Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 70

Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

CHRISTMAS RECIPES... FOR YOUR CAT

You love your cat, right? So it's not surprising to share the culinary joys of the Christmas season with your faithful feline. How? What about a home-cooked Christmas dinner for your little darling? It's not something I do every year, but I've cooked a few times for my cat Avalon, and he loved it.

Steamed Salmon with Catnip Sauce on a Bed of Heavenly Rice

Ingredients:

For the rice:

1/3 cup white rice

3 black pitted olives

1 egg

3 tablespoons cat milk

1 tablespoon grated cheese

1/2 teaspoon of olive oil

For the fish:

70 grams of fish (preferably salmon or tuna)

1 teaspoon full-fat yogurt

Catnip (preferably fresh, but dried catnip is also fine)

Preparation:

Cook the rice as directed on the package

Whisk the whites and yolks of the eggs together until smooth

Add the grated cheese

Heat the olive oil in a pan

Add the eggs and cheese

Add the rice

Stir well until the eggs are cooked

Let it cool for a while, so your cat won't burn its palate

Mix in some cat milk right before serving

Decorate with small pieces of black olives.

 

Steam the fish

Let it cool for a while

Drizzle the yogurt over the fish

Sprinkle with catnip

Serve along with the heavenly rice

Of course, you can always improvise with this dish. However, avoid using onions, leeks, and garlic since these are toxic to cats. Tomatoes should be avoided as well because they can cause tummy aches.

Tuna Tea

Drain the liquid from a can of tuna (preferably choose one without added oil and salt – the health of your cat comes first)

Dilute with mineral water

Serve in a regular drinking bowl

In order to make it playful, you can add one or two ice cubes to the Tuna Tea. Fun guaranteed!

Let me know in the comments if you will be making these Christmas recipes for your cat this year.

Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat StoryVanessa Morgan
Genre:  Memoir / CatsDate of Publication:  June 4, 2015 ISBN:1511863633 ASIN: B00XC1NE4I Number of pages:134 pages Word Count: 31.468 wordsCover Artist: Gilles Vranckx
Tagline:  Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one.
Book Description:
From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat.
With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. 
Avalon was so incorrigible that even the landlord ordered to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon's demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion.
Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.
Avalon is also available in French.
Amazon US      Amazon FR

Filming of The Strangers Outside took place in August and September 2010. Avalon joined the set for two days. The location: a vacation cabin in the woods of Sint-Katelijne-Waver, a place where shadows came alive and danced with the rare patches of light. The perfect site for a horror movie.

Outside the vacation cabin, the film crew prepared for action. Camera tripods and lights were set up. An actor in monk clothes smoked his last cigarette before the shoot.

Two large tables with food and drinks sat in the shade, each bottle of water labeled with the name of an actor or crew member. Avalon had a bottle all for himself.

Avalon was remarkably at ease on set. He examined the vacation cabin for about half an hour, sniffing his way through the dusty corners, before settling into a deep sleep on the couch.

While everyone fawned over Avalon and fed him snacks from the buffet table, the director gave us a quick rundown of the scene to come. “The camera focuses on Avalon lying on the coffee table. In the background, through the windows, we see actors Pierre Lekeux and Iulia Nastase arriving home. Avalon follows their movements with his head as they move from one side of the house to the other. When the front door opens, Avalon jumps off the table to greet them.”

“Avalon won’t do that,” I said. “Just like children, cats are uncontrollable. It’s a great idea for a scene, but I’m afraid you’ll have to come up with something less demanding.”

Apparently, I didn’t know my cat very well, because Avalon did exactly what was expected of him.

The scene was shot several times in a row and Avalon never missed a beat.In another scene, while eating his Schesir dinner, Avalon suddenly had to look up in panic. The fear in his eyes looked genuine. He was perfect.

Sitting at the dining table, actor Pierre Lekeux watched Avalon with incomprehensibility and admiration, shaking his head in denial. “I need at least twenty minutes to prepare a scene, to enter a certain state of mind. But this cat nails it in a matter of seconds. Avalon’s the best actor on set. He’s even better than me.”

Pierre was right. Avalon had this air--he carried himself in a certain way, very much aware of his charisma. He was a natural performer. A miniature star.

About the Author:
Vanessa Morgan is the editor of the movie reference guides When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampire Movies, and Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children. She also has had one cat book (Avalon) and four supernatural thrillers (Drowned Sorrow, The Strangers Outside, A Good Man, and Clowders) published. Three of her stories have been turned into movies. She has written for myriad Belgian magazines and newspapers and introduces movie screenings at several European film festivals. She is also a programmer for the Offscreen Film Festival in Belgium. When she's not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching movies, eating out, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats.
Blog: https://www.traveling-cats.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eeriestories
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2890032.Vanessa_Morgan 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Vanessa-Morgan/100068728236816/ 




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A Bewitching Wednesday

A Round-Up of Daily Tour Stops

INTERVIEW - URBAN FANTASY - FIX: The Flint Chronicles, #1 by Melodie Bolt #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/pNIm50M37lW

Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/VUAH50M37eV

In the Moment Before by C.G. Coppola - Book Tour
https://www.jazzybookreviews.com/2022...

Wolf Defender by M Guida - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/FiRo50M37vt

Intimate Escape by D.C. Stone - Book Tour + Giveaway
https://www.jazzybookreviews.com/2022...

Fix by Melodie Bolt - Book Tour + Giveaway
https://www.jazzybookreviews.com/2022...

Intimate Escape Empire Blue Series Book Four by DC Stone - Romantic Suspense #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/oEKv50M37ts

CHRISTMAS BITCH BY JACK LELKO - BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/FZnR50M37hb

In the Moment Before: The Coyote And The Claw Companion Series Novella 1, by C.G. Coppola ~ New Adult Urban Fantasy Romance / New Adult Paranormal Romance
https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2022/...

The Color of Trauma by Hollie Smurthwaite - Book Tour + Giveaway
https://www.jazzybookreviews.com/2022...

Cranberry Cake Recipe by Hollie Smurthwaite, Author of The Color of Trauma ~
@H_Smurthwaite
~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #PNR #Suspense #EnterforaChance #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/8BwV50M37ps

Fix: The Flint Chronicles, Book One by Melodie Bolt ~ Epic Urban Fantasy ~
@Melodie_Bolt
#EnterforaChance #UF #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/p82n50M37ns


Edge by Susan Mac Nicol- Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
#bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/1wtK50M37jm

Edge by Susan Mac Nicol- Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

So – what’s your idea Christmas gift? I confess I was looking through a list of the most wanted gift ideas and I was a little taken aback. It’s everything from motivational water bottles (what the heck?), a lot of techno geek gifts like Airpods, drones and fit-bits (of course) and even a Roomba robot which looks pretty neat. Did you know Roomba is an anagram for ‘A Broom’?I must confess I’m a tech-geek myself so anything like this would do for me.

