Jewell by Tina DeSalvo ~ GIVEAWAY

Jewell

by Tina De Salvo

Tina will be awarding a $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. Those locations may be found here. 

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BLURB:

Once invited into New Orleans’ historic mansions to evaluate prized antiques, Dr. Jewell Duet held a coveted professorship at a top university. With her deep knowledge of Louisiana history and antiquities, she was the go-to person for anyone requiring professional appraisals. But, one hasty decision cost her both her reputation and possibly her freedom. Now, as she waits to discover if her future includes prison, Jewell knows that taking the job at Sugar Mill is necessary if she is to support her beloved grandmother who has advanced dementia.

Charming, sexy lawyer Beau Bienvenu's attraction to the intriguing historian vies with his distrust of her motives. Beau has one simple goal when it comes to the family that rescued him and made him part of their clan…protect them at all costs. He doesn't trust Jewell, nor her reason for taking the lowly job at Sugar Mill Plantation. What is she really up to? Is it possible Jewell and her quirky grandmother are there to try to profit from a Bienvenu family mystery? If so, both women are out of luck.


Jewell and Beau are at odds about almost everything. The only things they agree on are that family is everything…and that their mutual attraction is inconvenient.

Hope, Love and Second Chances Continue in the heart of Cajun Country

GENRE:  Contemporary Romance

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Buy Links:

Amazon  | B&N

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EXCERPT:

Jewell pressed on the gas pedal of her old pickup truck a little too hard, throwing both Mimi and herself against their seats in an unexpected jolt.

“I know you want to get out of here in a hurry, but you don’t have to give us whiplash in the process,” Mimi told her, speaking the formal French that was her first language and the one she and Jewell preferred to speak to one another.

Jewell eased off the pedal. She drove with her Airstream camper in tow down the bumpy dirt road of the Simoneauxs’ property onto the smooth two-way state highway adjacent to it. She glanced at her plump grand-mère who was now staring out of the closed side window. White hair styled with a tight perm and dressed in her Sunday best, she sat on the clean but faded tan cloth front seat as poised as if she was seated on a satin Chippendale chair at a formal dining table in Commander’s Palace restaurant in New Orleans. She didn’t know how Mimi managed such perfect posture after two long days of sitting around the estate sale, especially when arthritis had set painfully in her worn bones years ago. Mimi might complain about a long list of things, but her personal aches and pains were not among them.

She was a remarkable woman. She had been when she was a young, energetic grandmother raising her unwed, rebellious teenage daughter’s child and now, as an elderly, frisky lady fighting to stay relevant in a confusing world. It broke Jewell’s heart to know that her time with the most important person in her life was limited both because of her age and because of advancing dementia. Once Mimi was gone, Jewell would be left alone with only her wonderful memories of this woman. She intended to have no regrets to mar their challenging but loving life together.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Tina DeSalvo enjoys using her imagination, humor, empathy and personal experiences to turn characters and situations into books that she hopes will entertain readers. Her first book, Elli, brought her in close contact with so many readers with whom she has loved sharing stories, laughs, tears and hugs. Tina has always been inspired by the people she meets and by hearing their personal journeys, not to mention the people she just observes along the way…so, watch out. You could be a character in her next book!

Tina is married to her handsome Cajun hero, and they live in Louisiana. They have two sons, a wonderful daughter (in-law) and four delightful grandchildren.


If you'd like to know more about Tina DeSalvo, including info on her newest work, latest contests, where she’s speaking or having a book signing, where she gets her ideas, or to see her photos from when she meets her cherished readers…please visit her website at www.tinadesalvo.com

Facebook: facebook.com/TinaDeSalvoAuthor

Twitter: twitter.com/Tina_DeSalvo

Instagram: instagram.com/tinadesalvo

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

DEAL BREAKERS by Laura Lee ~ GIVEAWAY

DEAL BREAKERS

by Laura Lee

Laura Lee will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. Those locations maybe be found here. 

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BLURB:

How were they supposed to know that one night would change everything?

Devyn has life all mapped out. She just needs to accomplish one more thing before graduating college and becoming a full-fledged adult—lose her virginity. And who better to assist her than her best friend, Riley?

Riley is the self-proclaimed king of fling. His college years have been filled with meaningless hookups until the one night that ruined him for all other women. The one night he spends with his best friend, Devyn. Right before he screws it all up.
Balls to the wall, baby!

Now five years later, Riley is determined to atone for his mistakes and prove that he can be the man that Devyn deserves. Little does he know that Devyn’s been keeping a secret from him all these years. A big secret. Now he has to figure out how to win back the only girl he’s ever loved while navigating the pitfalls of her unexpected revelation.

Deal Breakers is filled with lots of laughs, a sexy romance, and an overflowing swear jar.

Amazon Buy Link

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EXCERPT:

“My God, woman.”

“Too much?” She crosses her arms over her chest. “I wanted something that made me feel sexy. It’s stupid and trashy, isn’t it?”

Uncrossing her arms and nodding towards her body I say, “That could never be considered stupid or trashy. I’m pretty sure it’s the best damn idea you’ve ever had.”

She laughs. “Really?”

I nod enthusiastically. “Uh huh, definitely. Best. Idea. Ever.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Laura Lee is the author of the bestselling Karli Lane series as well as the upcoming Dealing With Love series. She is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America focusing on paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance.

Laura's passion has always been storytelling. She spent most of her life with her nose in a book thinking of alternate endings or continuations to the story. She won her first writing contest at the ripe old age of nine, earning a trip to the state capital to showcase her manuscript. Thankfully for her, those early works will never see the light of day again!

Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and three of the most poorly behaved cats in existence. She likes her fruit smoothies filled with rum, her cupboards stocked with Cadbury's chocolate, and her music turned up loud. When she's not writing or watching HGTV, she's reading anything she can get her hands on. She's a sucker for spicy romances, especially those involving vampires or cowboys!

For more information, please visit her website at: www.lauraleebooks.com

Website: www.lauraleebooks.com

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Lee/e/B007L0AI54/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LANFICTION.LauraLee?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauraleebooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5723230.Laura_Lee

Blog: http://lanfictionlauralee.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lauraleebooks/

Email: lauraleebooks@gmail.com

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Generational Curse by Tracy Reed ~ Giveaway ~ Interview

Generational Curse

by Tracy Reed

Tracy will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Interview:

Crystal: Today I am excited to have Tracey Reed stop by. Welcome Tracey! I'm so happy to have you here today. Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Tracey: I’m a single Christian Woman who loves God, Fashion and Cute Guys. I live in Southern California, but consider myself a partial New Yorker because of the two and half years I lived there. When I’m not writing, I’m busy with my online lingerie store The Pink Duchess [www.thepinkduchess.com].

Crystal:  Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Tracey: My favorite scene is…let me see how I can answer that without giving away too much.  I have a couple of favorite scenes.  First, “Naked Night.”  I’ve had a lot of people ask about that one.  Second, is the kiss in Chapter 34.  Third is a tie between Chapters 38 and 57.  That’s all I’m saying.

Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for GENERATIONAL CURSE?

Tracey: How did I come up with the idea for GENERATIONAL CURSE…I wanted to tell the wealthy powerful man who seduces the naive virgin story, but in reverse.  I wanted to know what would happen if a hot virile man became celibate and in love with God, would he be able to resist the hot, sexy woman who tried every trick in the book to seduce him.

Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Tracey: I just finished my first novella, “The Good Girl,” due out June.  I’m also putting the finish on my next full length novel, “The Alex Chronicles: What My Friends Don’t Know,” for Summer.  It’s the first in The Alex Chronicles Series. 

Crystal: Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing? 

Tracey: I don’t have a special writing routine.  I do however, love to write when it’s quiet.  If I’m home alone, I can easily start writing around five in the evening and keep going until  three or four the following morning.

Crystal: Did you have to do a lot of research for this book or any other? If so do you have a fascinating fact that you have learned you would like to share with us?

Tracey: Research isn’t really an issue for me when I write.  Thank God.  I write in the Contemporary genre, so the majority of my research is verifying locations, current events and fashion.  I did however, visit Harry Winston and tried on engagement rings.  What a treat that was.

Crystal: Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Tracey: I like Julia Kent, Elizabeth Lennox, Deborah Bladon and Melody Anne and I love discovering new authors.  

Crystal: Is there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?

Tracey: Is there a genre I’d like to try…what a good question.  I just finished reading Julia Kent’s romantic comedy series, “Shopping for a Billionaire.”  It inspired me to want to try my hand at a romantic comedy.

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BLURB:

What happens when a celibate Christian man befriends a woman involved with a married man? Sean knows he should run in the other direction, but Kyla tempts him to abandon his Christian beliefs for a taste of the forbidden. But if he continues the relationship, can he convince that being with a married man isn't the fantasy life the generations of women in her family made it appear to be?

Sean Prescott and Kyla James are business associates playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse hoping the other will give in. But in this high stakes relationship game, is there really a winner or will both be losers?


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EXCERPT:

“Hey baby,” she purred. He turned in the direction of the voice. When he saw her, a huge smile covered his face. She was sitting in the chair wearing a pair of five inch crystal encrusted Louboutins and a smile. He started walking towards her and she stopped him. “Welcome to Naked Night.”

“Naked Night?” he questioned. In the years they’d been together, Kyla fulfilled almost every sexual desire and request Eric had. She had also done some things she didn’t like, but she knew in order to remain in control, she had to please him. She sat in the green velour chair identical to the one in his office, teasing him. Her legs were spread apart with every inch of her on display, watching him drool.

“If you want to join this party, you have to be naked,” she announced.

He started taking his clothes off and she pushed the remote on the stereo. He stood still removing his clothes to the sexy music playing on the stereo. When he removed the last piece of clothing, she let out a soft sigh and stood up. She slowly walked toward him, swaying her hips to the music drawing him in closer. She circled him like a lioness sniffing out her prey. The heat from his body filled the small space between them. She sensed his excitement and standing in front of him with room only for air to pass between them she inhaled, causing her breasts to inflate just grazing his chest.

She leaned in close and purred, “Did you miss me?”

As the words floated off her lips and landed in his ear, they ignited the fire he had been sitting on all weekend. He swallowed hard as she stepped closer. He thought to himself, how could one woman have so much control over him? Before he could answer, she slid her tongue inside his mouth pulling him deeper under her spell. He tried touching her but she stopped him.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I’m a single Christian Woman who loves God, Fashion and Cute Guys. I live in California, but consider myself a partial New Yorker because of the two and half years I lived there. I own www.thepinkduchess.com, a lingerie site for curvy women. GENERATIONAL CURSE is my debut novel. 

WEB CONTACTS:

Website: www.readtracyreed.com

Blog: readtracyreed.wordpress.com

Facebook: facebook.com/readtracyreed

Tumblr: writertracy.tumblr.com

Pinterest: pinterest.com/readtracyreed

Twitter: twitter.com/readtracyreed

Goodreads: goodreads.com

BUY LINKS:

www.readtracyreed.com

Amazon: amazon.com

Barnes & Noble: barnesandnoble.com

iTunes/iBooks:  itunes.com 

All Romance eBooks: allromanceebooks.com

Smashwords: smashwords.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shadows of Damascus by Lilas Taha ~ Goddess Fish Promotions Name Before the Masses Tour ~ Giveaway

Shadows of Damascus

by Lilas Taha

Lilas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Please Use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Also don't forget to increase your chances of winning stop by the other tour stops. You may find those locations here... http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/01/virtual-nbtm-book-tour-shadows-of.html


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A day with you behind the scenes (Guest Post by Lilas Taha) 

My day starts with a hot cup of coffee at 5:30. I give myself thirty minutes to wake my mind and senses, think about what I need to do for the day, or analyze a dream I’ve had during the night, whatever comes to my sluggish mind. I get out of bed at 6, get ready and make sure my family is off to a good start. Then I get to work. I spend several hours writing and stopping only to brew another cup of coffee. Then I tend to house chores, meetings, social gatherings, or whatever is on my plate for the day. Most days, I take a long walk on the nature trail behind my house, clearing my head. 
Ever since I resigned my working position two years ago, I have been fortunate enough not to be stuck with a structured job, and I have the flexibility to manage my own time as I see fit. I gravitate to the local Barnes & Noble bookstore most afternoons, and spend a good amount of time there, writing, reading, or simply browsing. If I need to meet with someone, I try to have the meeting in the bookstore too.
Having the family home for dinner, I like to be ready with the table set at 6 in the evening. I enjoy cooking, but I know I’m not that good at it. I like to follow recipes, but sometimes my creative side takes over, and I end up either adding too many spices, or removing a key ingredient, ruining a perfectly cooked meal. I don’t get many complains, however, which either means I have the best caring considerate family, or that their level of tolerance is really high.
I enjoy watching movies at home, or going to the theatre in the evenings if there are no social commitments. I curl in bed with a book before I go to sleep at around 11 p.m. I’m not a night owl.

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BLURB:

Bullet wounds, torture and oppression aren’t the only things that keep a man—or a woman—from being whole.

Debt. Honor. Pain. Solitude. These are things wounded war veteran Adam Wegener knows all about. Love—now, that he is not good at. Not when love equals a closed fist, burns, and suicide attempts. But Adam is one who keeps his word. He owes the man who saved his life in Iraq. And he doesn’t question the measure of the debt, even when it is in the form of an emotionally distant, beautiful woman.

Yasmeen agreed to become the wife of an American veteran so she could flee persecution in war-torn Syria. She counted on being in the United States for a short stay until she could return home. There was one thing she did not count on: wanting more.

Is it too late for Adam and Yasmeen?

Shadows of Damascus to be released by Soul Mate Publishing mid January, 2014.


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EXCERPT:

ADAM

Baghdad, Iraq
Summer 2006

M4 Carbine rifle ready, Sergeant Adam Wegener scanned the street, skimming from window to rooftop. Nerves on edge, his neck and shoulder muscles strained to keep him focused. His heart thumped against his ribs.

Patrol leader Lieutenant Clifton moved his troop with caution through the street, Adam’s fire team at the rear. They’d done street sweeps many times before, but this one was different. Something was not right. Apprehension took hold of his insides and squeezed tight with every step.

Adam turned and walked backwards a few steps, establishing eye contact with Corporal Scottsdale. He nodded at the big guy’s expressionless face, assurance at having Big Scott cover his back. He checked on the other two members of his team trailing his left, Corporals Andrews and Bradley, and faced forward again.

The neighborhood seemed unnaturally quiet. No children walked to school, no laundry hung outside windows on this breezeless day, not even alley cats explored the overflowing garbage containers.

From a corner of his eye, he caught a movement in one of the windows. Wood shutters slammed closed against the windowpane.

A loud boom burst the air. Adam hit the dirt, his head pounding the pavement. The world went silent. He spat blood mixed with something solid. Parts of his body armor and uniform had been ripped off, along with patches of skin. He rose to his knees, his hands searching for his rifle. Finding it, he clasped the rifle in his arms and crawled. He moved as if swimming in a viscous liquid, not knowing which direction to take. He saw only clouds of smoke.

He screamed the names of the soldiers in his team, not sure if his voice even worked. He couldn’t hear a damn thing. His elbow landed on something hard, a boot. He moved his fingers up the leather, across the twill fabric of the pants, until his hands sank in soft flesh and wetness. The man mumbled something, his voice muffled and distant.

“Big Scott, that you?” Adam shouted.

A shower of bullets rang by his side. Helmet gone, he ducked and covered his head. His ears popped from the pressure, jump-starting his hearing.

“Take cover.” Big Scott’s voice penetrated the sounds of warfare.

He scrambled to his feet, hoisted Big Scott on his shoulder, and dashed to the nearest house. He kicked the door and threw himself and Big Scott inside. Propping the injured soldier’s back to one wall, away from the windows, he snatched the M9 Beretta pistol from the holster mounted on his chest rig and forced it into Big Scott’s hands.

“Cover the door.”

Rifle raised and ready, he moved from room to room to secure the small house. He entered the kitchen, coming face-to-face with an old woman. Sitting motionless on a wooden chair, hands clasped on the Formica table in front of her, she stared down Adam’s raised barrel.

Keeping an eye on the wrinkled, tanned face, he scanned the kitchen. No place for anyone to hide, not even a closet door to check behind.

“Anyone else in the house?”

She held her stare, unflinching.

Adam tried to recall Arabic words he heard Fadi, the interpreter assigned to his patrol unit, say in situations like these. But he couldn’t recall a single one.

“Where’s your husband?”

The woman blinked. She craned her neck to one side, looking past him toward the front of the house. The white scarf covering her hair slipped down to her shoulders, revealing gray strands pulled back in a tight bun. She lifted the scarf and refastened it under her chin.

His hand shook. He aimed a loaded weapon at a woman the same age as his mother. Hell, she even resembled her.

“Rajul? Rajul?” Was that the right word for man? Why was she so calm?

The only point of entry was the door he came through. He heard heavy movement outside. The sounds of shouting men grew closer. The old mother could yell to alert the insurgents any second. He snatched a towel hanging on a hook to his left, and held his index finger to his lips, motioning for the woman to go with him to the front room.

She followed without uttering a sound.

Adam pointed his weapon for her to sit on the cement floor. He tore the towel into strips and kneeled in front of her.

Big Scott moaned. He slumped to one side, pistol aimed at the door.

“I got you, man. Have to secure the old mother first.” He used a towel strip for her hands and tied another around her mouth.

 He turned to Big Scott, got his first aid kit out of a side pocket on his torn pants, and dug for supplies. He applied bandages to Big Scott's bleeding midsection. Keeping pressure on the wound with one hand, he pulled the radio from his pack and reported to his platoon sergeant they were trapped inside one of the houses.

“Damn it, which one?” Lieutenant Clifton’s voice crackled.

“Don’t know. Scottsdale’s injured. It’s bad.”

“Andrews, Bradley?” The lieutenant screamed back.

“God damn IED was right under them. Can’t confirm.”

“Second platoon’s six blocks away. They’re en route and—”

A loud explosion silenced the radio. Cursing, he flung the radio across the room.

“Hang in there, big man. QRF’s on the way.” There was no way the Quick Reaction Force could come to their rescue if they didn’t know where they were.

“How long?” Big Scott’s voice came out calm, surprising him.

“Ten minutes.” He fumbled with more bandages. Could second platoon make six blocks in ten minutes? It was possible. “Stay with me. Think about that sweet girl you got back home. Sandy, right?”

He slumped beside Big Scott. Sticky stuff on his back squished. He closed his eyes, hoping to God the sensation resulted from an injury he hadn’t yet felt, rather than the blood and flesh of his missing team members splattered all over him. He needed to find a way to signal their location.

Big Scott clamped a charred hand on top of his. “Won’t make it.”

“The hell you won’t. Sandy’s waiting for you.” He pulled himself to his feet and approached the door. “You’d better not disappoint her.” If he opened the door and his patrol didn’t spot him, the insurgents would be alerted to their position, and that would be the fucking end. If he didn’t do anything, Big Scott would bleed out. He looked back at the corporal. His friend didn’t have much time. There was only one thing to do.

“We have to get out of here.”

 He propped Big Scott on his shoulder and opened the door. Clouds of smoke blocked his view. Using the cover of smoke, he edged his way along the side of the house, unable to see a yard past his face. His foot stumbled over a chunk of cement, and he collapsed against the house, slumping down on the dirty street, overcome by how absurd this mission was.

A clomp of boots on the gritty pavement caught his attention. They were trapped. They could not fade into the concrete, not a car nor a bush to hide behind, and he didn't have time to retrace his way back to the door. He aimed his rifle in the direction of the approaching boots and counted the steps. One man, probably a scout. Shots would draw others.

He slung the rifle across his chest and let it hang. Clamping a hand on Big Scott’s mouth, he stifled the soldier’s agonized moan. Adam stretched to full height, flattened his back against the wall, and pulled his knife.

Heavy fire erupted around them. Bullets shattered the wall to Adam’s left. He hit the dirt again. Big Scott’s limp body fell on top of him, pinning him down. Knife gone, he tried to push Big Scott off. Pain shot through his body like electricity. He doubled over and collapsed once more, trapping his rifle under him.

Leather boots slammed right next to his face. He wrapped his hand around the ankle and tried to topple the guy down.

“Don’t fight me, Adam. I’m here to helb you.”

“Fadi? That you Fadi?”

“Shut ub before zey hear us.”

Fadi took hold of Big Scott’s shoulders and pulled him into the house. He returned to Adam and dragged him until they were inside. He checked their injuries.

Multiple holes on Adam’s left side bled. Big Scott lay flat on his back, praying aloud.

“Clifton knows where you are now.” Fadi applied bandages to Adam's leg.

He sucked in a sharp breath and tried to stay alert, his eyelids too heavy to keep open.

Fadi shook his uninjured shoulder. “Do what you always do to stay awake.”

Adam opened his eyes. “What?”

“Count, man. Count za bains. Double za number if zey were very bainful, half if zey were minor,” Fadi urged in his particular accent.

Adam’s mind kicked into counting mode. Shit, was he crazy?

“How’d you know where we were?”

“I heard za insurgents shouting to each ozer.” Fadi moved fast to administer the articles in his first-aid kit to Adam’s other wounds.

Crunching numbers didn’t do much to alleviate his pain, but the process helped him filter through Fadi’s heavy accent.

 “At first I didn’t understand the words they were using for directions,” Fadi explained. “Arabic has two words to indicate left. One can mean north, depending on the dialect. I had to get closer to figure it out, and that’s when I saw you. Clifton was very mad. Didn't want me to leave the team, but hey, I’m a contract interpreter, not one of his soldiers.”

The woman moaned from her corner. Fadi shot his head up and approached her.

“Who did this?”

“Needed to make sure she didn’t scream.” Adam tried to lift himself on his elbows. He groaned, the full force of deep searing pain setting in.

Fadi untied the woman’s mouth, released her hands, and spoke to her, his tone low and gentle.

“She’s an old woman, Adam. She’s trapped here just like we are. This is her home. No one and nothing is going to drive her out of it. You didn’t need to tie her up.”

“Not taking any chances.”

Scott’s praying voice disturbed rather than comforted Adam. He concentrated on breathing. Why couldn’t he just pass out and be spared this agony?

The woman placed her hands in her lap, flipped her palms upward and muttered something.

“What’s her problem?”

“She’s praying,” Fadi said.

“I didn’t hurt her. See what else you can do for Big Scott before I lose it.” Adam found it hard to formulate his words.

Fadi kneeled in front of Big Scott, tore a bag with his teeth, and spread its contents over his gaping wound.

Adam’s eyes darted between the old mother and Big Scott. Never hesitant Scott. Never questioning and never smiling either. Were they praying to the same God? Would He listen?

“Tell her I’m sorry I tied her up, will you?”

“Itlaa barrah balady,” the woman responded to Fadi.

“What the hell did she say?”

“She wants us to leave.”

“We wouldn’t be here if her people hadn’t planted that Goddamn IED. Tell her that.” Adam spat blood.

“She meant leave her country.”

Darkness closed in on Adam, the bliss of unconsciousness threatening to take over. He closed his eyes.

“I'm okay with that . . .”



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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lilas Taha is a writer at heart, an electrical engineer by training, and an advocate for domestic abuse victims by choice. She was born in Kuwait to a Syrian mother and a Palestinian father, and immigrated to the U.S. as a result of the Gulf war in 1990. She earned a master’s degree in Human Factors Engineering from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. There, Lilas met her beloved husband and true friend, and moved with him to Sugar Land, Texas to establish a family. She is the proud mother of a daughter and a son. Instead of working in an industrial field, she applied herself to the field of social safety, working with victims of domestic violence.

Pursuing her true passion for creative writing, Lilas brings her professional interests, and her Middle Eastern background together in her debut fictional novel, Shadows of Damascus.

Website: www.lilastaha.com
Author Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/LilasTahaAuthor
Blog: http://lilastaha.blogspot.com
Twitter: Follow @LilasTaha https://twitter.com/LilasTaha
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lilastaha
Email: info@lilastaha.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Lilas_Taha
Facebook page for the book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shadows-of-Damascus/577132239031259


Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUZUG8Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00HUZUG8Y&link_code=as3&tag=revibycrys-20

Publisher:  http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The House of Chalice By T.T. Escurel ~ Goddess Fish Promotions Book Blast ~ Giveaway

The House of Chalice 

By T.T. Escurel

One randomly chosen commenter will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, an autographed copy of AURONIA, and an autographed copy of THE HOUSE OF CHALICE. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. 


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Vartan is lost. His fiancé has just run off with his mortal enemy and now his mother, the Queen of the House of Rose, has disappeared. Venturing into a land with no magic, no army and no fiancé, will he be able to survive?



Lia is in trouble. Clashpeak has a new king who requires a bride, one who has eyes for the young baker’s daughter. During a violent coup, Lia seizes her chance to escape. With every soldier in the kingdom looking for her, nowhere is safe.



An ancient curse lingers in the air, still working its magic. Madness has seized the blood of the royals of the House of Chalice. A battle for power, the likes of nothing Auronia has ever seen, is about to begin…

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Enjoy an excerpt:



Cries of alarm race through the camp as the order to fight goes out. Serena approaches, leading her snow-white mare. She is decked out in leather battle gear with a white fur mantle. A silver dagger hangs from one hip with a swirling purple jewel in the hilt. On the other hip, a rapier.


“You aren’t seriously considering riding to war, Serena,” I growl.


“You couldn’t stop me if you wanted to, Vartan,” she counters, mounting up. “This is my army. I will ride with my men.”


“This is no army, as you stated earlier. These are simple farmers going up against trained soldiers. Without magic, there is little chance we will survive this,” I say, stepping up on my horse.


“My love,” she says, moving her mare to stand beside me, “That is precisely why I must ride with you.” She runs her hand down the fur at her shoulders. “When you ride with me, magic rides with you.”


I frown. “I don’t understand.”


“Feel,” she says, grabbing my hand and running it down the soft fur. I feel a buzz, but I am not really sure if it is from the fur or from the girl. “It is the pelt of an ancient fox, laced with magic older and more powerful than even that of the fairies.”


“Where did you find it?” I ask.


“I killed the fox,” she says, urging her horse forward.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Author:

Science Fiction/Fantasy writer in Southern California where the sun shines, the waves roll in and the roads become a backdrop for an apocalypse movie every time the word "precipitation" is mentioned.



Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?



I grew up on a sailboat. That did something odd to my imagination, I think. There is a certain type of surreal serenity that comes with living aboard a boat. That undercurrent seems to run through all my books, even though most of my characters have far more conventional backgrounds. Growing up on a boat helped teach me a stable world evolves not from your environment as much as from your perspective. My books are full of strange worlds and even stranger people, but all my main characters seem to have that grip on reality despite being dropped in the heart of chaos.



Blog: http://ttescurel.wordpress.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/T.T.-Escurel/e/B00EAHPJKK

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