Virtual Book Tour: Defying the Relic Hunter by Gail Koger

Good morning everyone! Please welcome author Gail Koger to Full Moon Dreaming. She is here to tell us about her new release, Defying the Relic Hunter. Gail will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on Gail's tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

Defying the Relic Hunter

by Gail Koger

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GENRE:   scif-romance

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BLURB:

Kizzy sees dead people, but she’s a thief and talking to dead folks is about as useful as a three-legged horse. The Dragos clan booted her out when her year’s take was a lousy five hundred and sixty credits. The only way back in is to pull off a million-credit heist. Alone.

When Kizzy’s jobs as a roadkill collector and medical test subject goes south, she decides taking Montezuma’s gold away from an Indiana Jones wannabe is the ultimate heist.

The snag? The Indiana Jones wannabe is Ethan Jones, a dangerous Coletti Warlord. Now that she’s caught his attention, he’s determined to capture her as his prize.

Can the ghost whisperer defeat the big, bad Warlord? Defying the Relic Hunter!!

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EXCERPT:

My com-link abruptly came online, and Ethan’s deep voice growled, “I’m now charging you with assault, terrorist acts and aiding a fugitive. You’re going to spend the next twenty years in prison.”

“Do you really have tentacles on your man part?”

There was a long silence. “What?”

“Tentacles. You know those little squiggly things.”

“And if I do?”

“Ewww.” I disconnected. Ok, aggravating an enraged Coletti probably wasn’t a good idea, but he was starting to piss me off.

Thirty seconds later, Ethan was back. “I know you’re in Glendale and it’s only a matter of time before I find you.”

“So, you keep saying. Don’t you have a planet to conquer. Some women to steal. Isn’t chasing me over some friggin’ cookies a little demeaning?”

“Demeaning?” He roared. “You tried to frame me for armed robbery!”

“True, and I did zap you with a stun gun. I thought warlords were tough dudes and could handle a little pain. Guess, I was wrong. I’m sorry I gave you a boo-boo.”

“Woman, when I find you, I’m putting you over my knee and paddling your behind.”

“Wow, how kinky.”

“Coletti warlords never, ever stop hunting their prey. It might be tomorrow or next week, but I will capture you.”

“Okey-dokey. It’s your time to waste. Bye-bye.” I terminated the link. Ha! Try calling me now. What Ethan didn’t know was Uncle Aldo had put a gizmo in my wrist communications bracelet that screwed with Central Command’s sensors. Right now, they were searching the wrong part of town for me.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea what a real emergency is. Take this for example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone I took up writing.

Author links:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1598719.Gail_Koger

https://twitter.com/Askole

https://www.facebook.com/Colettiwarlordbooks/

https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Koger/e/B001K838BY

https://www.gailkoger.com

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #1 (1.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

As you may remember from next week, I finished In Pieces and am now ready to start another tale! The new story is called Super Trooper. I'll leave you to it. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #1 (1.1)

Sometimes being a nice guy doesn’t pay.

Chandrahas released a soft sigh, audible only to himself, and managed a small smile for his elderly neighbor. She was a nice lady, and helping her was not an imposition. Normally. But today it might mean the difference between being on time and being late for work. And that was something Chandrahas Basu could not afford to be. Late, that is.

“I appreciate this so much,” Mrs. Feinstein was saying, as she trailed him to the dumpster which sat at the back of their apartments. “Sometimes it gets hard for me, you know. Trying to get down the back steps without falling, holding on to a heavy plastic bag. My daughter’s always telling me I should wait for her to take out the trash, but I hate to impose…”

Chandrahas nodded, barely listening, but inwardly he was counting the seconds without trying to be rude. Not to mention this was the same story the elderly lady had told him the last time he helped her. Lifting the lid, he hefted her in her bag then turned back to her. He patiently waited until she paused for breath, then took the opportunity to tell her her she was completely welcome and he wished her a blessed day but he had to leave now as he headed toward his car in its numbered space.

“You too!” she called after him cheerily.

He knew he would have to hurry if he was going to make the twenty minute drive to Tucker Falls with any hope of punctuality. Chandrahas took his position as assistant manager of the Tucker Falls Savings & Loan very seriously. He didn’t wish to set a bad example for his employees by showing up late. Luckily, his drive was mostly highway. And though he hated to do it, he knew what he had to do.

Time to put the pedal to the metal.

The morning commute had thinned out by the time he reached the highway and merged into what little traffic there was. With a little maneuvering, and pushing the speed a little, he should be at work with a few minutes to spare.

 About that time, his phone began to ring. Now, seriously?

He knew only one person who would call him this early. His mother. She lived in Tucker Falls, along with her second husband and their three adorable children, and he saw them all on a regular basis. What could she be calling about? He knew better than to answer his phone while driving. The laws in Texas were strict about that sort of behavior. But it was his mother, what was a guy to do?

Be quick about it, what else?

Chandrahas cautiously raised his phone to his ear, darting a nervous glance into his mirrors. Not a state trooper in sight. Good.  “Is something wrong, maa?”

“Must something be wrong for a mother to call her son?” came the familiar voice. “Do you only wish to hear from me in case of emergency? Perhaps I should hang up and wait for calamity to befall and then call you back?”

He tried to keep the impatience from his voice. If he had the time, and was in a better position to do so, he would have traded banter with her. But this was neither the time nor the place. “Of course not,” he attempted to placate her. “I’m on my way to work. Can I call you later? On my lunch hour, perhaps?”

“No, no, I understand, Chan,” she replied, assuming her pseudo-martyr voice.  He hated when she did that. Normally his mother was the most understanding and rational of women, but there were times when she turned into a melodramatic heroine straight out of one of the Bollywood films she loved. Her only saving grace at such times was that she never broke into either song or dance. “I just wanted to remind you about the cake for the party. You said you would pick it up after work. But if this is a bad time…”

Damn, so she had a legitimate reason for calling, one which had temporarily slipped his mind. His half-brother, Kamal, was turning seven, and he had promised to celebrate with them tonight. And yes, he’d said he would pick up the cake from the bakery near where he worked on his way.

He stepped on the gas a little more, casting quick glances at the dashboard clock. He really had to hurry. “I haven’t forgotten,” he assured her, which was semi-true. He would have remembered before it was too late. He was not one to forget important dates or errands. “I will be there, I promise. Love to all, see you tonight.” He quickly clicked off and set his phone onto the passenger seat rather than wrestle it back into his pocket. Not long now and he would be able to leave the highway and…

What’s that? He glanced in the rearview mirror in dismay. Red flashing lights on a marked Crown Victoria gave it away. Shit. State Trooper.

Being a very obedient and law-abiding citizen, Chandrahas could do nothing other than pull over into the breakdown lane and wait. What was he supposed to do? License and registration, right? With any luck, the trooper would give him a warning and send him on his way. Or, if he felt the need to write a ticket, hopefully he’d do it very quickly. Maybe he’d be just a little late. Maybe.

Chandrahas’ heart sank when the vehicle pulled off the highway directly in front of him, slanting across his path. Perhaps in anticipation that he might run, which was absurd. He would never do such a thing. As the trooper approached, Chan’s nerves broke, a combination of stress and lack of his usual morning tea. Without thinking, he rolled down his window as the tall man in the familiar brown uniform approached.

“Can we make this quick, please?’ he snapped at the trooper.

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's going on with them:

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 13 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, Vol 13           

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 6, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/208 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Despite his size and brute strength, Chad has been bested by 8^th Squad Captain Kyoraku. When his lieutenant, Nanao, arrives with an important message concerning the death of Captain Aizen of 5^th Squad, she offers to finish Chad off, as probably the Ryoka are the cause of his death. But Shunsui tells her no, they can’t be sure of that, and wants him taken to the 4^th Squad instead, for healing. Shunsui sighs. “Things are getting complicated.”

Meanwhile, Ichigo is battling Kenpachi Zaraki, who is one scary and fierce dude, which makes Zaraki’s lieutenant, Yachiru, happy because it makes Kenny happy. Ichigo becomes cocky, which translates to careless, and is run through by Zaraki’s sword, to the captain’s disappointment. Bleeding and dismayed, Ichigo recognizes Zangetsu, his zanpaku-tô, who questions him: “Do you want to win or do you want to live?”

Meanwhile, Ganju and Hanataro have reached Rukia’s cell, prepared to liberate her. But there is a slight wrinkle in their plan as Ganju realizes who she is. Will he still rescue her, or will he try to kill her himself?

The action continued in this volume of Bleach. I love how relentless Ichigo is, how determined and sometimes headstrong and brash. Well, he is a teenager after all, and probably imbued with the same spirit of seeming immortality that so many teens are because they can’t conceive of maybe dying. Ichigo is loyal to a fault and will do anything for his friends, but he doesn’t always think before he acts. I love his interactions with Zangetsu. The old man is usually good at instilling a modicum of good sense into Ichigo, as well as strength.

I loved seeing the back story between Kenachi and Yachiru. At first I found her annoying but she’s grown on me. There is a lot of back story in Bleach, which I enjoy. The problem with Ganju and Rukia sets up a question of principle, but I suspect there is more to that story than meets the eye, and probably a flashback to go with.

The ending contains a good cliffhanger, looking forward to the next volume to see what happens!

Book Review: Blood of Elves (Witcher series) by Andrzej Sapkowski

Blood of Elves(The Witcher series)    

Author: Andrzej Sapkowski

Publisher: Orbit

American release date: May 1, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy/324 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

War is raging. Nilfgard is aggressively consuming all the territory it can, gaining in power at an alarming rate. Something has to be done about this. But in order for that to happen, the other countries have to come to some semblance of agreement. Is that even possible?

Dandelion, the celebrated bard, thrills audiences wherever he goes with his original music, his tales of people and battles and lost loves. But Dandelion doesn’t always use common sense in singing of things which should not be mentioned, such as Geralt and Ciri. People should not know that Ciri exists, for that would only bring danger down upon her. The time is not yet come, for she has much to learn…

Other than himself, Dandelion truly loves wine, women, and song, sometimes to his detriment. Caught in a trap at a house of ill repute, he finds himself being tortured by an unpleasant fellow with a burn scar, by the name of Rience. Rience wants to know the whereabouts of the witcher and the girl, and doesn’t believe Dandelion’s protestations that his stories are tales without foundation, not truth. Luckily, help comes from an unexpected quarter for the outspoken bard.

Geralt takes Ciri to Kaer Morhen, the secret witcher stronghold. By the time Triss Merrigold arrives, she is surprised to find the young girl training as a witcher. Triss also senses that there is more to the girl than outside appearances might indicate. Do the witchers know this? When a young witcher accidentally lets slip a vital piece of information, Triss realizes more of the truth about who Ciri really is. And Geralt knows that the next step in Ciri’s preparation lies, not with him, but with Yennefer.

Ciri is definitely developing as a character. Of course, we know who she really is, but it’s interesting to watch her blossom under Geralt’s guidance. Their relationship is complicated, but I think it’s something of a father/daughter relationship, the only kind Geralt can enjoy. The same can be said for Yennefer. Reading the books as I watch the series is enlightening, as I’ve seen Yennefer’s backstory, which I haven’t read yet. I’m not sure how much I care for her, but her treatment of Ciri has redeemed her at least a little bit. I’m baffled as to the change of Dandelion’s name for the series, but a bard by any other name is still a fun character And now there is a song, Throw a Coin to Your Witcher which has become an Internet sensation, apparently.

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes in this book, and sometimes you really have to wonder which side to root for. The choices aren’t necessarily clear cut.  I loved the scenes with Geralt after he became a hired mercenary to protect certain barges from harm. But Geralt has his own agenda, as always. I also enjoyed Geralt’s travels with Ciri and Triss. This was a really good book and I look forward to the next one.

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #88 (20/6)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

They say it's always darkest just before the dawn, and things are looking pretty dark when Liza turns up unexpectedly on Cassie's doorstep, waiting for Ben to return. But Cassie turns a potential disaster into a win-win situation. See what happens in this week's chapter of In Pieces. This is the end of my tale. I hope you've enjoyed it. I plan to sub it to a publisher soon. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #88 (20.6)

“If you’ll have me, that is,” Cassie quickly added. “It’s your decision, of course. I’m sure you’ll need time to think about it, but I’m totally serious about this. I believe in Salvation. I think the band is going places. But most of all, I believe in you and Ryan.”

“But how… I mean… That’s very sweet of you, but…” Ben stammered. “I can’t ask that of you…”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering,” Cassie said, gently but firmly. “And if you’re worried that I can’t afford it, don’t be. Your dad left me very well off. Not to mention that Marge said you’re generating a good amount of income yourselves now.  We had quite a long discussion about your future, as well as your financial stability. She’s as much a believer in you as I am, and we’re both in this for the long haul.”

Ryan couldn’t believe his ears. A sudden lump formed in his throat, and he knew he was about to cry. This was like a dream come true.  A true deus ex machina in their hour of need. With Cassie’s patronage, they could do without any financial assistance from Liza, and she wouldn’t have the emotional leverage against them she thought she had.  Ben never had to see her again, not unless he chose to. That would be his decision. Ryan understood that despite everything, she was Ben’s mother,  and no doubt he loved her, but she’d abused that bond between them for so long that it was hard to tell Ben might choose to do in the future in regard to Liza. He just knew that whatever happened, he would be there for Ben.

He glanced at Ben, who seemed just as thunderstruck as he was, his eyes glistening with tears.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Ben managed to say, taking a swipe at his face. “What can you say to someone who’s just saved your life, not to mention all your dreams?”

Ryan couldn’t help but notice Cassie’s blush at Ben’s words. He wished his dad could have been there. He would have been so proud of her, and would undoubtedly have backed her decision without hesitation. He missed his dad so much. He wished that he could share in the joy Ben brought to his life.

A sudden thought struck him. How could he have forgotten that Ben had agreed to marry him? In his own defense, that was when the shit had really hit the fan. Even so, this was momentous news that he wanted to share. He took Ben’s hand in his and kissed it gently.

“Cassie,” he said. “Ben and I want to get married.”

“Oh. My. God.” Cassie leapt up and crossed the short space between them, enveloping them in a group hug. “That’s the best news I’ve heard tonight! That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you! Hold on just a second.” She rushed out of the room. Ryan heard clattering from the direction of the kitchen, cabinets opening and closing, before she hurried back in, a bottle of something in her hand as well as three glasses. Ryan’s eyes widened as he recognized it as some sort of vintage champagne. His dad had collected a few over the years, setting them aside for special occasions.

As if reading his mind, Cassie set the glasses down. “I can’t think of a more special occasion than this,” she said. “Except maybe when you sell your first million albums.” She unwound the wire from the top of the bottle, then pushed off the cork with her thumb with a loud pop. Pouring the champagne into the glasses, she handed one to each of them.

“To Ryan and Ben, who’ve gone through so much but never lost sight of what’s important in each other. I know you guys can get through anything because you have true love!” She raised her glass and they followed suit, taking a drink.

Then Ryan turned to Ben. “Ben, I thought I’d never see you again, and I thought my heart had died because of that. But now I know that nothing can keep us apart, and together we can do anything. Ben Coulter, I love you, now and forever.”

“And I love you, Ryan Fremont,” Ben replied. “You’ve always had my heart and soul, and I never want to lose you again.”

Ryan twined his arm through Ben’s and they drank, then kissed. He could taste the champagne on Ben’s lips—nothing had ever tasted so sweet. He knew that as long as he had Ben, he could do anything. Including returning to his first love, writing.

The future had just turned very bright indeed.

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: The Lady's Champion (Disgraced Martyr Trilogy #3) by M.F. Sullivan

The Lady’s Champion (Disgraced Martyr Trilogy, #3)       

Author: M.F. Sullivan

Publisher: Painted Blind Publishing

American release date: January 9, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Sci Fi/LGBTQ/356 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Dominia di Mephitoli has come a long way since her stint as governor and one-time rabid general for the Martyr cause. She’s lost her wife, who was her reason for living, as well as her family, and she’s afraid of losing everyone else. And why? Because of the Martyrs, and one in particular, her Holy Father, the Hierophant.

And yet, if she doesn’t continue the fight, the world will be doomed. Worlds. All of them. Past and present and future. For they all tie together, and sometimes it’s hard to separate what was from what shall be.

Dominia kidnaps her brother Theodore, her replacement as governor. But her father does her one better and snatches Rene Ichigawa’s cousin Tenchi, putting Dominia in an awful position. What else can she do but as the Hierophant requests, in order to save Tenchi’s life. Which involves returning to her father’s house. At least she can see her sister Lavinia again, who has sorely missed Dominia. And is still as innocent as ever.

Dominia has so many questions and few answers. Can she get herself out of this new predicament, defeat her father, and also bring back Cassandra? What is the truth about the Hierophant and his origins? Does he really come from a planet called Acetia? And whose future is the true one?

The Lady’s Champion is a roller coaster ride from start to finish, one that will make your head spin. As soon as you think you understand what’s going on, the roller coaster veers off in a new direction and you have to rethink everything. Before the final curtain drops, everyone is called to the stage once more. Old friends and new. Old enemies and new. And sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s who and what’s what.

The third book of the trilogy kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next, and hoping against hope that my favorite character, my darling Hierophant, would emerge unscathed. The scope and imagination of this series is staggering. A real mind-blowing story dealing with both physical as well as metaphysical realities, one that will open your mind to unimagined possibilities. Who’s to say what is real and what could become so in the future?

Dominia is a great, somewhat flawed heroine, as all good heroines are. The worst I can say about her is that her obsession with Cassandra did get on my nerves. Just my opinion, but I was never fond of Cassandra, and saw no reason for Dominia to carry on so over her loss. Of course, many will disagree with my own obsession with the Hierophant, who I admit is no saint, but there is just something about him that draws me to him. I make no apologies for him. He does some seriously bad stuff, but I still feel he has redeeming qualities.

This is a series that requires re-reading at some point, and I’m sure I’ll see things I missed and gain a new perspective of other things. I’ve enjoyed the journey greatly and will be sorry to leave this world behind, hence the need to revisit it again. I highly recommend the entire series. Give a copy to someone you love.

Congratulations, MF Sullivan, on a job well done!

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #87 (20.5)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Ryan and Ben are spending time on the band's break with Cassie in St. Louis when Liza shows up unexpectedly on Cassie's doorstep, still attempting to drive a wedge between Ben and Ryan and take Ben home with her. See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to look for the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #87 (20.5)

Liza visibly flinched at Ben’s words, as if she’d been struck. She pressed one hand against her bosom in a melodramatic expression. But her eyes told the true story, battling between barely repressed anger and shock.

Cassie spoke up, filling the void. “You have ten seconds to get off my property before I call the police,” she said. “I don’t think they’ll be impressed when you tell them you lived here ten years ago. If I have to, I’ll get a restraining order against you. Don’t think that I won’t.”

Liza opened her mouth, then seemed to think better of it and quickly closed it again. She drew herself up to her full height, with what dignity she could muster. She made one final attempt, reaching out one hand toward Ben, as if she intended to stroke his cheek. He drew back, out of reach. With a final glare for Ryan, she pushed her way past him, headed toward a dark sedan parked on the street. 

Entering it, she quickly drove away.

Ryan released the breath he’d been holding. He wanted to believe they’d heard the last of her, but he had a bad feeling she wouldn’t give up quite that easily. They would deal with that later, right now he was more concerned with Ben.

Once Liza was out of sight, Ben collapsed against Ryan, as if all the strength had run out of him. Alarmed, Ryan wrapped his arms around his trembling lover and held him tightly.

“Come on, let’s get inside,” Cassie said, ushering them toward the house. Moving swiftly, she reached the door before they did, unlocked it and held it open as Ryan helped Ben inside and onto the sofa in the living room. There they sat together, arms around one another, as Cassie turned on the lights. She left the room but quickly returned, bearing a bottle of quality bourbon and three glasses. She set the glasses on the table, poured a little in each one, and handed theirs to Ben and Ryan. They downed them neatly. Ryan felt the burn of the liquor in his throat, but it was a good burn, warming him inside.

“Everything’s going to be all right,” he assured Ben. “You did great. I’m so proud of you.” He gave him an encouraging smile.

“I’m proud of both of you,” Cassie said. “I’m so sorry that happened. When I suggested you come back to St. Louis, I had no idea she would ever come here looking for you. I’m sorry, no offense, but there is something not quite right with her.”

“None taken,” Ben quickly replied. Personally, Ryan thought saying Liza was not quite right was putting it mildly. The woman was flat out crazy. But he wasn’t going to be the one to voice that. No sense in rubbing salt in Ben’s wound.

“I’m sorry that happened too,” Ben continued. He drew in deep breaths, sitting up straighter, his voice a little stronger. “I’ll understand if you want me to leave. You don’t need—”

In reply, Cassie threw her arms around both young men and hugged them. “Never,” she said fiercely. “We’re your family now. I don’t want either one of you to leave, especially because of someone like her.” She kissed each of their cheeks, then returned to her seat, pouring three more glasses of whiskey before she did. They drank them down without argument.

“I know I promised you dinner on the Hill tonight,” she said, “but I’ll totally understand if you’d rather stay here instead. We can always order in, go to the Hill another night. Up to you.”

Ryan and Ben exchanged looks. Ryan would agree to whatever Ben felt comfortable with. He was just afraid of Liza following them and maybe causing a scene in public. He was more concerned that Ben might not be up to going out.

“Would you mind if we stayed in?” Ben said at last.

“Of course I don’t mind,” Cassie assured him. “We can go another time. What sounds good?”

They decided on pizza and chicken wings and salad, and Cassie placed the order online before turning back to them. “Before dinner gets here, I wanted to talk to you. Maybe this is a good time for that, in light of what just happened.”

Ryan was mystified at her words, and he knew Ben was just as confused as he was. But he trusted Cassie implicitly. Whatever she had to say couldn’t be bad, even if there was some time to Liza. He took Ben’s hand in his and took comfort from Ben’s warmth.

“I didn’t say anything to you sooner, but I’ve been talking to Marge,” Cassie began.

That was a huge surprise to Ryan. “I didn’t know you knew her?” he said at the same time Ben said, “You know Marge?”

She smiled at them both. “I do now. I think she’s a pretty wonderful person, and she thinks the world of you both. And Salvation.”

Soothing words badly needed.

“Marge is a very wonderful person,” Ben agreed. “I don’t know what we’d do without her.”

That thought was sobering. The question now was what were they going to do without Liza’s backing? Disband Salvation temporarily? Maybe even… he tried not to think it, but he couldn’t push away the idea of a permanent break-up.

“Like I said, she and I have been talking, and I understand your situation. Financially, I mean.” Cassie took a deep breath. “And I’ve decided to become your new investor.”

Did she just seriously say that?

to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

J Alan Veerkamp

Cia Nordwellj

Virtual Book Tour: Heroes in Love by David C. Dawson

Good morning! Please welcome author David C. Dawson to Full Moon Dreaming. He is here to tell us about his new release, Heroes in Love. David will be awarding $10 Boroughs Bucks to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on David's tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

Heroes in Love

by David C. Dawson

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance (LGBT)

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BLURB:

NOT EVERY HERO WEARS A UNIFORM

Can love last a lifetime? Billy Walsh and Daniel Richards never intended to be matchmakers. After all, they're only at the start of their own love story. When Billy uncovers a failed love affair, he learns it lasted more than fifty years until it fell apart. He and Daniel see their own fledgling relationship through the lens of the now estranged couple, and they vow to reunite the elderly lovers. But as they set about their task, the pressure of modern life threatens to tear them apart.

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EXCERPT:

“Hey. You okay?”

The voice was familiar. Billy pulled back from the window, opened his eyes, and turned to see the black wavy hair and brown eyes of the man he had collided with in the hospital entrance under an hour ago. Clumsily, he tried to wipe his eyes with the back of his hand and merely succeeded in smearing his hand with a gob of snot from his nose. His humiliation was complete.

Then the man’s oh-so-kissable lips moved, and he said,  “Come on. You need a coffee.”

The cafeteria was on the ground floor of the hospital, close to the entrance. It was noisy and packed with people, and there was a long line at the counter.

Billy’s Good Samaritan introduced himself as Daniel. He invited Billy to find a table, while he queued up to buy them hot drinks.

As Billy waited, he reviewed the rollercoaster day. True, most of it had been downhill. Steeply. But this last turn lifted his spirits. He looked across the crowded cafeteria at Daniel standing in line. His back was to Billy as Daniel ordered coffees from the bored-looking assistant on the other side of the counter. He stood tall and confident. His dark blue linen suit gave him the look of a Hollywood actor in sharp contrast to the shabbily dressed people on either side of him. His haircut was obviously expensive, and he was well groomed.

Billy looked down at the sleeve of his shirt. The remains of his egg sandwich from earlier was smeared across it. He licked his fingers and rubbed the stain, in the hope of making the stain disappear.

“Here you are. I got some chocolate chip cookies as well. I love them, and I thought you might need the sugar.”

Daniel placed a large plastic tray on the table. He handed Billy a chipped mug of cappuccino, placed a large plate of cookies on the table, and sat opposite. Billy slid his arm into his lap, to hide the egg stained sleeve. “You okay now?”

Billy nodded. “Yeah. It’s been a really shit day, and I guess it all finally got to me. Work went tits up this morning. Then I met my mother’s oncologist this afternoon, and—” He stopped. Not wanting to repeat what he had learned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

David C Dawson writes contemporary thrillers featuring gay men in love. He’s an award winning author, journalist and documentary maker. His debut novel won Bronze for Best Mystery and Suspense in the FAPA awards, and he has published two books since.

David lives in London with his boyfriend and two cats. In his spare time, he tours Europe and sings with the London Gay Men’s Chorus.

Social Media:

website: www.davidcdawson.co.uk

blog: http://blog.davidcdawson.co.uk/#home

instagram: @davidcdawsonwriter

facebook: david.c.dawson.5

twitter: @david_c_dawson

pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/mrdcdawson/heroes-in-love-influences/

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/DavidCDawson

Buy Link: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/heroes-love

http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/heroes-love

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083QRQ319

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https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B083QRQ319

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B083QRQ319

https://books2read.com/u/3G28pL

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/999639  

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