Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 241

#Excerpt: AGAINST THE DARKNESS by A.M. Griffin

Book BLURB:
Seventeen year old Sinta Allen has one objective, to get from Tallahassee, Florida to her mother in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Seems simple enough right? Wrong. Hostile aliens have invaded Earth—and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that we’re losing the fight. While the aliens bring devastation and destruction and take people away to God knows where in their spaceships, Sinta, along with some of her classmates must rely on their survival instincts, a little luck and each other if they want to survive the venture across the country. The last thing she needs is for Wade, her school friend and Jason, her rescuer, to distract her along the way.
(book intended for 15+)

Now available from Ellora’s Cave: https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/a.m.-griffin/

AUTHOR Bio and Links:A. M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.
You can find out what else I’m working on by visiting my website: http://www.amgriffinbooks.com/Like my FaceBook page for exclusive news and free books and swag giveaways! http://www.facebook.com/amgriffinbooksFollow me on Twitter! https://twitter.com/AMGriffinbooks

Excerpt:He snaps his fingers, bringing my attention back to his face.
He mouths something that I can’t make out. I shake my head.
He creeps closer. I notice a few other things about him. Like the gun that he’s holding in one hand and some kind of knife in the other.
My eyes widen in understanding.
He’s here to save us.
I peer to my right and left. No one else is paying attention to him. I turn back to him.
“Where are they?” he mouths again.
I nod toward the cabin where Ms. Burgess is screaming.
“How many?” he mouths.
“Three,” I mouth back to him.
He nods and goes back into the woods.
No, I want to yell. Come back, don’t leave us here.
I’m about to do just that when he returns with another man, this one older, but similar looking. They creep closer to us, their eyes scanning everything around them. As they come closer I see the rifles strapped across their backs, the guns in shoulder holsters, the knives strapped around their legs and pistols in their hands. I want to cry.
If anybody can save us from the Tanners it’s them.
The tickle of a tear is on my cheek. I use a shoulder to wipe it away.
I don’t say a word as the younger one crouches behind me and uses his knife to cut through the ropes that bind my wrists. The other man goes behind MJ to do the same. I see him whispering something to MJ and MJ nodding in response. Once my hands are free, he moves down to my ankles and begins to saw away at the ropes there.
He glances up to me, his eyes focused squarely on mine. I have a hard time looking away and I think that’s his intention. “What’s your name?”
Instead of my name a cry escapes my lips.
“It’s going to be okay,” he says, still sawing away at the ropes. He takes a quick peek to his right, where the other man is working to free MJ’s feet. “My name is Jason, but all my fraternity brothers call me JC.” He attempts a smile. “You can call me JC.”
“I…I’m not your frat brother,” I say, in a stutter, as confusion clouds my mind. “I’m a girl.”
Why did I point that out?
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
“Huh?” I’m as confused as ever.
With my feet free, he crawls quickly up to my side.
“Are you still with me? You look like you’re about to freak out and bolt.”
I nod. Yes I’m okay and yes, I’m going to run.
“Stay with me sweetheart,” he says, in a rush. “I’m going to give you this knife and you’re going to free the other girls. After they’re free, I want you to take them where you first saw me, okay? Behind those trees are some backpacks, you wait there for us. Do you hear me?”
Yes.
“Answer me. Do you understand what I want you to do?”
“But what if you don’t make it. They can kill you,” I whisper. I can’t cover up the fear that is smothering me.
The smile he gives me this time is genuine, not at all forced, and all I notice are the deep dimples in his cheeks. “We got this.”
And for some reason I believe him. “Okay.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The author will be awarding a t-shirt, a wire bookmark, and a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/03/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-against.html
a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Review: SHAMAN PRIESTESS PAWN by M. Terry Green

5 of 5 stars
The newest book is the techno shaman series features Olivia and SK traveling into the deep jungle searching for legendary Mayan shamans. When they do find the elusive group, things are not as they seem and Livvy and SK are soon fighting for their very lives.

I love this series and book 4 delivers an intense and engaging story, this time about SK. It was great to learn about the private man and his integral role in Mayan shaman history. Livvy's character is given great odds to overcome both in the Multiverse and the real world. She not only has to save herself, but also a way to save SK. The story is fast-paced and kept my attention throughout. The author does a superb job of letting the reader "see" the images/creatures in the Multiverse. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I had to find out the fate of both Livvy and SK. No spoilers here, but this is another wonderful installment in the Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman series. Highly recommended.

Start reading this series with a FREE "Shaman, Healer, Heretic."

Interview with E.C. Hibbs

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series? 
My latest book is called Tragic Silence and it’s a YA paranormal romance / thriller / suspense. It’s about a young woman called Bianka Farkas who is targeted by a vampire while trying to rescue her best friend. She eventually runs away to London so she can try to find some safety, but it soon turns out escaping is not quite that simple. It’s part of a series – it has two prequels which are unpublished at the moment. But the three books can be read individually and in any order; together they bring together a larger story.Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all? 
It happened with Tragic Silence, because Frank was originally going to be quite a minor character. I honestly can’t imagine how I could have written it if I’d carried on that way. He really brought a warmth and sense of humour to the book, and it didn’t take me long to see that Bianka would definitely need more of his influence!How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel? 
All in all, I think it took me about three years. The idea that I might someday be able to become a professional writer wasn’t something I really thought about until I was in my teens, but my family and teachers encouraged me to try. By that time, I had already written four novels and two novellas, and I originally approached publishers with one of them. I put off trying again for a while, but when I rewrote Blindsighted Wanderer from an earlier version, I decided to give it another shot, and that book turned out to be “the one.”If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover? 
The Tragic Silence cover was done by the brilliant Airicka Phoenix, but I was very involved with it because part of the image was actually created by me! The background is a concept artwork which I created of the main character, Bianka, and I knew I really wanted to have her on the cover somewhere.Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you? 
I outline, but I don’t always stick to it completely. I tend to just use it as a general walkthrough, to remind me where the chapter breaks should be, or roughly when a certain bit of information needs to be fed into the plot. I hate tying down the story and not giving it room to breathe and grow by itself. But I do need to have some kind of ‘umbilical cord’ to make sure it can’t completely run away with me!What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)? 
The main sites that I use to keep people updated on a day-to-day basis are Facebook and Twitter, and every few weeks I write a post on my blog. I’ve recently launched a brand new website (www.echibbs.weebly.com) which is full of bonus material from both my books, including desktop wallpapers and some of my original notes. Last month I also took part in Vlog Every Day in April on Youtube, and I think I’ll carry on making the occasional vlog in the future!Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book? 
It can be a bit tricky, but I think it all comes down to time-management. I’m also at university studying for a Masters degree, so if I’m not working on stuff for that, I’m usually doing something for my two published books. I really enjoy writing, so I don’t have a problem focusing on that in my ‘spare time’, but the way I prefer to write means I can get most of the story done in 4-8 weeks. So I try to organize my time into blocks, to allow for university work, promotional work, and then writing intensely for a couple of months every year.Besides writing, do you have any other passions? 
I’m a really big nature and animal lover, so I enjoy being outside, especially in the Lake District, which is one of my favourite places in the world! I’m very passionate about art as well, because I’ve been doing that for pretty much as long as I’ve been writing. Besides that, I practice Shotokan karate and archery, and collect old books!Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night? 
I can’t choose between dogs and cats because I love them both! In ice cream terms, I’d pick vanilla, but in all other terms, chocolate all the way! I can’t stand coffee or tea – hot chocolate always wins for me! And I’m definitely a night owl; I always seem to be more awake when it goes dark!What’s next for you? 
This is going to be quite a busy year for me because I’m due to finish my Masters course, so I have to write my dissertation over the summer. But once that’s all done, I’m going to write a fantasy / steampunk novel in winter, and next year I’m planning to start a new high fantasy series! But the main thing I’m looking forward to is paying a visit to Royal Holloway University’s book club later this month! It’s all very exciting!
Book & Author details:Tragic Silence by E.C. Hibbs
Publication date: November 19th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Suspense
Synopsis:When tragedy strikes Bianka Farkas one night in her native Hungary, she loses more than a friend and her mobility. Some things are harder to understand. Waking up in a hospital, Bee struggles to remember exactly what happened the night she was attacked and witnessed a brutal murder. Memories of a mysterious figure plague her as well as bizarre and terrifying changes in her over the next few years. Facing this new horrifying reality with a surprising ally, Bee finally has the chance to take her revenge but at what cost?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18618544-tragic-silence?ac=1
Purchase: -Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tragic-Silence-EC-Hibbs-ebook/dp/B00GQM0QLY
AUTHOR BIO: E. C. Hibbs has lived all her life in Cheshire, north-west England. A lover of stories from an early age, she wrote her first ‘book’ when she was five, and throughout school was a frequent visitor to the younger classes to read her tales to the children.

Living so near the coast, she loves anything to do with the sea. She studied Animal Behaviour at university and longs to work with marine mammals in the future. As well as nature and animals, she also has a soft spot for history, and loves paying visits to castles, cathedrals and museums.

There are many things she could be without, but writing isn’t one of them. She carries a pen everywhere, in case an idea appears, and takes pride in still seeing the world as brimming with magic. Besides writing, she reads obsessively, her favourite genres being the classics and all kinds of fantasy. She also enjoys Disney and horror films, practising Shotokan karate, drawing, archery, and playing with her very cheeky kitten.
Author Links:http://echibbs.blogspot.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/echibbshttps://twitter.com/echibbshttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6571427.E_C_Hibbs

Tour wide giveaway Open INTL—$15 Amazon gift card
a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

#Excerpt: THE GATEKEEPER by J.A. Templeton

Book & Author Details:The Gatekeeper by J.A. Templeton
(Otherworld Series #1)
Publication date: May 1st 2014
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:Ever since I can remember, I’ve had strange dreams that always came true, and experienced terrifying powers that set me apart from everyone else.

It’s not until my eighteenth birthday do I begin to understand what those dreams mean. When my grandfather is attacked and left for dead, I am thrust into the Otherworld—a medieval-like land of beautiful immortals with amazing gifts. One of these immortals has stolen the key between the realms, and it is up to me, Brynne Davies, the next gatekeeper, to reach the key before the power struggle that exists in the Otherworld occurs on earth.

Complicating my task are the members of the Royal House of Parthas, especially the king’s brother, the handsome Murdoc, Warlord of the king’s army, and then there’s the charming Fae prince who seems to always be one step ahead of me.

Time is running out for me to find the key and close the door. If I don’t, the world I left will never be the same…because of me.

The Gatekeeper (Otherworld series, #1) is a New Adult Fantasy/Paranormal Romance.Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14289574-the-gatekeeper?ac=1Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gatekeeper-Otherworld-1-J-Templeton-ebook/dp/B00K0UGV5S/ref=two-en
AUTHOR BIOI wrote my first young adult novel over ten years ago, and took a slight detour from writing YA to publish nineteen adult romances. Now, I'm following my heart and writing in the genre I've been passionate about for so long, and about characters who don't exactly fit into any specific box.

Aside from writing and reading, I'm obsessed with history, love research, traveling, and riding motorcycles with my hubby, my first and only love, who stole my heart when I was fourteen and he was eighteen (yes, he robbed the cradle). I am also a medium, which gives me a unique perspective when writing about the paranormal and characters like Riley, who can see, hear, and feel spirits.
I'm passionate about books, and I'll never tire of writing love stories.

Author links:http://www.jatempleton.com/https://www.facebook.com/pages/JA-Templeton/124655067647202?ref=hlhttps://twitter.com/JATempletonhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5005267.J_A_Templeton
Excerpt:The smithy was stifling hot. Gareth had thick and curly reddish-brown hair. Wet with perspiration, he was busy pounding out horseshoes as if his life depended on it. He abruptly looked up and his eyes widened. “My lord, I fear I do not yet have the sword ready.”Murdoc smiled reassuringly. “I am not here for the sword, but rather to make a bracelet for Parthas’s newest arrival.” He motioned to me. “Gareth, this is Brynne. Brynne, may I introduce Gareth.”Gareth appeared relieved as he glanced at me, and quickly hid a smile. “His lordship is quite skilled with iron and fire, Miss Brynne.”“Aye, I believe you,” I nearly shouted, feeling ridiculous the second the words were out because Gareth’s brow furrowed. It didn’t help when he and Murdoc shared an amused smile.To Gareth’s credit, he didn’t let his gaze move past my chin. I wished I could have changed into another gown because I looked a mess. Aside from my appearance, I was glad to be in Murdoc’s company.“Do not boast of my skills too much, my friend,” Murdoc said, taking a leather apron from a spike on the wall. He tied it around his waist and then reached for my hand, sliding his fingers and thumb around my wrist.His touch was electric and it stunned me. I felt that casual touch all the way to my toes.“I need to measure for an accurate fit,” he said, and I looked up at him, at the way his long lashes cast shadows on those model-like cheekbones. I swallowed a sigh.“Very delicate,” he said, catching me staring at him. He didn’t move, just watched me for a moment before letting his hand fall away.I had to remind myself to breathe as he took a step away from me.He immediately set into motion by grasping a set of tongs, then heating a rod of iron over the fire.I stood watching for a few minutes, then feeling ridiculous, I decided to take a seat on a nearby bench. I had to admit—Murdoc intrigued me. He was a walking contradiction. Everything about him screamed intimidation, and yet here he was—Parthas’s ominous warlord—taking time out of his day to make a bracelet for a girl he had just met. Which made me wonder—did he have a woman? He wore no ring. Then again, I did not know Parthas customs.Murdoc glanced up at Gareth, who kept his gaze averted, but the blacksmith’s lips quirked nonetheless. Gareth then turned away and made himself busy cleaning up the metal shavings in the work area, humming all the while.A light breeze rushed through the smithy, and I watched as the wind ruffled Murdoc’s hair. The shirt he’d slid on hung loosely at his waist and over his butt.And he had a nice butt. Once again, I forced my gaze away from his smoking-hot body.I couldn’t afford to start crushing on anyone in Parthas. Time was ticking, and I had to get in and get out, and back to Pops.But that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the eye candy while I was here.Murdoc kept reaching for different tools off of a wooden rack to twist and bend the metal. It was amazing to watch him at work. After ten or so minutes of meticulous detail, the bracelet was finished and Murdoc set it to cool on a rack.Putting the tools away, he brushed a hand through his hair just as another strong breeze blew through the shop window, and a stray lock fell over his right eye.I don’t know what possessed me, but I stepped close, reached up, and brushed the strand away. Murdoc’s hand flew up and caught my wrist in a firm grip.I gasped, surprised by his reaction. “I only wanted to get the hair—”He immediately loosened his grip. “I apologize, Brynne. I am not accustomed to being touched.”Not accustomed to being touched? Was he serious? Something in his eyes made me believe he was completely serious…and why did I find that so sad? Maybe because my grandfather had never let me go to bed without tucking me in with a kiss on the cheek and telling me that he loved me.Murdoc stared at my lips—almost as if he was going to kiss me.“My lord,” a guard yelled from the door.Murdoc blinked and took a step away from me. “Aye, Cameron. What is it?”“There is a caravan coming, and they are flying the colors of the House of Zaphyr.” Cameron flashed a grin. “Your betrothed will be at the castle gate within the hour!”Your betrothed? As in fiancée?Murdoc was engaged.

 

#Cover Reveal: THE SPELL REALM by Dima Zales

 

 
 Cover Reveal!The highly anticipated sequel to The Sorcery Code . . .After the battle with the Sorcerer Guard, Gala and Blaise take shelter in the mountains, a place of unique beauty and danger. Augusta, however, is determined to gain revenge—even as Barson, her ambitious lover, executes his own plan. But amidst politics, battles, and intrigue, something far bigger is brewing . . . something that could upset the balance of the Spell Realm itself.
See where the story begins: Book 1 - The Sorcery CodeSign up to get News and find out when the Book is Released HERE!  



Dima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career. 

 Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends. He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). 

Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants. In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now. Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. 

Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com.
Follow Dima:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Literary Addicts Goodreads | LinkedIn | Youtube | Blog

New #Fantasy Release: SONG OF THE SEA SPIRIT by K.C. May

Release day sale price of ONLY .99! Grab it today before the price reverts to $3.99.



Jora Lanseri hopes to marry and bear sons, as her duty to Serocia requires, but she possesses an uncommon skill—the ability to enter the Mindstream to witness any event in the present or past. Her plans are interrupted when two men arrive in her hometown and insist she accompany them to the capitol to serve Serocia with her Mindstreaming skill. After being inducted into the Order of Justice Officials and beginning her training as a Truth Sayer, she witnesses a shocking crime, jeopardizing the lives of everyone she cares about—including her own.

But Jora has a secret. With the aid of a friendly dolphin, she's been slowly unraveling the mystery of the Spirit Stones, the ancient, singing sculptures that are at the very heart of the crime. Will the sculptures' unfolding mysteries help save her people from a never-ending war, or will they lead Jora down a path of destruction that threatens everything—and everyone—she has worked to protect?


Buy links:Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Song-Sea-Spirit-Mindstream-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00K4JG6VE
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Sea-Spirit-Mindstream-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00K4JG6VE
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/Song-Sea-Spirit-Mindstream-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00K4JG6VE
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/song-of-the-sea-spirit-kc-may/1119432519?ean=2940149551729
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/434945
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search/Query?q=1230000237213
Author bio:
K.C. May grew up in the mid-western USA and in Hawaii, and earned a B.A. in Russian from Florida State University. After a year in Taiwan teaching English and studying Mandarin Chinese, she lived in the Arizona desert where she founded a Rottweiler rescue organization and worked as a computer programmer and technical writer. Her interests include karate, backpacking, motorcycle riding, dog training, and computer gaming. In 2010, she retreated to cooler, greener Georgia. 
Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.kcmay.com

Interview with Bernadette Marie

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series? Home Run is the 7th book in the Keller Family series. This story follows Christian, the son of Madeline and Carlos whom we meet in book 2. Since every Keller is in every book, we have been following Christian since he was about 12. Now, an adult, he faces the loss of his baseball career, due to a tragic accident. He also lost the woman of his dreams, his fiancée Victoria, when, in that same accident, she lost her sister and brother-in-law and became guardian to their children. The story follows them as they both try to move on. Victoria with another man and Christian with Victoria. Only true happiness is found when they both begin to let the walls they’ve built around their worlds (and hearts) crumble.
 
Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?Yes! And that usually means the books has become a series of books. That’s what happened here with the Kellers. I wrote a book about Regan Keller. At some point I have her a brother and he had a story, and so did her sister, and her other brother. The list goes on.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers? I did. I have been rejected since I was 16 years old. But in 2009 I was contracted for my first series by a company that would later fold after not paying any of their authors. So I opened my own publishing house and I have had great success with that. Not only have most of my 15 books gone bestseller, but I have over 25 authors and a catalog of over 60 titles. Numbers of them have also gone bestseller.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)? When you’ve gone through the ups and downs of the excitement and turmoil of a “Non-Legit” publisher, you quickly get the thought that you could do this all by yourself. That was what I did. I built a company just for me, but others began to see it as a workable platform and the publishing house of 5 Prince Publishing became more than a place for me to put out my work. It became a launch for many great authors and a new platform for other already published authors.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence? I have five sons. So I find when I’m working during the day and they are at school I sit and work in silence. Music is my muse, but not my partner during the work day.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you? My characters write the stories. I’m very much left out of the loop. I seem to just be the typist.

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey? That voice is very important and too many times an author’s voice is taken from them. With my first publisher she decided to do Christian books after having contracted me. This wasn’t my voice, but she changed all of the books to be “sweet and clean.” This stole my voice. An editor can also quickly do that if a house demands that or the author isn’t working with an editor that embraces that.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale? My books are on Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and also distributed on a grand scale through Smashwords.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)? I’m very active on Twitter and Facebook. I have a great blog too! (@writesromance on Twitter. Facebook.com/authorbernadettemarie and authorbernadettemarie.blogspot.com)

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book? I find it hard to get in all the marketing period. I have a marketing director inhouse and I’ve hired a PR firm for an upcoming trilogy. I’m never at a loss of time to write. I make that happen. But the marketing is harder.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena? Do it! It’s a great avenue. It’s not easy so don’t think it is. And PLEASE go in professional! Get your cover designed! Get a professional editor! Have it line edited after that! But don’t just push publish!

Besides writing, do you have any other passions? Of course my kids! They are all competitive hockey players and I do find great joy in sitting in ice rinks. I am also a 2nd degree black belt, but due to my schedule my training has halted, but I am now finding a great passion for Pilates!

What’s next for you? This summer I will launch a trilogy called THE THREE MRS. MONROES. I’m so excited about this project and I hope it is loved by my readers just as much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~ BOOK BLURB:Victoria Lincoln had a promising future with Christian until an accident took the life of her sister and left her as guardian to her two small children.
Their lives have gone in different directions, but Christian and Victoria’s paths will cross again. It will take a lot of change to pick up where they left off—if either of them can.
~~~~~~~~~~~~  AUTHOR Bio and Links: Bernadette Marie has been an avid writer since the early age of 13, when she’d fill notebook after notebook with stories that she’d share with her friends.  Her journey into novel writing started the summer before eighth grade when her father gave her an old typewriter.  At all times of the day and night you would find her on the back porch penning her first work, which she would continue to write for the next 22 years.
In 2007 – after marriage, filling her chronic entrepreneurial needs, and having five children – Bernadette began to write seriously with the goal of being published.  That year she wrote 12 books.  In 2009  she was contracted for her first trilogy and the published author was born.  In 2011 she (being the entrepreneur that she is) opened her own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing, and has released contemporary titles and has begun the process of taking on other authors in other genres.
Bernadette spends most of her free time driving her kids to their many events.  She is also an accomplished martial artist, working her way to her second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.  An avid reader she loves to meet readers who enjoy reading contemporary romances and she always promises Happily Ever After.
5 Prince Publishing: http://www.5princebooks.com/bernadettemarie.htmlWebsite: http://www.bernadettemarie.com/Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authorbernadettemarieTwitter:  http://www.twitter.com/writesromanceBlog:  http://www.authorbernadettemarie.blogspot.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Bernadette will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/02/virtual-book-tour-home-run-by.html

#Romance New Release: 8 full novels for .99, KICK ASS HEROINES & HOT HEROES

Kick Ass Heroines & Hot Heroes is currently on sale. Grab it before the price increases to $7.99*

 http://www.amazon.com/Kick-Ass-Heroines-Hot-Heroes-ebook/dp/B00JNEX10U/ref=two-en

"A collection of romances that will thrill and captivate readers with their strong heroines and oh-so-hot heroes."

The Wedding Wager
Regina Duke
Megan leaves the hospital whole, but in despair. Can Kevin heal her heart and save his fortune? Sweet romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Regina Duke

The Silver Cross
Debra L Martin
Detective Lacy Gardner is the best at what she does - hunting down vampires that prey on the good citizens of Boston. Her skills will be sorely tested when a powerful new adversary comes to town, but her greatest threat will be losing her heart to one she may have to kill.

Murder, Mi Amore
Cara Marsi
Jewel thieves, murder and terrorists intrude on American Lexie Cortese's Roman holiday; can she trust the sexy, mysterious Dominic Brioni who comes to her aid?

Kiss Me, Tate
Karen Cantwell, USA Today Bestselling Author
Tate Kilbourn was Bunny Bergen's secret high school crush, but that was 24 years ago, and a lot has happened since. When she lands a job at the nature center where Tate is the lead naturalist, will sparks fly, or will Bunny be disappointed all over again?

Eyes of Jade
Tess St. John
After multiple attempts on her life--that oddly mirror her action movies--America's sweetheart, Eve Knight, must put her faith in the FBI agents assigned to her case. After Agent Jake Dane's special care of her, not only is her life at risk, but so is her heart.

Target of Betrayal
Melissa Ohnoutka
Kathleen Landon thought her life would finally get back to normal after the bizarre death of her husband. But a "chance" meeting with an old boyfriend throws her and her family on a dangerous and emotional journey full of secrets and betrayal.

Love by Secrets
Debra Elizabeth
Emily Stanton is falling for the dashing and handsome Connor Preston, but when her father objects and forces her to accept the proposal from Lady Tisbury's shy nephew instead, her heart is broken. How can she love her new husband when her heart belongs to the man who wrote her such beautiful love letters?

Forgotten Soul
Sandra Edwards
A con-artist, hired to locate a buried treasure, finds more than she bargains for in this enchanting tale from NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Sandra Edwards.

#Excerpt: DANCING ON THE EDGE by Kit Bakke

Book & Author Details:Dancing on the Edge by Kit Bakke Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Synopsis:Twelve year-old Dot is not a dancer, but after her mother’s sudden and senseless death, she finds herself dancing on the edge…of everything.  After her whole world unravels in seconds, Dot is propelled on a voyage to discover the meaning of her past, and of her mother’s greatest gift to her.

With all familiar anchors swept away, Dot’s trip becomes a struggle between finding that gift and running away from a future that feels so bleak.  Pack your bags for a memorable, powerful journey into life in the wake of profound loss.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21795762-dancing-on-the-edgePurchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kit-Bakke/e/B001K8MBHG/ref=twoen-20
 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dancing-on-the-edge-kit-bakke/1119322427?ean=2940148677291
AUTHOR BIO:Kit Bakke spent the last half of the 20th century as a political radical (SDS and the Weather Underground), a pediatric oncology nurse, and an information technology consultant. In the 21st century, she became a published writer. Her MISS ALCOTT'S E-MAIL has led to further writing adventures, including being a founding member of Seattle7Writers (www.seattle7writers.org) and a chapter in HOTEL ANGELINE. Her latest book, DOT TO DOT, is a story of travel, discovery and possibly magic. Young teens, if they are good readers, like it, and so do adults.
Author links:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/138630.Kit_Bakkehttp://kitbakke.com/https://twitter.com/kitbakkehttps://www.facebook.com/kit.bakke?fref=ts
Excerpt:The yelling was repeated, and it was coming from far below. Forgetting about the ladies hiking in long skirts, Dot planted her feet and leaned carefully across the top of the stone barrier to peer down the steep side of the hill. She heard the yell again, from straight down and slightly to the right. She could see a pile of rocks and some stubby, green bushes. Amongst the brown and green she saw something bright red and what looked like sprawled arms and legs. Suddenly dizzy, she turned away quickly. “Down there!” she croaked at Aunt Tab, who’d snorted herself awake.Aunt Tab hitched herself over to where Dot was leaning with her back against the rock. “It’s okay. I’ll look,” she said, and wiped Dot’s sweaty forehead with her sleeve.Aunt Tab peered over the rock and saw what Dot had seen. Looking more closely, the patch of red moved, and soon resolved itself into a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and the person in it appeared to be trying to wave. Aunt Tab waved back, and yelled down, “Do you need help?”“Help!” came wavering back up the hill.“I’ll go,” Aunt Tab said, clambering over the stone barrier in a very awkward, old lady sort of way. She immediately lost her footing and fell, tearing holes in the knees of her pants.Dot reached for Aunt Tab’s disappearing shoulder. “You can’t do that. I’ll go.”Aunt Tab gratefully grasped Dot’s hand and scrambled back to level ground. “Trails are one thing, downhill cross-country, something else entirely,” she apologized. “And it’s just a jacket—the red is just a jacket.”Dot gave her aunt a crooked grin and looked at the bright blue sky above her. Fortified, she scissored her legs over the stones and prepared to make a controlled slide down the hill. “Here, take the water.” Aunt Tab tossed her the bottle as Dot dropped below the level of the path.Dot’s free hand grabbed at branches as she traversed across the face of the steepest parts, trying not to tumble down on top of whomever was at the bottom. About half-way down she stopped to catch her breath and map out her next steps. She felt brave and scared and daring and kind. She was going to rescue someone!She noticed that her feet gripping crosswise on the steep slope were kicking down sheets of pebbly landslides. She hoped they wouldn’t get bigger, like those helicopter snowboarders she once saw on TV, who skied right through their own avalanches as they zigzagged down vertical snowfields. It wouldn’t be good to bury the person you were trying to save.She could hear Aunt Tab shouting directions from above—“go right” or “go left”—but she ignored them because she was switching back and forth so much anyway, and she didn’t know if Aunt Tab meant her own right or left, or Dot’s.Signaling to Aunt Tab that she was doing fine, Dot took careful aim at a spot near but not on top of the person below. The red splotch was now clearly and safely just a jacket. She couldn’t make anything else out very well, blue jeans maybe, and possibly a green daypack off to one side. This was a game of Slip N’Slide in real life, she thought, as she got into the rhythm of moving her arms and legs from rock to branch to slippery foothold. A memory from a million years BT bubbled up—her mother laying out the plastic Slip N’Slide sheet and dousing Dot and Junie with the water hose, the water sparkling in the sunshine and cooling their summer-warmed skin. Not now, she said to herself. She didn’t want to be distracted from the present.She waved at the red splotch below and yelled, “I’m coming!” She wished she had a walking stick to wave and point like Miss Wordsworth and Miss Wollstonecraft.A few marginally controlled slides later and Dot was at the level of the bushes just above where the person lay. She could now see him clearly, for it was definitely a boy. Not only that, it was definitely the only boy she knew in England and not only that, it was definitely the one boy she disliked the most in the whole world.
 

#Excerpt: CAREFUL by Randy Anderson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Randy will be awarding an eCopy of Careful and a $25 Starbucks GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

For two decades Tyler Gibbons has been keeping a secret from his family. At the tender age of sixteen, Tyler embarks on a student exchange program. Sent to the Andean city of Ambato, Ecuador, he finds daily adventure as he tries to fit in at school, connect with his host family, and navigate through a world of beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. But tucked deep inside this year are events so profound, so unexpected, they forever shape the man he will become.

Now, 25 years later, his mother pulls these soaring tales from her son, exposing, for the first time, the source of a deep unhappiness. While these memories contain the wounds of an unresolved past, they also possess the power to heal his painful present.

Thoughtfully crafted and boldly told, Tyler’s journey takes the reader on a wild South American adventure, while illuminating a mother’s unyielding power to heal her child.

Enjoy an excerpt:

The boat came to a stop at a shallow riverbank. We were greeted by an olive-skinned man in his forties with shoulder-length hair and an unruly beard. He resembled a castaway, but with more muscle.

“Welcome to the Amazon,” he said, helping the ladies off the boat. “My name is Xavier. I will be your guide for the next two days. Please take only what you need for one night and leave the rest with the boatsman. He will take your things to camp by boat.”

“From here we will hike two hours to camp. There you can relax in the hammock, go swimming, and enjoy a nice dinner in the evening.” Xavier was very welcoming with his choppy English. We’d learn later that he was born in Bolivia and educated in Germany. His love for the study of biology would take him to exotic places all around the world. He was a charismatic free spirit.

“First thing first,” Xavier said. “Everyone needs to put on these boots.” He pointed to a line of knee-high rubber boots. “They are not the most ideal for hiking, but it’s been very wet, so the ground is soft. Do not be surprised if you sink one half . . . maybe one meter into the earth.” We were looking around in disbelief. “If this happens, do not panic. Just relax. Don’t wiggle. Signal for my attention. I will come and help you free.”

“Help us free?” I whispered to Peter.

“Yes, help you free.” Xavier’s ears were keen. “It is sometimes very difficult to free yourself from this earth, so use caution. Now we go.” He began walking up the bank and suddenly stopped.

“Also, you will see me eat things. Do not eat things unless I give them. If you do, you may die. I’m very sorry for this but it is your own fault. Don’t eat anything unless I give you,” he repeated. “I won’t give you everything I eat. Why? Because not all are good. Eating plant is not about good plant and bad plant. It is about good plant at good time. Not good plant at bad time. And there is never good time to eat bad plant. So no eating unless I give it. Okay? Now we go.” We all nodded and started following him up the hill. Once again he suddenly stopped.

“Also, do not touch things. Sometimes, plants have defenses that will make you very sick, or will make you die. Sometimes plants have insects on them that will sting or bite you. This can also make you very sick or die. Sometimes plant isn’t plant but insect. These are very cool and most won’t sting or bite you. If you see this, do not touch but alert me so that I can show you. Okay?” I was relieved that at least one thing wasn’t going to kill me.

“It’s like we’re marching into certain death,” Peter said as we laughed.

“Also,” Xavier said, “one last thing, and then we go. Sometimes, plants or bug touch you. This happens. Plants grow over trail, bugs fly through air and hit you. This will happen. Mostly you’ll be okay. Maybe, once in a while, this makes you sick or kills you. It’s very sad and I’m sorry. This is not your fault.” He paused for a second. “Oh, the animals. I almost forgot the animals! The jungle is full of many animals. Do not touch the animals. Some are very dangerous. Not as dangerous as the plants and bugs, but there is still danger. Watch where you step. The snakes and rodents will sometimes use our trail. The snakes are dangerous. The rodents are unpleasant. Either way, try not to step on them. Sometimes a snake will drop from the tree. This is bad. But not very often. If you feel pee, don’t look up. Monkey pee stings the eyes. Very bad. Okay, now we go.”

Finally Xavier’s disclaimer was over and we were off on our certain-death march. Whatever fear of the forest he’d put into our hearts vanished under the beauty of the canopy. The sounds of life we’d been hearing beneath the rumble of the bus amplified tenfold. The jungle was electrifying. Sunlight filtered down to the ground in ever-changing locations, spotlighting endless shades of green.

About the Author:
Randy Anderson is a novelist and playwright. His first book was published in 2011. On Making Off recounted his adventures running The Beggars Group, a downtown theater company that produced over two dozen productions at the turn of the millennium. He is also the author of several plays including; Kill the President, The Dwelling, and Yippie! Randy currently lives in Brooklyn where he writes, reasons, and reacts. You can contact him at www.onmakingoff.com, or on twitter @onmakingoff.