Category: Promotions

#CoverReveal: Dragon Surf by D.G. Driver and Jeni Bautista Richard #YA #fantasy #adventure

On By Teri PolenIn Promotions16 Comments

I’m thrilled to host the cover reveal of authors D.G. Driver and Jeni Bautista Richard soon to be released Dragon Surf! Isn’t it beautiful? I’ve read several books by Driver, so I’m excited to dive into this one. And it features a dragon – woohoo! Always love me some dragons.

Dragon Surf is scheduled to release in April. For more information or to follow D.G. on her social media, go HERE.

Eric Long’s dad is a champion surfer. His mom is an artist, obsessed with Chinese dragons. On his 15th birthday, both of his parents’ interests collide and change everything he knows about the world.

While on a surfing vacation with his father up near Santa Cruz, California, Eric has visions of a woman from Imperial China with the ability to control a dragon and the emperor who wanted to exploit her talent to fight a war. One foggy morning, Eric and a new surfing friend sneak down to see the off-limits Dragon’s Bluff beach near their motel, and he is rescued from drowning by a real-life dragon. This is the dragon of his visions!

Now Eric realizes that those visions are the dragon’s memories. But why is he able to see them? Why is the dragon warning him to leave and never come back? Could Eric be a descendant of the Dragon Tamer? How dangerous will it be if he stays and tries to find the answers?

Bios:

D. G. Driver likes to dip her toes into all kinds of writing genres from children’s !ction and YA fantasy to adult romance. Dragon Surf is her sixth young adult fantasy novel published with Fire and Ice YA Books. With a degree in Theatre Arts from U. C. Irvine, it’s not surprising that in addition to writing, Driver is also a theater actress and director. She can often be found singing in a musical theater production somewhere in the Nashville vicinity or at least belting out showtunes in her car. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. www.dgdriver.com or watch her ham it up on TikTok @dgdriver

Jeni Bautista Richard was born in Makati, Philippines and immi‐ grated to Canada with her parents when she was an infant. She attended York University in Toronto, Ontario and studied English, psychology, and anthro‐ pology. A closer look at genealogy showed ethnic ties to not only The Philippines but to China and The Paci#c Islands as well, making the world all that much smaller. Growing up the proud daughter of immigrants, and in a multicultural city, Jeni was lucky enough to be immersed in and got to appreciate countless cultures other than her own. In the early 2000s, Jeni moved to Tennessee. She began working in early childhood education, and currently works in the Metro Nashville public school system. Jeni currently lives in Nashville with her husband and son. Feeling strongly about equal representation in the arts and in the media, Jeni is so thrilled to be a part of a release that cele‐ brates that. This is her #rst release as a co-writer   

Guest Post: Menagerie by Joan Hall #bookreview #shortstories #newrelease #TuesdayBookBlog

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews, Promotions45 Comments

I’m thrilled to be batting cleanup on Joan Hall’s blog tour for her new release, Menagerie. I can’t tell how much I enjoyed this collection of stories – but you can read all about it in my review below. Give a big welcome to Joan!

Mystery Woman

Hi, Teri. Thanks so much for hosting me today on this last stop of my book tour. It’s a pleasure to be here to talk about my latest release, Menagerie, a mixed-genre compilation of thirteen short stories. Each stop features a different title and I tell how the story came about. Today, I’ll tell the story behind Mystery Woman. With a title like that, I don’t need to tell the genre.

Stories of the unexplained intrigue me. A favorite TV show from back in the 1980s was Unsolved Mysteries. One of the first episodes told the story of Glen and Bessie Hyde, a newlywed couple who disappeared in 1928 while rafting through Grand Canyon on the Colorado River.

Despite being warned not to continue their trip by noted Grand Canyon photographer Emery Kolb, the couple continued the journey. When they didn’t arrive at their destination, a search party found their abandoned raft, which was actually a wooden scow, along the shores of the river. The raft was intact, and their gear still inside. There was no sign of the couple, and their bodies were never found.

In the early 1970s, a group rafting the river stopped for the night at the location where Glen and Bessie disappeared. An older woman on the trip claimed to be Bessie and stated she killed her husband. The woman later recanted the story.

In Mystery Woman, Nicole Aldridge takes a rafting trip down a fictional river. Among the people in her raft is an older woman named Anna Holloway. Anna is a strange one who tells Nicole conflicting stories. First, she said she’d been on a rafting trip many years earlier. Later, she denied it. She talked about her husband, but Nicole later learns Anna never married. Anna is also obsessed with the story of a couple who drowned while rafting the river in the early 1950s.

A year later, Nicole and Tim Ross, who she also met on the trip, learn some startling information about Anna.

Below is an excerpt.

Excerpt:

“Anna, you haven’t told us what you do,” Tim said.

The older woman’s expression softened. “I’m a retired schoolteacher. I turn seventy in a few days.”

A course of birthday wishes followed.

“I’ve never been on a rafting trip, so this is a gift to myself.”

Nicole furrowed her brow. “I thought you told me at lunch you had rafted before.”

“You’re mistaken, dear. I don’t know why you would think that.”

She opened her mouth to reply but let it go. Maybe the woman was forgetful. Might even have early-onset dementia.

After dinner, everyone gathered with the larger group to sit around the campfire. The rhythmic chirr of cicadas, crickets, and other night insects signaled nightfall. A smattering of stars appeared, and a half moon was almost directly overhead. The faint smell of sagebrush, along with smoke from the fire drifted in the breeze as coyotes howled in the distance.

Tim opened a can of beer as he took the seat next to Nicole. “Care for one?”

“No, thanks. I had a couple of glasses of wine at dinner. Any more alcohol and I’ll be down for the count.”

“Never thought I’d have such amenities on a camping trip. Rib eyes. Grilled vegetables.”

“Don’t forget that Dutch oven cake. You were right. This is almost like a luxury cruise.”

Mark Mills rubbed his hands together. “Who’s ready for a ghost story?”

Nicole listened absently as he told of a mysterious light that often appeared on the rim of the canyon. When others chimed in about similar sightings in other parts of the country, she studied those around her, especially Anna Holloway. She couldn’t shake the feeling the older woman was hiding a secret.

Blurb:

King’s. The Tower of London. Glass. What do these have in common?

Each is a famous menagerie.

While this Menagerie doesn’t focus on exotic animals, it does contain a collection of stories that explore various trials people face and how their reactions shape their worlds.

Survivors of a haunted bridge. Women who wait while their husbands fight a war. Former partners reuniting to solve a cold-case murder.

These are just three of the thirteen stories in this compendium, encompassing past and present, natural and supernatural, legend and reality. The genres and timelines are varied, but there’s a little something for everyone who enjoys reading about simpler times and small-town life.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/jh-menagerie

About the Author

Social Media Links

Website   |   Blog   |   BookBub   |   Goodreads

My Review

I absolutely adored this collection – every single story. Usually with short story collections there are at least a few that aren’t as interesting or don’t work for me. But that’s not the case here. Maybe it’s because there are thirteen stories and it was released on a Friday 13th – which has always been lucky for me because my son was born on a Friday 13th. Who knows? I’ll try to choose a few that stuck with me longer.

Ghost Bridge – The small town of Clarkston and its citizens completely charmed me. I wanted to join Kate and her dog Dakota on her porch and have a glass of wine. I wanted to sit with them and listen to the clip clop and creaking wooden wheels of the horse and buggy carrying the ghost of Dr. Noah Stoddard across the bridge by her house. The ending was perfection.

Seven Days – Stressed out author Mindy Jarvis spends a week at a friend’s cabin – where there’s no wifi or cell reception. I initially balked at that, thinking there’s no way I could do it. By the end of the story, I was envious of Mindy and wanted to trade places with her for a week. It had me reminiscing simpler times.

Summerwood – Lead guitarist in a popular band, Dylan Grant collapses on stage due to exhaustion. He travels back to his hometown to recover and make some life-changing decisions.

Lone Wolf – Cowboy Jake McLaughlin saves a wolf whose leg is caught in a trap. He has no idea the wolf will repay that kindness. I nearly cried at the end of this heartwarming tale.

This is a fabulous collection of suspense, mystery, and contemporary stories that will appeal to a variety of readers. There’s something for everyone, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Guest Post – The Last Drive by John W. Howell #newbook #timetravel #thriller #suspense

On By Teri PolenIn Promotions60 Comments

It’s Friday – woohoo! Everyone deserves a treat on Fridays, and today I’ve got one for you. John W. Howell, author, tour guide, and pet lover, is here with his new release, The Last Drive. I loved the blend of genres with the first book in this series, Eternal Road: the final stop, so I was thrilled when I learned he was writing a sequel. Now I’ll let John take it away!

I am so pleased to be with you today, Teri. I want to thank you for helping spread the word about The Last Drive. Each year you host the best Halloween feature, Bad Moon Rising. It always impresses me that you have all those talented authors visit throughout the month of October. It is also entertaining reading the answers to your questions and I always learn a little more about your guests. Most of your authors write in the horror genre and I’m sure they would appreciate the kind of horror that Lucifer can conjure  up in my book.

Here is the blurb and then we can get to a short excerpt from the book.

The Blurb

In the sequel to Eternal Road – The final stop, Sam and James are reunited to look for two souls, Ryan and Eddie. Ryan was killed in Afghanistan, trying to avoid a schoolyard with his crippled plane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Ryan’s hero, is to guide Ryan to his Eternal Home, and now both are missing.

The higher-ups believe that there has been some interference in Ryan and Eddie’s journey by Lucifer, so Sam and James have the task of finding Ryan and Eddie to get them back on the road despite the evil interference. Unfortunately, the machinations designed to prevent Ryan and Eddy from completing their journey takes the pair to horrifying testing grounds. The places visited represent the best work of the Devil. They are the trenches of World War I in France, gladiators at the Roman Coliseum, the sinking Titanic in 1912, Hiroshima 45 minutes before the bomb, and the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.

This book is for you if you like plenty of action, strong characters, time travel, and a touch of spiritual and historical fiction. So, join Sam and James as they try to find the missing souls while staying one step ahead of the Prince of Darkness, who is determined to destroy all that is good.

An Excerpt.

“We head down that tunnel there and see what’s going on. Before that, though, you better get us back on time, or we’ll be invisible.”

James stops. “Let’s think about this for a minute. If we’re invisible, we can come and go as we please.”

Sam nods. “Yes, but we won’t be able to interact with Eddie or Ryan.”

 “I guess so. Okay, take my hand again. I’ll get us back at the current time.”

“Hey, watch it.” Sam and James appear right in front of a guy carrying a few drinks.

“My gosh. Sorry. We weren’t watching where we were going.” The man looks at Sam and James and continues on his way.

Sam watches the guy go down the hallway. “That could have been embarrassing.”

“Tell me. It would have been worse if we’d spilled those drinks. We’d be having a way different conversation with that guy right now.”

Sam points. “Let’s get to some seats.” James follows Sam into the tunnel. Right away, they spot a couple of seats almost at ground level and claim them. “I hope these don’t belong to anyone.”

James shields his eyes as he scans the field of play. “Check the field. Green Bay has the ball. I wish we had some binoculars. We’re quite far from the action.”

Sam puts her hand on James’s shoulder. “Well, do they have the ball?”

“Yes. You can’t mistake that green G on the helmet. For definite, they have the ball.”

“Is Ryan playing quarterback?”

James shakes his head. “I can’t be sure. All they have are numbers on the jerseys. No names.”

“Well, that’s handy. Who’s the regular quarterback?”

“Bart Starr.”

“Do we know his number?”

“I don’t have a program. Maybe I can go out and buy one.”

“You have money?”

“Shoot. I forgot. In Heaven, we have no beer.”

“What?”

“It’s a song. What I mean is, we have no money.”

A guy behind Sam taps her on the shoulder. Sam turns around, and the man apologizes. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Bart Starr is number fifteen, and he’s not playing right now. Lombardi put in a guy named Bratkowski. I guess he’s giving Starr a rest.”

A Link to the Trailer

You Tube https://youtu.be/HEUninXiibI

Buy Links

The Last Drive is available in paper and Kindle editions on Amazon. Here are the universal links. The Kindle edition is on sale for 99¢ through mid-February.

Kindle https://mybook.to/FYmkKr

Paper https://mybook.to/BCsWV

Author Bio

John is an award-winning author who after an extensive business career began writing full time in 2012. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. He has written Six other books that are on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

Author links

Blog Fiction Favorites, http://johnwhowell.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/john.howell.98229241

Twitter –https://www.twitter.com/HowellWave

Goodreads –https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751796.John_W_Howell

Amazon Author’s page –https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell

BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/john-w-howell

Eternal Road Buy links

Kindle Universal link  mybook.to/EternalRoad

Paper universal link mybook.to/Eternalroadpaper

#BlackFridaySale Subject A36 (The Colony #1) $/£0.99 #YA #scifi #dystopian

On By Teri PolenIn Promotions12 Comments

If you’re shopping for Black Friday deals, take this opportunity to snatch up Subject A36 for only $0.99 US or £0.99 UK!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

As an added bonus, you can go to my publisher’s website HERE and use promo code TURKEY35 to get 35% off any currently released Black Rose Writing title. Happy Shopping!

If genetic engineering could guarantee you and your family perfect health and unparalleled beauty, would you pay top dollar for it? Would you kill for it?

Residents of the Colony would. And do.

Only the Insurgents can stop them.

Seventeen-year-old Asher Solomon is a premier operative with the Insurgents. He and his team have rescued countless hostages, saving them from painful deaths in Colony labs as desirable genetic traits are stripped from their bodies.

He’s also suffered more losses than anyone should have to.

Then Asher gets intel that might give his people the upper hand. The Colony is searching for Subject A36. If the Insurgents determine the subject’s identity first, they might be able to turn the tide of the war.

Asher and his team embark on their riskiest mission ever, and the stakes have never been higher. But even if he survives the physical dangers, the devastating secrets he uncovers might destroy him.

#BlogTour and #Giveaway Saddled Hearts by Jan Sikes #newrelease #romanticsuspense

On By Teri PolenIn Promotions52 Comments

Yes, it’s the first Monday morning after the time change and even though it’s lighter, some of us are still dragging. But I have a guest who’s sure to lift your spirits. Take a murder mystery, throw in horses, music, and romantic suspense and you’ve got yourself an engaging read – the reviews I’ve read of this book confirm it. Plus, it just earned a Crowned Heart review from InD’Tale Magazine. Here’s Jan Sikes to brighten up your Monday!

I’m happy to be visiting your blog site today, Teri. I’m surprised you are still around to do blogs after your month-long Bad Moon Rising! Every post was fun. I deeply appreciate your generosity and support.

I love including a lot of my own metaphysical experiences in my writing. In my new book, Saddled Hearts, the female protagonist is a medium. That means she can communicate with souls from beyond the grave. When Jag Peters first suggests to Colt that he consider making an appointment with Sage Coventry, he shrugs it off. But the more he thinks about it, the more he decides he needs some answers from his grandfather, who is deceased. A man has shown up at the ranch laying claim to it based on a supposed poker game with the grandfather, Buck Layne, many years past.

Let’s take a peek into the session with Sage.

EXCERPT:

“Does the name Charles or Charlie mean anything to you?” She leaned forward and placed her folded arms on the desktop.

“That’s my grandfather’s given name, Charles.”

“Well, he is here with us today and is anxious to communicate with you. He wants you to know that he’s proud of you and everything you’ve done. He also wants you to know that he’s okay where he is. He says nothing hurts anymore.”

“What else?”

“I don’t know what this means, but he says to watch out for shysters. He’s showing me a key. Does that mean anything to you?”

Spit dried in Colt’s mouth, and he nodded. “My grandfather always told me that keys could unlock the answers to every secret in the universe. He collected them. I still have his collection.”

“I think that’s his way of letting you know this is real, that he’s really here. Or perhaps the answer to your dilemma can be found behind a lock.”

Tears threatened, and Colt unconsciously leaned forward. “I want to hear everything he has to say.”

“A lot of what I get shows up in symbols, and it’s up to you to interpret them. He is showing me a black tomcat. That could mean a lot of things to different people.”

“A man by the name of Tompkins paid me a visit. That’s what prompted me to come see you. Could that be what he’s showing you?”

“Could be.” She closed her eyes. “I’m also seeing a deck of playing cards, but they’re strewn around on the floor, and the black cat is walking across them.”

Colt sucked in a breath between his teeth. He whispered, “Anything else?”

“I’m seeing lots of horses running, some with saddles, some without. I get the feeling he’s possibly showing me memories.”

“He was a world champion bull rider. But he had a special love for horses. So, yes, that could be a memory. His deep love for horses is why I turned my ranch into a horse sanctuary.”

Sage nodded. “That makes sense with what I’m seeing. He’s very happy with what you’ve done.” She stared hard at him. “There’s something about you that I’m sensing, or maybe it’s what he’s showing to me. You have some sort of unique ability when it comes to animals.”

Colt blew out an audible breath. “I remember the first time I really understood that I can communicate with animals. Not in words, but on invisible wavelengths or thoughts, if that makes sense.”

“Perfect sense.” Sage smiled. “I’m also feeling a strong female presence that is wanting to get in today with a message for you. Is your mother in the spirit world?”

He choked. “Yes. She died when I was twelve.”

“Well, she wants to say hello and let you know she watches over you as much as she is allowed from beyond the veil…”

***

I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever consulted a medium for communication with a loved one who has passed on? Do you believe some people have a true gift? Let’s talk!

BOOK BLURB:

Colt Layne owns the Layne Horse Sanctuary. He lives an idyllic life between caring for the animals and playing music with his band. That is until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. When someone murders the man, Colt is arrested. He’s been framed, but by whom and why? 

He needs to talk with his deceased grandfather. But that’s impossible. Or is it?

Sage Coventry is gifted with the ability to communicate with the deceased. Skeptical but desperate, when Colt consults with her, he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips he longs to kiss.

The race against time to clear his name and save the ranch launches them on a mission that brings shocking revelations.

Let’s go on a scavenger hunt! Hidden within the blog posts are clues you will need to look for.

The theme is “Things You’d Find On A Ranch.”

When you find these clues, email your answers to me at

SaddledHearts@gmail.com

With CONTEST

In the subject line.

The person with the most correct entries will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

The runner-up will receive an eBook of Saddled Hearts! It Pays To Play!

BOOK TRAILER: https://youtu.be/_MQ9fYH5PrI

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK:  https://linktr.ee/Rijanjks

SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: http://www.jansikes.com

BLOG:   http://www.jansikesblog.com

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/jansikes3

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/jks0851/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes

BOOKBUB:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-sikes

INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/sikesjan/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Sikes/e/B00CS9K8DK

SUGGESTED KEYWORDS:

#RomanticSuspense 

#HorseSanctuary

#Rodeo

#Horses

#Murder

#PsychicMedium

#ContemporaryRomance

#Musician

#wrpbks

#NewRelease

#BlogTour The Necromancer’s Daughter by D. Wallace Peach #fantasy #dragons #magic

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews, Promotions125 Comments

I’m so excited to participate in the blog tour for Diana’s new release, and it’s always a pleasure to host her. Make sure to read my review of The Necromancer’s Daughter at the bottom of the post.

A healer and dabbler in the dark arts of life and death, Barus is as gnarled as an ancient tree. Forgotten in the chaos of the dying queen’s chamber, he spirits away her stillborn infant, and in a hovel at the meadow’s edge, he breathes life into the wisp of a child. He names her Aster for the lea’s white flowers. Raised as his daughter, she learns to heal death.

Then the day arrives when the widowed king, his own life nearing its end, defies the Red Order’s warning. He summons the necromancer’s daughter, his only heir, and for his boldness, he falls to an assassin’s blade.

While Barus hides from the Order’s soldiers, Aster leads their masters beyond the wall into the Forest of Silvern Cats, a land of dragons and barbarian tribes. She seeks her mother’s people, the powerful rulers of Blackrock, uncertain whether she will find sanctuary or face a gallows’ noose.

Unprepared for a world rife with danger, a world divided by those who practice magic and those who hunt them, she must choose whether to trust the one man offering her aid, the one man most likely to betray her—her enemy’s son.

A healer with the talent to unravel death, a child reborn, a father lusting for vengeance, and a son torn between justice, faith, and love. Caught in a chase spanning kingdoms, each must decide the nature of good and evil, the lengths they will go to survive, and what they are willing to lose.

Diana’s Bio:

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked.

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.

Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.

Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/D.-Wallace-Peach/e/B00CLKLXP8

Website/Blog: http://mythsofthemirror.com

Website/Books: http://dwallacepeachbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dwallacepeach

Purchase Links:

US: https://www.amazon.com/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach/dp/B0B9FY6YZJ

IN: https://www.amazon.in/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

My Review:

This isn’t my first rodeo with this author’s books. I know to expect writing that reads like prose, beautiful imagery, and top-notch world-building. My expectations were exceeded.

Diana’s done it again. She’s created wonderfully flawed characters who wormed their way into my heart. I cheered for them, nearly cried (seriously, I was close to needing a tissue), and sincerely hoped Teko found a good woman to make strange or magical babies with (you need to read the book to understand, but I promise you’d wish the same for him). It began with Barus, a disfigured orphan taken in by a healer, and then he held the door open for the rest of them (Aster, Joreh, and Teko especially) as they entered my heart. The father/daughter relationship and incredibly strong bond between Barus and Aster is one of my favorite things about this novel. The author certainly knows how to place her characters between a rock and a hard place, and she forces them to make gut-wrenching decisions. Each had their share of difficulties, but I felt Joreh in particular grappled with his beliefs.

There’s no shortage of deadly battle scenes between warring countries and tribes and a bloody struggle for power after the king is assassinated. And dragons! Somehow I missed in the description that they’d be a part of the story, but as a dragon lover I was thrilled and intrigued by Aster’s unique connection with them and how that factored into her identity.

The Necromancer’s Daughter is an exciting adventure filled with magic, epic battles, strong friendships, warring kingdoms, and a bit of romance. Find yourself a comfy chair to curl up in, make sure you’re not interrupted, and then fully immerse yourself in this world.

The Colony Series Giveaway Winner!

On By Teri PolenIn Promotions16 Comments

Thanks to everyone who entered to win signed copies (US only) or ebooks (international) of The Colony Series! Between all my social media I counted the number of comments and entered the total into a random number generator and the winner is – Leslie from Books Are The New Black!

Leslie, please email me at tpolen6@gmail.com – and congratulations!

If you’re looking for something to read over the long holiday weekend, this is the last day to purchase Subject A36 (The Colony #1) for $0.99 at Amazon HERE It’s a great time to dive into the series if you haven’t yet!

Subject A36 Only $0.99! #booksale #dystopian #scifi #giveaway

On By Teri PolenIn Promotions19 Comments

For the next three days Subject A36 (The Colony #1) ebook is available for only $0.99! With The Insurgent (The Colony #2) releasing last week, this is a great opportunity to get started with the series. To buy your copy go HERE.

As a reminder, I’m also giving away signed copies of both books (US only) or ebooks (international). For a chance to win, go HERE and leave a comment. The winner will be announced Friday, May 27th – good luck!

If genetic engineering could guarantee you and your family perfect health and unparalleled beauty, would you pay top dollar for it? Would you kill for it?

Residents of the Colony would. And do.

Only the Insurgents can stop them.

Seventeen-year-old Asher Solomon is a premier operative with the Insurgents. He and his team have rescued countless hostages, saving them from painful deaths in Colony labs as desirable genetic traits are stripped from their bodies.

He’s also suffered more losses than anyone should have to.

Then Asher gets intel that might give his people the upper hand. The Colony is searching for Subject A36. If the Insurgents determine the subject’s identity first, they might be able to turn the tide of the war.

Asher and his team embark on their riskiest mission ever, and the stakes have never been higher. But even if he survives the physical dangers, the devastating secrets he uncovers might destroy him.

Interview with Shelley Wilson @ShelleyWilson72, Author of The Last Princess #YA #TheLastPrincess #Vikings #NewRelease #BHCPress #TuesdayBookBlog

On By Teri PolenIn Author Interviews, Promotions22 Comments

Welcome author Shelley Wilson to the blog! Her latest novel, The Last Princess, releases today, but it’s not only her book’s birthday – it’s also Shelley’s 50th birthday, so it’s a double celebration! Just take a look at that stunning cover. And who doesn’t like a good Viking tale?

Shelley is an English multi-genre author. She has written nine young adult/middle-grade supernatural, fantasy, and historical novels, a children’s meditation book, and six motivational self-help titles for adults.

She is a proud single mum of three and lives in the West Midlands, UK. Shelley loves travelling in her VW camper searching for stories. She also enjoys paddle boarding, Tudor and Viking history, supporting Leeds United, and obsessing over to-do lists!

Her latest book, The Last Princess, is out on 24th May 2022, published by BHC Press Books.

What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a plotter! For years I operated in the pantser zone and wondered why I never finished anything I started, and then I took part in my first NaNoWriMo and read how outlining helped other writers.

I thoroughly enjoy the process of plotting and planning while still leaving plenty of wiggle room for those unexpected plot twists, and my writing output has increased. Instead of filling notebooks with ideas that never see the light of day, I now write and finish my books. The Last Princess is my sixteenth published title and I have a duology waiting in the wings for release dates.

Plotting has been instrumental in my productivity.

Have you ever travelled as research for your books?

Since buying my camper van I’ve been all over England, Scotland, and Wales searching for stories and researching for my books. It’s one of my favourite perks of being an author.

The Last Princess is set in Northumberland in the UK, so I took a couple of trips up to Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, and Alnmouth to get a feel for the area. It’s a beautiful part of the country and I loved using this setting in my book. It’s also partly set in Hedeby (now part of Germany), but due to a global pandemic, I had to do that research online!

The duology I recently completed is set in Whitby, North Yorkshire and I had a fun week exploring the area as part of that research.

Standing in the same spot your character stands is a special moment and I love reading back over specific scenes as I can almost smell the sea air and hear the waves.

Are any of your characters similar to you or anyone you know?

All my main characters are young girls who lack confidence but learn to believe in themselves and find inner strength. Yes, I guess they are similar to me. They are what I wished I’d been like at sixteen or seventeen. I was well into my forties before I found my courage!

I watch my daughter and her friends and marvel at how switched on they are. These girls know their own minds, support and empower one another, and don’t stand any nonsense. I want my characters to be like them. They also navigate worry, anxiety, and the usual coming-of-age pitfalls, but they deal with it much better than I ever did at their age.

The antagonists are a culmination of all the playground and office bullies I’ve had the misfortune of meeting over the years. The saying ‘be careful or you’ll end up in my novel’ is so true!

I think all authors are influenced by the people they meet in life whether the experiences were good or bad.

If you could spend a day with one of your characters who would it be?

Solveig! She is a shield maiden who trains Edith to fight in a Viking army. I had a clear image of what she looked like in my mind and found myself smiling whenever I wrote her scenes. Solveig has an ‘I don’t care’ attitude but deep down she is fiercely loyal to her friends.

There is a back story that shows the reader why Solveig is so closed off, but you do get to see her true warmth and humour. She would be a fascinating character to spend the day with.

Do you celebrate when your books are published?

I am a nightmare when it comes to celebrating. A few years ago I was on a radio show where the host asked me what I’d done on publication day and my answer was ‘a big grocery shop!’ We giggled about it off the air and she made me promise to at least buy myself a bunch of flowers.

Publication day of The Last Princess is going to be very different though as it’s also my 50th birthday. I’m not sure which I’m most excited about, to be honest, but there will definitely be cake!

I am getting better at celebrating my successes these days and look forward to holding a copy of my book in one hand and a mocktail in the other. I’ll be sure to share a photo on social media as proof.

The Last Princess, is out on 24th May 2022, published by BHC Press Books.

The Last Princess Blurb

Northumbria, 866 AD

Edith still has much to learn about the art of ruling a kingdom, but when her family is murdered, she’s faced with the challenge of staying alive. 

As a young woman in Anglo-Saxon England, Edith finds it hard to be heard above the Eldermen who are ripping the kingdom to pieces, but nothing can prepare her for the arrival of the pirates and the Vikings. Torn from her homeland and sold into slavery, she’s determined to survive at any cost. 

Finding allies in the unexpected and enemies closer to home, Edith clings to her dream of returning home one day to reclaim her throne and to exact revenge on those who harmed her family.

BUY your copy of The Last Princess

BHC Press – https://www.bhcpress.com/Books_Wilson_The_Last_Princess.html

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Connect with Shelley:

Author website: https://shelleywilsonauthor.com/

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

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ShelleyWilson72

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

Publisher: https://www.bhcpress.com/Author_SL_Wilson.html

Early Praise for The Last Princess:

“This fast-paced historical novel builds on an obscure Anglo-Saxon king’s life to tell an empowering tale of a girl’s journey to fully embrace a new world, a new culture…as she grows into her own as a warrior. Edith’s fierce and often violent quest for revenge is juxtaposed with lovely, life-affirming moments of friendship and love in an engaging first-person narrative.” – Kirkus Reviews

“I LOVED this quick fantasy read. I can’t wait to share with my students once I get a copy.” – Dawn, Teacher & Goodreads Reviewer

“WOW! I don’t know exactly what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it! This story is absolutely amazing.” – Rebecca, Goodreads Reviewer

Hugs of Thanks, Moving, and #Giveaway

On By Teri PolenIn Promotions39 Comments

Deep appreciation to everyone who helped share the news about the release of The Insurgent last week! Getting up that morning at 4 am, driving to the airport, being on a plane for two hours, then loading a UHaul didn’t leave me much time to do a lot of publicizing, so a big hug of thanks to all of you! It’s always nice knowing others have your back when you can’t be there.

Speaking of moving, it’s done. Again. Once everything was loaded, there were only inches to spare in the UHaul. How did Son #2 accumulate that much stuff in one year? Anyhoo, we spread out a thirteen hour drive over two days, hubby drove the UHaul, and our son and I took turns driving his car. I came to the conclusion a person could drive for days and never make it out of TX. Seemed like it went on forever! But we all made it home safely, and that’s what’s important. Hubby and I counted – this is the ninth consecutive summer we’ve moved one or both boys. May be we need to start charging?

To celebrate the release of The Insurgent (The Colony #2), I’m offering a giveaway! Signed copies (US only) or ebooks (international) of the duology to one lucky winner! All you have to do is comment on any of my social media (here, Twitter or Instagram @tpolen6 or Facebook at Teri Polen, Author) and a random commenter will be chosen Friday, May 27th. Good luck and have a great week!