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Life in the Camel Lane

1/27/2021

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Join us for this tour from Jan 25 to Feb 12, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure by Doreen M. Cumberford
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18 +),  288 pages
Genre:  Memoir
Publisher:  White Heather Press
Release date:   April, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 25 to Feb 12, 2021
Content Rating:  G. There are no offensive scenes or language

Book Description:

Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure is what Doreen Cumberford, a Scottish author, calls her learnoire! It is a combination of her story and the stories of other expats learned while living in Saudi Arabia for 15 years as expat employees or spouses.

The book takes the reader through the four stages of culture shock: arrival, honeymoon, frustration and adjustment stages to final acceptance followed by the return journey back to their home country – mostly the USA. From Saudi weddings, to falconry, to the inability of women to drive at that time, the book seeks to familiarize us with the Saudi culture, lifestyle, and deep traditions of hospitality, generosity and tolerance from an insider’s perspective. There are also chapters on the experiences of 9/11 in the terrorists’ home country and the “Terror Years” of internal terror tactics from inside Saudi Arabia designed to drive the expats out of the country and destroy the Saudi government.

Full of examples, stories and compelling honesty the author describes their most challenging journey and many of the lessons learned in the process together. Designed to provide useful insights and inspiration to anyone considering living abroad, Life in the Camel Lane shines the light on the subject of building a new identity and home while abroad, and the difficulties of the journey home.

Buy the Book:
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Meet the Author

Doreen Cumberford is a Scottish expat author who has been global traveler for more than four decades. In her 20s Doreen left her home in Scotland and drove down to London to become a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her first posting was as the youngest and most junior British Embassy staffer in Cameroon, West Africa. Later she moved back to London and took a position with an American oil-field construction company based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

After moving to America, living in Louisiana then California, two extremely different cultures in the USofA, Doreen and family moved overseas to Japan then spent the following 15 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With 13 major moves under her belt, she understands the value of moving, building a new life and handling inter-cultural hurdles. One constant has been her ability to explore through the lens of adventure. Her stories are full of multi-cultural intelligence, messy multilingual communications and multi-global perspectives.

Doreen is currently based on Denver, Colorado although spends most of the year living adventurously in the Housesitting Lane, which takes her around the globe. Currently she is doing her best to install Spanish in her brain which previously had French and smatterings of Japanese and Arabic. She is passionate about cultural intelligence, global heartedness and life on the road. Featured in the Anthology: Empowering Women, and a co-author in 2018 of Arriving Well: Stories About Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad.

2020 sees the publication of Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure. Honest, compassionate, full of wisdom and inspiration, Life in the Camel Lane comprises stories mostly from women and men who lived in Saudi Arabia from 1950s onward. This memoir contains expert advice sage wisdom and stories that all globally mobile families can use to navigate their international journey. The principles in this book will also encourage anyone who is embracing a more adventurous life, or considering taking the leap to move overseas.

Connect with the Author:  website  ~ twitter  ~ facebook  ~  pinterest  ~ instagram  ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Jan 25 - Cover Lover Book Review - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 25 - Working Mommy Journal - book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 26 - Splashes of Joy - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 27 - 100 Pages A Day - book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 28 - Lisa's Reading - book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 28 - Reading is My Passion - book spotlight
Jan 29 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 29 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 1  - Sefina Hawke's Books - book spotlight
Feb 2  - Book Corner News and Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2  - Deborah-Zenha Adams - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 3  - Books Lattes & Tiaras - book spotlight / author interview
Feb 4  - Books for Books - book spotlight
Feb 4  - From the TBR Pile - book spotlight / giveaway
​Feb 5  - Jazzy Book Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8  - Westveil Publishing - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 9  - Library of Clean Reads - book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 - Stephanie Jane - book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 11 - 30-something Travel - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
​Feb 11 - High Society Book Review & Club - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 12 - Laura's Interests - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 12 - Books and Zebras  - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

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The Ultimate Betrayal

1/25/2021

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Join us for this tour from Jan 6 to Jan 26, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Ultimate Betrayal (a Maximum Security Novel) by Kat Martin
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 yrs +),  464 pages
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thriller
Publisher:  HQN
Release date:   December 29, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 6 to Jan 26, 2021
Content Rating:  R. The "F" word is used 12 times in the book. There are some explicit consensual sex scenes.
 

"With plenty of suspense, The Ultimate Betrayal is exactly the kind of escape you've been craving." - BOOKTRIB

Book Description:

When her father is accused of espionage and treason, journalist Jessie Kegan has no doubt the man she looked up to her entire life is innocent. Worse yet, before Colonel Kegan can stand trial, he’s found dead of a heart attack…but Jessie knows it was murder. Forcing aside her grief, she’s determined to use her investigative resources to clear her father’s name. But going after the truth means Jessie soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who wants that truth to stay buried with her father. Protecting Jessie Kegan is a job bodyguard Brandon Garrett can’t refuse. Jessie isn’t just a client at Maximum Security—she’s the sister of his best friend, Danny, who was killed in Afghanistan. With dangerous enemies gunning for Jessie from every angle, keeping her safe will mean keeping her close, and Bran finds their mutual attraction growing, though being Danny’s sister puts Jessie out of bounds. With their backs against the wall, Jessie and Bran will have to risk everything to expose her father’s killer—before his legacy dies with his daughter.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Indiebound
kobo ~ Google ~ Apple
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Bestselling author Kat Martin, a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, currently resides in Missoula, Montana with Western-author husband, L. J. Martin. More than seventeen million copies of Kat’s books are in print, and she has been published in twenty foreign countries. Fifteen of her recent novels have taken top-ten spots on the New York Times Bestseller List, and her novel, BEYOND REASON, was recently optioned for a feature film. Kat’s latest novel, THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, a Romantic Thriller, was released in paperback December 29th.

connect with the author:  website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
 
Tour Schedule:

Jan 6 – Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 6 - BookishKelly2020 – book spotlight
Jan 8 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 11 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 12 – Sadie's Spotlight – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 13 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 13 - Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 14 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 15 – Christa Reads and Writes – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 15 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 19 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 20 –The Obsessed Reader - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 21 – Jazzy Book Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 25 – 100 Pages A Day – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 26 – I'm All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway

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The Scent of Leaves

1/18/2021

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The Scent of Leaves
Kathryn Trattner
Publication date: January 15th 2021
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Retelling

Janet has always dreamed about leaving her small town behind and starting over somewhere fresh. The only thing keeping her going is a photography obsession and her film camera. For her, life is a series of late nights spent working at a local gas station and days earning a final college credit before graduation. But she’s been putting it off for so long she’s starting to feel like it might not happen.

One night Tom appears, charming and handsome, and going out of his way to get to know her. Suddenly he’s everywhere in her small town, appearing and disappearing at odd moments, creeping in on her days and nights. As they spend time together, Janet falling more under his spell each day, she begins to realize that reality is different around Tom. Small things begin to happen, odd occurrences turning into strange events, as Janet is pulled deeper into the mystery surrounding him.

In this modern retelling of the classic Ballad of Tam Lin the world is brought into sharp focus through the lens of a camera. The line between what is and is not real blurs, nature stealing in around the edges, and Janet comes to understand that there is more at stake than just a broken heart.

Goodreads / Amazon

--

EXCERPT:

Another night came and went, smelling like coffee and glass cleaner as she turned the convenience store over to Gary in early morning. The sun had yet to come up, a thin yellow line growing on the horizon, diffusing, and she eyed it as she walked toward her car, wondering what kind of day it would turn out to be.

“Where will you go now?”

She jumped, turning to see Tom leaning against the building.

“How long have you been here?”

“A minute or two. Ryan dropped me off. I was just behind Gary but didn’t want to come in and give you away. I was worried he’d tell your boss you have company every night.”

“Not every night,” she said, shrugging.

“Close enough.” Tom stepped forward, shoving his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, shoulders coming forward. “Where will you go?”

“Home.”

He smiled, “Would you like to do something besides go home?”

She could not help it, she smiled too, a creeping delight curling her toes. “Like what?”

“You drive. I’ll navigate.” He moved to the passenger side of her car, hand on the door, waiting for her.

Janet unlocked the car and got in, aware of him sliding in beside her, taking up more air and space than the little car had to spare. She turned it on and rolled down the windows, shooting him a look before backing out of the space. At the edge of the lot, where the street met the gas station, and all roads led away, she paused, waiting for the first direction.

“Left.”

She put the blinker on and turned.

Tom half turned to her, already smiling. “So, tell me what you want to be when you grow up.”

“What?” She laughed, glancing at him and away. The town rolled by, flat background to his intense stare.

“What’re you going to school for? I don’t think you’ve told me.”

