K-lee Klein's Blog: Chaos in the Moonlight , page 2

Blog Tour - Brynn Stein, Waiting for Patrick

Please welcome Brynn Stein to Chaos in the Moonlight. Check out her post and the blog tour for her new release.

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Welcome to my blog tour for Waiting for Patrick. I’m offering giveaways of one signed copy, one electronic copy, and a choice of one title from my backlist. Comment below and at any of my other blog stops (posted below) to be entered to win. One comment, one entry. Dreamspinner is offering my other paranormal titles ( Haunted , Lifeline , and  What No One Else Can Hear ) for $0.99 during “Weekend Reads” on September 2, 3, and 4, in honor of Waiting for Patrick being my ninth published book. Waiting for Patrick will be available at a discounted price throughout the tour (September 1 through 15). Winners of the raffle will be announced on September 16th.
SheriI’ve mentioned in other posts that Sheri is probably my favorite character in Waiting for Patrick. I love the boys, of course (Elliot and Ben), and even Daniel. But Sheri is my favorite. She’s fiery and outspoken and gets away with things I sometimes secretly wish I could. She’s not based on me by any means, though. She’s a consummate extrovert. I’m an ambivert, at best, (usually more like a solid introvert).
I really like the relationship between Elliot and Sheri. They’ve been friends all their adult lives and Elliot thinks of her as his “greatest ally”. But they pick on each other unmercifully. Sheri is one of those people who will be sugary sweet and polite if she doesn’t know you or doesn’t like you. A typical southern gal. But if you’re a friend, heaven help you. No holds barred.
Here’s an excerpt showing just a peak of their relationship. Malcolm is Sheri’s boyfriend, and they’re at Elliot’s house for movies. (Scene opens with Sheri in the kitchen fixing salads for dinner for all three of them).
Elliot has hinted at thinking he has a ghost in his house. Sheri, ever practical (unless she doesn’t want to be), refuses to believe it. That doesn’t stop her from picking on him about it. But Elliot always gives as good as he gets.

Excerpt“Well”—Malcolm pitched his voice just loud enough for her to still hear—“we could watch movies until Tuesday with all the ones you have here.”
Elliot smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll kick you out long before Tuesday.”
Malcolm dropped the considerable stack into Elliot’s lap. “Choose, O wise one.” And then he took a seat on the sofa, brushing off imaginary lint from his shirt and tugging at the wrinkles on his dress slacks.
Elliot looked at the proffered titles. He wasn’t in the mood for anything heavy or violent, so he picked out the Die Hard and Terminator movies right away and set them aside on the chair-side table. He didn’t care to watch a romcom, not that he ever did—though the one with Mark Ruffalo gave him pause. He had to admit the man was sexy as sin. But Elliot finally threw Just Like Heavenand the other two on the table and continued looking through the stack.
“Frozen?” He stared at the cover of the animated feature, then looked pointedly at Malcolm. “I ask you, do I look like the type of person who would watch Disney movies?” 
Sheri appeared in the archway, carrying a tray with three bowls, presumably of salad, and as many glasses. “Not where anyone else could see you watching them, anyway.” She grinned at Elliot’s scowl and placed the tray on the coffee table. “Pick something else.”
Elliot couldn’t believe the next title. “Ghost? Really, Cher?”
“What? Patrick Swayze is hot.” She handed out bowls of salad and glasses of soda, then gave forks to all concerned. Taking her own bowl to the sofa, she sat close to Malcolm and dug in.
“I’m right here, Sheri.” Malcolm took his salad and sank back into the sofa to start on it.
She kissed his cheek. “You’re hot too, sweetie.”
Elliot held the movie case in one hand and slapped it repeatedly against the back of his other hand. “You know, I have half a mind to watch this, just because I know you only brought it to pick on me.”
“You only have half a mind at the best of times, Elle.”
“That’s it.” He threw the case to Malcolm. “Put it in.”

Blurb Architect Elliot Graham has bought and restored dozens of historic homes to their original splendor. As in his personal life, he loves them and leaves them, selling them off without looking back. But there’s something about the old plantation house he finds in South Carolina—a connection he can’t explain. He feels as though he recognizes the house, as if within its crumbling walls he might find something he doesn’t even realize he’s lost.
Ben Myers had promised his lover and soul mate, Patrick, that he would wait for his return. Ben has kept his word ever since Patrick left him to wait at the plantation house—during the Civil War. For the first time in many long years, Ben is no longer alone, and he reaches out to Elliot in dreams. Elliot tries to convince Ben that Patrick isn’t coming back, but Ben’s devotion is about to change not only his lonely existence, but Elliot’s life as well.
Buy Link:
https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...


About the Author Brynn has always loved to write about strong male characters and their close friendships. When she found the world of m/m fiction, she fell in love. Finally, a way to bring those strong male characters together and let those emotional connections spill over into deeper relationships. Sometimes her characters go through the emotional wringer, but they always have each other.
Brynn lives in Virginia near her two grown daughters who support her writing and sometimes act as proof readers. Both of her daughters are also aspiring writers and hopefully it'll just be a matter of time before they have their own author's biography.
Brynn was a teacher by profession for thirty years. She worked in special education with children with emotional disabilities. She has recently changed careers and is now working as a mental health counselor to this same population and their families. When she is not working or writing, she loves to draw and paint. She also gets outside as often as she can, reads anything that doesn't move out of the way, and is always looking for her next story.
Contact Brynn:https://twitter.com/BrynnSteinhttps:/...

