Songbird by Angelo Firstoe is FREE on Amazon!

Songbird by Angela Fristoe is FREE on Amazon January 1-2!

Fristoe's debut novel is free for a limited time on Amazon, so hurry over and get your copy today!

"There are defining moments in life when everything changes. For Dani Mays, it was the day she witnessed her brother's murder. Afterward, she bounced between her alcoholic mother and foster homes until she found a permanent place. And a reason to want to stay: Reece Tyler. He's her best friend, yet Dani wants more from him. Faced with losing Reece, Dani struggles to escape her memories, even as people from her past reappear."

Review: Crimson Footprints

Deena Hammond has dreams of becoming the type of architect that changes the way people view buildings. She has the talent to rise to the top, but personal problems may put everything at risk. Deena's family seems intent on dragging her down when all she wants is to escape the violence, drugs, and sex of Liberty City. Deena also falls in love with her boss's son, which may compromise her career. Add in the fact that both hers and Takumi's family are not open to bi-racial relationships and Deena finds herself struggling to keep her life from falling apart. 

Even though many readers may never have to deal with the death of a family member due to gun violence, face becoming an outcast because of the ethnicity of their partner, or risk losing a promising career to keep the person they love, but readers will find themselves drawn into Crimson Footprints because of the realism of both the characters and story. 

Deena and Takumi both face rejection by their families because of their relationship. The fear they have of their relationship being exposed was handled very well. I felt concerned and worried  right along with the characters. What helped me connect with the characters was that their fears were not over the top, nor were they too blase. Deena especially had a lot to lose if her love for Takumi was discovered. Even at the risk of hurting Takumi, she wasn't willing to step that step into the unknown and announce their relationship. It was hard to watch Takumi be hurt by this, but it was completely understandable. I could see her reactions happening in real life. This handling of reactions and emotions was well done throughout the book. 

The romance between Deena and Takumi develops slowly, more slowly than I expected, but despite the slower pace, I didn't find myself wishing it were any different. Pugh set up Deena's insecurities and fears about relationships very well in the initial chapters, so Deena's slow acceptance of Tak's affection felt quite natural. When the sexual tension between them began to build it was all the more effective because of this. I will point out that when the relationship did become sexual, there were sex scenes that were somewhat descriptive. These scenes do make this inappropriate for younger readers. 

The pacing with the relationship was actually the same as the overall story. It was longer than I expected, and at times I wondered why I wasn't bothered by the slow pace. For a while I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but after finishing I realized I didn't mind the pace and length because rather than just reading a story, I felt like I was experiencing Deena's life along with her. I never found myself bored, however, this isn't a quick read. Readers will need some time to devote to Deena's story, but the time spent will be worth it. 

The only aspect of the book I didn't love was scenes where Deena's little sister became the MC. Her chapters were interesting, but they never really connected to anything in this book. I kept waiting for her story to come into play with Deena's and it really never did. I realize that Pugh was setting this up for the second book, but I found it to be distracting. I felt the story would have been better served if these scenes had been kept back for the second book. 

There was also a significant amount of profanity in this book. Mainly it came from Takumi and others, but Deena also in a smaller proportion. There are sexual topics discussed in a fair amount of detail as well. My only other complaint was that the editing could have been better. Missed words and grammatical errors were distracting at times, but not a deal breaker. 

Overall, this was a fascinating read. Looking into the life of Deena Hammond kept me interested throughout the book. The length and pacing may be an issue for some, but personally I wasn't bothered by it, which is actually unusual for me. I enjoyed following Deena's story and would be interested in reading more about her life. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but it won't be for everyone. This is a very interesting and captivating read, but the pacing, length, language,and sexual aspects may put some readers off. 

Who would I recommend this to? This is mainly going to appeal to women in the 18-35 range. I would not recommend it for younger readers. The dramatic elements are a big draw for drama readers. The romance was well written, but may not pull in serious romance readers. 

You can connect with Shewanda on Facebook, Twitter, her Blog, or her Website. 

Crimson Footprints is available now from Amazon in Paperback or Kindle. 

Favorites: Crimson Footprints

What really struck me about Crimson Footprints was the realism of the characters and situations. In many situations the main character Deena reacts like any normal person would. She makes mistakes and is scared to take chances. She loves her family very much, but struggles with knowing how to deal with them. Her romantic relationship encounters problems because of her fears and insecurities. Does this sound familiar to anyone? It was easy to fall into Deena's story because she faces many of the every day problems readers face. 

Pugh adds to this experience by bringing in more dramatic elements not every reader may have faced, but she does this in a way that makes it familiar and easy to relate to. The other characters were crafted very well, also. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the situations and difficulties Deena faced. 

You can connect with Shewanda on Facebook, Twitter, her Blog, or her Website. 

Crimson Footprints is available now from Amazon in Paperback or Kindle. 

Interview: Shewanda Pugh

Today is your chance to find out more about what inspired Shewanda's Crimson Footprints and how she shaped this compelling story. 


1. What was your inspiration for "Crimson Footprints?" The idea for Crimson Footprints first found fruition in a Master's Level fiction writing class at Nova Southeastern University. We had a character sketch project to handle, which was where the first character I came up with, the hero Tak, was born. Everyone else was the result of a seed germinated through this contrary character. Deena, for example, was what basically what I thought Tak would be attracted to. Funny, that she became the main character. 

2. Can you tell us a little about Deena's background and how that has shaped who she is when the book starts? Deena's had a difficult upbringing. She's the oldest of three children and the only one who can remember her parents before her mother murdered her father. When the book begins, Deena's a straight laced architect who assumed the weight of everyone else's problems plus her own, till she meets the free spirited hero.  

3. Both Main characters, Deena and Takumi, undergo significant change throughout the book. How did you plan out or develop these changes? It was simple really. I began as I always do: with the end. I knew where I wanted my characters to end up. It was a matter of figuring out what would be sufficient to get them there. Given how different they are from each other, and the significance of the changes, it of course takes quite a lot. Lucky for the reader, they're privy to it all.

4. When creating your characters, how did you decide on the ethnicity of each one? Both ethnicities were easy picks, actually. I go through these spells when I'm totally absorbed in a culture other than my own, by way of fiction, film, art, you name it. At that time I created Tak, I was interested in Japanese culture, and as an American, Japanese American culture, which is ,of course, a distinct entity. I appreciated the challenge of taking what I'd learned and crafting a three dimensional figure with beating heart from it. From there, it was a matter of finding the least likely candidate for him, which, if you know the hero, would make that individual the most likely candidate for him. So, I settled on my own ethnicity. Or a variation thereof. 

5. Can you tell us about why you chose Miami as the setting, and how this effects the story? I tend to rely on places I know for settings, and since Miami is home for me, it was a natural go to. The scenic setting of the city definitely lends itself to romance. Who better to convey that than a long-time resident? The result is Miami as it's rarely shown: in it's truest form. That includes both the good and the bad. 

6. Deena is a mix of naive and street smart. How did you balance these aspects? Deena's a contrary character. All the best characters are. In creating this balance, it was important to keep in mind the aspects of her history that led to both being possible. Her street smarts were a matter of necessity, a survival mode  innate in each of us and tapped into when necessary. But the naivety is  a surprise. It's the result of carefully built walls and overcompensation. 

7. Family is an important theme in this book. How do each of the main characters' families effect their lives? Early in the story, Tak makes an important parallel, likening family to the shell of a turtle, a protection from the world. But just as the presence of that protection has a likely effect, the absence of it has one, too. Deena struggles with this notion of an incomplete, or obviously lacking family, and this struggle has the power to effect every facet of her life. Meanwhile, Tak, whose family is faulty in more subtle ways, feels inclined to resist the impact they have on his identity, life and purpose, even if it is undeniable. 

8. Who are your favorite authors? Stephen King, Amy Tan, Zora Neale Hurston, Edgar Allen Poe, and Shakespeare top the list. 

9. Do you have any interesting habits or rituals when you write?  Not really. I just make sure that I write every day. Sometimes it's linear, other times it's fragmented scenes. Sometimes i'ts to music, other times there's silence. 

10. Can you tell us about any future projects? The sequel to Crimson Footprints, Crimson Footprints II: New Beginnings, releases in February 2013.
I expect to release the first of a New Adult series titled  Love Edy in Fall 2013. That story centers around a black ballerina and an Asian Indian football hunk who are next door neighbors and fall in love, much to their families' dismay. 
Finally, the final book in the Crimson Footprints series will be released, Spring 2014.


You can connect with Shewanda on Facebook, Twitter, her Blog, or her Website. 

Crimson Footprints is available now from Amazon in Paperback or Kindle. 

Introducing: Shewanda Pugh

Today we're getting to know a little more about Shewanda Pugh and her inspiration for her writing. Keep reading to find out more. 

"Shewanda Pugh is a native of Boston’s inner city, though she now lives in sunny Miami, Florida. She has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Alabama A&M University and a Master’s in Writing from Nova Southeastern University. Fueled from a young age, her passion for crossing societal boundaries like race, class and culture, is the inspiration for both her cluttered bookshelf and her writing. When she’s not busy obsessing over fiction, she can be found traveling, nursing her social networking addiction or enjoying the company of loved ones."

You can connect with Shewanda on Facebook, Twitter, her Blog, or her Website. 

Crimson Footprints is available now from Amazon in Paperback or Kindle. 

New Book: Crimson Footprints

This week I have the pleasure of hosting Shewanda Pugh, talking about her new dramatic romance, Crimson Footprints. Keep reading to find out more. 

"When an insecure, bi-racial woman begins a cloak-and-dagger love affair with a Japanese American man, she is intent on keeping her bigoted family in the dark—albeit with devastating consequences. On the night of her brother’s murder, Deena Hammond stumbles upon Takumi Tanaka, lost and on the wrong end of a .32. After rescuing him from the certain fate driving through the hood in a Porsche will bring, a sweet kind of friendship begins. A balm for her grief. Maybe, Deena likes to think, it happened the day her white mother killed her black father. Or maybe, it was always a part of them, like DNA gone bad. Whatever the case, Deena knows that her family would never approve, hell, never acknowledge her fast-growing love for Takumi. And had he never made love to her that way, in that unraveling, soul-searching sort of way, she could’ve done the same. But love’s a devil that way. So, their game begins. One where they hide what they are from everyone. Anyone. And Tak understands this—for now. After all, Deena’s career hinges on the favor of her mentor and boss, his hard-ass of a father. And the Hammond family is already stretched thin with grief. Yet, each step Deena takes toward family and career brings her closer to an acceptance she’s never had. And away from him. " 

Crimson Footprints is available now from Amazon in Paperback or Kindle. 

Winter Book Blast Event: Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal

Welcome to the Winter Book Blast Event!
YA literature is very popular right now, and even more so the sub-genres of YA Fantasy and YA Paranormal literature. Today I have several great new authors to introduce you to. These books are a top pick for the teens in your life, but have great crossover potential for the adult market as well! Myths come to life, special gifts that don't seem like gifts at all, winged horses, and a world of magic forbidden to women are definite must reads!

Eolyn by Karin Rita Gastreich

Sole heiress to a forbidden craft, Eolyn lives in a world where women of her kind are tortured and burned. When she meets Akmael, destined to assume the throne of this violent realm, she embarks upon a path of adventure, love, betrayal and war. Bound by magic, torn apart by destiny, Eolyn and the Mage King confront each other in an epic struggle that will determine the fate of a millennial tradition of magic.

Look for the second book in the Eolyn Chronicles, High Maga, coming soon! 

Eolyn is available from Kindle, Amazon, and B&N. 

Lie to Me (A Touched Trilogy) 
by Angela Fristoe

Phoebe Matlin has always felt broken. While one of her sisters sees the future, and the other can heal people, Phoebe has come to accept that her truth telling gift just doesn't work.

Then her best friend, Tonya, lies to her and Phoebe's gift flares to life. With Tonya pissed at her, being a Truth Teller suddenly doesn't seem like such a great gift. Although, it is nice knowing she was the reason her crush, Nathan, dumped his stalker girlfriend.

But in lies, intention is everything and Tonya's lies are a cry for help. The fear that her friend is covering darker and more serious truths is something Phoebe can't ignore. But knowing when someone is lying is the easy part. Now she has to decide what to do about it. And with Nathan and his doubts about her ability confusing things, finding a way to help Tonya isn't as easy as Phoebe thought it would be.

Lie to Me is available now from Amazon and B&N. 

Songbird by Angela Fristoe

There are defining moments in life when everything changes. For Dani Mays, it was the day she witnessed her brother's murder. Afterward, she bounced between her alcoholic mother and foster homes until she found a permanent place. And a reason to want to stay: Reece Tyler. He's her best friend, yet Dani wants more from him. Faced with losing Reece, Dani struggles to escape her memories, even as people from her past reappear.

Songbird is available now from Amazon and B&N.








On a Wing and a Dare by Linda Ulleseit

In Tremeirchson, a barn leader’s children are expected to follow their parents into the sky, becoming riders of the magnificent winged horses that are the medieval Welsh village’s legacy. Neither Emma nor Davyd, however, want to follow that tradition.

Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.

 Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.

 As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever." 

On A Wing And A Dare ebook is available through Linda Ulleseit and will be coming to  bookstores everywhere in 2013.

The Destroyer Trilogy by DelSheree Gladden

For Libby Sparks, turning sixteen means only one thing…death. Guardian rule demands she attend the ritualistic Inquest that will unveil her talents and secure her place in society. But that isn’t all that will be revealed in Libby’s case.

The more talents you have the better, at least to some degree. Four or five talents will guarantee you a life of luxury, but seven…that is the mark of the Destroyer. Libby knows her Inquest will reveal her to be the Guardians’ greatest enemy. Their law requires her death before her eighteenth birthday. If she lives, prophecy foretells that the world will fall into chaos and destruction.

Once her destiny is revealed, Libby is abandoned when her mother throws her out, her boyfriend tries to kill her, and her best friend shuts her out. Only Milo, a slightly grungy outcast, seems willing to be her friend—but Libby soon realizes he has secrets of his own. His secrets may very well have everything to do with her own destiny.

In order to make it to her eighteenth birthday, Libby must bury her talents and convince the world she is harmless. Her plan only lasts until Milo is put in danger and Libby is forced to choose. Abandon her friend to save her own life, or embrace her destiny and truly become the Destroyer.


INQUEST is now available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks

SECRET OF BETRAYAL is now available on Kindle and Smashwords. 

Twin Souls Saga by DelSheree Gladden

He avoids her because of the strange physical pain he feels when they touch. She avoids him because the way everyone seems to do what he says scares her. But when Claire needs to escape a bad situation Uriah is the first person she thinks of, and he is eager to rescue her. Faced with each other for the first time, both Uriah and Claire find it impossible to listen to their fears and stay away from one another. They soon find out, though, that there is more than they ever thought possible trying to keep them apart.

Following tradition the pair approaches the Elders of their Tewa tribe to ask permission to marry. Everyone is shocked when the shaman refuses them, claiming they are not Twin Souls. Confused and angry Uriah refuses to listen, and promises them that he will never abandon Claire. When Claire is poisoned by her vindictive father his resolve is tested. Ancient Native American myths and legends spring into reality, doing everything they can to keep Uriah from saving Claire’s life, while beginning to reveal the truth behind the lies he has been told all his life.

TWIN SOULS is FREE on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks

SHAXOA'S GIFT is available from Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks

QALETAQA is available from Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks

Escaping Fate by DelSheree Gladden

Turning sixteen should mean driving, dating, and breaking curfew. It should never mean certain death. Arrabella's excitement for her upcoming birthday is swallowed up by not only her dismay at being moved to a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere, but by the terror of the dreams that assault her every night. Stalking her dreams, the raven haired beauty warns her, taunts her, as she is paraded toward her death. Desperate for answers, Arrabella turns to her grandfather, the only one willing to delve into her family's dark past. Warning her that once she takes the first step, there is no going back, Arrabella's grandfather begins to unwind their awful heritage. The only joy she finds in the week leading up to her death is meeting Tanner Wheeler, a young man she barely knows but is immediately drawn to. A story of selfish betrayal reaching back to an age of merciless gods and blood sacrifice, Arrabella's world is sent into a deadly spiral. 

ESCAPING FATE is available from Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks

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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