The Infant Spirits by Janice Tremayne

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Five winners will receive a digital copy of the book. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

When a poltergeist takes root in a hospital, can a determined ghost chaser undo a devilish long-lasting curse?

Clarisse Garcia has always fought evil. A driven spirit hunter, she demolishes demonic threats before they can corrupt the innocent. But even this hardened woman is stunned when she enters an eerie Tasmanian maternity ward filled with the anguished cries of babies’ souls.

Undeterred, Clarisse dives headfirst into helping release the spirits bound to a sinister demon. But when the foul entity targets the unborn life in her womb, she faces her toughest battle yet to save her offspring’s future.

Can this spiritual warrior protect her child and free the tormented young ghosts?

The Infant Spirits is the fourth standalone book in the blood-curdling Haunting Clarisse supernatural horror series. If you like chilling apparitions, wicked demons, and a mother fighting for her child’s very existence, then you’ll love Janice Tremayne’s bedtime nightmare.

Read an Excerpt

WHAT EVIL LURKS BENEATH

Lindsay looked on as Father O’Connor tried desperately to control his emotions. He thrust the old skeleton key into the mortice lock of the basement door, fixated on one thing only—to confront his deepest fears that lived in that room. Just being in Ward C of Willow Court Asylum was enough to set off an emotional reaction—to get even with the devil in there.

“The demon knows we’re here,” Father O’Connor said. He was holding his cross in one hand and a small bottle of holy water in the other. Although he was composed, the sacred water rattled in his hand.

Lindsay looked back at him as his eyes filled with sadness for all the victims who had lost their lives to the wicked Dr. Pendergrass. “The demon mustn’t sense any fear, or it will take advantage. We come armed with God’s word, filled with the Holy Spirit. We’re strong, Father. Don’t fear the evil that has tormented us for over a century.”

Father O’Connor didn’t respond. He knew Lindsay was right, because the only way to defeat a demon was not to expose your worst fears. Demons had an uncanny way of measuring your apprehension and using it to their advantage.

Lindsay turned the key quickly until he heard the click of the mortice lock disengaging. Then he raised his foot and kicked the door open as he shone his lantern into the room.

He placed his hands over his mouth. The room smelled like it had been untouched for a hundred years; a putrid stench that was not from this time and had carried over from generations.

“Is this what spirits smell like?” Father O’Connor asked.

“It’s the signature of evil you are smelling, Father. They all have a different odor. It’s how we identify them.”

Father O’Connor sensed the evil in the air—the rotting moisture of death and the blood curdling screams of babies and their mothers who had died in this den of horrors.

“So, now you hide from us, demon? Behind the pitch-black curtains of your own hell!” Lindsay called out. “Show yourself, you scum of the Earth and murderer of mothers and children!”

About the Author: Janice Tremayne is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning ghost and supernatural writer. Janice is a finalist in the Readers' Favorite 2020 International Book Awards in fiction-supernatural and was awarded the distinguished favorite prize for paranormal horror at the New York City Big Book Awards 2020.

She is an emerging Australian author who lives with her family in Melbourne. Her recent publications, Haunting in Hartley and Bolder Blindsided, reached number one in the Amazon kindle ranking for Occult Supernatural, Ghosts and Haunted Houses categories hot new releases and bestseller. Janice is well-versed in her cultural superstitions and how they influence daily life and customs. She has developed a passion and style for writing ghost and supernatural novels for new adult readers.

Website
Send Email
Facebook

Amazon.

 

Education: Lessons to Manage Erectile Dysfunction by Kelly Dawn & Rockie Dale

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kelly Dawn & Rockie Dale will be awarding a $15 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.

No man likes to see a doctor at the best of times, but when the diagnosis is erectile dysfunction, it can feel like a life sentence.

There was a time not so long ago when talking about erectile dysfunction was taboo and rarely talked about in public. That began to change in the late '90s, when advertisements for Viagra began to air on TV. Today, the erectile dysfunction business is a multi-billion-dollar industry with great promises and limited advice.

The authors of EDucation are a real-life couple who had to deal with erectile dysfunction early on in their relationship. They found a few books on erectile dysfunction, but they were very clinical in nature, so they wrote their own book filled with practical advice, like whisky dick is real and having a few before the lights go out is a bad idea.

EDucation is a light-hearted, helpful and fun view of erectile dysfunction for men and their partners!

Remember: it's all in your head!

Read an Exclusive Excerpt

The thing is, ED is a real dick! Whenever ED enters someone’s life, he turns it upside down. Suddenly, your friend, your neighbour, doesn’t feel like a normal guy anymore. What he thought was always a given—AN IMPORTANT GIVEN—isn’t there any longer.

