Catherine Edward's Blog, page 16
March 18, 2019
COVER REVEAL: Million Dollar Musician by RB Hilliard
Million Dollar Musician by RB Hilliard is releasing April 9th!
Add to #Goodreads ➙ http://bit.ly/2OcYMjJ✰Cover Credits✰Photographer:Wander Pedro AguiarCover Model: Issac DCover Design: Rebel Edits & Design
Add to #Goodreads ➙ http://bit.ly/2OcYMjJ✰Cover Credits✰Photographer:Wander Pedro AguiarCover Model: Issac DCover Design: Rebel Edits & Design
Review: Stone Devil Duke
Stone Devil Duke by K.J. JacksonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Aggie is running for her life. In her kill or be killed situation, she stumble across a handsome Duke, who happen to have the worst day in his life. But when her enemies attack them out of the blue, the Duke rushes to her rescue.
Duke of Dunway, Devin has a bad reputation. When he meets the strange woman dressed as a hack driver, he's intrigued. At first, he want none of the complications. But his curiosity urges him to follow her that night to home. Aggie intrigues him. And when he finds more about her, he only long to get to know more.
Devin is the man others warned Aggie about. The man she should keep away from. But the circumstances keep pushing her, his way and one weak moment leads to the other. Devin as dark and dangerous he looks, promises to protect her and she trusts him. But the peace doesn't last long as her enemies are back, wanting her blood.
Was Devin able to protect her? And why was the men chasing her? Read the story to find answers.
The story has mystery, murder, romance and many twists. There were a few things I couldn't connect with. Like Aggie's character. I felt she's too modern at times, thought wise. There were a few bumps along the road, like the time she gets hurts and the romance after that. But it's overall a good read.
I quiet enjoyed this read. A fast paced story with a hooking plot. I do plan to check out the rest of the series.
View all my reviews
Aggie is running for her life. In her kill or be killed situation, she stumble across a handsome Duke, who happen to have the worst day in his life. But when her enemies attack them out of the blue, the Duke rushes to her rescue.
Duke of Dunway, Devin has a bad reputation. When he meets the strange woman dressed as a hack driver, he's intrigued. At first, he want none of the complications. But his curiosity urges him to follow her that night to home. Aggie intrigues him. And when he finds more about her, he only long to get to know more.
Devin is the man others warned Aggie about. The man she should keep away from. But the circumstances keep pushing her, his way and one weak moment leads to the other. Devin as dark and dangerous he looks, promises to protect her and she trusts him. But the peace doesn't last long as her enemies are back, wanting her blood.
Was Devin able to protect her? And why was the men chasing her? Read the story to find answers.
The story has mystery, murder, romance and many twists. There were a few things I couldn't connect with. Like Aggie's character. I felt she's too modern at times, thought wise. There were a few bumps along the road, like the time she gets hurts and the romance after that. But it's overall a good read.
I quiet enjoyed this read. A fast paced story with a hooking plot. I do plan to check out the rest of the series.
View all my reviews
March 17, 2019
BOOK TOUR: TIME'S TIDE by Adrian Harvey
TIME'S TIDE by Adrian Harvey
“The story of a family relationship - of all relationships - of how it grows, of how early on the seeds of destruction are sown. An intriguing tale, exquisitely written. Highly recommended.” --Sue Magee, The Bookbag
A father and son struggle to overcome the distance between them. Each is drawn irresistibly to an unforgiving landscape, one that has been the scene of tragedy and loss. The son's return to the northern shore he abandoned as a young man promises the chance to heal the rift. But is it too late? Arni left his remote corner of Iceland as soon as he could, but can never quite escape the pull of the West Fjords and bleak landscape of his birth, nor shake the guilt he feels towards his distant father. When Eirikur goes missing, he sets off to find him on a windswept spit of land lost in an angry ocean. Time's Tide is a compelling and beautifully written story of loss, belonging and the silence between fathers and sons.
· Harvey’s debut, Being Someone, was selected for the WHS Fresh Talent promotion· His work appeals to fans of Nicholas Sparks, Helen Walsh and Lucy Foley
Since escaping the East Midlands to find his fortune in the big city, Adrian Harvey has combined a career in and around government with trying to see as much of the world as he can. He lives in North London, which he believes to be the finest corner of the world’s greatest city. His debut novel, Being Someone, was selected for WHS Fresh Talent, and he followed it with the acclaimed Cursing Stone in 2017.
Buy Link https://amzn.to/2ShCvFQ
PUB DATE: 14th March 2019ISBN: 9781912666232PRICE: £8.99EXTENT: 320 PagesDIMENSIONS: B format paperbackCATEGORY: Mystery, contemporary fictionBIC CODE: FA, FHREGIONS: World
Being Someone 9781909273092
Cursing Stone 9781911129189
matthew@urbanepublications.com
UK sales by Signature Book Representation (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 862 1730sales@signaturebooksuk.com
Distributed by Combined Book Services Ltd Unit D, Paddock Wood Distribution Centre, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 6UUTel. 01892 837171 Email: orders@combook.co.uk
“The story of a family relationship - of all relationships - of how it grows, of how early on the seeds of destruction are sown. An intriguing tale, exquisitely written. Highly recommended.” --Sue Magee, The Bookbag
A father and son struggle to overcome the distance between them. Each is drawn irresistibly to an unforgiving landscape, one that has been the scene of tragedy and loss. The son's return to the northern shore he abandoned as a young man promises the chance to heal the rift. But is it too late? Arni left his remote corner of Iceland as soon as he could, but can never quite escape the pull of the West Fjords and bleak landscape of his birth, nor shake the guilt he feels towards his distant father. When Eirikur goes missing, he sets off to find him on a windswept spit of land lost in an angry ocean. Time's Tide is a compelling and beautifully written story of loss, belonging and the silence between fathers and sons.
· Harvey’s debut, Being Someone, was selected for the WHS Fresh Talent promotion· His work appeals to fans of Nicholas Sparks, Helen Walsh and Lucy Foley
Since escaping the East Midlands to find his fortune in the big city, Adrian Harvey has combined a career in and around government with trying to see as much of the world as he can. He lives in North London, which he believes to be the finest corner of the world’s greatest city. His debut novel, Being Someone, was selected for WHS Fresh Talent, and he followed it with the acclaimed Cursing Stone in 2017.
Buy Link https://amzn.to/2ShCvFQ
PUB DATE: 14th March 2019ISBN: 9781912666232PRICE: £8.99EXTENT: 320 PagesDIMENSIONS: B format paperbackCATEGORY: Mystery, contemporary fictionBIC CODE: FA, FHREGIONS: World
Being Someone 9781909273092
Cursing Stone 9781911129189
matthew@urbanepublications.com
UK sales by Signature Book Representation (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 862 1730sales@signaturebooksuk.com
Distributed by Combined Book Services Ltd Unit D, Paddock Wood Distribution Centre, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 6UUTel. 01892 837171 Email: orders@combook.co.uk
March 13, 2019
BOOK BLITZ: FALLEN STAR by Susannah Nix [EXCERPT included]
FALLEN STAR by Susannah Nix
FALLEN STAR by Susannah Nix releases March 5th - get a look at an excerpt below and preorder your copy today!
About FALLEN STARAvailable March 5th, 2019The second he walked through the door, she could tell he was trouble.Grace knows better than to fall for a Hollywood bad boy like Scott Deacon. An arrogant movie star with a troubled past and a big honking chip on his shoulder? No, thank you. He may be sex on wheels, but beneath the charming facade he’s just another cocky jackass destined to make her job more difficult.Except...The more time they spend together, the hotter the fire between them burns. With every flirtatious smile and brush of his hand, she feels her defenses crumbling.She wants to hate him, but instead she’s in danger of losing all control.
FALLEN STAR releases March 5th - preorder your copy now!✦Apple Books https://apple.co/2sUEguf
✦B&N http://bit.ly/2sRkmQV
✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2sQKECQ
✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2sS1HEJ
Be sure to follow Susannah on social media to find out when the Amazon preorder goes live!Add FALLEN STAR to Goodreads now: http://bit.ly/2sRkm3n
Read an Excerpt from FALLEN STAR: Tuesday they were shooting on location in Jackson Square all day. The call time was two hours before dawn, so they could wring every second of sunlight out of the day, and Grace could not stop yawning on the transport van to the location.
“Wakey, wakey,” Scott said, leaning over the back of his seat to shake a plastic tumbler filled with something thick and green and disgusting-looking in front of her face.
“Ugh,” Grace grumbled. “Get that away from me.” She couldn’t help but smile a little though, even through her sleep-deprived crankiness.
An hour later, as the first streaks of light were glimmering in the sky above the river, Scott showed up at the pop-up tent where video village had been set up, and presented Grace with a white paper bag and a tall styrofoam cup from Café du Monde.
“For me?” she asked, perking up considerably. “Did you seriously walk over there and buy me coffee?” He didn’t seem to have gotten anything for anyone else. Just her. Her brain filed this information away to obsess over and analyze later, when he wasn’t standing two feet away grinning at her.
“Café au lait,” Scott said smugly. “And beignets.”
Grace narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion. “Did you make one of the PAs do it?”
“As a matter of fact, I did it all by myself. And I had to take a picture with the employees, so I hope you appreciate it.”
“I do!” she said, beaming at him. “You’re officially my favorite person today.”
He blinked at her, his smirk fading into something else entirely. Whatever that expression on his face was, it sent Grace’s stomach tumbling into a free fall. Rather than examine it more closely, she focused her attention on the bag in her hand. Inside was a mountain of powdered sugar, and buried beneath it were three pillowy squares of fried dough. “Don’t inhale while you’re eating those,” Scott warned her.
“Not my first rodeo,” Grace told him, excavating a beignet. “Want one?”
“Noooo.” He held up his hands in a warding gesture. “I’m doing a water cut for that fight scene on Thursday.”
Right. He’d be shirtless, which meant the Abs of Glory would be on full display. Grace found herself looking forward to Thursday with a little more enthusiasm.
“Sucks for you,” she said, giving him a taunting grin as she bit into a beignet.
His eyes homed in on her mouth with laser beam focus. “That’s fine. I’ll just enjoy them vicariously by watching you eat.”
“Does this get you off?” she asked archly and took another bite.
Scott licked his lips. “Not gonna lie, it kind of does.”
Grace couldn’t help laughing at his retriever-staring-down-a-dog-treat expression, which led her to make the fatal mistake of inhaling with the beignet in front of her mouth. Coughing sugar out of her lungs, she clapped a hand over her mouth as a cloud of fine white powder billowed out in front of her.
Scott sidestepped the powdered sugar typhoon and patted her on the back, chuckling. “Told you not to inhale.”
About Susannah NixSusannah Nix is the author of quirky contemporary romances about smart women and swoony men, including the Chemistry Lessons series of romcoms featuring STEM heroines and the Starstruck series of movie star romances. She lives in Texas with her husband, two ornery cats, and a flatulent pit bull.
When she’s not writing, Susannah enjoys reading, cooking, knitting, watching too much television, and getting distracted by Tumblr. She is also a powerlifter who can deadlift as much as Captain America weighs.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | BookBub | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest
FALLEN STAR by Susannah Nix releases March 5th - get a look at an excerpt below and preorder your copy today!About FALLEN STARAvailable March 5th, 2019The second he walked through the door, she could tell he was trouble.Grace knows better than to fall for a Hollywood bad boy like Scott Deacon. An arrogant movie star with a troubled past and a big honking chip on his shoulder? No, thank you. He may be sex on wheels, but beneath the charming facade he’s just another cocky jackass destined to make her job more difficult.Except...The more time they spend together, the hotter the fire between them burns. With every flirtatious smile and brush of his hand, she feels her defenses crumbling.She wants to hate him, but instead she’s in danger of losing all control.
FALLEN STAR releases March 5th - preorder your copy now!✦Apple Books https://apple.co/2sUEguf
✦B&N http://bit.ly/2sRkmQV
✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2sQKECQ
✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2sS1HEJ
Be sure to follow Susannah on social media to find out when the Amazon preorder goes live!Add FALLEN STAR to Goodreads now: http://bit.ly/2sRkm3n
Read an Excerpt from FALLEN STAR: Tuesday they were shooting on location in Jackson Square all day. The call time was two hours before dawn, so they could wring every second of sunlight out of the day, and Grace could not stop yawning on the transport van to the location.
“Wakey, wakey,” Scott said, leaning over the back of his seat to shake a plastic tumbler filled with something thick and green and disgusting-looking in front of her face.
“Ugh,” Grace grumbled. “Get that away from me.” She couldn’t help but smile a little though, even through her sleep-deprived crankiness.
An hour later, as the first streaks of light were glimmering in the sky above the river, Scott showed up at the pop-up tent where video village had been set up, and presented Grace with a white paper bag and a tall styrofoam cup from Café du Monde.
“For me?” she asked, perking up considerably. “Did you seriously walk over there and buy me coffee?” He didn’t seem to have gotten anything for anyone else. Just her. Her brain filed this information away to obsess over and analyze later, when he wasn’t standing two feet away grinning at her.
“Café au lait,” Scott said smugly. “And beignets.”
Grace narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion. “Did you make one of the PAs do it?”
“As a matter of fact, I did it all by myself. And I had to take a picture with the employees, so I hope you appreciate it.”
“I do!” she said, beaming at him. “You’re officially my favorite person today.”
He blinked at her, his smirk fading into something else entirely. Whatever that expression on his face was, it sent Grace’s stomach tumbling into a free fall. Rather than examine it more closely, she focused her attention on the bag in her hand. Inside was a mountain of powdered sugar, and buried beneath it were three pillowy squares of fried dough. “Don’t inhale while you’re eating those,” Scott warned her.
“Not my first rodeo,” Grace told him, excavating a beignet. “Want one?”
“Noooo.” He held up his hands in a warding gesture. “I’m doing a water cut for that fight scene on Thursday.”
Right. He’d be shirtless, which meant the Abs of Glory would be on full display. Grace found herself looking forward to Thursday with a little more enthusiasm.
“Sucks for you,” she said, giving him a taunting grin as she bit into a beignet.
His eyes homed in on her mouth with laser beam focus. “That’s fine. I’ll just enjoy them vicariously by watching you eat.”
“Does this get you off?” she asked archly and took another bite.
Scott licked his lips. “Not gonna lie, it kind of does.”
Grace couldn’t help laughing at his retriever-staring-down-a-dog-treat expression, which led her to make the fatal mistake of inhaling with the beignet in front of her mouth. Coughing sugar out of her lungs, she clapped a hand over her mouth as a cloud of fine white powder billowed out in front of her.
Scott sidestepped the powdered sugar typhoon and patted her on the back, chuckling. “Told you not to inhale.”
