MURDER, JUST BECAUSE Blog Tour - Review

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renee’s MURDER, JUST BECAUSE Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

The author is offering an awesome tour-wide international giveaway. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE
by Yolanda  Renée

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: Yolanda Renee
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mysteries
◊ Paperback: 291 pages
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ ISBN-10: 0985820632
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0985820633
◊ Contains explicit sex & graphic violence

"While this book does contain explicit sexual language and graphic violence, it could easily be taken from the daily headlines. The content is plausible and realistic as we look at the world around us. The events in the book are not overly done but give a pragmatic look at the terrifying actions killers can and sometimes do take."

It was a matter of beginner’s luck, but rookie detective Steven Quaid’s career and reputation as an elite investigator skyrocketed when he captured one of the most sadistic serial killers in Alaskan history: Stowy Jenkins, AKA the Snowman. But that was ten years ago.

And now…Jenkins is back. Escaped from prison and on the move, his bloodlust is stronger than ever, and his methods of torture are even more horrifying than before. As his bloody rampage continues and the number of mutilated bodies mounts, terrified Alaskans increasingly doubt Quaid’s ability to catch the killer again. The detective’s reputation is on the line, and he’s going to need a lot more than luck, because this time, Jenkins is driven by more than the thrill of a random kill.

This time, it’s more personal. He’s out for revenge…and his ultimate target is Quaid. In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Jenkins starts picking off the people in Quaid’s life…slowly, gradually tightening his circle of corpses and drawing ever closer to the most important person in Quaid’s life...his wife. Can Quaid do the impossible again? Can he outmaneuver the killer, or has the detective's luck finally run out?

My review: Detective Steven Quaid wants only to enjoy his Hawaiian honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Sarah. Yet his world is shaken when one of the most sadistic serial killers ever, Stowy Jenkins (the Snowman) escapes after ten years in prison. And the Snowman has revenge on the mind. Everyone who had betrayed him is on his list. Quaid closes in on the Snowman as the killer closes in on him. Will Quaid be able to survive a second round with the Snowman or will he be the next macabre art piece?

This is the fifth book in the thrilling and horrifying Detective Quaid Mysteries series. Things start off right away and the tension builds to amazing heights with all the twists and turns. Quaid is trying hard to enjoy life with his new wife, but the call of his work is always there taking him away. Thankfully she understands! I love that Sarah is just as kick-butt as Quaid. Yet the Snowman, can anyone defeat him? He's very clever and enjoys the killing. He is a villain that I love to hate and read about even with all the blood and violence. I had no idea how it was going to end, I was on the edge of my seat, and it was not a disappointment! Plus you have the realities of the harsh life in Alaska. Great descriptions and settings. Even serial killers like to winter in the south!

This book is not for anyone under 18 or for those with weak stomachs. Renee doesn't spare the reader any details!

Author Yolanda Renee

For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her in her own words.

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influences my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

For more on Yolanda and her writing, you can connect with her here:

Blog    *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Pinterest    

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for a $25 Amazon gift card for one winner, a complete set of the Detective Quaid Mystery series books for another winner, paperback copies of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for five winners, and a Kindle copy of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for 10 winners.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her week-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. Do you enjoy watching a character grow from one story to the next?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have an interview at Yolanda Renee's blog

Good morning, everyone!

I'm so excited to start off the month with an interview. The fantastic Yolanda Renee asked me a bunch of questions about writing and life. Come find out what I'm currently working on!

The Snowman Blog Tour & #Giveaway - guest post by Yolanda Renee

I'm excited to host the talented Yolanda Renee on my blog today. I love her books, and she helped me when I had a million questions about living in Alaska. It's where her mysteries are set too!

1. Setting: How do you bring out the most in your setting; and tension? 
   
   Alaska, at least to me is, in itself an exciting setting, but this time my antagonist uses the weather to create his horrific art. The Snowman, Stowy Jenkins, originally from West Virginia, hates Alaska and winter, but he decides to embrace circumstance. I not only describe the snowstorms before, and during his killings, I describe the weather in almost every chapter. With each new blizzard, the tension rises. 
   
