In The Spotlight: Albion Moon, a #ParanormalRomance by @MLMastran

Happy New Year, Dear Decadent Diva Readers!

I hope you had an excellent New Year's Eve and a good first month of this new year. Let's start 2019 with some new reads, shall we? Here's a new series by Champagne Books author M. L. Mastran. It's a little bit mystery, a little bit paranormal, and yes, there's romance, too.

 

 

Title: Albion Moon
Author: M. L. Mastran
Genre: Mystery, suspense, paranormal romance
Publisher: Champagne Books
Date of Publication: August 2018
ISBN: 978-1-947128-36-1 (e-book)
ISBN: 978-1-947128-37-8 (print)
Page/Word Count: 171 pages / 94,000 words
Cover Artist: Creative Paramita

Stand up and fight or lose everything.

Evaline's brother is missing. She's desperate to find out what happened to him. As she digs deeper into his disappearance, the mystery reveals an ancient family secret carried through the bloodline that began centuries ago in the Scottish Highlands. As this secret from the old world closes in on Evaline, she tries to sort through her disconcerting feelings towards the mysterious Mason. He not only seems to always know when she is in danger, but he is insistent on protecting her, no matter the cost.

As the old world collides with the new, Evaline discovers she must choose to stand and fight or risk losing everything, and everyone, she holds dear.

Champagne Books | Amazon | LuLu | B&N

Albion Moon Excerpt

Over the next couple days, I picked up applications from the couple of banks and other places in town as well as in Shasta, the next town over. On Thursday, Kristy, Lizzy, and I hung out and went for ice cream downtown. We hit a couple of stores as Kristy wanted to get some clothes. I loathed clothes shopping. I peeked at the racks while Kristy tried stuff on and Lizzy weighed in. She got a text. One of the other servers had called off, and Mason needed her to come in.

“I have to get to work. Sorry, Kristy,” Lizzy said.

“That’s fine,” Kristy said. “Can we get some lunch there when we take you in?”

I shook my head slightly at her scheming.

“Absolutely,” Lizzy said, looking at me. “Let’s go.”

We piled into my car and headed out onto Old River Road. It was a great day for a convertible ride. The late summer sun beamed on us as we drove down the road. I had AC/DC blaring, and as we rounded a curve, I heard a siren. Peering into my rearview mirror, I eyed the red flashing police lights atop one of the town’s two SUV police units.

Kristy glanced back. “What the fuck? You weren’t speeding.”

I looked down. I was just below the speed limit. After I pulled over, I got out my registration and insurance. The cop approached my door, and what I saw caused a huge lump to form in my throat. Campbell had a smug look on his face as he spoke. “License, registration, and proof of insurance please.”

I handed them over without making eye contact.

He examined my license, which still had my Sacramento address on it. “A little way from Sacramento, Miss Bennett, aren’t we?”

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Where are you headed right now?” His tone turned from mocking to icy.

“I need to get her to work,” I said, indicating Lizzy.

He eyed Lizzy, who appeared annoyed by his questions. “Oh, a Cowan sister. How fitting. Tell your brother I got a nice cell waiting for him.” She didn’t say anything as his attention moved back to me. “So, are you here on vacation?”

My blood boiled as the dream I had with Jimmy came back to me. I glared at Campbell. “I’m visiting family for a while.”

“So, what is the address you’re staying at in town?”

“What does that matter?” Kristy interrupted any response I was about to make. “What the f—?”

“Smart ass like your brother,” he said, cutting her off. “He’s a great bunk mate for Jonas.”

Now speechless, she sat there.

After opening my door, he indicated for me to move. “Please step out of the vehicle.”

Not wishing to cause a scene, I complied and stood by my car.

He turned me around. “Face your car, hands on the hood.”

Kristy found her voice again. “Are you fucking kidding me? We weren’t doing anything!”

Campbell flashed her a look. “Shut up and don’t move.” He then patted me down. “Do you have any weapons or drug paraphernalia I need to be aware of?” He spun me back to him.

Looking at him dead in the eye, I answered, “No.”

Holding my elbow, he walked me toward his vehicle as he eyed Kristy and Lizzy, who were clearly uncomfortable with what was happening. Despite my apprehension, I followed him. He took me behind his patrol truck and returned my license.

“I suggest you watch yourself, Miss Bennett. These back roads are dangerous, and if something were to happen, it could be quite a while until you’d be found.” My stomach churned as he leaned into me and whispered, “A woman like yourself, all alone, might entice trouble.” He reached for my breast, and I reacted quickly.

Shoving the bottom of my palm up into his lip, I knocked him back but didn’t wait to see his reaction. I returned to my car, got in, then took off. I was sure he was going to follow, but he didn’t.

Kristy turned to me. “We need to report him, Evaline. That was wrong in so many ways.”

Shaking my head, I said, “It will make things worse, trust me. Just forget it, okay?”

She gave Lizzy a concerned look, who then asked, “Why did he take you back there?”

I didn’t say anything as we drove into the parking lot, parked, then got out.

Kristy was still fired up. “This is such bullshit. He made a move on you, didn’t he?”

“Just drop it, Kristy, okay? It’s over. I wanna forget it.”

The dust kicked up in the parking lot as we made our way through the front doors. A few patrons were seated at the bar, and several booths and tables were occupied. We headed to an open booth as Lizzy returned to the back.

While still a bit shaken from the encounter, I pondered what had just happened. A knot was in the pit of my stomach as thoughts raced through my mind.

Does he know I know what he is? Will he try to hurt what family I have left? Will he hurt me to find out what I know? I thought of my dream again—Jimmy had warned me. Or will he kill me?

About M. L. Mastran

Nothing captures the attention of M.L. Mastran more than writing a good story with amazing characters and a history arc that made the history books. This is Albion Moon in every sense. Whether being told from a one character perspective or several points of view, her stories will unfold in your mind like a movie playing in your head. This is what pushes M.L to write her stories. It’s the thrill of the read and the drive to carry readers away that will make this trip to the literary world of imagination all the sweeter.

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M. L. Mastran's Rafflecopter Giveaway
M. L. Mastran is giving away One (1) signed copy of Albion Moon, open to US Shipping. To enter her tour's official rafflecopter giveaway, visit her Albion Moon Tour Giveaway Page.

 
............. That's all for now, Dear Readers. Have a great February! Since there's no 30th of February, I'll be back here on March 30th with some exciting news about my vampire series and other book fun! :-)

xo,
Celia

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G tube Surgery Complications by Jennifer Kacey

A lot of you have been following my health struggles for the past couple years. Well the endish of last year I finally had to get a feeding tube because my malnutrition was kicking my ass. Well, in special snowflake style, the surgery that was supposed to get me a GJ feeding tube (gastrojejunostomy feeding tube) they were only able to place the G portion which you can see in the pic below.
THEN I had horrible secondary complications from the surgery. None of my surgeons or GI's or nurses or anyone could figure out what was going on.
Thankfully I turned to several feeding tube blogs to figure it out.
Where my tube was placed, not to mention the sutures which complicated everything further, it hit a bundle of nerves in my abdomen. It triggers massive muscle cramping and pain on my left side. Horrible horribly cramping and pain. I've never felt pain like this.
Most of the people that had the same complications got relief after a few days. Nobody longer than a week. And mine just kept going and going.
I'm now.....hmm.....93 days as of today post that surgery. And I've had pain and cramping every single day. It's been rough and I'm hoping pain management, who I'm meeting with on the 29th will be able to help.

Here's my journey....GO TEAM!!!


Decadently Yours,
Jennifer Kacey

Jennifer Kacey is a writer, mother, and business owner living with her miniman in Texas and New York. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.

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Hot Read for a Cold Winter Day

These winter days are long and cold. Need something to help you warm up? Grab a mug of hot chocolate, a fluffy throw blanket, and a good book.

Days fueled by desire . . .

Annabelle Lee is content to spend her days as a quiet and staid librarian, revealing her true desires only at night, when she indulges in the rich erotic life that lives only in her fantasies. It is there she dreams of Mike Sloan, the rugged handyman who stirs her passions and ignites her erotic nature.

Nights filled with pleasure . . .

Mike has always yearned to get a peek behind Annabelle’s demure nature, knowing there is far more there than she shows. When he finally gets her alone, they unleash a passion beyond any late-night fantasy. Limited only by their imaginations, they set out to explore even their deepest desires, with Mike hoping to win Annabelle’s heart in the process.

This is a fully revised edition of a book originally published in 2004 as Annabelle Lee.

EXCERPT:

“I heard you were hot.”

At the sound of the deep, masculine voice, Annabelle came up from the floor behind her desk so fast she smacked her head on the corner. “Ouch.” She sat back on her heels and rubbed the back of her head as she glared at the man standing in front of her.

Mike Sloan. She groaned inwardly, resisting the urge to dive back under her desk and stay there. Might have known. It seemed that she was doomed to be at her worst whenever he was around. He leaned against the side of her doorway, all six feet three inches of rugged male perfection.

At least in her mind he was perfect. His face wasn’t classically handsome, but strong. The bump on his nose suggested that it had been broken, maybe more than once, and his soulful brown eyes were deep-set. His hair was a rich brown and just a bit too long for fashion. He usually kept it tied back with a leather thong. And his lips. Yum. Not too thin and not too thick. Just right for kissing.

Oh, Lord, she was just sitting here on the floor, staring at the man. What was it about him that made her lose all common sense?

He’d asked her a question. Hadn’t he? “What was it you said?” She strove for her best librarian’s voice. The one that said “I’m in charge of the situation.” It worked well for six-year-olds. But from the way Mike was grinning, it obviously wasn’t working with him. She sighed, totally disgusted with herself.

His deep voice washed over her. She loved the sound of it, so well suited to seduction. She should know. It was the same voice that seduced her in her dreams several nights a week. She could sit there all day and contentedly listen to him recite the phone book. In fact, she was enjoying listening to him speak so much she’d missed what he’d said yet again.

Striving for dignity, she smoothed back any errant strands of hair that had escaped the strict confines of her bun and tried again. “I’m sorry. The knock on the head must have shaken me up. What was it you said?”

“I said I heard you’re hot, Annabelle.” The half smile on his face was knowing, as if he were somehow privy to her lascivious thoughts.

She could feel the blush cover her cheeks and resisted the temptation to slap her hands over them to hide the telltale color. Oh, my Lord. Had he noticed her watching him whenever she’d run into him in town?

Had he guessed that she thought he was the sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on? His brown eyes sparkled as they swept her from head to foot. Was it her imagination or had his eyes grown darker since last time she’d seen him? His gaze seemed to linger on her mouth. On her lips. The memory of what her lips had been doing in her dreams hit her full force. They were suddenly parched, and she licked them, trying to ease their dryness. It didn’t help. Her gaze dropped to the front of his jeans before she jerked it back to his face.

Mike stood stock-still in the doorway, his eyes intently following the progress of her tongue across her lips. His entire body tensed. He closed his eyes and exhaled heavily, seeming like a man nearing the end of his patience. Shaking his head, he opened his eyes again and his body relaxed into its former pose. As she continued to stare, that little grin of his curved up once again. The tension-filled moment passed as if it never happened.

She was getting herself worked up over nothing. There was no way he could possibly know about her dreams—hot, steamy nighttime fantasies that ended way too soon and left her drenched in sweat when she woke. No, he couldn’t know about those. She’d never told a soul. She hardly even let herself think about them, at least not in the daytime. When she crawled into bed at night was a different story.

She knew he was still waiting on her, so she summoned up her frostiest smile. It had been tried and tested and was guaranteed to let a man know she wasn’t interested or amused.

“What do you mean by that comment?

BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01CPPBGPK
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/621303
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1nwflrC
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/uncovering-Annabelle
  

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

 

Visit me at:

Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/awakeningdesires/info
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

 

Kris Michaels: Master of Romantic Suspense

I have met a lot of writers in the past few years, most of whom were already well established when I met them. When I met Kris Michaels she had a few books under her belt and we were at a book signing where no readers showed up.We got to know each other and became friends, enjoying bourbon and conversation.

Since then, determined to become a full-time writer, Kris has  has written more than 20 books. It's amazing to me how many great books she's written  in such a short time. She has a military background and writes wonderful romantic suspense. If you're looking for a new author to read, Kris's Kings of Guardians series and the spinoff  Guardian Shadow World are a great choice. As one of her readers put it:

"Kris has crafted brilliantly, stories that are rife with intrigue, nail biting suspense, hot steamy take-a-cold-shower-to-cool-down romance, all wrapped up in rapier sharp humour! The attention to detail and accuracy is on point. Every book in this series can be read as a stand alone, but the magical treasure is the solid storyline that is woven seamlessly into and through each characters story in all the Kings of Guardian books. So much so, when you are finished one book, you are salivating for the next."

                                                          The one to start with is Jacob.

Victoria Marshall didn't cooperate by dying in the Afghani hell-hole as the CIA expected. 

Defying all probability, a privately-funded black ops group led by a handsome, sexy-as-sin southerner pulled her out of the warlord's prison cell and brought her home. Even half out of her mind with pain Tori knew this man was special. She made a date with the commander to meet one year later at a restaurant of his choice. Keeping that date was the best thing she ever did. 

Jacob King was attracted to the personality of the woman he saved from the warlord’s camp. Although it was hard to see what lay under the filth and suppurating wounds she suffered from countless beating, he admired her brave humor in the face of her agonizing injuries. This kind of tough-minded woman was someone he'd like to know, admittedly he never expected the leggy, blond bomb-shell in the red dress who showed up for their date. 

But then he never expected she would save his life, either. In a world of shadows, deceit, and dangerous covert missions, where people routinely vanish and living one more day was never a given, Tori and Jacob fight to build their happily ever after. 


Come visit me on my website to find out about my books. I also have a reader group where I post news about upcoming books and recipes on TastyTuesday. It's called Rose's Garden of Delights. I would also love it if you would like my author page RoseCCaroleAuthor. I would love the opportunity to meet you at some of the events around the country but I need to have more of a following to get into the bigger ones. Your liking my page will help me do that.

Website: www.roseccarole.com

Twitter:@roseccarole

 Facebook www.facebook.com/rose.c.carole.73

EXCERPT ALERT FROM THE SUBMISSIVE MUSE

Now that the holidays are over and life has calmed down a bit I've turned to reading more. When the weather is chilly and the days grey and wet, getting lost in a novel is the perfect escape for me. I leave you with an excerpt from my latest erotic novel, The Submissive Muse, a story of two damaged people who end up saving each other. Enjoy!

(Click cover to read on Kindle Unlimited)

“I’m sorry?”

Devan heard John Wolfe’s words, but they didn’t make any sense. He was out drinking with him again, developing quite a taste for expensive whiskey. The man spared no expense when it came to liquor. And he turned out to be a decent guy, instead of the arrogant, spoiled prick Devan had assumed initially. The man hadn’t had an easy life. He’d grown up poor, without a dad. His mother worked all the time just to put food on the table. Quite the opposite of how Devan had grown up.

Dr. Wolfe had indeed worked hard to get where he was. He adored his wife, she adored him; it sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime love. Which was why, when he heard John’s proposition, Devan asked him to repeat it. Twice.

“Exactly one year from my death I want you to seek out my wife. Befriend her, watch over her, make her smile again. In return, I’ll compensate you greatly.”

“Compensate me?”

“I’ll pay all your medical bills, plus a monthly allowance.”

Devan shook his head in an attempt to clear it. The alcohol had made his thinking fuzzy.

“I don’t understand what you’re asking me to do.”

“I need to make sure Elizabeth will be all right after I’m gone, that she’ll find joy and purpose again."

He let out a short laugh. “And I’m the person you’re choosing for the job? Are you kidding?"

John’s expression was as serious as the day Devan first met him. “I assure you, I’ve thought this through."

“Does your wife know what you’re asking?” He wasn’t even sure what John was asking. “Absolutely not. She’s never to know about this.”

“You want me to seek out your beloved wife and fuck her out of her grief?”

John lunged for him across the table, grabbing the front of Devan’s shirt. “If you ever use the term fuck again when referring to my wife, so help me, I’ll kill you.”

“Get your hands off me.” His voice was menacingly low.

A few more seconds passed before he released him. John leaned back, inhaling deeply. “You’re not used to losing control, are you? I can see it all over your face.” So, he and the good doctor had something in common after all. Devan tried his best to hide his delight over this revelation.

“It’s crucial I know my wife will be taken care of after my death.”

“Don’t you have friends, family?”

“What I’m asking of you is different than what any of our friends or family can do.” “I’m not clear on what it is you’re asking me to do.”

“I want Elizabeth to have someone to...”

“To what?”

He didn’t answer.

“Have you told her about your diagnosis yet?”

“Yes. As expected, she didn’t take it well.”

Devan imagined Elizabeth’s luminous eyes darkening with tears.

“In all her optimistic splendor, she believes I’ll be able to overcome this.”

“Don’t underestimate the power of hope and prayer.”

His mouth twisted. “You’re just as naïve as she. Science and statistics are what I rely on, not wishful thinking. Facts don’t lie, and the fact is I’m going to die.”

“Miracles happen.”

“So do supposed UFO sightings, but it doesn’t mean I believe in them.”

He had to respectfully disagree. More than once, Devan had collapsed to his knees with a blade in his hands, begging God to quiet his mind so he didn’t have to be the one to do it. Many late nights, when his body was physically exhausted, but sleep eluded him because his mind wouldn’t shut down, he prayed for mercy. That he was still on this earth was a miracle.

“Look, John, as much as I’m flattered by the offer to take care of your wife once you’re gone, you have to admit you’re not thinking clearly right now. You don’t know me. I don’t know your wife. I barely know you. What you’re asking is absurd.”

“Perhaps. But you don’t understand our situation. Our past.”

“Would it matter if I did?”

“Maybe.” His hands formed a steeple on the table. “I’m afraid my wife won’t fare well alone. She’s prone to depression, and with me gone...I’m worried...” He swallowed. “I will make her promise me to stay alive for one year after my death, but after that...”

“You think she’ll kill herself?”

“Elizabeth needs certain dynamics in her life. She needs a purpose.”

“There are plenty of grief support groups. She can volunteer, train a service animal.”

“It’s not the same as having a live-in companion.”

“For someone who’s proven to be pretty level-headed, you sound insane. What do you expect me to do, knock on her door in a year and ask to move in? Tell her you hired me to take care of her?”

“Absolutely not. She could never know about our plan.”

Our plan? The guy was nuts. The tumor had to be affecting his thought processes. Devan stared at him, open-mouthed. He’d been asked to do a lot of crazy things in his lifetime, but this one shot to the top of the list.

“Think about it. All your money problems could be solved. How much do you need to move into an apartment?”

“Eleven hundred, but that’s not—”

“I can guarantee there will be permanent damage to your eye if you don’t take care of it soon.”

Hearing those words out loud was much grimmer than thinking them. It gave Devan a moment’s pause, but only a moment. 

“Thanks for the offer, but I’ve found out the hard way that when money’s involved, along with forced gratitude, someone always gets screwed.”

“Why don’t you take some time to consider my offer? In the meantime...” John searched his phone. He took a pen from his jacket pocket and scribbled something on a napkin. “Call this number and make an appointment. Don’t worry about the cost. I’ll have him bill me.”

“I don’t think so.”

“You’re not obligated to me for this. I’d simply hate to see you lose the eye.” He pulled out a thick wad of bills fastened by a silver money clip with the engraved initials JB and laid out eleven one hundred dollar bills on the table. “I’m sorry to drink and run, but there’s a patient I need to check in on at the hospital. Stay and finish your drink.”

“Yeah, sure. Don’t worry about it. Thanks again.”

“Call the doctor,” he reminded Devan, and then he was gone.

Devan stared at the pile of money. Eleven hundred dollars. The exact amount he needed to rent the room. In an upscale lounge like this, no one would expect a customer to skip out without paying. He could easily take it all and leave. His problems would be solved. Well, not all of them, but at least the housing one.

He didn’t owe John Wolfe anything. Why did people with money always think they had all the control and power? Devan wasn’t for sale. Sure, he was down on his luck at the moment, but he’d swing up again. He always did.

* * *

Tiffany N. York moved to CA to get away from the cold weather of back east, and now shivers when it gets below 65 degrees. You can visit her website at tiffanynyorkauthor.com

Starting the Year Off Right....with Kidney Stones by Jennifer Kacey

So for a few days right at the end of the year I felt funky. Not awful, but funky. And different than my normal funky...but familiar at the same time. :P

I let it go for a couple days assuming it would settle down. Instead it got awful and I ended up in the Emergency room REALLY early the morning of New Year's Eve. And here is the story..... Blek!


PS - and I'm in the planning stages of writing again. It's been a while since I was able to write since my health has been so squirrely for the past couple years. But I have the next story in the Coming Home Series all mapped out. With Enough Courage is the title and that line is from Gone with the Wind which ties into some of the characters in this book!!!
This will follow No Place Like Home that started the series which has the Wizard of Oz woven through the story!! Cover below. I loves that story so much....

Love at first sight is more than just a dream.

In high school, Bianca Charleston had a crush on Cole, but she was a nobody. Nothing but a wallflower so invisible he never knew she existed.

Things have changed, and she’s finally ready to show off her new bombshell look. Sort of. Maybe. After a one-sided pep talk with her cat, she comes home to help with the annual carnival, no longer the girl who faded into the background, Charlie discovered there’s even more to Cole than she ever imagined.

FBI field officer Cole Johnson doesn’t have an easy job, but his life was good. Uncomplicated. And he was happy or so he thought. Then in walks Charlie, a blonde with killer…everything. Suddenly he’s mentally clearing his schedule for a rare night out.

While Charlie doesn’t do one-night stands, somehow after-dinner dessert is served up against the wall of her hotel room. Both must get rid of preconceived notions of love and family to find their happiness and discover…there’s No Place Like Home.

Wanna get ready for book 2? Then here are links to get book 1!!

Amazon – https://goo.gl/GIyFb7

B&N – https://goo.gl/wcV6C3

Smashwords – https://goo.gl/jRKlEW

Kobo – https://goo.gl/0dVBvO

Itunes – https://goo.gl/VhAjtS

Print Amazon – https://goo.gl/Py49Jo

 


I'm excited so send me good joojoo so I can actually find the time and energy to do it! Can't wait to show you guys Kia's happy ending!! :P

Decadently Yours,
Jennifer Kacey

Jennifer Kacey is a writer, mother, and business owner living with her miniman in Texas and New York. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.

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