Scrapbooking Saturday #4

 Hello All and Welcome!

October 3rd

October 5th

October 6th

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Thanks for stopping by! 

*** If you have seen any weekly meme like thin this one , please let me know.

Blurb Blitz: Stellar Heir

 

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GENRE: Science Fiction

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BLURB:

Jael Ked’Korhva hadn’t anticipated becoming the galaxy’s most wanted.

He hadn’t planned on picking up a strange alien artifact, either, but once it was clasped around his wrist, Jael was granted extraordinary abilities. His senses were heightened, his reflexes faster, and he could now regenerate from damage that would spell the end for others, which was a boon, considering he was just a derelict scavenger.

That was until forces from every corner of the stars wanted Jael’s artifact for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to take it back. What initially appears as a boon swiftly transforms into a weighty charge. Yet, it's a charge Jael accepts without hesitation, understanding the catastrophic potential should the relic fall into the wrong hands.

Prodded onward by visions of an ancient ally and a mysterious enemy, Jael becomes a pivotal piece in a vast interstellar play of power and dominion.

An action-packed space opera, perfect for science fiction fans of Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio or The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey.

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EXCERPT:

Jael’s world shifted, reality melting away as the woman’s touch transported his consciousness across the vastness of space. The galaxy unfurled before him, countless stars and vibrant worlds.

A creeping darkness emerged from the fringes, seeping into the cosmic fabric like spilled ink. Jael watched in horror as the void engulfed entire star systems, extinguishing their light with terrifying efficiency.

Planets that once teemed with life withered under the encroaching shadow. Lush forests crumbled to ash, oceans boiled away, and sprawling cities crumbled into dust. The screams of billions echoed across the vacuum, abruptly silenced as the darkness consumed them.

Stars flickered and died, snuffed out like candles in a gale. Nebulae collapsed, their swirling colors fading to a dull, lifeless gray. The galaxy’s spiral arms now resembled dark skeletal fingers reaching into nothingness.

As the last remnants of light faded, Jael found himself suspended in an endless, inky void. The darkness was not still, but writhed and pulsated. Shapeless entities, darker than the blackness surrounding them, twisted and coiled through the emptiness.

The woman’s voice echoed in his mind, “This is the future that awaits if you fail. The enemy comes, and with it, the end of all things.” She moved in close and placed a hand on his cheek. “Find me on Dusrist before it is too late.”

As the woman began to fade, behind her, another figure began to materialize. A shadow Jael hadn’t thought about in years.

Jael’s breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding against his chest. The figure’s face slowly came into focus—a sharp jawline, weathered by time and countless wars, gray, ashen skin, a tell-tale sign of genetic alteration and eyes that Jael would never forget. Those predatory, multi-pupiled eyes that had haunted Jael’s nightmares since he was a child.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Thomas Harris, Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft to name a few, those dark portals in his mind were opened and his obsession with the macabre began. Story telling, in any form, is his greatest passion.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scott.E.killian

Twitter: https://x.com/authorsekillian

Email: saltnsulfurpublishing@gmail.com

Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/9f595cbdc394/author-scott-killians-newsletter

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DF1RLYLB

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GIVEAWAY 

The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Rafflecopter

TMST #30: October 2024 Tells

  

I missed a "tell" in September, so I will start with that 

Sept 10th = What day in your life would you like to relive?

My sisters' weddings. If it is only one day, my oldest sister's wedding.

October 

8th= Tell us about your favorite fall comfort foods.

Not much to tell. Just simply that it is cereal.

15th = Who is your ideal book boyfriend/girlfriend? 

The book is called Where the Heart is. 

This is the prequel to the Ribbon Ridge series. My "book boyfriend is Derek Sumner.

*** Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by //twimom227.com/

[belated] Release Tour: Rose Moon

  

  On the outside, Karter appears to have the perfect life, but no one knows about the debilitating episodes that invade his mind and body. The only place he’s ever felt at ease is at his grandfather’s house, where he meets the mysterious Ella. As Karter and Ella get to know one another, they find themselves connected on a deeper level that neither understands. Readers who enjoy forbidden romances will devour Rose Moon by Heidi Adams, a steamy paranormal romantasy.

Read Now!

 

  What secrets do we keep to protect the one we love? What lies do we tell, and what are we willing to sacrifice? Karter Quint has the perfect life: star athlete, gifted pianist, straight A-student, handsome and charismatic, he seems fated for success. What nobody knows is that he has battled debilitating episodes during which a strange force invades his mind and body. The only place where Karter truly feels at ease is at his grandfather’s house on the water in Cliff Island, Maine. There, he meets a mysterious girl named Ella and has an instant obsession. He learns that she is a Meridian, or mermaid. Karter and Ella find themselves connected on a higher level—a level that neither understands. They begin a heated and intense romance constrained by their limiting circumstances. However, loving Ella comes at a cost. Karter must take extreme measures of secrecy to protect her, straining relationships with his family and friends well into his adult life. Rose Moon is an emotional and epic love story, and the first in a paranormal romance series, that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Add to Goodreads!

Excerpt

Copyright 2024, Heidi Adams

We relocate to the outdoor sofa, and she reclines against my chest. The little time we have left is bittersweet, and finally, the time is up. A wave of pain ripples through me as I glance at my phone. It’s 11:30 p.m. I want the weight of her body against me forever. Closing my eyes, I tighten my arms around her, breathing in her scent. Her arms reach overhead and grasp the back of my neck. We both hold on to this unparalleled moment. “It’s time,” I say to her quietly. She doesn’t move. I blink back the sting in my eyes. Her chest heaves under my arms, then she slowly sits up. Tears spill out the corners of her eyes as she faces me. “Soon we’ll be able to hear each other’s thoughts.” I wipe a tear off her cheek, holding mine in. “I am sorry I cannot stay like this.” “You never need to be sorry for who you are. I fell in love with you. I wish I could be with you in there.” I shift my eyes to the water, and my legs are heavy as I stand. We surveyed the area a few days ago and determined a shallow spot along the rocks would make a safe and easy transition into the bay. I smile reassuringly as I hold her hand while we walk down the set of stairs and onto the grass. Flashlights guide us on our journey down the trail to the rocky water’s edge. I’m grateful that at this moment we can’t feel each other’s emotions or hear each other’s thoughts. My smile is my mask to the pain that has turned to numbness inside. We continue to walk cautiously down the narrow trail, flashlights cutting through the darkness. Our bodies brush against the leaves that reach out like fingers to touch us. When we reach the water’s edge, I close my eyes and clench my jaw. Fighting the tightness in my throat, I turn to her. She stands before me, tears streaking her cheeks. She’s baring her soul, like she always has, like we both have. So why am I hiding my true feelings? If I deny the pain, is it still real? Can it still rip me apart? But this is real, and this is raw…and this is us. I need to feel the elation and the devastation. I want to drink us straight, no chaser. My bottom lip quivers, and my vision blurs. Before I can reach for her, her body slams into mine. We’re enveloped in each other’s arms, and neither one of us can breathe through our sobs. I’m lanced with layers of pain, not just of her last moments with me as a human but the uncertainty of what is to come. My lips seize hers, despite their quivering, tasting the salt of her tears. This is our last kiss before our mental connection returns, so I hold nothing back. My kiss is raw, fervent, hiding nothing but holding on to everything. At last, we separate and place our flashlights on the water’s edge. Ella slips out of her clothing. There won’t ever be a time when her naked body doesn’t take my breath away. I step backward along the shallow rocky coastline, and my fingers curl around hers, guiding her into the water as we both wince at the cold. I submerge myself in a seated position and lay her in my arms. Our eyes never waver from one another’s. I gently grip the smooth skin of her legs as rippling sensations course along my side and fingers. The smoothness is replaced with the texture of a thousand pearls as her scales form. The pearls connect, sealing together the space between her inner thighs down to her ankles and flowing into the fins of her tail. A surge of electricity jolts through me as our mental connection clicks into place. I close my eyes to focus on this familiar yet spinning sensation. I fight off the rising pressure in my temples, clearing my mind. A smile stretches across my face as I open my eyes. It’s good to have our connection back. “I missed that,” I say. “I did too.” I scan her body. “Do you feel back to normal?” “I do.” Her magnetism pulls at my core. “I need to get used to this again.” I test my lips against hers, feeling their softness and the movements of her mouth, chasing out the pressure in my head. “It’s going to be lonely not sleeping next to you,” she says. “I know. I’m even going to miss you taking all the covers and pushing me to a little sliver on the side of the bed.” “Me, too.” She laughs, but there’s sadness in it. “When will I see you again?” “Tomorrow, and almost every night for the rest of the summer.” I don’t say before I leave. Basking in each other’s presence, sometimes speaking, sometimes not, it’s time for me to let her go. This time when I release her, a piece of me goes with her.

About Heidi Adams

Hi! My name is Heidi Adams, and I write wherever my characters guide me, which is mostly romance! A little paranormal/fantasy, a little contemporary, sometimes even a little dark. My characters take me on journeys that push me to the edge of my emotions with toe-curling passion, heart-pounding suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and a ride full of twists and turns...but passion and love are always the driving force behind my characters and the heart of their stories. I love LOVE! And when I write, I escape into a world that love conquers all, even in the darkest of hours.

Follow: Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | Website | Newsletter | BookBub | Amazon

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Release Blitz: Rose Moon

 

On the outside, Karter appears to have the perfect life, but no one knows about the debilitating episodes that invade his mind and body. The only place he’s ever felt at ease is at his grandfather’s house, where he meets the mysterious Ella. As Karter and Ella get to know one another, they find themselvesconnected on a deeper level tt neither understands. Readers who enjoy forbidden romances will devour Rose Moon by Heidi Adams, a steamy paranormal romantasy.

 

  Blurb 

  What secrets do we keep to protect the one we love? What lies do we tell, and what are we willing to sacrifice? Karter Quint has the perfect life: star athlete, gifted pianist, straight A-student, handsome and charismatic, he seems fated for success. What nobody knows is that he has battled debilitating episodes during which a strange force invades his mind and body. The only place where Karter truly feels at ease is at his grandfather’s house on the water in Cliff Island, Maine. There, he meets a mysterious girl named Ella and has an instant obsession. He learns that she is a Meridian, or mermaid. Karter and Ella find themselves connected on a higher level—a level that neither understands. They begin a heated and intense romance constrained by their limiting circumstances. However, loving Ella comes at a cost. Karter must take extreme measures of secrecy to protect her, straining relationships with his family and friends well into his adult life. Rose Moon is an emotional and epic love story, and the first in a paranormal romance series, that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Add to Goodreads Here!

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Excerpt

Copyright 2024, Heidi Adams

I wake up with a slight gasp. With my head still on my pillow, I look around my room, with a sensation of being watched. Yet there’s nothing unusual. I listen, but there are no sounds outside of the ordinary. Then I feel it. The pull from my center again, just like last night. This pulling sensation guides me out of bed and moves me to the hall, past Poppy Joe’s room, down the stairs, and to the back door. It’s coming from outside. I slowly open the door and step onto the porch. The moon is full, and the bay is glimmering. The pull beckons me down the hill, where the grass is cool on my feet. On the dock, it’s even colder and eerily quiet. A shiver runs down my spine and arms, and the hair raises on the back of my neck. This strange force leads me to the edge of the dock, and I slowly sit down. The water starts to glow a yellowy green as wet skin on a beautiful body emerges. My heart races with fear, and I have the urge to run, but then a calming feeling hits me. My jaw opens, my heart pounds in my ears, and I haven’t moved a muscle. It’s Ella. We lock eyes for what seems like an eternity. “I was hoping I would see you again. I am not going to hurt you,” she finally says. I try to form a word, but nothing comes out. “Can I sit there next to you?” I nod. My eyes are wide, and I don’t think I’ve blinked since she appeared. She pulls herself out of the water and fixates on me. Her cheekbones are high, accenting her large, upturned eyes. Her lips are full and rosy. Our faces are inches apart. She slowly reaches towards my face and gently drags her fingers over my forehead, down my temple and cheek, ending at my jawline. I force myself to breathe. I’ve seen these eyes before. The green is gleaming within them, and they’re picking up a reflection. My gaze shifts from her face down her body… Instead of legs, she has a…tail, greenish in color, but I can’t tell because of the soft light radiating through it. Her tail is glowing. She’s a…mermaid. My heart races in fear again. She grips my shoulder, and intense peace radiates through me. I’m pulled into those mesmerizing eyes, like I’m part of her and have known her my whole life. I still haven’t spoken. “I have wanted to meet you for a long time,” she says. Her smile is warm and natural. My initial shock is starting to wear off. She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. “You're…uh…um…glowing,” I finally say. She laughs. Beads of water drip off her long blonde hair. “Glad you noticed. I wanted you to see me for the first time in the dark.” “Uh-huh,” is all I can say. “Do you want to see me again?” “Yes,” I whisper. “Can you meet me out here tomorrow after midnight?” “Yes.” She takes my hand in hers. My breath catches. “How do you feel?” she whispers as she leans in closer. “Like this isn’t real.” “Good,” she says as she traces my face again. Her touch sends a wave of energy through me. “Until tomorrow.” Then she slips back into the water and disappears. It takes me a few minutes, but I slowly stand up and look around. The world is asleep, but I am wide awake.

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

About Heidi Adams

Hi! My name is Heidi Adams, and I write wherever my characters guide me, which is mostly romance! A little paranormal/fantasy, a little contemporary, sometimes even a little dark. My characters take me on journeys that push me to the edge of my emotions with toe-curling passion, heart-pounding suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and a ride full of twists and turns...but passion and love are always the driving force behind my characters and the heart of their stories. I love LOVE! And when I write, I escape into a world that love conquers all, even in the darkest of hours.

Follow: Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | Website | Newsletter | BookBub | Amazon

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

VBT: Lesser Known Travel Tips Series

 

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GENRE: Humor/Memoir

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BLURB:

The Lesser Known Travel Tips memoirs are a hilarious series of travel misadventures and dubious personal introspection by Australian author Simon Yeats, who from an early age learned that the best way to approach the misfortunes of this world is to laugh about them.

Simon shares his comedic insights into the unusual and uproarious elements of living life as an Aussie ex-pat and having a sense of Wanderlust as pervasive as the Spanish Flu in 1918 or hordes of Mongols in 12th Century.

From how to keep yourself entertained when unwittingly forced to watch 11 hours of live sumo wrestling in Japan, to surviving heartbreak in India at the hands of a French flight attendant, to 48 hours spent in Nepal that qualify as the funniest most gut wrenching travel experience since Captain Bligh was set adrift in the Pacific, to his unsuccessful attempts at avoiding going to a brothel in Thailand. From what to do when several people converge to rob you after midnight on a deserted Copacabana Beach, to how to save the Sierra Mountain Range from a wildfire outbreak due to a lack of quality toilet paper, to where not to go in Tijuana when trying to locate the origins to stories of the city’s mythical adult entertainment, to how to save yourself from drowning when caught in a storm while sailing off the California coast. From how to outwit the Italian police while trying to find parking in downtown Genoa, to how to negotiate exploring the Roman ruins of Plovdiv, Bulgaria while on crutches, to how to impress the German Mafia with 80s dance moves, to how to leave a lasting impression on a crowded bar in Gothenburg, Sweden after combining alcohol and antibiotics.

Simon Yeats has gone into the world and experienced all the out of the ordinary moments for you to sit back and enjoy the experience without the need to break a leg, contract Dengue fever, or rupture a pancreas.

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Excerpt:

Excerpt from How to Start a Riot in a Brothel in Thailand by Ordering a Beer and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips

My family’s most cherished vacation when we were all kids was a trip we took to the South Island of New Zealand in the southern hemisphere Autumn of 1980. All our relatives live on the north island where my mum and dad both grew up on dairy farms. So, we had already made a trip or two to Auckland in my young life. My parents had emigrated to live in the tropical heat and brutal humidity of the northeast of Australia before any of us kids were born and given a choice in the matter.

There are four of us in my family. An elder brother, an older sister, me, and a younger sister. Each of us is quite different in our personality and our interests. My older sister is the athlete. My younger sister is the diplomat. My brother is the brainiac. Me? Well, I tend to just sit back and let my siblings be in the limelight.

You can imagine me as being the little kid running around in the playground under a mop of red hair being extra polite with all the other kids and no one teasing me at all for having red hair. Something close to that.

But among me and my siblings, none of us ever stole a car and took off for a joy ride. None of us have ever been arrested by undercover police for trying to sell them synthetic crack cocaine we had cooked up in the basement. None of us ever got in trouble for mislabeling someone by using the wrong pronoun. I mean, sure, I once got in trouble for calling my headmaster the C-word, but, other than that small blemish on my record, I considered myself an exemplary student. Our mum and dad were amazing parents to raise us all so well.

 We were a very content family growing up in the 70’s and 80’s while living in the sweltering pizza oven, otherwise known as North Queensland. What about central air conditioning? Oh, how entitled and twenty-first century of you to ask. Rubbing an ice cube across the forehead and asking my younger sister to blow against it. Does that count? Central air conditioning? No. There was none. Just like there was extraordinarily little to do in my hometown. Watching paint dry as a kid living in Townsville brought out the same level of unbridled fascination that I now see with adults viewing porn.

The reasoning behind there being nothing to do is obvious. It is not safe to do anything where I lived. Australian country towns are just holding pens for human beings surrounded by a natural species menagerie of death.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Simon Yeats has lived nine lives, and by all estimations, is fast running out of the number he has left. His life of globetrotting the globe was not the one he expected to lead. He grew up a quiet, shy boy teased by other kids on the playgrounds for his red hair. But he developed a keen wit and sense of humor to always see the funnier side of life.

With an overwhelming love of travel, a propensity to find trouble where there was none, and being a passionate advocate of mental health, Simon’s stories will leave a reader either rolling on the floor in tears of laughter, or breathing deeply that the adventures he has led were survived.

No author has laughed longer or cried with less restraint at the travails of life.

Amazon Author

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GIVEAWAY 

A randomly drawn winner will be awarded a $25 Amazon/BN gift card.

Rafflecopter

Book Blast: Spirience

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Spirience: Experiencing Peace and Prosperity through Spirituality and Science is a unique and comprehensive look at the importance of spirituality and science to guide our day-to-day living at a personal level, and to achieve peace and prosperity at a global. The term 'spirience' is a blend of two words: spirituality and science. It captures the essence of spirituality in its prefix "spiri-," and the domain of science in its suffix "-ence".

The importance of such a work lies in the challenges faced by the world today, conflicts between nations and ideologies at the global level and the explosion of mental health issues at a personal level. The book will first set the scene to understand the challenges faced by humanity today and the tools that we have to overcome them. An in-depth look at the treasure trove of texts from India's Vedic past, highlighting the spiritual as well as scientific aspects, will be complemented by a study of the evolution of mankind over the past millennia, changes in the way of life and the current levels of extreme discontinuity brought on by an onrush of technological innovations.

Recommendations for going forward will be presented for the readers to ponder and hopefully incorporate in their personal, professional and social lives. The book will be of great value to anyone interested in or active in personal well-being and global peace and prosperity.

