Sandy's Spotlight
Announcing a special event!
#Kindlefever
 Click on the Kindle picture to be taken directly to the event. May 15 & 16th
This event will go live Tuesday, May 15th at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
~~ 7 Authors ~~
~~ 14 Books ~~
Load up your Kindle with #Kindlefever!
Get TWO books FOR the price of ONE!
Genres include:
MEN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE
MYSTERY & CRIME DRAMA
TRUE CRIME
MYSTERY & TREASURE HUNTING
CHILDREN & FANTASY
ROMANCE & PARANORMAL
There's also something available for those of you that use an e-reader other than a Kindle!Click HERE to be directed to the #Kindlefever event page for full details.All information for #Kindlefever provided by Carolyn Arnold at Celebrating Authors.Please help spread the word about this event by tweeting your peeps and Facebooking your friends!
Sandy's Spotlight
Today's Special Guest Author is
Mitzi Kelly
 Mitzi Kelly I am happy to introduce you today to Mitzi Kelly, author of the humorous mystery novel, Deadly Policy. This is the second book in the Silver Sleuths Mystery Series. Classic Revenge is the first book in the series, but they do not need to be read in order.
I am hosting a Deadly Policy Book Discussion and would love to see you over there. You will have the opportunity to interact with Mitzi and ask her any questions you want about her wonderful novel Deadly Policy.
While reading about Mitzi, I couldn't believe how much we have in common. Here's a little more information about her taken directly from her website:
Mitzi grew up in Texas, loving everything about the huge state. From the stark beauty of the desert plains, to the majestic glory of the mountains, to the intense power of the ocean, she’s never had a desire to live anywhere else. Traveling is nice, but there’s no place like Texas!
She was raised in El Paso with her three brothers, and credits her parents, Lewis and Lucretia Rothman, for providing an idyllic childhood. There hasn’t been a sport invented that the family was not involved in, and Mitzi vividly remembers weekends where the family rushed from a gymnastics meet to a football game and then to the golf course, and still somehow fit in chores and meals! Her parents are her true heroes and there aren’t enough words to express her gratitude.
Her family relocated to Houston, but Mitzi moved to San Antonio with her grandmother and landed her first job where she found she had a love for bookkeeping and making numbers work. In 1981 she married her soul mate and best friend, John, and in 1982 their son, John Lewis, was born. Mitzi thoroughly enjoys the moments her husband steps in as her "co-plotter" to add spice to a scene with his unique sense of humor. With the love and support from the two most important men in her life, Mitzi has had the freedom to explore a myriad of interests and that’s when she discovered she loved to write. Before tackling novels, Mitzi wrote several feature articles for Our Ageless Times and a current event article for Builder/Architect.
 The following is my May 3, 2012, 5 Star Review:
Don't mess with Millie!
DEADLY POLICY by MITZI KELLY was such a fun read. This is the second book in the Silver Sleuths Mystery series, but it is a stand alone. I have not had the pleasure of reading Classic Revenge, the first book in the series, and I had no problem following the action in Deadly Policy.
What do you get when you have a tenacious 80 year-old bulldog of a mother, Millie Morrow, a 65 year-old timid, soft spoken, genteel woman, Edna Radcliff, and a 45 year-old woman who is the voice of reason, Trish Anderson? You get a team of women on a mission that has a combined total of 190 years of life's experience as well as laugh after laugh.
When it becomes clear that Millie's daughter is being implicated as the inside person at an insurance agency for a rash of car thefts perpetrated on policy holders, Millie and her friends kick into high gear to clear her name. You will follow the funny actions these silver sleuths take to solve the case. This is a lighthearted read that will have you laughing at the interactions of these elderly ladies taking on not only the bad guys but the local police as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it to women of all ages. Especially to those of us over the age of 40. I can only hope that I'm as spunky as these wonderful characters when I reach their age.
Books by Mitzi Kelly:
Classic Revenge Blurb:
The tragic accident claiming the life of Susan Wiley had been classified as just that, an accident. Then why is her husband being charged with her murder? The very thought is ludicrous. But Chief of Police Henry Espinoza doesn't agree, refusing to listen to arguments that Sam's neighbors, Trish Anderson, Edna Radcliff and Millie Morrow present regarding his character and the relationship he had with his wife.
Angry at being dismissed so easily, the women resolve to prove Sam's innocence, not only to help their friend, but to show Henry they are not ready for a nursing home just yet. Using the experience, determination, and pigheadedness their combined ages of 193 years afford them, they rush headlong into danger and intrigue, learning something about themselves during the process. They seem to have a knack for this detective stuff!
Deadly Policy Blurb:
When a sudden rash of stolen cars brings Millie Morrow's daughter under suspicion for conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, Millie convinces her two best friends, Trish Anderson and Edna Radcliff, to help her find out who is trying to frame Michelle. Knowing the odds are against them that they will be able to discover who the thugs are, Trish and Edna nevertheless go through the motions of investigating, hoping Millie will feel productive in helping her daughter while the police do the real detective work.
But the situation becomes much more serious when a body is found in front of the insurance office Michelle works for. And even though the evidence pointing to an inside job is purely circumstantial, it could still destroy Michelle, something the ladies are determined to prevent. They're going to have to work fast to present a different theory for the police to consider, though, since Millie has once again alienated Henry Espinoza, the chief of police. And she's alienated someone else, too, if the suspicious incidents suddenly plaguing her are anything to go by.
Keeping Millie out of trouble while attempting to clear her daughter's name will take every ounce of skill . . . or luck . . . the amateur sleuths possess.
Link to YouTube video here. Deadly Policy Excerpt:
Trish tapped lightly on the horn to let Millie know they were out front. “She said she just had to run home to grab something. I wonder what’s taking her so long.”
Night had fallen over the quiet neighborhood and a brisk breeze had sprung up, ushering in another cold front. Lights were coming on in the houses and the comforting smell of firewood smoke wafted through the air. Trish shivered, wishing she had brought her coat. She could be sitting in front of her own fireplace, watching television and sipping hot cocoa instead of venturing out in the cold to find a mischievous car that may or may not be parked in its owner’s driveway, and that may or may not have been involved in the damage at Millie’s. Geez . . . she really needed to make more friends and rethink her whole social life.
“Here she comes now,” Edna said as Millie’s front door opened. Then she looked closer. “What is that she’s carrying?”
Trish shrugged. “I don’t know, but it looks like she’s bringing everything but the kitchen sink.”
Millie scrambled into the backseat amid a lot of grunting and groaning, and then something landed on the floorboard with a loud thud. She pulled a pair of dark sunglasses from her purse, slipped them on her nose and leaned back in the seat. “What are we waiting for?” She was wearing a straw gardening hat with purple daisies stitched on the brim, a black sweat suit with black tennis shoes, and from her neck hung a pair of binoculars which looked as if they originated from the Civil War era.
“What’s with the sunglasses?” Trish asked. “And what was that noise?”
“I don’t want Barbara to recognize me if she happens to be outside, and I brought my baseball bat for protection. We don’t know what kind of neighborhood Barbara lives in. And, just in case we need a distraction, I brought my megaphone.”
“Oh, of course.” Trish gave Edna a look that said Millie needs to be committed. Barbara Ferguson lived in an upscale neighborhood not far from the community of Grand River. Millie’s baseball bat probably wouldn’t be necessary. The subdivision was fairly new with a few houses still under construction. Two-story and large one-story structures built with brick, rock and stucco made up the majority of the homes on the street Barbara lived on, and the fresh landscaping of young trees and bushes in the tiny front yards were evidence this area of the subdivision had been only recently completed.
