Book Blast Tour Stop for the Heart Beat Series by Renee Lee Fisher

Today's post is full of stuff! This is a virtual tour stop (a book blast) for the Heart Beat Series by Renee Lee Fisher.

The series includes the books: Rock Notes, Love Notes, and Music Notes.

Today only, Rock Notes is available for 99 cents.

During the virtual book blast she's doing with Goddess Fish Promotions, Renee will be awarding a lucky person the choice of ONE signed book (Rock Notes, Love Notes, or Music Notes) plus a $25 Amazon gift card and Betsey Johnson Makeup Purse.

To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too!

Author bio:

Renee is an author who has the passion for putting her pen and ideas to paper. A pure romance junkie and she loves to tell stories. She was an English Major of LaSalle University and always wanted to be a writer. In the past years her books titled - From the Vine (a collection of writings/poems) and Cody and the Pumpkin Truck (a Childrens' Book) were published. She has also written many other childrens' stories, lyrics, articles and wedding ceremonies. Currently she is deep into her Heartbeat Series of Contemporary Romance Novels which are titled - Rock Notes, Love Notes, Music Notes, First Beat, First Bass, and First Taste.

Also coming soon The Crossing Series I, II and III of The Knot Hole, The Passage and The Muse.

Renee resides in Eagleville, PA with her husband Michael of many years and her two cats - Nyah and Cody. She has a great support system of Love from her family and friends.

Renee BELIEVES you should follow your DREAMS and that the HAPPIEST of people don't have the best of everything, they simply make the best of everything.

Renee loves to travel, especially to St. Martin - Netherland Antilles. She enjoys meeting new people to inspire her and she will always write down a person's name that is unique to use as a potential character in her future writings.

Blurbs:

Rock Notes

Madison Tierney’s a writer, whose husband, Thomas suddenly left her after 10 years; she is destroyed and now recently alone and divorced. She picks herself up slowly trying to restore her lost confidence and ability to love again. She follows her writing passion and ventures to follow a local band - Rolling Isaac’s and write about them, raw and real and how they follow their dreams. Her book is titled Rock Notes.

Her ex-husband wants to come back, and she is torn with what she had for ten years with him which was safe, comforting and a committed relationship. And now she is falling hard for the band singer - Max Rand (Madison calls him Rand), who is several years younger than her and every moment with him is intense and unpredictable.

Rand has tragically lost love in his life. He has no love left to give. He fills his time with many groupies and late nights. The story travels you to various concert venues, from a sexy piercing party to a New Years rocking eve. There are many interruptions and assumptions for this couple along their journey.

While Madison is writing Rock Notes, somewhere along the way she begins to write Love Notes, which are personal secret love letters for Rand. Also Rand is always writing music with the hope of creating his first solo album. Both Madison and Rand appear to be able to write their feelings on paper effortlessly but have a hard time conveying them to one another. This story is about being so broken inside from having your heart ripped apart, to attempting to rebuild trust, follow your dreams and hopefully find love.

Will she return to the warm awaiting arms of her ex-husband who still is in love with her? Or will there be a new beginning for Madison and Rand? Can these two empty souls feel love again? Or will what ignites between them simply fade away after the concert lights dim?

Love Notes

Rand:

As our bodies joined as one, I felt more in that one moment than I have ever felt with anyone. I never wanted to leave your arms, your body, and our connection. I believe that you complete me, you were made for me. I struggled to keep my feelings at bay and not let you know but I am too emotionally involved with you and to know now that you are with me is beyond belief. Where we head from here together has unlimited paths. I know I will always have this need now to have you fulfill me as I know you can. I see you and just a glance across the room to you makes me want to have us running to the bedroom. Silently I ponder how to relay to you just how much Love I contain for you. Some days I feel like my heart is about to burst. Maddy xo

Madison and Rand’s love story continues as they move their relationship to a more passionate, intimate level…but again they are thrown some challenges. Will Madison and Rand be together and move forward or…backward? Read what comes their way to cause doubt in their minds. Just when everything is going fine, sometimes accidents occur.

Rand:

Oh, God, something horrible has happened. I only remember parts of it and they seem like snapshots that were taken so quickly…I need to feel you near me. I need to reach out and touch you and let you know I love you. Rand, I never felt so in love as I do when I am with you. Maddy xo

“What the hell are you talking about Madison? You have me at a complete loss here?” Rand

Madison must fully trust Rand to commit herself to him forever in marriage. Rand must make her see and feel what she truly means to him. This story will pull at your heart and make you tear as you turn the pages that may finally reveal Madison’s handwritten LOVE NOTES.

Will they get their Happily Ever After?

Music Notes

How will Madison and Rand keep their love and music playing?

Just when life seems to be going smooth, Madison receives news that leaves her speechless. She's a writer that for the moment cannot form her words. Rand now is the one to continue their story…his story.

Music Notes will take you on the tour with Max Rand as his first Solo Album – Simply Mad is launched. Will his travel for several months put distance in their relationship? Can their love survive?

Rand will travel through his own journey of self discovery along the way. Just when Rand is at a high point in his life, a collapse . . . will bring one of them down...Rand? Madison?

One person will offer the ultimate sacrifice. See the songs that Rand has written, and where his inspiration comes from.

Follow this novel and see how it plays out.

Excerpt from Music Notes:

"Let me start with taking your shirt off so I can see you." I catch her eyes with that comment and excitement is looking back toward me. I lower my mouth to her flesh and taking her nipple to my lips. I’m holding back to make love to her sweetly and slowly. Her hands rake through my hair rapidly with need as she moans and then Madison pulls away from my mouth that was sucking her luscious breasts. Before I can try to protest or slow down our pace she has positioned herself on top of me and she is rubbing her mound against my jeans eagerly waiting for me to make the next move. I can’t resist her repeated gyrations, I am going to freaking come before I get inside her. Keeping her seated over me I raise my pelvis lifting her up a slight bit and she giggles. I shift my already unzipped pants down and now she can continue her dance on my naked, exposed shaft.

All that is between us is her long skirt that she hiked up in her initial climb on top of me. I take my tense hands and tightly pull up the sides of the fabric until it is close to her smooth thighs. All I know is that I want to find my resting place between those thighs. I slide my free hand underneath her skirt and can feel the warmth that is coming from her. I touch her with just a flick and she quivers and groans. Her head is thrown back and her eyes closed and she is still rocking and moving her pelvis into me, but now with me playing her folds.

"Rand, I, oh, I, meant to make you feel…oh, that feels so good." Madison is getting out of breath. I know it won’t be long, I only have to play with her just a tiny bit more. Oh yeah, she will be breathless in about fifteen seconds… "RAND OH YES, YES, RAND!!!!" In my head I know that was actually just about five seconds, and I’m grateful for that. I know I can’t hold out much longer, and I still haven’t gotten inside her.

I almost expected her to lie next to me and relax after having a great orgasm. I was wrong though. She always feels that she has to take care of me. Without shifting positions, Madison reaches under and finds what is waiting for her. She takes hold of me and guides me right into her warmth and we groan in unison as we fit together so damn perfectly.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Buy Links:

Rock Notes: Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | All Romance 

Love Notes: Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Alll Romance 

Music Notes: Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | All Romance 

Book Trailers

Rock Notes | Love Notes | Music Notes

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Interview with YA paranormal romance author Jessica O'Gorek

Today's featured guest is young adult paranormal romance author Jessica O'Gorek. She's touring her novel Gemini Rising: Ethereal Fury with Goddess Fish Promotions.

During her tour, Jessica will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a lucky person. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too! 

Welcome Jessica. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Chesapeake, Virginia on April 19th, 1979. I was raised within the American Indian religion and was taught great respect for the earth and all its living beings. Powwows, sweat lodges, vision quests, you name it, I’ve done it. I was the weird kid who would confront kids on the playground in elementary school when they squished a bug. I would very sincerely tell them what they were doing was morally wrong and then I would pray for the bug to come back as a butterfly in its next life.

I grew up admiring my father, Barry Weinstock, as an author. He took me around the country to different places so he could research and write his Wilderness Survival books. One of his greatest works, “The Path of Power,” was written with a great medicine man, Sunbear.

When I was twelve I started hand writing novels. My first one was two thousand pages. My dad always encouraged me and would rave about my writing. He gave me the confidence I needed to keep writing and follow my dream. My daughter, who is twelve, is currently working on her first novel. I hope to continue the legacy.

What is your favorite television show?
Hannibal

What is something you’ve lied about?
My height.

Who is the last person you hugged?
My boyfriend.

What is the story of your first kiss?
It was terrible. I had no idea what I was doing and his breath stunk.

Do you like kissing in public?
Yes.

Please tell us a little about your new release, Gemini Rising:

Angry at the human race and its methodical destruction of her resources, Mother Earth recruits souls who have just left their bodies to serve Her, and turns them against humanity. Gemini, a clan of paranormal beings, picked from these possessed humans, emerges. A powerful, rising force proceeds to carry out Mother Nature’s plan to systematically destroy towns, cities, states… and eventually, the world. Amidst the chaos, a forbidden relationship between a human girl, Violette, and Onyx, a lead Gemini, begins. They will both find themselves in the middle of a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world.

Excerpt from Chapter 10:

Little Girls-

Onyx was hovering right beside the little stone adjacent to the swings. He tried to single out the perfect girl. Innocent and naïve is what he was going for. He located the one he thought might work. She was swinging; she was older, maybe fifteen or so. She had one girl on each side of her and a few nuns were standing near, giving her glances of adoration. She was cute and gentle looking, the perfect disguise for the likes of him. He moved in a little closer to his prey. Over the wall and around the thick maple tree, he paused, making sure he disturbed no air. He waited to hear her name. This would come in handy.

"Eleanor, come seesaw with me!" A cute redhead gestured to his target as she hopped off the swing. Now was his chance.

“Eleanor…” he whispered her name and she stopped. She turned towards the sound that she couldn’t locate.

“Over here.” He guided her with his hand from behind the craggy trunk, allowing it to be just visible enough to make her curious as to who its owner might be. At this point, an adult might run, scream, or faint at the sight of a translucent hand gesturing mysteriously. But Eleanor was an insightful little girl and wanted to know more. The redhead on the seesaw looked dismayed and repeated her plea. This annoyed him considerably; he was tempted to go shut her up, but her attention was now steady on the phantom arm that beckoned her. He controlled his visibility simply with his mind. If he thought it, it became a reality for him.

Eleanor's little blonde curls shook a little as she seemed to be attempting to clear her head. He could start to feel the gravitational pull from within her. It started to pull on his energy, almost gripping him and pulling him piece by piece, atom by atom, and ever closer to her.

"Come a little closer Sweetheart. How many fingers am I holding up?" If he distracted her with the game or a challenge, it would be that much easier. Anticipation started to build within him, like the sweet pressure of an inevitable release. Trance-like now, unable to resist the lure of his sugary voice, she walked right into his arm and it was over.

"Hey," he said. She jerked her head to the left and saw only his spiraling eyes. Before she could utter a scream he was in through her surprised mouth, busily working into her muscles, connecting with her spinal cord to coordinate her movements. Her sensory organs were pliable, and the tendrils that were extensions of his personality easily wrapped around every bone, every nerve ending. She was stunned into silence by the complete and sudden hostile takeover. He felt strong and empowered. It had been weeks since he felt a young, healthy host take him to dizzying heights of euphoria.

This was where Geminis were meant to be, where they felt the most in control and in touch with their true ability. To connive and manipulate, ruin and plunder the society around them was only justice. They were so weak and puny, murderers and thieves, liars, and rapists. They all took what they wanted from each other, and the earth, then sucked any generosity right out of the atmosphere. He always thought he was helping them shorten the time frame of their journey. They would all eventually die anyway; he just hurried along the process. He felt the need to justify himself after entering someone. He knew there was some deep hidden morsel of doubt that what he was doing was right, that every human should be annihilated from existence. He would never divulge these doubts to himself or anyone else. It was a hidden monster within him and he would never lend it credit.

Links:

Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Goodreads

Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Thanks, Jessica!

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Book excerpt for paranormal thriller novel Joe by H.D. Gordon

The spotlight is shining on Joe (The Joe Knowe Series, Book One) by H.D. Gordon today.

H.D. is the bestselling author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga, The Joe Knowe Series, and The Surah Stormsong Novels. She is a lifelong reader and writer; a true lover of words. A mother, a self-proclaimed philosopher, and a wordsmith, H.D. is twenty-five years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

During her virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions, H.D. will be awarding a signed paperback of Joe (US only -- digital copy substituted for international winners) and $15 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops, and enter there, too!

Blurb:

A psychopath planning a massacre. A stuttering young girl with disturbing visions of the future. Six ordinary people who will all be in the line of fire come the day of the disaster.

Joe Knowe is not a boy. She is twenty-one years old, and she sees things before they happen; bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. A madman is going to shoot up the college Joe attends. The trouble is, her gift is stingy on the details she needs to divert the impending tragedy. Now, Joe has four days to figure out the mystery and save the lives of many.

From the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga comes a tense tale that glimpses the mind of a genuine psychopath, follows an unlikely hero, and explores real-life terror in a race against time that will leave the reader breathless.

Excerpt:

“But it had been big. It had been a life-changing, rapid moment that had altered the little raven-haired girl forever. For better or worse, it was one of the moments that had made her into the person she was today, permanently changed her outlook on life and wiped away the moisture behind her young ears.

She had been only twelve years old. The backs of her ears should have stayed wet for a while yet, like most twelve year old’s do. But her greenness had been swept away nonetheless, and there was nothing she could do about it.

And it wasn’t fair.

But that’s life, baby, and that shit ain’t always fair.”

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Amazon buy link | Barnes and Noble buy link

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Interview with romantic comedy writer Barbara Oliverio

Barbara Oliverio loves learning and reading, and manages to have a book to read with her at all times. The daughter of Italian immigrants, she grew up in North Central West Virginia and after moves that included several years living in Italy, she now lives in suburban Denver.

When Barbara isn’t reading she enjoys working the NYT crossword puzzle and is a rabid fan of Downtown Abbey, Game of Thrones, and Dancing with the Stars. She and her husband love to travel, eat good food, and disagree over their favorite sports teams.

Barbara is here today chatting about her novel Love on the Lido Deck: A Nautical Romantic Comedy. This is just one of many tour stops she has with Goddess Fish Promotions. She’ll be awarding $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner during the tour,

To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too!

Welcome Barbara. Please tell us about your current release.

Keira Graham has moved into the fast-paced world of event planning and as she gets the job of a lifetime – planning a Caribbean cruise package for foodies on the world’s largest cruise ship – she learns that her widowed mother has a serious love interest. Keira invites both of them to accompany her on the voyage and join a cast of characters including Keira’s best friend Alexandria, her extended family, and sassy assistant. What follows is a rollicking fun-in-the-sun adventure – not to mention more than one encounter with charming cruise director Brennan McAllister.

What inspired you to write this book?

This book is a sequel to my first novel Love on the Back Burner: A Tasty Romantic Comedy. The two books together are a complete story of two best friends and their searches for career and romantic happiness. The inspiration for the books was the ability to provide clean romantic comedy. Specifically, I wanted to give young women realistic role models who were modern, witty and had fun while managing to maintain their values in life.

Excerpt:

“This is ridiculous, Mother.” I felt like we were in a bad sitcom. “You said you wanted to talk to me ‘girl-to- girl.’ Now, unless you’ve taken your cue from endless episodes of some program on the Lifetime Channel, something is up. Spill!” She dabbed at her mouth delicately with her napkin—private Catholic girls’ school training had not been wasted on Maeve Graham—then cleared her throat and dropped a bomb on me. 

“Keira, I’ve been dating a nice gentleman, and it’s becoming serious.” 

I was dumbstruck. 

“Keira? ... Keira! Say something!”

I paused. I wanted to make sure that just exactly the right mature, calm words would come out of my mouth. Then I spoke.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HOW CAN YOU BECOME SERIOUS WITH SOMEONE? DADDY HASN’T BEEN DEAD ALL THAT LONG. I FORBID IT!”

Um. Perhaps not so mature.

“You forbid it?” To my mother’s credit, she was very calm.

I mentally stepped back. After all, I had gone to private Catholic girls’ school as well. I could be ladylike.

“NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!”

Oh. Yes. That was soooo much better.

My mother cleared her throat.

“Keira! Listen to yourself. You sound like you are five years old.”

“I do not!”

Just kept getting worse! I jumped off the stool and ran to the window and looked out across the back grounds. That didn’t help. All I saw were the stables. Daddy’s stables. I whipped around.

“Mother,” I started patiently. “Who? What? Why?” I trailed off.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m working on another romantic comedy, but this one has a new set of characters. I’d prefer not to get into detail, but I will tell you that the main character is a young woman trying to make it in an off-beat profession. I do stay true to my goals of keeping the story PG and showing that a good romance can be told with dialog and plot and not rely on sex and crude language.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I have written in one form or another all my life ever since I learned how to put pen to paper. As a college undergraduate, I chose journalism as one half of my double major (the other being mathematics). I started my business career as a tech writer and documented everything from oscilloscopes to software. Switching to marketing I wrote sales copy, PR copy, and web content. Though I am now a novelist, I still write articles for periodicals and write for other projects as well. I really can’t remember when I HAVEN’T written in one form or another!

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I identify myself as a full-time writer, so I set a schedule to write so many hours and/or words per day based on the projects I am working on. As I get closer to finishing a book, the hours get longer. However, I maintain a heavy volunteer schedule at my church that I need to fit in around my writing schedule as well.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Sometimes I speak the dialog of my characters out loud as I write it to see if the inflections work. This can get quite tricky if I’m writing while other people are around!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to grow up and have a single-gal career where I could live in a fantastic apartment in the city, wear trendy clothes, and have a group of witty, fabulous friends – think “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or, for those of you a bit older, “That Girl”. The profession didn’t matter as much as the setting and wardrobe. I did grow up to move to the city and have a great single-gal lifestyle – before my wonderful husband snagged me and made sure we have a great married life.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Since I’m a voracious reader, I love getting recommendations on good books! Also, if you’ve tried one of the recipes in the books, please let me know. Please send me your thoughts on that or other comments. Barbara@scolapastapress.com

Links:

Website | Publisher site | Twitter | Facebook 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Smashwords

        

Thanks, Barbara!

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Book excerpt from The Ashes that Remain by A.M. Griffin

A. M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.

Today features a book excerpt from her new novel, The Ashes that Remain.

During her tour, A.M. will be awarding a grand prize of $20 Amazon gift card to a lucky winner, and the runner up will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too.

Blurb:  

We’re at war against the aliens that have invaded Earth, fighting the only way we can—by surviving. I have more than most people do, but although I know it’s stupid to hold on, I can’t let go of what might have been—can’t help dreaming of something more. No matter how I tell myself it would be easier to do what everyone else wants me to, there’s a part of me that can’t give in.

Making the best of the situation is one thing. Settling, even to make other people happy, is something else.

Then we hear the alien mother ships have disappeared. Of course we have to go and investigate. What we find lands us in a huge mess that we somehow have to clean up and, as our little enclave is rocked to the core with even more changes, I’m learning a hard lesson.

The more things change—for the better or the worse—there’s no fighting human nature, and building on the ashes that remain will take everything we have. And maybe more.

Excerpt:

I can hear Dave talking from down the hall. As he thunders on I cringe. To be late for a meeting Dave called is a big no-no unless you want the evil stink-eye. And since I can hear him talking adamantly about something, I’m preparing for his wrath.

Mia moves behind Ian, pushing him in front of her. “You go in first.”

Not missing out on my opportunity for protection, I hide behind Mia. Maybe by the time Dave gets through chewing out Ian then Mia he’ll be too tired to cut into me.

“Mia, I sent you to get everyone over thirty minutes ago,” Dave says.

So he’s skipping right over Ian to Mia. I could either throw her under the bus or help her out.

Loyalty makes me step from behind her. “I’m sorry, Dave. I held her up.”

Dave glares at me. He’s an older man with grey hair and a big build and, although he’s usually good natured, he’s serious when it comes to Arrowwood community business.

I shuffle on my feet and feel the odd need to explain myself further. “I…um…needed her help with something.”

With a shake of his head he dismisses us, leaving Ian, Mia and I to take some open seats. Glancing around I can tell everyone is here. My mom is sitting up front next to Rocky and Rocky’s ten year-old daughter Brooklynn. Wade waves to me from where he’s sitting at a table on the other side of the room. He has an empty seat next to him and when he indicates to it I shrug. “Sorry,” I mouth to him. I want to take the closest seat. Moving across the room would probably only irk Dave even more.

“As I was saying,” Dave says, after we’ve found our seats, “Since the mother ship has left Detroit, we’re going to investigate to find out what’s going on.”

It’s gone?

My breath seems to leave me.

“Wait, back-up,” Ian says. “The big spaceship is gone?”

“Are all of them gone?” I add. The last news report we’d seen said there were one hundred mother ships hovering over the largest cities of the world. That had been last May while we were still at band camp in Tallahassee. None of us knew if that number had grown less or more since then.

Dave shakes his head. “Unfortunately we don’t know. All we know is that the one over Detroit is gone, Jorin saw it take off while he was in one of the trees using his Ham radio. We don’t know if it’s gone for just a little while or gone for good. We’re forming a team to leave tomorrow at 1800 hours. Rocky will lead, MJ, Wade and Jorin are in.” Then he glances over to Ian. “How about you? Can we count on you as well?”

Ian glances at Mia before answering. If she had a problem with him leaving I’d expect him not to go. But she gives him a nod. Ian reaches out to hold her hand before he turns to Dave. “I’m in.”

“Good, we’ll find out—”

“I’m going too,” I blurt out.

Connecting with A.M.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Subscribe to my Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Griffin/e/B00APK4V4G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

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Buy links for Against the Darkness

Kindle | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble 

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Interview with debut sci fi novelist S.L. Dunn

Today’s spotlight shines on debut sci-fi novelist S.L. Dunn. He’s doing a virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for Anthem’s Fall.

During the tour, S.L. will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other stops along S.L.’s tour and enter there, too!

Bio:

S.L. Dunn is the debut author of Anthem’s Fall, a novel he wrote amid the wanderings of his mid twenties. He has written while living intermittently in St. John USVI, Boston, Maine and Seattle. Raised on big screen superheroes and pop science fiction, he sought to create a novel that bridged a near-sci-fi thriller with a grand new fantasy. He currently resides in Seattle with his girlfriend Liz and their dog Lucy, and is hard at work completing the next book of the Anthem’s Fall series.

Welcome, S.L. Please tell us about your current release.

I am excited to be releasing my debut novel, Anthem’s Fall (Prospect Hill Press, July 31, 2014). Anthem’s Fall takes elements from science fiction and fantasy, and reads like a Michael Crichton novel that collides with more of a Marvel/DC superhero kind of thing. It’s one part near-sci-fi technothriller, and one part superhero story.

Above a horrified New York City, genetics and ethics collide as the fallen emperor and a banished exile of the same herculean race ignite into battle over the city’s rooftops. In the streets below, a brilliant young scientist has discovered a technology that can defeat them both, yet might be more terrible than either.

Set both in modern New York City and in the technologically sophisticated yet politically savage world of Anthem,Anthem’s Fall unfurls into a plot where larger than life characters born with the prowess of gods are pitted against the shrewd brilliance of a familiar and unlikely heroine.

What inspired you to write this book?

The characters! I was driving on a highway in Vermont a few years ago, and the three main characters presented themselves to me all at once: the leader, the dreamer, and the genius. Between the three of them erupts a plot which revolves around a dreadful technology. There’s a ton of awesome scenes, and new exciting characters. It was a total blast to write.

Excerpt from Anthem’s Fall:

The sharp knife of apocalypse struck without warning, burying itself into the unsuspecting skies of a sun-swept afternoon.

In the northernmost continent of Anthem, the remote city of Municera abruptly reported massive and inexplicable reports of rioting and hysteria. The limited transmissions that came out of the city were fragmented and unclear. Imperial Army regiments were at once dispatched to restore order to the city of Municera, yet all troops lost radio contact within minutes of their arrival. Powerful reverberations shook through the surrounding lands, reaching miles in every direction. It felt as though the gods themselves were hammering the very world with furious impacts. From a distance, billowing black pillars of smoke could be seen reaching high into the sky above the smoldering city. When the smoke and cloud of ash dispersed in the northern winds, the glimmering skyscrapers that had long been an icon of the elegant Municera had vanished from the skyline. Their steel and glass splendor was replaced with a blanket of alarming ruin. By midafternoon, the once prominent city was nothing more than wreckage against the horizon.

Most disturbing were the spreading rumors that a number of Imperial First Class soldiers had flown into the chaos of Municera and had yet to return.

The migration out of the region—an anticipated exodus for which the Imperial Council had quickly prepared—never arrived, and as a disquieting sun set on the remaining cities of the Epsilon empire, the truth became increasingly clear. There were no survivors.

Municera had been home to seven million Primus.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m working on the sequel to Anthem’s Fall! I’m hoping to release it last this fall or in the early winter.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write in bursts. I’ll sit staring at a blank computer screen for four hours, and then at hour four a thousand worlds will spill out of me in twenty minutes. It’s frustrating in a way, but it seems like a process that I don’t have much control over. The words either flow or they don’t.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wasn’t the type of person to be dead-set on any individual vocational path, as my mind was always far too scattered for such specificity. That being said, a list of random things I once aspired to be includes: horticulturalist, Japanese koi garden guru, Iron Chef, woodworker, microbrewer, meteorologist, arborist, shipwright, sommelier, video game tester, biologist, World of Warcraft freelance arena strategist, etc etc. That particular list could go on for pages…

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I give away a ton of free paperback and e-book copies of Anthem’s Fall from my website, so don’t be a stranger and sign up for my newsletter! I’m releasing some fun and unrelated shorter works over the next month or so, which will be cool to check out. I’ll also be talking a lot about my writing process on social media as I plug away through book two and connect with new readers. Reach out if you want to talk, I’d love to chat!

Links: 

Website 

Thanks, S.L. Happy writing!

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Book excerpt for Eyes Die Last from Teri Riggs

Today I'm hosting a book excerpt for mystery thriller author Teri Riggs and her new novel, Eyes Die Last.

During her tour, Teri will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a lucky person. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bio:

Teri Riggs was destined to be a writer. As a small girl she didn’t read bedtime stories, she made up her own. Who needed Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs when there were so many great tales bouncing around in her head? When she grew up and became a mother to three little girls, she continued the tradition of making up bedtime stories. On the occasions she chose to tell conventional fairytales, Teri usually gave them a bit of tweaking here and there or added a new ending. Her girls loved it.

After her daughters had the nerve to actually grow up and leave home, Teri discovered she had a passion for writing and jumped right in. It came as no surprise she chose to write mysteries and happily-ever-after’s since that’s the genres she loves to read.

Teri lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, one of her daughters and two dogs that seem to think they rule the world. And some days Teri thinks maybe they do.

Teri still frequently tells herself stories as she falls asleep. The only difference now is she wakes up the next morning and turns her bedtime stories into books.

Blurb:
The Las Vegas Mayoral race is heating up, and the incumbent doesn’t have a prayer. Wealthy real estate speculator Nick Campenelli, who wants to legalize prostitution in Clark County, and former pastor Louis St. Louis, running on a 'clean-up-Vegas-by-getting-rid-of-the-whores' platform, are the front runners.

They’re also front runners on the suspect list for a string of murders. Kennedy O’Brien, four-year detective with cop blood running in her veins, and her partner Wilder “Wild Thing” James, a veteran, are determined to find the man who’s murdering prostitutes who work the wrong side of the street, and they don’t care how important or politically active he is.

The killer is a man with a mission. He stalks the women before he kills them, leaving a “BEFORE” photo on their bodies, and sending an “AFTER” shot to the local news hound. Ed Hershey, an aging newscaster with just the right amount of grey in his hair, is determined to turn this story into a network gig, and his interference, along with the LVTVS legal team, are making Kennedy and Wilder look bad. Campenelli’s good looks and charm, and St. Louis’ vitriolic hatred of prostitutes are muddying the waters too, and now the killer seems to have taken a liking to Kennedy. 

So the big question remains. Can she get him before he gets her?

Excerpt:

Nick, leaning against a marble pillar with his arms crossed, observed the detective as she took in the view. He tried to figure out what was going on in that beautiful head of hers.

She was stunning. Her hair, a rich sable color, fell just below her shoulders. Long, dark lashes surrounded rare blue-violet eyes. Her lips were full and softly sculpted. She was tall and lithe, and when she moved, he got a glimpse of the soft, womanly curves hidden beneath her jacket. She wrapped her arms around her waist.

Was that a little shiver?

She tilted her head back and took a deep breath, and then let it out with a long sigh.

“Are you chilled, Detective? I can get you a wrap.”

She turned and snarled. “I just lost my balance for a second. You shouldn’t sneak up on a person like that. You’re lucky I didn’t shoot you.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. “Why in the hell would anyone want an office way up here anyway?”

He found the slight Irish cadence that had slipped into her voice, very, very sexy. “For the view of course. I’ve caught you admiring it. Or was the sigh for me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Slick. Not that it’s any of your business, but that was an attempt to keep my morning coffee down. The ride up could make a bird nauseous.”

“Not fond of heights, I take it. Too bad. Being at the top gives a person a much clearer picture of everything.” He stepped forward and stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder with her, enjoying the view himself. “Can you honestly deny how great the view is from here?”

“Being this high up makes my heart pound and knees weak. I feel so woozy I could hurl. But strangely enough, I can’t help but look.” Her voice softened. “It’s a really spectacular view.”

Nick could tell the minute Kennedy realized what she’d said. She turned to face him, looking totally mortified. Her eyes narrowed and her body stiffened.

“I’m glad you enjoy it, Detective. Give yourself a few minutes and the weak knees and the urge to hurl, as you so delicately put it, will go away. Then you can relax and enjoy the panorama.”

 “Sorry, I don’t have the time to stand around getting off on scenery. And I sure as hell don’t have time to worry about whether or not I speak delicately. I have a few more questions I need you to answer.” Her voice had regained its hard edge.

“No problem, Detective. Let’s move over to my desk, or the couch. Whichever you’d feel more comfortable at.”

“Your desk will be fine. This shouldn’t take long, Mr. Campenelli.”

“Please, call me Nick.” He led her over to his desk and offered her a chair across from his own.

“Mr. Campenelli—”

“Nick, please,” he interrupted.

“I’m not here to make nice, Mr. Campenelli. I’d like for you to tell me about the photos of prostitutes you have plastered on the break room wall at your campaign headquarters. Can you explain what that’s all about?”

He felt the beginnings of anger snake up his spine, then take root at the base of his skull. “I see you’ve been talking to Ed Hershey. He asked me the same question and I told him to go to hell as it was none of his business. I assume since you’re wearing that nice shiny badge, I wouldn’t get away with giving you the same explanation.”

“You assume right.”

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