ED’s real name is Erectile Dysfunction. Erectile Dysfunction can feel like a life sentence for a man. Really, what guy doesn’t want to be the 90-year-old in the nursing home who can still get it up? More importantly, how does this diagnosis affect his current sex life? Will he able to have a normal sex life again? What will his partner think? How will it affect his relationship if he can’t get an erection? For some men, and maybe all men, their sense of masculinity is tied to their ability to please their partner. What happens to that guy who loses this ability? Will his marriage stay intact? If he’s single, will he be able to find someone who will want him? How does he tell a new date about that annoying SOB, ED?

If you have been diagnosed with ED, we have a number of suggestions to help you navigate your new situation. Our hope is that after reading this book, you and your partner will understand ED better and learn some techniques to help get you back in the saddle.

LISTEN UP!

Some people might think a book about Erectile Dysfunction is just for men, but in heterosexual relationships, women are an equal part of the equation. In any relationship where one partner has ED, the other partner can be a tremendous help. If you have ED, you need to share it with your partner, who is also deeply impacted by your diagnosis. There are lots of tips in this book for both partners to enjoy a new and satisfying sex life.

About the Authors:

We are Rockie and Kelly, two people in their 50s, who met online after our marriages fell apart. The late 40s and early 50s are a difficult time for many couples, as the kids start to leave home and you wonder what the next chapter holds for you. There may be financial, career, relationship and — in particular — sex issues that suddenly rear their ugly heads.

We spent a long time talking and texting prior to meeting in person, and eventually, as our relationship grew, we were ready for intimacy. He was upfront from the beginning that he suffered from Erectile Dysfunction (ED). His honesty about ED helped us to deal with this and, as our relationship progressed, we found different solutions to improve our sex life. We also discovered that while there is a lot of information available about ED, most of the books on this topic are very clinical and serious. As time went on and we became better acquainted with ED, we decided that we wanted to take what we had learned and write a book that would be both helpful and humorous in order to help other couples.

You will notice that we have included a song at the beginning of each chapter. We felt the song lyrics had hidden meaning for us, from our point of view of ED. If you are not familiar with these songs, take time to listen to them and see if you can find or make the connection with Erectile Dysfunction.

It is important to note that we are not medical professionals, nor sex therapists, and do not offer a cure. We are here to give you fun and practical advice on how to live with ED and have a fulfilling sex life.

This book is meant for both men and women, whether new to the diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction, or in the midst of dealing with it—married or otherwise. We hope it helps you find a new normalcy in the bedroom, and that you enjoy our straightforward and unconventional approach!

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Goodreads

Amazon
Amazon CA
Bookshop
Indigo Chapters
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
iBooks
Smashwords

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Polish Dragon PI by Steve Zimcosky

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Steve Zimcosky 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.

A bible mysteriously disappears from a Russian businessman’s home and it is said to have a secret hidden inside that would cause embarrassment to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Polish Dragon P. I. is called in, along with his new partner, to help find the bible. The problem is the bible is not supposed to exist and there is a secret organization, sworn to protect the church, also looking for the bible. They will stop at nothing to locate it and destroy it.

Read an Excerpt

It was during the split with Constantinople, in the 1400s, that a group of wealthy landowners and members of the royalty got together to form a group that would do anything to protect the ROC and keep it from being harmed. The men formed a set of bylaws and rules that had to be followed and pledge to protect the Church at all costs, even death. When word had gotten out that this group had formed, many men in other parishes wanted to join and do their part to protect the church. Many, as it turned out, became fanatics.

Gregor Babikov was the first leader of the Bureau although they hadn't had a name for the group at that point. Gregor was a devout Christian, who worshipped and prayed to the seven archangels. His wealth allowed him access to any bishop, with whom he wanted to meet and talk about Church policy and how it would best be served independently of Rome.

In the beginning, they protected the Church from marauders and thieves and then turned their wrath on anyone who spoke out against the Church. It got to the point where if you wanted to cause harm to someone, you could tell the group that they were the Devil's Helper and trying to destroy the Church. An accusation was all it took and the person would never be seen or heard from again. As they became well-known, the membership increased to all areas where there was an Orthodox church.

Their deeds became well known and the Church began to try and distance itself from the group. The bishops began to feel that people were afraid of the Church, or what could happen to them if someone falsely accused them. The Church leaders met with the leaders of the Bureau and it was decided that they would disband and no longer be associated with the Church. But Gregor had another idea; he was going to protect the Church at all costs and that is when he took the group underground. They would now become a secret society and do what was necessary to protect the Church.

About the Author: Steve Zimcosky is a multi-award winning and international selling author. He is the creator of the Polish Dragon P. I. series and was born in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland, Ohio where many of his stories take place. He has wanted to be an author since elementary school while reading books like White Fang and Call of the Wild by Jack London. He spends his retirement time writing short stories on a variety of subjects he hopes his readers will enjoy. Some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, James Clavell, Thomas B. Dewey and Vivien Chien.

Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Twisted Tea Christmas by Laura Childs

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Laura Childs will be awarding a “Tea Party in a Box,” - a special kit with a tea assortment, English shortbread, chocolates, Laura Childs’ books, and a few more goodies to a randomly drawn winner (USA ONLY) via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

It’s the week before Christmas as tea maven Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton, cater a fancy Victorian Christmas party for Miss Drucilla Heyward, one of Charleston’s wealthy doyennes. But smack dab in the middle of the Fa-la-la’s, Miss Drucilla is murdered, her gold rings stolen off her fingers, and a genuine Renoir snatched off the wall.

The police come screaming in while Theodosia peers speculatively at the guests and wonders – whodunit? Urged on by Miss Drucilla’s personal assistant, Theodosia runs a shadow investigation on suspects that include wealthy neighbors, a handyman named Smokey, an unscrupulous art dealer, and the executive directors of two local charities who were in line for donations.

As Theodosia continually finds herself in hot water, she also hosts numerous holiday tea parties, stumbles upon a second dead body, and shelters a cadre of homeless dogs who come to her rescue in the surprise ending. This Tea Shop Mystery is written with pacing, plot twists, and action reminiscent of a thriller and is liberally sprinkled with the magic of Christmas.

Read an Excerpt:

Theodosia peered through the window and saw Delaine standing on her front stoop.

“It’s awfully late, isn’t it?” Theodosia said as she unlocked the door and pulled it open. Then she stared in amazement.

“I brought your foster dogs,” Delaine said

Theodosia frowned. “When I agreed to be a temporary foster home, you said it would be one dog. Singular. I see more than one dog. In fact . . .” Theodosia did a hasty head count. “I see . . . six dogs?”

“Some of the people who agreed to foster the dogs over Christmas weaseled out on me. So I need a teensy bit of help.”

Theodosia sighed as Delaine’s herd of canines trooped into her home. “This is how it starts, isn’t it?” she said. “This is how animal lovers become the animal hoarders you see on TV. Crazy ladies with three dozen dogs, three hundred parakeets, and a herd of baby goats in the back yard.”

“You paint an overly dramatic picture,” Delaine said. “Besides, you only have to mind these sweet creatures for two, maybe three days at the most. Now this adorable dachshund is Pumpkin, the poodle is Marty, and the Doberman is Sabrina. Those two don’t actually have names and this big boy is Gruenwald.”

“He’s as big as a horse!” Theodosia cried.

“But oh so sweet.”

So of course Theodosia took them in. It was Christmas after all. And they were in desperate need of a home.

About the Author:

Laura Childs is the author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. All have been on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. Recently, Book Riot named her mysteries to their list of “25 of the All Time Best Cozy Mystery Series.” In her previous life Laura was CEO of her own marketing firm, authored several screenplays, and produced a reality TV show. She is married to Dr. Bob, a professor of Chinese art history, and has a Chinese Shar-Pei named Lotus.

Website: http://www.laurachilds.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.childs.31
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/88924.Laura_Childs

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Christmas-Shop-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B08S7DLKWL/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Storms by Thomas Grant Bruso

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Thomas Grant Bruso will be awarding a $10 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.

Sixteen-year-old Earl Layman is going stir-crazy. Secluded with the flu inside the four walls of his home and only the escape of his video games to help him through, Earl is struggling to keep his sanity.

That is until he notices the boy next door, seventeen-year-old Rex Chambers, raking leaves in the adjacent yard.

Earl’s summer is about to change. Before another torrential rainstorm hits the small upstate New York town of Betham County, they meet during an awkward cell phone exchange. As they start to connect through occasional texts, Earl and Rex enter the throes of adolescent lust.

In the early stages of forging a lasting connection, their family situations threaten to destroy all they are working for.

Read an Excerpt

The walls of Earl’s bedroom rumbled from the vibrations of the motorcycle. Rex turned and waved. Earl lifted his hand and returned the favor, watching as Rex the Wonder Boy fled out of the yard into a string of traffic on Bauer Street.

A sharp knock on his door surprised Earl, parting the cobwebby thoughts building in his brain as Rex disappeared from his line of vision.

“Honey? May I come in?” his mother asked, poking her head inside his cluttered, smelly bedroom.

“Yeah.” He turned away from the window and looked up at the sweet expression on his mother’s face.

“You talking to someone? I thought I heard voices.”

Earl looked out the window at the neighbor’s empty backyard and shook his head, shuffled back into bed. “Just talking to myself.”

“Well, breakfast is ready.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You need to eat.”

Earl sighed. “What did you make today?”

“Chocolate chip pancakes. Your favorite.”

“Maybe,” he said, shrugging. “I’ll try some.”

“Are you feeling any better?”

“A little.”

She walked into the room and touched his forehead with the back of her hand. “You don’t feel as warm as you did yesterday.”

“I slept a lot.”

“Do you think you’ll be able to go back to school tomorrow?”

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

“How about I fix you a plate and bring it up to you?”

“I’ll be down in a few minutes. I need to get out of this room.”

She stopped and stared, studying her son. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

Earl looked up from his cell phone and shook his head. “Nothing.”

Paula wagged a finger, went to the empty chair at his writing desk, and sat. “I know that look.”

“What look?”

“That faraway, disconnected gaze.”

He got up and walked to his closet. He stared at himself in the dusty mirror on the back of the door. “I didn’t realize that’s how I looked.”

“Trust me. You do. Mothers know.”

He padded back to his bed and plopped down. He sighed and stared up at the low, sloping ceiling.

“What’s on your mind?” Paula asked, giving him all her attention.

Earl glanced in her direction. “I don’t know why, but I was thinking about Shells and Uncle Fred.” He gestured to the photo album spread out across his ruffled video-game-printed bedsheets.

Paula fingered the album and stared down at the familiar faces of her family. “What made you think of Shells and Uncle Fred?”

“What else am I supposed to do in here all day?”

She smiled. “Come on. You can tell me. Why are Shells and Uncle Fred on your mind all of a sudden?” She tapped the leather-bound photo album.

“Something that you told me many years ago about the importance of loving and caring for others.” He shrugged. “I just miss Shells. She was a good cat.”

“I miss her too. She was a crazy cool cat.”

About the Author: Thomas Grant Bruso knew at an early age he wanted to be a writer. He has been a voracious reader of genre fiction since he was a kid.

His literary inspirations are Jim Grimsley, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Karin Fossum, Joyce Carol Oates, and John Connolly.

Bruso loves animals, book-reading, writing fiction, prefers Sudoku to crossword puzzles.

In another life, he was a freelance writer and wrote for magazines and newspapers. In college, he was a winner of the Hermon H. Doh Sonnet Competition. Now, he writes book reviews for his hometown newspaper, The Press-Republican.

He lives in upstate New York.

https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Grant-Bruso/e/B00OGMHLW8
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8591689.Thomas_Grant_Bruso
https://www.instagram.com/thomasgrantbrusoauthor/
https://twitter.com/thomgrantbruso

Buy links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09GHBP492/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
Ninestar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/summer-storms/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-storms-thomas-grant-bruso/1140168619

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Merry Little Wishing Spritz by Cherie Colyer

This pos is part of a virtual book tour organzied by Goddess Fish Promotions. Cherie Colyer will be awarding a $10 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.

Modern-day witch Cassie Moore’s cozy life turns upside down when her friend foresees the wrecking ball that threatens to destroy Cassie’s home and workplace. But Cassie isn’t giving up without a fight. She casts a well-intended spell meant to save her apartment and her job. But magic is unpredictable, especially when her friend casts a little charm of her own that has Cassie lusting after the man she desperately wants to despise.

Jack Quinn has had his eyes on Lakeside Books for years, and he couldn’t be happier the owner is finally ready to sell. He has big plans for the cozy waterfront property, but he didn’t expect to care about the store or its employees. And he never imagined he’d be drawn to a certain brown-eyed saleswoman.

Almost as if by magic.

Read an Excerpt

Jack tucked the midnight blue candle under his arm and picked up one of the beaded bracelets.

“The magnetite stones help to ground the wearer,” I said.

“Do you believe in that sort of thing?”

I nodded. A person didn’t have to be a witch to believe gems, stones, and herbs had mystical properties. He rolled the black beads between his fingers. “Magnetite also attracts love, loyalty, and commitment, if I remember correctly.”

“You’re right,” I said, amazed he knew the property of the stone.

He held onto the bracelet and wandered to the suspense sections.

I followed. “If you buy Lakeside Books—”
His gaze met mine, one eyebrow hiked. “ ‘If’?”
My fingers trailed over the nicked shelves as I walked. “Now that word is out the store is for sale, you might not be the only one interested in purchasing it.”

The corners of his mouth curved into a smug smirk, implying he wasn’t worried. Would he up his offer if I countered? Jack reached for a book.

Frustrated at the whole store situation, I flick my finger, sending several paperbacks flying off the shelf with the one Jack grabbed. Books pelted his chest.

I jumped back, acting shocked by the books jumping off the shelf. I couldn’t exactly tell him I did it. “We must have packed them in too tightly.”

