Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 108

Release Day Blitz The Haunting of Black River Forest Jaydeep Shah #Horror

The Haunting of Black River ForestJaydeep Shah
Genre: HorrorPublisher: Jaydeep ShahDate of Publication: 12/14/2021ISBN: 978-1-7349826-3-3ASIN: B08V4ZY7QYNumber of pages: 86Word Count: 8611Cover Artist: Jaydeep Shah
Tagline: A spine-chilling story in which adventurers struggle to survive on the land of a cold-blooded psychopath who enjoys slashing humans.
Book Description:
A forest of blood and corpses. The land of a cold-blooded psychopath.
In Black River Forest, it’s best not to wander too far off the beaten track. There’s no telling what you might find.
Mia and Oliver have long wanted to explore the forest, and one cold, rainy October day, a week before their fifth anniversary of the day they met, they finally make the trip.
But they’ve heard the rumors as well. The haunting. A psychopath hidden somewhere amidst the towering trees. Too many missing. Too few answers.
It’s only rumors, though. Stories. And stories can’t hurt you. Yet as Mia and Oliver venture deeper into the Black River Forest, they’ll soon discover that there’s more haunting this quiet woodland than hikers and bears.
The psychopath is very real. And he’s excited to meet them.
From Jaydeep Shah, author of Tribulation, the first book of the Cops Planet series, “The Haunting of Black River Forest” is a bloody, spine-chilling story best read with the lights on.

Kindle US        Kindle UK      Kindle CA        Kindle AU

Nook        Kobo        iBooks        Google Play

Excerpt 1:

Oliver looked around in terror, believing the bear had attacked someone nearby and that they once again would be in danger.

“What the hell was that?” he asked.

“The scream came from that way,” said Mia, pointing to the right.

They slowly walked to the trees alongside the path. They saw the ground sloped down to the valley. Mia tried to take one more step forward to have a clear look, but Oliver pulled her back before she could slip.

The three of them stood by the trees and looked around to find the source of the scream.

A few seconds later, what they saw made their hair raise in horror.

Mia’s hands flew to her mouth as a scream tried to make its way out. She was looking at a man thrusting a machete in a teenage boy’s gut and dragging it horizontally to the right and then to the left with all of his force.

“So, the psychopath story is real?” said Mia.

The boy’s severed body lay on the ground beside the bank. Next to him lay a girl’s body. Blood was streaming from her stomach.

“Yes. The psychopath is real,” said Oliver. “I hope we return safe and alive.”

The killer bent, having finished with the boy, bent down to the girl, and started to take off her clothes. There was an X symbol cut into her stomach and a hole near the belly button. It seemed like the killer first had thrust the knife into her stomach and then carved the X symbol.

The killer checked the girl’s pulse and then held a hand under her nose as if to check for breath.

“Dead bitch!” he said.

He looked around.

The trio was frozen in silence in the trees, hidden from sight. They were lying on the ground, taking a position of concealment just like a sniper as they watched in trauma from the top of the valley.

Oliver grabbed his hair, perhaps feeling some type of pressure in his brain. Trying to stay silent, he walked away, slowly. He stumbled as if he would lose consciousness.

He leant against a tree across the path, bending forward to be sick at its roots.

Petrified, Jany remained lying on the ground, gaping at the killer, who was perhaps preparing himself to have intercourse with the corpse.

Mia stood up, keeping behind a tree to stay hidden. She looked at Oliver and Jany with tears flowing down her cheeks. She tried to speak but couldn’t let the words out of her mouth.

She took a deep breath. Then she cleared her throat.

“Jany!” she said in a croaky voice.

Jany remained the same, unresponsive.

Mia cleared her throat once more.

“Jany,” she said, her voice clear but soft, as she was afraid the killer would hear her, despite him being down in the valley. She bent and gently shook Jany, holding her by the shoulders.

Jany opened her mouth as if about to scream, but Mia swiftly clasped her mouth.

“Don’t! He’ll hear us!” she said.

Jany stared at her for a moment and then nodded. Mia took her hand from her mouth.

“Get up!”

Jany stood up and followed Mia toward Oliver.

“We will die. He will find us,” said Jany. She was speaking too loudly, panicked. “I hope my friends are safe.”

“Be brave, Jany,” said Mia, swallowing the fear. “Think positive. Just stay together, and we will find a way out of the forest.”

All the while, Oliver stood watching them. For a moment his terror had paralyzed him. He had no answer, no solution, only the storm of horrifying thoughts of their death in his mind.

Oliver took a deep breath and removed a water bottle from his backpack. He drank a few sips.

He cleared his throat. Then he said, shifting his look between Mia and Jany, “Mia is right. We can get out of here.” He paused. “We must hurry and try to find a way back to our original path before dusk.”

A silence fell for a bit as the trio exchanged a look, nerves clear on their faces. They looked around them at the different paths.

“Where did we come from?” asked Mia.

“I’m not sure. I was so scared,” said Oliver.

“And everything looks the same to me,” added Jany quickly, looking at the paths on either side, both covered with branches and leaves littered from the storm.

Mia unzipped her backpack and slowly, quietly pulled out her axe, still glancing around for signs of movement. “Alright! Let’s go this way,” she said, adjusting her backpack back on her shoulders.

