Author post: Walter Dinjos

Back in April I reviewed the magazine Abyss and Apex, and in there was a story by Walter Dinjos. There he mixed two worlds that have nothing to do with each other and brought them together. I have always liked myths, magic and religion. So today I have a guest post by him.

Tales of Magic, Hearsays, Blind Faith, and All Things Nigerian

If you should ask a group of Nigerians, “Do you believe magic or witchcraft exists?” the majority would reply that they do. Some might even go ahead to narrate how they've witnessed a certain unverifiable individual transform into a reptile (usually a big snake), a bird (usually an owl), or a cat (usually a domestic one). In fact, when an owl alights near a Nigerian house at night and begins to hoot, the residents typically start calling out, “Blood of Jesus! Holy Ghost fire!”

That's how superstitious some Nigerians can get. Or maybe there’s truly magic in that multicultural West African country. I earnestly can’t confirm anything. If you are curious about magic in Nigeria, all I’ve got for you is hearsays and tales of blind faith.

The idea of magic in Nigeria makes me think of the food chain. Call it the magic chain if you will. The gods are at the top of it. Us ordinary folk are at the bottom. Everyone else in-between is a magic-wielding villain. I will tell you about these deities and villains.

The Deities

These are the many gods various communities in Nigeria worshipped prior to colonialism in the region. Among the Igbo tribe in southeastern Nigeria, you will hear of deities like Amadioha, Ozodimgba (this one appeared in my story, The Woodcutters’ Deity), Ikoro, and more. In some places, they are the spirits of dead ancestors. In other places, they are simply gods and are represented with great trees, carved stones, or ancient sculptures.

These deities are believed to own and bestow magic.

The Witch Doctors

These are like the custodians of magic in the land of the living. They serve as a bridge between deities and other humans.

• When they serve a particular community, they are usually called chief priests, ezemmuo (king of all things spiritual), or ezenwanyi (a woman with immense power perhaps like an ezemmuo), And trust me. They exist. Whether they can truly perform magical feats (like heal, curse, protect with magic on behalf of each community’s deity) is another story.

• Well, in my story, Middle of Nowhere, magic actually works. You see the savage jujuist  place a curse on the protagonist.

• When these witch doctors merchandise their magic instead of serving a community, they are often called native doctors or dibia (a spiritual healer). They basically serve their deity’s interests. And they rarely use their magic unless when absolutely necessary, as they understand it isn’t something to be toyed with.

However, if you want it, they will gladly give it along with the price of obtaining it (hideous sacrifices) and wielding it (difficult rules and repercussions).

These Witch Doctors. How Are They Made?

• Some are osu (outcasts)--people dedicated to a deity when they were little.
• Some inherit the role from their parents.
• In the olden days, twins and babies with one disorder or another were either killed at birth or offered to deities in some parts of Nigeria
• Sometimes grownups ask their deities for a child. In return, they promise the child will serve the deity.
• Some witch doctors are born dada (that is, with a type of hair that is naturally and untidily matted), and here people believe that children with dada hair are of spiritual origin. I’m dada, but here I am, not serving any deity. In case you are wondering, that’s me in an old picture.

            

Witches and Wizards

In Nigeria, these are not your ordinary witch doctor. There’s a difference. Of course, they are believed to have powers--usually obtained through initiation, but they serve only their own interests. They thrive by siphoning the life force or imminent success of their prey. People here believe they visit at night, disguised as owls, cats, or wall geckos. And they attack by marking their prey’s body with their claws and from the slit do the siphoning. People who believe they are victims often complain about having bad dreams and the feeling of a pinioning weight swooping on them as they sleep and never letting go.

I just finished writing a story about these beings--How to Nab a Witch.

People That Wield Magic in Nigeria

These people, like the witches and wizards, serve their own interests. They want wealth, power, healing, protection…, and they procure these things through magic, of course, at a price.

They don’t wield magic in a direct sense. They visit a witch doctor, carry out the necessary ritual, which can include sacrificing a goat, fowl, or even a human. Then the witch doctor infuses an object like a ring, bracelet, broom, food, or drink with the particular magic power they need and hand it to them. Of course, with rules of usage like “don’t sleep with a woman,” “never allow water to touch the charm,” “always have the charm on you,” and so on. Breaking such rules could lead to the charm not working. It could also lead to madness or even death. Well, so I heard.

Do-As-I-Say Charm

If you should go to a Nigerian native doctor and obtain a do-as-I-say charm, you would most likely be given a ring. It’s believed that should you shake your prey’s hand while wearing the ring, they would become extremely gullible around you. A do-as-I-say charm can also be something you eat, drink, or touch to your tongue before speaking to your prey.

In fact, it’s often said that Nigerian scammers use do-as-I-say charms to make their victims guilliable. I don’t know what to believe, but here is a screenshot of an article about the subject at the Huffington Post. It’s horrible. The idea of magic is exciting, but in the case of do-as-I-say charms, I can't help but hope they are just fictional. 

Anti-Armed Robbery Charm

You could also visit a Nigerian native doctor and ask for protection from armed robbers. After performing the necessary ritual, the witch doctor would likely give you a broom to hang on your gate. The broom could serve as a warning to robbers that recognise the charm. But for those that don’t, breaking into your home would leave them hypnotised. And they would grab the broom and sweep your compound until you find them and release them from the charm.

Odieshi Charm

This is another type of protection charm. It basically makes you invulnerable to bullets and blades. So people here believe.  The ritual involved can be very dangerous. I heard people get buried alive simply to obtain this charm.

Plus, there are rules. The usual includes: “Don’t eat food prepared by a woman in her period” and “Don’t sleep with a woman.” I don’t know about you, but I’m beginning to think that magic in Nigeria has something against women.

Anyway, coming back to rules, it’s believed that  the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group that operated in Abia, Anambra, and Imo States in Nigeria, used this charm. Eventually they started breaking rules. Also they became entangled with women’s issues and politics, and that led to their fall.

Blood Money

The magic behind this is hideous, whether true or not, and usually involves sacrificing a human being. I won’t go deep into this as what I’ve heard is very disturbing. If it’s any consolation, it’s often said that people that obtain blood money always end up miserable, in spite of their wealth, and their deaths are untimely and very unpleasant.

A man named Clifford Orji was suspected of both cannibalism and merchandising human body parts to blood money seekers.

Settling Disputes

Here in Nigeria, you can settle a dispute before a witch doctor and their fetish god. Typically, you honor the god with sacrifices and ask it to investigate the dispute and curse the guilty party.

Here is the story of how Eze-ego (a wealthy nigerian whom many suspected of having blood money) died after someone reported him to a deity.

Does Magic Truly Exist in Nigeria?

I will tell you a story.

I was sitting by a cement shop one day and two young men approached me, asking if I sold sound systems. I looked behind me and frowned. Then I said no.

They asked where they could buy one and as I gave them directions, one propped himself against the iron beam where I placed my left foot. He then began to move his ringed finger towards the foot.

He touched me, and I felt something. I don’t know what it was. Maybe a tingle or electricity passing through my body. But then last I checked, I didn’t like it when people in general, much less strangers, touched me. Yes, so maybe I was just nervous.

Anyway, his touch made me jerk up. And I quit trying to guide them and snapped, “Don’t touch me!”

They bolted off immediately.

Onlookers started asking why they were running. I explained everything to them. And they said I was lucky. That the boys had a do-as-I-say charm and would probably have made me empty my bank account into theirs if I had allowed them to continue touching me.

Those young men. Their charm didn’t affect me. Well that’s all good. It feels great to be special, believe me.

The truth, however, remains that I don’t believe those onlookers. Not one bit. Most people, if not everyone, in Nigeria have similar stories

Walter Dinjos is Nigerian, a Writers of the Future winner, and a runner-up in the Writers Bureau Writer of the Year 2017 Award. His stories have appeared, or are upcoming, in Writers of the Future Volume #33, Galaxy’s Edge, BSC, Deep Magic, Lamplight, and elsewhere. His poems have appeared in three The Literary Hatchet issues, and he hopes to portray the peculiar beauty of Nigerian cultures through his writing. When he is not writing, he travels across Nigeria, visiting the country’s many historic sites and communities to experience their diverse cultures and traditions first-hand, and when he writes, this rich cultural heritage becomes the heart of his prose. www.dinjos.com

Blog Tour and Review: Beautiful Star and Other stories by Andrew Swanston

BEAUTIFUL STAR AND OTHER STORIES

If you take the coastal path from the Fife village of Elie to neighbouring St Monans you will come to the little church of St Monan, where at the back of the nave you will find a framed newspaper cutting from November 1875.  The cutting is of a letter to The Times from Sir Robert Anstruther, asking for donations to a fund set up for the families of the Fife fishermen lost in the storms that had recently swept the east coast of England and Scotland.  One of the boats in the fishing fleet, Beautiful Star, was on its maiden voyage.

When I first read Sir Robert’s letter, I was much taken with this story and determined to learn more about it. Little did I know then how much I would discover of the extraordinary way of life of Scottish herring fishers and their families before the advent of steam and of the total dependence of whole villages, and of the itinerants who ‘followed the fish’, on their fishing fleets.  Boat builders, coopers, sailmakers, merchants, net menders, fisher ‘lassies’ who gutted and packed the fish – all made their livings from the ‘silver darlings’.

Nor did I know that Beautiful Star would lead me to write the six stories that go with it to make up this collection and five (so far) other historical novels. A summer walk, a peek in the church and a newspaper cutting. Who would have thought it?

The stories of Jane Wenham (A Witch and a Bitch) and Eilmer (The Flying Monk) soon followed. Like Beautiful Star, I learnt of both by chance and thought they would reward further research. Try asking ten people when the first recorded, manned flight took place.  I bet not one will know, any more than I did before visiting Malmesbury. Likewise Lady Mary Bankes’s gallant defence of her Corfe home, related in The Castle, is a little-known tale of great courage and loyalty.

The separate stories – combined for this collection - of the English Button Seller and the French Drummer Boy at the battle of Waterloo I discovered when researching Waterloo:The Bravest Man, a fictionalised account of the defence of the chateau and farm at Hougoumont. Footnotes to history are often rich sources for the story-teller,

The fate of the magnificently named Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell’s flagship, HMS Association seemed to me worth telling because of the mystery that surrounded it and because it led directly to the solving of the problem of calculating longitude by the brilliant clockmaker John Harrison.

The Tree, finally, is the Boscobel oak in which Charles II hid after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.  It is known that he was not alone but was there more than one other in that tree?  

All the stories combine fact and fiction, real characters and imaginary. They seek to entertain and inform.  I hope they do.

Thank you Andrew! Now to my review

History is brought alive by the people it affects, rather than those who created it.

In Beautiful Star

This is a moving and affecting journey through time, bringing a new perspective to the defence of Corfe Castle, the battle of Waterloo, the siege of Toulon and, in the title story, the devastating dangers of the life of the sea in 1875.

Paperback, 256 pages
Expected publication: January 11th 2018 by The Dome Press
Historical fiction
For review

My thoughts

This book consists of a few novella/short stories. So yes I will review each one with a few short sentences then.

Beautiful Star

I think I liked this one the most *thinks about it* Most definitely. It is about a fishing village and how a new ship is being made. All while we as the reader know there will be a terrible storm. The devastation it caused since everyone relies on their families. It was sad and good and based on real people.

The flying Monk

Did you know that in the 11th century a monk named Eilmer tried to fly using wings? I sure did not! Omg, this guy needs a movie. Sure, sure, only monks in it, but still so interesting. Very cool.

HMS Association

A short one about a man being pressed into the war. Honestly people, listen to fishermen!

The Tree

Another short one about two men and a boy in a tree. Kind of like a nice little interlude.

The Castle

Another fascinating tale. Lady Mary Bankes held this castle against Parliamentarian forces and she would not give in. You go girl!

A witch and a bitch

The more I read the sadder I got. People are cruel. Sure she did not always make good choices, but the way people hounded on a woman alone and old. "My cow died. She is  a witch!" I really liked the granddaughter in this one.

The Button seller and the drummer boy.

I fear the one where I could muster the least bit of interest. Dunno why really. Since it did have promise.

Conclusion

These are people lost in the pages of history. I sure had not heard of any of them...well except for the obvious one. But I am glad I have now. Also, some would make awesome movies.

Andrew read a little law and a lot of sport at Cambridge University, and held various positions in the book trade, including being a director of Waterstone & Co, and Chairman of Methven’s plc, before turning to writing. 

Inspired by a lifelong interest in early modern history, his Thomas Hill novels are set during the English Civil Wars, and the early period of the Restoration.  

Andrew’s novel, Incendium, was published in February 2017 and is the first of two thrillers featuring Dr. Christopher Radcliff, an intelligencer for the Earl of Leicester, and is set in 1572 at the time of the massacre of the Huguenots in France.  

The Dome Press will publish Beautiful Star, a collection of short stories documenting a journey through time, bringing a new perspective to the defence of Corfe Castle, the battle of Waterloo, the siege of Toulon and, in the title story, the devastating dangers of the life of the sea in 1875. 

Beautiful Star - 11th January 2018 

History is brought alive by the people it affects, rather than those who created it. In Beautiful Star, we meet Eilmer, a monk in 1010 with Icarus-like dreams; Charles I, hiding in 1651, and befriended by a small boy; the trial of Jane Wenham, witch of Walkern, seen through the eyes of her granddaughter.  

This is a moving and affecting journey through time, bringing a new perspective to the defence of Corfe Castle, the battle of Waterloo, the siege of Toulon and, in the title story, the devastating dangers of the life of the sea in 1875. 

Social Media 

Twitter: @AndrewSwanston 

Website: www.andrewswanston.co.uk 

Would you Rather feat Jeffe Kennedy and Giveaway

Welcome! I was inspired  by this game that the characters played in the book reviewed yesterday (edit: I messed up, oops, so that would be the review I posted today, questions borrowed from the book and those questions were borrowed from elsewhere ;) so I asked Jeffe Kennedy to play along.

Would you rather be a reverse centaur or a reverse mermaid/merman?

A reverse centaur, because horses are smarter than fish.

Would you rather have a clown only you can see that follows you everywhere and just stands silently in a corner watching you without doing or saying anything or have a real life stalker who dresses like the Easter bunny that everyone can see?

This is a seriously creepy question! If forced into an either/or, I’d take the clown since it’s harmless. Besides, I don’t have the clown-squick and since no one else would be able to see it, then no one else would be bothered.

Would you rather Fight 100 duck sized horses or 1 horse sized duck?

I’d take the 100 duck-sized horses, because horses are actually quite timid in nature. They’re essentially prey animals and all their might is in their size. Duck-sized horses would be easy to frighten and scatter. Ducks, however, are vicious with their beaks. A horse-sized duck would be a difficult creature to beat. 

LOL, thank you Jeffe for playing along :D This was fun to read.

And now to the giveaway. You have the chance to win this awesome bundle of books.

GIVEAWAY

ENDS Oct 30th

Open to everyone in the universe

Enter by leaving a comment :) 

Remember if I can not find your profile I can not find you. So leave a way to contact you in that case.

Author Post and Giveaway: Anna Schmidt

Today's post is by Anna Schmidt and at the end you can win a copy of her previous book :)

Welcome!

What are three interesting details about the setting of Last Chance Cowboys: The Outlaw?

1. The story takes place toward the end of the 19^th century when the West was becoming more civilized and settled. By this time people could travel by train as well as stagecoach, some houses had indoor plumbing and towns were more than just a wide place in the road with streets and shops and even city squares.
2. While most structures in Arizona at this time were adobe with tiled roofs, I wanted Miss Dooley’s boardinghouse to be a structure completely at odds with its neighbors so I made it a back-East Queen Ann Victorian partially because Amanda is out of place when the story begins.
3. Because both THE DRIFTER and THE LAWMAN took place on the Porterfield ranch or in the small town of Whitman Falls, I wanted to move this story away from those relatively safe places and put it in Tucson where the characters were taken out of their more natural element and tested by a new environment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author ANNA SCHMIDT delights in creating stories where her characters must wrestle with the challenges of their times. Critics have consistently praised Schmidt for her ability to seamlessly integrate actual events with her fictional characters to produce strong tales of hope and love in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. She resides in Wisconsin.

Find her online:

Website: http://www.booksbyanna.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/as_li_sh/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/690598.Anna_Schmidt

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Last Chance Cowboys: The Outlaw

Author: Anna Schmidt

Series: Where the Trail Ends, #3

ISBN: 9781492613022

Pub Date: July 4, 2017

Genre: Historical Western Romance

“‘Someone like me?’ Is that how you see me, Amanda? As someone people should fear?”

“I don’t know what to think,” she said. “One minute you seem so dangerous, and the next you’re sweet and caring and…”

He took a step closer, his eyes sweeping her face. “And which do you want me to be?” His voice was low; it sent shivers down her spine.

“Both,” she whispered, and lifted her face for a kiss.

Amanda Porterfield longs to experience real adventure. So when she’s offered a position in bustling Tucson, she leaps at the chance despite unknown dangers—dangers like the mysterious Seth Grover.

As an undercover detective working to stop a gang of outlaws, Seth can’t afford the distractions a woman like Amanda inspires. Yet when the fiercely intelligent beauty is thrust into the middle of a heist gone wrong, Seth will fight for a future that may never be theirs…even if it means risking everything he holds dear.

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Seems raffle has done a few changes, not happy- Anyway US only

Author post and giveaway: Amy Sandas

Today I have Amy Sandas over for a post about the London Underworld. You can also win a copy of her previous book at the end :)

Welcome!

My latest release, Lord of Lies, has several scenes that take place in the seedy and dangerous underworld of London. The great city’s slums and rookeries in the time of the Regency were a fascinating and vice-filled setting. Fascinating, mainly in its juxtaposition to the glittering world of the ton. Regency high society was about decadence and extreme expressions of wealth and luxury. On the other side of the coin, London’s East End was filled with cutthroat criminals, gangs, prostitution, addiction, and a general sense of desperation as the inhabitants of the rookeries and slums survived by whatever means necessary.

As soldiers returned home after the war with France, jobs became harder to come by and poverty levels increased. It is noted that the Regency period saw a significant rise in children being perpetrators of crimes, mainly thefts. Boys and girls as young as six were often used for tasks and jobs that adults either couldn’t do as easily or simply didn’t wish to do. It was thought that if a child was caught, the authorities might be lenient in their sentencing. While this was occasionally true, children could still find themselves shipped off to the penal colonies in Australia, sent to the city prisons, or sentenced to the gallows.

Children were taught the tricks of the trade by various means. While many of the children were orphans, some still lived with one or both of their parents. A child might fall into thievery by becoming associated with the wrong crowd while their parents were busy making end meet, but others were taught to steel by their parents who sent them out each day to acquire valuables with a threat of dire consequences should they return home empty-handed.

Children without homes or family often became members of gangs that worked together in housebreaking missions or scams designed to fleece the unsuspecting. Along with teaching the skills of thievery, gangs provided much-needed protection. Whether due to affection, a code of honor, or threats of violence, members of gangs often remained loyal to each other and to their leader, to the point of refusing to give each other up if questioned by authorities. Some gangs could be made up exclusively of children with a leader as young as thirteen. Girls and boys worked and lived together. In some cases, young boys were reported as having a ‘kept girl’ or ‘flash girl’ in an imitation of relationships displayed by their adult counterparts.

Children of the slums clearly had to grow up fast—frighteningly fast. We get a glimpse of this in Lord of Lies when the hero and heroine work together to save children at risk of being exploited and abused by a crime boss. Gratefully, as an author I am able to make sure the children are rescued from their intended fate. So many real-life children of the London’s Regency underworld were not so fortunate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Lord of Lies

Author: Amy Sandas

Series: Fallen Ladies, #3

ISBN: 9781492618782

Pub Date: July 4, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

“You do strange things to me, Dell Turner. Tell me I am not alone in what I feel.”

His voice was low and rough. His eyes burned. “You are not alone,” he said.

Portia Chadwick longs for a life of adventure. When a dangerous moneylender kidnaps her sister, she dares to seek help from a man known only as Nightshade. Soon she finds herself charging headfirst into his world of intrigue and danger—and unexpected passion.

Dell Turner grew up in London’s back alleys and gin lanes. Vowing to escape his low beginnings, he hires himself out to society’s elite. When he accepts a job from a beautiful debutante, he doesn’t anticipate her relentless determination to join his mad occupation…or her unnerving ability to inspire emotions he thought long buried. She’s as dangerous to him as his world is to her, and yet Dell can’t bring himself to turn Portia away—even if it means risking her life.

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Thank you!

GIVEAWAY
A copy of The untouchable earl

US only
Ends July 22nd
Comment and you are in

Remember to leave your info if that can't be found in your profile

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today Bestselling author Amy Sandas’s love of romance began one summer when she stumbled across one of her mother’s Barbara Cartland books. Her affinity for writing began with sappy preteen poems and led to a liberal arts degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She lives with her husband and children near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Find Amy Online:

Website: http://www.amysandas.com/

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

Twitter: @AmySandas

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6217869.Amy_Sandas

Author post and Giveaway: Elizabeth Michels

Today I have Elizabeth Michels over for a post :)

Welcome!
At the end you can win a copy of her previous novel.

Don’t you just love curling up with a good book and disappearing into another world for a while?

My favorite world to escape into is England in the 1800s! I love getting to experience the life of ladies as they twirl the night away at a ball, to see the sights through their eyes, to *hopefully* sidestep at least a few of the dangers of the time, and to find love with a handsome gentleman along the way.

I’ve always been a bit of a history and architecture geek. I remember telling my parents when I was a kid that I wanted to be an archeologist *and* one of the Rockettes when I grew up…at the same time. I would dig to find pieces of ancient civilizations by day and high kick with my red lipstick on by night. Life hasn’t quite turned out the way I envisioned it at age 5. But I am excited that I get to write historical romance and submerge myself in my favorite period of history every day. And, I get to do it while wearing red lipstick if I want to. (Kick line not included.)

How did I stumble into this career path? I became interested in writing historical romance after years of being an avid reader of the genre. I still remember the day I stepped into my local bookstore in search of a new book. Of course I’d walked through those doors many times before, but that day in 2006 I found a book that changed my life.

Until then I wasn’t a romance reader, and certainly not an avid historical romance reader. I’ve always been one to have a book around, but I read across multiple genres without any particular favorite. Whatever caught my eye, I would pick up and dive into. I blame this entirely on growing up in the country. In a home where my only choices in books were my brother’s science fiction novels, and my mom’s cozy murder mysteries, I was just happy to have something to read, anything to read. But then when I was in my late 20s, I saw a book with a cover depicting a ship at sea. Bold blue skies, sails billowing in the wind, and a lady in a pink dress all seemed to beg me to pick up the book to investigate. It was Johanna Lindsey’s Captive of My Desires. That was the day I dove into historical romance novels and I’ve never looked back. I fell in love with the escape these stories provide in a location close to my heart—England!

When it was time to choose a place to set my stories I couldn’t think of a better place to submerge myself on a daily basis than England’s Regency Era. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in an early 1800s world? …A fictional world, that is. Every day, I get to enjoy the setting, entertainment and fashion of the Regency Era while in front of my laptop, in my air conditioned house, after having used my hair dryer. It’s the life!

The romanticism of carriage rides, ball gowns, and dashing gentlemen! This a world I could live within forever. I hope you enjoy the 3^rd book in the Spare Heirs series, THE WICKED HEIR—carriage rides, ball gowns and dashing gentlemen included at no extra cost. *Big smiles and a Rockette inspired high kick*

What is your favorite genre of romance novel?

Giveaway:
A copy of The rebel heir
US only
Ends June 8th
To enter answer her question
And yes remember to leave your info or make sure I can find it on your page or profile

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Michels is the award-winning author of the Tricks of the Ton series and the new Spare Heirs series. She attended Park University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Interior Design.  This Historical Romance author enjoys living in a lake-side town in North Carolina with her husband and son. Elizabeth is a lover of happily-ever-afters, laughter, and things that are sparkly. Tiara optional while reading, but highly recommended. 

Find her online!

Website: http://www.elizabethmichels.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/e.michels.novels

Twitter: @SouthernTart

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6986143.Elizabeth_Michels

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Wicked Heir

Author: Elizabeth Michels

Series: Spare Heirs, #3

ISBN: 9781492621393

Pub Date: July 4, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

The Spare Heirs Society Cordially Invites You to Meet Fallon St. James: The Mastermind

When the love of Lady Isabelle Fairlyn’s life is betrothed to her twin sister, Isabelle vows to find a suitable replacement before the end of the season. He must be a talented dancer, have a keen fashion sense, and be perfectly dashing in every way.

Fallon St. James is the farthest thing from perfectly anything. As head of the secretive Spare Heirs Society, he must stick to the shadows…even as Isabelle’s friendship pulls him reluctantly into the light. But when Isabelle gets involved with the one man who could destroy Spares, Fallon must decide between protecting his life’s work—or risking everything to save the woman whose warm smile leaves him breathless.

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Author Post and Giveaway: Michele Summers

Today's guest is Michele Summers. She will tell us a bit about her heroine. And at the end there is a giveaway :)

Marabelle’s favorite summer activities 

Tennis is a huge favorite summer activity for Marabelle. She teaches lessons and clinics and plays in a USTA league for women. Living in North Carolina, she always makes time to hit the beach for a couple of weeks to soak up some rays, collect seashells and cook some fresh seafood. And when the heat is unbearable in August, she heads to the NC Mountains for a long weekend and cooler temps. Besides playing more tennis surrounded by beautiful mountains, she enjoys antiquing and hiking. 

What are some of your favorite summer activities?

Thanks for hosting me! It’s been fun.

Giveaway
1 print copy of Sweet Southern Trouble

1. US only
2. Enter by answering her question
3.  Ends May 28th

EXCERPT
“Coach Frasier, may I be perfectly frank?”
“Have you ever been anything else?”
Marabelle hesitated before answering. “Well, no, but I think it’s an admirable trait.”
Nick bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. “Then certainly don’t change on my behalf.”
Blinking huge, chocolate-brown eyes, Marabelle looked more determined. Her face—sans the paint—was attractive. Faint freckles were scattered across her small, pert nose, but her mouth—by far the main attraction—had that bee-stung look that Hollywood stars coveted. For a moment, he wondered if her lips were as soft as they were full, if she tasted…
Where had those thoughts come from? She’s a kindergarten teacher, for chrissakes. He punted those unwanted thoughts right out of the stadium, and got his head back in the game by focusing on her small hands, which seemed to talk even more than her sexy, full mouth.
Marabelle paced in front of the large, white, dry-erase board. “Trinity Academy has a very important fund-raiser every spring that the whole community supports, and this year is going to be extra special, because they’re raising money to improve the football field and add two more tennis courts. And—”
Nick had heard this pitch a million times. Same setup, different location. “And you want me to contribute to the fund? Right?”
She stopped pacing. “Well, it’s more than just your money. Don’t get me wrong, your money is huge.” Nick chuckled at her lack of tact, but she ignored him, intent on lining up dry-erase markers in alternating colors.
“We need your help in contacting your celebrity friends and asking them to participate in the golf and tennis tournaments,” she said, leaning the markers against the board. “And we want you to ask the single, eligible men you know to sell themselves in our bachelor auction,” she finished all in one breath and turned, knocking all the markers to the floor.
“Um, what?” Nick shook his head as he bent to help her gather the scattered markers. This had to be a joke. “Are you secretly filming me for YouTube or something? Is this some sort of practical joke?” He’d had enough of being secretly filmed to last a lifetime, and if this fairy-tale character thought she could pull a fast one on him, she had no idea who she was up against. His gaze darted around the classroom, searching for a hidden camera. The room looked clean. Then he smirked. “Did my offensive coordinator set this up?”
Kneeling on the floor with puckered brows, Marabelle asked, “Who?”
Nick handed over three reds and two blues. “Coach Prichard. We’ve been arguing about the draft, but I didn’t think he was this upset.”
Right on cue, she turned stern schoolteacher. Standing, she released the handful of markers on the metal tray, her back as straight as if fused with a goalpost. “Coach Frasier, this is not some reality TV show, and I don’t even know your offensive coordinator. But if he’s upset, I suggest you make nice, and maybe you guys will start winning some ballgames.”
Splaying hands on his hips, he delivered one of his fiercest stares. “You tetched in the head or something? Are you telling me how to coach a professional football team?”
Marabelle didn’t flinch. A room full of five-year-olds must be tougher than he thought. Curling her fingers around a ruler in the metal tray as if she might rap his knuckles, she said in the same firm, schoolteacher voice, “If there’s dissension among your staff, it would be prudent to smooth things over. Arguing with your staff is bound to affect the players. It just goes to reason.” Tap, tap went the ruler in her palm.
Nick swore under his breath. Many a rookie had backed down from his most intimidating stare. Its effect was legendary. But not on crazy Marabelle. “Ms. Fairchild, you don’t know jack shit about coaching football.” Nick rarely lost his temper off the field, but she’d managed to push all his buttons. He knew his young team had struggled last season. He certainly didn’t need reminding from little Miss Muffet. He had the team’s owner, general manager, and the press for that. But Nick believed in his team. They had raw talent, and with good coaching and proper discipline, they’d only get better. Yet, it still rankled when he was confronted with their less-than-stellar record.
He didn’t need this hassle. “I’m out of here,” he muttered, starting for the door.
“Coach Frasier, please wait!”
Nick whipped around to squash the crazy, ruler-toting fairy once and for all, when three high school boys barged through the classroom door, carrying large tennis bags over their shoulders.
“Hey, Coach, you comin’ to practice today?”
“What?” The theme song from The Twilight Zone played in his head. Why would he be coming to practice here?
“Whoa! You’re Nick Frasier,” said the tallest of the boys as all three gazes landed on him.
Nick plastered on a smile, not wanting his scowl to be reported all over social media. “Hey, guys. What’s up?” All three eagerly shook his hand, talking at once. “You boys play for the tennis team?” Nick asked in between introductions and hand pumping.
“Yeah. We’re heading to practice and wondering if Coach is coming.”
“Coach?” Still confused, he searched their faces.
“Surprise, surprise,” Marabelle chimed softly next to him.


Title: Sweet Southern Trouble

Author: Michele Summers

Pub Date: May 2, 2017

ISBN: 9781402293641

An ambitious Southern belle 

Marabelle Fairchild knows she’s a gal who can get things done. Feeling unappreciated at the exclusive private school where she’s a kindergarten aide and varsity tennis coach, Marabelle determines to score with the next big fundraiser. What she doesn’t expect? A smokin' hot football coach to throw her off her game...

A reclusive NFL bachelor...

NFL coach Nick Frasier is Raleigh’s most eligible bachelor, but he wants to focus on  his career…not his playboy status. He doesn’t need a smart-mouthed, pint-sized kindergarten teacher pestering him. So he cuts Marabelle a deal—in exchange for Nick sponsoring a bachelor auction starring him and his gorgeous celebrity pals, Marabelle will pose as his fiancée to ward off unwanted advances. 

What could possibly go wrong?

MICHELE SUMMERS writes about small-town life with a Southern flair, and has her own interior design business in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Miami, Florida. Both professions feed her creative appetite and provide a daily dose of humor. | 

Buy Links:

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters | iBooks | Indiebound

Author Post and Giveaway: Kianna Alexander

Let us Welcome Kianna Alexander to my blog. There is a giveaway at the end too :)

Kianna Alexander’s favorite romances

 1. Make it Last Forever by Gwyneth Bolton (Book, 2010) 

This book is why I’m not-so-patiently waiting for Gwnyneth to put out another book. This Kimani Romance is actually a time-travel romance, the only one I’ve ever read. It follows one couple’s relationship in the past, the present, and the future. Each time they are reincarnated, they meet and fall in love again. This book is an absolute classic as far as I’m concerned, and if you can find a copy, I’d suggest you read it.

 2. Ian’s Ultimate Gamble by Brenda Jackson (Book, 2006)

This is my favorite by Brenda Jackson, and the first book of hers that I read. I loved the backdrop of suspense and espionage- Ian and Brooke are falling in love in the midst of a heist happening at the casino he owns. Gripping, sexy, and satisfying.

 3. Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins (Book, 2007)

It’s no secret how much I love Beverly’s historicals. But this contemporary romantic suspense has all the good stuff. Fights, guns, explosions, and an unconventional heroine. JT Blake is a female sports agent, and is great at what she does- so much so that jealous competitors wish her harm. Enter the gorgeous trucker Reese Anthony and his protective instincts.

What are some of your favorite romances?

Giveaway
1 copy of Back to your love
Open to US
Ends April 16th
Answer her question to enter (fav romances ;)

Title: Back to Your Love

Author: Kianna Alexander

Series: Brothers of TDT, #1

ISBN: 9781492646983

Pub Date: April 4, 2017

Genre: Contemporary

Xavier Whitted, CPA and city council candidate is excited to get away to the Crystal Coast for his best friend’s wedding. He is shocked when he runs into his high school sweetheart there, the only woman he ever truly loved.

Dr. Imani Grant is just about ready to open her own dermatology practice when a serious wrench is put in her plans—in the form of Xavier Whitted. Old feelings resurface along with old secrets from the past. Imani isn’t willing to go there, until Xavier starts a new campaign: win Imani back—no matter what it takes.

Like any good Southern belle, Kianna Alexander wears many hats: loving wife, doting mama, advice-dispensing sister, and gabbing girlfriend. She's a voracious reader, history nerd and craft fanatic. Kianna lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids, and a collection of well-loved vintage 80's Barbie dolls.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://authorkiannaalexander.com/

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

Twitter: @KiannaWrites

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3029237.Kianna_Alexander

To Buy:

http://authorkiannaalexander.com/books/

Link to Spotify Playlist inspired by the book:

Spotify URL: Back to You Love

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Author Post and Giveaway: Vivien Jackson

Today's post is by Vivien Jackson. There is a giveaway of her new book at the end too.

Welcome!

I’m nervous about this. I’m a--oh dear, how to say it?--a romance writer. In love with science fiction. Deep love, big L. We’ve been seeing each other on the sly for a long time, science fiction and I, and when two grown-up genres love each other very much, sometimes they … oh, hell, I wrote a book. A mixed-genre one. Now I have to introduce my family to his and decide who sits on which side of the aisle, and what do we tell the children?

I’m not worried about his family. I love them almost as much as I love him. They’ve let me hang out at all their family reunions (cons), even the few, back when, where I was the only girl in the room. But I never brought a plus-one from romancelandia to a spec-fic shindig before.

Not because I was ashamed of my roots, mind you. Because whatever folks may or may not know about romance fiction, it’s crammed full of some awesome stuff, even some common ground. So, future in-laws, may I introduce a few romance novels I think you might enjoy?

Because, honestly, even though sci fi and romance don’t have much in common materially, they do have this: both genres, when done properly, reveal the human condition. They’re about characters growing, becoming wiser, about forcing us to see our world and all its ugly, blurry issues through a fresh lens. The chief difference, in my opinion is that romances conclude that all that darkness is going to get better, eventually, if we just have a lot of sex love each other.

1. First Grave on the Right, by Darynda Jones. Speaking of urban fantasy, Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson books might be shelved with romance, but if you dig UF, grab First Grave and hold on for the ride. If you can get through the shower scene right off without burning up from blushes, you’ll do fine. This series is funny, sassy, edgy, dark and light, win-some lose-some. True to UF, it doesn’t skimp on action scenes or general badassery, but it also includes some lovely nuanced characters and plenty of humor. Oh, and Reyes Farrow. Rowr.

2. Must Love Breeches, by Angela Quarles. This is a time-travel romance. It’s witty, sparkling, and beautifully researched. Steampunk fans will enjoy appearances by historical characters, like Ada Lovelace. The tone here is solidly romance, but the research and care given to the 19th century high-tech crowd will earn respect from folks who enjoy early SFF like Verne and more modern alternative histories, like The Difference Engine.

3. Slave to Sensation, by Nalini Singh. Now on its 19th book, Ms. Singh’s Psy/Changeling series started with this one. In a futuristic world where people are broken into three groups—emotionless almost-robot Psys, preternatural shifter Changelings, and regular old clueless humans—this story pokes at the edges of those differences, illuminating the bits of baked-in humanity that could run amuck in a future of science and magic and science-magic. Sexual tension is off the charts, Sasha’s hack of the psy-net is one of best action scenes involving hacking that I’ve read, and Singh is a magnificent storyteller.

4. Breeder, by Cara Bristol. I won’t lie, this book is steamy. That means a lot of hot sex. And yes, people kiss each other. And profess their love. What? It’s a romance. Know what else it is? An alien society where heterosexual relationships are taboo. Where women are purchased for the purpose of procreation. So right off it echoes some of the things that made us wince in The Handmaid’s Tale. But then Breeder goes on to do this weird thing that specifically romance novels do. It takes characters to the darkest of dark pits…and then brings them all the way back out, into hope, to achieve the requisite happily-ever-after. So basically, Breeder brings a whole bunch of issues we deal with out in to the open and makes us look at them. And then it offers us hope, despite. 

p.s. – NPR put out a list of the best 100 romance novels-- --and I was pleased to see several of my picks here make that list. Check it out, if you wish. It contains some real gems. 

Vivien Jackson writes stories with robots, grenades, pixies, and always,  always  down-home salacious kissery. She's an unrepentant fangirl of many fandoms and would love to discuss your favorite ships  here or here or here.

Thank you!

GIVEAWAY
1 copy of Wanted and Wired

1. US only
2. Ends April 4th
3. Enter by telling us about a romance novel you loved

That's all :)

Title: Wanted and Wired

Author: Vivien Jackson

Series: Tether, #1

ISBN: 9781492648161

Pubdate: April 4, 2017

Genre: Science Fiction Romance

A rip-roarin’ new snarky, sexy sci-fi paranormal romance series with the perfect balance of humor, heat, and heart. Now that Texas has seceded and the world is spiraling into chaos, good guys come in unlikely packages and love ignites in the most inconvenient places…

Rogue scientist • technologically enhanced • deliciously attractive

Heron Farad should be dead. But technology has made him the man he is today. Now he heads a crew of uniquely skilled outsiders who fight to salvage what’s left of humanity: art, artifacts, books, ideas—sometimes even people. People like Mari Vallejo.

Gun for hire • Texan rebel • always hits her mark

Mari has been lusting after her mysterious handler for months. But when a by-the-book hit goes horribly sideways, she and Heron land on the universal most wanted list. Someone set them up. Desperate and on the run, they must trust each other to survive, while hiding devastating secrets. As their explosive chemistry heats up, it’s the perfect storm…

VIVIEN JACKSON is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter. In the meantime, she writes, mostly fantastical or futuristic or kissing-related stories. When she isn’t writing, she’s performing a sacred duty nurturing the next generation of Whovian Browncoat Sindarin Jedi gamers, and their little dogs too. With her similarly geeky partner, she lives in Austin, Texas, and watches a lot of football.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://www.vivienjackson.com/

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

Twitter: @Vivien_Jackson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6517244.Vivien_Jackson

To Buy:

http://www.vivienjackson.com/p/books.html

Author Post and Giveaway: Samantha Chase

Today I have a author post from Samantha Chase and there is a rafflecopter giveaway at the end :)

ONE MORE KISS is the story of Matt Reed who is the guitarist for the band Shaughnessy.  I loved the idea of creating a band and writing a romance that was set in the world of rock and roll, but what I ended up with was a series that was more about the members of the band when they weren’t in the spotlight with their music and that was really fun to create!

I’m a big fan of music – primarily rock and pop.  I cannot sing.  I don’t play any instruments.  I took four guitar lessons in the fourth grade and that was it for me.  But I have dated several musicians and even married one!  My husband of 27 years is a drummer and he’s been in a bunch of bands in the years we’ve been together and I always was fascinated by the personalities it took to make up a band – the egos, the talent and the personalities make an interesting mix!  And to watch what those “ingredients” can do to create music really is amazing to watch.

I love listening to music.  As a matter of fact, I tend to put on my headphones and listen to my iPod for about 30 minutes a day.  Music helps me relax, clear my mind and even provides inspiration for the books I’m writing.  I’ve seen somewhere around 25 concerts in my life and there is nothing like a great live show.  As for what I listen to and who I go to see…well, I think I’m a little bit boring and predictable.  I’m an 80’s music girl and to this day if one of my favorite bands from that era come around, I go and see them – Def Leppard, Rick Springfield, Pat Benetar, Billy Joel…I love them all!

My dream would be to meet some of my idols and talk to them about the stories I’ve written and see how I did with portraying what the life of a musician is like.  I’ve talked to local bands but I’d love to know what it’s like for bands who travel the world and what their lives are like when they’re off the road!

It’s a bucket list item of mine!

Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

MATT REED IS HIDING
…from his fans
…from his past
…from a failure too painful to contemplate
Most of all, Matt is hiding from himself.

VIVIENNE FORRESTER IS A WOMAN WHO GIVES HER ALL
…to her friends and family
…to her online food blog
…to the man she loves

Vivienne will try anything and everything to coax Matt out of his self-imposed exile. But for this to work, Matt is going to have to meet her halfway…

Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published twenty more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-five years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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