 Summer has so many wonderful memories for me. With Amherst, Ohio being such a small town, we often knew everyone. My very first crush was a boy that I grew up with. Literally, there are photos of him and I in diapers in a sandbox. One particular summer memory is what I want to share.  Getting around at fourteen meant by bike. I already had been "going out" with TJ. He was such a sweetie. Kind hearted and good looking with blonde hair and dark chocolate eyes. One night, I was spending the night at a girlfriend's house for her birthday party. Michelle had approximately 7 girls over. Many like me were ones she went to school with but one girl was a friend from gymnastics. We hopped on our bikes and rode around town. Funny how we happened to run into TJ. His charm had won my heart but also that night the heart of the girl from Michelle's party. <grrrrr>. She didn't understand that he and I were an item, nor did she care. Michelle and I devised a horrible plan for when that girl slept that night. We took her bra off, got it wet and put it in the freezer.  I couldn't believe how far I would go to keep a guy. Funny thing...TJ and I did break up about a year later. He didn't like that I wouldn't put out. So please leave a comment below about one of the silliest things you did to win or keep your love. One random commenter will win a $5 gift card to Amazon or B&N. Good Luck! Each site on the list is giving away one prize. In addition, Rebel Ink is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite and author swag pack. |
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Author Blurb:
Sasha is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.
Sasha is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.
I love sharing new books with readers. Liz Crowe has quite a few different stories. Her Stewart Realty series won awards and is now available in Audible, if you want to have it read to you! This new series is about Jack Gordon's expansion soccer team in Detroit. He's the brains behind these amazing men and women. Certainly a must read for Liz fans but also such wonderful tales in themselves they will be sure to capture a ton of interest!
Man On
by Liz Crowe
Man on is a sweet tale of love that can’t be denied. It doesn’t matter who the two people are who fall in love. Nicco Is an older famous soccer player who’s wife publically humiliated him before she divorced him. With nothing to lose, he comes to Detroit to play for a new expansion team funded by Jack Gordon from Liz Crowe’s wildly popular Stewart Realty Series. Nicco comes face to face with fresh faced Parker who is hiding his desires.
Misunderstandings ensue as these two men find a friendship and camaraderie as they work to bring the Black Jack’s team together. Both men must overcome demons in order to accept themselves and the love they’re offered.
Liz Crowe’s stories resonate with readers. The characters are real people with needs, flaws and desires. They could be your neighbor or yourself which draws the reader into the story. I loved Man On because of the dramatic storytelling of two people who while flawed, fall in love and learn to accept themselves. This new series is sure to be another hit!
by Liz Crowe
Man on is a sweet tale of love that can’t be denied. It doesn’t matter who the two people are who fall in love. Nicco Is an older famous soccer player who’s wife publically humiliated him before she divorced him. With nothing to lose, he comes to Detroit to play for a new expansion team funded by Jack Gordon from Liz Crowe’s wildly popular Stewart Realty Series. Nicco comes face to face with fresh faced Parker who is hiding his desires.
Misunderstandings ensue as these two men find a friendship and camaraderie as they work to bring the Black Jack’s team together. Both men must overcome demons in order to accept themselves and the love they’re offered.
Liz Crowe’s stories resonate with readers. The characters are real people with needs, flaws and desires. They could be your neighbor or yourself which draws the reader into the story. I loved Man On because of the dramatic storytelling of two people who while flawed, fall in love and learn to accept themselves. This new series is sure to be another hit!
Red Card
By Liz Crowe
Metin is a Turkish hot shot soccer player and paparazzi target. As the baby of a large family, he doesn’t understand the dynamics in the modern American Matthews family. When he comes into contact with them, relationships spark. Mr. Matthews withdrew into his work when he lost his wife to cancer, forcing his daughters to care for each other. Melanie was only 16 when her mom died and stepped into the mom role. Alicia was the tomboy, female soccer star. Her life was centered on making it big time in a sport that wasn’t accommodating to women.
This story really pulled at me. It reminded me a lot of my own family dynamics, growing up with four younger sisters who weren’t afraid to speak their mind. At times I wanted to yell at each of the characters. This only goes to show how much I love them! I forgot for that brief moment that they were only fictional. Metin is a passionate man full of love. He lives his life on fast forward. Who wouldn’t love someone who cherished you as if you hung the moon. I loved his family and the other secondary characters almost as much as the primary ones.
There are so many nuances in this book. Different dynamics and stories. I don’t want to share them and spoil any surprises for you. I couldn’t put it down once I began and kept wondering how it fit into the series with what I knew. You won’t be disappointed in the depth of this story and the emotions it evokes for the reader. Another Liz Crowe read that will leave you thinking about the story long after the book is closed.
Check out Sizzlin' Books for more information:http://www.sizzlin-books.com/available-now/
By Liz Crowe
Metin is a Turkish hot shot soccer player and paparazzi target. As the baby of a large family, he doesn’t understand the dynamics in the modern American Matthews family. When he comes into contact with them, relationships spark. Mr. Matthews withdrew into his work when he lost his wife to cancer, forcing his daughters to care for each other. Melanie was only 16 when her mom died and stepped into the mom role. Alicia was the tomboy, female soccer star. Her life was centered on making it big time in a sport that wasn’t accommodating to women.
This story really pulled at me. It reminded me a lot of my own family dynamics, growing up with four younger sisters who weren’t afraid to speak their mind. At times I wanted to yell at each of the characters. This only goes to show how much I love them! I forgot for that brief moment that they were only fictional. Metin is a passionate man full of love. He lives his life on fast forward. Who wouldn’t love someone who cherished you as if you hung the moon. I loved his family and the other secondary characters almost as much as the primary ones.
There are so many nuances in this book. Different dynamics and stories. I don’t want to share them and spoil any surprises for you. I couldn’t put it down once I began and kept wondering how it fit into the series with what I knew. You won’t be disappointed in the depth of this story and the emotions it evokes for the reader. Another Liz Crowe read that will leave you thinking about the story long after the book is closed.
Check out Sizzlin' Books for more information:http://www.sizzlin-books.com/available-now/
Yes...I'm a Liz Crowe addict. The Stewart Realty series just got more amazing (if possible) with this release. <3
Escalation Clause
By Liz Crowe
Escalation Clause is book six in the wildly loved Stewart Realty Series. It is important to read the rest of the books before you read this one. While it is a great novel in itself, having the backstory really helps.
Escalation Clause fills the reader in on what happens to their favorite characters, Jack, Sara, and Rob while also giving us a deeper look at Jack’s sister Maureen and Sara’s parents. It also sets up the storyline for Liz’s new series- The Black Jack Gentlemen about the expansion soccer team Jack gets started in Detroit.
As a fan and reader of the Stewart Realty series, this book is a must read. I needed to know more about Rob and Lila after Essence of Time and learning about Maureen’s life provided me with a deeper understanding of the dynamics between her, Jack and Sara.
The best part of this book is the interaction between the characters. The women sit and discuss their relationships. The guys threaten and pick on each other. It’s just like real life. The characters fight, worry, make-up and love each other with passion…as family, friends and lovers. They are the type of people you wish you knew.
I highly recommend that readers who love stories about real people and books with passion, read Liz Crowe.
By Liz Crowe
Escalation Clause is book six in the wildly loved Stewart Realty Series. It is important to read the rest of the books before you read this one. While it is a great novel in itself, having the backstory really helps.
Escalation Clause fills the reader in on what happens to their favorite characters, Jack, Sara, and Rob while also giving us a deeper look at Jack’s sister Maureen and Sara’s parents. It also sets up the storyline for Liz’s new series- The Black Jack Gentlemen about the expansion soccer team Jack gets started in Detroit.
As a fan and reader of the Stewart Realty series, this book is a must read. I needed to know more about Rob and Lila after Essence of Time and learning about Maureen’s life provided me with a deeper understanding of the dynamics between her, Jack and Sara.
The best part of this book is the interaction between the characters. The women sit and discuss their relationships. The guys threaten and pick on each other. It’s just like real life. The characters fight, worry, make-up and love each other with passion…as family, friends and lovers. They are the type of people you wish you knew.
I highly recommend that readers who love stories about real people and books with passion, read Liz Crowe.
Hubby will tell you that this book gave me way too many ideas! :) I love to share books I've read with readers. All the opinions are my own. This was my first book by Joey W. Hill but not my last!
Behind the Mask
by Joey W. Hill, Lacey Alexander, and Elizabeth Lapthorne
This anthology by three amazing authors will satisfy all your desires. The three stories each feature a mask which provide mystery and romance to the women who are learning their own power.
Joey Hill’s Board Resolution is sizzling with an ice queen business woman who has met her match in her business partner and his flunkies. The passion grows with each exploration of her weaknesses.
Mardi Gras by Lacey Alexander shares a woman who has always had a crush on her brother’s friend. Too bad he never saw her as she really was until a night with a mask enlightens him. When the blinders come off the desire explodes.
Elizabeth Lapthorne’s Hidden Desires tells the tale of a magical mask that finds a person’s perfect match. At a party, Lily’s fantasy comes true with a highwayman, but when he turns out to be someone she knows, she doubts herself. It’s up to him and the mask to convince her.
There is something for everyone in this anthology. Bondage, multiple partners, hidden identities and of course, amazing sex abounds. The stories will heighten your own passion and sweep you away with each story.
Pick this book up today!!
by Joey W. Hill, Lacey Alexander, and Elizabeth Lapthorne
This anthology by three amazing authors will satisfy all your desires. The three stories each feature a mask which provide mystery and romance to the women who are learning their own power.
Joey Hill’s Board Resolution is sizzling with an ice queen business woman who has met her match in her business partner and his flunkies. The passion grows with each exploration of her weaknesses.
Mardi Gras by Lacey Alexander shares a woman who has always had a crush on her brother’s friend. Too bad he never saw her as she really was until a night with a mask enlightens him. When the blinders come off the desire explodes.
Elizabeth Lapthorne’s Hidden Desires tells the tale of a magical mask that finds a person’s perfect match. At a party, Lily’s fantasy comes true with a highwayman, but when he turns out to be someone she knows, she doubts herself. It’s up to him and the mask to convince her.
There is something for everyone in this anthology. Bondage, multiple partners, hidden identities and of course, amazing sex abounds. The stories will heighten your own passion and sweep you away with each story.
Pick this book up today!!
Thank you to all the people who stopped by to leave a comment for Ella's Birthday Blog Hop. The winner at my site is: BookLady .
They won an ebook copy of any of my books. I've contacted them by email and hope that everyone enjoyed the hop.
The big winner of the $100 gift card is Book Attict from Kristabel Reed's blog. Congrats! Ella and the other participants will contact their own winners separately. All the best!
They won an ebook copy of any of my books. I've contacted them by email and hope that everyone enjoyed the hop.
The big winner of the $100 gift card is Book Attict from Kristabel Reed's blog. Congrats! Ella and the other participants will contact their own winners separately. All the best!
I'm very excited to share this romantic suspense book from Entangled Publishing. I love their covers and the book just sounds amazing. Misty is here to share 10 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know about...Fargo! Don't forget to enter the giveaway! Take it away Misty!
10 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know about...Fargo!
By Misty Dietz
A big thanks to Melissa for having me as a guest today!
When I was thinking about what to write on a blog called “Sexy Under the Covers” my mind went all over the place, but I kept coming back to “Facts about Fargo.” Dude, why? Because my debut COME HELL OR HIGH DESIRE is set here and so many people have stereotypes about North Dakota. And while many of them true…Fargo is surprisingly a very hip—dare I say, sexy—place to live!
Fargo...the name alone probably conjures thoughts of wicked winters or wood chippers (for those of you who’ve seen the 1996 movie named for our city, which by the way I hated! LOL). The movie wasn’t even freakin’ filmed in Fargo, but the stories about our winters are spot on. Most of them anyway. We say it builds character.
Or…something.
But really, do you wonder why we stay? What? Every day, you say? Well then, it’s your lucky day!! :)
My answer could turn into a master’s thesis, but the short answer is this: fantastic education, accessible and cutting edge medical facilities, low crime, year round outdoor recreation, loads of entertainment opportunities (I’m taking my daughter to a Taylor Swift concert next month, whoop!), J-O-B-S (see below), and especially, the people.
I swear I’m not getting kickbacks from the ND Tourism Board, but I thought it would be fun to share a few Fargo facts, so here goes:
1. Fargo hosts an annual marathon in May. This past year’s included 24,000 runners from around the world. It’s awesome and oh-so-inspiring. I was a screaming spectator.
2. We’re home to one of Microsoft’s largest campuses in the world. The latest number I’ve seen is 1,800 workers with a long-term plan that calls for 2,700 people to work at the Fargo campus.
3. Our NDSU Bison Football team is the current back-to-back defending NCAA Division I-FCS national champions. In non-jock-speak that means they’ve kicked ass for two years in the highest level of intercollegiate football.
4. Most of us don’t talk like they do in the Cohen Brothers’ movie. But some of us do. Yah, you betcha!
5. Fargo has had a US Navy ship named after it: the USS Fargo.
6. Fargo’s April unemployment rate was 3.7%. The state’s May unemployment rate was 2.8 percent. We have jobs (and oil...a frakking LOT of oil. Like more oil than Saudi Arabia), and our borders are open, people!
7. Fargo has two sister cities: Hamar, Norway, and Vimmerby, Sweden. As you might imagine, we have a lot of blondes in town. Our ethnic diversity is now rapidly expanding, though. :)
8. Every spring the great Red River of the North floods like a boss. We have 500 year floods every few years, but we don’t get too worked up about it. We pull together, make a million sandbags, move tons of dirt to make earthen levees, and when the water recedes, we carry on.
9. The Red River is one of only a few rivers in the world that flows north.
10. Fargo is in what’s called the Red River Valley which resulted from the withdrawal of glacial Lake Agassiz, which drained away about 9,300 years ago. This means we live on the bottom of an old lake bed. The lake sediments deposited made the soil around Fargo some of the richest in the world. That means our dirt is BLACK. Food grown in our quiet fields feed millions and millions of people.
High five and chest bump if you’re still here, whoop! So here are my questions for you…what sexy about your town? And what fact surprised you most about Fargo?
At the end of my blog tour we’ll be drawing the name of two commenters from all of the blogs to gift not one, but two fantastic prize winners. See below for details, and thanks for being here! xo, misty ;)
10 Things You Never Knew You Wanted to Know about...Fargo!
By Misty Dietz
A big thanks to Melissa for having me as a guest today!
When I was thinking about what to write on a blog called “Sexy Under the Covers” my mind went all over the place, but I kept coming back to “Facts about Fargo.” Dude, why? Because my debut COME HELL OR HIGH DESIRE is set here and so many people have stereotypes about North Dakota. And while many of them true…Fargo is surprisingly a very hip—dare I say, sexy—place to live!
Fargo...the name alone probably conjures thoughts of wicked winters or wood chippers (for those of you who’ve seen the 1996 movie named for our city, which by the way I hated! LOL). The movie wasn’t even freakin’ filmed in Fargo, but the stories about our winters are spot on. Most of them anyway. We say it builds character.
Or…something.
But really, do you wonder why we stay? What? Every day, you say? Well then, it’s your lucky day!! :)
My answer could turn into a master’s thesis, but the short answer is this: fantastic education, accessible and cutting edge medical facilities, low crime, year round outdoor recreation, loads of entertainment opportunities (I’m taking my daughter to a Taylor Swift concert next month, whoop!), J-O-B-S (see below), and especially, the people.
I swear I’m not getting kickbacks from the ND Tourism Board, but I thought it would be fun to share a few Fargo facts, so here goes:
1. Fargo hosts an annual marathon in May. This past year’s included 24,000 runners from around the world. It’s awesome and oh-so-inspiring. I was a screaming spectator.
2. We’re home to one of Microsoft’s largest campuses in the world. The latest number I’ve seen is 1,800 workers with a long-term plan that calls for 2,700 people to work at the Fargo campus.
3. Our NDSU Bison Football team is the current back-to-back defending NCAA Division I-FCS national champions. In non-jock-speak that means they’ve kicked ass for two years in the highest level of intercollegiate football.
4. Most of us don’t talk like they do in the Cohen Brothers’ movie. But some of us do. Yah, you betcha!
5. Fargo has had a US Navy ship named after it: the USS Fargo.
6. Fargo’s April unemployment rate was 3.7%. The state’s May unemployment rate was 2.8 percent. We have jobs (and oil...a frakking LOT of oil. Like more oil than Saudi Arabia), and our borders are open, people!
7. Fargo has two sister cities: Hamar, Norway, and Vimmerby, Sweden. As you might imagine, we have a lot of blondes in town. Our ethnic diversity is now rapidly expanding, though. :)
8. Every spring the great Red River of the North floods like a boss. We have 500 year floods every few years, but we don’t get too worked up about it. We pull together, make a million sandbags, move tons of dirt to make earthen levees, and when the water recedes, we carry on.
9. The Red River is one of only a few rivers in the world that flows north.
10. Fargo is in what’s called the Red River Valley which resulted from the withdrawal of glacial Lake Agassiz, which drained away about 9,300 years ago. This means we live on the bottom of an old lake bed. The lake sediments deposited made the soil around Fargo some of the richest in the world. That means our dirt is BLACK. Food grown in our quiet fields feed millions and millions of people.
High five and chest bump if you’re still here, whoop! So here are my questions for you…what sexy about your town? And what fact surprised you most about Fargo?
At the end of my blog tour we’ll be drawing the name of two commenters from all of the blogs to gift not one, but two fantastic prize winners. See below for details, and thanks for being here! xo, misty ;)
Torn between dangerous desires…
Framed for a series of brutal murders, rebel-turned-CEO Zack Goldman must go to ground. When he discovers that sexy boutique owner Sloane Swift has a shocking gift—terrifying visions that connect her to his mentor’s missing daughter—he can’t believe her refusal to help him. Nor can he believe he’s actually falling for the frustrating woman.
Their chemistry will either find its perfect equation…
Helping an accused killer ranks low on Sloane’s to-do list, no matter how hot the attraction burns between them. But putting to rest her overwhelming guilt over the missing girl’s fate proves more difficult than she ever imagined…that is, until her heart and conscience begin to align.
…or detonate everything in its path.
As the real killer locks in on Sloane, Zack will stop at nothing to keep her safe. And as they earn each other’s trust—with danger in hot pursuit—they may just lose their hearts in the process…
The ExcerptHer fingernails suddenly raked at her skull. “Lord! I almost forgot. We have to go back to Ann’s. She has a diary!”
He swerved into an empty parking lot and swiveled to face her, blood pounding in his ears. “What are you talking about?”
“Ann keeps a diary. We have to find it.”
“You’re just telling me this now? You should have goddamn said something right away!”
“Don’t you dare curse at me like that, you seismic jackass!”
He had to get out. He flung the truck door open and strode onto the cracked asphalt. Her door slammed shut moments later, and within seconds she was wagging a finger in his face. “And don’t you walk away from me, either!”
“Then don’t be such a damn shrew.”
Color flooded over her cheekbones seconds before she punched him in the gut. Hard. An ancient fire lit up his nerve circuits and adrenaline had him widening his stance. His heart gunned.
His groin tightened.
And she was still shrill.
“I’m not a shrew! How am I supposed to act in a situation like this? You think I’m enjoying this? I hate it! But unfortunately I have a conscience which would haunt me for the rest of my life if I don’t follow this through until we have some answers. You came to me and wanted to rule out the church first. Then with everything that happened, I forgot about the diary until right now. That clear enough for you, you—”
Clear enough, honey.
He vised her head between his palms and kissed her. He hadn’t meant to, but the moment her mouth opened to his, he was lost. Not breaking contact with her mouth, he wrapped one arm around her, his hand splaying across her ass, locking her hips against him. Her hands were in his hair, her hips grinding, driving him crazy. They feasted on each other’s mouth, tongues dueling, daring, seeking. He felt her fingers between their bodies, slipping underneath the waistband of his jeans, pulling at the hem of his shirt. Her fingernail scraped his abs and he groaned. She leaned away from his mouth, her eyes dead sexy. Liquid brown. He was gonna--
A car horn blew, jerking him back to life. Back to the parking lot. He looked over to see a man in a black minivan at a stoplight giving them the thumbs up. He honked twice more, waved, and drove on.
Sloane burst into a fit of laughter that quickly dissolved into tears.
And that clinched it. He’d woken up this morning in some creepy-assed Twilight Zone.
Framed for a series of brutal murders, rebel-turned-CEO Zack Goldman must go to ground. When he discovers that sexy boutique owner Sloane Swift has a shocking gift—terrifying visions that connect her to his mentor’s missing daughter—he can’t believe her refusal to help him. Nor can he believe he’s actually falling for the frustrating woman.
Their chemistry will either find its perfect equation…
Helping an accused killer ranks low on Sloane’s to-do list, no matter how hot the attraction burns between them. But putting to rest her overwhelming guilt over the missing girl’s fate proves more difficult than she ever imagined…that is, until her heart and conscience begin to align.
…or detonate everything in its path.
As the real killer locks in on Sloane, Zack will stop at nothing to keep her safe. And as they earn each other’s trust—with danger in hot pursuit—they may just lose their hearts in the process…
The ExcerptHer fingernails suddenly raked at her skull. “Lord! I almost forgot. We have to go back to Ann’s. She has a diary!”
He swerved into an empty parking lot and swiveled to face her, blood pounding in his ears. “What are you talking about?”
“Ann keeps a diary. We have to find it.”
“You’re just telling me this now? You should have goddamn said something right away!”
“Don’t you dare curse at me like that, you seismic jackass!”
He had to get out. He flung the truck door open and strode onto the cracked asphalt. Her door slammed shut moments later, and within seconds she was wagging a finger in his face. “And don’t you walk away from me, either!”
“Then don’t be such a damn shrew.”
Color flooded over her cheekbones seconds before she punched him in the gut. Hard. An ancient fire lit up his nerve circuits and adrenaline had him widening his stance. His heart gunned.
His groin tightened.
And she was still shrill.
“I’m not a shrew! How am I supposed to act in a situation like this? You think I’m enjoying this? I hate it! But unfortunately I have a conscience which would haunt me for the rest of my life if I don’t follow this through until we have some answers. You came to me and wanted to rule out the church first. Then with everything that happened, I forgot about the diary until right now. That clear enough for you, you—”
Clear enough, honey.
He vised her head between his palms and kissed her. He hadn’t meant to, but the moment her mouth opened to his, he was lost. Not breaking contact with her mouth, he wrapped one arm around her, his hand splaying across her ass, locking her hips against him. Her hands were in his hair, her hips grinding, driving him crazy. They feasted on each other’s mouth, tongues dueling, daring, seeking. He felt her fingers between their bodies, slipping underneath the waistband of his jeans, pulling at the hem of his shirt. Her fingernail scraped his abs and he groaned. She leaned away from his mouth, her eyes dead sexy. Liquid brown. He was gonna--
A car horn blew, jerking him back to life. Back to the parking lot. He looked over to see a man in a black minivan at a stoplight giving them the thumbs up. He honked twice more, waved, and drove on.
Sloane burst into a fit of laughter that quickly dissolved into tears.
And that clinched it. He’d woken up this morning in some creepy-assed Twilight Zone.
About Misty Dietz
Misty’s love affair with words started in middle school when she penned dark stories set in exotic locales she knew nothing about. In college, her boy-angst spilled over into disturbing reams of poetry. After grad school, real life hit, and the writing went into hibernation until she found her own happily-ever-after with an ultra linear man who is the long-suffering counter-balance to her zig-zagging tendencies. Now, she spends her days writing emotionally complex, adrenaline-fueled stories, teaching Zumba, and praying her children don’t come home with math homework.
Misty’s love affair with words started in middle school when she penned dark stories set in exotic locales she knew nothing about. In college, her boy-angst spilled over into disturbing reams of poetry. After grad school, real life hit, and the writing went into hibernation until she found her own happily-ever-after with an ultra linear man who is the long-suffering counter-balance to her zig-zagging tendencies. Now, she spends her days writing emotionally complex, adrenaline-fueled stories, teaching Zumba, and praying her children don’t come home with math homework.
Don't forget to enter!! Here's the swag pack!
Happy Birthday Ella! Birthdays are quite special . Each one of us is born under a zodiac sign. They supposedly tell us a little about ourselves. Do you believe in the zodiac? What does your sign say about you?
Leo
July 23 - August 22
Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. These folks are impossible to miss, since they love being center stage. Leos are an ambitious lot, and their strength of purpose allows them to accomplish a great deal. The fact that these folks are also creative makes their endeavors fun for them and everyone else. They are also supremely talented and have a flair for the dramatic. Warmth and enthusiasm seems to seep from every Leo pore, making these folks a pleasure to be around. They do love pleasure!
The element associated with Leo is Fire. Everything about the Lion's personality is hot, hot, hot. Those born under this sign are fearless and strong, which may be why Lions plunge in head first and let the chips fall where they may. The Lion's charms extend to all, even to the children they dearly love.
July 23 - August 22
Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. These folks are impossible to miss, since they love being center stage. Leos are an ambitious lot, and their strength of purpose allows them to accomplish a great deal. The fact that these folks are also creative makes their endeavors fun for them and everyone else. They are also supremely talented and have a flair for the dramatic. Warmth and enthusiasm seems to seep from every Leo pore, making these folks a pleasure to be around. They do love pleasure!
The element associated with Leo is Fire. Everything about the Lion's personality is hot, hot, hot. Those born under this sign are fearless and strong, which may be why Lions plunge in head first and let the chips fall where they may. The Lion's charms extend to all, even to the children they dearly love.
My birthday is Aug. 14th and I'm a Leo. I've always felt that there are a lot of the statements that fit me very well. However, there's one that doesn't fit me...outgoing and the center of attention. I'm really shy around people, although I can fake it well. Most people don't realize that I'm extremely anxious before going out with friends or heading out to a party.
Do you think your qualities fit with your horoscope? What's your sign? Do you believe in it? Leave a comment below for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Ella's Blog hop and an ebook copy of one of my books-your choice. The more times you comment on each blog in the hop, the better your chances for winning the $100 gift card! Here's the list... Best of luck!
Do you think your qualities fit with your horoscope? What's your sign? Do you believe in it? Leave a comment below for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Ella's Blog hop and an ebook copy of one of my books-your choice. The more times you comment on each blog in the hop, the better your chances for winning the $100 gift card! Here's the list... Best of luck!
Today is my seventh wedding anniversary. I've been very lucky to have been married to a wonderful man for the last seven years. He "gets" me, quirks and all! Supports me too! I couldn't ask for better.
That being said, our wedding day wasn't our date of choice.
He'd proposed one April in my living room as the children surrounded us. It wasn't just me getting married but a blending of two families. The ring he asked me with, was his grandparents wedding set. His grandparents were very special to him. He spoke often about them, remembrances of his visits with his grandmother at her home up in Clare or of the workshop his grandfather had. So we'd decided to honor them with the same date, September 18th. Of course as a teacher, I'd been required to be back in school before that date and my administrators didn't really feel it was a good idea for me to take time off in September right after school began.
That being said, our wedding day wasn't our date of choice.
He'd proposed one April in my living room as the children surrounded us. It wasn't just me getting married but a blending of two families. The ring he asked me with, was his grandparents wedding set. His grandparents were very special to him. He spoke often about them, remembrances of his visits with his grandmother at her home up in Clare or of the workshop his grandfather had. So we'd decided to honor them with the same date, September 18th. Of course as a teacher, I'd been required to be back in school before that date and my administrators didn't really feel it was a good idea for me to take time off in September right after school began.
I saw their side but felt hurt that we couldn't honor that day...when it came time for my first wedding anniversary, we did something special. We had a special band made to go with the wedding ring set. Now the engagement ring sat between the diamond band and a sapphire band to commemorate my husband's family. Each time I look at it, I think about how fortunate I am to have a husband who doesn't sweat the small stuff, like a date on a calendar...but shows me in the best way that he loves me.
I'd love to hear from you what customs you brought into your special day. Was it a date? The dress? A color? What did you do to make your day about more than just the two of you?
I'd love to hear from you what customs you brought into your special day. Was it a date? The dress? A color? What did you do to make your day about more than just the two of you?
I'm always happy to share new stories with you. This book has a hot cover and is certain to tantalize you!
Touched by L.M. David
Preston Ciora has ruled over the Western Vampyre clans for centuries, though not by his choice. He works the streets as a homicide detective by day. At night he dishes out justice within the vampyre community.
Nine hundred years since his sire and life-mate died, Preston remains emotionally scarred and alone.
A series of grisly murders rattles those under his protection and threatens to expose his ilk to the mortal world. All evidence points to a delusional vampyre who is in league with an ancient shape-shifter—who has an agenda of his own.
To make matters worse, a strange woman tells Preston he will find love in the arms of a fire-breathing hellion named Lindsey. Despite his efforts to defy the foretelling, Preston finds himself embroiled in a tense war to win her heart—a battle he is intent on losing
Excerpt:
My never-ending dream usually began this way…
His skin felt like electricity crawling over it like scattering ants. He clawed at malnourished flesh as if trying to shed body cover; he wears tattered, second-hand clothes and lives in a place suffused in shadow. He vacates a room, destroys whatever rests in his path. Voices whisper behind closed, locked doors when he moves along the hall. Those unlocked were latched … the click drawing his attention and infuriated him.
Outside, he slammed the door in his wake. The night fails to soothe his bitter nature but he lets the silence rule. Behind him, he perceived a sigh of relief from those still inside the house.
Someone thought: Perhaps something in the night will devour him…
Did they not know he heard their thoughts?
The pale, gnomish man trembles with bridled rage. Turning, he breaks, yells at the top of his lungs, “Rot in hell, all of you!”
The dream settled yet his bitter presence continued to smother me.
History, this vile creature thinks, has repeated itself—once revered for bestowing immortality’s kiss, his converts now plot to overthrow him. Insurrections bore him. And traitors deserved no mercy.
Come …
The man turned, stared at the night shadows. His head throbs, pain severe enough to drop him to his knees. He strikes himself about the temple in the hope it would offer relief.
It did not.
Who was he? He wondered. Julius. Yes, his name …
“Come …” the voice beckoned again, louder.
Lips drawn tight in a sneer, he crouched, prepared to fight.
“J…uliu…sss.” The voice surrounded him on a strong current of chilled air.
“Show yourself!” Julius screams at the night.
Hearing nothing, he stumbled across the uneven dirt surface aiming for a mountain range ahead. It took a while but he finally located what he sought—a crevice leading into the foothills. The passage is narrow but he maneuvered easily, the only sound is gravel crunching beneath his worn out shoes.
The path opened into a large cave, illuminated with a faint glow where no light should be. Something indistinct vacillated in a dark shadow—a willowy shape then emerged into the faint afterglow shrouded in a cloak; the garment hood pulled close exposing only a brown, knotty chin. “At last, we meet.” It greeted.
“Who, what are you?” Julius demanded in a low, taut growl.
“One who walked thousands of years before the Nazarene,” It answered—something under the cloak behind it twitched—“I am Thad…de…ussss.”
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords
About the Author:
L.M. David has been writing novels since Jr. High school. Originally drawn to the genre of Science Fiction, she developed a fascination with paranormal/urban fantasy/romance, attracted to the dark erotic world of vampires which sparked a deep interest with the folklore and legends.
L.M. is an avid reader and in her spare time builds computers, quilts and makes jewelry. She has worked as a legal assistant and now as an insurance medical biller and coder. Born in New Jersey, she relocated to California and now considers herself a Southern Californian.
Author Links: Site Facebook Twitter
Preston Ciora has ruled over the Western Vampyre clans for centuries, though not by his choice. He works the streets as a homicide detective by day. At night he dishes out justice within the vampyre community.
Nine hundred years since his sire and life-mate died, Preston remains emotionally scarred and alone.
A series of grisly murders rattles those under his protection and threatens to expose his ilk to the mortal world. All evidence points to a delusional vampyre who is in league with an ancient shape-shifter—who has an agenda of his own.
To make matters worse, a strange woman tells Preston he will find love in the arms of a fire-breathing hellion named Lindsey. Despite his efforts to defy the foretelling, Preston finds himself embroiled in a tense war to win her heart—a battle he is intent on losing
Excerpt:
My never-ending dream usually began this way…
His skin felt like electricity crawling over it like scattering ants. He clawed at malnourished flesh as if trying to shed body cover; he wears tattered, second-hand clothes and lives in a place suffused in shadow. He vacates a room, destroys whatever rests in his path. Voices whisper behind closed, locked doors when he moves along the hall. Those unlocked were latched … the click drawing his attention and infuriated him.
Outside, he slammed the door in his wake. The night fails to soothe his bitter nature but he lets the silence rule. Behind him, he perceived a sigh of relief from those still inside the house.
Someone thought: Perhaps something in the night will devour him…
Did they not know he heard their thoughts?
The pale, gnomish man trembles with bridled rage. Turning, he breaks, yells at the top of his lungs, “Rot in hell, all of you!”
The dream settled yet his bitter presence continued to smother me.
History, this vile creature thinks, has repeated itself—once revered for bestowing immortality’s kiss, his converts now plot to overthrow him. Insurrections bore him. And traitors deserved no mercy.
Come …
The man turned, stared at the night shadows. His head throbs, pain severe enough to drop him to his knees. He strikes himself about the temple in the hope it would offer relief.
It did not.
Who was he? He wondered. Julius. Yes, his name …
“Come …” the voice beckoned again, louder.
Lips drawn tight in a sneer, he crouched, prepared to fight.
“J…uliu…sss.” The voice surrounded him on a strong current of chilled air.
“Show yourself!” Julius screams at the night.
Hearing nothing, he stumbled across the uneven dirt surface aiming for a mountain range ahead. It took a while but he finally located what he sought—a crevice leading into the foothills. The passage is narrow but he maneuvered easily, the only sound is gravel crunching beneath his worn out shoes.
The path opened into a large cave, illuminated with a faint glow where no light should be. Something indistinct vacillated in a dark shadow—a willowy shape then emerged into the faint afterglow shrouded in a cloak; the garment hood pulled close exposing only a brown, knotty chin. “At last, we meet.” It greeted.
“Who, what are you?” Julius demanded in a low, taut growl.
“One who walked thousands of years before the Nazarene,” It answered—something under the cloak behind it twitched—“I am Thad…de…ussss.”
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords
About the Author:
L.M. David has been writing novels since Jr. High school. Originally drawn to the genre of Science Fiction, she developed a fascination with paranormal/urban fantasy/romance, attracted to the dark erotic world of vampires which sparked a deep interest with the folklore and legends.
L.M. is an avid reader and in her spare time builds computers, quilts and makes jewelry. She has worked as a legal assistant and now as an insurance medical biller and coder. Born in New Jersey, she relocated to California and now considers herself a Southern Californian.
Author Links: Site Facebook Twitter
I really enjoy sharing new books with you. Today I'm sharing a riveting tale of three friends. I don't know if I could give up my love or my friendship. What a tough choice. What about you?
The Cliff by Christie A.C. Gucker
Can a childhood pact affect the lives of three adults?
Love and betrayal surrounds the lives of lifelong friends Lanie Rhodes, Grant Bennett, and Dane Voight. Years ago, they made a pact to remain together as friends forever. The boys also made another secret pact that same day—to never vie for Lanie’s love.
Grant and Lanie have secretly been pining for one another since they were children.
Now grown up, they finally admit their feelings for each other and what ensues is a twisted tale of deception as Dane does everything he can to stop them.
The story weaves around this uneven love triangle. What will happen to the pact? Will friendships be destroyed? Will lovers emerge?
~~~~
Excerpt:
My phone beeped. I just stared at it. It was Samantha.
“Dane, Samantha is calling. I have to answer,” I said very nonchalantly.
“Fine. Hurry back.” Now he was getting annoyed with my blasé attitude.
“Hi Samantha.”
“Lanie, turn the news on, now!”
“Why? What the hell could possibly…”
“Turn it on!”
I turned on the news channel to breaking news and almost threw up. Plane crash, and it had departed from our airport, more details to come.
“Samantha! I have to go. I have to go call the airline.”
“What flight was he on? They haven’t said what airline or flight yet.”
“I’ll call you back. I switched lines. “Dane, get over here now. There’s been a plane crash. I need all of Grant’s flight info. Now. Get over here now!”
“I was panicking. I couldn’t breathe. I knew it. I’d known it all along. It wasn’t the client that was bothering me. It was the flight. I never should have let him leave.
“Lanie, Grant left hours ago. I’m sure it’s not his plane.”
“Dane, get your ass over here with everything you have. Don’t question me. Do it.” I hung up the phone. I unlocked the front door and headed to my office to check the Internet.
I started my computer and heard Dane coming running up the stairs.
“I have everything. Go to Eclipse Airline’s website.”
I got to the site and immediately saw the alert on their home page. My stomach knotted and I felt the color drain from my face. I started to hyperventilate.
“It’s his airline. It’s his. Oh my God, Dane. Oh my God.”
“Lanie, hold on. They’re the major airline out of our airport. There were lots of flights leaving today. I’m going to read you his flight info. Did they post a manifest yet?”
“No, just the flight number.”
“He was on flight 3” – Oh shit! Oh shit! I was starting to gag. I was holding my breath.
“4” – No, no, this can’t be happening…
“7” – I just stared at the screen. I thought I had died. My body went cold; I couldn’t move. My heart shattered into a thousand pieces. No sounds could escape my lips, because there was no air in my lungs. My eyes started to burn and I couldn’t focus on the screen anymore. I felt the room begin to spin. Even the sounds in the room became jumbled and disjointed.
“1” Dane was saying something. My brain had stopped processing everything. Did he just say one?
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords
~~~~
About the Author:
Christie A.C. Gucker lives in NJ with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. Being a mother is one of the greatest joys of her life. She has worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years as a degreed artist, but also works in the fine arts, especially stone sculpture and snapping photographs. Christie is also a singer and musician, and can be found singing on a few CDs.
After the death of her father, Christie searched for something to fill her desire to make a mark in this world. Her love of the arts and creativity allowed her to search for a new medium, which she found with a pen instead of a brush. Being an avid reader her whole life, and with her family cheering her on, she decided to take her shot and began writing.
Christie is fascinated by the supernatural and sharks, and studies both avidly. You’ll be sure to find something spooky lurking somewhere in her stories. Her greatest joy is sitting on a beach with her family
Author Links: Site Facebook Twitter
Can a childhood pact affect the lives of three adults?
Love and betrayal surrounds the lives of lifelong friends Lanie Rhodes, Grant Bennett, and Dane Voight. Years ago, they made a pact to remain together as friends forever. The boys also made another secret pact that same day—to never vie for Lanie’s love.
Grant and Lanie have secretly been pining for one another since they were children.
Now grown up, they finally admit their feelings for each other and what ensues is a twisted tale of deception as Dane does everything he can to stop them.
The story weaves around this uneven love triangle. What will happen to the pact? Will friendships be destroyed? Will lovers emerge?
~~~~
Excerpt:
My phone beeped. I just stared at it. It was Samantha.
“Dane, Samantha is calling. I have to answer,” I said very nonchalantly.
“Fine. Hurry back.” Now he was getting annoyed with my blasé attitude.
“Hi Samantha.”
“Lanie, turn the news on, now!”
“Why? What the hell could possibly…”
“Turn it on!”
I turned on the news channel to breaking news and almost threw up. Plane crash, and it had departed from our airport, more details to come.
“Samantha! I have to go. I have to go call the airline.”
“What flight was he on? They haven’t said what airline or flight yet.”
“I’ll call you back. I switched lines. “Dane, get over here now. There’s been a plane crash. I need all of Grant’s flight info. Now. Get over here now!”
“I was panicking. I couldn’t breathe. I knew it. I’d known it all along. It wasn’t the client that was bothering me. It was the flight. I never should have let him leave.
“Lanie, Grant left hours ago. I’m sure it’s not his plane.”
“Dane, get your ass over here with everything you have. Don’t question me. Do it.” I hung up the phone. I unlocked the front door and headed to my office to check the Internet.
I started my computer and heard Dane coming running up the stairs.
“I have everything. Go to Eclipse Airline’s website.”
I got to the site and immediately saw the alert on their home page. My stomach knotted and I felt the color drain from my face. I started to hyperventilate.
“It’s his airline. It’s his. Oh my God, Dane. Oh my God.”
“Lanie, hold on. They’re the major airline out of our airport. There were lots of flights leaving today. I’m going to read you his flight info. Did they post a manifest yet?”
“No, just the flight number.”
“He was on flight 3” – Oh shit! Oh shit! I was starting to gag. I was holding my breath.
“4” – No, no, this can’t be happening…
“7” – I just stared at the screen. I thought I had died. My body went cold; I couldn’t move. My heart shattered into a thousand pieces. No sounds could escape my lips, because there was no air in my lungs. My eyes started to burn and I couldn’t focus on the screen anymore. I felt the room begin to spin. Even the sounds in the room became jumbled and disjointed.
“1” Dane was saying something. My brain had stopped processing everything. Did he just say one?
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords
~~~~
About the Author:
Christie A.C. Gucker lives in NJ with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. Being a mother is one of the greatest joys of her life. She has worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years as a degreed artist, but also works in the fine arts, especially stone sculpture and snapping photographs. Christie is also a singer and musician, and can be found singing on a few CDs.
After the death of her father, Christie searched for something to fill her desire to make a mark in this world. Her love of the arts and creativity allowed her to search for a new medium, which she found with a pen instead of a brush. Being an avid reader her whole life, and with her family cheering her on, she decided to take her shot and began writing.
Christie is fascinated by the supernatural and sharks, and studies both avidly. You’ll be sure to find something spooky lurking somewhere in her stories. Her greatest joy is sitting on a beach with her family
Author Links: Site Facebook Twitter
I'm always happy to have a familiar face around my blog. Andrew P. Weston was with me at one of previous publishers and is a good friend. Such a wonderful person... This series is amazing. The guardians are all around us.
Guardian Angels by Andrew P. Weston
In a series of terrifying events, otherworldly beings intervene to save innocent lives. The world community reacts with relief as they realize that angels may in fact exist, and they are diligently protecting us.
But there are those who would seek to stop what they feel is a threat against their livelihoods. How far will some go to battle the Guardians? Is the fairy tale over before it even begins?
Guardian Angels is a powerful and compelling story about the catalyst that has the power to unite society in the hope for a better future. The spark of hope is fragile—can it last?
Excerpt:
Making his way across the muddy fields behind the house of the Drake residence, David Collins had to smile to himself in satisfaction.
Sure enough, while the family had beefed up security at the front of their home, he had been correct in his assumption that they wouldn’t bother much with the back.
The low wire mesh fencing separated the home from miles of open farmland bordered by statutory brambles, thorns, and thistles.
They obviously didn’t think anyone would try to get through. And they were right—who in their right mind would traipse through this muck?
David amused himself with the fact that he probably wasn’t in his right mind. The people he represented were not just anyone.
That’s why he couldn’t afford to mess about any longer. They would want results, and he was here to get them. Heavily shielded, a taser tucked snugly in one pocket and a dart gun in the other, he was determined to come away with answers.
No more Mr. Nice Guy, he thought.
Coming at last to the back fence, he looked around to ensure no one was in a position to see it bend under his weight.
He climbed over. A dirty plastic swing and a deflated plastic paddling pool in the back yard confirmed he was in the right place.
Other toys were littered around the poorly kept garden—a bike, a ball, some cars along with a few “Action Man” figures, all scattered and abandoned along the concrete path. The back door was conveniently ajar.
Perfect!
Removing both the dart gun and the taser from his pockets, he started along the path, quickening his pace as he drew nearer.
Burst in, stun them, read them and then out through the front door with my face covered until I’m out of camera shot, then I’m away, he thought.
A rear window was also open, and he could hear the mother shouting to the boy inside to shut up, as she was trying to listen to the BBC Broadcast. He thought he heard something about her wanting to hear what the Guardian was saying.
He was surprised. Oh, they turned up then?
However, that wasn’t as surprising as what happened next.
He was about three yards from the door when he suddenly heard a thrumming sound and found a glowing, golden blade of light held about two inches from his throat.
He froze, looking along and over the long blade at the startling woman who held it there, her magnetic grey eyes boring into his soul, a look of warning flashing in their depths.
At six feet tall, and with a physique that looked as if a goddess had somehow been poured into her black uniform and molded into liquid marble, David knew instantly who had figured him out. Shit!
He felt an invisible pressure hold him still.
A voice in his mind spoke. Hello, David, my name is Victoria. Do I have your attention?
His eyes darted about, flicking from the blade to her, then to the house before returning to the blade again.
The same voice spoke again. Don’t worry about the people in the house. They’re blissfully unaware of our presence and we’re nice and safe within your chameleon shield. I asked you a question, David. Do I have your attention?
“Err, yes!” he replied, too shocked to utter a full sentence.
He looked more closely into the face of his adversary. Her dark flowing hair was tied back, cascading over one of her shoulders. Strong features highlighted just how beautiful she was. But those intensely grey eyes terrified him; they burned with a barely restrained power that caused his teeth to ache.
Taking a deep breath, David repeated more fully, “You have my full and undivided attention, yes.”
He relaxed as the Guardian sheathed her plasma baton, and David found he could move again.
We believe you may represent a group of people who have made several uninvited approaches to our members recently in the vain attempt to offer positions of employment to them.
While every member of the Guardians is free to do as they wish, you should be aware that we are very loyal to the cause we serve, and none of us appreciate your attempts. While we don’t know your reasons, we feel they must be of a somewhat darker disposition than we would prefer. Otherwise, you would have openly made contact with us.
Make sure you tell those you serve that they would be foolish to confuse our restraint with weakness. Just because we choose to act with patience does not mean our patience is limitless, understood?
“Yes, I understand.”
I hope you do, because we do not expect to have to bump into you, or your people again under these circumstances. Understood?
“Yes.”
Oh, David, not to labor the point, but that includes circumstances like this one, yes?
“Yes, I understand clearly. I’ll make sure that’s passed along.”
Tell those you serve that this boy is protected. He is not only important to us, but to the whole world. If your people make another ill-advised attempt to gain access to him, not only will they regret it, but those making the attempt will never be in a position to harm anyone ever again. Am I making myself crystal clear?
“Yes, Ma’am”
Also, while I am fully capable of mind-reaming you where you stand and leaving your skull empty of information or coherence, I won’t. Instead I will extend to you and your people something you have failed to extend to us, simple courtesy.
It is clear you are all gifted in some way. The world needs people like you, now more than ever. Seriously think about the path you are on, because if you don’t, you will all face the consequences. Is that clear?
“Yes, very clear.”
And with that, David experienced a moment’s disorientation and found himself standing on the sidewalk next to his hired car more than a mile away.
Needless to say, he was on his phone and updating his superior within seconds, very glad to be away from that compelling woman who was so terrifyingly beautiful.
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords
About the Author:
Andrew P. Weston was born in the city of Birmingham, UK and grew up in the towns of Bearwood and Edgbaston, eventually attending Holly Lodge Grammar School for Boys where he was School Captain and Head Boy.
He was an active sportsperson and enjoyed rugby, martial arts, swimming, and was a member of athletics teams throughout the city.
On graduation in 1977, he joined the Royal Marines fulfilling a number of roles both in the UK and abroad.
In 1985, he became a police officer with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, and served in a variety of uniformed and plain clothed departments until his retirement in 2008.
Over those years, he wrote and illustrated a selection of private books for his children regarding the life of a tiny kitten, called The Adventures of Willy Whiskers and gained further qualifications in Law and Religious Studies. He was an active member of Mensa and continued to be an active sportsperson, providing lessons free of charge to local communities.
An unfortunate accident received on duty meant Andrew had to retire early from the police force, but after moving to the sunny Greek island of Kos to speed up his recuperation, he was at last able to devote time to the “Guardian Concept” he had developed over his years in the military and police.
When not writing, Andrew enjoys Greek dancing and language lessons, being told what to do by his wife, Annette, and hunting shadows in the dark.
Author Links: Website Facebook Twitter
In a series of terrifying events, otherworldly beings intervene to save innocent lives. The world community reacts with relief as they realize that angels may in fact exist, and they are diligently protecting us.
But there are those who would seek to stop what they feel is a threat against their livelihoods. How far will some go to battle the Guardians? Is the fairy tale over before it even begins?
Guardian Angels is a powerful and compelling story about the catalyst that has the power to unite society in the hope for a better future. The spark of hope is fragile—can it last?
Excerpt:
Making his way across the muddy fields behind the house of the Drake residence, David Collins had to smile to himself in satisfaction.
Sure enough, while the family had beefed up security at the front of their home, he had been correct in his assumption that they wouldn’t bother much with the back.
The low wire mesh fencing separated the home from miles of open farmland bordered by statutory brambles, thorns, and thistles.
They obviously didn’t think anyone would try to get through. And they were right—who in their right mind would traipse through this muck?
David amused himself with the fact that he probably wasn’t in his right mind. The people he represented were not just anyone.
That’s why he couldn’t afford to mess about any longer. They would want results, and he was here to get them. Heavily shielded, a taser tucked snugly in one pocket and a dart gun in the other, he was determined to come away with answers.
No more Mr. Nice Guy, he thought.
Coming at last to the back fence, he looked around to ensure no one was in a position to see it bend under his weight.
He climbed over. A dirty plastic swing and a deflated plastic paddling pool in the back yard confirmed he was in the right place.
Other toys were littered around the poorly kept garden—a bike, a ball, some cars along with a few “Action Man” figures, all scattered and abandoned along the concrete path. The back door was conveniently ajar.
Perfect!
Removing both the dart gun and the taser from his pockets, he started along the path, quickening his pace as he drew nearer.
Burst in, stun them, read them and then out through the front door with my face covered until I’m out of camera shot, then I’m away, he thought.
A rear window was also open, and he could hear the mother shouting to the boy inside to shut up, as she was trying to listen to the BBC Broadcast. He thought he heard something about her wanting to hear what the Guardian was saying.
He was surprised. Oh, they turned up then?
However, that wasn’t as surprising as what happened next.
He was about three yards from the door when he suddenly heard a thrumming sound and found a glowing, golden blade of light held about two inches from his throat.
He froze, looking along and over the long blade at the startling woman who held it there, her magnetic grey eyes boring into his soul, a look of warning flashing in their depths.
At six feet tall, and with a physique that looked as if a goddess had somehow been poured into her black uniform and molded into liquid marble, David knew instantly who had figured him out. Shit!
He felt an invisible pressure hold him still.
A voice in his mind spoke. Hello, David, my name is Victoria. Do I have your attention?
His eyes darted about, flicking from the blade to her, then to the house before returning to the blade again.
The same voice spoke again. Don’t worry about the people in the house. They’re blissfully unaware of our presence and we’re nice and safe within your chameleon shield. I asked you a question, David. Do I have your attention?
“Err, yes!” he replied, too shocked to utter a full sentence.
He looked more closely into the face of his adversary. Her dark flowing hair was tied back, cascading over one of her shoulders. Strong features highlighted just how beautiful she was. But those intensely grey eyes terrified him; they burned with a barely restrained power that caused his teeth to ache.
Taking a deep breath, David repeated more fully, “You have my full and undivided attention, yes.”
He relaxed as the Guardian sheathed her plasma baton, and David found he could move again.
We believe you may represent a group of people who have made several uninvited approaches to our members recently in the vain attempt to offer positions of employment to them.
While every member of the Guardians is free to do as they wish, you should be aware that we are very loyal to the cause we serve, and none of us appreciate your attempts. While we don’t know your reasons, we feel they must be of a somewhat darker disposition than we would prefer. Otherwise, you would have openly made contact with us.
Make sure you tell those you serve that they would be foolish to confuse our restraint with weakness. Just because we choose to act with patience does not mean our patience is limitless, understood?
“Yes, I understand.”
I hope you do, because we do not expect to have to bump into you, or your people again under these circumstances. Understood?
“Yes.”
Oh, David, not to labor the point, but that includes circumstances like this one, yes?
“Yes, I understand clearly. I’ll make sure that’s passed along.”
Tell those you serve that this boy is protected. He is not only important to us, but to the whole world. If your people make another ill-advised attempt to gain access to him, not only will they regret it, but those making the attempt will never be in a position to harm anyone ever again. Am I making myself crystal clear?
“Yes, Ma’am”
Also, while I am fully capable of mind-reaming you where you stand and leaving your skull empty of information or coherence, I won’t. Instead I will extend to you and your people something you have failed to extend to us, simple courtesy.
It is clear you are all gifted in some way. The world needs people like you, now more than ever. Seriously think about the path you are on, because if you don’t, you will all face the consequences. Is that clear?
“Yes, very clear.”
And with that, David experienced a moment’s disorientation and found himself standing on the sidewalk next to his hired car more than a mile away.
Needless to say, he was on his phone and updating his superior within seconds, very glad to be away from that compelling woman who was so terrifyingly beautiful.
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords
About the Author:
Andrew P. Weston was born in the city of Birmingham, UK and grew up in the towns of Bearwood and Edgbaston, eventually attending Holly Lodge Grammar School for Boys where he was School Captain and Head Boy.
He was an active sportsperson and enjoyed rugby, martial arts, swimming, and was a member of athletics teams throughout the city.
On graduation in 1977, he joined the Royal Marines fulfilling a number of roles both in the UK and abroad.
In 1985, he became a police officer with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, and served in a variety of uniformed and plain clothed departments until his retirement in 2008.
Over those years, he wrote and illustrated a selection of private books for his children regarding the life of a tiny kitten, called The Adventures of Willy Whiskers and gained further qualifications in Law and Religious Studies. He was an active member of Mensa and continued to be an active sportsperson, providing lessons free of charge to local communities.
An unfortunate accident received on duty meant Andrew had to retire early from the police force, but after moving to the sunny Greek island of Kos to speed up his recuperation, he was at last able to devote time to the “Guardian Concept” he had developed over his years in the military and police.
When not writing, Andrew enjoys Greek dancing and language lessons, being told what to do by his wife, Annette, and hunting shadows in the dark.
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Melissa Keir
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