Sandy Wolters's Blog, page 16

Sandy's Spotlight Special - Ashlynne Laynne, The Progeny Blog Tour

Sandy's Spotlight Special
Ashlynne Laynne,
The Progeny Blog Tour
Paranormal Romance Guild I have a special treat for you today.  I've partnered up with the Paranormal Romance Guild to introduce you to author Ashlynne Laynne and her debut novel, The Progeny.

The Paranormal Romance Guild, AKA("PRG"), was formed by the banding together of paranormal romance genre readers and writers, through the internet, with the sole purpose of supporting and promoting authors of the paranormal romance genre through the organization's website and special events.

You can join PRG with a free membership to discover and support new voices in paranormal literature. Just visit the PRG website at: http://www.ParanormalRomanceGuild.com.
The Progeny The following is the PRG 5 star review for Ashlynne Laynne's novel, The Progeny:


5*****Stars
Book: The Progeny
Author: Ashlynne Laynne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Novel Concept Publishing
Rating: Adult                    

I love paranormal books and this one had it all. Murder, vampires, wiccan, love, sex, romance and suspense. What more could a paranormal lover want?

Ascher Rousseau is a half bloodling from the purest of bloodlines. His mother was a human and his father was a vampire. He has three brothers, Quinn, Gabriel and Tristian. The family owns a club called Rousseau and one day a woman walks in who will turn Ascher's life upside down. Her name is Shauna McCutchin and she is the new bartender.

Ascher is the youngest of the brothers and he is to be mated to Ursula from the Romanian clan. It is a prearranged marriage and one that Ascher is having difficulty accepting. Ursula is a cold hearted woman and every time he is near her he feels ill. How can he spend an eternity with someone he can't stand to be around? If he breaks off the mating, he risks a bloody reprisal from Ursula's clan that could mean war between the two families. He would be risking his family as well as himself.

But when Shauna arrives he realizes that there is something between them and he knows that he has to break off the marriage no matter the consequences.  Shauna is a beautiful bi-racial woman and he can't get her off his mind.  She has no idea what Ascher is but she also has an immediate reaction to him.

Shauna grew up with very religious parents who punished her for anything that they felt was wrong.  Her childhood was a very unhappy one and her parents eventually disowned her.  They refused to talk to her or allow her sister Katy to have a relationship with her.  Katy could only text Shauna or meet her on the sly.  Katy is everything to Shauna and the only family she has. When Ascher calls off the mating with Ursula, Katy suddenly disappears. There is no doubt who took her and why.  Revenge.  Can she be found? Is she alive? The quest for her is very exciting and suspenseful.

There are many characters in the story and the author gives the reader a full understanding of their lives.  I loved reading about Ascher's brothers and his father. We learn the truth about Ascher's birth and about his mother. There are so many secrets and all questions were fully answered.

This is an author I would have no hesitation in reading again.  The story just moved smoothly and never left me feeling let down.

Reviewed by:     Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
Ashlynne Laynne, in her own words: I was eight years old the first time I realized the power of my words. I'd placed third in an oratorical contest and received a shiny, gold pin and the opportunity to read my paper for the sponsoring club.

A writer was born.

A poet and songwriter, before 2011, I've had my poetry in several anthologies, written a book of poetry, under another pseudonym, and my songs place in two song festivals. I've endeavored to continue my poetry as I continue to write novels. The Epilogue of The Progeny is an actual original poem that I wrote three years ago—before I ever thought of writing novels.

How's that for destiny?

I never thought myself patient enough to write a novel. In October 2010, I started a project with a title, some rough sketches of a special amulet and two names—Shauna and Ascher. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for vampires but grew tired of the garlic fearing, sun loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan, I tend to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature. This was the catalyst for my writing of The Progeny. The infinite possibilities, for such a wicked couple, intrigued me. I like to think of Ascher and Shauna as the damned version of Romeo and Juliet with supernatural abilities.

I wanted my couple to be unique, so I made Ascher a half-bloodling (my term to describe his half human, half vampire existence) and Shauna a bi-racial Wiccan. I think their unique relationship reflects the changing complexion of relationships in today's society. I wanted Shauna to be strong and to be his equal. I really believe I've accomplished that. I only meant for Ascher to be the progeny, but realized that Shauna is also one (I can't say much more about that without spoiling a story line).

I'm currently working on the sequel to The Progeny.

Author Links:
Twitter
Facebook - Book Page
Facebook - Author Page
Author Blog
The Progeny Blurb:
"No fate other than the one I choose." The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau's— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.

Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he's at his wit's end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.
The Progeny Excerpt:
Shauna walked in. The unrest in the room made her nervous, putting her on edge. A beautiful woman— with a deep, olive complexion; long, black hair; and the most curvaceous body she'd ever seen— sat at the wooden table. Ascher was trembling, his face an unfamiliar mask. She cut her eyes at the mysterious stranger. "You never came back. I was worried."

Ascher pulled Shauna behind him, his stance clearly a protective one. But why-? Surely, she didn't need protection from her. His grip tightened around her arm, his knuckles straining with tension. Her mind finally registered his firm hold and sent messages to her heart and eyes.

She wiggled away from him. "Let go of me, Ash! What's wrong with you? Who is really am!"

"Yeah, Ascher," Shauna spoke in a mocking tone, her eyes becoming pieces of wet coal in narrow sockets. "Why don't you tell me the truth…who is she?"

He froze, his youthful face chiseled with a mixture of shock, horror and anger. "There's something you need to know."

"Spit it out, Ascher. Tell her! Or I will!" Ursula growled, her hands flicking the shades away from her face.

Terror, worse than any horror movie Shauna had ever seen. More ghastly than any monster a mind could conjure.

Shauna clutched her chest, stepping away from both of them. "Her eyes!" she screamed. "Ascher…what's wrong with her eyes?"

The stranger giggled and continued piercing her demonized stare into Shauna.

