I should have known I would end up here...
Give me a good book and I'm in heaven. Especially romance, mystery, mayhem, the fantastic and the fey. Give me a laptop and I'm writing any one of these, and not in any particular order.
Linda Charles will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
A Reason to Stay
by Linda Charles
GENRE: Contemporary Western
BLURB:
Rachael, a successful lawyer in Sydney, returns to her foster family and the only place that ever felt like home: Mindalby, to help with the failing family business, the town’s bakery. With the cotton gin’s closure, all businesses are struggling, and it looks like the only option is to close up the bakery and hope to sell. But when Rachael returns, she realises that her skills give her other options: refreshing and revitalising the bakery and a chance to rekindle her love of baking.
Irishman, Mike O’Malley is a staying kind of man, looking to settle down in Mindalby with a woman who loves the wild country and wants to get involved in the community. Rachael is not that girl, but the attraction is hard to deny. Determined to show Rachael that Mindalby can be a home, he draws her out into the community and deeper into his life. But when it comes time to make a decision, can he trust Rachael to risk her heart?
Excerpt:
‘Sorry,’ she said. ‘I don’t play ball.’
He hugged the ball close to his chest. He understood that. None of his sisters were into sport either. But, he loved his sports; it was a major part of his life.
‘What do you play then? I’m up for anything.’
She rubbed her hands against the afternoon chill, as her clear blue eyes met his. His heart hammered. They were the prettiest eyes he’d ever seen, and if he wasn’t careful his concentration would take a serious hit, and he’d sound like some daft prick.
‘I’m not very sporty. How did they go?’
Mike shook his head. ‘Another loss,’ he all but whispered.
She gave him a soft smile. ‘Oh, that happens. Are you having a reconnoitre with them?’
His lips quivered, but he couldn’t hold back. He let out a belly laugh.
She’s gorgeous. A one-off.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Linda Charles is a contemporary romance writer who lives in Newcastle in the Hunter Valley, NSW. She was born and raised in Sydney where she studied and taught drama for many years. She loves to read, travel and enjoys a good conversation. Following a move to the Hunter Valley she started to write her own stories. Linda is a member of the Hunter Romance Writers, Romance Writers of Australia, and Romance Writers of America.
You can visit Linda at her Webpage; or follow her on Twitter; Facebook, or Pinterest
Diane Demetre will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Author Interview: Diane Demetre
1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book? Retribution chose me. I hadn’t consciously set out to write a romantic suspense, but I did feel strongly about a couple of social and moral issues. This story is my way of paying tribute to the people who have endured more than most. Those who have lived hellish childhoods, those who have fought for our freedom, those who have experienced unimaginable trauma and those who may never recover from their suffering. With the overarching theme of forgiveness and redemption, Retribution pays homage to the human condition in all its glory and misery.
Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a first born, middle or last child and how does this shape your view of the world? I’m an adopted only child, which I love and wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a rare insight into human behavior, which I have studied all my life, as I’m an only child by nature and by nurture.3. Where is your favorite place to write? In my spacious purpose-built office overlooking a canal on the Gold Coast.4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains? When I first started writing this was difficult, so I put them into a Darlings File in my pc, thinking I might use them one day. I never did. Now, I happily kill them off to make my stories sharper and tighter.
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them? Hard question, as I don’t have one favorite author. However, I think I’d like to sit down with Nora Roberts and ask her what she’d do differently if she was to commence her career today.
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows. I trained in ballet and have recently set up my own dance studio at my home. I love working at the barre again and practice every day when I’m not at the gym.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack? I’m very practical so I would take fresh water, a blanket and a lighter
8. If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be? To time travel
9. Favorite snack? Raw almonds
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit? I know where I’m going, and I drive ‘pedal to the metal’ 😊
Retribution
by Diane Demetre
GENRE: Romantic suspense
BLURB:
She’s a ballerina with a dark secret. He’s a retired sniper with a tortured past. Will they find love or fall prey to a stalker’s deadly game?
Professional ballerina Jessie Hilton wraps her battle scars in satin pointe shoes, but there’s a deeper hurt that haunts her sleep. When a handsome man steps in to save her from a mugging, something about her hero makes her heavy heart leap. Though her career can’t afford distractions, he may be her sole source of safety when she gains the unwanted attention of a relentless stalker.
Ex-sniper Brad Jordan survived his tour of duty, but a tragic accident cost him the lives of those closest to him. With his faithful border collie Whiskey by his side, Brad gets a second chance when he protects the beautiful Jessie from danger. When the ballerina’s stalker grows more brazen, Brad’s tactical training may be their only weapon against tragedy.
Will Jessie and Brad survive a deadly game, or will the assailant destroy their chance at love?
Retribution is a standalone romantic suspense novel. If you like tough-as-toe-shoes heroines, second-chance romance, and page-turning plots, then you’ll love Diane Demetre’s heart-stopping saga.
