiding processes. To watch them in action definitely feels like you were experiencing magic in a true form.

Touching my shoulder, Avolv broadcasted a message using her telepathy, “Nyx, I need to talk to you, please come with me over to the table.” Leading me over, she verbally asked “Have you seen Tobar?”

I was on the verge of tears, there was still so much that remained unanswered, and if Zhou was hurt—I could barely articulate “No, I woke up to an empty room, a cold bed and I couldn’t find him anywhere.” My chest flet like it was going to combust.

Arden had joined us and she put her hand around my shoulders to give me a half-hug “We’ll get these—”

But Avlov interrupted her and said, “I think we should get Nyx up to speed with what’s going on.”

Zhou began to stir making some noises and we all ran to his side. I felt so bad that he had to suffer so much. He opened his eyes and found Arden’s first, she took his hands in hers. Then he found mine and started to speak, weakly saying “I don’t… know… what… happened.”

Enki spoke up and said that Zhou had taken Xylo, the captured dryad we were interrogating, some refreshments for when she would wake up.

Zhou continued, “I opened her door… the next thing I knew I was… laying here.”

Hikmat told Zhou that he needed to rest. We gathered pillows as they propped him up, attempting to give him some comfort. Hikmat gave Zhou another potion, this time it was clear. What was it? How easily we were to trust. After he drank it, he smiled before his eyes closed and he was back asleep.

“So where’s Tobar?” I asked plainly.

Everyone looked alarmed. The sick feeling returned and now there was an alarming amount of pressure on my chest. I could sense something bad was coming. It was just around the corner, lingering there like a poisonous snake waiting to strike, taking me down with its dread and despair.

Avlov came to my side, she could be frightening to look at in the eye. Tobar mentioned before she was also known as the White Witch, I guess when you’ve been in existence as long as someone like Avlov has been, you can acquire a few nick names here and there.

She offered me some tea but I refused it, especially since I know how loopy her tea could make me feel. No doubt she added a little something extra to the liquid concoctions to help ease the soul in times of stress or high anxiety. Which would actually be great right about now but, I need my wit about me.

Arden came over to me and put her hands upon my shoulders again. Looking me directly in the eyes she said “We can’t find him.” My chest felt like it burst into flames. My body went limp, and I felt like I was falling. Everything went black.

BOOK SOUNDTRACK

Paramore “Daydreaming”

http://youtu.be/euxXBvdrzxQ

Evanescence “Together Again”

http://youtu.be/jhUfbXcEBDs

Within Temptation “The Heart of Everything”

http://youtu.be/kKLhHlnDCA0

Evanescence “Sweet Sacrifice”

http://youtu.be/XBYhQnjyrWo

Lacuna Coil “Our Truth”

http://youtu.be/XCxFTh-XDy8

In This Moment “Forever”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLP1AodaZd4

Jennifer Thomas “Illuminations”

http://youtu.be/VH81mKKK9Go

Jennifer Thomas “Secrets”

http://youtu.be/_VunOIswEmg

Jennifer Thomas “Etude for the Dreamer”

http://youtu.be/N1VxCqPIRXA

Within Temptation “The Silent Force”

http://youtu.be/ThA5dKeI5Lg

AUTHORS PLAYLIST

Lacuna Coil “Soul Inmate”

http://youtu.be/V5PJDB9r4T4

Evanescence “My Heart Is Broken”

http://youtu.be/f1QGnq9jUU0

Within Temptation “The Howling”

http://youtu.be/0bqRn0rLq1c

Evanescence “Tourniquet”

http://youtu.be/AO_3nArjlOU

Fireflight “Stand Up”

http://youtu.be/tWOmfOah--o

Lacuna Coil “Trip the Darkness”

http://youtu.be/VTT6picaCoQ

In This Moment “Lost At Sea”

http://youtu.be/GoXfJEXrOvQ

Within Temptation “Stairway to the Skies”

http://youtu.be/Abukde4cB2o

Evanescence “All That I’m Living For”

http://youtu.be/j1BlUcVWmMc

Evanescence “Snow White Queen”

http://youtu.be/cRqbH8GBlGc

---

 CHARACTER BIOS

In the mortal realm of Earth, she’s known as Katheryn, Eryn for short. She works within the local school system which means she doesn’t get paid as much as she should. Living on a tight budget, she recruited her younger sister Lean to move in with her. Eryn also has a dog named Bryan and an old fat cat named Smokie. She’s never been too lucky in love but, recently she found a man that isn’t put off by her distance; not to mention Lena really pushes for her older sister to loosen up more.