Ascher struggled to control his mounting anger. He clutched Shauna closer. "Do you trust me?"

The floor vibrated underneath their feet. Shauna's eyes became cold, the glare of distrust swimming in them.

"No. I don't! Why are you so nervous?"

"You left Katy alone. You should go back up with her. I'll be up there in a little while. Okay?"

"No. I want to know who she is. Right now, Ascher! Who…is…she?"

"Please, Shauna,"— he huffed with impatience— "just do it."

"For cryin' out loud…" Ursula groaned.

"I warned you, Ursula," he growled, every part of him aching to rip her to shreds. She had nerve. Were he not a gentleman, he'd finish her and be done with it.

"You don't warn me. Looks like you've been keeping a lot from her. Afraid she might not want you if she knows the real you?"

His lips strained against clenched teeth, begging to curl up and release a menacing snarl. Control— He had to stay in control. Push the anger back down. Stem the raging desire to lash out at Ursula.

Her red eyes narrowed, the smirk taunting him, daring him to expose himself. He was strong in his gifts, but rage made her stronger. Her mind turned, fighting off the subliminals he hurled at her.

She cackled, "That won't work, dearest. It's time she knows everything."

"Dearest?" Shauna questioned, her tiny fists balling.

Ascher reached for Shauna but she moved away from him.

"Don't touch me!"

"Ursula, doing this won't change things between us," he uttered, knowing she'd never listen to reason.

"No! She deserves to know the truth, Ascher," Ursula responded.

"Ursula, please—" He couldn't believe he was begging her for anything.

Ignoring his pleading, she continued, "My name is Ursula. Ascher and I are to seal in two days."

Shauna drew in a staggered breath. "Seal— as in marriage?"

Ascher sighed.

"Is this true?" Shauna demanded.

His head dropped in shame. "Yes, but…"

"So she is your fiancée? And let me guess, she's the first."

"Shauna, I can explain."

Shauna clutched her head with both hands screaming, "No!" The window, behind her, cracked. She ran towards the door, fresh tears flooding her face. Ascher grabbed at her, missing. "No!" she shouted again. The ceiling rumbled, water raining down from the sprinklers. "Move!" she shouted, pointing towards the door. It flew open, nearly ripping off its hinges. Ascher appeared in front of her. She scowled then pushed him back. "Go away!" she yelled then watched as an unseen force moved him from her path. She turned, backing away from both of them, her eyes fixated on the two. Her finger twirled then pointed at each of them. "Stay!"

"I hope you're happy now," he growled at Ursula then sprinted after Shauna, catching her before she hit the stairs. He clutched her, turning her to him. Distress blanketed her face. "Shauna please, just let me explain."

A strange burn started in her legs. What's happening to me? She'd had rage issues all her life but never anything like this. Her normally clear eyesight was now blurry and grey. The hall—she'd seen for three months and knew like the back of her hand—became an unfamiliar maze, veiled by her fuzzy vision.

She took a step, stumbled then regained her balance against the wall.

"I told you how important honesty was to me and you've been keeping this from me the whole time. You told me she was nobody… that it was only physical curiosity. It doesn't look that way to me. She talks like she

Sandy's Spotlight - Dee Ernst, Better Off Without Him

Sandy's Spotlight
Today's Special Guest Author is
Dee Ernst
Dee Ernst You are in for a special treat today!  I'm interviewing Dee Ernst, author of the romantic comedy, Better Off Without Him.

Dee is here to tell you all about herself and this fantastic book in the video below!

I'm also hosting a Better Off Without Him Book Discussion that will be running simultaneously with this blog through February 23rd.  Dee and I look forward to seeing you at the discussion.  That's right!  You can have a discussion with the author herself, ask her questions about her book or characters.  It's going to be a lot of fun!  There's still plenty of time to read the book and join us.

Here's a little about Dee Ernst.  The following information was taken directly from her website:

"Dee Ernst was born Elizabeth Diane Ascoli in Newark, NJ. Her family moved to Morristown, NJ when she was still a toddler. She started writing stories on a battered Royal typewriter when she was about ten or twelve, and she graduated Morristown High School determined to pursue a career as a writer in some form or another (she considered advertising, but luckily came to her senses). Creative writing majors were hard to find in 1974, so she attended Marshall University as a journalism major. That wasn't working, so she tried Education, but that didn't quite work either. Several jobs and years later, staying home with a three-year-old and trying to figure out what to do when she grew up, Joan Hamburg on WOR radio in New York was interviewing someone who said if you wanted to know what to with your life, remember what you were playing when you were ten, and try to turn that into a career. Since Dee was writing stories at ten, she sat down and wrote her first novel. It went nowhere. Her second novel got her a terrific agent and upwards of fifteen rejection letters (She reread them all in preparation of this biography). Her third novel, Better Off Without Him, garnered even more rejection letters from a much higher caliber of editor. Undaunted, she self-published Better Off Without Him in October 2010. She is now waiting patiently for fame and fortune."
Better Off Without Him The following is my February 9, 2012, 4 star review:

Mona is most definitely Better Off Without Him!

I had such fun reading BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM written by Dee Ernst. The character interaction was imaginatively written and funny. It was so nice reading about a 40-plus woman for a change. I was able to relate to her in more ways the one.

I enjoyed getting to know Mona and her emotional strength in dealing with a husband she's been married to for twenty years but finds she never really knew him in the first place. I also really liked Mona's friends and children. While reading, many times I found myself laughing out loud as well as craving a vodka martini, which I've never had but I'm going to be trying very soon.

Not only do I recommend BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM, I've gifted it to a very good friend. The only criticism I have regarding this book is that it could use another edit.

Stop by Dee's website to see all purchase links for Better Off Without Him.
Don't forget to join us over at the Better Off Without Him Book Discussion!

Sandy's Spotlight - Dannye Williamsen, Second Chances

Sandy's Spotlight
Today's special guest author is
Dannye Williamsen
Dannye Williamsen I am very excited to introduce you to Dannye Williamsen, author of Second Chances. 

