C.A. Milson's Blog, page 32
October 6, 2024
Sandra’s Reader & Author Party
What started off as a simple book
blog that posted the personal reviews of the site owner has grown into a site
where authors and readers can connect. Since then we’ve given away books, gift
cards, reviews, tours, and free promotion to authors.
Check out Sandra’s Book Blog to find out
more!
To celebrate all the readers and
authors that have been a part of our blog, we’re throwing everyone a Reader and
Author Blog Party! We’re also including one prize for readers and one prize for
authors.
Follow the party HERE
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October 3, 2024
Crashers
How far would you go to get rich?
Read it before it hits the big screen!
Crashers
by Lindy S. Hudis
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
**Currently in film production with Face 2 Face Productions!**
How far would you go to get rich?
What if you were desperate? What if you were
completely out of options? Would you cut in front of a sparkling, new
Mercedes on the busy L.A. freeway and slam on the brakes? What if it
were that easy?
Enter the world of Crashers…
The con is simple: Get in a car accident. Collect the insurance blood
money. What could go wrong? That’s what Shari believed when she found
herself in dire need of cash. When she meets the sexy and mysterious
Bryce, the teaches her all about how to be a “capper.”
Soon, Shari realizes that by staging more of these accidents, she’ll have
more money than she knows what to do with.
But as she becomes more and more obsessed with her strange new world, she
discovers there’s no such thing as easy money. And what started out
as a simple payout soon turns into a deadly game.
Lindy Sternberger Hudis is an award winning filmmaker, author and actress.
Lindy is a graduate of New York University, where she studied drama
at Tisch School of the Arts. She also performed in a number of
Off-Off Broadway theater productions while living in New York
City.
She is the author of several titles, including her
romance suspense novel, Weekends, her “Hollywood” story
City of Toys, and her crime novel, Crashers. Her latest release,
“Hollywood Underworld – A Hollywood Series” is the first
installment of a crime, mystery series.
She is also the author of several erotic short stories, including “The S&M
Club”, “The Backstage Pass”, “Guitar God”,
“The Guitarist”, and “The Mile High Club”.
Her short film “The Lesson”, which she wrote, produced and
directed, has won numerous awards, including ‘Best Short Film’ at the
Paris International Film Festival, The Beverly Hills Arthouse Film
Festival and the San Fransisco International Film Festival.
She is also a former actress, having appeared in the television daytime
drama “Sunset Beach”, “Married with Children” ,
“Beverly Hills 90210” and the feature film “Indecent Proposal” . She and her husband, Hollywood stuntman Stephen Hudis, have formed their own production company called Impact Motion
Pictures, and have several projects and screenplays in development.
She lives in California with her husband and two children.
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Merlin’s Apprentice: Warrior Rising
Young Pip must embrace his power to become a battle mage so he can
defend the Magic Realm against the fierce Northmen invading from the
sea and from the dark forces attacking his kingdom.
Warrior Rising
Merlin’s Apprentice Book 2
by Susan McCauley
Genre: Epic
Middle Grade Arthurian Fantasy
Young Pip must embrace his power to become a battle mage so he can
defend the Magic Realm against the fierce Northmen invading from the
sea and from the dark forces attacking his kingdom.
While recovering from Mordred’s reign of terror and the departure of King
Arthur, Pip foresees a new enemy breaching the shores of Britain: a
fleet of Northmen led by the ruthless Halfdan Ragnarsson. Pip and
Merlin fear Ragnarsson will fill Mordred’s void and bring demonic
darkness and chaos to their realm. It falls to Pip, together with old
friends and new magicked allies, to stop Ragnarsson, protect the
magical barrier that separates the Magic Realm from the Realm of
Faerie, and unite the mages of light to protect all who were
scattered by the breaking of the worlds.
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The Mage
Merlin’s Apprentice Book 1
Twelve-year-old
Pip must embrace his magical powers to rescue his family from
slavery—or help the king save the realm—a decision that will tear
his world apart.
Desperate
to keep his family together, Pip hides his power so he can be sold
with them. But when his father and brother are sold to different
mages and the slavers attempt to separate his mother and sister, Pip
loses control and injures a slaver with magic. The uproar catches the
attention of the southern king’s druid advisor, Merlin, who quickly
offers a place to Pip, his sister, and his mother. On the road to
King Arthur’s court, bandits attack their camp, and his family is
further torn apart. Pip has no choice but to work with Merlin—who
may not be the evil mage Pip assumes him to be—to learn to harness
his powers so he can help King Arthur stop Mordred. Only then might
Pip have a chance to see his family together again.
**Only .99cents for a limited time!**
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Susan McCauley is an award winning author of paranormal, fantasy, and
horror for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers. She first
fell in love with the paranormal when she was three years old and
scared witless on Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride, but begged her
parents to ride again and again! Susan has lived on all three coasts
of the United States, as well as having spent a few years in the U.K.
She loves to travel, snorkel, practice taekwondo, read, try new
restaurants, watch movies, and go to the theatre. She’s also
passionate about animals and has a special place in her heart for
cats.
You can visit her on the web at www.sbmccauley.com
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October 2, 2024
P.O.O.F. Happens
Can’t find love?
Love will find you and poof into your life.
P.O.O.F. Happens
Twilight Temptations Book 1
By D.G. Carothers
Genre: LGBTQ
Urban Fantasy, M/M Paranormal Romance
Can’t find love? Love will find you and poof into your life.
Greetings, Nozzag here, an Agent of P.O.O.F. and one of the dedicated
caretakers for the Creator of Important Nexuses. It has been over a century
since we last shared some of the success stories we helped initiate.
For
the first time since the Uprising, we are thrilled to present a new collection
of Twilight Temptations tales. Launching this series is a story I hold dear and
one that almost didn’t come to fruition. Without further delay, I present to
you Pako and David.
Pako – Orc, Fashion Model, Boy, and tired of being walked
on—literally.
David – Elf, Human Social Worker, Daddy, and too overworked to
be looking for love.
Pako
represents what David needs to remember about slowing down, while David
embodies what Pako must remember about self-love. However, without a gentle
push from fate via the Creator of Important Nexuses, their paths may never
cross.
P.O.O.F. Happens is the first in a
new series set in the world of Bloodlines of
Fate. These are instalove, high heat, low angst stories that will
feature different kinds of creatures and a guaranteed HEA.
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Within the shimmering
guise of a mortal walks D.G. Carothers, a dragon of cunning intellect. A weaver
of LGBTQIA Romance and Urban Fantasy tales, this enigmatic being revels in
crafting narratives that dance between realms.
D.G. stands resolute in their commitment to
unfurling tales unfettered by constraints. For in their eyes, love transcends
all boundaries, a truth woven into the very fabric of their creations.
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THE SCHEME
THE SCHEME
Amethyst Drake
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Mystery
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Katherine Carson, a former intelligence operative turned private detective, has never been in it for the money. But when a desperate CEO offers double her usual fee to find his missing daughter, she can’t refuse.
Set in Baltimore, 2009, what begins as a simple missing person inquiry transforms into a complex case of espionage, financial crime, and deep-seated grudges. For Katherine, this case strikes a personal chord, stirring up haunting memories from her own past. As unexpected connections emerge, she must confront her unresolved guilt.
Can Katherine and her team of private detectives solve the case before it’s too late, or will the turmoil of her past consume her?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
Katherine slowed down as she closed the final feet between them. Her target was cornered. Marty attempted a final desperate move, grabbing some scaffolding to haul himself up. The cold metal groaned in protest and shook under his weight. Katherine reacted instinctively as the scaffolding began to shudder. She leapt over the scattered debris, snatched Marty by his belt, and pulled with all her strength. She managed to rip Marty away mere moments before the neglected structure top-pled over, sending a billow of dust and debris into the air.
They both covered their faces and waited for the dust to settle. Marty’s chest heaved as he gaped at the place where he had been standing moments before.
He coughed and stammered. “You saved me.”
“Don’t get sentimental on me, Marty, I need information.” Her eyes blazed with intensity. “Why did you run?”
“Are you kidding? The last thing I want is to tangle with you again. I couldn’t believe it when they told me you’d be on the other side of the case.” Marty tried to scramble to his feet.
“What case? And who’s they?” Katherine helped Marty up.
“The prosecutors. The stolen pesticide?”
“Marty, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t heard about stolen pesticide. I’m here to ask for your help,” Katherine gritted her teeth, “as one professional to another.”
“Oh.” Marty looked relieved and straightened his coat. “In that case, sure. Anything you want.”
“Great. I’m looking for a young woman who has gone missing. Tell me why you were following Olivia Ames.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Amethyst Drake is a passionate storyteller. She excels at crafting delightful characters and enjoys developing com-plex relationships among them. Mystery has always been her favorite genre to read, making it a natural choice for her writing. She aims to blend her personal experience with mental health and the moral complexities of intricate interpersonal relationships into engaging novels.
Amethyst loves reading all kinds of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers and enjoys watching classic detective and espionage dramas like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Perry Mason,” and “Mission: Impossible.”
She also loves hearing from readers! Connect by signing up for her newsletter at amethystdrake.com or email amethyst@agswordsmiths.com
Links
Author Website https://amethystdrake.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amethystdrake.author/
Amazon https://amzn.to/3M5lmJO/
Barnes and Noble https://bit.ly/3Z3VsOv
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
The author will award a $25 Amazon GC and a signed book to one randomly drawn winner, a $10 Amazon GC and a signed book to a second randomly drawn winner, and a signed book to a third randomly drawn winner.
Enter to win one of several prizes – a Rafflecopter giveaway
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q&A with Amethyst Drake
Q: Tell us about you as a person.
A: I’m a writer living in Shelbyville, Kentucky, where I’m lucky enough to pursue my love for writing every day. I’m happily married, and my husband and I love exploring life together. When I’m not writing or reading, I enjoy getting lost in art and music, traveling to new and favorite places, and experimenting with every kind of craft project I can get my hands on. I’m also a fan of board games, movies, and binge-watching TV shows. And tacos. I have a wonderful network of friends and family supporting me in all my creative endeavors, who are always happy to feed me tacos. That is most likely what I will be eating this weekend when we celebrate my birthday, which just happens to be today!
Q: If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
A: I think it would be fun to spend a day with Lin-Manuel Miranda. His energy and creativity are contagious! I would love to learn about his process for writing Hamilton and In the Heights and his passion for blending music and storytelling. Maybe we could even brainstorm some lyrics together! His love for history, theater, and diverse representation in the arts could lead to some truly inspiring conversations. Plus, he seems like a fun person. When I see one of his interviews, I’m always impressed with his charisma, humor, and a genuine love for creative collaboration.
Q: What’s the story behind your latest book?
A: I started writing stories for Katherine when I was in high school. Lee and Jake came around after that, along with several other characters that you haven’t met yet. Last year, a family member had a serious fall, and I ended up taking on a lot of responsibility with his care. As his condition worsened, I found myself needing a creative outlet to keep myself grounded and reduce my stress. Several years had passed since my last professional non-fiction writing project, so I decided to dust off my old story ideas and write a novel.
I chose to focus on the mystery genre because it has always been my favorite. But I didn’t want my first novel to be a murder mystery. I was worried that I might lock myself into writing only murder mysteries. But most crime in real live doesn’t involve murder, and I want to have the freedom to explore other types of crime.
I chose Baltimore as the setting for my novel because it is a beautiful city on the coast. It’s mix of small town vibe and big city amenities seemed like the perfect blend for my series. I chose to set the story in 2009 partly because I wanted to avoid the consequences of the pandemic. I also thought the pacing of my story would fit well in a time when technology existed but not as advanced as we have now. I’ve enjoyed researching 2009 to add “dated” details, like references to MySpace and the BlackBerry.
Q: What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their latest book?
