Friday 31 May 2013

Orangeberry Free Alert - HORSES AND HEROIN by Bev Pettersen

Horses and Heroin - Bev Pettersen

Amazon Kindle US

Amazon Kindle UK

Genre - Romantic Suspense

Rating - PG

4.6 (153 reviews)

Free until 4th June 2013

JOCKEY SCHOOL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS.
A talented rider disappears without a trace.
His frantic sister poses as a student.
A private investigator's plans for quiet recuperation are shattered.

Megan is determined to find her missing brother even though no one else at the illustrious California Jockey School seems to care. Her only ally is a recuperating PI who unfortunately is the owner's best friend. Soon she is caught between a blossoming romance and a far-reaching conspiracy...where misplaced trust can be deadly.

#Orangeberry Book Review - What We Saw by Ryan Casey

What We SawWhat We Saw by Ryan Casey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There were some parts of this book that reminded me of the mini-series, Taken. The small town, the hidden stories, the secrets and of course Liam and Adam who stumble on more than they expect to. In a way, it might seem logical that the boys see what they see. Each is burdened with some kind of emotional trauma that may manifest into something more exciting for the sake of adventure. For the sake of the story, logic has very little to do with what happens to the boys and the other characters.

For the most part, I liked the story and the writing. The only thing that holds me back from giving the book a full 5 stars is that the dialogue seemed forced in some sections and at some points, it felt like the author was forcing words onto the page just to connect the dots. But these were minor bits and if you get past this, it is a wonderful story that my book club members and I enjoyed.

Would I recommend this read? Oh yes, definitely.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 4/5
Formatting: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Offensive content?: PG for theme and content.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

#Orangeberry Book Review - Helga: Out of Hedgelands by Rick Johnson

Helga: Out of Hedgelands (Wood Cow Chronicles, #1)Helga: Out of Hedgelands by Rick Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a long overdue review which I overlooked posting. I read this book some months ago and then recently re-read it during a book club meeting. The setting of the story has been skillfully created by the author and if one follows the TV series Merlin, you will feel the same kind of magic and appreciation for all things that cannot be unexplained.

There were parts of this book that you will need a lot of patience as it twists and turns into the next development. While I appreciated the writing at all times, the twists did distract me and I wasn't at all sure where the story was going. Then there are parts of the book that move rapidly, taking you on an adventure and has you wishing you were there.

The end is somewhat unexplained so I am assuming there will be another book in the series which I look forward to reading.

Would I recommend this read? Oh yes, definitely.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 4/5
Formatting: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Offensive content?: G for theme and content, although it might be better understood by children aged 7 and above.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

Author Interview – Mark Miller

Tell us a bit about your family. I have been married for 21 years and have three children, all girls!  The are my biggest motivator to write as they read the chapters as soon as I am done with them.

What is your favorite quality about yourself? I am the kind of person that keeps a list of things I haven’t done yet and I am not satisfied until I have mastered my latest thing from the list.  I can sew a dress, build a house, make furniture, fly a plane and many more items I keep taking off the list!

What is your least favorite quality about yourself? I get bored easily!

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? Theodore Rosevelt’s poem, The Man in The Arena. It always reminds me to take risks.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? I am most proud of my children, they are amazing.  If you force me to pick something about me I would have to say writing book 2 of my series and starting on book 3.

What is your favorite color? Red

What is your favorite food? Cheeseburger, I can’t live without them.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? The top of any mountain.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing? Hmm, this is a tough question.  I was always a nerd growing up, but was always encouraged to read.  I read a lot of fantasy and played a lot of imagination based games like D&D.  My parents were always thrilled that I would invite five friends over and play D&D all night.  They were happy that it kept me out of trouble.  Who knew that all of that was preparing me to write books?

In the first book of The Druid Legacy, Wesslayn Grace believes himself to be a normal twelve year old boy, and up until now he has been. Wess is propelled into a wild adventure as strange powers begin to manifest. He finds himself in the middle of an invasion of foreign creatures he never knew existed. In this fast paced story, Wess learns about himself, makes new friends, and battles powerful enemies.

Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre – Young Adult Fantasy

Rating – PG

More details about the author

Connect with Mark Miller on Facebook

Website http://www.thedruidlegacy.com/

#Orangeberry Book Review - I'd Kill for YouI'd Kill for You by Alan Plessinger

I'd Kill for YouI'd Kill for You by Alan Plessinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If I had to pick my one favourite thing about the book it would be the writing style. The author's words are descriptive and although some point out that the use of adjectives are one too many, it works for the story and the characters. Each character is described in detail to the point that you can picture them standing in front of you.

For instance, "Helen Carpner was a woman in her early sixties who had obviously spent a great deal of money to melt away the years. Upon the great edifice of her face, work had been done, expense had not been spared; but the results, though attractive and impressive, were by no means natural looking."

The story is rather fast-paced and slows down a bit when allowing the reader to adjust to a new location or when a new character is introduced. At these points, the description plays a key role in enabling the reader's imagination to move forward with the next phase of this murder mystery. The author's balance of show and tell is one that not many authors use and I especially enjoyed the quirky feel each character got. Each was flawed in one way or another.

My book club members and I had no issues with the editing and we received a pdf format of this book with no formatting errors. All in we liked it very much.

Would I recommend this read? Oh yes, definitely.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 4/5
Formatting: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Offensive content?: I would rate this R or 18+ for theme and content.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.


View all my reviews

AFN Clarke – Things They Never Tell You

Things They Never Tell You About Becoming A Published Author

by AFN Clarke

When someone asks “what do you do?” and I say “I’m an author”, invariably the response is “wow, it must be great to just sit and write all day”.  And of course I nod, but I secretly think “if only you really knew!”

Am I happy to be a writer?  Of course I am.  Am I bursting with creative energy that’s ready to flow onto the page effortlessly giving life to what is sure be the next best seller every day? In my dreams!  So I got to thinking, what are the 10 things that I didn’t know about becoming a published author that I’ve learned the hard way?

1.    Published authors have the privilege of developing really thick skulls.
Who else would work long hours with little sleep, no money, get rejected a million times and drag loved ones through hell and back to just hear that one precious word “yes”.  Our bubble of denial and refusal to see reason actually cultivates miracles – how cool is that?

2.    When people like what you write, they’ll only sometimes tell you so.
We are insecure, sensitive creatures who though we staunchly deny it, measure our own self-worth through someone else’s eyes.  Positive feedback is like life support – so if you like my work put me out of my misery and tell me, so I don’t end up a blabbering mess of insecurity.

3.    When people don’t like what you write, there’s no stopping them telling you so.
My big “aha” is that the moment a writer commits words to paper he/she becomes public property – a target to be criticized, loved, praised, or condemned a hundred times over. Live with it! I wrote my thriller An Unquiet American with a very politically provocative premise that dramatically escalates tension in the book  - and also some people’s blood pressure!  So be it, at least it’s generating heated discussions for them as much with those who love it – isn’t that the point?  It’s all a matter of attitude.

4.    Fame and success erase your battle scars but also common sense.
My first book CONTACT was a best seller. I was on TV, in the newspaper, and felt invincible. When the limelight faded my publisher asked “where’s your next book?” “What book?” Oops, wrong answer!  That rookie mistake took years to correct – so while the fans are still cheering take a bow, stick your ego in a box and quietly get back to work.

5.    You will take your partner to the brink of madness.
After all these years, my wife deserves a medal. As with most authors I can be a self-indulgent hermit who’s rarely truly “present”.  When writing I live in a parallel universe that only intersects hers at mealtimes at best. When I’m not writing I’m grumpy, as I’m upset I’m not writing. So authors – if anyone puts up with you, cherish adore and love them, because they’re a rare species.

6.    Those pesky 140 characters will take you to the brink of madness.
Here’s the deal Twitter – my latest thriller The Orange Moon Affair has 479,180 characters and you want me to do what?  Be meaningful in 140?  You’ve got to be kidding right?
And of course I’m running out of characters already – so here are learnings 7, 8, 9, and 10:
7.    You’ll become best friends with loads of people that you never even get to meet.

8.    You’ll learn to see the silly side of everything life throws at you.

9.    You’ll get to face your greatest fears, reveal the inner depths of your soul, open your heart and mind, become totally vulnerable, learn about things you never heard of and chase your wildest dreams.

10.  And if you learn to get over yourself, you’ll live through it all to celebrate the most wonderfully satisfying and richly rewarding times of your life.

Being an author rocks!

AFN CLARKE is the son of a British MI6 operative, pilot, sailor, screenwriter, father of four who’s lived all over the world, served in the British Army and recovered from the physical/emotional traumas of war.  His bestselling memoir CONTACT was serialized in a British newspaper and made into an award winning BBCTV film.  He’s insatiably curious, loves heated discussions and has a rascally sense of humor. He now writes fiction of various genres – thrillers (The Orange Moon Affair and An Unquiet American); human drama (Dry Tortugas), humor/satire (Dreams from the Death Age; Armageddon), horror (Collisions) with more coming soon.  For more information visit http://www.afnclarke.com, connect on Facebook or Twitter (@AFN Clarke).

The Orange Moon Affair - by the bestselling author of CONTACT - is the first book of a compelling new thriller series, an action-packed conspiracy with a hero and heroine you hold your breath for. If you enjoy the action of Robert Ludlum, the intensity of Brad Thor and the international intrigue of Daniel Silva, then this book’s for you!

Ex-British Special Forces soldier Thomas Gunn is drawn back into his old life of international intrigue and danger following the murder of his billionaire father. The deeper he digs the more complicated the puzzle becomes until he finds himself working for MI5 uncovering a global conspiracy that puts the freedom of the western world at grave risk. His girlfriend Julie becomes his accomplice surprising him with her loyalty, strength of character and physical prowess.

While traversing the globe being shot at, shot down and losing loved ones – a haunting question tears at his soul – was his father really at the heart of this evil conspiracy? Or was he a pawn in a larger more insidious game that even he could not control?

Seeking the final answer could cost Thomas dearly, ripping from him all that he most loves and cherishes and leaving him questioning his past, his future and what kind of person he is or wants to become. The final outcome depends on him. Or does it?

As a former Captain of Britain’s elite Parachute Regiment and son of an MI6 operative the author brings his own unique and eye-opening experiences to the character and exploits of Thomas Gunn, as well as an unsettling blurring of the lines between fiction and reality when exploring the ruthless abuse of power and position for personal gain.

“… The Orange Moon Affair is timely, eye-opening, fast-paced … you will find you want to turn the next page, and the next page, and the next … the first of the Thomas Gunn series … you don’t want to miss them!”  5 Stars, Remy Benoit.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Thriller

Rating – PG13

More details about the author

Connect with AFN Clarke on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.afnclarke.com/

#Orangeberry Book Review - The Way Life IsThe Way Life Is by Rick Johnson

The Way Life IsThe Way Life Is by Rick Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a mother and wife, I truly appreciate the sentiment of this book but that is where it ends. The formatting has multiple issues, the cover does not state the title and while I can understand the reason for using the picture, it is at the end of the day, a book cover. The book has also not been edited - sentences are not complete and punctuation is all over the place. There are no full stops and some sentences barely make sense.

If this book was truly about celebrating life, I think more work should have been put into it. Right now, it looks like a first draft.

Would I recommend this read? Not at all. A for effort, epic fail for implementation

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 2/5
Formatting: 2/5
Pacing: 2.5/5
Offensive content?: PG onwards for theme and content.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.


View all my reviews

Orangeberry Book of the Day – Trouble in Paradise by Deborah Brown

A Brand-New Madison Westin Novel, with More Craziness in Tarpon Cove…

Remember Madison? What she had to go through… inheriting her aunt’s cottages was peanuts compared to what awaits her in TROUBLE IN PARADISE, the latest addition to the Paradise Series.

What is big news in small town Tarpon Cove? An accidental drowning or maybe even a ruthless murder? When a dead fisherman rolls up on the shore of Tarpon Cove, Madison cannot resist but to jump into her new role as Private Investigator, with only one goal in mind: to solve this intriguing mystery of the dead guy. But things do not go as Madison wants as she discovers that people in small towns are usually tight lipped, and that is certainly the case for the residents of Tarpon Cove. Although a hot bed for gossip, in a town where everyone knows everyone’s business, what is safer than keeping your mouth shut?

But that is not all…

With Madison’s tenant assessment skills not shaping up, her cottages are still full of riffraff, and it has become Tarpon Cove’s hotbed for illegal affairs. Madison teams up with her best friend and Glock-carrying Fabiana… Together they take on cases no other investigators would ever dare to touch in Tarpon Cove or anywhere else. Sometimes a girl needs a bubble bath and a fun book. So draw your bath and dive into Madison’s adventures!

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Mystery

Rating – PG13

More details about the author

Connect with Deborah Brown on Facebook & Twitter

#Orangeberry Book Review - Chasing the Lost by Bob Mayer

Chasing the LostChasing the Lost by Bob Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know the feeling when you've read all the author's books, then you get the chance to meet them (virtually or in real life) and you get a bit insight on how what makes him tick. I was beyond excited to read this book as part of Bob Mayer's book tour and my book club members and I are having so much fun dissecting this book.

My favourite scene is onboard the Fina when Mayer writes, "The stream narrowed until reeds were brushing against both sides of the Fina." What follows is words that are somewhat gentle and descriptive but with strong undertones.

The military angle in this book like all others is spot on. He also uncovers the emotional side of "always being told what to do" and you fall in love with his writing and are captivated by the characters from start to end.

As always, another stunning piece by Bob Mayer.

Would I recommend this read? Oh yes, definitely.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4.5/5
Editing: 4.5/5
Formatting: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Offensive content?: PG onwards for theme and content.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

Thursday 30 May 2013

Orangeberry Book of the Day – Killer Work from Home Jobs: 460 Jobs SUPER BOOK by Lee Evans

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What’s in This Book?

Killer Work from Home Jobs: 460 Jobs SUPER BOOK, has 160 NEW jobs, 200 jobs from Killer Work from Home Jobs 1, and 100 jobs from Killer Work from Home Jobs 2. There’s no story. No lessons. Just jobs! Economical too – it’s three books in one. SUPER BOOK identifies Fortune 500 & Legitimate Work at Home Jobs from global, national, mid-sized and start-ups with wings.

Why You Need This Book!

Killer Work from Home Jobs: 460 Jobs SUPER BOOK will help you accomplish your dream.

  • Is it finally time to find a job so that you can work from home?
  • Do you really want to trudge hours to work every day?
  • Are you looking for an honest work from home opportunity?

The idea for the Killer Work from Home Jobs Series came from the fact that I trudged to my job, as manager of someone else’s business, wondering why I wasn’t happy. I was good at what I did, achieved the company’s goals, made good money, received accolades, but something wasn’t right, there was no sense of fulfillment.

I can’t convey the melancholy I felt, I worked hard to achieve success, earned every academic credential, had a resume to swoon over. But I wasn’t a happy camper. Was this all there was?

Once I decided to work at home, it was amazing, I jumped in the air and clicked my feet! Killer Work from Home Jobs: 460 Jobs SUPER BOOK is dedicated to all those who just can’t go back to work. In addition to the “I can’t take it any mores” of the world, this book will help many who have other compelling reasons, as well. The need to work from home runs deep. Taking the first step to working at home will make you jump for joy.

How is This Book Different?

How is Killer Work from Home Jobs: 460 Jobs SUPER BOOK different from other work from home books? It is the largest compilation of home-based jobs available on Amazon today.

  • Is the company financially healthy?
  • Has the company been around for awhile?
  • Does the company have a global footprint?
  • Does the company have “money in the bank?”

My months of research answered these questions, to provide you with key company data.

My Promise to You

I verified all links in Killer Work from Home Jobs: 460 Jobs SUPER BOOK at publication. Since companies change web pages, and job needs, if any of the links don’t work, simply contact me at Free-Job-Search-Websites.com, I’ll provide you with revised link info & you can get notice of new books, too.

You’re not just buying a book, you’re buying my promise that I’ll tirelessly provide you with the most up to date info at my disposal. I want to help you make your dream come true!

Learn how to find Killer Work from Home Jobs

Genre – NonFiction / Business / Job Hunting

Buy Now @ Amazon

Rating – G

More details about the author

Connect with Lee Evans on her

Website http://www.free-job-search-websites.com/

Orangeberry Free Alert - Still Fine at Forty - Dakota Madison

Still Fine at Forty - Dakota Madison

Amazon Kindle US

Amazon Kindle UK

Genre - Contemporary Romance

Rating - R

4.6 (7 reviews)

Free until 1st June 2013

It all started with a Girl's Getaway Weekend in Sedona, Arizona...
It's been a year since Jennifer Ellis's ex-husband left her for a much younger woman and Jennifer still hasn't dated. Now turning 40, Jennifer wonders if she'll ever find love again. So Jennifer's best-friend, Melanie Malone, books them on a Girl's Getaway in picturesque Sedona, Arizona in hopes of inspiring Jennifer to have a vacation fling.
Jennifer gets more than she bargained for when she meets the ruggedly handsome 29-year old tour Jeep guide, Cody Miller, and the two begin a passionate romance. What Jennifer doesn't know is that Cody has a secret past that not only threatens to destroy their new love but also expose a tragic event from Jennifer's past that she has tried desperately to forget.

