Friday, July 31, 2015

Review: SHADOW OF DECEPTION (The Kazumi Chronicles #1) by Sophia L. Johnson @AuthorSLJ @DarkWorldBooks #Giveaway





SHADOW OF DECEPTION (The Kazumi Chronicles #1)
by Sophia L. Johnson
YA Dystopian/Sci-fi
Published on April 19th, 2015

BLURB
2153, Toronto, United Nation of North America (UNNA)

A horrific plane crash kills all five hundred and forty-two passengers except one. Kazumi emerges from the wreckage physically unscathed but has lost all her memories. Her miraculous survival has the whole city buzzing but all she wants is to go home, wherever home is.

After waiting a month in the hospital with no one to claim her, Kazumi is deemed homeless. She is about to be sent to a nearby teenage shelter when the nurse she grew to trust ushers her down a mysterious path, one that promises safety and maybe even the chance to recover her memories. With no better options available, Kazumi takes her chance and finds herself in the headquarters of the Sarcomeres, a secret society of genetically advanced humans hidden deep inside the Rocky Mountains. The Sarc’s heightened physical abilities and high-tech gadgets are not the only things that fascinate Kazumi. Finnegan O’Riley, a fellow Sarc she meets along the way also gets her heart racing. When Kazumi discovers that she possesses the genetic potential of a Sarcomere, she jumps at the chance to train with them, not knowing the death defying tests that are involved.

Meanwhile, a centuries-old nemesis of the Sarcomeres begins to stir in the dark, setting their dark plans in motion. Just when Kazumi thinks she can help protect her new found home, past memories surface to threaten her new identity. She soon realizes that layers of deception run deep and everyone has a secret agenda, including herself.

Who can she trust when she can’t even trust herself? One wrong decision could bring forth consequences worse than death.

All royalties made in the first year will go to a charity
called Covenant House, to help homeless youth.

EXCERPT

Despite my slower pace, we manage to put a good distance between us and the pursuing soldiers. The ruin that was once the train station is far behind us now.

Just when I think we are out of harm’s way, four dark figures emerge from the trees fifty feet ahead, blocking our path. Their faces are hooded by their purple robes.

Finn stops abruptly and I stumble forward. He tightens his grip on me so I don’t trip and fall.

What is it?” I gasp, feeling like a very large person is sitting on my chest.

Neuronics,” Finn says under his breath. “Stay close to me, don’t look them in the eye, and don’t believe anything you see. Use this when you have the chance.” He hands me a gun.

I don’t remember if I ever held a gun before, but it’s heavier than I thought. The cool and smooth metal is somewhat soothing against my hot and sweaty palm. There are red markings infused into its gleaming surface, just like the blades I saw back in the training hall. The lines and curves of the characters remind me of ancient runes. And the red ink inside seems to be moving, like a mini river flowing through a maze. This is his gun, not a stolen one from the soldiers like I thought.

Duck!” Finn pulls me to the ground as a massive tree trunk flies over our heads. I look up and see the four figures still standing at their original spot. Their hoods lowered, revealing their stern faces. All of them male.

I want to ask Finn where did that tree trunk come from but the blue soldiers have caught up to us from behind. Finn springs onto his feet and collides with the crowd of blue in a flash.

I hold up my gun with trembling hands, thinking I can help Finn clear out a few enemies. But the chaotic blur makes it difficult for me to aim. I shift my attention to the purple figures and they too have advanced closer.

Trying to steady my aim, I heedlessly stare into the eyes of one of the Neuronics and find myself immobilized by his intense gaze. No matter how hard I try to look away, my eyes will not comply. I begin to feel something invisible reaching into my mind, like tentacles creeping through my brain, scrutinizing my every brain cell.

NO!

Frantically, I drop the gun and clutch my head with both hands. I need to get these tentacles out of my head. But they are growing in number and are now in every orifice of my head.

AHH!. . . gross!

I can see their ends flailing from my nostrils. I grab onto one with my fingers and I pinch as hard as I can. But the damn thing won’t die. The feeling is horrible, like a sickening itch in my brain that I can never scratch.

The sensation intensifies. I drop to my knees with a piercing cry. “Get off me!” I scratch, squeeze, rake, and peel at every bit of tentacle that I can get my hands on. They are too slimy and quick. The terrible itch spreads down my neck, threatening to take over my whole body. I yank one tentacle out of my neck just before it creeps down to my chest, but three more take its place with a vengeance.

AHHHH . . .

My hands are furiously battling with the creatures when my knee bumps into something solid. Through the flailing limbs, I see the gun on the ground, the gun Finn told me to use when the time is right.

I grab the gun and press the cold barrel to my head. The agony is insufferable. I wrap a finger around the trigger, ready for my sweet relief.


MY REVIEW

I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Shadow of Deception is about a young woman who is the sole survivor of a plane crash out of five hundred and forty two passengers. After she wakes up in the hospital she can't remember her name, where she is from, her parents or anything. Her memories start the moment she wakes up in the hospital. Not knowing what her name someone says she needs a name and starts calling her Gabi. She is ok with it and thinks Gabi is just as good a name as any. When she wakes up she over hears a couple of the nurses talking about her and they think she is a very special human being. They think that she may be a Sarcomere. Sarcomeres are human as well but they are just different than normal humans. They all have different talents, special powers or some are stronger and faster than regular humans.

The Sarcomeres take Gabi under their wings and try to help her in any way they can. They give her a home and food. They also try to teach her how to fight and defend herself. They are helping her because they are hoping that they can help her to get her memories back and they want to help her find out what her special talent is.

I loved the personalities of the characters that the author created in Shadow of Deception. Well take Gabi for instance she was a quick and faster learner. When her instructor Finn showed her how to do something it didn't usually take her too many tries to get it right. At first she was a little slow in picking it all up but when the time came and she needed it her body just took over and she let out the person she really was or did she?

The Sarcomeres was always training for a fight with the Neuronics. They were always fighting with the Neuronics because the Neuronics wanted to be the top dog. They wanted to be the best and be in control of the Sarcomeres, humans and whoever else was living nearby.
The Sarcomeres was always training for a fight with the Neuronics. They were always fighting with the Neuronics because the Neuronics wanted to be the top dog. They wanted to be the best and be in control of the Sarcomeres, humans and whoever else was living nearby.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


With a degree in International Business Management, Sophia has worked in a major marketing firm where she realized the corporate world isn’t one she wants to be in.  She then made the switch into the healthcare industry as a Registered Massage Therapist by day and a writer by night.  She is now a Massage Therapy instructor and a published author living with her husband and daughter in Toronto.  Her go-to genres are science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian; or anything that sweeps her away into a foreign world that promises adventure.



INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY

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·         Two $10 Amazon Gift Cards

Cover Reveal: Suvi's Revenge (Rowan Sisters' Trilogy #3) Brenda Trim and Tami Julka @TrimandJulka @JGBookSolutions




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About the Authors:
Neither Brenda nor Tami grew up writing stories or dreaming of one day being authors but that changed when they shared a joint dream of creating a world to bring to life the stories of a group of dangerously handsome supernaturals.

Brenda is a Southern California girl who grew up in chaos, having ten siblings. Her mother is a brave, courageous woman who gave birth to a small village of children and has successfully battled advanced stage breast cancer for almost two years. Her parents did something right and taught Brenda how to persevere and accomplish whatever she set her mind to. Whether that was completing her bachelors and Masters degrees, or writing books, she is always up for a challenge.

Brenda survived the brutal murder of her first husband, John DeCaprio, at the hands of the children he was counseling to go on and help children in similar situations. Brenda remarried years later and now lives with her husband and their three fun-loving, energetic children. She loves running, reading, cooking, and Monster Energy drinks. And, Tami's margaritas!

Tami is a southern girl, born and raised in Georgia. She is married and has two boys, so needless to say, she is surrounded by testosterone. We are trying to bottle Tami's strength and positive outlook on life. It has helped her beat breast cancer and she is a proud three-year survivor. She loves reading paranormal romances, running at the lake near her home, watching college football (Go Dawgs!!!), and is always in search of the next best margarita.

Their life journeys led them both to Texas and one another. They fast became best friends and can always be found together. Whether it's lounging by the pool or writing steamy love scenes, they are frequently seen pissing themselves from laughter. It's embarrassing, really. But that's ok, life is good!!





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Title:  Suvi's Revenge
Series:  Rowan Sisters' Trilogy #3
Authors:   Brenda Trim and Tami Julka
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Recommended Age:  18+

Synopsis:

Suvi is the youngest of the Rowan triplets, but prefers high heels to combat boots, and always choose the club over the battlefield. Unfortunately, if she isn't rebuilding the business she shares with her sisters, she's searching for their archenemy, Cele. Through all of the trials that Suvi and her sisters have been through with her sister's mates, Suvi believes they've done their part, and it's time for a celebration, but that isn't in the cards for her. Suvi has waited her entire life to meet her Fated Mate, the man who she is meant to spend the rest of her life with, but when she finally meets him, she isn't able to plan the party of the century. Instead, she and her sisters have seventy-two hours to investigate a murder, locate a rogue vampire and stop an evil witch from stealing their powers. Oh, and save her mate from a death sentence. She wants nothing more than to spend her days and nights in sensual oblivion with her vampire, but the clock is ticking, and her mate's life along with it.

Caine DuBray's world is upended when he wakes up next to a human female that has been drained dry. As the only vampire on scene, her death is immediately pinned on him. He believes he is innocent, but he can't recall the details of their date. Rather than executing him immediately, the Vampire King gives him three days to prove his innocence, and points him to the Rowan Sisters, notorious for their growing powers and talent. He discovers that one of the witches he is directed to is his Fated Mate and their passion sets him on fire, leaving him desperate for the chance to spend eternity with the sexy witch. Will they be able to save him, or will Suvi face eternity without her Fated Mate?

Excerpt:

A God stood before her. A male well above six feet tall with a firmly muscled body took up the entrance. He wasn't like most supernatural males either. Most were rugged and casual, preferring jeans and t-shirts. There were the exceptions and this male was one hell of an exception in his black two-piece suit that was tailored to his sculpted body like a work of art. His shaggy black hair didn't fit his attire as disheveled as it was, falling into his green eyes. 

The sensation of electricity rippling through her veins stunned Suvi. There was always a rush when she practiced magic, but this was so much more than that. She was captured by his gaze and her entire being woke to pay attention. She noticed the haggard look on his face as he loosened his blue pin-striped tie, walking into the store. The way he moved reminded her of a panther and she wanted desperately to be his prey.

"What's wrong with Suvi, daddy?" She heard Donovan ask and Braeden's chuckle.

"You'll understand some day, son. Come on. Let's go get some ice cream down the street." She heard the door sound again when Braeden and Donovan left but she didn't move, she couldn't, she was rooted to the spot.

Caught in an erotic trance, Suvi was aware that she was gawking and speechless. In her defense, any female would be in this male's presence. The touch of her sisters brought her out of it, and she blushed with her embarrassment.

"Are you the Rowan sisters?" The somber note to his deep voice had Suvi doing a double take and that's when she noted the haunted look to his gorgeous green eyes. She wondered what put that look there and oddly, she wanted to put a smile on his face and make that expression disappear.

Pema extended her hand. "Yes, we are. I'm Pema and these are my sisters, Isis and Suvi," she pointed to them in turn. "How can we help you?" Suvi noticed how Ronan had abandoned hanging shelves and come to stand directly behind Pema.

"I'm not sure where to begin and I don't even know if you can do anything." He seemed nervous and out of sorts and Suvi wanted to promise him she'd move heaven and earth to help him. "I'm Caine DuBray. Jace and Zander thought maybe you three could help me with this situation I have suddenly found myself in. It's a nightmare really." He paused and placed his hands in his pockets. She saw the muscles flexed in his neck from clenching his jaw tightly.

Suvi was inexplicably drawn to him and overcome with a fierce need to erase the shadows. She wanted to draw him into her arms and hold him tightly. She knew what would put a smile on his face and she was happy to oblige. Not that she was being entirely selfless given that she was pretty sure it would put a smile on hers, too.




 http://www.junipergrovenights.com/cover-reveal-suvis-revenge-brenda-trim-tami-julka/

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Blog Tour: Forced to Remember by Samantha LaFantasie @SamLaFantasie @GCReading #Giveaway






Forced to Remember by Samantha LaFantasie
Series: Nepherium Novella Series #3
Genre: Adult, Fantasy

The weight of the world feels heavy on my shoulders. Desperation touches everything. Memories forgotten, truths untold. Humanity is threatened. Their safety granted in exchange for me. But I won't go without a fight.With strange occurrences taking place in the city, it's up to Elsa and her team to discover why. But an odd encounter at an abandoned warehouse leaves the team with more questions than answers. Just when the team least expects it, Alexander returns, and he's not alone or without demands: the world's safety in exchange for Elsa. They have only one week to decide while the world falls under Alexander's wrath and his powerful army of followers. Avalon seeks help from every Nepherium that can be spared and hope it will be enough to stop Alexander.


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Book Trailer




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About the Author
A Kansas native, Samantha LaFantasie spends her free time with her husband and three kids. Writing has always been a passion of hers, forgoing all other desires to devote to this one obsession, even though she often finds herself arguing with her characters through much of the process. She's primarily a fantasy writer but often feels pulled to genres such as sci-fi, romance, and others.
Among her writing credentials, a member of the Kansas Writer's Association and has authored works such as Heart Song (her debut novel) and Made to Forget.Samantha loves to take time to enjoy other activities such as photography and playing her favorite game of all time, Guild Wars 2.

Want more from Samantha? Keep up with her at any of her digital hangouts.



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Giveaway



Book Blast: Love & Ink Series By J.A. Howell @JenniferHowlz @GHBTours







Marks on my Skin
Love & Ink # 1
By- J.A. Howell
Genre- Erotica
Publication Date- March 15th, 2014
Published By- SideStreet Cookie Publishing

**Not for readers under the age of 18+. Contains language, explicit sex, and adult situations.**

Kieran Donovan has always been a doormat to the women in his life. Begging his wife not to leave after finding her in bed with not one-but five men-only provides further proof of that.

In need of an escape from an empty house and a broken heart, Kieran heads to Midtown to see his estranged brother, Liam. There he meets Shayne Wickham, Liam's best friend. Shayne's dark and sexy with a wild streak a mile long and a sexual appetite for things Kieran's never even dreamed of doing. But after an intense, and all too brief encounter, he's more than willing to learn. Despite the usual safeguards Shayne keeps around herself and her own wounded heart, she finds herself more than willing to show him the ropes…and the floggers…and the paddles.

Kieran's never seen himself as dominant in any aspect of his life. But when Shayne submits herself to him, it ignites an inner strength and hunger he never knew he had-and feelings Shayne didn't know she could have. So used to keeping others at an arm's length, the ease with which she finds herself trusting Kieran is both exciting and unsettling. Could Kieran be someone she could finally trust her heart to-or will he leave her scarred like everyone else?

Just another mark on her skin.

 

Book Tour: Welcome to Fat Chance, Texas by Celia Bonaduce @CeliaBonaduce @JaidisShaw #Giveaway




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Title: Welcome to Fat Chance, Texas
Author: Celia Bonaduce
Published: July 21st, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Women's Fiction

Synopsis: 

For champion professional knitter Dymphna Pearl, inheriting part of a sun-blasted ghost town in the Texas hill country isn't just unexpected, it's a little daunting. To earn a cash bequest that could change her life, she'll have to leave California to live in tiny, run-down Fat Chance for six months-with seven strangers. Impossible! Or is it?

Trading her sandals for cowboy boots, Dymphna dives into her new life with equal parts anxiety and excitement. After all, she's never felt quite at home in Santa Monica anyway. Maybe Fat Chance will be her second chance. But making it habitable is going take more than a lasso and Wild West spirit. With an opinionated buzzard overlooking the proceedings and mismatched strangers learning to become friends, Dymphna wonders if unlocking the secrets of her own heart is the way to strike real gold.

Excerpt from Welcome to Fat Chance, Texas
The man stopped about three feet in front of them. He didn't smile. He thrust out his chin at Thud.
"That your dog?" he asked.
"Yes," Professor Johnson said.
The man now thrust his chin at the WELCOME TO FAT CHANCE, TEXAS sign in Professor Johnson's hands.
"That's my sign," he said. 
Dymphna noticed the man had his right shoulder angled back at an unnatural angle. She wondered if there was something wrong with his arm, but as the fog started to clear, she saw that he was resting his fingertips on the butt of a gun. The gun was in a holster buckled across the man's hips. At a distance, the hostler had blended in with the loud board shorts, but as he got closer, there was no mistaking it.
The man suddenly whirled on the RV. He yelled out:
"Throw your weapons down and come out with your hands up."
"Sir, this RV is coming in from Los Angeles," Professor Johnson said. "We don't have weapons."
One of the windows opened slowly and a man's hand appeared, palm up. In the palm was resting a pistol. The hand dropped the gun to the ground as the door hissed open. 
Powderkeg came down the steps into the open with his hands locked over his head.
"Good Morning, Viet Nam," the old man said. "I know that gun."
As Powderkeg moved towards the side of the RV with his hands clasped over this head, another gun hit the dirt - this one a semi-automatic handgun in a dark gray and alarming pink - also hit the dirt. Old Bertha heaved herself down the stairs, glaring at the old man.
"A lady can't be too careful" she said, putting her hands in the air and moving towards Powderkeg.
A switchblade was next out the door, followed by a glowering Wally Wasabi.
"Dude," Wally said. "You suck."
"Move along, Sonny," the old man said. "And get those hands in the air."
"Whatever," Wally Wasabi said, but he moved down the RV with his hands up.
"How did they get all those weapons on their planes?" Dymphna whispered to Professor Johnson.
"You can put a switchblade in checked luggage," Professor Johnson whispered back. "And if you let TSA know you're bringing a firearm - ahead of time in writing and you have a permit - you can bring it in checked baggage, as well."
"Wow," Dymphna's voice was so soft she could barely hear it herself. "Who knew?"
"I did," the professor said. "And every TSA agent in America."


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About the Author:
Celia Bonaduce is an award-winning producer whose credits cover a lot of ground - everything from field-producing ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to writing for many of Nickelodeon's animated series, including Hey, Arnold and Chalkzone. If Celia Bonaduce's last name is any indication, she is proof that TV talent runs in the family.

An avid reader, entering the world of books has always been a lifelong ambition. She is the author of the Venice Beach Romances, including The Merchant of Venice Beach, A Comedy of Erinn, and Much Ado About Mother. The first book in her new series, Welcome to Fat Chance, Texas, releases in July 2015.

Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

  • A $50 Amazon gift card.
Giveaway is International.




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Book Blitz: Dating Wars (Federal Agent Chronicles Series #2) by Ravyn Rayne @BlushingRavyn @writeawaybliss @StarAnge13








Dating Wars
Federal Agent Chronicles Series #2
by Ravyn Rayne
Publication Date: July 6, 2015
Publisher: Blushing Books 


Synopsis

Finding love in all the wrong places.

When a serial rapist and murderer targets women on an online dating website, FBI Agent Leslie Hunter must pose as a potential match at a bar. How hard could it be? She's been dating online for years.

While undercover, Leslie meets a handsome gentleman. She can't tell Kevin her profession without ruining the investigation. How long can she keep this man out of danger without revealing she's an FBI Agent?

A taste of pole dancing, phone sex, and spankings combined with a lick of danger. A romantic erotica story that's sure to leave your heart racing and pleased afterwards. 

Purchase Links

Other Books in the Series

Amazon US/UK

Meet Ravyn Rayne

Ravyn is a sassy, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking young woman. She loves to travel and can't wait for her next vacation, wherever it might be.

Ravyn writes romantic erotica. She began writing romance novels in college, spending her down time either reading a book or writing fiction. Please don't make her choose between the two, she loves them equally.

Although BURNING DESIRE is her debut romantic erotica novel, it is not her first published book. She has been published professionally since 2013. You can find her other books here.

Stalker Links


For less steamy reads: Blog | Facebook | Twitter


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Book Release Blast: Resistance (Dolan Prophecies Series #1) By Allana Kephart & Melissa Simmons @MelandLanaWrite @GHBTours





Resistance
Dolan Prophecies Series #1
By- Allana Kephart & Melissa Simmons
Genre- New Adult Dark Fantasy/Dystopian
Publication Date- July 27th, 2015


The year 2102--the world as it was no longer exists. Ravaged by nuclear war and polluted almost to the point of no return, Earth was dying. When the faeries came and brought their healing magic, humanity was grateful at first. Centuries of damage repaired in just five years, and during the course of that rehabilitation, they invaded. Quietly overthrown, the human race is now enslaved. The majority doesn't even realize they have no free will. Branded, herded and kept only to further the agendas of the Fae Courts, humanity could be facing extinction.


But a resistance is coming…  

Fianna Dolan has spent her entire young life preparing herself for an uprising against the Fae. One scorching summer night Fi's parents leave and never return. Thrust into a position of power she never expected, Fi struggles with her new position and the responsibility it entails. When a secretive fae man known only as Flint breaches the city's defenses claiming he can help, Fi begins to doubt everything she's ever considered truth. As betrayals and deception come to light, will Fi want the answers she's been seeking, or will trusting Flint lead to her destruction?

   

Book Tour: Spinner by Michael J Bowler @BradleyWallaceM @JGBookSolutions #Giveaway




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 photo Spinner.jpg Title:  Spinner
Author:  Michael J Bowler
Published:  August 5th, 2015
Genre:  YA Paranormal Horror
Content Warning:  Mild profanity and language of a sexual nature
Recommended Age:  14+

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Alex is a "spinner." His friends are "dummies." Two clandestine groups of humans want his power. And an ancient evil is stalking him. If people weren't being murdered, Alex might laugh at how his life turned into a horror movie overnight.

In a wheelchair since birth, his freakish ability has gotten him kicked out of ten foster homes since the age of four. Now saddled with a sadistic housemother who uses his spinning to heal the kids she physically abuses, Alex and his misfit group of learning disabled classmates are the only ones who can solve the mystery of his birth before more people meet a gruesome end.

They need to find out who murdered their beloved teacher, and why the hot young substitute acts like she's flirting with them. Then there's the mysterious medallion that seems to have unleashed something malevolent, and an ancient prophecy suggesting Alex has the power to destroy humanity.

The boys break into homes, dig up graves, elude kidnappers, fight for their lives against feral cats, and ultimately confront an evil as old as humankind. Friendships are tested, secrets uncovered, love spoken, and destiny revealed.

The kid who's always been a loner will finally learn the value of friends, family, and loyalty.

If he survives…


AmazonGoodReads

Excerpt:


Alex pushed open the door and rolled in. Mrs. Davis sat at her desk. Two men occupied the chairs in front of her. The men stood when he entered, but Mrs. Davis remained seated. As usual, she was dressed in a bland-looking dress with her hair styled up around her head in a way that made it look like an animal was sleeping there.

“Come in, Alex, and close the door,” she said, her face and voice giving nothing away. Alex had heard the word “cool” used for some people, not like kids used it, but to mean someone who was kind of cold and didn’t show their feelings much. That was Mrs. Davis every time he’d seen her - cool.

Alex stopped before the two men, both of whom wore suits. They reached into their jacket pockets and pulled out badges. Police badges.

What did the cops want with him? He and Roy had gotten in trouble last summer when Roy was driving his truck and pulling Alex along by a rope behind him. It was the fastest Alex had ever gone in his chair, and the rush was more than worth the “warning” he’d gotten from the police.

“This is Detective Cole and Detective Gordon,” Mrs. Davis announced. “They have some questions for you.”

Alex immediately felt scared and small, and wished Roy was with him. “I ain’t been racing my chair in the street no more,” he said quickly.

The one named Cole smiled, while the other one mad-dogged him. “That’s not why we’re here, Alex. We’re homicide.”

“Homa-what?”

The younger one, Gordon, rolled his eyes and muttered, “Sheesh,” but Cole, who looked older because he had some grey hair near the ears, glared at his partner and said, “Homicide. We investigate murders, Alex.”

Alex’s heart revved up. They were here about Ms. Ashley! But what did they want with him? “I don’ know nuthin’ ’bout no murders.” His voice trembled slightly, despite his best efforts to keep it steady.

Cole smiled. It was a warm, friendly smile, which made Alex distrust him even more than the guy mean-mugging him. At least that guy was being straight up. “That’s what we’re here to find out, Alex. It seems a student overheard you yesterday talking about the death of your teacher.”

Alex shifted nervously. He was sure no one had overheard him. No one but Tami. She’d never call the cops on him.

“She was a good teacher,” Alex offered, sadness at her death welling up again within him. “Ain’t we allowed to talk about her?”

Cole nodded, and Alex felt Mrs. Davis watching him expectantly. “Of course you are, Alex, and we don’t want to upset you more. It’s just that, well, you gave your friends information that wasn’t on the news. About the cats?”

Mrs. Davis looked startled. “What cats? It was my understanding Ms. Ashley was struck and killed by a truck.”

Gordon turned to her and shrugged. “That’s the official story. But your kid here knows more than he should.” He turned and squinted at Alex, as though trying to spin him.

Cole cast a warning look at his partner. “I got this, Joe.” The other man shrugged and went back to glaring. Alex felt like a bug in a jar.

“Alex, you told your friends Ms. Ashley was attacked by cats and then pushed in front of the truck. Is that right?” Cole asked calmly.

Mrs. Davis gasped and put a hand to her mouth in shock.

Knowing there was no way he could lie his way out of this, Alex nodded hesitantly, but said nothing.

Cole appeared unruffled by the admission. “Can you tell us how you knew that?”

Alex shivered as the images flooded in on him yet again. “I dreamed it.”

Gordon grunted. “Bullshit!”

Mrs. Davis normally hated swearing, but she looked ghostly white behind her desk, and Alex figured she was too upset to care.

Cole remained calm and steady. “And you actually saw someone push her in front of the truck?”

Alex nodded again.

Gordon opened his mouth, but Cole raised a hand to silence him. “What did this person look like?”

Alex shrugged. “All dressed in black, some kinda mask over the face, like for skiing or a ninja or something. That’s all I could see.”

Gordon expelled a heady breath of disgust. “Bill, you’re not gonna–”

Cole again cut him off with a raised hand. To Alex’s surprise, the other guy shut up. Cole must be the boss, he decided.

“Are you in the habit, Alex, of dreaming things before they happen?”


“Yes.”



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About the Author:
Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author of eight novels--A Boy and His Dragon, A Matter of Time (Silver Medalist from Reader's Favorite), and The Knight Cycle, comprised of five books: Children of the Knight (Gold Award Winner in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards), Running Through A Dark Place, There Is No Fear, And The Children Shall Lead, Once Upon A Time In America, and Spinner.

His horror screenplay, "Healer," was a Semi-Finalist, and his urban fantasy script, "Like A Hero," was a Finalist in the Shriekfest Film Festival and Screenplay Competition.

He grew up in San Rafael, California, and majored in English and Theatre at Santa Clara University. He went on to earn a master's in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and another master's in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. He partnered with two friends as producer, writer, and/or director on several ultra-low-budget horror films, including "Fatal Images," "Club Dead," and "Things II," the reviews of which are much more fun than the actual movies.

He taught high school in Hawthorne, California for twenty-five years, both in general education and to students with learning disabilities, in subjects ranging from English and Strength Training to Algebra, Biology, and Yearbook.

He has also been a volunteer Big Brother to eight different boys with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program and a thirty-year volunteer within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles.

He has been honored as Probation Volunteer of the Year, YMCA Volunteer of the Year, California Big Brother of the Year, and 2000 National Big Brother of the Year. The "National" honor allowed him and three of his Little Brothers to visit the White House and meet the president in the Oval Office.

He is currently working on a sequel to Spinner.

His goal as a YA author is for teens to experience empowerment and hope; to see themselves in his diverse characters; to read about kids who face real-life challenges; and to see how kids like them can remain decent people in an indecent world.




Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

  • A Spinner Mouse Pad
Giveaway is US only.



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