Read an Excerpt

Spirience: A Fusion of Experiences

By knowing a single lump of earth, you know all objects made of earth. All changes are mere those of words . . .
Chāndogya Upaniṣad 6.1.4

Spirience is an experience. It’s my experience, your experience, everyone’s experience. It is an experience that celebrates the solidarity between spirituality and science. Spirituality and science are like flowers and their fragrance; they share an inseparable bond. When it comes to prosperity and achieving inner peace, integrating these two fields proves immensely beneficial. Any discovery or reflection that strays from life proves fruitless. The union of spirituality and science forms a magnificent connection to life’s more profound experiences. While our bodies are crafted from “star stuff,” our souls seek peace and prosperity. We’ve all observed how deeply woven they are into the fabric of our existence, even if only in simple ways.

Today, we live in an era where understanding the interwoven relationship between spirituality and science has become essential. Our connections have extended beyond our families to include those of the larger world. We are even exploring life on other planets, signifying our desire to expand our relationships even further. Our existence now extends from our homes to the cosmos. Today’s human beings see themselves as part of the universe. The ancient Indian scriptures often mention pinḍeṣu brahmāṇḍeṣu—likening the individual self to the cosmos. The microcosm of humankind is reflected in the macrocosm of the universe and vice versa.

The term “spirience” is a blend of two words: spirituality and science. It captures the essence of spirituality in its prefix “spiri-,” and the domain of science in its suffix “-ence.” This innovative term goes beyond its grammatical structure to emphasize the sentiments integrated within. It represents a harmonious fusion of life’s two great streams encapsulated in a single word that symbolizes the profound interconnection between these two realms.

My Journey with Spirience

My journey with the title Spirience is deeply intertwined with a few experiences I’ve had. The concept and title of this book took shape last year when I was in America. I had the fortunate opportunity to witness the creation of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Akshardham is a beacon of spirituality and culture. While observing its construction, I was captivated by the seamless blend of spirituality and science that expressed itself. It was as though they were intertwined in dance to co-create a rejuvenating spring of inspiration for all of society. It repeatedly felt as though science had lifted spirituality on its shoulders or spirituality had extended a welcoming invitation to science.

About the Authors:

Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami

An esteemed Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and Head of the BAPS Research Institute in New Delhi, Bhadreshdas Swami’s scholarly work Svāminārāyaṇabhāṣya is a profound Sanskrit commentary on the Prasthānatrayī. With a Ph.D. in Sanskrit and multiple honorary degrees, his contributions to the field are widely recognized.

V. I. Lakshmanan, O.C., Ph.D.

Co-founder of Process Research ORTECH and a leader in sustainable technology, Lakshmanan holds numerous patents and has published over 150 scientific works. His accolades include being named an Officer of the Order of Canada and receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the Government of India.

S. Kalyanasundaram

With 25 years of experience in advanced technologies for telecommunication networks and serving as the former Executive Director of the Canada India Foundation, Kalyanasundaram enriches the book’s exploration of the synergy between ancient knowledge and modern science.

Spirience is available through major retailers. Discover how this book’s unique integration of spirituality and science can guide you toward a more peaceful and prosperous life.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spirience-Experiencing-Prosperity-through-Spirituality-ebook/dp/B0DG17QF5S/ref=sr_1_1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: Spiral

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GENRE: Horror Thriller

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BLURB:

They’re in the number one watched game in the world… or so they were told. But they have no memory of who or where they are. Something beyond their wildest imaginations awaits to mercilessly strike them down. And looming in the darkness is something worse... much worse.

Green—named after the color of car he's driving—awakens on the side of a dark highway surrounded by dense forest. And he's in an old muscle car with no way to tell time, no cell phone, and the radio doesn’t work. When he encounters others like himself, they have to join forces to unravel the mystery surrounding them. Yet, trust doesn't come easily—someone amongst them is a saboteur.

With their lives at stake, they are compelled to engage in a race where being last means certain death. They must disentangle the truth that threatens to consume them, before they spiral out of control.

Spiral is a gripping tale of survival, coalition, and the terrifying secrets that lie hidden in the shadows.

Prepare for a rip-roaring, adrenaline-fueled ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

If you enjoy books by authors like Dean Koontz and Blake Crouch that involve supernatural thrills laced with fast-paced action, then check out Randy Dean Noble's exciting horror thriller, Spiral, today.

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Excerpt:

A void of consuming gloom surrounded me. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. I felt the cool metal of the Maglite in my hand, but it wasn’t working. I fiddled with it, smacked it a couple times, but it offered no assistance, so I pocketed it.

With my hands out, I felt around for anything to grab hold of. There was nothing, like I was in a complete void, space without the view, but I could breathe. I consciously took slow and steady breaths, remaining calm.

“Hello,” I said. “Anyone there? White? Anybody?”

Nothing. Did they not walk through yet?

Something snorted nearby—it didn’t sound human. And then it started breathing heavily, in and out, in and out, moving closer with every breath and a CLICK with every step as if its nails—claws—were too long.

Like nails on a chalkboard, but what I could only picture as claws dragging across a metal surface, a SCREEEEEEEEEE emanated very close by. I walked in the opposite direction, trying to keep my wits about me.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

I didn’t run, moving slow and steady, hands out, trying not to bash into anything, as the breathing thing followed behind, too close for comfort.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

Somehow, it knew where I was, could see in pitch black.

Every tweak I made in direction changed nothing. I couldn’t lose it. The thing was close behind me.

CLICK! CLICK!

A low, rumbling growl vibrated through the darkness.

CLICK!

I maintained my path, keeping straight… hopefully. So dark.

SCREEEE!

My confidence waned. I darted forward.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Randy Dean Noble is a supernatural thriller kind of guy. He grew up in Canada on a slew of movies and books (action/adventure, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy), all of which have inspired his writing interests. Working a plethora of minimum wage jobs took Randy into computer science and a career in I.T. (because he didn't want to eat PB&J for the rest of his life). But his passion has always been writing, and his dream is to be a full-time fiction author. He writes stories he wants to read, which end up as fast-paced thrilling escape stories meant for one thing: to entertain the reader from beginning to end. His most recent work, Spiral, is a horror thriller wild ride you won't soon forget. Visit him at www.randydeannoble.com

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GIVEAWAY 

The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Rafflecopter

Scrapbooking Saturday #4

 9th = The last of the Paper World supplies were used ( aside from the journal).

 

As for the rest, I used an different journal and supplies from another source.

12th

13th

16th

18th

22nd

23rd

25th

*** If you have seen any weekly meme like thin this one , please let me know.

Sunday Post #112: September 2024 Recap

Just the recap for September of 2024, as the title says.

Post Rewind 

📌 Sept. 3rd = TMST #29: Favorite Blogs

📌 6th = Cover Reveal: How to React When Woken at 3am by Drunk Argentinian Backpackers While Staying in a Youth Hostel

📌 7th = Scrapbooking Saturday #3

📌 9th = Blurb Blitz: Where the Stars Cross

📌 10th = Release Blitz: Guarded from Corruption

📌 11th = VBT: The Starlight Motel

📌 16th = Cover Reveal: Stellar Heir

📌 23rd = Excerpt Reveal: Heartbreak Hill

Goodreads 

📚 Heartbreak Hill (by: Heidi McLaughlin) = added to want to read shelf

📚 Snowdrops and Winterberry (by: Sarah Eden) = added to want to read shelf

📚 Duke of Honor (by: Alexa Aston) = moved to read shelf 

*** If you don't have anything to say about this week's topic, you can comment on any other part of the post or just say "hi".

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Excerpt Reveal: Heartbreak Hill

 

Title: Heartbreak Hill 

Authors: Heidi McLaughlin 

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women's Fiction 

Release Date: October 1, 2024 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

From the author of Before I’m Gone comes an intensely affecting romance about love, loss, and second chances, sure to elicit a good ugly cry.

Grayson Caballero sees the glass half-empty. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, he’s been living on borrowed time. The uncertainty of tomorrow makes him push people away, helping Grayson to avoid any real commitment.

Then he meets Reid Sullivan and falls madly in love. The two work together at the Wold Collective, Grayson as a project manager and Reid in HR. They even live in the same apartment complex. But Grayson continues to keep his distance, despite their obvious attraction. And Reid’s not interested in waiting around.

When Grayson collapses at a basketball game, Reid learns he’s been keeping secrets from her. Now his life hangs in the balance…and a stranger from Boston holds the key to his survival.

Nadia Karlsson makes a life-changing decision after her husband, Rafe, is involved in a tragic accident near Harvard Square. Her choice will unwittingly alter the course of Grayson’s future—and tie his fate unexpectedly to her own.

AMAZON

“Are you going to win?” She placed her hands on his cheek and scratched her nails against his scruff.

“No,” he told her, despite wanting to. He figured if he won, she’d be over-the-moon happy for him. And if he didn’t, she’d still be proud, and he wouldn’t have let her down. “There are way better runners than me.”

“Next year,” she said. “You can practice more better.”

Rafe didn’t bother correcting her, even though he knew he should. He pulled his youngest closer and held her to his chest, kissed her forehead, and then moved her to his hip. He’d carry her as long as she’d let him.

Rafe couldn’t have scripted his morning any better.

Excerpt From Heartbreak Hill (Uncorrected Proof) by Heidi McLaughlin This material may be protected by copyright.

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers. Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs. In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl. Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital. To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

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Cover Reveal: Stellar Heir

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Jael Ked’Korhva hadn’t anticipated becoming the galaxy’s most wanted.

He hadn’t planned on picking up a strange alien artifact, either, but once it was clasped around his wrist, Jael was granted extraordinary abilities. His senses were heightened, his reflexes faster, and he could now regenerate from damage that would spell the end for others, which was a boon, considering he was just a derelict scavenger.

That was until forces from every corner of the stars wanted Jael’s artifact for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to take it back. What initially appears as a boon swiftly transforms into a weighty charge. Yet, it's a charge Jael accepts without hesitation, understanding the catastrophic potential should the relic fall into the wrong hands.

Prodded onward by visions of an ancient ally and a mysterious enemy, Jael becomes a pivotal piece in a vast interstellar play of power and dominion.

An action-packed space opera, perfect for science fiction fans of Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio or The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey.

About the Author: Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Thomas Harris, Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft to name a few, those dark portals in his mind were opened and his obsession with the macabre began. Story telling, in any form, is his greatest passion.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scott.E.killian
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Email: saltnsulfurpublishing@gmail.com
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Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DF1RLYLB

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VBT: The Starlight Motel

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Experienced muralist Kada took charge of her family's Palm Springs motel to give her mother time to grieve. As a grant deadline approaches, Kada must convince her mother to manage the motel so she can return to her art. Late in December, Kada encounters a horseman approaching the property. Dane, the reserved son of a local farming family, is a loyal workaholic with limited spare time or experience outside the valley. When lightning startles his horse, he lingers at the motel and stirs up Kada's emotions about leaving the desert oasis. Wary of mixing business with pleasure, she struggles with her attraction. As New Year's Eve approaches, will the cowboy convince her to chart a new course?

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Excerpt:

“I’m Dane Palmer,” the man on the chestnut horse said. “My family owns the land next door.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” She shaded her gaze. “I’ve heard about you.”

For as long as her family owned the motel, the Palmer family owned the surrounding farmland. Once or twice, the Palmer patriarch offered to buy the Starlight Motel, but Pops resisted and counted the family as friends. They produced the area’s top vegetable crops, cultivated table grapes, and managed fields of fruit trees. Every once in a while, Dane’s mother, Mariah, came by the motel to visit and give her business advice, but Dane and his younger brother remained enigmas. She exhaled. “I’ve met your mother.”

“I’m sure,” Dane said. “She gets around.”

The second man laughed like a rusted pail swinging in the wind.

Dane glanced at the seated cowboy. “This is Walter. He’s the farm’s crew manager.”

Tipping his hat, Walter nodded.

She tented her gaze. “Could you two get down? Between the horses and the low sun, I can’t see you to save my life.”

Hanging his hat on the saddle horn, Dane handed his horse’s reins to Walter. He threw his leg over the horse’s saddle and slid down its side with an easy, athletic grace.

Standing, he was six feet tall, long, rangy, and reserved. He wore boots, jeans, a dark shirt, and a fleece-lined leather jacket that beat back the wind. A hat had smashed his sun-kissed brown hair against his forehead, but he wiped away the mess, cocked his head, and held out his hand.

“Pleasure to meet you,” he said.

Excerpt Two:

Her skin warmed from the heat of his palms. “I can’t afford to sit around the laundry room and gossip with the guests.”

“Trust me, Kada, I’m not here to gossip.”

“You’re ready to pitch in on odd jobs? You’re such a good neighbor.” She swallowed past the dryness in her throat. She had a three-date rule, but if she never started the first date, did the rule apply? “Thanks for helping with Lucky.”

“Any time.” He tipped up her chin. “Are you sure that’s where you want to stop? You brought me your number and rode out into the desert with me, but now you’re skittish?”


Her throat felt parched, but she wanted to lean forward and test his intent. Instead, she kicked her feet against the machine’s vibrating drum. “I’m not skittish, but I’m not into quick romps on a washing machine.”

He raised his eyebrows. “I wasn’t suggesting a quick romp.”

She wanted to test the innuendo behind his offer, but the sequence felt out of order. Before she considered kissing the handsome farmer, she needed dinner, candlelight, and time to breathe.

Her body offered a different opinion. Clearing her throat, she hopped off the washing machine, ducked under his arm, and ran her tongue along her teeth. In the tiny room, his skin smelled like fresh lime, warm spices, and a hint of honey, but his shirt held the leathery undertones of a hard day’s work. He looked handsome, and she wanted to taste his kiss, but she needed a different setup. “Or long romps.”

Excerpt Three:

Kada’s cry of delight bounced off the casita walls. Looking up from the desert pavers, he watched her launch herself into an older woman’s arms. The pair grinned, and their smiles shone brighter than the swaying patio lights. Staying back, he leaned against an adobe wall and watched Kada and Mrs. Ritchie greet each other. The pair did the hug-shake mother-daughter thing he never understood. In twenty years, Kada would be just as beautiful as her mother. She soaked up her mother’s presence like a drought-stricken plant. He envied their connection. His mother gripped him hard, examined him, and spun him back into the world to do good work.

“Just look at you, runnin’ around the desert like Pops.” Ms. Ritchie gripped Kada’s long, black hair and rubbed it between her fingers. “If I hadn’t seen you for myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. I thought you would stay in Los Angeles, but here you are, the queen of the desert!”


He cocked his head and imagined Kada tearing into a sourdough loaf over drip coffee. She would look at home on the winding streets wearing a wrap-tie dress, but he preferred her stained jeans.

“I thought I would stay in Los Angeles, too, but you needed me.” Reaching to the side, Kada shifted into her father’s arms.

Lean by most standards, he sported the small belly that developed from a desk-bound lifestyle.

“Hi, Daddy.”

He kissed her forehead. “Princess. Good to see you.”

Easing off the wall, Dane figured he could slip back into the cantina, take his salad to go, and sink into one of Walter’s tales. The old cowboy had plenty of stories about what went wrong

when a man took his gaze off the land.

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AUTHOR :

Amy Craig lives in Louisiana with her family and a small menagerie of pets. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense featuring intelligent heroines. In her spare time, she plays tennis and expands her husband’s honey-do list. Before writing, she worked as an oilfield engineer, project manager, and incompetent waitress. Mm

Website

INTERVIEW:

* Did you use any of your own experience as inspiration?

The Starlight Motel is roughly my tenth romance novel. It’s set in Palm Springs, CA and features Kada, a muralist at a turning point in her career, and Dane, a cowboy farmer who’s master of his domain.

When my husband and I relocated from California to Louisiana with our geriatric dog, we drove through Palm Springs. The agricultural influences amazed me. I always thought of Palm Springs as a 1950s Hollywood resort, but its character goes deeper than Sinatra and desert sands. Don’t get me wrong, those aspects are part of its identity, but I wanted to explore the farms and single-story motels dotting the windswept highways, too.

Kada also has more than one identity. She’s a devoted daughter, an artist who needs to regroup, and a caring, compassionate woman who walks the line between responsibility and self-sacrifice. Dane’s not about to let anyone push him around, but what has he missed by being so hardcore?

* On average, how long does the writing process take? 

Writing takes about 3-6 months. Editing takes about six weeks to three months, depending on the editor’s pace. Formatting and publication can take longer and hang on the publisher’s schedule. For self-published books, you can go live in twenty-four hours!

Most authors have one work in progress (WIP), one manuscript on submission, and one manuscript in editing/publications. If you think juggling three balls is a challenge, start small and hone your first story without worrying about what comes next.

* When did you realize you wanted a career in writing?

I love to write, but I didn’t let myself spend the time to create a novel until I was about thirty. Sometimes, you need life experiences to fill your head with connections and ideas. It’s never too late to write!

* If you weren't an author, what other career paths would you have taken?

When I was an engineering student, I needed another class to stay full-time, so I took introductory Italian (I already spoke a decent amount of Spanish and didn’t want to read Spanish literature). The class was fun and easy. For the last assignment, we created Italian advertisements. My instructor loved mine so much he suggested I should be a creative instead of an engineer. He was probably right, but I stuck with engineering long enough to become a kick-ass project manager. Then, babies. Their sweet, chubby cheeks lured me away from a well-paying job, but they gave me time to write and return to my creative side.

* Out of the characters that you created, who is your favorite?

I love the main characters in THE STARLIGHT MOTEL, but I would have a drink with Randi. It’s not uncommon for minor characters to suddenly demand more attention. Randi, the motel’s best and least predictable employee, is this kind of character.

Originally, I intended her to be a background character who added flavor but didn't draw much focus. However, her unique traits quickly pushed her into the spotlight. A statuesque woman with coiled braids, Randi is obsessed with the placement of microgreens, recites jazz album tracklists by heart, and wears killer heels. Her intricate personality made her impossible to ignore.

Randi's detailed knowledge of local parties and events, coupled with her unpredictable work habits, made her an invaluable foil. Her eccentricity and expertise brought a vibrant energy to scenes that would otherwise be too sweet.

Incorporating Randi more prominently required some balancing. I had to ensure she didn't overshadow the main plot while still allowing her to shine. She humored Chef Benito, Stephanie, and Kada, but she only showed up for half her cantina shifts, adding an element of unpredictability to the narrative. Her presence enriched the story, providing depth and a touch of humor.

* What advice would you give to someone looking to be a writer?

Plan to write more than one book.

* What kind of research (if any) was required for any of your books? 

I didn’t spend a lot of time researching motel management for THE STARLIGHT MOTEL, but I did research creating murals. When I dove into a university’s website about its Printmaking / Art And Art History Program, I found a grammatical typo on the page devoted to attaining a B.F.A. in Studio Art. Being a nerd, I emailed the professor. He responded! I need to go back to the website and see if he fixed the typo.

*How long after you finish a book do you start another one?

The third book in a mafia series, THE BROKEN BODYGUARD, comes out September 3, 2024. It’s the third novel in a Romantic Suspense/Mafia Romance/Corporate Romance series called the Sun Valley Mafia Series. Working with two publishers, The Wild Rose Press and Totally Bound, means release dates occasionally overlap! In THE BROKEN BODYGUARD, which can be read as a standalone novel, a corporate bodyguard finds himself protecting a stubborn cowgirl and untangling windswept land politics in Patagonia, Argentina. Every time I pick up the manuscript, I want to go back to Argentina!

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GIVEAWAY 

Amy Craig will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

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