Book Spotlight & Giveaway - Wystan by Allison Merritt

About the Book:

Title: Wystan (The Heckmasters)

Length: 228 pages

Pubisher: Samhain Publishing

Publication date: October 21, 2014

Blurb:

Her search for safety lands her in a totally new kind of danger.

The Heckmasters, Book 1

Certain that an ad for a job in a small New Mexico Territory town is the answer to her prayers, Nebraska schoolteacher Rhia Duke packs her sister into a rickety wagon and heads west.

Except when they reach the near-deserted town, she learns the truth. There is no job, no future, and no welcome in the bleak blue eyes of the handsome sheriff.

The minute Rhia’s runaway team thunders into town, Wystan Heckmaster feels the change in the air. One of three sons of a demon who dared love a human, he keeps watch over a Pit guarded by seven seals, and slays any Hellbound demon that attempts to free the master imprisoned within.

With a gut full of regret and a forgotten town filled with reformed demons, Wystan is certain of one thing: he can’t be the man Rhia needs. But when the truth behind Rhia’s flight from Nebraska comes to light, Wystan must open his soul—and pray there’s enough love between them to overcome the darkness rising from the Pit.

Warning: Contains a take-no-prisoners sheriff, a woman who can’t outrun her supernatural secrets, and a dusty town where hope is as thin as dust in the wind. Author recommends keeping a glass of cool spring water at your elbow while reading.

Excerpt:

            Something changed in the air the moment the wagon crossed the town’s border. Too

early to be a supply train, and there was no way in hell it was visitors. Berner didn’t host

town fairs, theatre troupes, peddlers, or bible thumpers.

            Wystan Heckmaster slapped his battered Stetson on his head, collected the keys to the

jail, then stepped out the door. The first thing he saw was a pretty woman with hair the color

of maple sugar—a rich brownish-blonde. The frown on her face spoke volumes, and the air

around her pronounced trouble. She made a straight path for him.

            “Mr. Heckmaster. Or should I call you Sheriff? Or Mayor? I need to discuss the ad in

the Lancaster County Republican with you. Someone placed an ad, but your brother tells me

there is no school here. I’m sure there has to be a mistake. There’s only one Berner in New

Mexico Territory. I’m very capable at reading maps. If I wasn’t, I would be ashamed to call

myself a teacher.”

            He doubted she had taken more than two or three breaths during the speech. If she

made talking in rambling paragraphs a habit, no wonder she looked so peaked.

            “Teacher?” He glanced along the street, but it was deserted as usual. “Lady, we don’t

have a school here. Certainly no need of a teacher.”

            Her hands balled into fists that settled on her hips. The dress she wore was patched—

the egg yolk yellow faded into something even more disgusting. It had little flowers dotting

the material, but they looked as worn as her scuffed black boots.

            “Then what was the purpose of placing an ad in the Lancaster County Republican?”

She spoke with the fierceness of a mama bear warning predators away from her cubs.

            Wystan reached into his shirt pocket and drew out a toothpick.

            “I didn’t place any ad in any Lancaster County anything.” He looked past her, expecting

Eban to saunter up the street. Eban had to be the brother she’d referred to since Tell was still

on the trail.

            “Someone did,” she insisted. She fished a crumpled and much-folded piece of newsprint

out of the pocket hidden by the folds of her skirt. “See? Right here it says, ‘School teacher

wanted for spring term at Berner Schoolhouse. Wages paid based on experience. Room and

board provided. Apply in person at City Hall, Berner, New Mexico Territory.’ I’m sure my

eyes don’t deceive me.”

            Wystan stared at the clipping, then back at the woman. A galaxy of freckles spattered

across her nose and cheekbones, making her look younger than her eyes said she was. Full

figured and sure as shittin’ a grown woman. The wariness and worry darkening her hazel

eyes gave her away as one with a lot of trouble on her plate.

            “I can read.”

            She pulled the ad away from his face, folded it, and returned it to her pocket. “Where

would you suggest I look for an explanation, Mr. Heckmaster?”

            Fussy little thing. “I assure you that no one in this town did. There’s been a mistake.

Sorry to inconvenience you, Miss Schoolteacher. Now turn around and head home.”

            A flush colored her cheeks. “I can’t head home! I have no home to return to. My little

sister and my friend are waiting at the doctor’s office for me to straighten this mess out. The

ad says that room and board will be provided. I’d expected to move into a room, sir.”

            “You left them with Eban?” That explained his absence.

            “Beryl is ill, Sheriff. This is the first town we’ve seen in days and it was past time for her

to get some attention.” Despair crept into her voice.

            Wystan shifted his weight and transferred the toothpick to the other side of his mouth.

            “Eban’s not exactly trained in human medicine.”

            The woman’s mouth opened into an O. She shook her head and seemed to regain her

senses. “He’s a veterinarian? He seemed certain he could help Beryl.”

            Wystan cleared his throat. “Sure, animal doctor. I’m sorry for your misfortune, lady,

but as you can see, Berner’s about run into the ground. There’s nothing here for you or your

friend. Might be best to move along.”

            She seemed to deflate. “Move along.” Her lips moved, softly forming the words, but it

was as though she didn’t comprehend them. “We’ll move along, right down the trail into the

next town where there won’t be any teaching jobs either. Sylvie, Beryl, and I will starve to

death on the side of the road with no one in the world to care.”

Buy links:

Samhain - http://store.samhainpublishing.com/wystan-p-73651.html

Amazon - http://amzn.com/B00L501TJK

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wystan-allison-merritt/1119847207?ean=9781619222892

Google Books - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wystan-allison-merritt/1119847207?ean=9781619222892

About the Author:

A love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.

Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.

Social media links:

Blog – http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com

Facebook – http://facebook.com/allisonmwrites

Twitter – http://twitter.com/allison_merritt

G+ - http://gplus.to/allisonmerritt

Goodreads – http://goodreads.com/AllisonMWrites

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/allisonmwrites/

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Book Spotlight: Crepe Suzette - A Cozy Mystery

Happy Monday!

Today on Remenicky Writes a spotlight on Janet Lynn and her book Crepe Suzette.

Crepes Suzette-A Cozy Mysery

By

Janet Elizabeth Lynn

Summary

Wrigley Rose, 25, editor of the Uptown Bulletin, decides to take life more seriously and makes positive life affirmations. With the encouragement of her two best girlfriends, she ventures in search of her biological parents and a husband to begin a family of her own.  She discovers that her positive life affirmations work. She finds three great, but different guys to possibly settle down with, plus, she finds a lead in her search for her birth parents.

The community has always loved her witty and humorous column. But suddenly, a slander lawsuit is slapped on her and the paper. When the three guys she thought she couldn’t live without and her job become tenuous, her life takes drastic turns she never could have imagined. Especially when she discovers mysterious information about her family. Wrigley is thrown into uncharted waters and life threatening danger.

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fa5_slznoA

Excerpt

I walked into Boss man's office for our Monday morning stand-up meeting at the Uptown Bulletin.  As usual, we were waiting for Ed our copy guy.  My co-worker Nate the Snake was making nice with Boss Man, and Boss man's secretary,  Lucy but I call her Looney Bin.  This week she's in an outlandish, peacock blue, pressed on lamée outfit. 

First up on the agenda was the Gay Pride Parade.  “I think Wrigley should go.”  Nate the snake whined.  “She’s in charge of the Entertainment section, not me.”

I countered with my schedule, “I have to be at the Art Festival which brought in thousands of dollars last week.  They’re giving the paper an award and they’re expecting me.  I’m already scheduled with two other events that Saturday.”

“I'm not going.  It's your event.  You figure it out.” Nate the Snake smiled, showing his tombstone teeth.

“I can't,” I wanted to yell but kept the lid on it.

“I'm not going and you can't make me,” he folded his arms, extending his chin like a child in a tantrum.

