Splash Into Summer: $250 Cash Giveaway

Wonderful way to start the summer!

Aubrey Wynne

splash into summer cash

Splash Into Summer $250 Cash Giveaway
June 1st to 20th

An Amazing Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!

Start your summer with a Splash! We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash.

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As a teacher, I am SOOOO happy summer is here that I am feeling generous. Along with this amazing cash offer, I am adding a selection of ebooks ranging from romantic suspense, a multi-genre romance anthology and Young Adult fantasies. Enter the second rafflecopter for a chance at $25 Amazon gift card or one of the titles below:

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Book Three Coming Soon!!!!!

That’s right, book three in the Sword of Lumina series should be arriving to stores (online mind you) in March. In preparation for that, here are some teasers from it just to get you interested.

1 The evil living within the depths of darkness also fears the light. Its shining rays blind their eyes and weakens the heart of those who love the night. They hate all that light stands for and those who rely on it to keep fear at bay. It is only the strongest who learns to use light to defeat the dark and everything that lives within it.

2 She pulled the Sword of Lumina from its scabbard, readying it for what was to come. Instantly, she felt the tingle of energy flow through her from the blade, making her feel even more alive than her energizing magic had. This could be addictive, she thought to herself. Causing a great gale of wind to pick her up, it followed the image in her mind, sweeping her over the heads of all the elves within the valley. She saw eyes from everywhere widen in response to her sudden appearance as she flew past them. Smiles begin to appear on otherwise fearful faces when they realized who it was. Flying faster than she had ever tried before, she crossed the valley in a matter of seconds, slowing only when she neared her target. Stopping the wind completely when she was within a foot of the looming giant, she landed gracefully in front of him. “How about you start with me first,” she snarled right before she plunged the Sword of Lumina into the belly of the earagos.

3 Galena awoke to find herself alone in the hammock. Weak morning rays shone through the thin material walls of the tent. Forgetting how flimsy a hammock was, she sat up quickly, which resulted in her being flipped onto the floor in an undignified position. It was in this position that Tark walked in and saw her. Upon seeing her lying face up on the floor, legs tangled in the makeshift bed, Tark burst into laughter, unable to regain control for several minutes.

4 When he got to it, he was surprised to see the tent flap propped wide open because the air was still chilly. Assuming since the door was open, anyone was welcome, Tark stepped into the tent. Sitting on the hammock with his back to the opening was Morgo. His head was bent and he appeared to be looking at something in his lap. Tark cleared his throat, hoping to get his attention, but Morgo remained in the same position. Tark began to worry something was wrong so he crossed over to where the elf sat and peered over his shoulder to see him holding a bowl full of water. In the water was the image of Venia. It appeared she was sitting down and staring vacantly at nothing at all, as she had so often done when Tark was around her.

“She’s still beautiful, isn’t she?” Tark asked. The result of him speaking when Morgo was so entranced caused both of them to be covered in water and Morgo to end up on the ground, looking up at Tark and breathing heavily. “Sorry, I tried to get your attention before, but you were a little preoccupied.”

5 “GALENA! HELP!” she heard Elenio shout somewhere behind her. Wasting no time with the creatures around her, she set them all ablaze before she searched for Elenio. She found him on the shoulders of a giant earagos. It was larger than any of the earagos she’d seen so far. He was cutting at its back with no effect on the giant creature whatsoever. Galena then looked down and saw what the keeping the earagos so focused. Below him, on the ground in a bloody heap, was Morgo. The earagos was hitting him repeatedly with its giant club, making his body even more unrecognizable.

Well, that’s it for now, but there’s more to come!! Keep checking back to see the final release day!!

Love Least Expected: A Book To Own

3d cover

 

Under the Mango Tree

Meredith Bond

Lakshmi is a good 18th century Indian girl who should not be avoiding her chores and enjoying a mango while hidden amongst the high branches of the mango tree in her mother’s garden. She truly should not be seen by a man who is not a member of her family—an Englishman, no less. And she absolutely should not even contemplate speaking with this man. But Lakshmi has never been one to follow the rules. This time, though, it could ruin—or make—the rest of her life.

~~~~~

Rolf’s Quest

Aubrey Wynne

Baron Rolf Arbrec, the royal wizard for King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, is burdened with a centuries-old quest to break the spell cast on his descendant, Merlin. To lift the enchantment, he must find true love without the use of magic or deceit, something that has eluded the men generations before him.

Finding genuine love is no easy task, even for a wizard, and time is running out not only to complete his Quest, but to give future generations a chance at happiness. When Melissa steps from his dreams and into his arms, he realizes his need for her love runs deeper than just a way to free Merlin.

Lady Melissa Garrick travels to London to meet her betrothed. Along the way, she encounters a man who haunts her dreams and makes her reconsider her destiny. Torn between loyalty to her family and her intense attraction to Rolf, she struggles to remain an obedient daughter. Though she desires him, will she defy her family and turn her back on her betrothed? Or will time run out and Rolf be doomed to a life of discontent and bitterness like his ancestors before him?

~~~~~

Fall Into Darkness

Valerie Twombly

Eli lives by his own rules and bows to no one, even when summoned before the Tribunal Seven. They deem the hunter has lost his humanity and sentence the angel to earth with one mission: find some compassion or be condemned to hell.

Ashley considers herself a freak. With one glance into a person’s eyes, she foresees their death. When an attack brings a handsome stranger to her rescue, she can’t help but be drawn to his steel-blue gaze.

Fate will bring them together but desire could bond them for eternity.

~~~~~

Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo

 Kris Calvert

On the night before Valentine’s Day, floral and greenhouse owner, Alexander Chase Tabeau should be preparing for the biggest day of his family’s business. Instead he’s drowning his sorrows at the Voodoo bar after burying the only real parent he’s ever known – his grandfather, Pops. The rugged and handsome man promised Pops he would get his life together, leaving behind a string of undesirable women and focusing on what was most important – family.

Rose Westwood has always known what she wanted and planned her life down to the tiniest detail. She’s packed up her belongings and is ready to take a new and challenging position with her company as their first female vice president. Not wanting to be alone on her last night in Tampa, she stumbles into what she never planned on – the best night of her life.

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Rose and Chase spend one night confessing their hopes for the future and their failures of the past. After opening their hearts to one another, the morning after sheds new light on their destiny. Can one night together change them both forever?

~~~~~

Alphabetical Disorder

Katie Stephens

Everyone in Mason’s Circus understands and respects the powers of the resident gypsies—the Romani tribe—and most steer clear of any involvement. But when Susie gets caught in a web of prophecy and magic that brings danger to the troupe, her non-Rom interpretation turns out to be flawed. She pushes aside the man of her dreams to date alphabetically, in the hopes of saving her circus family.

Sam has had his eye on Susie since she joined the company. He’s puzzled by her actions, but not blind to the way she responds to him. A patient man by nature, he battles his need to claim her immediately or allow her game to continue. When disaster strikes, they join forces with their Romani friends to stop the curse before it destroys the circus.

~~~~~

Love’s Not Viral

Nessie Strange

Twenty-four-year-old bartender Aster Sanderson’s life is turned upside down when drunken Hollywood actor Bradley Stone snaps a picture of her…and tweets to his 12.8 million followers that she’s his fiancee. As the internet blows up with the news and gossip flies out of control, she’s left feeling helpless. This has to be a misunderstanding, right? But when the actor in question shows up on her doorstep, it’s clear he’s unhinged and she soon becomes a prisoner in her own home (literally).

Her savior? Bradley’s handsome—and seemingly normal—older brother, James, who quickly stirs up feelings she never expected. Can they disarm the ticking time-bomb that Bradley Stone has become before any more damage is done? And is their mutual attraction the result of these unusual circumstances…or could it become something more?

~~~~~

Taking the Plunge

Kishan Paul

Since graduating high school, Eve Cambridge has dropped ten dress sizes, became an RN, and dumped her jerk of a boyfriend – all on her own. So when her high school crush shows up in her life, she does what any normal self-reliant woman would do — pepper spray him.

Since inheriting the family plumbing business, Peter Russo has tried to make the best of a career he never planned for. He’s made his share of mistakes, but he’s worked hard to learn from them. Now that he’s run into Eve, he’s not so sure he isn’t making another one. After all, she did almost blind him.

When logic and emotion don’t agree, which path should they follow?

~~~~~

The Trouble With Never

Isabella Harper

Summer McKenzie is starting fresh.  With her soon to be ex-husband in another state, she’s ready to start over in her small Texas town.  That is, until she runs into the one person that has never gone too far from her memories, or her heart.

Since graduating college, Caleb Davis has planted roots in the form of a thriving BBQ business.  He’s got everything he’s ever wanted, except the one woman that he could never have.  It’s clear she’s had a painful past, but he wants nothing more than to create a promising future.

Will she let love heal old wounds, or will she let her fears push him away?

~~~~~

Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate

Michaela Miles

Eleanor Carrara is angry. At the world, at the people who had her committed to the institution, and at the people holding her captive in it. When the sexy, but calm and stoic Chris becomes a fellow resident of the facility, things begin to change. He taunts her, challenges her, and even makes her cry. But her anger dissolves as she realises he’s the one person who may be able to break through the armour built around her heart.

Christopher Tailor feels nothing. Haunted by the memories of his awful past, he is institutionalised, and utterly alone in the world. Meeting Elle changes everything. She’s conceited, rude, and completely unaware that in some ways she’s just as broken as he is. But something about her gets under his skin. He takes a chance and shares his secret with her.

~~Love Least Expected, coming February 3, 2015~~

Pre-Order today for only 99¢

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Book Trailer

tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0ZAPJCBubw

 

$50 Rafflecopter Giveaway—Amazon gift card.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bb55253840/

 

About the Authors

 Meredith Bond

Meredith Bond is an award-winning author of a series of traditionally published Regency romances and indie-published historical paranormal romances. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart”, Meredith’s romance novels include her new Medieval Fantasy series, the Children of Avalon, her Regency-set paranormal romances in the Storm series and traditional Regencies (without magic) in The Merry Men Quartet originally published with Kensington Publishers, of which three have been re-released and the last one will be coming out early in 2015. Meredith also teaches writing and publishing at her local community college. If you want a taste of her class in book form, Chapter One is available at your favorite e-retailer.

