Tonya Renee Callihan's Blog, page 4

Twenty-Five Years Ago by Stacy Juba

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by
Stacy Juba




Should we dig for the truth when Pandora’s Box is a coffin of buried
secrets?





Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for
the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade
every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer, Kris
stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling “25 Years Ago Today” items
from the microfilm. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her
cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana
Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of
Greek mythology.





Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor,
she also clashes with Diana’s suspicious nephew, Eric Soares – until neither
she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. She soon learns that
old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday’s headline is tomorrow’s
danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may
shatter Kris’s present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.





Available in e-book and audiobook formats from retailers including:





Amazon

Barnes & Noble





Kobo

Audible





More retailers, reviews and book trailer at:





http://stacyjuba.com/blog/books-2/twenty-five-years-ago-today/





 





 








 





 





 





Excerpt





Cheryl came up behind Kris.  Her voice sounded sad and tired.  "Please don't tell my mother too much,
even if you're making progress.  I don't
want to raise her hopes."





Kris glanced back at Irene, who hunched on the couch,
turning the locket over in her hand. 
"I'll be careful with what I say. 
My aunt would've been eager, too."





"How was your cousin killed?"   





"She was strangled, kidnapped by a neighbor
while walking alone.  We were  twelve."





Cheryl heaved a sigh. 
"I'm sorry.  I remember
reading about that.  It happened locally,
didn't it?"





"Yes."





"I know you're a terrific writer.  I couldn't have been happier with the
business story.  I'm just concerned about
my mother."





"I understand," Kris said.  "I won't let you down."





She trudged out to her car and brushed off her
windshield.  She waited behind the
steering wheel as the defroster warmed the interior. Not knowing Diana's
whereabouts must have tormented Irene. 
Kris's family had agonized over Nicole's disappearance.  As one day blended into the next, Nicole had
seemed further and further away. 





Finding her was worse.





Kris had learned a new phrase that May, a litany that
surged back into her mind, drumming to the beat of the windshield wipers.  If only.





If only it hadn't rained the afternoon Nicole had
disappeared.





If only she hadn't climbed into the car with Randolph
Coltraine.





If only Aunt Susan had been home when Nicole called
for a ride.





Kris swallowed the metallic taste in her mouth.  If only I didn't trick her.





She chose the long route home, driving fast. She
hadn't driven in New York
and had forgotten the thrill of a climbing speedometer.  Her first week back, she'd landed a speeding
ticket. 





  Kris skidded
onto the Fremont State College campus, her tires kicking up tufts of snow.  She passed dorms, tennis courts and the library
before parking in front of the deserted baseball field.  White trees cast shapeless shadows across the
broad expanse of snow.





A chunk of ice slid off the roof, hitting the front
window.  Kris jumped, her hand to her
heart.   





"No one's out there," she murmured, gazing
into the woods.  "Not now."





But once.





Beyond those trees, Diana had lain dead. 





Police had crowded the scene, their search over.





Middle-aged reporter Dex Wagner had scribbled in his
notebook. 





Twenty-five years ago today.





 

Day 10: More about Ireland

I love the facts this site had to offer, so I had to share more, even I learned something.




Famous outlaws…
Grace O’Malley (Queen of the Pirates) operated off the west coast of Ireland and Ned Kelly (son of an Irish convict) was an infamous Australian outlaw.


Highest mountain…
Killarney, County Kerry is home to the highest mountain – Carrantouhill, part of the mountain range the McGillycuddy Reeks.


Longest river…
The river Shannon rises in County Cavan and is approximately 240 miles long. It contains 3 lakes, Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg.


Irish delicacies…
Drisheen is a type of pudding made from cow’s, pigs or sheeps blood. White pudding is a mixture of pork, cereal, bread, fat and suet. Periwinkles are sea snails boiled in salted water.


Guinness…
No trip to Ireland would be complete without sampling a pint of the black stuff! It’s said that no matter where you go in the world, only in Ireland will you be served the most velvety, and creamiest pint of Guinness.


Bailey’s Irish Cream…
Invented in the 1970s, this hugely popular liquor, composed of is added to everything from coffee to cheesecake.