I watched his lips, fully expecting him to stick out his tongue.

“He doesn't want to go Wrigs,” Boss Man looked over his shoulder at me and blew out a smoke ring.  “Make it work.”

“I can't make it work.  I can't be in two places at once!” I think I was close to shouting.

“Okay then send Lucy.” Nate the Snake suggested.

“I'd love to!” spilled out of Looney Bin.

“She can't do it!” I can just see Lucy walking down the sidewalk in her lamée with a crowd of gay men following her while bidding on her outfit.

Everyone looked at me, the room went dead silent.  I shouldn't have said that.  Think Wrigley, say something nice.  “It's dangerous.  She doesn't know the ins and outs of covering an event like this.”

“Okay, I'll pick you up and I'll take you.  You review it.” Boss Man volunteered.

Silence again.  I put my hand on Looney Bin's shoulder, “I'll give you an outline to follow.” I had to sound like I wanted to help.

“Don't touch me,” Looney Bin crouched to the other side of her chair.

 “Okay.  Now the next thing on the agenda,” he looked at me.

“So, why do I need a babysitter?” I protested. “I've been the editor of the Entertainment Section for four years.  This never came up before.”

I told myself to calm down, and stay focused.  I can't let it get to me.  I'm a big girl, I know how to take care of myself.  I tried to listen to Boss Man but I couldn't get last night's assignment at the Bohemian Folk Music event out of my head.  It gave me such a headache that I left early.  It's still echoing in my head!  

I titled my review, “One hundred and one ways to bang on things.” Boss Man is going to have a fit when he edits it.  Knowing him, he'll sit back in his chair, blow smoke rings and stare me down.  The number of smoke rings determined how mad he is.

I deliberately drank coffee this morning so I could focus for a long period of time.  Nate the Snake was talking to Looney Bin.  Her peacock blue four inch nails and hair bands sparkled from the sky light.  I saw Boss Man's mouth move, but for some reason I couldn't process it.  Focus, Wrigley, focus.  There went my stomach again.

“So, if I'm doing a good job,” I inquired, “why do I need a babysitter?” I really felt indignant about this.

“Escort, Wrigley. Escort.” Nate the Snake interrupted. “And just think, he may be some gorgeous guy to escort you around!”

“Look,” Boss Man stared me down with those bushy eyebrows of his.  “The attorneys said I'm liable…the paper is liable should something happen to you on an assignment.  So we're sending an escort with you. Deal with it Wrigs.”

I hate it when he calls me Wrigs.

Buy it on Amazon

Bio

I was born in Queens, New York and raised in Long Island, until I was 12 years old. My family escaped the freezing winters and hurricanes for the warmth and casual lifestyle of Southern California.

I’ve always wanted to write so made it a quest to write a novel. Ten years later, with much blood and sweat, my first murder mystery novel was published in 2011.

I have traveled to the far reached of the planet for work and for pleasure, collecting wonderful memories, newfound friends and a large basket of shampoo and conditioner samples from hotels.

Important places to find me:

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fa5_slznoA

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/janet.lynn.5477

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_home

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanetLynn4

Blog: http://janetelizabethlynnauthor.blogspot.com/

Website:  www.janetlynnauthor.com

e-mail: janet_lynn51@yahoo.com

The Downside Of Indie - A Post From The Trenches

I love being an indie author. No one telling me what to write, when to write, or giving me deadlines. Plus, I have total creative control. I decide what cover to use, what blurb to use, and how I want to promote my work.

But, there is a big elephant in the room - the downside of going indie...





The cost.



That's all, the cost. All editing, promotion, and cover design costs are mine and mine alone. The cost of putting out a quality book can range from nothing up into the thousands of dollars. I try to save money where I can; I format my own books and I make my own graphics and teasers. Maybe it's time to look into doing my own covers. Making graphics and teasers isn't free. It costs money to get high-quality photos to use - photographers deserve to get paid for their work also. Shutterstock isn't cheap.

