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Although I didn’t know it at the time, my book had its start in a doctor’s office in West Los Angeles in 2008. That’s when a doctor told me: “You’re not getting any younger. Lose 5 to 10 pounds and your numbers should return to normal.” (At that point, I was at least 20 pounds above what I considered to be my optimum weight for my existing muscle mass and at least 20 pounds above what I had weighed not long before.)

I had always been thin. When I was 29 and a recent law school graduate, I began to educate myself on nutrition and began to make healthier food choices (less fries, more fruit, less red meat). When I was 30, I began to lift weights for the purpose of increasing strength and gaining weight by adding muscle mass.

I was happy with the results for the next two decades. However, in about an 18 month period in 2007 and 2008 – at the ages 51 and 52 – I started to put on weight in the form of body fat and my waist size increased. Alarmed by the weight gain, I had a blood panel done in 2008. My last one had been in 2006 and it contained some impressive numbers for a 50 year old. There were significant changes on the 2008 panel, and in the wrong direction.

I refused to accept age alone (the doctor’s comments) as the determinant of my health going forward. I had always been told that I looked a lot younger than my chronological age. I wasn’t ready to throw in the proverbial towel. My parents had both passed away in their early 60s – when I was 21 – and I fully intended to be proactive in my own longevity and in my own quality of life.

I decided to re-boot my commitment to health, fitness, and nutrition and to reclaim my prior state of health. I resolved to lose at least 15 pounds (I significantly exceeded that goal and, more significantly, lost inches from my waist), and I resolved to become more fit than ever. What happened next was that I not only reclaimed my prior state of health, I improved upon it (without any medications) and I became more fit than ever. I became so impressed by the importance of exercise and nutrition in my health going forward that working out and eating right were not enough. During the period from 2009 to 2012 – already an attorney and a jet-rated pilot – I became a Certified Personal Trainer, a Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a Certified Wellness Coach.

This book is about that journey. This book is about belief in oneself, maintaining inner strength, and understanding exercise, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. This book is also about getting younger instead of getting older, discovering your inner athlete, and becoming and remaining healthy and fit in both body and mind.

This book is for people who have never exercised but would like to start; for people who would like to know more about good nutrition; for people who exercise but have not seen results; for people whose fitness level has declined and who want to re-ignite their fitness quest; for people who choose to be proactive about their own health, fitness and wellness; for people interested in the mind-body connection; and for people who reject negative self-talk and self-limiting stereotypes about life after the age of 50.

Although I wrote this eBook with persons over the age of forty in mind and am an example of what is achievable in one’s 50s, my own fitness awareness began at age 29 and continued to evolve throughout my 30s, 40s, and 50s, and is still evolving. Fitness, nutrition, and wellness benefit people of all ages. So, readers of all ages are welcome.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…As a Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Coach, and Wellness Coach, Robert Henry motivates individuals to transform into healthier, fit versions of themselves and to explore the mind-body connection.

As a writer, blogger,  speaker, and media commentator he informs and inspires his audience to commit to a healthy lifestyle by reminding them “you can get better instead of getting older”.

At 52, after years of enjoying good health, Robert was challenged when a visit to the doctor’s office revealed his health profile had changed and he was no longer the emblem of health he had been. That alarm, that wake-up call, that unprecedented need to lose body fat and the doctor’s statement “You’re not getting any younger” ignited something within him.

Robert was challenged for the first time with the need to lose weight and re-boot his commitment to fitness or be at risk for potentially serious health issues.

He refused to accept age alone as the determining factor of his health going forward.

Fitness became such a priority and passion that working out was no longer enough. He began studying and learning as much as his could about fitness, nutrition, and wellness. His appetite for learning led him to earn four certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Certified Personal Trainer from the National Council on Strength and Fitness, Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition from the International Sports Sciences Association, and Certified Wellness Coach from Spencer Institute, an affiliate of the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association. He has also recently taken additional course work in Sport and Exercise Psychology at California State University. To learn more about Robert’s certifications, click here.

His law school education (Juris Doctor, Southern Methodist University) and his experience as an attorney distinguish him with analytical skills, which he now applies to his study and work in health, fitness and wellness. While still in his teens, Robert progressed from Student Pilot to Certified Flight Instructor. Later, he became a professional jet pilot. In the fitness realm, he has been a training client and is now a trainer with multiple fitness certifications. All of this gives him unique perspective as both teacher and student, and as both trainer and client. To Robert, learning is a lifelong process.

Robert’s latest book is the health/fitness how to book, Age Re-Defined.

Visit his website at www.RobertHenryFitness.com.

Connect with Robert… TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Your state of health, how you feel, and how you look are more within your control than you think – even in your forties and fifties (and beyond). This book addresses exercise, fitness, nutrition, wellness, and the mind-body connection. Its purpose is not to promote a particular exercise program or a particular diet plan – although its coverage of exercise, fitness, and nutrition is extensive – but rather to inform, educate, and motivate the reader on the importance of being proactive in one’s own health, fitness, and wellness.

Even if you are already physically active, this book can assist you in evaluating the effectiveness of your current exercise efforts. A foundational background in exercise and fitness concepts is provided. Not only does this book cite to numerous authoritative sources, but it also conveys the author’s own philosophy of exercise and an informative overview of his own exercise and nutrition regimen. The author, who is 56, shares his own motivating journey and the positive results he achieved through exercise, nutrition, and the mind-body connection, with particular emphasis on the challenges faced by him in his early fifties and the favorable results he achieved at that age by “re-booting” his commitment to health and fitness.

The importance of nutrition is explained and heavily stressed. A Registered Dietician with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition is a contributor to the nutrition content. One comes away with an awareness of quality nutrition and its role in optimal health, fitness, and wellness, and with a good working knowledge of the kinds of foods and eating habits which are most beneficial.

As stated in the book’s Introduction: This book is about believing in yourself, maintaining inner strength, and understanding exercise, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. This book is also about getting younger instead of getting older, discovering your inner athlete, and becoming and remaining healthy and fit in both body and mind. This book is for people who have never exercised but who would like to start; for people who would like to know more about good nutrition; for people who exercise but have not seen results; for people whose fitness level has declined and who want to re-ignite their fitness quest; for people who choose to be proactive about their own health, fitness, and wellness; for people interested in the mind-body connection; and for people who reject negative self-talk and self-limiting stereotypes about life after the age of 50. All ages are welcome.

• Print Length: 128 pages
• Publisher: Publish Green (January 10, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00AZR6G2Y

BUY THE BOOK…Amazon

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The Riverton family had been enjoying a simple summer vacation when, through a fluke of nature, they found themselves in a strange new land.

The Riverton brothers quickly realize that in this world, they have gained unusual powers. Powers that their parents fear will attract the attention of Azazel himself – the mercilesswizard who brutallycontrolsthisworld.

The two brothers soon learn that an ancient prophecy has finally been initiated by their arrival in Trimoria. As the heirs of this prophecy, they are destined to lead the armies of men, dwarves, elves, and even a misfit ogre against the prophesied demon horde.

Only one thing stands in their way.

The evil wizard who has learned of their presence, and has sent assassins to wipe them from existence.

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: M & S Publishing, L.L.C. (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0985169702
• ISBN-13: 978-0985169701

BUY THE BOOK…HEIRS OF PROPHECY - Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Indiebound

The TOOLS OF PROPHECY is the second volume in an epic saga which describes a prophecy that has placed the Riverton brothers in the lead roles of a struggle to save their world from being overrun by unspeakable horrors. This destiny requires that they face off with the demons that nearly destroyed their world over five centuries ago.

In the first book, the population of wizards had been practically eradicated by the former tyrant. The Rivertons are now charged with creating an Academy of Magic, recruiting qualified students, and furthering their own training with secrets that have long been held by the reclusive elves.

Despite their youth, a mysterious spirit has engaged them in an epic struggle to gain mastery of their new found skills, help raise and train two armies, and stay alive long enough for their final showdown with destiny.

The only things that stand in their way are the assassins hired to destroy them and the Demon Lord’s minion who holds a personal grudge and intends to witness the young boys’ deaths.

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: M & S Publishing, L.L.C. (July 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0985169753
• ISBN-13: 978-0985169756

BUY THE BOOK…TOOLS OF PROPHECY - Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Indiebound

The Riverton brothers have completed their training, and despite their own personal skills, they worry about the forces arrayed against them. Knowing the barrier that’s kept the people of Trimoria safe for over five centuries is weakening, the brothers ready their ragtag army of humans, dwarves, and elves for battle.

In the meantime, on the other side of the ancient barrier, a growing army of demons have readied themselves for the final battle against the people of Trimoria.

As the barrier weakens, Ryan is struck by bouts of debilitating madness. As the barrier crumbles, so does the hope of Trimoria’s citizens.

• Paperback: 460 pages
• Publisher: M & S Publishing, L.L.C. (April 10, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0989089401
• ISBN-13: 978-0989089401

BUY THE BOOK…LORDS OF PROPHECY - Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…I am an Army brat and the first person in my family to be born in the United States. This heavily influenced my youth by instilling a love of reading and a burning curiosity about the world and all of the things within it. As an adult, my love of travel allowed me to explore many unimaginable locations. I participated in many adventures and documented them in what will be a series of books, the first of which you have just read.

Some might put these books in the Fantasy genre, and I never had issues with this label. Afterall, the adventures were,without any doubt in my mind, fantastic. I simply quibble with the label of “Fiction” that some might put on these tales. These tales should be viewed as historical records, more along the lines of a documentary. I’ve learned one thing over the years. Magic is real. Keep exploring, and you too will find your magic.

FOLLOW MICHAEL ROTHMAN… Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…LORDS OF PROPHECY, the last book in the trilogy was a fantastical fantasy read that my pre-teen boy and I enjoyed together. The illustration of the elven woman inside the book was a nice surprise to let us see what Ryan saw on the parchment. Nice touch and one neither of us expected. The big battle finally happens and like most battles between good and evil, it ends well with cheery fist pumps in the air by those reading. The previous books were just as enjoyable but as expected filled mainly with battle preparation and character growth (we follow along as the brothers grow from young boys to young men). Had my young teen daughter read THE PROPHECIES Series with us, I’m sure she would have been just as delighted with all the different types of characters, action, and the light romance between Ryan and Arabelle. Arabelle was a strong female character that other females will likely relate with well. I’d recommend this series to those who enjoy fantasy, action, and adventure young and old but likely more suited reading level wise for middle grade students up. In fact we will be donating the trilogy to our local classroom reading shelf for others to enjoy.

Wednesday, April 24th - So Bookalicious
Thursday, April 25h – Proud Book Nerd
Friday, April 26th – Nazish Reads and The Reflections of a Bookworm

Monday, April 29th – The Next Chapter 
Wednesday, May 1sh – Reviewing Wonderland 
Thursday, May 2nd – Unabridged Bookshelf  and Glorious Books
Friday, May 3rd – Sweet Southern Home 

Monday, May 6th - Unabridged Andra 
Tuesday, May 7th – Confessions of a Romaholic 

DISCLAIMER: We received a copy of the series in exchange for an honest review as part of the Kismet Book Touring.

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During World War II, Nazis assigned a special team to search for the Ark of the Covenant (as well as other religious icons), because an army possessing this relic cannot be defeated. As a child, I read this true account after being enthralled by Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark—one of my all-time favorite movies containing one my all-time favorite heroes. This fact made the story more interesting, more real to me. I wondered was the Ark actually being stored at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.? Were there other missing artifacts that could cause worldwide destruction if placed in the wrong hands?

Learning about this true story inspired me to search for interesting real-life tales for my own writing. In my debut novel, A Surefire Way, my characters are genetically altered humans—transhumans—a term I read about in Discover magazine used to described people who have been enhanced with robotic limbs, eyes, or modified in some way to help them overcome an injury or birth defect. My characters are forced to participate in the Ullamaliztli, an Aztec ballgame, which is still played by their descendants in Mexico today. Of course, in the past sometimes they’d place a human head inside the rubber ball (ulli) because it would be lighter and bounce farther. It’s always good to get a head in the game, as my hero Raven points out.

Many popular movies and books were inspired by actual events. Some are well-known like The Exorcist, A Haunting in Connecticut, and The Amityville Horror. Others may not be as obvious:

1. In a Discover magazine article, “Big Idea Matrix Learning,” author Steven Kotler discusses neroscientist Takeo Watanabe from Brown University and his breakthrough that could allow for automatic learning. Consider gaining knowledge about a new subject like Neo in The Matrix, where he download a series of martial arts training programs into his brain to learn how to kick butt.
2. Peter Benchley was inspired to write Jaws based on a series of unusual shark attacks off the Jersey shore in 1916. Shark attacks of that scale and deadliness have not occurred since in this area, and marine biologists still disagree about the cause.
3. The Mothman Prophecies by John Keel (and later a movie staring Richard Gere) is a story about supernatural events that took place in the Point Pleasant area of West Virginia from 1966–1967 that ended in the deadly collapse of the Silver Bridge. During this year, townspeople claimed to see a large man-like creature with wings and red eyes. After the tragedy, the Mothman was never seen again.

When reading the next story that you think is too strange to be real, check out the facts on the author’s site, you may be surprised what inspired them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…When J.T. Bock was a child, she wanted to be James Bond or Indiana Jones or a vampire hunter or Wonder Woman. Whatever brought her the most action, adventure and romance while play acting on her stage—otherwise known as her grandmother’s basement. Now J.T. has assembled her own team of action heroes, supernatural creatures and maniacal villains and set them on adventures far from her basement to exotic lands and alternate dimensions.

From a secret location outside of Washington, DC, J.T. conjures these pulse-pounding tales to share with those kindred readers looking for an exciting escape. Her alternate identity enjoys spending time with her workaholic husband and their sidekick rescue dog, traveling to interesting locales (San Diego Comic-Con), and enjoying life to the fullest with an amazing group of family and friends and a good glass of wine.

Check out J.T.’s latest adventures and find her by flashing her initials in the sky, opening up her favorite bottle of Pinot Noir, or by email at jennifer@jtbock.com.

UltraAgent Surefire’s plan is simple: Capture the transhuman thief Raven. Win back the respect of her father. Get a raise.

Easy, right?

Except Surefire just broke the number one rule of her employer, UltraSecurity, a niche security firm that solves crimes committed by genetically enhanced humans like Raven. She trailed Raven into a warehouse without backup. And something more powerful than any transhuman is waiting inside.

Raven’s plan is simple: Atone for his past crimes. Return stolen spiritual artifacts to restore the world’s balance. Don’t get caught by UltraSecurity.

Easy, right?

Until a spunky UltraSecurity agent is suddenly on his tail, although Raven wishes she was on … well, never mind … he can’t get distracted from his mission. Because she’s followed him into a warehouse filled with his reclaimed relics, and Raven’s ex-partner in crime is about to unleash a supernatural-sized complication into his plan.

His old partner has accidentally summoned an Aztec god who will destroy the world unless Raven stops this spirit with a superiority complex. To do this, Raven must team up with Surefire and reveal the truth about his powers, exposing her to a force that can either save the world or destroy them both.

Following Raven into that warehouse throws Surefire into a surreal world filled with moody gods, day-glo skulls, dizzying dimensional portals, maniacal half-roach magicians, and a sexy thief who is more than he appears under his snug t-shirt. Is Raven a criminal, or is he working for a higher power? Surefire needs to be certain, because if she joins him on this mission, she’ll have to surrender everything she believed in for a surefire way to save the world, discover her destiny and find true love.

BUY THE BOOK… Amazon

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…There’s a giveaway for an e-copy of A SUREFIRE WAY BY J.T. BOCK and maybe something more! This giveaway will be open from 04/22/2013 till 05/24/2013) and is an INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below and fill out the giveaway widget below. If you don’t see the widget, then cleck the link to the rafflecopter widget offsite after leaving us a comment down below. GOOD LUCK!

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• How long is it? Hope’s Reign is 88,000 words (about 330 pages) in length.
• Who is it for? Hope’s Reign has teenage main characters, and is suitable for ages 12 and up. In terms of adult content it contains some violence, kissing, light swearing and death.
• When will it be available? Expected release date is May 10th 2013!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Born in 1981 to Australian and Maltese parents, Selina lives in Australia with her husband, daughter, and an unnamed cat. During her life Selina has found ancient Roman treasure, survived cancer, had knights joust at her wedding, been mugged for doughnuts, made a living as a visual artist, and shared her imaginary worlds in paintings and now in her novels.

FOLLOW THE AUTHOR… Website | https://twitter.com/selinafenech | https://www.facebook.com/selinafenechart

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Opposites do more than just attract in Toni Aleo’s latest Nashville Assassins novel about a very bad boy and the good girl he can’t resist.

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Anya Michaels is having the time of her life. She has the man of her dreams by her side. She has graduated at the top of her class. She has the job others were lining up for. Between late night drinks at her favourite bar and fancy dinners at the most expensive restaurants, she has a string of adoring friends. Everything changes when she hears the dreaded words, “You are sick.”

Being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, her world starts to fall apart, one piece at a time. Now dumped, her four year relationship is nothing but a memory filled with pictures, thoughts and a very broken heart. Her job becomes an even further challenge as she tries to hide her condition. Her friends suddenly have more important things to do, what is a party without a party girl? Perfect could not crumble any faster.

Soon, caught between situations, people and pieces of life that she never dreamed of planning for herself, Anya begins to wonder if her brain condition is all that bad. As she absorbs the changes in her life and realization sets in, she begins to wonder if she is the only one saying: Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out.

BUY THE BOOK… Amazon (20% of royalties will be donated to the National Organisation of Rare Disorders)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

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In the world of fantasy, anything can happen. There really are no limitations but in order to make the story work, there has to be explanations. The reader will often give up on a story that seems ridicules if there is no accountability for why things happen.

The characters in a story are no different. You can have your character do anything, say anything, or be anywhere but there has to be a reason and a way for it to make sense. I think in order for people to believe in your character, or to make your characters believable, they must have emotion. Characters must have a past, they must live in the present, and they must look forward to a future.

The book I’m currently writing has one main character. I started this man off in his forties but I use the notion of flashbacks or fond memories to explain how he got to the point he’s at. I give the man a confliction that brings out the reality of thought pattern that anyone in his position would have.

You have to figure out the best way to give your characters history and make them as real as possible. If your character is a sorcerer for instance, you have to give them a weakness. Every good character is beatable even if they seem to overcome.

Believable characters, even if they are ten feet tall, need to have that emotional side. If your characters aren’t human, I think they still need a human trait in order for them to be believable. If you want people to connect with your characters, think about the things you connect with, and insert that aspect into your characters life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Kraig Dafoe was born in Potsdam, New York and grew up in Canton. He played high school football and joined the United States Army Reserves at the age of seventeen.

Kraig married at the age of nineteen and moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia where he worked as a Private Security officer for The Christian Broadcasting Network and also attended the Tidewater Community College for business.

After five years as a security officer, he became a Deputy Sheriff for the city of Chesapeake Virginia.

Kraig left the Sheriff’s office after nine years of service and pursued a couple of different business opportunities before he went on to publishing his debut novel.

Kraig is the father of five children and he currently resides in Kansas, raising his youngest son.

His latest book is the fantasy/adventure, Search for the Last Realm.

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Search for the Lost Realm is an epic journey in which a young man named Varan wants to find a power which has been missing from the world of Kantania for thousands of years.

Varan sets out but soon discovers his true mission is to save the worlds creator from a spiritual bond placed upon him by the powerful demon, Eldrok.

From demons to dragons and sorcerers to soldiers, battles erupt and Varan must hurry or the world could be lost to darkness forever.

This story does not consist of action alone as Varan faces dilemmas of the heart, struggles of the flesh and complex issues of the mind.

BUY THE BOOK… Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle) | Barnes & Noble | i-Tunes | Create Space (Paperback) | i-Bookstore

READ AN EXCERPT…A sound normally dismissed during mid-day, the lock’s scarce clatter rang out like church bells, trespassing on a death like serenity. As tumblers aligned, Varan hoped his crouched frame went undetected on the sage’s porch. With his remaining eye, the thief peered over his right shoulder at ghostly shadows cast upon a vacant street. Choking down his heart, he ever so cautiously swung open the door and, after easing into the shop, he gently returned it to its frame. A shaft of moonlight pierced shutters flush, as the lurking thief, through dusty air, investigated a dreary interior. To his left, shelves of musty books, with their worn bindings, all stood erect by ornately carved bookends. In the near corner, to his right, a large silver blue sphere, dimly glowing, sat upon a heavy wooden pedestal.

THE GIVEAWAY!!! $100 Amazon Gift Card/Paypal Cash!! Just leave a comment below and complete the Rafflecopter widget. If no widget is visible, please click the link to be taken to the giveaway widget located at Rafflecopter. Good Luck!

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The beloved Angel/Warrior team face pure evil in their final climactic story!

The first time they were sent down, Irish lives were led. Emily, the angel, ended up embedded in murder and lost in the realm of true love. While Matthew, the warrior, took over a life that left blood on his hands and anger in his soul.

With their second coming, Emily found herself facing an oncoming war that brought her to the shores of America. While Matthew tried desperately to unveil the evil character of a young man who was intent on locking his partner in a ‘gilded’ cage.

Now…Emily and Matthew find that their lives are all their own. Yet, all the memories, hatred, longing and regret have come hand-in-hand with this newfound freedom.

In small town U.S.A., Matthew finds himself loving his new life. From his military school existence to a new, ‘odd’ friend who’s arrived in town, Matthew’s looking forward to graduation and heading off into a brilliant future with Emily by his side.

Emily wants nothing more than to hide. Although doing her best to fit in, she lives a life on the edge, wondering when her past love with reappear to either forgive or seek revenge on the angel who let him down. Battling the shadows that seem to be breaking her soul in two, Emily soon discovers that her small, quiet town has a secret that’s beyond dangerous…

As she and Matthew join forces to help a ‘haunted’ victim, they open the door on a mystery neither of them can believe. A true villain has returned from the past, and not even their heavenly family will be able to save them. This time they’re on their own, as they face a fight that could lead them straight to Hell…and end the angel/warrior team forever.

Excerpt

Author Amy Lignor

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Books 1 and 2 are now 99 cents on Kindle!   

THE GIVEAWAY!!! — Leave a comment below and complete the Rafflecopter widget below. If no widget is showing, click the link to get to the giveaway widget offsite to enter. Amy Lignor is giving away a total of 50 ebooks across multiple book blogs during her Tribute Books book tour.

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Organization, productivity and good habits all appear to be part of successful endeavors. However, many of us don’t know how to use these to reach our goals with true success. Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand, motivational speaker, writer and “human behavior expert,” with his newest release, The One Success Habit You Can’t Do Without (Kauffman Burgess Press, February 2013), continues with his warm, witty conversational advice that brings fresh clarity to the age old question of how to get organized…get moving…and shift our actions towards a new level of daily success.

• Paperback: 130 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 17, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1478326301
• ISBN-13: 978-1478326304

BUY THE BOOK… Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Dr. Fred Lybrand is a communicator and father of five who has been married for over 30 years and has the diverse combination of having formally studied law, speech communications, systems thinking, linguistics, writing, theology, marketing, structural dynamics, leadership/management and the human personality.

As the author of six books and a number of articles and co-founder of TrimTab Solutions (an energy industry consulting firm), Lybrand is currently focusing on the challenging puzzle of human productivity and high performance. The One Success Habit is his newest contribution to help individuals and organizations become more productive without yielding one ounce of being human. His client list includes the United States Air Force, State Farm Insurance, Valero, Chick-fil-A, Pioneer Natural Resources, Encana, Marathon Oil, Rose & Associates, Protrader, Burlington Resources, AcuFocus and Silver Creek Oil & Gas.

Visit the author’s website: http://www.onesuccesshabit.com/.

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER…

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Discover a world of adult fantasy where modern day knights of a secret society interact with an alien, a witch, a demon, a psychic, a berserker, a most unusual vampire, werewolves, elves, and fae. Fairytales intersect adventure, romance, and emotion proving that true love can find you in the strangest places, even when you’re least expecting it, even when you’re far, far from home.

This is a compilation of the first three installments of the Black Swan serial saga.

    

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Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise…

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (April 2, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425267067
• ISBN-13: 978-0425267066

BUY THE BOOK…      

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Maya Banks is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romance.

She lives in the South with her husband and three children and other assorted babies, such as her two Bengal kitties and a calico who’s been with her as long as her youngest child. She’s an avid reader of romance and loves to dish books with her fans and anyone else who’ll listen! She very much enjoys interacting with her readers on Facebook and Twitter as well as in her Yahoo! Group.

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…My feelings toward the trilogy are definitely getting better. FEVER, the second book had more story and I liked Bethany far more than Mia although I did find Mia a great friend and sister in this one. In fact, you see more between the characters than in the first book. RUSH. Jace was and wasn’t what I expected him to be based on who I got glimpses of in RUSH. He was probably more dominant that Gabe was, but overall I enjoyed him both out of the bed and in. To say I never got irritated with Jace’s handling of situations would be a lie because I did find him to be a little overbearing at times. Bethany of course I loved. Cinderella finally got her happily ever after in the end I think. She went from having nothing but a hard life on the streets or in shelters to warmth and love from Jace and his “family” even if his best friend Ash was a little worried that Jace might be getting into something he shouldn’t. In FEVER we also see more of Ash and I now can say that I REALLY can’t wait to read about Ash. The trilogy just gets better and better.

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Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking…

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (February 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425267040
• ISBN-13: 978-0425267042

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Maya Banks is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romance.

She lives in the South with her husband and three children and other assorted babies, such as her two Bengal kitties and a calico who’s been with her as long as her youngest child. She’s an avid reader of romance and loves to dish books with her fans and anyone else who’ll listen! She very much enjoys interacting with her readers on Facebook and Twitter as well as in her Yahoo! Group.

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…RUSH is technically my first contemporary “erotica” book I’ve read. I wasn’t one of the  who jumped on the Shades of Gray trilogy and prior to Banks’ BREATHLESS series, I primarily read fantasy/paranormal/urban/historical romance. I will say that this first book in the series could potentially turn others off to the series. Me on the other hand, I plan to keep reading the trilogy. Some might balk at the age difference between Gabe and Mia (14 years difference) but I hardly see that as an issue or even really that taboo. I do wonder though how long it would last overtime considering that fact that Mia is only in her early 20s and hasn’t had time to live life as an adult, much less a life of submission to a VERY dominant man. I would also be lying if I didn’t say I was uncomfortable with a particular hotel room scene and how quickly Mia forgave Gabe (or chose to suppress). Believe me I was pissed during that particular scene and I’m sure that scene and some of the others were meant for me to get to some emotional level. There was definitely LOTS of sex and I did wish there was more story but as you progress through the book you slowly get more out of the characters and get more understanding of who they are. For these two, apparently sex was the way to get them moving into the same direction especially when it came to dealing with a protective big brother/best friend. Even though this was very different from what I’m used to reading and obviously more sexual than I’ve read previously, I’ll keep going. Will I read this particular book again? No, I highly doubt it but I will read the rest of the books as I’m curious about Jace and Ash’s stories in the trilogy. To be honest, they were a little more intriguing to me while reading about Mia and Gabe and I was more interested in the 4′s relationship with each other. They are a very close group who treat each other as family.

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The Sci-fi/Fantasy genre seems to have really picked up speed in recent years, much to my delight as a long time fan. I’m sure I’m not the only reader seeing a trend as to which creatures are getting the most attention and sometimes that attention isn’t positive. Yes, I am of a generation that doesn’t find monsters sexy. Vampires were vicious, mysterious, deadly creatures who fed on the living, burst into flames in daylight and sometimes battled other vicious, mysterious and deadly creatures. Vampires were almost never erotic and they certainly didn’t sparkle! We were warned by closemouthed country folk in dark taverns to stay off the moors and avoid werewolves. They didn’t run around bench-pressing things with their shirts off and they didn’t play basketball or go street surfing on top of vans. Even zombies have become so mainstream that, if upcoming books and movies are any indication, they are now becoming dateable once they learn how to appreciate human brains without wanting to snack on them!

My point is, not everyone is going to agree with your interpretation of whatever creature you decide to use in your stories. You can try the traditional approach or you can create your own rules if you wish, just try to be consistent in your universe so you don’t confuse your readers. Personally since the market has been so saturated with vampires, wolves, zombies and aliens I’ve decided to show some love for the neglected creatures of the fantasy realm. While I do employ dragons in Heroes and Hearts I also introduce my readers to the deadly and frightening Manticore of Persian legend. In Descendants of Quendaris readers are treated to lots of orc and goblin action but they also meet a cousin of the dreaded Welsh Gitto. When it comes to Sci-fi and Fantasy, you can either limit yourself to what everyone else is doing because it’s safe or you can follow the road less traveled. Why be less daring than your own characters?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Noemi Betancourt has been a lifelong fan of Fantasy, ever since her father introduced her to the works of  Tolkien, Baum, and C.S. Lewis as a child. An avid reader, she has since developed her writing style over the years, and after becoming enamored with the Romance genre, Noemi began to blend a guilty pleasure with an old love. Her first novelette, Heroes and Hearts, is the first of many books and stories in which she interlaces the Fantasy and Romance genres.

Noemi lives in a seaside bungalow on Florida’s Sun Coast, indulging in her other passions: cooking, caring for her gallant husband (a disabled vet from the British Isles), and the three fur-babies who rescued them.

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Isabel Kendra is no stranger to a life of struggle. When her father disappeared years ago she and her mother had to fend for themselves. Even now as a chef experiencing burn out on the job, she does what is necessary to pay her bills while dodging her mother’s attempts to find her a man. She is more than capable of taking care of herself and neither wants or needs some man to do it for her.

When Isabel comes home one day to find her house turned upside down she discovers her life is about to follow suit in this tale of swords and sorcery, love and prejudice. Prince Alaric is dashing, handsome and brave, everything a prince should be. He is also no stranger to the female form, yet when he meets the bold and vivacious Isabel, rather than be put off by her lack of docility he finds himself drawn to her allure in a way that he simply cannot understand.

Together the two must thwart the evil forces that threaten their lives and their worlds, while struggling against their own blistering attraction for each other. Can Isabel balance her aversion to the prince’s habit of coming to her rescue with the realization that sometimes it is all right to accept help from a man? And can Alaric handle himself around a damsel who gets herself out of her own distress and learn to be simply the man who loves her?

• Publisher: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG (March 27, 2013)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00C58QS60

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AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY…We’re giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card and ebook copy of HEROES AND HEARTS.  This giveaway runs now through the month of April. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below and complete the Rafflecopter widget. If you don’t see the widget, click the Rafflecopter link to take you to the widget offsite. Good Luck!

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Demon-possessed siege commander, Dahoud, atones for his atrocities by hiding his identity and protecting women from war’s violence – but can he shield the woman he loves from the evil inside him? Principled weather magician, Merida, brings rain to a parched desert land. When her magical dance rouses more than storms, she needs to overcome her scruples to escape from danger. Thrust together, Dahoud and Merida must fight for freedom and survival. But how can they trust each other, when hatred and betrayal burn in their hearts? ‘Storm Dancer’ is a dark epic fantasy. British spellings. Caution: this book contains some violence and disturbing situations. Not recommended for under-16s.

• Print Length: 470 pages
• Publisher: Scimitar Press (September 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005MJFV58

You can also read six full chapters free on the book’s website: http://sites.google.com/site/stormdancernovel/storm-dancer-free-sample-pages

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Rayne Hall has published more than forty books under different pen names with different publishers in different genres, mostly fantasy, horror and non-fiction. Recent books include Storm Dancer (dark epic fantasy novel), Six Historical Tales Vol 1, Six Scary Tales Vol 1, 2 and 3 (mild horror stories),Six Historical Tales (short stories), Six Quirky Tales (humorous fantasy stories), Writing Fight Scenes and Writing Scary Scenes (instructions for authors). She holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Currently, she edits the Ten Tales series of multi-author short story anthologies: Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires, Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, Scared: Ten Tales of Horror, Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates, Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft, Spells: Ten Tales of Magic, Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies and more.

Website | Twitter: @raynehall

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