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Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Blog Tour and Giveaway for Different, Not Damaged by Andy Peloquin


Different, Not Damaged
by Andy Peloquin
Genre: Dark Fantasy Short Stories

Strength from Weakness
Disability becomes Power
Some call them disabilities, but for others they are gifts:


- A voiceless child painting visions of death.

- A killer with a deadly message plagued by a burden of guilt.
- A priestess divinely empowered to absorb others' pain.
- A soldier fighting for courage in the face of fear.
- A broken warrior-priest on a mission of vengeance.
- A thief desperate to escape the burden of his memories.
Betrayed by mind or body, these people struggle to survive in a grim world that takes no pity on the weak. Yet they will discover that they are simply different, not damaged.
This collection of dark fantasy short stories will keep you turning the page as you experience life through the eyes of the differently-abled.

Pick up this uniquely heart-wrenching book today because you want to feel what it means to live with a disability.


What Readers Are Saying:


This collection of stories keeps you engrossed right through to the end. - S.S.

These stories about people trying to overcome, or at least come to terms with, the hardships of their lives. Worth the read! - T.E.
This is one of those books that leaves you wanting more. - S.S

I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.



Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion,race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!




Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!






Blog Tour and 2 Giveaways for Seashells, Spells & Caramels by Erin Johnson


Seashells, Spells & Caramels by Erin Johnson


Seashells, Spells & Caramels 
by Erin Johnson  
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series  
Self Published  
Release Date - October 29, 2017  
286 Pages  
Not on Amazon or GoodReads yet.
Imogen’s spent her twenties in Seattle, saving every penny and missing every party, to follow her dream of opening her own bakery.
When that dream goes up in flames, she accepts a spot in a mysterious baking contest—one she doesn’t remember entering. She travels to a bustling, medieval village off the coast of France and discovers an enchanting world of magic and mystery, and learns that she, too, possesses powers.
Unable to so much as cast a spell, Imogen struggles to keep up with the other witches and wizards who have come from all over the magical world to the Water Kingdom's big competition. She juggles relationships with a sweet new friend, a snarky baking fire, and a brooding, handsome baker. As Imogen falls for this bewitching world, she fears she won’t master her magic in time to win the job of Royal Head Baker, and will be forced to return to the shambles of her non magical life.
It only gets worse, when a competitor drops dead in the middle of the big white baking tent, and Imogen’s the prime suspect. Now, she’ll not only have to survive the vampire and psychic judges, but also clear her name by finding the real murderer, before they strike again.
With a killer on the loose, a missing prince, and the Summer Solstice Festival fast approaching, Imogen will have to bake like her life depends on it- because it just might.
 
About the Author 

A native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh. In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).  


Website: www.erinjohnsonwrites.com.  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EJohnsonWrites.  
Twitter: @EJohnsonWrites


 Purchase Link Amazon  



a Rafflecopter giveaway  



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review
Absolutely wonderful cozy mystery!!! This is some of the best world building I have read in quite some time. The details are incredible and I really felt like I was there (to be honest I was wishing I was there it sounds so fun). The events of the story really hook the reader until I found myself unable to put the book down until I reached the very last page. This just might be one of my new favorite series and it is a must read for fans of fantasy cozy mysteries that are set in a world of magic. I loved it so much it gets 5/5 stars.



TOUR PARTICIPANTS  

October 29 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY  
October 29 – A Chick Who Reads - REVIEW  
October 29 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY 
October 30 – Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf - INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
October 30 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY  
October 30 – Brooke Blogs - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY  
October 31 – Readsalot – RECIPE, SPOTLIGHT 
October 31 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 31 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY  
November 1 - Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT  
November 1 - Valerie's Musings - REVIEW  
November 1 - Back Porchervations – REVIEW  
November 1 - Celebrating Authors - SPOTLIGHT  
November 2 - The Montana Bookaholic - REVIEW  
November 2 - Varietats - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
November 2 - Queen of All She Reads - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY  
November 3 – Sapphyria's Books - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
November 3 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – RECIPE, GIVEAWAY  
November 3 – Socrates' Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT  
November 4 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW, RECIPE , GIVEAWAY  
November 4 – A Holland Reads – RECIPE, SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY  
November 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY  


  

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Cover Reveal for Beneath the Lighthouse by Julieanne Lynch


Beneath the Lighthouse
Julieanne Lynch
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Horror, Young Adult
SOME SECRETS ARE MADE TO BE UNCOVERED.
Sixteen-year-old Jamie McGuiness’s sister is dead. Sinking into a deep depression, he frequents the lighthouse where her body was discovered, unaware of the sinister forces surrounding him.
When an angry spirit latches onto Jamie, he’s led down a dark and twisted path, one that uncovers old family secrets, destroying everything Jamie ever believed in.
Caught between the world of the living and the vengeful dead, Jamie fights the pull of the other side. It’s up to Jamie to settle old scores or no one will rest in peace—but, first, he has to survive.

Author Bio:
Julieanne Lynch is an author of urban fantasy and contemporary fiction for both adults and teens. Julieanne lives in Northern Ireland, with her husband and five children, where she works on novels full-time. Before becoming a writer, she considered a few different career paths, a rock star being one of them. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University and considered journalism as a career path. However, she decided writing was the way for her and is thankful for each day she lives her dream.
Julieanne is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management, and is both traditionally and independently published.

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Book Blitz and Giveaway for Choosing Hope by Holly Kammier


Choosing Hope
Holly Kammier
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: October 31st 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller
Choosing Hope is a harrowing story of passion and deceit, the things we do for love and the rabbit holes we tumble into chasing elusive fairy-tale endings. Dark around the edges with a shocking twist I didn’t see coming, this is the kind of book you’ll be passing around to your friends so you can talk about it. Holly Kammier delivers romance, suspense, and a strong, smart heroine who turns out to be nobody’s victim. Don’t miss this one! – Kat Ross, best-selling author of The Midnight Sea
A broken marriage.
A love affair.
A lie that changes it all…
Hope Rains Sullivan is living the dream—a successful husband, two beautiful young boys, and a charming home in Northern California. She should be happy. She almost convinced herself she was, until Adrian came along.
Adrian, appears to be everything her husband isn’t. He works with his hands, and is even willing to use them in a fight. He’s sexy, strong and fit, with warm brown skin that alludes to his Spanish background. Best of all, he lives for spending time with his kids. Feeling alone in her marriage, Adrian offers her a way out
Hope’s affair is just the beginning. Her journey inward will require untangling her complicated past and surviving an astonishing revelation. Her lover is not who he pretends to be.
She’s searching for her happily-ever-after, and no matter how painful the journey, she’ll find what she’s been looking for all along—the chance to choose Hope.
EXCERPT:
I held my breath for a beat and tilted my head to press my lips against his. Our mouths parted, fitting softly together at first, until he kissed me harder.
He tasted so good, my body pushed closer. Our lips knew each other. I moved on top of his lap, my legs on either side. His warmth, his crisp citrus scent. This was what kissing someone should feel like.
Hormones, pheromones, love, whatever it was, washed over me. I needed this man. I wanted to feel this way every hour of every single day.
My hand found its way up the back of his shirt. His skin ran hot. The ocean roared. I heard voices talking low, a couple walking by us.
His hand pressed into the small of my back. His other hand grabbed at the nape of my neck. He whispered, “I love you, Hope.”
I froze. He tried to kiss to me again. He couldn’t, not with my lower lip firmly entrenched in my teeth. I bit down with such force, I worried I’d draw blood. Why was he doing this to me? Why was I allowing it to happen?
His amber-green eyes looked into mine.
Tears pooled against my lashes.
“I wish you could feel what I’m feeling,” he said, “so you’d know it’s true.”


Author Bio:
Co-owner of Acorn Publishing, Holly Kammier is a UCLA honors graduate and an accomplished content editor. With a background in journalism, she has worked everywhere from CNN in Washington, D.C. and KCOP-TV in Los Angeles, to the NBC affiliate in small-town Medford, Oregon.
Holly is the best-selling author of the novel, Kingston Court, and Could Have Been Hollywood, a memoir. She recently completed her third book, Choosing Hope, a spin-off from Kingston Court. Choosing Hope is a harrowing story of passion and deceit, and the things we do for love.
Holly resides in her hometown of San Diego, California, close to family and friends. A world traveler in her younger years, these days when she isn’t writing or working with new authors, she spends much of her time hanging out with her two boys, Josh and Alex. Holly is an avid reader with a passion for timeless books and beautiful writing. She also enjoys long walks with her Jack Russell Terrier, romantic movies, and making her mischievous sons smile wider.

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Monday, October 30, 2017

Blog Tour and Giveaway for World of Shadows by Lincoln Cole


The Everett Exorcism
World of Shadows Book 1
by Lincoln Cole
Genre: Horror, Occult Thriller, Urban Fantasy 

Something strange is happening in the city of Everett, Washington and Father Niccolo Paladina is tasked with investigating possible demonic activity. Nothing is as it seems, however, and things quickly begin spiraling out of his control. 


When his path crosses with that of an old rival, they discover that things are worse in Everett than either of them could ever have imagined. As his world collapses around him, Niccolo will be left with one terrible question: what is my faith worth?

**On sale for .99 cents!**



The Vatican Children
World of Shadows Book 2

After the events of in Everett Washington, Father Niccolo Paladina decides to assist Arthur in hunting down the Bishop and bringing him to justice for the crimes he has committed. He knows that the Bishop has something big planned against the Church.


Arthur, on the other hand, is hoping to find some redemption for his actions against The Ninth Circle and atone for his mistakes. Atonement, however, can be difficult to come by...

Especially when the stakes are so high.



The Bishop's Legacy
World of Shadows Book 3

Everything is falling apart for Niccolo Paladina as his mistakes come back to haunt him. He’s been reminded once more that the shadowy world in which Arthur inhabits is not his own.


He is ready to face the consequences for his actions, but not until he has dealt with the threat he’s helped to create. Things are getting desperate, though, and they are worried that more people will be hurt before they can bring things to an end.

**Releases January 30th, 2018 – Pre-Order Now!**


Lincoln Cole is a Columbus-based author who enjoys traveling and has visited many different parts of the world, including Australia and Cambodia, but always returns home to his pugamonster and wife. His love for writing was kindled at an early age through the works of Isaac Asimov and Stephen King and he enjoys telling stories to anyone who will listen.





Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!



Book Blitz and Giveaway for Can't Buy Me Love


Can’t Buy Me Love
Publication date: November 1st 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance
Can’t Buy Me Love
Seven romantic tales of love where royalty, celebrities, and passion meet. A case of mistaken identity, protecting the one you love, or proving you aren’t all about the money…these tales will entice and thrill.
A Royal Pain by Abigail Drake
Getting shot in the bottom turns out to be the best thing to happen to impoverished socialite, Chloe Burkhart in a long time, especially when the prince’s very handsome, very sexy bodyguard, Nicolai, comes to her aid.
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
Blockbuster movie actor, Brody Nash doesn’t quite know what to make of the gorgeous woman precariously perched on his neighbor’s gate, but as they start to get to know each other better, he begins to wonder if she might just be the one for him.
Romancing the Princess by Bridie Hall
A commoner, Sebastian, and Princess Alixandra are set to get married until he begins to wonder if fitting in with royalty is worth sacrificing his principles. Love rules all. Or does it?
All My Memories by Grea Warner
The possibility of reconnecting with an unrequited love leads country music star Finn Murphy on a journey of memories in this special prequel to the Country Roads series.
Me and Tillie by Lisa Hahn
1950s musical film star Oren Cooper returns to Broadway to find new inspiration. Unexpectedly, that inspiration comes in the form of Tillie Parker—his childhood friend’s little sister and an up-and-coming ingénue.
Defending Demma by Melissa Kaye Clark
When faced with an unsavory past, can Demma St. John, rising new starlet, trust ex-Marine, Ryker “Digger” McMillan, with her secrets and her heart?
His Royal Typeface by Stephanie Keyes
When all is lost, love can be found. Will Prince Asher Tarrington’s unique font design be enough to salvage a royal family and set the tone for true love?
SNEAK PEEKS!
A Royal Pain by Abigail Drake
“Thank you, Nico. For tonight. It meant more than I can ever express…”
My words were cut off when his lips met mine in the sweetest and softest kiss I’d ever imagined. How could someone as big and strong and hard as Nico kiss like this? He made me feel as delicate as the porcelain plates from Grandpa Burkhart, and as valuable.
His large hands cupped my face as the kiss deepened. I covered his hands with mine, stretching on my tiptoes to get closer to him. We broke apart when Ella closed a door from somewhere inside the apartment and called out my name.
“Sissy. Do you know where my new socks are?”
I’d finally gotten her a new uniform, socks and all, and she was setting it out to wear to school tomorrow. “I’ll be right there,” I called out. Nico still stroked my face with his fingers, his eyes on mine. The man was positively hypnotic. He should come with a warning label, Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery after kissing Nicolai Mercia. It could be dangerous.
“Good night, Chloe,” he said, giving me one last brief kiss. “Sleep well.”
Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
Even though the Jaguar didn’t stop, Brody took note of Carmody’s look of distaste before she sped away.
“Morning.” He smiled his biggest grin at Willa.
Willa ran the last few steps onto his driveway and then slowed her pace to a walk. “Guess the maid service has come and gone.” She offered him a smirk as she tilted her head in the direction of the convertible.
Brody chuckled and then opened his mouth to correct her, but she quickly cut him off.
“Sorry. Girlfriend.” She propped her hands on her hips. “I should’ve realized. It makes sense a guy like you would be taken.”
Intrigued, his gaze narrowed on hers. “A guy like me? What does that mean?”
“You know,” she began to explain matter-of-factly with a nod in his direction, “a guy who cleans his own pool and uses the same pool-cleaning gizmo to protect the neighborhood.”
“Oh, that kind of guy.” He laughed. “You make me sound a B-squad superhero.”
She raised her blonde eyebrows as though agreeing with his suggestion and then shrugged. “If the B-squad superhero costume fits…”
Brody laughed again, before offering her a more serious expression. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
Romancing the Princess by Bridie Hall
Usually, he left before the morning shed light on the consequences of his actions. This time, his insides squeezed at the thought he’d never get to wake up next to Alix again. It wasn’t fair.
“It’s been …” Alix glanced at him and then dropped her gaze. “Well, I need to go through the customs. Boarding will start in half an hour.” Her voice was croaky. It pained him that he couldn’t tell whether from fatigue or emotion.
She leaned into him, soft and supple, and it took his breath away. His arms came around her reflexively. Her bed hair was a stark reminder of what they’d been doing minutes before calling a taxi to take them to the airport.
“This was real, right? I didn’t just dream it?” Seb said.
He couldn’t quite catch what she murmured into his chest.
“I’ll miss you,” he blurted.
She looked up, opening her mouth, but then she pressed her lips together and dropped her gaze to his chest. He forced her face up with his finger under her chin. He kissed her forehead, her cheek and eyelids, her chin and lips, and felt the bitter taste of goodbye intruding on their intimacy.
His mouth on hers seemed to have unlocked something in her because she finally whispered, “I’ll miss you, too.”
When she stepped away, he reached to push a strand of her hair from her face, but her eyes—miserable and dark—flitted to his for a second and then she was gone, walking away from him, and then running, her purse swaying from her shoulder behind her.
All My Memories by Grea Warner
“Ugh—the light. Why is it so bright?” I squinted my eyes and threw my forearm across them.
I felt like I was in a vacuum. There was a low buzzing sound in my ears. No, it was more like my head.
When I finally adjusted to my surroundings, I realized I was in my bed. The sheets were tousled and thrown. The pillows laid haphazardly on the floor. I could hear some of my fraternity brothers talking in the nearby lounge. I could tell it was probably closer to mid-day than morning by the slightest ray of light that beamed a little too brightly through the crack in the window’s drapes. My stomach swished a little. And then I remembered. I remembered the night before.
“Oh, geez. Oh, God. Lara,” I mumbled to myself.
What had I been thinking?
Me and Tillie by Lisa Hahn
“I’d like a glass of champagne and a whiskey sour.” With two fingers, he waved the bartender to lean closer. When the other man complied, Oren inconspicuously slipped him a five-dollar bill. “Dress a ginger ale up like a whiskey sour. Orange, cherry, the works.”
The bartender tucked the money into his pocket and nodded. “A champagne and a whiskey sour, coming right up.”
Oren leaned on the bar and looked back to Tillie. He’d nearly stumbled earlier when he first saw her in that dress. The vibrant red satin brought out the creaminess of her pale complexion, stunning him with her flawlessness. Her blonde hair had been swept off her face to reveal the round cheekbones, upturned nose, and bow-shaped lips of a starlet.
Oren scrubbed a hand over his face and turned back to the bar. God, he wanted her. But bringing her up to his room would be a bad idea. All her bright-eyed optimism would be wasted for a frivolous one-night affair. If he could give her more, he would. He knew he would. But not now. Not when he felt so broken.
Defending Demma by Melissa Kay Clarke
Several seconds passed as he fought to get his body under control. Finally, he blew out a breath and shook his head with a grin. “As much as I would love to spend all day showing you just how appreciative I am of your delectable body, we have things to do.” He motioned toward the tray. “Be a good girl, finish your breakfast, get your shower, and come in the computer room. I have something to show you.” “Or you can stay here, and I can show you something,” Demma cooed.
“Temptress.” Demma ran a finger down between her sheet-clad breasts and eyed him wantonly. “If I’m going to be labeled a temptress, I might as well embrace the role,” she purred throatily. She watched as his eyes widened and followed the slow journey of her fingers.
With a growl, he took a step back and shook his head. “Woman! What you do to me,” he gasped then closed his eyes.
After a moment, he opened them and grinned. “Later, you can show me just how well you play that role. But for now, we have things to do. I think I may have figured out who’s behind the blackmail.
His Royal Typeface by Stephanie Keyes
Jumping, Bailey gripped the railing and turned, sucking in a breath. It was him. Asher. The man who would one day be king. But also, Jenson. He was each and all of those things at once. His hair was close-cropped and golden, his eyes an unsettling shade of blue that burned straight into her soul.
“All this time we’ve been working together and I didn’t know who you were.” Her cheeks burned. “And I asked you to think royal. I bet you and your staff got a real charge out of that one.”
Some instinct kicked on inside Bailey. Locking her jaw, she managed a stiff curtsy. “Your Highness.”
“Bailey, please. Stop curtsying.” He waved her off and walked to the edge of his own balcony, a too-close neighbor of her own. He could have climbed from his balcony to hers if he wanted, without endangering himself in the slightest. “I didn’t laugh at you. I didn’t do this to get a rise out of you or make fun of you.”
“Then why did you? Why on Earth would a crown prince ever need a job?” She gestured to the gardens and the sea and all of the luxury that sat at Prince Asher’s feet.
“I have my reasons.” A worry line creased the bridge of his nose. If he was being sincere, Bailey was hardly one to judge. He seemed sincere, though. What would it hurt to give him a chance to explain himself?


