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MY DEAD TRUE LOVE
My Dead True Love
by Kim Pierce
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GENRE: Women’s literature
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BLURB:
When a newspaper reporter’s fiancé dies abruptly, she questions how he could just cease to be.
Dogged by unbidden thoughts, odd coincidences and unexplained phenomena, Ann Stewart becomes obsessed with finding out what really happens after we die and whether her beloved Gregory is still out there. She finds her answer, which takes her and a close-knit coterie of women to the edge of the cosmos—and the core of their own hearts.
Based on a true story.
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EXCERPT
“It was definitely Gregory,” Connie declared, forcing herself to return to the vision. “As clear as if he were standing next to me. Smiling.”
“If you saw him”—and I still wasn’t believing—“did he see you? Did he see me?”
It made no sense, but I had to know more.
“I don’t know. I tried to un-see him. I really did,” she said, turning to me, something akin to terror twisting her face. “This ‘seeing’ is a part of me that triggers so much shame—and reactivates the trauma. Like shell shock.” Red mottling crept up Connie’s neck and onto her cheeks.
She saw him. The words slid off my brain as if she were speaking in tongues. What did that mean?
“Could it have been your imagination?” I offered wanly, not wanting that to be the case.
“Yes, I suppose it could.”
Neither of us believed it.
I waited.
“What would it mean for you to ‘see’ him?” I pressed.
Tell me. Even if it makes no sense.
“That there’s something wrong with me,” came her acrid reply. “Deeply, terribly wrong. At least that’s what my father would say. And a lot of other people who make judgments about what I can do.” She slammed the car into park a little too aggressively.
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” I said, getting out of the car.
Connie shut down.
“I need to go home for a while,” she said.
Tell. Me. More.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Kim Pierce is a former Dallas Morning News writer and editor who completed the Writer’s Path fiction program at Southern Methodist University. My Dead True Love is her first novel, inspired by events surrounding the death of her fiancé in 1998. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with her partner and three cats.
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
A randomly drawn winner will receive a $50 Amazon/BN GC.
Enter to win a $50 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Interview With …
Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
I have not.
Do you have any phobias?
I really dislike high places with narrow ledges. Do not make me look down. I also have an irrational fear of being trapped inside a car that’s under water.
Do you listen to music when you’re writing?
After years of writing in a noisy newsroom—I can write with three TV stations blaring at once—I prefer to write in the silence in my home office. One exception: When I was writing my grief journal after the real-life Gregory died, I listened incessantly to Celtic music with a little Kitaro mixed in.
Do you ever read your stories out loud?
Oh yes. This is true of news stories as well as fiction. Reading out loud helps you feel the rhythm and cadence of your words and whether the narrative flows. The worst editor I ever had would keep hijacking the cadence of my news stories so they sounded stilted and jerky.
Tell us about your main character and who inspired him/her.
Ann is an accomplished journalist who loses her fiancé abruptly and becomes obsessed with finding out what really happens after we die. Dogged by unbidden thoughts, odd coincidences and unexplained phenomena, she persists in her search even though it challenges her “just the facts ma’am” mindset. While My Dead True Love is based on my story, the book is truly Ann’s story.
ANY FIN FOR LOVE Book Blast
This post is par of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Click on a tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
She could almost hear the fish laughing at her . . .
Cody Ryan’s father never missed fishing the annual Loon Lake tournament until his unexpected passing. So this year, Cody packs up her how-to fishing videos and her dad’s old johnboat and gives him one final entry.
Gage Connor needs some R&R away from his coast guard deployment catching drug smugglers along the Louisiana coast, so he borrows a bass boat from his buddy and heads to Loon, Alabama to do some fishing.
When Gage and Cody meet at Loon Lake, their attraction is immediate and intense—until the two discover there is only one boat slip left on the lake and they both need it, and there’s only one vacant hotel room left in Loon and they both want it. Thus, their competition begins. Both vow to keep their distance from the other to fight the temptation, but fate has other plans. The tournament pairing party picks the two-man teams and chooses Gage as Cody’s partner.
For two days.
Alone on a boat.
Working as a team.Good things come to those who bait . . .
Read an Excerpt
Feeling the hotel room being yanked out from underneath her, Cody lost her grip on her temper. “I don’t care. I arrived here first.” She wheeled on Velma. “Tell him.”
Velma had a hard time meeting the man’s glittering green eyes, and Cody feared the worst. “Velma, you have to go with the first person who arrived here, and that was me.”
Velma visibly wavered, and her gaze bounced between Cody, Mr. Never-Had-Any-Patience, and her twin, who looked ready to burst into tears.
“It’s not your fault, Sister.” She patted Delma’s hand. “You didn’t know we were upstairs. I’ll handle this.”
Velma faced her two potential guests and announced, “We’ll flip for it.”
Delma immediately beamed.
“What?” Cody cried.
“Fine by me,” the stranger snapped and crossed his arms on his oversized and quite muscular pecs. Not that Cody was staring.
Velma reached into her apron pocket and drew out a silver dollar. She smiled at Cody. “Since you were here first, you can call it, and you can have heads if you want. I always liked heads in a coin toss, and I always got lucky calling heads.” Her eyes twinkled at Cody.
“Fine. Heads it is,” Cody said.
The coin flipped high in the air. Velma deftly caught it with her right hand and smacked the coin on top of her left. “Heads it is,” she proclaimed.
Cody blew out a sigh of relief.
“Hey, wait a minute,” the stranger complained.
“See for yourself.” Velma angled her hand for him to snatch a glimpse and then chucked the coin back into her pocket.
Cody stared him right in the eye. “I win.”
He eased closer—almost nose to nose—and she reconsidered her idea to gloat. His emerald eyes darkened, turned almost black, and locked onto hers. She could hear and feel each breath he took, because she held hers. Waiting.
“Share it with me.”
His gaze never wavered. She could feel it, almost like a caress.
“I promise I won’t touch you . . . if you don’t want me to.” The latter implied he wanted exactly the opposite.
About the Author:
Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—”The Most Magical Place on Earth”—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her “day” job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery-with-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.
Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in No Angels for Christmas.
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
BookBub
Amazon Author Page
Petie McCarty will be awarding an Autographed paperback copy of Cinderella Busted (US only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Sophia Freeman series
Sophia Freeman Series
by T.X. Troan
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GENRE: Middle-Grade Fantasy Mystery
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BLURB:
Book 1:
EARTH AWAKENED … SEED PLANTED … PATH REVEALED.
What begins as a special trip for eleven-year-old Sophia Freeman and her father, leaves her trapped on a mysterious island with a tree boy and fantastical creatures. Later, she learns she is dying from an eternal curse and the only way to prolong her life is to drink the island’s sacred water. Can Sophia and her companions reach the fountain and defeat the guardian before time runs out?
Book 2:
THEY MUST RISK IT ALL TO REGAIN THEIR FREEDOM … OR BE SEALED AWAY FOREVER.
Sophia Freeman and her best friend, Tim Charnal, must beat all contestants in a three-round Beyond Event organized by the mighty arbiters to free him from the penalty of murder and gain the islanders’ trust. Entering the hologram and surviving environments filled with everything from hammer-throwing cave giants to a slimy tentacled sea monster, they will need all their courage, wits, and skills. But how are they going to win when magic is forbidden?
Book 3:
EVIL RISING … ISLANDERS MISSING … AND FRIENDS BETRAYING.
With the increase in deaths of Pandilone Islanders, the arbiters devise a strategy to free the god demon within five days to lift the Eternal Curse. All goes as planned until iron-masked creatures kidnap magic users, weakening the army. To gain reinforcements, Sophia Freeman, Tim Charnal, and rescued Allen Chan must gather all six items to cast the Dream Spell, connecting them with Sophia’s father and his air force. But how can the trio succeed in time while surrounded by enemies and traitors aiming to stop them at any cost?
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EXCERPT
“So, what’s on your agenda today, my dear?” Grandma asked.
“Dad and I are going to explore his new island after this,” she replied, sitting on the edge of her seat.
“Oh, yes, your father told me about that on the phone last night,” said Grandpa, then gave Sophia a serious look. “My girl, do you know why all the previous owners vanished?”
Sophia shook her head slightly, but kept watching him without blinking.
“Rumors say the place possesses some sort of magical energy. As dusk arrives, the island comes to life: boulders begin to quake, monstrous trees uproot themselves, and mysterious creatures crawl out of their homes. They will do anything to protect their island … especially from humans.”
Sophia’s eyes widened and her hands began to sweat.
“Joe, that’s enough!” Dad ordered. “You’re scaring her.”
“That was very mean of you, Joe,” Grandma added.
Grandpa chuckled. “Well, it looks like I haven’t loss my touch. You’re still that innocent girl that I used to know.”
Sophia sighed with relief. He must have been teasing.
When she was a lot younger, Grandpa used to tell her ghost stories and it would frighten her every time. The all-time best story was about an invisible spirit that watches us from behind since the day we were born. It would one day transfer our soul to a magical place when we are ready to go. He told the little girl it was time for him to go and would never return. She burst into tears and tried to convince him it wasn’t time yet. She stayed with him that whole night and never let him out of her sight.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Thuan Doan was born in Indonesia, and grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Thuan has been fascinated by art from a young age, especially fantasy. He would wake up hours before school, sit outside the classroom, and scribble in his sketch book.
After college, he worked on a series of jobs, including: an advergaming association as a storyboard/concept artist, gaming company as lead concept artist, and graphic designer for various clients.
Thuan conceived his first middle-grade fantasy novel, Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain, during a trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia in the summer of 2013. Then he took his work and settled in a small town of Enderby, where it’s peaceful and quiet. 4 years later, the story is complete. While book 1, 2 and 3 are being shared with the world, he’s writing and illustrating book 4 of the Sophia Freeman series.
Thuan is writing under a pen name of T.X. Troan. “X” stands for Xu, his grandmother’s name who passed away. And “Troan” is a combination of his parents’ names.
“No matter how this turns out, I want my family to be a part of this wonderful journey.”
T.X. Troan married Sarah, his original fan and longtime love, in 2016. They live in Enderby with their pack dogs and school of fish!
AWARDS
★ Entrada Publishing Incipere Award, 2020
★ Readers’ Favorite 5 star Badge, 2019, 2021 and 2022
★ Literary Titan Badge, 2020
Book Links:
Author Website
www.txtroan.com
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5M559C1
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/t.x.%20troan
Indie Bound
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781999481308
Book Depository
https://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=t%20x%20troan&search=Find+book
Social Media:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TXTroan
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/txtroan/
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18815756.T_X_Troan
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
T.X. Troan will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
MAZ, ORIGIN
Maz, Origin
by T.L. Ford
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GENRE: Sci-fi/Science Fiction
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BLURB:
Entering the witness relocation program after lawfully escaping a massive walled-in prison, teenage Merrill tries to fit into our society. Her background and decisions may not let her.
Maz, Origin is a story of growth and love, guilt and innocence, and changing goals. What is morally right and what is legally right? What’s legal for humans may not be for aliens…
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EXCERPT
I heard shots being fired from below. They were aiming at the helicopter or the guy that landed on the scaffolding above me. The sign offered some level of protection, but they’d move into position directly below shortly. “It’s ok, miss, we’ll have you out of here in a jiff. Are you hurt?” The man began to wiggle through the bars, which was no small feat because he was wearing some sort of heavy armor.
He reached down toward me, and I hesitated, terrified of grabbing that hand and leaving my life behind. He clenched his teeth in frustration and urged me, “Come on, miss! Just take my hand.”
Gunfire from below decided for me. I lifted my good arm, and he latched onto me. As he jerked me upwards, pain shot through my shoulder and abdomen. I gave up life and slipped into darkness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
T. L. Ford is a programmer, writer, and artist. She spent most of her professional career supporting the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in southern Maryland. Her science fiction novels imagine possibilities while focusing on society and personal relationships and decisions. Her fantasy novels are heavily influenced by Dungeons & Dragons and are light “weekend reads”. She’s also created two art books, a thriller novella, and an interactive math iBook. She enjoys sailing, hiking, and spending time with her family.
https://cattail.nu/books/maz_origin/
https://www.Cattail.Nu
https://www.facebook.com/theresa.ford.52
https://www.instagram.com/theresa.ford/
https://www.amazon.com/T.-L.-Ford/e/B0034Q6Q2S
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Maz-Origin-T-L-Ford-ebook/dp/B0BBBXXC2J/ref=sr_1_1c
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Enter to win a $50 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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His Untameable Wickedness
His Untameable Wickedness
by A P von K’Ory
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GENRE: Dark Erotic Romance Suspense
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BLURB:
LEO
A three-letter word made me a murderess at the age of eight years. But having experienced the curses of that word, I was done with men as I grew up. All men.
Except to outplay them in the New York financial
arena.
Then Crowned Sex enthroned in gorgeous velvet charm and lustful gallantry storms into my life.
Spewing volcanic lava on my monumental arctic ice block. With the unapologetic fierceness of a savage god. Wearing crackling thunderbolts straight from the god Zeus. Explosive has nothing on it.
Adrian isn’t hot, he’s fucking hellish. He embarks on melting my ice block at the speed of lightning. But I was done with men.
I was done with sex. For ever. I. Was.
ADRIAN
I scented her darkness from the moment I was told
about her.
The sight of her sealed my decision. She was the woman created for my own darkness. I set off to protect her even from herself. Protect her to claim.
Fuse her darkness with my own. For. Myself.
I’d fended women off me with bazookas when I was done but they weren’t. I wasn’t prepared for the battle I soon fought. Not only with her but also with her family. And New York’s billionaire gangsters who own
entourages of corrupt cops and politicians. With every battle I won, she started new darker wars around me.
You ate or you were eaten. Not even starving was an option.
NOTE: Although the blurb is in the first person, the story of Leo and Adrian is written in the third person. This story contains adult material including explicit sex and violence. You’ve been warned.
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EXCERPT
He caught both her flying arms, used her momentum to spin her around onto her back on the couch and landed over her.
Smack bang between her legs.
Pinned her hands above her head and every f****** struggle she tried only forced her to rub against his hard body.
Furious, her thighs tensed but with nowhere to go except around his hips. He planned this. She f****** bet he planned this to the last minute detail.
“You double-faced bastard, get off me!”
“No. You put yourself here. Right here under me, Leo.”
“Get the f*** off m—”
He slammed his crotch right against hers and ground in.
She screamed as some unknown force kindled her center and the sensation rushed simultaneously south to her soles and north to her scalp.
She stiffened, trembling. Then whimpered. Then—
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
P von K’Ory writes the kind of books she herself would like to read and is passionate about, whether romance, psychological thriller or nonfiction. She is the winner of six awards from four continents, the last one being the Achievers Award for Writer of the Year 2013 in the Netherlands. The Selmere Integration Prize was awarded her in 2014 for her engagement in helping African Women in the Diaspora cope with a variety of domestic and social problems. The Proposal, a short story, won the Cook Communications first prize in 2010 and is published in an American anthology Africa 2012. In 2012, she won the Karl Ziegler Prize for her commitment to bring African culture to Western society in various papers, theses, and lectures. Again in 2012, her book Bound to Tradition: The Dream was nominated for the 2012 Caine Prize by the Author-me Group, Sanford, and in 2013 she was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize.
Von K’Ory is married to an aristocrat and politician of Franco-German descent, has a large extended family. She lectures Economics and Sociology in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She’s migratory and – weather willing – lives in Germany, France, Cyprus, and Greece.
She may be reached at any of the following:
VWebsite: http://www.apvonkory.com/
Sign up for Newsletter: https://apvonkory.com/newsletter/
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The book will be $0.99 during the tour.
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
A P von K’Ory will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Enter to win a $15 Amazon/BN GC or a T-shirt and mug prize pack – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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1.Tell us about you as a person.
Okay, I’m a pathological introvert for starters. I prefer to hear other people talk about themselves. So I’d better reveal all the nasties first. I’m a bit of a recluse but can’t say whether the recluse came before the writer or vice versa. But being a recluse does go well with writing. My most enjoyable moments are spent either riding or taking lone walks in the woods. Otherwise I love cooking exotic dishes and baking. My worst habit is finding excuses not to join my girlfriends at the gym. Twice a week is my absolute limit if I can help it (the recluse in me?) while my friends moan and groan if they miss a day except Sundays!
2. If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
The Duchess of Sussex. I’d love to compare notes with her about marrying into the European aristocracy as a woman of African descent. I think it would be interesting to talk about protocol starting with what to wear/not to wear when and where, and the infuriating table seating positions especially during the festive season when families gather together for elaborate meals at the banquet halls. It would be interesting to go over the differences between the British and the continental European aristocracy and royalty general dos and don’ts from cutlery to the height of heels at Ascot etiquette.
3. What’s the story behind your latest book?
Upping the ante in my new genre. I started out pretty tentatively. The UNTAMEABLE series is my second erotic romance suspense series. After the GOLDEN SHANA series, I wanted to try out something darker and edgier. I remained true to my preferred strong and independent fierce heroine. But Leo, being American, is a more outright screw-you tough lady than Shana’s more European mind-your-manners polite kickass protagonist. Where Shana would tell you to “sod off”, Leo goes for “fuck the hell off”. Where Shana had to be coaxed into a bit of kink, Leo took to it like a hurricane, despite her holding the V-card. I wanted to up the kickass ante with Leo as well as knock the erotic up a few notches darker and edgier. Somehow, I wanted to skip across to the other side of the Atlantic as the best location for Leo’s story instead of the globetrotting in Shana’s.
4. What is your writing process?
Oh, heavens. To begin with, I’m not very disciplined. I’d hate to be disciplined because I find it negates my creativity. Sure, I set up a number of hours a day and which days of the week. But I don’t force it. When nothing works, I go riding or bake a cake or do that Luo-Thai dish I wanted to do just a tic differently. The creative juices either flow or they don’t and I don’t beat myself up about it. I change plot points and storylines the way a new mother changes her baby’s nappies, erm, diapers. Talk about pantsing! My protagonists often direct me, tell me what to do.
5. If your book was to be turned into a movie, who would play the lead role(s) and why.
For Leo, I’d love to have Saoirse Ronan (hair darkened and not bone straight), because Ms Ronan has that “special something” that Leo has. A complicated strength that’s at the same time fragile until provoked to come demolishing like the wrath of God. The aloof femininity that dares you, challenges you to try it for size and see if you can cope.
For Adrian, well, he’s already on the cover of the first book, complete with the Etonian mannerisms and Oxford accent. Until Leo brings out the demon beast in him that sheds the mannerisms but maintains the accent…
6. What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their latest book?
Rule #1, not every book promoter, Blogger or reviewer who charges the earth is the best for you to get the word out about your book. Beware of an entire universe of book promoters, editors, reviewers, blurb specialists, and SEO experts who’ll most likely take your money and give you nothing, or worse, keep offering you more services that they tell you will finally do the trick and send readers flocking to your book by the battalions. Join other established writers in your genre and interact with them, ask them what worked for them, how they built their readership base. Lastly, it’s a game of patience unless you have the so-called connections in the publishing industry or your name is Obama. But whatever you do or are, start with a flawless book in terms of editing and formatting. Nothing irritates readers like typos, grammatical mistakes and glitches. And they’ll scream their irritations to every reader they have in their groups and clubs. People used to read books for the joy of it and then review the book. Now it’s all a full-blown industry with all the good, the bad, and the ugly.
7. List 5 things on your bucket list.
My adventurous soul is migratory and has a passion for traveling and/or temporarily living in other parts of the world.
1. Spend at least a week in a Buddhist Temple in Japan
2. Deep dive in the Great Barrier Reef
3. Write a YA fantasy about a united world
4. Have a holiday at the Royal Malewane (Mah-leh-wah-neh) Luxury Safari Lodge in South Africa
5. Spend at least one night each in a 5-milllion star Bubble Hotel in Iceland both in summer and in winter. This will probably be the first box I tick in the bucket list because Iceland is closest in distance.
8. In what way do you think that this current pandemic has changed the book & publishing industry?
I’m not one for all the uber-technology stuff out there. I’m actually rather tech-challenged. I sigh with relief if I manage to successfully download my favourite audiobook onto my phone!
9. Any final thoughts?
Talking of books and publishing, I still prefer to read prints. There’s a wonderful aroma that wafts off turning the pages of a delicious book with your own fingers. Nothing can ever replace that!
GODS ON TRIAL
Gods on Trial: The Series – Beyond the Father
by Opeshum Patroz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: SciFi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
“Beyond the Father” sets the scene for the 8-book Sci-Fi Epic “gods on Trial: The Series,” delving into life’s determination to transcend all limitation. Set on the planet Xżyber, citizens of the Sub-Median Region, imperfectly reborn into metal, oppress those who are organic. Elsewhere, in the Central Kingdom, religion supports royalty’s brutal domination of the lowest class. War over scarce resources is coming, revolution within each region is brewing, and none know of the eccentric god who created them. This being watches, has fascinating conversations with his often-wiser companion, occasionally learns, and rarely intervenes. The many levels and threads of struggle distract nearly all from a far greater threat. Meanwhile, the young Prince Anglid’s vision quest into the unexplored Area X may ultimately change everything. However, just when you think you know the direction of the story, the author has yet another surprise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
“Fleet number, rank, and make?” asked the assignment officer at GATE 11, on the central floor of Team Command.
“44772PX, cadet, 40% Non-Mollard,” the next in line replied, quickly.
“Cleared. Report to HAS 4 in Field 8,” the assignment officer abruptly responded. “Next? I need Fleet number, rank, and make!”
“23619RX, cadet, 30% Non-Mollard,” replied the next in line.
“You’re cleared. Report to HAS 1, in Field 10,” said the assignment officer. “Next!”
“Thank you, yes! I’m next,” responded another cadet, rushing up to the window. Her rucksack slid off of her shoulder, where the stub of a missing arm stuck out just beyond the sleeve of her shirt. “Here are all of my papers,” the cadet said, spreading out a pile of disheveled notes.
“Hold it! I just need a fleet number, a rank and your make. I don’t need your life story,” snapped the officer.
“Of course. I’m 24005RX . . . sub-cadet, 100% Non-Mollard.”
The assignment officer studied the cadet disapprovingly. “100%—non-Mollard,” he repeated, carefully scanning the cadet’s face. “Didn’t know they still let your kind in. And who is your commanding officer?” he demanded.
“Umm . . . Officer Liara, sir. And my name is Purvi,” continued the sub-cadet.
The assignment officer pushed the papers back at Purvi and frowned. “I don’t need all these papers,” the officer scowled. “And I don’t need your name!”
“I see. Thank you, sir,” Purvi responded, retrieving her papers. But then she paused. “But, you’re a Non-Mollard too, aren’t you?” she pressed. “In which case . . . well, it’s just so hard connecting with anyone here. My whole fleet is mostly Mollard, and . . .”
“Why are you still talking?” the assignment officer interrupted, while entering something into his database. “You’re cleared for HAS 12 over in Field 3.”
Realizing her gestures were unwelcome, Purvi quickly repositioned her rucksack and turned to walk away. But then she turned back around and reapproached the window, consumed by what had become a theme in her life—the burning desire to challenge what she felt was wrong. “Why are you so full of hate when you are still part flesh yourself?” she challenged.
Shocked, the assignment officer slowly looked up to meet Purvi’s bold stare and revealed the circuitry behind his colorless, prosthetic eyes. “How dare you talk to me that way, you little ‘scunt!” he seemed to growl through clench teeth. “How dare you even open your mouth to speak to me without being asked a question? You remind me of everything that shouldn’t be. You’re an unfortunate arrangement of flesh and mineral—with a mouth!” Growing even more impatient, the assignment officer stood up quickly from his chair. “You are just a waste and a burden to us all. Your kind shouldn’t even be here,” he sneered, leaning forward to make his point. “Make no error in. I am part of the new Xżyber and you’re . . . you’re completely expendable.” His voice became deeper, as did his frown. “Now get out of my line!”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Opëshum has been writing since she was a child, and believes that authors are selected by their characters to bring their stories to the world. Incredibly shy and introverted, Opëshum does not make public appearances. She prefers to remain behind the scenes as the characters in her books take center stage. Her current work, the 8-Book SciFi Epic gods on Trial: The Series™ kicks off with Book 1, BEYOND THE FATHER.
Opëshum calls Sheridan, Wyoming her home, where she is currently writing Book 2 of this series. She lives in a modest Cape Cod dwelling on 3 acres of land where she lets a robust variety of sunflowers grow wild and untamed, while Aloe Vera and other succulents decorate almost every ledge within her house. An avid writer in the early morning and late at night, Opëshum often works on her manuscripts in rooms lit only by homemade candles.
She enjoys nature walks, full moons, and open spaces where she can stare up at the stars.
“I live my life in the shadows, and I am shy. For I know that my appearance is not pleasing to the eye.” – Opëshum Patroz
Review: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/book-1-beyond-the-father-gods-on-trial-the-series-opeshum-patroz
https://twitter.com/1iR3Publishers
Website: http://www.1ir3publishers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084210977128
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22660923.Op_shum
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3YPKWN ONLY $1.00
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Opeshum Patroz will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
BLOOD OF THE HUNTED Book Blast
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The Resistance Is Rising
Weylyn, Olwen, and other members of the marginalized and subjugated group known as the Tóráin are trying every day to gain equality and freedom. Their enemies, which consist of vile human monarchs, their soldiers, and a masked witch assassin known only as The Dove, continue to tighten their grip around the necks of the Tóráin.
Leading The Resistance, Weylyn and Olwen endure many trials that test them physically and mentally, relying on their loved ones to keep them from losing hope. They both wish to see a time of equality and peace, but to achieve that requires more than what they have. Desperation leads The Resistance to find new allies all across the continent of Kosavros with the goal of finally defeating their oppressive overseers.
Their fight for freedom and respect leads Weylyn and Olwen down paths that open their eyes to new dangers, both involving themselves and the rest of the world. However, they do not waiver. For the Tóráin are known for their resilience, and they have already endured much. What comes next will be hard, but they’re ready to fight for their lives. Together.
Read an Excerpt
I considered myself a fair-sized lycan. It wasn’t common for others to be taller or stronger than me, so fighting someone who was both of those by a wide margin was a difficult task. We wrestled on the floor for only a moment before he threw me off him, sending me down the hallway we had come from earlier. Quickly recovering, I kept my eyes on Greagoir as he got to his feet and growled. Both of us charged at each other this time, the hallway wide enough for Greagoir’s large frame. Right before we collided, I pounced on the wall and leapt off it, bringing my arm under Greagoir’s chin and dragging him down to the ground. He roared as he fell onto his back, clearly unhappy that he was bested. Foolishly, I had admired my good work too long, and Greagoir spun around, swiping at my legs with his massive arm. I fell, landing on my ass. Now on all fours, the large lycan clawed at me. He just missed my thigh as I pushed myself back and away from the small knives he called claws. I tried to get to my feet, but before I could, Greagoir leaped from his crouched position and caught me. He pinned my arms down with his massive hands and reared his head, showing off his teeth during a thunderous growl.
“A good try, but you can’t kill me. Around here, I do the killing.”
About the Author:
Marc R. Micciola lives in Ontario, Canada with his two dogs Rielly and Ace. He has a great passion for hockey, movies, and books. He possesses a book collection consisting of a multitude of fantasy stories. Many of these novels are from his favorite authors: Mark Lawrence, George R. R. Martin, Tom Lloyd, and J. R. R. Tolkien. His prize possessions are his two replica swords from the Lord of the Rings films and his growing number of fountain pens. When Marc isn’t writing, he’s spending time with his dogs, his family, and his friends. Photography and wood art are other things that Marc enjoys doing. Marc’s goal when writing any book is to put together a story that is enjoyable, emotional, and intriguing. If the words on the page make you feel something, then this author feels he’s done his job.
Buy the book at Amazon.
Marc Micciola will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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REBIRTH OF A SAGE
Rebirth of a Sage
by Lani Gonzales
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GENRE: Spirituality/Self Help/Memoir
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BLURB:
A TRANSFORMATIONAL MEMOIR OF LOVE AND LIGHT.
In Lani Gonzales’ intimate self-help debut, Rebirth of a Sage, readers meet the woman she was when she discovered ayahuasca and commenced her journey toward spiritual rejuvenation. Panicked, fearful, and drained, she hoped for an escape for both her and the lonely little girl she’d buried inside. Guided by the Shamans and supported by friends she made along the way, her cleanse progressed one ceremony at a time, culminating in a state of pure spiritual refinement.
Through eleven soul-stirring chapters enriched with enlightenment and healing, readers experience a kaleidoscope of emotions as they journey with Lani. A heartwarming chronicle ensues, traversing the blissful highs and devastating lows she faced along her way to rebirth. Unburying her darkest demons, she inspires us to do the same, gradually weaving threads of transformation and encouraging us to reconnect and reignite the divine flame within our souls.
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EXCERPT
I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
When my innocent eyes looked to you,
You took your life, and I slowly lost my own.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.
I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
You taught me that life was worthless,
Something that easily comes and goes.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.
You trespassed on my innocence, the pureness of my soul.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.
I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
You told me to be silent. You told me to be still.
But something inside me rotted; something inside me grew cold.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.
I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
You violated my body, using it for the needs of your own.
But that is your sin to carry, and your sin alone.
I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is yours to carry, and not my own.
The weight I’ve tried to shed.
The weight I’ve tried to purge.
Deceived into believing it should be shed from my body, the vessel for my soul.
But the weight that should be lost is that of your original sin, your sin, and yours alone.
I will not carry the weight of your sin.
It is not mine to carry.
It is yours and yours alone.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born in the Philippines, Lani Gonzales immigrated to Virginia, USA, with her family when she was only two years old. Determined to emulate her parents’ discipline and ambition, Lani worked through college and law school and is now a practicing partner in a successful law firm in Tampa, Florida. A world-traveling, volunteering, energy-healing, aspiring hypnotherapist, Lani is committed to using her light as a beacon to help others find theirs.
Lanigonzales.com
Amazon buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rebirth-Sage-Lani-Gonzales/dp/B0BGNF1M3B/
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Lani Gonzales will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Enter to win a $20 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Q & A With …
Tell us about you as a person.
I was born in the Philippines, and my family immigrated to the United States when I was two years old. Growing up, I witnessed how my parents’ perseverance and work ethic created a new, beautiful life in America. I worked through college and law school and am now a practicing partner in a law firm in Tampa, Florida. I’ve travelled the world solo and have fallen deeply in love with so many cultures and countries.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
I would spend the day with Jesus. I’m not particularly religious. However, there are so many interpretations of the Bible and Christianity, and I would be curious to see what Jesus thinks about today’s religions.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
Our secrets keep us sick. Rebirth of a Sage shares the story of how I learned to unbury the traumas of my past and find true healing. After participating in an ayahuasca ceremony, I learned that I am greater than any grief. I wrote Rebirth of a Sage to honor the little girl that I once was who suffered in silence and shame. I wrote Rebirth of a Sage as an offering of my love and my light to those still searching in the darkness.
What is your writing process?
I meditate every day and I strive to stay connected to my intuition. This ritual allows me to tap into inspiration. When I write, I allow words to flow without judgment or hesitation.
If your book was to be turned into a movie, who would play the lead role(s) and why.
Rebirth of a Sage shares the story, my story, of a first generation Asian American. I would love for Lucy Liu to be the star of the movie. She is an empowered, poised and confident Asian American woman.
What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their latest book?
Social media is a necessary evil than can be used for good. Social media is a great way to share your story and promote your book.
List 5 things on your bucket list.
- Hike through Patagonia
- Start a hypnotherapy and intuitive healing business
- Create a volunteer program to teach children mindfulness and meditation
- Travel to Antarctica
- Find my forever life and adventure partner
In what way do you think that this current pandemic has changed the book & publishing industry?
The pandemic slowed down our lives and allowed time for introspection and reflection: tools for shaping a story and writing a beautiful book. For me, the time to reflect on my own life inspired me to publish my first book.
Any final thoughts?
Trust your intuition, honor your truth and let your story flow from a place of love and authenticity.
C.A. Milson 