Get your paperback copy of 'Choosing Evil (Ensouled Trilogy)' by Kristina Rienzi

Choosing Evil

Ensouled Trilogy
Book 1

by Kristina Rienzi

Genre: Paranormal Suspense/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Midnight Frost Books
Date of Publication: November 25, 2014
ISBN:9781502271228
ASIN:B00Q5CMY2E
Word Count: 70k estimated

Book Description:

Serafina Murano is no stranger to the paranormal. All of her life she’s lived harmoniously alongside demons. Damon Serpe is a conflicted demon on a mission. Unexpectedly, they collide into each other’s lives and are inexorably drawn to one another.

Dark deadly secrets, gut wrenching betrayal, and elusive questions haunt her and have her entire life. Instinctively, Serafina realizes Damon holds the key to her understanding. If she trusts him, can he help decipher her recurring nightmares and unravel the mysteries surrounding her?

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, she must select her path and make a difficult choice. One which will change her, and perhaps the world, forever.

Will Serafina embrace the truth and face her evil?

Would you?






Read an excerpt:

          Already late, Serafina began sprinting toward her building. She was still deep in thought and failed to pay attention. A second later, she slammed into what felt like a brick wall. Her coffee cup filled with mocha latte went flying, landing all over an impeccable pinstriped suit.

          She stopped breathing when she faced the victim of her morning beverage. A handsome bronzed man, almost two feet taller than Serafina, stood in front of her. His irises were so light they looked almost clear. They held a world of intrigue and reeled her right in. Those iridescent opal eyes were magnificent and haunting, telling her almost everything she needed to know about him. He was a demon.

          His smile was perfection, revealing a set of incredibly beautiful teeth. He was stunning and he wasn't human. Serafina wiped her moist palms on her dress and gave him a half-smile. "I'm so sorry." She rummaged through her purse for napkins or tissues, not fully understanding why the universe had chosen this moment, a time when her best self wasn’t present, to meet a gorgeous demon, like him.

          "No problem, I’m Damon.” His smoky voice made her shudder with pleasure. 

          "Serafina,” she lowered her voice but it didn’t sound natural and it wasn’t nearly as sultry as she wished it had been. She stepped forward to shake Damon’s hand and her heel caught on the pavement. As she began to tip over, he grabbed her arm and pulled her up straight, all in one swift motion. Now attached to him, her arms wrapped around his waist in desperation. When she realized what she was doing, she shuffled away from him and tried regain her balance.

          "Are you okay?" His expression showed his concern. 

          "I'm fine. But, I didn’t have my coffee yet."  Serafina tried to flatten the wrinkles in her dress and right herself.

          Damon laughed, catching her off guard. Relieved, Serafina laughed too. She didn’t expect her attempt at humor to work. Given her morning, she didn't think there was any wittiness in her to begin with, let alone, for it to come with such ease.

          When Serafina’s laid eyes on the mess she had made, her posture went rigid. It was a coffee crime scene, straight out of a forensic textbook. Luminal would have exposed her caffeine attack for all to see. For her assault, she should have been handcuffed on the spot. "I've ruined your clothes.”

Damon brushed himself off and buttoned up his suit jacket. "I’m fine.”

"Yes, you are." Serafina meant to say it in her head, or at the least under her breath, but it had come out of her mouth loud and clear. Her face became hot in an instant, so she began fanning herself.  

          "This might sound like a line, but I’m glad you bumped into me. Where are you from?” Damon’s eyes twinkled, but his question sounded forced as if he already knew her answer.  

          "Home, today that is.” She failed horribly at making another joke. “But I've lived at the Jersey Shore all of my life." She tried to redeem herself "And, yes, it did sound like a line.” He was definitely the new one in town. "Did you move here recently?"

          Damon shook his head. "I'm as new as you. I've lived in Rivershore for many years. I work in Maroon County and for just as long."

          Rivershore was an upscale town not far from where she grew up in the modest beach town of Silver Lake. Although she had worked in the city for several years, Serafina spent all of her free time at the Jersey Shore, mainly Maroon County. Even more coincidentally, Serafina would turn thirty years old soon, so Damon was technically the same age as her. Demons never aged past the age of thirty.

          From what he said, they had shared the commonality of living and working in nearby towns. So, it didn’t make sense she had never seen him before. Clearly, he had a knack for hiding. However, many years in demon terms could have been any amount of time since demons were practically immortal.

          She studied him for more reasons than one, although he was striking and easy to admire. Damon’s exquisite appearance reminded her of a model or an actor. He had a rugged look, yet he was polished. He wore his expensive suit coupled with his five o'clock shadow as if it were a fashion statement. His ebony hair was long enough to push behind his ears. He was a unique mix of a tattoo artist and a Hollywood movie star. The combination really worked for him.

          Serafina’s eye contact with him was firm but her muscles lost all of their tension. “Where exactly do you work? I can’t believe I’ve never seen you before.” She felt weak as she visually devoured Damon. She was certain she would have remembered him if she had seen him before. The fact their paths had never crossed was inexplicable to her. Then, so was the supernatural. Humans living with a paranormal reality made anything possible.

          Right as Damon was about to answer, his watch alarm went off. He silenced it. "I've got to run, but it was nice meeting you, Serafina. I hope to bump into you again, and soon.”  He touched her arm lightly in a goodbye gesture and once more flashed his award-winning smile.  

          By the time Serafina summoned the nerve to reply, "Me too," he was already gone.

Choosing Evil on Goodreads

Available on  Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * Scribd

About the Author:

Kristina Rienzi writes suspense thriller fiction set at the Jersey Shore where she lives today.

Professionally, Kristina has been active in the writing community as a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime-Central Jersey, Romance Writers of America and New Jersey Romance Writers, serving as Chair of the Literary Book Fair in 2013.

Kristina holds a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from Monmouth University and an advanced human resources certification, working in both fields throughout her business career. She's also the founder of Embrace the Unknown, an inspirational blog about writing and life.

Personally, Kristina is married and a doggie mommy to Pekingese and Shih Tzu pups. When she’s not writing or doing something writing related, she spends her time reading, watching paranormal investigations, rooting for her West Virginia Mountaineers or relaxing with her loved ones, wine in hand. Although a lover of New Jersey, she dreams of moving to Oahu and living the 'Aloha' way.

Kristina plans to publish Breaking Evil (Ensouled Trilogy, Book 2) in 2015.

Website: www.kristinarienzi.com

Blog: http://bit.ly/blog-krienzi

Twitter: http://bit.ly/twitter-krienzi

Facebook: http://bit.ly/fb-krienzi

Amazon: http://bitl.ly/amazon-kristinarienzi

Tour giveaway
1 - $10 Amazon Gift Card
1 – Ebook of Choosing Evil (Amazon) 
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Review of 'Dictating Death' by Bonnie R. Paulson

This book is not light reading. There are graphic scenes and there is not HEA. NOT intended for teens or young adults. Again, this is not light reading. Violence and craziness. You've been warned.

***

Samantha wants to love him.

Maria wants to kill him.

Dr. Luke Lawson has no idea that the girl he’s dating has split personalities fighting to control her body. Samantha must keep Luke safe at all costs.

If Samantha wins, Maria will die and disappear forever – taking Samantha with her.

If Maria wins, Dr. Lawson will die and she and Samantha will move on to the next doctor – the next kill.

But Luke is special.

He could save Samantha from herself… but only if Samantha can save him.

**My thoughts**

This storyline is absolutely twisted, which means it is right up my alley. Plus, I am a huge Bonnie R. Paulson fan. Missing this book was not an option.

It takes a little bit to realize that Samantha and Maria are fractured parts of the same person. I mean, you know that going into it, but it requires you actually getting used to the two voices arguing with each other while simultaneously controlling the same body. It's a concept that has fascinated me since I had to read and watch Sybil in my psychology classes.

After years of horrid abuse, Rebecca, the person whose body these women inhabit, has pretty much disappeared, allowing her split personalities to rule. It's a reminder that within all of us lies a multi-faceted persona. We all have that nasty streak, as well as a loving streak, plus a bunch of other bits and pieces all mixed in. Many of us may have times when we struggle with those facets, but can usually keep them in line. This is the ultimate battle between the good and the evil, the love and hate, the opposite extremes of oneself.

You want Samantha to win, but there are consequences if she does. Perhaps it would be easier if Maria won, but those consequences are also pretty bad. You wonder how poor Luke is going to respond to all of this. You wonder if they will get caught. You wonder if Rebecca will ever be able to reemerge and put herself back together. So many questions revolving around the story. I was glued to the Kindle to find out.

Yes, it is graphic. Even I was squirming a bit on occasion, but it enhanced the story. (This was one book I did *not* try to read while eating dinner.) It wouldn't work without these scenes.

No, there is no HEA. At least, it isn't the kind of HEA where everything is wrapped up with a pretty little bow. I actually thought in some ways it could be a happy ending, but to explain why would give away too much. It resolved in the best way possible, causing me to exclaim "Holy shit!"

Well done, Bonnie. :-)

Buy on Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / iBooks

  Visit at www.BonnieRPaulson.net 

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Read an exclusive excerpt from 'Steady Burn (White Warrior Series)' by Nichelle Rae

Steady Burn

by Nichelle Rae

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

BLURB:

Steady Burn is the 3rd book in the epic white warrior series.

Hathum has left Azrel for dead. Seemingly a long way from recovery after his attack, Azrel suddenly gets a vision of Yarin, the true leader of the Gleo'gwyns. He is being held prisoner in a decrepit dungeon and being mercilessly tortured by a Shadow solider.

Azrel realizes in that fearful instant that the world would share Yarin's fate if Hathum and the Shadow Gods defeat her.

Read an exclusive excerpt:

It felt like someone reached into my chest and squeezed my heart until it oozed out from between their fingers. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. The world started spinning and I collapsed to my knees. I screamed in agony just to keep myself from passing out and crawled towards Azrel’s head. Her face was whiter than the fog that surrounded her. Her eyes were wide open and staring dead blank towards the sky. Thick blood boiled out of her mouth as she twitched and convulsed violently. There was so much blood under her I thought she had a head injury, but it was quickly clear that the blood under her was all coming out of her mouth, from places unknown and organs that had to be nothing but mush from the amount of blood I saw.

This couldn’t be real. My sister wasn’t this cold and deathly pale. Her skin was warm and a pretty hue of peach. My sister’s lips were not this ugly purplish blue color. Her lips were a lovely pale pink. My sister’s eyes were not blank and hazy and bloodshot. Her eyes were bright and sharp and clear and sparkled blue when she smiled. This couldn’t be Azrel. Not my sister.

I saw something strange then; a thin wisp of the mist that surrounding Azrel seep into her mouth. After a few seconds it withdrew again, only this time holding stringy clumps of blood clots. I realized that doing that allowed Azrel to breathe a little better. The mist flicked the clots to the ground and still kept at it, pulling out blood clot after blood clot so Azrel could breathe.

I examined the mist as it shifted and I saw two glowing white lights, brighter than the rest of the mist, like a pair of eyes looking up at me. It was The White Warrior. She was outside of Azrel’s mind and in physical form in the world as she had been twice before, when Ortheldo and I both saw her for the first time. She was pulling these blood clots out of Azrel’s throat.

The others finally caught up and burst into their own acknowledgement of terror and horror at Azrel’s condition. The most surprising was a long, agonizing scream that came from Acalith. The White Warrior disappeared without so much as another glance up at us. With tears dripping down my face and my entire body shaking, I resumed what she had been doing, digging blood clots out of my sister’s throat. Azrel was still convulsing violently and occasionally bit my fingers due to the spasms, but each time I pulled some red gunk out of her mouth and she took a breath without making a gurgling sound, I didn’t care.

Buy links

Amazon US / Amazon UK

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Nichelle Rae, fantasy’s newest author, was born and raised in Massachusetts. Her love for writing began when she was 14 years old and she wrote short stories about meeting her favorite music group. She received so much praise and complements on her writing ability that it quickly became a passion of hers. Throughout the years she has gotten much praise from peers, professors, and professional author’s she’s had a chance to work with about her writing and ability to put emotions into text.

The White Warrior Series is her debut fantasy series she’s publishing as an independent author which will consist of seven books total. Nichelle already has begun three more fantasy series that she hopes to publish in the future after The White Warrior Series.

Social Media Links –

Website http://thewhitewarriorseries.com/

Facebook www.facebook.com/TheWhiteWarriorSeries

Twitter @Nichelle_Writes

Nichelle will be awarding $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review of 'One More Second Chance (Lobster Cove)' by Jana Richards

One More Second Chance
Lobster Cove Series
The Wild Rose Press

by Jana Richards

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: February 6, 2015
Number of pages: 331
Word Count: 82,083 words
Cover Artist: Tina Lynn Stout

Book Description:

Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.

Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering?

Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?

Excerpt: 

“What did the x-ray find?” she asked. 

“A spiral fracture of the right arm.” He paused for a moment and took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotions. “I’ve seen this kind of injury before. A fracture like this can be the result of a fall, but it can also be an indication of child abuse. An arm as small as Ava’s will break like a twig if it’s twisted hard enough. I’m obligated to contact the authorities if I suspect abuse.” 

Julia stared at him in mute shock, her brain struggling to process his words, as if trying to translate some unintelligible language. The words child abuse rang in her ears. Finally she found her voice. 

“You think someone deliberately hurt her?” 

“Her injuries are consistent with abuse.” 

“I don’t give a damn what they’re consistent with. Ava has not been mistreated. My mother said she fell down the stairs, and if that’s what she said, then that’s what happened.” 

“I believe there’s more to the story than a simple fall.” 

“If it comes down to believing you or believing my mother, I’m going with my mother.” 

“Perhaps you don’t know your mother as well as you think you do.” 

Julia sucked in a breath and stared into Dr. Campbell’s dark, accusing eyes. The idea that her mother would hurt Ava was ridiculous. She adored Ava, would do anything for her… 

She blinked and looked away, remembering an incident the other day. She’d heard her yelling at Ava about the milk she’d spilled on the kitchen floor, making such a huge deal of it that Ava had cried. It had struck her as strange, since she couldn’t remember her mother yelling at anyone, ever. She wasn’t as patient as she used to be. And how did she explain her strange phone call telling her Ava had been hurt? Of course she’d been upset, but her mother had been nearly incoherent with distress. Was something going on she wasn’t aware of? She was seventy-one now. Maybe looking after a rambunctious five-year-old was too much for her.

No. She shook her head to reject the disloyal thought. Dr. Campbell was the one who was wrong.

“I know my mother. She didn’t do this. It was an accident.” 

“We’ll soon find out. Sharon is questioning Ava now.” 

Julia stared at the door. “She’ll be scared, all by herself.” 

“Sharon’s very good at what she does. She has a way of making kids feel comfortable.” 

Julia turned on him, the anger and despair she’d been holding inside spilling out. “And you? Do you enjoy upsetting five-year-olds and turning families’ lives upside down? Does it make you feel powerful to sic the authorities on us?” 

“Look, Mrs. Stewart, I take no pleasure in bringing in the authorities. But I’ve seen child abuse, up close and personal, and I can tell you it’s damn ugly. The things parents and caregivers are capable of doing to defenseless children…”

He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. Closing his eyes, he averted his face and took a deep breath. When he turned back to her, his steely control was back in place. “So yeah, if I have even the smallest suspicion that a child has been abused, I’m going to ask questions. And I’m not going to apologize for it.”

**My thoughts**

Julia has had a lot on her plate. As the principal of the local high school, she is facing ridicule by some for her inventive idea to implement a daycare, so that young mothers can find a way to return to classes. She is a single mother, raising a five year-old daughter on her own, after her ex-husband decided to abandon them. She is essentially estranged from her in-laws. Her parents are suffering from some serious health concerns. Her best friend is having her own crises. And Julia just plain cares too much about everyone in her life. She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, and always drives full force into whatever life throws at her. This is one of her greatest strengths, but her stubbornness is also one of her biggest challenges.

Alex was merely looking for escape. He needed a break from his family in California. He sought an easier way to repay his staggering school bills. And though a desire to stay near an ocean was part of the reason he choose Lobster Cove, he really didn't know how much he simply needed a small town to help him learn more about himself and how wonderful people could be. 

The two of them were destined to meet, no matter what, thanks to the small town. Unfortunately, their first encounter is a less than positive one. If it weren't for Julia's daughter, Ava, and her innocent attachment to the good doctor, it is quite possible that Julia would have never given Alex a second thought. Children are intuitive creatures, though. This threesome learns a lot about love and life as they learn how to trust both themselves and the world around them.

While I loved the romance part of this book, I was also extremely drawn into Julia's story about dealing with her aging parents. I went through something almost identical with my own parents a few years ago. I perfectly understood her struggle to accept the diagnoses, her desire to do what is best, and the drive to protect them at all costs. Her advantage, at least, is that they are in the same town. So, that storyline really stood out for me.

A few other medical storylines are thrown in there. It seems crazy that a small town would have so much happening within it all at once, but it is possible over the length of time that passes through this book.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and am now interested in what other stories may lie within Lobster Cove.

Buy links:

 Amazon * The Wild Rose Press * Chapters * Kobo * iBooks

About the Author:

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel.

Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish.

She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile: https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

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'Serious Leigh (Literal Leigh Romance Diaries #2)' by Melanie James

Leigh is back and so are the mishaps! Grab your copy today! 

Now things have gotten serious. Seriously crazy! Love is in the air, but so is catastrophe now that Leigh is getting some very strong feelings for Hunter, the Hunky roofer turned Police Academy cadet. Find out almost everything, and even learn about a Paranormal Pet Shop, what really sank the Titanic, magic brownies, how the Great Chicago Fire really started. Don't miss this installment!

Buy links

Amazon US * Amazon UK * Amazon CA * Amazon AU  

Bestselling author, Melanie James spent 14 years as an IT systems administrator before tiring of the hustle and bustle of the technology world. She's doing what she loves, by writing steamy paranormal, contemporary, and romantic comedy books. Melanie has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Leadership and Development, with a minor in Women's Studies. She is currently working on her Master's Degree in Adult Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Review of 'Do It With Words: Regrow Your Hair With Your Mind' by Kfir Luzzatto

Regrow Lost Hair and Restore Its Natural Color to Gray Hair – Do It With Your Mind

Do It With Words – No “Magic” Potions Or Lotions Needed

Do It With Words is a straightforward guide into the power of your mind. The author, a former skeptic, who reformed after witnessing how mind-body practices deliver tangible results, provides visual proof and a precise blueprint of the mind-body experiment in which he succeeded in his attempt to regrow lost hair and to restore its natural color to gray hair.

The book describes in precise detail how the author:

Regrew lost hair; restored its natural, dark brown color to his previously white hair;used self-hypnosis, guided imagery and meditation to achieve all results without the aid of any external preparation.

Editorial Reviews

“It’s a wonderful application of something that I have believed in for many years now – the power of mind over body . . . This technique is worthy of serious attention.” – Michael J. Hadfield, D. Hyp., MBSCH

“Kfir Luzzatto . . . has laid down a path for you to reach many goals traditionally considered difficult or impossible. I see Kfir as very much a visionary pioneer in the mind-body field. We are fortunate to read what he has discovered and reveals . . .” – Forbes Robbins Blair

**My thoughts**

When I first saw the title of this book, I wanted to just blow it off as absolute nonsense. I decided to give it a shot, anyway. It wasn't a total waste of my time.

Kfir has a Ph.D. He is no stranger to doing research, and his book demonstrates this. He has put together a comprehensive approach to using your mind to do great things within the mind-body connection. While the focus is on regrowing hair, or even changing your hair color, he does tell how you can apply these concepts to many different aspects of your life.

He provides a detailed description of how he has gone through this process, as well as an outline to follow should you wish to try this technique on your own. He explains the need to believe in what you are doing and to be careful in how you approach it. He cites many sources, as well as sharing his own experiences.

Within these experiences, he has included photographs of the changes within his own hair. My only wish is that he would have done the two pictures in a similar setting. The picture of his white, balding head looks like it was done outside in the bright sunlight, whereas the one that shows the darker hair growing in was done inside in artificial light. A true comparison would be more effective if both had been one or the other.

Does the program work? I can't vouch for that. I have a head full of hair that is still 97 percent its natural brown. I have never tried guided meditation, nor other procedures discussed in this book, but I have had some experience with what we might call mind power. I have known people who use guided imagery to get them through painful experiences, such as cysts or during chemotherapy. There could be something valid there.

Am I going to try it? Perhaps on some level I will give it a shot. I figure I have nothing to lose.

So, kudos to Kfir for having strong faith in what he is doing. I am impressed by his research and synthesizing of the material into a useful guide. I wish anyone who tries this process a lot of luck.

Buy links

Amazon / Kobo / Google / Smashwords

About Kfir Luzzatto

I was born and raised in Italy, and moved to Israel as a teenager. I acquired my love for the English language from my father, a former U.S. soldier and WWII veteran, a voracious reader, and a prolific writer. I have a PhD in chemical engineering and I work as a patent attorney. I am a recipient of the prestigious Landau Award for Research and have been granted several patents for my own inventions. I live in Omer, Israel, with my full-time partner, Esther, our four children, Michal, Lilach, Tamar, and Yonatan, and the dog Elvis.

I published extensively in the professional and general press over the years. For almost four years I wrote a weekly “Patents” column in Globes (Israel’s financial newspaper). My non-fiction book, The World of Patents, was published in 2002 by Globes Press. I am the author of several short stories and of six novels. I am an HWA (Horror Writers Association) and ITW (International Thriller Writers) member and I also serve on the editorial board of The Harrow Press as Anthology Editor.

I became interested in mind-body practices a few years ago, after witnessing how my son got rid of a persistent viral wart with guided imagery. How I decided to initiate the ambitious experiment that finally led me to regrow lost hair and to turn the clock back on my hair age, restoring the original color to it, is a long story that unfolds in the book.

Follow Kfir: 

https://twitter.com/#%21/KfirLuzzatto” target=”_blank”>Twitter / Facebook / Literary Addicts / Smashwords / Blog / Amazon / Goodreads

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Meet Dustin H. Austin, author of 'Child of Two: Journey's Begin'

Dustin H. Austin is the author of the highly-rated book 'Child of Two: Journeys Begin.' Here, he lets us get to know him, his characters, and his book a little bit better.

Have a question for Dustin? Leave it in the comments below!

What was the inspiration behind this book?

The inspiration behind this book deals with that of my own inner demons I deal with when it comes to religion. Regardless of my beliefs I wanted to encourage readers to believe in something positive and make them ponder about real world events from a science fiction point of view.

Which character spoke to you the most?

I would have to say the main character Tash. I imagine everyone has a little Tash in them for dealing with life. As humans, we all undergo some form of internal struggle inside of us. Tash's constant fight with himself and his beliefs throughout the book is a key point. He has to figure out who and what he is before it's too late.

Like most people when they are young and in high school, it had been a challenge to figure out who they were. I know people today who still don't understand who they are and I still find myself question who I really am on an occasions. I just think that's human nature to do, and it's okay.

What is one of your favorite scenes?

Chapters 22 “Camping” and 23 “Galliths” were my favorite parts of the book. Amanda admits her love to Tash here, and she shows Tash and Ryder she can have fun. In those two chapters, you see the strengths of those three characters.

If you could live as one of the characters in your book, which one would you choose and why?

I would have to say Ryder. Ryder's an easy going individual with an incredible sense of humor. He’s not afraid to say what he’s thinking, but he’s also compassionate and loyal. Honestly, I created Ryder just for that reason. I wanted humor, friendship and someone Tash could rely on and I consider without Ryder, there would be no "Child of Two."

The paranormal genre is a highly competitive one. How does your book stand out compared to the others?

My book “Child of Two” brings some real world issues into light. It action and adventure in it along with love and romance with humor. The book can make you look at things differently in the world. Most people don’t even notice these things are going happening today. People are more worried about money than they are about their fellow human beings and planet.

I wanted to make this book fun not only for young adults but also for all kinds of readers. Everything from your “Harry potter” readers to your “Twilight” fans.

Will there be a sequel to this book? If so, when can we expect to see it?

Yes, I’m happy to say. I actually had continued writing the book before I released this one. The next book will be call “Book of Symbols.” I believe there will be at least three books in this series. “Book of Symbols” should be out no later than August of this year.

Are you working on any other projects?

Yes, besides working on “Book of Symbols” I’m writing two other books at this time. One is a horror book and the other is another science fiction book that takes place in the future after a third world war. I’ve also been considering writing another book on dog training that teaches someone how to train a “Cadaver dog” to go along with my “Drug Detection” training book I wrote “A Training Guide on Drug Detection K9's: It's cheaper than you think.”

Please tell us about your other publications.

I wrote a book called; “A Training Guide on Drug Detection K9's: It's cheaper than you think.” You can find it at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MGGDTFO

My background in law enforcement dealt with police canines and I felt this had been a perfect opportunity for me to share my knowledge with the world.

You used to work in law enforcement. How do you feel this impacts your writing?

To be honest it has been a little more difficult for me because of that. All my writing in the past has been on a factual basis/technical using quotes and precise locations and measurements. But it has also given me the opportunity to think more “outside the box” because of my training. We are taught to consider all possible aspects and the behaviors of individuals. How to react during certain situations and how normal people would react to the same situations.

I’ve had to change up how I write but I find it invigorating doing this though. Instead of writing my standard eight pages DUII report, now I can write a four hundred page book about something completely made up. Before, I only said what I could remember of the incident or what I had been told. Now however I can put something down on paper and later if I don’t like it I can change it. This is the ultimate freedom a person can have in my opinion.

How does your family support you and your writing?

My family has been very supportive in my writing. They understand I enjoy writing and actually encourage me to keep writing. My wife has been chastising me to hurry up and finish “Book of Symbols” so she can find out what happens next.

Authors love to support authors. Who else should we be reading?

One of my favorite authors is Denise Grover Swank. I give her credit for me starting my own writing career. She was an inspiration not only because I like her books but because of her background. She has six kids and still finds time to write. That’s incredible and downright near a miracle because I have three and I can barely deal with them.

What are you reading right now? What was the last book you read? What is next on your TBR pile?

I’m currently reading “Bellmere Common” by Mark Steen. The last book I read was “Sacrifice” by Denise Grover Swank. The next book I intend to read is “Redemption” by Denise Grover Swank.

When not writing, what can we find you doing?

When I’m not writing you can find me spending time with my two youngest children, well their not young anymore, and spending time with our animals. My daughter and I do what we can to help out the stray animals around where we live. All the money earned from my “Drug Detection Training” book goes to helping the stray animals. We try to find them homes, get them medical attention if needed and spayed or neutered. Because of some medical issues I have I’m limited on what I can and can’t do so it’s nice having my daughter around to help me.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

Because of my background in law enforcement and being a drug detection K9 officer people are surprised that I support the legalization of marijuana.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Is there any groups that help support new authors and their books? If so where can a list of these groups be obtained.

Thank you for your time!

Book blurb-

Tash is an Awkward eighteen year old boy who was born with an unusual birthmark. Over the course of one terrifying night, he gets to find out exactly what "Child of Two" means.

Tash and his best friend Ryder's lives get turned upside down. They spend the night fighting demons, the law, a secret society and a mad man. All Tash and Ryder have to help them in their conquest is a written letter from his mother, which instructs them to travel halfway across the country to find a man that Tash has never met.

Follow Tash and his fun-loving companion Ryder on their journey. Tash falls in love for the first time and discovers many new things about himself in this coming of age fantasy novel with paranormal romance story lines.

Tash and Ryder find out that many things in this world are not what they appear to be. They meet secret soldiers whose main purpose is to hunt down and fight demons. Can Tash and Ryder stay one step ahead of the demons? Can they find this mystery man before it's too late?)

Buy it on Amazon

Dustin H. Austin, a former police officer, is enjoying life with his retired K9 partner “Timmy.” His passion is helping animals and spending quality time with his Wife and their three children. Dustin and his family live in Texas.

Follow Dustin:

Amazon Author Page

Twitter: @author_dustin 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildofTwoJourneysBegin?ref=hl

Read an excerpt from 'College for Convicts' by Christopher Zoukis

The United States accounts for 5 percent of the world's population, yet incarcerates about 25 percent of the world's prisoners. Examining a wealth of studies by researchers and correctional professionals, and the experience of educators, this book shows recidivism rates drop in direct correlation with the amount of education prisoners receive, and the rate drops dramatically with each additional level of education attained.

Presenting a workable solution to America's mass incarceration and recidivism problems, this book demonstrates that great fiscal benefits arise when modest sums are spent educating prisoners. Educating prisoners brings a reduction in crime and social disruption, reduced domestic spending and a rise in quality of life.

Read an excerpt:

I was born in 1986 and grew up in a wealthy, professional home where I was loved, provided for, and sent to very good schools. Despite all these advantages, I made bad decisions. I lived in a haze of alcohol and drugs, the fast lane, the “fun” lane. Most of my relationships were toxic, but I couldn’t see it.

My parents cared deeply and tried everything to change the destructive path I was on, including expensive drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation centers, but I was oblivious to their love, sacrifice, and concern. I continued to live, lost in a wasteland of selfishness.

So here I am, in prison since high school. And it’s no one’s fault but my own.

Before my arrest, I had made a lot of stupid, drug-fueled choices, and I dropped out of school when my troubles with the law began. At that time, I was too drugged to give education a thought. But once incarcerated and surrounded by people who did bad things, really bad and evil things, people who didn’t have the opportunities I had been given, I knew I had hit the bottom of the barrel. I had to find a way up and out.

Buy on

Amazon / B&N / McFarland

About the author:

Christopher Zoukis is an impassioned advocate for prison education, a legal scholar, and a prolific writer of books, book reviews, and articles. His articles on prison education and prison law appear frequently in Prison Legal News, and have been published in The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, Blog Critics, Huffington Post and Midwest Book Review, among other national, regional, and specialty publications.

Mr. Zoukis is often quoted on matters concerning prison law, criminal law, prisoners' rights, and prison education. Recently, he was the focus of an article at Salon.com concerning America's broken criminal justice system and potential solutions to the current crisis.

When not in the thick of the battle for prison reform, prison education, or prisoners' rights advocacy, Mr. Zoukis can be found blogging at PrisonLawBlog.com, PrisonEducation.com, and ChristopherZoukis.com.

Follow The Tour

FREE 2/2 'Child of Two: Journeys Begin' by Dustin H. Austin

Book blurb-

Tash is an Awkward eighteen year old boy who was born with an unusual birthmark. Over the course of one terrifying night, he gets to find out exactly what "Child of Two" means.

Tash and his best friend Ryder's lives get turned upside down. They spend the night fighting demons, the law, a secret society and a mad man. All Tash and Ryder have to help them in their conquest is a written letter from his mother, which instructs them to travel halfway across the country to find a man that Tash has never met.

Follow Tash and his fun-loving companion Ryder on their journey. Tash falls in love for the first time and discovers many new things about himself in this coming of age fantasy novel with paranormal romance story lines.

Tash and Ryder find out that many things in this world are not what they appear to be. They meet secret soldiers whose main purpose is to hunt down and fight demons. Can Tash and Ryder stay one step ahead of the demons? Can they find this mystery man before it's too late?)

Buy it on Amazon

FREE on 2/2!

Dustin H. Austin, a former police officer, is enjoying life with his retired K9 partner “Timmy.” His passion is helping animals and spending quality time with his Wife and their three children. Dustin and his family live in Texas.

Follow Dustin:

Amazon Author Page

Twitter: @author_dustin 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildofTwoJourneysBegin?ref=hl

'Shadow Maker' by James R. Hannibal

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A winner randomly drawn via Rafflecopter will receive a $20 Amazon or BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

How far will collateral damage from a CIA drone strike reach?

When a suicide bomber shatters the peace of a winter afternoon on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., former pilot and undercover Cerberus operative Nick Baron receives an eerie invitation from the chess app on his phone—a mysterious figure named The Emissary wants to play.

Nick and his covert unit—the Triple Seven Chase team—soon find themselves drawn into battle against an unknown opponent who has resurrected an ancient order of assassins: the legendary Hashashin. And there is a long-awaited prophecy being fulfilled by a series of violent attacks which may culminate in a final apocalypse over Jerusalem.

As the Triple Seven fight to stop each attack, Nick tries to keep The Emissary on the hook by playing their digital chess game. The lines between the game and the fight begin to blur, as every time Nick loses a piece on the board, he loses one of his men. And if Nick cannot find a way to stop the terrorist mastermind, a checkmate may kill millions…

Enjoy an excerpt:

As Nick pointed out the National Air and Space Museum to his dad, he heard his wife quietly giggling to herself. 

He never got the chance to ask her why. 

Katy’s laughter became a shriek as an immense blast rocked the Jeep up onto two wheels. The driver-side windows blew completely inward, showering the interior with glass. As the vehicle came crashing down onto four wheels again, it veered left into oncoming traffic. Nick fought the wheel to regain control, swerving back across his own lane and skidding into the curb with his foot jammed on the brakes. 

The bomb had exploded ahead and to his left, next to Health and Human Services. The fireball that first flashed in his vision had become a black cloud. Debris rained down around them. Something landed on the roof with a heavy thump. 

“Are you okay?” he asked Katy, but she was busy reaching for her son. 

“Luke!” she cried. 

Nick turned with her and found that the toddler had escaped unscathed. Nick’s dad had acted as a shield, taking the brunt of the flying glass. 

“Dad, you’re bleeding.” 

“I’m fine.” 

“Good, then take the wheel.” 

Kurt Baron furrowed his brow. “What? Where’re you going?” 

Nick didn’t answer. He looked to his wife. She had several small cuts on the left side of her face, but nothing serious. Katy met his gaze and nodded sharply. “I’ll be all right. Go.” 

He popped the rear hatch and climbed out of the Jeep, noting as he stepped around to his father’s door that the object that had landed on his Jeep was a severed hand. He brushed it off the roof and into the gray-brown slush beneath the curb. “Dad, get up there and take the wheel. Get them to the hospital in Chapel Point. The closer facilities will be too busy.” 

“You get back in the car and get us out of here yourself.” 

Nick didn’t have time for father-son competition. The Mall was about to fill with first responders and rubberneckers, and soon there would be no exit. Even more pressing, the reaper’s relentless clock had started ticking the minute the bomb went off. As the ringing in his ears diminished, Nick was beginning to hear the wails of the dying.

Buy the book

Amazon – BN - IndieBound - Kobo – BAM - Powell’s - Walmart - Publisher 

About the Author:

James R. Hannibal is a former US Air Force Stealth Bomber pilot with over a thousand hours of combat experience including over-watch, close air support, and HVI captures. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1997 with a bachelors of science in Middle

Eastern Studies and earned a masters of science from Central Missouri State University in Aviation Safety Sciences. His flying career included the A-10 Warthog, B-2 Stealth Bomber, MQ-1 Predator, T-38 Talon, T-37 Tweet, and the Boeing 737, 757, and 767. When he is not flying or writing thrillers, James occasionally reviews for the New York Journal of Books.


Social Media:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/JamesRHannibal
Twitter – http://twitter.com/JamesRHannibal
Website – http://stealthcommand.com/

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