Straight Browsing from the Library: The Melded Child by Jane Routley

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

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For ten years the peace negotiated by the Tari has held firm. But greedy eyes watch in the distance, coveting the peaceful lands of Yarmar and even the Tari themselves. A new demon master rises bringing pollution and violence. When Yani the Raven is kidnapped, sorceress Marigoth and her companion Ezratah are drawn to Armaya and a trap set by a brutal necromancer and his insane sister. Meanwhile Elena Starchild’s daughter Alyx, heir to the throne of the Mori finds herself wounded and on the run in a forest full of dark magic. And in the company of a bitter Mirayan enemy.

Can the insular Tari dreaming in the secret land of Ermora be awoken before the demon fire consumes them? And can a Melded Child bring harmony in clasped hands before it is too late?

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Outside something cackled, a loud sound of mad amusement. With a sharp intake of breath, the Mirayan pressed himself against the ground and covered his head. Alyx looked at the waterfall. Something was moving beyond it, a grey blue shape that leaned forward and peered in through the curtain of water, just like a person would. Looking for her. She froze, struggling not to panic.

A grey-blue hand thrust through the water and the creature hissed and pulled back obviously stung by the touch of it. A sulphurous stench filled the cave.

There came a hissing intake of breath and suddenly a blast of orange fire bloomed outside. A cloud of stinking steam filled the little cave, but there was still a lot of water falling over the opening. The creature let out a predatory screech of annoyance and was gone. As the steam settled damply over them, she could hear it back again just beyond the thin barrier of the waterfall. She heard its hand thrust through the water again, smelt the sulphurous stink of it, heard it hiss. But this time the hand did not withdraw. Claws scrabbled on the rock surface at the front of the cave, reaching out towards them, slowly deliberately scratching along the wall, feeling for them. Surely it could not reach them back here.

Alyx squeezed her eyes shut and fought down an almost overwhelming urge to scream.

MEET THE AUTHOR

I write historical fantasy with feisty female characters and four of my books have been published Harper Collins, U.S. Two of them won the Aurealis award for Best Australian Fantasy in their year. The Dion Chronicles have now been reprinted in ebook format from Clan Destine Press and in paperback from Ticonderoga Publications. The Three Sisters and The Melded Child are now available from Clan Destine Press in Ebook and from Bernarra Press in hardcopy.

I was born and live in Melbourne, Australia

Website http://janeroutley.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jane-Routley-Rebecca-Locksley-196061513783811/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333390.Jane_Routley

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Routley/e/B000AQ76EC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1525666441&sr=1-2-ent
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/jane+routley?_requestid=5752318
Clan Destine Press https://www.clandestinepress.com.au/author/jane-routley

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Straight Chatting from the Library: Victoria Grant

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Victoria Grant will be awarding 3 signed paperback copies of the book to randomly drawn winners (North America Only) via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Welcome Victoria Grant! Please start off by telling us a little about yourself.

I’m a Pisces who can’t swim. I’m a decent cook who has probably added chocolate to every recipe I’ve ever made because you just never know, right? I am pet-free at the moment but thinking about it (again), and I can’t sing or dance, but I do it anyway when no one’s watching.

Is Stranded in Love a single title, or part of a series?

Stranded in Love is Book #1 in the Calderone Family Romance Series, which is about five siblings from a wealthy and powerful family. Book #2, Write to Love, is scheduled to be available next year. It’s about Noel, the youngest brother and playboy of the family, and sassy, raven-haired KC Dunlop, a murder mystery author.

I’m currently finishing Book #6, the final book in this series, which tells the story of the parents, Eve and Boyd, and the difficulties they had to overcome to find their happily ever after.

Please share your setting for Stranded in Love. Have you ever lived or visited there? If so, what did you like most?

The setting is the beautiful, multicultural city of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. I live about 30 kms from Toronto and love going into the big city! With its beautiful beaches, pretty parks, sensational shopping, and every type of restaurant you can imagine, Toronto is a world-class city in so many ways. And, it’s skyline, with the iconic CN Tower, appears on the cover of Stranded in Love. Bonus: it’s where Prince Harry meg Meghan!

When did the writing bug first bite?

Very early. I always loved to read and found writing stories such fun. When I was 12 years old, I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada, and he wrote back! It was such a thrill to get a letter from the leader of the country! It was a while later when I thought seriously about writing as a career choice, and it took me some time to get here, but I made it, and I’m enjoying every moment!

Who are your favorite authors?

My favourite authors in the romance/chic lit genre are Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Crusie and Nora Roberts.
My favourite authors in the murder mystery genre are Agatha Christie, Elizabeth George, and fellow Canadian Louise Penny.

If you could have an author roundtable discussion with any authors, alive or dead, who would you invite?

I would invite Daphne du Maurier, Margaret Mitchell, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters. I can just imagine bringing them up to date with what’s happening in the romance genre today – fifty shades of scandalized, they’d be!

Do you listen to music when you write? What songs do you have on your playlist?

Yes, I love to listen to music when I write. Depending on what scene/chapter I’m writing, I will listen to either big band music (I love Glenn Miller) or the oldies, which, for me is the fabulous decade of music from the 1960s & 70s. This does sometimes backfire as I can’t sit still and have to get up and dance! When I’m writing love scenes, I’ll usually listen to classical with no vocals – I find that really helps me connect with the emotions I’m trying to evoke. And when I’m editing, I shut the music off so I can concentrate.

What is the one thing that you would tell an inspiring writer to do?

Read, write, repeat. It’s vital for all writers to be sponges and absorb as much literature as they can. Read everything - poorly written novels, well written novels, the classics, books by as yet unknown authors – because every writer has to start somewhere. This will not only help you define your own style, it will educate and inspire you, too – so, it’s all good!

Thanks for letting me visit!

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If a gold medal was awarded for Worst Day Ever, Laney Calderone would win it today, hands down. She’s just discovered she's pregnant, her fiancé abruptly dumps her when she tells him, and her new car refuses to start as a brutal snowstorm hits Toronto.

Good Samaritan Tyler Hammond offers to take her home; however, with the heavy snow falling and his patience dwindling, Laney’s gold medal day isn’t over yet.

Storms intensify both outside and in as Laney finds herself inexplicably attracted to this tall, dark and very handsome but infuriating stranger.

Can Laney fight her unwanted yet increasing desire for this man long enough to get through the relentless storm? And will Tyler let her walk out of his life as easily as she came into it?

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Tyler took Laney into his arms and pulled her close. The music changed to that unforgettable jazz melody she knew so well, and out of the corner of her eye she noticed Stephen on the balcony with the band leader, a devilish grin on his face. Up to his old tricks again.

“You look ravishing tonight, Ginger.” Tyler whispered in her ear. “Did I ever tell you red is my favourite colour?”

Laney tried to move to the rhythm except her feet would not obey. She felt clumsy and self-conscious dancing with Tyler with so many people watching, especially her family.

“You feel a little tense, my love. Relax and enjoy.”

She closed her eyes wishing she could walk away, but that wasn’t going to happen. Tyler held her tight and guided her effortlessly around the floor. The mesmerizing scent of his cologne reverberated through her senses and she surprised herself when she realized she was smiling. The Tyler Trap, she thought. You’ve gotten stuck in it again, you idiot!

With a deep sigh, she let herself surrender and leaned into him. He smiled and pulled her even closer. It didn’t matter to her anymore who saw them, who noticed they were so close; she didn’t care.

As she floated around the hall Laney became immersed in her surroundings. The Christmas tree lights twinkling, the distant chatter and laughter of the guests, the captivating tune, and the wonderful feel of this amazing man in her arms.

Laney wanted to freeze time again. This man, this music, this moment. She rested her chin on his shoulder and let him take complete control. They moved as one, oblivious to every eye on them as they soared in the clouds, leaving all the other guests back on Earth.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Born in England to a Monty Python-loving dad and a Lawrence Welk-loving mum - tea drinkers all - we moved to Canada when I was seven. "Say book, say look" my new classmates would hound me just so they could have a good chuckle at my accent. But being incredibly shy, this was a great way for me to make friends.

My love of words and a creative imagination prompted English teachers to urge me to write for a living, especially after I got a letter from the Prime Minister who thanked me for writing to him! So cool for a twelve-year-old!

Through the years, I wrote while I earned a living as an Administrative Assistant in various companies; then I owned a Wedding Coordination business for six years (talk about romance!), all the while being happily married to the love of my life. These interesting jobs plus wedded bliss gave me oodles of ideas for romantic plot lines, tall, dark and handsome heroes and feisty, beautiful heroines, and, of course, the happily ever afters.

I currently live in Mississauga and spend time with family and friends, and struggle daily with the wine and chocolate that somehow magically appear in my house...

And, amidst the endless cups of strong tea, while the dead parrot sketch and Cole Porter songs whirl around in my brain, I write. I will always write romances because I love creating fascinating characters whose lives I can make completely miserable before I give them their happily ever after.

Website: https://www.victoriagrantromance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriagrantromance/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VGrantRomance
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17693887.Victoria_Grant
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/551c125bfc1823dfb5f031b29b2212/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vgrantromance/
Amazon Author Page: https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stranded-Love-Victoria-Grant-ebook/dp/B07995YY8Q
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stranded-in-love-victoria-grant/1127888894
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Straight Chatting from the Library: Gary D. McGugan

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?

My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Stanley. She was right. It is important to spell words correctly.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

I think I would forego a paranormal creature and head straight for a personal robot. I like the idea of a pet that can also do useful chores and tidy-up as needed.

How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?

I have lived my life in multinational corporations. Even when I’m describing a scene that may seem unlikely or improbable, I can usually describe that scene with enough veracity that most readers find it plausible. In The Multima Scheme, beta readers particularly commented about a scene in which CEO John George Mortimer requests his chief financial officer to make a rather unusual payment. While the amount of the payment might cause a reader to raise an eyebrow, and the agency Mortimer wants to send the payment to is unexpected, it all seems reasonable with the CFO’s parting comment. She leaves the resulting expense reduction in someone else’s budget entirely to John George Mortimer to explain, just as most discussions like that end in real companies.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?

Best: “Write about the things you know.”

Worst: “It’s important to write something every day.” It’s not. It’s important to live one’s life to its fullest and sometimes that gets in the way of writing. And that’s OK.

Are the experiences in this book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

The experiences in The Multima Scheme come primarily from my fertile imagination, but my thought processes can’t totally avoid thinking about many of the interesting people I’ve met in my career, bits of stories those people told, and some of the things I can imagine them doing in certain circumstances.

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Can Multima Corporation withstand another attack from organized crime? While billionaire John George Mortimer copes with treatment for cancer, the accomplished CEO must also ward off challenges for control of his sprawling fictional American empire both from within the company and from nefarious powers operating outside the law.

The Multima Scheme is a fast-paced account of the lengths to which organized crime can infiltrate large global corporations and seize control of respected businesses to conceal activities that are both illegal and immoral but generate billions. It’s also a story of survival – how individuals and organizations might react under intense pressures and the ease with which people can cross lines between what’s legal and what’s not.

Using his knowledge of how large multinationals operate – accumulated over 40 years working with major corporations around the world – author Gary D. McGugan weaves a tale of intrigue using a writing style that readers will find hard to put down once started.

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Howard Knight felt his pulse quicken as he glanced down at his watch. All hell was about to break loose in New York. His secretary would tell the waiting FBI agent something like, “It’s probably just a traffic delay. Mr. Knight is always punctual and will be here soon for your scheduled meeting.” Likely, she’d also offer coffee, and no doubt make small talk while they both waited.

In a few minutes, she’d give up and call Knight’s spouse at home. His wife would repeat the exact lie he told her the day before while his limousine sped towards Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. She’d tell his secretary Knight wasn’t actually in New York. He was away solving some sort of business crisis in Brazil. Almost certainly, his assistant would become alarmed and immediately contact the pilots of the company’s jet.

It might take her some time to reach them. Both the pilot and co-pilot would be gradually recovering from a period of incapacitation but would eventually tell the secretary what little they could remember. They wouldn’t have much to divulge though, and would remain groggy throughout the rest of the morning.

MEET THE AUTHOR

A successful business leader, speaker, and author, my most recent work is an exciting novel, The Multima Scheme.

I'm in love with the same special lady for almost five decades. In turn, we love -- and are incredibly proud of -- our daughter, our son, their spouses, and three remarkable grandchildren.

Family, friends, and hundreds of other wonderful people also populate my life, repeatedly creating rewarding experiences. I’ve had all this good fortune for many years, with reading and writing often playing integral roles.

I’ve loved reading as long as I remember and have enjoyed writing for just as long. For me, writing has taken many forms. Like most, it started with assigned essays as a student and then evolved with my business career. I’ve written letters, speeches, reports, ads, brochures, presentations, proposals, articles, and a blog. My first book was a work of non-fiction – NEEDS Selling Solutions – co-authored with my friend Jeff Allen.

https://www.garydmcguganbooks.com/about-the-author.html
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Straight Browsing from the Library: Curse of the Ancients by Hawk MacKinney

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Hawk will be awarding a $20 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.

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As Craige Ingram climbed the stairs of the derelict building, that peculiar stench of a dead body hit him. It was the same smell no matter where—SpecOps SEAL encounter gone sour, or in a vacant, roach-infested apartment. Inside, his SEAL buddy-turned head of Buckingham Parish Homicide’s Investigative Support Division, Grayson MacGerald, was huddled with the coroner next to a swollen decaying corpse that was days old and hardly more than oozing dead meat. The PI inside Craige had a gut feeling that there was more to this than a dead body, and Craige’s Grannie always told him, “Trust your feelin’s.” But that was before Mihály Keaulescu set down two of his Black Falcon choppers on Craige’s Moccasin Hollow private airstrip in an uninvited stopover. It got worse. From his airstrip to Israel, to Turkey and a nightmare-dream of one-of-a-kind ancient artifacts that not only threatened the serene life Craige knew and loved at Moccasin Hollow, it would destroy the world.

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Craige cinched his chinstrap tighter and in the distance, glimpsed a profile of what looked to be a Bell Textron’s 62X KW warrior carrying an ALQ 131 or a 144 or a modified 147A white-noise jammer in the crook of his arm. Craige pressed his goggles to the ground tighter. Ready as he could get for the back-blast inferno and flesh-boiling incandescence. The ground punched his belly. He felt more than heard the rumbling plasma-searing waves tearing the ground with seismic jolting thuds. The pressure waves jarred his eardrums.

Follow-up chopper runs unleashed a consuming churning hell along the steep walls and dry wadi. Low-altitude chopper sorties took over with end-of-the-world sunbursts sterilizing a morass of targets. Laser guided missiles pulverized crumpled ledges and overhangs into igneous mini-lahars. Bunker buster smart bombs whistled into caves smashing tunnel walls, roasting any bottom feeders hiding inside. Secondary strikes continued, napalm, thermite, and phosphorous blanketed the area. The smothering white-heat boiled in the solar-hot overkill incineration of containers of stored Marburg-Ebolapox, leaving a sterile landscape of glazed sand, gravel, vaporized odds-and-ends, and a few recognizable body parts. The fearful kill-beauty of magenta and mauve mushrooms and cherry-white red-orange acrid plumes left the eerie shimmering moonscape. Avram ordered re-targeting the whole valley, including the passageways that had been tunneled into. He was taking no chances.

Craige felt a sad lament as the gunships made their final runs, missiles and bombs slammed into the mountain. Undiscovered artifacts destroyed, the site possibly entombed beyond recovery. It wasn’t the worst of what might’ve been. If the virus had been loosed, there’d be damn few survivors.

About the Author:

With postgraduate degrees and faculty positions at several medical universities, Hawk MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem. In addition to his work in classrooms and laboratories, he has written numerous professional articles on chordate neuroembryology and authored several novels that reflect his southwest upbringing in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel nominated for both the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award, details the family bloodlines of his protagonist in the Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series. Hidden Vault of Secrets and Westobou Gold, Books 1 and 2 in the series, have received national and international attention. Hawk is also writing a science fiction series, The Cairns of Sainctuarie.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiAGlgQQsMQ&feature=youtu.be
Website: http://hawkmackinney.net
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Ancents-Moccasin-Hollow-Mystery/dp/0997096268/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2

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Straight Browsing from the Library: Rescued by the Spy by Laura A. Barnes

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Laura A. Barnes will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Kidnapped for revenge

Haunted by the man who murdered her family, Raina LeClair must always be two steps ahead of her sworn enemy through disguise and espionage. When her newest masquerade lands her back in the hands of the man she had previously kidnapped, she is awakened to the pleasure of his touch. When the threat of treason comes into play, Raina can no longer work alone to stop the destruction of England. Can she learn to trust the man who she once betrayed or will her obsession for revenge own her heart forever?

Kidnapped for love

Kidnapped and left for dead, Charles Mallory is always two steps behind in the quest to find his lady kidnapper. Discouraged, Charles turns his attention to a treason plot that is threatening his beloved England. Only to discover the lady who not only held him hostage, but stole his heart, mixed up in the crossfire. Unable to persuade her of the danger she is truly in, Charles resorts to kidnapping her to his family’s cottage. There they learn the true threat lies within their passion for each other. Can he convince her of the love in his heart or will he be left destroyed by this lady once more?

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She watched him from the stairs. Her heart had not stopped beating fast since she seen him walk into the tavern. He was in danger and she had no way to warn him. If she did it would blow the cover she had worked so hard on, she was not going to lose what ground she had gained; just because her heart wanted to betray her. Why was he here? Didn’t he know Shears wanted him dead? Why was he so bent on trailing him? Was he looking for her too? That was only wishful thinking on her part, the kind of thinking that could only get her into trouble. He would want nothing to do with her, not after he knew her whole part in kidnapping him. Which he probably knows by now. After all she was captured by his soon to be brother-in-law.

Thornhill would have told him how she was behind the plot to kidnap him and how closely involved she was with Shears to bring the terror to England. It did not matter that she had instead nursed him back to health and tried to thwart Shears’s terror plans.

He looked healthy as if he had made a complete recovery. The bruises had disappeared from his face. He was even more handsome than she could imagine.

As he leaned back in his chair, she watched as he smiled at Bessie. Her breath caught as she saw the charm that overflowed from his smile. When his smile reached his eyes, they lighted up in enjoyment. She never got to enjoy his smile, he was always in too much pain. Even when his pain receded, they were always in too grave of danger to have a reason to smile.

Another emotion began to take place as she saw him flirt with Bessie. When he pulled Bessie onto his lap, nuzzling at her neck; she felt angry. Not just angry but betrayed. How could he pull another woman into his embrace and share intimacy with her? Did the words and kisses they share not mean anything to him? Obviously not.

She watched as Bessie stroked his arm and listened as he told Bessie he would join her in her room later. Well we will see about that, won’t we, Mr. Charmer? She planned to wait for him there.

MEET THE AUTHOR

I have always dreamed of being an aspiring author. I am making my dreams come true, one word at a time. When I am not writing, I am spending time with my family. I love reading books on lazy afternoons, and late into the night. Anytime really. Married 28 years to the love of my life and we have three wonderful children and two sweet grandbabies. Besides writing, I have always wanted to travel. In the last few years we have gotten our passport stamped in England and Scotland. We are hoping to add Italy to the list soon. My debut novel is Rescue By the Captain.

http://www.lauraabarnes.com
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16332844.Laura_A_Barnes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA.Barnes/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

Rescued By the Spy Buy Links

Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/shop/laura-a-barnes/rescued-by-the-spy/ebook/product-23602849.html
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rescued-by-the-spy/id1373866948?mt=11
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rescued-by-the-spy
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rescued-by-the-spy-laura-a-barnes/1128518573?ean=9781387694358
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Spy-Barnes-ebook/dp/B07D4QT2RV/
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Straight Browsing from the Library: Nothing Is Predictable by Adalina Mae

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Adalina Mae will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Zara is eight years old, her father, in a drunken rampage, accidentally shoots himself dead.

Her childhood memories leave her struggling with romantic attachments and hinder her from developing healthy relationships.

Seeking answers, She meets a monk for wisdom, and a gypsy for insight.

The journeys Adalina Mae takes us on are interspersed with heartbreaking moments as well as hilarious escapades.

This is life and nothing is predictable. The story keeps you on your toes and offers mysteries to solve.

Why does Zara have recurrent nightmares of her last night with her father?

Why does she struggle with love?

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Have you ever flown Alitalia? My God, how hot are the pilots?

Roma! Here I come again and this time, I planned on spending a whole week exploring.

Bella Roma! Ciao bella! Bella! Bella! Bella! I heard constantly throughout the week I was in Rome. As I walked through the Colosseum, I felt the presence and energy of the roaring crowd from thousands of years ago haunting the place. I walked through the ruins, touched the stones that possibly Caesar had once passed. I felt connected with my inner spirituality and with everything around me. I felt free of the burdens of the past. My inner demons had lost their battle. I was victorious, with the awareness of a life to look forward to. All those months learning how to meditate had finally paid off. I had found peace of mind.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Adalina Mae is the author of the published novel Nothing Is Predictable and soon to be released Nothing Can Last Forever.

After leaving the corporate world of management, she decided to pursue her lifelong passion to write.

She's also a lover of movies and hopes that her novels become a motion picture.

Adalina wrote Nothing Is Predictable to inspire optimism and positive thoughts, reminding us we are strong and can overcome life’s challenges. Particularly those who suffered childhood trauma like she has.

She is determined to spread the inspirational message of her story.

Her life's incidents have taught her that Nothing Is Predictable and Nothing Can Last Forever.

Website: http://www.adalinamae.com
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Straight Browsing from the Library: The Secret Lives of Royals by Shalini Dua

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Shalini will be awarding a $50 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.

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Olivia can’t take it anymore. She’s had enough of the big city and it’s lack of fulfilling her dreams. Then, just when she’s about to give up and move home, out of the blue, she is offered her dream job. Olivia is suspicious but that could just be the New York in her. She decides not to pull at threads. Despite her best efforts to remain blissfully oblivious, the secret to her life upgrade is soon uncovered when she finds herself invited to be part of a secret society.

Olivia learns that there is a thin curtain separating our world from theirs. Just beneath the surface, an entirely different one exists. One that is controlled by those of Royal lineage. The chosen ones, the Royals, hold the fate of the world in their hands. Will Olivia be able to bear the weight of the crown?

Confessions of a Shopaholic meets The Adjustment Bureau, this contemporary fairytale is both relatable and aspirational. Taking a look at the current balance of media and power with a healthy dose of humor, fashion, food and wanderlust.

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I’m getting a very weird feeling. I consider turning around and leaving, but getting a cab on a cold rainy night before 2AM is going to be tough as they don’t begin frequenting the area until the bars start to close, and the nearest Uber appears to be 25 minutes away. Plus, I did go to all of this trouble to get my lazy self dressed and over here.

There is a crest engraved in brass metal on the front of the red door, an intricately designed crown and some lettering. I tilt my head to read it all the way around. ‘Alea iacta est memores acti prudentes uturi modus operandi’ I read aloud, and below, ‘Posteriori’. I recognize the language as Latin from the three weeks we spent on it during Intro to Languages, which was designed to help us choose one to focus on during our tenure at the university

…

Against my better judgment, I push on the heavy door, which creaks open. I enter into a cold stone-walled hall with a stone slab floor, lit by what appears to be a row of fire lanterns on each side. I guess this place is a bit behind the times in converting, or maybe they think it’s super ironic and hipster to not jump on the modernization bandwagon. Or maybe it’s me. I’m not exactly the authority on architectural trends. Maybe converted vintage is over and re-vintaged vintage is back in. Ugh, I can’t wait until I’m old and have an excuse not to be hip.

I walk down a windy stone hallway that seems straight out of a period film. Wow, they are really taking this theme seriously. How cool would it be if this stuff was authentic? I take a few pictures with my phone just in case. I mean as Cultures Editor, it’s always nice to be the one to discover the next big thing, like Connor said.

As I round the corner I hear, before I see, a British male mumbling to himself, apparently in debate.

“It’s so bizarre. But it couldn’t be. Could it? Stranger things have happened.”

I find myself face to face with a short-ish man, though taller than me, with glasses, wearing a sports coat with suede elbow patches. I scream in surprise and jump about five feet in the air. He seems slightly taken aback as well but less jumpy than me, or at least less vocal about it. He’s good looking in an intellectual sort of way and his dark floppy hair is conservatively combed back. I’m not sure if he’s startled by our unexpected encounter or my scream, but he does a bit of a double back.

“Sorry,” he recovers charmingly, “I didn’t see you there.”

“No, me either.” I try to breathe. I feel like I know him from somewhere.”

“Stuart Stephens.” He proffers his hand in greeting.

“Olivia Grace Thorpland.” I shake his in return. “But you can call me Gigi.”

“Hello, Gigi. Nice to meet you.” He is impeccably mannered even after our near death collision. Must be the British thing.

“So are you here for the party too?” I inquire. “Do you know where it is?”

“Party?” he asks, confused. “No, I just had a meeting here.”

“Ah, I see,” I say, although I don’t, given the hour. I definitely know him from somewhere. Got it, he’s a comedian.

“Well, care to join me anyway?” I offer politely. After all, he’s British, I’m being a good ambassador. He appears a bit bewildered.

“No, thanks. I best be going.”

“Are you sure? My friends are in there.”

“Really? Your friends are in there?” He seems surprised to see where I’m gesturing.

“Yup,” I tell him confidently.

“Oh, well, thanks for the invite, but I’m completely sure. Thanks anyway,” comes his nervous reply. “But, can I ask you a question?” I nod. “Is this all, um, kosher?”

“I, I, don’t know.” I hesitate. Is he Jewish and British? Is that a thing?

“Well, I’ll let you get on “he says. “Have a good night.”

“You too. Bye,” I reply. And with that, we walk off in opposite directions.

Finally, I reach a semi-circled entryway that has the option of five doors, one straight ahead and two on either side. These are not your ordinary doors either. They are heavy, arched, rustic, dark brown, slated wooden doors. I’m not really in the mood to crash a wedding reception, murder, or worse, a live band performance; and, given that anything could be behind these doorways, I’m about to give up on this expedition completely, when one of the doors, the entryway smack dab in the center, starts to creak open, apparently of its own accord. A feeling of unexpected dread overtakes me. I brace myself, unsure of what to expect to find behind it.

MEET THE AUTHOR

An international upbringing and a love of stories laid the foundation for wanderlust. Shalini aspires to spend her time country-hopping and consuming pop-culture, comedy and good food but the reality is often frantically downing coffee, meeting deadlines at exactly the last second and working her unglamorous corporate job to fund all of the other pursuits.

The Secret Lives of Royals is Shalini’s debut novel. Her other work includes published poetry and scripts only she has read.

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