Wednesday 28 March 2018

Your Mid-Week Update for 03/28/18


Detective Watts: the great man of subtlety, has made another appearance on my doorstep this weekend. This time, James answered the door and shook his hand like they were old friends.

Oh wait, they are!

A little detail my husband neglected to tell me about, he and “Gary” are friends from high school. James invited him over when he heard that his old buddy was back in town, not knowing about the detective’s interest in my case – an issue I quickly resolved. Gary told me he hoped there weren’t any hard feelings between us and tried to shake my hand as well.

I was having none of that shit but I played the kind and quiet hostess for about half an hour before I just left them to their own devices.

Men.

But Gary didn’t bring up my case or any part of the investigation to James so I think – at least where the two of them are concerned – he genuinely wants a friendship with my husband. I say let him; as long as it doesn’t get in our way, I’m fine. James could use some more guy friends. Not that I’m in any position to judge.

I generally dislike all people so friends are out of the question – although I will say that Heather and I still go out for lunch or drinks every few weeks and it’s nice to have someone to talk to without feeling this constant need to hide my feelings.

Unlike when I’m with the rest of the world and I have to restrain from killing every other person I see on the street. It usually ends up being 1 in 10.

Humans are just so hard to read – even more so when they’re family, I find. I have no idea what Jason has been up to lately. He put a bunch of garbage bags outside his room this weekend – said he was “spring cleaning”. I know what temporary body bags look like but that wasn’t what this was. He’s got something planned. I don’t know what, but I’m worried about him. Perhaps he still hasn’t come to terms with what I do. He wouldn’t threaten me or my lifestyle but…maybe he would.


I would never hurt my son. But I’ve never had to choose before. Could I choose? Between the life I lead and the life I’ve cultivated? The kids were never meant to know what I do – or what my sister does for that matter; that all went out the window when she got arrested. They heard everything: every little detail about the type of person she was – is. It was like watching the light leave a person’s eyes except I cared about what they felt. It broke both their hearts to learn the truth and I vowed they would never learn the truth about me. If they couldn’t accept it, then they didn’t need to know.

And then everything happened with Sandra and it came crashing down again. She was my last hope that these kids would turn out all right. Without his sister’s guidance and protection, I wonder about the type of man Jason is becoming. I haven’t been there much and neither has James. Who does he have in his life? And who will he turn to when a real crisis arrives?

As always, dear readers,

Stay Safe

Friday 23 March 2018

Cover Reveal for Love in C Minor by Mindy Michele



Title: Love in C Minor, A Backroads Duet
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release date: April 27th

Preorder TODAY for $2.99. Price WILL go up on release.

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ iBooks
Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo

ABOUT THE BOOK
When a promise is broken, their simple lives become complicated. How long can late night phone calls and secret rendezvous in the haystacks remain hidden?

From the co-writing duo of Mindy Michele comes a tale of small-town charm and backroads trouble. 
Full description coming.



OPENING EXCERPT


Two realizations deprive my lungs of life-sustaining breath when I step onto my back patio for the first time in two months. First, the August air is abnormally stifling in Kansas today. And second, Ridley Goss, also known as The Player, my brother’s best friend, my childhood tormentor, the star of my daydreams, and the guy who—judging by his current position—can’t keep his tongue out of Whitney Reisman’s throat, is here. My chest aches. I’m sucking in my first deep breath since walking outside when a third realization punches me in the gut—life in Ellbury is exactly the way it was before I left. Welcome home, Reagan Meeks.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Mindy Michele

We're pretty awesome! We both write books. We both live in the Carolina's (Mindy in South, Michele in North). We like singing in the car, eating white cheddar popcorn, and going on road trips together. You'll find us sharing a table at a few book signings each year. We have a love of romance, New York, anything sweet, and great books. 

To find out more you can hunt us down on social media. We're all over the place!

Mindy Michele on Amazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindymichelebooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindyMicheleBks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindymichelebooks/

You can also find us individually here:



Track down Mindy:

Website: mindyhayes.com

Twitter: @haymindywrites
Instagram: @haymind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayes.mindy/

Connect with Michele:
Website: michelegmillerbooks.com
Twitter: @chelemybelles
Instagram: @Chelemybelles

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


Wednesday 21 March 2018

Your Mid-Week Update for 03/21/18


Sometimes, I get so sick of the way the world works. All I wanted to do was kill a few people and be on my way. And then I get a visit from a detective who’s investigating a suspicious death and my car was seen in the area around the time.

He wasn’t subtle. I’m on his suspect list but he was fishing. I’m hoping he won’t have enough evidence to pursue and that he’ll have to drop it. Although talking to him…

It felt like talking to Daniel. That smugness, that stubbornness. It just doesn’t stop. None of them do.

How am I supposed to live my life when there are detectives knocking down my door day after day.

I wish I could be rid of him but that would only bring more suspicion on me. I’m just stuck in this loop; it’s infuriating.

And I’m sick of it.

I know the risks I take for what I love doing but sometimes it’s just annoying.

Why can’t people leave me be?

Anyways, we got another 2 feet of snow last night so I have to leave for work early. Again.

What is with this seemingly un-ending winter? I swear, my fingers are still numb.

As always, dear readers,

Stay Safe

Monday 19 March 2018

Reimagining Contemporary Magic: Guest Post by Eva Chase


About The Book:

Title: CONSORT OF SECRETS
A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance
(The Witch's Consorts Book 1)
Author: Eva Chase
Pub. Date: March 8, 2018
Publisher: Ink Spark Press
Pages: 250
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: Amazon eBook, Amazon Paperback,
B&N, TBDGoodreads
Read For FREE with Kindle Unlimited!



I think every time an author sits down to write a story involving magic, especially in the modern-day world, we’re having to re-imagine it at least a little. Figuring out our own spin on the classics, ways to switch up what other stories have done before, and the approach that will fit the story we want to tell best.

With Consort of Secrets, my magic system was defined by the situation I knew I needed to set up. I wanted a world where the witch main character would end up taking multiple romantic partners, even though her community forbade it, and for this to be an act of power. So it immediately became clear to me that my witches would be receiving power from their partners—a “kindling” of magic only possible when two people came together. In that sort of society, having more than one partner could shift the balance of power, so it’d be very important to the powers that be to restrict what witches were allowed to do and what they even thought was possible.

Starting from that premise, there was a ripple effect through various other areas of my magical community. For example, how would it change gender dynamics if the women were the ones with the most overt power, but had to rely on a relationship with a man to access that power? How would they navigate their relationships differently when a marriage was both potentially an act of love but also a matter of necessity for any witch wanting to come into her magic?

(If you’re wondering about the answers to those questions and others, you can find them in the book. ;) )

The other way I played with the usual approaches to magic was with my spell-casting. So many stories use the standard “say magical words, wave a wand, create an effect.” Heck, I used that approach in my earlier Legends Reborn series. So with these books I wanted to try something a little different. I started thinking about martial arts, and how many practices use their “forms” (a set of movements done in a specific sequence) not just to practice how to defend one’s self but also to center the mind or even bring about a sort of psychic effect. I ended up incorporating that into my witching world, where spells are cast more with one’s body than one’s words. Which makes sense, I think, when that magic is formed when two bodies, er, come together.


I can’t wait to see what directions the later books will take me into this magical society. I’m sure there’s more aspects of the witching magic that I’ll get to explore—and re-imagine.



Every witch knows the rules: 

Stick to your own kind. Never reveal your powers to outsiders. Take a consort from the witching families or kiss your magic good-bye forever. 

For years I've been quiet, obedient Rose Hallowell. I accepted the man my stepmother chose for me. But I never stopped missing my long-ago friends. 

Now we're back on my childhood estate to arrange my marriage. The boys I grew up with? They're still in town—and they haven't forgotten me either. And damn if they haven't grown up well. 

They've got no magic, no place in my life. But they're charming and sweet and infuriatingly hot, and I can't seem to stay away. The more I try to resist, the more secrets I uncover about my family, my betrothal, and everything I thought was true about the witching world. 

I've been lied to. I've been betrayed. So to claim my magic and my happiness, I'll break every rule there is—and then some. 

Don't mess with this witch. Every rose has thorns. 


*Consort of Secrets is the first full-length novel in a steamy reverse harem paranormal romance series. Take a dollop of gothic atmosphere, add a heaping of romantic angst, and mix it up with five enticing young men and a passionate witch just coming into her own.*


Read the prequel ROSE’S BOYS!
Pre-Order Book 1, CONSORT OF THORNS Available April 25th!
About Eva:
Eva Chase lives in Canada with her family. She loves stories both swoony and supernatural, and strong women and the men who appreciate them. You can visit her online at www.evachase.com.


Want to hear about new books and receive exclusive bonus content? Sign up for Eva's mailing list: http://bit.ly/2nW6tNO


Giveaway Details: International
1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and Swag, International.
Ends on March 27th at Midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
3/12/2018- BookHoundsInterview

3/13/2018- Two Chicks on BooksGuest Post
3/13/2018- Love in a time of FeminismReview

3/14/2018- Daily WaffleExcerpt
3/14/2018- Reading for the Stars and MoonReview

3/15/2018- Angelic Book ReviewsExcerpt
3/15/2018- Savings in SecondsReview

3/16/2018- Smada's Book SmackReview
3/16/2018- Books and BlendsReview


Week Two:
3/19/2018- Writer of WrongsGuest Post
3/19/2018- Myth and Magic Book ClubReview

3/20/2018- Jessabella ReadsReview
3/20/2018- NerdophilesReview

3/21/2018- Book Sniffers AnonymousExcerpt
3/21/2018- Reese's ReviewsReview

3/22/2018- Wonder StruckExcerpt
3/22/2018- Erzabet's EnchantmentsReview

3/23/2018- ParajunkeeReview
3/23/2018- Book-o-CrazeReview

Wednesday 14 March 2018

Your Mid-Week Update for 03/14/18


You know how you can feel your body shutting down when it’s sick? I think I caught something from my victim the other day. Oh sure, “they can’t hurt you when they’re dead” but they can sneeze on you when they’re alive.

Seriously, she sneezed while I was chocking her. I didn’t think that was physically possible. You learn something new about the human body every day.

And of course, the news is saying that this is the worst flu season in years so if I get sick, I’m going to be out of commission until I’m recovered because it’s rude to share germs. I understand that it’s rude to sneeze on people – even if they are trying to kill you. It didn’t exactly endear me to her.

I’m tired and my sinuses ache. This is not going to be a nice cold, it’s going to hurt.

Every time I sneeze, I want to punch something. It may not cure me but it will make me feel better.

I hate being sick. Like properly sick. I am useless for days and I accomplish nothing. No kills, no work, nothing.

Ugh, I can feel the phlegm.

No. I’m going back to bed.

As always, dear readers,

Stay Safe

Thursday 8 March 2018

Cover Reveal for The Archivist by Christy Sloat


Today Christy Sloat and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for THE ARCHIVIST, which releases May 28, 2018! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win a signed copy of book 1!

On to the reveal! 


Title: THE ARCHIVIST (The Librarian Chronicles #2)
Author: Christy Sloat
Pub. Date: May 28, 2018
Publisher: CHBB Publishing
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: ?
Find it: Goodreads

"With the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland and the romance of Outlander dive back into the next installment in the Librarian Chronicles."

Savannah Preston has a rare and precious gift: The ability to time travel through books. She, and others who share this unique ability, are faced with the insurmountable task of preserving history. They are known collectively as The Librarians.

While researching infamous Scottish outlaw Sir Malcolm Wash during the raging conflicts of the 14th Century, Savannah loses the only thing that tethers her to her own time. She must rely on her knowledge of both the present and the past to survive long enough to find a way home. Along the way, she enlists the help of a misfit named Eoin. With his guidance, she might just get home. It’s a risky and dangerous adventure, but then, so is Eoin…


About Book 1

Title: THE LIBRARIAN
Author: Christy Sloat
Pub. Date: June 17, 2017
Publisher: CHBB Publishing
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 230
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

He’s from 1892 England, she’s in a small library in 2017. And that's just the start of their troubles.

Emme never meant to stay in Maine. She'd come only to find a librarian for her Gram's library, a custodian for the collection of mysterious books she'd promised to protect. On a dark, wintery night, alone in the library, she takes her first glance into one of the antique novels and finds herself transported to 1892 England staring into the eyes of handsome and dashing hero Jack Ridgewell. As each chapter passes she learns you can truly fall in love with a character in a book, that book boyfriends are real and Emme must choose between the real world, and his.

When the last page is read he's gone and Emme feels the cold loneliness of lost love. Will she find Jack again, or will their love be forever lost? The answer lies within the pages…



Exclusive Excerpt!
The Archivist excerpt
© Christy Sloat

When I first met Jessa at my grandma’s funeral I hated her. Upon my first impression, I walked away thinking she was pretentious and rude. She wore a pink dress to a funeral. I mean who does that?
Then when I found out she was going to be my protector, I hated her even more. Jessa’s parents were high society and they were involved with my family in dealings with historical artifacts. They didn’t know my ancestors travelled through time, but they knew we were important historians and that we preserved facts. My grandma thought Jessa would be a good match to help me. I thought that she was senile and wrong and that it wasn’t going to work out, but I was wrong. We learned to like each other and then we became best friends. Turns out my grandma was right.

Jessa was my guide and I need more than just her friendship. While I travel through time she watches over me, keeping me safe. Jessa is also responsible for making sure my clothing is appropriate for the time frame, while also assisting me while I chronical what I have seen and what experiences I’ve gone through. She keeps notes on all of these things in her guide book, which basically makes her invaluable to me and to the work that I do. In order to travel through time you must have a guide you can trust, and I trust Jessa with my life.

The most important research was kept inside the blank pages of a book. Each mission yielded a new book. Once that book was full and our mission complete, it was sealed. I’m a librarian but not in the typical sense. I haven’t earned the proper diploma to get such a title. I, along with many others throughout the world, preserve the history of some of the most famous historical figures inside the blank pages of each book we are sent. The Librarians was founded by a famous scientist, Harold Lockhart. Lockhart wrote the formula for time travel in the only thing he had near him when it was fresh in his brain. That book wasn’t empty, it happened to be the history of none other than, Abraham Lincoln. After he wrote the formula, he was whisked away in time and came face to face with Lincoln himself. The talent to travel and record history was never his intention, but after he realized how wrong historians were about the president, he created the group of librarians. Lockhart put us in charge of libraries and their books. The sect of librarians were given their jobs and they went to work straight away.

I myself hope to achieve the goal of working in a library with the official title someday, which is what I’m studying in school. My intention is to host my own library and help archive important time periods through my research as well as artifacts, like my grandma did. Like all the women did who came before her.

All I know about my job before I travel is who I’m to research. Everything else is learned while I’m inside the book, or in other words, the past.

I’m forbidden to change history by becoming involved in the past or with my target. But I can become friendly with them and immerse myself in their world. It’s hard not to become part of it. While I’m there I am more than just a girl recording the true history. I become my character fully and truly; as if I really am who I say I am. I’ve been many different people, travelling five separate times into five people’s world. And each time I go, I’m nervous. It doesn’t take long to fill the pages the Historical Society of Libraries sends me. I’m currently one of the youngest on the East Coast. My job is taken extremely serious for I have wanted to do this for a long time. Now that it’s my job, I feel as if I am living the dream.

How could I not love it? I am a college student full time and on my off days I travel to the past. What is there not to like?

About Christy: 

I am Southern California native, now living in New Jersey! How did that happen? I am married and have  two beautiful little girls who love to read just like Mommy. I have had a passion for books since I was a little girl and an imagination for just as long. I hope my books can inspire others to read and to write too.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads













Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a signed finished copy of THE LIBRARIAN, US Only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday 7 March 2018

Your Mid-Week Update for 03/07/18

Frost bite is real. James and I were burying a body last night and it took longer than expected. By the time we got back in the car, I could not feel my fingers. My right ring finger is still kind of numb. I worry that I genuinely have minor frost bite. But it was worth it. That guy was a jerk. You live on a major road; shovel your damn sidewalk.

In any case, it’s made typing really hard.

It’s also made me think about burning my fingerprints off. I’ve thought about it over the years, discussed it with James. Ultimately, we decided it would be more conspicuous if I had scars on my fingers. Another “rare” example of making sacrifices to sustain my other life – my better life.

I hate my day job. I am happiest when I am killing but I’ve talked about why I can’t do that for a living so I suffer through.

I wonder if there’s something else I could be doing that still brings me joy. Something that allows me to find new victims but remain hidden.

If you have any thoughts, please feel free to share them.

As always, dear readers,


Stay Safe