Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 51

November 13, 2020

#Excerpt: LOST KING by Frazier Alexander

The Lost King
Frazier Alexander
Published by: FyreSyde Publishing
Publication date: November 10th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

In an ancient place, in an ancient time…

King Athan vanishes at sea. His children, prince Thalos and princess Thara, drift apart with age, their kingdom falling into ruin. Thalos stubbornly clings to the past; Thara, resentful of her father, looks to the future. In the wake of this decline, a beautiful enchantress usurps the throne from the estranged siblings. She exiles Thalos to the edge of the world and slowly enslaves Thara’s mind.

In his exile, Thalos finds another castaway—an old comrade of his father. Together they begin a voyage in search of the lost king. Thara, meanwhile, resists the new queen’s coercive spells and finds a resistance of creatures still loyal to her father.

With a vast world of enchanted islands and beings between them, Thalos and Thara struggle to restore their family and rekindle the hope of the true king’s return.

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EXCERPT:

Step by cautious step, he returned to the throne room to see his father’s seat—which had been empty for fifteen years—occupied.

The most beautiful woman he had ever seen sat on the throne. Legs that gleamed like golden honey peeked out of a blood-red peplos embroidered with golden needlework. There was no imperfection on her face, which was held high and proud. Her dark hair cascaded behind her neck and down to her shoulders like a waterfall at midnight, her hair melding with her sable cape. Bare arms, though rigid with solemnity, glittered and jingled with the music of bright jewelry, red-gold rings, and rubies.

But she was not alone. A Phantom-like figure stepped out of the shadows of a colonnade and joined her. The tread of his boots resounded upon the marble, but the rustle of his scarlet robes was like the sound of leaves blown across stone. His entire head was wrapped, and his face hidden behind an emotionless golden mask. An engraved rivulet of tears descended from the right eye-hole. This Phantom figure was silent but for the thin, rasping breath that issued from the mouth-slit of his mask.

The man stared at the lady upon his father’s throne, motionless, for many moments. She attracted him, despite the realization that she must be behind the horrors witnessed, the horrors he’d heard rumors of while away from home. She was beautiful, and his heart swelled with lust for her before he remembered his purpose and saw her beauty as a mask for a sinister heart. Her red-robed bodyguard loomed at her side. The sight of the lurking red Phantom infuriated the man. Anger rose so hotly within him that he felt adrenaline course through his pulsing veins, his face flushed.

Someone appeared off to the side—his sister, Thara. He realized now how grown up she was, how much she looked like their mother. She was shapely and compact now, not the stick-thin little sister he used to play hide-and-seek with. Thara no longer wore her black hair in the unkempt curly mass that she ran around with as a child. Her hair was brushed and held by a thin tiara. Although her face was the mirror-image of their mother’s, her skin had the coppery glow of their father’s people. She looked uncomfortable in brocade. Her acorn-brown eyes were dulled by some sort of mind-altering spell.

“What’s happened here?” asked the man, taking in all the changes.

Thara, in a lifeless monotone voice, said, “Queen Sundra arrived on our shores the day after you left for your training. She came with tidings of our father’s death. His ship washed up on her shores, and he died in her arms. Now we can give up waiting for him to come home.”

A servant in a white tunic marched toward the man bearing a terracotta urn and a bronze xiphos sword—his father’s sword.

“The throne has been relinquished to Queen Sundra for safekeeping,” said Thara.

“Welcome, Prince Thalos,” said Sundra in a lofty voice, standing. “It is an honor to finally meet you. How were your travels?”

The man, Prince Thalos, son of the lost King Athan, grabbed the urn and removed the lid. Inside was a mound of gray ash. He laid it down, then took his father’s sword. After staring in disbelief, he laid the sword down next to the urn. Could it really be that his father was nothing more than ashes and dust?

“My father,” said Thalos, “like all our Kings, wore a special signet ring that he never removed, the look of which only the royal line has seen. Strange that this was not also brought with the sword?”