Dannye has been getting some absolutely amazing reviews for her incredible Paranormal Suspense/Romance novel, Second Chances as well as the sequel, The Threads That Bind.  I am hosting a Second Chances Book Discussion that is running simultaneously with this feature blog.  So all of you that have read Second Chances have the opportunity to discuss the book directly with the author herself!  The book discussion will run until February 9th, so if you would like to join in the fun but haven't read Second Chances yet, you have plenty of time to pick it up and read it.

I want to mention that Dannye established Breakthrough Bookstore in 2011.  She is also a fabulous editor that works closely with the author.  I've had the pleasure of recently having Dannye edit two of my books and she currently has my third book.  I can honestly tell you from personal experience that working with Dannye through her editing business, Your Editing Partner, has been a marvelous experience for me.  She not only does a beautiful job of editing, she works closely with the author to help them become the best writer they can be. 

A little about Dannye Williamsen in her own words:

Born in Memphis, TN,  in 1949, my business life has been ruled by diversity. My business background is management and ranges from land investment to commodity analysis to strip mining to my own entrepreneurial ventures. Life coaching has always been a part of my life as well, whether formally or informally. Since getting involved officially with the world-wide web in 1996, I have to admit that I have enjoyed the journey thus far. Learning how to work with emerging software programs, learning to design web sites, and write instructional content has been fun. With the release of my two novels, I find myself once again going down a path that differs from those of the past. Sometimes it's scary, but since I know it's not fatal, I'm sure I'll keep on keeping on!
The following is my January 26, 2012, 5 star review:

Is there really evil in the world? Yes. It goes by the name of Darian.

I want to start out by saying that I am a paranormal junkie. This book, SECOND CHANCES by DANNYE WILLIAMSEN, is so much more than your everyday paranormal read. There are no vampires. There are no werewolves, although there is a wolf, Avatar, with a very interesting back story.

Second Chances has a character, Darian, that is so evil, yet the author found a way to write his story that compels the reader to feel sorrow and sympathy for him. The writing in this book was scintillating!

While reading Ms. Williamsen's story, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster throughout, constantly questioning what it is in my personality that I could sympathize with such evil. There has only been one other character in my 50 plus years that has affected me in such a way.

Wait until you get to the end! There is a life's lesson there for all of us. The nice thing is that the author does not push this lesson on the reader. It unfolds in such a way to get your thought process rolling and take your way of thinking to a higher level.

I highly recommend this book for any book clubs looking for a really good paranormal suspense/paranormal romance.

THIS IS A MUST READ!
Fiction by Dannye Williamsen:
Non-Fiction by Dannye Williamsen:


What was this power greater than he?

He knew that it was time. He could not, would not, delay much longer.
***

Thanks for stopping by!  If you enjoyed the blog, please take a moment to leave Dannye a comment below and share it with your friends by clicking on the Twitter, Facebook and StumbleUpon buttons.  You can subscribe to Sandy's Spotlight via e-mail using the form on the sidebar.  Both Dannye and I look forward to seeing you over at the Second Chances Book Discussion.

Sandy's Spotlight - P.L. Blair, Shadow Path, 1st Book in the Portals series

Sandy's Spotlight
Today's special guest author is
P.L. Blair
P.L. Blair You are in for a treat today!  I scored an interview with author P.L. Blair, and I'm featuring the first novel in her Portals series, Shadow Path.

This book has been nominated by the Paranormal Romance Guild as one of the best reads for 2011 in the YA Category.

People have been raving about this series and now I know why!  Shadow Path is a fantastic read.  I'm hosting a Shadow Path Book Discussion that's running simultaneously with this blog.  So all of you that have read Shadow Path and any of the other books in the Portals series can talk directly to P.L. Blair about them.  Everyone is welcome!  Click here to join in the discussion.

I have another treat for you.  Watch the video below and P.L. Blair will tell you in her own words about her wonderful Portals series.
Shadow Path by P.L. Blair Here's a short blurb for Shadow Path:

Magic and crime. Agatha Christie meets J.R.R. Tolkien.

An Ogre murdered with a rune-inscribed sword is just the beginning as Kat Morales, a very human detective on the Corpus Christi, Texas, police force, and her Elf partner Tevis McLeod follow a blood trail that leads to Pixies, necromancy and Magic of the Blackest kind ... to its climax in a stronghold Between worlds, where Tevis must duel spell for spell with a former lover who wants to see her old flame extinguished permanently.

The following is my January 10, 2012, 5 star review:

Elves and ogres and hobgoblins, oh my!

Can you imagine a world where a door is opened up to the "Otherside," which is a magical place that mythical creatures and beings from folklore actually exist, then enter our world to live and work among us?  I couldn't, at least that is until I picked up P.L. BLAIR'S first novel in her PORTALS SERIES, SHADOW PATH.

SHADOW PATH is a combination fantasy, suspense novel that I fell in love with from the very first line.  I dare you!  Download a sample and read it!  You'll be hooked.  I couldn't put it down.  The storyline of Shadow Path takes place in our world with the readers following the main characters, Corpus Christi police detective Kat Morales and her elven partner, Tevis McLeod, in a murder investigation of an ogre who has been slain at the edge of an alley. I truly enjoyed the interaction between Kat and Tevis, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the Portals series to see where P.L. Blair's imagination takes them and me.

I am amazed at the creativity of P.L. Blair and the beautiful writing style that picked me up and carried me away into the lives of Kat and Tevis as well as other creatures I hadn't given any thought to since childhood.  Ms. Blair with her excellent story telling made them all come alive for me.  This is absolutely a MUST READ!    

Kudos to P.L. BLAIR and SHADOW PATH for being nominated by the PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD as one of the best reads in the YA Category for 2011!  Congratulations!
The Portals Series in order:
After you leave a comment for P.L., please share this blog with your Tweet peeps and Facebook friends.  Don't forget to join us over at the Shadow Path Book Discussion!

