Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 117
September 18, 2023
Blog Tour: A FALL OF LIGHT by LJ Greene
A FALL OF LIGHT
by LJ Greene
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GENRE: Contemporary M/M Romance
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BLURB:
LJGreene brings to life one of her most compelling characters: the sensitive,eccentric, bass guitarist, Greg Van de Meer. A Fall of Light weaves togetherthe strands of Greg’s private and public lives—a shattering personal history, alove affair with potentially disastrous consequences, and family bonds that arestretched to their breaking point.
It’sbeen fifteen years since Greg was outed by his fundamentalist father at agesixteen and sent from home, with devastating consequences for both he and hisyounger brother, Asher. Now unlaid ghosts from the past are stirring. With hisband’s success on the world stage, Greg’s life takes a complicated turn when hedevelops a friendship with Louis Angel, an ex-Marine with a secret of his own,and finds himself facing familiar threats from an unexpected source.
Strainedloyalties, a private affair, and Greg’s own guarded history collide dangerouslyuntil a visit from an old foe forces him to confront past wounds and presentbeliefs. Allegiances are called into question and he must decide whether thesecrets he’s fighting to protect are worth the life he’s finally ready to have.
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Excerpt One:
Greg lookeddown at his hands and realized they were clenched into fists, his fingernailsdigging viciously into the flesh of his palms. “No,” he whispered to himself,and opened them, exposing the angry moon-shaped marks. “No.”
He took hisphone from his pocket, opened up his texts, and looked at the photo again. Heremembered it all; remembered the joy of opening his eyes and seeing Louisstanding there, the shock of being pulled against his firm body, and the warmmocha taste of his mouth. He remembered the absolute, utter relief of it. Therightness, now made wrong.
He set thephone down, bracing himself on the counter’s edge, his head hung low. He wasjust now realizing exactly the magnitude of the gift Louis had given him. Hehad been the only one in the world who knew Louis’s secret—the only one—andsuddenly he felt the weight of that trust heavy and warm in his heart. And thenit turned cold.
Rage and sorrowbattled for mastery in his gut. This washis fault, he told himself. It was Louis’s association with him that put Louisin this situation; it was his recklessness that had brought the wolves to hisdoor.
But if theythought for a moment that Greg would bow easily to intimidation . . . He realizedhe was clenching his fists again, and opened them. “You are grossly mistaken,”he said softly, to the rain.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
LJGreene is a self-professed obsessive multi-tasker who writes boring stuff byday and lets her inner romantic fly by night. This California native is married to the most amazing man and has twobeautiful children, now old enough to read her books but still not interestedbecause of the ew, gross factor. She’s an avid reader of all genres with anembarrassingly large ebook collection, and a weird penchant for reading theacknowledgements at the end of a novel. She’s also a music lover with no apparent musical talent, a travelenthusiast, and a cheese connoisseur.
Website:www.ljgreenebooks.com
Twitter:@authorljgreene
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB8THSD2/ref=sr_1_1
BN:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-fall-of-light-lj-greene/1143748471
Ibooks:http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6450971378
Kobo:https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-fall-of-light
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GIVEAWAY
Theauthor will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 17, 2023
Review: OUR LAST HOPE by Allison Van Wheeler
Story had a nice diary narrativeof a young girl with health issues and a dream to play soccer. It’s sofrustrating being in and out of the hospital, going through endless andgrueling tests, and still not know what’s wrong.
“El, you can come to practice, butyou can’t play.” It wasn’t fair!
The trials of teenhood and thefrustration of her condition were expressed in such candid and witty notes.Being sick, she loses the right to play soccer along with all her friends. Theonly she had was a genuine connection with a boy named Archie. In time, Eloiselearns to realize that she’s more than just soccer.
Sweet and poignant, this was anice read so filled with the hope and the stamina of not giving up.
Rating:4 stars
September 16, 2023
Review: GOOSEBUMPS: DR. MANIAC WILL SEE YOU NOW by R.L. Stine
Richard, the Sneezer, had amiserable life with his allergies. A visit to a new allergy doctor leads to thediscovery of the comic book museum next door. Cool, he loved that place. But,for some reason, it doesn’t become the haven he was so accustomed to. He wasstarting to see strange creatures…from the comic books. How could that be?Comic book characters weren’t real. Then Richard runs into Dr. Maniac, a crazyvillain that has taken the three kids as hostages. The whole thing becomes awar zone of comic book characters.
