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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Guest Post & Giveaway: Goodwill Tour:Paying It Forward by Keith Maginn

Title: Goodwill Tour: Paying It Forward 
Author: Keith Maginn
Publication: January 4, 2013

Amazon|B&N|Goodreads

Synopsis: 
In mid-July of 2011, Keith Maginn, and his friend, Emily, set off from Cincinnati, Ohio, on a 3,000-mile road-trip through several southeastern states. The pair stopped in Memphis, New Orleans, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville and smaller towns in between. Goodwill Tour: Paying It Forward is a travelogue detailing a philanthropic experiment in this incredible country the two call home. What makes their trip unique—and Maginn’s book fresh—is that sightseeing wasn't their sole purpose. Emily and Keith were determined to spread kindness as they worked to make a difference in the lives of others along the way. They gave their own money to hand-picked strangers, who then had to pay the money forward to someone else. Goodwill Tour is the narrative of the places Emily and Keith visited and the people they met on their journey. It is an ode to the United States and, even more, a tribute to its people. From Beale Street to Bourbon Street and Graceland to the Biltmore Estate, from feeding the needy in downtown Charleston to brainstorming ideas with a female Buddhist monk to help abused teens and high school dropouts in North Carolina, readers will enjoy riding shotgun on the trip as they relive the experience of these life-altering events, and contemplate how people changed as a result. Supplemented by quotes from Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild, Douglas Brinkley’s The Majic Bus and Try Giving Yourself Away by David Dunn, this book satisfies two longings at once: to have a fun, interesting journey and to motivate readers to have an impact on the people around them. With so much negativity in the news and so many struggling in a beaten-down economy, the public is crying out for a feel-good, transformative book like Goodwill Tour. Many have driven around the country for adventure; countless others serve their community. Maginn and his friend set out to accomplish both at once. Their pay-it-forward mission will touch and inspire readers to take the trip that they've always dreamed of or to have a positive effect in the life of a loved one, an acquaintance, or even a complete stranger.

Today it is my pleasure to introduce Keith Maginn to our readers. Keith is sharing his second book with us. With that I hand the floor over to Keith. 






My name is Keith Maginn and I released my second book, Goodwill Tour: Paying It Forward in January of 2013. GWT is a travelogue about a journey that I went on with my friend in mid-July of 2011. Emily and I set off from Cincinnati, Ohio on a 3,000-mile road-trip through the southeastern United States. We gave our own money to hand-picked strangers that we met along the way, with the stipulation that they had to pay the money forward to someone else. Goodwill Tour recounts how Emily and I tried to spread kindness and make a difference in the lives of others while having a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

The idea for the trip actually started out as a joke. Emily and I met through my memoir, Turning This Thing Around. A friendship developed over time and we started half-seriously daydreaming about doing a tour to sell my books. The two of us brainstormed how we could combine having an adventure with doing something philanthropic. Emily had read Bill Clinton’s book Giving and was well aware of the “Pay-it-Forward” cause. Ultimately, she came up with the idea to go out on the road, meet deserving strangers and give them money that they had to give to someone else. Meanwhile, I would be taking notes along the way that I would turn into a book.

The whole trip came about quickly and we didn’t have time to plan much of anything. Emily and I only had a 15-day window for our trip, so the route had to be within driving distance of Cincinnati, our hometown. We knew the Southeastern U.S. route would put us in the Deep South in the middle of a very hot summer, but that course would allow us to visit more places that we had never been previously. Just a few days before we were going to leave, Emily and I decided to go to Memphis, Tennessee - New Orleans, Louisiana - Savannah, Georgia - Charleston, South Carolina - Asheville, North Carolina…and many towns in between.

Other than a loose idea of destinations, Emily and I decided we would just take a leap of faith and trust our instincts. We wanted to put ourselves into positions to meet deserving people. In some cases we were able to work alongside volunteers, at a soup kitchen for example, and other times meeting our donation recipients was more serendipitous. Believe it or not, giving money to strangers was harder than we expected!

The people that we chose ranged from a nun to a mother of three young children to a monk. As you can imagine, all were quite surprised when complete strangers handed them cash. What struck me the most about these people is that they kept thanking us for what we were doing, while they were the ones really making a difference—Emily and I were travelling around for a few weeks, while the people we met worked or volunteered to help others on a daily basis for little or no credit.

Stepping off of the trolley in our first stop (Memphis, Tennessee) was when it first hit me—we were actually going through with this crazy idea! Emily and I had the next several days to do whatever we wanted. No deadlines, no 9-5 job, just a goal to have fun and to touch some lives.

Giving away the first donation to a special young woman in Memphis made us realize that things might work out after all. She was genuinely grateful and all three of us were in tears. (The first interaction also gave us a false sense of how smooth the trip and the giving would be, as things were not that easy the rest of the trip!)

Emily and I easily could have backed out of this trip, could have put it off for “another time”…a time that likely would never come. I am glad that we took a chance. No one can ever take that away from us. In the words of John F. Kennedy: “There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.”

You only live once. You don’t want to have regrets the rest of your life because you didn’t go after something you were passionate about. When my aunt found out that Emily and I were going on this journey, she said “One of my regrets is that I didn’t do once-in-a-lifetime things when I was young and unencumbered.” You will never know unless you step out of your comfort zone and follow what your heart is telling you to do. If you go forward, you might be surprised how things just seem to work in your favor. I hope Goodwill Tour: Paying It Forward inspires others to take their dream trip and/or to make a difference in the lives of others.

[As an unknown, independent author, I am grateful to Wanted Readers for giving me a platform to help spread my message. I also appreciate people like you for reading my story. I would love to connect with you on Twitter (@Keith_Maginn) or at my website (keithmaginn.com). Thank you and all the best!!]

Giveaway: This giveaway is for one (1) ebook copy of Goodwill Tour:Paying It Forward by Keith Maginn. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 27, 2013

Interview: Myopia by Jeff Gardiner

Title: Myopia
Author: Jeff Gardiner
Publication: december 5, 2012

Amazon|Crookedcatbooks|Goodreads


Synopsis: 
“Oi! You four-eyed freak!”

Jerry is bullied for wearing glasses. When he realises his short-sightedness is not a disability, but a different way of perceiving and understanding the world around him, he begins to see things from a new, unique perspective.
 
He even starts to believe he might have super-powers, but soon learns a great deal about himself and about the boy who is making his life such a misery.
 
As he becomes alienated from his girlfriend and best mate, both victims of racism, Jerry realises he needs to think hard and put his plan into action.
 
Has Jerry discovered a new way of dealing with prejudice?
 
Myopia is a novel about bullying, friendship and learning the hard way.

 Author Bio: 
Jeff Gardiner is a UK writer whose collection of short stories, A Glimpse of the Numinous, was published last year by Eibonvale Press.  His contemporary novel, Myopia, explores bullying and prejudice –published by Crooked Cat Books. Both are available as paperbacks and e-books. His second novel Igboland will be published in early 2014. Many of his short stories have appeared in anthologies, journals and webzines. He also has a work of non-fiction to his name.
For more information please see his website at www.jeffgardiner.com and his blog: http://jeffgardiner.wordpress.com/

Interview: 
Tell us something fun about you?

As a student I used to work as a hospital porter. My interview involved being shown a cadaver in the mortuary. The Head Porter summoned me in, pulled out the drawer and said, ‘So what do you think of that?’ A little stunned, I nodded and replied, ‘Um ... yes ... very interesting.’ I think it was the fact that I didn’t faint that got me the job.

What about "Myopia" makes it stand out?

‘Myopia’ explores the effects of bullying, which crushes the self-esteem of so many people. Jerry, the victim and protagonist, devises some creative, ingenious and non-violent ways to confront his aggressors. Meanwhile Jerry is convincing himself that he might have super-powers – a belief that really could backfire. He learns a great deal about himself.

Are there any similarities between you and your characters?

I was born with a squint and I was that kid in your class with a patch over one eye. Whilst I wasn’t really bullied at school, as a teacher I have dealt with bullies and victims, seeing close-up the tragic consequences of this hateful and selfish behaviour.

Are there any new projects in the works?

