Monday, July 22, 2013

Vigilante Super Book Blast


The Vigilante
by Jacqui Morrison

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

It isn’t safe for men who work in the porn business in the city of Toronto.

When porn producer Sal Turbit is found dead in his apartment, no one seems to care. No one, that is, except Detective Lynette Wilton. Lynette has been a homicide detective for only three months, and has yet to earn her stripes.

Murder is murder no matter who the victim is—and Lynette is out to catch a killer. 

Could the killer be Wanda Chambers, a mentally ill woman who hates the “scumbags” who prey on the vulnerable? Wanda’s beloved sister, Cathy, was one such woman. Cathy became a porn actress and then took her own life when her sleazy manager/boyfriend, Gil Lee, wouldn’t let her go.

Lynette’s sergeant doesn’t think it’s possible. Wanda has a debilitating illness. But Lynette believes that Wanda’s hatred and harsh childhood make her a prime suspect, and she proves it by catching Wanda in the act of attempting to shoot Lee.

Renowned defense lawyer Maxine Swayman takes on Wanda’s case; Maxine has a different view of the accused. She wants to help Wanda get the help that she needs, and it’s not going to happen in a prison cell.

As the trial proceeds, will Maxine prevail and save Wanda, or will Lynette be able to tie Wanda to Turbit’s murder as well? 


"Morrison knows how to create suspense! She brings readers on a roller-coaster ride that leaves you breathless from start to finish!" —Trey Anthony, star and producer “Da Kink in Da Hair”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Excerpt One:

Chapter 1
“Hey,” Sal said, “come on in. You’re right on time. Good to meet ya.” He left the visitor in the living room of his shabby apartment in a grungy, low-rent building, and slipped into the kitchen. The metallic pop of a beer bottle opening echoed in the other room. Then another.

Six empty beer bottles, a heaping ashtray, and assorted marijuana paraphernalia were already strewn across his table. The grandfather clock struck four times. Sal stumbled back into the room. “I got you a beer.”

Glassy-eyed, Sal said, “I’ve got lots of great products for you to move today.” He showed the visitor the cover of a DVD. “This one is new. It’ll sell out. She’s a real sweet thing. Told me she was eighteen ’n had the ID to prove it. Likely just some little tramp from nowhere-ville. Came to the big, bad city for excitement––”

The metal felt cool as the visitor pulled out a gun.

“What the hell?” Sal screamed, just before the bullet penetrated his skull.

He fell onto the sofa, blood oozing out the back of his head. His face was contorted, almost angry looking. Certainly surprised.

The spent cartridge from the handgun ricocheted against a metal garbage can––reminiscent of the pop of a beer cap––and then landed on the carpet.

The murderer studied the victim’s splayed body, feeling a sense of elation and satisfaction. Out came a Swiss Army knife, and the killer wordlessly hacked off a section of Sal’s hair, stuffed it into a small plastic bag, and then threw it into a knapsack. The killer then picked up the half-spilled beer that Sal had been handing over when the shot was fired. Perfect. Grinning, the murderer chugged the beer, retrieved the spent cartridge, and smugly looked at Sal Turbit’s still body, now surrounded by pooling blood.

Still wearing leather gloves, the murderer put the beer bottle and hot metal bullet charge into a knapsack and fled, smiling, into the dense night.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I am Jacqui Morrison. I started writing poems and short stories as a child. I also enjoyed public speaking in elementary school and at University. In High School, a great teacher, Lenore Hawley, inspired me and in 1995 I pursued my life-long passion for writing.

 My career is a complicated web and includes: owning an ice cream parlour and fine food shop, teaching life-skills management to adults, teaching computer applications, social service work and marketing.

From 1994 to 2003, I assisted survivors of domestic violence in both criminal and family court as a support worker. I’ve always had a strong interest in law and justice.

I love to write and I am happiest writing or encouraging others to fulfill their writing dreams. I facilitate writing seminars for Canadore College and various agencies.

I live in northern Ontario, Canada with my daughter Alison, my husband Wayne, and a three-legged dog named Willow. Our daughter has convinced us to adopt four cats so Felix, Sasha, Nikke and Angel round out our family. Angel, at four-months-of-age was abandoned by its owner and we rescued her in -15 degree weather.

