*Promo with excerpts* RSVP From Heaven by Marie Saint-Louis

RSVP from Heaven falls in the nonfiction spiritual genre. Although controversial to some, this is the true story of psychic medium Marie Saint-Louise as she shares guidance with those searching for answers regarding life’s important questions. The stakes are high as Marie battles anxiety, rejection, and skeptics along the way bringing her spiritual gifts to the mainstream.

RSVP from Heaven is filled with memorable scenes from the most remarkable parties and unique social events around!

RSVPfromHeaven-CMYK

Synopsis/Blurb:

This is the true story of psychic medium Marie Saint-Louis as she shares guidance with those searching for answers regarding life’s important questions. Along with powerful healing messages from loved ones that passed away, she shares remarkable details which can only be verified by those who come to her.

Told in a down to earth and often intimate style, RSVP is filled with memorable scenes from the most remarkable parties and unique social events around. You will sit table side during readings at an Arizona casino swap meet and experience front row seats with costumed guests during three nights of dazzling Hollywood Halloween parties. You never will know where Marie will show up next!

The stakes are high as Marie battles anxiety, rejection, and skeptics along the way bringing her spiritual gifts to the mainstream. Her passion is simply to assist those looking for comfort and clarity in their own hectic lives.

Looking to have a meeting with a psychic or a medium? By following Marie’s easy to use tips she’ll show you how to prepare for a more fulfilling experience.

RSVP from Heaven is a fresh new approach in spiritual books that will entertain and captivate readers around the world.

Marie Saint-Louis is a psychic medium who has been embracing her spiritual gifts since childhood. She treasures a “word of mouth” international client list which includes celebrities. Marie resides near Phoenix, Arizona with her two rescued cats, numerous house plants and visiting spirits from the afterlife.

Author Bio:

PictureMarie Saint-Louis is a psychic medium with an international cliental with a growing celebrity list. She has read at parties sponsored by major corporations and frequently appears at events and private parties around the Phoenix area and other cities. 

My story all begins when I provided guidance and connected deceased loved ones for people at a radio station sponsored swap meet located in a casino parking lot. This was a challenge since I

was battling social anxiety, lifelong depression, and rejection.  Just months earlier, I won a large jackpot on a nickel slot machine and decided to bring my spiritual gifts to parties and events. The winnings allowed me to pay the vendor’s fees to get started. I’ve never looked back since”.

She believes that “no event is too small or location too far” for her to share her gift with people looking to connect with deceased loved ones or receive guidance about their lives.

“Since childhood, I’ve talked to those who have passed on and was able to tell people detailed things about their lives that couldn’t be explained. I’ve never read a book, or studied how to be a psychic medium….I was born this way.”

Marie lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her two rescued cats, numerous houseplants, and visiting spirits. Marie is presently writing her second book in the RSVP from Heaven series and other creative projects.

Excerpts:

CHAPTER THREE

LADIES NIGHT AT LIPSTICK LOUNGE

rsvp heaven ex sunflowerMy first client, Sophia, was a dangerously curvy woman in a lemon zest wiggle dress, with a sunflower silk scarf around her neck. She was fully embracing the style of a 40’s pinup girl with a modern twist.

“You’re a psychic? Awesome! A psychic medium even better,” Sophia said, extending her hand and formally introducing herself, her other hand holding a frozen key lime martini.

She brushed the curtain aside and slid into the circular booth. A Jimmy Buffet “vinyl record” purse leaned against her hip.

How can I help you tonight?” I said.

Meeting new clients, even the benevolent ones, still made me tense. My heart pounded and I was sweating anticipating the worse, which for me, was not being able to pass on accurate spiritual messages. My spirit guides must feel they need to give me a “pep talk” now and then.

I want to know about my love life. I was in this relationship. You know, a long term thing. Well, at least I thought it was.”

A question about love tonight, one of my favorites,” I said.

Here’s the kicker, it ended up badly,” she disclosed, “What can you tell me?”

My spirit guides were busy relaying messages as I wrote down each letter, number, and swirl to share with her. I pushed a new notepad across the table, encouraging her to take notes.

You were engaged but I sense the ex-fiancé did not want the breakup,” I nervously smiled, “His mother comes across bossy, overbearing, and pushed to end it with you out of jealously.”

Marie you’re right. Every time we drove over to his mother’s house she was always giving me this smug head to toe look. I never did anything to the woman.”

Sophia stretched out her hand, clenched the glass, and took a sip from her martini. She wiped liquor from the corners of her lips.

Were you aware his mother was dominating? A real momma’s boy who made her son’s decisions?” I asked.

Doesn’t surprise me because Alexander is always going to be her little boy. What can I say, it’s the truth. I feel she wedged herself in-between me and my fiancé.”

EXCERPT FROM: RSVP FROM HEAVEN

CHAPTER SEVEN

HALLOWEEN: HOLLYWOOD STYLE

ch 7 rsvp ex picShe looked ferocious.

Ten airbrushed black jagged stripes on each leg, plus two diagonally on her butt made it twelve. Various shades of orange liquid latex covered a sculpted body and a tousled mane of long wavy golden brown hair hung down past her shoulders. My eyes traveled the length of her back stopping at the stripe encircled tail.

When she turned, an intricately painted tiger’s face smiled back at me. Jagged stripes crossed a white painted chest, traveling down to her navel followed by a barely there, black string bikini.

Finishing off her unbelievable costume was a pair of stilettos covering her feet, resembling feline paws.

She was truly a work of art.

I was given the best seat in the house; an elevated raised area, where arriving joyful costumed guests glided along the red carpet among flashing bulbs as photographer’s cameras captured the excitement.

The attendees were adorned in spectacular costumes apparently created by professionals; Mad Scientist, Circus Ringleader, Warrior Princesses, Knights, and an assortment of sexy storybook characters. Last but not least, recognizable horror figures and superheroes from popular movies.

As I waited for my first client, I reflected on a journey beginning at a swap meet parking lot to reading at three glitzy Hollywood parties. It couldn’t have been accomplished without those opening the door to opportunities and the individuals who pulled up a chair to my card table.

Excerpt from: RSVP from Heaven

*Promo with excerpt* LINK by D.A. Karr

LINK, by D. A. Karr, is a sci-fi thriller set in the year 2800, in a future apocalyptic world. It is suspenseful, intriguing, and action filled. Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler fans will enjoy reading this book.

LINK FRONT COVERTitle: LINK

Author: D.A. Karr

Genre: Sci-Fi thriller

Release date: December 8th, 2014

Released by: Racehorse with Magic Shoes Digital Productions 

Length: 270 pages

Blurb: Space Time, 2800, Earth
As the Earth shifts on its axis, mankind is caught in a war of survival and time. Imprisoned in this time war, Captain John Garrick and the N.S.T.E.A. Phoenix becomes a pawn between technology, humans, and what’s left of civilization.

However, no amount of careful planning can prepare the time jumpers for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. As the N.S.T.E.A seals a deal to deliver time technology to the notorious outlaw, Menser, Garrick plots to undermine the N.S.T.E.A. Technology becomes the enemy and time an illusion as Phoenix’s crew prepares for the inevitable – a fight to the finish.

The future can be uncertain, then again, it could be the time jumpers last. Garrick doesn’t live by its rules, and he knows one thing is for sure: kill or be killed. Tick, tick, tick…timeliners never die. They never leave. 

Reviewed by Readers’ Favorite:

As the Earth shifts on its axis, all the continents either divided into small islands or converged into desert or ice. Humankind is caught in a war of survival and time. 

Captain John Garrick of the Phoenix ship is a time enforcer at the National Space Time Enforcement Agency. He discovers that the N.S.T.E.A has sealed a deal to deliver time technology to the notorious outlaw, Menser, in exchange for Charles Ramsey, the ousted ex-president of the United Sectors. 

Garrick plots to stop the deal from being carried out, and he and the Phoenix’s crew prepare for the inevitable fight. 

LINK has a classic sci-fi theme of good guys versus bad guys… If you’re a fan of Battlestar Galactica, LINK definitely has some of its great panache which makes it enjoyable.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Link-D-Karr/dp/150042014X/

About the Author:

D.A. Karr has been writing books and screenplays for the last ten years. Her experience and employment includes firefighting in the U.S. Forest Service, law enforcement, IT engineering, and several years with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). She has a Master’s in software engineering.

D.A. Karr enjoys writing in a variety of genres including sci-fi, thriller-mystery, historical fiction, and screenplays. She is the author of several books including LINK, The Legend of Pendyne, and The Racehorse with Magic Shoes.

To learn more, go to http://www.racehorsewithmagicshoes.com/

Connect with D.A. Karr on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DAKarrRHWMS

EXCERPT:

Garrick and Farber were knocked off their feet, sending them rolling against the control panels. Hanging upside down, Garrick crawled along the panels on his hands and knees pulling himself up to reach the docking clamp releases. Farber slid against the jump-bridge when it skidded into the missile stacks.

Garrick shouted over the groaning and falling debris, “One docking clamp is still locked.  Get out of here!”

Farber desperately yelled, “I’m not leaving you!”

Farber crawled to the control panels, grabbing onto anything he could. Garrick grasped a piece of metal plating in one hand, and took a last swing at the clamp, while Farber beat the clamp with his fist.

Garrick shouted at A.L.I.S., “Link out!”

A.L.I.S. whirled around Garrick and Farber lifting them into her energy fields just when the AKasZ blew from the docking clamp. Imploding in a fire storm, a distortion rift tore a hole in space itself as a river of gas, and radiation streaked by in ribbons. A wave of energy engulfed the hull of the Phoenix, rocking it back and forth.

Fighting the pull of the wormhole, ships in the vicinity snapped their clamps, and were thrown around like toys, smashing against each other. Then the wormhole folded into itself, sucking the burning AKasZ with it, crushing it in its wake.

The rest of the fleet settled either on top of each other or against the perimeter fencing giving the appearance the shipyard was attacked by a round of RZaR Shadow missiles. The AKasZ was nowhere to be found.

Phoenix, stunned by the blast, drifted helplessly, sizzling, discharging energy from its hull. Several nearby N.S.T.E.A. gunships bore down on the wounded vessels with gun ports open. The gun towers swung their cannon torrents side to side, searching for the intruders.

One smaller fleet gunship flew up to Phoenix near the bridge section off the port wing and surveyed the damage. Its running lights signaled Phoenix for a status. Phoenix flashed back an answer. Then the gunship veered off. Phoenix powered up and silently moved to the edge of the perimeter surrounding the shipyard, waiting.

 

Review Round-Up – April ’15

Dear readers, welcome to our monthly round-up post where we collate our latest reviews for you to peruse at your leisure. We hope that you all enjoyed the Easter holidays. It’s been fantastic in the UK, with some lovely Springtime weather we’ve been able to enjoy day trips, barbecues and plenty of walks, not to forget all the chocolate!!!!

While I had been enjoying a picnic in Sherwood Forest (my eldest is taking part in a Robin Hood school production), Tina has been to many events surrounding Richard III and his re-burial. It was all rounded off with a trip to the cinema to see Home and Cinderella. Exciting times, however it does mean there are slightly fewer reviews this month.

But, we still have ten brilliant reads for you to check out, covering mostly fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, historical romance and erotic romance. Among our reviews we have a story about The Real Fifty Shades in Suz de Mello’s Perilous Play, the final instalment of the short story series Dark Alpha by Alisa Woods, two brand new series in Skye Callahan’s The Redline series and Gail Morgan McRae’s The Reglon Empire Series, plus we have the final Sookie Stackhouse novel by Charlaine Harris! (Please click on the titles for our review.)

Enjoy!

Caroline & Tina ❤

Ever Cover FINALThe Everlasting Spell (Celandrium Shop Tales) by Kristin Ravelle, paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Casting a moon spell to capture the romantic interest of Justin Rokoff seems crazy to college psychology student, Sabina Clair, but when she overhears a conversation about the powerful success of a Celandrium Shop love spell, Sabina decides to take drastic measures to attract Justin, her love crush since starting college. She visits the mysterious Celandrium shop and purchases the archaic spell. Sabina casts the spell at the next full moon and waits anxiously for its effects, which are very quick. The bliss of Justin’s immediate and undivided romantic attention very soon turns to dread when the antique spell works too perfectly and Sabina finds herself desperate to undo an irreversible spell. Surprise twist ending!

The Everlasting Spell is a curious, paranormal, urban tale that will entertain you magically!

perilous playPerilous Play: The Real Fifty Shades by Suz de Mello, erotic BDSM (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: One woman’s journey into the contemporary kink underworld, Perilous Play is Suz deMello’s explosive personal account of her experiences with BDSM. Engaging and honest, this groundbreaking memoir will grab you and never let you go.

ignitionIgnition (The Redline Series #1) by Skye Callahan, dark erotic (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: When you’re this close to the redline, there’s no room for error—
—or second chances.

A sought after car thief for hire, Colt will do anything for a high—anything for the deafening rush of blood and chemicals that tames the ongoing anarchy in his mind. Fast cars, pain, alcohol, women… his vices come in many flavors, but one woman tempts him closer to the line he can never come back from. She’ll be his hardest theft yet—an action that will set the looming conflict with his brother on a new and violent path.

Aubrey has two choices. The first she knows too well: the alluring businessman who entwined her in his deceptive plots. The second is a stranger. He makes his promises not with a silver tongue but with harsh, blunt observations that Aubrey can’t ignore. Either way, she’s caught between two brothers each seeking the other’s downfall—and neither has a problem taking her down in the process.

Loved (Dark Alpha 6)Loved (Dark Alpha #6) by Alisa Woods, New Adult, paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.

The final installment of Dark Alpha…

Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?

Loved (Dark Alpha 6) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the final of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial. Dark Alpha is the sequel series to True Alpha, the debut shifters-in-Seattle paranormal romance from Alisa Woods. 

Dead Ever After: A True Blood Novel (Sookie Stackhouse)Dead Ever After: A True Blood Novel (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris, urban fantasy, paranormal (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Sookie Stackhouse has one last adventure in store.

Life has taken her from a waitress in Merlotte’s Bar, Bon Temps, to part owner; from social outcast to the heart of her community; from a vampire’s girlfriend to the wife of one of the most powerful vampires in the state.

She has survived explosions, revolutions and attempts on her life. Sookie has endured betrayal, heartbreak and grief… and she has emerged a little stronger, and little wiser, every time.

But with life comes new trials…

The question is, in the end: who will love, who will live, and who will be dead ever after?

There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart…

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…

joe-199x300Tarnished by Ethan Radcliffe, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Joe Murphy is a boxer. He’s twenty-eight years old and what most women would call hot. He’s a player, and his lifestyle is ruining his career.  Joe always hooks up with the wrong women, head jobs and debutantes looking to further their own careers. Joe’s had it, he’s crashing and he’s doing nothing to stop his decent into his own personal hell.

Darlene Russo is a single mom and a huge boxing fan. Except she can’t afford to attend any of the bouts, she watches from afar, she’s a cleaning lady for the biggest sports arena in Brooklyn, New York. Darlene finds the drunken boxer, and helps him get home. The next morning she wakes up in his bed, scared and confused. Their night together comes in on her, the lovemaking and their use of no protection. Her worries were just beginning and Joe Murphy would face the test of his life.

Billionaire Stepbrother - Addiction: PART ONEBillionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One by Stephanie Brother, erotic romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Steamy Romance and Hot Encounters! From Stephanie Brother’s Premier Collection of tales of sensual romance!
Brett and Kady’s parents were in love. Unfortunately, so were Brett and Kady…

When their parents married, they knew that to entertain any thoughts of being together was hopeless. Brett and Kady had tried very hard to remain aloof and unconnected, and now they were forever doomed to be apart. Or were they?

On the rare times they saw each other, Kady couldn’t help her forbidden attraction to Brett’s muscled, athletic body. She ached to drown in his beautiful blue eyes, and feel his passion as he made love to her. Brett was also madly torn by his intense feelings for Kady. He knew she was not available to him, but his need fought against his strong will…and his emotions were winning over against sound judgment!

When Ted and Sarah married, Kady and Brett realized that their own dreams were now crushed and beyond reach. But then, Brett’s business success propelled him to the upper echelons of the rich and famous, where things took a decidedly unusual turn.

Follow the erotic romantic adventures of these two very different couples, as their world is suddenly turned upside down, as they try to figure out what is right, wrong, forbidden or even allowed! 

Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series)Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series #1) by Gail Morgan McRae, sci-fi fantasy (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Dr. Simon Slogar and Commander Michael Camdus have been given the task of stopping an epidemic on Creedor. It is only after they arrive on the windswept planet that they discover there’s a much greater threat.

Creedorians are being snatched from their homes, leaving survivors to fend for themselves. One brave woman, Mara Tonlin, decides to find her husband and rescue him or die trying. Her story intertwines with the original mission, leading Camdus and his men into even greater danger.

Intruders, wizards, changelings, and a subspace particle Rider all intersect with Slogar, Camdus and his men in Creedor, the first book of the Reglon Empire Series.

Lady HarrietLady Harriet’s Unusual Reward by Em Taylor, regency romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Lady Harriet Weatherby is at the end of her tether. Her brother, the Earl of Oldbeck is running amok. That would not normally be her problem, but the ton consider the earl to be an imbecile. Since her father died, he has had no one to guide him and he will no longer listen to Harriet. And now that Mary the kitchen maid is carrying his child, Harriet sees no other option but to marry. And there is only one man for the job.

Two years ago Lord Stephen Charville, a widower and second son of a duke, promised Lady Harriet that he would do her any favour she asked him as thanks for saving his daughters life when she nearly drowned. He did not expect her to turn up at his townhouse and ask him to marry her and set an example to her brother. There is nothing wrong with Lady Harriet and he’s not averse to helping out her brother, he just has no inclinations to marry again. And for the record, he’s no tragic hero, pining away for his lost love. The problem is that Harriet begins to burrow her way into his affections.

When Lord Stephen offers without marriage to help the earl to learn the ways of the world, Harriet is still determined that the only way to do the job properly is for them to marry but she agrees to do it Lord Stephen’s way. No one is more surprised than Harriet when she begins to have feelings for the dissolute second son or when he begins to ignite passions in her she’d never dreamed existed, all the while trying to keep her errant brother out of trouble and way from scandal.

Werewolves of Shade (Part Four) (Beautiful Immortals Series Book 4)Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4) by Tim O’Rourke, paranormal fantasy (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘The Kiera Hudson Series’ comes ‘Werewolves of Shade’ a werewolf romance with a twist.

When the entire population of Shade go missing, investigative reporter Mila Watson knows this could be the big break she has been waiting for. Setting off into the mountains to the village of Shade, Mila soon learns that the village isn’t as deserted as she first believed it to be and that creatures lurk in the shades…

‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Part Four)

Note: This ends in a cliff-hanger. Part five will be published within the next few weeks.

For readers 16+

 

**REVIEW** Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4) by Tim O’Rourke

As we begin this fourth instalment of the short story, paranormal fantasy series, Werewolves of Shade, we notice early on that the terror is turned up a few notches, sending fear to an incredible level. There is certainly more mystery to come, but with this added level of horror you’ll certainly be wanting to lock your doors and hide down under those covers as much as possible…

Werewolves of Shade (Part Four) (Beautiful Immortals Series Book 4)Title: Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4)

Author: Tim O’Rourke

Genre: Paranormal fantasy

Release date: April 4th, 2015

Released by: Ravenwoodgreys

Length: 72 pages

Blurb: From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘The Kiera Hudson Series’ comes ‘Werewolves of Shade’ a werewolf romance with a twist.

When the entire population of Shade go missing, investigative reporter Mila Watson knows this could be the big break she has been waiting for. Setting off into the mountains to the village of Shade, Mila soon learns that the village isn’t as deserted as she first believed it to be and that creatures lurk in the shades…

‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Part Four)

Note: This ends in a cliff-hanger. Part five will be published within the next few weeks.

For readers 16+

REVIEW

This is another winner for me, and yet more proof that Tim O’Rourke‘s writing is better than ever. To be able to pack a short story with so much emotion, mystery and horror, as well as to keep the reader informed of the plotline is amazing, and Werewolves of Shade has it all. In the latest instalment the horror is built up tremendously, the excitement is terrific, and the intensity is dark and profound.

One of the most surprising turn-ups is Clarabel, the twin sister of the recently deceased Annabel. Being the new teacher in the village, Mila is aware that Clarabel hasn’t attended school and she has never seen in her in the village before. After being given the reason that Clarabel has been absent due to illness, Mila’s suspicions still run high as it still doesn’t explain that there are ten seats in the class when surely there should be eleven?

Nobody had mentioned Clarabel before. Her intimate talk with Rush the previous evening doesn’t quite make sense now. He knew she was upset about Annabel’s death, they’d talked about it at length. Yet Clarabel was never mentioned! He’d also previously told her that the last school teacher had been some old woman, and yet now a younger Julia Miller has been mentioned. But why would Rush have lied to her?

Not only that but Mila is also left questioning her thoughts after a terrifying experience with the wolf who stands outside her cottage. She wakes the next morning unable to remember certain events, and so surely it must have been a dream? However, some evidence suggests that the ordeal was as real as it felt! Did she really see the wolf change shape? How did her nightie get torn to shreds? And, where did those scratches that make the full length of her back come from?

There are more twists to come as Mila tries to figure out if Rush has lied to her, and if so, why? Can she really trust gravedigger, Augustus Morten? And Calix – is he really as grotesque and annoying as he seems?

This whole instalment kept me gripped and on my toes, with some terrific scenes of horror, some scenes heightening in the heat level, and plenty of mystery as always with O’Rourke. That said, the biggest dread of all for Tim’s readers is the wait until the next instalment (due May 16th 2015)!

A copy of Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #4) was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

You can purchase Werewolves of Shade #4 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Links to my reviews of previous instalments :-

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #1) – short story

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #2) – short story

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #3) – short story

 

*Promo* Avenger Mine (The Kataran Series #2) by T. M. Slay

Avenger Mine is book 2 of the sci-fi fantasy series, The Kataran Series, following Guardian Mine. Written by T.M. Slay and published by Fantasy Publishing, this new series makes for a very promising one… “Step into fantasy and leave ordinary behind”!

Avenger Mine - 4 purpleTitle: Avenger Mine (The Kataran Series #2)

Author: T. M. Slay

Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy

Release date: March 16th, 2015

Released by: Fantasy Publishing

Length: 430 pages

Blurb: Jackson, The Avenger. Alone most of his life, people feared him more than appreciated his psychic abilities; abilities that had kept their race safe for more than three hundred years. No one understood the pain and the solitude that came with being a Mind Bender. He saves who he can, and kills those who try to stop him. His world is black and white. Simple. Until now.

Marilena has no one to turn to. Swept away from her home world as a child, she’s lived in hiding with her parents most of these years. And now, the enemies who forced their flight to Earth have come…and are searching for her. Dare she trust the Kataran Warrior who swears her enemies are his? Where has he been until now, and why is he so interested in her psychic ability?

Jackson has been fighting this war for most of his life, and has been an interrogator for even longer. Marilena is a skilled psychic too and understanding her position in this war is proving to be one of the most difficult missions of his career. Is Marilena working with the Skimtar? Jackson isn’t sure, but he intends to find out, and first he has to find a way into her mind…

About the Author:

Avenger Mine - 4 purple author picRaised all over the United States, I decided to settle back in my home state of Louisiana.  A large immediate family of 7 (5 children) and an extended family of well over 20, I never have far to look for inspiration.  With a love of reading instilled in my very DNA by both my grandmother and my mother, we have a combined library of well over 5,000 books.  Of course, that love of reading had to give way to a love of writing. 

Once my characters jump into my head, they won’t jump out until they make their way to the page.  It’s a glorious and annoying problem to have all at once.  I hope you’ll get to know them as well as I do in my Kataran Series, my Atlantean Series, and a few stand alone books, all to be published in short order!

LINKS

Author website: http://www.tmslay.com/

Publisher website: http://www.fantasypublishingllc.com/

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle Edition

Kobo ebook

Excerpt from Chapter 18

Standing in her room, Mala looked herself over in the full length mirror. Anxiety swirled in her chest, but it was time. If there ever was a time, it was now. Before her mother died, they had gone to a leather-smith, and with silver thread that Mala had pulled from the earth, she and her mother had made several garments. This had been one of them. Her dad had been a Guardian, and he was partial to black. Knowing that he would never see another Katara in his lifetime, he allowed her the luxury of wearing his colors, symbols, and weapons. As his only child, and one of their ancient days, her father tended to give her most of what she asked for. She strapped on his wrist cuffs and his knives.

The rest of her clothes weren’t traditional, but they had gotten used to making their own traditions after the first one hundred years. She wore a thin, black, long-sleeved shirt under a black leather vest. The lapels were painstakingly stitched with the symbols of her father and his father before him. It also fit tight, like a second skin. Katara females didn’t normally dress like this, but things had been changing on Xan even before the attack. The breathable, snug fabrics allowed for better movement. The pants were the same. Soft leather, worn from hundreds of years of wear. Mostly in private, for the Roma tribes were very fussy about such tight clothing. But it didn’t stop her from training with her father. Her boots, now they were all Mala. Black leather, of course, with a four inch heel, and a silver zipper up the inside of the leg, straps and buckles up the outside of her leg. Damn, they were sexy. Now her five foot ten inches would be a six foot two inches, and she could look that smug Katara straight in the eye.

It had been a long time since she dressed in this manner. But there was something about it. It was like coming home. A light brush of silver eye-shadow, matched the solid silver of her eyes. She knew they were different, that’s why she hadn’t even shown them to Jackson yet. His were the perfect Katara eyes. Hunter green shot through with stars of silver. Hers were just silver, even the pupil. They scared most people who saw her without her contacts. But tonight she would need all the edge she could get. She was going to be facing down some of the most well trained and feared Kataras ever. They had not only survived, but struck out in their own war. And Jackson led them. He had his own weaknesses, but she imagined they were nothing compared to his strengths.

Grabbing the thick bunch of silver strands in her hair, she braided them separately, leaving the rest of her black hair in a cascade of silk down her back. They were only collecting the team, if she had been expecting a war tonight, all of her hair would either be braided, or at least in a ponytail. Hair in the face, was not the way to fight a bunch of Skimtar who were trying to kill you. However, not looking might work too. Never having seen a Skimtar before, she might would rather be blind. God, what was she doing––thinking of fighting the Skimtar, war, and killing. It was crazy! She had officially lost her mind. Yup. She was headed for the loony bin. Only they would be really freaked out when she didn’t age for the next hundred years or so. Damn. Wasn’t there anywhere a crazy person could be committed in peace? Sighing at herself, she figured not. Might as well face this now.

One last look at herself in the mirror, and she hardly believed she was the woman staring back at her. She could have been her mother. Except the attitude. That was all her dad. She felt them, their presence in the air around her, expecting something else. She didn’t quite know what, but right now, it didn’t matter. Her curves were the full curves of a woman set on a tall body that made them look leaner than they actually were. Of course, all the black helped, but it was still nice to know she had this body hiding under the layers of conservative clothing. This look was not Roma. But it was Katara, at least the Katara she and her mother had created. And the two seemed to war within her.

But in this moment she could do nothing less than close the door to the Roma within her, and open the long closed door of the Katara instead. Instantly, The Universe responded to her. The air swirled around her like a small whirlwind, blowing her hair out and away from her shoulders. She took a deep breath as though for the first time, and colors jumped before her eyes––bright hues that she had never known existed in her modest bedroom. The elements glowed for her, called to her; she could feel the earth beneath her feet and its elation at her sudden awakening. It was a rebirth of some kind; The Universe within her was budding like a flower in the spring. Had she ever felt this before? Maybe, a long time ago, but never to this magnitude. Was it the effect of the Torta, or having Jackson so near? With one last, last glance at herself, she walked out of her room, knowing Jackson wouldn’t be long.

Maybe simply having another Katara around was some sort of trigger to the power within her. Electricity crawled up her arms, like ants over her skin, feather-light, but obvious in its arrival. Jackson. So, he had called his power too, and was waiting on her.

“I do not know that I want my men to see you looking like that.”

“Like what? A Katara? Isn’t that what you’ve been reminding me I am? How I should talk, think, dress, act?” She knew there was attitude in the swing of her hips. What could she say? She was feelin’ it. Another deep breath and the elements literally sang to her. She approached Jackson and his scent surrounded her; it had become an element all its own. Walking around him, she reached out, tracing the line of his shoulder with one hand, feeling their combined powers sizzling between her fingertips and his hardened body. She’d never felt so alive or emboldened. She wanted to rip open his deep purple tunic and rub her hands over his skin. Universe, she could imagine the rush of power that would come from actual skin to skin contact!

She watched a muscle in his jaw twitch when she ever-so-lightly ran a fingernail over the nape of his neck to cross over the hard expanse of the second shoulder. He actually growled. The sound emanating from somewhere deep inside.

**REVIEW** Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series #1) by Gail Morgan McRae

Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series)Title: Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series #1)

Author: Gail Morgan McRae

Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy

Release date: March 6th, 2014

Release by: Moon and Stars Press

Blurb: Dr. Simon Slogar and Commander Michael Camdus have been given the task of stopping an epidemic on Creedor. It is only after they arrive on the windswept planet that they discover there’s a much greater threat.

Creedorians are being snatched from their homes, leaving survivors to fend for themselves. One brave woman, Mara Tonlin, decides to find her husband and rescue him or die trying. Her story intertwines with the original mission, leading Camdus and his men into even greater danger.

Intruders, wizards, changelings, and a subspace particle Rider all intersect with Slogar, Camdus and his men in Creedor, the first book of the Reglon Empire Series.

REVIEW

I was gripped by Gail Morgan McRae’s Creedor, the first book of The Reglon Empire series. The pace throughout was perfect, with plenty going on and many characters to get to know. I must admit that the story description/blurb does not come into light until a little further into the book, however as this is the first book of the series I imagine the author is beginning her story with an introduction to the world of Creedor, how it is ruled and by whom, and what changes make it become so dangerous.

I really came to love the early characters, especially the original ruler’s (Elder Horatio Borm’s) wife, Andria, and their wizard friend, Vandalen. After the Emperor was killed and Vandalen was imprisoned I was just hoping for a happier ending where he would eventually be released and at least come home to Andria, since his own wife had passed away and couldn’t go on with out him. Nothing more was mentioned of these characters which left me wondering whether the author was finished with them, or will come back to them (at least in hindsight) later in the series.

After making himself Emperor, the story moves on under the rule of Commander Jarlod. Nobody had attacked his taking over as he already had in place his military men to guard over him and Creedor, and so people simply had to accept it or accept punishment.

“Now most men would try to hide their crime, but not Jarlod. He had already spread his military throughout the Empire assuring there’d be no reprisal once news got out.”

Overtime, all disease and viruses became no longer a threat to the population. This leads to Jarlod ending all medical education and preventing doctors and anyone with medical knowledge to pursue their work. It is assumed there is no need for it, and anyone who carries on any work will be punished. But, there is one man who doesn’t allow this rule to own him…

Dr. Simon Slogar has studied medicine from a very early age, realising that it is usually the under-privileged that are more susceptible to health problems and therefore he finds the need to help – after all, we are all people. These views oppose his own families to a certain degree as he comes from a more privileged class but has always been more open-minded and aware of other social classes.

Therefore, Slogar continues to practice medicine in hiding, in the hope that he can help. As the years wear on he turns to drink, and gives up on medicine as there is no one who needs his help. During this time he has not gone unheard of and Jarlod had sent people to find him and punish him for his research. Only, people start to become diseased again and it isn’t too long before an epidemic will rise on Creedor. Now Dr. Slogar is needed to help the people before it is too late. Commander Camdus is sent to bring back Slogar from another planet, be that willingly or not.

Now, as the book description suggests, there is more happening in Creedor than meets the eye – certainly more than an epidemic of disease, with unidentified militants seemingly ready to attack, and some people going missing. It is here that we are introduced to Mara Tonlin, who is left with absolutely nothing, and feels she has no option than to look for her husband. As her path crosses with Slogar’s and Camdus’ it is set up brilliantly for the next instalment.

Creedor certainly does have plenty happening, making for a quick and exciting read, even if it did wrap up a little too quickly at the end. It is a great start to a new sci-fi fantasy series. Although there are many great characters, they are all written in such a way that the reader can get to know them well and like many of them. Many of the events are fairly easy to follow, with some not so clear cut, but the reader can still get the gist of what is going on from the reactions of the characters and the whole feeling of the situation.

I was a little disappointed that the earlier characters were not mentioned later, particularly Vandalen and Andria. I wanted to know what became of them very badly as I grew to love them. For secondary, supporting characters (if that’s what they were) the author has gone into far too much detail about them than to just leave it where she has. My hope is that they will be revisited in subsequent books of the series, or at the very least, be mentioned so we can find out what became of them. This is a series I would like to read more of. I’d like to know what became of Slogar and Camdus once they reached Creedor, and if Mara will find her husband before it’s too late.

A copy of Creedor was provided by the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.

Creedor (The Reglon Empire Series #1) by Gail Morgan McRae is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

*Book Blitz* Nashville Crazy by Bethany Michael

Nashville CrazyTitle: Nashville Crazy

Author: Bethany Michael

Genre: Hot contemporary/erotic romance

Release date: April 7th, 2015

Released by: Dragonfly Press Books

Length: 80 pages

Blurb: When Harper Perry’s latest Hollywood debacle blows up the internet, the fallen starlet returns home to Nashville…and the man she left behind. She needs someone to make her Tennessee home livable–someone who will be discreet while she lays low and lets all the negative press blow over. Former lover Dan Ryan is just the handy man for the job.  With her personal life being primetime tabloid fodder, her career on the skids, and her concert tour facing cancellation, Harper has a lot to figure out. The last thing she needs is the irresistibly sexy handyman working his way back into her life…and her bed.

Dan Ryan has never forgotten the girl who left town the second he confessed his feelings for her ran deeper than the sizzling hot hours they spent burning up the sheets. And with half a dozen women on speed dial, he’s tried! But once he sees Harper again, he knows why no other woman has ever touched his heart–he gave it away to Harper years earlier. Now that she’s back in town, however briefly, Dan is determined not to let Harper get away a second time…even if he has to give up everything he’s worked for to keep her.

Author bio:

Bethany Michael Nashville CrazyBethany Michaels is the author of over a dozen steamy contemporary novels as well as a few Regency-set historicals and light paranormals. The first book in her “Naughty in Nashville” steamy country music series, Nashville Heat, was a finalist in RT Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice awards for Best Small Press Erotic Romance.

She also creates cover art for indie authors through Dragonfly Press Design (www.dragonflypressdesign.com).

When not writing, Bethany enjoys movies, travelling, the outdoors, volunteering with her kids’ scout troops and visiting the cool places around Nashville where her books are set. A native Hoosier, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and children.

Links:

Website: www.bethanymichaels.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethany.michaels

Twitter: @bmichaelsauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bethanymichaels

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1C7us14

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1wY71oS

Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1EAiQUy

Kobo: http://bit.ly/19cyfxx

B&N: http://bit.ly/1HDGPAu

Apple: http://apple.co/1b4SNIQ

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/526451

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**RELEASE PROMO, INTERVIEW & REVIEW** The Color of Happiness by K.P. Gazelle

Now released, The Color of Happiness by debut author K.P. Gazelle is now available at Amazon. This is a 5* Young Adult contemporary drama with romance, and makes for a heart-warming story of adolescence, self-esteem and love! For our full review and interview with the author, please keep on scrolling down! – Caroline & Tina ❤

Caroline Barker's avatarareadersreviewblog

We are very excited about this soon-to-be-released young adult contemporary story, packed with romance and drama, from debut author, K.P. Gazelle, and released by Radiant Books. It is a strong and meaningful story, with some beautiful moments with fantastic characters that will enlighten you and give you that boost you always needed! 🙂

Heart-warming story of adolescence, self-esteem & love!

The_Color_of_Happiness_KINDLETitle: The Color of Happiness

Author: K.P. Gazelle

Genre: Young Adult, contemporary, drama, romance

Release date: March 1st, 2015

Released by: Radiant Books

Length: 197 pages

Book Blurb:Faith Lane is the girl who has everything. At least, that’s what everyone thinks when they see her rocking a killer dress while laughing with her best friend, Tiffany. But Faith’s life is far from flawless. Her peers torment her relentlessly, and her parents expect her to be the epitome of perfection. Criticized and pressured at school and home, Faith retreats…

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*Blog Tour* Dark Seed by Lawrence Verigin

darkseedbanner2

Dark Seed coverTitle: Dark Seed

Author: Lawrence Verigin

Genre: Thriller, Lab-Lit

Release date: December 1st, 2013

Released by: Promontory Press

Length: 289 pages

Blurb: A disillusioned journalist and the grieving daughter of a murdered scientist uncover an immoral and destructive global plot by the largest developer of genetically engineered seed and its parent pharmaceutical conglomerate.

Nick Barnes and Morgan Elles learn that the goal of the man behind these organizations is the complete control of human existence. He eliminates opposition and interference without hesitation or remorse.

The couple quickly find themselves fighting for their lives. And yours.

Grab hold for a wild ride with this exciting, high concept thriller that tackles one of the big issues of our time.

Author Bio

Dark Sees author pic lawrence veriginLawrence Verigin’s goal is to entertain readers while delving into socially relevant subjects that need more attention brought to them. Since 1999 Lawrence has spent a considerable amount of time and effort learning the writing craft.

In his spare time Lawrence enjoys cooking good food, rich red wine, travel, running, reading and numerous rounds of golf.

Lawrence and his wife, Diana, live in beautiful North Vancouver, Canada.

Contact

Email: lawrenceverigin@gmail.com

Website: www.lawrenceverigin.com

Facebook: Lawrence Verigin

Twitter: @lawrenceverigin

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qsWlJB

**REVIEW** Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One by Stephanie Brother

A forbidden love that is dark, and perhaps a little controversial for some, is a particular area of interest for author, Stephanie Brother. As well as bordering on the erotic, Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One begins to explore the attraction between a stepbrother and stepsister, who realise that their instant attraction must be left alone as his father marries her mother. But for Scott and Kady, will this really be the ending to something they haven’t even begun?

Billionaire Stepbrother - Addiction: PART ONETitle: Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One

Author: Stephanie Brother

Genre: Erotic romance

Release date: March 13th, 2015

Length: 58 pages

Blurb: Steamy Romance and Hot Encounters! From Stephanie Brother’s Premier Collection of tales of sensual romance!
Brett and Kady’s parents were in love. Unfortunately, so were Brett and Kady…

When their parents married, they knew that to entertain any thoughts of being together was hopeless. Brett and Kady had tried very hard to remain aloof and unconnected, and now they were forever doomed to be apart. Or were they?

On the rare times they saw each other, Kady couldn’t help her forbidden attraction to Brett’s muscled, athletic body. She ached to drown in his beautiful blue eyes, and feel his passion as he made love to her. Brett was also madly torn by his intense feelings for Kady. He knew she was not available to him, but his need fought against his strong will…and his emotions were winning over against sound judgment!

When Ted and Sarah married, Kady and Brett realized that their own dreams were now crushed and beyond reach. But then, Brett’s business success propelled him to the upper echelons of the rich and famous, where things took a decidedly unusual turn.

Follow the erotic romantic adventures of these two very different couples, as their world is suddenly turned upside down, as they try to figure out what is right, wrong, forbidden or even allowed! 

REVIEW

Stephanie Brother certainly likes to take her readers to the forbidden areas of our imagination in her new erotic romance series of Billionaire Stepbrother. The conflict here of course are the step-siblings feeling an immense attraction for each other, yet as soon as their parents marry they know that their attraction can only remain as just that. Or can it?

This short story is told from all four points of view – the step-siblings, Scott and Kady, and their parents, Ted (Scott’s father) and Sarah (Kady’s mom). The first chapter provides some background to Sarah’s situation and how she meets Ted. And Chapter Two is Ted’s point of view, which does repeat much of Chapter One.

The story then builds up feelings between Scott and Kady, with their parents completely oblivious whilst enjoying their own new love. There are twists and turns with Scott and Kady’s relationship as they go through various stages. There’s the attraction, avoidance (once their dad/mum marry), Scott’s career take-off, and other relationships, until they finally meet up later in the story.

And, for me, Kady seems to be the strongest character. She is believable, and although she has tried other distractions she knows that she wants Scott. There is a little lustful scene where Kady imagines Scott is being intimate with her, and the reader can clearly gauge that she is hot for him! However, although there was a spark between them, she is not completely certain he feels the same towards her.

There is a little more drama towards the end when they meet up, and just as the reader begins to get into it the story ends. Hopefully Part Two will pick up where we left off and become more intense and suspenseful.

I was hoping for the story to mostly concentrate on Scott and Kady, and feel that the story would have benefitted being told just from their point of views. That said, Addiction is only part one of the series, and getting to know all the characters involved early on is important for the reader to fully understand their circumstances.

Inside Addiction, there is a nice sample before the main story, which is a good snippet to taste. But when read in it’s full context as part of the whole story it becomes even clearer. There is also an excerpt from Torn by My Two Stepbrothers – Sinner for reader’s to also taste!

A copy of the book was provided by the author’s agent in return for an honest and fair review.

Billionaire Stepbrother – Addiction: Part One by Stephanie Brother is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Author bio

Stephanie Brother writes scintillating stories with step-siblings as their main romantic focus. She’s always been curious about the forbidden, and this is her way of exploring such complex relationships that threaten to keep her couples apart. As she writes her way to her dream job, Stephanie hopes that her readers will enjoy the full emotional and romantic experience as much as she’s enjoyed writing them.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker