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Jane Austen Lied to Me by Jeanette Watts Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway

12/28/2017

Humor / Satire

Date Published: September 2017

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What college girl doesn’t dream of meeting Mr. Darcy? Lizzie was certainly no exception. But when Darcy Fitzwilliam comes into her life, he turns out to be every bit as aggravating as Elizabeth Bennett’s Fitzwilliam Darcy. So what’s a modern girl to do?

Jeanette Watts’ satire pokes loving fun at Jane and all of us who worship the characters who shall forever be our romantic ideals.

About the Author

Jeanette Watts had been writing historic fiction when the inspiration for Jane Austen Lied to Me hit her on the drive home from the Jane Austen Festival. The idea was simply irresistible, and she put aside other writing projects in order to focus on writing a satire, thinking it would be a "mental vacation." It turned out to take every bit as much research to write a modern story as it does to write a historical one.

She has written television commercials, marketing newspapers, stage melodramas, four screenplays, three novels, and a textbook on waltzing. When she isn’t writing, she teaches social ballroom dances, refinishes various parts of her house, and sews historical costumes. She has just relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina and is loving her new home town.

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The Demeter Initiative by Cory Piette Blog Tour & eBook Giveaway

12/27/2017

About the Book

TITLE: The Demeter Initiative
RELEASE DATE: July 15, 2017
AUTHOR: Cory Piette
PAGE COUNT: 320
ISBN: 978-1548804633
IMPRINT: Black Hawk
CATEGORIES: Thriller/Detective/Suspense
SYNOPSIS: Christian Michaels is a talented yet jaded Baltimore city detective. His indifference towards his job, disdain for his colleagues, and general unreliability over the prior year have both alienated him from fellow officers at the precinct and garnered the wrath of his abrasive and hard-headed captain. Unaware of the circumstances surrounding Christian's odd behavior, the captain has generally dismissed Christian as a liability, assigning him to low-level cases and preventing the detective from contributing to meaningful investigations.

One morning, Sergeant James Davis, Christian’s last remaining ally, is ordered to escort Christian to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where the two officers are assigned to investigate what their captain believes to be an otherwise benign and dead-end burglary on a research laboratory floor. Christian discovers quickly that the break-in is anything but a minor routine annoyance, and he finds himself involved in a murder, kidnapping, and potential global conspiracy of the highest order - one that threatens the lives of everyone around him.

Going against his captain’s orders to drop the case, and with only James and a Johns Hopkins research scientist as his support, Christian sets out to discover the truth, requiring him to put aside his apathetic nature and cold personality, and to revisit a previously unsolved case from a year earlier.

BOOK PAGE: http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/thedemeterinitiative.html

About the Author

Cory J. Piette graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Biomedical Engineering, and is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Penn State University. Cory has spent the majority of his post-college career working in the financial industry, primarily in fixed income and derivative securities. Originally from the Baltimore area, Cory combined his experiences in biotechnology, finance, and the city of Baltimore to generate the idea for his first novel, The Demeter Initiative, which is the first book in the Demeter Trilogy.

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07474XG4W

AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07474XG4W

AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07474XG4W

BARNES & NOBLE:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-demeter-initiative-cory-piette/1126858046?ean=9781548804633

The Demeter Initiative eBook Giveaway
Open Worldwide - 5 Winners!

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Sketched by E.M. Townsend Book Blitz

12/23/2017

Thriller

Date Published: November 2017

Fledgling police sketch artist Piper Cooke has always been different.

Gifted with second sight, but cursed with a life of tragedy, she has survived the feral streets of Dixon and has triumphed over her troubled upbringing. Piper faces her biggest challenge yet, however, when her visions compel her to disobey police orders and send her right into the wicked grasp of a madman.

Her life should've ended back in the blood soaked suburban basement, but it didn't. Instead, the brutal trauma that should've been the end of her only makes her unique abilities stronger.

Years after her escape, a series of hideous visions force Piper out of hiding and back into the city that almost destroyed her years ago. Plagued by premonitions of doom, she finds herself compelled to track down Dixon's most twisted serial killer yet.

Follow Piper through a horrifically unsettling labyrinth of family secrets, corruption and the sickening workings of humanity’s darkest minds.

Excerpt

Chapter One

July 23rd 2012 12:35 pm

Dixon City - Suburbs

She had given up on the hope of surviving this.

Perhaps it was hours ago that the switch had been flicked in her brain, but it could have been minutes. It could’ve been days. Anything remaining of Megan’s sanity, that rational part of her that had the ability to form coherent thoughts had dissolved as quickly and completely as a sugar cube in a cup of scalding tea.

The only thing she knew now for sure was pain. It had taken over her mind, hand in hand with a kind of fear that she couldn’t have possibly comprehended before. It was a combination that no one survives to talk about.

Her world had been reduced to the basement she was being held in.

Beth.

She had assured Megan that the dealer was legitimate. The house had seemed safe enough. Nevertheless, a nervousness had blossomed the moment they stepped off the bus, and it had continued to grow in her stomach with every step the two of them had taken to the address Beth’s new online ‘friend’ had given her.

“C’mon Megan. Don’t be a chicken shit,” Beth had scowled.

Beth was scary when she was mad.

She always had been. Her narrow eyes and wiry red hair gave her an off-putting look that she’d used to her advantage since childhood. Beth had practically dragged Megan up the cracked concrete path that led to the house, her freckled arms so much more powerful.

There had been a dog barking in the background, she could remember that much. For some reason, its yapping had sent warning signals off all through her body, only increasing the tension that was building steadily inside her.

Megan had known that they were risking it by skipping school to buy drugs in the worst part of town. She’d seen enough horror movies to know that this was how all immoral teenage girls were punished. Instead of knocking on the door of a drug house, she should’ve been in first-period biology. But she wasn’t.

She hadn’t wanted to be chicken shit.

Megan blinked at the paneling and matted green carpet that decorated her prison. Beth had escaped. Of course she had, she had always been the stronger one. Thick boned and fearless like some kind of suburban Viking.

It hadn’t come as a shock at all when, through eyes clouded with tears, she saw Beth begin to successfully loosen her wrist bonds. Her skin had torn from the rope, and the blood that coated her hands like red satin gloves eventually helped her to slide free.

Beth hadn’t looked back at her when she slipped through the basement window. Her face had been so transformed with fear and outright panic that she looked more like a wild animal than a human.

It had been when Megan helplessly watched the soles of Beth’s sneakers disappearing through the casement window that the rational part of her mind had broken.

Two girls never escaped. There was always one left behind.

There was always one set of parents collapsing with grief in the background while the survivor’s family turned their elated smiles to the news cameras.

Megan Coogan, who had willingly allowed Beth to cheat off her in school almost daily. Megan Coogan, who had lied to Beth’s parents so that their daughter could make out with some nameless boy in the dusty corner of a playground.

That Beth would carry on, finish school, get married, get a job, maybe even have kids.

Megan Coogan would never leave this basement.

The sound of footsteps on the creaking stairs sent a surge of adrenaline through Megan’s system, drowning out her thoughts and causing her limbs to go rigid. Breathing heavily, she listened to the wood groan as he moved slowly down the steps, as if deep in thought.

The door opened carefully, and he stepped in the room.

About the Author

E.M. Townsend is an incredibly talented writer who hails from the Great White North. This amazing wordsmith crafts intricate tales of horror and suspense that will keep you up at night. S. Prescott Thrillers has named E.M. Townsend as one of the hottest new novelists in the genre.

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Outsource by Douglas G. Hearle Blog Tour & Giveaway

12/22/2017

About the Book

TITLE: Outsource
RELEASE DATE: August 2017
AUTHOR: D. Hearle
PAGE COUNT: 164
ISBN: 978-1974107827
IMPRINT: FoxBeck
CATEGORIES: Historical/Action & Adventure/Crime
SYNOPSIS: Outsource is set in the 1980s and involves a New York businessman who is recruited by the CIA. It describes the accidental discovery of a plot to kill a world leader and its connection to Wall Street activities. The story takes the reader on a whirlwind global tour from Yonkers to London; from Geneva to Jakarta, delivering several murders and intrigues along the way.

BOOK PAGE:
http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/outsource.html

About the Author

Doug Hearle is a native New Yorker.
Born in the Bronx, the son of a New York policeman, he attended Iona College in New Rochelle, a city just north of the Bronx border. After graduating, he spent two years in the US Navy Destroyer Force in the Arctic.

Upon his return, he got a job as a reporter on the NY Journal-American, then the largest evening newspaper in the country. In ten years he was Night City Editor.

He entered the Public Relations field in the early 1960s and spent the next three decades as a consultant. His specialty was crisis communications and he became internationally recognized as expert on the subject. He advised global corporations, foreign governments and even the Olympics.

He was often called in by law firms to help achieve balance in media coverage of high visibility cases such as the Helmsley indictments, the Virginia Military Institute litigation with the Justice Department over its admissions policy, the boycott of the Masters Tournament at the Augusta Golf Club and the US government’s attempt to ban saccharin.

With an MBA degree in Organizational Behavior, Hearle has been a member of the Board of Visitors of New York University’s School of Journalism and an adjunct professor at Iona College and the College of New Rochelle. He has been a Distinguished Lecturer at Fordham University, the University of Texas, Ball State University and the University of Jakarta in Indonesia.

He is the author of many articles on crisis preparedness. Hearle was elected an “ALL STAR” by the editors and readers of INSIDE PUBLIC RELATIONS magazine which honored his “long and distinguished career in Crisis Communications.” His biography appears in both WHO’S WHO IN AMERICA and WHO’S WHO IN THE WORLD.

Now retired, he and his wife, Mary, live in Westchester County, where he continues to lecture and write.

PURCHASE LINKS:
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HRRVCR
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074HRRVCR
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B074HRRVCR
BARNES & NOBLE:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outsource-d-hearle/1126909974?ean=9781974107827

Outsource eBook Giveaway
5 Winners - Open Worldwide

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Sorcerers' Dynasty by Stephen Perkins Book Blitz

12/22/2017

Sci-fi Fantasy

Date Published: October 2017

An epic struggle to claim eternity.

Since time immemorial the world has been a theater of illusion...

Ruled by a Sorcerers' Dynasty.

Beyond the arctic wall of ice lies a new and unknown world. One man plans to sacrifice the known world and everything in it to gain immortality in paradise. The world is filled with lies and liars and America's most controversial alternative media journalist Dan Sheraton wants to find out why. Strange things have been seen out in the New Mexico desert, and when an even stranger phone call leads him on a dangerous adventure to a mysterious destination, Sheraton discovers earth shattering epiphanies. When an insidious plot hatched by a shadowy global corporation threatens the survival of mankind the most unlikely hero emerges.

Excerpt

Introduction:

September2001, D.A.R.C. facility (Center for advanced research and development) deep beneath the arctic ice rim

The new age of darkness was about to fall. It was the epoch of nightmares, demons, and hateful spirits, hatched out from the foul womb of mankind’s subconscious.

And yet, there was nothing new except what had been forgotten. Since time immemorial, the world had always been merely a theater of illusion, albeit a very persistent one, ruled by a sorcerers’ dynasty.

A long shadow slowly crept from a dark corner of the laboratory and into the spangled light. From between the array of shiny consoles and computer monitors blinking gold, green, and blue, Dr. Nathaniel Martin proudly gazed upon his twin creations.

More than any of his inventions over the long centuries, of these he was most proud. Though patents for his most brilliant creations had been filed under the property of his benefactor, Serenity Corporation, the sensory thrill derived from the sheer act of creation, and the idealistic notion merely one of his inventions may benefit mankind, had sufficed and sustained him. For, what were material wealth, comfort, and fleeting fame, Martin pondered, next to the higher considerations of advancing the interests of his fellow man?

Among his other ground-breaking inventions, he pondered the significance of one of his other great discoveries, the secret to human immortality. Would that his desire to share it with the world at large came to bear, Martin thought, but for the iron hand of his benefactor, Serenity Corporation. Though Serenity represented his master, Martin contemplated, throughout the centuries, it had shown itself to be unprincipled, ungrateful, and selfish, believing in nothing save its own material enrichment.

In cool deliberation, he stroked the silvered strands of his well-trimmed beard. Stepping from out of the shadows, he arched his skeleton thin frame over the glass canopy. They were as much symbolic as material flesh, he thought, one black, the other white, representing mankind’s inherent duality. Now, his decades of painstaking research into the creation of sentient life had at last come to triumphant fruition. The doctor glanced at a young laboratory technician standing nearby, tapping figures onto the screen of a digital tablet.

“Congratulations Doctor,” the young colleague said. “Your advanced gene editing process created the first trans-human sentient beings. But now, you’ve successfully drawn the roadmap to mankind’s evolutionary future.”

A proud smile drew across the doctor’s countenance. Owl large brown eyes twinkled beneath gold rimmed spectacles. “I believe you are correct,” Martin replied in a profound whisper. “Indeed, both specimens represent the next evolutionary step for mankind. They shall be placed with carefully vetted and deserving families,” Martin said. “Public records will be made to look legitimate. It will appear as if they were adopted. They shall be attended only by authorized technicians posing as family physicians. They shall appear human, their lives playing out normally. No one, shall suspect anything amiss.”

Setting down the tablet, the technician drew closer to Martin.

“It shall be intriguing to observe how varying environments shall influence social development and assimilation, doctor.”

Martin’s slender fingers floated over the canopied glass like wild birds. His active mind churned with grand speculation.

“Yes, this experiment presents a unique opportunity,” Martin agreed. “After reincarnating, with no memory of their past lives, the fundamental and hypothetical question of the ages shall be determined. Which factor ultimately determines human development, is it nature, or nurture?”

Ruminating deeply, he wondered if making his private deal with the Archons, would, in the end, be worth it. Had he made a mistake? Would having agreed to resurrect the ancient spirits, bring about unforeseen, even disastrous consequences?

“I wonder which shall ultimately prevail to inherit the garden of Eden,” Doctor Martin speculated.

“Will it be good, or evil?”

A sly smile drew across Martin’s haggard but handsome features. No one, he was quite certain, not even Serenity Corporation, or the Archon spirits, possessed knowledge there was yet another sarcophagus secretly buried within the Arctic ice.

Momentarily silent, Martin grew enamored with the vivid implications of his own speculative thought.

“Imagine, if my own spirit, in combination with those of the four Archons, were to inhabit one immortal trans-human machine, shall I, have become God?”

About the Author

In just his first year as an independent author, Massachusetts native Stephen Perkins' thrilling, entertaining, and thought provoking novels Raging Falcon, American Siren, Escape to Death and now the dark supernatural thriller Sorcerers' Dynasty have fast gained a loyal and rabid audience. While enjoying the books, be sure to check out Newsspellcom.org for a unique perspective on the news of the world one shall not surely discover anywhere else! Or, stop by for a visit on Twitter

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Sebastian by Elizabeth Johnson Book Blitz

12/21/2017

Romance, Women’s Fiction

Date Published: April 2016

Publisher: Aldage Books Publishing

Sebastian was turned into a vampire on his eighteenth birthday by his mother, whom he thought had died ten years earlier. His mother teaches him how to live amongst humans without spilling human blood. Almost two centuries later, his mother is killed and he blames humans. After a year of brutally killing humans to exact vengeance, he comes upon the young child of a woman he just killed. He can't bring himself to hurt the girl, so he names her Hanna after his mother, and finds a family to raise her. He anonymously provides for her, making sure her new parents have all the money they need to ensure she has a good life. Sebastian disappears from Hanna's life to better himself for all the killings he has committed. Although Hanna is out of his life, Sebastian can't get her out of his head, and believes his love for her is like a father. He reappears in her life seventeen years later to see how she is faring, only to see that Hanna has grown into a beautiful woman. He falls in love with her all over again, but this time as a lover. He plans an "accidental" meeting, which does not go well. Before Sebastian leaves Hanna once again, he learns that vampires and wolves are after her. Now it is up to Sebastian to secretly guard Hanna's life.

Other Books in the Sebastian Series:

Sebastian 2: Dark Times Arising

Publisher: Aldage Books Publishing

He lifted his hands to wipe the tears, and as his hands moved from her cheek to the corner of her lips, he longed to kiss her.

Hanna could tell what was on his mind and for a mad second, she also wanted to kiss him; she wanted to understand why she was suddenly attracted to him. For a second they stared at each other and then their lips met and moved against each other with want. The kiss was all that Hector had dreamed that it would be; he felt alive; with his eyes closed, his head was spinning with desire, and he pulled her closer to him as if his life depended on it.

For Hanna, it was nice; at first it made her stop hurting inside, but something felt wrong and different in her head; it was not like she had felt with Sebastian; then the thought of Sebastian jolted her brain and she pulled away at once.

While Hanna and Sebastian embark on dealing with the pain of their separation from each other, Hanna continues to gain more enemies all hungry for her powers. With all the wars raging, Sebastian finds it hard to walk away even though Hanna made it clear she didn’t need him. But later, Hanna discovers a revelation about someone, news that may help heal their sufferings but would it be enough or is it too little too late for their love …

Sebastian 3: CONQUEST OF POWER

Publisher: Aldage Books Publishing

Sebastian's eyes close as he tries to welcome the inevitable, but then she speaks again and this time, she calls him "S." In his weakened state, excitement surges through him; Sebastian wonders if he is hallucinating again. He knows troubled minds conceive desperate ideas that bring about all sorts of imaginations, and he is sure that he is hearing things that aren't real. "S, can you hear me?" Hanna pleads.

Mason Benedict continues his quest to resurrect his wife, Annemarie, and to gain the gift of light that enables vampires to exist in daylight and walk under the sun. His fame grows and many vampires join his army at the prospect of becoming day walkers. For this to happen, Hanna's blood and powers must be siphoned. Sebastian and Hanna must be found; imminent war is brewing. Hanna finds that she must also defend against the malicious Hilda Denali of the wolf tribe. Hilda blames Hanna for the curse on her tribe; her mission is simply to kill Hanna and cleans the wolf curse. Although Sebastian and Hanna are united again, there is a third wheel in their union, Hector, who has decided that Sebastian must die, but will his plans work? Sebastian and Hanna must decide whether to fight for their freedom or to run.

Conquest of Power is the much anticipated third book in Elizabeth Johnson's captivating Sebastian vampire romance saga.

Excerpt

Chapter 12

I got back home just before dawn. I was caught between the excitement of meeting her again and the way I had left things with her. My body tingled all through the day. I could not rest. I could not get her out of my head or control how happy I was inside. I watched the clock, impatiently waiting for the time to fly, by but it crawled along. I silently wished I had the power to walk in the sun, just to see her reflection. Her face and her scent consumed me all day long. It felt like torture having to wait for the sun to go down. I knew I should rest, but it was impossible to do so. How could I sleep when I was already dreaming of her? I replayed our conversations repeatedly in my head, and my body melted at the thought of being with her again.

At last, it was safe to go out. Looking my best, I drove to the art and music centre. I wanted to get there before she did, just to watch her arrive. I impatiently sat in my car and waited until she arrived. She pulled in driving her Toyota Corolla and got out of the car. I saw her looking around as if searching for someone. I wondered if she was looking for me. As usual, she looked breath-taking. I opened the car door to get out and cautioned myself not to make any fast moves in my attempt to get to her. I looked up at her again to see where she was. Someone was with her. I could tell who it was by the awful smell that greeted my nostrils. I became annoyed at myself for not getting out of the car sooner and angry at him for being here. I was not aware that he took lessons here too, although I am not surprised, seeing as he follows her about like a pet dog.

I followed behind them, walking at a slower pace and listening to their conversation. He bored me with his silly talk, and I just wished he would go away so I could have a moment with her. Not knowing what to do with myself now that her attention was elsewhere, I quickly walked past them, pretending that I had not seen them. Disappointed that she did not notice me, I carefully opened the front door to go inside not wanting to repeat the disaster from before. Then she called out. “Hi!” she said.

I looked back to see who she was greeting and saw her eyes on me. “Oh, it’s you again.” I pretended as though I was just seeing her for the first time today.

“Yes, it’s me. Were you expecting someone else?” she joked.

I smiled; glad I had her attention at last. “No, not really,” I said, and she smiled back. I tried not to look at the boy next to her. Although I could not overlook the stench oozing from him, I did not want to look at him unless I really had to.

“Oh, how silly of me. You two haven’t met, have you? This is my friend, Huritt Denali, and this is—” I did not take my eyes off her as she tried to introduce us. “Sorry, I don’t even know your name,” she said.

“Sebastian,” I responded.

“Sebastian,” she repeated slowly. I loved the way she said my name. “What a lovely name you have.” She smiled. “Er—Huritt, meet Sebastian.”

I looked in his direction just for a second and greeted him with a nod of the head out of courtesy to her. His hands were already stretched forward for a handshake, but I ignored them. I could see the anger in his eyes, although I think he tried to control it for her sake. I refused to let him distract me and focused my attention on Hanna, who seemed as excited to see me as I was to see her.

“I looked around for you earlier,” she said.

“Did you now?” I asked, secretly happy that it was me she was scanning around for earlier.

She smiled and turned to Huritt. “Huritt, I will see you around later, okay? I want to have a chat with Sebastian.” I looked over at him just to see his reaction because I knew he would be fuming inside, and I was right. His eyes were like thunder, and I enjoyed his little expression of detest or anger or whatever it was he was trying to express. It didn’t bother me one bit. I still had not found out what he was, but I hoped for his own sake that he was not what I suspected him to be. Glad that he was gone, I now had Hanna’s full attention. She was looking at me.

“I didn’t think you would come,” she said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“It’s nothing, just that I got the feeling I upset you yesterday with something I said.”

“And I told you that you didn’t say anything out of place. I’m sorry for my behaviour yesterday. It was uncalled for. It’s just—I get like that when the subject of my mother is raised.”

“I promise not to talk about her again,” she said. I smiled. It felt amazing standing here talking with her. I have never felt like this with anyone.

“Thank you. That’s very polite of you.” She brushed her hair away from her face—I like it when she does that.

“So, what do we talk about then?” she asked.

“Anything you like,” I replied.

“Are you sure? You would let me know if there was something you aren’t comfortable with? I mean, sometimes I just ramble on, you know, without thinking.”

“Don’t worry about it. I am a good listener, and I have all the time in the world to listen to you ramble.” We both laughed.

“You see yourself as a gentleman, don’t you? I mean, for a teenager like myself, you are quite something.”

“I try my dandiest to always be on my best behaviour,” I replied and quickly added, “but by all means, let me know if you prefer the bad-boy image. It may surprise you what I can become in a short space of time.”

“No this will do just fine,” she replied. I noticed her blushing, and I was glad that it had something to do with me. Then she said, “Why do I feel like there is something mysterious about you, like something you are not telling me. I don’t know, I just get this feeling like—”

“Like what?” I asked.

She paused and looked at me. “I don’t know what it is, but there is something about you, and I just—I just want to know you more. I kind of want to spend more time with you. I’m sorry, I am doing it again. We just met, and already I am asking you to be generous with your time. I have no right—”

“There is nothing to be sorry for,” I said gently. “I like talking to you,” I reassured her.

“But I’m scaring you off.”

I looked at her and could tell she was genuinely worried. I wanted to put her little heart at peace and made light of her worry. “I’m still here. That should tell you something. Look, I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, but there is nothing I don’t like about you. I promise you, it will take a lot for me to be scared off.” I chuckled, and I could see in her eyes that she was feeling more at ease.

“I’m keeping you from your lesson, aren’t I?”

“No, you are not,” I replied, and she smiled shyly and bit her lower lip. That’s another thing that is beginning to grow on me.

“What are you here for anyway?” she asked.

“Sorry?”

“What lessons did you enrol to take?”

“Oh. Piano lessons.”

“Seriously, I shouldn’t keep you. I’m very good with the keyboard. I am just here to pass time really. I hate being stuck at home doing nothing. You should go before you miss your class altogether.”

“What if I want to stay here with you?” I asked.

“Why would you want to do that?”

“Why? Because I like you, and you’re growing on me,” I said.

“I kind of thought I heard you say that before,” she said.

“No, I did not. Earlier I said that there is nothing I don’t like about you.”

“It’s all the same. And I like that you like me. Isn’t it too soon to tell that you like someone? I mean we just met not too long ago.”

“Maybe. You said you liked me yesterday after only five minutes. I’m allowed to tell you I like you too aren’t I? It doesn’t really make any difference to me the length of time in between. I’ve liked you since I first set eyes on you,” I said.

“Is that true?” she asked. “Even with blood oozing off my face?” I smiled and looked away. I didn’t know what to say to that. I do not like to remember the day I swung the door in her face. “I have said something you don’t like, haven’t I? I can tell. Although you are smiling, your eyes look pained.” I wondered how she could read me so well just by looking at me.

“You’re right. It’s just that I still regret the circumstances in which we met.” She stared at me and was looking into my eyes as if she was searching for something.

“Yeah, but there’s more isn’t there? I can see you’re trying very hard to hide something.”

“Like what?” I was puzzled.

“Oh God, I am doing it again. Sorry. I don’t know why I keep doing this. It’s just that when I’m around you I get this—this feeling, as if I’ve known you—it’s weird. You must excuse me. I’m ruining it all.” She was about to go.

“No, don’t go. I’m—I’m not offended. I meant it when I said I like you, and if it means you are going to act strangely sometimes, I—I don’t mind at all, as long as I get to spend time with you.”

“Really?” she asked shyly.

I nodded and replied, “Yeah, really.”

Then she smiled and looked relieved. “It feels right you know,” she said quietly.

“What feels right?” I asked.

“Being friends with you,” she responded.

I don’t think there is anything about her I can fault. In my mind, it feels like I am drunk, only it isn’t anything like that. I am just so happy to be with her, and I have never felt like this in my life, both, either as a human or a vampire.

For the rest of the evening, we sat outside by her car talking, which she did most of, while I listened. She enjoyed talking, and I, in turn, loved listening to her. She spoke about her childhood. I would ask her a question about when she was younger, and she filled in the rest. I loved it because she told me those things I missed while she was growing up. Every night she told me a different story. We skipped music classes almost every day that we met. She felt guilty all the time because she thought she was depriving me of my lessons. I convinced her that I was old enough to make my own decisions.

After about two weeks of hanging out together every evening, I already knew most of the things about her that I had missed. Occasionally, she would ask me questions about my past, such as wanting to know the kind of childhood I had. I noticed she never mentioned my mother again, and as it was my fault. So I decided to tell her about her. I tried to answer her questions truthfully, telling her the little I remembered about my human life. I told her how I felt when my mother died, and how lonely, depressed, and angry I became. I told her my mother had been killed and was found on the side of the road. I told her that she died when I was just eight years old, which is still very true, considering I was only talking about my human life.

Then she said, “I wonder what I would do if my mother died. I can’t see her dead, you know. I can’t think of it. Thoughts of her dying scare me. If someone were to hurt her, I don’t think I have it in me to forgive such a person.” My mind immediately went to that night I had her birth mother in my hands, and I regretted killing her all over again. This is one secret that can never come out, I thought, or I risk losing her forever. I tried to get the thought out of my head because she usually can tell when I am hiding something.

“I have not seen your friend, er—what is his name again?” I said quickly, changing the subject, not that I cared about him.

“Oh, Huritt? Poor Huritt.”

“Why poor Huritt?” I asked.

“It’s nothing really,” she said.

“No, please tell me. I want to know.”

“Oh, okay. He kind of likes me, I think. Okay, a little more than I think he should, you know. But the thing is, he told me he doesn’t like that I’m friends with you because he and I don’t spend any time together since I became friends with you.”

“Oh, well,” I said in reply.

“Is that all you’re going to say?” she asked.

“What do you want to hear? That I prefer to be in his shoes? Because the answer is I don’t. I love being with you, as long as my presence does not bother you. Does it?”

“No, it doesn’t. I love being with you, too.” She flashed me that smile that I have come to adore. I looked at her and was swelling inside, because of what she just said. She looked away shyly, and I dropped my gaze.

“I feel bad, though,” she added. I looked at her.

“I just chose you over him and am happy about it. It’s selfish of me, don’t you think?”

“Sometimes, we need to do the thing that makes us happy. You can’t please everyone without hurting yourself. Allow yourself to be happy.”

“Wow, he has wisdom as well. You are really something,” she said laughing, and I snickered.

I had to go hunting. This time around, I needed to go far to find a bigger game to feed on if I was to be around her this much. I did not want any temptation. I wanted to start early so I could return before dawn. I had not told her yet that I would be leaving earlier than usual. I wish I didn’t have to leave, but it was important that I feed for both our sakes.

“Hanna,” I called. She turned and looked at me. “I will be leaving early today. I have to go somewhere important.”

“Is it far? Can I come with you?” she asked.

“I wish you could, but you can’t—er—I have to leave now before it gets too late. I’ll see you sooner than you think, though,” I said, annoyed at myself for having to leave her, but it was necessary that I feed. She looked sad that I was leaving.

“Cheer up,” I said. “At least now you get to take those lessons that you tell your parent you come here for.” She laughed, and I was glad she was feeling better.

“Okay. Will I see you tomorrow then?” she asked, still a little disappointed that I was leaving.

“Of course, where else would I be?” I raised my hand to touch her face, feel her warmth, and just reassure her that I would be seeing her soon, but I could not. I did not want to get too close. Reluctantly I pulled it back and put it in my pocket and just walked away.

About the Author

Elizabeth Johnson enjoys books and even loves writing them better. She started to write books at a very young age. The author finds writing very exhilarating and is very passionate about her characters. Some of her plots come from dreams she's had, however, 99% of her stories are pure fiction. She is a hopeless romantic and that reflects in most of her books. She currently lives in London with her family.

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Principal Sam Gets Fit! by Dr. Paul Semendinger Blog Tour, Book Review & Giveaway

12/21/2017

About the Book

TITLE: Principal Sam Gets Fit
RELEASE DATE: July 2017
AUTHOR: Dr. Paul Semendinger
PAGE COUNT: 37
ISBN: 978-0692925492
IMPRINT: Sunquills
CATEGORIES: Picture Book/Children’s Book/Physical Fitness
SYNOPSIS: Principal Sam is at it again! The loveable principal, who often gets confused, ate far too many snacks on Halloween. Principal Sam gained a lot of weight and is not in shape. To fix this, Principal Sam turns to Ms. Tami, the school’s physical education instructor. Ms. Tami invites Principal Sam into her class. Poor Principal Sam begins to mix-up the sports and activities. Once again the children of the school help Principal Sam. They teach him about the sports. All is well until a problem occurs on Field Day… Can the special day be saved?

BOOK PAGE: http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/principalsamgetsfit.html

My Review

Principal Sam Gets Fit is a wonderful picture book about a fun loving principal who needs a little help getting in shape.

Principal Sam eats a too much when he attends the classroom Halloween parties and now he's not feeling very well. He decides to get in shape and enlists the help of the P.E. coach and her class. Principal Sam arrives to class eager to get started only he seems to be a little mixed up about which sport is which. The students patiently teach him about different sports and get ready to practice all they've learned at Field Day. However, disaster strikes and threatens to ruin the fun. Can Principal Sam save the day?

Principal Sam is a quirky character that readers will adore. Children will get a laugh when he shows up with a hockey stick to play baseball and with yogurt on yoga day. The story is entertaining and the illustrations engaging. I highly recommend picking up Principal Sam Gets Fit!

About the Author

Dr. Semendinger has been a passionate child-centered educator for almost 30 years. He first enjoyed a successful career as a middle school history earning numerous awards including “Teacher of the Year” and the prestigious “A+For Kids” grant before moving on to administration. Dr. Semendinger has served as a high school vice principal, a middle school principal, and is currently the principal of the most wonderful elementary school in the whole world!

Dr. Semendinger is also an accomplished writer. His first book of motivational passages, “Impossible is an Illusion” was be released in June 2017 by Ravenswood Publishing. Dr. Semendinger’s first novel, “Scattering the Ashes” will be released in 2018 also from Ravenswood. In addition, Dr. Semendinger writes picture books. His first picture book for children “Principal Sam and the Calendar Confusion” has been released to excellent reviews! The follow-up book in the Principal Sam series, “Principal Sam Gets Fit” will be released in July 2017. Dr. Semendinger’s original and unique history of the New York Yankees “The Least Among Them,” is also currently in editorial review. In additional to his published writing, Dr. Semendinger is a featured writer on the highly successful Yankees blog, “It’s About the Money” which is a member of the ESPN SweetSpot Network. He also frequently publishes on eduTopia and on his highly successful blog.

More than all of this, a family man, Dr. Semendinger enjoys and greatly values the time he can spend as a husband and “Dad” with his wife and three sons. There is nothing he is prouder of than the fact that he is a good dad and husband.

AUTHOR LINKS:
http://www.drpaulsem.com
http://www.twitter.com/DrPaulRSem
http://www.twitter.com/PrincipalSamBks

PURCHASE LINKS:
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0749RWG7C
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0749RWG7C
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0749RWG7C
BARNES & NOBLE:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/principal-sam-gets-fit-dr-paul-semendinger/1126915368?ean=9780692925492

Principal Sam Gets Fit eBook Giveaway
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Where Lives Lead by Gabriele F. Culmer Book Blitz

12/20/2017

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Date Published: September 2017

Where Lives Lead is a contemporary tale of love and sacrifice as different paths attempt to unite.

Mindy and Blaine enjoy a life of marital bliss in upstate New York. The fire is still lit on their marriage as they still experience romantic dates in the Hamptons, however, Mindy realizes that she wants more and that is to start a family.

She manages to chase this desire regardless, while planning a gala with her favorite charity and opening a new design school in New York.

Blaine has many projects on the horizon including the acquisition of a new hotel out west and the family business, but the most important will enable a new cast to arrive in Crystal Shores. He is expanding to the film and entertainment market in addition to his hospitality empire. A venture which requires the expertise of his mother, Harriett, and an avant garde writer, Genevieve, who grasps the essence of the Shores and results in a promising project. Mindy decides to support his dreams with conditions.

Will Blaine find the time to help Mindy realize her dreams now that he is more successful? Or will a move to the west coast delay their plans? Wherever their lives may lead all directions still point to the serenity of his first development and Crystal Shores.

Where Lives Lead is available for purchase in both print and ebook formats.

About the Author

Gabrielle F. Culmer is a lawyer and has received degrees from universities in New York, Chicago and the United Kingdom. She is also the author of four previous novels, including "Arrive by Dusk," and "Restoring Patterns" and two collections of poetry, including, "Glenely Bay and Nostalgia from Paris." In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to Europe and New York, and riding horses.

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The Bermuda Connection: A Nick Randall Novel by Robert Rapoza Blog Tour & Giveaway

12/19/2017

About the Book

TITLE: The Bermuda Connection
RELEASE DATE: July 2017
AUTHOR: Robert Rapoza
PAGE COUNT: 320
ISBN: 978-1975970741
IMPRINT: Devil’s Tower
CATEGORIES: Thriller/Suspense & Science Fiction Mystery
SYNOPSIS: Archeologist Nick Randall is haunted by a recurring nightmare that may be tied to the abduction of a woman he’s never met. As he searches for clues, assassins attack and nearly kill him, forcing him into hiding. Nick’s son, John Randall, a talented Bioengineer, finds himself engulfed in his own mystery. Having developed a drug that erases traumatic memories, his research partner suddenly disappears. While searching for him, John makes a terrifying discovery. He has been part of secret, psychological military project, and their henchman will stop at nothing to get his research—including murder. John narrowly escapes, only to find he is now wanted by the authorities.

Their paths cross when they are both drawn to a mysterious woman on the Island of Bermuda. But they must find her and solve the riddle before evil forces unleash a horrific weapon on humanity.

BOOK PAGE: http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/thebermudaconnection.html

About the Author

Robert Rapoza is the author of THE VILCABAMBA PROPHECY, a 2015 Adventure Writers Competition Semi-Finalist. This action packed, science fiction thriller, is the first in the Nick Randall series, following the exploits of archaeologist Nick Randall and his daughter Samantha. His recently released short fiction story, NAZCA, follows a young Nick Randall in his first adventure. Slated for release in November 2017, his second novel, THE BERMUDA CONNECTION, finds Nick and his son John searching for clues that lead them from sunny Bermuda to the frigid Antarctic continent.

Born and raised in Southern California, when not writing novels, he enjoys the outdoors, taking bike rides along the beach and camping along the California coast. A die hard Red Sox and Patriots fan, he also enjoys watching sports.

A member of the Southern California Writers Association and the International Thriller Writers Association (ITW), he was featured in the International Thriller Writers 2015-16 Debut Authors program and was among several new authors featured at the Debut Author session at this July’s ThrillerFest in New York City.

The ideas for his novels are drawn from his interest in archeology and science and his love of adventure stories. Bob has always been drawn to these topics and is fascinated by the technology utilized by ancient civilizations. This interest has provided fertile ground for his entertaining books.

AUTHOR LINKS:
http://www.robertrapoza.com
https://twitter.com/RobertRapoza
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robert-Rapoza/648806568481517
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21429567-robert-rapoza

PURCHASE LINKS:
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075JR783V
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075JR783V
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075JR783V
BARNES & NOBLE:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bermuda-connection-robert-rapoza/1127161522?ean=9781975970741

The Bermuda Connection eBook Giveaway
Open Worldwide - 5 Winners