Quill or Pill

Top 5 Paranormal Books I Love

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:51:00 +0000

With the impending release of my latest book, THIRD WHEEL, I decided to make a Top 5 list of my favorite paranormal books:

1. Salem's Lot by Stephen King - this is the book I read under the covers with a flashlight as a kid. My parents were remodeling and I was sleeping upstairs alone. Whenever a tree branch scratched at the window, I completely freaked out thinking there was a vampire floating outside the window, asking to be let in. This book started my love and fascination with the paranormal!

2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - I am a big fan of The Folio Society - their books are gorgeous collectibles and for a few years I collected as many as I could. While living in my extremely haunted house in Wisconsin, I remember night after night reading Frankenstein and devouring the beautiful language and haunting story. It's one of my all-time favorite books!

3. Tales by Edgar Allen Poe - The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Purloined Letter, The Pit and the Pendulum - shall I go on? His words have a cadence and a heaviness of heart that never leave your soul.

4. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - I remember when we took the kids to see this on stage in Chicago - an amazing experience and the kids were spellbound. But when I saw James Ridge portray Charles Dickens in the Touchstone Theater at the American Players Theater in Spring Green, Wisconsin in 2013, I received a reeducation of sorts. He brought to life the man behind the words and offered up a depth of clarity to what Dickens was really trying to portray in his stories. Plus, who isn't terrified by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?

5. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward - Ahhh - the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Another book I stayed up late to read until everyone was in bed because I wanted to savor every moment. If you haven't heard of this series, go check it out. Sensual and dark and pure magic.

So without further ado, I'd love for you to take a look at my new release with my partner-in-crime Rachel Green (together we write as KAT GREEN) - book three in our Haunts for Sale Series now available for pre-order...

Guest Post from Jean M. Grant!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Will Rise from Ashes

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Release date: April 17, 2019

by Jean M. Grant

Social Media links:

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Amazon Author Page ~ The Wild Rose Press

Pre-order buy links:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iTunes

Available at other venues starting April 17^th:

Kobo ~GooglePlay ~ Walmart

Bio:

Jean’s background is in science and she draws from her interests in history, nature, and her family for inspiration. She writes historical and contemporary romances and women’s fiction. She also writes articles for family-oriented travel magazines. When she’s not writing or chasing children, she enjoys tending to her flower gardens, hiking, and doing just about anything in the outdoors.

Tagline: Living is more than mere survival.

Blurb:

Young widow AJ Sinclair has persevered through much heartache. Has she met her match when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, leaving her separated from her youngest son and her brother? Tens of thousands are dead or missing in a swath of massive destruction. She and her nine-year-old autistic son, Will, embark on a risky road trip from Maine to the epicenter to find her family. She can't lose another loved one.

Along the way, they meet Reid Gregory, who travels his own road to perdition looking for his sister. Drawn together by AJ's fear of driving and Reid's military and local expertise, their journey to Colorado is fraught with the chaotic aftermath of the eruption. AJ's anxiety and faith in humanity are put to the test as she heals her past, accepts her family's present, and embraces uncertainty as Will and Reid show her a world she had almost forgotten.

How did I do my research for Will Rise from Ashes?

Simply put, heaps of reading, exploring, and travel. My background is in science (microbiology, immunology, biology, and marine science—I spent a lot of time fine-tuning my interests in college and graduate school), and I love traveling and hiking. The idea of Will Rise from Ashes came from a bit of my own life (as a parent with an autistic child) and my love of nature…I asked myself what would happen if the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted? Volcanoes are a constant topic in our household. Bam! My story came.

Then, road trip time! I’d already visited the lovely national park in the corner of Wyoming as a child and took another trip this time with my family, 4 years ago. This highlight of our national park system did not let me down. I was walking on ground zero—research moments were everywhere! We also toured other geothermal wonders throughout the Pacific Northwest on that trip. The bright sapphire-blue Crater Lake was one of my favorites and meandering through the observation areas of Mount St. Helens gave me shivers. I returned home with piles of books and dug into the story. Along the way, I’d stop to dig deeper with research. And up front, I take careful character development into consideration. My stories tend to have journeys of the body and heart, and this one takes my characters from Maine to Colorado. Talk about a road trip. The experts say “write what you know” and for me that was science, journeys, and parenting. I hope my readers enjoy AJ and Will’s journey in Will Rise from Ashes as much as I do.

Excerpt:

He slid closer and placed a hand on mine and squeezed. “I see a strong woman who has been hurt deeply. I see a resilient mother who would journey through hell for her children. I see somebody who has become jaded and has trouble trusting, unable to sort through friend and enemy. I see a woman with hope.” He held my gaze. “And I’d like to be your friend,

Audrey Jane.”

My jaw may have dropped. I wasn’t sure. I recovered quickly. Or at least I tried. “You’ve been talking with my therapist, haven’t you?” God, I was teasing him. I was joking. I was like Will. Will always got goofy with his peers in social situations when he didn’t know the expectations, or how to behave.

Either way, Reid didn’t laugh. Thin lips pressed into a frown that I couldn’t decipher.

I didn’t prod any further. I broke the gaze and released my hand from his, then stoked the fire for the tenth time, sleep luring me with sweet abandon. I tossed the stick into the fire. “I should turn in.”

“I’ll stay awake,” he offered. “Until the fire goes.” “Okay.” I nodded, though the fire could have been quickly snuffed.

I paused in my opening of the tent flap, turned around, and peered at him. My arms dropped to my side, my hands still. “I’m sorry about the hotel. I was sick and wasn’t thinking straight. Thank you for your help today.” A part of me couldn’t disclose the unvarnished truth. Part of it had been crazy withdrawal symptoms AJ. The other part—I’d been paranoid he’d been drinking. Harrison’s death remained a ghostly echo in my mind, perhaps clouding my judgment. The scent had been on his clothes though. I was sure of it. The more I pondered, I believed his story. Perhaps I had been triggered. Perhaps I really did have trauma or PTSD. I shook my head. I didn’t know.

Firelight glistened off the growing beard hairs on Reid’s chin and spots of amber danced in his dark, round eyes. Speaking of soulful eyes… “You were looking out for Will. I understand. I had been gone far too long.”

“You had a legitimate reason. Shit happens,” I countered.

His lips curved into a resigned smile. “Yeah. Rest, Audrey Jane.”

“You, too, Reid,” I whispered. I added in a deep exhalation, “And yes, yes, I’d like to be your friend.”

As I stepped into my tent, I observed Reid’s normally straight shoulders slouch a hair. Perhaps he, like all of us, was on his own road of atonement. Searching for meaning, searching for answers…searching for absolution.

I had treated him poorly. I didn’t know what the hell had just happened between us, but I tucked it away into a corner of my brain to contemplate upon another time when I was lucid. My remorse had lifted somewhat.

Ignoring my exhaustion for at least a few minutes, I clicked on my headlamp and pulled out my journal. It was time to unburden my heart.

Also available:

Soul of the Storm

by Jean M. Grant

Buy links:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iTunes ~ Kobo ~ GooglePlay ~Walmart

Tagline: Will love help her summit one more peak?

Blurb:

Charlotte MacGregor lost the thrill of conquering mountains five years ago when her sister disappeared on a hiking adventure without her. Still guilt-ridden, Charlotte heads for a vacation to rustic Vermont with a friend—where she's surrounded by reminders of her devastating loss and plagued with unanswered questions.

Matiu Christiansen is an outdoors buff. He works multiple jobs to save for his dream of owning an outfitter in New Zealand. He's never quite felt at home in the United States and he yearns for his Maori roots, but his attraction to Charlotte puts a kink in his plans to move home later this year.

Thrown together by coincidence, Charlotte and Matiu form a kindred bond through their shared love of the outdoors. Can Charlotte surmount her demons to assist Matiu on a rescue when a late-season snowstorm hits? And can Matiu help Charlotte heal from the pain of the past?

Feel free to follow me on my BLOG TOUR, April 18-June 6. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Audio Excerpt from Dave Tucker for Flying Mutant Zombie Rats!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 19:05:00 +0000

Happy Audio Release and BOOK TRAILERS!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 03:45:00 +0000

I'm super duper excited to say that NOT FOR ME is now available in all formats including audio!

Let's hear it from both sides...
Harry, you go first!

Okay, you know there's always TWO sides to a story....what say you Manda?