Within her alternative realm of Tartarus she’s known as Nyx, an evolving powerful deity. She’s been quested with fighting the darkness within a realm seething to consume her. She has a group of guardians with powers of their own to help her as well in particular the man whom from the start, an electrical spark that ignited their passion. Nyx is a survivor she’ll fight for what she believes in and for those that she cares for. She’s definitely someone you want in your corner.

---

Before he disappeared, Tobar was a Segais, he had powers of a particular kind; he knew everything. His friends in Tartarus teased him that he was a “Mr. Know-it-all”. This always was useful with the woman that he loves, Nyx. He has a gentle soul and someone you would definitely want to cuddle with. However, after he’s taken his world changes when Lilith and Xylo nearly mutilate him turning him for their own dark purposes. With his new vampirism needs, things get complicated quickly. One good thing, now both Tobar and Nyx are immortal but, with immortality comes other obstacles of their own.

To learn more about the various characters visit http://goingoffdreams.blogspot.com

AUTHOR BIO

K.E. lives in Maryland, which she refers to as “The Land of Mary”, with her faithful guard dog Bryan, her supportive parents, and their little brat-dog Sampson. She has deep-rooted morals and is very faithful in her beliefs. As a person born and raised in Maryland, she is a fan of the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles. When she isn’t writing, blogging, or spending time with those special characters in her head, she loves to watch her shows, to cuddle up with a good movie, or to spend time with her family and friends.

“After years and years of my mother telling me that I should us my talents and write, I finally listened!”

K.E. Nowinsky continues writing and plans to further the Going off Dreams realms as she dives deeper into the characters and will produce more content and books. The next scheduled work will be about one of her characters Arden and titled Arduinna: Guardians of the Forest, slotted for April 2015. She is also continuing Nyx’s quests in the next installment: How Otlen Prepares Eternity, expected to release late summer 2015.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  –  WEBSITE / BLOG  –  FACEBOOK  –  FACEBOOK PAGE  –  TWITTER  –  GOOGLE+  -  PINTEREST  –  NETWORKED BLOGS – Going off Dreams Blog  -  GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

1 Signed Paperback Copy (INT)

2 Ebook Copies

1 Swag Bag

1 $25 Amazon GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Organized & Hosted By

Highland Storm by Victoria Zak

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Highland Storm

SERIES – Guardians of Scotland series #2

AUTHOR – Victoria Zak

GENRE – Scottish historical fantasy romance

PUBLICATION DATE – Jan 13 2015

COVER ARTIST – JAB Designs

BOOK SYNOPSIS

A long forgotten Ancient kingdom has been awakened and threatens to change the Dragonkine world forever.

Can passion weather the dragon’s storm?

The only true pleasures in life Conall Hamilton yearned for were to marry a good woman, raise a family, and hide away into seclusion to live a normal life away from battle and war, not an easy task for the Dragonkine warrior and Clan Douglas’s second in command. Assigned to investigate an allied clan, he vows upon his return to marry his love, Effie. That’s until the Dragonkine warrior finds himself accused of a crime he did not commit, murder. Imprisoned, he must find a way to escape not only to save his own life but to save the life of the woman he loves.

In time the past will catch up with you…

Effie Douglas is a survivor. Though not born a Douglas, Effie leaves her old life behind to seek safety within Clan Douglas. For five years Conall Hamilton has been her secret lover and savior, helping her pick up the pieces of her damaged past. Hiding the true nature of their relationship from their clan had become a burden for the red-headed lass and now she desires more. She wants Conall’s name. When Effie is summoned home, she is plagued with unwanted memories, treachery, and new found information that will change her life forever. Will Effie have the courage and strength to weather the storm that rages around her?

PRE-ORDER BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE AU – AMAZON KINDLE UK

AUTHOR BIO

Growing up in the sister city to Stirling, Scotland, Sottish flare was abundant throughout Dunedin. From her High School band to the annual Highland Games that took place right across the street from her childhood home, the bagpipes beckoned her toward her calling. It seemed only natural for Victoria Zak to want to write in the Scottish historical romance genre. Add to the fact, she was also a paranormal romance junkie, there was no doubt that her influences would be the driving force behind her stories.

Although, she never sought out a writing career, her desire for the written word grew the more she read. Her love for Scotland, curiosity of history, and passion for romance has inspired her to write her first book, Highland Burn. The Guardians of Scotland series continues this winter with Highland Storm.

