You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ella will be awarding a signed copy of the book (International Giveaway) to 5 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

With her three good friends all recently married, Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting of her own. One gentleman in particular sparks her interest. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing. He’s also just a bit too sure of himself. But Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Yet once she has it, the discovery of a troubling secret taints her future happiness . . .

Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably. But could it be that he has underestimated his bride? She doesn’t bat an eye in the face of the danger they encounter overseas. She’s strong-willed, intelligent, and more enticing each day—yet also more indifferent to him. Now Geoffrey faces his greatest challenge: to woo and win his own wife, or risk losing her for good . . .

Read an Excerpt:

“It would not be only you pretending you might be interested in me,” Lord Littleton explained. “I would be seen to be interested in you as well.”

This still seemed unnecessary. Either Lord Harrington would want her for herself or not. She did not like to engage in deceptions. “To what purpose?”

“My dear lady.” Lord Littleton possessed himself of her hands, his gaze capturing hers.

Good Lord, the man was dangerous. She sent a prayer of thanks to the deity that she was not affected by him. “Do you do that on purpose?”

He shook his head and stared at her. “Do what?”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him. “Look into a woman’s eyes as if she were the only lady on earth you wished to be with.”

“Ah, no,” he said a little sheepishly. “It just happens. I can’t seem to stop myself.”

“It’s like this, Lizzy”—her brother cut in—“any gentleman who’s interested in a lady don’t wish to see another man making up to her.” He gave his friend a disgusted look. “Littleton agreed to help, but you can see how dangerous it is for him to be in Town. He truly can’t help himself from flirting, and he’ll soon find himself in a bumble-bath if he remains too long. He’s not ready for a leg-shackle yet, but he’d be bound to raise some lady’s expectations and that won’t do.”

“That’s it exactly.” Lord Littleton must have realized he was still holding Elizabeth’s hands and released them. “But that’s not the only reason Turley and I thought I’d be the best one. You see, Harrington and I never got on well together. That will give him the extra incentive to court you properly.”

“And,” Gavin added, “Littleton is so full of juice that he is just as eligible as Harrington. Other than the title that is.”

Her brother and Lord Littleton focused their gazes on her, and she glanced from one man to the other. “I understand.” Or she thought she did. Men were such strange creatures. She wondered why Lord Harrington did not like Lord Littleton. He seemed amiable enough. “Very well, then. How do we begin?”



About the Author:

USA Today 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 is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Portuguese Water 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. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement. Website: http://www.ellaquinnauthor.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor
Blog: http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Forget-Your-First-Worthingtons/dp/1420145185/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-never-forget-your-first-earl-ella-quinn/1127062571?ean=9781420145182#/

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Ruby by Emily Mims

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Emily will be awarding digital copies of books one and two in the Smoky Blues series, Mist and Smoke to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Forty years ago Lexi Barstow and Collins Wentworth thought they had made the biggest mistakes of their lives. Heartbreaking choices and bitter tears cemented a pact that would shape who they were and what they would be. But now so much has changed...except the passion they share and the differences between them. But some things are fixable, and with forever staring them hard in the face, they learn all their decisions brought them to this place...an ever after filled with love.

Read an excerpt:

The club was even more crowded than it had been earlier and the audience was lively for a Sunday evening, clapping and stomping and answering Lonnie’s quips with boos and catcalls. There was electricity in the air. They were a fun crowd tonight.

Lexi’s eyes danced as they sang their first song. She was in her element.

They were about halfway through their second set when the front door opened and a familiar figure stepped into the club. The hostess’s eyes widened and the bartender did a double take. It wasn’t all that often a United States Senator darkened their doors.

Lexi’s curiosity burned as the flustered hostess showed Collins to the last vacant table by the front window. There was a bit of a stir as a good percentage of the audience recognized the man who had joined them, and then realized Lexi was performing for her old lover.

Whatever was he doing here tonight? This wasn’t his kind of club. It wasn’t even his kind of music anymore. She’d overheard him tell Danny he loved listening to him and his mother on their dulcimers, but that given the choice he was fonder of the classical music Chessie and Isabel played.

Had he come to hear Lexi sing? Had he come to repeat his invitation to join him on an evening out?

The thought sent chills up her spine.

She tore her eyes away from him. No way could she concentrate on her singing if all her attention was on Collins. Ever the professional, she didn’t miss a beat in the song they were singing, or the next, or the one after that. If anything, her voice became sultrier and her smile wider. Collins had come to hear her sing. She wanted him to know that she still had it, and she wanted to rub in what he’d missed all these years.


About the Author:

The author of over thirty romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons, she and her husband split their time between central Texas, eastern Tennessee, and Georgia visiting their kids and grandchildren. For relaxation Emily plays the piano, organ, dulcimer, and ukulele for two different performing groups, and even sings a little. She says, “I love to write romances because I believe in them. Romance happened to me and it can happen to any woman—if she’ll just let it.”

website: http://www.emilymims.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emily.mims.756
twitter: http://twitter.com/emilymimsauthor
instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mims_emily

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Emily-Mims/e/B00FQQ247K/ref=sr_tc_2_0

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Old Gold Mountain by Bradley Wright

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bradley W. Wright will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Brad Wright, thanks so much for stopping by. Tell us a little about yourself.

How did you get started writing?

I started writing after my son was born. I was looking for a new artistic outlet because I no longer had time to paint. I had come up with an idea for Old Gold Mountain a few years earlier and then shelved it (figuratively). One night when it was my wife’s turn to put the baby to bed, I sat down and started outlining.

What was the inspiration for your book?

There were several threads of inspiration that got tied together. First, I was re-reading some of the old Travis McGee books by John D. MacDonald. So, the idea of a protagonist who conducts his business in the gray areas of society was percolating in my head. Also, I had recently read an autobiography of a master thief called Nine Lives: Confessions of a Master Jewel Thief. The author is Bill Mason and it’s a great book. I highly recommend it. Those things plus the fact that I was living in San Francisco and had a background in art came together to give me the idea for the plot and main character.

