Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Day My Brain Exploded: A True Story by Ashok Rajamani




After a full-throttle brain bleed at the age of twenty-five, Ashok Rajamani, a first-generation Indian American, had to relearn everything: how to eat, how to walk and to speak, even things as basic as his sexual orientation. With humor and insight, he describes the events of that day (his brain exploded just before his brother’s wedding!), as well as the long, difficult recovery period. In the process, he introduces readers to his family—his principal support group, as well as a constant source of frustration and amazement. Irreverent, coruscating, angry, at times shocking, but always revelatory, his memoir takes the reader into unfamiliar territory, much like the experience Alice had when she fell down the rabbit hole. That he lived to tell the story is miraculous; that he tells it with such aplomb is simply remarkable.

More than a decade later he has finally reestablished a productive artistic life for himself, still dealing with the effects of his injury—life-long half-blindness and epilepsy— but forging ahead as a survivor dedicated to helping others who have suffered a similar catastrophe.





About the Author

Ashok Rajamani is an internationally published writer, poet, artist, essayist, radio host, and activist in New York City.

At the age of 25, he suffered a sudden, near-fatal, massive cerebral hemorrhagic stroke due to an undetected birth defect. Though surviving, he was left with lifelong bisected blindness, epilepsy, distorted hearing, erratic transient amnesia, metal staples in his brain, and ultimately, a carved skull courtesy of open brain surgery.

This led him to write his critically-acclaimed memoir The Day My Brain Exploded, which received worldwide acclaim, hailed by multiple global media outlets, including Publisher's Weekly, Harper's Magazine, Washington Post, Booklist, The Atlantic Monthly, BBC, and more.
Ashok's work has also been featured in dozens of publications including South Asian Review, Three Line Poetry, Mantram, Catamaran, 50 Haikus, and Monsters of the Rue Macabre.
He has also been host for Brain Injury Radio worldwide. He belongs to the Authors Guild, New York Writers Coalition, Asian American Writers Workshop, and South Asian Journalists Association.

A self-acknowledged Hindu hick, Ashok grew up in a town near a cornfield in Illinois, before fleeing to The Big Apple at the age of 17, where he's lived thereafter.

He is a Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of New York University, where he received his Journalism degree with Kappa Tau Alpha honors. He attended Columbia University for advanced cultural studies.

His turn-ons include: Kathy Bates in Misery. His turn-offs include: tomato chunks.


Monday, October 28, 2019

The Cursed Key: A New Adult Urban Fantasy Romance Novel



A forgotten past, a dark mage, and an unyielding curse.

Another team beat free-spirited archaeologist Olivia Perez to the dig of a lifetime, and now she’s left with the choice to wait for scraps or brave a dangerous, dusty tomb in hopes of finding other priceless artifacts. Her reward? A mysterious key she has no idea is cursed. Soon, Olivia realizes she’s brought home more than just an ancient rarity.

Malevolent visions begin to plague her. Unnerved by what they reveal, she casts away the key…unknowingly placing it into the waiting hands of a dark mage bent on destruction. Only when a shifter agent from the Paranormal Intelligence and Tracking Organization arrives searching for the key does Olivia realize what a huge mistake she’s made.

Forced to team up with the ill-tempered shifter, her journey to reclaim the cursed key leads down a twisting path of dark histories, dangerous magic, and deadly obstacles. But Olivia’s efforts to take back the ancient relic before the dark mage can destroy the lives of humans, shifters, witches, and fae alike are thwarted by her own dark past…and a price steeper than what she’s willing to pay.

Fans of Tomb Raider and Ilona Andrews will love the blend of urban fantasy, magical adventure, and paranormal romance in THE CURSED KEY from Miranda Brock and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton!


EXCERPT: Pinnacle Nightclub, New Haven, CT owned by Fae Renathe

Kael and I followed him through the double doors and into the club. It was huge, the center taken up by a large dance floor. Tables and chairs lined the walls, and a long bar stretched along the left side. The colors of the outside jarred with the palette within.

Where the exterior was white and gold, inside was a riot of blues, pinks, and purples. The thumping pulse of the music echoed in my chest. An array of lights flashed through the massive space, their rainbow shards falling on the dancing crowd.

We made our way through the throng. It was dark, save for the lights. The air was heavy with a mix of perfumes and the occasional tang of sweat. I peered around as I followed Kael's wide back and did a double-take when I passed someone who appeared to have small horns on their forehead.

They weren't the only unusual beings I captured a glance of, either. Pinnacle was ripe with people sporting pointed ears or revealing fangs in their laughter. Even someone with glowing violet eyes.

I shook my head. It had to be a trick of the light.

"Wait here." The man had led us to the bar. "Someone will be down to collect you."





About the Authors


About Rebecca Hamilton                                                              

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Harlequin, Baste Lübbe, and Evershade. A book addict, registered bone marrow donor, and indian food enthusiast, she often takes to fictional worlds to see what perilous situations her characters will find themselves in next.

Represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA, Rebecca has been published internationally, in three languages: English, German, and Hungarian.



 About Miranda Brock

From an early age Miranda Brock has always loved fantasy and adventure everything. Since she doesn't live in a world of enchanting powers, mythical beasts, and things unbelievable she has decided to write about them. (Although, if you happen to see a dragon flying around, do tell her.) Born in southern Illinois, where she still resides with her husband and two children, she grew up running through the woods, playing in creeks, and riding horses. What started out as writing poetry grew into short stories and eventually led to her first novel, Souls Discovered. Miranda lives in the country where she finds inspiration in the simplicity and beauty around her. With the help of a ridiculous amount of coffee and some good music she writes whenever she gets a chance.       

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Get Falling Star #Free on Amazon


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?



Book 2 In Perfect Harmony and Book 3 Brushed by Fate are available now!  See how this series plays out for these Jersey girls. Get all three books for only $5.98!




Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Young Adult Urban #Fantasy #Book Sale


From Book 1: Wind Catcher WINNER: 2015 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal - Young Adult Coming-of-Age Lies. Betrayal. Destiny. A choice that changes everything. My name is Juliet Wildfire Stone, and I am special. I see visions and hear voices, and I have no idea what they mean. When someone murders medicine men in my sleepy Arizona town, I can’t help but worry my crazy grandfather is involved. He’s a medicine man and more than a just a little eccentric. He likes to tell me stories about the Great Wind Spirit and Coyote, but none of it makes any sense. I thought I knew the truth, but in order to clear his name I dive into his alien world and uncover an ancient secret society formed over two hundred years ago to keep me safe—me! And I can’t help but to start to wonder whether there’s some truth to those old stories my grandfather has been telling me. I just want to be an average sixteen-year-old girl, but apparently I’ve never been average. Could never be average. I didn’t know it before, but I’m a Chosen, and those voices I’ve been hearing... well, they’re not just “voices.” I’ve started to develop abilities, but they might not be enough. A powerful entity called a Seeker is hunting me and he’s close—really close. I thought I knew the answers but truth is, I don’t. Betrayed by those I love, I must choose to run or risk everything in order to fulfill my destiny. I hope I make the right choice. Don’t you?



  Includes a special sneak preview of the second book in the series, Brink of Dawn. MORE AWARDS FOR WIND CATCHER: WINNER: Mom's Choice Awards -- Silver Medal: Young Adult Books WINNER: Beverly Hills Books Awards - 2015: Best Young Adult Fiction WINNER: Awesome Indies -- Seal of Approval: “A treat to read.” Evolved Publishing presents the first book in the highly acclaimed and often bestselling "Chosen" series of young adult mystery thrillers, featuring with an American Indian fantasy and supernatural theme, from the same author who brought you award winners like the YA dystopian fantasy Red Death and the futuristic thriller Shatter Point, co-writing with his daughter. [DRM-Free] “Wind Catcher is one of the best thrillers for YA that I have read in some time.... If I hadn't had to eat and sleep, I would have read it right through without stopping. It is just that good!” ~ Bookends
Also available in KU!