I loved browsing through this site to see what the ‘Must-haves’ were for 2022.

40 Top Tech Gifts 2022 – Best Gadgets For Men & Women (brostrick.com)

Of course, all I really want for Christmas are some Amazon Gift vouchers. I ask my family every year for these because I buy a lot of books there, and other bits and bobs as well. Yet every year, I get something else. The family don’t think the provision of gift vouchers is a ‘proper’ gift even it’s what I want. Perhaps this year they’ll listen 😊

Hope you get what you want for Christmas and enjoy a fun filled seasonal time with the ones you love. 

EdgeSusan Mac Nicol
Genre:  M/M Rockstar Contemporary RomancePublisher: Boroughs Publishing Group LtdDate of Publication:  Feb 7th 2022ISBN:978-1-957295-05-3ASIN:  B09RZM617PNumber of pages:  221Word Count: 65000
Cover Artist: Boroughs Group Publishing
Tagline:    Words cost nothing to write but sometimes, they lead to heartbreak and tragedy.
Book Description: 
Since he was young, Jory Longstone has been keeping a diary to catalogue his exploits, which helps inspire his music. He finds solace in managing his complicated life through the written word, which he never intended for anyone else to read.
Until one man did, and he now controls Jory's life.
While his band's star is rising, Jory remains trapped and ashamed - closed off from emotional attachments for fear of discovery.
And then he meets Damian Foyle, manager of his family-owned cinema, a place where Jory loves to hide and relax. The antithesis of a rockstar, Damian loves his martial arts classes, tinkering with motor parts, and the simple life.
Damian's first meeting with Jory is just shy of a disaster, and yeah, the second one isn't all that great either.
Jory is annoying, sexy as hell, temperamental, and one helluva rock god in tight trousers. It's all Damian can do not to burn up in the heat of the man's fiery personality.
But getting close to his heart is another thing altogether, and Damian won't settle for anything less.
Amazon      Books2Read

Explicit Excerpt:

Now that he wasn’t coughing up his lungs and had fresh air in his face, he had time to ponder the incredible being who was his nemesis. Jory.

“I can’t believe he’s the lead singer for Stone Edge,” he muttered to himself as he walked home.

“I mean, even I’ve heard of them. And they’re some of the only rock music I enjoy too. God, I must have sounded like a right plonker when I first met him.” He sidestepped an old dear who glared at him as she pushed by with a tiny Yorkie on a leash.

It was only a twenty-minute walk home to his flat, andhaving avoided his uncle, he was soon insidedrinking a large glass of cold, sparkling water. He plonked himself into his armchair, got comfy, and switched on the telly.

Time to watch YouTube videos of Stone Edge and its hot lead singer.
***

A half hour later, Damian’s cock was rock hard inside his loose sweatpants as he soaked up the images of the writhing, magnetic sex bomb known as Edge. The stage name suited Jory. Or what Damian knew of him, anyway. Edge was defiant, and yes, edgy, and sinfully wicked in the way he thrust his hips out to his adoring audience of one. When the muscles in the singer’s arms swelled and tensed when he played his guitar, Damian thought swooning might have been the right word to use.

Edge was pure animal sex on long, muscled legs, clad in black biker boots. His voice was gruff and husky and he belted out the lyrics with a passion Damian wondered would be reproduced in bed.

He regretted not having the man back to his apartment when he’d offered. The things Damian would do to him. He took a sip of bourbon and closed his eyes, picturing those muscled legs wrapped around his waist as Damian gripped Edge’s chestnut hair and forced himself deeper inside the man’s arse.

Swallowing a gasp, Damian reached into his trousers, grasping his cock urgently, and giving it long, slow strokes, driving himself crazy. His hand moved faster and faster, his grip tightening until he was at the edge of orgasm. This was the part he loved when he jacked himself off—the knowledge all he had to do was make one long, hard sweep to his dick to come and send his spunk spurting all over his hands and stomach. But that would be too easy and Damian liked a challenge.

Instead, he hissed as his pulls grew slower, and lighter, leaving his body floating in a sense of frustrated ecstasy. He waited for the urge to orgasm to grow, denying himself the release, then grabbed his dick tight again and frenziedly pumped himself to completion.

His balls tightened, the delicious sensation of tingling pins and needles made themselves known across his already sensitive skin, and he let out one loud, satisfied groan as he came.

Holy crap. I’ll never be able to look him in the eyes again.

About the Author:
Bringing lovers together, one book at a time…
Susan writes steamy, sexy and fun contemporary romance stories, some suspenseful, some gritty and dark and hopefully always entertaining. 
She’s also Editor in Chief at Divine Magazine, an online LGBTQ e-zine, and a member of The Society of Authors, the Writers Guild of Great Britain, and the Authors Guild in the US. Susan is an award-winning script writer, with scripts based on two of her own published works. Sight Unseen has garnered no less than ten awards to date and her TV pilot, Reel Life, based on her debut novel, Cassandra by Starlight, was also a winner at the Oaxaca Film Fest. 
She loves going to the theatre, live music concerts (especially if it’s her man crush Adam Lambert or the divine Cumberbatch) walks in the countryside, a good G and T, lazing away afternoons reading a good book, and watching re-runs of Grimm.

https://www.authorsusanmacnicol.com
https://filmfreeway.com/SusanMacNicol
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-mac-nicol
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/o5g1i5 
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6472959.Susan_Mac_Nicol


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A Wolf Christmas Wedding with M Guida - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

A Wolf Christmas Wedding

I looked at my reflection in the large ornate mirror that the First King carved—a gift to his bride. He was the first one to command the demon wolves. The lore was only his descendent with his matching green eyes could bond with the wolves.

And that was me.

Not my evil uncle who had murdered my parents.

My aunt Remi stood behind me. Her red hair matched my own and her beaming smile warmed my heart. She clasped my arms and rested her head on my shoulder. Tears brimmed in her green eyes. “You look beautiful, Salem. Your parents would be so proud.”

I patted her hand. “Thank you.”

My hair was in a French braid with white roses woven in between the strands. My white dress reminded me of something what Cinderella would wear at the ball with the white roses around my neckline and at the bottom of my gown. It was so unlike me, but I wanted to forget my stormy past and start a new world of shining hope.

Today was the day. The day I would be queen.

And today I would marry the man of my dreams.

My aunt kissed my cheek. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this day.”

I smiled through my tears. “Stop, or I’ll smear my mascara.”

My demon wolves, Luna, Bella, Nico, and Remus, stood behind her like sentinels. They were actually from the Elder Dimension where the Unseelie lived. Strange to know that I had an ancestor who was an Unseelie, and that’s why they responded to me. My beautiful wolves followed me everywhere and if I needed them again, we’d become one again.

Remi clasped my shaking hand. “Are you nervous?”

“Yes.” I lowered my head. “I thought more people would be excited that King Calvin was overthrown.”