Alison has a future in politics, animal rescue work or sales … because I’m not really a cat person and she’s persuaded me to adopt four.

My parents are the late Drs John and Irene Morrison. Mom was a family physician and a competitive swimmer. My father worked for the Provincial Parole Board. Dad enjoyed to write fictional stories in his spare time. He was my mentor, my editor and my hero. I have one sister named Trish. She is a competitive swimming coach. Trish resides in southern Ontario with her husband, four children, two dogs and a cat.

In our spare time we like to cruise Georgian Bay on our boat or spend quality family time.



Want to win some tea and Chipnuts? Make sure you follow the blog and leave a comment and your email address for the tourwide giveaway! Follow the tour for more chances to win!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

America's Most Delicious Dessert Recipes: A Yummy Interlude



TANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS STATE BY STATE
 WITH AMERICA'S MOST DELICIOUS DESSERT RECIPES COOKBOOK

In this dessert recipe book, Chef Lisa Joy Taylor takes you and your taste buds on a mouthwatering dessert tour of the United States!

Each of the 50 states are featured with two recipes that are representative of that state for one reason or another (100 recipes) including a great variety of cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, bars, sorbet, ice cream and more!

In addition to ingredients lists and cooking instructions for each recipe, readers will also discover an interesting tidbit about the history of the recipe or its’ main ingredient and sometimes both! Here are a couple examples:

Missouri
Missouri Black Walnut-Caramel Tart - Producing nearly 50 percent of the world’s Black Walnuts, Missouri is the world’s largest black walnut producer. Black walnuts have a stronger flavor than English walnuts and have thus become a popular ingredient in Missouri’s baked goods.

Maryland  - Maryland Smith Island Cake  - With ten layers of cake and ten layers of rich frosting, Smith Island Cake is not only the state dessert of Maryland, but an irresistible, mouthwatering confection that harkens back to the English torte, from which it is believed to have originated. Smith Island Cake is usually iced with chocolate frosting but variations are made with banana, orange and coconut frosting.

Other interesting and taste-tempting dessert include:
Tennessee Blackberry Jam Cake
Idaho Sweet Potato Sorbet
Montana Mocha Crumb Cake
Louisiana King Cake
Rhode Island Butterscotch Tart

A few state classics like Florida Key Lime Pie, New York Cheesecake, and Georgia Peach Cobbler are also included as well as delicious recipes that may be new to ever the most passionate dessert connesouirs.

Join Lisa Joy Taylor on a dessert adventure and learn a little more about American sweets while savoring the many interesting and fun desserts in this dessert recipe book. Enjoy!

The book can be purchased here:
http://www.amazon.com/Delicious-Tennessee-Blackberry-California-ebook/dp/B00AKZHTP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368133068&sr=8-1&keywords=AMERICA%27S+MOST+DELICIOUS+DESSERT+RECIPES+COOKBOOK

Review:

4.5/5

This cookbook features a ton of delicious desserts with some great color pictures to tempt and cajole you into baking some of these amazing treats! The state by state theme is probably the best way I know to take a tour of the US. Pastry by pastry, dessert by dessert, this book is a delight. There are some similar recipes, but they all have an individual flair that makes this cookbook a joy to own.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.


About Lisa Joy Taylor
For as long as she remembers, Lisa Joy Taylor has loved to cook and has especially loved desserts. Her introduction to cooking and baking started early on as a little girl when she, her two sisters and her mom used to spend Sunday afternoons together baking. Not surprisingly, her mom was known among her friends and family for her delicious desserts!
Little did she know it at the time that the fun of being together with her family combined with the incredible smells in the kitchen and the taste of the desserts being created set the stage for her to pursue her passion for food and baking.
Her background as chef/baker has been both informal, learning from her mom and experimenting and on her own, as well as formally through various classes and trainings.
According to Lisa: “I love to share delicious food with others:  to see a smile come over their face when they taste something incredibly yummy for the first time, or to hear” mmmmm” as a fork slides out of someone’s mouth – this is magic! I also just love the warm fuzzy feelings I get around cooking and eating food.”
Today she lives in Northern California with her two daughters, one son, husband, two dogs,  and a very active kitchen. She continues to research, experiment and refine recipes as well as create new ones too!

She can be reached at Lisa@sweetiepiebooks.com


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Just Perfect Super Book Blast



Just Perfect
by JoMarie DeGioia

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

William Chesterton, the Earl of Chester, might be the perfect gentleman, but his feelings for Constance Bridgewater are anything but gentlemanly.

Constance Bridgewater, the daughter of the late Earl of Bridgewater, might be the perfect lady, but her feelings for the Earl of Chester are anything but ladylike.

They both know that if they were together, everything would be just perfect.

So what is keeping them apart?


~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Excerpt Two:

“You can’t deny the party last night was delightful, Constance.”

Constance read the extreme interest in her cousin Sarah’s countenance. Her eyes were almost wild.

“I believe I told you it was so,” Constance said.

“And what of the gentlemen there?” Sarah persisted. “Do you deny that you enjoyed dancing with them?”

Constance took a measured breath, keeping her pique from her own features. “Why ever would I deny that? I enjoyed myself immensely and fancied each gentleman who took my hand in his. There, are you satisfied?”

Sarah blew out a breath and leaned back. “You’re always satisfied.”

Diane Plymouth, their close friend, let out a sigh. “I’m not.”

Constance studied Diane, certain she had heard her incorrectly. “What do you mean, Diane?”

She waved a hand. “I’m unable to settle on a gentleman, I’m afraid. I want to marry and settle down, like our other friends have.”

Constance quelled her feelings. She so wanted that as well, but it wouldn’t do to appear as desperate as these two. It wasn’t in keeping with her image of the cool and perfect young society miss. This morning she was immensely chafed by that mantel.

“It’s a pity so many eligible men have been snatched from the marriage market.” Sarah sighed, then suddenly brightened. “There are still several left for the taking, Diane. Don’t give up hope.”

“True, but I don’t know where to set my cap,” Diane said. “I have a few men in mind, but I just can’t decide.”

Constance didn’t want to ask, she truly didn’t. Burning interest in the social swirl of the season was expected, however.

“Which gentlemen are you considering?” she asked Diane.

“Well, there are several,” Diane said, her eyes bright as she warmed to her topic. “Take Lord Kanewood’s circle.”

Sarah snorted. “Two down, two to go.”

Diane nodded. “I chose that particular group of gentlemen to demonstrate my sad state.”

“Really?” Constance said, curious despite herself. “Why those particular men?”

Sarah nodded, leaning forward. “They are such diverse gentlemen, in looks and temperament.”

“Exactly,” Diane said. “Take Lord Kanewood.”

“Yes, please,” Sarah put in.

Constance laughed. “He’s married, Sarah. And quite happily.”

Sarah grinned and nodded. “Yes, yes. Go on, Diane.”

“He’s the leader of their circle, commanding and very handsome. Yet he was caught.”

“And gone from the market.” Sarah sighed.

“Now, take Lord Leed,” Diane went on.

“Yes, please,” Sarah said again.

“Sarah,” Constance said with another laugh.

“Lord Leed,” Diane went on, her face dreamy now. “Dark and brooding and so . . .” She sighed.

“Yes,” Constance said. “Another gentleman happily married.”

“Oh, but Lord Roberts!” Diane gushed now. “He’s still available. And so charming and attentive toward me.”

“As he is toward most every lady.” Sarah pouted. “A girl can’t count on his charm to land on her alone.”

“But I’ve seen his sparkling gray eyes in my dreams,” Diane said.

Constance silently allowed that there wasn’t a more charming man of their acquaintance than Lord Roberts, not that she’d seen his particular eyes in her dreams. No. It was one particular pair of warm, brown eyes that made her body ache, in and out of her dreams. Not to mention his thick, blond hair. It looked so soft . . . she shook herself back to her boring, wakeful existence.

“Lord Roberts has gone to the country, Diane,” she said. “And will no doubt remain there for some time.”

“Yes, his father has reportedly taken ill,” Sarah said. “Pity that, though it might lead to an elevation in his station from viscount to earl.”

“Sarah!” Constance said. “How can you wish such sadness on Lord Roberts?”

“Oh, I don’t, not really,” Sarah said. “I just wish he was in town this season. He’s one of the few unattached gentlemen who draws my attention.”

“Your attention is drawn to every handsome face with a title and fortune,” Diane said. “I daresay I would take Lord Roberts with neither.”

Sarah snorted in obvious disbelief. “Be that as it may, he’s well and gone from London and we’ll have to set our caps for different gentlemen if we have any hope of marrying before this new season ends.”

The two other girls grew quiet, which unsettled Constance more than their chatter had. It was inevitable, the new course their conversation would take. She braced herself for the realization to strike the two of them.

“There is at least one who is available and quite attractive,” Diane said.

Constance’s hands fluttered in her lap and she fought to keep them still. “Which gentleman?” she asked, as if she didn’t know.

“Hmm, yes,” Sarah mused aloud. “There is always Lord Chester.”

And there it was. The mention of the very man Constance couldn’t get out of her mind. “L-Lord Chester?”

“Oh, yes, Lord Chester!” Diane cried. “He’s quite handsome and most pleasant. Though I can’t quite sketch a true picture of his character.”

Constance knew what she meant, for he was always so perfect in every social situation. Saying the right thing, dressed the right way, acting in the right manner. Aside from those blessed moments he’d held her in his arms at Leed Manor, that is.

“He has done work for Lord Kanewood. That is certain,” Sarah said. “During that business with the earl’s brother, at least.”

Diane shivered. “Horrid, that. Stealing funds and attempted murder?”

Sarah nodded, her eyes bright. “It’s rumored that Lord Chester has worked with the government, but no one can say in what capacity. He’s well-respected and his opinions count in Parliament. He’s affable and most pleasant, I’ll allow. Well-connected and wealthy, and welcome wherever he goes.”

“A perfect gentleman,” Diane concluded.

Constance could practically see the interest sparking in the girl’s mind. She wouldn’t let it smolder into flames of desire, however. Lord Chester wasn’t for Diane, or even Sarah for that matter. He was for her.

She alone had seen the dark glint of intent in those deep brown eyes of his as he stole glances at her from across the ballroom. She alone had encountered the tenseness of his firmly muscled body as he held her sedately during the dance. She alone had felt the impact of his intriguing smile, curved with heat instead of politeness as he’d nearly kissed her.

Yes, she knew there was far more to the Earl of Chester than the well-connected perfect gentleman. Far more.

And she would die before she let another lady steal him from her.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:


 JoMarie DeGioia has been making up stories for as long as she can remember, and has spent years giving voice to the characters in her head. She’s known Mickey Mouse from the “inside,” has been a copyeditor for her town’s newspaper, and a bookseller. She writes Historical and Contemporary Romances, along with Young and New Adult Fantasy stories. She divides her time between Central Florida and New England. You can contact her at JoMarie@JoMarieDeGioia.com

Buy Link:


 Make sure you sign up for this blog and leave a comment and email for a chance to win loose tea and some chip nuts. To follow more stops on the tour:


Friday, July 12, 2013

The Sydney Rye Series Book Blast and Giveaway



SYDNEY RYE SERIES
by Emily Kimelman

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Books 1-3, The complete Series Box Set (Value Pack)

The Sydney Rye series of mysteries features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. This series is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

This box set includes all three of the Sydney Rye Books.

UNLEASHED (A Sydney Rye Novel, #1)

When the series begins Sydney Rye is named Joy Humbolt. She does not like people telling her what to do, so it comes as no surprise that she was just fired from her last job. When she buys Charlene Miller's dog-walking business on Manhattan's exclusive upper east side, it seems like the perfect fit: Quiet environment, minimal contact with people.

But then one of her clients turns up dead, and Charlene disappears. Rumors say Charlene was having an affair with the victim--and of course, everyone assumes Joy must know where she is. Joy begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity then out of anger when there is another murder and threats start to come her way.

When police detective Mulberry is assigned to the case, Joy finds a kindred spirit--cynical and none-too-fond of the human race. As they dig deep into the secrets of Manhattan's elite, they not only get closer to the killer but also to a point of no return. One last murder sends Joy Humbolt hurtling over the edge. Her only chance of survival is to become Sydney Rye.

DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)

At the beginning of Death in the Dark we find Joy Humbolt hiding, not only from the law, but also from her past and the mistakes she's made. Living this isolated life doesn't last long though when a visit from Mulberry brings Joy to accept her new identity as the Private Detective, Sydney Rye. To complete the transformation, Joy must learn to control her emotions as well as her giant aggressive dog, Blue. With the help of an expert trainer, Joy learns to fight with her mind as well as her body. However, when the daughter of a close friend is brutally murdered in the desert, Rye turns away from her mentor to seek revenge. Sydney's quick temper and deadly intentions lead her into a trap that she will need all of her new skills to survive.


INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3)

The third book in the series begins with private detective Sydney Rye living a simple, disciplined life in London, but when a dangerous man from her past calls, Rye finds she cannot turn him away. Robert Maxim explains that the daughter of a powerful friend has gone missing and he wants Rye to find her. In exchange he offers her something she had given up hope of ever having; freedom from her past.

With her dog, Blue, at her side, Rye meets up with her new partner, a handsome man she's not sure she can trust. Heading for Mexico City, they go undercover, posing as husband and wife. After meeting with the bereaved parents, Rye starts to sense that there is more going on than just a missing girl. But it isn't until they arrive in the Yucatan Peninsula, hot on the girl's trail in Paradise, that all hell breaks loose. Sydney has to reach out for help from old friends and deal with the consequences of her past, if she's going to find the girl and keep them all alive.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~




From UNLEASHED

EXCERPT ONE:

A white fog hung in the dark sky. The mist dulled the glare of the streetlights. Beads of dew covered the parked cars and sparkled in the soft yellow light. Blue led the way into Prospect Park.

As soon as I let him off leash, he bounced down the paved path. The gently rolling lawn glowed a silver green. The man-made forest was a wall of blackness. The fog hung low above us. We wandered onto smaller trails and roamed through the trees, up steps to the top of the biggest hill, then down and around the lake that glimmered in the night’s light.

Three men sat on a bench. They wore rags and suckled on bottles in brown paper bags. One stood up, unsteady. He opened his mouth to speak, a naughty smile playing in his rummy eyes. Blue stepped out of the shadows, where he had been investigating an interesting smell, and moved to my side, falling in step with me. Fear twisted the man’s smirk into a grimace. He stumbled back to his friends, whispering, “Devil.” The three men cowered on the bench as Blue and I passed. We walked home with our heads held high, afraid of nothing and nobody.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:



Emily Kimelman lives on a boat in the Hudson Valley with her husband, Sean and their dog Kinsey (named after Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone). Kimelman has a passion for traveling and spends as much time as possible in the pursuit of adventure.

Her "Sydney Rye Series" are dark murder mystery novels which features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. This series is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

The first three books in Kimelman's series, UNLEASHED, DEATH IN THE DARK, and INSATIABLE are available in the Kindle store individually and in a box set. The fourth book in the Sydney Rye series STRINGS OF GLASS is due out Mid-Summer 2013.

If you've read Emily's work, and enjoyed it, please let Emily know. You can reach her via email ejkimelman@gmail.com

http://emilykimelman.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EmilyKimelman

@ejkimelman

Buy links for all books at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Emily-Kimelman/e/B004YG4PPC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/emily-kimelman

Want to win a $25 gift card? Follow the blog and fill out the form below!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

All's Fair In Love and Lion: Bethany Averie and Writing Pantster Style





Blurb for All’s Fair In Love & Lion by Bethany Averie:
High school Junior year English teacher Sasha Brighton has always dreamt of having her own Prince Charming. But she doesn’t believe it’s possible. After all, fairy-tales are just stories, not reality.
However, when Monroe Dubay steps out of her dreams and into her apartment, she’s forced to rethink the whole concept of what’s real and what’s fairy-tale. But believing means she’ll have to choose between everything she knows, or give it all up for the unknown.


Meanwhile, another female from his world doesn’t think Sasha should have Monroe; and she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to stop Sasha and Monroe from having their happily-ever-after. No matter what.

Amazon



Half-In-Half Writing & Character Plotting
by Bethany Averie
Whenever anyone asks me about my writing process, a .part of me panics. Partially because I always feel like I’m doing it wrong, and partially .because in some cases, I draw a complete blank. I can’t offer an exciting answer like the pantsers who say, “I just sit down and write whatever pops into my head!” Nor can I offer detailed notes for every character, scene, and plot development as a plotter might do. I’m what I self-term a “half-in-half” writer. I part-plot, part-pantser my work. I don’t know if it’s literally half-in-half, but it’s a mixture of the two.
There’s some plotting involved. I’ve got my GMC worksheets for characters (Goal Motivation Conflict) where I also figure out their physical attributes. However, this doesn’t mean I follow these things down to the last word. I use them as direction, and let my imagination do the rest.
For All’s Fair In Love & Lion, it was almost completely a pantser experience. There was a sparkling of an idea soon after I figured out where my writing niche was. When I remembered the types of heroes and heroines I liked, off I went.
In hindsight, having a GMC worksheet might’ve made the editing and revising process easier. I had so many notes in so many places—on my computer, in notebooks, pieces of paper. I’m certain I have way more notes for this novel than any other novel I’ve written. It was as if I was afraid of forgetting something important.
Now when I write, I generally have 1 or 2 places for notes, and a GMC worksheet I can use (if I need to). My critique partner, the incredibly talented and awesome, Tess St. John, gave me the idea of going backward through my novel and writing a summary of each chapter to use as reference as I edited. This worked well for AFIL&L. I was able to use those notes to get to whatever scene I needed to without searching the entire manuscript for it.
Monroe and Sasha were very pantser-ly developed. From the moment I wrote the first chapter, I didn’t contemplate too much what personality traits Monroe had, or Sasha had for that matter. It came pretty quickly and easily. Then I entered editing, and I had to think more on how to improve on them, which is another reason why I have my “half-in-half” method. My GMC Worksheets give me a jumping off point, but my imagination still has room to fill in the blanks.
When it comes to the complete pantser approach, the idea of going in and just writing whatever makes me a little nervous. Sure, some of my best ideas have come from those lightning strikes while I’m writing, but I also know if I don’t have some kind of an outline I’ll run out of steam. By the same token, I can’t imagine having nearly every single word planned before I even write “Chapter One”. From my perspective, the approach leaves little room for spontaneity. I’ve had a plotter contradict me, telling me it wasn’t so. This author told me her stories have plenty of surprises, but I can’t comprehend it. After all, if you know exactly what’s going to happen then where’s the element of surprise?
However, every author is different. One author’s technique is another author’s kryptonite. In the end, the author has to decide for him or herself what will or won’t work. It’s rare two authors I meet will have the exact same approach. The nice thing is, when you got a variety of approaches you have different perspectives, which helps when you’re receiving critiques or giving one.
I guess this means, I shouldn’t panic over the question then, should I? After all, uniqueness is what makes each author’s work stand out.
Whether you’re a reader or a writer, enjoy being yourself. Being comfortable in one’s skin makes life a lot easier, no matter what your career you have. Use your approach and talents to make life awesome.
Happy reading and/or writing!



Bethany Averie Author bio:
Bethany Averie is the second-to-the-youngest of eight children. As a kid, she loved fairy tales, especially Cinderella and Beauty & The Beast. Bethany still loves fairy tales, Greek & Roman Mythology, and romance. She resides in the Lone Star State with her real life hero, and a shadow who calls her ‘Mom’. When not writing, Bethany enjoys time with family and friends and dreaming up new worlds. You can reach Bethany at http://writebybethany.blogspot.com/ where she blogs about books, writing, and whatever strikes her fancy. She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Blog:  Write By Bethany http://writebybethany.blogspot.com/
Email:  bethany.averie@gmail.com
Twitter:  @WriteByBethany

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective Super Book Blast


Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective
by Christine Amsden

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:



Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.


Excerpt Two:

At random, I picked up a bottle of perfume from the top shelf and read: “Induces powerful lust. Spray on your intended and make sure you are the first person they see. Lasts about an hour.”
           
The thing you have to understand about any magic is that there are good ways to use it, and bad ways to use it. The concept of black magic is a hotly debated topic among sorcerers. Even death, in self defense, is a shade of gray. As I stood there, reading the functions of the various love potions, I thought of all the innocent and harmful ways they could be used. A couple in a committed relationship might have a lot of fun with a spray of lust. On the other hand, using it on an unwilling victim...
           
I shuddered as I replaced the bottle and accidentally knocked one of the neighboring bottles of perfume to the ground. It shattered, splashing perfume all over my open-toed sandals.
           
“Crap.”
           
“What happened?” Evan asked, his voice hard and alert. I could hear him moving closer.
           
