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Sunday, December 2, 2018

Time Is Relative book 1 by Brett Matthew Williams

Author: Brett Matthew Williams

Narrator: Brett Matthew Williams

Length: 14 hours and 37 minutes

Series: Time Is Relative, Book 1

Publisher: Paradise City Publications

Released: Jan. 28, 2016

Genre: Fantasy; Historical Travel


Meet Rolland Wright - a 17-year-old orphan living out of his car in rural Woodland Hills, California. Aside from grappling with being abandoned by his drunken father two years previous following his mother's mysterious murder, his life mostly revolves around finding a warm place to sleep at night. When one day he is attacked by men claiming to have killed his father, Rolland discovers a strange ability to slow the flow of time around him, beginning a journey that takes him to places outside of time, space, and eventually to the early 19th century to fight the sinister General Andrew Jackson. With the help of a rag-tag group of historical and mythical figures with various supernatural abilities of their own (Joan of Arc, Jesse James, etc.) known as the Knights of Time, Rolland solves the mystery behind his mother's murder, falls in love, battles the evil Edward Vilthe, reaper of souls, and finds a home of his own in the paradise known as Eden.
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Brett grew up with a passion for both film and history. He began his career fresh out of high school as a Production Assistant & football player on NBC Universal’s television series Friday Night Lights (of which he can be seen in the first two seasons as a member of the championship team – Go Panthers!). He quickly moved on to serve as an Original Series intern with the USA Network in Studio City, California. Following work on shows like Monk, Psych, and Burn Notice, Brett returned home to Texas to continue his education, graduating with his degree in History from Texas State University. A proud Master Freemason, Brett thoroughly enjoys fantasy fiction, Star Trek TNG, running, baseball, Shakespeare, and spending time with his wife, two kids & their furry friends.
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Q&A with Author Brett Matthew Williams
  • Tell us about the process of turning your book into an audiobook.
    • I enrolled in a writing class at University once during my undergraduate years. The professor told us on the first day that our time would be better spent reading the classics, over and over again rather than listen to anything he could tell us. I took that to heart, dropping the class, and doing as he suggested. With the audiobook, I took the same approach. Listening to my favorite narrators, their cadence, their diction, and choice of voice variance.. I love my work.
  • Do you believe certain types of writing translate better into audiobook format?
    • Absolutely not. Sure, some may come across as more appealing than others; but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As a fan of early American history, I adore auditobooks by such historians as Bernard Bailyn and Gordon S Wood. To some those may sound dry, or unappealing. For me they’re an excellent backdrop for a chill Sunday afternoon while mowing the lawn.
  • If you had the power to time travel, would you use it? If yes, when and where would you go?
    • I would be super irresponsible with that ability. One of my favorite books is A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain. The basic premise is a ‘modern’ 19th century man somehow managing to time travel to the fictional kingdom of King Arthur, upstaging Merlin with his ‘magic’ aka technology, and generally wrecking shop on those medieval fools. That would be me. I would be wildly irresponsible with said power.
  • If this title were being made into a TV series or movie, who would you cast to play the primary roles?
    • In my mind, there are only a few that really stand out. Eddie Izzard was the inspiration behind Marcus L Turledove, so it would be a travesty is that didn’t work out. Likewise, and my friends and family will attest to this, I’m merely doing a James Marsters as Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer impression with Dr. Judah Jacob Raines. In my defense, J.J. IS my favorite character to write for, and probably the one I’m living vicariously through the most. Those are pretty much the only two roles I hold strong opinions on.
  • How did you celebrate after finishing this novel?
    • By starting to write the next novel, Time is Relative Concerning the Lost Colony. There is SO much story stuck in my head, and one of my greatest fears is dying in some freak before I am able to get it all out. That’s the kind of stuff that ghost stories are made of.. And I do NOT want to be a ghost. Ghosts are scary, and have no understanding of modern technology. I am not a fan of ghosts, or anyone who dresses like a ghost, for any reason.
  • Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing?
    • Oh, tons. Look, everyone has a purpose. I’ve felt from a young age that mine if to meet some of the most interesting people walking the Earth, and document their characteristics into fiction. Let’s say it’s for posterity's sake. Fun fact, the entire Council of Light is populated by eight of my favorite college professors from Texas State University, and one of the absolute WORST that I ever had.
      * One of these things is not like the other… *
      See if you can guess which one!
  • Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
    • I LOVE audio books. They’re just so convenient. I’m an avid runner, and I know of no better way to multi-task than to listen to a good book while exercising. Has it led to some odd situations? Totally.
  • Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format?
    • I have aliterate friends; e.i. - they have the ability to read, but chose NOT to read, due to busy working schedules, kids, civic responsibilities, etc. The Time is Relative audiobooks have assisted in exposing this group to the world of Eden, Tartarus, and the Knights of Time.
  • Have any of your characters ever appeared in your dreams?
    • Wait, are you telling me that isn’t how everyone writes? Yeah… I often dream about my characters, their lives, actions, and aspirations. In my mind, they’re fully rounded people. Would Judah Raines clean his dishes immediately after using them? Would his wife, Joan [of Arc] care? How would that fight begin, escalate, and be resolved?
  • What’s next for you?
    • I’m about 2/3rds of the way (110,000 words) into Time is Relative Concerning the Lost Colony, which picks up roughly six months after the events of Wavering Loyalties. The lost colony in question, as most have speculated correctly, refers to the mysterious 16th century English settlement in Roanoke… where the events in the epilogue of Wavering Loyalties left the reader. Expect a more fast-pace approach with Lost Colony, as the Knights of Time travel back to 1586 to stop Vilthe from detonating a nuclear warhead.
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Christmas Wish by Amanda Siegrist

Title: Christmas Wish
Series: A Holiday Romance Novel
Author: Amanda Siegrist
Genre: Holiday Romance
Release Date: December 1, 2018


What if you had one wish granted for Christmas? What would it be?

Acting reckless isn’t something Bentley Wilson is known for, but when he runs back into a burning building to save a little girl’s puppy after specifically told not to do so, that’s exactly how most of the town sees him, especially the fire chief who insists he has to help with the annual Christmas party because of his behavior. Throw in the fact the woman he pined over for too long is getting married, this holiday is going to go down as one of the worst. Until he meets Emma Brookes. She’s feisty, headstrong, and holds so much pain hidden in the depths of her beautiful green eyes. He wants nothing more than to erase her sadness. But it’s already a season of disaster, and every time they’re together, they spar like two warriors dueling to the death. Despite that, he likes the challenge, the crazy way she makes him feel. Before the holiday is up, he vows to get his one Christmas wish. That she never leaves his side.








She made her way to the bakery in short time, and said a little prayer to her car before shutting it off that it better start for her when she finished at the bakery.

After a few short words with Lynn, she donned on an apron and shooed Lynn to the back of the bakery for her to finish creating her delicious treats she could bake with ease. She shuffled from counter to counter, filling orders, helping customers, wrapping treats, and worked her butt off until her legs wanted to cave in.

This business was no joke.

Two hours later, the door swung open bringing in cold air and the last person she wanted to see.

Except, when a silky, sweet grin punctured his handsome face, she knew she was lying to herself. A little white lie. Boy, those lies could do more damage than she realized.

“How’s my favorite lady that loves to glare at me?”

A chuckle escaped before she could stop herself. The things he said shouldn’t make her laugh. Shouldn’t make her heart soar, her hands shake, her mind think maybe she could be happy for once.

“What do you want, Bentley? A box of cookies? A cake? Some doughnuts?”

“Your company would be nice. Can I get that wrapped with one of those fancy red ribbons?”

Her eyes followed his gaze to the ribbon sitting on the counter behind her. Delicious, naughty scenarios pelted her mind as she stared at the bright, vibrant ribbon. He wanted to wrap her up? Yes, please.

No! What was she thinking?

Swiveling her gaze back to his, she intensified her glare. The irritating man grinned wider. “Go away. I had enough of you last night.”

“So, does that mean you’re not coming to the Christmas party with me tonight?” The puppy dog expression on his face almost made her want to cave. Almost.

But she wasn’t going regardless. Elliot even invited her. She declined politely, because going to the party would bring lots of curiosity and questions she didn’t want to answer.

Who was she? How did she know Elliot? Why was she here? How long was she staying?

It was nobodies damn business. Not even Bentley’s.

“I’m not into Christmas parties. Sorry.”

He clapped his hands and rubbed them together excitedly. “That’s great news. Excellent.”

Frowning, she couldn’t figure out why he sounded so excited by the prospect. She expected him to be upset and fight her every step of the way.

Her eyes narrowed. The mischievous glint in his eyes didn’t bode well for her. “What? Quit staring at me like that.”

He leaned forward. “Like what? That you look beautiful. That I want to lick off the dusting of powdered sugar that’s on your cheek.” He leaned even closer, his eyes lowering to her mouth. “That you’ve been on my mind all night and morning.”

The beating of her heart, that started rapidly beating the moment he called her beautiful, started to hammer like crazy when his eyes shifted back to her. The amount of passion gazing at her almost made her knees buckle. No man had ever looked at her with such intensity.

“I’m hanging out with my friends, Aiden and Theresa, tonight. Join me?”

By the heat in his eyes, the passion, she found herself saying the only thing she could think of. “Okay.”

She regretted it the moment she said it.


(Copyright © 2018 Amanda Siegrist)













I love anything that has to do with romance. As long as there’s a happy ending, I’m a happy camper. I love baseball (Go Twins!) and creating awesome crafts. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, working in that field for several years before I became a stay-at-home mom. When I’m not hanging out with my wonderful family, I’m writing a sweet contemporary romance or a romantic suspense that keeps you guessing until the end. I have a few more amazing stories in the works. If you would like to connect with me or see important news, head to my website at http://www.amandasiegrist.com. Or you can also check out my Facebook Page or follow me on Twitter (@amanda_siegrist).






Your Sound by Katia Rose


Your Sound
Katia Rose
(Sherbrooke Station, #3)
Publication date: December 1st 2018
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Molly Myers is just your average groupie next door.

Literally.

The rock star whose posters cover her bedroom wall is banging her roommate right on the other side of it. Even for Molly, reigning queen of embarrassing moments, the situation is epically awkward. Every thump of the headboard is just one more reminder that the lead singers of famous bands don’t date bumbling shy girls too anxious to leave their own rooms.

JP Bouchard-Guindon wasn’t looking for Molly’s room when he accidentally burst through the door, but the wild-haired girl lying there in her underwear was certainly worth the detour.

As the keyboardist for Montreal’s latest indie rock sensation, JP has met his fair share of fangirls. He’s always ready to throw up some finger guns for a photo. What he’s not ready for is the way skittish, wide-eyed Molly Myers gets stuck inside his head.

A practical joker and a social recluse are the last people anyone expects a connection between. She’s silence aching for a voice, and he’s sound with a craving for quiet. Their differences will either pull them together, or fracture their worlds when they push them apart.

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EXCERPT:

You know what they say: if you don’t have a weird roommate, you are the weird roommate.

I tip the contents of my laundry basket out on my bed and reach to turn up the volume on my speakers. My ‘Putting Clothes Away’ playlist—which features a lot of Adam Levine—is currently blasting out of the surround system. Along with my vintage record player, the speaker set is probably the only thing of value in my tiny, stuffy, and currently sweltering bedroom.

“Try to tell you no, ‘cause I’m busy folding up this dress. Try to tell you stop, ‘cause my laundry is all still a mess.”

The towel starts slipping off my head as I nod along to the beat of my improvised lyrics. I straighten it back in place and glance at the rest of my outfit—a ribbed green tank top, faded pink I’m-Down-To-My-Last-Pair-And-Desperate granny panties, and a Korean cloth face mask complete with nostril holes that makes me look like Voldemort had drunk sex with a mannequin.

Yeah, no way I’m the weird roommate.



Author Bio:

Katia Rose is not much of a Pina Colada person, but she does like getting caught in the rain. She prefers her romance served steamy with a side of smart, and is a sucker for quirky characters. A habit of jetting off to distant countries means she’s rarely in one place for very long, but she calls the frigid northland that is Canada home.

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City of Masks by Ashley Capes


City of Masks
Ashley Capes
(Bone Mask Trilogy #1)
Publication date: August 14th 2016
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

A noble daughter burdened by power she never sought.

Perched on an unforgiving coast, the city of Anaskar is under threat from enemies within. Its own royal family feuds over possession of sentient bone masks of power, leaving Sofia Falco, daughter to the city’s Lord Protector, to foil a conspiracy designed to strip her father of both his title and powerful Greatmask.

A bitter mercenary accused of murder.

Yet when disaster strikes, Sofia is forced to flee the palace and into the city where she crosses paths with mercenary Notch. But Notch has his own problems – accused of murder, he must fight to clear his name, all the while hunted by the city’s robed assassins, the very people who are now searching for Sofia.

A young Pathfinder seeking vengeance.

Meanwhile, far across the western desert, Pathfinder Ain must overcome his doubts and leave on a hopeless quest. To restore his people to their rightful home, he must unlock the ancient mystery of Anaskar’s Sea Shrine and the gargantuan sea beast that lurks beneath its harbour. Yet all who have gone before him have failed…

Follow three unlikely heroes on an epic fantasy adventure where the struggle over bone masks of power threatens to tear their city – and kingdom – into shreds.

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Learn more about City of Masks!

What were your cultural influences for the world creation for The Bone Mask Trilogy? Why those?

The main influence was probably Italy for setting it was the coast of Amalfi in particular. The historical city was perched on the coast and actually slid from the mountain into the sea in the 14th Century so there’s a bit of that influence on the city of Anaskar itself.

I also found smaller details from the region fun to incorporate into the setting, particularly the fire-lemon which is similar to limoncello, and a lot of the naming conventions are Italian-influenced with some Latin too. For a quick example, one character is named Lupo which would make his name “Wolf” in English. I followed such naming conventions throughout the city with people and placenames ─ all save the city itself Anaskar. (It’s not strictly very Italian-sounding because it’s actually a city that has been named by the previous occupants so I didn’t want it to sound too Italian influenced.)

I think Italy has ended up the biggest influence because back in 2011 (when I first had the idea for a city under threat by a sea monster) my wife and I were in Italy and we were immediately smitten by the country ─ it was one of those once in a lifetime trips and I think I was just keen to soak in everything.

City of Masks weaves together politics, history, culture, and the action in this book. What kinds of research influenced the politics of your world?

Thanks! I drew upon monarchies and tribal systems mostly ─ always looking at where power lies in a group, I guess. Is it shared or is it guarded jealously? If it’s disrupted, who takes what is left? Those sorts of questions are fun to explore as a writer.

I remember reading a lot about various royal families who always featured a brother or son (or uncle) keen to knock off a few family members on their way up to the throne. I think it was the shadowy Richard III that I recall the most.

I think all political structures tend to have an undeniable element of personality; the forceful, confident or clever tend to have the ability to direct others, no matter their title or lack of. With the desert-dwelling Medah people, for instance, despite there being multiple elders in the Cloud clan it’s clear that Raila is holds the most sway; she tends to command the most respect in the group.

Do you have a playlist that you used while writing City of Masks?

Sort of! Nothing like a specific playlist on Spotify etc, but here’s some of the albums that I remember playing quite a lot during the writing (and editing) of the story:

Pink Floyd – Animals

Prince – Sign o the Times

Killswitch Engage – Alive of Just Breathing

Opeth – Ghost Reveries

Black Sabbath – Heaven and Hell

Yo Yo Ma – Silk Road Ensemble

Janko Nilovic – Rythmes Contemporains



Author Bio:

Ashley is an Australian novelist, poet & teacher. You might have read his epic fantasy 'The Bone Mask Trilogy' or maybe you're familiar with his other work, the fantasy/adventure series 'The Book of Never.' Either way, you can read more about his books and get access to giveaways and free books via his newsletter below :)

Ashley occasionally dabbles in film, is addicted to 80s cartoon shows and Studio Ghibli films, and finds himself constantly awed by the simple beauty of haiku. He is also convinced that 'Magnum PI' is one of the greatest TV shows ever.

Sign up to Ashley's newsletter for free books and news:

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Find out about Ashley's fiction:

http://www.cityofmasks.com/

Check out Ashley's poetry:

http://www.ashleycapes.com/

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