Paulyanna: International Rent Boy

Welcome to today's stop on the Paulyanna: International Rent Boy blog tour hosted by Page Turner Book Tours. I hope you enjoy today's spotlight.  Don't forget to sign up for the contest!

Paulyanna:  International Rent Boy by Paul Douglas Lovell

Title: Paulyanna International Rent Boy
Author: Paul Douglas Lovell
Publisher: Self Published
Formats Available In: Digital
Released: September 2013

Blurb: Paulyanna: International Rent-boy is an honest and frank portrayal of a working-class male prostitute’s life.
Many factors contribute in delivering the main character onto the streets. Some very typical such as early abandonment, poverty, lack of education and sexual abuse. But Paul does not dwell too much on the past and refuses to allow these events to mar his ambition.
At eighteen a lost train ticket leaves him stranded in the city after a job interview. He uses his questionable wits to make a quick decision that steers him down a rather dodgy path.
Without added glamour or grit, Paul shares the raw accounts of his life as a rent-boy in the 90s, from London to Los Angeles. It may not have been pretty, and there was risk and danger as well as fun and thrills, but Paul had the audacity to succeed in his quest to obtain happiness, security and wealth.
This is not an erotic tale. It is an ordinary account of day-to-day life as viewed from a unique perspective. A peek into what really goes on behind the glassy-eyed smile of a male street worker. Read about his life in this optimistic and fascinating roadbook adventure.

Amazon UK

About Paul Douglas Lovell:

A Black Country Lad who now lives in the Black Boy Land or Schwarzbubenland as it is called in Switzerland. Life started off badly and after spending a big part of it on the margins of society working as a rent-boy (gay male prostitute) I eventually found my husband (civil partner) in 2000 and a new chapter in my life began.
Years on and we are still very happily married, or at least I am. He kept every single one of his promises and didn’t tire or change his attitude towards me. Never once have I felt cold, hungry or scared.
I now live in a detached property with a large garden in a small hamlet of 895 residence. Set in the foothills of the Jura mountains. I am surrounded on all sides by hilly forests, a small stream runs through it’s centre. It really is a proper piece of paradise. When I’m feeling extra spiritual it is easy to imagine. We are nestled in the palms of an almighty giant. God if you like. Whom, despite all I had done saw fit to watch over me and guide me to a life worth living. I have a beautiful black cat called Darcy and also a Gordon Setter girl-dog name Asherah. We live an idyllic existence.
I now enjoy the small pleasures in life, gone are the pressures of Big City Life nowadays, I can see sky out of my windows. I experience every season. In the Spring and Summer, whilst out walking in the woods we often make a fire to cook a jumbo sausage. My dog likes sausage walks. Autumn is spend harvesting our homegrown and raking up leaves. I spend a lot of my time gardening. Chopping and stacking wood for the log burner that heats our home throughout the Winter season. I’m a Glippy a glamourous hippy. We are extremely green and energy efficient, I’m a recycling master.
I wear what I call my doggy clothes mostly, saving my glad rags for when visiting the city. I like to pretend I’m living in the olden days and going to town is a really big event. So that is the new improved me. I must admit I do still enjoy cannabis but now, I drink red wine also.
“I always had a dream to become a writer and although not quite there yet am doing everything I can to make it a reality.”

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Here's what you could win:

Amazon gift voucher (to the cost of 15 euros)

Paulyanna: International Rent Boy ~ ecopy

Feature in Reader's Shadow

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Killer on the Road by Charles O'keefe

Welcome to today's stop on the Killer on the Road blog tour hosted by Page Turner Book Tours.  I hope you enjoy today's spotlight.  Stick around to enter the contest!

Killer on the Road by Charles O'Keefe

Title: Killer On The Road
Series: The Newfoundland Vampire
Author: Charles O’Keefe
Genre: Horror / Paranormal / Romance / Vampire
Publisher: Penumbra Publishing
Formats Available In: All eBook formats and Print
Release Date: January, 2011

Blurb: Joseph O’Reily is still adjusting to the lifestyle and the dangers that come with being a new vampire. He and Cassandra recently fought to the death with Cassandra’s estranged husband John Snow, and now Joseph has experienced his first ménage a trios, as only a vampire can. As if all of this was not complicated enough, he and Cassandra have been tasked with hunting down and killing a rogue vampire, Donald Rathmore.
Another of John Snow’s creations, Donald is an evil misogynistic killer in his own right. Donald has no interest in avenging his creator’s death, but killing Cassandra is at the top of his list.
While Donald continues his murderous spree, Joseph and Cassandra always seem to be one step behind him. The chase is further complicated as they encounter other vampires and learn more about the mysterious nature of the Vampire Council and the coming war between good and evil.
Joseph is only now beginning to trust Cassandra, and this trust will be shaken when he discovers she has even more secrets than he imagined. Her idea of justice and morality is at complete odds with his own. Despite all his powers and growing skill, Joseph is tested physically as a vampire and emotionally by Cassandra. This time the answers and challenges may be too much for the young vampire to handle.

Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Amazon UK
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"Vampire Charles"

About Charles O’Keefe: 
Charles O’Keefe lives in the beautiful province of Newfoundland, Canada, with his wife and two feline ‘children,’ Jude and Esther. He works as an I.T. support guy and enjoys many hobbies and activities that include writing, reading, watching fantasy/science-fiction movies and television shows, gaming, poker, walking, acting, martial arts and of course fantasizing about vampires.

He currently has two novels out, books 1 and 2 of  "The Newfoundland Vampire" series.

Amazon author page 

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Here's what you could win..

*Advertising space on The Writing Network

*A page feature in Reader's Shadow

*Prize book bundle (Spark by Karyn Pearson, Birth of an Empire by Catrina Taylor, and both books in the Newfoundland Vampire Series by Charles O'Keefe)

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Given to You Book Tour and Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the Given To You book tour hosted by Literati Author Services.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Given To You by Carlie Sexton

Title: Given to You (The Killer Next Door #3)
Author: Carlie Sexton
Genre: New Adult / Erotic Romance Thriller
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Cover Designed By: Hot Damn Designs
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc. 

Synopsis

To give is a virtue. But to give your very self, the ultimate bequest. Offered in love, it can be wondrous. Offered in desperation, it can be deadly.In Book Two of this three-part epic, young and tempting Kate Simmons at last seemed to have reached a safe haven of happiness when she moved in with Neil, ambitious and persevering, both in his legal practice and his love life. Taking great care to protect his trophy and the surprise he had in mind for Kate, Neil hired security to accompany his soon-to-be fiancée on a scavenger hunt of a lifetime. As Book Three continues their saga, it is life itself that is in the balance when Kate becomes the hunted as the jilted Roger snatches his prey.
The obsessed minds of Neil and Roger now take aim squarely at each other with a bare and exposed Kate directly in the crossfire. Knowing her very life will be the winner’s spoil, Kate stares agony in its ghastly face as it approaches for the death dance. 
There is no time, no place, no safety in a war of fixation. A war in which the winner will be either the last one standing, or the last one to die.


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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18052651-given-to-you?from_search=true

Purchase Links
Given to You (Book #3) Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo 
Taken by You (Book #2) Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo 
Fallen for You (Book #1) Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes 

About the Author 

Carlie Sexton has had a passion for reading her entire life. She loves it so that she dedicated her life to educating children. As a teacher, she has had the profound pleasure of teaching children to read and explore their imaginations through a good book. Just recently she decided to write a story that had been on her mind. Now she has several that she wants to turn into additional books. Writing has become a passion that she dearly loves.
Carlie lives with her handsome husband in Southern California. They enjoy the relaxed lifestyle that California provides. They have two beautiful dogs, but no children.

Connect with the Author: 

Facebook | Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Excerpt

The Always and Forever Wedding Chapel had a picturesque feeling about it. Neil had booked the gazebo right on the lake. It was a beautiful day, with the water glistening in the sunlight. They were greeted by the wedding coordinator, Gina, who had an effervescent personality and obviously loved her job.

“Mr. Statton, Miss Simmons,” Gina said, extending her hand to greet them. “We are so pleased that you can join us today. As you requested Mr. Statton, we have reserved our lakeside gazebo for you. It’s a beautiful location to be married.”

“It looks lovely,” Kate replied.

Gina smiled. “We have you booked to start in thirty minutes, but we can begin the ceremony as soon as you would like.”

“I’d like a minute to freshen up in the ladies room and then I’ll be ready.”

“Let me show you both where you can do just that.”

They followed Gina to the lavish restrooms, which resembled a spa.

“I’ll be waiting for you out here,” Neil said to Kate.

“That sounds perfect, Mr. Statton.”

As Kate entered the ladies room, feelings of pure bliss washed over her. She was determined to put Roger out of her mind since she was about to marry the man of her dreams in a secret ceremony that no one knew about. It doesn’t get any more romantic than this. She removed her make-up bag from her purse and began touching up what she had applied earlier in the day. After a few moments, she was satisfied with the results and ready to meet her man.

“Stunning as always, my beauty,” Neil said, taking her hand and kissing it.

“You always know just the right thing to say to me.”

