Traitors

Lucien Lemoine' couldn't believe his eyes. The scene before him was so shocking, he wished he could blink and make it go away.
Alistair Cyrille had been Lucien's loyal second in command in their clan of eternals for two centuries. Unfortunately, the scene before Lucien suggested that he had committed treason. The procreating with other races, specifically mortals, was taboo. "Eternal only mates with eternal" was a law enacted a century ago because the half-breed abominations were unmoral, volatile, and not bound by the same laws and restrictions as a pureblood, thus making them dangerous.

Attention Attention: Hey Y'a'll look over here! The Belle has an announcment

Good morning Ya'll!!

Over the last month you have received some amazing guest blog posts. This was all part of my "Guest Post Win a Kindle" month long event. However, there were some hiccups. 

Such as my internet forcing me to institute a cursing jar because of it's unreliability. Or the fact that my email (Yahoo) must have heard about said cursing jar and wanted to build it's content. Or maybe just maybe Blogger who decided not to let me post or comment or share my own blog for say own and off a couple of weeks. 

But I digress. 

Confessions From a Collie Hero

I couldn't be more thrilled to introduce today's guest blogger, my favorite Collie, Dakota. Take it away.

Confessions From a Collie Hero.

Folks, I’ll have to make this fast because Emily, you know her, Special Agent Emily Dahill, is due back soon and she hates it when I use the computer. Heck, she thinks I’m talking with my girlfriends in Scotland. Yeah, well she could be right. Okay, so maybe once or twice, a day. But she’s on it all the time talking to her fiancée, Jarrod. I ask you, is that fair or what.

Anyway, what I’d love to know is the why? Why is this series named after her. I mean really, Emily Dahill, CID Series. Talk about anemic. It’s got no oomph, no pizazz. The name just sits there like a steaming pile of poop on a cold day.

Grade A April Fool

The only time I have ever really fallen for an April Fool’s Day joke was when my sister was in high school.

My life at the time involved my six month old baby and ferrying my sisters around town for my parents. (That’s just a bit of backstory to help you understand the context of what my lovely, charming sister did.) My sister ran cross country and track in high school. She often had meets out of town on weekdays so often I didn’t pick her up, only our younger sister.

One day (which, of course, happened to be April first) my sister called me around 4:15 in the afternoon. I never thought it strange that she would be calling me since I was the first person to be called if someone needed a ride.

She sounded upset, her voice stressed and broken like she had been crying. Instantly all my alarms went up. I have a protective streak when it comes to my sisters (they are ten and fourteen years younger than me.) She proceeded to tell me that she had been at a track meet in a far west suburb of Chicago that doesn’t have the best reputation for safety. According to her story she had gone into the building for a minute to use the bathroom, and when she came out the bus was gone.

Thinking she was stranded at an unsafe school thirty minutes away, I started to toss together my diaper bag and get my son ready to zip to the car. As I assured her that I would be there as soon as I could, she broke out laughing. To say I was confused would be an understatement.

Then she joyfully yelled, “April Fool’s!”

I naturally did the only mature thing there was to do…I hung up on her.

She got a huge kick out of that story for weeks.

I felt like a grade-A fool.

Needless to say, I’m pretty leery of anything anyone says to me on 

April first.

OH LOL Liz you are the best. Thank you so much for sharing this. I just freaked out my family by telling them my husband's recent vasectomy didn't take. It's been loads of fun. 

Happy April Fools Ya'll.

Author bio:

Liz Botts was born, raised, and still lives in northern Illinois with her husband and three small children (two boys and a baby girl). When not writing, she enjoys reading, sewing, trying new recipes, and homeschooling her kids. She is proud to pass her love of stories on to her children, and makes several trips to the library each week. After working with teenagers for several years, she decided to write stories about them instead.

In the Spotlight synopsis:

When sixteen year old Hannah Brewster lands the lead in the school musical she hopes it will be the perfect chance to get the attention of her family and her long time crush, Kyle. The only problem is that school super star, Josh Larson, has been cast opposite her, and he seems to like her as more than just a cast mate.

As Hannah and Josh grow closer, things between Hannah and Kyle get complicated. When Hannah realizes that Kyle is not who she thought he was, she also realizes that she just might like Josh as more than just a friend.

Will Hannah and Josh be able to overcome their obstacles and admit their feelings before the musical ends?

Web links:

Website: www.lizbotts.com

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Spaghetti and The Sentence

Spaghetti and The Sentence

“What about you?” Clint asked, his face filled with curiosity. “Do you like to cook?”