“Comic Book World was such adangerous and horrifying place.”
Just another crazy adventure byR.L. Stine. A good read!
Rating:4 stars
Review: GOOSEBUMPS: ATTACK OF THE JACK by R.L. Stine
Two kids were staying with theirstrange sailor uncle…and his talking cat. A talking cat?
The kids could explore anywhere inthe lighthouse…except one room. Don’t go in that room. Naturally, that justmakes them curious and they go in the room. Inside, they find lots ofJack-in-the-Box toys. One of them had a pirate puppet named Jack the Knife. Areyou ready for a Jack Attack?
The little pirate jumps out of thebox and grows 6 ft tall. Soon, all the figures pop out and grow, too. Oh, no!This all leads into quite an adventure at sea with being stranded, nearlydrowning, and getting enslaved as banana pickers.
A fun and wild read!
Rating:4 stars
September 15, 2023
Blog Tour: IZZY HOFFMAN IS NOT A WITCH by Alyssa Alessi
Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch
by Alyssa Alessi
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GENRE: Middle Grade Horror
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BLURB:
Twelve-year-old Izzy has been haunted by theshadow of her ten-times-great grandmother for as long as she can remember. Thisis no ordinary ancestral ghost: This great granny was the first woman to behung for witchcraft in Izzy’s small New England town.
Every October first, tourists flood the streets ofMarblehead. Unfortunately, this year so do a mysterious man and a possessedtown psychic. When the man shows up at Izzy’s family-run bookstore, making odddemands and threatening her mom, she must find the connection between thiscreep and her ghostly visions.
Trying to make sense of this chaos, Izzy roams intosecret rooms, holds seances at the local tarot parlor, and digs through the oldfamily cookbooks that sit on her shelves. When she discovers that she may be apart of a once-in-a-century ritual, Izzy must decide whether it’s going to takebaking magic or blood magic to protect herself and her parents from the returnof the witch hunt.
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Excerpt One:
Every morning I wake from the same dream. Honestly, it’smore like a nightmare. I walk up to a ridiculously large brass-framed mirror,its dirty gold trim holding golden vines wrapped around its curves. Facesbelonging to chubby baby angels are carved in its crevices. I’m hesitant tolook at first, but then I jump in front of it like I know what’s coming andwant to get it over with. I do know what’s coming. My reflection is the sameevery time. A woman with long straggly black hair and a gaunt face stares backat me. She has no eyes, yet she looks straight into my soul. Her head movesfrom side to side. My chest aches with each crook of her neck. She wants topull me in, I know she does. Her bony fingers scratch at the sides of theglass. I open my mouth to scream, but the shriek comes from her unhinged jawinstead of mine. I always wake in a puddle of sweat, then get up to brush myteeth. This has been on repeat for five years, until today. Today is my twelfthbirthday and as a gift, this woman smiled and punched through the glass.
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Review:
12-year-old Izzy Hoffman lives ina witchy tourist city. But it wasn’t all hype evidently because, on thisparticular birthday, the lady in her nightmares has broken free and Izzy istold that her walls had secrets. What walls? What secrets? Then she finds asecret room in her mom’s office that may hold all the answers. But her problemswere only beginning.A witch hunter from the 1600’s issearching for something. Izzy was not a witch…was she?
The narrative was easy andenjoyable. I just get a kick out of witch stories! And this one surely doesn’tdisappoint. Wit the help of her mom, Izzy must help her ancestral witch (theone from her dreams) to fight the witch hunter and save an old psychic he mayhave possessed…by baking magic.
This was a good read with a brave,little witch looking to save and preserve the lineage of the strong women thatcame before. A nice one.
