Archive for the ‘Freebies!’ Category

JOSHUA’S FOLLY will be free on Amazon Kindle for the next three days, June 15th thru 17th!

I just got mine:)

I’ve read all of Taylor Dean’s books and have been waiting anxiously for her next release.

I don’t have to wait anymore!!

 Get your copy now!!
 
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Can you fall in love with a picture?After Marisa survives a traumatic experience in her youth, she finds comfort in the form of a photograph of Joshua, her foster mother’s nephew. She falls in love with him, creating and refining an image of the man of her dreams. When Marisa has the opportunity to visit Joshua’s cattle ranch outside of Amarillo, Texas, she meets Joshua in person for the first time. She quickly realizes he is someone she could really fall in love with, not just a silly childhood crush.Life is seemingly perfect for Josh and Marisa, with endless possibilities before them. That is, until Josh’s reservations take a toll on their relationship and their summertime romance ends rather unexpectedly.Will Marisa be able to forgive Josh for his folly?
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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDAXyG3Tasw]

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Other books by Taylor Dean
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Sierra
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I Have People
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Lancaster House  The Middle Aisle (Lancaster House)

My Reviews

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About Taylor Dean:

Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle, available in print or eCopy
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For all of Taylor Deans books go here.

horror birthday photo: Happy Birthday horror The_Reaper_Birthday_by_TheAdamStore.jpg

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It’s a Birthday Party for Adam Light.

A Toast to Adam:

May all your dreams come true, except for the nightmares.

Save them for more scary books!

I met Adam about a year ago when I read one of his short horror stories and had to get to know this awesome author.

I have now read everything Adam has written.

I hear from his brother Evans, who is also an awesome horror writer, that Adam is writing something new and twisted for us. I can’t wait!

But for now, Adam is celebrating his birthday by giving away a free book!

That’s right!

Taken by Adam Light is free to download from Amazon June 14th thru 18th!

Go here to get yours now!

TAKEN

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I’ve already reviewed TAKEN, but reposted it so you won’t have to leave the party!

I am thrilled to get my hands on this! While I don’t normally use the blurbs for a book, this one is so good I have to share it with you!

Jack Harden is your average good-old-fashioned American truck driver. You can ask the girl he’s got duct-taped in the back of his cab, she’ll tell you. Oh, don’t worry – it’s okay. His wife knows all about it. She told him to do it.

Whoa. I bet that got your attention.

Jacks’s wired and tired. He’s on the last leg of an 18 hour burn and turn. Soon he’ll be with her. With his goddess. With Dianne.

“Dianne, Dianne. Oh sweet goddamn Dianne.”

At first he didn’t think he could go through with it. He’s not the type. But if he wants to go home, he better have his cargo. Can’t go home without it.

She’s all wrapped up, well,  taped up, nice and tight. She won’t be getting away. What Dianne wants with her, he hasn’t a clue. But he’ll know soon enough.

What really got me was how nervous and bumbling Jack was when he snatched the girl. It had me on edge,  hoping he’d get away safely. I was actually on his side. You know the story’s good when you’re pulling for the bad guy.

As for the victim. Well, lets just say she’s not a wallflower. She’s got a mouth on her and plenty of bravado. Jack had better be careful with this one. She’s a kick-ass chick and her one liner, you’ll know it when you read it, is every bit as good as Arnold’s, ”I’ll be back.

I could picture the author chuckling in evil delight when he was writing Taken. It’s psychological horror that messes with your mind.

Can’t wait for you to meet Dianne.

A short, wicked good read.

5 Stars

I’ve read all of Adam’s books.

Way Out Of Here

My Review

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THE CONTINUANCE AGENCY (The Continuance Saga Volume One)

My Review

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Vengeance By The Foot

My Review

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Gone

My Review

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TAKEN

My Review

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Corpus Corruptum ~ Written by Adam & Evans Light

The Corpus Corruptum

Review coming soon.

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About the author

Adam   Light

Besides being the best father and husband I can be, my ultimate goal in life is writing horror fiction that will knock people’s socks off.

I began the journey into writing for the public in the fall of 2011, and I have not looked back since. I admit that I got a late start on it, as I am pushing 40 now, but I believe that an eleventh-hour commencement is preferable to none at all.

I have self-published five short stories to date. The most recent one entitled THE CONTINUANCE AGENCY is the first chapter in a planned series still in progress. This one is a departure for me, and comes as a refreshing turning point in my writing. I look forward to writing longer works, my long term goal being to write full length novels.

I have been humbled and emboldened by all the positive responses to my stories, and thus encouraged to continue my quest. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed my work, giving an unknown author such as myself a chance to unleash my madness upon you.

Goodreads

Amazon

Here’s a couple of freebies that I really enjoyed.

Don’t know how long they’re free so get yours now!

Way Out Of Here Adam Light 4.3 Stars (10 Reviews) Genre: Humor & Entertainment | Horror

FREE for a limited time

Meet Gordon Delanolan. Just call him Nolan, everyone else does. Nolan is bored with life and in dire need of adventure. The only problem is that he has done everything, and there doesn’t seem to be anything else left to add spice to his existence.

Then one night Nolan is shocked and terrified to hear a disembodied voice coming from his navel. Reality, he finds, is much more tenuous than he at first believed.

At first he thinks he may be going insane, but perhaps he has found the way out of his jaded existence after all.

This short story was originally published as BELLY BUTTON WINDOW, but I have elected to release it under its original title with a modified cover.

It will still be available in the previous format as part of the Light Brothers’ short story collection THE CORPUS CORRUPTUM.

Get yours here.

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Moonlit Jadie Jones 4.5 Stars (23 Reviews) Genre: Fantasy | Teens

FREE for a limited time

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.

But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

Get your copy here.

HAPPY READING!

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This is my own version of a weekly bookhaul post where  I’ll be telling you about all of the books I got this week, whether print or e-book plus all things new on fuonlyknew.

I got a few books this week, some free, some for review, and some I purchased just for my reading pleasure.

I also post reviews on another blog aknifeandaquill . It’s all about horror. If someone doesn’t die, we don’t do it here!

Here’s some I picked up to review on both blogs. Double exposure for the author:)

Shadow Masters an anthology from The Horror Zine  I'm Not Dead: The Journals of Charles Dudley

Here are some I picked up to review on fuonlyknew.

Blood Echo  WICK  The Breeders

Got some good ones!

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Books for Review.

Return to Darkness (In the Midst of Darkness #2)  Halo of the Madonna        Hidden Gates (The P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy #1)  Broken Gates (The P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy #2)

I had to have these!

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Books I won.

So Sad :(  Haven’t won anything recently.

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Books I reviewed this week.

The Red Door

Featured on my Monday Minis

Go here for my review.

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Human No Longer

Featured on my Freakin Fridays

You can read my review here.

What Matters Most

Tag Team Reviews by The Tag Team Sisters and Two Giveaways!

Go here to read our reviews and enter for two chances to win!

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Books I’ll be reviewing this coming week.

This cover art is temporary. I'll find something better from a willing artist and post it as soon as possible.

Reviewing for my Monday Minis Meme.

Moonlit

Catch the Moonlit tour for my review and giveaway on Tuesday.

KissingFire amazon GR Smashwords

You can read my tour review of Kissing Fire and enter the giveaway Wednesday.

Stitch (Stitch Trilogy #1)

My review for Stitch and everyone can get their own copy free Friday, June 7th.

Dead Hunger: The Flex Sheridan Chronicle

I’ll be reviewing this on my Freakin Fridays Meme.

Jaded (Rock Star, #1) 

Read my Reviews for Jaded and Faded and enter the giveaway Saturday, June 8th.

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Other posts this week. Just click on the links to see the posts.

Cover Reveal and Giveaway for Donna Fasano’s Reclaim My Heart.

Teaser Tuesday ~ Sparks

Cover Reveal ~ Steel Lily by Megan Curd

New Release ~ Shadow Masters ~ An Anthology From The Horror Zine

WWW Wednesday

Release Party Giveaway ~ Beauty From Surrender by Georgia Cates

Giveaway and a freebie for Hex and the Single Witch

Cover Reveal and ARC Giveaway for Resilient

Thursday Theatre ~ Wormwood Tribute

Go here to find all of my giveaways. Enter one or enter all of them!!

Go here for a list of free e-books.

Busy, busy, busy. So many delicious reads! Some I’ve read and will be posting my reviews soon.

