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Friday, November 6, 2020

The Queen of Harlem Commandments by Michelle Smalls

The Queen of Harlem Commandments 
Michelle Smalls

Genre: Biographical Fiction 
Publisher: Michelle Smalls
Date of Publication: August 18th 2020
ISBN: 979-8674253112
ASIN:  B08FW293RG
Number of pages: 218
Word Count: 42,000

Book Description: 

The Queen of Harlem Commandments is the first book by Michelle Smalls, a Harlem powerhouse who turned her pain into prosperity by following a code of conduct she first learned living the life of a street boss. Ms. Smalls's journey is not unlike many young women of color living in the inner cities that learn early in life how to rise above pain, loss, and disappointment.
 
Through it all, the Queen made no excuses. Instead, she made commandments.

This book shares Ms. Smalls' moments of heartache, triumphs, betrayal, and disloyalty. She believes in order to survive and be successful in the hustle of life, you must respect the Code and follow the Commandments.





Excerpt 

NEVER TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF.

"I remember when you didn't have shit, and your bed was on the floor," said my son's father.

I am sharing my story because not all that glitters is gold. Do you think you want to walk in my shoes? Let me tell you, my inner soles (from the little pink pumps to my Fendi boots) have nothing but tears, pain, and disappointments. My teenage years and early twenties were not the brightest. I dealt with plenty of hurt and deception.

Yes! I once was a bum. Yes! I have a criminal history. Yes! I've done things I am not proud of in life. But something I learned early in life: The best thing you can do in life is to accept your past. Once you fully accept the turmoil and embarrassment, no one can use it against you. You will have the confidence, courage, and strength to stand within your very own power. You will inevitably build your character and your life commandments.

My son's father's expression about me was 100% facts! There was a moment in my life when my bed was on the floor, and I did not have shit. His words were unable to penetrate me because I've grown to be emotionally detached and accept my past. His goal was to humiliate me in public in front of a crowd of millions, at the club while shooting a reality series. We were in front of the producers and executives, and yet I was able to laugh it off. Some shit is not even worth my attention! I didn't even entertain him with a response.

I went from sleeping on the floor to owning a $700,000 home, multiple investment properties, owning businesses, becoming a real estate broker in multiple states, and a philanthropist. My accomplishments came from being focused, hardworking, and determined to "Never take my shoes off."

I am Michelle Smalls also known as the Queen of Harlem.

You think you know me, but you have no idea!

Welcome to my journey.



About The Author:

Michelle Smalls is known as “Queen of Harlem” to many in the community. Michelle’s goal is to put smiles on the faces of young people, by way of giving back to the community at large. Michelle is an influencer, serial entrepreneur, real estate broker, and philanthropist. For well over a decade, Michelle smalls, as a social impact leader, has always placed a high priority on youth and the community.

Michelle intuitively sees the needs and desires of her community, as an inspirational leader who focuses on problem-solving. She takes full action and hosts outstanding charity events like her Christmas Toys and Coats drive, Community Halloween party, Back to school drive, preparing teens for their proms, and having an all-girls basketball team.

Ms. Smalls is a pillar in the Harlem community. She is transforming the lives of our youth by empowering them with love and opportunities that could build a tighter bond in our lifetime.
 



  

Interview with Michelle Smalls

 

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

 

Pain to Prosperity!

My goal is for readers to walk away with three basic lessons:

 

1. Strength – To understand that all you need to be a success already lies  within you. 

2. Motivation – To never stop! Times may seem dark but there is always a way to figure everything out. Remain a few steps ahead and never release your goals and your dreams.

3. Self-love - Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally take care of yourself and have someone(s) 

To lean on and/or pray for you.

 

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I am in the process of completing my second book.

 

Pen or type writer or computer?

Pen

 

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Get your ideas out. Don't worry about there being a RIGHT or WRONG way to the process. Once you get the story down on paper decide the type of people you want to share your gift with. Everything is not for everyone so let acceptance the measure of success or failure. More than anything DON'T STOP! 




