Margo Bond Collins's Blog, page 136
March 6, 2014
Spotlight On: Taken By Choice, by Jessica Frances
Taken By Choice – Release Blitz
By Jessica Frances
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 3/6/2014
Taken By Choice (Taken Trilogy #3)
They failed. They have been taken by P.A.G.E. again and this time Stan and Martha are prepared for them. They’ve made it impossible to escape. They have no choice but to stay in line and behave.
New friendships are made, relationships are put to the test and answers about their abilities are revealed.
Is it possible that they can still take down P.A.G.E. but this time trying from within?
Or will the choices they make endanger the future they were tasked with protecting?
Only time will tell. Unfortunately, it might mean having to give up everything for the chance of ending this once and for all.
EXCERPT
“I know we failed getting out of here. I don’t know what happened, but it was our best shot and we failed.”
“I know. I know this will kill Rose, but I think we need to stop fighting this place, at least for a while. We can’t risk them breaking us up. I thought for sure we would be split up after this.”
His statement breaks my heart because that’s exactly what is happening to us. “That’s not what I meant. I just think we need to have that talk, the one where we talk about if one of us makes it out of here and the other one doesn’t.”
“Don’t say that. We leave here together, got it?” Charlie pulls on my arm to stop me walking and grips my face so that I see the certainty in his eyes. It takes every bit of mental power to not cry or break down and tell him that it isn’t going to happen that way.
“I know, but being in that room for so long, I realized that, if you got out and were free, I’d want you to do something for me.”
“Do what?” he asks me cautiously, biting his tongue on arguing his point that we will get out together again.
“I’d want you to check on my mom and Drew. Make sure they’re coping okay. Tell them how sorry I am over Dana and how much I love them.”
“Did you have a dream I should know about?” He narrows his eyes at me, sensing I’m hiding something. I blink away more tears, knowing the only way I can get out of this is to lie. I have to lie to him. I’m a horrible person.
“I haven’t dreamt since the hospital. I just had a lot of time to think. I thought that if I was to die in that room, what would happen to my mom and to Drew? I know I can trust you to look in on them. I just needed to say those words, to know that if something happened to me, that they’ll be okay.”
“Nothing is happening to you, I promise.” He brings me forward, hugging me to his chest.
My heart must be completely shattered now. There can’t be anything left, and yet, I can still feel it breaking. I can’t have him making a promise there is no way he can keep. I can’t do that to him.
“Don’t promise me that. Sometimes, things are just out of your power. Fate put us together and it could just as easily pull us apart if it wants to.”
“I’m not going to—”
“Just promise to love me forever. That’s what I need to hear from you.”
Without any reluctance, he answers me, “I promise to love you forever.”
“And I promise that I will love you forever, too.” I finally make a promise I know I’ll keep.
About the Author
Jessica Frances
Born and raised in South Australia, Jessica spends her days working in a bakery, afternoons catching up on lost sleep, and nights reading and writing. Writing has always been a passion of hers, however it wasn’t until Zoe appeared into her head and wouldn’t leave that she finally was able to put a story down and finish it. After writing three books, she is wondering if she should start charging Zoe and her friends rent.
Author Links
Facebook | Goodreads Page
GIVEAWAY
This Release Blitz is brought to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours
A Novel Gathering Book Club Author of the Month: Margo Bond Collins
Hi, all! I am this month’s Author of the Month for A Novel Gathering Book Club! Woohoo!
As a big THANK YOU, I’m going to be taking over their Facebook page and giving away several prizes on March 12. I will be there live from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Central time, but the contests will be open for a full week (maybe more? I’m still sorting out those details!).
We would love it if you joined us! To participate, you will need to join A Novel Gathering Book Club.
Here’s the book club information:
A Novel Gathering Book Club
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anovelgathering/
Website: http://anovelgathering.blogspot.com/2014/03/march-author-of-month-margo-bond-collins.html?zx=17c3c1e4e1a227c
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/122407-a-novel-gathering-book-club
Hope to see you there!
March 5, 2014
Spotlight On: Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, by Michael Allan Scott
Title: Dark Side of Sunset Pointe – a Lance Underphal Mystery
Author Name: Michael Allan Scott
Author Bio:
Born and raised at the edge of the high
desert in Kingman, Arizona, Michael Allan Scott resides in Scottsdale
with his wife, Cynthia and their hundred-pound Doberman, Otto. In
addition to writing mysteries and speculative fiction, his interests
include music, photography, art, scuba diving and auto racing. For
the latest, please visit http://michaelallanscott.com
Author Links – The link for any or all
of the following…
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |
Pinterest | Linkedin | Goodreads | Amazon
Website: http://michaelallanscott.com/
Dark Side of Sunset Pointe – book
trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbGeaIs_Kuw
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6617186.Michael_Allan_Scott
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MAllanScott
G+:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/112111830672923490472/+Michaelallanscott/posts/p/pub
FB:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichaelAllanScott
Amazon Author Central:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00AB4ETQ6
Book Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Publisher: Telemachus Press
Release Date: 11/19/12
Buy Link(s):
Amazon.com –
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Side-Sunset-Pointe-ebook/dp/B00AAGZ1S0/
Amazon.uk –
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Side-Sunset-Pointe-ebook/dp/B00AAGZ1S0/
Goodreads –
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16233621-dark-side-of-sunset-pointe—a-lance-underphal-mystery
Book Description:
A contemporary mystery/thriller—a paranormal mystery, to be more precise. For mystery fans, it twists and turns like a dragon kite in a high wind. Mystery connoisseurs, beware. The Lance Underphal Mystery series will keep you guessing . . .
