Author Kay Phoenix

Title: Steele and Stone

Series: The Daring Hearts series, Book 1

Author:  Kay Phoenix

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Date of Publication:  November 2, 2016

ASIN:  B01LYUQ75N

Number of pages: 133

Word Count:  42,000

Blurb:

Elle Thompson was raised in Denver. She paints. She hikes. She knows how to avoid cougar attacks.

The only cougars Michael Williams usually worries about are the ones that wear leopard print leggings on 5th Avenue.

But, when his acquisition firm sets its sights on Elle's family business, his tidy life goes awry. As things unravel, so do all his preconceived notions of love and what makes a perfect partner.

Buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Steele-Stone-Kay-Phoenix/dp/1509210717

Excerpt:

     “So, how are you feeling today?” a familiar voice asked behind him. He didn’t have to turn to know who it was, but he turned anyway, temporarily forgetting about his sunburn until he saw the shocked expression on her face.
     “Whoa! No sunblock either? I had some, you could have asked,” she giggled. “That’ll peel for sure.”
     Blue! Brilliant, shimmering blue eyes. He hadn’t seen her eyes during their hike, as they’d been hidden behind sunglasses the whole time, and he’d always been a sucker for blue eyes. Her blonde hair hung long, loose and wavy as she leaned casually against the door frame.
     “I see you’ve already made yourself quite at home,” she said. “Randall told me he let you use the conference room.”
     “What are you doing here?” he asked in a tone that sounded a bit too firm.
     “Oh, no ‘How are you?’ or ‘Nice to see you?’” She tilted her head to the side, causing a loose curl to graze her breast.
     He turned back to the coffee. “I didn’t mean to sound rude. You just surprised me.”

Author bio:

Ms. Phoenix is a rare bird herself...a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She belongs to Las Vegas Romance Writers and has served on the board for several years. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America with PAN status.

Prior to writing, Kay was a Graphic Artist for fifteen years in the casino industry and holds degrees in both Graphic Arts and Psychology. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling and photography. She is also involved in several Las Vegas non-profits, and is the current Chairman of a popular, long-running, local art show.

Kay has been blessed to be able to travel many places, which inspired her to host a weekly author spotlight called “Midweek Escapes” on her blog. It features guest author’s favorite vacation destinations, their travel tips, and, of course, information about their book releases and occasional giveaways.

Author website and social media links:

Website:

http://www.KayPhoenix.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKayPhoenix/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/KayPhoenix_

Author Lori Zaremba

Trudy Hicks Ghost Hunter

Case Two-The Kept

Lori Zaremba

Genre: Paranormal Mystery

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Date of Publication: 5/28/2019

ISBN-13: 978-1-64034-596-6 
ISBN-10: 1-64034-596-5
ASIN: B07RWMGKR2

Number of pages:248
Word Count: 7850

Tagline: Secrets of the past are about to turn deadly.

Book Description:

If anyone tells you hunting ghosts is less dangerous than chasing down real-life criminals, they’re wrong. Very, very wrong.

Case two takes us to a New Jersey Shore Inn. A beautiful, yet dead opera singer seems to be begging for help, but her pleas do nothing but terrorize the locals.

While trying to decipher the clues to her 1919 disappearance, uncovering hair-raising horrors, it becomes clear that Jason and I no longer see eye-to-eye.

Jason wants me to stop meddling with the supernatural. He wants me to stop risking my life by interacting with demons and spirits.

What he doesn’t understand is this is my life. These tortured souls need my help in order to move on. How do I walk away from that—from them?

But the better question is—how do I walk away from him?

Amazon

Trudy Hicks Ghost Hunter Case One- The Deceit

Excerpt 2:

The dog, who had been sleeping at her feet, let out a low snarl and stood at attention. His focus was on the window that faced the lawn by the pool and the beach beyond. Trudy pushed back her chair and stood stiffly and tip-toed quietly to the window, and peered out.

Her heart rose in her throat when she saw him and recognized him immediately from her dream. The stern face and cold eyes of the un-named uncle stared back at her. He stood just ten feet away on the lawn, illuminated in the moonlight and looking just like he did on the beach that day in her dream.

She turned and dashed out of the room, pulling her phone from the pocket of her shorts and heading toward the doors by the pool to chase the phantom down. Rocky, yapping and whining, was by her side.

