Tag Archives: blog hop

#EggcerptExchange – Diana Rubino

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Another lovely Eggcerpt… Diana Rubino is here to take back into our past… remember that horrible day that JFK was murdered??? well, what else was going on??

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Diana has the answer, as her characters fight for answers in the background of that tragedy …pretty coolll…. enjoy her excerpt and other fun details… and keep your eyes peeled for each twist and turn… muhahahahaha

The End of Camelot by Diana Rubino

November 22, 1963, a day that changed America forever. Who killed President Kennedy?

I’ve been a HUGE JFK assassination buff since that very day. Everyone who was alive on November 22, 1963 knew exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. I was in my first grade classroom. The teacher got a call on the classroom phone and told us ‘the president was shot.’ A collective gasp went around the room. I was 6 years old and in first grade. It was ten years before I saw the footage of Ruby shooting Oswald, on an anniversary documentary.
But it was my grandmother who got me interested in the biggest mystery since ‘who killed the princes in the Tower?’ (I’m a Ricardian; that’s for another post).  She got me embroiled right along with her.
She listened to all the radio talk shows (those who lived in the New York area might remember Long John Nebel, on WOR, WNBC, and WMCA, all on AM radio (FM was really ‘out there’ at that time).
She recorded all the radio talk shows. She bought whatever books came out over the years, along with the Warren Commission Report, which I couldn’t lift at the time, it was so heavy. But my interest never waned in the 51 years that followed.
In 2000, I began the third book of my New York Saga, set in 1963. The heroine is Vikki McGlory Ward, daughter of Billy McGlory, hero of the second book, BOOTLEG BROADWAY, set during Prohibition. This was my opportunity to write a novel showcasing all my current theories, and continue the saga. It took a minimum of research, since I remember all the 60’s brands, (Bosco, Yum Berry, Mr. Bubble…), the fashions, the songs, and I even included a scene set on that unforgettable night when the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, February 9, 1964.

About THE END OF CAMELOT

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The third in the New York Saga, The End of Camelot centers on Billy McGlory’s daughter Vikki, whose husband is murdered trying to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Vikki uses her detective skills to trace the conspiracy, from New York to New Orleans to Dallas, and at the same time, tricks her husband’s murderer into a confession. A romance with her bodyguard makes her life complete.

November 22, 1963: The assassination of a president devastates America. But a phone call brings even more tragic news to Vikki Ward—her TV reporter husband was found dead in his Dallas hotel room that morning.

Finding his notes, Vikki realizes her husband was embroiled in the plot to kill JFK—but his mission was to prevent it. When the Dallas police rule his death accidental, Vikki vows to find out who was behind the murders of JFK and her husband. With the help of her father and godfather, she sets out to uncover the truth.

Aldobrandi Po , the bodyguard hired to protect Vikki, falls in love with her almost as soon as he sets eyes on her. But he’s engaged to be married, and she’s still mourning her husband. Can they ever hope to find happiness in the wake of all this tragedy?

Purchase THE END OF CAMELOT on Amazon

Excerpt:

It was New Year’s Eve, they were alone, and he was harmless. So far. So she took the necessary two paces over to him and placed the honey ball between his custom-made choppers.

He closed his eyes, and she watched him savoring the sweetness. She didn’t dare say another word as she ran her index finger over a glob of cream on the cannoli plate, raised it to her lips and licked. “Mmmm,” she voiced, wishing she hadn’t.

Their eyes met and locked. Faster than lightning, they came together like magnets. Their lips met, sweet and sticky and hot. She didn’t want him to stop, but her inner voice screamed how wrong it was—It’s forbidden!—echoing the nuns in Saint Gustina’s. She shooed it away like an annoying fly. Leave me alone, I’m not a kid anymore. Her arms circled his neck, and his hands slid down to the curve of her back. Dare she move in closer, pelvis to pelvis, an unthinkable act three seconds ago? Her body was betraying her, betraying Jack, taking on a will of its own as she crushed herself to him. The kiss intensified. She tasted cannoli, and her fogged mind told her he’d been sampling them all day. She breathed in his cologne, so foreign it repelled her, so new it aroused her even further. Her tiara slipped off her head. She caught it just as he pulled away.

He held her at arm’s length as in a tango. “Oh, cara mia,” he growled—and if he said another word in Italian, she knew she’d explode. A passion long dormant stirred inside her.

My favorite passage from the book:

Billy came down the stairs for a nightcap and glanced into the living room. He noticed the glow in the fireplace, Vikki’s eyeglasses and the anisette bottle on the table. The couch faced the other way, but nobody was sitting on it. “Where’d they go?” Then he realized they hadn’t gone anywhere—and they were on the couch, but not sitting. Before he got out of their way, he placed a long-playing record on the phonograph. Jackie Gleason’s “For Lovers Only.”

About Me

dianarubino

My passion for history and travel has taken me to every locale of my books, and short stories, set in Medieval and Renaissance England, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, and New York. My urban fantasy romance, FAKIN’ IT, won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. I live on Cape Cod with my husband Chris. In my spare time, I bicycle, golf, play my piano and devour books of any genre.

Contact me:

My Website

My Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

LinkedIn

GooglePlus

 

 

#EggcerptExchange – P.J. MacLayne

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Oh yeah… hold the presses….

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along with P.J.’s guest post, I had the chance to read her novel… you can find my thoughts at the end of this post, as well as on Amazon and Goodreads… Reviews… we have to have them… give me, give me… give me the reviews… muhahahaha

Character interview with Tasha Roeper, the main character of Wolves’ Knight

What is your job?

I am currently contracted with Lapahie Enterprises to provide assistance with getting their physical security beefed up. I’m helping to train the students at the school sponsored by Lapahie in basic security skills, and I sometimes provide bodyguard services to the CEO, Dot Lapahie. My training with both my pack, the Fairwoods, and the Radferd pack of security specialists has given me a unique set of skills that I’ll be able to use to enhance the reputation of the Fairwood pack in the future.

Where is your favorite place to visit?

I haven’t travelled much, and my bucket list of places to go is really small. I’d like to make it out the redwoods of California some day, and visit the Grand Canyon. I really enjoyed the year and a half I spent in Maine training with the Radferds, but it sure was nice to come home. I haven’t found anything yet to match the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, especially in the fall when the trees are turning colors.

What is your worst fear or nightmare?

My worst fear is that I’ll somehow let the pack down. I’m not your typical pack female, and if I do something wrong, I can bring shame to the pack and make Gavin, my pack leader, look bad. I don’t have the strength or size that the males have, so I have to depend on my wits, training and skills in a battle. I know that one day they won’t be enough. But when I run into that opponent I can’t beat, I hope I’ll do some major dame before I die.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

What’s the line? You can’t win if you don’t play? Okay, I’ve bought a scratch off ticket or two in my time, but the most I’ve ever won is $5. I think I used that to fill the tank of my motorcycle. If I ever had a lot of money, I’d make that trip to California. And I think I’d donate some of it to a veteran’s charity. I’ve had the privilege of fighting alongside quite a few men and women who served in the military, and although the pack takes care of its own, there are a lot of vets out there that could use some extra help.

On the lighter side-what’s your favorite type of pet?

I’m a wolf-shifter. I don’t do pets. Can’t you just imagine it, some sweet little kitten hanging around the house, being freaked out every time I shifted into my wolf form? I’m a meat eater, and I’m sure a pet would be able to sense that. Maybe I could get away with a goldfish or something, but it’s never been something I’ve ever considered.

 

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Wolves’ Knight Blurb:

 

Tasha Roeper knows what it means to protect your own. So when her friend, Dot Lapahie, CEO of Lapahie Enterprises, suspects that the Free Wolves are under attack, Tasha immediately signs on to lead the investigation and guard Dot.

But Tasha’s not convinced it’s the Free Wolves that are the target. She fears that her own pack—the Fairwood Pack—are the actual quarry and Dot is only a decoy.

The deeper Tasha digs, the more puzzles she uncovers.

Torn between tradition and a changing world, will Tasha risk everything to save a friend—including her own life—when old enemies arise?

Excerpt

“This isn’t much different than getting ready to go on a raid,” Dot said as she strapped on the belt that held her throwing knives.

“In a way; it is,” Tasha told her. “Only instead of going to your target, you’re searching for someone coming to you. Which can be even more nerve-racking.”

“I wish you two could come along.”

I will be, Tasha thought, but not officially.

“Chief agrees with you, but it wouldn’t look right,” Samantha said. She was double-checking Dot’s preparations. “You have to do this on your own.”

“Do you know how many times I bugged Gavin to let me run patrols with the Fairwoods?” Dot adjusted the shoulder harness for the revolver that the arms master had supplied. “And he’d never let me. I can’t believe he caved and agreed to this scheme.”

“I guess he realized how important this is,” Tasha suggested.

“Either that or someone blackmailed him. What do you have on him, Tasha?”

“Me?” Tasha fluttered her eyelashes and attempted to look innocent. “All I had to do was explain how important this is.”

“I’ll force you to tell me later.” Dot turned around slowly. “What am I missing?”

She didn’t look like the CEO of a growing organization any more. Instead, she’d gone back to her roots and looked every inch the warrior. From the combat boots on her feet to the cropped hair tinged with streaks of red, she was prepared for battle. Tasha decided it was a good thing that Gavin wasn’t there to see her. They’d never make it out the door. Nothing was sexier to a male wolf that a female prepared to do battle for her cubs.

“One minor detail.” Samantha reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, round container. “Pink stripes on your cheeks. Then you’ll be ready.”

A small cluster of people waited for Dot when she reported to the staging area for her patrol assignment. As she shook hands with her well-wishers, Tasha used the diversion to slip away. She had her own preparations to make.

 

Purchase links:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/wolves-knight

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wolves-knight-pj-maclayne/1123127673

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1066865102

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Author Bio: Born and raised among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, P.J. MacLayne still finds inspiration for her books in that landscape. She is a computer geek by day and a writer by night who currently lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. When she’s not in front of a computer screen, she might be found exploring the back roads of the nearby national forests and parks. In addition to the Free Wolves’ stories, she is also the author of the Oak Grove mystery series. P.J. MacLayne can be reached on: Facebook https://facebook.com/pjmaclayne

Twitter https://twitter.com/pjmaclayne

Google + https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PJMacLayne/posts

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/P.J.-MacLayne/e/B00HVE8WZI

And here are my thoughts….

this novel was between a 3 and a 4 for me, but definitely closer to a 4… it was cute, well paced and dropped enough debits about Mark (Elder Fennar/may be spelling wrong) for me to be rooting for Tasha to hook up with him, way before I actually knew if he was actually in the running… (nothing explicit for those faint of heart)

the beginning is a little rough, well written but I turned back multiple times to see if I had missed a prologue or something… but after the first few paragraphs the story takes off… knowing that I have the most trouble writing my own first page, I continued and enjoyed the read…

 

 

 

 

#EggcerptExchange – Kim Headlee

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I’m not really a fan of Historical novels, but I love dragons… so the fact that this is a Dragon’s Dove Chronicles series is interesting to me…

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I wonder if there are dragons in this novel… or is it just a really cool title… hmmm… I wonder what surprises Headlee has hidden within her pages… muhahahaha

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Raging Sea: Reckonings

SERIES – The Dragon’s Dove Chronicles, book 3.1

AUTHOR – Kim Iverson Headlee

GENRE – Epic Historical Fantasy

PUBLICATION DATE – 11/23/2015

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 104 pages/20K words

PUBLISHER – Pendragon Cove Press

COVER ARTIST – Natasha Brown

Link to cover: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lm0lKzRIh1E/VlTd86eP2GI/AAAAAAAABeM/SfTgbEXIG4Y/s1600/RagingSea-Reckongings.jpg

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Synopsis:

Those who aspire to greatness must first learn servanthood.

Stripped of kin, clan, country, and even his identity for having failed the most important woman in his life and her infant son, Angusel begins the arduous task of rebuilding his life and reclaiming his honor. The path he treads is fraught with uncomfortable revelations, unexpected reconciliations… and unavoidable reckonings.

 

EXCERPT 1 (PG)

He stood on the bluff, staring at the gray-green sea churning against the Manx beach a score of paces below. The Sasunach funeral pyre at his back enveloped him with its draconic heat and eye-stinging smoke and gut-wrenching stench. As dizziness washed over him, the sandy ground felt as insubstantial as the cloud-laced sky. Hand to sweating temple, he tossed off the surreal sensation with a shake.

Earth, sky, fire, water… as if he were a god imprisoned at the convergence of the elements.

He snorted.

He was no god.

No longer did anyone address him by his given name, which meant “raging sea.” Even on the official duty roster he was listed as Optio Aonar, a junior officer not of command rank. No matronymic, no clan, no country; physically, emotionally, spiritually alone.

EXCERPT 2 (PG-13)

Gull gave Angusel a measuring stare, glanced at the skies—which had remained calm, and the temperature was behaving itself for once—and reached a decision. “Elian, the wood can keep. Our wee lion cub needs a woman. So do I, truth be told.” He picked up his sword.

Over Angusel’s embarrassed, “What!” soared Elian’s hearty laughter. “I suppose you know just the place,” said the centurion with a grin.

“Of course. Don’t you?” Gull shot back. When he got no response, he continued, “How long has it been for ye, auld boar?”

Elian’s grin soured. He pivoted on his wooden leg and stomped inside the cottage. Without looking back he said, “None of your cac-licking business. Take him, then. Just don’t be all day about it.” The words faded with distance until the last few were almost inaudible.

Purchase link (Kindle Unlimited only; this is a worldwide link that opens to the Amazon product page in or nearest to the visitor’s country): http://getBook.at/Raging_Sea_Reckonings_by_KIH_Kindle

– author short bio – 100 words or less.

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, Great Pyrenees goat guards, and assorted wildlife. People and creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins—the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-twentieth century—seem to be sticking around for a while yet. She has been an award-winning novelist since 1999 (Dawnflight 1st edition, Sonnet Books, Simon & Schuster) and has been studying the Arthurian Legends for nigh on half a century.

– author links – no more than 5

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE (Worldwide link) – http://Author.to/Kim_Headlee_Amazon_page

BLOG – http://kimiversonheadlee.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/KimIversonHeadlee

TWITTER – https://twitter.com/KimHeadlee

GOOGLE+ – https://plus.google.com/+KimHeadlee

 Hold the presses… here is a character interview for Headlee’s MC… but first… a little insanity…

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Questions for Angusel, the main character in RAGING SEA: RECKONINGS by Kim Headlee:

1. Nickname

For having failed the most important person in my life, and her infant son, I am no longer known by my birth name, Angusel. I now call myself Aonar a Dubh Loch, which in your tongue means “Alone from the Black Lake.” It is a fitting name for the condition of my soul.

2. Job

I am a soldier in the Dragon Legion of Brydein, an officer of optio rank. This is the lowest rank in the officer corps and carries no command authority. This rank is bestowed upon couriers and spies. As an optio attached to the Fifth Turma of the Manx Cohort, I have been called upon to perform both types of service.

3. Level of schooling, or self-taught

For the better part of two years, as a condition of my being held hostage by the Pendragon to ensure that my mother would not again attack the Pendragon’s people, I studied with the monks on the Isle of Maun. In spite of my hostage status—and the fact that the monks’ lessons were not the favorite part of my day—I now look back upon that time with wistful longing.

4. Birthdate

I was born under the sign of the Lion, in the month known by the Romans as Junius—or June, as you would say—in the year known by Christian reckoning as 479. My people do not bother to label the passage of years, nor do they bother with the remembrance of birth days.

5. Birthplace

The place of my birth—an earth-and-timber fortress named Senaudon atop a high stone promontory—is now covered by a massive stone construction called Stirling Castle in what is now Scotland. It grieves me that the invaders I fought so hard to repel have lent their name to this land, and that my people, the Caledonians—or Picts, as the Romans insisted upon naming us—are all but lost in the mists of time.

6. Currently residing in…

Because I was gravely wounded in my last battle, the renowned healer Prioress Niniane has granted me permission to heal under her care at Rushen Priory on the Isle of Maun.

7. Favorite type of pet

If by “pet” you mean an animal of which I am fond, I possess a deep affinity for my warhorse Stonn. He has saved my life in battle countless times. I also like cats, and they me, though there is no one special cat in my life at this time.

8. Favorite place to visit

There is a large rock just off the Manx shoreline near the priory where I go to escape the pressures of my life, and just sit and think. At high tide, it’s completely surrounded by water, and it makes me feel at one with the “raging sea” that is my namesake.

9. Significant other

Gyan, the most significant woman in my life, I can never be with in any romantic sense, for she is married to Arthur, the man she loves with all her heart, and he her. I would sooner take my own life than cause any harm to befall their relationship. Recently I met another woman, Eileann, who was kind to me beyond all reason or expectation, even though I am an outcast among our people. Eileann is as beautiful and gentle a soul as any I have ever known, and I consider it an honor simply to know her. Whether she and I are destined to be together someday, only the gods know.

10. Most important goal

The one thing I yearn for with all my soul is to reclaim my place as a warrior at Gyan’s side. Since the moment I met her, all I’ve ever wanted was to be her champion and protector. That honor was stripped from me when I failed to save the life of Gyan’s infant son, a failure that shall haunt me for the rest of my days.

11. Worst fear or nightmare

My worst fear is that I shall never earn Gyan’s forgiveness, for without it, I can never achieve my most important goal.

12. Favorite food

With my food choices being dictated by what rations of meat and ale are offered to soldiers in the Dragon Legion, I do not give thought what might be my favorite… though a hot, juicy slice of roast pork does sound tempting just now.

13. Wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between?

Before the failure that caused me to be stripped of kin, clan, country, and purpose, I was Àrd-Oighre h’Albainaich Chaledon—that is to say, the Exalted Heir of Clan Alban, a prince among my people, with all the wealth and privileges that title entailed. Now, I own nothing more than the clothes on my back and the armor and weapons stored in the armory on my behalf.

14. Secret desire or fantasy

I dare not speak it, lest Arthur overhear. He would eat my heart for breakfast, and then use the rest of me for target practice. I believe that my heart is of more use to him—and her—where it is.

15. What would you do if you won the lottery?

What is a “lottery?” For me and everyone I know, the casting of lots is not something that is won, for the consequence usually entails having to perform an unpleasant duty, such as mucking the stables.

 

#EggcerptExchange – Kasia Radzka

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another day, another excerpt… woo who… today it is all about Kasia Radzka… 

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I have to thank all the authors participating in this Exchange… personally, I have enjoyed finding out about all these new novels coming out… not all of them have been in my preferred genre, but seeing the large number of books being created humbles me… I am very proud to be a part of this growing community, and I hope you guys find a book or two to add to your TBR list (to be read list)

Blurb – less than 300 words

Lexi Ryder vowed to never return to the Gold Coast, but after a desperate phone call from an old friend, she returns only to learn her friend is dead.

Was it murder or an accident?

Lexi finds herself embroiled in a game of politics, assassinations and secrets. A world where people are not who they seem.

Detective Matthew Ryan wants Lexi as far away as possible from him and the case. But Lexi knows too much. After a public assassination they discover that whoever is responsible is willing to go to great lengths to dispose of those who get in the way of their plans.

Is Lexi willing to risk her own life to seek the truth?

Money, status, and power. Some people will do anything to get it, others will do whatever it takes to keep it.

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Excerpt – less than 500 words

He pushed her hard and she slammed into the wall of the building, the rugged bricks cutting her palms as she tried to protect herself from the impact. This couldn’t be the end. She turned to face her attacker. She didn’t recognise him. In the darkness she could just make out his features. He had a face that could easily get lost in a crowd, olive skin, a freckle beside his eye, and brown hair. It’s funny the details you notice when you face your killer.

“I’ll give you whatever you want, please, take my keys, my wallet, there’s two hundred dollars in there, just don’t hurt me, please,” Lexi pleaded as he pushed her against the wall.

He stared at her. No smile. No reaction. Then she noticed the glimmer of a gun in his hand.

He pushed even closer until she felt his lips against her ear. “You’ve been asking too many questions.”

Lexi squeezed her eyes shut and pushed him away with all the strength that she could muster as pain seared through her body. She kicked him but he grabbed her by the neck and pulled her towards him pressing the cold metal barrel against the flesh of her lower back. This was it. She was about to die. And all for nothing. She wondered if Dana had known she was going to die at the exact moment her car had veered off the road and slammed into the tree.

Purchase links not more than 5

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YAC0NLA?keywords=lethal%20disposal&qid=1452997317&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com.au/Lethal-Disposal-Kasia-Radzka-ebook/dp/B00YAC0NLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453285484&sr=8-1&keywords=lethal+disposal

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author short bio – 100 words or less

Kasia Radzka is an author, athlete wannabe, food & wine lover, and blogger, living with her husband and son on the Gold Coast, Australia. A run along the coastline generally gets her muse buzzing. You can contact her at kasiajradzka@gmail.com or stop by her website www.kasiaradzka.com.

author links – no more than 5

http://www.kasiaradzka.com

answer to character’s questions

Nickname
Lexi

2. Job –
Freelance Investigative Journalist3. Level of schooling, or self-taught – University Degree and the school of life4. Birthdate –
5 May5. Birthplace –
Melbourne, Australia6. Currently residing in…
Gold Coast, Australia7. Favorite type of pet –
Dog, but she has no room for one in her life at the moment8. Favorite place to visit –
Europe9. Significant other –
It’s complicated10. Most important goal –
To figure out who killed her friend11. Worst fear or nightmare -Failing the people she promises to help 12. Favorite food – Wine, burgers, and rockmelon – not necessarily in that order.13. Wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between? Wealthy, but doesn’t like to advertise it.
14. Secret desire or fantasy – If she told you it wouldn’t be a secret. 15. What would you do if you won the lottery? Give half to charity, invest the other half and continue investigating stories.

 

#EggcerptExchange – Janie Franz

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the first month of Eggcerpt Exhange is winding down… we have one more author coming to visit tomorrow, and then it is March’s turn to shine… there is an amazing number of authors out there in today’s market… a taste of every genre… no matter what you are looking for, the perfect book is waiting… personally, I need to stop looking… lol… I already have a number of favorite authors on my TBR list… if I add anymore, I will need to win the lottery… ahhhh… wouldn’t that be nice… now I am picturing the two-story home library I would build if only someone would give me the millions needed to create the monstrosity … muhahaha… I could have my bedroom, coffee maker, and office surrounded by two stories of books… ooo… and I would take a trip to hay-on-way… a European book-topia….

Okay… back to today’s guest… Janie Franz is here with an excerpt and a character interview from her novel Verses

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Verses (The Lost Song Trilogy book 1 and book 4 of the Bowdancer series)

By

Janie Franz

Blurb

Eleven summers after Jan-nell the bowdancer left her daughter Mira-nell with the sisterhood of hunters on the mountain and came to live with Khrin to raise their son, Bearin, she is called by the sisterhood to find their origins.

The first clue is a bit of song Jan-nell learns at the deathbed of the oldest woman in the sisterhood’s village. Jan-nell and her companions seek the origins of the mysterious women on the mountain through the verses of that song.

Master hunter Bekar and master trackfinder Chandro accompany Jan-nell and Bearin on a quest for the lost song that takes them from their local inn out across the landscape of their world as they meet bee spinners and kings and risk their lives to achieve their goal.

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Excerpt

“Is the old woman failing?”

“She is ill, and Leyton worries that she may pass before she can tell Jan-nell the gossip from the first mothers about our coming to the mountain.”

“She wants a story-song then?”

Chandro nodded again. “She has finally agreed.”

Bekar bit into a crisp cucumber, relishing the new taste. “Hmm.” Then she turned to Jan-nell. “I would like to know how we came here and why. I feel there is something we should all know, but it has been kept from us. We did not have feasts and music before you and Mira-nell came, or ways to mark our life passages, except for when we have our first moon and become women or when a few take their places among the hunters.”

“At least Mira-nell has that affirmation. She would not get it here.” Jan-nell cast Khrin a look. “They would be plotting who she should wed by now—if not preparing the ceremony as we speak.”

Khrin held up his hands. “It is not my doing. My mother likes weddings and babes.”

Chandro’s gaze rested on Bearin. “Do they plot who you will wed?” she asked the boy.

“If I would listen,” he said.

“What?” Jan-nell turned to him.

“I do not bother you with their talk. Granddame’s sister has a girl my age that she thinks is fair.”

“But she is kin?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “They do not count kin that far from Granddame. Besides, though she is fair, she cannot think. What would I have to say to such a one?”

“There will be a time where thinking is not what is most in your mind when you look upon a girl,” Chandro counseled.

Frowning at the trackfinder, Jan-nell continued. “You have seen her?”

The boy gave a nod.

“And?”

Bearin looked confused. “What?”

Khrin shook his head, grinning “I do not know if your mother is more shocked that she did not know about this or that she does not know what instructions you have been given about girls.”

“Well, it is obvious somebody has been filling his head with something!” Jan-nell snapped. “I do not wish him to have a houseful of babes before he has explored the world and found what lies in his heart.”

Bekar chuckled, and Jan-nell turned her growing anger on the hunter, glaring fiercely at her.

“Forgive,” Bekar said. “Be at peace.” She turned to the boy. “Tell us what you have learned about girls.”

Jan-nell raised an eyebrow at Bekar’s words.

Bearin looked up at his teacher. “It depends on the girl. Some are silly though they may be beautiful. Some are wise though they may look like a goat. Some are noble and kind, and some are devious and can never be happy no matter how much is given to them. Some have talents, though they may be in the domestic arts, while some are clever and strong and know men’s work. Both kinds can work alongside any man. Girls—women are as diverse as men.”

“And what of pairings—wedded or not?”

He shrugged again. “Just as varied.” He looked at every face. “As are families. Are we not a family around this table?”

“Yes, we are,” Khrin stated and reached for his mug of tea. He held it up as if to give a toast.

Bekar smiled and held up her mug. Bearin hoisted his aloft. Chandro looked at Jan-nell and raised her mug. Moving her eyes from face to face, Jan-nell finally raised her mug. “To our family,” Khrin said in firm tones.

Interview Questions for Bekar

1. Nickname: I’ve always been called Bekar. It is a name different from the other women up on the mountain.

2. Job: Do you mean what work I have been called to do? I am a Master Hunter

3. Birthplace: I was born up on the mountain, far above the little villages below. There are only women here, strong women. We are grateful to have Mira-nell, Jan-nell’s child, teach our young girls the ways of healing and the songs of the One. Those songs and dances stir my heart, unlike many of the other women here. And Mira-nell has her mother’s touch with herbing goat and wild game. We of the sisterhood, as Jan-nell calls us, are very grateful Mira-nell tends our cook fires.

4. Significant other: Do you mean a mate? I have not found one, though I have had many lovers. I think I’m too much of a mountain goal to be tamed by a mate.

5. Most important goal: We must find the answers to where we came from. Surely, we did not spring from the rocks of our mountain home. I am different from the other women here. I brown darker in the summer’s sun. My hair is not fair like theirs.

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About Janie Franz

Janie Franz comes from a long line of Southern liars and storytellers. She told other people’s stories as a freelance journalist for many years. With Texas wedding DJ, Bill Cox, she co-wrote The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book and The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book, and then self-published a writing manual, Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid! She also published an online music publication, was an agent/publicist for a groove/funk band, a radio announcer, and a yoga/relaxation instructor.

Currently, she is writing her tweveth novel and a self-help book, Starting Over: Becoming a Woman of Power.

Author Links:

https://authorjaniefranz.wordpress.com

https://janiefranz.wordpress.com

https://thebowdancersaga.wordpress.com

Buy Links:

This book is on sale for 99cents at

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/new-releases/series/verses-the-lost-song-trilogy-detail

and
And can be bought for regular price at:

 

#EggcerptExchange – Kim Cox

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This Eggcerpt has intrigue, betrayal, revenge… hot romance…. ooo…. lots of goodies in this one…

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It sounds deliciously tempting…

Suspicious Minds

A Romantic Suspense Novel

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Blurb

Revenge, Betrayal, and Hidden Identity

In the city of Boston lies a story of revenge and hidden identity. Ryan Donatelli, posing as Thomas Randolph, sets out to avenge his sister’s death, even if it means using Sam Southard’s daughter to do it. After all, Ryan is sure Sam’s responsible.

Natalie Southard is determined to keep her family business out of the hands of known crime boss, Nick DeMarco. After her father is killed, Natalie and Ryan are forced to run for their lives. But, will they live long enough for their hearts to heal once everything is revealed?

Genres: Romance / Romantic Suspense / Romantic Thriller

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Excerpt

Prologue

“Is that her?” Detective Walsh asked, talking around the wad of gum in his mouth.

Ryan Donatelli tugged at the neck of his old football jersey while he looked everywhere but at the body on the steel examination table. The morgue walls were closing in on him. “I don’t know.” Even to him, his voice sounded tinny and far off. “Shelley’s small, but this woman seems much smaller. It’s hard to say.” The obvious resemblance struck him, but he looked for any reason he could to deny it.

“Dehydration from the burns,” the gray-haired coroner said. “It changes the facial appearance.”

Ryan glanced up and noticed the older man’s immense nose and his astonishing resemblance to the comedian and singer, Jimmy Durante.

The detective shrugged. “Well, if you can’t be sure, I guess we’ll just have to— Wait a minute! What about this?” Walsh removed a small envelope from his jacket pocket and extracted a plastic bag containing a necklace that had been tagged for evidence.

Ryan’s stomach spasmed. Acid scorched his throat. Every conscious thought screamed denial, yet his trembling hand reached for the bag. Under the fluorescent lights, the ruby pendant glowed like a hot ember. He squeezed it in his palm, trying to feel its pulsing warmth—like the warmth of Shelley’s smile.

Oh, God! It was as cold as the body on the table.

“You okay?” The detective’s voice was muffled. Ryan wanted to laugh at the stupidity of the question, but at this moment, mirth was a foreign emotion to him.

With his index finger, he traced the outline of the small stone before turning it over to read the inscription he knew he would find. Unshed tears blurred his vision, but there it was. Happy B-day, Love, R.

“It’s Shelley,” he said and turned away. He could no longer deny the evident truth, or hang onto the tiniest thread of hope that this was a terrible mistake.

Sweet, stubborn Shelley, his baby sister. She’d never argue politics, movies or anything mundane as the weather again. Shelley loved to challenge him. She’d made him think in new ways and consider new options. What would he do without her?

Teaser Scene

He sipped his drink, noticing her eyes shifting from one object to the other. The love seat and chair with its own ottoman matched the ivory couch. A blue-and-crimson oriental rug dominated the living room floor. Sheer white curtains covered the double glass doors leading to the dining room with a black lacquered table and chairs.

“Do you like the house?”

“Yes, it’s beautiful…lovely,” she said, touching his arm.

“Thank you, but I can’t take the credit. My mother redecorated it last year.” Ryan looked around as if viewing it for the first time himself.

“I’d love to meet your mother. She has exquisite taste.”

“I have to agree. Maybe one day you will. And, if you’re good, I may take you on the grand tour of the place.” Ryan’s face drifted close to hers. He found himself not wanting to carry on the conversation any longer. His mind was far from words at the moment.

Her black hair, like her eyes, sparkled in the light. His skin beneath the sleeve of his shirt burned where the tips of her fingers touched. She smelled like freshly cut gardenias from his grandmother’s greenhouse. Her voice sounded like an angel’s song.

All he thought of was kissing her. He wanted to taste her sensuous pink lips and hold her in his arms until she begged for more.

As if his thoughts scared her, she turned away.

“I-I’d be privileged to see it.”

Did she feel the electricity sparking between them, too? Did she hunger for him the way he hungered for her?

He felt her uncertainty as clearly he did his own. Finally, she looked at him, and he could see the passion burning in her green eyes, and knew it was mirrored by his own. The window behind Natalie flashed with light. Their gazes clashed as the weather outside changed to a darkened, cloud-studded night. Wind whipped the bay into a frenzy of waves that slammed onto the beach behind the house.

The rumbling of thunder startled Natalie and she jumped into his arms. Her breast pushed against his chest and his defenses crumbled. His mouth covered hers as a hungry moan escaped his lips. She wrapped her arms around him, returning his kiss. He’d imagined her kiss to be sweet and full of passion, and his imagination was right on target…

Read More . . .

Scheduled for re-release March 15, 2016 – Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/kimcox

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About Kim Cox

Kim Cox is an author of Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense and Romance. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her chain saw artist husband, their West Highland White Terriers–Scooter and Harley, and a Yorkie mix, Candi. Kim is published in novels, short stories and articles.

Sign up for Kim’s Readers List for exclusive information, new releases, contests, giveaways, and free books.

Visit her at the following sites:

Author’s Website: http://www.kimcoxauthor.com

Blogs: Kim’s Musings, Kim’s Author Support Page

Social Media locations:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimCoxAuthor

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kimcox

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kimwrtr/

#EggcerptExchange – Pamela Thibodeaux

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Today’s Eggcerpt Exchange Pamela Thibodeaux is dropping by to tell us a little about her book ‘The Visionary’…

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She has an excerpt, some insight into Taylor (the MC), and a little about herself… Enjoy everyone, and happy wordage…

Taylor Forrestier (pronounced Foresjay) The Visionary

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1. Nickname: Tay (short for Taylor)

2. Job: My twin brother, Trevor and I own T&T Enterprises and we specialize in Interior Design & Landscape Artist/Architecture.

3. Level of schooling, or self-taught: Although my twin brother and I attended Ivy League schools and obtained degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture as well as Urban Planning and Design, God has gifted me with the ability to ‘see’ what a home should look like when the project is complete – whether it is remodeling, restoration or building from the ground up.

4. Currently residing in… Lake Charles, Louisiana.

5. Significant other: Equipped with oodles and oodles of charm and charisma by the case, Alex Broussard started out as our client but became my husband/significant other.

Blurb: A visionary is someone who sees into the future Taylor Forrestier sees into the past but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disturbingly prevalent in today’s society. Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?

Excerpt: “Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

“I’m not through yet,” he mumbled, then slid off the couch and swung her up in his arms.

Fear snuck in, darkening her eyes. She stiffened and opened her mouth to protest. He brushed his lips over hers and silenced her objections.

“I just want to hold you,” he whispered and laid his forehead against hers. “That’s all. I promise,” he added, unable to camouflage the need in his voice.

***

He’d offered her another step to relinquish her fear and trust him. Triumph lit his expressive eyes when she wrapped her arm around his neck, smiled, and whispered, “Okay,” then snuggled her face against his shoulder and let him carry her to the bedroom.

With exquisite tenderness, he laid her on the bed, crawled up beside her, and took her in his arms. Taylor felt the strength of his need in the heat and tensed against the hardness of his body. He eased his grip and propped up on one elbow beside her. His eyes pleaded for grace when he stroked the hair off her face and said in a soft, husky voice, “Please don’t be afraid of me; please trust me. I will never force or even persuade you to give more than you’re ready to.”

They gazed at each other for a long, tender moment. She cupped his cheek in her hand, brushed her thumb over his mouth, then curled her fingers in his hair and urged his head down to fasten her lips to his. A low moan escaped his throat, yet he held himself taut.

Taylor ran her hand over his shoulder and back in a soft caress then wrapped her arms around his waist. “Hold me, Alex, I trust you.”

The emotions reflected in his tone caressed her heart when he thanked her in that beautiful velvety-rough voice. He rolled onto his back, pulled the covers over her, and held her while she slept.

Purchase Links:

Paperback: http://amzn.to/1uROE2o

Kindle http://amzn.to/1s23QYv

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1h9Yhlw

Nook http://bit.ly/1CyPt1c

Smashwords http://bit.ly/167J9So

Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

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Links:

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

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

#EggcerptExchange – Anita Philmar

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here is a look at Anita Philmar…. and her novel Deputy’s Bride… blurb, excerpt, and character interview … oh my… 😛 but first, a little insanity to start your day off right…

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Blurb for Deputy’s Bride (3rd book in the Naked Bluff, Texas series)

Deputy’s Bride is an erotic, historical western that is a stand-alone story with a satisfying HEA. Texas Deputy Bo Kildare is looking for a special kind of lady, one that is willing to meet his special requirements. No sweet little virgin will do, he wants a woman who knows how to please a man, perhaps two.

Recently widowed, Sarah Elizabeth Foster-LaFever has lived in the public eye for the last few years and wants out. Her reputation as Micah LaFever’s wife has left her penniless and without many viable options until Bo comes calling. Now, she believes she found the perfect man until her past rears its ugly head.

Can murder and corrupt dealings keep these two lovers from making it to the alter?

Anita

Excerpt:

Fighting to stay in his chair, Bo studied the woman leaning against the bed. She tempted him in a way few women had in a long time. Not only beautiful with her blonde hair and sea-green eyes, she also had a confidence that appealed to him.

“I have certain expectations. Some of which others might not understand.” Bo recalled his conversation with his brother. He had shot down the idea of a woman living on the ranch, claiming Bo didn’t spend enough time at home to warrant a wife.

Bo had to agree, but he also knew Chase. He never objected to having the companionship of a lady, as long as he participated in the fun of fucking her. Now, Bo intended to make sure they both approved of the arrangement so all of their needs would be satisfied.

She popped another button free and shifted her hips onto the surface of the bed. “And what would those be?”

Staring at the swell of her breasts over the top of her corset, he knocked back the rest of his water and set the glass on the floor. “I’m a demanding lover and don’t want an innocent virgin to blush every time I slap her ass.”

He dropped his gaze. “I’m looking for a woman who will spread her legs, when I tell her and show me her pussy.”

“Like this?” Sarah caught the skirt of her dress and lifted it above her knees.

He’d noticed her bare legs, after he’d arrived at the cabin. Sparking the idea of her being naked under her red, silk dressing gown, he waited impatiently to discover the answer. His gaze lit on the creamy length of her thighs, and he stared at the blonde bush between her legs. “Yes, now, put your feet on the railing of the bed and let me see your pretty cunt.”

She smiled and obeyed by settling back on the bed. The wide expand of her knees provided the perfect view of her intimate, pink folds.

He groaned hungry for a sample of her rich cream. “Did your husband ever ask you to show yourself to other men?”

With a brief nod, she slid the last button of her gown open, exposing her trim waist and off-white corset. He spotted the small dimple of her navel and envisioned dipping his tongue into the tiny divot.

“Did he let them taste you?” Bo unhooked his belt and shifted restlessly in his chair. He had to see how far he could push her, so he’d know if she’d go along with his plan.

“Yes.” She stood, pulled off her robe and walked forward in her corset alone. “Micah liked to watch other men play with me until I became so hot, I’d beg.”

Damn, that’s exactly what he longed to hear. Bo grabbed her around the waist and drew her between his legs. He breathed in her sweet scent and rubbed his face against the soft flesh of her belly. “What did you beg for?”

He pictured her with one cock in her mouth, one in her pussy, and another in her ass. A fire burned through him, igniting his lust. Blood pooled in his groin.

She tunneled her hands through his hair and tugged, drawing his head back. Her gaze met his with a wicked challenge. “I thought tonight was purely about you and me.”

Tempted beyond his endurance, Bo shifted her back enough to stand. “It is, but someday soon I plan to invite someone else to join the fun.”

“Does that mean you plan to marry me?” She worked her fingers over the buttons of his shirt, undoing them as she went.

“It’s why I’m here, and also the reason why we’re heading for my ranch tomorrow.”

http://www.amazon.com/Deputys-Bride-Naked-Bluff-Texas-ebook/dp/B00NUTJ5N6

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-deputy039sbride-1689844-357.html

Bio for Anita Philmar

Anita Philmar likes to create stories that push the limit. A writer by day and a dreamer by night she wants her readers to see the world in a new way.

Influenced by sci-fi programs, she likes to develop places where anything can happen and where erotic moments come to life in a great read.

Naughty or Nice?

Read her books and decide.

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Website: http://www.anitaphilmar.com/

Email: anitaphilmar@yahoo.com

Blog: http://www.anitaphilmar.blogspot.com/

FB: www.facebook.com/anita.philmar

GR: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1329767.Anita_Philmar

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitaphilmar

FB: www.facebook.com/anita.philmar

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/anitaphilmar

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Anita-Philmar/e/B002BMBE8C

Character Questions:
1. Nickname – Sarah – no real nickname
2. Job – other than take care of my husband? No, I enjoy people but now that my husband is dead…well, things have changed.
3. Level of schooling, or self-taught – No, I learned more of what I know from watching others.
4. Currently residing in… Naked Bluff, Texas
5. Favorite type of pet – My horse is my world. He’s all I have left from my…well prior life
6. Favorite place to visit – At one time, I enjoyed the city. Now, I prefer to live a quiet life away from the gossip and mean comments regarding my past.
7. Significant other – Bo Kildare says he wants to marry me but I’m not so sure. He is handsome and appears almost to good to be true. Still, most men want more than there willing to tell you so I’m reserving judment until I get to know him better.
8. My most important goal is to have a quiet life with a man I can respect.
9. My worst fear or nightmare to have to marry a man who see me more as a servant than a wife.
10. Favorite food – steak.
11. Wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between? I’ve been wealthy and poor, there are advantages and pains at both end of the scales.
12. Secret desire or fantasy – to have a man that loves me for who I am.
13. What would you do if you won the lottery? Don’t know there is such a thing in 1860, but I never cared much for gambling.

 

#EggcerptExchange – Linda K Sienkiewicz

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Alrighty folks… here we have Linda Sienkiewicz … she has even included some reviews… (those things are like gold… and harder than heck to get outta the ground…) lol… I may be working in the wee hours again… but that doesn’t change that fact that Linda managed to get some awesome reviews…

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way to go girl… (don’t forget the character interview, and excerpt for y’all) now I am off to force myself to sleep, it could get ugly…

Author Linda K. Sienkiewicz writes women’s fiction/ contemporary romance. Her debut novel In the Context of Love.

What makes us step back to examine the events and people that have shaped our lives? And what happens when what we discover leads to more questions? In the Context of Love revolves around the journey of Angelica Schirrick as she reevaluates her life, and its direction.

Returning with her children from their first visit with her now imprisoned husband, she tries to figure out where it all went so wrong. Can she face the failures and secrets of her past and move forward? Can she find love and purpose again? Her future, which once held so much promise, crumbled like dust after the mysterious disappearance of her first love, and the shattering revelation that derailed her life, and divided her parents. Only when she finally learns to accept the violence of her beginning can she be open to life again, and maybe to a second chance at love.

Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of #1 NYTimes Bestseller, DEEP END OF THE OCEAN, says: “With humor and tenderness, but without blinking, Linda K. Sienkiewicz turns her eye on the predator-prey savannah of the young and still somehow hopeful.”

Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of Michigan Notable Book MOTHERS TELL YOUR DAUGHTERS, says “Sienkiewicz’s powerful and richly detailed debut novel is at once a love story, a cautionary tale, and an inspirational journey. It should be required reading for all wayward daughters, and their mothers, too.”

Linda k

Eggcerpt from In the Context of Love:

What do you suppose my birthfather was doing at that moment? Getting a free meal from the Salvation Army? Lying on a grimy cot in a subsidy-rent apartment on Fifty-fourth, staring at a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling? What did he keep in his refrigerator? Salami? Eggs? A soft tomato with a cancerous black spot? He might have his own family, a basketful of smiling children with chocolate-coated grins, and a wife in a ruffled apron who served him barbecued ribs and mashed potatoes, knowing nothing of his illegitimate daughter.

I saw him with a swim cap of dark wavy hair, like mine, a fat stubby nose and eyes with the intensity of a quick moving summer storm. He focused on some distant spot, an invisible panorama, a sordid scene from his past, as he tore the meat from the ribs with his incisors, and his greasy lips moved in a silent monologue as he chewed. Suspicions, cold Midwest winters, bad city water, and clinging women made his teeth grind, no matter how many bones he sucked clean of flesh.

In the Context of Love can be purchased in paperback or e-reader

on Amazon http://amzn.to/1IiVWEs 

or Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1QFs340 

Here’s an interview with Angelica Schirrick, the narrator of In the Context of Love:

1. What is your birthdate?
I came screaming into this world on June 30, 1958, delivered by a midwife, Rose Rumble, at my great aunt’s farm in Wisconsin.

2. Do you have a nickname?
 People have called me troublemaker, short stuff, hot stuff, cupcake (by my dad) Angel, hure (by my wicked German grandmother — don’t ask why), but most people call me Angie.

3. What’s your level of schooling?
I should say the School of Hard Knocks, but I have an associate’s degree.

4. What is your job?
I’m proud to say I’ve worked my way up to be the marketing and community service director for Safe Harbor, a non-profit women’s domestic violence shelter in Cleveland Ohio.

5. What is your most important goal?
To see my two children grow up to be happy and well-adjusted, despite having a felon for a father.

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Author Linda K. Sienkiewicz attributes her creative drive to her artistic mother, who taught her to sew, and her father, who let her monkey around with the gadgets in his workshop. Her poetry, short stories and art have been published in more than fifty literary journals. She has a poetry chapbook award from Bottom Dog Press and an MFA from The University of Southern Maine.

Website http://lindaksienkiewicz.com
Twitter 
https://twitter.com/LindaKSienkwicz
Pinterest 
https://www.pinterest.com/lindaksienkwicz/
Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/lindaksienkiewicz/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lindasienkiewicz.author

#EggcerptExchange – Linda McLaughlin

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This is definitely a contemporary romance I would love to read… right to the TBR list…

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I love the following blurb… only thing that could make it better would be if Mitch was a cowboy… but hey… it is set in southern California ??? could there be cowboys hiding in these pages???

Children’s librarian Amanda Lloyd values privacy above all else. Three years ago her wedding ended in disaster when her groom was arrested at the altar and the story of the ‘Embezzler’s Bride’ appeared in the supermarket tabloids. The experience has left her determined to avoid being caught in the public eye again. Until she meets a sexy single dad with a scandalous past…

Ex-racer Mitch Delaney is a public figure whose life has been plastered across the tabloids more than once. But he believes that anything worth doing is worth a risk. After the death of his ex-wife, he moved to Southern California to take care of his son Josh. He doesn’t need the complication of a woman in his life, especially since Josh’s grandparents have filed suit for custody. But Josh is on the hunt for a new mother and he has his heart set on Miss Amanda, and Mitch can’t fault his son’s taste.

Against her better judgment, Amanda finds herself falling for both of the Delaney men. When she agrees to accompany Mitch to a high-profile movie premiere, they draw the attention of the tabloids. Overnight Amanda’s private affair becomes very public indeed, threatening her job and Mitch’s custody suit. She’s waited twenty-eight years for the right man. But will happiness come at too high a price?

(Golden Heart Finalist, previously published as Private Affair, Kensington Precious Gem #121)

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Eggcerpt:

The town was lovely, with tall palm trees and a sandy crescent of beach ringing the glistening bay. It was a picture perfect day as they strolled along the waterfront to one of her favorite seafood restaurants.

After a delicious lunch of fresh swordfish they walked the town, stopping at all the tourist spots. They hiked up to the botanical gardens, visited the Casino where haunting echoes of the Big Band era seemed still alive, and went on the Glass Bottom boat.

“Let’s take a walk on the beach,” Mitch suggested as they stepped onto the pier.

They shed their shoes and socks, enjoying the feel of the warm sand on their toes. Amanda breathed deeply of the sea air and sighed in contentment.

“It’s been such a nice day, I hate to go home,” Mitch observed.

“You just don’t want to get back in the plane,” she teased.

“On the contrary, I can’t wait to take off over that drop-off gorge. I hope it doesn’t leave Josh fatherless.”

“You don’t have any confidence in me.”

“I haven’t booked passage on the boat, have I? You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

He gave her a look that told her the man loved a touch of danger. Her plan had backfired. Instead of discouraging him, he seemed even more interested. That should bother her, but somehow it didn’t.

“I’ve really enjoyed this.” He gestured at the town. “It’s like another world.”

She nodded in agreement. “That’s the reason I enjoy flying over here. It’s so easy to forget about the stress of daily life.”

He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “What kind of pressure are you going back to at the library?”

The pressure is right here. She was constantly fighting her attraction to this man. “Nothing really,” she remarked casually. “We’re getting ready for Halloween and I’ve got to get a costume together. I’m supposed to be Sleeping Beauty.”

“Oh? That has possibilities.” He leaned closer so his lips brushed her temple. His throaty voice whispered in her ear, “You’ll need a prince to kiss you awake, you know. I’ll be happy to volunteer for the job.”

Amanda’s breath quickened as she stared into his darkened eyes. He wouldn’t. Not here, on a public beach, in front of everyone.

He would.

She felt her knees weaken as his mouth descended. Her mind told her to pull away but her body had no desire to back out of his embrace. His kiss was as light and tender as an ocean breeze, but her reaction was anything but cool. Her pulse pounded and her heart jumped erratically.

It’s just a kiss, she told herself. But even as they pulled apart she felt a burning desire, an aching need, to feel his arms around her.

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Buy links:

Available from Amazon Kindle http://amzn.com/B006LFIRGC

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/worth-the-risk/id563112816?mt=11&uo=4

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lyn-ofarrell

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/worth-the-risk-7

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236077

Worth The Risk is also part of the Hearts and Heroes boxed set.

Lyn O’Farrell’s Interview of Amanda Lloyd

Tell us about your job.

-I’m a children’s librarian at Santa Elena Public Library and I love it!

What is your favorite type of pet?

-I love dogs. My current companion is a miniature Dachshund named Willie who loves untying my guests’s shoe laces.

Name a favorite place to visit.

-I love to hop over to Avalon on Santa Catalina every chance I get. It’s such a little town.

What is your worst fear or nightmare?

-Being publicly shamed… again.

What is your secret desire or fantasy?

-I’d love to have children some day. But first I have to find the right man to help me make that possible.

(For Amanda to get her secret desire, she’s going to have to get over her fear of being in the public eye.)

Author bio:

Lyn O’Farrell is the writing team of Anne Farrell and Linda McLaughlin. Their romance novel, Private Affair, was a finalist in RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart contest and was first published in paperback by Kensington Precious Gems. Anne and Linda live in sunny Southern California, the inspiration for the fictional town of Santa Elena.

You can find the authors online at:

Anne Farrell’s website: http://annefarrellwriter.com/

Linda McLaughlin http://lindalyndi.com

Blog: http://lindalyndi.com/reading-room-blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaMcLaughlinAuthor

Twitter: @Lyndi Lamont https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont

#EggcerptExchange – Michelle Abbott

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another excellent cover… another author for the exchange!!!

