Friday, November 29, 2019

Cover Reveal for Viper


Viper
Marteeka Karland
(Bones MC, #4)
Published by: Changeling Press
Publication date: December 13th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Darcy: I didn’t run away from a sadistic stepfather and a mother who wouldn’t protect me from him to be carted off by a strange man. I fought the son of a bitch. Woulda won, too, except the bastard had help. He was rough around the edges and some kind of bad-ass biker so there was no way this was going to work out well. Unfortunately, he called to me on a purely sexual level. Made my heart race and my body melt just by looking at me. It didn’t help that he was actually nice to me. He claimed to know my dad. My real dad. Said he’d been sent to bring me back. I had no idea if I believed him or not. Just didn’t really have a choice but to go along with him. At least for now.
Viper: I tracked the cunning little wench for three fuckin’ days. In the fuckin’ snow. Little wench was good, too. She survived on her own in a hostile environment with only a little trouble. That alone would have given me respect for her, but then she had to go and kick me in the balls. Had I not been on the ground in agony, I’d have been turned on beyond belief. Now, with her safely under my protection, I’ve got to figure out how to keep my hands off her so her father won’t kill my sorry ass. He’s our intel man and one of my best friends, so I don’t want to cause him grief. But I want Darcy. Badly.
As Christmas nears, an enemy approaches us with a unique gift. One that will leave all of us with hard choices. Darcy especially. What unfolded next was never something none of us planned for.


Author Bio:
Romance author by night, emergency room tech/clerk by day, Marteeka Karland works really hard to drive everyone in her life completely and totally nuts. She has been creating stories from her warped imagination since she was in the third grade. Her love of writing blossomed throughout her teenage years until it developed into the totally unorthodox and irreverent style her English teachers tried so hard to rid her of. Now, she breathes life into faeries, space hunters, werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters, and a few just plane ole ordinary people. She loves to see the awkward, self-conscious band geek get the captain of the football team and make him beg for it.

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Monday, November 25, 2019

Book Blitz for the Nigerian Prince plus a giveaway


The Nigerian Prince
Esi Wilson
Published by: Visualbee Publishing
Publication date: November 25th 2019
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Thriller
Her: Everyone knows not to bother replying to the ‘Nigerian Prince’ Scam emails. But this one caught me at the worst time of my life. I was broken. So naturally, my curiosity got the best of me. I did it and there isn’t an ‘undo’ button.
Him: If you had seen her eyes, you wouldn’t blame me for what I did. What is a small lie when there is much to be gained?
Five childhood friends from Africa are linked forever through a shared traumatic experience. Driven by their affluent backgrounds, they frequent luxurious trips across the globe to stay connected. At the center of the conflict is Deji, a rich, young prince from Nigeria. In his quest to find fulfillment with a career he loves, he finds love instead through unlikely circumstances. His life becomes entwined with that of Tanya, an aspiring American actress he meets over the internet. The intrigues surrounding his friendships and his personal life stand as obstacles to their budding relationship. Will the strong bond of friendship triumph over the emotions pulling at Deji’s heartstrings?
EXCERPT:
“Ah, Oga,” The shorter of the two addressed me. “Anything for the boys?”
Just as I thought.
Being one of the richest people in Nigeria meant you always had to shower money on people at every turn. That was the Nigerian mentality. A rich man built and solidified his reputation by the amount of cash he disbursed freely and the regularity with which he did so. Personally, I thought the whole thing was backward, if not a bit uncivilized. But I did like giving and I had excess cash anyway. It wasn’t a bother.
I gave them a thousand naira to share and was about to drive off when I remembered the bottles of Sprite I had bought earlier.
“Boss, na you oh,” they both hailed as I handed them the drinks. I smiled and drove into the compound of the huge mansion Dipo had leased.
As I got out of the car, I noticed that although most of the equipment was set up, nothing important was happening. I recognized some A-list actresses lounging around the pool in sexy bikini outfits. Had they finished shooting? Fear gripped me. Man, I had messed up.
Heart in my mouth, I approached a member of the crew, a man probably in his early 30s with bushy eyebrows and a beard.
“Good afternoon, sir. Una don finish?” I asked with an outward calm I wasn’t feeling.
“For where? Director never ready na,” he responded. He didn’t seem happy about that but I was ecstatic. But I decided not to let my happiness show in case he transferred his aggression about the delay onto me.
“Where is he?” I asked.
At that, the man turned and gave me an appraising glance. I guess he was trying to determine if I was qualified to see the esteemed Dipo Ajayi. It seemed I passed muster – he jerked his head towards the left side of the building and gave me directions.
A few minutes later, I knocked on a door labeled Director. On hearing a muffled response from within, I twisted the knob and stepped into… a den of iniquity. There was really no other way to describe the disturbing sight that greeted my eyes.
Through a haze of smoke, I caught sight of half-naked girls lounging on every available piece of furniture in the spacious room. Some had the decency to wear bras but most were naked from the waist up. Everywhere smelt of Igbo, the popular Nigerian weed, and I could detect a whiff of freshly-made amala. Just as I was beginning to wonder if I was in the right room, I heard my name being called.
“Ajibade? I was wondering when you were going to show up.”
I peered through the smoke and right in the middle of the room, dressed in a colorful dashiki, sat Dipo. He was enjoying a meal of amala and ewedu soup. The dark brown amala made from yam flour, contrasted perfectly with the dark green hue of the mashed ewedu leaves. From the number of empty bottles of beer that lined the table, I could see that he had indulged far too much.
He gestured towards me with fingers covered in soup.
“Come over here, boy. Don’t stand there like a statue.”
I slowly walked towards him and noticed the two bare-breasted girls beside him. The girl on the right was topping up his beer glass while the girl on the left was flagrantly smoking weed from a rolled paper. Granted, I had done some wild things in my life but I had never seen this level of classless debauchery and all at midday.
“Won’t you sit down?” the girl smoking asked me, tapping the space beside her. Her eyes were glazed with the effects of the weed. “Or are you shy?”
Dipo scoffed as he swallowed a morsel of amala.
“Shy? The Deji Ajibade? I don’t think so.”
I took the empty seat.
“Ladies,” Dipo called out overly loudly. “This is the real estate prince. Next in line to the Imena throne and heir to the Ajibade real estate empire. He wants to try his hand at movie production. I have no idea why,” he announced, muttering the last part to the girl on his right. “Rich people, eh?” he said mockingly, winking at his girls who giggled in response.
I stood up abruptly, feeling embarrassed, angry, and disgusted all at once. This wasn’t what I signed up for.
“Sit down, Deji. Jé kí àwon girls mi tójú e dáadáa. Let my girls take care of you properly.”
I watched impassively as they all perked up at Dipo’s words, each wanting to be the one to ‘take care of me’. Their eyes had taken on an avaricious glint since Dipo had introduced me. My Timberlands, Ralph Lauren polo shirt, and Armani jeans screamed style, and I knew I wore it all well. Also, not to blow my own trumpet, I knew I was probably far better looking than the clients these girls were used to. But smoking weed and having random sex with girls who I strongly suspected were underage was not my scene. It was at times like this that I wondered what drove young girls to sleep with men old enough to be their fathers. It definitely wasn’t because the men in question were handsome. In fact, Dipo was what my friends and I would describe as plain ugly. Maybe that was why he hid behind the cameras, I thought slyly.
When I had first seen him, I thought his head was too small for his large body. I had met him multiple times now and my opinion had not changed. In fact, his body looked disproportionate in several ways, as though the Creator had been distracted when forming him; eyes too big and round for such a small head, a crooked nose that made me wonder just how many times it had been broken, and a mouth that was curled in a perpetual sneer.
“I’m sorry,” I said, realizing that everyone in the room was looking at me expectantly. I was trying to infuse the right mix of politeness and firmness into my voice. “Thanks for the offer but I have to decline.”
“Well, you can’t be tainting your royal blood with these local ashewos (prostitutes). The high-class escorts are more to your taste, eh? I totally understand,” he retorted haughtily. He swallowed another morsel of food and winked at me like we had just shared a secret filthy joke or something.
His statement irritated me further and I gave him a look of distaste.
“I’ll be outside,” I said quietly and headed for the door.
I had had enough. It seemed the rumors were true after all, I thought as I took in a gulp of fresh air and let the sun warm my face. Dipo had proven without a doubt that talent, no matter how great, was a poor substitute for character.


