Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 54

#Review: ONE NIGHT WITH THE DUKE by Erica Ridley

5 of 5 stars

I love this series and was thrilled with another romance from Cressmouth! Jonathan MacLean has never felt wanted in his life and so keeps moving never visiting the same location twice. When he's snowbound in the tiny village of Cressmouth, he meets jeweler Angelica Parker. He's immediately smitten with the young woman, but Angelica has no time to entertain the handsome Scot. She's working toward her goal of independence and will let nothing deter her. Can these two move past their rigid viewpoints and enjoy their time together.

This was such an entertaining book featuring a black heroine. I loved how Ms. Ridley teased out some of the history of blacks in England. Even though this is a quick read, I was wholly satisfied with the character development. I'm looking forward to the next book.

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

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Published on October 09, 2020 05:00

Interview with Bryon Vaughn, NEUROGARDEN

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
I would say telekinesis. The idea of being able to just reach out and grab something with my mind makes the inner lazy bum in me giddy. But I have so many questions about this ability? Would I be limited to the strength of my body when moving things with my mind? For example, could I lift a building, or only another person? Would I get tired just as when I’m lifting at the gym? Would it hurt like it did for Charlie in Stephen King’s Firestarter, or worse cause nosebleeds. I can’t stand seeing my own blood.
What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?Whenever I meet somebody new they are always surprised by my age. I’m older than I look, or so I’m told. When they hear I have two grown children, both out of college, they are shocked. I always tell them that I have a portrait in my attic that looks horrific like Dorian Gray, only nerdy.
When writing descriptions of your hero/ine, what feature do you start with?Descriptions of characters are difficult for me to envision in the beginning, so I usually start with a familiar personality or somebody I know and work from there. For example, I started with a picture in my head of the antagonist in Neurogarden looking like Natascha McElhone, and it was much easier to get her onto the page from there.
Actually writing out the description, I nearly always start with the eyes. So much can be revealed through the eyes, and it is a perfect metaphor for capturing what is seen and what is hidden within.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?I start with every intent of being a plotter. I get the idea of the story nailed down. I pick out my characters, write up bios, outline the main elements of the plot, all of that so I can feel like I have enough of a story to start the arduous task of writing a novel. As soon as I have that, and I’m confident that I have what I need, I get started and it pretty much all goes out the window. The story and characters take their own paths, and I am just the conduit to get them out there.I guess you could call me prepared pantser, at least until the editing phase, when the plotter returns to rein in some of the shenanigans that my characters get up to.
Did you learn anything from writing this book? If so, what?While I have always respected novelists for the sheer willpower to get their work written, polished, completed, I don’t think I really understood the work that it takes to write a full novel. My previous work was exclusively short stories. I never felt I had a story that needed 60,000 words or more to tell, but when I had that story in Neurogarden, it was a lot of work to get it done.I learned to be diligent, and to make time everyday to get the work done. I learned that no matter how much I dread a particular scene that is causing me difficulty, for whatever reason, I need to push through or the story will never be told, and with so much already completed, I want to know how it ends so there is no turning back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Where can you run when there is no place to hide?
Brenna Patrick is a brilliant technologist specializing in neural-cognitive functions and AI. She has cracked the code to solve one of the most troublesome problems in the field, and turned that into the multi-billion dollar NeuralTech Corporation.
Working quietly with the U.S. Department of Defense, NeuralTech is poised to leapfrog the competition with a revolutionary system for tracking people, starting with the world’s most wanted terrorists. But there are only so many terrorists in the world, so who’s next?
When a pair of Columbia graduate students, Jenny and Leo, stumble on the dark secret of NeuralTech’s success, it kicks off a tense game of cat and mouse. As they fight to defeat the powerful forces arrayed against them, nothing less than the fate of humanity hangs in the balance…
NEUROGARDEN is a roller-coaster ride of a thriller, one that will have readers pondering the nature of memory, and of reality, long after they've read the last page.
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Neurogarden-NeuralTech-Corporation-Book-1-ebook/dp/B08F7BWCDZ
AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Ever since reading Douglas Adams back in my formative years, I have had an interesting relationship with humor, science fiction, and technology. My first computer was a TI-99/4A, so yeah, I’m old, but only until scientists have cracked the code on transplanting our brains into shiny new vessels.
My body may be showing signs of wear, but I’m keeping my brain tight.
When I am not dreaming of far off worlds and writing, I am living a semi-normal life working in New York City, and watching movies with my wife and her spastic cat, Moss.
Relevant Links:
Web site: https://www.bryonvaughn.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/bryonvaughnauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bryonvaughn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bryonvaughn
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Published on October 09, 2020 01:00

Interview with Samantha Hastings, A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY

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

A Royal Christmas Quandary is a standalone. 1860. Lady Alexandrina Gailey is looking forward to a cozy holiday at Windsor Castle with her best friend, Princess Alice, and her long-time crush, Lord George Worthington. But Drina's plans are all but dashed when Alice's parents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, declare that Alice must choose one of two royal princes to become engaged to before Christmas.

There's just one problem: George, a junior member of the Foreign Office, has accidentally misplaced one of the princes.

Together, Drina and George scour the town of Windsor for the missing prince, desperately hoping to deliver him to the royal dinner party with the queen none the wiser. They might just need a royal Christmas miracle to pull it off.

Do you have a favorite character?

Princess Alice! I had such a wonderful time learning more about Queen Victoria’s third child. She was truly a woman ahead of her time. She was passionate about nursing and corresponded with Florence Nightingale. She established the Alice Society for Women’s Training and Industry, which was dedicated to educating women for employment. She also started the Alice Hospital in Darmstadt, which treated sick people without charging.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?

It was my third traditionally published novel (this one, in fact!). My first two books were published by Swoon Reads; an imprint of Feiwel and Friends / Macmillan. To submit a book for their consideration, you just upload it onto their website www.swoonreads.com. If you’re selected, they offer you a traditional publishing contract (royalty advance, editing, cover design, marketing, etc.). They offered for my first book, The Last Word. Then my editor purchased my second book, The Invention of Sophie Carter. I decided to get an agent and she negotiated my third book contract for, A Royal Christmas Quandary.

What factors influenced your decision to go with a particular agent or publisher?

A great way to find an agent that is a good fit for you and your writing, is to read the acknowledgments section of a book similar to yours. Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen is a historical romance, like the kind that I write. I queried her agency, Jennifer Unter Agency, and I was lucky enough to find a good match with an agent there: Jen Nadol.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I usually have a desired word count that I want to hit that day. Sometimes its 1,000 words, other times 2,000 words. I try to write until I hit my goal. I don’t listen to music, but I have four kids, so it’s not exactly silent.

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

I have a very flexible outline, that get’s updated while I draft. I don’t let my outline get in the way of my creativity or my characters.

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

The Last Word and The Invention of Sophie Carter are available in print or ebook form from all major retailers or local indie bookshops. A Royal Christmas Quandary is only available in ebook form. You can find it at: Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Google Books, and eBooks.com.

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

Yes. Creating is my joy and marketing is a necessity. I try to devote 15-30 minutes a day to marketing and social media. If you’d like to check out my accounts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthahastingsauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HastingSamantha

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaHastingsAuthor/

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

Reading! I’ve always been an addict. I also love to go on long walks. I enjoy playing tennis and basketball; and I can still beat my 11-year-old son in one-on-one basketball.

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

Neither. I’m allergic to pet dander.

Chocolate every time!

Tea. Orange Spice is my fav.

Text. I think it’s torture to listen to voicemail these days.

Day. I’m like Cinderella’s coach, I turn into a pumpkin at midnight.

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When you spend Christmas in a castle, anything is possible. 1860. Lady Alexandrina Gailey is looking forward to a cozy holiday at Windsor Castle with her best friend, Princess Alice, and her long-time crush, Lord George Worthington. But Drina’s plans are all but dashed when Alice’s parents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, declare that Alice must choose one of two royal princes to become engaged to before Christmas.There’s just one problem: George, a junior member of the Foreign Office, has accidentally misplaced one of the princes.Together, Drina and George scour the town of Windsor for the missing prince, desperately hoping to deliver him to the royal dinner party with the queen none the wiser. They might just need a royal Christmas miracle to pull it off.</blockquote><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://amzn.to/347uxD3" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ro..." target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-roy..." target="_blank">iBooks</a> / <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-ro..." target="_blank">Kobo</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:Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, and chasing her kids. She is the author of THE LAST WORD, THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER, and A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY. <a href="https://www.samanthahastings.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaHast..." target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/HastingSamantha" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samanthahas..." target="_blank">Instagram</a></blockquote> GIVEAWAY! <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d04251233915" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rcwidget_ypa61eoq" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com... style="text-align: center;">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/-DhRUTWyvjk..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhRUTWyvjk..." width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </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 October 07, 2020 05:00

Interview with Charlotte Stuart, CAMPAIGNING CAN BE DEADLY

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

Campaigning Can Be Deadly is the 2nd mystery in the Discount Detective series. It features single mom, Cameron Chandler, who takes a job at Penny-wise Investigations when her PhD doesn’t open any other employment doors. Penny-wise is located in a shopping mall and specializes in Vigilance You Can Afford. When a Congressional candidate’s campaign signs keep disappearing, he hires Penny-wise to catch the culprits. Cameron and her colleague, Yuri, not only catch the thieves in the act, they discover a body next to a pile of stolen signs. They soon find themselves in the midst of a conflict between big oil interests and anti-big oil activists as they try to uncover the secrets behind the deadly campaign.

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 have a contract with a small, woman and veteran owned publishing group for the Discount Detective mysteries. Their motto: Small Press. Big Books. And as long as they want to continue publishing my series, I will be pleased to have them do so. I’m also under contract to another small publisher for two books I’m hoping become series. However, I do have a couple of manuscripts that I may consider self-publishing. They don’t fit a particular genre or sub-genre and therefore may not be something a traditional publisher will want to take a chance on. A few years ago I self-published a book on interviews and interviewing – Disastrous Interviews: The Comic, Tragic and Just Plain Ugly - to use in my consulting business, so I’m familiar with the process.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?

For the first book in the Discount Detective series, I was given several cover choices, and I instantly liked one of them. The second time around, a single cover was suggested, and I thought it was perfect, so I didn’t ask for other options. With my other publisher, they ask for ideas about possible covers and we go back and forth until we’re in agreement. So far I’ve been very pleased with all four book covers. And no changes have been made to any of my titles!

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

Since I share an office, the word “silence” is a bit hard to define. Keyboards clack, papers rustle, drinks are slurped – you get the idea. But none of that bothers me. I can’t, however, ignore music. If there’s music playing, I listen to it. So background “noise” of that sort is not something I can tolerate while writing.

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

My muse encourages me to begin with a flexible outline, one that like a stream can change course unexpectedly. The outline keeps me from getting so far afield that I can’t bring plotlines together without starting over. I do, however, allow myself to listen to the characters and revise the outline when feedback or facts suggest a new direction.

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

Yes, I encourage people to support their local bookshops through listing on IndieBound. You can also find my books on Barnes and Noble, Rakuten Kobo and Third Place Books. My website contains links to each of these and more: www.charlottestuart.com

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

YES. And YES again. Since I have two new books out, I’m currently spending a disproportionate amount of time on marketing. I want to reach out to new readers, but it’s both complicated and costly to promote a book with so much competition out there. Once I am able to get back to a more reasonable routine, I’m going to try to spend no more than an hour or two a day on marketing. That includes social media outreach. Many successful authors suggest that you should divide your time 50-50 between marketing and writing. If I had to do that, I’m not sure I would continue writing.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

I admit to having more mini-passions than full-sized passions outside of writing. I love to swim and kayak, walk in the woods, read, go wild blackberry picking, watch movies--. What I don’t have and envy other people for having, is an all-consuming passion for a particular artistic outlet or athletic activity. Then again, maybe one passion is enough for me.

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

Dogs or cats?

Until I started writing mysteries, I had allergies instead of pets. Now I have virtual pets, and they are truly fine. The don’t drool on my carpets or scratch my furniture. I don’t have to clean up after them. They cost very little to maintain. And they are grateful to me for their very existence. Perfect partnerships.

Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or tea?

How about a chocolate vanilla swirl dish of ice cream? Served with a very smooth, dark roast coffee in a bright colored mug. Tomorrow I’d like several pieces of white chocolate served with a British blend tea. Chocolate…vanilla…coffee…tea: there’s a time and a place for all.

Talk or Text?

During the day I usually text instead of talk. Very focused, specific messages. Nothing too time-consuming. Unless I’m waiting in the ferry line (I live on an island). Then I enjoy a relaxed, meandering chat.

Day or Night

It never occurred to me to prefer one over the other. They are simply different. I love being outdoors when the sun is shining or even when the sky is overcast. But I also love to curl up under a reading lamp in an otherwise dark room to read. And watching while the sun sets and the sky changes from day to night is also a very special moment. I assume seeing the sun rise is also special, but I seldom witness that.

What’s next for you?

I want to continue writing while staying healthy during the pandemic and then write some more. I’ve started three different series and hope to add more books to each. Each setting is a different world to play in, and I enjoy them all. Hope readers will too.

BLURB:

In a world filled with uncertainty and too little chocolate, Charlotte Stuart has a passion for writing lighthearted mysteries with a pinch of adventure and a dollop of humor. Her first discount detective mystery, Survival Can Be Deadly, was a Foreward INDIES finalist. Why me? Chimeras, Conundrums and Dead Goldfish was a semi-finalist for the Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem contest before it was published.

She began her career in academia with a PhD in communications. Then, she and her husband decided to build a commercial boat and go fishing for salmon in Alaska. Currently she is the VP for Puget Sound Sisters in Crime and lives and writes on Vashon Island in Washington State’s Puget Sound. She spends time each day entertained by herons, seals, eagles and other wildlife.

website: http://www.charlottestuart.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/quirkymysteries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.stuart.mysterywriter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19305587.Charlotte_Stuart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clzstuart

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Published on October 07, 2020 01:00

#Excerpt: ANGELBOUND: QUASI REDUX by Christina Bauer

Quasi Redux

Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Origins, #8)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: September 29th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

“Myla is a magnificent heroine, fierce and outspoken, hilarious and mischievous … And did I mention that her demon tail is sentient? Best. Sidekick. Ever.” – The Nocturnal Library

Myla Lewis has her life back. Wife. Mother. Queen. Great Scala. Queen of the Thrax. Yay! Then one day, Myla runs across a supernatural waterfall that makes her igni screech like crazy. Our heroine speaks the fateful words, “Some days, I wish I weren’t the Great Scala.”

The waterfall grants her wish.

A moment later, Myla is back at Purgatory High. No husband. No child. No powers beyond her old quasi days. And without Myla around as the Great Scala, all quasis now live under Armageddon’s rule. That sucks. Hard. So Myla sneaks into Antrum—she simply must find Lincoln and figure this out. Once she arrives, two problems arise.

First, her husband doesn’t know her. At all.

Second, Lincoln is married to someone else.

Fuuuuuuu…

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Excerpt:

<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">Author Bio:Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes. Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press. Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.<a href="http://monsterhousebooks.com/blog/cat..." target="_blank">Blog</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorBauer/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/CB_Bauer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christina_c..." target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina..." target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> / <a href="http://monsterhousebooks.com/authors/..." target="_blank">Website</a></blockquote> GIVEAWAY! <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="f7ec85e732" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rcwidget_t62au693" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com... style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0ktxOmsWS..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0ktxOmsWS..." 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" height="81" 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 October 05, 2020 05:30

Interview with Alaine Greyson, FINDING PEACE

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

Finding Peace is book #3 in my debut series, Reclaiming Life. It follows Madeline Grant and Tobias Sawyer as they solve a crime and fall in love. They overcome their insecurities and life circumstances to find their place in the world.

Do you have a favorite character?

My favorite character is Bex Roberts. She is a side character in books #2 and #3, but the main character of book #4. She’s wild, rude, and has no filter, which makes her a hoot to write. You never know what might come out of her mouth.

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

I’m a business-minded person, so self-publishing and creating my own publishing company was a natural conclusion. The challenge interested me and it allowed me to learn all aspects of the publishing industry. It also allows me to get real-time data on sales and my reader base, some things you wouldn’t readily receive traditionally.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?

I have a cover designer who is fabulous. I give her a short synopsis of the book and some ideas of what I’m looking for and she sends several options. Then we talk about what works and what doesn’t to tweak it. I’ve loved every cover she’s designed for me.

What is y our writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I listen to music, preferably 80s music, when I write. I find songs that relate to my story and put them on loop as I write. It helps maintain momentum and inspires my writing.

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

I outline before I start writing, but as I write that outline changes. When I let my characters take over, I’m always surprised where they take the story and how it differs from my original vision.

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

I have an outstanding professional editor who edits all my books. Hiring an editor is an important step that I don’t think should be skipped. He’s worth more than I pay him and makes each book shine.

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

You must have a tough skin. There will readers that don’t like your books. Some will be mean and some will be constructive. Ignore the mean and learn from the constructive. We all have to grow in our writing. Keep writing, keep learning and keep getting better.

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

Write for yourself first. Keep it fun. Get a good editor that you trust and a cover designer that can bring your vision to life.

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

This one is fun! Dogs (I have a cocker spaniel), chocolate, tea, talk and night. All my writing takes place at night once everyone is in bed.

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But he never counted on meeting Madeline Grant.Ten years ago, Madeline was injured in a house fire, leaving severe burns over her body. Now at twenty, she prefers life behind the scenes, not wanting people to see her scars. When Tobias begins to notice her, will Madeline let down her guard or run away?</blockquote><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://amzn.to/3kXOR0t" target="_blank">Amazon</a> Author Bio:<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">Alaine Greyson lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, son and cocker spaniel puppy. She loves to push the envelope <img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-co..." style="display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;" />with her stories and strives to make her readers sympathize with characters from all backgrounds. Alaine is an avid reader and considers Jane Austen and Diana Gabaldon to be her literary heroes. She loves Mexican food, 80s music and is a Robert Downey Jr. super-fan. You will find mentions of things she loves throughout her books.<a href="http://alainegreysonauthor.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show..." target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alainegreyson/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alainegreys..." target="_blank">Instagram</a></blockquote> GIVEAWAY! <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d04251233914" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rcwidget_cdge9xab" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com... style="font-family: arial;">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/-wqVDbezwO1..." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqVDbezwO1..." 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" height="81" 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 October 05, 2020 05:30

#Excerpt: FROZEN CRIMES by Chrys Fey

Frozen Crimes
Chrys Fey
(Disaster Crimes, #5)
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: September 30th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Beth and Donovan are expecting their first child. Life couldn’t get any better…until a stalker makes his presence known. This person sends disturbing messages and unsettling items, but it isn’t long before his menacing goes too far.

Hoping for a peaceful Christmas, Donovan takes Beth to Michigan. Days into their trip, a winter storm named Nemesis moves in with the goal of burying the state. Snowdrifts surround their house, and the temperature drops below freezing.

Except, the storm isn’t the only nemesis they must face. Everyone’s lives are at stake—especially that of their unborn child. Will they survive, or will they become a frozen crime?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

—

EXCERPT:

The crunch of the shovel pounding into the snow and ice filled his ears. It was all he could hear. The rest of the street was silent beneath its wintry blanket. Breathing was difficult with the icy air clogging his lungs. His nose burned. His throat was dry and on fire. But he ignored it, focusing on his task.

Crack, crack, crack.

He jabbed the shovel into a hunk of snow. On the third hit, it shattered into several pieces. He scooped them up and flung them to the side. He surveyed what remained. There was one big ball in the middle of the path that needed to be dealt with next. He moved over to it and struck it. That one impact had it severing in two. He was about to hit it again when something crashed into the back of his head.

Explosions of white light danced over his vision. Pain enveloped his skull. The shovel slipped from his fingers. Blackness cloaked his mind, coaxing him into its depths.

Beth. Her name was a whisper in his head, as if his thoughts were being sucked into a wormhole.

His legs collapsed under his weight.

Cold. It seeped into him, consuming him. And then his consciousness fled down that same void that ate his thoughts.

Author Bio:

Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com

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Published on October 05, 2020 05:00

#SALE .99 LOVE BY SECRETS by Debra Elizabeth

LOVE BY SECRETS, Book 1:
Eighteen-year-old Emily Stanton is excited to attend this season's society balls and begin her search for a husband. She is thrilled when the dashing and handsome Connor Preston begins to show her more attention. After each ball, Emily finds a love note in her drawstring reticule, and she expects a marriage proposal from Connor any day.

When her father objects and forces Emily to accept the proposal from Lady Tisbury's shy nephew, Ethan Richardson 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?

Read for FREEwith KindleUnlimited.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Secrets-Romance-Novella-ebook/dp/B005XMZ0NM/ref=twoen-20 Reviewers Comments:

"As a fan of the incredible Jane Austen ... this novella was a real treat for me to read. The author does a wonderful job with descriptions, such as when she describes Emily's first ball as a kaleidoscope of colors as the couples dance the night away."
"Love by Secrets is a sweet, bite-size love story. ... I really liked the time period the book was set in. It reminded me of Pride & Prejudice in that regard."
"The story was captivating, truly well-written.....Overall, Love by Secrets was an enjoyable, quick read. The author did a good job in conveying all the right elements of a sweet historical romance and I look forward to continuing the series, as well as read her other works. I recommend giving this one a try.

Excerpt:

Emily picked up her skirts, rushing down the hall. The butterflies roiled around her insides and her heart pounded. She knocked on the study door. “Papa, are you in there?”

“Come in, Emily.”

Emily burst through the door as her father put down the document on his desk. “Papa, it’s so good to see you.”

Riley stood and embraced his daughter. “So good to have you home, my dear Emily. I have missed you too. This old house is very quiet without you.”

“I’ve missed you too. Oh, and Mr. Giles sends his regards.”

“Did you enjoy your visit?” Riley asked. He sat down in his chair behind the desk.

“It was a lovely visit. I hadn’t realized how much I missed Mia until I was back in her company, but she is very happy with Mr. Giles. He’s a kind and generous husband. Their home is lovely and Mia is delighted with it.”

“That’s good to hear. Giles is a good man. Emily, please sit down. I have a matter to discuss with you.”

Emily took a seat waiting for her father to tell her the good news she hoped had finally arrived. “What matter, Papa?”

“I had a visit from young Mr. Richardson the other day. He would like to speak with you in private.”

Emily’s shoulders slumped. “What? Only Mr. Richardson?”

“Yes, who else? Who were you expecting?”

Emily felt a sharp stab in her heart and was so shocked that she could not draw air into her lungs. This was not the news she’d been expecting at all. How could this be? She didn’t want to speak to Mr. Richardson in private. No, this was all wrong. She had to fix it. “Papa, I thought it was, um, Mr. Preston who had come to see you.”

“Preston? No, I have not spoken to him. Emily, do you realize what this means? Mr. Richardson will propose marriage to you and I have given his my blessing.”

Emily stood up and started pacing her father’s study. She wrung her hands together and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. “Papa, I don’t want to talk with Mr. Richardson. He’s nice enough, but he’s so dull. Please don’t make me speak with him.” She glanced at her father and his eyes narrowed at her outburst.

“Emily, what has gotten into you? Mr. Richardson will be an excellent choice as a husband, and he’s from one of the finest families around. You could not ask for a better match. You will want for nothing. I’m in favor of the union and you should be too.”

Tears coursed down her cheeks. “But, I don’t love Mr. Richardson. I love Mr. Preston. Please, Papa, I know Mr. Preston will speak with you soon, perhaps even ask for an appointment at the ball. Please wait for his visit before you make a final decision,” she pleaded. She swiped at her cheeks to wipe away the tears. “Please, Papa.”

Riley stood. “Emily, dear. You are young and not wise in these matters. I only want the best for you. Love is not the only foundation for a good marriage. Love alone cannot put food on the table, or warm you in the winter. You must be taken care of financially and Richardson will do that as well as give you an ample allowance of your own. You will want for nothing.”

“But, Papa, you love Mama.”

“I do now, of course, but I did not love her when we married. I admired your mother while I courted her, and that admiration grew into love over the years. Richardson is a kind young man who admires you a great deal. I’m sure you will grow to love him as I did with your mother.”

“Papa, please wait. Don’t make me do this. I’m begging you.”

Riley reached out for his daughter. “Emily, enough of your silliness. I want you…” He stopped in mid-sentence and grabbed his left arm, pulling it close across to his chest.

Emily was stunned to see the grimace on her father’s face. “Papa, what’s wrong?”

“Pain…” he sputtered, before crashing to his knees.

Emily’s hand flew to her mouth. She watched in horror as her father crumpled to the floor. She rushed over to his prone body and picked up his hand. She patted it furiously. “Papa, can you hear me? Papa, please open your eyes.”

With no response from her father, Emily rushed out of the study and into the hallway, calling for anyone who would answer. “Mama! Mrs. Jannell!”

Her panicked cry reverberated through the house bringing her mother rushing to the study. “Emily, what are you shouting about?”

“It’s Papa. Come quick. He’s collapsed.”

Catherine ran into her husband’s study, and knelt beside him. He was deathly pale, but his chest still rose with shallow breaths. “Emily, go find Mrs. Jannell. Tell her to send Joseph for the doctor with all due haste. Quickly, now.”

Tears streamed down Emily’s face. This was all her fault. She should have never argued with him. She stood by her father, paralyzed with guilt. What had she done?

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Published on October 02, 2020 05:44

#Review: MY KIND OF EARL by Vivienne Lorret

3 of 5 stars
Jane Pickerington, a full-fledge bookstocking, enters a brothel intending to do research about how to avoid scoundrels. Instead she is helped by a dark and sexy stranger who helps her escape a brawl. Never could she imagine her life was forever changed the night she met Raven. Raven is a self-made man who grew up an orphan and learned many life lessons the hard way. Now he keeps everything close to the vest, letting only a few into his life. The night he saves Jane will send his well-ordered life into chaos and it will upend everything he has accomplished.

I almost stopped reading this book in the first couple of chapters because the author chose such long winded and unusual words to convey simple things. Once I realized she was setting up the character of Jane, I continued the story. I did like Jane and her quirkiness, but I liked Raven much more. His exasperation with Jane was priceless. I loved how their relationship grew over the story and there was a few twists in the book that was surprising. I was beginning to decide on 4 stars until the book just ended. No epilogue, nothing. It was abrupt and left me wanting more especially about Warrister's nephew. How was he going to undo the damage he inflicted on Raven? Once a rumor starts in the ton, it is near impossible to contain it. Needless to say, the ending was disappointing.

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

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Published on September 30, 2020 05:00

#Excerpt: LOVERS, PLAYERS AND THE SEDUCER by J.A. Jackson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. J. A. Jackson will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Lust and passion fueled star-crossed lovers Lacey and Kienan. Their love was packed with anguish and heartbreak from the start. Add in her brother Nicholas addiction to deceitful games. Their daily lives feel more like being on a bad scandal-ridden roller-coaster ride.

Being an older brother has its perks. Nicholas thinks his sister Lacey is the perfect target for his manipulative schemes after a series of bad investments places him in a great need of money. He plots and schemes his way into getting others to do his bidding.

As Nicholas let lose a series of plans, tragic forces emerge. A vengeful seducer is unleashed, as he opens up doors to the past.

The past where the dead never dies.

Life will never be the same in thiss gripping shocking twist-filled story of love, lies, and redemption!

Will Lacey discover her brother’s deception before it’s too late?

Excerpt:

A half hour later, he made his way to the house on little Panoche Road. He quickly turned into the driveway.

As Tabitha open his car door and went to climb out of his car, she paused and then turned and stared back at him. “You know Quinn, I never thought you believed in all that hocus pocus stuff. You do know Madame Rosa is a witch.”

“I don’t believe in that hocus pocus stuff,” he said, his face was serious. “But I hear Madame Rosa has other gifts to offer.”

Tabitha saw the skepticism in his face. “Oh, you are looking for those things, like potions,” she said knowingly.

“What of it? Potions are harmless. Just fun and games.”

“Be careful Quinn, you do know Madame Rosa is the real thing?”

Quinn chuckled softly. “By real thing you mean a real witch. I only believe in witches on Halloween and today isn’t Halloween.”

“Just be warned Quinn, her potions come with a price that must be paid,” she said realizing that it was hopeless trying to tell him anything. “Pull around back Quinn,” Tabitha commanded. “Madame Rosa said you’ll find her out back. Oh, and have her money ready.”

Quinn hurried around to the back of the old rambling Victorian House. He’d been told the grand mansion had originally been built by an English nobleman in the 1800’s.

Madame Rosa was lying on a chase lounge staring up at the sky. She wasn’t old or thin. She rose up as Quinn drew near.

Quinn smiled warmly at the sight of her. She was attractive with long jet-black hair and deep green catlike eyes. She had an exotic beauty that could only be described as mesmerizing.

“You have my money Quinn?”

Quinn handed her what she wanted and as he did he could have sworn the air around him changed. It smelled like sweet sin.

She smiled wickedly. “So, tell me Quinn, is your situation so drastic that you had to come to me?” She stared back at him, “You are the Wizard of love?”

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