C.A. Milson's Blog, page 150
November 8, 2018
Book Blast – HIS TEMPTING LOVE
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Anya Summers will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banners to see the other stops on the tour.
Cora Roberts has a plan: move to a new town and make a better life for herself and her son. As a single mom, she’s not looking for a relationship of any kind. But then she never expected to have the sexy Garrett offer her a night of uninhibited pleasure with no strings attached.
Garrett Brooks never expected Cora’s surrender to his touch to be so sweet – or tempt him to want more than just a single night with her. But as he pursues a deeper relationship with Cora, a threat from his past emerges.
Will Garrett be able to tempt Cora with his love, or will outside forces tear them apart?
Read an Excerpt
It was midnight before the crowds started to thin out. Once couples had performed scenes, they tended to leave shortly afterward. Which was fine by Cora. It made her job easier.
“If you want to do your nightly prep, then I can let you get out of here,” Matt said.
“Really?”
“Yep. You won’t always work until we close at two. We’ve got enough coverage, so get your prep done and then you can cash out and leave,” Matt said with a wink.
“Thanks,” she said. The sooner she got home, the sooner she could get a few hours of sleep. In her world if she scored more than four hours of uninterrupted sleep, it was a damn miracle. Cora printed out receipts for each of the tables with an open tab, including Garrett’s. She stopped by each one and gave them their checks, promising to be back shortly to pick them up.
When she reached table ten, Garrett was still sitting there, watching her. His friend, Jackson, was in one of the scene areas and she blushed at the sight of him thrusting into a tall blonde restrained on the saddlehorse.
“Here you are, Sir. If you want to keep your tab open, just let me know and I will tell Matt. My shift is ending for the night.”
“No, I can close out with you,” Garrett said and tossed a few bills into the black billfold, not even glancing at the total. He’d given her a far too generous tip. “So you’ll be free in a bit?”
“Um, yes, I guess so,” she replied, wondering where he was headed with his question.
“Then why don’t you join me for a drink?” he offered, his blue gaze deepening, making her think of the ocean at sunset with its dark mysterious waves.
“I have prep work I still need to do,” she said in response, ignoring his question, and zoomed away from his table without a backward glance. Her heart hammered in her chest at the blatant invitation.
Cora tried to ignore that her hands were shaking or that she was giving some serious thought to turning around and taking him up on his offer. She took the tray with her prep work—rolling silverware—over to a back table and sighed once she was able to get off her feet.
She ignored the symphony of moans and groans, concentrating on the task at hand. The sooner she finished this, the sooner she could get home. She was in the middle of rolling one set of silverware when someone took the seat across from her. Lifting her gaze, she saw Garrett sitting confidently, the subtle flexing of muscles and sinew of his shoulders and chest making her mouth water.
“What are you doing, Sir?” she sputtered, stunned and slightly aroused by his presence, as Garrett picked up some silverware and began rolling it into a napkin, mimicking her actions.
“Helping, so that you can have a drink with me,” he explained with a dark brow raised, as if it should be obvious what he was doing.
“But I’m not—”
“Cora, it’s a drink, not a marriage proposal,” he chided. His fingers were fast and efficient at rolling the silverware, like he’d done more than his fair share of nightly prep work in restaurants and bars. Which made the man who’d given her a forty-dollar tip all the more interesting.
She chewed his offer over in her mind. Would it be so wrong to have one drink?About the Author: Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.
Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.
Visit her website here: http://www.anyasummers.com
Visit her on social media here:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyabsummers
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anya-summers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyasummersauthor
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers!
Dungeon Fantasy Club Series
Her Highland Master, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Master-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01E9UB8SO
To Master and Defend, Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/Master-Defend-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01FNG23HI/
Two Doms for Kara, Book 3 https://www.amazon.com/Doms-Kara-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01GXGOAK0/
His Driven Domme, Book 4 https://www.amazon.com/Driven-Domme-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01IIUY8Y2
Her Country Master, Book 5 https://goo.gl/YWhLqm
Love Me, Master Me, Book 6 https://goo.gl/QlTE9u
Submit To Me, Book 7 https://goo.gl/Or8pYr
Her Wired Dom, Book 8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRJY9TF/
Pleasure Island Series
Her Master & Commander, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/Master-Commander-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y5SVVB9/
Her Music Masters, Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711R9D1H/
Their Shy Submissive, Book 3 https://goo.gl/ufyJLn
Her Lawful Master, Book 4 https://www.amazon.com/Lawful-Master-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B073SRDNNT
Her Rockstar Dom, Book 5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075VSGP8Q
Duets & Dominance, Book 6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TG9RYC
Her Undercover Dom, Book 7 https://goo.gl/HKhVba
Ménage In Paradise, Book 8 https://goo.gl/qce2BD
Her Rodeo Masters, Book 9 https://goo.gl/HDZw6v
Cuffs & Spurs Series
His Scandalous Love https://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B079GBB57Z
His Unexpected Love https://www.amazon.com/His-Unexpected-Love-Carter-Beginning-ebook/dp/B07C2NBGLQ
His Wicked Love https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B661RP1
His Untamed Love https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07D9ZDHMH
His Tempting Love https://goo.gl/MrESgd
His Seductive Love releasing November 2018
His Secret Love releasing January 2019
His Cherished Love releasing March 2019
The Alcyran Chronicles
Taken by the Beast https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYNT21L
Claimed by the Beast releasing Fall 2018
Loved by the Beast releasing Winter 2019
Amazon https://goo.gl/MrESgd
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/books/his-tempting-love-cuffs-and-spurs-book-5-by-anya-summers
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42141468-his-tempting-love
Anya Summers will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
November 6, 2018
Book Blast – SOFT CLAY
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Megan Slayer will be awarding a Prize Pack featuring a Necklace made by the author and signed swag to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the toher stops on the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Two souls trapped—can they find freedom in each other’s arms?
Nike, the goddess of speed can’t move. She’s the goddess of strength and she can’t shatter her curse. The goddess of victory has lost her weapons—her shield and spear. She put her faith in a human, only to be cursed. Can another human be the key to her salvation and freedom from the clay?
Charlie needs someone who can understand him. A person to cherish him. Male or female, he doesn’t care. He’s intrigued by Nike’s statue. Call him infatuated. But she’s a statue and they don’t come to life from true love’s kiss, do they?
Read an Excerpt
©Megan Slayer, 2018, All Rights Reserved
Nike wished she could move. She longed to shiver into his touch and lean into his kiss. She wished her heart could beat again and she could enfold him in her wings.
What he wore and his makeup didn’t matter to her. Men in women’s clothing could be pretty. He had the eyes and body to pull off the look. If being different made him happy, then wonderful. She wanted to make him happy, too. With the curse in place, all she could do was listen and watch.
Damn the magic. Damn her curse. She wanted to be free. Her brothers and sister were there, but they couldn’t hear her. Couldn’t they tell the human how to break the curse?
She stared at the human male. He reminded her of the servant men on Olympus. He was so pretty but masculine. He’d defer to her, wouldn’t he? He struck her as glamorous, yet off-limits like the servants. Not that she’d held back before. Her desire to sleep with the servants had gotten her into trouble so many times. When she found someone she liked, she wanted to sleep with them. So what if her father deemed her lovers beneath her?
She turned her attention back to the man. His kiss delighted her. She’d never tasted anything so delicious in her life. More than that, she’d been able to feel him. Her hope increased. If she could feel him, not just assume she could, then perfect. She wanted another kiss from the quirky man.
Could he break the curse? She wasn’t sure, but she wanted him to keep trying.
Please, don’t stop trying.
About the Author:
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.
When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.
Sign up for the newsletter here: http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj
Website: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
Blog: https://wendizwaduk.wordpress.com/
Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/wendizwaduk.meganslayer/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Megan-Slayer/e/B008BJCFSC
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-slayer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendizwaduk/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5330530.Megan_Slayer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MeganSlayer
Megan Slayer will be awarding a Prize Pack featuring a Necklace made by the author and signed swag to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
November 5, 2018
VBT – Exit Stage Left
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Exit Stage Left
by Catherine Russell
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GENRE: Dark Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
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BLURB:
Megan O’Day seems to be navigating the unpredictable relationship with Geoffrey Drake, her centuries-old vampire guardian angel, rather well. But then his past suddenly rips him from her, forcing her to face the unknown future alone in the gripping sequel to The Stage.
Still bound to Geoffrey through the power of the Link despite his unexplained absence, Megan’s mind is flooded with his haunted memories. While she relives the darkest moments of his previous life, she discovers his attachment to a woman who bears a striking resemblance to her.
As she questions Geoffrey’s love for her, she strikes up a dangerous alliance with Geoffrey’s brother, Alexander, who is also a vampire. She hopes that he will help her find a way to rescue Geoffrey: instead, he seems to be awakening new emotions and desires within her.
As the past and present collide, Megan struggles to fend off Alexander’s dark seduction. Is Geoffrey truly beyond the reach of her love forever? If not, what must be sacrificed to bring them back together again?
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EXCERPT
An image of Dawn’s mangled, bloody body filled my thoughts, and I stopped sorting through my art supplies. It had happened just before Christmas. There was poor Dawn, distraught over her break-up with Ian, wearing my jack, and waiting in Geoffrey’s car in the alley behind The Stage.
They thought Dawn was me.
They- The Inner Circle, Geoffrey’s first coven-wanted him back.
Marco, his sire, was the head honcho there, and I its prime the coven had been quite large with a very strong presence in the community. As the years passed, it prominence had faded, but Marco still clung to his power. Geoffrey said that the older Marco got the more manipulative, abusive, and obsessive he became. It didn’t make sense. Marco had exiled him, and now he wanted his prized son back, even though Geoffrey’s twin, Alexander, was part of the Inner Circle. To top it off, they wanted me dead. Why? Because I came between Marco and Geoffrey? Was it because of the Link?
Shh, my love, said Geoffrey’s sweet, cool voice though the Link.
But I couldn’t keep my thoughts from whirling. Nerdy Chase Montgomery, my neighbor, was Geoffrey’s Guardian- a scholar of immortals, more or less. He was assigned to watch over Geoffrey, but he had trouble staying close to him. So he had followed me instead, filling my apartment with micro-cameras and audio pickups. When Geoffrey finally confronted Chase, I got a look inside his apartment-and at his computer screens. Nearly every inch of my apartment was under surveillance.
How fast everything had happened! Only four months ago, I started working at Ashleigh’s bar, The Stage, which was now the hottest club in Seattle. Geoffrey and his family which made up his band, The Darkness, were the house band there, and he and his family lived what they jokingly called an “alternative lifestyle”- even for vampires. Believing our human lives were too short as it is, they found other sources for their drug of choice, blood.
By the way, did I say reality bites? Yeah it does. I guess that comes with the territory when the one you love is a vampire.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
CATHERINE RUSSELL is the author of The Stage Chronicles, a paranormal vampire fantasy tetralogy for Barking Rain Press. Catherine grew up in Puyallup, Washington. After years of reading, her characters could no longer be ignored. Her family indulged her creativity with love and patience while she found her way through her first attempt to bring The Stage, Book 1 in the series. She is hard at work at the second book in the planned quartet, Exit Stage Left. Catherine lives in Tacoma, Washington with her wife, their son, and a view of the Olympic Mountains. You can find out more about The Stage Chronicles at her website or Facebook page. You can also follow her on Twitter.
The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour only.
The Stage Chronicles site http://www.thestagechronicles.com/
Barking Rain Press site https://barkingrainpress.org/exit-stage-left/
Amazon link for The Stage Chronicles Book 2 Exit Stage Left https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Stage-Left-Chronicles/dp/1935460889/ref=sr_1_2
Amazon link for The Stage Chronicles Book 1 The Stage https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Stage-Left-Chronicles/dp/1935460889/ref=sr_1_2
Twitter for The Stage Chronicles https://twitter.com/CathyMRussell
Facebook for The Stage Chronicles https://www.facebook.com/thestagechronicles/
Instagram for The Stage Chronicles https://www.instagram.com/thestagechronicles_/
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Enter to win a $50 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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October 31, 2018
Book Blast – A LORD FOR CHRISTMAS
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
A Lord for Christmas: Heart-warming Regency Yuletide Tales is a collection of novellas with both holiday themes as well as those of love, passion, intrigue, and romance running throughout. With each story, you’ll long for your own Lord for Christmas.
Marriage by Twelfth Night by Ella Quinn – Lady Euphrosyne Trevor knows exactly what she wants in a marriage when she meets the Marquis of Markville. But when her father, the Duke of Somerset, refuses the suit out of hand and betroths Euphrosyne to another man, they must find a way to defy the duke and save the only chance they have for love.
The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – Perdita, London’s favorite lady is desperate to avoid a fortune hunter and enlists the help of London’s most wicked Rogue to fake an engagement, but her rogue has every intention of claiming Perdita as his wife.
A December with a Duke by Collette Cameron – After a horrific marriage, Everleigh vows to never marry again, but the enigmatic Duke of Sheffield is determined to woo the beautiful widow and make her his own.
A Match Made at Christmas by Jenna Jaxon — Sophia must allow her grandmother to arrange a match for her, the name of the groom to be announced at a Christmas house party. So when Sophia finds the true love of her life, she has no idea if he is her grandmother’s choice or not.
Read an Excerpt from A December with a Duke by Collette Cameron
For the second time that night, Everleigh stopped on the last riser.
He truly didn’t know?
“Yes, my daughter, Meredith.”
She touched the locket again. A lock of wispy, thistle-down soft white hair lay tucked inside. Struggling to wrestle her grief into submission, she focused on the long case clock’s pendulum swinging back and forth.
She paced her breathing with the slow tick-tock for a handful of rhythmic beats.
Did a parent ever recover from the loss of a child?
No. Life just took on a new reality.
“Tomorrow is the three-year anniversary of her death.”
Why had she shared that?
The Duke of Sheffield did the most startling, the most perfect thing in all the world.
He drew her into his arms and held her. He didn’t offer condolences or advice. He didn’t try to change the subject or pretend he hadn’t heard her at all.
He simply offered her comfort, and it felt so utterly splendid, just allowing someone to hold her. Someone who permitted her to show her grief for a child conceived in the worst sort of violation and violence, but who had been adored nevertheless.
For this brief interlude, Everleigh didn’t have to be strong. Didn’t have to maintain her frigid façade, and it was wonderful to be herself. That almost brought her to tears as well.
What was more astonishing was she wasn’t afraid of his touch.
How long had it been since she didn’t flinch when a man touched her?
They stood chest to chest and thigh to thigh in intimate silence for several moments until the clocked chimed the quarter hour, interrupting the tranquility. They really must join the others for dinner, or God only knew what sort of unsavory tattle might arise.
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace.”
She disengaged herself, more aware of him as a man than she’d any business being.
He simply nodded, though the amber starburst in his eyes glowed with a warmth she couldn’t identify.
About the Authors:
USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She’s currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website: http://www.ellaquinnauthor.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor
Blog: http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom/
USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, author by night who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, and a Semi-Finalist award for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. She is a 2018 RITA ® Finalist in the Romance Writers of America Contest. To connect with Lauren, visit her at http://www.laurensmithbooks.com
Website: http://www.laurensmithbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenDianaSmith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LSmithAuthor
Blog: http://theleagueofrogues.blogspot.com/
USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Collette Cameron pens Scottish and Regency historicals, featuring rogues, rapscallions, rakes, and the intelligent, intrepid damsels who reform them.
Blessed with fantastic fans as well as a compulsive, over-active, and witty Muse who won’t stop whispering new romantic romps in her ear, she lives in Oregon with her mini-dachshunds, though she dreams of living in Scotland part-time.
You’ll always find dogs, birds, occasionally naughty humor, and a dash of inspiration in her sweet-to-spicy timeless romances®.
Website: https://collettecameron.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collette.cameron.5
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Collette_Author
Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical romance in all time periods because, she says, “passion is timeless.” She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She’s a theatre director when she’s not writing and lives in Gloucester, Virginia with her family, including two very vocal cats and one silent one.
Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as an active member of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA. She has four series currently available: The House of Pleasure, set in Georgian England, Handful of Hearts, set in Regency England, and Time Enough to Love, set in medieval England and France, and The Widows’ Club series, also set in Regency England and available from Kensington Publishing in both print and digital.
She currently writes to support her chocolate habit.
Website: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570
Twitter:: https://twitter.com/Jenna_Jaxon
BUY LINKS: – on sale for only $0.99
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JK77K9V/ref=x_gr_w_bb
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lord-for-christmas-lauren-smith/1129769409
THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY: $50 Amazon/BN GC
October 30, 2018
VBT – The Childless Ones
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Book description
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TWO WORLDS…TWO ALTERNATING NARRATIVES…A REALIST RELATIONSHIP DRAMA…AN EPIC FANTASY…
In the “real world,” we open with Jack Ampong just leaving a prostitute when he receives a phone call that his wife Sarah has been assaulted. With this incident as a jumping off point, we watch as Jack and Sarah deal with past guilt and regrets as well as their own ongoing struggles with relationships, infertility and parenthood.
In the “fantasy world”—ostensibly written by Jack—a bureaucratic Empire rules with an iron fist…an ancient sect of sorcerers have extraordinary powers but are cursed with the inability to have children… and a race of beings called the Mandrakar live lives one quarter the length of normal people, but have memories that are passed on to future generations through the last of an ancient breed of tree. Along the way, we meet a crotchety governor who just wants to do right by his granddaughter, a hardboiled, lesbian, dwarf detective who just wants another drink, and a villainous sorcerer whose motives form one of the central mysteries of the story.
Throughout the book, the two narratives echo off one another—often in surprising ways—ultimately commenting on the very nature of storytelling itself.
About the Author
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Cam Rhys Lay received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his MFA from the University of Kansas. For five years, he worked as an Associate Publisher at The Easton Press in Connecticut. Currently he lives in Brooklyn, New York where he runs marketing for Skillshare, an online learning community for creators. The Childless Ones is his first book. To learn more about Cam and his writing, please visit him at camrhyslay.com.
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Amazon link (Preorder):
Barnes and Noble (Preorder):
Add it on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41957989-the-childless-ones
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Praise:
“impressively creates two vivid worlds, each with its own history and compelling characters, while also offering a meditation on the relationship between creativity, fertility, and shared memory. A stunning fantasy debut.” — Kirkus Reviews
Rafflecopter Giveaway
Cam Rhys Lay will be giving away Print copy of The Childless Ones
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/56a2244761/
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October 29, 2018
Reality Vs Myth Time – Publish or Not To Publish
Many do seem to think that when they have a book published, the extent of marketing is limited to:
1. One image of the book cover to go along with the 10 thousand other images of them in a bathroom, selfies, and food snaps that are uploaded to Fb, Twitter, Instagram or other SM.
2. Released a self-pub book and think that their work is done.
Reality – Being an author makes you a BRAND. Hence, you need to spend at least 10 hours a week marketing your book. That includes: Virtual Book Tours, Trade Shows, Hitting book buyers (Schools, clubs), and doing everything you can to ensure your book is a success.
Excuses not to market your book:
1. I don’t have time. Answer: Hire a PR or Marketing agency who will do this for you for a cost.
2. I don’t have the funds. Answer: Then you need to promote your work yourself.
3. I don’t know how marketing works. Answer: Get educated and learn marketing techniques, or refer to the Answer in Point 1.
Traditional Publishing has changed so much in recent years. Many traditional publishers will expect you to do a bulk of your own marketing, and even fewer will offer an advance. This is because too many authors sit and do nothing and have the mindset of “I thought I could sit back and watch the royalty checks come in“.
Even Self-Pub through eNook (B&N) has requirements, whereas to host a book signing, you need to have a minimum of 500 copies of your eBook sold within 12 months. Now unless you are going to get all your family to purchase a ton of eBooks so you can have a signing at B&N, you better know how to market yourself effectively.
If you do not understand the constant changing techniques of marketing, hire a PR/ Marketing Agency who can do this for you. Or, run with a Hybrid Publisher who already knows how marketing works.
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October 28, 2018
VBT – Love for Two Lifetimes
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About the Book
Title: Love for Two Lifetimes
Author: Martina Boone
Genre: Coming of Age / Young Adult
Two generations, two great loves, one devastating lie . . .
When Izzy unexpectedly loses her mother in a car accident, her world shatters. Their relationship has always been so close that Izzy can’t imagine life without her. Nor can she begin to understand when she finds a secret box of love letters that her mother wrote but never sent. The idea of her mother hiding such intense feelings for more than twenty years without so much as a hint makes Izzy question everything she thought she knew–including the identity of her father.
Following a trail of clues overseas, Izzy steps into a world of glamour and English royalty, one which years ago forced her mother to choose between her obligation to her musical gift and her lover’s obligations to his family, title, and estate. It’s a world of secrets and masquerades, of heartache and betrayal. And in the midst of this world, Izzy finds a young man who feels as broken as she does herself. The two are drawn to each other–only to find that their parents’ lies may present an insurmountable obstacle between them.
Thrown together on a coming of age journey of discovery that spans two lifetimes and takes them from a grand estate in the Cotswolds to a hospital bedside in India and ultimately to the Taj Mahal, Izzy and Malcolm try desperately not to fall in love. But some things are impossible…
And some loves are worth any sacrifice…
Uplifting, funny, tragic, and unforgettably, luminously romantic, Love for Two Lifetimes is a tale of two generations of love, a lifetime of friendship, a history of sacrifice, and one last, heartbreaking and hopeful choice revealed in prose, texts, and love letters. Written for young adults and grown-up romantics, if you love the romance of the royal weddings or any story by Nicholas Sparks, Love for Two Lifetimes will have you turning pages late into the night.
“Heartwarming, lyrical, soulful, and with just the right amount of humor: this book sparkles with authentic, layered characters and beautiful, thoughtful prose.” — Jodi Meadows, NYT bestselling co-author of My Lady Jane and My Plain Jane
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Author Bio
Martina Boone is the award-winning author of Love for Two Lifetimes and the romantic Southern Gothic Heirs of Watson Island series, including Compulsion, Persuasion, and Illusion for young adults from Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse as well as romantic fiction for adult readers in the Celtic Legends Collection starting with Lake of Destiny. She’s also the founder of AdventuresInYAPublishing.com, a three-time Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers Site. She’s dedicated to encouraging literacy and reader engagement through a celebration of literature, and she’s on the Board of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and runs the CompulsionForReading.com program to distribute books to underfunded schools and libraries.
She lives in Virginia with her husband, children, Shetland Sheepdog, and a lopsided cat, and she enjoys writing contemporary fantasy set in the kinds of magical places she loves to visit. When she isn’t writing, she’s addicted to travel, horses, skiing, chocolate-flavored tea, and anything with Nutella on it.
Website: http://www.MartinaBoone.com
Blog: http://www.AdventuresInYAPublishing.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/martina.boone
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/martinaaboone
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/martinaaboone
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6423161.Martina_Boone
Cover link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/41459519.jpg
Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41459519-love-for-two-lifetimes
Love for Two Lifetimes is available now in hardcover, trade paperback, and digital. There’s a special early order campaign with exclusive goodies for anyone who orders the book before November 1st. Additional incentives are available if you order from One More Page Books.
See here for details: http://martinaboone.com/index.php/books/young-adult-books/2608-2/early-order-incentives/
Or order from your favorite retailer:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Two-Lifetimes-Martina-Boone/dp/1946773212/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-for-two-lifetimes-martina-boone/1129424162?ean=9781946773197
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/love-for-two-lifetimes/id1434336651?mt=11
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-for-two-lifetimes
Book Excerpt
Izzy: The End
This isn’t a story about death or grief. It’s about grabbing love while you can.
Malcolm and I are in the hospital corridor in front of the cardiac care unit, and the too-familiar alarms, hurrying feet, and acrid scents of disease melt away around us. There are only the answers we don’t have. And the possibility that loving him may, with the speaking of a single word, turn out to be biblically, terrifyingly wrong.
His hands shake on my arms. His knees bend so we can look straight at each other. I love the sea-ice green of his eyes beneath the dark swoops of brow, the dimple in his chin, the way he concentrates.
We’re pulled together, our bodies tipping closer, millimeter by millimeter, my skin alive beneath his fingers, our heartbeats echoes of one another.
In German, there’s a word for a kiss that makes up for kisses that never happened. In case there can never be more between us, that’s exactly what I need: one last kiss to hold all the kisses that might have been, not only mine and Malcolm’s, but all those that were missing from my mother’s life.
October 26, 2018
Interview With … Ivy Keating
A missing man, a new police chief and an unexpected New England town mystery.
When Sean Dermott, the newly appointed police chief, sees the report that a popular local high school coach is missing, his growing fascination with the alluring Vanessa Strauss, who reported the disappearance, makes him determined to solve the case.
The investigation leads him and his team deep into Quarry Head Park, a local scenic preserve with nature trails and expansive views. There is no sign of the missing man, but what he does find terrifies him to the core.
From the depths of the park, a deadly prehistoric looking creature emerges, attacks swiftly and silently, leaving devastation in its wake. In the chaos which follows, it is up to Chief Dermott and a team of scientists to fight for balance by ensuring the safety of his town and preserving this remarkable discovery.
He will risk his career, his reputation and even his own life to stand by what he believes to be right. The question is, will he succeed, or will all be lost?
Grab your copy now!! Amazon Champagne Books Goodreads
Tell us about you.
I’m an optimistic person; I’m happiest with my family, writing, and finding time to sit through an entire movie.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Having goals. I’m not comfortable letting things happen. I like having a plan. Everyday I look forward to working on my next book. I’ve written the first draft and am going through a rewrite now. In the morning, I set a goal of ten pages–I tell myself that’s the work that needs to be done. I usually fall short but I love the plan.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
Any one of the Avengers, or the Russo brothers because my daughter’s a huge fan, (and a film major), and I know it would impress her.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
A missing person investigation leads a new police chief to the discovery of a deadly prehistoric creature. To save his town, he must decide if he will follow the orders of his superior and destroy it, or side with a group a scientists in direct opposition. He puts his career on the line to do what he thinks is right, but his decision may have dire consequences.
Tell us your writing process.
I start with a story–an entire story that I want to tell. After the first few chapters, I listen to the characters and see how the plot develops and then write accordingly.
What tips can you give other authors who are looking to get the word out about their book.
The effort you put into writing your book must be the same as the effort you put into marketing your book. There are no short cuts. I would suggest having a strategy that includes how you will reach readers and who can help you within a budget you are comfortable with. Don’t take a bumpy road. What I mean by this is everyone that looks for good books to read may not read the type of book you’ve created. Find the audience that loves your genre. Search for help on the internet. Work with the people who’ve helped you along the way. I was very fortunate to have an amazing editor. When the book was finished, I asked her if she could help with marketing. I learned her company, ‘Book Mistress’ offered this service-I was lucky!
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer.
I started as a storyteller. While working on my first draft, I quickly realized that if anyone was going to enjoy my story I had to create a well written piece. The process of finding a publisher, and editing,helped me understand I needed to sharpen my skills as an author. So on my way to publishing Camouflage, I embraced being a writer.
Tell us about your main character.
Officer Sean Dermott is a newly appointed police chief, arguably young for the position at thirty-six years old. His desire to be an officer stems from a childhood incident where a close family member was brutally beaten while being mugged. It affected his childhood, and when he became an adult he sought to protect people from that type of trauma. He’s rugged, smart, and successful at his job. However, his superior, Colonel Frank Gunner, does not respect him. The colonel put forth his own candidate for the senior position. Now Frank uses every opportunity to question Sean’s leadership. Faced with constant scrutiny, Sean must figure out how to save the citizens he’s sworn to protect.
What are you working on next.
My next novel is a fantasy set in the middle ages. Magical creatures called Valomeres elevate the power of monarchs and sorcerers. King Edmund, the evil king of Bounten, controls a Valomere that can cause instant death. He plans to invade the other kingdoms for their resources. Only one thing can stop his reign of terror–a commoner with a secret past, and a powerful Valomere of her own.
Do you have any special/extraordinary talents.
I wouldn’t call this extraordinary, but I have a masters degree in social work, and I’ve studied human behavior. My education helps me analyze what my characters do and why.
Who are your favorite authors.
I’m in love with science fiction classics: Mary Shelley’s, Frankenstien, Bram Stoker’s, Dracula.
What do you like to do with your free time.
I love taking photos for my Instagram page. It’s dedicated to the New England landscape, and taking these pictures has helped me appreciate the beauty of the area. I also enjoy watching movies when I can find the time.
Tell us about your plans for upcoming books.
I’m working on my fantasy novel, Sarana and the Dark King. I’m hoping to have a draft to show my publisher before the end of the year.
Where can people find you on the web?
My website is, ivykeating.com https://www.ivykeating.com/
Instagram, @ivykeating
Facebook, @ivykeating
Twitter, @ivy_keating
I have 3 short nature videos on youtube. I posted them for fun; they mention Camouflage, but they are not trailers; Dragonfly: https://youtu.be/JWweZ69T6_Y Butterfly: https://youtu.be/wSWA3FvHuHo Slug: https://youtu.be/U_5qo1_osZg. A trailer for Camouflage will be available soon.
Any final thoughts?
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and my work. I would love to hear from readers directly, and I encourage anyone to contact me with questions about my book and/or the writing process.
About Ivy Keating…
Motivated by nature’s mysteries and the complexity of human behaviour, Ivy Keating writes science fiction and fantasy novels exploring the relationship between mankind and the natural world.
A master’s degree in social work helps her explore the nature of her characters and give them added depth as they grapple with the repercussions of their actions. This novel was inspired by the landscape and natural beauty of New England.
An area that inspired the question… what if?
Social Media Links:
www.ivykeating.com Instagram Twitter
The following week on Monday, when Sean returned to work, he found new information on the homicide in Lakeside Park in his inbox.
“The fingerprints lifted from the evidence belong to Marcus Branca. He is now the number one suspect. He’s also the prime suspect in a robbery caught on tape in Litchfield. The security video from the drugstore robbery and a mug shot are attached.”
The next paragraph got him thinking.
“A current address for the suspect is not confirmed. His mother, Evelyn Branca lives at 201 Daleview Circle in Norwalk, Connecticut. A transcript of her statement is attached. She stated the last time she saw her son was two years ago in October when he asked her for money.”
He’s robbing close to home. He has no confirmed address, and he last called his mother two years ago.
Sean’s gut told him—she’s lying.
He closed the email to focus on the open cases within his department.
The results of the forensic tests from the soil samples should be in.
He placed the call to the lab. The receptionist told him the tests were completed and transferred him to a technician who gave him the results. “The soil samples you sent over came up negative for synthetic and natural rubber. No trace metals either. We found nothing man-made in it.”
Sean thanked the woman. Nothing then.
He glanced at the time on his computer screen. In one hour, he needed to attend a seminar on emergency protocols as outlined by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, given at the University of Connecticut. He turned off his computer, preparing to leave when he saw Ryan standing in the doorway.
Sean waved him in. “What’s up?”
“I have the report I promised on Jason Kenner last week.”
“Including what happened to the car and the credit card statements?”
“Yes. And some information from recent bank records,” Ryan said, handing Sean a hard copy.
“Have a seat.”
“Remember the name on the account, Marsha Philips?”
Sean nodded.
“She’s an old girlfriend who lives in Albany, New York, about two hours away. I was able to speak with her.”
“What did she say?”
“They lived together, and she was crushed he’s missing. It sounded like Marsha cared very deeply about him, so I asked what the nature of their relationship was today. She said they’re just friends. They broke up because he has a gambling problem.”
“Is that why he has so many credit cards?”
“Yeah. He uses cash advances to get money. Marsha said he’s been doing that for years. He wanted her to open a card in her name and take out an advance for him. She refused and gave him an ultimatum. Get help for his addiction, or it’s over. He never got help.”
“Does she know there’s a credit card statement in her name going to his house?”
“She does. She knows he opened a card in her name illegally, but she doesn’t want to press charges. Two months ago, Jason told her that he owed someone money and they’re after him. He asked Marsha if she could loan him two thousand dollars, but she refused. He opened the card without her permission but then called her to confess what he’d done and closed the account. She feels terrible for him. She said he’s a good man; he just has a problem.”
“That’s very forgiving considering what he did,” Sean said.
“Yup, but the story checks out. I followed up with the credit card carrier, and they did receive a request to close the account. And there’s more. Marsha said when they first started dating Jason owed someone $11,000 for betting on football games. He was so scared they would come after him, he told her if he didn’t get the money he’d have to leave town. She gave him a small loan, and he took a second job to cover the rest. Marsha said he would tell her he stopped gambling, but she knows he never did. He was always short of money the entire time they were together.”
“I’m a little surprised none of his friends said anything. There’s nothing in the file about it,” Sean said, wondering if Vanessa knew about Jason’s addiction.
“From the way Marsha spoke—he was good at hiding it. He held a steady job, and for the most part they had a good relationship.”
“I can see that. Jason’s very popular around here. He was working with kids coaching the winning basketball team. Looks like a model citizen. Any idea who he owes money to?”
“Not yet, but his landlady said he hasn’t paid his rent in two months. I did some checking, and he’s behind on all his other bills. There are some illegal gambling operations in neighboring towns that local law enforcement is building cases against. I could contact them.”
“Yes. Do that.”
He nodded. “Right away.”
“Oh, did you find out what happened to his car?” Sean asked, standing and gathering his things.
“As a matter of fact, yes.” Ryan followed Sean to the door. “The car was repossessed for non-payment. He hadn’t paid in almost six months. It was pure coincidence it was taken away now.”
“See what else you can find and keep me updated.”
Ryan returned to his office, and Sean left the station. On the way to his police car, he detoured into the building next door which housed the Animal Control Department.
After exchanging greetings with Officer Benjamin Gibson, the head of Animal Control, Sean asked if anyone claimed the dog he found.
“No such luck. No one’s called, and the poor creature’s been staying at the animal hospital since you had him brought in,” Ben said.
“How come?”
“He tested positive for Lyme disease. He’ll be okay, but they wanted to start him on antibiotics so they kept him there.”
Sean rubbed his chin. The dog’s been through enough. “If no one calls you today, I’m going to pick him up and take him home.”
“Good for you,” Ben said with a smile. “Hey. Since you’re here, a video just came in of a mutilated animal in Quarry Head Park. Want to take a look?”
“Someone filmed it?”
“Yeah.”
“I don’t have much time. Is it long?”
“Not at all. Just shy of two minutes.”
“Sure. Let me see.”
“I just want you to be prepared. It’s pretty gross.”
“I appreciate the warning,” Sean said, even more interested.
Ben pulled the file up on the computer and turned the screen toward Sean.
The camera caught every angle of the gruesome sight. Sean flinched. What the hell?
The body in the footage looked like a deer. The features on its face were squashed; the eyes no longer clearly defined. The neck of the animal was bent in the middle—the head lay flat on the ground twisted to one side. Two stumps, which were once the deer’s front legs, jutted out just past its ears. Its back legs were crushed and wedged into position under its belly. Even more bizarre, the lifeless mass had a gelatinous looking coating over its entire body.
“Do we know what happened to it?”
“No. The footage was taken by a fifteen-year-old boy on his cellphone. He was riding his bike with a friend in Quarry Head Park. They went off the path, and his friend fell from the bike when he hit this dead animal.”
“Who gave you the video?”
“His mother sent it in by email. She wanted to make sure someone cleaned it up before anyone else got hurt. She said her son’s friend developed an itchy rash from the slime covering the animal’s body.”
Sean pointed to a marker on a tree in the video. “This is next to the yellow path,” he said. “Hold off on removing the animal for just a few hours. I have to go to a seminar at the University of Connecticut, but when I come back I want to take a look at it myself.”
“Sure. Hey, when you get to the school you should talk to Dr. Greg Mitchell. You can show him the video.”
“Why? Who is he?”
“Greg’s a professor at the University and the head of the Biology Department. He knows a lot about animals and specializes in herpetology.”
“Herpetology? The study of reptiles?” Sean asked.
“That’s right. Actually it’s reptiles and amphibians, so he covers both land and water. Greg lives right here in town. Last year he helped us relocate a Bog Turtle found in someone’s yard. They’re endangered, you know.”
“But even I can see this looks like a deer.”
“I know, but he’s very knowledgeable. He might be able to help. Anyway, it’s just a suggestion, and you’ll be there anyway.”
“Okay, can you send me the video?”
“Not a problem. I’ll email it to you now.”
Sean thanked Ben and left for the University. Once in his cruiser he scrunched his nose, mulling over the grisly video. Natural causes or foul play?
October 25, 2018
Spotlight – Camouflage
[image error]
Camouflage
By
Ivy Keating and Scott Spotson
Blurb
A missing man, a new police chief and an unexpected New England town mystery.
When Sean Dermott, the newly appointed police chief, sees the report that a popular local high school coach is missing, his growing fascination with the alluring Vanessa Strauss, who reported the disappearance, makes him determined to solve the case.
The investigation leads him and his team deep into Quarry Head Park, a local scenic preserve with nature trails and expansive views. There is no sign of the missing man, but what he does find terrifies him to the core.
From the depths of the park, a deadly prehistoric looking creature emerges, attacks swiftly and silently, leaving devastation in its wake. In the chaos which follows, it is up to Chief Dermott and a team of scientists to fight for balance by ensuring the safety of his town and preserving this remarkable discovery.
He will risk his career, his reputation and even his own life to stand by what he believes to be right. The question is, will he succeed, or will all be lost?
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HM7WV76/
http://champagnebooks.com/store/index.php
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42076080-camouflage
Author Bio
[image error]
Motivated by nature’s mysteries and the complexity of human behaviour, Ivy Keating writes science fiction and fantasy novels exploring the relationship between mankind and the natural world. A master’s degree in social work helps her explore the nature of her characters and give them added depth as they grapple with the repercussions of their actions. This novel was inspired by the landscape and natural beauty of New England. An area that inspired the question… what if?
Social Media Links:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ivykeating/?hl=en
Twitter @ivy_keating
facebook @ivykeating
Excerpt
[image error]
The following week on Monday, when Sean returned to work, he found new information on the homicide in Lakeside Park in his inbox.
“The fingerprints lifted from the evidence belong to Marcus Branca. He is now the number one suspect. He’s also the prime suspect in a robbery caught on tape in Litchfield. The security video from the drugstore robbery and a mug shot are attached.”
The next paragraph got him thinking.
“A current address for the suspect is not confirmed. His mother, Evelyn Branca lives at 201 Daleview Circle in Norwalk, Connecticut. A transcript of her statement is attached. She stated the last time she saw her son was two years ago in October when he asked her for money.”
He’s robbing close to home. He has no confirmed address, and he last called his mother two years ago.
Sean’s gut told him—she’s lying.
He closed the email to focus on the open cases within his department.
The results of the forensic tests from the soil samples should be in.
He placed the call to the lab. The receptionist told him the tests were completed and transferred him to a technician who gave him the results. “The soil samples you sent over came up negative for synthetic and natural rubber. No trace metals either. We found nothing man-made in it.”
Sean thanked the woman. Nothing then.
He glanced at the time on his computer screen. In one hour, he needed to attend a seminar on emergency protocols as outlined by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, given at the University of Connecticut. He turned off his computer, preparing to leave when he saw Ryan standing in the doorway.
Sean waved him in. “What’s up?”
“I have the report I promised on Jason Kenner last week.”
“Including what happened to the car and the credit card statements?”
“Yes. And some information from recent bank records,” Ryan said, handing Sean a hard copy.
“Have a seat.”
“Remember the name on the account, Marsha Philips?”
Sean nodded.
“She’s an old girlfriend who lives in Albany, New York, about two hours away. I was able to speak with her.”
“What did she say?”
“They lived together, and she was crushed he’s missing. It sounded like Marsha cared very deeply about him, so I asked what the nature of their relationship was today. She said they’re just friends. They broke up because he has a gambling problem.”
“Is that why he has so many credit cards?”
“Yeah. He uses cash advances to get money. Marsha said he’s been doing that for years. He wanted her to open a card in her name and take out an advance for him. She refused and gave him an ultimatum. Get help for his addiction, or it’s over. He never got help.”
“Does she know there’s a credit card statement in her name going to his house?”
“She does. She knows he opened a card in her name illegally, but she doesn’t want to press charges. Two months ago, Jason told her that he owed someone money and they’re after him. He asked Marsha if she could loan him two thousand dollars, but she refused. He opened the card without her permission but then called her to confess what he’d done and closed the account. She feels terrible for him. She said he’s a good man; he just has a problem.”
“That’s very forgiving considering what he did,” Sean said.
“Yup, but the story checks out. I followed up with the credit card carrier, and they did receive a request to close the account. And there’s more. Marsha said when they first started dating Jason owed someone $11,000 for betting on football games. He was so scared they would come after him, he told her if he didn’t get the money he’d have to leave town. She gave him a small loan, and he took a second job to cover the rest. Marsha said he would tell her he stopped gambling, but she knows he never did. He was always short of money the entire time they were together.”
“I’m a little surprised none of his friends said anything. There’s nothing in the file about it,” Sean said, wondering if Vanessa knew about Jason’s addiction.
“From the way Marsha spoke—he was good at hiding it. He held a steady job, and for the most part they had a good relationship.”
“I can see that. Jason’s very popular around here. He was working with kids coaching the winning basketball team. Looks like a model citizen. Any idea who he owes money to?”
“Not yet, but his landlady said he hasn’t paid his rent in two months. I did some checking, and he’s behind on all his other bills. There are some illegal gambling operations in neighboring towns that local law enforcement is building cases against. I could contact them.”
“Yes. Do that.”
He nodded. “Right away.”
“Oh, did you find out what happened to his car?” Sean asked, standing and gathering his things.
“As a matter of fact, yes.” Ryan followed Sean to the door. “The car was repossessed for non-payment. He hadn’t paid in almost six months. It was pure coincidence it was taken away now.”
“See what else you can find and keep me updated.”
Ryan returned to his office, and Sean left the station. On the way to his police car, he detoured into the building next door which housed the Animal Control Department.
After exchanging greetings with Officer Benjamin Gibson, the head of Animal Control, Sean asked if anyone claimed the dog he found.
“No such luck. No one’s called, and the poor creature’s been staying at the animal hospital since you had him brought in,” Ben said.
“How come?”
“He tested positive for Lyme disease. He’ll be okay, but they wanted to start him on antibiotics so they kept him there.”
Sean rubbed his chin. The dog’s been through enough. “If no one calls you today, I’m going to pick him up and take him home.”
“Good for you,” Ben said with a smile. “Hey. Since you’re here, a video just came in of a mutilated animal in Quarry Head Park. Want to take a look?”
“Someone filmed it?”
“Yeah.”
“I don’t have much time. Is it long?”
“Not at all. Just shy of two minutes.”
“Sure. Let me see.”
“I just want you to be prepared. It’s pretty gross.”
“I appreciate the warning,” Sean said, even more interested.
Ben pulled the file up on the computer and turned the screen toward Sean.
The camera caught every angle of the gruesome sight. Sean flinched. What the hell?
The body in the footage looked like a deer. The features on its face were squashed; the eyes no longer clearly defined. The neck of the animal was bent in the middle—the head lay flat on the ground twisted to one side. Two stumps, which were once the deer’s front legs, jutted out just past its ears. Its back legs were crushed and wedged into position under its belly. Even more bizarre, the lifeless mass had a gelatinous looking coating over its entire body.
“Do we know what happened to it?”
“No. The footage was taken by a fifteen-year-old boy on his cellphone. He was riding his bike with a friend in Quarry Head Park. They went off the path, and his friend fell from the bike when he hit this dead animal.”
“Who gave you the video?”
“His mother sent it in by email. She wanted to make sure someone cleaned it up before anyone else got hurt. She said her son’s friend developed an itchy rash from the slime covering the animal’s body.”
Sean pointed to a marker on a tree in the video. “This is next to the yellow path,” he said. “Hold off on removing the animal for just a few hours. I have to go to a seminar at the University of Connecticut, but when I come back I want to take a look at it myself.”
“Sure. Hey, when you get to the school you should talk to Dr. Greg Mitchell. You can show him the video.”
“Why? Who is he?”
“Greg’s a professor at the University and the head of the Biology Department. He knows a lot about animals and specializes in herpetology.”
“Herpetology? The study of reptiles?” Sean asked.
“That’s right. Actually it’s reptiles and amphibians, so he covers both land and water. Greg lives right here in town. Last year he helped us relocate a Bog Turtle found in someone’s yard. They’re endangered, you know.”
“But even I can see this looks like a deer.”
“I know, but he’s very knowledgeable. He might be able to help. Anyway, it’s just a suggestion, and you’ll be there anyway.”
“Okay, can you send me the video?”
“Not a problem. I’ll email it to you now.”
Sean thanked Ben and left for the University. Once in his cruiser he scrunched his nose, mulling over the grisly video. Natural causes or foul play?
October 24, 2018
VBT – Reckless Beginnings
[image error]
Reckless Beginnings
by Tina Hogan Grant
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Women’s Fiction (based on true events)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Tammy Mellows, a fourteen-year-old native of England, was shocked when her father and troubled older sister, Donna, moved to the States.
With her family now separated by divorce and divided by an ocean, Tammy felt helpless when she learned Donna had run away and couldn’t be found.
Thanks to her father insisting she stay behind in England to finish school, Tammy could do nothing for the next three years but pray that Donna would be found safe.
When Tammy’s lifelong dream of moving to the States was finally fulfilled, she had high hopes of looking for Donna. But with no leads and faced with turmoil in her own life, there wasn’t much Tammy could do.
After a forbidden secret love affair and a catastrophic dispute with her father, Tammy eventually meets Steven, settles down and has his child, only to discover he is a heroin addict. Thrown into a life of drugs and violence. Shadowed by his addiction, she becomes the silent and forgotten one. Living in fear of what Steven might be capable of and struggling alone to provide for her young son.
What consequences might she face if she leaves Steven? Is she ever going to find her sister alive? Will she have enough courage to conquer the impossible challenges of her twisted world and still come out on top?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[image error]
Excerpt
“What do you mean she’s gone, John?”
Who was gone? Tammy wondered.
Her mother became angry. “She can’t just disappear, John! Someone must know where she is!”
Glued to the railings, Tammy was dying to know who and what they were talking about.
Then her mother began to cry hysterically while she held the phone tight and screamed into it, “She’s still a child, John. She’s just seventeen. You should never have put her in that home! She isn’t an object you can just discard because she’s in your way. She’s your daughter!”
Tammy remembered how her heart sank to the floor when she suddenly realized they were talking about Donna. Her sister had run away and was now missing. She wanted to race down the stairs and snatch the phone from her mother’s hands and ask her father WHY? Why had he put her in that awful place?
Donna had written a letter to Tammy and Jenny, telling them how much she hated being in the home. How no one wanted her anymore and she was going to run away. Frightened by what she had read, Tammy showed the letter to their mother. As upset as she was by both the letter and the fact that Donna had written to her sisters and not her, Rose never believed Donna would actually run away. “I’m sure she’ll be okay. She just needs time to adjust. It’s all new to her. We have to trust your father’s judgment. He said this would be good for her. I have to believe that. She is a very troubled young girl and needs help,” her mother had told her. But she had run away, and now no one knew where she was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links
Tina Hogan Grant was born in England and grew up in a small town on the Yorkshire Moors. She is the youngest daughter of science fiction author, James P. Hogan. After moving to California, she became a commercial lobster fisherwoman, fishing off the coast of Southern California for ten years with her husband Gordon.
For fourteen years, she’d had a notion of writing her debut novel “Reckless Beginnings”. But it wasn’t until the sudden death of her father in 2010 and a battle with breast cancer a year later that she made the decision to get it done. Seven years later, she finally completed it. She is now working on a sequel titled, “Better Endings.”
She currently resides with her husband in the small mountain community of Frazier Park in Southern California. Together they enjoy anything that involves the outdoors, fishing, hiking, kayaking and riding quads.
Website: www.tinahogangrant.com
Buy Links may be found here: https://tinahogangrant.com/tina-hogan-grant-press-kit-book-reckless-beginnings/
Social Media Accounts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tina.Hogan.Grant.Author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaHoganGrant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina_hogan_grant/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tinahogangrant/
Book Video
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