Wednesday, December 30, 2020

PROMO Blitz: Pierre the Peacock by Jocelyn M. Lacey #promo #childrensbook #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

 


Children’s Book

Date Published: Dec. 11, 2017

Publisher: Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.



Pierre the Peacock is delightfully illustrated with a valuable message. It is about acceptance, friendship and a valuable lesson in how we should treat people. Come with us as we meet Pierre, a peacock who thinks that he will get friends just from his pretty looks. When he meets Jerry, a colorblind little boy, he teaches Pierre that what matters is how you treat people, not what you look like. A lesson for all of us!


About the Author


Jocelyn Mooneyhan Lacey is a native of Johnson City, TN, where she graduated from Science Hill High School and East Tennessee State University with a B.A. in Mass Communications. She met her husband, Steven Lacey, at ETSU, and they have since lived in Maine, Rhode Island, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and now have settled in New Jersey for the time being. She also shares her home with two dogs, a cat, and three fish.


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Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Blog Tour: Never Too Young to Change the World by Br. Dan O'Riordan #blogtour #giveaway #christian #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 


Christian Faith and Spirituality, Inspirational

Date Published: December 1, 2020


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Inspiring true stories of young people who have significantly influenced their worlds. Each story shows how age is not a factor in one’s ability to make a profound contribution to our world. Read and be amazed and inspired by these young ambassadors of faith, hope and love.




About the Author

Br. Dan O’Riordan, a Marist Brother, shares his inspiring stories of young people who have made significant impacts on the lives of many in our world in this, his second book.

He has served as a teacher, coach, counselor and campus minister at numerous Marist High Schools around the USA. He also served his Province as their Vocation Director and Vice-Provincial.

He has coordinated more than one hundred mission service trips allowing many young people the opportunity to serve the least favored in many communities. He has also led numerous pilgrimages for young people and continues to be a featured speaker on youth retreats and youth gatherings, where he encourages young people to find ways to answer God’s call and use their gifts and talents in responding to the many needs of our world.


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PROMO Blitz: The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin #promo #romanticsuspense #giveaway #releaseday #excerpt #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @katmartinauthor

 

 


Maximum Security series book #3

Romantic Suspense, Action & Adventure

Date Published: paperback release date 12/29/20

Publisher: HQN



When investigative journalist Jessie Kegan’s father, a colonel in the army, is accused of treason, Jessie is determined to clear his name. Reluctantly, she turns to former Special Ops soldier, Brandon Garrett, her late brother’s best friend--a true heartbreaker, according to her brother.

With danger coming from every angle, time is running out and the game being played is deadly. Working together, Bran and Jessie must risk everything to solve the riddle and confront the threat--before it’s too late.


Excerpt

Too much downtime always made him nervous, kind of edgy as he waited for the other shoe to drop. It had been a week since his last client had headed back to Nashville, a week of peace and quiet he should have enjoyed.

Instead, he had this nagging feeling that something bad was coming down the line.

Lounging back in the chair behind his desk at Maximum Security, Brandon Garrett looked up at the sound of the front door swinging open. A gust of cool, late October winds swept in, along with a petite, whirlwind of a woman with the prettiest strawberry blond hair Bran had ever seen.

She had a sweet little body to match her fiery curls, he noticed, outlined by the dark blue stretch jeans curving over her sexy little ass and the peach knit top that hugged her breasts.

It wasn’t tough to read the anxiety in her big green eyes as she surveyed the room, but instead of heading for the receptionist’s desk, those big green eyes landed on Bran and as she started toward him, there was something about her that rang a distant bell. Interest piqued, he rose from his chair. “Can I help you?”

You’re Brandon Garrett, right? You were a friend of my brother’s. Danny Kegan? I recognize you from the photos Danny sent home.”

The mention of his best friend’s name hit him like a blow, and the muscles across his stomach clenched. Daniel Kegan had been a member of his spec ops team, a brother, not just a friend. Danny had saved Bran’s life at the cost of his own. He was KIA in Afghanistan.

Bran stared down at the girl, who was maybe five-foot-four. “You’re Jessie,” he said, remembering the younger sister Daniel Kegan had talked so much about. “You look like him. Same color hair and eyes.”

She nervously wet her lips, which were plump and pink and fit her delicate features perfectly.

My brother said if I ever needed help, I should come to you. He said you’d help me no matter what.” She glanced back toward the door and his mind shifted away from the physical jolt he felt as he looked at her to the worry in her eyes.

I’ll help you. Danny was my closest friend. Whatever you need, I’ll help. Come on. Let’s go into the conference room and you can tell me what’s going on.” When her gaze shot back to the door, his senses went on alert.

I didn’t mean I needed your help later,” Jessie said nervously. “I meant I need your help right now.”

Gunshots exploded through the windows. “Get down!” Bran shouted to the other guys in the office as he shoved Jessie down behind his desk and covered her with his body. Glass shattered and a stream of bullets sprayed across the room.

Jaxon Ryker popped up, gun drawn, and ran for the door. Hawk Maddox and Lissa Blayne were shuffling through their desks, arming themselves. Jonas Wolfe drew his ankle gun and ran for the rear entrance, ready for any threat that might come from there.

Black SUV with tinted windows,” Ryker reported. Six feet of solid muscle, dark hair and eyes, Jax was a former Navy SEAL, currently a PI and occasional bounty hunter. “Couldn’t get a plate number.” Jax’s gaze swung to the front of the room. “Mindy, you okay?”

The little receptionist eased up from beneath her desk. “I-I’m okay. Should I call the police?” Around here, it was never good to jump to conclusions.

Bran hauled Jessie to her feet. He could feel her trembling. Her eyes looked even bigger and greener than they had before. “Are they coming back?” he asked.

I-I don’t know. It could have just been a warning.”

Bran turned to Mindy. “Unless someone’s already phoned it in, let’s wait to call the cops till we know what’s going on.” His attention returned to Jessie. “We need to talk.”

She just nodded. Her face had gone pale, making a fine line of freckles stand out across her forehead and the bridge of her nose.

Bran took her arm and urged her toward the conference room. “Keep a sharp eye,” he said to The Max crew. “Just in case.”

Jessie sank unsteadily down in one of the rolling chairs around the long oak conference table. The man she had come to see, Brandon Garrett, sat down beside her.

Okay, let’s hear it,” he said. “What’s going on?”

She thought of the men who had just shot up his office and her pulse started thumping again. “Danny said if I ever needed help--“

Yeah, I get that. Your brother knew he could count on me. Like I said, I’ll help you any way I can, but I need to know what’s going on.”

Bran was taller than Danny, around six-three, with a soldier’s lean, hard body, vee-shaped, with broad shoulders and narrow hips. Powerful biceps bulged beneath the sleeve of his dark blue T-shirt. With his slightly too-long mink brown hair, straight nose and masculine features, he was ridiculously handsome, except for the hard line of his jaw and the darkness in his eyes that contrasted sharply with their beautiful shade of cobalt blue.

Start at the beginning,” he demanded.

Since she wasn’t sure exactly where to begin, Jessie dragged in a shaky breath and slowly released it.

I’m here because of my father--Colonel James Kegan, Commander U.S. Army Alamo Chemical Depot. Just before he died a little over two months ago, my father was removed from active duty. He was charged with larceny--specifically the theft of chemical weapons stored at the Depot. Because the Army believed he was selling the weapons to a foreign entity, he was also charged with espionage and treason. I need you to help me prove his innocence.”


About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in Anthropology and also studied History. Currently residing in Missoula, Montana with her Western-author husband, L. J. Martin, Kat has written sixty-five Historical and Contemporary Romantic Suspense novels. More than sixteen million copies of her books are in print and she has been published in twenty foreign countries. Kat is currently at work on her next Romantic Suspense.


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Monday, December 28, 2020

PROMO Blitz: Misreading Judas by Robert Wahler #promo #religion #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @BookBuzznet

 

 


How Biblical Scholars Missed the Biggest Story of All Time

Religion

Publisher: AuthorHouse



The Christian New Testament story of Judas is not history. We now have period evidence from Egypt that shows Judas is a cover character for James the Just, successor to Jesus Christ, if there in fact was a Jesus Christ, which is highly debatable. The four Gospel story of the Betrayal of Christ is a tendentious remake of a mastership succession story in the gnostic Apocalypses of James and Gospel of Judas, found at Nag Hammadi and Al Minya, Egypt. Every single detail of the biblical story of Judas is found in its original telling in the gnostic succession story, just inverted -- to hide the successor, James.


Misreading Judas received the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in 2018.


About the Author


Robert Wahler is a lifelong practitioner of mystic (gnostic) meditation, and a one-time Evangelical Christian believer.


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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

PROMO Blitz: Mindful Beauty by Dr. Debbie Palmer #promo #nonfiction #selfhelp @replere @BookBuzznet @RABTBookTours

 

 


Holistic Habits to Feel and Look Your Best Body, Mind, Spirit / Inspiration, Personal Growth, Self-Help

Published: April 2020

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



Today, more than ever, mindfulness—the act of being more present and focused in everything we do—is so important to our health and well-being.

Mindfulness is a simple change we can all make for better health, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In Mindful Beauty, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debbie Palmer unveils her secrets to helping patients develop more mindfulness and, in the process, cultivate inner peace and outer radiance.

Mindful Beauty is a practical, hands-on guide to looking and feeling more beautiful in the modern-day world. It gives simple self-care tips and tools for slowing down and prioritizing your own well-being. Mindful Beauty is the next, most important step on your journey to a happier, more vibrant life.


About the Author

Debbie Palmer, DO, is a New York based, board-certified dermatologist with more than 19 years of experience. She is the Medical Director and Co-Founder of Dermatology Associates of New York and the Founder of Replere skincare.

Dr. Palmer is one of only several hundred dermatologists in the country also trained in osteopathic medicine—a holistic philosophy and approach that relates each part of the body to the entire system. She believes that health, wellness, spirituality, and beauty are linked and that having harmony with your body, mind, and soul is the key to looking and feeling younger.

Dr. Palmer graduated with a BBA from the University of Michigan and earned her medical degree summa cum laude from Kansas City University. She completed her residency in dermatology at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, New York.

Dr. Palmer is author of two books in addition to Mindful Beauty: Beyond Beauty and The Dermatologists’ Prescription For a New You! She is the recipient of various book awards including the NYC Big Book Award, the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, the Independent Press Award, and the Coalition of Visionary Resources Gold and Silver Winner. Dr. Palmer has also been featured in numerous national publications and radio shows and on television.


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Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Blog Tour: Why Liv? by Jon Sebastian Shifrin #blogtour #guestpost #giveaway #fiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours @Sebasti31715189

 


 

Young Adult (fiction)

Date Published: October, 2019

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As a twenty-something corporate employee with a doctor-in-training girlfriend, Livingstone Modicai Ackerman—Liv, to his friends—personifies success. Yet all is not as it seems. His job is tedious and soul-gutting, his girlfriend is a vacuous, image-conscious snob, and, meanwhile, his pathologically narcissistic parents are constant irritants. Add to this the febrile political climate dominated by a reactionary group, the Patriot Posse, led by a mendacious radio personality with outlandish hair and catchy campaign slogan to “Make America Great Again,” is a presidential candidate—and he’s winning!

Overwhelmed and struggling to maintain a sense of dignity and worth, Liv quits his job, breaks up with his girlfriend, and leaves for Spain to explore the existential question: Why live?

Told with humorous charm and wit, Why Liv? examines why modern work is so devoid of purpose and why reactionary politics is so alluring in America. Most of all, it humbly attempts to offer a reason to persevere during difficult times.




GUEST POST


Pet Peeves of the Publishing Industry

 

            Writing may be an art but publishing isn’t. It’s a business. And a lucrative one at that: The million-plus books published last year in the United States generated revenues exceeding $25 billion. That may sound promising to an aspiring writer, but statistics, as Mark Twain reminded, can lie. Roughly half of all books that are published lose money and most of the remainder break even. Only around five percent turn a profit. Consequently, publishers rely on a few blockbusters to offset the many duds. In other words, the industry isn’t looking for the next Great Gatsby, which initially sold poorly, but rather the second coming of Fifty Shades of Grey.

            Novels with artistic pretensions, therefore, face daunting odds. Sure, the occasional work of literary genius may become a bestseller, but that’s the exception. Mostly, it’s genre fiction like romance of the corniest variety that generates big returns and thus is prized by publishers. Think of it like the food service industry where the likes of McDonald’s reign supreme, not restaurants serving fine French cuisine. It’s a race to the bottom. That’s capitalism.

            Some aspiring writers, apprised of what sells, may focus their efforts on the tried and true, stamping out hot-blooded Danielle Steel-like page-turners, or adventures involving wizards inspired by Harry Potter. Yet many other writers trying to break into the literary market likely will do the same, making for stiff competition. Standing out isn’t easy in such circumstances; build the same mousetrap and the world probably won’t beat a path to your door. What then is an aspiring writer to do?

            Those compelled to write by a deep-seated artistic drive won’t be deterred. They’ll labor away regardless. Such is the creative urge. The same is true for those more commercially oriented. They’ll also persevere, albeit for pecuniary reasons. Whatever their motives, however, aspiring writers seeking their moment in the sun should think twice about quitting their day jobs—few win the literary lottery. Better to curl up with a book than try and publish one.    

 


About the Author

Jon Sebastian Shifrin is a writer plying his trade in Washington, DC. His work has appeared in The Baltimore Sun, The Hill, Reunion: The Dallas Review, The Missing Slate, The Indian Review, and Futures Trading. Jon also is the founder of the popular current events website, The Daily Dissident (www.dailydissident.com). His non-literary career in politics has taken him from the White House to Capitol Hill to think tanks in Washington and Europe. To learn more about Why Liv?, visit www.whyliv.com.


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Monday, December 21, 2020

Blog Tour: BloodLaw by Blaise Ramsay #blogtour #interview #urbanfantasy #noir #detective #giveaway @bramsayauthor @RABTBookTours

 



Vampire Chicago #1

Urban Fantasy, Noir, Detective

Date Published: November 25, 2020

Publisher: Indies United Publishing, LLC


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Former ADA Alastair Maddox pursues Prohibition Chicago’s most dangerous monsters after witnessing the deaths of his parents and grandparents as a boy. When a former colleague in Chicago PD comes to ask Alastair for help, he comes face to face with the mysterious Alexandra DeLane. But something’s off. DeLane is way too calm and her eyes are the color of blood. After she escapes, Alastair goes on the hunt only to find himself the prey of an ambitious and mysterious mob boss who plots to have him murdered. The problem? Alastair doesn’t stay dead and comes back as something else. Something more dangerous and straight out of a horror novel.




Interview

Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?

 

 No. Rarely do I write with some underlying message in mind. In my opinion, a reader should connect with a book because they form a bond with the characters and the story. If they see a message woven in the text that makes it personal to them or enjoy the story, then I’ve done my job as an author.

 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

 

The writing itself is always the most challenging. Especially for someone who does most of the writing with little to no planning involved. Sometimes fatigue makes it hard to break out my daily word count. Then there’s the fact I ghostwrite full time which leaves me mentally drained. Otherwise, I enjoy the process and let it flow as it will.

 

 

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

 

There is an inside joke with this in my household. While I personally have only published two (three as of November 25 and many more next year), I have actually written 20+ titles for ghostwriting clients. My current favorite is one that isn’t published yet but is under contract and planned for multiple installment releases next year. 

 

 

If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?

 

I have absolutely no interest in movie deals. This may sound strange to other authors, but as someone who knows the real underlying tidbits involving movie and TV series contracts, I am going to be very picky. If someone approaches me and wants to talk about a movie deal, I’m more than happy to discuss the possibility with them.

 

As far as actors, I really don’t have one for either series I’m working on. That might change, it might not. I’m not sure.

 

When did you begin writing?

 

I was fifteen and working on a novel based on one of my favorite video games. It didn’t lead anywhere since I went into conceptual art and design instead, but it was fun.

 

 

How long did it take to complete your first book?

 

From writing to publication it took me about four or five months. It usually only takes me two months to complete an entire novel manuscript. 

 

Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?

 

 

There are many, but it would be unfair for me not to mention AE Fisher, author of the Black Angels MC series. Reading her novels got me into writing my first MC. It never got published, but she played a crucial part in my writing journey.

 

 

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

 

No one ever believes me when I say this, but i don’t have a “favorite” part in the writing process. I much prefer the marketing and revision aspect of the whole thing. Lol. 

 

Describe your latest book in 4 words.

 

LBTQ+ YA Urban Fantasy 

 

Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?

 

 

I have to keep mum about it at my publisher’s request, but let me say you will be seeing A LOT of me next year. I can say Vampire Chicago’s sequel is set for release in February. ARCs are available by request. 

 



About the Author

Blaise started her journey in writing at the age of the fifteen with her first unfinished urban fantasy novel based on a popular video game series known as .Hack. From there she moved her journey into designing characters and doing concept art for various paying clients. In her older career, Blaise moved into working for the Indie Gaming industry where she did concept art for the company HollowRobot and their debut game, Johnny Reboot and various other clients. Sadly, the game didn’t go anywhere and Blaise found herself losing interest in what she had done for fifteen years.

In 2017, Blaise embarked on her first ever NaNoWriMo challenge where she finished the Paranormal Shifter Romance, Blessing of Luna which she indie published. It has then produced a second installation into the Wolfgods series titled Bane of Tenebris. Both have recently been picked up by BlackRose Writing.

Both of these books gave birth to the first of Blaise’s three businesses. The first, FyreSyde Publishing, a small press, has recently opened its doors to authors and works alongside them in the ever difficult challenge of book marketing. A running joke is Blaise considers herself an “odd duck” in the sense that she loves the marketing phase more than the writing phase of production. Her other two businesses include full-time freelance ghostwriting and the independent bookstore, GreenWood Grove Booksellers.

After falling in love with the Dresden files by Jim Butcher and later Saints & Shadows by Christopher Golden, Blaise found a new love for Urban Fantasy. Reading the beloved Vampire Files by PN Elrod prompted Blaise to initiate her next phase and begin producing paranormal detective and noir novels. Now she combines the two and loves every minute of it.

She currently lives in the hometown of Bonnie & Clyde with her husband, two adorable kids, two cats and a dog.

 

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PROMO Blitz: Madame Howell's Book of Very Bad Things by Jae El Foster #promo #fairytales #fantasy #horror #giveaway #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 

 


The Books of Very Bad Things: Vol. 1

Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Horror

Date Published: Dec. 1, 2020

Publisher: DCL Publications



Journey into a land of fairy tales like none you’ve ever experienced before with this baker’s dozen of original and often horrific fanciful treats! Madame Howell, the world’s greatest witch, will lead you through some of the most unique journeys into the Enchanted Forest, through great castles and villages, and even into uncanny realms of newly imagined dangers in her ‘Book of Very Bad Things.’ Featuring many elements from classical fairy tales while paying homage to the imaginations of the Brothers Grimm, this deliciously sinister volume delivers its own unique versions of true love and the all important ‘happily ever after.’ Within, you’ll discover dark changelings, wicked queens, houses of snakes, disobedient children, the world’s tiniest people, vicious goblins and dwarfs, a baker with a taste for blood, and so much more. Settle back and fall under the wicked spell of this dastardly and mesmerizing journey into the darkest realms of fairy tales and folklore.


Excerpts

From the story ‘The Woman with Wings’

Once upon a summer afternoon, a brother and sister went frolicking in the woods, in search of berries and wildflowers. Their parents were long dead, and so it was up to them to scavenge for their food every day. They enjoyed making games of it, like chasing one another through the winding forest paths or even pelting each other with berries that were rotten on the stems.

It was raining on this particular afternoon, and the siblings became wet and muddy as they played and hunted their food and foliage.

Sister,” the brother called in warning as she glided swiftly across the slick mud, “ye shouldn’t run so fast near there! That hill be steep!”

Bah!” she squealed, giggled, and spun around in a circle. “It’s lovely to slip and slide! Join me!” She squealed again and spun once more. Then, she lost her footing and tumbled backward. Brother watched as she fell off the ledge, tumbling down the hill.

Sister!” he shouted and then slipped and slid his way to her in a hurried but cautious manner. “Sister, are ye alright?”

Brother looked over the ledge, staring down as he watched his sister roll to the foot of the hill. He began after her but came to a pause as a winged creature swooped down from the sky and gathered Sister into its grip. In the blink of an eye, the creature swooped upward again with Sister in tow.

Sister!” he cried out again and watched as the creature carried his sister to the great forbidden mountain, which was a good day’s trek away by foot.

Distraught, the brother contemplated how to save his twin sister. He knew he would have to venture to the forbidden mountain and climb its dangerous terrain. Once he found his sister, he would also find the creature that had taken her. Surely, a battle would ensue. Before going after his sister, he had to be well prepared.


From the story ‘Jacob and the People Tree’

Today, for the first time, he decided to bypass that lovely and relaxing stone. He wasn’t by any means tired or ready to relax or nap. He felt energized and chipper, and he was surrounded by his woodland friends… his only friends, but friends who welcomed him into their domain with seemingly open arms.

Oiko, doiko, ba dunk dunk dunk,” he sang cheerfully to himself as he strolled down the path – a path that grew narrower the further he walked. “Watch out for the stinky skunk!” It was a silly song he sang – one he’d made up long ago on a walk such as this, where he’d encountered a skunk that fortunately hadn’t stunk.

As the path grew narrower and the forest thicker, everything became darker – shrouded in shadows. Several of the flowers and plants nearby glowed when shadowed, and they helped to make the scenery more mystical and brighter. Never before had he seen such glowing plants as these. They were remarkable and glowed softly in a vast array of color. He knelt down to one such flower and sniffed it, wondering if it smelled as marvelous as it looked. It was, indeed, the sweetest scent he’d inhaled in perhaps forever.

He stood and sighed. It felt like he’d found a sort of nirvana – a land of beauty and wonder. It was so magical that he yearned to bring a part of its splendor home with him. Crouching down once more, he leaned to the flower he’d sniffed and started to pluck it.

I wouldn’t do that if I were ye,” he heard a voice say. It startled him, and Jacob unhanded the flower and stood upright.

Turning around, he looked for the voice’s source but saw no one. Deciding it had been nothing more than his imagination playing some tomfoolery on him, he shrugged it off and turned back to the flower.

Ye should never pick anything from here,” the voice spoke again, and once more, Jacob turned around to see its speaker.

Again, there was nobody.

Perhaps I am going mad,” he contemplated aloud and then chuckled. “Ah well… being so lonely can do that to a man, I imagine.”

Mad!” another voice noted, mimicking what Jacob had said. Whilst the first voice had sounded male, this one sounded like the voice of an old woman. “Ye will know mad if ye pick one flower from this path!”

Who said that?” Jacob asked, looking all around. Still, he saw no one. For a moment, he considered he was hearing the voices of ghosts, but if a ghost was going to speak, surely it would have shown itself. “Where are ye?”

Everything was quiet again as he sought for the mysterious voices. He looked all around and even down low, but he could find nobody. When he was about to give up in his search and leave this place behind, he heard giggling from above.


From the story ‘The Baker’s Dozen’

He lifted her into his arms and carried her up the road to the bakery. Once they were inside, he sat her on a stool and grabbed some cloths from the back. With one of the cloths, he cleaned the blood from the wound. The other, he tied around her leg, putting pressure on the cut and stopping the bleeding.

Oh, Mister Baker, I do not know how to thank thee,” she said to him as he stepped away to throw the bloody rag into a pile with other dirty rags. “I cannot imagine anyone else showing me such kindness.”

He noticed he’d gotten some of her blood on his fingers as he’d cleaned the wound. He stared at his fingers for a moment and then rubbed the blood between them. Coyly, he sniffed them. The blood had a unique scent to it – one that he’d never really thought of before. Curiously, he licked a bit from a finger and tasted it. It was surprisingly sweet and delicious.

I do not know what I would have done had ye not come around,” the young woman continued from the front room. “Everything felt so dire! Ye be a saving grace for certain!”

Think nothing of it,” he said slowly and almost too lowly for her to hear as he looked at the remaining blood on his fingers. Swiftly, he licked the rest away. “Ye may need to have that sewn up.”

It will be fine,” she replied as he stepped back into the room. “I have come to accept some things.” She smiled. Her words were curious, but he thought she was lovely, even if she did have a few additional cuts and scabs on her face and hands. Her blood was immaculate though… delicious.

Nourishment first,” he told her and took a piece of pound cake from his counter top and handed it to her. “Eat this. Ye must be hungry.”

How gracious!” the peasant exclaimed and accepted the pound cake. A moan slipped from her lips as she ate it.

Also from the counter, the baker took his bread knife. While the woman was distracted with her treat, he came around behind her and pulled her hair back. The knife sliced through her neck before she had a chance to make a sound. When she did try to scream, it was low and gargled.


From the story ‘A Heart Unfrozen’

At the moment, the Queen sat upon her ‘traveling throne’ on the platform that stood as a political stage in the center of the village square. Two young lovebirds stood before her, each with a guard positioned behind them. They were guilty of kissing behind the castle and had been caught by Mathavious, Queen Estella’s most entrusted guard.

I see no use in debating this matter,” the Queen said to the charged. “Ye shall lose yer heads. Guards!” She looked toward the uniformed men standing behind prisoners. “Take them to the chopping blocks!”

The executioner’s chopping blocks sat several meters away from where the Queen was currently perched on the platform. Nearly everyone in the village was present for the event, as it was mandatory for many who were in attendance. The platform itself had been built in such a way that no matter how an execution was performed, it could in some way be seen by anyone and everyone, from presumably any angle.

As expected, the accused protested their sentencing, but Queen Estella had heard it all before. Every sob story – every excuse plausible. None were forgivable, as she had made blatantly clear over the years. Her rules were not to be broken, and those who did were subject to punishment.

The young man and his young female lover were forced down onto the chopping blocks, and one by one, the royal executioner silenced their pleas as he chopped off their heads.

Down to the audience, the heads rolled. For a moment, they stared up at the spectators and blinked repeatedly until their brains finally died. Then, their expressions went still – frozen in time.

Would anyone else care to lose their head today?” Queen Estella asked in a loud and enthusiastic tone as she stood tall and prominently. “I would like enjoy my midday tea as quickly as possible, so please… do speak now if ye have done anything blatantly unforgiving. I will not be so kind and yer deaths will not be so swift if I find out someone is withholding their guilt.”


About the Author


When the muses speak, Jae El Foster writes, and he has been doing so for nearly twenty years, tackling some of the most intriguing genres out there. Delivering fresh, incomparable tales of horror, science fiction, and romance - sweet or spicy - he pens with seasoned skill the tales that his muses deliver to him. His bestselling works include the paranormal romance ‘Restless,’ the gothic horror tale ‘Where the Demon Is,’ and the gay holiday romance ‘Only at Christmas.’ Follow him on Instagram @jaeelbooks and 'like' him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorjaeelfoster.


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