A Reservoir Man by L.J. Ambrosio

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. L.J. Ambrosio will be awarding a signed copy of the book to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write your genre? What draws you to it?

I like to write fiction. The closer it is to my reality the happier I am. I am drawn to this because I seek truth for my readers and myself.

What research is required?

No matter what genre you write in research from "what store is at that corner you are writing about" to "who was President" is important. You will lose creditability with your reader with obvious inaccurate facts, and they may just put your book down for good.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

How lonely life is at times even when you are surrounded by lots of people.

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

When I write, I don’t stop until I am finished. Then I reread. I do not reread while I write. I love those gummies. One time I took 2 gummies and wrote a chapter never remembering when and how I wrote it.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I am a pantser—outline just writer, “a man of intellect does not act” Dostoevsky “Crimes and Punishment”

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A pile of soft and hardcover books of my novel

Anything new coming up from you?

My new book, which is with my editor “Reflection on the Boulevard"

A Reservoir Man, critics have hailed this explosive and timely work as “a must-read coming-of-age story of 2022.” Twists and turns further pull the reader in to Michael’s action-packed tale, with powerful themes, from betrayal and family to secrets and identity. “Be sure not to blink because you just might miss a pivotal moment in Michael’s rousing, larger-than-life story.” -- R.C. Gibson, Indiestoday.com. “This book is a dream, a gamble, a utopia, even.” -- Kalyan Panja, Bookmarkks.

Read an Excerpt

Nick and Michael talked a lot about the draft and how soon they would be drafted after graduation. Nick said he was going to Europe for six months right after graduation, spending some time with his family in Cyprus.

He asked Michael to go with him, telling him that, “You can get a student deferment for seven to eight months while independently studying in a foreign country.”

Michael got excited, not because of the deferment, he realized that this was what the British Victorians gave their male children. When they graduated, they sent them to the continent for an extended time. The deferment was more attractive to Andy than having a Victorian son. Frances was very uneasy about this venture.

Michael told Andy, “Do not buy me a car for graduation. Send me to Europe.”

Andy agreed but the deal was that Michael had to use his graduation money as well. Michael got his deferment and bought his ticket to Amsterdam on Lufthansa Airlines. Nick’s brother worked for TransCaribbean Airlines, he gave Nick free plane trips through Europe and Cyprus. Michael bought a Frist Class Eurail pass for three months. This permitted him to go first-class from city to city in Europe with no reservations, nor restrictions, for as many trips as he wanted. They both were skipping graduation.

Though Andy and Frances felt bad not seeing their son graduate, they knew this adventure was important. His parents went to the airport with him, watched him go through customs, and stood looking down at him entering his gate. He promised to write every day and to light candles in every church he visited for the family. Michael was just twenty years old but felt as if he had already lived a lifetime.

About the Author: Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career. He taught at 7 universities in the United States.

https://www.amazon.com/Reservoir-Man-L-J-Ambrosio/dp/B0B28MYS3S

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My Dead True Love by Kim Pierce

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will receive a $50 Amazon/BN GC. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Today, we welcome Kim Pierce, author of "My Dead True Love". 

Hello, Kim and welcome to It's Reading Books. What would we find under your bed?

Cats! Seriously. They’d either be hiding or, under the bed in the guest room, snuggled up in a little rolling drawer that we found on the curb while walking through our neighborhood. It’s a wooden box on wheels, like for a child’s toys. We store blankets there. Not to go off on a tangent, but since the pandemic began, it is among the many amazing discards we have rescued on our twice-a-day walks: Others include a new soaker hose, a fireplace grill, a bicycle, a lovely hand-stitched quilt and a midcentury modern chair my partner restored.

What was the scariest moment of your life?

It happened while I was jogging, when I turned to see the front end of an SUV bearing down on me and realized it wasn’t going to stop. I was completely at the mercy of the moment. After impact, I struggled to get out of the SUV’s way as a crowd gathered. Luckily, the driver stopped and the EMTs were on the scene in minutes. I sustained no permanent injuries (thank you, yoga). But I do have some scars, which I wear with pride.

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

When I first started writing about my fiancé’s death—my grief journal, really—I played CD after CD of Celtic music. Otherwise, I prefer to write in silence.

How long did it take you to write this book?

If you count the whole process, from grief journal to finished manuscript, twenty-four years. Much of that was part-time, in the background of my journalism career. I renewed my commitment to the novel when I signed up for the Writer’s Path program at Southern Methodist University. The courses were a game-changer that put me in the flow of the art and skill of fiction-writing.

When a newspaper reporter’s fiancé dies abruptly, she questions how he could just cease to be.

Dogged by unbidden thoughts, odd coincidences and unexplained phenomena, Ann Stewart becomes obsessed with finding out what really happens after we die and whether her beloved Gregory is still out there. She finds her answer, which takes her and a close-knit coterie of women to the edge of the cosmos—and the core of their own hearts.

Based on a true story.

Read an Excerpt

“Hello, and welcome to our lab,” Dr. Koslow said, radiating confidence and pride.

“Let me walk you through what will happen. You and I will go into the chamber and get comfortably seated in the two chairs. Adrian will hook us up to the monitors and, as we go through the synchronized-sound sequence, he’ll use the monitors to track everything that’s happening to our physical bodies. Physiologically, it will resemble sleep. But it’s not. Also, I can assure you that you will be in good hands. He and I have both done this many times.”

I wanted to believe him, and again I had the impression of a calm, steady pilot. But no matter what he said I still had that chattering sensation in my teeth and felt as if tremors were going off in my body.

I worried: Could I overcome my fears and do this? Or would I completely wash out? Would I get “out,” only to be unable to get back in? Connie had spent hours preparing me for this, showing me how to focus on my breathing and quiet my monkey mind, but… I still felt so utterly unprepared. And my questions persisted: How would I know Gregory? What would he look like? Would he see me? Could we touch? What if I didn’t want to leave?

Connie moved close to me and slid her arm through mine.

“I know you’re still scared,” she said. “Just trust the process and do the best you can.”

About the Author Kim Pierce is a former Dallas Morning News writer and editor who completed the Writer’s Path fiction program at Southern Methodist University. My Dead True Love is her first novel, inspired by events surrounding the death of her fiancé in 1998. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with her partner and three cats.

https://mydeadtruelove.com/

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The Warlock's Curse by C.B. Oresky

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will be awarded a $50 Amazon/BN GC. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. What would we find under your bed?

Dust, my husband’s dirty sock, a few crumbling pieces of cat food, a pet’s toy, and a hair scrunchie.

What was the scariest moment of your life?

The scariest moment in my life was being in New York City on 9/11. I was walking to work on 42nd street and saw the smoke coming out of the twin towers. I got to work and all the news was playing on peoples’ screens. Later, I walked over The Brooklyn Bridge to evacuate. Luckily, my coworker was a friend who had a boyfriend living there, so we stayed in his apartment until he picked us up and drove us home to Westchester County. It was terrifying to come back into the city and see armed soldiers everywhere.

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

I like to listen to classical (Vivaldi, Mozart) or new age music while writing.

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

I’d like to finish my next book about my spiritual life with troublesome Scottie dogs.

How long did it take you to write this book?

I started writing my debut novel, The Warlock’s Curse, twelve years ago. I wrote it, then rewrote it, then reworded it again, then reworked it thrice… Alas, every time I read through it, I thought I could improve it.

Clara and Angelica Grace have never met ghosts. They’ve never sailed on a tall ship, ridden wild unicorns, or fought with magical weapons. Instead, the teenage twins have a wretched existence, ignored by their troubled parents in a rundown home and tormented by the town’s snobs.

Everything turns topsy-turvy all of a sudden when discovery of an ancestor’s hidden journal with an odd key to an unknown door leads them into an entirely different realm.

The girls go on a thrilling oceanic voyage to search for mysterious whales, train with a seasoned warrior, and are befriended by a wise Master. But all is not a bouquet of lovely lilies…they are hunted by a cunning warlock and must rid themselves of The Warlock’s Curse.

Read an excerpt

“Help! Please help!” Angelica cried, turning toward the direction the voice had come from.

Veils of darkness greeted her eyes.

Suddenly, a strange sight seized both girls’ attention. The oddest-looking creature the girls had ever seen emerged from the gloom, waddling along a curved path near the pool’s edge. Its shape gradually came into view.

The squat creature stood about two feet tall, an amethyst stud adorning its short nose, its long face crowned by a single lock of fair curly hair. In place of normal clothing, a grasshopper-green mossy material covered its small hands and feet, while an amber mesh filament, appearing like thinly braided laces, swathed its arms and back. It eagerly flew toward the girls, appearing like a goldfinch, its smooth, translucent body quivering like firm jelly and glowing as the shimmering sun. The creature’s unforgettably deep eyes were grave and dark and splashed with touches of ocher, like glossy black beetles.

Clara trembled in her well-worn boots, imagining the approaching creature as a monster in some horror movie. She wrapped her wool cape more tightly about her, wishing it might somehow guard her from harm.

Angelica also eyed the peculiar-looking being fearfully and staggered back a step.

The golden creature stopped just short of them.

“It smells good…like meadow grass and flowers,” Clara whispered.

“Hummmmmm, Hummmmm,” its melodious voice buzzed, like bees flitting over flowers. The odd creature licked its rubbery lips.

About the Author:

Fascinated by the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, C.B. Oresky began writing her own fantasy novel, The Warlock’s Curse, after dreaming of being whisked off to an alien realm. Besides her debut novel, she has seen four of her short stories published in a small, national literary press: Conceit Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering through the woods, dancing flamenco, or planting flowers in her garden. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut with her bodybuilder husband, their exceptionally naughty Scottish terrier and Siamese cat, ten chickens, Mr. Tiggy the hedgehog, and a yard filled with majestic flowers.

Website: http://www.cbOresky.com
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22747540.C_B_Oresky

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Warlocks-Curse-C-B-Oresky-ebook/dp/B0B7KHB2RB

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Last Chance by Darren E. Watling

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

The earth's epilogue was a forgone conclusion.

Our World selects seven of the best human beings that man, woman, and other could put their faith in, to ensure human existence, each displaying traits of a master in his/hers/its field.

However, not all traits are in the best interest of humankind.

Out of this World places seven hospital patients on a Plan B shuttle. Life was difficult on Earth. A new planet presents new problems. The ex-Fruit and Nut Friendly Psychiatric Hospital patients are up for the challenge.

Into the Other World—The Twist. Not only a mid-1900s dance, it is also associated with a lemon, a warped shape, a frame of mind, a warped frame of mind, a face you pull from sucking lemons and an end of story, unexpected finish, not to be given away, glancing at the back cover.

Read an Excerpt

“The court versus Jarred Pork,” the bailiff announced.

“Another serious offence. Jaywalking again. Unbelievable. What have you got to say for yourself, hmm? Well? Speak up, speak up,” the judge said, his thick and fearsome eyebrows alternating up and down.

“If the court pleases, Your Honour . . .” Sid, the defence lawyer, started.

“I’m not too pleased so far but ‘carry on, Sid’.”

“I’m the accused’s attorney. I will speak for Jarred as the accused is mute.”

The judge gave a heavy sigh and adjusted his black gown. “Very well, continue.”

“Jarred went out looking for his husband, as he hadn’t returned with an asthma puffer for their great-grandson., Wheelchair-bound, Jarred left the child with a trusting neighbour. As Jarred left their tiny unit, the red-bearded, dreadlocked kiddies friend, Molly Lester sang a kiddie song, and everyone assumed the child was safe, sport. (It is said Molly was heard on the phone: Hey, Dad! Bring Bill over. I’ve got another one. Presumably, another child to nurture, teach and explain what fine examples of human beings they are).

“I’ve heard enough from that man’s/woman’s/its mouth. Guilty! Throw away the key, like a rapper!” “Next, and this better be good, Johnny,” Clint said, as Sid swapped out and Johnny became the new defence lawyer.

“You sure are a weird lawyer Johnny, but I like you.”

“The court versus Harlett Sexton Action. The Honourable Judge Clint Eros presiding,” the bailiff stated.

“Oh, you poor thing. What have they got you in here for?” the judge showing compassion to the DD’s.

Harlette continued chewing gum as she spoke, “Well, Clinty, I’m pretty sure it’s a case of mistaken identity. I was on my way to make another porn movie, and the next thing I remember was a police officer saying I hit something or something.”

“You have a very strong defence Miss Action,” the unbiased judge claimed. “Let the prosecution begin.”

From chapter ‘Clint’ part three – Into the Other World

About the Author:

Born Darren Edward Watling, Subiaco, Western Australia, 1966. Darren excelled in English, maintaining ‘A’s, throughout his schooling and wrote a play, ‘Laughing Gas’, for his school at the age of 10. Credited with one small, published article, Darren found inspiration and reward, arriving at his latest piece, ‘Last Chance’.

He completed an apprenticeship, as a fitter, at Princess Margaret Hospital, while continuing his passion for short story writing.

Traveling Australia for three years on a private bus gave Darren a beginning to the experiences and continued, humorous outlook he has on life.

Darren approached his mother Jill Stubbs Mills and asked for her blessing to take her short story, ‘Deception’, and rewrite it into a novel. (The feedback from her publisher about her story was exceptional). Jill agreed to her son’s request. Sadly, Jill now suffers with dementia, but, keeps her sense of humour.

Various forms of employment, including a movie extra, a welder on a crocodile farm, a drummer for a touring band and currently a roof plumber, gave Darren considerable ‘fuel’, for a fired up, comedic novel.

Darren has had several passions over the past 56 years while walking this Earth. Drums, Karate, tennis and continuing today- comedic writing.

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Seafarer's Bride by Laura Strickland

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions to celebrate today's release of THE SEAFARER'S BRIDE by Laura Strickland! Enter to win an ebook of the first book in the Viking Brides series The Berserker's Bride. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A year ago, Magnus Tolljursson helped repel a treacherous attack from his father’s enemies, and discovered he carries the berserker’s seed of madness. Now he must sail to the settlement from whence those attackers came, and fulfill a promise to a friend. He doesn’t know what he’ll find in Husavik and never suspects he may lose his heart.

In her father’s absence, Embra Fritisson has been engaged in a desperate battle to keep leadership of the settlement. When Magnus arrives saying her father is dead, she fears her unstable family will splinter into factions and destroy one another. She must retain control, but how can she hope to keep her head while falling in love with the enemy?

Read an Excerpt

Now her gaze met that of her servant, Kennach. A slave captured in Erin long ago, Kennach had been with her most her life. No longer a young man, she acknowledged he was still important to her. She’d had a succession of nurses when young, but Modir invariably ordered them off in one of her rages.

Kennach, being in essence a furnishing, could not be ordered off. He’d become the one consistency in Embra’s life.

She looked him in the eye and gestured to the mirror. “I was just girding myself for battle.” She never used the mirror out of vanity. Though she’d been told all her life she was beautiful, the compliment meant nothing. Modir was beautiful—the most beautiful woman in Husavik, it was said. Only look what that beauty had done for her.

Nei, Embra used the mirror in order to make certain she looked formidable, nothing more.

“Which of them is it this time?”

Kennach grimaced. A man of ordinary height and girth, he had what Embra considered a typically Gaelic face, with a broad forehead and wide-set eyes. Those eyes had been her touchstones so many times—when she wept, when she felt loneliness, or despair. But when had his hair gone from brown to gray? Ach, how much time had passed.

“Your sisters, mistress.”

Ach, Freya, not that. Embra possessed a brood of brothers and sisters. One thing her parents had done well, was breed. Gunnar, now missing, was the oldest and named after his grandfather, the former jarl. Another son, Runi, had inherited a measure of Modi’s madness and become a reclusive schemer. Embra had been born next, the eldest of the girls, followed by two more boys and three more girls. All, miraculously, had survived and would yet, if they did not kill each other over the succession.

“I have three sisters. Which of them?”

“Mistress Vanja and Mistress Dagmar. There has been spitting and name-calling. Slaps and clawing. When it became violent, I came for you.”

Embra abandoned the mirror. Her chamber was very small, but it was her own. She had traded space for privacy, but that failed to protect her when things like this occurred. And lately, they seemed to happen more and more often.

Who had named her peacemaker?

About the Author:

Multi award-winning author Laura Strickland delights in time traveling to the past and searching out settings for her books, be they Historical Romance, Steampunk or something in between. Her first Scottish Historical hero, Devil Black, battled his way onto the publishing scene in 2013, and the author never looked back. Nor has she tapped the limits of her imagination. Venturing beyond Historical and Contemporary Romance, she created a new world with her ground-breaking Buffalo Steampunk Adventure series set in her native city, in Western New York. Married and the parent of one grown daughter, Laura has also been privileged to mother a number of very special rescue dogs, the latest being a little boy called Tinker, and is intensely interested in animal welfare. Her love of dogs, and her lifelong interest in Celtic history, magic and music, are all reflected in her writing. Laura's mantra is Lore, Legend, Love, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Author Web site: http://www.laurastricklandbooks.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002632317
Author Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Strickland/e/B001KHSACW/r
Author Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/760146.Laura_Strickland
Author Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LauraSt05038951
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurastricklandauthor/
Author Book Bub page: https://www.bookbub.com/search/authors?search=Laura%20Strickland

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seafarers-Bride-Viking-Brides-Book-ebook/dp/B0BNZFLGGT/ref=sr_1_5

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Any Fin for Love by Petie McCarty

This post is par of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Petie McCarty will be awarding an Autographed paperback copy of Cinderella Busted (US only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on a tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

She could almost hear the fish laughing at her . . .

Cody Ryan’s father never missed fishing the annual Loon Lake tournament until his unexpected passing. So this year, Cody packs up her how-to fishing videos and her dad’s old johnboat and gives him one final entry.

Gage Connor needs some R&R away from his coast guard deployment catching drug smugglers along the Louisiana coast, so he borrows a bass boat from his buddy and heads to Loon, Alabama to do some fishing.

When Gage and Cody meet at Loon Lake, their attraction is immediate and intense—until the two discover there is only one boat slip left on the lake and they both need it, and there’s only one vacant hotel room left in Loon and they both want it. Thus, their competition begins. Both vow to keep their distance from the other to fight the temptation, but fate has other plans. The tournament pairing party picks the two-man teams and chooses Gage as Cody’s partner.

For two days.
Alone on a boat.
Working as a team.

Good things come to those who bait . . .

Read an Excerpt

Billy then addressed the audience. “There is a three-rod limit. Y’all will have to make do. Absolutely no live bait. The first flight of ten boats goes off at 7:00 a.m., so don’t be late. There will be ten minutes between flights. If both contestants on a team have boats, flip a coin to see whose boat you use the first day, and then use the other boat the second day.”

“What?” Gage thundered, suddenly coming to life.

Cody wanted a hole to open in the stage and swallow her up. She knew whoever got stuck with her as a partner would be mad about her johnboat. She just didn’t think the stickee would be Gage.

Billy smirked at Gage. “That’s right. You flip a coin to see which day you fish from her johnboat.”

“No way,” Gage bellyached.

A rumble of laughter swept through the tent, and Cody fought back tears. She swallowed three times to get the lump back down her throat until she caught sight of Lila’s ear-to-ear grin, and then her blood simmered to a boil.

“That’s the way it is,” Billy said, clearly as pleased as his daughter. He turned back to the crowd. “If there’s only one teammate with a boat . . .” His sideways smirk at Cody had her hands balling into fists. “Then you use the same boat both days.”

Great. Now Zeke and Alvin were grinning ear-to-ear, and Gage looked ready to explode. Big surprise there. The man had finally shown his true colors.

Billy hadn’t finished. “We start at seven both days. Y’all will have exactly eight hours to fish. I repeat, the first flight of ten boats leaves promptly at seven. The weigh-in each day will commence at three o’clock, and you’ll be given your weigh-in bags just before your flight in the morning. If your flight leaves at 7:10 a.m., then you must be back to weigh-in at 3:10 p.m. You will be docked one pound of fish for each minute you are late for your weigh-in. If you are more than fifteen minutes late, you will be disqualified.” He glanced around the tent to be sure all entrants paid attention. “Each boat must have a live well, and no more than five fish can be held in the live well at one time.”

He hesitated and then looked as though a light bulb flicked on. He spun around to face Cody. “Do you even have a live well?”

Every face in the tent focused on Cody.

“Yes, I do,” she said indignantly. “I wouldn’t have entered your tournament if I didn’t. I read the rules.”

“What is it? An Igloo cooler with an aquarium pump?” he taunted.

She gulped. “Yes.”

A rumble of laughter shot through the crowd.

Eyes narrowed, hands fisted at her sides, Cody stared them all down. She spotted the two rows of females smiling in the back, all giving her the universal thumbs up sign, and her chin notched up higher.

Billy couldn’t resist a final jab. “Well, Mr. Connor, it looks like you’ll spend one day in a johnboat.”

About the Author:

Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—"The Most Magical Place on Earth"—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her "day" job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery-with-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in No Angels for Christmas.

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Family Pride: Blood Fever by Deborah A. Bailey

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Deborah A. Bailey 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.

Book two of the Family Pride Paranormal Romance Series

After claiming Zora Mason as his mate, and fighting off a threat to the MacKinnon pride, Mac is more than ready to get back to managing his coffee bar and settling into mated bliss. But just when it looks like things are quieting down, Mac and Zora find more challenges ahead.

Plans for Zora and Mac’s official introduction to the pride, and the opening of the new coffee bar may be derailed when, gripped by a mysterious blood fever lingering after the leadership challenge, Mac is driven to the edge of his endurance as he fights to keep his inner lion under control.

Juggling her responsibilities in the business and her position as the mate of the pride leader becomes even more challenging when Zora is forced to confront her fear that Mac is changing into someone she doesn’t recognize.

As the fever pushes Mac to the edge, the revelation of an old, painful family secret proves to be the key to saving Mac’s life. Zora and Mac come up with a plan to end the threat of the fever forever, but that same plan may destroy them both.

Is their love strong enough to defeat the blood fever, so they can live happily ever after as mates?

Read an Excerpt

She heard it. Scratching. Where was it coming from? She froze as she realized it was at the front door. Scratching accompanied by a low growl.

Fear bubbled up from the pit of her stomach. Holding her breath, as though whatever it was could hear her, she set the carafe down on the counter. What was out there? Only one way to find out.

Tiptoeing across the floor, she made her way to the window next to the door. Even though her hand was shaking, she managed to move the curtain just enough so she could peer out. She saw their cars, and nothing else. Unfortunately, her view didn't allow her to see if anyone was directly in front of the door.

More scratching, this time like a claw was dragging across the wood. She went to the door but stopped with her hand poised over the knob.

"Mac?" Her voice was little more than a croak. By now her heart was thundering in her chest, as adrenalin flooded her, preparing her to run if she had to.

Another growl, then the sound of something or someone falling against the gravel.

She couldn't stand there wondering what was going on outside. She had to find out. Zora turned the knob and opened the door just enough to see who was on the other side.

"Mac!" She flung the door open with such force that it swung back and banged against the wall.

He fell into the doorway and hit the floor. Dragging himself, he reached out to her, his fingers bloody. "Zora…help me…"

She dropped to her knees and pulled, trying to help him get traction to cross the threshold and into the house. But he didn't have the strength to help her.

"Baby what happened?" She was on her knees now, grasping him by the shoulders. "Mac!"

He fell over on his back and she saw the scratches across his chest, and a long bloody gash along his thigh. What had happened out there? His body was covered in dirt and sweat.

About the Author:

Deborah A Bailey's Romantic Fantasy, Paranormal & Science Fiction Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic heat.

Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers' Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun and are included in, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales. She's the author of non-fiction books, and articles for various online publications.

Visit her website for more information and subscribe to the newsletter so you'll be the first to find out about giveaways, book launches and sneak peeks.

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Family Pride: Blood Fever and Family Pride: Love and Challenges will be on sale for 0.99 on Amazon, B&N, Apple & Kobo from 12/26/22 – 1/9/23

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Legend of the Tragik by Chad L.E McGhie

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

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

It is not the only genre I write in, however Fantasy drew me in at an early age as it allowed for a vast creative freedom. Some may find the world-building with fantasy daunting, but to me, it has always been an incredible way to bring the imagination to life. What is not possible in our world, can certainly be possible in another, allowing for an exponential amount of possibilities to relate the human experience through. It allows for outlandish theories to become possible, and it is a lens to see a different side of what COULD be possible.

What world-building is required?

I feel like world-building is largely dependent on which author is writing it: some, such as J.K Rowling, created a world within our own, making it more believable. J.R.R Tolkien is on the opposite end of the spectrum: countless maps, extra literatures, and even entire languages have been created for Middle Earth. Legend of the Tragik leans more towards Tolkien’s angle, although I must admit, I would not know where to begin with forming a fictional language! My first version of Legend of the Tragik was released as The Legend of the Tragic, a significantly shorter and less-polished work. I wrote it whenever I was 12 years old, so I suppose I can forgive myself for not building the world as thoroughly as I should have. But now, Legend of the Tragik IS what I always envisioned the world to be: a well thought out world with rules, consequences, loyalties, and economical and political systems. Lore. Legends. History. For those that read the first version are in for a real treat upon reading this one - I essentially say it is the “HD” or “4K” version of the story.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Perseverance is key, no matter what challenges and obstacles come your way. Hinro endures some pretty tough, human challenges on his journey, as we all do on this crazy adventure called life. Some readers will relate to his challenges far more directly, and I hope they can find Hinro’s own perseverance inspiring to their lives and challenges.

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

A quiet environment is certainly helpful, as background noise tends to throw off my focus. Having five children, however, I’ve had to learn how to adapt, and tuning out Mickey Mouse has become a regular practice. Doing repetitive jobs, tasks, or housework allows me to really zone-out and think about my story (a handy technique while doing such things). I like to write with my maps, character glossaries, and other information all handy while I am writing to allow for efficient work. Sitting outside in the breeze on a calm summer’s day, or a nice hot cup of coffee on a winter day are the odd things that often get me in the most creative moods.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

A little bit of both - you certainly need to have a plan, or at least an idea of the direction that you want to take your story in. However, human emotions are a roller coaster, and each person reacts to situations differently. There are points whenever you simply have to feel the story out - put yourself in the shoes of the characters that are facing the choices, challenges, etc. Plotting is certainly helpful in terms of story structure, and I really commend the structure and plotting of well thought out works. Whenever they become predictable, they become repetitive, so that is where “feeling it out” or “flying by the seat of your pants” is helpful - sometimes, emotions and reactions are messy. Exciting. Sad, or whichever emotion they convey. I do not believe I fall into one category or the other, as both disciplines offer valuable tools.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My living room, my youngest son, my wife, and my Christmas tree. Among the toys, video games, and shelves of books - I am writing this from my studio computer (half my living room is the recording studio). A monitor speaker, coffee cup, and empty glass are also to my right if I am being technical.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

A TON - I got something for modern drama lovers coming very soon, as well as a mountain of new music to go along with it. It is a hybrid project called Hot Pretty Blues - it will be a novel, a hip-hop album, AND as long as everything goes well, a T.V series. Not only that, I have been hired by a client in the U.K to write a novel based on his script for his film - super excited to be a part of the project, as it is a different kind of challenge. And of course, I have the sequel for Legend of the Tragik well underway. I have a constant stream of new collaborations in my music on the way as well - if you’re a fan of lyrical hip-hop, search Chad L.E McGhie on your favorite music platform. My Youtube should have a flurry of new videos as well at some point - it has been difficult to find time to shoot and edit, but I am gearing up for a huge year.

Do you have a question for our readers?

With the ever-changing landscape of entertainment, would you as a consumer, rather invest in new and original ideas, OR, are you okay with the “Marvelization” of the industry with a constant stream of sequels, series, and side stories of “safe-bet” content?

Not all fires are welcoming.

After decades of war, this had never been more true for the neighboring kingdoms of Tristren and Zemotze. Locked in a tense armistice, there was a promise of a treaty in the air. However, as the Blademage Volgare flees from his enemies, he can see through the wall of deception that clouds the land.

Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Brigandee, the shadow of the weapon known as the Tragik has crept in closer than comfortable. The young man named Hinro Gaskette lives a simple life, expecting little other than to be a soldier like his father before him.

Those expectations are shattered, however, when tragedy awakens a nightmarish power from within . . .

Read an Excerpt

“Funeral preparations are being made for those that did not survive.”

“I feel...I do not feel that injured, considering,” Hinro nodded slowly, replying as he rose, scratching his head awkwardly. Amy had a shocked gaze upon her, and people were glancing at them nervously now as they passed by… some longer than others. “I apparently made an impression.”

Standing with him, Amy’s face hardened. “Despite your inability to explain how you did it, I suppose you are the hero of the night. If it was not for you, none of us would have survived to see the morning.”

It was difficult to convince him of that, however: the grief was too heavy in his heart. Hinro looked around at the death that surrounded them, shaking his head. “I am no hero.”

As they made their way towards their home on the hill, debris was strewn in every direction. Some gave Hinro a nod and a quick word of condolence, making sure that he was well and his wounds were not too grave. “It is miraculous you are even standing,” a wounded soldier commented as they passed, eyes wide with an admiring fear. "Barging through blades and blunted weapons…you felled countless enemies. You are worthy of your father’s name.”

Nodding in thanks, Hinro could say nothing more, tears swelling as they pressed on.

It was somehow more peaceful at the top of the hill, the noise of the city below their earshot. As the two siblings walked into their house, a shocked look upon their faces that it had been unharmed by the battle and flames. They sat down at the empty table, the interior of their home eerily quiet and hollow.

About the Author:

Chad L.E McGhie, also known as Chad W. McGhie, is a diverse and exciting entertainer from Alberta, Canada. A father of five, author, and hip-hop musican, his life is full of adventure and excitement that he only hopes translates into his creative works. Whether you are enjoying his music, attending a performance, or now reading his novels, Chad L.E McGhie aims to please his audiences wherever they may be.

You can find Chad L.E McGhie on YouTube, streaming platforms, most social media websites, as well as www.everestingenuity.com.

Chad sincerely hopes you enjoy the journey that is Legend of the Tragik, and thanks you for coming along.

WEBSITE: https://everestingenuity.com/legend-of-the-tragik
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chadlemcghie
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chadl.emcghie/

AMAZON.COM: https://amazon.com/dp/0228862310
AMAZON.CA: https://amazon.ca/dp/0228862310
INDIGO CHAPTERS: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/legend-of-the-tragik/9780228862314-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/legend-of-the-tragik-chad-le-mcghie/1142370897
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Legend-of-the-Tragik-Chad-L-E-McGhie/9780228862314

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