Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 164

Review: HEATED LOVE by Lola Jamieson

An erotica author turns one of her love scenes into a reality. A stripper’s Valentine.

These were rather long and slow at times. Fairly nice reads, I guess.

 

Rating: 3 stars

Review: SERVING ANGELA by H. Parker

A food app delivery leads to an unexpected encounter. While it should be erotic, it turns into something deceiving and…just weird. An okay short.

 

Rating: 3 stars

Review: FEEL THE BURN by Hardison Parker

What happens when you get an exclusive pass to the gym during a shut down? Each night, she’d go to bed fantasizing about the gym owner and his hot wife. This ends in a hot 3-way.

Although this was short, this mainly focused on the workout. An okay read.

 

Rating: 3 stars

Review: REUNION by Alyssa Clark

A high school reunion. A shy, nerdy girl in touch with her 3 tormentors.

This takes off to a slow start with all the primping the girl does to get ready for the dumb thing. Actually, the whole thing sticks to a remarkably slow pace that it doesn’t get anywhere interesting at all. The dialogue was so confusing that you don’t know who’s talking at times and some of the speech wasn’t too clear.

I thought this would be better, but I got so bored and tired of it that I just stopped reading. Didn’t even get to the romp scenes (assuming there were some.)

Just a bad read.

 

Rating: 1 star

Blog Tour: KILL THEM WITH CANVAS by Bailee Abbott

 

Paint by Murder Mystery #2

Cozy Mystery

Date Published: 10-11-2022

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

 

In Bailee Abbott’s second book in the Paint by Murder mysteries, Chloe and Izzie are taking their paint party business on the road—with murder as the first stop!

Chloe Abbington and her sister, Izzie, are enjoying huge success running Paint with a View, their paint party business in the tranquil western New York lakeside town of Whisper Cove. Now, their aunt Constance—president of the local chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood—has hooked them up with a gig hosting a Halloween painting party. The guests will be painting a local ghost legend, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died a hundred years earlier and rises from the lake every October to haunt anyone who dares venture out on All Hallows’ Eve.

The event seems to be going off without a hitch, until Chloe overhears an argument between Constance and Viola Finnwinkle, the Sisterhood director, about the fate of the local chapter. Both women leave and the sisters finish their painting. But the next morning, Viola’s body is discovered floating face down near the town ferryboat dock, her long red hair spread around her. Eerily, the image is an exact replica of a painting Chloe and Izzie had discovered at the event the night before.

What’s more, the police find Constance’s purple knit hat lying on the ground near the crime scene. Constance pleads innocence, saying the hat mysteriously went missing during the event. Frantic that she might be charged with murder, she begs Chloe and Izzie to help her. The sisters believe their aunt is innocent, but if so, who’s the real killer—and when will the next victim turn up?

 

 

Excerpt

Dusk soon turned to dark with the stars and moon casting a yellow glow. A few guests lingered to talk with friends. One or two helped Izzie and Willow carry chairs and easels back to the shop while I stayed behind to clean up. A burst of laughter echoed and filled the air but cut short when a piercing scream interrupted.

“Look! Out on the lake.” With her arm trembling, Rita Morgan pointed toward the water.

Everyone’s gaze, including mine, turned to face that way. I squinted to see in the dim light. A small fishing boat floated by and sitting inside was a figure in white.

“What the…” I gave my head a firm shake, blinked, and studied the image again.

“It must be the ghost of Abigail Bellows,” Rita screeched. “She’s come to warn us.”

“Warn us of what?” Izzie ran up behind me, out of breath. “I heard the scream. What’s going on?”

I pointed out at the lake. “That.”

“It’s her ghost, I tell you. The Lady of Chautauqua Lake is coming for one of us.” Rita covered her face and turned away. “I’m going home and locking my doors. You all should do the same.” With that, she ran across the lawn to the parking area, leaving her painting behind.

“Oh wow.” Izzie wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Who would be mean enough to play such a prank?”

“Yeah, I wonder.” I hugged her close and forced my imagination to shut down. Pranks and superstitious beliefs like Rita’s would only add unwanted attention to the already creepy mood of the Halloween season. 

 

About the Author 

Bailee Abbott is a native Ohioan who spends her days plotting murder and writing mysteries. She's a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Bailee lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. Bailee also writes the Sierra Pines B&B mystery series under the name Kathryn Long.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

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Instagram

 

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iBooks

Publisher

 

Blog Tour: DEFIANT by Bobbi Smith

 

DEFIANT

by Bobbi Smith

 

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GENRE:  Historical Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Clint Williams

Born February 16, 1852

Died March 23, 1877

 

Those were the words that marked his grave, and Clint knew that although he stood reading his own epitaph, they were true. Ever since the attack that had killed his entire family, he’d been dead inside. Only one thing kept him going—the burning need to bring in the outlaws who’d done it.

 

The Last Chance Saloon

 

Posing undercover to infiltrate the gang, Clint could let no one know his true identity or the fact that he’d once been a Texas Ranger. Not even the pretty daughter of a preacher man who burst into the saloon calling upon the gamblers to repent. As far as she knew, he was a gunslinger with a bad reputation who had no right to touch a good woman. But sometimes a man’s got to break all the rules, ignore common send to follow his heart and get downright… Defiant.

 

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Clint was tense as he stood ready to shoot. In an instant, he drew his gun and fired. He hit the target dead on. His long hours of practice these past two weeks had paid off.

 

Clint turned to face Captain Meyers. He’d arranged to meet with the Ranger captain at the ruins of his family’s ranch so he could tell him what he planned to do.

 

“You were a fast draw before, but I think you’re even quicker now.”

 

“Good, I need to be.”

 

“What’s your plan?”

 

Clint was grim as he explained. “Except for a few people here in the area, everyone believes I was killed during the attack on the ranch. I want it to stay that way. Clint Williams is dead. From now on I’m Kane McCullough.”

 

“You want a new identity?” Meyers was surprised.

 

“Yes, and this is where I need your help—because Kane McCullough is a gunfighter, and he needs a reputation. I want you to get the word out.”

 

Captain Meyers realized Clint was right. No one would suspect who he really was, since everyone believed he was dead. As a deadly gunman he could move in the same circles as the killers and bring them down.

 

“I can do that.”

 

“Thanks. Have you heard of any new leads?”

 

“They’ve been lying low, but I just got word they were holding up in Black Canyon.”

 

“I’m riding to Black Canyon.” Clint’s mood was black.

 

“Good luck.”

 

The two men shook hands.

 

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982. Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and several short stories. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists. When she's not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writer's groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.

 

Website: https://bobbismithauthor.com/

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13375.Bobbi_Smith

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Defiant-Bobbi-Smith-ebook/dp/B009NXLUKE

 

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GIVEAWAY:

Bobbi Smith will award a randomly drawn host a $10 Amazon/BN GC.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: SALVATION by L.C. Conn

 

Salvation

by L.C. Conn

 

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GENRE: Fantasy

 

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BLURB:

 

Their final battle has come, and Chaos will not surrender.

 

The danger and risks have never been more real for Claire. She has spent her adult life fending off his relentless attacks, and now only wants to protect those she loves, but in doing so, she places everyone at greater risk.

 

Born of two sacred lines created by Carling, generations before, Aroha must face Chaos. Young, and unsure of herself, Aroha looks to her godmother for guidance, but is it enough? Claire must prepare her for the moment Aroha was born for.

 

Can Claire keep those she loves safe and reunite those that were once lost?

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Standing in the centre of the circle, the couple waited. Beyond the stones the wind and rain that blustered in the darkness did not affect them. Inside it was calm and warm. Matt clasped her hand in his and was growing impatient. Claire turned to face him, her arms going about his waist as she drew him into her. He looked down at his wife and smiled, his bright blue eyes sparkling in the fleeting moonlight and showing the love he felt for her. He reached up and pushed her blond hair away from her face and kissed her.

