Barbara Russell's Blog, page 66

The Heart Collector goes on a DOUBLE tour!!

Hello!
Hope you're having a lovely Thursday morning. 

My book, The Heart Collector-Auckland Steampunk#1, will be on tourwith Bewitching Book Tour starting from March 11 and with Silver Dagger Book Tour starting on March 13th. Good thing I'm not superstitious :)



 

If you're a blogger and wants to take part of the tour, you can sign up here for the Silver Dagger Book Tour:
https://www.silverdaggertours.com/tour-sign-ups/the-heart-collector-tour-sign-ups
There's a giveaway and a 20$ paypal gift as plus.

And here is the link for the Bewitching Book Tour:
https://bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com/2019/02/now-scheduling-one-week-tour-for-heart.html

Thanks!

The Heart Collector goes on tour!!

Good morning!Well, it's morning in New Zealand, lol, and it's summer. Hot and humid here at the moment.I'm pleased to announce that my book, The Heart Collector-Auckland Steampunk#1, will be on tourwith Silver Dagger Book Tour starting on March 13th. Good thing I'm not superstitious :) 

If you're a blogger and wants to take part of the tour, you can sign up here:
https://www.silverdaggertours.com/tou...
There's a giveaway and a 20$ paypal gift as plus.

Thanks!

Brighton Cove Series

Everything About YouBrighton Cove Series Book 1by Jamie SalisburyGenre: Contemporary Romance 
Audrey Cooper has good memories Brighton Cove, Maine. She just hopes the quiet, coastal village holds enough of them to silence the echoes of the living hell she endured as a captive in the Middle East. Her career as a journalist is over, but maybe—someday—she can convince her terrified muse to come out of hiding.

As she renovates the farmhouse she inherited from her grandparents, with her cat as her sole companion, she learns to live with the loneliness…until the day a handsome stranger with dark, haunted eyes helps her change a flat tire.
As an artist, widower Lincoln Stewart has an eye for detail, and there’s no missing that unmistakable spark of connection. In Audrey’s company, two years of grief ease into bittersweet memory, and he finds himself envisioning a future as colorful as his paintings. A future with Audrey.
Through violent thunderstorms and terrifying flashbacks, Audrey and Linc discover their broken pieces fit perfectly—in and out of the bedroom. But in the shadows, a very real threat lurks. Someone who’ll stop at nothing to burn their rediscovered dreams to the ground.

**only .99 cents!!** Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo

P.S. I Love You Brighton Cove Series Book 2
First love is always better the second time around.Basil Manning is happy with his life now that he's given up on love. He has everything he needs...the houses he's building, the mansion he's renovating, and his Bernese Mountain Dog, Crash. In spite of his mother's insistent attempts to see him married, Basil plans on staying a bachelor. That is, until he finds himself face-to-face with the woman who once broke his heart. Healing from a long-term relationship that turned abusive, Meg Cooper has flung herself into running her eclectic shop, The Pink Moose. She can't afford complications, and the too-hot-for-his-own-good Basil Manning, her one time almost fiancé, is definitely a complication. But that irresistible pull between them isn't over...not by a long shot. If she's not careful, she'll break both their hearts...again.

**only .99 cents!!** Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo

Start Me UpBrighton Cove Series Book 3
Jagger Cooper never wanted to live in Brighton Cove. Having given up a prestigious job with a U.S. senator, he merely intended to use it as a place to lick his wounds and recharge his batteries as he decided what came next in his life. The choices were many.Tyler Channing, war widow and mother to a teenage son never thought of allowing a man in her life again. Not until her son was grown. She owed her late husband that much.That is until that fateful day when he swaggered into her life.
**only .99 cents!!** Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo


Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. In 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category.

Her books are self published.
Music, traveling the globe and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.

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The Dirty Dozen Princess

The Dirty Dozen: Princess EditionGenre: Adult Fairy Tale Romance AnthologyWith Stories By:Aleisha Maree, Alicia Peek, Ally Barnes & Debbie Ann, C.Renee, C.J. Welles, Gemma Arlington, Heather Guimond, Kay Maree, Penny Blush, Susan Horsnell and T.J. Spade
12 Novellas ~12 Princesses ~ 12 Authors

What happens when 12 contemporary romance authors decide to put their own spin on classic Princess stories?You get 12 uniquely different Princesses where they give as good as they get.Every girl has a fairy tale Princess slumbering within; they are waiting for their very own Prince Charming to awaken them.Join this amazing line up of authors as they tell the tales of how their Princesses were awoken.No matter the style or how naughty and nice, one of these tales will become your new vice.Lets us take you on an adventure you won’t forget……


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**Click through the slideshow to see all the authors!**


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Not My Baby

Not My BabyBabies For Billionaires Book 2by Fallyn Briggs Genre: Sweet Romance
Some women are hired for their looks… Sydney Campbell wasn’t one of them.Unbeknownst to her, Sydney Campbell is hired because CEO Grayson Carter believes she has no chance of turning his incorrigible son’s head. Aiden Carter is young, handsome, and set to inherit his father’s billion-dollar company. He also has a habit of dating his assistants.But Sydney has as much time for rumors, taunts, and bad reputations as she does for relationships, love, and babies.As in none.She has her own demons to battle, a father who relies on her, and a plan that says working for Aiden Carter is just a stepping stone in her climb to the top of the marketing ladder.She will not date Aiden. She will not fall in love with him. And she will most certainly not have children with him… right?Not My Baby is a sweet billionaire romance with no bad language or sex scenes. Of course, there is also a Happy Ever After. Grab your copy now!


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Fallyn Briggs has spent most of her life within the pages of a book and now she is thrilled to have the opportunity to invite people into the worlds she creates.
When she is not writing sweet romances, she is traveling, eating too much cheesecake, and thinking about writing sweet romances.Join her newsletter to keep up with the crazy life of this writer.


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Albion Moon

Albion Moon by M.L. Mastran



It’s with great pleasure that I host today a fellow Champagne Books author: M.L. Mastran, represented by M. Corvisiero Agency.Her  paranormal/ romantic suspense book, Albion Moon Chronicles, Book 1 has been published on August 6 (e-book), August 11 (print)
Blurb/Book Description:
Stand up and fight or lose everything
Evaline's brother is missing. She's desperate to find out what happened to him. As she digs deeper into his disappearance, the mystery reveals an ancient family secret carried through the bloodline that began centuries ago in the Scottish Highlands. As this secret from the old world closes in on Evaline, she tries to sort through her disconcerting feelings towards the mysterious Mason. He not only seems to always know when she is in danger, but he is insistent on protecting her, no matter the cost.As the old world collides with the new, Evaline discovers she must choose to stand and fight or risk losing everything, and everyone, she holds dear.

Excerpt:Over the next couple days, I picked up applications from the couple of banks and other places in town as well as in Shasta, the next town over. On Thursday, Kristy, Lizzy, and I hung out and went for ice cream downtown. We hit a couple of stores as Kristy wanted to get some clothes. I loathed clothes shopping. I peeked at the racks while Kristy tried stuff on and Lizzy weighed in. She got a text. One of the other servers had called off, and Mason needed her to come in.“I have to get to work. Sorry, Kristy,” Lizzy said.“That’s fine,” Kristy said. “Can we get some lunch there when we take you in?”I shook my head slightly at her scheming.“Absolutely,” Lizzy said, looking at me. “Let’s go.”We piled into my car and headed out onto Old River Road. It was a great day for a convertible ride. The late summer sun beamed on us as we drove down the road. I had AC/DC blaring, and as we rounded a curve, I heard a siren. Peering into my rearview mirror, I eyed the red flashing police lights atop one of the town’s two SUV police units.Kristy glanced back. “What the fuck? You weren’t speeding.”I looked down. I was just below the speed limit. After I pulled over, I got out my registration and insurance. The cop approached my door, and what I saw caused a huge lump to form in my throat.Campbell had a smug look on his face as he spoke. “License, registration, and proof of insurance please.”I handed them over without making eye contact.He examined my license, which still had my Sacramento address on it. “A little way from Sacramento, Miss Bennett, aren’t we?”“Yeah, I guess I am.”“Where are you headed right now?” His tone turned from mocking to icy.“I need to get her to work,” I said, indicating Lizzy.He eyed Lizzy, who appeared annoyed by his questions. “Oh, a Cowan sister. How fitting. Tell your brother I got a nice cell waiting for him.” She didn’t say anything as his attention moved back to me. “So, are you here on vacation?”My blood boiled as the dream I had with Jimmy came back to me. I glared at Campbell. “I’m visiting family for a while.”“So, what is the address you’re staying at in town?”“What does that matter?” Kristy interrupted any response I was about to make. “What the f—?”“Smart ass like your brother,” he said, cutting her off. “He’s a great bunk mate for Jonas.”Now speechless, she sat there.After opening my door, he indicated for me to move. “Please step out of the vehicle.”Not wishing to cause a scene, I complied and stood by my car.He turned me around. “Face your car, hands on the hood.”Kristy found her voice again. “Are you fucking kidding me? We weren’t doing anything!”Campbell flashed her a look. “Shut up and don’t move.” He then patted me down. “Do you have any weapons or drug paraphernalia I need to be aware of?” He spun me back to him.Looking at him dead in the eye, I answered, “No.”Holding my elbow, he walked me toward his vehicle as he eyed Kristy and Lizzy, who were clearly uncomfortable with what was happening. Despite my apprehension, I followed him. He took me behind his patrol truck and returned my license.“I suggest you watch yourself, Miss Bennett. These back roads are dangerous, and if something were to happen, it could be quite a while until you’d be found.” My stomach churned as he leaned into me and whispered, “A woman like yourself, all alone, might entice trouble.” He reached for my breast, and I reacted quickly.Shoving the bottom of my palm up into his lip, I knocked him back but didn’t wait to see his reaction. I returned to my car, got in, then took off. I was sure he was going to follow, but he didn’t.Kristy turned to me. “We need to report him, Evaline. That was wrong in so many ways.”Shaking my head, I said, “It will make things worse, trust me. Just forget it, okay?”She gave Lizzy a concerned look, who then asked, “Why did he take you back there?”I didn’t say anything as we drove into the parking lot, parked, then got out.Kristy was still fired up. “This is such bullshit. He made a move on you, didn’t he?”“Just drop it, Kristy, okay? It’s over. I wanna forget it.”The dust kicked up in the parking lot as we made our way through the front doors. A few patrons were seated at the bar, and several booths and tables were occupied. We headed to an open booth as Lizzy returned to the back.While still a bit shaken from the encounter, I pondered what had just happened. A knot was in the pit of my stomach as thoughts raced through my mind.Does he know I know what he is? Will he try to hurt what family I have left? Will he hurt me to find out what I know? I thought of my dream again—Jimmy had warned me. Or will he kill me?
What the Publisher saysNothing captures the attention of M.L. Mastran more than writing a good story with amazing characters and a history arc that made the history books. This is Albion Moon in every sense.On the flip side, M.L. can also journey to another world completely and pull the same elements with fantasy and make the reader yearn for more. Her uncanny ability to blend genres makes her unique to the literary world and an absolute reading joy. From the first moment you open the page, curiosity will pull you in and keep you engrossed in the story as you take the voyage with the characters to different places and times; to experience the events as they unfold.Whether being told from a one character perspective or several points of view, her stories will unfold in your mind like a movie playing in your head. This is what pushes M.L to write her stories. It’s the thrill of the read and the drive to carry readers away that will make this trip to the literary world of imagination all the sweeter.
What her Agent say M. L. was born in Scranton Pennsylvania but was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, which is also where she currently resides with her husband and son.  Since a young age, she has always had a passion for storytelling.  Anything that was of interest to her she could find a story with however, it was her stories of experiences such as walking in an old cemetery, to riding a roller coaster to walking the lonely isles of an old junk yard that seemed the most precious.

M. L. has an undergraduate degree in Communication but also majored in History, which is what her Master’s Degree is in as well.  She also started on her PHD in History.  This love of history is very evident in most of M. L.’s stories. While studying for both degrees, she wrote numerous works for the academic audience.  Many of which were presented and published for both student and professional audiences, but at home she would continue to dabble with her love of fiction.  It was the challenge of creating a new world and characters that would make for some great stories.  In fact, she found out very quickly, strong characters drive the story and make it worth the journey.

Most of her writing comes from her literary and movie loves and inspirations. Some of her favorite TV shows (including ‘of all time’) are Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, the Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. One of her favorite authors is Anne Rice however, she is also a huge J.R.R. Tolkien fan and has read nearly all Tolkien works: her favorite book OF ALL TIME is The Silmarillion.  Among her favorite movies are Gone with the Wind, Nosferatu (1922), Practical Magic, Reign of Fire, Braveheart, Gladiator and Lord of the Rings.

M. L. has always lived by the philosophy so eloquently told by Helen Keller: “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” She loves the outdoors and is a frequent camper. She also loves the water and in the summer if not poolside, can be found on a boat or Jet Ski. She also loves snowmobiling and in the winter months can be found with the family on a snowmobile trail in the middle of the forest.
ML has been kind enough to answer a few questions:
1.                  What inspired the story?I had inspiration from several sources including TV shows, movies and history.  This is what makes the story itself unique. I have a background in History so most of my stories have a historic arc. One of my favorite aspects of Albion Moon is the backstory which takes us to the ancient Highlands of Scotland. I took true events and inserted my story with the supernatural twist to it. The actual story itself was all me. I wanted a story with heart and soul and literally pulled aspects from our world and tweaked them to fit mine. For instance. Albion Moon takes a look at monsters but not as we think of them. As my protagonist finds out, a human monster is far worse than any monster out of a book or fairytale.

2.                  What is your favourite scene in the Albion Moon?I have a couple. I love the scene when Evaline first meets her love interest Mason. It’s that first awkward, but lightening moment, when you meet who may be potentially the right one but very unexpectedly. My other favorite scene is when Evaline plays football with Mason and his family. I wanted to do a fun scene with all of them and since I love football, it seemed to make sense with who my characters are.

3.                  What is one of your hobbies and how has it enriched your writing?I love to travel and camp. When we camp in the mountains, it is very inspirational for stories like Albion Moon or some other of my stories. Albion Moon in particular takes place in Northern California so there is a strong sense of that woodsy, pine forest roughness to the story as well as the characters themselves. Additionally, I love to explore ruins and I have an obsession with old castles but that is for another story J

4.                  What advice would you give budding writers?Use what moves you when you write. Be it a hobby, job, experience, relationship, etc. All of these things work differently on each writer and shape who they are and how they express those aspects of their lives.  Additionally, don’t give up. Representation among agents is largely opinionated and many times it’s the luck of the draw. You may send your script to 10 agents, all looking for your genre. Nine may say no but there’s always the one that is intrigued by what you have. Stay strong and keep going.
            5.                  Describe Evaline and Mason’s love story.This is one for the ages. Evaline has a lot going on at the beginning of Albion Moon. She is still reveling with the death of her parents, the disappearance of her brother, harassment and now new worries as she decided to come home. Love is the furthest thing from her mind. So Mason was totally unexpected but he comes at a time when she needs that extra strength despite her protests that she can handle it by herself. She fights it at first and really doesn’t want Mason involved in the issue at hand but inevitably, she realizes she really does need him. On the flip side, Mason also has a past where he hasn’t loved someone in a very long time and also wasn’t looking. There are other aspects of the story that play into it but we as the readers can see the sparks between them almost immediately. (now swoonJ) Thank you for sharing!
Purchase Links: http://champagnebooks.com/store/index.php?id_product=729&controller=product&search_query=albion+moon&results=2;http://www.lulu.com/shop/m-l-mastran/albion-moon/paperback/product-23756022.html; https://www.amazon.com/Albion-Moon-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07G724TZY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1545223439&sr=1-1&keywords=albion+moon; https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/albion-moon-m-l-mastran/1129463862?ean=9781947128378

Author web links: @MLMastran ; https://www.facebook.com/MLMastran/?ref=bookmarks

The General's Daughter

The SirenGeneral's Daughter Book 1by Breanna Hayse Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lt. Samantha Quimby, USMC is a beautiful, brilliant and very unique young woman. Not only does she have the privilege of being the youngest known Special Ops officer in the Corps, but an unfortunate accident during a dive in the Marinas Trench leaves her permanently amphibious! Her new found ocean freedom, combined with her unique ability with ocean mammals and an overtly defiant and somewhat reckless nature, wreaks havoc on her very loving, but very strict family. Her father and uncle, both USMC Generals., and her older brother, Michael, are in constant pursuit of trying to keep her safe from herself and her own curiosity and often thoughtless actions. In desperation, the three resort to old-fashioned military discipline.
Sam is appalled, but it does not take long for her to discover that love can be expressed in a firm and consistent manner upon her little bottom. Love, laughter, duty, and obedience frames the young woman's life and, despite a constant sore backside, she couldn’t be happier.
Publisher's Note: This is the first of a six book progressive series from coming of age in a DD household to discovering romance and advancing into maturity and exploring BDSM. The rerelease of the Generals' Daughter series contains new elements and the growth and maturing of the characters not seen in the original version. This larger volume of the 'story' line is the same, but the characters and their lives have whole new meaning and much more interaction. Even Ton is more opinionated than before! If you liked the original version, you will LOVE this one! And The Siren is on sale for 0.99c for the duration of the tour


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Up a NotchGeneral's Daughter Book 2
BIGGER, BETTER, and with MORE ATTITUDE!The General's Daughter is back, and she's at it again! True to her nature, Samantha Quimby finds a way to wreak havoc on the California coastline clear up to Alaska where she defies nature itself. This time, her entire family decides to bring things "Up A Notch" to try to get her to understand that she is not only loved and cared for, but that she is her own worst enemy.
This sequel to The Siren, Generals' Daughter Book 1, finds Sam in more precarious situations than even she can imagine as she comes of age and discovers her own power as a beautiful and intelligent young woman.
Her father, uncle and brother.... along with some outside help... plan on getting their points across to her in one way or another. Of course, Sammi's stubbornness can only be broken through in one embarrassing way... old fashioned discipline.
Does this stop her from pulling endless pranks on her brother, or risking her own safety in the 'name of science?' But she certainly has fun trying... UNTIL she’s busted!


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Caught in a NetGeneral's Daughter Book 3
Sam’s at it again! USMC lieutenant, Samantha Quimby, is beautiful, brilliant and ‘an independent thinker’ whose biggest delight is challenging the strict rules and regulations set by her commanding general father and uncle. Even more enjoyable is when she can slip past her big brother Michael’s watchful eye and follow her own path. As intelligent as she is, Sam’s need to pursue her own interests without considering the consequences subjects her frustrated family to trying every avenue of discipline they can think of. They conclude that nothing grabs the girl’s attention like attending to some old fashioned military discipline and an awful lot of love. But keeping her attention is another issue….
Her unique abilities and physical alterations after a life-threatening accident have also led her to ‘translate’ the cetacean code, which the image of being ‘caught in a net’ simply means… Trouble! After she and Michael complete a particularly dangerous Special Ops mission, Sam faces the most difficult challenge yet.Love.Lt. Richard Lewis, a handsome engineer who seems to display the best characteristics of the men in her beloved family… And the worse! It doesn’t take long for Sam to discover that the serious minded young man is determined to keep her safe, and that he won’t hesitate to impart his firm beliefs directly to her rebellious bare bottom!
Instead of coming to her rescue, he family approves highly of the new addition to the crew and the methods he uses to ensure good behavior from their naughty, little Siren. As if it’s not tough enough for Sam, even her best friend and constant ocean companion, the killer whale- Ton- is now requesting that Richard joins the family in 'biting her tail flukes!'
Poor Sammi just can't get a break... not even when she discovers her power as a beautiful, young woman and how to use it to get her way with Richard. Little does she know, but her new boyfriend is both willing, and able, to turn the tide and catch his lovely little mermaid in a net of his own design.


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ConvergenceGeneral's Daughter Book 4
Poor Sam! Not only does the brilliant, young lieutenant constantly find trouble every time she turns the corner, but now she faces a dilemma that leaves her in a quandary.She’s face to face with a hot, dominant man who wants nothing more than to teach her what it feels like to be a woman, but he insists on honoring her family’s request to wait! When Sam discovers she can ‘converge’ with Richard much in the way she integrates with the cetaceans- and that she can insert a few ‘suggestions’ into the young man’s mind- she can’t help but experiment.The result? Just say there aren’t enough cold showers in the world to stop the affects associated with her new-found power, nor are there pillows soft enough to make sitting more comfortable for Sam each time she’s busted!Meanwhile, Michael’s romance with Teagan is quickly blossoming. He thinks she might even be the one- particularly when she admits to desiring a D&S relationship. Despite Sam’s warnings that fantasy is always better than reality, Teagan begins to test her boundaries with her strong alpha male boyfriend, and finds herself in a position that is NOT what she expected.


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Under Cover General's Daughter Book 5
What's Sam up to this time?For once, believe it or not, the trouble she's getting into isn't her fault!
After losing her temper and physically flattening a jerk on base for sexual misconduct, USMC Lt. Samantha Quimby is approached by the lovely Col. Joyce Howe under the pretense of an SJA inquiry. Instead of punishment, Sam’s ordered on a secret assignment to investigate a dangerous situation in a local high school where several military dependents attend. No problem, right? WRONG.Except for her father and uncle, everyone believes she’s placed on administrative leave and is allegedly sent 'back to school' to learn how to socialize with people closer to her age. It wouldn't be so bad if her folks were home to fish her out of trouble, but they're called cross-country to a mandatory meeting. That means her brother, Michael, and her boyfriend, Richard, are left in charge.Behaving like a high schooler is not in her blood- nor can she keep her mouth shut in class. From rolling her eyes in Calculus to reading Tolstoy in Russian, the girl keeps paving her way for more trouble when the frustrated principal calls Michael to pick her up. Now, the boys can deal with Sam’s saucy attitude, but they can't overlook her sneaking out of the house, stealing her uncle's Hummer, or lying to them. Yep, she’s busted- but she’s under orders NOT to tell anyone about her mission!If all this isn't enough to contend with, Sam's relationship with Richard has reached the place where neither of them can’t deny their need for one another. Promise, or no promise, Richard’s determined to make Sam his- and she's not about to stop him!


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BDSM/AP lifestyler Breanna Hayse strives to give her readers truth and reality of the BDSM/Age-Play/Total Power and Erotic Exchange lifestyle.Who am I?I'm a native Californian gone 'wild', and had the opportunity to travel the globe and discover the world through the eyes of both a Marine Intelligence specialist and a BDSM lifestyler. I left the service to go into hospice nursing and grief counseling, eventually working as a marriage and family therapist for those involved in alternative lifestyle development. This experience has allowed me to gain unique inspiration for my books and offer realistic plots and relatable characters.
In 2004, my husband, John, and I joined forces to work with both submissives and dominants- teaching, training, listening and loving. Our goal was to take the mystery and fear out of the lifestyle and mentor people in safe, consensual and healthy relationships. 
My first book, The Game Plan, was published in 2012 and opened the door to the now-booming world of Age-Play literature. Since that time, I've devoted my 'spare' time to writing, researching, community involvement, and private and group pro bono counseling in deviant behavior, alternative lifestyle, and addiction recovery.
I was formally 'dungeon trained' as a Domme before discovering my submissive side when I joined the service. My scenarios are pulled primarily from either personal experience or observation, including spending time in BDSM clubs as the safety/medical officer. My multi-faceted background allows me to glean from many avenues and give a unique and intelligent literary experience through elements of fantasy and fiction. I also discuss the questions and psychology of the lifestyle in a manner that is fun and informative, and based on 'the real deal.'
I live with my husband, musician, and fellow-author, John Hayse, and two border collies in southern California. We practice a 24/7 D&S relationship with speckles of AP (and many trips to Build-A-Bear), and happily spend every moment together that we can. My hobbies include my puppies, hiding my vanilla salt-water taffy where John can't find it, exotic art, collecting inspirational trinkets, and developing my own paddle line. You can also see me as a featured author/instructor in professional conference settings and as a Sexpert for kinkyliterature.com.


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Shadows of Atlantis

Shadows of Atlantis: Awakening by Mara Powers Genre: Fantasy
"...had me turning the pages obsessively from the very beginning." Readers Favorite.
Enter the legacy of the legend... Brigitte has been chosen to renew the treaty between Atlantis and the ancient bloodline of Lemuria. As an emissary of nature, her betrothal would ensure the continued function of the Crystal Grid, the life source of the ten kingdoms of Atlantis. But as Brigitte prepares to leave from her home in the magical Dreamvale, her people are attacked by a storm of shadows. Now she is running for her life.
Upon her arrival in the ruling city of Atlantis, she meets D’Vinid, a dejected musician who lives the quintessential Atlantean lifestyle of revelry, escapism and apathy. Under the eclipse of a sacred festival, they are swept into an attraction they cannot resist. Their union may protect humanity from its worst enemy - the shadows of Atlantis. But there is one problem, this man is not her betrothed.
Brigitte soon discovers that the corruption of the Grid could very well be the Grid itself. Citizens have neglected to attend the rituals required to charge the crystals with their psychic emanations. Some have fallen prey to an epidemic called “the madness”, caused by shadowy parasites that feed off human suffering. But as nature always strives toward balance, the crystals have activated a genetic upgrade among the people. The youth have begun to express supernatural powers. Could it be that D’Vinid and Brigitte are meant to be leaders among the awakened? And if so, why does it seem impossible for them to be together?
A mysterious tale of romance, seduction and betrayal that reaches just enough into the modern mind to ask - will we learn the lessons of Atlantis?


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Mara Powers is a rebel of the written word who has tackled the monumental task of recreating Atlantis. When she was 16 in Fort Collins, Colorado, she began visiting the library in search of things she couldn't learn in school. Her goal was to re-define her religion. She studied theology voraciously until she discovered the concept of reincarnation though Hinduism. It was the answer to a lifelong existential crisis that had plagued her for many sleepless nights. The study of reincarnation led her to the channel Edgar Cayce. In his many books, she found his past life readings of lifetimes spent in Atlantis. This was the beginning of a lifelong quest to unravel the secrets of this mystery. She has spent upwards of 30 years exploring the labyrinth of ancient civilizations. Her decision to turn it all into a high concept, visionary fantasy series stems from her study of the esoteric depiction of Atlantis. With the other half of her research rooted in the secular, it was the best way to illustrate both aspects of this fascinating legend. Her work is the legacy of the legend.

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Contact

I'm very please to host my friend and author M. D. Neu and his new sci-fi novel, Contact.


Blurb:

A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It's home to 7 billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who will soon be told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice. Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband. 
On the cusp of the greatest announcement humankind has ever witnessed, Todd’s personal world is thrown into turmoil when his estranged brother shows up on his front porch with news of ships heading for Earth’s orbit. The ships are holding the Nentraee, a humanoid race who have come to Earth in need of help after fleeing the destruction of their homeworld. How will one man bridge the gap for both the Humans and Nentraee, amongst mistrust, terrorist attacks and personal loss? Will this be the start of a new age of man or will bigotry and miscommunication bring this small world to its knees and final end?

My review:

Five stars for this amazing sci-fi novel by author M.D. Neu. After he surprised us with a fresh take on vampires, he surprises us again with an awesome take on aliens.Todd, happily married with Jerry, leads a quiet life in San Jose. He has a nice job, a lovely cat, Bianca, and a lovely family. Until his estranged brother tells him the imminent arrival of a spaceship. The Nentraee are arriving from the distant planet of Benzee, asking for hospitality. Todd finds himself caught between two worlds, literally. He believes that a peaceful coexistence with the aliens is possible, unfortunately, others don’t share his ideas.Beautifully written, this story will engage you from start to finish. A great cast with a lovely plot makes this novel a quick read. Totally recommend it. 

                                                                    Excerpt:
The scene is a confrontation scene between one of the alien generals, Gahumed, and the leader of the alien race, Mirtoff. For me this scene is a lot of fun and it shows off these two powerful women who aren’t afraid to stand their ground:
Taking a seat at the table, Mirtoff waited for Gahumed to join her. “I assume you’re here to talk about my suggested plan for dealing with these humans?” Gahumed almost hissed out the word ‘humans.’“I am.” Mirtoff pulled out her datapad and loaded the information, then swiped it over to the largest of the monitors on the wall. The image started with the Earth rotating. Once it hit the area of the planet she wanted, she zoomed in on a small island continent. The image moved in closer to a smaller island mass off the island continent’s coast. “Your proposal to occupy the area known to the humans as New Zealand is dangerous.”“I don’t agree.” Gahumed rested her hands on the table. “I picked that area with defense in mind. It’s remote. The land mass is small enough, and we can easily control the surrounding space. They have a limited population of four point six million that can be relocated to Uztralia—”“I believe they call it Australia,” Mirtoff interrupted.“Regardless, they share a similar language and background. I don’t see an issue.” Gahumed brought up demographic information of her own. “New Zealand can be made to become sustainable for our needs and allow us business options with the humans.” “A forced relocation won’t work.” Mirtoff’s ears started to swell and warm up.Relax. Don’t let this plan anger you.Mirtoff took a breath. “How will that help us build a positive enough relationship with them so we can conduct trade?”“We could offer them helium-3 for the territory,” Gahumed countered.“And what if the Australians don’t want four point six million new humans?”“Why not?” Gahumed smirked. “They have the land mass, and from the reports, the two territories have good relations.”“The issue, as I understand it, is none of Earth’s governments are willing to give up their territory to us—”“Madam Speaker,” Gahumed interrupted, “they are a barbaric species that fight among themselves for land all the time.”“And how would we be any different?”“It’s not the same thing,” Gahumed said.It’s exactly the same thing. You don’t want to see it. You’re a hypocrite.“We can’t trust them.” Gahumed swiped her hands over her datapad. “They won’t work with us in peace and certainly we can’t trust them to be truthful with their motives. Despite what you and the vice speaker may think. We can easily go there and use our military to take over the area. Then we move the humans and make reparations.” She picked up her datapad. “Denes and my staff have run the scenario based on the information we’ve gathered. The losses were negligible.” She swiped the data up to the monitor.“Yes, General Gahumed, I’m sure the work of your son is admirable and perfect.” She rubbed the tips of her ears. “Just like him—”“Are you mocking the abilities of my son? He is a fine male with a brilliant military mind. He is the type of male that every Nentraee of his gender should strive to be.” Her full lips pulled into a stiff line, and her ears started turning an angry shade of blue.

                                                         Author Bio:
M.D. Neu is a LGBTQA Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, Harvey Fierstein, Anne Rice, and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.
Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.
When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of nineteen plus years.
Links:
Website: http://www.mdneu.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdneuauthorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormdneu/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/66488958-md

 


 

 

Adventures with Annabelle and Maisie

The Day Annabelle Was Bitten By a Doodlebugby Julie WenzlickGenre: Children's Rhyming Picture Book
When pre-schooler Annabelle awakens one morning, she has a strange urge to start doodling. She calls for paper and pen and begins doodling continuously, unable to stop—even for meals! Her concerned parents take her to the doctor, who discovers a doodlebug bite on her neck. He assures them her doodling urges will end when the bite fades away. Annabelle gets so good at doodling she opens a shop to sell her work and even travels the world to share her art. Then one day the bite fades and so do her uncontrollable urges.
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The Day Maisie and Annabelle Got the Gigglesby Julie WenzlickGenre: Children's Rhyming Picture Book 
After sisters Annabelle and Maisie meet the gigglepuss outside on the trampoline, they suddenly can’t stop giggling. Their dad has a hard time believing they met a gigglepuss, calling it “mythical nonsense.” But as time passes and they giggle harder and harder, there’s no choice but to take them to the doctor, who provides an unpleasant but effective remedy. Wonder who else in the family will encounter that rascally gigglepuss?

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The Day Maisie Picked a Daisy by Julie WenzlickGenre: Children's Rhyming Picture Book 
When big sister Annabelle decides to go against Mom’s rules and take little sister Maisie Grace for a ride in her pink Barbie Corvette, she has no idea of the adventure that lies ahead!  Join these wandering sisters as they explore Miss Millie’s garden and fail to obey the sign: Do NOT pick the Daisies!  What will happen when Maisie unknowingly plucks one daisy from the garden?
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Julie Wenzlick is a retired English teacher who loves to rhyme. She began writing poems and stories in second grade, and she loves to share her books with elementary students in hopes of inspiring them to write their own stories. Three of her books were inspired by her granddaughters Annabelle and Maisie. She often gets the question from her young audiences, "Did this REALLY happen?" Her book "The Day Annabelle was Bitten by a Doodlebug" was chosen as Honorable Mention in the Writer's Digest Children's Book category for 2017. Julie, who also writes songs to go with her books, produced her original full-length musical comedy "Singles File," in the early 90s at three venues. You can find out more about her at juliewenzlick.com

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