Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 215

Interview with Bonnie Paulson, RIDING REDEMPTION

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?Yes! Actually, the villain in the Lonely Lace series (Devlyn Caracus) is the father of all 5 girls in the Redemption series. I didn’t know that was going to happen so it really took a lot to plot out and plan around. But no, it didn’t change either series, just made for some fun discoveries along the way as I wrote them.
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?I did that route for quite a while. I was traditionally published in 2009 and again in 2011. I had the whole agent thing going on, too. I highly suggest the traditional route for anyone who is new to publishing, but that is only if they don’t understand the ins and outs required of authors/publishers. Knowledge is key in this industry.
Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish?I am not under contract for any traditional publishing as of right now. The reason for this is because my release schedule for 2015 is too insane. I have a book releasing every 6 to 8 weeks (in different genres and I stagger them), and in order to maintain quality and deadlines, I don’t have time to create anything for a publisher or agent right now.
What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?I’m a slight control freak. One of my traditionally published books underwent such a change (new title, storyline, character arc), that it became less my story and more theirs. That hurt. I didn’t write the story for the publishers, I wrote it for the readers. For me. And… well I felt that was compromised. So I leapt into Indie-publishing and I haven’t looked back.
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?My cover artist, Ashley Byland of Redbird Designs, is amazing. She has designed all 24 of my currently released book covers as well as the 15 upcoming releases this year. I learned while working with her that if I try to direct her from the starting gate, neither of us is happy (and I’m not surprised, I’m not an artist but there I was trying to tell her how to do her job – ANNOYING). If I give her pertinent information to the story, she comes back with images and covers that I could never have imagined. I’m in love with all of my covers. Seriously, in love! And she’s done an amazing job with them at such an affordable price. She’s awesome!
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?I have two critique partners – a group tends to have too many hands in the kitchen helping. Yes, they’ve definitely helped my writing improve and grow. They both look at different aspects of the story and have done wonderfully regarding the arcs, etc. I don’t know where I would be without them.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?I used to just go with it, but then I tried plotting and my efficiency skyrocketed. I no longer experienced writer’s block and was able to work and be much more prolific. I outline everything now.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?ALWAYS. As well as a proofreader. This is non-negotiable for me. And still once in a while errors slip through. I can’t imagine what would happen if I didn’t hire one!

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?That I have a lot to learn still!
What’s next for you?I have multiple releases coming up. Resisting Redemption, book #3 of the Redemption series releases in April. I have a psychological thriller releasing in February (that was FUN!). And so much more – if anyone is interested in finding out more, I give out first sneak peeks on my Survival newsletter at my website. www.bonnierpaulson.net
Thank you so much for having me! I love the layout of your site as well as the fun articles you’re always posting. It was a pleasure being here! Stay Alive! 

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JUST THE WAY YOU AREN'T by Lynda Simmons

Excerpt:
Sunny’s feet moved of their own accord and she stared straight ahead, horrified and thrilled at the same time. Wondering what she was playing at and not at all surprised when he fell into step beside her.
This was why she wasn’t ready to leave, she realized. She was enjoying herself too much. Enjoying the fact that as Sonja she could do anything or say anything. Be shocking and sexy, and make Michael Wolfe sit up and take notice.
She glanced over at him as they walked, feeling beauti­ful, powerful, but most of all desirable. Because if that wasn’t hunger she saw in those dark eyes, then she’d been out of circulation for far too long.
Which was a distinct possibility given that her last sexual encounter had been almost a year ago in the back of Vince Cerqua’s convertible when the top wasn’t the only thing that wouldn’t go up. She’d spent the drive home assuring him that it happened to men all the time; at least that was what she heard in the tearoom.
She felt her face warm, knowing instinctively that Michael’s top would never let him down. Not that she wanted to find out. Not really. Not now, at any rate.
“Where will you be going in the morning?” he asked.
“New Jersey.”
He drew his head back and she laughed. “There’s a theater group I’m rather fond of. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. I’m just a wanderer. Never in one place long enough to plant a garden as they say.”
“Is that what you’d like to do? Plant a garden?”
“Yes,” she said, slipping in a touch of Sunny, but staying true to Sonja. “Of course, with so many emerging artists, I’m not thinking about that right now.”
He stopped and took her hand. “What are you thinking about?”
Trouble. And sex. Mostly sex. For all the good it did her.
Truth to tell, Sunny wasn’t the kind to have a one-night stand. She was conservative in her thinking and cautious when it came to matters of the heart. She was the kind who delivered hampers at Christmas, painted faces at the community center on Halloween, and made sure her organ-donor card was signed. No question about it, she was Sunny the good: Balanced. Friendly. And utterly predictable.
But Sonja? Now there was a real vixen. A woman who traveled the world, took risks every day, and was never, ever predictable. It seemed a shame to make her leave the ball so early when she was only in town for one night. And Sunny had the rest of her life to spend being good.
Michael ran his thumb across hers and the pull was stron­ger than ever, bringing her back a step. After all, it wasn’t as though he was a total stranger, some masked man she picked up at the sushi bar. This was Michael Wolfe, Beast of Brighton, Terror of the Tradesmen. And she already knew he looked good without a shirt.
Maybe Hugh was right. Maybe a moment of madness was good for the soul.
The music changed again, the singer launching into a slow, sultry torch song that begged an answer to the question women had been asking for centuries: what is it with men and commitment?
Sunny had wrestled with that issue herself for years, convinced that the boy she’d loved too much would come back for her one day. Pale and contrite, wanting nothing more than to love her the way he should have all along. But commitment wasn’t on her mind at all when she twined her fingers with Michael’s and gave him Sonja’s best come-hither smile. “I’m thinking we should go to your place,” she said, and was sure she was floating as they headed for the door.

