Meet Christy Nicholas, author of 'Ireland: Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland'

Meet author Christy Nicholas, who shares her extreme love of Ireland with us in her new book!

What inspired you to create this tour guide to Ireland?

Ireland is such a beautiful, magical land. I’ve always felt perfectly at home there, and I wanted to share that magic with many people.

I had always written trip reports from each vacation, and I had written an article on planning a trip there. I had also self-published a couple photojournals of my trips, so this seemed like the logical next step towards professional travel writing.

What is one of your favorite stops, that is off the beaten path?

I adored Achill Island, off the west coast of Ireland. It was an easy day trip from Westport, and a stunningly beautiful drive around the coast of this little gem. Keem Bay, especially, was incredible – crashing waves on a sandy, white beach, and a towering cliff overhead. I could have stayed there all day, just soaking in all the energy and beauty.

What is one of your favorite Irish legends or folktales?

I’m rather partial to the legend of Queen Maeve, a very headstrong and proud woman, who pitched her people into a horrible war – all over the pride and need to have the best bull in the land.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about the Irish lifestyle and people?

I suppose the worst one that Americans have is that the Irish are all drunks – that is far from the truth. Sure, they enjoy a pint at the end of the day, but I see it more as a social activity. The pub is the neighborhood living room, so to speak, and is a place the community can gather and socialize at the day’s end. It results in neighbors who know each other and support each other, rather than simply nod to each other on the way to work, as we do in the US.

As a side note, there is no reason to drink alcohol at the pub – you can participate in the culture with a soda or lemonade, quite easily. I prefer the cider, myself!

What is it about Ireland that is so attractive to us?

Well, certainly a large part of it is that so many of us have some Irish ancestry. It’s believed that over 10% of Americans have some claim to it. It’s also a foreign culture that Americans can tour without learning another language. Because of its compact nature, one can see many sites in a day tour, without driving a long way. I believe there is also a good dose of nostalgia about life in the past, and many of the smaller villages in Ireland reflect this sense of nostalgia.

What makes your book stand out from others about Ireland?

There are certainly many excellent travel guides out there of this land, but most of them concentrate on the major sites – the Cliffs of Moher, Glendalough Abbey, Trinity College. That is wonderful, and these are places people should visit. But there is so much more to Ireland beyond these tourism behemoths, and my book does its best to share these hidden gems. In addition, I go into some of the myth and history of the land, so those people who wish to see these sites in a greater context have that chance.

Where are some other places you enjoy visiting?

I have enjoyed time in the UK, as well as Nova Scotia and the northeast US. There are many places that I would love to travel. If I were to win the lottery, the first thing I’d do (after paying off all my bills!) would be to arrange an around-the-world trip!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Even if you cannot afford a trip to Ireland (and I urge you to read my practical tips section, as you may be surprised at how affordable it can be!), then, at least, I can hope that you can travel vicariously to this very special place, my soul’s home, mo anam bhaile.

Thank you so much for your time!

And thank you for yours!

IRELAND: MYTHICAL, MAGICAL, MYSTICAL

By

Christy Nicholas

BLURB:


Do you find yourself drawn to the magic of the Emerald Isle? Would you like to see places beyond the typical tourist traps? Come, join me on a journey through the mists of legend, into the hidden places of mystery. Immerse yourself in the legends and myths, the history that has made this island precious in the hearts and minds of millions. Along with the tales and history, there is practical information on planning your trip, budgeting your costs, and finding the best places to while away the magical hours of your holiday.


Read an excerpt:

The Magical Facet The Fair Folk

Everyone has heard of fairies, of creatures with supernatural powers to curse, to bless, to find gold, or to cause mischief. Literature and art is full of them from Shakespeare to contemporary artists Amy Brown or Jasmine Beckett-Griffith. Western culture, especially in the US, is bred on Disney’s Tinker Bell, children’s books of flower fairies from Victorian artists, and grim tales of the darker side of these Fae folk.