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the cover really is the first line when trying to promote a book… I know that I look for certain things *(hot guys, or strong women) before I ever check out the back of a book… if the cover sucks, I soooo am not wasting time one the blurb…

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Love the tattoos… yep, the great body has nothing to do with it, I swear… hehehe… okay… lets read a little about the author and the book… and don’t forget the Excerpt and Q&A character session….

Author Michelle Abbott writes new adult romance. She currently has four books published.

JEM

Two injured, stubborn souls meet unexpectedly. Will they save each other from their demons or have they been too damaged for too long to see past the pain?

Growing up, all Jem knew was hatred and the pain from his father’s fists. Taunted by the kids at school, he was alone, until a girl with carrot coloured hair sat next to him.

She smiled.
She listened.
She cared.

She was his angel, and he knew he’d love her forever. But Jem’s father hurts him in a way he never expected by taking him away from her.

Now eighteen, scarred inside and out, Jem trusts no one and has worked hard to ensure he’ll never be helpless again. But then he runs into his angel. The only problem is she doesn’t recognize him. Jem needs her to remember him, to show him that their time together meant to her what it did to him. For once in his life he wants to have mattered to someone, to her.

Devon is attracted to the muscular, tattooed, pierced hottie standing by the pub quiz machine. That is, until he punches a guy clean across the bar for daring to touch him. She’s had her fill of violent men and intends to avoid this one at all costs.

Eggcerpt from JEM

I pull back the duvet and try to make as few movements as possible as I crawl in beside her and let the warmth from her body and the duvet envelop me. Her red hair is splayed across my pillow. I reach out and stroke my fingers through the silken strands. My pillowcase isn’t getting washed again. It can smell of her forever so that whenever I lay my head on it, I can pretend she’s with me. Maybe it will be okay to move a little closer. I’m right on the edge of the mattress. If I fall out of bed I’ll wake her. I scoot closer to her, close my eyes and inhale. She smells of roses. Maybe I should get her some flowers. I picture myself holding a bunch of red roses and chuckle to myself. Nah, I’m not the suave type. Maybe I’ll get a rose tattoo to remind me of her scent.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U65KU22

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00U65KU22

http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00U65KU22

Interview with Jem1.

Job?I work at an amusement arcade, fixing the machines when they go wrong, handing out change and that kind of thing. It pays my bills, it’s local and the hours suit me.

2. Currently residing in…?Hemsby in Norfolk. I’ve got a trailer right by the sea. There’s nothing like walking along the beach every morning. It keeps me calm.

3. Level of schooling, or self-taught?I had to quit school when I was small because my asshole of a father moved us all at the last minute after someone reported him to social services for child cruelty. He never enrolled me in another school. I taught myself all I need to know.

4. Favorite food?Don’t have one. I eat to live, I don’t live to eat.

5. Most important goal?To get Devon to remember me and love me again. To take care of her and show her that I never forgot her and never stopped loving her.

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Michelle Abbott lives in the UK and hates describing herself in 3rd person.

She loves to write new adult romance about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl.

She’s an avid reader of romance, is addicted to coffee and loves wine and chocolate, so yeah, not the most healthy eating and drinking habits 🙂 She spends way too much time online when she should be writing. She collects teddy bears and occasionally knits a couple of rows on a sweater she started years ago, which she may eventually finish in time to wear for her funeral 🙂Website http://www.michelleabbott.com/Twitter https://twitter.com/michelleabbott4Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MichelleAbbottRomanceAuthorGoodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7034278.Michelle_Abbott

I hope you enjoyed your peek into Michelle Abbott… until next time, I will leave you with a little insanity… happy wordage…

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#EggcerptExchange – Jacquie Biggar

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Romantic Suspense isn’t my normal pick, but every once in a while I enjoy a little nail biting, heart racing romance… muhahaha

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my usual picks for suspense involve something magical, but I do love a well written book with hidden hooks that pull me forward, until I can’t stand to put the book down…

TODAY’S GUEST IS: Jacquie Biggar- Author of romantic suspense w/ attitude

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ARE YOU A PLOTTER OR PANTSER?

I’m a pantser all the way. I’ve taken numerous courses on plotting because in theory it sounds easier. Build an outline, add elements of GMC (goal, motivation, and conflict) and you’re off to the races. For me, it comes off feeling forced. I lose my flow. So now I just let the words appear organically, sometimes that can be pages in a day, sometimes only a paragraph or two, but it works for me.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO WRITE?

I’ve always had a love of reading. As I grew older it developed into a dream of seeing my name on the front cover of a book. That’s the biggest joy for me, hearing that people enjoy my writing.

WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU SOLD YOUR FIRST BOOK?

Threw a party!! No seriously, I shared it all over social media. There’s such a euphoric feeling to accomplishing a goal you’ve set for yourself that I think the first reaction is to want to share the good news.

WHAT IS THE FIRST BOOK YOU REMEMBER READING?

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell told first person from the horse’s perspective. One of the most heartbreakingly powerful novels I’ve ever read.

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The Sheriff Meets His Match by Jacquie Biggar

Genre: Contemporary romance

When a jaded sheriff is drawn to an exasperating woman in trouble, anything can happen

Laurel Thomas has always experienced life from the outside looking in. She likes the warm welcome she’s received in Tidal Falls and wants to make a home in this friendly little town, far away from her egocentric family. But then her uncle arrives and she learns the past has a way of catching up to her.

Jack Garrett is satisfied with his uncomplicated life. He has a good job as the sheriff of his hometown, a nice home, and a beautiful teenage daughter. So why is he struggling against his attraction for the disorganized new hire at the department, Laurel Thomas? She threatens everything he’s worked so hard to avoid—like falling in love.

Can two people with enough emotional baggage to sink a ship find a way to give each other a chance, or is this match doomed to drown?

 

Excerpt:

“Are you going to answer me?” That voice. The deep, dark, mesmerizing timbre of his voice had featured in more than a few of Laurel’s overnight fantasies of late. Combine that with a body built like a tank and a set of handcuffs and…

Miss Thomas.”

His impatience woke her up to her very real predicament. Either she came up with a plausible answer now, or she could very likely end up spending the night in an interrogation room. Not that she would mind sharing a room with the big bad sheriff, but one with a bed would be preferable. Wait, did she really just think that? Obviously, it’d been too long since she had a meaningful relationship—hashtag sex.

Buy Link:

http://amzn.com/B0150T696Y

Bio:

 

Jacquie Biggar has a wonderful gift for writing hot and extremely likable military men!Jacqui Nelson

From the time Jacquie was twelve years old, she knew she wanted to be a writer. That year she wrote a short story called Count Daffodil after spending countless hours searching for ideas. The story garnered Jacquie an A and was read aloud through the school’s loudspeaker system. Needless to say, after that she was hooked.

Jacquie grew up, got married, raised a family and left her writing urges to simmer in the background unattended.

She owned and operated a successful diner in her hometown for a number of wonderful years before deciding to live her dream of becoming an author.

Jacquie’s first book, Tidal Falls, a romantic suspense novel about second chances, released September of 2014.

 

FIND Jacquie Biggar at: http://jacqbiggar.com/

Facebook: http://Facebook.com/jacqbiggar

Twitter: http://Twitter.com/jacqbiggar

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/jacquiebiggar

 

#EggcerptExchange – Dawn Howard

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Dawn is stopping by, and she even brought some of her reviews… omg… I am a little jealous guys… getting reviews is the holy grail of writing… always sought, but dang hard to acquire… lol…

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hope you enjoyed the GIF, lol… now enjoy Dawn’s post…

Book blurb: Kia Deering is a normal teenage girl looking forward to celebrating her 18th birthday in style. What she didn’t anticipate was the revelation that would change her life beyond recognition.  

The Goddess Assaie fell for a human and gave up everything, including her identity, to be with him, sacrificing everything she ever knew in the name of true love.

When Kia discovered she was a descendant of the Goddess she had a year to embrace all that it meant or to turn her back on her destiny forever.

Kia had always believed herself to be ordinary but now she was extraordinary she had no idea if she could handle the potential of the power within her. Perhaps the handsome young man she meets in a nightclub could be the distraction she needed, or perhaps he will open up a whole new set of questions himself.

Reviews…

“A pantheonic love story with several twists on the theme, I can highly recommend this first novel by this author” 
“Amazing book from start to end”
 “I shall be recommending it to my friends”

Events from the past come together, in this fantastical romance, to change the present and nothing will ever be the same again, for any of them.

Read D E Howard’s debut novel Assaie’s Gift and follow a love that began in another era.

 dawn

Author info😀 E Howard was born and raised in the small seaside town of Southport where she still resides. Enjoying writing for most of her adult life she only recently decided to turn her ideas into books. Part time gardener (just at home!), part time dog walker (for a crazy cairn terrier) and part time author she still has time for a full time job. Work pays the bills but writing feeds the soul. Her second book ?Spirit of the Book? will be out soon.

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Egg-cerpt:

While Sofia fumbled in her bag for her mobile phone Kia raced around to the front of the car. From the back seat she hadn’t been able to see the other vehicle which it appeared they had hit side on, crushing both the driver’s door and the front of the taxi. The driver, and sole occupant, of the other vehicle was motionless, blood covering his face as it ran freely from a large cut in his forehead.

“Are you all right?” She shouted, the driver’s eyes flickering open in acknowledgement. “It’s okay, we’ve called an ambulance… just stay where you are.”

Racing around to the driver’s side of the taxi Kia stopped dead, the taxi driver was sprawled across the road before the car, his leg at a painfully unnatural angle, his body bloodied from the many cuts he sustained from the windscreen’s glass. The thing that made Kia stop and take a deep breath however were his eyes, they were now wide open and staring up at the sky unblinking, they showed no sign of life.

Approaching him slowly Kia took some deep steadying breaths, she had taken a few first aid courses in college but nothing could have prepared her for this.

“Hello?” She said as she crouched down beside him. “Hello can you hear me?”

Getting no reaction Kia reached out a hand and gently shook the taxi driver’s shoulder.

“Hello?” She said again, already knowing that it was too late for him to ever hear her again but unable to stop trying. “Please be all right… hello?”

Kneeling down closer to the driver Kia leaned over, holding her hair back, as she tried to listen for any sounds of breath but there were none, his eyes still stared lifelessly at the sky.

“What do I do?” Kia said quietly to herself as tears began to fill her eyes. This was not the way her birthday was supposed to end and she was certain that the taxi driver hadn’t anticipated such a final end to his evening either.

Unable to do anything else Kia took hold of the driver’s hand gently and closed her eyes. It didn’t seem right to just leave him.

She didn’t notice the burning sensation in her palm at first as her body was already full of aches from the collision but after a few minutes it was impossible to ignore and her eyes shot open to look down at the hand that held onto that of the driver. Kia wasn’t certain but she thought she could see a strange white glow around their hands and then, as quickly as it started, the pain faded away and seconds later so did the glow.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts Kia decided she was imagining things due to the stress of the accident.

Then the driver began to cough.

“What happened?” He asked, rubbing his free hand over his face as he straightened the leg that moments ago had seemed irrevocably broken.

“Accident,” Kia said, unable to form any more coherent words than that, relief flooding her body at the sound of the ambulance sirens rapidly approaching.

 Time to get to know a little more about Kia Deering with this questionnaire:

1. Nickname: My name is a little short to do much with, but friends do sometimes just call me ?K?
2. Job: I’m currently a student, I was going to get a part time job to help out but mum wouldn’t hear of it.
3. Level of schooling, or self-taught: That’s still ongoing!
4. Birthdate: August 19th – summer birthdays are the best
5. Birthplace: A little town you wouldn’t have heard of ? nowhere very exciting I’m afraid
6. Currently residing in: Still living at home with my mum
7. Favourite type of pet: I don’t have one myself, but who can resist a puppy? I have to have a cuddle any

Buying links:
Amazon: myBook.to/Assaie or http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00TJ2Y4YI

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4566626

Author Links:

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

Blog: https://dawndelivers.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @dehauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13529086.D_E_Howard

 

#RRBC & OBC connections

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Just a quick up date… I decided to give a few online book clubs a try… I decided to go with #RRBC Rave Reviews Book Club, and OnlineBookClub.org  … it has only been a few days, but I have already meet some lovely people… Writers & Readers alike… 😛

Michelle Abbott from over at #RRBC even introduced me to a blog hop that I will be doing in the months of Feb and March… if you see #EggcerptExchange in the subject line, you will know that my usual dose of insanity will be coupled with the introduction of an author I have meet while hopping around… Annnndddd …

In the book front, I have some good news/ bad news… (well for me, not so much everyone else) I realized that the title Twin Findings would be perfect for book three of the Finder’s Keepers series… which means I now have to decide on another purrrrfect title for book two… grr….

quick book update

Shocking Finds (A Finder’s Keepers novel) can be found in the following blog hop… three fantasy books up for grabs… just wanted to let everyone know… hop ends on 1-15-16 … head on over and enter to win… woo who… free books 😛

Blog Hop Site

 

book spotlight on VL Locey’s site

Just another quick note… VL Locey was kind enough to share a sneak peek of the rough rough rough copy of Twin Findings, the second book in the Finder’s Keepers series… I want to thank her and all the other support I have found in the writing community, readers, and bloggers alike… you all rock… and if you haven’t seen the sneak peek yet, just head HERE to check it out…

and yes, I think I will be sticking with Twin Findings… 😛 Happy Wordage… Tracey

Rockin’ Book Reviews

I just wanted to share the wonderful interview Lu Ann over at RockinBookReviews.com did for me… she is having a giveaway for Shocking Finds… so head over HERE and check out the pictures and Q&A, followed by her Raffle-copter… This woman rocks peeps, and always has new book info on hand, and lots of giveaways to join in on…

happy wordage, Tracey

PS the giveaway ends on 1-8-2016… enjoy

Day 12 GWP Contest

FAVORITE BAND/SONG??? this is the question for day 12 … and man, oh man… it is hard to pick…

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we are using the hashtags #15DaysofGWPAuthors #GWPGiveaway so that you can find all the GWP authors and their answers… if you repost, please use the hashtags… and who would want to win a Santa Box filled with free books… just go HERE to sign up for the Gone Writing Publishing Newsletter… everyone that signs up will be automatically entered to win the Santa Box … the winner will be announced on Dec 18th… see… easy…

now for my Day 12 answer….. I would have to pick something by Evanescence, Adele, or Cam… I am a Country or Pop girl…

But if I had to pick one song/band… if would have to be Burning House by Cam… check back next month and I’m sure that will change… lol… but it is the voice that I love… all these ladies have a gravelly voice that can reach beautiful high notes… 😛

Monthly Goods

I have been thinking… blogging is very important to a writer but what do I really have to say to people besides my writing??? So what did I come up with??? Monthly goods, or more accurately, weekly goods… Like the first week of every month I could update the world on book progress…

The second week of every month??? How about Multiple Sclerosis facts from my point of view… I mean, we all have issues and problems that we have to deal with on a daily basis… it is only through exposure that the scary and unknown can be faced… as human beings we have a very long history of lashing out at what we don’t understand… I actually had a woman screaming in my face when i parked in a handicapped parking space… not cool… but when you first look at me, i  look healthy and in the prime of life… HA… after I was near tears and screaming back that she could call my doctor up for my latest MRI (possible foul language involved) she became meek and started explaining all the reasons why her behavior was acceptable…. still not cool… I know that explaining my day to day MS blues might not help with parking lot attacks, but if those I know and those I interact with know what MS is and how it can affect my reactions and health, then hopefully misunderstandings can be avoided… but lets be a little more fun with the topic… lots of facts, and some oops, the MS made me do it stories… (like the time I threw my diet coke in my own face because of an arm twitch…)

Week three??? Lets do art time… I love all things art… and when I need to recharge (aka: give my brain a rest) I put down the evil edits and do something artsey… paint an oil painting, design a bracelet, and I plan to start making my own pendants…. the clay has been bought, and soon the pendants will be created… muhahahaha… not to mention the design book mom picked out for one of my Christmas presents (shhh, don’t tell)

And finally we rap up the month with Random Chat… like ranting and raving about my favorite shows and movies, the local restaurants, and vacation fun… and everything has to be full of pinterest pictures as well as my own pictures…

But that only takes up four days out of every month… that is a lot of days left un-blogged… boooo…. these are the early days of my writing career… which means I have time to put in a few more blogs than the more famous authors… So lets put in a few book reviews when I have read something new (which is my other pass-time) and random daily insanity posts… woo who… for now, happy wordage every one, Tracey Clark

day 6 Contest

Enter to get the Gone Writing Publishing Newsletter HERE and you have a chance to win the Santa Box containing books by all of us here at GWP… winner will be announced on Dec 18…

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now for my pick of Favorite Book to Movie???? That would have to be Pride and Prejudice … the most recent version… I love Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet…. I have watched that movie a hundred times… and read the book a few dozen… 😛

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If you decide to repost this post, please use the hashtags  #15DaysofGWPAuthors #GWPGiveaway to help spread the word … good luck and happy wordage… tracey