Monday, November 24, 2014

Code Name: Luminous by Natasza Waters - Book Showcase at Janna Shay's


I’m very excited to showcase CODE NAME: LUMINOUS,  Book 4 in A Warriors Challenge Series by Natasza Waters.

"Another strap yourself in, bite your nails and fall in love again read from one of the most promising romantic suspense authors today!"
~TJ Mackay, Publisher, InD'tale Magazine

Please take a minute to read what Code Name: Luminous is about and also enjoy an excerpt from the novel. Then click on one of the links provided and obtain your own copy of this compelling new novel in the exciting A Warriors Challenge Series.

Code Name: Luminous

By Natasza Waters


Tony Bale must stop a deadly virus before it’s launched on the United States, and resist an undefeatable desire to take Lumin’s innocence. Mission success probability: slim.

Since their brief meeting, Lumin Edenridge can’t squelch her dreams of the handsome Navy SEAL who moved through her life like a shadow. By daylight he was gone, but the craving in his gaze left a mark. When she wakes up next to a dead scientist involving her in a terrorist plot, street smarts won’t help her survive. She needs Tony.

The stunning aerialist Tony left in Las Vegas lingers in his memory. A seven month deployment looms when he answers Lumin’s distress call. Defending her is his first priority. When terrorists turn her into a weapon, Lumin hides to protect him. His team name is Tinman, and he has twelve hours to rescue the woman who possesses his heart in “Code Name: Luminous”.

~~~Purchase Links~~~


Kobo  |  iBooks ARe  |  Smashwords


~~~Excerpt~~~

“What’s going on?” Tony asked. 

“I think I’m in big trouble. You need to tell me what to do.” The signal cut out, and her heart leaped into her throat. “Are you still there?” 

“I’m here, sweetheart, what kind of trouble?” he asked, his voice hardening. “Is it Quadero? Did he find out you helped us?” 

The adult voices in the background ceased.

“No, it’s not Quadero. Where are you?” 

“In Mexico. Nina and Mace just got married. Are you in Las Vegas?”

Lumin hooked her fingers in a strand of hair, tugging to replace her rampaging fear with pain. She hesitated.

“Don’t hang up,” Tony commanded as if sensing her misgivings. “You can tell me, Lumin. I can hear you’re scared. Whatever it is, you’re not alone, okay?” 

“Do you know what Yersinia Pestis is?” she blurted.
  
A deep rumble from Tony’s throat preceded his answer. “The Bubonic Plague.” 

“Yes. In the Middle Ages it was passed through contact, but imagine if it were engineered into an airborne virus and mutated every thirty-six hours. It would kill millions of people.” She licked her dry lips. “I think they’ve made one.” 

“The Bubonic Plague is a bacteria, and who is they, Lumin?”

“I—don’t know who they are, but I think they know who I am.” Her voice stuttered. “You must have contact with people who can look into this. I heard a name, Dr. Clifford Bjornson. That might lead you somewhere. I have to go.” 

"Wait! How do these people know you?” 

Lumin dropped the sheet and reached for her dress. She pulled it over her head. Squeezing the phone between her ear and shoulder, as she did up the buttons she said, “Because Dr. Bjornson’s partner is lying dead in my bed.”
 

~~~About the Author~~~

I grew up on the beautiful West Coast of British Columbia with the Pacific Ocean on my western doorstep, and thousands of acres of forest on the other. After finishing school, my life took a drastic twist, and a lifelong working relationship with the marine industry began.

After a twenty-year hiatus from my creative writing, the stories swirling in my mind began to swim hard to resurface, and I threw them a life ring. I juggle my creativity during my days off, and then get back down to business, working in Vancouver Harbour. My life is a mix of creativity vs. black and white procedures. With a lifetime of working in the marine community, there’s plenty of stories to tell. It’s a different world, different language, unsung heroes and heroines aplenty, heated moments, and blissful silence when all is well. Reading and writing is the way I turn down the loud hum that my work causes, and after thirty years of humming, it’s time to vent.

~~~Follow Natasza Waters~~~


~~~Books by Nastasza~~~






Tuesday, November 11, 2014

SIREN TAMER by Sofia St. Angeles - Book Showcase at Janna Shay's


I’m very excited to showcase Siren Tamer, the exciting new YA Paranormal by Sofia St. Angeles, which released October 28, 2014. Please take a minute to read what Siren Tamer is about and also enjoy an excerpt from the novel. I’m sure you’re going to want to obtain a copy of this excellent book from this new, up and coming author. 


Siren Tamer
Book One of the Siren Tamer Series

By Sofia St. Angeles


YA Paranormal


I’m a Siren Tamer and she’s my Siren. We’re a legendary matched set that only occurs once every thousand years. When we’re together we’re at peace, and can conquer the world—literally. Apart, I can’t stop thinking about her, and . . . she could accidentally kill herself.
  
Crazy, huh? Well, it gets even better.

We know nothing of our powers. The few people who do know, have kept it from us our entire lives. But now, they know I’ve heard The Whisperings, and they’re running into some issues. One: How do they tell us what we’re capable of? And two: How can they get my Siren to stop hating my guts?
  
~~~Purchase Link~~~



 
~~~Excerpt~~~

    “Are you sure he said he was coming today?”

     My best friend, Rowem, was still quite concerned I might have dreamed the whole thing.

     “Yes. And he said to have everyone ready.”

     “For what exactly?”

     I was pretty sure Rowem was just making fun of me now because he could. I had been a nervous wreck for the last two days. It still wasn’t clear to me what Nemmin was coming here for, and now I had all twenty-five leaders of the Band of Brothers gathered together for some unknown purpose. Try gathering a meeting during planting season with a big “I don’t know” for a reason. I used the only tactic I knew would work: food. And lots of it.

      “I already told you,” I sighed at Rowem. “Now take off, and try not to embarrass me.”

     He gave me a cross-eyed salute. “Yes, sir!”

     I threw a roll at his chest.

     The Band of Brothers was a group borne of necessity. Because of the sacrifice of our fathers, the patriarchal role had fallen to us, the eldest sons. It was incumbent upon us to protect our people, build our villages and city, and— to some degree— participate in the leadership and government of our lands. Responsibility for our people fell on us and we took it seriously.

     Just then, Nemmin’s Striker arrived, flanked by the Strikers of two other Kahlotah soldiers, who appeared to be our age. After dismounting, they came to stand in front of us as we fell into loose ranks. We’d gathered on our makeshift ball field south of the city plaza.

     Stepping forward, I tried not to show how intimidated I felt. “Welcome, Chief Captain Nemmin. This is my Band of Brothers. We are honored to have you here.” I extended my hand to the soldier standing on the right . He wore the bronze cuff of a captain, yet he was our age. He didn’t move an inch, if you didn’t count the narrowing of his eyes as he glanced from my outreached hand and back to the spot in space he’d been looking at. It was just a minute movement of the eyes but it spoke volumes.

     I knew some animosity had developed between some of the Kahlotah and us . They resented the fact that their armies had been used to protect the Anonlah , who had once been their enemies. Who could blame them? I didn’t. I’d never witnessed the rancor up close and personal, though.

     Drawing my hand back, I glanced over at Nemmin. His eyes seemed to apologize. I stepped back into the ranks. Nemmin stepped forward.

     “Greetings, gentlemen . I appreciate that you were able to assemble so quickly,” he said. “I acknowledge I didn’t leave Gideon with much information or time to arrange this meeting but, as you will come to know, secrecy was preferable in this case.” Nemmin circled our group with a keen assessing eye. “The reputation that precedes you is an impressive one. Great enough to have reached the recruiter of the king of the Kahlotah, and notable enough to supersede a waiting list of many qualified Kahlotah hopefuls.”

     We may all have been at attention, but the sound of the gears turning in our heads was nearly audible.

     “A situation has arisen that requires our great king to make an extended journey. Of course, he has the royal guard to accompany him, but, as you may know, the king has a daughter, Princess Aliya. Nothing is more precious to His Majesty than the princess is, as his wife and son have gone on to The Great Spirit. King Marxius has assigned me the task of finding an exceptional team of warriors to form a guard assigned to Princess Aliya in his absence. You will be that team.”

~~~About the Author~~~

Sofia St. Angeles is the debut author of Siren Tamer. She's a stiletto-wearin', pirouette-turnin', book-lovin' gal who loves to archetype people. Archetype people? Yeah. It's a new character tool she's developed. Okay. It's really her obsession. She's fascinated by what makes people and characters so great. Thus, she spends her spare time asking people all sorts of fun questions, really getting to know what makes them tick! In another life, she hopes to be a big-haired matchmaker somewhere in Texas. As of now, she lives with her hunky hubby in the land of vampires and werewolves.

~~~Follow Sofia St. Angeles~~~





Monday, November 3, 2014

Sarah Sunshine by Merry Farmer - Review and showcase at Janna Shay's


I’ve reviewed best selling author, Merry Farmer’s, historical romantic novella Sarah Sunshine and have provided my review along with details on this wonderful story. Look around, get to know this talented author, read an excerpt from her enjoyable book, and then hurry to one of the book sellers listed below to get your copy.
 

Sarah Sunshine

By Merry Farmer


Historical Romance




After five years working at the saloon, Sarah Withers is a free woman. The shame of her past is behind her and nothing but blue skies lie ahead. But when her plans to become a respectable woman collapse under the weight of old wounds and fresh battles, her worst fears seem realized. The joy of her life and light of her heart, Roy, couldn’t possibly love a fallen woman like her, could he?

Roy LaCroix’s future seems made. Delilah Reynolds has made him manager of her new hotel. The only thing he needs to fill his days with sunshine is Sarah. But dark clouds line the horizon when Sarah stumbles into a twenty-year-old feud as it breaks hearts in the present. Roy must stay true to himself and his love for Sarah to stop a bitter past from repeating itself before it’s too late.

~~~Purchase Links~~~


~~~Excerpt~~~

Sarah peeked in through the window, a rack of ready-made dresses catching her eye. She sighed with longing. Once she’d earned some money working for Miss Jones, she’d come back to the general store and buy some pretty clothes, like Mrs. West wore. Then everyone in Cold Springs would forget what she used to be. She’d fit in right and proper.

With a smile of promise, she turned and headed back to the saloon. It was still warm in spite of the chill in the air. November was only a few days old, and it had been an unseasonably warm autumn. Today was a perfect day for moving – moving out of the saloon and moving on with her life. She hopped up onto the saloon porch with joy in her heart.

The sound of sweeping from the old hotel, across the alley from the saloon, caught that joy and fluttered it all through her.

“Good morning, Roy.” She swayed to the end of the porch, cheeks flushing pink.

Roy LaCroix stopped mid-sweep and met her eyes across the alley. The hotel porch was several feet above where she stood, and looking up at him—tall and handsome and smart as a tack in his dark blue bellhop uniform—was like looking up at an angel. Especially when a smile lit his face from ear to ear.

“Good morning, Sarah.” He straightened to his full height and tipped his round bellhop hat to her, replacing it on his head at a rakish angle. “You’re looking awful pretty this morning.”

“Thanks.” She blushed and lowered her eyes, glancing up at him through her lashes.

Roy LaCroix was just about the nicest, sweetest man in all of Montana. He was built strong for a bellhop with arms that could hold a woman and make her feel right. He had the most dazzling brown eyes too, with long lashes and a sparkle that set her insides quivering. It didn’t feel like work at all when he came to the saloon to visit her. In fact, those were the very best evenings of all.

“You’re contract’s up today, isn’t it?” he said. He set his broom aside and ambled to the end of the hotel porch to lean against the railing, hands in his pockets. The sunlight gave his brown hair a warm reddish glow under his blue cap.

Sarah kept her head bowed modestly as she answered, “Yes, it is.”

Roy’s smile widened. “I’m awful glad to hear it.”

“Are you?” She could feel the warmth of his gaze as surely as the sun.

“Well, I’ll be sorry not to spend time with you,” he answered, a blush spreading across his face. “You wanna go for a picnic later, maybe?” His eyebrows rose with the question.

“Why, yes, I would.” Her heart bounced to her gut then back up again. Roy LaCroix was asking her on a picnic. The amazing thought filled her for two seconds before her smile and her shoulders dropped. “Oh, but I can’t. I’m moving my things over to the boarding house this morning and then I’ve got to work.”

Roy’s gallant joy dropped to a frown. “But I thought you said your contract was up. You’re not still … working, are you?”

Sarah giggled, pressing a hand to her mouth.

“No, no, not like that.” Tickles of hope spread from her chest to her toes as Roy’s smile returned. “I’m gonna be working for Miss Jones now, cleaning and mending and things. Mr. Sutcliffe arranged it. A woman’s got to have gainful employment if she’s gonna make her own way in the world.”

“But you’re definitely not … entertaining no more?” The spark in Roy’s eyes vacillated between relief and disappointment.

She shook her head, pressing a hand to her hot cheek. “The only man I’ll ever entertain like that for the rest of my days is my husband, and that’s the truth.”

As quick as she said it, a wave of bashfulness swirled over her. She lowered her eyes and bit her lip, then peeked up at Roy. He had that hungry look in his eyes—that look he had when he came to the saloon. It sent prickles across her skin.