Sundra shot daggers with her beautiful eyes. And Thalos knew he’d bested her, for what magic could help her create a ring she’d never seen? “Believe me, Prince Thalos, the ring is in the urn, with your father’s ashes.”

“Then I shall examine them.” He removed the lid.

“My Prince!” cried Sundra. “Would you disturb your father’s ashes?”

“That remains to be seen.” Thalos picked up the urn and poured out its contents, a fine, gray dust hissing as it struck the marble floor. They waited to hear a thud, but there was no ring—even when Thalos sifted through the dust with his foot.

“Of course,” said Sundra, affecting a sudden remembrance. “My servants forgot to place the ring inside the urn. They’ll be whipped for this, I assure you.”

“You will remove yourself from my father’s throne,” said Thalos, undeterred.

“Is this how you would speak to the one who has safeguarded your home?”

“Safeguarded?” asked Thalos. The audacity of the word almost pitched him into battle. The blood-stained ropes dangling from the branches of the Ancient Oak flashed in his mind. “What kind of guardian ties her enemies to a tree and tortures them? Who was it that you bound to the Ancient Oak and murdered?”

“Your old nurse,” Sundra said offhandedly.

Thalos felt a wave of searing anger blur his vision. Thalos’ and Thara’s nurse had been tough on them, but she didn’t deserve being lashed to the Ancient Oak and murdered. Thalos never once doubted her love for him or his sister.

“And what,” Thalos asked, his voice choked in restraint of tears, “was her crime?” His hand gripped the hilt of his sword with whitened knuckles.

“She spoke the name of the old King, and swore fealty to him, an act that is now punishable by death. Now, where are your manners, Thalos?”

He stood, resolute and quiet, his chin thrust out in defiance. The desire to draw his sword and kill this witch would soon boil over the walls of self-control. But he could now see her darkly clad bandits lurking, pacing, behind the throne and between the pillars of the hall, watching his every move. And then, there was her Red Phantom as well, whose sheer size intimidated Thalos.

Without hesitating, Thalos drew his glittering bronze sword, and the ring of it was like music to his ears.

He lunged forward, aiming for the heart of the Queen.

Author Bio:

Along with creating his own mythological backdrop for his stories, Frazier is an amateur calligrapher, map-maker, and artist. He is currently working on his master’s in Medieval Literature at the University of North Texas.

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Published on November 13, 2020 05:00

Interview with Mary Ting, WHEN THE WIND CHIMES

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

When the Wind Chimes is standalone novel. The story is about Kaitlyn Summer. She goes to Kauai to spend Christmas with her family. Her life changes when she meets Leonardo Medici. It’s a sweet, fun, heartwarming novel.

Do you have a favorite character?

I love all my characters, but Kaitlyn and Leonardo are my favorite since the book is about them.

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?

I’m currently contracted with a publisher. ISAN series, Ronin Witch series—Both with Vesuvian Books. When the Wind Chimes is published with Rosewind Books.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

I usually go where my muse takes me, but I’ve been outlining lately. It depends on the story and how big the world is.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

Yes, I have two editors and three proof readers. You want your MS as clean as possible.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

I promote my books mostly on Facebook, Instagram, and some on Twitter.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

Yes. But I do enjoy making my own teasers, doing giveaways, and talking to readers. It’s also a nice break from writing.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?

Read lots of books under the genre you are writing. Make sure you have an awesome cover, edit your book, and network with other authors.

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer –

dogs or cats? Dogs.

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Coffee or Tea? Both

Talk or Text? Talk

Day or Night? Night

What’s next for you?

CODE (ISAN book 4) April 20, 2021

Ronin Witch (Book 1) September 14, 2021

Abby, Kaitlyn’s sister from When the Wind Chimes will get her own story.

