Sunday, September 30, 2018

Earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia

Please give what you can:

Direct Relief

https://www.directrelief.org/

  • A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the island of Sulawesi on Friday morning, causing a tsunami and around 170 aftershocks. It is the most devastating earthquake to hit Indonesia since 2004.

  • The area devastated by the disaster is bigger than originally thought. The tsunami wave was as high as six metres in some places.

  • The death toll is currently at 832 and expected to rise sharply. 821 of the deaths occurred in the city of Palu. There are still only 11 casualties recorded in the city of Donggala, one of the worst hit areas

  • Bodies are now being buried in mass graves once they have been identified.

  • The city of Palu has been devastated. There is no electricity and drinking water is in short supply after the pipes were damaged. Fuel is also running low.

  • A search and rescue team are working to retrieve 50 people trapped in the ruins of the Roa Roa hotel in Palu. Voices have been heard screaming from the wreck of the 8-storey building.

  • Rescue operations are hindered by the lack of heavy equipment needed to shift the rubble. Most search and rescue of victims is being done by hand.

  • Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo has arrived in Palu and is inspecting the damage

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Sweet Christmas Kisses ~ 9 Christmas romances!


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

this book is on sale for only $0.99! The buy link is https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Christmas-Kisses-Beate-Boeker-ebook/dp/B07FN4KVWP/ref=sr_1_1
Fill your holiday stocking with love and 9 sweet romance novellas, from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and award-winning authors. Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 brings you heartwarming contemporary romances that celebrate the joy of the season around the world, including in snowy Maine and the sun-kissed skies of Florida, the mountains of Colorado, small-town Illinois and South Carolina, New York to San Francisco, and even the glittering lights of Paris and the old-world charm of Florence. The Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 bundle features all-new, standalone novellas that will make you smile and fill your heart with the Christmas spirit.
***** 

Christmas With The Poker Group by Beate Boeker, USA Today Bestselling Author. After losing her beloved grandmother and getting dumped by her boyfriend, Sabrina is left feeling like Scrooge this Christmas. She makes a plan to survive the holidays in Florence, only to realize her grieving grandfather has a plan of his own. One that involves the crazy Mantoni family and the distractingly handsome man she’s determined to avoid. It’s beginning to look a lot like a tricky Christmas.

About the Author: Beate Boeker is a USA Today bestselling author with a passion for books that brim over with mischief & humor. She writes sweet, sophisticated romantic fiction and cozy mysteries, many of them set in beautiful Italy. While “Boeker” means “books” in a German dialect, her first name Beate can be translated as “Happy” . . . and with a name that reads “Happy Books,” what else could she do but write novels with a happy ending?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beate-Boeker-153573758044433/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeateBoeker
Website: http://www.happybooks.de/ Newsletter: http://www.happybooks.de/newsletter

*****


Christmas With The Carmichaels by Christine Bush, USA Today Bestselling Author. Widow and retiree Gabby is ready for a rocking chair. At least according to her daughter. Except maybe she’s not. After getting stranded in a Maine snowstorm with a silver-haired fox, Gabby might find the courage to say “yes” to life once more, and find a Christmas love she never expected.

About the Author: Christine Bush is an award-winning author of many sweet romances, mysteries, and novellas. When she’s not writing, she can be found teaching Psychology at a local college, working as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, or (mostly) spending time with her twelve grandchildren.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineabush
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Christine_Bush
Website: http://christinebush.com


*****


The Mistletoe Bachelor Auction by Milou Koenings, USA Today bestselling author. When a supermodel with a string of bad news boyfriends “wins” a volunteer firefighter at a charity bachelor auction, Rose and Ryan might both discover they’ve found their perfect Christmas match. A fun and romantic holiday tale set in the fictional town of Green Pines, Illinois.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Milou Koenings writes heartwarming romance novels because sweet stories with happy endings are like chocolate – they bring joy to the world and so make it a better place. She’s lived all over the world, working as an editor and newspaper columnist, but loves staying home with her family most of all. She's the author of the Green Pines Romance series.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilouKoenings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MilouKoenings
Website: https://www.miloukoenings.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/milousnewletter

*****

Sweet Peppermint Kisses by Josie Riviera, USA Today Bestselling Author. Sometimes the best gifts are hiding right under your Christmas tree. His emotions were once trampled flat. Can he throw his heart over the fence toward the ultimate Christmas gift—a future filled with love? A holiday tale about the healing power of love, set in the charming fictional town of Cherish, South Carolina.

About the Author: Author Josie Riviera writes Historical, Inspirational, and Sweet Romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their empty nest with an adorable Shih Tzu who constantly needs grooming and an old house forever needing renovations. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Josie.Riviera
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Josieriviera
Website: https://josieriviera.com/

*****


Christmas In Paris by Roxanne Rustand, USA Today Bestselling Author. Kindergarten teacher Heather thought all her dreams were coming true—until she was jilted by her fiancĂ© three months before their Christmas wedding. Since the honeymoon to Paris is already paid for, Heather determines to go sans groom and have a great time, no matter what. Love is not part of her travel plans, but when a handsome young doctor literally runs into her on the street, the magic of Christmas in Paris may cause a change of heart.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Roxanne Rustand is the author of thirty-five traditionally published novels, plus four indie novels. She was a Golden Heart finalist twice, and a Golden Heart winner in 1995. She has won two RT Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and was nominated for an RT Magazine Career Achievement Award. Her earlier books were secular, but she now writes sweet indie romance, and inspirational romance for Love Inspired.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoxanneRustand
Website: http://www.roxannerustand.com
Newsletter: http://roxannerustand.com/newsletter-signup

*****


Second Chance Christmas by Kristin Wallace, USA Today Bestselling Author. Ten years ago, Mia Reynolds and Win Barrington spent one magical Christmas together—until lies and manipulation tore them apart, and left Mia to raise a daughter all on her own. Now, both are back in their hometown of Palm Cove, Florida just in time for the holidays. Once they uncover the truth about what happened, can Mia and Win rediscover love and celebrate a Second Chance Christmas with their daughter?

About the Author: Kristin Wallace is a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational, contemporary and women’s fiction filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith.” Her popular series include the Covington Falls Chronicles and Shellwater Key Tales.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/KristinWallaceAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KWallaceAuthor
Website: http://kristinwallaceauthor.com
Newsletter: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/wMWhn

*****


Ghosts From Christmas Past by Mary Alford, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author. She was the love of his life, until a tragic accident on Christmas Eve left Charlotte Swenson in a coma. For eight years, Sheriff Dylan Parker of Bitter Creek, Colorado has held on to the hope that somehow his love will find a way back to him. And when Charlotte opens her eyes, just days before Christmas, Dylan can’t help but believe a holiday miracle may grant his every wish.

About the Author: Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Mary Alford was inspired to become a writer after reading such romantic suspense greats as Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Creating characters and throwing them into dangerous situations that test their faith was a challenge, but 2012 Mary received “the call” to publish her first book — a dream come true. Today, Mary writes Christian romantic suspense, and small-town contemporary romances.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAlfordAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryalford13
Website: http://maryalford.net

*****


Christmas Pizza To The Rescue by Jean C. Gordon. When a freak winter storm strands them alone at the Team Macachek barracks in Central New York, champion motocross racer Royce Evans and out-of-work investigative reporter turned pizza deliverer Samantha Linder strike a bargain that benefits them both. But when it appears Sam has broken the agreement, will the spirit of Christmas be strong enough to save their blossoming holiday love?

About the Author: Award-winning sweet and inspirational author Jean C. Gordon writes what she knows best — small-town, happily-ever-afters set in her native Upstate New York.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JeanCGordon.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanCGordon
Website: https://www.jeancgordon.com/
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2wFYzPq

*****


The Love Clause by Liwen. Y. Ho. He needs a fake girlfriend to advance his career. She needs a pretend date to keep her mom off her case during the holidays. The solution to both of their problems? A contractual relationship with one clause: neither of them can fall in love. A Christmas tale set in romantic San Francisco that will cause this reluctant couple to rethink the “no love” clause.

About the Author: Liwen Y. Ho writes sweet and inspirational romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots). She lives in California with her family and blogs about life as a recovering perfectionist.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2square2behip/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2square2behip
Website: http://www.2square2behip.com/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bt2nEL

The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 21, 2018

ROGUE DRAGON RISING by TJ Shaw


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Twenty-three year old, Amari Hawke, is thrust into the world of two-soul shifters when she is injured and kidnapped by trackers outside the veil, beyond the safety of her homeland. Unable to remember her past, she trusts no one and relies on instinct to survive. As her awakening approaches, the first time she will transition into her animal, she must evade rogue shifters trying to capture her.

Now free from the King’s Army, powerful dragon lord, Jaxon Blackthorn, seeks a peaceful life. Intent on building his lands into a viable plantation, away from war and bloodshed, he is reluctantly pulled back into the fight when he defends the mysterious shifter with no past against an unseen enemy.

As evil threatens to destroy the entire realm, can the battle-hardened warrior and coming-of-age noblewoman accept their differences to forge an alliance that will ultimately unite the shifter nations?