Excerpt:
Cold, damp and hard—wherever she was, it wasn’t her bed. Scattered thoughts whirled in her head as she searched for recent memories. A pungent smell lingered in her nose wakening her further. It reminded her of science class. What was it? Chloroform? Crunched on her side, her body cried for movement and she strained to focus on her surroundings. But she couldn’t. She was groggy and dazed and there was no light by which to see. Exhausted, she heaved her hand in front of her face, but she couldn’t see that either. It was as if it wasn’t there. Absolute, petrifying blackness. A nightmare. It was another nightmare. But she knew it wasn’t. Now fully conscious, she lay somewhere dank and cold, in pitch blackness. The inability to see rendered her immobile, preventing her any chance of escape. Even if she began to crawl, feeling her way, she might tumble down a precipice or a staircase. She didn’t even know whether she was lying on the ground or on something man-made. All she knew was it was rock-solid, cold and a little uneven. He’s left me here, alone, to die. The thought scared her even more than her captor returning.
She rolled carefully onto her back. Stretching her body, she used her hands and feet to check that she wasn’t about to roll off wherever she lay. Once assured she was safe, she relaxed a little. Deep, controlled breaths cleared her mind and nose of whatever drug he’d used. With no idea how long she’d been unconscious, she existed in an abyss of unknown time. She struggled not to panic. As she stared into nothing, her sense of what was up and what was down destabilized. The subtle illusion of losing her balance teased her inner ear, increasing the fear. Rolling over slowly, she managed to get onto her hands and knees, connecting with the surface below to correct her equilibrium. Head lolling forward, she froze— humiliated, helpless and hopeless, overcome with despair. Minutes slipped by or was it hours?
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Being a passionate woman who’s always done things a little differently, Diane’s diverse career began as a school teacher before she moved into a full-time career as a professional choreographer, director and dancer, strutting her stuff on many stages throughout Australia. She was responsible for the original multi-million dollar extravaganzas at Conrad Jupiter’s Casino, Gold Coast—Starz & Galaxies.
Following her onstage career, Diane’s thirst for knowledge led her into the field of self-development. Using her highly developed communication skills and love of people, she spent many years as a stress & life skills therapist and life coach, teaching individuals, couples and groups the methodologies of personal success and fulfilment.
With her business acumen, Diane launched into the corporate arena, working in a variety of positions as a consultant in marketing, special events, tourism, business strategies, quality management and human resource management. Combining her entertainment and business backgrounds, she returned to the stage as a keynote speaker and corporate facilitator, educating business leaders in the ‘new mindset’ for business and relationship building in the 21st century.
Assuming the pseudonym of the Goddess of Love, she appeared as a guest presenter on Gold FM radio, Gold Coast, a national radio program broadcast to 1.4million listeners. Her weekly program proved popular with Diane providing empowering advice on life, love, sex and relationships, sprinkled with a good dose of humour. Her passion for life and compulsive sharing nature made her a great inspiration to her listeners. As the Goddess of Love she also appeared as a regular guest on the national television program Beauty & the Beast, where her practical insights were televised to viewers across Australia.
When she launched into a writing career, Diane’s debut erotic romance series, the Dance of Love was voted Luminosity Publishing Readers’ Choice Best Books and Best Covers for 2015 and 2016.
Her romantic suspense, Retribution won the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Pro Award 2017 for Best Unpublished Manuscript. Diane loves to write genre-busting stories with a twist. Her works are packed with emotional punch and feature empowered heroines who live life to the fullest, much like the author herself.
Connie di Marco will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Tail of the Dragon
by Connie di Marco
GENRE: Mystery
BLURB:
San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought murder would be part of her practice, but now, Julia’s former boss and current client has asked for help. He has serious problems at his law firm. Three people have received death threats and the only common denominator between them is a case long settled — the infamous Bank of San Francisco fire. Julia’s convinced a woman is behind the threats, perhaps even the widow of the man who died in that same fire, but no one wants to believe that astrology could provide a clue. Before Julia can help her client, two lawyers are dead and her own life is threatened. Can she unmask the killer before he (or she) takes another life?
Excerpt:
I settled into the office chair and flicked on the computer. Samantha, at the Chronicle, had sent forty-three AskZodia emails. I heaved a sigh. So many people asking for advice. I separated out the letters that asked no particular question and then separated the emails into male and female groups.
A few of the emails were quite intriguing. One woman wrote to ask about the dynamic between her brother, now deceased, and her mother. Her mother blamed herself for her son’s death and was torturing herself with guilt. I could tell by the brother’s chart, strong Uranus and Mars aspects, that there was absolutely nothing her mother could have done to control her son. The mother had done the best she could and needed to let go.
I clicked on another.
Dear Zodia ~
I’ve been happily married for twelve years. My wife is a wonderful woman and a loving wife and mother. For the past few months I’ve found myself attracted to another woman. I know I shouldn’t be, but I can’t help myself. It’s become an obsession and I don’t know what to do. I’ve never cheated on my wife but I find myself thinking about it all the time. I think this other woman is also attracted to me, but I’m not sure. I’m so confused, I don’t know what’s happening to me and I don’t know what to do.