“Stop! I don't want to see you right now.”
           
“Which potion was that?” Evan asked, still in that hard-edged voice of command.
           
I pointed to the row of similar bottles on the top shelf. “Lust.”
           
One of the little bottles floated away from the shelf, but I did not turn around to see what Evan was doing with it. Instead, I started looking through my purse for a pack of tissues to clean the mess off my feet.
           
“Cassie, I have some bad news for you.”
           
“Worse, you mean?”
           
“This potion doesn't take affect until you actually look at someone. Your hour starts then.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Award-winning author Christine Amsden has written stories since she was eight, always with a touch of the strange or unusual. She became a “serious” writer in 2003, after attending a boot camp with Orson Scott Card. She finished Touch of Fate shortly afterward, then penned The Immortality Virus, which won two awards. Expect many more titles by this up-and-coming author.


Links


Website: http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/

Blog: http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/?page_id=200

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineAmsden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Amsden-Author-Page/127673027288664?ref=hl

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1030664.Christine_Amsden

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/117845642477854934607/posts

 PLEASE MENTION THE PRIZE THAT THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY: 

Christine will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Leave your email address and a comment to be eligible for the prize. To follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Halo Legacy Series Super Book Blast


Legacy Reborn
by Genie Gabriel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:


An attorney devoted to social causes and a burned out women's advocate help save their home town while struggling not to fall in love. However, an unintended pregnancy and a gift from the heart lead them on a journey to new possibilities and love.




Excerpt Two:

Once more dressed in jeans and her well-worn cowboy boots, with a jacket thrown on to ward off the chill evening air, Phoenix walked.

Against a backdrop of blue-green mountain peaks and the lightly wooded hillsides closer to the farm, the hens were settling in their coop, with only an occasional soft clucking.

Inside the boldly painted red barn, horses whickered in their stalls. She breathed deeply of the scents of horse and hay as she ambled through the dusty structure, then opened the side door and walked into the llama's pasture.

The male immediately approached her and nuzzled her cheek as she slung her arm around him. "I love you too, Romeo."

She closed her eyes and relaxed against the animal's woolly neck. However, her relaxation ended abruptly when the animal stiffened and emitted a shrill cry.

Following the animal's gaze, Phoenix saw CJ standing on the other side of the corral with his arms folded on the top board. "Will your llama spit in my face?"

"It's alright, Romeo." Phoenix patted the llama, then walked slowly toward the man who had occupied too much of her thoughts lately. "What brings you out this way?"

"You left the Governor's presentation right after you talked to Mitch. I wanted to be sure you were okay."

All the memories she had been trying to walk off slammed into Phoenix once more. "What is okay? I'm not sure I've ever been okay or ever will be. How can I find normal or happy when I don't think I've experienced those things?"

"You come up your own version of what makes you happy."

"A woman is dead because of me. How can I ever be happy knowing that?"

"Mitch said Swaggerty was waiting for Charlene. If it hadn't been that night, he would have killed her another way."

Phoenix let that statement sink in. One part of her brain knew that was true. So why did she cling to the blame for Charlene's death? Maybe she was afraid to move forward. 



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I'm an optimist whose rose-colored glasses have bent frames and cracked lenses. When life kicks me in the teeth, I find miracles and lessons I refused to learn an easier way. In fact, I live with a small herd of miracles in the furry forms of dogs, who are constantly trying to teach me to forgive, to play more, and to love without limits. I write about people who find courage and integrity in the darkest times of their lives, who rescue stray dogs and kittens, who find a person they would willingly give their lives for, and who make their little corners of the world a better place. People have remarked my stories "aren't what they expected." With rose-colored glasses firmly in place, I take that as a compliment. I invite you to share a piece of my world in the pages of a book, and hope you find some surprises, some tears, some laughter, and always a happy ending.

My Web site: http://www.GenieGabriel.com

NOTE: All nine books in the Halo Legacy Series will be $0.99 the day of the tour!

http://shop.roguephoenixpress.ieasysite.com/category.aspx?categoryid=82

Genie will be awarding nine $9 Amazon GCs -- eight will be awarded to randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Make sure you follow this blog by email and GFC so you don't miss future events.

Leave a comment with your email to enter to win. For more stops on the tour and more chances to win, click the link below.