Rating:4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Alyssa Alessi is a writer of middle grade, young adult and shortstories all inspired by the unsettling macabre aesthetic of New England. As achild she was on a constant hunt for ghosts, vampires, and her own powers as awitch. When she couldn’t find them, she settled for writing them intoexistence. You can find her hiking any trail in the Northeast said to behaunted, roaming old cemeteries with a camera in hand, or thrift shoppinganywhere antiques are sold. She resides in Boston, MA with her husband, threechildren and their mini dachshund.
Twitter: @AlyssaAlessi
https://instagram.com/pagesinthegraveyard
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1953971865/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
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GIVEAWAY :
AlyssaAlessi will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawnwinner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 13, 2023
Book Blast: WELCOME TO WONDERLAND by Bobbie Candas
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bobbie Candas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
A recently fired biologist with mommy issues, a successful entrepreneur with a dead wife, and an immigrant hiding from gang violence…These three have only one thing in common.
They’re all screwed up
Biology researcher, Violet Hill, was just let go and is devastated. She found the solitary lab and long hours the ideal respite for her anxiety issues--doing meaningful work while avoiding people and conversation. Now unemployed, with diminishing finances, Violet is forced to face the enemy, her mother.
For years, Turner Cooper was consumed with building his company’s client roster, until the sudden death of his wife throws him totally off kilter. Now, instead of work, Turner’s guilt and alcohol issues consume him.
Living a reclusive life in Dallas, Rosario Guzman is hiding from a Mexican cartel while working in the shadows at three part-time jobs. Finally, the item she covets the most, a Green Card, arrives in her mailbox. But Rosario quickly realizes the paper card doesn’t solve all her problems.
While navigating social issues, private demons, and nightmare memories, these three lives collide as they find each other at a place none of them ever imagined they’d be working at. As their mutual relationship evolves, Violet, Turner and Rosario lean into each other and unexpectedly find their lives unfurling in remarkable and magical ways.
Read an Excerpt
Violet is Blue
Violet Hill
Mother considers me awkward, graceless, and socially challenged, but always has hope for improvement. I disagree and think of myself as critically shy. Is there such a diagnosis? I’ve learned I do best when I can control limited social encounters. That’s why I’m better working alone, in a world I’m comfortable and familiar with, the study of soil, seeds, and grasses.
I’ve been working as a research assistant with Dr. William Hirshfield. After finishing my masters at UT in Austin, I gratefully found my hidey-hole at the UT School of Environmental Sciences. After being hired, I realized it was the perfect job for me. For a year, we’ve been running experiments and collecting data on soil absorption, attempting to come up with a microbial substance that will turn arid lands into potential blooming fields of agriculture. All well and good for keeping me in my cozy, solitary research lab, but with the added bonus of working toward saving a warm and crowded planet.
Then yesterday happened.
Dr. Hirshfield called me unexpectedly to meet in his office. We normally only met every two weeks for consultations on experiments. I sat down across from his desk, with my sweating palms gripping the arm rests of the chair. The meeting opened with congenial small-talk. I said, “Hello.”
As with most people I conversed with, I found it difficult looking at Hirshfield when he spoke. Today I found his floorboards especially interesting. Wide wood panels which had me wondering, were they deliberately distressed or actually marred from age? As he shuffled papers on his desk I reached down and touched the floor. Definitely faux distressed.
He nervously coughed and then continued, “Violet, I must say, your work has been exemplary, but…”
Oh shit… The proverbial but. I shuddered slightly.
As I pretended to be intrigued with the floor, Hirshfield said, “I’m afraid I have some bad news to share.” He coughed again. “I’ll just get right to it. I hate to tell you this, but our next year of NIH funding has been cut. They haven’t renewed the terms of our project at the previous level and claim our results are not going as quickly as we initially projected.”
He seemed to be talking to himself now, explaining his problems to the ceiling as my eyes nervously flitted up occasionally to watch. “Seems our study is on the low end of their priority scale regarding research grant money. But our idea has so much merit! It dovetails perfectly with climate change issues and food production for overpopulated areas. Anyway…it’s probably all politics. Therefore—" He coughed a third time. Nervous tick or avoidance? Either way, not a good sign. “I’m having to cut most of my research staff, including your position.”
