Friday Five for November 6, 2015

1. Did you think October was the month for treats? No way! There are lots of chances for you to win this month. TB Markinson holds a monthly book giveaway. She has five awesome books for you to win, and this month, The 13th Floor Complete Collection is one of them. Untethered Realms is touring with their new short story collection, Mayhem in the Air. Get exclusive excerpts and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Last but not least, Realms Faire 2015 begins on Monday. Huzzah! Tons of medieval games, giveaways, and grog. I'll be hosting the Drench-a-Wench event with a giveaway every day.

2. I recently had two short story rewrite & resubmits, and now I have two acceptances to Every Day Fiction! "Paid" is a little noir cop piece with a twist and "Ligeia's Song" is about a girl kidnapped by pirates and pit against the Sirens. Every Day Fiction is having a few technical problems at the moment, but hopefully they'll be back very soon.

3. This week, my mom was down and we did our Christmas shopping. I'm almost all done. Just a few special gifts for my son that I'll need to get online. I also make a calendar every year on Shutterfly with pictures of my son and give it to the relatives.

4. I'm tuckered out today. I'll get back into the swing of things and catch up with everyone next week. Have a good weekend!

5. Oh! I was so surprised last week to find I was a winner in Yolanda Renee's Desperation Holler Halloween Challenge. It was so much fun answering her scary interview questions and finishing off a piece of flash fiction. Check out all the authors' awesome stories on her blog. I would definitely do it again next year!

Truly Awesome June Giveaway and Review for A Woman Ignored

What a way to start off June!

Every month, the wonderful T.B. Markinson is hosting an ebook giveaway. This month there are five spectacular books that you can win. I've read them all, and any one of them is worth entering this giveaway.

30 Seconds by Chrys Fey  (Fantastic romantic suspense)

Soul Cutter by Lexa Cain  (Fast-paced, intense YA horror)

Pop Travel by Tara Tyler  (Awesome sci-fi thriller)

Cloaked in Fur by T.F. Walsh  (Riveting paranormal romance)

and

Of Blood and Sorrow by me!

And while you're at T.B.'s blog entering the giveaway, be sure to pick up her books. Here's my review of the latest book in her Woman Lost series to tease you with.

Blurb: Historian Lizzie Petrie remains nothing more than a lesbian in her bitter mother’s eyes. The suppressed hurt of that superficial assessment means she still catches herself off guard when thinking of Sarah as her wife. The couple has endured the fallout of Lizzie’s insecurities and set-up house in Fort Collins, Colorado. Now their relationship is about to be tested again.

When her wife announces she wants to have a baby, Lizzie panics. A baby? The thought of sucking an egg from her ovary and implanting the resulting embryo into Sarah’s womb terrifies her. Lizzie constantly worries if she’ll make a good mother.

Just when she starts to make peace with the idea, Lizzie’s estranged family enters her life again. The news is anything but good, and she finds herself wondering how to make amends with her aloof mother, stranger of a father, and self-centered brother.

Deep down, Lizzie is more loving and caring than she ever gives herself credit. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to open a woman’s eyes to her full potential. But at what price?

My review: Lizzie Petrie has survived one big fallout in her relationship and now she's about to be tested again. Her wife Sarah surprises her with the announcement that she wants to have a baby. Lizzie's baby. If that doesn't shake up Lizzie's world enough, her haughty mother is diagnosed with cancer. With a baby in her future, she wants to make some peace with her estranged family. Yet will the effort destroy her further?

This is the sequel to A Woman Lost, a contemporary romance that amazed me with its fantastic characterization and dramatic plot. A Woman Ignored is just as well written and ups the intensity of the story. Lizzie's narrative is compelling, unusual, and quirky. She's a woman who sees things differently than others and brings forth questions others might not think about. You see a lot more of her heart in this book, and you can understand why Sarah loves her so. Their relationship may be bumpy at times, but it's drawn with the vivid colors of reality. It's quite sweet - and steamy! - at times. Sarah, Maddie, and Ethan are great complements, and I love the addition of Doug to their group. Just as fascinating was getting to see the dynamics of the Petrie family in the midst of a crisis.

I can't wait to read more from T.B. Markinson.

Buy the book here!

The Geeky Dice & Debauchery Tour wants braaaaiiins!

Writing geeky romance is tricky business. Click on over to the amazing TB Markinson's blog for some tips.

Today is the last day to get TB's book, Claudia Must Die for free! It's a fantastic thriller. Quirky characters in a dire situation.

