Thursday, March 31, 2022

Book Blast ~ Find Your Way Back by Javacia Harris Bowser

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The Literary Lobbyist will be awarding one $25 and one $50 Amazon or B/N GC to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Award-winning freelance journalist Javacia Harris Bowser is convinced that writing is a superpower. She sees her life as proof of it since writing has helped her navigate marriage, crisis of faith and body image issues. It also helped her to beat cancer.

As a Black woman from the South, Javacia has used the written word to explore issues of gender and race as well as religion. Find Your Way Back is a collection of essays that demonstrate how Javacia has used writing to achieve some of her wildest dreams such as being a public speaker, having her own column, and being her own boss. The book also explores how writing, self-love, and faith helped her overcome her worst nightmare: a cancer diagnosis in 2020. Javacia’s goal is to show readers how writing can transform their lives as well. The book includes prompts throughout to help readers start their own writing journey.

This book is for the woman who has wanted to write since she was a girl but struggles to find the time or the courage to put her words on paper. Find Your Way Back, shows that instead of putting writing on the back burner when life gets turned upside down, we should turn to it to help life make sense again.

Read an Excerpt

- from “Write Like a Girl”

On my eleventh birthday, I declared I was a woman. I have no idea why. My budding boobs barely filled my training bra, and I wouldn’t get my period for another year. But it was as if turning eleven declared I was number one and said it again for good measure, and I believed it.

I can’t recall exactly what I decided to wear on this special day, but I do remember slouch socks were involved. I also remember that I didn’t want a party because birthday parties were for children. A woman–especially one who at the time fancied herself a poet–should spend her birthday having a quiet evening at home writing in her journal, reflecting on her past, and making plans for the years to come.

What I’m trying to say is eleven-year-old me was ridiculous. But I think about this girl often. Sometimes to become the woman you’re meant to be, you must remember the girl you used to be. Sometimes you must write like a girl.

When you write for a living, it can be hard to remember how to do this. When you write for a living, you can easily forget to write for yourself. You can forget to write simply for the love of words, for the joy of stringing together sentences. It can be hard to remember what it felt like to write with no regard for readers or a deadline, but that’s what writing like a girl is all about.

Sometimes I think back to that eleven-year-old girl–who thought she was a woman–and I challenge myself–just for a few moments–to forget about building a brand or pitching publications and just write. Yes, I can get back to business later, but right now, just write.



About the Author
Javacia Harris Bowser is an award-winning essayist and journalist and the founder of See Jane Write. A proud graduate of the journalism programs at the University of Alabama and the University of California at Berkeley, Javacia has written for USA Today, HerMoney.com, and Good Grit magazine. Named one of Birmingham’s Top 40 Under 40, she believes we can all write our way to the life of our dreams.

Instagram
Twitter

Buy links:

Amazon
See Jane Write

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Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Blurb Blitz ~ America's Hero by Regan Taylor


Welcome to today's blurb blitz post! Today I'm featuring America's Hero by Regan Taylor. You'll wan to stick around. There is a great book ahead and prizes to be won. Like? Regan Taylor will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC or a copy of the book to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Want more chances to win? The follow the tour. You can do that here:   https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2022/03/blurb-blitz-americas-hero-by-regan.html



America's Hero
by Regan Taylor

After her F/A-18 crashes Marine Corps Major Cassie Winter embarks on a daring rescue saving both her life and that of her RIO. In the aftermath she returns to her ship and hottie actor, Austin Quinn learns of her story. Quinn is determined to tell Cassie's story with a slight twist -- he will be the hero instead of Cassie. When he arrives on her ship she wants nothing to do with him, but once she is ordered to take him on a flight something strange happens and they find themselves back in time. As they move forward to their own time and beyond the couple finds more than just adventure. He plays America's Hero, but she IS America's Hero.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Now for an Excerpt: 

“I’m telling you, Max,” Cass kicked at the punching bag, followed up with two quick jabs with her fists. “I just can’t believe the Captain sold me out like that.”

Her squadron mate, call sign Sleepy, placated her. “I don’t think he sold you out, Snow. I imagine headquarters thought it was a good idea.”

“It sucks. I gotta play tour guide to this idiot actor—America’s Hero.” She snorted. “He wouldn’t know which end of the bird to head off the boat with.”

“Snow.”

“I’m serious. America’s Hero, my ass. Just what I need, some homophobic closet queen actor hanging on my skirt.”

“Snow.”

“Who the hell does he think he is? And check this out.” She punched the bag again with three short jabs, not feeling the burn of the canvas against her fists, imagining it was her nemesis, Austin Quinn, on the receiving end. “He is planning on telling my story, my story in a movie with him as the pilot.”

“Snow.”

“What is he going to do?” She hit the bag with a solid round house kick, her leg connecting with what would be the shoulder area of an average man, sending a slight tremor down her leg with the potency of the impact. “Cross-dress the part? Don a wig and sashay his way around? And the female lead? What’s she going to do? Stand around and simper?”

“Snow.”

“Who said there was a female lead? Although the idea of wearing a dress to fly certainly has some merit.” A deep, clear, male voice that wasn’t Max’s, sounded in the room.

“Oh shit.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


About the Author: 

Regan Taylor is originally Seaford, New York and now bucolic Marin County California. Published in both fiction and non-fiction she enjoys quiet days writing, reading with one of her cats on her lap and crocheting. She volunteers with Friends of Ferals in Marin County and considers the feral she cares for, OC, as one of her own. Her past careers include legal secretary, therapist and police dispatcher.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1085063.Regan_Taylor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsReganTaylor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Regan-Taylor/e/B002BLFER0%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09R5YT38B/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

VBT ~ Honorable Profession by Andy Kutler

Welcome to the Honorable Profession by Andy Kutler book tour! There are prizes to be won and an interview to read. You'll want to check it out. You could win stuff! Like? One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. How cool is that? Want more chances to win? Then follow the tour. You can do that here: https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/12/fs-nbtm-honorable-profession-by-andy.html

Honorable Profession
by Andy Kutler


Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.

After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.

Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for an Interview with the Author: 

We usually don't talk about villains in interviews. Share with us who or what is the antagonist of your story.


On the surface, the villain of this story is a divisive presidential candidate with soaring popularity. But the real villain is the decline of our political discourse, and the toxicity of our electoral campaigns today.

What are the top five things on your bucket list?

You know, I don’t really have a bucket list anymore. Once I hit 40, I started checking those items off, most of which involved touring World War II battlefields and becoming a published author. Quarterbacking the Green Bay Packers is still on there, but people are telling me that might be a reach.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Hands down, my mom. She’s a mom, so I could rob banks for a living and she would still be in my corner. But she’s such a treasure, and has always been there for support, encouragement, and needed doses of laughter.

What can your readers expect from you next?

I’m taking my first dive into non-fiction with a comprehensive book on World War II, told through a 21st century lens. Those who know me, know how passionate I am about that period. There are so many fantastic stories from the war I want to share with young people and history-minded readers.
 
****************
Now for an Excerpt:

Her eyes were pleading. “You have to win next week. Let me help you.”

“You are helping me, Hope. And I appreciate your good intentions. Your passion to fix what ails your brother, desperate for any solution, I’ve been there. I know what that pain in your heart feels like. But I didn’t get into this race to destroy others. I never wanted to be in a competition among rivals and enemies. I wanted to be in a competition of ideas. Ours are better, that I am certain of. And if this election proves I’m the wrong messenger, I want to see an army of others, like you, who will carry our movement forward. And make the Cure Initiative a reality.”

Hope stood, unenthusiastic, but at least offering a grudging nod as she lifted her tripod again.

Walter smiled at her. “Your integrity, my dear, and my conscience, will remain intact. But fear not, the Vice President will one day learn the same inescapable lesson I am now experiencing.”

“What’s that?”

“As the Buddhists say, there are three things that cannot long stay hidden. The sun, the moon, and the truth.”


About the Author: 

Andy Kutler is a writer and author of two award-winning novels, The Batter’s Box and The Other Side of Life. Andy has also written extensively for The Huffington Post and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Over a 28-year professional career, he has worked in the United States Senate, the U.S. Secret Service, and the national security community. A Wisconsin native, Andy lives with his wife and two children in Arlington, Virginia.

CONNECT WITH ANDY

Website: https://www.andykutler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andykutlerfanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyKutler

Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Honorable-Profession-Novel-American-Politics/dp/1684338891
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/honorable-profession-andy-kutler/1140042789



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Monday, March 28, 2022

Blurb Blitz ~ One Helluva Gig by Kevin R Doyle

                                       

It's a blurb blitz and today I'm talking about One Helluva Gig by Kevin R Doyle. You'll want to stick around because there are prizes to be won. Like? Kevin R. Doyle will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. How cool is that? Want more chances to win? Then follow the tour. You can do that here: https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2022/02/blurb-blitz-one-helluva-gig-by-kevin-r.html

                                                      
                

One Helluva Gig
by Kevin R. Doyle

Rob Jeffers has it all: fame, money, and the life of a rock and roll star. Frank Peters is a regular guy, a newspaper reporter who just happens to have a passing acquaintance with the Great Jeffers. As Jeffers's career shoots up, Peters's fortunes follows in his wake.

And when Jeffers passes away at the height of his fame, Peters’s life begins a steady unravelling. Until a chance encounter on a minor story gives him a new outlook on the celebrity lifestyle, and new hope for his own future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now for an Excerpt!! 

Off to my right, a slight, average-sized guy came running along. He was wearing the pants and vest of a denim leisure suit, a garish, flowered polyester/Hawaiian shirt with the first five buttons opened up and sandals. Skidding to a stop in front of me, he looked about as confused as I felt at the moment.

“’Scuse me,” he said, “is this the place for the concert?”

I looked around at all the people flocking in our direction, listened to the squealing of the collection of cuties on the other side of the door.

“Yeah,” I said, “but good luck getting in. The place is packed.”

“Really? Cool!” He took off his mirrored sunglasses, and for the first time, I saw the eyes that, in years to come, would stare out from a billion or so album covers.

“Hey,” he said, “you a student here?”

“Yeah, but…”

“You think you can show me how to get in? Like there’s a service entrance or something, isn’t there? I’m with the band, and I’m running late.”

I clenched up. One of the oldest con lines in the world is “I’m with the band.” But something in the man’s look told me to take a chance.

“I think I can get you in, but I need something in return.”

“Yeah?” Now the “guy with the band” seemed uneasy. “What’s that?”

“Well, you see,” I said, “I’m with the student paper…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Author: 

                                                                    

A high-school teacher, former college instructor and fiction writer, Kevin R. Doyle is the author of numerous short horror stories. He’s also written three crime thrillers, The Group, When You Have to Go There, and And the Devil Walks Away and one horror novel, The Litter. Recently, he’s begun working on the Sam Quinton private eye series. The first Quinton book, Squatter’s Rights, was nominated for the 2021 Shamus award as Best First PI Novel. The second book, Heel Turn, was released in March of 2021, while the third in the series, Double Frame, is due out March of 2022.

www.kevindoylefiction.com
www.facebook/com/kevinrossdoyle
https://www.amazon.com/One-Helluva-Gig-Kevin-Doyle-ebook/dp/B09PJYCSPP/ref=sr_1_8?qid=1641270460&refinements=p_27%3AKevin+R.+Doyle&s=digital-text&sr=1-8&text=Kevin+R.+Doyle
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-helluva-gig-kevin-r-doyle/1113786303?ean=2940160852997a


Wednesday, March 16, 2022

The Corpse Princess by Jayce Carter

 


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jayce Carter will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Karma is a bitch—but then again, so am I.

Ten years ago, a group of men murdered my mother and thought they had killed me. I’ve spent every day since planning revenge against the man behind the attack—my father. As the head of a powerful crime family, he won’t be an easy target, but nothing matters more than making him pay for what he’s done.

Now, I return in disguise, only to end up on the radar of the Quad—the four most dangerous men in the city…men I’ve been desperately in love with since I was a teen. I have no idea if they were in on the plan to have me killed, but I can’t stop myself from craving their taste, their bodies and their rough, domineering touches. Even though I know the risks, I keep falling deeper into our twisted relationship.

My plan is simple—find and get rid of the people who carried out the attack, kill my father…and don’t fall in love with the men who might have betrayed me.

This world already killed me once—let it try again.


Read an Excerpt

“Oh, nice try,” Dane said with a mocking tone, as if he’d already won.

“Don’t add the notch on your belt until you get inside the girl,” I responded. “You’re terrible at bank shots and that’s exactly what you’ve got in front of you.”

In all the years we’d played before, Dane had never managed to sink a shot like this. He’d over-correct, never hitting the right spot.

I’d as good as already won.

He came closer, standing just in front of me, so close I could smell him. He smelled the same, just as he had before, like cloves and cinnamon, something deceptively sweet.

I lifted my head, struggling with the difference between then and now, between the past and the present. I felt a little like the girl I’d been before, when I’d chased behind him, behind the others, looking for their attention. How badly I’d wanted this, wanted him to look at me with this sort of passion, and he’d always denied me that.

He leaned down, then dragged his tongue over my bottom lip. It wasn’t a kiss, not really, but managed to light a fire inside me larger than the one at Lucky’s house. That tiny spark roared to life, consuming me, and he pulled back far too fast.

Dane gave me a smirk full of confidence. “Well, you pick your whiskey well, at least.”

Before I could say anything, he bent forward next to me, aimed and took the shot. The eight-ball rolled into the pocket he’d nodded at, sinking the shot he’d never been able to do.

“I win,” he said, then crossed his arms, staring down at me, far too pleased with himself.

About the Author:
Jayce Carter lives in Southern California with her husband and two spawns. She originally wanted to take over the world but realized that would require wearing pants. This led her to choosing writing, a completely pants-free occupation. She has a fear of heights yet rock climbs for fun and enjoys making up excuses for not going out and socializing.

Links:

Buy link: https://amazon.com/Corpse-Princess-Nemesis-Jayce-Carter-ebook/dp/B09QZCSBRQ/ref=sr_1_1
Website: https://www.jaycecarter.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jayce-Carter/e/B07Y4T7CHH
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaycecarterauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayceCarterAuthor

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Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Blurb Blitz ~ Lady Wild Fowl by Ivana Hoxha


It's a blurb blitz and today I'm featuring Lady Wild Fowl by Ivana Hoxha. You'll want to stick around because there are prizes to be won. Like? Ivana Hoxha will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. How cool is that? Want more chances to win? Then follow the tour! You can do that here: https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2022/02/blurb-blitz-lady-wild-fowl-by-ivana.html

Lady Wild Fowl
by Ivana Hoxha




Lady Wild Fowl is an unusual, self-developing story, that analyzes the deepest repressed feelings and emotions, narrated from the romantic mindset of a twenty-six years old lady, who has never had a man in her life.

Nicole has been raised in a society that teaches her nothing about the value of the woman and her feelings, and she leaves home to accept a job offer in China, where she meets Benjamin. In the messy, unpredictable, and, at the same time, exciting Shanghai, Nicole and Benjamin see life from another perspective. While Nicole is facing the lies on which she based her life, revealing secrets she had kept hidden, embracing all the new unknown feelings blooming in her heart; Benjamin has to face the loss of important relationships and fight not to lose himself along with them, as he discovers how stubborn and deep love can be.

Discovering other perceptions of life and love, facing the unknown feelings that come along with them, and fighting the patterns of the social definitions on relationships, will they be able to discover who they really are? And maybe, experience love on the way?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for An Excerpt: 


The sun had already lit the sky as I lay down with my back in the cold sand smiling. Despite all the mess going on inside me; despite not knowing who I was; despite being thousands of kilometers away from everything familiar to me…I felt happy. And when I tried to find the reason behind that happiness, I realized that it was not because of the job, it was not because of the people, it was not because of the place…


That happiness relied on all the choices that I could make, in all the truth that I could choose to say, in all the feelings that I was allowed to express. That happiness relied on my freedom. I finally felt that I was free. As free as I could even choose to give my heart to this undiscovered person next to me, without considering at all how much my heart could be broken, simply because I felt like I could do it; simply because I would still be free to move on whenever I felt like; simply because I knew how strong I was to heal that broken heart when the time came.


At least, I was free to decide whether I stayed or left; whether I said something or not; whether I cried or smiled. I was free to do so, without worrying that I could affect someone else. I could just sit in that cold sand, under the first rays of the sun, listening to the splashing waves and smile, without having to explain anything to anyone. I was just free and that freedom was priceless…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


About the Author:

My name is Ivana and I am from Albania, but I am a citizen of the world. I have studied languages and literature, and I currently speak 5 languages.

3 years ago, I decided to move to China and I lived there until Covid started. After that, I transferred to Bali, where I lived for almost another year. Currently, I am traveling around Europe. 

As you can see, I love traveling, and this is where I find my inspiration to write. I write about experiences, people I meet, and everything that impresses me. People become my characters, and places I live in, become the book's environment because there is nothing more beautiful than finding meaning in the everyday life. I have combined my love for writing with my experiences and brought to life "Lady Wild Fowl" which is the book I am publishing right now in the women fiction genre.

I have also published two books in the Albanian language some years ago, titled "Nje mengjes ndryshe" (A Different Morning) and "Nen shiun e vjeshtes" (Under the Autumn Rain) both of them in the genre of teenage fiction.



Buy Link (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NX4JCDQ/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60102723-lady-wild-fowl

Twitter account https://twitter.com/ladywildfowl

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1KfLE7uCxQ

Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/ivanahoxha/
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Friday, March 11, 2022

Blurb Blitz ~ That Missed Call by Kris Francoeur

 


It's a blurb blitz and today I'm featuring That Missed Call by Kris Francoeur. You'll want to stick around for this fantastic book. Plus, there are prizes to be won! Like? Kris Francoeur will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. How cool is that? You want more chances to win? Then follow the tour. You can do that here: https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2022/02/blurb-blitz-that-missed-call-by-kris.html

That Missed Call
by Kris Francoeur



Kat thought the night she met handsome, sexy Alex was just a dream. When he gave Kat his number, asking her to call him, she was over the moon. Sitting in her college dorm, hands shaking with anticipation, she wondered if he really was attracted to her. Was he just being nice to his best friend’s younger sister?

That moment… that call would shift Kat’s future in ways she never could have imagined.

Five years later, a chance encounter brings Alex back into Kat’s life. He makes it clear he’s attracted to her, but Kat isn’t the same naïve college girl when they first met. Struggling with her own attraction to Alex, she isn’t sure she can trust him.

All Alex wants is a future with Kat, but her hesitancy confuses and frustrates him. He knows there are shadows in her life, but nothing could change how he feels about her.

Will Kate be able to trust Alex with her heart and a devastating secret she’s sure will turn him away?

                                                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now for an Excerpt!!

She reached out to brush a small leaf from his hair, her hand brushing the side of his face. “C’mon,” she said as she pulled him toward a bench. Once they were seated, she looked him in the eye. “Yeah, this morning threw me for a loop, but frankly, that’s just the tip of the iceberg as to how fucked up I am. All my ‘I’m fine’ comments aside, I know I’m a mess. I already told you, I don’t date anymore. I’m no good at relationships and I’m okay with that. I don’t want to lead you on or anything.”


He grinned. “Would I like to ask you out? Hell, yes. But I realize we’re on a mini vacation, in an odd situation, and you live half a world away. Besides, there’s obviously a lot about you I don’t know.” He touched her face. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in seeing where things could go.”

Kat tried to ignore her body’s response to his touch. “And what if it doesn’t go anywhere?”

“Then no harm, no foul.”

That sounded too relaxed. “You’re not going to push?”

“I won’t push. But you can’t blame a guy for wanting to.”

“Okay. Just as long as we understand each other.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Author:  



Kris Francoeur is an author, ghostwriter, and educator who lives on her small family farm in Vermont. When not writing stories about strong women with interesting backstories, Kris loves to travel, knit, and garden.


Twitter: @KFAnnaBelleRose
FB: www.facebook.com/authorkfrancoeur
Website: www.authorkfrancoeur.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18490380.Kris_Francoeur
Instagram: @author.krisfrancoeur_aka_abr


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