Please no. Had I heard correctly? I was praying he’d single me out as too good to let go. But of course not. My eyes became moist and my body went cold. I had finally found my place in this chaotic world, my comfy, musty den. Where I could reach my fingers deep into sandy soil and disappear into another world within my microscope. I’d clock in for hours of uninterrupted work, eat a sandwich over my work station by myself, needing to only interact with others regarding information I was knowledgeable about.
Now apparently all that was gone.
And what remained? Going home to Mother? I was devastated. I felt like laying down on those faux floorboards and curling up in a ball.
“Dr. Hirshfield, p-perhaps p-part-time. Tw-Twenty-five hours a week?”
In case you missed that, I have a noticeable stutter, which seems to come into full bloom during times of stress.
“I only wish that were possible, Violet. The grant has been downgraded to include lab equipment, supplies, and compensation for only a few key personnel. I’m so sorry. This has all come as quite a surprise. So, we’re making adjustments immediately; I can keep you for another two weeks. I wanted you to hear it from me, personally.”
I mumbled, “Th-Thank you,” then stood up, wrapped my arms across my chest, and meekly asked about a possible reference letter. He went back to shuffling papers and nodded, agreeing to my simple request. I quickly walked out with my head down, making my exit before he had the chance to shake my perspiring palm.
I spent the next few weeks desperately attempting to find a position with another research team within the department. There were several available for volunteer and credit work, but all paid positions were fully staffed. Although my educational credentials were excellent, my interviewing skills were a little shaky. I considered customer service positions, but they never seemed a good match, and I truly wanted to continue within my field of study.
At the end of the two-week period, I decided to call in for financial reinforcement. Via email, I sent my mother news of the change in job status, then requested funds to keep me in Austin while I continued to look for work, but instead of an electronic deposit, she offered this:
Dear Violet,
So sorry to hear about your job loss. I know you’ve been happy with your little research position. Sometimes these minor hiccups work out for the best. I think you need more stimulation and interaction in your work. When I visited, your lab job seemed so sterile and lonely. I’m sure I can line something up for you through my contacts in Dallas. Come home, darling. The guest house was recently redone and you’re welcome to use it. It’ll be fun hanging out together again. I believe I’ll call Lexy and see if she can revise her schedule and set aside sessions for you. What day should I expect you? Can’t wait to catch up! --Mother
She was not going to be sympathetic to my cause. I made a second stab at job hunting, knowing it was only a delay tactic. Was I being an ungrateful little bitch? Sort of. But I knew I’d have to deal with my mother’s incessant smiling face, popping in without warning, spewing false cheer, urging me to conform to her standards, and always sending out subliminal messages regarding her underlying sense of disappointment in me.
It had been five years since I’d lived at home. My first year in the dorms had been a disaster. I was happier on my own, renting an apartment for three years while earning my bachelor’s and another two for my masters, comfortably surviving in my small, quiet efficiency.
In contrast, Mother’s home was palatial, but for me it was a luxurious prison sitting on a green oak-studded hill overlooking White Rock Lake in Dallas.
I dragged out my move. I felt no incentive to rush home knowing what lay ahead; struggling through painful interviews, going through clothing issues and social events with Mother. Yes, still a tender issue at age twenty-four. Then, once again, I’d start sessions with my speech therapist, Lexy.
Unfortunately, research assistant’s pay was low, Austin rents were high, and the guest house at Mother’s was free. Economically, it made sense. Emotionally, I was an unhappy wreck.
And who could I complain to? Call 911 -- My mother is inviting me to move into her newly renovated guest quarters. Put her on trial? -- She insists on buying me new clothing suggested by her personal shopper at Neiman’s. Lock her up? -- She’s offering me therapy for an affliction which admittedly has recently become worse.
I was a pathetic whiner. Time to get up, pack it in, and get moving.
***
Review: You lost your job and your mothersuggest you come home.
“Economically, it made sense.Emotionally, I was an unhappy wreck.”
Story had a simple and engagingnarrative. We have an unemployed woman with a stutter and an overbearingmother, a man mourning the loss of his wife and the direction of his life, andan overworked Mexican immigrant toiling away in search of a better life eversince the grisly murder of her brother. The characters are quite endearing andimmediate captivate the audience. The narrative had that sharp, humorous witthat I enjoyed. At times, the read felt a little too long. In fact, at 450pages, it was definitely long. The narrative maintains its strength throughout,but it does lose its stamina. It starts becoming trivial and mundane, whichslowed down the whole thing considerably.
