Pirate Island by Katie Carroll

Today, Katie Carroll is here to share the cover for her new MG tale. Take it away, Katie!!!

PIRATE ISLAND

by Katie L. Carroll (katielcarroll.com)

Cover Illustration by Susan Tait Porcaro (susantaitporcaro.com)

Coming October 2017!

PIRATE ISLAND blurb:

A thrice cursed island, a legendary pirate treasure, and one not-so-brave boy. What could possibly go wrong?

For centuries, the whereabouts of Captain William Kidd’s lost pirate treasure has remained a mystery. When Billy’s best friend, Andy, proposes they look for it on nearby Pirate Island, Billy thinks it’s just another one of their crazy adventures. It’s usually Billy who ends up in trouble as a result, but he goes along for the ride…like always. The more he delves into the life and death of Kidd, the more he thinks the treasure is real and that it might be buried on the small island in Long Island Sound. Billy—nope, call him William—becomes obsessed with the captain of the same first name. He even believes he’s possessed by Kidd’s restless soul. Now he and the spirit of a long-dead pirate are leading the crazy adventure on Pirate Island. And what they find is far bigger than the treasure they imagined.

About the Author:

Katie L. Carroll always says she began writing at a very sad time her life after her sister Kylene unexpectedly passed away. The truth is Katie has been writing her whole life, and it was only after Kylene’s death that she realized she wanted to pursue writing for kids and teens as a career. Since then writing has taken her to many wonderful places, real and imagined. She has had many jobs in her lifetime, including newspaper deliverer, hardware store cashier, physical therapy assistant, and puzzle magazine editor. She works from her home in Connecticut that is filled with the love and laughter of her sons and husband.

In addition to PIRATE ISLAND, Katie is the author of the YA fantasy ELIXIR BOUND. Find Katie on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Something in the Water by Ben Starling

Today, I'm happy to introduce Ben Starling to the blog. Welcome Ben! Tell us a little about yourself. When you're not writing, what do you like to do?

Analyse boxing techniques on online. I used to coach and box competitively until a few years ago. Many people see only the force and lightning speed of boxing. But it is a beautiful sport in many ways too if you understand and watch for the underlying strategy in each play.

I loved watching boxing with my dad when I was younger. Brings back some great memories. What have you been working on recently? Can you tell us about your new release?

Something in the Water is fundamentally a love story—with a bit of adventure in the tropics thrown in too. Here’s the blurb:

The sealed box Teal finds in the street contains more than just a mystery…

What if to be with the man of your dreams…you had to give up your life? 

On the verge of losing her job, side-lined journalist Teal is forced to travel to the South Pacific to profile a powerful businessman. But with her almost-but-not-quite fiancé Bear discouraging her every step of the way, she may not be able to save her career or her relationship. 

When corporate criminals invade paradise, Teal teams up with a former 

boxer turned marine-biologist to investigate. As she discovers the true intentions behind their new canning operations, she must either accept the plum promotion that will save her career or—with Perry—defend the island with more than her life.

Something in the Water, An Ocean Romance is available on Amazon. 

http://bit.ly/SITWbtour2am

Oh! I see the boxing tie-in now. Who will this story appeal to? 

Those who love the works of Nicholas Sparks, Nora Roberts and Colleen Hoover.

I'm a huge Nora Roberts fan. Can't wait to see where you take me with this story, Ben! What inspired you to become an author?

An accidental long-term commitment to simplicity. It’s an occupation that lends itself to a lifestyle de-emphasizing material possessions and that promotes time for reflection. It’s so easy, so compelling to get caught up in the rush of city life, so difficult to wind down and be mindful of the little things, the simple things. The things which make life worthwhile.

Interesting. I know my life is quite complicated at times and I miss the simple things. It's always nice to take that break that brings you back to a simpler place and time. I imagine your lifestyle gives you time to reflect on all kinds of advice. What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Swim 60 lengths every morning before writing.

I'd love to, if I had access to a pool. I'd miss working on my form. Speaking of form, what is your favorite literary form to write?

I enjoy everything, everything. I’ve written poetry, a screenplay, a novella, short stories, non-fiction articles. There is something to learn from everything. Every form teaches something new and informs the next project’s challenges. Poetry teaches imagery and rhythm. Short stories hone tight scene writing. Novels need structure and pace. Structure and pace lift poetry…

I’m currently writing a Valentine’s Day poem—it’s being written over several days in the lead up to the big day. I am releasing it stanza by stanza daily on my facebook page.

That is so cool! Where can we check it out? 

Visit me at www.facebook.com/ben.starling.author to follow a new kind of event-a Valentine’s Poetry Writing Reality Show!