Yes, I’ve just completed another YA novel with more explicitly fantasy elements. I’m hoping that will be the beginning of a longer series of books. I also feel that Jerry from ‘Myopia’ could have one or two more adventures as he gets older. I will continue writing short stories and have a few about to be released in various anthologies.

What is the question that you wish interviewers would ask, and the answer to that question?

What other books do you have out or coming out soon?

I also have a book of adult short stories called ‘A Glimpse of the Numinous’. It includes horror, slipstream, humour and romance. Next year is set to be a good year for me as I have three more books coming out. ‘Igboland’ is a novel set in Nigeria during the Biafran War in the 1960s. ‘Treading On Dreams’ is a coming-of-age tale about a student with an obsession for a girl he shares a house with, whilst also being lured into a life of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll against his will. Then I have a non-fiction book coming out which discusses the works of writer Michael Moorcock, best known for his Elric and Jerry Cornelius books from the 60s and 70s, but also for his more mainstream later novels such as ‘Gloriana’ and ‘Mother London’. He is a voracious social commentator and even a rock star in his own right, including writing for and performing with space rock champions, Hawkwind.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Lycan Gladiator by Eva Gordon

Title: Lycan Gladiator
Author: Eva Gordon 
Series: The Wolf Maiden Saga #1
Publisher: Corvallis Press
Publication: Aug 18, 2013 

Amazon|B&N|iTunes|Kobo|Goodreads

Synopsis:During a time of bloody gladiator games and treacherous schemes, a secret society of lycans live amongst the Romans.

When Ulric, a lycan gladiator, meets a mysterious human woman with green eyes, he’s drawn to her fiery beauty, enraptured by her alluring aroma. Unfortunately, Ulric and the beauty are slaves. To make matters worse, he can mate only with someone marked with the sign of the wolf.

Cassia’s hidden wolf mark burns in the presence of the handsome gladiator. While her heart yearns to be near Ulric, logic warns her against it—having a slave as a mate is against the lycan society’s plans for her.

In spite of the lycan society’s rules and the emperor’s brutal plots, their love grows … but their passion just may cost them their lives.

Author Bio:
Eva Gordon writes genre bending paranormal/fantasy/steampunk and historical novels with a strong romantic element. She loves to create stories that combine her passion for mythology, steamy romance, and action/suspense. Her imagination takes her from one universe to the next. Thus far, she has several series lined up as well as single titles waiting in line for production.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Excerpt & Giveaway: Exception by Patty Maximini

Title: Exception 
Author: Patty Maximini
Publication: November 2nd 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance


Synopsis:
When all hope for moving on from a life filled with pain and abuse was gone, Emily Watson closed herself off to the world, packed her bags, and moved across the country in search of a new life. What she found was a career she adored and friends she loved. It wasn’t a full and complete life, but it was definitely better than what she knew before.

When all hope for being loved and accepted for who he was instead of what he had was gone, Taylor Carter decided that trusting people outside of his family wasn’t really smart and would only lead to disappointment. With his world turned upside down, his life became about his work, and every new relationship was meaningless and superficial. He was safe and definitely content but never truly happy.

When all hope for staying awake during a long day was gone, Emily and Taylor found themselves at the same coffee cart. Little did they know then that the worst coffee they’d ever had would forever change their lives.

When hopeless people are blinded by an endless pain, when contentment and safety feel like the best options, and when love seems impossible, they may just find an exception.

Excerpt: 
Fisting his hand in the fabric, he tugged it down hard, and this time Emily didn't object. She didn't think she could. He was staring so deeply into her eyes, she thought he could see her soul. “This is mine Emily, you understand me? It’s all mine.”
Before she could answer, he moved and pulled her down so she was flat on her back, her entire body exposed and her hair tossed around the bed in a silky black fan. Fucking hell, she’s sexy, he thought.
“I’m done fighting now,” her raspy admission was followed by clawed hands, snaking through his midsection and pulling him down. “I’m yours, Tay, every tiny, little bit of me.”
Taylor was hardly ever speechless, but that was how he felt hearing her words and knowing, deep down that it was his cue. Working through the unfamiliar knot in his throat and the uncomfortable feeling of butterflies flying in his gut, he lightly kissed her lips, trying to even his breath out and fighting the stinging in his eyes.
“Well babe, that’s good, because I want to claim all of those tiny bits as mine.” The wicked smile that spread on her perfect, lush lips, made him snicker. “Not only in that way, perv,” he teased, allowing their friendly banter to shine once more.
Smoothing her hair down, he looked her deep in the eyes, connecting with her in a most intimate manner and spoke in his most serious and honest tone. “I want to spend my whole life loving every bit of you, in every sense of the word, through whatever life throws our way. I want to make every piece of you a piece of me, and give you all the titles I offered when I asked you to be my girlfriend. As much as I love sharing my life with you as my best friend, girlfriend and life partner, I want to make you more than that, and I can’t wait anylonger, Ems. I love you too much.”


Saturday, December 21, 2013

Interview: Devya's Children Series by Julie C. Gilbert


Title: Ashlynn's Dreams

Author: Julie C. Gilbert
Series: Devya's Children
Publication: February 9, 2013


Synopsis: Before she was kidnapped, Jillian Marie Antel Blairington was just an average bright, brave, headstrong child. She was excited for life in a new house with her Momma and new Daddy. Afterward, she's all that ... and so much more.

Held in a scientific facility, Jillian discovers her past-a family she never knew and a power she doesn't understand. With her ability now activated, she can enter and even shape a person's dreams. Jillian's been kidnapped, and her Gift has been triggered, so she can locate and save Benjamin Connelly, a brother she never even knew she had. She'd better master this strange ability quickly, though, because her life isn't the only one at stake. Her babysitter, Danielle Matheson, is being held as a hostage to ensure Jillian's full cooperation. Slowly, Jillian begins to learn more about her captor and the other genetically altered children held at the facility.

Join Jillian as she tries to survive the training being forced upon her, find her unknown brother, escape with Danielle, and work her way back to a normal life once more.

Title: Ashlynn's Dreams

Author: Julie C. Gilbert
Series: Devya's Children

Publication: February 9, 2013


Synopsis: 
Jillian must enter Nadia's dreams to wake her from a mysterious coma. In Nadia's dreams, Jillian meets several versions of her sister, including the elegant Queen Elena, fierce Naidine, and heartbroken Nadie. Meanwhile, Danielle must save her friend Christy from making choices that could get them both killed.




Author Bio:
Julie lives in New Jersey and answers to Miss Gilbert a lot these days. She teaches chemistry during the school year then spends the summer months lost in books, both reading and writing.

Interview: 
Tell us something fun about you?
I'm pretty sure I've read over 500 Nancy Drew/ Hardy Boys books. 

What about "Ashlynn's Dreams" and "Nadia's Tears" makes them stand out?
In addition to featuring young people coming to grips with special powers, these books also give me the opportunity to talk about heavy issues like human trafficking.

Are there any similarities between you and your characters?
I like to think they get a lot of their intelligence from me. (The occasional stupid thing they do is all them.) A lot of my characters end up with a great sense of responsibility for others. I guess the teacher instinct in me can identify well with that notion. A bunch of the characters are "wired for good" and I can only hope that's something true for me. Thankfully, I haven't been placed in even a fraction of the danger they have, but hopefully, if push came to shove, I'd show as much courage as they do.

Are there any new projects in the works?
The third book in this series is in the proofreading stage. I also have another series that features a prince coming to grips with his destiny. 

What is the question that you wish interviewers would ask, and the answer to that question?
Do you have a favorite side character that you identify with?
It's really hard to just pick one, but I think I can understand Nadia's sense of responsibility for her siblings. 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Excerpt & Giveaway: Tethered by Leigh Hall

Title: Tethered 
Author: Leigh Hall
Series: BirthRight #1
Publication: October 29th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:
No matter how hard you fight it—destiny has a mind of its own!

Since foreseeing the imminent death of her parents six years earlier, Chloe has lived a simple, not-so-charmed-life away from her remaining Wiccan family.

Zero magic.

No close friendships.

While struggling to bench-press more guilt than any nineteen-year-old ever should.

But fate intervenes and forces Chloe to return home. As if being an in-the-closet-Seer wasn’t bad enough, now she has to spend summer break with the snarky sister who hates her—and the magical birthright she was hell-bent on denying for all eternity.

Luckily, meeting Mr. Perfect takes the edge off her endless family drama. Hunter’s twenty-five, sometimes old-fashioned in a Jane Austen hero sort of way, and more delicious than molten-lava cake. But the more she tries to hide her family’s magical secrets from this ever-present stranger, the more quickly she realizes he’s hiding a few doozies of his own.

Will the lies and betrayal destroy their relationship before it really begins? Or will learning of their tethered future create an unbreakable bond neither can deny? Either way, their hearts will be forever entwined by destiny.

Excerpt: 
He eyes me curiously. “Why, were you afraid I was stalking you or something?” Once the words roll off his tongue, a snicker bursts from his lips.
My face heats up. “Of course not! It just occurred to me after you left yesterday I had no idea why you were here...when you knew why I was. So now I know.”
“Now you know.” Mischief spreads across his face, his eyebrows lifting with his crooked smile. “So, if you see me back here a lot over the next few days, you won’t go thinking I decided to stalk you after all, will you? Because if we’re here—on the same floor—seeing the same doctor—we’re bound to run into each other from time to time. I wouldn't want you worrying for your safety or anything, so I figured I’d put your mind at ease before it has a chance to run away with itself again.” He laughs almost under his breath.
Seriously? Oh, he’s clearly enjoying this. But I’ll play along. Why not? “Your consideration is touching.” I lift my hand to my heart. “But if you should happen to change your mind about stalking me, please just give me a heads up first. I’d be more than happy to provide you with my itinerary. I know how daunting your schedule must be, so I wouldn't want to subject you to any difficulties which might further endanger your well-being.” I tilt my head, batting my baby blues for affect. “If you like, I could even leave a ladder outside my window...or binoculars in the tree across the street. You know...just in case.” Feeling just a tad cocky from my rebuttal, I return the same sideways smirk he’s now giving me.
“You see, I knew you were a good woman from the first moment I laid eyes on you. Most aren't willing to be so accommodating.”
“Well, the way I see it...you risk your life to protect strangers every day. It’s merely my civic duty to repay your kindness. I’m nothing if not old-fashioned.” I re-cross my legs, trying not to seem too confident.
He leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Well in that case, I promise to let you know when I decide to stalk you.”
When...?” My eyes open wide.
The second he laughs, I jump in right along with him. How could I not with that amazing, smoky laugh of his? He does seem to be enjoying this just as much as I am.
“You’re a lot of fun, Miss Chloe. And a lot quicker than I expected. Very pleasant surprise.” He smiles. His gorgeous, mocha eyes caress my soul.
Deep breath, Chloe. “Yeah well, you caught me on an off-day yesterday. But I’ll be sure to bring my A-game from now on.” I bump my knee into his as I lift my brows flirtatiously.
“I’ll hold you to it, you know. Comic relief is in short supply around here.” He nods towards the emergency room entrance.
“Yeah, hospitals tend to have that effect on people. I can’t imagine why.”
An adorable blush lights up his cheeks. I don’t know if I ever realized just how sexy it is when a guy gets embarrassed. Though, I’m sure just about any look would be attractive on Hunter.
“So, what do you do for fun in this town, Miss Chloe?”
“When you figure that one out, you can let me know. I have absolutely no idea. Lived in San Diego for six years, remember?”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, perhaps some evening after I decide to stalk you, maybe I’ll lure you to my car with some candy. Then we can drive around and figure it out together.” He leans back, eyeing me from under half closed lids as he grins.
“Well that all depends on how long it takes you to start stalking me. I can’t wait forever you know.” I do my best to look serious, but I can’t quite tell if I succeed.
He tips his head back, belting out a hearty laugh. “Fair enough.”
“So would it be presumptuous of me to ask how old my perspective stalker is?”
His jaw drops. “I’m appalled! How dare you ask me such a personal question? You have some nerve, madam.” His acting skills are lacking, but who cares. He smiles. “I’m twenty-five. So will you bestow the same courtesy upon me, Miss Chloe?”
Suddenly uncomfortable, I re-cross my legs, again, then start bouncing my foot. “Are you sure you really want to know?” Well, it was fun while it lasted. I know I’m way too young for him, and now he’ll know too. I’m such a dumb ass for asking his age. Idiot!
“Of course I do. It can’t be that shocking.”
“You sure about that?”
“Oh come on, it can’t be that bad.”
I hold my breath for a few seconds, then exhale. “I’m only nineteen.” My shoulders tense as I get ready for the big let-down.
“So you’re still in school then?” His head tilts to the side.
“Yup. Only two years left, thank god.”
“Hmm. I don’t know if I can stalk someone who’s underage. I could get arrested for harassing a minor, you know.” He attempts a serious tone.
“First, I’m not a minor...and second, I’d say that’s the least of your worries if you turn out to be a stalker.” Ha. Take that, Hunter Payne!
“You do have a point.” He shakes his head while looking at the sidewalk.
“Of course I do.” 

AUTHOR BIO:
Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation. 

Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.

Brandi hasn't been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it’s okay to speak your mind and be independent, career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society’s mold.

In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.


Giveaway: This giveaway is for a kindle ebook copy of Tethered and is open internationally. This giveaway is sponsored by the Author and/or Xpresso Book ToursPlease use the rafflecopter form below to enter. 

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Cover Reeal: The Untold Stories by Rhiannon Paille

Title: The Untold Stories 
Author: Rhiannon Paille 
Series: The Ferryman and the Flame
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Skeleton & Dust
In the First Era, before Kaliel and Krishani fell in love, Tor runs. He escapes the Land of Kings and the tyrannical Valtanyana. In the depths of Tempia he forges weapons– The Flames– strong enough to oppose the Kings he betrayed.

Aria, The Amethyst Flame, cannot touch the living or the dead and her kin are silent ghosts. Hidden in a cairn deep in the haunted forest, Aria becomes obsessed with the Ferryman, the only boy who can feel her touch.

Before Aria knows it, The Flames, The Ferryman and Tor are swept up in the first war against the Valtanyana.

Lantern & Poison
Hadwen is no more. The Daed have no choice but to travel to Avrigost to awaken Crestaos. They’re thrown into a whirlwind quest for the Flames, not knowing how ruthless and sadistic Crestaos can be.

Blood & Gold
The Daed are pawns to one of the most powerful members of the Valtanyana. Crestaos is insane, his hunger for the Flames insatiable. The closer the Daed get to achieving his goal, the more expendable they become.
Author Bio:
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Cutlass by Ashley Nixon

Title: Cutlass 
Author: Ashley Nixon 
Series: Cutlass Series #1
Publication: April 23rd 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult


Synopsis:
Notorious pirate Barren Reed has one thing on his mind: Revenge against the man who killed his father. So kidnapping his enemy’s fiancĂ© seems a perfect plan…until he actually does it.

Larkin Lee is more than a pretty face and fiancĂ© to a powerful man. Her fierce personality is enough to make any pirate want to push her overboard.

But when the King of the Orient comes to Barren with a task—to find the Bloodstone, a powerful gem thought only to exist in legend, Barren sees another opportunity to destroy his enemy. Together, Barren, Larkin and a crew of pirates set off to find the stone, only to discover it caused the death of Barren’s own mother and Larkin’s, too. As his strongest allies turn into his greatest enemies, and the life of the girl he kidnapped becomes more important than he ever dreamed, Barren’s quest for revenge becomes a fight to save the Orient.

Author Bio:
Ashley was born and raised in Oklahoma, where the wind really does sweep down the plains, and horses and carriages aren't used as much as she'd like. When she's not writing, she's hard at work on her Master's degree in Library Science and Information Technology, working out, or pretending she's Sherlock Holmes. Her obsession with writing began after reading the Lord of the Rings in the eighth grade. Since then, she's loved everything Fantasy--resulting in an unhealthy obsession with the 'geek' tab on Pinterest, where all things awesome go.
Giveaway: This giveaway is for a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. 
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Spotlight: Hand of Miriam by Eva Gordon

Published By Eva Gordon
Cover art by Nicolene van Staden
Editing by Marion Archer and Karen Lawson
Published: December 6, 2013
Word Count: 105,618
Page Count Print: 390 pages

Book Tagline:  A Victorian world of supernatural creatures, magnificent airships, a secret society, and one bluestocking adventuress who, threatened by evil seeks protection by awakening the golem.
Blurb:
On an archaeological expedition, Bayla Gideon, is widowed by a supernatural force and branded with the Hand of Miriam or Knowing Eye. Threatened by evil, she awakens the golem; a mythical man of clay, who protected the Jewish community over three centuries ago.

The golem, Gesher, is surprised. Freedom –by a beautiful, enchanting woman. His desire is to return to the celestial spheres and regain his status as an avenging angel. Yet, Bayla challenges his mind, body and soul. Would he risk his return to the heavens for her? Besides, dealing with the otherkind, mad inventors and an unrelenting matchmaking aunt, Bayla is equally determined to resist her steamy attraction to the striking fallen angel. 

Thrust into a malevolent war, which includes facing Jack the Ripper, they must resist the magnetic pull toward each other, while protecting the world from encroaching evil.

Excerpt
Bayla unlocked the Gemmatridon and held it as instructed. The talismans on the cover shifted into gears that twisted in rapid circles, and buzzed like irate bees while emitting light. Startled, she fumbled with it. The box opened. Inside was a small parchment. The instructions dictated that it be placed in the golem’s mouth. She carefully removed the ancient scroll and with trembling hands set it in the slit that had to be its mouth. Immediately, the parchment sunk in as if swallowed by quicksand and vanished. The chamber shook as if an earthquake had struck. She fell back still holding the box. Sitting sprawled on the floor, she froze in terror. Thankfully, the tremor stopped. 
A blinding bright light erupted from the crate and the golem roared a deep menacing bellow from within.
 Bayla dropped the box. What have I done? She closed her eyes from the blazing brightness and wrapped her arms and head over her knees. Like a candle snuffed out, the light vanished. The golem’s holler subsided into a grumbling moan, as if awakened from its slumber. 
 She dared look. The golem sat in the crate. She suppressed a scream on seeing his rigid red-stone face. He looked like a misshapen man made of hard red rock. An aleph was added in front of met. The Hebrew word for truth, emet, now inscribed on his forehead, permitting it life. It slowly rose and stepped out. Tall, its square head almost touched the ceiling. It wasn’t too monstrous in stature, perhaps six-foot-seven, and within the range of human height. It blinked open gray eyes and stared at her. His eyes were the only part that looked remotely human and revealed his soul, by holding her gaze as if he knew her.
Bayla scooted back on her bottom but kept her eyes on him. There was a connection, a warm bond that eased her fear. She couldn’t read its thoughts. Was it because it had none? 

The golem turned his head to the side and spoke in a deep baritone voice, “You are a woman.” 

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Author Bio 
Eva Gordon writes genre bending paranormal/fantasy/steampunk and historical novels with a strong romantic element. She loves to create stories that combine her passion for mythology, steamy romance, and action/suspense. Her imagination takes her from one universe to the next. Thus far, she has several series lined up as well as single titles waiting in line for production.

Hand of Miriam, A Bayla and the Golem Novel is a gothic/steampunk/paranormal romance. Release date: December 2013. Book 2, Her Majesty’s Witch, A Bayla and the Golem Novel, will be released Spring or Summer 2014. Her intension is a duology. 

Lycan Gladiator is book 1 in her paranormal wolfish romance historical series, The Wolf Maiden Saga. Released August 2013. Book 2, Wolf Knight in King Arthur’s Court is with her editor at Corvallis Press.

Apocalyptic Moon is book 1 in her After the Bane series (paranormal romance/zombie apocalypse) Released May 2013 by The Wild Rose Press. Book 2, Raven Moon will be released 2014.

The Gamekeeper’s Daughter, a Victorian era, steamy/naughty/suspense historical novel will be released Spring 2014. Book 1 in the Red Silk and Leather trilogy. 

The Stone of the Tenth Realm, her epic fantasy backlist novel will be revised and released in the near future.

Eva has a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. She once taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. When not in her den writing, she can be found at steampunk conventions, at work at the raptor rehabilitation center, wolf sanctuaries, or to satisfy her inner Hemingway on some global eco adventure. 

Learn more about Eva Gordon below:
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