At first, you’re not sure howthese characters of varying ethnicity, status, and salary could be possiblyrelated. The botanical gardens unite all three characters. I liked that we gotdeeply involved in each character’s life. Each life was filled with drama,hope, and emotion. Even though it takes a long while, it was nice seeing eachcharacter grow and learn.
All in all, this was a long read,but a fairly nice one.
Rating:3 stars
About the Author:
Bobbie Candas lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Mehmet Candas, a stray gray cat, and a jealous tabby who does not enjoy sharing affection with the interloper. Bobbie attended The University of Texas in Austin, earning her degree in journalism. She took a detour with a career in retail management, and found her happy place when she returned to writing fiction about nine years ago.Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00MNS6KV0
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bobbiecandasauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8292457.Bobbie_Candas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbiecandas
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGYSJL4P
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September 12, 2023
Release Blitz: CHAINED BY CONVICTION by R.M. Demeester
Ina world that doubts his innocence, who will dare to believe?
ChainedBy Conviction
byR.M. Demeester
Genre:Psychological Thriller
Thecommunity is outraged when Robert Hall, a philanthropist and devotedfamily man, is murdered by Kobe, a stranger.
Amongthe chaos, Elle, Kobe's fiancée, is certain of two things: Kobeloves her, and he did not kill Robert. But as the weight ofcircumstantial evidence swallows Kobe whole, Elle vows to exoneratehim at any cost. Yet, in a world that doubts his innocence, who willdare to believe?
Anonline sleuth, claiming to be a former co-worker, steps forward witha burning disdain for Robert, sharing a common goal to expose thereal truth behind his façade. But can Elle truly trust them?
Ellestruggles with a haunting question: If Kobe is truly innocent, whoelse wanted Robert dead? And just how far is Elle willing to go forthe man she loves?
**NewRelease!!**
R.M.Demeester lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. She is the mother of threeyoung children, and owner of a rescue dog, a chocolate lab, Gainer.R.M. Demeester has been writing for as long as she could hold apencil.
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$10 Amazon
Book Blast: AN EYE FOR THE HIGHEST AND BEST by Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Living in this world of such disruption and uncertainty can result in us facing despair. How can we attune to the rainbow after a storm, and create hope and happiness? How do we develop an eye for the Highest and Best, when faced with what appears to be the worst? What steps should we take to reconnect with our ability to be resilient?
In this book, Dr. Doetzel shares some important insights gained from her own experiences of teaching university, battling cancer, being a journalist, travelling worldwide, dealing with grief, and facing the global pandemic. Along the way, she introduces her readers to fresh ways of viewing their lives, by applying an Appreciative Inquiry lens that inspires the practice of a more conscious way of living, resulting in discovering serenity.
Readers may start to re-examine their own challenges, while discovering their own gems that warrant gratitude. The reflective questions and stories suggest ways of removing blocks to happiness and constructing healthier relationships.
The book is also an ideal tool for educators to apply to teaching Appreciative Inquiry as a qualitative research methodology.
Read an Excerpt
So, when she travelled to Mexico during the Christmas season, she booked herself to swim with the dolphins. She was very excited to become like a playful child swimming with them and feeling uplifted. At the time, her leg was still healing from a recent car accident, and she believed that swimming with the dolphins would assist the healing process.
Angel enthusiastically jumped into the cool waters to prepare for her dolphin swim. Before joining her in a shared swimming venture, the dolphin kissed her on the cheek and then he stood straight up and started to dance with her. She was laughing and anticipating a great swim, when suddenly the dolphin took off swimming beyond the pool and grabbed Angel’s arm with his teeth. Her arm was momentarily in his mouth before she started to scream and to pull it free from his grip. With blood spurting out, she was terrified to check out what had happened.
