Reader’s Entertainment Radio Show Presents: Kristin Cast

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2 June 2015

The first thing you notice when chatting with NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kristin Cast, is how infectious her excitement is. It was such a pleasure chatting with her this evening, and truly thirty minutes wasn’t nearly long enough! You can feel her positive energy and I can’t wait to check out her latest solo novel, Amber Smoke: The Escaped – Book One in The Escaped Series. Kristin loves all things paranormal, and it shows!

Book Blurb:

There is a world that runs parallel to our own, a world in which the souls of the damned are caged, where they are looked over by the Furies, and where they spend eternity in torment, mirroring the devastation and mayhem they created when alive.

Someone has opened the cage.

The worst of terrors has crossed the barrier that separates our world from theirs, and the Furies send a great, albeit untested warrior, their only son, Alek, to try to bring those souls back. He is young and handsome, headstrong and impulsive, and he won’t be able to do it alone.

Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets. First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life. Then, she will become the hunter.

With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them, Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another.

Click on the book cover image to listen to the podcast!

Connect with Kristin on Social Media:

www.kcastauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000833195111

Tweets by KCastAuthor

https://www.pinterest.com/KCastAuthor/

Great Paranormal Fiction!

Mothers Know Best: Words of Wisdom from Literary Moms

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Readers Entertainment

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2 June 2015

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By: Elizabeth Rowe (Reprinted with permission from Bookish.com)

While this was written in conjunction with Mother’s Day, I think the advice from these ‘literary moms’ holds true year round.

Mother’s Day is upon us, and that means it’s time to give thanks for the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our lives. Here at Bookish, we love our off-the-page moms (Hi, Susi and Susie!) but we also have learned a lot from literary mothers in our favorite books. Whether we’re being told not to use our wands (the struggle is real), or learning how to look for the hint of decay in Dutch paintings, we don’t know what we’d do without these literary ladies.

The mother: Caroline “Ma” Ingalls

The quote: “This earthly life is a battle… If it isn’t one thing to contend with, it’s another. It always has been so, and it always will be. The sooner you make up your mind to that, the better off you are, and the more thankful for your pleasures.”

The lesson: Struggling is part of life, and you’ll be happier if you accept that.

The mother: Molly Weasley

The quote: “FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE! THERE WAS NO NEED — I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS — JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE ALLOWED TO USE MAGIC NOW, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WHIP YOUR WANDS OUT FOR EVERY TINY LITTLE THING!”

The lesson: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

The mother: Suyuan Woo

The quote: “Because you must [keep trying]. This is not hope. Not reason. This is your fate. This is your life, what you must do… You must think for yourself, what you must do. If someone tells you, then you are not trying.”

The lesson: Never give up.

The mother: Marmee March

The quote: “If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that’s all that you really are. Time erodes all such beauty. But what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind: your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are the things I cherish so in you.”

The lesson: Beauty fades, but character lasts.

The mother: Mrs. Murry

The quote: “No, Meg, but people are more than just the way they look.”

The lesson: Don’t judge a book by its cover.

The mother: Sophie Portnoy

The quote: “Tell him you’re sorry. Give him a kiss. A kiss from you would change the world.”

The lesson: Sometimes a good apology and a little affection go a long way.

The mother: Hattie Shepherd

The quote: “Some things you can’t apologize for, you just have to try to get around them. For your own sake too, so you can have a little peace.”

The lesson: Sometimes moving on is more important than apologizing.

The mother: Mrs. Bennet

The quote: “I often think… that there is nothing so bad as parting with one’s friends. One seems so forlorn without them.”

The lesson: Keep your friends close.

The mother: Mrs. Decker

The quote: “Well, the Dutch invented the microscope… They were jewelers, grinders of lenses. They want it all as detailed as possible because even the tiniest things mean something. Whenever you see flies or insects in a still life—a wilted petal, a black spot on the apple—the painter is giving you a secret message. He’s telling you that living things don’t last—it’s all temporary. Death in life. That’s why they’re called natures mortes. Maybe you don’t see it at first with all the beauty and bloom, the little speck of rot. But if you look closer—there it is.”

The lesson: Nothing lasts forever.

Reprinted with permission from Bookish.com

Sneak Peek: Bring it On by Shelley K. Wall

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Readers Entertainment

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2 June 2015

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Author Shelley K. Wall let’s readers into the story behind the story in her latest release – Bring It On.

I’m the middle daughter of three, born to a farming family. With no brothers, we were all responsible for helping out and had little extra funds for frivolous things. Don’t get me wrong—we never lacked for the essentials and my parents were wonderful at pampering us whenever they could. Still, we worked for it—and as a result I learned what it means to achieve things through effort. My parents were great examples with high expectations.

Consequently, I am not very patient with people who can’t understand a good life is only good if one finds satisfaction in the effort associated with achieving a goal and not simply the end result. Risk is exciting and the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward. Yes, it can be equally dangerous and being able to balance common sense with adventure is important to having a fulfilling life (in my opinion.) I believe this determination has helped me through college years and career efforts.

My main character in Bring It On has a similar outlook-she’s grown up as the only girl in her family and been ‘one of the boys’ for years. She learned to hunt, hike, camp, fish, boat, ski, and a host of other outdoor adventures throughout her life. Her work ethic puts her alongside several male managers at a team-building event in Alaska where she’s challenged in many ways. To make it more interesting, an old family friend that knew her as a tom-boyish brat, is also part of the event. Top that with ending up in the wrong place with the right guy—and things get incredibly dangerous and complicated.

EXCERPT:

“Our first exercise is the ropes and ladders course,” Sean said without smiling. He held up the clipboard and checked the top sheet of paper for a second. “This will be done in teams of two. The sales guys will work together and the admin guys will pair up. When I call out your name and your team number, find your teammate and stand over by that path.” He pointed toward an opening in the trees. “Team One, Zeiger and Flint.”

He paused while the two men met, shook hands, and started toward the path. “Team Two, Cassidy and Wallace. Team Three, Hernandez and Billings. Team Four, Kathryn Delroy and Thomas Ryan.” Sean raised an eyebrow. “Anyone have a problem with their teammate?”

Kathryn thought his glance rested on Thomas a little longer than normal.

No answers came from the group as everyone listened for the next order. “This is going to be fun. Most people get a good laugh, which is why we start with this, it’s sort of an ice-breaker. Okay. Follow me,” Sean motioned as he passed the group. He led the way down the path, talking as he moved. “Before we get too far, I want to caution everyone. You’re in Alaska now. You’re a guest here. This land belongs to the bear, moose, and a lot of other critters. As long as you move slowly, stay close to the cabins and lodge, and don’t do anything stupid, you won’t have any problems. However, if you do happen to come across a wild animal, remove yourself slowly from it. Do NOT run. Bears will chase you. That’s one race you’ll never win. They’re usually just as afraid of you as you are of them, so they’ll make a quick exit if you don’t get stupid.”

He hesitated for a second to catch his breath, then added, “And don’t go walking around out here in the woods by yourself. I don’t want to have to come looking for you.”

Sean moved off into the trees. The group fell into line behind him.

Thomas sidled up next to Kathryn. He grinned. “Ready for this, partner?”

“Can’t wait.” She smiled back with a hint of sarcasm as she fell into step. The path through the trees was only wide enough for one person to pass through, so Thomas held out his hand for her to pass before him. They trudged a mere hundred feet through the trees to a large opening, devoid of vegetation other than a few sparse tufts of grass. Sunshine glinted streaks of light through thick branches casting a bright haze over the troop. In the middle of the opening was an adult-size jungle gym that looked like something out of a reality show. Two large wooden beams bolted together spanned over the entire structure. One end had two ropes attached to it that hung to the ground. The ropes were knotted at one foot intervals. Kathryn swallowed as she realized she would have to climb one of them. There was no other purpose for that kind of rope. Good thing she’d used the gym as a mental rejuvenator the past few months.

A platform protruded about four feet below the top of the ropes, sort of a lookout point. On the other side of it was a large mesh net that cascaded down at an angle into the dirt. Beyond the net, a big green plastic tunnel that resembled a drainage tube curled around and ended at the other side of the structure. Large wooden slats were nailed to a six foot wide wall on the far end. The slatted wall rose up to the very top beams. The beams above the structure formed a platform less than a foot wide. It had a large rope stretched across that was about six feet over the entire contraption and anchored at each end to the supports. Another green tunnel structure hung from a platform next to the top beam. However, that tunnel angled to the ground like a water slide, where at the bottom was a large puddle of water.

Oh great. It really is a water slide. She frowned. She didn’t mind getting wet, but didn’t relish the mud at the bottom. The temperature was more than just cool, it was nippy. It would ruin the jacket she had on. The only jacket she’d brought.

“This should be fun,” Thomas whispered in her ear. Kathryn couldn’t help but tip an eyebrow up and look at him sideways.

“Okay, here’s how it works.” Sean spoke loudly to get everyone’s attention. “Each team is going to wear one of these harnesses.” He held up a rope – a leather contraption that bore resemblance to a medieval torture device.

“Really fun,” Thomas interjected, his breath tickling her earlobe. He let out a short “Ouch” as Kathryn landed a solid jab to his ribs.
About The Author:

Shelley K. Wall was born near Kansas City, the middle daughter of three. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with additional post graduate work there and at the University of Wyoming extension in Casper. She also holds a length career in Information Technology.

Shelley enjoys writing characters that deal with drama in a humorous way, situations that are believable even if intense, heroes and heroines that aren’t perfect, and villains that may have an inkling of redemption hidden away.

Website: http://shelleykwall.com
Blog: http://shelleykwall.wordpress.com
Twitter: @skwallbooks

Sneak Peek: NEVERWYLDE by Linda Mooney

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Readers Entertainment

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1 June 2015

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Neverwylde from Linda Mooney

Two species, bitter enemies, are determined to destroy each other, until they realize they need one another to survive a major catastrophe.

As they race through a nebulous space anomaly in the midst of battle, the Terrans and Seneecians are blown through a wormhole to crash land on an uncharted world. A half world. A world containing the remains of a long-dead civilization.

Lt. Kelen Chambliss knows she has no reason to trust the furred, humanoid creatures, but she and her crew members cannot survive without their help, and the Seneecians cannot survive without theirs. Neither can she ignore the fearsome-looking one called Kyber, with his wicked talons and piercing green eyes.

As they slowly come to realize there is no escape or forthcoming rescue from the barren planet, Kelen learns there is much about the enemy she never knew. Including the fact that Kyber’s formidable appearance hides a strong, brave, and caring heart.

Warning! Contains glowing glyphs, blue pancakes, eye worms, endless tunnels, and two people of different species daring to take their last and only chance at love.

Excerpt:

Kelen dropped her armload of material and reached for her hand weapon. It was an automatic gesture, made more instinctive than habit after rigorous training. Realizing she wasn’t wearing it, she grabbed a section of one of the consoles she’d been carrying and held it up, ready to swing it at the first Seneecian who approached her.

Yet, none of them did. They stood there, their fangs and talons showing, and growled. But no one appeared to want to take the initiative until Cooter rushed to the front and raised his rifle. A split-second before he fired, she whacked the barrel of the gun upward, and the shot went wide.

“Chambliss!”

“Wait! Wait! Look!” She pointed at the creatures facing them. “They’re injured.”

“Good!” the head of security shouted, and aimed his rifle again, directly at the immense Seneecian standing in front of the others.

She started to cut off his shot a second time, when something tried to skitter across the toe of her boot. As it made contact with her protective skin, it hissed. Kelen swung her makeshift club at the thing. It made a squishing sound upon impact, and the creature went flying across the floor.

Someone swore. “Shit! There’s more of them!”

For a moment, she thought someone was saying there were more Seneecians, when the floor seemed to move. A beam of light swept over the ground to find it nearly covered with dark, reddish-colored wormlike things with legs. A single eye stalk rose from the center of their bodies. As the nearly foot-long creatures spotted them, they rose up to on their hind legs to reveal a slitted mouth along their underbellies.

“Waste the fuckers!” Jules hollered, grabbing a piece from Dox’s collection. He started mowing down the wormy creatures, but more of them continued to advance toward her and the others, as well as the Seneecians.

Kelen pounded them with the console. Others fired their weapons. That noise, along with the sound of Cooter’s pulse rifle, clashed inside the temple walls like a thousand bells. The volume became deafening.

Striking the invading creatures was more difficult than she could imagine. Every one she hit exploded into blue-black goo that clung to the end of her club. Goo that adhered to another one of those things, until the piece of metal was crawling with a dozen stuck wormy bodies all struggling to fight back. Their combined weight quickly sapped what little strength she had left, and Kelen knew she’d soon be unable to lift her weapon, much less continue beating with it.

At some point, she became aware of a large presence at her back. She barely had time to glance over her shoulder to see the huge Seneecian standing there, firing his own weapon at the mob advancing from behind her. Tightening her grasp on her weapon, she continued the bat the wormy things.

She felt a hard tug on the side of her leg. Swinging the club downward, she missed hitting the worm trying to gnaw through the tough protective skin. It redoubled its efforts, when something slammed against the side of the face. Kelen shrieked, dropping her weapon, and grabbed the creature adhered to her cheek. She heard it hiss, and an oily substance began to delve into her ear. Crying out again, she pulled on it, when the thing dug its feet into her face. It released a thick cloud of noxious fumes, choking her, making her dizzy. She could feel herself sinking into unconsciousness.

There was a sudden jerk on her head. Blue-black ichor sprayed across her face, and she gasped. Another jerk, and she could feel the thing’s pincers being drawn out of her skin. Kelen rolled her eyes upward, to find the big Seneecian standing less than a meter away from her. He tossed away the piece of the creature he’d dragged off her face as his arms and talons dripped dark colored gore.

Time seemed to hesitate. Her eyes locked with his. Into that nearly ethereal green gaze. A gaze filled with worry and…

Compassion.

“Thank you,” she gasped. She tried to lift her club, but her arms had gone numb.

The Seneecian’s expression froze. He reached out toward her, and she flinched as he shoved her to the floor. There was a high-pitched whine, and a worm exploded inches above her. More ichor splattered across her face and neck.

She gasped. Placing her hands beneath her, she attempted to sit up, but her muscles would no longer obey. She laid there, unable to move, as the darkly furred alien towered above her.

About the Author:

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel.

A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love.

She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid’s Author of the Year, and her book MY STRENGTH, MY POWER, MY LOVE was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book LORD OF THUNDER was named the Epic Ebook “Eppie” Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance.

In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith.

For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

You can find more about Linda and her books at:

Website: http://lindamooney.com

Neverwylde Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X4L3S5Q

Blog: http://lindamooney.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicAndPress

Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/735249946549380/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindaMooney

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lindam54/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/lindam54

Reader’s Entertainment Radio Show Presents: The Ladies of Sweet Summer Romance

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Readers Entertainment

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29 May 2015

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It was great to sit down with fellow co-authors, Carol Malone, Debby Lee and Sarah Daley on Thursday to discuss our new compilation: Summer Hearts: 6 Summer Tales of Sweet Romance. We had a round-robin chat to get to know more about our writing journeys, what sparked our interest in doing this project, and our novellas in Summer Hearts. For Sarah Daley, it was especially fun because this marks her debut as a published author! Authors, Kathy Bosman, and Robyn Echols weren’t able to join us for the interview, but they’ll be with us for the Summer Hearts Blog Tour, June 6-12th!

Book Blurb:

Every Summer Has a Love Story…Six Summer Tales of Sweet Romance that bring you the very best in Historical, Contemporary and Fantasy Romance. Sarah Daley, Carol Malone, Kathy Bosman, Debby Lee, Robyn Echols, and Lisa Watson weave stories of long days, sultry nights, sun-kissed beaches and sweet romance.

Click on the book cover image to listen to the podcast!

Debby Lee – Dreaming in California:

In the summer of 1967, Hollywood actress, Lucinda Baker, appears to have it all– fame, money, and an all too doting fiancé. Dark traits begin to emerge from the man she’s pledged to marry, and he threatens her. Lucinda must now lean on her best friend, celebrity photographer, George Creston to escape the clutches of the dangerous relationship. Together they are forced to summon courage, and trust each other in desperate circumstances. Will they find love in the process or lose everything they hold dear, including their lives.

Connect with Debby Lee on Social Media

http://www.booksbydebbylee.com/

https://www.facebook.com/debby.lee.71?fref=ts

http://www.sweetinspirationals.blogspot.com/

Lisa Watson – A Summer of Stars:

McKinley Graham has escaped to her summer getaway to regain her perspective and her health. Zane Davidson has taken refuge in the lovely seaside community, welcoming the healing balm of the salty sea air and his childhood home to mend his wounds. They aren’t looking for love, but their attraction is too explosive to ignore. Against the backdrop of starry nights and sultry kisses, they come to realize that even love may not be enough to save them from the angry storm of his past that threatens to destroy their dreams!

Connect with Lisa Watson on Social Media:

www.lisawatson.com

www.facebook.com/NCLisaWatson

www.twitter.com/LisaYWatson

www.pinterest.com/LisaYWatson

www.goodreads.com/LisaWatson

Sarah Daley – Drowning Sandy:

The water is calling… and Sandy can no longer resist the urge to unleash her mermaid form. But a simple swim in Lake Ontario ends when she discovers the truth of her own banishment. When long time crush, Alardo, seems to shift in a direction she never dreamed possible, Sandy must make a choice — mermaid or human? Once she chooses, she can never go back.

Connect with Sarah Daley on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/S.E.DaleyAuthor

https://twitter.com/SEDaleyAuthor

http://semishort.blogspot.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/prplmormonchic/

SEDaley22@gmail.com

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1087199-sarah

Carol Malone – Summer Holiday:

In the summer of 1905, Lizzy Gordon’s father dismisses her desires to be a doctor, demanding she become a teacher—a profession which does not allow women to marry. Teacher Brent Pierce is dedicated to expanding young minds, but circumstances are forcing him to take over the family farm. Before the summer is over Lizzy and Brent will be forced to make hard decisions. Can they find the courage to each stand up for themselves and still be together?

Connect with Carol Malone on Social Media

Website: http://carolmalone.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolmaloneauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolAnneMalone

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00FDB1ISY

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/carolannemalone/

Kathy Bosman – Shark Boss:

When Tara takes up a job at the local aquarium, her colleagues warn her about their harsh boss, Mr. Carter Jones. She soon discovers how impatient he can be, but she also can’t deny her fascination and attraction to him. Carter can’t stop watching Tara as she works but holds back from her because of his secrets. If she knew what he was, she would never want him. Could the reason for Carter’s moods be related to something more troubling than what’s on the surface? Tara soon discovers Carter’s secret, and it only bonds them closer. But the curse starts to take over Carter’s life, and he won’t give his heart to a beautiful woman when he can only cause her pain.

Connect with Kathy Bosman on Social Media:

http://www.kathybosman.com/

http://www.facebook.com/KathleenBosman

https://twitter.com/KathleenLBosman

http://www.pinterest.com/gracewalk17

Robyn Echols – The Best Place to Meet a Man:

Jeff heads to the beach to run and clear his head. Meredith is intent on going to the beach so she can bury her nose in her book. In this contemporary romantic comedy, Meredith’s two young nephews have other plans.

Connect with Robyn Echols on Social Media:

http://www.robynechols.com/

http://www.robynechols.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/robynecholsbooks

https://www.pinterest.com/robynecholsbook/

Great Sweet Romance!

Sneak Peek: Trust and Consent by Megan Slayer

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Readers Entertainment

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28 May 2015

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Raylan Greene never expected the guy next to him in American History class to be so hot. Then again, he wasn’t looking for a relationship either. But this photographer knows a good subject when he sees one. The blond-haired guy with the sad eyes captivates him. The trouble is Raylan’s into rope bondage and he needs that special someone to be his partner. A tall order, indeed.

Chase Tate can’t take his eyes off Raylan. When they’re together, even if only in class, the words and tunes to songs fill his brain. He’s found his muse—if only he can grab Raylan’s attention. He’s scared his past and the secrets he’s kept buried will drive Raylan away.

Will Raylan be able to accept Chase despite the issues in his past? Will Chase run once he finds out about Raylan’s fetish? Or will these two scorch the sheets and find a love to last a lifetime?

EXCERPT:

Another semester, another class and no hotties in the bunch. Raylan Greene sat back in his chair and opened his notebook. He never should’ve waited until the summer semester of his junior year at college to take the American History class, but his schedule always ended up so full. He’d finally found the time—in the hottest months of the year.

The pale blue paint flaked at the corners of the room and the desks had seen better days. Most of the table tops were decorated with names carved into the wooden surface. Everyone from Albert to Zach had left a mark.

Footsteps thumped in the hallway and the building buzzed with conversation. Some of the girls sat together and chattered. Two guys near the door argued about a comic book movie Raylan wanted to see, but hadn’t been to the theater to view. One of the guys sported a football jersey and regaled his friends with stories from the latest practice session.

Raylan glanced around the classroom at the various students. He recognized a couple of the guys from other classes, but none of the men in the room appealed to him. He groaned. He had to be one of the older students in the room and all because he hadn’t worked the class in during his freshman year.

He hadn’t been a freshman in a long time, but he felt like he’d been in the photography thread forever. The students in the photography division all knew each other. Once they’d paired off in romantic relationships, those who hadn’t found a partner didn’t really date the others. He’d gone out with a few guys, but none for a great length of time.

He’d just about given up hope when a young man strolled into the room. The guy quickened his pace and collapsed in the desk beside Raylan.

“That was close.” He plunked his books on the desk top. “I had the wrong room assignment written down.”

“That can happen.” Raylan smiled at his classmate. “I’m Raylan.”

“Chase.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m not usually late.”

“You’re fine. We’ve got another five minutes. Professor Alemonde walks at his own pace.” Raylan studied Chase. He’d seen his share of good looking guys before, but something about Chase caught his attention. Maybe it was the shaggy hair hanging to his collar or the slightly bewildered look in his brown eyes, but Raylan wanted to photograph him. He preferred strong men, but not overly muscled. Chase seemed to fit the bill. Was he a hairy guy? A top? A bottom?

“I feel so silly.” Chase opened his notebook and shook his head. “The wrong room number. I’ve been on this campus almost three years now. You’d think I’d check this stuff.” He moved his guitar case to beneath his seat. A myriad of stickers decorated the worn faux leather surface of the case. “If this gets in the way, tell me. I can’t control the thing sometimes.”

You purchase Trust and Consent at:

Available at:
Amazon
All Romance eBooks
Isbooks
Barnes and Noble

About the Author:
I love storytelling and weaving images with words. There’s something magical about a happily-ever-after that draws me to a story. Be it spicy and suspense-filled or lusty hot and bothered, I’m game for a good book.I’m still learning and growing and I hope you’ll join me. It’s been a crazy ride, but it’s totally worth it. You’ll see.

I’ve always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I love playing with words and letting the characters run wild.

NASCAR, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, animals and second chance romance all feature prominently in my books. I also write under the pen name of Megan Slayer. I’m published with Total-E-Bound, Changeling Press, Liquid Silver Books, Shara Azod Publishing, Turquoise Morning Press, Decadent Publishing and The Wild Rose Press. Come join me for this fantastic journey! Learn more about Megan by visiting her website.

Guest Blogger John Hegenberger Talks On How Long It Takes To Publish a Book

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Readers Entertainment

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27 May 2015

0

A reader once asked me…

“How long does it take to publish a book?”

30 years? Three years? Three months? Three days? Three hours?

For me when I recently published Cross Examinations, a collection of short private eye stories, the answer was all the above.

I wrote the first draft back in 1988, which is still today the setting for the tales. Not long after, I encountered a series of personal needs involving my family and friends and found it best to put the manuscript into a drawer and build a career that assured us all a steady income. It all worked out beautifully, because about 27 years later with a career completed and three children grown, I was nearing retirement and it was time to reopen that drawer.

Thus in 2012, I entered a whole new world of electronic publishing. The book went through a rewrite, along with several other manuscripts. And I began writing daily again and created another book; a novel, this time.

After approximately three months of searching, I found a publisher for the novel. Ah, but then I was faced with the prospect of another 8 to 10 months wait while the editing and publishing process advanced. That seemed like forever.

I wanted to do something progressive in the meantime. So, having heard about this thing called self-publishing, I decided to give it a try with the short story collection while I waited for the other book, the novel, to come out.

Again, I worked through three weeks of rewrites and polishes to create the content of Cross Examinations.

But then came the daunting task of learning to properly format and post an eBook. After another three days of poking around, reading up, and watching various videos, I pressed the Send button and launched my book into the world.

Ah, but then… came the agonizing three hours wait before the book became fully available on the website.

Finally, success was mine!

The collection of short stories is out there now available to a wide audience and the other book, the novel, is still moving forward through the production process for full publication this fall.

So, as you can see, the process contains many stages, but at each step along the way, I knew I was getting closer to the fulfillment of my dream.

Looking back, it doesn’t seem to have been all that long, after all. I’m happy I took the time and fully intend to share another again soon. And this time, it shouldn’t take so long.

So please believe me when I say, thanks for reading.

______________________________________

About the Author

JOHN HEGENBERGER

Born and raised in the heart of the heartland, Columbus, Ohio, John Hegenberger is the author of upcoming Stan Wade LAPI series from Black Opal Books, father of three, tennis enthusiast, collector of silent films and OTR, hiker, Francophile, B.A. Comparative Lit., Pop culture author, crime-fighter, comedian, ex-lead in the senior class play, ex-Navy, ex-comic book dealer, ex-marketing exec at Exxon, AT&T, and IBM, happily married for 45 years.

Over the years, I’ve published two non-fiction books about collecting pop-culture movie memorabilia and comic books. I’ve also sold half-dozen stories to Galaxy, Amazing and other SF anthologies and am a lapsed SFWA member.

http://johnhegenberger.com/

https://www.facebook.com/john.hegenberger

https://twitter.com/jhegenbe

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XT5F562

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00XT5F562?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25570268-cross-examinations

Want to Be More Intellectual? 5 Books to Read this Year that Will Ignite Your Inner Scholar

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27 May 2015

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Want to Be More Intellectual? 5 Books to Read this Year that Will Ignite Your Inner Scholar
Guest Post by Lizzie Weakley

Books have an amazing ability to change the way you view the world and improve your intellect. If you’re looking for some hard-earned, mind-expanding text to expand your mind, there are a few standards that you should be aware of. These books go beyond the “five-foot wall of knowledge” devised by Charles William Eliot that were intended to act as a record of the progress of man. These books challenge the brain and provide real growth, not just knowledge of history, culture and trends in the development of man.

Hope

This New York Times Bestseller was written by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus. The story increases your intellect by forcing you to engage with two women who were victims of a real-life kidnapping by a Cleveland school bus driver. These women were tortured and abused until they escaped nearly 10 years later. This book tells the story of these brave women and opens your mind to the depths of human character.

The Girl on the Train

A new book written by Paula Hawkins, this nonfiction story unfolds as a psychological thriller bound to keep your mind active and guessing until the very end. Few books can engage the mind and cause you to exercise your powers of deduction as this book can. In the vein of Sherlockian investigation, this book challenges your awareness and makes you pay attention to clues that may help to sharpen your intellect and understanding.

The Know-It-All: One Man’s Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World

While on the subject of attempting to learn it all, this book by A.J. Jacobs attempts to recount the journey of one man who attempted to learn all there was to know. The book can serve as a foundation for those on the quest for increased learning, and it divulges many secrets and tricks necessary for succeeding on the path to greater knowledge.

Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything

Joshua Foer covers the most important techniques needed for a true intellectual to attain their potential. The text deals with tips and techniques that can help make you a smarter, more knowledgeable and intellectual person. Think of this as a guidebook that will set you on the path toward greater understanding and achievement.

The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language

Steven Pinker takes you through a journey of how the mind creates the auditory and symbolic cues to create language. It’s a classic study that any intellectual should take the time to study and read. It explains how children learn language, how it changes, evolves and how the brain processes language.

Any book you read that engages your mind, teaches you something new or forces you to think about life in a new way can improve your intellect. Learning, exploring and engaging with your inner world can help you to become a more interesting and vibrant individual. Take some time out this year and explore these thought-provoking texts written by some of the greatest authors of the modern era.

Informational Credit

The information for this article was provided by professionals who offer an online masters in reading of prospective students.

SNEAK PEEK: A Kiss for Lady Mary by Ella Quinn

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Readers Entertainment

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26 May 2015

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Ella Quinn’s bachelors do as they like and take what they want. But when the objects of their desire are bold, beautiful women, the rules of the game always seem to change…

Handsome, charming, and heir to a powerful Viscount, Christopher “Kit” Featherton is everything a woman could want—except interested in marriage. So when he hears that someone on his estate near the Scottish border is claiming to be his wife, Kit sets off to investigate.

Since her parents’ death, Lady Mary Tolliver has been hounded by her cousin, a fortune-hunting fool after her inheritance. Refusing to settle for anything less than love, Mary escapes to the isolated estate of rakish bachelor, Kit Featherton. Knowing he prefers Court to the country, she believes she will be safe. But when Kit unexpectedly returns, her pretend marriage begins to feel seductively real…

Excerpt

The next day, Mary sat with her grandmother and aunt in the dower house’s elegant, but cozy morning room. Small paintings and miniatures encompassing generations of Tollivers covered the walls and surfaces. The furniture was old, and comfortable, but in the Queen Anne style. Long windows gave a view over the rose garden and the marble fountain in its center. The curtains had recently been changed from the velvet, used during the colder seasons, to a cerulean blue watered silk trimmed with gold braid. Even though they were experiencing one of their few warm days this spring, a log spat and popped in the fireplace.

In fact the only disturbing part of the normally tranquil atmosphere was the conversation.

Doing her best to keep her jaw from dropping in shock, Mary stared at her grandmother. The older woman’s thick silver hair was fashionably dressed, and even at more than seventy years of age, her face held few lines. Her gaze seemed as sharp as ever. In all, she looked the picture of health, except for this recent burst of incipient insanity, for that was all it could be.

Mary opened her mouth then closed it again. Several moments passed in silence as she struggled to make sense of what she thought she’d heard. After rejecting retorts such as, Grandmama are you feeling quite well? Or, are you sure you wouldn’t like a nice room in Bedlam? Finally, unable to come up with another way to ask her question, she simply voiced the nicest thought in her mind. “Surely, I have not understood you properly. You want me to do what?”

“Well, I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

Mary shifted her gaze to her aunt. Perhaps madness had always run in the family, and it was kept a secret so as not to ruin them socially. After all, who would deliberately marry into a family where lunacy was rampant?

“He has a face like a fish.” Aunt Eunice opened her eyes wide and moved her lips in a fair imitation of fish’s.

“Hake.” Grandmamma nodded decisively. “It’s the way his eyes protrude.”

Mary closed her eyes, repressing a shudder. “I agree, but surely there must be less drastic measures I can take.”

Grandmama leaned forward and pounded her silver headed cane on the floor. “He may look like a fool, my girl, but he’s canny, and, if what Cook told me is true”—Mary should have expected that—“which I have no doubt it is, he almost caught you a few days ago.”

“Yes, well.” Not the cleverest of replies. Surely, she could think of something more to say. “I got away from him.” She ended lamely.

“This time.” Grandmama’s lips thinned. She rammed the cane into the thick Turkey rug again.

About the Author:
Bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them. She has just finished her first series, The Marriage Game, and her new series will start in April 2016.

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and granddaughter, one cat and a dog. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat cruising the Caribbean and North America.

Ella is a member of the Romance Writers of American, The Beau Monde and Hearts Through History. She is represented by Elizabeth Pomada of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency, and published by Kensington.

Website: www.ellaquinnauthor.com

You can find A Kiss for Lady Mary at:
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ B&N ~ Apple

Summer Reads: Five Fast Paced Paperbacks to Take on Your Travels

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26 May 2015

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Summer Reads: Five Fast Paced Paperbacks to Take on Your Travels
By Guest Blogger – Brooke Chaplan

Long summer afternoons are the perfect time to kick back with a good book, but sometimes, finding the right book can be difficult. Summer just seems to ask for something new and easy. Consider this list of five summer reading recommendations of fast, fun reads perfect for summer.
One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by BJ Novak
BJ Novak of The Office fame, presents a series of short stories sure to capture even the most casual reader’s attention. Inside the covers of this book contain narratives about the most basic of human striving; the striving to be and feel, complete. Along this journey, the characters in these stories experience the love, fear, pain, regrets and desires that are so very identifiable.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
This story follows a typical Atlanta teen, Anna as she anticipates her upcoming last year of high school. And though she has a job, and a friend who may be turning into a crush, her teenage ideal is shattered when she is uprooted to attend a boarding school in Paris, France. Despite her hesitation, Anna reconsiders hating France when she meets Étienne St. Clair, a dreamy, smart, handsome boy with a serious girlfriend.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Virginia “Ginny” Blackstone is a typical 17 year old when she receives an odd inheritance from her recently deceased, self-proclaimed “Runaway Aunt” Peg, 13 little blue envelopes. Her instructions are only that Ginny is going to be traveling to foreign lands for several weeks and she is only allowed to open one envelope at a time. Aunt Peg has four rules to follow: Ginny can only bring what fits into a backpack, but she cannot bring any kind of journal or foreign language aid, extra money of any kind, and she cannot use or bring anything electronic with her. Armed with only the envelopes as her guide, Ginny leaves home for the adventure of a lifetime.

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos
The lives of Cornelia Brown, manager at a hip Philadelphia coffee shop and Clare Hobbs, an abandoned eleven year old searching for her father, don’t seem to have anything in common. When they cross paths one day, these two misfits form an unlikely friendship. Love Walked In is a true love story, one which proves that true love is deeper than love at first sight. True love is layered with friendship and loyalty and caring.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Family tragedy has sent sixteen-year-old Jacob on a quest to find himself. What he finds are the crumbling remains of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. What he discovers is that these children may have been more than peculiar, and they may not be gone. This book has an ambience all its own as BookTrib.com says, it’s like Edward Gorey meets Tim Burton. A great book for a little summer scare.

No matter what book you choose to read, or how you choose to read it, the important thing is that you read. Summer is a perfect time for reading.

About the Author:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance blogger and recent graduate of the University of New Mexico. She now lives in Los Lunas where she writes and researches when she’s not outside running, hiking and biking. Contact Brooke on LinkedIn.