K.C. Sprayberry's Blog, page 186

Monster by Ben Burgess Jr.


Oh goodness, what a morning, and here we are with a new tour on Out of Control Characters. Today, we're hosting Ben Burgess, Jr about his book, Monster.


First, we'll meet Ben and find out everything there is to know about him:

  

Ben Burgess Jr is the author of the new novel "Monster" and the author of the poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in, and to never give up on their dreams. His poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" is currently used in two schools in the lower east side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management, and a MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughter Jaelynn and is active in trying to improve urban neighborhoods and communities. Of course you want to know where to find Ben on the web, and here it is: FacebookMonster on FacebookTwitterGoodreadsAmazonSmashwords Monster is certainly an interesting story. Here we have an excerpt:     The head board is hitting the wall in my bedroom. Loud moans, heavy breathing, and sounds of the bed creaking are permeating the room. I’m in a trance. Krissy is experiencing both ecstasy, and pain as I’m doing her doggie style. With each thrust I wanted to go through her. I wanted her to feel the pain that I was feeling. The whole time, all I could think about was Ashley. Every thrust, I wanted to kill the weakness that I felt. I wanted to callous that soft spot in my heart that I had for her. Krissy tried to turn her head to look at me, but I pulled her by her hair. I didn’t want to be looked at. I couldn’t even look at myself right now. “Oh my god Ken, Oh my …” Krissy came, and cursed loudly. I pumped away, harder and faster until I came. We lay in the bed together panting. “Ken” “Yeah” “Are you ok?” “I’m good…why?” “I… I just worry about you. You scare me sometimes.” “Why?” “I know there’s something on your mind. You weren’t with me. I mean you were with me in the physical sense, but you weren’t with me mentally, emotionally. What’s wrong?” “I…I’m fine. I got a couple things stressing me out, but nothing I can’t handle. I’ll be alright.” “Kenny you know you can talk to me about anything right?” “I know.” “Well I’m here for you. You can tell me anything.” I didn’t doubt that she would listen to my problems and be that sympathetic ear for me to vent to, but I didn’t want someone to vent to. I needed more. I needed to escape. I slept with more women. With each one I was able to forget about my insecurities, my anger, my sadness, each new woman that I touched gave me a sense of power, and control. Even if it were only temporary, that feeling of euphoria that I got from pleasing them made me feel loved. While I had the pretend feeling of love, it didn’t hide the fact that the hole in my heart that Bri and Ashley had left from hurting me was getting bigger and bigger. Nothing was filling it or making it better. I preyed on women who were beautiful yet materialistic, because at least I knew what I was going into. They were using me, and I was using them. I would go to bars, and clubs, wear my Armani outfits, dangle my car keys, and watch as dumb materialistic women would flock to me. I would screw some of them in the back seat of my car or in the bathrooms of the places I met them. I had the opportunity to read this book, and I have to say it was way outside my comfort zone, but I found myself liking Ken, empathizing with his need to hurt others as he himself was hurt.    Here are my thoughts on this book:  Kenny Ferguson was the guy every girl had as their friend, but nothing more, while in school. He endured bullying, shame, loneliness, but never true love. Then his girl, Bri, dumped him, and he felt true heartbreak. Determined to never again feel so alone, so much pain, he decided to use women as they've used him. The one night stands, the broken promises, the juggling of encounters with no tomorrow – until reality bites him in a way he never expected. Ben Burgess Jr. weaves a tale of a man on the hunt for what he believes is sexual satisfaction. The encounters are all use on his end, even when the women want commitment. Yet, throughout this tale, Burgess also plants the thought there is more to life, more to experience. Through his craft, Burgess brings the reader to the reality of life, to the deepness of true love. This book is about growth, and about deep final relationships. I would recommend it to everyone looking for that special relationship. In fact, I was so enthralled with this book, I just had to do a character interview, so onto the fun! First, we talk to Ben: 1.   Talk to us about Monster If you're looking for a new novel to satisfy your emotional needs after reading 50 shades of Grey or you're looking for a new sexy, raw, and gritty book to satisfy your intellectual appetite then you need to read "Monster". Monster is hot, sexy, and true to life, with smooth dialogue and intriguing situations that are sure to have you literally having discussions and debates with your friends, co-workers and family. Monster not only makes readers examine their own behaviors, but the street savvy humor and distinct characters are sure to help you connect with and feel like you are actually part of the story. The words on the cover say it all. Sex, Love, Deceit, Betrayal, and Pain, this book takes us into the life of Ken Ferguson. Ken is the son of a womanizer, and has spent his life trying not to follow in the footsteps of his father. After numerous heart breaks and bad relationship, Ken slowly begins his transformation. Ken engages in threesomes, sex in public places, affairs with married women, mistreating and manipulating conquest after conquest, drowning himself in his promiscuity. Will Ken learn to let go of his heartbreaks, or will he be consumed by them and continue to be a MONSTER?   2.   Author Bio Ben Burgess Jr. is the author of the new novel "Monster" and the author of the poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr. uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in, and to never give up on their dreams. His poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" is currently used in two schools in the lower east side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management, and a MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughter Jaelynn and is active in trying to improve urban neighborhoods and communities. Now, we're talking to Ken:  1.   Introduce yourself to our readers. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you? My Name is Ken Ferguson. This story is about my trials and tribulations, my love and love lost, my transformation from being the nice guy that everyone walked all over to becoming a manipulative, calculating, and at some point cold individual. What is important to know about me is that there were a lot of factors that molded me into being that way. My childhood, my family life, my insecurities, my dating experience, all formed the perfect storm and helped to turn me into a MONSTER.   2.   What do you think about the author? Tell us everything. We want to know. I think he did a good job showing my thoughts, and explaining why I did the thing that I did. I liked how he shows my evolution as a person throughout the book.   3.   What are your feelings about this story? I love the story because the story is real, honest, and a story I feel that a lot of people can relate to. We all have different ways that we deal with events and stress in our lives. You can either learn from them and evolve or be consumed by them and regress.  I feel that all experiences help to mold us into the people we are destined to be, but it’s important to constantly reflect on your life to see if you are doing things that are beneficial to your life. This story teaches a lot of lessons. It teaches us that every action has a consequence, it teaches us that after a traumatic experience, we need to truly heal or we will bring that negativity into other aspects of our lives, and it shows that we need to be mindful of our actions because we never know how they will affect other people. I think if people have an open mind when reading this story and don’t look at it as just me having sex with women; they will see that there is a really deep story here.   4.   How do you feel about being a character in this book? At first I was a little skeptical because I didn’t want people to look at me negatively, but I think the author did a good job with telling my story.   5.   You had to keep reminding yourself to be hard with women. Do you believe you were never as bad as you thought yourself to be? I think deep down I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I was so tired of being hurt that I felt that being hard on women would prevent me from having future heartbreak. The sad part is that everyone usually sees themselves as a good guy/girl, but sometimes we have to look back on our actions and re-evaluate our character.   6.   Your transformation near the end was a beginning of a better life. Do you see yourself returning to old habits if your life falters again? Or have you learned bad things can happen and you don't need to hurt people as badly as you feel you were hurt? I think I’ve learned from my past. As the Papa Roach song “Scars” says, “Our scars remind us that the past is real!” My scars will always be in the back of my mind. They will always be a part of me, but I have evolved. I’m better now than the person I was back then. Our lives don’t move backwards, they only move forward. Regressing to old habits wouldn’t make my life any better, and hurting people that I care about caused me to be alone. I never want to go through that again.   7.   Say a movie producer comes knocking. What actor/actress would you want to play you and why? First off, I would LOVE if a movie producer made this book into a movie. As far as an actor to play me, I would like Tyrese Gibson (Four Brothers/Transformers/Fast and the Furious) or Lyriq Bent(Saw IV) to play me because they have a similar skin complexion to me, they are in great shape, and I think they are both talented actors who would have a great appeal with women.
  Code to Embed = a Rafflecopter giveaway  Thanks for coming today, Ben, and we hope you have more books like Monster in your future!
  

