Cold Coffee Press's Blog: Cold Coffee Press , page 6
September 12, 2017
Improbable Celebrations by A. Colin Wright
Improbable Celebrations by A. Colin Wright
Three one-act comedies
George's Funeral: Everything goes wrong at a funeral, including the appearance of the corpse's ghost.
Jennifer's Wedding: Things go awry at a wedding rehearsal with the result that two different couples (one of the same sex) are eventually married.
Nora's Anniversary: Nora and Laurence are about to go to an anniversary party with their son, his partner, and Laurence's former secretary, when Nora's previous husband, Alan, long believed dead, turns up.
Genre: Preforming Arts, Screenplay, Comedy
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A Berlin Of The Mind by A. Colin Wright
The novel is set largely during the last days and immediate post-war years of WWII, in the British and Soviet Zones (later German Democratic Republic) of Berlin. Hermine (whose name comes from a novel by Hermann Hesse, proscribed by the Nazis) marries an English academic, Duncan, who encourages her to write her own account. This relates to her complicated experience of (English) Michael, his brother Henry (Heinrich), her German father Wartmann and others. Falling in love with Henry, she heartily dislikes Michael, whose only desire is to seduce as many women as possible.
From the Preface: "If one looks at the events leading to World War Two and resulting from it, it is all too easy to condemn the Germans. How could a highly civilized people have turned to the doctrine of Fascism as dictated by a vicious racist and psychopath? All of this, though, leads to a more basic question: could I, had I been brought up in a different society, ever have behaved in a similar fashion?”
"Henry found himself dreaming: "Oh I'm clever, oh I'm great. I rule. Eurore shudders at my might. I the Fuhrer, the artist they rejected: fools like all rest. I the people, I the nation, I the leader. Cheering me, admiring, fearing me. . .
A Berlin of the mind, split between East and West, two hemispheres, left and right, now with an irrevocable dividing wall and the greatest tension at the crossover from one side to another. A peaceful man, a dull man even ... A house in the country, and if I had children there'd be... what is it? . . . 1.7 of them. And there were no signposts. That was the thing about wartime Britain too: so as not to assist the enemy should he invade across the divide all the signs were removed.”
From Chapter One, Hermine:” I was raised in a concentration camp, without which my whole story would have been different. North of Berlin, Ravensbrück was specifically for women and, of course, their children. You can visit the museum there today and see the memorial, which was set up by the Soviets when Berlin was part of East Germany, and part of my story too."
Book Review: As the author says in the book description and I quote, “The novel is set largely during the last days and immediate post-war years of WWII, in the British and Soviet Zones (later German Democratic Republic) of Berlin.”
I found this part of the Author’s Preface most interesting: “A friend of mine once suggested that the period in question was comparable to the Trojan War in the minds of those who lived through it. But I simply do not believe that Germans are fundamentally worse than other people. There are, to my mind, arseholes in all countries: it all depends on historical conditions leading to particular societies.
The British can be as bad as Germans, sometimes more so, with their neo-Nazis, soccer riots, etc. The U.S.A has its deep-seated racist attitudes and violent gun culture. Canadians by and large are fortunate, except for their country’s residential schools and relations with its indigenous peoples. And Israel, which suffered more than any country in the holocaust, is unforgivingly anti-Arab. All of this leads to all kinds of abuses, which I have no intention of listing here, for a little thought will reveal them. As for Russia, or the most extreme manifestations of Islam and other religions with their sects—one thinks too of Christianity with Catholicism and others—well, again their problems are evident.”
Prologue, 1945, sets the stage where in the next seven chapter tell the stories of Hermine (survived Ravensbrück), Dr. Michael Warner (the antagonist) and Henry Warner or (again) Heinrich Werner.
The Interlude states: “I learnt later that there were other players in that ultimate drama: Henry’s first wife, Estelle, amongst them.” Chapters Eight to Ten bring us back into Michael’s, Henry’s and Hermine’s life. The book concludes with Epilogue One: Michael and Epilogue Two: Hermine.
This is intense and satisfying reading for history buffs.
I, Theodocia McLean endorse A Berlin Of The Mind by A. Colin Wright as an intellectual read. As intense as this period of time so is the knowledge and passion with which the author writes. I have had the pleasure of reading the authors other book titled Veronica’s Papers. It is important to know his bio and I quote. This review was completed on May 28, 2017.
Genre: Fiction / Literary
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Veronica’s Papers by A. Colin Wright
Gerald Clayton suffering from Amnesia, receives a package of papers from Veronica, a former clinical hypnotist. She tells him they accomplish his fantasy of gathering together, on the ship Marguerite, his past loves with the two of them present, but in disguise. In hopes of discovering his own past Gerald invites the passengers to share in a mystery by guessing what, or who, they all have in common.
Book Review: Veronica’s Papers by A. Colin Wright has an amazing premise that makes the reader think about the likelihood and outcome of such an experiment in his or her own life.
Well-developed characters like Gerald Clayton, who finds himself in a nursing-home after losing his memory; his wife Elizabeth; and Veronica Castell (who has assembled papers documenting Gerald’s life along with other people from Gerald’s past) help the reader understand Gerald’s and Veronica’s thought processes.
The unlikely setting is a cruise ship named Marguerite. This ship is of British registry, sailing out of Southampton to a variety of destinations like the Azores and the Canary Islands. Passengers receive an invitation (Compliments of ‘Creative Travel’) awarding them a fully paid seven-day cruise for two that includes a special program geared to meet their individual needs and interests.
The intensity of the author’s style of writing is evident when he writes: “Humans are like individual atoms jostling in time and space in a constantly changing relationship, and every so often what we call chance brings together those who’ve met before so that we wonder whether there isn’t some further purpose. But what of the coincidences that fail to become evident? The odds against Janet’s being on the other side of that train were almost as great, but we’d never have known we were even close. How often have we been in such situations without knowing it? Only our ignorance prevents us from calling those coincidences and from seeing the basic oneness of life.”
Colin Wright causes the reader to think and question mortality with its limitations in relationship to moral and spiritual concerns. This passage is an example: “The tragedy is that Christianity could be so much more. Christ’s words, it seems to me, rarely limit people to a narrow morality. Rather it’s Saint Paul and those who followed, more concerned with establishing orthodoxy under the leadership of a politically powerful church-who brought a small-minded understanding to a vision that encompasses all people’s strivings. Christians simply couldn’t tolerate rivals: a pettiness repeated often enough since. Yet there’s no contradiction between the worship of pagan gods, say, and that of Christ, for the reality they represent is the same. Why couldn’t Christianity have had vision enough to see this?”
I, Theodocia McLean (Cold Coffee Press) endorses Veronica’s Papers by A. Colin Wright as a thought-provoking work of literature that raises the question of whether or not “creation, fantasy and truth are the same”. I purchased this book in a Kindle and this review was completed on October 31, 2015.
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A Cupboardful Of Shoes: And Other Stories by A. Colin Wright
"After a life dedicated to the study of languages, A. Colin Wright has distilled his life’s observations into this engaging collection of short stories, most of which have been previously published in literary journals. Now retired, his life’s adventures, which include serving in the British Air Force, attending Cambridge University, and being a professor of Russian, have inspired this collection.
“I’m a librarian and I kissed a film star once. I touched her nipples too. At least, I think I did.” So begins “Queen’s Grill.” Horatio Humphries, one of the unreliable narrators, strikes up a brief friendship with a movie star on a rough Atlantic crossing, but his “twin” brother doesn’t believe him.
In “A Pregnant Woman with Parcels at Brock and Bagot,” an unnamed woman may or may not have an affair with a man she met at a party—depending on whether she can get by a woman in front of her. “Distantly from Gardens,” a variant on the theme of the “double” found often in Russian literature, presents a man with a split personality, inhabited by two narrators who are his past as well as his present. While other stories are told in either the first or third person, the subject here demands the use of the second.
The stories in A Cupboardful of Shoes explore subjects as wide-ranging as disappointed love, violence, and war, sometimes with an underlying religious theme, serving to illustrate Wright’s eclectic style and literary interests."
The following stories make up the collection A. Colin Wright: A Cupboardful of Shoes, published in 2008. Those marked * may be viewed in their entirety at www.authorsden.com/acolinwright."
A Pregnant Woman with Parcels at Brock and Bagot
A Cupboardful of Shoes
Night Train to Cologne
Only Fair
The Trouble with Saints
The Jump
Frank's Girl
Queen's Grill
Make Someone Happy
Wedding
Bethlehem
Sketches of Natasha
Distantly from Gardens
Ghost Stations
The Bells of Khatyn
Seven Minutes' Silence
Unknown
The President Reminisces
The Comedy of Doctor Foster
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Mikhail Bulgakov: Life and Interpretations by A. Colin WrightNon-fiction, Education, Reference
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Sardinian Silver - by A. Colin Wright
To Arthur Fraser, a young Englishman, Sardinia in 1960 is perfect. It's an island filled with Roman ruins, exotic scenery, local customs, and morally traditional values-he loves everything. To assimilate into the strange and belong to a society different from his own has always been his desire.
To Arthur Fraser, a young Englishman, Sardinia in 1960 is perfect. It's an island filled with Roman ruins, exotic scenery, local customs, and morally traditional values-he loves everything. To assimilate into the strange and belong to a society different from his own has always been his desire.
Arthur arrives in the resort town of Alghero to work as a representative for a tourist company. His ambition is to find a Sard girl for himself. He is quickly thwarted, though, by the unorthodox beliefs of the inhabitants. Unmarried couples cannot meet without chaperones, and anyone with
""continental"" attitudes is immoral. Arthur quickly learns that dating is fraught with real dangers.
When Arthur finally falls in love with Anna, a Sard girl, he discovers that she lives in Rome and is no longer accepted at home. But she then falls in love with one of his best friends, and Arthur becomes irrationally obsessed. He incessantly schemes about winning back her affections, despite her efforts to dissuade him.
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What I Believe: (But You Don't Have To) by A. Colin Wright
A brief discussion of religious ideas from a non-traditional viewpoint that should be of interest
for all those questioning what life is all about.
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author A. Colin Wright
A. Colin Wright was born and raised in the county of Essex, England. After serving as a linguist in the British Royal Air Force, Wright attended Cambridge University where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees. In 1964, he was appointed a professor of Russian at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. He remained at Queen's until his retirement in 1999 and still resides there today.
Dr. Wright is married and has two grown sons.
In his fiction he is interested primarily in works dealing with the purpose and meaning of life. Thus he has a horror of post-modernism and simple, sentimental descriptions of everyday life, and has little interest in works dealing with specific problems. Religion in its broadest sense (but not that of specific churches or creeds) is obviously important to him. He tries above all to create a good story, with realistic characters who question established norms of behaviour, with particular reference to the sexual.
He acts and directs in the local theatre.
With a love of languages (he speaks English, French, German, Russian and Italian, with a smattering of Spanish and Scots Gaelic), he is adamant about correct grammar in his writing. This unfortunately also makes him highly critical of others!
He also loves travel and has led various groups for Craig Travel in Toronto to Russia, Ukraine, China, South Africa, Southern India, Alaska and the islands of the North Atlantic.
Theatrical Credits:
Directing: (Domino Theatre, Kingston)
Ladies in Retirement (assistant director)
Shadowlands
The Importance of Being Ernest
The Night of the Iguana
The Freedom of the City
The Heiress
Acting:
The Troll King, Monsieur Ballon and two other roles, Peer Gynt
Malvolia, Twelfth Night
First Voice, Under Milk Wood
Rosenberg, Amadeus(Theatre 5 and Grand Theatre, Kingston)
Father Jack, Dancing at Lughnasa (Domino Theatre, Kingston)
Claude Amory, Black Coffee (Domino Theatre, Kingston)
Interview Questions:
Tell us what makes you proud to be a writer from Kingston, Ontario, Canada? Canadian literature is of course well known, but I'd regard myself as a British and international writer rather than just a Canadian one. I was born in Chelmsford, Essex, England. After serving as a linguist in the British Royal Air Force (learning Russian), I attended Cambridge University, where I earned M.A and Ph.D degrees. In 1962 I lived for six months in Sassari, Sardinia, followed the next year by a longer period in Reggio Calabria. I speak five languages reasonably fluently, and can stumble along in two more. In 1964, after a year’s study at the Herzen Pedagogical Institute in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), I was appointed professor of Russian at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. I remained at Queen’s until retirement in 1999 and still reside in Kingston. I am married and have two grown sons.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? My French/German teacher at school in England, who subsequently became a writer of detective novels.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? At a relatively early age, I read a book on English history from the local children’s library. I decided to dramatize the kings of England, using paper cut-outs as puppets. The project didn’t get very far, but I still have a few pages of elementary dialogue, such as William II dying by an arrow in the New Forest, with him falling off his horse and saying “Oh blow! It was in 1956 that I began writing with the intension of being published, but I wasn't first published until 1967.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and why? Encouraged by a teacher at grammar school in England, I just wanted to write, trying short stories — which were so terrible that I haven’t the courage to reread them. I studied French, German and Russian, which included their literatures, at Cambridge University and then taught Russian Language and Literature at Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada) for 35 years. I've always regarded literature as a serious activity which should challenge readers; thus I dislike post-modernism and simple stories about everyday life, particularly if there's not much plot. Then, when I was teaching at University, I published academic articles on Russian and comparative literature, including a major book on Mikhail Bulgakov. But I still wrote novels, short stories and plays.
Do you come up with your title (s) before or after you write the manuscript (s)? Depends. With my current novel, Sardinian Silver, the title really suggested itself: the name of an actual wine which seemed appropriate symbolically.
Tell us why you write the genre (s) that you write? Well I have written academic works (many articles and a major book published by University of Toronto Press, Mikhail Bulgakov; Life and Interpretations.) I've published about twenty short stories, written novels and plays (some performed locally). In fact I think I've written everything--even some journalism--except poetry, which I don't relate to. Basically I choose whatever genre seems most appropriate.
Tell us your most rewarding experience while in the writing process? Crafting something into good writing.
Tell us your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Having things appreciated by an audience.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Just keep at it if you're sure you want that, but be sure that you do.
Who Is Your Favorite Author? Mikhail Bulgakov, who was my main academic research interest. I regard his ‘The Master and Margarita’ as the greatest book of the twentieth century.
Professional Websites: http://www.veronicaspapers.com/a-colin-wright
http://www.canadianauthors.org/national
http://www.sardiniansilver.com
http://www.cupboardfulofshoes.com
Cold Coffee Press
Cold Coffee Café
August 29, 2017
Unfathomable Love (Love and Redemption Series Book 2) by Linda Diane Wattley
Unfathomable Love (Love and Redemption Series Book 2)
by Linda Diane Wattley
“Charge of an Angel,” the first of the “Love and Redemption Series,” continues as Leona Tillard, the survivor of an uncensored childhood love, begins her journey into the heart of “Unfathomable Love.”
When Leona graduated from high school, she joined the United States Army. It was then she learned there was plenty of love to go around; after all, the Army is one place men outnumbered the women. Her only dilemma was figuring out which love was the best love for her to embrace.
Hearing the words, ‘I love you,’ heals our souls. The ironic thing about it, very seldom do two people share the same meaning for love. This is usually fine until someone else’s meaning of love changes our lives forever.
In “Charge of an Angel,” Leona Tillard asked for your help as she survived her daily childhood nightmare. Today, she is asking you to help her to choose the right man to love forever. Do I love the soldiers or do I love my big brother’s best friend?
Sounds like an easy task, doesn’t it? Trust me, you too just might choose the wrong one. Let’s see if we can save Leona once again.
“Lord God, so much love, help me choose!”
Cold Coffee Book Review: Those of us who read Linda’s book ‘Charge Of An Angel’ have been waiting to read ‘Unfathomable Love’.
Main character Leona Tillard is now a young adult and on a journey to wholeness in her life. How does love factor into this journey and where does God fit into her life?
Meet the people in Leona’s young adult life including some from her childhood. You will be privy to letters and a narrative that might bring up memories of your own.
I quote not to spoil the story, but to enlighten you so you will want to read further.
“The next morning when I woke up everyone was gone. According to the note I found in the kitchen, they had gone to the grocery store. As I looked around at our home, my heart was heavy. The pain-free home I once visited had become a place of progressive doom. Dennis and I had brought misery to this house. They called it evil, I called it pure darkness. While I was looking in the refrigerator for something to drink, the home line phone rang. At first, I didn’t want to answer it. I felt like hiding myself for a while, but the phone kept ringing. Reluctantly, I answered it.”
Even the description of Leona’s “Grandma Tillard” might carry you back to your own childhood when a grandmother’s presence and warm embrace brought a sense of belonging, even when you didn’t know how lost you were.
Follow Leona as she graduates high school and joins the Army primarily as an escape. The green uniforms and rigid routines brought some level of isolation, but ultimately a new world emerged. This new world is filled with attractive, buff, single men with desires. The problem, how is she to find the right man and will he embrace love the same way she does?
When you read, allow Leona’s story to waken within your sub-conscious to things that might need a healing touch. Healing is a journey that takes a lifetime to achieve.
I, (Theodocia McLean) endorse ‘Unfathomable Love’ (Love and Redemption Series Book 2). I encourage you to read ‘Charge Of An Angel’ (Love and Redemption Series-Part 1) by Linda Diane Wattley. I purchased this book from a Kindle and completed this review on August 29, 2017. ‘Soldier With A Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously’ by Linda Diane Wattley is also a great read regarding Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Family Life, United States, African American, Christian
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Charge Of An Angel (Love and Redemption Series Book 1) by Linda Diane Wattley
My name is Leona Tillard and I need your help. You see, I have been spending my whole life trying to know who I am. I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and a product of a temporary single-parent home, I was left without some pertinent information that could have possibly told me who I am. Eventually, still a child, my family structure evolved into a blended family situation. In silence, I cried far more than I laughed.
Don’t get me wrong, there was much love for me. I learned early in life that I was a very special little girl. People loved being in my presence, but more than anything, my body was always desired. I didn’t want for anything, life was good to me, I just didn’t understand love and what is considered being a normal human being. This is where I need your help.
