Thursday, October 29, 2015

PROMO Blitz: Broken Flowers by @brokenflowers7 #excerpt #giveaway




Psychological Suspense / Thriller
Date Published: September 2015

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A dramatic psychological suspense/thriller about the devastating consequences of drug addiction, Broken Flowers is a powerful story about brokenness, healing, and hope.

Dr. Mary Crawford is a fifty-year-old psychotherapist operating a successful practice in Los Angeles. Noted for her addiction assistance and suicide prevention techniques, she leads group therapy sessions with addicts in the throes of recovery.

During one particular session, she is called upon for a case involving an extremely depressed fifteen-year-old girl who was the victim of a violent rape and has survived a suicide attempt. The daughter of a noted brain surgeon, the troubled teen becomes the doctor’s private patient.

But on a day when the young girl spirals into a suicidal depression, she is unable to reach the doctor and successfully ends her own life. When the girl’s father discovers the circumstances of his da
ughter’s suicide—as well as the real truth behind the doctor’s mysterious absence—he vows to destroy the doctor at all costs. Now Dr. Crawford’s life hangs in the balance, and her only hope for survival is the broken people around her.

EXCERPT

Then Valarie handed the pipe and torch to Stu, who turned off the torch and put them down. The boys were watching Valarie, and were tripping out on the hit she had taken. Valarie held her breath for as long as she could. When she could not hold back anymore, she let the smoke out in a huge exhale. Jeff’s voice was filled with admiration as he told her, “That was one hell of a blast.” Suddenly, Valarie’s eyes went wide, and her body went absolutely stiff. A horrible sound was coming from her throat, like a constricted scream as she fell backwards. Even though this was happening in front of the two men, her fall was like she was thrown backward. They could not catch her, and she hit the floor hard.

 Jeff dropped to one knee beside her as he was starting to panic. “My God, Stu she’s overdosed. What do we do?”

Stu was on the floor next to Jeff. “Don’t panic man, don’t panic.”

 Jeff grabbed Valarie’s shoulders and shook her. Valarie’s legs were convulsing. There was drool coming from her mouth.

 Stu was screaming in her ear. “Valarie, Valarie! Do you hear me; do you hear me dam it? Stu, go get some ice water. A lot of it. Hurry man!”

As Jeff ran out the door Stu continued to shake the girl.  Her legs stopped shaking and her eyes were starting to close.

“Hurry, Jeff we’re losing her.”

 Stu slapped Valarie sharply across the face. There was a slight reaction. Her legs started to twitch as Jeff came running into the room with two buckets of ice water.
 “Quick, throw a bucket on her face.” Jeffery did so. The water drenched Valarie’s hair and shoulders. Her legs started to convulse again.

 Jeffery was crying, “Valarie don’t die. Please don’t die.”




About the Author


Howard Finkelstein is 77 years old, who lives with his wife and dog in South Pasadena. He is a master dog trainer, and ASCAP lyrist. He is a former drug addict who has not used drugs in 27 years. Broken Flowers is his first novel.

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Giveaway
$5 Amazon Gift Card


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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Tour Kick Off: Mint Condition by @KatDrennan




Romantic Suspense
Date Published: 8/14/2015


Twenty-five-year-old Maddie Kerrigan is known at Midwest auto auctions as the tall, hot babe in the tight jumpsuit and red stilettos.  To take her car restoration company to the next level, she must sell a prized family heirloom: a one off, 53’ Cadillac Eldorado in mint condition.
Maddie’s senses go into over drive when the gorgeous California investor, Nick Berlin, shows up with a blank check in his hand and an irresistible gleam in his eye.  He doesn’t know much about old cars, but when Maddie invites him behind the wheel, he’s ready to push the pedal down.
But when a letter from her estranged father claims ownership of the car, and ties Nick to an old family enemy, Maddie puts the brakes on the sale and launches a road trip across country to confront her past.  How far will Nick go to get his hands on her chassis?





Kat Drennan, born and raised in California, writes sensual stories from the heart of the Golden State.

From the curling surf at the edge of the continent, to the granite sculptures of the Sierra Nevada; from San Francisco to Death Valley and all the way to the Mexican border, California’s unique landscape and history step forward as characters in each of her novels.
She is an alumni of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers and a member of Romance Writers of America and RWA Contemporary.
She lives in Ojai, California with her handsome dogs (husband Fred and Aussie-doxie mix, Cooper) and two controlling cats.  She is happiest outdoors biking, swimming, or just breathing on the beach.
Kat loves to hear from her readers. You can follow her at www.katdrennan.com, or her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KatDrennan.


Contact Information


October 29  - A Life Through Books
November 2 - Texas Book Nook
November 4 - My Reading Addiction
November 6 - The Indie Express
November 9 - Steamy Side
November 10 - Penny For My Thoughts
November 11 - On a Reading Bender
November 13 - Novel News Network
November 14 - Jessica Cassidy
November 14 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up


PROMO Blitz: Bringing Boomer Home by Terence O'Leary #excerpt #giveaway




Young Adult - Family Saga - Sports Fiction
Date Published: August 2015

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Cody’s worst day, was the day his brother – his best friend, left to join the Army. Boomer’s worst day was yet to come.

In high school, Cody followed his big brother’s blocks on the football field. Now, it is his time to lead. Cody and his girlfriend, Kim, embark on a journey to reveal the hero beneath the scars and bring Boomer home.




EXCERPT

Cody couldn’t breathe. After the vicious hit, the defensive end pinned him to the turf. He tried to push off the overpowering weight, but he didn’t have the strength. Suddenly, a huge hand grabbed the linesman’s shoulder pads and tossed him like a rag doll to the field.

“You OK, Little Bro?” Boomer asked.

Cody’s chest expanded as he sucked in a deep breath of air. Boomer leaned over him with his face partially concealed by his football helmet and hidden by the shadows cast by the overhead stadium lights. Cody could see his brother’s eyes filled with worry.

He didn’t answer. He extended his hand. Boomer pulled him to his feet. Jogging back to the huddle, Cody stole a quick glance at the scoreboard. He wasn’t worried about the points. They were down by five. A touchdown would still win the game, but they only had time for one more play. One more play against their archrival Panthers. Their season wasn’t built on how many games they won, the only thing that mattered was if they beat the Panthers. That, and the fact that this was the last high school football game he would play with his brother, made Cody want to take a time-out and make it last a lifetime.

The tight end ran the play in from the Coach. Cody called the play in the huddle, but he knew it didn’t matter. The real play would depend on how the defense set up. The goalposts seemed like miniature toothpicks across the field. He wiped his sweaty hands on his pants. His heart was pounding so hard that it hurt. He slid his hands under the center and surveyed the defense. He knew it was going to be a blitz. He stepped away from the center and motioned his running back to stay in and block. Back under the center, his voice broke as he tried to bark out the count. He gripped the football and started to back away. Rising up for the block, the center’s heel stepped on top of Cody’s foot. He stumbled. Falling, he managed to pivot and get his hand down to keep his knees from touching the turf. The running back blocked one of the blitzing linemen.

Cody scrambled. Time slowed down. He felt like he could see every player on the field. The wide receiver streaked down the sideline. Cody rolled with him.

He could hear the defensive end coming up on his blind side. Instinctively every muscle in his body tightened for the impact. Boomer charged in front of him. He heard the deafening collision of two mammoth bodies.

The wide receiver pulled away from the Panthers safety. Cody planted his back foot and threw the ball as hard as he could. He lost it in the stadium lights, then watched it spiral back to earth. The wide receiver and the Panthers safety together looked back over their shoulders. The Panthers safety slowed and the under thrown football drifted into his hands.

Cody collapsed to one knee. He wanted to scream to drown out the cheers from the Panthers bleachers that echoed in his football helmet.

Boomer grabbed his brother’s shoulder pads and yanked him to his feet.

“Come on, Little Bro.”

Cody tugged off his helmet. He couldn’t meet Boomer’s eyes. He felt like someone pulled a pin and all the air had left his body. He struggled to put one foot in front of the other. When he reached the sideline the flash from the camera blinded him. When his vision returned he saw Kim, the girl with the camera.



In the locker room shower, the steam was thick as fog. Cody let the cascading water mask his face and feelings. The disappointed and frustrated crash and smash of his teammates’ fists and helmets against lockers had stopped. What voices that were left were subdued and then finally silent. He dried off, then wrapped the towel around his waist. The locker room was empty except for boy-man giant sitting on the bench. Cody walked down the aisle and collapsed next to his brother.

“You’re only a sophomore,” said Boomer. “Next year you’re going to be so frigging tough.”

“You won’t be here next year.” Cody rubbed his bruised ribs. “I wanted this game so bad. I wanted us to win.” Pain and frustration coated his words, “I screwed up. If only I let the ball go a second sooner.”

Boomer’s massive hand massaged the back of Cody’s neck.

“Whoa. Where’s this coming from? How many times have I told you, you never get down on yourself?” Boomer squeezed the back of Cody’s neck and gently shook his head. “You played a great game. That’s what I’ll remember.” Boomer groaned as he pushed up from the bench. “Get dressed. Let’s get out of here.”



They walked together across the deserted high school parking lot. The fire-engine-red Ford F-150 truck gleamed under the stadium lights. Cody tossed his bag in the back of the truck then sat in the passenger seat. Boomer pulled his towel from his bag. He wiped off gravel dust that settled on the truck, his face mirrored in the shiny hood.

Boomer got in and started the truck, then pulled out of the lot. His head was round like a pumpkin, his hair cropped short, his ears seemed too small for such a large head and his nose was slightly bent from being broken more than once. When at ease, his natural expression was a slightly tilted up smile with a boyish inquisitiveness reflected in his brown eyes. He wasn’t really a giant, but at 6 foot 5 and 260 pounds, he seemed that way when he walked the high school halls.

Cody powered down the window. The cool autumn breeze couldn’t blow away his feeling of despondency, nor could the tires humming on the two-lane asphalt country road as the high school lights retreated into the background. He could still see the football falling short into the Panthers safety’s hands and hear the cheers that weren’t for him and Boomer.

Cody shook his head and mumbled, “Shit.”

“Let it go.”

Cody stuck his head out the window. The wind blew tears from his eyes.

The truck’s headlights illuminated the stop sign. Instead of turning left for home, Boomer turned right.

“Where’re you going?” asked Cody.

“You need to chill.”

The country road followed the bends of the river that led to the small town of Grand Rapids. Most of the stores lining Main Street were closed, and tonight the town seemed as subdued as Cody’s feelings. A few cars were parked in front of O’Malley’s bar, and at the Dairy Queen at the end of the block. Boomer stopped at the flashing stoplight, then drove into the darkness at the edge of town.

Boomer slowed, then turned onto the gravel road leading down to the rapids. He turned off the headlights and drove by feel, pebbles crunching under the tires.

The harvest moon bathed the rapids with ashen hues. Boomer turned off the engine. “Come on.” He didn’t wait for Cody to follow.

Cody slipped going down the steep embankment. He dug the sides of his shoes into dirt, then jumped the final few feet to the riverbank.

Boomer was already in the river jumping from one rock to the next. A large granite outcropping rose up from the water a third of the way across the river. Boomer jumped and grabbed the edge, then hauled himself up to the flat surface. He sat on the edge, then looked back at his brother.

Cody strained to see the rocks beneath the surface of the rapidly flowing water. The first time he saw Boomer go out to Buffalo Rock, he really thought his brother could walk on water. In spring, when Walleyes run, the rocks are completely submerged by melting winter snow. But in summer and fall, when the water level falls, if you knew where to look, you could see the stepping stones. He jumped to the first rock and felt cold water seep into his gym shoe. He skipped to the next one. Now both shoes were wet. A cloud passed beneath the moon and suddenly it was like he was wearing dark sunglasses. He stood still waiting for moonlight to return while listening to the river.

Boomer reached out his hand. Cody locked his hand around his brother’s forearm and Boomer lifted him up to the boulder. They sat side by side with their legs dangling over the edge. Cody fell under the spell of rippling water. The riverbanks were lined with tall trees that stood like dark silent sentinels. Beyond the rapids were islands in the stream and the distant glow of a city where the river merged with the lake. A breeze stirred and trees rustled. Cody inhaled the river’s primeval scent of mud and decaying leaves. He rested back on the boulder, cupped his hands under his head and tried to see stars through moonlight.



About the Author


Terence O'Leary was born in Chicago, Illinois, but has spent his teenage and adult life in Northwest Ohio where the varied seasons and sports provide the background for his three 'sports as therapy' young adult novels. A graduate of the University of Toledo with a degree in Journalism, English and Psychology, O'Leary's critically acclaimed realistic coming-of-age stories focus on teenagers facing a family crisis. He is the author of Penalty Kick and More Than A Game.
 
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Giveaway
$5 Amazon Gift Card


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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Tour Kick Off: Legacy of Hunger by @greendragon9




Historical Fantasy
Date Published: October 23, 2015


Valentia is a privileged young woman from a wealthy farming family in 19th century Ohio. Her grandmother had been a storyteller, weaving tales of romance and adventure from her native Ireland, and told her granddaughter of a special family heirloom – a brooch that had been left behind with her family. Valentia decides that she must find her grandmother’s long-lost family, as well as the brooch. She has disturbing dreams featuring the brooch and sees strange lights whenever she looks at the drawing.
As she travels with her brother (Conor), his valet (Brendan) and her ladies’ maid (Maggie) through Pittsburgh and New York, Valentia’s eyes take in the wide world.
In Ireland, crippled by chronic illness, she learns about the Irish famine from some local activists. She becomes intrigued with the movement, and vows to help in what ways she can. She befriends Siobhan and Aiden, siblings. Siobhan shows her a stone circle, and she has a mystical experience.
When she has recovered, she travels north to Donegal. When she finally does find the town her grandmother came from, she is confronted with an imperious great-aunt (Eithne) and a rather bumbling cousin who falls in love with her.
The cousin (Donal) starts to court her, and after some time, Donal proposes to her, but she turns him down, determined to finish her quest first. The parting upsets them both.
Chasing rumors of her other great-aunt (Esme), she travels south. Valentia finally finds Esme in Kenmare, and the brooch, which has hidden powers
After finding Valentia’s power, Esme begins to succumb to her own illness.  Valentia tries to heal it, but at a great cost.
Valentia had hoped to settle in Kenmare, at Esme’s house, but she is driven out and travels back to Donegal, stopping to the asylum where Donal is held, but is unable to heal him. Eithne has died, so Valentia takes over the estate, healing local people where she can, discreetly.



#1 – Do You See Writing as a Career?

I do, but as a slow burn building career. I would love to write the rest of my life, but I also work as an accountant, which pays many more bills for the moment. Will that change in the future? I can but hope!


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

Editing, absolutely. The first draft is a delightful part – writing flows out of my fingertips, and it’s like flying in a sunset cloud. But the editing process is like a scene out of a horror film where an angry clown is doing dental work on you. I’m horrible at seeing my own mistakes.


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

My publisher, Kemberlee at Tirgearr Publishing has been an enormous help and mentor. She has taken the time to walk me through the process on my first publications, my travel guides to Ireland and Scotland. I’ve learned a fantastic amount from her, and am eternally grateful for her help.


#4 – What is next for your writing?

I have already written the first drafts of the two prequels for this novel, Legacy of Truth and Legacy of Luck.  I’m working on editing those and revising them based on feedback from my beta readers. I’ve just finished another first draft for an unrelated historical fantasy, Call of the Morrigan. And I’ve got an idea percolating in my head for the next book, a novelization of the Irish myth, The Children of Lir.


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

Of course! I have loved reading since before I was supposed to have learned it. My first grade teacher got mad at me for reading at too high a level from the rest of the class. Right now I’m getting through the Harry Dresden novels, as I came to that party rather late.


DESCRIBE Your Book in 1 Tweet:

In 1846, Ireland was in the throes of a terrible potato blight. People were dying. But Valentia, traveling from Pittsburgh, didn’t know that.

This or That?

#1 - iPd or Mp3?  Neither – I use my iPhone for both!

#2 – Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

#3 – Mashed Potatoes or French Fries? French Fries

#4 – Comedy or Drama? Comedy

#5 – Danielle Steel or Nicholas Sparks? Nicholas Sparks

#6 – Fantasy or Reality? Fantasy

#7 – Call or Text? Text!

#8 – Public School or Home School? Home School

#9 – Coffee or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate

#10 – eBook or Paperback? Paperback




My name is Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon. I do many things, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing and photography. In real life I'm a CPA, but having grown up with art and around me (my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected me, as it were.  I love to draw and to create things. It's more of an obsession than a hobby. I like looking up into the sky and seeing a beautiful sunset, or a fragrant blossom, a dramatic seaside. I then wish to take a picture or create a piece of jewelry to share this serenity, this joy, this beauty with others.  Sometimes this sharing requires explanation – and thus I write.  Combine this love of beauty with a bit of financial sense and you get an art business. I do local art and craft shows, as well as sending my art to various science fiction conventions throughout the country and abroad.

I live in Warfordsburg, PA with my husband, Jason, my cat, Spot, my dog, Dax, and two sugar gliders named Arya and Sansa.
Contact Information




October 28 - A Life Through Books
October 29 - Us Girls and a Book
October 30 - Texas Book Nook
November 1 - The Indie Express
November 2 - My Reading Addiction
November 3 - Author Madelyn Hill
November 4 - Steamy Side
November 5 - One Book Shy
November 7 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up


Monday, October 26, 2015

Tour Kick Off: Wanderer's Escape by @simongv #giveaway



Science Fiction
Date Published: January 8, 2013


Jess was born a prisoner, grew up a prisoner and at sixteen knew he would die a prisoner. When his turn comes to try to break through the traps protecting a spaceship it seems his day to die has come. The ship, and others like it, have already claimed hundreds of prisoners' lives.

Instead he manages to avoid the traps and gain access to the ship with two other prisoners, beginning a frantic flight to freedom. Soon Jess finds himself loose in a brutal universe ruled by the Empire and riddled with pirates, slave traders and worse. Can Jess manage to learn the rules of the universe and the capabilities of the ship he has stolen in time to stay alive?




Simon Goodson is the author of the massively popular and highly rated Wanderer's Odyssey science fiction series which has been downloaded more than 80,000 times in just two years.  Simon has also written the exciting Dark Soul Silenced fantasy books.
His speculative fiction short stories cover science fiction, fantasy and other styles. Several are freely available from www.simongoodson.com, while many more are available in the collection 'Last Sunrise & Other Stories'.
Simon fits in writing around a full time job as an IT Consultant and a hectic family life looking after his son and two daughters. He squeezes in writing during lunchtimes and while commuting on the train.

Contact Information
Twitter:    @simongv




October 27 - A Bibliophobia Anonymous - Excerpt
October 28 - Fantasy Book Lane - Excerpt
October 29 - A Little Bit of R&R - Interview
October 30 - Satin's Bookish Corner - Excerpt
November 1 - Mythical Books - Interview
November 2 - Tea Time and Books - Excerpt
November 3 - Literary Musings - Excerpt
November 4 - Jazzy's Book Reviews - Excerpt
November 5 - Cheshire Cat's Looking Glass - Excerpt
November 6 - A Place in the Spotlight - Excerpt
November 9 - A Life Through Books - Review
November 10 - Tea Time and Books - Excerpt
November 11 - Texas Book Nook - Review
November 13 - My Reading Addiction - Review
November 16 - The Indie Express - Review
November 17 - Steamy Side - Review
November 19 - On a Reading Bender - Review 
November 21 - Novel News Network - Review
November 24 - Bound 2 Escape - Excerpt
November 25 - Book Recs and Paperweights- Excerpt
November 26 - Avenue Books - Interview
November 27 - Sarah's Reading Corner - Excerpt
November 30 - Eyes on Books - Review
December 1 - Around the World in Books - Excerpt
December 2 - Evermore Books - Excerpt
December 4 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up





Tour Kick Off: Reckless by @trejo_erin #giveaway




Adult Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 10/26/2015


One woman. Two hot rock stars. The ultimate story of sex, drugs and lies.
Sammy has lived on the road since she was a little girl. Never close to her mother, she made her life with her father. When Sammy runs into her old flame, Alan, life gets even wilder for her. Alan was everything she tried to forget about her past, but he pulls her back in.
On a job which happens to be for Alan’s band, Sammy meets Jasper. Jasper is everything she’s always wanted in a man. Unfortunately for Sammy, Jasper is in Alan’s band, Reckless.
Sammy’s life turns into a whirlwind of events when death, drugs, sex and lies take her on a roller coaster ride. Who is Sammy’s ultimate rocker love? Will the drama of her roadie life take away any chance she has to be truly happy?





Erin is a stay at home mother of 4. She enjoys reading all sorts of books but bad boys are her favorite. Erin spends most of her free time indie writing or being with her kids.

Contact Information

Twitter: trejo_erin




October 27 - A Bibliophobia Anonymous - Excerpt
October 28 - Mythical Books - Interview
October 29 - Tea Time and Books - Excerpt
October 30 - Books, Authors, Blogs - Excerpt
October 31 - Satin's Bookish Corner - Excerpt
November 1 - Texas Book Nook - Review
November 2 - A Life Through Books - Review
November 3 - Nerdy, Dirty, and Flirty - Excerpt
November 4 - Jessica Cassidy - Review
November 5 - Jody's Book Reviews - Excerpt
November 6 - My Reading Addiction - Review
November 6 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up




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