Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Release Day Blitz Midnight Temptation by Shari Nichols #PNR #UrbanFantasy #Tarot


Midnight Temptation
Raven’s Hollow Coven
Book Two
Shari Nichols

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: City Owl Press
Date of Publication: June 30, 2020
ISBN: 1949090647
ASIN:  978-1949090642
Number of pages: 274
Word Count: 68,500

Tagline: A witch and a vampire must work together to take down the ruthless head of a human trafficking ring.

Book Description:

When tarot card reader Gillian Howe hosts a supernatural speed dating event, she’s hopeful to discover her chance at love. Making the perfect match is her passion.

Too bad she can’t find one for herself. A chance encounter with a wealthy vampire soon finds her plunged into a secret society of trancing, blood bonds, and human escort rings. She’ll need help to survive, but the vampire detective is the last person she wants...even if he is scorching hot.

Garrett Mulroney’s sire tried to force him into a life of debauchery, but he chose to uphold the law instead. The fact that the one woman he can’t seem to get out of his lust-filled dreams is at the center of his investigation doesn’t bode well. It's a good thing she hates his guts, because it helps douse his growing desire for her and focus on the case. But when Gillian’s cousin is kidnapped into the Du Sang Brotherhood, she becomes the prime witness. Now they’re forced to put their differences aside and go undercover by pretending to be a couple. The more time they spend together, the more Garrett wants her in his life—and in his bed.

Will they be able to develop the love and trust needed to take down the Brotherhood or become its next victim?


