Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 55

#Review: THE GIFT OF LOVE by Meara Platt

 

  

  3 of 5 stars

 

I was so looking forward to reading this book. Miss Dahlia Farthingale thought the Book of Love would bring her a perfect suitor, but when Captain Ronan Brayden professes his feelings for her, she is doubtful that any man would want her especially since her last beau humiliated and debased her so publicly.

 

I loved the beginning of this story. It drew me in, but unfortunately, I thought the story went downhill from there. Ronan was an honorable suitor and I would have liked it if he actually called Dahlia by her given name instead of always addressing her as Queen Pea. That got old real quick. Not much happens in the book until the very end. By then I was skipping paragraphs just to see what happens. Dahlia's former suitor is cast as the villain, but he's not much of a villain. He does a lot of lurking and there is a situation at the end that points to him although it's not clearly defined.

 

This was not my favorite in this series. I thought it could use more "meat" to the plot instead of just having the H and h declare their love. There were no obstacles in their way and that took away from my interest in the story.

 

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

 

 

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#Review: BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST by Lorraine Heath

  5 of 5 stars

Benedict Trewlove is known as the Beast in Whitechapel. When he first spots Althea Stanwick, she's working as a barmaid in a local bar. He immediately knows by her demeanor and speech that she doesn't belong in his world and it peaks his interest of what happened to her. When he propositions her to teach his "ladies" the refinement they would need to improve their lives with better positions, she agrees and moves into the brothel bent on educating the ladies. The more time she spends with Beast, she sees what a good and generous man his is. Can she convince him that she does belong in his world?
I have not read any of the other stories in this series and didn't feel lost at all. Miss Heath has woven the story of an intriguing and compassion man who uses his brawn and fists protecting those who need it. Born a bastard he has limited options in life, but he has made a good life for himself. I liked Althea as well. She found she had a well of strength that she didn't know she possessed when she fell from grace of the ton as the daughter of a traitor. The story flowed seamlessly and was peppered with twists and turns I didn't see coming. When I thought the book was going to end, the biggest surprise of the book happens and it was so welcomed. I absolutely loved this book!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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Interview with Raj Anand, APOPHIS

 1.    What are the things that your readers would be most surprised to learn about you? ·               I wake up at 3:30 am to read, write as well as to design my architectural projects. I have followed this regimen for more than 20 years. ·               I had heart surgery when I was 29 years-old to fix an electrical problem (ventricular tachycardia). I watched as the cardiologist made an incision into my heart, insert a catheter and then felt the tip of the catheter burn the faulty nerve inside my heart.  ·               As an Architect, I have designed over 400 projects across India including homes, offices, factories, exhibitions and even a Tibetan Nunnery near Dharamshala, in North India. And ironically, I still live in a rented accommodation – and dream about designing my own home one day. Such is life!·               I once worked to document a far-off Buddhist Monastery (Hemis), located in the frigid, silent mountains of Ladakh for nearly two months along with twelve other Architects. Since our cook ran away at the end of the first day, besides doing my Architecture work, I also became the chief cook for the entire duration of the project (and secretly added vodka to everything, which went down very well with everyone!). ·               I was Captain of the Cross-country team in my senior year in high school in New York, and led my team to their best (unbeaten) record in the 80-year history of the school. ·               I bought a black & white glass painting in 2008, because I believed that I could see the face of my future daughter in it. My daughter – Sophie – was born in 2013 and looks exactly the same – she is ethereal and magical! In fact, it was she, who in a prescient other-worldly moment quoted Socrates when she was all of 18 months old. And forthwith set me down the path of writing and completing this my first book.
2.    Do you like to travel? Which country fascinated you most?As an 11-year-old living all by myself in New Delhi, I used to spend every Saturday morning travelling to the diplomatic enclave, nearby.  I would walk to a few embassies every week, collect glossy travel brochures and then carefully read through each one, dreaming about travelling to each one of them - one day. I think it was then that I caught a life-long travel bug, which began with me running away to New York when I was 13 years old - alone. Till date, I have travelled to over 40 countries across the world, a few of them several times over. And although I live in India, in my heart and soul – New York is still home! 
3.     Did you learn anything from writing this book? If so, what? ‘The Universe always (eventually) listens to an obstinate, stubborn heart (and soul).’The five years spent writing – APOPHIS – I learnt to be ever more patient and resolute with the process and the journey of writing the book. And beyond all my life-travails (which I assume was a rather long and difficult test), the Universe finally did listen and permit.
4.    E-book or Print? And why?Both! At times, one makes more sense than the other. But at all times, I would like to possess a copy of a book in both formats.
5.    What is your favorite scene in this book?The moment, when the five sentient 9-year-olds (the primary protagonists) discover that they have to travel across time inside a time bubble.


BLURB:December, 2012: Five sentient beings born in different cities – New York, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Azores Islands and Istanbul, discover amongst haunting memories of their phantasmal past lives, that it is their destiny to save humanity from the evil forces unleashed by the alien fiends – the Skyllats.
And now, the reincarnated 9-year-olds must rely on their shared, ancient wisdom to prepare humanity for the war across the galaxy that is imminent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Savinder Raj Anand is an architect and has been teaching Architecture & Design at various Universities in India for more than 12 years. A long-distance runner with a wanderlust to explore the world, and write stories that traverse across diverse cultures. He lives in Goa with his daughter, a dog, and two cats.
Inspired by his then 18-month-old daughter – when she quoted Socrates – while they together sat in a children’s bookstore in Bangalore (LIGHTROOM) in early January of 2015, he has completed this – his first book – as she turns 7 years old.
The book is $0.99 During the Tour
https://www.rajanandbooks.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rajanandbooks/

https://www.facebook.com/rajanandbooks/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXPA0eY42VQ  
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#Excerpt: SLEEPING WITH SHADOWS by Rachel Hailey

Sleeping With Shadows
Rachel Hailey
Published by: FyreSyde Publishing
Publication date: September 22nd 2020
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Once The King of Nightmares, Ashe lost everything when he was betrayed. Released from prison, he’s got one goal: Stay Free. To make that happen he’ll have to rescue the girl who stole his crown while saving the court he’d rather see burn. But he can’t do it alone. He needs Callie.

Abused, neglected, and finally shunned by The Court of Light, Callie is done with court politics. It’s just too damned bad Ashe doesn’t care. He’s arrogant, manipulative, and dangerous. Everything she’s been taught to fear. It would be so easy to hate him, but the sadness in his gaze calls to her heart, and his touch awakens her own darkness. She has never wanted anyone more.

Callie is Ashe’s darkest desire, but to earn his freedom and prevent the destruction of humanity, she must embrace the destiny that will keep them apart. But is the safety of the world worth losing the kind of love he’s only dreamed of?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

THE SOFT KNOCK STAYED HER HAND. SHE LOOKED AT THE ALARM clock blinking in her palm as if the sound had somehow come from the object.

Before she could respond, the door swung open. The light from the hall illuminated Ashe. Callie’s mouth ran dry.

His shirt off, jeans unbuttoned and riding low on his hips, he looked like an advertisement for lust. Her eyes roamed over his perfect chest, following the swirling tattoos that curled down deliciously defined abs and continued under the denim waistband.

Her pulse jumped as he came toward her. Only then did she remember she was naked, not that she cared. She dropped the alarm clock, it bounced from the bed to the floor.

She ignored it. She only had eyes for Ashe. She bit her bottom lip as anticipation zinged through her body.

“Can’t sleep,” Ashe stated, his deep husky voice made her heart beat faster.

“No,” she whispered, still poised on her knees in the middle of the bed.

“You?” He stalked further into her room, as graceful as a hunting cat, and ten times more sensual than any human.

This would be amazing.

He stopped at the edge of the mattress and folded his hands behind his back.

“Not so much,” he replied.

“Need help?”

“That’s my line,” he said but didn’t move from his spot.

She laughed softly. “Then come help me.” She crooked her finger at him and watched with appreciation as his chest moved, sending muscles rippling.

“Lay down.” The strain in his voice was so erotic. Excitement building, she did as he bid. “Close your eyes.”

She should have expected him to be demanding. She grinned, loving it. Her sheet landed over her body before his hands deftly moved around her form, tucking her in so the sheet hugged the curves of her body.

His hands lingered, sending goosebumps cascading across her skin. The bed dipped as he leaned over her.

Callie moved her head so she could watch behind slitted eyes as he hovered.

“We have to sleep.”

Sleep was the last thing on her mind.

He brushed his fingertips across her lips, making her shiver. As his index finger lingered against her bottom lip, her mouth fell open, and she captured the digit between her teeth. He hissed in pleasure. Emboldened by the sound, she closed her lips around his finger and swirled her tongue around the tip. She tasted victory as she heard his breath speed.

She nipped him playfully before letting go. He growled, causing her to giggle.

“We really need to sleep.” Ashe’s eyes were glowing, and she could feel the beat of his magic. “You said that already.”

“I know.” Ashe leaned closer, his lips parted.

“Kiss me,” Callie whispered.

“That would be a bad idea.” His eyes seemed to grow brighter.

Author Bio:

Rachel Hailey was born and raised in the South. She's all about that nerd life and in between writing she's dedicated herself to raising the next generation of nerds.If she's not online or staring at a book she can usually be found at the local game store rolling dice, shuffling cards, or planning her next cosplay.

Her childhood was most prominently shaped by the works of R.L. Stine, Stephen King, Anne Rice and the Brothers Grimm.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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#Review: TEMPTING THE SCOUNDREL by Tracy Sumner

  3 of 5 stars
Christian Bainbridge is the most sought after watchmaker in England. He believes everything has its place and order is paramount. Love is messy and disordered and he wants no part of it since he lost his heart at 15 to a maid who worked in his cousin's house. When he travels to Devon house to repair the duke's timepiece, he's astounded to find that young maid that held his heart hostage for years was working at Devon House. Raine is happy to have secured a position in Devon house and is not willing to do anything to jeopardize that, not even for the handsome watchmaker who professes his love for her.
This is a sweet little story that has no conflict except for Raine's reluctance to become involved with Christian. I'm not usually a fan of the insta-love trope, but this novella had a little twist with Christian pining for Raine for 10 years. However, everything happens way too quickly. One moment Raine is refusing Christian and the next day she is declaring she is in love with him. While the writing is well done, it is over much too soon. I wished the author had made the book longer so we could get to know Raine better.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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Interview with Vicki Stiefel, CHANGED

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

Changed is part of the Made Ones Saga, though it can be read as a stand alone. The question I ask in the series is: What if you could be young again? Would it be a dream come true or truly a nightmare?
The Eleutians are dying out, one female at a time. To save their species, the powerful Alchemic (science) clan conscripts women from parallel worlds, altering them into the perfect breeding stock. On Eleutia, humans have symbiont animals, thus the Wolf Clan (Altered), the Cat Clan (Changed), and many others. While the animal Clans vow to find the cause of the species' decline, the Alchemics increasingly lord over them. The three Earth sisters pulled to Eleutia—Kit, Bree, and Sybi—rock the world and forever change its future.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers? I’ve been both traditionally and self-published. My journey to being traditionally published was the usual process of querying agents, who then queried publishers until one (happily) purchased my books.

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
The wait was grueling. I would say it took two-plus years from my very first agent query to purchase by a publisher. The book was Body Parts, a mystery thriller. It was the fourth novel I had written—the other three live under my bed—and the first in my Tally Whyte homicide-counselor series.

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?
Right now I’m enjoying self-publishing enormously. I love the control. (I probably shouldn’t say that, but it’s true.) I also have the Afterworld Chronicles series—I’m working on book four. And I’m working on a third series that I may submit to my agent to see what traditional publishers think.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)? That’s an easy one. The first book in the Afterworld Chronicles, Chest of Bone, was published by a small press, but the second book was a train wreck. They dropped the ball so badly that I bought back the rights to the book and began my self-publishing journey.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover? I always use a professional graphic designer for my covers, and I am very involved in the process. In fact, I love it. I’m somewhat adept in Photoshop, so I create a mock up of my vision for the cover. Using that, the designer takes off on her own journey.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
I write in silence, pure, unadulterated silence for my fiction. Not so much the nonfiction I write. I’m sort of a noise adverse person. I need silence to commit myself to the world I’m writing.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
I always hire both a developmental editor and a copyeditor. Always. The first sees all the messes I’ve made with my story and characters so I can fix them. The second hunts for typos and grammatical errors. Both are essential.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale? Amazon is a terrific venue for authors, but its not the only game in town for readers. So my books are available wide, meaning you can buy them in paperback, as well as on iBooks, Kobo, Nook, get them through libraries, as well as a variety of other venues.

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

Write every day. It’s that simple and that complex. It’s easy enough to do, but when the words don’t come, it can be enormously frustrating. But if an author writes every day, almost like a meditative practice, it becomes muscle memory. So, sure, you’re going to have stuff that you have to throw out because it’s garbage. But you’ll find gems, too, and will move your story forward.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

My kids, family, and friends. I love few things more than teaching writing. Critters. Scuba diving. Fly fishing. Zuni fetish carvings. Lobster.

What’s next for you?

The Made Ones Saga’s third book, Awakened (working title) is progressing, and I’m so pumped. Awakened is a huge climactic book that’s already surprising me. I’m also working on Chest of Fire (Afterworld Chronicles), and a few other secret projects.

Changed
Vicki Stiefel
(The Made Ones Saga, #2)
Publication date: August 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

What if you could be young again? Would it be a dream come true or truly a nightmare?

That’s the startling reality retired circus trapeze artist Breena Balážová awakens to on the world of Eleutia in her own re-engineered younger body. For a woman whose death on Earth was inches away, it seems like a second chance at life. But in this parallel world, where horses fly and animals and humans are symbionts, Bree is intended as breeding stock to balance the plummeting female birthrate.

As she searches for her missing sisters, who were pulled to Eleutia with her, Bree also must survive assassination attempts, the growing threat of war, and her unexpected attraction to the arrogant animal Clan Alpha, Gato, a man with terrible burdens and secrets.

The animal Clans join forces to combat a dark conspiracy that will shake the foundations of their world, even as Bree’s search for her sisters grows more desperate and dangerous.

If Bree has any hope of finding her sisters and fulfilling her own destiny, she and Gato must carry out a perilous deception, their success or failure deciding not only their own fate, but that of all Eleutia.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

Vicki’s fantasy romantic suspense series, The Afterworld Chronicles, launched with Chest of Bone, followed by Chest of Stone and Chest of Time. She is currently pounding the keys on her series’ fourth novel, Chest of Fire, and the first in a new series, The Made Ones Sags: Altered.

Her mystery/thrillers include Body Parts, The Dead Stone, The Bone Man, and The Grief Shop, a Daphne du Maurier prize winner. All feature homicide counselor Tally Whyte. All are available as ebooks.

She co-wrote (with Lisa Souza) and photographed the 10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters. With her late husband, William G. Tapply, she ran The Writers Studio workshops in creative fiction.

Vicki taught fiction writing and modern media writing at Clark University.
She loves both a well-crafted sentence and unlocking the doors of a student’s imagination.

She grew up in professional theater and planned to become an actress, with a bent for song and dance. She didn’t. Instead, she’s been a professional photographer, a high-school teacher, a hamburger slinger, a scuba-shop manager, and an editor.
She’s Blake’s and Ben’s mom, her favorite role of all.

Her passions include scuba diving and fly fishing and knitting; photography and movies; vinho verde and bourbon (not together!); Maine lobster and chocolate (also not together!); and musical comedy scores, which she sing in the shower, unfortunately not an Equity venue; and a fascination with people in all walks of life.

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Interview with Karen Leigh Gruber, WHEN LIONS ROAR

What group did you hang out with in high school?Oh my goodness, high school was far from the most enjoyable time in my life. I was very awkward as a teenager, a late bloomer. I just did not feel like I fit in with any particular group. I did have a cluster of close friends who I experienced a lot of firsts with, and we had a wonderful time together.  It wasn't really a group you could classify; you know, we weren't the popular girls or mean girls or athletes or actors or geeks. There was a little bit of all of that from everybody. It was really a very interesting blended group.
What are you passionate about these days?I'm passionate about a lot of things, but right now in my field of vision is around what is transpiring in this world and in the United States in particular, since that is what I'm most familiar with and the inequities that have gone on for so long. I recently heard the phrase transcend and include, and that hit me dramatically in my world thinking. 
It is so important that colored people have equality, that women have equality, that the planet has equality, that animals have equality, that it all comes into equilibrium. We cannot do that based on ostracizing and shaming white people. 
To be heard and to create sustainable change, the model of shaming and guilt will result in horrific backlash. To transcend, we must find a way to include the glorious gifts from everybody. The white patriarchal system has offered us and has created for us amazing opportunities here in America. The goal is not to lift others at the detriment of whites, but rather to include everyone going forward and lift everyone.
If you had to do your journey to getting published all over again, what would you do differently?I did not have a lot of confidence starting out that this would be a product I would put out in the world. There were some difficult moments in When Lions Roar, writing about a missing child and a mother's heartache. The child, Hannah, was very much crafted after my own daughter. Some of these scenes were tumultuous to write, and I would set the book aside for too long. I believe I could have had the book completed in half the time that it took me. Next time I would be more diligent in pushing through, facing my fears, and my being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Quite honestly, I don't know enough yet about how my experience is all going to shake out to know what else I would do differently.
Ebook or print? And why?Ebook and print for sure. I love paper and I know that is not very ecologically friendly, yet I love the feel of a book in my hand, the weight, the sound the page makes as I turn the page. It is such a visceral experience for me reading a real live book. Plus having it sitting out with the artwork is like another piece of art in my home. There are so many benefits to a printed book.
I fought Ebooks for forever. Coincidentally my first Ebook I had borrowed from a dear friend when we went to Africa, because we had to pack very lightly, and I couldn't carry the books that I would need for three weeks. Having all those books at my fingertips was phenomenal. Both print and Ebooks have their place and suit wonderful purposes.
What is your favorite scene in this book?Oh my gosh, by far my favorite scene in When Lions Roaris the bathtub scene between Akilah and Maggie. Akilah gives Maggie a bath and is loving her unconditionally as a mother would, as a sister would, as a best friend would. Still after reading it and editing the book, I've probably read it 50 plus times, this scene brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.

BLURB:  Maggie has become unrecognizable to herself, succumbing to the predictability of being a mother and wife. Every day she reminds her daughter to brush her teeth, has the same conversation with her husband about what’s for dinner. Maggie struggles to cope with the disenchantment of the monotonous tedium that has become her life. Despite her boredom, when her husband David is called on assignment to South Africa, Maggie resents having to rearrange her life just because David has decided they all need to traipse halfway across the globe.
While on safari, Maggie awakens one morning to a mother’s worst nightmare; their daughter Hannah has gone missing. Just when things can’t get any worse, Maggie is confronted with the harsh truth of her emotionally abusive marriage and what she has allowed her life to become.
When Lions Roar is set against the backdrop of the exotic and intriguing landscape of South Africa, when the country is reeling from the aftershocks of apartheid. Will Maggie find the strength and courage to abandon the fragile ties of her marriage and confront her self-destruction in time to save the life of her daughter?
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Lions-Karen-Leigh-Gruber/dp/1734976004
~~~~~~~~~~~~~AUTHOR Bio and Links:Karen Gruber is an international #1 best-selling contributing author, inspirational speaker, and a Leadership Development Coach for women and moms. She specializes in inspiring moms to realize their potential as mothers, women, and leaders. Karen has had extensive specialized training in parenting, feminine spirituality, and leadership.  Over the past 15 years she has provided innovative leadership coaching for moms and has dramatically transformed her own life.
Sharing her life with her husband Jim and daughter Jaymie, presenting her message to other women, and traveling the world bring her the greatest joy.
She is the founder of The Inspired Mama, a company located in gorgeous Denver, Colorado that focuses on the inspiration, leadership, and wellbeing of women and moms.
When Lions Roar is Karen’s debut fictional work. She is freakish about Christmas lights and loves to play Baccarat.  
Website:            https://theinspiredmama.com/
Facebook:            https://www.facebook.com/karen.kraussgruber
Instagram:            https://www.instagram.com/inspiredmama/
Book Pre-sale:            https://theinspiredmama.com/product/when-lions-roar-pre-sale-copy/
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#Review: THE LAST AGENT by Robert Dugoni

4 of 5 stars
Buckle up for another wild ride as Charles Jenkins, former CIA agent, agrees to go back to Russia and rescue the American asset Paulina Ponomayova from an infamous prison. Paulina has been interrogated without mercy as the Russians try to find out the names of the remaining four women who have spied for the CIA for years. The mission has less than a 1% chance of succeeding, but Charles cannot leave Paulina behind especially since she risked her life to help him escape Russia the first time.
Mr. Dugoni weaves a suspenseful tale of a precision mission that relies on the barest of chances that events will happen as the CIA has planned. With obstacle after obstacle is thrown into their escape plan and dogged by a determined and obsessed Russian interrogator, Charles and Paulina adjust plans and race against time to get out of Russia. This is the second book about Charles Jenkin and it can be read as a stand-alone, but I think reading the first book will increase your enjoyment of this book.
I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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#Excerpt: A GAME OF FATE by Scarlett St. Clair

A Game of Fate
Scarlett St. Clair
Publication date: September 18th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Retelling

Hades, God of the Underworld, is known for his inflexible rule, luxurious night clubs, and impossible bargains. Used to control, he is not prepared to discover the Fates have chosen his future wife and Queen—Persephone, Goddess of Spring.

Despite her attraction to the god, Persephone, an ambitious journalism student, is determined to expose Hades for his cruel and ruthless ways.

Hades finds himself faced with the impossible—proving his future bride wrong. Regardless of his efforts, there are forces who wish to keep the two apart and Hades comes to realize he will do anything for his forbidden love, even defy Fate.

Goodreads / Amazon—
EXCERPT:It’s time for terms, Hades.”
He scowled and sat back in his chair, glaring. Aphrodite threw her head back in laughter.
“Someone does not like to lose.”
Her words were like a poker in his side. Hades did not actually mind losing. He lost all the time when he bargained with mortals, but he had not wanted to lose to Aphrodite.
The goddess pressed a finger to her chin and offered a soft hum, as if she did not know what to ask of him. She was wasting his time. She knew what she wanted, but just as he was about to bark at her, she spoke.
“Fall in love, Hades. Better yet, find a girl who will fall in love with you.” Then Aphrodite clapped and exclaimed, “That’s it! Make someone fall in love with you!”
Hades’ jaw tightened, and Aphrodite stared back as if she wished to see to his soul in turn. Her terms were insulting. If it were that easy to fall in love, he would not be alone now.
“Is this your idea of a joke?” he asked, his voice quiet and calm, despite the anger twisting his insides. He was going to have to torture someone just to release the tension in his body.
“Not a joke,” she said, raising a thin blonde brow. “You’ve offered love advice. Follow it.”
Not a joke then, but retribution. She was frustrated with him for offering his opinion on her marriage.
“And if I can’t meet those terms?”
Her smile cut across her face wickedly.
“Then you will release Basil from the Underworld.”
“Your lover?” Hades could not keep the disgust from his voice. They’d just spent the last few minutes discussing her love for Hephaestus, and here she was asking for a man—her hero, to be exact. Basil had fought and died for her in The Great War. “Why? Don’t you want Hephaestus to admit that he loves you?”
She glared at him. “Hephaestus is a lost cause.”
“You haven’t even tried!”
“Basil, Hades. He is who I want.”
“Because you imagine yourself in love with him?”
“What do you know of love? You’ve never loved in your lifetime.”
Those words did not hurt, so much as embarrass him. He leaned toward the goddess.
“Basil loves you, that is true, but if you don’t love him in return, it is meaningless.”
“Better to be loved than not at all,” she countered.
You are a fool, Hades wanted to say. Instead, he asked, “Are you sure this is what you want? You have already petitioned Zeus for a divorce, now you have asked me to resurrect your lover in the event I cannot meet the terms of your contract. Hephaestus will know.”
Aphrodite was quiet, and he recognized her uncertainty in the way she toyed with her lip.
Finally, she answered.
“Yes. It is what I want.” She took a deep breath then and managed a smile. “Six months, Hades. That should be enough time. Thank you for the entertainment. It was…invigorating.”
With that, the Goddess of Love vanished.

Author Bio:
Scarlett St. Clair lives in Oklahoma with her husband. She has a Master's degree in Library Science and Information Studies and spends a lot of time researching reincarnation, unsolved murders and Greek mythology-all of which made it into her debut novel, When Stars Come Out.

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#Excerpt: ROMANCING THE HOLIDAYS by various authors

Romancing the Holidays: A First Coast Romance Writers Holiday Anthology
Publication date: September 22nd 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A dozen ways to fall in love at the holidays…

Come celebrate the holidays with these dozen unique romances, ranging from sweet to steamy and all ending with a happily-ever-after.

This anthology of short stories, written by multi-award-winning authors, including New York Times best-selling author, Alyssa Day, will transport you from Labor Day and Halloween antics to Christmas and Valentine romantics.

Its stories will whisk you away into contemporary, historical, and paranormal worlds where love prevails. So, savor the authors featured in this enchanting book and bet your heart on some romantic cheer while you enjoy these twelve ways to fall in love.

Proceeds from this novel benefit First Coast Romance Writers, a non-profit chapter of Romance Writers of America that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry. A portion of the proceeds are also donated to FeedAmerica.org.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

SNEAK PEEKS:

“Faking it for the Holidays” by Lia Davis:

Julius probably shouldn’t be as happy as he was about his parents going on a cruise the week of Christmas. But he was. For the first time since he met his best friend and future wife—although she didn’t know that yet—he would be able to spend a normal, quiet, holiday season with Tara.

Just the two of them.

Was it wrong that he wanted to spend Christmas with his best friend, alone?

They didn’t have to listen to his parents, especially his mom, go on and on about how they should get married and give her beautiful grandbabies. It was embarrassing and made things awkward between them for the whole trip to Oregon to spend Christmas with his parents.

Tara had always been fantastic about his crazy family, which made her even more perfect for him. She never complained. She fit right in with them and humored his mom when she started in about the future of their lives and how they weren’t getting any younger.

The whole thing made him hesitate to ask Tara to marry him. He didn’t want her to think he was pressured into proposing, which he wasn’t. He loved her from the moment they met as kids.

He wanted to show her how much he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, without the pressure of his family lurking and watching them. Yessir, this year was going to be different.

He had Tara to himself.

His cell rang and he snatched it up from the kitchen counter where he was prepping movie-night snacks for him and Tara. It was their usual Saturday night “date” to make fun of bad movies. Not looking at the screen and thinking it was Tara, he said, “You better not be backing out on tonight.”

There was a long few moments of silence. Jules’ heart dropped to his feet. She wasn’t coming over. He’d spent all week gathering the courage to finally tell her how he felt. That he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and not as just her best friend. He wanted more. “Tara?”

“Oh, no silly. It’s your mother. Don’t you check the caller ID?”

Damn. “Mom. How are you? Are you on the ship?”

She let out a disappointing sigh. “Sadly, no. The cruise was canceled last minute. That means we’re staying home for Christmas. You’re coming, right?”

—

“An Elf’s Challenge” by Vickey Wollan

“Why are you being so nice to me?” She stared straight at him and lifted her chin. Angelina was determined not to be the first one to blink. Then, she noticed he hadn’t blinked either.

“I can do this all day. Remember, sawdust in my eyes regularly – no biggie.” Zack raised his lids and brought his nose inches from hers. “You had me at operational efficiency. I’m hoping you’ll return the favor, let me into the Paint Drying Zone.” He winked.

Angelina’s mouth went dry. No amount of soda could fix it. “Of course!” Oh, dear. What did I just do? What will my father think of me bringing a dust-covered woodworker into the paint shop?

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