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Title: Sirius Hidden Truth
Author: A. L. Long Genre: Adult, Erotica Mystery Published: February 27, 2018 Page Count: 137 Pages ![]()
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Lightning in a Bottle
by Gina Ardito
Genre: Contemporary Romance
After suffering through a humiliating divorce in New York, Bo McKenzie is out of luck, money, and patience. Arriving in Silverton, Texas, she’s bet her last dime on the launch of her craft brewery to get her life back on track. Despite her vow to stay focused solely on the beer business, one man manages to capture her heart. Can she trust him?
Drew Garwood’s one true love has always been serving the legal needs of his neighbors. His greatest trouble is keeping his brother on the right side of the law. When Bo McKenzie sweeps into town, she rouses his passion and provides the spark his life has been missing. Whatever happened before she came to Silverton has left her guarded and suspicious. Can he break down her defenses?
As the two struggle to rein in their wild attraction, secrets and greed could destroy the brewery and force Bo out of town for good – unless Drew can find a way to convince her to stay.
I kill houseplants. There. Now you know one of my greatest shames. I'm not boasting. I just figure that if you're reading this, you're looking for more than how wonderful life is as a writer. You get enough of that elsewhere. Ditto for political rants, how to lose thirty pounds in a week, and creating gorgeous crafts with nothing more than twine and soup cans. My goal is to connect with you, dear reader, even if you're not a writer, not a New Yorker, not a mother, not a female. We're human (unless one of us is a spambot), and what we have in common is flaws. So here are a few more of mine:
I sing all the time. I sing songs most people don't know--jingles from television, crazy stuff I used to listen to on Dr. Demento, Broadway and movie soundtracks, and I can even bum-bum-bum through instrumental music. I sing in the car. In the shower. While I'm grocery shopping. And I headbop while I sing. When I'm not singing, I talk to myself. Just ignore me and move on. You get used to it after a while. I don't eat my vegetables. Seriously. I only started eating salad about ten years ago, but I'd still rather have a cookie. Given the option, I would live in a mall where I would never have to worry about freezing temperatures or too much sun. I'm extremely fair-skinned and could burn under a 60-watt light bulb. I can't sleep without background noise so the television's on all night. If it's too dark and too quiet, all I have are my thoughts. And even *I* don't want to be alone with my thoughts. Don't ask me to Zumba, line dance, or march in the parade. I have absolutely no rhythm. I color outside the lines. Not because I'm a rebel, but because I suck as an artist. My artistic ability is limited to being able to draw Snoopy sleeping on his doghouse. And I don't even draw that well. Regrets. I have more than a few. My favorite activity is sleep, and I'm pretty good at it. I don't clock a lot of hours, but I can powernap like a Persian cat and rejuvenate within ten minutes. I consider shopping and dining out excellent therapy for anything wrong in my life. My feet are always cold. Always. My husband of more than a quarter century claims it's because I'm an alien sent to Earth to destroy him. (He might be right about that.) Coming to my house for a visit? Unless you've given me plenty of advance notice, be prepared. My floor will not be vacuumed, there will be dishes in my sink, and I only make my bed when I change the sheets once a week (I'm climbing back into it ASAP. Why make it?) Housecleaning is not high on my priority list. Okay, to be totally honest, it's not on the list at all. I can resist anything...except ice cream. Since this is our first date, I figure I've revealed enough secrets for now. But if you've read this bio and think I might be the author for you, pick up one of my books or stalk my website
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![]() Duty Bound
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play Grab Angelbound – Book 1 – for FREE: -- READ CHAPTER 1:
I am Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus, High Prince of the Thrax. My people are renowned as the greatest demon hunters across Heaven, Hell, Earth, Purgatory, and the Dark Lands. At eighteen years old, I’ve killed precisely one thousand four hundred and thirty-seven demons in hand-to-hand combat, more than any other thrax in history. All of which leads to a single inescapable conclusion. I can make it through this breakfast with my mother. At least, I think I can. “You haven’t touched your eggs, my son.” Mother spears a strawberry off her plate. After many years of maternal encounters, I’ve learned to keep my mouth closed in situations like this one. Mother will bring up her true concerns when she’s good and ready. In reply, I merely maintain her stare. We’ve an odd relationship, but a close one. We’re both natural schemers, so neither wants to pass up a test of intelligence and charm. “Perhaps you dislike formal breakfasts,” says Mother as she gestures to my tunic. “So you say.” A small smile rounds Mother’s mouth. “Those tunics hide quite a lot.” “True. I’ve a Bohemian Rhapsody T-shirt on under this thing.” “I have no idea what that is, but I’m pleased to see you turned out so well.” This morning, I’m dressed in a velvet tunic, leather pants, and tall boots. Meanwhile, Mother looks regal and lethal in her black velvet gown. She has porcelain skin, delicate features, and an all-knowing glare that reduces hardened warriors to mush. Needless to say, I’m pleased that her glare has softened. I must remember to work Batman into our conversations more often. For a few minutes, Mother and I continue our breakfast in silence. It would be pleasant, except for the setting. Our new feasting hall is located in Purgatory. Yes, Purgatory. This place combines the worst of a rundown human suburb with the best of a rotting Dumpster. The sky is constantly cloudy with two types of weather: rainy and about to rain. It’s part of the magic of this realm that the weather is always dreary. Plus, the sky never reveals the sun or moon, and even if it did, those celestial bodies follow different patterns than they do in other realms. Closing my eyes, I let my thoughts return to the glittering caverns of my homeland. As a rule, thrax live underground on Earth in the realm of Antrum. For some reason, the oracle angel, Verus, has demanded the royal family—and our noble entourage—move to Purgatory for a short period of time. This wasn’t a popular idea, but the oracle’s word is law, so we arrived here three months ago. Until Verus sets us loose, our days will be spent in tents and wooden halls like this one. I scan the empty benches around me and sigh. It’s hard being separated from the bulk of my people. Quiet breakfasts like this only make things worse. Usually our feasting hall is packed with thrax sharing breakfast at communal tables. However, today Mother insisted on having a family-only morning meal, which in this case translates into me, Mother, and a half-dozen terrified workers. Father should get here any minute now. I can only hope he arrives before Mother’s temper returns. As if in reply to my thoughts, Mother spears another wilted strawberry with a vengeance. Looks like her temper will resurface before Father does. Bugger. “You never answered my question,” says Mother. “You haven’t touched your food.” She spears a grape with such force the entire table wobbles. “Careful there,” I say. “You’ll bring down the roof down.” “One perk of being queen. I can bring down roofs and no one says a thing.” At those words, the half-dozen servants in the room visibly shiver. There’s no question about the general topic of Mother’s angst, either. It’s always the same issue: the House of Acca. That tribe is the largest and most troublesome of all thrax. At this point, problems with Acca could fall into one of two categories. One, Mother might be worried about my impending marriage contract with Acca’s most eligible noblewoman, Lady Adair. If Mother thinks there are problems on that front, she would be sorely mistaken. It’s a business arrangement, nothing more. I’d regret that, but I’m a prince. I always knew I’d never marry for love. Two—and far more worrisome—would be if Mother discovered my ongoing scheme against Aldred, the dreaded Earl of Acca himself. I’ve many issues with the Earl, but my largest is how Aldred keeps leading his warriors into ill-planned demon attacks on the Earth’s surface. Thanks to the Earl of Acca, hundreds of good thrax meet bad ends every week. I meet with the families of the fallen, trying to provide comfort as their worlds fall apart. So many tears and ruined lives…and all so the Earl can prove his so-called prowess in battle. It’s outrageous. Even worse, my parents have forbidden me from doing anything to stop Aldred’s bloodshed. Per some ancient treaty, if I interfere with Aldred’s rights to lead his troops, then the Earl has the unmitigated right to execute me on the spot. And as every royal knows, execution threats and breakfast do not mix well. ![]()
GIVEAWAY! by Rachel A. Marks Genre: YA Release Date: February 20th 2018 Summary:
In Hollywoodâs underworld of demigods, druids, and ancient bonds, one girl has a dangerous future.
Sage is eighteen, down on her luck, and struggling to survive on the streets of Los Angeles. Everything changes the night sheâs invited to a partyâone that turns out to be a trap.
Thrust into a magical world hidden within the City of Angels, Sage discovers that sheâs the daughter of a Celtic goddess, with powers that are only in their infancy. Now that she is of age, sheâs asked to pledge her service to one of the five deities, all keen on winning her favor by any means possible. She has to admit that sheâs temptedâespecially when this new life comes with spells, Hollywood glam, and a bodyguard with secrets of his own. Not to mention a prince whose proposal could boost her rank in the Otherworld.
As loyalties shift, and as the two men vie for her attention, Sage tries to figure out whom to trust in a realm she doesnât understand. One thing is for sure: the trap sheâs in has bigger claws than she thought. And itâs going to take a lot more than magic for this Celtic demigoddess to make it out alive.
About the Author
I'm an author and professional artist, cancer survivor, mother of four, and wife to the most amazing man in the world. In my free time I'm a beach bum and entertainment cheese junkie. If you don't like Superman I may wonder about you and suggest you seek professional help.
Author Links:
IMMORTAL RECKONING
Tara Fox Hall
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Series: Promise Me Series Book 18 (Origin Story)
Genre: Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Romance Publisher: Melange Books Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Through the love and loss of the ages, immortality brings only one certainty: vengeance.
Disinherited and poverty stricken, bastard Danial clutches at the slim chance to earn a living as a guard, until a night attack leaves both him and his half-brother Devlin vampires. After finding true love with the aristocrat Lacey, Danial comes to the attention of James, the devious Vampire Lord of France. Enslaved by James, his love murdered, Danial plots to escape, his complex plan of years finally succeeding only to result in all of Europeís demonic forces on the hunt for him.
After a reunion and subsequent falling out with Devlin, Danial travels to the new world of America in pursuit of a new life. Settling in the west, Danial forms alliances with native vampire Valerian and the witch Cheyenne to survive a game of cat and mouse with Devlin and protect his new love Kathryn amid his rapidly changing world. Triumphant yet nursing a broken heart, an undeterred Danial protects his friends and thwarts his enemies, determined to find a life of peaceÖuntil unexpected news comes of Jamesís presence, the one man on whom Danial has waited centuries to get revenge.
PURCHASE LINKSExcerpt
I woke at dusk, to men shouting. Flames were flickering in torches on the wall.
I ran toward the noise, coming face to face with Cerdan, in all his armor. ìYou bastard,î he said, baring his fangs and pointing his sword at me. ìYou have much to answer for.î
I didnít reply, just braced for attack.
He circled me. ìHunters have attacked all over France. Easily a hundred werewolves are dead, and as many humans. Cannibal is missing, and presumed dead. Veronique is safe, but some of my best men are dead.î
ìLeave now, or you will die, too.î
Cerdan lunged for me, and I evaded him, grabbing up a sword. He parried my thrust, then attacked in earnest. I defended myself, but he was older, and faster. He spitted me on the end of his sword in a few moments. With a shove, he pinned me to the oak door of the rectory. ìIíll bring your upper half back to James, so he can know you were faithful to death,î he said with an evil laugh, drawing his dagger. ìA small comfort, to be sure.î
As he went to cut me, a dozen red furry forms launched at him, biting ferociously. He cut them to pieces, littering the ground with dying foxes as the bites rapidly healed up. But as he turned to deliver my killing blow, an arrow burst through his neck, the bloody head appearing under his chin. He staggered, but didnít go down.
Charlise appeared, a bow in her hand. She stepped in front of me, and put another arrow through Cerdanís right eye, then his left one. He cursed her, blinded, trying to pull them out. She turned to me and tugged at the end of the sword, freeing it. ìKill him,î she said, giving me the sword.
Other Books in the Series
In the Promise Me series, Sarelle, a mortal woman, encounters a wounded (and sexy and handsome) vampire, Danial. Without knowing who he really is (a murderer for hire, for one), Sarelle begins a romantic relationship with him a little too fast. Interestingly, Sarelle also finds herself attracted to Danial's best friend, the werecougar, Theo. What will happen to Sarelle's relationship with Danial? Where does Theo fit in? Amidst new obstacles and relationship problems, Sarelle has to decide where her future lies.
About Tara Fox Hall![]()
Tara Fox Hallís writing credits include nonfiction, erotica, horror, suspense, action-adventure, childrenís stories, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She is the author of the paranormal fantasy Lash series, the paranormal romantic suspense Unhallowed Love series and the paranormal romantic drama Promise Me series. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice. All of her published childrenís stories to date are free reads on www.childrens-stories.net.
Tara Fox Hall's Email: tarafoxhall@gmail.com
Official website: http://www.tarafoxhall.com
Social media links: Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Melange Books | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter
Book Tour Schedule
Follow the Tour: March 1 - 21, 2018
Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more!
To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Immortal Reckoning Book Page at Book Unleashed.
Giveaway
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Contest runs from February 13 - March 21, 2018.
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Series: Sexy Ten #2
By: Kariss Stone
Publication Date: January 13, 2018
Genre: Erotica
#thrillstenplacestour
Can love break through the walls? Intimacy in a grocery store, on the back of a bus, in the surf, a nightclub, a cable car. Just for starters! Businessman Eric Madison takes his and Charlotteâs âthrillsâ sex to an all new high. But Charlotte Castleâs feelings for him grow to the point where a casual affair is no longer enough. Even though she risks losing him, she has to let him know how she feels. Will Eric overcome his fear of love and commitment or will Charlotte have to walk away from the only man sheâs ever loved?
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Chapter One
Charlotte Castle
He trailed a slow path of kisses over my stomach. My muscles clenched in toe-curling anticipation until he was there, massaging my slick, aching cleft with his hot tongue. âCome for me, angel,â he murmured against my flesh, his words uttered in that soft, lilting Brazilian accent that got me every time.
I gripped his hair as he sent me to the brink of ecstasy with every slide and twirl he made. I inhaled sharply, arched into him, wanting more, needing more. He glided his tongue around the lips of my sex, lapping at my clit until my body trembled.
His tongue went deeper into my slit, lapping and sucking and swirling while I moaned louder. My grip on his hair tightened, my body melted as I reached the pinnacle, about to soarâ
A deep voice sliced through my erotic dream. I blinked hard trying to recall where I was and realizing through the lust haze in my brain, Iâd been asked a question.
Paul, my colleague in the Physics faculty readjusted his too-big spectacles as he stared at me, silent, waiting for my response. âSorry, what was that?â I didnât know why I was having this daydream in the staff room.
âI asked if you wish you were overseas again.â
Clearing my throat, I sat up straighter in my chair, hoping the heat in my cheeks and my no doubt dreamy look wouldnât give me away. âYeah, it would be great to travel again.â
âAnd sailing around the Greek Isles. Lucky you.â Paul turned his attention to their other colleague. âWhen are you going overseas again, Harold?â
While the men conversed, I thought about the amazing time Iâd shared with businessman Eric Madison. It had been a whirlwind two months of mind-blowing sexual experiences with desserts in Australia and exotic locations around the world. But our affair had ended three weeks ago, after our last trystâan orgy in a spa bath filled with jelly. Eric had promised to call the following week, keen to begin a new fantasy adventure. But he hadnât called, and hurt swamped me.
âWhat do you think Charlotte?â
Paul again. It was nice he always included me in his conversations. âSorry, what do I think about what?â I hadnât meant to be distracted, usually Iâm good at listening to people.
Haroldâs piercing grey gaze met mine before he grinned, as though he could see inside my head and was enjoying the show. âIt seems your mind is a million miles away today. We wanted to know what you thought of that Fluid Dynamics article.â
Oh yes, Iâd read that. âThe results are remarkable. Itâs certainly caught the attention of the public eye.â I rose from my place at the lunch table. âWill you excuse me for a moment, gentlemen?â Tightness coiled in my chest. I needed fresh air.
Once outside the Physics building, I let out a deep breath. Eric Madison. Thinking about him had caused me to flee the suddenly claustrophobic lunchroom. The radio silence was probably his way of giving me the hint heâd changed his mind, no longer keen to meet up for the next sexual adventure he had in mind. Well, I got the hint.
Unless heâs been busy and hasnât had time to see you the rational part of my brain reasoned. Donât forget he runs a successful renewable energy company, not to mention his BDSM clubs. And there was that embezzlement drama.
Of course, but not even a quick text to say Hi. Iâve been crazy busy but will call you very soon? Maybe I was asking too much.