About Susannah NixSusannah Nix is the author of quirky contemporary romances about smart women and swoony men, including the Chemistry Lessons series of romcoms featuring STEM heroines and the Starstruck series of movie star romances. She lives in Texas with her husband, two ornery cats, and a flatulent pit bull. When she’s not writing, Susannah enjoys reading, cooking, knitting, watching too much television, and getting distracted by Tumblr. She is also a powerlifter who can deadlift as much as Captain America weighs.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | BookBub | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest
March 12, 2019
Review: Let Me In
Let Me In by Adam NichollsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I stumbled on this book, I was intrigued. I started reading and devoured the entire novel in under 4 hours.
This is the first book I'm reading from this author, but I can say, I'm now his fan.
Let Me In, opens with the killer committing his first murder. Morgan Young is brought into the scene by his best friend Gary, who is in Metropolitan police department. Since Gary isn't allowed to be involved in the case due to his romantic past with the victim, Morgan takes up his request. The rest of the story follows the private detective Morgan as he investigates.
The book kept me on my toes the entire time I read. It's not only well-written, but the fast paced plot moved with such twists and turns, I found myself at the edge of the seat, with a curiosity on how Morgan would find the killer. The characters in this book are realistic and relatable. I also liked how Morgan was so different from the alpha males, normally written.
I highly recommend this book for crime thriller lovers. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
View all my reviews
When I stumbled on this book, I was intrigued. I started reading and devoured the entire novel in under 4 hours.
This is the first book I'm reading from this author, but I can say, I'm now his fan.
Let Me In, opens with the killer committing his first murder. Morgan Young is brought into the scene by his best friend Gary, who is in Metropolitan police department. Since Gary isn't allowed to be involved in the case due to his romantic past with the victim, Morgan takes up his request. The rest of the story follows the private detective Morgan as he investigates.
The book kept me on my toes the entire time I read. It's not only well-written, but the fast paced plot moved with such twists and turns, I found myself at the edge of the seat, with a curiosity on how Morgan would find the killer. The characters in this book are realistic and relatable. I also liked how Morgan was so different from the alpha males, normally written.
I highly recommend this book for crime thriller lovers. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
View all my reviews
March 11, 2019
BLOG TOUR: Right Girl, Wrong Timing by Natalie Decker
Right Girl, Wrong Timing
Natalie Decker
(Offsides, #3)
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: March 12th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Adaline Frost’s life officially sucks. Now that her BFF has found her true love, Addy is constantly stuck being the third wheel. On top of that, she hasn’t started her junior project yet, so her advisor pairs her up with what could only be described as the “Reject Breakfast Club.” Instead of the weirdo and the troublemaker, Addy is forced to work with two stoners, a popular girl, and her crush, Austin Reed, the jock who broke her heart.Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:I’m about to go forward and talk to her, but I divert from that plan as soon as I see Greg stepping up next to her. He’s blocking her from my view with his douchiness.
Austin Reed is sick of being labeled “dumb jock.” If he doesn’t get an A on this project, he can kiss his future goodbye. Austin thought he’d gotten lucky being partners with the very nerdy Adaline Frost, but boy was he wrong. Addy jumps down his throat about his being late and calls him names like “manwhore” on the daily. She has no idea Austin works before and after school in order to help his mom with the bills. Yeah, he’s made mistakes and has had lots of girlfriends, but he doesn’t need Adaline Frost to remind him of it every time he sees her.
Can Austin and Addy ever be a thing?
Right Girl Wrong Timing is book 3 in the Offsides series by Natalie Decker.
She said they weren’t dating at the dance. That was weeks ago, so why the hell is he still hanging around her? Why are his fingers clasping wisps of her hair? He shouldn’t be touching her.
This feeling is not sitting right with me at all. Fact is, I’ve never been jealous. Have I been a little envious of the people who go here recently? Maybe. I mean, a few months ago I used to be just like them. New clothes, shoes, going to parties, not having a care in the world. Then my mom lost her awesome job at the hospital due to cuts, Dad left, and shit just went downhill. Now, I have to make sure my mom and I don’t get kicked out of the dump we live in or have anything shut off because of the lack of funds. I’ve never been jealous of a guy dating a girl I was interested in, though. Until Adaline, and I swear this is going to be a problem. It’s already cost me my childhood home. I can’t afford to lose any more.
My fingernails dig into my palm as my hands ball into fists at my sides while I watch Adaline tip back her head and laugh. I need to get a grip. I’m losing it. This shouldn’t bother me. In fact, I shouldn’t even give a shit that they’re hanging out. Adaline and I can’t be anything.
Author Bio:
Natalie Decker is the author of RIVAL LOVE series and the Scandalous Boys series. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn't her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She's a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she's not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she's off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 8, 2019
BLOG TOUR: The Vodka Trail - Book 2 by A.A. Abbott [Excerpt Included]
BLOG TOUR: The Vodka Trail - Book 2 by A.A. Abbott [Excerpt Included]
Blurb
A tense crime thriller, packed with twists - and vodka!
Kat White ended up a penniless teenager marooned in London when her parents died in a foreign prison. She blames Marty Bridges, her father’s business partner, for their deaths.
Now Kat wants to recover the family vodka business and stop Marty’s gravy train. But when she’s taken hostage by terrorists, Marty holds her life in his hands...
A compelling crime thriller, sizzling with suspense, seduction, tension and twists.
Buy Link https://amzn.to/2CG9slA
Author Information
English thriller writer AA Abbott’s real name is Helen Blenkinsop, but like JK Rowling, she wanted to . She loves city life, having lived and worked in London, Birmingham and Bristol. Her crime thrillers, set in Birmingham and London, sizzle with suspense, twists and the evils of office politics.
Helen’s books are available in a dyslexia-friendly large print as well as standard paperback and Kindle editions.
Her Trail Series follows the fortunes of glamorous blonde Kat White, a party girl who finds her purpose making vodka, shrewd businessman Marty Bridges, and manipulative East End crime lord Shaun Halloran
Twitter Handles @AAAbbottStories#LoveBooksGroupTours
Excerpt:
Chapter - 1
Orphaned and destitute at the age of sixteen, desperate to scratch a living, Kat had made some bad decisions. She’d narrowly avoided a criminal record, and although that was luck of a sort, nothing could fill the yawning chasm that had opened in her life when her parents died. Love, security, and even her future had vanished. She’d imagined her father’s business would be hers, but at the stroke of a clerk’s pen, it was taken away. Now, nearly twenty-five and ready to follow her ambitions, she wanted it back. Ross could give her the means. He was prosperous enough to pay lawyers to wrest the factory from its current owners. That wouldn’t happen without a fight, probably an expensive battle through the Bazaki courts, but she was sure Ross’ pockets were deep enough.She’d made an effort for him tonight. There was champagne in the fridge and candles flickered in the master bedroom. Kat wore nothing but a wispy negligée. The eau-de-nil silk clung to her curves and highlighted her jade-green eyes. “Because you’re worth it, Ross,” she whispered to herself. That wasn’t the whole truth. Yes, Ross was rich, handsome and fit. His penthouse flat in Fitzrovia was perfect, set in a quiet residential street a stone’s throw from London’s busiest shops and bars. His generosity was lavish: flowers, designer dresses, holidays, and now the huge diamond ring that sparkled on her finger. Yet Kat didn’t want to be a trophy wife. She craved independence and success in her own right, and knew she was capable of running a vodka business. That was only going to happen with Ross’ help, though. Did he care about her dreams? She was about to find out.
March 6, 2019
BLOG TOUR: Kingdom of Salt & Sirens Boxed Set [Excerpt Included]
Kingdom of Salt & Sirens Boxed Set
Publication date: March 5th 2019
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
The Little Mermaid but not as you remember it…Goodreads / Amazon—SNEAK PEEKS:
Beneath the turbulent seas, beyond the smokey depths, lies a Kingdom that exists in your wildest imagination. A world where mermaids swim, sirens sing and shipwrecks hide mysterious creatures.
Make waves with our 11 magical retellings of the timeless classic, The Little Mermaid.
Dive into a world filled with adventure, love and magic!
One click now for your happily ever after.
Authors include:J.A Armitage
R. Castro
Jennifer Ellision
Mira Crest
K.M Pyne
Laura Greenwood
Jacque Stevens
Scarlett Kol
Anne Stryker
Nikki Landis
Tracy Korn
Balanced Scales by Laura Greenwood:
“What happens at the end of your version of the story?”
I shrugged. “Much the same as in your version, I guess. She falls in love with the Prince, he with her, they get married and live happily ever after.”
Erickson’s face fell. “That’s not the same as our version,” he responded. “Ours is a lot more sinister. She loses her chance to marry the Prince. When her sisters find out, they barter for a dagger. The mermaid could return to the sea if she stabbed the Prince through the heart with it.”
I shuddered. “That’s horrible. Did she do it?” If she had, then maybe it would explain why humans seemed to be so against the mer.
“No. She turned into sea foam and disappeared into the air. Some versions say she’s taken pity on by some sylphs and became one of them.”
“Sylphs?” I’d never heard of them and had no idea what he meant. They certainly weren’t part of the stories I’d been told as a child.
“I don’t know how to explain them. They’re made of air and hang around in the atmosphere.”
“And what do they do to her?”
“I’m not sure. In our version of the story, mermaids don’t have souls. When they die they turn to sea foam and just cease to exist.”
I laughed lightly as we turned down another street. “I can assure you, that’s not what it’s like.”
“I guessed. You can’t have a soul stolen if you didn’t have one to begin with.”
“Which do you think is the true version of the story?” My words came out barely above a whisper. Part of me didn’t want to ask at all. Especially if it would mean he said he thought his version was the right one. If that was true, then how had my people gotten souls to begin with…
“Neither. I think it’s nothing more than a story. Each side will tell it the way that puts their own people in the best light. Just like with every other legend like that.”
“I suppose…” Though I didn’t like to think of the mermaid I’d heard so much about as nothing more than fiction. She’d been an inspiration to so many young mer who wanted adventure. Not so much on land, but out in the open sea.
“You never know, maybe one day they’ll be telling our story like they do hers,” he said jovially.
—From The Little Monster by Jennifer Ellision:
“Wait!” The little human lurched forward, a single hand outstretched, the other anchored firmly to the ship’s railing. It swallowed as the little monster raised a brow to her. The hand fell lamely back to her side.
“I… don’t even know your name.”
“Name?”
“What are you called?”
“I don’t understand.” What was she called? She was a predator, a hunter, a Mordgris, a…
“I am a monster,” she said simply.
“You’re all monsters,” the human breathed. “But you’re not quite like the rest. How am I to call you and you alone?”
Her. Alone.
A thrill spiked through the little monster. Why hadn’t she thought of this before? She deserved her own name. She was the best of her kind. There was nothing in the sea that could best her except, perhaps, the sea itself. And that made choosing a name simple.
“You may call me Mara,” she said.
“Mara,” the human repeated slowly. “Mara… for the sea?”
Another thrill surged within her as she nodded, knowing the word belonged only to her. The little human had understood the meaning instantly. In a way that prey was not meant to understand its hunter.
“I am Amista,” she said, lifting her full lower scales to cross the bottoms of her fins and bob on deck. “And it has been a pleasure to meet you, Mara.”
Mara dove back into the cool embrace of the sea, feeling Amista’s eyes on her back as she swam away.
The little monster had become Mara.
The little human had become Amista.
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 5, 2019
BLOG TOUR: Enchantress Undercover by A.C. Spahn [Excerpt Included]
Enchantress Undercover by A.C. Spahn [Excerpt Included]
Enchantress Undercover
A.C. Spahn
(Arcane Artisans, #1)
Publication date: March 18th 2019
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
This excerpt is from chapter one, and catches the narrator Adrienne in a tight spot, with magic pressing in on her, demanding release. Here’s a taste of how she usually handles a buildup of her power:
* * *
I found Kendall in the knitting section, sorting out balls of yarn that customers had misplaced. “Kendall, I need your wallet,” I said.
My best friend spun toward me, her green eyes alarmed. Her dagger-shaped dangly earrings jingled as she looked me up and down. “You okay?”
“Wallet,” I said, flinching as another wave of magic rolled over me. “Now.”
Wordlessly she drew her duct tape wallet from her back pocket and passed it over. She’d made it herself with black tape and orange trim, and a little beaded zipper pull that read “404 Money Not Found.” I rummaged through the cash pocket until I found a smooth, new twenty. I yanked it out and returned the wallet.
“You gonna give that back?” Kendall called as I rushed away.
At my workspace, I flashed a reassuring smile at Mrs. Jacinta before ducking behind the partition. I slapped the twenty on the metal table beside Mrs. J’s half-finished wind chime, then draped the leather cord across the two objects. I closed my eyes and reached into the fog of magic choking the air.
May riches grace the home where this wind chime rings, I chanted in my mind. May poverty never find shelter there. May this be a talisman of plenty, a harbinger of abundance.
I repeated the words as I felt the magic move, swirling around me, guided by my impromptu enchantment. I sent it into the twenty dollar bill, letting it absorb the money’s nature, the crispness of the paper, the smell of the ink, the financial security it represented. Once the magic had stewed there, I channeled it through the soft leather cord and into the engraved wave on the chime.
When I opened my eyes, the enchantment had taken hold.
—Want a free step-by-step crafting guide from the novel’s characters, and a chance to win other awesome swag? Enter the Enchantress Undercover pre-release drawing! All you have to do is pre-order the book for 99 cents, then submit a copy of your e-receipt, plus your name and mailing address to EnchantressSwag@gmail.com. (You need to include an address to be eligible; otherwise you can’t get your prize if you win.) There are three levels of prizes:
Everyone who pre-orders and submits their pre-order receipt will receive a link to download a digital crafting guide written and annotated by the characters from the novel. The guide teaches you to make five easy and intermediate handcrafts step-by-step, plus contains fun hints about the plot and people of Enchantress Undercover.Ten randomly chosen entries will win a mini swag pack that includes a handmade replica of Adrienne’s shield ring from the novel, a handmade leather bookmark, a magnet with a quote from the book, and a temporary enchantment tattoo.One randomly chosen entry will receive a crafting gift box including a signed paperback of Enchantress Undercover, a $25 Amazon gift card, exclusive jewelry, a glue gun and glue sticks, and more.To get your crafting guide and your chance to win the other prizes, pre-order Enchantress Undercover on Kindle, and submit a copy of your e-receipt, your name, and the address where you’d like possible prizes shipped to EnchantressSwag@gmail.com.
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Enchantress Undercover
A.C. Spahn
(Arcane Artisans, #1)
Publication date: March 18th 2019
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Adrienne Morales is a hunted woman.Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:
Stalked by Voids—people immune to magic—and pursued by a deadly past, Adrienne wants nothing more than to avoid spells and sorcery. Her powers as an enchantress make that impossible. Every few days she must release the magic gathering around her, or it’ll steal her sanity. The only way to stay alive is to practice her magic in secret, hiding enchantments in works of art she sells in her craft store.
When a firebreathing psychopath controlled by enchantment tries to burn down her store, Adrienne unleashes her powers to stop him. Unfortunately her battle has a witness—Adrienne’s handsome business partner. Turns out he’s a Void, and sworn to a Union that executes rogue magic users. Worse, the firebreather isn’t the only victim to pop up around San Francisco. Someone is using magic to create monsters and destroy minds, and the Void Union wants them dead.
Now Adrienne must capture the rogue enchanter before they ruin more innocent lives—and before the Voids punish her for the rogue’s crimes. But Voids aren’t the worst thing chasing her. Every enchantment she crafts makes it more likely her past will track her down. And if it does, madness will be the kindest fate awaiting her.
This excerpt is from chapter one, and catches the narrator Adrienne in a tight spot, with magic pressing in on her, demanding release. Here’s a taste of how she usually handles a buildup of her power:
* * *
I found Kendall in the knitting section, sorting out balls of yarn that customers had misplaced. “Kendall, I need your wallet,” I said.
My best friend spun toward me, her green eyes alarmed. Her dagger-shaped dangly earrings jingled as she looked me up and down. “You okay?”
“Wallet,” I said, flinching as another wave of magic rolled over me. “Now.”
Wordlessly she drew her duct tape wallet from her back pocket and passed it over. She’d made it herself with black tape and orange trim, and a little beaded zipper pull that read “404 Money Not Found.” I rummaged through the cash pocket until I found a smooth, new twenty. I yanked it out and returned the wallet.
“You gonna give that back?” Kendall called as I rushed away.
At my workspace, I flashed a reassuring smile at Mrs. Jacinta before ducking behind the partition. I slapped the twenty on the metal table beside Mrs. J’s half-finished wind chime, then draped the leather cord across the two objects. I closed my eyes and reached into the fog of magic choking the air.
May riches grace the home where this wind chime rings, I chanted in my mind. May poverty never find shelter there. May this be a talisman of plenty, a harbinger of abundance.
I repeated the words as I felt the magic move, swirling around me, guided by my impromptu enchantment. I sent it into the twenty dollar bill, letting it absorb the money’s nature, the crispness of the paper, the smell of the ink, the financial security it represented. Once the magic had stewed there, I channeled it through the soft leather cord and into the engraved wave on the chime.
When I opened my eyes, the enchantment had taken hold.
—Want a free step-by-step crafting guide from the novel’s characters, and a chance to win other awesome swag? Enter the Enchantress Undercover pre-release drawing! All you have to do is pre-order the book for 99 cents, then submit a copy of your e-receipt, plus your name and mailing address to EnchantressSwag@gmail.com. (You need to include an address to be eligible; otherwise you can’t get your prize if you win.) There are three levels of prizes:
Everyone who pre-orders and submits their pre-order receipt will receive a link to download a digital crafting guide written and annotated by the characters from the novel. The guide teaches you to make five easy and intermediate handcrafts step-by-step, plus contains fun hints about the plot and people of Enchantress Undercover.Ten randomly chosen entries will win a mini swag pack that includes a handmade replica of Adrienne’s shield ring from the novel, a handmade leather bookmark, a magnet with a quote from the book, and a temporary enchantment tattoo.One randomly chosen entry will receive a crafting gift box including a signed paperback of Enchantress Undercover, a $25 Amazon gift card, exclusive jewelry, a glue gun and glue sticks, and more.To get your crafting guide and your chance to win the other prizes, pre-order Enchantress Undercover on Kindle, and submit a copy of your e-receipt, your name, and the address where you’d like possible prizes shipped to EnchantressSwag@gmail.com.
Author Bio:
A. C. Spahn is the author of the Endurance series and the Arcane Artisans series. Her shorter works have been published by Daily Science Fiction, Star*Line, Outposts of Beyond, Disturbed Digest, and others.
She wanted to be an interstellar starship captain when she grew up. Since nobody was hiring, she became a writer instead. She enjoys training in martial arts, organizing messy rooms, and cooking, sometimes all at once. When not commanding imaginary starships, she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and feline overlord.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 2, 2019
BLOG TOUR: Sea Babies by Tracey Scott Townsend [Excerpt Included]
Sea Babies by Tracey Scott Townsend
Blurb
Lauren Wilson is travelling by ferry to the Outer Hebrides, about to begin a new job as a social worker. When somebody sits opposite her at the cafeteria table, she refuses to look up, annoyed at having her privacy disturbed. But a hand is pushing a mug of tea towards her, and a livid scar on the back of the hand releases a flood of memories. Some people believe in the existence of a parallel universe. Does Lauren have a retrospective choice about the outcome of a terrible recent accident, or is it the bearer of that much older scar who has the power to decide what happens to her now?
Author Information
Tracey Scott-Townsend: BioTracey is the author of The Last Time We Saw Marion, Of His Bones, The Eliza Doll and Another Rebecca. Her fifth novel, Sea Babies will be released on 1stllection, So Fastwas published in January 2018.Tracey is also a visual artist. All her work is inspired by the emotions of her own experiences and perceptions.
Tracey is the mother of four grown-up children and now spends a lot of time travelling in a small camper van with husband Phil and their rescue dogs, Pixie and Luna, gathering her thoughts and writing them down.
Buy Link https://amzn.to/2S4gydb
Twitter Handles @authortrace #LoveBooksGroupTours @Wildpressed
Excerpt:
The darkness surprises me when I open the door. Will I ever get used to such sudden nightfall in the mountains?Then, in an instant, I’m thrown back into the past. I once stood beside Neil in the National Museum of Scotland. We’d gone to see an exhibition of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and I was transfixed by this one particular painting: The Light of The World by William Holman Hunt. A luminescent painted Jesus, wearing an elaborate gown of jewelled colours, holding a lantern in the night. But this is a real person holding a lantern at my front door. I take a shuddering breath, hastily closing my mouth which has fallen open like a child’s, spellbound by magic after an exhausting greetin’ fit. ‘It’s an oil lamp,’ the figure explains, proffering the flickering object at me. ‘I brought it for you as a house warming present. Tha mi toilicht do choinneachadh. I’m happy to meet you.’ I still can’t speak. ‘Thought I’d light it to surprise you. It comes from this house anyway – it belonged to my grandmother.’ ‘Margaret?’ I ask, half in a dream. I only now think to switch the porch light on. ‘Thank you.’ My hand reaches out and grasps the wire handle of the lamp and I hold it aloft in the style of Little Bo Peep, blinking. Short of air. ‘Aye,’ he’s saying. ‘Margaret was my gran. Have you been talking to Peggy MacLeod, by any chance?’The flame in the lamp gusts to one side, straightens again. I try to answer but my voice is reluctant to come out so I cough, to clear my throat. ‘I have. She told me about your ma and da, but I also found a photograph of Margaret on a shelf in the cupboard. I just sort of guessed.’ My voice is still hoarse. ‘Hello, by the way.’ I transfer the lamp into my left hand and extend my right for him to shake. ‘I’m Lauren.’In the harsh porch light, his face breaks into a grin. ‘Pleased to meet you, Lauren. I’m Murdo. How are you settling in?’ He takes my hand firmly. His grip makes me feel safe but also confused by the long moments I spent staring at Neil’s hand on the ferry. Our hands detach and I can’t resist the impulse to scan the back of Murdo’s for a scar but there is none.
Blurb
Lauren Wilson is travelling by ferry to the Outer Hebrides, about to begin a new job as a social worker. When somebody sits opposite her at the cafeteria table, she refuses to look up, annoyed at having her privacy disturbed. But a hand is pushing a mug of tea towards her, and a livid scar on the back of the hand releases a flood of memories. Some people believe in the existence of a parallel universe. Does Lauren have a retrospective choice about the outcome of a terrible recent accident, or is it the bearer of that much older scar who has the power to decide what happens to her now?
Author Information
Tracey Scott-Townsend: BioTracey is the author of The Last Time We Saw Marion, Of His Bones, The Eliza Doll and Another Rebecca. Her fifth novel, Sea Babies will be released on 1stllection, So Fastwas published in January 2018.Tracey is also a visual artist. All her work is inspired by the emotions of her own experiences and perceptions.
Tracey is the mother of four grown-up children and now spends a lot of time travelling in a small camper van with husband Phil and their rescue dogs, Pixie and Luna, gathering her thoughts and writing them down.
Buy Link https://amzn.to/2S4gydb
Twitter Handles @authortrace #LoveBooksGroupTours @Wildpressed
Excerpt:
The darkness surprises me when I open the door. Will I ever get used to such sudden nightfall in the mountains?Then, in an instant, I’m thrown back into the past. I once stood beside Neil in the National Museum of Scotland. We’d gone to see an exhibition of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and I was transfixed by this one particular painting: The Light of The World by William Holman Hunt. A luminescent painted Jesus, wearing an elaborate gown of jewelled colours, holding a lantern in the night. But this is a real person holding a lantern at my front door. I take a shuddering breath, hastily closing my mouth which has fallen open like a child’s, spellbound by magic after an exhausting greetin’ fit. ‘It’s an oil lamp,’ the figure explains, proffering the flickering object at me. ‘I brought it for you as a house warming present. Tha mi toilicht do choinneachadh. I’m happy to meet you.’ I still can’t speak. ‘Thought I’d light it to surprise you. It comes from this house anyway – it belonged to my grandmother.’ ‘Margaret?’ I ask, half in a dream. I only now think to switch the porch light on. ‘Thank you.’ My hand reaches out and grasps the wire handle of the lamp and I hold it aloft in the style of Little Bo Peep, blinking. Short of air. ‘Aye,’ he’s saying. ‘Margaret was my gran. Have you been talking to Peggy MacLeod, by any chance?’The flame in the lamp gusts to one side, straightens again. I try to answer but my voice is reluctant to come out so I cough, to clear my throat. ‘I have. She told me about your ma and da, but I also found a photograph of Margaret on a shelf in the cupboard. I just sort of guessed.’ My voice is still hoarse. ‘Hello, by the way.’ I transfer the lamp into my left hand and extend my right for him to shake. ‘I’m Lauren.’In the harsh porch light, his face breaks into a grin. ‘Pleased to meet you, Lauren. I’m Murdo. How are you settling in?’ He takes my hand firmly. His grip makes me feel safe but also confused by the long moments I spent staring at Neil’s hand on the ferry. Our hands detach and I can’t resist the impulse to scan the back of Murdo’s for a scar but there is none.