Trudy padded lightly through the pool area and out the wrought-iron gate that led to the lawn and the beach beyond. She gave a command to the big dog for silence and directed him around the pool shed opposite her. The light from her cell phone illuminated the corner of the structure, Trudy knew if anyone or thing were hiding there, Rocky would flush them out toward her.

The night was still and humid. She felt a bead of perspiration trickle down her temple to her cheek and whisked it away. The crash of the waves on the other side of the dune was the only sound interrupting the silence.

The two-way radio on her belt sounded. “Where the hell are you?” came Jason’s voice.

She listened into the night for a moment then whispered, “By the pool shed,” before turning down the volume when she heard Rocky snarl.

Her heart pounded furiously in her chest, and she fought off the spell of dizziness that suddenly overcame her. Rocky’s bark was louder and more urgent. She pressed against the structure and made her way toward the sound.

The hair on the back of her neck rose, and a chill slid down her body while her knees went weak. She knew someone was just beyond her line of vision. She sensed it, her nerves screamed it, and the loud noise that was coming from the big dog a few feet away confirmed it.

Now at the end of the structure, leaning against the warm metal siding not only for cover but balance, Trudy gazed outover the lawn then ever so slowly peeked around the corner.

“What the hell are you doing?” Jason whispered harshly behind her, causing her to screech. Trudy stumbled awkwardly back when something white flew through the air directly at her head. She ducked, and the thing hissed as it catapulted over Jason’s shoulder and landed a few feet away.

“A cat?” The feline looked at them grumpily before darting up the nearest tree when Rocky gave chase.

“This is why you came out here? A damn cat?” Jason checked his shoulder where the feline’s claws tore his shirt. Satisfied that the skin underneath was not wounded, he looked up at her, waiting for her reply.

Trudy ignored his question and stepped forward to fuss over his shoulder, not trusting that it was unscathed, and ran her hand over the smooth skin. She avoided eye contact. Jason grabbed the hand on his shoulder and pulled her closer.

“So, Hicks, are you going to tell me what the hell brought you out here when I specifically told you to stay put?” He studied her face before dropping his eyes to her lips.

Trudy pushed back the heavy weight of her hair from her sweaty brow and brushed a kiss the scruffy hair on his chin.

“Umm, I think you should learn quick, Young, that I don’t do well with orders.”

About the Author:

Lori Zaremba is a full-time Internet Sales Manager and writes Web Content as well as providing Copy Editing for businesses in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Lori has published short ghost stories on Your Ghost Stories, as the Haunted_Cleaner and on her website lorizaremba.com

On her website, lorizaremba.com, Zaremba refers to herself as the ghost magnet and briefly describes her encounters with departing spirits.

Lori began writing her fiction story as a creative offering of why a ghost would haunt.  Before long the story became a novel Case One: The Deceit in the Trudy Hicks Ghost Hunter series.

Lori currently lives in the suburbs of Pittsburgh with her husband Wayne and two fur babies Jaxson and Stewie.

https://www.lorizaremba.com

https://twitter.com/lorighost

https://www.facebook.com/people/Lori-Zaremba-Author/100009214166378

https://www.instagram.com/i_am_lori_z/

Author Alanea Alder

I fell in love with the UK when I went for the first time last year, so it’s a toss up between Edinburgh and Dublin. Every where you turn there’s something else to see and do. In Edinburgh I absolutely loved the Old Town Chambers hotel. It’s sort of like a set of apartments. We had a small kitchen and a washer and dryer. It was perfect for a mid-trip stop. In Dublin I went to the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College, both were amazing places to visit. I can see myself returning for more inspiration.

***

My Solace

Bewitched and Bewildered

Book 11

Alanea Alder

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Sacred Forest Publishing

Date of Publication: May

ISBN: 978-1-941315-25-5

ASIN: B07P9BG7VC

Number of pages: 282

Word Count: 71,00

Cover Artist: Kim Killion

Tagline: She’s been Bewitched, he’s Bewildered

Book Description:

For thousands of years Oron Vi’Eirson has lived each day trying to keep the pain and devastation caused by his family from hurting his precious baby brother. But despite his best efforts his past has come back to haunt him, placing not only Darian and Amelia in harm’s way, but also his newly found mate.

Isabelle Campbell, or as she likes to be called, Izzy, is a mess. She knows this. It’s never intentional, but somehow her curiosity always seems to run away from her. When her latest gaffe lands her homeless and fired from her favorite barista job she is left little choice but to accept the kindness of some of her favorite customers, little did she know that by doing so, she would find herself starting the biggest adventure of her life!