In Ireland, fairies, known as the Sídhe (pronounced shee) or the Good Folk, originate from the Tuatha Dé Danann, the people who immigrated to the island before the Sons of Míl. Supposedly full of powers, the Tuatha Dé Danann could not bear to be near iron, and therefore their superior skills were for naught. Rather than leave the land they loved, they agreed to reside below the earth. For this reason, caves are said to be entrances into their underworld homes. Traces of this legend can be seen in the classic film, Darby O’Gill and the Little People, where Darby is led under a mountain to the Fairy King’s palace. 
Ireland has countless portals, be they hills, hawthorn trees, caves, wells, or other sacred places.

A more Christianized origin of these creatures claim they are angels which fell to Earth before humans resided there. They live beneath the waves or gardens, and while some are evil, others can be helpful as long as they are treated with respect.

While many modern legends show the fairies to be sweet, kind, magical creatures, this is really a Victorian creation. The traditional views in Ireland and Scotland show the Sídhe to be mischievous to the point of cruelty a force to be reckoned with. They are not sought out by the wise. In fact, most of the herb and spell lore of an almost forgotten era is meant to instruct how to keep you from coming to the Folks’ attention.

Available on Amazon

 Also available from Tirgearr Publishing   

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

My name is Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon. I do many things, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing and photography. In real life I'm a CPA, but having grown up with art and around me (my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected me, as it were.  I love to draw and to create things. It's more of an obsession than a hobby. I like looking up into the sky and seeing a beautiful sunset, or a fragrant blossom, a dramatic seaside. I then wish to take a picture or create a piece of jewelry to share this serenity, this joy, this beauty with others.  Sometimes this sharing requires explanation – and thus I write. Combine this love of beauty with a bit of financial sense and you get an art business. I do local art and craft shows, as well as sending my art to various science fiction conventions throughout the country and abroad.


Find Christy here:
www.GreenDragonArtist.com
www.facebook.com/greendragon9
www.facebook.com/greendragonartist
www.facebook.com/greendragontravel
www.facebook.com/music-from-ireland-for-your-pleasure
www.facebook.com/musicfromscotland
www.twitter.com/greendragon9

Christy will award a $20 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn commenter. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

Cover Reveal! 'Perfectly Able' by Suzannah Daniels

Review of 'Winter's Heat' by Cristin Harber

A WOMAN ON A MISSION

After putting her life on the line to protect classified intelligence, military psychologist Mia Kensington is on a cross-country road trip from hell with an intrusive save-the-day hero. Uninterested in his white knight act, she’d rather take her chances without the ruggedly handsome, cold-blooded operative who boasts an alpha complex and too many guns.

AND THE MAN SENT TO STOP HER

Colby Winters, an elite member of The Titan Group, has a single objective on his black ops mission: recover a document important to national security. It was supposed to be an easy in-and-out operation. But now, by any means necessary becomes a survival mantra when he faces off with a stunning woman he can’t leave behind.

MUST PARTNER TO SURVIVE

When Titan’s safe houses are compromised, Colby stashes Mia at his home, exposing his secret—he’s the adoptive father of an orphaned baby girl. Too soon, danger arrives and Mia lands in the hands of a sadistic cartel king with a taste for torture. As hours bleed into fear-drenched days, Colby races across the globe and through a firestorm of bullets to save the woman he can’t live without.

If they make it out alive, can he reconcile duty and desire?

Does Mia trust her heart to a man who willingly walks into kill-zones?

**My thoughts**

If you're a fan of scorching hot books with a knight in shining armor saving a damsel in distress, then this is the book for you! Colby is on a mission when he accidentally ends up saving Mia. Mia is a psychologist who has unwittingly ended up in the middle of a terrifying hunt for a package left behind from one of her former patients, who has ended up dead. 

From the very first encounter, the two of them have a smouldering attraction to each other. Colby remains steadfast in his affections, but Mia keeps going off and on. We know that he is serious about pursuing something with her, but Mia's inconsistency makes her harder to read. Colby has a ready-made family; Mia is not used to having a loving family. She never thought she wanted one, but now is changing her mind. This blooming relationship takes place in the middle of so much action and danger as they end up mixed up with the Colombian cartel that you can't help but to cheer them on as the thrills of the rescues engulf you.

Their relationship is a little difficult to believe, because of the instant attraction and the intensity of the attraction. However, it does seem to fit in with what you would expect in a made-for-Hollywood movie. This is a fictional story, and many women would want to be swept off of their feet by a strong man such as Colby! It isn't going to be for everyone, but many will enjoy this story.

This does appear to be the first book in a series, with the promise of even more action and fire with more hottie special ops men to come.

Buy the book on Amazon

Check the book out on Goodreads

About the Author

Cristin Harber is an award-winning romantic suspense author. She lives outside Washington, DC with her husband, toddler, and English bulldog. Coming fall 2013, she’s expecting a baby and will debut her Titan series. Couple that with the holidays, and it’ll be a busy time of year. There’s a special place in her heart for the men and women who serve and protect. Since she can’t save the world alongside them, she’s content to write their happily ever after stories.

Follow Cristin on FaceBook | Twitter | Goodreads | Literary Addicts | Website

 

Sign up for Cristin's Newsletter for series info

   



Follow the Book Tour

Review of 'Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective' by Christine Amsden

Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective
Cassie Scot Book One
Christine Amsden

Genre: Urban Fantasy (paranormal, mystery, romance, new adult)
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Date of Publication: May 15, 2013
ISBN: 9781606197
ASIN:B00C7VR69I
Number of pages: 260
Word Count: 85,000

Cover Artist: Ural Akyutz



Book Description:

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family's reputation isn't easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

**My thoughts**

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book when it first became available for review. In fact, the first time I came across it, I settled for an interview, instead of a review. The cover is interesting, but didn't quite draw me in as much as it could have, because it doesn't seem real. (And I don't mean it needs photographs of models.) I hate to always judge a book by its cover, but I do. As this book kept popping up in my circles, I decided to go ahead and give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised.

Cassie Scot has a different problem than most of our paranormal heroines. Instead of being a powerful creature born into a family of "normal" people, she is a "normal" person who has been born into a family of powerful sorcerers. Her last name means a lot in their circles. They claim that they love her, but really fear that she will throw off their magical protection of three times three, with her six siblings. She is a complete outcast who is determined to make it on her own.

She is a detective, who specializes in the "normal" human world, though occasionally takes on other cases. She had previously worked for the police department, but found that she preferred being on her own. It is hard for me to remember that she is only 21 when she talks about her previous work, because she seems way too young to have had that kind of experience, even if it was short-lived. I am trying to remember that she lives in a semi-magical world, so perhaps the timing of such things is different.

She has had some successes in her field, though the work isn't pouring in as heavily as she would like. She does finally get a big break when a simple case of serving someone a subpoena turns into a murder mystery, involving the paranormal world. Now she is forced to acknowledge her roots, and to make her family acknowledge her. She learns some strong lessons about the magical world, as well as how strong she can really be on on her own, as she tries to solve this murder.

Cassie is lucky to have a good friend in Kaitlyn, who is a likeable "normal" girl working at the local diner. Kaitlyn is aware of a lot of the magical happenings and is understanding, though the magical people tend to prefer to keep all of that quiet. Alice is another friend, who just doesn't seem to get it and causes problems. Braden is her boyfriend, also a "normal" human, who leaves a lot to be desired. Evan is her old friend from school who is also extremely powerful and seems to be interested in her. At the same time, he sends off warning signals with his reputation. You want to think the best of him, but stay on guard. Nicholas is the one sibling of Cassie's that we get to know, as he is the closest in age to her. He is also powerful and very passionate, but needs to learn to control himself. He is also fiercely dedicated to his big sister. Jason is her long-lost cousin, who is also conveniently a vampire hunter, and supposedly very hot.

All of these people play a significant role in Cassie's first investigation, and her foray into being on her own. I have a feeling their significance will increase as the series continues, and that Cassie is going to discover some more hidden talents and powers of her own. You get the sense of something bigger brewing and will have to keep on reading to find out what it is.

Cassie is a likeable character, who still needs to grow a lot. The story is interesting enough to keep the pages turning. I did manage to read it in one evening, and will soon be reading the second book in the series. I gave it 3 1/2 stars, because it is a fun debut and has a lot of potential as the story continues to develop.



Book links

Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. 

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children, Drake and Celeste.

Website: http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/

Blog: http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/?page_id=200

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineAmsden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Amsden-Author-Page/127673027288664

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1030664.Christine_Amsden

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/117845642477854934607/posts

'Six Times a Charm' - Six Books, Six Authors, All in One! 99 cents!

Six Fantastic Books All In One!

Haunted on Bourbon Street-

Jade loves her new apartment-until a ghost joins her in the shower.

When empath Jade Calhoun moves into an apartment above a strip bar on Bourbon Street, she expects life to get interesting. What she doesn't count on is making friends with an exotic dancer, attracting a powerful spirit, and developing feelings for Kane, her sexy landlord.

Being an empath has never been easy on Jade's relationships. It's no wonder she keeps her gift a secret. But when the ghost moves from spooking Jade, to terrorizing Pyper, the dancer, it's up to Jade to use her unique ability to save her. Except she'll need Kane's help-and he's betrayed her with a secret of his own-to do it. Can she find a way to trust him and herself before Pyper is lost?

The Accidental Demon Slayer-

New York Times bestselling series! It's never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl. For Lizzie Brown, that's just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she's seen it all, Lizzie learns she's a demon slayer-and all hell is after her. Of course that's not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin, needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you've never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn't work how dangerous could a little seduction be...?

Carpe Demon-

Retired demon hunter Kate Connor must go back to work when she spots a demon lurking in the local Wal-Mart. But she'd better not arouse suspicion. This kind of thing could really hurt her husband's political career.

Girls Guide to Witchcraft-

Which is more unlikely?

Meeting a single, straight, reasonably attractive, willing-to-commit man? Or discovering a secret cache of magic books?

For good-girl Jane Madison, neither has a shot in hell of coming true -- until the day she finds a hidden room . . .

Now she's done a bit of experimenting and found a spell that makes her irresistible to men -- even those who have previously ignored her. And another that turns a cat into her witch's familiar (a snarky, critical, self-absorbed man -- pretty much a typical male). Though her impulsive acts of magic have brought a warder (sexy, grouchy, elusive and determined to stop her from using magic) down on her, Jane's not willing to let go of this fantastic new life.

Though she wonders about having things that aren't "real," she's having too much fun to stop. After all, no one ever said being a witch was easy.

How to Date a Werewolf-

Romance can be a hairy business--especially when you're a werewolf. As the owner of Get a Mate Dating Service, Rylie is more than happy to step in and lend a hand to lonely lycanthropic hearts all over town. No matter how hopeless Rylie might be in finding her own soul mate, she has a knack for helping others find theirs. Convinced that she is stuck with a family curse, Rylie is positive she will never find her true love. But when drool-worthy Jack Chandler shows up at her door, Rylie wonders if maybe the curse is finally broken. But Rylie's life is about to become complicated courtesy of the after-dark crowd. When she begins receiving strange notes and harassment from a jilted client, events careen out of control. Jack knows she's more hassle than he can handle. What he doesn't know is whether she's seriously in trouble . . . or simply delusional.

Easy Bake Coven-

For Selene Warren being a witch is no big deal. She dabbles in harmless magic with her friends and never thinks much about it. However, when a stranger who seems to know her shows up at her studio and her grandmother is brutally attacked, her simple life becomes complicated.

A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible.

This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.

Buy on Amazon | B&N | Kobo

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Cover Reveal! 'Give Me Reason' by Zoey Derrick

NOW AVAILABLE:

BLURB:

Vivienne Callahan has known only hardship. As if growing up with an alcoholic, drug addicted mother wasn’t traumatic enough, she’s escaped from her physically and verbally abusive boyfriend only to struggle every day to make ends meet as a waitress in a Minneapolis diner.

Along comes Mikah Blake, a handsome stranger who quickly takes an unexpected and persistent interest in her. On the surface, “Mr. Suit” seems to be Vivienne’s opposite: rich, well-fed, successful. As Vivienne will learn, Mikah is more than he seems, and for reasons unknown, he’s determined to be her knight in shining armor. But after having finally found her own two feet after years of abuse, it’s difficult for her to accept Mikah’s help.

Will her body’s unexpected response to Mikah’s touch be reason enough to overcome her pride and traumatic past and learn to love and trust? Or will her past, refusing to be left behind, come back to claim her?

Read an excerpt:

He’s looking down at me, making me feel small at five feet two inches. He has to be at least six feet tall. Broad shoulders. His suit today is gunmetal grey with blue or black pin striping—I can’t tell which. His shirt is a beautiful lavender color with a darker purple tie. "How do you know I'm not an addict?" I ask, softly.

He smiles at me, warm, genuine. "Because, you've come to return the money I left you last night as a tip." My jaw falls open.

"How"—I swallow hard—"did you know?"

His smile fades a little. "Because, why else would you come down here?"

I close my mouth and look down at the floor. His ability to read me is really scary.

"Since you haven't eaten since last night, I'm going to take you to lunch."

I feel my face flush bright red, both in anger and complete irritation. "That is not why I'm here. I've survived for my entire life fending for myself, I don't need some rich hot shot business mogul buying me food." I reach into the pocket of my bag and pull the folded up paper from it. I thrust it towards him. He refuses to take it. Tears of frustration trickle down my cheeks. "Damn it Mikah, take it." I push it at him again and again he refuses. "I'm not a damn charity case. I don't need your money or your food."

The bell chimes. We’ve finally reached the skyway. As soon as the doors open, I drop the folded up paper with his money in it and bolt from the elevator, turning left, hoping and praying I can get away. "Vivienne, stop." I hear him say behind me. I keep going, walking quickly but not running. Yet. I'm trying hard to not make a scene. But he doesn’t seem to care about that. He catches me quickly, spins me around. I grab hold of his arm to catch my balance so I don't go sprawling onto the floor.

Available on Amazon

BIO:

It is from Glendale, Arizona that Zoey Derrick, a mortgage underwriter by day and romance and erotica novelist by night, writes stories as hot as the desert sun itself. It is this passion that drips off of her work, bringing excitement to anyone who enjoys a good and sensual love story.
 


Not only does she aim to take her readers on an erotic dance that lasts the night, it allows her to empty her mind of stories we all wish were true.
Her stories are hopeful yet true to life, skillfully avoiding melodrama and the unrealistic, bringing her gripping Erotica only closer to the heart of those that dare dipping into it. 
 


The intimacy of her fantasies that she shares with her readers is thrilling and encouraging, climactic yet full of suspense. She is a loving mistress, up for anything, of which any reader is doomed to return to again and again.

ONLINE LINKS:

Website WWW.ZOEYDERRICK.COM

Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ZOEY.DERRICK

Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ZOEY.DERRICK.1

Twitter WWW.TWITTER.COM/ZOEYDERRICK

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7060851.Zoey_Derrick

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Zoey-Derrick/e/B00CNZYGZU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

'The Wolf's Torment (Moldavian Moon Book 1)' by Stephanie Burkhart

The Wolf’s Torment
by Stephanie Burkhart

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

BLURB:

It's 1865 in Moldavia, a country nestled against the shores of the Black Sea, and Crown Prince Mihai Sigmaringen returns after receiving an education in England. His best friend, Viktor Bacau joins him. Mihai is intent on modernizing his nation, but he's also a witch, and it's time he embraces his heritage. The tasks in front of him are many including getting married. 

Lady Theresa von Kracken arrives in Constanta as Mihai's intended. Mihai has vowed not to fall in love again, but Theresa manages to break the battlements around his heart.



In an unfortunate twist of fate, Viktor is bitten by a werewolf. Viktor's transformation threatens everyone around him including his wife's safety and Mihai's happiness with Theresa. Viktor's bite is the wolf's torment.

Read an excerpt:

Theresa wrung her hands together, worried. Sonia was in her eighth month and her baby was nice and round. Sonia reminded Theresa of when Victoria had given birth. She hoped that wasn't happening now.

"She's not going to have the baby, is she?" asked Theresa.

"No, the pain is in the wrong place. I'm going to get Dr. Stanza and the willow bark pills."

"Hurry."

"I will." Mrs. Nocesti rushed out the door.

Theresa knelt next to Sonia, rubbing her hand over Sonia's hair. "This is so sudden. Did the baby kick?"

"I don't know...Theresa...am I bleeding?"

Theresa shivered at the thought, but visually checked Sonia's dress. "I don't see any blood staining your dress."

"Thank God. Theresa, it hurts."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could do something."

"Hold my hand."

Theresa offered Sonia her hand. Sonia gripped it so tightly, Theresa's knuckles turned white. Her own pulse accelerated. Spots appeared before her eyes. Theresa's breathing grew rapid. Theresa saw the baby in the womb, kicking the spot of Sonia's discomfort. The baby struck the blood barrier. It was weak, and because of that, was causing Sonia pain.

"Baby, no, don't kick your mother there. You're hurting her. Please, don't kick. Turn around, please, turn around," Theresa said, gasping for air as sweat trickled down her brow. The baby turned. It was a boy.

Sonia let go. Theresa's link with the baby disappeared.

"What did you do?" whispered Sonia.

Book links

Also available from All Romance and Desert Publishing

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. She served 11 years in the US Army and currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate and is addicted to coffee. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:
http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Stephanie will be awarding a Coffee and Chocolate Basket (a coffee mug with the cover on it, magnets, a $10.00 GC to Starbucks, Andes Chocolates, and a book bag) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

A conversation wtih T. Warwick, author of 'The Artificial Mirage'

Take a brief moment to learn more about 'The Artificial Mirage,' by author T. Warwick.

What was the inspiration for this book?

It evolved from my interest in augmented reality and where I see it heading. The juxtaposition of traditional societies with high technology is something that already exists, but I found it interesting to explore it in the near future when the divide is even greater. I’ve spent time living in all of the cities and countries in the book, so there’s a genuine attention to detail.

What kind of research did you have to do for it?

Obviously, the naughty kind.

What are some of the themes in the book?

The book is a glimpse into the near future of cultural and technological change. It takes place just as fossil fuels are becoming irrelevant and new energy sources are emerging. The economic development in Asia is at its zenith, but artificial intelligence is rendering many employees redundant. All of the characters are scrambling to remain relevant and survive. Amid all of these changes, augmented reality fills a void.

A relentless pursuit from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia in which augmented reality distorts the nature of attachment and desire.

In a world where augmented reality blurs the line between the real and the computer generated, Charlie cherishes the reality of Lauren....

His life as a young American banker in Vietnam seems idyllic until a series of events precipitate her disappearance.

When her trail leads to Saudi Arabia, he must navigate a criminal underworld. The stakes grow higher as it becomes apparent that reality isn’t what it once was.

Buy on Kindle | Paperback

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---

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'Running From Forever' by Ashley Wilcox Facebook Event with Release Day Diva

Recent college graduate, Kayla Reynolds was ready to leave the university, sorority life behind. Leaving her boyfriend of over three years, she packed her bags and moved four hours south to the big city…New York City.  Bright lights, streets that never sleep, and a business lifestyle that she yearned to have were all at her fingertips.

Kayla Reynolds was chasing her dream.

Determined and eager to make it in the corporate world, Kayla changed everything- her image, lifestyle, and outlook on life,putting her career first and her personal life second. That was until her first day, the first time she got a glimpse of Miles Blackwell. Corporate CEO and part owner of ETV, and not to mention, incredibly handsome, Miles Blackwell took Kayla by surprise, stealing her heart as he did.

But nothing had ever come that easy for Kayla. Life had always seemed to have a personal vendetta against her, stepping in when everything seemed too good to be true, reminding herself of whom she really was. It wasn’t until she met Merrick Drake that she realized when to stop; when running was no longer an option. For the first time in her life she had someone she could relate to; someone who wouldn’t judge- who saw the person she was inside. She and Merrick connected…on more levels than one.

When life was too much to handle, they ran.

But there was only one person that could make Kayla stop for good. Only one man that made her want to stay.

Would Kayla finally stop running or would it all be too much to handle?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Join in the fun Monday September 23 from 6-10 pm EST. We have tons of fun "New York" themed games for you all. It's going to be a ton of fun!

Where can you find Ashley?

Facebook-

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-Wilcox-Author/534100859949004

Website-

http://www.ashleywilcoxauthor.com

Twitter-

https://twitter.com/ashleywilcox55

Goodreads-

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6564533.Ashley_Wilcox

Amazon-

http://www.amazon.com/Ashley-Wilcox/e/B00C7H4XRU/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1375734450&sr=8-2-ent

 Hope to see you all there!!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

Read an exclusive excerpt from 'Descent From Truth' by Gaylon Greer

THE DESCENT FROM TRUTH
By Gaylon Greer

BLURB:

Alex Bryson is patrolling Rocky Mountain backcountry in his job as a security guard when he discovers a woman with a baby wandering alone in the snow far from the nearest road. He takes them to shelter in a weekender cabin and sees a newscast that suggests the woman, Pia Ulmer, kidnapped the baby from its rightful parents and that it is the sole heir of Peru’s wealthiest and most corrupt family. Pia claims that she is the baby’s mother, and Alex doesn't know what to believe. After turning her in, he continues to struggle with his budding feelings for her and remains unsure of the true story. He becomes more and more involved until finally there is no turning back—lives are on the line. He helps Pia get free from a brutal world that values money over life, and together they devise a plan to reclaim the baby. Just when it looks like they might succeed, they discover an international conspiracy that changes the game entirely.

Read an exclusive excerpt:

Alex approached Pia's hiding place at a slow walk. Holding Frederick’s sling steady against his chest with one arm, he raised the other over his head. “It's Alex. I've got Freddy.”

Pia's white-sheeted body hurtled out of the tree-shrouded darkness and collided with his. She hugged him for a moment and then tore at the sheet he had looped around his neck as a sling for Frederick. “Baby, baby.” She cuddled the youngster to her breasts.

Frederick, apparently worn out from screaming and fighting to escape Alex's clutches, had gone back to sleep. He shifted fitfully but did not awaken.

“Take him back to the snowmobiles,” Alex said. “I've got to do something about our tracks.” He cut another cedar bough and returned to where he had left the road. Backing as he worked, he swept away all boot prints between the road and the trees. Not perfect, but probably okay until daylight.

Pia had made a nest in the snow under bushes between the stolen snowmobiles. Inside her sleeping bag, she cuddled Frederick. Alex unrolled his own bag and slid into the nest by her side.

“Alex,” she said, “thank you. I owe you my life, my . . . everything.” She leaned across and kissed him.

“We have to stay here 'til daylight,” he said, using an officious tone to cover his fluster. “When the lodge has a shift change, staffers will start their snowmobiles. We're less likely to be noticed then.” With his nostrils flaring at her faint aroma mixed with Frederick's baby smell, he forced his adrenaline-hyped body to relax and let the sound of her occasional clucking at Frederick wash over him. His lips tingled from the touch of hers.

Available on Amazon

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Working with traveling carnivals and itinerant farm labor gangs during his teen and early adult years took Gaylon Greer up, down, and across the U.S. and introduced him to a plethora of colorful individuals who serve as models for his fictional characters. After several years as an Air Force officer and then a university professor with a Ph.D. in economics, Greer developed an interest in writing fiction and attended workshops at the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska, and Bryn-Mawr College. He also studied with the U.C. Davis Extension program and the Algonquian Writers Group. His most recent novel, THE DESCENT FROM TRUTH is available at www.Amazon.com and other e-book retailers. Please visit Greer at www.GaylonGreer.com

A randomly chosen commenter will receive an autographed hardcover version of the author's previous book, The Price of Sanctuary. Follow the tour for more chances to win!