<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Lucida Grande"; panose-1:2 11 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 0 16778247 0 131072 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-update:auto; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;} p.HeaderFooter, li.HeaderFooter, div.HeaderFooter {mso-style-name:"Header & Footer"; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:right 6.5in; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;}size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.6in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;}</style> <div style="margin: 0px auto 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-co..." style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div> When the Wind Chimes Mary Ting (Rosewind Books) Publication date: November 17th 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance<blockquote>SOMETIMES ANGELS COME IN HUMAN FORM.Kaitlyn Summers is heartbroken.When she receives an invitation to spend Christmas with her family on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, she feels it may be the perfect medicine.She throws herself into helping her sister’s struggling art gallery, even taking a temporary job for extra money by looking after a little girl from her nephew’s school. She also begins to paint again, something she’s been unable to do since her breakup. It’s tempting to stay on Kauai, but she has obligations back in Los Angeles.Life gets more complicated when circumstances keep putting her close to Leonardo Medici. Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, he’s a local celebrity. But Kaitlyn can’t shake the feeling he’s hiding something.Should she believe the rumors that he’s romancing half the island’s single women?Or is the random sound of wind chimes when he’s close-by a sign that an angel is near and the secret to her happily ever after?</blockquote><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://amzn.to/3jYm4YO" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-co..." style="display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;" /><blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">Author Bio:International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.<a href="http://www.tangledtalesofting.com" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryTing" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/13871..." target="_blank">Facebook Group</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryTing" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/authormaryting" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-..." target="_blank">Bookbub</a> / <a href="http://www.tangledtalesofting.com/sub..." target="_blank">Newsletter</a></blockquote> GIVEAWAY! <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d04251233963" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rcwidget_1af93saj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com... style="font-size: medium;">Hosted by: <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img alt="XBTBanner1" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-co..." style="height: auto; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 65%;" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-9meXyqc1..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-9meXyqc1..." width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzTDggRbGS..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzTDggRbGS..." width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGx7xg1aV4..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGx7xg1aV4..." width="200" /></a></div> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TwoEnd..." height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

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Published on November 13, 2020 05:00

November 12, 2020

#Review: INTRODUCING MISS JOANNA by Maggie Anderson

4 of 5 stars
Miss Joanna Dalrymple's dream of having a London Season comes true when her father inherits a small fortune, but Jo soon finds out that what's fashionable in her country home is not the least bit acceptable among Society. Her father hires a matron to help Jo navigate the choppy waters of the ton and when she meets Lord Gareth Reade, she's drawn to the dark and dangerous lord. Reade's work for the Home Office is his top priority and he has no plans to marry until he sees Miss Dalrymple at a ball. Though he fights against his attraction to her, the more he sees her the more he craves her company. When Jo is kidnapped, Reade can no longer deny his feelings, but will he find her in time before she's lost to him forever?

This was an enjoyable story with two likeable main characters. Jo was sweet and tries hard to be kind to everyone including the servants in their rented London townhouse. I loved how she wouldn't give up when her friend goes missing. Reade on the other hand is the perfect flawed hero who's guilt over not saving soldiers during the war is his constant companion and leads him to work for the Home Office trying to uncover an evil plot of kidnapping young women for sale to the brothels or slave markets. The plot ramps up when the kidnappings happen to Jo's friend. There's a few twists in the book to keep you turning the pages to find out how it all ends. There is only one brief sex scene in the book.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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Published on November 12, 2020 04:30

November 11, 2020

VETERANS DAY 2020

In this era of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremony could change this year, but that doesn't change the fact we should be thankful and grateful to our men and women in the military. They serve to protect us.

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

We all can do our part by thanking a soldier you may encounter in your daily lives. They serve so we may enjoy our freedom. Their sacrifice is something very special.

My personal thank you goes to David, Tim, Brenda, and Gary. You all are awesome and make me proud to say I know and love the soldiers in my family who have proudly served our nation.

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Published on November 11, 2020 04:30

Interview with D. Lieber, A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

Absolutely! This happens to me all the time, almost with every book I write. For instance, right now, I am working on a spin-off book where a minor character from The Exiled Otherkinis getting his own novel.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
Yes, my first three novels were published with a small publishing house.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
About a month, which I am told is very fast. Yes, it was the first novel I had ever written: Conjuring Zephyr.

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?

I went a little bit of a different way. Technically, it would be true to say that I am self-publishing now. But on the other hand, I’m not. I started my own publishing company. And though Ink & Magick is currently only publishing my work, I do hope to branch out and publish other authors someday.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?
I wanted more control over things like genre categorization. I also wanted to be able to track my sales more accurately.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
I have always been very involved in all of my cover designs, both with the designer from my previous publisher and the designer I work with now. My current designer (Section 28 Publishing), is so patient with me about redoing things I don’t like. I never approve a design I don’t love.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
Definitely! I would never even think about publishing a manuscript without a professional editor going through it. As someone who used to work as a professional writer/editor in a more journalistic capacity, I know that it doesn’t matter how good of a writer you are, you always need an editor! Writing and editing are two different skills.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
Yes! My books are all over the place: Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple, Audible, Overdrive, !ndigo, Thalia, Bol.de, Mondadori Store, Angus and Robertson, Vivlio, and probably some other places I don’t even know about.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?
Yes, I always seem to have at least three things going at once. I am marketing my new release and backlist titles, have a title in production (anywhere from beta readers to editors to design), and am usually writing all at the same time. And that’s hoping I’m not getting distracted by a new idea that wants attention. No wonder I’m always surprised to hear when it’s Friday.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
Spend the money on high-quality professionals. Your book is self-published, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an inferior product. Hire a good editor you work well with and a graphic designer who is professional and listens to you.

BLURB:

D. Lieber is an urban fantasy author with a wanderlust that would make a butterfly envious. When she isn’t planning her next physical adventure, she’s recklessly jumping from one fictional world to another. Her love of reading led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.

<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;}</style> Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds. Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox). Published Works: Conjuring Zephyr June 2016 The Exiled Otherkin November 2017 Intended Bondmates June 2018 In Search of a Witch’s Soul (Council of Covens Noir, #1) March 2019 Dancing with Shades (Council of Covens Noir, #0) August 2019 Once in a Black Moon March 2020 A Very Witchy Yuletide October 2020 Links: Website: <a href="http://www.dlieber.com">www.d... Goodreads: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/dlieberwriti... <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="28e4345f3455" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rcwidget_09896yja" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com... <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Sec</style> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8Q-nP6Ct..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="400" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8Q-nP6Ct..." width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSj2Yd06Ee..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSj2Yd06Ee..." /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGx7xg1aV4..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGx7xg1aV4..." width="200" /></a></div> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TwoEnd..." height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

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Published on November 11, 2020 01:00

November 10, 2020

#NEW Release .99: A VISCOUNTS HEART FOR CHRISTMAS by Debra Elizabeth

Blurb:

An innocent young beauty, a seasoned spy and a mystery in the north that rages out of control sending their worlds on a collision course no one could foresee.

Charles Bainbridge, Viscount Edgerton, is the regional spymaster and has no time for a wife. His work for the Home Office is a top priority for him, that is, until he meets Lady Courtney Darkin, the sister of his best friend the Duke of Wetherby. The last time he saw her, she was running wild, her pigtails flying behind her at the duke's country estate. She wasn't a little girl anymore and Edgerton felt like a thunder bolt had struck him when he first laid eyes on her. But he wasn't the only one with an eye on the young beauty.

Lady Courtney Darkin is excited to come to London in preparation for her debut Season. There would be teas, musicals, dinners and balls--everything she's been dreaming about for years. The first time she meets Lord Edgerton, however, her knees go weak. She's smitten. No man had a right to be so beautiful--like a marble statue come to life. Can Courtney melt the tough exterior Lord Edgerton shows the world and open his heart to love?

