Winter Book Blast Event: Romance

Welcome to the Winter Book Blast Event!
Today we're featuring novels all about Romance. Today you'll find Vampire lust and love, Texas romance and mystery, and friendship when you need it most. Keep reading to find out more about these fantastic novels. Come back tomorrow to discover a few wonderful emerging authors in the Young Adult Genre!

You're Busting My Nuptials by Ann Everett
You are invited to a Wedding! After almost five years, widow and single mother, Tizzy Donovan finally met the man of her dreams in Texas Ranger Ridge Cooper. But when he fails to show up for their wedding, she’s determined to find out why. Enlisting the help of first cousin Jinx Monroe, and best friends, Rayann Tatum and Synola Harper, it’s not long until they’re dealing with clowns, yard gnomes, a missing stripper, and a Baptist deacon. After a car chase and gun fight, head-strong Tizzy is more committed than ever to claim her happily-ever-after. All she needs is a séance with an old witch and a little help from Positive Jesus. 

You're Busting My Nuptials is available now from Amazon and Ann Everett's website. 

 In Polyester Pajamas by Catherine Dougherty

When women talk, they talk about EVERYTHING . . . 

Jean and Rosie, opposites in every way, are dealing with different aspects of their lives when they find themselves working side-by-side in the same real estate company. Despite reluctance, they also find themselves teaming up for some new mid-life adventures filled with excitement, romance and plenty of drama. 

As they become better acquainted, a friendship begins to form. They laugh, cry, and even fight together. Until finally, during a slumber party and while sporting polyester pajamas, they entrust their lives completely to each other and share their deepest, darkest secrets. 

Through it all, they discover how truly wonderful having a best friend, at any age, can be. If you’ve ever had or needed a best friend, have wondered what life was all about, have been ashamed of something you’ve done in the past, or if you’ve ever lost someone you loved with all of your heart, then you MUST read this book! 

In Polyester Pajamas in available now from Amazon, Kindle, B&N, an Smashwords. 

They're So Vein (Susan Stec)

Susan is 58-years-old and bored with life. Middle age is a daily drudge of sagging body parts and aches and pains. Her fervent prayer that she could somehow recapture her youth comes true one night during a chance encounter with a child-like vampire.

As soon as the other women in her family see the transformation they waste no time in sticking their necks out, hoping Susan will share this new-found fountain of youth.

Suddenly, this newly born group of hot-bodied vamps find themselves thrust into a world controlled by an ancient order of vampires. A world with rules, all of which the ladies pretty much break within hours of becoming immortals. And the little matter of the accidental epidemic of vamped out wildlife isn't exactly endearing them to the powers that be, either.

They're So Vein is a hilarious and irreverent new twist on the paranormal/vampire romance genre.

Gator Baitin' (Susan Stec)

Susan's budding romance is taking a back seat in book 2 of THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD series, and her sexy immortal lover, Marcus, is having none of it.

GATOR BAITIN' begins as the team is dispatched to destroy a vamp-gator wreaking havoc at Gatorland in Orlando, only to get sidetracked by a serial killer investigation, a vamp-bull at a rodeo in Kissimmee, and a colorful demon named Rafael. Between bronco busting, dragon riding, Jesus-freak chasing, gator hunting, demon summoning and dead bodies popping up everywhere, Susan's finding it hard to fit in a little romp time.

Blood, Sweat and Demon Tears (Susan Stec)

Susan's sister is in one hell of a mess (literally); confined to servitude with the demon, Rafael.

When Rafael gifts JoAnn with an Earth-to-Abyss cellphone so she can communicate with her sister, Susan soon finds out that JoAnn has gone from servitude to concubine, and no longer wishes to come home.

 Big problem, JoAnn really loves her new cell phone, and the frequent calls--time really moves like Hell in the Abyss--are driving Marcus and Susan batty!

In their attempt to retrieve JoAnn, THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD team ultimately finds themselves knee-deep in vamp critters, demons, rogues, and a host of new and colorful characters, when the mission takes them from their home in Florida to the streets of New Orleans.

Susan Stec's The Grateful Undead Series is available now from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

You can also enter to win a prize pack of 18 books by entering the Rafflecopter below! And don't forget to visit the other great blogs participating in this blog hop for more chances to win GREAT books!

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Winter Book Blast Event: Crime

Welcome to the Winter Book Blast Event!

Today's feature will introduce you to several great new Crime novels. Authors Valerie Bowen and JL Greger offer up suspense and mystery that will keep readers turning pages. Read on to find out more about the "Mind of a Madmen" series and "Coming Flu." Don't forget to come back tomorrow for a heavy dose of Romance that will leave you hungry for more!

Coming Flu by JL Greger  When a mysterious flu breaks out in La Bendita, an upscale gated community near the Rio Grande, the lives of its residents change radically --and instantly. The few who are fortunate enough to avoid the killer flu become virtual prisoners in their homes when a quarantine is imposed. One resident, Sara Almquist, a medical epidemiologist, is compelled by habit and training to examine the elements of the epidemic, even when it means she pries into her neighbors’ lives. Sara finds promising clues--maybe too many.

Coming Flu is available now from Amazon, Oak Tree Press, and B&N. 





 Mind of a Madman Series by Valerie Bowen

Caleb Talbot sent to prison for a crime he felt was justified, grew tired of living like a rat in a cage and devised a plan of escape. Unbeknownst to the prison rat, Caleb enlists his aid and puts his plan in motion. Cliff starts a rumor concerning the two vicious prison gangs. Caleb’s plan is born; a riot leads to an all-out war. Caleb’s escape marks the beginning of his path of heinous murders. Freedom is the only thing that feeds Caleb’s sick mind. He will do anything to maintain it, even if it means taking the life of innocent people.
The man that was assumed to have perished in the riot has been declared an escapee. Special Officer Michael Quincy and his canine partner are dispatched to return the inmate back to the facility from which he’d fled.
As Caleb’s disease goes untreated, he balances on the edge of sanity. Blood is shed in the most heinous ways imaginable. Murder becomes a way of life as the once sane man slowly transforms into the madman.
Can Michael and his canine partner put an end to the bloodshed, or will they be one of his victims?
See through the eyes of a madman, while you witness the inmate’s transformation. Follow in his wake as law enforcement tries to stop the madness before Caleb bridges the gap between sanity to madness.
Caleb Talbot discovered law enforcement was on his tail, and quickly devises a plan to retain his freedom. The kidnapping of a woman is the beginning of Caleb’s heartless murder spree.
Michael soon realizes the man he had been hired to capture, has a disturbing past lined with brutality and bloodshed. He also knows Talbot has little regard for human life.
Can Michael and his canine partner Sasha bring the madman to justice? Or will they be just another name on Caleb’s ever growing list of heinous murder victims?

The Mind of a Madmen series is available now from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 






You can also enter to win a prize pack of 18 books by entering the Rafflecopter below! And don't forget to visit the other great blogs participating in this blog hop for more chances to win GREAT books!

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Winter Book Blast Event: Drama

Welcome to the Winter Book Blast Event! 
Today's feature includes great new Drama books that will pull you into the characters' struggles and keep you turning page after page. Tomorrow I'll have a selection of Crime novels that will keep readers guessing to the end. Check back everyday through December 23rd to meet a variety of fabulous indie authors and their books! And don't forget to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway at the bottom of the post and visit the other participating blogs for more free book giveaways!

 Mind of a Madman Series by Valerie Bowen

Caleb Talbot sent to prison for a crime he felt was justified, grew tired of living like a rat in a cage and devised a plan of escape. Unbeknownst to the prison rat, Caleb enlists his aid and puts his plan in motion. Cliff starts a rumor concerning the two vicious prison gangs. Caleb’s plan is born; a riot leads to an all-out war. Caleb’s escape marks the beginning of his path of heinous murders. Freedom is the only thing that feeds Caleb’s sick mind. He will do anything to maintain it, even if it means taking the life of innocent people.
The man that was assumed to have perished in the riot has been declared an escapee. Special Officer Michael Quincy and his canine partner are dispatched to return the inmate back to the facility from which he’d fled.
As Caleb’s disease goes untreated, he balances on the edge of sanity. Blood is shed in the most heinous ways imaginable. Murder becomes a way of life as the once sane man slowly transforms into the madman.
Can Michael and his canine partner put an end to the bloodshed, or will they be one of his victims?
See through the eyes of a madman, while you witness the inmate’s transformation. Follow in his wake as law enforcement tries to stop the madness before Caleb bridges the gap between sanity to madness.
Caleb Talbot discovered law enforcement was on his tail, and quickly devises a plan to retain his freedom. The kidnapping of a woman is the beginning of Caleb’s heartless murder spree.
Michael soon realizes the man he had been hired to capture, has a disturbing past lined with brutality and bloodshed. He also knows Talbot has little regard for human life.
Can Michael and his canine partner Sasha bring the madman to justice? Or will they be just another name on Caleb’s ever growing list of heinous murder victims?

The Mind of a Madmen series is available now from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

 In Polyester Pajamas by Catherine Dougherty

When women talk, they talk about EVERYTHING . . . 

Jean and Rosie, opposites in every way, are dealing with different aspects of their lives when they find themselves working side-by-side in the same real estate company. Despite reluctance, they also find themselves teaming up for some new mid-life adventures filled with excitement, romance and plenty of drama. 

As they become better acquainted, a friendship begins to form. They laugh, cry, and even fight together. Until finally, during a slumber party and while sporting polyester pajamas, they entrust their lives completely to each other and share their deepest, darkest secrets. 

Through it all, they discover how truly wonderful having a best friend, at any age, can be. If you’ve ever had or needed a best friend, have wondered what life was all about, have been ashamed of something you’ve done in the past, or if you’ve ever lost someone you loved with all of your heart, then you MUST read this book! 

Praise for in Polyester Pajamas: 

“In Polyester Pajamas is at once gutsy, poignant, tear-inducing, and wickedly funny. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced love, loss, heartbreak, happiness, and new beginnings. In short, In Polyester Pajamas is for everyone. It’s a brave, ballsy, brightly colored novel by a brave, ballsy, brightly colorful writer. Bravo, Catherine Dougherty.” —Jennifer Niven, author of Velva Jean Learns to Drive, Velva Jean Learns to Fly, and Becoming Clementine

In Polyester Pajamas in available now from Amazon, Kindle, B&N, an Smashwords. 

You can also enter to win a prize pack of 18 books by entering the Rafflecopter below! And don't forget to visit the other great blogs participating in this blog hop for more chances to win GREAT books! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winter Book Blast Event: Action Adventure

Welcome to the Winter Book Blast Event! 
Today's feature includes great new Action and Adventure books that will keep you turning page after page. Tomorrow I'll have a selection of dramas that will pull readers into the characters' struggles. Check back everyday through December 23rd to meet a variety of fabulous indie authors and their books! And don't forget to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway at the bottom of the post and visit the other participating blogs for more free book giveaways!

Anywhere but Here (Sherri Fulmer Moorer)

Meet Jana Lanning: A recent college graduate who can't seem to get a grip on life. All of her plans for the future have fallen apart within two weeks of graduation. The only comfort she finds is in a mysterious music box sent to her by a friend. At first she looks to it for comforting memories of her past, but soon she's having strange dreams of a life where she's the queen of a world where everything she desires comes to pass. It seems ideal until elements of reality and her dream world start to merge, leaving her ill and confused. When she's confronted by attacks in both worlds, she must face her demons and choose which reality she prefers; and what price she'll pay to keep it.

Available now from Amazon, B&N, and Whiskey Press. 

They're So Vein (Susan Stec)

Susan is 58-years-old and bored with life. Middle age is a daily drudge of sagging body parts and aches and pains. Her fervent prayer that she could somehow recapture her youth comes true one night during a chance encounter with a child-like vampire.

As soon as the other women in her family see the transformation they waste no time in sticking their necks out, hoping Susan will share this new-found fountain of youth.

Suddenly, this newly born group of hot-bodied vamps find themselves thrust into a world controlled by an ancient order of vampires. A world with rules, all of which the ladies pretty much break within hours of becoming immortals. And the little matter of the accidental epidemic of vamped out wildlife isn't exactly endearing them to the powers that be, either.

They're So Vein is a hilarious and irreverent new twist on the paranormal/vampire romance genre.

Gator Baitin' (Susan Stec)

Susan's budding romance is taking a back seat in book 2 of THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD series, and her sexy immortal lover, Marcus, is having none of it.

GATOR BAITIN' begins as the team is dispatched to destroy a vamp-gator wreaking havoc at Gatorland in Orlando, only to get sidetracked by a serial killer investigation, a vamp-bull at a rodeo in Kissimmee, and a colorful demon named Rafael. Between bronco busting, dragon riding, Jesus-freak chasing, gator hunting, demon summoning and dead bodies popping up everywhere, Susan's finding it hard to fit in a little romp time.

Blood, Sweat and Demon Tears (Susan Stec)

Susan's sister is in one hell of a mess (literally); confined to servitude with the demon, Rafael.

When Rafael gifts JoAnn with an Earth-to-Abyss cellphone so she can communicate with her sister, Susan soon finds out that JoAnn has gone from servitude to concubine, and no longer wishes to come home.

 Big problem, JoAnn really loves her new cell phone, and the frequent calls--time really moves like Hell in the Abyss--are driving Marcus and Susan batty!

In their attempt to retrieve JoAnn, THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD team ultimately finds themselves knee-deep in vamp critters, demons, rogues, and a host of new and colorful characters, when the mission takes them from their home in Florida to the streets of New Orleans.

Susan Stec's The Grateful Undead Series is available now from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

You can also enter to win a prize pack of 18 books by entering the Rafflecopter below! And don't forget to visit the other great blogs participating in this blog hop for more chances to win GREAT books! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Who's Got the Money?

After coming back from winning a well deserved award, Jennifer finds the company she works for in utter chaos. The company's accounts have been drained by their nowhere to be found head honcho. The sign posted on the door says the building is being seized in just a few hours. And to top it off, Jennifer goes home to find her boyfriend has stolen all her furniture and helped himself to some "spending money." A lot of it. 

Looming bills convince Jennifer to take the first available job, working as a controller for a company in charge of manufacturing goods with the help of federal prisoners. The job sounds dismal enough, but sneaking suspicions that her new boss is skimming a personal cut of the 800 million dollar profit really sets Jennifer back on her heels. The hunt to prove her boss is cooking books isn't only the right thing to do, but it may also be the only that keeps Jennifer from taking the fall. 

The characters created by Meredith and Morgan  were very well done. The main character, Jennifer, was very realistic. Her responses to situations made sense and I could see myself in her place, being scared, wanting payback, etc. The girls joked about being Charlie's Angels, but for the most part I felt like I was watching three pretty normal women trying to work through a scary and potentially dangerous mess the best they could. This "average girl" image did slip a little at the end for Jennifer's two accomplices, but Jennifer stayed true to who she was. 

The progression of the story flowed well for the most part. There was only one section when the ladies were going over all the information they had found at Abby's house were there was so much information and dialog that I needed a break. Other than that one part the action was balanced well with the character development. I thought the storyline progressed at a good pace with just enough being revealed at a time to keep me interested. 

While a few of the stories told by the girls about their exploits as scantily clad sales reps were a little outlandish, the overall plot was pretty believable. Fraud and exploitation of company money happens all too frequently. The details stayed very true to real life. It was obvious these authors knew what they were talking about as far as the workings of government systems. The only issue I had with the investigation was how easy it was to get the information that seals the case against their bosses. Abby is smart enough to pull this off, but not smart enough to put a password on her computer? I found that very unbelievable. I have a password on my computer. everyone I know has a password on their computer. This did feel like the authors didn't want to make the plot more complicated so they took the easy way out by explaining that Abby simply must have felt safe enough. Also, except for "Ghost," the other two all used their own emails to send incriminating messages. I don't think any of the players would have been that foolish. 

Through most of the story the details and hints were doled out at a good pace. Readers got a little bit at a time, enough to keep them reading. I thought the authors did a good job of making the characters intelligent in their search with the exception of one aspect. In most cases the ladies made logical guesses and seemed to be figuring out clues that made sense and getting stumped on some of the trickier ones. The only time I didn't see that was when it came to identifying "Ghost." The first time the character made an appearance after this "Ghost" email address was discovered I thought it was pretty obvious who it was. I thought this aspect could have been delivered a little more subtly. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable story. It wasn't one I couldn't put down, but I had fun reading it. There was a romantic element introduced toward the end of the book that I thought could have been developed further, and introduced earlier to add to the appeal for readers. I know the authors have a novella to explain more about what happened to Jeff the Jerk, but I felt in this book they could have gone into a little more detail to make it more than a passing comment, or not have mentioned it at all to keep it from being a distraction. Also, the editing was not as good as it could have been. It proved to be a distraction in some areas when half a random line would appear after a scene break. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but mainly as a casual read. It's one you can pick up and put down. It would be a fun series to follow. The characters were enjoyable, and the overall plot was entertaining. 

Who would I recommend this book to? This is mainly going to appeal to chick lit readers. The mystery isn't strong enough to pull in hard core mystery readers. This story is mainly about Jennifer and her life.



Who's Got the Money? is available now from Amazon in paperback and Kindle,  as well as from Barnes and Noble. 

A Hard Act to Follow Book Blast

A Hard Act to Follow by Henry Bushkin

"A Hard Act to Follow," is a non-fiction literary account of Henry Bushkin's tenure as Johnny Carson's lawyer, business partner, and friend.  The book gives genuine insight into the 'Carson behind Johnny' with candid personal vignettes about the two, during the rollicking years when Johnny was the undisputed king of television.  This is an engaging, eye-opening, anecdote-packed story about a young lawyer and his client, one of the biggest celebrities in the country.  This funny, unfiltered account gives readers a look at the Johnny Carson that none but a select few really knew.






“A Hard Act to Follow” by Henry Bushkin provides a stirring account into Johnny Carson’s world—as told by Carson’s closest confidant.
The New Yorker article by Kenneth Tynan from 1978, included the following question and answer:
Tynan: When you’re at home, whom do you entertain?
Carson: My lawyer, Henry Bushkin, who’s probably my best friend.

Carson360 Facebook * Website * Carson360 Twitter

Praise for the Book

"I loved the book." ~Wayne Newton

"Henry was Johnny's closest friend for many years which becomes clear through many of the wonderful chapters of the book." ~Bob Trapenberg

"The book is full of tough love, humor, cultural history, sadness, humor, love, loss, well I guess I am saying it is full of life." ~Rupert Garcia


" Henry's portrayal of Johnny was spot on. I highly recommend this book which is the closest the reader will ever get to know the real Carson." ~ Ed Weinberger, former Tonight Show writer and Producer for Carson Productions

"A beautifully easy read that pulls you in to an effortless journey through Johnny Carson’s effortful life. The glamour  the fellow celebrities behind the curtain, the loyalties, and the betrayals. It certainly provides new insight on decisions and the lives that are behind the scenes." ~Kathy Davis, Kathy Takes on Books

""I have read this book and it is FAB! If you love reading about celebrities, this is awesome. It is also a great memoir as well. I am a huge memoir fan so this one was a real treat and one of the best I have read in this genre in a long time" ~Mary,  Bookhounds Blog

"Bushkin's easy, unpretentious style allows the reader to be a fly on the wall as this inside story plays out in the rarified air on which Johnny thrived. "A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW" is a must read whether you grew up on Johnny or never heard of him. And then there are the supporting characters -- from the Rat Pack to Johnny's Ice Queen mother ranging around the pages disturbing the peace. I read it straight through in 90 minutes and was left wanting more."  ~Sandy Ignon, Screenwriter (RANSOM).

"The tales are epic in nature and stretch from the first page to the last. “A Hard Act to Follow” is an honest appraisal of Carson and shows his dark side. In this, Bushkin strikes the right blend of salacious detail with an appropriate dose of discretion. Sure, you’ll learn more detail about Carson’s marriages-- in a tasteful way.  Bushkin will leave you wanting more. Great books will do that." ~Barry Mordis, Senior VP at Merryl-Lynch

"No one would describe Johnny as easy going-there was an edge to him that Bushkin always managed to soften. He continues to do that in this book. There was that challenging side of Johnny which is also captured in the book. Henry was Johnny's closest friend for many years which becomes clear through many of the wonderful chapters of the book. All in all a great book to read." ~Bob Trapenberg, Johnny's former Tennis Pro.

Purchase: http://johnnycarsonbook.com/

Author Henry Bushkin

Henry Bushkin is an experienced lawyer who practices in both California and New York. He currently lives in Los Angeles where his children also reside.

Twitter * Website 

Blog Tour Now Through January 11th

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/26/12
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Favorites: Who's Got the Money?

What would you do if you suspected your boss of scamming not only the company, but fellow employees you call friends? What would you do if you had lost your last job because of the exact same reason? 

One of the aspects I enjoyed about this book was the realistic reactions of the characters. Maybe in our fantasies we believe we would be able to blurt out an accusation or take firm, immediate action, but in reality, most of us would be hesitant to act on something we only thought might be true. 

When Jennifer begins to suspect her boss, Abby, is pulling shady tricks with the accounting, she's mad, but scared to act. She doesn't want to be the one to tell her friends that the money they were expecting isn't coming, and she doesn't want to field the hostility the announcement will cause. There were no grand heroic, theatrical moments at this stage. She reacted like most any person put in that situation would. 

Hopefully, the majority of people will never be put in such a serious and frightening position, but you can put yourself in Jennifer's shoes and experience the mystery with her, the dangerous moments and the funny ones, because St. James and Holland have done such a good job of creating realistic characters. 

Who's Got the Money? is available now from Amazon in paperback and Kindle,  as well as from Barnes and Noble.