She sighed and lifted my chin. “Change is hard for people, even when it’s positive. In time, they’ll grow to love you like I have.”

I looked lovingly down at my wolves. “I think they’re afraid of them.”

“Unfortunately, your uncle distilled a fear of the demon wolves. It was a way for him to bend the people to his will.”

Anger flashed in my eyes. “He deserved to die.”

Remi rubbed my back. “Today is a joyous day, Salem. Let’s forget the past and concentrate on the future.” She winked. “Besides, a gorgeous man is waiting for you.”

My heart leapt, sending anticipation running through my veins. Mateo was my mate and now he would be king regent. I could reign as long as he was at my side.

I brushed my wet cheeks. “You’re right.”

Someone knocked on the door softly. “Salem, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“We’re all waiting for you.” Ebony peeked into the room wearing a strapless red velvet gown. She was my matron of honor, and she looked beautiful with her white hair piled onto her head, topped off with a red rose crown.

I braced my shoulders. “I’m ready.” But my voice shook.

Ebony walked over to me and took my trembling hands. “I know hard this is, Ebony. I’m still trying to win over the hearts of the dark demons. Being queen isn’t easy, but you have a strong man at your side.”

The demon wolves let out a menacing growl.

She laughed. “And of course, you have your demon wolves.”

Hades marched into the waiting room of the little chapel. He was a Catalan dragon with a head of a lion and the body of a dragon and he nudged Ebony.

She scratched behind his ear. “Yes, I know. You’ll be protect her just like you do me.”

My demon wolves came over to Hades and nuzzled him. He was about the same size as them and fierce. They hadn’t always gotten along, but at least today, they seemed to have buried the hatchet.

Ebony scratched behind Hades’ ear. “You’re being a good boy, buddy, getting along with all the wolves.”

Hades narrowed his eyes and curled his lower lip, but he didn’t take a chunk out of any of my wolves. Thank God for small favors.

The piano player played A Time for Us, and the song drifted into the little room. The witch Hayley was singing, and she had such a beautiful voice.

Ebony bowed slightly and winked. “Time to go, your Majesty.”

My wolves and Hades would follow her. I didn’t have any other bridesmaids and wanted it simple. I wanted Gloria to be a bridesmaid, but she refused to leave Ashton’s side. He was still in a coma and hadn’t awakened ever since the demon Velkan shot him with a demon dart. Not even Hayley could break the evil spell.

It broke my heart that Ashton was still in the death sleep. He’d been with me throughout this journey, and I missed him dearly. The Archangels were coming to the coronation, maybe just maybe they could heal him.

Remi linked her arm through mine, disrupting my thoughts. “Are you all right?”

I blinked away my tears again. “I’m just thinking of Ashton.”

“We’ll find a way to break the spell.”

I nodded wordlessly as she escorted me to the back of the church. I wanted to her to give me away.

She looked at me and whispered, “I never asked you why you picked that song.”

“I know it’s Romeo and Juliet’s theme song and a tragedy, but it’s not for me. To me, it means my chains are broken, along with my uncle’s tyranny.”

She laid her head on my shoulder. “I never thought that, but you’re right. It’s a new for all of us.”

I bit my lip. “I just wished more of my people would believe that.”

“They will, sweetheart. I promise you, they will.”

I gave her a big smile, even though I only half believed her words. The organist played Here Come’s the Bride, and I inhaled a deep quivering breath. This was it. I forced my quaking legs to move.

Mateo waited for me down at the aisle dressed in a tuxedo that fitted his magnificent muscles, making him look dashing. Loved and pride glistened in his dark eyes, turning my body flush. I could hardly wait to feel his hands and kisses all over me again.

His curly hair was pulled back into a man bun, highlighting his strong cheekbones and that debonair smile. Gunnar, the king of the Dark Demons, stood at his side. He was handsome with his long white hair and crystal blue eyes. He and Hades had a special bond. Hades was actually a magical tattoo on his chest and would come to life when he called him.

But I wasn’t focused on him. I was focused on the tall, dark wolf shifter next to him. Love and pride reflected in his dark eyes, and soon he would be mine.

My female wolves, Bella and Luna, stood next to Ebony, and Hades, Remus and Nico stood next to Gunnar.

In the middle of the altar was the Archangel Michael. He had insisted on marrying us, and Mateo and I readily agreed. His white wings were spread out wide, and his long black hair spread out over his shoulders. He looked like a menacing godfather in his black and white tuxedo. His sword, Excalibur, was tucked at his side.

Definitely not someone you would want to cross.

The chapel was filled with what I considered royalty. Anton Lange, the Headmaster of Legacy Academy and Costin Tarus, the Headmaster of Red Rose Academy, were both vampires and sat in the front row. My friend Quint Dimir, another vampire, sat with Anton and Costin. He had risked his life to help me regain my crown. Something I would never forget.

Queen Gwendoline of the Starlight Kingdom. She was a Fae and had been one of my closest allies. The Archangel Raphael and the Reaper Stefan Gabor sat on either side of the Queen. The reapers, Rusty and his mate Julie, sat next to Stefan. They had helped us in the battle against my uncle and now my friends.

Besides my friends, the royal guard, and the nobility crowded the last pews. I wanted it to be more representative of all wolves, the nobility and the lower classes, not just the elite, but Remi thought it would be a mistake. She said if I won over the elite, the masses would follow. I wasn’t so sure, since the rich and haughty had never impressed me when I was in foster care and living in the trailer park. But in the end, I conceded to her. What did I know about being a queen?

As we drew closer, Remi’s eyes were drawn to Stefan Gabor.

I leaned closer to her. “Stefan looks quite handsome tonight.”

“Shhh.” Her face turned bright red, but as usual, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.

Remi and I stood in front of the Archangel Michael and my knees wouldn’t stop knocking.

“Who gives the woman away?” Despite his power, his voice was soft.

Remi puffed up her chest. “I do.”

Michael gestured with hand. “Stand over here, my child.”

Remi kissed me on the cheek and took a seat next to Quint. I’m sure she would have rather been sitting next to Stefan, but there was no room.

Michael smiled, washing away the usual tension in his handsome face. “We’re here to join Mateo Ruiz and Salem Willis in matrimony.” His smile faded and scanned the congregation. “If anyone objects to this marriage, speak now.” But the tone and glint in his eyes for anyone who dared would be foolish.

He squared his shoulders and lifted up a gold book he held in his hands. “Good.” The pages flipped magically and then stopped.

“Mateo Ruiz, do you take Salem Willis to be your lawful wife and mate, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or for poor, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?”

Mateo clasped my hand and kissed my knuckle. “Always. I pledged my heart to her forever.”

I trembled at his words and I was mesmerized by his words, by his voice, and by the look of possession in his eyes.

“Salem Willis,” Michael said. “Do you take Mateo Ruiz, to be your lawful husband and mate, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live?”