Now, Victoria Zak lives in the sunshine state with her husband, two beautiful children, and three furry friends. Living in paradise, being a stay at home, and to be able to share her stories has been a blessing.

Victoria loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her through FB, Twitter, G+, and her website, www.victoriazalromance.com.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – Newsletter - FB Page - 

FB Profile - TWITTER – GOOGLE+ - GOODREADS 

Please help share the authors Thunderclap campaign

Hi everyone :) I just started a Thunderclap campaign for my new release Highland Storm and I would love your support. Supporting my campaign is easy peasy. All you have to do is click on this link http://bit.ly/1Adacss and add your support. That’s it.

What is thunderclap you ask… Thunderclap is a crowd-speaking platform that will blast out a timed Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr post from all my supporters (you), creating a wave of attention. If you want to know more about Thunderclap click this link. https://www.thunderclap.it/?locale=en.

Thank you for your support :)

Blast Organized & Hosted by

Special Guest Mia Fox

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Alert the Media

SERIES – Hollywood Hotties

AUTHOR – Mia Fox

GENRE – chick lit/social satire

PUBLICATION DATE – already published

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 225

PUBLISHER – Evatopia Press

COVER ARTIST – Eden Crane

BOOK SYNOPSIS

When you’re an entertainment publicist, there’s no better cure for a broken heart than to Alert the Media...

April and Ryan Monahan are the perfect Hollywood couple. He’s a handsome actor on the rise; she’s a high-powered entertainment publicist. Her job becomes more demanding, however, when Ryan announces he is gay and wants a divorce.

Believing that her persuasive power over the press will give Ryan the publicity he craves, April launches a swift media campaign to make him realize that he can’t live without her. But Ryan has decided that he likes the dating scene and April’s boss insists that she keep him happy as his account is important to the firm.

To her dismay, April is forced to protect her firm’s bottom line by maintaining Ryan’s status as a Hollywood heartthrob while enduring her own heartbreak. As she picks up the pieces of her destroyed marriage, April is determined to compete with Ryan for power, publicity, and true love -- even when her imagination takes her from the board room to the bedroom.

To save her sanity, her corner office, and her two dogs from becoming caught up in an ugly custody battle, April constructs a plan to use her media savvy skills to her advantage.

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK – 

AMAZON PAPERBACK – BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – 

SMASHWORDS – GOODREADS 

EXCERPT 

            I didn’t flinch when I read my husband’s Facebook profile and learned Orlando Bloom is his all time fav actor. After all, Ryan is an actor and Orlando Bloom has a good body of work. I even remained calm when Ryan wrote about that body, citing Orlando’s hotness in pirate wear. Okay, maybe this was a warning sign, but one could argue that Ryan appreciates how costume design impacts a film.

            Sure, there were other signs...all ignored. In fact, it wasn’t until I found his porn stash, with not so much as one breast in the mix, that I realized my rationalizations ceased to be rational. If only I had discovered Ryan in bed with a leggy blonde, even two, I could have managed. His revelation, on the other hand, gave me reason to doubt the existence of a higher being.

            “April, we need to talk,” he said gravely.

            Talk. When people mention four-letter words that one rarely comes to mind, but in my experience it’s just as toxic as the others. Case in point was this particular morning when Ryan sat me down in front of a steamy cappuccino and an obscenely large sticky bun. I regarded the bun with suspicion. I was a week shy of PMS and therefore not in need of carbs, and yet, here I was faced with a definite sign that some serious buttering up, apologizing, or pleading would occur. He obviously assumed (correctly) that artificial support would be needed.

            “April, my life, actually...our lives, are about to change,” he continued once I had taken a healthy bite.

            “You’re auditioning for a movie? Oh my gosh, I knew this day would come,” I said hopefully, if not a bit naively. What can you expect from a girl voted “Most Gullible” of her high school graduating class?

            Ryan treaded lightly, “Honey, it’s something different. Call it a change of heart, but I’ve decided that I’m gay.”

            “Gay? As in happy?”

            “No, not exactly, at least not yet. Here, have some more,” he said pinching off a piece of the bun and popping it into my mouth that now hung open.

            I swallowed hard. “How is this possible? We just had sex last night?”

            “Yeah, I wanted to be sure. You gotta admit, we sure gave it the ol’ college try.”

            “I’d say. We did it twice!”