About the Author:
Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel has been teaching in the Sociology Faculty of Mount Royal University since 2006, and as a seasonal sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary since 2005. An award-winning scholar, journalist, and musician, she won a Distinguished Dissertation Award for her doctorate dissertation, leading to the publication of her two books: Cultivating Spirituality in Education: Synergizing Heart and Mind and Old Heart Child's Eyes: A Diary of Miracles. In 2017, her students at Mount Royal University honoured her with a Teaching Excellence Award. In 2018 her students also acknowledged her for promoting wellbeing and good health within the classroom, and for being a good mentor. She received her MA, HBA, HBSW, and BA degrees from Lakehead University.
She received her PhD from the University of Calgary in 2004. She studied Intuitive Medicine in Vancouver and received a professional certification (I.C.A.D.C) from the Canadian Council of Professional Certification. She also was awarded a Broadcasting Radio and Television diploma from Confederation College. She encourages her students to examine the world through different lenses, exercising altruism, promoting social justice, and learning to be a good sociologist.
Her Mount Royal University blog is titled, Debunking Deceptive Myths. In addition to her recently published books, she has also authored and published eight scholarly articles in her field.
In February 2020, the Calgary Herald, rated one of her books (a pre-amble to this one) as a local best seller. She is currently conducting research about complementary medicine and continuing to teach at Mount Royal University.
Aside from teaching and conducting research, Dr. Doetzel has hosted a radio show "From the Heart," airing on AM 1140 High River, for the past 10 years. She has recorded four albums of her own original songs.
Website: https://drnancyangeldoetzel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nancyangeldoetzel/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Highest-Best-Practicing-Appreciative/dp/0995992339
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Blog Tour: DEADLY CURIOSITIES by Gail Z. Martin
DeadlyCuriosities isan action-packed thrill ride full of magic, restless ghosts, infernalcreatures, haunted places, dangerous curios, found family, loyalfriends, secret history, and plenty of adventure!
DeadlyCuriosities
DeadlyCuriosities Book 1
byGail Z. Martin
Genre:Supernatural Mystery Adventure
Somefamily heirlooms are to die for.
Welcometo Trifles & Folly, a store with a secret. Proprietor CassidyKincaide’s psychic gift lets her know the history and magic of anobject by touching it. Cassidy and her friends—including Weaverwitch Teag and her vampire business partner Sorren—save the worldfrom vengeful ghosts, dark magic, hidden monsters, and things that gobump in the night.
Whena trip to a haunted hotel unearths a statue steeped in malevolentpower, and a string of murders leads to the abandoned old Navy yard,Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren discover a diabolical plot to unleash asupernatural onslaught on their city.
It’stime for Cassidy and her team to handle the “deadly curiosities”before it’s too late.
DeadlyCuriosities isan action-packed thrill ride full of magic, restless ghosts, infernalcreatures, haunted places, dangerous curios, found family, loyalfriends, secret history, and plenty of adventure!
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Vendetta
DeadlyCuriosities Book 2
Immortalsnever forgive, never forget.
Sorrenhas spent centuries shutting down the plans of powerful immortals,dark warlocks, fallen angels, and supernatural creatures. He’s avampire working with paranormal allies to protect a world thatdoesn’t know the dangers that prowl the shadows. Now an enemy fromhis past is picking off everyone Sorren cares about, destroying hissanctuaries, and making it clear that Sorren will be the final targetof a magic-fueled vendetta.
CassidyKincaide runs Trifles & Folly in modern-day Charleston, anantique and curio shop with a dangerous secret. Cassidy can read thehistory of objects by touching them and along with her Weaver witchfriend Teag, Sorren, and their allies, they get rid of cursed objectsand keep Charleston and the world safe from supernatural threats.
Theclock is ticking. Old power stirs, the kind that hasn’t been seenin centuries, waking from slumber and hungry for vengeance.
Thissort of evil can’t be destroyed—but it can be contained, andthat’s what Sorren and his allies did long ago. Now, the evil hasreturned, even stronger and craftier than before. Cassidy, Teag, andTrifles and Folly are in the crosshairs against an unknown enemy withstrong magic and significant resources and to win they’ll have toput their lives—and souls—on the line. Can they help Sorren fighta deathless foe from centuries past, or will they see everything theylove go down in flames?
Vendettais an action-packed thrill ride full of magic, restless ghosts,infernal creatures, haunted places, found family, cursed paintings,old Norse magic, demigods, vampire politics, fallen angels, loyalfriends, secret history, and plenty of adventure!
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TangledWeb
DeadlyCuriosities Book 3
Zombiesrise in Charleston cemeteries, dead men fall from the sky, and thewhole city succumbs to the “grouch flu.”
CassidyKincaide runs Trifles and Folly in Charleston, an antiques and curiosshop with a secret history of ridding the city of cursed objects andkeeping the world safe from supernatural threats.Cassidy’s magiccan read the history of an object with a single touch. Her bestfriend Teag is a Weaver witch, and her boss, Sorren, is a 600year-old vampire.
Now a vengeful dark witch is gunning forTeag and planning to unleash an ancient horror.
Cassidy,Teag, and Sorren—and all their supernatural allies—will needmagic, cunning, and the help of a Viking demi-goddess to survive thebattle with a malicious Weaver-witch and an ancient Norse warlock tokeep Charleston—and the whole East Coast—from becoming the preyof the Master of the Hunt.
TangledWeb is an action-packed thrill ride full of magic, restless ghosts,infernal creatures, haunted places, found family, vampire politics,old Norse magic, Wild Hunt, loyal friends, secret history and plentyof adventure!
BookThree in the Deadly Curiosities series.
“Thereare plenty of spooks and magic to keep the action fresh. From pageone to the big finale, the plot gallops along at a good pace.”—CatsLuv Coffee on Tangled Web
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Inheritance
DeadlyCuriosities Book 4
Stolenmagic. Infernal creatures. A cursed heir to a warlock dynasty.Supernatural suspense.
Caribbeanghosts terrorize Charleston and rack up a body count. Then BeckfordPendlewood, the heir to a powerful family of dark warlocks, shows upraving about a bound demon locked in a lost box and begs sanctuary.
CassidyKincaide can read the history of objects by touching them. She andher allies use magic and paranormal abilities to keep Charleston andthe world safe from supernatural threats.
Can Cassidy and herfriends find the demon box, stop the killer ghosts, and break thePendlewood curse before Beckford’s murderous cousins and thevengeful demon destroy them all?
Inheritanceis an action-packed thrill ride full of dark magic, infernalcreatures, demons and demigods, haunted places, found family, witchdynasty politics, loyal friends, Caribbean ghosts, secret history andplenty of adventure!
BookFour in the Deadly Curiosities series. A supernatural mysteryadventure.
“Thisstory starts out right in the thick of it with loads of action, anddoesn’t let up until the final pages.”—Drops of Ink onInheritance
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Legacy
DeadlyCuriosities Book 5
Adark witch dynasty. A malicious, immortal undersea place-spirit.Eternal guardians who wagered their souls to protect Charleston.
Omensof impending disaster have the city on edge. Tremors warn ofearthquake risk, while a potentially catastrophic storm gathersstrength over the ocean and heads for land.
Alast-man-standing promise among elderly veterans creates a dangerousinheritance involving an imprisoned, wish-granting goblin. A seacaptain and a swashbuckler worked blood magic to protect Charlestonfrom an ancient evil with a spell that bound their souls and theirdescendants to the task, but danger looms as its power fades. Thehead of a witch family wants artifacts and secrets—and he’ll doanything to get them.
CassidyKincaide runs Trifles and Folly, an antique and curio store where hertouch magic helps get cursed and haunted objects out of the wronghands. More than once, she and her allies have saved the world fromsupernatural threats.
Theclock is ticking for Cassidy and her friends to stop the darkwarlock, capture the goblin and restore the guardian spell before amalevolent ancient entity takes its vengeance on Charleston and thecoast. It’s going to take all the magic, courage and quick thinkingthey can muster—and for once, that might not be enough.
Legacyis an action-packed urban fantasy paranormal thrill ride full of darkmagic, infernal creatures, goblins and demigods, haunted places,pirate ghosts, found family, witch dynasties, loyal friends, Voudonspirits, secret history and plenty of adventure.
BookFive in the Deadly Curiosities series.
Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo *Books2Read * Bookbub* Goodreads
GailZ. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy, steampunk and more forSolaris Books, Orbit Books, Falstaff Books, SOL Publishing andDarkwind Press. Urban fantasy series include Deadly Curiosities andthe Night Vigil (Sons of Darkness). Epic fantasy series includeDarkhurst, the Chronicles Of The Necromancer, the Fallen Kings Cycle,the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, and the Assassins of Landria.
Togetherwith Larry N. Martin, she is the co-author of Iron & Blood, Storm& Fury (both Steampunk/alternate history), the Spells Salt andSteel comedic horror series, the Roaring Twenties monster hunter JoeMack Shadow Council series, and the Wasteland Marshals near-futurepost-apocalyptic series. As Morgan Brice, she writes urban fantasy MMparanormal romance, with the Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail,Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow series. Gail is also acon-runner for ConTinual, the online, ongoing multi-genre conventionthat never ends.
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Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$20 Amazon
September 11, 2023
Blog Tour: RAINBOW DAYS: THE GOLD BOWL by Valerie Bolling
I am thrilled to be hosting a spoton the THE GOLD BOWL by Valerie Bolling & Kai Robinson Blog Tour hostedby RockstarBook Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
About The Book:
Title: THE GOLD BOWL (Rainbow Days #2)Author: ValerieBolling & Kai Robinson (Illustrator)
Pub. Date: September 5, 2023
Publisher: ScholasticInc.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Pages: 48
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-GOLD-BOWL
Zoya makes Coco a golden birthdaypresent in this full-color book perfect for beginning readers!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!
This series is part of Scholastic'searly reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. Witheasy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-colorartwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency.Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!
It’s Coco’s birthday and Zoya wantsto give her pup the perfect present. She tries out a few ideas -- including ayarn necklace and colorful frosted treats. But she finally decides to paintCoco’s bowl gold. With some paint and LOTS of glitter, Zoya creates a gift Cocois sure to love!
With Kai Robinson's vibrant,full-color artwork and Valerie Bolling's engaging, easy-to-read textthroughout, this sparkly series is perfect for beginning readers!
Grab books 1 & 2 now and pre-order book 3!
Review: With illustrations so cute andcolorful, the story tells of a little girl named Zoya and her artistic nature.Her dog’s birthday was coming up and she wanted to make him something special.But what? From weaving yard to frosting dog bones, the possibilities wereendless. The thing was to come up with something her pup could use. Hey, howabout a dog bowl! Let the paint and glitter abound.
A nice, little read! Goes to showthat you can let your creativity soar.
Rating:4 stars
About Valerie Bolling:
ValerieBolling is a graduate of Tufts University and Columbia University, TeachersCollege and has been an educator for over 25 years. Her debut picturebook, Let’s Dance! is a 2021 Crystal Kite Award winner.Rainbow Days, illustrated by Kai Robinson, is her debut early reader series.Bolling and her husband live in Connecticut.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Goodreads
About Kai Robinson:Kai Robinson is a digital illustrator and designer with a BFAin Illustration from Montserrat College of Art. Rainbow Days, written byValerie Bolling, is their debut early reader series. Kai is based in NewEngland.
Website | Instagram| Goodreads
Giveaway Details:
1 winnerwill receive a finished copy of THE GOLD BOWL, US Only.
Ends September19th, midnight EST.
a Rafflecopter giveawayTour Schedule:
Week One:
9/4/2023
IG Post/TikTok Post
9/4/2023
IG Review
9/5/2023
Guest Post
9/5/2023
Review/IG Post
9/6/2023
Guest Post/IG Post
9/6/2023
TikTok Post
9/7/2023
Excerpt/IG Post
9/7/2023
Review/IG Post
9/8/2023
Review/IG Post
9/8/2023
IG Review
Week Two:
9/11/2023
Review
9/11/2023
Review/IG Post
9/12/2023
IG Review
9/12/2023
IG Review
9/13/2023
Review
9/13/2023
Review/IG Post
9/14/2023
Review/IG Post
9/14/2023
IG Review
9/15/2023
Review/IG Post
9/15/2023
Review