Read an Excerpt

Amari had never seen a dragon before…at least not from what she could remember. Muscle rolled beneath glistening scales. Front claws, consisting of sharp, black talons, shimmered like polished stone. Beautiful translucent wings rippled in the sunlight, tapering down to a powerful tail. Her body quivered over the breathtaking spectacle in front of her.

She skimmed her fingers over a large, amber eye, well away from the razor-sharp teeth. Aside from a slight twitch, the beast stilled at her touch. In a brazen move, she planted her palms on each side of its face. “You are way more magnificent than the lioness.”

The dragon growled, shooting vibrations up her arms. She snatched her hands off its face and backpedaled until she butted up against the rock. Her heart rabbited in her chest.

She had just touched a dragon.

She glanced sideways. If she ran, maybe she’d reach the trees before it could catch her…assuming it wouldn’t just torch her. As if reading her mind, the beast snarled.

“Please, don’t eat me.”

In a flash of light, the dragon shimmered and lost shape. To her surprise, Lord Blackthorn stepped from the brightness, and his hands slammed down on each side of her head, sandwiching her against the rock. Tension rolled off his shoulders, and fear crawled up her spine.

She almost preferred her chances with the dragon.

About the Author:
TJ Shaw is a multi award-winning author who writes from her heart by incorporating her dreams and experiences to create strong, passionate characters who must overcome personal flaws to survive against the challenges of traversing through magical realms, undiscovered planets, and apocalyptic catastrophes.

TJ is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers.

Website: https://tjshaw.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tjshawauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TjShawAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/TJShaw
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/tjshaw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TJShawAuthor

BOOK IS ON SALE $0.99 DURING TOUR ONLY

– Paperback and eBook

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Dragon-Rising-part-Outside-ebook/dp/B07FSKH3XX/
< Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogue-dragon-rising-part-one-tj-shaw/1129183174
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1417772232
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/TJ_Shaw_Rogue_Dragon_Rising_part_one?id=QLhmDwAAQBAJ
Kobo https://play.google.com/store/books/details/TJ_Shaw_Rogue_Dragon_Rising_part_one?id=QLhmDwAAQBAJ

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Without Reservation By Lynn Burke

Without Reservation

Sandy Ridge 1


Heat Level: 4

Release Date: September 19, 2019


Keywords: MMF, Menage, Erotic, Contemporary, Romance, Series, HEA, Novella

*Be warned: Multiple partners (MMF), anal sex, double penetration

Art studio vandalized and her mother in a fresh grave, Meg Winters heads off on vacation with her two best friends. She hopes for peace from her grief and the return of her muse. She doesn’t expect to run into the two men she idolizes, Trevor and Jack, the secretive wonders of the art world whose work she’s long admired. She certainly doesn’t expect them to be sex-on-legs gorgeous and determined to fulfill her number one sexual fantasy. They not only awaken her slumbering body, but also her creativity and the life she used to wield with her brushes. However, Meg carries a secret of her own which holds her back from surrendering herself fully to their desires. Will Trevor and Jack be able to overcome her reservations, or will the truth of her past ruin their chance for love? 

​PURCHASE LINKS:

EXCERPT:

One kiss, she’d said. She hadn’t expected a long, drawn-out kiss that would make her body quake with need.
“Come over to our cabin with us,” Trevor said, his low voice rumbling in her ear, his thumb drawing circles mid-thigh on her bare skin. “Check off your number one bucket list item.”

MY REVIEW:
Meg Winters and her two friends are off for a much-needed vacation. Their art studio was just vandalized, and all Meg's artworks were lost. As if that weren't enough, her mother who had been having drug and alcohol problems, dies in a car accident. Meg wants to start painting again, but she's too destroyed inside to even start. But the vacation house has a surprise - two neighbors, two hot men, who obviously flash on her. Her freinds tease her, knowing that one of Meg's biggest fantasies is to be in bed with two men at the same time. Trevor and Jack are obviously in love, but they make sure Meg knows they are interested in her as well. Encouraged by her freinds, and by Jack and Trevor, Meg agrees to onenight of fantasy. But how can you stop when it's all too good? Jack and Trevor want to make it a lasting relationship, however, Meg has to resolve a huge problem in her own family in order to move on - and she has no idea where to start. This was a fast, hot read with lots of sizzling sex. A great read to heat you up on a cold night, especially if your fantasy is two guys and a gal. Go for it!

© Lynn Burke 2018
 ABOUT LYNN BURKE:
Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Priscilla by Charlene Raddon


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Charlene will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

After losing her father and husband in a mine disaster, Priscilla Heartsel faces poverty and eviction from her home by a heartless mine owner. Tricked into a bank robbery gone wrong, Braxton Gamble finds himself shot and unconscious in Priscilla's bed. Can they survive long enough to find a love more precious than gold?


Read an Excerpt

She loosened her grip on the cookie and it landed in her lap. "You're planning to get married? Yet you were kissing me in front of everyone only moments ago?"

"Only because you're who I plan to marry." He grinned.

She retrieved her cookie, left it on the table and returned the plate to the pantry.

"Hey," he said, "I wasn't through with those."

"Too bad." Hands firmly planted on her hips, she glared at him. "I have no intention of remarrying, and if I did, what makes you think it would be to you?"

Braxton got to his feet. "I'm crazy about you, Pris, and I think you care for me too."

"Well, you're wrong. Get out."

Moving around the table toward her, he said, "Okay, Pris. Don't get your dander up."

Relieved that he was going to leave quietly, she relaxed, but as soon as she did, he reached out and hauled her into his arms. Before she could voice a complaint, he kissed her. Again. She tensed and tried to break free.

Oh, but it felt so good. While cursing herself for not fighting harder, she kissed him back. A tingling began below her abdomen and she felt flushed and hungry for something she couldn't name, except that she wanted more of what Braxton offered. Her hands slipped behind his head and she pressed closer, noticing he was ready for her.

"Lord, but I could go on kissing you forever," he murmured.

"Shut up and just do it," she whispered back.

She felt him smile against her lips, but not for long. He slid his tongue along the seam of her lips until she opened to him, then slipped it inside. He tasted like oatmeal and coffee. Sweet, heady, and strong.

He pressed his aroused body closer to her, and she couldn't help wriggling. Her heart pounded, her blood on fire.

The next thing she knew, he'd picked her up and was heading for the stairs. Priscilla knew what he planned and opened her mouth to object.

A knock came on the door. "Braxton, are you in there?" Etta hollered. "Irish and Logan have been sighted riding toward the Lucky Lady. You coming with me?"

"Aw, hell," he muttered, letting Priscilla's feet touch the floor. "I gotta go. I'm sorry, Pris, darlin'."

"It doesn't matter. What we were doing was insane anyway."

He glowered at her. "You still going to claim you don't want me?"

"I don't want to marry."

"That's fine with me. We'll just live together."

"Ha! Get out of here."

"I'm going." He stalked to the door and slammed it behind him.

About the Author: Charlene Raddon’s first serious attempt at writing fiction came in 1980 when a vivid dream drove her to drag out a typewriter and begin writing. Because of her love of romance novels and the Wild West, her primary genre is historical romance. Kensington Books originally published five of her novels. These were later released as eBooks by Tirgearr Publishing. Currently, Charlene is an Indie author with . She also designs book covers, specializing in western historical.

Website: https://charleneraddon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charleneb.b.raddon
Twitter: http://twitter.com/craddon
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Charlene-Raddon/e/B000APG1P8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1232154.Charlene_Raddon

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G9N8PC7/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Charlene will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 17, 2018

IN A FLASH by Laura M BAIRD


IN A FLASH by Laura M BAIRD


Photographer's assistant, Audri secretly crushes on cover model Carson. When an impromptu photo shoot lands her in his arms, she'll discover she's not the only one with secret desires. But with past pain and obstacles in their path, will barriers break down allowing them to trust... to love?

Excerpt:  She raked her gaze over his torso where his white dress shirt protested across his impressive chest and wide shoulders, pushing the limits of how far the material could be stretched. Her fingers itched to smooth out the creases, or better yet, undo every last button and free him from the garment. Oh, to have her hands on his glorious skin. She had to clench her fists at her sides as she took a fortifying breath to center herself.
   Audri’s gaze ventured back to his eyes as she slowly sauntered toward him, over-emphasizing the sway in her hips. She never broke eye contact and was pleased to see a flash of shock register on his face. What she witnessed next nearly had her tripping in her heals.
   Was that desire on his face? Desire? Impossible!
  


About the author: While working as a dental hygienist for over 18 years, Laura's been writing for many more. Just last year her publishing dreams came true, with the majority of her titles published with Evernight Publishing. When not writing, she's reading, acting goofy with her hubby of twenty-eight years, or watching college football. Learn more about her and all the places your can follow her by visiting her contact page at https://www.laurambairdauthor.com 
Thank you!
Laura

Sunday, September 16, 2018

ZIPPER by Harley Wylde


ZIPPER by Harley Wylde

Publisher: Changeling Press Cover Artist: Bryan Keller Genres/Themes: Contemporary Romance, MC Romance, Silver Fox (older hero), New Adult, Interracial

Blurb:

Delphine: Six years ago, I did something really bad, and it chased away the guy I’ve been in lust with ever since my hormones had kicked in. I’d been a stupid teen, and I’d paid the price. But now I need help, and there’s nowhere for me to go except straight to the Dixie Reapers, and the one man who probably never wants to see me again. If Zipper won’t help me, then I’m as good as dead. I’m willing to pay any price, and I will give him anything he wants. Is it wrong that I hope, at least a little, that all this ends up with me in his bed? I’ve never stopped wanting him, and I know I never will.

Zipper: The teen girl who had turned my life upside down now wants my help. If nothing else, I owe it to her dad, legendary tattoo artist Hwan Lee, my mentor, the man who gave me a chance when no one else would. He’s really the reason I left all those years ago. I couldn’t disrespect him by claiming what I wanted. Delphine. Not to mention my ass would have ended up in jail. Now she’s here, and she says I can have anything. Naughty girl. Didn’t anyone ever tell her not to tempt the devil? Because soon, I’ll have her right where I want her -- under me and screaming my name --  and I’m never letting her go. As for the men trying to kill her, it’s only a matter of time before they breathe their last. No one hurts my woman.

NOTE: No Cliffhanger. No Cheating. Guaranteed HEA. Spanking. Sex Toys.
 
    CHP

  SNEAK PEEK
Copyright ©2018 Harley Wylde/Jessica Coulter Smith
Delphine
I hadn’t seen Mason in so damn long, and I wasn’t certain my presence would be welcome even now. I’d had a crush on him for as long as I could remember, even when I’d just been a little girl. My daddy had always taken me to work with him, and I’d gotten to know all the guys at his shop over the years, but it had always been Mason who fascinated me. As I grew, my feelings for him changed from that of a little girl to a young woman. It was my fault he’d left, even though I’d never told anyone, and never would. If my dad had ever found out what I’d done…
I took a steadying breath as I stared at the gates of the Dixie Reapers’ compound. No one knew I was here, and I wanted to keep it that way. I was in some serious shit right now, and it wasn’t fair to drop it on Mason’s doorstep, but I didn’t know where else to go. There was no one in my life I trusted right now, not even my own family. No, especially not my own family. Some slut with three kids had convinced my dad to marry her a few years ago, and I’d been pushed to the side. I’d quickly understood how Cinderella must have felt, being given all the crap jobs around the house and shop, and getting nothing in return. At least, as long as I was under the step-monster’s roof I wasn’t getting anything. Moving out helped a bit.
Things were different now, though, and not in a good way. Before Dad had died, I’d moved out. He’d been helping me pay rent, though, so I could be a nicer area. After his death, that helped came to a screeching halt, and I’d been forced to move into a not-so-great place. I’d found out at the reading of Dad’s will that he had apparently left his shop in my care if anything ever happened to him, along with half his life insurance policy. My step-monster only received fifty thousand dollars and the house, which I’d been told had a second mortgage on it. Needless to say, the woman wasn’t happy and would stop at nothing to get her hands on my inheritance. It had taken a while for everything to get sorted out and my inheritance actually handed over to me.
I wasn’t certain if I wanted to thank my dad for trying to take care of me at the very end, or scream at him for putting me in this position. Legally, there wasn’t a damn thing that Tia could do about the shop and money. But then, she’d never been one to follow the rules. I’d noticed some questionable-looking men following me lately, and I wondered if maybe she’d hired someone to do something to me. Especially after a few unexplained accidents happened. According to my dad’s lawyer, if anything happened to me, the money and shop would go to Tia. It had been a provision in my dad’s will apparently, stating that unless I was married with children, then step-mommy-dearest would inherit if I were to die. And since I wasn’t married and didn’t have any kids to leave the money to… yeah, I was pretty much screwed. I didn’t see how that could possibly be legal in this day and age, but what the hell did I know?
The gates mocked me as I stared at them. I could see the shadow of a man standing just on the other side, likely a guard of some sort. He hadn’t called out to me, but then I hadn’t exactly gotten any closer either. I took another breath to steady my nerves and approached, putting one foot in front of the other. My fingers wrapped around the iron bars and I stared at the man on the other side. He eyed me up and down, giving me time to look him over too. He seemed to be a few years older than me. “You here to party with the club?” he asked.
“I’m here to see… Zipper.” I hated that fucking name. To me, he was Mason, would always be Mason. Or maybe it was why he had that name that I hated so much. He’d been part of the Dixie Reapers even when he’d worked for my dad. Then he’d left and opened his own shop. The only times I’d seen him since then were glimpses around town, but I’d always hidden and kept my distance, knowing he probably hated me.
“He expecting you?” the guy asked.
“No. He used to work for my dad. Please, it’s important that I see him. I’m not here to cause trouble.”
The guy snorted and made a shooing motion. “Sorry, doll, but if you aren’t expected, you’re not getting in...


ZipperPromo1
PLAYLIST
  • Angel by Shaggy
  • The Champion by Carrie Underwood
  • Piece of Me by Britney Spears
  • How Long by Charlie Puth
  • Badass by Neffex
  • Uncomfortable by Halestorm
  • Bang Bang by Jessie J
  • Supermassive Black Hole by Muse
  • Just a Dream by Nelly
  • Dynamite by Tao Cruz
  • Yeah! by Usher

Friday, September 14, 2018

Visualizing Characters Through Description and Dialogue


Visualizing Characters Through Description and Dialogue

When we watch a film, the characters are foisted upon us. The actors are the physical manifestations of the characters, and their accents, hair, faces, and clothes are no longer subject to our imagination. When the actor matches the ideal of the character, the audience is by and large content. But when the character does not match the actor, then the audience is disappointed. In order to avoid this, most authors describe their characters as soon as they are introduced, allowing the reader to form an image. Authors, while they are writing their stories, have very clear images of their characters, and their description is an important part of making the character come alive to the reader. If the reader cannot imagine what the character looks or sounds like, they can have difficulty identifying with the character. Identifying with a character is vital – without that connection, a reader can feel detached from the story.

Since everyone has a different way of imagining things, readers' views of characters can vary greatly. Some will see a character as being physically attractive, others less so, and others will imagine the personage as being quite plain. However, basic things can be imposed – and author can give a clear picture of a character's sex, height, eye colour, hair and skin, build, and clothing. However, when describing a character, the author has to walk a narrow line between giving too little and too much information. 

Different genres of books deal with physical descriptions in vastly different ways. It's almost a given that a book focusing on romance will describe a character all throughout the book. It's a manifestation of falling in love. When we fall in love, we think, dream, fantasize about our love interest extensively. Therefore, romance readers will readily identify with endless descriptions of the physique and emotions of the characters. But readers need to project their ideals upon the character. Too much description can leave some readers feeling frustrated, especially as the book progresses. Describing the characters over and over leaves very little to the readers' imagination. The same with clothes – unless the character is defined by the clothing or the clothing is important to the story, it's best to be sparse with detail at risk of sounding like a fashion magazine (admittedly, some readers like this).

In science fiction or horror stories, the characters are lavishly described to the reader once at the beginning of the book in order to set the tone of the story.

In murder mysteries, it's important to visualize the detective and often the victim as well, so that the reader can identify with one or the other.

In children's books, characters tend to be simply but well-described, along with their traits of character. Pippi Longstocking comes to mind, her description never varies: Pippi is red-haired, freckled, unconventional and superhumanly strong – able to lift her horse one-handed. She is playful and unpredictable. With that, the author has given the reader all he or she needs to know to imagine the character.

Most of all, description should be like a slightly blurred photo that uses the reader's mind to add the details to bring it into focus.

Accent too plays a part – unless the dialogue is written in the vernacular the reader will hear his or her own voice, with only slight variations. For English readers, for example, Americans will hear American accents, British the British accent, and so on. And even if an American reader is reading a book set in London, the American reader will not superimpose a British accent over the dialogue unless prompted by spelling.

Ow, sow lover-ly sittin' absa-bloomin'-lootly still,’ Eliza Doolittle croons, as she sits in her chair and imagines lots of ‘cowl at noight and lots of 'eat'. The movie 'My Fair Lady' shows us how she looks and sounds – but in the book, only creative spelling can show us 'ow, er, how, she sounds.
Too much creative spelling can lose a reader. Interest is held just as long as it's possible to read a story and follow it without having to stop and try to figure out what the author meant. Dialogue written in the vernacular has to be near perfect – it's better for a beginning writer to try to portray a subject's accent in small doses. However, a character can be completely identified by speech patterns. If I write; ‘Use the accent sparingly, you must’, a certain Yoda springs to mind!

Punctuation is another thing an author can use to show what a character is feeling. Exclamation marks, dashes, italics, cut off sentences, etc., are all part of the manifestation of a character's personality. Punctuation in a dialogue can show a reader what a character is feeling better than just telling the reader what the character feels. Use exclamation points as sparingly as possible – too many, and the reader feels yelled at!

Here is an exercise for you; write a short (2 or 3 lines at the most) paragraph introducing and describing the same character for different genres: romance, science fiction, YA (or children's book), mystery. You can even add a line of dialogue if it helps describe the character as well.
Have fun!


















Thursday, September 13, 2018

Blurred Reality By Megan Slayer



Blurred Reality
By Megan Slayer
A Nathalia Hotel Novella
Contemporary, LGBTQ
M/M, Anal Sex
When the band takes a hiatus, the boys will play…

When Jacen Goodwin’s band, Disaster Transport, crashed in Dallas and ended up at the Nathalia Hotel, he never expected to find his heart’s desire. He wants to stay in his adopted home city, but he loves the roar of the crowd as well as their adoration. Can the star drummer step away from the buzz of fame long enough to grab what he needs with both hands or will the lure of the crowd be too much?

Matt Walker knew from the moment he got involved with Jacen that their relationship was temporary. Jacen’s a celebrity and he holds the position of the sexiest eligible bachelor of the band. Even if Matt saw a future for him and Jacen, the odds aren’t in their favor. But he can hope, right? He’s been head over heels in love with Jacen since the moment they met.

Can these two opposites make a go of their fledgling relationship or will celebrity and the challenges of fame keep them apart?
This book has been previously released at Blurred Reality by Megan Slayer, part of the Dallas Fire and Rescue Kindle World. It has been revamped and re-edited for this edition.


EXCERPT:
Copyright© 2018 Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved
Jacen tucked his phone into his pocket and lingered at the counter. “Want some company? I came here to work on music, yeah, but that wasn’t the only reason.” He offered up the bag. “I’ve melted this.”
I’ll stick it back in the freezer. No problem.” He gripped the melting frozen food. “Stick around a moment in case anyone comes in and I’ll put it back.” He left Jacen alone long enough to put the peas in the fridge. He’d probably make them for lunch the next day instead of wasting them. When he returned, Jacen had rounded the counter.
All good?” Jacen asked.
I’ve got lunch for tomorrow.” He tensed. “Thanks for holding down the fort.” He expected Jacen to leave, but instead, he crept closer to Matt.
I didn’t just return for Rory and the music. I came here for you, too.”
Me?” He frowned. “What?” He had to be hearing Jacen wrong. No way Jacen meant that.
            “Uh, yeah. You.”

About the Author:
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances CafĂ© as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best mĂ©nage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.
When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. Find out more about Megan and Wendi at: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm Sign up for the newsletter here: http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj 




Tuesday, September 11, 2018

LIVING FORWARD, LOOKING BACKWARD by Nate Nasralla


LIVING FORWARD, LOOKING BACKWARD
by
Nate Nasralla

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Nate Nasralla will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

If we’re honest, we'll admit our days are filled with normal routines, like eating cereal and sitting in traffic. We often wonder, “is this it?”

But do we really have to quit our jobs and travel the world to find a fulfilling, purposeful life? Is it possible to find significance in our daily routines, right here and now?

After experiencing a rapid series of major life changes within a single year, Nate stumbled upon a reality that’s shared by us all: there's profound meaning in our ordinary, everyday moments, but we can't see it.

Through painfully-honest storytelling and candid conversation, Nate shares how years of mistakes and missteps uncovered a simple framework that reveals the greater purpose behind our everyday lives, and why the answers to life's deep questions are often backward from what we expect.

Read an Excerpt:

As I faded between my thoughts and Michael’s words, I noticed something different about him. You know how there are those scenes in movies where someone is talking, and you see their mouth moving, but you don’t hear the words? Only the thoughts in the protagonist’s head?

This was like that. “Why does he look so calm?” I asked myself. There was a peace about him I hadn’t seen before. He looked rested, he spoke vibrantly, and he had a certain tranquility about him. Maybe he only looked extra peaceful in contrast to my own worn-down spirit that day. I couldn’t help feeling, however, that between the two of us, Michael was the one who was truly living.

All of our society’s values and ideals screamed, “that can’t be!” How was it that in a time when Michael was broke, working at McDonald’s, and living with his parents, he seemed less anxious than I was? I was the one leading a growing company with plenty of access to cash and investors; I drove a car and he walked; I picked up our dinner tab; I was going to sleep in a nice downtown loft while he was headed to sleep in his childhood bedroom. By all measures, I was the one who should have felt inner peace. At the same time, as I watched him, I knew those things didn’t matter. The storm stirring inside me, juxtaposed against Michael’s calm, said so.

About the Author:
Nate is an author and entrepreneur who helps us find more meaning in the ordinary, everyday moments of our lives.

Nate and his wife, Erin, were raised in Chicago and now hail from Denver. After moving cities and cycling through a rapid series of major life changes, Nate launched his publishing company, Live Forward, to help others find more meaning in their everyday lives.

Building on his experience as the co-founder of a successful, venture-backed startup company, and as a frequent speaker and trainer on storytelling for nonprofit leaders, Nate's recent book, Living Forward, Looking Backward, helps others understand the greater purpose behind their own life stories.

Through Nate's memories, stories, and candor, we learn how the principle of paradox and the story of the Gospel shows up in each of our lives, often in ways we don't expect, and ways that feel even a little backward to us.

https://www.livefwd.org
https://twitter.com/NNasrall
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Forward-Looking-Backward-Ordinary-ebook/dp/B07DYXHNFM/

Nate Nasralla will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 10, 2018

Silver Dagger Book Tours Celebration & Giveaway!




Silver Dagger Book Tours is now 2 years old this month!


Believe it or not, Silver Dagger Book Tours was created and is mainly operated by just one person!
I used to be just an internet crawler looking for new books and giveaways and stumbled upon book tours. After indulging in many dozens of tours, I decided I'd like to try my hand at blogging in my spare time (with absolutely no blogging experience at all!) I was a book blogger for several companies (and still am) and stuck with it for over 3 years. In that time, I learned all the ropes and became a pretty efficient blogger, but there was still something missing- I wanted to make my posts stand out a bit! So, I started creating small graphics like “about the book” and the other standard graphics that you see in all my tours nowadays and started jazzing my posts up.
I became pregnant with my second child in the fall of 2015 and me and my hubby decided to try to purchase our first home finally, so I quit my waitressing job to pack up everything for the move and never looked back!
It took several months of trying to get the ball rolling and was quite difficult at first to get authors to tour with me. Thus, I had an idea to let everybody pay what they can comfortably afford instead of set rates as I thought what some other companies charged were just outrageous!
Since then, I have done over 1000 tours and worked with hundreds of amazing authors – many who come back for repeat tours! I have 2-3 tours kick off every weekday with occasional tours on the weekends and EVERY tour is required to have a giveaway so readers can gain a little something and have fun while they enjoy learning about new books.
I have an absolutely amazing group of bloggers that share my tours on their sites and really couldn't have gotten this far without their continued support and would like to thank each and every one of them! Ya'll are amazing! I also have two assistants that help me check links and keep up with blogger activity – Janet, who's been with me over a year, and Laurie, who is a new addition. Ya'll ladies are spectacular and I couldn't do it without you!
Absolutely everything else is completely run solely by me though and I really enjoy organizing tours and helping new authors get discovered. I don't discriminate and host ALL fictional genres in ALL age ranges as me and my bloggers have a broad range of readers that enjoy many different genres.
After two years of astronomical tours, I am going stronger than ever now and growing on a daily basis with plans to continue hosting tours for many many years!

If you are an author interested in booking a tour with me, you can see a general FAQ page and booking HERE!


If you are a blogger interested in joining some of my tours, you can see my current sign ups HERE!
And sign up for email invites HERE!




A third generation local of the historic town of Fredericksburg, TX, I was born and raised among the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country where the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking and town is  famous for the Main Street historic shopping district, the best peaches in the world, wildflowers and wine. I really can't imagine living anywhere else!
A country girl through and through, I grew up hunting, fishing and digging for Indian artifacts, all the while enjoying the many rivers and swimming holes around town. I'm a stay at home mom with three beautiful boys, ages 9, 2, and 1 that encompass my entire world!
A bookaholic from birth, I have always had a deep passion for reading and spend many late nights devouring books into the wee hours of the morning. My “real” book collection numbers over 3000 books and take up an entire small room in our house with custom bookshelves built by my husband that I call my “book cave”. I've been building this collection since my childhood and will keep on adding to it for the rest of my life. Of course, I also have a similar collection of ebooks as well as I finally went digital a few years ago.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing with my kids, doing DIY renovation projects with my husband, cooking, and relaxing on my back porch with a good cup of coffee while I watch the massive axis deer herd come through the yard.









LESSER KNOWN TRAVEL TRIPS - Book IV "How to React When Woken at 3am by Drunk Argentinian Backpackers While Staying in a Youth Hostel and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips" by Simon Yeats

  Welcome to the cover reveal of Book Four of the LESSER KNOWN TRAVEL TRIPS series, How to React When Woken at 3am by Drunk Argentinian Bac...