I took Mateo’s hand and placed it over my chest. I wanted him to feel the love swelling inside me. “With all of my heart. I pledged to take him as husband, mate, and my king.” My voice shook with emotion.

Michael smiled. “Then, by the power bestowed on me from above, let this bond never be broken. I pronounce them as husband and wife.”

Mateo and I turned around to clapping of the front rows. My demon wolves howled and Hades let out a mighty roar.

There were halfhearted claps in the back and I pretended not to notice. Ebony was right. Being queen wouldn’t be easy, but with Mateo at my side, I would rule the best as I could.

Michael walked over to a jeweled crown that rested on a velvet podium. It wasn’t as gaudy as my uncle’s. His crown had been at least five inches tall and loaded with jewels. Mine was more of a simple diadem with a red ruby in the center, the same color of the eyes as my demon wolves.

He lifted up the crown and carried it in between his palms. “I’ve waited for this day from a far. Salem will unite the Moon Kingdom and bring divisions together. This is the hour of a new era.” He looked down at me. “Salem, please step forward.”

Mateo squeezed my hand as I pulled away from him.

Michael held the crow high. “Please, kneel.”

I bowed my head. My heart was beating so hard I thought it would burst from my chest.

“Salem, by the authority given on me by the First King…”

The congregation gasped, and a soft murmurer broke out.

Ignoring them, Michael continued, “Salem Ruiz…”

I smiled at now being Mrs. Salem Ruiz.

“Do you swear to protect your people, to lead them justly, and to bring peace to your kingdom?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes.”

“This crown holds you to your promise and comes with great responsibility. Do you accept these responsibilities of being a queen?”

“I do.”

He gently placed the diadem on my head. “Then I declare you Queen of the Moon Kingdom.”

People clapped and cheered. The wolves howled again and Hades led out a loud roar that practically shook the chapel. I slowly stood and Mateo drew me into his arms and kissed me hard.

Michael raised his arms. “I now proclaim them as your queen and king regent.”

More cheers and claps warmed my heart.

Mateo slowly released me. “Are you ready for this?”

I cupped his rugged cheek. “As long as you are at my side.”

Mateo took my hand and led me down to the aisle. Remi was the first to congratulate us.

She hugged me. “You’re like a fairytale. I can’t imagine what I could give you as a wedding gift.”

I thought a minute. “There is something you can do?”

She blinked. “There is?”

“It’s my understanding that my uncle desecrated Moon Academy. I want to restore it to its former glory. I give this honor to you.”

She gasped and put her hand on her chest. “Me? Why me?”

I looked into her deep green eyes. “Because you were here when my parents ruled. You know what the academy was like before it was corrupted. This is my greatest desire.”

The reception was a whirlwind, and I couldn’t remember how long I danced and greeted everyone.

Mateo held my hand as we retreated to our bedroom. “May I ask you something?”

I twirled my fingers in his long hair. “Anything.”

He brushed his lips over mine. “Why did you ask your aunt to restore Moon Academy?”

“Because I know I’ll never be able to go to an academy now that I’m queen. I have always wanted to go to one. I always thought it would be Legacy, but I’m queen. We can rebuild Moon Academy and make it something we can be proud of.”

He slowly unzipped my dress and brought it down off my shoulders. “You make me proud and all I want to do is worship your body, my queen.”

I stepped out of my dress and stood half naked in front of him, blushing as he flicked his gaze over me. My nipples budded, eagerly waiting for his touch and his lips on me. He pulled me to him and crushed me against his chest. “You’re mine.”

“And you belong to me, my king.” I stripped off his jacket.

He scooped me into his arms and carried me over to the bed. He ripped my lace panties off. His hands and lips were all over me, his beard scraping my sensitive flesh in the most delicious, hot way.

“Take the rest of your clothes off, my king.”

“How can I deny you?”

He stripped out of his tuxedo, and I heard the material ripping. His magnificent cock was free, and he joined me on the bed. Together, we explored each other’s body once again. Mateo’s tongue traced delicate patterns over every inch of me, caressing my breasts, my navel, and I shivered helplessly beneath its seductive power.

I ran the tips of over his broad shoulders, marveling at his rippling muscles beneath my palms.

“I can’t wait much longer,” he whispered.

I smiled wickedly up at him. “Then don’t.”

He spread my thighs and plunged his cock deep inside me. Waves of pleasures exploded inside me with each thrust. I rocked my hips, digging my nails into his buttocks, wanting to take him deeper and deeper.

Raging torments surged through me as my orgasm crested into a river of pleasure. I screamed out his name.

He continued plunging until he finally arched his back and spilled his seed. He collapsed on top of me, panting, still pulsing his hips. “I love hearing you call out my name.”

I stroked the back of his hair. “Then make me do it again and again.”

He kissed my neck. “I will, my queen.”

Mateo kept his promise, making me cry out his name until I was hoarse. We both fell into an exhausted sleep, tangled in each other’s arms.

Wolf DefenderM Guida
Genre: Paranormal RomancePublisher: Buffalo Mountain PressDate of Publication:  11/10/21ASIN:  B09DFDMQCYNumber of pages:  132Word Count: 33000Cover Artist: Jacqueline Sweet Design
Book Description: 
I've been carrying a torch for a wolf defender, but he’s never looked my way. Why would he? I am a dragon and the daughter of an accused traitor.
When we get news of mystery and intrigue in the corrupt Timber Kingdom of the wolves, he wants to go there to avenge the death of his fated mate. I'm sure this is the key to proving my dad's innocence.
If I can convince him to band together we both might get what we want, including a chance at love. But neither of us know who to trust when demons and wolves have joined forces to bring the dark Unseelie to our realm.
Amazon

About the Author:
M Guida has always loved fantasy and romance, especially dragons. Growing up, she devoured fantasy books and all kinds of young adult books. And then she found romance and a whole new world opened up to her.
Now as an adult, she fell in love with academy romance and has blended all of her past loves into one compelling series. Dragons, vampires, elves, demons, and shifters all attend Legacy Academy.
When she's not writing, she lives in the colorful Rocky Mountains with her fur baby, Raven, and enjoys taking her for walks.
https://authormguida.com
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vtdntf5fxs 
https://www.tiktok.com/@mguidaauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MGuidasLegacyAcademy 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064193882316 




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Christmas Bitch by Jack Lelko - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

Here and Gone – A Christmas BitchFlash Fiction

 By Jack Lelko

One hundred years ago, on a Christmas Eve night, at the Whisk and Key Bakery and Bar, in the city of Nollag, Mortimer Skelly stared into his drink, absentmindedly rotating the glass with his fingers. Today had not been his day. How could it have been? His afternoon involved being called into the boss’s office and informed today was his last day.

Being sacked had certainly melted away his holiday spirit. He kicked himself for deciding to wear a Santa hat to the office. A ridiculous idea. He had tucked the aforementioned hat into the right pocket of his suit jacket, currently slung on the back of his barstool.

