SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY - B.L. Mooney

Today is all about B.L. Mooney, author of Coming Home, Striving for Normal and the soon-to-be-released Liv's Existence!

Meet the author!

Q: What inspired you to write your first novel?

A: The voices. They kept saying, “Do it. Do it. Doooo iiiiitttt!” So, I did it.

Q: What books/authors have inspired your life most?

A: Twilight. It sounds ridiculous, but my sister had me read them because she loved them. I always wanted to write, but it just seemed so overwhelming. Once I started reading, I started thinking more and more about how much I wanted to write until one day I finally did. Twilight was just the start of it all.

Q: Whom would you consider a writing mentor(s)?

A: I have many. There’s a group of us who bounce ideas off one another and provide support. I couldn’t do this without them.

Q: What book(s) are you reading now?

A: Does editing my own work count?

Q: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

A: There are many new authors (or new to me) who’ve gotten me interested and I’ve actually purchased their books. However, I don’t have much time to read anything I’ve purchased recently. I guess my Kindle will surprise me when I find the time to turn it on.

Q: What are your current writing projects?

A: I’m just a few weeks away from publishing Liv’s Existence. It’s the first of a two part series. I’m looking at a May release for the sequel. As for writing, I’m working on my second in the Striving Series, Striving for Perfection. I hope to have that to beta readers by April and editing in May. It will be a late summer release.

Q:  What would we find you doing when you're not at the keyboard?

A: What a funny question. Wait, there’s stuff to do that doesn’t require a keyboard? *Looks at the ceiling as if the answer is up there* Oh, yeah. That would be my phone, in the notes section, taking notes, about future books . . . or on Facebook. I do like Facebook.

Q:  What are your favorite setting(s) to read/write about?

A: I can read almost any setting, but I prefer to write with a modern setting in the city.

Q:  If you could be any character in your book(s), which would you be and why?

A: Rachael Brooks form Striving for Perfection. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and can handle the consequences.

Q:  I’m a potential new fan.  Sell me your book in ten words or less.

A: It has suspense, romance, and other stuff. You’ll like it.

Links

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBLMooney

Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/B.L.-Mooney/e/B00BZWOTZY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorBLMooney

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6999168.B_L_Mooney

TAG TEAM TUESDAY - Magnolia Blossoms by Rhonda Dennis

Life isn't easy--especially when you're the reclusive daughter of a melodramatic attorney openly mocked for his commercials, and a free-spirited mother who gives art lessons in the nude. Their over the top personalities make it easy for the sheltered and introverted Magnolia Berrybush to swim in a sea of anonymity--until the day she finally snaps.

Desperate to break free from a clandestine world above her parents' garage, she devises a plan to make her mark--serial killing! Unfortunately, she discovers that her heart and stomach aren’t ready to handle the life of a cold-blooded murderer, so she’s forced to move on to Plan B.

During her ill-fated attempt at achieving infamy, Magnolia meets Honey LeReaux, a hooker who is well past her prime. Ironically, Magnolia begins to blossom as she plunges head first into a seedy world, but realizes that smutty books and adult films have done little to prepare her for the real world.

Will Magnolia ever break free, or is she destined to live her life hiding in the shadows of her secret world?

Meet the Author

Rhonda Dennis is proud to be born and raised in South Louisiana.  Her enthusiasm

for the uniqueness of Louisiana's culture is evident in her writing.  Even though she loved writing, she put it on hold to work in the medical field. 

​

After starting a family, she went back to college where her passion was

reignited and Rhonda wrote her first novel, Going Home,  Book One of the Green Bayou Novel Series.  Rhonda lives in a small town in South Louisiana with her husband, Doyle, and her son, Sean.  She appreciates the outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, and loves cooking.

Shawn's Review

5 Hilarious and Heartwarming Stars!!! 

Magnolia's story turned out to be so much more than I expected.  It started out as the most hilarious book I've ever read, but turned out to have real heart.  It evoked real emotion from me.   Dennis excelled in creating larger-than-life characters as well as down to earth “real” people.  Anyone that knows my reading taste knows character development is high on the list of things I want to see in a book.  Dennis did not disappoint.  There are layers of story that are deeper than just your run of the mill “ugly duckling turned into beautiful swan” tale. The symbolism throughout is something I appreciated about the book, too.  People’s outsides don’t always match their insides and sometimes we only see what they want us to see.  Dennis demonstrates this in more ways than one as she takes us on this roller coaster ride.  In the end, we’re rewarded with the concepts that sometimes good guys do finish first and the underdog can’t always be counted out.    It’s been a while since a book has put that uncomfortable lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, so kudos to you, Rhonda Dennis.  Thank you for writing this story filled with laughter (my kind of humor, by the way), pain, strength, triumph, love and hope.   I'm sad to say goodbye to Magnolia and the gang, but feel completed satisfied with the airtight ending you gave us.

Michele's Review

Just a few pages into this book and I was laughing hysterically.  Not just a haha laugh, but honest to goodness gut busting, pee your pants, people think you are crazy laughing.  But that isn’t all this book has to offer. There is an underlying theme of redemption throughout this book.  It’s a late coming of age story in which our heroine, Magnolia Berrybush at the age of 32 transforms from the shy, introverted, clumsy, ugly duckling to an amazing swan.  Along the way, Maggie forms what should be an unlikely, and definitely unconventional friendship with a hooker named Honey LaReaux.  Mayhem and hi-jinxs rule the day. It seems that where ever Magnolia goes, trouble follows.

Rhonda’s descriptions of the people and places, harken me back to the hot and humid days of my youth where the author and I grew up.  I can vividly picture each of the characters in this book like I knew them at one time in my life.  She has masterfully painted a colorful picture of the transformation of the dull and boring life in which Maggie was afraid of the world and herself, into the joie de vivre that Louisianans hold so dear.  Along the way she weaves in characters that are endearing and entertaining.  Rhonda Dennis, you are the Cajun Janet Evanovich! 

The story doesn’t end there, Rhonda wraps it up so tightly and completely that in a way, I was a little disappointed, as I would have loved to have the story continue.  But what an ending!!  Be sure to empty your bladder, grab a box of tissues, clear the room of people who don’t want you laugh-reading to them, and get comfy because you won’t want to put this one down until the very end!   5 Stars!! 

From a Male Perspective 

Dauntless Indies Interview with Ryan

DI:  Is this a book that guys can read and enjoy?

RR:  Yeah, I think so, it is definitely written from a woman's point of view, and I would say that it's not for every guy, but what caught me was the almost slapstick humor in the beginning of the book. 

DI: Slapstick humor? Do you mean like the Three Stooges?

RR:  Well, nothing is that sublime! "Slowly I turned....Niagara Falls"  Anyway, my wife likes to read books while in the tub, and as I had to repeatedly check on her because frankly, it sounded like she had choked on a bar of soap from laughing so hard. It intrigued me as we have the similar sense of humor, and since Fabio and his abs weren't on the cover, there was a good chance I might like it. Within a couple of pages I was guffawing out loud myself.

DI:  What in particular did you find so comedic about the book?

RR:  There was just something about a woman trying to become infamous and screwing it up so badly at every turn, I could picture my wife in almost every situation. The lead character, Magnolia, was just so hapless, not only did she fail, but she failed spectacularly! With equal parts humiliation, physical pain as well as destruction of private property. 

DI: So is the book all comedy or is there more to the story?

RR:  No and yes.  The book at it's core, is sort of a "My Fair Lady" story, only Henry Higgins is a hooker named Honey, and Eliza is a wall flower blossoming into vixen, also like my wife...MEOW.   I am enough of a renaissance man, WOW,  there is that choking sound from the tub again ...that I like to see love stories wrapped up in a cute little bow by the time they are done, you know like the Quiet Man, or African Queen, or even The Raiders of the Lost Ark, not that Crystal Skull crap though and this book did that. 

DI: From your perspective, is there anything the author could have or should have done differently?

RR: If I am being honest, I do have one criticism, I really felt like there should have been a little bit more of everything. I feel like the first part of the book which is resplendent with Magnolia's attempts at infamy gone comically wrong could have easily been stretched in to an entire volume and without a doubt continued the story into further books. 
You grow to have so much empathy with Magnolia's character so quickly that you want more of her wacky antics. It's like we ran off to Vegas and got married after knowing her for two weeks, when a six month courtship would have been just that much more hilarious, after all, what would my mom say?   I also enjoyed the support characters and feel that they could have been exploited further. But all in all, awesome book!  Hey Rhonda, what about a book from Jace's perspective?

DI: Anything that made you uncomfortable, subject wise?

RR:  {visibly wincing} Two words....Penile fracture....enough said.

DI: We use star ratings in our book reviews, what would you give this book star wise, using the 0-5 with 5 best rating?

RR: I would give this one a solid 4.5, and only because it was lacking fart humor. But in all seriousness, I really did enjoy this book very much. While I may not necessarily have been part of the intended readership, reading it was still worth the Call Of Duty playing time I missed out on. Thanks Rhonda Dennis and keep it up!

Our Dream Cast

Shawn and Michele racked their brains and debated who would be best suited for each character.  Below is the consensus that they finally agreed upon.

John Goodman as Big Daddy Murray Berrybush

Bernadette Peters as Sunny Berrybush

Michelle Trachtenberg as Magnolia Picasso Berrybush

Michelle Pfeiffer as Honey LaReaux

Trevor Donovan as Jace Taylor

Antonio Cupo as Niccolo "Nick the Dick" Ferrera

Links

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dHa75P

B&N:  http://bit.ly/1bbEOdo

COVER REVEAL - A Cry for Hope by Beth Rinyu

EXCERPT

© Beth Rinyu 2014

Unedited and subject to change

“Look at me, Jamie!  Look at me and tell me that you’re willing to walk away from everything we have and I’ll be gone. I’m not ready to give up on us but if you are, then just say the words and I’ll stop trying.”

“Hope, stop it!”

“Stop what? Stop trying? Stop trying to have the man that I love more than anything in this world love me back? Stop trying to make myself feel worthy of your love again? What do you want me to stop Jamie?”

“What do you want me to say Hope? That everything’s going to be okay? That things are going to be the way they used to between us because I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen. Or do you want me to take you upstairs and fuck you like a stranger, the same way I’ve been for the past eight months?”

“I don’t know what I want any more Jamie. I miss my husband. The man that I could tell anything to. The one that I used to laugh and cry with. The one who would hold me in his arms and comfort me whenever I was feeling down.”

“He’s gone Hope. He drowned in that ocean the same day that Charlie did.”

I bit my lip and fought the tears. “So what are you trying to tell me that I’m just keeping myself afloat in this marriage only to have you never resurface?”

His eyes filled with tears. “I wish that I could answer that question for you but I can’t. Because the truth is, I don’t even know the answer to it myself.”

I grabbed a napkin from the counter and wiped my eyes. I tried to catch my breath between my sobs and gain enough composure to speak coherently. “I’m sorry for taking my eyes off him for that split second that day. I didn’t mean for it to happen. I loved him too and I’m hurting just as much as you. And if it makes you feel a little better by punishing me for it this way, then I’m willing to subject myself to it, because I still love you so much that it hurts.”

                                           GIVEAWAY

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Cover Reveal: Entangled Souls by Felicia Tatum

Cade and Francesca

Mangled Hearts become Entangled Souls

Cade is on the road to recovery with Francesca’s love and support guiding him. His life is changing drastically, from attempting to mend the rift between he and his father, to trying to have a normal relationship with his now fiancé. Most of all, Cade must find a way to control his urges so he can be completely released from rehabilitation.

 

Francesca is building her law firm with the help of those she loves most, but when a close friend reveals her true feelings about Francesca's engagement, it sends her emotions into a tailspin. Through all of this, she is forced to put her feelings on the back burner for everyone else, until the anniversary of Josie’s accident rolls around. Francesca must learn to put herself first before she falls apart.

In this novella, join Cade and Francesca as they explore their relationship and begin their lives together.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18273939-entangled-souls

 

Releasing January 31, 2014!!!

 

Mangled Hearts has a new look!

Francesca and Cade

Can two loves find their way back to each other despite an addiction and a hardened heart? Will their love overcome it all?

Francesca Taymon is young, successful, and broken. A tragic accident years ago haunts her to this day, and she blames only one person--the one that holds her heart. When she finally gets her first case, will she be able to handle seeing him again? Can she do her job and keep her heart intact? Cade Kelling doesn’t take life seriously. He’s reckless and irresponsible, drinking all his problems away. When his parents bail him out for the last time, will he be able to handle seeing Francesca after all of these years? Will he be able to tell her what really happened that night 5 years ago or will he lose her forever? And the most important question…. Can these mangled hearts be mended?

Facebook  Twitter  Website

Cover Reveal!!

A Sense of Entitlement

Anna Loan-Wilsey

Traveling secretary and dilettante detective Hattie Davish is bringing her talents to a small New England town whose wealthy residents have more secrets than they do money...

When Hattie Davish's job takes her to Newport, Rhode Island, she welcomes the opportunity for a semi-vacation, and perhaps even a summer romance. But her hopes for relaxation are dashed when she learns that members of the local labor unions are at odds with Newport's gentry. Amidst flaring tensions, an explosion rocks the wharf. In the ensuing turmoil, Mr. Hearland Whitwell, one of Newports most eminent citizens, is found stabbed to death, his hands clutching a strike pamphlet. All signs point to a vengeful union member bent on taking down the aristocracy, but Hattie starts digging and finds a few skeletons in the closets of the impeccable Whitwell mansion. As she strikes down the whispers spilling out of Newport's rumor mill, she'll uncover a truth more scandalous than anyone imagined--and a killer with a rapacious sense of entitlement...

To learn more about Anna please visit:

As a librarian and information specialist, Anna Loan-Wilsey tracks down information every day that helps to solve mysteries. Eureka Springs is one of her favorite getaway spots. She is currently working on the second book in the Hattie Davish Mystery series to be set in Galena, Illinois. She earned her B.A. at Wells College and had several poems published in their literary magazine, The Chronicle.

http://www.annaloanwilsey.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Loan-Wilsey/226850674036259

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5810152.Anna_Loan_Wilsey

To Check out Anna's previous works:

Lack of Temperance

http://amzn.to/1alIycm Amazon

http://bit.ly/1hnQgYx  Barnes and Noble

Anything But Civil

http://amzn.to/1fvhRcD   amazon

http://bit.ly/1m5wOzV Barnes and Noble

Pre-order for A Sense of Entitlement

Releases 6/24/2014

http://amzn.to/1a4JNSL  Amazon pre-order

http://bit.ly/L11nLe  Barnes and Noble pre-order

COVER REVEAL: Liv's Existence by B.L. Mooney

 

Liv’s Existence Synopsis

Olivia

Ten years. Countless miles.

I thought I had run far enough away that he’d never find me. The man who destroyed my sense of safety and introduced me to the evils of the world came back looking for forgiveness. How can I forgive him when I haven’t forgiven myself? I look at his fiancée and wonder how she could love a man so cruel. However, the closer I look at her, the more I realize that maybe she doesn’t love him after all.

What has he done to her?

I have to find out.

Abigail

Many tears. Countless men.

I thought I’d found the one man who wouldn't break my heart. Two weeks before our wedding day, he came clean with his dirty past and shattered our future. He’s asking me to still love him, but how can I love a man so cruel? I look at the woman he destroyed, and I feel compelled to do everything I can to help her. I know what it’s like to be broken by this man.

Can I help her to live life again instead of just existing?

I have to find out.

Links

FB https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBLMooney

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19886803-liv-s-existence

Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorBLMooney

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/B.L.-Mooney/e/B00BZWOTZY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

About the Author

B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.

B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.

Dauntless Indies: A Collection of Shorts

 The Shorts:

*18+ adult content*

- Beyond Dusk: Anne - Sarah M. Cradit -

Anne Fontaine recently discovered the life she grew up in was a lie. She must step outside the world she knows to learn more about who she is...including this terrible, inexplicable ability she was born with. 

- Shadows Fall - Brandy L. Rivers -

Amethyst Lakes is a nymph with a problem. She left her ex-boyfriend when he started to smother her. Nothing she says seems to keep him away. Carl needs Amethyst more than he needs to breathe, but she just doesn’t get it. He’ll stop at nothing to make her stay. An old friend and teenage crush will keep her safe until Amethyst can decide how to deal with Carl once and for all. 

- Masked Encounters - Felicia Tatum -

Korah Daniels has been through a lot in her nineteen years. Broken hearts, abusive relationships, and horrid dates have caused her to doubt love. Dane Davidson is the worst kind of playboy. The ultimate frat boy, drinking and ending up with a different girl every night. The two meet one fateful Halloween night, changing their lives forever.

Buy the Book!

http://amzn.to/1iuJ9jJ

Meet The Authors

Author Sarah Cradit

Sarah is the author of the Paranormal Southern Fiction series, The House of Crimson and Clover. The series was born of her combined love of New Orleans, family dramas, and the mysterious nature of love and desire. Her books combine elements of paranormal, mystery, suspense, intrigue, romance, and even mild fantasy. She is always working on the next book in the mysterious world of the Sullivans and Deschanels.

Sarah lives in the Pacific Northwest, but has traveled the world from Asia to Europe to Africa. When she isn't working (either at her day career, or hard at work at writing), she is reading and discovering new authors. The great loves of her life (in order) are: her husband James, writing, and traveling the world.
Feel free to contact Sarah.

She absolutely loves connecting with her fans:

Blog: http://sarahcradit.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/houseofcrimsonandclover

Twitter: @thewritersarah

Author Brandy L. Rivers

I've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.

I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.

For more about me and my books, please visit;

Blog: www.brandylrivers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandylrivers.author 
Twitter: BrandyLRivers

Author Felicia Tatum

Felicia Tatum was born and raised in Tennessee. She always loved reading, and at the age of twelve began writing. Her passion for creating stories grew and in May 2012, she finally wrote her first novel, The White Aura.

She still lives in Tennessee with her daughter and her kitty. She loves cooking, books, and animals are some of her best friends. She watches a lot of Disney channel and often dreams up new book ideas. She's currently working on various projects, including the rest of the White Aura Series, the Scarred Hearts Series, and a novella series. Her dream is to write as many books as possible while entertaining as many people as possible.

Blog: http://feliciatatum.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeliciaTatumWriter
Twitter: SassyBrunette55

5 star review by Shawn Verdin

What a great anthology! Dauntless Indies: A Collection of Shorts is a compilation of three very different short stories written by three very different authors. All three shorts are part of a series (Tatum's, a series of short stories), but can definitely stand on their own.

Cradit's Beyond Dusk: Anne has all the intrigue and mystery of its setting, South Louisiana. From the marshy bayous to the intoxicating city of New Orleans, Cradit takes us on a fast-paced journey filled with secrets, family drama and supernatural talents. Anne is definitely a page turner, often leaving me on the edge of my seat unable to turn the page quick enough.

Tatum's Masked Encounters is the introductory novelette in her Intoxicating Passion series. It's a quick, sexy read that leaves you wanting more. The female lead is a sympathetic college student who keeps a protective wall up, while the male lead is quite the opposite. Sparks fly when these two meet, and their chemistry is undeniable. Bring on the second installment!

Rivers' Shadows Fall is part of her Others of Edenton series. It is an action-packed fantasy for the 18+ crowd. While Rivers' characters may have some other-worldly powers, they have problems, including moral dilemmas, that are definitely of this world. This story is fast-paced and well-written and lovers of fantasy will surely enjoy!

I'm anxiously anticipating Volume 2 of this collection!