The Spitting Post
By Jason R. Barden
Dark Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 220 Pages
December 8th 2017 by The Wild Rose Press

Vincent Carpenter’s life is a wreck. He has given up his dreams. He has lost his job after an economic disaster. His ten-year marriage is crumbling. Then he awakens in a maniacal land of frighteningly vivid realism with skull trees, glowing forests, ravenous beasts, and other psychologically haunting adversity.

While traveling through this demented unearthly world, he has a chance encounter with a beautiful maiden dressed in green; before he can start a conversation, she disappears into the unknown. Vincent must try to find her at a fantastical place known as the Spitting Post. But first he must overcome many macabre misfortunes and face nightmares that question his sanity. Will he reach her? What will the Spitting Post reveal? Will he suffer more disappointment and tragedy? Or will he find peace at last?


Excerpt

I was lost in thought when again I heard the violin’s call. It was close this time—too close. I stopped and surveyed the land with terrified eyes, growing more anxious with each passing note. The ambient tune working itself into a manic frenzy. Can’t they shut up? With that racket the beast would find us, and I knew what would happen when it did. There would be no more violin playing for that musician, and I would never find The Green Maiden.

I scanned the countryside for the insane violinist and spotted him on a small hill just to my right. When I saw his ghastly appearance, I almost wished I hadn’t found him. He was a stout man dressed in total blackness with a red violin resting against his shoulder. His skin was a brilliant white, as white as a bed sheet. On his head was a black top hat, and he wore a twisted grin on his porcelain face.

“What are you doing?” I yelled. “It will hear us!”

The man said nothing and kept playing his maddening melody.

“Are you crazy?”

The man opened his mouth wide and without moving his lips, he said, “Precisely.”

Then he began to cry tears of blood, yet still he played. The blood rolled down his face and pooled on the grass. Then I came to a grotesque realization. He was not playing for amusement; he was calling the beast.

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About the Author

Jason R. Barden began writing poetry around the age of thirteen. At age thirty-three, he transitioned into dark fantasy and horror fiction. His first novel The Spitting Post is available at Amazon and other online retailers. In addition to writing, he enjoys hiking and photography.

In the Doctor's Arms
(Seasons of Alaska #6)
By Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
March 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can he stop the one who got away—

from getting away again?

Everyone in her Alaskan town hopes Iris James is back for good. Including Dr. Flynn Ramsey, who stole her heart when they were awkward teenagers. She realizes he’s planning an encore, but a prestigious job in Washington, DC, is calling to her. Only, ever since their kiss at her brother’s wedding, Iris isn’t sure about anything. Except her reignited feelings for Flynn…


Excerpt

With Flynn’s hand branding Iris’s bare back, he led her to the dance floor. Gentle notes of a popular love song filled the air, so Flynn gathered her in his embrace and made dancing seem as easy as everything else he did. The satisfied smile playing on his lips caused Iris’s heart to execute a slow cartwheel inside her chest. She should be used to this, to him, by now.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, she said, “Thank you for that. I owe you one. It was probably a little over-the-top, but I appreciate your dramatic flair. I’m sure they’re still talking about it.”

He dipped his head, and whispered near her ear, “I could not possibly care any less than I do about Faith or Ashley. And I only care about Todd in that I don’t want you singing any duets with him.”

“I hadn’t planned to but...” Her throat went dry because his hand had returned to her back, where his thumb caressed the skin along the edge of her dress. “What are you doing?”

“Dancing. Is there something going on between you and Cricket?”

“What?” she answered, alarmed by the subject change. Did he know about the flying lessons? She wasn’t ready for anyone to know about that yet. “Like what? What do you mean by ‘something’?”

Eyes narrowed and assessing, he clarified, “Are you two romantically involved?”

“Oh.” She laughed, and then paused to process the question. She didn’t want to tell him the truth, but she also didn’t want him thinking that. “That’s not what’s going on,” she said, and then realized that she’d inferred that something was.

“What is going on, then?”

“Nothing. I mean, he is helping me with something. But we’re just friends. He’s practically like a brother to me, you know that.”

“I do, I was just confirming it before I did something.”

“What?”

Tightening his hold, he twirled her around. She said, “Oh, I get it. They’re still watching, right?”

Flynn chuckled softly, shifting his focus to meet her gaze again. His brown eyes seemed to burn into hers. “No, I don’t think you do get it,” he murmured. “But then again, I didn’t really get it, either.”

“Get what? Flynn, what are you...?” Her question trailed off because he was staring at her mouth. The heat from her cheeks was apparently burning through to her brain because she could not think straight. Much less talk.

“Maybe this will help.”

Then his mouth brushed against hers in the sweetest, most perfect caress. Flynn was kissing her? Yes, he sure was, and his lips were velvety soft and completely perfect, and she couldn’t—she wouldn’t—think past that. Instead, she kissed him back, pressing her mouth more firmly to his. One hand came up to grip his shoulder. Before she could do more than that, his soft lips were gone.

“Iris,” he whispered, “I’m...” He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers for a second before slipping a hand around the back of her neck. He pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead and tucked her in close again. “Give me a second.”

Iris focused on trying to move air in and out of her lungs, but with her cheek pressed against his chest, every breath was Flynn-scented with hints of spicy soap and cedar boughs. Flynn had just kissed her. What did that mean? What did she do now? Panic welled inside of her because it couldn’t mean anything.

A chuckle vibrated through him. “That should give everyone something to talk about, huh?”

Of course, she realized, he’d kissed her for her, to help her. Thank goodness, he’d broken it off before she’d said, or done, something truly embarrassing. Her cheeks ignited with heat as she imagined herself clinging to him like a spider monkey on the dance floor.

Other Books in the Series

The Marine's Return
(From Kenya, with Love #6)
By Rula Sinara
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
January 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He can’t be her hero…

But he made a promise to keep her safe

Wounded marine Chad Corallis just wants to be left alone. Until he discovers his best friend’s very pregnant widow is in danger. A dedicated nurse, she refuses to leave her Serengeti medical clinic when it’s threatened by poachers. Chad is honor-bound to protect her, but who will save him from falling for his best friend’s wife?


Special Note from the Author

Dearest Readers,

Thank you for joining me in celebrating the release of THE MARINE’S RETURN, the sixth and final book in my ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series for Harlequin Heartwarming. No words can express how much I have loved writing this series, from watching the children in the first three books grow up to face their own romantic hurdles in books 4 through 6, to endearing orphaned baby elephants and other captivating wildlife, to the famous, breathtaking setting of Kenya’s Serengeti ecosystem and Masai Mara regions.

The stories in this series take on issues such as ivory poachers, loss of loved ones, selective mutism, fracking and other environmental issues, human rights and those of a country’s indigenous people, man vs nature conflicts, education for young girls/women who have little access, medical care in rural populations and the life-changing challenges our war veterans face, from PTSD to physical injuries.

The books do stand alone, although readers who have been following the series have said that, since it has a rich family saga/miniseries feel and characters from the first books play significant roles in the later stories, reading them all makes for a deeper experience. For example, Pippa Harper, who everyone meets as a spunky, adorable four-year old being raised at a remote, rustic elephant rescue camp in the Serengeti by her single-mom wildlife vet in book 1 (THE PROMISE OF RAIN), is a young adult in book 4 (EVERY SERENGETI SUNRISE), gets her own romance in book 5 (THE TWIN TEST) and even plays a role as the series comes to a close in book 6 (THE MARINE’S RETURN). We also see Haki, a childhood friend of Pippa’s in book 1, and Maddie, a ten-year-old who can’t speak in books 2 (AFTER THE SILENCE), get their hero/heroine stories in EVERY SERENGETI SUNRISE. Mac Walker, a rugged bush-pilot with an Indiana Jones air to him is seen throughout the series and gets his own adventure in THROUGH THE STORM. And we first meet the hero of THE MARINE’S RETURN, Chad Corallis, as a rambunctious, hyperactive and very cute toddler who is clearly destined to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a marine (book 2). He does just that, but his future ends up coming to a dark stop and he’s faced with a challenge he’s convinced he can’t overcome.