Will you listen to me as I tell you my story about my life? Tell me who really loved me. Am I really an angel or a freak of nature? Your help will be highly appreciated. In return, I promise to entertain you from beginning to end. Below find one of my thought processing moments. It came during a time I needed understanding. Until we meet, enjoy!
My body was betraying me in the worst way. “Oh, God, help me! I face you now in my naked and weakened state and beg you to save me.” I prayed silently.”
Cold Coffee Book Review: Charge Of An Angel is book one in Linda Diane Wattley’s series titled Love and Redemption.
This is an important quote directly from the book: “Charge of an Angel will reveal why the urgent questioning of sexuality from the home to the pulpit. The children in this story have a lot to show us, let’s get started. They are anxious to share their stories even their parents are going to be in awe when they see who they really are.”
Character Leona Tillard will touch your heart as you read her childhood account. I am certain that as you read this book, you will either relate to some of the family dynamics from your own life or you might know a family with similar dynamics.
Sadly, families usually look wholesome and intact when viewed by an outsider. However, when you pull back the layers like an onion, the raw truth can burn your soul. In Leona’s story, her family has many layers and although she felt loved as child, her perceptions were from a child’s point of view.
Right from birth (like you and me) Leona was set on a path and her encounters wrote on the pages of her life’s story and deep in her heart and soul. The most telling thing that you will discover as you read, is Leona’s perception of herself, her deep questions and even conflicting messages that cause her to even question God.
For children who grown up in a dysfunctional home, this is how they think. I quote not to spoil the story, but to enlighten you so you will want to read further.
“We didn’t hear any more words after that. Sarah and I were just as quiet as Daddy and Priscilla.
In fact, Sarah was already asleep. I could hear snoring from across the room, which was something she normally didn’t do. I couldn’t believe what I had seen between her and Daddy.
I closed my eyes and tried to will myself somewhere other than where I was. I couldn’t help but wonder where my brother and my mother were. This new family thing just did not make me happy at all. I mean, trying to know myself was hard enough without this family mix. One minute I had a mother and then I had no mother. I had a big brother, then no big brother. Now I have two sisters and a brother to go with the one I already had. We were all lost and confused.
We just wanted to know where we belonged.
After that night, we did what we had to do to keep Priscilla and Daddy happy. Nobody cared how we felt. This life was about them. None of us should have been born. We had no parents. All of us were victims of circumstance. We were just sheep—sleeping, eating, and doing what we were told. If Daddy and Priscilla hadn’t gotten married, maybe Momma and Mark might have come back. We could forget about ever seeing them now.”
While reading I was faced with the core truths written on the pages and maybe more importantly between the lines. I wait for Book Two to be published, as I will need to find out where it goes from here. I invite you to read and open your heart and eyes to children around you in your life. This book has adult content.
I, (Theodocia McLean) endorse ‘Charge Of An Angel: Love and Redemption Series-Part 1’ by Linda Diane Wattley. I purchased this book from a Kindle format. Review was completed on March 28, 2017. I also read ‘Soldier With A Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously’ by Linda Diane Wattley (Great Read).
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Soldier With A Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneouslyby Linda Diane Wattley
Soldier With A Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the hidden love killer, is instrumental in creating a world of alienation in the human experience.
Soldier with a Backpack, Living and Dying Simultaneously is written to form a silent unity of hope and understanding for individuals experiencing or knowing someone with PTSD and to reveal a needed truth about it.
Linda D. Wattley grew up with a tainted trust in adults, now that she has become one herself; Author Wattley began to learn why adults were so unhappy. She realized that stress and trauma had molded her into someone who felt unworthy of love, yet there was still something else willing her to life, telling her to share with the world that sufferers of PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are more than words could ever describe.
Author Wattley shares the experienced impact stress and trauma has on the human soul and the price we pay ignoring this reality. It is with great urgency she intimately shares her plight in life with her readers. Being mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically raped as a child, she survived by learning to exist in an inner world of divine peace.
Something happened to that little girl; she didn’t die nor did she live, yet much was lost while much was gained.
Cold Coffee Book Review: Author Linda Diane Wattley’s memoir ‘Soldier With A Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously’ is packed with nuggets of pure truth meant to expose the evil that was meant to destroy her, show God's greatness and attest to her healing from PTSD. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put her story down. I especially love memoirs, because it takes a special kind of strength to write a memory and share raw emotion and experience with the world.
If you enjoy reading memoirs that are a journey from hell into healing with ordained, anointed prayer behind the words to encourage others along their journey, this book is a must read.
Linda says, “Out of trauma, much drama occurs. Trauma has so many levels of appearing in our lives from the war zones where our soldiers witness death and the survival of death, vehicular accidents, murders, catastrophic disasters, illnesses, rape, sudden deaths of our loved ones; the list is unending.”
“Cycles can be broken when light is shined on reality. This is my purpose to shine light on the personal aftermath of trauma. ‘And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ John 8:13.”
Follow Linda through her life, learn from her healing and willingness to share what most people would hide in the darkness. Enjoy the short, direct poems scattered throughout the book and learn how Linda activated the love of God in her life, so she can be a beacon of light (“messenger”) to those seeking healing form PTSD.
I (Theodocia McLean) endorses Soldier With A Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously (After The Storm Publishing Presents) by Linda Diane Wattley as her memoir from darkness into light. I purchased and reviewed this book from Kindle format. The review was completed on January 30, 2016.
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Linda Diane Wattley
Linda Diane Wattley is a published writer who began her first work of art with poetry. The poem, "I Wish" appeared in the Poetry Gem of the American Poets Society. For over twelve years she had her own religious/philosophical column in the Frost Illustrated Newspaper titled "The Best Will Show Themselves".
Linda has appeared as a contributed writer for the online magazines including: Faith Writers, The Wright Side of Me Productions, The Blessed Room and Cheers where she shared Inspirational and thought provoking messages to readers. She is also a contributing of anthologies: The Triumph of My Soul edited by Elissa Gabriel and This Far by Faith with Vanessa Miller as editor.
Today, God has awakened her to a new and extremely important message to share with the world. We must become more conscious of PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; she is presenting her newest work: Soldier with a Backpack, Living and Dying Simultaneously. This work reveals the reality of the impact this disorder has on our veterans and civilian people's lives. It takes you deep within the soul of the inner dynamics of this disorder. Stress and Trauma is guiding us farther away from love. Truth and understanding will guide us to self-love and love for our fellowman.
When Wattley is not writing, she enjoys her family; Mother Jacqueline M. Bushner, sons: Robert D. Wattley III, Marcus, daughter-in-law Katie and her granddaughters Jaelynn and Myla.
Interview Questions:
What makes you proud to be a writer from Akron, OH? I am proud to be a writer because it gives me an opportunity to share my heartfelt desire to make a positive difference in the world.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? My eighth grade English teacher encouraged me to become a writer because she saw a lot of potential in me when I expressed my thoughts in classroom assignments.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Yes definitely, my upbringing was dysfunctional and soul-damaging which showed its damaging affects showed up as I became an adult. Writing allows me to make sense of things and understand my own inner-dynamics.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? In 2008, I had a life-changing experience when I was reading a book by Dr. Phil “self-Matters”. It had a section where I answered many questions. By the time I finished I was falling apart inside with the realities it revealed about my childhood experiences of abuse. The experience was so overwhelming it sent me to writing to relieve the pain and devastation that seemed to want me to die. I wrote a trilogy relating to my growing up stages of life. This was the beginning of self-healing and discovery.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Most rewarding for me in my writing process is what I come to learn about myself and the experience of healing that takes place as a result of seeing me on the inside.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Most rewarding for me recently is the feedback I am getting from my readers. My message is strengthening and creating a platform for spiritual renewal.
How many published books do you have? I have six published books, but I only focus on one because the other four were stolen by my publisher. I never received any money for my efforts.
Published Books:
Soldier With A Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously
Charge Of An Angel
Unfathomable Love
Our Love: Coming Soon
Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? I usually come up with a title while I am writing the manuscript.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Trust your unique word. Somebody out there is waiting to read your work.
Who is your favorite author and why? I actually do not have a favorite author. I love unique work.
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Amazon Author’s Page
Professional Website Links
http://www.lindadianewattley.com/
http://collectivefaith.com/universalove1957/
https://www.gofundme.com/ptsdfreedom
http://blackauthors.ning.com/profile/LindaDWattley
http://www.faithwriters.com/websites/my_website.php?id=19419
https://www.instagram.com/lindawattley
http://www.thecheers.org/contributors/author-profile-339.html
Professional Blog Links
http://www.lindadianewattley.com/blog/
http://anndandridgepublicrelations.ning.com/profile/LindaDWattley?xg_source=activity
https://sites.google.com/site/lindadianewattley1/blog
http://lindadianewattley.blogspot.com/
Goodreads
LinkedIIn
Twitter: universalove@universalove
Google+
Cold Coffee Café
Cold Coffee Press
August 10, 2017
The 100th Meridian Murders (A CJ Hand Novel Book 5) by C. G. Haberman
The 100th Meridian Murders (A CJ Hand Novel Book 5) by C. G. HabermanAfter proving his reputation as the top sharpshooter in the world, Ivan Talcott settles in China. Here, he plans to achieve his goal of becoming a multimillionaire by the age of forty. Suddenly, and without warning, he’s told to leave China, and never return. Undaunted, he will aim for his goal in the USA.
While on a hunting trip Nebraska, the sharpshooter agrees to proposal that will fulfill his goal. The hunt becomes his final challenge before he begins a new life. The result of his grisly kills uncovers dark secrets long hidden in the halls of the U.S. Congress.
CJ Hand returns to Lincoln, Nebraska after surviving a brutal attack that left him a battered man. His wife, Dee, encourages him to complete a doctoral degree and form the Great Plains Consulting firm. This new challenge, they hope, will lead him away from a turbulent path to a stable life.
His company gets the boost it needs when he signs a contract for work along the 100th meridian. The study leads him to the deadly path he left years before. The discoveries, while using drones, leads his field and office crew into a threatening, dark world. The people he admires, and to whom he owes his success, return to help. They again face the evil they once thought erased.
The peaceful, rural prairie holds secrets that turns violent. The deadly hunt begins, spilling blood across the western United States.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review: For those of us following criminal investigator CJ Hand, this is what we have been waiting for, and you won’t be disappointed with ‘The 100th Meridian Murders: Volume Five by C. G. Haberman.
Realistic characters, descriptive writing that transport you to the Mid-West, USA, and a well-constructed mystery will keep you engaged all the way to the end of the 60th chapter.
Let me begin by telling you that character Ivan Talcott has studied people well for years and blends into each crowd with ease. He is a business man by degree with a life goal of “building an empire of wealth without government interference”. His professional skills as the top sharpshooter in the world help him secure funds to offshore accounts and keep him on track to become a millionaire by age forty. Called back to the US from China, he accepts a proposal.
Investigator CJ Hand who now suffers from PTSD after recovering from being beaten nearly to death and left to die three years ago returns to Lincoln, Nebraska. His wife Dee stands by his side and encourages him to completes his doctoral degree. He is challenged by his entrepreneurial spirit to form his own consulting firm. One of his first consulting contracts leads him into familiar territory that he thought he had left behind when a man in Keya Paha County finds a human skeleton.
An environment activist group that stumbles into the 100th meridian study wants to know who or what group sponsored the study?
Like any good mystery, it is the readers job to relate to one or more of the characters. Join CJ Hand as crime comes in a secretive fury like the tornadoes that thunder across the Great Plains of the US.
I, Theodocia McLean, endorse ‘The 100th Meridian Murders’ by C. G. Haberman. I purchased this book in Kindle and this review was completed on August 7, 2017.
I encourage you to read: Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 1), Mill Creek Malice: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 2), Dead Man's Run: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 3), Lake Of Lies: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 4) and The 100th Meridian Murders: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 5) by C. G. Haberman
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Spies & Politics, Assassinations, Crime Fiction
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Lake of Lies: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 4) by C G Haberman
Two teenage boys on a deer hunt in northwest Iowa watch as a trophy buck flees before either can release an arrow. Something in the crumbling cellar frightened the animal. Curious to know what disturbed the deer they open the shelter door and hell erupts. The sudden failure of an outstanding student, his fiancée's new job opportunities, and a personnel action weigh on CJ Hand. His daughter calls with news of his former wife. A disturbing past leads him back to Lincoln, Nebraska to confront demons. At semester's end on an icy and snowy morning, his life would change once again. Dr. Trisha Baker becomes the hunter with the intent to destroy a predator. The revenge is for her friends and herself, and to erase the painful memory of losing her fiancé.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review: ‘Lake Of Lies’ is just one of four, hard to put down, CJ Hand Mystery Novels written by C. G.Haberman.
Main character CJ Hand uses his love for, comfort of and the serenity of the back roads from Iowa to South Dakota to capture its breathtaking beauty through his camera photo lens which illustrates lessons that he shares with his ecology and botany students.
Intuitive moments and detailed memories have become part of his life since working for the Department of Justice. While forcing himself to move forward, CJ’s past is never far behind. The news hits him hard when the parole board releases Tom Vaughn and he knows someone must warn Tom’s wife Donette to stay alert.
A call from his daughter Meaghan stirs some of the personal demons that haunt him. A trip down memory lane brings him back to the lake where he and his wife Marnie had spent countless, glorious hours together. He sits and stares out across the lake to the shoreline where the shadows still hold remnants of ice and watches as several boys cast their fishing lines into the cold water with hopes of catching a catfish. The ring of his cell phone brings him back to the present.
His life with his fiancée Dee, his many influential friends and co-workers find their world mostly centered on the Mill Creek State University and the surrounding communities. CJ reluctantly confides in psychologist Dr. Adriane Peterson. Like all psychologists she asks a lot of questions, like “You said there were other students, especially female nontraditional students with sudden grade drops, correct?” He nodded. “The question is: why the focus on Tammy Day?”
Two boys brave the frigid temperature at the southern edge of an abandoned farmstead in hopes to “get the biggest damn buck you ever did see.” Hiding in silence they hold their bows taught with arrows when the approaching deer notice something and their heightened awareness and instincts cause them to bolt. Understandably upset the boys strike out on a new hunt for the source of the hunting debacle and what they discover makes them gag.
It is more than Dr. Trisha Baker who works at Mill Creek State University in the Psychology Center can stand. She sets out to seek revenge for her fiancé, friends and most importantly to “destroy a predator”.
I, Theodocia McLean, endorse ‘Lake Of Lies: A CJ Hand Novel’ by C. G. Haberman. Each book in this crime, fiction, mystery series stand alone. I also have the privilege of reading and reviewing ‘Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 1)’. Dead Man’s Run and Mill Creek Malice are a couple more novels in the CJ Hand series.
I encourage you to read these four CJ Hand Novels sold in both print and e-book. Enjoy the written mastery of author C. G Haberman. I purchased ‘Lake Of Lies’ in Kindle and this review was completed on February 25, 2015.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Spies & Politics, Assassinations, Crime Fiction
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Dead Man's Run: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 3) by C. G. Haberman
For CJ Hand, the corral bathed in the morning sunlight is a false sign of the day to come. Minutes after starting his run up Deadman Road, a dense fog shrouds the canyon. In the heavy, gray mist a hushed purr from the road bend behind him forces CJ to take cover in the stand of ponderosa pine and cottonwoods. He waits for the danger to pass. An hour later he stares at a dead man, blood covering the understory of brown pine needles and yellowing cottonwood leaves. The second death lay in front of CJ. The mountain lion is the focus of the first death, but the local County Sheriff realizes something other a mountain lion lurks in Dead Man's Canyon. CJ Hand and Tom Thies join the county sheriff, investigating the deaths. A Black Hills mining geologist who traveled to the Nebraska Pine Ridge is the key. The first dead man might be the answer. What they find hints at far-reaching impacts for the area and the United States.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Spies & Politics, Assassinations, Crime Fiction
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Mill Creek Malice: C. G. Haberman (Volume 2) by C. G. Haberman
The animal stench triggers Dawn's gag reflex. The constant grinding of stone on stone irritably attacks her frayed nerves, and abruptly stops. Odd scratching sounds echo in her half-conscious state. She pulls herself into a sitting position and stares at a cage door. She gasps at the thing peering into her eyes.
A year before CJ Hand arrives as the new instructor at Loess Hills Community College the former professor inexplicably disappears. With the case going cold local law enforcement officers seek help.
Investigators run into problems with the strange case involving native plants, and seek CJ's expertise.
CJ is thrust into a world of pharmaceutical collusion when he finds the rare plant in question, but he also discovers an old ammunition box. When he opens it a nightmare begins. A geocache note inside written in a riddle, places him in the grip of matching wits with a killer. Key to the investigation, and the game, are--a small reptilian creature and the rare plant.
The new General Education Dean adds to CJ's mental and physical anguish, suggesting the violation of his teaching contract. The summer class begins in two weeks and CJ has a choice to make: stop his part in the investigation or resign from his contract.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Spies & Politics, Assassinations, Crime Fiction
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Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 1) by Mr. C. G. Haberman
The pall of death hangs over two distinctly different valleys separated by eighteen-hundred miles.
One a modest, unknown channel drained by a small cool-water stream and the other a magnificent gorge carved by a roaring river that separates two states. Unknown to a man, tormented by loss and intensifying anger, both valleys hold his fate. A bloody mist suddenly fills a truck cab. It is not the shot but the seconds after that begins change for criminal investigator CJ Hand. Beset with his recent loss and pent-up anger he takes leave from a tangled bureaucratic mess. Trying to find self-worth he agrees to help friends by probing the accidental drowning of a friend's son. The image of an uncomplicated investigation is quickly shattered. CJ encounters a maze of deadly circles surrounding the death. He begins unwinding hidden tentacles of political power and personal greed gripping Elm Creek valley. Affecting his personal life are two intellectual and intuitive women who help him come to grips with what he has been running from, or toward, for a decade. DEADLY CIRCLES is a fast-paced novel exposing the ugly underbelly of insidious criminal activity.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review: Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel is a fast moving fiction crime mystery that enchants the reader with breath taking descriptive beauty with possible environmental struggles within the Great Plains of the USA.
The main character, CJ Hand was born in Hand County, South Dakota. As a criminal investigator CJ Hand takes the reader on a vivid pictorial trip down the winding rural roads of Nebraska into the small towns where life and love among other things thrive with a cast of over 40 characters. The dialog flows very smooth and this reviewer can visualize this book series becoming an excellent made for TV series.
Enjoy the descriptive beauty of the landscapes and relate with the rural folks going about their daily lives. Just keep in mind that nothing is perfect and even here there festers a quiet under tone of mystery, personal and political greed, crime and an unexplained death.
Haberman weaves a tale that keeps the reader turning the pages with descriptive artistry like in this quote: “A breeze whispered through the pine and cedar trees as he entered the small acreage. Colored lichens dotted gravestones and the stately old trees. He moved from grave to grave reading the inscriptions. Several large round, prairie-hay bales rested in the warm autumnal sunshine in the east half of the cemetery, devoid of headstones. CJ squatted down, grasped a handful of loose hay, examined the dried vegetation, and rolled it between his palms. The earthy, redolent grass brought a melancholy rush. The death of a friend’s son brought him here and a tragic farm accident united him with the woman he loved. He stood in the earthly solitude, stillness within him. A wind gust interrupted the moment. An important task lay ahead.”
I, Theodocia McLean, endorse Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 1) and you can follow this book up with Mill Creek Malice (Volume 2) as the series continues to unfold under the mastery of author C. G. Haberman. I purchased ‘Deadly Circles’ in Kindle and this review was completed on December 5, 2014.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Spies & Politics, Assassinations, Crime Fiction
Nebraska Pine Ridge: Dead Man's Run Novel Setting
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The Naturalists: A Historic Novel(The Hayman Saga) (Volume 1) by C. G. Haberman
Where is Nebraska? The measure lies in locating Chicago and Denver, then calculating the midpoint between the two. There exists land called the Rainwater Basin. To find the remains of the best basins requires a calling, the calling to understand the startling dependency of life. In the heart of the United States the last of the Hayman lineage, Chance Hayman, experiences the nibbling erosion and decimation of this North American keystone. The Naturalist begins in the 1820s with a minister full of desire to serve his God. Reverend Abner Hayman is not the normal German Reformed minister.
His ministerial sincerity and verve excites his Pennsylvania congregation. As with many successful men he will gain fame and follow a path fraught with temptation, deception, and loss. His path across the rapidly expanding nation leads him to Illinois. There he loses a son to a calling of his own. John Hayman does not scorn the country know as the Great American Desert. Abner Hayman’s son finds a land that fills his spiritual yearning, a land of grass and marshes that is unyielding, but teems with life and promise. It is this young man, the naturalist, who finds love of life, land, and women who is the taproot for the future Hayman families who fight to save the rainwater basins from extinction.
Book Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Crime, History
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The Naturalists A Historic Novel of the Hayman Family: Volume 2 by C. G. Haberman
Gripped by a spiritual call, John Hayman found the land of his dreams. The land tested him, but he learned to live with it and survived to foster a land ethic. In the second volume of The Naturalists, the new era of John’s three sons unfolds and they are as diverse as the land. The youngest, Henry, focuses on what his father dreamed about: a peaceful land covered with grass and marshes. As more people settle the area, Henry faces changing land use that gives little thought to the effects. His life is not without personal heartaches and devastating emotional discoveries. Over the first half of the 20th century, he and his youngest son, Jacob, follow the path recorded in journals that have become the focus for future Hayman naturalists. A deep family unrest threatens to forever change the Haymans and the land on which they thrive. Out of this turmoil, Jacob emerges to face the trying task of altering the path that threatens the Rainwater Basin and his family. Will Jacob’s son inherit a tranquil path to the 21st Century?
Book Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Crime, History
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author C. G. Haberman
C. G. Haberman was born and raised in south-central Nebraska. For ten years he taught the biological sciences in two Nebraska high schools. He left education to take a position with the Nebraska environmental agency and over the next ten years moved through the ranks. His positions took him throughout Nebraska while working on surface and groundwater quality issues, wetlands, and a uranium mining proposal.
After Nebraska, C. G. worked in Washington and South Dakota, expanding his environmental work into the areas of enforcement, air quality and hazardous and solid waste. Before retiring he returned to teach for ten more years as a community college instructor and as an adjunct at a liberal arts college in Hastings, Nebraska. Using his education and experience, he involved students by presenting real-life issues through Problem-Based Learning and hands-on field experiences.
What makes you proud to be a writer from Nebraska? I am proud to be a writer from Nebraska because so little is known about this diverse State. My goal is to show, through words, the diversity that exists in Nebraska and the surrounding Great Plains States.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? A friend asked a similar question. The first time was in the seventh grade and the teacher, Mrs. Johnson, encouraged the class to write. My writing for the class involved mysteries. Writing was hit and miss with most of it professional publications except for the environmental reader series for children.
Writing started to take shape after I went back to teaching. It was the time of my wife’s health problems that I began, mostly to occupy my mind during her difficult recovery.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? During the time of my wife’s health dilemmas our daughter inspired me to bring the novel I had written out of my computer to share with the public. That novel became my first: Deadly Circles. Positive, as well as a few negative, comments about the novels drive me to write more and better.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? My environment—literally and figuratively—was the force behind the first novel. I had been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. Because of the unique situations where I worked and lived and “battled” I can show and entertain the reader from a “been there, done that” perspective.
Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? I derive titles as I outline novels in my head. Once the novel is firmed up in a detailed outline I might change, but that has occurred only once with the fourth in the CJ Hand series: Lake of Lies.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write fiction: crime, mystery, and historic. All focus on the Great Plains environment.
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? The moment that inspired me to write Deadly Circles came after a difficult time in my environmental career. On a secluded drive across rural, eastern South Dakota I wondered about the happenstance. During that drive CJ Hand was born in Hand County, South Dakota.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? The writing process experience most rewarding is the unfurling of the words as the book develops. An example is the historical novel, The Naturalists, where the character Abner Hayman took the reins and became a major actor, something I had not planned. As I read and researched this book I learned an immense amount about our country (positive and negative) from the mid-1800s to 1899.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? The most rewarding experience was the positive feedback about the dialogue and settings.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? The positive piece of advice is write about what you love and read, read, read all kinds of books. One of the most intriguing I read was a philosophy book entitled: PLATO and a PLATYPUS Walk into a Bar Understanding Philosophy through Jokes 2007 Thomas Cathcart & Daniel Klein http://www.hnabooks.com
Who is your favorite author and why? My favorite author is Robert B. Parker followed by Cather, Sandoz, Steinbeck, Michener, Craig Johnson, Tony Hillerman, and C. J. Box
Please add questions and the answers to any questions that you believe your readers would like to know.
Q: What do you do when I get writer's block? A: Read. Relax. Listen to Music.
Q: Is Nebraska as flat as the media says? A: No, as long as you get off I-80. The Sandhills are rolling dunes with grass and cattle and wetlands. The Republican Valley holds some real surprises. The Niobrara and the Pine Ridge are gorgeous and wild. The Loess Hills of Iowa are wonderful in the fall.
Q: Why the Republican Valley for your first novel? A: It was where I took college students of all ages to learn and talk water and water war, look at geologic faults, plus it is Cather land.
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August 3, 2017
Goodbye, My Love (Roxanne's Ghost Saga Book 1) by Maggie Tideswell
Goodbye, My Love (Roxanne's Ghost Saga Book 1) by Maggie TideswellA love that cannot be denied ~ and a love that cannot be. Who will win? It’s only a matter of time.
Jessica James needs a new job and her only prospect as a nanny is with a remotely located veterinarian who only wants a “mature” candidate. But youthful Jess has faced tougher challenges, and she is determined to show the very handsome yet rude widower that she is the perfect choice to care for his autistic 4-year-old daughter, no matter how much he scowls.
Dr. Ben Arnold is still grieving, and not only about the recent death of his beautiful wife. He is still coping with the knowledge his profound love for her was unreciprocated. The demands of working and taking care of Amber, his autistic young daughter, have Ben overwhelmed and the last thing he needs is an insanely strong physical reaction to a nanny who is the first to seem to connect with his beloved delicate daughter – and the last he thinks he can handle in his life.
Jess is an unseasonal storm to suddenly sweep through Ben’s life, and may be the balm he needs.
While strange occurrences all around them defy answers and explanations, the unexpected arrival of Ben’s late wife’s sisters, including her identical twin, on the one-year anniversary of her death does nothing to help dispel the intense and instant desire between Jess and Ben – and Jess’ glimpses of a life long past only adds to the surreal sense of the estate called Weltevreden.
Cold Coffee Press Book Review: Goodbye, My Love by Maggie Tideswell starts with a poem titled Goodbye My Love by Demis Roussos.
Chapter one opens with main character (heroine) Jessica James standing outside a spooky deserted house on Friday the 13th with lightening flashing in the distance. She was there to meet Amber who lives in her own autistic world and consider becoming her next caretaker.
With strong characters and twenty eight well written chapters the reader is engaged when an elderly woman comes to the door. Jumping ahead to chapter eight Jessica (Jess) was nearly killed when a huge chandelier crashed to the floor just missing her. What else would this old house scare up and why?
Here is a brief example of Maggie’s writing style. “The blue light of daybreak was just beginning to lift the gloom in the room, yet Jess was already bathed and dressed, her face shining without makeup. She had to finger comb her hair again, leaving it fluffy and wild, framing her face. When she pulled the drapes aside, she was greeted by a breathtaking sight. The mountains, a deep, crisp blue in the early light, looked almost close enough to touch.
But she was exhausted. If that was what Friday the thirteenth was like, she would avoid the next one by spending the day in bed with a book and her phone switched off. Yet she knew there had to be a perfectly logical explanation for everything that happened, and she was going to find it before she left this strange house. If she didn’t, she would be wondering about it forever.”
If you enjoy romance, time Travel, paranormal and ghosts, like me you will find it a suspenseful and satisfying read. Maggie is a well-established paranormal romance writer with the Bridesmaids, Weddings & Honeymoons Series, Moragh's Ghost Saga (series) and the Roxanne's Ghost Saga (series).
I invite you to open the door and keep turning the page. I leave you with this quote titled Friday, 13 November by Soraya: “To my candle burning bright Protect my secret here tonight None shall listen, none shall see Just the candle flame and me”.
I, Theodocia McLean endorse and encourage you to enjoy Goodbye, My Love by Maggie Tideswell. I purchased this book in Kindle and this review was completed on August 2, 2017.
Genre: Romance, Time Travel, Paranormal, Ghosts
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A Convenient Marriage: A Paranormal Romance(The Moragh Saga Book 1) by Maggie Tideswell
A marriage of convenience, helpful fey friends, hidden agendas, and a haunting—can love blossom?
Set in the beautiful winelands of the Southern Cape in South Africa, strange things start happening from the moment Holly accepts Joshua's offer of marriage—in response to an advert placed in the newspaper by Holly's ‘helpful’ friends. They meet for the first time on the steps of the chapel where they are to be married.
Holly has to solve a thirty-year-old mystery before the ghost that is haunting her will be at peace.
Over and above everything that is taking place, Holly and Joshua do battle with her ex-husband over their two children, as well as Joshua's fiancée who is not the least bit happy about his marriage to another woman and gets up to all sorts to show her displeasure.
Risky as the marriage between strangers is—is it possible for Holly and Joshua to fall in love?
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Ghosts, Literature & Fiction, Horror
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Runaway Couple: A Passionate Paranormal Romance (Bridesmaids, Weddings & Honeymoons Book 1) by Maggie Tideswell
It is said that the maid of honor and the best man are the most likely to have sex on a wedding night.
Add a love-hate relationship and throw a couple of ghosts into the mix, and you have the runaway couple.
Eloise chose a Gothic themed wedding for her and Dane, complete with remote setting, flickering candles, flaming torches and shadows, all geared toward scaring the guests. The stormy weather and swirling mists were a bonus.
But the person most scared is the maid of honor, the bride’s elder sister, Piper. She didn’t do creep.
Added to that, she’s been lumped together with Marcus, the best man and the bane of Piper’s teenage life. He was a prankster of renown when they were growing up. As the boy-next-door, he singled Piper out for the best he could come up with. She didn’t trust him then, and she certainly didn’t trust him now.
As the runaway couple, will they follow the traditional path? Or will Piper’s dislike and mistrust of Marcus win out?
Set in South Africa, the Runaway Couple is the first book in a set of steamy romances about bridesmaids, weddings and honeymoons that will appeal to the young and the young at heart alike.
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Romance, Erotica, Paranormal
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He's Married: A Passionate Paranormal Romance(Bridesmaids, Weddings & Honeymoons Book 2) by Maggie Tideswell
Eloise had the wedding of her dreams—all arranged and finalized within a month.
Now that the wedding night was upon her, her fears reared their ugly heads. Dane, her new husband was really a stranger to her. In hindsight, Eloise realized she shouldn’t have insisted they wait for their wedding night to have sex. It wasn’t that she was inordinately traditional, only that Dane should have been given a choice in the matter.
Because Eloise had a secret.
Dane and Eloise left for the beautiful Maldives on a two week honeymoon. In this idyllic setting, life threw her a curve ball.
Because Dane had a secret, too.
She would have put up with a number of things, but this particular secret could shatter her belief in fairytale weddings.
How was she supposed to deal with another wife?
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Ghosts, Literature & Fiction, Erotica, Paranormal
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You're Wrong: A Passionate Paranormal Romance (Bridesmaids, Weddings & Honeymoons Book 3) by Maggie Tideswell
Assumptions are invariably incorrect. Yet, people will stick with what they believe. Just as Rubi believed herself to be married for six years, until it was proven that she’d never been married at all.
Finding herself a free agent again after years of waiting for her elusive husband, Rubi needed a man.
Upset by the echoes of her sordid past, Nathan walked into her life at precisely the right moment.
Handsome, hot, and gay, he could only be a temporary distraction, or so she assumed. But what she didn’t take into account was that Nathan might have other plans for her. Even so, she wanted the real thing—a relationship, stability, and love—and Nathan couldn’t give that to her. Or so she assumed.
To prove her wrong about him, he abducted her and took her to the place where they first met, at Dane and Eloise’s wedding the week before. Back at the lodge, they find themselves in the same haunted room. Between the ghosts and Rubi’s insistence that he is gay, would Nathan succeed in changing her perception of him?
To add to her doubts, there’s also the matter of a certain secret he’s not ready to share.
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Ghosts, Literature & Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
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Dark Moon - by Maggie TideswellA spellbinding novel of love, murder, and the supernatural.
Chance meetings can have far-reaching effects. Loved ones may not be who they seem. The line between comprehension and confusion is thin ~ particularly when one's thoughts are being manipulated by another.
In Dark Moon, the eternal triangle takes an innovative twist into the occult as dark magic fights against those who serve the Light.
The prize? A woman's soul.
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Horror, Occult, Audible Audio Books, Romance
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Moragh, Holly's Ghost - by Maggie TideswellA marriage of convenience, helpful fey friends, hidden agendas, a custody battle that cannot be won and a haunting - could love blossom? Set in the beautiful wine lands of the southern Cape in South Africa, strange things start happening from the moment Holly accepted Joshua's offer of marriage.
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Horror, Ghosts, Romance, Audible Books, Paranormal
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Maggie TideswellMaggie Tideswell is a South African author with a passion for romance. All over the world people are falling in love, even the birds and the bees are doing it. Ghosts just can't seem to leave her alone and she combines things that can't be explained, sweaty bodies and rumpled beds in a way that will make your toes curl and your hair stand on end.
Maggie just can't do without perfume, coffee and the internet. She is nearly as passionate about food as she is about creating alpha heroes every woman will fall in love with, just as she does, every time. The strangest thing is that cats have never played any kind of role in her stories, as she is owned by three of them. That might change soon.
Cold Coffee Press Interview Questions:
What makes you proud to be a writer from South Africa? I'm a South African author - and believe me, there are many of us! To the world, South Africa is a unique and exotic place to visit and I like to bring a bit of the beauty of my country and the diversity of the population to the world in my books. I write from a South African perspective in that my stories are set in my home country, which gives me a unique voice readers have commented positively on.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? The love of books. As a young child I was fascinated by the idea that someone sat down and wrote so many words to tell a story. >From early on I was always thinking up stories of my own, but it was only when I was in my 40s (2002) that I thought to actually write then down. I still love the feel of a book in my hands, the smell of the paper, the solidity of it.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Not really. I grew up protestant and at the age of 16 shocked the family when I wanted to become a Nun. I did convert to Catholicism after I left school and later became interested in the Craft and Paganism, which plays a large part in my writing.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I started writing in 2002. I remember the day well. I was working in catering on a weekend and, because there was nothing for me to do, I started typing a scene on work's computer. I rushed home after my shift and wrote another scene. I gave it the title of An Absolute Bargain, which grew into Moragh, Holly's Ghost. I suppose from the beginning I had an eye on becoming a published author, but I didn't know how to go about getting published. It wasn't until 2011, after writing 7 more full novels that my dream became a reality. I actually published my 2nd novel, Dark Moon, first.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Holding my first published book in my hands. It was a profound moment complete with tears, racing heart and sweaty palms.
How many published books do you have? 9 of which 3 are out of print
Please list the titles of all your books:
Bridesmaids, Weddings & Honeymoons Series
1) Runaway Couple
2) He's Married
3) You're Wrong
2 more books to come in this series
Moragh's Ghost Saga
1) A Convenient Marriage
2 more books to come in this series
Roxanne's Ghost Saga
1) Goodbye, My Love
2) PS: I Love You - out 23 October
Moragh, Holly's Ghost I self-published under the title A Convenient Marriage when the contract ended and the rights reverted back to me, so I'm not promoting Moragh, Holly's Ghost. Dark Moon's rights also reverted to me when the contract ended and is now a duology titled JJ: book 1- True Colors and book 2 - Unleashed. I am self-publishing then next year March and May. I have the covers ready if you'd like to add them to the website in a Soon to be Released section? Oh, and Silent Night, a fantasy novella set at Christmas time - it doesn't have a Christmas theme. I withdrew this book because I want to work on it. I want to work it into full-length book.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write paranormal (ghost) romance. I always specify that hauntings play a large part in my stories as opposed to what people normally expect paranormal to mean - vampires, zombies, creatures with tentacles and many rows of teeth. Ghosts create a fear of what cannot be seen - and let's face it, everyone likes to be scared. Doors creaking open, sounds there are no explanation for, these are the stuff of true goose bumps. I am fascinated by ghosts, why some people rest in peace after death and others not. I've made a study of the different types of hauntings. Sometimes there is no way of interacting with a ghost as their appearance is more like a recording of a past event that merely plays over and over again in a specific place. The ghost in A Convenient Marriage is mostly this kind. Poltergeists - noisy ghosts - throws things around, slams doors and can interact with the living - the ghost in Roxanne's Ghost Saga.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? My advice is two-fold: write every day and Never give up. Writing is a craft that has to be practiced to be perfected. By writing every day, be it a blog post, an article or work on your WIP, you practice your own individual writing style to become good at it. And the second part, if we had to go weak in the knees under criticism, not books will ever be written. Always bear in mind what you write won't appeal to everyone, but for every story there IS an audience. Therefore, never give up your dream - it is achievable.
Who is your favorite author and why? I enjoy Barbara Erskine's books, because she writes similar stories to mine - set in the present but going back in time.
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July 27, 2017
Hold On: Season 1 (Action Thriller) by Peter Darley
Hold On: Season 1 (Action Thriller) by Peter DarleyAmazon # 1 Best Selling TrilogyCorporate secretary, Belinda Reese, finds herself trapped in an inferno when her office building is attacked by apparent terrorists. However, she is rescued by mysterious interloper, Brandon Drake, an AWOL soldier. Using an advanced, experimental aircraft, he flees with her to his hidden cabin in the mountains of Aspen. There she learns his story – he’s a man on a mission to thwart a corrupt, government conspiracy.
Brandon and Belinda’s feelings for one another soon deepen. When they attempt to flee from America, they discover that now, Belinda too, has become a target of the conspiracy. A nightmare is unleashed upon them as the police, assassins, and government agencies drive them into relentless perils. Brandon’s combat training and stolen weaponry are challenged to the limit in the face of overwhelming odds; a devastating, reality-shaking discovery further hampering his plight.
Shocking twists and cliffhangers take the two lovers on a journey through the first installment in this high-tech action, romantic thriller series.
Book Review: Author Peter Darley takes an amazing approach to his ‘Hold On’ Romantic Suspense Thriller Series. ‘Hold On’ is book one in the adult series and it is FREE to all readers who crave action, mystery, conspiracies, romance, science fiction and heart stopping thrills.
The author’s approach may be unorthodox, but it might be genius because after reading ‘Hold On’ I am convinced that you will want to purchase the next books in his trilogy.
Forty seven intense chapters introduce you to his two main characters Brandon (an AWOL soldier) and Belinda Reese (a corporate secretary for Carringby Enterprises). This book is set up in an easy to follow format with chapters that remind me of my favorite TV series episodes. I guess this is why the author lists his books as Season 1, 2, 3, etc. Well-developed characters along with a fast paced persuasive story line will keep you turning the page.
I personally love thrillers! My heart races and my mind turns to my favorite TV Heroes Steven Seagal and Bruce Willis as I find myself searching for clues that will allow me to accept Brandon Drake as the new empowered hero that brings his own experience, skills and gismos into a world filled with conspiracy and terrorism.
Let’s begin as Brandon Drake as he sits on the edge of his sofa. His thoughts beg him to stay in the comfort of this room where it is safe. Heroes never play it safe now do they?
The sign of a skilled action thriller writer is the ability to draw the reader into the action while offering a softer, more romantic interlude when action creates an adrenalin rush, death that may or may not be cheated, and an afterglow of pure animal attraction. Let me tease you with this quote: “The aircraft landed outside a wooden cabin deep within the snow-covered mountains. Belinda’s safety harness automatically detached itself and retracted into the seat. The side door slid upward, and she noticed they’d landed directly against the porch of the cabin. “I didn’t want you to be knee-deep in snow,” he said. Shaking, she reached out and eased herself onto the porch. “It’s dryer this way.” The stranger climbed across the passenger’s side to join her. She assumed he was trying to put her at ease by acting nonchalant. He walked across the porch and inserted a key into the cabin door. Belinda considered the sight somewhat bizarre—a tall, muscular man in black combat fatigues, and a sleek helmet with a reflective visor, acting so normal. She was instantly drawn to the vision before her. The moonlight shone down onto a valley of snow, creating a calming, hypnotic, purple-blue effect. It was a contender for the most beautiful sight she had ever seen, and such a dramatic contrast to that which had led her to it. He pushed the door open and stepped inside. “You’d better come in or you’re gonna freeze.” She turned around and cautiously followed him into the living room. Nothing about the interior registered with her.”
Are they safe in the Cabin? Will Belinda let her guard down? Is there more to Brandon than first impressions? Can life ever be normal again? Can you define normal?
I, Theodocia McLean endorse Hold On: Season 1 by Peter Darley. Careful, once read, you might just purchase Go: Hold On Season 2, Run: Hold On Season 3 and Hold On: Tomorrow (A Futuristic Action Thriller). I read and reviewed this book from Kindle. This review was completed on July 26, 2017.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller Suspense, Thrillers, Conspiracies, Romance, Science Fiction
Hold On: Season 1 is permanently free. We appreciate your review in return.
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Go: Hold On Season 2 (Action Thriller) by Peter DarleySeason Two in the Hold On! Trilogy - (An Action Thriller Series)
Brandon Drake has escaped from Leavenworth, aided by a new player who has entered the game. Tyler Faraday is the heir to an empire—and Brandon’s long-lost brother.
Brandon is finally reunited with his lover, Belinda, but he is no longer the man she once knew.
Haunted by memories of a life that never happened, he succumbs to the lure of alcohol.
They head for Nevada to find Brandon and Tyler’s sister, Emily; a nun who has recently absconded from her convent. However, they soon discover Emily has been kidnapped by a human trafficking kingpin called Sapphire.
Their mission to rescue Emily propels them headlong into conflicts with road hijackers, the police, the army, a rogue faction of Homeland Security, and merciless killers, with Brandon’s alcohol dependency placing them in further jeopardy.
The most explosive action in the series so far unfolds, as they search for the only one alive who knows Sapphire’s location—a former captive known only as Siren.
Genre: Literature Fiction, Action & Adventure, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Suspense, Romance
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Run: Hold On Season 3 (Action Thriller) by Peter DarleySeason Three in the Hold On! Trilogy - (An Action Thriller Series).
The world believes Brandon Drake is dead, but he awakens in a secret government complex believing it to be 2012. The last four years of his life have been erased from his conscious mind. Only his true, malevolent self, The Scorpion, remains.
He soon finds himself dispatched on an assassination mission, but the mission fails as he is struck down by a debilitating pain in his head.
Before long, he discovers he’s been duped, and that four years have passed since his last memory. A bloodbath ensues as he escapes from the complex and sets out to find the truth about his missing years. He learns of a woman named Belinda Reese and associates her with his terrible pain. To be strong enough to destroy those who betrayed him, he sets out to kill Belinda, leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake.
However, a mysterious figure wearing a black helmet appears to him in the darkness. He is the true cause of Drake’s pain: an adversary who identifies himself only—as The Interceptor.
Past, present, and future collide as the Hold On! Trilogy reaches its jaw-dropping conclusion.
CAUTION: This entry contains violent and adult themes.
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Action & Adventure, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Suspense, War Military
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The Hold On: Three Book Trilogy Set (Action Thriller) by Peter DarleyThe Amazon # 1 Bestselling Action Thriller Series
Hold On: Season 1
When corporate secretary, Belinda Reese, is rescued from an inferno by A.W.O.L. soldier, Brandon Drake, her life changes in a heartbeat. As their relationship grows, they find themselves running for their lives from a corrupt, governmental conspiracy. A nightmare is unleashed upon them as the police, assassins, and government agencies drive them into relentless perils. Brandon’s combat training and stolen weaponry are challenged to the limit in the face of overwhelming odds, with a devastating, reality-shaking discovery further hampering his plight.
Shocking twists and cliffhangers take the two lovers on a journey through the first installment in this high-tech action, romantic thriller series.
Go: Hold On Season 2
Brandon Drake has escaped from Leavenworth, aided by a new player who has entered the game. Tyler Faraday is the heir to an empire—and Brandon’s long-lost brother.
Brandon is finally reunited with his lover, Belinda, but he is no longer the man she once knew. Haunted by memories of a life that never happened, he succumbs to the lure of alcohol.
They head for Nevada to find Brandon and Tyler’s sister, Emily; a nun who has recently absconded from her convent. However, they soon discover Emily has been kidnapped by a human trafficking kingpin called Sapphire.
Their mission to rescue Emily propels them headlong into conflicts with road hijackers, the police, the army, a rogue faction of Homeland Security, and merciless killers, with Brandon’s alcohol dependency placing them in further jeopardy.
The most explosive action in the series so far unfolds, as they search for the only one alive who knows Sapphire’s location—a former captive known only as Siren.
Run: Hold On Season 3
Brandon Drake is believed to be dead, but he awakens in a secret government complex, with the last four years of his life erased from his conscious mind. Only his true, malevolent self, The Scorpion, remains.
He is dispatched on an assassination mission, but the mission fails as he is struck down by a debilitating pain in his head.
Before long, he discovers he’s been duped, and a bloodbath ensues when he escapes from the complex. He learns of a woman named Belinda Reese and associates her with his terrible pain. To be strong enough to destroy those who betrayed him, he sets out to kill Belinda, leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake.
However, a mysterious figure, who appears to him in the darkness wearing a black helmet, is the true cause of his pain: an adversary who identifies himself only—as The Interceptor.
Past, present, and future collide as the Hold On! Trilogy reaches its jaw-dropping conclusion.
CAUTION: This series sometimes contains violent and adult scenes, and the occasional use of profanity.
Genre: Literature Fiction, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller Suspense, Suspense Kindle
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Hold On: Tomorrow (A Futuristic Action Thriller) by Peter DarleyA Futuristic Action Thriller - Hold On! Returns For One, Stand-Alone, Epic Event.
The year is 2042. Twenty-six-years after the events in the Hold On! Trilogy, devastating earthquakes and tsunamis are striking in the most unlikely locations. Scientists have no explanation for the phenomenon.
Brandon Drake, Jr., (B.J.) a rookie government agent, courageously ‘borrows’ the INT-Nine, an advanced prototype suit of armor in order to rescue his childhood sweetheart, Heather Addison. Their lives change forever as B.J. becomes the new Interceptor. However, tragedy strikes when the armor fails during a rescue.
While the world adores him, B.J is forced to become a fugitive when Congress orders Project: Interceptor closed down. His life is complicated further by his mother’s belief that he isn’t just his father’s son – but his father reborn.
With The Interceptor on the run, new bonds are made and new heroes arise. To save the world from annihilation, they must join forces to discover the meaning of the mysterious abbreviation - C.O.T.
Genre: Science Fiction Fantasy, Fantasy, Superheroes, Literature Fiction, Action Adventure, Mystery, Thriller Suspense, Suspense, Romance
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Romantic Suspense Thriller Author Peter Darley
Peter Darley (P.D. to his friends) is a British novelist, whose professional history is in show business.
He is a graduate of the Birmingham School of Speech and Dramatic Art, and he studied television drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA.)
His television credits include guest-starring roles is UK productions such as BBC's Crime Ltd, Stanley's Dragon for ITV, The Bill, and Sky One's Dream Team, and numerous TV commercials. He has also worked as a model, presenter, and voice-over artiste for ten years, and has acted as an agent for several variety acts.
His lifelong admiration of heroes, and love of roller-coaster-style thrills have been a huge influence on his writings.
He is a keen athlete and lives in rural England.
Peter loves to hear from his readers. You can contact him through his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDAuthor
Interview Questions:
What makes you proud to be a writer from Central England? I’m not entirely sure ‘proud’ is the right word. I am exhilarated that writing has enabled me to touch the lives of so many people around the world, who have, in turn, touched mine so profoundly.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? It was always in me, ever since I was a child. I have an innate creative flair, which has led me into numerous occupations in entertainment – from stage and television actor and presenter, to magician, to cabaret, and currently – novelist.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? No. I am the Black Sheep of my family, and I have very little in common with any of them in terms of interests and vocational pursuits. I am a maverick who has always done his own thing.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? In an attempt to do something ‘normal’, I enrolled in law school and graduated with honors in 2007. By that time, I realized becoming a lawyer was not for me. I’d spent four years writing about some extremely tedious, boring stuff, and it gave me a desire to write something that was fun. My innate writing/creative flair resurfaced, and the rest is history.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I’m caught between two on this one. I am heartened by the people I have bonded with, helped, and who have helped me through our respective, tumultuous journeys into the publishing world. There is also the fact that my last book, Hold On! – Tomorrow, became the first book in history to come with its own official theme song, which was featured on a rock album. The people responsible for this were some of my musical heroes. They have since become some of my closest friends, with whom I am now entering into musical ventures.
How many published books do you have? Four individual titles, one collected Trilogy boxed set, and a novelette.
Hold On-Season 1
Go: Hold On Season 2
Run: Hold On Season 3
The Hold On: Three Book Trilogy Set
Hold On: Tomorrow (A Futuristic Action Thriller)
Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? It was at about the same time.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I would describe my genre as ‘romantic suspense thriller’ and that’s probably because I am greedy. I want it all under one roof.
My complete genre description for Hold On! is – high-tech action, romantic suspense thriller. ‘Thriller’ is its primary genre tag. While retaining a storyline uniquely its own, the series has a similar tempo or ‘feel’ to the TV shows Prison Break and 24. For this reason, I chose to adopt the unorthodox ‘hypothetical TV series’ approach by labeling the instalments as ‘seasons’ rather than ‘books’ or ‘parts’. I also have the sci-fi tag on the Trilogy, but it actually isn’t sci-fi. The wondrous gadgets and equipment described in the Trilogy are actually conducive with the capabilities of current technology. However, the fourth book, Hold On! – Tomorrow, takes place in the year 2042, and is most definitely sci-fi. Whether it still will be when 2042 comes around remains to be seen.
I have always been drawn to movies and TV shows of an action-adventure or superheroic nature. I used this in the Hold On! series as a means of conveying myself and my feelings to the world in an ironic and interesting way. The Hold On! series – is who I am.
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? I’d just finished four years in law school, which involved endless writing about some extremely tedious subjects, and I was overcome with a desire to write something exciting for a change.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Have you had a negative experience in your publishing journey? If so please explain how it could have been avoided?
I was picked up four times before I was published. An agent who was interested in Hold On! Encouraged me to continue seeking a publisher because it would have been some time before she got around to it. I found a publisher in the meantime, but they folded one week before Hold On! Was due to go to press. I went back to the literary agent by which time she had retired. I was then tentatively picked up by Fifty Shades of Grey publisher, Writers Coffee Shop, and we worked together on the book for four months. They then went silent, ignoring all of my emails, and with absolutely no explanation.
Generally speaking, communication between parties is virtually non-existent in the publishing world, across the board. This can be fatal to many projects, especially when it comes to promotion. I see no way avoiding this, or any means by which I would have avoided the mishaps that befell me on the way to publication. There are things that happen in life that we simply have no control over.”
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Even when I have a clear plan for a chapter, some of the coolest, hitherto-unknown ideas come to me while I’m actually writing it.
I have found that rushing through a manuscript will not yield the best results. Giving myself time for those golden ideas just ‘pop in there’ produces the most hair-raising story-lines. Let the process breathe. I can’t sit down and rationally plan a storyline. That usually leads to some fairly boring and sterile ideas because I’m using the intellectual/academic side of my brain rather than the creative. It’s the ideas that involuntarily pop into my head that get the finest reactions.
Draft out ideas as they come into your head. Sitting down and plotting – calculating – the next move usually yields filler material, and can come across as contrived. Often, authors draft out a story as they originally think it’s going to be. By the time they’ve finished, it will contain vast differences from their original vision, and most likely have a completely different ending.
Transition is vital in order to string everything together. But the golden nugget ideas are the ones that just ‘pop in there’. Give the story time to breathe and let it come to you rather than you go to ‘it’. The best ideas write themselves.
Who is your favorite author and why? I don’t have a specific favorite author per se. The best are probably not the ones that I would enjoy – like the classics. I categorize them as ‘school work.’ I am a bit of a renegade in the writing world, in that respect, but I make no apologies.
If backed into a corner I would probably say my favorite author is Stephen King, although having arisen from a film background, my greatest creative influence is legendary Hollywood writer/director/producer, Kenneth Johnson. He is the master of making the incredible credible, and it blows my mind that he actually knows of my existence.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I hope that anybody who reads Hold On! Enjoys it, and that it captures their imagination. I would also like to convey my very best wishes to everybody reading this, and I hope that all of my brother and sister writers achieve the success that they all surely deserve.
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June 27, 2017
Tombstone Ghost Cowboy by Ruthie L Manier
Tombstone Ghost Cowboy by Ruthie L Manier
Skylar Cummings never dreamed time travel was possible until she finds herself in a room with a gorgeous but calloused cowboy from the Wild Wild West. Researching paranormal activity in Tombstone, Arizona, Sky assumed she was witnessing a ghost, but she’d stumbled through a portal to the past.
Jesse Clarke is a nineteenth century cowboy who’s renounced love after a devastating heartbreak. Women only desire his money, so he’s better-off without them … until a mysterious woman materializes in his room.
After a string of disastrous events, Skylar creates dangerous enemies and discovers herself detained. Jesse is summoned to escort her out of town before a lynch mob develops, but an unquestionable chemistry is growing between them. Will Jesse help her attempt to return to the twenty-first century, or can he convince the feisty woman to build a new future with him?
“If you like adventure, time travel, and western romance, Tombstone Ghost Cowboy is an entertaining and enjoyable romance that will leave you wishing you could time travel to find a cowboy of your own!”
Book Review: I love the author’s passion and dedication to Tombstone, Arizona as she fell in love the Old West, Bird Cage Theater, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon and Lookout Lodge just to name a few.
While on vacation to Tombstone, Arizona the author’s creative mind started to put together this ‘Tombstone Ghost Cowboy’, time travel story, romance, and westerns all in one book.
There are twenty five well written chapters with characters that will grow on you. Chapter one starts out with main character Skylar Cummings on The Bird Cage Theater Tour. With an excited tease in her mind she chants under her breath, “Ghosts, ghosts, come out, come out, where ever you are.”
If you love a relaxing, enjoyable, fun, fast paced read, I invite you to join Skylar Cummings at Tombstone and she want her chant conjures up. Is Skylar ready for the adventure that awaits her?
To whet your appetite let me quote from Chapter Four where Skylar find herself pursued by Jesse Clarke (nineteenth century cowboy) which brings adventure and even danger into the mix:
“I’m consumed by this man when what I need to be doing is concocting a plan of escape. Wait a minute … how can this ghost cowboy’s heart beat out of control? Isn’t he dead … like centuries ago?
Before I can ponder on that any longer, we hear the distinct sound of shots being fired and horse hoofs pounding toward us. We turn back to peer over our shoulders. At least three riders, perhaps more, are riding fast as though there was a fire lit to the horses’ tails. It’s difficult to tell for sure with the dust storm their kicking up, but one thing’s for certain: they don’t look friendly.
“Damn! Hold on tight!” Jesse flicks the reins hard, and I feel his muscle-bound thighs kneeing Star into action to get him to run faster. I’m freaked out, trembling in fact, and nausea is showing its ugly face. I try to look behind me to see if they’re closing in.
“Keep your head down!” Jesse hisses through gritted teeth.
I curl up, trying to make myself as small as I can. My mind is whirling, thinking of all the horrible scenarios of how this horse chase could end.
I could be shot, or perhaps taken prisoner, beaten or, worse, raped. Deadwood pops into my head, and my sickness gets worse just thinking about it.
I turn my mind away from this line of thinking and push in thoughts of how I could help if we were to get captured. I wish I had my small purse gun, but it’s not even in this century. I’d ask Jesse to give me his pistol to fire at the bandits, but I gather without asking that it’s not an option. Perhaps he could slip me his knife, and I could tuck it in my dress. The hoofs are getting closer, and they keep firing their guns. Tears fill my eyes when I realize there’s nothing I can do to help.
I search Jesse’s face for any sign that he thinks we can survive, and all I spot is steal-headed determination. It scares the living hell out of me. Jesse would never give up nor give in. He’s a stubborn-minded cowboy from the 1880’s. Just like Tombstone is the “Town Too Tough to Die,” Jesse is a cowboy too tough to die. At least I hope that’s the case. Well, I guess he’s actually already dead.”
I, Theodocia McLean endorse Tombstone Ghost Cowboy (A time travel series) by Ruthie L Manier. This is a delightful romance that leaves you wanting more. I purchased this book from Kindle and this review was completed on June 26, 2017
Genre: Romance, Time Travel, Westerns
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Lover's Curse (The Hemocil Society Book 1) by Ruthie L Manier
Will this man 'Dark Eyes' free Carra's mind and break the Lover's Curse?
He comes to her in her dreams, a force of nature like none other. The gravitational pull is unbearable, drawing her towards him like a moth to a flame. His dark eyes are fathomless, haunting her day and night. Who is this mysterious stranger, with the hungry eyes that call to her? Has he come to make her one with his soul, his Eternalmate, or as a predator she his prey, is he here to finish the kill?
Carra has had it rough for the last seven years struggling with amnesia. She often gets the hair standing up on the back of her neck sensation as though someone or something hunts her. The problem is she doesn't know if this is a good thing or if she should be running. She fears the worst. If only she could remember...
Once she gives into her desire, which she assumes is inevitable, will there be any going back? Could this dream man have the tools to free her mind and end the Lover's Curse, or will he be her ultimate demise?
From the Author: Lover's Curse was my first published novel. It took me over three years to write it not counting the editing, cover and set up. I consider the book as my baby. The love Maximus and Carrabella felt for each other grew stronger with every word I wrote, and consequently I've had several people tell me they wish they had the same.
Genre: Romance, Time Travel, Paranormal, Witches and Wizards
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Lover's Salvation (The Hemocil Society Book 2) by Ruthie L Manier
A witch on the run...
After Issy's car broke down and she was forced to walk for miles to reach the nearest town, she practically fell into the Shitkick Bar out of the sweltering, Washington heat. Moisture glistened her delicate skin, her cheeks flushed a pale pink. She heaved huge gulps of air from the A/C above her head as though starving for the coolness it would bring. She leaned against the door as it creaked shut behind her, long, slim, parted legs barely held her small frame up. Her eyelashes fluttered down upon her skin As she brushed her damp hair out of her lovely face. Issy had no idea a room full of people witnessed her every move as she clung to to the door singing out the word, "Hallelujah."
A Va'atacos on vacation...
Marcus realized the beauty was in trouble from first glance. A woman on the run and in crucial need of blood. Her hunger filled the crowded room, weakness abundant throughout her slowed motions. Not good. If he sensed the woman's thirst, so did everyone else in the room. Marcus gathered she didn't possess much time before she collapsed to the floor, her mind slipping into the darkness. Without warning an overwhelming need came over him to help and protect this woman. From that moment on he vowed to defend her, no matter the cost.
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Angels, Witches and Wizards, Vampires
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Lover's Refuge (The Hemocil Society Book 3) by Ruthie L Manier
James the youngest of the Mantango clan needs his four brothers’ assistance and as always they’re armed and ready to defend their kin.
James fell hard for Mariah appearing before him so close he could kiss her full, sassy, lips smelling of cotton candy. Her stance is proud with the luscious body of a goddess. She’s covered from head to toe in a sheer body glove sprinkled with gold dust, darker gold in the more private areas making it hard for him to cast his eyes off her. He craved her from first sight, beautiful and feisty the perfect combination for a Va’atacos male.
Learning of her terrible past life, he has a burning desire to rescue Mariah and her daughter and won’t stop until the deed is done. He lost her once and now that she’s returned he swore he’d cross hell to fight the devil himself, before releasing her again.
Mariah didn’t reincarnate from the heavenly realm to find James in lust with the woman whose corpse she transferred into. Nor to discover that James rescued her child, Peach, only to be brutally attacked by the family responsible for her mortal death. Can she set her feelings aside long enough to reclaim a relationship with her daughter, bring the McCurry clan to justice, and rekindle the spark; she fears James might have lost for her?
From the Author: Lover's Refuge was a fun book for me to write. Using Northern State Psychiatric Hospital was the idea of two of my co-workers. It was the perfect place for James the youngest of the Mantango brothers to go and heal, while him and his brothers set a plan to get their vengeance. It's a historical land mark here in Sedro Woolley, Washington off of Fruit dale and Highway 20. If you ever get out this way you should go and tour the grounds and walk through the many paths, barns, and graveyard as the patients and the workers there did. It's said to be haunted and every time I've went out there alone I swear someone is watching me.
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Werewolves and Shape-Shifters
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************************Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Ruthie L. Manier
Ruthie is an author of romance, paranormal, western, historical, time travel, and contemporary.
She lives in Washington State.
Loves dogs.
Her favorite past time is spending quality time with loved ones, camping, reading, writing and running.
But what really makes her heart glow is to sign her books for enthusiastic readers at farmer's markets, street fairs, book stores and holiday craft sales.
Interview Questions:
What makes you proud to be a writer from the state of Washington? First of all, I was born in Yakima and raised in Union Gap, Washington before moving to the other side of the mountains to Mount Vernon, Washington. I believe it’s the most beautiful state in the country and I feel it’s a privilege to live here. Also with all the street markets and farmer market’s in the state there’s lots of opportunities for artistic people like me to show their work.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? Early in life writing was my best way of communication especially when I was afraid to tell my feelings, which was often. But then twenty-five years later one of my sons started having some serious issues. I worried about him night and day. He loved to write too. He kept starting wonderful stories but never finished them so I started writing again to prove to him that anybody can write a book and publish it hoping it would be enough to help him through. Well, once I started writing Lover’s Curse I remembered how much I loved playing with words and so I kept on writing! He on the other hand went to painting and he does it like a pro!!
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Yes, my environment and upbringing played a major role in my writing and yes I used it to my advantage. My early years were tough with my parent’s separation and then my father being shot and then paralyzed from under his arms down. I lived with my mom until I was six who went a little wild for a while and it was confusing for my eldest sister Debi and I. I wrote most of my stories about Debi to her dismay. Then we were moved to my grandparents’ house where my father also lived. It was difficult leaving all our other siblings who had came along after mom and dad divorced. I wrote about them too. I ran away back to my mom when I was sixteen. Then I was married at eighteen and had my eldest child at barely nineteen. By the time, I was twenty-six I had three more. I forgot about my love for writing until the children were raised.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? It was about six or seven years ago around two thousand and ten.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? To actually finish the book and get it published and then to hear readers tell me how much they loved the story.
How many published books do you have? At this point the count is four.
Please list the titles of all your books: The Hemocil Society (series) book one – Lover’s Curse, book two – Lover’s Salvation, Book three – Lover’s Refuge. The next series is Tombstone Ghost Cowboy.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write fiction romance, paranormal romance, historical romance, western romance and contemporary. I love a good romance and I love fiction because I can dream up whatever comes to mind and make it seem real and believable.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Advice would be to stay true to yourself and your writing. To take suggestion from others like a grain of salt. Sell yourself as an author and always help others to succeed along the journey. Oops, I guess that’s more than one. Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript?
Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Tombstone Ghost Cowboy by Ruthie L Manier
Who is your favorite author and why? Hmm, there are so many I don’t imagine I could ever choose just one.
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June 24, 2017
One Night With A Duke: The Duke Series Book Five by Sandra Masters
One Night With A Duke: The Duke Series Book Five by Sandra Masters
Reclusive, cold as ice, the politically powerful Raven, Duke of Ravensmere, denies love after the tragic deaths of his duchess and baby. He is bound by his vow never to allow love to enter his heart again. Samantha Winston permits him to seek refuge in her carriage in a time of need, and what started as a kiss in the name of safety, becomes something more pleasurable and not so safe after all. In spite of every caution, his interest escalates into unexpected desire.
Samantha, a young widow with a secret, irreverent and high-spirited, has constructed impenetrable walls against all men. When she and Raven meet again, strong wills clash. Political intrigues and a dreaded nemesis place his life at risk, and Samantha finds herself in a dire predicament. All the while, passion soars.
Book Review: One Night With A Duke is the fifth book The Duke series. Author Sandra Masters sums up book five her series which takes place in London 1816 by this statement: “Can Samantha’s barriers fall with more kisses? Can Raven be released from his deathbed vow?”
Chapter one opens with action “The decision to walk to the gala had been a colossal mistake. The Tenth Duke of Ravensmere ducked into the shadows. Seven against one not good odds.”
Those who follow this series already know the well-developed characters and great story telling.
Whether you start with book one or book five you will travel back into a period of time where romance was divine and acts played out in the bedroom were expressions of one’s heart and soul. Let me draw you into the story with a delicious romance from chapter thirty three:
“Raven growled as she screamed his name over and over again and considered it a benediction. Then and there, he knew there would never be any other woman for him. Her every reaction became an aphrodisiac. He prepared to ascend into sublime bliss, plunged his manhood into her again and again, and before he could exercise any control, released his seed.
“Each thrust seemed to reward them with multiple orgasms. His voice roared in strong satisfaction, desperate to breathe in gulps of air. She was velvet. He was iron. The look of passion on her sweet face pleasured him. This experience didn’t disappoint. Not what he expected, and perhaps too much more. Raven felt her muscle tighten around him and contract, tighten, and then bind him yet again. She coiled around his shaft. Paradise attained. He didn’t want the moment to end. What man would?
“After a few long moments, he rolled off her and brought her close to him, their bodies naked and moist from their lovemaking. “I hope I wasn’t too heavy. Admittedly, I dealt with a few unexpected issues.” He kissed her forehead and fondled her silken hair. Raven gazed at her face when she leaned back in repose, skin kissed by the moonlight, her lips rose-colored and lust-swollen. Her hair now pooled into strands of red curls wound in laziness and reminded him of a burning forest fire as it crested. The flames of the fireplace’s glowing embers cast a color spell of reds, orange and yellow on her tresses, radiating and beckoning his fingers to romp through. He knew the touch of it would feel like silken threads. Fascinated, he stared as her finger teased away ward tendril away.”
I invite you to enjoy this book along with the entire Duke Series by romance author Sandra Masters. I am enjoying the entire series. I, Theodocia McLean endorse ‘One Night With A Duke’ as a refreshing Regency Romance set in the 1800s. At the end of this book, Author Sandra Masters will whet your appetite for book six titled The Blue-Eyed, Black-Hearted Duke. I purchased this book from Kindle on June 21, 2017 and this review was completed on June 23, 2017
Genre: Romance, Historical, Regency Romance
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The Duke's Magnificent Bastard (The Duke Series Book 4) by Sandra Masters
After three years in England, Thorn Wick, the duke’s bastard son, perfectly flawed, still fights for acceptance in his father’s world as a renowned Argamak Turk horse trainer. Just when he starts to believe in fairy tales, another obstacle looms to thwart his plans: on a dangerous mission to Barbados, Thorn is stunned when secrets are revealed about his mother. Will he exact revenge for the foul deed?
Alicia Montgomery, ward of the duke, is in love with Thorn. Strong willed and adventurous, she determines she can convince him to admit his feelings. But the reality of loving Thorn too much almost destroys her.
Can Alicia quell Thorn's demons and prove love can pave the way to their happiness?
Book Review: The fourth book the Duke Series is set in Porticio of Beckamhouse, London, England, 1820. The book opens with a romantic interlude between Thorn Wick and Alicia Montgomery.
Travel back into a period of time when men and women behaved elegantly and letters were more than mere words, they were the expression of one’s heart and soul. Let me draw you into the story with this quote:
“Chester announced that the visitor the Marquess of Montgate, had arrived, and he’d shown the gentleman into the room. She smiled a warm greeting to him.
“Dear, dear Alicia, I’ll be the envy of every man at the ball tonight. You look ravishing in that goddess-like gown. How will I keep all the men away from you?” He bent low and kissed her extended hand.
“I will assist by exhibiting the manner of a shrew if necessary. Now, Percival, give me a proper hug. I promise not to bore you about horses, but I will keep you engaged in conversation about my schoolmistress duties. I confess I’m worn out. I wonder how our tenants are able to cope with so many children without servants.”
Percival smiled. “We aristocrats do have some advantages.”
“That may be, but I look forward to our time tonight. Thorn gave you a letter for me?”
“Yes, he did when last we met.” He grinned. “He also gave me instructions that I was to protect you from any man who would try to woo you to a balcony or some such thing. Especially I’m to keep Claven, that scoundrel, a good distance from you. Please don’t encourage the rascal. I’m too young to die in a duel.” He walked toward her. “Thorn’s much in love with you, my dear.”
“And I am with him.”
“Alas, it’s my sad fate to relinquish you. Here is his letter.” He withdrew it from his breast pocket.
“Now if you will direct me to the duke and duchess, I’ll extend my greetings while you read the contents.”
“Percival, you’re a good friend of his. I thank you. I’ll be with you shortly. Just follow the conversations, and they’ll lead you to the grand drawing room. Gordon is with them. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
He turned to leave.
“Percival,” she called out. “Thank you for this wondrous gift. I shan’t forget you.”
“It’s my pleasure, Alicia. Thorn is my dearest friend. I know how much he loves you, and I’m happy to help him attain his goals.” He winked, and left.
She ran into the library where she could read his letter in private. She carefully opened it and her heart lifted at its prose."
You must read the book to find out what this letter said and how Alicia responds.
I, Theodocia McLean endorse The Duke’s Magnificent Bastard by Sandra Masters. One Night with a Duke, is promised for release in 2017. I purchased this book from Kindle and this review was completed on November 6, 2016.
Genre: Romance, Historical, Regency Romance
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Thorn, Son Of A Duke (Duke Series Book Three) by Sandra Masters
At the age of seventeen, Thorn Wick made a promise to his dying mother that sends him sailing from Barbados to England to meet the man who sired him, the aristocratic Duke of Althorn, who never knew of his son’s existence.
Alicia Montgomery, ward of the Duke, develops a deep affection for the Anglo Indian who protects her from advances by other men. She wants him to acknowledge his feelings for her, but he insists on ignoring the chemistry between them.
Despite the intrigue, revelations, and revenge, will their passion and love for each other conquer all?
Book Review: The third book (mini novella prequel to book four) in the Duke Series is here and Author Sandra Masters delivers another true regency romance with Thorn, Son Of A Duke.
The book opens with Thorn Wick aboard his Majesty’s Ship en route to England, 1817. “Thorn Wick leaned over the railing of the ship. A queasy sensation roiled in his stomach as he watched the swelling of the seas. He closed his eyes and hoped he’d wake up and find himself in his sunlit room in Barbados on firm ground listening to island chants.”
Enjoy regal characters and superb story telling that will keep you invested in the plot. Let me share with you a passage from the book as tension builds at ‘London Wharfside’.
“Thorn stood by the railing and scanned an old road that gave access to wharves and docks on the north bank of the River Thames. The panorama before him amazed. Busy docks men and porters hustled large cases and bales from the ships to the waiting warehousemen. Men shouted while clerks with inventory lists directed longshoremen to the appropriate buildings.
“Sir Tomas, what is that large building to the right of us? Never have I seen such a large structure.”
“That’s the East India House owned and operated by the company. I would venture to say the wealth that passes within its portals is unsurpassed in the world. They are a powerful force with which to reckon. Fortunately, your forefathers had the good sense not to invest in India and chose Barbados.”
Thorn’s eyes widened at the activity; excitement overtook him. He didn’t know where to look first.
“Do you see that black coach with the Lion crest waiting?”
“Yes. Is that my father’s?” he asked with a bit of trepidation.
As they spoke, a tall aristocratic gentleman departed the coach, his beaver top hat and greatcoat an admission of his wealth. The coach driver was armed and one footman was on the back board. The other footman walked behind the man. A gold dome-topped cane glistened in the sunlight.
“Is that my father, Sir Tomas?”
“Yes, it is. He’s come to greet you personally.” Tomas grasped Thorn’s shoulder in convivial support.
“Just be yourself, Thorn. Everything will be fine.”
The gangplank was lowered, and the passengers prepared to depart. Thorn and Tomas waited for the others to precede them.
“Courage, little lion,” Tomas joked.
“I will need more than that,” Thorn replied, unable to keep his eyes off the aristocratic gentleman who waited patiently on the dock.
I now understand what my mother saw in him.
Thorn took a deep breath. “I’m ready, Sir Tomas. Let us greet the great lion.” He smiled with an inquisitive stare at the man who gave him life and wondered what future awaited him."
I invite you to follow this father and son reunion and see what lays in store for this son of a duke. Read the entire Duke Series by Sandra Masters at Amazon. Each book stands alone for your regency romance enjoyment. I, Theodocia McLean endorse Thorn, Son Of A Duke (The Duke Series Book 3) by Sandra Masters. I purchased reviewed this book from Kindle and this review was completed on March 10, 2016.
Genre: Romance, Historical, Regency Romance
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My Divinely Decadent Duke (The Duke Series Book Two) by Sandra Masters
Orphaned and abandoned by family, Lady Cassandra Montgomery yearns for love. Beautiful and innocent, she attracts the attention of a renowned rake, the Duke of Althorn. When her security is threatened, she offers him a proposal for an arranged marriage in exchange for his guarantee of safety for her and her ward. After her first taste of desire in his arms, she finds the sexual attraction irresistible. Finding herself in a family way, she leaves his home, unsure of his love.
The Duke is at first enraged by the brazen behavior, yet he sees Cassandra as a captivating caregiver for his mother and impossible to resist. He agrees. The arrangement becomes inconvenient because love and sex enter the equation.
Will she believe her husband truly loves her and return to his waiting arms?
Will the Duke admit his love and use his rakish skills to woo Cassandra back to his bed?
Book Review: Follow-up regency romance Once Upon A Duke with My Divinely Decadent Duke (Duke Series Book Two).
Back in London in 1822 arranged marriages of even royalty doesn’t mean the woman (seen as a possession) is secure in life or love, in fact the beautiful Lady Cassandra Montgomery yearns for love.
At the ballroom “Cassandra turned to her brother. “Brent Montgomery, Earl of Stratton. May I introduce you to his Grace, Duke of Althorn.”
Later “The Duke stared at the sun-dappled ocean from his balcony residence as the evening hour approached. The ever-present restlessness was his companion. He took deep breaths, prepared to harness his energy and put it to work for him. His beloved dog Clayo lay at his side. He knelt to pet her head. She was one of his prized possessions; there could never be a doubt of the indisputable fact. The animal gave him a lick on his hand. His gentle creature with the name of a temptress Egyptian Queen was dedicated in her affection for him.”
“The Duke decided to walk the beach again. This time he took Clayo, and his attire was indeed informal. He’d left his jacket at the villa, but was still dressed in his waistcoat appropriate to his rank. Crop in his right hand, he strode quickly. Although he would be loathed to admit it, he wanted to see if his Enchantress of the Sea would be out and about. He invited her the night before to walk along the beach, but she didn’t present herself. In his heart, he didn’t think she would tonight, but nonetheless, it didn’t hurt to ask. Clayo plodded alongside him and wagged her tail. He kept at their
“stick into the ocean” game, and she promptly retrieved. They played most of the time until either he became bored or Clayo tired.
His heart leaped when he saw Cassandra. This time the outfit was a dark azure skirt with the same white balloon sleeve blouse, a light blue jacket, and a fetching azure hat with her blonde hair tucked under it. The children were with her. Alicia, wearing a white ruffled dress with many petticoats, ran barefoot and giggled. A huge white bow accented her blonde braid so the wind wouldn’t whip hair in her face. Blue eyes that matched the sky, soft creamy white skin, and a delicate frame gave the girl an impish look. It then occurred to him how much Alicia resembled Cassandra. Could it be a coincidence? Or was there more to it? Was there a secret somewhere?
More than a romance story, it is an adventure told with remarkable storytelling, easy going to face paced reading, true to time period dialog and settings along with extensive research by Author Sandra Masters engages the reader in the search for true love between Lady Cassandra Montgomery and Duke Gordon Althorn.
Relax into a deep, hot bubble bath with a glass of red wine (or drink of your choice) and relax with romance as it should be. Author Sandra Masters states it best: “Every woman should have a divinely decadent Duke in her life.”
I, Theodocia McLean endorse My Divinely Decadent Duke by Sandra Masters as book two in this Regency Romance. I purchased this book from Kindle and this review was completed on February 6, 2016.
Genre: Romance, Historical, Regency Romance
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Once Upon A Duke: The Duke Series Book One by Sandra Masters
Serena, an artist and widow, has no desire for another husband. When she meets Geoffrey Austen, attraction sizzles to a scorch. Stolen days and nights ignite forbidden passion. Geoffrey asks Serena to be his mistress, but she wants commitment, love, and marriage, not an affair with a notorious rake.
Geoffrey realizes Serena might be the one woman who can care for his tortured soul, and maybe release his demons. The magic they shared is shattered when he learns she has been forced into an engagement with another. He vows to save her even at the cost of his own life.
Will Geoffrey’s gallantry prove he truly loves Serena?
If he survives, will Serena surrender all to him?
Book Review: Bring regency romance into your life with Once Upon A Duke. Each book in the Duke Series stands alone for your reading pleasure.
Warm, realistic characters in book one bring the reader back to London 1817. Lady Serena Worthington Durand is a strong independent woman ahead of her time, but she faces demons from the past. I quote: “If Lady Serena could be granted one wish, she would ride off into the morning mist and vanish. That, of course wasn’t possible, but here in her favorite lakeside retreat, she could relax in safety.”
Legendary Duke of Sutton, Geoffrey Austen has a chance encounter with Lady Serena and I quote: “Allow me to introduce myself, Lord Geoffrey Austen, at your service.” He swept off his hat and bowed. “I am Henry Worthington’s hunting guest for the week.”
More than a romance story, it is an adventure that will make your heart pound, your emotions run wild and your spirit soar.
The combination of remarkable storytelling, easy going to face paced reading, true to time period dialog and settings along with extensive research by Author Sandra Masters engages the reader in the life and times of Lady Serena Worthington Durand.
I invite you to light a fire, pour a glass of red wine (Sandra Masters would join you in the wine, but hers would be a white fruity glass) and relax with romance as it should be. Author Sandra Masters states it best: “Every woman should have a divinely decadent Duke in her life.” I, Theodocia McLean endorse Once Upon a Duke by Sandra Masters as a true Regency Romance that will leave you wanting more. I purchased this book from Kindle and this review was completed on October 7, 2015.
Genre: Romance, Historical, Regency Romance
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Cold Coffee Press Author Spotlight Interview With Author Sandra Masters
From a humble beginning in Newark, New Jersey, a short stay at a convent in Morristown, NJ at the age of fourteen, retiring from a fantastic career for a play broadcasting company in Carlsbad, California, to the rural foothills of the Sierras of Yosemite National Park, Sandra traded in the Board Rooms for the Ballrooms of the Regency period and never looked back.
Sandra wrote her first book at the age of fifteen. Romance is at best a gift and her passion is the Regency period. Admittedly, she would prefer to be the sister of a duke or an earl...perhaps even a princess? Or the other endless possibilities of a widow. Hmmm.
As a lonely only child, she used to read fairy tales and now she writes them. She admits freely she's an unapologetic story-teller.
Her debut novel was Once Upon a Duke, which received wide acceptance. She followed with Book Two, My Divinely Decadent Duke, a marriage-of-convenience story turned inconvenient when love and sensuality entered the equation.
Her third book, THORN, SON OF A DUKE, the prequel to her fourth book, THE DUKE’S MAGNIFICENT BASTARD is a 15,000-word teaser. She delineates Thorn's younger days as a half-breed subject to the malice of rock throwing native boys. At the age of seventeen, his mother extracts a death-bed promise for him to sail the ocean to visit his father, the Duke of Althorn, who never knew of his existence. On the island of Barbados, it wasn't the best of lives, but it was the only one he knew. Now, he was to face British aristocracy as the bastard son of a powerful, wealthy duke.
Book Four she lovingly calls "My Bastard" is a multi-cultural romance story of a young couple defeating all odds to have their love accepted. The gossamer thread of sensuality is woven through the tapestried story of their spicy, steamy romance. At times, the obstacles are daunting.
With Book Five in this series, ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE, she accomplished her life-long dream of publishing this story into a reality. What did it take? Cutting the too-long epic by 57,000 words was a prodigious task. She worked like a dervish, so her Raven and Samantha could see the light of a publishing day. She gave them cameo appearances in each of her books so she wouldn’t forget that they begged to earn a place in the series. Seven years later, they made their long awaited debut.
Now, she's delighted to say that ONE NIGHT WITH A DUKE, has an official release date of June 21, 2017.
For a new author, it's been a whirlwind two years and it was nothing she expected, but everything she dreamed.
Book Six is a work-in-process and her writing takes a different path into a dark, brooding fantasy where supernatural powers assist in prolonging the adventures of The Blue-Eyed Black-Hearted Duke. What man could resist redemption from the beautiful ward of his, Miss Jaclyn? Possible release end of 2017.
Two months ago, Sandra broke her right dominant arm, so she is tested every day to manipulate fingers that used to fly across typewriter keys. Some days are good and others are not, but her grit and determination keep her going.
P.S. Sandra love bears of all sizes and shapes. However, she prefers to view the real life ones from afar.
Interview Questions?
What makes you proud to be a writer from California? California where I retired, but I've been a business world traveler, and do like the small town coziness where most of the people where I live know I'm a spicy romance writer. I'm just a little fish in a big comfy pond. I make it evident about the heat level (spicy/sensual/hot) so a reader will not be offended.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? I started writing at thirteen and when I entered high school, I knew what I wanted to be. My high school English teacher encouraged me and of course, I fell in love with Frank Yarby's Foxes of Harrow and that was representative of my preferred genre.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? I did enter a convent in New Jersey, a result of my Catholic elementary school. I lasted three weeks. I was an only child and most likely a drama queen. From a child who had only two books and the Encyclopedia Britannia at my disposal, I now have over 863 books of all genres, but mostly Romance. I enjoy creating realistic characters, showing introspection, goals, motivation, and the hunger for something more than they have. Romance gives me the opportunity to write HAPPILY EVER AFTER endings.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? I decided that before I left the planet, I wanted at least one book (of the many I'd written) published. Five years ago, I joined Romance Writers of America and the local chapter Yosemite Romance Writers. Attended webinars, seminars, presentations, conferences, networked with other authors and aspiring writers, and in 2015 I published my first book ONCE UPON A DUKE with The Wild Rose Press.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? Letters from fans, e mails from other author friends, and the fact that I've showed my grandchildren that if you want to do something, try and try again and work hard and it will happen. For me it took decades, but worth the wait. Nothing I expected but everything I dreamed. Also, my husband who used to read mysteries wanted to help, so I convinced him to read romance. Now he's my plotster and I do work at this 8 hours a day 6 days a week. I stop at 5:00 p.m. and we enjoy a cocktail and discuss my characters. It has enriched our marriage!!!!!
How many published books do you have? Five Books, The Duke Series with The Wild Rose Press.
Please list the titles of all your books:
Once Upon A Duke
My Divinely Decadent Duke
Thorn, Son of a Duke
The Duke's Magnificent Bastard
One Night With A Duke
The Blue-Eyed Black-Hearted Duke (Release Date End 2017)
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write spicy, sensual, hot Regency era novels. This encompasses 1800-1820 give or take a year. This was the Georgian era in England, and it was a time of elegant madness and maybe even self-illuminating. It was the time of the romp where pleasures were pursued, sometimes granted and sometimes denied, but there was passion and sensuality in the air. It gave way to the Victorian Era in stark difference to the Regency. I've written mostly about the aristocracy because I like to, but also because I think in another life I was the sister of a Duke, or a wealthy widow with privileges. This is not to say that this era did not have important issues in the nation to be dealt with, such as, woman's rights, poverty, the industrial revolution which galvanized the masses. Farm workers rushed to the city to make money and encountered disease and pestilence. Every human being has a story, I just prefer the happier, privileged ones that have problems, conflict, and eventually a happily ever after.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Two rules:
Rule Number 1: Never give up
Rule Number 2: Don't forget Rule Number One.
Who is your favorite author and why? Judith McNaught, Mary Balogh, come to mind. Judith broke all the rules and touched your heart. Mary writes with her heart and is consistent. I know I've left a lot of amazing authors out, but it's only because my arm is hurting now. I broke it four weeks ago and I'm learning to type again.
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June 16, 2017
Steel, Blood & Fire (Immortal Treachery Book 1) by Allan Batchelder
Steel, Blood & Fire (Immortal Treachery Book 1) by Allan Batchelder
On the march, around the campfire, and in the taverns, they tell incredible stories about Tarmun Vykers, the Reaper – how he’s never been cut in battle, how he once defeated hundreds of men by himself, how he exterminated an entire people over an insult. These stories make Vykers seem like a god, but he is a man, an arrogant, ruthless and bloodthirsty man. For all that, he may be the only thing standing between the human race and utter annihilation at the hands of the mad wizard who calls himself the End-of-All-Things. Against this backdrop, smaller, lesser folks struggle to fulfill their own destinies, folks like Aoife, burdened with a secret so dark she is driven to do the unimaginable and seek an alliance with fey powers no mortal has ever encountered.
Are you a fan of: Grimdark, Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series, Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Glen Cook’s Chronicles of the Black Company, or Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicle? If so, grab your copy of Steel, Blood & Fire now!
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Literature & Fiction, Horror, Dark Fantasy, Mythology & Folk Tales, Epic Fantasy called “Grimdark.”
Book Review: This book has a very well thought out plot engaging the reader in unexpected twists and turns including love stories and epic battle scenes involving twenty-four well developed characters.
Steel, Blood & Fires opens with unspeakable violence as Tarmun Vykers, A.K.A, “the Reaper” a legendary warrior is in the stocks (in bonds, under guard). One must be warned that this is a work of dark fantasy, horror and mythology with adult language and graphic violence.
Author Allan Batchelder has done very well laying out this book with easy to follow headings (much like the way a play production might be laid out). The story pivots back and forth from what is happening with his main characters: the legendary warrior named Tarmun Vykers, Aoife Cestroenyn (An A’Shea or “Mender,” sister of Anders), D’Kem (a washed up Burner), Janks & Company, Long, A.K.A, Long Pete, Spirk Nessno (An idiot and friend to Long), Anders Cestroenyn (the self-proclaimed “End-of-All-Things) and Arune (A spectral Burner who shares Vykers’ body).
I would like to share a quote from this book that will help draw you in without spoiling the story. This quote come from one of the the chapter four headings titled ‘The End, On the March’.
“After seeing his general off, Anders climbed a small hillock and surveyed his host. What they lacked in training and skill, they more than made up for in numbers and ferocity. Either his magic had worked especially well upon his unwilling draftees, or humans were all more savage than they cared to admit. Looking out upon them, he saw them huddled in large, teeming masses around myriad bonfires. They were always ravenous for food, of course, but also for sex and violence. The End-of-All-Things would be happy to destroy them all, once they had served their purpose.
Pivoting to his left, he held out his arms and a slave laid the infant into them. It was a funny looking thing, this child. And would get funnier still, by the time Anders was through with it. He had decided, after some thought, that it was time he created something for a change. He would be the end of all things presently in existence, but this child would be the first of his new race, beings made especially to serve and obey him. Worship would not be required, as he felt he would probably kill large numbers of them whenever he got bored. Perhaps he should also create a competing race and pit them against one another!”
A must read for those who want to remain on the edge of your seat.
I, Theodocia McLean endorse Steel, Blood & Fire is book one in Author Allan Batchelder’s Immortal Treachery series. I purchased this book from a Kindle format on June 11, 2017 and wrote this review on June 15, 2017.
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As Flies To Wanton Boys (Immortal Treachery Book 2) by Allan BatchelderYou are Tarmun Vykers, the Reaper, laid low by a sorcerous wound and languishing in a sick bed for years until your services are unexpectedly required again, and the means to get you back on your feet rather conveniently appears in the person of Her Majesty’s first mage…
Cindor, the kingdom’s most experienced wizard and a skilled politician. Can you trust him, and what is the price for his help?
And what of the beautiful healer, Aoife, who insists on accompanying you on Cindor’s quest? Surely, she’s not as emotionally aloof as she pretends, and, if not, what is she hiding?
Long Pete, too, is caught up in Cindor’s web. The wizard has plans for Long and his crew that may save the kingdom, but tear friendships asunder.
Ride with the half-crippled Reaper again, as he crosses a monster-filled sea and a dark and threatening continent to engage in the most unusual battle of his life and uncover an unthinkable secret.
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Literature & Fiction, Horror, Dark Fantasy, Mythology & Folk Tales, Epic Fantasy called “Grimdark.”
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Corpse Cold (Immortal Treachery Book 3) by Allan Batchelder
Betrayed by his closest friend, someone who has also stolen his most precious possession, Tarmun Vykers wants revenge.
Kittins wants revenge, too, against the all-powerful Queen, who’s been manipulating and dictating his every move for far too long, to devastating effect.
Long Pete wants revenge against the slavers who murdered his wife and even now hold his only child captive.
And many others too numerous to count want revenge as well, for slights both real and imagined.
One thing is certain: punishment is coming.
Follow the Reaper again, as he fights through the worst winter in ages to deal out revenge that leaves his victims corpse cold.
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Literature & Fiction, Horror, Dark Fantasy, Mythology & Folk Tales, Epic Fantasy called “Grimdark.”
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The Abject God: Immortal Treachery, Book Four by Allan Batchelder
Vykers once killed some of the Emperor’s soldiers; now, the Emperor has crossed the sea with all his legions to exact a revenge that will impact not only the Reaper, but Kittins, Spirk, Eamon, and even the Virgin Queen herself. Meanwhile, pieces to the puzzle of Vykers’ origins begin to fall into place, revealing people and purposes both unexpected and heretofore unimaginable. And then there is the long-suffering Long Pete, who must now contend with an utterly reshaped reality that threatens his very existence.
