Tuesday, February 24, 2015

PROMO Blitz: Chosen by @christinejpope #excerpt #giveaway


Paranormal Romance
Date Published: February 4, 2015

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It began as a fever of unknown origin that its victims dubbed “the Heat,” but as it burned through most of the world’s population, it became known simply as “the Dying.” And for those left behind, the struggle has just begun….

In the aftermath of the Dying, survivor Jessica Monroe is protected and guided by the gentle voice of an invisible being she thinks of as her guardian angel. When she reaches the sanctuary he’s provided for her, however, she realizes that her unseen companion is no angel at all. The destruction of humanity was only the first step in a much larger plan, and now Jessica must struggle to discover her own role in a frightening new world where everything has changed.



Excerpt

Now was the time to say a few words, but nothing seemed to come to mind. I couldn’t even remember the Lord’s Prayer, or more than the first few words of the Twenty-third Psalm.
“The Lord is my shepherd,” I began, then shook my head. What came next? The lines were all jumbled together in my head, nonsense syllables that sounded like something straight out of “Jabberwocky.” And what did it matter, anyway? We weren’t a religious family; we went to Christmas Eve services some years and some years not, maybe Easter. I’d gone to Sunday school when I was really little, but my parents hadn’t even bothered with that when Devin came along.
For the longest time I stood there under the oak, the sun disappearing altogether, deep dusk falling upon the yard. Then I moved, and the motion-sensor light mounted to the side of the garage flashed on.
“I love you all,” I said finally, then set the Waterford vase and the football trophy on top of their grave.

After that, I went back inside and shut the door behind me. It seemed to echo in the unnatural stillness of the house, and I realized it was hardly ever this quiet — someone always had the TV on in the background, or there was music playing, or somebody talking on the phone. Now the quiet pounded against my eardrums, and I realized how big a three-bedroom, two-thousand-square-foot house could feel when you were the only one in it.

The only one in the world….

The thought whispered through my mind, and I did my best to ignore it. Surely if I were immune, and not just having extremely delayed onset for some reason, that meant other people had to be immune, too. How many? I couldn’t begin to guess. I didn’t know the mortality rate of the disease. Even if 99.9% of the population was dead, that would leave around a thousand people still alive in the greater Albuquerque area, if I was doing my mental math correctly.

I turned on the overhead lights in the kitchen, then went through the house, turning on all the lamps. Maybe that wasn’t the smartest thing to do — maybe advertising my presence would do more harm than good. But I couldn’t sit there in the dark, not after everything I’d been through that day. Besides, when I peeked out through the curtains, I saw mine wasn’t the only house on the street that was all lit up. Most likely the others just had their lights on because no one was around to turn them off, but it did make mine seem less conspicuous.

“Are you there?” I asked of the darkness. Even a voice that was only a product of my imagination was better than this deep, deep silence, the kind of quiet you should never hear if you lived in a big city.

No reply, of course. My gaze shifted to the remote control, still lying where I’d last dropped it on the coffee table. I didn’t quite dare to turn on the television, not after what I’d seen the last time around. I could only imagine how bad it must be by now.

But there was still the stereo, and all the CDs my parents wouldn’t get rid of, despite Devin and me telling them all that plastic just took up space and that they should just rip all their music off those CDs and then play it through Apple TV or something. And now I had to be grateful for their stubbornness, because that meant I could get up and choose something to blot out the silence. My father liked country, but old country, like Hank Williams and Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline, and my mother preferred classical. That sounded better to me right then, so I found her favorite, Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, and put that on.

It actually was better, with the sound of an orchestra and Vladimir Ashkenazy on the piano overriding that awful stillness. Or at least it was better until I realized that no one would ever play that piece live again, that there would be no more symphony orchestras or Arcade Fire concerts or anything, ever again.

“Oh, God,” I gasped, pushing myself up from the couch and running into the kitchen, where I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water in my face. As if that could begin to help. It was all too big to comprehend, so awful and enormous that I could literally feel the horror of it beginning to sink in, like some  noxious chemical seeping into my skin.

And then it was as though strong, invisible arms wrapped around me, bringing with them a soothing warmth. Unseen lips brushed against my hair, and I heard the voice again.

Be strong, my love. Be strong for just a while longer.

Just as suddenly, the presence was gone. I held on to the tile of the kitchen counter, feeling the cool surface beneath my fingertips. In that moment, I truly wondered if I’d lost my mind.

What other explanation could there be?


 
About the Author


A native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Two of her short stories have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
Christine Pope writes as the mood takes her, and her work includes paranormal romance, fantasy romance, and science fiction/space opera romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection. After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor and graphic designer in addition to writing fiction. She fell in love with Sedona, Arizona, while researching the Sedona Files series and now makes her home there, surrounded by the red rocks. No alien sightings, though...not yet, anyway!

Author Links








Buy Links

Giveaway

Three ebook copies of Chosen




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Monday, February 23, 2015

Tour Kick Off: Silk by Chris Karlsen




Mystery / Suspense / Thriller
Date Published: December 14, 2015

Silk on the skin—luxurious, luscious..lethal.
London-Fall, 1888
The city is in a panic as Jack the Ripper continues his murderous spree. While the Whitechapel police struggle to find him, Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner are working feverishly to find their own serial killer. The British Museum's beautiful gardens have become a killing ground for young women strangled as they stroll through.
Their investigation has them brushing up against Viscount Everhard, a powerful member of the House of Lords, and a friend to Queen Victoria. When the circumstantial evidence  points to him as a suspect, Rudyard must deal with the political blowback, and knows if they are going to go after the viscount, they'd better be right and have proof.
As the body count grows and the public clamor for the detectives to do more, inter-department rivalries complicate the already difficult case. 




#1 – Do You See Writing as a Career?
I see it as my second career. After I retired from law enforcement, I decided to start studying the craft of writing. I had wanted to write for a long time but never seemed to find the time.


#2 – What was the Hardest Part of Your Writing Process?
I'm a terribly slow writer and wish I was faster but I tend to be anal and constantly edit and re-edit as I go along so it takes me forever to finish that first draft. The second hardest is keeping the momentum of the story up, thinking of difficulties and obstacles for my characters to overcome.


#3 – Did you have any One Person Who Helped You Out with Your Writing Outside of Your Family?
Yes. In the beginning, I made friends with Jill Barnett through a charity event. She was so kind and helpful to me. I will always be in her debt. We are still friends, going on over a decade. We have a potluck and play bunco once a month with 10 other ladies.

#4 – What is next for your writing?
I am currently writing the first draft of book 4 in my Knights in Time series. I've no title yet. I waffle over different ones. I listen to my playlists on the treadmill and I'll hear a great line from a song I like and wonder if I should call the book this or that. The antagonist French knight from Knight Blindness (book 3) is the hero of book 4.


#5 – Do you have an addiction to reading as well as writing? If so, what are you currently reading?
I do. I don't know many writers who aren't avid readers. Right now, I am in the middle of A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn. She's one of my favorite authors. This book is set in Africa after WW1.

 After I finish it, I'll read the new book from my favorite historical author, Bernard Cornwell should be out. It's called The Empty Throne and part of his Saxon Tales series


DESCRIBE Your Book in 1 Tweet:

The new book is called Silk and I'd Tweet it as:
 A rough around the edges detective must face down a wealthy and powerful killer.


This or That?

#1 - iPd or Mp3?
iPod

#2 – Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla

#3 – Mashed Potatoes or French Fries?
Mashed

#4 – Comedy or Drama?
Comedy

#5 – Danielle Steel or Nicholas Sparks?
Danielle Steel

#6 – Fantasy or Reality?
Fantasy

#7 – Call or Text?
Call (I hate texting--UGH!!)

#8 – Public School or Home School?
Public School

#9 – Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Coffee

#10 – eBook or Paperback?

Tough choice but paperback by a hair







I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. 
I grew up with a love of history and books.





February 23 - Book Junkie Mom
February 24 - What is That Book About
 February 26 - Penny For My Thoughts
February 28 - KT Book Reviews
March 1 - Boyish Bookworm
March 3 - KimberLeigh Writes
March 5 - Cici's Theories
March 6 - SBM Book Obsession
March 6 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up



Tour Kick Off: Fake Boobs by @RyanRingbloom #giveaway




New Adult
Date Published: February  2015


 Tori Albert is eighteen. Her confidence level is zero. A girl lost in the shuffle, hiding in the shadows craving attention, but no one ever seems to notice her. If only someone, anyone, would notice her, she’d be happy. 



Grant Donavan is Tori’s older brother’s best friend. Suddenly he can’t stop noticing Tori, but that is not a good thing. She’s young, inexperienced and naïve. The best thing he could do is walk away. So why the hell is he not walking away?

Tori’s small boost of confidence gets torn down and she makes changes to build it back up. But maybe her new confidence isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Unfortunately some things you just have to learn the hard way. 

*Contains Mature Content




Ryan Ringbloom

Ryan Ringbloom is a YA/NA author who lives for anything Romance.  The passion, love, angst, awkwardness… she loves all of it.  When Ryan needs a break from reality she sneaks off to read a romantic story or write one of her own.   Drinking coffee, reading Tweets and hugs from her six year old are the best part of her day.
You can follow her on Twitter: @RyanRingbloom or visit her website at www.RyanRingbloom.com . Feel free to contact her, she would love it!











February 23 - Indie Authors You Want to Read - Excerpt
February 24 - Books, Authors, Blogs - Interview
February 25 - Paola's Bookshelf - Interview
February 26 - Lita's Bookshelf - Review
February 27 - Jeanz Book Read n Review - Interview
February 28 - Books Unhinged - Review
March 1 - British Bookworm - Review
March 2 - The Romance Vault - Review
March 3 - Mythical Books - Excerpt
March 4 - Trips Down Imagination Road - Review
March 5 - Counter, Culture, Critic - Excerpt
March 6 - My Book Filled Life - Review
March 7 - The Avid Reader - Excerpt
March 9 - Momma Bears Book Blog - Excerpt
March 10 - Jazzy's Book Reviews - Excerpt
March 11 - Illuminate Calignosus - Excerpt
March 12 - Pink Fluffy Hearts - Review
March 13 - Were Jumping Books - Excerpt
March 16 - Lustful Literature - Review
March 17 - Mama Knows Books - Excerpt
March 18 - Book Briefs - Review
March 19 - The Book Lovers Lounge - Review
March 20 - We Stole Your Book Boyfriend - Review
March 23 - Obsessed By Books - Review
March 24 - Sophia Kimble - Excerpt
March 26 - Beppe DM Books Blog - Excerpt
March 30 - We're Jumping Books - Excerpt
March 31 - Passionate Encounters - Review
March 31 - An Aussie Girls Wild Book Addiction - Excerpt
April 1 - The Boyfriend Bookmark - Review
April 2 - Inner Workings of the Female Mind - Review
April 3 - Bound 2 Escape - Excerpt
April 3 - IEqualsAlissa - Interview
April 6 - Sultry, Steamy, Reading - Review
April 7 -  Book Reviews By A - Review
April 7 - Penny For My Thoughts - Review
April 8 - BFD Book Blog - Review
April 9 - Avid Book Collector - Excerpt
April 10 - Queen of the Night Reviews - Excerpt
April 13 - Author Poppy Lawless - Excerpt
April 14 - Natural Bri - Review
April 16 - Satin's Bookish Corner - Excerpt
April 20 - Books Direct - Excerpt
April 24 -  RABT Reviews - Wrap Up







Tour Kick Off: Stone Guardian by @PaulinaShelf #giveaway



Fantasy Romance
Date Published: November 18, 2014

Element – Fire (Healer/Destroyer)
Royal House – Purple


Milcah was born to rule along side an evil mother. Milcah's father was taken against his will and forced to give up his seed to produce a child with unimaginable powers. At a young age she was taken away from the only home she knows and forced to forget, again and again.Raised by a detached stepmother, Milcah learned to depend on herself and her best friend, Mary for support. When Mary suggest a vacation, with a scenic route, to the Grand Canyon Milcah believes she is finally getting the chance to see outside her small town. Packing a few things and climbing into her old beat up car, she never imagined she would find a new side of herself.

Lost on a back road, Milcah meets her destiny in a small town named Beacon. When her mind is unlocked, she finds she has a past that will lead to the salvation or damnation of the world.

This is book one in The Witches Amulet series.












#1 – Do You See Writing as a Career?
            Yes. I have always had a thing for the written word. As a small child I was unable to communicate because of my speech impediment. I learned to communicate in different ways and one way was to write down what I wanted. After a while I started writing down the things that appeared in my over active imagination and demanding my siblings act them out.
            For a few years I gave up on my writing and tried to be "normal" and get a "normal" degree. Ended up leaving school and rethinking what I wanted to do. Finally graduated with my B.A. in journalism and decided to use what I have learned to write my own stories again.

#2 – What was the Hardest Part of Your Writing Process?
            Concentration. I don't have kids or a husband but I still find myself distracted. In school I had to be put into a quiet room with no distractions in order to do test. Now I find that I have to have the house to myself, no roommates. If something goes bump or even a breath of a sound happens my mind tells me to go and investigate.

#3 – Did you have any One Person Who Helped You Out with Your Writing Outside of Your Family?
            I have to say my best friend, Savita. She doesn’t even read the type of books I write yet she printed out my second ugly draft and sat down to read it. I cried when I got it back, she had marked it up like a two dollar whore. Now I love her for it and hope to send her my next book.

#4 – What is next for your writing?
            I am working on book two in my series "Witches Amulet", writing a twelve part mini series for my newsletter and writing a post apocalypse alien series. I know it seems like a lot but my mind is flooding me with ideas. I figure I should work on at least two WIP so I don't get a writers block.

#5 – Do you have an addiction to reading as well as writing? If so, what are you currently reading?
            I seriously love reading. I think its one of the most distracting things out there. If I one click I will read it. I do not understand people buying books and not reading them. Right now I am in between books but I next on my list is Primal Hunger by Valery Twombly.

DESCRIBE Your Book in 1 Tweet:
#fantasy #romance #gargoyles goo.gl/hMSCnQ

This or That?

#1 - iPd or Mp3? Nether

#2 – Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

#3 – Mashed Potatoes or French Fries? Mashed potatoes hold the gravy

#4 – Comedy or Drama? Drama

#5 – Danielle Steel or Nicholas Sparks? Danielle Steel

#6 – Fantasy or Reality? Fantasy

#7 – Call or Text? Text

#8 – Public School or Home School? Public School

#9 – Coffee or Hot Chocolate? Coffee

#10 – eBook or Paperback? Paperback 



Paulina is a small town girl with big dreams. She is the second oldest of three talented siblings.
As early as three she was directing her family around acting out whatever current story was in her head. At four between her older brother and her, a whole universe was created which the younger siblings were introduced into as they were born.
Her natural ability to tell a story took her down many paths. She wrote plays, poems, small children books and short stories all before she entered high school.
When picking a career her councilor told her writing was a dying art and so she went to school for veterinarian science. Three years later she dropped out of university and enrolled in the local community college with a major in journalism
In 2008 she graduated with her BA in Communication/Journalism from Cal State Fullerton.

Life happened and her dreams were put on hold until 2013 when she started a review blog. This year her first book in her Witches Amulet series will be released. 








February 24 - The Avid Reader
February 25 - Texas Book Nook
February 26 - The Indie Express
February 27 - A Life Through Books
February 28 - Luscious Literature
March 2 - Steamy Side
March 5 - Boom Baby Reviews
March 6 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up









Tour Kick Off: A Flower in the Snow




Non-Fiction / Memoir
Date Published: July 2014

"Mark Cosman’s message speaks to mothers and fathers everywhere; this is a beautiful and sensitive book." Mrs. Nancy Reagan 


My daughter. Berlyn, was asleep on a fold-out couch at her high school prom party when a former classmate and high school dropout shot her in the head for no apparent reason. Her murder prompted me to leave the rubble of my beliefs and assumptions to go in search of answers to the most profound questions we ask ourselves. “A Flower in the Snow” is the result of that odyssey.


#1 – Do You See Writing as a Career?

I have a long standing career as CEO of an international development company. Writing, on the other hand, is much more personal. I see it as a pilgrimage of imagination. It occurred to me that to make writing a career might confine imagination and bend its natural course into a successful formula.


#2 – What was the Hardest Part of Your Writing Process?

The most difficult part of writing, for me, comes when the book is finished. It is when I have to enter a completely different, mundane mindset to sell what I have written.


#3 – Did you have any One Person Who Helped You Out with Your Writing Outside of Your Family?

I guess my daughter, Berlyn, could now be considered outside the family. My greatest writing stimulus came when she was murdered following her high school prom. After her death, I had an insatiable need to know where she went and what she became, if anything at all, when she died. What is death? Who is this thing sitting here thinking about her? Berlyn’s murder was the single most terrifying and yet motivating force that led me to write my first book “A Flower in the Snow” and later “The Kids from the River.”.


#4 – What is next for your writing?

I want what I write next to change the way we think.


#5 – Do you have an addiction to reading as well as writing? If so, what are you currently reading?

I read from the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras each day. I am also currently reading “The Upanashads,” “Mahabarata,”“Egypt Light of the World” and “Living With the Himalayan Masters.” I find the writing of ancient sages form a foundation from which one’s imagination can safely extrapolate.



This or That?

#1 - iPd or Mp3?

ipd

#2 – Chocolate or Vanilla?

Always chocolate

#3 – Mashed Potatoes or French Fries?

Mashed

#4 – Comedy or Drama?

Drama, as it often leaves more meaningful emotions behind.

#5 – Danielle Steel or Nicholas Sparks?

I do not read either.

#6 – Fantasy or Reality?

I prefer Fantastic Reality.

#7 – Call or Text?

I like to hear tone of voice, so I rather call.

#8 – Public School or Home School?

Public – I need the balance of others.

#9 – Coffee or Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate with marshmallows

#10 – eBook or Paperback?

Paperback – it doesn’t need batteries.







Mark Cosman’s writing began when his daughter, Berlyn, was murdered following her high school prom. It was when Mark left the rubble of his beliefs and assumptions to go in search of answers to the most profound questions we ask ourselves. “A Flower in the Snow” is a result of that odyssey.



February 24 - The Discerning Reader
February 26 - My Reading Addiction
February 27 - Texas Book Nook
March 3 - Coffee Hobby
March 4 - The Indie Express
March 5 - Steamy Side
March 6 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up