BLURB:What happens when an everyday Cinderella makes a play for the prince?
A moment of madness. That’s all muralist Sunny Anderson expected when she donned a glittering mask and a fabulous gown to crash the gala at Manhattan’s newest boutique hotel. Project manager Michael Wolfe has no idea that the beauty staring up at the mural on the ballroom ceiling is also the artist who painted it. He’s captivated and she’s willing, but when their moment of madness on the sofa in his suite comes to an abrupt end, his princess is off and running, leaving nothing behind but a pair of earrings. He’s determined to find her again, but all he has to do is look closer at the woman painting the mural in his office to see that the one he needs is standing right in front of him.
Buy link:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Just-Way-Arent-Lynda-Simmons-ebook/dp/B00OYUDDTW/ref=twoen-20

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Lynda Simmons is a writer by day, college instructor by night and a late sleeper on weekends. She grew up in Toronto reading Greek mythology, bringing home stray cats and making up stories about bodies in the basement. From an early age, her family knew she would either end up as a writer or the old lady with a hundred cats. As luck would have it, she married a man with allergies so writing it was.
With two daughters to raise, Lynda and her husband moved into a lovely two storey mortgage in Burlington, a small city on the water just outside Toronto. While the girls are grown and gone, Lynda and her husband are still there. And yes, there is a cat - a beautiful, if spoiled, Birman.
When she's not writing or teaching, Lynda gives serious thought to using the treadmill in her basement. Fortunately, she's found that if she waits long enough, something urgent will pop up and save her - like a phone call or an e-mail or a whistling kettle. Or even that cat just looking for a little more attention!
Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Lynda-Simmons/e/B001KI3Z4Ohttp://www.lyndasimmons.com/http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/958842.Lynda_Simmonshttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-Simmons-Author/149740745067442https://twitter.com/LyndaMSimmons

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/11/vbt-just-way-you-arent-by-lynda-simmons.html

Prizes for the tour are as follows:• One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.• One randomly chosen host will receive a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
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New #Romantic Suspense: SHADOW by Maureen A Miller

 Blurb:
The Shadowwas watching her again. Sophie Diem could not see him. She could not prove he was there. She could never prove that he was there. But she constantly felt his eyes.
Sometimes he would approach. On those occasions she tried to run. Running was pointless, though. He would always return. And he would always ask the same question−over and over and over…
Where is Nathan Bethard?
Sophie's boss has skipped town, abandoning their counseling firm. Now a stranger is stalking her. In an attempt to flee the man, she seeks a new job...in London. Surely crossing the Atlantic will be enough to deter her shadow.