            “Just wanted to be 100%. April, sweetie, don’t blame yourself. Listen, we’ll talk later. I’m going to be late.”

            After delivering this verbal right hook, Ryan apologized for the “bad news” and left to start his day.

AUTHOR BIO

Mia Fox is a Los Angeles-based novelist who writes across varied genres including Young Adult/New Adult Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, and Chick Lit. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from U.S.C.

Before writing full time, she worked as an entertainment publicist, a career she chronicles in her novel, “Alert the Media.” However, she is happy to leave that world behind her, preferring that any drama in her life is only that which she creates for her characters.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three children, Casey, the Wonder Westie, and Bean, his brother.

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Mountain of Love and Danger

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Mountain of Love and Danger

SERIES – Fairwilde Fairy Tale Reflections

AUTHOR – Gail Pallotta

GENRE – Mystery and Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – 10/14/2014

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 32, 440

PUBLISHER – Mountain Laurel Publishing / Create Space

COVER ARTIST – Vanessa Riley

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Jack Greenthumb finds romance in Fairwilde Kingdom—a different day—a different girl. Then a cruel mystery begins. Dad’s beaten, the family farm destroyed and Jack’s true love, Gwendolyn Bante, kidnapped. Jack’s undercover operation reveals Gwenie’s a captive atop a mountain accessible only by helicopter. Reaching her is a dangerous expedition even for a champion rock climber like Jack. However, a Greenthumb Acres employee plants a miraculous seed from Heaven for the rescue. Suspense mounts as Jack scales the perilous cliff to face a brute and a treacherous descent in this retelling of the fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk.

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EXCERPT

Lonely darkness fell around Jack as he slipped into his harness and put on his climbing shoes. He crept in and out of the moon’s shadows to the base of the alp and took hold of the strong plant, the itchy touch of it not a problem, the strength of it boosting his confidence. Fueled by the fire burning in his heart to find Gwenie, he stepped on the first node and glanced back. Just one quick look. He didn’t know why. Maybe something in his psyche wanted to see the ground from whence he’d come one last time in case he never set foot on it again.

He climbed up the next nodule and the next as fast as his feet and arms would take him. A sense of leaving the everyday world overwhelmed him as it always did when he climbed, but this time it wasn’t freeing. An eerie sensation sent shivers through his bones with every foot he scaled. The breaking of twigs, crunching of leaves, and howling noises below grew fainter and fainter as he ascended higher and higher.

“Whooo-whoo.” Halfway up he met an owl that turned its head in a circle as it sat on the highest limb of a towering oak. He pulled upward while pushing with his lower body as he passed boulders and scraggly bushes lit by the stars and moon. He searched with his right hand for the next node, found it, moved up and placed his foot on the spot where it had been. The jagged surface on this mountain could rip open a person in an instant, but it was Jack’s fear for Gwenie that gripped him. The yearning to hold her safe in his arms seeped deeper into his pores each time he forged upward.

His body ached as he pulled with nerves wound as tight as a corkscrew for wanting to hurry to the top. Soon his leg muscles cramped. A gray piece of granite jutting out like the seat of a chair with a slab for a back tempted him. How could he rest after what he’d done to Gwenie? He had to keep moving, but what if his arms and legs gave out, and he never reached her? His head throbbed with decision making.

Just for a second he let go of the living pole. His foot slipped, and he slid down the precipice, debris rolling, crashing beneath him until the belay caught the rope and stopped his fall. His head swam as he thrust the spring-loaded camming device into a crack and anchored the cable. He swung to his right and sank to the rocky seat. The stones settled below him and silence filled the darkness where he sat tucked out of the light from Heaven.

Two days ago he was a slap-happy player in love with Gwenie since childhood, but content to drink life’s single pleasures a while longer. Now the need to take hold of a more profound passion that seemed as fragile as one of Dad’s orchids burned in his soul. The breeze whipping around him blew away images of fast rides through Fairwilde with a blond or a brunette laughing beside him. He needed Gwenie. Please Lord, let her be alright waiting for me.

He stretched out his legs then rubbed his palms together. Upward.

He swung out, grabbed hold of the beanstalk, pulled up with his hand and pushed with his foot as a blast of strong wind swayed the sturdy stem. The stars grew dim then disappeared as clouds rolled over them. Raindrops hit his head while lightning flashed, lighting up the sky—nothing but dark space as far as he could see. Then the flash.