~ Confused
Dear Confused ~
I’ll be very direct. It’s really not a choice between one woman or another. You are yearning. You are seeking an aspect of your own ‘anima’ or female self. Neptune is currently opposing your natal Venus and you, believe me, are most likely projecting all sorts of qualities on to this other person, most of which you would ultimately discover are not real.
We experience great yearnings with Neptune transits and tend to believe that the answer is ‘somewhere else.’ Under transits of Neptune, especially, it is not possible to see things clearly. You and your wife are quite compatible astrologically. It would be a shame to destroy your marriage for what may be no more than a passing wraith.
I recommend seeking professional help to discover what you are missing in your life and your love life. Often, the ‘other’ that you are attracted to turns out to be much like the person you are currently with. There is an excellent book on this very subject: ‘Love Triangles’ by Julia Bonatti, published by Stargazer Press. This might be a start in helping you sort out your feelings.
~ Zodia
Samantha would get a kick out of this response. Me, anonymously, plugging my own book, but I really did think it would be a help to this man.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Midnight Ink featuring San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti. The Tail of the Dragon, third in the series, will be released on August 8, 2018. You can visit her at conniedimarco.com, at Facebook.com/Connie di Marco Author or Twitter @askzodia.
Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of MWA, Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lillian Marek 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.
Decisions, decisions…
Should Lady Anne Milhaven marry the wealthy and handsome young marquess, or should she resign herself to living out her life in poverty and disgrace, exiled from the world she was born to?
Should Philip Tremaine, the new Marquess of Penworth, redeem his honor and marry the proud and beautiful earl’s daughter whom he has unintentionally compromised, or should he prove himself as dissolute as his contemptible family?
They are not fools, but marriage is only the beginning. Now can they learn to work together and thwart the vile plots of their scheming relatives?
A Match for the Marquess is the prequel to the Victorian Adventures series.
Read an Excerpt:
Lady Hadlow arrived first. The feline smile she turned on Anne was clearly not intended in friendship.
“My dear child,” she said, “you must be quite overwhelmed with all that is happening. It hardly seems right for such a little innocent to be married off to a man of such wide experience as Penworth. Do feel free to ask if you have any questions about how to please a man.”
Anne started to freeze up so she could allow the comments to slide past without touching her, the technique she had perfected while coping with the Craddocks. Then she realized that she did not have to retreat. Thanks to Penworth, she now had a place of her own, a standing quite as secure as that of Lady Hadlow.
She offered a smile as sincere as Lady Hadlow’s. “Oh thank you so much, Lady Hadlow. Not every older woman is generous enough to offer the fruits of her experience to the next generation. I am sure we could all profit”—here she gestured at her new friends, who were listening avidly to the exchange—“from the lessons of your many years in…society.” She lifted her hand to her breast so that her betrothal ring glittered in the candlelight.
Lady Hadlow had not been expecting any riposte, and since she was staring, mesmerized, at the ring, it took a few moments for the import of Anne’s words to sink in. Her eyes widened, and her fingers curled. “Next generation! Why you little chit…”
About the Author: When she retired after too many years in journalism, Lillian Marek felt a longing for happy endings and stories where the good guys win and the bad guys get their just deserts. Having exhausted her libraryís supply of non-gory mystery stories, she started reading romance novels, especially historical romance. This was so much fun that she thought sheíd like to try her hand at writing one. So she took her computer keyboard in hand, slipped back into the 19th century, and began.
She was right – writing romance novels is as much fun as reading them.
K.T. Castle will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC and autographed copies of both books and some swag (stickers and bookmarks) (US only) to two randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.
Author Interview
1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?
Romance is probably my favorite genre, in its many flavors and colors. But how I ended writing contemporary romance about bridesmaid’s is actually a nice story. There was a summon to write a story about bridesmaids, and I told myself, “why not.” It was a great challenge to take, and even if I didn’t win the contest, I have enjoyed immensely the experience.
2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a first born, middle or last child and how does this shape your view of the world?
I’m the first child, so I was spoiled rotten but I also had my load of responsibility. I’ve always been the dependable big sister, the one that takes care of everyone (if they let me), the one that follows the rules. I’m independent and proud of it, it’s hard for me to ask for help and I feel really blessed when I receive it. I like to see everyone’s good side and have a hard time believing the opposite, although I can be quite judgy and grinchy.
3. Where is your favorite place to write?
My usual spot is in the living room, with my laptop on my lap and my dog by my side. But it varies from day to day, and depends on my needs. I like writing in a quiet place, far from distractions. My first choice is the living room, but I could also use the desk in the TV room, the terrace and even my bed.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
If someone has to die, well, sorry for them. In the books I’ve published no one has died, yet. But there’s a paranormal romance that I’ve been writing for some time, and that’s a different story. It’ll be publish one day, and I think it’ll be an interesting change.