Braaaiiiiiiiins! Enter for a chance to win Zombie Dice and a unique Christine Rains die.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review for Claudia Must Die

Blurb:
Claudia doesn’t feel like herself anymore—she feels like prey. Her husband’s hired goons have stalked her all the way to Boston and will only stop their pursuit once she is dead.

Divorce is not an option. Instead, she has stolen a bunch of her man’s money to disappear into another life.

In order for Claudia to live, someone else must die. A lookalike college student becomes the target capable of freeing her from an awful marriage. 

The plan goes horribly awry. Instead of murdering Claudia’s double, the assassins shoot the woman’s lover who is the cousin of a powerful Irish mobster. Claudia becomes hunted by all involved. Can she survive? Should she?

My review:
Claudia has become the hunted. Her mobster husband will stop at nothing to see her dead, and Claudia will do whatever it takes to stay alive. Even if that means she has to set another woman up to take her place. Everything erupts into chaos when the assassins miss and an innocent woman is killed. Claudia is back on the run, and this time, she's hitched a ride with her lookalike and vengeful friend. Surrounded by people who want to kill her, how will she survive?

This unique thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's intense and quirky in a way that reminded me a bit of Pulp Fiction. We have fantastic characterization along with unexpected twists and turns in the plot. It's dark and gritty with the right dose of humor.

I confess I wanted to kill Claudia myself. She's impulsive and selfish, but she's a fighter. I could sympathize with her wanting to be free of her abusive husband, but she went to great lengths which included setting up Parker, a woman who looks just like her, up as the assassins' target. Parker was fascinating. Quiet yet deep, I connected with her and rooted for her survival. The Woolf brothers and Francis were just as entertaining.

This was an awesome read! T.B. Markinson hasn't let me down yet. I highly recommend this book and all her excellent works.

Excerpt:

At first, everything had been roses and wine. When others warned her about Dennis, Claudia laughed it off. 

“Use your head,” Claudia’s mother had said. “How could a man in his early thirties make so much money owning a handful of run-down bars in two small towns in the West?”

“What, you think he’s a drug dealer or something?” Claudia had broken into hysterics. “He hardly looks like a gangster, Mother. Dennis doesn’t wear any jewelry. Not even a wedding ring.

In Claudia’s mind, a gangster would at least wear a gold necklace. And, he had excellent table manners. There was no way Dennis could be a thug. How many scrawny five-foot-six guys were?

 

They had married after seven months. Neither had intended to marry so quickly, but they had visited Vegas for a long weekend, got drunk, and got hitched. It wasn’t until Claudia moved into Dennis’s house that she started to notice things. He wouldn’t come home for days, and when he did, he refused to tell her where he had been. He racked up a lot of mileage on her car, not his. When Claudia asked about it, his reply was a cold stare that made her legs feel like jelly. Granted, one of his bars was in Greeley, but that was only a twenty-minute drive from their home in Loveland. How did the miles add up so quickly?

After a year, they started to fight constantly. Verbal arguments. After another year, the fights turned violent. Claudia ended up in the hospital—still nothing serious enough for her to walk out. Not yet. Instead, she started hoarding cash. In the beginning, it was a little bit here and there. It was simple. Claudia would request cash back when she used her debit card at the grocery store. Dennis liked her cooking; he never questioned how much his wife spent on food. When she realized her embezzlement plan would take years, not months, The Hunted chose a more drastic solution. The next time her husband crossed the line …

About the Author:

T. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. T. B. has published A Woman Lost, Marionette, and Confessions From A Coffee Shop.

Mailing List: Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

 
Links: Twitter Facebook Blog Goodreads Amazon Author Page

Purchase Links: Amazon (US) / Amazon (UK)

Confessions From A Coffee Shop Blog Tour - guest post from T.B. Markinson

 I'm excited to welcome here today the wonderfully talented T.B. Markinson to talk about her adventure when she first self-published. Enjoy!

Howdy Christine! It’s wonderful to be here today. You have some of the most supportive blogging buddies and I always enjoying visiting.

Thank goodness your visitors are kind since I have a confession to make. Many people assume since I’ve self-published three novels that I’m comfortable with technology. I wish that was the case, but I’m not. When I lived in the States, I was fortunate to have friends who were tech whizzes. In fact, I worked in an audio visual department. I wasn’t a tech, but I scheduled the appointments for the techs. At one point, our department hired a supervisor who knew less than me. One of the techs joked, “He probably doesn’t know what LCD stands for.” Everyone laughed while I sat at my computer and Googled what does LCD stand for. Just in case you want to know it stands for liquid crystal display.

When I decided to self-publish I had to take a crash course in publishing technology. In the very beginning, a reviewer asked me for a mobi file. What? How in the world was I going to find Moby Dick? Again, I Googled what the reviewer wanted and realized I did have a mobi file. That’s the type of file Amazon requires for uploading ebooks. Whew, one thing learned.

Time for another confession. When I published my first novel, I didn’t even own an ereader. I know, I know. I just published an ebook and I had to read it on my laptop. I felt like a hypocrite and a fool. My partner took pity on me and gave me one for my birthday. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would get used to it. Like many others who resisted the ebook craze for years, I wondered if it could replace the feel of a real book. I’m not sure it will ever do that, but I have to admit I love that I can carry an entire library with me at all times. And if I don’t want to carry my Kindle Fire, I now have a smaller Kindle. Sometimes though, even the small one doesn’t fit into my plans. Thank goodness for my cell phone, which I always carry. I am never without a book now. For someone who struggles with technology, I’ve managed to acquire some knowledge and a few devices. Right now I keep dropping hints that I want an iPad. Christmas is coming.

What does this mean for others who want to self-publish? At times it may feel like an uphill battle. You may have more technical knowledge (most people do), but there will still be things you’ll have to learn. But don’t let it discourage you. The best thing I’ve learned is to ask. Authors are the friendliest bunch. I have emailed many and asked them questions. No one has ever said, “Gosh you’re an idiot.” Instead they answer my question and usually give me more tips and advice. If you want to self-publish don’t let anything get in your way. And don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” None of us did in the early stages. Go ahead and ask for help. You can even email me. Chances are I won’t know the answer, but I probably know someone who does. Self-publishing doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.

Blurb: Cori Tisdale was on top of the world. A basketball star at Harvard and a promising author with a lucrative book deal.

A few years later, Cori’s life is falling apart. Her beautiful girlfriend, Kat Finn, has a shopping addiction. To make ends meet, Cori takes a part-time job at a coffee shop.

Just when Cori thinks her life can’t get any worse, an old crush appears out of the blue. Cori’s friendship with Samantha Clarke pushes Cori further into a dangerous abyss when Sam reveals two secrets to Cori and asks her not to tell a soul, including Kat.

Will this be the end of Cori’s and Kat’s relationship?

Buy the book here:

Amazon US / Amazon UK

About the Author: T. B. Markinson is a 40-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. T. B. has published A Woman Lost, Marionette, and Confessions From A Coffee Shop.

Mailing List: Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

Links: Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

A Woman Lost review & sale

Blurb:

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Petrie has it all. She’s rich, beautiful, intelligent, and successful. None of this matters to her mom. Les-Bi-An. That’s all her mom sees.

Even though Lizzie insists her mom’s antagonism does not bother her, Lizzie distances herself from her entire family. When her brother, Peter, calls her out of the blue to announce he’s getting married, Lizzie’s entire life changes drastically. Peter’s fiancée wants to bring the lesbian outcast back into the family. Will this desire cause Lizzie to lose everything dear to her?

Sarah, Lizzie’s girlfriend, is ecstatic about this change in Lizzie’s personal life. Sarah, the hopeless romantic, wants it all, including settling down with the fiercely independent Lizzie.

Can Lizzie be tamed? And can she survive her family and all of their secrets?

My review:

Elizabeth Petrie would prefer to have nothing to do with her family. She's happy staying away from them, finishing her doctorate and debating whether to live together with her girlfriend, Sarah. This is until Lizzie's brother calls and introduces her to his fiancée Maddie who ignites Lizzie's desire. Sarah wants more in their relationship, but Lizzie can't stop thinking about Maddie. Lies and secrets. Will Lizzie lose it all for want of the one woman she can't have?

This is a wonderfully written contemporary romance about a woman who doesn't know what she really wants. The characters might be rich and successful, but their problems have nothing to do with their careers or financial status. These are real problems that I found it easy to relate to and commiserate with the characters.

Lizzie is a strong, intelligent, and passionate woman. Being self-absorbed, her point of view is skewed. I loved it when things about other characters were revealed that she missed, because I was so caught up in Lizzie too. Sarah, Maddie, and Ethan are powerful presences. Each fascinated me in their own way. The story is driven forward by the people, and the characterization is exceptional.

5 stars for A WOMAN LOST. A fantastic hook that brings you a brilliant story.

This week, A WOMAN LOST is on sale! Get your copy today.

Amazon.com

Normal price: $2.99 * Sale price: $0.99

Amazon.co.uk

Normal price: £1.99 * Sale price: £0.99

Here's a tantalizing excerpt:

Neither of us mentioned how odd it was that she’d showed up outside of my apartment. She’d never been here before. How did she find out where I lived? I wasn’t sure she had forgiven me yet for the conversation we had at our last meetings. I hoped both of us could forget the incident.

“I had a lot of energy, so I went longer than normal. I rode to LaPorte and back.” I tugged at my T-shirt, which was sticking to my skin. “Geez, look at me—I’m a mess! Do you want to come in? I’m dying for a hot shower. You can hang out while I get cleaned up.”

“That sounds nice. Hope you don’t mind, but I won’t hug you until you shower.” She waved her hand in front of her nose. “Stinky.”

“Smelly McGee, that’s me.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, I froze. What had compelled me to make such a nincompoop out of myself?

Maddie snapped her head up to eyeball me. “Oh, wow. That’s pretty dorky, even for you. I wouldn’t suggest trying that one on the ladies.” She snickered.

“Come on, smartass.” I led her up the flight of stairs to my apartment, searching for my pride with each step.

“Is Sarah home?” Maddie asked.

Had she sensed my embarrassment and wanted to divert the conversation away from my gaffe?

I laughed, feeling more at ease. “She doesn’t officially live with me. But no, she isn’t here right now. She and her mom are bonding today. They’re having breakfast, and then they’ll shop till they drop. They are definitely shoppers. When I go with them, I have to take energy shots just to keep up.”

“Two women after my own heart. You don’t like to shop?”

“I prefer to have someone else do it for me.”

“So you always have a girlfriend to take care of you?” 

* * * * *

Author Bio: T. B. Markinson is a 40-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. A Woman Lost is her debut novel.

Links:

Goodreads * Blog * Twitter * Amazon * Mailing List

Marionette blog tour and 'Tis More Blessed BIG giveaway

Blurb:
Paige Alexander is seventeen and has her whole life in front of her. One day her girlfriend comes home to discover that Paige has slit her wrists. Paige isn't insane, but she acts like she is. Why?

After the incident, Paige agrees to go to therapy to appease her girlfriend, Jess. However, Paige doesn't believe that therapy will help her. She believes she’s beyond help. Paige doesn't want to find herself and she doesn't want to relive her painful past in order to come to terms with it. What Paige wants is control over her life, which she hasn't had since her birth.

During her childhood, Paige is blamed for a family tragedy, when in fact, her twin sister, Abbie was responsible. Abbie doesn't come forward and Paige becomes the pariah of the family.

To add to Paige’s woes, while attending a college in a small town in Colorado, the residents are in the midst of debating whether or not gays and lesbians should have equal rights. Tension is high and there’s a threat of violence. She isn't out of the closet and pretends to be straight at school since she fears what will happen if her parents find out she’s a lesbian. Will she end up dead like her best friend, Alex?

My review:
Paige Alexander is heading off to college and in love with her incredible girlfriend Jess. But then she slits her wrists. As a promise to Jess, Paige agrees to see a therapist while going to school. No one truly knows her and she likes it that way. Yet she never breaks her word. Some promises are easier to keep than others.

MARIONETTE is honest and original. There are a lot of stories out there of teen angst, but many are written with rose-tinted glasses. Not this one. The reader is taken on a real and emotional journey with suicide, abuse, and gay issues. Nothing is held back nor is it overly done. The fact that there's no pretense won me over and sucked me into the story.

Each character was crafted wonderfully, layer upon layer to their personalities. These are people all of us could know. No stereotypes or flat cardboard players. I liked just when you thought you had someone figured out, another layer was revealed. Nothing happened fast. It was a slow unveiling and suitable to the damaged soul Paige is.

It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. It's not fast-paced nor does the mystery keep waving right in your face. You find out something new, get comfortable with it, and then there's the next twist. I thought I knew where it might end, but I was surprised where the tale took me. It's not often a book can surprise me anymore.

Purchase MARIONETTE here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

Mark it to read on Goodreds!

About the Author:
T. B. Markinson is a 39-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. Marionette is her second novel. A Woman Lost was her debut novel.

Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads

With the success of Creepy Freebies in October,

Milo James Fowler is hosting 'Tis More Blessed this December!

Click on the generous folks on the list below giving stuff away today!

FREE stories and raffles.

'Tis the season for giving.

1.	Milo James Fowler - Every Friday	2.	James Garcia Jr. - 27th
3.	Christine Rains - 13th	4.	Alex J. Cavanaugh - 16th
5.	Madeline Mora-Summonte - 20th	6.	Stephen V. Ramey - Every Friday
7.	Yolanda Renee - Every Friday	8.	Gay Degani - 20th
9.	M.K. Theodoratus - Every Friday	10.	PK Hrezo - 6th
11.	Stephanie Loree - 27th	12.	Jeff Beesler - 27th
13.	Jeff Chapman - 27th	14.	M Pepper Langlinais - 27th
15.	Jay Lake - 6th	16.	L. Diane Wolfe - 13th
17.	KV Taylor - 20th	18.	Julie Flanders - 13th
19.	Simon Kewin - 13th	20.	Gini Koch - 20th
21.	Sherry Ellis - Every Friday	22.	Rhonda Parrish - 6th
23.	Helena Soister - 13th	24.	Martin Willoughby - Every Friday
25.	Michelle Ann King - 6th	26.	Mary Rajotte - 13th
27.	Anthony J. Rapino - 6th	28.	Cherie Reich - 6th
29.	E. Catherine Tobler - Every Friday	30.	Anne E. Johnson - 20th
31.	Tyrean Martinson - Every Friday	32.	Cat Rambo - 13th
33.	Peter Coleborn - Every Friday	34.	T. B. Markinson - 13th
35.	Madeleine Sara - 6th	36.	Camille G. Campbell - 20th
37.	Cat Sparks - 20th	38.	Chrysoula Tzavelas - Every Friday
39.	Stevie Carroll - Every Friday	40.	Anne Barwell - 27th
41.	Kristy Gillespie - Every Friday	42.	Misha Gericke - 27th
43.	Dona Watson - 6th

Today is the one year anniversary of the 13th Floor series!

Last year on December 13th, I released 1301 - THE MARQUIS.

It remains one of the most popular stories in the series, and you can read it for FREE!

Get yourself hooked.

In celebration of its anniversary, I'm giving away one signed copy of The 13th Floor Complete Collection (US only) and a digital copy (open internationally).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

IWSG for November 2013, Interview, & Realms Faire reminder

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the brilliant idea of Alex J. Cavanaugh. The purpose of the group is to share doubts and insecurities and to encourage one another. Please visit the other participants and share your support. A kind word goes a long way.

Take a nap.

That's right. Get comfy, curl up under your favorite blanket, and snore.

Sleeping will help your insecurities. It will chase away your blues, increase your mind power, and boost your metabolism. We function better on all levels when we have enough sleep.

Plus, dreams are terrific inspiration for stories. That's where most of my story ideas originate.

Researchers at Harvard University have found that sleep does increase your creativity. (Make sure to use this article as proof when your family wonders why you need to snooze more often.)

As writers, sometimes we get up extra early in the mornings or stay up late to find the time to write. While that gives us our quiet time, it takes away from our sleep time. Lack of sleep will eventually catch up to you, and the price will be steep.

So take a nap.

You'll be less stressed, have more energy, and find your muse equally refreshed.

* * * * *

Join me at the the awesome TB Markinson's today for a great interview. We talk about the 13th Floor series, self-publishing, and what book do I wish I had written.

* * * * *

 Don't forget the Realms Faire is next week!

9 events with 9 chances to win prizes every day.

Plus Untethered Realms is giving away a Kindle!

HUZZAH!

The 13th Floor collection tour continues with romance and Marionette cover reveal

Love is in the air.

And it can be deadly.

Join me at the amazing Kyra Lennon's blog for a guest post about the romance in my short story, "The Shadow."

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of the collection.

The Goodreads giveaway is still going on too!

Lots of chances for you to win.

Now onto the wonderful T.B. Markinson's cover reveal!

 Title: Marionette
Author: T. B. Markinson
Cover Designer: Derek Murphy
Publication Date: December 2013

Synopsis:
Paige Alexander is seventeen and has her whole life in front of her. One day her girlfriend comes home to discover that Paige has slit her wrists. Paige isn’t insane, but she acts like she is. Why?

After the incident, Paige agrees to go to therapy to appease her girlfriend, Jess. However, Paige doesn’t believe that therapy will help her. She believes she’s beyond help. Paige doesn’t want to find herself and she doesn’t want to relive her painful past in order to come to terms with it. What Paige wants is control over her life, which she hasn’t had since her birth.

During her childhood, Paige is blamed for a family tragedy, when in fact, her twin sister, Abbie was responsible. Abbie doesn’t come forward and Paige becomes the pariah of the family.

To add to Paige’s woes while attending a college in a small town in Colorado, the residents are in the midst of debating whether or not gays and lesbians should have equal rights. Tension is high and there’s a threat of violence. She isn’t out of the closet and pretends to be straight at school since she fears what will happen if her parents find out she’s a lesbian. Will she end up dead like her best friend, Alex?

About the Author:
T. B. Markinson is a 39-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. Marionette is her second novel. A Woman Lost was her debut novel.

Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads