Cajun Book Lover

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Title: Bred by Magic

Author: Diana Marie DuBois

Series: Voodoo Vows

Genre: Paranormal

Publisher Three Danes Publishing LLC

Release Date: Feb 4, 2014?

Blurb/Synopsis:

What do you get when you mix magic with one of the most prestigious dogs in Germany? You get something special and powerful. In a time when witches were hunted down and burned a famous alchemist devised a plan to help protect them. One particular puppy who is predestined for someone in our time learns all she can before heading on the journey of her life.

My mother always told me and my siblings that we were special. But, that’s something all mothers say.... Isn’t it? What you don’t always hear is that you’re part of the litter of Great Dane puppies destined to protect the witches and warlocks throughout time. We just have to find one another, before our time runs out….

As a young girl, Diana Marie Dubois was an avid reader and was often found in the local public library. Now you find her working in her local library. Hailing from the culture filled state of Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans; she lives with her three Great Danes and four spunky mutts. Her biggest inspiration has always been the infamous Anne Rice and her tales of Vampires. It was those very stories that inspired Diana to take hold of her dreams and begin writing. She is now working on her first series, Voodoo Vows.

Places to find Diana

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Title: Fallen

Author: Laury Falter

Series: Guardian Trilogy

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Audeamus LLC

Release Date: April 1 2009

Editions/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Blurb/Synopsis:

Fallen - the first book in the bestselling Guardian Trilogy...

Maggie is unaware of the terrifying fate that awaits her. It isn't until she lands in New Orleans for a full year at a private high school and her unknown enemies find her does she realize that her life is in danger.

As a mystifying stranger repeatedly intervenes and blocks the attempts on her life, she begins to learn that there is more to him than his need to protect her and that he may be the key to understanding why her enemies have just now arrived.

Book Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

　

Author Information

　

Laury Falter is a bestselling author of young adult romantic suspense and urban fantasy. She has three series out: the Guardian Trilogy, the Residue Series, and the Apocalypse Chronicles.

　

Author Links

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Website

Excerpts

“You appear and then vanish like a ghost. You aren’t injured from venomous snake bites. You aren’t killed by wayward, incredibly sharp arrows.” Then, I reiterated, “I am the only one who can see you…how is any of this possible?”
“You do pay attention,” he said, sounding almost regretful, though I didn’t understand why.

“Yes, now will you tell me how you are capable of all that?”

He paused, still looking at me, as he collected his thoughts. The muscles throughout his body visibly flexed, tensing as he prepared his answer. “I have certain…gifts…that not many others can claim…gifts of speed, healing, and regeneration, to name a few.”

He paused, waiting for my reaction.

“Don’t worry so much,” I said, teasingly. “I’m not going to run screaming for the door.”

We quietly laughed together for a brief moment. When I felt like he was comfortable again, I asked my next question.

“So, where did you get these gifts? Did your parents take some sort of special drug?”

“Not exactly. I can’t answer that, as much as I know you’d like me to. Just suffice, Magdalene, to know that without these gifts, you wouldn’t be here right now.”

　

　

Friday, December 20, 2013

Michael's First Real Christmas

MY 5 STAR REVIEW

Christmas has become so commercial and with God being taken out of our schools and religion becoming taboo, many people forget or just don't want to think about the real meaning of Christmas.. Without Christ we would not have Christmas. This book is a beautiful reminder and teaches children what Christmas is really about.
Michael is in a Christmas play and bored with being a Wiseman, he wants to go home and do real Christmas stuff. When he gets home and falls asleep he dreams about a Christmas long ago when baby Jesus was born. The First Real Christmas.
This book is tastefully written no matter what religion you are and the illustrations are beautiful!
I would highly recommend it young and old will enjoy it for many years to come.

My Interview With Marion Richardson:

1.I see Michael representing most children this time of year. Is that what you hoped his character would represent?

I wanted Michael to represent the typical American child who seems to be bored with anything that does not entertain them, that is not the latest and greatest, and that doesn’t bring some sort of outside stimulation into their world. Doesn’t this actually sound like the typical “American” period, both young and old?

2. How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I actually dreamt this story around 3 years ago. It played itself through from beginning to end. I am not one to usually remember my dreams, so when I did recall this one in the morning, I knew I had better write it down. I sat down with a few note cards and wrote out the outline of the story. I didn’t actually sit down and write the text until this past summer.

3. The illustrations are beautiful, who illustrated Michael's First Real Christmas?

My daughter, Kat Ford did the illustrations. She has great depth to her art and has an ability to capture the essence of the characters. The watercolor illustrations were the perfect match for the dreaminess of the story.

4. Did you enjoy working on this book with your daughter?

It was a great collaboration! I tried to give her complete independence in interpreting the scenes. She has a way of seeing things from a perspective that I would not have imagined. Our vision for the overall look and feel of the book was the same and I am so pleased with how it came together.

5. Why did you choose to self publish?

Self publishing allows so much flexibility. It gives the author/illustrator the ability to create the work as they want it to appear and distribute to the market they choose. It is fast, professional, affordable, and meets my needs. I give a lot of my books away, so this has been an ideal outlet for me.

6. What / Who inspired you to write your first book?

Around two years ago, the children at church asked me to teach them the story of Hanukkah. Time got away from me and I was unable to do so. I decided to write it for them, then I needed illustrations, so I struggled through drawing a few very primitive looking ones. Finally, I discovered that I could get them printed in vivid color and in book form. That is how it all began! Since then, I have gone back and reworked the illustrations and published that book on CreateSpace as well. (I actually was commissioned to write a story for, “Cosmo’s Great Adventure” several years ago during the beanie baby craze. It was a cute little story, but was not a theme I came up with on my own.)

7. What is your favorite Christmas memory?

I love Christmas Eve Services when all of the hustle and bustle is over, the family is all together, and we sing Christmas Hymns. The songs of Christmas bind the past and the future, they ground us in our faith, they resound with hope and joy that is the birth of Jesus.

8. What Christmas tradition do you cherish the most?

Going to church on Christmas Eve. There is something special about a church at night. The light in the darkness pictures what Christ is to the world. The soft glow of the candlelight service is serene and holy.

9. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

There is something special about a child and a book. I was never an avid reader myself as a child, but I taught elementary school for many years and the image of a child engrossed in a book just makes my heart soar. I guess I must have wanted to share in that experience.

10. What is your favorite thing about writing?

I love words and the way they look on a page and resonate in my heart.

11. What do you find most challenging in writing?

Editing. I want to use lots of words. I want to string them out making my sentences ramble on forever. My punctuation is not the best, so proofing is tedious.

12. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write from your heart.

13. Do you have any upcoming projects you want to tell us about?

I am doing a series of books for toddlers called “Just Like Us.” The first in the series is “Little Monkey”. It is very simple in all aspects except it’s profound truth that children will do what they see others do. I included some great foundational scripture in the back of the book, The Lord’s Prayer, The Ten Commandments, The Shema, The 23^rd Psalm, and others. These are basic tenants of the Bible which teach who God is. The next in the series will be “Little Lamb” and “Little Dove”. I plan to have “Little Lamb” available by Passover and “Little Dove” for Pentecost.

14. Where can we purchase Michael's First Real Christmas?

It is available on Amazon and CreateSpace. I believe, if purchased soon, it will arrive by Christmas.

15. Do you have a facebook or blog? How can we follow you?

I have a blog: www.thenaphtaliexhorter.blogspot.com

My web site is: www.austinford.com We are working on getting all of my books with links to purchase them on that location by early spring

Thank you so much for telling me about your book and taking time out to answer a few questions for me!

Thank you as well! I believe in this project and hope it will be a tool for parents who want to instill in their children the real meaning of Christmas.

Release Day Event for Not Enough by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Brielle Parker has her life in front of her; she just does not know how to live it. After years of not being enough for her parents, or the dreams she once had, how did one man Colby James show her she was actually more than enough?

Raised by her grandparents with her three siblings, Brielle was loved, no doubt. However, her grandparents were taken too soon, and she was left with her older sibling to try to raise her younger ones. She couldn't help but let the doubts take over her life. Would she ever be enough? Then Colby walked in and changed everything, and just when she was facing her fears and falling in love for the first time, Colby ripped her heart out.

Will they be able to get past their mistakes to live the life they both want? Did Colby finally break Brielle when all he wanted to do was protect and love her? You can rebound from some mistakes, but some you just have to learn from and walk away. The love they have is true and pure, but will they finally be enough for each other?

Excerpt:

I bend down to kiss her and get control of myself. I start kissing her neck and chest down to her nipples. I can feel her get wetter. That will help ease some pain. As I suck her nipple in my mouth and sink my teeth down lightly, I feel her buck her hips up and she takes a little more of me inside her. I lean down and tell her, “That’s it, pretty girl. Relax and enjoy. I promise you when you are too sore from me making you mine for the next few days, I will still lick, kiss, and suck every inch of your body. I will make you scream my name so loud the walls will vibrate. You will come so much with me inside you, by my mouth, by my fingers, that you will forget your name.” I feel her moving her hips. Ah, my pretty girl likes my words. I keep telling her over and over how amazing she feels, what she does to my cock, how she feels around it, until I feel her falling into a rhythm. I reach in between us and as I bite down on her nipple again, I rub my thumb around her clit. I feel her tremor beneath me, then she convulses around me. I let go. As I am pouring into her I sigh “Belle".

About the author:

Leigh Ann Lunsford is stay at home mom turned author. She writes Romance/New Adult and loves her happily ever after in all books and movies. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs in Fleming Island, Florida. When she isn't writing or reading you can find her stuck in front of really bad reality shows or watching Sons of Anarchy. Leigh Ann has a filthy mouth and a huge amount of sarcasm that knows no end. She hopes to give the voices in her head an outlet with many more novels to come.

Social Media/Email:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/la.lunsfordauthor

Email: lalunsfordauthor@gmail.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382702.Leigh_Ann_Lunsford

BUY LINKS:

http://www.amazon.com/Enough-Parker-Siblings-Leigh-Lunsford-ebook/dp/B00HFAH3NK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387477441&sr=8-1&keywords=Not+Enough+%28Parker+Siblings%29

http://www.amazon.com/Not-Enough-Parker-Siblings-Volume/dp/1494385783/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387468838&sr=8-1&keywords=leigh+ann+lunsford

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enough-Parker-Siblings-Leigh-Lunsford-ebook/dp/B00HFAH3NK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387480891&sr=8-2&keywords=not+enough+leigh+ann+lunsford

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Enough-1-Parker-Siblings/dp/1494385783/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387480891&sr=8-1&keywords=not+enough+leigh+ann+lunsford

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

A Tragic Wreck

Book Title: A Tragic Wreck Author: T.K. Leigh Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: February 4, 2013 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

How can you continue living when you’re living a lie? How can you convince your body to stop feeling, your soul to stop caring, and your heart to stop beating? Haunted by her past, Olivia Adler flees Boston for a beach in Florida, leaving everyone behind, trying to shut the world out. Remaining a relative recluse in her self-imposed prison, she tries to turn everything off, wanting to feel nothing. But a new acquaintance won’t let that happen. After being away from Alexander for a month, his voice constantly ringing in her head, reminding her that her inability to confront her demons will not only destroy her, but also him, can she really be expected to want to feel again when it brings nothing but pain? Back in Boston, everywhere he turns, Alexander Burnham is reminded of Olivia… His Olivia… He tries to dull the ache left in his heart the only way he knows how… in the bed of a beautiful woman. But Alexander isn’t about to lose his Olivia. After a clue comes to light regarding Olivia’s whereabouts, can he convince her to return to Boston with him? When a force that has laid dormant for months resurfaces, can Alexander still protect her from the unknown danger? And when Alexander comes face to face with a shadow of both his and Olivia’s past, will he be able to tell her the secret that is threatening to tear them apart? A Tragic Wreck is the continuation of T.K. Leigh’s heart-breaking Beautiful Mess series.

“Well, then, what do you want from me, Olivia?” he asked loudly, watching her walk away. She spun around abruptly and searched his eyes. “I don’t want you to always feel like you have to come and help me, Alex,” she whimpered, her throat beginning to close up again, thinking about the man who was no longer hers. “I just want you to stand by my side while I try to help myself.” Her eyes narrowed, staring at him as he remained silent on the busy Boston street. “Do you think you can do that?” She looked at him as snow continued to blanket the sidewalk, desperately wanting him to say that yes, he could do that. That he would stand by her side. That he would forget all about her running out on him. And that he would do anything he could to make sure she never did the same thing again. But instead, Alexander just stood there and stared, not saying anything. Several moments passed, the silence deafening. “That’s what I thought.” Her eyes fell as she turned and continued to walk, shivering from the snow and the last shattered pieces of her heart being stomped on. Alexander tried to open his mouth to say something. Anything. Tell her to wait. Stop. He made a mistake. But nothing came out. He knew he had just let the only woman he would ever truly love walk out of his life. And he did nothing. He watched his entire world fall apart and he didn't do anything to stop it. All of a sudden, he felt more lonely than he had ever felt in all his thirty years.

T. K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a producer / attorney by trade. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). She always had a knack for writing, but mostly in the legal field. It wasn’t until recently that she decided to try her hand at creative writing and is now addicted to creating different characters and new and unique story lines in the Contemporary Romantic Suspense genre. When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS AUTHOR

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The Alexandra Drake Series Limited Edition Set by Sarah Elizabeth Ashley
Freeing Alex and Loving Alex bundled together and with special event price!!

Buy links for the special edition:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Alexandra-Drake-Series-Parts-ebook/dp/B00H9K2HVO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387044611&sr=8-1&keywords=B00H9K2HVO

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Alexandra-Drake-Series-Parts-ebook/dp/B00H9K2HVO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387044693&sr=8-1&keywords=B00H9K2HVO

Freeing Alex:

Alexandra Drake, a lady in her early forties trapped in an abusive marriage to a controlling husband. Out of the blue she finds her life is transformed by the legacy left to her by her the woman she always thought of as 'aunt'. Now, having the capital and means to leave, the following months throw her into a maelstrom as she discovers who she really is and what allows her to escape from the 22 years of hell that she endured at the hands of Lewis, her husband.

Feeling totally insecure she embarks upon her "new life" in which she is protected and supported through the trauma of divorce and fear of her past by the incredibly sexy James, a younger man with 'movie star' looks who dotes on her completely. Despite the age difference the attraction appears mutual and James soon introduces her to everything that a loving, complete and totally fulfilled relationship should be - including things that naive Alex could only have dreamed of, let alone experienced! But, can she survive and emerge a stronger, totally fulfilled and happy lady?

Freeing Alex is an emotive story of a woman's determination and strength to move on and become free.

Excerpt:

I look at the chair in front of his desk, it looks well used. Glancing around his office, I wonder where he and that girl— Alex, stop it! I reprimand myself before collapsing into the leather, aware that I now have Action Man behind me and a movie star in front of me. Holy shit, Maggie worked with these two, no wonder she never came home. I mean, who in their right mind would leave this pair for a quiet little village in Staffordshire where nothing ever happens and the highlight of the year was Mrs. Watson’s garden party! I struggle to get my breath back without making too much of a fuss. My mind’s whizzing at a hundred miles an hour, two fit blokes and me! Wow! Alex, keep your thoughts to yourself and your mouth zipped, no loose lips in here. Oh Lord above – take me now! Either one of you – both of you!

Loving Alex Book 2:

A story of unequaled devotion, unconditional love, raw passion and new beginnings.
Having learned who she is and believing that freedom from her abusive husband is in sight, Alex continues to build a new life for herself in London. The support she receives from the incredibly sexy James appears unending as he dotes on her completely and introduces her to yet more encounters that Alex could only begin to imagine possible

But, will her past allow her to start again? Lewis, the monster of a husband refuses to let go, the temptation of her huge inheritance appearing too much of a draw for his evil nature to pass by. Will be ever let go? Will his secrets be revealed by a most unlikely source? Who else can meddle with Alex’s efforts to move on from her past and begin her new in peace with James?

Alex’s uphill battle continues and reveals more twists and turns whilst she becomes stronger on each step of her journey towards a life full of love and devotion

Will her troubled past finally let go? Will she find the peace and love that she so desperately craves?

Excerpt:

Once the door's locked he pulls me close and holds on to me tightly. He plants his firm soft lips on mine kissing me deeply, his tongue lapping at my bottom lip, prying my lips apart. I throw my arms around his neck banging my elbows against the walls of the cubicle and sending a bottle of hand soap flying. His hands drop towards the waistband of my jeans and he undoes the top button quickly, deftly. he reaches for the tab of my zipper and pulls it down, all the time his mouth upon mine, my jaw and my neck. His hands slide into my jeans and he eases them down over my bum, I wriggle out of the denim, kicking my shoes off and pushing the legs of my jeans over each foot with the other. He undoes his own jeans and I help push them as far as his knees, I shove his boxers down as his huge cock springs free straight at me. I laugh, " I thought the mile-high club was a myth?" "Well, we're going to be a part of it!" He mumbles as he lifts me up and places my arse on the edge of the sink,"You're going to have to hold on baby, I don't want you to fall."

Eternally Alex.. coming 2014

About Sarah:

Sarah Elizabeth Ashley is a first time British writer born and raised in the county of Staffordshire, UK where she still lives.

Forbidden to write under her 'real' name by her children she says that as a child she never had any problems in thinking up stories for creative writing classes and has always had ideas for different projects. As an wife and mother time has always been the main barrier to any potential writing.

As the children have grown she finally found the time and quite literally let the words flow as her first novel, Freeing Alex was created, the characters coming to life on her laptop. The former tutor describes herself as a true Piscean with an over-active imagination and says that her family did not take her writing seriously, telling her frequently that they thought it was a "five minute wonder", she says they were all very surprised when she announced that Freeing Alex was now at 80,000 words!

Upon completion of Freeing Alex, the first book in the Alexandra Drake Series, she says it was to be binned. Motivated by her husband and family she finally plucked up heaps of courage and took the plunge in August 2013 via Kindle Direct Publishing.

Sarah says there have been "high highs and very low lows," along the journey so far, which is "surreal to say the least." But is so grateful for the support of family, Aconi's Angels (proof readers and beta readers) and of course the bloggers who all do an amazing job.

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Finding Home

Can two broken people help each other learn to love again and find their way home? For Samantha Cole, love and relationships have never come easy. Pain and heartbreak have forced her to build a wall around herself. Hoping to start over, Sam leaves Boston behind and moves to Napa with her best friend. Trying to make better choices in love, Sam establishes rules to keep her heart safe. Little does she know that one man will challenge her and change her mind. He has the potential to break down her walls and bring her heart back home. Ben Foster has been dealing with heartache and guilt for the past two years, believing he lost his only chance at love. Pounding guys on the Rugby field and running the family winery get him through the pain. When Sam arrives the fog over his life slowly lifts. He wonders if she is the one who can help his heart find a new way home. Letting go of the past and moving forward is not always easy. Their connection is strong, but their pasts keep getting in the way. Will Sam and Ben's journey tear them apart or help them find a place to call home?

Looking up into her moist eyes I pull her close to me. Our arms hug each other with a fierceness that’s getting rid of every loose fragment of damage. We’re expelling each and every bad memory and all the shit that’s fucked us up. “I don’t want to let you go. Can we stay like this for a little while longer?” Her head nods on my shoulder as she sinks deeper into our embrace.

“You feel incredible in my arms. I never thought much about guardian angels, but I think you’ve been sent just for me. Your arms wrapping around me make everything go away.”

Sam’s arms grip me with even more vigor. I feel her breath and lips tickle my ear as she turns her head into the crook of my neck. Feather light kisses touch my neck and earlobe as she whispers; “You’re wrong Ben; you’re my angel. You make me believe that love can exist.” Her head pulls back but her arms stay firmly in place. “Your voice brought light into my life when all I could see was darkness. When I’m all alone, it’s your voice that I hear when I drift off to sleep at night.”

I turn and press my lips onto hers tenderly and hold them there for several seconds before breaking away. We stay holding each other well into the night. Finally, her breaths change and I realize she’s fallen asleep on my shoulder. I gently shift her body close and place one arm underneath her legs to pick her up. She stirs slightly and turns her head into the curve of my neck and inhales deeply. “Mmm, you smell so good.”

I hold her against me as I chuckle, “Oh yeah? It’s a combination of sweat, wine, and you.”

Sighing she lifts her head with her eyes still closed. “How is it you know to say the exact thing a woman likes to hear?”

“I don’t know about that. I guess you bring it out of me.”

We get into the truck, and I buckle her up. I fight off the images of the accident and instead focus on Sam. I listen to her steady breaths and watch her sleep. She hypnotizes me. I’m captivated by her heart, beauty and soul. Her capacity to let me in is remarkable and humbling especially when I don’t think I deserve it. Home has to feel a lot like this because I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I'm a wife, mother, teacher, and now author. Aine Kelley is my pen name for when I take off my 'super mom' cloak and write. I'm a Massachusetts native who resides in a small seaside community outside of Boston. Besides my immense love for my hubby and two girls, I'm a huge lover of the Patriots and Red Sox! I'm a one click addict and love getting lost in a great story. I can be wooed or bought, depending the situation, with wine and chocolate. Like Samantha in my book, I'm a huge 80's movie lover and a music freak! My love of books, beta reading for authors and reviewing for a blog, led me down the writing path. My motto is: Live freely, laugh heartily and love deeply.

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