Ok clean romance lovers these books are for you!!

Trifecta Books is excited to announce their new line of short contemporary romance novels for e-book. The Sweet and Clean Romance Collection will melt your heart and sweep you off your feet.

There are currently four books out with many more titles coming soon.

Tour Schedule

And Something Blue by Paige Timothy (Main Street Merchants #1)

Bridal consultant Laurie Fletcher spends her days helping others prepare for the most special day of their lives. Will true love ever come her way, or is she doomed to watch others get their happily ever after?

Review

Loved this simple, wholesome and very clean romance novella. Laurie is looking for love but not finding it. Logan is a lawyer caught up in his own ego…until they meet.

While some of this was very predictable, it didn’t make it any less of a story. I thought the story was well written and complete…didn’t leave you hanging, much! Hopefully in the next book we will find out a little more about Laurie and Logan even though the next book is about another roommate of Laurie’s.

If you have an hour or so, pick up this book and sit back and enjoy the romance.

We give it 5 paws up!

Amazon

For Love And Money by Paige Timothy (Main Street Merchants #2)

Cynical Morgan has just about decided that no one could possibly fall in love with her – all the good guys want perfect girls, and she’s anything but perfect. But then along comes the guy who falls head-over-heels in love with her just as she is and helps her find the bright side of life again.

Review

This is the 2nd novella by Paige and this time it features Morgan, Laurie’s friend that works at the bank. In the first book it is revealed that Morgan is in love with her coworker Rory and this is their story.

This was just as clean and sweet as the first book and the only thing I’m not sure if I liked was because it runs concurrently to Laurie’s story some of the conversations are repeated, but from a different viewpoint…so slightly different. Luckily there was only really 1 scene that was the same so really not much repetitiveness.

Definitely a good read and only takes about an hour!

We give this one 5 paws up too!

Amazon

Hearts in Harmony by Raine Gillespie (Love Notes #1)

Elahna Nezario gave up her musical dreams to help run the Queen of Hearts, her mother’s chocolate shop, after her sister’s sudden death. After an unfortunate run-in with Elahna’s childhood crush, owner of the Dolce Theater, not only do her dreams surge back to life, but so does her heart.

Review

This was a good book but a little edgier than I expected. Really not that much but there was a bit of a mystery going on as to what was happening with Timothy’s theater. He was also not very likeable in the beginning. Elahna is an interesting character, she is very smart and has total recall (or something similar) when it comes to music and numbers. Sometimes I wish I could be like that.

But enjoyable story overall and not long as it is a novella!

We give this 4 paws up.

Amazon

Waltzing on Wheels by Raine Gillespie (Love Notes #2)

Meredith Aaron lost all hope for love after a car accident put her in a wheelchair. Who would want her, broken as she is? After her brother tells her to save a dance for him at his wedding, she decides to somehow learn how to dance on the only legs she has left—her wheels.

Review

I liked this much better than the first book about Timothy and Elahna. Shoot this book had me tearing up at the end! In this novella we get to see Meredith’s story and there is very little overlap with the first novella. I did find it interesting that Meredith was very accepting and forgiving with another character when she finds out his true identity. But maybe because of everything she has gone through then it wasn’t as bad as it could have been?

Another sweet and clean romance novella!  And we give this one 5 paws up

Amazon

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/20/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Author Lara Nance hosts an Airship Tour

to celebrate the release of

Realm of the Ice Queen

(Book #4 in the Airship Adventure Chronicles)

Hangout here at Gliterary Girl and check out all the stops to WIN prizes, answer trivia and learn new things about Steampunk! Realm of the Ice Queen Book Four of the Airship Adventure Chronicles

Synopsis

Belle and Rett’s adventures are not over. While Rett is involved in rebuilding the destruction caused by Dr. Krakov in the capitol city, the queen calls on Belle for a vital mission. She sails off to Icelandia to negotiate a treaty with the eastern countries, only to find the queen of that frigid land is hiding a secret that threatens to derail the vital progress of peace. Rett unwittingly uncovers a threat beneath Aereopolis, more dangerous than the attack of the mad scientist. This discovery sets off a chain of events that unleashes a century-old menace.

Once again, Belle and Rett must count on resourcefulness, courage, and old friends to escape peril and save the day.

AMAZON

About the Author

Lara Nance grew up and lived in many cities throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres, but the basis of all of her stories is a great tale of entertaining fiction that will take you on an adventure of imagination. Smart stories that make you wonder, and live the romances you dream about. She writes for her readers, hoping to give them an enjoyable escape among the pages of her books.

So, if you’re ready to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales to paranormal stories and sizzling romance, she’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, along with a touch of romance here and there.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories. Lara loves to weave interesting true historical tidbits into her fiction which invite the reader to explore further after the novel is finished.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkies, Belle and Bruno.

Website/ Facebook/ Twitter / Goodreads

Where it all Started

The Airship Chronicles

Revenge of the Mad Scientist (Book #1)

Synopsis

A steampunk adventure with a touch of romance. When Lady Arabella Trunkett’s father, the Lord High Minister of Urbannia, is kidnapped, suspicion points to the mysterious country of Gandiss and the world is thrown into political upheaval. But Arabella is convinced the more sinister nation of Carabarras is to blame, urged on by a mad scientist seeking revenge. She sets out on a dangerous airship adventure across numerous exotic locales to rescue her father before war breaks out. Not only is she faced with danger from mysterious assassins, slaver traders and air-pirates, the fickle hand of fate adds an additional complication to her trials. Unfortunately, the captain of the only airship available for charter is a man who left her at the altar. For eight years she’s wanted nothing more than to see him dead. But now he’s her only hope.

AMAZON

Stops on the Airship Tour

Where you can find:

Reviews, interviews and more trivia questions plus chances to win at every single stop

11/10 – 11/24

StoreyBook Reviews

Auggie -Talk

Coffee Addicts Books

Be My Book Boyfriend

Reviews By Crystal

Memories in a Box

Cruising Susan Book Reviews

Pinky’s Favorite Reads

Mommy’s Naughty Playground

Confessions of a Book Whore

Book Groupies

Indies Steal Our Hearts

Mamma bears Book Blog

Mythical Books

One of these amazing Jewelry pieces can be yours

Enter to WIN here at every stop on the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE SERIES OR ANY OF LARA’S WORK ON

AMAZON

Welcome to the

Cowboys & Christmas

Blog Tour!

A kickoff of two new holiday romances by Shanna Hatfield

and a fundraiser for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund

Wrestlin’ Christmas with Shanna Hatfield

It’s a pleasure to be here with you today sharing a little about my sweet holiday romance Wrestlin’ Christmas the second book in the Rodeo Romance series.

Cort McGraw lives up to the cliché of tall, dark, and handsome with a head of cropped black hair, liquid silver eyes, and a dimple in his chin that draws the attention of nearly every female he passes. A world-champion steer wrestler, Cort can’t quite come to terms with a career-ending injury leaves him sidelined. Shanghaied by his sister and best friend, he ends up at a run-down ranch owned by a wary yet entirely beautiful widow.

K.C. (Kaley) Peters possess a lifetime of experience in the school of hard knocks. After the death of her husband, she gives up on the slightest possibility of ever knowing a happy future. The silence of her little boy, Jacob, echoes in her ears, reminding her of all she’s lost. Just when she’s ready to give up all hope, her neighbor sends over a friend to help her out on the ranch.

Within five minutes of meeting Cort McGraw, Kaley wants to chase him off the place. He’s much too handsome, charming, and engaging for her tattered emotions to handle. Ready to send him packing, Jacob has other ideas…

Excerpt

In this scene, Kaley has just met Cort at her house. She retreats to the kitchen to gather her composure while Cort takes his horses to her barn:

She took a deep breath, fighting the urge to call Tate and Kenzie Morgan and give them each a tongue-lashing.

The pastor at church put out feelers with the area ranchers to see if they might know anyone interested in temporary work. Aware her summer workers returned to college, the kind man knew she needed help. As much as she wanted to run the ranch alone, it was more than she could handle.

Tate Morgan called the previous afternoon and said he knew someone experienced willing to work for what she could pay. Unable to believe her good fortune, she expected a grizzled old ranch hand in his retirement years, not a good-looking giant of a man in his prime.

Tall and brawny, Cort McGraw happened to be one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. From his silvery-gray eyes rimmed with black eyelashes to the dimple in his all-too-attractive chin, she wished Kenzie had given her some warning. If she’d known what he looked like, that he was so young, rugged, and hunky, she would have told Tate not to bother sending Cort to her place.

Mercy, he smelled good, too. Even now, his manly, musky fragrance filled her senses. Annoyed with herself for savoring his heady scent, she brushed at her nose, hoping to chase away the lingering aroma of his aftershave.

Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund®

Now through Dec. 24, Shanna will donate 10 percent of the net proceeds from all book sales to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period.

Rodeo Romance Series

The Christmas Cowboy (Book 1)

Wrestlin’ Christmas (Book 2)

You’re Invited to PARTY!

You’re invited to join in the online Cowboys & Christmas Facebook Party Thursday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PST). Drop in anytime during those four hours to enter to win great prizes, chat with guest authors, and more! Join here!

The third book in the Hardman Holidays sweet Victorian romance series releases that day! The Christmas Calamity takes readers back to Hardman just in time for the holiday season. Pre-orders are available now for just $1.99 on Kindle.

In addition, the first book in the Hardman Holidays series, The Christmas Bargain, will be available free that day, as well!

Enter to Win Prizes!

To enter the drawing for an Amazon gift card, autographed books, chocolates, original western artwork, and more fun goodies, fill out this form.

About Shanna Hatfield

A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a bestselling author of sweet romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor. In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple

Title: Always With You
Author: Andrea Hurst
Publisher: Independent Self Publishing
Publication Date: February 6, 2014
Pages: 348
ISBN: 978-1495326783
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Format: Paperback, eBook (.mobi / Kindle)

Synopsis

1977 is a glorious time to be alive in the beautiful wine country of Northern California, and Cathy has everything she thought she wanted – from a thriving health food café to loyal friends.

Since the devastating failure of her short-lived marriage, Cathy has buried herself in her work and kept men at arm’s length. But when an old high school friend, Pam, brings her family for a short stay, Cathy’s stone walls begin to crumble when she meets Jamie. Jamie, whose compassion and warmth slowly break down her defenses. Jamie, whose devotion to his four-year-old daughter melts Cathy’s heart and makes her desperate for a family of her own. Jamie… who is married to Pam.

A profound love that transcends time and place is impossible to resist. But is love more important than friendship? Are loyalty and fidelity an anchor or a chain? In the end, it’s all about choices – tough ones that can break hearts. Now Cathy must make the most difficult choice of her life.

Praise for Always With You

“Always With You is the bittersweet and poignant love story of a woman trapped between temptation and the ties that bind.” ~Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author of On the Island and Covet.

“Hurst captivates from page one, and keeps you hooked until the very last word, in this entrancing story of the power of love and all its consequences.”  ~Melissa Foster -New York Times & USA Today bestselling & award-winning author.

“Warm-hearted, wise, touchingly written, and exploring the depths of human emotions. This book about forbidden love is not to be missed.”  ~Bharti Kirchner, Author of five novels including Darjeeling and Tulip Season. 

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE

About the Author

When not visiting local farmer’s markets or indulging her love for chocolate, Andrea Hurst is an author and literary agent. Her passion for books drives her to find and write stories that take readers on a journey to another place and leave them with an unforgettable impression. She is a developmental editor for publishers and authors, an instructor in creative writing at the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, and a webinar presenter for Writers Digest. She lives with her dachshunds in the Pacific Northwest, on an island much like the fictional Madrona, with all of its natural beauty and small town charm.

Her published books include Always With You, The Guestbook, The Lasy Dog’s Guide to Enlightenment and Everybody’s Natural Food Cookbook, and she co-authored A Book of Miracles.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Suede to Rest (A Material Witness Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
Brand New Series
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (November 4, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-0425270578
E-Book ASIN: B00JJXV198

Synopsis

When Poly Monroe was little, she loved playing in her family’s textile store. But after a fatal family tragedy, Land of A Thousand Fabrics was boarded up and Poly never expected to see the inside again. Now, as inheritor of the long-shuttered shop, she’s ready to restore the family business. However her two new kittens, Pins and Needles, aren’t the ones causing a snag in her plans…

Not everyone wants Poly back in San Ladrón, especially a powerful local developer pressuring her to sell—and leave town fast. But even when the threats turn deadly, she’s not ready to bolt. Because Poly is beginning to suspect that the murder behind the shop is tied to a mystery in her family’s unsettled past that she’s determined to solve…before her own life is left hanging by a thread.

Review

I really loved this book! I’m not sure what exactly it was that drew me in and kept me engaged, but whatever Diane did, do it again!

I love how Poly was named…although wonder if she was heckled a lot as a kid with a name like Polyester.  And speaking of names, what she ends up naming the kittens is so appropriate!

There are some good strong characters that it will be interesting to see how they develop in future books, like Charlie, the female auto mechanic/shop owner. I liked her right off the bag and hoped she wouldn’t end up being the killer. Then there is Vaughn…I think Poly needs to dump Carson who appears to be too self centered and check out what Vaughn has to offer.

And as with many mysteries, I didn’t figure out who the killer was until that person was revealed. I guess that means that the author did a good job of throwing enough red herrings out there and subtle clues. I never would have guessed this person (and I tend to say that a LOT!)

Great new series, one to definitely check out.  We give it 5 paws up!

About the Author

After close to two decades working for a top luxury retailer, Diane Vallere traded fashion accessories for accessories to murder. SUEDE TO REST, the first in her new Material Witness Mystery Series, comes out November 4. In addition, she writes the Style & Error Mystery Series, featuring former fashion buyer Samantha Kidd, and the Mad for Mod Mystery Series, featuring Doris Day-loving interior decorator Madison Night. Diane started her own detective agency at age ten and has maintained a passion for shoes, clues, and clothes ever since.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Giveaway

The author is kindly giving away 1 print copy of this book to a US resident.  Enter below for your chance!
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Tour Participants

October 31 – Buried Under Books Guest post

November 1 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Interview

November 2 – Queen of All She Reads – Review

November 3 – Killer Crafts and Crafty Killers Guest post

November 4 – off

November 5 – Mysteristas  – Guest Post

November 6 – Get Lost in a story Interview

November 7 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review

November 8 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review

November 9 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Guest Post

November 10 – Back Porchervations – Review, Interview

November 11 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

November 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Guest Post

November 13 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review, Interview

November 14 – deal sharing aunt – Review, Guest Post

Blog Tour Schedule

Sebastian and the Hibernauts: Beyond the Gloaming

It is Easter, 1973 and twelve year old Sebastian Duffy has some serious self-esteem issues. He is beaten by his parents, bullied at school, steals from his friends and still mourning the death of his brother. To cap it all, strange things have begun happening around him and he is finding it hard to distinguish dreams from reality. After a nightmarish assault, he wakes in the Gloaming, a shadow world inhabited by ghosts. There to greet him is Porrig, a creature from Hibercadia, a magical realm crafted from Celtic dreams. Inhabited by Fir Bolg, Tuath and Milesians, it has been overthrown by brother gods from another dreamworld. One brother, Phobitor, is a tyrant and even the Tuath, who took to their underground sidhe millennia ago, are concerned. Sebastian discovers that he alone can save Hibercadia by finding an enchanted spear. Teaming up with the Hibernauts—a mercurial sorceress, an orphaned druidess, a taciturn warrior, a snuff-sniffing leprechaun and a lovelorn poet—he embarks on a fantastical quest, but can he succeed when he is yet to find his magical potential or even his courage, and half the realm is bent on his destruction?

Amazon * Kindle * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Book Depository

Excerpt

Trailer

Beyond the Gloaming from Kaleb Lechowski on Vimeo.

Praise for Beyond the Gloaming

I cannot say just how much I have enjoyed this book; you are a very accomplished writer with a wonderfully rich imagination. Your use of the English language is amazing and your ability to create the many different speaking styles in the book and to maintain them is remarkable. You have an incredibly inventive mind and readers will come to love the many wonderful creations in this novel, it is jam-packed with the most wonderful and inventive characters; new, exciting and beautifully realised.
~The Oxford Editors

An imaginative epic…an intricate and fully realised fantasy world with a big cast of likeable characters that are charming, well drawn and endearing, with wonderfully apt names. The depth and breadth of your high-voltage imagination, and the richness of the world you create is very impressive.
~Sam Mills, author of Blackout, The Boys Who Saved the World, and The Quiddity of Will Self

Author Brendan Murphy

Brendan Murphy was raised in Sheffield, England, with dreams of becoming a writer, and has written every day since he was nine years old. After reading medicine in London and psychiatry in Manchester, he moved to Australia in 1999. He is an Associate Professor at Monash University and has written widely on youth mental health. His nonfiction work on the development of football in Victorian society, From Sheffield with Love, was published in 2007. He lives with his wife, Katrina, and their children, Sebastian and Violette, in a sprawling property built for the composer, Dorian Le Gallienne. They share their garden with a mob of kangaroos, a wombat, two possums, any number of creepy crawlies, and some very feisty kookaburras. In 2013, he was signed to Assent Publishing for a six-book deal. Beyond the Gloaming, the first Sebastian and the Hibernauts adventure, will be published by Assent imprint, Phantasm Books in 2014.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/28/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

By Cook or by Crook (A Five-Ingredient Mystery)
New Cozy Series
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington (November 4, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-1617731389

Synopsis

Take one burned-out city girl. Add a crusty codger, a pinch of gossip, and a dash of romance. Stir in a generous helping of murder and you’ve got the ingredients for one truly delicious mystery…

Haunted by the car accident that ended her career as a cookbook publicist, Val Deniston has traded in the chaos of New York City for a quieter life near the Chesapeake Bay. Living with her curmudgeonly grandfather in the tourist town of Bayport is hardly glamorous, but she enjoys working at the Cool Down Café at the local fitness club, and she finally has time to work on her long-planned cookbook. But when one of the club’s patrons is found dead, she’ll have to cook up a scheme to find the killer.

Includes 8 five-ingredient recipes!

Review

I enjoyed this first book in a new series with recipes that only have 5 ingredients…my kind of recipe!  Not that I can’t handle recipes with more ingredients, but sometimes simplicity is best.

I liked all of the characters and have to say the author throws out some great red herrings because I was going down another path on who the killer might be…honestly never guessed who it was.  There are some other characters that I wonder how they factor into future books.  And of course there is Grandpa – the crusty codger.  He adds a lot of character to Val’s life that is for sure especially with the job he is hired for with the newspaper.  There is even a potential love interest for Val….have to have a love interest!

I think this will be another great cozy series, so check it out.

We give this 5 paws up

About The Author

Maya Corrigan lives near Washington, D.C., within easy driving distance of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the setting for this series. She has taught courses in writing, detective fiction, and American literature at Georgetown University and NOVA community college. A winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, she has published essays on drama and short stories under her full name of Mary Ann Corrigan.

Website * Facebook

Tour Participants

November 4 – fuonlyknew – Review, Giveaway

November 5 – The Bookwyrm’s Hoard – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

November 6 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Giveaway

November 7 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

November 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

November 9 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview

November 10 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Giveaway

An Absence of Light

Meradeth Houston

Paranormal/Suspense/Romance

Evernight Teen/80,000 words

Synopsis

Leah’s always seen the shadow creatures. She thought she was immune to their evil—until now.

She’s walked into a massacre, stolen a BMW, and is running from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. Nineteen-year-old Leah’s life just went from mildly abnormal to totally crazy at lightning speed. But no one will believe that the shadow creatures are framing her for the murder, because she’s the only one that can see them. At least that’s what she thought.

When Leah stumbles across a group who share her ability, she discovers they have something she doesn’t: a way to fight back. When the group offers to teach her how to kill the shadow creatures, Leah jumps at the chance. But something is brewing with the creatures. They’re tracking down the hunters like there’s no tomorrow. Leah suspects that maybe there won’t be, and it’s up to her to make sure tomorrow comes. Because she’ll do anything to stop the shadows, including risking her life—and the life of the one she loves—to keep the world from being lost to darkness forever.

Evernight Teen   Amazon

Excerpt

A creeping tingle of coldness wound around my ankles. Something lived in there––the same things that took away my family and had stalked me for most of my life.

I didn’t have a name for them. In my head, I called them the Shadows: inky, black creatures that avoided the light, like I avoided the dark. They did things. Things that made monsters like Hitler look warm and fuzzy—or at least, less homicidal.

How they did it confounded me, but they had the ability to influence the darkness in people, to make them do terrible things. The Shadows got something from it, as if they fed from humanity’s malevolence. I’d tried to learn more about them since I realized no one else could see them, but they didn’t exist in any book, Web page, or library.

The only thing I could conclude was that they were otherworldly evil, pure and simple.

It didn’t help that lately the Shadows had been more focused on me. I’d seen more in the last few months than I had in my whole life, and they had been acting stranger than normal. They were up to something.

Plotting how to kill me, and everyone I love. I’d been so stupid not to figure that out.

As if hearing my thoughts, the Shadow sensed my presence. It crept forward to the mouth of the alleyway, a darker blotch of oily blackness that moved of its own volition. A fine tendril rose from its black mass, reminding me of a periscope on a submarine, searching.

“Crap.” I glanced around for the best way to escape. No way I could outrun the thing.

The Shadow moved into the open. Skirting the light, coming ever closer. Picking up speed. I had to get away. Now.

My heart began beating double-time and my feet froze to the ground.

A part of me wanted to step on it, like a giant slug, but it wouldn’t do anything. They couldn’t be killed that way.

I would give anything to know if I could get rid of them, to wipe them from the face of the earth. But they didn’t die. Didn’t disappear. Didn’t leave me alone.

There was nowhere to hide. They’d kill me. Just like they did my family.

Glancing at the car in front of me, my panicked laugh caught me by surprise.

Another entry for my rap sheet.

Careful to keep in the light, I hurried around to the driver’s side. Scooping up the keys, I threw myself behind the wheel. My fingers trembled as I shoved the key into the ignition.

The Shadow lurked near my door. I spared it one glance before the engine caught with a merciful roar and I slammed my foot on the gas.

The tires squealed and a trail of smoke hid the Shadow. The snaking chill, as I always felt from them, gave way and I knew I had left it behind.

There would be more, though. There were always more.

About the Author

I’ve never been a big fan of talking about myself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about me:

~I’m a California girl. This generally means I talk too fast and use “like” a lot.

~I have my doctorate in molecular anthropology. Translation: I sequence dead people’s DNA and spend a whole lot of time in a lab, which I love.

~I’ve been writing since I was 11 years old. It’s my hobby, my passion, and I’m so happy to get to share my work!

~My other passion is teaching. There’s nothing more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology!

~If I could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because I’m terrified of heights.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Tumblr, * Blog

Giveaway

$10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Synopsis

The Santa Switch

Everyone knows about Santa Claus. Now, it’s Jessica’s turn!

When it comes to the biggest toy drop of the year, Santa gets most of the credit — but he could hardly do it alone! In The Santa Switch, Mrs. Claus becomes the fabulous tour-de-force she’s always had the potential to be. This sharp, modern version of Mrs. C. believes in equality, compassion, and continuing education. She loves her good-natured, big-hearted husband, and they share the same vision — but she’s definitely the doer to his dreamer. And, while Jessica Claus is CEO (Chief Elf Optimizer) of the world’s most successful toy factory, she also loves to kick off her shoes and bake up a storm, spreading holiday joy to anyone willing to believe in a little Christmas magic.

The positive, gender-empowering message, lovable spin on legendary characters, and eye-catching illustrations found in this two-time award-winning holiday book are sure to warm hearts and tickle funny bones of the young and the young-at-heart…making it a treasured read for all at Christmastime!

A Trip for Mrs. Claus

Soaring on the award-winning heels of The Santa Switch–Jessica Claus’ first, gender-empowering tale–comes an epic, colorful adventure, custom-made for this super-smart Christmas heroine. In A Trip for Mrs. Claus, Santa’s better half creatively invents her own, philanthropic niche–one that adds a new level of ingenuity and soul to the Big Guy’s legendary exploits.

Review of The Santa Switch

Jessica Claus is not appreciated by Santa especially with the big day coming up. Well she sets Santa straight and he realizes and quickly appreciates all that she does to keep the North Pole running smoothly.

Great story for kids and will make a great holiday story to read over and over and it reminds young girls that they can do anything if they set their mind to doing whatever it is that they want to do in life.

It does leave you hanging so you have to read A Trip for Mrs Claus to see how the story ends!

We give it 5 paws

Review of A Trip for Mrs. Claus

A great follow up to The Santa Switch but with a twist. Jessica has an altruistic heart and goes back out after delivering all the toys and delivers needed food and blankets to those in need. So with a holiday story also comes a message to help those in need and it is about more than just ourselves.  Plus it continues to remind us that women can do anything that men can do, sometimes even better.

I like that the North Pole has gone techie – apps and gadgets and a sleigh on auto-pilot.  Santa is definitely in the 21st century.

Right now this book is only available as an ebook and on limited devices. Luckily I have a Kindle Fire that I could read it on because it was not available to download to my keyboard Kindle. I think the book needs to be available in print as well.

We give this book 5 paws as well.

About the Author

Laura Lee Scott, is a writer and publisher with over 20 years of professional experience.

Born and raised in Edina, Minnesota, Laura Lee Scott has worked as a professional copywriter, ghostwriter, editor, publisher, and graphic designer for nearly 25 years. Laura has authored and/or ghost-written numerous biographies Genres include children’s books, memoirs, historical fiction, poetry, short stories, ad/marketing copywriting, videoscripts, websites, and blogs. Laura is also a full-time mom of two, school-aged boys; when she’s not providing their personal shuttle service, she operates WriteLifeStories and Passionflower Press, creating premium memoirs, children’s books, and more. and children’s books, and is the author of the award-winning holiday picture book series, “The Santa Switch”, published by Passionflower Press in 2012. Her most recent creation A Trip for Mrs. Claus is the second in The “Jessica Claus” Series She lives (Laura not Jessica)in a suburb of Portland, Oregon with her husband and two, school-aged sons. Jessica Lives up North with her Hubby and soulmate Santa.

Jessica’s Facebook Page * Jessica’s Website

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Title: Anybody’s Daughter
Author: Pamela Samuels Young
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Goldman House Publishing
Pages: 376

Synopsis

Is Anybody’s Daughter Ever Safe?

Based on the real-life horrors faced by thousands of girls, award-winning author Pamela Samuels Young takes readers deep inside the disturbing world of child sex trafficking in a fast-paced thriller that educates as much as it entertains.

The opening chapter of Anybody’s Daughter introduces readers to thirteen-year-old Brianna Walker. She’s ecstatic because she’s about to sneak off to meet her first real boyfriend—a boyfriend she met on Facebook. But Brianna is in for a horrifying surprise because her boyfriend doesn’t exist. Instead, Brianna unwittingly becomes the captive of a ring of drug dealers-turned-human traffickers who prey on lonely girls from dysfunctional homes. But they’ve made a big mistake in targeting Brianna because she doesn’t meet either of those criteria.

Brianna’s Uncle Dre, a man with his own criminal past, is determined to find the niece who is more like a daughter to him. Rather than sit back and rely on police to bring Brianna home, Dre scours the dark corners of Los Angeles looking for her. He is stunned to learn that the trafficking of children isn’t just happening in other countries. It’s occurring at epidemic levels right in his own backyard.

Dre is not alone in his desperate search. Loretha Johnson knows this world well. A social worker who previously lived “the life,” Loretha now dedicates her time to saving as many young girls as she can find. She turns out to be an invaluable resource for Dre, who ultimately gets a lead on The Shepherd, a mastermind in the trafficking world whose every move is fueled by ego and greed. Dre vows to bring The Shepherd’s reign of terror to an end, even if he has to break the law to do it.

While Brianna makes a futile effort to thwart her captors, Dre is getting closer and closer to finding her. The woman he loves, attorney Angela Evans, knows the dangers faced by sexually exploited children because she represents them in juvenile court. Angela lends her moral support and, eventually, an important clue to Brianna’s whereabouts.

As he races against the clock, Dre ultimately comes up with a daring plan—one that puts many lives in danger, including his own. But will he find Brianna before it’s too late?

Kirkus Reviews called Anybody’s Daughter “A fast-paced, well-written thriller that’s grounded in important social issues.”

About the Author

When attorney and author Pamela Samuels Young isn’t practicing law, you can usually find her penning her next legal thriller. Described by one reviewer as “John Grisham with a sister’s twist,” Pamela is an award-winning author of six novels.

Pamela has always abided by the philosophy that you create the change you want to see. Fed up with never seeing women or people of color depicted as savvy, hot shot attorneys in the legal thrillers she read, the Compton native decided to create her own characters. Despite the demands of a busy legal career, Pamela accomplished her ambitious goal by getting up at four in the morning to write before work, dedicating her weekends to writing and even spending her vacation time glued to her laptop for ten or more hours a day. In the process, she discovered her passion.

Her debut novel, Every Reasonable Doubt (2006), won the Black Expressions Book Club’s Fiction Writing Contest, received an honorable mention in the SEAK Legal Fiction Writing Competition and was a finalist for USA Book News’ Best Books of 2006 awards in the mystery, suspense and thriller category. Her second novel, In Firm Pursuit (2007), was honored by Romantic Times magazine as a finalist for Best African-American Novel of 2007. Murder on the Down Low (2008), Pamela’s third release, was an “Editor’s Pick” by Black Expressions magazine and a finalist for the 2009 African-American Literary Awards in the fiction category. The Black Caucus of the American Library Association honored Pamela’s fourth novel, Buying Time (2009), with its 2010 Fiction Award, calling the book “a captivating, suspenseful thriller.” Attorney-Client Privilege (2012) was Pamela’s fifth legal thriller, followed by Anybody’s Daughter (2013), which examines the shocking world of child sex trafficking.

The prolific writer has also penned the short stories Easy Money, featured in the anthology Scoundrels: Tales of Greed, Murder and Financial Crimes (2012) and Setup, selected for the Sisters in Crime anthology, LAndmarked for Murder (2006).

A former journalist, Pamela began her broadcasting career with WXYZ-TV in Detroit and later worked as a news writer and associate producer for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles. Burned out by the news business, Pamela took a big and scary step a few months before her 30th birthday and entered law school—a long-held dream. Pamela currently moonlights as a mystery writer while working full-time as Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment Law for a major corporation in Southern California, specializing in employment law and social media law. Prior to that, she served as Employment Law Counsel for Raytheon Company and spent several years as an associate with the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers, LLP, in Los Angeles.

A graduate of UC Berkeley’s School of Law, Pamela has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from USC and a master’s degree in broadcasting from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles chapter of Mystery Writers of America and is a diehard member of Sisters in Crime-L.A., an organization dedicated to the advancement of women mystery writers. A graduate of Compton High School, Pamela lives in the Los Angeles area and attends Hope in Christ Community Church in Compton.

Pamela is a frequent speaker on the topics of fiction writing, discrimination law and pursuing your passion. To read an excerpt of Pamela’s books or to schedule her for a speaking engagement or book club meeting via speakerphone, Skype, FaceTime or in person, visit her website or email her at authorpamelasamuelsyoung@gmail.com.

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