  Book Details: Summer in Bliss (A Bliss Cay Novella) by Freda Ann Publication date: June 5th 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: Mia Everly is an independent, driven woman happily married to her career. She has everything—loving parents, a brother who’s her best friend, and the perfect companion any woman could ask for…her canine pal, Hope. When her traumatic past resurfaces, rocking her to the core, Mia questions her future. Dash Stevens, a Lieutenant with the county fire department, is a widowed father to his daughter, Allie. After three long years, he’s come to terms with single fatherhood. He insists that Allie is the only girl he wants in his life. Newly-neighbored on Bliss Cay, Dash and Mia’s worlds intertwine changing their lives forever. Will Mia get the answers she so desperately needs? Will Dash’s ambitious personality push her away or is his compassionate heart exactly w hat she needs to help her find them? In Summer in Bliss, wit and drive meets tragedy. Can the hunky fire lieutenant help Mia face her past and put her life back together? Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon  AUTHOR BIO: Freda was born in southern New Jersey but grew up in Florida. She has loved writing her entire life. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, she knew it was time to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a published author. She's the author of The Hawaii Series, proudly named from her love of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It's a three-book series with all of them written as standalone books. Freda loves her large family, horses, dogs, cat, and close friends. She hosts monthly family dinners at her home in the country, which she shares with her husband. She loves baking (she owned and operated a cupcake business for years), cooking, yoga, crocheting, nature and traveling with the love of her life. What helps her write? Music makes her happy! If music doesn't give her the right motivation, she puts on a romantic movie, usually from the Hallmark Channel, which she can't get enough of! Freda speaks her mind and pushes perfection to its limit. She strives to be her best, most positive self she can be in life. With time, determination, and practice, she believes anything is possible. Author links: Instagram | Facebook | Website | Pinterest | Goodreads  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
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  Book & Author Details: Billionaires on the Beach: A Sweet Billionaire Romance Boxset Published by: Enchanted Quill Press Publication date: June 1st 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: Sink your teeth into this addictive anthology of gorgeous Billionaires finding true love on the beach. Billionaires on the Beach is a limited collection of stories from clean and wholesome authors. Packed with adorable meet-cutes, swoon-worthy romance and so many happily ever afters, you’ll be left beaming ear to ear by the end. This collection includes:Forbidden romance Secret Babies Fake marriages Second Chances Enemies to lovers Sun, sea and sand And many heart-soaring dates! This anthology is the perfect staycation for readers who enjoy sweet and clean Billionaire romances. Only available for a limited time. Scroll up and one click now to get started. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon:  GIVEAWAY!!! Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
 TO ENTER, Just Click on HERE!    Hawkesmoor: Novel of Vampire & Faerie by Anne Merino Publisher: Rivercliff Books & Media (an imprint of Wetware Media) – May 18, 2020 ~ Available in Print and ebook, 486 pages Category: Vampire Romance, Romantic Fantasy, and Paranormal Tour Dates June and July, 2020 ~ ISBN: 978-0-9971416-8-9 Book Description: Vampires, Romance and dark Celtic Mysticism fuse and blaze in this epic tale set in Manhattan, Yorkshire, England — and time itself. Robin Dashwood, a handsome and charming British vampire with long gone aristocratic connections, is about to be thrown into an epic adventure that will shine light upon the rise of the vampire. This is the last thing he could imagine himself doing. Robin prefers to hide in plain sight, having devised a quiet life for himself in New York as a history professor in hopes of avoiding other more powerful vampires and their dangerous, decadent political machinations. A chance encounter in a Manhattan art gallery introduces him to the beautiful Lady Caroline DeBarry and reveals a vicious murder from Robin’s human past. In search of answers to this historical mystery, he returns home to England and to Caroline who has captured his heart. As Robin uncovers the truth, he finds traces of a far more ancient and shrouded realm than even that of the vampire. This will shake the foundations of vampire lore and its brutal hierarchy, placing Lady Caroline in terrible danger and setting in motion events that will lead to a final bloody confrontation between a revenant army and humankind. Hawkesmoor is the first book in a trilogy that will continue the eerie adventures of Robin Dashwood — a very British vampire. Buy Hawkesmoor: | Amazon| Barnes&Noble| IndieBound REVIEW by LAWonder10: Attractive Professor Robin Dashwood is not as he appears to be. His past is devastating and haunts him, yet he puts on a charming facade. In a New York art gallery, he meets attractive Caroline DeBarry, who immediately captivates him. The connection between the two is intense and felt by both. However, he suddenly disappears and, confused, Caroline returns to England. Robin finds himself jerked back into his past by unscrupulous means. He is forced to remember horrors from his former life. He is miraculously freed, only to return to London to find Caroline and discover shocking truths. He discovers new strengths and will do anything to protect those he loves. This vampire series combines ideas found in other vampire series by popular authors. It presents even another unique paranormal concept. I found it difficult at first to "get into" but as the chapters progressed, the intrigue increased. It began "flowing" more smoothly, and the action became non-stop. There were unexpected "twists" and a bitter-sweet ending. However, I was delighted to learn this is a first in a trilogy and not a "stand alone". There were other times the gaps between scenes felt abrupt and incomplete. READER BEWARE: There are some sexual scenes and some profanity. I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating for the above reasons. This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
“The paranormal features are refreshingly unconventional and well handled. Fans of romantic fantasy will be interested to see where the series goes.”- Publisher’s Weekly “Delightfully well-crafted, intricate and enchantingly imaginative, I was drawn deep into this enjoyable read with its complex world and fascinating characters. It actually makes me feel excited for vampires again! Romance and adventure, with an odd charm all its own, and fully realized world-building. Highly recommended!”- Award-winning author of A Lady in Disguise, Nine Ladies Dancingand Miss Fortescue’s Protector in Paris “Hawkesmoor is a delightful ride through vampires and time. Its mysteries draw in the reader irresistibly. And it’s more fun than Anne Rice!”-Bryan Alexander, Georgetown University, Futurist, and author “Blogging Dracula since 2005” "If you’re in the market for a new, fresh vampire saga or just a bloody good time, look no further!”-Steve Hockensmith, New York Times best-selling author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls
A funny thing happened on the way to being published... I believe I was always really meant to be a writer. I grew up in a family of writers. My father was a noted writer of a number of well-received books and had been quoted by the U.S. Supreme Court in one of their key decisions. My grandmother published serious literary poetry. My Uncle Cyril is the well-known Welsh author, Richard Cyril Hughes. The writing discipline was all around me in my childhood, and I had the distinct impression that's what adults did once they grew up – they wrote something. Being published was a rite of passage. My mother was always very encouraging of the arts in general and during one long Christmas holiday suggested “Why don't you write something?” I wrote a 50 page mystery story, Secret of the Thirteenth Pharaoh. My lead characters were thirteen-year-old twins, Chip and Judy Powers, who loved a good mystery. Their father was a well-known archaeologist who worked for the government for reasons unclear even to the author. The high point for me was giving Chip and Judy secret government issued licenses that allowed them to drive a car despite being only thirteen. My mother stoically made her way through all 50 handwritten pages and finally pronounced that I had talent. I was elated! But – I would eventually learn there was always a but in writing – she noted that I was in desperate need of great, punchy opening and closing sentences. Mum fetched a collection of Trixie Beldons and Famous Fives, showing me how these crafty writers wrote a catchy opening and closing. I continued to write for pleasure, but my ambitions shifted to focus on a professional ballet career and I went on to dance for various American companies. I also continued to write for fun and to fill time between rehearsals. Many dancers knit or crocheted between endless rehearsals. Utterly hopeless at anything crafty, I'd plop down in a corner to write, usually on a yellow legal pad. I wrote novels that I never finished and the occasional short story. All those fragments taught me a lot about what I enjoyed writing and helped me begin to develop something of a style. After a knee injury, I finally retired from the stage. I become a choreographer and formed my own ballet company in Los Angeles. Gathering together a small band of retired professionals like myself, we built a company that was entirely unique at the time. In those days, the only new ballets deemed “artistically valid” were contemporary abstracts in which dancers moved, without story, to music. But I wanted to create ballets about people with interesting stories and challenges to overcome, so we devised completely original ballets featuring fresh stories and characters, and set them to music never before used for ballets. Over the next 25 years, we would tell all sorts of stories from giddy 1920s comedies to Medieval tragedies and Edwardian murder mysteries. We developed a cult following in Los Angeles and audiences loved the vibrant characters, soaring music and beautiful period settings. But in our 25th year, we realized that it was time to retire permanently from the stage. Most of the dancers had been with me from the start and time had taken its toll on bodies no longer quite so young. We decided to mount one last production. This would be The Moon Goddess, a ballet about a young Welsh army officer in World War I who sees the Moon Goddess – one of Welsh folklore's harbingers of death – pricking her way through the bodies on the battlefield one Christmas Eve. He realizes the Moon Goddess has come for him and thinks back to another Christmas Eve with family and friends before the war. The final performance of The Moon Goddess saw tears on both sides — stage and audience — for a variety of reasons. One of our dancers had a mother in Stage Four of breast cancer and this lovely woman came to the performance despite being very frail. Afterward, she held my hand and said “I want to thank you for this story. I was feeling pretty low when I got here but now, after this ballet, I know it's okay to die.” Later, I cried as I repeated the story to my husband Tom, who is a filmmaker. Tom said “That's the power of writing, of a great story. You know, you've been writing novels and screenplays with ballet all this time!” It was then I understood that I was a writer and always had been. I picked up a notebook – much like the one my mother had given me all those years ago – and started the first pages of what would become Hawkesmoor: A Novel of Vampire and Faerie. Hawkesmoor is a unique and refreshing take on the vampire novel, and is the first book in a trilogy. Book one begins in modern day Manhattan and shifts to the wild beauty of Yorkshire in the U.K. The hero of the story is Robin Dashwood, a handsome and charming British vampire with long gone aristocratic connections. He has created a quiet life for himself as an NYU history professor in an attempt to avoid more powerful vampires. A chance encounter in a Manhattan art gallery introduces Robin to the beautiful Lady Caroline DeBarry and reveals a vicious murder from his human past. In search of answers to this historical mystery, he returns home to England, and to Caroline who has captured his heart. As Robin uncovers the truth, he and Caroline are thrown into an epic adventure that will send them both spinning through time and space, dream and reality. I loved writing Hawkesmoor, and I like to think that had it been a story written at an earlier time in my life, it would have made a fantastically thrilling ballet! About Anne Merino...  Anne Merino grew up in Arizona and Wales before deciding to become a professional ballerina. After a long career dancing for notable companies in the US and abroad, she retired from the stage to write novels and plays. She lives in Northern California with her filmmaker husband, two sons and a retired working dog named Hector. Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube |   This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of print or ebook however, print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 2 winners. This giveaway ends July 29, 2020, midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. To ENTER, Click on HERE!    A Goddess Among Men by Daniel Davidsohn Category: Adult Fiction 18 yrs +, 400 pages Genre: Family Saga Fiction, Thriller, Historical Fiction Publisher: Daniel Davidsohn | Release date: June, 2020 Tour dates: Jun 1 to Jun 12, 2020 Content Rating: PG-13. Sex abuse description and a few situations of violence. Book Description: From the primitive ruggedness of the Amazon rainforest to the privileged society of New York, three generations experience triumph and tragedy in this saga of loyalty, corruption, greed . . . but one woman has the power to change it all. In 1907, Julian Welch and Alan Reid meet by chance in the jungles of the Amazon attracted by the riches of the rubber boom. Pioneers in an era of uncertainty, they form an unlikely alliance and establish the foundation for a successful empire, Reid & Welch. However, with Julian's death, the empire is left to Alan, as is the responsibility for Julian's newborn daughter, Christel. Yet for Christel, there’s no growing up as a privileged heiress. Instead, Alan subjects her to a life few endure, much less overcome. Through her will to survive and being as uncompromising as she is beautiful, Christel puts the horrors of her past behind her and begins to build a seemingly bright future. But when the success built on corruption starts to crumble, Christel will be forced to address the past or pay for the sins of the fathers. Buy the Book: Amazon.com | Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10: A Goddess Among Us is a very disturbing book in discovering how the Title was "earned". It is brutally inconceivable to imagine this actually could happen, yet, in this very corrupt world, it is not impossible. This is a story of two men of very different experiences and values, who left home to "seek their fortunes" and ended up broke, in an undesirable place, and desperate. The "American" - Alan - was friendly yet unethical in his ways. He was both a fiend and a friend. The British-man - Julian - was misled, determined, likable, a gentleman, and the "brunt" of Alan's unsavory schemes. The two escaped individuals who were "after them" by going to a place in Africa to find work. While there, Alan manipulated a "contact" into assisting them to get hired by a man who was particular who he hired. Alan cleverly created an opportunity to unethically use this to further his financial gain. Through corruption, he and Julian were given little choice but t do the bidding of an official and devised a plan to obtain wealth. The following years brought much success, grief, betrayal, abhorrence, love, a bizarre friendship, and unbelievable circumstances. The tale that accompanies these events, is full of corruption, amazing ascension from abasement, political atrocities, and philanthropy, plus much more. When i began the book, it too me awhile to truly "get into it". However, as it progressed, it became increasingly intriguing. It was a very bittersweet tale, leaving the reader unsettled, in many cases. How it all will end up is not easily decided until the very end. One problem I had with it, is the sudden break in the timeline. Then it would take some effort to realize years had passed. There was nothing stated to fill in the gaps at all. The characters were well-defined and the scenes fairly easy to visualize. The Title and Cover image were both a good "fit". This book was gifted me with no stipulations for a positive review. This is my honest review.
MY FAVORITE REVIEW OF LEAVE HER OUT ~ Review by Viga Boland ~ If the corruption behind high level politics is your kind of reading, you’ll enjoy Leave Her Out by Daniel Davidsohn. This author, who has experimented in film and has written several screenplays, brings the creative skills he has in those areas into this psychological thriller i.e. he makes it easy for readers to see the action in Leave Her Out as if they were watching a movie on the big screen. And what an interesting cast of characters! There’s Anthony Morris, now retired former president of the USA, Morris’s VP, Mohe, of native Indian descent, and his unsmiling, shaman-like father who sees and senses what others can’t. And there’s Morris’s long-estranged daughter, Stella, now a very successful and rich lawyer who rejected what her father stood for even before he became president. There’s also Morris’s supposedly good friend and advisor, Charles Dulles, who moves in unusual ways and has some mysterious, even dangerous contacts. In short, there’s a sea of characters around Morris, who now just wants to be left in peace to write his memoirs…a book he wants given to Stella on his demise. But suddenly his memoirs are of great concern and confusion to all these characters, who scramble to understand why Morris has written them in the way he has, and are fearful of who might be hurt by the contents. As Morris pens his story, and the author shares that in bits and pieces along the way - a story within a story - in Stella’s world things are being turned upside down as she finds herself defending a company that she now realizes is as crooked as a company can be. She removes herself from the case and, in doing so, plunges herself into danger. When she suddenly and inexplicably disappears, Morris pulls out all the stops to find her, forgetting the animosity that existed between them over the years. Events topple over each other, people inexplicably start dying, and Morris, though he’s unsure of whom to trust, starts putting others before himself for the first time in years. Before readers start hurtling toward the last page, Davidsohn gives them quite a look up the staircase to the top and behind the closed doors of high political office. It’s not a comforting sight, but it sure makes for great reading, along with a fast-moving plot and psychological thrills. Oh, there’s some romance too, just to keep everything in balance. Well done, Mr. Davidsohn!   Meet the Author: Born in 1969, Brazil, Daniel Davidsohn's novels have been called exciting, gripping, and engrossing, garnering him praise and rave reviews. He is passionately attracted to unfamiliar things and enjoys taking readers off the beaten path. His books include From The Nile to The Euphrates (2009), Mare Crisium (2015), A Higher Power (2016), The Karma Code (2017), Leave Her Out, a 2018 Readers' Favorite Book Award Finalist, and A Goddess Among Men (2020). Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest   Giveaway: Win 1 of 3 ebooks of A GODDESS AMONG MEN or a $15 Amazon Gift Card (4 winners) (ends June 19) To Enter, Click on HERE!    Book Details: One Hot Texas Summer (Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge #1) by Nicole Flockton Published by: Tule Publishing | Publication date: May 26th 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: She’s been fooled before by sweet words and hot kisses Kelly Turner loves being a florist, and being asked to take the lead on the new site for the town’s festival is an honor. If only she didn’t have to work closely with the town player, Tate Prentice. After being burned once by a serial cheater, her inconvenient attraction toward Tate needs to be nipped in the bud. Tate Prentice’s focus is on ensuring his father recovers fully from his stroke and making sure the family’s peach farm continues to thrive. When his brother nominates the farm to be the satellite site for the festival, he’s less than impressed. The only good thing is he’ll be working with Kelly – even though he knows she’ll never give him a second glance, not with his reputation. The more time Kelly spends with Tate, the more she sees the man behind the reputation. Can she trust her instincts, or will her heart be broken once again? Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo 
 AUTHOR BIO: USA Today Bestselling author Nicole Flockton writes sexy contemporary romances, seducing you one kiss at a time as you turn the pages. Nicole likes nothing better than taking characters and creating unique situations where they fight to find their true love. On her first school report her teacher noted "Nicole likes to tell her own stories". It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child and after having fun on a romance community forum that she finally decided to take the plunge and write a book. Apart from writing Nicole is busy looking after her very own hero – her wonderfully supportive husband, and two fabulous kids. She also enjoys watching sports and, of course, reading. Author links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter |  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
TO ENTER, Click on HERE!    The CEO, the Puppy and Me (The Bartolini Legacy #2) By Jennifer Faye Contemporary Romance | Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages June 1st 2020 by Harlequin Romance SYNOPSIS: Has the search for her past… …guided her toward her future? Gia Bartolini’s determinedly searching for her real father. First stop on the enchanting Italian island of Lapri? A mysterious abandoned mansion…where, rescuing a trapped puppy, she falls straight into the arms of alluring Riccardo Moretti! Her passion for the all-business CEO burns bright, leaving Gia with a question: In uncovering her true roots, has fate led her to true love? (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | iBooks | Kobo | PRINT Other Books in the Series...  The Prince and the Wedding Planner (The Bartolini Legacy #1) By Jennifer Faye Contemporary Romance | Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages March 1st 2020 by Harlequin Romance SYNOPSIS: When different worlds collide… …sparks fly! With her family name on the line, wedding planner Bianca Bartolini needs this royal wedding to go perfectly—she can’t afford distractions. Too bad the bride’s dashing brother has other plans! Duty-bound Crown Prince Leo has mere weeks to announce his own engagement, but none of the candidates measure up to Bianca. They’re the most unlikely match, but might that just make them perfect for one another? (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | iBooks | Kobo | PRINT  ABOUT THE AUTHOR!!  Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | BookBub | Newsletter  One winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card Open internationally Ends June 5, 2020 To ENTER, Click on HERE!    Book Details: Stealing the Heiress (The Kidnap Club Book 2) by Samantha Holt Publication date: May 28th 2020 Genres: Adult, Historical Romance Synopsis: She was looking for adventure… Lady Rosamunde Stanley just never expected in the form of a kidnapping. Well, an almost-kidnapping. The dastardly man only went and took the wrong woman! But she soon discovers the dark, handsome man is not quite the terrible rogue she thinks him to be and she decides to put his experience to use. Her uncle has gone missing and no one believes her when she says he’s in trouble. Can she persuade Russell to help? Russell might have kidnapped her, but he has no intention of keeping her. Even if the heat between them is driving him out of his wits and her crazy family makes him long for things a battle-hardened orphan like him should never want. Their societal divide isn’t the only reason to keep his distance. Rosamunde is a bloody knife-carrying, picklock-wielding madwoman. A far too appealing madwoman… He’s not the only one struggling. Rosamunde is finding it just as difficult to fight the attraction, despite knowing it is most likely her over-active imagination leading her down this path. Somehow, she must keep her head around the most exciting man she’s ever met. Goodreads | Purchase: Amazon   AUTHOR BIO: USA Today Bestselling author Samantha Holt lives in a small village in England with her twin girls and a dachshund called Duke. If you’re not sure where to start why not try… ▶ Amelia and the Viscount (Bluestocking Brides #1) for a fun, slightly hot shorter length read. Meet the Chadwick sisters and follow their adventures in each of their standalone stories. ▶ You’re the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone. ▶ Sinful Confessions is the first in the Cynfell Brothers Series. These are all novella length and standalone–ideal for a quick dip into the world of the sexy Cynfell brothers. ▶ Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read. ▶ To Steal a Highlander’s Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape. Author links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | NEWSLETTER |  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