Forgive Me Martha by Becky M. Pourchot


What a wonderful guest we have today on Out of Control Characters. Becky M. Pourchot, author of Forgive Me, Martha, shares an excerpt and answers a few questions in addition to giving us some of her advice. Wow! Becky is a woman after my own heart, and I can't wait to get started.



First, though, we have to learn a little about our visitor today. Take it away, Becky!


Becky M. Pourchot is the author of two semi-autobiographical humor books and the Hungry Ghost Series, a collection of paranormal books for young adults. She lives in Flagler Beach, Florida with her husband, fourteen year old son, and six year old twins and completely blames her demanding writing career for the state of her messy home. Where can  you find Becky on the web? Check out these links: FacebookWebsiteGoodreads 
Here's a bit about her very funny, and all too true (for me) book:


After the birth of Ms. Pourchot’s twins six years ago, life seemed to slip into chaos.  The family was eating Toaster Strudels for dinner, the house smelled of dirty diapers, and an infestation of moths descended on the kitchen like a team of unfed sumo wrestlers.  She did what she could, but in her mind it was never enough.  Rather than crumple under the unreachable demands of her new life Pourchot began a blog, confessing all of her hilarious shortcomings to Martha Stewart the “Great Goddess of Domesticity.”
The result became Forgive Me Martha an outrageously funny collection of short stories and poems full of honesty, humor, and humility, sending hope to those of us who fall short of being perfect. SmashwordsAmazon     Let's have a look at one of Becky's tongue in cheek excerpts. Warning - this will make you laugh out loud and compare your hectic life with hers!


The Roots of Imperfection
 One afternoon in a moment of sleep deprived delirium I decided to create a floral arrangement out of scraps of colored paper. Martha Stewart was on the TV, demonstrating the complicated steps for making an arrangement that would look perfect in my home. Never mind that I had newborn suckling twins attached to my boobs or that that I was healing from a c-section, I was going to make a vase of paper flowers.
 On that afternoon, postpartum psychosis had wiggled its way into my mind, and I believed wholeheartedly that my value as a woman depended on making that craft. But why stop there? I thought in a flash of grandiosity. Maybe with a little extra effort I’d decorate the entire dining room—no, the entire house—as divinely elegant as Martha’s television studio.  
As my time exiled on the couch beneath an oversized nursing pillow progressed (and my psychoactive medications began to take effect) the reality of my situation sank in. The truth was my sweet and adorable angels were destroying all semblance of order in my home. There was no time to craft, let alone do the dishes. And ultimately my busy life with three kids, a job as a freelance writer, and only a weak desire to clean out my refrigerator left me little hope of ever becoming a domestic diva.
 
Life during the early months with my twins was far from perfect. My husband, seven-year-old son, and I were eating fast food regularly—sometimes for both lunch and dinner. In our neglected pantry weevils took over, forcing us to eat oatmeal riddled with spidery web-like castings. The smell of dirty diapers and curdled milk permeated the house, and stacks of laundry towered to the ceiling. Meanwhile due to the hours I spent caring for my needy infants, my self care went down the tubes. Large mouse sized knots filled my hair, entwining themselves like cocoons at my neck. Fortunately I rarely left the house.
 
My one hope at salvation was Martha Stewart, who seemed able to do it all. She was everything I wasn’t—well composed, organized, crafty, and her cakes always came out so much lovelier then mine. I was in awe of her mastery of everything I could never do. When I watched her show, I fantasized that I wasn’t tied down to my little ones, and imagined all of the charming things I would do with my home, all the parties I would host, all the perennials I would plant. But deep down inside I knew I could never be as good as Martha.
 
As the babies grew, summer came and we were able to step outside into the light of day. I connected with the neighbor ladies from my upscale suburban neighborhood—a neighborhood for which Martha would certainly approve. I joined these stylish ladies and their families for potlucks, attended their kitchen supply home shows, and exchanged recipes for Jell-o dishes.
 
Although I enjoyed their camaraderie, some days when I was with this attractive group of women I felt like I was under a magnified glass. I felt exposed, as if everyone could see how incompetent I really was. No one ate my potluck dishes, invited me to their book clubs, or asked me for a cup of sugar (perhaps they knew about the weevils). Unlike their kids, my children walked around with dirt on their faces, breakfast still on their shirts, and their disposable diapers swelling out of their pants.
 
Presumably this group of neighbors wasn’t spending their free time adhering seashells to lampshades, but in comparison to my life of total disorder they appeared to have it all together. Their gardens overflowed with flowers and when I visited their homes, specks of stray cracker crumbs didn’t riddle the floor. Occasionally I’d smell the aroma of freshly braised pork chops or lasagna from their kitchens and feel a tinge of shame. I wondered if the neighbors were able to detect the charred smell of take-and-bake pizza as it wafted out my windows.
 
Although I had been well versed in feminist ideology, and knew my self worth was based on more than the adornments on my cupcakes, I still began to feel that part of my identity was wrapped up in the state of my home, the type of parties I hosted, and even the shade of gloss I wore on my lips.
 
I began talking with my therapist—with whom I consulted on all my neurotic matters—about my growing concern over my poor performance as a homemaker. She suggested I write about my perceived domestic shortcomings, compiling my humiliating events into little stories. By writing it out, I would expose myself to the rawness of my fears, with the goal of eventually being able to make light of them. Although hesitant at first to reveal myself on the page, I was up to the challenge.
 
As I formulated a plan for my project, I decided to create a confessionary in the form of a blog, where I would confess the minutia of inadequacies that plagued me. I decided that in order to confess properly, I needed some sort of deity, who in my mind would listen and ultimately forgive me for my atrocious homemaking crimes. But what Supreme Being would care about the pattern on my napkins or the suitability of the wreath on my door? The answer was obvious. The Great Goddess of Domesticity herself— Martha Stewart.
 
I quickly began writing poems to Martha about the dirt in my house, odes about ruined birthday cakes, and sonnets about my neglected lawn then posted them on a blog that I shared with family and friends. The more I wrote, the more outrageous they became.  My friends laughed with me and egged me on. Pretty soon, whenever I felt the shame rising up in me, I was at my computer creating new confessions. As I worked on my new project, my home fell further into disarray, which ironically led to more confessions. Needless to say, I’m glad you cannot see my home right now.
 
What you hold in your hands is a two year collection of my most disgraceful failures as a suburban housewife. Although some of the confessions have moved from non-fiction into the realm of utter exaggeration, they all most honestly reflect my grand sense of domestic inadequacy.
 
As you read, I hope you’re able to see yourself in some of my stories (or if you’re the perfectionist type, at least are able to gain the satisfaction of knowing you’re not me). In the days that come, if you find yourself neglecting to sweep beneath your rugs, or baking Christmas cookies that no one will eat, just think of me and my imperfect life and remember there’s no need to worry. Whenever guilt overwhelms you, you can just confess your sins to the world’s most perfect homemaker. I can’t guarantee that praying to her will get the mildew smell out of your bath towels, but it might make you feel just a little bit better.


And now, I have a few questions for Becky. After all, we all want to be not-domestic goddesses. Right?


I'm looking for answers from the Goddess you became in the book, at the end. Please advise my readers how to deliver a punch on a minimal budget with absolutely no talent for being Martha Stewart.1.      Have you figured out how to tell a russet from a Yukon Gold? Or does it matter?
 
I have actually (thanks to Wikipedia)…but the real question is, can you tell them apart when they’re both decayed and rotted at the bottom of your pantry?
 
2.      I'm about to host a party, but then everyone bails? Should I hide or continue with the party, enjoying myself with my family instead of fair weather friends?
 
Well, the old me would taken all that uneaten food and in desperation try crafting it into some glorious tower on the dining room table—maybe the Eifel tower?  But of course cooked green beans and honey glazed meatballs aren’t structurally sound, so it would inevitably all collapse onto itself and at that point I myself would have collapsed into a heaping pile of shame. But now, I’d just leave all those leftovers out to get a nice dry crusty layer on them, turn on the TV and veg out with my husband and some really bad sci fi movie. 
 
3.      I failed to even show up at my son's cookie exchange in kindergarten. Will this scar him for life, or should I rejoice he enjoyed gobbling the cookies I made and forgot to take, thinking the exchange was the next day?
 
It will scar him for life, but scars give character…and cookies in the pantry make everyone happy.
 
4.      Is serving lime Kool Aid flavored mojitos in Sponge Bob cups more couth than handing out cans of soda I hastily dumped into a cooler of ice?

 This is an excellent question.  It really depends what soda you’re using.  Grocery store brand?  That’s the worst in un-couthness (is that a word?).  However if you fill that cooler with cans of soda sweetened from beet sugar or locally harvested agave nectar, you’re headed to impress everyone involved.  But since you used the word “hastily” I’m guessing you’re talking about that discarded six pack of Mr. Pibb that only your Uncle Erv drinks when he comes over.  In that case I think Kool Aid is the winner in couthness.
 
5.      Oreos sounds like a lot more fun than organic health food. I'm all for healthy eating, and have often agonized over serving that to my child. But isn't it better they eat than shove something that doesn't appeal to them around the plate?

 The old me would have fed my kids boxed mac and cheese and then feel really guilty about it.   The new me feeds it to them too, but now instead of feeling badly, I just stare at the kids as they eat and wonder  if a buildup of that fluorescent cheese powder will make start to glow.
 
6.      I'd love a pair of those "friendship bracelets" so my child and puppy can spend a lot of quality time together. Do you think they'll look nicer if I glue some stars and moons to them? 
 
Absolutely.  I like how you think.  Just be sure—if you’re using super to adhere your adornments—that it dries before putting the “bracelets” on your child.
 
7.      My SUV looks like what the tornadoes left April 27, 2011, and I can't get my child to help me clean up his mess. He is old enough, seventeen. What should I do? Apologize or do it myself? 
 
Old me would bite my lip and do it myself.  New me would take a picture of the mess and post it to his Facebook page.
 
8.      I love your idea of a backyard BBQ. Can you suggest ways to ignore those ever so nosy neighbors who just love to gossip about my lack of creativity?
 
Scoop up and save the doggie doo your neighbor’s pups left in your yard and sculpt it (with gloves, mind you) into a portraits of their children and place it prominently in their window sill.  How’s that for creativity?
 
9.      We have a family get together coming soon. Usually, I slave over a delightful Mexican style casserole along with at least one dessert. After all is said and done, I tote home more than half of what I brought, thanks to the critical commentary of those without taste buds. What should I do this year, prepare the dishes I've done for years, or go all out and bring a crockpot filled with Coney Island hot dog chili with the steamed dogs and buns wrapped in a foil pan, covered with a layer of foil, and a dessert I prepared out of a box mix?
 
Now don’t forget Martha does approve of kitsch…I can hear her now saying “Coney Island hot dogs chili is a delightful way to celebrate summer with friends.”  That said, if you want to appease the Great Goddess of Good Things, Coney Island hot dogs are grand…especially if you have the charming little foil serving bags to put them in. Wonderful kitsch.  Now…that’s the old me speaking.   The new me would forget all this charming-ness, bring a stack of bowls, a one gallon of milk and a box of Froot Loops from the pantry and put it out there next to Susie’s beloved artichoke dip.  Think of it this way: it’s a meal and a dessert combined (and I bet you’ll be a hit!)

Let me tell you, I couldn't stop laughing as I read Becky's book. It's a total winner, all the way around. I'll never apologize for not knocking down those cobwebs that seem to accumulate far faster than a teenager goes through a lasagna again. Nor will I bust my backside decorating my house in the latest pastel colors for a summer barbecue. Nope. It's all about letting it all hang out for me now. Here's my take on Becky's delightful book:

Forgive Me Martha is a tongue in cheek look at keeping house with three children, two of them twins. Becky M. Pourchot tells the tale of failing to fit in with her neighborhood with a mix of poetry (which made me laugh) and tales of certain events sure to have most mothers rolling on the floor and comparing notes.The story is engaging and real. Pourchot's writing muscles are Mr. Universe strong in this book. I constantly found myself nodding agreement with her poems about failed cookie events, children sneaking off to draw on themselves, and laundry stacked to the ceiling. She may have first asked for Martha Stewart's forgiveness, but eventually she is like me – willing to live in hapless clutter for the sanity of the family. This is a book I'd highly recommend for all women trying to balance career and family. It's our reality.

And here's the giveaway, with a catch. You have to comment to get the prize. If you're selected, we'll be calling for your address, so like Becky's Facebook page above to make sure you're in the gold for this drawing!



Softly Say Goodbye on Tour!


I started this blog a little over six years ago to highlight my books and short stories. As most of you know, the success stories started happening in 2010. Today, my book, Softly Say Goodbye, goes on tour. Thanks to Penelope Bartotto of Around the Universe Tours there are fourteen wonderful bloggers ready, willing, and able to bring you an excerpt, author interviews, character interviews, fun interviews, and reviews of this wonderful book on one teen's quest to stop underage drinking in her school.



Where do you go to find all of this? Just check out the dates and locations of the tour hosts below:

April 26Fated Paranormals April 27
4covert2overt A Day in the Spotlight

April 28
The Lemon Life

April 29
Recent Reads

April 30
Raven Reviews

May 1
Briana Lee Book Reviews

May 2
 The Library at the END of the Universe

May 3
Our New Generation for Reading

May 4
Tracy Riva

May 5
Jess's Book Blog

May 6
As You Wish Reviews

May 7
Rambling Voices in My Head

May 8
Candy Coated Book Blog

May 9
Kay LaLone I Love Books

 

Come back daily to find out what's new and enter for a Rafflecopter drawing. Then, if you live near LaFayette, Georgia, look for me at this event:



Review: The Devil Knows by: K.C. Cavanaugh

Welcome to today's review on Out of Control Characters. We're talking about a The Devil Knows by K.C. Cavanaugh.


First, let's get to know a little bit more about K.C. Cavanaugh.



K.C. grew up in a small town in Northeastern PA, she still lives close to her hometown, remaining close with her friends and family. She has been writing since a young age, and always wanted to be a writer. Before now, she focused on poetry and short stories. The Devil Knows is her debut novel, and was written after K.C. found out that a family friend was diagnosed with cancer.
With lots of projects in the works, she is hoping to release her second novel this summer. You can look for her YA apocalyptic trilogy, Eternal Trilogy (with a few additional shorts), and a YA paranormal mystery.
Here's where you can find K.C. on the web:

Facebook Blog Website Twitter K.C. has a great book about friendships and going the extra mile. Here's a synopsis and links to pick it up in Kindle or paperback:


The Devil Knowsis a paranormal romance-drama. It starts off with Megan learning that her best friend since birth has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Megan’s life is then consumed by the drive to find a way to save Anya. She scours the internet looking for medical answers, as well as those that seem far-fetched and impossible.
            Soon, her computer leads her to the possibility of making a deal with the devil. Megan wonders if it’s even possible for her to give up her soul to save Anya. Not knowing where to begin, she soon discovers clues and signs that seem to be left for her, which leads her to an occult shop where she tries to find some answers.
            But it doesn’t take long for Anya to get worse, as it seems each day her condition deteriorates. Even the doctors are baffled by the progression of the cancer, as it’s much more aggressive than anticipated. During a trip to the emergency room with Anya, Megan meets Dr. Carson who is Anya’s attending physician.
            Quickly a spark between Megan and the doctor ignites, even though there appears to be something that just isn’t right about the emergency room doctor. Besides he treated Anya, so that makes Megan feels weird. Plus there is the fact that she’s been thinking about selling her soul, so a relationship is the last thing on Megan’s mind! But after a few encounters, Megan realizes that Jeremiah Carson may not be exactly who he has portrayed himself to be.
            Who holds the answers to curing Anya? Could Megan reallysell her soul when it comes down to it? Only the devil knows… Kindle Paperback Before we get to the review, here's a quick peek behind the cover page:  "Are they talking about admitting her?" Megan asked, trying to keep the horror out of her voice. From their conversations the doctors hadn't thought hospitalization would be necessary and she could receive her chemo as an outpatient. If the emergency room doctors were considering hospitalization for anything other than dehydration and nausea, then Anya was not in good shape. If so, all the optimism and perky tones in the world wouldn't do her any good. "I don't know," Bryan repeated, clearly frustrated. "I don't think the doctors know!""Okay, okay," Megan said, trying to calm Bryan down. "I'll be there soon. Let her know, okay?""Yeah," he said weakly and mumbled that he needed to go and he'd see her soon.The phone clicked, signaling the call was disconnected and Megan had to fight the urge to put her head back and close her eyes as she merged onto the interstate. Thankfully the rush hour traffic was dissipating.Minutes later Megan was maneuvering through downtown, silently cursing every red light. She had been able to see the hospital since she exited the interstate and was anxious to reach her destination.Finally, the light turned and car in front of her rolled through the intersection. Megan made her right turn into the hospital parking garage and felt her pulse begin to race.It wasn't fear of being too late, but the fear the unknown. Having just seen Anya earlier, Megan wasn't sure what kind of state her best friend was going to be in.The parking garage was across the street from the hospital and Megan collected the ticket so she could proceed further into the underbelly of the garage and begin her hunt for a space. Parking was a nightmare—almost as bad as the ones she had been suffering at night. She reached the third level before she found a parking spot in a distant corner of the garage. She quickly trotted to the elevator, waited for what felt like hours, and wrote it down to street level. And now what you've been waiting for. My review of K.C. Cavanaugh's The Devil Knows College student Megan has nothing more to occupy her day than going to class and editing a few student papers, how she earns her living. Then her best friend, Anya, calls, and Megan is sent whirling into the diagnosis of cancer. But Anya's cancer is a rare form, one where the doctors can't figure out where it started. Even worse, the disease is eating away at Anya so fast, she may only have weeks to live. Enter Jeremiah, the dashing and charismatic Dr. Jeremiah Carson, who may have the answer to Megan's conundrum. But is she willing to make a deal that will leave Anya bereft? Is Megan willing to damn her eternal soul to save her friend?K.C. Cavanaugh draws the reader into the tale right from the beginning. Her characters spring off the page, and are loveable. They're fallible, and yet they're also vulnerable – to the vagaries of life, relationships, and incredible pain. Soon, you're pulled into a battle between good and evil, rooting for the win to come out on the side of good, yet knowing evil must have a victory to maintain the balance. Cavanaugh weaves a tale of a young woman facing a decision that will irrevocably change her life, but she sees no other way to save someone she loves. The ending was a surprise, but on further consideration, Cavanaugh had hinted all along there were other avenues, ones that maintained the precious balance while also providing answers. I can't wait to read another book by this talented author. What's a great book without a giveaway? Well ... we wouldn't know, and K.C. Cavanaugh is hosting one of these contests that is so very simple to follow. Just click on the Rafflecopter below and take your chance.  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c4eed717/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Feature: Unexpecting by Lori Verni-Fogarsi

We're stepping away from blog tours today on Out of Control Characters and featuring author, Lori Verni-Fogarsi. Her book Unexpecting is all about surprises for a couple about to embark on their golden years.


First, let's get to know a little more about Lori:



Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, and small business consultant since 1995. Her nonfiction book, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” was published in 2005 and continues to be one of the most highly recommended books in its genre.

Her novel, “Momnesia,” was published in 2012 and has been awarded as a finalist in both the National Indie Excellence Book Awards and The USA Best Book Awards.
Just a few of her media appearances have included The Lifetime Women’s Network, My Carolina Today Show, Boston Globe Forums Live, and a multitude of others. Her seminars have taken place at public and private venues for many years, just a few of which include North Carolina State University and Nassau Community College.

Lori is a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. Originally a native New Yorker, she now divides her time between Raleigh, NC, and Lake Gaston, VA, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Unexpecting is a very unusual title for a book, one that certainly grabbed my interest. Here's a synopsis, and it lives up to the name:

 
Shelley and David are a couple of almost-empty-nesters whose children are just about all off to college. Preparing to embark on the next stage of their life, they’ve just ordered white furniture and are planning the vacation they’ve waited their entire lives to take.

Everything changes when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she’s the daughter he never knew he had! Their life is catapulted in a completely different direction, abounding with dilemmas: Not only do they have an additional child, but also a baby in a household that had been just about to become serene. How much should they help her? And how could they not?

Shelley feels like she no longer fits in anywhere and to top it off, having two seventeen-year-old girls suddenly plunged into being sisters and school mates is not exactly warm and fuzzy. When Alexandra’s behavior starts to become erratic, the couple is faced with even tougher decisions to make.

Hold on for an emotional yet witty ride as you join this family of characters in a story of love, loyalty, heartbreak, and humor that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!
Sold on this story yet? I am! Here are some links where you can buy not only Unexpecting but also Lori's other books:

Unexpecting on Amazon Momnesia on Amazon Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs on Amazon  Lori is certainly a creative writer, and her books sound like a lot of fun. Where can you find her on the web? Check out these links: Facebook Website Twitter Pinterest  What's a fabulous book release without a giveaway? We have one for you to link to, and here are the details:   1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7″ HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International). Ends 4/30/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.comand sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $199 US.Unexpecting Giveaway It's been a blast having Lori here today. Check out her books and don't forget to sign up for the giveaway!      

Review: Flash by Barbara Morgenroth


Good morning to all from Out of Control Character. Here's hoping the un-lovely weather we're experiencing today isn't affecting any of you, but we won't let rain and other problems keep us from sharing Flash by Barbara Morgenroth.

You can pick up the Flash e-book for .99 during the tour!


First. let's get to know a little about Barbara Morgenroth:

Barbara was born in New York City and but now lives somewhere else.  Starting her career by writing tweens and YA books, she wound up in television writing soap operas for some years.  Barbara then wrote a couple cookbooks and a nonfiction book on knitting.  She returned to fiction and wrote romantic comedies.
When digital publishing became a possibility, Barbara leaped at the opportunity and has never looked back.  In addition to the 15 traditionally published books she wrote, in digital format Barbara has something to appeal to almost every reader from Mature YAs like the Bad Apple series and the Flash series, to contemporary romances like Love in the Air published by Amazon/Montlake, and Unspeakably Desirable, Nothing Serious and Almost Breathing.
You can find out all about Barbara here: Blog

Synopsis:

She’s been pretending to be 18 for so long, it feels like the truth.
When the only way for 15 year old photographer, Kip Chanin, to earn a living is as paparazzi, she can’t say no. Kip’s first photo is of Alex Milne, the handsome and volatile young actor. That one photo changes both their lives. Kip finds herself challenged to be a better photographer, a better daughter and to be a better friend. For someone used to getting by on her own, this could be Kip’s biggest lesson. The second biggest--You do what you have to in Hollywood to survive
Amazon
Review:


Kip Chanin will tell you she's eighteen, but the truth is she's almost sixteen. She's a photojournalist – not a paparazzi – in the LA celebrity scene, trying to keep her and her mother – a wannabe actress – afloat in a town not known for it's empathy. One night, searching for the one shot that will get her notices, she captures Alex Milne leaving a club, and gets the attention she wanted from an agency that pushes her to get more of those paparazzi type shots, much to her disgust, but the rent has to be paid, and food is a necessity, so she goes on the hunt. Alex tracks Kip down and they begin an uneasy relationship, which leads to an introduction to his agent. The agent, Shari Felder, rescues Kip when one of her mad plans to get the perfect shot goes awry. Thus begins an adventure that has Kip living in a more stable home, her mom getting work in Hollywood, and a relationship with the drop dead gorgeous Alex, who may or may not be affected by the Milne family curse in addition to an unsolved eighty-year-old mystery.
Barbara Morgenroth writes this novel in a staccato style that has the reader enthralled from the first page. The doors to a glamorous world that is far from glamorous to those who've tried and failed are opened, and they reveal the glitz and seamy underbelly of a world many a teen has longed to join. No punches are pulled at how it's hard work, and sometimes connections, that bring the lucky breaks, and the reader will find themselves cheering for Kip as she attempts to maintain the lifestyle she's used to. The opportunity to work with a world famous photographer putting together her memoirs also gives Kip the opportunity to learn so much, and discover the true story about her father, and her mother's undying devotion to a rock musician who took a final step many years ago. The mystery Kip finds herself involved in proves difficult to solve, as most of if not all of those involved are long dead, but she pushes on, and also finds herself feeling for Alex's older brother, who may destroy all the good Kip has found in her life.
Flash is a mature young adult novel that opens a teen's eyes to the less than glamorous lifestyle most of Hollywood lives, and gives her an opportunity to work hard to achieve her goals. Morgenroth weaves a compelling tale without adding glitter to a harsh life. The maturity of this novel doesn't come from sex or profanity, but from a growing up experience that may rip from Kip the security she has finally found in her life. I highly recommend this novel for all teens and their parents.What would a great book like this be without a giveaway? Here's the Rafflecopter link for your chance at goodies! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c4eed718/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway



Tour: The Bloody, Sinful Legacy


Boy, do we have a tour for you today, hosted by Around the Universe Tours. Out of Control Characters brings you J.L. McCoy and her The Bloody, Sinful Legacy books. Currently, this vampire series has four novels in it, but a fifth is forthcoming sometime this year, and these are not your normal vampire stories. McCoy has crafted a well-written good versus evil tale, where the prize isn't what you expect.

  Before we dive into a synopsis and peek at these books, let's meet J.L. McCoy. 

J. L. McCoy resides in the beautifully weird city of Austin, Texas with her opinionated Pekiweenie Isabel and handsome husband Kenny.  She has always been a passionate reader and enjoys watching movies, traveling, listening to heavy metal/classic rock/80s music, getting mani/pedis with her girls, and singing karaoke.  She loves body art and is hopelessly addicted to Sonic’s ice and Route 44 un-sweet raspberry iced tea. 
 
If you’d like more information about her or her upcoming books, please visit her at the following links:
Blog Website Facebook If you want a signed copy of the book mailed to you, check out J.L. McCoy's store: Store  Here we go, peeks at the books and a synopsis of each one! 
Synopsis:


After a shocking admission by Archer Rhys, Skye Morrison and the rest of The Mausoleum's vampire crew have to deal with the aftermath of Houston business owner and fellow vampire Greyson Mead's murder. A gruesome discovery in Skye's driveway forces her out of her house and temporarily into Archer's lakeside mansion with her co-workers Trey, Hunter, Quinn, Seamus, Lochlan, Jameson, and of course the ever jealous Aoife. Skye must now live under the same roof with the two men she wants most and things are bound to get complicated. With a psychotic murderer on the loose hell bent on killing vampires and the appointed army of The Faithful having no luck in finding them, will Skye's new boss and co-workers live to see next week? Will Skye make it out of Archer's mansion alive?
*Be advised: This book contains adult situations, steamy sex scenes, and cursing.*
Excerpt:  “With all those late hours, doesn’t Mrs. Rhys miss you?” I asked. He raised an eyebrow. “No,” he said with a slight smirk. “There is no Mrs. Rhys.” “Oh, sorry” I replied, a little embarrassed. “I just figured a guy like you would have been snatched up long ago by some gorgeous girl.” He smiled and chuckled a little. “You’d think so, huh? I haven’t had much luck in that department...at least long term.” “Sorry if I seemed nosy,” I said, looking down at my clasped hands. I felt like I had pried. “Not at all, Skye. These are things you’ll need to know if you work for me,” he said soothingly. “Let me ask you a few general questions. Would that be alright?” “Yes, please. Fire away,” I said, eager to change the subject. “What do you like to do for fun?” he asked. I looked up at him and wondered if I should give him the safe answer or the true answer. I decided to throw caution to the wind and let him see the real me. “Well, um, I enjoy painting. Abstract mostly...on big canvases. There’s almost nothing better than channeling your love, fear, pain, bad day, good day down into something and seeing the beauty of those emotions emerge. It helps me realize that no matter how bad my day was, or how hurt I felt...there’s always beauty in everything; that every emotion I feel is important and helps make me who I am. I love it. It’s freedom incarnate.” I smiled and remembered the last painting I did. It was after Jesse and I broke up. I put all the anger, tears, frustration, and ugliness down on the canvas. It turned into one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever done. “I love to read,” I said, clearing my throat and continuing. “I’ve always preferred that over watching television. There’s not much imagination to television in my opinion. Also, dancing has always been in my blood. I love dancing whether it’s out at a dance hall or around my house. If hear music, my body just kind of responds to it. I like to catch Karaoke Night at the Blue Lagoon Lounge whenever I can. Their Cult Movie Show Tunes night is to die for. Don’t laugh. I know it’s cheesy, but I love it. And, I have to say, one of my absolute favorite things to do is go to my weekly Krav Maga class that I take with my best friend, Nikki,” I said, hoping that that wasn’t too long winded of an answer. “Impressive, Miss Morrison,” he said with a cock of his head and appraising eyes. “I like a strong woman.” I blushed and looked down at my hands. Small butterflies fluttered around in my stomach and I adjusted my body uncomfortably in the seat. I was embarrassed but a little excited at the look in his eye as he watched me talking. What is that...the way he’s looking at me? He likes a strong woman...what does that mean? Is he coming on to me? I laughed inwardly at the absurdity of my thoughts. Yeah right, Skye. He’s WAY out of your league, girlfriend. But, nice try. I looked up, into his eyes, and gave him a small smile and a shrug. “Me too. I grew up on Red Sonja comics. I wanted to be just like her when I was a kid.” His eyes sparkled with his laughter and the butterflies in my stomach picked up again. Dammit, stop that! I silently told myself. Out of your league! And, he just might be your boss someday. Chill, hormones... “What kinds of books do you like to read?” he asked. I was surprised by the question. I guess when he said general, he really meant general. “I mainly read paranormal fiction, though I do enjoy the occasional historical drama or biography.” “I’ve read up on preternatural things myself,” he said with a knowing smile. “What are your favorite subjects?” “Well, I suppose it would be vampires, werewolves, fae, and similar mythological creatures,” I said, hoping that’s what he meant. He laughed and nodded his head. “I’m glad you enjoy those. I do, too,” he said. I started wondering how these questions pertained to the job I was interviewing for. But, I shouldn’t complain, I guess. These questions were very easy to answer and it seemed like he was genuinely interested in hearing my answers. “Do you have any first-aid knowledge?” he inquired next. “Hm...well, yes. I took a first-aid course in summer camp when I was 15. I still remember the basics,” I said, a little confused as to where this was going. “Good,” he said, and then looked thoughtful. “Would you know how to...let’s say for example...dress wounds and control bleeding?” What the hell kind of interview question was that?! I thought to myself. I’d expect that if I was applying at a hospital or something, but... “Yes,” I said slowly, confused as to why I would ever need to know something like that working in a nightclub. “Excellent,” he said smiling. “You never know when something like that will come in handy.”  Where can you find this book: AmazonBarnes & Noble    Synopsis:  After a shocking admission by Archer Rhys, Skye Morrison and the rest of The Mausoleum's vampire crew have to deal with the aftermath of Houston business owner and fellow vampire Greyson Mead's murder.  A gruesome discovery in Skye's driveway forces her out of her North Central Austin, Texas townhome and temporarily into Archer's lakeside mansion with her co-workers Trey, Hunter, Quinn, Seamus, Lochlan, Jameson, and of course the ever jealous Aoife.  Skye must now live under the same roof with the two men she wants most and things are bound to get complicated.  With a psychotic murder on the loose hell bent on killing vampires and the appointed army of The Faithful having no luck in finding them, will Skye's new boss and co-workers live to see next week?  Will Skye make it out of Archer's mansion alive?  Excerpt:  “Did you need something?” I asked. Archer leaned forward in his chair and took off his expensive charcoal gray sports coat. “I wanted to see how you were handling all of this,”he said, throwing the coat onto the couch and moving to take off his cufflinks. I watched him struggle for a second before I intervened. “Here, let me help you.” I said as I got up from the chair and walked around his desk. He smiled tiredly, sighed, and thanked me. I hopped up onto the desk, sat in the same place Aoife had only moments ago occupied and pulled his hand onto my lap. I slowly took off his left cufflink and sat it down on the dark desk beside me. I looked into his ice blue eyes as I rolled the shirtsleeve up his muscular forearm. “Honestly, Archer, I don’t know how I am handling this.” He stared intensely into my eyes and searched them for clues. “Are you scared?” I nodded my head and gave him his arm back. I picked up his right one and began the same process again. “You know I’ll never let anything happen to you, don’t you?” I watched my hands work as I thought about that for a few seconds. “I know,” I said finally, looking back up into his beautiful eyes. Neither of us said anything for a long moment. “I’m worried about you...about all of you,” I admitted reluctantly, my fingers finishing their work. Archer took one of my hands in his and leaned closer. “We’re going to be just fine,” he said, tucking a stray hair behind my left ear and then lifting my chin. “We’re a lot stronger than we look, Skye.” I had a sudden flash of Greyson’s mutilated body and I swallowed hard, shaking my head. My eyes glistened with unshed tears. “But Greyson...,” Archer shushed me with a gentle finger to my full lips. “Don’t,” he whispered, looking deeply into my eyes. “Don’t think about that.” He cupped my cheek and tenderly ran his thumb over my mouth, tracing my bottom lip. “I’m sorry for how I acted earlier tonight,” he apologized gently, his eyes remorseful. “I know,” I whispered. I tilted my head into his cool hand and closed my eyes. His touch was so comforting, his strong arms safe. I felt my body slowly start to relax for the first time tonight. “I want you to stay with me tonight, Skye.” My eyes flew open in alarm and I sat up straight. “Us,” Archer amended quickly. “I meant I want you to stay with us...at my house.” Here's where you can pick up Sins of the Father: Amazon Barnes & Noble   Synopsis:  "Skye Morrison's life lately has been anything but ordinary. Attempting to pull together the pieces of her life that have been ripped to shreds after being kidnapped and tortured by Amun- who happens to be the father of all vampires-her dreams are haunted by memories of those recent fateful and horrific events. Skye struggles with her split feelings and the raw sexual tension with her lover, Jameson Doyle and boss Archer Rhys-the continuous object of her sexual fantasies. Residing at Archer's lakeside mansion with the rest of the vampire clan, Skye attempts to maintain a normal routine. With the vampire army, The Faithful, attempting unsuccessfully to capture Amun, her nightmares take her down a twisted spiral of entrapment and terror, taking its toll on her daily life. Haunted and hunted by the psychotic and mind-twisting Amun, Skye goes through dark and violent changes, revealing a side of herself she didn't know existed and ultimately leading to a shocking conclusion. With a climax that will leave you breathless and wanting more, don't miss the third chapter in the life of Skye Morrison.  Excerpt:  “Stop,” I whispered as the tears finally began to spill down my face. “I can’t bear to hear anymore.” My heart constricted with the pain his words brought. “How can you do this to me? How can you when you know I’m with Jameson.” I roughly wiped the tears from my cheeks, stood up, and stormed over to him. “What am I supposed to do with this, Archer? Huh? Leave your brother and jump into your bed? What about him? What about his feelings? How can you do this to me? Why couldn’t you have just left it alone? Why did you have to tell me?” “You deserve to know how I feel,” he growled. “You were mine before you were his.” “No,” I shook my head sadly. “I wasn’t.” “Why couldn’t you have just talked to me, Skye?” Archer asked, his voice full of pain. “Why didn’t you give me an opportunity to explain the kiss you saw between Aoife and me before you ran into my brother’s arms?” “I thought I knew what I saw,” I whispered, losing my fight. “You knew nothing,” he whispered, matching my tone, as he closed the gap between us and pulled me into his arms. He bent down and nuzzled my hair, taking a deep breath in. I wrapped my arms around him and clung to him tightly. I buried my face in his chest and succumbed to my waterworks. “I knew nothing,” I finally admitted tearfully. He held me for a long time, neither of us saying anything. I think we were both just content to be in each other’s arms. We had been denying ourselves for the longest time. Holding him felt like coming home; like a cool drink of water after a long week in the desert. “I’m so sorry, Archer,” I sniffed. “I’m sorry I hurt you.” “I’m sorry, too,” he mumbled into my hair as he placed light kisses about the top of my head. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now. The girl I love is sleeping with my brother.” Find The Original Sin here: Amazon    Synopsis:  Skye Morrison begged for death.  Fortunately, someone didn't listen.
Skye awakens to discover she has been irrevocably changed and the unprecedented circumstances of her rebirth have now created a new threat to her very existence. Sired by both the monster Amun and the vampire Archer Rhys, Skye must prove to the army of An Dilis (The Faithful) whose essence is most dominant within her and that she is not a danger to them or society.  The Faithful soon discover that she is unlike any vampire ever created before as she struggles to adjust to her new life and the changes that come with it.
Her recent brush with death has made Skye realize that life is precious and she wastes no time telling the one she loves how she feels about him.
But, Amun finds out that someone interfered with Skye's transformation and the intrusion makes him livid.  He gives Skye 7 days to come to him or he threatens to begin killing the ones she loves most. 
Will Skye be able to survive long enough to enjoy her new life now that Amun is hunting her and everyone she loves? Excerpt:  As soon as my head hit my pillow, and I fully relaxed, my eyes began to grow heavy.   All of the excitement I had been through today had taken its toll on me mentally.  I desperately needed to sleep and recharge.  Before I knew it, I was out cold. Images flashed behind my eyes, interrupting hours of deep, sound sleep as I softly heard someone whispering my name.  Something was pulling at my psyche, demanding entrance, and I finally gave in to the request.  Amun was standing by large body of water with his back to me.  As soon as I took a step toward him, he whirled around looking surprised but relieved. “What took you so long?” he demanded, his black eyes taking on anger.  “I’ve been reaching out to you all day.  I could feel you but I didn’t have access to you…I couldn’t access your mind.  Something is interfering.  HOW are you keeping me out?” “Ha!” I laughed and sneered at the small victory.  “You mean to tell me you can’t just come into my dreams whenever you want to?” He flashed to me and grabbed me by my throat.  “You drank their blood?!” he raged in my face as he glared back and forth between my now colorless eyes.  “But you are mine!” “I am no one’s!” I yelled back as I ripped his hand from my neck and pushed him away from me; the action utterly shocking Amun.  “No one owns me!  No one will EVER own me!” “A piece of my very soul is inside of you,” he growled, quickly recovering.  “You are mine and you will do as I say.  You will come to me this night!  I DEMAND IT!” I put my hands on my hips and smirked at him.  “Demand away, Amun.  I don’t know what you’re expecting, but I’m not going to just come crawling to whatever hole you’re off hiding in.  You have no control over me.  Get used to it!” “Oh, I have plenty of control over you,” he sneered evilly as he took another step toward me.  “All those disgusting feelings of love and desire you felt for that Day Walker…Archer?  I put them there.  I made you dream of him, want him, make love to him…  I made you want to stay with him when you were so set on leaving.  I couldn’t very well allow you to leave and ruin all my plans!  But in the end, you betrayed me, Damu.  There will be a heavy price to pay for that.  You were supposed to stay, complete your change and then kill him and all his children.  Instead you drink his blood and pollute yourself?!  You could have been something great, something beautifully fierce and exquisitely savage, but now you are just another common, pathetic Day Walker!” I felt my eyes flicker black as anger consumed me.  “I’m not your fucking toy, Amun!  If you think you can force me to feel things and do things for you, you have another thing coming.  I’m going to kill you for what you’ve done to me!  As God is my witness, you will DIE by MY hand!” Amun chuckled as he looked me up and down and then tsked.  “Oh, my sweet Nisiqtu…you are still so headstrong.  I believe I was wrong about you.  You carry my mark in your eyes.  We are not so different after all, you and I.  You may be a Day Walker now, but the potential for greatness is still there.  The possibilities are endless now.  There is so much we can do to them now that you are one of them.  They will never suspect-” “Fuck you!” I spat as I turned and walked away.  I didn’t have to listen to his bullshit.  He may have pulled me into this dream but, come hell or high water, I was going to walk out of it. “You have one week to come to me, Skye,” Amun yelled at my back.  “If you do not obey me, I will start killing your friends and family one by one and I’ll start with that fiery girl who shares your home.  I believe I’ll sew her colorful skin into a new hat.” I whirled around, my eyes wide and fearful.  “You lay one finger on her and I’ll-” “Silence!” Amun roared angrily, his voice echoing loudly all around me.  “Seven days, Skye.  And you had better be wearing the presents I left for you when you come to me.” This is where you can pick up your copy of Legacy of Blood: Amazon I can tell all of you, I just can't wait for book 5. I'm not a vampire fan. Personally, I feel they've been overdone, but this series hooked me right from the beginning. Thank you, J.L. McCoy for joining us today.        

Blitz: Unsinkable by Nicole Bradshaw

Out of Control Characters is today part of a blitz for the pre-release of Unsinkable, and we'll feature the short story prequel: A Broken Bond.



Fifteen years ago, Laurel Handfield was a single woman living in a tiny one bedroom in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She worked a monotonous nine-to-five handling copy equipment leases. One day she decided to get back to what she loved most—writing. She decided to write a novel. But what would it be about? A month later, she went on vacation to the Bahamas. In true Stella fashion (See Terry McMillian-How Stella Got Her Groove Back) she met a Bahamian. The rest is history, as they say. She came back from vacation, quit her job several months later and moved to Maryland to live with her sister while she wrote her first novel based loosely on how she and her husband first met. She has since moved to the Bahamas where she has lived for thirteen years with her husband, three children and Abigail, the family hamster. She writes full-time.

Her first upper middle grade novel, Unsinkable, will be released May 21, 2013 by Simon & Schuster/Strebor Books. Unsinkable gives the day-by-day account of the only black family aboard the doomed Titanic. The prequel novella, A Bond Broken, is an ebook that will be released April 16th for the anniversary of the sinking. Both novels were written in her penname, Nicole Bradshaw. Her first picture book, Cassi da Conch, will be released by Xist Publishing in 2014.

When she’s not writing, she’s sipping piña coladas on the beach. (seriously)Website

Fifteen-year-old Corinne LaRoche’s life changes one evening when she returns home and witnesses her father being harassed by racist French policemen. That’s it! Her frustrated father decides the family is leaving France and moving back to Canada. After boarding the beautiful Titanic, Corinne meets Christopher, the Captain’s nephew. Coming from a wealthy British family, Christopher is privileged in every way. He matches perfectly with Sophia, the daughter of a dear family friend he plans to wed.

Unsinkable is the tale of how two teens from seemingly different worlds come together amidst a tragedy that changed thousands of lives forever. They could have never imagined their impending fate as well as the family secrets revealed four days before the sinking. This novel gives a day-by-day account of the doomed voyage as told from a minority perspective.Reserve your copy of this exciting novel here:

Amazon Barnes & Noble To find out all about the great people in Unsinkable, pick up this novella today:  

Corinne’s big sister, Astrid, has always looked out for her, even if Astrid believes Corinne has favor with their parents. But Astrid has a secret. She confides to her younger sister her plans to leave the tiny town of Cherbourg, France to become the first colored fashion designer in New York City. She’ll finally be on her own and rid of the family’s strict rules. When their father loses his job, Astrid is commanded to leave school in order to assist the family financially. Trying to help, Corinne reveals Astrid’s secret but only makes the situation worse. Astrid feels betrayed by her younger sister and promises revenge. She seizes the perfect opportunity with Corinne’s blossoming friendship with a boy from class.

The sisters become mortal enemies and vow to hate one another until the day they die. That day may come sooner than they think. On April 10th, 1912, the family boards the beautiful Titanic on a voyage that will change their lives forever.

A Bond Broken is the prequel novella to the novel Unsinkable, which tells the fictitious story of the only black family on the doomed ship, the Titanic.
Amazon

Review: Unsinkable by Nicole Bradshaw

We welcome Nicole Bradshaw, author of Unsinkable, to Out of Control Characters today. This is a great book about a minority family on the ill-fated ship, Titanic.

First, we'll get to know a little more about Nicole:

   Nicole Bradshaw was born and raised in Malvern, PA. She spent some time in Silver Springs, MD and currently resides in the Bahamas. Her first taste of writing was when she and her older sister created plays from Archie comics. She uses the pen name Nicole Bradshaw to differentiate her adult novels from her children's novels, and is currently writing children's stories for an IPad app. Unsinkablecame to her after she viewed the movie Titanicand wondered of there were any minorities on the ship. After doing the research, she discovered the LaRoche family, upon whom the story is based.

Fifteen-year-old Corinne LaRoche leaves Cherbourg, France with her daddy and older sister after an incident with the local police. Momma stays behind as Corinne boards the ill-fated Titanic. As a treat for his family, Daddy has purchased second-class cabins, but even those don't protect Corinne from the bigotry thrown at her. She's biracial, Daddy is a Negro and Momma is white. Still, Corinne follows her heart, falling in love with Christopher Smith, the ship captain's nephew. Can this love survive? Or will Corinne's heart desire fall victim to the prejudice she's endured all her life.
Nicole Bradshaw's tale of the fate of two lovers aboard a ship doomed to sink is a wonderful, a fast read. The story concentrates on the love Christopher and Corinne have for each other, but also on the outward hatred at the time for anyone not Anglo-Saxon. Bradshaw neatly weaves in storylines about upper class snobbery, a family separated by bigotry and illness, and a love destined to always live within Corinne's heart. Not once did the story drag, and the reader will feel at home with Bradshaw's understanding of a young woman caught up between two worlds. This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time, and easily deserving of the five star rating. Now is the time to find out where to find Nicole and her fabulous book on the web:
These are the links to the book:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Here is where you can find Nicole on the web: Website As a special treat, we have a look at the prequel to this story, A Broken Bond, available tomorrow on Amazon:   A Bond Broken Description (Prequel e-novella to Unsinkable) Corinne’s big sister, Astrid, has always looked out for her, even if Astrid believes Corinne has favor with their parents. But Astrid has a secret. She confides to her younger sister her plans to leave the tiny town of Cherbourg, France to become the first colored fashion designer in New York City. She’ll finally be on her own and rid of the family’s strict rules. When their father loses his job, Astrid is commanded to leave school in order to assist the family financially. Trying to help, Corinne reveals Astrid’s secret but only makes the situation worse. Astrid feels betrayed by her younger sister and promises revenge. She seizes the perfect opportunity with Corinne’s blossoming friendship with a boy from class. The sisters become mortal enemies and vow to hate one another until the day they die. That day may come sooner than they think. On April 10th, 1912, the family boards the beautiful Titanic on a voyage that will change their lives forever. A Bond Broken is the prequel novella to the novel Unsinkable, which tells the fictitious story of the only black family on the doomed ship, the Titanic. A Broken Bond


Character Interview: Roses are Red, Diamond are Blue by: Donna Alice Patton

Today, Out of Control Characters hosts a very special guest. Donna Alice Patton and I met through a critique group many, many years ago, and I had the very special privilege to assist her not only with Roses are Red but several other projects. We cemented our friendship by attending Springmingle 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.

We're talking to Laura Barkley, the main character in Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue. But first we'll let Donna have the forum, so we get to know a bit more about her.




KCS: Talk to us about Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue.

DAP: Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue is a historical suspense novel set in the 1970s. My main character, Laura Barkley, has to find a rare blue diamond so that her life can get back on track after the death of her husband. It was a fun book to write because it’s set during the ‘70’s (which I remember well!) The clues in the book are based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books. I adored the Little House books as a child and still read them once a year. It was fun to add in some Laura lore and to see if my readers can guess the outcome.

 Author Bio:  Donna Alice Patton is a freelance writer living in rural Ohio. She is also the author of two books for children – The Search for the Madonna and The Gift of Summer Snow: A Tale from the Garden of Mysteries. An avid history buff, she writes regularly for publications such as History Magazine and enjoys the challenge of tracking down an elusive fact for research. With two other writers, she co-edits a monthly page for children, “Cookies and Milk” syndicated in four Ohiocounties.  Her hobbies including gardening, scrapbooking and sewing vintage doll clothes.


And now we're inviting Laura Barkley to take over, and let us know a few things about herself and her author:

KCS: Introduce yourself to our readers. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

LB: Hi, my name is Laura Barkley and the story pretty much revolves around me. My husband, Peter, was curator at a museum – Wainwright Historical Museum – and he was murdered. Some people (even the police) think he might have either stolen the rare Anastasia Diamond – or helped someone else take it. I’m not sure. All I know at the beginning of the book is that I need to keep my twin daughters safe.

 KCS: What do you think about the author? Tell us everything. We want to know.

LB: Well, I think she’s a pretty good writer because I let her tell my story! We both have this kind of fixation about Laura Ingalls Wilder. I love the Laura books and so does Donna. It was just a natural that my Peter would use clues from the books to help me solve the mysteries. I do think she could write faster and keep better track of how long books take her to write. People always ask that question and she doesn’t know. It drives me batty!!

 KCS: What are your feelings about this story? 

LB: It was hard to live through but I’m happy with the solution to the mystery.
 
KCS: How do you feel about being a character in this book?

LB: It was fun! (Now that it’s over.) But I do wish that the climax hadn’t included a blizzard. . . and that’s all I’m going to say on that subject!

  KCS: What do you see in your future? (No spoilers please!)

LB: Hm . . . it would be spoiling to tell so you’ll have to read to the end.

 KCS: Say a movie producer comes knocking. What actor/actress would you want to play you and why?

LB: Oh, gosh – you’re asking me about movie actors in 2013!  Since my story takes place in the 1970’s I’m not sure I’d have any idea of who is popular today. I mean it was so far out learning Ronald Reagan became president in the future!  This would be a better question for Donna. . . or for Aunt Bessie. I’m sure she’d pick James Garner, her favorite, for one role – even though he was way too old to be one of the main characters. Maybe he could play the police detective?

Delightful! And now we're going to let you know where you can pick up this enjoyable book:

Muse It Up Publishing Amazon  Donna has several books available, and she's a very talented writer of not only fiction, but also non-fiction. You can find her on the web here: Website Blog Twitter