“Graphic design.”

“And photography is part of that?”

“It can be but mostly I just stumbled into it.”

“And you love it?”

She smiled. “Yeah, I do.”

“So what’s your end goal then? In a year where do you want to be?”

“Not here.” The answer came out so fast, she hadn’t thought about it, just opened her mouth and there it was, hard and solid truth.

“This place isn’t so bad,” he said.

“You didn’t grow up here.”

“I think I would have liked it if I had.”

“You say that.”

“No really, I think it would have been nice.”

“Everyone here is still talking about how my mom left. It’s been twenty years and they’re still asking if I miss her. They still ask my dad if he’s heard from her. It’s like it happened yesterday for them, still gossiping about it. They don’t have anything better to do. To be fair though they’re also still talking about the one year the pickles exploded at the state fair.”

“She left?”

“Yep, when I was one.”

“I’m sorry.”

He sounded like he meant it, but she did not look at him, not wanting to see pity in his eyes. She stopped at a four-way intersection, looking each direction. “Which way?”

“Left,” he said without hesitation. He did not tell her where they were going. The sun touched her rear-view mirror, throwing light in her eyes, filling the car with reflections. The seen and unseen, the shadows and light dancing over their faces, hiding expressions and masking fears.

After a pause she asked, “What about you?”

“Me?”

“Yeah, in a year where do you want to be?”

“Somewhere with a stage.”

She laughed, “Yeah?”

He nodded. “I grew up in a big town with plays and movies rolling around in my head. I was in all the school plays and a few after high school in local venues. I did performance art in college.”

“You’ve graduated?” she asked.

“No. I’ve got a semester left.”

“Why’d you leave when you were almost finished?” She darted a look at him, watching his face shut down and close up, light shifting over his features.

“I had an offer I couldn’t refuse. It was too good.”

“But it wasn’t?”

He shook his head, turning to look out his window, silence growing between them like lichen, slow and spreading. She drove in it, skin prickling, head buzzing. The sun, though rising, seemed suspended above the horizon and they had crossed the town limits a few miles back. He had chosen farm fields and grassy valleys, open areas, instead of the dark closeness of the trees, the Nantahala National Forest in the other direction. Janet was not sure what else was out here, besides fields and woods, and eventually the next town.

“Here!” Tom shouted, pointing to the right.

“Where?” Janet looked around, fields and low hills rolling past, a few trees but mostly knee-high grass and rocks. But she caught sight of a narrow track leading away from the road, overgrown and faded.

“That dirt track there.”

“I don’t think I’m going to be able to get my car down that.”

The track was more of a path, overgrown and rutted, twisting out of sight.

“You can park on the verge and we’ll walk.”

She pulled over, checking the mirrors for traffic, the engine ticking as she rolled the car windows back up. The road belonged to them, the countryside full of bird song and morning light. She wished she had brought her camera last night, so she would have it now, so she would be able to capture the physical warmth shimmering and thrown up by the dewy grass. She held her breath for an instant, pulling it all inside, keeping it tight against her heart.

He looked at her, understanding, and the smile he gave her was swift but sweet.

“Come on.”

He swung out of the car and she followed, smoothing her shirt as she got out. She felt tired and greasy, the scent of stale coffee on her skin. In the already hot morning, sweat prickled along her hairline. She wished she had known he would be waiting, that she had worn a less faded work shirt and not the baggy jeans she reserved for days she did not care.

But he had not shown up the night before and she had wondered if she would see him again. Or if he would be gone just as suddenly as he had arrived, and realizing that, knowing it, made her realize she was hoping he would show up.

He took her hand as they left the paved road behind, twining their fingers together, pulling her toward the track with long sure strides.

“I come here a lot,” he said, looking down at her. “It’s quiet. I don’t get a lot of alone time generally.”

“No?”

She realized she did not know very much about him. As much as they had talked and he had talked, there was not much about his current situation that he shared. But she felt like she knew parts of him, accepting his presence beside her, wanting him with her.

A shake of his head, lips twisting into ruefulness.

They came around the curve, around the hill, and Janet stopped.

“I didn’t know this was here.”

Shielded from the road a clear pond sparkled in the hollow between hills. Water lilies floated on the surface, dark green leaves and brilliant white blooms. The grass was greener, the blue morning sky above the pond clearer.

“It’s spring fed. You can see where it bubbles up from the rocks in the deeper parts.”

“How did you find it?”

“Someone showed me. I had the same reaction you did. My mouth fell open and I just stood there.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“So are you.”

He smiled, pleasure pouring from him, washing over her. In that moment she would have jumped off a bridge with him. And with that feeling deep down inside she knew she would have flown.

Then he pulled her, jogging for the water, without pausing. She let herself go, following, until they ran into the pond, fully clothed, shoes and all, between waving blossoms and rippling lily pads. Janet laughed, throwing back her head, the sound of it bouncing back. It was cold and water up past her knees, chasing away the sweat from the hot morning. The sun felt different in the little hollow, like liquid gold, soft against her skin.

He kissed her, quick like a habit she never wanted him to break, the pressure of his mouth there and gone. He took her laugh with him, releasing it with his own, leaving her breathless and aware of their bodies, so close, and the quiet of the hollow around them.

“I think this place is magic,” she said.

“It must be. Give me your hands.”

She did and he held her at arm’s length, their arms stretched taut. “At the count of three fall back.”

“We’ll get soaked.”

“We’re already soaked,” he laughed, squeezing her hands tight. “Ready?”

She shook her head no but said, “Ready.”

“One, two–”

He fell back, away from her, his smiling face falling. She let herself go, surrendering to gravity, feeling weight and then water rushing in, filling ears and nose. The bottom of the pond was sandy beneath her hands, a little rocky, and not at all slimy like other ponds she had jumped into as a kid. She squeezed her eyes tight, holding her breath, floundering up. She wiped water from her eyes, pushed hair out of her face. She gasped and laughed.

Opening her eyes, expecting Tom and not seeing him, she turned, sloshing, searching her surroundings. The water rippled, like a stone had been tossed in, like a grown man had cannon balled into it. She waited, expecting him to pop up, gasping for air, slicking his hair back. Birds trilled, making her realize how quiet the hollow had been since they had first stepped into it. The water continued to ripple and move.

“Tom?”

She turned, scanning, brows coming together. The birdsong grew louder, grating, filling her head like a buzz saw. She sloshed forward, hands in the water, moving as if she could part it, feeling for Tom. It was so clear she could see the sandy bottom, the rocks, the water lilies.

The pond was empty.


Author Bio:

Kathryn Trattner has loved fairy tales, folk stories, and mythology all of her life. Her hands down favorites have always been East of the Sun, West of the Moon and the story of Persephone and Hades. When not writing or reading she's traveling as much as possible and taking thousands of photos that probably won't get edited later. She lives in Oklahoma with her wonderful partner, two very busy children, one of the friendliest dogs ever, and an extremely grumpy cat who doesn't like anyone at all.

Want to hear about the latest release? Sign up for my newsletter Magical Mundane Madness at kathryn.substack.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


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Bjorn Cursed

1/18/2021

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Bjorn Cursed
N.J. Walters
(Forgotten Brotherhood #4)
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: January 18th 2021
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Lucifer is up to his old tricks, causing problems for the Forgotten Brotherhood. This time, he’s had a woman removed from the Norse afterlife and placed her right in the path of Bjorn Knutson. After the slaughter of his wife and family centuries ago, tortured and broken, Bjorn was cursed as the first Norse werewolf. Now he’s been tasked by Odin himself with killing the woman who escaped. Failure is not an option.

Before he can track her, he stumbles across a woman being accosted by three men in the middle of the night. Even though she’s human, he intervenes and is shocked to recognize the face of the one woman he could never kill — his wife Anja.

She’s also the one he’s hunting…and if he doesn’t kill her then both their lives are at stake.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

--

EXCERPT:

“Bjorn—”

“Can we discuss this later? We have company.”

He’d always had a sixth sense about such things. It was one of the reasons he’d been such a fierce warrior. “Where?”

“Two behind and at least one ahead.” Bjorn jerked his head to the left. “Across the street.”

She didn’t need him to point out which man he meant. Over six feet tall, he wore jeans, boots, and a leather jacket. He looked similar to the ones who’d accosted them earlier. “Do they all look alike?” she muttered. “Is it a requirement or something?”

Bjorn’s fingers tightened around hers, but he was smiling, his lips tilted up slightly, his eyes filled with laughter. He hadn’t forgotten for one second they were being stalked and hunted, but he’d always been good at living in the moment. It’s how they’d been raised, as much a part of them as their physical appearance.

Laugh when you could, cry when you needed, revel in the joys of life, fight for honor and glory, and die well.

“What can I do?” She would fight alongside her man, no matter what they faced.

“Stay close. When I tell you to run, you run.”

“Where are we going?” It bothered her that she had no idea where they were or where they were headed.

“My truck isn’t much farther. About four blocks up the road. When we get there, turn right. It’s the black one.” He rattled off some letters and numbers. “Crap, can you even read them?”

“Yes. I have some knowledge of this world. Not everything, but I understand much, including how to read the language.”

“Good. The truck will have a piece of metal on the back with those on it. Here are the keys.” He reached into his pocket and pulled them out. “Hit this button when you’re close.” He showed her which one. “That will unlock the doors. Get in, hit this other button, and wait for me. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Got it.” She gripped the keys and had her thumb near the button he’d showed her. Her heart was racing as they kept a fast steady gait. She wanted to run, but that was the wrong thing to do. Any animal would take that as a challenge, see her as prey and sprint after her. And these men were essentially animals in human flesh.

Werewolves? They were the stuff of myth and legend but, like the gods, were real. Their kind never came to Freya’s Hall. Odin was rumoured to have all sorts of beasts in Valhalla, but she’d never seen proof, as she’d been unable to leave. That had been part of her pledge to the goddess, which is what made her being here all the worse.

Her vow had been broken.

“Another one just ahead.”

“Should we detour?” She pulled her attention back to the present situation. Her immediate goal—protect her husband.

“That’s what they want. They’re trying to herd us down that street, which means there are likely more of them. We go straight. They’ll do nothing until we make the turn onto the quieter street. As soon as we do, you run. I’ll hold them off and be right behind you.”

“I won’t leave you.”

“I know.” He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. It was over far too soon. She licked her lips, wanting to savor his taste. It was familiar yet strangely new. Maybe because of all the years they’d missed. They were both different people than they’d been when they’d wed and started a family, shaped by their experiences. But one thing hadn’t changed. He was still a hunger in her blood.

He groaned. “Stop looking at me like that, woman. Now is not the time.”

She knew he was trying to lighten her spirits. Tension radiated from his big frame. He squeezed her hand. “Get ready, Anja. It’s just there on your right.” He kept his voice low. “As soon as we reach the corner, run hard and fast, and don’t look back.”

Author Bio:

Once upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.

One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first romance novel and life would never be the same.

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks--all vie for her attention. It's a tough life, but someone's got to live it.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub


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Dirty Deeds

1/16/2021

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Dirty Deeds: An Urban Fantasy Collection
Devon Monk, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Faith Hunter, R.J. Blain
Publication date: January 12th 201
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author R.J. Blain, and National Bestselling authors Diana Pharaoh Francis and Devon Monk on a wild romp where the damsels bring the distress and what can go wrong will go wrong.

Venture into a thrilling spinoff tale from the world of Jane Yellowrock; join vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

In this collection of all-new urban fantasy novellas and other stories, no job is too big or too small — if the price is right.

Goodreads / Amazon

--

SNEAK PEEKS:

From Diana Pharaoh Francis’s The Pixie Job

The thing about taking a vacation is that you always feel guilty that you aren’t being productive, or someone wants you to do something you don’t want to do. Case in point: the ghost elf sitting on the lounge opposite giving Mal the fish-eye stare because she refused to go train.

“I told you. I’m on vacation. I promised Law, and the other ghosts, and So’la. I’m not supposed to do anything but relax for an entire month.”

Mal reached for her mimosa and sipped it deliberately. She wasn’t generally a drinker, especially in the morning, but Edna, another of her ghost companions, had encouraged her to try it out. She could have done without the champagne in the orange juice but whatever. She was on vacation, and apparently this is what people did on vacation. She wouldn’t know. She’d never actually taken one before.

Merrow’s lips twisted downward. She looked entirely out of place. Well, generally ghosts did look out of place among the living, especially since generally the living made sure they were exterminated like vermin. Mal used to be one of those exterminators until she couldn’t stomach it anymore. Now she had her own family—collection? cult? hangers on? —of ghosts.

She had eighteen of them, now that Merrow had joined. They fed off her magical energy, which they needed to survive. Which was sort of an oxymoron but whatever.

Anyhow, Merrow had been an elf. A militant one, part of an elite fighting force. She’d been betrayed by her own and killed, then joined Mal in order to get revenge. She’d achieved that and Mal thought maybe she’d have crossed over in whatever way elves do, but she’d stayed.

Merrow was bored.

Law, Mal’s boyfriend and the blood-bound security witch of Effrayant—where Mal was vacationing, just as she’d promised after her most recent near-death experience—had arranged charging stations for the ghosts so they could go anywhere and find sustenance. This was not an unselfish act. He’d been motivated by a desire for privacy with Mal, but the ghosts were grateful.

Most of them.

--

From R.J. Blain’s Doggone Mess

After a long week of work, I couldn’t really blame anyone for grabbing fast food on the way home, but did everyone in Long Island have to visit my specific branch of McDonald’s? From vanilla humans, lycanthropes, practitioners, and centaurs, to devils, demons, and even an angel, everybody wanted a hit, and they wanted me to give it to them.

I questioned the angel. How could they eat without a head? Did they eat? Why did an angel want nuggets? Why did everyone want nuggets today?

While all the lines were busy, mine had twice as many people, and I doubted I’d survive to the end of my shift in an hour.

I considered asking some divine for help, but I opted against the idea. With my luck, the devil would join the mayhem and give me one hell of an order.

The nuggets held the place as the day’s reigning champion of sales, with the smart people ordering twenty, as it was approximately fifty cents more expensive than ordering ten. Burgers took the second spot of the day, and the underdog salad came in a close third, resulting in general mayhem in the back, as we hadn’t prepared for a salad bender.

Oddly, the lycanthropes led the charge on the unexpected salad bender. Had someone slipped pixie dust into our dressing when I hadn’t been looking? While filling an insane order consisting of a hundred and sixty nuggets, ten fries, and enough soda to float a boat, I checked one of the labels to make sure.

Nope, no pixie dust.

I could’ve used a hit of pixie dust, but for some damned reason, the CDC got cranky when those infected with a contagious life-altering disease became snuggle fiends. My driver’s license specifically barred me from ingesting any pixie dust without a prescription, the cruelest of blows in my life outside of my accidental infection with lycanthropy. Pixie dust turned me into a snuggle fiend out on a mission to love everyone, making me a high infection risk.

They would consider removing the flag after I mated, as they believed I would become a snuggle fiend with my mate, something they viewed to be acceptable.

I hated the CDC, especially as my virus agreed with their idea. I bet my terrorist virus just wanted me to settle down and used pixie dust to its advantage, although I’d resisted its wicked ways thus far.

Damn it, I needed a vacation.


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The Lost Princess

1/16/2021

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The Lost Princess
R.G. Angel
Publication date: January 15th 2021
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

“The path to peace is full of wars just as the path of love is full of pain.”

Fay Newman is about to start college, a new chapter of her life—a way to reinvent the nature lover and unsociable introvert she has always been.

However, when she saves her roommate’s life in a way that no human could, she finds more than she bargained for when she is thrown in the midst of kingdoms’ wars, blood feuds, forbidden love, and forgotten promises.

With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Fay tries to navigate her new reality, with friends and foes being closer than she realizes. When nothing is as it seems, she doesn’t know who or what to trust until taking up the weapon to fight is all that’s left.

Any choices available to her will ultimately lead to sacrifices. Fay must figure out what she is ready to sacrifice—her heart, her soul, or even…her life.

Goodreads / Amazon

--

EXCERPT:

“Fay, stop it” He let out with a sigh of weariness, reaching for me from across the table but I was out of reach. He rested his slander, delicate hand on the table. His fingers were long and his skin paled, unmarred by any blemish. It was hard to imagine these hands in the heat of passion fucking a woman as powerfully as he said.

I looked up and met his hypnotic eyes, looking at me with such wonder and a hint of something I couldn’t really decipher.

“I have time for you, always” He added with a small smile.

“Why?

“Because it’s you.” He replied so softly that it thawed a little of my irritation.

“You have to stop being mean.” I chided. “This is not okay,”

“But she was -”

I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter, she wanted to try her luck so what? It may not have been the most appropriate place but she didn’t do anything wrong and it didn’t warrant your reaction.”

“If you dislike me so much, why are you even bothering with me?” he asked coldly and even if his face looked hard, I didn’t miss the glass of hurt in his eyes.

“I don’t…dislike you.” I replied tentatively. It was true though, I didn’t. I let out a startled laugh. “God help me. I think I even like you.”

He arched his eyebrows, and I saw his tensed shoulder relax under his dressed shirt.

“I liked the caring, nice Gareth I see when you’re with me. But, I have a hard time with this version of Gareth – the dismissive, mean Gareth.” I cocked my head to the side. “I don’t like him very much and I have a hard time reconciling both sides of you.” I admitted truthfully.

He took a deep breath. “That’s fair. Please, stay.” And I could see yet again he was not the kind of man to ask for anything. He was demanding and this simple request mollified me a little more.


Author Bio:

R.G Angel is a trained lawyer, world traveler, coffee addict, cheese aficionado, avid book reviewer and blogger.

She considers herself as an 'Eclectic romantic' and wants to write romance in sub-genre she can think of.

When she is not busy doing all her lawyerly mayhem, and because she is living in rainy Britain, she mostly enjoys indoor activities such as reading, watching TV, playing with her crazy puppy and writing stories she hopes will make you dream.

If you want to know when R.G.'s next book will come out, or what signing she will be attending please follow her Facebook page.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Bookbub


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Banewind

1/14/2021

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I've kissed a boy.

I've been to another world.

I've seen death.

By M.B. Chapman

Title: BANEWIND
Author: M.B. Chapman
Publisher: Light Messages / Torchflame Books
Pages: 268
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Fiction

Almost two weeks ago I was just a normal girl getting ready to start my senior year of high school, deciding where I wanted my life to go. And now?
 
I’ve kissed a boy. I’ve been to another world. I’ve seen death.
 
And I don’t know what my life’s become.

Banewind tells the spellbinding story of 18-year-old Genevieve DeWinter, a typical high school girl who finds herself entangled in the throes of adventure, romance, and survival after discovering the existence of a group of magical beings known as Formulists and their co-existing world, Banewind.

With the arrival of several mages in her hometown of Parma, Ohio, Genevieve soon learns that these extraordinary secrets are rooted deep within her family’s history when it is revealed her deceased mother was a heroic warrior in a long lineage of female protectors called the Holy Guardian. Now, a vengeful group of Formulists known as the Voidweavers have returned and set their sights on Genevieve, believing she might be the next Holy Guardian and the key to awakening their fallen leader, the Void King, who had been destroyed by Genevieve’s mother when she sacrificed herself a decade earlier to save Banewind and all of humanity from an unthinkable evil.

With the help of new allies, Genevieve must fight to stay alive as she unravels the mystery and danger that have shattered the stability of the life she once knew before the Voidweavers succeed in shadowing the world in chaos and darkness once again.




Now that he’s in better light, I can get a good view of him. I’m right on the age part—he’s probably eighteen or nineteen—and he’s very attractive. He has black hair that swoops over the side of his forehead, and blue eyes that are sparkling like sapphires. His face is beautiful, with high-set cheekbones and a slender nose. His skin is pale and ashen, but it suits him well. And his body appears fit beneath the turquoise track jacket and matching track pants he wears. “Want me to help you look for him?” He takes another step toward me. “It’s okay. Thanks.” I back up. “You don’t have to do that.” “I don’t mind.” He stares at me with a wolfish grin, and I feel as though his blue eyes are piercing through my body. “It really isn’t smart for you to be out here alone.” “What about you?” I snap back. “I mean, really. A girl can’t spend her time alone in the woods, but it’s perfectly acceptable for a boy?” His eyes widen in surprise. “I-I guess you make a good point.” He bites his lips. They have a blue tint to them. “What’s your name?” “Genevieve.” Can he tell I’m caught off-guard? “I’m Scythe. Nice to meet you.” We both stand there in awkward silence. “Okay. Well, I’m going to go find my dog. Take care.” “Wait.” He jerks his hand towards me. “Why don’t you stay here, and I’ll go find the dog and bring him back to you.” He looks proud of himself for suggesting this. “If not, you might get lost.” “These woods aren’t that big. I’ll be fine.” I’m beginning to get agitated with this punk. “I appreciate you offering to help. But seriously, I’m just going to—” The tree behind Scythe explodes into thousands of splinters, crackling while the red blaze ascends to the top. As I fall to the ground, I see him bound to the left and roll behind a hollowed trunk, taking cover from the hissing flames. The clearing illuminates with a fiery orange light as the trunk bursts into dancing embers. I cover my eyes, blinded by the fire’s brightness as it continues to engulf the shrubbery around me. My face is drenched in sweat, and my breathing is swift and shallow. Up and down, up and down, up and down. My chest rises and falls so fast I’m afraid I’ll pass out if I don’t get myself under control. Another explosion. I cover my ears and scream. I drag myself over to a stump and hide behind it, scanning the clearing to see what has become of the boy. About twenty feet from me, his body lies sprawled out, with flames flickering just inches from his clothes. A nearby tree explodes and falls to the ground, revealing a figure in a hooded red cloak standing in its place.




"This story has a great mix of fantasy and young adult romance. Love the strong female protagonist at the center of the story! It is like Harry Potter, but with a unique, imaginative world all its own. There is a rich backstory of the fantasy land woven throughout the book that makes me excited for future books by this author!"
-- Amazon Reviewer

"I think this could be the next big thing. I would love to see this made into a movie or tv show. The story is intriguing, the characters easy to imagine, and the writing is great. Super easy read and kept me invested the entire time! Ready for book 2!"
-- Amazon Reviewer

I don't think this is a series but it sure could be! The mixture it has sets this into a good read! Especially if you are snowed in. Well written and thought out plot and characters! Very interesting read that you will find yourself completely drawn in and lost from the reality of life!
-- Amazon Reviewer

 



Amazon → https://amzn.to/36O4Ust  

Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3kLolHj

Kobo books: https://bit.ly/36QgZx5











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Matt Chapman grew up outside of Cleveland and now lives in St. Louis, Missouri where he is completing his residency in Psychiatric medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine where he obtained his MD and a graduate of Saint Louis University where he majored in Biology.

Matt has had a passion for writing and reading since childhood and continues to find time for these interests among his other pursuits, including medical education and leadership studies. He is currently working on his next novel in The Banewind Series.



Website: https://www.lightmessages.com/mb-chapman

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mbchapman90

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/banewind_series

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbchapman90/












The Inspiration Behind Banewind
By M.B. Chapman
I have always been a fantasy nerd at heart! Growing up, I found myself engrossed in anything that had to do with magic, wizards, dragons, or complex story lore. From novels to video games, my childhood—like so many others—was dedicated to the enthralling stories of Harry Potter, Twilight, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Hunger Games. If my nose wasn’t buried deep into the pages of a good book, you’d probably find me playing The Legend of Zelda, World of Warcraft, Pokémon, or a myriad of other adventures that proved to be a dazzling and addictive escape from reality. It was happiness. It was rewarding. And it was an integral part of what made me who I am today.
 
Early on in my life, I also discovered my love and admiration for writing. Even before I was properly educated in language arts, I would spend countless hours drawing whimsical tales, spinning the stories in my mind and rehashing them to anyone who would listen. Imagination is a parallel of reality, the bridge between the fantastic and the objective world, a way to express yourself and deepen the bond of existence. To me, creating stories was one of the most remarkable things someone could accomplish, and I strived to achieve that for myself. But not only for me. I did it because I had a voice, and I wanted to share it with the world. So, several years ago, I set out on writing a novel that encompassed everything I loved about fantasy. I wanted to write a story that was gripping—filled with adventure, romance, and magic. I wanted to create a landscape of characters that were relatable, with emotional depth and complexity to them. I wanted to create a world with its own lore, its own identity, and its own story to tell. I wanted to bring imagination to life. And thus, Banewind was born.
 
It was crucial to create a story that fell into the young adult fantasy genre, as this is what I believe to be one of the most important parts of literature out there. Young adults, teens, and children are the future of writing—they are the dream makers and pivotal to our societal world. Providing material to fuel the imaginative mind is a powerful tool, and I knew this is where my talents best fell. I created Genevieve DeWinter, the story’s main protagonist and first-person narrator, to give an anchor people can relate to. She is smart, strong, and kind. She is independent, yet she appreciates the values of love and friendship. Banewind is a series that will delve into many different issues people face in life, all while providing intricate, deep tales that are woven in the realms of magic and the extraordinary. There are moments of triumph, and there are moments of loss. There are times of new life and hope, and there are times of death and grief. But most importantly, there is the always evolving pure imagination that will keep the readers immersed and feel as though they are right there in the story themselves. Whether it’s walking with Genevieve as she learns about the history of her family or helping her get to safety as she navigates the perils of the Dark Lady and the Voidweaver army, the story will be embedded into the readers’ hearts and minds, and the fantasy will live on eternally in the pages.
 
And so, to all the readers out there, I wish you nothing but the best. Take care, enjoy, and remember to dream forever.
 

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