To Enter This Giveaway, Click on HERE!    The Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks Publisher: White Whisker Books (May, 2020) Category: Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Relationships ISBN: Coming Soon Tour Date: May-June, 2020 Available in: Print & ebook, 238 Pages Description: In The Benefits of Breathing, his third collection of short stories, Christopher Meeks dives again into the human condition, particularly within relationships. As one reader wrote on Amazon, “Some authors need a lot of words to describe their worlds and their people. Christopher Meeks says a lot with a little.” The Los Angeles Times has called his stories “poignant and wise.” In this volume, “A Dog Story” captures a crumbled marriage and the love of a dog named Scrappy. “Joni Paredes” shows the birth of a new relationship that starts at a daughter’s wedding. “Nestor by the Numbers” follows one man’s often hilarious online dating experiences after he finally accepts his wife is gone. “Jerry with a Twist” shows an actor on an audition while his pregnant girlfriend helps him through a crisis. These and seven other stories will bring you into the special world of Meeks. As reviewer Grady Harp notes, if you’ve previously “discovered the idiosyncrasies of Meeks’ writing style and content, rest assured that this new collection not only will not disappoint, but also it will provide further proof that we have a superior writer of the genre in our presence.” Try this book. You’ll have a lot to think about. REVIEW by LAWonder10: The stories in this book are all well written and good, as far as they go... They never seem to have an ending. I guess it is left to the reader to determine what happened after the main dilemmas.It reminds me of the children's books a couple of my Nichiren used to love in "choose your own ending". Some children loved them and others despised them. There never seemed to be any who were undecided. There are several short stories. Some have sexual situations, and there is some profanity in couple. They are a culmination of mental and physical situations mixed with relationship problems. I am not sure what the purpose of these stories are, except to emphasize the sardonic conditions of one's "life". This book creates a different and unusual adventure for the reader. I offer a Three Stars rating.   About Christopher Meeks Award winning author, Christopher Meeks has five novels and two collections of short fiction published. The Benefits of Breathing’ is his third collection of short stories. He has had stories published in several literary journals, and they have been included in the collections “Months and Seasons” and “The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea.” Mr. Meeks has had three full-length plays mounted in Los Angeles, and one, “Who Lives?” had been nominated for five Ovation Awards, Los Angeles’ top theatre prize. Mr. Meeks teaches English and fiction writing at Santa Monica College, and Children’s Literature at the Art Center College of Design. He lives in Pasadena, CA. Website | Facebook | Facebook 2 | Twitter |  Giveaway!This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of print or ebook however, print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends June 27, 2020,midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. The Enter, Click on HERE!    Book Details: Kill and Run by Lauren Carr Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 1) Category: Adult fiction, 422 pages | Genre: Murder Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services | Release date: September, 2015 Tour dates: May 4 to Jun 5, 2020 Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion) Book Description: Five women with seemingly nothing in common are found brutally murdered in a townhome outside Washington, DC. Among the many questions surrounding the massacre is what had brought these apparent strangers together only to be killed. Taking on his first official murder case, Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, believes that if he can uncover the thread connecting the victims, then he can find their murderer. The case takes an unexpected turn when Murphy discovers that one of the victims has a connection to his stepmother, Homicide Detective Cameron Gates. One wintry night, over a dozen years before, her first husband, a Pennsylvania State trooper, had been run down while working a night shift on the turnpike. In this first installment of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, the Lovers in Crime join newlyweds Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday to shift through a web of lies and cover-ups. Together, can the detectives of the Thorny Rose uncover the truth without falling victim to a cunning killer? Buy the Book: Audible ~Amazon ~ Add to Goodreads
"The plot was well thought out and there were no loose ends at the end. The story was fast paced to keep my attention easily. The book is a treat to a reader who loves a mix of genres in their reads. It has the right amount of romance, mystery, action and thrill to keep me satisfied from the start to the end." - Reviewer: The Travelogue of a Book Addict "I love how Carr writes. She has such great characters, and there is always something happen. There is always some kind of fire fight going on, and the way she connects things is just fantastic." - Reviewer: Paij Slater, My Love For Reading Keeps Growing   Book Details: A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 2) Category: Adult fiction, 374 pages | Genre: Murder Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services | Release date: January, 2017 Tour dates: May 4 to June 5, 2020 Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion) Book Description: After ten months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in the darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy. When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory. Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple? Buy the Book: Audible ~ Amazon ~ ~ Add to Goodreads
"Lauren Carr's books are never boring, that's for sure. They entertain, give us a good mystery to dig into, keep the reader guessing, give us a few good laughs and make us eager for the next book. Warning: Lauren Carr's series are addictive, so be ready to read more than just one book!" - Review by Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads "Lauren Carr has yet gone it again with another great mystery. I am so loving this series and can't wait for more. I know have to read more of Lauren's books. She is a very talented writer." Review by Stacey Schneller of Books, Dreams, Life. "Mysteries, murder, danger, and memories that threatens their lives keeps the action and suspense at a high level and even when the answers are found, it left me wanting more." - Review by Sherry Fundin of Fundinmental   Book Details: Murder by Perfection by Lauren Carr Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 3) Category: Adult fiction, 322 pages | Genre: Murder Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services | Release date: May 31, 2018 Tour dates: Jan 20 to Feb 28, 2020 Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion) Book Description: Beware: Perfection has a dark side! Frustrated with their busy schedules, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday attempt to find togetherness by scheduling a weekly date night. The last thing Jessica Faraday expected for her date night was to take a couple’s gourmet cooking course at the Stepford Kitchen Studio, owned by Chef Natalie Stepford―the model of perfection in looks, home, and business. When Natalie ends up dead and Murphy goes missing, the Thorny Rose detectives must peel back the layers of Natalie Stepford’s life to discover that the pursuit of perfection can be deadly. Buy the Book: Audible ~ Amazon ~~ Add to Goodreads
Murder by Perfection by Lauren Carr mixes the police procedural with the spy game, in much the same way that James Patterson does with his Alex Cross novels. Ripping true crime stories from the headlines and weaving her characters into the plotlines, while adding a dash of humor and romance, this highly entertaining and fast-paced Thorny Rose Mystery will have readers seeing the darker side of perfection." Review by The iRead Reviews "Lauren Carr is a master of the light murder mystery. Each contains a strong couple as the central characters. Both the male and female roles are great role models - smart, loyal, talented and always interested in the truth. And as the author is a huge dog lover, there are always several incredible pets, each with their own unique personality. No matter how serious the threat they are facing, the author manages to work in a little humor to keep the tale from getting too dark. "Murder by Perfection is book 3 in Carr's Thorny Rose Mystery Series. The main characters - and Jessica - fell in love at first sight and married quickly. This 3rd story sees them struggling to try to find balance in their daily lives as well as enough free time to spend together. After a quarrel one evening, Murphy takes off on his motorcycle to calm down - and disappears! He has been kidnapped. Why - no one knows for sure. Friends, family and the government come together to search for answers. Can he be found in time? "Murder by Perfection is a wonderful read and a perfect to escape from the challenges of a busy day. Danger, intrigue, humor, and love all take their turn in this tale which will keep you reading into the wee hours." Review by Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn  Enjoy this latest Thorny Rose Mystery! Coming soon to Audible!  Book Details: The Nutcracker Conspiracy (A Thorny Rose Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 388 pages | Genre: Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services | Release date: January 30, 2020 Tour dates: May 4 to Jun 5, 2020 Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs! Book Description: "Three years ago, the nation gasped in horror when the President of the United States barely escaped an assassination attempt that left two dead—the vice president’s wife and the attempted assassin. Even after numerous investigations proved otherwise, conspiracy theorists argue that the assassin was acting on orders from the CIA, FBI, and every federal agency within a hundred miles of the capital. "Aspiring Author Dean Conway is the last person Lieutenant Commander Murphy Thornton wants to spend his Saturday afternoon when they end up at the same wedding reception table. While their wives tend to bridesmaid duties, Murphy is trapped listening to Dean’s latest work-in-project—completing the manuscript of an investigative journalist who’d disappeared months earlier. “She was number twelve,” Dean says. “Twelve?” Murphy asks. “Twelve witnesses connected to or investigating The Nutcracker shooting have died either in an accident or suicide.” Two days later, Dean dies suddenly―but not before sending a text message to Murphy: “13” Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ Audible ~ BookBub ~ Add to Goodreads
"Wow - this is one INCREDIBLE novel that I could not put down. It had me on the edge of my seat and I can honestly say that I never saw the end coming. It was full of suspense, action but also humour (done in a way that only Lauren can accomplish)." - 5-Star Review of THE NUTCRACKER CONSPIRACY by Working Mommy Journal
Audiobooks: The Readers Have Ears By Lauren Carr Fourteen years ago, my first book, A Small Case of Murder, came out. That wasn’t so long ago. Believe me! Fourteen years is not that long ago—not when you compare it to when the dinosaurs were lazily grazing in Yellowstone National Park. Anyway, back to what we want to talk about … At that time, one of my friends instantly asked when my book would be available in audio. My eyes glazed over and I stammered out, “Eventually.” This friend only listened to her books in audio. She had a long commute to work and that was when she would listen to her books. She would go through a couple books a week. Not long after that, I discovered that another friend only did audiobooks. She loved to read, but couldn’t due to extremely bad eyesight. While she wasn’t legally blind, her eyesight was so poor that the only way she could enjoy a book was if it was available in audio. Yet, back then, audiobooks were available on cassette or compact discs. I considered myself lucky when a traditional audiobook publisher picked up my first three books to be produced in audio (compact disc and digital download)—until I started receiving my royalty checks. I was lucky if I made over two hundred dollars a year! I would take a few copies of the compact discs to book events—only to have them gather dust. Eventually, I tossed them into the back of my closet, where they still rest. Flash forward. Yesterday, Murder by Perfection became available in audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. I’ve already got a list of audiobook reviewers and readers anxiously waiting to listen to it. Over the years, an increasing number of readers have been requesting that I make my books available in audiobook. As a publisher and business person, I was hesitant about investing anything into making my own book available in audiobook. Based on past experience, I didn’t see much of a market for them. Those CDs from my first three books are still piled up in the back of my closet. Then, Amazon suggested I make my books available through their company ACX. They also pointed out that Audible, a very successful audiobook dealer fell under their umbrella. Audible is the leading seller of audiobooks. By going through ACX, I would essentially be self-publishing my own books—thus, keeping all of my rights. Over the years, I had seen on my royalty statements how many thousands of dollars my other audio publisher had been making annually on the sales of my books. So, keeping my rights was quite appealing to me. However, knowing that the market was slow, I didn’t want to invest a lot of money into the venture. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to invest any at all. With ACX, authors have a choice of options for having their books produced: 1. Share your royalties with the narrator/audio producer. This costs the author nothing, because the audio producer invests the time and expense into producing the book. In exchange, the author agrees to split their royalties for the book’s sales fifty-fifty with the producer. If the book ends up being a flop, then the producer loses out on their investment in the project. However, if the book ends up making thousands of dollars a month in audiobook sales, then the author could end up wondering about what could have been. 2. Hire an audio producer to produce your book. This option means the author hires the narrator/producer on contract (and pay!) to produce the book. With this option, the author gets to keep all of the royalties for their audio sales. So, if your book makes a million bucks in royalties, it’s all yours! The downside of this option is that you have to pay out a lot of money up front—money that it could take a while to earn back. We are talking thousands of dollars. A friend of mine found a narrator she liked, who refused to work for shared royalties. (Many established narrators won’t share royalties. More about this later on.) He would only work on contract with the cost starting at $5000. 3. Narrate and Produce the Book Yourself. This is not as easy as it sounds. The author has to make sure there is no background noise and the final product does have to pass ACX’s quality control regulations. As the author, I have proofed some of my audio books, thinking they were perfect—only to have ACX pick up a flaw that I had not noticed. Once I read an interview with John Grisham in which he said one of his biggest regrets was narrating one of his books for audio. He thought the end product was awful. As with anything—I prefer to leave it up to the pros. (Since I hate my voice, narrating and producing the book myself is not an option!) I opted to share the royalties and let the producers take the financial risk. As I had mentioned previously, many high-quality narrators refuse to work for royalty share. There’s a reason for that. When I opened my books for auditions to find a narrator, I immediately found Dan Lawson—first audition, first day! His audition was exactly what I was looking for to set the tone for the Mac Faraday mysteries. He was an Audible Approved Narrator, which means Audible endorsed his work! Within a matter of days, we had struck a deal for royalty share for two books: The Murders at Astaire Castle and Blast from the Past. I found out later that his agent (I had no idea he had an agent!) had thrown a fit upon learning about our deal for royalty share. The reason: most narrators and audio producers don’t make back the money invested in producing audiobooks through royalties. After a few months, sales will level out and the narrator will only make a few dollars a month. Having worked as a book publisher, I can see exactly what Dan’s agent was talking about. Many authors have difficulty in promoting their own books. Authors who don’t invest time or money in promoting their books in print and e-book, are not likely to invest what they need in the audiobook version. So, if you are an author whose sales in print and ebook are less than impressive, and you are wondering if you’ll hit the jackpot by having your book produced in audio, then my guess is no, you won’t. As with book sales in print and ebook, the author needs to work their tail off to promote their book in order to enjoy good sales—in any format. I have been blessed in finding four excellent audiobook producers who have helped me to bring my whole backlist to audiobook fans—a base that I have seen grow steadily over the last few years. I have discovered that for many readers, who have been unable to enjoy reading in print or ebook format for whatever reasons—whether it be lifestyle or medical disability—are discovering audiobooks and returning to reading (listening) to enjoy their favorite books. For example, my sister listens to my books during her commute to work. With her busy lifestyle that is the only time she can read my books. So I gave them to her in digital format and she listens to them through her SUV’s speakers. Since my books have been coming out in Audible, I have found that I am enjoying audiobooks more and more. Many book enthusiasts, like myself, will read books in both e-book and audio. For just a few bucks more, readers can include the audio version of a book with their ebook purchase. As the leader of a book club, I dictated the rule that we would only read books that were available in audiobook download. After spending the whole day writing on my laptop, my eyes will be tired. So, I’ll switch to the audio version of whatever book I am currently reading to listen to a great book until I fall asleep. With Whispersync, my tablet will pick up my ebook in audio where I have left off in reading. I believe that the audiobook market is where the e-book market was about eight years ago. When my books first came out in e-book, it was a big deal for me to sell any. Now, the lion’s book of my books sales are in e-book, but I see a gradual increase in sales in audiobooks. Currently, I make more in monthly royalties for my audiobook sales than I do for my print books. Note, that is after splitting my royalties with the producers! Here's the way I look at it: If it weren’t for my readers, I would not be living my dream of being a mystery writer. My readers want my mysteries to be in all formats: e-book, print, and audiobooks. Even if fans of one format are a smaller number than another—they are still my fans and deserve the reading experience they enjoy the most!   Meet the Author: Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Books on Audible Here is the tour schedule.  Giveaway Deatails: Prizes: $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr, author of the Thorny Rose Mysteries (ends Jun 12) To Enter the Giveaway, Click on HERE!  The Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks Book Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway! {Ends 7/1/20}5/15/2020   Benefits of Breathing by Christopher MeeksAvailable in: Print & ebook, 238 Pages Publisher: White Whisker Books (May, 2020) Category: Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Relationships ISBN: Coming Soon | Tour Date: May-June, 2020 Book Description: In The Benefits of Breathing, his third collection of short stories, Christopher Meeks dives again into the human condition, particularly within relationships. As one reader wrote on Amazon, “Some authors need a lot of words to describe their worlds and their people. Christopher Meeks says a lot with a little.” The Los Angeles Times has called his stories “poignant and wise.” In this volume, “A Dog Story” captures a crumbled marriage and the love of a dog named Scrappy. “Joni Paredes” shows the birth of a new relationship that starts at a daughter’s wedding. “Nestor by the Numbers” follows one man’s often hilarious online dating experiences after he finally accepts his wife is gone. “Jerry with a Twist” shows an actor on an audition while his pregnant girlfriend helps him through a crisis. These and seven other stories will bring you into the special world of Meeks.As reviewer Grady Harp notes, if you’ve previously “discovered the idiosyncrasies of Meeks’ writing style and content, rest assured that this new collection not only will not disappoint, but also it will provide further proof that we have a superior writer of the genre in our presence.” Try this book. You’ll have a lot to think about.
Inside the Mind of an Author; How do you determine what your next project will be? (by Christopher Meeks) Lu Ann suggested a few guest posts, and I chose the topic in the title simply because (a) the topic scares me, (b) I have no idea right up front, and c) I’ve never seen this topic before, unlike so many questions I get as a writer. How did I come up with ideas in the past? Determining a project has never been a deeply conscious effort. I often start as I’m doing here, with a topic, a vague idea, and I just start typing. For example, a play I wrote that’s never been produced takes place on a New York City garbage barge that goes to the South to dump its load. When people protest in the Southern port town, another Southern city has agreed to take it. The barge and its small crew hit the high seas again, only to be turned away. They keep getting turned away throughout the Caribbean. The barge becomes lost in the Bermuda Triangle after picking up people from a sinking ship. It’s funny in a Samuel Beckettish way, and the production costs, I figured, are minimal. You just need a stage and garbage. What many people don’t understand is that writing is thinking. I didn’t know if writing that play would interest me at first, so I simply wrote some. It became so interesting that I ended up taking a UCLA class in existentialism after a few drafts. Beckett wrote after World War II, when existentialism was big. My play would have to be considered post-existential. I took this class to really understand what I was writing. I was obsessed. It occurs to me that obsession is a good thing for a writer to have. After all, any writing project will take months if not years. You better be curious and unstoppable. So, how did I get the topic of a garbage barge in the first place, and how did I choose to even try writing about it? I’d heard a news story about a real garbage barge being turned away. I had an odd thought: how weird would it be to captain a barge of garbage that no one accepts? Who wants garbage in the first place? Then, as if the universe was directing me, I heard a song on an alternative radio station. The song had a chorus, “I’m a garbage barge captain, and I have nowhere to go.” Ah! Let me pursue that. My protagonist would be a garbage barge captain lost on the seas as we are all lost in our world. Aren’t people feeling particularly lost now that they have to stay at home? Maybe I was ahead of my time. I use that play to illustrate that a) what playwrights and fiction writers do is weird, b) almost any job is weird when you think of it; how would you like to be Anthony Fauci working for a president suggesting an intravenous shot of a disinfectant? And c) follow your bliss. Your curiosity may take you places. Add “as long as you don’t have bleach in your body.” Another example is in my most recent short story collection, The Benefits of Breathing. I needed at least one more story. What should I write about? Nothing sprang to mind because my 91-year-old father had just put himself in hospice care at home, even though he had nothing killing him per se. However, old age had taken away his concentration to read, he didn’t have the stamina anymore for golf, and his hearing was declining. Like the Indian chief in the old film Little Big Man, my dad decided it was his day to die. However, it took him nine months. Before he passed, though, his state of mind captured me. If he was awake, he was happy to talk, intrigued by his decline. “I stood up today, and my legs just gave out. I hit my head on the floor,” he told me on the phone. Rather than run from his state, he talked about it. Rather than not think about it, I wrote a story imagining his death. My father was sleeping about twenty-two hours a day then, and he told me he was dreaming not of important people in his life, but of people he barely knew, people from way back, such as a client he had golfed with once or an old elementary school teacher he didn’t particularly like. That’s where my story started. I wasn’t sure it would become a full story. In the end, it’s the title story, The Benefits of Breathing. What might my next project be? I don’t know. I’m waiting for something to strike a chord. I wrote about the coronavirus here, but soon such stories will appear by the battalion, of people battling boredom while feeling frightened. Maybe I could approach the topic in a metaphorical way. All I know is my next project will be a) fictional and b) it’ll be about something.  About Christopher Meeks Award winning author, Christopher Meeks has five novels and two collections of short fiction published. The Benefits of Breathing’ is his third collection of short stories. He has had stories published in several literary journals, and they have been included in the collections “Months and Seasons” and “The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea.” Mr. Meeks has had three full-length plays mounted in Los Angeles, and one, “Who Lives?” had been nominated for five Ovation Awards, Los Angeles’ top theatre prize. Mr. Meeks teaches English and fiction writing at Santa Monica College, and Children’s Literature at the Art Center College of Design. He lives in Pasadena, CA. Website | Facebook #1 | Facebook #2 | Twitter |  This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of print or ebook however, print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. (This giveaway ends July 1, 2020,midnight pacific time.) Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. To Enter the Giveaway, Click on HERE!    Miranda and the D-Day Caper by Shelly Frome Publisher: Boutique of Quality Books (March 1, 2020) Category: Cozy Mystery | Tour dates: May-June, 2020 ISBN: 978-1945448577 Available in Print and ebook, 338 pages Book Description: On a sparkling spring morning in the Blue Ridge, small-town realtor Miranda Davis approached the tailgate market, intent on dealing with her whimsical cousin Skip’s unexpected arrival from New York. It turns out that Skip was on the run and, in his panic, grabbed his beloved tabby Duffy, recalling that Miranda had a recent part in solving a case down in Carolina. His predicament stemmed from intercepting code messages like “Countdown to D-Day,” playfully broadcasting the messages on his radio show over the nation-wide network, and subsequently forced to flee. At first, Miranda tried to limit her old childhood companion’s conundrum to the sudden abduction of Duffy the cat. But the forces that be were hell-bent on keeping Skip under wraps by any means after he now stumbled close to the site of their master plan. Miranda’s subsequent efforts to decipher the conspiracy and somehow intervene placed both herself and her old playmate on a collision course with a white-nationalist perpetrator and the continuing machinations of the right-wing enterprise, with the lives of all those gathered for a diversity celebration in nearby Asheville and a crucial senatorial vote on homeland security hanging in the balance. You met Miranda Davis in Shelly Frome’s ‘Moon Games’ now she has a new mystery to solve! Buy Links: Amazon| BarnesandNoble| Indiebound
Crime Fiction and the Imaginary Cameraman by Shelly Frome Although it’s never been spelled out, I feel there’s something filmic at play in good crime fiction. Along with the basic factors, it’s as if there’s also an imaginary cameraman at work looking for something interesting to shoot--zooming in, tracking, taking in the entire scene with a wide angle lens, etc. For example, while working on “Miranda” there was a point where I simply summed up her long-lost cousin’s predicament. On second thought, I took a closer look: “Look,” Miranda said, “I hate to break it to you, kiddo, but the facts are the facts. Cindy at the motel swore it was a guy on a motorcycle who snuck into your room at the crack of dawn. Then tossed your cat into an airport rental where he crawled up by the rear window as the car took off. The upshot is, right-wing pundit Russ Mathews damn well was the driver. He’d obviously flown all the way down from New York to keep you under wraps one way or another.” As Skip sat there in the passenger seat in stunned silence, she couldn’t help but notice a white compact pulling in a few rows back of the entrance to the ER. It could very well have been that selfsame Toyota Corolla airport rental. And here is a better example when I wanted to zoom in on the whole conversation: Glancing around, taking his sweet time, making sure no one was within earshot, Skip said, “Okay. Like I indicated, I was filling in, got a break on a prestige AM station. Soon enough, I started doing riffs on Russ Mathews, that stocky right-wing pundit.” “Whatever. Go on?” Getting more anxious by the second, his lanky body beginning to twitch, Skip said, “So, when opportunity knocks, you seize the day. Right?” “Out with it. I am still waiting.” Scrunching forward this time, Skip said, “Okay. One night I started to wing it. No more of this ‘Yup, it’s midnight, folks. Some of these homespun Indiana tales should ease you right off to sleep.’ I was antsy. I’d had it with Russ who’d signed off that night right before me, sounding more and more like some fear monger back in the day.” “And what day was that?” “World War Two. When Shep Anderson was on the radio back home telling kids Jack Armstrong the all-American boy was on the lookout for U-boats lurking off the New Jersey shore.” More glancing around on Skip’s part. More checking the flow of visitors coming and going. Getting antsy as well, Miranda said, “Will you get on with it? Is there an upshot in our future? ” “I’m coming to it,” Skip said, looking right at her this time. “Right after my kazoo rendition of I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash, I lean into the mic and say, ‘Guess what? Ole Russ Mathews must be on to something. I’m talking the plot against America.” All told, what’s gratifying about this approach is the feedback I’ve generally received from readers. Take a response from Moon Games, my last foray into the cozy genre. A lady mystery buff from the Heartland wrote “I was taken by so much going on I had to keep alert, like a moviegoer who didn’t want to slip out to the concession stand and miss seeing something.” Of course, seeing the unfolding tale from a movie perspective is no guarantee of success. However, employing it as part of your writing arsenal surely helps to keep the reader engrossed.  About Shelly Frome Shelly Frome is a member of Mystery Writers of America, a professor of dramatic arts emeritus at the University of Connecticut, a former professional actor, a writer of crime novels, cozy mystery novels, and books on theater and film. He is also a features writer for Gannett Media’s Black Mountain News. His fiction includes Sun Dance for Andy Horn, Lilac Moon, Twilight of the Drifter, Tinseltown Riff, Murder Run, Moon Games and The Secluded Village Murders. Among his works of non-fiction are The Actors Studio and texts on the art and craft of screenwriting and writing for the stage. Miranda and the D-Day Caper is his latest foray into the world of crime and the amateur sleuth. He lives in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Website | Facebook | Twitter  Giveaway Miranda and the D-Day Caper by Shelly Frome This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of print or ebook however, print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. (This giveaway ends July 1, 2020,midnight pacific time. ) Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. To Enter, Click on HERE!   Murder by Perfection by Lauren Carr Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 3) Category: Adult fiction, 322 pages | Genre: Murder Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services | Release date: May 31, 2018 Tour dates: Jan 20 to Feb 28, 2020 Running Time: 8 hours and 32 minutes Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion) SYNOPSIS: Perfection can be a fatal endeavor. Frustrated with their busy schedules, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday attempt to find togetherness by scheduling a weekly date night. The last thing Jessica Faraday expected for her date night was to take a couple’s gourmet cooking course at the Stepford Kitchen Studio, owned by Chef Natalie Stepford--the model of perfection in looks, home, and business. When Natalie ends up dead and Murphy goes missing, the Thorny Rose detectives must peel back the layers of Natalie Stepford’s life to discover that the pursuit of perfection can be deadly. Buy Link: Amazon REVIEW by LAWonder10: After a quarrel between Jessica and Murphy, Murphy takes off on his motorcycle. Little did either know it could be his last trip! This is a really exhilarating, engaging book in the Thorny Rose Series. It involves most of the Thornton group of men, plus Jessica and her brother Tristin. Murder by Perfection is a very fast-moving, suspense/mystery. With the author's involvement of the whimsical animals and a touch of humorous interaction between characters, this book of the series, will not disappoint! Mike Alger effectively narrates the story, using all the right emphasis and "voices". The story keeps the reader/listener guessing to the very end on, "Who did it?" There is more than one mysterious happening Are they separate events or are they all connected? I offer a Five Stars rating on both the tale and the delivery. *This was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.  OTHER AUDIOBOOKS in SERIES!
  Meet the Author: Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Books on Audible   GIVEAWAY DETAILS: $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr, author of THE THORNY ROSE MYSTERIES Enter the Giveaway by Clicking on HERE!  TOUR SCHEDULE: May 4 - Hall Ways Blog - series spotlight / giveaway May 4 – She Just Loves Books – series spotlight / giveaway May 4 - Elizabeth McKenna – Author – series spotlight / giveaway May 4 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Kill and Run / giveaway May 4 – Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Kill and Run May 5 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder May 6 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Kill and Run / giveaway May 6 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection May 7 - A Mama's Corner of the World – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder / giveaway May 11 - Locks, Hooks and Books – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 11 - Jazzy Book Reviews – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway May 11 - Merlot Et mots –series spotlight / giveaway May 12 - Laura's Interests – series spotlight / giveaway May 12 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection / giveaway May 13 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Kill and Run / giveaway May 13 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Kill and Run / giveaway May 13 - Lamon Reviews - series spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 14 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder / giveaway May 15 - Sefina Hawke's Books – series spotlight May 19 - Rockin' Book Reviews – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 19 - Rosepoint Publishing – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection / giveaway May 20 - Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway May 20 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder / giveaway May 20 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder / giveaway May 21 - Books for Books – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection May 21 - La libreria di Beppe - series spotlight / giveaway May 22 – fundinmental – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway May 25 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Murder By Perfection / giveaway May 25 - T's Stuff – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway May 26 - Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – series spotlight / giveaway May 27 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection / giveaway May 27 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Murder by Perfection / giveaway May 27 - Books for Books – series spotlight May 28 - Bookish Quest – series spotlight / author interview/ giveaway May 29 - Mystery Suspense Reviews – series spotlight / guest post Jun 1 - Thoughts in Progress – series spotlight / giveaway Jun 2 - Svetlana's reads and views – series spotlight Jun 2 - Kristin’s Novel Café – series spotlight Jun 3 - Buried Under Books – series spotlight / giveaway Jun 3 - Blooming with Books - series spotlight / giveaway Jun 4 - Rosepoint Publishing – series spotlight / giveaway Jun 4 -Splashes of Joy - series spotlight / author interview / giveaway Jun 5 - The avid reader – series spotlight / giveaway    A Love So True (The Billionaires of Sawgrass #3) By Delaney Cameron Contemporary Romance | ebook, 200 Pages March 16th 2020 by Wisteria Press SYNOPSIS: She thinks of him as a friend. He’s loved her since high school. She’s holding on to the past. He’s worked hard to overcome his. Brooks knew better than to fall in love with Jaclyn. She’s a trust fund kid, and he’s from the wrong side of the tracks. Guys like him never end up with girls like her. His head understood the rules. His heart was another story. (Affiliate link included.) Goodreads | Amazon  REVIEW BY VICKIE: A Love So True - Delaney Cameron This is such a heart-warming love story. Brooks is the epitome of the perfect man. Jaclyn is also a truly refreshing example of a very caring friend to everyone. They are both so down to earth. The characters are all well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions. The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along. I highly recommend this book to all those who enjoy a great clean romance. I give this book a literary rating of 5/5 OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES
 ABOUT the AUTHOR: I'm a Georgia girl at heart if not by birth. I love to read, watch college football, and spend time with my husband. I'm a hopeless romantic so there will always be a happily ever after in my stories. I also like to write about second chances because love doesn't always work out the first time. My books are sweet romances set in both contemporary and regency settings featuring stories about the journey to love, from that first meeting to the point where two people know their hearts are no longer their own. My characters aren't perfect. They make mistakes and have faults like the rest of us. They learn the sometimes painful truth that the path to love isn't always smooth, but it's a road worth traveling. Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Pinterest  One winner will receive an ebook of Because You Loved Me, the first book in the series, and a $25 Amazon gift card. Open internationally ~ Ends May 20, 2020 Enter the Giveaway by Clicking on HERE! TOUR SCHEDULE: May 11th: -Launch Rockin' Book Reviews - Review underneath the covers - Excerpt Mythical Books - Review May 12th: Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review E-Romance News - Excerpt May 13th: Katherinelovesbooks - Review Hallie Reads - Excerpt Red Headed Book Lady - Review Precious Books World - Review May 14th: Adventures of a Travelers Wife - Review I'm All About Books - Excerpt Britt Reads Fiction - Review May 15th: My Devotional Thoughts - Review Teatime and Books - Excerpt Reading Is My SuperPower - Review May 16th: - Grand Finale  My Mom has been gone for many years now. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss her. She was the epitome of unconditional love. I never appreciated her as much as I do now... Now that I am much older, more experienced in life and much wiser. One doesn't have to give birth to be a mother figure. I have had several relatives who have inspired me and have been an amazing example to me. I have had women in the community who have "taken me under wing" and have had a loving and enormous influence in my life because I knew they truly cared. I was blessed to have an imperfect, yet wonderful Mom. I read a book last year that stated we are perfect for our child (if we truly try to be our best selves). I have come to believe that. I honor all mother figures and urge each of you to never underestimate yourselves and the loving influence you can have on others, even if you aren't their biological mother. (Trust me, I appreciate the loving help from "adopted" mothers who aided me in raising my children!) Here are some special videos to honor, mothers and all the many women in the world who assist mothers in this very sacred calling! There is so much amazing talent in individuals of this world!    Book Details: A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr Category: Adult fiction, 430 pages | Genre: Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services | Release date: Jan 31, 2017 Tour dates: Feb 1 to 28 and March 1 to April 14, 2017 Content Rating: PG -13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, therefore they do include murder. The Thorny rose mystery series are her more adult series, which pushes the envelope just a bit more than in her other series. A Fine Year for Murder deals with a case pertaining to the brutal murder of a whole family (happens off-stage). The book does include some mild intimate scenes between the young married couple. Also has some gritty sexual references during the investigation. Mild swearing, but no F-Bombs.) Book Description: After months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy. When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family living near a winery owned by distant relatives she was visiting and suppressed the memory. Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?  BOOK REVIEW BY LAWonder10: In this book of the series, Jessica's childhood reoccurring nightmares come back. I there a connection to reality or are they all fantasy? Jessica and Murphy planned on a vacation to visit her father and step mother and try to discover if there was any basis to her nightmares. Her Uncle's girlfriend is an investigating journalist. She feels Jessica may have a clue in a horrible, unsolved massacre which happened years ago. They are to meet in Pine Bridge to see if Jessica can recapture memories from her childhood during that time in Pine Bridge. Strange and mysterious events begin to take place. Was this really a good idea? This is one of the most mysterious and thrilling books of the series. Each book can be read -or listened to - as a "stand alone" but it is so much more exciting if read in order. The reader will be "on the edge" of his/her seat throughout most of the book! As with all of Lauren's Books, there is a touch of humor, a lot of mystery, and an element of sizzling romance, although it is never explicit. The reader will soon feel he/she knows each of the characters personally! The scenes are also very well portrayed. The Narrator, C.J. McAllistar, does a very good job in his delivery. He consistently, clearly separates the various "voices" so it is easy to decipher who is doing the talking. He effectively emphasizes key parts. He has an interesting, yet deep voice. I offer a Five stars rating for the story-line and for the performance. * This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.  OTHER BOOKS in the SERIES   About Lauren Carr: An Amazon All-Star Author, Lauren Carr writes mysteries that have made Amazon's best-selling ranks internationally. Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose Mysteries, and the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries--over twenty-five titles across four fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr's seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr, author of THE NUTCRACKER CONSPIRACY To Enter the Giveaway, Click on HERE!  |
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