 

There was no need for words, they had been together for twenty-eight years and knew each other too well. The connection between them ran deep inside their minds and was unbreakable. Claire rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes, taking comfort from his arms and his presence. Memories of their times at the stones came floating up and she smiled at the ones that meant the most to her.

 

“Claire,” Matt said, softly bringing her out of her memories.

 

Pulling away from the warmth of his body reluctantly, she watched the Guardians enter the circle. Each figure took their place once more in the gaps between the large stones and faced the couple. With increasing nervousness Claire waited for the Guardians to begin.

 

“Greetings to the One True Child, daughter and sister of the Sentinels, Staff and Sword of Order, Guardian of the Stones and wife of Galen the Protector,” one of the hosts proclaimed, as he stepped forward from his place.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

L.C. Conn grew up on the outskirts of Upper Hutt, New Zealand. Her backyard encompassed the surrounding farmland, river, hills and mountains which she wandered with her brothers and fed her imagination. After discovering a love for writing in English class at the age of eight, she continued to write in secret. It was not until much later in life that L.C. turned what she thought was a hobby and something fun to do, into her first completed novel. Now married, L.C. moved from New Zealand to Perth, Western Australia, and became a stay at home mum. While caring for her family and after battling breast cancer, a story was born from the kernel of a dream. The first book of The One True Child Series was begun, and just kept blooming into seven completed stories.

 

EMAIL: raindropc1970@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/LCConn

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ConnLoraine

INSTAGRAM: https//www.instagram.com/l.c.conn

WEB PAGE: https//lcconnwriter.wordpress.com/

 

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GIVEAWAY:

 

L.C. Conn will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: HAUNTED ENDS: SOUL SEARCHER by Elizabeth Price

 

Haunted Ends: Soul Searcher

by Elizabeth Price

 

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GENRE: Paranormal Mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

"On Halloween night, the newly remodeled Juniper Hotel celebrates its grand reopening. That night, the hotel’s new owner, Rocky Rapaport, learns there’s more to the haunted hotel than he bargained for. A dark mystery is hidden within the walls of the old hotel, and it’s up to Rocky, his ghostly partner, Sam, and the Haunted Ends team to save the hotel from demonic destruction.

 

Meanwhile, the Haunted Ends television show sets off on an RV road trip across the Arizona desert. The cast takes a detour camping trip to Quartzite to explore the mysterious legend of the Red Ghost. After, they continue on to Flagstaff to investigate a haunted hotel with an unusual history."

 

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Excerpt One:

 

The cashier proceeded to ring up the umbrellas. “This is some weather we’re having. Stocking up?” she asked.

 

“We’re hosting a big party tonight and I don’t want my guests soaked,” Rocky explained.

 

 She took up the umbrellas, smirking when she came across the smiley face one. She held it up in question.

 

“For a friend,” Rocky returned.

 

“I take it your friend has a big funny bone?” she asked.

 

“Well… ah,” Rocky paused, uncertain how to answer the question. “He… used to. Long story.”

 

“Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere? You’re on TV, aren’t you?” she asked with excitement.

 

“Well, yes. Haunted Ends. We’re shooting a Halloween show at the Juniper tonight, down the street,” he mentioned.

 

“$218.72,” she tallied. He handed her a credit card, and she ran it. “Is it true that that old hotel is haunted? I’ve heard rumors,” she asked as she handed back his card.

 

“Sam, you want to answer her?” he asked, stirring Sam from his bubble gum fantasies.

 

He floated over to Rocky, setting a pack of gum on the counter. “You wouldn’t happen to have this in wintergreen, would you? I have a serious case of corpse-breath,” he asked.

 

The cashier’s bottom jaw dropped to her chest.

 

Rocky gathered his bags of umbrellas. “Yes, it’s haunted,” he returned. “Sam.” He motioned they were leaving.

 

Sam followed Rocky from the store, not bothering to look at the cashier. He and Rocky had played the same game so many times before, he knew the woman would remain in shock for at least a half-hour. Good thing for her there weren’t many customers in the store.

 

“It’s a power trip for you, isn’t it?” Sam accused.

 

“After years…” he quickly opened the van door, slipping inside. He tossed the bags of umbrellas into the back of the van while he adjusted his wet jacket. “Uh.” He flipped the water off the top of his spiky white hair then rung the water from his long ponytail. “Right… yes, it is. After years of being called a freak for seeing ghosts, I can finally have my revenge.”

 

He turned to the passenger’s seat, noticing Sam watching him. “Let me guess, you want to point out this is one of those times it’s good not to have a body?”

 

“Actually, I was curious why you bought eighteen umbrellas and didn’t think to use one,” Sam mentioned.

 

Rocky stared blankly at Sam for a long moment, then glanced at the bags of umbrellas. “Son-of-a-BITCH!”

 

 

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GUEST POST: What do you think makes a great ghost story? 

 

A great ghost story starts with a good legend. Ghosts, in themselves, are pretty dull. I mean, losing a body can be limiting. The best a ghost can do is torment some living folks by slamming a few cabinet doors or freaking out the cat. You might get lucky and come across a clever poltergeist who knows how to wield a hatchet, but once all the live people in the house are dead, what's a ghost to do? Take up wood carving?  

Where the real story lies in who the ghost was, its history, and what traumatic event happened to make them want to stick around. And usually, a ghost's death is very traumatic. Not many stories I've come across talk about a ghost who died happy in their sleep, surrounded by loved ones, and comes back wanting to kill everyone in the house. No, it's usually the new bride who hangs herself when she finds out her new husband cheated or a man bludgeoned to death for his last Oreo cookie. It's the stories about the people that make a good ghost story. I mean, anyone can kill for a cookie, but to die for one is on a whole other level. 

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Elizabeth Price is a native of Southern California. From a young age, she enjoyed researching the paranormal, unexplainable, and urban myths. This curiosity manifested into her love of mysteries and science fiction – which later led to her career as a writer.  Elizabeth graduated California State University Fullerton with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. She spends her free time with her husband, Michael, at the beach, exploring haunted locations and urban myths, and you can often find her visiting her favorite mouse-owned theme park.

 

Facebook: @AuthorElizabethPrice

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/esprice

Instagram: @ChaosOnPaper2

Twitter: @ChaosOnPaper

Website: ESPWriter.com

 

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GIVEAWAY

 

Elizabeth Price will be awarding $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN by Alex Stevens

 

Stairway to Heaven

by Alex Stevens

 

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GENRE: Fantasy

 

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BLURB:

 

Corporal Jack Graven should be dead. Murdered by a vengeful angel at his own father's funeral, Jack is resurrected and returns to life carrying a terrible secret: he is the Archangel Gabriel reincarnated.

 

Jack's not the only one with secrets. His older brother, Lieutenant Colonel Tyler Graven "Demon of Kyoto", has just inherited his father's fortune and legacy as Lord of War, with no intention of stopping there: Tyler will someday rule the world.

 

The brothers reunite their elite military unit, “The Four Horsemen,” with Tyler’s longtime flame Colonel Diana Levitas and the mysterious Lance Corporal Jin Xialong. Together they seek to uncover the truth of Jack’s past life and propel Tyler to his impossible destiny.

 

Thrust into a supernatural war, the Gravens find salvation through the Black Muramasa, a cursed black katana and the only weapon that can destroy immortals. As they uncover more mysteries behind the ancient blade, they come face to face with the Devil himself, but in the most familiar of faces. Their pasts, presents, and futures all linked, the Four Horsemen must end the war once and for all to survive with their souls intact. Failing could mean the end of the world.

 

A follow up to the explosive first book in the Ballad of Fallen Angels series, “Sympathy for the Devil,” Book 2 is an action-packed, gun-slinging adventure that packs the punch of a military thriller with high-stakes supernatural intrigue.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Her body reclined before me in the soft satin sheets as a pale canvas draped against blood-red curtains. The early morning rays of light warned me that our time together would soon finish, this thought leaving a sadness in me stronger than the sadness of being with her. This sadness rose and fell like her bosom with each breath taken, eating away at my lustful desire to touch her. Instead, I gazed at her slumbering form, wondering if our time together was simply another adventure or if she harbored true feelings for me. Perhaps it was simply revenge for the lies she had been told. Another breath, another desire, then sadness. Then again.

 

Shame.

 

The word echoed repeatedly through my mind.

 

Seconds morphed into minutes, minutes into hours. I stared cautiously at the beauty of her backside, and her lean body inhaling and exhaling. My own breathing harbored a more physical pain than the betrayal I had wrought, the bullet wounds and cracked ribs popping painfully with every exhale. My pain soon blended into a chaos of emotion that swirled within me, a lustful desire for her competing against the shame of betrayal the act brought.

 

How can I look Tyler in the eye after this?

 

Perhaps the betrayal came from Tyler himself.

 

Did he know it was a trap?

 

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Author INTERVIEW

Can you describe your dream home?

It’s definitely located on a beach. I like the idea of lots of large windows with a ceiling that opens so you can see the stars. I really would like a large kitchen where multiple people can do their thing simultaneously. Multiple bathrooms, at least 3 full bathrooms. A nice heated pool out back. Everything else is extra.

 

If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

My specialty is chicken alfredo… I’m not the best cook, but if my fiancee makes it, you’re in for a treat.

 

Tell us about the absolute BEST fan letter you have received.

As long as facebook messages count, I believe his exact words were “You really do have talent and one hell of an imagination.”

 

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

Without giving too much away, to do research for the next book, Russia. To enjoy myself, Thailand’s next on my list.

 

Who designed the book cover for the book you are touring?

Damonza

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Alex Stevens is a Marine Corps Veteran with two deployments and a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Interdisciplinary Studies program, a unique undergraduate degree that caters to students with various interests of study. He is also an advent traveler and philosophy enthusiast who has spent a lifetime studying religions, with a focus on Non-denominational Christianity. Alex spends most of his time going for walks, spending time with loved ones, and when the juices are flowing, writing. Fantasy fiction is his great escape from the mundane and he likes to create fantastical realities that are blended with non-fictional people, places, and events.

 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DemonofKyoto

 

Amazon Book link:

https://www.amazon.com/Stairway-Heaven-Ballad-Fallen-Angels-ebook/dp/B0BCMKVFQP/ref=sr_1_1

 

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GIVEAWAY

 

A $50 Amazon/BN GC will be provided to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: MY RAINBOW BABY by Caitlin G. Johnson

 

My Rainbow Baby

by Caitlin G Johnson

 

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GENRE: Children's

 

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BLURB:

 

Pregnancy loss is never easy, even once your rainbow baby has made it into the world. A parent can never just forget about the baby they have lost. This book will help you to gently explain to your rainbow just what it means to be a rainbow baby, how much every pregnancy means to you and how very loved and treasured they truly are.

 

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EXCERPTS:

 

 

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Review: This the heartfelt story of a pregnant mother and her unborn baby. At first, it seemed joyful, but then it became sad when something might be wrong.

 

After a mournful period, there soon was a silver lining in the dark cloud. A new life.

 

“While we miss our very first gift, your gorgeous rainbow heals that rift.”

 

Filled with colorful illustrations, story is an emotional and lovely ode to pregnancy and new life. A nice book for new mothers to share with their child. 

 

Rating: 4 stars

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Caitlin G Johnson is a first-time author. She works firsthand with young children and their families, providing education and care. After several pregnancy losses, including a complete molar pregnancy, Caitlin found comfort and healing in expressing herself creatively via writing My Rainbow Baby.

 

CONNECT WITH CAITLIN G JOHNSON

 

WEBSITE:

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Caitlin-G-Johnson-Author-106914675468158

 

INSTAGRAM:

 

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21703068.Caitlin_G_Johnson

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS MY RAINBOW BABY               

 

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228839777

 

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-rainbow-baby-caitlin-g-johnson/1139895453

 

BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/My-Rainbow-Baby/9780228839774

 

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GIVEAWAY

 

Caitlin G Johnson will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway