Virtual Book Blast: The Moscow Affair by Nancy Boyarsky

 Good morning everyone! Please welcome author Nancy Boyarsky to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here today to tell us about her new release, The Moscow Affair. Nancy will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

The Moscow Affair

Book 6: Nicole Graves Mysteries

by Nancy Boyarsky

 

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GENRE: Mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

"The Moscow Affair is a thoroughly entertaining and unforgettable thriller punctuated by smart dialog, richly crafted scenes, and a topical plot." –Dave Edlund, USA Today bestselling author of Valiant Savage

 

In this fast-paced mystery, P.I. Nicole Graves agrees to an unusual, short-term assignment working for MI6 in Russia. It sounds straightforward, even pleasant: a two-week luxury riverboat cruise on the Volga, observing a group of fellow passengers and filing a daily report on their activities. It's simple enough, except for one caveat: No matter what these people do, she’s to tell her handler at MI6—no one else, especially not the Russian police. When one of the riverboat passengers winds up dead, Nicole realizes this assignment was anything but straightforward.

 

Soon, Nicole is immersed in a high-stakes game of murder and espionage where trusting a stranger can be as deadly as a bullet.

 

"Nicole Graves is the best fictional sleuth to come down the pike since Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone." –Laura Levine, bestselling author of the Jaine Austen Mysteries

 

The Nicole Graves Mysteries have been compared to the mysteries of Mary Higgins Clark and praised for contributing to the "women-driven mystery field with panache" (Foreword Reviews) as well as for their "hold-onto-the-bar roller coaster" plots (RT Book Reviews).

 

 

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EXCERPT:

 

 

When Nicole opened the door, Kolkov was even more abrupt than on his previous visit. No greeting, just, “Get dressed. I take you in for questioning.” He talked fast and fairly vibrated with impatience.

 

“Why can’t we do it here like before?” Nicole said.

 

“Get dressed!” He shouted, pointing to the bedroom. “I give five minutes.”

 

Kolkov was waiting at the door and seemed to be in a tremendous hurry. As she approached, he stepped toward her and firmly gripped her by the arm, as if he expected her to try to escape. She pulled back, pointing to the closet. “I have to get my jacket,” she said, pointing to the hall closet. He let go so she could pull out her zippered hoody and put it on. It was going to be cold out, and longed for her warm coat, but it was in the hamper, stained with Chet’s blood. Before she could finish zipping up the hoody, Kolkov took hold of her arm again and was pulling her out the door.

 

Other passengers stared as Kolkov led Nicole down to the main deck and across the ramp to the ship next to theirs. Surely they could tell she was being taken from the ship involuntarily; perhaps they recognized Kolkov from the day before. But no one stepped forward to ask what was happening. Nicole wondered what they were thinking.

 

The pair of them drew an even larger audience as they walked through the four vessels anchored between Queen of the Volga and the dock. Finally, they reached the street, where a boxy black sedan was standing at the curb with a uniformed policeman at the wheel. Kolkov put Nicole in back, not relaxing his hold on her until he was about to close the door. He climbed in the the front seat, and they took off.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Nancy Boyarsky is the author of the Nicole Graves Mysteries. Her sixth installment of the series will be released September 2021.

 

Nancy has been a writer and editor for her entire working career. She coauthored Backroom Politics, a New York Times notable book, with her husband, Bill Boyarsky. She has written textbooks on the justice system and contributed to anthologies, including In the Running about women’s political campaigns and The Challenge of California. She has also written for the Los Angeles Times, West magazine, Forbes, McCalls,  Playgirl, Westways, and other publications. She was communications director for political affairs for ARCO.

 

In addition to writing mysteries, Nancy is producer and director of the “Inside Golden State Politics” podcast.

 

Nancy can be contacted through her website, nancyboyarsky.com. You can find the other books in the Nicole Graves series at https://www.torchflamebooks.com/nancy-boyarsky.

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Moscow-Affair-Nicole-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B095CSMTHT/ref=sr_1_1

 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-moscow-affair-nancy-boyarsky/1138867170

 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday is Horror Day #40 - Looking Glass

 

Looking Glass

After suffering a devastating personal loss, Ray (Nicholas Cage) and Maggie (Robin Tunney) buy a motel in the middle of the desert to start over again. But things are strange from the get-go.  Ben (Bill Bolender), the man who sold them the motel, isn't there on their arrival, having left the keys and a hastily scribbled note outside the door. When Ray calls him, he is very mysterious and doesn't seem inclined to discuss anything, but wishes them well.

Even though they aren't officially open, a woman arrives and Maggie checks her in. Then a trucker named Tommy (Ernie Lively) shows up. Apparently he's a regular, and prefers to be in Room 10, which was always the arrangement with Ben. Ray has no problem with that and gives him the key.

Local law enforcement, Howard (Marc Blucas) shows up, looking for the pot of coffee Ben usually has going. Ray obligingly makes him a pot. The deputy says the coffee is so good he's going to come by every day.

There is a lot of work to do on the motel, but Ray is handy. In looking around, he discovers an entrance that has been padlocked and chained shut. He cuts off the lock and heads inside to a storage area. But then he notices something weird, in the wall, close to the ceiling. He decides to investigate and discovers a small tunnel. Ray crawls through the tunnel and up a ladder to find himself peering into Room 10, where the maid is vacuuming. Something is very strange here, but what?

Ray and Maggie's relationship is on edge. Ray sneaks off to the looking glass and begins to spy on 

various guests and what they do in that room, which makes him horny and sends him back to his wife. But when someone throws a dead pig into the motel pool, Ray realizes something is off here. He can't reach Ben any more, and the deputy keeps asking to have Ben contact him. Suddenly Ray feels as though his world is spiraling out of control...

This wasn't a bad film, but it is a sort of confusing one that could have benefitted from some clarification. Or even explanation. I confess to being a huge Nic Cage fan, so I'll try anything he's in once. I did like this better than Prisoners of the Ghostland. It makes more sense than that one. Even so, we are left with questions. Such as the true nature of their daughter's death. Also, the motivation of the killer who is identified at the end. Like I said, not a bad film, but not great either. Worth watching for Nic alone, but even this isn't necessarily his best effort. I'll give it 3 Stars

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 47 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 47       

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: September 4, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Kira watches in disbelief as a very wounded Matsumoto ignores her injuries to go to the battle between Gin and Ichigo. Meanwhile, the new—but not improved—Aizen is still deep in conversation with Kiskue and Yoruichi. As usual, Aizen is condescending and laughs at their attempts to battle him. And then Isshin unexpectedly arrives.

Just as Gin threatens to kill Ichigo there and then, Aizen appears, having broken out of his chrysalis form, and asks what he’s doing, to which Gin replies he is only playing with the boy. Aizen orders him to open the Senkaimon and they take their departure. As they pass through, Aizen the arrogant decides he wants to play with the Kototsu, desite Gin’s warnings that is not a good idea. But Aizen gonna do what Aizen gonna do. When Isshin and Ichigo follow, Isshin realizes what Aizen has done, and he knows just how to use that to their advantage. He can train Ichigo in the final stage of his Bankai. Thanks Aizen!

And now back to the actual Karakura Town… Keigo awakens to a surreal sight. Everyone in town is sleeping in the streets. What is going on here? Hysterical, he begins to run around, yelling for people to wake up. Luckily, he runs into Arisawa, who calms him down with a quick but effective punch. They begin to gather their friends and take them to safety as obviously something is very wrong here. Meanwhile, Isshin holds down the fort while Ichigo meets with Zangetsu for his training. But this isn’t the Zangetsu he is used to.

Gin and Aizen have arrived in Karakura Town, and they run into Keigo and Arisawa. Gin tells her, “You seems to be in some trouble, girl. You should call for a hero at a time like this.” And just like that one arrives, one we’ve not seen in quite some time. But can he really be the hero that is called for? And is he enough to stop Aizen and Gin? Common sense says no.

We seem to be nearing the end of this arc. How it will end is still up in the air. Of course, the good side will prevail, but just how they’ll do it remains to be seen. I really enjoyed watching Ichigo train with Zengetsu. You have to respect him for doing what is right, even though he understands the price that is attached to what he is doing. And the unexpected reappearance of both Don Kanonji and Fro Man was great! The scenes with Keigo and Ichigo’s other friends was a bit of comic relief in an increasingly dramatic arc. From the beginning, they said only Ichigo can beat Aizen. We’ll see how true that may be in the next volume. Can’t wait!

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Demon Slayer, Vol 9 by Koyoharu Gotouge

 

Demon Slayer, Vol 9       

Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: November 5, 2019

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy Manga/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

Tengen Uzui is one flashy Hashira! Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inoskue agree to go with him on a mission in order to spare the shy Kanao. They have no idea what they are getting themselves into! Tengen begins by explaining to the three demon slayers that he is a god and they are trash. What a way to begin a working relationship! He takes them into the Entertainment District. While he searches for a Demon, their job is to find and contact his three wives, who are working undercover there. Unsure exactly which houses they are at, Tengen has narrowed the list down to the three most likely locations and splits up the three demon slayers accordingly. However, there is a catch… they also have to dress as women and they have to be selected by these houses!

After making them up as women, Tengen approaches the first house. The owners find the “girls” ugly but decide to take the honest-looking one, Tanjiro.  A Madam from the House Ogimoto offers to take Inosuke, which only leaves Zenitsu, who is angry at Tengen because he is too handsome (he has removed his flashiness momentarily). When they clean up Inosuke, they find his natural looks much more pleasing than the make-up job Tengen did on him, not surprising since he has a girly face. Tengen manages to place Zenitsu, even though he is considered to be ugly, because of Tengen’s own good looks. But it’s the House’s lucky day as “she” proves to be very talented, despite “her” looks.

The three begin to investigate, listening and watching, and they learn that girls have been going missing, to the consternation of the other girls. Tanjiro learns that one of the missing girls is one of Tengen’s wives! Can they find the missing girls and rescue them before it’s too late?

I must say Tengen is an interesting character, although very arrogant and full of himself. I was sad when Rengoku died unexpectedly in the last arc. And even though Tengen is the way he is, I would hate to see him suffer the same fate. He certainly is flashy, though, and he knows how to fight. Seeing Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke in drag is hilarious! I wasn’t surprised that they washed off Inosuke’s make-up and found what was beneath to be much better. As usual, there is a great deal of humor in this volume as well as drama, as they search for Tengen’s missing wives. (I assume polygamy is okay here). An intriguing behind-the-scenes look at a few of the houses in the Entertainment District. I love the artwork, especially the full color pictures. The author has created some memorable characters, can’t wait to see where their adventures take them.

Great volume, looking forward to more of the same!

Virtual Book Tour: Candles & Honey Cookies by Shari Elder

 Good morning everyone! Please welcome author Shari Elder to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here today to tell us about her new release, Candles and Honey Cookies. Shari will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here.  Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!'

 

Candles & Honey Cookies: A Tale of Hanukkah

by Shari Elder

 

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GENRE:   Historical Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Tamara is trapped. Her father betrothed her to a man she does not like, let alone love. And she can't forget the brazen shepherd who dared to look in her eyes.

Natan fell in love with Tamara the first moment he saw her. But the daughter of the high priest cannot marry a shepherd.

When Natan is arrested for practicing their religion, forbidden by the new king, he escapes and asks Tamara to hide him. After stealing a night with him, she helps him escape to join the brewing rebellion fighting for their freedom to worship. Tamara leaves a candle in her window to light his way home and sneaks honey cookies to him to sweeten his burden, her own small rebellion to her arranged marriage.

Only a miracle can save the rag-tag rebels from the conquering army and change a culture to allow Natan and Tamara to be together.

 

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EXCERPT:

 

 

After leaving the cleaning items in the hallway, Tamara glided back to the bed and sat down next to Natan, who still stared at the wall. As if her hands had a mind of their own, she stroked along his ravaged back. His skin was warm to her touch, the muscles hard. “Why do you stay turned away from me? I like the way you look at me,” she said.

 

“The same reason you continue to touch me, although you have finished caring for the wounds.”

She jerked her hands away as if burnt by fire. “I don’t understand.”

 

“Yes, you do. You fear the reason. As do I.” He spoke gently but still did not turn toward her.

 

“My heart beats faster around you, my belly churns, and my body tightens,” she said to his back.

 

“You have a similar effect on me. To sleep in the same room with such feelings is dangerous. I would never do anything to put you in harm’s way.”

 

She knew that. The respect he showed her was one reason she struggled for breath when he was near. Only around him, did she feel light and free and seen.

 

“Why do you allow me to look in your eyes? No other man would permit such a thing.”

 

“No other man you know.” He shifted on the bed. His leg brushed her thigh sending sparks through her blood. “I like it when a woman looks at me, challenges me, desires me as I desire her.” His voice dipped at the end.

 

“My wish is to know such men.”

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Hello, I’m Shari. By day, I crawl out of bed, mainline coffee, walk the dog, miss my kid who has gone off to college, and save cities within the four walls of my office. Usually by email.

At night, the other Shari emerges.  With a glass of wine by side, I curl up on the couch with my computer nestled in my lap and let my imagination play until stories take shape. I also periodically text my kid, just to make sure myself she’s not plotting world domination, then I pull out my alter ego, who definitely is.  As my alter ego, I save cities in a cape and spangled tights, wander space and time on a surfboard, fly over the Himalayas on feathered wings, make six-toed footprints in indigo talc snow on the sixth planet in the Andromeda galaxy or eavesdrop on Olympian gods while pretending to whip up a bowl of ambrosia.

 

In all these wondrous worlds, romance and passion blossom. I can't resist a happy ending. And I am particularly prone to writing happy endings for those who have given up on ever getting one.

 

Author Links

Web:                    http://sharielder.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shari-Elder-Stories-541817856021514/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ShariElder/e/B01IMME7K6?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

Goodreads:         Shari Elder (Author of Race to Redemption) | Goodreads

Twitter                 @ShariElderBooks  or https://twitter.com/sharielderbooks

Bookbub    https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shari-elder

Pinterest     https://www.pinterest.com/ShariElderBooks/

 

 

EBOOK BUY LINKS

Wild Rose Press:  https://www.thewildrosepress.com/book-post/candles-and-honey-cookies-a-tale-of-hanukkah

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Candles-Honey-Cookies-Hanukkah-Christmas-ebook/dp/B09FXH52F7/

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/candles-and-honey-cookies-shari-elder/1140147025

 

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Wednesday Briefs: Rose and Thorne 6 #2 (1.2)

 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.  

Ethan's sister is spending a few days in Roanoke, visiting the boy, along with her cute baby Alex, when she drops something of a bombshell that has the usually calm Ethan rather flustered. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Rose and Thorne 6. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers, 

Rose and Thorne 6 #2 (1.2)

I don’t know if I was more surprised by Sarah’s statement, or by Ethan’s reaction to it. I glanced at him, forgetting whatever comment I had intended to make. His blond brows were furrowed in uncharacteristic anger, and his normally calm blue eyes had darkened, resembling a storm on the sea. As if sensing his daddy’s perturbation, Benny made an appearance, having just awakened. He leapt up onto Ethan’s leg, while I placed my hand on Ethan’s arm, my own gaze undoubtedly revealing how disturbed I was at what I was seeing.

But the very next moment the storm had passed, almost as if it had never been, and the sun in my sky made a reappearance. If I didn’t know Ethan so well, I might have thought I’d been mistaken. But I do, and I know what I’d seen. Ethan was not a happy camper.

He stroked Benny’s soft fur, which elicited a yip from the excited pup. “Ready for breakfast, little guy?” He lifted Benny into the crook of his arm and rose from the table in one smooth motion. My inclination was to follow him, even the short distance to the stove where he’d kept Benny’s breakfast warm. Not his entire breakfast, of course, just a little something to add to his kibble to give it a little oomph. But I decided he’d be safe enough walking the few short feet, and he didn’t need me underfoot. Bad enough I was still feeling overprotective of him after his stint as a hostage in Washington DC last Christmas—I didn’t want him to find my presence claustrophobic. Ethan would laugh and just tell me he never could, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

Yes, call me insecure… but I am getting better.

I glanced toward Sarah. She had busied herself with Alex, assisting him to use his fork, although at this point I wasn’t sure what difference that would make considering the mess he’d made of the table, but I think that was just an excuse for avoidance on her part. I could see her brother’s unhappiness mirrored on her face. Yet when she turned toward me, that storm too had passed.

This twin thing was eerie, to say the least.

Ethan carried Benny to his food bowl, added in the bit of extra he’d made for him, and set the pup on the floor. Benny barked a quick thanks before tucking in with gusto. He did enjoy his meals, I’d noticed, and never complained about the menu, always careful to show his gratitude to the chef.

 Afraid Ethan intended to bolt, I held out my hand. He hesitated for a split second before taking it. I squeezed his hand lightly, hoping he would find my touch comforting.  When he returned my squeeze, I breathed a small sigh of relief as he resumed his seat beside me. I scooted a little nearer—any closer and I’d have been in his lap.

“Breakfast is good,” I praised Ethan, hoping to diffuse the situation, even if I didn’t understand exactly what the problem was. Family dynamics was not something I had much experience with, other than my mom,, and she and I always got along well.

My ploy didn’t exactly work, though.

“So, how long has this been going on?”

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Virtual Book Tour: Mafiosa Princess by Liza Malloy

 Good morning everyone! Please welcome author Liza Malloy to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here to talk about her new release, Mafiosa Princess. Liza will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

Mafiosa Princess

by Liza Malloy

 

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Two men love her. But only one truly knows her.

 

College Junior Giada Conti wants nothing more than to pursue a normal life fueled by her own choices. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize her father’s business isn’t completely lawful, or how that fact will completely dictate her future.

 

Pre-law student Adrian Patras is certain Giada is the perfect woman for him, until he meets her family and grasps the extent of his girlfriend’s naivete.

 

As Adrian finds himself unwillingly pulled into the family business, Giada grows frustrated with his insinuations about her father. Meanwhile, Giada’s ex, the notorious Luca Marino, pops back into her life with his own criminal agenda that includes winning her back.

 

Mafiosa Princess is the captivating first book in the steamy mafia romance series that you won’t want to put down.

 

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EXCERPT:

 

 

As my eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, I stared at his face. Luca looked so peaceful in his sleep, not to mention handsome. His bold, dark features relaxed as he dozed, leaving only a cluster of impossibly thick eyelashes and full lips for me to stare at.

 

Nothing I’d learned made sense.

 

I’d known Luca as a kid. I’d stared at his face before he was old enough to shave it. I’d fallen in love with him—and his beautiful face—before he’d gotten the scar just above his left cheekbone. I’d long since memorized every detail of his stupid, perfect face.

 

I’d thought I knew everything about Luca. One week ago, I would’ve said I knew him better than I knew anyone else.

 

Now, I wasn’t sure I knew him at all. I had thought he was intense, but passionate. Possessive, but adoring. Cocky, but self-loathing. I never believed he was perfect, but I sure thought he was perfect for me.

 

Now I realized I had no idea what horrors he might be capable of.

 

I started to recite the prayers of the rosary, certain I’d never fall asleep, not with the man who’d lied right beside me. Except somehow, I did.

 

When I awoke, the sun was up, and Luca was gone.

 

My stomach was still filled with dread.

 

What was the point of knowing Luca wasn’t the man I’d thought he was if there was nothing I could do about it?

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Liza Malloy writes contemporary romance, women's fiction, new adult romance, and fantasy. She’s a sucker for alpha males, bad boys, dimples, and muscles, and she can’t resist a man in uniform. Liza loves creating worlds where her heroine discovers her own strength and finds her Happily Ever After. When Liza isn’t reading or writing torrid love stories, she’s a practicing attorney. Her other passions include gummy bears, jelly beans, and the occasional marathon. She lives in the Midwest with her four daughters and her own Prince Charming. Her books are available in both paperback and ebook, and can be found on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, and more!

           

Visit her website at www.LizaMalloy.com

           

Join her email list for access to exclusive bonus content at http://bit.ly/34FrD71

 

Social Media Handles:

 

Twitter: @AuthorLizaM

Facebook: @authorLizaM

Instagram: AuthorLizaM

Pinterest: @authorLizaMalloy

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EY0rps

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wMUVW2

 

Buy Link:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Mafiosa-Princess-Romance-Liza-Malloy-ebook/dp/B09JGR84XY/ref=sr_1_1

 

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