Gina spotted them and made her way over. “I let the chaplain know that we are starting early. He’s ready for you.”

Kate and Neil followed the coordinator out to meet the chaplain. “This is Chaplain Morgan,” Gina said, introducing them. The chaplain shook each of their hands.

“It’s so nice to meet both of you. Are you going to be doing traditional vows, repeating after me or do you have your own?”

“We’ve prepared our own vows, chaplain,” Neil answered.

“Very good. Then shall we begin?”

Both Kate and Neil nodded and the chaplain began the ceremony like every other wedding Kate had been to. The entire time he spoke, she and Neil stared into each other’s eyes. Then it was time for each of them to speak from the heart.

Kate began. “In all my life, I never thought I would be so lucky as to meet someone like you. You have a way of opening me up, bringing out the best in me, seeing me through my darkest moments. I cannot imagine my life without you. I promise to hold your heart close to mine, encourage you when you are down, make every day one to remember, laugh with you, cry with you, and be there for you every moment of every day for the rest of our lives. I love you so very much.”

When she finished, she slipped Neil’s wedding ring on his finger.

Neil’s eyes were filled with tears. “I am the most fortunate man on this earth that you, a woman with such an amazing heart, has agreed to marry me. I don’t know what I did to be this blessed, but I am going to demonstrate my gratitude every day by loving you, putting your needs before my own, protecting you from all the craziness in this world, and sharing with you everything that I have. You have my heart, Kate. It was given to you the day we met. I don’t ever want it back. I want you to keep it always, my beauty,” Neil said before taking Kate’s hand and slipping her wedding ring on her finger.

Tears of joy streamed down Kate’s face. Neil mouthed “I love you” to her as the chaplain began to speak.

“Now, with the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Neil kissed Kate deeply, his mouth capturing hers. His soft lips embraced hers. She didn’t want the kiss to end, but she knew once they got to the hotel they would be making up for lost time.


· Writer’s Corner: Where the author likes to write and why

My husband created a space for me to write my books. I have my own office that he painted a beautiful aqua color. I have a chocolate brown chaise lounge chair and my laptop is always handy. It is an oasis for me to be creative. The writing process is very enjoyable for me.

Tour-Wide Giveaway: 

· One complete, signed paperback set of the Killers Next Door w/swag (US Residents ONLY)· One complete set of ebooks
· Three (3) $10 Amazon Gift Cards

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Bad Juju Spotlight and Contest

Welcome to my stop on the Bad Juju Book Tour hosted by Page Turner Book Tours.  Enjoy a spotlight and enter the contest!

Bad Juju by Dina Rae

Title: Bad Juju
Author: Dina Rae
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Self Published
Formats Available In: Digital
Release Date: September, 2o12

Blurb: Two teens turn to a Voodoo bokor to right a wrong. Their curiosity with the dark arts backfires into obsession.
Lucien Nazaire flees his Haitian homeland and settles in a Wisconsin trailer park filled with elderly tenants. He hires sixteen year old Jake for odd household jobs. The boy proves to be the perfect candidate to pass on his Voodoo legacy.
Jake LaRue lives in foster care with his abusive uncle. The Voodoo gives him a sense of power within an otherwise helpless situation. Despite his loner status, he instantly connects with Henry, his only friend in high school.
Henry Novak has Asperger’s Syndrome. He fixates on historical events, most recently the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Like Jake, he becomes passionate about the dark side of Voodoo. They learn how to cast spells on those they hate and lust.
Months after the Haitian earthquake, Henry convinces his family to volunteer for the island's reconstruction. Their mission turns into a nightmare when he mysteriously walks off of the campsite and returns in a catatonic state.
Bad Juju is a balance of horror, romance, and literary fiction intended for adults and mature teens. The plot uses research involving the Voodoo religion.



Amazon UK
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About Dina Rae: 

Dina Rae is a new author that is here to stay. As a teacher, she brings an academic element to her work. Her research on the Yezidi religion and love of art inspired her story telling for Halo of the Damned. Halo of the Nephilim and Halo of the Madonna are new to the angel series. 

Her second novel, The Last Degree, is a fictionalized account of the Freemason’s role in the New World Order. Dina's grandfather was the Most Worshipful of his lodge. The subject has always held a personal interest.

Bad Juju, is about an old Haitian bokor who mentors two teens in the dark arts. A unique blend of horror, romance, and literary fiction meant for adults and mature teens.
Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago. She is an avid reader, tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on conspiracy theories. She has appeared in several literary blogs, newspapers, e-zines, and radio shows as a guest.
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Don't forget to enter the contest!!  Here's what you could win..
*A feature page in Reader's Shadow
*A PTBT book bundle featuring Spark (Karyn Pearson), Memories of Hel (Jason Dodge), Birth Of An Empire:  The Beginning and Consequences (Catrina Taylor), Bad Juju (Dina Rae).


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Guest Post from Karyn Pearson and Contest

Welcome to the Spark blog tour, hosted by Page Turner Book Tours!  Today, enjoy a guest post by author, Karyn Pearson.. and don't forget to enter the contest!

Spark by Karyn Pearson

Title: Spark
Series: The Hellfire Series
Author: Karyn Pearson
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: The Writing Network
Formats Available In: Digital
Release Date: June 23, 2013

Blurb: For centuries, the powers of Heaven and Hell have been at war, locked in a perpetual stalemate. Fifty years ago, the war spilled out on Earth and the last modern age of man ended. Humanity now finds itself at the brink of annihilation, barely surviving in small pockets of civilization scattered across the globe. But even in the direst of circumstances, the human spirit lives on. Now, in this post-apocalypse, humanity has but one choice: resist or die. In order to combat the forces of Hell, man has learned to fight, training from their youth to hunt the demons that threaten their very existence.
Twenty-five years ago, a demon hunter dared rise against an ancient demon family, the Saligia—the Seven Deadly Sins—and was cursed for her defiance. The curse appeared in the guise of an innocent: the huntress’s own daughter, Ardentia, who had been born with a demon soul attached to her own.

In the present day, Ardentia, now grown, seeks to free her mother from her curse by hunting down the demons responsible. But the road ahead will be difficult now that the demon within her has awakened. Trusting him is dangerous, especially when he can turn on her at a moment’s notice. Others have warned her that succumbing to the demon will be her own downfall. Now Ardentia must decide what she’s willing to lose: her mother’s freedom or herself.

About Karyn Pearson:

Karyn Pearson is a post-grad university student with a B.A. in Anthropology, currently living in California with her two dogs. Over the years, she has created many worlds, characters, and series, which naturally makes her head a very crowded place to be. When she’s not writing, she can be found curled up with a book, playing video games, doing research for her books on the web, or attempting to not burn the house down with another kitchen experiment, a hobby otherwise known as cooking.

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Paranormal Romance vs. Urban Fantasy 

When it comes to the subject of paranormal romance versus urban fantasy, in regards to what I read, I’d have to say that after skimming through all the books sitting in my Kindle library, I seem to gravitate toward books with a mixture of both. Personally, I don’t really want to read a full-on paranormal romance. In fact, I prefer books whose main premise isn’t fixed solely upon romance. Those kinds of stories really don’t hold my attention for very long. I want to read a story that has all the things that make for a really good film—I want action, suspense, horror, and of course, romance. I want to read stories that have all the stuff that great books are made of. The story will have a hero or heroine, probably just an ordinary person just about to discover exactly how extraordinary they are. They’ll be drawn into the paranormal world and be the person needed to save it. They struggle to find themselves and to figure out where they stand in this expanded world. Along the way they face insurmountable odds and regardless of circumstance, they triumph. They save the world, they get the girl (or the guy), and they forge countless bonds of friendship and camaraderie. 
The same can be said about stories I write. I need substance to my literature than just the fluff. While I might write things that could easily fall into the realm of an urban fantasy, sometimes the paranormal romance aspect gets blended in. My stories are character-driven. Their tales contain as many elements of genre as the number of facets to their personalities. And sometimes these characters I create end up developing feelings for one another and I’ll just write it down as it happens. But I won’t make that budding romance become the focal point of my plot. I have a specific tale I want to tell and I can’t very well do that if I just focus only on the love angle. 
Instead, I make sure to structure my plots around a greater purpose or common themes and tropes, like the discovery of the strength of the human spirit, the good versus evil complex, and so forth. I give my characters something to strive for, and sometimes those journeys to achieving that greater purpose have them falling for someone along the way. 
I’m not aiming to write a specific genre, or to cater to a specific audience. I’m writing simply because there’s a story in my head that wants out. And more often than not, those stories involve demons, angels, aliens, and vampires. I let these characters speak to me and I imagine the world they live in. Sometimes I picture the contemporary world, other times a post-apocalyptic wasteland. But whatever the setting, the characters tell the story. Their worlds are created around them. Sometimes I end up with an urban fantasy with other genres bleeding in, other times, it’s something entirely different. But whatever it turns out to be, it’s never strictly one thing. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Guest Post: Chrystalla Thoma

Welcome to my stop on the Azure book tour hosted by Page Turner Book Tours!  Enjoy a guest post from author, Chrystalla Thoma!

About Chrystalla Thoma:

Chrystalla is Greek Cypriot (hence the strange name) and likes writing about bratty, angsty boys and spunky girls in fantasy and science-fiction worlds. She writes mainly for a young adult public but not only (heed the warnings!) 

She's currently preparing a non-fiction book about dragons, because the truth must out, and is juggling two series ("Elei's Chronicles" and "Boreal and John Grey").

Find her here:
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Website

Guest Post:

8 tips for new authors

1) Always have coffee brewing. Or tea, if you’d rather drink that, but cafeine/teine is on the top of my list. Gets those brain cells (or what’s left of them) working. Necessary in the morning, a godsend at night, but needed at all times. Make sure you stock on coffee and maybe cookies to go with it.

2) Plan your story. I like to do that on paper. Yes, actually using a pen and all! I make bullet points and write down things that need to happen, twists and complications. Then I underline and highlight things that seem important.

3) I make a google search for images to help me imagine my world and the characters. For instance, when writing my dystopian series I often googled “slums” and “shantytowns”. On top of my usual research for my world, the images help me visualize and describe it. I do the same for characters and save copies of the images in my files to get inspiration.

4) When you start writing, you may realize the story isn’t going where you want it to go. Don’t hit delete. Never. Instead copy the file and keep that copy. Start your story anew, but you never know what gems you may rediscover later in your older files. I’ve used whole dialogues (with minor tweaks), descriptions, even story twists I’d forgotten about.

5) Find yourself reliable critique partners who enjoy your stories. The latter may seem counter-intuitive (after all, you want them to critique your work, not heap needless praise on you) BUT: in my experience, it’s better to choose people who like how you write for many reasons, some of which are:

You’ll get along better.

You’ll feel more confident – let’s face it, having someone call your work stupid and a waste of their time isn’t going to help you keep writing and fix your mistakes

They’ll be happy to spend more time on your stories, trying to help you fix plot holes and work out your characters’ motivations

Kindred spirits work well together and that means you may like their stories, too, useful if you will be exchange critique of your stories

6) This is related to the previous point: Find a good online critique group. It will put less pressure on you than real-life groups (maybe you like reading out your story and getting comments on the spot, but I’m too shy and insecure for that) and give you access to a wider range of writing styles, topics and opinions.

7) Don’t spend a lifetime polishing one story. It may be your favorite story ever, and you think you’ll never write anything that good again. Well, I really don’t think that’s the case, because we all evolve and change, our style changes, but we also know more and I really don’t think a story you wrote ten years ago will be better than one you can write now – and it’s a bad strategy. You may want to self-publish. You may want to go with a small publisher. You may want to get an agent and hit the big publishers. Whatever your decision, as soon as your super-polished perfect story is accepted for publication, everyone will ask what else you have published/to publish. If you have nothing, that’s tough. And if your next story isn’t as polished – because you won’t have the luxury to spend 10 years polishing it – then readers might get disappointed. My suggestion: move on to the next story.

8) Have fun while writing. Lose yourself in your world. Feel your characters. See the magic. If you don’t, then the readers probably won’t, either.

Title: Azure (Drowning In You)
Author: Chrystalla Thoma
Genre: New Adult Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Formats Available In: Digital

Blurb: A terrible mistake haunts college student Olivia Spencer. To escape the past, she travels to the Mediterranean island of Crete, hoping for the courage to start anew.

By the sea, she meets sexy and enigmatic Kai. But there’s more to Kai than meets the eye — and nobody wants to talk about it. The locals shun him, accusing him of magic. Kai, apparently, belongs to the sea, no matter how crazy that sounds.

Kai isn’t free to be with her or live his own life, and this is how he will stay, unless Olivia can break his curse and save him — in doing so atoning for those she failed in the past.

Contains mature content. Ages 17+

You can get this great book here

Young Warlock: Spotlight and Contest

Welcome to today's spotlight on Young Warlock hosted by Page Turner Book Tours!

Young Warlock by Mathew Bridle

Title: Young Warlock
Author: Mathew Bridle
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Independently Published
Formats Available In: All eBook formats and Print
Release Date: 27th September 2013

Blurb: Compelled by his lust for the flame the young warlock is driven on a trail of destruction. Running from those he once trusted, he befriends a tattlejack, Icthus, whose gift of extracting the truth could become his greatest strength. Now all he needs to do is defeat his lust and prove his worth to all those who doubt him, including the young girl who is carrying his child. Only the old priest believes the boy, Dekor, to be something more than just another warlock.

The dogs of war are gathering. The undead seek allies among the enemy horde in the north in their bid to rout the mages, break the control of the Council of Twelve and take the land for themselves. Together the goblins and the undead set out to scourge the lands of Alzear of all who stand in their way.

The pieces of the prophecy are slowly cohering. The gods have chosen their warriors and the people have chosen their gods. War is coming, a war whose like we have never seen. The fate of an entire people may rest in the hands of a headstrong young man and his unborn child.


Buy Here:
Amazon UK
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Author:  Mathew Bridle

About Mathew Bridle:

Mathew Bridle (born 1963) heralds from the south of England where he lives with his wife of 17 years and his three house monkeys (children). He began writing novels in the late 1990's with The Rising, an 80's style horror novel. A second novel quickly followed, 3 Phaze, a science fiction story set in the last days of the Earth. His third, Lagoon, inspired by the X-files is a sci-fi horror, brutal and sexual.

Nowadays he spends his time writing fantasy with Young Warlock as the first full instalment of this epic saga. When not writing he likes to relax with his Kindle, most likely reading either a classic fantasy or something from a new indie author. Either that or wrestling the controls for the Xbox from one of children.

Where to find him:
FacebookGoodreads
Twitter
Website

Contest:

Grand Prize:  One person will be cast as a word weaver in the sequel to Young Warlock, "Fire and Thorn"

Three Signed Copies of Young Warlock

A one page feature in the PBTB's magazine, Reader's Shadow

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Dinner Creations Cookbook: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to The Dinner Creations Cookbook virtual blog tour, hosted by Virtual Book Tour Cafe

Diane Krause
12A Windcreek St.
Friendswood, Texas 77546
832.755.4567 Mobile
www.thedianekrause.com
diane@thedianekrause.com
Twitter: @DianeKrause2

Author Bio:

Diane Krause is a Southern girl who began cooking and baking at a very young age. She’s the former owner-operator of Dinner Creations, and still enjoys sharing Jalapeno-Stuffed Chicken and King Ranch Chicken with those she loves. Diane currently works as a freelance writer and editor. She’s the author of a short inspirational book for writers, 25 Ways to Create Classic Characters Readers Will Love, and is currently at work on her second cookbook.

Author and book links:

http://www.thedianekrause.comhttp://www.dinnercreationscookbook.com

INTRODUCTION 

Dinner Creations operated in Friendswood, Texas, from 2004 to 2008 and was one of the first meal assembly businesses in the Houston area. Through the business of Dinner Creations, we gained a whole new family. We shared life stories, celebrated weddings, and rejoiced over the addition of new little ones to families. We watched people provide care and comfort to others through the gift of food and considered it a blessing to be a part of that caring. We made new friends, and we had a very good time doing the business of Dinner Creations. 
This book is a collection of the recipes from Dinner Creations. Perhaps these recipes will enrich your family, and maybe even help you extend a bit of care to those around you. 
From all of us who have been a part of Dinner Creations, thank you for letting us have a place around your dinner table. 

---Diane Krause Owner, Dinner Creations

Genre: CookbooksPublisher: Southern Road Press
Release Date: 2nd edition released 7/14/13; Original release September 2009

Purchase link (Amazon): http://tinyurl.com/nxhuco6

Book Description:

The Dinner Creations Cookbook is a collection of more than 130 delicious freezer-friendly recipes.Dinner Creations was a meal assembly business that operated in Friendswood, Texas from 2004 to 2008. With this cookbook, you can enjoy the Dinner Creations favorites in your own home. Among those favorites are:

· King Ranch Chicken and Dumplings

· Jalapeno-Stuffed Chicken

· Baked Salmon in Puff Pastry

· Herb Crusted Flank Steak

· Guiltless Brownies

· ....and many more!

Each recipe includes freezer preparation instructions, and as an added bonus, printable freezer labels – complete with thawing and cooking instructions – are available at www.dinnercreationscookbook.com.



Recipes:

BAKED SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

5 Serves 6-8 
1 lb. ground beef 
1 1/4 cups prepared marinara sauce 
1 1/2 tsp. sugar 
9 ounces angel hair pasta (cappellini) 
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese 
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese 
Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. 
Cook ground beef in a large skillet until beef is cooked through and no longer pink, breaking up any large pieces. Drain the meat, then return it to the skillet and stir in the marinara sauce and sugar. Set aside. 
Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse with cool water. 
To assemble, spread 2 cups meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked pasta, then sprinkle over 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Top with 2 cups meat sauce, the remaining pasta, and another 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Cover with the remaining 2 cups meat sauce, then sprinkle over the remaining cheese. 
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. 

FREEZER PREPARATION: Prepare casserole as directed, omitting the cheese topping. Measure last 1/4 cup of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into a plastic sandwich bag; seal. Lay a sheet of deli paper or waxed paper over casserole, then place bag of cheese on top. Seal entire pan well and label.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL OATMEAL BARS

Yields 24 bars 3/4 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg 
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 2 cups quick-cooking oats 3/4 cups chocolate chips, or other flavored chips 1/2 cup raisins 
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional) 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, or line with foil. Cream softened butter with sugars. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Stir together the flour and baking soda, then add to butter mixture. Stir in oats, chips and raisins. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan, then cut into bars. 

FREEZER PREPARATION:Mix batter as directed and spread in pan; do not bake. Cover tightly, label and freeze.

Giveaway: 

One lucky winner will receive a Cook’s Gift Basket which will include a print copy of The Dinner Creations Cookbook and a variety of other kitchen goodies and culinary treats.

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Never Let Go: Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Welcome to the cover reveal for Never Let Go by Scarlett Edwards, hosted by Literati Author Services!

~ Synopsis ~

The start of college heralds new beginnings and new friendships. It gives every girl a chance to reinvent herself.I go and screw mine up by meeting the most gorgeous guy I've laid eyes on in five years while talking to my cat outside my dorm.
But Andrew Crowner is far from judgmental. After helping me move my things to my room, he has me smitten by his easy manners and kind smile. And from the way his eyes linger on me before he leaves, I start to think that maybe I've caught his attention, too.
I let myself believe that luck might finally be on my side until I stumble upon my roommate... and her overnight guest.
Spencer Ashford.
Lean and tattooed, sexy as sin and dangerous, Spencer is exactly the type I want to avoid. I would have no trouble with that... were it not for his swift and inexplicable interest in me.
In the span of a week, I go from a girl with next-to-no experience with boys to one caught in the cross hairs of two totally different men. 
Andrew's interest is wholesome and sweet. Spencer's is edgy and raw. The choice should be easy. But there are always complications, and sometimes, matters of the heart take the least expected turns.

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About the Author:

I'm Scarlett Edwards. I wrote my first book as a college sophomore. After six months of edits, it made its debut as Yours to Savor.

That was at the start of 2013. I've written more books since then. You can find them all here.It's funny how quickly life changes. I used to think I'd need a degree to get a "Real Job." Then I wrote a few books, they got somewhat popular, and now I'm living the life as a full-time romance author.
Thanks to all my readers for making my dream come true.

Website | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

Are you ready for the cover reveal???

What do you think??  Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to support the wonderful Scarlett Edwards!  Any feedback would be great!  And.. if you like the cover, chances are you'll love the book!!

 Help us celebrate a wonderful book, A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker!!  This tour is hosted by Page Turner Book Tours...

About Mysti Parker:
Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger's Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. The highly anticipated third book, Hearts in Exile, has already received some great reviews. The Tallenmere series has been likened to Terry Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth' series, but is probably closer to a spicy cross between Tolkien and Mercedes Lackey.
Mysti's other writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, and Christmas Lites II. Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine EveryDayFiction. She has also served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K. 
Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder's Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.
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Title: A Ranger’s Tale
Series: Tallenmere
Author: Mysti Parker
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Melange Books
Formats Available In: All eBook formats and Print
Release Date: January, 2011

Blurb: In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...
High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls.
As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger.
When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose.
From that moment on she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.
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Excerpt:

Caliphany lowered her hood and smoothed out her robes. She smiled. I admit I’d held a vague hope we would cross each other’s paths again, but I’d also told myself a woman of her class and a man of mine had no business being seen with one another.Even though I didn’t know who she was exactly, the clothes she wore told me she didn’t mingle regularly with us working classes. 
She tucked some hair behind her ear and blushed. “Captain Trudeaux.” 
I bowed. “My lady.” 
“Please don’t bow.” She avoided my gaze and clenched her robe. “You weren’t at the docks this morning. I thought you had gone.” 
Razor had started tearing into the rabbit, so I held up my finger. “One moment, please.” I knelt to retrieve him and the carcass before it was gone. 
Razor eyed Caliphany when I returned to her side. “I sent my men on to Faewood. They’ll be back by the week’s end. We had some Tilliyan coffee beans to deliver.” 
Her shoulders slumped. “I’ve read a lot about Tilliya Island.” Her eyes focused somewhere in the distance, and then rested on me again. “So, you’re a falconer?” 
“I’m a ranger. Razor accompanies me from time to time. We sell what we hunt and gather. Sometimes I help thin out wildlife. It’s just my job.” 
The words rolled off her tongue. “A ranger.” 
I nodded, a bit annoyed she found my profession so curious. I killed things for a living. It was a hard, dirty job, one I was sure she could never understand. I cleared my throat. “I’m glad to see you’re in one piece, though still unescorted. Would you like me to walk you back to Leogard?” 
She held up a satchel. “I’m gathering plant specimens.” 
“As you wish. Well, good day then. I’ve got work to do.” I began to walk away. 
“Wait,” she said. 
I turned, and Caliphany approached me, opened her mouth, shut it again, and finally spoke. “I wanted to thank you for rescuing me.” 
If she was any other woman, from the lower end of society, I might have thought she was flirting. “You already did, I believe, and it’s not necessary. Good day.” I tried to walk away again. 
“Wait.” 
Razor screeched and puffed his feathers when I turned back around. “Easy, now. Look, Caliphany, it’s really not necessary—” 
“I want you to train me.” 
I stepped closer. She blushed. I wrinkled my brow and asked, “Pardon?” 
The words tumbled from her mouth. “You know how to handle yourself, handle weapons. I want to learn that as well. Will you train me?” 
I puffed out my cheeks and exhaled. 
Should have known she wasn’t interested in me, just in what I could do for her. “I’m not sure what you think I am, my lady, but I’m no trainer. I’ve got work to do. Forgive me, but I can’t waste precious hours teaching you to handle a bow.” 
She reached into her cloak and pulled out a sack. From the jingle inside, I estimated a month’s wages in gold. She got my attention. 
“I’ll pay you. If this isn’t enough, I’ll pay more.” 
That definitely got my attention. “My men will have to take up the slack. I’ve got orders to fill. But, why would you want to do…” I pulled out a bloody, limp rabbit carcass. “…this?” 
“My reasons are personal. So, are you willing to train me or not?” 
I scratched my chin. “When can you start?” 
A smile flashed across her lips. “My father leaves for Mirrochet citadel in two days. He’ll be gone for a month. I can train with you every day for a few hours during that time. After that…” She frowned and turned her head, then met my eyes again. “After that, I don’t know. I can meet you at the ranger outpost just east of here. My family should not know about this.” 
Desperation settled in her eyes, and I had a strong urge to take her in my arms and kiss her until we both had to come up for air. But she stood waiting for my reply. 
“L-Look, I don’t know if I should be skirting trouble. Being caught out here in the woods with you wouldn’t look good for either of us.” 
She stepped a little closer, reached out as though she would touch me, but withdrew her hand. “Believe me; they would know it was my idea. And with my father gone, they don’t pay as much attention to my whereabouts. So, is it a deal?” 
She held out her sack of coin with one hand, and the other for me to shake. I took the gold and shook her hand. Her skin was warm and soft. Damn shame it would be to mar those pretty fingers.

My Review:

I think the only experience I've had with elves was on the Lord Of The Rings (the movies).

I found this story surprisingly very engrossing.  I had no real idea what to expect, and I came out knowing that I'd love to read more from this author!  

The story is about a beautiful, young (almost 100 yrs old) elf named Caliphany.  She is the king's niece and the daughter of the great wizard, therefore certain behavior and a certain future is expected of her.  Caliphany is slated to be the next leader of the Mage Academy, taking over for her father one day; and worse, she is betrothed to Aelendyl, a quite nice, but dreadfully dull high elf of good standing.  She did not want to marry him, in fact, all she wanted was to get out of Leogard and see the world.  Caliphany enjoyed taking strolls along the docks in the harbor, during one such stroll, she ran into some terrible trouble.  A couple of sailors attempted to kidnap her, she was helped by Galadin (a halfling ranger).  No matter what, she can't seem to get him out of her head and soon employs him to teach her whatever ranger skills he will.  She intends to use these skills when she leaves Leogard, something that she is now intent on accomplishing.  Caliphany soon stows away on Galadin's ship and when found, she forces them to take her on; beginning an adventure of battles, love, and loss.  

There are many twists and turns in this story, just when you think you have it figured out, you don't.  Many surprises throughout!  A very emotional story that is never dull, all the way to the end.  It's a great book that can actually bring tears to my eyes, this one did!  As I said before, this is not the typical YA book I usually read, it has sexual situations (just the right amount of detail and wording to make them erotic, but not vulgar) which I would recommend for a somewhat older audience.  The book didn't end in a way to suggest a sequel, but I would welcome one!  I give this book a solid 4.5 stars!

Tallenmere Series: 

A Ranger's Tale, Tallenmere #1

Serenya's Song, Tallenmere #2

Hearts in Exile, Tallenmere #3