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Literature & Fiction, Horror, Dark Fantasy, Mythology & Folk Tales, Epic Fantasy called “Grimdark.”
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Allan Batchelder
Allan is a professional actor, educator and former stand-up comedian. In addition to Steel, Blood & Fire, As Flies to Wanton Boys and Corpse Cold, he's also written plays, screenplays, online articles, dialogue for computer games, greeting card sentiments and more.
Steel, Blood & Fire has been praised by Kirkus, Midwest Book Review and Fantascize.com. Allan holds a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the National Theatre Conservatory and a Master's in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University. He is a huge fan of Shakespeare, Steven Erikson, Joe Abercrombie, Glen Cook, George R.R. Martin, Tad Williams, and R. Scott Bakker.
Allan lives in Seattle with his wife and son, where he enjoys walks on the beach, reading in the garden and puttering around on his computer. Oh, and naps. He LOVES naps. In fact, he's probably taking one right now.
Interview Questions:
What makes you proud to be a writer from Seattle? I’d never really considered a link between my work and my hometown, but it is true that Seattle has the most well-read populous of any major American city. That said, I suspect my stuff isn’t highbrow for most of my fellow citizens! J Maybe my hometown finds its voice through the character Aoife, a sort of goddess of the forest. And then again, maybe not.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? Throughout my life, whenever I’ve come across something I’ve really enjoyed, I’ve felt a need to participate in some way. And so, I became an actor, and then an opera singer, a stand-up comedian, a teacher, a writer. I don’t claim to be brilliant at any of these things; I just wanted to be part of the action. So, having been an avid reader all my life, I began writing stories in middle school and continued through grad school. Finally, I decided to “get real” about it and write a novel.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Well, my parents exposed me to a lot of art – plays, operas, ballet, museums – and we watched a heckuva lot of Mastepiece Theater, for whatever that’s worth. I just developed a passion for creativity and self-expression.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? In 2013, I was in a gaming group, and I finally said, “You know, instead of sitting around playing these stories, I should write one. Or several.”
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? The fact that people around the world read and enjoy my stuff just blows my mind. How unexpected! How thrilling!
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? That’s a tough one. Self-publishing is a pain in the posterior! I guess I’d have to say finding and working with my cover artist, a woman in the Philippines. It’s amazing how creative endeavors bring people together, even from halfway ‘round the world.
How many published books do you have? I have four out and am currently writing the fifth and final novel in my first series.
Please list the titles of all your books:
Steel, Blood & Fire
As Flies to Wanton Boys
Corpse Cold
The Abject God
The End of All Things (coming in 2018)
Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? In three of the five books, the title came from dialogue within the stories. The other two were predetermined.
Please tell us the genre of each of your books. My books belong (I think) to a subgenre of Epic Fantasy called “Grimdark.” The books of George R. R. Martin and Joe Abercrombie
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? Grimdark is like fantasy in a foul mood – it’s grittier, darker, and meaner. It often involves sprawling stories, casts of thousands, and more moral ambiguity than you could ever shake a stick at if you lived for a thousand years.
Which book title would you like featured in this interview? Steel, Blood & Fire – the first book in the series, Immortal Treachery
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? I wanted to try my hand at writing an anti-hero protagonist, someone of legendary ability but infamous character. I wanted him to endure an Odysseus-worthy journey of self-discovery, and I wanted to balance him with a vast cast of “ordinary” folk, to explore the way the hero and the everyman each tackle similar (though not identical) challenges. But for all that intellectual folderol, I mostly wanted to have fun, to create something fun.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? In the past, I’ve been somewhat flippant about this type of question, because I don’t know that I’m in a position to give advice, just based on the fact that each person’s experience is so unique. There are a few commonalities, sure, but on the whole, it’s a journey each of us takes on our own. I guess the most valuable thing I can say is, “You CAN do it.”
Who is your favorite author and why? I’m afraid I’ll sound terribly pretentious, but really, I’ve been a fan of Shakespeare since I was twelve. I’ve performed in about twenty productions of his plays, and I’ve directed another six or so in various schools. In terms of contemporary writers, I guess I’d have to say Stephen King. I started reading his books in seventh or eighth grade, and I drifted away for a couple of decades, but I’m completely back in his corner again today. Plus, I really like the person he seems to be.
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Cold Coffee Press
June 10, 2017
The Underground (Second Edition) by Roxanne Bland
The Underground (Second Edition) by Roxanne Bland
Roxanne Bland does bestselling authors Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, J.R. Ward, and Laurell K. Hamilton one better with The Underground--rocketing into the upper ranks of urban dark fantasy and paranormal romance by adding a touch of science fiction to the fantastic, horrific, erotic mix. Set in an alternate Seattle, Washington, Bland's heart-pounding, deliciously sexy adventure imagines a city where communities of "exotics"--shapeshifters, witches, elves, and vampires--live among the murderous human population and are ruled over by the cruel, insatiable vampire, Kurt.
The powerful alpha male of the city's werewolf pack, Parker Berenson, is one of the Master's enslaved servants, and he would like nothing better than to hasten the downfall of the vampire overlord who stole his love, the beautiful mage Garrett Larkin. But in a night city already on the razor's edge--in the midst of a spate of inexplicable bloody murders--the alpha wolf's passionate encounter with a stunning interstellar assassin could upset the very delicate balance and ignite a war that neither exotics nor humans can survive.
Warning: Profanity, Violence, Graphic Adult Content
Cold Coffee Press Book Review: The Underground (Second Edition) by Roxanne Bland is a blend of genres which include science fiction, dark urban fantasy and paranormal romance with an adult theme which includes profanity, violence and graphic erotic content.
It is not lions and tigers and bears, but rather werewolves, vampires, witches, and shape-shifters called “Exotics” that rule the night. You will either love it or hate it depending on your ability to meld into the author’s fantasy world and find something strangely different about her cast of characters.
Set in an alternate Seattle Washington where the night hours are more than bewitching, they are truly murderous. The book opens with Parker Berenson, alpha of Seattle’s werewolf fighting to stay in human form. Like many good stories, a love has been lost and someone or something must pay. Parker has anger issues and Garrett (Powerful Witch) is his former girlfriend and perhaps the only one who can truly see “the big picture”.
I always quote a passage to reveal the Author’s writing style without spoiling the story. With ninety-one chapters in this book, I chose an excerpt from Chapter 10.
“At nine a.m. on February second, a cinquet of five witches arrived to fetch Garrett for the first of her many ritual baths. They discovered her sitting naked in a half lotus on the floor, deep in a meditative trance.
Garrett had been awake for hours. She’d had too much on her mind the night before and hadn’t slept well. At five, she’d gotten out of bed and showered. After that, she’d meditated on the silk prayer rug next to the bed, hoping she could replace at least some of her lost sleep. The last thing she needed was to be incapacitated by fatigue when she channeled Goddess.
The cinquet waited in respectful silence until Garrett came out of her trance. Her gaze settled on Paul. “Good morning, Garrett,” he spoke for the other four witches.
Rising from the prayer rug, Garrett stepped over to Paul and kissed him on both cheeks, and then did the same to the others. Pinkie pre- sented her with a pair of soft indoor moccasins. Georgia held up a white, silk-lined satin robe and helped her put it on.
Paul smiled. “Ready, my Lady?” “I’m ready.”
The elder turned and with Garrett walking behind, led the group out of the bedroom to the purification room. The room’s most prominent feature was a square, white, marble Jacuzzi large enough for two people. One side was set into a wall covered with a slab of marble that rose half- way to the ceiling. Neck-sized indentations had been scooped out along the tub’s upper edge. From there, the tub sloped to its bottom, providing back support.
The rest of the wall to which the tub was attached, as well as the room’s other three walls, was covered in dense, dark blue carpet. The floor was laid with waterproofed linoleum in the same color. A series of wall sconces provided a dim light.
I love being in here. The room always evoked in Garrett a sense of inviolate safety, a comfort she never felt outside the Temple’s walls. This must be the way a baby feels in its mother’s womb.”
I, Theodocia McLean endorse The Underground (Second Edition) by Roxanne Bland as an adult dark urban fantasy that will either grab and hold your attention or turn you off depending on your appetite for violent, graphic and erotic content. I purchased this book in a Kindle format on June 7, 2017 and this review was written on June 9, 2017.
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The Moreva of Astoreth by Roxanne Bland
In the world-building tradition of Andre Norton, Anne McCaffrey and Ursula K. LeGuin, The Moreva of Astoreth is a blend of science fiction, romance, and adventure in a unique, richly imagined imperialistic society in which gods and science are indelibly intertwined.
It is the story of the priestess, scientist, and healer Moreva Tehi, the spoiled, headstrong granddaughter of a powerful deity who is banished for a year to a volatile far corner of the planet for neglecting to perform her sacred duty, only to venture into dangerous realms of banned experimentation, spiritual rebirth, and fervent, forbidden love.
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Cold Coffee Press Interview With Author Roxanne Bland
Roxanne Bland grew up in Washington, D.C., where she discovered strange and wonderful new worlds through her local library and bookstores. These and other life experiences have convinced her that reality is highly overrated.
Interview Questions:
What makes you proud to be a writer from Baltimore? I can’t say that I’m proud to be a writer from anywhere (though I will say that while my living in Baltimore is happenstance, Washington, D.C. is my home). Writing is simply what I do, and it’s what I do best.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? I suppose you could say it was the books I read as a child. They wrote down their stories; maybe I could write down my stories, too. But those little stories never saw the light of day. I threw them out. Then, I won a writing contest when I was around ten. You’d think that would have been my clue, but it sailed right over my head. I wrote off and on over the next several decades, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it dawned on me that “hey, I’m pretty good at this, and it’s fun!”
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage? Not really. Back in those days, I wrote to pass the time (when I had any!), or as a school exercise. My focus was on becoming a career musician. Incredibly time consuming. I did have one high school teacher who suggested that I become a writer, but of course, at that time, it was out of the question.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? Sometime in the early 2000s. I wrote a little piece while recovering from illness, and a dear friend browbeat me into making it into a novel. When I realized that I actually might have something, I started shopping it around. No takers. Then I was lucky enough to find an editor who saw promise in my scribblings and agreed to work with me to polish it up. No, that’s not true. We didn’t just polish it up, we made it into an entirely new book.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I love watching the words spill out over the page (or pixels on a screen, as the case may be). My thoughts, my characters, my story—coming to life. Some writers say that writing “the end” is their reward. To me, writing those two little words is kind of a letdown. Of course, that’s when you start writing another book.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? Founding my publishing house, Blackrose Press. My idea is to publish works by people of color. I’ll be ready to take on submissions from other writers sometime in 2018. We’ll start off as an ebook publisher, and then, if the sales warrant, graduate to POD. I’m starting small; only two books per year. Hopefully, when Blackrose Press matures, I’ll be able to publish more.
How many published books do you have? Three, so far.
Please list the titles of all your books:
The Underground (First Edition)
The Moreva of Astoreth
The Underground (Second Edition)
Do you come up with your title(s) before or after you write the manuscript? Usually while I’m writing the book. I have working titles so I can find it in my files, but the working title never becomes the final title. For example, the working title for The Underground was The Alien Within.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I write paranormal urban fantasy and science fiction. I don’t know that I prefer to write in those genres. It’s more like those are the channels in which my imagination runs.
Which book title would you like featured in this interview? The Underground: Second Edition
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book (one book) that you are seeking promotion for? It was the reviews that I received for The Underground. The readers obviously saw merit in the book, but it had issues. So, after kicking it around in my head for a couple of years, I decided to rewrite it. I felt I owed to it my readers to produce a better book, but more than that, I owed it to myself as a writer.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? Keep writing and don’t give up.
Who is your favorite author and why? Edgar Allan Poe. I love the lyrical flow of his words, especially his poems (and I’m not into poetry). I know his style of writing is out of date, but I’d love to be able to write like him.
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June 5, 2017
The Witch Within Her by Nick Iuppa
The Witch Within Her by Nick Iuppa
The Witch Within Her (sequel to Taken By Witches).
SEXY, STUNNING, RELENTLESS HORROR
A possessed child is caught in a war between witches!
Spanning centuries of horror and witchcraft, the powerful sequel to Taken By Witches tells how Babcia Czarownica, the greatest of all witches, does battle with far more seductive members of her craft. She must confront a lustful priest, a predatory lover, a vengeful undead beauty, and the unspeakable evil hiding at the top of Rapunzel’s Tower... all to save her beloved grandson and his family from utter annihilation. And she must accomplish all this while sharing the body of an eight-year-old girl.
Book Review: As a fan of Nick Iuppa’s books I can say without hesitation that his latest release ‘The Witch Within’ is another great “sexy, stunning, relentless horror” that brings a ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales’ feel with an adult theme.
‘The Witch Within Her’ is the sequel to ‘Taken By Witches’. Even without reading the first book the author’s writing is so good that you can jump right into the book and enjoy the well-developed characters, and complex story with twists and turns that include the old fables of Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel.
Author Nick Iuppa includes a wonderful introduction and summary that will refresh your mind and continue the story on from ‘Taken By Witches’. This is storytelling at its best as both books are centered on a tale being told by an evil warlock to an old gift store owner named Michalowski in the village of Zakopane Poland.
With eighty-three fast paced chapters, this novel is nearly impossible to put down. The evil witch Babcia is obsessed with and will use any measure to protect her beloved grandson Niko from any harm that might befall him even to the point of living inside the body of his little daughter, Joy.
If you want an adult fantasy horror witches tale, this is a must read. I always share a quote to draw you into this author’s writing style without spoiling any part of the story. So here goes.
Quote One: “Twisted branches seemed to claw at the windows of John Hunter’s Ford Crown Victoria as it struggled up the deeply rutted gravel road that led to the upper cabin at Crystal Lake. Perhaps the branches were trying to unlatch the door and catch hold of him, Hunter thought for a crazy moment, pull him out from behind the steering wheel, drag him into the marshes that stood along the sides of the road, plunge him down among the gnarled roots and hold him under till he drowned.
Christ, what’s happening to my mind? He wondered.
Quote Two: “Mother Black’s garden was not unlike other witch’s gardens hidden away in the San Fernando Valley. There may have been as many as a hundred of them at that time, planted mostly by witches who were forced to accompany their families into the California sunshine. Occasionally, a young woman of Marla Morrison’s coven succeeded in making things grow and using them to expand her knowledge of The Craft. But the real successes were the old crones who took their work seriously and limited their ambitions.
That’s how it was with Mother Black. Sally Fukes had found her deep in the mountains of Tennessee and told her all about her adventures in Hollywood and how her friend Marla had died at the hands of Witch Babcia who now inhabited the body of Niko Madonie’s daughter.
Mother Black hadn’t known much of Babcia’s long history and so she wasn’t concerned. Until now!”
I invite you to read this tale, but if you repeat it, be careful of youngsters who might be listening.
I, Theodocia Mclean endorse The Witch Within Her (sequel to Taken By Witches) by Nick Iuppa as an adult fairy tale. I purchased this book from Kindle on May 24th and this review was written on June 1, 2017.
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Esteban Meets Alicia by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira
As two escaped convicts and the worst sandstorm in recorded memory descend on the little town of La Sentencia, Arizona, Esteban Dorantes encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman. She advises him that (like his great, great grandfather before him) he must set off on a quest in search of the fabled seven cities of gold... to save La Sentencia. She adds that she too has a quest... to find the man who murdered her.
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Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira
Magical Madness
A fireball launches itself from the Arizona desert leaving behind three camels, a magical jukebox, and a five-year-old girl who only speaks Italian.
Soon, the nearby town of La Sentencia is reeling from a series of disasters. The copper mine, which supports the town, shuts down leaving most of the population unemployed. Massive sandstorms batter the place. And then the Devlin Lucero shows up. He seduces a pretty substitute teacher and then uses her to spread greed, anger, and vengeance everywhere.
In the face of all these trials, Esteban Dorantes decides to retrace the steps of his great, great grandfather, who once led a quest to find the Seven Cities of Gold. Aided by the camels, the wisdom of the little girl, and the spirit of the magical jukebox, he hopes to locate a great treasure and bring it back to save La Sentencia.
Esteban is accompanied by Ceci Moreno, his old high school sweetheart, the only person in town who doesn't think he's a madman. But Ceci is still in love Gabriel Romo, another dreamer who somehow feels he can bargain with the devil to save the mine and the town.
Wacky, scary and spectacular, Esteban's Quest blends science fiction, Aztec lore, classic horror, and offbeat humor into an unforgettable tale of love, destiny, magic, and redemption.
Book Review: Step aside Indiana Jones. There’s a new adventurer in town. Esteban Dorantes may be a little more reluctant, but he has an even greater sense of destiny than even Dr. Jones. Dorantes is goaded by the desperate needs of his impoverished hometown and visions of his great, great grandfather... an African slave who once led Spanish Conquistadors on the first quest for the Seven Cities Of Gold.
The story opens in the Arabian Desert where a wall of wind a mile high and a hundred miles wide, roars though an oasis carrying off a husband and wife team of archeologists but leaving behind their five-year-old daughter.
We move to La Sentencia, a small town in Arizona, which is devastated by its own windstorms and other disasters including the immanent closing of a copper mine... the only business in that part of the state.
What’s the link between these two desolate desert locations... the little Italian girl who suddenly shows up on the winds of a sandstorm to advise the residents in Arizona? And then there’s an ancient artifact that may have been left by space travelers. Does it hold the key to the building of great earthly civilizations... and the salvation of La Sentencia?
Esteban Dorantes must have some sense of all this as he decides, at the little girl’s bidding, to takes up his great grand-fathers quest for The Golden Cities and save his home town in the process.
The novel’s fifty-six chapters of action-packed adventure may surpasses some of the greatest quests ever told, with its Aztec lore, science fiction spacecraft, magical jukebox, a destiny that spans generations, horror, humor, three camels, talking coyotes, a very sexy substitute high school teacher, the devil himself, and, of course, a love story.