He pulled up with his hand and pushed with his right foot—pulled up with his hand and pushed with his right foot again and again through the black void cut by occasional lightning. The tiny glow from the lamp on his helmet did little good in this storm. Another burst of air whipped around him, and the plant quivered. He touched a flat spot. The one Fernando told him to look for? He moved his fingers around it.

Yes. Relief as strong as the gust that bent the trees swept over him. The top. He wanted to shout I’m here Gwenie! into the stormy night over and over, but instead he leaned forward trying to see a way into the cabin.

CHARACTER BIOS

Jack Greenthumb’s a great guy. He’s young and comes from a well-to-do family, so he’s been having fun riding girls around in his new car. However, when his dad’s attacked and his true love kidnapped, one quickly sees he’s courageous, determined and devoted to his family and girlfriend. Fortunately, he’s also a champion rock and mountain climber.

AUTHOR BIO

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her teen book, Stopped Cold, finished fourth in the 16th Annual Preditors and Editors readers’ poll and was a finalist for the 2013 Grace Awards. She’s published short stories in “Splickety” magazine and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. Some of her published articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. Visit her web site at http://www.gailpallotta.com

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Fatal Forty-Eight

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – FATAL FORTY-EIGHT

SERIES – The Kate Huntington Mysteries #7

AUTHOR – Kassandra Lamb

GENRE – Mystery/Thriller

PUBLICATION DATE – Nov. 12, 2014

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 272 pages

PUBLISHER – Misterio press LLC

COVER ARTIST – Melinda VanLone, Book Cover Corner

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Celebration turns to nightmare when psychotherapist Kate Huntington’s guest of honor disappears en route to her own retirement party. Kate’s former boss, Sally Ford, has been kidnapped by a serial killer who holds his victims exactly forty-eight hours before killing them.

With time ticking away, the police allow Kate and her P.I. husband to help with the investigation. The FBI agents involved in the case have mixed reactions to the “civilian consultants.” The senior agent welcomes Kate’s assistance as he fine-tunes his psychological profile. His voluptuous, young partner is more by the book. She locks horns out in the field with Kate’s husband, while back at headquarters, misunderstandings abound.

But they can ill afford these distractions. Sally’s time is about to expire.

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EXCERPT

“Charles,” she said into the phone, “I’m sorry, but I have to–”

“No, baby, that’s not the issue. I don’t care about going out to dinner, but that wasn’t really where we were going tonight.”

“What do you mean?”

Charles blew out air on the other end of the line.

Dear lord, even his sighs are sexy!

“You’ve got to promise you won’t let on that I told you.”

“Told me what?”

“I was charged with getting you to your surprise retirement party tonight.”

It took a second for Sally to digest that. “So we’ve got to show up at the restaurant then.”

“Yeah, that was the tricky part, how to get you to where we’re really going,” Charles said. “The party’s at a former employee’s house. A lady named Kate…can’t remember her last name.”

“Huntington.”

“No that isn’t it.”

“Oh, right, Canfield. She’s remarried since she left the center.”

Sally glanced at her watch. Five o’clock. “Charles, I’ve gotta go. I have this client waiting. What time’s the party?”

“Seven was when I was supposed to get you there.”

“Why don’t you swing by and pick me up at quarter of. We’ll come back for my car later.”

“Okay,” Charles said, “but you’ve got to act surprised or Pauline is going to skin me alive.”

“Pauline? She’s been retired six years now!”

“You seem to inspire loyalty in even your former employees, baby.”

“Humph. See you at six forty-five.”

Sally hung up her desk phone and stood up. She tugged on the bottom of her tailored jacket. At least she was wearing something she would be comfortable in all evening. The pale peach suit was one of her favorite outfits, partly because it complemented her chocolate brown skin but mainly because it fit her so well, without any binding or pinching. Too often, in her opinion, women’s clothing was too much about the latest style and not enough about practicality and comfort.

She went out to the waiting area of the center, an apology on her lips for keeping this new client waiting.

But he never gave her a chance to verbalize it.

The short, inconsequential-looking man stood up quickly. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Ms. Ford. I’m thrilled to make your acquaintance.”

Thrilled to make my acquaintance? What an odd choice of words.

Sally extended her hand. As the man shook it, he placed his other hand on her arm.

A sharp zing. Her arm reflexively jerked away.

The man jumped back a little. “Oh my, I’m sorry. Static electricity.” His embarrassed laughter sounded almost feminine. “It’s such a nuisance this time of year.”

“No problem, Mr. Johnson,” Sally said. “Come on in to my office.”

He followed her down the short hallway and through the door, closing it behind him.

Sally stumbled a little as she walked to the sitting area in the corner of the room, where she talked to clients. She was even more exhausted than she’d realized. Hopefully they would be able to beg off from the party after an hour or two. She gestured toward the loveseat and lowered herself into her own chair.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Ford, for keeping you here this evening. I see that your staff has all gone home.”

Sally shook her head, then wished she hadn’t when the room spun for a brief moment. “I was planning to work late anyway.” After she’d heard the poor man’s story over the phone earlier, and his comments that had hinted of severe depression and suicidal ideation, she wasn’t about to make him wait until Monday.

She just hoped she could stay alert enough to be helpful. Fatigue was making her limbs heavy, and she realized her mind was wandering. Mr. Johnson was talking and she had no idea what he had just said. She shook her head again. Her vision blurred but her mind cleared enough for his words to partially register.

“What time is Mr. Tolliver picking you up, Ms. Ford?”

Sally tried to push herself up straighter in her chair. She wondered vaguely how this man knew about Charles. “What did you say?” Her voice sounded slurred, as if she’d been drinking.

“I need to know exactly when Mr. Tolliver was supposed to pick you up, Ms. Ford,” Johnson said more firmly.

Was supposed to, not is picking me up!

Panic shot through her system. Her brain told her body to jump up and run, but her limbs didn’t respond. They felt like they were made of lead.

“Why…” Sally’s head fell back against the chair, her neck no longer able to support its weight.

“Because that is when the clock starts,” the man said.

But Sally didn’t hear him. She had already sunk into darkness.

CHARACTER BIOS

Kate Huntington-Canfield:

Born Kathleen O’Donnell, Kate has the Black-Irish coloring of dark curls and sky-blue eyes. At five-eight and with a decent figure–thanks to a good metabolism and tri-weekly aikido classes–she considers herself reasonably attractive. But occasionally another woman comes on to her hunky second husband, an uncomfortable reminder that she’s not quite in his league looks-wise.

Kate’s known for her voracious appetite, her inability to cook much of anything that’s edible, her warmth and intelligence, and an insatiable curiosity about what makes people tick. Her greatest passion, after her husband, is her work as a psychotherapist specializing in helping people recover from the traumatic events in their lives.

Trauma entered her own life a few years ago, when she was widowed at the hands of a killer with a murderous grudge against her and her close friend, lawyer Rob Franklin (Book 1 in the series).

Kate gets a second chance at love with private detective, Skip Canfield, but their respective professions sometimes bring murder and mayhem into their lives. Kate can’t help but worry that someday she will lose another husband to violence.

Reginald William “Skip” Canfield, III:

Skip Canfield is six-five and drop-dead gorgeous. Gold flecks dance in his hazel eyes and his straight, brown hair has an annoying habit of flopping down over his forehead. But he wasn’t always tall, broad-shouldered and buff. The short, scrawny teenager who was bullied because of his goofy nickname still lives inside of him.

One can hear a touch of his Texan origins in his speech now and again, even though he’s lived in Maryland a couple decades now. Sometimes he let’s that Texas drawl creep in on purpose, when he wants to charm the ladies.

He was a confirmed bachelor, until he reconnected with a former client during a case several years ago. That summer, he fell for Kate Huntington and fell hard. But she was still grieving for her murdered husband (Book 2).

Skip is nothing if not patient, and eventually his patience paid off (Book 3). His laid-back personality serves him well in his work as a bodyguard and private investigator. There’s only one thing that can cause him to lose his cool–a threat to his wife or kids.

He and Kate have built a good life together. He adores his sometimes intense, occasionally a tad jealous, but always delightful and delectable wife.

AUTHOR BIO

Writing and psychology have always vied for number one on Kassandra Lamb’s Greatest Passions list. In her youth, she had to make a decision between writing and paying the bills. Partial to electricity and food, she studied psychology. Now retired from a career as a psychotherapist and college professor, she spends most of her time in an alternate universe with her characters. The portal to this universe (aka her computer) is located in Florida where her husband and dog catch occasional glimpses of her. She and her husband also spend part of each summer in her native Maryland, where the Kate Huntington mysteries are set.

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$20 Amazon gift card; either a book charm or key chain (winner’s choice) and a signed paperback copy of any Kate Huntington Mystery book.

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