“The money from the check they cut me will justcover my rent, and, well, I don’t know…”

            Ami, the bartender, frowned. “I’m sorry, Mort. That’s quite the lump of coal that’s fallen into your lap.” She wiped the glass in her hand that much harder, feeling frustrated for her friend.“Just don’t try to drink away your problems. You don’t want a nose that will rival Rudolph’s. Also, you need to send that manuscript,” she said, putting a stern look on her face.

            Mortimer shrugged off the encouragement that attempted to buoy his spirits. Ami's exercising of blind faith was an unspoken stipulation in the contract between friends.

            “Manuscript?” a woman chirped from the other end of the bar.She had been so quiet that Mortimer and Ami had forgotten anyone else remained in the bar. It was late. Most patrons had already returned home to sleep off their holiday cocktails.

“You’re a writer? What’s it about? Hold on, I’m coming over.” She grabbed her coat and drink, an Earl Grey martini, and sashayed over. “I’m Ophelia, by the way,” she said in a loud and clear voice. She set her almost empty drink on the bar and took a seat, coat in her lap, next to Mortimer.

“I-I’m Mortimer,” he sputtered as he smoothed his red and white striped tie.

“Nice to meet you, Mortimer.” Ophelia grinned. Shepicked up her glass and drank the last bit of her martini. “May I have another one, please, Ami?” she asked, before turning her bright green eyes toward Mortimer’s pale blue ones.“So, this story. What’s it about?” She leaned on her elbows on the bar rested her chin on her hands.

“It’s, uh, about this man named Gerald. He…loses everything that was supposed to be a sure thing,” he began. (An irony not wasted on Mortimer.) “The story follows him through this journey of growth and self-discovery that, ultimately, leads him to the next chapter of life.” Mortimer punctuated his mini synopsis with a gulp of his eggnog with brandy and braced himself for Ophelia to scoff at his idea and throw her freshly made drink in his face.

That did not happen.

Instead, Ophelia thanked Ami for her drink, took a sip, and declared Ami had made yet another perfect cocktail before looking back at Mortimer.

“I hope Gerald’s next chapter has a happy ending,” Ophelia replied. “But don’t tell me. I want to be surprised. What’s the book called?” She swept dark brown hair behind her left ear and gave Mortimer another smile.

He exhaled, remembering how to breathe again, beamed back, basking in the relief that Ophelia thought his tale might be worth reading.

“It’s called Nothing is Something,” Ami chimed in, coming to her friend’s rescue. Mortimer nodded a silent ‘thank you’ in her direction.

“When’s it going to be published?” Ophelia asked. Her shoulders shimmied as if a chill had run up her spine. She looked from Mortimer to Ami to see who would be the first to answer.

“Well, I’m not sure,” Mortimer answered. He ran his fingers through his prematurely gray hair as if to comb out a definitive answer. “I’m only entering it into a contest. There’s no guarantee and—”

“Not with that attitude,” Ophelia giggled. “Look,” she pressed on before Mortimer could protest with his recent misfortune, “if you don’t think this book is going to win, why would you bother submitting it? You’re basically asking for the rejection. I mean, I know writers can be neurotic, but…” She let her thought go unfinished, choosing to sip her martini instead and look over her glass at Mortimer, challenging him to prove her wrong.

Ami grimaced at Ophelia. Who did this woman think she was?

“It doesn’t—I don’t think I should enter. Not now. I just lost my job and—” Fishing in the inside pocket of his coat, Mortimerpulled out his wallet. “I have just enough in here to cover my rent.”

“How much is the entry fee?” Ophelia inquired, unphased by the wallet Mortimer shook in front of her.

“I need a roof over my head,” Mortimer replied, looking to Ami for validation.

Ophelia waved her hand at the retort. “How much?”

“Twenty dollars.”

Ophelia shrugged. “Ask your landlord if you can be short twenty dollars. I don’t know you that well, but you strike me as a good tenant.”

“I am, but that’s not how it works,” Mortimer said, feeling himself getting heated. He shoved his wallet into the outer left pocket of his coat in defeat.

“Nope. Sorry,” Ophelia countered. “That’s how you’re telling yourself it works.” She pointed an accusing finger at Mortimer.

“I can’t.”

“You won’t.”

A long silence passed before Ophelia spoke again.“Mortimer, I’m sorry life has dealt you a bad hand, and on Christmas and all, but if you choose not to submit your book, how can the hand change?” Not waiting for him to reply, she placed money for her drinks on the bar, thanking Ami again, stepped down from her stool, and cradled her coat in her arms. Passing Mortimer, she tripped, knocking his coat off his seat. “Oh, goodness,” she said, almost face-planting onto the floor.

“You okay?” Ami asked, quickly coming around the bar. Mortimer hopped from his seat to assist Ophelia back on her feet.

“I’m fine,” Ophelia said through embarrassed laughter. “The coats broke my fall.” She quickly stood up, wearing a big grin, and handed Mortimer his coat.

There was a glint in her eye that he could only categorize as mischievous.

“Merry Christmas,” she said in salutation, wrapping herself in her red coat and stepping out into the December night.

Mortimer remained at the Whisk and Key until closing, discussing with Ami howbrazen and naïve Ophelia’s life advice had been.

“Uh…oh, no,” Mortimer moaned.

Ami found him turning out his pockets. “What?” she asked, not needing an answer.

“She stole my wallet! My-my check! What am I gonna do?” His hand dove into the left pocket where his wallet had been, only retrieving a crumpled twenty-dollar bill.

Ami exhaled. “Well, I guess the drinks are on the house, but I’m taking back your Christmas present. It’s a joke,” she amended, noticing the corners of Mortimer’s mouth pull further south. “Sorry. Clearly too soon. Second, I wasn’t going to mention this because I know how you are about asking for help, butI have a room you can rent.”

Mortimer made to protest. A futile endeavor, really. When Ami made up her mind, especially when it came to helping a friend, her resolve was stronger than any decade-old fruitcake.

“You can pay me when you can. Maybe after you win that contest? Or I could use a hand here. How are you with making donuts?”

Mortimer nodded. What did he have left to lose, honestly? “I have just enough time to do one more edit.”

“It willwork out,” Ami reassured Mortimer.

“I know it will,” he said,actually believing himself.

Given that it was Christmas, the season of magic and wonderment, Ami couldn’t help but recall the stories about an angel that lived in the city, saving people from their misfortunes.As a little girl, her grandfather would regale her with these stories at bedtime.“Wouldn’t it be something if Ophelia was actually the Angel of Nollag?”

Mortimer laughed. “I don’t think angels commit petty theft, but I guess anything is possible.”

*                      *                      *

Ophelia returned from the bar to her apartment at the posher north end of Nollag. After hanging up her coat, she plucked the wallet from her pocket, moving it to a spot beneath a floorboard in her living room. She included a brief note on top of it that read, “Told ya!”

