All The Write Stuff

Friday, February 9, 2024

The Hall of Art and Pleasure

Seven Nights.

Seven Rooms.

One Erotic Lesson.

College student Mackenzie is invited to a secret house of pleasure, where she'll experience sexual fantasies for an entire week. Meanwhile, the guy down the hall might be everything she wants and more. Will she quit the house for love, or continue in the Hall of Art and Pleasure?

The Hall of Art and Pleasure

Chasing Pleasure Trilogy Book 1

by Darcy Monroe

Genre: College Erotic Romance

GUEST POST

If I knew I’d die tomorrow…I’d throw a huge party with my closest friends and family. I’d eat all the food that’s bad for me. I’d sing karaoke and go dancing at a club. I’d rent out an entire movie theater and watch chick flicks with my sisters. I’d end the night in the hot tub with the hottest of men: my husband.

When I first considered myself a writer…If you write, you’re a writer. I put my butt in the chair and write. Therefore, I’m a writer. I can’t pinpoint one moment where I felt important, like I was a true author or writer. It’s just something that has always been in the back of my mind that I was going to do someday. I don’t have any illusions of being the Next Great American Author. I want to write trashy romance that makes people blush. I know my niche. 😊

What I am Passionate About These Days…I’m passionate about escapism—books that make you forget your daily grind. Books where you want that main character to be you so badly that you don’t want to leave the pages of that story. No one should have to read books they don’t enjoy. Not every book you consume has to be Literature with a capital L. Give in to the dark side. Enjoy yourself some erotic college romance.

Q: What are some shows or books that your book can be compared to?

A: My book is for fans of the books Off the Clock by Roni Loren, S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline, Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. It’s also for fans of the movie Through My Window.

Q: Who should read this book?

A: You should read my book if you’re looking for fantasy-fulfilment, sexy college romance. If you’re down for a short read with a lot of “fun” scenes, this book is for you.

Q: Do you have any side stories about the characters?

A: There’s a deleted scene from this book on my website at darcymonroewriter.wordpress.com

Q: Are your characters based on real people or did they come from your imagination?

A: They’re made up! I went for relatable so you could see yourself as the main character.

Q: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

A: I love reviews. Whether you loved it or hated it, that’s how Indie authors get visibility. Bonus points if it makes me laugh. Tell me your favorite sexy scene!

BLURB

Mackenzie’s love life is a wreck. Drinking her troubles away in a strip club seems like the best solution until a dancer slips her a business card with a local address on it.

When she walks through the door, she’ll never be the same…

The address leads to a house with the deal of a lifetime: complete seven nights of “education” in The Hall of Art and Pleasure, and on the eighth night, step through a different door to be tested. She accepts the challenge and begins an awakening unlike any other. Room by room, Mackenzie starts to take back her confidence.

Then she meets Tristen. Heartbreakingly sweet, he seems interested in her for more than her body. Mackenzie is torn between the desire to finish her time in the Hall and her longing for a real relationship. If she continues her carnal quest, she may lose Tristen, but if she quits, she’ll never know what lies behind the final door…

EXCERPT

I fingered the weathered paper on the door again as I read the fragment of poetry.

Thy self: cast all, yea, this

white linen; hence,

There is no penance due to innocence:

To teach thee, I am naked first; why then

What needst thou have more

covering than a man?

—John Donne

I hadn’t exactly studied poetry, but I am naked first didn’t really need to be translated. If I opened the door, would a nude man be standing there? Would it be the stripper from the night before?

I remembered the way he’d looked at me, all sexy and serious at the same time. I’d felt an instant connection with him, or I never would have let him handcuff me.

A full minute passed as I braced my hand against the handle, the desperate beat of my heart threatening to break through my rib cage. Then I twisted the knob and, in a rush, pushed through and slammed the door.

I stood facing it a while before I dared turn around. Would someone approach me?

No one did. I can do this.

I slowly turned, and the sight of the room stole my breath. I pressed my hand to my chest as I was transported to another time and place. Candles created a softly lit atmosphere. The room was draped in white silks that floated lazily in the breeze of a few fans. There was a canopied four-poster bed directly in front of me, and it was like… like Arabian Nights. Like I was Scheherazade or something. The walls were completely made of mirrors, making the room look larger and more elaborate, the bedroom reflected golden and beautiful on every wall.

This was the romance missing in my life. Not the hasty hookups that were so common in college. Not the way I’d lost my virginity in the back of a cramped sports car, all awkwardness and pain. This was a romance novel, a dream.

A low chuckle rumbled from the side of the room.

