Book Spotlight - The Life And Times of No One In Particular by Jamie B. Musings

Beware the muse with a chip on her shoulder.

Muses are often called uncooperative, grumpy, lazy beings who abandon a writer when they're needed most. Now, one of them has decided to tell their side of the story. Meet Clarissa, a muse who has spent centuries trying to inspire artists who sometimes are too stubborn to listen to her.

What is your muse trying to say to you? Clarissa might just be able to answer that...

Where to Buy

Amazon
Smashwords

Excerpt

Several others were at the altar doing the same thing; only they were offering larger and more elaborate gifts. I listened for a little while to their prayers, enjoying the sounds of their voices all coming together as one for the same purpose, even if they were asking with different words. Wanting to beat Melody to the punch, I revealed myself to the large crowd. Several people fainted right off. Okay, I hadn’t expected that. Wasn’t this exactly what they were asking for? Sometimes I really don’t understand people. Most, however, just got very quiet and watched me. They were standing so still, they looked like statues.

Akakios was one of the first to bow, a look of complete awe and gratitude on his face. He stayed that way until I asked them all to stand again. “I am Thalia,” I introduced myself, making one of those comedy masks appear in my right hand. (Hey, it’s a name they know; Might as well go with it!) I have heard you and I am here to grant your prayers.” The others began bowing as well, softly muttering prayers of thanks. I motioned to Akakios. “Please come here.” I watched as he stood straighter and walked up to me.

He bowed again as he reached me. “Yes, my muse?”

“You have pleased me. I believe you shall be the first to benefit of my guidance.” I looked around the room at the others. “As to the rest of you, I will see your offerings and decide who else is worthy.”
Just then, Melody popped in. She really has crappy timing sometimes! “I am Calliope and I find you all worthy!” She had a tablet in her hands and a little golden crown on her head. I really wish I could strangle her sometimes.

Now that Melody had stolen my thunder, I had to find a way to get it back and fast! I could already see several of the people bowing before her instead of me. “Do not be fooled by her words, she will only demand far more than I will for her loyalty and assistance. You do not want to fall into her devious trap. Mark my words, once she has your offerings, she will forget all about you and your prayers.” I was fuming but I wasn’t about to show it; especially not around her!

Melody shot me a nasty look and said in an overly sweet voice, “It is she who says she will decide who is worthy, I have put no conditions before you.”

“Yet,” I threw in before she could say anything else. “I know her well. She will not be happy with modest offerings long. When she gets bored, she will leave you uninspired and stranded never to write another word so long as you live. That is, unless you come to me.” I could see a few of them were conflicted, not sure which one of us to believe.

“She deceives! She has fooled you people before many times; it is a game to her! She has caused a woman to be among your most prized writers, all without you knowing it!” I was surprised Melody didn’t mention the fact I wasn’t actually this Thalia they worship as well. Then again, she couldn’t really talk. I mean, Calliope? Really? She can be so delusional. Melody’s not that artistic.

 About the Author

 JamieBMusings is a music addict, book lover, pet servant & NaNoWriMo survivor. When she's not busy writing posts for CultureShock, she's taking pictures for her new obsession (That Photo Blog) and spending time with her husband and pets. Her first book, The Life and Times of No One in Particular, was released in May 2012.

www.jamiebmusings.webs.com
www.jbcultureshock.wordpress.com
www.jamiebmusingspics.wordpress.com
www.twitter.com/jamiebmusings
www.facebook.com/jamiebmusings
www.youtube.com/user/Jamieavon77
www.plus.google.com/106849014174968997370/posts
www.jamiebmusings.tumblr.com
www.pinterest.com/jamiebmusings/
www.goodreads.com/author/show/5561416.Jamie_White

Cover Reveal - Tough Love by Marcie A. Bridges

Tough Love

Janessa knows she should run in the other direction when Brendan enters her life. Her squeaky-clean upbringing is in direct opposition to his piercings, a myriad of tattoos and the rumors that surround him. But she doesn’t run. Love, betrayal and lies become the foundation of their lives, but one heartbreaking confession makes Janessa question everything. After a devastating diagnosis, Janessa’s world crumbles around her. When she can no longer ignore the reality of who Brendan really is, she must choose between those who love her and the only one she has ever loved.

Coming October 1

 

Marcie Bridges has always wanted to be a writer, from the time she started keeping a diary in seventh grade. Since then, she has earned a master’s degree in education from Cumberland University while teaching some wonderful children with special needs in Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.

While she will always bleed scarlet and gray (GO BUCKS!), she now lives south of Cincinnati with her husband and daughter. When Marcie isn’t writing, she can be found reading, watching her favorite TV shows, listening to music, or browsing her favorite websites. Follow Marcie Bridges Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MarcieABridges Twitter: @marcie_ann Blog: http://marcieshrinks.blogspot.com/ Pinterest Personal: http://pinterest.com/mabridges2/ Google Plus: https://pl

Book Spotlight - Verliege by Micheal Rivers

CAN YOU BARGAIN WITH THE DEAD?

"Sometimes the terror is in what is not said..."

The world of Adrian Bolt shattered as his wife lay butchered on the floor of Castle Verliege. His conviction by a German court was as swift as the sword that killed her. He maintained his silence knowing his story would not be believed. Though his reputation was impeccable there was nobody willing to stand for him.

Another world lay in wait for anyone living within the walls of the castle; waiting, watching for eternity to keep the Mueller name upon its registers. There is only one world here for those who choose to stay. To enter its doors...is an invitation into the unknown!



Excerpt: 

“One afternoon I came back from the battlements and went into the ballroom to take some pictures. I was in the process of writing another book and wanted to do the entire project about the castle. Alicia was standing in the middle of the ballroom, dressed as if she was actually attending a formal ball. I stood back beyond one of the stone pillars and snapped a few pictures. She began to dance as I had never seen her dance before. Doctor, my wife was blessed with two left feet when it came to dancing. That afternoon she was as graceful as a swan.

“At dinner she was dressed as usual in her casual clothing, but the smell of Parisian perfume was still strong in the air.

“You might think this was not unusual. But Alicia did not wear perfume! She had not owned any perfume through all of our years of marriage. She was highly allergic to cosmetics of any kind. I mentioned I liked her perfume and she flew into a rage. She swore to me that she was not wearing perfume. Alicia also swore she had not been in the ballroom earlier in the day.

“I had the photographs developed the following morning. It was my intention to prove to her that she had lied to me. The photographs were very clear: Alicia was in the ballroom, and yes, she was dancing—in the arms of a very handsome man dressed in early-eighteenth-century clothing! The pictures also gave me a full view of a large orchestra behind them next to the oversized fireplace. The man who had processed the photographs was impressed with the accuracy of the costumes the people were wearing in the pictures.

“Imagine my shock when I knew I had witnessed only one person in the ballroom. In the photographs there were people along the walls and beyond, everywhere. As I said, there was no mistaking what the pictures were showing—they were too clear.

“My hands began to tremble when I held the pictures closer. It was not possible! In my mind I was fully aware of what I had seen, regardless of what the photographs were showing. I started to question my sanity.

“Correct me if I am wrong, but by now you are assuming I was going totally mad. Nothing could be farther from the truth, I assure you. I returned to the ballroom after taking the pictures and found a thin layer of dust where the room had not been cleaned as of yet. Greta said the ballroom had not been entered in over six months due to the roof being repaired in that section of the castle. There were no footprints or any signs of anyone being there next to the columns where I took the photos. I walked across the floor toward the fireplace and could see every step I had taken.

Buy Links: Amazon (ebook)    Print

Micheal Rivers a multi-genre author was born and raised in North Carolina. His bestseller Verliege was voted Supernatural Book of 2012. His first fiction was published in 2003 and rereleased as The Black Witch in 2011. Moonlight on the Nantahala was widely received as an exceptional work of modern fiction. He is currently working on a new action/adventure series. Rivers served with the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. He attended colleges in Illinois and North Carolina. He is a recognized authority as a paranormal investigator with over thirty years experience and provides his readers with some of his experiences woven into his paranormal thrillers. He is the lead investigator for the Smokey Mountain Ghost Trackers.


The passions in his life are his family, the great outdoors, and his boxer Delilah affectionately known as DeeDee.

Author Links:  Website    Facebook   Amazon Author Page  Twitter 

Tour  Dates: 9/16 - 9/27

This Tour is for Spotlights only!

9/16 -  Dalene's Book reviews

9/17 - Zerlina Valinski 

9/18 - New Age Mama

That Bites-Book Talk Reviews

9/19 -  Rose & Beps Blog

9/20 -  Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

9/23 - The eBook Reviewers

9/24 - Tamaria Soana

9/26 - Reading, Writing, and Roses

9/27 - To Pen a Dream 

CostumeExpress.com Review & Giveaway

 ***Complimentary product received in exchange for an honest review***

I can't believe it already Mid-September. Halloween will be creeping up on us before we know it. Last year I bought my kids costumes at a local store a few weeks before the holiday. It was a bad idea. There were six other kids in my son's class that had the same outfit and three in my daughter's. That's what happens when you live in a small town with limited inventory. We really only had about ten things to choose from because I waited until the last minute. This year, I promised myself I was going to find an online company that would ensure my children had original costumes at a fair price. One of the greatest places I've found to fulfill this need is an online store called CostumeExpress.com. They have a huge variety of  costume choices for the whole family.

My son was able to pick out the costume of his choice to review. It wasn't an easy decision. There were absolutely pages and pages  of costumes in his size. It took him an hour to scroll through the website and narrow it down to these three options.

They were all great choices and totally original ideas, but I was super excited when he decided on the Pharaoh costume. My kids have always been my biggest fans and in March 2014 I have a new book coming out call The Forgotten Pharaoh. My son said if he got this costume he could wear it for Halloween and the release day party. I gotta love him for that and he definitely looks adorable in this costume.

The Child Pharaoh Costume comes with everything you need to walk like an Egyptian. There's a blue tunic that has the golden ankh and beads painted onto the material. This is a great idea for a kid's costume. I know my son would lose the accessories but when they are permanently attached, there is no worry of that happening.  The tunic hangs pretty low, but you still need to wear a pair of pants underneath. We used black pants and they look great. Then's there's the gold apron with the Eye of Horus, golden cuff arm-pieces, and even the classic headpiece. I'll admit, it took me a few times to get that headdress on right, but once we got it done, it really set the whole costume off. I love how this costume incorporates so many of the real symbols of Egypt, but its still simple and fun for children. Now all I need is a pair of papyrus  sandals!

The Pharaoh is only one example of hundreds of amazing costumes you can find at CostumeExpress.com. Right now you get can get free shipping on all orders over $75. Prices are always lower than regular retail, but for even more savings make sure you check the sale section! They also have a full line of accessories including jewelry, wigs, masks, make up and more. Be sure to check out their face book page to keep up with new products and promotions. Don't wait until the last minute to pick out costumes for your family. Visit CostumeExpress.com today!

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive the costume of their choice with a value of $100 or less from CostumeExpress.com. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Giveaway will end on 10/1/13 Thanks again to CostumeExpress for offering this fantastic prize.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway



***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. *** 

New Release! Thunderstruck by Laura DeLuca

 Most of you who follow my work know I usually stick to the YA genre, but I am branching out a little. Thunderstruck is my contribution to For the Love of the Gods anthology and it is definitely for 18 + only. Eventually all these short stories will be issued in one large print novel, but for now we're releasing them as individual novella eBooks. 

Thunderstruck is a short paranormal romance that was inspired by my friend, editor, and follow author Tara Chevrestt--you can meet her on Book Babe. That is her picture on the cover.  Because she played such a huge roll in inspiring the heroine,  the story is also dedicated to Tara. She was a lot of spunk and I hope you enjoy reading about her as much as I enjoyed writing about her. To learn more, check out the blurb below.

And don't forget to check out the Love of the Gods release party for a chance to win tons of great prizes including eBooks, prize packs, and $25 Amazon GC. 

 

Taranis, the Celtic god of Thunder, has spent an eternity longing for the touch of a single mortal woman. He has followed her through incarnations, but always his powers were too much for her to bear.

Tara is a deaf woman, struggling to fit in the hearing world. She hides a gentle heart behind a tough exterior. Will she let down her defenses when a handsome mute tries to win her heart?

And even if she does, can Taranis’ love come without a death sentence?

Where to Buy - Only $.99 !!

Amazon         Smashwords           Barnes & Noble        Goodreads

Hyde Book Tour & Giveaway with Amber Lady Reviews

Hyde, Dark Musicals Book #3

Rebecca Hope has looked death in the face twice and lived to tell her tale.

She and the love of her life, Justyn Patko, land a summer internship at a local dinner theater, performing the musical Hyde. While they are excited about their first paid acting gig, they soon find themselves surrounded by more experienced cast mates, jealous of their success. As if the tension isn’t bad enough, they soon discover that the business might be a front for something much more sinister.

When Justyn is accused of a crime that she knows he would never commit, Rebecca must decide if she wants to follow her head or her heart. While trying to prove his innocence, she makes a shocking discovery of her own.

Everyone has something to conceal in the grand finale of the Dark Musicals Trilogy. Rebecca has to look beyond the façade to discover the true Hyde or face her final curtain call.

Buy Links:    Amazon      Smashwords    Barnes &Noble

Phantom, Dark Musicals Book #1

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.

Buy Links: Amazon    Smashwords     Barnes & Noble

 

Demon, Dark Musicals Book #2

When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren’t in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on Justyn.

It doesn't help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca's father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus.

Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd—both on and off the stage.

 Buy Links: Amazon    Smashwords   Barnes & Noble 

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player, and Demon.

Author Links:  Website      Facebook      Twitter     Goodreads    

Follow the Tour

9/15
Lauren Walker (Promo)
 http://laurenkleverauthor.com/
9/16
Buried Under Books (Excerpt)
http://buriedunderbooks1.blogspot.com

9/17
A Crazy Vermonter's Book Reviews (Review & Promo)
http://heather-andrews.blogspot.com/

9/18
The Book Diaries (Promo)
www.the-book-diaries.blogspot.com

9/19
Sizzling Hot YA Books (Review & Excerpt)
www.sizzlinghotyabooks.com

9/20
Cathrine Garnell's Blog (Promo & Excerpt)
www.cathrine-garnell.blogspot.co.uk

9/21
Brenda's Blog (Promo & Excerpt)
http://www.brenda-sparks.com/blog.html

9/22
Bella Harte Books (Promo & Excerpt)
www.bellaharte.blogspot.co.uk

9/23
Peace, Love, Books (Promo)
http://readingpassion03.blogspot.com

9/24
Emma Michaels' Blog (Promo & Excerpt)
www.EmmaMichaels.com

9/25
Word to Dreams (Promo & Guest Post)
http://wordtodreams.wordpress.com

9/26
That Bite's Book Talk Reviews (Promo & Excerpt)
http://www.michelle808205.blogspot.com/

9/27
Shelves of Books Blog (Review)
http://justinevandale.blogspot.ca/

9/28
Lady Amber's Reviews (Review)
http://ambersupernaturalandya.blogspot.com/

9/29
Jazzy Reviews (Guest Post) 
http://jazzyreviewzz.blogspot.com/

9/30
Paperback Cowgirl (Review)
http://paperbackcowgirl.blogspot.com/?m=1

10/1
Mythical Books (Guest Post)
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

10/2
Ramblings of a Book Lunatic (Promo)
http://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com

10/3
Tammy's tea time (Review & Promo)
http://www.tammysteatime.blogspot.com

10/4
Cu's e-Book Giveaways(Review)
http://cusauthorspotlights.blogspot.com/

10/5
Fiona's Book Review Blog (Review & Promo)
http://nannyfi71.wordpress.com

10/6
Out There & Stuff (Review)
www.crystalsoutthere.blogspot.com

10/7
Book Infatuation (Promo & Excerpt)
http://bookinfatuation29.blogspot.com/

10/8
Le Book Squirrel (promo)
https://www.lebooksquirrel.blogspot.com

10/9
Victoria Simcox  (Promo & Excerpt)
www.victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

10/10
Bawaka's Bookfair (Guest Post)
http://bawakas-bookfair.blogspot.com

10/11
That Bite's Book Talk Reviews (Promo & Excerpt)
http://www.michelle808205.blogspot.com/

10/12
Angela McPherson (Promo)
 http://angelamcphersonblog.wordpress.com/
10/13
Ohana (Review & Excerpt)
http://ohana-school.blogspot.com.au/

10/14
Becca Anne's Book Reviews (Guest Post)
http://beccaannesbookreviews.blogspot.com

10/15
Reading Bliss (Review)
http://ashleysreadingbliss.blogspot.com


The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a Dark Musicals Prize Pack that includes: a signed copy of Phantom, geode, incense, Gothic key chain, Gothic necklace, Gothic ring, sage smudge stick with abalone shell, rough crystal points, natural stone pendant, and Lavender Purification Bath Salts. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Open to the US ONLY!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Phantom on Sale for $.99

 Now through 9/16, Phantom is now  sale for only $.99 on all outlets as part of a promotion! The price may never be this low again, so grab your copy today!

Purchase

Amazon * Smashwords * Barnes & Noble

Phantom, Dark Musicals Book #1

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.