Website: http://www.meredithbond.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/merrybond

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+MeredithBond/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/merrybond/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/meredith-bond/69/a64/647/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/847484.Meredith_Bond

Aubrey Wynne

Aubrey Wynne’s first love is historical romance. Her current story, Rolf’s Quest, is set in the chivalrous 12th century court of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane. Though she is an avid reader of historical fiction, her own works usually involve some level of fantasy.

Aubrey resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas. She is a proud member of the Coffee Talk Writers. Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, was published in November 2013 by Melange Books, LLC and received Best Short Romance in the Editors and Predators Reader’s Choice of 2013. Her humorous shorts, Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies (Goodreads Top 100 Laugh Out Loud List) and To Cast A Cliché are published with AlfieFiction.com

Hook up with Aubrey

Website: http://aubreywynneauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubrey.wynne.7

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aubreywynne51

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17695894-aubrey-wynne

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AubreyWynne

Email: aubreywynneauthor@gmail.com

Valerie Twombly

As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy

Website: http://www.valerietwombly.com/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vtwombly/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/vtwombly

Google +: https://plus.google.com/103302643701358257457/posts

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Twombly/e/B00BOXA8ZE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1388158167&sr=8-1

Kris Calvert

Kris Calvert is a former copywriter and PR mercenary who after some coaxing, began writing romance novels. She loves alliteration, pearls and post-it notes. She’s married to the man of her dreams and lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s Momma to two kids, now in college – one at the University of Kentucky, and one at New York University -Tisch. She is also responsible for one very needy dog. When she’s not writing, she’s baking cupcakes.

Website: www.kriscalvert.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kriscalvert30

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kriscalvert

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kpottorf/

Newsletter: http://www.kriscalvert.com/#!blank/cu4c

Katie Stephens

If you discovered a sealed box with “Katie’s memories” scribbled on the side, you’d find a lifetime of partially completed stories, plays and musicals. A retired music teacher and curriculum writer, Katie Stephens has opened that box and switched her need to create from music to literature. She writes both non-fiction and fiction, where she happily experiments with all genres.

When her muse takes a break, Katie is a staff reader for freeze frame fiction and a grant writer for the Empire & Great Jones Creative Arts Foundation. Although her grown children are scattered east and west across the country, she lives solidly in mid-America with three kitties and a husband who keeps asking when she’s really going to retire.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Stephens-Author/1633141843579542

Twitter @standardishue

Website http://standardishue.com/

Email standardishue@gmail.com

Nessie Strange

Nessie is a Massachusetts native and mother of two who has dabbled in everything from abstract painting to freelance sports reporting. She also loves a good story, whether it’s reading or writing one. Living Dead Girl and Reaper Madness, the first two novels in her urban fantasy Living Dead World series, were published by Etopia press in 2014.

Website: http://nessieslivingdeadworld.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NessieStrange

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nessiestrange/

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7463821.Nessie_Strange

Kishan Paul

From daring escapes by tough women to chivalrous men swooping in to save the day, the creativity switch to Kishan Paul’s brain is always in the ‘on’ position. If daydreaming stories were a college course, Kish would graduate with honors.

Mother of two beautiful children, she has been married to her best friend for over 16 years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, a thriving counseling practice, and writing without sinking into insanity.

Website: http://kishanpaulauthor.wordpress.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@kishan_paul

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kishanpaul

Coffee Talk: http://www.coffeetalkwriters.com/coffee-talk-authors/kishan-paul/

Sign up for her newsletter at: http://mad.ly/signups/119110/join

Isabella Harper

Isabella Harper has been putting her imagination to good use since she was a child. Throughout school, she would get caught reading or creating a story of her own instead of doing whatever it was that she was supposed to.

For now, she is fulfilling her life with her husband and being a stay at home to her two young children, at home in Texas.  When she’s not working on obtaining fitness certifications, writing a new contemporary Southern romance, or spending time with family, she’s probably enjoying a weekend in the countryside.

Connect

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/7M0dX

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BellaHarper13

Email: isabellaharper.author@gmail.com

Website: http://www.isabellaharper.blogspot.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/18047881-isabella-harper

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bellaharper13/

Michaela Miles

Michaela Miles writes. By day she is a mild-mannered copywriter and web designer, but by night she is consumed by the characters in her head and writes to set them free.

In her spare time, she is primary carer and chief wrangler for a husband and three children, the big boss at her web design company and photography studio, and is completing a Bachelor of English Literature.

Social Media:

Michaela is very active on social media and has an eclectic posting style—humorous writing memes, hump day hunks, quotes, inspirations, interviews, book reviews, and anything that takes her fancy!

Follow her everywhere to keep up to date on publications, interviews, book reviews, social media tips, and more. So come and join the fun and enjoy the ride!

Website: http://www.michaelamiles.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michaela.miles.author

Twitter: http://twitter.com/_MichaelaMiles

Google+: http://plus.google.com/+MichaelamilesAuthorMM/posts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/michaela_miles

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/michaelamilesau

Linkedin: http://au.linkedin.com/in/michaelamilesauthor

Stumbleupon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/MichaelaMiles

Klout: http://klout.com/_MichaelaMiles

 

 Merlin tree with text and LLE

 An Interview with the Character from Rolf’s Quest

What are the names of the characters being interviewed?

Merlin

What is the main book you’ll be talking about in the interview?

Rolf’s Quest from the anthology Love Least Expected

 What genre is the book?