I turned, startled to see a man leaning back in an opulent chair, staring at me. His dark brown hair was pulled back. He wore a button-down white shirt and black slacks, like he had just gotten in from the office. Not naked after all. He appeared to be about twenty-five with kind, hazel eyes and… wow. His legs were long. I’d never slept with someone who promised to be so tall.

I bit my lip. He wasn’t the stripper from Cherries.

He gestured to the room with one hand. “You like it?” he asked in a mild tenor.

I nodded.

He unbuttoned the cuffs of his dress shirt, his eyes downcast.

I twisted my hands together in front of my coat. This was so awkward! “So, the contract…”

He chucked again but didn’t say anything.

“Kind of crazy, huh? What exactly am I doing here?”

Having undone his cuffs, he moved on to his shirt with slow deliberation, but he didn’t answer me.

“And how do you get to be a part of a, um… this?” I asked, retreating until my back was flat against the door.

He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it in a ball to the side of the room, then unbuckled his belt. It whipped through the loops of his pants, and he held it for a moment, his mouth quirked into a teasing smile before it hit the ground with a dull thud.

His eyes zeroed in on where my hand rested, just inches from the door handle. “Do you feel safe?”

I shook my head once. This man was anything but safe. This house? Completely unsafe. It was like some weird fever dream, the whole thing.

I could leave right now. If I wanted to.

I felt behind me until my fingers touched the doorknob.

The man paused in undressing, one hand on his zipper, his tanned skin glowing in the low light of the room. He arched an eyebrow.

It was like he could see the thoughts as they raced through my head.

Why did I sign that paper? I chose this room, but… I’m not ready. Am I? I squeezed my eyes shut.

“Mackenzie,” he said softly, “we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, but there was a reason you said ye. A reason you chose my door. I get it if I’m not your type.”

I opened my eyes. It was my turn to frown at him. He couldn’t possibly doubt his attractiveness. His chest was toned, tapering into a flat stomach. He was the type of man who evoked the cavewoman in girls, the need to feel protected. A knot formed in my throat as I observed the trail of light-brown hair that began below his navel and disappeared into the band of his black trousers.

I shook my head, and his face fell.

“No, I didn’t mean—” My hand left the knob, and I took a step forward.

His teasing smile was back, and I realized what he’d just done. He was messing with me, trying to get me to abandon my desire to flee to comfort him.

I folded my arms, slightly annoyed, but mostly amused. “Well played.”

He bowed like an actor in a Shakespearean play with the flourish of an imaginary hat, managing to drop his pants at the same time.

I giggled. I couldn’t help it. It was so smooth yet so funny.

When he straightened, the warmth in his eyes had changed. Now, they smoldered with something different, something primal.

Oh, boy. What did I get myself into?

Amazon * B&N * * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/feMWFTW

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hall-of-art-and-pleasure-darcy-monroe/1143062046

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-hall-of-art-and-pleasure-chasing-pleasure-trilogy-book-1-by-darcy-monroe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/73308954-the-hall-of-art-and-pleasure

About the Author

Darcy Monroe is an avid romance reader and spicy romance writer. She enjoys binging Netflix, dancing in the rain, and imagining all sorts of steamy scenes with kind, kinky guys.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://darcymonroewriter.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarcyMonroeAuthor

X: https://twitter.com/Darcy__Monroe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcymonroeauthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Darcy-Monroe/author/B0BQH2GXR4

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21012003.Darcy_Monroe

Giveaway

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/HallOfArtNPleasureTour

Standing Room Only

One man's journey through the sick and twisted world of heroin addiction.

Standing Room Only

by Josh Liccardi

Genre: Fictional Biography

One man's journey through the sick and twisted world of heroin addiction. Listen to his every thought as he tries to reexamine life, or what it has become. See each struggle unfold as things get more and more complicated. Learn how to curve the pain, and ultimately how to simply just give up.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

Hunter S. Thompson – Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas

Kurt Vonnegut – Slaughterhouse-Five

Chuck Palahniuk – Fight Club

Todd Grimson – Brand New Cherry Flavor

Sara Gran – Come Closer

Clive Barker – Mister B. Gone

Ayn Rand – Atlas Shrugged

Mary Roach -Stiff

Stephen Hawking. – A Brief History of Time

Bret Easton Ellis – American Psycho

What book do you think everyone should read?

“The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery. I found this book to be both informative and emotional and would recommend it anyone and everyone.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since my late years in elementary school until present time. I do have writings that have never gone anywhere and that ultimately nobody has seen, but anything I’ve bothered to write has contributed to the things that I have managed to publish thus far. I am excited to finish what I am currently working on, and am looking forward to what else I might be able to produce in the future.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

So far, I’ve mostly written about topics that I know well enough without further research. I have started a few side stories where research was necessary though. In that case I was able to make notes from various places online but was also fortunate enough to know someone in the profession I was actually researching. I found that interviewing them was extremely helpful, far beyond what I could even find online. Getting as close to the source is always best.

Do you see writing as a career?

As much as I’d love to – I do not. I feel as though that these days its extremely hard to be a successful writer and generate enough income for it to be a viable career choice - without the luck of being picked up by a publishing company.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I don’t have a favorite, however I definitely gravitate towards certain types/styles. I tend to read things that I find interesting in either a non-fictional way, or in a disturbing type of way. Stories that contain an element of horror, or danger have always been appealing, and anything that is surrounded in uniqueness.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I can write in most any atmosphere, but what I prefer is to be wearing headphones while listening to ambient music. I find that this helps me to focus on the thoughts I am having at the time while not being distracted by music which includes lyrics. The ambient music is also something that I find to be calming.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

Usually, I focus on one book at a time, however I have definitely bounced around a little bit over the years and completed other smaller projects while in the midst of writing a book. I haven’t embarked on writing multiple novels at once, but I can never say what might occur in the future.

Pen or type writer or computer?

I normally end up writing on a computer. I work in IT and have access to quite a bit of technology, but I also view writing on a computer as a convenience since the finished product would need to be in digital form regardless. The act of writing with pen and paper however is also appealing to me on many levels as well.

What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?

I’ve always been compelled to write. It makes me feel good to get my thoughts down on paper, or virtually. I can’t really explain why, but that’s simply how I’ve always felt. Sometimes new stories play out in my head, and I make note of my thoughts in case it is will ever turn into subject matter for a future project. Most of my ideas simply come from my own inner responses to things in daily life, and the belief that others might find reading them enjoyable.

Advice they would give new authors?

Don’t hold back. When you find the story you’d like to tell, latch on to it and pour your heart out into each forthcoming paragraph. I find that some of the best writing comes from the visceral emotions we have while describing a situation and transforming those emotions into words in the rawest form possible.

Describe your writing style.

I’m not sure how well I can describe my own writing style, but in my head its easy and low pressure to the reader. Informative, yet mysterious enough to coax them forward wanting to know what is going to happen next. I like to write on the same level as the reader and provide a comfortable familiarity in the narrative itself.

What makes a good story?

A good story is filled with detail and pulls the reader through each page with as much immersion as possible. A picture of every scene should be played out in their mind. With the right combination and flow I believe this is how you achieve writing a book that “can’t be put down”.

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

Usually, my process begins with a thought that I just can’t let slip away. I will begin writing and see where it goes from there. If it starts to formulate into something bigger I will brainstorm a bit and make a crude outline of points that I’d like to cover. This provokes my thoughts further and gives me a better picture as to how much this topic might develop, and to what degree.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I keep the reader in mind while writing, however at the same time I don’t want my thoughts or style to be skewed or fabricated for a superficial reason. For example, I would rather not write a “pop song” just to appease the public and make a hit. My goal is to produce something that people will enjoy, while staying authentic to the artform itself.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Write more. Life is short and time speeds by at an unfathomable pace. Stop letting “life” get in the way of hopes and dreams – spend more time experiencing every possible thing that you can.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

I don’t have an issue writing characters from the opposite sex. I feel as though life has given me enough experience and knowledge to pull from when doing so. I find it relatively easy to imagine myself as someone else and to form thoughts that they would have rather than my own.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

So far that has depended on many factors. The book that I am currently working on has taken about 4 months and I am a little over halfway through. That is mostly due to not having ample time to write, however I do find time in my own unique ways. As most people I tend to have a lot going on between my professional life and personal life at home. Things are different for me now than when I was younger, so it takes a little longer to finish a book.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes and no. I believe that it is wildly different for everyone, of course, and occurs at various degrees. For myself I have found that any sort of “block” was due to emotional trauma getting in the way of progression. The key is identifying the cause and then finding the strength to push through it. I have done this a few times with my own work and have been successful at moving forward. I’m sure while some writers would agree with me, others have their own experiences.

*Please note – due to an Amazon error, the ebook connected to the Amazon paperback is incorrect and NOT by this author!*

151 Productions ebook * B&N * Paperback Amazon *Goodreads

Book Links:

151 Productions ebook: https://www.151productions.net/product-page/standing-room-only-e-book

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/standing-room-only-josh-liccardi/1017897622

Paperback Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Standing-Room-Only-Josh-Liccardi/dp/0578027887

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6933836-standing-room-only

About the Author

Josh Liccardi is an American author who grew up in the Berkshires located in Western Massachusetts. He was born in 1981 to a small family and grew up in a rural area 15 miles away from a small centralized city. With not much to do he spent his time creating scenarios for himself and other neighborhood kids near him in order to pass the time outside of school. At an early age Josh became interested in computers and started learning their ways from the inside out, which ended up turning into a career choice as he aged. School was never of much interest, but Josh did attend some college, before dropping out and focusing solely on his first IT job. The years went by and he bounced around between a few different companies, but still to this day is working in IT. When not engrossed in work he was able to find time to write various things, which did get put on hold after the birth of his daughter. Josh is able to focus more on writing now however and recently created 151 Productions with his dear friend and artist Shawn. Through this endeavor Shawn and Josh will continue to create and publish various works such as a comic book series as well as upcoming novels that are already in process. They are both very grateful to get their creations out into the world and hope to share their art for years to come.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.151productions.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/151productions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/151pr0ductions

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3100424.Josh_Liccardi

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/standing-room-only-book-tour-and-giveaway

Thursday, February 8, 2024

The Origins of Darkness

The Darkness will invade their dreams and turn their reality into nightmares.

The Origins of Darkness

The Schatten Chronicles Book 1

by KA Stefana

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

They witnessed the death of the evil king and thought that they had saved the land from the darkness within, but he survived and hid within the Northern Boundaries for almost a century. He found a way to escape and regain his powers but he could not break the curse that bound him to the icy wasteland, until one day. One spell bound within ancient magic. One spell that unleashed his plan.

Night after night he visited young innocent maidens in the remotest villages as they were just about to come of age. He entered their dreams and tempted them with raw desire. As they fell prey to his evil plan, he took from them what he wanted and destroyed their futures so that he could rise again.

Soon his daughters would rise, the daughters of darkness. They would travel to lands beyond, where his feet could no longer touch the ground. His daughters, sired for evil, would reign terror down on the southern kings and he would reclaim what was stolen from him and break the curse that bound him.

Interview

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
My pen name is KA Stefana. KA is the initial for my first and middle name, but Stefana is the name that is very special to me. It was my grandmother’s first name. So, I honor her as I write. I started writing in 2020 during quarantine and haven’t stopped since. It started just as a hobby. With four books and multiple Kindle Vellas, I feel that I can now officially say that I am an author.
The first chapter that I ever wrote was in The Daughters of Darkness, which is about King William finding Idalia. After many edits, you have the current version. Writing creatively was a struggle, as I spent years writing technical papers. It took a lot of work to write freely and to show the passion of the characters.

Where were you born/grew up?
I was born in Providence, RI, and was adopted at four months old. My family grew up in a close-knit community where family was the centerpiece of our lives.

What kind of world ruler would you be?
I would hope that I would be fair and compassionate if I ruled a kingdom, but it would be a dark and feudal kingdom in a faraway land.

What do you do to unwind and relax?
Unwind! Relax! What is that? Actually, I try to take a nap every Sunday as a form of self-care. On a daily basis, we sit and watch TV for about an hour and relax. The best part about that is cuddling with my dog.

How do I find time to write as a parent?
When the world sleeps, I write. My children are all adults, but I still write late at night when my ADHD is under control and my concentration is at its optimal level.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Geeky art-loving engineer and author

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Sometimes, I wonder if I am a writer, even after my fourth book. In reality, I probably started to consider myself a writer when I finished my first book. At that point, it became a reality and an accomplishment. It didn’t matter that I self-published but the fact that I wrote over 120K words into a cohesive story.

Do you have a favorite movie?
Not really, but I do have a favorite play, Les Miserables. I could watch the concert version on TV all of the time. In fact, if I scroll through the TV channels and see it on PBS, I stop and watch.
Why don’t I have a favorite movie? I don’t know. I don’t get attached to characters in the movies the way I do in books. I really loved the Longmire series and Vera. It is kind of strange, but I love to watch detective shows more than fantasy movies, which I prefer to read.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
The Schatten Chronicles - The first book, The Origins of Darkness, follows two female protagonists who are polar opposites of each other yet face the same antagonist. Katriona is a fiery redhead who is hopelessly independent, while Emmeline is sweet and gentle, wanting nothing more than to marry her golden-haired lover, Ash. Their worlds are turned upside down by King Stefan, The Darkness.
I can imagine the scenery from the 1100s. The dark and dirty villages, the stone and uninviting castles, and the magic that the Darkness spins, invading dreams, scheming and plotting, with a singular goal of destroying his enemies.
Katriona would be the warrior, wielding her sword, refusing to love her mate, and standing against the dark forces gathering around her. Emmeline, dressed as a peasant girl in a remote village, falls prey to his plans as he turns her dreams into nightmares.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

Oh, that’s simple! A dragon. I love Eragon! Obviously, Saphira belongs to his story, but I have my own dragon, Morgan, the Keeper of the Light!

This is the prequel to The Daughters of Darkness, A Schatten Novel by KA STefana.

**On Sale for Only .99cents!**

Amazon * Kindle Vella Part 1 * Kindle Vella Part 2 * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R2L24WD

Kindle Vella Part 1: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09TQ3LNMC

Kindle Vella Part 2: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0B75VYBWF

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-origins-of-darkness-a-schatten-novel-the-schatten-chronicles-book-1-by-ka-stefana

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194662202-the-origins-of-darkness

The Daughters of Darkness

The Schatten Chronicles Book 2

In the peaceful Land of the Rhein, the Darkness looms on the horizon. Evil infiltrates the castle walls, and traitors lurk in the shadows. Can King William protect his beloved land from the impending doom? Enter Idalia, an enigmatic outcast whose fate is uncertain. Could she be the one to fulfill the prophecy, to save the kingdom from its imminent downfall?

But as the truth about Idalia's past unravels, King William must decide whether to trust her or condemn her to death. Amidst betrayal and treachery, the dragon Morgan holds the key to the prophecy that will determine the fate of the land. Will the outcast born for evil rise to power and defeat her father? Or will she betray those who trust her in the heat of battle?

With twists and turns at every corner, only time can reveal what lies ahead in this epic tale of romance, betrayal, and banishment.

**On Sale for Only .99cents!**

Amazon * Kindle Vella * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N11HCJH

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0BTXYPM86

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-daughters-of-darkness-a-schatten-novel-the-schatten-chronicles-book-2-by-ka-stefana

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179709144-the-daughters-of-darkness

About the Author

Welcome Readers! Followers and Members of the Shadowverse. I am so excited that you are taking this journey with me. I love to weave tales of darkness and light, pushing my characters to the end of themselves. How will they react? Some may fall into evil, spiraling into a never-ending vortex of darkness. Others may walk the line between the realms of darkness and light. Only a few will rise above the chaos. They are the defenders and heroes in the world of shadows, but they, too, wrestle with the shadows surrounding them, trying to lure them down dark alleyways and into the back rooms of iniquity.

My friends always ask me where my tales come from. I guess it comes from years of reading great tales from the likes of Tolkien, Lewis, and so many others. In reality, I don't have a clue. The stories somehow flow from the unruly characters that beg to be written yet refuse to follow their storylines. Just the way I like it!

Past the shadows, you will find a twist of romance between kings and outcasts, enemies to lovers, and everything in between.

As for me, I started my writing journey during quarantine and haven't stopped writing since. I am thankful for the writing community and their support and for my family and friends. Most of all, I am blessed to have a husband who supports all of my late-night shenanigans, wrestling with characters and pounding away at the keyboard until the wee hours of the morning.

~ A million hugs! Thanks for joining the Shadowverse.

Linktree * Facebook * FB Group * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Ream * Goodreads

Author Links

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/KASTEFANA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076333876863

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadowworldofkastefana/

X: https://twitter.com/ka_stefana

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_stefana19/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ka-stefana

Ream: https://reamstories.com/shadowdwellers/public

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22187143.K_A_Stefana

Giveaway

Swag Magnets of both books (US only),

$20 Amazon giftcard (WW),

-1 winner each!

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/the-schatten-chronicles-book-tour-and-giveaway

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Changing Tide

Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.

Changing Tide

by Robert Joncas

Genre: YA SciFi Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Horror

“Changing Tide,” 2023 Book Awards:

*Maincrest Media Award, Winner, YA Fiction (2024)

*Outstanding Creator Awards, Best Fiction Book of 2023, 2nd Place

*Outstanding Creator Awards, Fantasy (1st Place), Sci-Fi (1st Place), Romance (2nd Pl.)

*The Global Book Awards, Bronze Medal, Science Fiction – Romance

*The BookFest Awards, Silver Medal, Science Fiction - Romance
*The BookFest Awards, Bronze Medal, Fantasy – Contemporary & YA – Science Fiction

*Royal Dragonfly Awards, Honorable Mention, Best Cover, Sci-Fi, Fantasy & YA Fiction

*American Fiction Awards, Finalist, Romance – Paranormal: Supernatural
*American Writing Awards, Finalist - Science Fiction
*Halloween Book Festival, YA Horror – Honorable Mention
*Literary Titan Book Award - August 2023

A wild adventure that takes you on a journey from the California coast to the depths of the Grand Canyon. Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.

After her father's tragic death, eighteen-year-old Skye Conner and her mom visit her Nana on the California coast. There, Skye stumbles across a mystical conch shell in the surf. Suddenly her dull, empty life takes on a thrilling and terrifying turn.

Skye has had to endure a despondent mother drowning in grief, living in a private world of darkness. Nana is a feisty, intelligent, take-no-bull grandmother with a flaming sense of pride and heart of gold. Then comes a handsome, mesmerizing alien on a mission to save the Earth. But are his intentions sincere, or does he have another agenda?

Skye has finally found someone to love, but can he be trusted? Changing Tide is a witty, original page-turning thriller that will make you look at First Contact in a whole new way.

Excerpt

Chapter I

First Contact

I never thought anyone close to me would die. I know it seems unrealistic because, sooner or later, we all die. But dying is supposed to happen in the future, like getting old. When you're eighteen, you shouldn't have to think about death. The idea of death takes you to a dark place where no one young ever wants to be.

It was the second week of June, and the first faint evidence of dawn trickled into the room. I pulled the curtain back, and fog blanketed the beach, darkening my mood. But then, a peculiar light shone from the shoreline in the distance, casting an eerie glow, like a beacon, in the mist.

I pulled a pink tee shirt from the closet and grabbed a pair of shorts from the pine dresser. Finally, I jerked a purple hoodie over my head, slipped on my flip-flops, and ran outside.

The strange light in the distance glowed like a full moon on a cloudy night. I crossed the beach and drifted in that direction. The long lines of white waves that swept across the shore glowed with a warm, radiant light. I kicked off my sandals at the shoreline, treading barefoot in the cold surf. Shivering, I clutched the sweatshirt tight around my neck. The ocean swirled around my ankles. I felt tiny shells and bits of seaweed in the ribbed sand under my feet.

Last week, after my high school graduation, Mom and I had flown from Phoenix to Nana's house in Crescent Cove, a small tourist town on the California coast. It was a two-hour flight from Phoenix to Sacramento, then another forty-five minutes in a small plane to the nearest airport. It would have been almost ten hours in the car had we driven. Unfortunately, Mom was in no condition to help me drive, so Nana said she would pick us up at the airport.

By the time we picked up our luggage, Nana was waiting outside the terminal in her old VW van. The trip was hard on Mom. Dark circles of exhaustion were under her eyes, and her hair hung in matted strings against her pale cheeks. She collapsed into the front seat while Nana helped me load the baggage into the back of the van.

When we drove up to the house, I knew it right away, even though it had been five years since I'd last been there. The red shutters and gray wood shingle siding looked the same as I remembered. I knew the inside would smell of lemon polish, and everything would be spotless and scrubbed.

Without seeing it, I knew the old back deck would be the same: weathered but sturdy and always covered in sand. I could picture Dad grilling and sipping beer while Mom and I watched the waves crash on the shore. I had hoped coming here would be a distraction, but memories of Dad continued to flood my mind.

My stomach ached as I remembered the heavy black dress I wore to Dad's funeral on that scorching day in Phoenix. The air was sizzling, too hot. I'd had to take deep breaths to keep from passing out. Although a canopy shaded the gravesite, the temperature was over 100 degrees. I ached with grief that I couldn't at least see Dad one last time — to make sure it was really him who'd died in that horrible accident. The burning car wreck left his body unidentifiable. The funeral home cremated what was left of his remains.

As I followed the light through the surf, the sea surged with a rolling wave that knocked me over. It was as if something had stirred below the ocean and was rising from the deep. I threw my hands out to break my fall but landed in the shallows on my butt. I sat motionless in the surf, shivering in my wet clothes…

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Changing-Tide-Robert-Joncas-ebook/dp/B0C9VHRC25

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/changing-tide-robert-joncas/1143633571?ean=9798987150115

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/changing-tide-by-robert-joncas

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176169899-changing-tide

What readers are saying:

“…simply elegant…from the plotline to the characters to the action to the humor… (and) a story for anyone, young adult or adult, who enjoys a good science fiction novel with some romance thrown in. I would recommend the book to everyone.”

-FEATHERED QUILL BOOK REVIEWS

“…truly a breath of fresh air! …A sci-fi romance like this was exactly what we needed. …despite dealing with things like loss, coping, and mourning this book is surprisingly fun and lighthearted…reading like a Disney script.”

-OUTSTANDING CREATOR REVIEW

“Anyone who enjoys sci-fi horror thrillers will find plenty to love about this book.”

-READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK REVIEW

“I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book and was genuinely sad when it came to an end.”

-ONLINEBOOKCLUB.ORG REVIEW

“…an enthralling fantasy novel that immerses readers in Skye Conner’s captivating journey…”

-LITERARY TITAN

“…traverses science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery seamlessly, entertaining you with thrills galore.”

-READERS’ CHOICE BOOK REVIEW

“Nothing is as it seems… a speculative sci-fi page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. …brings in sci-fi and fantasy elements of magic seashells and aliens to create a call to adventure.”

-INDEPENDENT BOOK REVIEW

--snippet of a review from OnlineBookClub.org--

“Robert Joncas has crafted a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, and the author's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions is commendable. Skye's character development is particularly noteworthy, as readers witness her transformation from a grieving and vulnerable girl into a brave and determined young woman.

....Changing Tide is a remarkable book that grabs the reader's attention from the very first page. With its compelling characters, intriguing plot twists, and seamless blending of genres, it is a true page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book and was genuinely sad when it came to an end. Without a doubt, I highly recommend picking up Changing Tide by Robert Joncas and awarding it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

--snippet of a Review from Literary Titan--

In “Changing Tide,” Robert Joncas masterfully entwines an evocative narrative of a young girl, Skye, wrestling with her personal turmoil while being swept into a journey far beyond her understanding. Haunted by cryptic dreams and grappling with the tragic loss of her father and her mother’s spiraling depression, Skye’s world is painted with a brush of melancholy. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as she rekindles a connection with Paul, an alluring figure from her past, previously known for his childhood mischief.

Robert Joncas showcases an exceptional ability to portray raw emotions and delicate sentiments. His narrative is an intricate tapestry of romance, familial bonds, suspense, and an unmistakably human touch enveloped in a mantle of science fiction. The characters are vividly constructed, each contributing a unique hue to the narrative palette. Nana, Skye’s vivacious and fearless grandmother, was a particular standout, embodying a captivating blend of loyalty and audacious spirit.

The narrative is particularly successful in illustrating Skye’s internal struggle – her battle against emotional turmoil and her hesitant forays into new friendships. The character development of the alien entity is equally commendable, with its adaptation and backstory revealed in a layered, compelling manner.

“Changing Tide” is a warmly recommended read, particularly for young adults who yearn for a slice of relatable, yet enchantingly fantastic, reality. This novel embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling interlaced with an adventurous spirit, ensuring a riveting reading experience.

About the Author

Robert grew up in Southern California and has worked as a Real Estate Broker in Flagstaff, AZ, for many years. He has a BS in Health Science and graduated with Distinction from the prestigious UCLA Writers' Program, where he studied under Author Lynn Hightower in her Master Novel Classes. He is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Horror Writers Association.

Website * X * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.cougarproductions.com

X: https://twitter.com/robjoncas

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robert-joncas

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-Joncas/author/B0C8BWSBQ2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/39870545.Robert_Joncas

Giveaway

$100 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/changing-tide-by-robert-joncas-book-tour-and-giveaway

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Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Andy and the Extroverts

When shy 17-year-old Andy winds up at a summer leadership camp, she'll have to muster up all her courage to survive, meeting friends and a very special guy along the way.

Andy and the Extroverts

by Jessica K. Foster

Genre: YA Contemporary Sweet Romance

Seventeen-year-old bookish Andy has no friends. When her over-involved mother has the audacity to ship her off to summer leadership camp, she's thrust into an introvert's nightmare. Everyone is a Communicator with a capital C, icebreaker activities are scheduled into every waking moment, and horror of all horrors: there's no coffee. Even the girls who take her under their wing are the kind of self-assured people Andy could never dream of becoming.

Then she meets Lucas—hot, attentive, and everything Andy reads about in her books. Though the girls in her cottage try to warn her about him, she's swept into the first romance of her life. But when she discovers her friends may be right, she'll have to find her inner confidence to save her summer and become the leader she was always meant to be.

Interview

What is something unique/quirky about you?
I can roll my tongue in many different ways. I’m embarrassed to admit how much time I spent in the mirror learning how to do this and to tie a cherry stem with my tongue. I must have been really bored in middle school.

Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania but two months later, my family moved to Portland, Michigan. That’s where I grew up: in a four-square-mile town at the edge of Lansing. It was country living with the city at our fingertips as soon as we got our driver’s licenses.

What are you passionate about these days?
I’m passionate about happiness and enjoying life these days. It has come to a point for me where if it doesn’t bring me joy or doesn’t have the potential to bring me joy, I’m going to throw it out. That said, I still struggle to DNF books because I’m an eternal optimist. If I just read one more chapter, I’ll probably like it.

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I spend time with my family, take really hot baths, and listen to music. I re-read my favorite romance books (shout out to Jude Deveraux and Elle Kennedy!), and I am a big fan of the nap.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Determined, Curious, Resilient, Caring… Sarcastic.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I have had a few poems picked up by journals before I began writing novels, but I think the very first time I considered myself an actual writer was when I signed a publishing contract with Winding Road Stories (my publisher).

Do you have a favorite movie?
Yes! It’s a little obscure, but I’m obsessed with the movie Gidget. It came out in 1959. It’s about a girl who learns how to surf when it was a male-dominated sport. Obviously, she falls for another surfer. I have to have my romance!

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Andy and the Extroverts! It would be perfect for today’s audience, because we all want to see a resurgence of the teenage romcom, and camp romance is the perfect way to do it. Andy also struggles to relate to people, and we’re all coming off of Covid years. A lot of teens are struggling with this right now, too!

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
The one that comes to mind was my first ever writing conference down in Chicago, Illinois. I went there when I was querying my first book (which shall never see the light of day). I learned so much about the publishing industry and got to meet up with other authors and started some really great friendships. I hope one day, when my kids are older, to go on a solitary pilgrimage to a really lovely, remote place and write for a few days. Right now I’m content with my couch!

EXCERPT

Andy and the Extroverts Excerpt

“Okay, campers!” Suzie screeched the second we got back to the cottage.

It was like doomsday every time she used that phrase because right after it, she’d announce the next stupid activity and expect everyone to be excited about it.

“It’s time for the next awesome leadership activity! I know you’ve been enjoying them so far, but you’re really going to like this one.” She gave an exaggerated wink. Wait. That meant…

“We’re going to do this with our male counterparts, Beavers, so pair on up so we can get started.”

Pair? I looked to Paige helplessly, but she was already out the door. I sighed and followed her to where the Hippo cottage stood outside waiting for us. How did they get here so fast? Even more alarming was how fast everyone broke off into pairs. My hands tingled as Marshall sidled up next to Paige. I craned my neck and looked for Emma.

“Good thing I’ve forgiven you,” Lucas said as he walked toward me. “Or this might be awkward.”

I rolled my eyes. Like it was so hard to get pushed off a dock when you had the skills of a gold medal swimmer. I raised my eyebrows, but he didn’t say any more. Unlike me, he focused his attention on the instructions Tyler gave the group.

“…so choose who the person with the blindfold will be and who will give directions. We’ll start once you’ve got it sorted out.”

I peeked between Lucas and Paige and held back a groan when the course came into view. A grove of trees spanned the area in front of us, and pieces of red tape were strung between their wide trunks like trip wires. Stumps littered the ground. I’d seen this before on reality television. Minefield. One of us would have to be all yelly and tell the other one to go right or left or whatever to get through an obstacle course.

“What do you want to be?” Lucas asked like I had a choice. I couldn’t yell for crap, so it looked like I’d have to trust him not to kill me.

“Blindfolded.”

He frowned. “What?”

I snatched the red bandana from his hand with a scowl. I wasn’t talking that quietly.

“Oh, okay.” He smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

No, he wouldn’t. He’d be yelling at me every step of the way.

“Now, remember,” Suzie chirped as I struggled to tie the bandana around my eyes. “You can be next to your partner, but don’t touch the unless they look like their about to fall. This is a trust exercise. It’s also an exercise in giving clear, concise directions. Learn how to be the kind of leader who knows how to follow. Don’t peek!” She giggled.

Lucas brushed my hands away when the bandana came undone an tied it snugly around my eyes. He pushed the folds into layers until it blacked out everything.

“Good?” he asked.

If good meant helpless, then yes. I should’ve chosen to be his voice if partners could walk with each other the whole way—too late now.

I nodded.

“Okay, partners,” Tyler shouted, “the goal is to get them around—that—and back to your starting positions. It isn’t a race. It’s about finishing. Good luck! And go!”

“Okay, walk ten steps forward and then stop.” Lucas’s hot breath on my neck made my heartbeat triple. This was such a bad idea. A very sexy, very bad idea.

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Andy-Extroverts-Jessica-K-Foster-ebook/dp/B0C3T75PPJ

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/andy-and-the-extroverts-jessica-k-foster/1143406351?ean=9781960724106

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/andy-and-the-extroverts-by-jessica-k-foster

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/129337132

About the Author

Jessica K. Foster writes funny, heartfelt Young Adult Contemporary fiction with a dash of romance. She is a middle school Language Arts teacher with a penchant for hot tea and romantic beach reads. Jessica lives in West Michigan with her husband, two boys, and their ragtag crew of rescue animals.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://jessicakfoster.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaKFosterAuthor

X: https://twitter.com/JessicaKFoster

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JessicaKFosterAuthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jessica-K.-Foster/author/B0C3W2RK8B

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24289158.Jessica_K_Foster

Giveaway

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/andy-and-the-extroverts-book-tour-and-giveaway