Grab Second Chances for FREE when you sign up for Jeff's newsletter. I need answers only my father can provide. Separated from birth, we’ve only recently connected. Still, I have no one else to turn to. The Deltites are hunting me and they’re close now. We’ll fight our final battle soon. Needing more information, I force him to tell me a story about the beginning, my beginning. He sheds new light on my mom, on my grandfather Sicheii, and on how I started down this path. He spins a tale about love, a recent murder, and mysterious strangers who come to town looking for a medicine man, my grandfather. My father reveals his own shadowy past in the story, too, but I’m not worried about who he used to be. I care only about who he is now, and who I am, and the foe I face. He made a choice back then, and it led to all of this. Now I give him a second chance—an opportunity to make things right. Get it HERE

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Get Phantom #Free on Amazon

 Phantom, Dark Musicals Book 1 is currently FREE on Amazon for a limited time. See how Rebecca and Justyn's story began, and catch up on the whole series before the new book hits virtual shelves.


The "Phantom" was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn't know who to trust, but she knows she's running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty-first century phantom finally be revealed.






Make sure to check out the whole series, especially the newest additions to the stage:




Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband, Lord Justyn, are living their dream. After a successful stint on Broadway, the super couple are heading down under for a special showing of Phantom Returns, where their son Erik will join them for his professional debut.

As soon as their plane touches down, they discover that a serial killer is stalking Melbourne. At the theater, a strange series of accidents leaves Rebecca fearing for the safety of her family. Rebecca struggles to unravel the mystery while coping with insecurities about her career which cause tension between her and Justyn.

It’s clear a very real Phantom is lurking among them, but Rebecca is no kid anymore. She’s tired of the villain getting the upper hand. This time, Rebecca is setting the trap. This opera diva will put her life and her marriage on the line to shatter the illusions surrounding Queen’s Theater, and stop the serial killer before they can strike again.




After the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband Lord Justyn return to their home state of New Jersey to open their dinner theater. For their first season, Justyn tries his hand at directing while Rebecca stars in their small stage adaption of Ghost Bride. Rebecca has also embraced a second role—taking a stand against domestic violence by joining the Underground Railroad, a covert organization that shuttles battered women to safety.

At first, both operations run smoothly, but before long it’s clear the secret agents’ identities have been compromised. Rebecca is stalked and terrorized, and even the theater is under attack. Faced with deception at every turn, Rebecca is afraid to trust anyone and has reason to fear this battle may leave her a widow instead of a bride. Can this diva unravel the mystery of the Ange du Palais Theater before someone she loves winds up in their grave?






Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Toll the Bell: A Titanic Adventure by CP Bialois




Thomas Clayton is an assassin hired to kill his best friend. He can’t help but wonder if this is the one task he won’t be able to complete. Who could his friend have crossed this time anyway?

Born into wealth, Thomas spends most of his waking moments antagonizing those of his class, until a beautiful socialite crosses his path. She proves to be as much an enigma as himself. Their meeting seems innocent enough, but when he’s forced into service to kill his current target, dark and sinister complications arise.

He struggles to reclaim control over the situation. He needs to determine why his friend is in so deep while saving his own skin, all before the Titanic reaches New York. 


My Thoughts


In Toll the Bell, Thomas Clayton is a hit man with a dark past given the impossible mission of killing his only friend. He's already struggling with the task, and things only get more complicated when he meets a woman. While he finds her tantalizing, there's also something suspicious about her. Unsure who he can trust, Clayton must unravel multiple mysteries before the ship reaches the port.

Toll the Bell is a amazing story that merges history and an exciting mystery. The elements of the crime are multi-layered and weave a tale of intrigue. The historical elements are well researched and will make you feel as if you are walking along the deck of the long lost ship. This is a story that crosses many genres and will please fans who enjoy historical novels, romances, and mysteries.


Monday, October 14, 2019

Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 #Giveaway!

Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Giveaway ~ Ends 10/31 @SMGurusNetwork @clickandgrow

Welcome to the Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Giveaway!

1 Winner ($100 RV!)

This giveaway is part of our Fall Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Host is Deliciously Savvy

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide giveaways.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This giveaway's Sponsor is:

Available on Amazon

~~~

1 Lucky Winner Will Win A Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Valued At $100!

Comes with Basil Plant Pods and Winner Chooses Color ~ White, Beige or Grey
See the review HERE.

~~~~~~

THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 10/31/19.  The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment.  If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Get Morrigan #Free on Amazon


Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she's different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and can glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can't get any stranger, she discovers her true identity.

Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of Tír na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.


Thursday, October 10, 2019

THE MAKING OF OUTLANDER - New Book Gives An Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at OUTLANDER, Seasons 3 & 4



From its very first episode, the Outlander TV series transported its viewers back in time, taking us inside the world of Diana Gabaldon's beloved bestselling series. From the Scottish Highlands, to the courts of Versailles, to the shores of America, the show brings to life in gorgeous detail the epic story of Jamie Frasier and Claire Beauchamp Randall.
Now, travel even deeper into the world of Outlander with this must-have insider guide from New York Times bestselling author and television critic Tara Bennett. Picking up where The Making of Outlander: Seasons One & Two left off, this lavish collectors' item covers seasons three and four, bringing readers behind the scenes and onto the set of the show. Exclusive interviews with cast members, including detailed conversations with Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan (onscreen couple and real-life friends), as well as the writers, producers, musicians, costume designers, set decorators, technicians, and more whose hard work and cinematic magic brings the world of Outlander to life on the screen.

Every page features gorgeous full-color photographs of the cast, costumes, and set design, including both official cast photography and never-before-seen candids from on set. THE MAKING OF OUTLANDER: The Official Guide to Seasons Three and Four (A Delacorte Hardcover/On Sale 10/15/2019) is the only way to survive a Droughtlander!



Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Losing Me (Lightworker Series Book 8)



For years, Courtney Martinez has lived in danger from her enemies, as well as the mental scars left behind. She thought she was ready for anything at this point, and finally found some peace. She was wrong.

Visits from the astral world make it clear the danger to her and her son, Diego, is just beginning. Can she survive this latest threat, or will she finally meet the same fate as her birth mother?

Abigail Flores has been enlisted to help her twin, Courtney, make sense of the messages she's getting. Using the psychic gift that is stronger when they work together, Abigail sees a devastating vision. One that will change the course of her life forever. Can Abigail prevent what she sees coming, or will she lose the more important person in the world to her?


My Thoughts

Losing Me brings us to Courtney's final battle. With her enemies targeting her and her son, she's ready to do whatever it takes to keep her child safe. With the help of her husband and her twin, she prepares to fight the dark ones. Will she survive or will be finally meet the same fate as her birth mother? You'll have to read it to find out.

Losing Me is the final installment in the Lightworker series and it won't disappoint. However, it may rip your heart out. No spoilers here, but have the tissues handy! Be prepared for shocking twists and turns I have grown very attached to Courtney and the gang, and I'm kind of sad to see the series come to an end, but it was definitely a satisfying finale. If you haven't read the series yet, be sure to read them in order to follow Courtney through her many years of love, loss, and butt kicking. 

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Reanimated - Dark Musicals, The Second Act is Available Now & Get Illusion #FREE




After the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband Lord Justyn return to their home state of New Jersey to open their dinner theater. For their first season, Justyn tries his hand at directing while Rebecca stars in their small stage adaption of Ghost Bride. Rebecca has also embraced a second role—taking a stand against domestic violence by joining the Underground Railroad, a covert organization that shuttles battered women to safety.

At first, both operations run smoothly, but before long it’s clear the secret agents’ identities have been compromised. Rebecca is stalked and terrorized, and even the theater is under attack. Faced with deception at every turn, Rebecca is afraid to trust anyone and has reason to fear this battle may leave her a widow instead of a bride. Can this diva unravel the mystery of the Ange du Palais Theater before someone she loves winds up in their grave?






To celebrate the release, you can grab a copy of Illusion for free!


Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband, Lord Justyn, are living their dream. After a successful stint on Broadway, the super couple are heading Down Under for a special showing of Phantom Returns, where their son Erik will join them for his professional debut.

As soon as their plane touches down, they discover that a serial killer is stalking Melbourne. At the theater, a strange series of accidents leaves Rebecca fearing for the safety of her family. Rebecca struggles to unravel the mystery while coping with insecurities about her career which cause tension between her and Justyn.

It’s clear a very real Phantom is lurking among them, but Rebecca is no kid anymore. She’s tired of the villain getting the upper hand. This time, Rebecca is setting the trap. This opera diva will put her life and her marriage on the line to shatter the illusions surrounding Queen’s Theater and stop the serial killer before they can strike again.