They set off up the chosen path, but Mia grasping the axe strongly.

Just a few steps on, Jany slipped on some wet leaves. She fell and let out a scream that rang through the air.

Oliver scanned the area in a panic.

Mia swiftly helped Jany back up.

Jany hissed in pain as she stood, clearing the dirt from her scratched elbow while Mia brushed off the dirt from her clothes.

“I hope he hasn’t heard your scream!” said Oliver.

Jany and Mia looked toward the valley, following his eyes.

They waited for a few more seconds in stillness.

The psychopath didn’t appear.

“Keep moving!” said Oliver in a very soft voice, only audible to Jany and Mia.

They resumed their walk.

After a few minutes . . . Mia began to feel that someone was following them. She looked through the corner of her eye, but she could only see trees.

The hair on the back of her neck prickled as her senses still signaled someone’s presence.

She stopped.

All the while, Oliver and Jany kept walking hurriedly without glancing back.

Mia turned around slowly. Still no one, only the emptiness of the forest. When she was sure she couldn’t see anyone, she turned back and strode on to catch up with Oliver and Jany.

About the Author:
Jaydeep Shah is an avid traveler and the author of gripping horror, thriller, and romance stories. As a bachelor’s degree holder in Creative Writing, he aims to entertain as many as people he can with his stories. He is best known for Tribulation, the first book in the “Cops Planet” series.
In addition to those books, The Shape-Shifting Serpents’ Choice, Jaydeep’s first young adult flash fiction written under his pen name, JD Shah, is published online by Scarlet Leaf Review in their July 2019 issue. Currently, he’s endeavoring to write a debut young adult fantasy novel while working on a sequel to his first apocalyptic thriller, Havoc.
When Shah is not writing, he reads books, tries new restaurants, and goes on adventures.
Website: https://www.jaydeepshah.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/imjaydeepshah
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jaydeepshah
Newsletter Signup: https://www.jaydeepshah.com/newsletter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jaydeepshah
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jaydeep-shah
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imjaydeepshah/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imjaydeepshah
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/imjaydeepshah/_created/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jaydeepshah


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Jasmine Moon by Celia Breslin - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

The Best Ever Holiday Caramel Candy, aka Grandma Eddie’s Caramels

I love to share this recipe every year for the holidays for the obvious reason that these treats are, hands down, the best caramels I’ve even tasted.

Every winter holiday season, I love to share my grandmother’s recipe for the best caramels on the planet. They make a fab holiday treat and-or a delicious holiday present. Note: they’re so good you’ll want to make them year-round.  Happy Holidays!

Xoxo,

Celia

RECIPE: Grandma Eddie's Caramels

1 can sweetened condensed milk (Grandma’s pick: Eagle Brand)

2 cups white sugar

2 cups white Karo Syrup

1 stick of butter (1/4 lb.)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix together the first three ingredients (milk, sugar, syrup) in a large bowl.

Melt the butter in a large heavy kettle, pour in the mixture and bring to a boil.

Stir continuously while mixture boils until it reaches the temperature of 245 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer (can take up to 25 minutes).

Note: If mixture overcooks, candy gets too hard.

Once the 245-degree temperature is reached, remove kettle from stove.

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then pour mixture onto a large, buttered cookie sheet or flat pan.

Jasmine MoonBlack Hills WolvesCelia Breslin
Genre: Paranormal RomancePublisher:  Decadent PublishingDate of Publication: June 3, 2016ISBN:  9781683610458ASIN:  B01GKB9WMONumber of pages:  108Word Count:  36,400Cover Artist:  Fiona Jayde
Book Description:
Tech mogul and workaholic Wolf Evan Luparell has little time for distractions but takes a break for his brother’s wedding in South Dakota. When asked to escort another wedding attendee from the airport to Los Lobos, he agrees. Then he meets the curvy spitfire, and she ignores him.
Designer and Wolf Mina Carver didn’t mean to be rude to the handsome, glowering man claiming to be her ride, but she was busy working. Now she must endure a ride to the Black Hills with the cranky but sexy Dominant Wolf. Unexpected mating energy sparks between them, but still—should she dismiss, or kiss him?
Kisses win and they agree upon a no-strings fling. But with each wedding activity throwing them together, and their powerful chemistry and mate compatibility complicating matters, can two workaholics truly have their fun then walk away?

Amazon UK       Amazon US     BN     Bookstrand  

Google Play       iTunes     Kobo     Smashwords

Excerpt:

Evan tipped his head and eyed the ceiling. Prompt replies, punctual people. Striking deals and hitting deadlines. These items made his world tick. Not loitering around a miniscule airport pulling a Waiting for Godot moment on infinite repeat for a no-show, flakey designer from California.

God grant him patience and balls of steel when he showed up without the designer and the all-important wedding dress, because his future sister-in-law Darci would certainly be unhappy. […]

He took a deep fortifying breath and froze. Airport smells assailed his senses—the sharp tang of bleach and lemon-scented cleaners, […] coffee, donuts, fried fast food, and under it all, the distinct musk of wolf.

Female wolf.

She smelled damn good. His wolf perked up, and his legs propelled him toward the empty baggage claim, where one bright-pink suitcase covered in Hello Kitty stickers sat, unclaimed, on the unmoving L-shaped conveyor belt. Her scent, stronger here, socked his gut, and his gaze shot to the corner.

The chaos around the woman stunned him silent. Large, paper coffee cup, half-eaten banana, and a quarter of a powdered doughnut perched on a brown paper bag next to her. Crumbs splattered the linoleum and the woman’s long-sleeved blue blouse in a thick layer of white, sugary dust. On her other side, two pink garment bags lay like corpses, along with a bubblegum-pink unzipped duffel as long as her outstretched, denim-clad legs. Some of the bag’s contents—pads of drawing paper and large swaths of fabric—protruded over the opening, the fabric splaying over her legs in a rainbow-colored blanket. Her feet peeked out of the mess, encased in sparkling pink UGGs. Good grief, sequins? She smacked her shiny boots together in a poor imitation of Dorothy and bobbed her head from side to side in time to some music only she seemed to hear. Her shoulder-length red hair, the color of ripe dark cherries—his favorite fruit—gleamed under the harsh airport lighting and curtained most her face from his view, save a pert nose and small chin, both speckled with a generous amount of freckles.

He’d always liked freckles.                     

Clearing his throat, he stepped closer, but she didn’t flinch in surprise or look up. Her attention remained on the tablet on her lap, the stylus between her pale, freckled fingers swiping without hesitation over her screen. […]

He positioned himself right in front of her wiggly, booted feet. “Excuse me, J—”

“Sh.” She raised her arm and flicked her hand in the universal get lost gesture.

He gaped at her. “Excuse me?”

Another wave of her hand while her stylus streaked across her tablet screen with the other. “Not interested.”

Nice voice. Low and husky. Her attitude, on the other hand… “But—”

“Go away.” Her velvet voice carried a stubborn edge.

In other circumstances, he would’ve admired her strength. But he’d wasted copious amounts of time hunting for the clearly inconsiderate and irresponsible female. “Fine. Get your own damn ride to Los Lobos. Jasmine.”

 

About the Author: 
Celia lives in California with her husband, daughter, and two feisty cats. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and has a particular fondness for werewolves, vampires, and the Fae. When not writing, you’ll find Celia exercising, reading a good book, hanging with her family, or indulging her addiction to fantasy TV shows and movies.
Web site: http://www.celiabreslin.com/   
Blog: http://www.celiabreslin.com/blog/   
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/celiabreslin  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBreslinAuthor  
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CeliaBreslin  
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/celiabreslin/   
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiabreslin/ 
Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/bxqwRL 







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A Bewitching Monday

A RoundUp of Daily Tour Stops

INTERVIEW WITH VICKI-ANN BUSH (A WINTER'S NIGHT) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/kLFt50H9mr7

The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/GAfO50H9mJq

Author Guest Post with Lucius Beauchamp, Beyond Atlantis #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/4uZN50H9mur

Scattered Legacy by Marlene M. Bell [Excerpt] #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/kmCM50H9mGq

The Adventures of Super Alert Dog Gail Morin #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/wEE350H9mHT

Santa’s Destiny by Tami Lund - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/8yCN50H9mE5

Rogue Unbroken Legends and Shadows Saga Book Three by Angie Day - Kate can’t touch anyone without causing pain. To save herself and her family, she must challenge Alec, who is ready to tear her life apart. #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/CMXZ50H9mzR

SCARLETT WEST (STOLEN IN THE DARK) SHARES HER HOLIDAY COOKIE RECIPE!
#bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/7sfF50H9mq2

Tomorrow TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 AT 12 PM – 4 PM
Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
https://www.facebook.com/events/14855...

As Above, So Below Box Set by Loren Rhoads - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/nbU950H9msF

Amy Winters-Voss Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

Greetings! My name is Amy Winters-Voss and I write urban fantasy based on Japanese mythology. Today I get to share about the culture of one of the places I love most—Japan.

New Year's Day in Japan

The big winter holiday in Japan is New Years. It's an official government holiday and many businesses are closed from December 29th through January 4th. It's a hectic but fund time filled with New Years office parties, putting out special decorations such as a stack of rice cakes with an orange or a bundle of pine and bamboo tied with straw, the annual cleaning of the house from top to bottom, feasting on traditional foods, the temple bells ringing in the New Year, giving kids a red envelope with cash, surprise bags (where the contents aren't known before hand) purchased at retailers, fireworks displays, watching the first sunrise of the year, and visiting the local shrine or temple.

Why not the Lunar New Year?

Unlike much of Asia, Japan doesn't celebrate the Lunar New Year anymore. Though it used to. Many aspects of China's scholarship were imported to Japan about the 6th century—from the symbol based writing system to the lunar calendar. That changed in 1873 when the Meiji Era government, in its sweeping changes to modernize and be recognized by the West as a major power, adopted the Gregorian calendar. Events were shifted to match. Thus, Japan celebrates New Years on January 1st.

What about Christmas?

Japan doesn't celebrate Christmas like the west. It's not a time of family gatherings, gift giving, and big holiday feasts. Instead, Christmas Eve is considered a romantic day. It's not a government holiday. Though, you'll can see Christmas light displays. And through a clever marketing ploy, KFC became very popular on Christmas and Christmas Eve.

New Years Cards

One of the most popular traditions is sending New Years cards, called nengajo, to family and friends, expressing gratitude to those who have helped you during the year. The post office puts in extra effort to ensure that these special greetings are delivered early on the morning of January 1st.

Let's Make a New Years Card

Even though Japan doesn't follow the lunar calendar any more, they still enjoy reference the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. 2022 will be Year of the Tiger, so it will be a popular theme for cards. Mt. Fuji is also a popular icon on cards.

I've collected a few designs from Freepik (one of my favorite graphics places) that you can download for free and print on cardstock.

https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/2022-year-tiger-new-years-card-template-decorated-with-japanese-vintage-patterns_16951334.htm

https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/2...

https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/year-tiger-mascot-decorated-with-japanese-lucky-charms-text-translation-tiger_16333580.htm

Here are some of the common greetings in kanji and kana (the Japanese writing system), a Romanized version so you can see how it's said, and an English translation.

明けましておめでとうございます。[Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu.] - Happy New Year 昨年はお世話になりました。[Sakunen wa osewa ni narimashita.] - Thank you for all your support last year. 今年もよろしくお願いします。[Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.] - I'm looking forward to the goodness of our continued friendship/relationship. (for relationship here, think work or office).

If you are sending your card to Japan write 年賀 (Nenga) on it so the Japanese post office will know it should go with the new year's cards. Cards sent to Japan should get to the local post office by December 25th to be guaranteed to arrive on New Years Day.

What are your favorite New Year's traditions?

Excerpt:

“To make things worse, yesterday I heard you’re covered in irezumi tattoos. Nonogawa may be in the sticks, but we all know what that means here.”

I blink. Why are little old ladies so rude?

“Well? Are you?” she presses.

While I deserve the disdain, I don’t want my boss to take heat for me. “Ma’am, the community respects Satou-san. I’ll do my best for his sake.”

She draws out the syllables. “You dodged.” As she crosses her arms, her sharp eyes shift to a predatory glint. “If you won’t answer, roll up your sleeve. I know yakuza ink when I see it.”

My head swivels. Satou, where are you? Make your vicious aunt heel. She’s really causing my hackles to raise, but I don’t want to do anything stupid. “Ma’am?”

In the Hiragi clan, I was good at remembering names, because the alternative could be costly. What did Satou say her name was? Oh yeah—Nakamura Hisako, the town’s beloved matriarch. When I was yakuza, I would have never let a little old lady corner me. But I’m caught flat-footed because I can’t use any of the in-your-face phrases that bubble up to get her to lay off. I haven’t done a damned thing to her. What gives?

So, I take a deep breath. No attitude. “Nakamura-sama, it’s becoming more common in the cities. People keep ‘em out of sight to avoid the stigma.”

As if I’ll tell this biddy the full truth. Later, I can scream rebellion in gokudou drawl all I want. But her outburst is the proverbial piano hanging overhead, threatening to crash down on the little hope I have in this town.

At twenty-four, I should have a high school diploma and a college degree or employment experience. This is my only chance. Suck it up, Umeji. So, I bow deep. “I apologize that my tattoos offend. If I could turn back time, I’d not have done it. How may I help you?”

Harrumphing, she turns on her heel with the grace of a ballerina, leaving me with some serious heartburn. Hiro, my big brother in the Hiragi clan, had taught me to ferret out everything that seemed out of place. How does an old lady move that fast?

When I finish stocking, I grab my baseball-style jacket with its embroidered fox on black and gold silk and beeline it to Satou. Just my luck, his aunt beats me there.

I wait behind her and examine my shoes. Faint reflections of fluorescent lights show on the tile floor.

“That tattooed punk is bad for business.” She points, doubtless aware of how rude she’s being. “He dares to flaunt his past wearing that rebel jacket, instead of considering this store’s reputation. I’ve heard all manner of rumors. Mark my words, Kazuo, people will stop shopping here.” Full-to-the-brim grocery bags strain her arthritic knuckles.

While Nakamura’s concern is understandable, does she care that this ‘rebel jacket’ is the only one I own? I was fortunate someone dropped it by the penitentiary after emptying my apartment. My fists clench, pulling on the stitches from yesterday’s wound. Why does this town love her, anyway?

About the Author:
Amy is a former programmer turned author after her first trip to Japan in 2017. Now she writes Japanese myth-based urban fantasy to reconnect with the country and culture that captured her heart. 
She lives in South Dakota with her supportive husband, two wonderful kids, a mellow old cat who adopted the family, and three wily and crazy ferrets.
https://amywintersvoss.com
https://liminalchronicles.com
https://go.amywintersvoss.com/news
https://www.goodreads.com/amywintersvoss
https://twitter.com/amywintersvoss
https://www.facebook.com/amywintersvoss/
https://theshyredfox.tumblr.com/
https://www.twitch.tv/shyredfox
https://www.instagram.com/amywintersvoss/



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A Bewitching Friday

A RoundUp of Daily Tour Stops

Guest Blog -The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice
#bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/YObl50H7U2J

Let’s Talk Warrior Princesses with Jo-Anne Blanco #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/p71T50H7U0y

SPOTLIGHT - YA PNR LGBTQ+ - ALEX MCKENNA AND A WINTER'S NIGHT (Alex Mckenna, #3) by Vicki-Ann Bush #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/RUgm50H7THe

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ Rogue Unbroken: Legends and Shadows Saga, Book Three by Angie Day @angiedayauthor ~ Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, YAUF #BewitchingBookTours
https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2021/...

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA w/EXCERPT - URBAN FANTASY - STOLEN IN THE DARK (Fae Bureau of Investigations) by Scarlett West #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/yWag50H7TYk

Santa’s Destiny by Tami Lund - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/t51y50H7TWB

A VISIT WITH CELIA BRESLIN (JASMINE MOON) *HOLIDAY SPRITZ COOKIE RECIPE BONUS*
#bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/hrWR50H7TNL

As Above, So Below Box Set by Loren Rhoads [Excerpt]#bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/B50m50H7TIw

INTERVIEW WITH MARLENE M. BELL (Scattered Legacy) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/aU5H50H6XbR

INTERVIEW WITH JO-ANNE BLANCO (The Fata Morgana Series) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/PkYE50H6190

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer- The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice #Giveaway #BookGiveaway
https://serenasynn.blogspot.com/2021/...

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 AT 12 PM – 4 PM
Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
https://www.facebook.com/events/14855...

Scattered Legacy by Marlene M. Bell - Book Tour + Giveaway
https://www.jazzybookreviews.com/2021...

A Bewitching Thursday

A Round-Up of Daily Tour Stops

INTERVIEW WITH MARLENE M. BELL (Scattered Legacy) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/aU5H50H6XbR

Giveaway, Guest Post & Excerpt for Santa’s Destiny by Tami Lund @RoxanneRhoads #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/nsJ850H6XaF

Rogue Unbroken by Angie Day - Book Tour + Giveaway #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/7khq50H6X6M

As Above, So Below Box Set by Loren Rhoads - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/HcFm50H6WY9

Alex McKenna and A Winter’s Night by Vicki-Ann Bush Virtual Book Tour #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/cfpU50H6WUw

Deck the Halls with Book Holiday Extravaganza: Stolen in the Dark by Scarlett West #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/IFNv50H6Xe1

Rogue Unbroken Legends and Shadows Saga Book Three Angie Day #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/TQPG50H6X5P

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA w/EXCERPT - PNR - JASMINE MOON (Black Hills Wolves) by Celia Breslin #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/fm7u50H6X2T

Beyond Atlantis: An Epic of The Ancient Americas
Lucius Beauchamp #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/LZTR50H6WZL

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA w/EXCERPT - RISE: THE LIMINAL CHRONICLES by Amy Winters-Voss #bewitchingbooktorus http://ow.ly/gylW50H6X1m

From psychology to urban fantasy - Rogue Unbroken (Legends and Shadows Saga #3) by Angie Day #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/UYRA50H611r

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer- The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice #Giveaway #BookGiveaway
https://serenasynn.blogspot.com/2021/...

INTERVIEW WITH JO-ANNE BLANCO (The Fata Morgana Series) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/PkYE50H6190

The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice
http://www.roxannerhoads.com/2021/12/...

The Fata Morgana Series by Jo-Anne Blanco
https://www.lisasworldofbooks.net/202...

A Bewitching Wednesday

A RoundUp of Daily Tour Stops

From psychology to urban fantasy - Rogue Unbroken (Legends and Shadows Saga #3) by Angie Day #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/UYRA50H611r

INTERVIEW WITH JO-ANNE BLANCO (The Fata Morgana Series) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/PkYE50H6190

Guest Post & Giveaway - Santa's Destiny by Tami Lund #bewitchingbooktorus http://ow.ly/4JJc50H6134

The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/EITj50H60YV

Holiday Guest Post with Celia Breslin (Jasmine Moon Tour) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/ZKGM50H60Xv

Holiday Recipe - Crumb Cake
https://midnightmusingswithbertena.bl...

Stolen in the Dark
Fae Bureau of Investigation
Scarlett West #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/xPxL50H61gh

Alex McKenna and A Winter’s Night by Vicki-Ann Bush #YA #Paranormal #LGBTQ #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/WyFV50H60UG

The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh
#bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/wlQw50H61bL

Beyond Atlantis: An Epic of The Ancient Americas by Lucius Beauchamp #Atlantis #Fantasy #Adventure #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/qbBW50H60RQ

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer- The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/rAua50H553v

She’s a mediocre witch…and an even worse shifter.
Shifting Summer: Mane Shift Book 2 by Laura Bickle
https://amzn.to/2YqYHm3
#NewRelease #OnSale #UrbanFantasy #Shifter #ShifterFantasy #Witches #Shifters #LauraBickle #NewBook #AmReading #WhatToRead

As Above, So Below Box Set by Loren Rhoads - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/W5po50H54J6

Supernatural Dating Tips with Angie Day #YAUF #YoungAdult #UrbanFantasy #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/fZcv50H47cL

far more than his freedom... Rise: The Liminal Chronicles #1 by Amy Winters-Voss #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/fNtz50H54Rr

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 AT 12 PM – 4 PM
Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
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As Above, So Below Box Set by Loren Rhoads - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza http://www.roxannerhoads.com/2021/12/...

Scattered Legacy by Marlene M. Bell #Mystery #Suspense

Scattered LegacyAnnalisse Series  Book ThreeMarlene M. Bell
Genre: Mystery - SuspensePublisher: Ewephoric PublishingDate of Publication: 11-4-2021ISBN ebook: 978-0-9995394-7-7 ISBN Print: 978-0-9995394-6-0ASIN: ‎ B09HRCTBXJ Number of pages: Print 352     Word Count: 84,610Cover Artist: Isabel Robalo
Tagline: The Truth Has Claws
Book Description: 
To outsiders, the relationship between Manhattan antiquities assessor Annalisse Drury and sports car magnate Alec Zavos must look carefree and glamorous. In reality, it’s a love affair regularly punctuated by treasure hunting, action-packed adventure, and the occasional dead body.
When Alec schedules an overseas trip to show Annalisse his mother's birthplace in Bari, Italy, he squeezes in the high-stakes business of divesting his family’s international corporation. But things go terribly wrong as murder makes its familiar reappearance in their lives – and this time it’s Alec’s disgraced former CFO who’s the main suspect.
Accompanied by friend and detective Bill Drake, Annalisse and Alec find themselves embroiled in a behind-closed-doors conspiracy that threatens the reputation and legacy of Alec’s late father – linking him to embezzlement, extortion, and the dirty business of the Sicilian Mafia. The search for the truth sends the trio straight into riddles, secrets, and an historic set of rosary beads. Annalisse leads Alec toward a discovery that is unthinkable, and events that will change their futures forever.
Scattered Legacy is the third in Marlene M. Bell’s thrilling Annalisse series, which weaves romance, crime, and historical mystery into addictive tales to instantly captivate fans of TV show Bones or Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. 

Book Trailer:  https://youtu.be/dVRdjq2L3_I

Amazon

Excerpt From Chapter Four:

The reception area is completely empty, and there’s a smell like metal in damp dirt circulating overhead. Farther in, the ceiling fan is hovering on high speed, and the windows are open.

A dead body inside a warm office leaves an unmistakable odor behind, as did the body Ethan found inside the stall at Walker Farm. Decomp is one smell that sticks with you forever. Adding to the office creepiness, who chose the interior’s decor? We’re surrounded by limestone walls painted an ugly shade of ochre, slightly more yellow and definitely more unappealing than the building’s exterior. The rooms will need another coat of fresh paint to cover a harsh stench known to stick to the walls like cigarette tar does.

No one is nearby, not even the receptionist.

The office cubicles are silent but for a few flapping papers. Not a single desk phone is ringing.

It’s like the office decided to have a fire drill midday, and the employees left their computers on and didn’t bother to close folders—open to anyone passing by. Frames holding pictures of sweethearts and children stand by as guardians for the people who are absent from their high-back swivel chairs.

Officer Raffa returns and mutters in heavy Italian brogue, “Il signore is waiting for his… avvocato difensore.” He points to the room with a closed door. “Come, Mr. Zavos. Your friends stay here.”

“Josh is in there waiting for his defense attorney. Back soon.” Alec touches my arm and looks aBill, sending him a private message.

Alec’s led to a side office, and the solid door closes behind them.

“Is Alec signing autographs, or should I even worry about what’s going on in that room?

Has Josh been here the entire time messing with evidence?” I ask Bill.

“Alec’s prepared for all contingencies. I’m surprised they haven’t taken Jennings down to the station by now.”

A few minutes later, Alec emerges by himself. “They weren’t going to allow us to talk to Josh, but I persuaded him. It shouldn’t be much longer.”
For what feels like an eternity, we sit in ladderback pine chairs with brown cushions while Alec keeps adjusting his watch. I don’t know what Alec had to promise the officer. Autographs are fine with me, but if he had to pay him off, I’d rather not know.

“I hope Brad is parked in the shade somewhere.” Alec looks at his watch for the eighth time in twenty minutes and turns to me. “Now that we’re here, they seem to be in no hurry to get rid of us. I’m sorry, Anna. Hold on a little longer.” His smile is an honest one full of regret.

I’ve heard the sentiment from him so often it doesn’t even register with my brain anymore. We both have a lot of work to do in the I-promise-to-do-better department.

The closed door at the back wall opens, and a guy pokes his head out, surveying the room. He’s fiftyish and, with his reading glasses, reminds me of Gen’s studious accountant.

Alec pivots, and his earlier smile vanishes.

“That’s Jennings,” Bill says quietly.

“Yes.” Alec waves to draw the man’s attention.

A confused Josh looks at us and then the floor as if he’s embarrassed. Eventually he settles his eyes on Alec. “I wasn’t sure you’d come. My attorney should be here soon. Come back to the conference room.”

Bill asks Alec, “Is it okay to go on ahead?”

Alec must have compensated the officer well to allow us entry this close to the crime scene.

“Let’s get this over with.” Alec seems queasy.

