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.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Van Fleisher will be awarding a $50 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.
The year is the very near future. A brilliant young doctor and mathematician, Vijay Patel, has invented a new health/sport watch that monitors blood chemistry so accurately, it can actually predict when someone will die – within 10, 20, or 30 days. The intention of this “Final Notice,” as it is called, is to allow people to get their affairs in order and reach out to loved ones before it’s too late. But when those notified have easy access to a gun, the result is sometimes lethal for more than just the watch-owner.
These are the stories of several people who receive their Final Notice and their very different reactions … including a desire to get revenge with impunity. They range from an 89-year-old resident in a retirement home to a U.S. Senator…from a benevolent widow to a crass tycoon to a noted climate change scientist.
But in this fresh, fast-paced page-turner, their stories are all set against the all-too-recognizable backdrop of a guns-gone-wild America, and the relentless push by the NRA and their surrogate politicians to make guns even easier to acquire.
There is plenty of dark humor and political satire in FINAL NOTICE, as well as touching scenes and outright suspense. So expect to laugh out loud, dry some tears, and bite your nails (not necessarily in that order).
Read an Excerpt:
And sure enough, in 1.24 seconds, Trudi had 1,620,000 results. “Here it is. California law protects us if we shoot a burglar in our home. Still, it wouldn’t help if we didn’t hear them until they burst into the room. I can’t see either one of us having the presence of mind to reach for the gun, roll out of bed and blast away. What are you smiling at?”
“At the image of you doing just that!”
“Hey. I’ve been watching Angelina Jolie and I think I can manage the moves.”
About the Author:
“After 21 years with an airline, and 30 years in management consulting, I retired and found that my phone didn’t ring and the only emails I got were asking for money. So, since I was at my computer, I decided to write a novel.”
This is only half the story. (Van is notoriously modest.) The author was Director of International Marketing with TWA, and an International Management Consultant – taking him behind the closed doors of boardrooms and executive offices around the world. He knows how business works, which gives the slightly “sci-fi” premise of Final Notice a realistic feel. Moreover, his two careers led him to live abroad for much of his life. After growing up in New Jersey and Florida, where he never thought much further than the length of a football field, and going to college in New Mexico, he wound up living in England, Scotland and France, travelling frequently to the Middle East and Asia. He even spent a year living in India. And his first-hand experience with – and respect for – other cultures is apparent in this book.
“Final Notice is meant to highlight, my concerns with America’s handling of three important issues: gun control (not anti-gun), ageism and the importance of immigration. The book won’t fix these issues, but there are a number of great organizations with even greater people working on our behalf to right these wrongs. Proceeds from sales of Final Notice will help support those efforts.”
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. STK Chan will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Fighting what we’ve become.
An ancient dimension of dark echoes from the past.
Lisa and her family barely manage to escape an invasion from the Rebel army in their home of Malta. Shortly after this episode, she discovers Exo, the ancient dimension she cannot understand until her late 20s. Exo is made of memories of the past; it brings forth all the strong echoes we leave behind. Lisa desperately wants to resolve the conflicts of this inner world peacefully, but quickly learns she must fight the shadows in people’s hearts, materialized through battle re-enactments, warfare and emotional turmoil.
Enjoy an Excerpt:
“Are we in danger? I heard Daddy talking to Uncle Bernie about some bad people coming to our island. There’s only water protecting us from them, see?”
“Ah, their long debates over the phone… It’s just chatting; just people talking. No worries here, my dear.”
Her mother paused and reflected on whether to be more honest with her child, as some school advisors were recommending, or whether to continue shielding her from the world’s problems.
“I don’t want them to come to my school. My friends might stay at home because they’re scared.”
“They won’t,” the mother replied with another smile as she caressed the little girl’s brown hair. “They won’t. Let’s get inside, sweetheart; it’s getting chilly.”
They resided in a fortunately situated neighborhood. Though just two miles from the shore, it was elevated enough to have an unobstructed sea view over the gentle slope of their rocky hill. Before entering the house, Lisa spotted some movement above her head.
“Hey, it’s Reblas!” She waved at their neighbor, who was tranquilly gazing through his telescope, poking out of his dark attic window. “Any shooting princesses today?”
“Why don’t you come over and take a look? It’s a cheesy moon out tonight,” beamed the man. He was recently retired and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life on the island.
“It’s late. Maybe tomorrow,” Lisa’s mother called back.
“’Night, Reblas.”
“Sure thing, Strawberry. It’ll be there tomorrow as well—always waiting for us to look up and admire it!”
The electric shutter on the back door slowly closed after they had passed through. Reblas adjusted his telescope’s lens and angle, observing the horizon, while in the background, concerned voices on the radio discussed the recent riots in Europe and the increasing numbers of boats crossing the Mediterranean Sea from both continents.
About the Author:
A fan of nourishing SF&F fiction. Seeker of essential truths in historical non-fiction. Exploring life for almost half a century. Delivering action and matters of the inner self. “Chan has license to be more philosophical and issue-oriented, and on the whole he blends together different genres well.” (John Staughton, SPR)
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. K. S. David will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the otherh stops on the tour.
From the author of A Promise Kept and Every Single Wish, comes an exhilarating romantic suspense for the holidays.