Lance Underphal was devastated by his wife’s death, and now, the down-and-out crime-scene photographer can’t let her go. He wakes up plagued by premonitions. The double shooting of an Arizona real estate developer and his mistress/bookkeeper immerse Underphal in a world of incomprehensible phenomena.
Frank Salmon, the homicide detective on the case, does his best to blow off Underphal’s “visions.” But the murders keep piling up and the visions are all too real.
Salmon pursues Underphal’s clues from a popular strip club to a failing community bank, adding a blackmailing stripper to the body count.
Underphal struggles mightily with his psychic curse, teetering on the brink of insanity. His only hope for redemption is the voice in his head, the voice of his dead wife. Stumbling through dark vortexes of murderous intrigue, he comes to realize his visions will either kill him or lead to the capture of a killer—maybe more than one.
Follow The Blast Here For More Chances To Win
Lucky Fairies: The Lucky is Reading Giveaway Hop
Welcome to the Words, Words, Words stop on the Lucky is Reading Giveaway Hop! Check out my post below, enter to win, then HOP to the other entries!
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I’ve been thinking about fairies a lot lately, and have become increasingly interested in the ways in which we transform fairy tales. So today I’ll be giving away copies of two books that deal with fairies in new and interesting ways: Melanie Karsak’s new steampunk novel, Chasing the Green Fairy, and my own YA paranormal mystery/romance, Fairy, Texas.
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ENTER TO WIN
Direct Link to Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDc2NDEyMTFiMWVhMDg4MzE4NzZlNDdkNjZhMTgxOjIz/
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Chasing the Green Fairy
The Airship Racing Chronicles Book II
A sabotaged airship.
A recovering opium addict.
A messenger with life-shattering news.
With the 1824 British airship qualifying race only weeks away, Lily Stargazer is at the top of her game. She’s racing like a pro, truly in love, and living clean. But on one ill-omened day, everything changes.
Pulled head-long into the ancient secrets of the realm, Lily soon finds herself embroiled in Celtic mysteries and fairy lore. And she’s not quite sure how she got there, or even if she wants to be involved. But Lily soon finds herself chasing the spirit of the realm while putting her own ghosts to rest. And only accepting the truth–about her heart and her country–can save her.
Begin the adventure with Chasing the Star Garden, The Airship Racing Chronicles I at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Garden-Airship-Racing-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00GXUU6IC/
Purchase Chasing the Green Fairy, The Airship Racing Chronicles II at Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Green-Fairy-Airship-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00IMSIQMG/
Youtube playlist:
Book trailer:
Make a video – it’s fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com
Direct Link to trailer:
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Fairy, Texas. A small town like any other.
Laney Harris didn’t want to live there. When her mother remarried and moved them to a town where a date meant hanging out at the Sonic, Laney figured that “boring” would have a whole new meaning. A new stepsister who despised her and a high school where she was the only topic of gossip were bad enough. But when she met the school counselor (and his terminal bad breath), she grew suspicious. Especially since he had wings that only she could see. And then there were Josh and Mason, two gorgeous glimmering-eyed classmates whose interest in her might not be for the reasons she hoped. Not to mention that dead guy she nearly tripped over in gym class.
She was right. Boring took on an entirely new dimension in Fairy, Texas.
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Buy Fairy, Texas
E-Book:
Amazon (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Texas-Margo-Bond-Collins-ebook/dp/B00I7BTMJ4/
Paperback:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Texas-Margo-Bond-Collins/dp/1495419800/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fairy-texas-margo-bond-collins/1118584512
Books a Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Fairy-Texas/Margo-Bond-Collins/9781495419805
Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Fairy-Texas-Margo-Bond-Collins/9781495419805
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About the Authors:
Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania where there wasn’t much to do but read books and go for hikes. She wrote her first novel, a gripping piece about a 1920s stage actress, when she was 12. Today, Melanie, a steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and caffeine junkie, lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.
Connect with Melanie:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Karsak/e/B009DKGKQG/
Blog: http://melaniekarsak.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieKarsak
Email: melanie@clockpunkpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsak
Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/MelanieKarsak
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/melaniekarsak/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539577.Melanie_Karsak
Margo Bond Collins is the author of a number of novels, including Waking Up Dead, Fairy, Texas, and Legally Undead (forthcoming in 2014). She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets. She teaches college-level English courses online, though writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and other monsters.
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Connect with Margo
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins
Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins
Facebook Novel Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waking-Up-Dead/502076076537575
Tumblr: http://vampirarchybooks.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/
Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/MargoBondCollins/
Be sure to add Fairy, Texas to your Goodreads bookshelves: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19502285-fairy-texas
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HOP to the rest of the entries:
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10 Fun Facts About Renee’ Novelle, Author of The Boyfriend List
The Boyfriend List follows twenty-year-old Reagan in her quest for the perfect relationship after a somewhat tragic spring break breakup leaves her disillusioned about love… again.
Reagan had always prided herself on making levelheaded, practical, analytical decisions about everything. Everything, that is, except where guys are concerned. Which was proven to her, once again, when her “boyfriend” opts to take another girl on their oh-so-romantic trip to his lake house. In order to prevent future heartbreak, she creates a checklist of all the qualities she wants in a man, and vows not to give her heart away again until she can determine if they fit every last criteria.
After scouring campus with her two best friends in her tricky journey, her detective work returns a pile of unworthy rejects, and it seems as though her choices are narrowed down to only two options: the hot stranger who’s inspired her new project, and her best guy friend Ian, who she’s always kept at bay due to his perceived playboy reputation.
Reagan gets more than she bargained for with her new set of rules, however, and is surprised to find that love, and the perfect boyfriend, may have been within reach the entire time. But will Ian’s reputation ruin his chances to prove his worth? And can Reagan let go of her insecurities long enough to even give him a chance?
The Boyfriend List is a light, New Adult romance about friendship, trust, and learning to let go in order to embrace what real love can offer.
The boyfriend list
renee novelle
excerpt
Maybe she needed to get some fresh air, she decided. Go for a walk, clear her head. Anything to distract her focus from her thoughts and reset her mind back on her paper.
Decision made. She shut down her computer, set aside her books and wrapped her long hair into a somewhat sloppy bun on the top of her head. Reagan had contemplated a light sweatshirt to ward off the last cold brisk of winter that clung to the night air in stubborn resignation, then decided against it. But before she’d even left her bedroom, she turned back and yanked it off her bed after all. Apparently she was having a hard time making up her mind about everything that night.
Zipping it halfway up her torso, just below her breasts, she crept quietly out the front door and turned to lock it behind her. A quick breeze whipped its way around the corner and down the corridor, and as a shiver worked its way up her spine, she was thankful she’d listened to her intuition. Maybe she should do that more often.
But just as Reagan turned to go down the stairs and head out on her walk, she was met – nearly head on – by an unexpected sight. Ian stood before her, mildly drunk but mostly sober, looking as surprised to see her as she was to see him. It was clear he’d been out for a night of fun, though she’d seen him far worse on more occasions than she could count on both hands. But it was also just as clear that, once again, he’d come home alone. She couldn’t help the little smirk of satisfaction that turned up at the corners of her mouth on that discovery, though internally she chastised herself at the thought.
“And just where do you think you’re going?” His voice danced over the words with dramatic flair, an indicative side effect of his inebriated condition.
It took her a minute to find her voice. “I need a break.” She finally explained, “This essay’s killing me and I want to clear my head.”
“Nice jacket.” He flicked the toggle of her zipper, and Reagan felt it flutter in her core. “Want some company?”
The flutter was moving faster at the suggestion. His eyes had grown dark, almost as dark as the night sky, and she thought she saw something in them that begged her to say yes. Suddenly, she wasn’t so sure she needed her sweatshirt any longer, since the temperature seemed to have risen up all around her, working a pink tint into her cheeks. She was glad it was so dark out, hopefully he couldn’t tell this time. “Aren’t you just getting in though? You’re probably tired…right?”
Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes… she chanted in her head. The truth was she very much would’ve loved his company, maybe a little too much, but she wasn’t certain she trusted herself around him yet…alone…in the middle of the night. There were too many possibilities, too many temptations that her imagination could come up with. If she acted on any one of them, and was wrong in her assumption, well the let down could be brutal at best.
“Tired? Me?” He shook his head and made a face at the suggestion. “The party was just getting boring. Too many of the same people, not worth the time.” Was he implying that she was worth his time then? Reagan certainly hoped so, considering how long they’d been friends. But she couldn’t help wondering if there was something more behind the words. “So what do you say? Can I walk with you?” And as he tilted his head in that subtle way that only Ian could, a dimple working it’s way into the corner of his cheek, she felt her breath rush out of her lungs.
He’d put the ball back in her court again. Damn him! There’d be no getting around it this time, she’d have to give him a definitive answer. And quickly.Reagan knew she should say no. There was something inside, warning her that it wasn’t a good idea. As though accepting his innocent invitation would somehow change things. Alter their relationship and shift their energies toward one another in a way that could never be put back again. But, when she really thought about it, hadn’t they kind of done that already?
And yet everything inside of her wanted to scream yes, and keep the momentum of what they’d started earlier in the day moving forward. It wanted to let him take her hand in his, entwine her fingers around his, as though it was the most natural thing in the world for them to be doing. All she could manage though was a simple nod, stiffened by the breath she held tightly in her chest. It was almost as though she was afraid to acknowledge what she wholeheartedly wanted, even to herself, because doing so would only leave her open and vulnerable to a future of regrets and failures.
dreamcast
purchase links
amazon us | amazon uk | smashwords | Barnes & noble | Amazon CA
teasers
10 Fun Facts About Renee’ Novelle
1. I have a complete and total obsession with lip gloss. I must have it on at all times.
2. Originally, I was a performing arts major in college and received a scholarship from the dance department to attend. It was, without a doubt, the most amazing experience ever.
3. But, when I started college, I was only 15 so my perspective on the whole thing was very different. (And yes, there are future books being built around that experience!)
4. That passion for the arts has stuck with me though, because I attend every play, musical, gallery opening, ballet, etc. that I can get tickets to. Next to lip gloss, it’s my second obsession.
5. I absolutely live for dresses and will find an excuse to wear them every day if possible.
6. I’m a huge foodie, and always seek out new restaurants and dining experiences to try. But I do most of my cooking at home. I love experimenting with new recipes, it’s kind of therapeutic!
7. Getting to watch the sunset on the beach is my favorite thing about living in Southwest Florida. Such a relaxing experience.
8. I love a fancy glass – I even drink water and juice out of wine glasses and goblets. There’s just something about transforming an ordinary experience into something more extraordinary that makes life beautiful. And the more unique the glass, the better the experience.
9. I absolutely love having music on all the time – at the gym, in the shower, in the car, while I cook… Except for when I’m writing. When I’m writing I need absolute dead silence.
10. I don’t have any children – yet – but I have two cats that might as well be my kids! They’re my babies, I’m absolutely crazy about them.
about renee
Formerly a freelance journalist, Novelle has found placement of her pieces in both online and print publications since 2008. Additionally, she has written multiple screenplays, and contributed her writing to many non-profit and for profit organizations. She has launched several blogs over the years, which garnered international attention.
In 2013, Novelle returned to her first love – fiction. Writing under the names Renee Novelle and R.S. Novelle, she has a publication schedule that includes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, Paranormal Fiction, Contemporary Women’s fiction, Chick Lit, and New Adult.
Though she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication, summa cum laude, she considers herself a constant student of the written word. She’s an avid reader, an enthusiastic quote poster, and rarely takes “no” as a final answer. She has an unhealthy obsession for theater, dance, music and art, and strongly believes that wine is simultaneously the beginning of, and resolution to, all of life’s problems. She believes in following dreams, and that in the end, you always end up where you’re meant to be.
You can find out more about her books and connect with her here
Website: www.RSNovelle.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/RSNovelle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReneeNovelle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RS_Novelle
Cover Reveal: Destruction by Sharon Bayliss
Author Sharon Bayliss is thrilled to share the cover for Destruction (Book One of The December People Series), a family drama about dark wizards living in Houston.
Message from Sharon Bayliss:
“The butterfly will show up on the cover of all four books in the series, as a symbol of redemption, hope, and re-birth. Despite the dark themes in the series, I believe that the most important themes of the series are hopeful ones, such as love, family, and triumph against adversity, which is why the butterfly is in the center.
The broken glass surrounding the butterfly rather obviously symbolizes the concept of destruction, which is also a central theme. The title Destruction refers to the fact that dark magic is inherently destructive, but also refers to how a person can be destroyed, in body or soul.
One thing I was sure of, I wanted the word, Destruction, to be in “pretty” letters. I loved the contrast of having a dark and violent word look beautiful. This also fits the theme, as I wish to show the beauty in darkness and destruction, and the good in people who are supposed to be evil.”
Here is the blurb for Destruction, coming out 4/14/14:
David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn’t a choice.
Eleven years ago, David’s secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.
Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David’s wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children.
Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.
Add this to your Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20951394-destruction
Like the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thedecemberpeopleseries
Sign up for Sharon Bayliss’s newsletter to be alerted when the book is live on Amazon: http://eepurl.com/NaBG9
If you’re a book blogger or reviewer, you can also sign up to be part of the blog tour and/or get a free ARC: CLICK HERE
March 4, 2014
Cheryl Tardif – Submerged
Submerged – Week Blitz
By Cheryl Kaye Tardif
Psychological Paranormal Thriller
Date Published: 2/26/2013
From the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG comes a terrifying new thriller that will leave you breathless…
“SUBMERGED reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl.” —Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds
Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate…
After a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife, Jane, and son, Ryan, Marcus Taylor is immersed in grief. But his family isn’t the only thing he has lost. An addiction to painkillers has taken away his career as a paramedic. Working as a 911 operator is now the closest he gets to redemption—until he gets a call from a woman trapped in a car.
Rebecca Kingston yearns for a quiet weekend getaway, so she can think about her impending divorce from her abusive husband. When a mysterious truck runs her off the road, she is pinned behind the steering wheel, unable to help her two children in the back seat. Her only lifeline is a cell phone with a quickly depleting battery and a stranger’s calm voice on the other end telling her everything will be all right.
More reviews:
“From the first page, you know you are in the hands of a seasoned and expert storyteller who is going to keep you up at night turning the pages. Tardif knows her stuff. There’s a reason she sells like wildfire—her words burn up the pages. A wonderful, scary, heart-pumping writer.” —M.J. Rose, international bestselling author of Seduction
“Tardif once again delivers a suspenseful supernatural masterpiece.” —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Home
“From the first page, Cheryl Kaye Tardif takes you hostage with SUBMERGED—a compelling tale of anguish and redemption.” —Rick Mofina, bestselling author of Into the Dark
“Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s latest novel SUBMERGED will leave you as haunted as its characters.” —Joshua Corin, bestselling author of Before Cain Strikes
“SUBMERGED will leave you breathless—an edge of your seat, supernatural thrill ride.” —Jeff Bennington, bestselling author of Twisted Vengeance
EXCERPT
Prologue
Near Cadomin, AB – Saturday, June 15, 2013 – 12:36 AM
You never grow accustomed to the stench of death. Marcus Taylor knew that smell intimately. He had inhaled burnt flesh, decayed flesh…diseased flesh. It lingered on him long after he was separated from the body.
The image of his wife and son’s gray faces and blue lips assaulted him.
Jane…Ryan.
Mercifully, there were no bodies tonight. The only scent he recognized now was wet prairie and the dank residue left over from a rainstorm and the river.
“So what happened, Marcus?”
The question came from Detective John Zur, a cop Marcus knew from the old days. Back before he traded in his steady income and respected career for something that had poisoned him physically and mentally.
“Come on,” Zur prodded. “Start talking. And tell me the truth.”
Marcus was an expert at hiding things. Always had been. But there was no way in hell he could hide why he was soaked to the skin and standing at the edge of a river in the middle of nowhere.
He squinted at the river, trying to discern where the car had sunk. He only saw faint ripples on the surface. “You can see what happened, John.”
“You left your desk. Not a very rational decision to make, considering your past.”
Marcus shook his head, the taste of river water still in his throat. “Just because I do something unexpected doesn’t mean I’m back to old habits.”
Zur studied him but said nothing.
“I had to do something, John. I had to try to save them.”
“That’s what EMS is for. You’re not a paramedic anymore.”
Marcus let his gaze drift to the river. “I know. But you guys were all over the place and someone had to look for them. They were running out of time.”
Overhead, lightning forked and thunder reverberated.
“Dammit, Marcus, you went rogue!” Zur said. “You know how dangerous that is. We could’ve had four bodies.”
Marcus scowled. “Instead of merely three, you mean?”
“You know how this works. We work in teams for a reason. We all need backup. Even you.”
“All the rescue teams were otherwise engaged. I didn’t have a choice.”
Zur sighed. “We go back a long way. I know you did what you thought was right. But it could’ve cost them all their lives. And it’ll probably cost you your job. Why would you risk that for a complete stranger?”
“She wasn’t a stranger.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Marcus realized how true that statement seemed. He knew more about Rebecca Kingston than he did about any other woman. Besides Jane.
“You know her?” Zur asked, frowning.
“She told me things and I told her things. So, yeah, I know her.”
“I still do not get why you didn’t stay at the center and let us do our job.”
“She called me.” Marcus looked into his friend’s eyes. “Me. Not you.”
“I understand, but that’s your job. To listen and relay information.”
“You don’t understand a thing. Rebecca was terrified. For herself and her children. No one knew where they were for sure, and she was running out of time. If I didn’t at least try, what kind of person would I be, John?” He gritted his teeth. “I couldn’t live with that. Not again.”
Zur exhaled. “Sometimes we’re simply too late. It happens.”
“Well, I didn’t want it to happen this time.” Marcus thought of the vision he’d seen of Jane standing in the middle of the road. “I had a…hunch I was close. Then when Rebecca mentioned Colton had seen flying pigs, I remembered this place. Jane and I used to buy ribs and chops from the owner, before it closed down about seven years ago.”
“And that led you here to the farm.” Zur’s voice softened. “Good thing your hunch paid off. This time. Next time, you might not be so lucky.”
“There won’t be a next time, John.”
A smirk tugged at the corner of Zur’s mouth. “Uh-huh.”
“There won’t.”
Zur shrugged and headed for the ambulance.
Under a chaotic sky, Marcus stood at the edge of the river as tears cascaded from his eyes. The night’s events hit him hard, like a sucker punch to the gut. He was submerged in a wave of memories. The first call, Rebecca’s frantic voice, Colton crying in the background. He knew that kind of fear. He’d felt it before. But last time, it was a different road, different woman, different child.
He shook his head. He couldn’t think of Jane right now. Or Ryan. He couldn’t reflect on all he’d lost. He needed to focus on what he’d found, what he’d discovered in a faceless voice that had comforted him and expressed that it was okay to let go.
He glanced at his watch. It was after midnight. 12:39, to be exact. He couldn’t believe how his life had changed in not much more than two days.
“Marcus!”
He turned…
Cheryl Tardif
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is an award-winning, international bestselling Canadian suspense author. Her novels include Submerged, Divine Justice, Children of the Fog, The River, Divine Intervention, and Whale Song, which New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice calls “a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart…a beautiful, haunting novel.”She is now working on her next thriller.
Cheryl also enjoys writing short stories inspired mainly by her author idol Stephen King, and this has resulted in Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories (collection of shorts) and Remote Control (novelette eBook).
In 2010 Cheryl detoured into the romance genre with her contemporary romantic suspense debut, Lancelot’s Lady, written under the pen name of Cherish D’Angelo.
Booklist raves, “Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border.”
Author Links
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Facebook Page
SUBMERGED Army on Facebook
Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | itunes | Kobo Books | Smashwords
GIVEAWAY
KINDLE FIRE + REsQMe Emergency Tool (featured in the novel and was donated by the company)
*The Kindle Fire HD or Kobo Arc 7 will be awarded IF I make New York Times or USA Today bestsellers lists, so the more people share my event, the better chance I’ll be giving one away. The other prizes will be awarded no matter what happens.
This Blitz is brought to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours
Spotlight On: My Name is Rapunzel, by K.C. Hilton
My Name is Rapunzel – Week Blitz
By K.C. Hilton
Young Adult Fantasy / Fairytale / Folklore
Date Published: 11/23/2013
My tale has been told again and again, and I’ve heard each one. Except for my hair, I barely recognize the pitiful renditions. Muddled versions, crafted to entertain laughing children…but the children wouldn’t have laughed if they’d known the real story. It wasn’t their fault. They didn’t know the truth. Nobody did. My name is Rapunzel. I will tell you my story. I will tell you the truth.
EXCERPT
Just go, Henry. Save yourself. I tried to shout, but my mouth wouldn’t give way to sound. I was paralyzed. Was it with fear, or something else? The cackling witch at the tree line convinced me it was her doing.
I heard Henry continue to shout for me to flee, but I didn’t respond. I didn’t move. I didn’t run. I was frozen like a lifeless statue in a cold museum. With only the movement of my eyes, I pleaded with him to help me. A tear escaped one of my eyes then rolled down my cheek. That single tear managed to do what my heart and body could not. Escape.
Fear, like unseen hands, gripped my lungs and tried to crush them slowly. My stomach churned and threatened to empty. Would we die here?
The gentle chill of night had turned into a mid-winter’s frost. Tiny bumps rose on my arms and the small hairs prickled to attention. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words remained trapped in my throat.
K.C. Hilton
Born and raised in Aurora, Illinois I spent my childhood playing street games with the neighborhood kids. When I wasn’t outside, I spent much of my time reading and getting lost in adventurous worlds and whirlwind courtships. At the age of seventeen, I moved to Kentucky and eventually began to raise a family of my own. I have always been entranced by stories of magical adventure and I have discovered that writing is an entirely new, exciting adventure all on its own! In my spare time, I can be found updating my website or blog, finding great books to read or watching videos. Most days I crave Diet Coke, pizza and chocolate, in no particular order. I have my own pink toolbox with pink tools and secretly want to be a mechanic! I grew up a tomboy. But, when I didn’t want to climb a hill, to walk through the graveyard, the boys said I turned into a girl.Author Links
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | YouTube
Buy Links
Amazon | | |
GIVEAWAY
Signed Copy of My Name Is Rapunzel and SWAG!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This Blitz is brought to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours
Happy Release Day! Chasing the Green Fairy by Melanie Karsak
Novel Description:
Chasing the Green Fairy
The Airship Racing Chronicles Book II
A sabotaged airship.
A recovering opium addict.
A messenger with life-shattering news.
With the 1824 British airship qualifying race only weeks away, Lily Stargazer is at the top of her game. She’s racing like a pro, truly in love, and living clean. But on one ill-omened day, everything changes.
Pulled head-long into the ancient secrets of the realm, Lily soon finds herself embroiled in Celtic mysteries and fairy lore. And she’s not quite sure how she got there, or even if she wants to be involved. But Lily soon finds herself chasing the spirit of the realm while putting her own ghosts to rest. And only accepting the truth–about her heart and her country–can save her.
Begin the adventure with Chasing the Star Garden, The Airship Racing Chronicles I at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Garden-Airship-Racing-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00GXUU6IC/
Purchase Chasing the Green Fairy, The Airship Racing Chronicles II at Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Green-Fairy-Airship-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00IMSIQMG/
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Youtube playlist:
Book trailer:
Make a video – it’s fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com
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About the Author:
Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania where there wasn’t much to do but read books and go for hikes. She wrote her first novel, a gripping piece about a 1920s stage actress, when she was 12. Today, Melanie, a steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and caffeine junkie, lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Karsak/e/B009DKGKQG/
Blog: http://melaniekarsak.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieKarsak
Email: melanie@clockpunkpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsak
Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/MelanieKarsak
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/melaniekarsak/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539577.Melanie_Karsak
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Release Day Giveaway
Rafflecopter Link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzA5ZWYxYWE4MDY4OTJhYWUzNWJlZTk5YTc4NTZiOjIw/
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Excerpt
Chapter 1:
A chartreuse-colored leaf fluttered down onto the wheel of the Stargazer. It was early morning. The mist covering the surface of the Thames reflected the rosy sunrise. Yawning, I reached out to brush it away only find it was not a leaf at all. Carefully, I balanced the fragile creature on the tip of my finger.
“Mornin’, Lil. Hey, what’s that?” Jessup called as he bounced onto the deck of the Stargazer.
Angus was cursing as he cranked out the repair platform below the ship. We were preparing for our morning practice run to Edinburgh.
“A luna moth,” I replied.
“I thought maybe you’d finally caught the green fairy,” Jessup joked as he climbed into the burner basket.
I grinned. The moth’s green wings, dotted with yellowish eyes, wagged slowly up and down. It was beautiful, but it was dying. “My mother once told me that they are fey things, that they live in the other realm until it’s their time to die. Then, they come to humans.”
“Why?” Jessup asked as he adjusted the valves. Orange flame sparked to life.
“She said that even enchanted things want to be truly loved at least once.”
“Don’t we all?” he replied with a laugh.
A harsh wind blew across the Thames, clearing the morning mist. It snatched the delicate creature from my hands. I tried to catch it, but the breeze pulled it from me even as it was dying. I lost it to the wind.
I sighed heavily as I picked up my tools then bounded over the side of the ship to the repair platform. I pulled out a dolly and rolled under, joining Angus who had fallen remarkably silent. The moment I saw the gear assembly on the Stargazer, I understood why.
“What the hell?” I whispered.
“Aye, lassie.”
“Jessup!” I shouted. “Get the tower guards down here!”
“What’s wrong?” Jessup called.
“The Stargazer has been sabotaged!”
I stared at the mangled gears. From the saw marks on the gear assembly to the metal shrapnel blown around the galley, it was clear what had happened. I felt like someone had punched me in the gut.
Seconds later I heard Jessup’s boots hit the platform and the sound of him running toward the guard station.
“They removed Sal’s torque mechanism. Sawed the bloody thing right off,” Angus said angrily.
“But . . . who?” I stammered.
“The Dilettanti?” Angus offered as he strained to examine the rest of the assembly.
“No,” I said as I touched the saw marks. The rough metal cut my finger. “That business is finished. Byron saw to that.” I stuck my bloodied finger in my mouth. The salty taste of blood mixed with the tang of gear grease.
“Then who?”
“Someone who didn’t want us to race in the qualifying. Someone who wanted to learn what had us running so fast.”
We were less than a month out from the British qualifying. While there were other good race teams in the realm, no one raced better than us. After all, we were the champions of the 1823 World Grand Prix. My stunt in Paris had brought us heaps of acclaim, but not all our British competitors were impressed. Envy had set in.
“Grant?” Angus suggested.
Julius Grant, whose team was sponsored by Westminster Gas Light, was our greatest competition at home. He hated us. He was annoyed that we were sponsored by Byron, annoyed that I was female, and annoyed that we were faster than him. Grant was the most likely suspect. But he was not the only one. “Almost too obvious. What about Lord D?” I wondered aloud.
“He’d love to, but he doesn’t have the stones,” Angus replied. “Might be someone who doesn’t want us in the Prix. If they take us out during qualifying, we aren’t a threat abroad.”
“That means it could be anyone.”
“Hell, maybe one of Byron’s lovers took a stab at you.”
“But I’m not even romantically involved with him anymore.”
“The rest of the world doesn’t know that.”
I rolled out from under the ship. Leaning against the Stargazer, I wiped my hands. The cut stung as grease mingled with the open wound. I wanted to either beat someone to death or cry. I wasn’t sure which. Maybe both.
Angus joined me.
“Can we get it fixed in time?” I asked him.
He wiped sweat from his bald head as he thought. “It’ll be close. I’ll need Sal’s help.”
“You? Need Sal?”
“Aye, lassie.”
“He’s busy getting the factory ready, but he’ll come.”
Jessup returned with Edwin, the stationmaster, and Reggie, one of the guards.
“Where the hell were your people last night?” Angus demanded of Edwin. We’d known Edwin for a long time, and we trusted the guards in London. Something wasn’t right.
As Angus and Edwin discussed, a terrible ache rocked my stomach. I set my hand on the side of the Stargazer. Her honey-colored timbers shone in the sunlight. Just as sleek and beautiful as she was the first time I laid eyes on her, she was my pride and joy. My ship. My love. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
“What do you think, Lil?” Jessup asked.
Clearly, I’d missed something. “Pardon?”
“Edwin suggested we post a private guard,” Jessup explained.
I nodded. “We’ll sort it out.”
“Lily, I’m so sorry. Someone must have sneaked past us. I can’t believe it,” Edwin said. His clear blue eyes were brimming with tears.
I set my hand on his shoulder. “Who was stationed on this end last night?”
“Morton.”
I sighed. I wasn’t one to point fingers, but that explained it. “Was he still drunk when he went home this morning?” I asked Reggie.
Reggie shifted uncomfortably as Edwin turned to look at him. “He was,” Reggie answered after a moment.
“That lazy, rummy bloke. I’ll kill him! I’ll kill him!” Edwin shouted, and in an angry huff, stomped back down the platform.
“Sorry, Lily. Angus. Jessup. I won’t take my eyes off her,” Reggie said sadly then went to take a post near the Stargazer.
“We’ll sleep on the ship until we get a guard on board,” I told Angus and Jessup who nodded in agreement.
“A guard . . . but who can we trust?” Jessup asked.
“The Stargazer is family. We need family to keep her safe,” Angus replied then looked at me.
“You mean . . . Duncan?” About three years earlier, I’d been, albeit briefly, in a relationship with Angus’ older brother Duncan. While I’d fallen for Duncan the moment I’d laid eyes on him, we were not suited for one another. Back then, I wasn’t ready to give up Byron or anything else.
Angus shrugged. “I suppose he’s over you by now.”
“That’s all well and good,” Jessup spat, “but we need someone to look into this! Someone needs to be held accountable! We should send for the Bow Street boys.”
Angus shook his head. “Only if we want everyone in London to know.”
“Well, we need to do something!” Jessup protested.
“Let’s keep it quiet. I’ll talk to Phineas,” I replied.
Jessup nodded eagerly. “Yeah. Good idea.”
Angus frowned. “Are you sure about that?”
Phineas and I had a convoluted opiate history, but as Angus knew well, I’d been keeping my habits in check. “It’ll be fine. I’ll check in with Phin, go get Sal, and come back. We can head out to the league meeting together.”
“If Grant looks even a wee bit guilty, I’m going to squeeze his neck,” Angus cursed.
“If he looks guilty, I’ll help you,” I replied. I set my hand on the Stargazer. It was so painful to see something you loved damaged.
“It’ll be all right, Lil,” Jessup said trying to comfort me. “We’ll get her fixed.”
I smiled weakly at Jessup then turned to leave. I knew he was right, but it didn’t make me feel any better.
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March 3, 2014
Spotlight On: Unleashed by Emily Kimelman + Choose the Audiobook Narrator!
Choose the Voice of Sydney Rye
Sydney Rye is coming to Audio and we need your help picking the narrator!
Emily Kimelman’s “Sydney Rye” series features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don’t mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!
Haven’t read Sydney Rye yet? Download the first book, UNLEASHED, for free on Amazon, iTunes, B&N, or Kobo and see how she sounds in your head then vote for the best narrator!
Voting enters you to win all sorts of great prizes including Amazon gift cards, signed books, and the finished Audio book! Add to your chances of winning by joining Emily’s email list, liking her Facebook page, or telling your friends about the contest. The Rafflecopter is at the end of this post.
Here are your choices:
The code to listen to each artist is below along with their bio.
Emily Strong
Bio: Emily Strong is an actor, voiceover talent, and first time filmmaker. As a native of Michigan, she is a nature-lover at heart but has the mind of a city girl and moved to Chicago nearly three years ago because she wasn’t smart enough to go somewhere warmer. She takes full advantage of what the city has to offer by training at legendary places like The Second City and eating lots and lots of ethnic food (will travel all the way across the city to Pilsen for the best tacos!). Her love of reading was the catalyst for her adventurous spirit and the reason why she is always stoked to tell stories in their many different forms.
You can visit her at www.emilystrong.net
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Erin Jones
Bio: Erin has narrated over 500 audio books including “The Hunger Games” trilogy for The National Library Services/Library Of Congress, “A State Of Wonder,” The Garden Of The Beasts,” “Anna Karenina,” “Ferdinand The Bull, and “Madeline.”
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Sonja Field
Bio: Sonja has two loves: acting and reading. Narrating audiobooks is her absolute passion. She has logged over 600 hours recording textbooks with an organization called Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, and is currently in the process of recording a kids’ action-fantasy-adventure novel, a steamy and mysterious paranormal romance, and a non-fiction about writing. She loves nothing more than bringing vivid worlds and unique characters to life. When she’s not recording, Sonja can be found onstage, traipsing around Brooklyn, or entertaining children with a variety of dubious accents.
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Erica Newhouse
Bio: Erica Newhouse is a film, televesion and theater actor living in New York City. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
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ENTER TO WIN
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More about UNLEASHED:
UNLEASHED is the first book in Emily Kimelman’s best selling Sydney Rye series of mysteries.
When the series begins Sydney Rye is named Joy Humbolt. She does not like people telling her what to do, so it comes as no surprise that she was just fired from her last job. When she buys Charlene Miller’s dog-walking business on Manhattan’s exclusive upper east side, it seems like the perfect fit: Quiet environment, minimal contact with people.
But then one of her clients turns up dead, and Charlene disappears. Rumors say Charlene was having an affair with the victim–and of course, everyone assumes Joy must know where she is. Joy begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity then out of anger when there is another murder and threats start to come her way.
When police detective Mulberry is assigned to the case, Joy finds a kindred spirit–cynical and none-too-fond of the human race. As they dig deep into the secrets of Manhattan’s elite, they not only get closer to the killer but also to a point of no return. One last murder sends Joy Humbolt hurtling over the edge. Her only chance of survival is to become Sydney Rye.
The Rest of The Sydney Rye Series:
DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)
INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3)
STRINGS OF GLASS (A Sydney Rye Novel, #4)
THE DEVIL’S BREATH (A Sydney Rye Novel, #5) Coming April 2014
Emily Kimelman Biography
Emily Kimelman is the author of the best selling “Sydney Rye” series of mystery novels including UNLEASHED, DEATH IN THE DARK, INSATIABLE, STRINGS OF GLASS and the forthcoming THE DEVIL’S BREATH. Emily lives with her husband, Sean Gilvey, and their dog, Kinsey Millhone “Pup Detective”, on a trawler docked in the Hudson Valley during the summer. She spends her winters traveling to where ever the next Sydney Rye Novel takes place. Right now she is in Costa Rica working on Sydney Rye #6.
If you’ve read Emily’s work and liked it please contact her. She loves hearing from readers. You can reach Emily via email ejkimelman@gmail.com or on twitter @ejkimelman. Follow her on Instagram to see pictures from Emily’s latest adventures. Visit http://www.emilykimelman.com to learn more about Emily and the Sydney Rye series.
Links:
UNLEASHED
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Unleashed-Sydney-Rye-Novel-ebook/dp/B004XDWJ18
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11296999-unleashed
Kobo
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/UNLEASHED-A-Sydney-Rye-Novel/book-FLXSjQKQckyjsIbxbqwSkA/page1.html
Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/60752
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/unleashed-a-sydney-rye-novel-1/id665272929?mt=11
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unleashed-emily-kimelman/1111867294?ean=9781463581978
Social Media
https://twitter.com/ejkimelman
https://www.facebook.com/EmilyKimelman
http://emilykimelman.wordpress.com
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