My best advice is to try a little of everything at first. Figure out what types of promotion you are comfortable with and which ones seem to fit your book and your audience. Lots of successful people have lists of what you should do. But whatever you choose shouldn’t make your life miserable. It needs to fit your personality. And if you write in the mystery, thriller, or suspense genres, take a look at Sisters in Crime. It’s a national professional organization that provides loads of support, workshops, and promotion opportunities that are worth much more than the small annual dues.
Q: List 5 things on your bucket list.
A:
– See The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie at The Royal Opera House in London
-Visit The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street in London
-Go on a Transatlantic Cruise
-Attend Malice Domestic in Bethesda, Maryland
-Visit the Grand Canyon
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Thanks so much for having me today! I enjoyed your creative questions. I you and your readers enjoy The Scheme and sign up for my newsletter to get updates on my future projects.
The Mark of the Salamander
THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER is the
first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the
epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the
Elizabethan era.
The Mark of the Salamander
The Island of Angels Book One
by
Justin Newland
Genre:
Historical Fiction
1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution
in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he
studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a
bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into
the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew
of the Golden Hind.
Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan
sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering
mutiny, ancient tribes and hordes of treasure, Nelan must explore and
master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the
Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.
The Mark of the Salamander is the first in The Island of Angels
series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history
of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.
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JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent
an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to
supernatural thriller and magical realism.
Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College,
London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (ISBN
9781789014860, Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient
Egyptian skies.
His second book is a historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head
(ISBN 9781789015829, Matador, 2018), and is set in Ming Dynasty China
in the shadows of the Great Wall.
The Coronation (ISBN 9781838591885, Matador, 2019) is an historical
adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event
in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.
The Abdication (ISBN 9781800463950, Matador, 2021) is a mystery
thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher
purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.
His latest is The Mark of the Salamander (ISBN 9781915853271, Book
Guild, 2023) and is the first in a two-book series, The Island of
Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it tells the epic tale of
England’s coming of age.
The second in the series, The Midnight of Eights (ISBN 9781835740
330, Book Guild, 2024), charts of the uncanny coincidences that
culminated in the repulse of the Spanish Armada and is due for
publication in October.
Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin gives talks to historical
associations and libraries, appears on LitFest panels, and enjoys
giving radio interviews.
He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in
Somerset, England.
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October 1, 2024
The Spiral of Life
Eilean’s life wasn’t easy and
now she has to save a God – great
The Spiral of Life: An Old Gods Story
Eilean in the Otherworld Book 1
by
Francesca McMahon
Genre:
YA Contemporary Fantasy, Mythology
The first lesson Eilean MacAlistairlearned in blacksmithing: First, you harden, and then you
temper.
Otherwise, your metal will break.
The same is true with life.
A few years back, Eilean didn’t temper herself, and she broke
someone. Badly. Hospital badly.
Her family had to flee Scotland because of her, but now they’ve
returned, and 17-year-old Eilean’s life feels like a forge with the
temperature rising around her. Mamó is sick, her family is straining
at the seams, and magic is real!
An Otherworld has been calling to her from beneath Loch Lomond.
When she answers, Eilean discovers a world of blacksmiths in ballgowns,
cruel cyclopses, and chronically critical kelpies.
Because she didn’t have enough problems to deal with already.
Will Eilean be able to temper herself against everything in this strange
new world, and withstand the weight of her past? Or will she break
once again?
Life, a young adult fantasy inspired by Celtic folklore.
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Francesca McMahon was born in
Oxford, England, to a Scottish father and an Essex mother. They
gained a B.A. in Creative Writing at Edge Hill University and was
shortlisted for the university’s Dame Janet Suzman Playwriting
Award in 2019. Since graduating, Francesca has worked consistently in
publishing while working on her writing of fantasy, horror and
romance fiction, as well as various tabletop RPGs and screenplays. As
a queer person, their work is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community,
and she hopes that they will all find a home in her imaginary worlds.
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Savage Lust
Ready to Ride?
Savage Lust
Desert Kings MC Book 1
by
Candi Scott
Genre:
Dark MC Romance
At the end of my rope and out of options, I’m on my way to Dry Valley,
Nevada. To attend the funeral of a father I’ve never met and into a
world I could have never imagined.