Historical romance

What is your name?

Merlin

Why were you given that name?

It means sea fortress and the abbey I was born in perched along a cliff.

Is there a nickname you’re known by? Do you prefer it?

Ambrosius and no I don’t prefer it. It sounds like a potion I night create to entice a lovely young woman to my bed.

When were you born?

That is up for debate. I tell people I was born in the little Welsh town of Carmarthen. It means, Merlin’s fortress. My mother was a nun, a servant of God. Because of this, the others in her cloister assumed my father must the devil. Ironic, isn’t it? A servant of God and instrument of the devil/ Ha!

 Do you have any scars, tattoos, piercings? What do they mean to you?

None that I can show you.

Do you have a personal scent (perfume or cologne)? If yes, what?

There is always a bit of sulfur smell that clings to me from the magic. I easily cover it with a bit of lavender.

 Do you have any siblings? If so, what are their names and ages?

None that I know of…

 Who has been your greatest influence (parent, friend, idol)? Why?

I believe that would be Arthur. He taught me patience and compassion. Neither of those attributes come easily to me but are the makings of a good king.

 Where do you currently live (town, neighborhood, locale)? Do you like it?

Well, presently my home is in this damnable hawthorne tree. But I hope Rolf soon break the spell that holds me here and sets me free.

What sort of a home is it (castle, apartment, cardboard box)?

I have a small estate inside the Enchanted Forest. It is just over the Scottish border. I have two servants who keep me abreast of news and helped to raise Rolf.

 With whom do you live? How do you feel about that person / people?

For the past 500 years or so, I had no one. Just my useless descendant dropping in for a browbeating when they were not successful in their quest. For the last 15 years, I have trained Rolf in wizardry, ways of the court and soldiering skills.

 Do you have any pets?

Ha! Look around. I guess any animal in this forest could be considered my pet. But I am partial to hawks and wolves.

What is your current job title / social station / rank?

In my younger days, I was the royal wizard and advisor to the King. My grandfather was a king, you know. That puts me, and Rolf, in a rather unique position. While some scoff at our powers, they cannot insult our lineage.

 How do you think your colleagues would describe you?

Ruthless and a strong adversary. In battle, you want me on your side.

 What is currently your biggest responsibility / commitment?

I have worked for 15 years to make Rolf capable of his quest. With his strength and knowledge, my direction and a little luck—I’ll be on standing on my own feet soon.

I would say shape-shifting. Also, the ability put sight into an object. Rolf carries an amulet that keeps me informed of his actions. It keeps him safe.

What are you the most hopeless at?

Understanding women.

 Have you undergone any dramatic physical transformations in your life?

I’d say living in a giant tree inside the Enchanted Forest is a fairly dramatic physical transformation. Don’t you? Much more theatrical than shape-shifting into a hawk or another person.

 How do you feel, generally, about the opposite sex?

I adore women. They are my true weakness. But if I ever track down Vivien again… She will be sorry for doing this to me.

How do you feel about children? Do you have or want to have your own?

It is a little known fact that I had a wife and son. My wife died young but my son continued the family lineage. We are a fertile line, thank the gods, or there would be no hope for me.

Review of Rolf’s Quest by

Erin Elliott

Rolf’s Quest takes an interesting perspective of an old legend and makes it into a completely new story. Merlin, the world famous wizard from different stories, makes his debut as Rolf’s relative, stuck in a tree because of his own love mistakes and waiting for his bloodline to free him. The only problem is, his family keeps letting him down; unable to accomplish the simple task of falling in love without the use of magic. Will Rolf fulfill the requirements to end’s Merlin’s curse or will Merlin be forced to die as a tree?

Aubrey Wynne does such an incredible job of sucking the reader in and holding their attention throughout the entirety of this story. The details are incredible, giving the reader a clear image of all her characters as well as their personality and surroundings. I sincerely hope that Aubrey decides to make this short story into a full-length novel.

A Mind Numbing Problem Understood

For the last several months, I’ve taken leave of everything but the daily “must do’s”. I have spent the last several months in a world where just getting up is a struggle. I’ve heard the word “depression” thrown around in phrases like, “Oh, he’s just a little depressed,” or “I’m so depressed, my team lost the playoffs!” But I have learned to associate other terms with depression. Terms like sad and blue don’t even come close to describing the mind wrenching agony that one can put themselves through.

I’ve always considered people who were depressed to just be sad or a little tired, I learned differently. There were so many days that I hated the morning and knowing that I had to face another day. It hurt and my mind didn’t want to cooperate. Imagine having a mind full of words as many writers do, with images and stories floating around just beckoning to be wrote down and not being able to think of even one. Some days, I woke feeling even more tired than when I’d gone to bed and the thought of having to be functional made me even more exhausted. There were days I simply could not do it, instead I chose to hide away; shunning the very people I knew wanted nothing more than to help me. I didn’t want their help, their pity, or even their eyes on me; my own eyes a permanent shade of red from all the tears that I shed.

I would have good days, sometimes several in a row. Those were the days that I could see a faint glimmer of my old self and I would begin to think, “Hey, I have this thing beat!” Then a bad day would come, little would be accomplished, so another bad would follow that until I would find myself drowning in fatigue, guilt, and hate. Things that I love, such as decorating for Christmas or even just sitting back and enjoying the lights, no longer brought me joy. They became chores, things that I did just to make it through a couple more minutes. This is no way to live.

