Crimson Footprints Book Tour and Giveaway

CRIMSON FOOTPRINTS

By

Shewanda Pugh

BLURB:  

When an insecure, bi-racial woman begins a cloak-and-dagger love affair with a Japanese American man, she is intent on keeping her bigoted family in the dark—albeit with devastating consequences. On the night of her brother’s murder, Deena Hammond stumbles upon Takumi Tanaka, lost and on the wrong end of a .32. After rescuing him from the certain fate driving through the hood in a Porsche will bring, a sweet kind of friendship begins. A balm for her grief. Maybe, Deena likes to think, it happened the day her white mother killed her black father. Or maybe, it was always a part of them, like DNA gone bad. Whatever the case, Deena knows that her family would never approve, hell, never acknowledge her fast-growing love for Takumi. And had he never made love to her that way, in that unraveling, soul-searching sort of way, she could’ve done the same. But love’s a devil that way. So, their game begins. One where they hide what they are from everyone. Anyone. And Tak understands this—for now. After all, Deena’s career hinges on the favor of her mentor and boss, his hard-ass of a father. And the Hammond family is already stretched thin with grief. Yet, each step Deena takes toward family and career brings her closer to an acceptance she’s never had. And away from him.




EXCERPT:

“I wish that I didn’t want my family’s love so bad. I wish I could be one of those people who wore leather jackets and didn’t give a damned.”

Tak shot her a look. “You’d be musty if you wore a leather jacket in this heat.”

Deena grinned. “You know what I mean.”

He shrugged. “Who doesn’t want a decent family, Dee? It’s not much to ask for.”

Tak paused to pluck a seashell from the sand. Chipped and polished by time, it shone under the glint of a fast setting sun. “I don’t know the answers,” he said. “But they seem to be in things like this,” he held up the shell.

She frowned. “I don’t follow.”

He shrugged. “Well think about it. What’s a shell? It’s just a—a hard, protective outer layer.” He hurled it in the ocean. “The same is true with family. They’re an outer layer, a protection from the world. At least that’s what they’re supposed to be.” He paused. “Think about what happens when you screw with an animal that has one of those hard shells. What does he do?”

“He goes into it.”

“Right. He retreats.” He thumbed the shell thoughtfully. “Now imagine if you were to rip the shell off a turtle and expose him. What do you think you’d find?”

Deena cringed. “Something soft and hurting.

“And dead, if not close to it. So, our hypothetical turtle, who’s able to stand our shell transplant, needs another shell, another form of protection. And so do you.” Tak handed the grooved and sand-polished subject to Deena. She looked down at it.

“So, how’ve I been surviving all this time? What’s my shell?”

Tak grinned. “Tell you what. I’ll let you know when I crack it.”

Copyright by Shewanda Pugh

AUTHOR INFORMATION:


Shewanda Pugh is a native of Boston’s inner city, though she now lives in sunny Miami, Florida. She has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Alabama A&M University and a Master’s in Writing from Nova Southeastern University. Fueled from a young age, her passion for crossing societal boundaries like race, class and culture, is the inspiration for both her cluttered bookshelf and her writing. When she’s not busy obsessing over fiction, she can be found traveling, nursing her social networking addiction or enjoying the company of loved ones.



Giveaway!

Shewanda will be giving away a $10 gift card to Amazon.com! So be sure to leave a comment to enter. Follow the tour and comment for more chances to win: The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/07/book-blurb-blitz-tour-crimson.html. 
http://www.goddessfish.com




LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.ShewandaPugh
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShewandaP
Follow on Twitter: @ShewandaP
Blog: http://shewandapugh.blogspot.com/
www.shewandapugh.com

In the Moonlight with Author L.K. Below

41 Days until the release 

of This Blackened Night, 

The Order: Book 3!

Every author has a set of characters more dear to their hearts than any others. In most cases, this stems from these characters being among the first ever created. I won't claim Lori and Terrence were my very first, but they did come close. Their first book, Stalking Shade, which released in 2011, was originally written in 2007. And rewritten. And rewritten.

And now it feels like a dear friend is moving away. With the release of This Blackened Night on September 24th, 2012, the trilogy will come to an end. Lori might be a prickly character, not easy for anyone but Terrence to love, but I had a lot of fun with her. When I wrote this third book late last year, I dragged my feet to see it finished for the same reason. I didn't want to let the pair of them go. A not-so-secret part of me is hoping for an overwhelming response from readers asking me to continue so I have an excuse to revisit my favorite characters.