Author Bio:
Two West-African queens,
lovers of jollof and privy to gist,
join forces to shake things up.




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Friday, November 22, 2019

The Con Artist book blitz plus a giveaway


The Con Artist
Kitty Thomas
Publication date: November 12th 2019
Genres: Adult, Dark Romance
Art. Obsession. Twisted possession.

When starving artist Saskia Roth meets Lachlan Niche, a local art collector and tech tycoon, she has no idea how her life is about to change. One act of desperation, one con gone wrong, and she finds herself at the mercy of a powerful man she fears and despises-or so she thinks.
As her desire for him grows, life as his captive becomes something more… something that could both transform her and destroy her.
EXCLUSIVE first teaser scene from the upcoming: THE ESCAPE ARTIST at the back of the book!
EXCERPT:
Quill set the box next to the cage and walked the few feet to where Saskia sat like a sculpture on the ground. He pulled her up and, without a word, began to undress her. She didn’t dare speak.
He unbuttoned her jeans and slid them off her hips, his hands running carefully over each inch of skin as he exposed it to the cool air. She braced her hands against his shoulders as she stepped out of the jeans, kicking her own shoes off in the process.
She’d worn a thong under the pants—subconsciously seducing him, knowing he’d discover it because of course this was coming. Quill ran an appreciative hand over the bared flesh, then removed the thong as well. She was left in the black cami top and collar. She hadn’t bothered with a bra on the plane. She’d tried not to think too much about that choice.
It took almost nothing, not even the hint of a breeze, for her nipples to stand at attention.
Typically, she wore bras with padding, not to look larger, but to avoid looking sexually excited even when she wasn’t. It attracted the wrong kind of attention. And she couldn’t be bothered to constantly explain to men with a frat-boy mentality that they just did that.
Quill cupped her breasts over the thin fabric and tweaked her nipples into even harder points as he stared into her eyes in the most unnerving way. She tried to look down. Some demure submissive instinct? She wasn’t sure, but when her gaze dropped, he slipped a hand under her chin and forced her gaze back to his.
Minutes passed in this aching silence. It was a challenge. A game. Who would speak first? As in any negotiation, whoever spoke first, lost. She knew that at least. She’d already lost once with this man, and she wasn’t willing to keep doing it.
Finally, he peeled her top off, and she stood on the cold marble floor, the sun from the skylight warming her back… waiting.
She didn’t wait long. He led her quietly to one of the Greek columns on the south end of the gallery and extracted a key from his pocket to unlock the chains. He turned her to face the column and locked each wrist in place so that her arms were stretched high over her head in a V. Then he did the same with her ankles. She felt as if she’d been left for a lion to rip apart in some huge amphitheater while the bored elite looked on.
Quill dragged the mystery box over to the column. She wouldn’t let herself look inside, too afraid if she saw what all he’d brought out here to torture her with, she’d start screaming and begging for mercy. She closed her eyes as large, strong hands skimmed over her back.
Despite her fear, her body arched into his caress. He pressed a soft kiss against her shoulder, then he rooted around in the box until he found what he was looking for.
Saskia wished there was a clock on the wall, something to mark this length of silence. Some tiny clicking tick tick tick so she could feel and know that time was still a thing that moved even as she stood frozen in this space.
She waited for him to say something. Anything. But now that it had begun, he seemed devoted to this eerie peace.
She jumped as something thudded against the skylight. There was a flapping of wings, and she looked up in time to see a disoriented raven fly off. A beat later, the whip came down across her back, and she winced against its bite.
She hadn’t had time to register the sound as it sliced through the air, the noise competing with the bird outside. But she heard it the second time, so sharp and loud it seemed it could rip time and space apart. The leather licked across her flesh like a serpent made of flame, and all she could do in response was tremble in his chains.
Screaming, crying, begging, all of these things would have been appropriate, but Saskia couldn’t do it. She couldn’t break this vow of silence she’d committed to, and it seemed neither could he. Neither of them spoke, too locked into this trance to interrupt its flow now.
The only sounds that spilled forth into the gallery were the snap and crack of the whip and the tiny gasps as it stole her breath. The tears finally came, sliding down her cheeks in that same respectful silence. And she knew, even without words between them, that he was pleased.
She counted each lash in her mind. She felt his strength, not in how hard he waled on her, but in how he restrained himself and held each strike in check.
Finally, he returned the whip to the box. She tensed, waiting for something else—not sure she could take more when no comfort was offered. While he hadn’t put her in physical peril, the lashes were much harder and more intense than the light play she’d experienced at the few kinky parties she’d been to on a lark.
And here there was no magic word she could say to make it all stop. All she could do if it became too much was beg and hope he’d have mercy on her.
Saskia startled when his hand wrapped around her throat, pulling her back, turning her tear-streaked face toward him. He left a long, lingering kiss on her mouth that took her breath away.
When he pulled back, he said, “I’m going to paint you now. Just like this.”