Buy link:Available on AMAZONSophie Diem closed the trunk of her Corolla with her elbow. It popped back open, of course. There had to be a sensor that detected just how many shopping bags she could juggle at once. Throw in a cold October rain and she realized that the free pinky on her left hand did not possess enough power for the deed. With a sigh she dropped three bags down on the wet sidewalk and slammed the trunk shut. Stringing her fingers through the plastic bag handles, she cursed when the paper towels toppled out. Something made her pause. That keen sense of being watched. It crawled up the back of her neck as surely as if the perpetrator stood behind her with his fingers around her throat.It was him. He was watching her again.Her shadow. She could not see him. She could not prove he was there. She could never prove that he was there. But his eyes bore into her back. Would he approach her today? He had done so in the past−the tall man with eyes the color of the darkest storm. The man who moved with catlike agility, but looked as if he rarely slept. The man who evoked chills even when she could not see him. She had told others about him. Under their encouragement she had even approached the police. There was nothing they could or would do, though. She had no name for this man. No identity. Anytime she tried to trap him, he disappeared. Oh, she had tried. She had even attempted to record him once with the microphone on her cell phone. But what good did a voice do? In the eyes of the police there was no physical threat. There was no name or body for them to go after. And again, the man would slip back into the night.“Hello Sophie.”The deep voice rumbled in the rain. The drops concealed his tread as he crossed the street to stand at her side. Dark rain coat. Dark pants. Gleaming dark hair. A face cast in shadow. He was a manifestation of the street itself−as if the pavement had morphed into this daunting figure. She did not bolt, though. If she ran as she had done in the past, he would just let her go. But he would always return. He would always find her.And he would always ask the same question−over and over and over…Where is Nathan Bethard?

About the Author:
USA TODAY bestselling author, Maureen A. Miller's first novel, WIDOW'S TALE earned her a Golden Heart nomination in Romantic Suspense. A great fan of the romantic suspense genre, Maureen created the site, JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSEwhere authors and readers of this wonderful genre can mix and mingle.You can learn more about Maureen on her website at www.maureenamiller.com
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Book Tour Blast: WHITE NIGHT by Kathi Haacke Morehead

 
Joanna Anderson Campbell lived the perfect life ... loving daughter and sister, loyal friend, faithful wife, and devoted mother. She was happy and content. What more could she have asked for? Life could not have been better. At least ... that's what she believed. Until she died. Can death teach the most valuable lessons about life? Jo Campbell is about to find out. 

Autographed Copy: http://www.kathimorehead.com/  

Buy on Amazon (Paperback) | Kindle

     

About the author:Kathi Haacke Morehead makes her fiction debut with WHITE NIGHT. She is the author of HEART BLEED: Letting go and stanching the flow, and THE BEST FROM THE CHEAP SEATS. She has also written numerous articles for Mind Body Green, and Boomeon. She also blogs daily at A View From the Cheap Seats Today. Kathi lives in Brunswick with her husband Dave and their four finicky felines. Her motto is "love and laugh!"
        

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Blog | YouTube | Literary Addicts Follow the tour herea Rafflecopter giveaway[image error]

Interview with Amelie S. Duncan, LITTLE WOLF

When did you begin writing?All my life I have been a storyteller. My younger years consisted of making up stories and skits to share with my family. When I was a teenager, I wrote more poetry and short stories than anyone else I knew. As I got older, my stories became darker and I drew from experiences surrounding a tough patch in my life.
In college, writing was academic and I put aside my personal stories. But a few years ago, I began writing again; only it didn’t come as easily as I remembered. I spent a lot of time studying and developing stories. I was always a lover of paranormal romances, but I progressed to erotica, and erotic romances. I shared my writing with my husband and friends. Friends were a bit more reserved about what I was creating, but my husband loved how alive I was when I was writing and encouraged me to pursue this dream. I am forever thankful for his support.
What genre do you write and why?I write contemporary erotic romance stories, but I also include darker elements in my writing. I’m an avid reader of dark erotica, erotica, erotic romances, paranormal romances and new adult stories. They all inspire me creatively. So, I write what I truly love and enjoy reading and hope those stories will resonate with like-minded readers.
Can you tell us a little about your book?Little Wolf is truly, at its heart, the love story of my heroine, Tala Velsik. She has a had a tough life growing up with her unmediated, paranoid schizophrenic mother and an absentee father. In her teen years, she was adopted by the family of Jax Molsom, her best and only friend.
She faced her haunted pass and challenging life with strength and resilience, managing to take care of herself and all those around her. In her pursuit to do just that, and pressing forward in her chaotic and difficult life, she helps her brother with his dreams and ends up crossing the path of famed photographer and director Adrian Caro.
Adrian’s life is quite a contrast of Tala’s, but he is also personally unfulfilled. So he makes a deal with the devil in his pursuit of happiness. As their worlds collide, the secret he is hiding becomes his biggest challenge of the story. Ultimately, this secret threatens everything.
I am long-winded, but purposely being vague to avoid spoiling the story. Ultimately, it is a story about finding love, care and family. These things come at a price, and it isn’t always perfect or easy, but even the most damaged among us can find it.
What is the inspiration behind your book Little Wolf?Little Wolf was first and foremost inspired by my work in the mental health field. My experience is with children, teens and women like my heroine, Tala Velsik. Their lives are often tragic and chaotic at times, but many of them remain strong and resilient. They are also extremely tough on the outside, but their hearts are so beautiful. Their loyalty a wonder. So this book was inspired by all the Tala’s I fell in love with over the years. 
The location where the majority of the novel takes place also has a special spot in my heart, as I studied there and always wanted to write about the beauty and kindness of the people I met while abroad. Overall, the family and community there are so unique that I felt this was the perfect setting for Tala and Adrian’s story.
How did you come up with the idea for the cover?Actually, my cover designer found the photo, as I was indecisive. I loved the picture, and the way it turned out is beautiful. I am very happy with it.
Name your all-time favorite book?Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
If your book was made into a movie who would you cast and why?If you’ve ever viewed my Pinterest account, you know I have a healthy obsession with David Gandy, so Adrian Caro would be him. Although, I always think of Adrian with a deep sultry voice, but I like his accent. A wonderful blogger brought my attention to Emilia Clarke for Tala Velsik. Blythe Danner for Sophie Caro. For the rest, I’m not as certain.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?I don’t really believe I ever thought I could be a writer. My friends and family always told me I was a great storyteller, but it seemed like a dream so far out of reach. I did well in story writing throughout my educational life, but it was only recent and through the encouragement of my husband that I began to really develop stories. It didn’t all come together at once, but I found wonderful people to help me and I’m continuously working to be better. So I hope to one day truly consider myself a writer.
How long does it take you to write a book?Writing a book doesn’t take nearly as long as developing, editing and publishing it. I find the first draft is pretty quick, but I would never publish that because it’s always awful! I would say for Little Wolf, it took a few months to write it, but much more time to develop the story with my development editor and beta readers.
Do you have a sequel or new books coming out in 2015?Yes. I have a series entitled Tiger Lily which I plan to release soon. As for a sequel to Little Wolf, I haven’t written one yet, but I may consider doing so in the future.

Book & Author Details:Little Wolf by Amélie S. Duncan
Publication date: December 9th 2014
Genres: Erotica, Romance
Synopsis:When twenty-three year old Tala Velsik appears in a last minute performance art piece, she has no idea that public nudity will be the least of her worries. Wearing nothing but silver paint and a pair of antlers, her body is bared to hundreds of eyes, but one penetrating stare simmers through the others, Adrian Caro.

Adrian Caro is one of the world’s most famous directors and photographers, but with striking features and a body made for sin, most would guess he belonged in front of the camera.
Of course, the last thing Tala needs is romance, even with a walking Adonis. Mounting bills, a dead end job and a set of childhood memories most therapists would pale at; love is low on her list. Assuming, of course, her new admirer allows her to have a say in the matter.

Shocked yet thrilled by Adrian’s passionate domination, Tala can’t help but feel she’s standing on quicksand. For all his wealth, fame and talent, Adrian is tormented by his own demons; hiding secrets big enough to destroy them both.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23626719-little-wolf?ac=1
Purchase: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/little-wolf-Am%C3%A9lie-S-Duncan-ebook/dp/B00QSP9K0M/ref=twoen-20
AUTHOR BIOAmélie S. Duncan writes contemporary, erotic romances with a dark edge. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.
Author links:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9884055.Am_lie_S_Duncanhttp://www.ameliesduncan.com/https://twitter.com/AmelieSDuncanhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Am%C3%A9lie-S-Duncan/572889196145981

Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)2x $10 Amazon Gift Cards

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#Review: HIGHLAND GUARD by Hannah Howell

  5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Howell and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The dialect was a bit hard to figure out at the beginning, but once I got used to it, the book flowed nicely. Lady Annys MacQueen is the widow of the laird David MacQueen and her cruel and power hungry kinsman, Adam, wants the keep and the rich lands for himself. Annys will do anything to protect the keep for her young son and that includes calling on Sir Harcourt Murray for help.