~~~My Review~~~

Sarah Withers is finally free from her contract after working at the town’s saloon for the past five years. Determined to become a respectable woman to win the heart of the love of her life, Roy LaCroix, she turns to the town’s Bible-quoting spinster to help her achieve her goal. However, when a twenty-year-old feud between the spinster and the saloon owner comes to light, Sarah unwittingly becomes an instrument for revenge. Sarah’s respectability and hopeful future with Roy is put in jeopardy when her mentor weaves her cruel plan.

This entertaining historical romance, which takes place in Montana in the late 1800’s, is a unique and heart-warming view of the trials of true love when bound by the stringent standards of society. Merry Farmer demonstrates her talent for writing by crafting a creative storyline filled with love, compassion, tolerance, and humor. She combines the narrow-minded prejudice and austere mores of the time with the innate goodness of man and transforms them into a delightful love story that has the reader rooting for the happily ever after.

The characters are appealing and come to life on the pages. With no lulls or overly descriptive areas, the plot flows smoothly as the reader follows the protagonists’ journey to lasting happiness. This lighthearted novella is delivered with style and finesse, leaving no ends unfinished. Sarah Sunshine is a captivating romance that not only warms the heart and lifts the spirits, but also leaves one with a smile long after the last page is read.


~~~About the Author~~~


Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Butterfly and Torpedo. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized one day that she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. She then went on to earn not one but two degrees in History so that she would always having something to write about. Today she walks along the cutting edge of Indie Publishing, writing Historical Romance and Women's Sci-Fi. She is also passionate about blogging, knitting, and cricket and is working towards becoming an internationally certified cricket scorer.

Sign up for Merry's newsletter to receive exclusive content and upcoming release dates   -   http://eepurl.com/RQ-KX


~~~Connect with Merry Farmer~~~

Blog Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads



Monday, October 13, 2014

Billionaires in Love by NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips - Release Launch at Janna Shay's





Billionaires in Love

Two classic Carly Phillips stories about love, loss and second chances ...



The Playboy’s Second Chance

This story was formerly titled Kismet. Since the title was confusing to readers, I changed the name and now bring you The Playboy’s Second Chance. I hope you enjoy my sexy, stand-alone novella.

Trevor Dane, Wall Street Hot Shot and billionaire, has everything — money, power and any woman he could possibly want yet he isn’t happy. When his latest interviewer turns out to be the one woman he’s never forgotten, Trevor sees a second chance and he won’t let Lissa Gardelli’s wariness or old hurts stop him from getting back into her bed… and her heart.


Midnight Angel

Hollywood superstar, Dylan North, revisits his home town with the express intent of seeing his first love once more, to see if they can reignite the love he stupidly threw away ten years before. The last thing Dr. Holly Evans needs in her life is her high school sweetheart returning and stirring up old feelings. But Dylan is determined to convince Holly that happily ever doesn't only happen in the movies.








New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author  Carly Phillips 


N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today's readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She's a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she's a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.








Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Pressed Pennies by best selling author Steven Manchester - Book Promo at Janna Shay's


I’m very excited to welcome back best selling author Steven Manchester. His newest novel, Pressed Pennies, was released on May 13, 2014, and Steven was kind enough to provide us with some information and an excerpt.