But, despite the seemingly impossible romantic obstacles, heart-gripping situations and, even, danger in the books, there’s always the promise of a happily ever after in a Harlequin Heartwarming romance. I hope you enjoy the series and this final story! Be sure to also check out my novella (which is linked to this series), THE SWEETHEART TREE, in the anthology A Heartwarming Thanksgiving.

Although my ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series is coming to a close, I’m embarking on a new series for Harlequin Heartwarming that will take you from rescuing elephants in Africa to saving sea turtles along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. My ‘Turtleback Beach’ series is set in a fictional beach town along the more southern Hatteras Island of the Outer Banks and the first book, ALMOST A BRIDE, which involves a runaway bride and an ex-military hero in the witness protection program, releases June 1, 2019.

Many thanks to all of my readers. I wish everyone a peaceful and happy New Year!

Rula Sinara

Other Books in the Series


National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she'll ever admit to. Rula's writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush, on Twitter, on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.

Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve
(Star Light ~ Star Bright #4)
By L.A. Sartor
Contemporary Romance, Christmas
ebook, 127 Pages
December 1st 2018

Boulder, Colorado, attorney Maximillian Henderson III is in a bind. His new law office won’t open on schedule unless he finds immediate help to finalize his building’s renovation.

Award-winning designer Caroline Young is visiting Boulder for a family wedding and has promised to stay through Christmas. Meeting Max at the wedding and hearing his problem, she accepts his plea for help. But if she can make him see past his own nose, she could make it even better.

Creating a new design only works if she commits to staying longer. By doing so, she puts her heart and her treasured independence at risk.

Max is aware her life and business are in California, and a long-term relationship is impractical. Still she adds vibrancy to his plain black and white world, and his dream of her on Christmas Eve convinces him to try.

On Christmas Day, Caro reveals that she must return home for a vital meeting, breaking her promise and his heart.

Max has new plans for his office but no Caro. Can he convince her to return to him and find a way to meld their lives?


Excerpt


Other Books in the Series

About the Author

I started writing as a child, really. A few things happened on the way to becoming a published author … a junior high school teacher who told me I couldn’t write because I didn’t want to study … urk … grammar. I went to college, moved a few times, came home and found the love of my life (that is another novel worthy story, but for later), and got married.

We were super busy with our respective careers, mine a custom jewelry business with my mom, who was also teaching metalsmithing at the time, and my husband a crazy law career. We had two fur babies, Fudge (and briefly her brother Smudge, but sadly he didn’t live very long) and Two. Our cats would sleep with us and when they’d stretch out to their full length, we’d end up sleeping on the edge of the mattress.

I have always been a voracious reader and one night after throwing a particularly bad book at the wall (even putting a small ding in said wall), I realized that I could do better. I told my husband, and he said go for it. I called Mom and she revealed the junior high teacher story and she told I’d been writing all the time up to that point.

That blew me away. I didn’t remember any of it. But I started writing again, nearly the next day, pen and paper, learning, making mistakes, winning contests, nearly getting an agent, becoming disenchanted with the publishing industry and moving away from novel writing to screenwriting, getting a contract for a script and doing really well in screenwriting contests.

But none of that was making me much money. After numerous scary robbery drills I wanted to move away from my bank job (yes, this is many years later and a lot of stuff in between) and write full time for the green stuff.

My husband told me repeatedly that independent publishing was becoming a valid way to publish a novel and people were making big dollars. I didn’t believe him even after he showed me several Wall Street Journal articles. I thought indie meant vanity press.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I started pursuing this direction seriously, retired from the bank and hit the keyboard, learned a litany of new things and published my first novel. My second book became a bestseller, and while I’m not rolling in dough, I’m absolutely on the right course in my life.

So if you have a dream, pursue it as hard as you can. Life can get in the way, but never give up.

Please come visit me at www.lasartor.com, see my books, some pictures, some screenplays and sign up for my mailing list. I have a gift I’ve specifically created for my new email subscribers. And remember, you can email me at Leslie@LeslieSartor.com.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours Kismet & Karma
October 25th 2018

Bryce and Paige belong together, but they’ll never make it happen alone. When inspiration strikes in multiple ways, a friend decides it can’t be a coincidence; it’s a call to action. With a little luck, the help of fate, and the matchmaking plan of the century, Bryce and Paige just might get their happy ending.