So what did you get this week? See something you like? Do you have any of these? Leave a comment and let me know.

Hex and the Single Witch Free kindle Banner

You can get Hex and the Single Witch FREE on Amazon.

How can you resist this sexy cover art.

Go here to get yours.

Free June 1st thru June 3rd.

Read on to learn more, watch the fun trailer and enter the awesome giveaway!

Yep, there’s a giveaway too!

Hex and the Single Witch (Vehicle City Vampires #1)

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Hex and the Single Witch

Vehicle City Vampires Book One

By Roxanne Rhoads

 

Publisher: Bewitching Books

 

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance / Urban Fantasy

 

Word Count: 83,000

Anwyn Rose is descended from a long line of powerful witches yet she can barely cast spells young witchlings have mastered. She has one functioning witch gift, the power of knowing, which she puts to good use as a Detective on Flint’s Preternatural Investigation Team.

It’s a new era in VehicleCity, supernaturals are running the town.

The P.I.T has their hands full with paranormal crimes. Top priority is a serial killer, who appears to be a vampire, draining young women in the city.

Anwyn is on the case with her sexy partner Detective Mike Malone. Complicating things is her relationship Galen, a vampire who looks more guilty than innocent, although Anwyn trusts her instincts even if her power is on the fritz.

Mysterious spells, compromising situations, and a possible demon on the loose make it hard to focus on the case, but Anwyn has to make things right before the human police execute the wrong vampire.

Hex and the Single Witch contains magick, a little bit of mystery, a lot of supernatural mayhem, and a sexy love triangle that will leave you wanting more.

 

Amazon Kindle     Print

Book Bonus material http://roxannesrealm.blogspot.com/p/hex-and-single-witch.html

Book Trailer  http://youtu.be/TnlTlZ2VEMY

Reviews

If you enjoy ALL things paranormal with an erotic twist, then this is definitely the read for you! It has a darker side to the Paranormal world, but still has plenty of humour and mystery thrown in to keep you wanting more. ~ Nomi’s Pararanormal Palace

Hex and the Single Witch had a little bit of everything from romance, murder and snarky one liners. If you are looking for a quick, steamy and well fleshed out plot to read then you should give Anwyn, Mike and the others a go in the first book of the Vehicle City Vampires series. ~The Book Nympho

This book is fun and full of all things supernatural and smexy! Featuring not one, but two sexy men to keep you squirming in your seat wanting more. The heat level was a lot higher in this book than I was expecting, but hey I’m not complaining! ~Book Liaison

From beginning to end the pages of Hex and the Single Witch were full of supernatural creatures, fun sexy music, action, mystery, smokin hot scenes, and magic. This book has something for everyone age 18 and over. Simply put Hex and the Single Witch was fun, witty, and hot. ~ Brenda Demko

Reviews from Amazon

I loved everything about this book and really can’t wait for the next instalment. ” ~ sarah brown

No one told me to have a glass of ice water at my side while reading Hex and the Single Witch. By the time I realized how much heat this book generates, I was too engrossed to put it down and too busy turning pages to go to the kitchen. Passion, desire and hot, steamy sex are a big part of this book but there’s so much more. The sign of good Erotica is removing the sex and seeing if you still have a story, otherwise it’s just porn. Hex and the Single Witch delivers a great story. This paranormal thriller will keep you guessing on a couple of levels and leave you anxiously awaiting the next release.  ~ Deborah Sanders

This was a great book that left me wanting more!! Good writing, great characters and a good story… ready to read more!!!! ~ HB

This book really grabs you from the start and makes you hold on tight for the ride. Can’t wait for the next one 🙂 ~ Jen b

Roxanne Rhoads spins book one of her riveting tale that captivates you at the beginning that I can’t wait for book two! ~Linda Bass

Excerpt

“So you have a complete data base storing the images of magick you take with the camera?”

“Yeah, I have used my talents for combining technology and magick for more than just weapons and wards for the P.I. T. Crew. I’ve created this camera to record everyone’s signature magick. With some tweaking, like I did a moment ago, I can also capture images of magick placed on someone or something. I upload it all into my magickally altered computer and start sorting out the spells, bindings and threads layered on you. While I am at it, I can also add your personal magick signature to my database.”

“How many Others have you stored in that thing so far?”

“I have almost every known witch in the area. I have been snapping discreetly, but I don’t have too many vamps, weres, or demons yet.”

“Wow, amazing. I didn’t know magick could be caught on film.”

“The wonders of digital technology are now used magickally. Just look at vamps, for years they couldn’t be seen on film or in mirrors because of the silver used in film processing. Now digital technology allows them to use cameras and screens to see themselves and be caught on camera.”

I was completely awed by Mel’s abilities. “So how long will it take to unravel all this?”

“It’s going to take a while and I really need to concentrate. I don’t mean to kick you out honey, but you know I do my best work when I’m alone.”

“I understand, Mel. I’ll let you work. Call me as soon as you find something or figure something out.”

“You bet, Wyn.” Suddenly a thought seemed to pop into her head, “Hey, are you going to the Vampire Ball Saturday night?” she asked.

“The Vampire Ball? You mean that crazy costume party downtown where humans dress up as vampires not realizing real vampires walk among them?” I snorted, the whole thing seemed ludicrous to me. Plus, no one asked me to be their date.

Mel’s eyes narrowed. “Wow, your Gram really has kept you out of the loop. How do you keep your job as Preternatural Liaison when you don’t know jack about the supernatural activity in this city? Satinka Tala puts on The Vampire Ball so preternatural types and humans can mingle—safely, on her terms. Guardians will be all over the place, making sure no one gets out of hand. And I guess you didn’t get the P.I.T. Crew memo, team members are encouraged to be there. I would think because of your job as Liaison it would be a requirement for you.”

Shit. “Sorry Mel, I didn’t know. I haven’t even checked my mail box at work or my email in days. This whole Galen-Mike thing has thrown me for a loop and is obviously keeping me out of it. Not to mention the fact someone is messing with my personal mojo. And as far as the ball…I was kinda hoping a certain vampire would invite me.” I looked down at the floor.

“Honey, this is the twenty-first century and we aren’t in high school, you don’t need a man to ask you to go anywhere. Nobody asked me and I’m still going, you can be my date.” Her smile was radiant.

“Okay, Mel. It’s a date. Now I need to find something to wear.”

“Don’t worry about it, I have something perfect tucked away in my closet. I bought it but the color doesn’t work with my skin tone, for you…it’ll be perfect. Come by tomorrow and we’ll play dress up. Now, I have to get to work on tracing your bindings.”

“That’s great Mel, thanks.” I smiled at her realizing I had really missed hanging out with her.

“That’s what friends are for, Wyn. Now get the hell outta here.” Laughing she gave me a big hug and practically shoved me out the door.

Giveaway

Here’s what you can win!

Signed copy of Paranormal Pleasures, Hex and the Single Witch keychain, Bewitching Book Tours Witches Broom Ink pen
****Open to US Shipping****
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Hex tour giveaway

***Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.***

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Don’t forget to get your free copy!

About the Author:

The Real Roxanne

Story strumpet, tome loving tart, eccentric night owl…these words describe book publicist and erotic romance author Roxanne Rhoads.

When not fulfilling one the many roles being a wife and mother of three require, Roxanne’s world revolves around words…reading them, writing them, editing them, and talking about them. In addition to writing her own stories she loves to read, promote and review what others write.

Roxanne is the owner of Bewitching Book Tours and operates Fang-tastic Books, a book blog dedicated to paranormal and urban fantasy books.

When not reading, writing, or promoting Roxanne loves to hang out with her family, craft, garden and search for unique vintage finds.

Visit her online

Author blog www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com

Book Blog www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

Bewitching Book Tours www.bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com

Facebook

www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoads

http://www.facebook.com/BewitchingBooktours

http://www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoadsAuthor

http://www.facebook.com/FangtasticBooks

Twitter @RoxanneRhoads

Roxanne can also be found on Linked InGoodreads and Google+

I’m excited to tell you Haunting Refrain by Ellis Vidler is free now through June 2nd!

Get a little romance and lots of suspense!

Go here to get yours!

Haunting Refrain

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Good intentions go awry and a newly discovered psychic gift becomes life-threatening in Ellis Vidler’s debut, Haunting Refrain. After a psychometric photographer touches a headband and witnesses, in her mind’s eye, a missing coed’s murder, and a reporter hard up for news mentions the mystery vision, the girl’s killer embarks on a new homicidal mission: he’ll do anything to keep Kate McGuire from getting him caught.