   I also use real places, street, parks, and clubs. Although a few are fictional. However, when I lived in Alaska, the window of my bedroom looked out over 4^th Avenue and this description is quite accurate: 
   
   On Fourth Avenue, the busiest street in town, flashing neon signs crackled and whirred in the bitter cold, proclaiming the number of nudes dancing in each risqué establishment. Loud music streamed from the dark interiors of clubs almost in synch with the patrons weaving in and out. Bumper-to-bumper traffic crawled up and down the street as men, eager to blow their wad on booze, drugs, and loose women, searched for a place to park.
   
   
   2. Tension - How do you keep it taut throughout the plot?
   
   
   My goal in The Snowman, was to keep the story moving. Emotions run high, killings happen frequently, and Stowy becomes more and more sadistic as he tries to outdo himself with each murder or as he calls it, artistic expression. 
   
   Steven Quaid, newly promoted to detective, is determined and yet stymied by the Snowman’s changing MO (modis oprendi) killing habits. Racism and vengeance are also part of the equation and the ultimate question is, can this killer be caught?
   
   I think it meets the challenge as a page turner. I’m sure the readers will let me know.
   
   Thank you for hosting me for the The Snowman tour.
   
   
   Buy the book!
   
   
   It takes a true artist to pursue his victims in the art of seduction, and Stowy Jenkins is no exception, especially with blood as his medium. 
   
   Stowy Jenkins, aka, Stone, and as Alaskans refer to him, the Snowman, is a true artist. His muse, Gigi, is the ultimate inspiration for his painting. Her rejection inspires him to use a very unusual medium…blood.
   
   While art may be his passion, the taste for blood is his obsession, and multiple murders, the result.
   
   Rookie, Detective Steven Quaid, is no fan of the Snowman’s murderous exhibitions. A twisted and deadly relationship bond the two men and neither knows who will come out of it alive.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   About the Author: 
   
   At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I've traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.
   
   Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure! 
   
   You can connect with me here:
   
   
   Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Email
   
   
   Giveaway!
   
   
   This tour-wide giveaway features both print and eBook copies of the four books in the Detective Quaid Series. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, June 6.
   
   The prizes include: 
   * Grand prize - Winner receives a print copy of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series (U.S. and Canada only).
   
   
   * First place - Winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
   
   
   * Second place - Winner will receive eBook copies of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series.
   
   
   * There will be 3 runner-up winners
   and each will win an eBook copy of THE SNOWMAN or one of the other books in the series (winner's choice). 
   
   To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.
   
   
   Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her month-long tour. You never know what you might find out.
   
   
   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review for Murder & Obsession

Blurb:

Detective Steven Quaid is ready for the new challenges as Anchorage’s top detective, but not until he marries the woman of his dreams on New Year’s Eve. Determined to give Sarah the wilderness honeymoon she desires, he turns his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat.

After the final details are complete, Steven treks into the mountains to hunt. On his return to the cottage, he’s greeted by several police officers and a bloody crime scene.

Accusations fly and Stephen flees into the wilderness. His heart racing and his thoughts No, not Sarah, etching onto his soul.

The wilderness is unforgiving, but Steven faces it head on, in the forms of a massive Grizzly and a black bear. Caught between the two, he barely survives their ‘tug of war.’

Found on death’s door by his uncle, Steven continues his investigation as he heals from multiple injuries. The answers don’t come quick or easy.

Enlisting the aid of his number one suspect, Steven’s led into yet another dangerous situation…

A sniper, who’s made a promise, he intends to keep.

The struggle this time is more than personal…

This one just may cost him his heart.

 

My review:

Detective Steven Quaid wants to give his fiancee, Sarah the Alaskan honeymoon she has longed for at his grandfather's mountain cabin. He returns one October day from hunting and finds several police officers at the cabin. Plus a horrifying crime scene that tears his heart from his chest. Steven flees into the wilderness when he's accused of killing Sarah. Between the bears and the harsh elements, Steven barely survives to start his own investigation. With the help of friends who believe in him, they peel back the layers of the crime to discover something even more frightening. Will he be able to find out what happened to Sarah or will the bears be the least of his worries as he digs deeper into this nightmare?

This third installment of the Detective Quaid Mysteries blew me away. The story is intense and the investigation goes deep. The reader is taken to amazing settings on this journey, and I felt as though I was there. Great details that are genuinely both beautiful and harsh. The characters match this rugged and lovely environment, and even with the big cast, each individual stands out in their own way. I really loved Sarah in this book, more so than the previous two. She still has her compassionate and mystical nature, but she's so much stronger now. Truly admirable. Steven is equal to her strength, pushing through what sometimes seems impossible. The author does love to torture her characters! Be prepared for a fierce adventure that will make you feel like you've had a run-in with a bear. And it will leave you wanting more.

 

Buy the book!

 

Find Yolanda here!

Friday Five for January 29, 2016

1. I've been busy writing up the guest posts for The Paramours Tour next week. Eight stops in five days with a giveaway for a $20 gift card! Come talk about ghosts, inspiration, and the naughty stuff!

2. Big news! The subscribers of my newsletter already heard and now I can share it with everyone. I signed a contract for three more books with my publisher! Woo-hoo! Things are moving along quickly as they did with The Paramours. This time, I'm featuring a trio of lovely Bigfoot researchers out in the Oregon wilderness. The Sasquatch Susies! Who knew that love could be more difficult than finding Bigfoot? The first book is already being edited. I'll keep you updated on the details.

3. Between prepping for the tour, and doctors and dentists appointments, I haven't gotten much written this week. Book #3 of my Totem series has been started, and so far, two of my beta readers loved book #1.

4. This month, I've been drinking in Orphan Black. I'm in the middle of season two and I love it. I often find myself talking in a bad Ukrainian accent like Helena. A problem, I'm going to assume, any fan might have... right? Any other Orphan Black fans out there?

5. Typing with a cat on your lap isn't easy! But he's so darn cute. This isn't my number five this week, though. Today I'm thrilled to share with you Yolanda Renee's new cover for her thrilling mystery, Murder & Obsession. Here it is!

As wedding bells echo like the ring of toasting champagne glasses in the ice carved mountains of Anchorage Alaska, detective Steven Quaid rehabs his grandfather’s cabin into a honeymoon cottage for his new bride.

When he returns from a hunting trip, Steven’s faced with five police officers, who “Want to talk.” Plagued by two unsolved murders, the Department is searching for answers.

The conversation comes to a deafening halt as the team finds a bloody crime scene in the bridal suite. "Where's her body?" is a question Steven cannot fathom. 

Steven’s jaw clenches and his heart races. Images of Sarah streak through his mind.

The silence breaks as an explosion of accusations vibrate through every fiber of his being.

Steven bolts…

Although running is never the smart thing to do, Steven’s not thinking clearly and his escape into the wilderness of the Brooks Range proves almost fatal.

This Steven Quaid mystery is both personal and heartbreaking.

*****

About the author: At one time Alaska called to me and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I've traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries, and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two wonderful sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

You can find Yolanda at:

Blog: Defending the Pen

Facebook

Twitter 

Pinterest

 Amazon

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!

Friday Five for October 9, 2015

1. If you missed it, I was featured earlier this week at Yolanda Renee's blog with some Halloween fun. Find out what creepy super power I'd want and why Halloween is my favorite holiday. Also, check out Yolanda's blog all this month for scary interviews with other authors. We all were given the same start for a story. Read all the different ways we finished it!

2. My mom's been visiting this week. We've had lots of fun. It's going to take at least a week for me to catch up on my online stuff!

3. I ate way too much.

4. I had a breakthrough for settings in a new story. Yes!

5. Maybe some pumpkin patch fun this weekend. And a nap. I really just need a nap.

Have a great weekend!

Reborn cover reveal & What Works and What Doesn't Marketing Symposium

To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.

On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess.

Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.

Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.

Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.

Reborn, book one of The Fate Challenges, by Cherie Reich will be released on May 23, 2014. For more information about Cherie and her work, please visit her website or blog. The cover art is created by Laura Sava. To add on Goodreads, click here. If you'd like to be notified when Reborn releases, please sign up for the newsletter here.

Do you ever wonder why some books become bestsellers while others can barely be given away? Why some businesses succeed and others fail? How does a blog post or a YouTube video manage to go viral? Is it a matter of luck or is there some magic formula for success?

With our wonderful hosts,  Arlee Bird, Yolanda Renee, Jeremy Hawkins, and Alex J. Cavanaugh, maybe we can latch on to some of the secrets and tricks that make success happen or what we might want to avoid. Tell us your stories of success (or not so successful) as we present a blogging event that will help us learn. Tell us about a marketing idea that you've used and what worked or didn't work. Your post could describe a campaign that succeeded in a big or small way or one that failed drastically. Tell us about a business campaign, an organizational event, a fundraiser – anything where a bit of promotion was necessary!

Click here to sign up and visit other participants. Let's share and learn today!

Here's what worked and what didn't work last year during my promotion for the 13th Floor series.

What worked:
- Goodreads giveaway. Lots of exposure. Over 1300 people entered.
- Guest posts with helpful writing tips.
- Making the first book of the series free.

What didn't work:
- Rafflecopter giveaways. I had one each time I released a novella. I progressively got less and less people entering the giveaways as the tours went on.
- Guest posts with interviews, excerpts, or character posts. I did get some comments, but people seemed to have more interest and commented more when I offered them helpful tips.
- Book release tours with several hosts a day. It was too many for people to visit. One host a day seems to be best, or at the very least, much easier on me!

Review for Murder, Madness & Love

Blurb:
Sunlight blazes on an empty canvas.

Arctic winds gather snowflakes on a frosty window ledge as a statuesqueform appears. She moves past a table littered with papers. Headlines splash news of murder, but it’s the photo of another young woman with features mirroring her own that draws her attention.

A different headline peeks from underneath the Anchorage Times.

Wealthy Businessman Dies in Car Crash … BLACK WIDOW SUSPECTED!

Graphic images swirl through her head and a tear rolls down her cheek. She drifts toward an easel and a trembling hand dips a sable brush into a palette of paint.

The Westminster doorbell chimes. The brush slips and blood-red paint stains the floor.

Detective Steven Quaid waits. His Tlingit, Indian features carved from granite, mask his Irish passion …

Will he arrest her this time?

All fingers point to her guilt.

But, is she guilty of this cunning plot? Or, just a victim of circumstantial evidence?

The door opens …

My review:
Having been branded a black widow, Sarah Palmer moves to Alaska where she grew up and hopes she can find the peace she's been seeking. Yet the shadow of her husband's death follows her and darkens are murders of women who look similar to her begin to happen. Detective Steven Quaid always trusts his gut. It has never let him down. At first he distrusts Sarah, but then his feelings for her grow and he finds himself caught in her spell. Maybe his gut was wrong this time. Or could he be the black widow's next victim?

A skillfully crafted crime thriller that has you on the edge of your seat through to the end. Just when you think you might have it figured out, the plot twists again and you're left with new questions. It's difficult to trick me and I don't fall easily for red herrings, but I had no idea how this story would turn out. It was wonderful how all the pieces fit together at the end.

Sarah is a strong protagonist. A woman who you can sympathize with and yet get suspicious of at the same time! I particularly liked Steven Quaid. He played it smart even when his emotions were involved. I can't wait to read more with him in Yolanda Renee's next novel.

Buy Murder, Madness & Love here: 

Amazon * Amazon UK * B&N

Stalk Yolanda Renee on these sites:

Blog * Twitter * Goodreads 

The 13th Floor Collection blog tour scary interview!

I'm giving you a dose of Halloween cuteness before I send you to today's interview.

 That's my boy! Isn't he adorable?

Okay. You're fortified with cute armor.

Click on over to the talented Yolanda Renee's blog for a frightening Halloween interview with me.

Here's one more level of darling to help you!

My little guy wants to be a rocket ship this year.

Friday Five for September 27, 2013

1. It's been a busy week. I'm all set for The 13th Floor Complete Collection blog tour. The book is already available on Amazon and Smashwords. It looks fantastic! Cherie Reich did an excellent job editing and formatting for me. We're making great progress with the print version. It'll definitely be ready for October 13th.

2. Click on over to Heather Musk's blog and read what she thought of the final novella in the 13th Floor series, THE GHOST. She'll be interviewing me on October 11th for my blog tour. Don't miss out!

3. I had a terrific time with Yolanda Renee on Monday. As promised, I used Random.org to pick a winner of an ecopy of MEMORIES OF MURDER. The winner is Catherine Stine! Congratulations, Catherine. I've already informed Yolanda that you were picked. Enjoy the book! Guess what? Yolanda is hosting me during my tour next month too. Join us on the 19th.

4. It's school picture day at my son's preschool. Last year I was the photographer's helper, and the boy refused to smile. This year, I won't be there, so hopefully he'll show them his cute dimples. It's been a long week with four days spent babysitting, a school board meeting, and an optometrist's appointment. Glasses have gotten so expensive!

5. Join me Monday for some creepiness. Julie Flanders' cover reveal for THE GHOSTS OF AQUINNAH and an announcement to give you the chills. In a good way!

Have a fantastic weekend!

An Interview with Crime Writer Yolanda Renee

I'm excited to have the wonderful Yolanda Renee here today. She's the author of MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE, a fantastic tale of crime. Her next book in the series, MEMORIES OF MURDER comes out in a few weeks, and you can win an e-copy! Continue reading to find out how.

1. Your newest book, MEMORIES OF MURDER will be released in just over a week on October 4th. In three sentences or less, get us hooked!

World damnation is a psychotic man’s goal, but two obstacles stand in his way: greed and a dedicated detective.

2. How would you commit the perfect murder?

Believe it or not I've thought about this, probably too much, oh dear, did I just say that as if I've been planning to kill someone. NO! I'm not, but I have thought about it, because I write it. I own books on it, and I've Goggled the hell out of it, so I'll be the first suspect if anyone one close to me dies.

However, if all that weren't the case – I'd most likely choose the typical female weapon – poison. Poison is less messy, if you choose the right one. And I'd try to do it so that the individual dies with the help of poison but during an accident and hopefully forgo the autopsy. I'd also make the poison atypical, so if there is an autopsy the poison won't be easily found. Did I mention I have a Book of Poisons?

3. What three words best describe your protagonist, Detective Steven Quaid?

Passionate, honorable, determined.

4. Are there any real or fictional people who inspired Steven Quaid?

Of all the characters I've created Steven Quaid was an enigma – I had no idea where he came from and just recently figured it out. My first movie star crush was for Steve McQueen when I was a young girl – he had the most beautiful blue eyes, loved motorcycles and fast cars, and was just so cool. Detective Steven Quaid, also has blue eyes, owns a motorcycle and is damn cool. Although, Quaid looks nothing like McQueen, the essence of the real man (or the actor) is there!

5. Why crime stories?

I've always loved murder mysteries along with the great romances so it was a natural progression. Also, I'm very analytical and like to understand the why of things, especially murder.
 
6. What is the most interesting thing you've learned while researching for your books?

In Memories of Murder, I researched Satanism, and found a plethora of information on cults, believers and their temples. I was amazed by the religion, not to mention the mythology surrounding Lucifer and Lilith. Did you know there are over 40 names for the Devil?

Although the most shocking thing I discovered were the number of people named Lucifer. But then again, Lilith is a popular name too. My own grandmother was named Lilly. It is just a name, right?

I didn't want to insult anyone, or their beliefs, so I created my own Satanic religion based on my characters beliefs in a book I called Dominion, it's referenced in my book as a book that Lucifer, the antagonist, has written. Dominion details his beliefs, ceremonies, and prayers. I created a calendar of Blood Sabbaths, rituals and ceremonies, a full wedding ceremony, and the Summons Prayer.

7. Writing crime, you have characters that lie. Are you a good liar?

I'd like to think so, but my husband says I'm not. He's wrong. See how good I am, he believes he's right!
 
8. What's the biggest challenge to writing about murder?

The biggest challenge is creating empathy, while making the act realistic, without being too graphic.

9. What was your favorite childhood game? Your favorite game now?

I was always very competitive, and as a child loved playing cards, and board games, especially Monopoly. We didn't have video games and watching TV was for the adults except Saturday mornings. We would explore the universe pretending the tree was our spaceship, or fight in the old west with the garage serving as Tombstone. Oh dear, there I go aging myself again.

Today, I'm unbeatable at Monopoly, but my husband is the better card player, he counts cards, the cheater!

10. People always describe a writer's style as a flavor. If your books were a flavor, what would they taste like?

My books would be the flavor of dark chocolate, sensual and sweet without being excessive, and sinful yet good for you!

Thanks Christine, for the opportunity to discuss my newest release.

It was a pleasure to chat with you, Yolanda. I can't wait to read your new book!

MEMORIES OF MURDER blurb:
Decades ago, the seeds were planted …

Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smokey mirror in satisfaction.

A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body.

A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold.

In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice?

Only two things stand in his way ...

His greed ...

And ...

Detective Steven Quaid.

An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renee to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun.

She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse.

She now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.

You can stalk Yolanda at these places: Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest 

You can enter to win a copy of MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE on Yolanda's blog, but I'm also giving away an e-copy of MEMORIES OF MURDER to one random commenter! You have until the end of the week to comment. Then I'll pick someone through Random.org. Don't miss out on this chance to win a great crime story.