I’m still fighting, and trust me when I say fighting, it is nothing less than a knock out, drag out brawl; but I’m doing it. I’ve discovered the meaning of friends, especially those who stood by me (and not in the literal sense) when I struggled the most. They listened to me complain and still cherished me enough to just listen. I learned the value of setting reasonable goals; accomplishing them has given me a little more strength for the next day and the next couple of goals. I’m taking pride in accomplishing what others find trivial, because a couple of months ago, I didn’t have the energy to do simple things like clean out the microwave or do the dishes before bed. Those things might be small and simple for other people, but they haven’t had to battle all day to remember easy things that should come readily to their mind.

To those of you who have suffered from depression for any length of time, my empathy goes out to you and I now know how impossible it is to “try harder” when you’ve given your all just to make it through the day without falling apart in front of the world. Just staying glued is sometimes the hardest chore of all. To those of you who have never suffered from this brain numbing, heart hardening, body draining disease, count yourself very blessed indeed. This is something that can destroy your life as we so often see. My advice is to set small goals for yourself everyday, making new ones at the end of every night. Seeing those simple things accomplished can do more for your mental state than any bottle of booze. My second bit of advice is surround yourself with people who understand that there are going to be some days where rallying yourself to just go through the motions is going to be the most that you accomplish, but when you do need them, they’re right by your side. There is no perfect mix for dealing with this life altering disease, so in the end, you have to find what works for you.

Thank you to everyone who stood beside me, even when I couldn’t stand. You provided me with some form of normalcy when I needed a lift up and out of my mind, which as I’ve said before, I just needed a vacation from. I’m getting better, realizing that I just have to take it day by day and see the value in what I do when others do not. So once more, thanking for never leaving me even when you thought that I had left you.

Meet My Character Blog Hop- Meet Galena from ‘The Sword of Lumina: Mira’s View’

Hi everyone! I was invited to participate in this blog hop by the talented Shelley R. Pickens. You can read her post here:  http://shelleypickens.wordpress.com/

First, a bit of info about Shelley R. Pickens

 

Shelley Pickens is a Spanish teacher by day and a novelist by night. She’s been in love with everything paranormal since she can remember.  After years of teaching high school students, she decided to take her firsthand knowledge of young adults and apply it to her passion for creative writing and fantasy.  When not teaching or writing, Shelley likes to spend time with her husband and two beautiful children in Atlanta, Ga.  Her escape from reality is her love of complex thriller and science fiction TV series like Supernatural and Sleepy Hollow.  In her spare time she is an avid watcher of little league baseball.  THE HAUNTING OF SECRETS is her debut novel.

Here’s Shelley’s Links: 

Website/blog:  http://shelleypickens.wordpress.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shelleypickens

Facebook (URL): https://www.facebook.com/shelleypickensauthor

Goodreads (URL): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22798155-the-haunting-of-secrets

 

Thanks, Shelley, for the invitation!

 

Now, I’m supposed to choose one character from a work-in-progress or a recently published book and answer seven easy questions. Here goes!

What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

Galena is an elf in the long line of elves who are the decedents of King Lamirira.

When and where is the story set?

The story takes place in a fictional world called Tomiro. There is no set time frame, it’s just a world of its own.

What should we know about him/her?

After the entire elf was enslaved by the evil Rau and forced to be tattooed, preventing them from using magic until Galena came along. She is the first ever to be able to use magic without dying.

What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

An evil creation of the god Haulua enslaves the elves forcing them to mine the stones that gives him strength, but slowly kills them.

What is the personal goal of the character?

Galena realizes after a brutal attack from Rau’s henchmen, that she has to find the famed sword that Mira created for the elves to free them from Rau’s reign and thus her journey begins.

Is there a working title for this novel and can we read more about it?

The second book in this series “The Sword of Lumina: Mira’s Hope” is scheduled to come out some time next month. The third in the spring of 2015.

You can find a copy of Mira’s View here.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sword-Lumina-Miras-View/dp/1612359205/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410796691&sr=8-2&keywords=Mira%27s+View

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sword-of-lumina-erin-elliott/1115206299?ean=9781612359205

http://www.fireandiceya.com/authors/erinelliott/1mirasview.html

 Now, who are you going to hear from next week Jill Bisker The fabulous author who wrote Finding the Way Back

Jill Bisker lives in Stillwater, MN with her husband and a calico cat named Senora. She believes in empowering women to be strong enough to protect themselves, while still soft enough to be loving and compassionate. Her work includes paranormal mystery and traditional high fantasy, as well as contemporary and humorous fantasy and an everyday living blog. Her novella Within Reach is her first publication with Melange. Once a dedicated stay at home Mom, Jill now writes full-time.

Some of her links

Website: www.jillbisker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjillbisker
Blog: http://www.unaccompaniedjaunt.blogspot.com

Here Comes My New Book!

As the release date of my first book comes closer; I find myself in two minds. Part of me can’t wait to see my oldest dream finally take wing as my story becomes an actual book. The other part of me that has read so many great books in the last couple of years, dreads the thought of others reading my work, the figment of my imagination. What will the world say? Will others like it as much as I hope they will? Only time will tell. In the meantime, here are some more random pieces from my first book The Sword of Lumina: Mira’s View due out in June.

    1. “You have to go to the mountain of the gods. From there you will go to the top of the tallest peak and that is where you will find Mira’s view. You will know that you have found this place for there will be a shallow pool at the base of a statue made in her likeness. Lamiria had an elf make this for her because of a favor she had once granted him. It was his sign of respect and gratitude. Mira was greatly pleased with it and gave the pool magical properties, including the ability to heal.
    2. Rau sat on his throne, feeling the anger in him well up in raging waves as the torlic below him explained the disastrous outcome of their recent battle with a couple of elves. Elves that had been weakened by thousands of years of enslavements. Elves that should have been easily crushed with just a few of his mercenaries. Yet here stooped this stupid creature, the lone torlic left after the battle, explaining that a handful of these worthless creatures had destroyed a small army of his
    3. She was just finishing the last detail when she felt a blackness creeping within her mind’s eye. Alarmed, her eyes shot open, but the blackness was there too. The pain that she had been ignoring until this moment was unbelievable. Panic welled up in her throat; she had gone too far. The blackness that was taking her sight consumed her and she knew no more.
    4. Galena stood straight. Reaching a hand in front of her, she thought of the wind, of all the funnels she had seen rip through forests, knocking over trees as it went. A funnel appeared next to the closest torlic, sucking him into its center before racing toward the second one. Galena felt a twinge in her right hand, but it didn’t alarm her. The twister moved left with the screaming torlic in it just as Elenio and Tark rushed out of the tree house, stopping short at the sight of Galena controlling this wind monster with her hand. The second torlic headed back for the safety of the woods, but didn’t get far before the funnel sucked him up into its deadly winds as well.
    5. “We are the elders,” a particularly well dressed male elf said in response to her question. Galena’s eyebrows in surprise as she looked at the elf who had spoken. How could this be possible? Surely there wasn’t an elf sitting at this table that was older than fifty!
    6. Red, fiery anger consumed him. His vision burned with it. His body shook with it. Feeling it boil through his veins, he allowed the shadows that were ever present around him, to soar out in all directions at once. Instantly, every torlic touched choked and gurgled for seconds before falling to the floor dead. He didn’t care if they had been a part of the search for Galena or not. His anger was all that mattered now. That and something else. He felt it creeping up from somewhere at the back of his mind, but no it couldn’t be. For he was Rau. That particular emotion did not bother him.
    7. “Using magic is a lot like exercising, as I’m sure you have noticed,” Morgo nodded his head at Galena. “Sure it’s fun to swim for a while, but once you’re tired you generally get out. One would not keep swimming or jogging until dead, your body would shut down before then. For your mind and body will generally fight for life even when you think it would be easier to die. Only the elf that truly holds no regard for life will let themselves slip into the void of the other world. Every now and then, the need arises and you continue until you pass out from exhaustion.
    8. The elf woman strode quickly toward the village, not paying any attention to the other elves as they raced back into their homes. She made a right turn at one house and then a left. Galena hoped they were almost to the healer’s home, as she didn’t feel Morgo had much time left. The elf woman had just stepped into what appeared to be the village square when four elf men stepped in front of Tark. They waved their hands before them, a look of stony indifference on each of their faces. That was all Galena could register. Everything went dark.
    9. Pain. Hot, blinding pain that seemed to resonate from her head filled her every thought. It came in painful bursts that washed through her whole body. Her stomach churned with every wave until she couldn’t stand it anymore. She rolled to her side and threw up. She continued dry heaving long after all the contents of her stomach had emptied. She felt hot and clammy; her body was covered in sweat. She smelled blood and vomit, the aroma was enough to send her into another spout of dry heaves. She rolled onto her back, trying to take deep breaths, but the pain was too severe.
    10. “A man by the name of Pangoro said that Mira’s View was on the highest mountain,” Elenio responded stretching out on the tunnel floor. Morgo looked at him with his mouth slightly agape. He then looked at Tark and Galena as if to see whether they were joking. “But how do you know which mountain is the highest, for there are three that are within inches of each other. Indeed, you cannot tell the difference if there’s any at all,” Morgo said, still looking at them with a curious expression on his face.

Valerie Clarizio’s New Release: Unforeseen Obsessions

Release and Giveaway:

UO Blog Tour Button copy

$10 Amazon Gift Card

2-Ebook Copies of Unforeseen Obsessions

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f79c8f1/

 

 

AE8A3F0D4BDF8D00DAC438829567A2DE_15549960

 

Title: Unforeseen Obsessions     Author: Valerie J. Clarizio

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press     Release Date: May 15, 2014

After Alex Polecheck’s police officer husband, Sam, is stabbed in cold blood, she vows to see the murderer brought to justice.  Peter, Sam’s best friend, and fellow police officer, seems to be the only member of the Police Department interested in catching the killer.

Peter sets out on a perilous hunt for the killer, while trying to protect Alex, who appears to be next on the murderer’s list.

The mystery begins to unravel when Peter finds a connection between the murder of Sam and two other law enforcement officers, who were all part of an internet crime taskforce. Peter and Alex find themselves alone in the battle for justice and truth when they discover members of the local police department cannot be trusted.  Will Peter piece together the puzzle before Alex is silenced?  While battling to protect Alex, will he be able to continue to conceal his love for her?

 

Buy Links:

Amazon

Whiskey Creek Press

Excerpt:

Alex sprang to her feet and ran back into the house. Her bloody fingers trembled as they fumbled over the phone’s numeric keypad. She somehow managed to make the call. The dispatcher answered, but Alex’s erratic breathing prevented her from finding a voice. Tears ran down her cheeks. She sucked in a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. Her voice squeaked as she told the dispatcher her husband had been stabbed.
Alex dropped the phone receiver and ran back to Sam. She knelt next to him and propped his head on her thighs. While she cradled his cold face between her hands she swayed back and forth as she held his gaze.
“Stay with me, Sam, don’t leave me. Stay with me, I love you.”
He stared up at her with his bright green eyes. “I love you too.” His eyes darkened. He labored for breath. “Listen to me, Alex, only trust Peter. Tell him…tell him that…” he gurgled. Blood misted from his mouth and coated his lips.
Alex heard sirens in the distance, then closer. But it was too late. Sam was gone.

About the Author

Val-Clarizio_Profile_240px

Valerie is a writer of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction novels.  She lives in beautiful Door County Wisconsin with her husband and one very spoiled cat.  She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual.  Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into a successful hunter and fisherwoman.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Additionally, she was a finalist in the 2011 Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Novellas Need Love, Too! Contest.

 

Ms. Clarizio’s Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Aside

Valerie Clarizio’s New Release: Unforeseen Obsessions

 Release and Giveaway:

UO Blog Tour Button copy

$10 Amazon Gift Card

2-Ebook Copies of Unforeseen Obsessions

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f79c8f1/

 

AE8A3F0D4BDF8D00DAC438829567A2DE_15549960

 

Title: Unforeseen Obsessions     Author: Valerie J. Clarizio

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press     Release Date: May 15, 2014

After Alex Polecheck’s police officer husband, Sam, is stabbed in cold blood, she vows to see the murderer brought to justice.  Peter, Sam’s best friend, and fellow police officer, seems to be the only member of the Police Department interested in catching the killer.

Peter sets out on a perilous hunt for the killer, while trying to protect Alex, who appears to be next on the murderer’s list.

The mystery begins to unravel when Peter finds a connection between the murder of Sam and two other law enforcement officers, who were all part of an internet crime taskforce. Peter and Alex find themselves alone in the battle for justice and truth when they discover members of the local police department cannot be trusted.  Will Peter piece together the puzzle before Alex is silenced?  While battling to protect Alex, will he be able to continue to conceal his love for her?

 

Buy Links:

Amazon

Whiskey Creek Press

 Excerpt:

Alex sprang to her feet and ran back into the house. Her bloody fingers trembled as they fumbled over the phone’s numeric keypad. She somehow managed to make the call. The dispatcher answered, but Alex’s erratic breathing prevented her from finding a voice. Tears ran down her cheeks. She sucked in a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. Her voice squeaked as she told the dispatcher her husband had been stabbed.
Alex dropped the phone receiver and ran back to Sam. She knelt next to him and propped his head on her thighs. While she cradled his cold face between her hands she swayed back and forth as she held his gaze.
“Stay with me, Sam, don’t leave me. Stay with me, I love you.”
He stared up at her with his bright green eyes. “I love you too.” His eyes darkened. He labored for breath. “Listen to me, Alex, only trust Peter. Tell him…tell him that…” he gurgled. Blood misted from his mouth and coated his lips.
Alex heard sirens in the distance, then closer. But it was too late. Sam was gone.

 

About the Author

Val-Clarizio_Profile_240px

Valerie is a writer of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction novels.  She lives in beautiful Door County Wisconsin with her husband and one very spoiled cat.  She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual.  Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into a successful hunter and fisherwoman.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Additionally, she was a finalist in the 2011 Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Novellas Need Love, Too! Contest.

 

Ms. Clarizio’s Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Author Spotlight for Nancy Pirri

 

Release and Giveaway:

Prizes:

2-$15 Amazon Gift Cards

2-Ebook Copies of Bait Shop Blues

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/01288e12/

 

BaitShopBlues copy 2

 

Bait Shop Blues by Nancy Pirri

 

Finding love shouldn’t be so hard…

What does a successful businesswoman born and bred in Chicago want with half-ownership of a quaint bait shop in northern Minnesota, willed to her by her grandfather? And how will the reclusive half-owner of the shop convince the woman to sell out her half to him? For Cassandra Thompson, a Marilyn Monroe look-alike who’s recently been dumped by her second fiancé in two years, it could mean a well-needed change in life. For Leif Halverson, a handsome man of Ojibwa extraction, and co-owner of the shop, it could mean disaster—like falling in love. Leif is far from happy about this city woman invading his territory so he challenges her to a wilderness survival contest where the winner takes all.

Buy Links:

Melange Satin Romance: http://www.satinromance.com/authors/nancypirri/bsb.html

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/432153

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5KS4I0

 

Review by Aubrey Wynne

Bait Shop Blues is a classic story of city girl meets country boy. The couple are brought together under strange circumstances. Cassie’s estranged grandfather has left her half of his bait shop. She arrives in Minnesota to find Leif, the heir to the other half of the business. Leif had a disturbing childhood and was taken from his reservation as a young boy and fostered by Cassie’s grandfather. He had no idea Cassie existed until a few days before he meets her and is not excited about having a partner.

Cassie, used to the hectic city life of Chicago and running her own cosmetic business, struggles in the rural atmosphere of Minnesota. Camping and fishing may not be her thing, but she eventually realizes Leif may be worth the inconveniences. They both have baggage, and with such diverse interests, struggle to find common ground. But as Cassie sorts out her past family relationship and her growing feelings about Leif, the sparks fly. The attraction between them builds even though Cassie has sworn off sex.

The author does an outstanding job of developing the relationship between these two characters. I fell in lust with the sexy Leif. I found the rugged, outdoorsman a perfect compliment to the urban Cassie. The story is filled humor, tenderness and romance. While the scenes are not  sexually graphic, you easily feel the passion and heat that simmers between the couple. Bait Shop Blues is a wonderful love story with a Happy Ever After. I give it a hearty four mugs.

 

4 coffee mugs    Hot, strong and addicting.

Characters: 14/15

Plot and Pacing: 13/15

Setting/s: 9/10

Technique and Editing: 9/10

Total: 45/50 (4 cups)

 

 Excerpt:

“You know, I was surprised to hear Roy had a granddaughter. He’d told me often during the past fifteen years he had no family.” He raised his brow. “Makes me wonder why you suddenly appeared out of nowhere.”

Cassandra frowned. “The private investigator he’d hired had learned about the car accident that had taken my parents’ lives. After that he managed to track me down. Didn’t Grandpa tell you he’d been searching for us?”

“Yeah, he did.” He gave a short irritable laugh. “About two days before he died.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. You must have been surprised,” she murmured. She tried to imagine how she’d feel if someone had butted into her business, Pretty Woman Cosmetics. She’d be furious.

“Not just surprised, but stunned. Roy then told me he’d had a falling out with his only son years ago.”

“Unfortunately, that’s true. I was three years old at the time.”

“Roy was real torn up when he heard about your father’s death.”

She sighed. “I imagine he was, seeing as my grandfather and father hadn’t spoken to each other in years. He said it was the saddest day of his life, and he’d forever regret they hadn’t mended their fences. I wish I’d had the opportunity to see Grandfather before he passed away. I was so young when my parents took me away from here that I’ve no memories of him.”

As she peered out the window, the beauty of the vivid green treetops caught her interest, but then she shuddered at the grayish-colored water. After awhile she sank back in her seat and grimaced, identifying the pungent odors in the plane. Leather, gasoline and the distinct odor of fish blended together, yet each scent was distinct.

She was uncomfortably conscious of his maleness. Virile and confident, but without being macho and overbearing would aptly describe him—the little she knew of him. Yet, her awareness of him as a very attractive man was starting to bother her. He was just another handsome man. She’d dated plenty of good-looking guys and had learned her lesson well. She bit her lip thoughtfully, gauging her attraction to him and decided, in the end, she must be experiencing some sort of chemical imbalance.

 

 About the Author

nancy copy

   Nancy Schumacher is the owner-publisher of Melange Books, LLC, writing under the pseudonyms, Nancy Pirri and Natasha Perry. Nancy started writing eighteen years ago while raising four children. She is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is also one of the founders of the Minnesota RWA chapter, Northern Lights Writers (NLW).

Nancy’s debut historical romance, THE MACAULAY BRIDE, set in late 19th century Scotland, was published in 2003. The debut book received several contest wins and received a TOP PICK award from Romantic Times Book Club publication in Oct. 2004. BAIT SHOP BLUES is her second full-length novel. She has written five full-length novels, and many stories included in anthologies with Melange Books, LLC.

 

Get in Touch With Nancy:

http://www.nancypirri.com

https://www.facebook.com/NancyPirriAuthor

https://twitter.com/MelangeBooks

http://www.melange-books.com/authors/nancypirri/nancypirri.html

 

 

 

The Fleeting Life

This morning it was brought to my attention, that a woman I worked with, whom I both knew and liked, passed away unexpectantly. This same woman, for the past couple of years has fought and won the battle against breast cancer and was enjoying what she considered to be her “second chance.” Despite the fight, it was her heart that took her in the long run.

I’ve thought of nothing more than this all day, thinking of all the things that we try to do and not do to prolong our lives, but in the end, we all must take that final trip. I stepped back and thought of my own life, of what I value and what my actions say about my values and I have to admit that I feel like I fall behind on my own moral standards. How easy it is to take life for granted and all the wonderful blessings that God has put there just for us. My children who are growing up so quickly, I often do not spend as much time with them as I could due to work and other unimportant things that get in the way.  Why are my boys’ rooms state of cleanliness more important than finding out what they did during the day? When did it become more important to me to read books and write them, then to spend the day outdoors with my daughter enjoying the sun? Why does my weight bother me so, taking up much of my thoughts, when I could be thinking of things that I could be doing to surprise my husband? And when did I become so busy cleaning a house that will never stay clean, to stop and call my parents or brothers just to tell them I love them?

I have truly messed up my priorities in the last couple of months, making work so much more important than the ones that I claim to love. So my call for all of you is think about what you value and if your day to day life shows it. Or have you become like me, too caught up in everything else to truly see what you’re missing.