Fabulous and Brunette: October 2022

Friday, October 28, 2022

The Guardian by Jen Colly - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hey, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Jen Colly and her new book, “The Guardian,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $30 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!! Also, come back daily to interact with Jen and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

The Guardian

The Cities Below Series

Book Five

by Jen Colly

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GENRE: Paranormal Romance

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BLURB:

Prepared to die...fighting to live.

Savard was in a mood to die, but when a human insists on saving his life, death is no longer an immediate option. He knew of no species – human, vampire, or demon – that could see him while in his invisible Spirit form. Unique to this world, this woman's singularity was a danger to the entire vampire race.

Waking behind bars in an underground vampire city was not how Sera envisioned her night drive ending. She has come to expect nothing from those who pass through her life, but this man, dying on the side of the road, proves to be different. Savard fights to free her from tyrannical vampire laws and to hide her unique abilities. What Sera doesn't understand, is why he would fight his growing love for her.

Savard's haunted past threatens to tear them apart. Soon, Sera discovers just how far her guardian is willing to go, and what he's willing to do, to keep her safe.

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EXCERPT ONE:

A total of twelve Justice had been slaughtered in less than two nights by a single Forbidden. None of them had been prepared for the violent force of unholy power and honed skill that was Devlin Savard.

When it was done, the Forbidden didn’t bother to look around, to make certain none had enough life left in them to make a second attempt. Savard knew he’d finished them.

Stepping over the bodies and twisted limbs, the Forbidden strode to the trees, toward Gideon. In a flashing moment of panic, Gideon looked down at his body, made certain he remained concealed in his invisible Spirit form. He was, but the confirmation only gave him a marginal sense of security. Savard still advanced up the hill in his direction.

The slippery layer of snow on the grass didn’t slow the Forbidden, his injuries didn’t affect him, and Gideon couldn’t help but wonder if there was anyone in this world who could take down Savard.

Savard walked into the forest, never slowing, weaving around the bare trees at the top of the hill until he faced the spot where Gideon stood, still invisible and undetectable, or so he’d thought. How the hell had Savard known where to find him?

“Afraid to face me?” Savard asked, but not at all in a taunting manner, as Gideon had expected. Then, seeming somehow disappointed, Savard turned his back on Gideon, casually surveying the carnage he’d left in the clearing. “I can understand why.”

Gideon didn’t care for confrontation. Never had. It was a ridiculous trait for a man in his position of both Guardian and Justice to possess. Some would say he’d chosen the wrong profession, but few were aware he’d had no choice in the matter. Releasing his Spirit, Gideon appeared not eight feet behind the infamous Forbidden.

“Ah,” Savard said in a satisfied manner at the sound of Gideon’s boots sinking into the snow. Turning slowly to face him, Savard looked him over as if he’d already known what he would find. “The man who commanded the Valenna Justice.”

Not caring for Savard’s usage of the word command in the past tense, Gideon assured him, “My captain will send more men.”

“He always does,” Savard said, his gaze drifting off to some distant point. As his body turned slightly, it was clear the Forbidden’s shirt glistened wetly in the moonlight, sticking to his side.

“You’re bleeding.” Gideon smiled, tight-lipped. Behnam had made a damn good strike.

“Am I?” Savard said easily, as if he hadn’t noticed, and then his gaze caught Gideon’s sword still secured in its scabbard. “Yet I see you’ve no interest in rekindling the fight.”

Gideon shrugged. It was true. He’d tracked him down and set the Justice loose as instructed. Nothing more. He refused to risk his life when Captain Basteen’s betrayal of the very laws Gideon himself struggled to uphold lingered fresh in his mind. “I don’t see the point. This round has been won.”

“So the generals live to fight the next battle. Is that the idea?”

“Something of the sort.”

“Be honest. That was hardly a fair fight. You brought them here to die.” Savard turned his back on Gideon again, boldly walking away. Then, just before he went down the other side of the ridge, Savard called out, his voice echoing in the night, “Want me dead? Bring an army.”

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AUTHOR BIO:

Jen Colly is the rare case of an author who rebelled against reading assignments throughout her school years. Now she prefers reading books in a series, which has led her to writing her first paranormal romance series: The Cities Below. She will write about anything that catches her fancy, though truth be told, her weaknesses are pirates and vampires. She lives in Ohio with her supportive husband, two kids, one fluffy dog, and four rescued cats.

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CONNECT WITH JEN:

Website:

https://www.jencolly.com

Blog:

http://www.jencolly.com/the-jen-mind-blog

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jen.colly.1

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/collyjen

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorjencolly

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8634547.Jen_Colly

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61999607-the-guardian

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/3gG23KC

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BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3ss1V44

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Guardian-Cities-Below-Book-ebook/dp/B0BHVXP567

Kobo US eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-guardian-170

Kobo CA eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-guardian-170

Universal – Books2Read eBooks:

https://books2read.com/cbtheguardian

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Jen will be awarding a $30 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog. This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions. Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Will and the Whisp by Ross MacKay - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hello, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Ross MacKay and his new book, “Will and the Whisp,” here on FAB!! For other stops on his Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Ross and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

Will and the Whisp

by Ross MacKay

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GENRE: Fantasy

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BLURB:

“The voice was coming from inside him … But it wasn’t his.”

The Whisp is a fugitive. Living in between worlds, she flees from veteran hunters and the General who wishes to corrupt her power. For Will Devine, nothing could be worse than someone else knowing his thoughts. When an unfortunate incident in the boy’s toilet mysteriously binds the two souls together, Will is horrified to find he is no longer the only voice inside his mind. With no way apart, the two of them must work together to find a solution.

But with one teacher dead and another student’s life on the line, can they survive long enough to escape from each other?

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EXCERPT ONE:

The Whisp hurtles down a side street and then spins to the left.

Faster and faster, as fast as she can.

She hears heavy boots on the damp cobbles and the howls and whoops behind her. A glance back shows some of the Hunters grasping electric spears, running them against the granite walls. The sparks crackle in the air as they singe the old stones black. The rain lashes down onto the old slate roofs making the whole city bristle with noise.

Amongst all of this chaos, she keeps running, tries hard to concentrate on the sound that beckons. It's fragile, like fine thread unwinding from a spindle. She knows if she loses it, inside the noise of the chase, it might never be found again.

The sound is hope.

The Whisp propels herself forward. She has never heard the song of the Thresholds until this night. She didn't even exist when they were last open. But if a Threshold was open and singing to her, then there was a chance … A small chance, she might escape with her life.

The city is woven like a tightly gnarled knot through which she twists and turns, doubling back on herself when she comes across another squad of Hunters in the alleyway ahead of her. They are systematic, cutting off streets, encircling her, trying to pen her in. She works fast to plot a new route in her mind, turning towards the sound whenever she has the chance.

The Hunters are like a pack of wild dogs catching the scent of prey in their nostrils. They will not lose her. She is quicker than them, but they are relentless. And while she may be invisible, the lashing rain runs down her body, making her shimmer.

They are swooping upon her, again and again. Each trying their best to seize the Whisp in their talons. But agile and quick, she darts across a city square into another crumpled heap of side streets.

The Whisp tries to turn another corner but misjudges the pivot and crashes hard into a wooden door that rattles on its hinges. Trying to correct her balance, she slips as the wet gravel beneath her gives way. Landing in a heap, she looks up and notices a looming shadow in front of her.

The only humans ever out at this time of night are Hunters.

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GUEST POST:

Describe Your Book Cover and How It Came About:

The adage, never judge a book by its cover, is a compete lie. I always judge books by their covers. When I go into a shop, I will always pick up the book with a title or an image that grabs my eye, turn it over and read the blurb. But if that cover isn’t eye catching, I am never going to pick it up. No one goes into a book shop and reads every blurb. They just don’t. Cover’s matter.

A good cover can convey the tone, the style, and the vibe of a book (I am sure there will be a great German word for the vibe of a book – Buchenvibe??). A great cover gets the reader excited before they even begin.

I think a brilliant cover also demonstrate the love and care that has went into the book. The publishers, the writers, the marketing teams have carefully considered what the book is about and how the right image can attract the right reader to the book.

Full credit for my cover goes to Diana at Triumph Covers. She has made something that I love. It bristles with energy. It promises secrets and magic and the ancient and the modern all at the same time. I hope my book lives up to that promise.

When chats began about my cover, I had an idea in my head that the pandora jar, an old Greek style vase, would be a brilliant symbol for the book. I imagined it almost breaking apart as electricity burst out from it.

I then looked at book covers in shops and in my own bookcases and made a small set of example pieces. I sent the idea, and this set over to Diana, listing why I was drawn to each cover.

These are some of my notes below:

“In the text – the Whisps are caught within Pandora Jars.

Pandora’s Jar are shaped like the vases referenced here.

PC: https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/greek-vase

“It was a thing of beauty. Exquisite blue patterns swirled around the pure white clay at the widest point and again at the rim.” From the text.

I envisage it cracking with the blue electric lightning energy of the Whisp held inside.

At one point it is held over a flame – which might give contrast.”

I love the coloring on this book. I like the gold and silver lettering. I also enjoy the thinness of the lightning bolts in Percy Jackson. I envisage the jar shaking with energy – pulsing.

I loved His Dark Materials cover when I was younger. I love how exquisite the object feels. I wonder if the vase could have that detail and sheen.

As you can see, Diana took all these ideas and created something unique. I feel very proud of my cover, and it is often the first thing people remark upon when they see my book.

If the cover for Will and The Whisp intrigues you, then the book might be your cup of tea too.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Ross MacKay lives in the village of Aberdour in Scotland with his wife and young son, Noah.

Ross previously worked in theatre as the artistic director of Tortoise in a Nutshell. His productions toured all over the world. His shows have received numerous prestigious awards including a Scotsman Fringe First for New Writing and a Critic’s Pick from The New York Times.

In 2020, Ross was the recipient of the William Soutar Award for Poetry and a Tom McGrath Trust Maverick Award. He has been commissioned to write poetry for libraries in Fife, to open a festival in Perth and for two books published by Tippermuir.

Ross’ first picture book, Daddy’s Bad Bed Day will be published in 2022 by Curly Tale Books. The book has been created to help young children with parents with poor mental health. Research for the book has been supported by numerous children’s charities in Scotland.

When Ross isn’t writing or making shows, he spends his time in his inflatable kayak, trying to steer it as best he can. He loves gardening and is currently engaged in a fierce battle with a collection of snails who seem to love the rhubarb and potatoes just as much as Ross.

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CONNECT WITH ROSS:

Website:

https://rossmackaystories.com/about

Facebook:

http://facebook.com/rossmackaystories

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/rossc_mackay

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rossc_mackay

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22526825.Ross_MacKay

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58550320-will-and-the-whisp

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AMAZON BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3Dr7ODV

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3TCRS8m

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Will-Whisp-Ross-MacKay-ebook/dp/B0BBDB7V9S

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Will-Whisp-Ross-MacKay/dp/1956183817

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Ross will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Glossolalia by e rathke - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hi, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host e rathke and his new book, “Glossolalia,” here on FAB!! For other stops on his Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $50 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!! Also, come back daily to interact with e rathke and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

Glossolalia

by e rathke

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GENRE: Fantasy

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BLURB:

“My name is Ineluki. I come from past the mountains and ice. It took me many days to reach here. All I know are dead. Will you take me in?”

And so begins a calamitous year at the edge of the world.

Chief for the year, Aukul's life has never been better. His people respect him, he spends his nights with the love of his life, and his skills as a butcher and chef improve every day. Then Ineluki, a young stranger, wanders into town with nothing but an empty book. He begins telling stories of the world beyond the one they know. His stories challenge their reality and lead to a summer of unprecedented disasters.

One by one, the villagers begin dancing. Dancing tirelessly, as if in a trance, until they die. Believing Ineluki is to blame, Aukul confronts him on the worst night of his life.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Umok was the first to see the boy. There was nothing special about the boy except that he wasn’t one of us and didn’t seem to be an Uummanuq. Not that anyone really knew, then, what the Uummanuq looked like. Not really. But he was too tall to be one of them and much too short to be one of us. Maybe strangest of all, he was dressed as a woman. One of ours, not the Uummanuq women, assuming anyone knew, then, what the Uummanuq looked like when they weren’t smashing our homes down. But he wore a loose, open vest, his trousers tight and reaching just past his knees. In his hands, a hidebound book.

It was a clear day, just past spring, and though the edge of the world is known for its deathly cold, our summers are quite warm. Warm enough to wade out into the sea and gather crabs or lobster. Or even to swim out to where the leviathans burst through the water, spraying the skies with their misted breath.

Umok was so distracted by the boy that she dropped her arm, accidentally flinging her gyrfalcon, Feo, to the ground. When Feo shrieked the way she does, the boy turned to Umok and smiled a big toothy grin. To hear Umok tell it later, the boy had fangs like a wolf and eyes that glowed with menace.

We’re not prone to superstition, but much changed that summer and especially come winter, when the days last barely a blink and the nameless ones call out to us in the long night, and mothers wake to missing children, never to be seen again.

But the boy didn’t stop when he saw Umok. It was like he had a set destination. Like he knew where we were. And maybe that’s the most shocking of all. That he just wandered out from the dark green summer mountains and walked right to our little village at the edge of the world with nothing but the clothes he was wearing, an empty book, and a mouthful of words that would change the shape of all our lives.

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GUEST POST:

Worldbuilding in Glossolalia

An idea. That’s where a novel always begins. Whether the idea is a simple concept or a character, a setting or a specific image or scene, all that follows comes out of this singular seed that gets watered by time, experience, and the person you are when you sit down at your keyboard.

I have never had a shortage of ideas. Only of time. The ideas keep coming, keep flowing, whether I’m ready for them or not. But because of the many constraints on my time—family, friends, work, and on and on endlessly—I find that that singular seed often melts into another seed and then another, and, well, maybe five more. All these different ideas that seemed so distinct slosh around in the basin of my skull, until they mix and become one Big Idea.

And so it was with Glossolalia.

I had been staring at pictures of Greenland for several days. I wanted to go there before all the glaciers melt. Want to witness what will one day be forever gone. Staring at this otherworldly beauty where oceans meets mountain meets sky, I began peopling imaginary worlds. An isolated village at the edge of the world. A people defined by their position between mountains and ocean and sky.

In this way, pictures of Greenland turned into research on Inuit culture, from the culinary to the theological. Along with that, I was reading the Tao Te Ching the way I’ve always been reading the Tao Te Ching since I first discovered it in a library when I was sixteen. Thoughts of leadership, of social organization, rose to the surface and melded with this isolated place, these isolated people at the edge of the world.

Of course, an invented culture isn’t a book. It’s not even a story. When I began to wonder what must happen there, who these people are and what their lives must be, I remembered these strange dancing plagues that used to happen in Europe. Unexplainably, someone would begin dancing. This someone would become a handful would become a dozen and then a dozen more. Some of them would dance themselves to death. And then, as strangely as it began, the dancing simply stopped.

Why and how?

Well, we don’t know. We’ll never know. But what might these people think when such a calamitous strangeness falls upon them?

I needed a stranger to come to town. And if you’re going to have a stranger come to town, you may as well have a strange and mysterious artefact with them. Since I’d been reading about the Voynich manuscript and always wanted a place to put such a thing, this town at the edge of the world seemed as good a place as any.

Thus and so, Ineluki was born.

When I sat down to write Glossolalia, all these seemingly disparate concepts and ideas came together and became the novel now available for all of you.

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AUTHOR BIO:

e rathke writes about books and games at radicaledward.substack.com. A finalist for the 2022 Baen Fantasy Adventure Award, he is the author of Glossolalia and several other forthcoming novellas. His short fiction will appear in Queer Tales of Monumental Invention, Mysterion Magazine, and elsewhere.

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CONNECT WITH E RATHKE:

Website:

https://radicaledward.substack.com

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22680533.E_Rathke

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61961144-glossolalia-or-don-t-scream-it-on-the-mountain

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/3VRaNO2

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AMAZON BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3VKSUR0

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3TM4Wb7

Amazon US Audiobook:

https://amzn.to/3MTTY12

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Glossolalia-dont-scream-mountain-rathke-ebook/dp/B0BCDVFZHM

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Glossolalia-dont-scream-mountain-rathke/dp/B0BGCM31ZB

Amazon CA Audiobook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Audible-Glossolalia-Dont-Scream-Mountain/dp/B0BFZNMCNP

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

e rathke will be awarding a $50 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner’s Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

KAINE by Megan Slayer - Book Tour - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hey, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Megan Slayer and her new book, “KAINE,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a Special Prize Pack which includes a Beautiful Necklace handmade by the author!! See below for more details. Also, come back daily to interact with Megan and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

Please note that this giveaway is only open to US residents. Sorry INTL – please check out the other giveaways on this blog!!

KAINE

by Megan Slayer

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GENRE: Contemporary Erotic Paranormal Romance

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BLURB:

I call on the fates to bring my love to me. As I will it, so mote it be… Nikki Sinclair isn’t interested in love. She’s happy as a model and doing her own thing. Besides, keeping people at bay means she won’t get hurt again. Then she runs into Kaine. He’s nothing like she expects and exactly what she never realized she needed. But he’s got a past. It’s up to her to decide if she’s willing to summon this bad-boy mechanic or keep going on as a solo act.

Love can be a tricky thing. What if fate has its own idea for Nikki? She’s not willing to argue, especially if it means having her bad boy. Time to do some summoning.

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EXCERPT ONE:

She followed Collette from the bathroom. The moment she stepped into the main room, Thurmon strode up to her. She darted to the left and collided with a solid wall of man. He smelled good and felt strong. When she gazed into this man’s eyes, she gasped. He had beautiful blue eyes. Like crystal blue with chips of green. “Hi. I’m sorry. I should’ve watched where I was going.”

“You’re fine.” He smiled. “Are you okay?”

“I’m --” She spied Thurmon. She had to do something to put him off. “Will you pretend to be my boyfriend?”

“So you can unload Mr. Grabby Hands?” He nodded once. “Sure.”

“Mr. Grabby… you know him?”

“Thurmon Edwards, esquire. He has no idea when to say when.” He slipped one arm around her. “Turn into me and laugh.”

She did. He smelled wonderful and felt even better. She smoothed her palm over his chest. “Of course.”

“You.” Thurmon stopped short. “I didn’t know you were permitted at such events.”

“Me?” Her mystery man rubbed her side. “You know better than that, Edwards. I’m just as worthy as you.”

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AUTHOR BIO:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library. Find out more about Megan and Wendi at: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm Sign up for the newsletter here: http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj.

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CONNECT WITH MEGAN:

Website:

http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm

Blog:

https://wendizwaduk.wordpress.com

Newsletter:

http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj

Email:

theauthormeganslayer@gmail.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/wendizwaduk.meganslayer

Twitter:

https://www.twitter.com/MeganSlayer

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wendizwaduk

BookBub Author Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-slayer

BookBub Book Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/kaine-summon-a-bad-boy-4-by-megan-slayer

Goodreads Author Page:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5330530.Megan_Slayer

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61929054-kaine

All Author Page:

https://allauthor.com/profile/meganslayer

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/2HSRNJt

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BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3D4xOEW

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0B6WM8H1P

Kobo US eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kaine-1

Kobo CA eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/kaine-1

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Megan will be awarding a Special Prize Pack (US Only) including a Beautiful Necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Violins Played Before Junstan by Lou Kemp - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hi, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Lou Kemp and her new book, “Violins Played Before Junstan,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Lou and to increase your chances of winning!!

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

Violins Played Before Junstan

The Celwyn Book Series

Book One

by Lou Kemp

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GENRE: Fantasy (Magical Realism)

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BLURB:

While on a mission to avenge the death of his lover, the immortal peyote-eating magician Celwyn is hired to deliver an automat, Professor Kang, to a priest. But Celwyn quickly learns that everything the priest told him was a lie. Now his ship, the Zelda, is stuck in a horrific storm and Celwyn knows he must reconsider his allegiance if he is to steer his vessel in the right direction and continue his quest.

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EXCERPT ONE:

San Francisco, 1865

Late in the evening, thick ribbons of fog moved like a living animal, breathing, then thinning to vapor before revealing the shadows between the wooden barrels that lined the docks. Beyond the Opera House’s silhouette, oily glimmers of the bay cut through the darkness, only to be obscured by the fog again.

As Celwyn neared the docks, he heard virulent cursing above the commotion from a carriage as it charged down the cobblestones toward him. When the coach drew level, the driver raised a whip above his horse. On its descent to the horse’s back, the tip suspended mid-air and snake-like, the whip shimmied out of the coachman’s hand.

The man steered the hackney to a stop. As he slithered out of the high cab, the whip followed him, wrapping around his ankles, lifting him feetfirst into the air. His cursing echoed to screams as he disappeared into the night sky. A moment later, a splash could be heard, and a satisfied smile crossed Celwyn’s lips; he couldn’t stand to see anyone mistreating an animal. The horse trotted down the street, rather jauntily, back toward the stable yard as the magician stepped around a snoring drunk and into Salty’s tattered and dingy atmosphere. Celwyn could have sworn it was the same drunk he stepped over last night.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure painted with a horrific element as needed.

I’m one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and I sometimes write myself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps. Black by Pearl Jam especially.

More information is available at LouKemp.com. I'd love to hear from you and what you think of Celwyn, Bartholomew, and Professor Xiau Kang.

Milestones:

2009: The anthology story Sherlock’s Opera appeared in Seattle Noir, edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology.

2010: My story, In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlaine Harris. The immortal magician Celwyn makes his first appearance in print.

2018: The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn series begins.

Book 1, The Violins Played before Junstan reissue with the publisher, the 4 Horsemen on 10-17-22. The 4 Horsemen will publish the remaining books in the series beginning with Music Shall Untune the Sky, The Raven and the Pig, The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died. The companion book, Farm Hall continues the story of Pelaez, another immortal magician and Celwyn's brother will also be available.