Breaking the Honor Code by Stanalei Fletcher (release day spotlight)

I am thrilled to showcase the newest addition to Stanalei Fletcher's delicious 'Northstar Security' series, Breaking the Honor Code, which releases today!

Stanalei is one of the authors I have the pleasure of working with at The Wild Rose Press, and in my (not so humble) opinion, the series just keeps getting better and better. This story definitely appealed to the geek in me!

Breaking the Honor Code

Blurb:  Reformed playboy Sloan Cartland doesn’t work that hard to live down his reputation, especially when it gives him an advantage as Northstar’s profiler. But when the company’s network is hacked, he puts on his game face and joins forces with the firm’s cyber queen, Allison Richards, to track down the cyberterrorist.

Sparks fly between the total opposites as Sloan moves past Allison’s geeky-persona. The passion is unexpected but pleasurable, until Sloan receives evidence that implicates Allison as the hacker, compelling him to question her loyalty and his feelings.

Allison must choose between her heart and honor and find a way to use her formidable skills to turn the tables on her enemies before Sloan decides she’s a traitor.


Excerpt:


Taking the opportunity to inspect her, Kane realized she wasn’t an old lady at all. The full skirt of her black cocktail dress draped over her knees and gave the illusion of being demure. But with her hands pulled behind her back, the outline of small breasts jutted temptingly forward, and the deeply scooped neckline rising from a high waistline revealed an expanse of ivory skin. Toned shoulders peeked through the sheer fluttery sleeves that barely reached her elbows. Her eyes seemed too large in the unlined smoothness of her heart-shaped face. He tried to put her appearance in context with his first impression. The silvery-white hair had thrown him off. There was no way she was the age her hair color proclaimed.



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The 'Northstar Security' series

If you click on the covers, it will take you to Amazon.

Please remember that I am an Amazon affiliate, so I will get a small stipend (thank you) if you buy anything after clicking the link. Even better, I think you'll find a story you enjoy (0;

                           

Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Sky Raiders

by Michelle Diener

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GENRE: Science Fiction Romance

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BLURB:

When the people of Barit first saw the silver glint of sky craft, they felt awe. Then awe turned to fear. And they found a name for the mysterious newcomers. Sky raiders.

Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.

Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.

She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.

What Taya doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up on finding her. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.

Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.

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EXCERPT

He'd asked her to wait for him, and then he'd disappeared for two years.

As he reached the top of the pass and started down the steep path to the valley below, Garek wondered just how angry Taya would be.

That she would be angry enough to have taken someone else sat like week-old loaf in his stomach, heavy and sickening.

He'd had no choice, had come as soon as he could . . . he tried to shake off the chill that touched him, despite the bright day. He'd take her anger, her fury--he'd take it all if it meant he didn't find her with someone else.

He forced himself to pay attention as the path became steeper still, and frowned at how badly maintained the way had become, as if no one had repaired the damage a winter in the mountains could do to a narrow track. The spring thaw had come and gone, replaced by a golden summer, and the snow had retreated to the tops of the mountains.

Kas should have done something about the erosion by now, even though this path was a shortcut few besides the villagers knew of, cutting across the Crag and shaving hours off the journey through the foothills.

The familiar landscape tugged at something inside him. He hadn't thought himself sentimental, and though he'd missed Taya with an ache that hurt worse than a knife to flesh, he hadn't thought the sight of the rolling hills and high peaks would affect him. The crowds and enclosing stone walls of Garamundo had been something to bear stoically, but he was surprised how easy it was to breathe here, and it wasn't just because the air was sweet with the scent of summer grass.

When he'd left two years ago, the only thing he'd regretted was leaving Taya behind him, and he'd come back only to fetch her.

Fetch her and run, as fast as possible.

Amazon link

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Michelle Diener is the author of the bestselling, award-winning Class 5 series. She writes historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy and loves creating new worlds for her and her readers to escape to. She lives in Australia with her husband and two children.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Goodreads

Amazon author page

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GIVEAWAY

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The tour dates can be found here



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My review:

4.25 out of 5 stars

Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener is a science fiction tale with elements of romance that introduces a mysterious conflict between the inhabitants of a world called Barit that has minimal technological advances and the aliens they call sky raiders who have inexplicably kidnapped groups of able-bodied individuals and forced them into manual labor despite having wondrous machines and capabilities. Garek’s quest to find Taya, the woman he was forced to leave when conscripted into service, leads him to overcome amazing challenges and search for a way to counter the sky raiders. Taya, not one to passively accept oppression, is doing her best to find a way to fight back. Her newly discovered talent may help or hinder her, but her faith in Garek may be her best weapon.

I was delighted to discover a new universe to explore as I became immediately captured in this story. The mysterious elements and intense determination displayed by Garek as he works his way back to the woman he reluctantly left behind was nicely contrasted with the plight of those who have been forced into manual labor under an odd set of circumstances. I enjoyed the undercurrents of the friction between groups forced to depend on each other despite cultural differences and the author did a great job of depicting personalities through the actions and reactions of different characters.

I was a little frustrated at the sheer number of mysteries that aren’t solved. The gradual revelation of powers and their limitations, the complication of the mysterious ore, the ignorance of the capabilities and appearance of the sky raiders, the cultural distrust and oppression of one of the factions, the complex hierarchy and obligations that go with it, and other issues are touched upon but rarely completely fleshed out. Fortunately, the action and emotion conveyed in the story were strong enough to keep me fascinated despite my confusion about the myriad of details, and I have no doubt that revelations will be made in subsequent stories.

Those who are squeamish should be aware that there is a degree of violence present, some of which is alluded to from past events, and intimate scenes are discreetly portrayed.

This is a great introduction to an exciting and intriguing series and I definitely look forward to reading more about these charismatic folks and finding out how the power struggles play out.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

A Daughter's Curse by C. J. Davidson (VBT, guest post, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

It is my pleasure to share a guest post from author C.J. Davidson, who shares the answer to my question...


ELF: What scares you the most or makes you the happiest about writing?

CJD: It is possible to be scared and happy at the same time when you write. When I first came up with the fantasy world contained in the book, it wasn’t as the plot for a novel. I created the mystical world years ago to escape a difficult childhood. It is my belief that on one should have to feel unsafe, living life on the edge, wondering when they are going to get attacked. Sleeping with one eye open is the worst feeling in the world. Fear that catches in your throat paralyzes your whole body. Living life like that hurts, and it comes with consequences. I know.

Obviously, when I write about something that has affected me profoundly, it is not painless. Emotions are high during the writing process, and it is not easy for me to dig up a past that has been buried in the back of my mind for so long. When I put bits and pieces of my life out there for the world to see, the brick wall that was protecting me has fallen. That is the scary part, because I can’t help but feel a bit naked. I am showing my true self: what I went through, what my thoughts were, and so on. The book demonstrates how relatable the fantasy world I created is to real life scenarios today: The bad character who abuses, the mother who is scared to leave, the daughter (Brisnay) who wants to leave but won’t leave her mother behind, and a forbidden love.

On the other hand, you have the rewards. See, I write with a purpose. I dedicated this book to those affected by domestic violence in hopes of getting a message across to them: Imagination is a powerful thing. When I get the emails with encouraging words or private messages on Facebook thanking me for being an inspiration in their lives, I feel that my book is serving a purpose. Tears of happiness roll down my cheeks when I read them.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, (and I say victim, because at this point, you are going through it) don’t just let it happen. Use whatever means you must to help you cope and escape. Personally, I used imagination and held onto hope. That was all I could do back then.

So, my question to you is: Are you a victim? Or are you a survivor?

Fight to be a survivor, not a victim.

Be Brisnay, a walking symbol for change.

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A Daughter's Curse

by C. J. Davidson

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GENRE: Teen, Young Adult, Fantasy

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BLURB:

When Brisnay discovers that she is a part of a fantasy world and meets Nickolaus, her miserable life takes a turn for the better. A world where anything is possible becomes her refuge and sparks fly between her and Nickolaus. Just when she thinks she knows everything about the realm she was thrust into, she uncovers shocking truths that rattle her to the core. 

Betrayal. Hate. Envy. Deceit. Vengeance. Retribution. These are some of the things that Brisnay must face to fight a powerful, unknown enemy who is out to destroy her and strip her of the powers she's rightfully inherited. 

Brisnay realizes that she has no choice but to take a stand and must get revenge by fighting for the right to love.

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EXCERPT

  

She hugged her rib where her father had kicked her. Reality slammed against her face. She suddenly felt emotionally worn down and fragile, like a snowflake on the verge of being broken down and ceasing to exist. For some reason, she felt like she had to be honest. She didn’t want to keep anything from Nickolaus. And, if he didn’t like it or didn’t understand, then it wasn’t meant to be.

She looked up into Nickolaus’s eyes and saw nothing but understanding and sincerity. She felt compelled to tell him everything. “It’s my father…” she started.

And she told Nickolaus everything—from the way she worked like a dog to her abusive father to how they constantly moved. When she was finished, she was almost crying with relief that she had someone to share all her pain with. Someone other than Dulce to lean on. She felt as if a weight had been lifted off her chest. She didn’t realize that keeping everything in had been weighing her down.

“I do not know what to say,” said Nickolaus, a look of shock on his face. “But how could this happen to you?”

Before Brisnay knew it, Nickolaus had scooted closer to her, pulled her toward him, and tightly hugged her. She felt the tears swelling in her eyes. She honestly couldn’t remember the last time someone had hugged her. She tried to swallow back the tears, but she couldn’t stop. She felt her whole body relax, and a sob choked out, even as she tried to stop herself from crying. The tears were from years and years of suffering and keeping this to herself.

Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Today, I am married and have four children. Their names are Dluce, Marin, Carlos, and Isabella. I work as Branch Manager at a financial institution. I couldn't be happier with what I have accomplished so far.

My next step is to somehow help those affected by domestic violence. What hurts the most, is when children are in the middle of it. It is my belief that no one should have to feel unsafe, living life on the edge, wondering when they are going to get hurt. Sleeping with one eye open is the worst feeling in the world. Fear that catches in your throat paralyzes your whole body. Living life like that hurts and it comes with consequences. I know.

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Website

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GIVEAWAY


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The tour dates can be found here

Silent Meridian by Elizabeth Crowens (spotlight, excerpt link, and GIVEAWAY) BU

From Award Winning Author
Elizabeth Crowens

When timelines clash

beyond the logic of science,

and the key to the future lies

in clues from the past...

SILENT MERIDIAN

Elizabeth Crowens

Series: The Time Traveler Professor Book 1
Genre:†Speculative Fiction, Gaslight Fantasy, Alternative History
Publisher: MX Publishing
Publication Date: May 15, 2016

Add to Goodreads

A 19th century "X" Files meets H.G. Wells's "Time Machine" featuring Arthur Conan Doyle and partner

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is obsessed with a legendary red book. Its peculiar stories have come to life, and rumors claim that it has rewritten its own endings. Convinced that possessing this book will help him write his ever-popular Sherlock Holmes stories, he takes on an unlikely partner, John Patrick Scott, known to most as a concert musician and paranormal investigator. Although in his humble opinion, Scott considers himself more of an ethereal archeologist and a time traveler professor.

Together they explore lost worlds and excavate realms beyond the knowledge of historians when they go back in time to find it. But everything backfires, and their friendship is tested to the limits. Both discover that karmic ties and unconscionable crimes have followed them like ghosts from the past, wreaking havoc on the present and possibly the future.

SILENT MERIDIAN reveals the alternate histories of Conan Doyle, H.G. Wells, Houdini, Jung and other luminaries in the secret diaries of a new kind of Doctor Watson, John Patrick Scott, in an X Files for the 19th century. Stay tuned for A Pocketful of Lodestones; book two in the Time Traveler Professor series by Elizabeth Crowens.

An impressive debut novel full of surprises and unexpected adventures between a time traveling music professor and a number of well-known Victorians
- Trina King, Amazon Reviewer

Purchase Links

MX Publishing†| MX Publishing UK | Barnes & Noble

Amazon Paperback | Amazon eBook | Amazon Audiobook

Read the First Three Chapters

Click here to download and read the first three chapters of Silent Meridian.

This is a true roller coaster ride. For people who love Sherlock Holmes, or for people who love time travel, or for people who just enjoy not knowing what's going to come next.
- Susan Breen, Amazon Reviewer

About Elizabeth Crowens

Elizabeth Crowens is the pen name author of SILENT MERIDIAN, an alternate history/ 19th century ìX Filesî alternate history novel published by MX Publishing in London. Recently she won First Prize in Chanticleer Review's Goethe Award for Turn-of-the-Century Historical Fiction, is on the short list of finalists for Chanticleerís 2016 Cygnus Awards for Speculative Fiction, Paranormal and the Ozma Award for Fantasy Fiction and received an Honorable Mention in Glimmer Trainís fiction short story contest for Emerging Writers. She has also published a variety of non-fiction articles and is currently writing a column called The Poison Apple in the World Fantasy and Alfie Award-winning publication, BlackGate.com.

Recently, she participated on panels at The World Fantasy Convention, MidAmericon II/Worldcon, Lunacon, Heliosphere, the Writer's Digest Conference, Queens Book Festival, Philcon and was also interviewed for the radio show, Hour of the Wolf. A Pocketful of Lodestones, the sequel to Silent Meridian is awaiting a publication date. Current work-in-progress is Killer Between My Sheets, a psychological/domestic suspense novel/series.

A 15-year veteran of the film industry in Hollywood, sheís also an alumnus of Algonkian workshops and the Gotham Writerís Workshop and a member of the Horror Writers Association, Historical Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America. An active Sherlockian, sheís lectured on Arthur Conan Doyle, belongs to several Sherlockian scions, and is an independent scholar on Eastern and Western mysticism and Jungian psychology. A blackbelt in martial arts, sheís lived in Japan. Currently, she lives in New York City.

Official website

Social media links: Facebook | Twitter

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Giveaway

WIN

Prizes up for grabs:

$10 Amazon Gift Card
5 x Copies of Silent Meridian (US - print, International - eBook)

Contest runs from May 18 - 31, 2017.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour from May 18 - 31, 2017.

Get sneak peaks, excerpts, fun facts and other never-before-published info on Silent Meridian.

Click here to check the latest tour schedule.

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The Devil's Triangle by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison ( spotlight and review)

The Devil’s Triangle
by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison

Blurb:
From New York Times bestselling authors Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison comes the highly anticipated thriller in their Brit in the FBI series, featuring special agents Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine in their new roles as heads of the Covert Eyes team—but will their first case be their last when the enigmatic and dangerous thief known as the Fox reappears?

“He who controls the weather, will control the world. He who controls time, will never be around.” —Thomas Frey

FBI Special Agents Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine are the government’s Covert Eyes—leading a top-notch handpicked team of agents to tackle crimes and criminals both international and deadly. But their first case threatens their fledgling team when the Fox calls from Venice asking for help.

Kitsune has stolen an incredible artifact from the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul, and now the client wants her dead. She has a warning for Nick and Mike: she’s overheard talk that a devastating Gobi desert sandstorm that’s killed thousands in Beijing isn’t a natural phenomenon, rather is produced by man. The Covert Eyes team heads to Venice, Italy, to find out the truth.

From New York to Venice and from Rome to the Bermuda Triangle, Nicholas and Mike and their team are in a race against time, and nature herself, to stop an obsessed family from devastating Washington, DC.


Amazon link



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My review:

4.75 out of 5 stars

The Devil’s Triangle by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison is part of the 'A Brit in the FBI' series and follows Kitsune, the master thief, whose latest heist has very unexpected repercussions, one of which prompts her to contact her former foes, Nicholas Drummond and Michaela (Mike) Caine. Their crew goes to Italy, with Dillon’s blessings, but the body count starts rising and the potential for massive destruction warrants unconventional alliances and impromptu solutions. The machinations of those who feel they have a divine destiny are pitted against an impressive alliance and it is questionable who will be triumphant as the stakes end up having world-wide consequences.


This suspense story is a fascinating blend of fact and fiction that brings together the exciting and contrasting folks that last clashed over another astounding heist. The hints of connections to the fabled Templars and the concept of the mystical qualities and power associated with the Staff of Moses and the Ark of the Covenant give this story a twist reminiscent of one of my favorite adventure movie series with a sprinkling of the treasure hunt elements from a popular novel that also features the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

This story has a wonderful combination of the excitement from the daring feats performed by the oh-so-adept Kitsune and the thrill and satisfaction of parsing out clues utilizing both technological genius and gut instinct to the nerve-wracking shoot-outs. I love the reminder that great power confers great responsibility and the exploration of temptation and the shades of grey with respect to the slippery slope of greed and sense of self-importance. The intense connection and love that many of these folks have for each other is deftly portrayed, with a thought-provoking look at the fact that dedication and devotion is not limited to those on the ‘right’ or ‘moral’ side.

Those who have delicate sensibilities should be advised that there is a fair bit of violence in the story (with a sobering twist on the idea of horrific natural disasters) and readers concerned with such things are advised there are shifting points of view throughout the story, although I don’t feel that detracted from the flow. There are intriguing descriptions of the beauty of exotic lands with a nice twist on a site of multiple mysterious disappearances.

If you’re interested in an exciting and thought-provoking story with a bit of a mystical twist, this is the story for you. I can’t wait to see what this wonderful writing duo has in store for us next.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review, versions of which were submitted to Night Owl Reviews and Reading Alley.