Looking at my bank account today it became clear that something has to give. For the first time I didn't have enough in my savings account to pay off my credit card bill. That is unacceptable. I need to figure out some way to sell more than one or two books a month.

This summer has been especially expensive with covers and editing for two books. I love the way Saving Cassie turned out but I really hope it was worth the expense of a new cover and professional editing. I'm not complaining, just explaining how this whole indie thing works. I wish I could give my books away for free but I am not independently wealthy so don't look for that to happen any time soon.


Remember that the next time you click on that "one-click" button on Amazon.com. An indie author put way more into that ebook than the price you are paying. We pour our heart and soul into our work (at least I do) and the small price we ask for that ebook will in no way cover all the blood, sweat, and tears that went into getting that book ready for you.




Just some thoughts from the trenches...

Until next time,


L.A. Remenicky
Love Stories With A Twist

Saving Cassie Re-release Announcement

It's been decided - Saving Cassie will be re-released on October 5. It was an easy decision, October 5 is the one-year anniversary of Saving Cassie.

If you want to help with the blitz, please complete the sign-up form. I will send everything needed for the October 5 post a couple of days prior.

Saving Cassie Re-release Blitz Sign-Up Form

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since I first clicked on that publish button. So much has happened since then:

• I found a fabulous editor
• Invisible was released in January
• I signed up for my first author signing event (gulp!) Indie Unmasked
• I signed up for second author signing event to take place in August of next year - Books And Bourbon in Bardstown, KY
• Signed up for an author fair that will be November 8 here in Fort Wayne, IN
• Ragan's Song was written and sent to the editor

I have to say the life of a writer is never boring! While all of this was happening I was furiously making notes on other story ideas.

With everything going on I've been neglecting this blog but I will try to keep up with it. If you would be interested in being a part-time author PA, email me at remenickywrites@yahoo.com. It would involve setting up takeovers, helping keep track of winners and prizes, posting teasers and other things on my author page and in my street team. Nothing major, just enough to free up some of my time for the all-important writing. You would get arcs, swag, and whatever else I can think of.

Thanks for a great year! I'm off to begin formatting Saving Cassie for the re-release.

Until next time!

Happy reading...

L.A. Remenicky

Cover Reveal ~ Stronger With Him by JA Hensley

Wow, this is one hot cover! 

Title: Stronger With Him

Genre: Erotic Romance

Anticipated Publication Date: November 1, 2014

Author: JA Hensley

Synopsis

After breaking up with her abusive boyfriend, graduate student Rebecca Maio wants a man who is the complete opposite of her ex. When she meets her sexy new neighbor, Becca finds herself irresistibly drawn to the powerful and compassionate man.

Agent Colin Schaefer's in town for an investigation and needs to stay focused on his job, but he can't ignore the beautiful girl next door. For the first time in his life, the elusive man wants more with a woman, but he can't shake the feeling that Rebecca also needs his protection.

s their love strong enough to survive the secrets they're both bound to uncover? Or will her past and his job tear them apart?

This novel is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit and hot sex scenes and adult situations. If you love these kinds of things, then please, read on!

Add to your TBR

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22844675-stronger-with-him

About the Author

J.A. Hensley wrote her first books under the pen name, Savannah Leigh. Her novel, Wedding Dreams, was named an Amazon Best Seller. She loves smut of all kinds and is a reader first. J.A. is constantly working on a new project, whether it's writing or working in her craft room. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, and spends her days teaching college students about social work and human sexuality.

Books Published:

With This Ring (Wedding Dreams #1)

I Thee Wed (Wedding Dreams #2)

Wedding Dreams (Special Series Collection)

Connect with the Author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Savannah-LeighJA-Hensley-Author/511879988884673

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAHensleyauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8422874.J_A_Hensley

Website: www.authorjahensley.com

Revealed Release Day Blitz #BritniHill

Have you been waiting for Britni Hill's latest book? Well, your wait is over - Revealed is finally here!

Blurb: Angry and jealous. That’s the perfect way to describe Jason Parker. After feeling that way for so long Jason’s had enough. He’s starting to hate who he's become and his perfect facade is cracking. Jason’s blaming everyone but himself, he’s lashing out and the only thing that matters is numbing his own pain, doubt, and guilt.

In the aftermath of betraying his step-brother, again, Jason slowly begins to see that no one is perfect and you can’t be alone. He’s pushed his family away and used people, mostly women, to make himself feel better. If people let him walk all over them, why shouldn’t he? That’s always been his attitude but maybe it’s not right.

When his step-brother’s ex-girlfriend shows up, Jason can't deny the pull he feels toward her. His one steamy night with her as a teenager pushed him toward the downward spiral he’s been on. He knows he should keep his distance. But he can’t seem to stay away from the pretty brunette.

Corinne's changed since they were seventeen. She's no longer the spoiled brat out to be arm candy like her mother taught her. She sees something in Jason. Something he desperately wants to believe is real. When she pushes him to be better, he falls for her. His feelings for her are strong and he can’t ignore them forever. Once he gives in he gives it his all. He can only hope everyone is ready to see the real Jason Parker.

Anger, betrayal, jealousy, and love. Jason and Corinne are only letting one shine through.

Excerpt: “I doubt that’s true, honey. What happened with the girl you were dating last year?”

A harsh laugh that sounded a little more like a growl came from Blake’s spot across the table at the same time Tess gasped. Jason finally dared to raise his eyes and take them in. I should’ve stayed away. He was ruining something without even trying.

Blake moved his arm around Tess’ shoulders in a wholly possessive gesture. Tess just stared at him with wide eyes while he scrambled to come up with something to say to his mom that wouldn’t sound horrible and wouldn’t be a lie.

The tension around the table didn’t go unnoticed by David, though. He looked back and forth between the two sides of the table with narrowed eyes. He opened his mouth to speak as his gaze landed on Jason. His heart sank and he swallowed thickly. Admitting what an ass he’d been in front of his mom and one of the best men he knew but had also ignored wasn’t on his list of things to do.

Jason jumped when the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it.” He stood quickly from his seat at the table and practically ran from the dining room. His quick steps echoed in the entry way and he heard murmurs behind him.

When he swung the door open and saw a petite brunette, he’d never been happier or more relieved. He breathed out harshly and gazed into Corinne’s hazel eyes. She smiled unsurely at him.

“Thank God you’re here.” The words slipped from his lips without thought but they were real. He felt his cheeks warm. When her eyes widened and a startled look settled on her face, he decided since he was making a complete ass of himself, he might as well do what he’d wanted to do since seeing her on the porch.

Jason reached out and pulled Corinne into his arms, wrapping her up tightly, pressing her against him, and breathing her in. His body relaxed and he finally felt like he was able to breathe normally. She laughed lightly and hugged him back.

“And I thought this would be awkward,” she mumbled against his chest.

Author Bio: Britni is the author of Tears in the Rubble and From the Rubble which were originally released by Rebel Ink Press in 2012.  They have recently been combined and re-released as a second edition.  The first novel in her Western Palm series, Hushed, was released in March 2014.  Britni is a licensed cosmetologist and an admitted book addict.  She's been writing and reading since she learned how.  Britni’s inspirations come from the world around her.  Her love of music, movies, art, and people watching spark her ideas and help give them shape. Britni’s become a constant slave to the characters screaming in her head.

To stay up to date or for more information follow Britni on Facebook or Twitter @thatbritnihill.

You can also visit her website or sign up for her mailing list.

Another Author Event

No, I haven't forgotten about you. I've been diligently working on Saving Cassie and Ragan's Song in preparation for the October release. Saving Cassie first round edits are done and the file is back with my editor. I have just started the initial revising/editing phase on Ragan's Song - I hope to have the file to my editor soon!

Meanwhile, I have an announcement:

I will be taking part in an Author Fair in my home city of Fort Wayne at the Main Library downtown on November 8.

Hope to see you there!

Back to work now...

L.A. Remenicky