She knew Mortimer would find the wallet and note years later after his writing career took off, and he would move into this same space. Ophelia took a moment to marvel at her apartment. She’d be leaving it all behind, probably shortly after the New Year. Once she found a new soul that needed a little jolt to set them back on a journey toward self-actualization, she would shed this identity, returning to Nollag as a completely different person, at least on the outside. That was what angels do.

Unfortunately, Nothing is Something would garner very little attention. Mortimer’s second novel, Angels Among Us, inspired by the time a woman with some very sage and scary advice pickpocketed him, would place Mortimer squarely in the spotlight. His subsequent stories of inconvenience to hope would offer the citizens of Nollag solace during difficult moments, reminding them to never give up on their dreams, even when all seems dire.

Author’s Note: You can read more about Ophelia in the novel Christmas Bitch

Christmas BitchJack Lelko
Genre: Magical RealismPublisher: Nollag Bookery and Bindery Date of Publication: 7/27/22ISBN:978-1-7374566-1-2  ISBN: 978-1-7374566-0-5  ISBN: 978-1-7374566-2-9ASIN:  B0B62XN4W1 Number of pages: 468 Word Count:109,900Cover Artist: Jack Lelko
Tagline: Sometimes Christmas can be joyful, triumphant, AND chaotic.
Book Description: 
The Angel of the city of Nollag is believed to work miracles for those who have lost their way, stepping into their lives to help redirect them toward happiness. Most would vehemently tell you Ophelia O'Leary is not that angel. Some, um, might choose from a list of other descriptors.
Overly confident and unapologetic, Ophelia is known for meddling in the lives and Christmases of her sister, Delaney, and her friends, Petunia Perkins and Calum Dooley. There was also that time she ruined her now ex Gregory McGregor's New Year's with an existential crisis. We also can’t forget that time she popped a Santa in front of a crowded shopping mall. (Oops…) Settle in as Delaney and company recount memories of not-so-silent nights and exposed secrets, trying to sort through Ophelia's antics, including a weaponized fruitcake and, just that one time, a bedazzled taser.
Looking beyond the stuffing and trauma, Ophelia had her reasons for this holiday havoc and giving up her innate ability to be two and a half steps ahead of everyone else. Follow Ophelia and step into the magical world of Nollag to discover that perhaps the best holidays need just a dash of mystery and a pinch of chaos.
Christmas Bitch is a magical realism story that delves into the ideas of identity, forging your own path, and the challenges that come with love. Sometimes, dear reader, things need to fall apart in order to come together.
Amazon      BN     Kobo     Google     Bookshop     Apple

A little wisp of a woman was power walking towards Ophelia. Her pristine white gym shoes outshone the snow that crunched beneath their soles. Her hair was in loose curls of a pale yellow. She was decked out in a cranberry jogging suit with the word “DUPA” stitched and bedazzled in large baby pink letters across the backside of her pants.

She was hard to miss. She was Mrs. Fulgencia Wick, a prominent figure in the community as one of the three founders of Nollag’s thriving business association. There was also Mrs. Vitla Slaughter who opened a butcher shop and later expanded her business into a full-fledged grocery store complete with farmer’s market from May to October. Mrs. Forina Baker was the owner of Salty N. Sweets: Sweets and Baked Goods before she turned the business over to her daughter, Cookie, upon her retirement. Mrs. Wick opened and still operated a successful taxidermy shop on the east side of the city and tried her hand at writing bestselling octogenarian erotica novels. Such titles included Past Visiting Hours, That’s Not Rigor Mortis, and The Breath of Life.

Ophelia had played muse to Mrs. Wick nineteen years ago, back when Ophelia was Jucinda Jorgenson. Since her foresight had left her after helping Delaney last year, Ophelia could not read the futures of new prospects. However, she couldn’t help but wonder if she could see into the fates of past clients. Doubtful, she said to herself pessimistically.

She stared intently at the powerwalking elderly woman, who had caught sight of her and was now excitedly waving to her in salutation. An abrupt, and somewhat unexpected, thought jumped into Ophelia’s head like an attention starved Kindergartener. The thought was an image of something that had not yet happened but could: a flash of yellow hair and a floating rectangular sheet of ice. She stopped in her tracks, placing a hand in the air as if to ask time to hold on for a minute, which Mrs. Wick took as a subdued hello.

The flashes of what could be did not used to knock her for a loop. I was pretty sure these weren’t going to happen anymore, she puzzled.

Apparently, unbeknownst to Ophelia, she had one more task to complete.

Her premonition told her that she had a brief meeting only eight feet away from the café in front of Auntie Pasta’s Negozio di SpecialitáItaliane. Don’t worry, though. She reviewed the now fleeting portent. It’ll happen forty-eight seconds after 11:35, or in approximately one minute and twenty-eight seconds…I hope, she added, her intuition, after all, not being what it used to be.

 

About the Author:
Jack Lelko has been drawing and coming up with story ideas since he was single digits. He has a penchant for writing complicated plots and putting twists on fairy tales. His friend, Butler, would like to add, He has a sixth sense, a sight for the story, if you will...he pulls inspiration from nearly every crevice of his world and spins it into another for the pleasure of his readers. Jack’s debut self-publication is Christmas Bitch. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his cat, Natasha Jane Nodognik. This blurb would have been longer, but she was demanding snacks at the time.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Neurdotically
Society6 Store: https://society6.com/neurdotically
Author Website: https://neurdotically.wordpress.com/
Blog: https://neurdotically.wordpress.com/the-blog/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurdotically_writes/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21953248.Jack_Lelko

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In Her Own Words: A Collection of Short Stories and Flashku by Cendrine Marrouat

In Her Own Words: A Collection of Short Stories and FlashkuCendrine Marrouat
Genre: Fiction/ Short Stories / Women’s fictionPublisher: IndependentDate of Publication: March, 15, 2022ISBN: 9798201241919Number of pages: 41Word Count: 9,200Cover Artist: Cendrine Marrouat
Book Description: 
A collection of eight contemporary and emotionally gripping stories told from the point of view of women at different stages in their lives. In Her Own Words will move you deeply whatever walks of life you come from.