As Center City and its quirky residents get ready to ring in the holiday with merriment and good cheer, Calista Tate is forced to make a terrible decision? Does she stay and fight for the life she’s created or – does she run away? One man could be her angel – her saving grace. And, the promise of love may be strong enough to make her hold her ground. The wrong decision could put them both at risk.
Calista Singletary decided it was finally safe to settle down. She opened a small bakery, has a new home and life is good. That is until she gets arrested for killing her elderly neighbor. It doesn’t help that she chased the old man out of her house with a rolling pin two days earlier. The same rolling pin is found under his bruised and bloody body. Calista thinks some trickery is underfoot. Good thing her sexy attorney, Marc Collins, thinks he can get the charges dropped.
But Calista knows that when the authorities start digging, they’re going to uncover her true identity. That’s when the real horrors will begin. She usually stays packed and ready to blow town at the first sign of trouble – assuming a new name, a new look, a new story. But she’s growing close to Marc and just once, she wants to feel normal. Will the cost be too high?
Three years earlier, the man Calista loved sucked her into a world of indescribable horror. She’s the only one who can testify to the atrocities he committed by Thomas Langston. She stole three million dollars of his money and maimed him the day she left. In return, Thomas made her a promise. He would always love her. He would never stop looking for her. And the next time he saw Calista – he was going to kill her.
Read an Excerpt:
“He walked in on me in the bathroom!”
I had been taking a well-deserved bath. After a sixteen-hour day in my bakery, my hands felt like rubber, my ankles were throbbing, and my back felt like I’d been beaten with a baseball bat. The break would feel like a week-long vacation, and I intended to take advantage by sleeping in, eating junk, watching a little football and reading a good book. A hot, steamy bath had been on my too-do list all day. Love ballads filled the halls of my house, and I planned to polish off a bottle of Chablis.
“Way to go, Fred.”
I rolled my eyes to the night sky annoyed. Fred’s encouragement came from another neighbor who shared the center of our cul-de-sac with a man who’d been a thorn since the day I moved in. I didn’t know his name – didn’t care either, but I knew his taste in music, women and the brand of beer he preferred. Loud music boomed from his backyard nightly. He wore aged denim and a t-shirt so old the letters had started to peel. A soiled black bandana was pulled low over his brow and tattoos covered visible skin – except his hands, his neck and his face. I could always tell when he was coming or going because the motor in his Harley made my windows shake. I squinted up at the man. Streetlights barely illuminated his face and his bandana made it impossible for me to get a good look at him, but he had a firm jaw and full lips. Catching my examination, he winked. I sneered at him. I didn’t do grimy and I didn’t do assholes – at least, not anymore.
About the Author:K. S. David lives in the Mid-Atlantic with her husband, their three children and a menagerie of pets. New storylines are constantly running through her head. She keeps notebooks tucked in pockets of the car, the nightstand and makes voice recordings just about all day long. She’s addicted to true life mysteries and crime shows, both of which marry well with a great romance. Some of her favorite things are long walks, reading in bed, baking and of course, writing her next novel.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Loretta Marion will be awarding a $50 mazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Thirty-seven-year-old painter Cassandra Mitchell is fourth-generation to live in the majestic Battersea Bluffs, a brooding Queen Anne home originally built by her great-grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell, and still standing despite tragedies that have swept the generations. Local lore has it that there was a curse placed on the family and the house is haunted, though opinions are divided on whether it’s by malicious or benevolent spirits. Cassie believes the latter―but now she stands to lose her beloved home to mounting debt and the machinations of her dream-weaving ex-husband.
Salvation seems to arrive when a nomadic young couple wanders onto the property with the promise of companionship and much-needed help―until they vanish without a trace, leaving behind no clue to their identities. Cassie is devastated, but determined to discover what’s happened to the young couple…even as digging into their disappearance starts to uncover family secrets of her own. Despite warnings from her childhood friend, now the local Chief of Police―as well as an FBI agent who pushes the boundaries of professionalism―Cassie can’t help following the trail of clues (and eerie signals from the old house itself) to unravel the mystery. But can she do so before her family’s dark curse destroys everything in its path?
Read an Excerpt:
Present day ~ Whale Rock, Massachusetts ~ Cape Cod
September ~ three days since the disappearance
Back at home, I took a good look at my beloved Battersea Bluffs, with its towering widow’s walk, double chimneys, and impressive wrap-around porch. It had become part of Whale Rock’s lore that the majestic Victorian sitting high above the cliffs on the craggy northern end of town was possessed by the spirits of my great- grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell, its original owners. The legend evolved from a rumor initiated by my father when he was trying to take back his rightful home. It had been a successful strategy, but he could never have guessed how prophetic his fable would become—or maybe he’d already sensed the mysterious aspects of the old house. To be fair, Papa and I had never discussed the lurking scents and sounds presented by the spirits sharing our home.
I unlatched the gate, to a warm greeting of soft whimpers and an exuberant tail.
“You’re missing them too, aren’t ya, buddy?” I reached down to stroke the German shepherd’s glossy black fur, those usually erect ears momentarily relaxed. I widened the gate.
I followed the dog to the ledge of Percy’s Bluffs, so named after my great-grandfather’s dramatic leap from the cliffs overlooking Cape Cod Bay. I stared down to where the waves were crashing against the rocks below. Through the years, this spot had become my refuge, where I’d come to contemplate decisions or brood over troubles. Exhausted and numb, I sank to the ground and idly fingered an abandoned champagne cork, probably left here the night Vince and Ashley moved in with me. We’d brought a bottle down to the cliffs to toast our new alliance and the home they were going to help me save. I closed my eyes to bring to memory the feel of the fizzy liquid against my tongue, the first I’d tasted in years. There’d not been much to celebrate in recent times. But that night, a sense of hope had returned to me.
About the Author:
A true bibliophile, Loretta Marion’s affection for the written word began in childhood and followed her like a shadow throughout her life as she crafted award winning marketing and advertising copy and educational brochures. She then applied her writing skills as a volunteer, establishing a Legacy Story program for hospice patients, which inspired her to create her own fictional stories. Her debut novel, The Fool’s Truth, was a twisty mystery with whispers of romance. Her newest novel, HOUSE OF ASHES – A Haunted Bluffs Mystery, is the first in a series published by Crooked Lane Books.
When not whipping out words on her laptop, she is traveling, enjoying outdoor pursuits, or is curled up with a delicious new book. Loretta lives in Rhode Island with her husband, Geoffrey, and their beloved Mr. Peabody, a sweet, devoted and amusing “Corgador”.
CB Samet will be awarding a $20 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?
My writing is more of a theme than a genre. I love the quote, “She needed a hero, so she became one.” I feel my novels have this theme in them whether I’m writing thriller, romantic suspense, or fantasy.
Specific to my newest release, Gray Horizon, I attribute my thriller interest to two of my favorite authors growing up–Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum. Both writers created action-packed stories filled with suspense. They also had strong female secondary characters. In The Bourne Identity, Marie St. Jacques helps Jason Bourne when no one else will. Jack Ryan’s wife in the Tom Clancy books is physician. While reading those novels, I often wondered what it would be like if the women were the main characters. Thus was born the Dr. Whyte adventure series. Lillian Whyte is a sassy emergency room physician who, in a series of life-threatening events, is cool under pressure and fights to save the day.
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?
As a middle child, I was definitely the introverted observer. We traveled a great deal when I was younger—all over the US as well as Holland and Saudi Arabia—and each new move meant new places and new people. I never had the ease of blending in as my older sister or the support my younger sister had. I often escaped into daydreams. Over the years, the daydreams sprouted into stories and the stories into novels.
3. Where is your favorite place to write?
I can write anywhere tranquil—beach, waterfall, quiet bar, my home office, my porch. One of my most productive writing area is on an airplane since there are zero distractions with no internet access … at least none I’m willing to pay extra for.
How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
No darlings were harmed in the making of this novel.
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
I would be delighted to meet Janet Evanovich. She creates intriguing stories with great characters and a good mix of suspense and humor. I’d love to learn about her writing process.
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.
Most people know that I have two sons and an adorable Jack Russel terrier (she’s 13 years old now so she’s reached the adorable stage). Most people know I’m a full-time physician, part-time writer. Most people know I like jogging, tennis, and hiking. Most people know I loved to horseback ride when I was younger. Very few people know I like dancing in the privacy of my home with the music cranked up and when no one’s watching. Life is short and precious. Savor every moment.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?
The three items in my backpack on a deserted island would be: survival kit, satellite phone (solar powered), and Skipper from Penguins of Madagascar (he knows how to get out of every stick situation and he would fit in a backpack).
If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be?
My super power would psychokinesis—the action of mind on matter. I could move objects, heal organs, and, yes, bend a spoon or two.
9. Favorite snack?
Favorite snack: Chai latte (it’s 300 calories, so yes, it is a snack)
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
Fortunately, the Indy 500 is a circular track, so no directions are required. While it’s easy to speed in a circle, I prefer to drive off road, and since I don’t always know where I’m going, I usually drive the speed limit. I’m an endless rule-follower including the rule of following your dreams. I have one, five, and ten year life plans, but those are always subject to change. Five years ago, I hadn’t known I’d now be on my tenth novel with more on the way. I’m looking forward to what future adventure awaits.
Gray Horizon
by CB Samet
GENRE: Thriller
BLURB:
Sworn enemies. A stolen nuclear weapon. And the clock’s ticking.
When Dr. Lillian Whyte learns a nuclear weapon is on the loose in Europe, she collides with a ruthless mercenary from her past. Isolated from her husband, a former CIA operative, Lillian tries to covertly help track the weapon. As she he joins the race to stop the bomb, she is drawn into a deadly game of chase. Despite her efforts, those intent on global catastrophe remain one step ahead of her.
As Lillian faces the fears of her past and deadliness of the present, can she secure the future of the world.
Excerpt:
“Dr. Whyte,” a guttural voice greeted her.
Her blood turned frigid and her stomach lurched as her heart thudded against her ribcage. As long as she lived, she would never forget that deep German accent—the voice of one of her captors nine years ago in Kenya.
The one that got away.
She was fairly certain Ivan Kleist would have only one reason for tracking her down: revenge.
Springing from the bench seat, she lashed a leg out into his gut. She saw a brief look of surprise on his pale face before she took off in a sprint.
Why now? Nine years he had waited.
The calculating killer had waited until she was out of the United States and away from Sean to corner her. She dashed in the direction of her hotel. Would she be safe in the lobby? In her room?