Excerpt:
Suddenly, all the hairs on the back of Gillian’s neck stood on end. Her whole body tensed. The chatter and music became muffled. Her eyes flickered across the lobby in search of who, or what, had caught her attention.
Then she saw him.
Six-feet-three inches of tall, dark, and brooding stood at the front desk. Detective Garrett Mulroney? What the hell was he doing here? Seeing him again after all these months sent a jolt of shock rippling through her.
His gaze locked with hers, and for a moment, she forgot to breathe. They both stood there, staring at each other. It was as though he could see beneath her armor, the kind she wore under the little black dress.
The word handsome didn’t even begin to describe him. Mythological titans like Adonis and Poseidon came to mind, males so stunning, they couldn’t possibly be real. But then she thought of other words too, like arrogant, brash…controlling…she could go on.
Mulroney crossed the lobby with a confidant gait, his long legs eating up the distance between them in a few easy strides. Her heart hammered in her chest with every step.
Every female head turned to catch a glimpse of the vampire. The closer he got, the more her body became hyperaware of his presence. He kept his thick head of dark hair short on the sides and longer in the front. The cut showed off the angles and hard lines of his face. Sexy stubble darkened a square jaw, and he looked every bit as dangerous as she remembered. Long, and lean, Gillian could make out the ripple of sinewy muscle beneath the jacket of his grey suit. In the past, she’d always been attracted to the artistic types. So, there was no good reason why she was drawn to this rough-hewn alpha.
But Goddess help her, he was magnificent.
Laughter drifted from the bar, and that’s when she realized she was still standing on a chair, gawking at him like some lovesick schoolgirl. She went to step down and her foot slipped out from one of her strappy sandals. Before she could fall sideways onto the marble, two strong arms wrapped around her waist and caught her in midair.
When she looked up and into Mulroney’s ice-blue eyes, her heart gave a little flutter. Apparently, the legends about vampires having preternatural speed and strength were real. But then, as his gaze filled with a kind of raw, primal desire, she had no doubt the steamy ones about them possessing a certain sexual allure also rang true.
            “You’re lucky you didn’t break your neck,” Mulroney whispered close to her ear and set her on her feet. “What are you doing here tonight, Miss Howe?” The deep rumble of his voice did funny things to her insides. 
“I could ask you the same question.” Gillian grabbed the scissors and scotch tape off the table, then shoved them in her black beaded bag. “If you must know, I’m working,” Gillian snapped. Ever since the prickly detective had been assigned to investigate the robbery of one of her clients, a local antique dealer, their paths had collided on more than one occasion. 
Mulroney’s eyes did a slow sweep of her from the tips of her three-inch heels to the top of her head. Goosebumps instantly spread across her flesh. Gillian wanted to squirm from the flagrant perusal, but remained still, refusing to give him the satisfaction. Why would she? After all, he had tried to ruin her life. “Interesting work attire,” he murmured.
Her hands clenched at her sides, fighting the urge to tug on her dress again. “I’m sure you didn’t walk over here to comment on my choice of clothing. To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure?” she asked with a healthy dose of sarcasm.
“Trust me, this wasn’t planned,” he said in a gruff voice, refusing to look her in the eye.
Gillian couldn’t help remembering the day he and his partner had showed up at the coven. Peppering her with questions and unwarranted accusations, they’d invaded her safe space, conjuring that too familiar lash of shame, and reminding her of the days when the neighbors used to call the cops to keep her parents from an all-out war.     
He kept his hands stuffed in his pockets, his stance casual, but he wasn’t fooling anyone. There was no mistaking the predatory way he kept checking out the people strolling by as only a cop would. She followed his gaze as it took in every detail, restless with intensity, before finally landing on their banner. “Is this a private fundraiser?”
She nodded, not in the mood to elaborate. “Are you here in an official capacity? What’s the matter, no real criminals on the streets tonight?” Or maybe this was personal and he was meeting someone. He’d worked with Alex on several cases, and according to Willow, he was a confirmed bachelor, not that she had inquired or anything. 
 “A quick word, please, Miss Howe. We need to talk.” The object of her unhealthy obsession ignored her questions and reached for her elbow, pulling her off to the side. His touch seared through the thin material of her dress, leaving a hot flush along her skin. At five-foot-seven, she wasn’t exactly short, but even in her heels, he towered over her.  
“Hold on. I’m kind of busy right now. What’s this about?” Gillian demanded, catching a whiff of his masculine scent, a blend of sandalwood and clean laundry. She fought the urge to sigh and glared at him instead.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Mulroney glanced over at the couple’s tables scattered with rose petals, floating candles, bowls of heart-shaped chocolates, and the Lawrence Charity placards. He turned back to face her and scowled. “I want you to leave. Now.” 
“Excuse me?” His words knocked Gillian off-center and before she could process them, an attractive female vampire with dark hair pulled in a tight ponytail walked up to Mulroney and placed a hand on his arm.
 “It’s time. We need to go.” A surge of irrational jealousy coursed through Gillian’s veins like battery acid. 
For a split second he hesitated, his gaze still fixed on Gillian, and she sensed some kind of inner battle raging inside him. Then he gave her a curt nod and walked away. Her heart sank.
Brooke approached and crossed her arms over her chest. “What was that all about?”
Not sure what to make of their twisted interaction, or of Mulroney’s ominous words for that matter, Gillian sucked in a quivering breath and let it out. “No idea.”

About the Author:

Shari Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. Ever since she read her first Barbara Cartland novel, her life-long dream has been to write sexy, romantic stories. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.

Shari’s a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers. Shari’s new series,   Ravens’ Hollow Coven, is an urban fantasy with City Owl Press.

Awards:  Beverley Award, Golden Leaf Finalist, Best Book Finalist by a New Jersey Author, HOLT Medallion Finalist, Literary Titan Silver Medal Winner.









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Friday, June 26, 2020

Free Book Friday - Undying Witch by B. Austin #darkfantasy #freebookfriday

***** Free Book Friday *****



A 97-year-old fortune-teller discovers the magic to be young and live forever.



Undying Witch
A Dysfunctional Family of Witches
Prequel
B. Austin

Genre: Dark Fantasy
Publisher: Spellbound Books
Date of Publication: October 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1693701818
ASIN: B07TPCGDTJ
Number of pages: 268
Word Count: 51,638
Cover Artist: B. Austin

Book Description:

"I will live forever. If I could make you, my daughter, live longer than a human, I would. I do not want to be alone again."

Dima seems doomed to live a life of poverty until she steals the Starostavne Books of Magical Spells and Enchantments. Monks wrote the wizardry books centuries ago. In the Tree of Life Magic and Time Spells book, Dima learns the secret of never aging.

Years later, Dima's teenage daughter resents a mother who is 112 years old but shifts into a woman young enough to be her sister. MEDEA loathes a mother who loves her 17 cats more than she does her daughter. Medea despises a mother who claims all witchcraft as her magic and treats her daughter like a slave. In secret, Medea develops her own sorcery.

Get it FREE


This book can be read as a standalone

#Occult #Paranormal #DarkFantasy #freebook #freebookfriday #ebook





Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Free Audiobook Courting Moon: Vampyre’s Desire by Adom Sample #PNR #freeaudiobook



Courting Moon: Vampyre’s Desire
The Bloods Passion Saga
Book One
Adom Sample

Genre: Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Adom Sample
Date of Publication: March 15, 2020
Word Count: 88,500

Cover Artist: OA Book Covers

Tagline: Where There Is Love . . . Death Follows.

Book Description:

Those in power are suppressing the truth, and it all stems from the Coven of Vampyres strict law: Human and Vampyre fraternization—strictly forbidden. When living in a society where love, passion, and desire are restricted it isn't long before someone dissents. I just never thought that someone would be me.

The day I met him, the vampyre Sebastian of Orias, everything changed. Never in my life did I think someone like him, the son of a Count, would pursue a human like me. But he did. He stalked me . . . and now he wants me.

We chose to break the rules, defy the Coven, and embrace this connection, regardless of the dangers that may unfold. However, I fear that our passion may reveal secrets the Coven is willing to kill to protect.

Free Audiobook

Listen to the Entire Audiobook on YouTube


Excerpt:

The dark meadows and midnight air blast through her hair giving off a scent that would attract any Vampyre for miles. It was there he sensed her. It was there he could no longer deny himself the pleasure of getting to know who she was. The rules were set, and the laws were written, but none of that could keep him restrained. Not anymore.
His emotions fluttered, leaving him no other choice. He must take that chance, regardless of the prospect of rejection. For months, he watched her, lurking in the shadows of their lands, never giving thought as to what would happen if he were to be discovered. It was a risk he was more than willing to take, if only just to get a second glance of her beauty.
He was, after all, the son of a count, and he knew the rules better than anyone. Fraternization between Vampyre and human was strictly forbidden. The rules were imprinted in his brain from birth, but he had to choose differently. Was it her human frailty or the smell of her blood that drew him there every night? Whatever this enchanting spell was that led him to her lands took total control, forcing him to do things he thought he’d never do.
Romantic love was forbidden and after months of obsessing over this human woman, he was beginning to understand why. All rational thought escaped his mind whenever he was near her. The erratic and irrational impulses that made him sneak out of his room, cross the neutral territory, and enter their lands each night had overwhelmed him. He’d lost control, yet refused to do anything about it. This was who he wanted to be.
Henceforth, that night in the dark meadows, basking in the midnight air, he made his approach. Would she welcome him or fear him? What stories would she have heard about his kind that could force her to be reluctant by his presence? He had no choice, for it was too late to turn back now. She was alone, and he would never have an opportunity like this again. He pushed back the bushes, taking slow steps toward her. Hesitant, he thought about turning around and forgetting about her. He knew where this would lead. Still, he interjects his reason and pushes aside all logic, giving in to his wanting desire.
“Hello,” he whispered softly from behind. She froze. She knew the end was near. She knew the Vampyre creeping up behind her would make her his supper if she didn’t run, and quick. Without thought, she took off screaming for her life. Her action to his bold move didn’t surprise him at all; the only thing that entered his mind was how beautiful she looked when she ran away. He didn’t pursue right away. He stood there paralyzed, fearful that he would be discovered.
If anyone heard her screaming it would be the end of him. Before she could get too far, he headed her off, and in a flash was right in front of her. They had collided. She ran right into him. The touch of her soft warm skin sent a sense of inner peace and tranquility through this entire body.
They had their arms wrapped around each other like lovers in need. That sensual gaze he gave her forced the fear to melt away only to be replaced with apprehension and embarrassment.
“I will not harm you,” he said in a passionate whisper.
“What do you want from me?” Her voice trembled.
“Simple conversation.”
“You mean to kill me?”
“Of course not. But far be it for me to make you my meal someday.”
“Who are you?” She gave him an uneasy glance.
He stared into her eyes and smiled, brushing his fingers through her soft, long hair. And thus that single encounter, that bold embrace set forth the path they would go through together; placing things in motions that would tear the very boundaries of everything they’d ever known. Forever.     


About the Author:

Adom Sample is an independent author who enjoys reading and writing romance, erotic, and paranormal stories. Writing is his passion and he lives to give others ideas and inspire stories to push the limits of creativity.





Monday, June 22, 2020

Interview - Fly Twice Backward by David McCracken #althistory #scifi #authorinterview



- If you were not a writer what would you be doing?

Politics, reading, listening to music, watching musicals, and walking my dog in the woods

- If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?

I have: Fly Twice Backward, my alt-history sci-fi autobiography

- What is the hardest thing about being an author?

Dealing with all the damned typos and other errors that get by me

- What is the best thing about being an author?

Creating, and believing it’s really good. Eventually..


- What book changed your life?

Dune. I wished I had written it!

- What were your some of favorite books growing up?

Winnie the Pooh, Misty of Chincoteague, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court

- What books are currently in your to be read pile?

For Those Who Dare, John Anthony Miller; Transmission, Morgan Rice

- Which do you prefer ebooks, print, or audio books?

ebooks

- If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why?

Children of the Mine. Confluence of sentients


Fly Twice Backward
Fresh Starts in a World of Troubles
David McCracken

Genre: SciFi, SciFiRomance, Alt History

Print Length: 726 pages
Publication Date: October 14, 2019
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07Z4KRLQZ

Book Description:

You wake back in early adolescence, adult memories intact, including ones that could make you very wealthy now. Your birth family is here, alive again, but your later families are gone, perhaps forever. What has happened, what should you do about coming problems like violence, ignorance, pollution, and global warming? You realize one key connects most, the fundamentalist strains of the major religions disdaining science, equality, and social welfare. You see that there are some things you can change, some you can’t, and one you don’t dare to.

Fellow idealists help you spend your growing fortune well--such as an artistic Zoroastrian prince in the Iranian oil industry, a rising officer in the Soviet army working to find a way to destroy his corrupt government, a Bahai woman struggling against Islamic brutality, a Peruvian leader working for a liberal future, and a snake-handling Christian minister, grappling with doubts, sexuality, and destiny. They are supported by an ally who develops essential psychic powers. The group faces familiar-looking corrupt politicians, religious leaders, and corporate czars, but there is an ancient force in the background, promoting greed, violence, hate, and fear.

This exciting, emotional, thoughtful, humorous, and even romantic sci-fi novel weaves progressivism, music, movies, and literature into a struggle spanning the globe. Vivid characters propel the action back up through an alternative history toward an uncertain destination.



Bewitching Excerpt:

24. Xerxes: Convoy (Shiraz, Iran, Wed., 9/17/52)

After the three-day mourning period for Grandfather, a small crowd gathers in our courtyard around his new green Cadillac as Father hands me the keys. I’m taking it to our villa on the outskirts of Teheran. From there, I’ll report to the recently opened offices of the new Ministry of Petroleum. There’s also a big old black Buick, which will be going along, brought by three brothers who have done various demanding jobs for the family. Mohammed, my favorite, winks slightly at me. Father’s secondary wives are there, too, colorfully dressed, with most of their children. Mother stands apart from them, of course, with her arm tightly around me.
She says, “Son, I know you’re anxious to get started, but you haven’t seen how lawless highways have sometimes become, with less oil money coming in to pay the police.”
“Has it come to that?”
“Well, your father assures me that with Mohammed driving your car and his brothers in theirs, and the full attention of all, you should make it OK.”
Father steps away from the Buick: “Yes, Son, keep your guns handy and don’t stop for anything until you get to cousin Abdollah’s in Isfahan for the night. That’ll end the most dangerous part of the trip.”
“We’ll be careful, Father. What is happening to our country?”
 “A lot of people are short on food, with the British blockage of our oil exports, and some are desperate. Others are just opportunistic. We can’t give in to fear, but neither can we give in to foolishness. Please call when you arrive. Abdollah does have a phone, now that he’s moved into town with his families.”
I open the Cadillac passenger door and say: “Those damned British think they own us as slaves, and they intend to teach us not to be rebellious, as dogs needing discipline to do tricks. I hope to God we can prove they’ve misjudged.” I look around at this home, this family that I’m leaving again: with a kiss to each parent, I settle into the comfortable seat by Mohammed.
“Go with God, Xerxes,” say both my parents together.
“And may God be with you, Father, Mother.”

25. Xerxes: Danger (Near Shareza, Iran, Wed., 9/17/52)

Driving under the noon sun, still short of Shareza, visibility is good. There is no traffic as we head north, so we can pick up speed. To the right, the road is skirting a long, high ridge of barren rock and fallen sand, like so much of the land all the way toward the eastern deserts. To the left, at a bit of a distance, a lower ridge has a few isolated patches of green and an occasional shabby house. I’m missing beautiful Shiraz already. And Austin.
The road makes a sharp turn to the right, going around a ridge so we can’t see past the curve. Immediately before it, we see a junky old car pulled off the road, a man working under the hood, and a young family inside. Mohammed is passing them by.
 “Oh, Mohammed, we should stop, or they’ll be in danger.”
“And if we stop, we’ll be in danger . . . . OK, we’ll pull just past that curve, and you look back as we round it. Watch to see if he gets in his car as we get to the curve.”
“He did.” Oh, oh! What are we in for?
“Roll down your window and look ahead, holding your gun ready. Be ready to hand me mine.”
“There, ahead of your brothers! A horse and cart are nearly blocking the road.”
“Kian’ll know what to do.”
The Buick swerves, so it is aiming straight at the horse’s front shoulder, speeding toward it. The horse rears in panic, tipping the cart backward. Two short hay-streaked men with old-style long rifles tumble out, struggling to get their balance and turn those rifles toward us. Through a window of our leading car, I see--a rock? No, a grenade, exploding as it falls between the men.
Gunshots smash into our rear window, one going all the way through and into the windshield before me: “Shoot at that car coming up behind us.”
“The children!”
“Aim low.”
Mohammed slews our car across the road and joins me in firing. Kian screams back in his car, and those brothers join the fusillade. Our bullets must puncture the fuel line of the following car, as flames flare up and grow quickly. The family tumbles out of all the doors and roll away from the car.
Leaving the two bodies, a forlorn family, and a burning car behind, our little convoy roars on.
“Reload!” Mohammed says.
The bodies! And what a waste of my own life, if I’d died here, never seeing Julia again!


About the Author:

David McCracken was born in Louisville, KY, in 1940. Raised mostly in Winchester, KY, he now lives near Winchester, VA, with his third and final wife. He has three children, two stepchildren, and six grandchildren.

After three years in the U.S. Navy following a lackluster academic start, he graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1963, in Diplomacy and International Commerce. He then worked as a Latin American country desk officer in the U.S. Department of Commerce until he returned to school to earn an M.A. in Elementary Education in 1970 from Murray State University, having always been intending to teach. Eventually realizing his children qualified for reduced-price lunches based on his own teaching salary, he studied computer programming at Northern Virginia Community College and worked as a programmer until shifting back into elementary teaching.

He began working on what became Fly Twice Backward in 1983 and finally finished it in 2019! At 79, David strongly doubts he’ll be doing another novel of such scope and complexity, but is preparing to work on a children’s science fiction novel with a progressive bent, being a devout progressive in politics and religion, as well as a lover of learning.






The Paradise Key Caper by Sandra Madden #cozymystery


The Paradise Key Caper
Sandra Madden

Genre: Cozy mystery
Publisher: Sandra Madden
Date of Publication: June 1, 2020
ISBN-13: 979-8650077220
ASIN: B089G5W42M
Number of pages: 318

Cover Artist: Sarah Paige

Book Description:

Kathleen Cassidy's transition from uptight Boston babe to barefoot island warrior begins with a bang when her newly inherited sleek go-fast boat explodes. Soon the intrepid redhead is questioning her father's death under the watchful eyes of a rugged Miccosukee undercover ICE agent who is definitely not her type, an attractive marine archeologist who definitely is her type and perhaps…a killer.

Cassidy is plainly a fish out of water and way down on her luck when she arrives on Paradise Key to claim her inheritance, a sleek go-fast boat and a battered old bar called the 'Gator Hole. Items bequeathed by the father she barely remembers, a man her mother referred to as Wild Bill—when she was being kind.

Joe Scipio, ICE agent and full-blooded Florida Miccosukee lives on his boat docked behind the Gator Hole. Although he'd promised her father to look after Cassidy, he considers the headstrong beauty supremely unsuited for the Keys lifestyle. He constantly urges her to return to Boston where she belongs. To no avail.

Mystery, love, humor and a cast of wacky Keys characters come together in this wildly entertaining novel.



Excerpt:

 “Go back to Boston, Cassidy. Do yourself a favor and sell me the bar and the land. Just take the money and run.”
“The name isn’t Cassidy,” I muttered for the one thousandth time. “Call me Kathleen or don’t bother to call me.” 
Joe Scipio had planted his six-foot-three frame on the stool opposite me. I stood safely behind the bar—separated from him by a width of approximately three feet and seven inches. Everything about Joe Scipio intimidated me. When I saw him walk through the door, my whole body went into a weird vibrate mode. Like my heart started to dance. And my brain leapt into a tumbling team routine. 
Not that I’d ever let him know how he affected me. I’d never met a man like him before. Not one Joe Scipio doppelganger lived in my Boston neighborhood.
I'd just opened the Gator Hole for the day. It was only a few minutes after eleven in the morning, and in my opinion way too early for people to be drinking anything other than lemonade, my beverage of choice. But I've learned they did things differently in the Florida Keys, especially here in Paradise Key.
My name is Kathleen Ann Cassidy. I inherited what is fondly referred to in these parts as "The Hole," shortly after Justin, my fiancé of three years ran off to Barbados with my best friend Ashley Finegold.


About the Author:

Sandra Madden is a former Miami and Los Angeles broadcast writer and producer. After retiring from broadcasting she became a full-time romance writer.

Fourteen of her historical and contemporary romances have been published traditionally –and in several languages. She also wrote Reuben Kincaid Remembered, the memoir of her late husband, actor Dave Madden, best known as Reuben Kincaid on The Partridge Family television series.

Sandra writes mystery, romantic comedy and an occasional historical. Her goal is to provide entertainment for all readers to enjoy.  She is a member of NINC, Sisters in Crime and the Florida Writers Association.




Interview - A Glint in Her Ice by Janice Detrie #cozymystery #authorinterview



- If you were not a writer what would you be doing?

I always wanted to be an actress. I have appeared in a few community theater plays and enjoyed the opportunity to inhabit another life. It's a lot like writing, except in theater the character has been created for you. As an author, I create the character.

- If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be?

I’d call it Chameleon because I had an isolated childhood in a poor rural area and had to adapt to new social norms at college and in my working life. It would be a coming of age story.

- What is the hardest thing about being an author?

The hardest thing is to discipline myself to write regularly, to carve out time for writing when I don’t feel inspired or suffer from writer’s block. I tell myself, bad writing is better than no writing, because I can fix bad writing.

- What is the best thing about being an author?

The best thing is when the characters in my book hijack the story and begin to act in ways that I hadn’t foreseen. I enter a mental zone where I ‘m watching them think and speak, like I’m filming a movie in my mind. Its somewhat zen, I become one with my character.

- Have you ever been star struck by meeting one of your favorite authors? If so who was it?

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water was my favorite book and I was thrilled to meet Michael Dorris at a convention and had him sign my book. He committed suicide shortly after and I understood why he seemed so sad.

- What book changed your life?

I read The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler. I loved her quirky characters, her humor and her bittersweet themes of loss and redemption. I wanted to write like her, but my books take the quirkiness into a cozy mystery format.

- What were your some of favorite books growing up?

I read a lot of series books, because that’s all our small library had. They were ancient but I still loved the Wizard of Oz books, the Black Stallion, Bomba the Jungle Boy and Nancy Drew. I also loved The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

- What books are currently in your to be read pile?

The Immortalist,  The Starless Sea. Great Balls of Fury, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead and Say Nothing

- Which do you prefer ebooks, print, or audio books?

I like ebooks when I’m traveling but I prefer print books at home. I like the feel of a paper book and it’s easier to skip around.

- If you could live inside the world of a book or series which world would it be and why?

I’d like to live inside the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I love the mysterious, magical setting and I’d like to be part of a magical circus act, like maybe a trapeze artist with a flaming costume like a shooting star.



A Glint in Her Ice
Gaston the Poodle Mystery
Book Two
Janice Detrie

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Janice Detrie
Date of Publication: April 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-9987342-1-7978-0-9987342-1-7
ASIN:   0998734217
Number of pages: 231
Word Count:  78,683
Cover Artist:  Eric Labacz

Tagline:  Vlad Chomsky invites his new love Beatrice on a romantic river cruise, but his eccentric landlady, Sandra Tooksbury, and her ill-tempered poodle, Gaston, finagle their way on board and embroil him in a jewel heist.

Book Description:

Professor Vlad Chomsky needs a break after saving the town of Crawford, Wisconsin from terrorists, and he knows exactly how to get the rest and relaxation he needs—a romantic Rhine River cruise with the lovely librarian Beatrice Krup.

Vlad imagines sharing his passion for history with Beatrice as they tour the castles, museums, and cathedrals of Germany, while spending warm spring evenings together watching the river glide by—without his ex-wife and kids, and especially without his elderly landlady Sandra Tooksbury, her friend and handyman Norm, and her feisty toy poodle,  Gaston. Yes, Gaston helped Vlad save Crawford, but he doesn’t need a crowd watching—and offering advice—as he takes his relationship to Beatrice “to the next level.”

But Vlad has forgotten Norm and Sandra’s ability to show up just when they aren’t wanted and is dismayed when Sandra hoodwinks her way on board the cruise, Norm and Gaston in tow.

When Norm becomes the prime suspect in a diamond heist, Vlad’s hopes for a quite, romantic cruise are shattered. Will Gaston and the gang discover the real thief in time? And will finally have a chance to “pop the question” to Beatrice?

This is the second adventure of Vlad, Gaston the Poodle, and all of their friends. You can find out more about them in Jan Detrie’s first book, The Seven Ten Split.



Excerpt:

It couldn’t be!” Vlad exclaimed, and he pushed himself into the crowd. But it was.
Below him, Sandra Tooksbury in the aged flesh pointed to the crumpled vest adorning Gaston with bold lettering. The overweight poodle with the dingy white fur wagged his tail but showed no sign of retreating from the gangplank.
“Can’t you read, young man? It says ‘Service Dog’ on his harness. This dog is a highly trained service dog. MY service dog,” she declared. “He accompanies me wherever I go because of my disability.”
The attendant grew flushed but said firmly, “Like I said, madam, no dogs are allowed on board the ship.”
“I was told by the young man who made my reservation that service dogs were allowed on board ship.”
“That dog doesn’t look like any service dog I’ve ever seen,” sneered the older crewmember manning the gangplank. “He looks like a clown dog escaped from the circus.”
“I’ll have you know, young man, I’m prone to having seizures, and this service dog warns me and my traveling companion when I’m about to lose consciousness,” Sandra said indignantly.
“Your traveling companion? Who might that be?” asked the crewmember.
Vlad groaned as Norm pushed his way through the throng bottlenecked at the gangplank and planted himself next to Sandra, resting his fists on his hips.
“I’m her traveling companion. I’m trained in first aid procedures, and I know what to do when her service dog gives the warning,” he declared.
“If that fat mongrel is a service dog, then I’m Angela Merkel,” snorted the older man.
“You don’t know who you’re dealing with, sir. I’ve long retired from show business but I still have friends in high places. You don’t want to tangle with talk show stars. They’ll smear your cruise line all over the Internet,” Sandra threatened. “Check me out on YouTube. My dog and I are celebrities.”
Sandra opened her purse and began rummaging through its contents, scattering used tissues, a half-eaten Mars bar, and several restaurant receipts on the ground. “Here it is. The headline story from The New York Times. ‘Dog Brings Down Terrorist.’”
She thrust the Crawford Daily Gazette in the crewmember’s face.
“Madam, this is not The New York Times,” he said. “It’s some small-town paper.”
“Don’t you get smart with me. The New York paper ran the story, too. It was all over the country. My dog is famous.”
“I don’t dispute that, madam, but famous or not, I can’t go against the ship’s policy.” said the man, running a meaty hand through his thinning hair. “I could lose my job.”
“Then I demand to talk to your captain. You can check with Laurant in reservations. He told me my service dog was allowed on board with me.”
Just then Vlad felt a burly man in an immaculate white uniform push past him, captain insignia gleaming.
“What seems to be the problem, Seaman Klaus?” he growled.
“This elderly lady wants to bring her dog on board, and I told her that’s not possible,” his voice rose to a whine.
“He’s a service dog, Captain. I need him to warn Norm here when I’m about to have a seizure. I was informed service dogs are allowed.” Sandra thrust out her chin defiantly.
The captain scratched his head before he spoke.  “I’ll check with headquarters, madam, if you’ll just step aside and let the other guests through.” He looked at the disgruntled passengers behind her and Norm.
Vlad saw Sandra flick her index finger at Gaston. Immediately, he began to bark loudly. Not just loud but frenzied barking, so extreme that his body shook, belly fat undulating like waves on the nearby river. He jumped on Norm, grabbing his pant leg with his teeth and dragging him close to Sandra.
As if on cue, Sandra emitted a loud moan. She jerked her head backwards, and her body went rigid. She toppled like a Northern Pine felled by a lumberjack straight into Norm’s outstretched arms.
“She’s having one of her attacks!” Norm shouted. “Stand back. Give her some air.” He gently lowered her onto the grassy bank alongside the ship and began wildly waving his Green Bay Packers cap in front of her face.
A lady shrieked, “Is there a doctor here?”
Gaston’s barks turned into pitiful howls as he sat on his haunches next to her.
“I’m her guardian! Let me through!” Vlad exclaimed as he pushed through the crowd and rushed down the gangplank. He knelt beside her and reached for her wrist. He could see the blue veins standing out in her frail arm, a tangled network, and felt for her artery with his fingertips. Her pulse felt strong, and he let out a sigh of relief.
“She’s had a mild heart attack before, but her pulse seems all right.” he said to the captain standing nearby.
Sandra let out another little moan, and her eyes fluttered open. “Where am I?” she mumbled. “What happened?” Then she closed them again.
“Ya had another one of yer spells,’’ Norm said. “But yer all right. Gaston let me know just in time to catch you.” The dog’s howls changed to a whine as he stuck his head under her limp hand.
Another moan and then her blue eyes opened wide. “My goodness, Vlad, is that you?” She struggled to sit up.
 “What are you doing here? The last thing I remember is some rude fellow arguing with me about boarding the ship. Then everything went dark. I must have had a seizure.”
Every eye in the gathering crowd now turned to the reddening crewmember and glared at him.



About the Author:


Janice Detrie lives in Watertown, Wisconsin, with her husband Michael and her cat who thinks he’s a dog. A former literacy coordinator, her reading tastes are eclectic, everything from biography to mystery to the classics to nonfiction. She enjoys traveling and theater. She has two children and two grandchildren. A Glint in Her Ice is her second book featuring Vlad and Gaston.


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