Irish pubs…
Stumble upon a “trad night”, throw in the customary singsong, a bit of Irish dancing and you’re in for an evening of craic!





Read more: 20 Interesting and Fun Facts about Ireland - GoIreland

Fiery Nights with Lisa Carlisle

Today is my first guest for the 2013 Egg-excerpt Exchange! Please welcome Lisa Carlisle!!




Hi, I’m Lisa Carlisle and I write a paranormal erotic
romance series with Ellora’s Cave called Underground Encounters, where
characters meet in an underground goth club. My latest book was recently
released with two more coming soon. Hope you check it out. J





Fiery Nights by Lisa Carlisle





“…Get ready to be
hooked on the series.” ~ Sizzling Hot Book Reviews.





Here’s my latest release with Ellora’s Cave, Fiery Nights.







 

 

Fiery
Nights





He may own a goth
nightclub, but Tristan Stone avoids people—the darkness that surrounds them
drains him. When he sees Maya for the first time, alone on the dance floor, a
light surrounds her. He must discover who she is and what gives her power. 





Maya sees a man with
haunting eyes watching her from the back of the club. She feels their
connection, but thinks it’s merely physical attraction. Their passion ignites,
overpowering them, and they must work together to understand their connection.
The heat of their passion reflects their fiery personalities, which could send
their world up in flames. 




Excerpt





Maya





I hadn’t been back since the fire.





Whoever had bought the club had kept the black brick exterior with the
painted black windows, ensconcing the club in mystery. Passersby down this
hidden alley might think it an abandoned warehouse, unless they got close
enough to look up into the recessed doorway to see it flanked by two watchful
gargoyle statues.





I felt a moment of hesitation before I walked down the alley. When I used to
come with Nike, I never felt threatened. We’d come after long shifts at the
firehouse to unwind and dance off some steam. I’d practically bounce down the
alleyway so I could get inside sooner.





But now, on my own, the creepiness of the alleyway set in. I wrapped my long
black leather trench coat tightly around my body to shield my fishnet-covered
legs as if protecting myself. It could be dangerous walking alone through
warehouse alleys near the waterfront.





No wonder Vamps was hidden back here. You wouldn’t want an underground club
on the main drag, would you?





My Mary Jane heels clicked loudly on the cement. The further I walked, the
closer the clicks were.





Easy, Maya, I chastised myself. You’re going to break into a
trot in a second.





Finally I made it to the front entrance and pulled on the heavy wooden doors
with steel bars intersecting in the middle and was rewarded by a familiar
figure.





“Byron, you’re still here!” I said to the extra-large bouncer who had an
extra-large heart.





“Maya, where have ya been?” He threw his enormous arms wide and I rushed in,
aware that I was grabbing him tighter than warranted, probably due to relief
after my misgivings walking here alone.





“Whoa, girl, you must have really missed me,” he said before he let me go.





“Of course I did. It’s been forever. How have you been?”





“Been survivin’. Taking odd jobs here and there while they rebuilt this
place. You saw the damage from the explosion.”





“Yes, I remember.” It wasn’t something I could forget any time soon.





“Why you here alone tonight?” he asked. “Where’s your partner in crime?”





“Nike? I haven’t seen her since the fire.”





“Are you kidding me? It’s been what—a year?”After I nodded, he asked, “What
happened with her then? One of the bartenders told me how she saw her go
upstairs with the former owner that night. What do you think—they hooked up?”





I didn’t know how much to tell about Nike and Michel, even though I was
still hurt that I hadn’t seen heard from her in months. Sure, she sent
postcards from time to time, but it wasn’t the same. We were like this—if you
could see me, you’d know I was wrapping my index and middle fingers together. I
know Byron was concerned about her, but I also didn’t want to perpetuate any
rumors.





“Word spreads quickly around here, doesn’t it?” I chose to avoid the juicy
part of the question and answered, “Last I heard she was traveling around
Europe.” I left out the part that she was with Michel.





We were interrupted by a couple who opened the door. He was wearing a red
velvet smoking jacket a la Gomez Addams, but didn’t pull off the look
completely with his dirty-blond hair. While they showed their IDs to Byron and
paid the cover charge, I looked at her outfit to see if she was sporting a
Morticia-like dress. To my surprise, she was wearing a cowgirl outfit—hat,
tassels, boots and a very short khaki shirt. Not a usual costume for a goth
club, but she pulled it off.