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Cover Reveal for A Monster Like Me by Pamela Sparkman


A Monster Like Me
Pamela Sparkman
(Heart of Darkness, #2)
Publication date: Spring 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
“I love the peculiar silence of shadows. They exist, but leave no mark.”
Zeph had been a child, thrust into a war that wasn’t his. When he was older, he discovered he had landed on the wrong side of everything.
He’d been fighting for sweet revenge, because of lies he’d believed—and those lies proved to be his ruin. Falling into despair, Zeph decides living is too painful. So, he writes his final act with poison and chooses to end his story.
But Fate has other plans for Zeph and when he finds himself in the hands of his enemies, he has to decide: Does he want to live? Or does he want to die?
Or maybe that choice is no longer his to make.
Ruled by shadows and armed with secrets he never intended to share, Zeph will be put through his toughest battle yet: the war within himself.
“He isn’t a lost cause. He’s just—lost.”
That’s what Arwyn believes. She sees the monster he has become, but what she also sees is someone worth fighting for. Armed with secrets of her own, she’s determined to help Zeph fight his demons, because there was more on the line than Zeph’s soul. So much more.
Revenge may be sweet. But redemption is sweeter. The question is, can Zeph find the boy he used to be, or will he always believe that no one could ever love—a monster like him.
“You are everything good. And I am everything children are afraid of.”
Sequel to:

Author Bio:
Pamela Sparkman grew up in Alabama. She became an avid reader at a young age. The written word has always fascinated her and she wrote her first short story while still in elementary school. Inspiration for her stories always begins with a song. She believes music is the pulse of life and books are the heart of it.
When she isn’t writing, however, she’s spending time with her family and taking one day at a time.

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Sunday, October 29, 2017

Book Blitz and Giveaway for Made by J.L. Lora


Made
J.L. Lora
(The Trinity, #2)
Publication date: October 26th 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
No matter how hard she runs . . .
Gia Corey’s on a first-name-basis with danger. Nothing can protect her from the madman stalking her every move. Not her vital role in New York’s most powerful cartel, her money or her influence. She can’t run from the cops coming to arrest her for the deaths of six people. She can’t hide from the past that thrusts her into the path of a madman, sets her up for murder, and threatens those she loves.
Noah McLean’s carefree lifestyle as a playboy has come to a swift and violent end. Betrayal is the bullet that forces him to take his place in the family business. Gia’s his anchor, holding him together, helping him accept the role he’s been burdened with. He fell in lust with her beauty and helplessly in love with her heart, but when danger slithers close, he risks everything to keep her safe. But she only trusts two people and Noah isn’t one of them.
The past is never far behind . . .
The monster will stop at nothing to have Gia. He’ll wage a dangerous battle where murder, extortion, and terror are his instruments to tear her way from Noah and her friends. To win the war, Gia must do the unthinkable — embrace her own inner darkness.
Will she slay the monster, once and for all, or will her past break her in the end?
EXCERPT:
His list of sins reached a new high today but Noah McLean doubted God was still counting. When you kill people, move drugs around, and spend years screwing everything that moves, daydreaming of fucking Gia by the baptismal fountain at Holy Angels was minor. Minuscule. Modest.
Yet, he breathed better out and away from the house of worship.
The room had shrunk around him then, as did his bedroom now. And his pants. Gia stared out of the window and at the river view like she hadn’t seen it thousands of times. Not from your room.
“I guess it’s just normal to pop a federal agent and baptize children in the same hour.” Noah alternated between brooding and staring at Gia’s ass. He struggled to choose the less painful option.
Her marvelous ass, high on sculpted thighs, claimed his attention more. The view was obscured only by the pearly smile she shot him over her shoulder. It took over her face, her eyes, and his mood. Gia was a sharp ray of light in days filled with shadows.
“Agent Davies had it coming,” she said.
“Not disagreeing, but what the fuck are a bunch of criminals doing in church like devoted members of a parish?”
“Just because we do what’s necessary, it doesn’t make us bad people. Davies sold himself to our enemy. It’s his fault Carissa had to run and Nelly’s dead.” Her voice dropped at the end. The pain echoed still too fresh, her words only half accurate.
“Sebastian’s the one that killed Nelly.” God. Those words would always be a punch to his gut.
“Everyone will eventually get what’s coming to them.” She turned from the window and crossed the room in a few precise steps. “I hate this. We have better things to focus on.” Her breathy tone came laden with promises.
Noah’s world tilted and turned itself to face the sun, yanking him back into the moment, his room, where they were alone. His head, his body, his interest, his dick. Every part of him strained to salute her.

Author Bio:
J. L. Lora is a Dominican-American author. Her stories explore the dark side of good characters, people living in the gray areas of life while playing the cards life has dealt them. She loves strong heroines and their equally powerful Men. She currently lives in Maryland, pursuing her dream of writing compelling, sexy, can’t-put-down stories about empowered, badass alpha heroines and take-your-breath-away alpha heroes.

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Book Blast for Lean in to Relationships by Rishabh Jhol

 


About the Book:
Doubt has pivoted many a relationship across the centuries. Whether it is Othello suspicious of Desdemona or through the rise of paranoia as a trope in twentieth century writings. While paranoia naturally suggests the vulnerability of individual mind to social rhetoric, it is also the space for deep interrogation of the individual that renders him/her to paranoia. This novel presents that doubt has the potential to be a space of liberation.

Madeeha works in Jordan to rehabilitate Syrian refugees. Zehen, a political analyst from India, meets her in the US during their social impact program. He is intrigued and charmed by her, and falls deeply in love. But the world political climate, with its accompanying cultural narratives about terror and pain, infects Zehen’s mind. Zehen begins to suspect Madeeha as a possible mujahid. Will he find his truth?

Fear doesn’t devastate; it stirs the inner pot. It is a tender love story that triumphs heartbreaks and sets the foundation of deep lasting future relationships - a delightful emancipation from social intrigues and cultural constraints.



Read an Excerpt:

Zehen was experiencing sweet joy in his heart. Memories bustled in the head.

When did he first see her? Zehen searched his head madly. Orientation session? Corridor to the classroom? However, he tried, he couldn’t pinpoint the moment. A whirr of images, of moments, yet-to-be collaged. And a heart that already had a narrative, waiting to be inset.

We imagine that all romantic stories will have a sigh-worthy romantic beginning. But beginnings are when the heart awakens, when the soul remembers. A presence stills and emerges from the shadows of time.

His first memory was when she introduced herself in the class. They had gathered at Presidium University for a one-year course on Social Impact Leadership. Outside, the white fringe tree was laden with its grape-like fruits. The pine, oak and spruce waited for winter to tell the world how unchangeable they were. And the old Redwood stood proud like the institution itself. Inside, in the warm classroom, students from various cultures across the world had gathered. Icebreaker session was on and the usual round of introductions.

Introduction is a ritual. A cumbersome ritual. How does one reduce the tapestry of one’s entire existence, the colors, and the many weaves into a single palatable thread?

Anecdote

I published my first book in 2015 and my second book in early 2016. I was single at the time and using dating apps to meet other single people. I met a girl in mid-2016 who took fancy to my dating profile, especially that I am an author. After a couple of meetings, She demanded that I write about her. I jokingly told her that I am a Phoenix writer, i.e., I fall in love, get dumped, and write about my failed relationship. She broke-up with me, and still invariably pings whether I am including ‘her and our relationship’ in my upcoming book(s).

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The genesis of this book came about while I was on a cross-country train ride in the US. I met Mark who had been a successful marketing professional with considerable international marketing experience. He had travelled to all of Asia and understood the regional peculiarities.
He was later diagnosed with lung cancer. By the time, it was detected, it was stage 3. He was put under radiation and intensive chemotherapy. He went in for three other opinions. All of them agreed that the cancer was aggressive and spreading fast. He searched for the latest treatments and sought to enter clinical trials. The process lasted for two years.

In the meantime, the cancer advanced. The doctors said the cancer was incurable and he didn’t have long to live. It took him weeks of denial to come around to the truth – he didn’t have long to live.

He returned home from a long walk one evening and asked himself a crucial question: “If I am going to die, then I might as well die straight away. What is point of waiting for death to show up?”

That evening he ate well, watched a movie with his girlfriend, poured himself a rare scotch and sat at his study. It was time. He wrote out his letter – love and wishes to his family, loved ones and friends, his last wishes about funeral, information on his will, and a general note thanking all. He placed it in an envelope. He planned to kill himself early morning. He finished his scotch, brushed and went to bed.

In the middle of night, he woke up to a noise. The light was on in the study and he could hear sniffles. He walked cautiously up and there in the study, his girlfriend was holding his suicide letter and crying. He watched her as her body crumpled and sink into chair. Her face contorted in agony. In her face, he saw what was the consequence of his action. The penny dropped.

I paled and listened in horror. Mark continued, “I realized that our life is never ours. We are nothing but a bundle of emotions for the people who love us and the people we love. The meaning of life is to optimize for the happiness of such people. There’s nothing more to living.
That day on, I have been living for maximizing the happiness of my loved ones”

That’s how I stumbled on lean in to relationships; it has become my life philosophy.


About the Author 

I was born into poverty. At the time of my birth, my parents shared a one -room hut with six other family members in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Delhi.

It was a hot day in the month of March 1995. I was in standard 4th and had an examination the following day. As was regular in that locality, we didn't have electricity that day. I couldn't study or sleep properly. One of the watershed moments happened when I came back from school the next day. We had an inverter installed at home. I knew we couldn't afford an inverter. But my dad was always convinced that the way out of poverty for our family is through education. 

Despite an interest in creative writing, I chose to study a subject that society values more – Finance.  Later, I got into one of the top colleges for finance in the country. My first salary out of college (in 2007, when I was 20 years old) was higher than that of my dad's salary at the time.

When I was 24 years old, I had everything that makes one happy – loving parents, great partner, close-knit group of friends, and career path that exceeded every goal. Yet, I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t sad either; but it never felt like my life. I had carefully and meticulously built that life though. Contextually, it was the safe thing to do.

Following year though, I had to deal with the loss of my 7 year old relationship and of my 5 year old job. My identity was crushed. My biggest lesson was that you can fail at what you don't want, and what you consider safe; you might as well take a chance at what you truly want.
Next year, I got my ‘ideal’ job but walked away from it. Failure had taught me to be more ambitious and audacious. I had reached a point in my life where I wanted my work to have more meaning; and to stand for something more important than myself.

I started a political consulting company to maneuver social ascendance of marginalized communities by equalizing access to political capital.  I primarily did topical research for MPs for their debates in the parliament and on TV shows.  Partial project list includes:

1.   Providing 108 rape survivors with medical, legal, financial, and social support over six months through one of my client's NGO
2.   Getting amendments passed in the communal violence bill that tackle systemic bias towards Muslims
3.   Helping three social entrepreneurs raise a combined total of INR 43 lakhs from their MP for community initiatives

Along with running my own company, I focused on my passion for writing and traveling as well.  I solo travelled to all seven wonders of the world, and did two-cross country trips by train in India and in the US.  I have also written and published three fiction novels.