Hurt bloomed within me. I was taking it harder than usual because Iâd fallen in love with him, despite knowing he wasnât looking for a long-term relationship. His fear of commitment hung between us like an impenetrable metal sheet, yet I had no idea why. His heart remained a closed book. I could only assume heâd been betrayed by a woman he loved. Or was there another reason to explain his commitment phobia?
Frustrated and angry, I decided as hard as it would be, Iâd have to close that chapter of my life, even though a part of me would always love him. I didnât like these feelings. Experiencing sadness and disillusionment when my ex boyfriend broke my heart a couple of years ago had been enough. I needed to protect my heart and not fall deeper. I would send Eric a text tomorrow and leave it at that, getting the closure I needed. Hopefully. I wouldnât send a text now, choosing to wait until I was in a better head space. I didnât want to lash out and be a total bitch, out of respect for all the wonderful things heâd done for me, all those amazing experiencesâ¦not to mention the fact heâd saved my lifeâ¦
***
Eric Madison
I switched off my computer after a fourteen hour day overseeing the production of a new type of solar panel, the first of its kind in Australia. It would revolutionize the energy industry. Rolling my head and shoulders, I rose to my feet, exhausted and in need of a good sleep. I hopped into my Audi and drove off into the busy Sydney traffic, thankful it was only a short trip to my apartment down by Circular Quay.
Twenty minutes later I slumped on the leather lounge with a beer in hand, switched on the TV and placed my feet on the coffee table, that same laid-back position I always adopted when not in my office. Yep. The bachelor life was great, no woman to tell me to get my shoes off the table.
I flipped channels. The Simpsons. Charlotte laughing at one of Homerâs funny reactions. Memories of her flooded my mindâtimes weâd watched the show together. Iâd been comfortable with her from the moment weâd met, but falling in love, being in a committed relationship were things I avoided, thanks to my parents. Even though sheâd agreed to casual, never asking for anything more, I suspected Charlotteâs feelings for me ran deeper than she admitted to. But there was no way I was getting caught up in a serious relationship.
As I got ready for bed, a text message sounded on my mobile phone. It was from Charlotte.
âHi Eric, hope youâre doing okay. I just wanted to say thanks for everything and I wish you all the best.â
I jerked up straight, my heart skipped a beat. This sounded like she was ending things with me. âWhereâs this coming from?â I texted back.
âNow that weâre back in the real world and busy with our lives a new sexual adventure is probably not on the cards.
Okay, I didnât know women that well, but was this veiled anger? âDo you want me to call you?â
She texted her reply. âNo. Thereâs nothing to discuss. I just wanted to say thanks again for the amazing time we shared, and I wish you well. I hope you got that embezzlement drama sorted out and found the guy. All the best with everything. Bye.â
I surged to my feet, off-kilter, in unfamiliar emotional territory.
Frustrated, I slumped back down on the sofa and shoved a hand through my hair. A big void opened in my chest. Loss swamped me like a tidal wave. I was the one who did the dumping. What do I do about this?
A part of me knew if Iâd called her I would have been tempted to see her straight away. Iâd be vulnerable, and my control over my emotions could slip. I was always planning on calling her though. But Iâd needed more time to deal with the various work issues. Stillâ¦I twisted my lips together. I could have at least sent her a text, even a quick âhi, am really busy but will contact you as soon as I canâ.
Now she was saying goodbye. Something I wasnât expecting. Would it be better if I let her go?
Could I let her go?
Okay. I could do two things. Call her and try to get us back on the same page, but Iâd have to keep my deeper emotions in check. Or I could accept her wishes and let her walk out of my life. But God, I didnât want that. She was too special to me.
Donât make a decision now. Sleep on it.
Just then my mobile rang. My best mate Martin who was always there for me.
âHey, mate, you still up?â Martin never worried about what time he called.
âYeah.â
âSo I ended up asking Liz out, and she said yes.â
Liz. Martinâs personal trainer. âThatâs great. She seems really nice.â
âYeah she is. But Iâd like you to meet her for more than a minute. Can you come to the pub Friday night?â
âUm ⦠yeah ⦠yeah I guessâ¦â
âAre you okay? You sound flat.â
Rubbing my tired eyes, I pondered how I should reply, not wanting to dwell on my emotions at ten-thirty at night. âNothingâs wrong. Sorry, just tired.â Well that was true. âBut Iâm happy for you, Martin. Iâd love to meet her, too.â Even though Martinâs ex-fiancée, Priscilla, had broken his heart six months ago, he still believed in love. I meant it when I said I was happy for him.
âYouâve heard from her, havenât you?â Martin asked bluntly.
I knew he was referring to Charlotte. Were guys meant to be this perceptive?
âAnd I bet sheâs not happy you havenât called her.â
Exactly what Iâd thought. I couldnât lie to my best mate. âYeah I heard from her. She sent me a text saying âthanks, it was nice knowing you, have a good lifeâ, words to that effect.â
âYep, sheâs pissed. You should have called her by now, like I said.â
âMan, Iâm too buggered to get into this with you. Iâll talk to you later. Bye.â I disconnected the call and switched off my phone.
Lying awake in bed, I wasnât able to get Charlotte out of my mind and heart despite the wall Iâd built. But that didnât mean anything. I simply missed her because I enjoyed her company. Sheâd become special to me, but past experiences prevented me from being in a committed relationship. I couldnât open up to her. She wouldnât get it. I only had to remember that night a year ago. Iâd been drinking at the pub with my brother and his girlfriend and after a few beers told her why Iâd sworn off love and serious relationships, thinking sheâd understand. Sheâd been that type of person. Instead sheâd given me this weird, puzzled look like I had rocks in my head, before laughing. âThatâs a ridiculous reason. It makes no sense. Youâve got issues, man.â If she could make me feel like a loser then any woman could, even Charlotte. No. I couldnât give my heart to any woman. It was better to keep things fun and light with her and while I didnât do commitment and love, I wanted to keep being around her. I loved her energy, and her personality. But Iâd understand if she still wanted to walk out of my life because I couldnât give her promises and roses and the happily ever after.
And with her text sheâd pretty well done just that.
Simone Cooper, writing as Kariss Stone for her erotica books, has always been a romantic and knew from an early age creative writing was her passion, and that she wanted to be a writer. She loves everything about love and writing and romance in all its glorious forms, and has a natural passion for erotica, because as she says itâs fun and exciting to âlive outâ any sexual fantasy you want! Simone lives on the Central Coast of NSW in a small flat with her beautiful man and their adorable but cheeky cat Ralph, who is the apple of their eye. When sheâs not writing herself, she loves immersing herself in romance and erotica books and is addicted to any romance reality show on TV. Saddened by all the animal cruelty in the world, she donates regularly to many animal charities. Her dream is to set up an animal rescue refuge when she retires. Her first published book was an erotica short story called âLust to the Nightâ, which describes in detail the first night of sex between the hero and heroine of âDessert Ten Waysâ which is the first book in her âSexy Tenâ series. Simone has also written a sweet romance called âThe Ghost of his Pastâ which is part of the Bindarra Creek Romance series: 13 books by 13 authors over 13 months. Set in the picturesque tablelands of New England, Australia, Bindarra Creek is a fictional, often drought-stricken community full of intrigue, adventure, drama and romance. Life and love in a small country town has never been more challenging. Social Media Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kariss.stone
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Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT:
Page 111… Discovering the Medusa Basilisk Kull walked in front of me, and my father behind. We didn’t speak. It seemed as if even the sound of our voices would break the fragile spell shrouding the room. I wasn’t sure what sort of creature would have been held prisoner here. I studied the lines of runes covering the sand, realizing the spell might have been more complicated than I’d first thought. A few of the symbols I recognized, but most spells were never written. Still, some of the characters were familiar. The Ӿ-shaped symbol meant light. “The runes,” I murmured. “Can you read them, Kull?” “Yes, a few.” “What do they mean?” He pointed to a symbol near the center. “That arrow-shaped symbol means serpent. It’s been repeated quite a few times.” I wasn’t getting a good feeling about this. I hated snakes. “Wait,” Kull said, holding out his hand to stop me. “Look there.” In front of him, an onyx statue carved to look like a snake lay across our path. Kull took a step forward, and held up his lantern. As the light touched the scales, the snake transformed, and flaming blue eyes opened. The snake hissed, revealing its fangs. Kull removed his sword in one swift motion as the snake coiled, preparing to strike. He swung at the head, but the snake darted back, then slithered toward the center of the room. Its lithe body slid over the sand, destroying the runes as it went. The room rumbled, and the floor sank in the center as a hole opened. The sand drained through it, emptying like an hourglass. The snake disappeared through the hole. We stood with our weapons ready. “There go the runes,” Rolf said. “And the snake. You think it will be back?” Heidel asked. “Maybe Kull scared it off?” I said. “Not likely,” he answered. “What was it doing here?” Rolf asked. “You’d think if a snake lived down here, it would’ve disrupted the sand and all those runes before now, wouldn’t it?” “It wasn’t an ordinary snake,” my father said. “I believe it was a basilisk.” “Those are real?” “They’re real, but they’re not going to turn you to stone, thankfully. Still, they’re extremely dangerous. I believe our light must’ve woken the beast. It had most likely been in this tomb for centuries, protected by the runes that kept it asleep. However, the spells to keep it unconscious are very sensitive, even light disrupts their balance.” Kull cursed. “So, we’ve unleashed a basilisk?” “Yes, but the question is—what sort of basilisk is it?” “There are different types?” “Yes, let’s hope it’s not a shape changer. Then we might be in some trouble.” The sand continued pouring through the hole, its sound like waves moving through water. “Let’s not wait around and find out,” Kull said. “Follow me.” He moved swiftly across the chamber toward the doorway on the opposite side. As I followed, I glanced at the hole. Most of the sand had drained, leaving only patches on the floor, the tiny crystals turning blue under the fey light. When we approached the doorway, a stone slid over the opening, booming shut. We turned, but the entrance we’d come through also sealed. At the center above the hole, an image in the shape of a female appeared. Her form was translucent at first, with metallic skin, almost as if she were made of bronze. She was hairless and nude, though she had no features, like a mannequin. Slits replaced her eyes, but as her head swiveled and she focused on us, they opened and burned blue, like the snake. My father cursed, catching me off guard. “It’s a Medusa Basilisk. Have your weapons ready.” ![]()
GIVEAWAY!
A Hundred Billion Ghosts
by DM Sinclair
Genre: Humorous Paranormal Mystery
319 pages
What if one day, ghosts suddenly weren't invisible anymore? The paranormal becomes normal in this fast and funny, wild and twisty ride through a world teeming with the ghosts of every dead person ever.
Ryan is a planner. Always two steps ahead, living in tomorrow. But sometimes, things just happen. Like the ghosts of every human who ever died suddenly materializing and making the whole world haunted. That was a bit of a surprise.
Ryan's new plan: to get a fresh start on life by joining the dead. One sketchy experimental procedure later, he has left his body behind and become a ghost. And that's when things start to go wrong.
Realizing he made a terrible mistake, Ryan wants to be alive again. But his body has mysteriously vanished. And whoever took it will do anything to make sure he never finds it. Now Ryan has just ten days to race across the ghost-infested world and get back into his body, or be obliterated forever. Also, he missed breakfast.
A wild ride perfect for fans of Christopher Moore and Neil Gaiman, A Hundred Billion Ghosts is a "hilarious and compelling" paranormal mystery thriller with "just the right balance of humor, poignancy, and twists".
If you've ever turned on a TV and are not picky, you've probably seen something written by DM Sinclair. He's done more than a hundred hours of that stuff, and will happily take the blame even for shows he didn't write.
Later he thought it might be nice to write books for a change. It isn't, though.
Nevertheless, he intends to keep writing as long as he is alive. After that he plans to visit Australia.
Like many Canadians, he lives in Canada.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!
![]() Accidental Tryst
Goodreads / Amazon / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: Emmy: I hate my boss. Suit Monkey: What happened? Emmy: Pitch was cancelled. He knew that but still made me call in. I’m feeling … stabby. Suit Monkey: Stabby? Emmy: Murderous! Suit Monkey: So you texted ME? Great. Emmy: Sorry. I found myself grinning. Suit Monkey: No it’s fine really. It’s nice to know I spring to mind when you’re stirred to great heights of passion. Was just hoping they’d be less murderous and more amorous. Emmy: In the middle of the day? Suit Monkey: A noon delight? Why not? I gasped dramatically in the empty break room and typed double exclamation points of shock and hit send. Suit Monkey: I’m kidding. Kind of. Not really. But I bet you’re smiling now. Or at least rolling your eyes. Emmy: I am Trystan: I’m in a car with my uncle and my cousin going to visit some of the properties I now own. But if I weren’t … Emmy: Stop. Suit Monkey: Okay. Emmy: Is this what we are now? Suit Monkey: What? Emmy: Phone sex buddies. Suit Monkey: Do we have to label it? Emmy: You can’t even commit to phone sex? You’re worse off than I thought. ![]()
GIVEAWAY! ![]()
Mystery/Thriller
Date Published: February 2018
Jesse Fairlane is missing. Max Larkin and Special Agent Michaels are unsure if this is related to a recent case involving human trafficking or something else. On top of trying to locate his partner, Max has to make a decision as to whether he leaves Rockton to work with the FBI or stays to become captain at the local police department. As Larkin, Michaels, and the other detectives work furiously to find Jesse before it's too late, Max finds himself despairing they'll find her alive. He struggles to maintain his relationship with Veronica and trying to be a friend to Jesse's girlfriend, Melissa, all while following a maze of clues to Jesse.
Excerpt
The convention had been long and tiring, and Fiona stifled a yawn. Then she caught the eye of the man in the elevator, the man whom she'd met just hours before, and giggled.
“Long day, eh?” he said.
Jesse Fairlane is missing. Max Larkin and Special Agent Michaels are unsure if this is related to a recent case involving human trafficking or something else. On top of trying to locate his partner, Max has to make a decision as to whether he leaves Rockton to work with the FBI or stays to become captain at the local police department. As Larkin, Michaels, and the other detectives work furiously to find Jesse before it's too late, Max finds himself despairing they'll find her alive. He struggles to maintain his relationship with Veronica and trying to be a friend to Jesse's girlfriend, Melissa, all while following a maze of clues to Jesse..
She stared around, taking in the artwork on the walls, the deep pile of the carpet under her feet, and the shining wood of the doors in the corridor, as the man held his key card against the lock, buzzing them into his suite. The interior astounded her. He'd laughed when she had stoutly declared that she wouldn't go to his hotel room, and now she could see why. This was an entire apartment with no bed in sight to remind her of the things she refused to do on a first date. There were enormous plate-glass windows lording over stylish furniture. A big bowl of fruit sat on the counter of a well-equipped kitchen.
“Wow!” she said, unable to stop herself.
“Quite something, isn't it?” he said. “Glad I’m expensing this rather than footing the bill.”
He was a sales rep, he'd told her. Must be pretty good at his job to merit a hotel like this.
“So, Fiona Turner,” he said, eyes flicking down to the name badge that was still pinned to her chest. “Let me get you a drink. I'd say we deserve one, wouldn't you?”
She nodded and walked to the windows to look out over the glowing city below as he strode to the kitchen area. She heard the pop of a cork as she tried to locate landmarks below her. She felt the cool touch of glass against her hand, and turned to take it from him.
He stood next to her and they sipped while watching the city move toward slumber for the night. At times, she could feel his stare on her in the glass. Whenever she tried to catch him, he would take another sip to hide his eyes.
She wasn't sure when she knew that something was wrong. At first it was nothing, a little blurring around the edges of her vision, a slight dizziness when she went to sit down. Perhaps the wine was hitting her harder than she’d imagined. She shouldn't have skipped lunch to attend that talk. On the other hand, she thought, perhaps she was just dehydrated. She took the last sip of crisp pinot grigio in the stemmed glass. It was the last thing she remembered.
About the Author
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Perhaps you wouldn't characterize the Finance Manager of your local automobile dealership as an Amazon best-selling author--until you get to know Todd Thiede. He has worked for the past decade at Elmhurst Toyota, but Thiede is in the driver's seat as the writer of a murder mystery series featuring his hero Detective, Max Larkin. "Time Killer," which Kirkus Reviews deemed "a fast-paced thriller" that will "keep crime and thriller fans wrapped up in its twisting plot, fast pace and memorable detective,", "Lies To Die For" (which reached No. 1 on Amazon in the "Serial Killer" category), Miss Me? (3rd in the series) and Slashtag (4th in the series) are available via Amazon Kindle.
Go to www.toddthiede.com for more info on Todd and his books.
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