His Jilted Bride by Rose Gordon - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today author Rose Gordon visits on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the historical romance, "His Jilted Bride". I enjoyed this book quite a lot, and have reviewed it here.

Rose will be awarding a $100 gift card to Amazon.com to a randomly drawn commenter, so leave a comment today and follow the rest of her tour by clicking on the banner above. Additionally, along with the grand prize giveaway that stretches for the duration of the the tour, Rose is giving away a signed copy of one of her backlist titles: His Contract Bride to one commenter on this blog (US only -- international commenters will be awarded their choice of two digital books from her backlist instead).

Rose has shared five things about her we might not have guessed.  The floor is yours, Rose!

1. My husband’s hair is longer than mine. I recently cut my hair to just below my chin, and my husband has these tight spiral curls that hang down just below his shoulders, and further when wet! Ironically, many of the men I write about in my Regency novels, have long hair they keep in queues. So it didn’t come as a surprise—though was hysterically funny—when one of the women in my husband’s chemistry class asked him one day if he grew his hair long like that so he could be on the cover of one of my books.

2. I hate to hug. Yes, I know, I’m a romance novelist which automatically equates to lover of all things intimacy in some people’s minds. But not for me. I can’t explain why, but I’m not very comfortable being touched by people I don’t know—and even some I do know!

3. When people ask what I do, I tell them I’m an adult entertainer. It’s great to see their reaction. This came about when I was cornered about my extracurricular activities (writing romances) by some ladies in my church. When they asked what I was doing during the day with all of my free time now that my kids were in school, I just smiled and said I was now working as an adult entertainer. I didn’t lie. It’s true. I’m an adult and an entertainer! I’ve since given this as my job description to anyone who asks. It’s always a great way to break the ice.

4. My father reads all of my books and likes to discuss them at length. I think that’s all that needs to be said on this point.

5. I had to delete one of my things for fear of public crucifixion. Seriously. I made an admission (that I then had to delete) that many people would consider to be a crime against humanity—even though it had to do with having never read a book about vampires.

It's her wedding day and there is no groom in sight. But why should Amelia Brice be surprised? Hiram, Lord Friar is known for having no gentleman's honor to speak of and his jilting her on their wedding day makes it official.

Elijah Banks cannot allow his childhood friend to continue to be shamed this way. It's been almost an hour past the time when the wedding was to start, and that bounder still hasn't shown up. Unable to sit still a second longer, Elijah does the only thing that seems logical from where he stands: kidnap the bride and marry her himself in order to escape this scandal with one far more forgiving for a young lady's reputation.

The only trouble is, she has a secret...but so does he; hers is big...but his is bigger.

Enjoy an excerpt:

He pushed open the window as far as it would go and motioned for her to come over. “All right, I'll climb out first and then help pull you through.”

She cast him a tentative glance. “Is that really necessary?”

He stared at her as if she'd just asked the stupidest question ever. “Do you know another way to get out of here without being seen?”

“No.” But that still didn't mean she wanted to climb out a window.

“Don't worry, Amelia. I'll be right there to help you.”

“Wonderful,” she muttered as he threw his left leg over the window sill, then his right.

He jumped down and took a step back. “All right, Amelia, let's see those superb leaping skills you used to boast about having.”

Had she a heavy object at her disposal—and not been in the middle of escaping what was sure to be the scandal of the season—she'd have brained him right then and there. With as much grace as her heavy satin gown would allow, she made her way to the window, pulled her skirt up as far as she could, and then threw one stocking-clad leg over the windowsill.

And that's as far as she got.

Between the heavy skirts and the voluminous petticoats underneath them, she couldn't move.

“Elijah, help me. I think my skirt is stuck.”

He grinned at her.

“Elijah, why are you just standing there?”

“Just admiring the view,” he said with a wink.

“Elijah!” She gave her dress a hearty yank, but it would seem her iron hoop stays were too wide to go through the window. “You can gawk all you want later. Just help me out.”

“Promises, promises,” he muttered, coming up to her.

USA Today Bestselling Author of ten unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after. When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being haunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.

Website: http://www.rosegordon.net

Blog: http://rosesromanceramblings.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rose-Gordon-historical-romance-author/178033968907233

Buy Links:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B76T2AA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B76T2AA&linkCode=as2&tag=rosgor-20

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-jilted-bride-rose-gordon/1045737141?ean=2940015960952

All Romance Ebooks:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hisjiltedbridehistoricalregencyromance-1049845-160.html

Kobo Books:

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/His-Jilted-Bride-Historical-Regency/book-4e3CQXYskUqxpSBoAt4v1w/page1.html?s=5W9lFLlSYUqjfqXiaVEwMw&r=2

Review: His Jilted Bride by Rose Gordon

(Novella length historical romance)



It's her wedding day and there is no groom in sight. But why should Amelia Brice be surprised? Hiram, Lord Friar is known for having no gentleman's honor to speak of and his jilting her on their wedding day makes it official.

Elijah Banks cannot allow his childhood friend to continue to be shamed this way. It's been almost an hour past the time when the wedding was to start, and that bounder still hasn't shown up. Unable to sit still a second longer, Elijah does the only thing that seems logical from where he stands: kidnap the bride and marry her himself in order to escape this scandal with one far more forgiving for a young lady's reputation.

The only trouble is, she has a secret...but so does he; hers is big...but his is bigger.



His Jilted Bride is both a typical and atypical historical romance.  Typical because of the mores of the time (especially regarding women), but not so typical since this story doesn't deal so much with things most readers have come to expect like ballrooms and the ton.

 I have to admit first that I was a bit frustrated with the hero and heroine.  They've been friends since childhood, but suddenly find it impossible to talk to one another? This was a story with a misunderstanding (or two) that could have been cleared up easily with an honest conversation.  However, given their behavior at the beginning of the story that shoves a wedge between them, I suppose it's somewhat understandable.

Still, I found the hero, Elijah, and his brother, Henry, completely real and charming and enjoyed every scene they were in (together and separately).  Amelia made me a bit crazy and I wanted to shake her several times, but she redeems herself eventually and honestly, the romance was sweet and touched my heart.  I'm always a sucker for the friends to lovers trope.  The author's skill with words is never in question, and she creates scenes we can see clearly in our minds with deft description and clear, realistic dialogue.

 While this was apparently part of a series, I never felt lost or as if I were missing something.  It stands alone quite well.

If you are looking for an adorable historical romance with a touch of intrigue, and one that can be read in one or two sittings, then I recommend His Jilted Bride.  I eagerly look forward to Henry's story. He nearly steals the show in this book!

4 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends.

How Not to Train a Zombie by Annie Rachel Cole - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today author Annie Rachel Cole visits on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the middle grade novel, "How Not to Train a Zombie".

The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so leave a comment today and follow the rest of her tour by clicking on the banner above.

How does a thirteen-year old become the most popular kid in 8th grade? He trains a zombie to be a pet... And that's exactly what Max Taylor plans to do, even if he had to lie, steal, and lose his best friend in the process.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

“Training a zombie is not a stupid idea. Everyone will be so jealous and they’ll want one. But we’ll be the only ones who can train them. Not only will we be popular, but we’ll be rich,” said Max, quickly changing the conversation away from Kelly’s pool party as fast as he could. It irked him that Eddy Pratt, the geekiest kid in school got invited to the party and he, Kelly’s soon-to-be boyfriend, didn’t. How could Eddy Pratt be ranked higher than him on the school social ladder? How could Chad get invited and not him? It didn’t make any sense.

Max banged his fist against his head. It did too make sense. Eddy didn’t get invited because he was cool or anything like that. He got invited because his dad’s a zombie exterminator.

“Training a zombie like it’s some sort of pet is not only the most stupid idea I’ve ever heard, it won’t work. No way!” Chad opened his locker and put several books inside. “All you’re gonna do is break a whole lot of laws. Besides, I’ve already told Mr. Carter we’re doing an experiment to show how volcanos create islands.”

“And how is showing how volcanos create islands going to make up popular?”

“It’ll win us the science fair.”

“But if we train a zombie, we’ll not only win the science fair, we’ll be doing the town a huge favor.”

“How? By getting ourselves put in jail or worse like—you know—infected? No! Thank! You! There are rules about zombies for a reason. They are extremely infectious…”

I live in Texas with my husband, son, and two cats who think they run the place. I read, write, play Texas Hold’em poker (I'm actually part of a local league), and occasionally I compete in BBQ competitions with my husband. Our team name is Outcast Cookers. I also teach in a public school.

My likes include: a wide variety of music (see my play list for book 2 on my blog), Star Trek (My son got me a signed picture of Patrick Stewart which sits on my desk.), Star Wars, Grimm (TV series), winter (though we don’t have snow), the holiday season, coffee, hot tea (with cream and sweetener), pizza (no anchovies though), puzzles, Edgar Allan Poe, Ray Bradbury, and JK Rowling.

http://annierachelcole.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/@AnnieRachelCole
http://pinterest.com/annierachelcole/

Buy Links
Amazon (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/How-NOT-Train-Zombie-ebook/dp/B00BEB2YEY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362452994&sr=8-2&keywords=how+not+to+train+a+zombie

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Train-Zombie-Annie-Rachel-Cole/dp/1482348322/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1362452994&sr=8-2

Barnes and Noble (Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-not-to-train-a-zombie-annie-rachel-cole/1114502583?ean=2940016367675

KOBO: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/How-NOT-to-Train-Zombie-/book-nbRfqNj2ZEevgBkikZAqag/page1.html?s=YYcFvJjQx0CvQ7y1XEUBPg&r=1

Elven Blood by Debra Dunbar - Virtual Book tour and giveaway

Today author Debra Dunbar visits on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the Urban Fantasy, "Elven Blood".

Debra will be awarding an e-book copy of A DEMON BOUND (book 1 in the Imp Series) to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and a grand prize of a Kindle Fire with an ELVEN BLOOD book cover skin to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US ONLY), so leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered!

Thanks to Debra for answering all my prying questions!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I’ve always loved fantasy. To young children, everything is magic and it’s just as possible for a dog to sprout wings and fly as it is for a bird to do so. I don’t think I ever lost that ability to see the world as a place of possibilities. The odd thing is I’m also a stodgy, practical person. I’ve got an MBA and work for a corporation designing sales compensation plans- which involves a lot of spreadsheets and statistics. You wouldn’t think that kind of person could also write stories about demons and angels, about elves and changelings, but I do. I like to think of it as a Clark Kent/Superman kind of thing. Mild mannered compensation consultant by day, cape-wearing super author by night!

What world-building is required?

Since I’m writing urban/contemporary fantasy, I try to root a lot of my world-building in mythology, folklore, or old religious texts. I think it’s easier for the reader to buy in to a fantasy world if some things are familiar.

For the parts that sprang completely from my imagination, a lot of brain work had to go into the series before I ever began the first chapter. The first draft of novel 1 (A Demon Bound) brought up even more questions, and I found myself with a few re-writes to make sure I had all the details down on the various supernatural races, their interactions and history, and the geography. I actually have a map drawn of Hel, so I know where the elven kingdoms are, topographical features, and locations of the angelic gates to our world.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

That we all have an imp somewhere inside of us, and it’s okay if we let her come out and play every now and then. I’m not likely to make a whole bar full of people crave hot wings, or vandalize an entire block of parking meters, but I still can take naughty pictures of our Elf On A Shelf and post them to Pinterest.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

There is one weird superstition I have about picking up coins. If I see any kind of money on the ground, no matter how gross it is, I need to pick it up. I don’t have to keep it – I can stick it in a donation jar, give it to one of my kids, put it in a piggy bank, etc, but I do have to pick it up. If I don’t, I believe I’m sending the universe the signal that I don’t need money, and I’ll wind up with financial misfortune.

I actually wrote a horror short story based on this – A Slave To The Coin. It’s free on Smashwords, and on Amazon for 99 cents.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I’m trying to be a reformed pantser. I’ve always done a sketchy outline, but for my current work-in-progress I have a chapter-by-chapter outline with more detail. I think that’s about as plotter as I can get, though.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My four year old son, with a panda Pillow Pet. He loves to sit beside me while I work, and sometimes he’ll pull one of my books off the shelf and “read”. He tells me they are quite good.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Now that Elven Blood is out the door, I’m working on book 4 in the Imp series. I’ve also got 2 more short stories in my Naughty Mom romantic erotica series coming soon, and a paranormal thriller, Dead Shift, due out this fall. There are story ideas for a few more things, but I’m not sure my schedule will allow them this year.

Do you have a question for our readers?

If you let your inner Imp out to play, what would she (or he) do? Assuming you didn’t need to fear incarceration, that is!

Sam may be the Iblis, but she is also an imp with a price on her head. The powerful demon Haagenti won’t rest until she’s dragged back to Hel for “punishment”. Sam knows she can’t face Haagenti and win, so when an Elf Lord offers to eliminate the demon in return for her help, Sam accepts. It’s a simple job – find and retrieve a half-breed monster dead or alive. But finding this demon/elf hybrid isn’t proving easy and time is running out.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

The hiss of Wyatt’s shower penetrated through the fog of my pre-caffeinated brain. I was still sprawled on the bed, hidden under a heap of covers, wondering whether I could sneak in a few more minutes of sleep. It was rent day, and I was already late in making my collection rounds. Stretching, I poked my head from under the blanket and watched a small lizard cross the floor. It had a scorpion tail, pointed ears and crimson eyes that darted intelligently across the room. Those red eyes locked onto the bed just as I realized this wasn’t a lizard. It was a demon—and not the usual Low one either.

There was a flash, and I rolled across the bed and onto the floor just before the mattress sliced into two smoking sections. Unfortunately I was trapped in a tangle of sheets. Instinctively I converted my form, deconstructing my usual human one into basic atoms and re-assembling into a creature that was small and hard to kill.

I heard a muffled curse, and I felt the sheets snatched from above me. The demon was no longer a lizard; he was bipedal with furry, clawed legs and a scaled torso. Arms hung down past his knees, ending in sharp hooks. His head twisted and turned, forked tongue tasting the air as he searched for me.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Debra Dunbar lives on a farm in the northeast United States with her husband, three boys, and a Noah’s ark of four legged family members. Her urban fantasy novels feature supernatural elements in local settings. In addition to A DEMON BOUND, SATAN’S SWORD, and ELVEN BLOOD, she has also published a short story erotica series titled NAUGHTY MOM. Connect with her on Twitter @debra_dunbar on Facebook at debradunbarauthor, and on her website at http://debradunbar.com .

A DEMON BOUND: http://amzn.to/MK6nxD

SATAN’S SWORD: http://amzn.to/Tsi1Wr

Medicine Man I: The Chief of All Time by S. R. Howen - Review tour and giveaway

(Full length, Paranormal Time Travel Native American Romance)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions.

S.R. will be awarding a $10 Wild Child Publishing GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so leave a comment on this post and you're entered!



Shannon Running Deer is American Indian by blood, but he has forsaken his people's ancient ways to embrace the "modern" world as a wealthy, highly successful trauma surgeon.

His comfortable existence begins to unravel when, seemingly by chance, Shannon finds himself gradually drawn into the past. Pursued by an ancient evil, he knows he can change the future, if he can survive the past.

In the tradition of Diana Gabaldon, S.R. Howen's MEDICINE MAN is a distinctive and atmospheric novel full of spirituality, mystical time travel, romance, passion, and suspense.



With descriptive and detailing writing, author SR Howen introduces us to a world of intrigue and mystery.

This book is unlike anything I typically read.  With "real life" interwoven with dreams and visions, and tradition versus modern beliefs, there are times we aren't sure just exactly what is true and what isn't.  Our main character, Shannon Running Deer, frequently felt the same!  I liked him, though, and that attachment kept me turning pages.

I wasn't as fond of  Morning Dove as I couldn't get a grip on her. Was she good or evil? Should our hero be with her or not?  Eventually, we get the answers to those questions, but it made my feelings for her ambivalent, which affected some of my enjoyment of the story.

The plot itself was very interesting and well-constructed. Occasionally, it slowed a bit, but would pick right back up again and start with heart-pounding excitement.  I never thought of stopping reading, as I needed to know how things would turn out.

Author SR Howen is very talented and skilled with the written word.  I'd absolutely pick something of hers up to read again.

3.5 Flowers - This was a good book. I liked it.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

I ducked behind the lab table and made my way to the far side of the room. I crouched behind the drawer unit of the farthest table. The wolf didn’t follow me. I couldn’t chance looking around the corner of the table to see where he was. The soft sounds of someone walking across the floor made my nerves stretch tight and sing with fear.

“I’ve got everything put together,” a woman said.

Doctor Martins?

The second person made a small sound of agreement, but didn’t speak. Pages rattled, and a drawer opened.

“The instructions are in here. I included a set in the shell itself--just in case you need them.”

Another sound of agreement from the second person.

“It would have been a lot easier to put this stuff on a disk.”

“No disks. I already told you--no trail of any sort.” He sounded angry and annoyed.

A key turned in a lock, and a hinge squeaked. Something heavy got set down on the lab table I had been at earlier.

What was going on?

The room door swung open.

“You aren’t supposed to be in here,” Doctor Martins said.

Her voice had risen in tone--someone caught doing something they shouldn’t have been.

“I have to check all the doors. Once every hour on this floor. Who are you?” I assumed it was a guard asking.

“Doctor Martins,” she answered. “This is my lab.”

“And him?”

“My assistant,” Doctor Martins said too quickly.

The guard’s shoes made a sound on the floor. “Well, you need to lock the door, even when you’re inside.” The door opened again before it shut with a click. The guard had locked the door from the outside. I wondered briefly if I needed a key from the inside.

“You told me there wouldn’t be a guard,” the man said.

He sounded threatening.

“I don’t even know who that guy is. The other guard was a lazy fool. He spent most his shifts on the phone with his girlfriend.”

“And if this new guard reports you were here?”

“He won’t,” Doctor Martins said.

The man stayed silent. His lack of continued protests seemed wrong.

Another cabinet opened, and something else got set on the lab table.

“How much is here?” the man asked.

“What we agreed on--you could vaccinate everyone in China,” Doctor Martins answered. She let out a nervous little laugh.

“And the other?”

“Everything I promised. It self-replicates, so you can use it in the field--and each time it replicates the structure mutates so it can fight bigger and better bugs.” She laughed again.

“Very good,” the man said.

There was a slight sound, like the brushing of fabric over something hard. One of the two gasped followed by a loud thump that made me startle. I barely kept from smacking my head on the metal drawers behind me. A sulfurous smell drifted across the room.

Latches snapped shut, and papers got shuffled. What had happened? I carefully peered around the edge of the drawer unit. Doctor Martins lay on her back on the floor. Blood seeped from beneath her.

Medicine Man I: The Chief of All Time (Wild Child Publishing): http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106&products_id=404&zenid=8e8ea1c48ee3fc580ce3355a6fbb25e8

Medicine Man I: The Chief of All Time (Amazon Ebook): http://www.amazon.com/The-Chief-Time-Medicine-ebook/dp/B009Z2R3BS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353081294&sr=8-1&keywords=medicine+man+howen

Medicine Man I: The Chief of All Time (Amazon Print) : http://www.amazon.com/Medicine-Man-The-Chief-Time/dp/1617980714/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353081294&sr=8-2&keywords=medicine+man+howen

Medicine Man I: The Chief of All Time (B&N Ebook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/medicine-man-sr-howen/1113712670?ean=2940015913316

Medicine Man I: The Chief of All Time (B&N Print): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/medicine-man-i-s-r-howen/1113795431?ean=9781617980718

Medicine Man I: The Chief of All Time (Kobo ): http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Chief-of-All-Time/book-_hYNNKIra06osXQdjttbtg/page1.html?s=vNIlqpUbIUaJ6gin-i4ZOA&r=1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/srhowen

Facebook Author’s Page: http://www.facebook.com/srhowen1

Blog: Critters at the Keyboard http://srhowen1.blogspot.com/

Author Web page: http://srhowen.wix.com/srhowen-1#!home/mainPage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SRHowen

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3119305.Shaunna_Wolf

Book Blogs: http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/SRHowen

Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?id=166698

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/

Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/shawn-rh/54/1a7/9b6

Dracula Unleashed by Linda Mercury - Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway

Today author Linda Mercury visits on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the spicy paranormal romance, "Dracula Unleashed".

Linda will be awarding a dragon necklace (since Dracula means Dragon) (USA ONLY) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so conmment today and visit her other stops by clicking on the tour banner above.

After centuries as the Dracula of Legend, disguised as a male, Valerie Tate's current incarnation is the last thing she expected: mother of a precocious half-angel, half-vampire, and wife to two men. But Valerie is more familiar with battlefields than domesticity. . .

Some overwhelmed mothers relax with a glass of wine. Valerie soothes her immortal soul with a refreshing blood and coke. How else can she deal with her toddler Minerva's psychic powers--not to mention her determination to throw knives. Thank goodness for Valerie's two loves, John Jante, guide to Fallen Angels, and Lance Soleil, Angel of the Lost. Without them, the trauma of her dark past and her primal, Dracul urge for violence and power would overtake her. Yet in a world where humans and paranormals uncomfortably co-exist, Valerie's peace will be short-lived.

Tensions have erupted with bombings and the emergence of creatures heralding the apocalypse itself. And Valerie's vampire brother and nemesis, Radu, is at the center of the conflict. Now Valerie finds herself at the forefront of an epic battle between good and evil--and facing a choice no woman in any realm should have to make. . .

Now enjoy an excerpt:

At three o’clock in the morning, the doorways of the Old Town neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, were as dark as an open mouth. The buildings with their Old West–style false fronts loomed over the narrow street, an urban mountain pass with sheer cliff walls that hid a myriad of hiding places. Every corner held the promise of violence.

Chad Trask, former leader of the area’s largest gang of idle rich kids, stiffened as a trickle of icy sensation moved along his hairline.

The ten young did not walk unobserved. Hungry creatures hid in those shadows.

The blood in his veins pumped hot and fast. His breath sped up. The tiny prickle grew into the unshakeable knowledge that they were being tracked. After the events of last Halloween, he knew more than the average human about being hunted.

His friends were walking into a trap. Just as the smooth sides of the pitcher plant enticed flies into the digestive soup at the bottom, the silence and seeming quietness lured them into deadly carelessness.

Linda Mercury left behind her varied careers as a librarian, art model, and professional clown to pursue writing. She’s interested in writing, romance, the Middle East, reading, organizing, cooking, hand-made silk Turkish rugs, and the Nike of Samothrace.

Website and blog:

http://lindamercury.com

Twitter:

LindaMercury1

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/linda.mercury.7?fref=ts

Dracula's Secret, Blood Wings #1 :

http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=21184

Dracula's Desires, Blood Wings #2:

http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=21374

Dracula Unleashed, Blood Wings #3, to be released March 21, 2013:

http://www.amazon.com/Dracula-Unleashed-Blood-Wings-ebook/dp/B00AKI4IO6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356631875&sr=1-1

Sleep Stalker by Patrick Royal - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today author Patrick Royal visits on his tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the horror novel, "Sleep Stalker".

Patrick will be awarding a $10.00 Wild Child Publishing gift certificate to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so leave a comment and you're entered to win!

Thanks to Patrick for answering my prying questions.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I was introduced to horror at a young age. My older brothers would take me to the outdoor theaters on the weekend. I’ve been hooked ever since. Horror gets my blood pumping.

What research is required?

Even though fiction is made-up, there’s still a good amount of realness required, especially if you’re writing about a certain area or subject that a reader is familiar with. Believe me; you don’t want to come off not knowing what you’re writing about.

Name one thing you learned from your hero.

To always keep an open mind.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Yes, my environment has to be quiet. Sometimes I will listen to a horror movie as I write; keeps the atmosphere dark and twisted.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Plotter

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A bookshelf filled with Stephen King’s, James Patterson’s, Clive Barker’s works.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

Yes, Mind Shadows I: SHATTERED

Do you have a question for our readers?

What horror novel would they like to see me write?

Sleep Stalker takes you into the lives of a group of people that are experiencing nightmares; however, they are a bit more than just bad dreams. After numerous reports of an outbreak of nightmares, unexplainable deaths begin to occur. Then three decades later, it happens again. There is speculation that the deaths are at the hands of a demon.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

In Hobart, Indiana, Joshua Fairchild awakened and sliced the air with a blood-curdling scream. Sitting up in bed with wide eyes and beads of sweat blanketing his forehead, he stared blankly as his dream quickly left him.

Joshua’s mom, Margret, pushed his bedroom door inward, and rushed inside. “Joshua,” she said panting, “Was that you screaming? Are you having another nightmare?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I don’t remember any of it, except for a cawing crow.” He took a deep breath, looked down, and stared at the lime green stripes on his sheets.

“You nearly gave me a heart attack,” his mom said with her hand on her chest. “I told you watching those monster movies wasn’t good for you.” She took her own deep breath. “Well, it’s time to get up if you’re going to make the parade.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot today was the Fourth of July.” He smiled and pumped his fist. “Oh, boy! I love the parade.”

“Get a move on so we can get a good spot. It’s already a little after nine,” his mom said. When she left she closed the door behind her.

Joshua didn’t waste any time getting dressed and meeting his mom outside by the station wagon, not only a station wagon, but a 1957 Ford station wagon; a hand-me-down to his mom from her father.

Patrick Royal is a family man. Born in Virginia, raised in Northwest Indiana, and he and his wife Lynette have resided in Western Kentucky for seven years. An avid watcher of Horror movies and reader of Stephen King. He's inspired to use the gift God gave him to chill his readers. He is also the author of Novels "Jacobs Closet", and "Sleep Stalker".

WEB SITES:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/#!/HorrorAuthor.RoyPatten

MY WEB SITE: http://roypatten.webs.com

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/patrickroyal46

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/patrickroyal

AUTHORSDEN: http://www.authorsden.com/patrickroyal

BUY SITES:

www.wildchildpublishing.com

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.kobo.com

Broken: Secrets in Madison Falls by Rachel Hanna - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today author Rachel Hanna visits on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the contemporary romance, "Broken: Secrets in Madison Falls".

Rachel will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so complete the Rafflecopter entry at the end of this post to be entered!

Thanks to Rachel for answering all my prying questions!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write in the romance genre because it's what I personally like to read. I think romance allows all of us to connect since most people walking the face of the planet have either been in love, had a crush or had their heart broken. It's a way that we all relate to each other. To me, romance is about hope, and I like stories that make me feel good after reading them. With my busy life (writing and homeschooling three kids), I like to zone out so I don't read books that take a rocket scientist to understand or remember all the parts and pieces. Romance is fun to write because creating characters that will eventually fall in love is entertaining to me!

What research is required?

It depends on the book. Some books require little to no research. Most of the time, the research involved is more about locations, but one of my recent releases called “War Woman” required a lot of Cherokee legend research to make it historically accurate.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

That being strong doesn't mean being alone. Bella was a strong woman, although with some major faults, but she couldn't see that she was worthy of being loved by a real man.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Hmmm.... Not really. I guess writing in my vehicle in the driveway might be weird to some people. :) When I am tired of typing, I like to dictate my stories into my iPad, but I won't do it in the house for fear that my husband or kids will hear me. So, I often sit in my car out in my driveway so I can speak into my iPad without sounding like a nut!

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Pantser all the way! Right now, I am writing a first person New Adult story and I have NO idea where it's going. I just started writing to see if I could do it. Most of the time, I know the general idea of the story before I start, but I don't do big, long outlines or anything like that because it squashes my creativity immediately.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A treadmill that I hang my bra on at night but never walk on! How's that for honesty?

Anything new coming up from you? What? 

I just finished two novels back to back - “War Woman” and the first January Cove novel. I will be adding more to the January Cove series as well as doing some stand alone novels this year!

Do you have a question for our readers?

Sure! My question would be: What is one thing you HATE to see in a romance novel?

When twenty-four year old Bella Clay experiences yet another major loss in her life, she is forced to come home and become a young, single mother to her seven year old nephew. No one in the small town of Madison Falls knows just how damaged she is, and they certainly don't know her dirty little secret about where she's been for the last two years.

Grant Brady is the local hunk who works as the elementary school PE and history teacher. When he takes an interest in helping Bella start over in Madison Falls, she tries to push him away afraid that he will find out her dark secrets. What she doesn't know is that Grant has a secret of his own.

Will love prevail or will one or both of them run for the hills out of fear?

This book is a novella, so you can enjoy it in just one day! :)

Now enjoy and excerpt:

“You should never be judged for that, Bella. You couldn’t help that. I think you’re too hard on yourself.”

“Oh, really? I don’t think I’m hard enough on myself.”

“Why do you want to punish yourself?” he asked.

“Who says I’m punishing myself?” It was getting way too real for Bella.

“It’s obvious, Bella. You deserve good things. A good life. People who love you…”

“I’ve made some big mistakes in my life, Grant. You have no idea who you’re talking to. I don’t deserve nearly as much as you think.”

“Have you murdered someone?”

“Of course not.”

“Stolen?”

“Nope.”

“Then you deserve whatever kind of second chance you need. End of story. Now come on…” he said as he took her empty cup and threw it away. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her down the sidewalk and into the pavilion that was blaring with music. Without warning, Grant pulled her close and started dancing with her. Thankfully, the music was fast, and she was a pretty good dancer. They laughed as they danced, and for once Bella felt like her real world was miles away.

Rachel Hanna is a best-selling author of romance novellas and novels. She lives outside of Atlanta with her husband, three cool kids, two crazy dogs and one very snooty outdoor cat. She loves to write, read, spend time with family and embarrass her kids as much as possible.

She also LOVES to connect with her readers through various social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, so be sure to check out her website for ways to connect!

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Secrets-Madison-Falls-ebook/dp/B00B2TF8PU

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

Twitter: @RachelHannaBook

Website: www.RachelHannaRomance.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/rachelhanna

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nine Tail Fox by Camille Picott - Review tour and Giveaway

(Short Middle Grade Fairy Tale)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions.

Camille will be awarding an autographed Raggedy Chan bookmark to every commenter; a Chinese Heritage Tale illustration signed by the author and illustrator to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and a grand prize of a Limited Edition Raggedy Chan Doll to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. A choice of a Raggedy Chan doll or signed Chinese Heritage Tale print will be awarded to a randomly drawn host (US only), so complete the Rafflecopter entry at the end of this post to be entered to win.



When fifth-grade Emma Chan-McDougal is ridiculed by her classmates for being part Chinese, she's devastated. To ease Emma's wounded self-esteem, her aunt, a Chinese immigrant, spins the mythical tale of a brave little Nine-Tail Fox named Ainu who lives in San Francisco.

In a parallel animal world that comes to life when humans slumber, Ainu Nine-Tail and her mother face off against Chih Yu, an ancient demon who feeds on hatred. As the last of their clan, the Nine-Tails are honor-bound by a family oath to defend the Chinese animals from the demon. When Chih Yu kills her mother and leads an angry mob against Chinatown, Ainu is left to complete the task alone. Raw with grief and only partially trained for battle, Ainu must reach deep inside herself to find the wisdom and courage to save her people.

Will the journey of Ainu Nine-Tail help Emma find the strength to confront the school bullies and win back her confidence?

In this modern Chinese fable, Chinese-American author Camille Picott draws on her heritage to weave a story of courage, truth, and adventure.



Nine-Tail Fox from Camille Picott is a fable that Emma's Aunt Grace tells her niece when Emma comes across her own encounter with being made fun of because she's different. The fable is bookended by Emma's story--and, to me, her story was the weakest part of the book. It does give a reason for the fable to be told, but the ending left me uneasy...it was too easy and too pat.

I had also read the first book in this series and had hoped this book would be set up similar--with the action returning to the today world of Emma so we could see some character development that paralleled the action in the fable. I hope that Ms. Picott will return to that format in future books.

The fable itself, though, was a very interesting read--reminding me a bit of Animal Farm by George Orwell-- in the animals you could see the weaknesses and foiables of humans--and this part would be wonderful for parents to share with their children.

Rated 4 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends.



Now enjoy an excerpt:

A young nine-tail fox stood at the railing of a freighter steamship, white fur ruffling in the nighttime breeze. Her real name was Lang-Dao, which meant “bright leader,” but everyone called her Ainu. It was her mother’s nickname for her, meaning “sweet girl.”

Most of the humans on the ship slept in their bunks, leaving the deck swathed in silence and darkness. Hiding from those few humans still awake, Ainu and Mama Nine-Tail stood in the shadow of a big coiled rope.

The ship rode the ocean’s deep, even breaths. Ainu stared at the lights spangling the silhouetted city. The tall buildings yawned up at the sky like jagged teeth, seeming on the edge of violence.

The moon, three-quarters full, hung crookedly in the night. It shed light on a small island between the city and freighter. No plants grew on that mound of bronze-colored earth. Two long arms of land sprouted on either side of it. In the rippling light, those narrow peninsulas gave the island the appearance of having wings.

Studying that harsh landscape and, beyond it, the massive mainland city, Ainu shivered.

“San Francisco doesn’t look very welcoming,” she said, leaning against Mama.

“That is because Chih Yu is there,” Mama said. “He spreads his hatred for the Chinese among the American animals.”

“Which is why I must begin my training as soon as we get to shore,” Ainu said. She hoped she didn’t sound too eager. It wasn’t good to be excited when her fellow animals suffered. “So I can help protect the Chinese animals,” she added.

Mama nodded. “Master Zheng sent me word of events in America before we boarded,” she said. Master Zheng was Mama’s longtime friend. He sent her regular reports on Chih Yu’s activities in America. “We could very well find ourselves part of the greatest battle against Chih Yu since the time of the Yellow Emperor. Chih Yu has become corporeal, my daughter.”

Camille Picott is a fifth-generation Chinese American. She writes science fiction and fantasy books with Asian characters and/or Asian settings. Camille grew up reading speculative fiction stories largely devoid of Asian characters and culture. This, coupled with a passion for her heritage, is the reason she strives to bring some aspect of Eastern myth, legend, culture, and ethnicity to all of her writings.

Website: www.camillepicott.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camille.picott

Twitter: https://twitter.com/camillepicott or @camillepicott

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/camillepicott

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/camillepicott

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Matter of Circumstance and Celludrones by Claire Robyns - Virtual tour and giveaway

Today author Claire Robyns visits on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the Victorian Steampunk/Paranormal adventure novel, "A Matter of Circumstance and Celludrones".

Claire will be awarding a $50 Amazon gift card to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour, so leave a comment today and follow the rest of her tour by clicking on the banner above.

Lady Lily d'Bulier is prim, proper, and prefers to think of herself as pragmatic rather than timid. And avoiding life-threatening situations at all costs is just plain practical. But everything changes when Lord Adair tracks her down in London; searching for answers he seems to think she has.

Greyston Adair is a blackguard and a smuggler, although British Customs will have to catch him red-handed to prove the latter. Fortunately, the dirigibles they float around in have never been able to get near his air dust.

Hell is rising, One Demon at a Time...

With Lady Ostrich hunting them, and the mystery of how their lives tie back to Cragloden Castle and the powerful McAllister clan, Lily has no option but to throw propriety to the wind and run off with Greyston to Scotland, away from the immediate danger and toward possible answers.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

She glanced across to find him staring out of his window.

In profile, silky brown hair stroked the hollow below his cheekbone and his clenched jaw formed a rigid line. His trousers were a dark grey, matched with a waistcoat worn over a crisp white shirt. Broad shoulders filled a meticulously tailored jacket that was left unbuttoned. He’d crossed one leg over the other and rested an elbow on the door ledge.

He looked every inch the well-groomed gentleman who’d been admitted to Lady Cheshire’s Mummy ball.

Every inch the heart-stopping Lord Dashing.

Her gaze settled on the ruined neck cloth and loose ties hanging down his front. A blush heated her throat as she recalled the unfamiliar hardness of lean muscle and his particular scent of pine forest and ash and something altogether male. She’d danced her share of waltzes, but this took intimacy to an entirely new extreme.

He brought his attention from outside to meet her brazen stare with a quirked brow. “At least you haven’t leapt to your death yet.”

The heat drained from her skin. Lily lowered her eyes, clasping her fingers in her lap to hide the trembling.

I’m not dead.

She lifted her gaze to him. “What do you want with me, Lord Adair?”

The ghost of that exact question, asked as she’d served him tea in her drawing room, answered. I knew Lady d’Bulier. Lily held her breath.

Lord Adair grimaced. “I knew your mother, Lady d’Bulier.”

She let that breath out on a trembling sigh. “You mentioned something about keeping me safe. From what?”

In response, he half-rose and rapped hard up against the roof with his fist. A moment later, the carriage drew to a halt in a clearing alongside the road.

Lily’s hand quickly went to the door handle on her side. She hesitated. There was no urge to run for her life. She was more afraid of her memories, of what might or might not be real, than of Lord Adair.

When Lord Adair alighted and offered her a hand, she shifted along the seat and allowed him to help her out. Neither of them wore gloves. Skin touched skin as she stepped from the carriage.

One more intimate social transgression; she was beginning to lose count.

She slid her hand from his as soon as her feet touched the ground. Her slippers were no protection from the mulch of fallen leaves and damp soil as she walked beneath a cluster of trees.

She spun about, determined to get some answers, but her gaze stalled on the large man in the driver’s box. “He’s the celludrone,” she gasped. “He’s the one who fought that woman.”

She’d only caught snatches of him before Lord Adair had pushed her out of sight behind the settee. The aftermath, however, was burned into her skull. This man, and Ana, torn apart at their seams, nothing left but mechanical pieces strewn across her drawing room. Dear Lord, had these spells she suffered from evolved into some type of visionary premonition? Had she witnessed her imminent death?

Claire Robyns lives in Berkshire, England, with her husband and twin boys. For so long as she has memories, she was either reading, dreaming about reading, or planning what she'd be reading next. Then one day she started dreaming about writing and that was the beginning of an amazing journey.

When Claire isn't thigh-deep in laundry, shopping, cooking and general crowd control, you'll find her head-and-heart-deep in the tangled lives of her characters.

Visit Claire at her website www.clairerobyns.com or on twitter @clairerobyns or on facebook www.facebook.com/clairerobyns

Buy Links

Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Circumstance-Celludrones-Matters-ebook/dp/B009GNHRAS/ref=sr_1_3_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361907276&sr=1-3&keywords=claire+robyns

B&N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-matter-of-circumstance-and-celludrones-claire-robyns/1114044426?ean=2940044191365

Kobo:

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/-Matter-Circumstance-Celludrones-Dark-Matters/book-EvMg7ZSEv0mvjJR5XN1Ifg/page1.html?s=qIHw5UWUNUyia42VfIIoug&r=1