Is there anything you MUST have in order to write?

Silence. Frequent breaks. Occasional chocolate. Encouragement from my editor and beta readers. More chocolate…

I'm sensing a theme here :-) What can we look forward to next from you?

Something in the Water will be supported by a series of short stories that reveal the backstories of the major characters in this world.

The first in the series, Something in the Air, is available now free at my website as well as free on Kobo (and also available at Amazon). The second short story in the series, Something on the Fly, will be released in the Spring!

Where can we find these books?

Something in the Water - available on Amazon http://bit.ly/SITWbtour2am

Something in the Air –  available for FREE at www.ben-starling.com, Kobo http://bit.ly/SITAbtour2kobo. It's also available at Amazon, for $0.99 http://bit.ly/SITAbtour2am

Something on the Fly – coming soon!

Care to share a snippet from Something in the Water?

Sure!

Something in the Water – Chapter 1 begins…

New York, September

He didn’t look like the hotel guests, the business people, or the tourists. He didn’t move like them either.

He brushed past me as I climbed off my Vespa, stilettos in hand, outside the entrance of the Waldorf Astoria. Had he smiled at the radiance of my scarlet ball gown? Or was he amused by my battered Converse sneakers?

As a valet approached to take my scooter and helmet, I spotted my boss, Malcolm, waving hello from the lobby. He was approaching the glass doors that separated us when I noticed a small wooden box on the ground. Two steps later, I had picked it up. Who could have dropped it?

No one was close by, so I turned. The only man who’d passed me was already a half block away, gliding beside the cars that waited for the lights to change at the end of the block. Was it his?

What I knew for sure was that now wasn’t the time to be tracking down the little box’s owner. I should hand it in to reception and concentrate on the evening ahead. For a few seconds, I relaxed as I studied the hotel’s confident, soaring opulence—a world unknown to me before my arrival from Nantucket four years ago. The smooth texture of the box, however, drew my thoughts back to it. Was there something valuable inside? What if it did belong to that man, and he never returned to collect it? I turned the box over—and caught my breath.

“How on earth…?”

Malcolm emerged in front of me. “Hello, darling, you look absolutely—are you okay?”

I thrust my sparkly evening shoes into his hands, and hitched up my shawl. I was about to give chase when a convertible Ferrari lurched to a stop beside me.

“Going my way, babe?” its driver shouted, over the thrum of the engine.

But my dress was redder, and I got the better start.

Read the rest of Something in the Water, Chapter 1 at http://ben-starling.com/chapter-one/

Ben Starling is passionate about marine conservation and boxing, both central themes in his upcoming novel. His interest in marine life has taken him across three continents over the past three decades. He is Oxford’s only ever quintuple boxing Blue (varsity champion five years running), was Captain of the university boxing team, and coached and competed until a few years ago. He is 6’3”and 192 lbs. Ben graduated with a Master of Arts and a Master of Philosophy. He was born in the USA but has lived in the UK since childhood.

Connect with Ben at:
www.ben-starling.com
www.twitter.com/benstarlingauth
www.facebook.com/authorbenstarling
www.amazon.com/author/benstarling
www.pinterest.com/benstarlingauth
www.facebook.com/ben.starling.author
www.instagram.com/benstarlingauthor
www.google.com/+benstarlingauthor
www.benstarlingauthor.tumblr.com
www.youtube.com/user/benstarlingauthor
www.bloglovin.com/benstarling
www.goodreads.com/ben-starling

Guest Post and New Release! ~ Birth of an American Gigolo by Deek Rhew

Deek and Erin Party

Hey, all! So this week is the debut of my first, well, anything! On January 19th, 2016 at 12 AM EST, "Birth of an American Gigolo," my first novella, was birthed! I guess that means I'm officially pubbed, though I'll admit that it feels a bit surreal. My beautiful bride, Erin Rhew, and I finished uploading the final manuscript to Amazon, put in the categories, entered all the key words, and clicked finish. We did a high-five, first-bumped, and danced, partying like it was 1999. But then we went to dinner, and I started marketing. Oh, the glorious life of an author!! Hence, we are here, and I'm spending your time.

It's been a totally crazy ride, but fortunately one that I have not had to venture on my own. I wrote Grateful for the Village, a blog post about the dozen or so doctors that helped birth "Birth."

Me on the left rockin' out with my best friend, Chris!

Okay, so spotlight on me...hand me the microphone! As a former musician and music major, I spent years up on stage. I loved loved loved it, but alas, the music industry does not pay the bills. Heck, it barely pays for the gas to the gig.






Eventually, I figured out I wasn't going to be a rock star, so I switched majors to something geeky that, though required me to trade my bass for a pocket protector, made it possible for me to eat on a regular basis. And here I am years and years later, following my other passion: writing.

Though there aren't any rock star lights, fireworks, or screaming fans, it still feels pretty fine. Yes indeed.

Okay, so what the heck is "Birth of an American Gigolo" about?

Here's the blurb from the back of the book:

An old party girl shoehorned into domestic divaship, infuriated by her husband's cheating and his holier-than-thou, tree-hugging, no-tits and no-hips girlfriend, inflicts her wrath by training a local boy in the fine art of seduction. She and her new boy toy turned love god start a gigolo business as a distraction for the neglected and mistreated housewives of Alabaster Cove.




In a nutshell, it's about screwing up. Lindsey compromised her principles and forced herself into being something she's not. In college, she had a scare and crammed herself into a life of domestication. Years later, she's stuck in a smelly armpit of a marriage and a life that's foreign and dismal. But when she finds out her husband is a cheater and liar, she and her inner, long-dormant party animal load the cannons and batten down the hatches. Together, they concoct a plan to revenge themselves out of the cesspool of their existence and create a new throne on which to plant her royal tush and rule the town.





What isn't it about? Sex! There is a little of course, because, well, it's about an angry and betrayed party girl and her boy toy. But if you're looking for long descriptions of people's kibbles and bits and how they sizzle and sauté them into a goulash of passion and uninhibited fornication, then you'd better look for a different blend of Chex Mix, cause, brother, this ain't it.

Okay, domestic diva...check. No George Michael in sight...check. Humorous situations where an angry party girls runs over a scooter with a Hummer...check.


Alright, my friends, first, check out the amazeballs cover by Anita from Race-Point.com:

Birth of an American Gigolo by Deek Rhew

Bask in the glory that is awesome, spellbinding art. <cue Hallelujah Chorus>

Visit the "Birth of an American Gigolo" home page.

Birth of an American Gigolo

Take a gander at Goodreads! 

Cruise on over to Amazon. "Birth" is available January 19, 2016!

About the Author

Deek Rhew

Deek lives in a rainy pocket in the Pacific Northwest with the stunning YA author bride, Erin Rhew, and their writing assistant, a fat tabby named Trinity. They enjoy lingering in the mornings, and often late into the night, caught up Erin’s fantastic fantasy worlds of noble princes and knights and entwined in Deek’s dark underworld of the FBI and drug lords.

He and Erin love to share books by reading aloud to one another. In addition, they enjoy spending time with friends, running, boxing, lifting weights, and exploring the little town--with antique shops and bakeries--they call home.

Connect with Deek!

Release Day Blitz! THE INNOCENT by Michelle K. Pickett

My good friend, Michelle K. Pickett, is celebrating the release of The Innocent, book 3 in the Milayna series. 

Book Blurb:

A year ago, eighteen year-old Milayna fought Azazel, Hell’s angel, for her soul. She thought she’d seen the last of him, but he’s back, and he’s brought his friends with him. The Four Brothers want Milayna’s life, and they have wicked powers to use to take it.

While Milayna struggles against the Four Brothers, she also has to fight Azazel for her younger brother’s soul. Ben is at a crucial point in his life—a time when he is weakest to Azazel and his powers. Milayna has to shield her brother from Azazel until Ben reaches the age of accountability and enters a period of safety from Azazel and his soul-sucking demons.

As if having four demon brothers out to end her life and Hell’s angel out to steal her brother’s soul wasn’t enough, Milayna is still reeling from the disappearance of Chay. Can she find him in time to save their relationship? Or will the constant struggle with Hell and all its evil send her seeking comfort in the arms of Xavier?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | GoodReads

Grab your copy of book 1, Milayna, for FREE on Amazon!

Michelle is the bestselling author of the young adult novel “PODs.” She was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, but now lives in a sleepy suburb outside Houston with her extremely supportive husband, three school-aged children, a 125 pound “lap dog,” and a very snooty cat.

Red Bull or Monster Khaos are her coffee of choice, and she can’t write without peanut butter M&Ms and a hoodie. A hopeful romantic; she loves a swoon-worthy ending that will give her butterflies for days. She writes across genres in the young adult and new adult age groups. She loves to hear from her readers.

Michelle signed her new young adult contemporary novel— Unspeakable, with Clean Teen Publishing in 2014.

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog

Excerpt:

“So, how’s school?” Grams asked. Her gaze searched mine.

“Good. I like it, but I think I’m going to take the rest of the semester off.”

My grandmother frowned. “It’s your first semester.” She studied me for a minute. “Something’s wrong. The boy?”

I nodded. “I miss him.”

“Mm-hmm. Yes, I know that. But I didn’t mean that boy. I meant the other one.” She looked at Benjamin, who was happily building houses with his Legos only to crush them with his cars.

I nodded.

“I had a feeling. What do you see, child?” She rolled her wheelchair closer to me and leaned forward.

“Azazel and—”

“Four men?”

“Yeah, how’d you know?” I asked slowly.

“They’re the Four Brothers. They were above Abaddon.”

“The Four Brothers?”

She ticked their names off on her fingers. “Yann, Brann, Jord, and Himmel. The Four Brothers. They’re nasty, Milayna. If they’re helping Azazel, you’re going to have one helluva fight on your hands.”

Shit on a stick. I don’t like that answer. Let’s try for another one.

I glanced at Ben, and then back to my grams. “Why now? Why are they showing up now?”

“You’re stronger. You were able to outwit Azazel, which was bad, but not devastating because they had Abaddon, and he could still kill you. But you up and put a wrench in their plans when you killed him. Essentially, you killed your own assassin. You took out their back-up plan. So they’re coming to take care of the problem themselves.”

“And Azazel? What does he have to do with this?” I asked.

A shiver ran down my spine and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up like little soldiers.

“That’s easy, Milayna. He’s coming for Benjamin.”

It's here!!! #New Release #Free Book!

Two years ago Quest of the Hart, the first book in the Princess of Valendria series, was released by MuseItUp Publishing. Charmed Memories and Different Kind of Knight, the next two books in the series, followed across the next year.

Now, I'm super excited to announce that my short story collection from the Princess of Valendria series has released. Currently it is only available through MuseItUp, but it will be coming to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers soon!

If you can't wait for it to reach your favorite retailer, MuseItUp offers versions for every reader. So, head on over to MuseItUp, add Valendrian Nights to your cart, and DON'T FORGET to add promo code: VALENDRIAN to get it for free! Yes, that's right. Free.

I'd really appreciate it if you'd spread the word to all your friends who enjoy fantasy or princess stories. And if you'd drop an honest review at your favorite review site, that would be awesome!

Book Blurb:

Meet the princesses and princes from the Princess of Valendria series in this collection of short stories.

Duty, Honor, and Love
When Prince Devlin learns he must marry his enemy, he accepts his duty, but does someone else in his family have plans to ruin the peace?

Beginnings
Princess Kaylee arrives in Breneira and finds her betrothed isn't the old man she pictured. Maybe bringing peace to their feuding kingdoms is possible after all.

(The story continues in QUEST OF THE HART)

Love Letters
Can two strangers fall in love through letter writing? Prince Trevor hopes the letters he exchanges with his betrothed will at least allow them to become friends before marrying.

The Woodland Guide
Lady Bri is excited to be considered as Woodland Guide for King Rhys of Palindore. More importantly, she's hoping to find a clue to unraveling the missing pieces of the last four years of her life.

(Find out what happens in CHARMED MEMORIES)

Becoming First Knight
For years, Princess Gabrielle has trained to become First Knight. The day for the oath taking ceremony has finally arrived, but will all the knights vote for her to claim her birthright?

Stolen Moments in Time
Fate can be cruel. At least that's what Prince Brody believes. When he and Princess Gabrielle meet during a moonlit stroll, will he forge a new destiny or cling to the one that is being ripped away from him?

(Read the conclusion in DIFFERENT KIND OF KNIGHT)

AVAILABLE AT:
MuseItUp (Use promo code VALENDRIAN to get it for free!)

New Release-Family Secret by Kay Lalone

Today I'm excited to share with you an upcoming release from Kay Lalone. This sounds like a great read just in time for Halloween. So, if you're looking for something a little spooky to add to your TBR pile, take a look at this!

***

Sixteen-year-old Thomas Patrick Henry is thrown into a web of secrets and demons after his mother’s murder.

On the road to solving his mother’s murder, sixteen-year-old Thomas Patrick Henry discovers a secret his father has kept from him for years. Tom thought Dad’s secret put him in danger, Mom’s secret is far worse. Magic. Witches. Ancient Book of Spells. Magical Amulet. Ghosts. Demons. Tom never thought these things existed until he is face to face with them. There is nothing else to do but destroy the demons before someone else Tom love dies. He already lost his mom and a close friend because this secret was kept from him. No one else will die. No one else will be possessed. Tom faces his demons. A mother’s love gives Tom the strength to slay his demons.

Excerpt:

“Ow.” Tom yanked the chain and dragged the burning amulet from under his shirt. Even the chain was warm, but there was no way he was going to take the stupid thing off. He let it drop to his chest and rest warmly on the top of his shirt as he stared at the demon.

“It’s not your grandfather,” Tom whispered. Anger rolled around inside him because of what this thing did to Sarah.

The dark figure stepped out of the shadows causing the boys to take two steps back. The demon looked like a man dressed in thunderous storm-like clouds from head to toe. Even his face was black and the eyes a dimly puke-yellow that churned Tom’s stomach. He felt Rob’s heavy breathing just inches behind him, but it didn’t stop a chill from shimmering up his spine like fingernails on a chalkboard.

“I know who you are.” Tom tried to sound confident even though his voice shook with fear. He swallowed hard. “What do you want?”

The demon raised a shadowy arm and then his stormy cloud-like body started to swirl like a mini tornado. In a gust of black smoke, the demon shot up into the air and zipped right over Tom and Rob’s heads. The boys ducked and laid flat on the wet grass, afraid the demon would consume them.

Tom turned his head to see the black smoke head toward Mr. Watson’s house. Tom got to his feet while Rob remained on the ground. The black smoke swarmed over the house and then drifted back down. It slithered around the house like a snake looking for a place to sneak in, circling several times before seeping through the crack in the window and disappearing inside.

Rob scrambled to his feet. “That thing is inside my grandfather’s house.” His voice was high-pitched in fear. “My…” He glanced toward the empty driveway. Then he sighed. “Mom must still be at the hospital.”

Tom touched Rob’s arm to prevent him from doing something crazy. He didn’t want another one of his friends to get hurt by this thing.

“We need to do something, but I don’t know what.” Tom glanced over to the tents in Granddad’s backyard, hoping Matt or Granddad would come running to save the day. But there was no movement over there.

Inside the house, Jake growled and then started to bark wildly. Before Tom could stop him, Rob dashed upon the back porch and flung the backdoor open. Jake continued his wild barking as if protecting Rob and the house. If only the dog could save the day, but Tom feared nothing would save them.

A cracking noise caught Tom’s attention, and he turned his head toward what he assumed was Mr. Watson’s bedroom window. The glass appeared pitch black at first, and then a face appeared. The same puke-yellow eyes stared at Tom and gave him an evil grin.



Author Bio:

I’m Kay LaLone author of Ghostly Clues, my first MG novel. Family Secret is my first YA novel. Both published by MuseItUp. I live in Michigan with my husband and teenage son (two older sons and a daughter-in-law and my first grandbaby live nearby) and two dogs. I love to get up every morning and write about ghosts, the paranormal, and things that go bump in the night. I write PB, MG and YA novels. No matter the books I write, I want my readers to feel like they have met a new friend. I’m an avid reader of just about any type of book (mystery, paranormal, and ghost stories are my favorites). I do reviews and post them on my website and blog. I love to collect old books, antiques, and collectibles. You can find many of my antiques and collectibles selling on ebay and at fleamarkets.

MuseItUp: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/young-adult/family-secret-detail

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostlyclues

Amazon Pre Order: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Secret-Kay-LaLone-ebook/dp/B014X7C59O/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442342055&sr=1-3&keywords=family+secret

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00AGK32ZE

Blog: www.kaylalone.blogspot.com

Website: www.kaylalone.weebly.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kaylalone

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6580388.Kay_LaLone

THE EXTRACTION LIST by Renee N. Meland

I'm super excited to be a part of the blog tour for Renee N. Meland's YA Dystopian The Extraction List. 

BLURB:

When fifteen-year-old Riley Crane finds out her best friend Olivia is being abused at home, she knows just who to turn to: her mother Claire, writer and spokesperson for President Gray's Parental Morality Law. Under this law, Task Force Officers remove children from their homes if their parents do not meet certain guidelines, taking them to government-run boarding schools. Once they arrive, supervisors rehabilitate them, turning them into productive members of society. Or at least that was how it was supposed to work...

Now, after a government official threatens to make Riley the law's latest victim, Riley and Claire must rely on Cain Foley, a gifted killer with a tongue as sharp as the knives he carries, to get them out of America alive. Though he slices through men's necks as if they are warm butter, Riley can't seem to keep her cheeks from flushing every time he speaks. But when they stumble upon a deserted boarding school, Riley sees that escaping the country is only part of their problem. Together, Riley and Cain figure out that a killer can save a life, and a mother can damn a nation.

RELEASE DATE: April 7th, 2015 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Renee N. Meland lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two dogs. Her favorite obsessions are Rome, learning new recipes, and exploring the world around her. She is an avid reader of speculative fiction, and believes that telling stories is the best job in the world.

FIND RENEE ONLINE:

Twitter: @reneenmeland

Blog: https://reneenmeland.wordpress.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Renee-N-Melands-Books/311899338826241 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8194285.Renee_N_Meland

EXCERPT:

Sometimes a killer can save a life. In this case that life happened to be mine. I wish I had met him before the whole mess started. Maybe he could have saved more of us.

Maybe he could have saved us all.

I met the man who saved my life exactly one month after he killed his twentieth person. Of course he didn’t call it “murder,” he called it surviving, though sometimes I thought he should try to explain the difference to the people buried in the ground. To me, one label didn’t necessarily cancel out the other.

***

One of my teachers used to say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Trust me, I knew all about it; I called that road “mother.” That teacher never mentioned what the road back was made with. I figured it was because nobody’d ever found one. Hell sort of struck me as a one-way-ticket kind of thing.

The night the Taskforce showed up on our doorstep, my mom screamed. After my brother Aidan’s death, then Dad leaving, hearing her carrying on like a crazy person wasn’t exactly new and different. I didn’t even flinch at first. I figured maybe she was missing my dad all the way to the bottom of a tequila bottle—again.

After a couple minutes though I slammed my copy of Crime and Punishment shut and left my room. I took my sweet time going downstairs to see her, hoping to hold on to the little bit of normal I’d had just seconds earlier. I stopped by the bathroom and grabbed a giant bottle of aspirin. Just in case.

Then I decided I was kidding myself. I knew better. There was no way she wouldn’t need aspirin.

“Riley! Get your stuff! We have to leave right now!” I ducked as Mom greeted me with a scene full of flying paper, jackets, and a few photo albums. They seemed to spin like a paper and plastic tornado, twirling through the air and landing unevenly in a giant duffel bag spread open at her feet. Even in the chaos I paused for a second to wonder how Mom’s hair managed to stay fastened perfectly in place. The image in front of me looked almost ordinary, a beautiful blonde woman in a fitted black skirt, white blouse, and hair pinned back in a bun, with a briefcase resting just inside the door.

Except this woman had thrown half our living room into orbit.

“Mom, what’s going on? What happened?”

Mom grabbed me by the shoulders and stared right into my eyes. “We need to leave right now, okay? I need you to not ask questions and just go pack a bag. You need to just trust me and do what I tell you, okay? And do NOT come downstairs until I say so.” Mom didn’t blink. I remembered the last time she didn’t blink during a whole conversation: When she told me that she and Dad needed to “work on their communication.” I found out later that was Mom-speak for “Dad’s about to abandon us and slam the door for the last time.”

I suddenly wished for the empty tequila bottle.

“You are my life.” Mom kissed my forehead, and I ran up the stairs. I didn’t come down again until I heard the gunshots. At fifteen, I was all too familiar with the sound. A person was never too young to know the snap of a gun anymore. But it was different coming from our house, like a firecracker going off inside my brain.

When I got to the entryway, a pool of blood belonging to a man in a gray suit tried to hold my shoes to the floor. The sticky mess grabbed the soles of my sneakers and smelled like raw steak fresh out of the plastic wrap. I winced as I stepped through it toward my mom. A pink piece of paper rested on top of the pool, slowly flooding with the dark red liquid. Bo, my mom’s best friend, had appeared too. Pistol smoke swirled gently from the tip of his weapon.

It wasn’t the blood, but the paper that made me scream. I felt the color drain from my cheeks, and I wondered if I looked as white as the dead man lying on our floor. “What the hell is going on? Is that pink paper what I think it is?”

Mom ignored my question. I hated being ignored more than anything, especially by her. But since there was a dead body involved, I figured I’d make an exception.

“Oh my GOD—you KILLED him!” Mom screamed, and in all her stick-thin glory started flailing her arms, hitting Bo with the strength of a flightless bird. Her bony fists bounced off his body as if his chest were made of rubber. If it hadn’t been a murder scene, it would have been kind of funny.

“Are you SURE? I saw him push you and I panicked. Maybe he’s just wounded.”

Thank God Bo didn’t panic more often.

Mom took a deep breath and stepped through the blood. She gently picked up the man’s hand and placed two fingers on his wrist. When she released it, her fingertips were stained red. “Yes. He’s dead.” She made a grand gesture, starting at his head and finishing toward his feet. “That’s what dead people look like. What are we going to do?”

My hands shook, partially from fright and partially because no one would tell me why there was a dead guy in the entryway.

Or why he had the pink slip of paper.

Bo grabbed Mom by the shoulders and held her still. “Claire, we’re going to grab Riley and we’re going to get out of here before more people come looking for this guy. I’ll tell you the plan on the way.”

Mom scoffed at him with wide eyes. “Plan? I don’t need your plan. I’m going to go straight to President Gray about this and he’s going to fix it. He has to.”

A twinge of hope rose inside me, working its way up from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. Maybe we wouldn’t have to leave our home after all. Maybe our little visit was just a really complicated, really messy misunderstanding. “Yeah, Mom’s right. I’m sure he’ll fix this. I can’t actually be on the Extraction List, right, Mom?”

“Of course not. There’s no way.”

Mom started toward the door, but Bo stepped in front of her.

“Claire, you saw the paperwork with your own eyes. Gray knows all about this. His signature is there.” He pointed to the guy on the floor. “This guy was going to grab your daughter. We need to go right now.” Bo took Mom by the hand and dragged her out the door.

I hesitated, frozen in the growing pool of red. Sweat broke out on my forehead, and it wasn’t because of the crippling D.C. heat. If I was on the Extraction List, I was supposed to end up like all those other people from my class, the ones who the Taskforce grabbed right from their desks. Those were the ones who disappeared. Since Mom had written the law that the Taskforce was responsible for enforcing, I never thought that I would ever be a target. Politics was all about protecting its stars, and there was no bigger star than my mother.

But that little pink piece of paper could only mean one thing. I forced myself to look down at it. I searched the document, eyes falling on the bottom right corner. It was faded, stretched by the blood into an unnatural shape, but it was there—the President of the United States’ signature.

I grabbed the bag Mom had been trying to pack and zipped it shut. I swung my own bag over my shoulder and followed Mom and Bo out of our house, hoping that I would someday be able to come back. But deep down, I knew we were about to drive away forever.

***

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Building Characters with Kai Strand and the cast of FINDING THOR

Today I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend Kai Strand as she celebrates the release of her new novel, Finding Thor. Take it away, Kai!

Hi. I’m Kai Strand, author of the young adult romantic suspense, FINDING THOR, which released today. Yay! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to the main players in FINDING THOR. First let me share a little about the book:

Tragedy has left Cara Cassidy broken and the only thing keeping her from giving in completely is her guilt. Until Nik Rock.

Nik stirs up feelings in degrees she has never experienced, and causes her to do things that most assuredly give him the wrong impression – like kiss him before their first date. Somehow, he breaks down the walls around her emotions until she has no choice but to forgive herself and feel again.

But a mysterious, troubled past follows Nik, and Cara may prove to be his weakest link.

When a royal princess shows up looking for Nik, and an international gang arrives looking for missing jewels, Cara lands in mortal danger. Will she be able to save herself? What will happen to her newly repaired psyche if she loses Nik?

Romance, mystery, and high stakes – just another day in high school.

Now a little about the main characters, including a favorite quote that shows off their strength of character. (Ha ha, that sounds kind of punny!)

Cara Cassidy – High school sophomore. Recent tragedy in her life has left her emotionally broken. Everybody knows it. Even accepts it. She’s okay with that, because overcoming it would force her to face things she’s not ready to face. So she keeps to herself. Hangs out with her best friend, Kelly – who she couldn’t live without. Plods her way through the school year.

Then one fateful day she sees a boy in the park whose presence sends shivers down her spine. She runs, but as the saying goes—she can’t hide. He’s the new boy at school and he’s going to change her life forever.

Favorite “Cara” quote: “I don’t think we can always understand a person’s motivations. Sometimes the pains they feel are from the world they live in without us.”

Nik Rock – High school junior. New guy. Quiet. Controlled. A gentle giant. Until provoked. Mysterious circumstances surround his reasons for coming to town and Nik isn’t talking about them. He’s there for a reason and it has nothing to do with making new friends or finding a girlfriend.

But there is something about Cara that lures him to her. Though he doesn’t want to, he finds himself getting involved. By the time his past catches up to him, it’s too late for the both of them.

Favorite “Nik” quote: “Cara means beloved.” (or the one on my website – le sigh)

Kelly Spark – High school sophomore. Cara’s best friend and backbone. Cara often thinks of Kelly as an Amazon warrior. Kelly fights off Devon’s unwanted attention, shores Cara up when the world weighs heavy on her shoulders, and bursts in—lethal tongue a blazing—when Cara’s sanity is called into question.

As the mystery around Nik starts to unravel, Cara isn’t able to share any of it with Kelly and then the worst happens and Kelly becomes completely embroiled in it. Will Cara lose Kelly forever?

Favorite “Kelly” quote: “Kiss it.” (I feel I must explain that I really, really adore Kelly and pretty much everything she says makes me grin or snort, or makes my heart all mushy and soft.)

Devon – High school sophomore. Favorite food – salami. Favorite person – Cara. Favorite pastimes – finding new things to call Cara that include her name and finding ways to dodge Kelly Spark.

Favorite “Devon” quote: “I hear everything you say. I just ignore the teasing stuff.”

Romolio Rokolova – Twenty-five. Member of the Renlavian Royal Guard assigned to protect Princess Huihana.

Favorite “Romolio” quote: “But please, call me Rome.” (because…phew!)

Princess Huihana – Seventeen. Youngest of three royal children. Beautiful. Generous. Possibly (or perhaps impossibly) Cara’s direct competition.

Favorite “Hana” quote: “Did they drill a hole through your tongue or are you not happy to see me?

If you can’t tell, there is plenty of drama going on in the lives of Cara and Nik, add a few car chases, kidnappings, and torture by kitchen implements, and you get some non-stop, heart pumping action. You can pick up your copy of Finding Thor from any of these retailers:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Whiskey Creek Press
All Romance
BookStrand
Goodreads

Happy reading!

About the author:

When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.

Cover Reveal: FINDING THOR by Kai Strand

My good friend, Kai Strand, has a new book releasing from Whiskey Creek Press on March 12, 2015. FINDING THOR is filled with tragedy, thievery, and heart stopping action. I'm super excited to share the cover with you, and what a cover it is! But first, a little about the book.

Book Blurb

Tragedy has left Cara Cassidy broken and the only thing keeping her from giving in completely is her guilt. Until Nik Rock.

Nik stirs up feelings in degrees she has never experienced, and causes her to do things that most assuredly give him the wrong impression – like kiss him before their first date. Somehow, he breaks down the walls around her emotions until she has no choice but to forgive herself and feel again.

But a mysterious, troubled past follows Nik, and Cara may prove to be his weakest link.

When a royal princess shows up looking for Nik, and an international gang arrives looking for missing jewels, Cara lands in mortal danger. Will she be able to save herself? What will happen to her newly repaired psyche if she loses Nik?

Romance, mystery, and high stakes – just another day in high school.

And now for the gorgeous cover! Drum roll...

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About the Author:
When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.

Goals and Stuart West's New Release!

We're having quite the discussion of goals over at the Lightning Quick Reads blog. Be sure to stop by and weigh in on one (or all) of the threads. [Time to Talk Goals,  Why Make Goals?,  Setting Up Goals for Success]

And now, a new book from Stuart West!

Releasing February 3rd in ebook and print, The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals is the first in a trilogy. A dark cat and mouse suspense thriller with an unhealthy stream of humor coursing through its pages. Serial killers have never been so fun!

BLURB:

Leon Garber has his reasons for ridding the world of abusive people, call it justifiable homicide.

Opportunity comes knocking from Like-Minded Individuals, Inc., a global company fulfilling the needs of people like Leon. LMI’s clientele are provided with new identities, security, and even lists of potential “projects.” But let’s not call it “serial killing.” Such a nasty business. For Leon, it’s a dream come true.

However, LMI’s put a target on Leon’s back. He has no idea why.

LMI, the police, sanctioned hitmen, and a vicious psychopath are after him. He collides with other Like-Minded Individuals: The Good Samaritan Killer, The Mad Doctor, Donnie and Marie (don’t ask). Heads are chopped, dropped and swapped as Leon fights for his life. But nothing will keep Leon from finishing his current project. Nothing. Not even the chance to fall in love with the woman of his dreams.

Sometimes a killer business idea is just that. Killer.

And now for the cover:

Pre-Order today at Amazon

What's being said about Stuart West's new release?

The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals is a brilliant thriller about a society of serial killers with just a dusting of humor. Suspense fans will not be disappointed.The hero, can I call Leon a hero? Hmmm? Well, he has quirks. Rather comical quirks.


I am not a fan of horror, never touch the stuff. This plot does not cross the line.
Every so often I found myself smiling.
Even a touch of romance thrown in.
In my humble opinion, it's Stuart's best work yet.
I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.

~ Heather Greenis, author of the Natasha saga 


The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals pulls you in for a furious ride, sure to give you chills. Dark, gritty and meaty fun.

~Meradeth Houston, author of the Sary series


A gripping read.

For those of you looking to add to your reading list, I highly recommend giving this one a try if you enjoy a different twist to your thrillers.

~Penny Ehrenkranz, author of Mirror, Mirror

Having read Stuart West's other fiction, I can recommend this new offering. Be prepared for gritty gripping suspense.


~Rosalie Skinner, author of the Chronicles of Caleath

Preorder a new book from one of my fave writers @StuartRWest Not for the feint of heart. Intriguing?~Joan Curtis, author of The Clock Strikes Midnight


The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals is not your usual "thriller, murder mystery." It is a unique plot with unexpected murderers and, of course, the underlying West humor, A roller coaster ride to the end. Trust me, you've never read anything like it before.

~Patrica McQueen, retired English teacher