Category Archives: BOOKS

Does Love Always Win? Virtual Book Tour

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YA romance

Date Published: 06-20-2023

Publisher: Creative James Media

 

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Does Love Always Win is a sapphic coming of age young adult novel that
explores coming out and understanding one’s sexual orientation.

Sam “Shorty” Daniels has a plan for her senior year, but her
romantic life being a hot mess was not part of the agenda. Shorty quickly
discovers she’s not attracted to her newest boyfriend and fellow marching
band member Zack, despite her many hours of daydreaming of what it would be
like to date him. Their previous flirting had been so intense that those
feelings have to come back again, right?

When Shorty’s asked to show the snarky new girl around high school,
Shorty’s instantly intrigued by Kristy’s wit, and they bond over their love
of writing. They quickly become inseparable, and Shorty has a breakthrough
moment realizing why none of her other relationships worked out.

Just as Shorty is about to break up with Zack, her bitter ex-boyfriend
Bryan threatens to out her to the entire school and Shorty’s conservative
parents. Will Shorty be able to overcome Bryan’s ridiculous blackmail scheme
and get her dream girl?

Does Love Always Win? paperback

EXCERPT

I moved closer to her, and she wrapped her arms around me. I buried my face into her neck as she ran her hands through my hair. What was I doing? I was fairly popular at school, had a good-looking boyfriend, amazing best friend, and supportive parents. Why would I want to throw it all away to be with this girl that I had just met? What would people say if they found out? I wanted to stay in this room forever and not face the real world. Kristy pulled me back and gazed into my eyes. “It’ll be okay, I promise. I get that this is scary. How could it not be? Everything you thought about yourself has changed. But I’m here to help you figure things out and we can take this slow.” I took a deep breath. “Okay. Thanks. I think I’m having a minor freak out, but I’ll be better soon, I’m sure.” Kristy smoothed out my hair. “I’ve been wanting to ask you. Should I call you Shorty or Sam? I felt weird when we first met calling you by your nickname, but now I feel like we might be more in nickname territory.” “Honestly, I answer by both names, so whatever you feel like calling me. After last night though, you for sure have the right to call me Shorty.” Kristy nodded. “What about going to breakfast? Maybe that will take your mind o everything.” I gave a small smile and nodded.

 

About the Author

Diane Billas lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son. When
she’s not writing she can be found reading multiple books at once,
performing the French horn and piano, or dreaming of the next country
she’s going to visit. Diane can be found at dianebillas.com, on
Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @dianebillas, and on Instagram
@dianebillaswrites.

Diane Billas is the author of the YA contemporary romance LGBTQ+ novel DOES
LOVE ALWAYS WIN? releasing June 2023 and the YA superhero LGBTQ+ novel
SUPERFICIAL releasing September 2024.

 

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Fiascoes and Foibles Virtual Book Tour

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An Unfiltered Look at Public Finance, Media, Politics and Sports

Business Biography

Date Published: November 28, 2022

 

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Get unfiltered broadcasting and career advice with this biting and
provocative firsthand account of working in media.

Paul Burton has 45 years under his belt, including 10 as a regional editor
for New York City-based trade publication, Bond Buyer, and he’s
survived—and thrived—to tell the tale. From his humble
beginnings to his rise in the industry, Burton covers a lot of ground in his
stories, from dealing with people in media and finance to workers in tech
and personnel. He not only gives honest insights about financial news but
also reveals the controversial internal politics of journalism and
publishing that run rampant.

Burton’s wisdom on topics such as covering hot-button issues and
fighting against negative stereotypes proves that a career in media is just
like the news itself: eclectic, bold, and unexpected.

Take part in the drama and missteps that are a part of success in one of
the best journalistic memoirs about business on the market.

 

Fiascoes and Foibles tablet

EXCERPT

“I got a writeup in my personnel file that falsely accused me of ‘repeatedly throwing objects at co-workers.’ I never threw anything at anybody. The author of the letter lectured about being a professional, but his behavior at company conferences was anything but.”

