B.L. Blair's Blog, page 61

Sunday Quote

Saturday Teapot

I love teapots. I have a large collection. Each week I will be featuring one of them. I hope you enjoy. Please let me know if you have one. I would love to see it.

Guess where I got this one!

Free - Convince Me (Holton Series #1)

Convince Me (Holton Series #1) is free on most eBook sites. iBooksKoboBarnes and NobleSmashwordsGoogle Play
Anna is afraid of love, but Steven changes everything.
Anna West just wants to start over in a new town far away from her past. The only child of a mixed race couple, Anna learned about the ugly side of human behavior at an early age.  After watching her abusive father mistreat her mother, Anna knows that love is not for her.
Steven Carson has always known what he wanted, and from the moment he saw her, he wanted Anna.  Steven is ready for love.  He is ready to settle down, start a family, and he knows Anna is the one for him.  Now all he has to do is convince her. 
Come visit Holton, Texas to see if Steven can convince Anna to take a chance on love. Convince Me is the first book in the Holton Series but may be read as a standalone novel.

The Necromancer's Gambit by Nicolas Wilson - Giveaway

Knight, the sheriff of a local magical government known as "the Gambit," is called to recover a mutilated body, tainted with magic and dumped at a popular haunt. When the corpse is identified as a close associate of the Gambit, it threatens the safety of the community he protects, and those he cares about most. As the fragile peace amongst the city's magic-wielding factions disintegrates, Knight must track down a cadre of murderers before his friends are picked off, one by one- with each death used to strengthen the spells cast against the Gambit.
Excerpt:I try not to snap at her. Interrogation’s never pretty, even when Pawn isn’t involved. And I also don’t have the heart to tell her just how vanilla this one actually was. “That’s probably how this played out. But more often than not, interrogation gets you information a witness wouldn’t give up willingly. Interrogation’s a part of what I do. So’s scene investigation. Tracking. Pawn goes home and blackout drinks tonight away, and Bishop, after a day or two pulling apart that overcooked McNugget gets to set it aside. But this case is mine until I bury it. Pawn’s an ugly little thug-”
“Thanks,” he says, before realizing he should have kept his nose buried in his refrigerator, trying to find the halvah.
“-but he’s a terrier, and barks real loud to keep people in check. But when they become unchecked, it’s my job to find them and shut them down.”
Buy links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FCKLU3EBarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-necromancers-gambit-nicolas-wilson/1116969628?ean=2940148423645&itm=1&usri=2940148423645Drive Thru Fiction: http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/119587/The-Necromancers-Gambit?filters=0_0_0_44398_0  Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-necromancer-s-gambit-the-gambit-1   Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/354090iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id714103112  GoogleBooks: http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Necromancer_s_Gambit_The_Gambit_1.html?id=xNTwAgAAQBAJ  
About the Author: Nicolas Wilson is a published journalist, graphic novelist, and novelist. He lives in the rainy wastes of Portland, Oregon with his wife, four cats and a dog.
Nic's work spans a variety of genres, from political thriller to science fiction and urban fantasy. He has several novels currently available, and many more due for release in the next year. Nic's stories are characterized by his eye for the absurd, the off-color, and the bombastic.
For information on Nic's books, and behind-the-scenes looks at his writing, visit nicolaswilson.com.
Website: www.nicolaswilson.com    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovelistNicolasWilson  Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6553776.Nicolas_WilsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/NicolasWilsonMailing List: http://eepurl.com/u20RL 


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Monday Excerpt - Dead in a Dumpster: Leah Norwood Mystery #1

It was almost seven by the time I was ready to leave. The area behind the stores was well lit, but even so, I didn’t see them until I reached my car. I had noticed a car in the parking lot but hadn’t really thought anything about it. There were often cars around. This one looked a lot like Jenny’s so I didn’t give it a second thought until the doors opened, and two men got out.They were both dressed casually in jeans, t-shirts, and jackets. The younger one walked toward me with the swagger of youth. He was trying hard to be menacing. The other man didn’t have to try. He was a couple of years older than I was, and I had a bad feeling I was about to become acquainted with the Cantono family. The kid was probably young Mike that Griggs had mentioned. It was obvious he thought was in charge, but when I looked at the other man, I knew who the real threat was.He was tall, thick, and very well built. He had jet-black hair that he wore a little too long and a couple of days of stubble on his classically handsome face. Even at a distance, I could see startling blue eyes. His jacket was a soft black leather, not the short bomber jacket, but the longer style that hit just below his butt. He looked like the type of man you would not want to meet in a dark alley. Unfortunately, it appeared I didn’t have a choice. At least about the alley part. Thank God for lights!I casually slipped my hand into my purse. Although I don’t carry my gun much anymore, every purse I have own since I was thirteen had a gun holster embedded. They had to be special ordered, and there had been a time or two when I considered just purchasing off the rack, but now I was very grateful that I hadn’t. The feel of the gun in my hand helped quell the turmoil in my stomach. I didn’t draw but edged closer to the car door.“Hey, bitch,” the kid said. “You have been butting into things that ain’t none of your business.”He was still several feet away and hadn’t advanced any closer so I waited. The older man simply leaned on the side of their car and watched. When I didn’t reply, the kid reached back and pulled out a knife. I stiffened, wondering what I should do. If the kid had a knife, did the older man have a gun? I kept an eye on him. The kid was closer, but the man worried me. As well as I can shoot, I couldn’t shoot both of them at the same time. I hoped I wouldn’t have to shoot anyone.“You ain’t got nothing to say?”My heart was pounding and my breathing shallow. I swallowed and took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves. I started to pull out the gun but hesitated. I wasn’t sure I could do it. I had never pointed a gun at a human being. My father had taught me everything I knew about guns, and he had told me to never point at anything that I wasn’t willing to shoot.“Mike,” the older man said softly. He voice sent a shiver down my spine and not in a good way. “Just deliver the message.”A flash of anger crossed the kid’s face. He took a step toward me and that’s when I pulled the gun. I was pleased but surprised to see that my hand was steady. I didn’t say anything but just stared.Mike halted, unsure for the first time. The man behind him pulled away from the car and stepped closer but didn’t pull a weapon. He studied me a minute and then gave me a nod of respect.“I don’t want to hurt anyone,” I said, “but I will if I have to. I got your message. It would be best if you leave.”The kid had recovered. The swagger was back, but so was the anger. He took a step toward me. I aimed the gun directly at him, praying fervently that I wouldn’t have to use it.“You heard the lady,” came a voice from the right. “I’ve called the police. I doubt you want to be here when they arrive.”I breathed a sigh of relief that was quickly followed by panic as Daniel Thompson stepped out from behind the dumpster. The shotgun he held in his hands wasn’t quite steady. I stepped toward him as the two Cantonos whipped around. Once they realized that they now had someone armed on either side, they moved back toward the car. I continued making my way toward Daniel while keeping an eye on the men.“You think we’re afraid of the police?” Mike said. “How do you think we know about her snooping?”“Mike!” the man said harshly. “Get in the car.”“But…”“Now,” he growled. The look he gave Mike would have made me pee in my pants. Mike didn’t do much better. He paled and quickly walked around to the driver’s side and got in.The other man watched him before turning back to us. He didn’t seem concerned. He was relaxed and confident. He did have a scowl on his face, but I think it was left over from the look he had given Mike. His expression smoothed out as he studied us.By now, I had reached Daniel. As the man wasn’t armed as far as I could see, I didn’t aim my gun at him although I keep it in front of me. His eyes traveled down and back up again, and I could tell he noticed. He looked me in the face, and when I raised my chin and looked back, he suddenly grinned. I gasped softly. He was gorgeous, even better looking than Trent. I hadn’t noticed before because I was so scared, but I certainly noticed now. He might be the best-looking man I have ever seen. He was also the scariest. He raised his hand to his head and gave me a small salute. I could hear sirens in the distance. He stared at me a moment longer and then winked. “Night, Ms. Norwood.”
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Dumpster-Leah-Norwood-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00MZC65YGApple:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dead-in-a-dumpster/id912503351?mt=11B&N:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-in-a-dumpster-b-l-blair/1120206352?ean=2940046124279Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dead-in-a-dumpsterSmashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469615CreateSpace:https://www.createspace.com/4964818 Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=XMcdBgAAQBAJ

Sunday Quote

Saturday Teapot

I love teapots. I have a large collection. Each week I will be featuring one of them. I hope you enjoy. Please let me know if you have one. I would love to see it.

Friday Recipe - Grilled Steak

Leah's not a great cook but she can grill a steak. Check out this recipe:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ma...

Destiny Rising by Siobhan Davis - Giveaway

 This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. You can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours. This series contains 3 books: True Calling (True Calling #1), Beyond Reach (True Calling #2) and Destiny Rising (True Calling #3). And two novella’s: Lovestruck (True Calling #0.5) and Light of a Thousand Stars (True calling #2.5).

Destiny Rising (True Calling #3)By Siobhan DavisGenre: Dystopian/Science Fiction/Romance Age category: Young Adult Release Date: August 30, 2015

Blurb:Every choice has a consequence. Once again, the world is on the brink of momentous change. As revolutionary organization Saoirse prepares to battle the government for control of Earth and Novo, Ariana and those she loves must join humanity’s fight for justice and freedom. As haunted memories resurface, old discoveries and new realities conspire to shatter her world forever. Torn in one direction by her unique connection to childhood sweetheart Zane, and pulled in the other by a relentless passion for her fiery fiancé Cal, she must make the hardest decision of all. While embarking on a road to self-discovery, her psychic gift evolves and the full extent of her powerful ability is revealed. Then fate lands another savage blow and she faces the most horrific choice of all. Forced into striking a deal with the enemy, she must make the ultimate personal sacrifice or risk everything she holds dear. When destiny finally rears its head, what will the future hold?

You can find Destiny Rising on Goodreads You can buy Destiny Rising here: - Amazon - Amazon.co.uk - Amazon.ca - Amazon.au - Barnes&Noble - Apple/iBooks - Kobo

Excerpt from Destiny Rising:
I don’t think Ieven like me anymore, so how on earth can I expect him to if he finds out? Though the temptation to share the burden is riding me hard, I can’t risk losing Cal again. “I remember some stuff, but it’s not what you think. It’s just the enormity of everything and where I am. I had such plans for my life, you know? None of this was on my agenda.” I shake my head and bite down on my lip. Risking a peek at him, I note his narrowed eyes and taut jawline. Jeez, I’m such an idiot. I can’t seem to stop putting my foot in it. “I’m not explaining properly,” I say, wrapping my arm across his shoulders. “I want to be with you, but all the other stuff … it’s overwhelming. And it’s as if it’s just hit me, like an out-of-control juggernaut.”“You know you can tell me anything, right?” He twists a lock of my hair around his finger. He doesn’t believe me.“Of course. And I would if there was anything to tell. I’m just trying to get my head around everything.” I hate lying again because I’ve promised him that there will be no more secrets between us. But I can’t tell him this. I can’t. I won’t.I don’t want to see the look in his eyes when he realizes I’m not the person he thinks I am. I always thought I was a good person, but now? Now, I’m not so sure. My eyes dart to the glass again. “I wish I was a fish,” I blurt out.Cal almost chokes on his laugh. “What?”“Look at them,” I say, motioning with my hand. “They look content, right?”“Okaaaay. I’ll play along.” He arches a brow.My eyes stare transfixed out the window. “Life must be so simple, just swimming along without a care in the world. And if they succumb to a predator, it would be fast. Two seconds of realization and then poof, over and out. No politics, no suffering, no impending war. No …” I clamp my mouth shut in time, the word ‘baby’ lying unspoken on my tongue.If Cal notices, he doesn’t let on. “Hhmm,” he says, his finger trailing a path down the side of my face. My skin tingles in every place where he touches me and I shudder. He smiles knowingly. “How do you know fish aren’t plagued with worries and concerns? That they don’t think and feel the same way we do?” His lips tug up at the corners.“Oh please! What do they have to worry about? Corrupt governments? Fake rebel movements? A deranged bitch with some kind of personal vendetta?”He frowns, his finger momentarily stalling on my cheek. “If you were a fish, which one would you be?” I’m caught off guard by the blatant diversion, but I decide to go with the flow.Anything to avoid a further convo about my recalled memories.I check out the current batch of beauties floating by the glass. “That one,” I say, pointing to a rather dainty looking cerise pink fish with a peachy snout. “That one’s pretty, right?” “Yeah, but pretty doesn’t do you justice.” He sits up straighter and leans toward the glass. “You’d be that one,” he says, pointing to a larger purple-colored fish, with vibrant orange fringing and blue-gold veins curling around its fins. The fish swims to the glass and looks in at us, almost as if it knows we are pointing it out. Its golden speckled snout has a decidedly elegant appearance, an almost regal presence. His choice is infinitely better than mine.“You still haven’t taken those rose-tinted glasses off, have you?” I peer closely at him. “In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear you’ve upgraded to double glazing.” I grin. Goofing around helps enormously. I haven’t thought of the hideous memory for the last five minutes, although I’m thinking about it now. I sigh loudly.Cal looks at me pensively. “I love you,” he says out of nowhere, pressing his lips briefly to mine.“I love you too.” Wrapping my other arm around him, I cling to him and inhale the familiar fresh scent that always reminds me of a crisp, spring day in the woods back home in Connecticut.  His hand tangles through my hair as my cheek rests on his shoulder. I could quite happily just sit here forever. Everything feels right when I’m with him like this.
Praise for Destiny Rising:
“It was beyond brilliant, totally unputdownable, wildly entertaining, edge of the seat action, full of suspense; it totally rocked. Loved the ending, loved the book.” Karla. Goodreads Reviewer.
“This is without a doubt the best book this author has written so far. I loved it from the start until the end. This series shows how a love triangle can be done right. Destiny Rising evoked so many emotions in me … and the ending, wow, so powerful. I highly recommend this series.” Lola’s Reviews.
“I cannot believe all of the whammy that this author packed into her book. It’s insane how quickly she’s put out these three books, and the quality is so incredibly good.” Danielle. Paraeducator and Goodreads Reviewer.
“The events in this book, especially the ones I thought I could handle, left my heart and mind racing. Siobhan Davis is an exceptional writer and she knows how to wrap a reader around her fingers.” Khayzelle. Written Arts Blog.
“Suspense, and the urge to turn the page were almost overwhelming, resulting in quite a few long nights. The story is complex, but solidly built. Good to the last page.” Patricia Hamill. Author Blogger. Puretextuality. @PatriciaHamill2
“I cannot put my love for Siobhan Davis’ True Calling series into words – it’s easily one of my favorite series. Destiny Rising tugs at your heart strings and messes with your feelings, but it is so wonderful. The writing is brilliant and flows wonderfully. Davis’ brings the series to a close with an epilogue that ties everything perfectly together. What a fantastic ride…” Danielle. RamblingB00ks Blog.
“True Calling was great, and Beyond Reach was awesome, but Destiny Rising took the series to a whole new level. This series deserves to become as well-known as popular series such as The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, Divergent, etc... It's that good.” Rose. Paranormal Books Blog.

First two books in the series:
True Calling (True Calling #1)By Siobhan DavisGenre: Dystopian/Science Fiction/Romance Age category: Young Adult Release Date: August 1, 2014

Blurb:Two Different Worlds. One Shared Dream. Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana’s plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray. As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone. Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, ‘The Calling’, gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.

You can find True Calling on Goodreads Start the series for free! Grab your copy of True Calling for free here: - Amazon - Amazon UK - Barnes & Noble - iTunes/iBooks - Kobo

Beyond Reach (True Calling #2)By Siobhan DavisGenre: Science Fiction/Dystopian Romance Age category: Young Adult Release Date: April 30, 2015

Blurb:Some Secrets are worth fighting for Back on Earth, Ariana is caught in a dangerous crossfire between clandestine rebel organization Clementia and the power-hungry government. Refusing to divulge the location of the secret information entrusted to her by her late father, she desperately tries to bargain for her Mom, Lily, and Cal’s rescue. She’s fighting a losing battle, and the clock is ticking. Presented with evidence of her fiancé Cal’s apparent betrayal, she loyally defends him despite her concerns. With her emotions in turmoil, matters become even more complicated as she grows closer to her ex-boyfriend Zane. When the stakes are raised, a succession of shocking revelations rocks her world, setting her on a path that will not only change her destiny but the fate of humanity. Confronted by a memory so abhorrent comes a truth she would do anything to forget. But some things just can’t be undone. *** Beyond Reach is the gripping second novel in the True Calling trilogy, continuing the story of Ariana Skyee in the weeks after she arrives back on Earth.

You can find Beyond Reach on Goodreads You can buy Beyond Reach here: - Amazon - Amazon UK - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - iBooks

About the Author:Siobhan Davis is the author of YA science fiction romance series True Calling. A self-diagnosed ‘teenager forever’—at least when it comes to books, music and movies; Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. Siobhan loves baking, crime novels, shoes, bags, make-up, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward). Siobhan has forged a successful corporate career, in Human Resources, over the last twenty years. Siobhan resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
Website - Blog - Facebook - Twitter - Google + - Goodreads - Amazon - Newsletter

Sample chapters, quotes, reviews and book excerpts are all available to download from the authors website Join Siobhan's mailing list to receive a free copy of Lovestruck.

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Destiny Rising. These are the prizes you can win: - e-copies of the whole True calling series by Siobhan Davis. Which is the following books: True Calling, Lovestruck, Beyond Reach, Light of a Thousand Stars and Destiny Rising. - one 10$ amazon gift card.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Vote for Dead in a Dumpster

My book cover for Dead in a Dumpster: Leah Norwood Mystery #1 is part of Masquerade Tours Cover Wars. Please vote for it.
http://www.masqueradecrew.com/2015/09/septembers-cover-wars-round-one-vote.html