 Note to self: see if you can pull off a sexy cowgirl outfit.





After they passed through the next set of doors, Byron asked, “So you’re
solo tonight?”





“Hopefully not all night,” I lifted an eyebrow. “How’s the eye candy in
there?”





“You know, the usual. Lots of weirdos.”





“Just my type.”





“Who you kiddin’? I’ve never seen you leave with anyone besides your girl
Nike.”





“Byron. I haven’t been out in months. I went on some crappy dates this past
year and realized I’m happier just being on my own. So all I’ve done lately is
work. Which means the only males I’ve encountered are coworkers and they smell
pretty rank after a twenty-four-hour shift. Since Halloween is on a Saturday
this year, and Halloween was always the best night of the year here, I decided
to climb out of my self-imposed isolation and make an appearance.”





“Well then, get in there and be a naughty girl.” Byron smacked me playfully
on the ass to push me on. Then he said, “Wait.” He took my hands and extended
them out to the side.





“Let me get a good look at you. See what outfit you’re sporting tonight. Are
you wearing a costume under there?”





I cocked my head as I took my hands back to open my leather trench coat
shawl, which could fit in just perfectly at a gothic club or a Renaissance
fair, but not too many other places. Tonight I was wearing a sexy little pirate
wench costume, with a laced-up corset top and short leather miniskirt. “Does
this warrant your approval?”





He put his hand on his chin as he sized me up. “Not bad. I’ve seen you in
worse. Still trying to forget the blue velvet gown, black combat boots
debacle.”





“That was hot,” I protested.





He raised an eyebrow before his gaze moved up to my hair. “And you’ve gone
back to black hair, I see?”





“Technically blue-black. There’s only so much color I can get away with at
work, being a professional and all.” I winked. Lately, I’d been alternating
between blue-black and a magenta tint, which was about as much as I could
manage without the chief giving me the look. If I was feeling spunky and wanted
to sport a hot pink or blue, I had to wear a wig. Could you imagine a
firefighter with pink hair coming to your aid to deal with your distress call?
I didn’t think so.





“All right, you get my seal of approval. And you know that’s not so easy,
princess. Go on in.”





I kissed him on the cheek and walked down the dark tunnel lit by candelabras
attached to the stone walls. A new sign adorned the door leading to the main
club area. Dante’s quote was carved into the wood: Abandon Hope All Ye Who
Enter Here.





“But Maya,” he called after me. “Leave some of the pretty boys for me.”





“Obviously,” I said, rolling my eyes. “So not my style.”





 * * * * *





Much of Vamps looked the same, yet much of it had changed. Gargoyles still
guarded from their perches around the club. The three smaller dance platforms
were replaced by one larger stage. They now had live bands perform up there as
indicated by posters adorning the walls. Or when the stage was free as it was
now, it was covered with uninhibited dancers who wanted to be watched.





I was worried that the vibe of the club wouldn’t survive the transition.
Some clubs try too hard and end up seeming phony. Vamps always had its own
style. Some called it goth for the prevalence of goth-inspired dress and music.
But they played other music as well.





Others called it a fetish club for the freaky revealing outfits many chose
to wear. Black duct tape pasted over nipples has been seen more than once. And
the sexy futuristic outfits with hulking boots were a common choice. But to me
a fetish club alluded to kinky sex out in the open, which wasn’t the case here.
I’d never caught anyone doing it—but I have seen some couples get pretty close
on the dance floor or in a corner.





I’d call it more of an underground club. One that was frequented by people
who didn’t stick to conventional dress and music and followed their own path,
rather than worrying what other people thought. Whatever the club was, it was
where I fit in.





But I wouldn’t want my fellow firefighters to see me in my sexy pirate
outfit tonight.





Continuing to look around and assess the club, I thought it still had an
authentic feel. The red marble bar hadn’t survived the fire, I noted. But it
was still manned—or womanned—by the hot bartender with pink hair and a nice
rack. I looked over the drink menu posted above the draft beer.





“What’s in a Tempting Fate?” I asked her.





“Southern Comfort, Amaretto, vodka, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice,
grenadine,” she rolled out in a velvety voice that was as sexy as she was.





“Sold,” I said, banging an imaginary gavel.





“You won’t regret it,” she said.





After she gave me my drink, I toasted nobody in particular, well, I guess
myself, thinking here’s to tempting fate. Then I watched the crowd as
I tasted the drink. It was exquisite and I took another large sip. Maybe I’d
pay for it tomorrow, but it was gooood.





When I heard a remix of Type O Negative’s Cinnamon Girl, I left my
drink at the bar to slink my way amid the gyrating bodies. My favorite band,
one of my favorite songs. Tragic that the super-hot singer died so young.





In a sea of black-clad bodies, I blended right in. It had been months since
I danced, but I quickly found my rhythm and lost myself in the music, dancing
with the crowd. I didn’t feel the least bit self-conscious that I was alone.





That is—until I felt his eyes on me.





You know the feeling when someone is watching you and you’re suddenly aware
of it? I felt that and looked up. A tall guy dressed all in
black—naturally—stood alone at the right side of the bar.





Something about that gaze arrested me and I stopped dancing. Dark eyes,
almost black, on a face that looked as angelic as a young Jim Morrison. The
black hair was a devil-may-care length, past his chin but not quite to his
shoulders. Instead of the rock star’s signature black leather pants, this guy
was wearing a cape over dark clothing.





His eyes defied the angelic appearance. Dark, penetrating eyes. The eyes of
someone who was troubled—maybe haunted.





Why was he staring at me like that? Didn’t he know my weakness was a dark,
brooding bad boy?





My lips parted as if they wanted to say something. But what did I want to
say? And he couldn’t hear me anyway.





And then with a swoop of his cape, he was gone.





I stood there for a few more moments trying to process what just happened.
Was some hot guy in the corner watching me? Who then took off with a flourish
of his cape?





It seemed very Bela Lugosi-ish—another dark, brooding bad boy. I tried to
shake off my confusion as Cinnamon Girl ended.





The DJ mixed in a version of David Bowie and Trent Reznor’s I’m Afraid
of Americans. It took me another moment or two to brush off the effect
that dark stranger had on me. I thought to hell with that guy and then
got back into my groove.





To learn more or buy now, visit:





Ellora’sCave





Amazon






Underground Encounters





Other books in the series include more lovable paranormal
characters, including more vampires, shapeshifters, gargoyles, and more. I love
to stay in touch with readers. Visit www.lisacarlislebooks.com and follow
me on your social media of choice to stay tuned.





Facebook


Twitter


Goodreads


Pinterest





 

Day 9: More Fun Facts about Ireland

National language…
Ireland’s national language is Irish, but it is spoken as the everyday language only in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) regions – chiefly in Galway, Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Donegal, and Waterford. In all other parts of Ireland, English is the spoken language.


Music…
Ireland’s most famous musical export is U2. Other acts that have achieved international success include The Boomtown Rats, Thin Lizzy and more recently Boyzone, Westlife and Damien Rice.


Hollywood factor…
The cream of the crop includes Michael Fassbender, Pierce Brosnan, Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell.


The world of literature…
The list of Irish writers goes on and on, with each generation producing several new word wizards. A sample includes James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett, William Trevor, John McGahern, and Emma Donohue.





Read more: 20 Interesting and Fun Facts about Ireland - GoIreland

Day 8: Ireland

Ireland claims that more people fall in love by being friendly in Dublin!



And it's true what they say if you want a real Irish pub than you must go to Ireland!!



 



Ireland's capital is Dublin!




Irish delicacies…
Drisheen is a type of pudding made from cow’s, pigs or sheeps blood. White pudding is a mixture of pork, cereal, bread, fat and suet. Periwinkles are sea snails boiled in salted water.





Read more: 20 Interesting and Fun Facts about Ireland - GoIreland

Day 7: Parades Worldwide

It seems like the entire world joins in on the festivities on St. Patrick's Day! From the United States, yes every state has a parade to Ireland, Canada, Scotland, Middle East and all the way to the Far East of the world.



If you are interested in seeing where and when the parade in your area of the world will take place this website is one of the best to check out, other than your local website and/or news.



http://st-patricks-day.com/st_patricks_day_parades_home.html





 

My Interview with Jess Michaels

Order your copy today!





TC: What inspired your MMS?


 

JM: It was really the character of Vivien, the Mistress Matchmaker who is a driving force for the series. I knew I wanted her to meet her match in the third and final book, so it was just figuring out what kind of men and women would turn to the Mistress Matchmaker before that time.

TC: Out of the 3 books from your MMS which was the more complex to write?

 

JM: I think last books in any series are more complex. You have established characters making appearances and usually a main character who's been a secondary character in previous books so you want to make sure their character rings true.

TC: Are you a night owl or early bird?

 

JM: Early bird. Married to a night owl.

TC: Is there a book of yours you would change or rewrite in anyway? If so, which book? What would you change and why?

 

JM: Nope. I'm not much for looking back in life. Every book I've written was written to the best of my ability at the time. I love them all.

TC: What's your typical day like?

 

JM: I tend to get up, do some email while I have breakfast. Then I have a page goal for the day, so I write until I have it done or a good portion of it done. My husband and I have lunch together, then I generally go back to work writing or work on promotional stuff or on Relay For Life stuff (I'm event chair for our local event).

TC: As a writer what is one goal you want to accomplish in 2013?

 

JM: Most of my hopes are not things I can control. How a book performs is really out of our control. My goal for the year is to write 5 books (most are under contract already) and do everything I can to support the 8 books I have coming out at this point this year (two are paperback releases for Mistress Matchmaker books). Other than that, it's out of my hands.

TC: Is there a book by another author you wish you had written?

 

JM: Not really. It's sort of like the question about wanting to change previous books. My path is my path and I wouldn't want to be on someone else's. Plus, even if you gave me some other persons idea or book and told me to write it, it wouldn't end up anything like their book because my voice would be put into it instead of theirs.

TC: What's your comfort food and/or drink?

 

JM: I pretty much exist entirely on Vanilla Coke Zero.

TC: What can fans expect to see in the future from you?

 

JM: This year I have 3 new Jess Michaels books, 2 paperback releases of previous Jess books and three Jesse books out. So lots of new workl! Plus, I've just sined a new contract for more Jess books, a new series that will be out this year and next.

TC: Where can we learn more about Jess Michael's? And see more about your MMS and upcoming series?

 

JM: The best place is my website, www.authorjessmichaels.com and I'm active on Facebook (/auhorjessmichaels) and twitter @jessmichaelsbks

 

Pre-order Taken by the Duke out July 2, 2013

 



 

Day 6: A Few More Facts

1). In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair.



2). 34 million Americans have Irish ancestry, according to the 2003 US Census. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.



3). The name “leprechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which means “shoemaker.”





 







Facts from: http://www.wsaw.com/seasonal/misc/40129602.html

Day 5: Interesting Facts

1). The very first St. Patrick's Day parade was not in Ireland. It was in Boston in 1737.



















2). In Chicago, on St. Patrick's Day, the rivers are dyed green. Mayor Daley is also of Irish descent.





 



 























Facts from: http://www.wsaw.com/seasonal/misc/40129602.html



Picture from Google search

Day 4: To Catch a Leprechaun

Want to get into the St. Patrick's Day spirit? How about enjoying some of these activities.



1).  This game is fun for kids and adults. Set traps to catch a leprechaun. One way is tying fishing line to the top of a plastic berry basket, then threaded the line through the wire loop and back down through the basket. We pulled the line taut and secured it under the bait. To conceal the cage, we tucked fiberfill into the weave of the basket, giving it the look of a fluffy cloud.







For more ways to catch a leprechaun please visit http://spoonful.com/crafts/catch-leprechaun



2). I personally love scavenger hunts. I really love being the one in charge, sending everyone looking for clues. I can't wait for my little boy to get bigger and we can have scavenger hunts for St. Patrick's Day and to find his Easter basket. For a really awesome one go here http://spoonful.com/family-fun/st-patricks-day-scavenger-hunt





There are all kinds of great crafts, games, treats, etc for St. Patricks day at http://spoonful.com/ so be sure to check it out today to plan your festivites for St. Paddy's Day!!!