About the Author

Paul Burton

I am a retired journalist and author of two books, the most recent,
“Fiascoes and Foibles: An Unfiltered Look at Public Finance, Media,
Politics and Sports” (Elite Authors). It came out last Nov. 28. My
earlier book was “Tales from the Newsrooms: An Offbeat Look”
(Create Space), in 2011.

“Fiascoes,” a collection of anecdotal essays, reflects largely
on my coverage of U.S. public finance over the last 10 years of my career
– as a regional editor for a business publication in the shadow of
Wall Street – against the backdrop of my 45 years in media. They
capture drama, missteps and intrigue I encountered with color and biting,
irreverent humor. Plenty of attitude. Topics range from
transit/infrastructure to media and politics, and also include broadcasting
and podcast dynamics, the alarming clout of tech bureaucracies, the abject
failure of open-plan office layouts in the workplace and how my early days
in sports journalism shaped and benefited my career.

Unique to my perspective is my blue-collar background. The media employs
precious few people from working backgrounds these days. I didn’t go
to Harvard, Duke or Stanford and prance right into the New York Times or
Wall Street Journal. I was the son of a bartender who navigated a winding
road, often working for small-to-medium media outlets who punched above
their weight class, and frequently landed a rewarding knockout punch.

 

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Twenty-One Tattoos Teaser

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Visionary & Metaphysical Fiction; Christian Fiction

Date Published: October 11, 2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

 

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What if your deepest, darkest fears were inked on your skin for the world
to see?

Famous plastic surgeon Derek Hollinger has it all: money, success, luxury
cars, and an L.A. penthouse near the beach. Who cares if he has no friends
or lovers? He doesn’t need anyone.

But Derek’s seemingly perfect life is shattered after a chance
encounter with a mysterious old woman. When he wakes up covered in tattoos,
the shadow of his traumatic past—one he can no longer
outrun—looms large.

Aided in his desperate quest for the truth by the young nurse he once
scorned, Derek’s only hope for redemption lies within his own damaged
psyche. What do the tattoos mean? Are they part of God’s plan for him,
a test of his lapsed faith…or a curse brought on by his own
arrogance?

And can he get rid of them before he loses everything?

 

 

Excerpt

The cathartic ride along the coast restored his faith as he returned home
to prepare for the evening. After a few hours of careful grooming and
prepping, he climbed into his Bentley and dropped the Plastic
Surgeons’ Association Award dinner invitation on the passenger
seat.

Derek drove down his neighborhood’s palm-lined street, rounded the
first corner and braked. A group of teenagers hovered in the intersection he
needed to cross. He stiffened as he watched them through his aviator
sunglasses. He slowly rolled closer. They would pause every other step to
roughhouse and shove each other.

Hands gripped the mahogany steering wheel as the thirty-nine-year-old
plastic surgeon felt a stab of anxiety. While he sat in refined luxury,
observing the outside world through the barrier of a windshield, this ragtag
group crossing the road represented what he feared most: the city’s
out-of-control youth.

Derek had grown weary of the glorification of violence and drugs. It
suddenly became apparent to him that the young men’s outward
appearance reflected their inner state of mind. Like a scene from Lord of
the Flies
.

The doctor quickly reached for the button to raise the windows. A split
second later, the group was upon him. They yanked the Bentley door handles
from both sides. A leering face pressed up against the rising glass of the
driver’s side window.

An adrenaline rush shot through Derek’s body. He flashed back
twenty-five years to a day when he was just fourteen and a group of heavily
tattooed men with shaved heads had suddenly surrounded him. The memory of
being punched, kicked, and beaten reactivated the shock and pain of the
attack. He could hear the loud cracks of his bones breaking. The men’s
derisive laughter played like a background soundtrack in his head until the
thud of a fist slamming down on the hood of his Bentley yanked him back to
the present. The doctor floored the accelerator. The Bentley lurched
forward, sending the teens jumping out of the way, arms and legs
flailing.

Small beads of sweat formed on his upper lip as he glanced into the
rearview mirror. The group was still stumbling around and shouting after the
Bentley. Tires screeched as he turned the corner, knees vibrating. He tried
to relax his leg and eased off the gas. Loosening his clammy grip on the
wheel, he turned the AC vent for a blast of cool air. Derek circled the
hotel city block a couple of times, allowing his pulse to slow, before
pulling into the driveway of the New Century Hotel for the evening’s
event.

He dragged himself out from behind the wheel, still weak-kneed and shaking,
one hand braced against the top of the car door.

The uniformed valet waited patiently while he straightened his tie and
smoothed down the lapels of his Hugo Boss tuxedo jacket. A quick glance at
the bright, serene full moon provided the doctor with a small flicker of
self-composure.

 

About the Author

Monica Broussard

Writer, speaker, and certified life coach Monica Broussard is passionate
about writing fiction that contains elements of fantasy and keeps the reader
intrigued about the lead character’s motives. She also writes an
occasional article for her hometown’s magazine, SeaCliff Living. She
belongs to Toastmasters International and enjoys attending national writers’
conferences.

Born in North Carolina on a Marine Corps base, Monica now lives in
“Surf City,” Huntington Beach, California, with her husband of
thirty-seven years. She has enjoyed various occupations over the years, but
her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing.

Twenty-One Tattoos is her debut novel. For more about her writing, visit
her website, MonicaBroussardAuthor.com.

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Limp Forward Virtual Book Tour

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A Memoir of Disability, Perseverance, and Success

 

Memoir

Date Published: June 27, 2023

 

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From being a little girl in a village in China with polio to a tech
executive at Apple, Libo Cao Meyers (
曹力波) has had quite a journey in life—a journey steeped in rich family
legacy and powered by determination, growth, and love. Over the years and
the miles, she’s embraced her differences and has allowed no
one—including herself—to set limitations on what she’s
able to accomplish.

But just because she’s been successful doesn’t mean it’s
been easy. Not by a long shot.

Along the way, Libo has overcome challenges as an immigrant in a new
country, a person with a disability, a mother, and a woman in the
male-dominated world of technology.

In Limp Forward, Libo boldly shares her story—both the hard and the
beautiful—so that you may feel seen, be reminded of your inherent
value, and find the strength you need to face your own challenges in
life.

Every journey is unique, but Libo’s experiences contain insight that
connects us all. Limp Forward is a captivating, unbridled exploration of the
truths that guide us and shows what is possible when we pursue our full
potential.

Limp Forward tablet

EXCERPT

I believe that I can lose, but I can’t give in. When I am told “no,” I make my own “yes.”

“No, you won’t be admitted to college and study the major you want. Those are for ‘complete’ talents, and you are disabled with polio.” 

 

So I went to a college and became the first to complete a four-year college in three years, with a graduate school admission.

 

“No, you can’t possibly complete a master’s degree in a field, while pursuing another doctorate degree in a different area at the same time! Nobody has ever done that, and you will fail in both.” 

 

So I limped forward to the opposite side of the globe, earned both a Ph.D. and M.S. degree in two different fields within 4 years, and stood strong on my own in a new country.

 

“No, you can’t participate in sports or be an athlete because of your polio leg!”

 

So I completed a 100-mile bike ride, racing against 50 mph wind for 11.5 hours with the strength of one leg. 

 

“No, you can’t find your dream man to marry. Lower your expectations and settle for what you can get.”

 

So I developed a scientific approach with machine learning models for dating, found the man of my dreams after the 82nd attempt, and married him. . . without lowering any of my expectations. 

 

“No, you can’t excel in Silicon Valley. It’s a man’s world.”

 

So I became a high-tech executive at Apple, and I kept learning, growing, and leaping forward to my next set of goals . . .

About the Author

Libo Cao Meyers

Libo Cao Meyers is a veteran of Silicon Valley’s culture of
innovation, a board member, and a high-tech executive at Apple, where she
helps build products that enrich people’s lives. Libo grew up in a
village in Northern China and was diagnosed with polio as an infant. She did
not let her disability quiet her ambition, immigrating alone to the United
States at twenty-four and simultaneously completing her MS and PhD at Ohio
University in two different engineering fields. From there, she once again
put limitations aside and became an athlete by completing a Century
Ride—a 100-mile bike ride—despite lingering leg complications
from polio. She is proud to be part of the Cao family, which for the last
500 years of its 3000-year history, has kept a family record, each
generation striving for more and contributing to a deeply-rooted legacy. She
lives in California with her husband, Curt, and their two sons. For more,
visit www.libomeyers.com.

 

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RAM Teaser Tuesday

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Devil’s Fury MC, Book 12

A Dixie Reapers Bad Boys Romance

 

Motorcycle Club Romance, Age Gap

Date Published: August 25, 2023

Publisher: Changeling Press

 

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Talia — Every man in my life, including my father, has betrayed me. My
past has made me cynical, twisted my mind, and left bruises that will never
fade. Then I’m kidnapped and this big biker swoops in to save the day.
I watch as he kills four men, and the blood on his hands should terrify me.
Seeing how kind he is when rescuing everyone, how he takes charge and
won’t leave anyone behind, makes me wonder if not all men are useless.
He says I can trust him, and he wants me to stick around. I’ve always
run before, but something about this man makes me want to give him a chance.
I only hope I won’t regret it.

Ram — I left my club and never planned to go back. They thought I was
dead, and I wanted to keep it that way. But things don’t always go
according to plan. I roll up to the gates with six women in tow. One of them
I’d love to claim as my own. She’s prickly and defensive, but I
find her utterly adorable. I want to keep her, but she pushes me away. When
one of the other victims asks to stay with me, I know it’s my one
chance to convince Talia to give me a shot. Now I’ve gone from a
vigilante with no home to a family man. No matter how many men I have to
kill, I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Never again will
someone hurt those who are precious to me.

 

WARNING: Ram (Devil’s Fury MC) is intended for readers 18+ due to
adult content and situations, including human trafficking and mentions of
abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

 

 

 

RAM  teaser

EXCERPT

Copyright ©2023 Harley Wylde

 

Ram

 

I’d been too late to save the young girl Vega targeted, but I
wouldn’t fail this time. The woman in his grasp looked to be no more
than nineteen years old. The way she slumped told me she’d either been
drugged or knocked unconscious. I knew Vega would do unspeakable things to
her. As much as I wanted to rip her from his arms right here and now, I knew
it was better to wait. He likely had other victims and I hoped he would lead
me to them. If at all possible, tonight I would save more than one
life.

The ink on my back felt as if it burned, a reminder of the life I’d
left behind. I hadn’t worn my club colors in more than a decade. After
I’d gone nomad, I’d disappeared, making sure my brothers
couldn’t find me. They didn’t know of my failed mission, and I
hoped they never did. Because of me, multiple lives had been lost. I knew
saving this woman and the others couldn’t make up for what I’d
done before, but it was the only way I knew of to ease the burden on my
guilty conscience.

I clung to the shadows out-of-sight, a knife gripped in my hand. The woman
let out a soft moan and I hoped she wouldn’t wake any time soon. Vega
would do whatever it took to keep her quiet, and I wanted her to suffer as
little as possible. There was no telling what he had already done to
her.

Following silently, I kept him within sight. Vega made his way through the
shady neighborhood, fast approaching the warehouses on the opposite end. I
held back as he entered the last structure on the right. The few windows I
saw were covered in dust and grime, but I knew I needed to at least try to
get a glimpse inside the building. If I had my brothers with me, things
would have been different. I didn’t know if they’d ever accept
me back again, or if they even knew I was still alive. Only Badger had kept
in touch. Confronting Vega alone wasn’t a good idea. I knew he had
multiple men working under him including extra hired muscle. Many would call
this a suicide mission. Perhaps they were right, but I didn’t care if
I died today as long as the innocent women and girls inside the building
would be safe.

Through the dirt-encrusted glass, I could see Vega and three other men. The
woman he’d carried inside was now slumped in a chair, her wrists tied
to the arms. A trickle of blood ran from her temple down the side of her
face. I wondered how else he’d hurt her. Scanning the room, I saw a
row of cages, each filled with at least one teenage girl or young woman.
None looked over the age of twenty and the youngest appeared to be near
thirteen. I couldn’t stand sick fucks like Vega.

I watched for another twenty minutes, keeping an eye on any changes. So
far, it didn’t look like Vega had other men with him. Three
didn’t seem like much for someone like him. Which meant they were
either on their way or he felt secure with such a small detail. If I had my
sniper rifle, it would have been much easier to take them out. Instead, all
I had was my nine millimeter and my knife. There was no way to end their
miserable lives without getting closer.

Part of me wanted to feel Vega’s blood and watch as the light dimmed
from his eyes. The average person might have considered him a monster, but
tonight I was the vicious thing lurking in the dark. My heart kept a steady
rhythm as I watched and waited. I knew I’d have to move before he
harmed the woman anymore, yet I couldn’t be careless and rush into
danger. Doing so would only end all our lives.

I backed away from the window as the phone vibrated in my pocket. Pulling
it out I checked the screen. A familiar name flashed on the display. Badger.
Why the hell would he be calling now?

My curiosity got the better of me and I stepped farther away from the
warehouse to answer the call.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” I asked when the call
connected.

“Why do you always have to be a dick when you answer the phone? You
could at least try not to sound sarcastic.”

“Maybe I just seem like one because we haven’t spoken in so
long. It’s not like we talk more than once every two or three years.
Is there even anyone else at the club who knows I’m still
alive?”

Badger sighed. “I got the feeling you didn’t want anyone to
know you were alive. Was I wrong? And don’t think for one second
I’m not aware of what you’ve been up to. I’ve left you
alone to do your thing, but this is news that couldn’t wait any
longer.”

My gut churned. What the hell could have possibly happened to make him say
such a thing? “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Grizzly. I don’t know how else to say it so
I’ll just spit it out. He’s gone. Died a few months ago.
I’d have called sooner but shit hit the fan around here.”

I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the loss of my ex-president. I
hadn’t seen him in over ten years. It never occurred to me the last
time I walked out would be the last chance I ever had to speak with
him.

“What happened? How did he die?” I asked.

“Too many years of bad decisions caught up to him. His health began
to decline a little while back. Finally, his body just gave out. It hit the
entire club hard, especially his daughters.”

The way he said the word daughters made me think there was something more
to it, but now wasn’t the time to ask. I could mourn Grizzly later and
ask for more details about the club. Right now, I needed to focus on the
women and girls who needed my help. Besides, I’d been gone from the
club for so long I didn’t even know any of Grizzly’s adopted
daughters. I’d heard about them from Badger previously, but it
wasn’t the same as meeting them in person.

“I appreciate the call, but now isn’t a good time. Sorry,
Badger. I’ve got to go.” I hung up before he could say another
word.

Creeping back over to the warehouse, I looked into the window again. While
I’d been on the phone, Vega had been having a bit of fun. The poor
woman tied to the chair now had multiple wounds. I could see the rise and
fall of her chest and said a silent thanks she was still alive. But I
worried she wouldn’t be for much longer. Whatever it took, I needed to
get her and the others out of there as quickly as possible.

One of Vega’s men pulled out a pack of cigarettes and headed for the
door. I knew this was my chance to take out at least one of them. When he
didn’t return, Vega would suspect something was up. It was a risk
I’d have to take.

I heard the warehouse door open and shut. Gripping my knife tightly, I
crept around the corner. I saw the flicker of the flame from his lighter,
then the soft glow from the end of a cigarette. While he remained
preoccupied, I moved swiftly on silent feet. Before the asshole had a chance
to even realize I was there, I placed my hand over his mouth and slit his
throat.

The coppery scent of his blood filled the air, and I knew it would attract
other predators, both human and animal. The clock was ticking. I leaned
against the building, melding with the shadows, and waited for my next
victim. It wasn’t long before another of Vega’s men came
outside.

“Joe, where the fuck are you? Vega is starting to get pissed. Stop
screwing around and come back inside.”

I had bad news for him. Joe wouldn’t be going back inside. He had a
one-way ticket to hell…

About the Author

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC
Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde
immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible
women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still
managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new
plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book.
She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies.
Visit Wylde’s website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and
don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts
and other exciting perks.

Author’s Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @harleywylde

Author on Twitter: @HarleyW_Writer

 

Publisher on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @changelingpress

 

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