Author Bio:
KITTY THOMAS writes dark stories that play with power and have unconventional HEAs. She began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling COMFORT FOOD and is considered one of the original authors of the dark romance subgenre.
To find out FIRST when a new book comes out, subscribe to Kitty's New Release List: KITTYTHOMAS.COM

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Saturday, November 9, 2019

Cover Reveal for Gaia Rising. Plus a free book

Passion, betrayal, murder, intrigue...
All this and more await you in the new space opera
series by C.L. Roman:
Earth Immortal
Ascending the Black Throne wasn't easy, keeping it will be almost impossible.
Gaia must battle unseen enemies and guard against betrayal from those she most loves
in order to protect her people, her children, and herself from annihilation.
Can she outsmart those who would take everything from her? Or will she pay
the ultimate price for failure?
Find out this December with the launch of this four book series by author C.L. Roman.

Cover Reveal

  If she loses, she dies, but winning will break her heart. The murder of her brother thrusts Gaia into the spotlight – a place she never wanted to be. Her proposed marriage to Atoli, the power hungry, arrogant prince of a rival clan, is the last thing Gaia wants. But as heir to the Black Throne, her duty is clear. The balance of power among the Simoi, an ancient race with god-like powers, must be maintained. Atoli’s fascinating half-brother, Bardan, catches her eye, but a love triangle is the last thing Gaia needs. As the attacks on her family escalate, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t approve of her impending marriage to Atoli and they are willing to kill to prevent it. Faced with a devastating new weapon, Gaia must elude cold-blooded assassins and unmask her secret enemies if she and her people are to survive. Far more than the fate of the Simoi hangs in the balance. Their destruction will destroy species, devastate galaxies, and may even unhinge the universe itself. Gaia cannot afford to lose. But someone is determined to ensure she does not win. For fans of Game of Thrones and J.N. Chaney, this dynamic space opera elevates political intrigue to the galactic level. Embark on this breathtaking science fiction adventure with dazzling alien species across a magnificent galactic empire. Gaia Rising Links: Amazon / Universal

Author Bio:

C.L. (aka Cheri) Roman, writes fantasy and sci-fi with a paranormal edge. You can find her at www.clroman.com and with her Novel Bunch on Facebook. Cheri and her ever-patient husband live in the not-so-wilds of Northeast Florida with their dogs, Jack E. Boy and Bennie the Jet, and Pyewacket, the invisible cat.
Twitter: @cheri_roman  
Grab Witch Justice from Cheri Roman for FREE!
Mara Crystal is a powerful witch, but in Euphonia Gage, she may have met her match. This twisted tale of love and justice among witches is a short-story bound to leave you wanting more. Grab it HERE

Friday, November 8, 2019

The Heart of Aleppo book Tour with and Excerpt. See what it's about and enter the giveaway


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Heart of Aleppo:
A Story of the Syrian Civil War
By Ammar Habib
YA Contemporary
Paperback & ebook, 252 Pages
July 26th 2018

Winner of the 2019 Independent Press Award
#1 Bestseller in "Coming-Of-Age" Fiction
#1 Bestseller in "Asian-American" Literature

From the ashes of the Syrian Civil War comes this story of hope, love, and courage...

After standing for over 7,000 years, Aleppo's ruin came overnight. Separated from his family during the night the rebels attacked the city, thirteen-year-old Zaid Kadir is lost in the middle of a war zone. Alongside his friends, he is forced to survive the dangers of a civil war he does not even fully understand. Zaid witnesses the destruction of the brutal Syrian Civil War as it grows more deadly by the day and rips his city apart. However, as he braves this destruction, as he desperately tries to survive this catastrophe, he discovers something. Zaid realizes that it is in the darkest hours when humanity's spirit of hope burns brightest.

(Affiliate link included.)
Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt
The silence is faintly broken by the crackling of a fire. It sounds like burning debris. I see it up in the distance as it dimly breaks through the mist. A few steps closer and I notice that it’s coming from an alley up ahead.
There’s a large heap of wreckage between us and the fire. Salman nearly runs into the debris before stopping. It’s about twice as tall as him. The mountain is made up of a bunch of bricks from a toppled building that’s overrun onto the road. He looks to the right and then the left. There’s no way around it.
Salman expertly climbs it. His movements are slow. The higher he goes, the more loose pieces of debris he unintentionally knocks down. With each move, he makes sure to find a stable footing before taking the next step. He arrives at the top with relative ease. Finding a firm area to plant himself, he turns around and offers Fatima his hand. After she takes it, he pulls her up and over to the other side. It’s almost effortless for him. 
He firmly takes my hand next. As he pulls me with a heave, I grab a piece of debris that is jutting out and kick off of another to help push myself towards him. He lets out a groan as he yanks me upwards. The heavy sack isn’t making it any easier. I sense it pulling on my shoulder, forcing a pang of pain to run through it. My arm feels like it’s going to break off. As soon as I’m at eye-level with the top of the wreckage, I grab it with my free arm and help pull myself up. I groan in pain, my face turning red. My entire body is shaking as I dig deep to find my strength. Going up a few more inches, I throw my chest onto the mount and quickly worm myself onto it. As I do, a jutting brick’s edge sharply jabs into my side, but I barely give it a wince.
Salman hops down to join Fatima. I follow him. My feet hit the ground hard, shooting a shot of pain up my legs. The sack violently smashes against my sore upper knee, and I almost fall over before Salman catches me. That hurt more than I thought it would. As I rise back up, the foul odor immediately hits me.
The fear-striking silence surrounds me once more. It’s my only companion. The hollow sound of silence is worse than gunfire and explosions. Worse than screams. Worse than terror. Because mixed into this silence is abandonment and suffering.

And more than anything else, this silence is the silence of the unknown.

About the Author


Ammar Habib is a bestselling and award-winning author who was born in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1993. Ammar enjoys crafting stories that are not only entertaining but will also stay with the reader for a long time. Ammar presently resides in his hometown with his family, all of whom are his biggest fans. He draws his inspiration from his family, imagination, and the world around him.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed copy of Habib's national award-winning novel, Memories of My Future (US only). Memories of My Future is an historical/inspirational novel that was published in 2016. It received several accolades after its release, including the Independent Press Award in May 2017.

Ends November 13, 2019

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Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Grand Finale book tour for Sword of Soter

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Sword of Soter
By Ralene Burke

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

For those new to the series, what should they know?

Yes, the series is written from a Christian worldview. In fact, the trilogy was inspired by the premise question, “What if the Armor of God were real?” But, no, I did not endeavor to preach or convert or anything like that in the story. It is just a fun epic fantasy adventure!


Karina thrust the sword toward Tristan’s gut, but he sidestepped her advance. She stumbled forward a couple of steps, then growled, spun around, and lunged again.

“No.” Tristan batted her blade away with his and swatted her behind. “You’re too impatient. You have to wait for the right opening.”

Karina sucked in a breath. The more she trained with Tristan, the more she wanted to take the dull blade in her hand and run him through. Releasing a long breath, she squared her shoulders, turned around slowly, and smiled as sweetly as she could manage. “I am sorry. I have no idea what has come over me.”

JeanBookNerd - Guest Post

A SWORD OF SOTER CHATTERER PANEL — RALENE BURKE

Interviewer: Welcome one and all to the Sword of Soter panel. We have got the noble questers for the sacred armor with us today: Karina, Queen of Aletheia and Prophetess of the Creator; Tristan, Prince of Tzedek; Rashka, Guardian of Shadowed Wood; and Sam, Knight of Aletheia.

Sam (growls): I am not a knight.

Karina: Of course, you are! You have shown more courage and strength of character in the last weeks than most of the knights of Aletheia have shown in lifetimes. It’s an honor that would have been bestowed upon you more officially if we’d been in Aletheia.

Sam: Thank you, Your Highness.


4.) What drives you as a writer?

I am an encourager and a “fix-it” type person. As a writer, I seek to combine both of those traits in a way that can inspire and encourage readers. That can be pretty difficult in fiction, but I don’t mind the challenge. I live for the days when I hear from a reader and they say that my stories helped them in some way.

Remembrancy - Excerpt

Tristan stared off in the direction of the sound. “That definitely lends to the mystery of what lupens are doing this far south."

Another howl echoed through the chasm and across the plains. Karina took a step toward Tristan. An answering bay came from the east, from the distant woods. More than one? Her heartbeat skittered.

A chorus of howls brought frightened whinnies from the horses. Dom stomped his feet. “We need to go, Prophetess.

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

Top 10 Things to Bring on a Quest

We’re going on a trip…a journey…a QUEST.

First, we have to pack. Now, this ain’t a trip to the Bahamas—we can’t bring 3 suitcases on a plane to unload onto a cart and then into a car. If we’re lucky, we’ll have a horse to strap a couple extra small bags to. . .

Hallie Reads - Review

"I enjoyed getting to know Karina and the characters that surround her on her quest, as well as the challenges they face and overcome. An uplifting spiritual thread, too, can be found throughout the two stories. All in all, these books left me ready for the next one."


“And what has you two stooping to eat humans again?” The woman paused before the two ogres and raised her head to meet their glares with one of her own.

Bogey jerked his thumb in the other ogre’s direction. “Madge’s stomach.”

“What have I told you two about engaging with innocent folk?” The mysterious woman crossed her arms.

From here, Sam could tell her eyes were a beautiful emerald green, the same color as her dress. No wonder she hid so well on her approach. Whoever she was, at least she seemed to be on his side. Or at least on the side of not letting the ogres eat him.

Faithfully Bookish - Interview

What did you learn or discover about yourself (or your characters) while writing Sword of Soter?

R: Well, I discovered I could write 10k words in a single day on multiple Saturdays. Ha! Life was kind of hectic, and I kept having to catch up on my word count goals.

On a more serious note, writing Rashka’s story in this book, helped me work through some of my own issues of “trying to do it all on my own.”


"Armor of Aletheia and Sword of Soter present an action-filled allegory of faith set against the backdrop of good vs. evil . . . the author has clearly drawn some intricate world-building and left some intriguing possibilities for the third and final book in the trilogy. A great choice for young adults, to entertain as well as strengthen their faith."


She opened her eyes to a shimmering green flame, reminiscent of the bonfire from their night in Greenhorn. She shrunk against Tristan’s side. He nudged her farther behind him and stood, pulling his sword.

Masculine laughter rose from amid the unusual flames. Rashka, her face a stoic mask, rounded the fire with her bow poised as she made her way toward Karina.

“What is happening?” Karina asked.

“I do not know, Prophetess.” Rashka fixed her gaze at the fire. “Stay back.”

Library Lady's Kid Lit - Review & Interview

"After reading Armor of Aletheia earlier this fall, I was eagerly anticipating Sword of Soter. Ralene Burke did not disappoint. Burke continues the epic adventure begin in book one. Some of the characters continue in Sword of Soter and new ones are introduced. . . . If you enjoy epic fantasy like Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia, I highly recommend Sword of Soter."

Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

The Sacred Armor trilogy was written for those who are still searching for their calling. Or those who have found their calling but are unsure they are worthy of it or how to embrace it. Each character is the story is called to something they are uncomfortable with for different reasons, much like we are.


Holding his monocle, the man offered a deep bow, to which Karina nodded. There was something familiar about him. “Greetings, Queen Karina. How nice to see you again. You are welcome indeed. I am sure you have forgotten by now, but I am Bormain, steward of the roy—by the Creator, Tristan Lemur, is that you?”

Karina fought to maintain her composure as she turned to Tristan, who stiffened before holding out his hand in greeting. “Bormain, my good man, it is good to see you again.”

Bormain looked a bit flustered. “I did not realize we had two royal guests.” He quirked a brow. “Much less that you were traveling together.”

Colorimetry - Guest Post

Building a Storybook World

One of the best aspects of being a fantasy writer is the freedom to build our own story worlds. Granted, to an extent, we are still bound by the laws of science. But there is still massive freedom in creating a new world, including geography, creatures, and cultures. . .

Inspirational Reading Adventures - Interview & Review

Q: Which genre is your favorite? If you could only write or recommend readers read one, what would your ‘go-to’ genre be?

A: FANTASY! I love that fantasy allows us to expand our imagination, to create new worlds, new peoples, new creatures. We can explore all the stuff we face in real life, but in a way that is removed and still provides a sense of escape.

"If I enjoyed the first, I loved reading Sword of Soter! From the start, I was quickly pulled back into to this series, and having already met some of the main characters, this one holds more character growth and I loved all the awkward tension as Tristan and Karina learned to work together both with each other, and with others. I also felt this one is a smoother read, and the pacing was much better."

Red Headed Book Lady - Guest Post

#SHINEBeyond in Soter

Readers often ask me where I came up with the #SHINEBeyond tagline and what exactly it means. And I’m all too happy to take the time to answer as this philosophy is something dear to my heart. Essentially, #SHINEBeyond was a culmination of all my work in writing, editing, and ministry—a cohesive theme seen in everything I tried to do. . .


As the steward opened the door, Karina cleared her throat. “Please remind the king that my business is urgent. I need to take my leave as soon as possible.”

“I will, Your Majesty. Enjoy your stay at the palace.” And then he was gone.

Karina turned back to the room. Tristan stood in the corner not bothering to hide his smirk. Rashka paced by the windows, looking out over the courtyard below and the sea beyond. Lady Moriah and the two handmaidens stood off to the side, watching them expectantly. What now?



Sabreen clasped her hands together and held them near her heart. “And you found her.” The words sounded sarcastic, yet there was a hint of some other emotion—something Sam could not determine.
He chuckled. “Yeah, I found her with a bounty hunter.”

She gasped. “How did you all get away?”

“We didn’t. Turns out the bounty hunter was helping her. At least he was by then. After he kidnapped her. After he took her to Faramos.”


". . . Burke’s passion for Christ shines through the pages of Sword of Soter through her characters, especially the main character Karina. Sword of Soter is a pleasant story and great for reading on rainy days."

J. L. Mbewe - Review

"Ralene Burke knows how to weave a story! . . . Sword of Soter was an enjoyable read that kept me turning the page to see what will happen next."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Sword of Soter
(Sacred Armor Trilogy #2)
By Ralene Burke
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 275 Pages
September 25th 2019 by Elk Lake Publishing Inc

NEW KINGDOM. NEW FRIENDS.

NEW DANGERS.

NOT EVERYONE CAN BE TRUSTED …


Karina, Tristian, Rashka, and Sam venture forth into the wilderness of Soter on the next leg of their quest to retrieve the Armor of the Creator. With the ancient evil already affecting the kingdom, nothing in Soter is what it seems—from what skulks beneath the canopies of the woods to what lies within the sleek white and gold of the capitol city to the people Karina and Tristan have known since they were children.

Danger lurks around every corner. Discerning who to trust is paramount to staying alive and discovering the location of the Temple of Soter. Yet, to Karina’s horror, Faramos’s reach finds them time and again. The longer they are forced to dawdle, the more people are affected by the growing panic in Soter, and the closer Faramos is to taking over the Three Kingdoms. Can Karina retrieve the information they need while Tristan keeps his brother at bay? Or will the entire quest disintegrate before they even arrive at the temple?

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Also available on KindleUnlimited.

Other Books in the Series

Armor of Aletheia
(Sacred Armor Trilogy #1)
By Ralene Burke
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 268 Pages
August 29th 2018 by Elk Lake Publishing Inc.

The death of her king changes Karina’s life forever. Fleeing the royal house, she must leave her life behind to seek out the Armor of the Creator—to save the very people who now hunt her.

Faramos, the evil warlock waiting to unleash hell, knows the Creator has already chosen his warrior, so he sends his bounty hunter to retrieve her. After Tristan abducts her, he witnesses Karina’s gentle nature and strong independence, and he finds he can’t complete his assignment.

Together, they set out to retrieve the armor and defeat the hordes of creatures sent to destroy them. But is Tristan’s heart secure as he faces certain death for defending the queen? And will Karina have the courage to become all the Creator intends her to be? Failure will condemn the world to eternal darkness.

(Affiliate link included.)
Also available on KindleUnlimited.

About the Author


Whether she’s wielding a fantasy author’s pen, a social media wand, or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to help everyone #SHINEBeyond their circumstances! Her fantasy novels are available on Amazon.

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all-around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . . You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or at her website.


Bookstagram Tour


This has its own giveaway, so go check it out! Enter at each stop for extra entries.

October 28th: @TheReadingCornerforAll
October 29th: @h.szott
October 30th: @mamabear_reads
October 31st: @brenyandbooks
November 1st: @bookishdelightz

Tour Giveaway

One winner will win a prize pack that will include print copies of Armor of Aletheia and Sword of Soter, a plush blanket, a tumbler with candy, a journal, and a pen all inside a half-bushel basket inlaid with a gorgeous book print material.
US only
Ends November 6, 2019

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Book Tour for A Silver WIllow by the Shore with a giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Silver Willow by the Shore
By Kelli Stuart
Adult Historical, Contemporary, Time-Slip
Paperback & ebook, 380 Pages
October 15th 2019 by Fine Print Writing Press

How do you face the future if you don’t know your own past?

When an unexpected pregnancy changes her dreams, seventeen-year-old Annie tries to keep it from her mother and her grandmother. But secrets have a way of coming out. In a household of strong women, the arrival of a new life sets off a spiral of truth that reveals a past full of whispers and lies—a past that existed in another world under the heavy hand of Soviet oppression. This history has dictated the circumstances of the present, but hope, redemption, and forgiveness will grow in the rocky places of these generational differences.

A Silver Willow by the Shore is the story of the unshakeable love between mothers and daughters and of the impact that past decisions can have on present day circumstances. This novel weaves together the stories of generations of women, from the gulags of 1930’s Siberia, to the quiet oppression of 1980’s Soviet Moscow, to present day Tennessee. It is an unforgettable narrative of the treachery of secrets, and of the light that unites the heart of a family.

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EXCERPT
“I know when someone’s holding a secret. There’s a certain nuance that cannot be fully disguised when one is harboring hidden news. Most people wouldn’t recognize it, but I do. Of course, I do. I’ve lived my entire life in whispers.” Elizaveta Mishurova

About the Author


Kelli is a wife, mother, novelist, and the driver of a smoking' hot minivan. When she isn't wrangling her five children, she can be found tapping away at the keyboard. Kelli is the award winning author of Like a River From Its Course, her debut novel which won the ACFW Carol Award for Best Historical and was nominated for two Christy Awards. Kelli is also the co-author of Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake. You can find more information on her life and writings at www.kellistuart.com.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a Kindle Fire Tablet with Alexa Hands Free + $50 Amazon Gift Card
US only
Ends November 20, 2019

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Monday, November 4, 2019

Cover Reveal for Collateral Damage


Collateral Damage
Harley Wylde & Paige Warren
(Owned by the Mob, #1)
Publication date: November 22nd 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Cerys: Blind since birth, I’ve learned the hard way I can’t rely on my father. When he gets in too deep with the wrong sort of people, I find myself the property of Viktor. I’ve heard whispers of the Mob and what they’re capable of and know I should be terrified. It doesn’t take much for me to fall for Viktor, seeing a side of him he seems to show only to me. His kisses make my knees weak, and just one touch makes me dream of forever. He makes me feel… special. Precious. Important. But what would a man like him want with collateral damage? He can have any woman he wants, and probably has. I don’t see a happily-ever-after in our future, no matter how much I might want one.
Viktor: Death and destruction cling to me, blood and violence just a way of life. I didn’t climb my way toward the top of the Bratva by being a saint. I may be gruff and dangerous, take what I want when I want, but when it comes to Cerys, I find that I can’t be harsh with her. She’s gentle. Sweet. An angel. My myshka. She’s the light to my darkness. Now that I have her, I know that I can’t let her go. I’ll make her mine in every way possible. Only one problem. Artur Orlov. He wants me to marry his daughter, but I won’t. I didn’t count on him retaliating by taking my myshka from me. I’ll get her back, and if she’s been harmed in any way, I won’t stop until every last man responsible has breathed their last.
WARNING: This story is suitable for those 18+ and contains language and violence that some may find objectionable.


Author Bio:
Harley is the international bestselling author of the Dixie Reapers and Devil's Boneyard series.
When Harley is writing, her motto is the hotter the better. Off the charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can't deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you've come to the right place.
Harley Wylde is the "wilder" side of award-winning science fiction/paranormal romance author Jessica Coulter Smith. For fans of Gay Erotic Fantasy Romance, Harley/Jessica also writes as Dulce Dennison.
Check out Harley's other books, and read some random facts about the author, at harleywylde.com.
Follow Harley on Amazon to be notified of new releases, or sign up for her newsletter.
--
Paige Warren is a contemporary romance author who believes in happily-ever-after for everyone. Sexy, steamy stories about mobsters, cowboys, inked bad boys, and interracial couples...sometimes with a bit of kink. If you like alpha heroes and strong heroines, then you're in the right place! No matter the odds, in a Paige Warren book, true love conquers all.
When her husband, children, and furbabies aren't demanding her attention, she's typically either writing or reading. Paige enjoys reading a variety of genres from young adult books, to general fiction, and of course romances! But when it comes to movies, she's a big-time horror fan - especially the 80's slasher flicks. That being said, ghostly movies are her favorite regardless of when they were made, like Rose Red or The Amityville Horror.
Author links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon

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Book Tour for The Most Happy. Plus My Review

The Most Happy by Holly-Eloise Walters

A wonderful window into the mind of the iconic Anne Boleyn. Step into her world as she retells her story. We know what history has told us. But we are yet to know the woman behind the legend. Take a peek inside and see what she has to say about her life and legacy. "Many have tried to tell my story ... but none have told the truth. I will have my say."
  Buy on Amazon Also Available in Kindle Unlimited

Review 
3.5/5
Ever since I can remember I have loved history. In high school i feel in love with the tudors and king Henry VIII. I saw this book and was very excited to read it. I think Anne Boleyn is an amazin amazing historical figure. She is one of my favorites.
So its starts with a prologue with Anne in the dungeon a few days before her execution. She is talking about how she is feeling and what it is like in those moments before being put to death. I was so excited to read about this part. The problem was that it went on for way to long. By the 8th page I had lost interest. Then I got the the first chapter and realized it was sort of like a diary. After getting through the first few chapters, I couldn't figure out what it was. Its Anne writing about her life before she dies, but feels also like a diary with different entries about her life.
I liked reading the story. It felt like taking a trip back in time and seeing her life in a whole new way. Reading about her relationship with her family and her parents, was fun and sad. I just felt that the story needed to be trimmed up in places and needed to find its identity. 

   About Holly-Eloise Walters
Holly-Eloise is from Bristol, England. Her lifelong passion of all things history, especially Tudor history, has imbued her with a feeling of connection to Anne Boleyn, the Queen of Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Holly-Eloise feels a kinship with the strength and sense of self that Anne displayed. Holly-Eloise comes from a large family (she is the eldest of seven!) and family is most important to her. Her family includes many friends, both in England and online. Holly cites her nan as her biggest influence as she urged Holly to read anything and everything, and in doing so, Holly found her passion for writing. “I am extremely passionate about writing and have found that it is something that has been given to me to put my stamp on the world. I love that I can talk through my writing.” Holly-Eloise’s debut novel, The Most Happy, presents a new and fresh look at the life of Anne Boleyn. Her novel was published on October 5, 2019 to amazing reviews! Facebook / Website Follow the Book Tour

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The Grand Finale Tour for The Art of Rivers. See what everyone said and enter the giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Art of Rivers
By Janet W. Ferguson

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

God grew me in so many ways writing this story—sometimes hard but beautiful ways. I had the opportunity to attend our state’s opioid summit, and my church began a jail ministry where I participated for a year. I also assisted during our state’s legislative session and learned some of the possible ways leaders are trying to deal with this epidemic. I read story after heartbreaking story of what drugs are doing to precious souls and the people who loved them. But I also heard stories of healing with God’s help. Addiction is a cunning and dangerous enemy. But God is able to heal and restore. We were all addicts in a way, slaves to sin, but Christ refused to leave us in that place. He made a way to rescue and redeem us.


Rivers leaned into Cooper’s chest. The move felt like betrayal to Jordan, but she could no more pull herself away than she could erase her past.

His arms wrapped around her, the hold feeling so different from Jordan’s. Cooper was lankier, leaner, but she fit nicely in the crook of his shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” Cooper whispered next to her ear. “I would trade places with Jordan if I could.”

She glanced up at his face between the cracks of her soaked eyelashes.

“I didn’t mean…” His head dropped, and his dark hair shadowed his brows. “I mean, he should be here with you, and I should be the one in a grave. I deserve it, but he didn’t.”

Simply Kelina - Review

"I loved that this focuses on series topics, but also had romance and family within the themes as well. If you love hard hitting contemporary, I think you will really enjoy this one. I was not expecting the story at all and I fell in love with the authors writing.

Overall, I loved this one."


Jordan and craned his neck. "I don't see —"

An explosion like fireworks popped and rung her ears. Another blast, this with impact, hard and swift as a kick in the chest. A red-hot burning sensation pierced her shoulder and back. Time slowed, and a scream ripped from her throat.

Jordan dropped to his knees clutching his chest. Red spread around his fingers, contrasting sharply against his pale blue shirt.


"This is a very good book to share with a Book Club. There are several societal issues addressed, which should provoke an intense discussion.

This earns a Five Stars rating."


"This is a wonderful story. Love how Cooper is determined to help others. Also how Rivers wants to help but her and Cooper still has so much to deal with.

I definitely recommend reading this book."


This might be a mistake, but something deep within Rivers spoke otherwise. Though she’d argued with God in a quickly-spoken prayer, the nudging toward Cooper was something fierce. He was Jordan’s cousin—the hated and abandoned black sheep of the family she’d been about to marry into. Why would God lead her to him?

Maybe he simply needed to know he was forgiven. Not only by God, but also by Jordan. Relieving the guilt laid on Cooper might allow him to move forward without feeling he had to pay penance for the rest of his life. He’d been alone and guilt-ridden long enough. That must be why she was here. She needed to help him move on.

And maybe she needed to do a deeper search of her own heart for places where bitterness had taken up residence.

By The Book - Review

"The setting, the story line, and the engaging characters checked all the right boxes — I cannot wait to open another one of her novels! This book is definitely a recommended read."


"It’s obvious that this book comes from the authors heart. The way she tackles addiction and recovery it’s real, it’s painful, it’s hard but with God it’s definitely possible. It wasn’t a glossed over story on the topic of addiction but a painful reality of the effects of addiction on the individual, families and friends involved. . . . A story of second chances, of forgiveness, of love and of redemption. We cannot stand on our own when struggles come. We need God and friends around to help us"

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“Now you’ve stopped moving.” Cooper tipped her chin. “Is all this too much? I’m worried about you.”

Her gaze pulled to study him. His beautifully sculptured face lingered near, those dark eyes and that black hair framed by the night sky lighted only by the twinkling stars of the Milky Way. Then her gaze fell to his contoured lips and held there as if some giant magnet drew her.

“Rivers, throw me a bone or scrap or something. I need to know what’s going on in here.” His fingers grazed her forehead, only increasing the magnetic force pulling her toward him.


"hey all seemed so real to me and I wanted nothing but the best for each and everyone of them because I can't imagine the difficulties they faced. I loved the message of faith and hope woven throughout, the slow buildup of relationships and I loved the setting of St. Simons Island. The Art of Rivers is one of those books that will stay on my mind for quite awhile and I imagine the other books in the series will be the same which is why I'll be reading them as soon as possible."


“What happened?” Cooper caught Rivers and rested his hands on her shoulders. He’d started to take off in the Jeep, but something in his spirit whispered for him to come back.

“I can’t…” Her breath came in ragged puffs, and she burrowed her head against his chest. “I couldn’t do it. I fell apart and blew up at them.”

“What happened?”

“I was nervous. The ladies looked bored. Star made some snarky comments. I spouted off something about my mom, her wreck, and Jordan and me…getting shot.”


"The novel was an inspirational read about people who are trying to conquer their struggles. It gives a realistic view of people who struggle when their faith is broken. I found the mystery a bit predictable but, overall the novel was a good read."


"I love reading Christian fiction that conveys the power of grace and forgiveness. Rarely do I read such a book that deals with as heavy topics as drug abuse and recovery. This issue is prevalent in today’s society and is dealt with realistically and empathetically in this book. . . . With themes of loss, grief, faith, trust, and redemption, this story covers a gambit of important issues and takes the reader through as many emotions. Overall, I feel the heavy topics were balanced with love, humor, and a lovely spiritual thread throughout."

Pause for Tales - Excerpt

A hearty laugh tumbled out of Cooper. He’d been a tad hard on Davis. The guy was just doing what he’d been taught to do. Be honest. Ask difficult questions. “Sorry. You’re on track. It’s just that Rivers isn’t what you think.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Between you and me—and Kev and Gabby, of course—Rivers was Jordan’s fiancée. She inherited the gallery and came to sell it.”

“Whoa. I did not see that one coming.” His head bobbed. “Harsh news about the gallery, and you have a thing for her too. Your cousin’s—”

“Shut up, dude.” Cooper massaged his temples as if it would do any good. “I never said I had a thing for her.”


"I enjoyed The Art of Rivers. I thought it was a fabulous story of love, overcoming, moving on and second chances. I am giving it a well deserved five plus stars. "

Splashes of Joy - Review

"A few months ago I read Janet Ferguson’s book, Magnolia Storms, and it was such an awesome story, I loved it. So when Art of Rivers came up for review, I knew it would be a great read, and it was. I enjoyed this book so much. I quickly fell in love with the characters, they all were so realistic and developed so well throughout this story."

Remembrancy - Excerpt

The color, the shapes, the composition—the sheer power of the piece woke places deep inside him—barred off places that had been chained shut. Because he and the ocean had an immense love-hate relationship. The beach held sweet memories of his childhood, a place where he could escape the inevitable bullying he’d endured because of his speech impediment. But the Atlantic had stolen and buried Savannah and then shredded his family.

On this canvas, Rivers had taken in the beauty of the Atlantic, and her artistic and spiritual voice in the scene swept his breath away. As if a veil had torn away from a blind man’s eyes, he could see the ocean anew, Christ’s hand above all, his scars forgiving Cooper’s failure. There came an almost physical nudge in his soul that this particular message—this painting—was meant specifically for him, and it was not just a message from the earthly fingers that had held the brush.


"I've read quite a few books that have moved me but this one is just wow! . . . I could tell that this book came straight from the authors heart because it moved me emotionally, mentally and left me thinking about the characters long after I finished the book. . . . I strongly recommend this book for everyone. This is an excellent read!"


Once she’d rested and then cleaned out a closet, Rivers eyed the old brown envelope on the table. She’d been avoiding the emotional landmines that possibly waited in their yellowed pages, but something told her she should wade on in. As if the past held a key to a locked door.

With hesitant fingers, she opened the letters addressed to Brooklyn and Pearl’s mother.

Dear Stella,
You and your wealthy daddy don’t understand the way I came up. It was hard times, most nights nothing but cornbread for supper and a beating with a belt. Sleeping with the cold wind blowing through the cracks in our shotgun house.


"The Art of Rivers by Janet W. Ferguson, is yet another beautiful, inspiring, and realistic story that readers will absolutely love. . . . Readers will easily relate to the characters, pondering their own personal pains and troubles. This is a story that will leave a lasting impression upon readers long after they turn the last page."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

The Art of Rivers
(Coastal Hearts #3)
By Janet W. Ferguson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 299 Pages
June 30th 2019 by Southern Sun Press LLC

​Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

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GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleBook Depository
Also available through KindleUnlimited.

Other Books in the Series


And coming January 2020...


About the Author


Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card and signed copies of the first two books in the series, Magnolia Storms and Falling for Grace
US only
Ends November 6, 2019

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Check out Destiny Fulfilled. Plus enter the giveaway

Destiny Fulfilled Laire McKinney Publication date: August 7th 2018 Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance Only love can save them… W...