Halfway down the block, Edna said, “Here it is! This one on the right with the tan stucco exterior. Is that Barbara’s car, Millie?” A soft light from the garage reflected off of a silver Mercedes sedan parked in the driveway.
Millie had her nose pressed up to the glass. “Hmm . . . I think so. Pull up a little bit, Trish, and I’ll go check it out.”
Trish bit her lip as she edged closer to the curb right past Barbara’s house. Millie’s plan to investigate Barbara’s car had seemed harebrained when they had discussed it. Now that they were actually sitting in front of Barbara’s house, the plan seemed downright insane. “I don’t think this is such a good idea, Millie. What if someone sees you?”
“That’s why I wore a disguise! Besides, I’ll only be a second.”
Millie pulled her camera out of her purse and opened the car door. Bending low, she started tip-toeing across Barbara’s yard toward the driveway, and that’s when Trish noticed she was also carrying the bat. “I don’t have a good feeling about this.”
Edna sunk low in the seat. “Me, neither.”
They watched Millie make her way to the driveway and then slowly circle the car. When she was standing at the hood, she bent down to look at it closely and then raised her fist in a success gesture. She lowered the bat to the ground and snapped a couple of pictures. Trish glanced quickly at the neighboring houses, hoping the flash had not aroused any suspicions, but everything seemed perfectly fine.
Edna let out a deep breath as Millie headed back toward them. “I’m glad that’s over and we can get out of here,” she whispered.
Trish was about to agree when she saw Millie stop beside Barbara’s mailbox. Her eyes widened as she saw Millie struggling to raise the bat over her head. “Oh, no!” she exclaimed, just as Millie took a swing at the mailbox. Clang! The loud ringing sound reverberated through the still night as Millie hit the ground, the force of her swing knocking her on her rear. Momentarily stunned, Millie shook her head, then she scrambled to her feet, grabbed the bat and rushed to their car.
“What are you waiting for?” she gasped. “Let’s get out of here!” Millie struggled to drag the bat in the car before slamming the door. She was breathing hard and . . . laughing!
Trish noticed a couple of porch lights come on and decided now was not the time to lecture Millie on her behavior. She pressed her foot to the floor and she clamped her lips tight. She rounded the corner, wheels screeching, and then forced her foot to the brake, slowing the car down to the speed limit. Her hands were shaking so badly she couldn’t loosen her grip on the steering wheel. It was a good thing, because had she been able to, she would have reached into the back seat and strangled Millie.
“What were you thinking?” she demanded, turning to glare at Millie. “Do you realize you just damaged government property?”
“Watch where you are going, dear,” Edna said calmly. “We sure don’t want to get in a wreck and have the police arrive.”
Trish turned back around but she cast a quick look Edna. Her friend wasn’t quite as calm as her voice portrayed. Her face was pale and her eyes were opened wide, and her hands were clasped tightly in her lap. She wants to clobber Millie too, Trish thought, comforted by the knowledge that she wasn’t the only one considering murder.
Millie scooted forward and placed her hands on the front seats. She was still chuckling. “Wow! That was fun!”
Edna turned slowly. “Fun? Millie, do you realize you probably just committed a felony?”
“Hogwash! You two need to stop overreacting. Anyway, if it is a felony, I bet Barbara’s is worse. She destroyed my garbage can and my mailbox!”
Trish was dismayed at Millie’s flippant attitude. “This is serious, Millie.”
“I’m not joking, either. I can claim I was emotionally attached to my mailbox and went temporarily insane,” she said, matter-of-factly. “There’s nothing to worry about, girls.”
“Okay, wiseacre,” Trish said sardonically. “And how will you explain temporary insanity when you took the time to grab your bat and drive all the way over here? It sounds like premeditation to me, and probably any jury too.”
Millie leaned back in her seat. “Well, I hadn’t really thought about it from that viewpoint. Maybe we better go home now.”***
Don't forget to join us over at the Deadly Policy Book Discussion!
Sandy's Spotlight
Today's Special Guest Author is
Gregory C. Randall
 Gregory C. Randall If you are a fan of suspenseful thrillers, you've come to the right place! Today I've got author Gregory C. Randall and I'm featuring his novel, Toulouse 4 Death, Book 3 in The Chronicles of Sharon O'Mara series. Even though this is a series, Toulouse 4 Death is a standalone. I have not yet read Greg Randall's first two books in the series, Land Swap 4 Death and Containers 4 Death, but I enjoyed Toulouse 4 Death so much that I've purchased the first two books and can't wait to get started on them!Make sure to watch the video under my review of Toulouse 4 Death to meet Greg and listen to him tell you about himself and his wonderful novels!I'm also hosting a Toulouse 4 Death Book Discussion. If you'd like to join us, but haven't read the book yet, you've got plenty of time to purchase the e-book and read it. All of the books in The Chronicles of Sharon O'Mara series are currently on sale for .99. The book discussion will be going on until May 3rd. We'd love to have you join us.More information on Greg and his work:
Greg is a fiction writer whose scribblings fall into the categories of mystery/detective and literary fiction. In the fall of 2010, his first book in the Sharon O'Mara Chronicles 4 Death series, Land Swap 4 Death, was released. The second, Containers 4 Death, was released in the spring of 2011. Both are available as ebooks and trade paper. A third in the series, Toulouse 4 Death was published by Windsor Hill Publishing and released in the fall of 2011. Greg’s literary novel was also released in late fall, 2011. Titled Elk River, it is the story of a youngster's coming of age and awareness in the troubled summer of 1956 in the orchard country of Michigan. Greg’s interests are rich and varied and so are the projects that will be added to his future collection of writings. He is also responsible for the cover art and composition of the books. He is fluent in ebook publication.
 Click on the book cover for excerpt The following is my April 18, 2012, 5 star review: Outstanding read!
TOULOUSE 4 DEATH by GREGORY C. RANDALL, is the third book in the Chronicles of Sharon O'Mara series. This is a standalone book. I have not yet had the pleasure of reading the first two books in this series, Land Swap 4 Death and Containers 4 Death, but I must tell you, I was so impressed with Toulouse 4 Death that as soon as I finished reading it, I purchased the first two books in this series. IT WAS THAT GOOD!
Mr. Randall gives us a highly suspenseful, thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. There is never a dull moment in this novel. You will find yourself on Paris streets being chased by some seriously bad people, and throughout the book, you will be transported back to the early 1940's in war torn Europe following three service men and their not so pure actions. This book also brings back the Nazis, the most evil of all foes, in such a unique and plausible way that the reader may never have been able to dream up such a nightmare until Mr. Randall instills that possibility into our minds.
Another aspect I really enjoyed about this book was the characters. I really liked them all, but I'm going to focus on the main character for now. Mr. Randall has given the reader a strong, focused female lead with Sharon O'Mara. This woman is a woman that we'd all like to know. She's not the stereotypical 20-something woman that many write about. She is a seasoned retired military cop that knows how to handle herself in such a way that would do any man proud. I thoroughly enjoyed her dialog and interactions with the other characters.
TOULOUSE 4 DEATH by GREGORY C. RANDALL is a well written, suspense filled book that I highly recommend.
Land Swap 4 Death, Book 1 -
The Chronicles of Sharon O'Mara
Blurb:
Sharon O’Mara, ex-MP, over thirty (who’s counting), tough as nails, smooth in all the right places, works for an insurance company sucking the life out of her soul, faces the fact she isn’t cutout to okay death benefits – not for murder. Rain, miserable Bay Area traffic, a dapper yet shady developer and a horny environmentalist all point the wrong way to why a man had to die in a BART parking lot. Can Sharon O’Mara find the killer or will she be the next victim.
Containers 4 Death, Book 2 -
The Chronicles of Sharon O'Mara
Blurb:
"Guns and handbags, all the things you need to start a war."
Hot Mexican days, deep blue seas, huge gamefish, and shipping containers full of death; why does Sharon O’Mara find ways to wreck her vacations? What’s in those millions of steel containers crossing the oceans and our highways? Thanks to the Chinese Tongs and the Mexican Cartels, it’s a mixture of knockoffs, sex, and death. Will she rid the world of these evils or will they kill her first? Sharon O’Mara has to pull out all the stops, and reload often, to stop the meeting of Eastern and Western evil on San Francisco Bay.
Toulouse 4 Death, Book 3 -
The Chronicles of Sharon O'Mara
Blurb:
Once again Sharon O’Mara has a job to do: Return an incredible Toulouse-Lautrec painting to its rightful owners after it was stolen by the Nazis in 1938. Sharon quickly discovers there is more to her client’s secret treasure than just a few paintings. After seventy years an American GI and a Nazi SS soldier are again pitted against each other. Gold bullion and Impressionist paintings are nothing compared to the rumors of billions in hidden World War II treasure. Can Sharon solve the mystery or will these new Nazis kill her before she can foil their evil goal of world domination by the ‘New Reich.’
The Sharon O’Mara Chronicles are a series of books (three done – fourth in production) that develop the ongoing legend of Sharon as she returns to private life in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was a lieutenant in the Army Military Police and spent two tours in Iraq. The Chronicles follow her as she pursues a new career, first as an insurance investigator, which she finds boring and then on her own as an investigator and facilitator for those with a difficult problem to resolve. She, like her hero Travis McGee, not only helps her friends but their friends as well. She has a big heart, an athletic body, red hair, and a lovable dog named Basil. She carries a Beretta and always gets her man (or woman) and has the scars to prove it.
Her best friend and confident is Kevin Bryan, a detective with the Lafayette, California police department. They are very close, but not that close.
Sharon has dueled with arrogant developers, oversexed environmentalists, evil Chinese tongs, Mexican cartels; all were vanquished.
Will she be able to now stop the 'New Reich'? Buy it and find out..
Other books by Gregory C. Randall:
Click here to view Toulouse 4 Death Book TrailerClick here for Barnes and Noble purchase linksClick here for Smashwords purchase links for all e-book formatsWe love to hear from you! Please leave a comment, and don't forget to tweet your peeps and Facebook your friends! I hope you join us over at the Toulouse 4 Death Book Discussion.
Sandy's Spotlight
Today's Special Guest Author is
Scott Nagele
 Scott Nagele I featured Scott Nagele and his novel, Temp: Life in the Stagnant Lane, on Sandy's Spotlight back in August 2011. I became one of Scott's biggest fans from the very first page. When I was done reading that book, I begged him to come back on the blog so we could take a look at some of his other work. The time has finally come. Today I'm featuring Scott's collection of short stories called, A Smile Through A Tear: Stories, and he's here on the video below to tell you about the book himself! I'm also hosting A Smile Through A Tear: Stories Book Discussion. Click on the link and join in the fun! We'd love to hear from you.
Before I share my review of this book, I've just got to pass on some really exciting news to you. I'd like to congratulate Scott and his lovely wife. Very recently, they've had a new addition to their family, and I can't wait for his new blog posts on this subject. It doesn't matter how old your kids are, if you are a parent, you will absolutely love Scott's new blog, Snoozing on the Sofa. Although my kids have long since left our home, I've gotten many enjoyable moments reading about Scott's escapades with his young son. We've all been there.
I'd also like to take a moment to say how proud I am of Scott and his recent accomplishments as an author. His novel, A Housefly in Autumn, was recently selected as a quarter finalist in the YA Fiction Category for the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest! Amazon has released the first 5,000 word excerpt of this novel. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, Scott!
 The following is my April 5, 2012, 5 star review:A wonderful collection of short stories - A MUST READ
If you are like me and love to read but you are so busy it's daunting trying to find the time to read a full-length novel, A SMILE THROUGH A TEAR: STORIES by SCOTT NAGELE is the book for you. The very best comparison I have to reading one of Mr. Nagele's short stories instead of a full-length novel is, it is like eating a bite-sized Milky Way instead of the full-sized candy bar. You get all of the pleasure and none of the guilt.
Each story in this collection of short stories is masterfully written and leaves the reader with a sense of fulfillment after reading them. Mr. Nagele has given the reader variety in not only humor to drama, but writing styles, and time frames from historical to futuristic. I LOVED THEM ALL!
I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys reading any genre. There's something here for everyone.
Blurb:
A Smile Through a Tear is a collection of short stories featuring humorous and dramatic pieces in one volume. Five of these stories have been previously selected for publication in literary journals, including Berkeley Fiction Review.
The humorous stories include the tales of: a telephone company executive who must figure out how to use his phone before he is exposed as a fraud; a woman who has accidentally introduced a mysterious white powder into the State Capitol building; and a man whose entire job is to sit on a park bench, and who has trouble meeting that obligation.
The dramatic episodes include the stories of: a father trying to protect his kids from a lifestyle that sent him to prison; a group of WWI soldiers facing overwhelming odds; a space traveler who must make a terrible choice; and a man whose best Christmas would be anyone else's worst.
These tales and many others are brought together in one book to present the reader with A Smile Through a Tear.
The total length of A Smile Through a Tear is 82,000 words.
Blurb:
“Local Boy Makes Good, Dies of Trying Soon After.”
Fearful of this epitaph, Gary Gray seeks to avoid career pressures by working as a temp. Unfortunately, Gary repeatedly gets into trouble by being too conscientious and outperforming the permanent employees. No matter how hard Gary tries to be a meek office worker, he can’t seem to stop himself from becoming a competitive threat to his co-workers and superiors. Meanwhile, Gary’s girlfriend is smart and beautiful, and he just might be able to hold onto her if he can stay employed and quit accidentally mooning her mom.
Gary runs afoul of a host of difficult characters in the workplace. Marge Meko is thoroughly incompetent, but she has “the goods” on the boss, so she easily gets away with blaming her errors on Gary. Marge’s boss, Steve, wants all problems swept under the rug before they become an inconvenience to his cushy position. Rae is a secretary with an overblown ego, intent on consolidating power by crushing all her perceived competitors. Gary is convinced that College President Burton is a mere figurehead, pulled from the ranks of the indigent and propped up by Rae, the power behind the throne. Through his trials Gary comes to the amazing revelation that it may actually be less painful to die trying than to live the “easy” life of the temp.
Blurb:
Wasted Moons is the story of one man's quest to find love, write a book, and maybe do a little cross country skiing in a time of increasing personal isolation, constant distraction, and ever-milder winters. To pursue his quest, he must perform many feats of strength, courage, and outright stupidity. He must argue the Bible with door-to-door religious proselytizers; he must act out Last of the Mohicans with a slightly confused senior citizen; he must watch an entire Detroit Lions game with a man named Bud; he must make turkey gravy in a strange city; but most importantly, he must stop over-thinking every romantic situation and quit tripping over his conscience at every turn. With the spirit of a recently departed blues musician along for inspiration, he is off to conquer (or at least reach a face-saving compromise with) his goals. Will he overcome the obstacles before him, or will the moon that coddles lovers still mock him for his solitude? Only the personnel department of the local library system can say, and they're having trouble making up their minds.
Wasted Moons is a novel of approximately 70,000 words.
A Housefly In Autumn - 2012 ABNA Quarter Finalist in the YA Fiction Category (5,000 word excerpt free on Amazon)
Blurb:
At 17, Anders Christiansen was a prodigy, a young man full of potential. All of his instructors believed he was destined to blossom into a leading man of letters and to enjoy a life of rich rewards.That was before the accident.One day, Anders saw a little girl fall through the ice. He plunged in after her, saving her life. In the process, he nearly drowned. He would live, but he was changed.Now, Anders's great talent lies fallow. He can't produce the complex ideas he once did. His thoughts are slow and his words simple. Like the last housefly in autumn, he finds himself alone, separated from all he once knew. The world holds no great promise for him anymore.Struggling to build a meaningful life out of the wreckage of his dreams, Anders learns the value of simple treasures. Loyalty, devotion, and even sacrifice hold rewards of their own that can renew hope after tragedy.Anders gives meaning to his life in the way he spends it. He will face great danger to protect those he loves, and though his gifts be diminished, he will share them freely with even the humblest of children.Though never sought, Anders's reward is immense and enduring, showing the millions of reasons to go on sharing even the simplest of gifts.
Other Purchase Links for Scott Nagele's Books:
We enjoy hearing from the viewers, so please leave a comment for Scott and we'd love to have you join us over at the A Smile Through A Tear: Stories Book Discussion. If you enjoyed the blog, please tweet your peeps and Facebook your friends!
Sandy's Spotlight
From the TBR Pile to the Read Pile plus a giveaway!
 Sandy Wolters - Avid Reader, Author and Blogger Well, I found myself with some extra time this week, so what did I do? That's right. I read books from my ever growing Goodreads TBR list! I'm very picky about my TBR. I don't add a book unless I actually have it on my Kindle or have a print copy of it. It's the only way I can keep track of what books I have. I only started doing this over the last year or so since I got my Kindle, and haven't gotten around to adding all the books on my bookshelf that I have to read. I don't even want to think about that task.
Speaking of Goodreads, if we haven't hooked up yet, here's the link to my Goodreads Profile. Stop by and send a friend request. I enjoy seeing what other people read and the reviews they write. I have a surprise for you. I'm hosting a giveaway. I will be giving away your pick of one of my three ebooks, Maggie Mae, Justice For Emily or A Brother's Love. If you like contemporary romance and romance/suspense, both with a ghostly paranormal twist, these books are for you! To enter subscribe to the blog, just fill out the form on the blog sidebar that says, "Join Our Mailing List", then leave a comment and let me know which book you prefer and what format you want. If you are already a subscriber, it still counts, just let me know in the comment. If we have more than ten entrants, I will give another book away. This giveaway will end on Thursday, April 5th.
I have read so many awesome books over the last couple of weeks, and I wanted to share them with you as well as introduce you to the authors who wrote them. So here we go!
 Click on book cover to visit author's website Pepper and Longstreet Mysteries, Volume One, The Beginning by J. T. LewisShort Story - YA
Blurb: Pepper Jones and her mysterious sidekick Jacob Longstreet are investigating a string of burglaries in her neighborhood when they get a little too close!
My 5 star review:
Entertaining read!
I want to thank J.T. Lewis for writing Pepper And Longstreet (Vol. 1, The Beginning). I am an avid reader. My granddaughter, however, is not. I've been trying for so long to get her interested in reading and I think J.T. Lewis just might be the answer! I can't wait to give this book to her!
I so enjoyed the interaction between Pepper and Longstreet in this short story. I can't wait until Vol. 2 comes out to see what other adventures are in store for Pepper, and if Longstreet finds his ride!
This is a wonderful YA short story and I highly recommend it. If you've been looking to get your young teenager hooked on reading, Pepper And Longstreet (Vol. 1, The Beginning) just might be the answer to your prayers.
 Click on book cover to visit author's website Pepper and Longstreet Mysteries, Volume Two, The Missing Clue by J. T. LewisShort Story - YA
Blurb: A snobby high school cheerleader turns to Pepper and Longstreet when her father dies. A promised special inheritance has been lost due to a fire. Can Pepper and her mysterious sidekick find the clues needed as they sift through the ashes of this girl's life?
My 5 star review:
Loved it!
Pepper and Longstreet are so much fun to read about! Volume 2 moved in a different direction for me. While Pepper and Longstreet are still solving mysteries, this mystery was about a touching love story between a father and his children. It brought tears to my eyes. This is a must read! When you're done, do what I did. Give it to your child, mine's 31, and then it will be passed to your grandchildren. I promise. They will love it as much as you do. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone of any age.
 Click on book cover to visit author's website The Sunset Warrior - Nowhere Arizona by Leanore ElliottNovel - Erotica
Blurb: Come and visit Nowhere: Take a wet dip into the tingling Aphrodisiac waters of the Lightning Pool. The Hot Tour will continue to seduce all your senses with a lesson in The Taming Cave. Dare to take a sexy, riveting ride on a dark stallion for the most thrilling pounding of your life.
My 5 star review:
A Stunningly Beautiful Read
What can I say? I loved all aspects of this book. The scenes that MS. ELLIOTT wrote describing various parts of Arizona in her book NOWHERE, ARIZONA: THE SUNSET WARRIOR were so well written, they carried me off and I was actually able to see these beautiful places in my head. I've lived in Arizona my whole life and never has anyone come so close to describing its harsh beauty, vivid colors and the feeling of a deep rooted lore and legend that you actually feel while walking the land so brilliantly.
Madeline Sayers is not a character I would normally like. She is lost in the corporate world and nothing else matters to her. By the end of the book, I found myself rooting for this woman to become a whole person, to feel love, to give love.
This book is erotica. I must say, you just never know what you are going to get when you pick up a book labeled erotica. There were several steamy scenes in this book that were beautifully written, some even entwined lore and legend in them. Whew! HOT! HOT! HOT! This is NOT your average erotica. Arizona is a place well known for our treasure hunts, i.e. the Superstition Mountain's Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. I say, "Screw the gold. I'm going to find that Lightening Pool!" Read the story and you'll know why! You will not be disappointed!
I have the second in this series downloaded on my Kindle, and I just can't wait to get to it!
 Click on book cover to visit author's website Love Unfinished by Darian WilkNovel - Romance
Blurb: Soul mates from the past leave their love unfinished when a tragic accident ends their lives on their wedding day. Yet they are destined to meet again to fulfill that love in new incarnations, leading vastly different lives.
Emma thought she had chosen the right path, but too late does she realize her mistake as her husband reveals the monster behind his smile-morphing their fairytale image with loveless obligation. Trapped in a broken marriage to a powerful, abusive husband, she knows this is not the life she was destined to live. As her hope for love withers, she meets James, her love from a lifetime ago.
Emma cannot deny the love pulling her toward James, but courage to abandon her marriage wavers and unknowingly puts her love on the line. If Emma has any hope of life and love, she must trust the bond with James and be with the man destiny has spent two lifetimes guiding her toward. Are they fated to fulfill their love, or will they once again, leave love unfinished?
My 5 star review:
Beautiful heartwarming story.
LOVE UNFINISHED by DARIAN WILK is a lovely tale of two soul mates finding each other in their current life and the obstacles they face coming together as they were meant to be. If you are a lover of romance like I am, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
We meet Carol and Ted in the beginning of the book and fall instantly in love with both of them. Unfortunately for the reader, Carol and Ted have a tragic ending. Yep. I cried. Fortunately for the reader, we get to meet them again as Emma and James, both of which have some serious baggage to contend with. Throughout the book, I found myself rooting for Emma and James, but I never knew if they would be able to overcome all the obstacles in their way to find true happiness with each other.
I was pleasantly surprised by the ending of this book. There was a twist I was not expecting at all. If you enjoy romance with a touch of paranormal thrown in, you are going to love this book as much as I did. There were some grammatical errors occasionally throughout this book, but the story being told was so good they just didn't bother me. I was hooked and couldn't put it down. This book had all the elements a really great romance should have and I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read more from this author.
 Click on book cover to visit author's website Accountable To None by Ashley FontainneNovel - Suspense
Blurb: Glorious revenge, the dish known as best served cold. Audra Tanner has waited for five years to invite her unwitting guests to her feast of just desserts and now her dinner party approaches.
Audra was a brilliant CPA that for years, worked the grueling hours her job demanded as she made her way from lowly grunt auditor to a minority partner at a prestigious accounting firm located in the southwest. Her dedication took a tremendous toll on her not only mentally, but physically as well, and culminated the night that she met with the sadistic managing partner, Olin Kemper, to discuss her promotion to equity partner. That night, Audra learned that to become part of the ‘elite’ at Winscott & Associates required much more than she was willing to give. Unfortunately, that knowledge came too late and partnership was granted as a reward for her silence after her violent beating and rape.
Five years later, Audra is now an entirely different creature at work, a shell of her former self that wears the guise of partner during the day yet retreats at night to her hidden self as she plots her revenge on not only her rapist, but all those in power at the firm who knew what Olin had done to her, yet did nothing to stop him, as they were immersed in their own corrupt behaviors. Now head of the IT department and a self-taught hacker, Audra has spent the last five years perusing the firm’s computers, searching and digging through the mounds of encrypted words for anything that she can use to allow her the opportunity to exact revenge on all those responsible for her pain.
What she finds changes the course of not only her life, but everyone else’s as well, as her research leads her to the impending demise of the firm as well as an unsolved murder of a local college girl over thirty three years ago, both which stem from the monstrous hands of Olin. In her climactic confrontation with all the partners, Audra eviscerates all their hidden deceptions as she finally obtains her long awaited revenge and rocks the firm to its core.
My 5 star review:
AMAZING READ!
The author of Accountable To None, Ashley Fontainne, took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, feeling everything from pain and heartache of a character that the reader finds themselves wanting to wrap in a warm embrace, to the evil sense of entitlement on one of the most brutal characters I have read about in a long time. I'm exhausted. I could not put this book down. It gripped me from the very beginning and the intensity level just kept building and building. I found myself holding my breath as I read. I suggest you start this book on a Saturday morning with nothing planned for the day, because once you start, you won't be able to stop. This is an AMAZING READ! I highly recommend it.
 Click on book cover to visit author's website The Black Dress & The Red Dress by Garden SummerlandFlash Fiction - Psychological SuspenseBlurb: Two passionate flash fiction stories, each involving a dress of a different color; a black one representing sin and a red one, an all consuming lust. At the heart of each story is a woman who has in one way or another become a victim of a man she chose to love. And each one chooses a different way of dealing with these unfortunate circumstances.
My 4 star review:
Stunning storytelling through flash fiction.
These two flash fiction pieces had me more scared for the characters in a much shorter period of time than I would have ever thought possible. What an incredible gift Ms. Summerland has to convey such depth of emotion in very short stories. I am so impressed with this author's writing that I've purchased volume one of her compilation of short stories. This author has an amazing way with words that will have you cringing as you're reading. These two flash fiction pieces were beautifully written.
 Click on book cover to visit author's website Bonded For Life (Class of '85) by Sharon BuchbinderShort Story - Contemporary Romance/Suspense
Blurb: When Lola Getz receives the invitation to her high school reunion, her first impulse is to toss it into the shredder. A terrible thing happened the day before her graduation-she never wanted to return to that dreadful place. But, when the Mexican drug wars heat up literally in her back yard, she’s forced to flee her home and run to safe little Summerville.
Forty-three year-old police officer Webster (Web) Bond lives in Summerville and knows all about the bothersome reunion preparations. He has no fond memories of that time in his life when he was known as “The Dweebster.” The only person Web’s interested in seeing probably doesn’t even remember him.
Little does Lola know when she arrives under cover of night that The Dweebster has grown up to become a hunky cop--and he has her in his cross hairs.
My 5 star review:
Action packed short story
BONDED FOR LIFE by SHARON BUCHBINDER is the first story I've read in her Class of '85 series and I can't wait to read more! This story starts out with Lola Getz, a woman who seems to have it all. She lives in a beautiful home in Mexico. She's wealthy. But as the story progresses, we learn that Lola has suffered some tremendous losses in her life.
Life in Mexico is becoming more and more unstable. Her personal safety is at risk from kidnapping at the hands of drug lords and opportunists wanting to earn money from the suffering of wealthy innocents. At the spur of the moment, Lola is forced to leave her home or lose her life. She finds herself heading for her high school reunion (the last place in the world she ever thought she'd be) where the reader finds out about another devastating loss she suffered while attending school in the states. Not sure where to turn or who to trust, she comes face to face with the Dweebster, Web Bond, an old friend from high school that has matured quite nicely.
I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. BONDED FOR LIFE is a well written short story. As a reader, I could feel Lola's fear and the stress she was under. I couldn't wait to find out who was behind the assault and, I must admit, I was really angry when I did find out. It was full of sexual tension and ended on such a beautiful, thoughtful note.
 Click on book cover to visit author's website Familiar Light by Sarah BallanceShort Story - Sensual Romance/Suspense
Blurb: Seven years of longing comes down to just one night.
Laney Kent returns to Barrier Shoals hoping to reunite with her first love, Bridger. She anticipates his reception might be chilly, but what she doesn't expect is to become the victim of a deadly obsession … or that this night with Bridger could be her last.
Bridger Jansen tangled a lot of sheets trying to forget about Laney, but his heart knew what the rest of him refused to admit: he could love no one else. He's determined not to forgive her for leaving him without explanation, but when he fails to protect her from a viscous attack, the person he can't forgive just might be himself.
My 5 star review:
Awesome read!
FAMILIAR LIGHT by SARAH BALLANCE is a beautifully written, fantastic short story! I am so impressed that Ms. Ballance could put together such a wonderfully suspenseful, sensuous read in a short story. What a talent she has. It left me breathing heavy after a particular scene at the beach and wanting for nothing, except in the Epilogue when it gives you a taste of the upcoming sequel called Tide of Lies. I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT! I WANT IT NOW! I can assure you that I will be reading much more of Ms. Ballance's work. I highly recommend this read.
 Click on book cover to visit author's website Haunted by Willow Cross
Short Stories (4) Real Life Paranormal
Note: As of the time I posted this blog, Haunted by Willow Cross is free on Amazon. I have no idea how long it's going to be free, so click on the Amazon link above and get your copy soon!
Blurb: Have you ever heard something go bump in the night and wondered if someone was there? Only to go looking for the cause of the noise and find nothing at all. Or how about unexplainably feeling like you’re being watched when you’re completely alone? Things disappearing for no reason or strange ghostly footsteps in the hall?
This book is a collage of short stories about a few of the otherworldly experiences I’ve had. Although they are not movie worthy, you may find them interesting. All the stories are %100 true. Nothing has been added for dramatic effect.
My 4 star review:
Do you believe?
I really enjoyed this book, HAUNTED by WILLOW CROSS. Many of us have had unexplainable experiences and they are so much fun to share. If you like "real life" ghost stories, pick this up. You won't be disappointed.
Ms. Cross shared four different incidents that happened to her and her family with the reader, The Protector, Inherited Troubles, The House on Rivermet and Dream Home, and all told as if we were sitting together having a chat. Each one of the stories brings with it a different emotion, everything from outright fear to a feeling of love and warmth.
If you are interested in the paranormal at all, this is a fun read. I recommend you pick it up.
Sandy's Spotlight
 I'm so thrilled to tell you that Sandy's Spotlight is the recipient of the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. Happy Dance! Happy Dance! I'd like to take a moment to thank Sharon Buchbinder for passing this award along to my blog. It really means a lot to me.
I am now supposed to share seven (7) random facts about myself. So here we go!
1. I'd rather be fishing.
2. I can't believe Peyton Manning is going to the Broncos. :o(
3. I'm going to be really pissed if NASCAR decides to uphold their decision against Chad Knaus and the 48 team.
4. I'm a NASCAR junkie and proud of it. My boys are 5 time Jimmie Johnson 48, Jeff Gordon 24, and Dale Earnhardt Jr 88. Gotta love those Hendrick boys!
5. Guilty pleasure - I'm hooked on the show, The Voice.
6. I've found that hosting this blog has opened up a whole new world of reading to me. I'm reading genres I've never thought about before and loving it!
7. I'd rather be fishing. I know I opened with this one but it's really true. It helps me forget the whole Peyton Manning thing.
I hereby tag the following ten (10) blog buddies for the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. It’s their turn to spill seven secrets and pass the love along. Have some fun learning about new blogs. I know you'll enjoy them as much as I do!
1. Scott Nagele - Snoozing on the Sofa
2. Marla Madison - Reading and Writing are Fattening
3. Ashlynne Laynne - Paranormal Romance and Beyond
4. Dee Ernst - Author blog
5. P.L. Blair - Author blog
6. Markee Anderson - SweetTale Books
7. Kristie Leigh Maguire - Author blog
8. Jenny Milchman - Made It Moment
9. Rebecca Forster - Author blog
10. Sylvia Massara - Sylvia SaysPlease take a moment to tweet your peeps and Facebook your friends so they can enjoy these wonderful blogs as well. Thanks.
Sandy's Spotlight
Today's Special Guest Author is
Dal Burns
 Dal Burns with Bella I have to say that I'm super excited about this feature. Sandy's Spotlight has been a vehicle for me to grow as a reader. It's afforded me the opportunity of broadening my genre horizons. As most of my viewers know, I've just recently been introduced to the Sci-Fi genre. After reading Alien Race by Dal Burns, I can't believe what I've been missing. I'm so happy to introduce you to this wonderful storyteller today. You're in luck because Dal has sent a really great video that I enjoyed watching immensely. I can't wait for you to see it!
 Alien Race The following is my March 7th 4 star review:
Exciting Sci-Fi Read!
Being new to the Sci-Fi genre, I find that I'm liking it more and more with each book I read. DAL BURNS has created a wonderful story in ALIEN RACE. It not only pits two very different men against each other, it pits the extremes of technology and culture against each other. There is an important message here that I think we all need to pay close attention to.
In an interview with DAL BURNS, he stated that he thought of himself as a storyteller. I must say that I concur. I was hooked on ALIEN RACE from the beginning all the way to the exciting conclusion. I can't wait to read more books by Mr. Burns! ***If you've read Alien Race, please join us over at the Alien Race Book Discussion. This is your opportunity to discuss anything you'd like to know about this book with the author. If you haven't read Alien Race yet, no worries. The Alien Race Book Discussion will remain open until March 22nd. You have plenty of time to pick it up and join in the fun! Purchase links for all of Dal's books can be found on his website, DramaWorks, Inc. Click on any book cover to be directed to the Amazon purchase link. Alien Race can also be purchased on Smashwords.
Books and Audio CDs by Dal Burns:
Please tweet your peeps and Facebook your friends! We look forward to seeing you over at the Alien Race Book Discussion.
Sandy's Spotlight
Today's Special Guest Author is
Marla Madison
 She's Not There Today I'm introducing you to Marla Madison, author of She's Not There. If you like suspense and thrillers, you are going to love this book! I am also hosting a She's Not There Book Discussion, so all of you interested readers will have the opportunity to interact with Marla Madison and ask her whatever you want about the book. If you've read She's Not There, please stop by and join in the fun. If you haven't read the book, you have plenty of time to pick it up and read it. The She's Not There Book Discussion will run until March 8th. I look forward to seeing you there!
The following is my February 23, 2012, 4 star review: She's REALLY Not There!
There are so many reasons why I enjoyed SHE'S NOT THERE by MARLA MADISON. It is a suspense filled, believable tale of abused women disappearing. Lisa, a psychologist working with abused women in a women's center comes across a statistical anomaly that tells her abused women are coming up missing in higher and higher numbers. She becomes aware of this fact, just as one of her own patients goes missing without a trace.
Lisa takes this information to the police, but there is nothing that can be done. These are women that often times want to leave the situation they find themselves in and not be found. After all, an adult can legally leave and not tell anyone where they are going. This fact alone makes them a very easy target for a serial killer who has no fear of the police taking the woman's missing status seriously.
Lisa teams up with a wonderful cast of characters including a colorful retired cop, now PI, and two husbands of missing women, to gather evidence as proof the women are actually missing and take this information to the police to force them to start an investigation.
There are several twists toward the end of the book that I never saw coming and truly enjoyed. If you like a good suspense, pick up SHE'S NOT THERE by MARLA MADISON. You won't be disappointed.
Marla Madison, in her own words:
 Marla Madison On Product, Popcorn, and Pounds
In this wonderful new age of the self-published author, everyone wants to know how to make eBook sales flourish. I’m sorry, but I don’t have one more formula to give you on how to make that happen. What I can tell you is that not all methods work consistently. I’ve tried many that got super results for others, but nothing for my suspense book, She’s Not There. There does not seem to be a guaranteed method for success, although many tout such promises in an effort to sell their own how-to books.
The best sales promotion in the world (or the costliest) won’t help one iota if your product is not excellent. By excellent, I am not speaking of genre, for like John Locke, I believe everyone’s stories have a potential following out there somewhere. The trick is finding that following. There are no shortcuts; building a following takes time and effort and no one way works for everyone.
Most importantly, you have to be ready when your book is noticed. Poor product marks the amateur. I’ve learned the hard way that sub-par editing, formatting, proofing and cover art turn off potential readers. In order to attract the audience waiting for your novel, you have to make that story one they will love reading.
Personally, I don’t have what it takes in the patience department to do my own proofing and formatting—I have learned that about myself. And believe me, there is no worse feeling than being excited about finally putting your eBook up on Amazon and opening it to discover it is fraught with formatting problems and typos. If you don’t have the money to pay a professional to do formatting and proofing for you, then find a method out there is easy to follow and spend whatever time and sweat it takes to turn your manuscript into a polished product.
Another question authors are asked is why they started writing. As an avid reader since I first learned to read, I was always shaping stories in my imagination.
My reading history progressed from fairy tales to romance, followed by espionage, occult, and finally suspense, which is about the only genre I read these days. I find that kind of book to be an exciting get-away from everyday life. To me it made sense to write what I love to read—suspense.
Some favorite authors are Brian Freeman, Jonathan Kellerman, Tami Hoag, Jeffrey Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, to name a few. While not claiming to have nearly her polish and talent, I’d have to say my writing style is most like Tami Hoag.
My writing history is not expansive. I wrote my first short story (a blazing romance) in a creased notebook when I was a young teenager. Over the years, most of my writing was in school or for my arbitration awards. When I retired from full-time work, I started planning a novel in my mind. It led me to a class for fiction writing. I submitted the first three chapters of my suspense novel as my project for the class. My feedback—don’t quit your day job!
After that rejection, my book project sat in a drawer until a few months later when I saw an ad for a writer’s critique group starting up in our area. For me, being in a critique group is what kept me motivated to write. The woman who started our group, Donna White-Glaser, author of The Enemy We Know, was the first one of us to ePublish and inspired the rest of us to take our writing in that direction. I believed I was an educated writer, but quickly found out I had a lot to learn. Nothing I’d done in my former careers prepared me for writing fiction. And going back to what I said earlier about product, believe me, turning out a professional product requires work. A group can help you polish your work by giving you constant feedback, a great timesaving device that helped me improve my writing quickly. I strongly recommend a critique group for a new writer.
You may be wondering what “popcorn and pounds” has to do with writing.
Many successful ePublished authors recommend blogging. If you’re a beginning author, following their blogs will give you a wealth of information. Authors like John Locke, Dean Wesley Smith, and Joe Konrath are three must-follows.
So I knew I had to start blogging. Finding something to blog about seemed like quite a task, especially when it seemed like every author in the world was blogging writing tips. So, instead of giving advice to writers (I thought, what do I know anyway, I’m still learning myself) I decided to blog on a subject that was personal and filled with subject fodder—dieting!
My first successful blog was a series titled, The Ten Pounds of Christmas. It was a weekly lament about the difficulties of maintaining my weight during the holiday season. Every year I gain weight; the process begins with Halloween candy and doesn’t end until I wake up ten pounds heavier on the second week of January. I added tips for my readers every week. The best outcome of the blog was what it did for me—it kept me on track this year and because of it, I only gained ½ a pound over the holidays.
Did the blog push my book to the top of the charts? I’m sorry to say I don’t think my blogging sold any books. What it did do was build a list of friends and followers, and that is what the new author has to do in order to build a social presence. This week I changed my strategy and added a blog on The Ten Things About Epublishing I Learned the Hard Way. (There were probably a lot more than ten!) So far, it’s been well received.
I think the thing to take with you from my experience, is if you ePublish like I did, it will unfortunately involve a lot of trial and error. It can be discouraging, for sure. One more reason to join a group—lots of support along the way!
Right now I’m working on my second suspense novel and hope to have it available as an eBook by summer.
Please visit me at mam887@gmail.com or on my blog at http://marlamadison.blogspot.com. I’d love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Marla Madison
Donovancreed.com
Jakonrath.blogspot.com
www.deanwesleysmith.com
Donnawhiteglaser.jigsy.com****Don't forget to join us over at the She's Not There Book Discussion!
Sandy's Spotlight Special
Ashlynne Laynne,
The Progeny Blog Tour
 Paranormal Romance Guild I have a special treat for you today. I've partnered up with the Paranormal Romance Guild to introduce you to author Ashlynne Laynne and her debut novel, The Progeny.
The Paranormal Romance Guild, AKA("PRG"), was formed by the banding together of paranormal romance genre readers and writers, through the internet, with the sole purpose of supporting and promoting authors of the paranormal romance genre through the organization's website and special events.
You can join PRG with a free membership to discover and support new voices in paranormal literature. Just visit the PRG website at: http://www.ParanormalRomanceGuild.com.
 The Progeny The following is the PRG 5 star review for Ashlynne Laynne's novel, The Progeny:
5*****Stars
Book: The Progeny
Author: Ashlynne Laynne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Novel Concept Publishing
Rating: Adult
I love paranormal books and this one had it all. Murder, vampires, wiccan, love, sex, romance and suspense. What more could a paranormal lover want?
Ascher Rousseau is a half bloodling from the purest of bloodlines. His mother was a human and his father was a vampire. He has three brothers, Quinn, Gabriel and Tristian. The family owns a club called Rousseau and one day a woman walks in who will turn Ascher's life upside down. Her name is Shauna McCutchin and she is the new bartender.
Ascher is the youngest of the brothers and he is to be mated to Ursula from the Romanian clan. It is a prearranged marriage and one that Ascher is having difficulty accepting. Ursula is a cold hearted woman and every time he is near her he feels ill. How can he spend an eternity with someone he can't stand to be around? If he breaks off the mating, he risks a bloody reprisal from Ursula's clan that could mean war between the two families. He would be risking his family as well as himself.
But when Shauna arrives he realizes that there is something between them and he knows that he has to break off the marriage no matter the consequences. Shauna is a beautiful bi-racial woman and he can't get her off his mind. She has no idea what Ascher is but she also has an immediate reaction to him.
Shauna grew up with very religious parents who punished her for anything that they felt was wrong. Her childhood was a very unhappy one and her parents eventually disowned her. They refused to talk to her or allow her sister Katy to have a relationship with her. Katy could only text Shauna or meet her on the sly. Katy is everything to Shauna and the only family she has. When Ascher calls off the mating with Ursula, Katy suddenly disappears. There is no doubt who took her and why. Revenge. Can she be found? Is she alive? The quest for her is very exciting and suspenseful.
There are many characters in the story and the author gives the reader a full understanding of their lives. I loved reading about Ascher's brothers and his father. We learn the truth about Ascher's birth and about his mother. There are so many secrets and all questions were fully answered.
This is an author I would have no hesitation in reading again. The story just moved smoothly and never left me feeling let down.
Reviewed by: Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
Ashlynne Laynne, in her own words: I was eight years old the first time I realized the power of my words. I’d placed third in an oratorical contest and received a shiny, gold pin and the opportunity to read my paper for the sponsoring club.
A writer was born.
A poet and songwriter, before 2011, I’ve had my poetry in several anthologies, written a book of poetry, under another pseudonym, and my songs place in two song festivals. I’ve endeavored to continue my poetry as I continue to write novels. The Epilogue of The Progeny is an actual original poem that I wrote three years ago—before I ever thought of writing novels.
How’s that for destiny?
I never thought myself patient enough to write a novel. In October 2010, I started a project with a title, some rough sketches of a special amulet and two names—Shauna and Ascher. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for vampires but grew tired of the garlic fearing, sun loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan, I tend to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature. This was the catalyst for my writing of The Progeny. The infinite possibilities, for such a wicked couple, intrigued me. I like to think of Ascher and Shauna as the damned version of Romeo and Juliet with supernatural abilities.
I wanted my couple to be unique, so I made Ascher a half-bloodling (my term to describe his half human, half vampire existence) and Shauna a bi-racial Wiccan. I think their unique relationship reflects the changing complexion of relationships in today’s society. I wanted Shauna to be strong and to be his equal. I really believe I’ve accomplished that. I only meant for Ascher to be the progeny, but realized that Shauna is also one (I can’t say much more about that without spoiling a story line).
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Progeny.
Author Links:
The Progeny Blurb:
“No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau’s— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.
Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.
Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.
The Progeny Excerpt:
Shauna walked in. The unrest in the room made her nervous, putting her on edge. A beautiful woman— with a deep, olive complexion; long, black hair; and the most curvaceous body she’d ever seen— sat at the wooden table. Ascher was trembling, his face an unfamiliar mask. She cut her eyes at the mysterious stranger. “You never came back. I was worried.”
Ascher pulled Shauna behind him, his stance clearly a protective one. But why-? Surely, she didn’t need protection from her. His grip tightened around her arm, his knuckles straining with tension. Her mind finally registered his firm hold and sent messages to her heart and eyes.
She wiggled away from him. “Let go of me, Ash! What’s wrong with you? Who is she?”
“I’m fine and she’s nobody. Ursula was just leaving.” He spoke with little conviction.
“ The hell I am…” the stranger mumbled, an unsavory smirk turning up the corners of her mouth. “Tell her, Ascher. Tell her who I really am!”
“Yeah, Ascher,” Shauna spoke in a mocking tone, her eyes becoming pieces of wet coal in narrow sockets. “Why don’t you tell me the truth…who is she?”
He froze, his youthful face chiseled with a mixture of shock, horror and anger. “There’s something you need to know.”
“Spit it out, Ascher. Tell her! Or I will!” Ursula growled, her hands flicking the shades away from her face.
Terror, worse than any horror movie Shauna had ever seen. More ghastly than any monster a mind could conjure.
Shauna clutched her chest, stepping away from both of them. “Her eyes!” she screamed. “Ascher…what’s wrong with her eyes?”
The stranger giggled and continued piercing her demonized stare into Shauna.
Ascher struggled to control his mounting anger. He clutched Shauna closer. “Do you trust me?”
The floor vibrated underneath their feet. Shauna’s eyes became cold, the glare of distrust swimming in them.
“No. I don’t! Why are you so nervous?”
“You left Katy alone. You should go back up with her. I’ll be up there in a little while. Okay?”
“No. I want to know who she is. Right now, Ascher! Who…is…she?”
“Please, Shauna,”— he huffed with impatience— “just do it.”
“For cryin’ out loud…” Ursula groaned.
“I warned you, Ursula,” he growled, every part of him aching to rip her to shreds. She had nerve. Were he not a gentleman, he’d finish her and be done with it.
“You don’t warn me. Looks like you’ve been keeping a lot from her. Afraid she might not want you if she knows the real you?”
His lips strained against clenched teeth, begging to curl up and release a menacing snarl. Control— He had to stay in control. Push the anger back down. Stem the raging desire to lash out at Ursula.
Her red eyes narrowed, the smirk taunting him, daring him to expose himself. He was strong in his gifts, but rage made her stronger. Her mind turned, fighting off the subliminals he hurled at her.
She cackled, “That won’t work, dearest. It’s time she knows everything.”
“Dearest?” Shauna questioned, her tiny fists balling.
Ascher reached for Shauna but she moved away from him.
“Don’t touch me!”
“Ursula, doing this won’t change things between us,” he uttered, knowing she’d never listen to reason.
“No! She deserves to know the truth, Ascher,” Ursula responded.
“Ursula, please—” He couldn’t believe he was begging her for anything.
Ignoring his pleading, she continued, “My name is Ursula. Ascher and I are to seal in two days.”
Shauna drew in a staggered breath. “Seal— as in marriage?”
Ascher sighed.
“Is this true?” Shauna demanded.
His head dropped in shame. “Yes, but…”
“So she is your fiancée? And let me guess, she’s the first.”
“Shauna, I can explain.”
Shauna clutched her head with both hands screaming, “No!” The window, behind her, cracked. She ran towards the door, fresh tears flooding her face. Ascher grabbed at her, missing. “No!” she shouted again. The ceiling rumbled, water raining down from the sprinklers. “Move!” she shouted, pointing towards the door. It flew open, nearly ripping off its hinges. Ascher appeared in front of her. She scowled then pushed him back. “Go away!” she yelled then watched as an unseen force moved him from her path. She turned, backing away from both of them, her eyes fixated on the two. Her finger twirled then pointed at each of them. “Stay!”
“I hope you’re happy now,” he growled at Ursula then sprinted after Shauna, catching her before she hit the stairs. He clutched her, turning her to him. Distress blanketed her face. “Shauna please, just let me explain.”
A strange burn started in her legs. What’s happening to me? She’d had rage issues all her life but never anything like this. Her normally clear eyesight was now blurry and grey. The hall—she’d seen for three months and knew like the back of her hand—became an unfamiliar maze, veiled by her fuzzy vision.
She took a step, stumbled then regained her balance against the wall.
“I told you how important honesty was to me and you’ve been keeping this from me the whole time. You told me she was nobody… that it was only physical curiosity. It doesn’t look that way to me. She talks like she owns you. You told me it was over between the two of you. How were you going to cover up getting married to someone else?”
“I wasn’t, just listen to me...”
She shook her head. “I’ve listened enough. I can’t trust you. Without trust, we have nothing. All you’ve done is feed me lies. You’re a liar! I despise liars! I can’t believe I was going to sleep with you—allow you to be my first.” She gripped her stomach and doubled over. “I’m going to be sick…”
He reached for her, again.
“Don’t touch me!” Every ounce of restraint left her body. Chaos now flooded her brain. She wanted to lash out. No, she needed to lash out.
“Shauna. Just let me take you home. I promise I’ll explain things to you.”
“What part of, ‘I don’t want to hear your lies’-- don’t you understand?” she seethed through clenched teeth, her anger blazing directly into him. “Back…!” she barked, pushing her hands away from her body, towards him. He flew back against the wall. “I don’t want to hear it! Don’t touch me, Ascher,” she sobbed into her hands, “I hate you. I wish I’d never met you!”
“Shauna…?” he whispered, pain and disbelief creasing his face.
“Just leave me alone. I never want to see you again.”
“Shauna you don’t….”
“Oh yes I do— I mean it and I quit! I can’t work here anymore.”
She ran out the emergency exit, setting off the door alarm, sprinting—into the night.
Sandy's Spotlight
Today's Special Guest Author is
Dee Ernst
 Dee Ernst You are in for a special treat today! I'm interviewing Dee Ernst, author of the romantic comedy, Better Off Without Him.
Dee is here to tell you all about herself and this fantastic book in the video below! I'm also hosting a Better Off Without Him Book Discussion that will be running simultaneously with this blog through February 23rd. Dee and I look forward to seeing you at the discussion. That's right! You can have a discussion with the author herself, ask her questions about her book or characters. It's going to be a lot of fun! There's still plenty of time to read the book and join us.Here's a little about Dee Ernst. The following information was taken directly from her website:
"Dee Ernst was born Elizabeth Diane Ascoli in Newark, NJ. Her family moved to Morristown, NJ when she was still a toddler. She started writing stories on a battered Royal typewriter when she was about ten or twelve, and she graduated Morristown High School determined to pursue a career as a writer in some form or another (she considered advertising, but luckily came to her senses). Creative writing majors were hard to find in 1974, so she attended Marshall University as a journalism major. That wasn’t working, so she tried Education, but that didn’t quite work either. Several jobs and years later, staying home with a three-year-old and trying to figure out what to do when she grew up, Joan Hamburg on WOR radio in New York was interviewing someone who said if you wanted to know what to with your life, remember what you were playing when you were ten, and try to turn that into a career. Since Dee was writing stories at ten, she sat down and wrote her first novel. It went nowhere. Her second novel got her a terrific agent and upwards of fifteen rejection letters (She reread them all in preparation of this biography). Her third novel, Better Off Without Him, garnered even more rejection letters from a much higher caliber of editor. Undaunted, she self-published Better Off Without Him in October 2010. She is now waiting patiently for fame and fortune."
 Better Off Without Him The following is my February 9, 2012, 4 star review: Mona is most definitely Better Off Without Him!
I had such fun reading BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM written by Dee Ernst. The character interaction was imaginatively written and funny. It was so nice reading about a 40-plus woman for a change. I was able to relate to her in more ways the one.
I enjoyed getting to know Mona and her emotional strength in dealing with a husband she's been married to for twenty years but finds she never really knew him in the first place. I also really liked Mona's friends and children. While reading, many times I found myself laughing out loud as well as craving a vodka martini, which I've never had but I'm going to be trying very soon.
Not only do I recommend BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM, I've gifted it to a very good friend. The only criticism I have regarding this book is that it could use another edit.Stop by Dee's website to see all purchase links for Better Off Without Him.
|
RSS Feed