Book Blast - The Santa Games by Leanne Treese

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Reeling from a broken engagement, Andi Carter swears off men. She quits her job in New York and returns home to figure out next steps. Luckily, she quickly finds a job--one that will take her mind off her ex--as a caretaker for an elderly widower, Liam Quinn. Liam is the owner of Christmastown, a holiday-themed amusement park that shut down years ago. But he’s anxious to reopen it, and Andi, loving the concept, throws herself into helping him. It’s the perfect distraction. Bonus: there are no eligible men for miles.

Until Matt Taylor shows up to audit the park.

Matt is handsome, charming, and full of surprises. Even Liam’s notoriously cranky cat, Claus, likes him. Andi works with Matt on a Christmastown project and platonic feelings turn into a full-fledged crush…maybe a little more. She likes this guy. Unbelievably, Matt seems to like her back.

Only she soon discovers that Matt isn’t who he says he is. So now, Andi has another decision to make—run away and start over—again? Or stay, and hear Matt out? After all, Christmas is the season of miracles…

Read an Excerpt

She doesn’t finish her sentence. She doesn’t have to. I know how it ends. Andi needs Christmastown to become a reality.

And I’ve been charged with making sure that doesn’t happen.

About the Author:

Leanne Treese is an award-winning author of women's fiction and romance. Her books have each independently been described as having "all the feels." When she's not writing, Leanne loves running, forcing her family to play board games (Settlers of Catan anyone?), and spoiling her beloved dogs. Leanne's favorite locations include her backyard, the Jersey shore, and anywhere that sells books or coffee, preferably both. A lifelong learner, Leanne's dream life would include going back to college and majoring in everything.

Website: http://www.leannetreese.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorleanne50
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/leannetreese

Read the book for free on https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Games-Leanne-Treese-ebook/dp/B0BB3GR3S7/ref=sr_1_1

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Book Blast - The Jig is Up by MK Scott

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M K Scott will be awarding a $50 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.

I looked forward to sipping tea and exploring Mark’s ancestral roots in Ireland, but oh, what a twist of fate!

My life as owner of The Painted Lady Inn hardly prepared me for this. With my detective husband by my side, we embark on a journey filled with mayhem, murder, and mischief.

As I savor every bite of Irish stew and soak in the breathtaking scenery, little do I know that our vacation will turn into a whirlwind of sleuthing.

Who could have imagined the secrets hidden behind Mark’s family tree? And what dark secrets lurk in this picturesque village, threatening to shatter the tranquility?

The jig is up, and it’s up to us to untangle the web of intrigue.

Read an Excerpt

The car rental rep was definitely not a warm-and-fuzzy gal, but Donna put her money on Mark. He could be charming when he needed to be.

His lips curved up into a smile. “Surely, you have at least one vehicle. I’m not picky.”

What a fib! It looked like the rep bought it. The woman leaned over the counter and pointed to an open garage area. “Go inside there and ask for Liam. Tell him you want the emergency special. It’s a car we save for people who fail to make reservations and yet still need a car.”

Donna prided herself on reading people and knew there wouldn’t be the expected happy ending to their dilemma. Her husband, on the other hand, effusively thanked the woman and slipped her a colorful bill in gratitude. Not being familiar with euros, it could have been anything from a fifty to a dollar.

As for Liam, he must have gone on break because they toured the garage for a good twenty minutes. They commented on car models not seen in the US and speculated if they’d get the convertible, Land Rover, or the Volkswagen Golf. After asking several employees in coveralls, they finally located Liam, which was a relief since one of the wheels on her suitcase had just seized up. She couldn’t mention the issue since her husband would point out they had perfectly good, non-tie-dyed suitcases at home with wheels that worked.

Liam, a man of few words, listened as Mark repeated his story, including the bit about searching for his ancestors. Instead of commenting on how great it was that Mark could have some Irish ancestry, Liam responded with, “She said the emergency special?”

“She did,” Mark replied with a nod.

“Aye.” Liam grimaced, then yelled something to a younger employee about getting the car.