With kindred spirit Meryn at her side, Izzy takes on the entire fae city to protect the heart of the kindest man she has ever met. If the golden fae think they can get away with hurting her mate, they are sorely mistaken. After all, her new friend likes to electrocute people.

When facing your greatest fear means facing your family, is there any escape? Can Izzy help Oron stand against all odds?

Amazon            Amazon UK         Amazon AU         Amazon CA

Excerpt

Law wiped at his eyes from silent laughter. “She does this to me every damn time,” he complained, barely able to breathe. Two of the other warriors around the room had buried their face in their hands to hide their own laughter.

Pierce looked over at Aiden. “Seriously though, what did she learn about butts in Noctem Falls?”

Law inhaled as he leaned back slightly and fell off his chair. To see a man that size laughing on the floor was all it took to set everyone off.

“Serenity, I don’t think he’s breathing,” Micah commented watching Law wrap his arms around his mid-section as he gasped.

“If he can laugh, he can breathe,” she said, shaking her head at Meryn’s shenanigans.

“See, I told you Izzy, this is a nice place.” A warrior commented, coming up behind them from the direction of the front door.

“I don’t know, it’s mostly men and they look kinda drunk to me. Maybe this is like a bar or sex dungeon. Like a drunken, gay, sex dungeon,” a piping female replied.

“Oh gods above, I can’t breathe!” Law called from the floor. Oron shook his head at the man’s plight.

Micah’s eyes bugged out. “A drunken, gay, sex dungeon?”

Meryn nodded. “They’re all a bunch a mannequins.”

“They like the rough stuff huh?” the sweet voice asked.

“No! What?” Aiden looked from one female to the other then paused. “How did you know she meant masochist?”

“We were talking about sex dungeons, I kinda extrapolated that the misused random word that began with the letter ‘m’ was a term that more accurately fit the conversation. It wasn’t that hard actually.”

“She meant masochist?” Micah asked.

Serenity stood over Law now looking concerned. “Okay, my earlier assessment may have been off, I don’t think he’s getting any oxygen.” She placed her hands on his chest and eased his laughter.

Law gasped for air. “Gods Meryn, you can’t keep doing this to me!” he managed to croak out.

“So, not a sex dungeon?”

Chuckling Oron turned in his chair and suddenly he couldn’t breathe for reasons of his own, the petite auburn haired beauty that had understood nutty Meryn perfectly was his mate!

About the Author:

USA Today Best Selling Author, Alanea loves reading almost as much as she loves writing. She began writing at a very young age, some of her first scribblings are treasured in a keepsake box and written in green marker. She started when she was still in grade school and continued on through college.

She believes that love truly conquers all and that everyone no matter what, deserves a chance at that love and a place they can call home. She absolutely loves to hear from her readers so don’t hesitate to reach out to her. As always, her promise to her readers remains, “If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!”

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Author Giuliana Sica

On this side of the ocean, for a quick and southern-magic infused getaway, my favorite vacation spot is definitely New Orleans. I think Venice and New Orleans share a mysterious and timeless energy I have yet to find in other cities. Both seem to be encapsulated in a timeless bubble. The moment you arrive time stills and hearts beat to a different, more melodic beat. Every breath we take becomes a swaying of sensuous energy filling our beings with a relaxed and willing-to-go-with the-flow attitude.

People in New Orleans, especially around the French Quarter don’t just merely walk, they sort of dance in a slow-motion swag, as if constantly listening to one of those sultry jazzy tunes always caressing the air.

My favorite hotel is the St. Pierre, right on the edge of the French Quarter and within walking distance to all the major downtown attractions and trolley stops to the Garden District and other areas of attraction. Its décor and design exemplifies charming French Quarter architecture and ambiance. The guest rooms are located amid lusciously landscaped courtyards, gurgling fountains and swimming pools. The complimentary continental breakfast is a lot more than a simple meal. It features biscuits and fluffy scrambled eggs. The coffee is strong and always freshly brewed. But the most peculiar, and perhaps to some fearful attraction, is the fact that the hotel seems to be haunted. As one of the oldest properties still in existence today in New Orleans, guests of the Hotel St Pierre have reported all sorts of ghostly happenings during their stay, especially in the old Peyroux House, a hotspot of paranormal activity. What is heard most are the sounds of footsteps. As we toured the property, Assistant General Manager Cody McLain filled us in on a call that he had received just a few weeks earlier. One woman staying in the carriage house directly behind the front lobby area called to make a complaint. It was late at night, she was ready for sleep, and the heavy sound of footsteps in the room above hers was driving her batty. Naturally, she asked McLain to tell her upstairs neighbors to quiet down. There was only one problem: No one was staying in the room above hers. The sounds of heavy footfalls stomping about were not the sounds of a rambunctious guest, but the sounds of a ghost—an entity of some sort—making its presence known during the late hours of the night. Perhaps it is the spirit of one of the Peyroux family members checking on the status of their old home; perhaps it is the ghost of the Confederate soldier that is said to still haunt the property. Although we can’t be certain who is responsible for the otherworldly activity, it seems that the Hotel St Pierre meets their after-death standards and those ghosts are here to stay. I always found this sort of places fascinating, but I also know they’re not everybody cup of tea.

As far as attractions and things to do, I would start with checking out all the little street art markets, meander along the Mississipi bank and perhaps even take a tour on one of the colorful steam river boats. A nice lunch break at Le Café du Monde (where, I kid you not, I actually tried fried alligator tail and liked it) to savor Cajun specialties while listening to a local jazz/blues live band.

The afternoons are for exploring the majestic Garden District. Even on its busiest days, the neighborhood's large, graceful mansions seem to invoke a hushed reverence among those who flock to see them. 

These mansions and the elegant landscaping around them are the main tourist attraction in the Garden District, but there are other must-sees as well. Make some time to just stroll around and admire the architecture and the marvelous details that make each mansion unique and don't forget to explore Lafayette Cemetery one of the famous New Orleans above-ground cemeteries. And perhaps finish with a visit to the Garden District Book Shop. One of the finest in the city and boasts author Anne Rice among its biggest fans. A cursory glance at the store's online calendar will give you information about interesting upcoming events, including book readings and signings with both local and out-of-town authors. Of particular interest is the shop's extensive selection of New Orleans and Louisiana-focused work. This always includes one or more books that contain directions for a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood, so if that's of interest, stop in and pick one up before embarking on your own adventure.

The evenings are made to dress up in flowery dresses and strappy sandals, for reservations at one of the myriads delicious restaurants, and forget about diet restrictions for once. If you love spices, flavors and seafood, then Cajun and Creole cuisine are a must try! I adore Jambalaya and Gumbo. In New Orleans even okra loses its sliminess and acquires a tangy, almost arugula peppery flavor.

In Book I, Among the Cloud Dwellers I sent Porzia to New Orleans for a subliminally passionate weekend of delicious food, bubbly champagnes and magical lovemaking. I envied every single word I wrote in that chapter. Especially when she tried on a spaghetti strap, backless dress with no bra on, and her bosom held its own.

Yes, New Orleans is definitely one of not my favorite place to visit, especially in Spring and Fall.

***

The Bridge Across Times
Entrainement Series
Book II
Giuliana Sica

Genre: Magical Realism, WitchLit,  PNR

Date of Publication:  May 17th, 2019

ISBN: 9781797676142

ASIN: B07PKWTLT6

Number of pages: 244

Word Count: 63,496

Cover Artist: Enterline Design

Tagline: Join Porzia in her magic quest for a timeless soulmate.

Book Description:

Porzia's journey continues.

From the first page, Magic carries Porzia and all of us into an exotic and fantastic world. Emerging from two years of grief, her quest for a soul mate takes her to Japan where an unexpected encounter with a mysterious and fatally attractive artist unleashes an irresistible whirlwind of passion.

Music entangles them in a slow, sensuous dance. With the help of her esoteric teacher Evalena, Porzia has been honing her magic abilities. More confident and controlled, she now summons Magic at her will... with only an occasional flaring of rebellious powers.

Among scrumptious bites of delicious food and thirst-quenching sips of wine she summons a ghost from a distant past. The enigmatic message leaves her puzzled, but also determined to resolve the mystery hidden in the almond-shaped eyes of her dangerous and yet so passionate lover.

Each intriguing and intoxicating page is another luscious bite into Porzia's world and the magical possibilities that may be there for all of us.

Amazon

PROLOGUE

Firenze, Italia. Galleria degli Uffizi.

The echo of the security guard’s footsteps slowly faded toward the distant museum exit.

Silence.

Silence echoed along the austere arcades on the first floor. Sunset filtered through the ancient windows, the sun rays interrupted in their paths by massive walls. Golden light ricocheted and dispersed off myriads of dancing dust motes. At the end of the high-windowed Galleria, the heartbeat began to pound within the chilled white marble of Michelangelo’s Davide. Life’s essence stirred through his perfectly chiseled body until strength and heat gave him the power to move. He slipped from his pedestal and headed toward Venere in Botticelli’s room.

Davide’s shadow glided undisturbed amongst dozing masterpieces. On the upper level, beneath gilded ceilings, silence reigned.

Venere stepped out of her golden frame and leaving her seashell behind, she entered reality. The Angels’ gazes followed her progress while her ancella gently smiled and wiped a lonesome tear.

Still wet from the scented sea mist, Venere’s long auburn hair trailed, barely covering her glowing body. Desire stirred deep within her soul, conjuring rhythmic waves within her.

She met Davide on a sunset-lit windowsill. Doubts dissipated, washed away by the high tide of her will. The lovers allowed the salt-scented mist to subdue them, slowly, to unfold erotic dreams.

Please let reality be what fantasy was.

As the sun’s light faded away, she drew him in, savoring primitive rituals, riding the moist rhythm of the waves to slowly drown their thirst. With the moon silently smiling, they reached for the sky and left agony behind.

That was the night my parents gave me life.

This life.

If I were a color, I would be gold. Born under the blessing of the full moon, protected by ageless winged guardians, I played hopscotch with Giotto on checkered floors and hide-and-seek with masterpieces along marble staircases, among their golden frames and moth-dappled velvet drapes. My tiny hands pressed against rain-streaked windows while outside the river Arno swelled and found its way to the sea.

I grew up in the shadow of the Leaning tower of Pisa. And although the colors of Tuscany in August blush my skin, it is the Manouche mystery that pounds through my veins. I know the woods where Dante lost his way as the palm of my hand. I could escort you to the Inferno door blindfolded, for I have knocked on it often myself. I crossed the Mississippi River and heard Jesse James ask Huckleberry Finn if he were real.

I swam with dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico and danced with the Queen of New Orleans on a wet, humid winter night. I got drunk with Ezili in Savannah and cursed life, screaming at the moon in rage. I wandered in meadows restlessly and watched the winds with a longing I could not understand.

I challenged the Goddess, belied my powers, and regretted it all. I soared after a majestic eagle toward a sinking sun and caught up with her by Ayers Rock, where, anguished, I bowed. Subjugated at last, I embraced Magic.

Too wild, too strong to be mortal, I wove a dream with love in my heart, passion in my soul, and the breath of my life.

I have summoned the elements, conjured my yearning into a spell to be taken away across the endless sky. I have swallowed my pride and begged the gods to give me proof that life is worth the fight. Now I walk through sorrow barefoot, careful not to step on the sharp, shattered pieces of my broken dream.

Now I lay still, numb and spent, waiting.

Until rage and anger fueled my soul to rise.

I sought answers and hope in distant lands, in ancient scripture, in encrypted mysteries and timeless traditions. I sought answers within and finally understood how to accept the void of my damaged soul, how to gather strength to stir and to finally move, once again, into the beauty of life’s simplicity. 

I healed, nurturing my wounds, shedding tender skin. Reaching for the goddess within, at last, I have accepted my feminine self. Bowing to the Rising Sun I welcomed my new self and embraced Courage. Instants later, absolutely still in a Veronica, I held a crimson cape of fears, enticed a crippled wolf to charge, and defied time.

About the Author:

Giuliana was born in Siena, Italy. At the age of 4 her father gave her a box of markers. She immediately began to doodle stories on the house walls. After a few weeks of repainting, they finally gave her paper as well. She has not stopped writing since. She calls home Whidbey Island where she settled in 2001 after globetrotting teaching Italian in exotic places as far as Japan.

She holds a Classic Italian Literature and Philosophy degree with a minor in English still laced with a Chianti-infused accent. She speaks fluent Spanish, has forgotten most of her French, and holds tightly to her Japanese, mostly by eating sushi every chance she gets. She shares a yellow cottage on the island with her husband, 3 cats, an unstoppable toddler, a vegetable garden, and a fig tree named Federico. Every residual free minute of her life is spent working on Book III, and catching up on some much-needed sleep.

https://www.giulianasica.com

https://www.facebook.com/giulianasica.readerspage

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4179775.Giuliana_Sica

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