A world where I’d do
anything to survive.
I’d expected the outlaw bikers, the
drugs, and even the violence. What I hadn’t expected was the six
feet of leather clad bad boy, Cam Savage, pinning me to a
mattress.
Now I can’t think of anything else…
Candi Scott is the ultra steamy pen name for award winning author Leslie
Scott.
Author of Two Hearts, One Stone and the Black Water Magic Series, Leslie
Scott has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. The
happier the ending, the better. Currently, she lives and writes
amidst her own happily ever after with her soul mate, son, and
domestic zoo. http://www.lesliescottwrites.com
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September 30, 2024
Breaking the Zeitgeist
Embark on a transformative journey
into the heart of modern existence with “Breaking the Zeitgeist:
How To Be Happy In A World Gone Insane.”
Breaking the Zeitgeist:
How To Be Happy In A World Gone Insane
by
Keith Nobles
Genre:
Literary Fiction
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of modern existence with“Breaking the Zeitgeist: How To Be Happy In A World Gone
Insane.” In this captivating tale, join Jacob, a disillusioned
young man, as he grapples with the complexities of contemporary life.
Feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainties of his existence, Jacob
seeks solace in the wilderness alongside John, a seasoned companion
whose wisdom illuminates the path to inner peace.
Amidst towering trees and crackling campfires, Jacob finds refuge in John’s
guidance, insights, and reflections. Over the course of several days,
they delve deep into the root causes of societal confusion, exploring
the elusive nature of contentment in a chaotic world. As their
conversations unfold, Jacob begins to unravel his disillusionment,
weaving together a newfound perspective brimming with clarity and
resilience.
Through John’s seasoned advice, Jacob learns invaluable lessons on thriving
in a world teetering on the brink of madness. Armed with
self-awareness and inner tranquility, Jacob emerges from the
wilderness equipped with the tools to navigate the turbulent currents
of modern life with grace and joy.
“Breaking the Zeitgeist” is a poignant work of domestic fiction that
delves into the profound connections forged between two individuals
amidst the wilderness. Join Jacob and John as they embark on a
soul-stirring journey, navigating the complexities of modern America
and the depths of the human spirit.
Keith Nobles is the author of “OurDogs Did Not Bark: A Politically Incorrect Dystopian Tale” and
“BREAKING THE ZEITGEIST: How To Be Happy In A World Gone
Insane.”
Keith lives in Wyoming. An avid
outdoorsman and motorcyclist, Keith is also a proud citizen of the
Cherokee Nation. He frequently speaks on Native American rights and
history, sharing his insights and advocacy.
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Raw Deal
Fast-paced and thoroughly absorbing, Raw Deal draws you in
from the first page and keeps you hooked with unexpected plot twists and turns
you never see coming.
Raw Deal: A Cover-Up Turns Deadly
by Lee Fishman
Genre: Thriller
Sandi Brennan always hoped that she and her brother Joe would
set up their own law practice together. But when Joe dies under mysterious
circumstances while serving a brief stint overseas, that dream is shattered.
Devastated, Sandi, halfway through her second year of law
school, struggles to keep Joe’s memory alive. To pay tuition, she accepts
part-time work at a Philadelphia law firm. When her boss, Len, takes on a
whistleblower client with a tricky background, he asks Sandi to research the
details. Learning more than she bargained for, Sandi finds the facts point to a
D.C. defense contractor who clandestinely manufactures toxic bioagents.
The case becomes personal when Sandi learns there may be a
link between her brother’s death and lethal substances the company
manufactures.
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Lee Fishman arrived in Philadelphia as a college student,
fell in love with city living and stayed. Even after traveling to Italy,
Greece, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, England, Belize,
Guatemala, Columbia and other beautiful countries she still can’t think of
anywhere else she’d rather live.
Lee is a firm believer in personal transformation, and she
should know. Since graduating from college she’s worked as an archeology
technician, teacher, caseworker, career counselor and librarian. Along the way,
she found her true calling, writing. She particularly loves piecing together
mysteries. In her next life, she’d love to be a detective.
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