She heard the emphasis on the even if Mark didn’t. A few minutes later a bright yellow car just a little bigger than a bicycle pulled up in front of Liam. “Here ya go. She’s small. You’ll only have her for a wee bit. She’s easy to park, too.”

All in all, it was a cute car—and very different from Mark’s usual sedan. Her husband remained speechless, while Donna handled practicalities. “Do you think our luggage will fit in it?”

“No problem.” He motioned to his young helper. “Pull out the back seat.”

“It has a backseat?” She couldn’t imagine anything fitting into the back.

“In theory. With the seat gone, it makes the trunk a bit roomier.” Liam sunk his hands in his pockets and made a slow circuit around their luggage. “We should be able to cram that inside. Don’t buy anything until you move to a larger vehicle.”

Both Liam and his helper speculated on how to pack the car, while Mark finally shook off his stupor. “I never knew they made cars this small. Can it possibly be safe?”

“We’re not going that far. Isn’t their town just ten miles or so out of Dublin?”

“There about.”

While their luggage was wrestled inside the mini vehicle, Donna strolled to the front. Eyelashes decorated the round, front headlights. “How cute. The car has eyelashes.”

Mark rolled his eyes and muttered something about how he tipped for this. While her husband acted surprised, Donna wasn’t. She had summed up the counter rep as possibly in the wrong profession and not to be trusted. Not the car they wanted, but it would serve.

About the Author

M. K. Scott is the Morgan and Scott cozy mystery writing team of The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries, The Talking Dog Detective Agency, The Way Over the Hill Gang, Cupid’s Catering Company, and The Tenacious Librarian series. Morgan pens the tales, while Scott serves as first editor and webmaster. Daughter Sarah handles the social media and Jane the Lab supervises digging in the garden.

Amazon Author Page: https://smile.amazon.com/M-K-Scott/e/B01M4JGK1A
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-k-scott
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2863959.M_K_Scott
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgankwyatt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMKScott
Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/

The book is on sale for only $0.99.

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Blog Tour: Sam Time by Donna Balon

It's a blog tour for the book Sam Time by Donna Balon. You'll want to hang around and read this book. It looks fantastic. Also, there are prizes to be won. Like? One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 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/2023/08/fs-nbtm-sam-time-by-donna-balon.html

Sam Time by Donna Balon

When her fiancé is away on business, lonely Samantha Hunter despairs and absorbs herself in historical research. Her nighttime dreams being so vivid, Samantha believes she’s traveling to a past century. As she navigates the Victorian era rules of dos and even more don’ts, she charms Ulysses S Grant while struggling to maintain her present-day romance.

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

Now for An Excerpt: 


But this was Samantha’s dream, and she could be bold. She stepped forward until she was several feet from Grant and stopped. “Lieutenant Grant,” she said softly.


He turned around. His light blue eyes were his most striking feature. Chestnut-brown hair, mustache, and beard. Straight nose. Square jaw. Wide-at-the-temples facial bone structure. About five eight in height. Slim beneath the soldier’s coat. This was Ulysses S. Grant. In his early thirties. Good-looking.


He glanced at Samantha and then turned around to tend to his horse.


He’s a married man, and he sees an unknown woman. What are the protocols?


Her dream. Her rules.


Samantha persisted, using what she thought was common phraseology for this era. “Lieutenant Grant, I am Miss Samantha. I hear you are an expert horseman. I would be most pleased in taking lessons under your tutelage.”


His back still facing her, he made no reply.


She thought quickly of a scheme. “My brothers are in town on business. It would be most helpful to our family business, if I could learn how to ride.”


“I am a soldier with duties at the fort.” He speaks.


“I understand, Lieutenant Grant. But surely you have leave.”


While keeping a distance of several feet, she stepped to his side so she could see his profile. “I understand you will not transact with a lady, but I will return with one of my brothers. He will pay you compensation.”


“Others can teach you.”

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

Now for the Interview: 

What is your favorite chapter in the book?
The protagonist meets Grant in 1845 in New York City. I wanted readers to feel as if they spent a day in the city with the characters. I’m pleased with the pace of that chapter and its feel for the passage of time.


What is you most amazing experience?
My husband and I saw the solar eclipse in August 2017. When I saw totality, I cried. I know others who had this reaction. Instead of explaining what was so spectacular, I’m urging everyone to plan to see the next solar eclipse passing through the U.S. on April 8th, 2024.


Ebook or print?
Both. When I travel, I’ll take an ebook because it’s lightweight. I also love the built-in dictionary feature. But I still like print books and buy them especially if they’re cheaper than an ebook.


How did I choose character names?
The novel has two tracks: present and past. Because people typically used biblical names in the 19th century, the names of the main and secondary characters in the present are also biblical names, drawing a parallel between the two time periods.


What was the last book your read?

A Bumpy Road to Marriage by Sarah Chrisman. It’s historical fiction based in the last 19th century and the final book in The Tales of Chetzemoka series.

About the Author:


Author Donna Balon debuts Sam Time, a novel well-researched and professionally edited by quality talent from the publishing industry. Donna resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her husband.


https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41018186.Donna_Balon

Website: https://samtimebook.com/about/

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/donnabalon


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Book Blast - Legacy of Evil by James Peyton

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A banished detective. A body drained of blood. Mexico’s vampires are all too human.

After graduating from Harvard, Artemas Salcido is determined to transform Mexico’s justice system and joins the federal police. He begins solving crimes committed by the rich and powerful and is banished to the village of Bustamante.

On a college field trip to Bustamante’s nearby caverns, the daughter of a US senator is brutally murdered. The FBI, the international media, and a Mexican hit squad tasked with making the problem go away descend on the village. When Mexico’s attorney general tells Artemas his career depends on his cooperation, Artemas realizes his life is at stake.

As other grisly murders occur, Artemas’s investigation uncovers an ancient blood cult connected to a powerful financial cabal that stretches from mediaeval Europe to Mexico's most influential politicians and businessmen. When he disputes his violent colleagues’ bogus solution to the crime, Artemas is marked for death.

Can Artemas’s determination to bring fairness to Mexico’s justice system prevail against the overwhelming power of his government—or will it prove fatal …?

Read an Excerpt

Once the handcuffs brushed his shirtsleeve, Artemas slid forward with the lighting speed he’d practiced hundreds of times in the dojo. A front snap kick connected with Raymundo’s pistol, sending it spinning toward the ceiling. Right foot midair, Artemas repeated the kick, driving his foot into the PGR man’s crotch with a satisfying thwack. As Raymundo gasped and bent over clutching himself, a third snap kick to his face lifted him off his feet and dumped him onto his back.

Artemas caught sight of the other man closing in from behind. He uncoiled his body and delivered a powerful reverse side kick to the man’s solar plexus, doubling him over. He followed up with a snap kick to the face. Like his colleague, the man landed on his back, choking and groaning with pain.

About the Author:

Award-winning author James Peyton’s intriguing settings and memorable characters in his thrillers come from his years of international work and travel. The first two editions of his four-part thriller Artemas Salcido series are now available on Amazon; Legacy of Evil and Terror Crossing, to be followed by La Buchona and Not For Sale. Peyton’s stand-alone adventure thriller, The Royal Fifth, was released in 2022. James has had five acclaimed books published on Mexican cooking, history, and culture. Peyton's writing reflects a depth of understanding and a unique perspective that sets his work apart.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/216986.James_W_Peyton
http://www.jameswpeyton.com/

Buy the book for only $0.99.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Evil-James-Peyton-ebook/dp/B0CMK71YNM

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VBT - The Order of the Banshee by Robyn Singer

It's a tour and there are prizes to be won. This week I'm featuring The Order of the Banshee by Robyn Singer. There's even an interview! Keep reading because I mentioned prizes. What's up for grabs? Robyn Singer will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN 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/2023/09/vbt-order-of-banshee-by-robyn-singer.html

The Order of the Banshee
by Robyn Singer

It’s been five years since Yael and Molina reunited. Yael is one of the richest and most infamous thieves in the universe and a member of the Order of the Banshee. She is rising through the ranks of the elite organization with her wife and her ride-or-die best friends, Aarif and P’Ken, at her side, and she’s even running her own school for thieves. Molina, former captain in the universe’s premiere peacekeeping organization, the Sunrisers, is happily married to Yael and tells herself that’s enough.

