This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. sa Pearl Ritchie will be awarding a $20 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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If you stand still for long enough, the past catches up with you…
Leaving behind the fragments of her old life, Marcia Reed-Wilton crosses the world to return to her dilapidated childhood home and dig up the weeds of the past.
Next door, Mrs Everglade struggles to maintain her independence in spite of her increasing frailty.
Sixteen-year-old Lea escapes into her poetry to cope with depression until meeting Alex, a much more potent distraction.
Meanwhile, Iris leaves her career on a whim to embark on an adventure of an entirely different kind; moving to a sleepy seaside town to write a book.
On the other side of the world in opposite seasons, Zane, vocalist for a popular band is haunted by cryptic dreams that lead him home.
A few twists of fate and a buried secret leave these individuals deeply and unexpectedly connected.
The Seekers' Garden is a lush and captivating exploration of loss, growth and spirituality, revealing the way connections form in unlikely places.
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All the traffic lights were plotting against her. As Iris gave up her last semblance of control and swore loudly into the steering wheel, the words of the door knocker swept through her mind like a breath of fresh air, “…the meaning of life?” She was jolted back to reality by the sound of a car horn. The green light was glaring at her.
After dropping Alex off at school in Wellington peak traffic, Iris was embarrassingly late. Heads turned as she scurried in through the main entrance. She quickly nipped into the bathroom to try to defy the nature of her hair and straighten her skirt. Her heart beat loudly in her chest as she made her way into the boardroom to the reproachful stares of all those who had put in the effort to make it on time.
As she sat down, her smarmy boss Neville smiled toothily.
“Is there something you’d like to say, Iris?”
She was taken aback, having not been asked that very question since she was ten. She opened her mouth to apologise, and instead, some very different words burst out and hung in the air.
“I quit.”
Iris slumped forward in her chair. The room was deafeningly silent. She tried to form some kind of miraculous sentence in her mind, the kind that she was well known for in her PR work, that would put everything back in balance, but she surprised herself again. A different internal voice emerged, a voice that said it was time for a change, echoed by feelings of exhaustion. She was tired of rushing around between appointments and meetings, mealtimes and soccer practice. She found herself resolved to her initial words. She plastered on a slightly shocked smile, picked up her handbag and left the room, leaving behind a trail of stunned faces. She dashed outside into the cool breeze and into freedom.
READ THE REVIEW
This is a beautifully written, evocative story about five characters and how their lives become entwined with each other and enrich each other.
If you are in the mood for a very active, edge of your seat book, this is not the book for you. However, if you are in the mood for a book that allows you to delve deeply into characters, to take your time and savor the lyrical writing, to fall in love with the characters on your journey to discover who they are and how they connect, this is a book that you should pick up.
I loved getting to know these characters intimately, and I enjoyed how the characters are so clearly drawn there is never a doubt about who is featured.
I would love to read more from this author. 4 stars.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Isa Pearl Ritchie is a New Zealand writer with a PhD in social science. She writes adults and for young people. Her novel Fishing for Māui was named one of the best books of 2018 in The Listener Magazine and was a finalist in the NZ Booklovers awards2019. She has also written articles for The Spinoff, Pantograph Punch and Organic NZ. Isa lives in Wellington.
From the multi-award-winning author of Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings comes a cozy Gothic short story about searching for soul, meaning, love in a world that's forgotten the power of everyday conjuring.
Looking for love can be deadly…
You know how it goes. You go out, hoping to meet someone. You wade through your fair share of brainless automatons, lifeless bodies, and ravenous undead good at passing as human.
The more you go out, the less hope you feel and the colder your body gets. But you keep at it. All you need is one beating heart to match your own before yours stops pumping altogether. How hard can it be to find one living, breathing human in a city full of bodies?
Dating.
It’s hungry business.
CW: Assault
READ THE REVIEW
This short story is a different take on the zombie virus - these undead still seek out the living for their own reasons, but they go about it in an entirely different way - through dating.
In this quick read, Ms. DeBlassie takes the reader through many emotions. It is written in a second person POV, which I usually don't enjoy, but which works in this case. I don't know if it's because it's so short, but I was finished with the story before it actually dawned on me how it was written. She takes you right into the action and doesn't slow down until the end.
The main character is strong - way stronger than I think I would have been in the same situation. I do understand her desire for making a connection with someone, though. Even if it's just the cat across the street.
Good job, Ms.DeBlassie. I'll be on the lookout for more of your stories. 4 stars.
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At home, you take a bath as hot as you can stand and read an old bodice ripper until the warmth returns to your veins, and the flames of hope have been fanned enough that you can crawl into your flannel jammies and be grateful you are still alive. The light in your apartment slowly seeps into your chest, and you settle into your perch on the window.
You inspect the damage to your pinky finger as you wait for the cat to appear. The bath stopped the spread of the decay but the tip is gray and blue. There is pus where your fingernail should have been. You smother it in aloe vera, grated ginger, and bandages, hoping it will be enough to bring life back into your appendage. You don’t really know how to treat something like this. You sigh and lean back against the window frame. Your orange tabby cat has made its appearance—yours, yes, though you know you shouldn’t feel so possessive about a creature you only know from a distance. It’s just nice to know it’s there.
Here’s the thing you love about the cat across the way: It’s proof that there are other beating hearts out there. Cats won’t settle where Hungries live. Perhaps their feline instincts tell them they’re easy prey for the things that are never satiated. That’s why you never see alley cats in the humanless neighborhoods. In fact, it was their strange mass exodus from certain parts of the city that first alerted officials to the virus now plaguing them. And this cat—bright orange like a flame with a soft, full belly—seems happy enough in its home. You wonder what kind of human it belongs to.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Maria DeBlassie, Ph.D. is a native New Mexican mestiza blogger, award-winning writer, and award-winning educator living in the Land of Enchantment. Her first book, Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic and Daily Conjurings (Moon Books 2018), and her ongoing blog, Enchantment Learning and Living are about everyday magic, ordinary gothic, and the life of a kitchen witch. When she is not practicing her own brand of brujeria, she’s reading, teaching, and writing about bodice rippers and things that go bump in the night. She is forever looking for magic in her life and somehow always finding more than she thought was there. Find out more about Maria and conjuring everyday magic at http://www.mariadeblassie.com.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 or $100 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
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Exploring Wired By The FBI
My book takes place when the “mobs’ were still prevalent in cities like Chicago and Kansas City. In fact, my main character was raised by a mobster boss. This is one reason why he became what he was. That is all he knew while growing up. Back in those days, if you crossed the mob, you ended up in the river. Drugs and crime were a part of life. The FBI would also do anything in their power (and their power was great) whether it was legal or not to get their man convicted. If you were dumb enough to double cross the FBI in any way, they had their way of making you pay for it. That is exactly what happened to my main character in this book and the reader will find out just how vicious and unethical the system is and can be. Once the FBI starts ‘pulling strings, the average person doesn’t have a ghost of a chance.