For now, I'm counting down the days until the third book releases. Maybe you'll fall in love with Lori and Terrence every bit as fiercely as I have. Lori might be stubborn in pushing people away, but Terrence is the most persistent character I've ever written. Good thing, too.

Join me in celebrating the release of the third book a bit early with this short, sweet teaser excerpt:


This Blackened Night by L.K. Below

With murders cropping up all around, who should she trust?

After months of searching, Lori finally scrounges up a clue as to the whereabouts of the missing leader of her secret organization. But her vision isn't encouraging--it points to her vampire companion Terrence as the culprit.

Terrence is adamant that he isn't at fault. Even though she knows she might be walking into a trap, she follows his lead to a shabby island port. When her informants start turning up dead with puncture wounds in their necks, Lori wonders just how well she knows Terrence. And why does he act different during the search than in their hotel room?

Lori doesn't know who to trust anymore. She only hopes that she won't be the next victim.


Six Sweet Sentences from the book:

Terrence smashed his mouth onto hers. Molten contact.

A vision slipped into view.

The Spenta Michos clawed at the pale hand covering his mouth. Behind him, his attacker stood in profile.

Terrence.


Learn more about the series as a whole on the Lyrical Press, Inc. website: http://bit.ly/TheOrderSeries.

Read a longer excerpt from This Blackened Night at http://bit.ly/ThisBlackenedNight.


Bio: If L.K. Below gets far too attached to her characters, well, that's because they're interesting people. Read two of her favorites in her urban fantasy series, The Order. Join her online at www.lbelow.net to learn more. Want to keep up to date with her tour stops? Follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/LBelowtheauthor) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/LK-BelowLindsay-Below/355586159614)

Write Stuff: Interview with Margay Leah Justice, author of SLOA...

Write Stuff: Interview with Margay Leah Justice, author of SLOA...: I'm pleased to bring you Margay Leah Justice today, talking about her books and other fun things!  (Q) Thanks for stopping by my blog!...

Win a $500 Weekend Getaway Package

Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com
• A copy of Tidewater Inn.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen's "Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!

So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd  for a chance to connect with Colleen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER about Colleen's giveaway and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Book Barrage and Giveaway: Family Blood Ties Series by Dale Mayer

Title: Vampire in Denial (Family Blood Ties, Book 1)
Author: Dale Mayer
Publisher: Valley Publishing
Length: 68,000 words
Genres: Paranormal YA
Sub-Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery/Thriller


AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon


BLURB:

Blood doesn't just make her who she is...it also makes her what she is.

Like being a sixteen-year-old vampire isn't hard enough, Tessa's throwback human genes make her an outcast among her relatives. But try as she might, she can't get a handle on the vampire lifestyle and all the...blood.

Turning her back on the vamp world, she embraces the human teenage lifestyle--high school, peer pressure and finding a boyfriend. Jared manages to stir something in her blood. He's smart and fun and oh, so cute. But Tessa's dream of a having the perfect boyfriend turns into a nightmare when vampires attack the movie theatre and kidnap her date.

Once again, Tessa finds herself torn between the human world and the vampire one. Will blood own out? Can she make peace with who she is as well as what?


EXCERPT:

No, Cody had some serious skills, at least according to David. It would take a lot for someone to get the drop on him.

"Psst."

He just didn't have much class. Turning around, Tessa watched Cody land in front of her. His graceful controlled landing made her instantly jealous.

"There's no sign of anything unusual going on."

"No, of course not. Why would there be? It's not like they're going to advertise that they've kidnapped humans." She studied the huge stone mansion. "The captives are most likely to be downstairs."

"Whoa. You're not going into the house. If you're determined to take this further, we go back to our parents and let them go to the council. They will determine the best course of action."

Tessa stared at him in disbelief. Everything about the night had taken on a surreal appearance. She was here, where Jared was being held, with someone who could actually help her and he wanted to go for their parents. No knight riding to the rescue here.

Then he'd been raised by the old belief that vampires don't go against vampires - without just cause. She didn't think she could come up with enough evidence to prove her case.

She snagged his arm, willing him to listen. "We have to at least see if they are here."

"No Tessa." He shook his head, his vampire eyes glowing with terrible heat. "That's enough. This isn't a kid's game. This is vampire business."

"And who's going to believe me? No one. I'm not like you. My word doesn't mean anything to the others. If you don't see that Jared's been taken and kept as a captive yourself, you won't be able to convince them either."

He shook his head.

Fine. She'd go in alone. Turning away, she headed to the back of the house. "Go back home. I don't need you."