What’s a genre you haven’t written in yet that you’d like to?

Fantasy. Some of my favorite books growing up were fantasy. I would love to give it a try.

Are there any genres you won’t read or write in? Why?

Not really. For me, the quality of the writing is what matters. I will read any book in any genre as long as the writing grabs me.

What are you up to now? Do you have any releases planned, or are you still writing?

I have a young adult novel coming out in early 2019. I’m also currently working on a new young adult novel and a sequel to Old Gold Mountain.

Alright, now for some random, fun questions. Favorite color?

Gray. I know, it’s not really a color but it’s my favorite anyway.

Favorite movie?

Trois couleurs: Bleu directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski

Book that inspired you to become an author?

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin.

You have one superpower. What is it?

Teleportation. Imagine being able to go anywhere in the world whenever you want.

You can have dinner with any 3 people, dead, alive, fictitious, etc. Who are they?

Assuming they can magically communicate with each other despite their different eras/dialects: Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, and Joseph Conrad.

Last question: Which of your characters are you most like and how/why?

I think there are bits of me in all my characters. Gabrielle, the gallery owner in Nice, is probably the one I share the most values with though. I would be pretty happy running an art gallery in the south of France and going for lots hikes in the woods.

That’s all from me, thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Justin Vincent is a San Francisco based artist who leads a secret double life as a cat burglar. He likes the freedom, money, and self-determination his unusual career provides but also increasingly feels that it is a life he fell into by accident. When a valuable painting is stolen from his lover Valerie, Justin agrees to use his underworld contacts and knowledge of the black market to help. The search leads him to an antiquities dealer who has fallen on hard times and a mysterious European middle man. With the help of his friend Ashna, a skilled hacker, and Gabrielle, owner of an art gallery in Nice, Justin gathers clues that lead him to a mysterious chateau in the South of France and a dangerous web of secrets and lies. To escape with his life and complete his objective, Justin’s skill, luck, and perseverance will be tested to their utmost limit.

Read an Excerpt:

“What happened to that painting you used to have above the bed?” I asked.

“Above the bed? I didn’t—” Val turned, stopped speaking, breath caught.

A moment later, she whirled, flipped on the light switch, jumped onto the bed, and placed her hands on the wall above the headboard. In the light, I noticed there was a picture hanger still nailed into the wall and a square of slightly brighter paint where the painting had hung. She ran her hands over the bare wall then turned to look at me. Her eyes were manic, her body tense. “Tell me this is some kind of joke, Justin.”

“No joke,” I replied. “Was it there when you left for the gallery?”

“Yes, I think so.” She stepped down off the bed and started frantically pacing the room, looking everywhere. “I’m sure it was.”

“Did you have cleaners scheduled today?”

“No. They come on Wednesdays.”

“Did you leave your balcony door open?”

She looked at me, suddenly focusing. “No. I never leave it open.”

“It was open when we came in. Was it locked?”

“Maybe not. I don’t know. I was in a hurry.”

“Let’s see if anything else is missing,” I said, turning toward the door.

Valerie grabbed my arm, pulling me around to face her. “I don’t care if anything else is missing.” She was on the brink of tears, a tight, almost hysterical, edge to her voice. She raised her hands, placed them over her ears, shaking her head back and forth. “I don’t care. That painting is the only thing I own that I care about, Justin.”

About the Author:

I am a writer and educational technology professional. I lived in San Francisco for the past fifteen years but recently moved to Los Angeles with my wife and five year old son. My first book Old Gold Mountain is out now.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rabbit_fighter
Website: http://www.bradleywwright.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Old-Gold-Mountain-Bradley-Wright-ebook/dp/B07B46CRF4
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/old-gold-mountain-bradley-w-wright/1128171096?ean=9781626948815
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/old-gold-mountain/id1358596502?mt=11
Google: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781626948808&c=books
Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/old-gold-mountain/9781626948808-item.html?ref=isbn-search

The book will be $0.99.

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Welcome to the Apocalypse by D L Richardson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. D L Richardson will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

"Players. Welcome to the apocalypse"

Book One – Pandora:

The Apocalypse Games is a state of the art virtual game, yet when it traps over 100 players inside, there’s reason to worry – their simulation pods are designed to last 3 days and the artificial intelligence is taking over.

Book Two – CyberNexis:

When rescue finally arrives, the players are transported to an offsite facility to recover from cyber sickness. Not all the players survived and not all is what it seems. What is CyberNexis hiding out in the desert?

Book Three – Primal Scream:

The disaster known as The Event has plunged the world into icy darkness. Humans can’t survive but a group of mutants can. All signs lead back to the simulation pods. What were they really designed for?

Join these characters on an emotional and fast-paced journey to explore what it really means to survive.

Read an Excerpt from Book Two

"Player twenty-one is about to enter the game."

Orange atoms flashed in front of Jack Minnow's eyes and he felt the lurch of his stomach as if plummeting from a great height, and he thought to himself, I didn't choose a game.

These atoms flashed, sparking as if alive with energy, until finally the show was over and the display vanished. Jack noticed his surroundings had shifted from the bright colors of the pod to the dull grays of a hospital room. Rows of beds were situated along two walls and a desk sat at the far end of the room. About twenty beds. No windows in the room. No flowers either, or fruit baskets or visitors for that matter. But the bitter smell of disinfectant and lost hope was abundant.

Other than the overhead vent humming and his sneakers squeaking on the floor, the room gave off no noise. Patients lay in the beds, as still as corpses with tubes sticking out of their arms and mouths. Alive but sedated, giving him a glimpse of what his body looked like from outside of the virtual reality simulation pod.

Impressions didn't count for anything in this world. Bodies being used for medical or science projects wouldn't be out of character. They might not be human. Androids. Whatever. Pandora wasn't offering up any clue as to why he stood in a hospital ward holding a patient chart.

About the Author:

D L Richardson writes speculative fiction. She is currently a self-published author of three YA novels "The Bird with the Broken Wing", "Resident Spy", and "One Little Spell". She is also the creator of the apocalyptic/sci-fi series "Welcome to the Apocalypse", and the novella series inspired by Tales from the Crypt, "The Shivers Novellas".

A former singer and musician, she credits this stage experience for her ease of public speaking, conducting writing workshops, and appearing on panels. Her books don't feature the usual tropes and this has earned her many loyal readers.

When she's not writing she enjoys playing music, watching Netflix, reading, gardening, and walking the dog.

Website: http://www.dlrichardson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLRichardsonAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DLRichardson1
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/112189215156085425271
Blog: http://dlrichardsonwrites.blogspot.com.au

Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N01QFTQ/
Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XQRGG82
Book 3: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Apocalypse-Primal-Scream-Book-ebook/dp/B079NYBQDH

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Off Season by E.S. Ruete

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What would we find under your bed?

A box of Christmas sox, message tee shirts, and silk boxers.

What was the scariest moment of your life?

Wow. Do you really want me to go there? What should have been the scariest moment was when my submarine was on a collision course with a Russian sub and the only thing that saved us was being at different depths. But something like that is too big to be scared by. I just held my breath and got through it. I get scared by the little things, like getting claustrophobic when touring the Indian Mounds in Indiana.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

No. For me music is either something to focus on or a filler when I’m doing something that doesn’t really engage me. Writing fills my head and my heart.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?

I have two book ideas. One is called #AvocadoOil. In a dystopian future, all the arable land is going to produce luxury products for the 1%, such as skin products rich in avocado oil. The people are starving, but the 1% isn’t even aware of the food riots because they don’t show up in their favorites. #Avocadooil is used by activists to get their attention.

The second book is just a germ. It was suggested by a question I was asked on this virtual tour about where I would like my publisher to send me to research a book. I would like to write about African civilization before it was torn apart by European colonizers. Lies about the lack of civilization in Africa were used to justify the slave trade and are the basis of the racist ideas we are still dealing with today. Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible tells of the amazingly rich civilization in the Congo before the arrival of the Belgians. I would like to find other stories and weave them into a book.

How long did it take you to write this book?

I wrote Off Season in about eight weeks of working four to five every afternoon. That doesn’t include the typing, editing, proofing, and publishing. That took about three times as long as the writing.

Read an Excerpt:

“Look to your left. That person has divinity inside them. Look to your right. That person has a divine spark. Now tap the shoulder of the person in in front of you. When they turn around, say, ‘Namasté. I honor the divine spark within you.’

“As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, as we prepare to invite one another to the communion table, think on this: Mary was an unwed mother, but she was not unclean. Joseph was a lecherous old man, but he was not unclean. The shepherds lived in the fields with the sheep, but they were not unclean. The Magi were heathens from a pagan land and probably not circumcised, but they were not unclean. And Jesus was born among the donkey dung and slept on top of a cow’s supper, but He most assuredly was not unclean.

“Let it be so.”

As Pastor Allen spoke, Mandy sat with her arms folded across her chest and her legs pressed together. When others were looking left and right, she didn’t move, and when she was tapped on the shoulder, she didn’t turn around. She just pursed her lips into a tighter line.

But those who sat near her thought they saw the least glimmer of a tear in the corner of her eye. Whether it was for her church, or for the Pastor, or for herself, no one could guess. Even Mandy didn’t know. But part of her, a part she was afraid of, a part she was trying to ignore, thought that maybe, just maybe, it was for Dottie.

About the Author: E.S “Ned” Ruete is an author, speaker, group facilitator, women’s rights activist, LGBTQIPA+ ally, lay preacher, guitar picker, and business analyst. He is the author of Seeking God: Finding God’s both/and in an either/or world and Lead Your Group to Success: A Meeting Leader’s Primer.

Now retired, Ned lives in Niantic, Connecticut with his second wife. He continues to offer pro bono group facilitation and facilitation training to schools, churches, community groups and not-for-profit organizations. He has led strategic planning retreats for United Action Connecticut (UACT), Fiddleheads Food Co-op, and ReNew London. He is actively involved in LGBTQIPA+ advocacy and annually attends and presents sessions at the True Colors Conference. He is a member of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) formerly served on the Association Coordinating Team (ACT, the IAF Board of Directors). He was associate editor of Group Facilitation: A Research and Applications Journal and has contributed articles to Group Facilitation, The Facilitator, and other publications on group facilitation and management consulting.

Off Season is Mr. Ruete’s first fiction work

See his consulting products at MakingSpaceConsulting.com: http://www.makingspaceconsulting.com/default.html
and his books at MakingSpaceConsulting.com/Publish: (The book is $0.99 during the tour) http://www.makingspaceconsulting.com/Publish.html

https://twitter.com/edwardruete
https://www.facebook.com/esrueteauthor
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XCZN2LM/ref=x_gr_w_glide_ku

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Asta and the Barbarians by Becca Fox

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Becca will be awarding custom made bookmarks, coasters, and magnets to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Asta heard about King Torvald's crusade and watched her people fortify the town's defenses, but she never imagined foreign invaders would come to her peaceful shores. In one fateful night, she loses everything she holds dear and somehow gains the favor of the warrior god. Has he given her the tools she needs for revenge or does he have a greater plan in store?

Read an Excerpt:

“Why did you help me?” I asked. “I have nothing to give in return. You must have known that.”

Bryn smiled softly. “A very wise woman once said, ‘A world without kindness is a dark and hopeless place.’ And that isn’t the kind of world I wish to live in.”

My eyes stung with the coming of new tears.

Viggo rolled his eyes and turned to leave. “I’ll see you at dinner, Bryn.”

“Until then,” Bryn said over his shoulder. His glowing eyes fell on my face again. “What’s your name?”

“Asta.”

“I would like to hear your story, if you are willing and able to tell it, Asta.”

I rubbed my face against the blanket. “You won’t like it.”

“We are rarely fond of the truth,” Bryn said with a shrug. “Tell me anyway.”

About the Author:

Becca Fox was that strange girl in high school, who always seemed to have her nose in a book. She didn’t talk much because, more often than not, she was daydreaming about different fantasy worlds. During class, under the guise of taking notes, she wrote scenes for her works in progress.

Becca is a bit more social now but still enjoys reading, writing, and daydreaming. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, a fat orange tabby cat, and a forever-puppy. She has published three books to date, I Dare You to Love Me (a young adult romance), In the Dark (a new adult paranormal romance), and Asta and the Barbarians (a new adult fantasy.)

Links:

Blog: https://fanofthefiction.wordpress.com
Website: http://becca-fox.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Becca-Fox/e/B076PTNPV9/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17274613.Becca_Fox
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bears_Goose1?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beccajfoxauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beccajayfox/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjagundez.5/?hl=en
Buy Links for Asta and the Barbarians:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Asta-Barbarians-Becca-Fox-ebook/dp/B07BGCRV9V/ref=as_li_ss_tl
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asta-Barbarians-Becca-Fox-ebook/dp/B07BGCRV9V/ref=as_li_ss_tl
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/803680
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/asta-and-the-barbarians/id1359718982?mt=11
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/asta-and-the-barbarians
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/asta-and-the-barbarians-becca-fox/1128197571

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30 Noodles by Reut Barak

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Reut will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Join the fun!

This book is all about the warm crunch: pesto, fettuccine, pad thai, and even coconut chicken, all in their raw vegan version. It’s a great way to have a quick, impressive healthy meal.

30 recipes for 30 days of a spiralizing adventure. It’s a whole new way of cooking!

“It’s always great to share food with the people we love, and Raw Munchies book series is all about making something special to have together. It could be an exotic smoothie, a healthy spaghetti, or a portobello mushroom steak. It’s been my greatest challenge and joy to create this book series and open up to this new art: to bring popular and gourmet recipes from around the world to the raw vegan table.” Reut Barak

Read a Recipe from the book:

SPICY CHICKEN CURRY

An impressive dish, with the exotic taste of traditional chicken curry

MEAT

the meat of 2 Thai coconuts
2 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
4 tablespoons coconut aminos
2 teaspoons Chicken Curry Masala (herbal poultry seasoning)

SAUCE

2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger root
the juice of 2 lemons
the peel of one orange
2 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
4 tablespoons coconut aminos
1 teaspoon Chicken Curry Masala
pinch salt
pinch garlic powder (optional)

VEGETABLES

4 tablespoons fresh coriander
1 red or orange bell pepper

Meat

Cut the coconut meat into 1½ inch (4 centimeter) pieces and marinade with olive oil, coconut aminos, and Chicken Curry Masala for half an hour. For spicier taste, you can add more Chicken Curry Masala.

Sauce

In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend all Sauce ingredients.

Vegetables

Chop fresh coriander, and slice the bell pepper. Then mix with meat, and sauce.

Marinade for at least 3 hours. You can also marinade overnight for a strong taste.

Carefully heat to 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius), using a thermometer to check and ensure the temperature doesn’t go higher.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Waiting time: 3 hours
Serves Two

Youtube Video for this recipe: https://youtu.be/9KGsGjDcOa8

Page 22

About the Author:

RawMunchies.org is a raw vegan website dedicated to making healthy, gluten free recipes, that are delicious, easy and great for detox.

Reut Barak has been an online influencer in the Raw Vegan world since her transformation in 2015, “I started cooking when I was 7, on my own making Challah bread. I was brave. The result was what could only be described as beginners luck.
I have since had every possible failure in the book (and some of my own).

But I always succeeded in the end, and over the 25 years in the kitchen I mastered cooking. I could make anything I wanted to make. Until I went raw.

A chance night of late Googling on May 25, 2015 exposed me to this new great challenge and I learn new things every single day. Join me! Love, Reut”

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Reut-Barak/e/B06XWY27SS

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Voice for the Silent Fathers by Eddie K. Wright

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Eddie will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Five Things You'd Probably Not Guess About Eddie Wright

As I sit on two cotton blankets, folded up as a cushion for my plastic chair in front of my bottom bunk bed that's used as my writing desk, I'm wondering five things you'd probably never guess about me. Automatically, memories are triggered from my gangster past.

This should be easy.

So much of my life was lived in a way my closest family members couldn't guess things about me.

The street legend of who I used to be was created mainly by those that never knew me but only heard of me.

It's amazing when someone talks to you, about you, without knowing that you’re the you they are talking about. If I decide to admit that they're discussing me, the lengths I've had to go for them to believe it, is more evidence of how much I've changed. But is it really change?

Or did I finally choose to stop pretending to be a gangster?

Would you ever guess that I went from being charged with running a criminal enterprise to teaching about the love of God and Universal laws to convicts with multiple life sentences?

For over a decade, I've resided behind the walls of USP Canaan, one of the most violent prisons in America.

I don't just talk about my trust and belief in God's Universal laws, I walk my faith, knowing positive, optimistic energy sets the course throughout each day, attracting constructive experiences.

Would you ever guess that I went from buying bottles at the bar in an attempt to find that elusive peace of mind, to unrolling my purple Yoga mat in the gymnasium, teaching Downward facing dog to gang members who appreciate the harmony and tranquility of my hour morning class?

Would you ever guess that I contribute to supporting my children by making and selling pizzas for $6 each?

When football season comes around, I sell 35 pizza pies every weekend. I make the dough with flour and water, adding spices so the crust has a unique flavor. I use ketchup as the base for my special sauce and apply two different types of cheese. All supplies purchased with a $25 weekly contract from a kitchen worker. Birthday parties, school clothes, I-phones, and Michel Koors handbags, all contributions made from my prison pizza making business.

Would you ever guess about all the politics I have to deal with in an attempt to save the lives?

There are 12 units, housing 1,500 convicts. Each convict has to be a part of a specific group to maintain order. The group your in is called your car. Should someone ask which car you’re in, you would respond by either the State you're from or the gang that you’re a part of.

I'm from New York. I'm not in a gang so I'm in the New York car.

I'm also known for being a respected, calm, problem solver, which designates me as the representative for New York in unit E-2. I'm driving the car.

Anytime there's a problem with members of my group, it's brought to the Gangster Turned Guru for advice on how to resolve the issue. If there's a situation with members of my car against members from another car, then I'm the one who goes to speak to their designated driver, with the hopes of avoiding a car crash!

It's an everyday soap opera, real reality TV at its best. Being a prison politician is something you would never have guess about me.

Would you ever guess that the hardest part of doing time is looking at the innocent eyes of my daughter Nia?

She was a month old when I got arrested and has had one wish throughout her 13 years, her dad coming home.

At times her belief in God is challenged for her one prayer has yet to be answered.

"God works in mysterious ways," I explained in an attempt to reinforce her faith.

She's heard the rumors of my gangster past, but experienced only the loving father to whom she can do no wrong.

You would never guess that when I'm in that visiting room, I'm mesmerized by her dark brown eyes and a smile that she knows keeps me wrapped around her pinky. Would you guess that she's the only one that causes me to start pretending that I'm that hard gangster, only to keep from crying while my heart breaks watching her leave through the prison gates.

In his memoir, Eddie shares his story of becoming a father at 18 years old who realized his son was showing ‘stereotypical’ signs of being gay while still in diapers. Spending most of his adult life engulfed in the street gangster/hip-hop culture where this subject was not only hushed but deeply frowned upon, he gives us the voice for what’s been kept silent for far too long, confronting almost every aspect of this taboo topic. It took years for him to silently accept his son’s homosexuality himself, regardless of all the signs. When his son was five years old, his favorite color was pink and there was nothing Dad could do about it. By the age of fourteen; he was an internet sensation, dancing on YouTube building his fan base to guarantee his success when performing as a drag queen a few years later. Eddie addresses the questions most are scared to ask; Was there anything I could do to stop my son’s homosexuality? When did I know my son was gay? What made him that way? Parents will find comfort in reading that Eddie admits that his son’s feminine behaviors embarrassed him and he seriously contemplated abandonment, a choice that too many fathers feel they have to choose.

He shares witnessing the desperation in the eyes of fathers, from all walks of life, who have pulled him aside, away from listening ears wanting to know the answers to these frequently asked questions, agonizing the possibilities that their son might be gay.

Read an excerpt:

As soon as I laid eyes on him, instinctively I knew. His tan skin, dark brown eyes, and beautiful smile made me understand why everyone said we were related, but at eighteen years old with my whole life ahead of me, I thought I was too young to be a father and deep down I knew I wasn't ready for that kind of responsibility.

My angel of a mother, who always stood by me through thick and thin, right or wrong, supported me but stayed neutral between myself and Jennifer. She always had a loving spirit for everyone. She's like a second mother to all of my friends growing up. So when she walked in the house to find me with a four-month-old smiling baby Drew, sitting together on the living room couch, she changed into Grandmother mode right on the spot, accepting Drew with open arms and a loving heart.

"Why hello gorgeous!" she said placing her purse on the chair then picking up Drew, carefully holding him close beaming her big grandmotherly smile which Drew reflected right back. They smiled at each other as he received a warm hug and a barrage of kisses.

Drew was an adorably cute baby; I'm not just saying that because he's mine either. He lit up any room and every person that came into contact with him couldn't help but smile. He was a beautiful child.

About the Author:

First time author Eddie K. Wright is a fitness trainer, Yoga instructor, spiritual motivational speaker and an inmate at a federal prison. His personal transformation upon realizing the Universal laws and love of life, supports his conviction in his "Gangster to Guru" book series. The premier release "VOICE FOR THE SILENT FATHERS" details the struggle and inner conflict with being the parent of a homosexual child in the day, and a known connected gangster at night. Overcoming his "No son of mine" mentality, by realizing the true meaning of unconditional love wasn't easy, but his deep insight, heartfelt honesty, and 'laugh to keep from crying' attitude, makes for a humorous read for anyone touched by this issue which means it's for everyone!

Visit my Voice for the Silent Fathers website: http://voiceforthesilentfathers.com
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Visit my Publishers website: http://mwrightgroup.com

BUY LINK: The Book will be FREE During the Tour at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/614454

https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Silent-Fathers-Eddie-Wright/dp/0997490802

Thoughts from a reader:

These delicate father son issues, so implicitly captured in Eddie's writings, are relevant to a broad spectrum of societal issues beyond the "No son of mine" father of a gay man experience. In fact, the book gets to the real substance of human conflict which is our inability to accept and appreciate difference. The key word here is appreciation. The book offers an opportunity to consider acceptance in a way that extends grace, honor, support and recognition. When we are ungrateful, we are critical, blaming, and we use forms of rejection. Eddie’s experience of coming to the acceptance of his son provides hope for healing; a more practical response to conflict that allows dignity, respect and honor which overcomes criticism, blame, bigotry, and ultimately rejection. ~G. Holmes~

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When It All Goes Still by Allison Mullinax

Allison Mullinax is visiting with us today and is giving away a $50 Storiarts.com gift card.

FIVE THINGS WE’D NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU

1. I wrote When It All Goes Still entirely on a phone app. Okay, so that is a little embarrassing to admit and I swear I’m a professional! The app is called WerdSmith, and I would recommend it to any writer who is always on the go. I wrote in car line while picking my kids up from school, I wrote while soaking in the bubble bath, I wrote everywhere. Once the book was completed, I accessed the app from my laptop and transferred everything over.

2. I love being outdoors! If the sun is out, usually I am too. Trail hiking is one of my favorite things to do.

3. I’m scared of the dark, and I sleep with a night light. Don’t you dare judge me! I’ve seen enough scary movies to know all the monsters and ghosts live in the shadows.

4. The year before my four-year-old was born, I read sixty-three books. Since her birth, I’ve yet to even come close to that number. My favorite genre to read is psychological thrillers and, of course, romance.

5. Nothing inspires me to write more than music. It can be a certain beat or a perfectly executed lyric. I can hear a song and scenes begin to play in my imagination. That’s when the phone app comes in handy, lol.

Traveler is arrogant, rebellious, and the most skillful Observation Agent within the division. His refusal to follow the agency rules finally catches up to him and a girl witnesses him time-travel.

Johanna Martin is a witty adventurous runner recovering from the tragic loss of her parents. Confused by the dark-faced stranger and what he was doing at the local state park, she is unable to ignore the effects it has had on her.

With his life and reputation at risk, Traveler must choose... Johanna or his life?

About the Author:

North Alabama native, Allison Mullinax, grew up in the small lake town of Guntersville, AL. She discovered the escapism and addiction of writing at an early age. Today she remains a lover of reading, all things outdoors, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.

http://www.allisonmullinax.com/
https://www.facebook.com/allisonmullinaxauthor/
https://twitter.com/allsnmllnx

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Goes-Still-Allison-Mullinax-ebook/dp/B07D1TD5MZ/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gr/en/ebook/when-it-all-goes-still

Unbreakable Bond by Jess Bryant

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jess will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Sometimes fate gets it all wrong.

Zoey Kent has lived with that fact ever since she turned eighteen and learned that the man she loved could never be hers. He’s a born shifter, a wolf, and she’s a mere human. Fate doesn’t care if on paper they’re a perfect pair. She isn’t his fated mate and she’s resigned herself to the knowledge that someday, she’ll have to watch Michael mate with another. It’s never crossed her mind that there might be someone else out there for her, that she would be the one to mate another, to choose another over everything she’s ever known or wanted.

Sometimes fate gets it all right.

Rafe Hudson left his pack behind years ago. Physically and mentally scarred from an attack that left his parents and twin dead, he walked away from his responsibilities as Alpha. He never intended to return but lone wolf or not, he can’t leave Michael open to an attack he’s learned is coming for his only brother. What he didn’t know was that going home would mean scenting his mate, the one person in the world that could make him whole again, that could give him everything he thought he’d lost. His pack, his home and his family.

But fate always has a plan.

There’s no way Michael’s brother is her future, is there? Just like there’s no way that the girl his brother has loved since they were kids, was always meant to be his, right?

Only fate knows why they were brought together but there is one thing for sure, the sparks between Zoey and Rafe are undeniable. The bond between them is unbreakable. And together… they’ll change the face of the pack forever.

Read an Excerpt:

Ignoring the bite of pain, he reached through the bars and wound a hand in her hair. He tilted her face up and pressed his lips to hers. The silver burned his cheek where he couldn’t avoid the bars of his cell but it didn’t matter. Nothing did. Not when he finally, finally had the taste of his mate on his lips.

Sweet, so sweet. Her taste seeped inside of him and started a riot in his bloodstream. Her lips were soft and sweet and when they met his, it felt like a piece of the puzzle he’d always been missing slid into place.

How had he lived without this? All this time? All these years? And his mate had been right here, waiting for him.

About the Author:

Jess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl's life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance. She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt's Harlequin collection and she's been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.

Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.

For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.

http://www.jessbryantbooks.com
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http://www.twitter.com/jess_bry
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01ANYTW2Y

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Moonlight City Drive by Brian Paone

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Writing Tips

I understand writers who want to have their own voice and tone and want to think outside the box and be artsy. But you can’t break the rules unless you know the rules. And if you break the rules without knowing them first, it will show in your writing and your narrative will come off as amateur at best, and you don’t want to start off a writing career already on the foot by being deemed as an amateur. No one will take a chance on your future releases, no matter how much better you got with time. So learn the basic, fundamental rules of fiction writing (including grammar, sentence structure, plot pacing etc) and once you have mastered them, then go ahead and put a stick of dynamite in them and blow them to smithereens. This also doesn’t replace the need for a professional editor.

11:18 p.m. Subject is checking into the Desert Palms Motel, accompanied by an unknown female.

Snapshot in the parking lot. Man and woman embrace. Betrayal, I see it every day, like my own reflection in the mirror staring back at me. Another case, another bottle of booze, life is no longer a mystery to me …

… Because I’m the private eye, hot on your trail; the top gun for hire. You’ll find me lurking in the shadows, always searching for a clue. I’m the bulletproof detective. I got my eye on you …

What’s a little sin under the covers, what’s a little blood between lovers? What’s a little death to be discovered, cold stiff body under the covers?

I’m digging you a desert grave, underneath the burning sun. You won’t be found by anyone. Vultures circle in the sky, and you, my dear, are the reason why.

… I was always easily influenced.

Read an Excerpt:

Smith spit out another peanut shell onto his Chevy’s floorboard as his gaze stayed trained on the Desert Palms Motel’s front entrance. His fingers instinctively found the opened bag in the complete darkness and pinched another nut. He squeezed his eyes closed to ward off the simmering residual headache from the most recent blackout. The sound of the rain pelting the windshield was soothing.

“Come on. Where are you? You took the last two nights off. I can’t imagine you being on vacation.”

Headlights turning into the parking lot diverted his attention from the motel’s front door. He squinted to decipher the make and model of the vehicle through the downpour. A Bentley. He sighed and returned his focus to the motel as he fingered the brim of his newly purchased replacement fedora and then tossed it next to him in frustration.

Smith removed his revolver from his shoulder holster and checked that all six chambers were loaded for the umpteenth time. He secured the weapon and grabbed the small notebook from underneath his discarded fedora, lying on the passenger seat, where Wynn should be sitting. But she had maintained radio silence throughout the past two days since storming from Hank’s office. He shook his head in disgust for letting Wynn’s drama distract him from the job at hand.

He swiped the Chevy’s dashboard with his palm to clean off the thick layer of dust that had collected from months of neglect. He wiped his hands on his pants, leaving a graying smear across the fabric covering his thighs. He reached into his trench coat’s inner pocket and removed a silver flask. He opened the top and looked at the engraved insignia on the front. His index finger traced the shining eyeball hanging freely in the cut-out middle of a pyramid. Taking a swig from the decorated flask, he grimaced as the brown liquid hit the back of his throat.

Smith retrieved the Polaroid from the dashboard and cleared his throat. “Let’s see what tricks you’re playing on me now.” He flicked the corner of the photograph as he sighed deeply in expected disappointment.

About the Author:

Brian Paone was born and raised in the Salem, Massachusetts area. Brian has, thus far, published four novels: a memoir about being friends with a drug-addicted rock star, Dreams are Unfinished Thoughts; a macabre cerebral-horror novel, Welcome to Parkview; a time-travel romance novel, Yours Truly, 2095, (which was nominated for a Hugo Award, though it did not make the finalists); and a supernatural, crime-noir detective novel, Moonlight City Drive. Along with his four novels, Brian has published three short stories: “Outside of Heaven,” which is featured in the anthology, A Matter of Words; “The Whaler’s Dues,” which is featured in the anthology, A Journey of Words; and “Anesthetize (or A Dream Played in Reverse on Piano Keys),” which is featured in the anthology, A Haunting of Words. Brian is also a vocalist and has released seven albums with his four bands: Yellow #1, Drop Kick Jesus, The Grave Machine, and Transpose. He is married to a US Naval Officer, and they have four children. Brian is also a police officer and has been working in law enforcement since 2002. He is a self-proclaimed roller coaster junkie, a New England Patriots fanatic, and his favorite color is burnt orange. For more information on all his books and music, visit http://www.BrianPaone.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-City-Drive-Brian-Paone-ebook/dp/B076B7X9RQ
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonlight-city-drive-brian-paone/1127206870

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To Catch a Thief by Nan Dixon

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Nan Dixon will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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

Even though the first romance books I read were historical, all the crazy story ideas I get are usually contemporary. I had one idea for a historical after I visited St Petersburg, Russia. (My daughter was ballerina and was training there for a summer.) The palaces are incredible and I wanted to set a book there. I think I write contemporary because I pull my ideas from the world around me. I write romance because I love a happily-ever-after.

What research is required?

For the Fitzgerald House series I have vacationed in Savannah and Tybee, but I also spend time there via Google Earth. Especially on THROUGH A MAGNOLIA FILTER where the hero and heroine spend a lot of time in Bonaventure cemetery. (They are photographers and the cemetery is filled with amazing statues.)

But today, for the next series I am working on, I was just checking whether car unlock after the airbags go off, or if the heroine would have to unlock the car door. And I needed to know what happened when the airbags were deployed. If you want to see some of my research—check out my Pinterest page.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Take time to enjoy your family. They are the most important people in my life.

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

I have prosecco in all my books. It’s my favorite wine!

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I used to be a pantser, but now plot using archetypes, GMC, and Save the Cat steps. Once I needed to meet deadlines, I had to stop stumbling around my stories!

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My Tigger mug filled with tea and my 24 ounce water cup. (I’m a big Winnie the Pooh fan.)

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I’m working on THE PERFECT CHILDREN a romantic suspense. It’s a book I dreamed up after dropping my daughter off at college. I had drafted book 1 before I sold my debut, but never got back to it. Now that I have finished the FITZGERALD HOUSE series, I’ve returned to it.

Premise is: Three men find out they are almost genetically identical, but they all have different mothers. The secret group now using the genetic modifications does not want the truth behind how the three men were created to be discovered. Trouble ensues!

Do you have a question for our readers?

This book is about making tough choices, about choosing between honor and love. What would you choose?

What would you do for your family?

When Carolina Castillo’s once vivacious mother becomes ill, she gives up her singing dreams and comes home to Savannah. She’d do anything for her Mamá, even work at Fitzgerald House for the family she should have been part of. She’d even steal.

Carolina’s decisions make perfect sense until she comes up against the immovable rock that is gorgeous FBI agent Sage Cornell. The honorable cop sees the world in black-and-white. He would never understand the difficult choices she’s had to make, the secrets she’s been forced to keep close. And he could never love a woman like her. Or could he?

Read an excerpt:

He boosted his butt onto the stool, moaning like he was Gramps after being in the saddle for a day.

Two women worked behind the counter drawing beers. He closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths.

“Sage?”

His eyes blinked open. “Carolina?”

The napkin slipped out of her fingers and floated to the floor.

“You got the job.” Did that make him feel better or worse since she hadn’t called?

“First day.” Her deep blue eyes had that stunned look, like a white-tailed deer caught in a four-wheeler’s lights at dusk.

“How’s your mother?” He schooled his voice, hoping she couldn’t catch his disappointment.

Her shoulders moved up and down with her sigh. His eyes dropped to her chest. Even in the modest polo, he didn’t need much imagination to remember how she’d pressed against him as they’d kissed.

So why in blazes hadn’t she called?

“They can’t get her seizures under control.” Her fingers crushed the second napkin she pulled for him. “She’s still in the hospital.”

He caught her hand. “I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.” She stared into his eyes.

The noise of the room slipped away. He wanted to make the pain in her deep blue eyes disappear, too.

She shook her head. “Um, what can I get you?”

“What’s on tap?”

“First day.” She winced. “Lots of Southbound.”

“I’ll have their seasonal.” He could have one beer and make it last through dinner.

“I’ll get that.” But she stayed right in front of him.

He smiled. Maybe she hadn’t been blowing him off. Warmth flooded through him.

“Sage?” she asked.

“Yeah?”

“I need my hand back.”

Cripes. He let go and the warmth faded like a leaking balloon. He was an idiot. “Sorry.”

Over her shoulder, she quipped, “I didn’t mind.”

“Like I said, I’m available for dinner or just a shoulder to cry on.” Preferably in bed, but even he wasn’t crass enough to suggest that to her. He wanted to help any way he could. It was the Cornell way.

About the Author:

Award winning author Nan Dixon spent her formative years as an actress, singer, dancer and competitive golfer. But the need to eat had her studying accounting in college. Unfortunately, being a successful financial executive didn’t feed her passion to perform. When the pharmaceutical company she worked for was purchased, Nan got the chance of a lifetime—the opportunity to pursue a writing career. She’s a five-time Golden Heart® finalist, lives in the Midwest and is active in her local RWA chapter and on the board of a dance company. She has five children, three sons-in-law, two granddaughters, one grandson and one neurotic cat.

http://www.NanDixon.com
https://twitter.com/nandixonauthor
https://www.facebook.com/nandixonauthor/
https://www.pinterest.com/NanDixonauthor/
Buy Links - http://www.nandixon.com/category/books/

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A Different Kind of Fire and Fury by Julie Reichwein

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Julie will be awarding a $75 Amazon GC, and another Amazon GC for $50, to two randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Detective Michelle Velasquez kicks ass with the Santa Fe Police Department, and she’ll need all her moxie May, 2013 as she’s assigned two cases which may be related. She’s assigned a vicious rape case of Maria Acevedo, an intern with the Jones Financial Group, as she gets a call from an old friend, Richard Stanberry III. He’s intent on re-connecting, but she’s suspicious of his motives for good reason.

As she digs into Maria Acevedo’s rape case, she’s assigned a thirty year old murder case of her former friend, Susie Murphy, who happened to be Richard Stanberry III’s girlfriend at the time of her murder. If Detective Velasquez wants to solve both cases, she’s going to have to put her life on the line to uncover some dark secrets that some prefer to stay buried.

Read an Excerpt:

“Has he given you problems before?”

“I’m new.”

“Are you afraid to tell me who he is?” She nodded in the affirmative.

“I wasn’t a person to him. Just a body to poke his dick into for my humiliation.”

“If you tell me who he is, I can arrest him, and you’ll never have to worry about him again.”

Tears started down her cheeks. “Can you tell me why you are so scared of him?”

She said, “Because he threatened me.”

“But you called the Police?”

“No. The cleaning crew came in, after closing hours, and found me. I begged them not to call you, but they did.”

“I’m glad they did.”

“Please don’t make me tell you who he was. He’ll destroy me.”

I said, “You know most rapists threaten their victims to keep them quiet, but they seldom follow through.” As I said it, I didn’t believe a word of it because to confront your attacker would not be easy. I’d shoot the bastard where it counted, if I ever got raped before I’d get dragged through the system. She continued to shake her head from side to side, so I said, “Why don’t we do this. I’ll take you to St. Francis Hospital, and we’ll process the evidence. You don’t need to make a decision, at the moment, on disclosing his identity. If in the future you change your mind, we have the evidence.”

“I don’t think there will be evidence because he used protection.”

“We need photographic evidence of your injuries plus he may have left a hair or two behind.” She shook her head faster, so I said, “It’s just a few photos. Nothing too obtrusive,” but they were anything but. If she named her rapist, her life would no longer be private. But without evidence, I had no chance of an arrest. “Let me take you to the hospital. I’ll call a rape counselor for you to talk to. It’s confidential between you and her.” She nodded. I’d get the son of a bitch because he wasn’t going to get away with destroying Maria Acevedo’s life. #Timesup

I rode with her in the ambulance, to St. Francis Hospital, where I stayed with her through the abysmal experience. They loaded her onto a gurney. They cut her clothes off and replaced them with a gown. Wrapped in a blanket to keep her warm, they shuffled her from room to room.

Once they reached the examination room, they had her stand. They removed the blanket and gown as the nurse held a ruler to the different abrasions while they photographed them. They swabbed her vagina and anus and gave her various shots and pills. After the shots were administered, they aimed a Canon between her legs. Once they had sufficient pictures, they inserted long beaks inside her and smeared her vagina with blue paint to check for abrasions. When they finished, they let her shower.

Her rapist wasn’t a novice, so I would check the database for any similar reported attacks. Otto and I went home after her rape counselor showed up. I’d get the son of a bitch because the arrogant prick thought he was entitled to take what he wanted, but he didn’t know that I would get the final say. I would be Maria Acevedo’s avenger. Scumbags like her rapist understood one thing, you had to punch back.

About the Author:I'm a debut author who has long had an interest in crime thrillers and an interest in criminal psychology, specifically, sexual assault. I was stalked two times in my 20's and had to relocate both times as I barely escaped rape both times. I used those experiences in creating one of my fictional characters in the book.

I'm an avid outdoor enthusiast and a lover of animals. I own 5 dogs and have horses, too. They're my babies.

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/CRIMEBOOKGIRL1
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/julie.reichwein
WEBSITE: http://www.juliereichwein.info

Buy the book at Amazon: http://amazon.com/dp/B07BC7CYMQ

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