I pressed my lips together to hide my smile and helped pick up the fallen books.

“This is quite popular.” I held one out. “Lots of twists and surprise attacks.”

Jack glanced sideways. “Is that right?”

About the Author:

Professional network technician by day, novelist by night, Cherie lives a quiet life in the Chicago suburbs with her charming husband. She has four amazing sons who she loves dearly. Cherie magically weaves together stories with a paranormal twist. She’s the author of the Embrace series (Embrace, Hold Tight, and Entwined), Challenging Destiny, Damned When I Didn’t, and Friends to the End. She waltzes into the adult novel world with this enchanting holiday romance, Merry Little Wishing Spritz.

Keep in Touch:

Website: https://cheriecolyer.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cherie-Colyer-author-250631921629169
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CherieColyer
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cherie_colyer/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5288487.Cherie_Colyer
Bookbub author page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cherie-colyer

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FWZYS9Z
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merry-little-wishing-spritz-cherie-colyer/1140147083
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/merry-little-wishing-spritz/id1585526848
Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/m0BJBV
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/merry-little-wishing-spritz-christmas-cookies-by-cherie-colyer

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Dead End Job by Justin Alcala

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Justin Alcala will be awarding a $50 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.

Fans of Terry Pratchett and Shane Kuhn's THE INTERN'S HANDBOOK will love this noir supernatural thriller.

Death needs a vacation. Badly. But there's a catch: There are people who cheat the system, always falling through the cracks and not dying like they're supposed to. Who's going to take care of them while Death's sipping on sangria?

The answer is simple: Death needs an intern, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that one prospect, Buck Palasinski,-a bankrupt hitman with a roleplaying addiction-might have what it takes. While scoping out his next target, Buck gets drilled in the forehead by a bullet and falls right into Death's lap.

If they shove him back into his body, he'll have a few weeks to prove that he has what it takes to be Death's right-hand.

All he has to do is take out Public Enemy No. 1, John Dillinger, and quit smoking.

Read an Excerpt

The apartment door swung open, and Death hurried out with white badges and a sharpie in his hand. On his chest was an ivory sticker with a label that read “Hello, my name is.” Written in underneath was ‘The Big Cheese’ in handwritten letters. Death peeled another label off its backing and carefully handed it to Jumbo. It read “Hello, my name is: Jumbo the I.T. Guy.”

“You’re joking.” Jumbo patted the label on his shirt.

“This is new hire orientation.” Death handed me a sticker that spelled out Hello, my name is: Buchanan Palasinski. Underneath in all caps it said, I’m an applicant, which was underlined three times and topped with a frowny face. Death took a step back and inspected us. “Perfect. Okay, you can come in now.” Death whirled around and hurried back into his apartment.

“Well, man.” Jumbo grinned. “If you thought the boat ride was strange, just wait until you see Death’s apartment.” Jumbo pushed the joystick on his controls forward and the chair wheeled through the door. I took one last look down the endless apartment hall, half expecting The Shining twins to appear. I needed another smoke, but I didn’t think that Death would approve. Instead, I looked up at the ceiling and took a few deep breaths. Whatever I saw in here, I’d need to be ready. I took two brisk steps forward and entered Death’s apartment.

About the Author:

Justin Alcala is a novelist, nerdologist and Speculative Literature Foundation Award Finalist. He’s author of the novels Consumed, (BLK Dog Publishing) The Devil in the Wide City (Solstice Publishing) and Dim Fairytales (AllThingsThatMatterPress). His dozens of short stories have been featured in magazines and anthologies, including It Dances Now (Crimson Street Magazine),The Offering (Rogue Planet Press) and The Lantern Quietly Screams (Castabout Literature). When he’s not burning out his retinas in front of a computer, Justin is an adventuresome tabletop gamer. He’s also a blogger, folklore enthusiast and time traveler. He is an avid quester of anything righteous, from fighting dragons to acquiring magical breakfast eggs from the impregnable grocery fortress.

Most of Justin’s tales and characters take place in The Plenty Dreadful universe, a deranged supernatural version of the modern world. When writing, Justin immerses himself in whatever subject he’s working on, from research to overseas travel. Much to the dismay of his family, he often locks himself away in his office-dungeon while playing themed videos and music over, and over, and over again. Justin currently resides with his dark queen, Mallory, their malevolent daughter, Lily, and their hellcat, Misery. Where his mind might be though is anyone’s guess.

Website: https://www.justincalcala.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinAlcala
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.alcala
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7862799.Justin_Alcala

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-End-Job-Justin-Alcala/dp/1956136096
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dead-end-job-justin-alcala/1137956585

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Brenda Billings Ridgley will be awarding a Cape Diablo wrap bracelet and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Ridgley’s Believe it or Not!

Hello my friends at It’s Raining Books! My gracious hosts have asked that I share a handful of things that you would probably NEVER guess about me. Oh what fun… Here we go!

1. My Empty Nest story was foiled!

Part of the inspiration of my book Lady and the Tribe, How to Create Empowering Friendship Circles was the fact that after spending almost 20 years raising my kids, when I realized their “flying the coop” was eminent I freaked out! Who was I going to be without my role… my identity… as MOM? With some soul searching, I finally came to not only accept, but look forward to my own next chapter as an empty nester. I was scheduled to launch my youngest off to college in the fall of 2020, which I did, however in the Spring of 2020 my oldest had to put his acting career on hold due to COVID. He moved back to Colorado from NYC in March and is still here! Maybe I will be able to figure out what Empty Nesting really is early in 2022.

2. Competed in a pageant for the first time at age 52… WHAT?

Truth can be stranger than fiction, right? I have never been a cheerleader or anything like that and sure NEVER considered being a contestant in a pageant. When it was first suggested to me, I laughed out loud. I thought, oh my gosh, that is not ME! What would people think? No, I do not think of myself as a beauty queen, and I don’t walk with grace in an evening gown and heels. Believe it or Not, I don’t even have a plan for World Peace. So, I am totally unqualified! But as I considered it a bit more, I thought of a few things I DO have.

• First, I DO love to challenge myself. Usually, it involves earning top producer for something, climbing a mountain, jumping off a cliff or conquering that wretched Incline! I expect a journey of this nature will certainly be challenging both mentally and physically!

• Secondly, I DO want to launch the next chapter of my life in a memorable way. A little re-inventing and becoming the best version of myself was a great kick start for the next chapter.

• Lastly I DO have a great love for my community, I am super proud to be an ambassador for the Carbon Valley area. So, as I thought thru it, I thought, what the heck, why not? Do something CRAZY! Step out of your comfort zone and possibly make a difference in some small way. Be a messenger of community, connection, good-will, service and do it with a little BLING!

3. Hiked 8 - 14’ers including the treacherous Longs Peak.

What is a 14’er you may ask? A 14’er, sometimes written out “fourteener” is a mountain that is over 14,000 feet tall. My first was Longs Peak which is a 14,259 ft. behemoth and one of the most coveted peaks in Colorado. An average of 15,000 hikers attempt to summit Longs Peak each year despite the fact it is one of the toughest 14ers. Less than 50% of those who start the hike are able to complete it. 14’ers are tough mind over matter adventures. I’ve got the bug to complete at least ten so my work is not done yet.

4. One summer I went on tour singing in cathedrals throughout Europe

In high school I was selected for a touring choir that allowed me to travel abroad and visit amazing places and sing in beautiful cathedrals. Our group sang “God Bless America” at the top of the Eiffel Tower on the 4th of July. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I will never forget it.

5. I wrote Lady and the Tribe in 10 weeks

Once inspired; I outlined my thoughts (really, just a list of about fourteen topics I wanted to cover), I purchased a laptop so I could write in a more creative space than my office, and I started writing. My fingers could hardly keep up with my mind as I shared my story, research, and the blueprint for building meaningful friendships and cultivating a Tribe of your own. I did not experience the dreaded “writers block” even once. I attribute that to the fact that I am truly enthusiastic about this topic and helping women connect and become whole through friendships.

Thank you for the opportunity!

Wives, mothers, and career women—we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the makeup free, yoga pants, weight gain routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.

In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere? The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.

Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.

We can become whole again through the power of connection.

When three or more gather, we are Tribe.

Read an Excerpt

The Tribe

Traditionally, a Tribe is a social division in society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties. Some Tribes have a common culture and dialect, and typically they have a recognized leader. A customary Tribe is a face-to-face community, relatively bound by kinship relations, reciprocal exchange, and strong ties to place.

The term Tribe should be utilized only with great respect and consideration of its origins. It is with the term’s heritage in mind that I aspire to create that culture with my closest friends. This social division, group, or pack are linked by common social patterns, interests, and sometimes, goals. As the group connects together over time, they establish the Tribe’s personality, lingo, patterns, and rituals.

Your Tribal space feels like home when you arrive. It is safe, encouraging and makes you feel relevant because you are truly seen. Your Tribe cares about your opinions and what you have to say. They are proud of your talents and strengths and are not threatened by your success. Your Tribe will promote rather than ignore or diminish your wins. Although these close friends can be a great influence for you to be better and do better, there is no contest; you do not feel competitive with one another. The experience of finding your Tribe can be life changing. It becomes a mirror reaffirming who you are and where you belong.

About the Author:

BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship. Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe. Through her workshops, vlogs, blogs, and book clubs, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe. A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry. She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14’ers.

To connect with Brenda, visit her website at http://www.BrendaRidgley.com.
Invite Brenda to speak at your next event: mailto:brenda@brendaridgley.com.
Order: Lady and the Tribe - https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Tribe-Empowering-Friendship-Circles/dp/1737289709

Subscribe:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BrendaRidgley
Podcast: @TheConnectionConnoisseur - https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/the-connection-connoisseur,3341
Blog: https://www.brendaridgley.com/blog

Follow:

Instagram: @BrendaRidgley -- https://www.instagram.com/brendaridgley/
Facebook: @BrendaRidgleyConnections - https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections
Twitter: @BrendaRidgley http://www.twitter.com/BrendaRidgley

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enough to Make the Angels Weep by Ernesto Patino

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ernesto Patino will be awarding a $30 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.

Hired to investigate the murder of an 84-year-old widow, P.I. Joe Coopersmith hits one dead end after another in his search for leads. With few clues and no suspects, he nearly gives up, until he uncovers a connection to a bizarre plot to kill the descendants of Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico during the Mexican-American War. Known as San Patricios, they belonged to the St. Patrick's Battalion, an elite Mexican unit composed mostly of Irish immigrants. When a well-preserved diary of an Irish soldier turns up, Coopersmith knows he's on the right track. He digs deeper into the plot, soon learning the identity of the man behind it and his warped motive for the cold-blooded murder of the elderly widow.

Read an Excerpt

Excerpt from the diary of Kevin O’Leary.

September 13, 1847

I am writing this from the home of Father Bernardo, who is not only my protector but my only source of information about what is happening throughout the city. This morning the last of the condemned San Patricios were hanged within view of Chapultepec Castle. Father Bernardo witnessed the event, which he described as barbaric beyond belief. With nooses around their necks, they waited over 3 hours before they were hanged. May they rest in peace and may Mary, our Mother, watch over them for eternity.

As I deserted after the battle of Monterrey, I know the Americans will show me no mercy. But I thank God that David McElroy and John Brooke were spared the noose because of their youth. They were with me when we slipped away from the Americans as they celebrated their victory.

About the Author:Ernesto Patino has been a musician, soldier, schoolteacher, FBI agent and private investigator. He is a multi-genre author whose books range from Mysteries and Thrillers to Romance and Children’s books. His published works include In the Shadow of a Stranger, Web of Secrets, The Last of the Good Guys and One Last Dance. He lives in Southern Arizona with his wife Pamela with whom he shares a passion for ethnic cuisines, classical music and foreign films.

Website: http://www.ernestopatino.com
Amazon Author Page: http://wwww.amazon.com/author/ernestopatino

Amazon Buy link: http://amazon.com/dp/B09FJ4Q136

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Photograph by L.E. Luttrell

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. L.E. Luttrell 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.

In a quiet Sydney suburb, soon-to-be-married Sonny Day sets off on his bike to catch the train to work. He never makes it to the station. After his fiancée Chrys reports him missing, DI India Hargreaves launches a low-key investigation.

Weeks later, a man’s body is found, mutilated and buried, on a nearby building site, but it’s not Sonny, and with no solid leads, both investigations stall…until a letter arrives from Sonny, claiming he’s met someone else.

Chrys insists Sonny wrote it under duress. She convinces India to investigate further, beginning with the photograph that came with the letter and ending in Scotland and the discovery of more mysterious deaths. But two questions remain unanswered. Whose body was buried on the building site? And where is Sonny Day?

Read an Excerpt

A woman India had not seen before answered the door at Chrys Water’s house.

“Good evening, I’m Detective Inspector Hargreaves,” she said. “Is Chrys at home?”

“Chrys!” the woman shouted unnecessarily, as Chrys appeared at that moment, her face full of hope.

“Do you have some news?” she asked.

“We believe we’ve found Sonny’s bike and we’d like you to come and have a look at it to verify if it is his.”

“Where is it?” Chrys cried, pushing past the woman who had answered the door. “Sorry, Roxy,” she said, turning back. “Detective Hargreaves, this is my cousin Roxy. She’s staying with me this week.”

Roxy nodded at her and followed them out to the van.

Jacko was waiting for them with the van doors open and a powerful torch shining in on the bike. Chrys peered closely at it without saying a word, then backed up a few steps.

“Where did you find it?” she asked almost in a whisper. “Have you found Sonny?”

“No Chrys, only the bike. Can you confirm whether this is Sonny’s bike?”

“Yes. It looks like his bike. Where was it?”

“On a bush trail over at Wilberforce?”

“Wilberforce? What would Sonny be doing there?”

“Sonny may not have been there. But someone dumped his bike there.”

“Oh God!” Chrys cried, doubling over as if in pain. “He’s dead, isn’t he?”

About the Author: L.E. Luttrell was born in Sydney, Australia and spent the first 21 years of her life there before moving to the UK. After working in publishing (in the UK) for a few years she went on to study and trained as a teacher. From the 90s she spent many years working in secondary education, although she’s also had numerous other part time jobs. A frustrated architect/builder, L.E. Luttrell has spent much of her adult life moving house and wielding various tools while renovating properties.

L.E. Luttrell currently lives in Merseyside England, but also spends time travelling between Liverpool, Wales (UK) and Australia when there is not a Covid crisis.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leluttrell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LLuttrellauthor
Website: http://www.lelutrell.com

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1112086
Amazon: http://mybook.to/thephotograph
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1592318242
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165066092
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781786455086
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781786455086&language=0

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rogue Royal by Megan Slayer

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack featuring a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

You are formally invited to the royal ball…to become the husband to the king!

King Charles of Lysianna needs a husband and fast. He’s up against the biggest time crunch of all—a royal decree stating he must marry or lose the crown. It’s already December and he’s running out of time. Throwing a royal ball to find a suitable man for the role of husband seems like the king’s only option…until he meets Nathan. This royal has always done things his own way—and maybe now it’s time to go rogue.

Nathan Pratt doesn’t want much from life except to raise his son and be happy. Dating isn’t on this single father’s radar until he sees Charles in the castle solarium and his heart goes out to the sad-looking man. Once he meets Charles, he starts to think love might be possible. There’s just the small issue of Charles being the king…

Will Nathan be able to handle the glare of the spotlight with Charles beside him, or will the notoriety that comes with dating a royal be too much?

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of gunshots as well as the threat of kidnapping. This book is linked to Runaway Royal.

Read an Excerpt

©2021 Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved

The man, though, caught Charlie’s attention. The coat covered his frame, but he appeared trim and Charlie liked the way the slight winter breeze caught in his dark hair. He had a thing for dark, brooding and handsome men. Was this one brooding?

“Do you believe you’ll find a husband before the deadline?” Lady Teresa asked. “Are you aware Lender believes he’s next in line to the throne?”

Shoot. He needed to pay attention and not watch the guy outside. “I’m confident I’ll find someone, although I believe this decree to be out of date. A ruler should be permitted to choose a worthy partner on his or her own timeframe.”

“And Lender?” she asked.

“Has no connections to the crown. He’s not in line.” Not if he had anything to say about it.

Spencer nodded behind her. “Is that your last question? The king is very busy and needs to attend to the planning of the Christmas Ball.”

“One more,” she said. “What would you like to tell our readers and your loyal subjects? Any words of wisdom?”

“Yes, I appreciate every one of my subjects and I’m endeavoring to do what’s best for all of them. We are a proud nation and should be proud to be of the kingdom of Lysianna. I am both humble and proud to be your leader and hope to be for many years to come.” God, he needed to work on his speaking skills.

“Thank you.” She stood and shook hands with him. “It’s a pleasure to have interviewed you. So easy.”

“You’re welcome here any time. Thank you for interviewing me.” He stood and watched the team pick up the gear. At least she hadn’t begged him to pose in his crown.

He waited until the crew and interviewer had left, then settled on the chair again. “Spence? Anything else? I need a break.”

Spencer checked the tablet. “You have a meeting with the planning commission for the Christmas festivities. They wish to show you the itinerary for the royal celebrations and will want to incorporate the ball into their plans. They’ve got in mind a rather large bash for the New Year portion of the celebrations.”

“Of course.” He folded his arms and looked out of the window again. “Who is the guy with Emmett? Is he new?”

“Him?” Spencer rubbed his chin. “That’s Nathan Pratt. He works as a tutor and with archives. Seems bright and fair. I’m not sure if he’s gay, but I was told he’d used a surrogate to have his son. The surrogate is one of your subjects, so since the child is half-Lysiannan, Nathan was permitted to live here as he raised the boy.” He eyed Charlie. “Do you wish to meet him?”

“Maybe.” He wasn’t sure if he wanted to make a move. Still, Nathan was handsome in a faraway manner. He must be decent enough with kids if he had one. But would he be dazzled by Charlie’s role as the king and not genuine?

About the Author:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Newsletter: http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj
Website: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
Blog: https://wendizwaduk.wordpress.com/
Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/wendizwaduk.meganslayer/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Megan-Slayer/e/B008BJCFSC
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-slayer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendizwaduk/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5330530.Megan_Slayer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MeganSlayer

Buy Links:

https://books2read.com/u/boaoqp
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FK1VJSZ/
https://www.firstforromance.com/book/rogue-royal

a Rafflecopter giveaway