New release price ONLY .99!

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LCP8XTH

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Published on November 10, 2020 05:30

#Review: THE TRUTH ABOUT DUKES by Grace Burrowes

5 of 5 stars
Robert Rothmere, the Duke of Rothhaven suffered unimaginable torture at the hands of a quack doctor running a madhouse. Robert's father sent him away when he was eleven after he had developed epilepsy from repeated falls off a horse. His father thought to lock him away forever, but his brother Nathaniel finds out about him 10 years later and brings him home. Unfortunately, because of the torture he suffered, Robert is hiding away at the ducal seat while Nathaniel continues to act as the duke. Five years later, Robert is finally ready to accept the responsibility of being the duke with the help of Lady Constance Wentworth. However, not everyone is content to leave the happy couple in peace and a competency suit is brought against him. Can he hold it together while being questioned by the commission or will a fit at the wrong time doom him to a madhouse once again?

I found this book a compelling read and have high praise for Ms. Burrowes for her handling of such a difficult subject. While Robert and Constance are hardly the typical couple found in regency romances, their path to each other was exactly what each needed. The book was full of twists and turns and I found it hard to put it down especially as I neared the end. When everything looked bleak, an unlikely hero emerges to grant Robert and Constance their happily ever after.

I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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Published on November 10, 2020 05:00

November 9, 2020

Interview with R.J. Blain, OUTFOXED

Thank you so much for hosting me! It is very appreciated.

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

Outfoxed is the first book of the Fox Witch trilogy. This is the opening of an of interconnected series of trilogies and quartets that will be dubbed “the Fox Witch World” novels.

There are foxes, and many of them are also witches. It’s a very clever naming system. (I’ll go to my room now.)

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

In the Witch & Wolf World stories, there is a character named Dustin in Beneath a Blood Moon, which is a standalone in the series. Dustin somehow got a life of his own, and I wrote a rather extensive collection of short stories and novellas about him. The first set of those stories is called Water Witch.

He will eventually get a novel. What I don’t know is if that novel will be included in the second set of short stories and novellas featuring Dustin, or if it will grow beyond what I can reasonably toss into the anthology. It depends on how many shorts and novellas I write involving Dustin.

He is such a wonderful character, and while he is a hard character to write, he is one of my favorites.

His inclusion in Beneath a Blood Moon did not change the direction of the novel, but his existence within the novel did grow out of control.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

There are a lot of reasons I ultimately decided to self-publish my novels. Honestly, I did the agent/publishing house circuit before. I had a really good ‘let me read your manuscript’ rate, but I never got the bites or contracts, and after a while, I decided I was tired of being ‘not quite good enough’ for publishers and opted to write my own thing—and publish them.

I’ve grown a lot as an author since then, and in a way, I’m really grateful for all of the rejections.

Each and every one of them makes me thumb my nose a little.

I made it… and they told me I couldn’t, and some? That I’d never be good enough.

Thumb, thumb, thumb…

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

Once upon a time, I learned a lot while in several critique groups. Nowadays, I write for a living, and I just don’t have the time to teach others how to write. Every rare now and then I take on a developmental editing client, but it’s rare. I just don’t have the time.

I have books to write—and a lot of them.

I wouldn’t have it any other way, but in 2021, my resolution is to work less and play more. I need to.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

My editorial team currently has sixteen people between my paid staff and my volunteer proofreaders. I need every last one of them. I am human, I make mistakes. They’re also human, and they make mistakes, too. So, I need as many eyes as possible on the manuscript preparing it for release.

So, yes. I absolutely do hire editors, and they’re worth every penny I pay them and then some.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

My books are available at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play, most public library systems, and others. For readers who like the Kindle Unlimited library, please check your local public library systems for the wide (expanded distribution books) you want to read; you can often check them out for free there.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

Absolutely. It’s a lot of work to market a book. I have to research the market I want to reach, I need to set up the ads, monitor the ads… oof! So much work, so little time. Honestly, my time management is terrible. Since it doesn’t all fit in eight hours a day, I work extra hours… and that is exhausting.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?