Our Friendship Matters by Kimberley B. Jones blitz

Our Friendship Matters
Kimberley B. Jones
Publication date: October 5th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Leah and Sasha are 17-year-old friends who had been close to one another since elementary school, but as the summer approaches they find their friendship tested in ways they never anticipated.

Following graduation, Sasha’s privileged life and perception of the world around her is suddenly altered when an old childhood friend persuades her to join in a campaign against an injustice after his best friend is killed by a cop.

But joining the protest has unforeseen consequences for Sasha, distancing her from Leah, who becomes jealous of Sasha’s new friends and finds herself on the opposing side, protesting alongside her group of new white friends.

As the tension mounts between the two bitterly opposed factions, a tragedy strikes and threatens to make Sasha and Leah enemies. Can they find a way to resolve their differences, putting them to the side and learn to accept each other’s viewpoints? Or is their long friendship finished for good?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT:

As we pulled out of the driveway, Dad waved goodbye. I could picture the smile on his face once he walked into the house and noticed Mom was cooking lasagna.

“So, how is the public-school life at Eastview High?” I asked Ricardo. “Other than Chester beating your guys in sports.”

“Ya’ll just have better resources than us,” Ricardo said.

“How come we couldn’t just be good at what we do?”

“What! Anyway . . . Eastview is great, I guess, but we are dealing with some issues. It’s our senior year and I am just thinking about leaving this place.”

“Why would you want to leave?”

“Because I feel trapped in a box. Everywhere I go, I feel like a suspect.”

“A suspect, what makes you think that? You shouldn’t feel like that,” I said as my brow lifted from his response.

“Yeah, I know you wouldn’t understand because you go to this perfect private school and stay in this big, beautiful house.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m sorry. Just drop me off at the next block. I got it from there.”

I pulled to the curb and, as Ricardo got out of the car, he leaned against the closed door—with half his body leaning over the window—and said, “Wake up and find out who you really are.”

I squinted my eyes, “Okay.” I drove off. Why would he say such a thing to me?


Author Bio:

Kimberley B. Jones is a small country girl from St. George, SC. She followed her heart in college writing children books. Recently she decided to challenge herself and branch off to novels. She is your typical nomad who moves from place to place. Not by choice, but her husband serves in the military. She has a bachelors and masters in early childhood education. Kimberley is represented by Rhetaskew Publishing company and is best known for her debut novel, Our Friendship Matters.

When she is not writing, she is either thinking of another topic or reading. She loves writing , it gives her a chance to escape into another human character and express herself, other than being your typical mother and wife. If you don't want to be on her bad side, then she needs her white chocolate mocha every morning. Some days Folgers breakfast blend coffee is okay.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
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Ocean Heart by Ally Aldridge blitz

Ocean Heart
Ally Aldridge
(The Soul Heart Series, #1)
Publication date: December 1st 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Being a mermaid brings a new depth to ‘it’s complicated.’

High school teen Mariah’s life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early.

When Mariah’s guardian meddles in her life with magic, she causes more harm than good. The soul reapers are coming and there’s a werewolf hungry for merblood. All secrets wash ashore sooner or later, and Mariah’s about to discover hers.

Mixing a messy love life with deadly powers will whip up a storm of trouble. Can Mariah contain it or will she be swept up in its wake?

A gripping story about a mermaid, self acceptance, and romance that literally sparks.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

EXCERPT:

My blood began to boil… except the bubbling felt more like a tingling. Didn’t he have any compassion for what he was doing to Jace and I? The angry current coursed through my veins. So charged, I felt a need to defuse. I threw my hands in the air and screamed.

“Mariah-,” Mum began but stopped.

Dramatically, the sky lit up like a stormy backdrop to my anger. Lightning pitched down from the sky and hit the lorry, cutting the engine out. The black cloud moved in to darken the before clear sky. The first plop of rain sent a chill through my cotton t-shirt. In no time, the sky was emptying buckets of rain.

“Temper, temper,” Jace teased.

“Quick!” Mum yelled over the rumbling sky as it began to chuck it down, “Everyone inside.”

We ran in. Denny invited the removal men to take shelter in our home with the promise of sampling their famous Sparkle Cakes and a brew.

As Jace and I were about to run up the stairs, Mum pulled me to one side.

“Are you okay, Mariah?”

“What do you think?” I snapped at her stupid question.

She tugged on my sleeve. “You must stay in control of your emotions.”

I shrugged her off me and hurried up the stairs with Jace. In my room, we revelled in the storm’s blessing of extra time together. I grinned, pleased with myself as if I had caused the storm.

Author Bio:

Ally was born in London but grew up in Suffolk which is where most of her YA Fantasy novels are based.

She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two cats, their son and daughter.

When Ally is not writing (or at her day job), she loves spending time with her family at the local beach, in the forest or watching way too much Netflix.

Ally loves a cup of tea and has been known to order one on a night out.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Soul Heart Readers FB Group / Twitter / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!

To thank everyone who orders Ocean Heart between 1 Oct and 30 Nov, they author would like to offer them the chance to win a bookish prize of goodies.

There is a UK prize and an International prize. The winner will be announced live on 1 Dec at 8pm GMT, during her launch party on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ho6J-PQTvvI

Full details and entry here!

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Thursday, November 5, 2020

46. Ascending by S.R. Cronin

 




One of One
46. Ascending Book 1
by S.R. Cronin
Genre: SciFi Fantasy, Adventure



Celebrate the superhero in us all in this unique exploration of the connections we forge.

Somadina, a young Nigerian telepath, faces a crisis. Since being forced into a frightening marriage, her sister, Nwanyi, has disappeared into thin air. Not even Somadina's gift can help locate her sibling. Terrified and desperate, she reaches out to fellow telepath, Lola--a Texas scientist--for assistance.


Lola, however, has been steadfastly ignoring the disturbing phenomenon in her mind for decades, and has no intention of embracing it now--much less for a total stranger. But once it becomes apparent Nwanyi is a pawn in a dangerous political game, the stakes rise for everyone, and Lola is forced to reconsider.


Can these powerful women overlook their differences and use their unique gifts to stop a fanatic willing to kill anyone to alter his nation's future?


**Only .99 cents!!**
Goodreads * Amazon



Shape of Secrets
46. Ascending Book 2

You can't outrun the past in this mystery adventure where things are not always as they appear


Zane, a young man with the ability to change his appearance, is starting his first job at Penthes Pharmaceuticals. However, it's not what he expects. Soon he is drawn into a world of corporate secrets and dangerous knowledge.


The deceptions are only beginning. A sales trip to the South Pacific leaves Zane dealing with an unsolved murder, an unsavory boot camp manager, and new friends with abilities as surprising as his own.


Can he use his unique talents to unravel the mysteries he's been presented with? More importantly, can he find out who framed his friend for murder before it's too late?


Goodreads * Amazon




Twists of Time
46. Ascending Book 3


Uncover the startling truth before time runs out in this complex search for an ancient treasure.


Alex is a former basketball player who has always been able to bend time. These days he teaches physics and parents three quirky children alongside his unusual wife.


When the administration at his high school wants to reignite its history with organized hate groups and return to an era of white supremacy, Alex can no longer remain the quiet bystander. He must stand up and fight for what he believes is right.


Further complications arise when Stan, an old high school rival, needs Alex's code-cracking skills. Just when Alex has his hands full at school, he's drawn into a treasure hunt. Stan and a handful of ex-grad students lost an obsidian box years ago containing instructions to find an important discovery. As they reconstruct what happened the night the artifact went missing, they need Alex's help to find the last two hidden relics containing the remaining clues to the treasure.


As both of Alex's situations grow more dire, it becomes clear he must tap into the abilities he left behind. Can he manipulate time for the people and causes he cares about most?


Goodreads * Amazon




Layers of Light
46. Ascending Book 4 



Celebrate those who light a candle in the darkness in this compelling and eye-opening tale.


Teddie is into country music, her old pick-up truck and getting through high school with as little drama as possible. Yet somehow her best friend, Michelle, talks her into spending a semester in Darjeeling, India. The thrilling adventure turns treacherous when a seedy underworld threatens her friends.


As she fights to understand a depravity she never dreamed existed, a stranger makes her an unexpected offer. He'll train her to find the missing girls, but she will have to trust in abilities she barely believes exist and summon more courage than she thinks she has. And there will be no going back.


Given the choice between this and abandoning her friends to their horrifying fate, the decision is simple. She must rise to the challenge.


But how can she make such a commitment when she doesn't understand what it is she can do?


**Get it FREE Oct 31st – Nov 4th!!**
Goodreads * Amazon



Flickers of Fortune
46. Ascending Book 5



Cling to the edge of your seat in this high-finance, high-stakes adventure.


What do we do with knowledge of the future? Clairvoyant Ariel has been doing her best to ignore it, finding the whole thing a nuisance. But when she comes across people using similar abilities to get extremely rich, her interest is piqued.


Then she discovers a second collection of gifted people. They care about ensuring the survival of the human race, but that doesn't stop them from being dangerous and crazy, too. Soon Ariel becomes the object in a game of tug of war between the two groups, as they fight to have her--and her particular talents--on their side.


She can't possibly help them both. Aligning with either could be a terrible idea. But how can she stay out of it when so much is at stake?


Goodreads * Amazon



One of Two
46. Ascending Book 6



Join an extraordinary family on a heart-pounding adventure as they face mortal danger.


Telepathy creates as many problems as it solves, as everyone in the secret organization x0 would admit. Those problems become much worse when budding psychic Lola discovers another group of telepaths associated with a powerful media empire. This group is willing to destroy anyone capable of challenging them.


Soon, Lola’s family and friends are in danger. Fortunately, they are gifted with astonishing abilities of their own. Yet, none of them know how to fight. It will take every power they posses, and the allegiance of a helpful warrior, to bring down the arrogant adepts who do the bidding of a man hell-bent on promoting destruction.


Can the talented people Lola cares about learn to trust each other and work together in order to save the world?


Goodreads * Amazon




Sherrie Cronin is the author of a collection of six speculative fiction novels known as 46. Ascending and is now in the process of publishing a historical fantasy series called The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters. A quick look at the synopses of her books makes it obvious she is fascinated by people achieving the astonishing by developing abilities they barely knew they had.


She’s made a lot of stops along the way to writing these novels. She’s lived in seven cities, visited forty-six countries, and worked as a waitress, technical writer, and geophysicist. Now she answers a hot-line. Along the way, she’s lost several cats but acquired a husband who still loves her and three kids who’ve grown up just fine, both despite how odd she is.


All her life she has wanted to either tell these kinds of stories or be Chief Science Officer on the Starship Enterprise. She now lives and writes in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where she admits to occasionally checking her phone for a message from Captain Picard, just in case.


Website * Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$25 Amazon




Audio Blog Tour: Stealing Fire by Susan Sloate

Author: Susan Sloate

Narrator: Mapuana Makia

Length: 11 hours 53 minutes

Publisher: Covfefe Press

Released: Sep. 23, 2020

Genre: Romance

Spiritwalker by Tanith Davenport #PNR #eroticromance


Spiritwalker
Some Like It Haunted
Tanith Davenport

Genre: Paranormal erotic romance
Publisher: Totally Bound
Date of Publication: 20 October 2020
ISBN: 978-1-83943-443-3
Number of pages: 58
Word Count: 15010

Cover Artist: Totally Bound

Tagline: By night she walks with spirits. By day they turn her world upside down.

Book Description:

Tamar Steele, a successful medium for a paranormal investigative team, should be happy with her life—but life seems to be against her. Her psychic field is being mysteriously blocked, causing her physical pain and, worse, making it more and more difficult for her to come, creating stress in her relationship with long-term boyfriend Jason.

But then, during the filming of a paranormal TV show, Tamar picks up on Leslie, the recently murdered sister of her co-worker Hana—who later tells her the murderer was in the room with them. Knowing the best way to enhance her psychic ability is through sex, Tamar must rekindle her troubled relationship with Jason and rebuild their passion as she fights to solve the murder. Can she find the killer in time?

Sequel to “I Heard Your Voice” and “Tamar Rising”


Excerpt:

“Tamar?”
Adjusting her headset, Tamar Steele shifted the microphone closer to her mouth as another chair flew across the room in front of her.
“It’s all right. I’m on it.” 
There was the sound of breaking glass above her as a light bulb shattered. Tamar moved forward to avoid the falling shards, holding her torch out in front of her.
She’s here. I can feel her.
Her back was starting to ache. Through the darkness she could see a spirit beginning to form, long white robes and flowing hair framing a thin figure and pointed face. Terrified eyes fixed on hers.
“Tamar.” Hana’s voice crackled in her ear. “You need to get out of there. This is getting too dangerous. Jason’s worried.”
“Tell Jason to calm down. I know what I’m doing.”
A newspaper shot across the floor, scattering pages everywhere. Tamar took another step towards the spirit girl, holding up her hand, focussing on the energy she could feel around her.
“Matt, I need your help here.”
She felt a light tug on her hair and knew Matt, her spirit guide, had been listening.
“Listen to me,” she said firmly, holding the girl’s stare. “I can help you.”
Fear. Panic. A name. Emily—her name is Emily. Died sometime in the 1920s.
“Let me help you, Emily.”
A sudden rush forward and the girl was right in front of her, arms outstretched, mouth open, gasping for breath. Automatically Tamar caught her wrists, keeping the reaching fingers away from her face as she saw Matt’s blond head manifesting behind the girl.
“We can help you,” she repeated, then Matt’s arms were wrapping around the girl from behind, his face close to hers as he whispered soothing words into her ear.
The girl froze, then collapsed back against him, her arms falling.
“I don’t want to be here! I don’t know why I’m here.”
“It’s all right.” Tamar’s gaze met Matt’s over the girl’s shoulder. “We can send you home.”
She concentrated. “Light. Bring light.”
A glowing white light slowly formed between them, growing until the girl was engulfed. A small smile formed on her face before, in a bright flash, she was gone.
“We’re done here, Hana.”
“Okay. Asher’s on her way.”
Already Tamar heard the heavy footsteps of their newest team member coming down the stairs into the cellar. A strong smell of sweet smoke entered the room, closely followed by a short girl with rose-pink hair in a bob, her tattooed arms emerging from her T-shirt.
“Hey, Tamar.”
“Hey, Asher.” Tamar gestured to the space in front of her. “Let’s get the room cleansed and we can get out of here.”
“No problem.” Asher moved forwards, holding the burning incense out in front of her. “Another satisfied customer upstairs.”
“Glad to hear it—”
Tamar’s voice broke off as her headset was filled with an ear-splitting scream.
“Fuck!” Asher gasped. “What was that?”
Struggling to regain her composure, her heart pounding, Tamar focussed hard on the room, stretching her energy field outwards, trying to find something…
There was nothing.

Whatever it had been, it had come and gone.

My Review:
Spiritwalker is the 3rd book in the trilogy featuring Tamar Steele and her Paranormal group TINTAGEL. These books are part of the Some Like it Haunted Collection. The book is very short only 58 pages, but wow those pages are non stop. There are ghosts, which is great since it is a Haunted Series, but unlike some they do take center stage in most of the book. There is murder and mystery as well. Oh yea a couple of really hot sex scenes. The sex scenes only last a couple of pages unlike some books where they last a whole chapter. I honestly found nothing about this book I didn't like, other then the ending coming way to soon. As I mentioned this is the 3rd book of the trilogy. I did not read the first 2 books but I had no problem at all with getting into the story or keeping up. 



About the Author:

Tanith Davenport began writing erotica at the age of 27 by way of the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme. Her debut novel "The Hand He Dealt" was released by Totally Bound in June 2011 and was shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon Award for 2012.

Tanith has had short stories published by Naughty Nights Press and House of Erotica. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado.

Tanith's idea of heaven is an Indian head massage with a Mojito at her side.





T's Stuff  With Tanith Davenport

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
It’s a constant balancing act – I plan stories out as best I can but often characters will say and do things which add new dimensions or take stories in a new direction. I usually go along with it – my characters seem to know what they’re doing.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
Spiritwalker is the final story in a trilogy and will be perfect for anyone who enjoyed I Heard Your Voice and Tamar Rising. My heroine Tamar has developed as a person and reaches her peak in this story.

Have you written any other books that are not published?
I wrote three books as a teenager which I’m very glad never got published – they were terrible! I’ve used characters from them in books I’ve written since but I don’t think I’ll go back to them; they were very good training, however.

Pen or type writer or computer?
I do my planning on pen and paper but type the story on my computer. I find it easier to plan by hand.

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?
I’ve loved working on this story and the trilogy in general, so I hope you enjoy seeing what finally happens to Tamar and her friends!


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Fated Memories by Joan Carney

Joan CarneyFated Memories
by Joan Carney
Genre: Historical Romance/ Time Travel Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: April 15, 2016

Blurb:
A woman, a war, a vision of the future past...

Burdened with the scars of a tortured childhood and a shattered romance, Kitty is being forced to resign from the dull, anonymous job she’s been hiding behind. With her life in shambles and her friends moving on without her, she jumps at her cousin, Maggie’s, invitation to visit.

However, Maggie’s new boyfriend, Simon, has a secret that accidentally hurls the trio a hundred and fifty years into the past. Trapped in the midst of the bloodiest war in American history, and acutely aware their actions might trigger a butterfly effect on the future, the events that unfold will require more mettle than Kitty’s ever had.


You can find Fated Memories on Goodreads

You can buy Fated Memories on Amazon. This book is part of Kindle Unlimited.

Joan CarneyAbout the Author:
A transplant from the concrete sidewalks of New York City to the sunny beaches of Southern California, Ms. Carney enjoys writing stories about women who are strong—whether by nature or circumstance—and the men who love and respect them for who they are. Things that make her happy are rainy days (too much sun is a bore), writing the perfect first line, family get-togethers, reading books that grab her heart, and finding new connections in her genealogy research. Bold coffee and dark chocolate fuel the artistic fire inspired by her family, friends, and psycho, lizard hunting cat.

You can find and contact Joan here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads


My Review:
Fated Memories is by Joan Carney. This is my first book by her and I was drawn in on page 1. I enjoy time travel books and love the Civil Wat era. This book had both and a couple of romances. I would love a series personally.

In the book Kat is unhappy with her life and job. She is ready to give up her independence and move back home to get a fresh start. When her cousin Maggie asks her to come stay with her. Kat jumps at the chance. Maggie's dying Grandmother asks for some things in a hidden room in her old house. The house had been sold a few years before so Maggie decides to break in to find this hidden room. Once there they find the room and amongst the things in the chests they find an old necklace. Little do they know the powers this necklace possesses. 

Maggie's New boyfriend has had images or more like memories from a past life of being in the Civil Wat in 1861. Maggie buys into it but Kat just can't wrap her head around it. Past lives are just not in her belief system. 

One night the trio goes out to a bar, there a drunken co-worker or Maggie's shows up and starts trouble. This moves to the parking lot. There he goes after Maggie and the chain to the locket is broken with Maggie holding it in her hand Simon grabs both ladies and starts to run away as he does he is thinking he wished they were back in 1861 and this wouldn't be happening. 

The trio wake up in an empty field lost and bewildered. They soon find out they are in 1861 in the middle of the Civil War. None of them know how or why. They just know they need to figure out how to get home.