You heard Paige and Bryce's version of the story in Fate & Fortune. Now join Eric, Amy, Cody, Kennedy and Genie to see how things really went down.

***This book completes the series. Book one can be read as a standalone, but book two cannot. Fate & Fortune should be read first.***

The Cast of Kismet & Karma

Meet the cast of Kismet & Karma – personalities revealed through their astrological signs!

Paige – Taurus (April 24th) Paige proved her reliability, patience and devotion during her relationship with Jason. Like a true Taurus, she hates the sudden changes and complications in her love life. Pair that with her stubborn streak, and it’s no wonder she needs help to recognize what’s right in front of her; a gift in the form of her greatest passion—novel worthy romance. 

Bryce – Virgo (September 15th) As a Virgo he’s loyal, kind and hardworking. He’s always thought his practicality and desire to stay out of the spotlight were good things. But now he wonders if they’ve only kept Paige from noticing him. Bryce has started to realize that if he wants to get the girl, he must cast aside his careful nature. Good thing he has a magic Genie to help him do just that.

Amy – Aquarius (February 11th) She’s original, independent, a good listener and cares deeply about others. This makes her a great best friend and the only voice of reason Paige will listen to. But Amy’s also inherited some of the less attractive Aquarius attributes; namely her tendency to be temperamental and emotionally withdrawn. Lucky for Amy, there’s a special guy who’s crazy about her, flaws and all. 

Eric – Scorpio (November 12th) Eric is a true friend. It’s one of the many positive traits held by Scorpios. He’s passionate, dedicated, resourceful and determined to help his baby sister. Of course, that might be easier if he wasn’t so distrusting and secretive. Let’s not forget the fact that he’s a tinsy bit jealous by nature. But hey, some women find that sort of thing attractive. And if that’s not enough, he’s got those dazzling dimples for backup.

Kennedy – Leo (July 31st) Ken’s a Leo, through and through. She loves theater, hanging with her friends, expensive clothes and being admired. But as the baby of the group, she often feels ignored or left out. It’s her absolute biggest pet peeve. Ken’s admittedly a little self-centered though she’s got a big, warm, generous heart. Fate will soon put her creativity and passion to good use, and she’s all for it.

Cody – Sagittarius (Despite his September 15th birthdate.) Clearly, Cody was born under the wrong sign. Extremely extroverted, he’s the total opposite of his very Virgo twin—definitely an honorary Sagittarius. Cody’s constant antics and humor are charming, which makes the group willing to overlook his impatient and sometimes tactless ways. Optimistic and enthusiastic, he’ll do anything to achieve his goal: getting Bryce to pull his head out of his butt and man up.

Genie – Aries (April 1st) As an April Fools baby, it’s fitting that Genie be the most essential part of such an outrageous plan. But like all Aries, she’s confident and optimistic that she can get the job done. Frustrated by people who don’t use their talents, she jumps at the chance to showcase her own. Sure, Bryce often brings out her aggressive, moody and impatient side, but she likes a good challenge. Plus, who’d have thought she’d gain so many good (and hot) friends?

This cast is super fun and you’re sure to get some good laughs. Fate and Fortune (Book One) shares the crazy week the as told by Paige and Bryce. But if you want the REAL story, check out Kismet and Karma (Book Two) to see how everything actually went down.

Other Books in the Series

Fate & Fortune

(Fate & Fortune #1)
By Robin Daniels

YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 279 Pages

September 20th 2018

Bryce has liked Paige since they were little but has never had the guts to act on his feelings. Paige is devastated over being dumped by her long-time boyfriend and can’t seem to move on. They’re stuck in a rut, until fate decides to pull them out.

Both Paige and Bryce are talked into seeing a fortune teller at the annual Summer’s End Carnival. Neither of them buys into the mysticism, until the psychic’s predictions start coming true. Now, the most bizarre things are happening and there isn’t a clear explanation. Each of them must figure out if they’re the subject of an elaborate hoax or a bigger plan forged by destiny.

*This book is part one of two. Books should be read sequentially.

Goodreads│Amazon

Upcoming Tour

The series will be on tour November 5 - 17!

If you're a blogger and interested in participating, click on the banner to go to the sign-up form.

About the Author

Our Christmas Promise:
A Christmas Wedding Story
(12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas)
By Tara Randel
Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Novella
ebook, 129 Pages
October 9, 2018

Melissa Upton and Justin Caswell have been best friends since they were kids. Now, they’re all grown up and things have changed, for Melissa at least. She’s content running the family bridal shop, Candlelight and Lace. Excited about an upcoming wedding. She doesn’t even mind attending weddings with Justin, until he dubs them wedding buddies. And now that he’s back in Christmas Town, Melissa realizes she wants more. If she goes after her heart will she lose her best friend?

Justin is back home to take care of business for his estranged father while he recovers from a heart attack. He’s launched his own successful career, is happy with his single status. Until he feels the distance Melissa has put between them. What’s up with his best friend? The more time they spend together, involved in Christmas Town holiday preparations, the more he realizes she’s hoping for more in their relationship. Can Justin see that being in love, and remaining best friends, is the best of both worlds?


Excerpt

About the Author



Blitz Giveaway

Excerpt

(BRYCE)

THE PLAYERS: Bryce-The Lovesick Hero, Janelle (AKA Mom)-Bryce’s Mother, Cody-Bryce’s Twin Brother, Kennedy-Bryce’s Little Sister.

Paige and I used to be closer. I think she might have liked me back in middle school. But like Cody said, I was a chicken, so I never acted on it. By the time I’d become confident enough to say something, Jason Marcos had stolen her from me.

I parked Mr. Martin’s car in front of the house and walked into the kitchen. The first thing I did was reach for the plate of cookies. “I hope you plan on washing those hands before you eat,” my mother warned, even though her back was to me. People joke about parents having eyes in the back of their head, but my mom does—for real.

“Yes, I plan on washing them. I was just testing you,” I lied, heading for the sink. She scooted over to give me some room.

“Did you make it to the door this time?” she asked.

“Mom,” I hissed quietly. “You can’t ask me stuff like that when Kennedy’s home. She has ultrasonic hearing when it comes to gossip.”

“Relax; Kennedy isn’t here. She left with Cody.”

“I thought Cody was going to work?”

“Huh. She told me she was going to the café. Maybe he was dropping her off before he headed over.”

“Probably,” I replied, then paused before answering her question. “I didn’t even bother getting out of the car.” I sighed as I dried my hands and took a seat at the counter. “It’s hopeless.”

“That’s not the confident, optimistic son I gave birth to.” She frowned.

“No, that guy’s name is Cody. I got all the maturity, and he got all the confidence.”

Mom leaned on the counter and grabbed a cookie off the plate. “Why don’t you two make a trade? Some of his confidence for a little of your drive and determination.”

I chuckled. “It’s not only a confidence thing. It’s more about timing. Paige clearly isn’t over Jason yet. No matter how much I like her, nothing is going to happen until she is. I need some sort of sign.”

There was a gleam in her eye as she drummed her fingers on the counter. “You know, your dad and I went to see the psychic at the carnival last night. You could go tonight and have Madam Vorski read your fortune. Maybe she can tell you when Paige will be ready for you to make a move.”

I paused, sandwich inches from my mouth, then blanched before saying, “First of all, don’t say ever say the phrase make a move again. It sounds weird and gross coming from you. Second, you’re kidding, right? You want me to spend my hard-earned money on some scam artist? Who are you, and what have you done with my mother?”

Mom laughed. “No, I want you to spend my money.” She reached into her pocket, pulled out a twenty, and placed it on the counter in front of me. “It was kind of fun.”

“You’re seriously giving me twenty bucks to use on a psychic? You, the lady who makes me pay for my own gas, insurance, and cell phone.”
“Are you calling me cheap?” She frowned.
I gave her a dry look. “Are you denying it?”

About the Author