Book Blitz and Giveaway: Exceptionally Unconventional by Victoria Clarke

Title: Exceptionally Unconventional
Author: Victoria Clarke

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: February 27th 2023

Print Length: 328 pages
Genre: Historical Romance

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The Honorable Miss Lucilla Iverson is an exceptionally unconventional young heiress trying her best to be unexceptionally conventional despite her love of horses and racing curricles. When she attracts the attention of a hardened older bachelor, a duke, no less, it sets the ton afire with anticipation.

Many young bucks seek her approval, including a notorious (and now penniless) gamester who intends to marry Miss Iverson and her money whether or not she agrees. On an inside track for Lucilla’s attention is Oliver, Lord Hartwell, despite a near miss at running her over while driving his phaeton in the company of his cousin, the handsome and mysterious duke. Which of the three will win her heart and hand, to live happily ever after? That is the question!

Goodreads * Amazon
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EXCERPT:

Attracting attention now would only serve to damage her own reputation, and the chances of a masked man slipping into the crowd with no one the wiser was a chance she was unwilling to take. They were in a darkened area of the garden, which was no doubt intentional on the part of her captor. Unfortunately for him, the surroundings also suited Lucilla in this particular moment.

London knew her to be an intelligent, aristocratic, pretty-behaved young girl with extraordinary horsemanship and feminine accomplishments in droves. What they did not know was that growing up in the company of three elder brother figures had provided her with an education that did not come naturally to other young ladies of her class, and it was that education she now called upon to save her the indignity of abduction and social ruin.

Her struggling abruptly ceased. Her unencumbered right hand formed a dainty fist. And her dainty fist connected neatly with her kidnapper’s unsuspecting nose. There was a surprising amount of force behind the thrust, and it was so precisely aimed that blood was drawn, and she found herself immediately released.

But the untamed and unladylike streak she was usually at such pains to conceal from society was suddenly loosened. Instead of escaping while the opportunity presented itself, she made a fist with her left hand as well and swung at the masked man again. So concerned was he with keeping his mask in place that he was unable to deflect the second blow, which landed squarely in the vicinity of his right eye.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am an Australian writer, traveller, and horse rider. I am a lover of all things England and history - with a healthy side of sci-fi and fantasy.

My debut novel 'Exceptionally Unconventional' was written during 2020-21 while my late mother was fighting her final battle with breast cancer. I wrote it in a largely light-hearted way in an effort to keep her spirits up during that time - several of the characters were parodied versions of her acquaintances, so I was very happy to have succeeded in that particular endeavour!

She never got to see it published, but just a few weeks after she passed away, I was offered a contract on it from one of the first publishers I submitted it to. You'll notice the dedication I chose when it finally came time to write one.

I am currently working on my second manuscript.

Website * Facebook *Twitter * Instagram * TikTok
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GIVEAWAY:
Win a $15 Amazon gift card!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Xpresso Book Tours and the author assume all responsibility over this giveaway.)

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Book Blitz and Giveaway: The New Single Dad Billionaire (Bronson Billionaire Romance Series #5) by Tina Gabor

Title: The New Single Dad Billionaire

Series: Bronson Billionaire Romance Series #5
Author: Tina Gabor
Publisher: Sparks Fly Romance
Publication Date: February 28th 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Tyler Bronson’s hot dating app eMingle just went public, but despite his success at finding matches for other people he’s still single.

His on and off relationship with his unstable ex has finally stayed off that is until he finds out he has a son.

Now, he’s not just a new billionaire. He’s a new single dad. And he has no time for love until …

Goodreads * Amazon
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EXCERPT:

Betty POV

Between the heat from the fire and Tyler's body, the chill in the air had evaporated.

Tyler leaned forward, put his empty glass on the table, and took mine as well.

When he leaned back, he scooped me into his lap.

"This can't be comfortable for you,” I said motioning to his lap.

"Comfortable isn't the word I'd use, but I definitely like it. Let's make it even more fun," he said, scooting us closer to the corner of the loveseat.

"Wait," I said, not wanting to worry about his legs going numb. I scooched back so that my butt was on the loveseat, and my legs were over his lap. I rested my back on the arm of the chair.

He laughed. "Better?"

I nodded.

"This next part is cheesy, but it's happening, so stifle your inner cringe," he said.

"Okay," I said, nervous about what he was going to do next.

He reached over, grabbed a strawberry, and held it in front of my lips.

I giggled with the over-the-top ridiculousness of it.

"Open up, Betty," he said. "You don't want me to make airplane noises."

I humored him and opened my mouth to take a bite. But as he watched me with hungry eyes, I bit into the strawberry, and my insides melted.

I swallowed the strawberry, and a bit of juice dribbled down my mouth. I felt self-conscious, but he wiped it away with his finger.

"Was it good?" he asked, his voice a sexy whisper.

I couldn't even talk, so I just nodded yes.

He smiled and kissed me. The taste of his tongue, along with the leftover strawberry, was incredible.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Are you like me?

Do you enjoy funny, contemporary romances with spicy love scenes?

Because if you do ...

You've landed in the perfect place.

I'm Tina Gabor, and it’s so much fun getting to write the books I love reading. Gorgeous men and fierce, feisty, and funny women are my jam.

And since there’s nothing like a love story with a dash of sun and fun ...

I set most of my in Southern California and Florida. I grew up in South Florida, and now I live in Southern California with my fiancee and a stray cat we named Fred.

To get special deals on new releases and updates on what your favorite book couples are doing after the story ends, join my newsletter.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook
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GIVEAWAY:
Win a $25 Amazon gift card!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Xpresso Book Tours and the author assume all responsibility over this giveaway.)

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Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper by S.M. Morgan

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper by S.M. Morgan. This book tour was organized by Lola's Blog Tours. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a Kindle Paperwhite, a signed hardback of the book, and a featured character spot in the next book in the series. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper

Author: S.M. Morgan

Publisher: Morgan Publishing

Publication Date: March 10th 2021

Print Length: 114 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Adventure

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My name is Teddy, and I’m in the 6th grade. It’s my first day at a different school, and so far, the only person I know is Zane, the school bully. I was just your everyday kid trying to stay off everyone’s radar, but when I met my new best friend, Bud Wiper, everything changed.

Bud is a 6th grade millionaire from 60 years ago.

Yep, that’s right, Bud Wiper is a treasure hunter from the 1940’s who left behind his journal full of life and adventure, and even though we’ve never met, I think he might be the only thing that gets me through the 6th grade alive.

The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper is a fantastic story of bravery and friendship, perfect for kids, middle school students, and adults.

Goodreads * Amazon * Apple Books *

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Books-A-Million * Booktopia * Half Price Books *

IndieBound * Kobo * Walmart

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EXCERPT:

Mom slowed the car and turned into what must have been a driveway. Instead of a concrete entry like the other houses in the neighborhood, there was a narrow dirt road. A large brick gate with vines and overgrowth covering it appeared from the woods. In old, rusty looking text, it read: Welcome— Home of D. Bud Wiper.

“D. Butt Wiper, the guy living here is named D. Butt Wiper?” I asked.

“Bud Wiper,” Mom corrected me, “and that is Mr. Wiper to you. Please use your manners, Teddy.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

S.M. Morgan is the author of The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper — A Middle Grade Adventure. He lives in East Texas with his wife, daughter, and son, and when not writing potty humor for kids, he is trying to get alone to read more mystery adventure stories.

When the real world calls him to be social, he can be found canoeing with his family or trying to convince his wife to watch action movies.

Website * Amazon

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GIVEAWAY:

S.M. Morgan will be awarding a Kindle Paperwhite, a signed hardback of The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper, and a featured character spot in the next Bud Wiper story to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter.

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prizes. The Author, S.M. Morgan, assumes all responsibility over this giveaway.)

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Book Blitz and Giveaway: Hacienda Moon (Expanded Edition) by KaSonndra Leigh

Title: Hacienda Moon (Expanded Edition)
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Publication Date: February 21st 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense

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Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions. With a heavy heart, she escapes the hustle and bustle of New York City and moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose. Here, she meets Eric, the home’s charismatic caretaker. Despite the ghostly warnings, Tandie finds herself drawn to him, and as their affair intensifies, so does the centuries-old curse haunting them both.

Suddenly, Tandie finds herself at the center of a dark and dangerous web full of deceit and intrigue. As fear begins to consume her, she must find the courage to face the demons of her past if she is to have any chance at a future. Hacienda Moon is a captivating story full of suspense and romance that will ensnare you from start to finish.

Note to readers and book clubs:

This is the expanded and revamped edition of the Hacienda Moon that was originally published in 2012. Please be sure to add this version to your to-read list as this edition contains more gothic suspense, intrigue, and of course romance.

Goodreads * Amazon
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EXCERPT:

Eric got the call around midnight. Tandie said Chelby Rose’s plumbing system had failed, and the faucets had gone nuts. She was headed downstairs to fix it but would need his help. She didn’t sound like herself. Her high-pitched voice sounded as though she were someone else.

Adding to the mysterious water problem, which he knew had been fixed weeks ago was Tandie’s distress. She’d somehow gotten locked in the basement while attempting the repair. It took some fancy metal work to break through the lock. Eric strained with all his might, jimmying the ancient contraption until the clasp gave way.

"What the...?” Eric studied the situation. Water dripped from the basement ceiling as though someone had turned on a sprinkler system. There was only one problem, though. The plumbing running along the ceiling didn’t have faucets. Right away, Eric knew a greater force was at play.

Tandie stood in an area at the far-right side of the basement. She was wearing a thin light-colored nightgown that had somehow gotten soaked up to the waistline. Eric made his way over her, trudging through ankle deep water. For a brief moment, her image faded in and out. Eric shook his head, cleared his eyes and made his way over to where she stood. A faraway expression clouded her eyes as though she were looking at him and through him simultaneously.

“She’s down there. In the water. We have to get her out!” she yelled as Eric came closer.

“Tandie—what? Who’s down there?” Eric’s studied the water. There was nothing but cement flooring.

“Eliza! She’s in the water.” Tandie shook her head and frowned. “I saw her. I’m not crazy.”

“Course not.” Eric put his arms around her, and she shoved him away. Eric stumbled back a bit, feeling startled by her strength.

“Look at me, Tandie. Look at me!” he demanded, grasping her head between his palms. She obeyed and focused on his face. That same heated sensation he’d felt the day he visited Abby at the Aeneid, that time when some invisible force had reacted to his anger surged through his body.

Her breathing evened out as she stared into his eyes. “There is nothing down there. It’s all in your mind. Do you understand me?”

Slowly she nodded. And then he kissed her. The passion he released had been held back for too long. He no longer cared about any Broken Heart Curse, and tasting Tandie’s luscious lips gave him all the resolve he needed. Her hands wound through his hair, pulling gently. The kiss lingered and Eric lost himself inside her touch, the taste, and the smell of her. And she gave off an intoxicating scent. With great hesitation, he pulled back and stared in her eyes, losing himself as each second ticked away. “Wow. I could never get tired of doing that, mi mujer bonita.”

Tandie smiled. “How did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“You pulled me back from a nightmare. I felt you. Heard your voice.”

“I’ve no idea,” Eric said. Not a complete lie but not the total truth either.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Meet your word sculptress...

Author of the International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra Leigh is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.

KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she's not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.

People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra's response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter
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GIVEAWAY:
Win $50 Paypal cash!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Xpresso Book Tours and the author assume all responsibility over this giveaway.)

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Cover Reveal, Pre-Order Book Blitz and Giveaway: Brutal Season (Seasons Mystery #4) by Maryann Miller

Welcome to my stop on the cover reveal, pre-order book blitz and giveaway for Brutal Season by Maryann Miller. This blitz was organized by Lone Star Book Blog Tours. On my stop, I am revealing the awesome cover. There's also the blitz wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and/or signed copies of the first three books in the series. Enjoy!

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Title: Brutal Season

Series: Seasons Mystery #4

Author: Maryann Miller

Publisher: MCM Enterprises

Publication Date: April 10th 2023

Genre: Police Procedural Mystery

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Eighteen-year-old Jamel Frederickson is shot and killed by a white, rookie Dallas police officer. His crime? Being black and mentally ill.

Following that unwarranted death, anger, and violence erupts on the streets, leading to the murders of two protestors who were marching around the downtown federal building.

Detectives Sarah Kingsly and Angel Johnson are thrust into the investigation of those murders, while desperately clinging to the threads of their partnership.

The shootings also raise questions about whether the alt-right white supremacists that invaded the city with their guns and inflammatory rhetoric are responsible.

Will more people get killed?

Is there more than one person out there with an agenda?

When a member of the team, Ryan O’Donnell, is shot while attempting to prevent looting, the tension in the city, and the department, ratchets up even higher. And it deeply affects Angel who’s been pretending she really isn’t falling for this white man.

Angel joins the protests to take a stand against racism in the city and within the department; an action that puts her job, her relationship with Ryan, and her fragile partnership with Sarah at risk.

For her part, Sarah comes to realize that she is not as enlightened as she thought she was, and both women just hope they can come through the personal and professional challenges and end up with something that resembles a true partnership.

While catching the killers in the process.

Goodreads * Amazon

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maryann Miller, an award-winning author, has been in love with storytelling since she was a child and used to scare her sister with stories of the monsters in the cellar.

When she grew up, she started her professional career as a journalist, writing newspaper columns, feature stories, and short fiction for regional and national publications. Her novels are primarily mysteries, with an occasional mainstream novel thrown into the mix.

Miller is the recipient of the Page Edwards Short Story Award for her story Maybe Someday and the New York Library Best Books for Teens Award for her nonfiction book, Coping with Weapons And Violence In School and On Your Streets. Her mystery, Doubletake, was honored as the Best Mystery by the Texas Association of Authors. She took first place in the short story and screenwriting competition at the Houston Writer's Conference and was a semi-finalist at Sundance for her script “A Question of Honor.” She was also a semi-finalist in the Chesterfield Screenwriting Competition with the adaptation of Open Season, the first book in the Seasons Mystery Series.

When not writing, Miller loves to play on stage and play in her garden. She lives in Texas with her dog and three cats. The cats rule.

Website * Amazon * BookBub *

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter

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GIVEAWAY:

First Winner: $50 Amazon gift card and signed copies of the first three books in the Seasons Mystery series by Maryann Miller.

 

Second Winner: Signed copies of the first three books in the Seasons Mystery series by Maryann Miller.

(US only.)

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prizes. The author, Maryann Miller, assumes all responsibility over this giveaway.)

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Book Blast and Giveaway: Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge (Promise Lodge #6) by Charlotte Hubbard

Welcome to my stop on the book blast for Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard. This book blast was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book. There's also the blast wide giveaway, for a chance to win a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other stops on the book blast for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge

Series: Promise Lodge #6

Author: Charlotte Hubbard

Publisher: Kensington Books

Publication Date: February 21st 2023

Print Length: 311 pages

Genre: Amish Inspirational Romance

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In the year since he lost his wife in a tragic accident, Lester Lehman has found healing and purpose—helping construct Dale Kraybill’s new bulk store, enjoying the Kuhn sisters’ hearty meals, and settling in a tiny, built-for-one lakeside house. Falling in love again is surely not on Lester’s mind. Yet despite his firm “no,” two available ladies have set their kapps on the handsome widower—in a boisterous rivalry that weaves mayhem among Gloria’s wedding festivities.

A welcome escape comes from a fresh-faced newcomer. Marlene Fisher disarms Lester with her witty quips on his romantic predicament, while her sparkling eyes inspire surprising thoughts of a shared future. But the heartbreak that brought Marlene to Promise Lodge runs deep, and the pretty maidel believes she’s not meant to marry. In a season of vows to love and honor, scripture holds the key to building their happiness together: love is kind, and above all patient.

Goodreads * Amazon * Apple Books *

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Books-A-Million * Bookshop * Booktopia *

Christian Book * Google Play * Half Price Books *

IndieBound * Kobo * Publisher * Target * Walmart

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EXCERPT:

Out-of-town families would start arriving today to attend his niece Gloria’s wedding on Wednesday as well as Laura Hershberger’s wedding on Thursday, when they married the Helmuth brothers, Cyrus and Jonathan—but for now, Lester could revel in the hush of a solitary sunny afternoon. Living alone in his tidy house all winter had taught him a sense of self-reliance that had cleared his soul—had given him an unencumbered sense of freedom he’d never expected. His bobbing dock rocked him like a cradle. He felt far, far removed from the grief and despair that had followed the loss of his wife, his son, and his brother last spring, and as Lester eased into a state of semi-sleep, he knew the true meaning of inner peace.

At long last, all was well with his life. With the help of his family and friends here at Promise Lodge, he was moving forward . . . floating on the fluffy clouds of a nap . . .

“Yoo-hoo! Lester, honey! Thanks to Delores, I’ve found you!”

Lester jerked awake. Whose voice was that and why had she implied that his dear, deceased wife had led her here?

When he opened one eye, he saw a pudgy little woman starting across the expanse of grass that surrounded Rainbow Lake. Her brown cape dress fluttered around her thick legs as she hurried toward him. Clutching her kapp with one hand to keep it from flying off her head, Lester’s uninvited guest appeared so excited—and in such a state of overexertion—that he feared she might be bringing on a heart attack. He remained absolutely still, hoping she’d believe he was asleep.

“My stars, here you are at long last!” she blurted out, huffing between phrases. “I’ve ridden all the way from Sugarcreek—for Gloria’s wedding—because with my Harvey gone—Delores has been telling me—for quite some time now—that she wants me to take care of you, Lester! So here I am! Because I know better than to—to ignore heavenly guidance.”

Lester sighed. Agnes Plank, his wife’s best friend, had never known the meaning of silence. She barely drew a breath at the end of one sentence before she shot headlong into her next burst of words. There would be no ignoring her now that she’d almost reached his dock, so Lester reluctantly raised the back of his chaise. All hope for a nap was gone. He felt a headache prickling around his temples.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. 

 

A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband and their Border collie, Vera.

 

Website * Amazon * Facebook * Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY:

Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Goddess Fish Promotions and the author assume all responsibility over this giveaway.)

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NBtM Virtual Tour and Giveaway: Murder at the Zoo (Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock, & Me Mystery #1) by Marcia Rosen

Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual tour for Murder at the Zoo by Marcia Rosen. This tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a guest post from the author about what she finds the most mysterious. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: Murder at the Zoo

Series: Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock, & Me Mystery #1

Author: Marcia Rosen

Publisher: Artemesia Publishing

Publication Date: March 14th 2023

Print Length: 196 pages

Genre: Cozy Mystery

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A body is tossed into the lion’s habitat at the zoo where Miranda Scott is the senior vet. She and Detective Bryan Anderson join forces to unravel that mystery and several more murders.

 

A fan since childhood of Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, and Sherlock Holmes, they seem to live in her head frequently telling her what to do…and not do.

 

Murders, family, deceit, revenge and a gangster father and godfather often get in the way of a fine romance between Miranda and the Detective.

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble *

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Booktopia * Half Price Books * IndieBound *

Indigo * Kobo * Thrift Books * Walmart

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EXCERPT:

“Miranda, get to the zoo! Visitors are pointing at a human arm in the lions’ enclosure.”

“Hmmm. This is intriguing. A body in the lions’ den. What are the facts?”

“Agatha, Raymond, facts if you please,” Sherlock demanded.

“All of you shut up!”

It was not the first time Miranda shouted to the voices in her head. Sometimes they seemed so real to her. She had read nearly every book of every famous mystery writer and had seen movies made from them many times. She was often absorbed and obsessed by the stories and the characters.

Miranda loved their ways of thinking, analyzing problems, finding solutions, and delving into the dark spaces hidden in humanity: Raymond Chandler’s tough Detective, Philip Marlowe, who always found a dame he could lust after and distrust and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and her Tommy and Tuppence. Their gossip and ways of finding clues and uncovering secrets swirled in her head, while the famous Sherlock Homes demanded facts and attention to the tiniest of details.

There were other geniuses of mysteries who stopped by to give Miranda their “two cents” at times, especially when Agatha, Raymond, and Sherlock were disagreeing with each other. Miranda was sure they would have plenty to say about the murder at the zoo.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marcia Rosen (aka M. Glenda Rosen), award winning author of eleven books including The Senior Sleuths and Dying To Be Beautiful Mystery Series and The Gourmet Gangster: Mysteries and Menus (Menus by her son Jory Rosen). She is also author of The Woman’s Business Therapist and award winning My Memoir Workbook. For 25 years she was owner of a successful national marketing and public relations agency, Marcia has frequently been a speaker and/or program moderator at organization meetings and conferences, bookstores, libraries and Zoom Programs. Topics she has taught and presented over the past twenty years include: Encouraging the Writer Within You, Marketing for Authors, Writing Mysteries…Not A Mystery, Writing Your Memoir and recently “Anatomy of Writing A Murder.” Many articles on these topics have been published on mystery reader blogs and in newsletters and magazines including “Mystery Scene Magazine” and “Mystery Reader International Journal.”

She is a member of Sisters in Crime National and New Mexico (Croak & Dagger), Southwest Writers, New Mexico Book Association, Women Writing the West, Public Safety Writer’s Association, and National Association of Independent Writers and Editors—for which she is also a board member.

“Marcia Rosen's new book is hard to put down! The characters are engaging and you enjoy getting to know them as you read this mystery. I enjoyed discovering the world and people in Murder at the Zoo and can't wait to read more from this author!”

Website * Amazon * Facebook *

Goodreads * Instagram * Pinterest *

Twitter * YouTube

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GUEST POST:

- What true crime mystery do you find the most intriguing?

This may not be quite what you're looking for, but I find burning of books anywhere, anytime a true and horrible crime. The written words should be valued even when we disagree with the author.

Anytime a woman is raped is a brutal true crime, it intrigues me so many are committed. Why?

I believe here are certain elements essential to a good mystery, which can take the reader on a fascinating ride through a criminal’s mind and the minds of those who reach into that mind to catch them. In true crime the reality is often difficult to digest...at least for me.

Authors want our readers to become involved and interested in your story so they follow the clues, and they attempt to solve the crimes along with you. Don’t make it too easy: there should be a number of possible suspects. Enhance the plot with character conflict and red herrings that might confuse and steer the reader away from the real murderer. The bad guy can also lead the reader astray by placing suspicion and blame on someone else. I'm not sure how criminals really lead the police astray but it's obvious they do try. Often thinking they are smarter than them. In the end they are proved they are not!

Ultimately, in true crime or a cozy like I write, you want to be able to explain and understand the characters’ motivation for their criminal behavior. Common sources are anger, hate, power, money and, of course, revenge. Revealing truths, secrets and lies with stories of betrayal and vengeance with surprise endings leave your reading wanting more.

I grew up in an unusual environment. It wouldn’t take a genius, a psychiatrist or a palm reader to figure out why my fascination with crime and criminals. In my series, “The Senior Sleuths,” Zero the Bookie is a version of my dad, and several other characters are based on a few of his many associates.

Our history and experiences can define us, inspire our actions, and, as writers, impact our words and stories. Mine most definitely have. My father was a small-time gangster. Really! No doubt, thanks to my father, writing mysteries is in my DNA. But not true crime. I leave that to others who have such a talent and there are quite a few such as Linda Fairstein.

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GIVEAWAY:

Marcia Rosen will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Goddess Fish Promotions and the author assume all responsibility over this giveaway.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Archenemy (Angelbound Xavier Trilogy #1) by Christina Bauer

Welcome to my stop on the Blurb Blitz for ArchEnemy by Christina Bauer. This blitz was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as the blitz wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other stops on the blitz for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: Archenemy

Series: Angelbound Xavier Trilogy #1

Author: Christina Bauer

Publisher: Monster House Books

Publication Date: March 9th 2023

Print Length: 330 pages

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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Ancient Egyptians. Powerful gods. Lost loves. And one badass warrior with wings.

 

Welcome to the beautiful land of ancient Egypt… only it may not stay so lovely for long. The chaos god, Set, plans to destroy the human world. Fortunately, the angel Xavier has the perfect plan to imprison Set and fast. Even better, Xavier can enact his scheme alone… which is just the way he likes it. No partners. No complications. No problems.

Suddenly, a gorgeous woman materializes. Calling herself Camilla, she declares she’s from the future. All of which is strange enough, but things soon go from bad to weird when Camilla announces that she and Xavier must work together—it’s the only way to defeat Set.

Wow, does Xavier ever hate that idea.

The warrior angel decides on a strategic retreat. In other words, Xavier works to avoid Camilla at all costs. Turns out, that isn’t so easy. This mystery woman has set Xavier’s blood on fire in a way he’s never felt before. No matter how hard he tries, Xavier simply can’t desert her.

But is Camilla another element of Set’s destructive chaos magic… or is she Xavier’s only chance to save both himself and humanity?

Xavier Trilogy

1. Archenemy

2. Archnemesis

3. Archangel

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EXCERPT:

Xavier

England, 2770 BCE

The first rays of dawn warm the forest. Wind shifts through the trees, creating a chorus of rustling noises. The scent of all things green and fresh fills the air. Inside my hut, mice skitter past the straw pile that serves as my bed. Months ago, those little creatures might have snapped me out of a deep sleep.

But I’m already awake. I haven’t rested in ages.

Because when I sleep, I see her.

The woman in red.

What a grim figure I make right now. My hut is a small round space with a conical roof that’s formed from dried grasses. There’s the makeshift bed I never actually use. The remaining space is filled with spell ingredients. Herbs hang in bunches from the ceiling. Other magical supplies—everything from fresh seeds to old dragon scales—lie in wooden bowls on the floor.

Then, there’s me.

If any humans could see me now, I’d be mistaken for a mortal ascetic instead of an angel. My dark skin is caked with salt. My hair is long, matted, and matched by an uneven beard. It’s true that my eyes can glow blue with angel power, but that light is easily hidden under my mop of hair. And my once-white wings are speckled with dirt.

I sit up on my bed and press my palms against my eyes. Focus, Xavier. The woman in red isn’t the problem here. It’s the one who sent her into my dreams.

Set, the God of Chaos.

Red is Set’s color. And my dreams always start with a crimson mist of chaos. When the haze fades, I see a woman in a red dress and hair to match. Throughout my existence, I’ve been a warrior angel who protects others. No battle buddies. No romance. Just the occasional spell to enhance my skills. After so much time, how can a dream woman set the very core of me on fire?

This must be the work of Set. And if the God of Chaos is after me, there will be more to his plan. After all, Set murdered his own brother, Osiris. All of humanity could be at stake. I simply must uncover Set’s plans. Fortunately, I’ve finally found someone who can tell me what Set is up to. Too bad the guy in question is dead.

In other words, it’s time to summon the ghost of Mortimer the Druid. Again.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. 

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

 

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GIVEAWAY:

Christina Bauer will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. The author is also running a giveaway to win a set of leather pens, a dragon hair accessory, or a copy of Angelbound. You can find that giveaway by clicking here. Good luck!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Goddess Fish Promotions and the author assume all responsibility over this giveaway.)

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