About the Flashku: Created in 2021 by Cendrine Marrouat, the Flashku is a short piece of flash fiction (50–100 words) inspired by an image. It contains minimal descriptions and uses seven words borrowed from another source. The ending must contain a positive / inspirational twist or resolution. For more information, visit https://cendrinemedia.com/list/flashku-4dac0a8aab34 .  
Review: A lovely collection of short stories and flashku, a literary form of flash fiction of her own creation, that visit and revisit the many forms love can take throughout our lives. Immersive, palpable, emotionally intelligent characters and themes make this collection a very enjoyable experience. One for my bookshelves! - Sarah St. Erth
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/M82ZoivL-ZU
Books2Read



About the Author:
Cendrine Marrouat is a poet, photographer, multi-genre author, creator of literary forms, and co-founder of Auroras and Blossoms and A Warm Mug of Cozy. She has released more than 40 books, including A Particle of You: Love Poetry (2022), Tree Reflections (2022), After the Fires of Day: Haiku Inspired by Kahlil Gibran & Alphonse de Lamartine (2021), Songs in Our Paths: Haiku and Photography (2020-2021), and In the Silence of Words: A Three-Act Play (2018). 
Cendrine's work has appeared in many publications. She is the (co-)creator of the Sixku, Kindku, Pareiku, Flashku, Sepigram, Vardhaku, Hemingku, and Reminigram. 
Website: https://creativeramblings.com  
Blog: https://creativeramblings.com/latest-posts  
Newsletter: https://creativeramblings.com/newsletter/ 
Books: https://creativeramblings.com/books 
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/haiku_shack 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haikushack
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haikushack  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/cendrinemarrouat


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In the Moment Before by C.G. Coppola

In the Moment BeforeThe Coyote And The Claw Companion Series Novella 1C.G. Coppola
Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy Romance / New Adult Paranormal RomanceDate of Publication: 12/16/2022ISBN: 9798201753146Word Count: 39,000Cover Artist: Wicked Smart Designs
Book Description:
I hate Grayson Knight with a passion. Ever since he pulled a prank on me as kids, I’ve kept him in the mortal-enemy category, and we both prefer it that way. Now we’re seniors in high school and he’s still the same immature jerk. I avoid him as much as possible, but when an argument turns ugly and lands us in detention together, I know my life is over—especially when my dad, the city’s police sergeant, finds out.
I have no idea how we’ll get through this, so I’m surprised when Grayson comes to my rescue after I’m cornered by a sleazy basketball player. Suddenly, the boy I’ve always hated isn’t the enemy. If seeing him with new eyes isn’t confusing enough, a secret kiss sends everything scrambling, leaving me to figure out what I want, and if I can even have it. Because Grayson isn’t like other boys—and I’m starting to find out why.
Amazon     Books2Read

Excerpt 

“You said none of it was true.” I tighten my arms over my chest, leaning against the wall, hoping it supports me because this is about to get tough. “That people were spreading lies.”

“They are lies. We’re not dating.”

Ouch.

It’s like I’ve been punched. I know what he’s saying is true, but to hear it from him…and like that…doesn’t make it feel any better.

“You…didn’t think we were, did you?” He pops a brow, sliding his hands out of his pockets as he stands firmly in front of me, his olive hoodie unzipped. Surprise and confusion and something else brew behind his eyes, like he’s adjusting with new information.

Can’t show him I’m hurt.

I press my shoulders back, trying to project the confidence and strength I need. “That would mean I stopped hating you—and I haven’t.”

Pain flickers but disappears a moment later. He sinks his hands back in his pockets, rolling on the balls of his feet again. “You still hate me?”

“Well, it’s only physical between us, right?”

“That’s…what I want to talk about.”

“What?”

“We really should…stop.”

“Yeah?” I ask, tightening my crossed arms further. “And why should I believe anything you say? Last time you said it was a mistake, and you’ve only come on stronger since.”

“I know.” He rubs the back of his neck. “It’s my fault.”

I drop my arms. Is he being serious this time? Does he really want to stop this? Why is that thought agonizing?

“It’s not fair to you.”

My chest constricts, and I can’t believe the words as they tumble out of my mouth. “So, you don’t want to…anymore?”

He glances away. He takes a deep breath like he’s still considering everything. “Probably not smart. We’re enemies, Robin. We had some fun, but—”

“Fine. Get out.”

He stares at me. “What?”

“If we’re enemies, get out.”

“You’re seriously kicking me out?”

“If you’re telling me this has all been a mistake—”

“I didn’t say that. I said it’s not smart.”

“That’s the same thing.”

“No, the fuck it isn’t.” He steps forward, raising his voice a little. “I don’t regret anything, okay? But I also don’t think it’s smart. I don’t do the girlfriend thing and keeping this strictly physical isn’t going to work. And, on top of everything, it’s you—”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He huffs. “It doesn’t make it any easier.”

I push off from the wall and pace in a small circle, everything inside boiling. “So, what, we just pretend none of it happened?” I ask, secretly hoping he disagrees.

“Afraid so.”

Double ouch.

This hurts more than I expected it to. Part of me wants to cry, and I hate that he makes me feel this way, that he’s able to hurt me like this. I stare at him, anger still fueling my words and actions. And maybe it’s the anger that makes me brave enough to ask what I’ve been wondering this entire time. “If we’re enemies, why did you even kiss me?”

He stares back a moment, his face softening. He’s had the answer ready all along; he just didn’t want to admit it. “I was tired of wondering what it would be like.”

About the Author:
C.G Coppola is the author of the sci-fi adventure series, Arizal Wars, and the contemporary romance series, Better Than This. In addition to stories that explore magic and the paranormal, she writes realistic fiction set in fantastical universes, usually with a lot of kissing. Married with two fur-babies she spoils rotten, C.G. Coppola lives in Florida where she grew up and attend college. When not writing, she can be found decorating the house, bantering with her husband, or dancing to Meghan Trainor—sometimes all at once.
Author website: https://authorcgcoppola.com/
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/cgcoppola
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p2u9h3

A Bewitching Friday

A Round-Up of Daily Tour Stops

Flash Fiction - The last Halloween by Melodie Bolt #UrbanFantasy #FlashFiction #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/3kWY50LZkjr

YA Fantasy Author Emily McPherson: Not the “About the Author” We Asked For, But the One We Needed + giveaway #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/p2a050LZkGX

A Wolf Christmas Wedding with M Guida - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/6Iv650LZkQV

Mother of the River by Emily McPherson #YAFantasy #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/6aeU50LZkIN

In Her Own Words: A Collection of Short Stories and Flashku by Cendrine Marrouat
https://bewitchingbooktours.tumblr.co... #womensfiction #shortstories

Midpoint: A Memoir by Patricia Angeles #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/fgRZ50LZkCn

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOOKS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA - MEMOIR - AVALON: A Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/u4ze50LZjKI

Fix: The Flint Chronicles Book One by Melodie Bolt #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/u8Ac50LZkb4

EDGE by SUSAN MAC NICOL #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/frZe50LZk2t

Christmas Bitch by Jack Lelko - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/6g9Z50LZjXM

Cranberry Cake Recipe with Hollie Smurthwaite - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/6jgu50LYiG2

Signed copies of Haunted Flint and Ghosts and Legends of Genesee & Lapeer Counties, along with fun Halloween lover's holiday gift boxes are available in The Bewitching Cauldron
https://the-bewitching-cauldron.squar...

Author Interview- Intimate Escape by DC Stone #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/Ejls50LYiv8

Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan Book Tour #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/xpRj50LZjTG

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022 AT 1 PM – 6 PM
Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
https://www.facebook.com/events/52091...

