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Friday, June 3, 2016

Review: The Best Seller By Dina Rae @HalooftheDamned

The Best Seller 
By Dina Rae
(Solstice Publishing, May 31st, 2016)

When Maya Smock writes her first novel, everything seems to go her way. Her book practically writes itself. She marries her gorgeous agent. Her name is on all of the best seller lists. Billionaire author Jay McCallister takes an interest in her meteoric rise to fame and invites her into his world of alien-believing celebrities. Her life changes forever when he tells her that they were both created inside of a laboratory. These authors are embedding an alien genetic code within the pages of their novels that originated from Nazi Germany because…
The time has come. They are here.




EXCERPT:

Claude fine-tuned his brush-off speech for the next four writers, all white men and all over forty years old.  Their ideas were way over the top and difficult to follow.  He began losing faith in this so-called opportunity.  Writer number five blathered on about The Grays attacking the United States for the gold in Fort Knox.  He wished he had a bottle of vodka and a vile of cocaine to make the time go by faster.  Maybe some marijuana as well.  An altered state of mind might make the pitches entertaining.  The man with the Gray alien story finished his pitch.  Although Claude didn’t like the story, it was the best one he’d heard since pitch fest began.  “Yes, I think I see where you are going with this.  I think I can sell it.  Email me the manuscript direct.  Let me write down my email.  PDF please and I’ll see what I can do.” 

The man smiled and practically floated away.  Claude’s afternoon improved.  Science fiction and horror began to rub off.  There were all kinds of new shows on television that discussed the possibility of aliens and vampires being real.  Science fiction and horror could replace the commission of the diet doctor.  He could hang another bestselling cover in his office.  One of these books could be the basis for a new pilot or even a movie.  For a moment, he felt the same excitement he had once felt at the onset of his career and got excited.  Maybe this was why Veronica sent him here.  He woke up from his daydream and began to take notes.

The first girl science fiction writer sat down in front of him.  She was also the first of the dozen or so writers to be under forty.  He guessed her to be somewhere in her early twenties.  She was short and small with long dark brown hair and amber brown eyes.  Her eyes were captivating.  They were shaped like almonds and outlined with thick eyelashes.  He wasn’t sure about her race, maybe mixed or Hispanic or even Native American-definitely exotic.  She was pretty in a self-conscious sort of a way.  She wore no makeup, a plain black shirt, a crystal necklace, and jeans.  There was something witchy and grungy about her, like she belonged in a novel about witchcraft.  

“Okay, are you ready?” Claude asked.  She nodded and he started the timer.  Silence.  “Let’s start this again.”  She nodded but still would not speak.  This was a first.  Out of all of the windbags he listened to, she was the first to be tongue-tied.  “Let’s do this with no timer.  Don’t be nervous.”

“I’m so sorry.  I’ll try this tomorrow,” she said and then got up from her chair.  Her eyes watered and her skin reddened.

“Miss, there is no sci-fi pitch fest tomorrow.  Here, look at the schedule.”  Claude slid the itinerary her way before she walked off.  “It’s all paranormal and romance crap tomorrow.”  He got her to smile.  “C’mon, sit down.  Trust me, my opinion on this subject is meaningless.  I specialize in diet books and nonfiction.  I’m here because I was late.  Try your pitch on me, I’m harmless.”

She reddened again, embarrassed at something he must have said.  Hotel workers entered the ballroom and began collapsing the cubicles, putting round tables in their space.  He had a two hour reprieve and then it was cocktail time.

“There kicking us out,” the girl said.  “Guess it wasn’t meant to be.”

“Let me assume you are coming to the cocktail hour.”  The girl nodded.  “How about you drink up some false courage and then pitch me?”  She smiled and nodded.  Claude wouldn’t mind taking her back to his room at the end of the night, but there was something more.  She had his attention.

“I’ll be here.  I’ll be ready then,” she said.

Yes, Vegas was getting better and better.





Guest Post:

While writing my newest novel, The Best Seller (May 31st, 2016, Solstice Publishers), my Nazi research led me to Operation Paperclip.  This American covert operation smuggled somewhere between five hundred to five thousand men who were at the top of their fields in technology, weaponry, and science into the United States to continue their work.  

This operation was originally called Operation Overcast.  Most of it is still classified today.  The names of many of these Nazi engineers and scientists were written on a special list called Osenberg's list.  A Polish tech found part of the list on a toilet seat at Bonn University.   

Government officials found these men and recruited them to the United States.  Neither the state department nor those in charge of prosecuting war criminals were informed. All of this was done in the name of power and progress.  

These scientists worked at secret bases in New Mexico, Texas, and Alabama.  Many feared that if the U.S. didn't take advantage of these great minds, the Soviets would. 
Both sides knew Germany was the most advanced country in the world when it came to weapons of mass destruction.  America caught a glimpse of the marvelous German advancements after capturing a German sub that held V-1 glide bombs and V-2 rockets. 

Wernher von Braun, perhaps the most famous Nazi rocket scientist, was part of the program.  He led the U.S. air and space program. One of his most prestigious engineering feats was the Saturn V.  Many rumors circulated on how and where he got his information.  Some claimed he communicated with aliens about space travel.  One of his proteges, Doctor Carol Rosin, stated otherwise.  She announced to the world that Braun feared Eisenhower's ultimate political warning-the military-industrial complex.  On Braun's deathbed, he supposedly said that America was playing the alien card.  In other words, when the time came, America would claim that aliens were a threat and all kinds of weaponry and related space gadgets would be needed to defend the world against these advanced beings from other galaxies.  According to Rosin, Braun called aliens the ultimate lie.

Many believe America's superpower status was largely due to their World War II victory and the Germans they embraced. Some even call America's power the Fourth Reich.  This conspiracy might very well be reality.


The Best Seller uses Operation Paperclip as part of the story line when explaining the progression of genetics.  


My Review:

Maya Smock lived in the system all her life. She grew up in foster care. Her mother left her at an orphanage when she was a baby. She was put into some very rough homes throughout her life. She was abused in more than one way. When she told once everyone thought she was crazy and she vowed never to tell again.

After the system threw her out on the street when she was eighteen years old with no job or anyone to help her she did manage to hit it lucky though. She met a guy that worked in a bookstore that gave her a job. She loved working in the bookstore as she loved reading. Maya could always be found with a book in her hands. When she was on break at work she was reading. Reading was her way of getting away and it was also a way for her to hide to become invisible. She didn’t like people noticing or seeing her she did not like being the center of attention like some people. She liked staying to herself that way no one could hurt her.

Maya liked to write and she would let her boss and best friend read what she wrote. When she wrote her first book her boss loved it and told her she needed to get it published. There was a booking signing of sorts coming to town and he told her to go and take her book and hopefully she would find someone that wanted it.

Maya decided to go to the signing and that is where she meets her agent who later also becomes her husband. After Maya finally “sells” her book to him they fall head over heels in love. He wraps Maya around his little finger in more ways than one. Maya is so naïve that she believes everything he says. Maya’s heart is so big that she believes everyone but trust no one.

Maya also meets another great man at the signing an author who becomes a close friend in a short amount of time. He believes that they are a lot like. He says his books write themselves and he believes that Maya’s does the same. Maya is not sure about him at first but over time she becomes to believe him more than anyone. Jay shows Maya that they are a like in more ways than one. Jay introduces Maya to a world with aliens in it and tells her they were created in a lab. At first of course she doesn’t believe him but after he shows her all of his research for lack of a better word at the moment she starts to have her doubts about everything she has been taught.

I have read lots of Dina’s books and loved them all but I think The Best Seller is the best one yet; maybe. I honestly believe that The Best Seller is a “best seller” and will enter the book world at warp speed. So grab your copy today so you don’t miss out this fantastic ride that I believe that The Best Seller is going to take us on. I am anxiously awaiting the next Best Seller. I hope it is soon. Dina? 



Author Bio:
Dina Rae brings an academic element to her novels by weaving research and history throughout the stories. Big Pharma, Big Agri, Big Conspiracy is Dina's first nonfiction work.

Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and dog outside of Dallas. She is a Christian, avid tennis player, movie buff, teacher, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories. She has been interviewed numerous times in e-zines, websites, blogs, newspapers, and syndicated radio programs. When she is not writing she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Stephen King, Brad Thor, and George R.R. Martin. She also enjoys reading about religion, UFOs, New World Order, government conspiracies, political intrigue, and other cultures. The Best Seller, her newest sci-fi novel, is released by Solstice Publishing.


Book Blitz + #Giveaway: Leaving Me Behind by Sigal Ehrlich @Sigal_Ehrlich @XpressoTours


Leaving Me Behind
Sigal Ehrlich
Publication date: May 24th 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance


He was supposed to be a personal challenge. A Spanish lover – younger and sinfully attractive. A daring, wild experience for one night.

My liberation from my self-oppressed lifestyle was planned out carefully down to the last detail. 
Everything except . . .  
HIM.

I didn’t see it coming, not by a long shot. My plan was safe. I was going to quit my job, say goodbye to the restraints of the life I had known, and follow my dreams.

I rented a house halfway across the globe in an exotic Spanish town on the coast. I made some new friends. I reveled in luscious food and a stunning landscape. Most of all I savored my new found freedom.
That is until I met HIM.

It was supposed to be a night of lost inhibitions, soon to become a sweet memory. That was my plan. 

He had something different in mind.



Only 99¢ for a limited time!

Tease 1

EXCERPT:

“So how did you like our wine?” Sebastian gestures with a hint of a knowing glee to the half-empty evidence on my coffee table.

“Vivian suggested I try it,” I blabber. “Umm, it was good.”

He cocks an eyebrow.

“Frankly, I’m not much of a wine person; I’m more of a sweet cocktail kind of gal. It was very good though, but I couldn’t elaborate on the taste or anything else as you experts would.”

“I see,” he says somewhat pensive. He motions for me to take a seat at the low coffee table and settles himself on the sofa in front of me. His slightly parted legs almost touch mine. He takes the bottle and deftly removes the cork.

“Let’s try to do it together, shall we,” he says, his voice a degree huskier. “You need to use your senses to evaluate wine, scent, taste . . .sight.” He gives me a soft, yet bluntly suggestive look. 

“Sight,” he says as he brings the bottle to his mouth, wraps his lips around the narrow opening, and takes a slow sip. I swallow hard, following the motion of his Adam’s apple under bristled, tanned skin. He then inclines his head toward me and cups the nape of my neck. He slightly tilts my head back and touches his mouth to mine. With the parting of my lips, his tongue reaches in, filling my mouth with warmness, wine, and an intoxicating breath. His tongue commences to stroke mine through the rich moistness; a combined sensual flesh on flesh electrifying sensation hovered by the tingling of the aromatic liquid. It skims around my tongue, letting the luscious liquid reach every part of my greedy mouth. I suck hard on his tongue, tasting the wine and him; my desire grows, and grows with every erotic stroke of his.

“Taste,” he says low as he pulls back, lightly biting my bottom lip causing a sting that crawls all the way between my legs. “Keep your eyes closed, Liv. I’m going to do that again. I want you to suck on it, swirl it in your mouth, and try to think what flavors come to your mind.” And he does, with one hand at the nape of my neck and the other sliding to curl around my knee. Everything inside me tightens, everything around me melts, and everything about me arouses. It’s a sensory overload.

“Open them . . . now, tell me if it’s balanced.” He kisses my lips gently. “Complex.” Another kiss. 

“Evolved.” A more profound one.

Tastes like an orgasm? I close my eyes and lick my slightly pulsing lips. His hand trails slowly under the hem of my dress, holding my thigh with mild force. I lick my lips again, distracted by the touch of his hand.

“It tastes warm and rich.”

“Mmmhmm.” His hand sprawls, making my skin burn at the spot.

“Fruity and sexy,” I add quietly, my eyes still closed, the edge of my lips slightly curved.

“Keep going.” His other hand cups my cheek, and his thumb grazes my lips.

“It tastes like something I want in my mouth again.” My eyelids slowly lift and my eyes meld into his with everything that rages inside of me.

“Sold,” he says gruffly, with a hint of a heated smile. “Oh, and there’s the scent,” he adds next, nuzzling the area just below my ear. His hand on my thigh under my dress advances till the tips of his fingers whisper over the delicate fabric of my panties. I strangle a moan while his lips sear the skin of my neck. He murmurs, “Divine.”

My eyes remain closed as I savor the taste of his mouth, his tongue, and his sweet, musky scent wafting around me. God, he smells like warm, rich, spicy chocolate. He smells like molten chocolate with a sprinkle of chili.

“Take your dress off for me, Liv.” His voice reaches me, and we slowly flicker our eyes into a scorching, locked stare. He speaks to my mouth next, though it feels like he speaks to the spot between my legs as it insentiently starts pulsing in heat. “Undress for me. Stand up and slowly take your dress off.”

Tease 2


Author Bio:
By teen age, Sigal already lived in three different continents where she was lucky enough to experience and visit varied places, meet unique people, which only helped fuel her overly developed imagination. Currently, Sigal calls Estonia home where she lives with her husband and three kids.  
Not exactly sure where they will end up next... 


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Cover Reveal: Unmatchable by Sky Corgan @XpressoTours


Unmatchable
Sky Corgan
Publication date: June 17th 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance


From USA Today bestselling author Sky Corgan comes a sexy new billionaire romance.

I’ve spent my entire adult life avoiding dating, which is funny because I work for a matchmaking service. My boss calls me “The Beast” because of my no B.S. attitude. My job is to scare away problem clients—the unmatchables.

In waltzes Mister Alfred Barnes. He’s stuck up, brazen, and mouthwateringly gorgeous. Guys like him think they own the world, but in here I’m in charge. Kicking him out of my office is one of my greatest pleasures…until I find out that he totally lied about his identity.

Someone is going to get fired over this, and it might be me.

Now Mister Barnes is after me. After me in the most unexpected of ways. I’ve never dealt with anyone like him before, and years of therapy tell me that he’s exactly not what I need.

What does my therapist know, though? She has her own secrets, and I’m beginning to think that everyone is out to destroy me. I’m beginning to think that I’m the one who is unmatchable.

This is a standalone novel. No cliffhangers.




Author Bio:
Sky Corgan is a USA Today Best-Selling author. When she's not typing away at the next steamy romance series, she's busy planning for future vacations. 
You can get a FREE Sky Corgan book and stay up to date on her latest releases by signing up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/v0PwX



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Blog Tour + #Giveaway: Heart of the Rose (Black Rose Guard Series #2) By KL Bone @kl_bone @starange13




 Title: Heart of the Rose
Series: Black Rose Guard Series #2
By: KL Bone
Publication Date: August 12, 2015
Genre: Dark Fantasy



In this sequel to Black Rose, reunite with the captains of the Immortal Guard and witness Mara and Edward at the beginning of their epic love story, which spans more than a millennium of heartache, pain, and undying devotion.

When Edward is sent on a mysterious quest by the ruthless queen, nineteen-year-old Mara—the youngest sub-captain to ever serve the Royal Guard—vowed to await his return, never anticipating decades would pass without word of his fate. The noble captain is taken prisoner by a rival court where he is forced to endure years of brutal torment at the hands of his captors. His life clings to but a single thought—Mara.

Refusing to accept that her love will never return, Mara clutches to a hope which defies the bounds of reason. However as years pass, memories fade from comfort to unbearable grief. As Mara prepares to accept the unimaginable loss, a sinister creature of roses and shadow haunts her dreams. Dreams of blood. Dreams of torment. Dreams of Edward.

The dark presence lingers, and Mara finds herself trapped in a certainty she fears no other will believe—even those closest to her heart. She must choose between honoring her vows to the immortal courts to which she has sworn her life, or leaving to search for the man who possesses her soul.

Dive into the beginning of the tale that shapes the most feared, most loved, and most revered captain in the history of the immortal courts.







Black Rose - Black Rose Guard #1



Blood Rose - Black Rose Guard #3






K.L. Bone is the author of the Black Rose Guard dark fantasy series. The Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series. And a stand-alone science fiction novel, The Indoctrination. Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in literature. She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Dublin. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites and Game of Thrones filming locations.

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