Their seemingly perfect lives are interrupted when they receive news of the death of Molina’s father. When Molina returns home for his funeral, she reunites with her former friend and now enemy: Kaybell, the emperor of the Cykebian Empire. Kaybell, eager to mend the relationship, informs Molina that her father was murdered and offers to help Molina find those responsible and bring them to justice.

While Molina and Kaybell hunt the people responsible for her father’s death, Yael is hunted by an invincible assassin – one with a terrible secret. These two seemingly unrelated events are more connected than Yael or Molina could possibly imagine.


Now for an Excerpt:


Yael was never peaceful in her sleep. Sometimes it was adorable, as she’d blurt out lines from her ridiculous dreams and punch and kick the air. Other times it was annoying as Hell, as she’d sleepwalk, go to the fridge, and stuff food in my mouth. And usually it was weird food she and Aarif liked that I wouldn’t normally touch. But sometimes, it wasn’t adorable or annoying. Sometimes it was scary.


“Ahh!” Yael shrieked, shaking her knees. “Ahhh!”


“Yael, baby, wake up,” I said, getting on top of her and resting my hands on her face. “Wake up!”


Yael’s eyes jolted open and she tried to throw me off her. That had happened a few times before, but I’d learned how to grab onto her so I stayed in place. As Yael panted, she wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed me like one of the stuffed animals she’d had as a kid.


“It’s okay,” I whispered. “It’s okay. You’re home. You aren’t back there.”


Yael’s warm breath continued to blow against my ear. “It hurts. It shouldn’t, but it does. Every other week…I’m on the Noriker. And every time I close my eyes, I see that bitch.” Yael roared, slamming her fists down on the bed, shaking the entire room. “I could have killed her. Instead, she’s the fucking emperor.”

Now for An Interview: 

1. Describe yourself in three words. 

Ambitious. Creative. Compassionate. 

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

For the series’ main protagonist, master thief Yael Pavnick, I would cast Emmy Rossum. Like Yael, Rossum is Jewish, and she looks a great deal like how I imagine her, they’re both women in their 30s, and Rossum’s performance in Shameless is fantastic. Ideally, I would find a Jewish actress who shares Yael’s Autism and ADHD, but that’s easier said than done. For the secondary protagonist, former soldier, and Yael’s wife, Molina Langstone, I would cast Anya Taylor-Joy. She’d be playing a character notably older than her, but I believe she could pull it off, and perfectly capture the raw struggle Molina goes through in The Order of the Banshee. 

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

My favorite love scene in a movie comes from But I’m a Cheerleader! I’m sapphic and proud, just like the leads of The Order of the Banshee, and But I’m a Cheerleader! is one of the ultimate lesbian classics. The final scene in which Megan and Graham kiss as they drive away from their old, restrictive lives forever is simply beautiful. 

4. What’s your wildest fantasy? 

I’d like to be a successful businesswoman one day. Realistically, I understand this probably tops out potential-wise at an annual six-figure salary. But in my wildest fantasies, I’m the richest and most powerful trans woman in the world, able to do so much good for my community. 

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

Scent. I can barely smell as is ha ha. 

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

Leaving toys out for my brother to trip on. He never learned. 

Quickies: Boxers or Briefs? Panties 

Top or Bottom? Top 

Pajamas or nude? Pajamas 

Hairy chests or smooth? Smooth 

Alpha or Beta? Alpha

About the Author: 

Robyn Singer is a lifelong New Yorker, and since she was a kid playing with her action figures, all she’s wanted to do is tell stories. She went to SUNY Purchase to get a degree in Playwriting & Screenwriting with a minor in Film and has produced several comic books, but she’s always had her eye on becoming a published novelist.


As an Autistic, bisexual trans woman, diversity and inclusion in stories are vitally important to her, and she seeks to represent as many groups as possible in her work. While she wants to show characters of marginalized groups experiencing joy, she also draws inspiration from real-world problems which bother her.

The Sunrisers (Cinnabar Moth Publishing, November 2022) is her debut novel. Order of the Banshee is book in the The Ricochet Trilogy. Robyn was the author in residence for quester 1 of 20222 for Cinnabar Moth Literary Collections. She writes novels and short stories of all genres and for all ages, and she continues to produce comic books. Her ongoing series, Final Gamble, began publication by Band of Bards in 2022.

See her ramble about her passions on Twitter https://twitter.com/emmalsinger

Follow her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmalsinger/

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Blurb Blitz - Once Upon a Christmas Castle by Virginia Barlow

It's a blurb blitz and today I'm featuring Once Upon a Christmas Castle by Virginia Barlow. You'll want to stick around to check out this fantastic book. There are also prizes to be won. Like? Virginia Barlow will be awarding a free copy of Gamble of Hearts 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/2023/10/blurb-blitz-once-upon-christmas-castle.html

Once Upon a Christmas Castle
by Virginia Barlow

Lady Rosalind Chatham journeys with her family to Weston Castle to wed an ancient earl on Christmas day. Yearning for true love, she falls for the duke, her stepfather’s cousin, while preparing for her nuptials.

Lady Rosalind entrances the Duke of Weston. Concerned for her future with the tempestuous earl, he can’t afford to get involved. The fines and scandal will be too great for a man of his wealth and power.
When the truth comes to light, and he almost loses her forever, he finds he cannot afford to give less than his whole heart.

Now for an Excerpt: 

Careful not to make a sound, she sat on the window ledge and slipped her feet out the window. Turning to face the interior of the room, she inched her hips over the window ledge. She slipped on the ice, frozen to the brick outside the window, and slid down faster than she intended, cringing when the silk of her day gown ripped.

Panic gripped her like a cinched corset. She did not fear falling. No. The fine sheen of terror covering her brow appeared out of fear she might wake the earl.

Catching the edge of the brick where she lay against it halfway between her bosom and her waist, she sucked in a deep breath, conscious she must present a sight with her skirts bunched up and wedged between her and the window ledge. Her white pantalets and silk-stockinged legs dangled as she maneuvered her hands so she could drop to the ground. Thank the gods no one wandered the flower gardens beneath her to see her unladylike display.

Her prayer of gratitude stopped dead, and she received the shock of her life when a large pair of hands caught her about the waist!

She froze in terror, not daring to breathe.


“Lady Rosalind, how unexpected of you to drop by like this.” The duke’s deep voice laughed at her as he held her still.


She swallowed her cry of surprise and choked. God, what Cousin Lucius must be thinking about her right now.


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


About the Author:

I have always loved reading romance novels. I used to sneak into my mom’s room as a young girl and read them while she was gone. As I grew older, my reading and tastes expanded to sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy.

I considered becoming an author in my late twenties but as a busy mother with toddlers, I didn’t have the time nor the energy.

Later, in my fifties, I decided to give it a try and have enjoyed every moment of it since. I recently signed my fourteenth contract and am doing my happy dance as I type this. My husband of forty-one years is my greatest support as are all my kids. Most of them are grown and carving out lives for themselves. They are the beat of my heart and with every grandchild, the rhythm gets stronger. I enjoy every moment of my life.


Social Media Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/virginiabar1031
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiasromancenook/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3046288755596817
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virginiasromancenook
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGFHEfWqTshpYrUvlwbQhQ
Website: https://www.virginia-barlow.com

Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Christmas-Castle-Virginia-Barlow/dp/1509250379/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-upon-a-christmas-castle-virginia-barlow/1144009112?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198193906-once-upon-a-christmas-castle
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/books/once-upon-a-christmas-castle-christmas-in-the-castle-by-virginia-barlow

 

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Book Blast - Outsider by Monica Buchanan

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Monica Buchanan will be awarding a $10 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.

Monica Buchanan grew up in Jamaica. She revisits her lived experiences of abuse and neglect in early childhood and her younger adult years. Buchanan takes the reader on a palatable path that allows for reflection on one's own life. She writes about her survival journey, while looking through descriptive lens, she carefully details how exposure to early childhood abuse and neglect within her family helped form patterns, influenced choices, and shaped decisions in her adulthood.

By chronicling familial stories, the roles of parents, siblings, and community, she employs a story-telling and meaning-making approach, that is both painful and entertaining. Even though as a young child I was told I was the problem, I knew intuitively that I did not cause all my problems. I now know that what happened to me within the context of familial (and other) relationships had a name--emotional abuse and neglect.

Growing up I wished there were more people and resources that could help me make sense of my life as I struggled with low self-esteem, insecurities, felt lost, craved attention, and an overall sense of not belonging--I felt like an outsider and desperately wanted to be on the inside.

Buchanan reaffirms that: childhood experiences of abuse and neglect does not mean one has a commutable life sentence of pain and suffering. It does not matter where you are on your healing journey, you can set that stuff aside and reclaim your life. This book is for anyone who grew up in a toxic, abusive, and unhealthy home environment where they felt like they did not belong within the family unit. It is also a book about making changes, forgiveness, and letting go.

Read an Excerpt

Emotional Abuse and Neglect

 

Experience has taught us that we have only one enduring

weapon in our struggle against mental illness: the emotional

discovery and emotional acceptance of the truth in the

individual and unique history of our childhood.

Alice Miller

Impact of Early Childhood Emotional Abuse and Neglect

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. I do not know when or where I first heard this saying, but these days my life is lemons. Not the ripe, luscious, bright yellow lemons we often notice in the grocery store from afar, but sour, bitter, bad tasting ones—a whole lot of them—and there is no sugar to sweeten the lemonade I am making, so I just must swallow the bad tasting, intolerable concoction. I took the childhood garbage I ingested into adulthood. When and where did I learn to swallow this stuff and keep it down? I did not learn it as an adult; I learnt this behavior as a small, innocent, and unsuspecting child.

For many of us, the traumas and dramas of our early childhood experiences have turned us into survivors. MerriamWebster says a survivor is “A person who continues to live after an accident, illness, war, etc.” A more specific definition is “Someone who can keep living or succeeding despite a lot of problems.” The second definition certainly applies to me (and most other survivors of childhood abuse and neglect). Those earlier events have altered our psychological and emotional state in adulthood. We grow up to be adult-children who are not fully “alive” but rather, we endure an existence where we appear to be living a full life but are just getting by; we are surviving.

About the Author:

MONICA BUCHANAN has a PhD in psychology, as well as a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies. Buchanan is semi-retired, after a long and rewarding career in counseling, psychotherapy, and coaching, she now follows her passion and live a purposeful lifestyle. She continues to be enthusiastic and committed to development of strength-based community resources for adults and youths from marginalized and under-served communities, thus she remains an active volunteer. She focuses on mindfulness and relaxation and loves to read, write, garden, and take long meditative walks.

Website: https://www.monicabuchanan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_monicab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmonicabuchanan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonicabuchanan
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheDrBuchanan

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VBT - High Point by Susan Zoe Bella

It's a blog tour and this time it's for High Point by Susan Zoe Bella. You'll want to stick around for the prizes. Yeah? Prizes! Like? Susan Zoe Bella will be awarding a $20 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/2023/09/vbt-high-point-by-susan-zoe-bella.html  

                                                  

High Point

by Susan Zoe Bella

It’s only rock and roll but I hate it. Groupies, parties, a cheating ex, and a dark night spawned a wake-up call. I’d shifted my focus to work and avoiding social media. Singing lead for a famous band had become nothing more than a steppingstone to my true dream of racing Pro Motocross. I hadn’t dated in years. Then ‘she’ showed up and everything in me longed to be with her. I was stoked she’d agreed to join me at High Point Raceway for the weekend, even if it meant putting up with Mack. Better still, Mia wasn’t a groupie, not even close. She wasn’t even a fan of our music. If love at first sight had a name, it would be Mia Fringe and I had to make her mine. ~ Jett

I’d seen him in passing over the years. He was the neighbor of my best friend. But we’d never officially been introduced until the night Mackie badgered me into meeting him after attending his band’s concert. I tried not to look awestruck, stunned that someone this gorgeous had been within my scope for years but had not caught my attention. He had success written all over him. Girls like me didn’t end up with guys like him. Recently unemployed, still living on the family farm, and recovering from a nervous breakdown, I was a mess. But Jett saw something in me that nobody else ever had…worth. ~ Mia

Action, drama, and chaos kick off right from the start at High Point Raceway when Mackie has second thoughts about playing matchmaker between Mia and Jett. However, when the week of bliss comes to an end, Mia is heartbroken and confused as to why Jett doesn’t keep his promise. She accepts a job as a reporter three thousand miles away to escape the pain.

Ten years later, Mia and Jett cross paths in the most startling way. She’s about to discover the truth of what really happened so long ago. Will she be able to trust Jett again when he pleads for a second chance? Can love and forgiveness conquer a decade of hurt? It all goes down in the dirt during the last race of the season.

Now for an Excerpt: 

A shadow of disappointment prowled through my mind. He’d slammed on the brakes. I could’ve taken it as rejection. But he was no fool. He was bound to uncover the truth before giving too much of himself.

“We forgot to bring lunch,” I pointed out as we entered the cave.

“Oh yeah. I had other things on my mind. Maybe we’ll find some berries.”

“In May?” I giggled. “For that matter, why not root around in logs for honeycombs.”

He laughed. “We could do that.” Then he dipped his brows in a comical expression and said in a deep voice, “I’ll fight off the bears for you, my love.”

Love? He dropped the L-word? I stared at him. Was it a slip? Or a mere casual expression? After all, Europeans used it very casually. My thoughts went into overdrive. I hated when that happened.

“Let’s explore. Maybe the natives left behind some jerky,” he teased with a grin.

“The eternal optimist,” I countered. “I love it.”

We wandered deeper into the cave between moss-covered slate walls. Water trickled down the sides. The cave smelled musty. Something skittered across the rocky floor. I screamed and leaped sideways. 

“There are creepy crawlies in here!”

“I saw that,” he said. “No worries. They’re more afraid of us than we are of them.”

“Uh…speak for yourself.” I shrieked again. “Jett!” I had jumped onto a ledge a foot above ground and clung to the wall. “I’m not this much country. Can we go please?”

“Okay, doll.” He smiled apologetically. “There’s nothing to see in here anyway. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

Something sticky brushed my face. I swatted frantically but seemingly had entangled myself in a web. The more panicked I became the worse things got. My flailing arms gathered more webbing. I slipped off the ledge in all my thrashing about and tumbled to the ground, scraping my arms and legs on the way down.

“Mia!” He caught my arms. “Stop. Baby, stop moving!”

“Oh no…” I whimpered. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” he replied calmly but apprehension snuck into his voice. “Just stay very, very still, doll.”

“Omigosh,” I cried.

He snapped a twig from a branch sticking out of the wall and in my peripheral vision his arm moved painstakingly slowly. I held my breath and didn’t dare twitch. A couple of agonizing minutes later, he tossed the stick aside then swept me into his arms.

“We should get the hell out of here,” he muttered.

I clung to him. “What was it?”

“You don’t wanna know.”

“Ew. Ew. Did it bite me? Am I okay?”

“Sshh, you’re safe now. It never touched your skin. It saw all that beautiful blonde hair and thought, hm, a perfect place to spell out the word radiant.”

“Omigosh. It was one of those…I can’t even say it. Ew. Ew. Get me out of here.”

He broke into a run with me in his arms. I didn’t take a full breath until we exited the cave.

“I need another bath.” I continued frenetically brushing my arms and head, still in panic mode. 

We made our way back to the waterhole and I didn’t hesitate to strip down and dive in. I submerged myself, scrubbing my face and hair furiously. He dove in with me. When I finally calmed down, convinced I’d rid myself of anything that’d hitched a ride, I relaxed and casually swam around.

“Seems I’ve discovered your one fear,” he said upon swimming over to me. “You don’t like bugs.”

“No. I don’t. Especially the kind that makes webs.” I shivered at the thought.

“I’m really sorry.” He began to laugh. “I had no idea. I don’t mean to laugh. Honest. I’m not mocking you. But you were a sight back there.”

“Ha-ha.” I scowled. “Why’d you sound so urgent when telling me to stop moving?”

“I didn’t want it to bite you. Those things typically aren’t aggressive unless they feel threatened. And you, my dear, were definitely in a frenzy.”

“Now I’m cold, hungry, and freaked out. I’m never going into a cave again.”

Now for an Interview:

1. Describe yourself in three words. 

Kind, Generous, Driven

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

Mia ~ Annika Noelle

Jett ~ Valerio Logrieco 

Mackie ~ Camryn Grimes

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

Hope and Thomas from Bold and Beautiful, they smoke on screen!

4. What’s your wildest fantasy?

I used to dream about meeting Rick Savage of Def Leppard but now he’s old and ugly. I don’t really have any fantasies anymore. Okay, one, I would love to go back to High Point with my guy and have a do-over, make love all weekend long, camp out, watch the races and eat hot dogs and fries and meet ALL the racers.

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

I’ve already lost most of my hearing so prefer not to answer this one. I have a service dog.

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

Tied my neighbors house shut while they were at church. I took the ball of string and wound it through their trees, door handles, and around and around the house until the string was used up. I also pulled up her tulips, cut the bulbs off and stuck the flowers back in the ground. They were angry!

Quickies:

Boxers or Briefs? Nike briefs!

Top or Bottom? Top, love a man with nice chest, abs and arms.

Pajamas or nude? Nude, a man in pajamas isn’t appealing

Hairy chests or smooth? Smooth, definitely. No hairs!

Alpha or Beta? Both, role switching is a nice balance

About the Author:

"I am a fan of happily ever after. My novels are too!"

Susan Zoe enjoys creating contemporary, paranormal, fantasy and romantic suspense stories with a gritty flair. Her stories are her own, and she typically writes outside the box. She’s always been a leader not a follower. Writing is her mental filter and how she processes the world around her, a fictional place where she can control the outcome at her comfort level with justice and happy endings. Her imagination is her greatest strength as it carries her away from daily stress.

 

As a survivor of hardship and chronic disease, she takes one day at a time and treasures the simple things in life. Susan Zoe is a Christian, loves animals, and practices being kind and generous every day. When not immersed in new stories, she enjoys watching movies, Motocross and Supercross, playing Yahtzee with her fiancé, and hanging out with her loyal 24/7 companion and trained service dog. She’s not a fan of sitcoms as they don’t offer enough mental stimulation. Losing herself in an intense story gives her brain the workout it needs to manage OCD, anxiety, depression, and stress.

 

Her achievements thus far include The Golden Wings Award for her debut novel The Satellite, the UK Nobel Pin and Editor’s Choice Award for her poem The Lonely Man, numerous 5 Star Reviews from Fallen Angels Reviews, Coffee Time Romance, InD’tale Magazine, Goodreads and more for current and retired novels. She was also a RONE Awards Finalist in 2017.

She loves to hear from readers and chat!

 

In her words, “Writing is the only time I’m truly free.” She’s happiest when her intriguing characters come to life and steal her away into their worlds where anything is possible.

Website: http://www.susanzoebella.com 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSusanZoe 

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorsusanzoe

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/3k6n8K 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9XNS82K 

Barnes & Noble/Print and eBook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high-point-susan-zoe-bella/1143732985?ean=9798223585893 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1417168 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/high-point-1 

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/high-point/id6450857036 

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