Happy Birthday, It's Just A Little Crush! (A Lizzie Hart Mystery by Caroline Fardig) (Giveaway)

IT’S JUST A LITTLE CRUSH by Caroline Fardig turns one year old on January 30th!  In honor of its "1st Birthday", it will be on sale for $0.99 during the last week of January.  Help us celebrate by entering the contest below, and get your copy today at Amazon or Barnes& Noble!

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Palace of the Twelve Pillars: Book One (Palace of the Twelve Pillars) by Christina Weigand (Excerpt and Spotlight)

Title – Palace of the Twelve Pillars: Book One

Series – Palace of the Twelve Pillars

Author – Christina Weigand

Genre – YA Fantasy

Publication Date – April 26, 2013

Publisher – MuseItUp Publishing

Cover Artist – Marion Sipe

BOOK SYNOPSIS

The Peace Summit was in shambles, the prince kidnapped.

When the rival king realizes he kidnapped the wrong prince, hostilities escalate. Loyalties to each other and country are tested for the twin princes of Crato, Joachim and Brandan.

Joachim, captive of King Waldrom, faces deception and betrayal as he struggles to find his way home. Brandan, at home with a father focused on rescuing Joachim, wrestles with his own demons as he searches for his place in the world and the favor of his father.

Torn from the safety and peace of their childhood, they are thrust into a world where bonds of family, brotherhood and roles as heirs to Crato are tested. Through war, spiritual journeys, death and marriage, will they choose the path of good or evil? Who can be trusted, as the world they know slips into a whirlpool of chaos?

BUY LINKS

MuseItUpPublishing | Amazon | Barnes & Nobles |Kobo Books

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BOOK EXCERPT

Then his gaze fell on Waldrom. Here was the man, so smug and condescending, who sought to destroy Crato and threatened his parents. He didn’t seem the least bit imposing reclining upon his throne. Disgust overwhelmed the prince, and it was all he could do not to spit on the floor. The man was the antithesis of his father, who, with his broad shoulders and compassionate demeanor, commanded the respect of all who knew him.

The king rose from the throne and waved for the guard to bring Joachim forward.

“Prince Brandan, I presume. I’m King Waldrom.”

“Prince Brandan? No, I’m Joachim.” Waldrom stepped back, and Joachim saw the fire burning in his eyes.

“What do you mean, you’re not Prince Brandan?” Waldrom looked at the guard holding Joachim and waved his hand. A candelabrum flew from the wall, hitting the guard and igniting his beard. The guard swatted wildly at the flames while Waldrom advanced on Melvane, standing by the door. “How could you grab the wrong prince?”

The wizard dropped to his knees. “My Lord, our spies told us Prince Brandan would be in the training room.

Title – Palace of the Three Crosses: Book Two

Series – Palace of the Twelve Pillars

Author – Christina Weigand

Genre – YA Fantasy

Publication Date – September 20, 2013

Publisher – MuseItUp Publishing

Cover Artist – Marion Sipe

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Brandan and Joachim have returned from the brink of Hell, but everyone questions if they are truly healed and one with Asha.

As each prince tries to readjust to life, they must face the funeral of their father and their missing mother.

They each take on the responsibility of ruling a country with new wives by their sides, but can they and the countries survive the trials that will ensue because of their choices?

BUY LINKS

MuseItUpPublishing | Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Smashwords | Kobo Books

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BOOK EXCERPT

Rupert looked through the window in his tower room at the landscape of Wyrzburg. Months had passed since the Battle of Harable Valley and the spring planting season faded into the wonderful summer growing season. The land progressed in its healing and would soon be returned to its former state. As he turned from the window, he thought about the things that hadn’t healed…the twins. Brandan and Joachim still had a long way to go to erase the darkness that infected them. Joachim seemed better, but at night he still dreamed of Sidramah, and the doubts about what happened still haunted him. Brandan appeared even further from the boy that left to find his brother. The darkness appeared to follow him day and night. He withdrew to chambers as far away from Joachim as he could get.

Walking down the stairs to the great hall, Rupert remembered when the princes first returned; both had seemed healed and better than ever, maybe. But it appeared as if the tentacles of Sidramah still lingered. Any small opening the evil one could find, he exploited, and both boys were once again haunted by dark dreams.

Title – Sanctuary of the Nine Dragons: Book Three

Series – Palace of the Twelve Pillars

Author – Christina Weigand

Genre – YA Fantasy

Publication Date – February 2014

Publisher – MuseItUp Publishing

Cover Artist – Charlotte Volnek

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.

With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.

Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?

Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?

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BOOK EXCERPT

“I have sent one who can save them, but he can also bring about their final destruction.

“You, my Guardians, must seek him out. Protect him and ensure he is guided on the right paths.”

Alorn lifted his great ruby-red head. “Tell us who is he, Lord, that we may fulfill Your wishes.”

“I cannot reveal his identity…yet. Just know there are three who need you now. My power will be seen in all, but only one will be the savior in the end. However, all are needed to bring My Will about, and they must all be protected and nurtured.”

“How will we know them?” Stefano leaned forward.

“All will be children of Brandan or Joachim, and they will blend the lineage of the three races.”

“We know of Joachim’s children, but Brandan has none.”

“He has one, a half Mantion-half human child. Gorou is the third, and he will be the hardest to protect and nurture.”

“Why a child of Brandan?” Cielo asked. “Brandan has already chosen the path of evil time and again. Would not a child of his be exposed to that same evil?”

“Although, he fathered the child, Brandan knows not of his existence.

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AUTHOR BIO

Christina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.

When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church as a lector, Bible Study, or with the church theater group, volunteering at her daughter’s school helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.

STALKER LINKS

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | AMAZON

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AUTHOR GIVEAWAY

1 eCopy of all Three Books in the Trilogy (Palace of the Twelve Pillars, Palace of the Three Crosses & Sanctuary of the Nine Dragons).

***Note – Sanctuary of the Nine Dragons will be awarded upon its release.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE AUTHORS GIVEAWAY

 

Good to hear!

I saw this item via author Anne R. Allen. Smashwords, which about a year and a half ago was drawing eye-rolls from indie authors in the know, has just been named #69 on Forbes list of America's Most Promising Companies. I don't see them defeating Amazon for publishing dominance anytime soon, but I do see them as a great place to put my book and to distribute to other channels.

As of my second release The Family You Choose, I am making my books free for the first week of their lives through Smashwords. Want to get my books for free? Please sign up for my newsletter (link on the right) and I'll include the coupon codes when I announce my new release. (And yes, Kindle owners can use it too- one of Smashwords' formats is .mobi.)

This Would Have Been Our Song! Catchy tunes and dancers' tales by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba (A Coulda Woulda Shoulda Song Series - #2)

THE WAIT IT IS OVER... 

This Would Have Been Our Song! Catchy tunes and dancers’ tales

By Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Series – Coulda Woulda Shoulda Song Series - #2

Genre – Contemporary Romance

Publication Date – January 18, 2014

Marcus, Greg and Lucia are back in the second part of their journey to their perfect love song... will they finally find it?

Book Two:

This would have been their perfect love song…It has been two years since Lucia Mpobo-Riddell has made her choice between the two men in her life. She and her beloved would have been perfectly happy if it wasn’t for… the constant distractions from her past, her sister Noor’s complicated life, her own doubts and fears. Maybe there wasn’t such a thing as perfection and this was a lesson that Lucia was going to learn the hard way.

Greg McMullen and Marcus Grant’s lives had been affected by Lucia’s choice that day in Glasgow two years ago. Since then one had been fighting to keep her when the other had been relentlessly trying to get her back. It soon became apparent to them that she wasn’t the Lucia they met and fell in love with anymore. Her life and priorities had completely shifted. To even consider keeping her or just getting her back, they would have to accept it or they would have to let her go. But would they ever be able to do either?

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More online stores to come soon

Marcus - As Doddy Grant always says, carry on my wayward sons!

 (R rated)

I slowly take Lucia lips before deepening the kiss… so deep I’m not even sure how we’re breathing. But here we are in my bedroom, always in my bedroom, wrestling each over clothes off. I’ve missed her so much; I haven’t seen her in days. I push her on the bed but she takes me with her in her fall. “Naughty boy! Raising your lovely hand on a defenseless woman…” she whispers in my ear and licks it.

I’m melting and getting so hard at the same time. I didn’t even know it was possible. “Temptress, you’re a lot of thing but you’re never defenseless. Right now you’re killing me,” I moan back. I hungrily start on her perfect luscious breasts before taking care of the rest of her. Her hands are scratching my back when they’re not pulling my hair. “I love you so much,” I let out against her mouth and she locks her legs around me.

“You’re all talk, talk, talk… Prove it, Mercutio,” she grins back looking straight into my eyes. She masterfully wiggles and somehow I’m inside her, “That’s better.”

“Luce, are you for real,” I moan and start moving.

“You…tell…me,” she groans.  We move faster, deeper, in pure ecstasy but Temptress has decided to test my endurance.

“Luce, please,” I beg, sweat dripping from my forehead.

“It’s completely up to you,” she laughs back. She softly, tenderly, slowly kisses me and we come together.

“I’m dreaming again, am I?” I ask her out of breath still in my own daze.

She straddles me, her long straightened hair covering her breasts, “What do you think?”

I’m thinking that Lucia is wearing her hair short and curly right now. I’m thinking– “I don’t care!” I lean up and bring her even closer. “As far as I’m concerned you’re here right now with me.”

It's all about the catchy tunes...

Book One is still...

 FREE EVERYWHERE

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Love can be such a “coulda, woulda, shoulda” song sometimes…When Lucia Mpobo-Riddell met Marcus Grant they instantly clicked. Like Fate intervened. Lucia soon discovered that it was Betrayal instead. But now whether they liked it or not they had to work together. But maybe things could still work out between them… All things considered, this could have been one heck of a love song!

The Coulda Woulda Shoulda Series will be having a blurb/review tour 

The Author

HER STALKER LINKS

Website

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The Giveaway Link

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Giveaway: Aphrodite: Goddess of Love by George O'Connor

If you've ever read this blog, you know that I love George O'Connor's take on the Greek myths. (I also love him for turning me onto one of my favorite books, The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony.) When his new releases come out, I imagine I'm just like one of those people who wait in line for the newest release of World of Warcraft or Grand Theft Auto.

I missed the actual date that Aphrodite dropped, but this Saturday I bravely trekked into the freezing- and I mean freezing- weather to pick up my copy at Barnes and Noble...only they didn't have it. I called Newbury Comics; they didn't have it. When I got home I checked the Brookline Booksmith site- they didn't have it either. Argh! In desperation, I placed an order from Amazon.

So imagine my consternation when I discovered yesterday that Brookline Booksmith did indeed have it. I am loathe to part with any more cash than I need to, but as I held the copy in my hands, I thought there could be worse things than having two copies of George's work. And then it hit me: I was going to give one away!

Below you'll find your standard Rafflecopter giveaway. I'm asking for three things: 1) sign up for my newsletter (you know you wanted to anyway), 2) Like George's Facebook page and 3) Follow him on Twitter. That's it. If you want to tweet about or otherwise share it, awesome, but I'm not going to make you.

In case it wasn't already clear, this is entirely my idea- George had nothing to do with it. In fact, I imagine he's sitting in his Brooklyn apartment, cringing in embarrassment over the whole thing. But that's what fans are for ;-)

I'm running this until Friday, January 10th, midnight, and as soon as I can on Friday I'll announce the lucky winner.

What are you waiting for? Enter now!

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Aphrodite: Goddess of Love (Olympians) by George O'Connor

Great art? Naturally. Humorous but insightful character development? Of course. But that's not what makes George O'Connor my favorite go-to for mythology. Here as in other volumes, he is able to cut to the heart of the conflicting myths and find the essence that unifies them; in doing so, he makes the origin of an enigmatic figure clear.

Is Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus or born of the essence of the castrated Uranus? (And boy, if you didn't get that he was castrated before, the graphics are going to make that very clear.) And how is it that Eros was born from both Chaos *and* Aphrodite? Sit back and smile as George explains it all.
Aphrodite in classical myth is easily the least sympathetic of all the Olympians as she and her mischievous son/male counterpart Eros ruthlessly inspire unrequited love and destroy marriages. In a heated exchange with Hera, Aphrodite succinctly sums up why she's probably the deity we want to side with after all. Three decades of closely reading mythology, and I had to smile as I finally saw an essential cultural tension played out not by Apollo and Dionysus but Hera and Aphrodite. Read their brief exchange, then go back and re-read the rest of the graphic novel; suddenly Aphrodite is much more sympathetic.

This is not the most romantic of the series- that honor goes to Hades- but we do get to see more of the continuing love affair that has been playing out since the first volume. Zeus, the most sensitive to Eros, at the end of the day has one true love: his power. However alluring Aphrodite- or Thetis- may be, he will do nothing to compromise his beloved. When you see Zeus act as wedding planner, you've got to know that something else is up.

An exciting midway point for a fantastic series. Highly recommended for fans of Greek mythology.