Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Book Blast & Giveaway - How to be Manly

Howtobemanlybabber
When Fatty Matty Sullivan finds a self-help book by former football great Tad Manly at a yard sale, he secretly starts following the old pro’s advice to get in shape and get the girl. Summer goals: lose the milkshake weight, join the football team, and turn himself into the kind of guy super hot Cassie Bale will love. But between taking care of his grandfather, trying to pass remedial Algebra, and getting caught up in his friend Jester’s half-baked weed-dealing schemes, Matty’s summer isn’t quite the game-changer he’d planned. When on top of it all his dad moves back in with his own plans to get rich quick, Matty suddenly has much bigger things to worry about than football and whether or not Cassie’s going to call him back. And it turns out that there might be more to being manly than he thought. Maureen O’Leary Wanket’s debut is a sharp, comic novel about trying to do the right thing… even when you’re not sure what that is.
How To Be Manly

Buy on Amazon | B&N

Put How To Be Manly on your TBR list  

Meet the Author:

MOW author pic_cr suzanne swansonMaureen O’Leary Wanket is a writer and teacher living in Sacramento, California with her husband and two daughters. How To Be Manly is inspired by the humor and courage of the students she’s met in her classrooms over the past twenty years. She loves high school football, but only when she happens to teach at least half of the players on the field. Her short stories have appeared in Esopus, Xenith, Fiction at Work, Blood and Thunder, Musings on the Art of Medicine and Prick of the Spindle. Maureen writes articles about issues in education for local and national publications. She also muses about inspirations for a writer’s life in Friday Free Topic at http://maureenoleary.wordpress.com. How To Be Manly is her first novel. Find Maureen on: Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

The author is giving away a $15 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Meet The Real Jersey Girls (And Guys)



Drew DiPalma feels like he’s living a lie. He’s had it with his Hollywood persona, the high-maintenance women, and his sleazy agent.  To escape the madness, he flees to a tourist town he’d often visited as a child. He never expected to find love on that little island. Then he stumbles upon Lainey alone on the swing set of a deserted beach.

After a dozen internet dating disasters, Lainey Riccardo has given up on romance—until she meets a West Coast hunk who has no trouble winning her heart.  But Lainey only knows him as Drew, not the Oscar-nominated actor who’s constantly scandalized in the tabloids. When she learns the truth, will the small town Jersey girl be able to accept Drew’s fast-paced life? Or will the truth drive her away forever?



 Meet the Jersey Girls (And Guys)


Since the Jersey girls series is set in my home county, many of the characters were based on people I actually know--from old high school friends to my current besties. I tried to stay true to personalities as much as possible, but there were times when I had to elaborate for the sake of the story. Even when a friend inspires a fictional spin-off, sometimes the characters take on a life of their own.  Here are a few of the people who helped to make this series a reality, each of which has touched my life in some way.



Erin, Laura, & Stephanie
Erin
Erin and I graduated together from Wildwood Catholic High School in 1994. We weren’t close back then, but ten years later we became co-workers at an insurance agency.  She became one of my closest friends and was my maid of honor at my wedding.  In our high stress level job, we learned the value of a good laugh. One of our favorite pastimes was giggling at the people who used to email me when I tried the internet dating scene, so I made sure to work this into the story. Erin was also one of my most supportive friends when it came to my writing. She helped proofread for me way before I was ever published.


Elisa

Elisa
I met Elisa when I went back to work after I split up with my first husband. My two older children attended her daycare. It wasn’t until a few years later that I discovered we shared a similar spiritual path. Thanks to her, I was introduced to an amazing circle of women I am blessed to call Sisters.  Her character is a little wilder than she is in real life, but I think I may have been channeling her younger self because she has some pretty interesting stories from her twenties.


Artist: Sharon Coslop

Sharon
Like her fictional counterpart, Sharon is an amazing artist and a woman of strong spirit and wisdom. She became the fourth Jersey girl because I wanted one of them to stay single. While I love a good romance, I also firmly believe a woman shouldn't require a man to be happy or fulfilled. Sharon is a remarkable example of a strong and independent woman who is a role model for many.  She is someone I look up to as a teacher and adviser, and she becomes that type of matriarch to the girls in the series and even  some of the guys. The photo above is one of her sculptures.


Andrew


Drew /Andy
Originally the male love interest in Falling Star was based on my crush for Leonardo DiCaprio.  When I finally decided to make a real effort at writing this story (which was on the back burner for ten years), I decided my cousin Andrew DiPalma was perfect for this role. He’s a real actor in Hollywood and while he hasn’t received mega fame status yet, I have no doubt it will happen eventually.  In addition to being a talented artist, he's also one of the sweetest guys you could ever meet.  He even flew all the way from the West Coast to be my youngest daughter's Godfather. Check out on IMDb or his face book page.

Laura, Erin, & Stephanie
Stephanie
When Stephanie joined the crew at the insurance agency, she, Erin and I quickly became the three musketeers. I couldn’t have a story that involved Erin without including Stephanie. We all had a lot of fun together and the Playboy Bunny outfits mentioned in Falling Star were totally inspired by actual events. That's my tail on the left.

Blanche
Though sadly, she’s no longer with us, Blanche was one of my favorite clients. She was in her nineties and still running a little Doll Hospital where she repaired porcelain dolls. All the little stories she tells in the book are inspired by real events in her life that she shared with me. 

Trevor
Trevor is the owner of Woody’s both in real life and in fiction.  When I started this series I decided it would be fun to include some of my favorite local hang outs, and Woody’s was the first one I thought of. Trevor graduated from Wildwood Catholic with Erin and I. Years later I reconnected with him when I dated a musician who played at his bar. Woody’s helped inspire many of the scenes in this series, especially In Perfect Harmony.  

Haroula

Haroula
Yet another Wildwood Catholic alumnus, Haroula was one year ahead of me in grade school and high school.  Today she manages her family business on the Wildwood boardwalk, a place called The Hot Spot which also makes an appearance in Falling Star. She was very influential in the relief efforts after Super Storm Sandy, just like she is in the story. She is a stellar example of what it means to be a proud Jersey Girl. No story set in Wildwood would be complete without this long time pillar of our community.

Happy

Happy
Adding Happy to the mix was a last minute decision. I was writing a scene with a drum circle and I knew I couldn’t leave out the best drummer ever. I met Happy years ago at an open pagan ritual. He’s an amazing musician and has been a big influence in our local pagan community. 

Greg
Just like in the story, Greg is Erin’s dad and one of the executives at the insurance agency.  He was my boss for many years and he was amazing to work for. While unfailingly strict, he always treated his employees with respect. He also was a great supporter of my work years before I ever got published. While I love being a work-at-home mom, if I ever have to re-enter the traditional work force, I hope I can go back to work for him.



Dwayne



Dwayne

Yes, even the cab driver has a real life counterpart.
Only he drives a Fed-Ex truck instead of a cab. Because of my day job as a review blogger, I see him almost every day when he drops of some packages.  He's one of those people who always has a smile on his face. Whenever I see him, he says, "Hey there, New Age Mama" (that's my blog's name) and it always makes me smile right back. 





Shadow Cat, Snowfox, Phoenix, and Misty

There are a few scenes that take place at Sharon's house and there was no way I could leave out her furry companions. All three of the cats and their dispositions are inspired by Sharon's actual pets. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Shadow Cat before she crossed the veil, but this gray beauty lived for over twenty years. Snowfox was a magnificent  white feline who you couldn't resist trying to pet, but she often got you with her claws if you did. Phoenix, who is still with us today, is a orange ball of fluff you just can't help but fall in love with.  

Lainey's cat Misty was loosely inspired by by own little guy Onyx. I got Oynx when I was working  on final edits and changed things around a little so Misty would look like him. Originally, she looked too much like Shadow Cat and it was a little confusing, so I changed things up.
 
So now that you’ve met the Jersey Girls and their friends, be sure to pick up a copy of Falling Star and get to know them a little better.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Book Blast & #Giveaway - Corruption by John O'Riley

CorruptionBanner

As a category six wizard in her eighties, Josephine O’Connor has always enjoyed a youthful body due to extremely slow aging but when she discovers she’s become immortal, she must return to the workforce. Soon after starting her investigative work for the police, Josephine discovers a secret organization called the Valituras that has amassed ancient magic and power with single-minded determination. Her new assignment of defeating this agency may prove to be an impossible feat as their members have infiltrated all levels of the government including law enforcement and their advanced wizardry rivals her own. Josephine realizes she may be in over her head when the Valituras end up casting an immortality curse on her best friend, Helen, by mistake. To further complicate matters, her grandson’s eighteen-year-old friend starts hitting on her. Fortunately, Helen isn’t too broken up by the curse. Who wouldn’t want to live forever in a young, perfect body? Of course, everyone knows that dark magic always comes at a cost.


Cover for Corruption2

Buy on Amazon | Nook

About the Author:

John for NPWA
John O'Riley has been writing as far back as he can remember. He is an award winning fiction writer and the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, The Winters Family Psi Chronicles series, and the Wizards of Seattle series. His movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays New Earth, Pinky Swear, and Mutant Wizards in the 2014 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards which made it to Quarter-Finalist status. Other recognition includes the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2013 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout. John was raised in Washington state. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and French and worked in a variety of bookstores including Borders and was the manager for one of the bookstores in Florida owned by Goodwill. He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, S.J. Viehl, Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Kevin Emerson. He currently resides in Washington state and owns a parakeet named Amy who sings like a canary to help encourage and inspire him.  

Follow John:

Facebook | Website

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card from the author during the Corruption Book Blast a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast & Giveaway - Corruption by John O'Riley

CorruptionBanner
As a category six wizard in her eighties, Josephine O’Connor has always enjoyed a youthful body due to extremely slow aging but when she discovers she’s become immortal, she must return to the workforce. Soon after starting her investigative work for the police, Josephine discovers a secret organization called the Valituras that has amassed ancient magic and power with single-minded determination. Her new assignment of defeating this agency may prove to be an impossible feat as their members have infiltrated all levels of the government including law enforcement and their advanced wizardry rivals her own. Josephine realizes she may be in over her head when the Valituras end up casting an immortality curse on her best friend, Helen, by mistake. To further complicate matters, her grandson’s eighteen-year-old friend starts hitting on her. Fortunately, Helen isn’t too broken up by the curse. Who wouldn’t want to live forever in a young, perfect body? Of course, everyone knows that dark magic always comes at a cost.
Cover for Corruption2

Buy on Amazon | Nook

About the Author:

John for NPWAJohn O'Riley has been writing as far back as he can remember. He is an award winning fiction writer and the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, The Winters Family Psi Chronicles series, and the Wizards of Seattle series. His movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays New Earth, Pinky Swear, and Mutant Wizards in the 2014 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards which made it to Quarter-Finalist status. Other recognition includes the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2013 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout. John was raised in Washington state. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and French and worked in a variety of bookstores including Borders and was the manager for one of the bookstores in Florida owned by Goodwill. He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, S.J. Viehl, Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Kevin Emerson. He currently resides in Washington state and owns a parakeet named Amy who sings like a canary to help encourage and inspire him.  

Follow John:

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Book Spotlight - Romancing Redemption by Bonnie R. Pattson

RomancingRedemptionbanner
October 31, 2014
Facing a life of prostitution or homelessness, Rosie Scott must make a choice centered on keeping her and her sister safe in the wilds of an unforgiving Montana land. With their background, the two girls need a fresh start.In Colby, Montana opportunities are as thick as needles on a pine tree. Savvy and independent, Rosie decides to take a chance and start a business, earning her the respect of many town residents. She catches the eye of two men. One interested in exploiting her past and one interested in redeeming her heart. But Rosie’s secrets and who she really is shadow her hopes for happiness. Can a man love her most when her past refuses to leave?
RomancingRedemptionFrontName
Pre-Order on

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks / Goodreads

Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive. Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane. Follow on: Facebook / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads / Newsletter / Literary Addicts / Amazon

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway - Hexed by Stephanie Nelson

Hexed
Everything and everyone has an expiration date, including Gwen Sparks. When Dorian, the Angel of Death, saved her, he did more than bend the rules: he shattered them.

When Gwen’s memories are stolen, the balance of life and death shifts, and magic goes on the fritz. Dorian realizes that even the angel of Death must face consequences for his mistakes. Everything and everyone has an expiration date, and time is running out for Gwen. If they don’t find a solution, Gwen’s borrowed time will come to an end, and Dorian will lose the woman he risked everything for.

Both will have to make a life-changing decision. Dorian’s choice will result in either altering his very existence or losing Gwen forever. Gwen will risk everything to right Dorian’s wrong, and her decision may just result in her death.

This book includes an Aiden Blake short story. You've heard Gwen's side. Now hear his.

Reading Order
Craved - Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Only $.99 ebook Audio book - Audible Deceived - Amazon /Barnes & Noble /Audio book - Audible
Coveted - Amazon / Barnes & Noble /Audio book : Audible
Hexed
Amazon / Barnes and Noble /


Due to sexual content and language, this book is intended for readers 18+ Stephanie Nelson is giving away a signed set of her series to one lucky winner. Open to US residents ends Nov 7 @ 11:59 PM EST a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Falling Star Release Day #Giveaway

Drew DiPalma feels like he’s living a lie. He’s had it with his Hollywood persona, the high-maintenance women, and his sleazy agent.  To escape the madness, he flees to a tourist town he’d often visited as a child. He never expected to find love on that little island. Then he stumbles upon Lainey alone on the swing set of a deserted beach.
After a dozen internet dating disasters, Lainey Riccardo has given up on romance—until she meets a West Coast hunk who has no trouble winning her heart.  But Lainey only knows him as Drew, not the Oscar-nominated actor who’s constantly scandalized in the tabloids. When she learns the truth, will the small town Jersey girl be able to accept Drew’s fast-paced life? Or will the truth drive her away forever?
Order Now for only $4.99
 Amazon         Barnes & Noble              Smashwords

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama.  Her works include romantic thrillers, paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult.
  Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest



The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive an amazing prize pack that includes a $25 Amazon GC,
 
A Jersey girl prize pack including a Wildwood Mug, key chain, statue, jewelry box, and more!



And we saved the best for last. The winner will also receive this gorgeous hand-made "Garden Mother" sculpture that was created by Sharon Coslop, an amazing artist who inspired one of the characters in Falling Star. This piece is a painted, fired earthenware clay sculpture, 8” wide and 12” high, ready to be hung.  It is durable, but an indoor piece, because constant weather exposure would affect the paint.



To enter this giveaway, simply fill out the giveaway tools form below.   Giveaway is open to the US only.  Ends 11/24/14 at 12pmEST. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply before another winner is selected. Good luck to everyone!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Win a Signed Copy of Falling Star on Goodreads


Goodreads Book Giveaway

Falling Star by Laura DeLuca

Falling Star

by Laura DeLuca

Giveaway ends December 16, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win

Book Spotlight & Giveaway - Love Songs by Constance Bretes



SOR Love Songs VBT Banner (2)

Genre:  Romance
Separated by fame, reunited through music.
When Jennifer Summers returns to the U.S. after spending two years in Africa, she has some decisions to make. Should she resume her singing career or continue to live a secluded life out of the spotlight in the hopes that her stalker won’t be able to locate her?
Years ago Jake Ackerson let Jennifer go so she could pursue her dreams. When she suddenly returns to their hometown he’s determined to rekindle his relationship with the woman he never stopped loving.
Jake’s band is temporarily without a singer, and Jennifer agrees to take the position, but in doing so she is once again pushed into the limelight, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before danger strikes.
Will Jake be able to protect her, and can he convince her to put past hurts aside and give their relationship another shot?
Content Warning: contains some sexual content
SORM excerpt


“Hmm, that water looks inviting,” Jake remarked. They walked up to the edge of the pool. He reached out to pull Jennifer into his arms, but she managed to escape his grasp.

“Oh, no you don’t.” She darted away from him.

“What?” Jake gave her a fake look of shock and a mocking smile.

As he reached for her again she gleefully squealed and ran from him to the other end of the pool. Jake came up fast behind her, chuckling as she put her hands up in defense. He grabbed her and drew her toward the pool.

“Don’t you want to take a nice dip in the pool, Jenn?”

“I think we need swimsuits on to do that,” she said.

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Jake retorted.

He finally got his arms around her and started kissing her. She responded to his kisses breathlessly. As his hands moved up and down her back, each touch set off a barrage of tingling excitement and sensual feelings within her.

Slowly, he edged her toward the pool until they stood right next to it. She turned so that Jake’s back faced the pool. She gingerly brought her arms around to his chest and gave him a shove. He fell backward into the pool and came up from the water sputtering. He swam to the side of the pool to get out then made a beeline toward her. She laughed as he caught up with her.

Grinning wolfishly, he said, “It’s your turn now.”

“You asked for it, Jake, trying to toss me in the pool. I know you too well.” She giggled as Jake picked her up and hoisted her over his shoulder.

Just as he tossed her in the pool, she grabbed him by the neck and they both went colliding in. They came up from the water breathless and laughing. He lifted her up on to the side of the pool and she bent down to kiss him on his mouth. He responded by claiming her lips as his own.

After a heady kiss, he pulled back. “You’re chilled. Let’s get you out of these wet clothes.”

“A plight that’s all your fault,” Jennifer responded playfully.

* * * *

Tom climbed up into a tree at the end of the property line to watch the couple. First, he saw Jennifer come home, and then a man showed up. Tom pulled his high-powered binoculars out to get a closer look. It looked like she had fixed him dinner and now they were sitting in the kitchen eating.

Tom knew if he didn’t get out of the tree and head back to his room to eat and take his medication, the voices in his head would start up again. But he wanted to stay and watch them.

After they ate, they went out on the deck by the pool. He saw her kissing him! Tom felt like he was going to vomit. Now they were romping around the pool after she pushed him in. I wish he’d drown.

His anger was turning to rage, and it was getting out of control.

Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press



SORM About the Author
Constance Bretes is an author of contemporary romance and suspense. Her romance books are often set in different parts of the country, but her favorite site is Montana. She’s married to her best friend and resides in Michigan with him and a houseful of cats. When she’s not at her regular 8-to-5 job, she can be found writing, researching, and spending time with her husband.

Author Links: Site    Facebook   Twitter
SORM Giveaway


Constance is giving away an eBook copy of Love Songs during her tour to one lucky winner.
For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Book Spotlight - Never Let Me Go - Jessica Gibson

NeverLetMeGobanner
One night. That’s all it was supposed to be. No strings. No complications. Grace DeLeo didn’t do one night stands. She was a relationship girl through and through. All of that went out the window when she met Logan in a bar while he was in town on business. Logan McFadden liked his no strings lifestyle. He loved his rules. Everything had a place, and there was no space for a relationship or feelings. One night. That’s all it took to change things forever.
Never Let Me Go - Jessica Gibson

Pre-order $.99 Amazon /B&N /Kobo / iTunes

Releases October 25

9985a3b78c460a7e9d9a2a.L._V351133387_SX200_Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she's down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the "someday" section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write. Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one amazing son who runs circles around them both. Aside from writing, she runs an online event planning business called the Release Day Diva. In addition to novels, Jessica writes and maintains the blog Book on the Bright Side. Keep up with Jessica and her latest releases and events on her blog.
Books by Jessica Gibson
NA Contemporary Romance The Harder I Fall *The Deeper We Get coming soon*
Contemporary Romance Dressed in White *Till Death Do Us Part coming soon*
YA Paranormal Haunted U School Spirits book 1 Follow Jessica Gibson
Twitter: @jessicajgibson

Friday, October 17, 2014

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway - Blood Line by John J. Davis

SOR Blood Line VBT Banner
Genre: Fiction Thriller 
If your family is a target, you have to be a weapon.
When a simple home invasion turns out to be not so simple, Ron Granger must put aside his quiet rural life and return to the Central Intelligence Agency to take on international arms dealers.
Aided by his beautiful wife, Valerie, and resourceful teen daughter, Leecy, Ron must quickly decide who to believe among the calculating opportunists, shrewd criminals, and power-hungry rival agencies racing to possess the technological breakthrough that will change the face of modern warfare forever. But when Leecy is kidnapped, Ron and Val must choose between the mission and a rescue.
Facing an impossible decision, with time quickly running out, Ron only knows one thing:
When you can’t trust anyone else, trust your family.



SORM excerpt The sudden explosion of breaking glass and splintering wood reverberated inside the house like a clap of thunder. I was awake instantly, and the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins propelled me out of the bed and into action.
“Valerie!” I yelled at my wife, who was already leaping out of the other side of the bed. “That should have set off the alarm.” She was rounding the end of our bed just as I flipped on the overhead lights and opened the door of our room. There was someone in the hallway, but the beam from a high-­‐powered LED flashlight blinded my eyes before I could look away.
I heard a voice.
“Back the fuck up! Keep your hands where I can see them.”
I felt the round end of a small pistol barrel poke me in the chest before I could blink my eyes and begin to see the revolver in one hand, the flashlight in the other.
“Both of you back up, hands in the air, and stay right where you are.”
I raised my hands and backed up until I bumped against my bedside table. Then the guy swung the pistol and hit me in the face hard enough to get my attention, but not enough to hurt me.
He aimed his gun at Valerie again. “Not another step.”
My vision had recovered so I could see the intruder was wearing a black ski mask, t-­‐shirt, jeans and boots. He was about five feet, seven inches, and thin, about 160 pounds, so I had a distinct size advantage, being six feet and 200 pounds.
But he had the gun, a revolver of some kind. That was actually another plus for me since the hammer wasn’t cocked. Getting it ready to fire would take all the time I needed.
He started moving the gun in my direction again when I heard the scream.
“Daddy!”
It was Leecy.
“Valerie, there must be another one of them.”
I grabbed the man’s left wrist with such force the flashlight dropped to the floor and spun away. I knocked aside his right wrist with my left hand as he cocked the gun and fired, sending a bullet into the wall over my left shoulder. Letting go of his left wrist, I turned into him with my back, grabbed his weapon with both hands, and ripped it from his grip. I made a back left-­‐handed throw with the gun to Valerie, who was leaping toward the door to Leecy’s bedroom. She caught the gun in the air as I landed a back left elbow to the intruder’s head, followed by a crushing right cross to his jaw, knocking him unconscious. I left the intruder falling to the floor and raced down the hall.
“Stop right there, lady,” I heard.
“Let her go,” she replied, very calmly and softly, “and I won’t kill you.”
I reached the end of the hall just as two shots slammed into the front door behind Valerie. I ducked back inside the cover of the hallway, but Valerie didn’t move and she didn’t return fire.
“Put the gun down and send my partner out here right now,” I heard the man say, “or this will get messy.”
I walked into the foyer with my hands raised in a sign of submission, but now he had two potential problems, and they weren’t in the same place.
“Your partner is incapacitated,” Val continued quietly, “and if you don’t drop your weapon, you’ll be dead.”
“I’ll shoot her if you don’t put your hands up and send your man to bring my partner to me right now,” he countered.
Streams of moonlight filtered through the dark room from the shattered doors the two men had broken through, but I could see the man hiding behind Leecy holding a gun to her head.
“Last chance to leave here alive.”
He’d backed up as far as he could go, pulling Leecy with him to make his escape.
Valerie fired.
The bullet struck him in the center of his forehead, making a small black hole and propelling him up and back. The look on his face was that of a man realizing his mistake.
Leecy raced away from the dead man as Val dropped the weapon and stood next to me. The entire incident was over in minutes, but it didn’t feel that way to me. I was drained. I was sweating profusely and my hands were shaking. Maybe it was my age; at forty-­‐six, I
wasn’t as young a man as when I started in this business, even though I didn’t think of myself as an old man. But that wasn’t all of it. Now that I had a wife and daughter, I had something to lose.
I hugged Val and Leecy. I held my wife and felt her calming presence wash over me. As we both embraced our child, I thanked whatever gods there might be that my two girls were safe.
“What the heck just happened?” Leecy asked from the safety of the hug we hadher sandwiched in.
“Home invasion,” Valerie answered, “we need to call Lester and get him out here.”
“I’ll phone the station from the bedroom,” I said, “and check on the guy back nthere while I’m at it.”
“Yeah, okay, so you say it’s a home invasion,” Leecy went on, “but don’t most invaders steal your
stuff and not try to kidnap you?”
I was back in our bedroom, stepping over the limp body of the first guy, but could still hear Leecy’s voice.
“And Mom….you…uh…just killed someone.” “I know, dear, but…”
“Dead.”
“It was a lucky shot.”
“Lucky shot?” Leecy wasn’t satisfied, obviously. “That’s not my point.”
I was so relieved we were all okay that it hadn’t occurred to me that Leecy’s questions would have to be answered. And not just to her satisfaction: we’d have to answer similar questions by the police, and if this incident were classified as more than just a home invasion, we’d be in danger of generating a lot of unwanted attention.
I dialed our local police station and was relieved to hear the woman’s voice on the other end.
“Elizabeth. This is Ron Granger.”
“Hi, Ron. Why are you calling the police station at five minutes after four in the morning? Is everyone all right?”
Buy Link: Amazon

SORM About the Author
John J. Davis is the author of the Granger Spy Novel series, including Blood Line and the soon to be published sequel, Bloody Truth, available Spring 2015.
Davis grew up in the Southeastern US and after university traveled extensively in North America during his career as a regional sales rep and independent broker for leaders in the transportation, shipping and pharma industries. His years sitting in lobbies and airports honed his skill for human observation and fed his talent for writing fast-­‐paced, character-­‐driven stories.
His inspiration for the Granger family-­‐of-­‐spies comes from the people he has known and his family roots in the Carolinas—the extraordinarily strong and gentle women and men, whose lives are defined by the love, trust and respect for family. Currently at work on the third Granger Spy Novel and a screenplay, Davis lives near Atlanta with his wife, daughter and two dogs.
Author Links:  Site       Twitter       Facebook         Goodreads
SORM Giveaway
John is giving away a signed print copy of Blood Line during his tour.
For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Book Blast & Giveaway - Devour by Jill Cooper

devour blast 2
Fiction With Bite - pick up something spooky just in time for Halloween! Life in Gloucester Massachusetts will never be the same. Raging storms, fierce winds, shadows shifting in the breeze. Storms are nothing new for the fishing hamlet. But darkness has come to claim the hearts and minds of those that stand in it too long. When that happens, love will be ripped from man leaving only violence, despair, and gnashing teeth. Except for two. Roberta is a single mom, a waitress struggling to get through life after a rocky start tainted by murder and loss. Her heart yearns for Gabriel; a deputy living in the shadow of the chief. He's a battle weary soldier ready to settle down. When the storm comes, when the murders start, it will be up to them to stop it before darkness isn't just an empty void. Before it takes the shape of man and pulls them all into the sea.
devour cover

On SALE on Amazon Kindle for a limited time - $1.99!

 

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Amz Paperback | B&N Paperback

 

About the Author:

jillcooperI could write this in the third person. I could tell you what I like, where I was born, and what my favorite things are. But instead, I'll say I don't want to write like everyone else. I don't want to craft stories you've read a thousand times before. I want my novels to be a cinematic experience, blending themes, genres, and situations unlike any you've ever read. I want to break the rules. I want you to break out in a cold sweat as you read my books out of fear, love, and excitement. I want my books to be an experience. When you finish, I want you to feel something. Good or bad. If you do, then I'll have succeeded. If not, I'll keep trying. She can be contacted at http://www.jillacooper.com. Please like her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to keep up to date on new releases and appearances. Jill is giving away a copy of Devour, and awesome tote bag and some Halloween candy!!   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Fall Angels Release Day #Giveaway

Fallen Angels

Release

It is with great pleasure we announce the release of the third book of the Guardian Series:
Fallen Angels.
Fallen Angels brings the first trilogy to a fitting climax, and sets the scene for the revelations and heartbreak to come.

Five years have passed since the murder of the Lord Marshal. His killers remain at large, fomenting monstrous plots that, if successful, will wreak havoc upon the citizens of Earth. It appears the authorities are no closer to apprehending those responsible and some wonder if their protectors are all they make themselves out to be. Despite appearances, the Guardians have been far from idle. Each nation’s resources and technologies continue to grow and flourish. Huge strides have been made in welfare and development. Other worlds have been prepared for colonization. And all the while, behind the scenes, the noose has been closing in upon the fiends who committed such an atrocious act. When it finally snaps shut, the results are bound to be explosive, and the fallout, far-reaching. With the future of the Earth at stake, how widespread will the consequences be?
Where to Buy

And don't forget

If you'd like a signed copy of this book, along with the following prizes in the picture below:

Then all you have to do is enter the competition, use the the Rafflecopter form below:

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway - Always Rayne by Sierra Avalon



SOR Always Rayne

Genre: New Adult Romance
Grab Always Rayne for 99 cents.Would you spend ten days traveling the country with someone you despised if he promised to pay off your student loans?
ALWAYS RAYNE is the first novel in the ALWAYS SOMETIMES NEVER New Adult Rock Star Romance Series. ALWAYS RAYNE can be read as a STAND ALONE NOVEL or as part of the SERIES.
Recent college graduate, Harper Leigh, can barely make ends meet working as the books editor for a new online entertainment magazine, Chatter. With $85,000 of student loan debt about to go into repayment, she has no idea how she’ll get by.
Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, Harper’s boss decides to embed her in the North American tour for the hot rock band, Always Rayne. Ten days on the road with the band for her to get an exclusive story. But Harper’s a homebody and the last thing she wants to do is go on the road with a rock band. And she definitely doesn’t want to spend ten days with the notorious bad boy and band front man, Nic Rayne.
When Nic proves to be too much for Harper to handle and she threatens to quit the assignment, Nic decides to sweeten the pot. If she stays with the tour for all ten days, he’ll pay off all of her student loan debt….but there’s one small catch.
Harper also has to sleep in his bed every night.
THE ALWAYS SOMETIMES NEVER New Adult Rock Star Romance Series continues with:
SOMETIMES BROOKE (Brooke & Leo’s Story)
NEVER RAVEN (Raven & Xander’s Story)
Due to mature LANGUAGE and CONTENT, ALWAYS RAYNE is recommended for readers aged 18+.

SORM excerpt Brooke and I are wearing those plastic backstage passes around our necks and when two really big body guards standing at the backstage entrance see them they let us pass right through the door.
As I glance around at all the other people with backstage passes I notice they all look a lot more like Brooke than I expected. All of the girls are wearing ultra-short, skin-tight skirts with barely there tops.
The guys all look like they just stepped out of the band themselves. They’re all young and hot and they seem to know it.
There’s definitely no shortage of arrogance in the room.
“I’m definitely going after Leo,” Brooke whispers to me as we approach the band.
All three of the band members are standing next to each other drinking beers and talking with a bevy of blondes.
Maybe this isn’t the best place for Brooke to be hanging out. She hasn’t been sober very long and I don’t want her to fall into temptation. I have a feeling if Leo handed her a beer she wouldn’t say no.
“I’m getting tired,” I say and fake a big yawn.
“You are not going to wimp out on me.” Brooke gives me a cold glare. “We’re not leaving here until we meet Always Rayne. All of them.”
Nic Rayne looks like he’s getting bored with the blondes. He’s glancing around the room rather than paying attention to what the girls are saying.
As soon as Nic’s eyes land on me I can see his expression change. His brows are furrowed and he looks puzzled. I’m sure he’s wondering what someone who looks like me is doing backstage.
Disappointment crosses over the faces of the two girls vying for Nic’s attention when he walks away from them and heads in my direction.
“You,” he points to me. At least I think he’s pointing at me. When I look around and realize I’m standing alone, I know he’s pointing at me.
Then I panic because I’m standing alone. Where the hell is my roommate? The one who dragged me here in the first place practically kicking and screaming. She completely abandoned me. I also notice that one of Nic Rayne’s bandmates seems to have vanished just as quickly.
It isn’t possible for Brooke to hook up with someone that fast, is it?
This is Brooke we’re talking about. Not only is it possible, it’s highly probable.
Nic Rayne is now glaring at me. It’s like he can’t believe I didn’t jump as soon as he pointed to me. I can already tell this guy is a piece of work. He’s probably used to getting any girl he wants with the snap of his finger. Hell, he’s probably used to getting anything he wants the second the demand comes out of this mouth.
I can see him let out an exasperated breath and then head in my direction. I quickly scan the room to see if I can spot an exit but by the time my eyes land on one, it’s too late. Nic Rayne has already entered my personal space.
And he’s not just close to me; he’s practically on top of me. And I don’t like it. He makes me extremely uncomfortable. I’d rather be anywhere than standing next to Nic Rayne. I’d rather be back in Economics class at the university and I hate Economics. It’s the only class I ever got a C in.
“What’s up?” Nic says.
I’ve seen him in movies so I knew he was tall and muscular. I guess it never occurred to me how tall and muscular he really is. The guy is towering over me and I’m not that short. I’m five feet six inches. Nic has got to be at least six inches taller than me.
“Did you see where my friend went?”
He nods but doesn’t say anything else.
“Okay. Would you mind telling me where she went?”
“With Leo.”
I assume he means Leo Donovan, his cousin and the guitar player in Always Rayne.
“Hey, Rayne.” Xander Donovan, Nic’s other cousin, and the band’s drummer, places a hand on Nic’s shoulder. “Pick the girl you want and let’s go. We’re all headed over to Troy.”
Troy is the trendiest club in the city. I’ve heard a lot about it but haven’t been able to afford the stiff cover charge and the fifteen dollar drinks.
“Come on,” Nic says and turns to leave as if I’m supposed to follow him.
He takes a few steps before he realizes that I’m not following him. Then he turns back around and gives me an odd look. “Aren’t you coming?”
Buy Links: Amazon       Barnes and Noble      Smashwords      Kobo       iTunes

SORM About the Author
SIERRA AVALON writes contemporary romance novels with a little sass and lots of spice. She lives in a small town outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and their bloodhounds. She also writes romance novels under the pen names Ren Monterrey, Savannah Young and Dakota Madison.
Author Links: Site      Facebook      Twitter

SORM Giveaway
Sierra is giving away a $5 Amazon GC to one lucky winner during her tour.
For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.