I invite everyone to read Esteban's Quest and experience this compelling tale for themselves. I, Theodocia McLean endorse Esteban's Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira. I purchased this book from Kindle and this review was completed on July 26, 2016.
I encourage you to purchase other books by the team including: The Carlos Mann Trilogy (Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched) and Avenging Adelita (romance), in addition to the stand-alone novels by Nick Iuppa include Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games (fictional horror drama featuring ancient vampires, teenage romance, and a top-secret military project) and Taken by Witches (a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales).
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Taken By Witches by Nick Iuppa
When he was a child, Niko Madonie was terrified of his over-protective grandmother. Somehow he knew she was a witch possessed of overwhelming supernatural powers and determined to save him from the real and imagined dangers of the modern world.
Now a successful writer in Hollywood, Niko is helping create an animated version of Hansel and Gretel while he struggles to protect his beautiful young wife from sexy, New Age witches who hope to sacrifice her to please the ancient crone.
This is an epic horror romance set against a background of legends, with complex villains, a magical young couple, and a storyline straight from the darkest pages of the Brothers Grimm.
Book Review: If you have ever thought that reading Grimm’s Fairy Tales to your children or grandchildren might frighten them, then you’d better keep the lights on while reading Taken by Witches to yourself.
Author Nick Iuppa asks questions you might not ask aloud. “Do witches exist; where does their power come from, and to what ends will they use it?”
Masterfully written, this multifaceted story begins in the small Polish village of Zakopane high in the Carpathian Mountains. A warlock skillfully tells the story to a shopkeeper and his young daughter after he returns a collection of gruesome masks that the shopkeeper once sent to America so they wouldn’t fall into the hands of the Nazis. The masks are all images of the same woman, a witch named Babcia (pronounced Bob-cha) the Polish name for grandmother.
The warlock’s story begins with a young boy named Niko Madonie who realizes that his grandmother has supernatural powers that terrify him up until the day she dies. As an adult, Niko marries and becomes a successful writer in Hollywood. But even there he is haunted by memories of Babcia and he finds he must struggle to protect his wife from new age witches who decide to sacrifice the beautiful young woman to please the ancient crone.
Imagine Babcia’s evil smell: (the stench of blood sausage mixed with the spicy sweetness of gingerbread) and realize that ancient history doesn’t always stay in the past. Centuries after Niko’s grandmother lost her first baby to medieval witch hunters, she bears a new family to a new husband in a new land, America. But even in this future place and time, she remembers the vow she made when the infant was murdered: “Atrocities to her loved ones will never happen again,” no matter what the consequences.
Author Nick Iuppa has impressive credentials as the former Creative Director of Paramount Pictures’ Digital Entertainment, Head of Apple Computer’s Learning Technologies Group, and Writer for the Wonderful World of Disney.
I, Theodocia Mclean endorse Taken by Witches by Nick Iuppa as a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales, which first brought the essence of ancient witchcraft into America’s bedtime stories. Nick’s other novels include Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched, Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games, and Avenging Adelita. I purchased this book Kindle and this reviewed was completed on November 12, 2015.
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Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games by Nick Iuppa
"Nick Iuppa loops a brilliant mix of technology, romance, military lore, and vampires into a terrifying, sexy spree in the Swiss Alps. The details are 3D. If you're looking for a heart-pounder, this is it." S.B. Stinnet
The castle of 15th century duchess Elizabeth Laskaar looks down on the little Swiss village of Murdenwald and the secretive military complex nearby. There, the UN hopes to end world conflict with a vast military simulation that will dramatize the apocalypse that will follow the next major war. To head the project, they hire notorious Hollywood producer Donald Vito, master of explosive action adventures, who still mourns the murder of his teenage love in the 1950s.
Vito and the simulation team use new technology to build hundreds of virtual soldiers and terrorists you can touch, speak to, and reason with. But they also begin to feel the influence of Elizabeth Laskaar. She’s often called Bloody Bess – the first real vampire – because she maintained her youthful beauty by slaughtering her maidservants and bathing in their blood.
Recklessly inspired by their surroundings, the team creates a virtual vampire that soon takes on the characteristics of Elizabeth’s magnificent, long-dead husband. Soon, he and Bess stalk the compound, seducing everyone working on the project, until vampire blood surges beyond the humans to the virtual characters with unthinkable consequences. In the end, perhaps, only the power of Vito’s long lost love can save humanity.
Book Review: Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games is a magnificent fictional horror drama featuring ancient vampires, teenage romance, and a top-secret military project. The Doomsday Games, as the project is called, involves a team of international scientists, engineers, and military personnel who gather in the ancient town of Murdenwald, Switzerland, to do no less then put an end to war.
Nick Iuppa developed a cast of authentic and unique characters like Elizabeth Laskaar (Duchess of Hungry) known as “Bloody Bess” to her victims in 1580 in the small village of Nyirbator Hungary. She prowled the streets of Murdenwald seeking out young women to murder so that she could bathe in their blood. Her husband Ferenc, some say, is still the director of the town’s ancient library. A most beautiful man with midnight blue eyes, he waits for naïve young women to come to his tower and aid him in his evil work. Then there’s Donny Vito, the world’s greatest film producer, called upon by the U. S. President to breathe life into the Doomsday Games. Elli Capadonico is the girl Donny loved in his youth; she fell victim to Arnie Cudgel, an obsessive young man with both romantic and sadistic intentions. The cast also includes scientists, mathematicians, military personnel, writers, artists, technicians, Chu Yun Trang (the director of a rogue nation seeking to build nuclear weapons), and a myriad of simulated characters who populate the virtual Armageddon.
Nick’s highly descriptive writing takes the reader from the Middles Ages to a 1950s high school romance, to mysteries surrounding the ‘knowledge’ held in the ancient Murdenwald library, to the International Simulation Center itself where the final challenge becomes solving “the God Problem.” Nick weaves these stories together so skillfully that the separate lines merge to become plot twists in an amazing and unexpected ending.
The author, Nick Iuppa, is the son of a prominent Rochester, New York doctor. Nick attended the University of Notre Dame and did his graduate work at Stanford. Nick’s first job was at MGM Studios in Hollywood where he worked on TV specials with Dr. Seuss and Chuck Jones (creator of the Road Runner). He also had the privilege of writing for the Wonderful World of Disney, working as an instructional designer for Eastman Kodak, leading Bank of America’s in-house TV production group, managing the Learning Technologies Group within Apple Computer, and finally returning to Paramount Pictures in Hollywood where he designed Internet entertainment and built Hollywood-style simulations for the military.
Nick’s extensive travels to Europe have inspired some of his characters and settings. His work history, technical knowledge, and experience have given him the tools and concepts for his novels.
I, Theodocia McLean endorse Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games by Nick Iuppa for the creative genius of the Doomsday Game. I purchased this book from Kindle and this reviewed was completed on October 2, 2014.
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Avenging Adelita by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
A tender romance with a ticking time bomb at its heart.
There’s a bomb on this train. It will explode before you reach your final destination...because you murdered my wife.
University professor Tom McKeever has just lost his wife Adelita to cancer. But the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes she didn’t have to die.
The faculty and administration of the university where he teaches in Mexico played a major role in causing her death.
Now, Tom relives powerful memories of his life with Adelita as he and the rest of the faculty take a train ride into the mountains. He plans to gain revenge by blowing up the train, killing all those who have wronged him and everyone else on board… including himself.
Book Review: Nick Iuppa, Author of ‘Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games, has teamed up with John P. Mendoza to bring us another fast-paced, action suspense thriller that will keep readers turning pages and biting their nails.
There’s a large cast of unique characters, many of whom are confined to business class cars on the Copper Canyon Railway as it speeds through the Grand Canyon of Mexico, unaware of the impending man-made disaster that’s about to shatter the serene environment.
Somewhere in the process of grieving for his lost wife, Adelita, his “warrior woman” love, Professor
Tom McKeever walks a thin line between reality and golden memories that keep pulling him back into his her beauty, delicious aroma, and open arms. The gut wrenching knowledge that there was an experimental cancer treatment that might have saved Adelita’s life, had it not been for the decisions of one man, is more than Tom can bear. The need for revenge seethes like red-hot embers but conflicts with thoughts dredged up from a Catholic School upbringing: “Vengeance is mine, saith the lord!”
Time is running out, but somehow the collateral damage begins to seem more and more defensible... a justifiable murder suicide. Is it? Find out; come ride the rails into Copper Canyon when time is definitely not on your side.
I, Theodocia McLean endorse ‘Avenging Adelita’ – by Nick Iuppa & John P. Mendoza as these two authors give the reader what they have come to expect; great descriptive writing, with dialog and startling transitions from present to past and back again placing the reader in the mind of this widower. I purchased this book from Kindle and this review was completed on December 15, 2014.
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Alicia’s Ghost by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
Carlos Mann Trilogy
"IT’S WONDERFUL; I LOVE IT! I love the characters. And Alicia, OMG, she's so real I think I know her.” B. Escamilla, Palo Alto, CA
"Every time I thought I had it figured out, there was a new twist to the story. I couldn't put it down. Great read!" C. Gallagher, Chicago, IL
LOVE, OBSESSION, MURDER, DEATH, MANNEQUINS, RATTLESNAKES, DRUG LORDS, CHINATOWN, GHOSTS...AND THE WORLD’S MOST HAUNTING HEROINE!
The astoundingly beautiful Alicia has ended her modeling career in Mexico City, married the love of her life, helped pay his way through college, settled into a comfortable life in Los Altos, California, and now she’s dead... MURDERED.
Her husband, Professor Carlos Mann, has wrapped himself in an obsessive-compulsive disorder to hide from that fact. But when Amy Joy, one of Carlos’s students, is sold into slavery by a Chinese mob that traffics in Asian girls, Alicia returns with a vengeance.
Can Alicia save her man, foil the human traffickers, and destroy her murderer? Overwhelming supernatural forces stand against her. But, hell, that just makes her stronger!
Told in the voices of Carlos and Alicia Mann, Alicia’s Ghost is a funny, imaginative and thrilling ride through the human and spirit worlds of Mexico and the American Southwest.
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Alicia’s Sin by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
Carlos Mann Trilogy
“One damn inventive thrill-ride of a story!” Suzanna B. Stinnett, author of Starship Interlude
REVENGE, MURDER, ADULTERY, OBSESSION, GHOSTS, GYPSIES, TIGERS, WITCHES, FREUD, MYSTERY, DRUG LORDS, CHINATOWN, MEXICO, VIENNA... AND THE SPANISH INQUISITION!
To avenge her parents’ death, sadistic sex trafficker Tiger Joy sends deadly assassins after Carlos and his beautiful ghost wife Alicia. The pair escapes to Cancun where they battle witches and drug lords to help their friend Señor Popcorn win the love of his life. But the Afterlife Judges aren’t happy with Alicia’s temper, and they send her off to anger management therapy with the ghost of Sigmund Freud.
In old Vienna, the spirit of a seductive crown prince tempts Alicia, and then she’s captured by gypsies who put her on display in the Ghost Chamber of their traveling carnival. Alicia commits an unforgivable sin, and it finally gives Tiger Joy the perfect chance for revenge.
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Alicia Bewitched by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza
The Third Carlos Mann Adventure Logic Professor Carlos Mann sets out to murder Tiger
The Third Carlos Mann Adventure
Logic Professor Carlos Mann sets out to murder Tiger Joy in her prison cell.
Unfortunately, the gorgeous queen of human traffickers captures him and ships him off to the Yucatan, where the evil witch, La Bruja, uses all her powers to try to weaken and destroy him.
Meanwhile, Alicia calls on friends both living and dead to help save her husband, and in the process she learns many terrible secrets that were born in the days of the great Mayan Empire … secrets that could save or even destroy Carlos and Alicia.
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Cold Coffee Press Spotlight Interview With Author Nick Iuppa
Bio Quote: “I grew up in Rochester New York; my dad was a prominent doctor there. I attended the University of Notre Dame and grew up to marry the prettiest girl in Rochester... by far. (We’re still married.)
I always wanted to work in the movies. My graduate program at Stanford got me an internship at MGM and I worked on TV specials with Dr. Seuss and Chuck Jones (creator of the Road Runner). I became good friends with both of them. Later I wrote for the Wonderful World of Disney. I left Hollywood for a while and worked for Eastman Kodak as an Instructional Designer, Bank of America as manager of their TV studios, Hewlett Packard Television as manager of their creative group, and Apple computer as manager of learning technologies. When my boss at Apple went to Hollywood, she took me with her. I was back working in Hollywood again... but was still able to live in the San Francisco area.
I commuted to LA every week and used the accumulated miles to visit Europe a lot. That’s why some of my books have realistic European settings. At Paramount Pictures I designed Internet entertainment and built Hollywood-style training simulations for the military. Through all of this I was writing novels, but I could never get them published even though my friend Dr. Seuss worked with his publishers on my behalf. I found a tech publisher and sold lots of books about the technology on which I worked, but that wasn’t really what I wanted to do.
When I left Paramount I started writing novels so that I could build my own worlds. My first sci-fi novel was about a high tech simulation like the ones I worked on for the army, but this simulation had futuristic technology and was invaded by vampires. I first called it Virtual Vampires but eventually published it as Bloody Bess and the Doomsday Games.
I also wrote other horror novels inspired by Stephen King's deep, creepy characters. Now, I work with a writing partner, John Pesqueira and even though I do all the writing, his participation in story development makes things much simpler. I love creating characters and letting them tell me where the story should go.
These days, my favorite person is Esteban Dorantes who is the driving force in our newest novel Esteban’s Quest. I tell a lot more about my writing experiences and ideas in my blogs at http://www.nickiuppawrites.com and http://www.nickiuppawrites.com
Interview:
What makes you proud to be a writer from San Francisco, Silicon Valley? San Francisco gives me a built-in atmosphere for my stories. Everyone loves the place. So it’s easy for me to write about exotic locations all within driving distance. It has also given me entre to Hollywood, Stanford University, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the surrounding desert. I also worked for several high tech companies so I can add that element into my stories. And this locale rounds out my experience growing up in Upstate New York and going to college in the Midwest.
What or who inspired you to become a writer? My father was a well-know doctor and a world war two hero. But I could tell that he really wanted to become a writer. He talked all his life about the books he wanted to write. But he died relatively young and never got a chance to do it.
When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published? When I was in grade school I wrote a book that the nuns told me they wanted to get published but never did. When I developed a fast friendship with Dr. Seuss, I tried to get several children’s books published. But it wasn’t until I retired that I decided to write full time and make a concerted effort to get published. I had written and had published (By Focal Press) many technical books, but I really didn’t like doing non-fiction. Writing fiction is what I really enjoy.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing, and did you use it to your advantage? I still set parts of my books in Upstate New York. I feel that I know the area very well and can write to the time and place and create that period.
Do you come up with your title before or after you write the manuscript? I came up with the title Management by Guilt, in the 70s and then wrote the book. It was my biggest success, picked up by Fawcett Books and released by them in paperback. I’d like to say I never come up with the title first, but in fact all 3 of the Alicia books started as titles before I even knew what they were about.
Please introduce your genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? I love writing horror novels. I was afraid of the Horror genre all my life, never went to horror movies, had nightmares all the time, which is why I may be good at writing it. I’ve written several blogs about this topic and they are up on my blog site. I wrote an autobiographical novel and showed it to famous screenwriter Bill Idelson. The only chapter he liked was the one in which I told how my grandmother always reminded me of a witch and how I was scared to death of her. In the novel I wrote under his direction I explore our relationship under the assumption that she was one of the most powerful witches who ever lived. Several people read my horror novels and suggested that I try the genre Magical Realism. It brings supernatural elements into everyday life. Esteban’s Quest is far more magical realism than horror.
How many published books do you have? I have published seven novels, six technical books and one humorous management-training book.
What was your inspiration, spark or light bulb moment that inspired you to write the book that you are seeking promotion for? My writing partner, John Pesqueira, mentioned a film he saw that portrayed Esteban Dorantes, the man who led the first quest for the Seven Cities Of Gold. He was an African slave, not a Spaniard. We did some research and found that he was a very interesting character. Then we wondered what would happen if he actually found the mythical land and came back to tell his great, great grandson how to get there. After that we just started adding supernatural and sci-fi elements, flying saucers, sandstorms, the devil, and on and on.
What has been your most rewarding experience with your writing process? I love rewriting. Getting the first draft of a chapter down is painful, but once it’s there I can polish endlessly, that may be why people tell me that my writing is so easy to read, because I polish it maybe twenty times before I think it’s okay.
Have you had a negative experience in your writing career? If so, please explain how it could have been avoided? All those rejection slips before I finally decided to self-publish.
What has been your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey? I put an e-mail link in the back of my books and asked readers to send messages if they liked the work. Every one of those messages that shows up is the greatest thing I can think of. Just like finding a new positive review on the amazon page, just like holding one of my books in my hand for the first time.
What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors? A good, original story is everything. And they can probably build one from their own experience or personal dreams or nightmares. It has to be unusual and simple, something that readers can grasp in a single sentence. But almost as important, are good characters. It’s easy to write shallow characters who are only in the story to make something happen. You need complex character who may have doubts about everything they do. That complexity is what catches the readers’ attention.
Who is your favorite author and why? Stephen King, because of the depth of understanding he provides for his characters. Also his book On Writing is a manual on how to write. I follow religiously.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? There are mountains of background details in my blogs. I try to make them short stories about my experiences in Hollywood and as a writer. Also, I almost died of some lung disease when I was 25. That was the subject of my first bio novel, which I later rewrite as the witch horror story I told you about. However, I really don’t like to talk or write about that period of my life and promised at the start of my blog that I wouldn’t deal with it.
Please add questions and the answers to any questions that you believe your readers would like to know.
Do I ever fall in love with my female characters? Every damn time.How hard is it to kill off characters you love? It’s murder in every sense of the word.How erotic your novels? My editors hold me down or there would be much more sex. Alicia is a little sexy. Bloody Bess has several very sexy scenes, and some very romantic ones. Some of my as yet unpublished novels are much more erotic.Do you write romance novels? I read them for background, but there is generally too much action and adventure and horror for my novels to be considered pure romance. Amazon Author’s Page
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