Mother of the River (The Protectors, Book One) by Emily McPherson #YA #Fantasy #EnterForAChance #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/WQ4b50LZkLp

The Twelve Days of a Reader's Christmas with Hollie Smurthwaite - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
https://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com...

Intimate Escape by DC Stone
http://www.roxannerhoads.com/2022/12/...

The Twelve Days of a Reader's Christmas with Hollie Smurthwaite - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

The Color of TraumaThe Psychic Colors SeriesBook OneHollie Smurthwaite
Genre:  Paranormal Romantic Suspense, PNRPublisher: Hollie SmurthwaiteDate of Publication:  August 30, 2021ISBN:978-1737118916ASIN: B09B2QWV52Number of pages:  358Word Count: 95,000 wordsCover Artist: Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations
Book Description:
Experiencing another's past could end her future . . .
Kiera Brayleigh is a memory surgeon. In the ten years since her “gift” manifested, she’s helped dozens of women deal with trauma by removing their horrific memories—burns, rapes, tortures.  It pays well, but she holds those moments, making her a fiery mess. The bizarre request from a Chicago homicide detective is the last thing she needs.
Detective Dean Matthson is burdened with an uncanny ability to get inside the minds of criminals. In a dead-end hunt to capture a serial killer, he risks his hard-earned reputation by doing the unthinkable: recruiting a memory surgeon to probe the mind of a comatose victim.  
Kiera might appreciate the cop’s dimples and his commitment to the job, but only an idiot would agree to experience a rape-murder victim’s last memories. Kiera, it turns out, is that idiot. Dean’s dedication and calming presence challenge Kiera’s distrustful nature, and she finds herself falling for Dean even as he struggles with his own demons. 
Can two broken people find love? 
When the killer discovers Kiera’s on the case, he realizes she is exactly what he needs to relive his kills. Dean and the killer both close in on their targets, and it becomes a race to catch the monster before he catches Kiera.
The Color of Trauma is a thought-provoking paranormal romantic suspense novel with an unconventional heroine, dark themes, and psychological drama.
Amazon      Kobo      BN      Indiebound

“I’m not sure how much Ms. Morten has shared with you, but—”

Kiera lifted a finger; thankfully, her index. “Dr. Patty told us you had questions about memory reading as it might apply to one of your cases. Read memories aren’t admissible in court. You’re wasting your time.”

“I don’t need evidence like that,” Dean said, deciding not to point out that Patty hadn’t graduated yet and wasn’t, technically, a doctor.

“Whew,” the blond he didn’t recognize said. “It’s one of the frustrating things about what we do.” The memory surgeons all winced when she spoke, though the blond didn’t appear to notice.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

She beamed. “Amy Carter.”

“Do you mind telling me what’s your specialty?”

“Bitching and complaining,” Kiera replied in a tight voice.

Amy’s lips compressed, but she didn’t say anything. Was Kiera the group’s bully? Was that how she controlled the narrative? Everyone looked to her, even Patty.

Kiera sighed. “Dr. Schwartz is the expert in the field. Look into his research. Gilfoile and Roberts are hacks, and the rest don’t know shit but still want to capitalize on the memory-surgeon thing.”

He wrote down “Schwartz” in his notebook, surprised at her generosity. “Thank you.”

She stared at him with those blue eyes that didn’t blink enough. “That all?”

“Not quite.”

“Yeah, I figured.” She shook her head. “They don’t fully understand how memory works, so it’s going to be a while before they figure out how we’re able to access people’s memories and how they can be removed and kept in someone else’s mind. We can’t help you with the science stuff.”

“I’m more interested in how it works from a practical standpoint.” He directed his questions at everyone else, but the only one looking directly at him was Kiera. Fine. If he won her over, the others would follow. “I’m trying to ascertain what you can and can’t do.”

“Why?”

No time to finesse. With his attention still on Kiera, he handed Brittany Kolchek’s picture to Ramon and asked him to look and pass it on.

“I’ve never seen her before,” Ramon said. “Is she missing?”

Dean waited until everyone had viewed the photo, because he didn’t want to give them the opportunity to refuse.

Beth looked last, and she studied Brittany for several seconds. “She seems nice.” Then she walked the photo back to him.

“Her name is Brittany Kolchek,” he said. “She’s in a coma.” As a group, they cringed, even Kiera. Good—they cared. “The doctors say she won’t wake.”

“You don’t want information. You want one of us to jump into her memories,” Kiera said, her face as hard as her voice.

“We believe she’s the third victim of a serial killer targeting young women. All three scenes have little physical evidence. This might be our only chance to catch a break.” When nobody spoke or moved, he added, “He’ll kill again.”

About the Author: 
Hollie Smurthwaite is a paranormal romantic suspense author of The Color of Trauma and The Color of Betrayal. The Color of Trauma was the winner of the 2020 Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project in adult fiction. She lives in Chicago with her husband, son, and too few pets. In past lives, she's been a checkout clerk, massage therapist, office manager, recruiter, magazine staff writer, pepper spray hawker, and belly dancer.
Website: https://holliesmurthwaite.com
LinkTree https://linktr.ee/hollie_smurthwaite
Twitter: https://twitter.com/H_Smurthwaite
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/2336027206
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hsmurthwaite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollieSmurthwaiteAuthor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollie-smurthwaite-03376516b/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/hollie_smurthwaite
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/75834809-hollie-smurthwaite


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A Bewitching Thursday

A Round-Up of Daily Tour Stops

Poetry Corner with Melodie Bolt #UrbanFantasy #PoetryCorner #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/uigU50LYixf

Cranberry Cake Recipe with Hollie Smurthwaite - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/6jgu50LYiG2

Author Interview- Intimate Escape by DC Stone #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/Ejls50LYiv8

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: WOLF DEFENDER by M GUIDA #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/bCuI50LYiH2

In Her Own Words: A Collection of Short Stories and Flashku by Cendrine Marrouat - Fiction/ Short Stories / Women’s fiction #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/5jT650LYiAq

Fix: The Flint Chronicles Book One by Melodie Bolt #UrbanFantasy #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/g5MI50LYism

MOTHER OF THE RIVER BY EMILY MCPHERSON - BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/n9QA50LYiFh

SPOTLIGHT - CONTEMPORARY LGBTQ+ - EDGE by Susan Mac Nicol #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/pHAX50LYiqT

SPOTLIGHT - WOMEN'S FICTION - IN HER OWN WORD: A Collection of Short Stories and Flashku by Cendrine Marrouat #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/tMXP50LYipo

Signed copies of Haunted Flint and Ghosts and Legends of Genesee & Lapeer Counties, along with fun Halloween lover's holiday gift boxes are available in The Bewitching Cauldron
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Bewitching Book Tours Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza: Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/MeW950LYilu



Midpoint: A Memoir by Patricia Angeles #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/llUn50LYiCj

Christmas Bitch by Jack Lelko #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/un1650LYimX