Don’t give up. That’s the lamest advice ever, I know… but writing a book is a huge amount of work. Editing a book is even more work. Polishing and proofreading the book is even more work. It’s all hard work, too.

I have always believed that it takes a million bad words to write a good one, but that’s only if you’re writing to improve. So… get started. Go write those million bad words so you can capture those good ones.

Even if it takes you years.

(You don’t have to finish it quickly. You just need to finish.)

And, since I’m here offering mostly unsolicited advice anyway, masters are masters at their craft because they mastered the basics, and the basics are beautiful. Think about a beautiful crocheted blanket.

The person who made that blanket started with a basic stitch and mastered that.

Master the basics and make the basics beautiful. The rest will fall into place with time, effort, practice, and a love for what you’re doing. But mostly time, effort, and practice. (It’s okay to hate it at times. We all do.)

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

Unicorns. I love unicorns. I love my cats, but I have over thirty stone carved unicorns on my desk, and they are all little spots of joy. When I am having a bad day, I just pick up and stroke one of my unicorns because they make me happy.

I also have a t-rex. She’s carved from labradorite, and I hold her while roaring at my husband.

I am a very mature adult-like person. So very mature.

(I also have a labradorite chameleon on my desk. She’s my Karma Chameleon.)

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?

Oooooh. I love these questions. They’re fun.

I prefer cats, or so sayeth my feline goddesses named Princess the Understudy and Zazzle the Beguiling Tyrant.

Chocolate, please.

Tea, please.

Text! I am an anxious beast and my mouth blurts weird stuff at its whim rather than mine.

Night, because I like listening to frogs sing.

Thank you for hosting me!

<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Lucida Grande"; panose-1:2 11 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 0 16778247 0 131072 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-update:auto; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;} p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph {margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;} p.HeaderFooter, li.HeaderFooter, div.HeaderFooter {mso-style-name:"Header & Footer"; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:right 6.5in; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family:Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;}size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.6in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;}mso-level-number-format:roman-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:20.4pt; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:20.4pt; text-indent:303.6pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; color:black; position:relative; top:0pt; mso-text-raise:0pt;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0i</style> <div style="margin: 0px auto 15px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://xpressobooktours.com/wp-conten..." style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div> Outfoxed R.J. Blain (The Fox Witch, #1) Publication date: November 3rd 2020 Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy<blockquote>Death is a way of life outside of the safety of Inner Tulsa, and Jade means to keep flipping Mother Nature off until old age claims her. With one eye always on the sky, the last thing she needs is a pack of bounty hunters out for her living head. With no idea of why anyone would want her, her wits might keep her free, assuming she can resist the charming lures of Sandro, one of the men out to claim her as his own.Left with the choice of being the evening snack of a tornado or taking shelter with the bounty hunter, she does what she does best: she lives on the edge.Striking a bargain with the handsome bounty hunter buys her another day of life, but it also dumps her into the heart of a sinister plot, one meant to enslave the residents of the storm-tossed city—and the others brave and foolish enough to call the Alley home.</blockquote><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://books2read.com/u/4Dy1Qr?store..." target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outf..." target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/outf..." target="_blank">Kobo</a> / <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/d..." target="_blank">Google Play</a> <img alt="" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-c..." style="display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;" /><blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">Author Bio:RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until satisfied.<a href="https://www.thesneakykittycritic.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rjblain.author/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rj.blain/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/RJ_Blain" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a></blockquote> GIVEAWAY! <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d04251233955" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rcwidget_78j6pb1l" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com... style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img alt="XBTBanner1" src="https://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-c..." style="height: auto; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 80%;" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z20A6k4ayY..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z20A6k4ayY..." width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGx7xg1aV4..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGx7xg1aV4..." width="200" /></a></div> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TwoEnd..." height="1" width="1" alt=""/>

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Published on November 09, 2020 05:00

November 6, 2020

#Excerpt: IMPEACHMENT by Mark Spivak

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Mark Spivak will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A pair of billionaire brothers with unlimited resources, a secret agenda, and no accountability.

Mysterious “peace-keeping forces” that materialize out of nowhere.

Detention camps on the U.S.-Mexican border.

Bungled assassination attempts with untraceable origins.

A reactive Congress, lobbyists bought and paid for, and upheavals at the highest levels of government.

How was it all engineered, and could it happen tomorrow?

Is it fiction or uncomfortable reality?

Excerpt:

The President spread aerial photos of the detention camps on the desk.

“Did your kids ever go to summer camp?” .

“A long time ago, yes.” .

“Well, mine did too. And when I look at these pictures, there are a number of things missing. There’s no baseball diamond. There’s no soccer field or archery range. There’s no swimming pool. These aren’t supposed to be summer camps, Curt. And you don’t need to be a G-man to figure that out.” .

“Of course they’re not. With all due respect, sir, I’ve been around politics longer than you have. And there’s obviously a pattern here. There’s some connection between the Angels of Democracy and whoever built these camps.” .

“Agreed. But since nobody can tell me what it is, it really doesn’t matter.” .

“Well, there’s that study commissioned by the Democratic National Committee that establishes a link between the Angels of Democracy and the Hafts.” .

“I’ve read it. But it doesn’t connect the dots between the Hafts, the Angels and whoever built the camps.” .

“This whole immigration operation was planned by someone, and it cost a huge amount of money. It had to be backed by somebody like the Haft brothers. No one else would have the resources to do it.” .

Author bio:

Mark Spivak is an award-winning writer specializing in wine, spirits, food, restaurants and culinary travel. He’s the author of Iconic Spirits: An Intoxicating History and Moonshine Nation: The Art of Creating Cornbread in a Bottle. His first novel, Friend of the Devil, tells the story of America’s most celebrated chef who has cut a deal with Satan for fame and fortune.

Mark is also a political junkie who loves turning his fascination with the seamy underbelly of the American political system into taut, page-turning thrillers. The American Crusade, the story of a devastating terrorist attack and the government’s response, was published in April 2019; Impeachment, a tale of two billionaire brothers who manipulate that system for their own ends, is a sequel that also stands alone as an unusual and compelling story.

Website: https://markspivakbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.spivak.3
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/eatdrinkjourney

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HR1CF8B
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/impeachment-mark-spivak/1137054375.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Published on November 06, 2020 01:00

November 4, 2020

#Review: HOW TO TURN A FROG INTO A PRINCE by Bree Wolf

4 of 5 stars

Miss Charlaine Palmer has suffered much in her young life and when her family perished in illness in Jamaica, she finds herself in England with a friend, Lord Markham. She feels lost and wonders if she'll ever feel at home here, that is, until she meets Nathanial Caswell. Nathanial has journeyed to England to visit his brother after a his fiancee throws him over. Charlaine feels a connection with him and is determined to bring light back into his eyes, but she never counts on losing her heart in the process.

What a cute story! Charlaine was such a refreshing character with a loving heart. I didn't warm up to Nathanial as much. I understand that he was hurting, but his grumpy personality got old pretty quick. I was happy when he began to lighten up and enjoy life with Charlaine. She was the friend he never knew he needed. This story wanders a bit as these two different people come to know themselves and finally figure out what they want. A slight criticism at the beginning at the masquerade ball--Nathanial doesn't know it's Charlaine behind the mask, but Charlaine is described as having ebony skin when we first meet her. How could he not know her? How many black women attended the ball so his anger when he finds out seems out of place. In any case, this was a sweet story and in the end Charlaine finds her prince.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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Published on November 04, 2020 05:00

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