You can read my review here.

I’ve also read A Time of Death

Time of Death

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Artist Alex Jenrette has a psychic streak—or is it a curse? While visiting on an island near Charleston, she draws scenes of murder that turn out to be real. The police think she’s involved, prosecutor Connor Moran fears a psychic witness will destroy his case, and the killer believes she was there. But she wasn’t, and she doesn’t know who’s behind it.

You can read my review here.

And I’ve also read Cold Comfort

Cold Comfort

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After being dumped by her faithless fiancé, Claire Spencer has abandoned her dreams of a family of her own tucked neatly inside a picket fence. Instead, she’s plotting her solo course and settling for a quiet life as an independent Williamsburg shop owner. So how does she become a killer’s target?

Sometime security consultant Riley, burned out, disillusioned, and haunted by a young girl he couldn’t save, vows never to work with women again. But when a thug tries to kill the friend of a friend, the woman winds up in his arms, and all Riley’s plans go to hell. Knowing she’s in danger, he can’t walk away.

While dodging speeding cars, ducking bullets, and escaping through murky swamp waters, conventional Claire and freewheeling Riley struggle against their powerful chemistry—if she’s picket fences, he’s barbed wire.

Opposites do attract.

Go here for my review.

About the author and where to find her.

Ellis Vidler

Ellis Vidler is a writer and editor. She and her guests talk about whatever comes to mind at her blog, http://theunpredictablemuse.blogspot.com Ellis’s new suspense novel, Time of Death, will be released November 18th. Artist Alex Jenrette shares the psychic streak that runs through the McGuire family. Just as it does her cousin Kate (Haunting Refrain), that ability gets her into trouble when she draws a scene she never imagined–murder. The killer she can’t identify wants to eliminate her, but maybe help from unlikely sources will come in time. Cold Comfort, suspense with romantic elements, is set in December during the long nights before the winter solstice.  Claire Spencer owns a Christmas shop in the charming town of Williamsburg, VA. Her quiet life is turned upside down when she becomes a killer’s target. Everything she believed is a lie, but the truth is cold comfort. Her first novel was Haunting Refrain, a romantic mystery set in South Carolina, now out on Kindle. It has a touch of paranormal, and reviewers described the characters as “delightful.” Ellis published The Peeper with Jim Christopher, a retired law enforcement officer. The Peeper is a police procedural/suspense novel set in the South Carolina upstate. Tea in the Afternoon is a collection of three short Southern stories, not her usual suspense stories. Ellis is a member of Sisters in Crime. Her home is in the South Carolina piedmont with her husband, two dogs, and a collection of wildlife that shows up for breakfast.

Links

Website. http://www.ellisvidler.com

Blog. http://theunpredictablemuse.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllisVidler

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4054785.Ellis_Vidler

WWW Wednesday

looking out a window photo: girl looking out the window girl-looking-out-the-window.jpg

Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

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What are you currently reading?

Jet (Jet, #1)

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Code name: Jet

Twenty-eight-year-old Jet was once the Mossad’s most lethal operative before faking her own death and burying that identity forever.

But the past doesn’t give up on its secrets easily.

When her new life on a tranquil island is shattered by a brutal attack, Jet must return to a clandestine existence of savagery and deception to save herself and those she loves. A gritty, unflinching roller-coaster of high-stakes twists and shocking turns, JET features a new breed of protagonist that breaks the mold.

Fans of Lizbeth Salander, SALT, and the Bourne trilogy will find themselves carried along at Lamborghini speed to a conclusion as jarring and surprising as the story’s heroine is unconventional.

I see that Jet is free on Amazon. Go here.

Don’t know for how long so make sure you check!

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What did you recently finish reading?

Submerged

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Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate…

After a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife, Jane, and son, Ryan, Marcus Taylor is immersed in grief. But his family isn’t the only thing he has lost. An addiction to painkillers has taken away his career as a paramedic. Working as a 911 operator is now the closest he gets to redemption—until he gets a call from a woman trapped in a car.

Rebecca Kingston yearns for a quiet weekend getaway, so she can think about her impending divorce from her abusive husband. When a mysterious truck runs her off the road, she is pinned behind the steering wheel, unable to help her two children in the back seat. Her only lifeline is a cell phone with a quickly depleting battery and a stranger’s calm voice on the other end telling her everything will be all right.

*SUBMERGED has a unique tie-in to Tardif`s international bestseller, CHILDREN OF THE FOG.

I’ll be doing my review soon!

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What do you think you’ll read next?

THE JOURNEY HAS BEGUN…
Lieutenant Travis Daniels and his soldiers, having just narrowly escaped death from Martian security forces, must race against time to prepare the transport ship for their return to an embattled Earth. Travis will brave the journey through space while his wife, Annie, struggles to keep her son alive. Everyone must do what is necessary to survive while the newly dominant creatures of Earth seek them out, hunting down the last of humanity without prejudice. Travis and his soldiers must land safely and travel the ruined planet, praying he finds his family before it’s too late.
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I’ve been waiting for this one!
This just released yesterday. You can find it on Amazon.
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Hop over here to read my review of Precipice: The Beginning and enter the awesome giveaway.

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So, whatcha readin?

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Mark you calendar!

CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicle 1) will be FREE for 2 days: 5/22-23!

Catharsis (Legend of the Lemurians, Earth Keepers Chronicle 1)

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Download CATHARSIS ebook on: Amazon US  UK  DE.

Available on all international Amazon sites.

Karma can be a beautiful maiden or a bitch… Lemurians…Atlanteans…Hidden origins of humanity…

Before recorded history, before Humanity, since times immemorial, the Earth Keepers have been watching over our planet. Marked at birth and endowed with supreme powers, the nine chosen ones are the Earth’s record keepers and moderators, and when the time comes, ultimate decision makers. This is the first of their chronicles.

Legend of the Lemurians

The population of the red planet Catharsis, on the outskirts of the Andromeda Galaxy, is exceedingly beautiful. But Catharsians harbor a terrible secret: they have to share the planet with another race, which they call the Uglies, although the Uglies themselves prefer to be called Lemurians. Alas, no one on Catharsis cares what the Uglies prefer. Being ugly is considered a contagious disease, and the Uglies are herded into a reservation called Camp Ugly, where they live out their drudgery behind an electric fence. But the Uglies don’t seem to fret as they raise their young, guard the planet’s Crystalline Engine, and sing their heart-stopping songs to the Goddess of All, Mother Mu. And so, both races co-exist without much interaction, until the ultimate disaster strikes.

Morf is a seventeen-year-old Ugly who finds himself in the middle of it all. He is thrust fatefully into the leadership position when no one else can fill its shoes. Will the catastrophe bring to light everyone’s true beauty and true ugliness? Will planet Catharsis survive? What destiny lies in store for the Uglies? We are about to find out…

This metaphysical YA fantasy/scifi novelette is prequel and companion to THE EARTH SHIFTER, and first in the new Earth Keepers series.

This top-rated read, containing powerful and timely messages, is great for readers age 12 through adult.

Genre: YA crossover, visionary/metaphysical, fantasy, dystopian sci-fi, alternative history

Lemurian Crystal & Atlantis (Earth Keepers 2 & 3) ebooks are coming soon! Also, this enchanting 3 part mini-saga will soon come out as one novel, entitled: EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS (ebook & paperback). Stay tuned!

Download CATHARSIS on: Amazon US  UK  DE. Available on all international Amazon sites.

I couldn’t resist giving a shout out about Troy’s free download of Just Past the Trees on Amazon this weekend!

I’ve read several of Troy’s short stories and enjoyed them immensely.

So, I’ve added in my previous reviews so you can learn what I thought of them!

Don’t forget to get Just Past the Trees free here!

Just Past the Trees

I liked this one. It’s got a couple of writers in it.

I’m a young guy, still live at home. Yeah, I know, get a life. But I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do.

I know I want to be a writer, have for as long as I can remember.

I’ve always felt writing is my strongest suit. I hope you agree. Story ideas can walk into my head like strangers at Thanksgiving, and before I know it, I’m fleshing out characters, plotting some pretty evil schemes for them to fall into, and hearing lines of prose…

But until I become famous, got to earn a living. I work for a company that repairs big rigs. I’m the runner. If they need a part of a tool, it’s my job to get it. Not glamorous, but it’s a living.

One of my jobs is keeping the property mowed.

During a Florida summer breathing makes you sweat.

You’d think I was certifiable, cutting the grass with an old push mower in the blazing afternoon heat. It’s a huge piece of property and takes all week. By the time I’m done, it’s time to start all over again.

“Job security” is what my dad calls it. “Perpetual motion through redundancy” is what I call it..

Anyway, that’s how I discovered the body, or what was left of it.

sasquatch photo: Sasquatch sasquatch.jpg

Like I said , it has two writers in the story. The other one is Doug Robbins. He’s a crypto-zoologist traveling through Florida on the trail of the Skunk-Ape. Ever heard of it? It’s the southern version of Bigfoot.

After hearing about the dead body, Doug suspects the skunk-ape may be involved. He’s here to finally get proof it exists and hopes to write a book about it.

The two young men hatch a plan to get said evidence of its existence and that’s when it gets hairy! Pardon the pun.

Troy can condense a story and make it have such an impact. I felt like I knew these guys. And a story about writers, the struggles they go through and how far they’ll go to write that story is interesting and fun. You get two different views from two writers.

Visually written. You’ll feel like you’re there, looking into the woods, and wondering what may be looking back at you.

Nothing less than Five Stars will do!

~~~

        Here is my review of Little Bernie’s Map.

Little Bernie's Map

This was just supposed to be a nice, relaxing family trip. A way to escape the daily grind and forget, for a while, the problems and worries at home.

Daniel and Gina, along with their son Bernie, are heading home after a trip to Disney World.  Daniel just lost his job, but they decide to go on this vacation anyway. It may be the last one they can take for a long time.

Bernie and his father have a game they play. Bernie loves map, he collects them. At random points in their trip, Daniel would ask Bernie how much farther they had to go and he would look on the map to track their progress.

Bernie had one map that was special. A map given to him by an old woman when they stopped for a break at the Florida Welcome Center. She told him to be careful with it and Bernie tried to be.

But when weird and frightening things start to happen, the map is not first on any of their minds. All they can think about is what just happened.

What came down from the sky that day would be discussed for years to come. Each person would draw their own conclusions. One thing most agreed on was what they saw, what it looked like.

My Thoughts

It has been a long time since I have been this surprised by a story. I had to reread several scenes just to wrap my mind around what was happening. I wanted to try to form an image in my head. I sure wish this had been a movie. You’ll know what I mean when” The Flashpoint” happens.

Troy has a wonderful way of leading you into the story. There is much about this family that you can relate to. The characters are genuine and very likeable. I felt their anguish and their perseverance and really wanted things to be alright for them.

When the event happens I am stunned. I can’t wait for you to read it. It is so wild and kind of funny. It definitely makes you think. Think and say, yeah, I hear ya.

If you like Twilight Zone and Tales From the Darkside, you will love this. I also got a flash of that dread you feel in the scene from the movie The Mist by Stephen King. The one where they are driving into the mist and you just know something inexplicable is going to occur. The feeling lasts long after you finish reading.

Another 5 Star story from Troy

   

~~~

And last, but certainly not least, The Uninvited Guest.

The Uninvited Guest

Looks can be deceiving as is the cover for The Uninvited Guest.

It was supposed to be a celebration. Good times for all. A wedding and new beginnings.

Harlan is crashing the party, kind of. Jose’s mother insisted he go to the wedding and when he asks Harlan to go, he figures why not. There’ll be free food and booze and maybe some babes to dance with.

It seems like it takes forever to get there. The wedding is being held in a lodge surrounded by dense woods.

Finally, they arrive. The wedding goes off without a hitch. Now it’s time to eat, drink, and be merry. Except it’s taking forever to get to the dancing.

Finally the music starts and the happy couple do the traditional bride and groom shuffle. Everyone is oohing and aahing, taking copious pictures and video.

Harlan, standing at the back of the gathering, happens to glance out one of the windows. Everyone else is watching the happy couple, but something made him look.

Something outside, maybe a shadow, slid along the windowsill.  No, not a shadow, it had bulk. It seemed to take a long time to pass.

The windows are spaced about 5 to 6 feet apart. In the time it took to glance to the next window, it was sliding past that one too!

Everyone is still watching the couple. Harlan feels frozen in time. A look at the doors shows they’re still standing wide open.

An overwhelming feeling of dread passes over him. Something is coming. It’s almost to the doors.