Author Interview – AK Taylor

How long have you been writing? For writing in general, I started when I was about 8 years old—I wrote small things like poems and short stories. I wrote my first novel when I was 16. I have been writing for about 24 years, but as a novelist for about 16 years.

What is your favorite color? Black—it looks great on and it adds boldness to other colors when it is a backdrop.

What genre are you most comfortable writing? For the most part, science fiction and fantasy action adventure. I am on the verge of dabbling with thrillers and mysteries since they are almost the same as action adventure. Even playing with nonfiction a bit.

What is your favorite food? Chocolate! It’s something I can’t get enough of or ever tire of. I’m a certified chocoholic/addict. If I had to have an addiction or be a –holic of something edible, it would be chocolate!

What is your favorite place in the entire world? In the middle of the woods beside a creek, river, or a waterfall.

What inspired you to write your first book? Nature and my own pretend adventures I had in the woods and the backyard as a child.

Did you intend to make writing a career? Probably when I first started writing I knew I would be a writer, but I had my doubts of doing it professionally. I first started doing it as a release and an escape. It was encouragement from others and from trying to “find my way” in life did I realize this was my chosen path.

What is your greatest strength as a writer? My ability for world building and character creation; I was doing this before I learned my ABCs, write my name, or learned HOW to write. Since I am such a visual writer I can see the places and “people” (not everyone is human) in my head and they just come to life. I am also a free thinker so I usually don’t follow the crowd and think outside the box.

After crash landing into self publishing with nothing but the clothes she had on, author AK Taylor fought for survival with trying to market her books on a small budget. After two years of trial and error, reworking, refining, and reaching out, she has created the first survival guide for book marketing compiled of great tools and resources that can be used by any author during the rough times.

Comparing the book marketing wilderness with the real wilderness is how Taylor viewed the publishing world around her. Growing up in the woods and learning survival skills has given her this unique viewpoint for a different kind of world. When she started her search for information, a book marketing survival guide didn’t exist—until now.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – NonFiction

Rating – G

More details about the author

Connect with Amanda Taylor on Facebook & Twitter & GoodReads

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Orangeberry Free Alert - How I Wrote 2 eBooks in 21 Days by Glen Stanford

 

How I Wrote 2 eBooks in 21 Days - Glen Stanford

Amazon Kindle US

Amazon Kindle UK

Genre - Non Fiction

Rating - PG

4.6 (55 reviews)

Free until 2 June 2013

Ride a hilarious roller coaster with Glen Stanford as he follows Steve
Scott's plan in "How to Write a Nonfiction e-Book in 21 Days!"
Not one to let the writing process cramp his style, this ukulele-playing,
bluegrass-singing YouTube sensation (32 views and counting) juggles his
new-found fame with astonishing persistence to produce not one, but two
works of genius. This is the true story.
FIVE CRITICAL Reasons you MUST read this book
1. America's Funniest Recipes want you to read this book
The (secret) recipe for success:
Writer's buzz - 1 oz
Sleepless nights - 2 oz
Tenacity (and beer) - 7 (units left deliberately vague)
Irreverence and political incorrectness - to taste
Espresso - administered intravenously - 55 gal
Pizza (1/2 pepperoni, 1/2 mushroom) - 37 slices
Humility - a whole bunch
Blend and enjoy.
2. Chuck Noris wants you to read this book
You gonna argue with Chuck? I'm not! He is a huge believer in the power of
laughter because it leads to the lowering of stress hormones. This is
the carrot AND the stick - lower your stress by laughing and you won't
have to worry about Chuck getting angry with you at the same time.
P.S.
Chuck Noris is from Dubuque, Iowa and is in no way related to Chuck
Norris, the consummate actor karate-guy who would probably kick my ass
if I used his name without permission.
3. The Bible wants you to read this book
The Good Book says "A joyful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22).
Then again, it also says "Judas hanged himself" (Matthew 27:5) and "Go
and do likewise" (Luke 10:37) so you gotta be kind of selective when you
pick your quotes from this 1700-year-old classic.
4. It's flipping funny and Rated PG, too
While I might dance around some edgy subjects, I never want my readers to squirm. I leave that to the Ben Stilers of the world.
P.S.
Ben Stiler is in no way related to the incredibly funny Ben Stiller,
whose masturbatory comedic genius (when he's not meeting some Fokker)
always leaves you with a chuckle.
All of my books are swear-word-free. I tire of today's "comics" who resort to f-bombing
their material as if dirty words are the main ingredient instead of an
occasional spice.
The worst word you'll ever hear from me is "crap." Feel free to substitute something stinkier if it makes you feel
better, but honest humor shouldn't have to rely on shock jock laziness.
Then again, Howard Stearn made $100 million with his lesbian obsession and I
sell my books for the price of a cup of coffee, so what do I know?
When you see the word "flipping," you are also free to substitute something
racier, like "freaking." It's your theater of the mind, and you are the
only one taking the tickets.
That is, unless you object to me using the word "Damn" in the subtitle. That's just too funny to pass up,
and I'm #%$#&! using it.
P.S. Howard Stearn is in no way related to the radio professional Howard Stern, for whom I have only the
greatest respect. Baba Booey. Oh, and "lesbian" isn't a dirty word
anyway, nana.
5. For Writers only
You will uncover nuggets of resources that will be incredibly helpful on your journey to write
and publish your own book. You'll just have to suffer through the fun
stuff to uncover them. Think of it as a treasure hunt.
IN SUMMARY
God,
Chuck, America's Funniest Recipes and the movie Rating Board all want
you to read this book (and probably Ben and Howard, too). I wouldn't
mess with any of them. So it's no coffee for you today -  you have a
hormone level to lower.

Author Interview – Christina Esdon

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? This quote by Rumi, is my favorite: “Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you’re perfectly free.” Trying to find the reason to move forward and find joy life is the hardest thing to do when you are hurting. Whether that pain is emotional or physical

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? I would have to say I’m most proud of completing my first novel and having it published. Also I’m so proud of the number of people the rallied around Karen DeLabar in her time of need and supported her in the development of this anthology.

What is your favorite color? Yellow (and orange. :) )

What is your favorite food? I love kale chips. Love them. I know that may sound pretty plain, but I do spice them up with cumin, garlic powder and cayenne pepper sometimes. They’re so yummy and crunch…well they’re pretty crumbly actually, but the sensation of the crunch keeps me from munching on other things that aren’t near as healthy as kale.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? Anywhere near water. My house is like an oasis. I’m a bit of a home body, but it’s mainly because to me, it always feel like I’m on vacation here…until something breaks. Or until winter comes. Then I have my eyes set on a seaside hut on some tropical island.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing? My parents are very social justice oriented. I’ve been involved in many projects with my family to advocate for others in need. Many of the plots I write surround some sort of injustice that needs to be corrected. Also, I followed Karen’s story of almost dying from Toxic Shock Syndrome. I knew she had to have extreme medical debt. I’m Canadian, but I don’t take our health system for granted. I feel lucky to have doctor’s appointments, tests and hospital stays covered. Karen didn’t have that. I couldn’t imagine how she, her husband and two little children would be able to financially recover from that and didn’t want her family to have that stress as she was trying to recover from all of her surgeries and physical rehabilitation. So the anthology was born. All proceeds go to help Karen pay for medical expenses.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I’m an only child, so there were many times I had to amuse myself if my parents were working, or were busy. I found myself creating stories or scenarios in my head to entertain myself. And then I would make mix tapes for the soundtrack and then run it through my head like a movie.

Get swept off your feet by an Internet romance

Escape from a war-torn encampment with a mystical healer/princess

Witness the murder of a NASCAR driver in the bathroom of local Home Depot

Join Miss Della and Chip as they find friendship and a new zest for life in their golden years

ORANGE KAREN: TRIBUTE TO A WARRIOR is a collection of 39 stories that explore the strength and resilience of the human spirit. From the monster in the basement to the teddy bear on a young woman’s pillow, each story uses the colour orange as a thematic element, revealing the power of love, friendship, and the will to live.

Karen DeLabar is a friend, author, and mother. In June of 2012, she was stricken with Toxic Shock Syndrome.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the anthology will be donated to Karen and her family, to assist with her medical expenses, and ongoing recovery.

Follow Karen’s story at http://karendelabar.com/, and learn more about the symptoms, effects, and treatment of Toxic Shock Syndrome at http://www.toxicshock.com/

Acknowledgements by Christina Esdon
Foreword by Jennifer Gracen
Introduction by Karen DeLabar

Contributing Authors:
Jesse James Freeman
February Grace
Cara Michaels
Jennifer Gracen
Anna Meade
Jeff Tsuruoka
Patty Blount
Steve & Zack Umstead
R. B. Wood
Taylor Lunsford
Anne Baker
alex kimmell
Elizabeth Ann West
Janelle Jensen
Gareth S. Young
Julie Glover
Maureen Hovermale
S.G. Lee
John Moore Walker
Jonathan Gould
Benjamin Cain
Joseph Schmidt
Christina Esdon
Andrew F. Butters
Mark Ethridge
Francis Setnocis
D. Savannah George
E. Wells-Walker
K.D. McCrite
J.L. Gentry
Shay Fabbro
Christopher Cantley
Valerie Haight
J. Whitworth Hazzard
Emmett Spain
Tim Queeney
Stephanie Fuller
Steven Luna
Glenn Skinner

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Short Story Anthology

Rating – PG13 (some strong language)

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Orangeberry Book of the Day – Surrender by Melody Anne

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Raffaello (Rafe) Palazzo takes what he wants with no regrets. Arianna (Ari) Lynn Harlow has led a charmed life until tragedy strikes her family. He’s looking for a no-emotions attached mistress, she’s looking for redemption.

They are not a pair that should ever work, but undeniable attraction and devastating tragedies bring them together in the city by the bay where he fights to keep their relationship nothing more than an enjoyable way to meet his needs, and she battles to not lose herself in him. Spending time with Ari starts cracking the hard shell that Rafe has built around his heart, but he denies the affect she has on him until it’s too late to stop the inevitable conclusion that their relationship is headed for.

Rafe once believed in happily ever after, coming from a large Italian family. He’s got the Midas touch, since every endeavor he tries turns to gold. That all ends when his wife walks out the door and leaves him blindsided. His devastation quickly turns to steel when he decides no woman will fool him again. From that point on he treats relationships as nothing more than business transactions where both party’s come out mutually benefited.

Just when Ari has sunk to the lowest she’s ever been she finds an ad in the paper announcing a job that’s too good to be true. It turns out she’s right. She makes it through the intense rounds of interviews only to find out the job is for a mistress to the powerful Rafe Palazzo, owner of Palazzo Enterprises. Rafe gives her a day to think about whether she wants the position or not, and she’s sent on her way, only to find out her mother’s near-terminal position has taken a turn for the worse. Her mom’s only in the hospital because Ari messed up, and her mother’s the one who paid the price. Is Rafe her savior, or will he take her with him straight to the depths of hell?

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Contemporary Romance

Rating – 18+

More details about the author

Connect with Melody Anne on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.melodyanne.com/

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Orangeberry Blast Off – Sam’s Top Secret Journal: We Spy (Book 1)

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Sam’s Top Secret Journal – Book 1: Sam Spies by Sean Adelman. Join Sam as she embarks on her first big adventure in this middle-grade mystery full of fun, suspense…and just the right amount of spying! Sam is a middle school girl living a normal life-except when she is occasionally bullied for the differences kids perceive in her. Sam has Down syndrome. See how she and her brother John work together to find some stolen money, help a new friend and escape real danger in this exciting adventure!

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Middle Grade Mystery

Rating – G

More details about the author

Connect with Sean Adelman on Facebook

Website http://www.raiseexpectations.com/

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Orangeberry Free Alert - Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy: The Templar Chronicles: Book 2 by Jeff Gunhus

Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy: The Templar chronicles: Book 2 - Jeff Gunhus

Amazon Kindle US

Amazon Kindle UK

Genre - YA, Fantasy

Rating - PG

4.6 (14 reviews)

Free until 30 May 2013

After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his fourteenth birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past. Joined by his friends Will and T-Rex, and led by Eva, the mysterious one-handed monster hunter, Jack sets out for the Monster Hunter Academy where he hopes to find answers to his questions. Little does he suspect that the Academy is filled with dangers of its own, many of them more terrifying than anything he’s faced so far.

Orangeberry Book of the Day - Intoxicated by Alicia Renee Kline (Excerpt)

Prologue

“So you are really going ahead with the roommate thing?”  Matthew’s voice crackled over the telephone.

Blake wasn’t sure if her brother’s words were garbled due to her faulty cell reception or if they were laced with emotion.  She had, of course, announced with a flourish approximately six months ago that it had been the appropriate time in her life to purchase her own place.  Up until then, they had been roommates themselves.  But her wildly independent streak as well as a buyer’s market had persuaded her to take the leap into homeownership.  That and the fact that Matthew was still best friends with her ex.

She just never expected to feel so alone.

“Yes, I guess I am,” she replied as she paced her floor.

“And you’re sure about this?” he pressed.

Blake sighed.  No, not really.  But posting a room for rent online and actually having someone sign a lease for it were two entirely different things.  So what if someone was coming to look at the place tomorrow morning?  If things didn’t feel right, she could always lie and say that she had been fielding a lot of calls and that, unfortunately, she had chosen someone else.

“You’re not having money problems, are you?” he continued.

“No,” she responded quickly.  Now that had upset her a little bit.

“Just be careful.” Matthew warned.

Despite herself, Blake chuckled.  If anyone should be giving that advice, it should be the other way around.  Matthew’s indiscretions had been the whole reason that they themselves had been roommates.  Although it had been a terrible, uncomfortable time in both their lives, it had been the beginning of their beautiful friendship.  There was no one else that she trusted as wholly and completely as her brother.  Their past had forced them to lean on each other in a way she never would have imagined when she was younger, and they had ended up on the other side as better people for it.

Matthew either chose to ignore the giggle or he found the irony in the situation.  There was silence on the other end of the line until Blake whispered her response.

“Always am.”

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Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre – Romance / Chick Lit

Rating – PG13

More details about the book

Connect with Alicia Renee Kline on Twitter

Website http://aliciareneekline.com/

Saturday 25 May 2013

Author Interview – Robin Mahle

Tell us a bit about your family. My family and I live in Arizona.  I’ve been married for almost fourteen years and have two children; a boy, 7 and a girl, 9.  My husband was born and raised in England so we have lots of relatives that we visit over there every couple of years.  I’m grateful that my kids have an opportunity to travel.  It certainly has broadened my horizons.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself? I have always had a hard time saying no to people.  I take on things that I shouldn’t because it sometimes takes away from my writing.  And, I honestly just don’t like to disappoint them.  I’m working on it, though.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? Well, I can say this with all honesty, because I have travelled quite a bit. Out of all the places I’ve visited, I always seem to prefer San Diego, Ca.  Yep, plain ol’ San Diego.  I can say that because as an Arizona native, most of us visit there quite often.

What is your favorite food? Pizza. Hands down. Doesn’t even matter what kind.  I love it all!

How long have you been writing? I dabbled in writing when I was in my late twenties, which would be about 15 years ago, give or take.  Sadly, I just dated myself.  But it wasn’t until about four years ago, when my career fell off a cliff, as did the economy that I picked it up again.  I think the years of life experience made my writing more real, as evidenced in some of my essays.  I started small, writing for online magazines, then I wrote essays.  Soon after, I published a short story while I was writing my first novel.  After I dropped my first novel, I began my current published novel, Redwood Violet and here I am today.

What made you want to be a writer? I can’t really pinpoint one precise reason.  I’ve always been a creative person.  I wrote well in school and in college.  I could always convey my thoughts on paper with little effort.  Although writing fiction takes a great deal of effort.  I guess it just sort of happened.  I think the creative side in me finally took over the analytical, structured business person I had previously been.  I can tell you, I’m a much happier person being a writer.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? When you’re juggling a family and a small business (though my husband handles most of it now) it’s very difficult to make the time to write.  When I wrote Redwood Violet, I squeezed time in here and there over a span of 18 months.  That was far too long.  I wasn’t yet disciplined enough to set aside a specific time to write.  Since I’ve started work on the sequel, I’m much less involved in our business and I have more time to dedicate to writing, which I do at very specific times of day.

Katie Reid is living the quintessential Southern California life. A dream job and her college sweetheart, Spencer top it all off. However, she can’t seem to shake the terrible dreams that have been tormenting her nights these past few months.

After seeking help to find relief from the exhausting effects of these dreams, it becomes apparent that Katie is dealing with something much deeper and much more sinister. Her only solution is to delve into a past that no one wants her to remember.

With the horrific discovery of a dark secret kept hidden for years, Katie is drawn into a world mired in evil and lost innocence. And only with the help of Detective Marshall Avery will she be able to channel her pain and anger.

But, will he be able to contain Katie’s desire for vengeance that has begun to unravel her perfect life?

The first in a two-part series, Redwood Violet will keep you firmly in its grip and refuse to let go!

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Mystery  / Thriller / Suspense

Rating – PG

More details about the author

Connect with Robin Mahle on Facebook & Twitter

Orangeberry Book of the Day - For the Future Generations (For a Generation) by Anastasia Faith (Excerpt)

For the Future Generations

[Book 1 of the "For a Generation" series]
3.4.2113

Alamogordo, New Mexico

The sun set over Alamogordo, New Mexico and night fell in the desert. Thick black clouds shifted over the horizon, contrasting the orange sky above, and casting shadows on the barren landscape.

In one mound of sand and rock sat an underground house with a tan roof protruding from the top of the hill. The residents had built a door in the side of the roof. This remained locked during daylight hours. Inside this house, the Channing family had just finished their evening meal. The women in the family cleaned the last of the dishes, the father worked in his office, and a ten-year-old boy grew restless. The boy had a head of strawberry curls, a round face, and deep blue eyes.

He scampered down the hall and pounded on his father’s office chamber door. His father, Kelvin Channing, a college professor, would be grading the day’s homework or preparing assignments for the next school day.

“It’s Declan,” he called.

“Yes, Declan?” Kelvin answered through the door. “What do you want?”

“Laken, Chaslyn, and I want to go outside.” Declan said. “Is it safe?”

“It’s 8:00,” Kelvin said. “I don’t see why not. Remember to wear your coat.”

Declan glanced at the clock on his touch screen music device. He and his two sisters had to stay indoors until after dark because his sisters, being conjoined twins, were frowned upon in the eyes of the culture.

In Declan’s day, “handicapped” individuals were those who could not contribute financially. They required government assistance and were considered a burden to society. These handicaps could be something as simple as inseparable conjoined twins, or as severe as major cerebral palsy or quadriplegia. Benevolent medical professionals would simply deny them healthcare, while the majority would euthanize them, with or without a caretaker’s permission. At their doctor’s warning seven years before, Kelvin and Ayla Channing had relocated with their three-year-old triplets—Declan, Laken, and Chaslyn—from Kansas City, Missouri to a desert in New Mexico, hoping it would be safer. Several families who were close friends with the Channings had also come to ease the adjustment. They had scheduled their days so the triplets would be able to spend time with their friends at night.

Removing his coat from a hook near the front door, Declan slipped into it. His sisters came into the living room after they had finished cleaning the kitchen. They too were becoming restless, and the Alamogordo evening beckoned them.

“Did Dad give us permission?” Chaslyn asked.

Declan nodded and assisted Laken and Chaslyn into a special joining coat tailored for them, since they joined at one of their forearms. They piled into an elevator that led to the roof. The elevator opened, and Declan unlocked the door. They stepped out onto the sand and raced down the side of the hill to their “fort”, a crude structure constructed of logs stacked so they overlapped each other. As the evening progressed, the children’s friends arrived and joined in the imagination games.

Over their playing and laughter, Declan could hear a transporter door slam shut and then footsteps approaching. As they grew louder and came closer, Declan became increasingly concerned. All of their friends were with them, and others rarely visited the deserted area.

“Wait here,” he cautioned his sisters. “I’m going to see where that noise is coming from. Guys, keep your guard over them for just a minute.”

Fearing the worst, he left them in the fort and stole away to track the source of the footsteps. He scampered a few feet down the path behind their house. He saw a silhouette several feet in front of him, standing in the glow of a transporter’s headlights. As it came closer, he perceived a middle-aged man holding a flat nylon case.

“Who are you?” Declan demanded. “Don’t come any closer.”

“Declan, I can’t tell you much,” the man replied hurriedly, as if in a rush. “You need to trust me. My name is Mr. Wilcox; I’m a time traveler.”

Mr. Wilcox handed Declan the case. He unzipped it and found an electronic notepad. Opening a side compartment, he pulled out an automatically recharging payment card or ARPC for short. Declan searched his face for an explanation, both of the contents and of the fact this stranger knew his name.

“Keep this book a secret.” Wilcox instructed. “When the time comes, you’ll know who it’s for.”

“What about the ARPC?” He questioned. “Dad opened an account for my sisters and me, but only because he has a job; they’re linked to his. This card’s number isn’t the one on mine.”

“It will be in about thirteen years.” Mr. Wilcox said, “Remember, I’m a time traveler.”

Declan powered up the book so he could read the content, only to find it blank. He flipped it over in his hands and toyed with it, trying to discern why it would not grant him access. He pressed the bottom of the device. It squawked and a negating red light flashed.

“What happened?” He asked the man.

“I set the privacy so only the future recipient can open it. Underneath the electronic device is a fingerprint reader. It’s programmed for only my fingerprints and the person who will receive it.” Mr. Wilcox explained. “There’s an unlocked note at the beginning that I addressed to you.”

With these words, Mr. Wilcox vanished into the night and Declan focused his attention on the unlocked message.

“Declan Channing,” it instructed, “return to the place where you met me at 7 in the morning on May 1st, 2130, when you are twenty-seven. Bring this book with you. On June 30th of 2130, leave the ARPC I gave you—and your FBI badge—at the Indianapolis, Indiana branch of the bank where your account is.”

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Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Christian YA Fiction

Rating – PG

More details about the author & the book

Connect with Anastasia Faith on Facebook & Twitter

Orangeberry Book of the Day – Killer Abs: A Body (Pump) Horror Comedy by DR O’Brien

Twenty-something accountant Matt Warner enrols at an exclusive weight loss resort with his career on the line should he fail to shed the pounds from his paunchy frame.

Before long the accountant realises that his girth is the least of his problems as there is something deeply wrong with the Phoenix Resort where it’s no gain and all pain.

It’s a serving of full fat fear for the guests who must fight for their lives to survive the week.

Matt Warner is going to lose weight, or die trying.

Killer Abs is an 11,403 word short body (pump) horror comedy, with content for mature audiences.

Previous praise for the Author’s work:

“I think that you will enjoy the way Mr. O’Brien ties everything together and pits some of, if not the most famous characters in literature against each other. The story is fast paced with lots of action and adventure: a very enjoyable read and I wholeheartedly recommend it”
FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND

“Luckily for is it seems that D R O’Brien is tainted with just enough craziness to pull this task off. O’Brien has breathed new life into these well known and well loved characters. Thrilling, horrific, and funny at the same time which is no mean feat… O’Brien is a talented writer.”
GINGERNUTS OF HORROR BLOG

“Shakespeare’s characters duking it out with Lovecraft’s creatures? Sign us up immediately!
DREAD CENTRAL

“All very inventive, clever and ghoulishly entertaining… Bizarre, baroque and amusing…”
CONTAINS MODERATE PERIL

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Horror

Rating – 18+

Connect with DR O’Brien on Facebook & Twitter

Friday 24 May 2013

Orangeberry Book of the Day – Betty’s Child by Donald Dempsey

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“Heartrending and humorous.” Kirkus Reviews

“Highly recommended.” Dr. Alan Gettis, Ph.D., author of The Happiness Solution

“An unforgettable memoir.” San Francisco Book Review

In the tradition of Frank McCourt and Angela’s Ashes, Don Dempsey uses Betty’s Child to tell the story of life with his cruel and neglectful mother, his mother’s abusive boyfriends, and hypocritical church leaders who want to save twelve-year-old Donny’s soul but ignore threats to his physical well-being. Meanwhile, Donny’s best friend is trying to recruit Donny to do petty theft and deal drugs for a dangerous local thug.

Young Donny is a real-life cross between Huckleberry Finn and Holden Caulfield as he tells his story, with only his street smarts and sense of humor to guide him. Donny does everything he can to take care of himself and his younger brothers, but with each new development, the present becomes more fraught with peril–and the future more uncertain.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Memoir

Rating – PG13

Connect with Donald Dempsey on Facebook

Orangeberry Free Alert - Artful Dodger (Maggie Kean Mis-Adventures) by Nageeba Davis

Artful Dodger - Nageeba Davis

Amazon Kindle US

Amazon Kindle UK

Genre - Romantic Suspense

Rating - PG13

5 (4 reviews)

Free until 26 May 2013

Take one funny, wise-cracking artist, one gorgeous, sexy detective, throw in a grizzly murder, a little amateur sleuthing, and you have the makings of a wild, romantic, mis-adventure.
Art teacher and sculptor Maggie Kean thought she was having a rotten day, burning her toast, stubbing her toe, and all before eight in the morning. Things just couldn't get any worse. At least, until the dead body clogs up her toilet. To make matters worse, Maggie becomes the prime suspect. Now all she has to do is evade the police, clear her name, trap a killer...and deal with one mouth-watering, hunky detective who drives her crazy while making her hormones do the happy dance.

Author Interview – Bob Mayer

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Anais Nin

This is the bane and gift of being a writer.  Everything is shaped through our perspective.  The best writers get out of themselves and try to see things from the readers’ perspective.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? Right here at Write on the River, our new home on the TN River, with my wife, and our two cute, but not so bright yellow labs.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing? I grew up in the Bronx and all I did was read.  And read.  And read.  I remember I got to the point where I felt like I’d read everything in the local library branch and I had to get on my bike and go on to the next one.

When and why did you begin writing? In 1988 I moved to Korea to study martial arts.  I had the original 512K Mac with me and since you could only get beat up for so long each day, I began writing.  I never thought about getting published:  I only thought about telling a story.

How long have you been writing? 25 years.  First book came out in 1991.  The Green Berets: Chasing the Lost is my 50th title.

What genre are you most comfortable writing? This latest book is back to what I started in:  suspense/thriller.  My bestselling series, Area 51, is racked in science fiction but I call it more techno-myth.  Mixing technology and mythology.  The same with my Atlantis series.  I am also the only male author on the Romance Writers of America Honor Roll.  I’ve written across a lot of genres which might not be the best for my career but I write what interests me. One of my favorites, and my longest book, is historical:  Duty, Honor, Country: A Novel of West Point & The Civil War.  If you’ve seen the HBO miniseries Rome, then move that to the Civil War and you’ve got it.

Who or what influenced your writing over the years? My wife. She’s a “story-whisperer” for me and several other NY Times Bestselling authors.  I call her a walking font of useless information—until I need that information.  She’s the only person I’ve ever met who can keep the entirety of a book in her head and recall every detail instantly.  Thus, each evening when we watch TV in bed with our two dogs, she always has the remote and I watch whatever she puts on and she finds the greatest shows and movies.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? Developing real characters.  I’m not a fan of thrillers where the hero is a black belt, an expert shot, speaks 14 languages, is a gourmet cook, a perfect lover, etc. etc. etc and they never work out or practice.  I like my characters to be real.  Horace Chase in this book and the previous one, Chasing the Ghost, is a deeply flawed man, a soldier with PTSD, and even deeper issues.

NY Times Bestselling Author, former Green Beret and West Point Graduate, Bob Mayer.

“A pulsing technothriller. A nailbiter in the best tradition of adventure fiction.” Publishers Weekly ref Bob Mayer

Horace Chase arrives on Hilton Head Island to pay his last respects at the Intracoastal Waterway where his late mother’s ashes were spread and to inspect the home his mother left him in her will. He’s been recently forced into retirement, his divorce is officially final, and now he’s standing in the middle of the front yard of his ‘new’ house where a tree has crashed right through the center of it.

What could possibly go wrong?

Within six hours of arriving on Hilton Head, Chase is exchanging gunfire with men who’ve kidnapped a young boy and tried to grab the boy’s mother, Sarah Briggs. Soon he’s waist deep in an extortion plot to funnel a hundred million dollars of Superbowl on-line gambling money into an offshore bank account or else the boy dies.

Dave Riley has long retired from the military and living peacefully on sleepy Dafuskie Island off the coast of South Carolina. Sort of. Actually he’s bored, feeling old, and just a bit cranky running his deceased uncle’s small-time bookie operation.

Horace Chase, meet Dave Riley. Riley-Chase.

Chase and Riley assemble a team of misfits and eccentrics as they take on the powerful Russian mob in the lawless tidal lands of the Low Country to get the boy back.

Meet Erin: Chase’s long-ago summer fling, now a veterinarian and not interested in men any more, at least that way. But her suturing skills and her knowledge of the island bring assets the team needs. Especially after Chase’s first visit with the Russian requires a bit of the former.

Meet Gator: an ex-Ranger, iron-pumping, fire-breathing hulk of a redneck, with a soft spot in his heart for Erin, and steroids burning in his muscles to hurt people. As long as Riley and Chase point him in the right direction, the rest of the populace should be all right.

Meet Kono: a Gullah, descendant of the free slaves who fled to the barrier islands in the 19th century and developed their own culture. He nurses his own pain and secrets, but heeds Chase’s call to renew their childhood friendship. Especially when he learns the target is the Russians.

It adds up to a fiery confrontation to rescue the young boy, and settle some old scores.

But Riley and Chase need to remember a basic tenet from their days in covert operations: Nothing is ever as it appears.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Thriller

Rating – PG

More details about the author

Connect with Bob Mayer on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.bobmayer.org/

Alan Plessinger – Finding Your Voice

Tell us a bit about your family. Only child. My father was a journalist, my mother a high school guidance counselor. They didn’t encourage me as a writer, which encouraged me as a writer.

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? God often gives nuts to people with no teeth. – Portuguese proverb

It reminds us that God loves irony, and that not every opportunity necessarily has to be taken advantage of, just because it exists.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? Early retirement.

What is your favorite food? Spaghetti with scalops. When we have some time I’ll give you the recipe.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? Provence. I’m a foodie, and French food is my favorite.

What inspires you to write and why? Immortality. Leaving something behind. Spitting in the face of death and saying, “I will survive, no matter what you say!”

What genre are you most comfortable writing? Mystery fiction attracts me, because it explores the secrets people keep. It’s a little like looking at your parents and wondering what they were up to before you came along, things they might not want you to know about.

What inspired you to write your first book? Writing a novel was an item off my bucket list. Also, the idea wouldn’t leave me alone. It obsessed me. I’d be trying to read a book and spend an hour in the middle of one sentence, obsessing about the novel I had to write. I just had to get it out of me and on paper.

Who or what influenced your writing once you began? Ross McDonald is my favorite mystery writer. I wanted the plot of my mystery novel to be very much like one of his plots, and to give the reader a feeling or an impression of the interconnectedness of all things.

What made you want to be a writer? It’s easy, and you make loads of money. That’s what I thought, anyway.

 

New novel portrays unlikely alliance of jaded investigators, 16-year-old runaway “I’d Kill For You” by Alan Plessinger takes readers inside a tangled web of murders and lies to depict a vulnerable young woman and her eccentric protectors MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – “I’d Kill For You” (ISBN 1466333774) by Alan Plessinger is a private eye novel set in modern-day New York City featuring murderers, missing persons, double-crossers and a colorful cast of supporting characters. When an ex-con’s homecoming goes sour and results in a murder, the effective but eccentric De Remer Brothers Detective Agency is called in to sort out the mess.

Charlie, Clyde, Gabe, Adam and Riley De Remer – not to be confused with Dreamer – make for an odd group of siblings, much less a cohesive investigative team. Alternately obese, cantankerous, smelly, cheerful and hypersensitive, the group is soon embroiled in a case that reaches far beyond its original scope. Matters are complicated when they discover Lisa, a 16-year-old runaway from Hoboken, has come to New York City to live with her mother. The only problem is that Lisa’s mother can’t be found and an assassin is hot on the runaway’s trail. The De Remers learn that Lisa is connected to their murder case, an investigation that has become a threat to themselves and the girl they have come to care for. Now they must unravel the mystery before the threat of violence catches up with them.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre – Murder / Mystery

Rating – R

More details about the book

Connect with Alan Plessinger on GoodReads

Thursday 23 May 2013

Orangeberry Free Alert - American Ghoul by Walt Morton

American Ghoul - Walt Morton

Amazon Kindle US

Amazon Kindle UK

Genre - Horror

Rating - PG13

5 (12 reviews)

Free until 24 May 2013

AMERICAN GHOUL tells the story of seventeen-year-old Howard Pickman, a boy with odd problems. He just got dumped into the worst high school in the state of New Jersey, but that's nothing compared to his secret family history of digging up corpses for dinner. This is a novel filled with the creepy funkiness of the 1970s, a bygone age of punk rock, bad disco and muscle cars roaring through hot summer nights. AMERICAN GHOUL explores the good times of teenage friendships and the darkness at the heart of American youth. It's a fun, scary, and zany look at a time when being a teenager was so dangerous you just might have to be a monster in order to survive.

AMERICAN GHOUL is recommended for readers from age 13+ on up. If you lived through the 1970s, a few flashbacks are guaranteed, both pleasant and shocking.

Author Interview – August Wainwright

Can you share a little of your current work with us? Right now, I’m promoting the first book in the Nights of Remy Moreau Series called ‘A Study in Sin’. I’m calling it a modern update of a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery. Here’s the book description:

Jacob Watts broke his neck in Afghanistan. Now he’s in D.C. with no job, a therapist, an uncontrollable tick in his arm, and PTSD. And he can’t pay his rent.

His new, and monetarily necessary roommate, Remy Moreau, isn’t helping either. Cold and detached, she might be a savant – but she’s also socially inept, has absolutely no boundaries, and is possibly dealing drugs out of their apartment. When the two come in contact with a stiff and blood-covered body in Capitol Row, the ambiguous Remy Moreau will lead him on an obsessive-compulsive hunt in pursuit of a tormented killer.

Can Remy, with Watts in tow, catch a murderer before he strikes again? And what are Remy’s real intentions with Watts? Is she even capable of anything resembling real human emotion?

What inspired you to write this book? When I first set out to write this series, it was mostly an exercise in dialogue. I have been working on a still untitled book for over a year now, and I continually found that my dialogue scenes just weren’t conveying the message I wanted. They lacked punch. And in that book, there is very little dialogue, so it needs to be strong when it comes up.

So I decided to take a detour to concentrate on a more dialogue heavy narrative, one from a first person point-of-view. At the time, I was reading some of the original Sherlock Holmes short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle and realized that a few of his stories were almost completely dialogue.

It amazed me. Here was one of the most beloved characters of all time, and he existed in this world where the “talk” was better than the “action”.

The more I read those century old stories, the more I saw what my dialogue was lacking. I was also becoming increasingly close to the original Sherlock character and thought more and more about what it would be like to see a truly modern version of the character.

Yes, I know, Robert Downey Jr. and Mr. Cumberbatch have already done that (Benedict is awesome, by the way), but that’s not what I’m talking about. What I was interested in was taking the more subtle character flaws of the original Sherlock, and projecting them in a new light, in a new environment.

Thus, the character of Remy Moreau was born.

Remy is a woman who is a savant, absolutely brilliant when it comes to what she knows, but when you look at her for what she doesn’t know, she immediately becomes an extremely flawed character. Her choices can be unbelievably selfish and her actions frequently hurt those closest to her.

So “A Study In Sin” takes some of the elements from a 125 year old book and frames them in the context of today’s world.

Can you tell us about your main character? Remy is a woman who is a savant, absolutely brilliant when it comes to what she knows, but when you look at her for what she doesn’t know, she immediately becomes an extremely flawed character. Her choices can be unbelievably selfish and her actions frequently hurt those closest to her.

But what I find interesting is that, regardless of how cold she comes off, she has needs just like everyone else. And actually, her needs aren’t really “normal” compared to other people, so she goes without more than most, which in turn makes her even more cold.

She’s a complex character that is constantly surprising.

Think more Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, than Cumberbatch from Sherlock. Sheldon mixed with Steig Larson’s Lisbeth Salander; that’s about as close as I can get to a reference.

Who designed the cover? My designer’s name is Trevor Houlton. He’s really freaking good. I told him that I wanted to keep a theme across all the covers of this series where we took an image of a real person, who’s loosely related to the story, and then obscure their face to make them less recognizable.

The cover for ‘A Study in Sin’ is from a mug shot of Irish mobster Whitey Bulger. There’s actually an article on my site about the process we went through to create this first cover. You can read it here: Process of Creating ‘A Study in Sin’ Cover.

We’ve already finished the second cover in the series and we’re working on the third right now.

Trevor is working on a site where he’ll be creating pre-made and custom covers for authors. It’s not up yet, but when he goes live, I think he’ll be one the best cover designers out there. The main thing he’s told me is that he wants to focus on doing covers that steer clear of your standard ebook stock photo collages; so lots of original artwork and great typography.

A wildly intriguing, intimately suspenseful story about the human capacity for good and evil – and what pushes us to inevitably, and often tragically, turn to our darker emotions for comfort.

Jacob Watts broke his neck in Afghanistan. Now he’s in D.C. with no job, a therapist, an uncontrollable tick in his arm, and PTSD. And he can’t pay his rent.

His new, and monetarily necessary roommate, Remy Moreau, isn’t helping either. Cold and detached, she might be a savant – but she’s also socially inept, has absolutely no boundaries, and is possibly dealing drugs out of their apartment. When the two come in contact with a stiff and blood-covered body in Capitol Row, the ambiguous Remy Moreau will lead him on an obsessive-compulsive hunt in pursuit of a tormented killer.

Can Remy, with Watts in tow, catch a murderer before he strikes again? And what are Remy’s real intentions with Watts? Is she even capable of anything resembling real human emotion?

A Study in Sin is a fast-paced modern update of a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery.

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Genre – Mystery / Thriller / Suspense

Rating – PG13

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Website http://augustwainwright.com/

Author Interview – Mark David Major

Tell us a bit about your family. I was raised by a single mother in St. Louis, Missouri. I never knew my father but I’ve heard he was a somewhat famous (now retired) right-wing radio talk show host. My uncle and (now, dearly departed) grandfather were my father figures while I was growing up in St. Louis. I had an adopted sister but she passed away when she was sixteen. I’m divorced so, at the moment, it’s only my lab/terrier mixed-breed dog named Izzy and I. We live in Jacksonville, Florida.

What is your favorite quality about yourself? I have a dry sense of humor marked by a tangentially perverse wit.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself? I hate being alone and I hate thriving on being alone by filling the time with creativity. It’s a double-edged sword that both cuts and heals.

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? “Don’t dream it, be it” from the song “Fanfare/Don’t Dream It, Be It” in The Rocky Horror [Picture] Show written by Richard O’Brien. I can’t imagine a better description for a philosophy about how to best live your life in only five words.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? Completing my PhD in Architecture at University College London even though it took 20 years to accomplish with an 8-year sabbatical during that period, so really only 12 years of dedicated work on writing the thesis.

In our distant future, a tale of things past… Humanity is isolated in its corner of the universe. The Sovereignty is an oligarchy ruling the planets and outposts in our solar system. It has endured for 1,000 years. But the foundations of its society are crumbling, eaten away by corruption, excess, and personal ambition. A struggle for dominion of the Sovereignty leads to the ascension of supreme power for one whose eventual fall will plunge the Sovereignty into chaos and civil war.

Narrated from the perspective of a historian looking back on events that occurred many years ago, Mars Rising blends together the story and history of a distant future in a gripping drama that chronicles the epic people and events, plots and betrayals, instigating the fall of the Sovereignty and the rise of an Empire. Mars Rising is a fast-paced, character-driven political thriller in the science fiction setting of our future, now with illustrations by Jonathan Atkins.

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Genre – Science Fiction

Rating – PG13

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Orangeberry Book of the Day - The Hunter’s Son by BE Jewell

Chapter 2

“You know who I am and you know what he is, so you better start talking. I saw him come in here earlier.” The stocky man slams his hand down on the table. He keeps his eyes locked forward and squeezes his hand, making the veins in his forearm pop.

This elicits the desired response, and James has to fight back a smile. The owner of the grungy little shop nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of the hand slamming on the dirty laminate counter top. It’s the typical type of place a sympathizer might own. Funneling black market goods might pay the bills, but this guy certainly isn’t getting rich off this line of work.

“Look man, I don’t know what you’re talking about. So you better buy something or…” James’s hand shoots out and grabs the shop owner’s neck. A slight squeeze cuts off his voice with a gargle.

“Don’t you lie to me. The smell in here is enough to make me puke. One warlock doesn’t smell up a joint like this,” James says through gritted teeth. “I saw him leave here earlier and have been chasing him since. I lost him when he jumped off the fifth floor of the parking garage over on Beaubien Street and took off toward the river. Tell me where he stays and maybe I’ll let you live.”

He squeezes just a bit tighter and the shop owner’s eyes bulge just slightly from his now-purple face. A noise squeaks from his collapsing throat that sounds enough like agreement to allow James to release his grip. The shop owner rubs the red area where the incredibly strong hand was affixed and clears his throat loudly.

“He’s gonna kill me. Ya know it’s true, hunter,” the shop owner says in his new, gravelly voice.

“Either him or me.” James opens his jacket and taps the gun sticking out of his waist band. Surprisingly, this doesn’t get a rise out of the man behind the counter.

“That supposed to scare me? You know what that warlock can do. He’s not normal. The things he will do to me will hurt far worse than getting shot. Maybe I should just let you shoot me and get it over with.”

James looks at the mousey man and puts his hand on the butt of his gun. The man might be afraid of the warlock but he is clearly more afraid of dying. He can barely stop the words from spewing from his mouth.

“Alright, alright. Ya better get him though, or we’ll both be dead. He hangs out in Milliken Park down on the river. It’s off Atwater Street. Not that I care if you live, but you better be careful, hunter. Like I said, this warlock is different. Got some powers I haven’t seen in a long time.”

“Oh, dontcha worry about me. Believe it or not I know what I’m doing.” James walks to the door. “And if he isn’t there, I’ll be back. No need to worry.”

The air outside the shop is cool, even for September in Michigan. James regrets not dressing warmer. His body shivers, partly from the cold but mostly from frustration. He does not usually have this much trouble and rarely has to run like he has today. The air burns his lungs like he is breathing boiling coffee. The money he was paid isn’t worth all the trouble this warlock has given him and the thing doesn’t look much older than JC. Should have asked for hazard pay, he thinks to himself.

James heads down the street toward the area he believes is the park. His mind is preoccupied with thoughts of JC and his first day at yet another high school. He bumps into an older couple walking with bags of groceries. Cans and boxes scatter all over the sidewalk. He scrambles to help the folks clean up their food and moves on quickly. He can’t let anyone get a good look at him. If things get ugly with the warlock, he can’t have the local news putting his description on TV.

He generally prides himself on staying anonymous. No one will mistake him for a body builder, but James is sure that most people would not want to run into him hiding in an alley unless they have some sort of power. Despite his stocky frame, there is nothing particularly striking about James. Most would say he looks fairly ordinary. Not strikingly handsome but not ugly either. He could be an accountant when he isn’t wearing army cargos and a black hooded sweatshirt. Hopefully the old couple was so startled they forget everything about him.

It’s nearly dark when James reaches the park. The acidic stench of the warlock hangs on the air and almost ruins the beautiful park set inside the city. The park is completely out of place. Trails lead in every direction and trees line numerous lush green clearings. It would be easy to forget about being in the city altogether.

James heads toward a raised walkway at the edge of the river, letting his nose show him the way. This would be the perfect place for a warlock to hide out. Plenty of space to watch potential victims. It would be easy to snatch someone, drag them into the woods and perform a spell without anyone seeing. Wouldn’t matter how elaborate the ritual, the trees would provide ample cover. One day having a nice picnic in the park, the next kidnapped and waking up to a nightmare–a warlock having stolen their identity or, worse, having made them do terrible things all while they were completely unaware.

This sentiment makes James shudder. He shakes his head and moves further up the river walk. The cold has driven most people out of the park. Only a few people stroll down the walkway, fighting the strengthening breeze. About fifty yards ahead, James sees someone that sparks his interest.

Sitting alone on a bench is a young-looking man wearing an oversized coat. James stops and breathes deeply, but the wind at his back makes it hard to tell if the warlock is close. He takes a step forward and the man bolts off the bench. James rips the gun from his waist and levels it at the young man.

He begins to squeeze the trigger but feels a rumble under his feet. Before he knows it, his shoes are no longer touching the ground. The river walk crumbles into the water below. He hits the water with arms and legs still trying to find steady ground. He surfaces as quickly as possible, gasping for air.

Thankfully, the water is still warm from the summer. James looks up and sees a huge hole in the walkway twenty feet above him. He looks around, sees a ladder 100 yards down the river and lets the slight current drag him toward it.

The wind bites at him as he reaches the top rung and pulls himself onto the walkway. He strips off his soaked hooded sweatshirt and scans the area. He sees movement in the distance between some trees and reaches instinctually toward his waist for his gun but comes up empty. He stares into the river knowing his favorite piece is long gone.

He turns and walks away from the tree line, back toward the city. He doesn’t know what to do without his gun. Hunting has evolved in the last 200 years or so to the point that he has become reliant on shooting as an answer to his problems. It’s no longer necessary to burn a witch, and using a pail of water always had its problems, anyway. Fire does a fine job just like it would with any animal, but a bullet does the trick a lot easier. It takes a hunter a long time to realize they do not need to stock up on garlic and wolfsbane to ward off evil spirits. Silver bullets do work a bit better than the junk from the sporting goods store and nothing beats a wooden stake up close, but who really wants to get that close? Plus, there isn’t always time to drive a stake in the ground or spread a salt ring to protect yourself.

The problem is everyone thinks witches and warlocks are busy running around a castle in England fighting bad wizards with wands, but that just isn’t true. If people knew how heartless these creatures are, they wouldn’t let their kids dress up like them on Halloween or stand in line to see movies glorifying them.

James moves quickly away from the park, putting as much distance between himself and the warlock as possible. After ten blocks, he sees an alley and ducks in to rest and get his bearings. This wasn’t supposed to be so difficult. It’s just a young warlock, he thinks to himself as he crouches next to a dumpster.

A few smaller trashcans help hide his position but are too small to hide his broad shoulders. He sits down on the dirty ground and takes in his surroundings. He could not have picked a worse place. This is the kind of alley even a bum wouldn’t sleep in. Whoever is dumping trash here doesn’t care if it ends up in a dumpster or not. At least the smell of rotten fish is a welcome change from the warlock.

Something crashes off to his left and James shakes his head to clear the cobwebs. He glances down the alley but nothing appears out of the ordinary. Just a bunch of kids horsing around out on the street. A boy picks his grimy body up off the ground and starts after his friend. James’s heart beats way too fast and he takes a deep breath. It rolls out of his mouth like smoke and he pats the area where his gun should be again.

“Getting way too old for this. I guess this will have to do,” he whispers as he slowly pulls the six inch blade from his boot.

Suddenly, his nostrils fill with a depressingly familiar smell. Even the rotting fish in the dumpster can’t cover it up. He looks around but sees no one in the alley. His body tenses at the eerie lack of movement out on the street. People should be moving about at this time night, especially in a busy town like this. Maybe they are all down the street a bit. Daylight is gone now and he cannot see much beyond the edge of the buildings. That smell is strong. It seems to come from all around him. He inches slowly around the trashcan and into the alley. He turns toward the main street at the end of the buildings and takes one step forward, quickly glancing over his shoulder.

A blinding pain shoots through James’s throat as a thin, but incredibly strong, forearm slides around it. He lets out a terrified yelp for the first time in years as he loses the grip on his knife. It clanks on the concrete like a church bell ringing. James struggles to get out of the warlock’s grasp. He can feel its hot breath on the back of his head and the smell begins to burn his nostrils. If he could breathe, he would puke. James’s head whips back and he can see an old, broken fire escape above him. He did not notice it before. Such an obvious hiding spot, he can’t help but think.

“What do you want with me, hunter?” The warlock hisses in his ear.

Rancid breath fills his nose, and he can feel heat radiating off of the warlock’s body. He does not understand why the warlock would have a conversation at this point. He has been shooting at it all day. He did not hesitate to try to kill, why would this creature give him this type of courtesy? If he could get to his knife he would stab straight through the thing’s heart. Instead of killing him, the warlock is more concerned with James’s job description. Compassion is not their strong suit. No negotiating with a hunter or with a monster. The rules of war are being broken. The forearm begins to release a little pressure in anticipation of his answer and he gasps for air. His lungs are really on fire now.

“It’s nothing personal. Just a job,” he chokes before the blinding pressure returns to his throat.

James sees the witch’s mark on the creature’s forearm move as the muscles strain to block air from his lungs. Curious things, those marks. Often they look like any ordinary tattoo, with criss-crossing in varying patterns depending on the clan. This particular one is in the shape of the letter “Y” with two lines running through the curved stem. It is the only way to be certain that you have a witch or warlock on your hands and not just an extraordinarily smelly person. Every one of these creatures is born with the little symbol. It really would be fitting if this mark is the last thing he ever sees.

“JUST A JOB,” the warlock snarls. “IT’S NOT A JOB, THIS IS MY LIFE! You hunters seem to think you are the only things on the planet with a life. I did nothing to no one. Understand that? You need to learn that things bigger than you are going on all the time. Maybe in the future you won’t be so quick to shoot at someone who isn’t bothering you or your family. Next time the consequences might be far worse than today. Next time I will rip your heart from your chest. Believe me, I better not see you ever again.”

Everything goes black as something thuds against James’s head.

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Genre – YA Supernatural Thriller

Rating – PG13

More details about the author & the book

Connect with BE Jewell on Twitter

Website http://www.jewellbe.com/

Blog http://jewellbe.blogspot.com/

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