Rachel preened and knew it. She was proud of her culinary skills. “I do okay,” she assured him.

“Oh, yeah?” Challenge lit Clint’s eyes. “Cook something for me and prove it.”

“You don’t think I can?”

“I didn’t say that.”

Rachel scowled. “No, but you hinted at it.”

Clint just stood there with a faint smile on his handsome face, so Rachel picked up the gauntlet he had thrown down. “Okay, I will. I’ll cook dinner for you tomorrow night.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Had she totally lost her mind? Why had she done that? She didn’t have to prove anything to Clint Hayes. Well, it was too late to cancel now. If she didn’t cook the stupid dinner for him, he’d think she couldn’t.

She stormed back to the house where she belonged and slammed the door behind her. “Goodness,” her mother exclaimed. “What’s got you in such a snit?”

“Clint!”

Mrs. Amos turned to Rachel and set her coffee down. “What did he do?”

“He manipulated me into cooking dinner for him tomorrow night.”

A faint smile crossed her mother’s face. “And how did he do that in such a short time?”

“He insinuated I don’t know how to cook.”

Mrs. Amos took a seat at the kitchen table. “Sit down with me, Rachel.”

Rachel pulled a chair out and joined her mother. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Honey, you be careful with Clint.”

Attitude of Gratitude

I woke up at odark thirty aka butt crack of dawn on this Nov 1 not with thoughts of holiday shopping or Nano but with grateful joy.

I walked down my steps to my office and it only grew.

I sat down at the computer and began printing off coupons and organizing my lists with happiness waking me up more than any caffeine.

For you see last Nov due to financial stress I shared a tiny apartment with my family of six. And one of those six was away for over a year.

So now that this holiday season we are in a large, beautiful home I have to get up early and clip coupons and work long hours to afford.

I can't help but be thankful.

Because I get to work those hours from this home and all my family is here with me. And thousandaire or not I know I'd still be clipping coupons.

What were your thoughts this morning?

Belle Overwhelmed

So if you follow the Belle you know she runs at warp 9 most days and only slows down due to illness, injury, or incarceration. Well I've recently opened Belle Consulting. Something I am immensely proud of and requires more time. While I still read like a demon possessed I don't always have the time to review like I used too. It is heart breaking to turn down reviews or not even have time to respond. So I'm going to do something I hardly ever do. I'm asking for help. The Belle of Boise is inviting those who are interested to apply to be a reviewer for The Belle of Boise.

What you'll get

• You'll have your own reviewer page where we will list your bio, picture, contact info, genres preferred and forms that you read. ie. eBook print

• You'll be added as an admin to post your reviews. 

• All your social media contacts will be added

• Your own signature

•  Your posts will be shared on all my outlets

What is Expected

• Reviews should be honest, concise, include buy links, cover art and product description. 

• Posted in a timely manner.

• If I see you posting a book I have a problem with I will not let you review it here. I don't have a list of what's ok because I'm pretty easy going. So it's shouldn't be a big deal

How it will work

• A Google Calendar will be created. I would like for reviews to be posted on Fridays. Post the book you want to review on what day. This will help us stay organized. If you find a blank Friday and want to post something go ahead.  You will have requests come in over time. I get them myself and will forward any I can't do and you can choose from them. 

• Or if you got a book from a blog tour you signed up for, one you bought, or one you borrowed from the library those are great too. 

• You can do your own interviews or giveaways with authors as well.

If interested please go here and fill out the questionnaire and good luck.

Living Life's Country Song

So I've cracked the joke lately that my life became a country song. You know the cliche... Your car breaks down, spouse cheats/leaves, dog dies, BFF sleeps with your sister, your trailers repoed and you don't realized it until your flying in it in a wrecker down the interstate.

You get it.

Well it's not that bad. Truly. But my van I bought in March's engine seized and I have no funds to purchase a new car or fix it. And my husband was in a car wreck in Feb and is in a law suit and turns out slipped 5 disks from said wreck. Not to mention he's in construction and we are hitting the slow time.

But that's not what this post is about. It's about what I do have. Health, love, shelter, food, food storage, the bills are currently current (my editor will love that.) and a host of amazing friends. Online, close by, and faraway. They support me with honest guidance, kind words, well couched and placed reminders of my blessings. Not to mention two are willing to share the use of some spare wheels.

So let's talley

Blessing:10
Trials: 3

I'll remember that when it's hard and smile.

So dear reader how's your trials vs. blessings lately?

My Moms Gotta Knife In Her Purse

Yes dear readers. Those were the words my little girl bellowed in public.

Out of the mouths of babes.

It's not like I keep it a secret or anything. It's more like a reminder. I've carried the 14inch sliver butterfly knife with the dragon inlay on the hilt since I was a teenager. It was gifted to me by a male friend for safety.

Where I lived it was necessary. I've since found it's a great tool as well for everyday things as a mom.

Such as getting the tags off shoes or sunglasses. Or cutting those wrists bands off you get from an amusement park or pumpkin patch.

Well and there is always the wide eyes I get flipping it open without looking while my daughter holds her hand out all trusting for me to cut off the band.

Yes I am an attention lover.

But really it reminds me of how truly far I've come from the streets and couch hopping as a youth. I feel grateful for the stability my kids have. And how crazy I love my husband.

Nevertheless, if a threat does occur I'm completely capable and willing to use my little reminder. And it's truly the only thing I could reach into my bottomless pit of a purse and find without looking.

What about you? Carry anything sentimental?

My bank account had 77 cents

I'm known to say " I'm good at poor. It's prosperity that got me." That statement could encompass my life. I gave a talk on at last Aprils Ignite Boise.

In fact I'm damn good at poor. I know it. It's steady. I mean the only thing you can get from nothing is up.

I remember one time at the end of a week we had 77 cents in our bank account. My husband wasn't hysterical but wasn't happy either. I on the other hand was fine. All the bills were current. We had plenty of food and he had work next week.

We have always been at the mercy of the building industry. Still are until he finishes that criminal justice degree. Another one of my mantras about our money situation was " chickens one day, feathers the next."

And that's the truth.

I can remember one month when we made $60,000. Of course we had $12,000 a month in bills too. And I was not happy. I had nothing to focus my drive, something to engaged my energy.

I am someone who must be anxiously engaged in a good cause.

So as I'm forced to bed because of sickness and it's cold and rainy indicating winter (our slow time) and fear whispers about the future.

I say I have crap to do hurry up antibiotics and heal me. And I'm going to let the hubster worry about the checking account since I'm on loratab.

So what about you...what engages you...holds your energy and focuses you senses through the bad time?

I'm Enough: The Battle of Desire and Guilt

I'm many things. Some good, some bad, all sassy. One of my greatest faults is I don't know how go half way or to do a decent enough job. When it comes to friends, family, & commitments I'm loyal to a fault.

However, in my age (I'll be 30 this year) and experience (I've lived 60 years worth of life) I'm learning that "it's enough for now and it is well." to be distinctly different than a half way job or just enough.

Everyday, every week is different. For most of this week I've been doing domestic things and that is well. My kids need to eat, my husband needs a clean house, & I'm taking the time to be frugal.

I'm still working everyday. That the beauty of home office and Internet. Although I always have a desire to do more I find it's that desire that drives my success. Nevertheless, I'm even more determined to be happy with myself and my efforts. Guilt is useless in this instance and I won't let it hold me back.

What's your greatest desire or what do you find yourself feeling guilty about most often?

I'm sorry there is no Santa Claus

Today as I rubbed primer on my face and filled in the potholes with concealer my mind wasn't thinking of my todo list but what I would do at the end of the day.

For Family Home Evening ( a weekly family meeting where we spend time together) we are going to discuss Christmas.

Why in October? I'm a planner. But it's more than that. As much as I'd like to say it's purely the spiritual aspect that motivates me. Its not. It's the frugality. But it's the spiritual that will make me follow through.

Starting this year Christmas will be less about gifts and more about service, Christ and family.

Each member will only receive 3 gifts. As Jesus Christ did. One gift will be spiritually related, one to magnify a talent, and the last with no restrictions.

In order to achieve this I feel the need to explain that Santa Claus is not who I've led them to believe he is. He's more of the spirit of giving that got put of hand.

My hope is that once done a new loving spiritual tradition will emerge. But I'm deadset on at least trying even if my hopes are an epic fail.

What about you? What's your thoughts on Christmas, holidays and gifts?

Today I Was A Mom

This has been a crazy week. Two bdays my girls are just days apart. And on both of their days I had work commitments. While they seemed happy with the family parties and everything came together...that ugly, nasty, useless guilt nagged me all week.

I was just so rushed during both parties that today when they had the friend party I wanted to nail it. But guess what today I also had a work commitment. However it was before and not after. So that helped.

The cakes were perfect, we kept the games easy, only one girl got hurt, & no blood was involved, the gifts were amazing, & we had one little girl who we met at the park who crashed the party but I had extra goody bags.

I have MANY jobs. But this is the most important, the one I fall short at the most, the one that is the eternal investment, and today I rocked it!

(and dad helped)

Make Time For Twirps

KC Neal is a local YA author releasing Pyisis soon, I follow on Twitter. Which makes her a Twirp but she's also my friend. The last time I saw her was in April and even though she ragged me for having a minivan, when we parted we made plans for lunch again soon.

Well now 6 months later we finally got together. After an hour and a half where we talked on varying subjects from husbands, sleep, YA platform and how it crosses over to Romance, pit stains & tongue rings I've vowed not to wait that long again!

KC is a breath of fresh air. After hanging I feel creatively renewed. I think that has a lot to do with the physical presence of being with another author.

There is a whole world of support for us online. However, we still need that human connection at times. Thanks KC.

Abduction Review

Today I caught the matinee with the hubster. Another one of our date days. I had high hopes for it but was let down. The script was meant to make Taylor Lautner an action hero and while he could easily be. The plot was so lacking. He has the capacity to play a character with much deeper dimensions as he's shone in the Twilight role.

I'd give it 2.5 stars.

Fall Between The Pages Blog Hop Tour: Autumn Magic

Welcome welcome huns! I love fall like a hound loves a hunt. But what I like better is giving away prizes. But first for the legalities.

Tour Rules

1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, Sept 19, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, Sept 26, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

Winners will be drawn and posted Sept 27! ***

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS AND BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW PARTY DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR AND BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERYONE SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! 


***Hosts have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***

Image courtesy of Devian art

 For me as an author and reader autumn is a magical time of year for a couple of reason. One is Halloween tends to bring out those releases that are more horror or paranormal which I adore. Second in my recent studies surrounding the research I have sought out for Scent of a Witch and Familial Witch there is a certain power to the change of the season in pagan beliefs that add to the wonder. 

Belle of Boise Contest Rules
1) Follow my blog leave me a question or a comment here below. Please also leave your email address so I can notify you in case you are a winner!
2) Go to my fan page at:http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Bri-Clark-Author/150106235050819 and say hello. If you like what you see, become a fan by "Liking" my page and adding me to your favorites. If you would like to also add me as a personal friend, feel free to send your friend request to http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/TBriClark.

4) If you Tweet, click on my Twitter link and follow me at: http://twitter.com/#!/Bri_Clark 

5) If you like what you see from me then check out my publisher's pages too. Stone House Ink and Astraea Press. Right now Stone House had a Kindle and Nook contest going. 

PRIZES FOR THIS CONTEST:

Product Description
Antony is an Italian business man with conflicting upbringings...a child of a mafia don killed when he was an adolescent then the adopted child of hardworking Italian restaurant owners. When things don't go as easy as he likes he reverts back to family contacts to get what he wants and Antony wants Colleen.

Colleen is an average mother and wife living in Treasure Valley Idaho. Upon meeting a charming Antony Deluca in a coffee shop an emotional digital affair begins. However, Colleen's conscience intercedes and she ends communication with Antony. Then Colleen's husband produces a trip to Italy, Rome Italy. The very city Antony resides in.

Is it fate... or something more sinister bringing them together?

Product Description

Marie Kincaid is devastated after losing her family in a violent crash…so she runs. One morning, she awakes in an infirmary with total memory loss and a new power: Glazier. The cold frozen mists of Glazier’s instincts enable Marie to embark on a new life free of pain but most importantly free of the past. Heightened senses, accelerated strength,speed, and learning abilities make Marie a perfect candidate to be a spy…also a perfect companion for Henry Tenison, the only other known Glazier.

Henry, a loner and proud rogue finds his world upended when his connection to Marie is forged. Unsure of how to progress, he endeavors to keep it strictly professional. As far away missions and romantic surroundings entice him into pursuing his deeper desires, he caves. However, Marie’s love changes everything.

Determined to free them both of the spy world and the hold Glazier has over their lives, Henry implements a plot to disappear. However, when things become dangerous in their latest mission and memories of Marie’s past surface suggesting another man…will Henry’s efforts come too late? If Marie remembers her past, will she still want their future?

Product Description 

Lucien Lemione the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals
After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It’s there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien his…but does not speak of it. There can be no future with Lucien for she can only be with a mortal man. Even if she wanted to be with him, can she forgive the man that caused the genocide of her people?

Lucien must act quickly for the survival of his clan is at stake. However, Aisleen’s ethereal beauty and emerald eyes keep pushing those thoughts far from his mind. Determined to find out what secret she hides, he prolongs his time with her. When his people need him most what will he choose…duty, desire, or will he make his own fate?

You can choose love but you can’t choose destiny.

 Grand Prize Winner: An eBook of each of my books including an ARC of my upcoming Halloween Novella Scent of a Witch. Those books included are Glazier, Cafe' Seduzione, Familial Witch and Scent of a Witch. 

First Place Winner: A print or eBook copy of Glazier Additionally for authors a first three chapter critique.

Second Place Winner: eBook of Familial Witch and if an author a review of their choice of book to be reviewed within two weeks of receipt of book.

Third Place Winner: eBook of Caffe' Seduzione and a shout out on all my social media encouraging friendship and following.

Don't forget to go back to the linky list Here and check out the rest of the hop for more prize chances and amazing content.

Sweet Saturday Samples: If you can tie shoes you can tie a corset.

This is from my next release Scent of Witch with Astraea Press. This is an interaction between Mauve de Paer and Fionn Sweeney. The last Scent Witch and an Immortal Tracker who hunts them.
The sample and the release are both PG. Enjoy.

Even if he was toying with her she would give him a show, but fear would not be part of this production. With an eye only on the mission in front of her, she squared her shoulders.
“Can you tie shoes ?” She asked the man who accelerated her pulse. He pulled his eyebrows together but nodded.
 “Well then you can tie a corset, can you help me?” She nodded at her back. A look passed through his eyes before his face became emotionless again. But he moved behind her.

Like my facebook page or follow me on Twitter to see the cover art release and attend all the prerelease festivities in the next few weeks.  

And don't forget to head back to Sweet Saturday Sample to check out more great snippets.

Quiet I'm Creating a Masterpiece

There comes a time my fair readers where I am busy. I know there was a collective gasp through cybersphere. But alas I am. In Sept. I have a blog tour going on for Glazier with Pump It Up Books. I'll be posting a tab for that later. I'm doing work for my publishers Astraea Press and Stone House Ink. I've got to finish Eternal Witch by the end of September as well. In addition to my new release Scent of a Witch releasing around Halloween. So that's September for ya.

With that said. I am going to be taking a break from the blogging schedule. No blogging but the schedule. So September will be a hit and miss month for the posts. Sorry huns.

Additionally I will also announce I'm in the throws of a secret masterpiece project I'll be revealing in Oct. Squee I'm excited. Yes I squeed. God Help Us All.

Sweet Sample Sunday: Caffe' Seduzione is Italian for Cafe Seduction

Welcome Welcome Sweet Saturday Samplers....Sorry if I missed you last week were were having techincal difficulties and the restraining order withmy internet provider prevents me from saying anything further. Here's a sample of my short Caffe' Seduzione. The sequel come out this year with Stone House Ink entitled Mafia Seduzione.

Rating: These novels are PG

"Antony had rushed down the roads leading from his estate back to the cobblestoned streets of Rome when he got the phone call. His contact in the Carabiniere called about an American woman using his name. On the drive back to the city, time crawled like the rotation of the earth for him.
When he came into the police station, he didn‘t see her immediately, and his heart sank. But then she appeared—eyes reddened. She was actually here, in Rome! He stroked her hair as she sobbed, cooing reassurances to his Grazioso bellezza, his graceful beauty. It had been a joke between them after she spilt her drink on him, what felt like an eternity"









Make sure you got back and check out the rest of Sweet Saturday Samples.

Feature Friday: Of Light And Darkness YA Vamp Read Decidedly Different

Product Description

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...

Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...

As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.

Review

Of Light and Darkness is a paranormal YA that holds it own among the saturated genre. Original beasts, well known magical creatures like Fae and Witches, and of course vampire add to a world to get lost in. With the blend of contemporary with it’s own world building characteristic of Paranormal YA readers will still fall in love with Eastern Europe, specifically Prague.

The truly original but intriguing premise of the book is the relationship between Valek and Charlotte and how it evolves. When I first saw where it was going I was on alert. I just couldn’t see how it work out without be creepy. Nevertheless, the rhythm of writing is so amazing I read on. Pleasantly surprised Shayne Lieghton not only delivered but secured a loyal reader by bringing it together and icing it up.