Steven’s has won numerous awards for his novels and has been #1 on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s best seller lists. I will be providing a review of Pressed Pennies in the near future, in the meantime, please read below about Steven’s fantastic new book, then hurry to one of the book sellers listed to grab your copy.
PRESSED PENNIES

Steven Manchester


Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige's father nearly destroyed Abby's spirit.

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they're hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She's very protective of the life she's made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn't know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you've dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

Pressed Pennies is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love it its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.

~~~Purchase Links~~~

~~~Excerpt~~~

Beneath a wet sky, the rest of the night was spent getting caught up. For Rick, it felt like old times—even though he had no idea who Abby was as an adult.

They reminisced first about Rick’s grandma and father. “So how are they?” Abby asked. “I always loved them, you know.”

He smiled. “Dad lives in New Hampshire now, working with delinquent kids.”

She smiled, her head cocked. “Did he ever remarry?”

“No. He’s never stopped loving my mom enough to pursue another woman. I guess in his own way he still grieves her death.”

Abby’s mouth twisted slightly, forming itself into a frown; she was clearly touched by the undying love the man had for his wife.

“I think Grandma’s right,” Rick added. “When my dad passes, I’m betting that he and my ma will spend eternity making up for lost time.”

Abby nearly cooed at the sweet sentiment. “I’ll never forget his dog, Roy,” she said.

Rick took a sip of beer and chuckled. “Believe it or not, he actually has Roy’s grandson now—Ray.”

She shook her head and laughed. “Roy and now Ray. What was the dog’s name in between?”

“Screw Up.”

Abby was sent into a state of hysterics.

Rick shrugged and laughed along with her.

“And Grandma?” she asked, regaining her composure.

Rick nodded. “Still spry and spunky…just a really cool person. You know her motto: ‘The body doesn’t wear out, it rusts.’ She’s still listening to her music and raising holy hell.”

Abby smiled at the familiar phrase.

“And she got married,” Rick said.

“Married?”

“Yep. His name is Bill Stryker and they’re perfect for each other.” He took another swig of beer. “She still makes me sit for dinner every Sunday.” Rick then asked about Abby’s parents.

There was a sad pause. “My mom passed away,” Abby said, “from a lack of purpose, I’d say. And I haven’t spoken to my father for a few years now.” She tried to shake off the pain. “We no longer share a relationship… just some really bad memories. I imagine he’s still committing suicide the long way.”

“Drinking?”

“Yup, still doing laps in his bottle.”

Rick put his beer on the table and quickly changed the subject.

“Have you heard from any of the old Wilbur Avenue gang?”

Abby’s smile returned. “From what I hear, Vinny became an attorney and is living with his wife in Vermont.” She thought for a moment. “I don’t know how anyone could stand to live with him.”

Rick laughed.

“Tracy became a psychologist and moved to Utah.”

“Married?” Rick asked.

“A-sexual, I think.”

They both laughed. Rick couldn’t stop staring at her great smile and adorable dimples.

“Actually, I heard she lives with her lesbian lover and goes by the new name Cheyenne.”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

Abby shook her head.

“Good for her,” Rick said.

“But I haven’t heard anything about Grant,” Abby added.

Rick leaned forward. “You’re not going to believe this, but the first day I walked into college…there was Grant talking to some pretty, unsuspecting freshman.”

Abby shook her head.

“I still see him every Tuesday night,” Rick said. “We shoot a little pool and a whole lot of bull.”

She was shocked. “How is he?”

“The same…emotionally amputated; socially challenged.”

As the laughter continued, she asked, “Do you remember the last time your dad brought us all to Lincoln Park? Believe it or not, I still think about that sometimes.”

“Are you kidding?” Rick said. “I could live a hundred lifetimes and never forget that day!” And without his permission, his mind immediately raced back to the smack of screen doors and the echoes of foolish, barefooted children running toward the future.
~~~About the Author~~~


Steven Manchester is the author of The Rockin' Chair, as well as the #1 best seller, Twelve Months (2013 San Francisco, DIY & New England Book Festivals award winner). He is also the author of A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Goodnight, Brian (2013 Southern California Book Festival award winner), and Pressed Pennies (due out May 2014). His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning and BET's Nightly News. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or his four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com

~~~Connect with Steven Manchester~~~