She slung her purse over her shoulder. Her phone was in the outer pocket, but she would have to slow down to make a call. Not happening. She would not slow until she reached the hotel.
Could she beat him to the hotel? His legs were longer, but she was ten years younger. But he probably hadn’t already logged twenty-six thousand steps for the day, as she had.
From her peripheral vision, Lillian saw an enormous object barreling toward her like a freight train. She barely had time to brace herself before Ivan plowed into her. She felt like she had been tackled by a linebacker. His large arms encircled her as she sailed to the ground. They rolled through the grass, her body encased by his.
He was so large he could probably crush the life out of her with his arms. She gasped for air. He wasn’t crushing her, but his grip was immobilizing.
Grunting, he hauled her to her feet. “Settle down, hase. Little white rabbit.”
Lillian, still dazed and sucking wind after her sprint, hardly put up a fight as he dragged her into an alley. Looking around frantically, her eyes couldn’t focus long enough to see anyone within shouting distance. She clawed at his large hand blocking her mouth from screaming.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Christina is a practicing physician, mother of two boys and a terrier, and wife to a caring and supportive husband.
“I grew up reading Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, and the Bourne books. I write seeking to create that level of action and intrigue but 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. Maureen L. Bonatch will be awarding a $15 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.
The last thing Hope Hallows wants is to become the latest headline. Living in a town that likes secrets, she prefers to keep hers hidden. Avoiding a nosy reporter’s questions about her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with a single touch, and those who crave this bliss, is nothing new. But having her brother’s annoying girlfriend, Berta, go missing is—especially when it makes Hope suspect number one.
As a triplet, her resemblance to her beloved dead sister causes her family to grieve even more, and her escalating supernatural skills makes Griffith, her half-human-half-Oppressor boyfriend, wary. He wants to put his unsavory past behind him—this could include Hope—since her abilities remind him of the Underworld.
In her desperate search to find Berta, she stumbles across a tunnel. Phantom voices within whisper that evil has been waiting for a new leader—and isn’t she lucky, they’ve chosen Hope.
Read an excerpt:
Too many times in my life I was assumed guilty until I proved my innocence. This wouldn’t be one of those times. Disliking Berta wasn’t a crime and neither was going on a bike ride. It figures the first time I try to be nice to her it stirred up more trouble than all the times I was rude. “The last time I saw Berta was when she and I went on a bike ride. I’ve done nothing that would require me to visit the police station. I’m starting to think you have something against me personally.”
The officer scowled, as if he sensed my shift in control and was none too happy about losing the upper hand. “I told you before, we stick together in this town. You claim you returned to be with your family, but since you arrived things have changed. People are disappearing, not just vagrants or others passing through, but townies.”
I lifted my chin. No matter how long I lived here, or how many of my family members did, I’d never be considered a townie. Not in this town.
About the Author:
Maureen lives in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons —biking, sweat pants, hockey and hibernation—keep her there. Surviving twins gave her the confidence to learn to belly dance, declare herself a tequila connoisseur, act as biker babe to her alpha hubby and to release the characters from her imagination. These adventures, and a love of sarcasm, help her craft paranormal and fantasy stories full of fun, family, magic and mayhem. She survives on caffeine, wine, music and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line.
P.D. Alleva will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Author Interview
How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?
I like to believe the book chose its genre. The three stories in this first installment fit together under the common theme of deceit. I’ve always been privy to and interested in exploring dark themes and the reflection of darkness and light, ego, sin and karma. The Calculated Desolation of Hope is based on a dream I had about five years ago. The story showcases the consequences of being young and naïve: Somnium explores the darkness of dreams and evil influences that impinge on dreams, including the fight to turn them into reality. Knickerbocker, a re –imagining of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, is my good-bye letter to the addiction treatment industry, exploring themes of willpower, inflated ego and commitment or the break from commitment through self-defeating behavior and its consequences. I was a part of the addiction treatment industry for 13 years until going into private practice. I write the stories that resonate and scream the loudest, could be scifi, dark fiction, dark romance, dystopian or horror.
I’m a multi genre writer. The Beyond the Chamber Door series allows for these multitudes. The series features stand alone stories in each installment, connected with the universal theme of light and dark and their raging battle that exists over multiple lives. For what truly lies beyond the chamber door is the dark and sinister heart of man, the corruption of power, ego, manipulation, and torment. Pain and suffering drive evolution, however, if a character is not aware of this need to change, they fall further into darkness, consumed by anger, hate and rage. If misery loves company, than misery is what they reflect and what they receive.
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 second of four boys. Middle Child syndrome does exist. I believe it’s made me more compassionate and passionate, a self-starter and strong in my convictions, unwavering in my commitments with a loud voice to sound off on situations I feel passionately about.
Middle children are often unheard, shunned and discounted, we become so frustrated we end up screaming to break out of the shell we’ve been kept in for so long. On the flip side, I credit my introvert behavior and comfort being alone with my thoughts for extended periods of time to being a middle child. With all the isolation brought on by NOT being the center of attention, you get used to being by yourself. All is well though I’ve got enough friends in my head to keep me company.
3. Where is your favorite place to write?
My desk. A few years ago I bought a Thomasville Ernest Hemingway English Writing Desk. My pride and joy. My personal space that includes scattered notes, papers, books and a number of writing hats (fedoras) that I’ve collected over the years.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
My darlings were born to die. The way they die is equal to their sins and a part of their journey. I believe in resurrection and that death is a gateway so there can always be a second part to their story. I enjoy writing these scenes because death is a part of character; the way we die reflects how we lived and I attempt to give them the grand exit they righteously deserve. As far as what I do with the remains, they all go into the same box, where they can mingle and philosophize about why they are there, and what to do next.
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
Ernest Hemingway is my favorite author, but there are so many documentaries, books and movies about him I do believe I’ve got all my questions answered. If I could choose I’d meet Mary Shelley and have a nice long conversation with her. One of my favorite books is Frankenstein. So many classic themes, man vs nature, man vs himself, man vs man and man vs God. Gotta love it. Burning question would be, “Did you actually write Frankenstein?”
Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows.
I spent the first eight years of my life living with insomnia. When I was two years old I was put on sleep medication. It didn’t work. I was plagued by nightmares the few hours a night I did sleep, and wacky thoughts while lying in bed, covers up to my eyeballs (so I could see anyone coming) scared to death to fall asleep while my thoughts were consumed by vivid images and stories of death and destruction, often believing that vampires, monsters and werewolves were out to get me. Also, my mother is convinced there was an evil spirit occupying the room next to me. Strange right? Perhaps there’s a link there somewhere.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack?
– A ukulele so I can sing songs to pass the time
– A pocket knife: not only for fileting fish and making supplies but also to cut up coconuts or something similar and turn them into little people I can hang with and have an audience to sing songs too and tell stories while sitting around a fire. They’d never complain. Well, maybe they will but I’d get over it
– A chisel, which I’d use to chisel stories into stones and mountains. With all that time for reflection, there’s got to be so many stories that will come to life.
If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be?
Move objects with my mind. I attempt this super power every time my boys (I have 7 year old twins) ask for another peanut butter and jelly after I literally just sat down. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to master this one but soon they’ll be making those PB&J’s on their own and I’m off the hook. Well, a little bit at least.
9. Favorite snack?
Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia or Phish Food. Love all three. I’m a big guy so I can down all three in one sitting. Definitely worth the stomach pain the next morning.
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
Both really, I know how to get where I’m going but like to drive the speed limit in a leisurely calm manner while singing along with great music. Yes, I’m that guy you see belting out musical ballads and singing really, really badly, but who is having a great time doing so.
Thank you Danita Minnis for hosting. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Twisted Tales of Deceit
by P.D. Alleva
GENRE: Dark Fiction
BLURB:
Twisted Tales of Deceit is the first installment in the Beyond the Chamber Door series. Featuring three tales (The Calculated Desolation of Hope, Somnium, & Knickerbocker) chronicling an evil influence on the human psyche, tipping our hands into the engagement of what is most horrifying; our dastardly, human deeds steeped in self-destruction, desperation and the loss of dreams. Metaphorical warnings have been constructed inside these pages to reflect the everyday signs the universe provides under the guise of reflective light that return to mirror how evil tempts our hand so to not fulfill the dreams of the soul. Our doubts, our sadness, our indecisions rooted in fear, are toiled with by the presence of imps bent on hatred and in need of our nightmares to survive. Here, the human spirit is dripped like honey, tasteful to the dark corridors of human malevolence and taken advantage by the corrupt and seamlessly endless parade other worldly dimensions have on what should be our earthly utopia, creating rage in the cosmic hedonism of jealousy.
Excerpt:
He remembered the wolf, roaming in the room. Saw the gamer and the boy he had saved with their throats cut out as the wolf fed on them. Their black eyeballs staring at William.
Remembered how the bodies were taken from the room. Remembered how he screamed but had no strength to do anything about it.
And how Katarina appeared again, another needle in hand. Remembered how he wanted it now, to help him forget. She shot him up and his world became smaller, the walls closing in to squeeze all that he knew in between the four walls of that tiny room, now no bigger than the bed he lay on.
He remembered how the world disappeared, melted away like ice.
Remembered how the darkness invited itself into his space, and how the world had gone mad.
“What the fu…” he grumbled, collapsing to the floor. His heart fluttered, and his skin flushed pale white and red. He leaned against the wall, watching the final dissipation of daylight outside the window. And the room grew dark with a sliver of moonlight that broke through the window as his memories faded and an unnerving hunger cried out from his veins. A tiny voice in his head.
“More,” it called. “Please, more.”
His body felt pain, pain like he’d never felt before. His mind felt confusion, he couldn’t put a thought together. His eyes turned wet with tears and he started to wail. He wailed until his voice gave out.
And then the footsteps. Loud, clunking footsteps against the wood floor. The massive image half hidden in the darkness, half illuminated by the moonlight, seemed to drift toward him with a mindful caution only to disappear just before reaching him. His vision wavered as the hunger grew.
In front of him, nose to nose, Mephisto shined his yellow eyes on him. And Mephisto grinned, scooping him in his arms like a baby and delivering him to the bed.
“Rest,” Mephisto said, pausing as he looked on William who saw the death of stars gleaming in Mephisto’s eyes.
“And welcome…to oblivion.”
His grin was sinister, daring and satisfied.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
P.D. Alleva is an author, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist specializing in trauma, addiction and mental health. He is the author of several books, including fiction novels, Indifference and A Billion Tiny Moments In Time…, Seriously Twisted; These Gods of Darkness (Poetry), Let Your Soul Evolve (1st and 2nd ed), and Spiritual Growth Therapy: Philosophy, Practices and Mindfulness Workbook (non-fiction). He has developed behavioral protocols for addiction and mental health and teaches mindfulness, Buddhist meditations and manifestation techniques to his patients as a means and alternative to using pharmaceuticals. Go to spiritualgrowththerapy.com to learn more. Mr. Alleva offers a special discount on his video tutorials for his readers, so please use Promo Code 7474 for a special 90% discount. He is currently in private practice with his wife, Lisa. He lives with his wife and children in Boca Raton, Florida.
For Everyone: One $50 Amazon/BN GC, two $25 Amazon/BN GCs, Two $10 Amazon/BN GCs a Rafflecopter giveaway
For Authors: 2 $10 GC for any Goddess Fish Promotions service, Winner’s choice of either a free blurb blitz (2 wk) or book blast (5 day), 50% off any tour (excludes Review tour or Full Service Tour), 4 free 25 page complete book edit, 2 Winner’s choice of teaser or social media cover graphic design.
Welcome to the Goddess Fish Promotions Tenth Anniversary Month Long Celebration!
Who is Goddess Fish Promotions? And what do we do? We’re glad you asked!
We didn’t want your visit here to be dry and boring, so we decided to have a poetry competition and put what we do into verse. Here are the initial entries:
Marianne:
Roses are Red.
Violets are Blue.
I’m awful at poetry.
Coffee.
Judy:
We can edit your book
find things you didn’t see
It will be fun to look
at the changes from me.
Yeah, for some reason, Judy won!
Even better, her poem is correct. We DO offer editing as one of our options. Here are a couple of testimonials from clients:
I worked with Marianne on a complete edit and was very happy with the results. Her feedback was clear, easy to follow, and she probed on things I hadn’t thought of. She was also responsive whenever I had questions and helped me work through a few issues. Her feedback and guidance improved the quality of my manuscript, all at a very fair price. I’m working on my next book and plan to use their services again.
-J B Glazer, author, In Search of Mr. Anonymous
*
Choosing the right editor for a project is incredibly important to an author. Let’s face it, we want the best for our books. When I was considering editors for my first indie-published book, Regenerate, I naturally thought of Goddess Fish Promotions–and I’m so glad I did.
Marianne Arkins and Judy Thomas are incredibly attentive and professional during the entire editing process. Their input was invaluable and the story is much stronger because they cared enough to help unsnarl plot points and find order in the chaos..
I can’t wait to work with them again. Truly, a top-notch editorial team!
– Sarita Leone, award-winning author of Regenerate
We also offer Virtual Book Tours, Graphic Design, Social Media Promotion and more. You can see more testimonials here.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know us a little (more information is below) and we’d like to do the same. We’d LOVE to see a little poem that tells us a bit about you in the comments. We’ll be awarding random book giveaways and $5 Amazon GCs to some of the best poetry we find. It might not be at every stop, but when something really makes us smile, we’ll reward it! Come on, be daring…
And now, more about us:
What are you ashamed of?
Judy: Mostly that I didn’t take better care of myself when I was younger, especially in regards to healthy eating and exercising. I’m paying for it now, but I’m finally on the right track!
Marianne: That’s tough … I’m not easily ashamed. Maybe that I allowed some people to make or sway some decisions when I was younger that weren’t necessarily in my best interest (in retrospect). But honestly, that’s also just life and I’m not particularly ashamed of that either.
What’s the loveliest thing you have ever seen?
Judy: At one time I would have said it was gazing at my first born’s face. But then I saw my first born gazing into her first born’s face…and my heart melted.
Marianne: My husband holding our brand new baby daughter… with tears in his eyes. Thankfully someone snapped a picture of it, or I’d have missed it. I was in labor 37 hours and ended up with a C-section. By the time she was born, I was nearly unconscious from exhaustion.
Who is your favorite author, and what are you currently reading?
Judy: I don’t really have one favorite author, but I do have a lot of go to authors that I grab as soon as they have a new book. Stephen King, Diana Gabaldon, Dean Koontz, J.D. Robb. I have several different books going at any one time. Right at bedtime I’m currently listening to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, in the car I’m listening to Clock Dance by Anne Tyler.
Marianne: It might be a cliche, but Nora Roberts is my only “auto buy” and about 85% of her books are on my keeper shelf as “comfort reads”. I loved Jennifer Crusie, but she’s not really publishing anymore. I also have a soft spot for Tessa Dare (funny, funny historical romance), but I also read fantasy, young adult and mystery/suspense and have dozens of authors I really like.
Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Judy: Of course. I’m a very funny person.
Marianne: Ditto what Judy said. I also usually add a few leg slaps and a guffaw.
About Goddess Fish Promotions
Goddess Fish Promotions was established October 14, 2008. Why? Well, when Marianne became a published author and got her the first taste of trying to promote a book on a budget, there was only one other virtual book tour company in place at the time, and their fees were simply too high for a small press author. After coordinating and running her own tour, she knew other authors could use the same service for a reasonable price. Thus, Goddess Fish Promotions was born.
Because both Judy and Marianne were authors and editors prior to running Goddess Fish Promotions, they approach the business with a unique point of view, and treat their clients how they would expect to be treated.
The people behind the fish
Judy Thomas
Judy has a college degree in English and she’s worked in retail, education, at her local library as well as an editor for a small press and for the now defunct ShadowKeep Ezine. She’s also a published author so can see things from both sides of the fence. In 2013, she “retired” and now spends her days helping authors make their dream come true—as well as working as much as she can with her local theater group.
Marianne Arkins
Grammar freak and coffee lover, Marianne wrote her first novel at ten years old, built her first commercial website in 2000, and published for the first time in 2006. She worked as a professional editor for just over a year, and knows what it’s like to write, edit and promote a book on a budget.
Bobbi Smith will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Author Interview: Bobbi Smith
1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book?
I love Westerns. I grew up watching them on TV, and they were so wonderful. The good guys always won. It doesn’t get any better than that, and that’s what I love the most about the romance genre: our books guarantee everyone lives happily ever after. My whole life, all I’ve wanted to do is make people happy, and I hope I’ve done that with my stories. I love heroes who face great challenges and overcome them, too. (After all, that’s what heroes do, right? ) That’s why I created Chase McBride. As the illegitimate, half-breed son of Tom McBride—a father who’s denied him—he’s had a rough life, but that doesn’t stop him from being a good man.
2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you the first-born, middle or last child and how does this shape your view of the world?
Re birth order, I’m the second of two girls. My sister and I are two years apart. I had a great childhood with the world’s most wonderful parents. I don’t think being the “baby” really affected me—other than watching my sister get into trouble and making sure I didn’t do what she’d done. About my writing, I am a research lover. I try to travel to all of the places I write about to make sure that I’ve got it right.
3. Where is your favorite place to write?
In my office with the door shut! I need to block out reality and live in the world I’m creating. It was tough when my sons were young and at home, but I did it.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains?
I try to keep my writing fast and simple so the story moves quickly along. It’s all about the story for me, so I’ve never had to kill any “darlings.”
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them?
I love this question, because it’s already happened to me! The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss is the reason I am a published author. I read that book many years ago and thought “I could write one of these!” It took me two and a half years, writing longhand and then typing it on a manual typewriter, but I did finish my first book. I was very blessed in that I was able to sell it. Some years back, Kathleen Woodiwiss came to town, and I went to the autograph party to meet her. I told her how she’d inspired me, and she was so sweet and kind. The one big question I did ask her was—Were you thinking of any particular guy when you made up Brandon, your hero? Her answer was no. He was one great hunk of a hero. She had a great imagination!
6. Inquiring minds want to know….tell readers something about you that no one knows.
A few years back I was inspired to write two contemporary, faith-based books—Haven and Miracles. I wrote them under the pseudonym of Julie Marshall. It was definitely a different experience for me—no cowboys or horses. I originally titled the first book 6:30. I’m Catholic and often attend 6:30 a.m. weekday Mass. I loved that title, but my editor said Haven would be a better choice. Haven is about a man who sees a crime and runs into the church during morning Mass to hide out. Miracles tells the stories of a good man with only months to live, a deadly sniper terrorizing the town and a teenage drunk driver who gets into trouble. I truly enjoyed writing them.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival bag?
A radio to call for help, a book on how to survive in the wilderness, and a knife. Of course, matches would probably be good, too.
8. If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be?
To make people happy.
9. Favorite snack?
Right now candy apples! The rest of the year—ice cream!
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit?
I love using my phone for directions! It’s so much easier than having to pull over to the side of the road and look at a map (what’s that?). And I try to stay just about five miles per hour over the speed limit to keep traffic going. I got my one and only speeding ticket on the day I finished my last college exam and was on my way home. I think I was doing 40 in a 25. Oops! But I was a little excited at the time.
The Half Breed
(Secret Fires)
by Bobbi Smith
GENRE: Historical Romance
BLURB:
SECRET FIRES
In the midst of the vast, windswept Texas plains stands a ranch wrested from the wilderness with blood, sweat and tears. It is the shining legacy of Thomas McBride to his five living heirs. But along with the fertile acres and herds of cattle, each will inherit a history of scandal, lies and hidden desire that threatens to burn out of control.
THE HALF-BREED
Chase knows he has no legitimate claim to the Circle M. After all, his father made it painfully clear he wants nothing to do with his bastard son or the Comanche girl he once took to his bed. But Chase has his own reasons for answering Tom McBride’s deathbed summons. He has a job to do as a Texas Ranger, and a woman to protect—a woman whose sweet innocence gives him new faith that love born in the darkest night can face the dawn of all his tomorrows.
Excerpt:
Chase was ready for trouble and trouble was exactly what he got when he snared the would-be horse thief around the waist. The thief put up a fierce struggle, but only when Chase heard the scream did he realize he was dealing with a woman!
“Hold still!” he commanded.
Fighting with all her strength, it took Faith a moment to realize he’d spoken English. Only when she was slammed back against the solid, hard-muscled width of his chest and held pinned there, did she become aware that this was no ordinary renegade.
“Damn it woman! I said hold still!” Chase groundout, wondering how this golden-haired wildcat of a woman had ended up in his camp trying to steal his horse in the middle of the night.
He looked down at her as she finally stilled in his arms. Only now did he notice that her blouse was torn and her pale flesh was bared to his gaze. She was filthy and there were bruises evident upon her flesh. They were a silent testimony to abuse she’d suffered. He wondered who she was and what had happened to bring her to him.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982.
Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and 6 novellas. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists.
When she’s not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writer’s groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.
Bobbi has been awarded the prestigious “Storyteller of the Year” Award from Romantic Times Magazine (New York) and has attained positions on the New York Times Best Seller List, the USA Today Best Seller List, the Walden’s Best Seller List, B. Dalton’s List, and the Wal-Mart and K-Mart Best Seller Lists.
Marie Johnston will be awarding a $10 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 started writing what I read, which is paranormal and contemporary romance, and I usually like my reads on the steamy side. So I write what I’d like to read. Based on Principal is from my series take on the billionaire romance. Only, since I know nothing about what it’s like to be rich, I put a geeky twist on it. And the heroine has the loaded pockets in this book.
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? My brother is nearly six years older than me, so I was the youngest, but for many years after my brother moved out, I was like an only child. It helped me be independent, both in my personality and the freedoms my parents gave me. My brother was the one that gave them gray hairs so I had a pretty easy slide through my teenage years.
3. Where is your favorite place to write? A local coffee shop with booths. It’s comfortable. I can people watch during breaks, and listen to my music. I get so much written! But I have to order something each time, of course, which adds up. Then there’s the calorie laden options to order, so often I skip the coffee shop to prevent the temptation.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains? It’s rare that I kill my darlings. I write very lean and since I self-publish I often choose to keep what I write, or make it work so I get the best of both options. My editor doesn’t often get adamant about slicing and dicing portions of my manuscript.
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them? I have no idea what I’d ask JR Ward, but I’d love to talk to her and just chat about the industry and her experiences. She’s been such a powerhouse for so long and she doesn’t spend a ton of time online, but hosts and participates in huge reader events. I can’t imagine reaching that level of success.
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows. People are taken off guard when they learn I’m a veteran. I got out almost twenty years ago and rock the frumpy country mom look way better than a pair of combat boots. I also play hockey—when I can fit into my breezers. The local women’s team is laid back and loves teaching newbies and helping us improve.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a back pack for company. What three items are in your survival pack? My items are going to be so boring. Chocolate. Water. A picture of my family. You might be surprised that I don’t add a book, but I rarely re-read books. So being stuck with just one book to read over and over is not my idea of survival.
8. If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be? To clean my house with the power of thought. Clean toilets? Boom. Done. Scrub the floors? Done.
9. Favorite snack? Chocolate covered almonds. It has to be milk chocolate and they’re getting hard to find.
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit? I’m the slow driver. I never used to be but I feel like I’ve used up all my close calls with my driving in my younger days. You know, those times I was cruising down the interstate with my feet on the dash and the music up loud? Now, my ears have constant ringing and I drive 55.
Based on Principal
by Marie Johnston
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
BLURB:
By day, Natalia is the strict principal of a private school with a staid, troubled legacy. By night, she’s a lithe, agile assassin with a penchant for latex. Or at least her cosplay character is. The two identities don’t mingle until she meets a handsome comic book shop owner at the local comic con. Now there’s a guy she’d be willing to peel her mask off for.
Too bad he’s the father of one of her students.
Single father Chris has no time to date, thanks to his business, his daughter, and his ex’s meddling family. But how can he resist a comic lover in a business skirt? She’s his perfect woman. Or she would be, if she didn’t keep the professional and play parts of her life so separate. And he swore he’d never date a woman ashamed of him again.
Too bad she’s obsessed with what the wrong people think of her.
Together, they could be an unstoppable duo, but when Chris’s daughter acts out at school, Natalia will be put in an impossible position: break all her school’s rules, or pack away her cape forever.
Excerpt:
“About the name calling—”
Jaycee cut Ms. Shaw off. “Oh my god. Mr. Budinski’s an adult, and he’s getting snippy about a kid messing up his name?”
“Jaycee…” He hadn’t expected to finish his warning, but Ms. Shaw was gazing at him like she was waiting for him to finish. He scrambled to find an acceptable reproach. “It’s about respect.”
“Then he can respect what I want to be called. Yet he refuses to use Richards.” She crossed one leg over the other and folded her arms. He knew that mutinous look, the one she wore when she refused to listen. A spear of fear went through him when she pinned Ms. Shaw with that look. “I mean what if people called you Mrs. Shaw and knew perfectly well you’re not married.” He cringed at the way she stressed not married. It wasn’t a death sentence to be single. “Or what if they called you Natalie instead of Natalia.”
He jerked his head to face Ms. Shaw. Natalia Shaw. What were the odds her name was the same as—
What were the odds her butt was as spectacular in a skirt as in a cosplay costume? What were the odds he’d feel like they’d met before?
The odds were pretty damn good. She couldn’t hide that mouth, just like she couldn’t hide the poleaxed expression in her widened eyes. His daughter’s principal, the woman he couldn’t quit lusting over, was the same woman he’d held in his arms just days ago.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Marie Johnston lives in the upper-Midwest with her husband, four kids, an old cat, and a young dog. After trading in her lab coat for a laptop, she’s writing down all the tales she’s been making up in her head for years. An avid reader of paranormal romance, these are the stories hanging out and waiting to be told, between the demands of work, home, and the endless chauffeuring that comes with children.
Author web links: (web, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads, etc)