Other Blog Stops
      Date Blog Name   Blog Owner Blog Address September 1st Bike Book Reviews Becky http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com/ September 2nd Drops of Ink Anne Barwell http://anne-barwell.livejournal.com/ September 2nd Snow's Untangled Threads and Musings Snow Tigra http://snowtigra.blogspot.com/ September 3rd Antonia Aquilante Antonia Acquilante  www.antoniaaquilante.com/blog     September 3rd The Story Struggle and Beyond Ki Brightly www.brightlybooks.wordpress.com September 4th Thianna Durston Thianna Durston Http://mm.thiannad.com September 4th Unconventional Love Stories Charley Descoteaux https://cdescoteauxwrites.com/ September 4th Misadventures of the Heart Heloise West https://velvetpanic2.wordpress.com/ September 5th Sandra Bard Sandra Bard http://sandrabard.tumblr.com September 5th Tempest O'Riley Tempe O'Riley http://tempesteoriley.com/ September 6th Jackie Keswick Jackie Keswick http://www.jackiekeswick.co.uk September 7th Chaos in the Moonlight K-lee Kline http://chaosinthemoonlight.blogspot.ca/?m=1&zx=8a3ea5613ebace1d September 8th Grace R. Duncan Grace Duncan http://www.grace-duncan.com/graces-blog September 8th Brita Addams Brita Addams http://www.britaaddams.net/#!blog/c1zoe   September 8th Cryselle's Bookshelf Chryselle www.crysellesbookshelf.com September 9th Emotion in Motion Elizabeth Noble http://www.elizabeth-noble.com/my-blog September 9th MM Good Books Review
https://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/ September 10th Jacob Z Flores Jacob Flores http://www.jacobzflores.com/ September 11th Andrew's Blog Andrew Grey http://andrewgreybooks.com/blog/ September 12th Nicki J Marcus Nicki Marcus http://www.nickijmarkus.com September 12th Rainbow Gold Reviews Marc Fleischhauer rainbowgoldreviews.wordpress.com    September 13th PD Singer PD Singer http://wp.me/puLP9-1bg   September 14th Our Story LGBTQ Historical Fiction Christopher  Moss https://ourstoryglbtqhistoricalfiction.com September 15th Renee Stevens Renee Stevens http://reneestevens.net/blog-2/ September 15th Purple Rose Tea House Charlie Cochet http://purpleroseteahouse.com September 15th Open Skye Book Reviews
http://openskyebookreviews.com/ September 15th The Novel Approach Reviews Lisa (Novel Approach) http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/ Throughout the tour Book Trailer on You Tube Lex Valentine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCOua40uCJM

Flash Fiction Monday - Shipping Out

Hey, look at that. I'm dusting off the blog after a really long time - too long actually. It's time to become more active and I'm starting with something I've wanted to do for a while - flash fiction.

I joined a group on Facebook, Monday Flash Fics, so I'm going to give this an actual try. The photo was actually my idea and it was originally posted on July 4th, making it kind of special. I'm really rusty when it comes to this stuff so I hope I do it justice.

The rules of the group are under 500 words but I cheated and ended up with 506. It's better than the 582 I had to begin with though. Here we go.



Shipping out
Shipping out—two simple words meaning so much to so many. Two simple words with opposing, yet important, meanings: pride and shame, love and hate, life and death. And Ryder experienced them all every time Mark had to ship out.
Pride was the simplest. Ryder was proud from the tips of his ears to the heels of his feet of the brave, patriotic, and strong man he intended to share the rest of his life with. And Mark deserved every ounce of pride Ryder felt.
Shame rolled around in the guilt that consumed Ryder during quiet moments of contemplation. It came when soldier-Mark was packing his duffle, making sure everything was ship-shape and up to code, on his way to make a difference in the world. Ryder's hockey career didn't exactly gain him any points for heroism, and though he was doing something he loved, it was hard to measure up to a man risking his life for his country.
Love was a given. He'd loved Mark since college, loved him in a way he fought and struggled against for too many months while Mark waited patiently for him to figure himself out. Love kept Ryder going when his world became suddenly smaller, when his family didn't quite accept what he was and whom he loved. Mark was there with gentle encouraging love when Ryder was afraid to come out to his teammates. And not just there metaphorically, he'd been at Ryder's side, one strong hand pressed to Ryder's back in silent support.
Love was Mark and Mark was love.
Hate was entwined with anger, fear and sadness. When Mark put on the uniform, when he became soldier-Mark, Ryder was ashamed to admit he hated it at first. He hated army green and camouflage, field caps and tucked-in pants, combat boots and shoulder patches—but never for long. It was always an initial response to Mark leaving. But in reality, Ryder knew the uniform was part of what Mark was…for now, so how could he possibly hate anything about it?
Life and death went hand-in-hand when someone you loved shipped out. Mark was Ryder's life, but the repercussions of him leaving were terrifying and all too real.
"Hey." Ryder turned to look at his partner, suddenly aware the hot coffee he'd been clutching was lukewarm and Mark was staring at him. "Where'd you go?"
He ducked his head. "We should get married."
"What…what did you say?" Mark slid an arm behind Ryder, wide grin blocking out the sun. "You got something stronger than java in that mug?"
Ryder's confidence soared when he finally met Mark's gaze. "I don't plan on getting down on one knee and I don't have a ring, but I'd really like to marry you when you get back."
A breath-stealing kiss seemingly sealed the deal. And the rib-breaking hug that followed was all the answer Ryder needed. Shipping out was still stressful but Ryder felt he'd made the right choice in all the right ways—pride, love, life, and Mark.

Gratitude & Giving Day 30 - NJ Nielsen

Hi everyone, Firstly, thank you K-lee for letting me be a part of this hop. The theme is Gratitude & Giving. So I thought today I’ve decided to review the year that’s coming to an end and talk about 12 things I’m most thankful for—one for each month of the year… Most will revolve around my family.
·      My family, for always having my back no matter how stressed our lives become. They always make me see that life is worth living. Plus, Mum and Ethan (my son) for making sure I have my first cup of coffee every day. Also thanks for keeping me supplied in loose leaf paper and a multitude of pens.
·      Again my family for making me minimalize my life and the house… if we haven’t used it in over a year then it has to go… I have lost half my wardrobe because I wear the same handful of things over and over. I’m grateful I have a family I can dole things out to… I had a shitload of plastic wear in the kitchen that will soon be housed at a childcare centre… now that it’s just Mum, Ethan, and me at home I didn’t need it.
·      My husband who has let me be a writer, while he worked to support us… I love him more with every passing day—even if he is now living in a whole different country, and we only get to see him every couple of months or so.
·      My son, Ethan for trying in school and getting better grades than last year… he’s improved enough to be offered a spot in the alternative year 10 program, which is for boys that find it hard in school… instead of normal subjects he will be learning how to run a business. I know next year will be even better for him. He also went out and got a part time job to be able to chip in with paying for his schooling.
·      For my daughter, Emily for sticking it out in uni—even with the really tough subjects she struggled with. I know in the end she’ll be excited that she did it, even if it does mean a course change.
·      My pets for loving me unconditionally—even on the hardest days they are there listening and giving me their silent support. I never really wanted cats, but now I love them all (in case you are wondering I have 3: Droogie, Willow, Toby, and a peach face named Hector).
·      My characters, even though they drive me to distraction most days. At least while they are there harassing me, I know I still have many more stories to come—may they be as annoying next year, and for all the years that follow.
·      To my readers… For those who read my blogs—thank you for letting me ramble, you wouldn’t believe how helpful that is when I’m trying to sort shit out in my head…. For those who read my books—you make what I do worthwhile. I know that I can’t please everyone, but as long as one reader is happy than I know my job is done.
·      My wonderful editors: Christie N… Faith BB… Jamie DR… without you all I would be a mess. Thank you for your patience when it comes to explaining things to me in a way that I can understand.
·   My wonderful publishers: Fireborn Publishing… MLRPress… Totally Bound (Pride Publishing) Thank you for giving me the chance to live out a dream I’ve had since I was a child. Hopefully we will have many more years to come.
·      My friends on social media (you know who you are) I may not join in the conversation every day, but I love reading your words… whether they be about your books, real life, or just bitching about having a bad day—because it tells me I’m not the only one in the world who has problems. Also thankful every now and again I get to have my own drama filled rants.
·      Most of all I’m thankful I finally have my office back to myself. I never realised how hard it is to share—even if it is with family. I struggled this year to get the peace and quiet I need to write… Now Emily has moved out and has taken all of her uni books I once again have my private space… I will be able to spread out and have my research a fingertip away instead of having to search it out because someone else has moved it… I know this one sounds like I’m bitching, and I probably am—but I really am thankful to have my own space back, because I have a full on writing schedule for 2016.
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and the Happiest of New Years. May the new year be more productive than the year just past for us all. I look forward to reading everyone’s new works.
GIVE AWAY
In the season of giving—I’m offering two books from my back list (even if it’s the new Hidden Hearts Book: One last Kiss Goodbye—which is an old story that has been heavily re written and extended—releasing January 1st from Fireborn Publishing). All I need is for you two give me your two choices and what format you need them in and I will get them to you as soon as possible—Good luck everyone.
ABOUT NJ
NJ needs to write like she needs to breathe. It’s an addiction she never intends to find a cure for. When you don’t find NJ arguing with Vlad, her muse, or writing about the wonderful men in her stories, you’ll find her reading work by other authors she greatly admires. NJ lives on five acres situated in the SE of Qld, Australia with her family who all encourage her writing career (even if she does occasionally call them by her character’s names), and her variety of pets. NJ thinks anyone who takes the time to read her stuff is totally awesome, and wants to thank you all.
FIND NJ HERE My Blog (where you hear about everything)   WordPress (mainly book related) Goodreads    FaceBook   Facebook Author Page   Twitter   Linked in   Google+   tsū
PUBLISHER PAGES Fireborn Publishing   MLRPress   Pride Publishing

Gratitude & Giving Day 28 - Teodora Kostova

I’ve never been religious, but I’ve always been spiritual. I believe there’s unseen energy in the world around us, energy that can help us or ruin us depending on how our mind works and what’s in our hearts.
In my early twenties I was plagued by negativity and strong bounds of depression. There was nothing particularly bad going on in my life, but I wasn’t happy. Seeing no reason for feeling that way made me feel guilty on top of everything else.
Things needed to change.
As usual, I resorted to books to help me out. Thanks to some very inspiration biographies and books on positive thinking I was able to re-program my whole mindset. I consciously strived to think positively – find that silver lining – even in the worst of situations. And it worked.Nowadays I go to bed every night with the thought of being thankful for what I have instead of focusing on what I don’t have. And then I wake up every morning, appreciating the new day and what it might have in store for me.
Being thankful for the smallest things has helped me through tough situations and family tragedies. I don’t tolerate negative people in my life anymore.
I have a pretty box in my living room where everyone in my family puts little notes or mementos all year around. Then, on Christmas morning we open the box and relive the best moments of the year together. It’s one of the best experiences anyone can have!We’ve been doing this for a few years and every year the box gets more stuff in it than the previous year. This year the box was so full the lid could barely close.
That’s not to say that this year we haven’t had our heartbreaking moments, everyday worries, and tough decisions to make. But focusing on the positive, on what we’ve actually achieved despite the hurdles life has thrown our way, we made it another year with a box full of goodness.
I can make a huge list for what I’m thankful for, but I won't bore you half to death with it. The most important thing I’m thankful for every single day of my life is my – and my family’s – good health. This year I’ve seen firsthand how devastating illness can be and realised that our good health is the most important thing in the world. We can always make more money, buy more things, help more people... But we can never get our health back once it’s gone.
A huge thank you to K-lee Klein for asking me to be a part of this amazing, and so inspiring, blog tour.
I’m giving away an ebook copy of any of my books (winner’s choice) as a thank you for reading my post. For a chance to win, just leave a comment below, telling me what you’re most thankful for every day of your life, and a contact email. I’ll draw the winner on the 8thof January.
Happy Holidays! May the odds always be in your favour ;)

Author Bio and social media links:
Hi, my name is Teodora and I live in London with my husband and my son. I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it became my full time job a few years ago when I decided that everything else I've tried bores me to death and I have to do what I've always wanted to do, but never had the guts to fully embrace. I've been a journalist, an editor, a personal assistant and an interior designer among other things, but as soon as the novelty of the new, exciting job wears off, I always go back to writing. Being twitchy, impatient, loud and hasty are not qualities that help a writer, because I have to sit alone, preferably still, and write for most of the day, but I absolutely love it. It's the only time that I'm truly at peace and the only thing I can do for more than ten minutes at a time - my son has a bigger attention span than me.
When I'm procrastinating, I like to go to the gym, cook Italian meals (and eat them), read, listen to rock music, watch indie movies and True Blood re-runs. Or, in the worst case scenario, get beaten at every Nintendo Wii game by a kid.
Don't be shy and get in touch - I love connecting with my readers. BlogTwitterFacebook

Gratitude & Giving Day 27 - Sharita Lira

 Thanks to K-Lee for having me. As always, the year had its highs and lows, but I’m grateful to say there has been more good than bad. Of course there are things I’d wish to be better, but I’m looking forward to a great year to come. With today being my 44thbirthday, here are the wonderful aspects of my life I’m very grateful to have.


Family – I don’t have a huge one beyond my husband and kids, but other members of my family including the in-laws have made things a lot easier. When I lost my father to cancer in September and my hubs lost his grandmother just about a month later, everyone was very supportive. My lovely husband was right by my side when I visited my father in the hospital, he did favors for my mother in her time of need. More than that, he supports me in everything I do. I’ll always be grateful to God for giving me the ultimate partner.
Friends – I don’t have a lot. Um, you know I’m an author right? *laughs* I keep my circle small, mostly because outside of Facebook, I’m a boring person. My best friends forever supported me through thick and thin all this year. BFF one helped me with my father’s memorial preparations and all my other friends, including Facebook buddies sent me words of encouragement.
Readers – For everyone who has taken the time to read my work, I thank you. I couldn’t be happier when I hear from you in emails, Facebook posts, messages, and/or reviews. I don’t think I say how much I appreciate my readers. I’d hope they would continue to read my work going forward because I have a bunch planned for the new year. I got three muses you know. *winks*
There are more things to be thankful for, but those are the most important. I did mention how boring I am, right? *laughs* I do thank you for taking the time to read my post, and again, thanks to K-Lee for letting me take a space on her blog.
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CONTEST – For my birthday today, I’d like to give the winner the complete series for N’awlins Exotica. That’s 4 books, including an advanced reading copy of Living in Sin. Just comment and tell me what you’re grateful for? Make sure to include your email address! Contest will be open until January 1st.
Blurb: 

On the cusp of finding his true self, accepting his partner on the force as the love of his life, Vance Morain is ready to live large and proud.

The Big Easy has always been home to the born and raised Texan, however, his desire for Orrin sends him back to the family ranch in Dallas to confess to his parents.

Considering how small minded his dad is, a confession of undying love for another man won’t be a walk in the park. Throw in his father’s discovery of terminal disease and it brings Vance’s plans to a screeching halt.

Can their newfound love handle the distance, or will it break?

This is the follow-up to No Denying Sin N’awlins Exotica Book 3. The series must be read in order.

Excerpt:

Clearly the killer wasn’t willing to allow Vance Morain and his partner, Orrin Daugherty, the chance to enjoy their after dinner romp with friends Kajika Fortier and Frankie Choteau. In a mad scramble, the three cops exchanged kisses with Kajika and ran to the club where another dancer had been murdered. To quell any sort of undue attention, the three of them drove in two separate cars to the crime scene.
Much to Vance’s chagrin, the fifth murder of a New Orleans dancer didn’t afford him any time to think over what had transpired over the past few days with Orrin either. Surprisingly, his thoughts of how to tell his Bible-thumping Republican parents reigned second, compared to the lusty feelings he’d started to feel for his partner. 
Am I falling for him too fast?
Really, Vance couldn’t figure out if he was coming or going. He needed some time off, and fast. Despite this, he didn’t want to give Orrin too much space to change his mind. Something told him that his desired man would run faster than a herd of cattle running from a barn fire.
Vance drove Orrin to the club, arriving within twenty minutes. He parked the car in the alley and immediately jumped out, pulling his badge from his back pocket and putting it around his neck.
Orrin did the same, nodding at the uniform cops as they walked under the tape, avoiding the small crowd of onlookers and news cameras. Seemingly half the neighborhood was gathered in this little spot to find out what had happened and why these crimes were continuing to occur in their city.
“Hey, ya’ll. What’cha finding so far?” Vance nodded at the rest of them and Frankie as if they hadn’t seen each other earlier.
“Hey, Vance and Orrin. We got another one here, I’m afraid.” Waylon, the crime scene investigator spoke first.
“Uniform cops responded to a call around one that a young woman had been found unresponsive and near death in the back of the door.” Frankie briefed them of the situation and took a picture.
“Who made it?” Orrin asked.
“Don’t know. Dispatch has no idea. One of the dancers says Jesselyn got a call right before she left out. The new guy, Brayden, actually offered to walk her to the door, but she refused.”
“Damn,” Vance muttered under his breath.
“I wonder if the killer made that call,” Orrin added.
Vance eyed the body, noticing the same kind of red rope around the dancer’s neck and similar bruises found on the other victims.
“Shit. What a nasty fuck.” Kenina shook her head and placed the sheet back over the corpse. “This monster, male, female, or whatever, has no shame, none at all. Kill her right here, in the back of the club?”
“Yep, but it appears they’ve gotten more clumsy,” Waylon interrupted, still leaning over the body with a flashlight in hand. “Unlike the other bodies, there looks to be some things left behind. Perhaps some fibers or hairs to give us the lead we’re looking for.”
BIO
Author Sharita Lira: In one word, crazy. Just crazy enough to have 3 4 different muses running around in her head, driving her to sheer exhaustion with new plot bunnies and complex characters.
In addition to being a computer geek and a metalhead, Sharita loves live music, reading, and perusing the net for sexy men to be her muses.  She’s also a founding member and contributor to the heavy metal ezine Fourteeng.net.
For more information, please visit http://www.thelitriad.com as well as her Facebook fanpage, The Literary Triad.  Links
WebsiteFacebookTwitterPinterestInstagram

Gratitude & Giving Day 26 - Mia Kerick

I’ve always been spiritual, but I cannot claim that I’m religious in the conventional sense. Raised in a strict Catholic Irish-Italian family, Sunday Mass was mandatory, as was CCD, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and frequent confessions, among other sacraments. But whenever I thought of attending Mass on each of the remaining Sundays of my life, I saw a vortex in front of me, spiraling with a string of dizzying and unending Sunday mornings liturgies. And not in a good way.
Several years ago, I released myself from the practice of formal religion, but when I get in bed at night, I still feel as if I need to say something to the One who created me, my family, my friends, and the Earth that is my home. When I was young there was a definite formula: I said the Hail Mary and then The Lord’s Prayer during which I would struggle to keep my wandering mind on the meanings of the words I was reciting. And then I would plead to God for things I thought I needed. And I would beg for forgiveness for my shortcomings as I desperately feared the fires of hell.
Things are different between God and me now. I sometimes say the prayers of my youth, as it is a rather automatic response when my head hits the pillow. And sometimes I ask for things, but I try to keep my requests to strictly health concerns for the people I love and for those I feel compassion, as I’m not sure that our personal requests really make a difference to God’s plan. For the most part, my prayers now consist of a simple conversation with God. In it, I focus on thanking Him for the people in my life and for His generosity to me. I sincerely hope it is enough. 
And now I will mention some of my life’s most spectacular blessings:
*MY FAMILY
*the accomplishments of my children
*creativity
*wonderful readers and fulfilling career as a writer
*my pets
*the days when I feel at peace with the world
*my unfailing belief that there is something beyond this life
*my ability to empathize
*the health of my family and myself
For me, the feeling of gratitude is spiritual. I’m blessed for what I have, and for what I don’t have, I’m thankful I can continue to strive.
I’d like to show you, readers and friends, my gratitude, by offering to a random person who leaves a comment on this post a ten dollar Amazon “Thank You!” gift card. Maybe you could share what you’re most thankful for. Maybe you would like to say something about what I wrote in this post. Just leave a comment and you will be entered into the random drawing for a gift card.
I will do the drawing in the very beginning of 2016. I’m not obsessed by all the tiny details, so I won’t tell you an exact time and date of the drawing—therefore my best advice is to comment and check back January 2nd to see if you won, and then you can message me your email address for the gift card.
Thank you for reading my books and sharing your thoughts!
Mia Kerick
Amazon link for Clean by Mia KerickAmazon Author PageWebsite
 Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children - all named after saints - and four non-pedigreed cats - all names after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty-three years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don't ask Mia about that, as it's a sensitive subject.
Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young people and their relationships. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big- hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to CoolDudes Publishing, Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink Press, and CreateSpace for providing her with alternate places to stash her stories.Mia is a social liberal and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights, especially marital equality, which is now the law of the land in the United States—woot! woot! Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Gratitude & Giving Day 25 - Cody Kennedy

A very special thank you to beautiful K-Lee for inviting me to participate in this wonderful event on her blog. Trust me on this: you haven’t met a pure heart until you’ve met K-Lee. Not to mention... she rocks!
I practice positive thinking as a matter of course. I’ve done it for so long that it is habit and one I’m thankful I have. It’s helped me through tough times and I’m more than a little grateful for, and protective of, my positive outlook. So much so, I struggle not to resent it when something rains on my parade. I haven’t had a bad year since 2005—a horrible year that culminated in a major health event two days before Christmas and put me in the hospital for 35 days. Since, things have been great and I dared to believe bad years had gone the way of the dodo for me.  Not true. This year sucked for me personally. It doesn’t matter why. It simply did. #TrueStory
coWhen I have a year such as this, it’s easy for the black hole of depression to swallow a positive outlook. If you’ve ever suffered depression, you know it hurts. When this begins to occur, I remind myself that positive thinking is a matter of choice and I must simply get my badass on. 
My badass self is made up of all kinds of anger and frustration that I’ve lived with since early childhood and learned to channel in positive ways. I am very grateful for the life I have and hope I can bestow you with the happiness I feel as often as possible. It wasn’t easy to learn how to do it. I tripped and fell a million times before I succeeded at doing it as a matter of habit. But I did master it. This year reminded me just how tough things can be and I’m proud of myself for refusing to succumb. Better yet, I’m ending this year on a fantastic note thanks to all of you.
As this year draws to a close and we begin again, I thank all of you believing in me, my books, but above all, for being my friends. In our extraordinary information age, and being an introvert and painfully shy, I struggle with being social, accepting compliments, etc. To my elation, all of you kept me going. You offered encouragement, support, and kicked me in the ass when I needed it. Your inspiration and acceptance has rocked my world and I appreciate all of you more than you can imagine. Thank you for being there for me, but most of all for being you. Each and every one of you contributes something unique and special into my world. Please don’t ever hesitate to let me know if I may do the same for you in some way—no matter how small. Take this post personally because it is all about you. 
Give me an example of your badass self and what you're grateful for along with your email address in the comments, and my macaw, Kismet, will choose a winner at random to receive an e-copy of Safe!
Thank you for supporting my brand of badass! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sleight of Heart coming in January, 2016 from CoolDudes Publishing.Add Sleight of Heart to your Goodreads and Booklikes lists!
Lord Taliesin Solitaire was born albino, cursed mute by the fey, and betrayed by a vampire lover. For two hundred years the vampire mage has vowed never to love again and has only used sex as a means to a meal. Until a palm-reading gypsy finds himself in peril and Taliesin can’t resist rescuing the beautiful young man.
Pesha Sinclair is the eldest but smallest son of King Vaida Sinclair, the oppressive ruler of the Kåle Romani Compania. Deemed impure by his father, Pesha is shunned and mistreated by his band and four half-brothers, and one brother in particular wants him dead. His pale, silent savior gives him safety, security and a love he never could have imagined. As Pesha falls in love with his handsome white knight, his half-brother does the unthinkable.
Can Taliesin rescue Pesha from the cruel clutches of his half-brother a second time?
About Cody Kennedy/Aisling Mancy
Ash is an author who lives, most of the time, on the West Coast of the United States. Ash writes adult fantasy, science fiction, adult romance, and fiction for gay young adults as C. Kennedy.
Raised on the mean streets and back lots of Hollywood by a Yoda-look-alike grandfather, Ash doesn’t conform, doesn’t fit in, is epic awkward, and lives to perfect a deep-seated oppositional defiance disorder. In a constant state of fascination with the trivial, Ash contemplates such weighty questions as If time and space are curved, then where do all the straight people come from? When not writing, Ash can be found taming waves on western shores, pondering the nutritional value of sunsets, appreciating the much-maligned dandelion, unhooking guide ropes from stanchions, and marveling at all things ordinary.
Find Ash on blog, Twitter @AislingMancy, Facebook, Goodreads, Booklikes, Amazon and Ash does respond to emails because, after all, it is all about you, the reader.

Gratitude & Giving Day 24 - Brandon Witt

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!
Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, some other winter holiday, or just close your eyes and pretend you don’t see the Salvation Army guy at your grocery story (I always pretend to be on my phone), I hope you’re enjoying the season!  If you’re not, I’m including a picture of my Christmas tree, anyway.  Sorry.  I’m selfish and I think it’s pretty. 
Sooooooo. . . . .  Thankfulness, gratitude, and giving. 
Good themes, and extremely easy for me to speak of at the moment.  And, lucky for you, and very atypical of me, I will be able to keep it brief.  Consider it a Christmas miracle right in front of your eyes. 
This marks six months since I ‘retired’ from 15 years teaching. The quotes do not implied fired.  Just saying.  I am now six months in to writing full time.  I am living my dream and it is truly living up to every hope I had for it.  Save for money and the terror of the quickly diminishing money.  Other than that? Perfection.  I am so unbelievable thankful for the opportunity to leap and see if I soar or flail about haphazardly.
I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it weren’t for Eric Arvin.  It was through his kindness and suggestion a few years ago that I submitted my constantly rejected manuscripts to Dreamspinner and they saw something in me that no one else had.  That or they were desperate.  Honestly, I’ll take either. Without Eric, I wouldn’t even be in the place to write this blog on thankfulness.
Despite my brief years in MM, the past sixth months in our little community has been hard.  Lots of drama.  Lots vileness.  Lots of love, too, but it’s easy to overlook.  However, my rose colored glasses are back on, and I couldn’t be happier about it.  We’ve been doing a fundraiser to help Eric get a machine that will move his body for him, which could make his life so much better. Though I personally felt the fundraiser started slowly, it caught on and people truly showed up.   They once again, writers, readers, bloggers, and artists alike, joined hands and said, “Yes, we can do this!  We will lay down the drama, join our powerful hands together and create and show love.” I could not be more grateful.
For every one of you who gave a dime, shared a link, or offered a plea to the universe/God/whomever, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
So, now my giveaway:
I have a new novel coming out in January.  The Imperfection of Swans.  I’ll include a link and such below. 
Eric’s machine is fully funded, we are raising more money for an item that will change/preserve his writing career, so I’m prayer for more.  From this day through New Year’s Eve, for every person who donates five dollars or more to his campaign (again, link below), I will enter into a drawing.  Five of you will receive the ebook of Swans when it comes out.  You simply need to email me at wordsfoodandmermaids@gmail.com , and put Eric in the subject line and let me know you donated.  I don’t need to know how much and I’m not going to check.  I will take you all at your word.  Every name I get will be put in a drawing and five will receive the novel. I will contact the winners on the January 1st.
How do you like that?  I tell you how thankful I am, and then ask you to give money.  I know.  I’m evil.
But, I love you!  Merry Christmas! 
Brandon Witt
Link to Eric’s Fundraiser: 
Link to The Imperfection of Swans:  
Swans’ blurb:
Kevin Bivanti’s dream is to open a wedding dress shop, a place with the stunning gowns to make every bride-to-be feel adored. At thirty-eight, he quits a successful advertising career to buy an old brownstone in a trendy Boston neighborhood and to make his dream a reality. When one of his cosigners drops out, fate intervenes, ushering in Casper James, who hopes to open his own bakery. With Casper willing to take the risk, their ambitions meld into a wedding dress and wedding cake boutique.
Extensive renovations to the brownstone, an affair with his ex-husband, family drama with his mothers, and the anxiety of significant life changes push Kevin to the brink of a nervous breakdown. In the midst of stress and uncertainty, Casper becomes more than a business partner, a mutual attraction that adds another layer of intensity and risk.
With their dreams on the verge of reality, Kevin and Casper must find the courage to face the stress of managing their attraction, the gamble of a new business venture, and the resurgence of Kevin’s personal demons.
Brandon's Bio:
Brandon Witt's outlook on life is greatly impacted by his first eighteen years of growing up gay in a small town in the Ozarks, as well as fifteen years as a counselor and special education teacher for students with severe emotional disabilities. Add to that his obsession with corgis and mermaids, then factor in an unhealthy love affair with cheeseburgers, and you realize that with all those issues, he's got plenty to write about....
Visit Brandon's webpage:
Visit him on facebook: 
Enjoy episodes of The Witty Hour: 

Gratitude & Giving Day 23 - Toni Griffin

First and foremost I would like to say a bit Thank You to K-Lee for hosting this. As soon as I saw the call go out on Facebook I knew it was something that I would love to take part in.
I can't believe there's only two days left until Christmas and only a week and a bit left of 2015. Where has the time gone? This year hasn't been a great one for me writing wise, but I'm hoping 2016 will be different.
All throughout the year though, even with the decreases in releases, my readers never left me. I love you guys and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love getting emails from readers letting me know they loved one of my books, or wanting to know when the next book in a series is scheduled to be written. If it wasn't for you guys I wouldn't be here right now.
When I started on this journey six years ago now, I was asked a question by my then husband. How many copies of your book would you be happy selling?
My answer to that: To be honest, if I sold a total of a hundred copies I would be over the moon. Here I am, now six years later, with twenty-three books written and thousands of copies sold all because of you. If I could personally thank you all, I would. It might take some time, but I'd try. Until then, please accept this as my thanks for taking a chance on me.
I also want to say a big thank you to my family who from the first supported me in what I chose to do. Writing isn't something I ever grew up thinking I would do, but life is funny like that sometimes. Even though I reckon I threw my family a massive curveball with the genre I chose to love and write, they've never once waivered in their support. Even though I can't be with them all this holiday season, they are in my heart and my thoughts, just as you all are.
Stay safe and I'll see you in 2016
Toni
To show my appreciation of you all, I want to offer one lucky commenter the chance to win an item from the Mischief Corner Books Redbubble store to the value of $25. Simply leave a comment (and your email so I can contact you if you win) to go in the draw. I'll draw it on New Year's Eve. You can check out the store here: http://www.redbubble.com/shop/mischief+corner
Travels Through the Scarlet Equinox: Mischief Corner Books Anthology 6
BLURB: The Autumnal equinox—when the trees dress in their formal scarlet and gold and the crisp air whispers of chance and change, when bright days turn into sudden storms and the veil between reality and imagination thins. Join the Mischief Corner authors as they share stories evoking this often unpredictable time of year.

A Bear’s Bear by Toni Griffin
Matthew Warner's been a Chicago Bears fan as far back as he can remember. What other team was a young bear shifter from the Smokey Mountains supposed to root for? When his college friend gets tickets to the next home game, Matthew jumps at the chance for a holiday. It's his favorite time of year and Nic promises him pumpkin carving and a visit to the world's largest corn maze, what more could he want?

What Matthew doesn’t expect is finding out the defensive tackle for the Bears is his mate. Between fainting at the realization, meeting family, and dealing with the media fallout of his mate's coming out Matthew is in for a hell of a rocky Halloween.BUY LINKS: Amazon, Bookstrand, ARe, B&N, Mischief Corner Books, Smashwords,
Author BIO:Toni Griffin lives in Darwin, the smallest of Australia's capital cities. Born and raised in the state she's a Territorian through and through. Growing up Toni hated english with a passion (as her editors can probably attest to) and found her strength lies with numbers.

Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She's a single mother of one and works full time. When she's not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.

Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime. Website: www.tonigriffin.netFacebook: www.facebook.com/toni.griffin.author

Gratitude & Giving Day 22 - Chris McHart

As Christmas and the New Year approach, it’s time to look back on 2015 and say a big, fat thank you to you all. 
This year has been amazing on so many levels, I can’t even tell you how grateful I am. 2015 has been a great year for me. I published a few books and you—every single one of you—brought me closer to my dream of writing full time. 
Everyone who bought my books, who wrote me to tell me my stories touched you, who asked me about the next book in the series, I owe you big time. Your support means the world to me. This time last year, I had two novellas out and nobody knew me.
Now I have two bestsellers, quite a few books out and some of my stories will release in German and Italian next year as well. I couldn’t have done that without you. Every single one of you. I might never know your name, or meet you, or chat with you (although you’re very welcome to contact me!), but you are all in my heart.

Thank you. Thank you more than I can say.
To go with the theme of K-lee's event, I'm giving away a copy of my short Christmas story, Two Ruined Christmas Eves, as well as a copy of my novella, Expanding Horizons. Leave your name and email in the comments and I'll make a draw on December 29th.
~ * ~ * ~ Blurb
Two Ruined Christmas Eves
It’s Christmas Eve, and folk music star Jonas is on his way to the most important gig of his career, the Volksmusik Stadl. Well, he would be if heavy snowfall hadn’t stopped him on the highway.
Fritz has to accompany his grandparents to the biggest folk music event in southern Germany, the worst punishment for a metal fan, especially on Christmas Eve.
When these two men meet at the concert after-party, sparks fly. Will this Christmas Eve be something special after all?
Buy links:http://www.amazon.com/Ruined-Christmas-Eves-Chris-McHart-ebook/dp/B018R38KQW/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruined-Christmas-Eves-Chris-McHart-ebook/dp/B018R38KQW/
http://www.amazon.com.au/Ruined-Christmas-Eves-Chris-McHart-ebook/dp/B018R38KQW/
Bio
Bestselling author Chris McHart lives in Germany, with her husband, slave, Dom, partner in crime, and muse (all in one person, not even she’s that kinky!). She loves her husband, men in kilts and Scotch Whisky. Her idea of a perfect evening is to curl up with her laptop and write (the other options are not suitable to post in public).
Visit her blog or friend her on Facebook, where you can join her author group.BlogFacebookFacebook groupTwitterNewsletter