Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Book Blast ~ A Climate of Revenge by Tom Riley

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tom Riley will be awarding a PDF file of "Writer's Guide to Our Climate Crisis" (International) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Sarah and JanetM, are a human/Artificial Intelligence pair who do private investigations in the near future where our climate crisis has hit and hit hard. A man with a long dark history tries to hire them but is then killed. His family hires the team to find who killed this man with a thousand enemies in a land with a million problems.

The United Nations IPCC report, “Climate Change 2022, Impacts, Adaption and Vulnerability contains:

C5.3 Enhancing knowledge
A wide range of … processes … can deepen climate knowledge and sharing, including … using the arts … (high confidence).

This can only be read as a clarion call for writers to produce the works that will help our people cope.

Read an Excerpt

“I cannot get you an appointment with your hair stylist before this trip. The first appointment I could get you is not until the day after.”

“OK, accept the appointment,” said Sarah, “and freshen up our playlist too. You know, I think I might I go for a weave, since we have some free money. Which do you think will look best: a body wave, a water wave, or a loose curl?”

Sarah was using the Mirror-Mirror App on her cellphone to look at images of herself with each of these hairstyles.

Janet didn’t seem to care. “This new job will not take us back to the club. You have no need to look that fancy. You will be tired of all the work it takes to maintain such a hair style like that within a week. Just because we got some unexpected money does not mean you should throw it away.”

“How about a manicure, then?” asked Sarah.

“I might try a full Extendo, or Pixie Crystals. And white, I have never done white. Or a pastel pink. I can certainly herd my ducks with any fancy nails you can name, all it takes is a cane switch.”

“You do not only herd the ducks. You have to take your turn at the dirty jobs too. What happens if one of your ducks makes a run for it, and you have to go scrambling through the bushes."

About the Author:
After an extensive career at NASA as an Instrument Engineer, Tom Riley started a people-based space program, The Big Moon Dig, compatible with the needs of our climate crisis. Our climate crisis clearly must now come first, and that effort needed positive stories of people in action.

iUniverse
Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Series Book Blast ~ Gavin: Last Man Standing – Book 6 by Kathryn Hills


    Today I'm featuring the Last Man Standing series, including Gavin by Kathryn Hills. You'll want to check it out! Looks great. Plus, there are prizes to be won. Such as? The authors will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a second randomly drawn winner. How cool is that? Want more chances to win? The follow the tour. You can do that here: 
https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2022/07/blurb-blitz-tour-last-man-standing.html


   Gavin: Last Man Standing – Book 6
by Kathryn Hills
~~~~~~~~~~~~~


You know who he is... the confirmed bachelor. The fellow who claims no woman will ever tempt him enough to succumb. Cupid will never hit his mark.


Well, guess what? We’ve got fourteen feisty heroines who are about to change their minds.



Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5


Available Exclusively on KINDLE UNLIMITED!


                                                         

GAVIN


Sometimes making waves is the only way to chart your true course.


Gavin Hart’s intentions are noble. He’s putting all his energy and every penny he’s got into the marine science education program he devised with his grandmother, a world-renowned environmentalist from Cape Cod. Big boat, special equipment, and a crew of salty characters—everything is ready to launch. All he needs is the backing of his influential family. Turns out that’s the one thing he won’t get—unless he agrees to settle down and marry the woman of their choosing. A self-proclaimed bachelor for life, he’s never been tempted. That is until he meets Sophie.


High school science teacher Sophie Martin is only subbing in town for a few months. Yet the allure of the Cape—its nautical charm and off-season ambiance—has her wishing she could stay longer. Not to mention she’s falling for a local man with a heart of pure gold. They have a lot in common, including a passion for inspiring young minds. Too bad her days there are numbered. Plus, her boyfriend back home is hinting at a ring. Should she return to her previous life? Or is she brave enough to upend everything and take a risk on a man she barely knows?


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


Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09ZSPTSXC

Available Exclusively on KINDLE UNLIMITED


                                      

Now for an excerpt:


Students spilled out into the hallway, and Sophie followed, shutting off lights, and locking the door behind them.


Laura Adams—her best friend and fellow teacher—sauntered up beside her. “Fancy meeting you here, Ms. Martin,” the sassy woman teased. “Well, tell me, how was your first week teaching high school science?”


The two women walked together toward the gymnasium, dodging teenagers, flung-open locker doors, backpacks, and sporting gear.


“I was nervous at first, but now I’m much more confident. The kids are all great.”


“Hey, hey, hey, no running in the halls,” Laura bellowed at a group of boys, speeding past them, shoving one another. She glanced Sophie’s way, instantly switching gears. “Some of us are going out tonight. You should come. I’ll introduce you to some nice guys. We’re meeting at the Galley Hatch.”


At first, the invitation appealed to Sophie, yet the idea of being introduced to “nice guys” made her balk. Laura was a notorious matchmaker, and that was the last thing she needed. “I shouldn’t. I promised my aunt I’d spend time with her since I’ve been gone all week. I think she’s having a hard time adjusting to being alone all day again. She keeps talking about adopting a cat or a talking bird.”


“Oh. Bummer. Offer stands if you can get away. Text me, and I’ll save you a seat.”


They entered the gym together and lingered in the double doors.


“Impressive,” Sophie said, adding a sigh of relief when she saw her class wasn’t climbing the walls. “Nice turnout of exhibitors.”


Laura casually looked around. “You should check it out since it’s your first time. Make the rounds with your kids.”


“I think I will.” Sophie went to leave, yet she ran smack into someone rushing past them with a box.


“Whoa! So sorry,” the person was quick to say.


She stepped back, and her gaze fell upon the one person she never expected to see up close and personal. “You,” she said in disbelief.


Hunky boat guy tipped his dark-haired head. “Do I…know you?”


The smooth, masculine sound of his voice washed over her like a warm summer wave. Sophie blinked up at him, her mortified expression reflected in his mirrored sunglasses. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.


“Miss… Are you okay?” A sexy little smile turned his lips.


Surprised laughter bubbled out of Laura. “Who’s this?”


The man set his box down and removed his shades. 


Both women gaped. 


Crystal blue eyes. Stark against his suntanned skin.


“Gavin Hart. I’m exhibiting today. Well, I’m supposed to be. As per usual, I’m late. Can either of you ladies help me find my table?”


“Sophie will,” Laura blurted out, and she gave Sophie a little shove in his direction.


Gavin’s smile widened showing bright white teeth. “Excellent. Thank you, Sophie.”


She spun and narrowed her gaze on Laura. “What about my kids?”


Laura shrugged. “They’re fine. You’re fine. This man is obviously fine.”



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


About the Author:


Hauntingly romantic… Unless she’s writing sweet!


The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.


When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and three crazy dogs.



Website: http://www.kathrynhills.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathrynHills 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AuthorKathrynH 

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Kathryn-Hills/e/B01LBDCVVU 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathryn-hills 



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



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast ~ The Madness of Mercury by Connie Di Marco

 



This post ispart of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Connie di Marco 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.

The Zodiac Mysteries feature San Francisco astrologer, Julia Bonatti, who never thought murder would be part of her practice. In The Madness of Mercury, Julia’s outspoken advice in her newspaper column, AskZodia, makes her the target of a recently-arrived cult preacher who advocates love and compassion to those less fortunate. But the power-hungry preacher is waging war on sin and his Army of the Prophet will stop at nothing to silence those who would stand in his way. Julia is at the top of his list.





 

Read an Excerpt

Zora was walking in circles around the table, murmuring to herself. Nikolai had donned purple robes and placed several large candles around the room. He cut a very impressive figure. He caught my eye and winked. Gudrun and Eunice were closeted upstairs in Eunice’s room, while everyone else waited in the parlor. I was fairly certain Nikolai would put on a good show. Depending on what happened, I just hoped it wouldn’t be too upsetting or disappointing for Evandra.

Zora turned to me, “There are strong energies close by. I feel sure we’ll have some communication tonight. Julia, will you ask everyone to come in, please.” I nodded and left the room. I found Reggie chatting happily to Alba in the front parlor. She nodded occasionally, but seemed distracted. She looked frightened and I was sure she was only here under duress.

Richard led Evandra slowly down the stairs and into the library and helped her sit. Her face was flushed with excitement. Richard sat next to Evandra and Dorothy took the seat on the other side of her aunt across from Reggie. Alba hesitated in the doorway but finally took a seat at the round table next to Reggie. I sat on Reggie’s other side. When we were all seated, Nikolai and Zora sat down across the table from each other. Outside the rain pelted furiously against the library windows. I caught a flash of lightning and the lights in the chandelier flickered for a moment. It happened so quickly I wasn’t sure I hadn’t imagined it.

Nikolai had turned off the lights in the front parlor and dining room. A small lamp was still lit in the front hallway. No light could reach us in the library. Candlelight cast eerie shadows against the bookshelves and ceiling. No one spoke a word. We waited for Nikolai’s instructions. He stood and raised his arms. In a booming voice, he spoke. “As I pass through the vays, I feel the presence of the gods. They are vith me and I vith them forever.” He glanced around the table at each of us, and finally with a nod from Zora, said, “May vee in this circle be protected from any and all harm.”

Nikolai sat down. “Please. Take hand of the person next to you.” He reached over and took Richard’s hand on one side, and Alba’s on the other. He nodded once to Zora. “Be patient everyone, and vhatever you do, this is most important, do not break circle.”

Zora closed her eyes, breathing slowly and deeply for several minutes. We watched her intently. No one spoke a word or appeared to breathe. Nikolai studied Zora’s face. After several interminable minutes, Zora’s head dropped to her chest, her breathing was faster.

Nikolai spoke. “Is someone here? Do you haf message for us?”

We waited. Zora continued to breathe rapidly. Nikolai asked again. “Is anyone vith us tonight?”

Zora raised her head slowly, her expression had shifted. She rose higher in her chair, her head slowly turning from side to side with a coquettish air. Her neck appeared to lengthen. “I’m here. I’ve been trying . . .” I stared, not sure if what I was seeing was a trick of the light.

Dorothy gasped. Nikolai shot her a warning look.

“ . . . to reach you.”

“It’s Lily!” Evandra cried.

I glanced at Reggie and Alba. Reggie’s mouth hung open in disbelief. Alba looked frightened, as if she were about to flee the room.

Nikolai spoke, “You haf message for us?”

“Yes.” The voice was not Zora’s normally rough tone. It was several octaves higher. The skin on my arms prickled. What was happening? I struggled to stay in this reality. Could Zora really be channeling Lily’s spirit?

“Danger.” Zora’s head dropped to her chest.

“What nonsense,” Dorothy muttered her breath. Richard shushed her.

Nikolai spoke, “Danger for whom, spirit?”

Zora raised her head, her eyes were blazing, “For all.”

“Lily!” Evandra cried.

Nikolai asked again, “Vhat danger?”

Still in that girlish voice, Zora spoke, “Danger . . . death is planned.”

A tremendous thunderclap struck, shaking the entire house. A bolt of lightning lit up the sky beyond the library windows and threw the stone statuary in the garden into high relief. A cold draft swept through the room. The candles flickered in the sudden rush of air and were extinguished. Evandra cried out and collapsed in her chair.

About the Author:
Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries featuring Julia Bonatti, a San Francisco astrologer who never thought murder would be part of her practice: The Madness of Mercury is the first in the series. Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Penguin Random House. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, The Crime Writers Association and Sisters in Crime.

Website
BookBub
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Amazon
Barnesand Noble
IndieBound

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

VBT The Signs We Missed by Lena S. May


 Today I'm hosting a tour stop for The Signs We Missed by Lena S May. You'll want to stick around. There are prizes to be won and this looks like an interesting story. What's up for grabs? Lena S. May will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Want more chances to win? Then follow the tour. You can do that here: https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2022/06/vbt-signs-we-missed-by-lena-s-may.html


The Signs We Missed
by Lena S. May

Thrown out by his mother, 17-year-old Luke hopes to overcome his narcotic addiction and depression by changing his surroundings. At his new school, he quickly becomes friends with Sean, but finding that his developing feelings aren’t returned, Luke retreats into old habits. Determined to hide his self-injurious behavior and an advancing eating disorder, he soon risks much more than a broken heart.

When Sean meets Luke, the last thing on his mind is falling in love with a boy. Grappling with his own conflicting emotions and trying to keep them from his suspicious girlfriend, he brushes off Luke’s strange behavior. But when Luke suddenly cuts him off, Sean is forced to confront the truth and take action to save his best friend.


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

Now for an Interview with the Author and Main Character Luke!


1. Describe yourself in three words.


Luke: Introverted, over-thinker, and a hopeless romantic – which is not always a winning combination, so if anyone happens to be willing to trade the overthinking part, I’m here for that.


2. Cast your book. Tell us who would play the main characters in a movie and why.


Lena: If there’d ever be a book-to-screen adaptation for The Signs We Missed, the one thing I wish I’d get a say in is who to cast for Luke. My vote, then, would be for Mika Engelhardt, who has been dreaming of being an actor pretty much the same way that I have been dreaming of being an author since we were kids. I’m going to admit I don’t know a whole lot about acting or making movies, but I’ve been lucky enough to see several of his performances, and I’m pretty certain playing a gay teenager would be right up his alley. He also looks a little like Luke – or maybe Luke looks a little like him, who would know?


3. What’s your favorite love scene from a movie?


Luke: I think out of all big love scenes that come to mind, the one that resonated and stuck with me the most doesn’t even include both lovers, let alone a kiss. It’s from Were the World Mine, a (pretty overdone, pretty gay, 10/10) adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which the main character falls in love with his (allegedly straight) classmate. In his copy of Shakespeare’s play, he finds the recipe for Cupid’s Love Potion, which, if you get it in your eye, makes you fall in love with the first person you see afterwards. That’s how that line that has been haunting me comes about, as he (obviously, because who wouldn’t?) considers making the potion and asks his best friend: If you could make someone love you, would you? The movie comes up with an answer, of course. Me? I’m still not sure. I probably would have without giving it much thought when I first fell in love with Sean, but then again, it’d be incredibly selfish, tying him to someone like me. On the other hand, with that kind of enthusiastic, blind love depicted in the movie, I guess he wouldn’t even notice how much of a mess I am. It’s a tough one. Maybe in some situations I would, knowing I shouldn’t.


4. What’s your wildest fantasy?


Luke: To be enough. I see others who feel like they are enough and deserving of love and happiness, but I don't know if I ever will be. My wildest fantasy is to be worthy of love. To be enough for myself and for Sean.


5. If you were to lose one of your senses, which would you rather lose and why?


Luke: I’d obviously prefer to keep all my senses, but if I were to permanently lose one, I’d probably choose hearing. The world’s too loud anyway, and I guess at least hearing nothing would make sleeping a lot easier. I’d miss Sean’s voice terribly, though.


6. What is the naughtiest thing you did as a kid?


Luke: Nothing to see here, my childhood was pretty messed up. I spent most of it reading – well, at fourteen or so I did get one of my mom’s exes to let me use his account to “order school books” that were actually gay soft porn, does that count?


Quickies with Luke


Boxers or Briefs? Boxers for Sean!

Top or Bottom? I sometimes wish Sean would be a little more confident so I could be a bottom.

Pajamas or nude? I usually fall asleep in whatever I'm wearing when my meds kick in.

Hairy chests or smooth? I don’t really have a preference. I enjoy the smoothness of Sean’s chest, but I would love it even if it was hairy.

Alpha or Beta? Actually, Fly is the closest thing to an Alpha I’ve ever seen, and she’s a bit scary – Beta for me.


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


Now for an Excerpt:


Luke was lying on his back, his phone in one hand, a cigarette in the other.


He had missed the ashtray several times in the past hours, resulting in black burns on the sheet beneath him. It didn’t matter, and they weren't visible in the dark anyway.


The blood wasn't, either.


He was still fighting to forget the pills and the water on the nightstand.

Today had been the first day in a while he had felt well enough to leave the house. Still lousy, but well enough.


He had decided the lightness in his head and the nausea in his stomach were the outcome of him not eating much lately. Hardly anything, except for dry bread, tea, and an apple.


That led him to the conclusion that not taking his pills was no longer the cause of his miserable condition; at least that was what he had tried to convince himself of on the way to the emergency room.


He should have thought of that earlier.


It was Sunday, the only doctor on duty had looked fatigued and stressed. He'd probably been glad all he had to do for Luke was to write him a prescription.


Warning him to get a new prescription earlier next time and keeping the emergency room free for emergencies, he had let him go in no time.


Luke's hands had been shaking when he tried to open the package at home.


Then, at the very last moment, he had changed his mind and slammed it down on the nightstand, almost angry.


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


About the Author:

Lena S. May is a Germany-based author and student. Living with her dog, she enjoys long walks, ideally followed by a cup of tea and an equally long reading session. After graduating university with a degree in English and American and German Studies, she is working towards her Master of Education to become a secondary school teacher. With her writing, Lena hopes to raise more awareness for mental health and the importance of looking out for one another and oneself. Her debut novel will be published in August 2022.

Twitter https://twitter.com/Lena_S_May

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Lena_S_May/




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, August 5, 2022

Book Blast ~ Hunted by Allyson Charles

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Allyson Charles will be awarding a $20 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.

A tough special forces operator who’s never run from a fight. A woman about to give him the biggest battle of his life.

Marine Raider Jake Skinner has a nose for trouble. He never expected to find it in a beautiful woman adrift at sea. But once he has her in his arms, he knows he’s never letting her go.

Caroline only had one rule when it came to dating – no military men. When the sexy Marine pulls her from the ocean, her resolution goes to war against his resolve to break through her walls – and goes against her own secret longings.

As a drug cartel sets its sights on Caroline, Jake is determined to move heaven and earth to keep her safe. But if Caroline can’t learn to trust her heart, it could spell the end for them both.

Meet the men of Alpha Squad. Protective, strong-willed, and tough, they go hard after what they want. And when they set their sights on a woman, they’ll use every weapon in their arsenal to make her theirs. Each book in this series is a fast, steamy read, full of pulse-pounding action. Dive into this series today!

Read an Excerpt

She pressed herself closer, the ice of her skin leaching into his chest.

He’d take it. If he could take all the cold from her, exchange it with his heat, he would.

Her eyelids fluttered. With what looked like immense effort, she finally opened them a crack. Pale blue eyes met his.

He rubbed her back. “You're okay. You're safe,” he murmured. “Can you tell me your name?”

She opened her mouth, but only a harsh rasp came out. His gut clenched as she licked her lips, swallowed, and tried again.

“Caroline,” she whispered.

Tony cleaned a patch of skin with an alcohol wipe, inserted the needle, and taped it to her arm. He held the saline bag in his hand and gently squeezed.

She swallowed then winced.

“Water.” He didn’t look to see who handed him the plastic bottle. He held the water to Caroline’s lips and slowly tilted it up.

She greedily sucked the liquid down. The look of betrayal she shot Jake when he took the bottle away almost had him laughing. Her face was so expressive, her spirit seemingly undiminished by her ordeal.

“You can't drink too much at one time,” he told her. At her continued scowl, he relented and gave her a tiny sip more. He put the bottle down. “Caroline. Sweetheart.” He dragged his thumb over her bottom lip, catching a stray drop of water. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“He tried to kill me,” she whispered.

Jake looked at Tony, meeting his narrowed gaze. His friend’s jaw went hard, his nostrils flaring. He'd heard her words, as well, and if there was one thing his squad wouldn’t stand for it was a man hurting a woman.

Jake leaned back against the rail as the boat sped towards the marina. The itch between his shoulder blades was finally gone. He looked down at the woman in his arms. Now he knew what his intuition had been trying to tell him.

Trouble had been coming.

And it had landed in his lap in the form of a woman.

About the Author:
Allyson Charles lives in Colorado. She’s the author of sexy and funny small-town romances, including the Pineville Romance series and The Forever series. A former attorney, she happily ditched those suits and now works in her pajamas writing about men’s briefs instead of legal briefs. When she’s not writing, she’s probably engaged in one of her favorite hobbies: napping, eating, or martial arts (That last one almost makes up for the first two, right?). One of Allyson’s greatest sources of happiness is that she now lives in a city that has a Cracker Barrel.

Allyson Charles also writes steamy historical romances under the name Alyson Chase, and paranormal romances under the name A. Caprice.

Website

Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
Google

a Rafflecopter giveaway