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
OMG! I’m actually going to meet her next November in The Origin Event. My favorite author in the whole wide world is Jay Crownover, and while we’re not strangers we haven’t met in person. I’m so excited about going to Austin and finally meet her in person. And as for questions, I don’t think I’ll be able to ask much ‘cause I’m going to be completely starstruck.
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.
I lived in Taiwan when I was 18 and had a wonderful time. I’d like to go and live in Asia again. It was hard at the beginning, the cultural differences and all, but it’s an amazing place to live. I felt free and safe, and learned so much.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?
And endless bag of Ruffles, unlimited books in my ereader, and my drawing supplies.
8. If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be?
There’s so many powers that I like, buy if I had to choose only one I’d love for it to be telekinesis. Personally I think Superman has them all, and wouldn’t it be awesome to be like him. But I’d like to be as fierce and hot asPhoenix.
9. Favorite snack?
To watch TV, read and/or chillax I need some Ruffles with Valentina and lemon. Yum!
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
I’m usually a pretty civil driver, although I tend to get distracted easily. If I’m singing or talking to someone, I might speed a little bit and miss my exits. 🙂
The Bridesmaid’s Checklist Series
by K.T. Castle
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
BLURB:
BCL is a Contemporary New Adult Romance that tells Kassandra’s story.
Kassie is a single, independent woman that finds herself questioning her lifestyle after all of her best friend get married and settle down.
Even if she’s the only unmarried girl in the pack she isn’t single anymore. Now that all her friends are married and all the wedding planning is over, she has a chance to concentrate in her relationship with Josh. Or so she thought, since her friends keep visiting her with a major life changing crisis.
Helping her friends plan their wedding was no problem─dealing with unexpected personal situations is a whole other thing.
You can read how she helps Laura and Marisol to plan their weddings.
Excerpt:
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. I’d heard that saying more than once now. And I was about to hear it once again.
“Kassie! Kassie, wake up! I’m getting married,” a high-pitched voice squealed at me at 3:00 a.m.
Who the hell is this? I had picked up the phone without even looking at the caller ID. Oh, Laura. Great.
“Kassandra, are you listening? I’m engaged!” Laura screamed from the other side of the phone.
“Yeah, wow,” I said. “Congratulations.”
“I can’t believe you, Kassie. You should be more excited. You’ll get to be my bridesmaid!” The volume of her voice kept rising.
“I’m happy for you, Laura.” I really didn’t know at the moment how I felt. I was trying to look around to see exactly where I was. “Believe me. It’s just…it’s three o’clock, and I was sleeping.”
After looking at my surroundings, I remembered I was in my own house. I had a minor headache, probably from all the drinking the night before, and my body ached a bit. I looked beside me and found the reason for my hurt.
Next to me I found the silhouette of a beautiful man. The memories of the few hours before my abrupt awakening came back at me:
A bar. A blond. My home. Some sex…in that order.
“I know it’s late, but I had to give you the good news.”
“And news it is.” She was the last of my best friends who was single; not so long ago we roamed all the bars in town together, looking for men to hook up with, and suddenly she was engaged.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
K.T. Castle is an author/artist on a quest to find the words, forms, and colors to materialize the worlds and people of her imagination. She never saw herself as an incurable romantic, but lately, that’s what she finds herself musing about. Love is found everywhere, regardless if it comes from a nice person, an ass — mundane or even vampire. When she’s not busy with work, in front of a computer placing many thoughts in order, she makes her best to be creative or relax with a good book and a snack. Some of her favorite characters are Sookie, Rule and Shaw, Bella, Edward, Clary, Jace, Wrath, Hollywood, Blaire, Woods, Ethan, the Sleeping Beauty, and Ariel.
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Author Interview
Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
Not that I can recall – and apologies for my imaginary friend if I’ve promptly forgotten about you!
Do you have any phobias?
I have an intense fear of needles and claustrophobia. I once visited volcanic caves in Reunion Island, and the guide took us deeper and deeper into the tunnels, until all twenty of us were huddled in a cave so small we could hardly breathe. Add to the idea that the volcano can erupt…that was a first and last for me!
Do you listen to music when you’re writing?
Yes. It depends on what I’m writing but I listen to an array of music. Pop hits when the mood strikes and I’m editing, but if I have to think what I’m doing I tend to listen to movie soundtracks, classical music, Chad Lawson – anything that helps getting me in the mood of the scene I’m writing.
Do you ever read your stories out loud?
Reading a manuscript out loud is a good editing tool – you tend to look at each word individually and find some mistakes that spell check doesn’t! It is dull work but useful. Then I read it backwards for all the other errors I’ve missed.
Tell us about your main character and who inspired him/her.
Perfect Mistake’s heroine, Simone Levin, was inspired by the first female pilot I flew with in a Cessna Caravan from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. I was like, “You go girl!” to work in such a male dominated domain. I’ve since flown with other female pilots – notably in Kenya where we once took a flight with an all female crew. I think being a female in a male dominated domain still remains hard and tricky, despite everything women have achieved in the past century. I touch on some of these issues in the book.
Perfect Mistake
by Sophia Karlson
GENRE: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
BLURB:
Simone Levin had a dream job as a safari pilot until an unexpected pregnancy clipped her wings. Tired of juggling motherhood with her demanding flight schedule, Simone applies for an office job, unaware that her new boss is Carlo Carlevaro, the man who’d ditched her before finding out he’d knocked her up. Carlo returns to East Africa only to kill another fire—Ivory trafficking from his lodges threatens to destroy his company. Finding Simone back on the payroll comes as a pleasant surprise. As his employee, Simone is off-limits, but she is the only one he trusts to help with his undercover investigation. With time running out, Simone and Carlo strive to expose the trafficking ring, but working together rekindles their mutual desire. When Simone is implicated as a trafficker, revealing her daughter’s existence to Carlo seems inevitable. Acting on her instincts might come too late as the syndicate retaliate and hone in their threat. Will they survive to give their love a chance?
Excerpt:
Carlo pushed away from the doorframe, took a few steps towards them and stuck out his hand. A sharp pinch from Michael snapped her out of her flustered state, and she offered hers. Carlo’s hand was cool and dry, sending a tremor through her as he wrapped it around hers.
“Simone.”
“Mr…Carlevaro.” She cleared her throat as he let go. She couldn’t help but rub her sweaty palm against her jeans. Touching his cool skin had felt like a disgrace.
“I’m glad you’ve finally arrived.” Carlo’s gaze traveled over her face. It rested on her lips for a moment before it shot back to her eyes. “I want to take off in the next thirty minutes.”
Simone’s heart, which had, for those treacherous few seconds, stood still, started to pound.
“I just landed from a long-haul flight. I’d like to take a quick shower.”
Carlo raised an eyebrow. “A quick shower?” His gaze traveled over her body, mapping the route the water would take.
God, he remembered.
Heat rushed to her cheeks at the potent memories that flooded in her mind. Years ago they had shared many showers that were everything but quick.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Sophia Karlson has lived in France, Germany, East Africa, Madagascar (not the movie, the country) and now finds herself back on home ground in South Africa. As a teenager, she devoured romances with far flung settings, loving to travel through books. After school her itchy feet took her around the world, but now she doesn’t get much further than the school run and the daily walk with her very demanding beagle. She writes contemporary and erotic romance, wanting to take readers on a journey of their own. She loves hearing from readers, follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophia.karlson.5, Twitter: @SophiaKarlson, on the web at www.sophiakarlson.com.
Barbara Casey will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
The Clock Flower
by Barbara Casey
GENRE: Mystery/Suspense
BLURB:
Mackenzie Yarborough, one of the three FIGs—Females of Intellectual Genius—finds herself facing a terrifying death of an ancient evil dragon while in China working on a secret research project and trying to discover the truth of her birth parents.
Excerpt:
Dara knew that once she started researching the ancient writing systems and language of Shandong Province, there was no way she was going to waste her time attending her required undergraduate classes when she could be working on her research. Therefore, with Dr. Chu’s permission and using the syllabi she received on the first day of classes, she simply completed all of the course work in advance and turned it in. Most of the professors only wanted a report anyway. “Now with that out of the way, I can turn my full attention to the Longshan period dating 2500-1900 BC and researching the early writing, language, and human sacrifice at the Shang Dynasty capital of Anyang,” she told Mackenzie, Jennifer, and Carolina during another one of their nightly visits by phone.
“I am so impressed, Dara,” said Carolina. “Not surprised that you could do it, but still impressed.”
Jennifer and Mackenzie agreed.
Dara had something else to tell them. “I was going to wait to talk to you about this once I had all of the details worked out, but since Mackenzie might be going to China over our winter break to visit the Yellow Sea Laboratories, I’d better go ahead and let you know what I am thinking.” Then she told them about Dr. Wu inviting her to the small village of Dawenkou in the Shandong Province over the winter break in order to meet the rest of the archeology team and see the dig site and their research facilities. “I was hoping the four of us could go together—check it out. Dr. Wu said you are more than welcome.” She hesitated, and when no one said anything, “Mackenzie, Dr. Wu said that the Yellow Sea Laboratories is also in the Shandong Province and near Dawenkou where the dig site is.”
“That’s right—Ling told me it is in the town of Puli.”
Carolina interrupted, “Did you say Puli?”
“Yeah, have you heard of it?” Mackenzie asked. “I don’t think it is a very big town—Ling calls it a village. It is located on the Yellow Sea, and it is near Qufu where Confucius lived. That is where her family and ancestors are from although she was born in Hawaii. And other than what I am doing at MIT, that is also where the research on the Clock Flower Project is being conducted.”
“Talk about coincidence,” Jennifer mumbled. “Well, I’m in,” but she couldn’t say anything else. The pounding in her chest, the painful heaviness of the rock, and the brilliance of the bright yellow and red took her breath. As the pain eased, she once again heard the delicate tones of the banhu—a little more distinct this time—a few more notes—another measure to be added to the symphony.
Carolina’s heart started to race, and it felt like all of the air had been sucked out of her lungs. Taking little breaths, she managed to say, “That goes for me, too.” Putting her hand on her chest and taking a deep breath, willing her heart to stop pounding, “I’ve never been to China, and this is too good of an opportunity to miss. Maybe they will let us tour the research lab, Mackenzie. And it will be great fun to see an actual working archeology site, Dara.”
But those weren’t the reasons she wanted to go; she knew when it concerned the FIGs, there was no such thing as coincidence. Larry had told her that he believed Mackenzie’s mother was from Puli and that is where she returned after giving birth. Something was happening which she didn’t understand. She had heard her mother’s warning, and she knew she needed to go to China. She needed to be with her girls. And she needed to protect Mackenzie.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, author/agent/publisher Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, N.C. State University, and N.C. Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. In 1995 she established the Barbara Casey Agency and since that time has represented authors from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. In 2014, she became a partner with Strategic Media Books where she is involved in acquisitions and day-to-day operations and oversees book production.
Ms. Casey’s two middle-grade/young adult novels, Leilani Zan and Grandma Jock and Christabelle (James C. Winston Publishing Co., Trade Division) were both nominated for awards of excellence by the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, the National Association of University Women Literary Award and the Sir Walter Raleigh Literary Award. Shyla’s Initiative (Crossquarter Publishing Group), a contemporary adult novel (occult romance/mystery), received a 2003 Independent Publisher Book Award and also an award of special literary recognition by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. The Coach’s Wife (ArcheBooks Publishing), also a novel for adults (contemporary/mystery), was semi-finalist for the 2005 Dana Award for Outstanding Novel and listed on the Publisher’s Best Seller List. The House of Kane (ArcheBooks Publishing), released in 2007, was considered for a Pulitzer nomination. Another contemporary novel for adults, Just Like Family, was released at Christmas 2009 when it received “Special Recognition from the 7-Eleven Corporation,” and The Gospel According to Prissy, also a contemporary novel written for adults, received a 2013 Independent Publishers Book Award for Best Book in Regional Fiction.
The Cadence of Gypsies, a novel written for young/new adults, was released in 2011 and was reviewed by the Smithsonian Institute for its List of Most Notable Books. In 2012, The Cadence of Gypsies was expanded into a four-book mystery series called THE FIG MYSTERIES: The Wish Rider (2016), The Clock Flower (2018), and The Nightjar’s Promise (to be released in 2019).
Ms. Casey also writes book-length nonfiction for adults. Kathryn Kelly: The Moll behind Machine Gun Kelly was released in 2016 and has been optioned for a major movie. In 2018 her book Assata Shakur: A 20th Century Escaped Slave was released and it has been signed for a major movie.
Ms. Casey’s award-winning science fiction short stories for adults are featured in The Cosmic Unicorn and CrossTime science fiction anthologies. Ms. Casey’s essays and other works appear in The Chrysalis Reader, the international literary journal of the Swedenborg Foundation, 221 One-Minute Monologues from Literature (Smith and Kraus Publishers), and A Cup of Comfort (Adams Media Corporation). Other award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in both national and international publications including the North Carolina Christian Advocate Magazine, The New East Magazine, the Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer, the Rocky Mount (N.C.) Sunday Telegram, Dog Fancy, ByLine, The Christian Record, Skirt! Magazine, and True Story. A thirty-minute television special which Ms. Casey wrote and coordinated was broadcast on WRAL, Channel 5, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian children’s stories.
Ms. Casey is a former director of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida, where she served as guest author and panelist. She has served as judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida, and was the Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 through 2003. She is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and writers’ conferences around the country including the SCBWI Regional Conference, the Harriett Austin Writers Conference in Athens, SIBA (Southeastern Independent Book Sellers Association), Florida Writers Association, and the University of Auburn, Montgomery.
In 2018, Ms. Casey received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas. She makes her home on the top of a mountain in northwest Georgia with her husband and Benton, a hound mix who adopted her.
Carol Kilgore will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Bluebonnet Ballerina
by Carol Kilgore
GENRE: Mystery and Romance
BLURB:
Gracie Hofner returns, and chaos reigns—including a couple of ghosts trying to save their granddaughter. But as Gracie dances from problem to problem, she’s unaware the music has been orchestrated into a murderous symphony.
When a different melody reaches Gracie’s ears from a guitar played by the new tenant living in her garage apartment, her tension vanishes. She listens unseen, cocooned in the shadows on her patio, and wonders who he’s longing for—and how it would feel for someone to crave her that much.
She can’t dwell on those thoughts, however. Problems of murder and missing prisoners abound. To say nothing of the ghosts. No one ever said being a law enforcement consultant would be easy.
Bluebonnet Ballerina follows Jalapeno Cupcake Wench and is the second book in The Amazing Gracie Trilogy.
Excerpt:
“Ow! Ow! Ow!” Gracie Hofner twitched with each exclamation.
“For crying out loud, Gracie, you’d think I was trying to kill you.”
“You are. This is supposed to feel good.” Gracie tried to lift herself up.
Ariana held her down with one arm and tortured her with the other. “You’ve got a knot bigger than Thor’s fist in here. I’m working it loose.”
“It’ll work itself out.”
“No it won’t. It’ll give you a headache and neck spasms and a hitch in your side. Now lie still and shut up.” A hundred and ten skinny pounds of pure muscle and bone returned to attacking Gracie’s back.
Ariana Ayala was Gracie’s best friend, but when Ariana went into massage mode, arguing was futile. This was her first massage in her friend’s new studio, but nothing about her technique had changed. Gracie sighed and tried to relax. The more she loosened up, the harder Ariana dug. The woman had forty fingers and ten elbows, all of them poking Gracie’s sore back.
“Much better now.” Ariana continued to knead the same spot, except with much less pressure. That’s what it felt like, but Ariana always said the pressure was the same. The difference was the muscle had relaxed. “Next time, I’ll work on it again. It won’t be as bad. You must’ve had one hell of a week.”
“Something like that.”
“You can tell me later. Relax now. You’ll enjoy the rest of this.”
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Carol Kilgore is the award-winning author of The Amazing Gracie Trilogy. In addition, she is the author of In Name Only (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FC8OG2), Solomon’s Compass (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0F8DZ2), and Secrets of Honor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH0QTO6), three standalone romantic suspense novels set along the Texas Gulf Coast.
She and her husband live in San Antonio, the setting for the Amazing Gracie books, with two quirky herding dogs who still require help opening the food bin and the door.
You can learn more about Carol and be the first to know when the third book in the Amazing Gracie Trilogy will be released by visiting her website and subscribing to her newsletter at http://www.carolkilgore.net or connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
While Laura was attending the annual omega celebration, a ruthless ogre attack destroyed her village and wiped out her family. Heartbroken, lonely, and adrift, she was forced to rely on the kindness of the Black Ridge wolf pack alpha for a home. And so were many others, including members of the small Newton pack, and their handsome, strong alpha, Dedric. One brief interlude was all it took for Laura to know she would choose him as her mate.
Alpha Dedric Newton couldn’t believe his good fortune. Beautiful and powerful, Laura was the omega of his dreams. Worried he had so little to offer, he insists she spend time with his small pack as they rebuild their village and homes. Laura and Dedric’s time in Newton strengthens their bond while evil works to undo all of Laura’s gifts, especially her legacy. After finding the greatest love an alpha could dream of, Dedric will do anything and everything to keep Laura safe from harm.
EXCERPT:
The next day Laura found herself in the passenger seat of a large SUV heading to Newton. Dedric was driving; Gabi and Lily were in the back, along with two warriors, Jensgar and Drune, in the third-row seats. Laura’s chosen mate held her hand as he drove, leading the convoy forward and further away from the place she’d come to live, and where she’d felt safe.
Since she woke this morning, she had that same grip of fear in the pit of her stomach as she’d had when she’d learned marauding ogres had destroyed her home and village. Dedric seemed to sense her distress and held her hand tighter.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?”
She hated making him worry, but in an effort to be truthful with her partner, Laura replied, “I was finally getting used to living in Black Ridge after my home was taken from me, and now I’m moving on to the pack that I hope to make my home. It’s a bit overwhelming. I’ve moved more in the last six months than I have in my entire life.”
“I promise, I’ll make you happy and you’ll grow to love Newton as much as I do.”
Laura appreciated the sentiment and his effort, but mere words weren’t going to make the dread vanish. The last thing she wanted to do was to ruin his homecoming, so she smiled at him and squeezed his hand in reply. It would take a lot of work to clean and repair the town, but getting Newton back on its feet meant a great deal to the man she loved. “I’m looking forward to being in Newton, really. But there’s been so many changes in the past few months, I hope you understand, this is a me thing.”
“I understand. We’ll make it through this together. I love you,” Dedric murmured, and she knew his heart was true; she could see the love in his eyes.
“I love you, too,” she whispered before kissing the top of the hand that was holding hers.
AUTHOR BIO:
Lilli Carlisle, lives outside Toronto, Canada. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and its chapter, Toronto Romance Writers. Lilli is a mother of two wonderful girls, wife to an amazing man, and servant to the pets in her life. Lilli writes both contemporary and paranormal romance and believes love should be celebrated and shared. After all, everybody needs a little romance, excitement, intrigue and passion in their lives.
Sofie Darling will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Author Interview
1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?
I’m not sure I chose my genre, I think it chose me! Like so many others who write historical romance, I discovered Jane Austen at a young age. Her world felt so foreign and lovely that I was completely swept away by it. From there, it was a short hop to historical romance in my teens. Although I’m a fairly omnivorous reader, I always return to it.
I wrote Tempted by the Viscount quite simply because the characters of Jake, Olivia, and Mina had been running around my head for months, and I had to put their story to paper.
Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a first born, middle or last child and how does this shape your view of the world?
I have a half-sister who is fifteen years younger than me, so I’m a first-born, who grew up for the most part an only child. And, yes, I have some of the traits of typical of both. I can be headstrong and stubborn. I do like to have my way, but that has tempered over the years, especially after having children of my own. We teach our children, but they teach us a lot, too!
3. Where is your favorite place to write?
My favorite place to write is more of an environment. Outside. Early morning, just after dawn. 68 degrees, no humidity, no mosquitos. Quiet and alone, except for the owls hooting in the trees. It doesn’t get any better than that. I live in a humid and mosquito-y place, so those mornings are rare gems.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
It’s a sad fact, but sometimes darlings must be killed, ruthlessly and without quarter. I cut them and stick them in a file. Some darlings can be rehabilitated and used later. I’m so mean to my darlings!
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
I would time-travel to the Victorian age and meet George Eliot. After she regaled me with her intellect and quick wit, I would ask her about her writing process. I always want to know other writers’ process, but hers, in particular, interests me. Middlemarch is so sprawling and dense and packed with great characters, plots, and themes, I just want to know how she did it.
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.
I’ve never seen Titanic. I was living outside the US when it released. When I returned, I took some pride in the fact that I was the only person in the world who hadn’t seen it. Then it went on too long. Now, I’m strangely superstitious about it and feel like I can never watch it.
You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?
My eyebrow pencil. I plucked a bit overzealously in my teens. It was the 90’s!
Running shoes. I must run to sort out my brain.
A book. Oh, there are so many to choose from…But if I had to choose a romance, it would be Black Silk by Judith Ivory. I’m slightly obsessed with that book.
If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be?
It might sound voyeuristic, but I’d love to be invisible so I could observe the lives of others, unobserved. Of course, this is what we do as readers, enter someone else’s world for a bit and see how things work out for them. As a writer, it would give me the power to create those worlds more truthfully, which is all a writer really wants to do.
9. Favorite snack?
Chips and salsa. I love salt and spice.
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
Oh, I know exactly how to get where I’m going, always. My family calls it my “GPS brain.” I think it’s because I’m a runner, so I’m always charting and calculating routes in my head.
Thank you for having me over today, Danita. This was so fun!
Shadows and Silk Series
(Three Lessons in Seduction/Tempted by the Viscount)
by Sofie Darling
GENRE: Historical Romance
BLURB:
Lord Nicholas Asquith needs his wife. Too bad he broke her heart ten years ago.
Can he resist a second chance at the love he lost?
When Mariana catches the eye of the man at the center of an assassination plot, Nick puts aside their painful past and enlists her to obtain information by any means necessary, even if it means seducing the enemy agent.
Even if the thought makes his blood boil.
Only by keeping his distance from Mariana these last ten years was he able to pretend indifference to her. With every moment spent with her, he feels his tightly held control slipping…
Can she trust the spy who broke her heart?
Mariana spent the last decade forgetting Nick. Now she has the chance to best him at his own game, an opportunity she can’t resist, even as her view of him begins to shift. Increasingly, she wants nothing more than to seduce her own husband . . .
It’s only a matter of time before mad passion ignites, a passion never convincingly extinguished. A passion that insists on surrendering to the yearning of the flesh and, quite possibly, of the heart.
Excerpt:
“Unbutton your dress?” Nick repeated. It wasn’t possible he’d heard those words in that order.
“Have you spent a single minute of your life bound within layers of corset, shift, and tightly buttoned dress? Has this ever been required for one of your spy missions?”
He couldn’t miss the scorn in her voice. “Never.”
“Then you’ll have to trust me when I suggest that it’s a bloody fantastic idea for you to unbutton me. You’ve done it before, in case you’ve forgotten.”
“I haven’t,” he said, his voice incapable of more than a low, gravelly rumble.
She blinked, and a moment passed.
Reason bade Nick exit the room and abandon the entire proposition. Under no circumstance should he close the distance between them and place his hands on Mariana’s body. Paper thin layers of chartreuse silk and muslin between his fingers and her skin wouldn’t be enough.
A few quick steps could carry him to her.
A few quick steps could undo him.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every book she could get her hands on. Once she realized that she was no longer satisfied with simply reading the books she loved, that she must write them, too, she decided to finish her degree and embark on a writing career. Mr. Darling and the boys gave her their wholehearted blessing.
When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, she runs a marathon in a different state every year, visits crumbling medieval castles whenever she gets a chance, and enjoys a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.
Excerpt:
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