The three of us move through the aisle between desks and toward the room with a door left open for us. Josh has already gone inside. For someone who wants Alec’s help, he sure doesn’t appear happy or grateful for his effort. A huge effort. This had better not be Josh’s way of buying himself out of the woman’s death. The disgrace of being fired from Signorile after Pearce’s tragedy has to hurt his pride.

There’s news of a deadly virus moving through Europe, and the typical handshake is no longer being used between business execs.

Bill lifts his arm and catches himself. “Mr. Jennings? My name is Bill Drake, an associate of Mr. Zavos. You’ve asked to see him, and we also have some questions for you on another matter.”

“Wonderful.” The man in a sweaty, slept-in polo isn’t thrilled with us staring him down. There’s frost in the room as testosterone flies between glances. No one wants to be the first to break the sheet of ice forming around the presumed blue-eyed killer. Alec hasn’t made any assumptions yet until we talk to him, but Josh’s cool facade feels calculated to me. A superior to Alec, or something like that. For an innocent, I don’t like his peculiar behavior in the presence of a man who’s here to keep his neck from a noose.

“I asked to see Alec. Who are the rest of you?”

He’s behind a chair, using it as a shield to save himself from a CEO who wants to take his livelihood from him again. Or is it because he’s guilty of ending a woman’s life?

Alec pulls out the chair for me, and we all sit at the long conference table with a fancy letter F embellished in the center.

Josh’s temples bead with sweat, and he’s wringing his hands next to a wool felt fedora hat with a band. They seem to be popular in Italy. The guy’s bloodshot eyes and dark circles are sure signs of insomnia and stressing to the max. Wet ovals hang beneath the armpits of his beige shirt.

Alec’s unshakable gaze lands on Jennings, who abruptly turns away.

This meeting isn’t opening well.

Bill addresses Josh. “We don’t have a lot of time. Authorities aren’t thrilled with us questioning you, but they were… let’s say, swayed. Tell us what happened here?”

“She was tied and tortured in my office after I left night before last. I opened the building in the morning at seven and found her lying on her side, strapped to a chair and wrapped in wire near my desk. Lots of blood.” Josh holds a paper towel over his mouth, then uses it to wipe away perspiration. “When I left the building, she was in the conference room. I have no idea how she ended up in the office. Maybe the cat went in there.” He slides the fedora into his lap.

“Who is she?” Alec asks.

“Benita Alvarez.”

About the Author: 
“Mystery at a killing pace”
Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning writer, artist, and sheep breeder who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines.
The third book in the Annalisse Series releases in 2021. Scattered Legacy is an international mystery with light touches of romance. Stolen Obsession and Spent Identity, books one and two, received numerous awards including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery in 2020. Her mysteries can be found at marlenembell.com.
Marlene also writes children's books. Her first children's picture book, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! is based on true events with Natalie from the Bell’s ranch. It's a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Mia and Nattie is honored to be a Mom's Choice Gold Award winner.
Marlene shares her life with her husband and a few dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.
Newsletter Sign Up: https://www.marlenembell.com/books
Blog: https://www.marlenembell.com/blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ewephoric
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/marlenembell   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlene.bell.3194/ 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17642396.Marlene_M_Bell
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marlene-m-bell




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The Romance Novel Formula by Alicia Leigh #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice

The Romance Novel FormulaAlicia Leigh
Genre: Non-fictionPublisher: A.K. LeighDate of Publication: 7th December 2021ISBN: 9781973593553 (Amazon)ASIN: B09J48ZHJFPaperback – app. 200 pages Word Count: 24,000 wordsCover Artist: Sarah Paige (Opium House Creatives)
Tagline: Is there a secret formula for writing a successful romance novel?
Book Description:
Backed by research and professional expertise, The Romance Novel Formula provides everything you need to take you from idea to first draft of your breakout romance novel.
Join best-selling romance author and academic researcher, Alicia Leigh, as you discover:
*How to take your love interests on the “lovers’ journey” – inclusive of ALL types of romantic relationships: ménage, alien, LGBTQI, polyamory, etc.*A unique five-act structure to make your story easy to write and manage.*The specific story “beats” exclusive to the romance genre (and which other books on writing typically exclude).*The story and character arcs necessary to classify your book as romance.*How to avoid stereotypes by focusing on archetypes.*Popular romance tropes.*Essential writing techniques.*Advice on dialogue.*The most common writing mistakes . . . and how to avoid them.*Goal, motivation, and conflict.*Fear, need, and flaw (what are they, and do you need them?).*Much more!
Complete with checklists and over 30 writing exercises, The Romance Novel Formula is the new essential romance writing guide for aspiring and experienced writers, plotters and pantsers, and professional researchers.
Amazon       Amazon AU     Amazon UK       Amazon CA

Excerpt:

“Romance novels are written to a specific formula.” The number of times I’ve heard this insulting and patronizing phrase throughout my career as a romance writer would fill its own book! Yet, regardless of urban legends and popular culture tales, the simple fact is this: There is no romance novel formula.

Let me repeat that with emphasis: There is no romance novel formula.

Now, it might seem like I have contradicted the title of this book by saying that. However, there is more than one way to write a romance novel. This book is intended as a guide to assist you while giving you the freedom to find your own version of a formula.

While there is no set formula per se, there is a structure you can follow that will aid you in writing your breakout romance novel. This structure isn’t used solely by romance writers. Different forms are used by all novelists (see, for instance, books such as Story, Save The Cat! Writes a Novel, The Plot Whisperer, and Story Engineering, which have a variety of formulas, guides and suggestions). In that regard, writing a romance novel is almost the same as writing any other novel. I say almost because the romance genre has necessary inclusions that are applicable to it alone. This applies to every genre. These are called genre conventions.

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned writer, this book can lead you through the quagmire of structure and help you find the unique path for your characters to follow on what I call the lovers’ journey.

About the Author:
Alicia Leigh is a bestselling non-fiction author, international-selling romance author, identical triplet, writing coach, and hot chocolate addict.
She uses her postgraduate degrees in counseling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology and editing from Macquarie University to create believable, three-dimensional characters. Her certificates in forensic science and forensic anthropology from the University of Strathclyde add layers to the realistic crime elements in her stories. She has completed her master’s degree in writing at Swinburne University and is currently embarking upon her PhD in Creative Arts (writing) at Central Queensland University.
When not writing, reading, coaching, studying, or enjoying nature, she can be found having fun with her three gorgeous children (plus one laid-back dog and one hypersensitive guinea pig).
She is active on social media and encourages readers and writers to interact with her there. She writes romantic fiction novels under the pseudonyms A.K. Leigh and Leigh Hatchmann.
Fall in love … with Leigh
Website www.fallinlovewithleigh.com 
Amazon www.amazon.com/author/akleigh
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/akleighauthor 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/akleighauthor/
Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/13496077.A_K_Leigh



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Rogue Unbroken by Angie Day #YAUF #YoungAdult #UrbanFantasy

Rogue UnbrokenLegends and Shadows Saga Book ThreeAngie Day
Genre: Young adult, urban fantasy, YAUFPublisher: Rahne PressDate of Publication: Dec 10, 2021ISBN: 978-1-7338144-6-1 (hardcover) ISBN: 978-1-7338144-7-8 (paper back)Number of pages: 412Word Count: 104,000Cover Artist: Sarah Hansen from Okay Creations
Tagline: Energy blazed in my body, begging me to move, to use it. If you see her, kill her on sight.
Logline: Kate can’t touch anyone without causing pain. To save herself and her family, she must challenge Alec, who is ready to tear her life apart.
Book Description: 
Kate had survived. She had lived through pain and torment and now she was on the other side, where all the happiness was supposed to be. But with Alec’s vengeful punishment for escaping him, she can’t touch anyone without hurting them.
Alec still wants to create a Level Five and he’s dangerously close. That power under his control would mean unraveling the world as it stands. The world Kate has not yet started to enjoy. She won’t be able to rest until her body, her mind is fixed, and Alec won’t get his beloved power without her help.
The two warring sides of Rogues and Shadows will have to meet. Kate will have to confront Alec and his cruel ambition once again. But every moment with the Shadows is detrimental to those she loves, especially Kylan. So she must find a way to outsmart the person who taught her everything she knows, the most feared Shadow in the world.
Kate is strong. She survived once. But even the strongest people can break with the right pressure, and Alec is ready to tear her life apart.
Amazon

Excerpt 1:

Alec lifted a hand to my face but lowered it again. “But then you came back to me. You fell for me again. I saw it. If you say you’re done with me, then why can’t you just do the honorable thing and stop loving me?”

Alec looked down at the floor and he never looked so sheepish and small.

A trick. It had to be a trick.

But he was so small and broken and careening in his own mind. I knew what that felt like, all too well.

“I want to.” I leaned back on the shelves again. “You’re despicable and psychotic. You hurt the people I care about. You tortured me, manipulated me—”

“And yet that’s not good enough for you to kill me. All you can do is leave, and I’m sitting here hoping I can somehow get you back.” Alec raised his arms like he didn’t know where to put them anymore. “Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“That’s not an answer. Why?” Alec moved closer to my face.

“Because you won’t let me.”

“Ha.” Alec grinned before his eyes turned dark again. “I wish I had that much control over your decisions. Try again.”

I shoved him away. “I don’t know, Alec.”

“Yes, you do,” he came right back. “Think, Mara.”

“Because you’re home to me!”

His mouth fell open and the pain created lines around his eyes. I just stared at him for a moment. I saw all the same years of complications that I felt in mine. We weren’t just similar. He and I were mirror images of each other.

“No matter what you do, no matter where I go. When I think back on my life, you are all I can see for centuries,” I said.

“I get it.” Alec backed off. I caught his arm.

“You don’t. You’re a terrible person. You’re the nightmare that just won’t go away.” I looked at the floor. “But you’re also a huge part of my life, whether I hate you or not.”

About the Author: 
Angie Day found her love of writing while in college where she studied psychology and eventually went on to a master’s degree. She noticed the need for romantic and fantastic adult stories that were still wholesome and clean. So, she took matters into her own hands. 
The Legends and Shadows Saga is her debut series. When she’s not devouring the next book, she is spending time outdoors with her husband.
Website https://www.angiedayauthor.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/angiedayauthor 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/angiedayauthor/
Mailing List https://www.angiedayauthor.com/contact-angie-day






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