The author wrote this story from Harlan’s point of view. It worked really good. I experienced everything with Harlan, felt his confusion, dread, and disbelief. And then his terror.

Have you ever had that feeling like something really bad is going to happen? That’s how I felt, right along with Harlan.

Harlan may have been an uninvited guest, but he’s not the only one.

This gets a Five from me!

~~~

And now from Troy

If you are looking for a story behind the story, I can’t honestly recall what sparked the idea for Little Bernie’s Map all those years ago when I originally wrote it. Although I can say that after hearing about the disheartening news about the debt crisis, along with the various problems many people in the Rust Belt were experiencing – a personal hit for me since I’m from southwestern Ohio – a terrifying thought started eating at the back of my mind: What if I was in one of those situations? What if I had a family to feed and I was out of work? It’;s scary, and my heart truly does go out to those families. Of course, this was around the time that I found Little Bernie’s Map(originally conceived as Little Ian’s Map for those who care) in my writing desk. Naturally, the cogs and gears started turning like they do when I start thinking about the serious issues in the world and how I would express my feelings toward them. In other words, when guys like me consider the money problems of the world, we consider how we would react to a giant mutant….(left blank by me so as not to avoid spoiler). Then again, maybe that’s just me and why I’m not running the show.

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About Troy Aaron Ratliff

Troy Aaron Ratliff was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio and self-educated in writing, art and voice impersonations. When he’s not reading, writing and cooking up his next monstrosity, you can generally find him defending the galaxy from the forces of evil, feeding hippopotamuses, dining with foreign dignitaries and Zen masters, waking up to his supermodel wife, altering the space-time inter-dimensional warp or, more than likely, stuck in traffic somewhere in Southern California.

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You aren’t going to want to miss this.

Lada Ray has her thrilling novel, Golden Train, free to download from Amazon

It’s only free for one day, Friday, May 17th.

Mark your calendar and get your copy here!

Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure)

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Description

Begin your love affair with Russia! GOLD TRAIN is a gripping mystery/thriller based on true historic events!
Do you like to read about the Russians? Do you enjoy exotic adventures set in far away places you’ve always wanted to visit? Experience Moscow and St. Petersburg like you have never imagined them before; travel through Russia’s turbulent history and ever changing present; immerse yourself in a world filled with oligarchs, hidden treasure, ultimate royal glamour, secrets and spies. It’s the world spiced up with forbidden & seductive love affair you’ve always dreamed about!

1918: Civil War in Russia. The entire Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire vanishes without a trace. But what if it’s about to resurface? And what if it’s about to be used to shift the global balance of power?

Today: Jade Snow, international journalist and sexy super-sleuth turned spy extraordinaire, is no stranger to human passions and weaknesses. She travels to Russia to reconnect with her heritage and investigate tantalizing mystery of the Gold Train. Instead, she lands in the middle of a deadly conspiracy threatening to change the fate of one of the world’s most powerful nations. Refusing to be a pawn in a struggle of forces beyond her control, she must trust only her exceptional wit, quick thinking, unwavering determination, and a generous dollop of psychic abilities to accomplish her impossible task and fulfill her unique and powerful destiny!

Rated R for a couple of hot romantic scenes.
Book includes bonus: Excerpt from the upcoming DRAGON GATE, Accidental Spy Asia Adventure.

Books by Lada Ray

For adults: Accidental Spy Series
Experience Jade Snow’s humble beginnings in STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure)
GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) is Book 2 of the Accidental Spy Series, where Jade’s adventures take off!
Book 3: DRAGON GATE (Asia Adventure) is next. See official author website, LadaRay.com, for progress and release details!
Also read Green Desert (Iraq prequel novelette)

For readers of all ages, early teen through adult:
New release! A mystical & powerful experience you don’t want to miss:
THE EARTH SHIFTER, metaphysical YA fantasy/thriller
Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicle 1)
Coming:
Lemurian Crystal (Earth Keepers Chronicle 2) – release April 2013
Atlantis (Earth Keepers Chronicle 3) – release April 2013
EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS – release April-May 2013

Lada Ray

OFFICIAL AUTHOR WEBSITE (books/ teasers/ promos/ new projects/ trailers): LadaRay.com
BLOG : http://LadaRay.com