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Christian Romano lives his life as a con-artist, burglar, drug dealer, and a ladies' man, using his good looks to con wealthy women out of jewels and money. When he is arrested and jailed in one of the most violent jails in the U.S. (Cook County in Chicago), a steamy affair begins with a nympho female jail guard. When he loses control of the romance, Christian must end the affair by reporting her to Internal Affairs. It turns out that she is already under suspicion for supplying drugs to various gang members inside the jail. He has to decide if he is "rogue" enough to help set her up for arrest. Meanwhile, the FBI wants to recruit Christian to gather information against a sadist ex-cop, Scott Mason, who has been arrested for murder. The risk? Christian must wear a wire and testify. The reward? Witness protection for Christian and his girlfriend and a modification of his prison sentence. Will Christian risk his life for a chance at freedom? Will the female sheriff "get even" with him? Or will his life end at the hands of the jail's drug lords or a lunatic former cop?
READ THE REVIEW
This is a hard hitting, based on a true story novel about a self-admitted criminal who is recruited by the FBI to gather information against an excop who is also in the jail, arrested for murder. With the promoise of witness protection for himself and his girlfriend and a reduction in his prison sentence, Christian decides to take the deal.
This book shows how Christian got to where he was and what happens during and after the FBI operation. It does not sugarcoat him and his actions. This is not a likeable character. He does not get redeemed in the last chapter and end the book with a HEA. In fact, in many ways, he's worse off than he was at the beginning of the book. But, that's life sometimes, especially when you are living on the wrong side of the law.
It is a very compelling read, however, and brings to the public information about how the criminal system is used and abused. If you are interested in true crime stories, if you are interested to know more about system abuse, this book is a good place to start. It will get you thinking, that's for sure. 4 stars.
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Something’s wrong, my intuition told me, as I stepped out of the stairwell and into the chaotic frenzy of the main hallway running under Division One of the Cook County jail.
Sergeant Ricky Walsh opened the heavy, rusted steel door leading to the death trap—that is A-B stairwell—then turned to me. “Romano, take the stairs down four flights to the bottom, I will meet you there.”
There are four sets of stairs that lead to the main boulevard on the first floor. They are legendary for the infamous men who have been butchered there, the bloodstained walls are a testament to the violence that is the norm in this building. As I begin my descent down the narrow and poorly lit stairwell, the thought hits me: At least half a dozen men have been stabbed in this exact place. The words taunt me as I step slowly down the stairs so that Walsh will have time to beat me to the first floor in the old, decrepit elevator.
When I finally make it down, I breathe a sigh of relief. But it is not Walsh waiting at the huge, steel door I am to exit. Instead of the old mick—who looked and walked like a bulldog with his perfectly groomed hair and mustache—it was one of the lackey guards. They would often hang out on the main floor waiting to proposition some poor woman coming to visit her man. I open the door and step through quickly, not wanting to arouse suspicion. But my heart hangs in my throat.
During my trip down the stairwell, the heavy steel recorder slid down my pant leg, stopping on top of my right foot. The ACE bandage, meant to hold it in place, was also dangling and ready to pop out for everyone to see. Panic set in as my mind processed a million thoughts, but I couldn’t break my stride.
It was common knowledge that this is where inmates often came out stabbing when sent to attack a guard by one of the gang bosses. Looking past the guard, I saw Sergeant Walsh bearing down on us as fast as his stubby legs would carry him.
“Hey Walsh,” I said, “the food poisoning is getting worse, I’m gonna puke all over this guy.”ng around to see what was going on. These guards tolerated zero bull, especially from a smart-ass like me.
I decided that it was quicker and easier to shove the recorder under the waistband of my jail pants and pray it would stay. After splashing water on my face, I poked my head out.
Walsh fell right in line with my cover. “We’re going to the hospital, come with me!” he bellowed.
I exited the closet, pushing the recorder into my torso as we walked past another guard. We traveled down the long hallway. Once we were far enough out of earshot, Walsh found an unoccupied attorney visiting room. As he opened the door, I scurried to the far corner.
“The hallway is clear!” Walsh yelled.
I pulled the recorder from my waistband and looked at it with disdain. Then I wrapped it tight with the ACE bandage. Although the long recording wires had to be reconnected and it only took a few moments, it felt like forever.
Then it hit me: I’m wearing a wire against one of the most violent hitmen Chicago has ever known, and this prick had been a Chicago cop. He probably knows every person who works in this jail. Getting whacked in a place like this costs less than a carton of cigarettes. What the hell have I gotten myself into? But there was no backing out, and I still had to get back to my tier.
Walsh looked at me, his brow furrowed. He quietly asked, “You alright, kid?”
“I better be. I signed a deal with the devil, and it’s time to pay up.”
I drew in a deep breath as we headed to the hospital, so we could sign in and make it look legit.
How did my life get to this point? I wondered as I followed Walsh. Growing up in Chicago, I was exposed to police corruption, murder, drugs, gangsters, and sex, oh yes, lots and lots of sex.
I had no clue of what awaited me, but my unsavory legacy was about to go down in history like crap down a toilet.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Glenn Painter is single and lives in Central Florida. He became interested in writing at an early age but did not make it his career until 2014 when he published his first book, Beyond the Sentence.
Glenn has written this story from the notes by the man who actually lived it. However, extensive research was also require in order to make the story factual.
Glenn has also founded a company, ‘Prisoner Civil Right Services.’ He is an advocate for incarcerated individuals who have had their rights violated. He is in constant contact with these individuals, their families and the council. Most of his stories are inspired by ‘factual events’ that have happened to these individuals. This makes his stories both fiction and non-fiction.
Glenn says that writing is very challenging, and you must love the trials and tribulations that come with it. He believes that patience, perseverance and determination are required essentials to see a book through to being published. The journey is just as important as the destination.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tena Stetler will be awarding a $15 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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The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor's life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can't help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen's sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter's lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only "non-haunted" house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family's cabin uncovers a heritage he didn't know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
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Easy, breezy and comfortable right from the start, "Hidden Gypsy Magic" is a joy to read.
I will say that it's clear this book is part of a series, and I haven't read the others, so felt a little "plopped into the middle" of the story when it starts. There are a good half dozen or so characters introduced in the first chapter alone and there's kind of an assumption that you know them already. They clearly know each other well, and there's history (like when the H/h make a casual date right off the bat or when there are discussions of babies, etc.) so that was a little tough at the start, but it smoothed right out.
I love that one of Brock's requirements for the house he's hunting for is that it's not haunted. Of course, living in Salem, that's understandable. I also appreciate that there is an easy camaraderie between Brock and Gwen. The small town feel, here, too was wonderful. I'm a sucker for character driven stories, and this one has that in spades. It's not hard to get attached to everyone in the book (so it's wonderful that it's a series...and I'll have to hunt down the others).
I also love the menagerie of animals we meet throughout the story--given the animal sanctuary and veterinarian angle, that's not necessarily surprising, but honestly the author makes each one unique and interesting and certainly characters in their own right.
The heat level, too, was just right for me. Not exactly behind closed doors, but not super explicit. Just perfectly romantic with a touch of spice. Loved!
So, honestly, except that this didn't exactly stand alone--I mean, I wasn't lost after the first couple of chapters, but I still felt like I was missing something--this was a great book. And the author's voice and skill sold me on trying her other books. Good job and 4 solid stars!
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A mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he swept her off her feet and twirled her around. “Four glorious days, no clinic, no sanctuary, no emergencies—just you, me and the cabin in Puffin Cove, Maine.”
“Wow, you are excited.” She grinned. “Me too. But, I gotta ask. How’s the owl?”
He set her down on the ground and kissed her lips affectionately. “She’s doing great. Doubt she’ll ever fly again, but we’ll be transferring her to you when we get back. She needs rehab on that busted wing and to strengthen the other. Cuts and scrapes are healing well.”
“Great to hear. We look forward to having her. Everything is all set up for the birds arrival. I’ll see to her rehab myself. Though Pepper is going to consult. She did such a fantastic job with Kaylee years ago. In addition, she’s had a couple of endangered owls in her care recently.”
“Figured. Between the two of you, that’s one lucky owl.” He took her bag and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Ready?”
“You betcha.”
MEET THE AUTHOR
Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, Tena sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures telling her their tales.
Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.
Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Maggie Clare 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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Dr. Lissa Morgan has had a crush on her best friend’s older brother since they were kids, but handsome, brooding Cam Taylor has never given her a second glance. When Cam unexpectedly shows up on Lissa’s doorstep bleeding and bruised, his personal life in shambles, things between them take a steamy turn.
After an incredible weekend with the sweet, sexy doctor, Cam realizes what he’s been missing. But he’s run from intimacy his whole life, sure he doesn’t deserve a woman like Lissa. He’s doing her a favor by walking away – or so he tells himself.
Frustrated and hurt by Cam’s distance, Lissa must nonetheless rely on his private security firm when an annoying admirer becomes a threat. The more time Cam spends with Lissa, the faster his defenses crumble. When the disturbed stalker finally makes his move, Cam will do whatever it takes to save the woman who’s slowly healing his wounded soul.
READ THE REVIEW
I've always been a fan of romances when the H/h have a past together--in this case, an unrequited crush. Their past makes for an interesting dynamic as they need to recreate their relationship and not just create one. When written well, and this book was, it makes for a wonderful read.
I haven't read the rest of this series and didn't feel lost. It stands alone nicely, except the feeling that there were little things I probably missed that would have made this a richer experience if I'd read the others. I hope that makes sense!
The characters were interesting and well created, unique (even the secondary ones) and folks I learned to care about. The romance is hawt (!) and not a lot is left to the imagination, so if you're not a fan of sex scenes, be warned--they are here. Yes, they are descriptive, but they are well and tastefully written.
Cam's team is so awesome to read about. They're solid and they're friends and they have each other's backs. Clearly, I need to check out the rest of the series to get to meet them all in depth, one-by-one.
Overall a solid entry in the romantic suspense category--it skimped on neither thing, so I got my fill of the suspense AND the romance which isn't always an easy line to walk. The author did a wonderful job with the book and, short a couple things that stretched my ability to believe they could happen as they did (not saying what--no spoilers here), it ticked all the boxes. A solid 4 star book!
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Cam Taylor was sleeping half-naked in her bed. No version of Lissa’s reality ever held that possibility. She may have entertained a few fantasies, sure, but here he was in the flesh. She had to remind herself it was only because he had a head injury.
As if on autopilot, Liss walked to the bed and perched lightly on the edge. With a gentle hand, she reached out to smooth the hair off Cam’s forehead, brushing it away from his newly repaired skin. His eyes fluttered open and a slow, contended grin spread across his face.
His look took her breath away. Heat warmed her belly. She inhaled his clean male scent, catching herself before she groaned out loud.
But then he blinked, his grin faded, and his brow furrowed, like he was remembering.
Liss dropped her hand to her side. “How are you feeling?”
“Not too bad, considering.” He reached up and gingerly touched the side of his head.
“Think you can sleep a little more?”
“Yeah,” he answered, yawning.
Liss pulled the sheets and blanket up over him, and spontaneously kissed his forehead, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Then, too afraid to look at him, she practically ran out of the room.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Maggie Clare is the pen name of award-winning speculative fiction author Tabitha Lord.
When channeling Maggie, she writes all the naughty things! Her Tactical Solutions International romantic suspense series features hot hunky heroes, smart sexy gals, and nail-biting narratives.
Count on Maggie to pair great story-telling with an erotic edge.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. C.B. Samet will be awarding an Avant Champion logo tote bag, world map (11x17) and print novella prequel to a randomly drawn winner (US ONLY) via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
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All things considered, it was a good day to die . .
When Marrington Castle is overtaken by a dark and ancient evil, Abigail Cross finds herself in the precarious situation of protecting Queen Rachel the Fourth. Her journey to safety quickly transforms into a quest to save Queen and country. Charged with finding the artifacts to raise The Champion to defeat the world’s most powerful enemy, Abigail finds herself traversing the perilous continent—from the roaring waterfalls of Aithos to the scorching heat of the Optato Desert to the freezing fog of Mount Karn… Will Abigail succeed in uniting the kingdom and summoning the Avant Champion to save them all?
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Unusual and fairly unique, The Avant Champion: Rising entertained and kept me reading. The story had a strange feel of "modern" and typical fantasy. Some of the time, I felt as if Abbey was just another college kid here in the contemporary time, and others there was a solid fantasy feel. It was an odd dichotomy that eventually worked itself in my brain and just became what it was.
I liked Abbey, though she was sometimes more hot-headed or impetuous than I would have thought she should be. However, the position she found herself in was unexpected, so she was really just a girl...not a person raised to champion the queen. She had moments where she acted a bit out of character, but maybe it was just her trying to figure out her place in the world. She was alternatively quite mature and then suddenly I was reminded she was actually quite young. Not atypical for a girl her age, I imagine. I wasn't a huge fan of the queen at first. She did eventually grow on me, but she wasn't always the type of person I would like to see as a ruler. I do think she had character growth during their time on the run, though, and was certainly a better person at the end of the book. My favorite character by far was Joshua. He was smart, fun, interesting and mostly kind. It's no wonder Abbey was eventually completely charmed by him.
The story has many things that could make it more young adult: the main character's age, the list of "firsts" she has (including a first love), but it reads pretty adult as well. I think it can be a story enjoyed by any fantasy loved from teens on up. While perhaps a little slower in parts than I would have liked, it still delivers a solid story, manages to wrap up enough of the story to satisfy while also leaving plenty open for the sequel. The author has created an interesting, complex and unique world, here, and some characters I completely enjoyed. I look forward to reading more about Abbey and Joshua down the road.
Four stars.
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I could hear the confused murmurs of the drivers. Then, the dismissive humphs presumably accompanied by dismissive shrugs.
The carriage began to move forward again, encroaching on some dreadful fate. Even as the lanterns around us illuminated once again, I felt engulfed in numbing darkness.
Paul?
The Queen gazed impassively forward, then with a faint disinterested yawn, spoke. “I think we’ll take a walk for the remaining distance. I’ve not stretched my legs all night.”
One of the guards snapped his fingers, and the carriage halted.
Walk? Out there? With those things?
Despite my quivering knees, I followed the Queen out of the carriage. I had been conditioned over the last several months to follow orders, so it was less of a struggle than it might have been.
When the guards began to follow us, she stopped them with a faint flick of her wrist. “We’re on the castle grounds. We’ll be safe here.”
I wanted to contradict her but my throat seemed to have convulsed shut, the way vocal cords spasm when liquid threatens to erroneously enter the windpipe. It was all I could do just to breathe.
They bowed and climbed back into the carriage.
Floating in a world of confusion, I walked beside her stiff figure. How could we possibly be safe? I started to turn, wanting to look back and see Paul safely sitting in his carriage, though I knew he wasn’t there.
“Don’t,” she snapped in a hushed tone. “Your brother is dead now, and you will be as well if you let on that you saw anything.”
I stiffened, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other while the starry night spun dizzyingly around me. “I don’t understand, mum,” I managed to whisper.
She pursed her lips disapprovingly. “It’s obvious we’re under attack. They are already on the grounds.”
MEET THE AUTHOR
Christina is a writer, mother, and pet lover.
“I write seeking to create riveting action and intrigue with female heroines. I love the quote, ‘She needed a hero. So she became one.’ My novels have empowered women overcoming powerful obstacles and the strong men who support them.”
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tina Susedik 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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Jack Billabard, mourning the loss of his wife and baby in childbirth, vows to never to love again. After their funeral at Fort Laramie, he rides into the Wyoming hills beyond the ranch he built for his wife. Through his grieving tears, an ancient tree appears, giving him the hope he doesn't believe is possible. For the next four years, he acts as a guide on the Oregon Trail, taking families to a new life while his looms lonely and stagnant.
The night before her abusive husband’s death, an ancient tree appears in Sarah Nickelson's yard as she agonizes over how to survive her marriage. The tree gives her hope she can’t help but reject. After all, a tree doesn't just appear out of nowhere. After her husband 's death, and with no options as a widow in Independence, Missouri, Sarah decides to travel to Oregon City as a Mail Order Bride.
During their trek west on the Oregon Trail, Jack and Sarah encounter one another, each afraid of being hurt again. Can they survive dogs and puppies, wind and rainstorms, Indians and unfavorable fellow passengers, while their love blossoms? Will the tree fulfill its promise?
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A well written, fun and romantic romance, The Trail to Love was a good read for any old west romance fan!
I liked the strength Sarah shows from the start. She's lucky, too, as she seems to be surrounded by good friends old and new (from her home originally to the trail). Life was tough for women then, and it was heart warming to see them pull together.
Jack was wallowing a bit in depression. I get that he lost his wife and unborn child during childbirth, but I had a little bit of a struggle believing that such a young, vital man would decide he'd never fall in love again. Still, he didn't fight that hard against his attraction to Sarah. *grin*
Horace was the only character that didn't ring 100% real to me. He reminded me a bit of the old time melodrama villains who ran around twirling their moustaches before tying the girl to the train track. Still, he was necessary for a good amount of the conflict in the story.
The soul mate tree figures into this story some and I love that it was included during their first love scene. As a dog person, I do wish we'd seen more of the dogs (and puppies)! It was a cute tidbit that sort of got lost as the time on the trail progressed.
I did like this story very much. I loved Sarah and Jack (and Sarah's son, Tommy) as well as the strong secondary characters. This author's strength is clearly her ability to create a setting and characters that feel real and three dimensional. A good books! 4 stars.
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Shaking his head, Jack moved to the next wagon, checked the supplies, argued with the husband to lighten the load, then moved on. As he approached the middle of the line, a woman held the hand of a small boy. She glanced over her shoulder.
Jack's heart slammed in his chest, and his vision blurred. For four years, he'd carried the memory of the woman by the strange tree. But that had been a dream. Hadn't it?
The boy tugged on her skirt, and she bent to say something to him. Wisps of blonde hair tumbled from her bun, touching the bonnet hanging down her back. A premonition hit him like a horse’s kick to the stomach. Was this the widow woman? Please don't let this be the widow woman. His legs and hands shook as he approached. Hell, he was a man, and she was just a woman. He shouldn't be nervous to talk to a woman, should he?
With a deep sigh, he slapped the side of his leg for his dog, Avery, to follow, then pulled back his shoulders and strode over to the woman and her wagon. The only thing he could do was his job. He tipped his hat.
"Ma'am. I'm Jack Billabard. I'm here to check your supplies and equipment. Can I meet with you and your husband?"
The woman reached out her hand. She wanted to shake his? That was a first. Women didn't usually shake hands. Must be one of those progressive types. Her hand and fingers were slim, almost delicate. When she slid her palm into his hand, warmth spread up his arm.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Tina Susedik is an award-winning, multi-published author with books in both fiction and non-fiction, including history, children’s, military books and romances. Her favorite is writing romance stories where her characters live happily ever after. She lives in Northwestern Wisconsin and is a member of Romance Writers of America, Wisconsin Romance Writer's of America, Wisconsin Writer’s Association, and Sisters In crime. Her twentieth book will be released in November with her Chandler County book, Missing My Heart. Tina also write spicier romances as Anita Kidesu.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Petie McCarty will be awarding 3 eBook copies of Book 1 of the Cinderella Romances series: Cinderella Busted to 3 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
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Garrett Tucker inherits his grandfather's casino empire and steps into the reclusive billionaire's shoes as the "Prince of Vegas." His first act is to buy and renovate a bankrupt casino in Biloxi. When he discovers embezzling in his new operation, Garrett goes in undercover. His number one suspect is the new finance supervisor.
Andi Ryan moves to Biloxi to care for her godmother and takes a job as finance supervisor for the renovated Bayou Princess casino. She discovers someone is skimming from the till and starts her own investigation, worried she will be blamed for the theft when the new owner discovers her godmother has a costly gambling addiction.
Garrett’s rival Vegas competitor has sent a spy in to ruin the Bayou Princess, and Garrett and Andi are forced to work together to prove her innocence and discover the identity of their casino spy.
READ THE REVIEW
A sweet take on the Cinderella fable, Betting on Cinderella will be a hit with romance readers. It ticks all the usual romance boxes and is a nice addition to the genre.
It hits all the notes of the original fable: evil stepmother and sisters, fairy godmother (sort of), handsome prince and there's even a ball of sorts. The author created some distinct characters here and made the story fun.
Garrett was almost too good to be true! It's no wonder Andi fell for him, because I did, too. Except for his secret, he had few flaws. I enjoyed the banter and the fun, and I enjoyed the more serious parts of the plot, too, though this is very much a light book, which I appreciated.
I do think Andi's behavior at the end was a little too over the top--if you love someone, you give them a chance to explain things, at the very least.
Even so, if you enjoy a little cheesiness, plenty of fun and a fresh take on Cinderella, you'll enjoy the book.
4 stars.
READ AN EXCERPT
She made a beeline for the door, and Garrett grabbed her arm. “Oh, no you don’t. I want to talk to you. I’ve been trying to talk to you all day.”
The tug on her arm lit the fuse. “Well, I’m not talking to you. Don’t bother trying to justify dating Irene, I wouldn’t believe you. She bragged to everyone in the office that you two were out till the wee hours. You’re a player, Garrett, and Irene can help you.”
“What?” he roared.
“Oh, forget it.” She jerked her arm free. “You want to sleep with her? Go ahead. You made your bed, now you can lie in it. Good luck, you’re going to need it.”
Before the last word left her mouth, he yanked her up against his hard chest. “Stop it, Andi. Just stop it.”
His lips silenced her retort. His kiss gentled, though she could feel him tremble with anger. His palms cradled her cheeks, and his tongue teased at her lower lip, urging her to open for him. God forgive her, she did. She could not resist this man.
She had missed Garrett—his smile, his twinkling eyes, his glorious scent, and especially his taste. She knuckled her fingers into the curls at his nape to hold him in the kiss. His tongue caressed hers with a slow, sensual rhythm that turned her knees to water. She had dreamed of this kiss, night after night, in the month he was gone.
Had he kissed Irene like this? The dark thought chilled like a bucket of cold water. She tried to wrestle free, but he held her fast.
“The only one I need is you,” he whispered against her lips.
Her heart desperately wanted to believe him, her body wanted to sink back into another nerve-tingling kiss, and her too-wary head conjured up an image of him leaving with Irene. Just last night. The hurt and heartache roared back to life all over again.
She shoved him back, hating the tears piling up in her eyes. “I don’t believe you, and I don’t trust you.”
She stumbled for the door, and he made a grab for her. “No, Andi, wait!”
MEET THE AUTHOR
Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World -- "The Most Magical Place on Earth" -- where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her "day" job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery-with-elements-of-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.
Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband, a spoiled-rotten English Springer spaniel addicted to pimento-stuffed green olives, and a noisy Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in Angel to the Rescue.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. MH Snowy 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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Hidden inside the most unlikely person can be the most extraordinary hero …
Jeremy Sunson is surrounded by crazy. Mrs Abercrombie, upstairs, is widowed because her husband glued feathers to his arms, jumped off the building and tried to fly. His neighbour, Strykland, has gone mad since his wife died in a freak car accident—his only thread to reality the doomsday machine he’s building and his daughter … and, of course, spacemen invade Jeremy’s living room.
Every night, in glorious Technicolour, there’s a battle royal between two high-tech assassins who continually blast Jeremy’s apartment to shreds. Each man has one mission: Red wants to kill Jeremy, Bronze wants to save him!
Though his therapist insists he’s just having bad dreams—Jeremy knows better. It’s time to fight. He’s sick and tired of being sick, scared and tired! Armed with rare confidence and a baseball bat, this night, Jeremy fights like the crazy man he isn’t!
But how can he ever imagine when he’s won the battle, the war is only just beginning … over and over and over again?
The Nights Too Dark—ride a wave of laughter, fun, and sci-fi fantasy all the way to Armageddon!
READ THE REVIEW
This book is a fun introduction to mild-mannered accountant Jeremy Sunson who comes to learn he is way more than he thought he was and way more important. His dreams are not dreams after all, his psychiatrist is using his issues to write a SciFi novel, and his neighbors get killed on a regular basis-- or do they?
This series will encompass twelve nights and twelve chances for Jeremy to save the world as we know it--and it's so much fun watching him come to grips with who he really is and what he has to do in this first volume about the first three nights. The characters are enjoyable, the action is non-stop, and watching Jeremy grow into who he is gives great entertainment.
I loved these characters-- and the writing provides a wonderful escape from chores and other obligations.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and finding out the other ways Armageddon might try to end the world- and how Jeremy will save us.
4 stars.
READ AN EXCERPT
Jeremy practiced for the rest of the day. He swung the baseball bat with vigour, ducked out of the way and weaved behind the furniture. Even pulled out an unused pair of sneakers after he stubbed his toe on the couch and hopped around howling in pain. Jeremy discovered that kicks were much more effective using the heel instead of the toe, and especially so when you didn't wear slippers. He certainly taught that couch a lesson!
After his foot became stuck in the couch with a well-placed heel strike, he decided he needed something a little less expensive and more durable to use as an enemy. Jeremy propped a mattress against the wall and used it for target practice with the bat, only missing once or twice. After several hours non-stop practice when he'd swung, kicked, rolled and shouted like never before, Mrs. Abercrombie knocked on the door and asked if everything was all right.
"Fine, thank you, Mrs. Abercrombie." Jeremy wiped his cheeks, certain the unaccustomed moisture more than just tears, though his shin still ached from where the mattress repulsed a furious attack from the bat a moment ago. "I'm just trying to prepare. You know, get in shape."
Mrs. Abercrombie didn't seem to know, but she nodded with that patient gleam in her eye when she talked of her late husband—who woke that last day after eighty-two years deciding he could fly. Jeremy didn't know why she gave him that look now: he had no intention of gluing feathers to his arms and finding, after he jumped off a six storey building, that he could not in fact fly. But Mrs. Abercrombie nodded with a sad smile once more, asked him to keep the shouting to a minimum, and let him know she would be upstairs if he needed anyone to talk to.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Melindra Hattfield Snowy, a part-time writer and full-time dreamer, who of course prefers to be known as MH, has penned the first three adventures of The 12 Nights of Jeremy Sunson, collected in her first novel, The Nights Too Dark. She is also the author of In Harm's Way, the first novella in Harm's story published by Pygaso Productions, described as epic fantasy meets The Truman Show.
MH has also penned several short stories including We Three Laws of Robotics Are and The Secret Invasion of George Kranskii which explains how road rage is result the result of an alien invasion.
When not writing or occupied with her dual-identity, MH walks through the mountains with her partner or tries to unravel the secrets of her great-grandmother, an adventuress who disembarked from the French steamer Laos in 1931 seeking to uncover rumours of Mayan temples deep in the heart of the Amazon jungle, and disappeared, never to be heard of again.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tracy Tappan will be awarding one *authentic* military "LCDR Jason 'Casanova' Vanderby" coffee mug, one scented sachet (for the panty drawer) with MAN DOWN cover, one Hershey's chocolate bar, and one Wings of Gold bookmark to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (US ONLY).
Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
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Book 3 in Wings of Gold (standalone novel):
After being shot down by the Taliban on a Special Operations mission, a Navy pilot and Navy SEAL rescue a beautiful humanitarian doctor. While the three of them evade capture in a race for their lives across northern Pakistan, the two former boyhood friends heal a 10-year breach, and the pilot and doctor find a way to let go of their painful pasts to find love.
Content guidelines: Contains profanity and adult situations. Sensitive readers might find a scene depicting the death of a pet upsetting.
READ THE REVIEW
Well, that was one heck of an intro to author Tracy Tappan! I'm a fan of action-packed romance stories, so was excited to give this a try. It's apparently book three of a series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything at all. I do think, however, that I'll be heading back and trying the first couple of books.
We're thrown right into the action with hell week for SEAL training. I gotta admit, even just reading about it was hard. I can't imagine actually going through it. Our guys are tough! Shane and Jason are great guys, and I have to admit, I wasn't entirely sold that what split up their lifelong friendship was something that actually would have done so. It seemed like a small thing for such close friends. What they went through as kids welded them tightly together. Still, that's a small niggle in a really good book.
Ms. Tappan knows how to torture her characters for sure. My heart aches for the boy Jason was. His father was unbelievably horrible. It was quite possibly the worst child abuse I've ever read about that didn't leave so much as a physical scratch or bruise. No ... his method was worse, I think.
And Farrin? I can't imagine being in an arranged marriage as a teenaged girl ... especially not to a sixty year old man. Her life, while perhaps not as abusive as Jason's, was still scarring. She's such a strong woman to have come through it so well.
The first half of this book is all action, except for a few flashbacks to show us what exactly our characters went through as kids. Jason, Shane and Farrin are fleeing the Taliban and the odds are not exactly in their favor.
Man Down is a page-turner. Yes, there is a romance, but ultimately I think it was more about seeing Jason and Farrin (and to a lesser degree, Shane) grow and change. I was so pleased how Farrin reacted to something at the end of the book (no spoilers here!) and the ending was so sweet, my teeth ached. There's a lead in to the next book a bit, too. So glad Shane gets his story!
Yes, I enjoyed the story. Sure, I had a few quibbles, but I never for a moment wanted to stop reading. In fact, even though my life is crazy busy, I made it through this book in just two days. High praise, indeed, and it earns a solid 4 stars. I really enjoyed it!
READ AN EXCERPT
Jason planted a boot on the bed and hoisted himself up level with one of a string of windows lining the upper wall of the post-op ward. He hadn’t really expected to see anything when he shoved aside the curtain to verify the security of the front gate, but—
The gate was wide open, and through it was pouring a boatload of men!
“Taliban!” Jason snarled over his shoulder at Shane. “About fifty or sixty men, incoming.”
“Shit!” Shane bit out. “We need to set up a firing position. Pick off squirters as they arrive.” He tried to heft himself to a sitting position but didn’t make it.
“With you still seeing cross-eyed? Negative.” Jason jumped off the bed. “Besides, there are too many tangoes.” Who would cover the space between the front gate and this medical tent in about three minutes. “We need to hide, then get the hell out of here.” As soon as fifty backs are turned.
He scanned the room for hiding places. His vision fell on a six-foot-tall cabinet pushed against the wall at the end of one row of beds and set next to a crude nurse’s station. He raced to the cabinet and wrenched open the double doors. Shelves on one side and—yes!—closet space for white lab coats on the other. Hurrying over to Shane, he grabbed two fistfuls of the man’s hospital gown, yanking so hard to get him up, the ties snapped off the back of the gown and the material tore away. Jason stumbled backward, the hospital gown in his hands, leaving a naked and pissed-looking Shane on the gurney.
If Jason had been a woman, he would’ve been impressed. Your friend is packed with solid muscle, Farrin had said. But a quick check of her showed her still pale and distracted.
He charged back over. “Come on!” Looping one of Shane’s arms over his neck, he hauled him off the gurney.
Shane’s IV bag tumbled down to his knees, bobbing on its rubber line.
Jason ripped the needle out of Shane’s wrist while Farrin observed in horror. Sorry, but I don’t have time to follow AMA nursing standards right now. He hustled Shane over to the cabinet and maneuvered him into the coat side. “If it’s me, I’ll knock.” He thrust the H&K 416 rifle into Shane’s hands. “Anybody else opens this door, start firing. And don’t,” he ordered sharply, “pass out while you’re in there.” Sweat beads as big as matchstick heads were already standing out on Shane’s brow.
Jason shut the door, then grabbed his own rifle and the two packs out from under the gurney.
Foreign voices drawing close…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracy is the bestselling and award-winning author of gritty romance, her books spanning genres across paranormal (The Community Series), military romantic suspense (The Wings of Gold Series), and medieval historical (The Baron’s War Trilogy). She is married to a former Navy helicopter pilot who served his country for thirty years. During their tours of duty, they lived all over the United States and in Europe, enjoying seven years overseas in the diplomatic community, first in Rome then in Madrid, before settling back in San Diego. She has a master’s degree in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling (MFCC), volunteers for the USO and Wounded Warrior program, and raised Guide Dog puppies.
She loves to play tennis, enjoys a great glass of wine, and talks to her two Labradors like they are humans (admittedly, the wine drinking and the dog talking probably go together). Her website is a fount of information and sexy fun. http://www.tracytappan.com
WINGS OF GOLD BOX SET (Books 1-3)
** FREE to readers in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program (as a part of normal subscription fees):
Amazon: https://goo.gl/pq5hzR
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Sam Poling will be awarding $50 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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In an overpopulated city-state where technology and magic are forbidden by the corrupt church, young witch, Mirabel Fairfax, plots the creation of a deadly plague to cull the burdensome rabble. That is, until she falls in love with the very alchemist she has been deceiving. Now, with soul-hungry geists flooding the city, the church scrambling for their prey, and her own mind at war with itself, Mirabel must decide what she's fighting for before she loses everything to the evils of Autumnfall.
READ THE REVIEW
Mirabel Fairfax, a young witch in a city-state that has outlawed both science and magic, is trying to find a way to reduce the population, which is dangerously high. She and her mother decide to create a deadly plague to do away with some of the people. So, she goes in search of the alchemist who created the cure for that very plague.
On their trip (in a magical carriage-- I want one! Would make traveling so much easier!)to Automnfall, their relationship grows and changes. They each had their first impressions of the other and each of those impressions are dramatically changed. It's fun to watch-- Mirabel stops being so aggravating and pesty, and Felix finds his inner strength.
There are a lot of twists and turns on their journey, though. The church is chasing them both, since both witchcraft and science is against the law in Oldrenrei. They have to travel through the geistlands, where the danger of various types of spirits attacking them is real. Even when they arrive at Autumnfall, even the Fairfax home is not free from dangers.
If you are in the mood for a fast-pace, fun, quirky fantasy, give Sam Poling's THE PART THAT DOESN'T BURN a try. This is the author's first book, but I will definitely keep an eye out for his next one.
4 stars.
READ AN EXCERPT
He flew through the door so quickly he caught a conversation between tan-suited gentlemen.
“—Should really get us some stools,” said the skinnier of the two, before they both faced him. “Can we help you, sir?”
Behind them was a long hall, and no one else in sight. He wanted to grab the doormen by their collars and demand Mirabel’s location. Instead he straightened his cuffs. “Yes, good evening.”
The wider-bodied attendant cracked his neck. “Good evening? Sir, we are an exclusive club.”
“Ah, yes, and I, I am an exclusive clubee.”
“Sorry, a what?”
“A clubee. Um.” He tried to think of the fancier words Mirabel would use, but all he could remember (for some inexplicable reason) was her shouting “hunky dory.” He cleared his throat. “I am a club member, Mister doorm’n.” Doorm’n. That’s better. Definitely something Mirabel would say, even if it was a type of contraction.
“We would be pleased with the presentation of the letter.”
“Oh, I’m, err, rather, I am on the list,” said Felix. He wanted to spout the most common noble name he could, but only one name came to mind. “Preston.”
“There is no list, Mr. Preston. Member names are never written down outside of the census, which is secured. Letter or token of entry only.”
Who was he kidding? He couldn’t talk his way into a donut shop, let alone a well-guarded secret society. “Oh, I see,” he said. “How absolutively ludicrous of me. The token, of course.”
“Absolutively is not a word, sir. And I cannot let you in.”
“I see what the problem ‘tis. This is a fantastical-style, masky, masquerade-type party, quite?”
The guards exchanged looks. “Excuse me?”
He revealed his beak-shaped plague mask from his overcoat pocket and placed it snuggly on his face. “This will grant me entry for sure.”
“And just how will it do that?”
After a quick shaking and popping of its cork, he dropped one of his vials to the carpet. Striking red gas billowed through the opening. The doormen responded by ejecting knives from their sleeves into their hands. They didn’t have time to strike. Those same sleeves went to cover their hacking mouths. In seconds they collapsed, and he kicked the bottle aside.
He unsheathed his syringe, drew up a solution from another vial, and injected the dogs who would have kept him from Mirabel. “You’ll awaken nice and refreshed sometime tomorrow. Absolutively.”
MEET THE AUTHOR
Sam Poling has been writing fantasy and science fiction for the thrill of it his entire life, from short stories to screenplays. His love for each of the sub-genres led to dedication to writing genre-skirting fiction with all the elements that make up the human condition. He holds a strong enthusiasm for medical studies and currently works as a medical assistant in a large clinic while taking classing for nursing. He also serves on a health and safety committee, including disaster preparedness and infection control. His interest in epidemiology and medical science tends to spill over into his writing endeavors.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Charles O'Keefe will be awarding a $15 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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Newly-made vampire Joseph O’Reily has rejected his vampire lover Cassandra and declared their relationship at an end. Although he loves Cassandra – and she loves him – he knows their relationship cannot survive because she places such low worth on human life and morals.
Former pirate and vampire sire Anne Bonny is bored from spending almost a century on a tropical island and makes her way to St. John’s after receiving the last thoughts of her creation, John Snow. Once in Newfoundland she engages with Joseph and Cassandra, both of them surprised to see a vampire that doesn’t wish them harm.
Joseph, who is dealing with his failed relationship with Cassandra and his new one with Anne, has forgotten a human figure from his past, Augustus Green, a pimp and murderer. Green plans revenge for the brutal beating Joseph and Cassandra gave him months ago.
The Emperor Commodus, leader of the vampire council, has commanded his subjects, Count Dracula, Countess Elizabeth Bathory and others, to swell the ranks of his evil army by creating brainwashed vampires. Hope is not lost though as other vampires secretly prepare for the war to fight for their survival and humanity’s.
Anne Bonny devises a plan that would mean the death of the Countess and replacing her. Joseph must make the decision to join Anne on his own. As his enemies gather, so do his friends, and Joseph discovers he has allies he never even knew about. The good side of the Council holds its own meeting that Joseph and Cassandra are secretly invited to.
With Anne and Cassandra at his side, they wage a desperate battle against the Countess, in the hopes of not just defeating her but striking a pre-emptive blow against the forces of evil. Joseph is ready to take on his greatest challenge yet. If he wins, good will prevail. If he fails, he will enable the destruction of the entire world. With a lot riding on him, Joseph can only hope for help from old friends and old flames alike, if he is to turn the tide of destiny.
READ THE REVIEW
This is the third book in the Newfoundland Vampire series and while it can probably be read as a standalone, why would you want to? Do yourself a favor and start from the beginning so you can see the growth of the main character over the stories. This is not a trilogy--there are more adventures ahead for these characters and you don't want to miss any of it!
In one sense, it is very much Joseph's story as he deals with the aftermath of becoming a vampire and coming to grips with everything that means. It is also very much a good vs. evil story as he and his friends fight against the vampires who want to take over the world.
The story is well-written, the characters fully fleshed out, and the relationships -- well, they can get interesting. Do yourself a favor-- if you like vampires, pick this one up. 4 stars.
READ AN EXCERPT
Again he found her, Cassandra. He couldn’t get her out of his head. Everything reminded him of her. He knew it was natural, they had done so much, and he had loved her—or at least he’d thought so.
He needed a break, something lighter. Taking the turnoff towards the Outer Ring Road and Memorial University, he turned on the radio, something modern for a change of pace. Tomorrow was Halloween and he would need to get some candy but for now there was sweet beer and he sure as hell wanted a drink.
* * *
He settled onto the couch and started to work on his first glass of Newcastle Brown Ale, something he hadn’t had in a while. After his beer was half gone the movie started. A Fish Called Wanda, a movie he enjoyed when he first saw it years ago, was on first.
His second beer went down well enough. The movie was about 45 minutes in and he was just about order his third beer when a thought occurred to him. This is how it all started, this is where I met Cassandra and my human life ended. It was two months ago but it feels like yesterday. Now I feel stuck.
Instantly shaking off the intoxication from the two pints, he went up to the bar and paid the tab. He couldn’t plod on as if nothing had changed, because everything was different.
I’m a vampire, damn it! He could do anything he wanted. He was lonely, horny, and he wanted female companionship. He was sick of feeling shy and awkward around women. It was time someone else was on the receiving end of a seductive vampire.
MEET THE AUTHOR
I live in the Canadian province of Newfoundland, where I am a co-owner of a beauty business. I am happily married. I also live with two cats, Jude and Elenaor (see if you can figure out the theme to the names). I enjoy lots of hobbies like walking, Pilates, writing, reading, movies, gaming, television, poker, Ingress - and, of course, vampires (not the sparkly kind!). I am massive geek, huge music lover and I go to as many concerts/plays/shows as I can afford. I love conventions (both attending and as a vendor/guest) and try to attend at least three a year. I would describe myself as Agnostic, an environmentalist and an animal lover. I also love to chat about all things geeky and I’m always up for a good chat.
My first novel "The Newfoundland Vampire" was re-released by Distinguished Press in March of 2015 and the second one “Killer on the Road” was re-released in October of 2015. As of January 2016 I became a self-published author with the help of other authors at Four Phoenixes Publishing. The long awaited third book of my series, “The Gathering Dark” was released in July of 2016. "The Newfoundland Vampire" is a series of at least 4 books with the next install to hopefully arrive sometime in 2017.