From the moment Annys and Harcourt meet again, the tension begins to build. Annys and Harcourt harbor a secret that could destroy them both. Their scenes together are filled with heat and longing, but they must put their personal feelings aside while they defend the keep. Ms. Murray does a fantastic job of slowing revealing the back story for these two. I felt myself being transported back in time and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened. Fans of historical romance will definitely enjoy this book. Recommended.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book will be available on February 24, 2015.

Amazon Pre-order link:
http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Guard-Murrays-Book-20-ebook/dp/B00M4ASQFK[image error]

New #Romance Release: EVER AFTER by Anya Wylde

Blurb In a wonderfully unpredictable tale of adventure, romance and a goodly bit of humour, Ever After tells the story of a princess who is trapped in a tower by her over protective father. The princess must escape the tower and choose between love and duty. And when one thinks this is the end, the tale takes a turn and the princess finds herself on an unconventional path to happily ever after. Less
“With a shout from the queen, a hoot from the major, a joyous giggle from the good king … the long awaited princess finally arrived ...”

In an unpredictable world where birds deliver babies, wise turtles live deep in the earth and grasshoppers advise the queen, the new-born and highly indignant princess finds herself trapped in a luxurious tower by the over protective king.
Soon after her seventeenth birthday, growing bored of trinkets, baubles and sparkling diamonds, she decides to rebel and win back her freedom. Her father relents and allows her to venture outside the tower, but only if she is accompanied by the royal entourage comprising of guards, doctors, nurses, maids, a cook, an elephant, as well as a military tank complete with a powerful cannon.

Just when she thinks she is beginning to understand the world outside the tower, she sees him moving amongst the crowd, and her entire world tilts on its axis and the tale takes an unexpected turn....

Review:
3 of 5 stars
This was not my favorite book by Anya Wylde, but her writing style never fails to delight me. This is the story of a princess surrounded by love or prison depending on who you spoke with. Love can be suffocating and make you blind to the obvious, but these are lessons the princess must learn on her own. It's a cute read and fans of Ms. Wylde will no doubt enjoy it.  [image error]

ONE NIGHT WITH HER ROOMMATE by Noelle Adams

Excerpt :She started to dig into her purse for her keys, but she looked up to check out his expression. He looked uncharacteristically quiet. And his tone was uncharacteristically gentle as he asked, “You okay?”“Of course,” she replied, trying to sound natural and peppy. “Why wouldn’t I be?”“I don’t know. You tell me.”“I’ve got nothing to tell you,” she said with a frown, feeling a familiar impatience return, since he was acting like he knew something of what she was feeling. “I’m happy for them. It’s great news.”“Of course, it is. But that doesn’t mean happy is all you feel at hearing the news.”She frowned, but her heart was starting to beat quickly, as if something important was about to happen. “Why would I be anything but happy for them?”He stepped into her in a way that pressed her back against the door to her car. He braced a hand on the car beside her shoulder so he was kind of trapping her in place. But his expression wasn’t sexy or flirtatious. It was knowing and intimate somehow. “Maybe you’re kind of disappointed it’s not you.”She gasped. “I’ve never had the slightest interest in Jake. Not the slightest!”“I know that,” he murmured with a smile, his eyes almost caressing her face. “I meant maybe you’re disappointed that the engagement, the wedding, the marriage, the whole rosy fairytale isn’t happening to you.”“Well, I’m not. I’m perfectly happy not being married.” It was the truth, so she could say it with wide eyes and no dissemblance.His expression shifted, got a little warmer in a way she was very familiar with. “So you don’t secretly have daydreams about settling down in domestic bliss with me?”Her pulse was throbbing wildly from his closeness and from the continued intimacy of his gaze, but she couldn’t keep a giggle from bubbling up. “You’re the last guy I’d daydream about domestic bliss with.”“Ah, it must be other kinds of bliss I’m giving you in your daydreams.”She flushed hot as his eyes were suddenly all about sex. All. About. Sex.It took a minute for her recover, but her voice was mostly even when she said, “You don’t star in any of my daydreams. That’s your overinflated ego talking.” She clutched at the strap of her purse with both hands, since she desperately wanted to touch East’s chest.It was only a couple of inches away.

Book & Author Details:One Night with her Roommate by Noelle Adams
(One Night novellas, #5)
Publication date: January 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:Ever since her former roommates deserted her, Meg has had to share an apartment with a lazy, obnoxious ass. He won’t pick up after himself, and he refuses to get a good job. Plus, he doesn’t always wear enough clothes—which is really a problem, because he’s hot.

Maybe he’s occasionally funny. And every now and then he can be sweet. But mostly he’s just annoying. It doesn’t matter how much he’s starting to flirt with her—Meg is going to resist. She’s way too smart to fall for a guy who never takes anything seriously.

But then everything changes in only one night...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24565871-one-night-with-her-roommate?ac=1Purchase: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Roommate-Noelle-Adams-ebook/dp/B00SER0484/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421679830&sr=8-1&keywords=One+Night+with+her+Roommate+by+Noelle+AdamsB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-night-with-her-roommate-noelle-adams/1121023686?ean=2940151728225iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-night-with-her-roommate/id956846841?mt=11&uo=4
AUTHOR BIONoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Author links:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6572847.Noelle_Adamshttp://noelle-adams.com/https://twitter.com/NoelleAdams3https://www.facebook.com/NoelleAdamsAuthor
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)$25 gift card to Amazon or B&N
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#Excerpt: YESTERDAY PEOPLE by Terri Herman-Ponce

Excerpt:
“What would Dr. Berzet do with the research?” Mom asked.
Lottie sighed. “I don’t know that either. But if we can uncover more of our past, that could potentially help David find Ada now. At least, that’s my hope.”
This needed thinking through first. “We can’t go into this blindly—”
“I think this is a fabulous idea, Jelly Bean.”
“Mom, I don’t—”
“Can you imagine what you could uncover together?” Mom was staring at Lottie and ignoring me. “I’d never thought about the historical angle before. It sounds fascinating.”
“Wait a minute—”
“This could be the break you need.”
“This isn’t a break—”
“Tell me more about this.”
“Stop!” My voice thundered through the kitchen and Mom jumped, clutching her hand to her chest. “Research like this isn’t kept quiet. Even if we thought it was a good idea, at some point reports will be issued and studies will be shared, and then there’s the possibility it could make the news or television.” I shook my head. MD would never approve of the idea, much less support it. I signed a contract when I joined PROs and promised them a number of things. Keeping a low profile was one of them. “I have an agreement with PROs and I intend to keep it. There is no further discussion about this. There can’t be any meetings with Berzet, at least not for the interim.”
“It may not be that simple,” Lottie said. “Galen is involved with this research, too.”
I froze. “You’re sure about this?”
Lottie nodded.
“I don’t understand,” Mom said. “Why does David have to sign a contract with PROs and Galen doesn’t?”
Galen signed a contract. I’d seen it. Which meant he was about to breach it.
“I know we have a tenuous relationship with Galen,” Lottie said, “but we also have a history that spans millennia. There are things we can learn about ourselves that can enrich our lives and our relationship, and that could potentially help Ada.”
“A precarious and dishonest history, Lottie. You cheated with him once—”
Mom grabbed my hand. “Let this go, Bubbala. That was a long time ago. Let’s hear what she has to say.”
Lottie drew in a breath, held it, and let it out long and slow. “Why can’t we satisfy Dr. Berzet’s research needs and our own at the same time?”
“Didn’t you hear me? I can’t do this. I can’t risk my career.”
“David, listen to me.” Mom edged her chair in closer. “Your feelings about Galen aside, it’s clear that Galen is going to do this with or without you. And there is also the possibility that you might discover something in your past that will help you find Ada now. She is a very special girl.”
Her brows rose and she gave me a pointed look. It felt like a hidden message I didn’t understand.
“The connection between kindred souls and past lives is a very powerful thing,” Mom went on, “and should not be ignored. Just because we can’t understand something doesn’t make it any less meaningful.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“By the gods, you can be so dense sometimes.” Mom laughed. “I’m saying to give this a go.”
“No. No, there is something else going on inside that head of yours. Your wheels are turning. I can see it.”
“You have a daughter, Bubbala, who’s right here in the States at least for now. You relied on instinct once before to find a loved one and it could be the only chance you have now to do it again.”
We stared at each other from across the table, and I still couldn't help but feel manipulated.
Lottie pressed her palm to my thigh. “I know you’re struggling to do the right thing, but what could be more important than a twelve year old girl who needs her father?”
Nothing.
In the background, the refrigerator started humming, a reminder that it was still empty. I was feeling empty, too.
“Fine,” I said with a resigned sigh, but I didn’t hold out hope. Instinct may have drawn me to find Lottie when she was abducted, but relying on it at the time felt natural. Like breathing. But when it came to Ada? It felt all kinds of different.
And it wasn’t a good different.

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

BLURB:David Bellotti’s only focus is to find his abducted twelve-year old daughter. When he sees her on a news segment with her captor, a renowned archaeologist who’s made a major discovery, David sets out to bring her back home. But the search leads him to a secret message that could alter man’s history forever.
A message David and his daughter inscribed twelve-thousand years ago.
A message that will prove dangerous in the wrong hands.
Protecting this powerful information seems simple until David realizes some people will use his daughter against him to get it, at whatever the cost. Now David must make a choice. Protect mankind from a secret past that must remain hidden, or save his little girl.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:Terri looks for any opportunity to make stuff up. She thinks anything that can’t so easily be explained is worth an extra look and often makes a great story. She loves red wine, scotch, sunrises, Ancient Egypt, the beach—and a host of other stuff that would take too much real estate to talk about. The youngest of five children, Terri lives with her husband and son on Long Island. And, in her next life, if she hasn’t moved on to somewhere else, she wants to be an astronomer. Terri’s fascinated with the night skies almost as much as she’s fascinated with ancient Egypt.
Terri is a member of member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and you can read about her at http://terriponce.com/.
If you love social media, you can also find Terri on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Terri.Ponce.Authorand on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TerriPonce.
Come visit. She’d love to hear from you!
Buy Link:http://smarturl.it/YesterdayPeople

Terri will be awarding $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon or B/N GCto a randomly drawn host.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

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#Review: WIZARDS OF SEATTLE, Books 1 and 2

3 of 5 stars


Inheritance is an interesting read to a new series from author John O'Riley. The author does a good job of pulling you into this new world where magic is the norm. This episode introduces Jason, a category 3 wizard who's been unemployed for the past 3 months. Desperate to find a job, he is unique in that he can also read psychometry which is the lingering effects of an event. His abilities bring him to the attention of the police department and a possible job opportunity. In the midst of all of this, he learns that he has inherited a mansion along with his brother and cousin, but there's a catch. They all must live in the house for 10 years. There's magic all around and events start to spiral out of control.

While I enjoyed reading this story, I was never fully engaged with the main character. The author continues to just tell the reader what's going on instead of letting the character's actions reveal the story. It was like looking through a window and watching the story unfold. I prefer to feel the character's anguish, pain, love, etc. and I didn't get that from these stories.

Jason's story continues in Caretaker and once again, the storyline is good, but I think a intense developmental edit would really make this series shine. I was intrigued with the introduction of the Gray Angels and hope the author continues with this element.

I received these books in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.    
InheritanceEpisode 1 of the Wizards of Seattle Serieseattle SeriesJason wonders if his luck has finally turned around when he discovers he will inherit a luxurious home infused with ancient magic and a sizable fortune from a relative he’d never known existed. Of course, there’s a catch. His younger brother and his cousin will inherit equal parts of the inheritance and it is stipulated in the will that they must live together first before they gain possession of the estate. All three of them are potential White Knights with the rare ability to practice advanced white magic. They must learn to use their new power and defend themselves from a secret organization that is armed with potent, black magic. This novella is the first installment of the Wizards of Seattle series.Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and IBookstore. Click here for a free book excerpt.
 CaretakerEpisode 2 of the Wizards of Seattle Series
Jason has recently discovered his new category six wizardry was a result of a genetic experiment performed by a secret organization called the Ebullio. Now that he has broken free of their mind control enchantment, suppressed memories float to the surface and he remembers the terrifying abductions and genomic therapy that he and his younger brother, Benjamin, endured. Meanwhile, the Valituras have set their sights on Jason, unleashing powerful curses designed to kill him and his family. As Jason learns more about the Ebullio and the Valituras, he realizes that danger lurks behind every corner and the enemy could be hiding in plain sight. This novella is the second installment of the Wizards of Seattle series.
Caretaker is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and other book retailers.

John O'Riley began writing at a very early age. In fact, he's been writing for as long as he can remember. He is an award winning writer of novels and screenplays in the category of urban fantasy, comedy, mystery, science fiction and young adult. His movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout. He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Kay Hooper (Bishop Files/ psychic detective thrillers), Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Janet Evanovich. He currently resides in Washington state and owns a very friendly parakeet named Amy who helps spark his imagination.  
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