Monday, October 28, 2013

Book Blast: Summerset Abbey



SUMMERSET ABBEY
by T. J. Brown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Reminiscent of Downton Abbey, this first novel in a new series follows two sisters and their maid as they are suddenly separated by the rigid class divisions within a sprawling aristocratic estate and thrust into an uncertain world on the brink of WWI...

Rowena and Victoria, daughters to the second son of the Earl of Summerset, have always treated their governess’s daughter, Prudence, like a sister. But when their father dies and they move in with their uncle’s family in a much more traditional household, Prudence is relegated to the maids’ quarters, much to the girls’ shock and dismay. The impending war offers each girl hope for a more modern future, but the ever-present specter of class expectations makes it difficult for Prudence to maintain a foot in both worlds.

Vividly evoking both time and place and filled with authentic dialogue and richly detailed atmosphere, Summerset Abbey is a charming and timeless historical debut.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:  A lump rose in her throat as she caught sight of the ornate casket, draped with a full spray of lilies, carnations, and palm fronds. The only reason she was here, clutching Rowena’s and Victoria’s hands in hers instead of shrinking into the background with the other servants, was the kindness of the man who lay inside. After Prudence’s father had died, her mother, who had worked at Sir Philip’s estate as a girl, had been sent to attend to Rowena and Victoria’s ailing mother. When his wife died, Sir Philip asked her to stay on to help raise the girls, and Prudence, exactly between his daughters in age, became part of the family. Prudence, who volunteered her time at several different poorhouses in the city, knew exactly what happened to young girls left alone in the world. She would forever be grateful to Sir Philip for not allowing that to happen to her.

She blinked away her tears and occupied herself by looking at the rest of the congregation. Only a few looked familiar. Among them were Rupert Brooke, the high-strung and handsome young poet; Ben Tillett, the iron-jawed union leader; and Roger Fry, the controversial artist responsible for bringing London’s shocked attention to postimpressionism some years prior. These were some of Sir Philip’s friends, a motley collection of artists, intellectuals, and misfits.

Because the Earl had arranged the funeral, most of the people in attendance were his peers, men from the House of Lords and others from the cream of London society.

Sir Philip would have hated it.

The beautiful gold arches and polished marble of St. Bride’s Church gleamed, just as they had the few times the family had attended church. Sir Philip had chosen St. Bride’s because, as he used to say, “Sir Christopher Wren built the kind of church that God might actually enjoy.”

Gradually, Prudence became aware of a young man staring at her from across the aisle. Her eyes darted in his direction, then away. Moments later, unable to help herself, she glanced back to see whether he was still looking at her. He was. She turned slightly and stared fixedly at the bronze candelabra to the left of him, her cheeks burning.

Victoria leaned around her to whisper to Rowena. “Look, Lord Billingsly has noticed our Prudence.”

“I’m right here,” Prudence whispered, and gave both their hands a hard squeeze for emphasis.

She didn’t look his way again.

Once the service started, Prudence sank into a well of grief that threatened to drown her. The waves of it lapped at her from all sides, covered her head, and made sight almost impossible. Inside, her heart broke and a waterfall of sorrow poured from the cracks. On one side, Victoria sobbed quietly, while Rowena’s stiff resolve buoyed her from the other. She clung to their hands as the service passed in a blur of speeches.

They remained that way until it was time to get into the ornate black and gold funeral carriages that would take them back to their home in Mayfair for the reception. Behind the carriages stood a line of motorcars; most of the wealthy guests had long given up their carriages for the convenience and speed of automobiles. The Earl himself had several, and Sir Philip’s sleek Eton-blue Belsize sat idle in the carriage house, but the Earl insisted on traditional horse-drawn carriages.

“Miss Tate will ride in the staff carriage.” The Earl’s voice brooked no opposition and his square jaw firmed. Prudence knew that look. Rowena’s pretty face held the same expression when she got all stubborn about something.

Victoria’s eyes widened. “Prudence rides with us.”

“Nonsense. The Duke of Plymouth wishes to join us and there isn’t enough room.”

Prudence placed her hands on Victoria’s shoulders. Tension vibrated through the young girl’s slender body and Prudence’s stomach knotted, sure that Victoria was going to throw a fit, the kind she used to throw when the family still called her baby and she wanted the biggest sweet in the shop. Even at eighteen, Victoria wasn’t above a tantrum or two if she thought the situation warranted it. But her waiflike face suddenly fell and her lower lip trembled.

“It’ll be all right,” Prudence whispered. “I’ll go back with the staff and meet you at home.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~








AUTHOR Bio and Links:

TJ Brown is proud of her two children but coming in a close second is the fact that she parachuted out of a plane and beat the original Legend of Zelda video game. Her young adult historical about Harry Houdini’s illegitimate daughter came out in June from Balzer+Bray. She also writes adult historicals under TJ Brown. She resides with her husband and way too many pets in Portlandia.
@teribrownwrites



You can get Summerset Abbey @ B & N today for $1.99

Giveaway: The author will be awarding autographed copies of books two and three of the series, A Bloom in Winter and Spring Awakening to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour


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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Bowties Are Cool

The Eleventh Doctor started it all. Allow me to show you a few reasons why bowties are in fact, very cool.


Mika proves that not only are bowties cool, but so are funny plaid suits!


Bill Nye has always known bowties were cool, but never more so than on Dancing With The Stars!


Heck, even Ashton Kutcher knows they are cool! Waves to Kelso!


Aw hell....and when it comes to David Tennant...everything is cool



Monday, October 21, 2013

Cover Reveal: Waking Sarah - Krystal Shannan


WAKING SARAH
Vegas Mates, Book 3

Council threats and Renata’s deadly attack leave the Vegas pack scrambling to regroup…

Heartbroken over the death of her fiancé and tortured by a voice in her mind that’s haunted her since childhood, Sarah McLain learns her true ancestry after attending her best friend Margaret’s wedding. Can the pack save Sarah from the darkness that threatens to overwhelm her? Or will the wolf inside drive her over the edge before they can show her being a supernatural being is a good thing?

Chris Michaels is in charge of training the new latent werewolves at the O’Hearn mountain inn, now known as Woodhaven. His focus is tested when he finds out the beautiful but sad redhead, Sarah McLain, is his trainee.  The connection he feels to her is strong but not magickal, and his wolf claims it foolish to listen to his human instincts.  Can Chris heal her broken heart in time, or will he lose the woman he knows is perfect for him.

WAKING SARAH – COMING NOVEMBER 3rd – KRYSTAL SHANNAN

~Short Excerpt~

PROLOGUE

Sarah’s mind drifted as her friend Margaret recited her vows and became Scott O’Hearn’s wife. She stood silently holding the bridal bouquet. They were calla lilies. She would have been carrying calla lilies two weeks from today. They were her favorite and Brad always got some for her on her birthday.
Her thoughts moved to the unworn wedding dress hanging in the back of her mother’s closet. When she glanced up at Scott, the look of adoration he had for Margaret nearly broke her heart all over again. Brad would have looked at her like that. 
Margaret had practically begged her to stand as her maid of honor. Sarah wanted to be here for her friend’s wedding. She really did. But neither Margaret nor Sam knew she’d been engaged to Brad. None of them knew she and Brad had picked out a wedding date. Or that it was two weeks from today. September twenty-second. They hadn’t had the time to tell anyone…
She shook her head and sniffed quietly, clearing the image from her mind.
Now, he was dead. That future they’d both been so excited to share with their friends had been stolen.
Nearly six months had passed since she’d gotten a life-altering knock on the door from two Houston police detectives. Sorry to inform you, but life-as-you-know-it has just ended. That’s not what they’d said, but it might as well have been.
She’d dropped out of college and come home to Vegas to find one Sam already married and Margaret in a rapidly-becoming-serious relationship and now married as of today. Margaret had told her earlier that day she’d wanted to get married in May, but somehow her big bear of a fiancé convinced her September would be better weather. Of course, Margaret had also shared they’d had a few snafus getting the inn up and running again, too. It was an older building. So the extra time had been needed to accommodate the repairs needed to house everyone.
Sure.
She’d listened to Margaret ramble on, but most of it had fallen on deaf ears.
The happiness in the room was suffocating. She should be happy for her friends, but she wasn’t. Then she felt guilty. Their lives weren’t perfect. Both Sam and Margaret had both recently lost their fathers. She couldn’t imagine losing her Dad, but right now the only thing her mind kept circling back to was that they both had their soul mates.
Hers was gone.
The forests outside the inn called to her soul. Dark thoughts of disappearing into the forest forever crossed through her mind. It was a big mountain. Her dreams over the last few days here had tortured her sleep and she’d doubled up on her prescription just to make it through the night. The pills helped silence the voice, but no treatment or therapy had ever successfully gotten rid of it.
She was so tired of the pain.


Meet the Author:
Paranormal Romance author, Krystal Shannan, lives in Texas and is married to the love-of-her-life. They have a spunky young daughter who believes in fairies. Krystal professes to loving shoes, but avoids wearing them at all costs. She teaches in the public schools and writes as much as she can in her free time. If any more spare time can be squeezed from her day, she enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. If it has a 'Happily Ever After', she's on board!



Krystal Shannan
Putting Magick in Romance one Soul Mate at a Time.
___________________________________
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Friday, October 18, 2013

Book Blitz: Laura DeLuca - Hyde





Book Info:

Title: Hyde (Dark Musicals Trilogy)
Author: Laura DeLuca
Genres: Romantic Suspense, Young Adult Romance
Categories: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Pagan Writers Press
Release Date: 7/29/2013
Heat Level: Sweet
Word Count: 102,000

Synopsis:

Rebecca Hope has looked death in the face twice and lived to tell her tale.
She and the love of her life, Justyn Patko, land a summer internship at a local dinner theater, performing the musical Hyde. While they are excited about their first paid acting gig, they soon find themselves surrounded by more experienced cast mates, jealous of their success. As if the tension isn’t bad enough, they soon discover that the business might be a front for something much more sinister.
When Justyn is accused of a crime that she knows he would never commit, Rebecca must decide if she wants to follow her head or her heart. While trying to prove his innocence, she makes a shocking discovery of her own.

Everyone has something to conceal in the grand finale of the Dark Musicals Trilogy. Rebecca has to look beyond the façade to discover the true Hyde or face her final curtain call.

Goodreads: 


Excerpt: 
The act ended with Hyde grabbing hold of a scantily dressed Lucy and pulling her into his arms. Then the lights on the stage were extinguished, and the silent crowd suddenly burst into thunderous applause—even some of the cast was clapping. Rebecca couldn’t help but notice Steve was watching the fanfare with a frown, especially when Fernando, dressed for the next scene as the butler, clapped Justyn on the back with undisguised approval and pride. Rebecca had the distinct feeling Steve was plotting something sinister and definitely Hyde-worthy.
From that point on, Justyn scarcely had a moment out of the spotlight. Rebecca didn’t even get a chance to tell him how fabulous he was. It felt as though the show had only begun when Rebecca found herself decked out in the splendid Victorian wedding gown signaling the final act was about to begin. The dress came complete with realistic bell sleeves, an excessive bustle, and a long, flowing trail embroidered with delicate lace. The elaborate wardrobes and happy wedding guests gave the audience the illusion that it might be a happy ending after all, but for Dr. Jekyll and Emma, that wasn’t meant to be. As soon as the reverend began to recite the vows, Hyde made his final deadly appearance.
At the beginning of the scene, it was sweet and romantic. Justyn started out holding her hand, looking happy, almost ecstatic to be with his true love. Then he suddenly started to sway. Tom, in his role of John, the best man, tried to steady him, but there wasn’t anything he could do to stop the transformation. Dr. Jekyll doubles over in agony and tries to run before Emma can see him change into a monster. Justyn was supposed to head toward the back of the stage where Rebecca would pursue him and eventually become Hyde’s captive. But they should have known no opening night could ever go exactly as planned, especially when it was obvious at least half the cast was out to get them.
Just as Justyn stumbled across the stage, Steve, who was blending in with the other guests on the sidelines, stuck out his foot. It was doubtful anyone else observed the sabotage, aside from Petya, who was smirking at her husband’s side. But Rebecca was at the perfect vantage point to see the intentional attack. Unfortunately, Justyn was so wrapped up in the role he didn’t notice the danger, especially since his loose hair was dangling in front of his eyes. Before Rebecca could cry out a warning, Justyn’s foot was caught in the snare. With a grunt, he tumbled off the side of the stage. Even over the background music and the gasps from the audience, Rebecca heard the loud thump as he hit the ground. She raised her hands to her mouth and couldn’t help but scream.


Author Bio:
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player and Demon. She also has short stories featured in two anthologies called HerStory and A Celtic Tapestry.

Purchase Phantom
Purchase Demon



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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Shades of Pink



Shades of Pink Charity Anthology


As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For this occasion, 33 authors have allied for 1 cause: fundraising for research. Their gift to everyone who makes a donation? A romance anthology (ebook) titled Shades of Pink, totaling over 200.000 words / about 500 pages as a PDF.

The suggested donation is $5. Funds are raised via Stayclassy.org and all proceeds go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can Donate Here. Readers can also donate to the charity organization of their choice (with a focus on breast cancer) and email their receipt to receive their copy of the anthology in either PDF, ePub or mobi (kindle).

Who: Kate Baum, Brei Betzold, Jean Booth, Catherine Bowman, Perci T. Brooks, Rose Caraway, Bethan Cooper, Sarah Daltry, Vivien Dean, JJ Ellis, Rachel Firasek, Sabrina Garie, Amber Green, T. Hammond, Lisa M. Harley, Susan Harris, K. R. Haynes, Ellie Heller, Laura Hunsaker, Jennifer James, Torie James, Kallysten, K.A. Linde, C. Deanne Rowe, DJ Shaw, Madeline Sheehan, Eden Summers, Gill Taber, J Annas Walker, Matthew Welch, Kristin L. Wilson, Zoe York, Angela Yseult


When: October through November 15th.


What: 33 short stories, including…
·      30 M/F, 1.5 M/M, 1.5 M/F/M
·      4 paranormal, 2 sci-fi, 19 contemporary, 3 historical, 1 BDSM, 9 fantasy, 3 YA (some stories have more than one genre)
·      4 spicy (ménage or kink), 15 sexy (explicit sex scenes), 14 sweet (no sex)
·      A handful of vampires, about four dozen humans including fighters, cursed humans, reincarnated souls, footballers, time travelers, bosses, secretaries, writers, rock stars, teens, witches, soldiers, wives, husbands and fiancés, 1 succubus, 1 genie, 1 extra-terrestrial princess, a few gods and goddesses, a pack of werewolves.
·      Pink, pink and more pink, including cherry blossoms, jewelry,  flamingoes, silk, a leather collar, assorted flowers, hair, a car, lip gloss, champagne, a hair ribbon, a hippo, various clothing items, lemonade and a toy.



Here you’ll find teasers for all the stories, interviews of the authors posted during all of October, and of course the link where you can donate and help this worthy cause.

The following authors have contributed a story for this project 

Monday, October 14, 2013

The State Of Pop Music

Here are some random musings from the Music Whore...

Bubblegum music is not dead...Have you heard Katy Perry's Roar? This song is proof that bubblegum music is still alive and well and not always made by tweenybopper stars. Thank god for that.

Katy Perry's music is never going to change your life, but when you listen to it, you can't help but feel good.  Plus her videos are the best ever.

I am not embarrassed at all to say, I love this song. It makes me smile and sing a long every time I hear it.




Next up let me talk about Miley Cyrus. Sometimes I wish this girl would just go away. The things she's done for shock value aren't really so much shocking as they are nauseating, but they got the world talking and taking notice, something they didn't do with her last album.

So now they are talking..and guess what....Wrecking Ball isn't a bad song. It isn't a fantastic, groundbreaking song, but it does prove that Miley is more than just a Disney pop tart. She's a regular ole' pop tart now.

I only wish she wasn't trying to be Madonna, or Gaga or Britney.

Seriously...I don't need to see your camel toe..and everyone should stop twerking...especially with men that are almost old enough to be your dad.

But again..the video aside, which is rather bleh...Wrecking Ball won't make your ears bleed. And the video really is tastefully done. I'm more of the mind that the people fussing are just jealous they aren't built like Miley. Hell, I wish I were built like Miley.

As for her VMA performance..that was just fucking weird..but a totally awesome PR stunt that worked perfectly.

And parents, get over the fact that she was Hannah Montana. She's old enough to make her own decisions.

Plus a little FYI celebrities should in no way be considered role models for your kids, m'kay...same goes for athletes. (If they want to do commercials for fast food..its a free country..they are allowed...get over  yourselves!)



Now let's talk real music....the kind that doesn't need PR or flashy stuff to get you talking.

The Lumineers Ho Hey...is truly one of the best examples of folk/Americana...ever. I have to admit..I've labeled this band as Starbucks music. It makes me want to curl up with a book and a pumpkin spice latte and read while my foot taps in time with the music



Lastly...I've been loving on Mika again. How can you not love Mika? Underwater is one of the most beautiful videos I've ever seen and seriously...it sounds like vintage Duran Duran...



Saturday, October 12, 2013

Easy Chicken & Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 32 oz cartons of Chicken stock/broth
1 rotisserie chicken
3 cups of flour
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups of water
salt

Directions:

Debone and shredded the cooked chicken.

Pour the stock/broth into a dutch oven or soup pot and bring to a boil.

For the dumplings

Mix the flour, eggs, water & salt and combine until sticky.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the boiling broth. (When they are done, they will rise to the top) Stir occasionally so the dumplings don't stick to the bottom of the pot.
Let simmer so that the broth thickens from the flour in the dumplings.
About 10-20 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded chicken.


Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Album Review: Mika - The Origin Of Love


The Origin of Love is the latest album by Mika and the followup to 2009's The Boy Who Knew Too Much.

While it is still an album full of synth pop goodness that all fans are used to, The Origin of Love shows a more mature side of Mika.

Sure there are quite a few of the catchy pop songs that Mika is known for, most notably the first single "Celebrate" and "Love You When I'm Drunk" though none of them have the energy found on "We Are Golden."

Not that he wants to do that.

After all, there is one song that will make you forget all else on this album and that is "Popular Song" which is a reworking of the song from Wicked. It is a duet with Priscilla Renea. However the better version of this song is featured on Adriana Grande's Yours Truly album.

There's also the super cute "Emily" that is the English version "Elle Me Dit." This song is pure Mika in the vein of his first two albums.

"Underwater" is another single that sounds a bit like Duran Duran, if Simon had the sweeping, lush vocals that Mika possesses.

The themes of most songs remain the same, lost love, like "Stardust" that will have younger fans and their mom's willing to give Mika a big ole hug.

Though this album can't compare with his first two in terms of crazy pop goodness, you can't help but love it. Mika has definitely grown as a songwriter and that is evidenced on tracks like "Lola" and the title track, but he is also an artist that knows what his fans want. So there's no real shortage of great dance tracks that make you want to sing along at the top of your lungs.

The other thing about Mika's music, is that his lyrics speak to the underdogs. Again, take note of "Popular Song" which takes digs at all the bullies out there.

So while this album isn't quite like the first two, it is a pleasing listen and one that is bound to make listeners smile.

Watch: Celebrate



Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sunday, October 6, 2013

The Song I Love The Most Today: Mika - Popular Song

I'm really annoyed that The Tonight Show doesn't have the clip from his performance on Oct 1st up on the site.

Seriously, Mika, you should have got on Jimmy Fallon!

But I love this video...it is so Burtonesque