"What the..." He raced behind her. "Tessa stop. You can't go inside there. You're not allowed."

"And they're allowed to take humans?" She snorted. "I don't think so." The moon slid out from behind the clouds. Off to the left, a set of stairs cut down to a narrow wooden door. Probably the cellar. Perfect. She picked up her pace, reaching for the knob in seconds. She bolted though the unlocked door before Cody could drag her back out. Down a narrow hallway, she fled through another door that led to a wide open space. Empty space. Damn it. Could the prisoners have been moved already? How? There hadn't enough time for that.

"There, are you satisfied now?"

She spun around at the sound of Cody's voice. "No." She walked the perimeter of the room. At the far end, the room curved down and around. At the far end, her nostrils flared. Her weird knowing sense kicking in. Animal. Death. Fear. Pain.

This area had been used as housing for animals during the cold winter months. Horses, most likely. Ancient farm smells permeated the air. Hay. Manure. Blood.

"What's the matter?" Cody whispered.

She looked at him. "Can't you smell it?"

"Smell what?"

"Pain. Death."


REVIEWS:

5 stars! Original YA vampire story.

“Vampire in Denial by Dale Mayer is a delightfully different addition to the teen vamp paranormal genre. Can't wait for the sequel.” (Charlotte)

5 stars! Do love.

“This is the first book I've read from Dale Mayer and I'm sure going to be reading more because this is my new favorite vampire romance book since Twilight!” (PrincessZelda))

5 stars! Another exciting series from Dale Mayer

“Oh, book! You were so FUN! I was getting all tense and worried about how poor Tessa was going to prove herself and it was exciting and I desperately wanted her to realize that her tangled up feelings about a certain someone were not all brotherly. But, but...why did you leave me hanging on such a cliffhanger?!?! I MUST KNOW what's going to happen to her!

In most ways, Tessa is an average teenage girl. Her parents don't really understand her, she feels like she's caught between two worlds and she's not sure if the boy she likes likes her back. The fact that she's a vampire who's literally caught between two worlds doesn't change any of that. Her parents really don't have a clue how hard it is for her, a genetic throwback, and no one in her family understands that how the full-blood vampires treat her like a stupid little girl.

All in all, this was a fun, fast read with a girl who definitely came into her own as the story progressed. I thought Cody and his slow revelations about Tessa were adorable. I like how her mother rose up to defend Tessa once things were brought to her attention. I like that Tessa wasn't willing to abandon a friend, even if he was "only human".

I can only guess as to where the next book in this story is heading but I'm DYING to read it now. DYING, Dale Mayer. DYING!” (Kelly Rubidoux)

4 Stars! Exciting first installment in a new YA vampire series!

“This book managed to stand out amongst the plethora of vampire novels out there. I liked how vampires had different abilities and how some of them, like Tessa, seemed more human than vampire (i.e. could be out in the daylight, didn't crave blood). It added a bunch of new dimensions to the world and I'm liking where the series is going.

This really was a great read. I was entirely able to relate with Tessa and enjoyed watching her change throughout the story. Just a warning, the author leaves us with one heck of a cliffhanger, so I can only hope that the next book comes out soon!” (Jamie “Bookerella”)

 Title: Vampire in Distress (Family Blood Ties, Book 2)
Author: Dale Mayer
Publisher: Valley Publishing
Length: 68,000 words
Genres: Paranormal YA
Sub-Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery/Thriller


AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon


BLURB:

Note: This is Book 2 in the Family Blood Ties series and picks up exactly where Book I left off.

When Tessa rallies friends and family to find her missing date, they uncover a secret...and start a war that causes ripples in all aspects of their lives.

A vampire with throwback human genes. Sixteen-year-old Tessa finds more than just her friend in this journey...she also finds herself in need of rescue ... Imprisoned, she has to find a way to escape and reunite with her family before this war takes out those she loves.

The youngest of his ancient line. Eighteen-year-old Cody descends from flyer vampires wants Tessa back at his side where she belongs – even as he struggles with conflicting emotions about his best friend's kid sister...

A human determined to protect his people. Seventeen year-old Jared thought his life was over then he finds out that his rescuers are vampires...how can he trust them? And then he finds out the truth about Tessa...and that she's been taken, too...

Three brave souls struggle as war breaks out around them...a war that shows them no mercy.

EXCERPT:
"Do you not know others in the Council or on committees we can trust? Are all the elders untrustworthy?"

Shocked silence surrounded her.

She closed her eyes and groaned softly. The fragile egos of the elders. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded." She tried again. "I'm trying to understand why you don't trust more people."

"We have elders we trust with many issues. This problem, however...well, it divided the Council when it happened before. It's looking to do the same again, on a much larger scale."

Rubbing the back of her neck, Tessa stared at the two men. "Surely there has to be someone you trust to take control. Or you can bring in many someones. You suggested the Council, then switched to the enforcers. Why?"

"I don't know," Serus muttered, "I started thinking about the members who'd been pro blood farming decades ago."

"It is an ancient problem," she said. "Then bring in young blood. Ones who don't have the same prejudices and beliefs. My generation."

Both men snorted, and Goran said, "We're not bringing in children to do a man's job."

"Why not?" She snapped at him. "I dare you to say that to Cody, Ian, or David."

"That's different. They're men."

Even Serus winced and closed his eyes as if waiting for Tessa to strike Goran a mortal blow.

"I'll ignore that comment, thank you," Tessa said stiffly. Once again, she realized, they'd had a group of vampires together and nothing had gotten done. They'd talked themselves into circles without achieving anything. Pulling out her cell phone, she texted David, repeating her words aloud as she typed. "Who can we contact to help? Dad suggests the Council and the enforcers, and yet has admitted both are problematic."

"Who are you texting?" Serus stared down at the phone in her hand suspiciously.

She smothered a smile. "David."

"David? Why not your mother?"

"Because I figure she's your age and will have the same prejudiced suggestions you do." She shot him a wry glance. "Am I wrong?"

He grimaced. "Probably not."

The wind picked up, chilling them as she waited to hear back.

The longer she waited, the more worried she became. Finally, she looked at her father. "Do we know if our group is still safe? That the people you called in haven't overpowered our people and locked them up?"

"Don't say that. Rhia would have let us know." Serus's face took on a grim look. "I would know if she were in trouble."

The cell phone jingled, relieving Tessa's anxiety, and she hurriedly read David's text.

"He suggests we bring in the media," she said, studying the mixed feelings crossing both men's faces. "Hmm. What do you think of that idea? Or do you consider that another age old prejudice?"

Goran's snort left no doubt about his opinion. "The media can't be trusted at the best of times. This isn't going to be any different."

"Don't you know anyone who's honest? Someone from before? Who, whether you liked them or not, you respected?"

"Hell, no."


REVIEWS:

5 stars! Amazing read!

“This book picked up where Vampire in Denial ended, and notched it up a dozen steps. In the last book, Tessa started out worrying that she didn't fit in anywhere. In this book, she's worried that she and her friends will stay alive. And even more. They've discovered something evil going on. Something that will shake up the vamp and human worlds. Something that's too big for them. But when Tessa calls in reinforcements, things get even weirder.

I'm almost afraid to say anything that will give away the plot. So I'll just say that the end was really satisfying... and then it left me gasping. This entire story has twists and turns that stopped my breath and kept me clicking to the next page. I didn't want to stop reading. I love it too that we get to see into Cody and Jared's minds. Both of them are great, but I'm in the Cody camp. I'm super eager for the next book!” (E.S. Rose)

5 stars! Wonderful Sequel

“Just when we think Tessa is safe and there will be a resolution to the Tessa/Cody/Jared triangle, we're blindsided by more problems for these characters. Ms. Mayer leaves us with the ultimate cliffhanger so that we are all anxiously awaiting the next book to find out what happens!

I am a high school teacher and originally grabbed the first book in the series to see if it would appeal to some of my students. However, I was quickly hooked! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these books. They have romance, action, mystery...something for everyone.” (BJ35)


 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dale Mayer is a prolific multi-published writer. She's best known for Tuesday's Child, Hide'n Go Seek, her romantic suspense novels that was one of the final four in the Kensington Brava/Romantic Times contest this last year. Besides her romantic suspense/thrillers, Dale also writes paranormal romance and crossover young adult books in several different genres.  To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series . All her books are available in print format as well.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author.


BOOKS BY DALE MAYER:

Psychic Vision Series:

Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor


Single Title Romantic Suspense/Thrillers:

Touched by Death – out now!


Novellas:

It's a Dog's Life (Romantic Comedy)


Young Adult Books:

Dangerous Designs – Book I
Deadly Designs – Book 2 – out soon!
Vampire in Denial – Book I of Blood Ties
Vampire in Distress – Book 2 of Blood Ties
Gem Stone Mystery Series- out soon!
In Cassie's Corner- out soon


Non-Fiction Books:

Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

And now for the Giveaway! Dale is giving away a set of both books during the barrage tour! Other stops here: http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2012/08/scheduled-barrage-family-blood-ties.html  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Books for Bunnies, Book Blast Tour

Books for Bunnies

Books for Bunnies is an event set up by the blogger over at The Bunny’s Review and coordinated with the help of blogger Alchemy of Scrawl. These two ladies have worked tirelessly in getting authors to donate eBooks for the event. Currently there are over 100 eBooks that have been donated, along with over 30 print books. Some of the print books are even signed by the author’s themselves. The event is to help raise money for the House Rabbit Society. The House Rabbit Society (or HRS) is a 501 non-profit organization to help raise awareness and to rescue rabbits from animal shelters. Below is a little about the background of the HRS. House Rabbit Society Background House Rabbit Society is a national, nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Richmond, California. Our mission has two parts:

 Through our fostering program, volunteers rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent adoptive homes for them.

 Through education, we seek to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits — and to improve bunnies' lives — by helping people better understand these often misunderstood companion animals. In line with our mission, we are against the exploitation of rabbits.

 Since HRS was founded in 1988, over 25,000 rabbits have been rescued through our foster homes across the United States. Many of these bunnies had run out of time at animal shelters and were scheduled for euthanasia; others had been deemed "unadoptable" because of age, health, or disposition. Because there is no time limit on our rescued rabbits, HRS foster parents are able to spend time getting to know each individual bunny and can then match him or her with an appropriate home. We neuter/spay all incoming rabbits, obtain any necessary veterinary care, and attend to their social needs. In caring for so many diverse bunnies, our all-volunteer organization has learned a tremendous amount about their social, behavioral, and medical requirements. By sharing the collected information these rabbits have taught us, we are able to help other people improve their relationships with their rabbits. HRS provides educational materials to veterinarians and humane societies and helps individual rabbit people solve behavior and health problems, primarily through our web site, www.rabbit.org, and our quarterly publication, House Rabbit Journal. Over the past 20 years, HRS has grown from 300 to more than 8,000 members, with local chapters and educators in over 30 states plus Canada, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore.

Our web site, www.rabbit.org, is accessed over 100,000 times a day by people in dozens of countries around the world. We are asking people to donate money to the HRS at this link through Network for Good. The person that makes a donation will receive either an eBook or print book equal to the amount donated. There are books ranging in price from 99 cents to $27.00.

 There are several print copies of the books that have been autographed by the author. The person that donates will receive an email thanking them for donating. That email needs to be forwarded to books4bunnys@bunnysreview.com. This will show the amount that has been donated.

 Please remember there is not any donation that is too small. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. The HRS will use the money to either help pay for vet bills or help in finding a forever home for the hundreds of bunnies in their care. Please if possible take a moment to donate a couple of dollars to the HRS you never know what bunny’s life you might be saving. Suzie & The Bunnies - CupCake & Coale Books for Bunnies Website: http://booksforbunnies.com Video for the House Rabbit Society:

  RAFFLECOPTER FOR THE GIVEAWAY: a Rafflecopter giveaway Link for the code: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZmQ5MjdmMTk4NmFjM2RhY2U4MDFlZDQ4MjZlNTRjOjI4/

In the Moonlight with Leland Pitts-Gonzalez, Author of The Blood Poetry

The Blood Poetry: Horror and Metaphor

By Leland Pitts-Gonzalez

Why write a literary horror novel anyway?  I’m not only interested in spinning a scary, titillating yarn.  Yes, my novel is inhabited by characters like the protagonist, Epstein’s mother, Olivia, who’s undead and buys blood from a heroin addict; the conjoined-twin bloodsuckers who date back to the Civil War and head an evangelical church after abandoning their own murderous past; and Professor Applebaum—biological anthropologist, bloodsucker, and Olivia’s boyfriend during Epstein’s childhood—who is the source of Epstein’s unraveling.  My intent was to use many of these characters, monsters, and metaphors which we’ve grown accustomed to scaring us up to a point, as vehiclesinto the fracturing universe of our main character who—unlike those others—isn’t yet “a monster.”   The Blood Poetry—told from the first person point-of-view—is an immersion into the felt-experience of a man on the brink.

As Epstein transforms during the course of the book, perhaps even more unbearable to him is his complicity in the crimesperpetrated by his mother’s boyfriend.  Applebaum—part step-father and vampire—forced Epstein as a boy to lure unsuspecting victims to their home.  This was the culmination of a series of crimes that Applebaum perpetrated against Epstein’s mother and his boyhood friends.  As an adult, he reflects back on that he, yes, was spared, but why?  His mental and moral implosion is brought on not so much by the horror of “bearing witness”—but from hisrealization that he, too, was culpable and guilty.  How degrading it is for him, then, to be confronted with his phantom-ghoul of a momevery day since she lives in the bedroom upstairs in his house—just out of conscious reach, but whose footsteps and flapping-about demark the beginning of a horror-story all his own: the disappearance of his wife, Abby, who has already vanished at the outset of the book; and of course, Sylvia, his rambunctious, and keenly-alive teenager who becomes the axis around which his lunacy tilts.  As all the bloodletting from his past and present converge, he fixates on Sylvia in a manner only newly-fanged fathers can.  He fixates with unwanted eyes.  Sylvia can infer well enough that he—although not one of them “actual imbibers”—has desires for a more terrifying kind of blood: not as nutrients for those undead folk, but nutrients for the “ultra-violence” within, and as the only metaphor for “family, clan, and lineage.”As Epstein learned, Sylvia will know all too well that blood is the source, nutrients, and symbol of all of those things which tritely give us life, but are rabidly determined to serve us simply a mouthful of hell and heritage.

About the Author:

Leland studied creative writing and ethnic studies at San Francisco State University where he discovered the enormous possibilities of poetic language, experimentation, and critical theory. He eventually earned an MFA in Writing from Columbia University on a merit fellowship.  He has published fiction in Open City, Fence, Dark Sky Magazine, Drunken Boat, and Monkey Bicycle, among other literary journals.  He is also the Project Director for an upcoming literary series of happenings, Phantasmagoria, for which he received fiscal sponsorship from The New York Foundation for the Arts.  He lives in Brooklyn, NY.  This is his first novel.

Visit Leland on the web at www.THEBLOODPOETRY.com
Like Leland Pitts-Gonzalez on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phantasmagoria.nyc


About the Book:

The Blood Poetry is a dark and otherworldly literary novel about a clan of grotesques. Epstein, the protagonist, who delivers his innermost rants in a berserk vernacular all his own; Abby, Epstein’s wife, whose disappearance sparks our protagonist’s descent into guilt and vice; Olivia, Epstein’s mother, who is undead and tames her ruthlessness by joining a Pentecostal church; Astor and Fester, conjoined twins who date back to the Civil War and elders of the Pentecostal church who profess their own brand of redemption to Epstein; Professor Applebaum, Olivia’s boyfriend during Epstein’s childhood, who forced Epstein to participate in a series of horrifying acts; and our once rambunctious Sylvia, Epstein’s daughter who returns to life after dying, only to become repulsed by the sound of her grandmother’s thoughts and all human touch, but whose yearning for her father to restore her to health is Epstein’s best chance at reclaiming his own humanity.

5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom by Duane Harden: Review and Contest, Too!

About 5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom

If you hate your job and feel stuck in life, and believe that your skills, education, or lack of finances prevent you from taking a chance on something new, then you need to read 5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom: Do What You Love & Get Rich Doing It by Duane Harden.

Conversationally written, and peppered with humorous drawings, helpful worksheets, and key tips, 5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom: Do What You Love & Get Rich Doing It shows you to do nothing short of changing your life. Harden helps you figure out what your passions are and how to turn them into profitable businesses. When you love what you do, he says, it isn’t work and any business then becomes a real pleasure. Because attitude is everything, Harden demonstrates how to say yes to opportunity, yes to financial freedom and no to the naysayers who would pull you down while trying to elevate themselves (he calls this a crab pot mentality). Practice the Law of Attraction, he advises, by putting up vision boards around you that have photographs of the things you want in your life. If you imagine yourself rich and happy and doing what you love, you attract those things to you. Plus, you are more likely to go out and do the concrete things you need to do to make that life a reality.

Harden doesn’t just advise. He practices what he preaches. His 90-day action plan comes from Harden’s own reading, attending seminars, completing home-study courses, and pursuing a variety of his very own life experiences, including purchasing numerous real-estate properties. His “Life Assignments” can help you to begin to think and act differently. His “Keys” point out truths about learning to live a wealthier life style. Rich people are not afraid to take chances, he says, and those chances always pay off.

From putting your financial house in order to discovering what really makes you tick, 5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom will change your life and make you wealthy while doing it.

A chance to win $10,000 in prizes!

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Duane Harden just doesn’t teach you theory but rather you learn through his very own life hands-on experiences that come along with building a strong portfolio of successful businesses, including residential and commercial real estate, a restaurant, a music company, and many more. He began with no financial education, but he was determined and inspired. Today he leads a Cash Flow Club where he mentors entrepreneurs on how to start and grow their business so they, too, can become financially free.

His latest book is 5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom: Do What You Love & Get Rich Doing It.

Visit Duane Harden’s website at http://www.duaneharden.com/.

To enter $10,000 Prize Giveaway:https://www.facebook.com/5EasyStepsToFinancialFreedom/app_208195102528120

To get your paperback copy of  5 EASY STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM by Duane Harden at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Steps-Financial-Freedom-Doing/dp/0984822704/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335047035&sr=8-1?books0df4-20

To get your ebook copy of 5 EASY STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM by Duane Harden for your Kindle:

To purchase a copy of 5 EASY STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM by Duane Harden at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/5-easy-steps-to-financial-freedom-duane-harden/1110871992?ean=9780984822706

Pick up your copy of 5 EASY STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM by Duane Harden on iTunes:http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/5-easy-steps-to-financial/id519796307?mt=11

Like Duane Harden on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/5EasyStepsToFinancialFreedom

Follow Duane Harden on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CEOeBooks

My Review:

As someone who lives on a fixed budget, I am constantly searching for ways to best utilize that budget while simultaneously pursuing my dreams. Just a small challenge in today's economy! Well, I think I have found just what I need in 5 Easy Steps to Financial Freedom. I have to say that this is a wonderful little nugget of a book written in a style that even someone as financially illiterate as myself can follow.

I have to say up front that I hate reading anything about finances. It's usually such a dry subject with all kinds of statistics and money-speak that usually goes over my head. Not because I lack intelligence, that is not the case (at least I hope not!), but because I don't have the head for figures. I am the creative type and in true creative type fashion, I like to make pretty and interesting things, not fuss with the business basics. So I need something written in a language I understand. This book fits all of my needs.

I love how it is broken down into easy to manage chapters, each step getting its own. Short, sweet, easy to read. That's how I like it. And there are Life Lessons sprinkled within that really get your mind thinking. I like that. I like a lot of things about this book and so I would recommend it to anyone who wants to gain control of their finances for whatever reason - to buy a house, start a business, or just stop worrying about debt. Whatever the case may be, this book is sure to suit your needs.

In the Moonlight with L.K. Below, author of Beauty in his Bed

Writing Past Insecurities

By L.K. Below

What made my recent release, Beauty in His Bed so challenging to write was the characters. Specifically, the heroine.

In any romance, the main characters will have to battle their insecurities in order to achieve their happily ending. However, in this book, I didn't realize what a Herculean task it would be to win Amy's heart. She's self-conscious about her weight, about her self-worth, and doesn't have a clue why Seb is interested in her. Because of this, I found it very difficult to write many of the scenes, particularly ones in which Seb had to crack Amy's heart-hardened shell to savor an intimate moment. After writing and rewriting the same scene, I realized that I needed a different plan of action if I was going to give these two characters their happily-ever-after.

First, I made a list of Amy's every single insecurity. I assure you, it was a long one. But once I knew where she would be tempted to back off, I was prepared. And I was determined that Seb would be, too. One by one, he crossed Amy's insecurities off the list. Verbally, and without words. Actions speak louder, after all.

Once I knew Amy's triggers, I could orchestrate their encounters. Too many at once and she was liable to back off. So I introduced them slowly, one at a time. Leaving Seb to confidently brush them aside and continue with his courtship. When they came up for a second time, Seb would show Amy in a different way how wrong she was to think of herself negatively. Over and over again, Seb did everything he could to wipe those thoughts from her mind.

And if all else failed, I switched to Seb's point of view. If an intimate moment was too tense from her point of view, his reactions would be enough to forge the intimacy so desperately needed. A simple formula, but one that proved invaluable in this case. The book came along slowly, but it did come.


Beauty in His Bed is now available from Lyrical Press, Inc. Read more or buy it at http://bit.ly/BeautyInHisBed. Visit L.K. Below online at www.lbelow.net.

BLURB:

Upon finding a gorgeous woman in his bed, Seb wakes her with a wicked kiss…and it just might lead to forever.

Devastated by a breakup, plus-sized Amy Somers retreats to New Orleans to visit her longtime friend. But when her friend delivers the key to her apartment and sends Amy on ahead, she doesn’t realize that the apartment belongs to someone else.

Upon coming home to find Amy asleep on his bed, Sebastien Babineaux entertains lusty thoughts. Bent on seducing her, he never expects to lose his heart -- or to work so hard to keep Amy by his side.


EXCERPT:

Damn.

Seb propped his shoulder against the door frame to keep from falling to his knees at the sight of the woman lying half-naked on his bed. Was he drooling? Faced with a sight as delectable as her, he didn’t know how his jaw wasn’t lying on the floor.

If only she’d been conscious.

His hands tingled with the urge to strip off the rest of her clothes. After the dry spell he’d been having, he would have considered himself delusional to be handed such a feast. That is, if Monique hadn’t warned him that she’d sent her friend over. Seb needed no help charming women, but with a beauty like the one sprawled out before him, how could he turn her away?

This woman--Amy, he’d been told was her name--had been crafted to fulfill his every  fantasy. She lay oblivious to his presence. Her blue baby doll clung to her large breasts, revealing miles of unconquered terrain. Her auburn hair draped over her chin and part of her plump mouth. One hand was tucked beneath her cheek; the other rested between her lush bare thighs. With her legs curled, he couldn’t tell how tall she would be, but one thing he was certain: before him lay a woman who he wouldn’t have to worry about crushing with his six-foot-tall frame. And one he shortly hoped to know very well.

One question held him rooted in place while his hormones urged him to join her.

Why would a goddess like her be lying half-dressed on his bed?

www.lbelow.net 

Abandon by Meg Cabot: A Review

About the Book:

After the accident, 17 year old Pierce tries to start over. But even after moving to a new town and starting a new school, he still keeps showing up — always when she least expects him, but exactly when she needs him most.

One thing she knows for certain: John Hayden may be irresistible, but he’s no angel. 

But if Pierce lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself spending all of eternity in the one place to which she swore she’d never return . . . .

. . . his world: The Underworld.


(from the Author's website)


My Review:


I think I'm like many people out there who have a fascination for Greek mythology, which would explain the resurgence of it in out culture lately (hello, Clash of the Titans!), no more so than in literature. Everywhere you look these days, there is some rendition or another of famous - and maybe not so famous - Greek myths. Of those, the tale of Hades and Persephone seems to be the most popular. There are many different renditions of it and I have read quite a few, but I have to say that, to me, the one who got it absolutely right is Meg Cabot. In her hands, this story becomes a masterful work that is both engaging and thrilling.


One of the issues I have with other retellings is with the heroine, the Persephone-ish character. In some cases, she comes off as too weak, in others as kind of whiney, and her interactions with the hero might leave the reader to wonder, Why does Hades love her so much? But in Abandon, the author strikes just the right balance with the character, here in the persona of Pierce Oliviera. From the very first, I was drawn to her, curious about her story and the aftermath of her accident. From the first, she was presented as an interesting character that I wanted to know more about. And the way she dealt with the Hades character seemed more natural and organic to the plot. I liked that she wasn't immediately awed or cowed by him. Yes, she was a little wary of him, but when she encountered him on the other side, she had no problem going toe to toe with him - but not in a I'm-a-princess-I-want-to-get-my-own-way kind of manner. It was more like she was calling him out to do the right thing. And she wasn't a wishy-washy type who just waited around for someone else to save her. She actually tried to do something for herself. All in all, she was just a more likable heroine than others before her.


As was the Hades character, in the form of John Hayden. The author strikes just the right balance of mystique, machismo, and angst with John. He is shown in some telling moments of humanity, whether they be tender or terrifying, as he wages a battle over his feelings for Pierce and the problems she presents to him. Whatever else is going on, he is always there when she needs him most - which is more than can be said about some of the people who profess to care about her, and the relationship progresses in a way that just seems right, natural. Not forced, as in some other renditions. This relationship just seems real, like it really could happen despite his role in life. I never once questioned why he was interested in Pierce or the fact that they were supposed to be together. I believed it to be true.


Aside from Pierce and John, Abandon is filled with interesting characters, a few of whom might seem stereotypical at first, but, boy, do they surprise you! Suffice to say, all is not quite as it seems at the outset. There are some interesting surprises, some of which will have you thinking, I didn't see that one coming. I know I did. The same with some of the plot twists. The way they were all woven together with the myth of Hades and Persephone was just masterful and I ate up this nugget of gold in less than a day. All I can say is - I need to get my hands on the sequel, Underworld, ASAP!


Final Verdict: Amazing book by an amazing author. Once again, Meg Cabot delivered and made this my favorite rendering of the Hades/Persephone myth. So if you want to read a modern take on the myth, this is the one to read. Highly recommended. 

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