Justice For Emily Nominated By PRG As Reviewer's Choice 2011 Best Read

The Paranormal Romance Guild Nominates Justice For Emily by Sandy Wolters as one of the Reviewer's Choice 2011 Best Reads in the Reviewer's Choice category!
This review of Justice For Emily, a novel by Sandy Wolters, was completed by Linda Tonis, Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team, for The Paranormal Romance Guild .  All rights reserved.

5*****StarsBook: Justice For Emily
Author: Sandy Wolters
Genre: Romantic Paranormal Thriller
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Rating: Adult

In Brownwood, Texas, a woman named Emily Campbell, a mother of three is buried. Everyone believes she was murdered by her own hand, or so her husband Boyd Campbell, Chief of Police, wants you to believe. Patrick Sheehan, an officer who works for Boyd feels that Emily's suicide was actually murder and that her husband is the killer.

Patrick knows that he has an uphill battle trying to prove his boss is a murderer but Emily is such a loved woman he feels he needs to prove she would never do harm to herself because of her love for her children.

Patrick needs help and he runs across it on the road when he spots a woman reading a map on the hood of her car. Her name is Rachael Merchant and she turns out to be a homicide detective from Phoenix, Arizona on vacation and lost. Patrick sees her as the answer to his prayers.  Rachael is running away from an incident that occurred in Phoenix, a father killing his three children.  It has brought her to the edge.

How do you go about proving someone's guilt when there is no body? Emily was cremated and there is no evidence since her husband wouldn't allow anyone to collect any.

While investigating, Patrick and Rachel realize there is a strong attraction. An appearance by Patrick's mother telling them that they were made for each other is both surprising and funny. You have to read the book to know why Patrick's mom's appearance is surprising.

The author does a great job of educating the reader on how a police investigation is conducted.  It was really wonderful watching step by step how the police can find evidence even when there isn't any.  What they uncover about Boyd Campbell is violent and disturbing.

The romance between Patrick and Rachael is very touching, two people involved in a murder finding love.  The author introduced the paranormal aspects of the book in a very sweet way and they just fit right into the story. 

This book had mystery, romance, sex, violence, ghosts and spirits . It satisfied all the things I love in a good book. I stayed interested throughout the entire book and never once did I find myself bored and wanting it to end. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery laced with sex, violence, ghosts and spirits.  I loved Patrick and Rachael and some of the other characters in the book and it would be great if the author wrote a follow up book involving some of them.

Although the book was rather short, it lacked nothing.

Reviewed by:  Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
Available in all e-book formats at Smashwords
I am honored that my book, Justice For Emily, has been nominated in the Paranormal Romance Guild's Reviewer's Choice 2011 Best Read in the Reviewer's Choice category.

The Paranormal Romance Guild has opened voting up to everyone to pick the best reads of the year!  You can vote for one book in each of the following categories:  YA Category, Dual Picks Category, Novella's Category, and the category that Justice For Emily is listed in, Reviewer's Choice Category.

All you have to do to vote for your favorite title in each category is e-mail your selections to:  prg.contest@gmail.com

The Paranormal Romance Guild contest will go live at 9 a.m. EST on January 6th and end at midnight on January 20th.  Please show support for your favorite authors by voting.  Below I have listed all books nominated in each of the categories with their Amazon.com purchase links.  If you are looking for some terrific reads, this is a good place to start! PRG Best in YA Category:



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Sandy's Spotlight - Markee Anderson, Cameo Appearance & Giveaway

Sandy's Spotlight
Today's special guest author is
Markee Anderson
Today I'm introducing you to author Markee Anderson and featuring her wonderful romantic novel, Cameo Appearance.  I know that Markee has a lot of fans out there, so we'd both love it if you joined us for the Cameo Appearance Book Discussion that is running simultaneously with this blog.  It is an active discussion between readers and the author herself! 

Markee is giving a free e-copy in any e-format you want of Cameo Appearance to all viewers of Sandy's Spotlight.  To pick your copy up, use the Smashwords coupon code JY95V.  Click here to pick up your copy.  This coupon is good through January 5th, 2012.  If you'd like to join in on the Cameo Appearance Book Discussion, you have plenty of time to pick the book up, read it and join in!  The Book Discussion will run through January 12th!

Markee is also giving away a $10 gift certificate to Amazon to one lucky person that leaves a meaningful comment on this blog.  The winner will be picked randomly on Thursday, January 12th.  Markee will personally notify the winner by e-mail on that day.  You must be at least 18 years old to enter.

I'm excited to introduce Markee to you because if you're like me, when I find an author that I enjoy, I love to read more of their work.  Markee is a prolific writer and I can't wait to dig in to some of her other novels.  Currently, Markee Anderson is writing under five pen names.  That's right!  I said five pen names!  You can find all of Markee's books as well as everything she's written under different pen names listed on SweetTale Books.  I've also listed all the books by pen name and genre for you below.  I've also recently heard through the grapevine that Markee just sold her 10,000 book!  Mind you, that does not include giveaways.  Congratulations, Markee!  After reading Cameo Appearance, I can certainly see why so many people enjoy reading her books.
Click on the book cover, coupon code JY95V Here is my December 29, 2011, 4 star review for Cameo Appearance:

I loved Cameo Appearance!

So here's my thought process: You know those artisan chefs that can take an old classic meal that we all love, deconstruct it, make it look like something beautiful and brand new, but still keep the integrity of the wonderful original? In my opinion, that's exactly what author MARKEE ANDERSON did with CAMEO APPEARANCE.

This book is Cinderella-esk but completely modernized beautifully. Instead of evil step-sisters, you have an evil, demented killer that swears if he finds Cameo, he will kill her. You have an evil, psychotic blackmailer that has been terrifying Cameo that he will hand her over to the killer if she doesn't do as he asks. Cameo's character is a strong woman with strong beliefs that is forced into a position of complete submission that is sucking the life's breath from her. She lives in fear for her life as well as in fear for those she loves. And then you have the prince. And what a prince he is! I want him to show up at my front door! He is not the stuffy prince of days gone by. He is a strong, vibrant, brilliant character that not only knows how to handle himself, but can physically put a bully in his place. The prince has a wonderfully written cast of characters as brothers and sisters that I want to get to know better.

I hope that Ms. Anderson will sincerely think about doing at the very least a sequel to Cameo Appearance, but I would love to see a series come from the royal brother and sister characters she has so wonderfully created. I WANT MORE! I really enjoyed reading this book.
Books by Markee Anderson - Contemporary Romance Books by Andie Alexander - Mystery and Adventure Books by Kyra Myles - YA Paranormal and Sci-Fi Books by Eryn Grace - Christian Romance Books by Paige Ryter - Currently Contemporary Romance Please share this blog with your Twitter peeps and FaceBook friends!  Markee and I look forward to seeing you over at the Cameo Appearance Book Discussion.  Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Sandy's Spotlight - Linell Jeppsen, Story Time

Sandy's Spotlight
Today's special guest author is
Linell Jeppsen
Linell Jeppsen Today I am so excited to introduce you to author Linell Jeppsen and feature her wonderful novel, Story Time.

Today is also a day of firsts for Sandy's Spotlight.  I'm honored to tell you that my review of Story Time was done as an invited Guest Reviewer for the Paranormal Romance Guild.

I have also started a Book Discussion blog to run simultaneously with Linell Jeppsen's Story Time feature.  This will be an ongoing event to include all future books featured on Sandy's Spotlight.  For a calendar of upcoming authors and novels, please take a look here. 

If you have read Story Time, we would love to have you join the discussion, ask Linell questions and leave her feedback about the book.  If you have not read Story Time, the Book Discussion blog will run for two weeks.  You still have time to read it and join in on this fun interaction with the author.  Everyone is invited!

Linell has some exciting news.  Besides being a gifted author, she has recently opened a small bookstore called New Voices Books and Gifts in Republic, Washington.

More about this wonderful bookstore in Linell's own words:  It was named New Voices because of all the fine, new authors I have met since having my first book published in March. We sell mostly good quality used books, but also carry the New York Times top twenty bestsellers. We also make custom perfumes and a bath and body line, home-made candles, assorted gift items and antiques. Once a month I feature Indy or small pubbed authors and have as many book signings as possible. Story Time is available in Print and e-book formats The following is my December 15, 2011, 5 star PRG review:

This review of Linell Jeppsen's novel, Story Time, was completed by Sandy Wolters, as a guest PRG Reviewer, for The Paranormal Romance Guild.  All rights reserved.

I must start this review by stating the fact that I have never in my life read a science fiction book.  I must admit, I was a little nervous to pick this book up, knowing full well that I would be reviewing it and the only experience I have with Sci-Fi is in the form of the original TV show, Star Trek.

Given my obvious lack of familiarity with this genre, I must say that Story Time by Linell Jeppsen was probably the very best book I could have picked to cut my teeth on this genre with.  I LOVED IT.  I was concerned that I, as a reader, would start out on a planet that I was unfamiliar with and have unlikeable little green men/women as lead characters.  That could not be farther from the truth.  I want to warn you that I have tried to generalize my review so I would not give too much away, but there are spoilers if you continue.

Story time starts present day in the United States.  Events start happening in the novel, that I have actually read and worried about in the papers within the last year.  By starting Story Time out in this fashion, the author sucked me right into the story.  The events escalate from birds falling out of the sky, to earthquakes, to a cataclysmic caldera eruption.

People are trying to survive these events as well as they can, and then suddenly, aliens appear on the scene.  There are two types of aliens, "bad aliens" and "good aliens".  I thought the parallel that Linell Jeppsen drew between the aliens and humans was absolutely brilliant. 

The "bad aliens" moved in and started raping the earth of its natural resources prior to the earth's apocalyptic end.  They did not care who or what they killed while mining these precious resources.  Humans were insignificant to them.  The "bad people" killed, raped and pillaged others to get what they needed to survive, turning their backs on those that did not belong to their group and never giving a thought to the heinous crimes they were committing.  Needless to say, the "bad aliens" and "bad people" far outnumbered the good.

Ms. Jeppsen gives the reader hope with the "good aliens" that are here to help a select few humans be a part of the Harmony continuum to maintain the balance over the extinction of the human race as we know it.  These aliens would only harm humans in the event that they were killing and destroying other humans.  The "good humans" feel compassion for others, protect what is theirs, but will not kill another human unless it is absolutely necessary.

Story Time is told beautifully through Naomi, the leader of the people at Harmony ranch.  You learn of the different character's journeys, hopes, fears and compassion.  The final attack scene is so horrifying, that Naomi is willing to give her life to make it stop.  Linell Jeppsen made you feel Naomi's pain, her sorrow, and her deep rage at what the human race had sunk to.  While the subject matter is difficult and violent, you are left with a sense of peace at the end of the book. 

This is absolutely a must read.  Even if, like me, you've shied away from science fiction, you will love this story about human weakness, human suffering, and human strength. Linell's books:
Excerpt from Story Time:
2055

The old woman was helped onto the stage by two young men. They guided her to a wrap chair, fussed with its cushions, adjusted the foot-stool, and positioned the speak globe, so it hovered approximately eight inches away from her mouth. She smiled at them, when they bowed slightly, and stepped to the back of the stage. The lights on the stage dimmed, until only one light remained; a spotlight that bathed her in a cocoon of gold.

She cleared her throat, and grinned out at the audience. "I have never gotten used to these things," she said. There was a stir of laughter, as the speak globe shuddered, and moved another four inches to the left. She clasped her hands together and announced, "Welcome to Story Time!"

The applause started slowly, rising in volume, until it thundered through the amphitheatre. The purr-grass, sensing the emotions of the beings within the theatre, hummed and undulated in shades of pink and purple… the colors of love and joy.

The woman held her hands up. "Please, sit down children!" she laughed. "We don't want to upset the grass, do we?"

There was more laughter, but after a few moments, the teachers settled their students down and they waited for the old woman to speak. There were almost as many adults in attendance as children for today's story, as it had been many years since the story was told.

A hush fell over the crowd. For a moment, the speaker looked up at the emerald sky and its three attendant moons, and she was overwhelmed with emotion. One tear fell from her eye, and one of the young men rushed to her side, with a glass of water in his hands and a question in his eyes. She waved him away, with a smile. She glared briefly at the speak globe and said, "Shall we begin?"
*****
Linell and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Book Discussion!  Please share this blog on Facebook with your friends and family and don't forget to tweet your peeps!
Click here to go to Story Time book discussion

Sandy's Spotlight - The Versatile Blogger Award

The Versatile Blogger Award I'm excited to announce that I received notification from Dannye Williamsen that she awarded my blog, Sandy's Spotlight, the title of "The Versatile Blogger".

I want to thank Dannye from the bottom of my heart.  Sandy's Spotlight has become very important to me because I think it's vital to spread the word about wonderful indie and small publishing house authors and their work.

I was asked to share seven things about myself.
1)  I'm a chocoholic.
2)  I've only read indie and small publishing house authors for over a year.
3)  I love old movies. (Gaslight, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, anything with John Wayne)
4)  I'm addicted to my computer.
5)  While I have very eclectic tastes when it comes to reading, my favorite genre is romance of any kind.
6)  I love to camp in a tent, fish, hike and do anything outdoors.
7)  I'm a Nascar junkie.

I'm passing this award along to these five blogs that you might enjoy as well:
1)  Sylvia Says, hosted by Sylvia Massara
2)  Book Reviews by Norma Budden, hosted by Norma Budden
3)  Snap, Crackle, and Popping Blog, hosted by Sharon Buckbinder
4)  SweetTale Books, hosted by Markee Anderson
5)  Indie Author in the Spotlight, hosted by Ken Hoss

Sandy's Spotlight - Rebecca Stroud, Do Unto Others

Sandy's Spotlight
Today's special guest author is
Rebecca Stroud
Rebecca Stroud Today I'm introducing you to author Rebecca Stroud.  We are  featuring her short story/novella, Do Unto Others.

Here's a little about Rebecca in her own words:

I am an avid animal lover…have been all my life. My experience with them has been all over the map. I worked for veterinarians; for humane societies and wildlife sanctuaries; and - then - became a columnist, writing The Animal Advocate for various newspapers. Now, I'm proud to say, I'm an 'indie' author.

So it should come as no surprise that everything I write involves an animal (primarily dogs, who I personally think are the most fabulous creatures on this planet).

That said, Do Unto Others is not a 'comfy cozy' book. Meaning: Over the years, I've become so sick and tired of animal abusers getting off with a simple slap on the wrist that I took my frustrations out in this fictional story.

As our legal system seems to be perpetually hamstrung when it comes to punishing those who commit horrendous crimes, my 'special' twins have no such problem. Ergo, the book is - at times - quite gruesome and graphic.

Of course, I understand this book isn't for everyone. Yet, if you believe as I do that those who abuse the helpless - be they animals, children, or the elderly - deserve to pay dearly, then this novella may be right up your alley. For I think most of us harbor a deep desire for justice in whatever shape or form it may come…
Do Unto Others The following is my November 30, 2011, 5 star review:

A must read for those that abhor animal abuse.

DO UNTO OTHERS by Rebecca Stroud is a very well written short story/novella (approximately 15,000 words) about animal abuse and vengeance taken on their behalf by people who have suffered life-long abuse themselves.

I really liked this story, although I must admit that it is not for the faint of heart. What made it truly believable to me is the fact that we've all heard the stories of animal abuse on the news and said to ourselves, "Just once, wouldn't it be great if the abusers got a little taste of their own medicine?" The only difference is that we, as people offended by the abuse, would never actually think of carrying that thought out. In the book, two sisters, who have been abused their whole life and find themselves helping the abused animals have no problem seeking vengeance for those atrocities against the animals. Their actions against the abusers are even more bloodthirsty than those of the animal abusers.

If you love animals, you should read this book. If you are an animal abuser, you should read this book.
Rebecca's Books:
Excerpt from Do Unto Others:
Warning:  This excerpt contains violence.

Set up for excerpt:  Amanda Silver is an animal-loving homicide detective and her fiance, Kevin Monroe, is the lead investigator for the Jacksonville Animal Cops Unit; Bullet is their dog: Sonia Forbes & Linda Jacobs are identical twins who work at the county shelter as euthanasia technicians: Bobby Cochran and Serenity Smith are animal abusers.

A twenty-six year old man was found tortured to death this  afternoon in what police are describing as one of the most horrific sights they've ever seen…

Amanda switched off the TV and flopped down on the couch next to Kevin. Hoisting her glass of wine, she sighed. "What a crappy day."

"You can say that again," Kevin agreed as he proceeded to tell his roommate, lover, and best friend - now his fiancee - about the mutilated puppies, about their strangled mother that had been discovered in the trash after he'd already left.

"Good God, Kev! Do you have any leads on who did it?"

"Yeah. We got the shithead. Some scumbag who's done this before. Naturally. And, naturally, he'll be out on bond before we eat dinner."

Stroking Bullet's head, Amanda said, "Why is it that these monsters always get off? I mean, don't any of them ever get locked up for years? Hell, they don't even serve any time at all…" Her voice trailed off in frustration.

Kevin pulled her close. "I know, babe. Maybe if the state of Florida would change its laws and stop looking at animals as mere property. But I wouldn't hold my breath on that one."

"I swear to God, Kevin, when I saw that guy today literally oozing from all those bites, I thought, damn, how could anyone do this. Then when I heard he'd been arrested on multiple counts of animal abuse…well, I could almost understand."

Pouring more wine, Kevin said, "I hear ya. Man, do I ever."

* * * * *

Midnight, yet still as hot as an oven. Parked a block away from the ritzy condos, the two women let the van's engine run, cranking up the AC to full blast.

"So, how long are we going to wait?" Sonia asked her mirror image.

Linda scouted the street and said, "Half an hour maybe?"

"Okay, then let's go over the plan one more time."

* * * * *

Serenity Smith parked her Mercedes in the underground garage and took the private elevator to her penthouse. Dropping her purse on the bar, she poured a Scotch, kicked off her shoes and headed to the bathroom.

As the manager of a strip club, Smith should've still been at work. But exhausted from all the questions those "animal people" had drilled her with, she'd left early and now wanted nothing more than a cool shower followed by some cool sheets.

Just before undressing, she heard a loud rapping at the front door. "Who is it?" she yelled at the top of her lungs. No reply. Thinking they'd gone away, she started to turn on the water when the knocking came again. This time, non-stop.

"Shit, shit, shit," she cursed as she stomped out to glance through the peephole. And what she saw confused the hell out of her: Two gorgeous - and identical - brunettes stood smiling in the foyer. One was completely naked.

How they'd gotten past security, Smith had no clue. But never one to turn down possible new talent, she turned up the intercom and said. "And may I ask what you two are doing on my doorstep at this ungodly hour?"

The nude replied, "Applying for a job?"

Weary as she was, Serenity couldn't resist the temptation and opened the door.

* * * * *

Bobby Cochran was a thug. At the ripe old age of nineteen, he'd been in and out of jail at least ten times. Charged with everything from petty theft to attempted rape, he'd nevertheless skirted the justice system because of the good ol' boy network. Meaning: his daddy was a state senator.

Short and wiry with flaming red hair, Bobby was the spitting image of his father, J.R. He also possessed the same explosive temper. Quick to anger, he lashed out at anything that pissed him off. Including the family pets. Having already killed the last three, Bobby - now living independently in a trailer park - had one of his own.

Chained to a post in the remote and weed-filled backyard, the mongrel was as filthy and decrepit as Bobby's living quarters. Her name was Lady and Bobby hated her guts. But she served a purpose as she was a fantastic outlet for his anger and he was taking advantage of that now.

At two o'clock in the morning, few would hear the howls of agony as Bobby Cochran stuck a screwdriver into Lady's nose. And twisted with all his might…

* * * * *

Serenity Smith lay spread-eagled on her canopied bed, arms and legs tied at each corner post. Sonia was no longer naked but Smith was. And she was bleeding profusely.

The sisters sat on either side of her and told her why she wouldn't live through the night.

"First of all, Serenity," Linda said in a calm and matter-of-fact voice, "you betrayed an innocent creature. A dog who loved you with all his heart, who depended on you for everything. Yet you chose to ignore him completely. He had no food, no water, he literally lived in his own crap…" She gritted her teeth, her voice trailing off in disgust as she held up the pair of small lawn clippers, prepared to remove the last of Smith's toes.

"Furthermore, you thought you'd get away with this, didn't you?" Sonia sneered at the gagged and terrified woman, nodding at her sister to proceed.

Smith's eyes bulged as Linda smiled and snipped off Serenity's right thumb.

"Sorry," she said. "But your stinking feet were making me sick."

Sandy's Spotlight - Kristie Leigh Maguire, Second Chances: Love Lost, Love Found

Sandy's Spotlight
Today's special guest author is
Kristie Leigh Maguire
Kristie Leigh Maguire Today I'm introducing you to author Kristie Leigh Maguire.  We are featuring her western romance novel, Second Chances: Love Lost, Love Found.

Kristie has lived such a fascinating life.  Here's a little about Kristie and her books taken directly from her website:

Kristie Leigh Maguire and her husband have lived all over the United States and many foreign countries while following his career. While living in Japan in 1997, she found it very difficult to find books to read that were written in English. This situation was intolerable as she was an avid reader and had been known to resort to reading cereal boxes if nothing else was available. Have you ever tried to read a cereal box written in Japanese? It was not a pretty picture. Ms. Maguire began writing her own books just to have something to read. She discovered a new passion in writing.
 
The Affaire de Coeur Magazine named Kristie Leigh Maguire the Best Up and Coming Romance Author of the Year and her book Desert Heat as Romance of the Year in 2003.  Her novels Cabin Fever and No Lady and Her Tramp placed in the Top Ten at the Preditor & Editors Poll.  Her latest release Second Chances was Number 2 on the Best Seller List in Western Romances at Amazon.com. 

Although Kristie Leigh Maguire is originally from the South and will always remain Southern at heart, she and her husband now live in Nevada. During her expatriate years she lived in St. Croix, Aruba, Thailand, Japan and three times in Saudi Arabia and visited many other countries. The following is my November 15, 2011, 4 star review:

Fast, enjoyable read, 4 stars

Second Chances: Love Lost, Love Found by Kristie Leigh Maguire is a contemporary western romance, but the writing has the feel of the classic old-time romance novels.  I found myself smiling as I read this book, because it made me think of how much my mother would have enjoyed it.  We would have each read it and discussed it for days.

I enjoyed the "Second Chance" story line between Jim and Liz very much, but when it came to Jane and Mike, I'm torn.  After the unspeakable way Mike treated Jane, I'm not sure that he deserved a second chance, or maybe it was just the way the second chance was resolved in the book.  Kristie Leigh Maguire was able to make the character of Jane came alive for me, and I became so invested in her and her emotions that I just wanted to beat the crap out of Mike.

I find that days after reading this book, I'm still thinking about it.  You just can't go wrong with a book that you can't stop thinking about after reading it.  I truly wish mom were still around to discuss it with.

Kristie's books:
Excerpt from Second Chances: Love Lost, Love Found
Jane screeched to a halt in front of the old rambling, weathered log house at the Double F Ranch. She jumped out of her truck, leaving the truck door wide open in her haste, and ran up onto the porch.

She pounded on the front door so hard the dogs lying in the yard jumped up and started barking.

"Mike!" she yelled. "Are you in there? You better get yourself out here right now! I have to talk to you. Now! Don't make me come in there after you!"

Mike opened the screen door and stepped out onto the porch to face the girl, who up until a couple of weeks ago, he had thought would be his wife one day.

Jane put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

"Mike, Dad told me you're marrying some gal you met in Casper . Is that true?"

"It's true, Jane. I am."

Jane looked at Mike as though he had suddenly sprouted devil's horns.

"You bastard!"

Jane slapped Mike so hard it rocked him backwards, leaving an angry red welt in the shape of a handprint across his handsome face. Mike threw up his hands to ward off Jane's angry blows but he knew he had it coming. Jane had every right to punch his lights out.

"Why am I the last to know you're going to marry somebody else? You could have at least had the decency and enough respect for me to tell me first before everybody on God's green earth knew about it!"

"I'm sorry you had to find out this way, Jane. I didn't know Mom was going to hightail it over and tell your dad before I could tell you myself. I was going to come over and tell you this morning but she beat me to it. I wish she'd mind her own business and keep her nose out of mine."

"Mike, you've never even gone out with anybody but me. Who is it? Who are you marrying?"

"Her name is Samantha Jo Smith. I met her when I was at the Wild Horse Saloon a few weeks ago when I went to Casper to stock up on supplies."

"You're going to marry some floozy you met in a bar a few weeks ago when for years you've led me to believe we'd get married? Have you been lying to me all these years? Did you ever have any intentions of marrying me?"

"I haven't been lying to you all these years. I did intend for us to get married one day but I never counted on meeting Sammy Jo. She came into my life like a devil's twister and turned it upside down."

Jane's beautiful brown eyes filled with tears as she looked at the man she loved, had loved all her life, trying to understand what he was saying. It was as though he was suddenly spouting Greek. Nothing he was saying made any sense to her.

"I never wanted to hurt you, Jane. You've got to believe me."

"You can't marry her, Mike. You can't possibly love somebody you just met! You love me! I know you do. We've been going steady since I was twelve and you were thirteen. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"I don't really know how all this came about. Me and Sammy Jo getting married I mean. I don't remember actually saying the words 'Will you marry me?' but she must have thought I did because the first thing I knew she threw her arms around me and said yes. Now the date is set. She's already bought her wedding dress."

Jane gasped, her face going pale. She sank down onto the steps and put her head in her hands. Even though she had never fainted in her life, she felt as though she were going to now.

Mike sat down on the steps beside her and gently stroked her back.

"Look at me, Jane. Please."

Jane raised her head but she couldn't look at Mike.

Mike turned her face towards him, his black eyes looking into her teary brown ones.

"I'm a man of my word, Jane. I asked Sammy Jo to marry me even though I don't remember saying those exact words. I have to stick by it. Can't you please try to understand?"

"No, I don't understand it! I simply can't." Jane sniffed back the tears that threatened to clog her throat and spill down her face. "What about me? I know I don't have your engagement ring on my finger but for years you've led me to believe we'd get married one day."

"I know I did, Jane. I'm sorry. I never meant for something like this to happen."

"Mike, I'm begging you not to do this to us. Don't throw away our future like this. We've never dated anyone else but each other since we were old enough to know there was a difference between boys and girls. My whole life has been wrapped around you. What am I supposed to do if you marry someone else? I can't even picture my life as anything but being Mrs. Mike Farley."

"I don't know but I am going to marry Sammy Jo. I have to, Jane. A man's word is his bond."

"But you don't know anything about her, Mike.  She's a complete stranger."

"It's true we've known each other only for three weeks but Sammy Jo's not a stranger to me. Being with her is the most exciting thing I've ever experienced in my life." 

The tears in Jane's eyes disappeared, burned away by white-hot fury. She jumped up, tossing the single heavy brown braid that almost reached her butt over her shoulder and glared at Mike.

"Are you talking about having sex with her?" She hit him. "Damn you, Mike Farley! If you don't think having sex with me was exciting enough for you, then whose fault is that I'd like to know! All I know about sex is what you and I learned together. I was a virgin when we first made love down on the banks of Badwater Creek. I was only fifteen! I'd never been with anyone else but you and didn't know a thing about how to do what we were doing except what you showed me how to do. Now you have the nerve to tell me that our lovemaking wasn't exciting enough for you. If you didn't like what we were doing, then you could have shown me how to do something different. I'm not such a prude that I wouldn't have experimented."

She hit him again.

"You lousy son-of-a-bitch!"

Mike caught her hands and held them.

"Jane, I never meant for this to happen. It just happened."

"Just happened? Things like that don't just happen!" she shrieked. "You could have kept your damned pants zipped! Even if you didn't have enough self-control to keep from poking it to her, you sure as hell didn't have to ask her to marry you!"

Jane struggled to get loose from Mike's iron grip to no avail.

"We were supposed to get married, Mike. We were going to live the rest of our lives together. You and me! Not you and some floozy you met in a bar, for crying out loud."

"Jane, I know I've hurt you and for that I'm very sorry. Can we still be friends?"

Jane looked at Mike as though he had lost his mind.

"Friends? I don't want to be just your friend, Mike! If I'm not going to be your wife, I don't want to be anything to you.  You can go to hell. I never want to see you again."

"Jane, please don't be this way."

"Let go of me, damn it!"

Mike let go of her hands and Jane turned to leave.

 "I'll never set foot on Double F Ranch again not even to see Liz. If she wants to see me, she can come over to my house. And don't you ever come over to the Double P Ranch again either. I don't want anything more to do with you."