Want to listen?

https://www.audible.com/pd/B07KQM3G4Y/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-134445&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_134445_rh_us

Thankful for authors!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 17:16:00 +0000

As an author myself, I find myself thankful for other authors who are doing the same thing. If it weren't for my own love of books, I may never have sat down to write my first word.

In that vein, I'd love to introduce you to

Starra Andrews

a newly contracted author at The Wild Rose Press!

She read Rachel Green and my paranormal suspense series, Haunts for Sale and contacted us as she was going through the process to sell her first book. Read her scary story here and CONGRATULATION on your first sale...

welcome to the family!

The Breathing Door

On a sunny Southern California day in the summer of 1973, my friends and I decided to conduct a séance. Being all of thirteen years old, we thought we knew everything about the paranormal. We’d formed a Mystery Club a few months earlier, which had yet to solve any mysteries. Most of our focus centered on séances. Nothing much had happened when we held them, but all of that was about to change.

We rushed into my friend’s house and her father told us we couldn’t occupy her bedroom, because they were preparing to paint the walls. So, we settled on sitting on her bathroom floor. Since it was a small room, all five of us were crammed against each other seated cross legged. Usually, we turned off all lights, and pulled curtains over the windows, but this time we dwelled in sunlight.

The leader of our group led us off by making a bold statement. “If anything is here, make a terrible noise!”

Personally, I didn’t expect anything to happen, but within thirty seconds we heard a cracking sound. Then, we noticed the door moving. Upon closer inspection, we actually saw the bathroom door breathing. The wood came out about six inches and went back down, only to rise again. Just like a person breathing.

The girl who’s back was to the door climbed over me and jumped into the bathtub. My back was against the bathtub, and I was the farthest away from the door; yet I sat frozen. I didn’t know what to do, and I remained silent in my inertia, while the other girls screamed. Every one of us saw the exact same thing, and after about twenty seconds (it seemed like an hour) our leader stood up and screamed, “Stop it!”

Luckily, the door stopped all movement. We still sat in shock, but then someone had the bravery to open the door, and we all rushed out and down the stairs. Continuing out the front door to the street, my friend’s mother shouted after us, “What is wrong with you silly girls!”

Returning after a while, we checked out the bathroom door, and it was solid wood again. Nothing out of place.

Was it a poltergeist? With five thirteen year old girls in one spot, all focused on the same thing at the same time, it’s a possibility. Or, was it something much more sinister that we accidentally tapped into?

We will never truly know. But, that summer was one I’d never forget!

Blog Lovin'!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 15:57:00 +0000

Right now, my new release NOT FOR ME is on a blog tour with

Rockstar Book Tours and I'm having an amazing time!

Here is the tour schedule for you to check out and there's a GIVEAWAY!!!

6/11/2018- Cindy's Love of Books- Review

6/11/2018- To Be Read- Review

6/12/2018- Don't Judge, Read- Review

6/12/2018- Eating Between the Lines Inc- Review

6/13/2018- The BookWorm Drinketh- Review

6/13/2018- Mythical Books- Guest Post

6/14/2018- The Layaway Dragon- Spotlight

6/14/2018- FUONLYKNEW- Spotlight

6/15/2018- The Book Girl- Review

6/15/2018- Lisa Loves Literature- Interview

6/18/2018- TheHufflepuffNerdette- Review

6/18/2018- Love in a time of Feminism- Excerpt

6/19/2018- BookHounds YA- Review

6/19/2018- Confessions of a YA Reader- Excerpt

6/20/2018- Wonder Struck- Spotlight

6/20/2018- A Gingerly Review- Excerpt

6/21/2018- Sweet Southern Home- Excerpt

6/21/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

6/22/2018- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Spotlight

6/22/2018- Parajunkee- Excerpt

Halloween Blog Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 01:30:00 +0000

Disclosure:

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Welcome to the "Thanks a Latte" Giveaway hosted by Mama the Fox! So much to win - so much fun to be had!

Leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win a SIGNED copy of my middle grade action/adventure fantasy! (US Entries only)

Tell me what your favorite thing is about FALL...mine is the crunch of leaves under my feet!

Disclosure:
MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Reivew of The Uncommitted by Margaret M Goss

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 20:34:00 +0000

I had the honor of meeting Margaret at MADTOWN AUTHOR DAZE in Madison this Spring and was so happy to snag a copy of her novel. This is not one to be missed!

Josephine Reilly is a typical young mother, striving to do what is best for her family in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota. Declan, her ambitious and talented husband, has a thriving career as a corporate lawyer. On the surface, life could not appear more perfect.

Yet, Josie has an unrealized gift, one that has haunted her since the drowning death of a childhood friend. Josie is a messenger, as was her mother and grandmother before her, carrying messages from the dead to the living through dreams, visions and telepathy. For years, Josie suppresses her gift but when mother dies, she is unable to ignore it any longer.

Upon exploring her ability, she finds she’s underestimated the dangers in channeling the dead when those she loves become targets of an invisible evil. Her sanity comes into question and she’s at risk of losing everything she holds dear. Then fate places Dr. Andrew Chase in Josie’s path, a healer of supernatural capabilities. Only he hasn’t come to prevent her fall . . .

The Uncommitted is a compelling tale of the spiritual struggle within us and of the realities beyond our physical sight.

This was a great debut novel from Ms. Goss. The story follows Josie Reilly who is in a slump in her marriage and her life. After a family tragedy, she takes a huge chance that goes against her husband's wishes and pursues a path of following her "abilities" to talk with the dead.

With surprises along with way, we follow Josie's positive and negative encounters with undead and learn about the person she is, was, and may become.

Goss is engrossing and her words are like liquid images that unfold in strange and unusual ways. I look forward to the next book in this series!

Margaret M. Goss was born in Oswego, New York, to first-generation Italian-American parents, studied nursing at Arizona State University and public policy and administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her mother, an art teacher and painter, and her father, an English teacher, musician and writer, passed on their love of reading, art and music to her at a early age. However, it wasn't until after her children were born that she was able to indulge her creative passion, writing.

Margaret has always been fascinated by the biographies of Catholic saints and mystics as well as mysteries of all things unseen. The Uncommitted explores these mystical Christian traditions and ideals--Heaven and Hell, the resurrection, apparitions, saints, angels, bilocation, exorcism, the presence of lost souls, spiritual warfare, the concept of forgiveness--and places them in the context of a modern family.

Other interests Margaret has is youth hockey (as all of her children play) and food allergy. Her Facebook blog, Wisconsin Hockey Moms, has followers from all over the U.S. and Canada. She currently lives with her husband and three children in Madison, Wisconsin.

Photo courtesy of SunDial Photography

Here is Meg and fellow author Nick Chiarkas at Madtown Author Daze

Get it from your favorite retailer at this universal link:

books2read.com/u/3GYdV8

It's also FREE on KU for you kindle junkies:

AMAZON

Hunks to the Rescue! Indeed...

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 17:52:00 +0000

Heroes by Day...Sinful Bad Boys by Night

Fantasized about being rescued by a red-hot hunk? Indulge in this box set of alpha rescuers with a delicious talent for romance. 18 stand-alone novellas from New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors will steam up your nights and leave you begging for more.

Whether the hunk you lust for is military, a firefighter, first responder, FBI agent, cowboy, bad boy mafioso, or that sexy, everyday guy who plucks you from danger only to kiss you senseless, this bundle has your hero.

18 hunks. 18 heart-pounding rescues. Brand-new stories. Get ready for a passionate and thrilling ride!

Saving Necessity by Margo Bond Collins. For this cowboy, risking his life to save a movie star from a fire is easier than risking his heart.

Tempting Conner by Victoria Pinder. Prince Conner Udine promised his best friend he'd protect his sister, Olivia, from an assassin's bullet, but he needs to marry fast to save his country and Olivia is far too tempting.

An Unexpected Twist by Krista Ames. Used to fighting wildfires, Boone Michaels isn't prepared for the sexy stranger who blows into town fighting battles of her own.

Bad Medicine by Deb Christie. An emergency room nurse and an ex-Army ranger with PTSD. One lives day in and day out with grief, the other with guilt. Can he forget? Can she forgive? A single dark secret holds the key.

Destiny's Secret by Raine English. Eden Wright's fixer of a Savannah mansion comes with two unexpected extras, a not so friendly ghost, and a hunky paranormal investigator whose agenda includes seducing her.

That Unexpected Kiss by Tamara Ferguson. Can an undercover FBI Agent rescue the woman he loves, when she's targeted by his father's killer?

A Silent Heart by Eli Grace. Laurie doesn't have a voice to tell Tanner how she feels, but she can show him.

Unreachable Heart by Aileen Harkwood. When mountain rescue expert Hart Renker pulls a stunning survivor from a plane crash in the middle of a blizzard, the heat between them could melt the bitterest cold.

Dark Current by Lynda Haviland. Ben Kane hitches up to the dock at Willow's troubled marina, with a murky past and a body hotter than the Florida sun, Is he destined to be her savior or her downfall?

Unwrapping Treasure (A Granite Lake Romance Novella) by Jody A. Kessler. Two paramedics, one disastrous night shift, and a sexy holiday vacation that changes everything.

Breaking the Rules by Katie O'Sullivan. Undercover at a 5-star resort, police detective and rule-breaker Jake Campbell finds the prime suspect impossible to resist.

Falling for Captain Hunk by Stephanie Queen. Captain Colin "Hunk" Lynch worries his attraction to a fellow law-enforcement professional could be the mistake of his life...if it prevents him from saving hers.

Fire and Ice (A Sunnydale Days Novella) by Constance Phillips. If only someone warned firefighter Brian his old flame, Charlene, would walk into his life. He should be angry. Instead, he wants to rekindle the flames of passion.

Two More Miles by Jan Romes. Keith rescues Ava after she falls at the gym, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.

The Bad in Each Other by Janice Ross. Caleb and Layla choose the worst possible time to hook up, as tragedy strikes and Layla puts everything on the line to enact revenge over the most heinous of crimes.

Come Hell or High Water by Nancy Segovia. Stranded on a rooftop with Dwight during a hurricane, Maisie's resolve to swear off men weakens as she finds some promises are meant to be broken.

Coaching the Sub by Debbie White. Substitute teacher Shannon has her hands full with bullies in her classroom until Coach "Brock" Andrews gives an assist, while teaching Shannon a thing or two about love.

Path to Grace by Wilder and Quinn. Daughter of a mob boss, Carina wants nothing to do with the family business until she's in need of a rescue by the family's "cleaner," Matteo.

I do love Katie O'Sullivan's writing! She never fails to disappoint and I bought this series so I could get my paws on another juicy story. And once again, she did not fail to deliver. Undercover cop falls for his suspect on a sting operation on Cape Cod. The hero is sexy, the heroine is tough and the romance is hot. I look forward to the other stories in this anthology, but don't miss BREAKING THE RULES!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNQ583Y

You had me at "Action Romance" Ms. Lee!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 23:35:00 +0000

Blake Caster has been in an emotionally abusive relationship with Justin for so long, she can’t tell what is normal anymore, and so she clings to the one thing that is solidly hers—her passion for extreme weather.

Three years into her Meteorology degree, Blake meets professional storm chaser, Dash Lexington, who is as gorgeous as he is daring. Instantly recognizing her passion and skills in analyzing weather data, he makes a spot for her on his tight-knit storm chasing team. Dash and Blake form a fast friendship and it forces her to realize just how toxic her relationship with Justin is. She can’t deny the lightning-worthy chemistry she has with Dash or how her heart stalls every time he gets too close to a tornado.

With each chase and the cherished moments with Dash, Blake discovers her own self-worth and gains the strength to end things with Justin for good. But he won’t go easily. As Blake tries to sever ties with one man, she fears she’ll lose the other to his dangerous obsession—and she doesn't know if she’ll be enough to save him from the impending storm that could end them all.

ADD TO GOODREADS!

UNIVERSAL BUY LINKS!

I LOVED this book - I can't thank fellow blogger Jenn LaMarr enough for turning me on to this author. Molly Lee calls her genre action romance and I LOVE THAT! There is so much going on in this book. I found it to be like the YA version of the movie Twister and found myself eagerly anticipating the next storm chase scene. Blake and Dash were perfect together and I loved watching the love triangle unfold. I can't wait to read more from this author.

www.mollyelee.com

Molly E. Lee is an author best known for her debut novel EDGE OF CHAOS, and as a fourth year mentor at Pitch Wars - a program which connects promising writers to established authors in the community. Molly writes New Adult and Young Adult Contemporary featuring strong female heroines who are unafraid to challenge their male counterparts, yet still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. In addition to being a military spouse and mother of two + one stubborn English Bulldog, Molly loves watching storms from her back porch at her Midwest home, and digging for treasures in antique stores.

Oo-la-la - welcome ALL IN FOR LOVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 02:08:00 +0000

ALL IN FOR LOVE: A Lucky 7 Anthology An Inn Decent Proposal By Sharon Buchbinder

Perfect Odds By Lashanta Charles

A Ghost To Die For By Keta Diablo

Raising Kane By Kat Henry Doran

For Money Or Love By Margo Hoornstra

Take A Chance On Me By M.J. Schiller

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense Anthology

Release Date: June 1, 2017

ASIN B071V94BWM

ALL IN FOR LOVE

Six award-winning authors bring you seven *sweet to sensual* romances filled with suspense, thrills and maybe even a ghost or two—for less than the price of a cup of coffee—99 cents!

Welcome to La Bonne Chance Resort & Casino!

With thousands of people passing through the casino’s doors on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that a variety of lives and loves are on the line there. It’s said that you’re more likely to lose your heart at La Bonne Chance than a hand of poker. Whether you are the Director of Casino Operations or the guy who created its software, a jilted bride or a black jack dealer, a past guest’s ghost or a sous chef--when it comes to love, the stakes are high.

Thank goodness what happens at La Bonne Chance, doesn’t always stay at La Bonne Chance….

Ready to roll the dice?

An Inn Decent Proposal, Sharon Buchbinder
Can an hotelier with a past and a chef with a future revive the grand dame in a neglected old inn?
Perfect Odds, Lashanta Charles
When a jilted bride meets the man of her dreams, will she embrace the new plan, or cling stubbornly to the old one?
A Ghost To Die For, Keta Diablo
She didn't believe in ghosts...until one showed up in her room.
Raising Kane, Kat Henry Doran
Funny how a night in jail will change a woman's outlook on life.
For Money Or Love, Margo Hoornstra
She's the one woman he can't afford to lose.
Take A Chance On Me, M.J. Schiller
Who do you count on when the chips are down?

To add to the fun, we are giving away one gambling themed handmade item to ONE lucky commenter who will be selected by a Random Number Generator.

Links

Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071V94BWM

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/allinforloveanthology/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35052000-all-in-for-love

What happens at La Bonne Chance, doesn’t always stay at La Bonne Chance. Are you ready to roll the dice?

Excerpts and Author Fun Facts

Excerpt from An Inn Decent Proposal by Sharon Buchbinder

After the hotel auction, a stunned Jim Rawlings and excited Genie King go to Sips, a local coffee house. Overwhelmed with self-doubts verging on buyer’s remorse, Jim begins to question his sanity. Genie, on the other hand, is bursting with enthusiasm and ideas…

“Why did you want this place?”

“The old girl called to me, begged me to save her.” He gave Genie a wistful smile. “Do I sound crazy?”

“You call the Inn ‘she,’ too?”

“Yes, she’s like a grand old dame who’s fallen on hard times. Remember the parties? The famous people who stayed and played there? Celebrities came to the Inn because they knew their privacy and secrets were safe with us. If those walls could talk! Every day was new and exciting. I would love to bring back her glory days.”

Genie leaped up, ran around the table and hugged him. “I have the same dream. We can do it.”

He hesitated for a moment, then returned the gesture, his hands unable to resist lingering on her luscious curves just a tad too long. Genie’s inviting cleavage made him wish they were somewhere private. He could scarcely breathe and had to shake his head to dispel naughty images of nuzzling her soft breasts. “We can do what?”

She sat down again, but clung to his hands. “I’ve done the research. The Inn should be in the National Park Service Historic Registry—but it isn’t. If we can get her added to the Registry, there are laws and standards about how we make the rehabilitation. We can bring it up to modern codes, but have to use certain treatments—”

“I hate to burst your bubble, but where will we get the money to do all this?” He wasn’t sure he could afford too many more big gambles like this last one.

Her face flushed and her sapphire blue eyes sparkled. “If we can get her added to the Registry, we’ll qualify for special low interest loans. And for a major tax credit. And we have a million dollars in equity.”

“Pretty, smart—and you say you can cook? If you can do all that, you are a genie.”

She released his hands, pulled her shoulders back, and inadvertently gave him a better glimpse of her bosom. Genie gave him a scalding look. “Are you challenging my cooking, Mr. Rawlings?”

Uh-oh. He never dreamed of Genie having a little temper. He couldn’t resist tweaking her. “I’m sure you’re a solid cook.”

She stood, almost knocking her chair over. “Solid? What the hell does that mean? Average? Good enough to make the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner for the family—but not good enough to cook for guests? Tell you what, Mr. Critic, you come to my house for dinner tomorrow night.” She scribbled her address on a business card and threw it on the table. “My food makes men go weak at the knees.”

Hypnotized by the sway of her voluptuous ass as she stalked out of the nearly empty café, Jim bet it wasn’t just this saucy woman’s cooking that made strong men weak.

About Sharon Buchbinder

Sharon Buchbinder and her husband used to breed and show Egyptian Maus and Color Point Persians (formerly called Himalayans). If you’ve ever seen the mockumentary, Best in Show, you have an idea of what life was like 24 out of 52 weekends a year for this wild and crazy couple. When Sharon returned to school for her PhD in 1986, she decided a doctoral program plus a toddler plus a full time job was more than enough and they placed all their cats in good homes—including their own.

* * *

Excerpt from Perfect Odds by Lashanta Charles

Callista is meeting her fiancé at the airport so they can fly out to N.Y. where they're supposed to get married, but it seems plans have been changed without her knowledge.

“James? Where are you? They’re boarding everyone now,” I say when I answer.

“I’m not coming,” he says.

I pause in making my way to the attendant station. Surely I heard him wrong.

“Hang on a sec, let me ask them how long we have before they can no longer wait. If you’re here already it shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll just need to hurry. Like, sprint through the airport or maybe get one of those guys on the carts to give you a ride somehow.”

The attendant smiles at me and holds her hand out for my boarding pass. I move to give it to her, but hear James speaking again.

“Cali, you’re not listening. I’m not there. I’m not coming,” he says.

Pulling my boarding pass away from the attendant, I force a smile and step away for privacy. “What are you talking about, James? I’m here waiting for you.” As if he doesn’t know that. He helped me load our luggage into the car before I left this morning. Is this some sick joke he’s pulling right now?

“I’m not coming, Cali,” James repeats for the third time.

I stare numbly at the ‘now boarding’ screen above the attendant. I heard him the first two times. It makes as much sense now as it did then – none.

“I don’t understand. You can’t not come. I can see if they’ll schedule us for a different flight. I’m sure it’s not too late. We’re getting there early enough that one day won’t really matter,” I tell him.

He lets out an exasperated sigh. He’s annoyed? We’re two weeks away from our wedding and I’m at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, sans fiancé. I battled an hour and a half of traffic to get here and get us both checked in two hours early, lugged all our suitcases – overweight, I might add – only for him to call when it’s time to board the flight to New York and tell me he’s not coming, yet, he’s the one who’s annoyed?

“I don’t know what else to say, Cali. I’m trying to do right by you here. We both knew this wouldn’t end well.”

I splutter. Try as I might, I can no longer get the words to flow from my mouth to have this conversation. We didn’t know anything of the sort. Do right by me? How is standing me up for our wedding doing right by me? I didn’t ask to marry myself. I didn’t insist on us having a short engagement or me moving in with him. I definitely didn’t count on any of this.

About Lashanta Charles

So I don't really have anything too witty, but I have a 6-year-old with a sharp tongue. One of the things I always tell my kids is that mommy and daddy knows everything. So one day I'm taking my daughter to the store to buy toys with her birthday money. This is how the conversation went:

Her: So, who gave me this birthday money?

Me: Poppy (Grandad)

Her: Oh, I really miss Poppy. I want to go see him.

Me: Well, you have to wait until this summer, when you're out of school.

Her: Why?

Me: Because you have to learn things in school and if you miss a day, you'll miss what you need to learn and then you won't know everything.

Her: Ohhhhh, you mean like you and daddy don't really know everything even though you say you do?

Me: *speechless*

* * *

Excerpt from A Ghost To Die For by Keta Diablo

Rooney encounters a stranger in her hotel room and soon finds out he's a ghost!

Rooney looked at the man through narrowed eyes. "You weren't at the séance on stage, so what then, were you in the audience?"

No, I was on stage, but kind of hanging around in the background. He put his hands in the air, palms out. I swear, I won't hurt you, but I been lurking around this hotel for two months now wondering how I was going to get out of this mess. Then you arrived at La Bonne Chance with your sister, you know, the fabulous Fontaine sisters, the crème-dela-crème of psychics, and my prayers were answered.

She snorted. "I'm not a psychic, mister, so if that's your angle, you picked the wrong sister."

No, I picked the right sister. Now if only I can get her to hear me out.

"I don't want to hear you out; I want you to get the hell out of my hotel room. Like now!" When he didn't comply, she moved the can of hair spray until it loomed inches from his face. "I'm going to count to three. If you aren't out of that chair and out that door by then, I'm giving you a face full of hair spray."

Go ahead. Maybe then you'll realize what I am and listen.

"You asked for it." She held the nozzle down and let him have it right between the eyes. He didn't move a muscle, didn't react at all. Much to her dismay, she didn't even have the satisfaction of seeing him blink. The drizzle and aroma of hair spray hung heavy in the air but didn't seem to bother him nearly as much as it did her. Through a series of chokes and chortles she managed to eke out the words. "What are you, some kind of weirdo with inhuman defenses?"

A ghost.

"What!"

You asked me what I am and I'm telling you. I'm a ghost.

Eyes wide, voice in shriek mode, she fell onto the edge of the bed and glared at him. "You can't be a ghost. I don't believe in ghosts!"

Understandable. Neither did I until I became one.

She reached out and touched his arm, more to prove him wrong than anything else. A startled scream escaped when her fingers danced through vacant air. Coming to her feet, she paced a small area beside the bed. "This can't be happening. It isn't possible."

That's exactly what I said when they pushed me off the balcony and I wound up in this state.

She resumed her prior position on the bed. "Someone pushed you off a balcony?"

More like tossed me over, right here at the La Bonne Chance Casino, seventh floor, two months ago.

"Two months ago? You've been wandering around here for two months?"

He released an exasperated sigh. I thought you might be a good listener, but I've said that twice now. Two months ago I died, and yes I've been hanging out here, twiddling my thumbs and trying to figure out what to do next.

"You can't leave the hotel?"

Not yet, anyway. I'm working on it, but you have no idea how much energy it takes just to project my voice. No one else has been able to hear me, or see me, until you, Rooney, and now I seem to be experiencing a renewed sense of energy.

"Stop saying my name as if we're besties."

Well, after that séance and the conversation you had with Violet about your little sister, Vanessa, I kind of feel as if we are.

About Keta Diablo

Keta once dressed up as old man on Halloween and picked up her 9th grader at school in costume! Needless to say, he wasn't pleased. In fact, he refused to get in the car. She followed him out of the parking lot and down the street for two blocks before he'd even look at her. Yes, he finally got in, but didn't appreciate her humor...at all. Update: He's in college now and says the "old man" incident is now one of his fondest childhood memories.

* * *

Excerpt from Raising Kane by Kat Henry Doran

Lt. Kieran Pollack signs in to work and comes up against the woman of his dreams: Mallory Kane, ace investigative reporter. Unfortunately she's just spent the night in jail and is in no mood to speak with anyone--particularly a cop.

“Anything I need to know before I head upstairs, Sarge?”

“It’s all there.” The night duty man passed him the report from the previous platoon. “The usual pugs, thugs and mugs threw themselves a circus down at The Dirty Dawg last night.”

Kieran scrawled his name on the sign-in roster. “Again? Somebody ought to look into closing down that pest hole.”

“I bet the Mayor is thinkin’ along those same lines. With the Chief on vacation and the Deputy Chief at a meeting out of town, as PIO it’s your job to handle the fallout. Lucky man.”

Fall-out? “What are you talking about?”

A woman with mile-long legs and hair the color of roasting chestnuts strode past the desk, heading in the direction of the revolving door.

“Overnight guest,” the sergeant advised under his breath. “TV Reporter. I was you, I’d head that one off at the pass.”

In addition to a talent for scoping out shapely legs, Kieran possessed the good sense to act on sound advice. After shooting both cuffs and ensuring his tie hung straight, he glided up beside the woman. “Excuse me, miss?”

She stopped, threw back her shoulders, then turned. “Yes?”

In the shimmer of an early morning sun he saw a nasty bruise blossoming across one cheekbone and winced. “Does that hurt as bad as it looks?”

“Who are you and what do you want?”

She possessed a voice designed to make a man think of hot nights and cool sheets. Extending a hand, he launched into his usual PIO song and dance. “Kieran Pollack, Public Information Officer for the Victory PD. What’s a pretty thing such as yourself doing in a joint like this?”

The screech of tires on the street outside obscured any response she might have made. Panel vans bearing the logos of the local TV affiliates disgorged reporters and camera-persons who wasted no time in storming the doors to the Public Safety Building.

Kieran attempted to head her off at the pass with a fast two-step and a faster line of bull. “Look, can you help out this hard working public servant?”

She raised one hand to shield her injured cheek. “Not without my attorney.”

“Aw, now. Why do you want to go and do something like that? We don’t need no lousy lawyers to make things right, do we?”

“I believe it’s somewhere in the Bill of Rights,” she murmured, eluding his out-stretched hand with a fast step to the left.

“Please. Hear me out,” he pressed, one eye on the camera-persons now jockeying for position just inside the doors. “I can make this all disappear―if we could go someplace to talk. It would be to your advantage, I promise.”

A spark flared in those dull, pain-filled eyes. “I’d sooner walk barefoot through a nest of pit vipers than spend one second alone with any member of the Victory Police Department.”

About Kat Doran

There was the time I played private duty nurse for my uncle, after he underwent a resection of an aortic aneurysm. Very scary for a number of different reasons. It became my job to ensure Father Joe got sufficient rest which boiled down to playing traffic cop and time-keeper on visitors. On one afternoon, I could see Joe was fatigued and needed a nap. As I rounded up the crowd to send them out the door, one smirked at me. "Who's Nurse Ratched, Joe?" he asked.

I said, "Who are you, the Pope?"

He said, "Close to it, honey. I'm the Bishop."

Aw geez.

* * *

Excerpt from For Money or Love by Margo Hoornstra

Lindsey Carr's two best friends, Rita and Anne, discuss exactly why she and her mega-millionaire boss, Daniel Montgomery, are no longer romantically involved.

Shooting Lindsey a quickly manufactured smile, she turned her full attention to the eye candy. “No doubt about it. Those are bedroom eyes.” She trailed her fingertips over Daniel’s forehead, down his cheek and onto the outline of his lips.

Lindsey brought both hands to her lap under the table, locked her fingers together and squeezed. It was a four-page spread in Today’s Tech magazine. The picture of Daniel’s forehead, cheek and lips.

An important distinction to remember. If that had been her boss in the flesh he’d be blushing beet red from all the fluttery female attention. Daniel Montgomery was different than most other powerful millionaires. Those she’d heard about anyway. Certainly drop dead gorgeous as had been established. With a mile wide shy streak not many people knew about or even suspected. Hands still clasped, Lindsey leaned away from the display.

Anne slid her glass aside and moved up to fill the void, her critical gaze focused on Daniel’s picture. “I’m never sure what the term ‘bedroom eyes’ means.”

“Not droopy or sleepy.” Rita didn’t bother to look up. “Sexy. There’s no other word for it. Well, maybe erotic would fit. I must say, Lindsey. It amazes me you can work side by side with this man day in and day out and manage to keep your hands to yourself.”

“It’s easy.” She murmured the blatant lie. Very easy. He does the same and then some.

“You and this marvelous specimen.” Rita waited until Lindsey glanced up then met her eye to eye. “As a couple, are old news, right? That’s what you’ve said.”

“Absolutely.” Purposely lowering her voice, she mentally counted to five before she spoke again. “We did the dating thing for a while.” She shrugged one shoulder for effect. “It didn’t work for us.”

Lindsey took a small gulp of wine to avoid having to share more, and was relieved when Rita and Anne went back to hunk browsing. Trying her best to ignore the fact it was Daniel’s hunk they browsed, she gave up to give into her own thoughts about the man. Bowing to a mutual attraction that became evident soon after they met, Lindsey and Daniel dated for a time. A very short time, consisting of a few casual dinners, a couple of movies. That one night in….

“Why didn’t it work for you exactly?”

Unsure who asked the question, Lindsey looked up then blinked. “It just didn’t.” She slowly let out a breath. “I don’t think of Daniel Montgomery in that way.” Much anymore.

“Then why are you blushing?” Her sharp gaze unrelenting, Rita leaned considered her from across the table. “Care to share?”

I’ll have no peace around here until I do. Taking her time to indulge in another sip, she completed a long, slow swallow then licked her lips.

About Margo Hoornstra

Becoming a coffee connoisseur wasn’t an instant fall head over heels event for Margo Hoornstra. Initial cups were loaded with milk and sugar. When the children arrived, two AM feedings coupled with six AM risings for work necessitated more indispensable caffeine. Flavored, iced, lattes and such, a true coffee aficionado, she covets them all.

* * *

Excerpt from Take A Chance On Me by M.J. Schiller

After chasing leads at the station, Cash returns to his home where his partner, Ian, is supposed to be watching over the murder witness, Harper...

Cash slowly pulled his keys out of the door, examining the pair. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing. Right, Ian?”

Ian nodded loosely. “Nothing. Like she said.”

Cash closed the door and set his keys on the end table. “Uh-huh.” He stuck his hands in his pockets. “What’s behind your back?”

Ian shot a glance at Harper. “You’re on your own.” He ducked into the kitchen.

“Coward,” she mumbled out of the side of her mouth.

Cash moved forward, and she took a step back. He lunged, catching her, and causing her to scream. He wrestled the bottle from her hand and brought it out where he could see it. Ian ran in, his concerned gaze darting to Harper. He stopped and put a hand over his heart, leaning against the side of the archway between the two rooms.

“Hmm.” Cash took a step back, tilting the bottle. He fought the smile tugging on his lips. “Is this my Jäger?”

Ian and Harper looked at each other with open mouths, but neither spoke.

Cash ambled over to the coffee table and clinked the bottle against the shot glasses as he set it down. “So—and correct me if I’m wrong—it looks like, while I’ve been out working my ass off, the two of you were busy getting snockered.”

“Oh, no.” Harper shook her head. “We were working hard, right, Ian?”

Ian made an attempt to stand straight, but swayed comically. “We were working hard.” He nodded, but turned to Harper. “What were we working hard at again?”

“Looking at the mug shots.”

“Oh. Yeah. That’s right. We were looking at the mug shots.” He faced Cash. “And doing shots.”

“Sh-sh-sh. It’s a secret.” Harper laughed.

Ian chuckled along with her. “Oh, yeah.”

Cash put his hands on his hips. “Well, I hate to tell you, friends, but the cat’s out of the bag now.”

“Cat? What cat?” Harper laughed, seeming to be slightly more sober than her partner in crime, his partner.

“He has a cat?” Ian seemed genuinely confused, looking around for the feline. “You never told me you had a cat.”

Harper sputtered and broke into laughter again.

Cash sat, hiding his chuckle. She was so damned cute. He put his feet on the coffee table, spreading his arms out along the top of the couch. “Whose idea was this anyhow?”

They pointed at each other.

“It was mine?” Harper asked. Ian nodded. “Oh. It was mine.” She smiled and didn’t appear to try to hide her pride.

Cash shook his head, staring at them for a moment. He stood and pulled out his phone. “Okay, Ian. I’m calling you an Uber.” He punched some buttons. “Chrissy’s gonna kick your butt. And the next time she sees me, she’s gonna kick my butt.” He looked at his screen. “Two minutes away.” He came over and put his arm around Ian, steering him to the door.

“I’m leaving?”

Cash grabbed his jacket off a recliner. “Yes, you are. Maybe the night air will sober you up some.”

“I doubt it.”

Cash laughed. “I doubt it, too. And you, little missie—” he swung around to point to her.

She looked about, then put a finger on her chest and mouthed “Me?”

“Yes, you. Don’t think you’re off the hook. I’ll deal with you when I get back.”

About M.J. Schiller

One day--when M.J.'s triplets were about two, and her eldest four--she was doing laundry and matching up the socks, one of her least favorite chores. She lined them up all along her arms as she hunted for their mates. After a bit of fruitless searching, she glanced at the time and realized she needed to hustle to be on time for a prayer service she was attending at her church.

She made it in time, her four children in tow, and removed her coat before kneeling to say a prayer. An half hour later, as she piously prayed along with the congregation, her eldest asked, "Mommy, why do you have a sock on your shoulder?" She had missed removing one of her husband's long, mateless gym socks!

Welcome Jean M. Grant and her new release!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Thu, 18 May 2017 18:13:00 +0000

1296

Two wedding nights. Two dead husbands.

Deirdre MacCoinneach wishes to understand her unusual ability to sense others’ lifeblood energies…and vows to discover if her gift killed the men she married. Her father’s search for a new and unsuspecting suitor for Deirdre becomes complicated when rumors of witchcraft abound.

Under the façade of a trader, Alasdair Montgomerie travels to Uist with pivotal information for a Claimant seeking the Scottish throne. A ruthless baron hunts him and a dark past haunts him, leaving little room for alliances with a Highland laird or his tempting daughter.

Awestruck when she realizes that her unlikely travel companion is the man from her visions, a man whose thickly veiled emotions are buried beneath his burning lifeblood, Deirdre wonders if he, too, will die in her bed if she follows her father’s orders. Amidst magic, superstition, and ghosts of the past, Alasdair and Deirdre find themselves falling together in a web of secrets and the curse of a hundred kisses…

Paperback and e-book are available on The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Let's get to know Jean a little better!

1. How would your mother describe you in one word? Kind

2. What is your favorite flower? Lupine and Lily

3. What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked? How about a former partner’s comment to me: Why settle for good when you can have great? (yes, he did say that)

4. What word in the English language do you wish you had invented? Lay and Lie. Really. One word for both would suffice, don’t you think? Runner-up: Resplendent, because I just love that word.

5. Where would you like to live? New Zealand or Scotland

6. What is the first quote that comes to your mind? “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” (Ben Franklin)

7. What animal best describes the kind of boy you’d be interested in? Golden retriever – loyal all the way

8. What do you miss about your childhood? Catching “lightning” bugs (fireflies)

9. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn’t change it. I am named after my father and my maiden surname was hard for everyone to pronounce, so I truly love my (Scottish) married name.

10. What is the main fault in your character? I am too trusting and easily hurt

11. Who is your favorite historical figure? Eugenie Clark (female scientist)

12. Describe how you kiss in one word. Sweetly

13. If you met the right boy today, would you propose tomorrow? Sure. Life is short, you need to follow your dreams and embrace love while you can.

14. What in the world do you least desire? Dusting

15. Why do you think most boys date you? My smile and eyes? My sweetness and ability to carry on educated conversations. I’m also a wicked good cook and love outdoor adventures.

16. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” a quiet, sunny summer day

Jean is a scientist, part-time education director, and a mom. She currently resides in Massachusetts and draws from her interests in history, science, the outdoors, and her family for inspiration. She enjoys writing non-fiction articles for family-oriented and travel magazines, and aspires to write children’s books while continuing to write novels. In 2008, she visited the land of her daydreams, Scotland, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. Jean enjoys tending to her flower gardens, tackling the biggest mountains in New England with her husband, and playing with her sons, while daydreaming about the next hero to write about...

Website: http://www.jeanmgrant.com

Twitter: @JeanGrant05

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

Pre-order link (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Hundred-Kisses-Jean-M-Grant-ebook/dp/B06XPH5XX2

Links on TWRP:

E-book: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5014-a-hundred-kisses.html

Paperback: http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/paperback-books/5070-a-hundred-kisses-paperback.html

She sensed no colors in the murky, lifeless water, and it was freeing. All breath escaped her. Muted visions passed before her eyes—her mother, her father, Gordon, and Cortland. Just a moment longer, she thought…

Suddenly, a burst of warm light invaded her thoughts as air filled her lungs. Red-hot hands burned her shoulders and ripped her from her icy grave. She breathed life into her body. She coughed, gagging on the change.

Muffled words yelled at her.

Oh, God, so hot. His fingers were like hot pokers. Her head pounded as she slowly returned to the present. Heat radiated from her rescuer. Somebody had pulled her from the water.

“Wh—?”

“Hush, lass. You nearly drowned.”

His voice was as soothing as a warm cup of goat’s milk on a winter’s day. A red-hot glow emanated from his body. Never before had she felt such a strong lifeblood, and it nearly burned her. She struggled in his arms to get free. She blinked, only seeing a blurry form before her. “Release me!”

She splashed and wriggled, and he did as told. She clambered to the shoreline. Numb and shaken, she began to dress. It wasn’t easy as she fumbled with slick fingers to put dry clothes over wet skin. She instantly regretted her naked swim. She pulled on her long-sleeved white chemise first.

She faced the forest, away from her rescuer. He quietly splashed to shore. His lifeblood burned into her back. He wasn’t far behind, but he stopped. She refused to look at him until she was fully clothed, not out of embarrassment of her nudity, but for what had just happened. He released a groan and mumbled under his breath about wet boots. His voice was not one of her father’s soldiers.

When she put the last garment on, her brown wool work kirtle, she squeezed out her sopping hair and swept her hands through the knotty mess. She fastened her belt and tied the lacings up the front of the kirtle. Blood returned to her fingertips, and she regained her composure. Belated awareness struck her, and she leaned down and searched through her bag for her dagger. She spun around.

She gasped as she saw the man sitting on the stone-covered shoreline, his wet boots off. Confusion and the hint of a scowl filled his strong-featured face. She staggered back, caught her heel on a stone, and fell, dropping the dagger. Dirt and pebbles stuck to her wet hands and feet, and she instinctively scrambled away from him.

His glower, iridescent dark blue eyes, and disheveled black hair were not unfamiliar. Staring at her was the man she had seen in her dream—it was the man from the wood.

books2read.com/u/mYRa2G

Review of Counterbalance by Kelly Moran

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Sun, 07 May 2017 18:31:00 +0000

She’s a beauty, but he’s just a geek.

The world might think billionaire Xavier Gaines has it all, but he’s got a big problem. His successful software company is about to sign a government contract that’ll land him smack in the glare of the public limelight, and his lifelong battle with social anxiety has marked him as a cold, uncaring bastard in the eyes of the press. To dispel the unflattering image, he needs help, and there’s only one person he trusts with the job—Peyton Smoke. Gorgeous, kind, and funny, she agrees to be his media relations director and soon imbeds herself so deeply in his life, his world will crumble if anything upsets the balance. He cannot screw up their solid unit. No matter how achingly he desires her. Yet, how is he supposed to resist when she tugs emotions from him he didn’t think he was capable of experiencing? Especially since it appears he’s not the only one fighting their undeniable attraction.

Ever-after just might be possible...if he can convince her to believe in love again.

Peyton Smoke is looking for a change, and working at Gaines Industries has given her the boost she needs to fill the empty void in her life. Xavier is the perfect boss. Under his seemingly callous, frigid demeanor lies a compassionate man who cares about causes and those precious few he lets into his inner circle. What she wasn’t prepared for is the smoldering passion suddenly flaring between them, nor the hot-as-sin alpha side beneath the layer of sexy nerd. Getting involved with him puts more than her job at risk. She’s been trampled one too many times, and she vowed never to leave herself vulnerable again. But the heart wants what the heart wants. If only she can figure out whether his feelings are genuine or if this is a mistaken case of gratitude wrapped in lust, then their shot at forever may not seem like such a fruitless hope.

"Moran pulls you in and does...Not. Let. Go. Hot, heartfelt, and hard to put down."
~Molly McLain, USA Today Bestselling Author

I met Kelly in person (below she's in the middle between me and blogger Jenn LaMarr) and just HAD to read her books! I was not disappointed! X and Peyton are a match made in heaven and living inside Ms.Moran's story was a sensual, playful, and truly romantic world. Highly recommended!

Kelly Moran is a bestselling romance author of enchanting ever-afters. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself. She is a Catherine Award-Winner, Readers Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, and a Finalist in RWA's 2014 Award of Excellence. She's landed on USA TODAY's HEA 10 Best Reads and Must Read lists. Her interests include: sappy movies, MLB, NFL, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet caffeine junkie and chocoholic, but don't tell anyone. She resides in Wisconsin with her husband, three sons, and her hound dog. Most of her family lives in the Carolinas, so she spends a lot of time there as well.
Visit her...
Website: http://www.authorkellymoran.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/4Z115
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorkellymoran
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkmoran
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorkmoran

books2read.com/u/bQZqyE

Madtown Author Daze - Meet Rose Lange #MAD17

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 12:00:00 +0000

What a gem! SunMoon Arts is so happy to have Rose Lange in the mix for our event. Every interaction we've had with her makes us love her even more! Our event blogger alludes to a "hay loft scene" in her latest novel...hmmmm, sounds interesting.

Rose will be on hand with DOZENS of other authors on State Street in a few weeks. Stop at the first Farmer's Market of the year and then stop in our FREE event inside the lobby of MMoCA at 227 State Street.

See you there!

More info at: www.sunmoonarts.com

Madtown Author Daze - meet Charles Monroe-Kane #MAD17

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 04:19:00 +0000

Buckle up people and get ready for him...the one...the only...:

When my official event blogger told me she was "permanently scarred" from reading this book, I knew I'd be in line to buy one myself. As a pharmacist, I see people every day who struggle with the many forms of mental illness. Not everyone's lives are pretty. Not everyone's backstories make you feel warm and mushy inside. That's the point of reading. Sometimes, you should get out of your comfort zone and feel...

Truth is stranger than fiction...right? Well according to the reviews...Lithium Jesus by Charles Monroe-Kane will take you out of your comfort zone.

I'm in.

Cheers.

Here is a link to Jenn's Review:

https://unapologeticbookaddict.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/lithium-jesus-by-charles-monroe-kane/

Madtown Author Daze--meet Sara Ackermann

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:25:00 +0000

Author of The Westby Sisters Series,

don't miss meeting Sara on April 15th in Madison.

"Three sisters tell a lie and are forever cursed causing life-altering consequences as they grow and mature into young women in this Regency England romance series."

Learn more at : https://seackerman.com/the-westby-sisters-trilogy/https://seackerman.com/the-westby-sisters-trilogy/

Madtown Author Daze--meet Kelly Moran #MAD17

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Kelly Moran: best-selling & award-winning romance author of enchanting ever-afters...

"Moran breathes life into an appealing story."

~Publishers Weekly

Kelly MoranEnchanting ever-afters...
www.AuthorKellyMoran.com

Madtown Author Daze - Meet Laura Hawks #MAD17

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Laura Hawks - Paranormal Author; Contemporary Suspense/Thriller Author and Non-Fiction Author

Ghost & the Grimoire: PRG 5-Star Author:

"The author's descriptions of both the Civil War and Hell gave me goosebumps I could almost believe she had somehow been to both at one time, that is how real it was. As I said before this is a ghost, Civil War and Hell book lovers dream come true."

BookViral:

"Author Laura Hawks has made her mark by taking a well-worn story arc and making it her own."

Shifter's Hope:

"Superb paranormal romance tale that is chock full of historical facts and details."

Demon's Trilogy:

"I am not sure I can put into words the emotions this book made me feel! I know I couldn't put it down. Thank you for an amazing read. This is a must read !!! Can't wait to release the next book!!!"

Madtown Author Daze ---Meet Mary Gover Gray #MAD17

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Meet the delightful Mary Gover Gray - one of the featured authors at this Spring's

Madtown Author Daze.

She writes children's books based on her award-winning dog--Dixie!

An award winning dog becomes the center of attention in two children's stories. Author Mary Gover Gray pays tribute to the memories of her standard poodle in Dixie Doodle the Helper Poodle and Dixie Doodle the Happy Poodle. Dog shows and therapy dog activities brought this pair into the community. Read about Dixie's adventures and enjoy her peppy personality in these children's picture books. ages 4-8 yrs

Revew of SAY YES by Katie O'Sullivan

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 08:00:00 +0000

My wonderful publisher, THE WILD ROSE PRESS has a great set of romances on sale just in time for Valentine's Sale! I'm reviewing Katie O'Sullivan's SAY YES and I'm telling you now...go grab a copy of this one right now!

Click the image to go to Amazon!

Darby Malone has trouble saying no. Hosting a children’s Valentine party at her recently renovated gallery is the last straw, and the last time she intends to say yes to anything. That is, until she meets Ben, a well-known Cape Cod artist with eyes as deep and blue as the ocean. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Can she afford to say yes to him?

Ben Phillips needs this gallery show. His life has been empty since his wife died four years ago, his paintings the only thing giving him solace. But his style has changed, his art completely different than the breezy shore paintings he staked his reputation on. Can he convince Darby to give him a chance – and to consider him for more than just a place on her gallery walls? Will she give him a place in her heart as well?

MY REVIEW:

Ms. O'Sullivan never fails to satisfy with a wonderful love story. Every time I read her books I'm amazed by the worlds she creates, the characters that jump off the page, and a story that draws me in and never lets go. This CANDY HEARTS romance is one of my favorites. Short and sweet with enough push and pull to have you want to go grab a paint brush and paint your love story. I love the setting of Cape Cod and the whole "I-shouldn't-fall-in-love-with-another-artist" dilemma that Darby faces. A sexy hero whose haunting past only Darby can put to rest. Loved this book!

5 Stars!

Book Review: Morgan D'Arcy: A Vampyre Rhapsody and Interview with the VAMPYRE!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 16:33:00 +0000

Blurb:

The greatest enemy of a vampire is boredom. Four centuries of existence have taught Lord Morgan Gabriel D'Arcy to fear nothing and no one. Humans and their weapons have little chance against his preternatural speed and arcane powers. Vampires are viral mutations of human DNA. Still, the Vampyre code requires secrecy, and he has learned to hide his nature from the world. The lure of mortality, of a life in the sun, puts Morgan again and again at the mercy of calculating human women though they fail to consider his charm and determination into the equation. However, even grooming a future bride from infancy proves to be fraught with heartbreak. And second chances are not always what they seem unless... you are Morgan. Immortality and beauty, aren't they grand?

Review:

This book is rich and sophisticated. The language evoking images of days gone by and love won and lost. I love how Morgan struggles with his immortality, taking chances and going against his own kind to reverse his "mutation." It makes you ache for the pain that a vampyre feels when time passes and you remain. To fall in love with an immortal would be fraught with heartache and terror. And the immortal who loves you? His time is endless and you are but a blip in his seemingly never ending existence. Soulful and sensual, give this series a read!

But let's here more from the Vampyre himself!

Interview with Morgan D’Arcy, Earl of St. Averil, concert pianist, and…vampire.

When did you become a vampire? I was infected with the virus that mutates human DNA in 1659 in France. Of course, at that time, I only knew I’d been drained near death, fed blood from my vampire mother’s veins, and woke up immortal and craving blood.

Do you drink blood or are you a psychic vampire? Personally, I think the psychic vampires are more dangerous. I’m a blood drinker.

What's the worst thing about being a vampire? Loss of the sunlight. I’d love to see the sun shining on the blue ocean below my ancestral home. Royal Oak perches on a hill above a hamlet on the west coast of Devon. I can see the black ocean from my bedroom window…a tragedy really.

Are you a magical creature or are you a different species? I’m a magically different species. (he laughs)

Do you enjoy being a vampire? Most times. Of course, being a vampire does present problems, sorrow and regret creep up on you when you least expect it.

How do you feel about humans? I’m in love with a mortal woman to the dismay of the Vampyre Council and to my own danger. I judge humans the way I judge vampires or any other species—by their actions. But I do have to admit that beauty is high on my list of priorities. My mortal love, Isabeau, is a beautiful, intelligent geneticist. She is the culmination of centuries of dreams.

Where are you from? I was born in 1632 in Devon, England.

What is your life goal for a life spanning centuries? A race of immortals with human morals and gentleness—half-vampire and half-human to bridge the treacherous gulf between the two quite different species.

Do you have a code of honor? I’m a relic from the Restoration era. My code of honor is often influenced by that mortal man who became the vampire Morgan D’Arcy. Now, in the middle seventeenth century, the aristocracy drank to excess, whored, and…well, I try not to allow this time of my life to rule my actions. The Vampyre Council, Les Elus, has the end say, but I’m a rebel at heart.

What makes you angry? Lucien St. Albans and Les Elus. Both stand in the way of my life purpose. Les Elus forbids the creation of a DarkeChilde, a vampire-human hybrid. As you may have noticed, I’m not overly concerned with the rules.

Name one person you admire. Charles II. I was with his touring band of banished Royalists after his father was beheaded at Whitehall. He suffered great hardship, and yet was restored to the throne of England without an ounce of bloodshed.

Morgan will be appearing in concert at the Royal Albert in London, England on November 11^th.

Linda Nightingale’s Obsession series stars Morgan D’Arcy, in all his facets. The books are Sinner’s Opera, Sinner’s Obsession, and Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampyre Chronicle, the latest in the series and a good introduction to his earlier life…walk through the centuries with a piano-playing James Dean!

About the author:

Born in South Carolina, Linda has lived in England, Canada, Miami, Atlanta and Houston. Somewhat of a gypsy, she's seen a lot of this country through the window of a truck pulling a horse trailer. She bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses, rode sidesaddle and did musical freestyle exhibitions to Phantom of the Opera. Her stallion Bonito, imported from Costa Rica, was twice National Champion at halter. Besides writing, Linda loves horses, sports cars, books and piano. She is the mother of two wonderful sons.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LNightingale - @Lnightingale

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

Web Site: http://www.lindanightingale.com – Visit and look around. There’s a free continuing vampire story.

Blog: https://lindanightingale.wordpress.com/ - Lots of interesting guests & prizes

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4839311.Linda_Nightingale

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lbnightingale1/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Nightingale/e/B005OSOJ0U

Buy Now on AMAZON

Buy Link: Morgan D’Arcy: A Vampyre Rhapsody

OR: http://www.Books2read.com/u/bQZanw - This link lists all available vendors.

The #science of #fear on the SNARKOLOGY HALLOWEEN HOP!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:18:00 +0000

FEAR!

We all have it, don't we?

Whether it's a fear of spiders...

via GIPHY

or snakes...

via GIPHY

Can anyone say, "Asps...you go first!"

Okay, Indiana Jones moment aside (and YES, that is why I fear snakes!), you gotta ask...why do we have fear at all?

Is it Nature?

Or is it Nurture?

Maybe a bit of both...

I had two dogs. No fear of thunderstorms. But then I took in an older dog who was terrified of storms. Would pant on my face and shake on the bed the whole time. Guess what? She TAUGHT our other two dogs to do the same thing! It was a LEARNED fear. PS - anyone with a dog who is scared of storms, you have my sympathy!

OR...

What if we were killed by falling off a cliff in a past life? Would we be born with an innate fear of heights?

Past lives, you say!!?!?!?! I don't believe in past lives! Okay, well, how about science? Our DNA carries memories of our ancestors. What if our great-great-great-great grandfather was killed in a sword fight? Would we have a fear of knives?

via GIPHY

Here is a link to a great article on the SCIENCE OF FEAR:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/29/health/science-of-fear/

To sum it up: we are BORN with an innate fear of falling and loud sounds. EVERYTHING else is learned...

Tell me in the comments what you are MOST scared of for a chance to win a FREE SIGNED COPY of FIRST CONTACT OR THE SEER'S LOVER in paperback or ebook!

I'm mostly scared of what I think is out there that I can't see. I suppose that is why I write about angels, demons, and ghosts...

ON SALE NOW FOR 99 CENTS!

Now enjoy the Rafflecopter and then HOP ALONG and enjoy all the great blogs on the Snarkology Blog Hop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of READING BETWEEN THE LIVES by Ashantay Peters #timetravel #romance #5starread

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 00:41:00 +0000

Supernatural skeptic Gabriella Jung sees a psychic for answers to romance questions. Can't hurt, right? She scoffs at the prediction that she faces parallel lives and alternate dimensions. Hours later, she's having visions, and not from too much wine.

Adrian Comstock can't explain his instant attraction to Gabby. Although she's off limits, she haunts his dreams. But when the dreams change from seductive to realistic depictions of tense showdowns in the 1860s, Adrian is baffled, yet still unable to stay away.

Gabby's reality unravels as the flood of visions increases. Can computer geek Adrian help her navigate time, space, and the 1860s? Or will they remain forever trapped in a time loop?

Well, I'm super excited to give an enthusiastic
FIVE STAR REVIEW
to Ashantay Peter's time travel romance!

Here's my review...

Check your Karma at the door!

Hold up - this book was a lot of fun! I love my share of romances, but this was one I couldn't put down. Peters lends such depth and dedication to her characters that draws you in so far, that when you're reading, it's like you really are standing next to them living everything they live and feeling everything they feel. I loved how the author pulled the time-travel aspects into this book, an expert weave of leaving you wanting more. The idea of karma and being able to fix things from past lives was wonderful. The book is well-written and one where you'll carry the characters with you forever and wonder what you need to do in your life to make up your own past lives mistakes.

Here's more from Ashantay herself on karma, the book's origins, and past lives...leave a comment and tell us if you've led any exciting past lives!

Welcome to Quill or Pill!

Tell us, how do you define "karma."

1. Karma, as many of us have heard or experienced, can be a bitch. But you've asked me for my definition so here goes. Buddhists and Hindus believe karma is the sum of all of a person's actions in all their lives. How they've acted determines what they will face in the future. After a lot of experimentation (read "acting out"), I understand that because karma is the result of my actions, I can change my life by controlling my reactions, thoughts, and actions. If karma is a bitch, it's because that's what I've been.

Where did you get the idea for the book?

2. The idea for the book came to me, well...I'm not sure. I'd seen the movie"Sliding Doors" years earlier, and wanted to try my own take on the idea of parallel lives. I'd done just enough reading on quantum mechanics to be dangerous, and then there was Big Bang Theory awakening my slumbering interest in science. So, long story in one phrase - it was time. Still, from start to finish the book took over two years.

Do you think you've lived past lives? Can you share?

3. Yes, I know I've lived many times before. No, I wasn't Cleopatra or Napoleon, though I did live in both Egypt and France around those eras. And in Greece as a man. Mongolia as a hermit-type male. There are a number of books outlining how to research past lives for those interested. It's not scary and can be quite helpful in understanding deep-seated fears.

Author Bio:

Ashantay Peters loves escaping into a well-written book. Her reading addiction also has her perusing magazines, newspapers, Internet articles and even food labels. The last is often feebly excused as an attempt to maintain health, but her friends know the truth.

She lives in the mountains of western North Carolina, a happy transplant from the much colder (and flatter) Midwest. She loves to hear from readers! Give her a holler via www.ashantay.com and she'll get back with you as soon as she comes in from gardening or takes a break from writing her next book. You have her solemn promise that she will not stalk you.

Get READING BETWEEN THE LIVES:

The Wild Rose Press Blog Hop! #giveaway #kindlefire #Rafflecopter My #PINK summer tricks!

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 22:37:00 +0000

I'm super excited to join my fellow Roses for a GREAT Blog Hop and GIVEAWAY this summer!

I just threw a baby shower for my friend Melissa who is having a baby girl this Winter and went ALL IN on the pink decorations! (Melissa is on the left) - don't these two look absolutely ravishing?!?

So my 11 year old who is obsessed with DIY everything did some Pinterest research and helped me out A LOT with the pink theme. We bought a cute onesie and had everyone sign it:

My favorite was these mason drinking jars with cute daisy cut out lids and straws I got from Amazon. I filled them with pink lemonade and Sprite - so cute and what a hit!

Add in a plate of pink cookies, pink covered strawberries, pink goldfish (who knew!) and there you have it. I also made pink POPCORN - super cute. I used the pink candy melts from JoAnne Fabrics to coat the popcorn and dip the strawberries:

My daughter also dressed up the straws for the pink cake:

Last but not least, we covered Hershey's bars in pink wrapping paper and cut out the SHE and gave it a little ribbon....what do you think?

So there you have it - your pink summer hacks for a baby shower or for just a girlie afternoon with your friends! Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win a book of choice by yours truly!

Have a GREAT rest of your summer and HOP ALONG and enjoy the rest of the blog hop brought to you by my awesome publisher...The Wild Rose Press!!!

--Kat

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WI Author Festival - Author Spotlight Susan Baganz

noreply@blogger.com (Author Kat de Falla) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 17:56:00 +0000

Another amazing author coming to West Allis Library event on March 19th, 2016 at 1:00pm -

Today's spotlight is on: Susan Baganz

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits, and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group, specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

She has written Pesto & Potholes and Salsa & Speedbumps, the first two books in her contemporary romance series. Feta & Freeways is due out later this year. She is also the author of Fragile Blessings, a historical novella.

Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church. Her favorite pastimes are lazy…snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.

You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her Twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz.