Contest and Giveaway. Andrew Q Gordon - The Last Grand Master

First, I want to thank Cheryl for hosting me today. I appreciate being able to speak to her fans and readers. For those who haven’t met me yet, I write epic fantasy. My current series – Champion of the Gods – is a five book epic fantasy work. Books One through Four are already available and Book Five is almost finished.

    

To introduce you to the series, I’d like to give everyone a free eBook copy of Book One – The Last Grand Master. And to pique your interest a bit more, I’m holding a gift card giveaway. If you sign up for my newsletter, you get a free copy of The Last Grand Master, a 35% off DSP Publication coupon and you’ll be entered to win one of three gift cards. Click the link below to enter the contest and get your free gifts.

Click HERE to enter the contest.

(The details are on the sign up page.)

Or keep reading for more details. If you already get my newsletter, thank you very much. But you can also get the 35% coupon and enter the contest by clicking the same link.

Want to earn more chances to win a gift card? Spread the word about my contest on social media. After you enter the contest, you’ll get a unique link you can share on social media. Every person who uses your link to enter the contest will earn you three additional entries. [Yeah, I get that might be confusing, email me if you have questions or click THIS LINK and you’ll be taken to a blog post on my site with info about the contest.]

If you want more information about the series and The Last Grand Master, click the image below and you’ll be sent to the series page on my website with more information about each of the books. There are video trailers for those who want something visual (Five points if you just said, “that’s not too abysmal, we can take in an old Steve Reeves movie) and information about the characters, geography and culture of the world.

 

I hope you’ll check out the series, sign up for my newsletter and claim your free gifts.   Enjoy The Journey!   Andrew Q. Gordon

Excerpt:

In the waning light of the summer sun, the four emerged onto the grassy plains. Without warning, the unicorns took off as only their kind could. Back home, with the wind rushing through his hair, Farrell laughed. He leaned forward, urging Nerti to run faster. Peering back, he saw Klissmor galloping with a determined glint in his eye. Miceral mimicked Farrell’s position, and his blond hair shimmered when it caught a shaft of moonlight from the newly risen moon.
For all his effort, Klissmor never caught Nerti. They reached the northern edge and had careened back when a powerful flare lit the dark sky from a spot above the gates. Farrell recognized the aura instantly. What did Wesfazial want?
“We’re being summoned back,” he told Nerti, not trying to hide his disappointment.
Nerti raced Klissmor to the front gate, and the pair arrived side by side. Farrell and Miceral quickly dismounted, and Farrell moved to one of the permanent Doors on this side. Careful to avoid the horn, he put his head to Nerti’s forehead and kissed her between the eyes, a thanks for the ride.
Smiling broadly, he waved to close the Door and took Miceral’s hand. Before they reached the gate, his smile drained.
“Honorus’s butt cheeks!” His curse earned him a stifled laugh from Miceral. “That man is always scowling at me. What is it now?”
When they arrived, Wesfazial, his face pinched and tight, “greeted” them.
“What in the Eight Gates of Neblor do you think you were doing?” He barely contained his anger. “You’re supposed to be resting, not off romping around at night on a unicorn’s back. And what demon possessed you to open Doors? You’re not supposed to be using magic. At all!” He paused for a breath, then turned his glare on Miceral. “And you. Not content to wound him, now you’re trying to kill him by not letting him rest?”
Farrell put fingers to lips and whistled loudly. When his mentor stared at him, he shook his head slowly. “Sometimes it’s better to ask questions before launching into a lecture.”
Wesfazial’s eyes narrowed, but he kept silent.
“Nerti healed me with her horn.” Raising both eyebrows, he waited a moment before adding, “I assume that’s all you wanted.”
“Um, no, there’s nothing else.” The older wizard shook his head as Farrell led Miceral inside. “Sorry, but I was apoplectic when I saw you four galloping about like that. Forgot about those unicorn horns.”
Laughing at the contrition, Farrell turned abruptly and put his hand on Wesfazial’s shoulder. “Sooner or later you’ll have to let go and realize I’m not the juvenile you met when you arrived.”
“It will take a long time for me to forget those days. I’m glad you’re all right, but be careful around this big oaf. He only looks slow.” Wesfazial gripped Miceral’s shoulder in his meaty hand before walking away.
   

About Andrew:

   


Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads and ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write. Since devouring The Lord of the Rings as a preteen, he has been a fan of all things fantastical. His imagination has helped him create works of high fantasy, paranormal thrills and touch of the futuristic. He also writes the occasional contemporary story.

He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband of twenty-two years. Together they are raising their pre-school age daughter and three dogs. Andrew tries to squeeze writing time in around his most important jobs, being husband and ‘Papa.’ Along with teaching how to kick a soccer ball or ride a scooter, he has become fluent in cartoon characters and children’s books.

To find out more about Andrew, his writing and his family, follow him on his website or on Facebook. You can also sign up for his monthly newsletter and get an exclusive short story only available to subscribers. Use the link below to join:

http://andrewqgordon.getresponsepages.com

Follow Andrew:

website: www.andrewqgordon.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon
Twitter: @andrewqgordon
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewQGordon
email: andrew@andrewqgordon.com

Books:

From DSP Publications: The Last Grand Master: (Champion of the Gods–Book 1) The Eye and the Arm: (Champion of the Gods–Book 2) Kings of Lore and Legend: (Champion of the Gods–Book 3) Child of Night and Day (Champion of the Gods—Book: 4) Purpose:

Self published: Ashes of Life

RELEASE DAY: Shade' s Champion

I was so sad when Wayward Ink closed and some of my favourite books were unpublished again. This is definitely among my top 5. I am so fond of Dory that I dream about hugging him :D

If you're looking for hot sex, look elsewhere, but if you want a sweet story about two broken boys who begin to mend each other with nothing more sexual than a kiss, then this is the book for you.

Author Name: Cheryl Headford

Book Length 214 Pages

Book Name: Shade’s Champion

Release Date: 15^th September 2017

Publisher: Extacy Books: Devine Destinies

Blurb

Sixteen-year-old Shade has spent years imprisoned in a dark cellar after being snatched off the street as a young child. Events since his release have left him traumatised and desperate to die.

Dory is a lively and engaging seventeen-year-old with mental health issues that make him a slave to his dangerously uncontrollable emotions.

When Shade comes to the secure children's home, Eastbrook; because no one else wants him, the manager appoints Dory as his champion, an appointment Dory takes very seriously indeed.

As friendship turns into something else, something new and exciting, they struggle to find their feet, but every step leads to more complication.

When a spiteful act separates them, it seems their love is doomed before it ever had a chance, but when Dory falls ill, it's up to Shade to pick up the standard and become his champion, although it might already be too late.

Meet The Author

Cheryl was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.

Cheryl has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.

Later in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re enactment group who travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.

It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.

In present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and menagerie of three cats, a dog and a dragon. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close.

Immersed, as always, in the world of fantasy, she maintains a burning desire to share the stories and these days it’s in the form of books which all contain her spark and unique view on life, the universe and everything.

Exclusive Excerpt

“Aren’t you going to at least try to bring his fever down?”

“We’ll keep an eye on it, but it’s one of the best weapons he has against the virus. It’s surprising how many defences the body can put up itself to invasions like this. Viruses and bacteria can’t survive in high temperatures, which is why the body raises it. Hopefully, the fever will break by itself over the next few days as the virus dies out.”

“And if it doesn’t?”

“If it gets to dangerous levels we’ll bring it down a little, but....” The doctor shrugged. “I’m sorry. I wish I could do more.”

When the doctor left there was silence, and everyone looked at Dory, who seemed to be sleeping peacefully.

“He doesn’t deserve this,” Mrs. Bowden snapped, and for a moment Shade thought she was mad with him, but she wasn’t; she was just angry. “After everything he’s been through, how hard he’s worked, he really doesn’t deserve this.”

“What does it mean?” Shade asked. He’d picked up on the grave tone and knew what the doctor said had been serious, but he didn’t really understand.

“It means that Dory’s very ill, sweetheart. He might die, but that’s not very likely. He might have... other problems.”

“Like what?”

“Like maybe he won’t be able to talk... or do all the things he does now, like reading and writing and.... He might not know who we are, or who he is, or have memory problems or... all kinds of things.”

“I don’t understand.”

“No one knows what’s going to happen, Shade,” Penny said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

     

Shade nodded. He could understand that... waiting. He’d done a lot of it.

Sales Link

http://www.devinedestinies.com/shades-champion/

Where To Find The Author

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Renewal. QSF's new Sci Fi Flash Anthology

 QSF has a new book out, the latest in our series of flash fiction anthologies:

 Re.new.al (noun) 1)
Resuming an activity after an interruption, or
2) Extending a contract, subscription or license, or
3) Replacing or repairing something that is worn out, run-down, or broken, or
4) Rebirth after death.

 Four definitions to spark inspiration, a limitless number of stories to be conceived. Only 110 made the cut. Thrilling to hopeful, Renewal features 300-word speculative fiction ficlets about sexual and gender minorities to entice readers. Welcome to Renewal.

Mischief Corner Books (info only) | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

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Excerpt

 Because these stories are only 300 words each, we’re not supplying long excerpts, but here are the first lines of several of the stories. Enjoy!

 “Griselda pulled the weeds from between the rows of Valerianella locusta plants in the garden, careful not to disturb the buds that would grow into the babies that were her only real income-producing crop.” —The Witches’ Garden, by Rie Sheridan Rose

 “I didn’t know how truly the world was in trouble until I went journeying to look for Anisette’s bluebonnets.” —Bluebonnets, by Emily Horner

 “The ship’s drive malfunctioned at the worst possible time.” —The Return, by Andrea Speed

“Before we continue, there’s a rather macabre fact about me I should share.” —Rejuvenation, by Christine Wright

 “When I died they buried me at the bottom of the garden and returned to the fields.” —Below the Hill, by Matthew Bright

 “The world is ending and I can’t look away from your eyes.” —Sunrise, by Brigitte Winter

“Losing one’s superpowers to your arch nemesis sucks donkey nuts, I tell ya. And trust me when I say I suck a lot of them.” —Rainbow Powers, by Dustin Karpovich

 “The day I was born again was damp, rainy—a good day for rebirth, all things considered.” —The Birthing Pod, by Michelle Browne

 “Intwir's twelve eyes roved over the container, taking in the cracked outer lock and the elasticated fabric stretched tightly over its exterior.” —In a Bind, by S R Jones

‘You’ve reached Androgyne HelpLine. Press one to start service. Press two to interrupt or cancel service. Press three—’” —Auto-Renew, by Ginger Streusel

 “The doctor tells me that my wife is dying, but I already know.” —I Will Be Your Shelter, by Carey Ford Compton

‘San Francisco was the first to go dark, followed by Los Angeles.’” —When Light Left, by Lex Chase

 “My fingers lingered on the synthetic skin, trailing soft patterns across my work.” —Miss You, by Stephanie Shaffer

Sales Links

Ebook:

http://www.mischiefcornerbooks.com/store/p123/Renewal%3A_Queer_Sci_Fi%27s_Fourth_Annual_Flash_Fiction_Contest.html

https://www.amazon.com/Renewal-Fourth-Annual-Fiction-Contest-ebook/dp/B074ZPB4ZM

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/renewal-27

https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2333692

https://play.playster.com/books/10009781386116653/renewal-j-scott-coatsworth

Print (b/w illustrations only)

https://www.amazon.com/Renewal-Fourth-Annual-Fiction-Contest/dp/1975654366/

Print (full colour illustrations. Est availability 16.09.17. Preorder now)

https://www.amazon.com/Renewal-Fourth-Annual-Fiction-Contest/dp/0998090336/

Included Authors

Nathan Burgoine
A.M. Leibowitz
A.M. Soto
Abby Bartle
Aidee Ladnier
Alexis Woods
Andi Deacon
Andrea Felber Seligman
Andrea Speed
Andrea Stanet
Anne McPherson
Bey Deckard
Brigitte Winter
Carey Ford Compton
Carol Holland March
Carrie Pack
Catherine Lundoff
CB Lee
Christine Wright
Colton Aalto
Daniel Mitton
Dustin Blottenberger
Dustin Karpovich
E R Zhang
E.J. Russell
E.W. Murks
Ell Schulman
Ellery Jude
Eloreen Moon
Elsa M León
Emily Horner
Eric Alan Westfall
F.T. Lukens
Fenrir Cerebellion
Foster Bridget Cassidy
Ginger Streusel
Hannah Henry
Irene Preston
J. Alan Veerkamp
J. P. Egry
J. Summerset
J.S. Fields
Jaap Boekestein
Jackie Keswick
Jana Denardo
Jeff Baker
Jenn Burke
Joe Baumann
John Moralee
Jon Keys
Jude Dunn
K.C. Faelan
Kelly Haworth
Kiterie Aine
Kristen Lee
L M Somerton
L. Brian Carroll
L.M. Brown
L.V. Lloyd
Laurie Treacy
 Leigh M. Lorien
Lex Chase
Lia Harding
Lin Kelly
Lloyd A. Meeker
Lyda Morehouse
M.D. Grimm
Martha J. Allard
Mary E. Lowd
Matt Doyle
Matthew Bright
Mia Koutras
Michelle Browne
Milo Owen
Mindy Leana Shuman
Naomi Tajedler
Natsuya Uesugi
Nephy Hart
Nicole Dennis
Ofelia Gränd
Patricia Scott
Paul Stevens
PW Covington
R R Angell
R.L. Merrill
Rebecca Cohen
Redfern Jon Barrett
Reni Kieffer
Richard Amos
RL Mosswood
Robyn Walker
Rory Ni Coileain
Rose Blackthorn
Ross Common
S R Jones
Sacchi Green
Sarah Einstein
Shilo Quetchenbach
Siri Paulson
Soren Summers
Stephanie Shaffer
Steve Fuson
Tam Ames
Terry Poole
Tray Ellis
Vivien Dean
Wendy Rathbone
Xenia Melzer
Zen DiPietro
Zev de Valera

Cursed by Kris Sawyer

TITLE: Cursed

SERIES: Alpha’s Warlock – Book One

AUTHOR: Kris Sawyer

COVER ARTIST: Sidney Lowell

LENGTH: 15000 words approx

GENRE: M/M, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

BLURB: Clyde Barrington is a werewolf with a curse on his head. Every night, he shifts from human to wolf and lives the life of a lonely predator, never fully accepted by his pack. When he saves a handsome stranger from a fire, everything changes.

In a world divided by the ancient feud between werewolves and warlocks, Clyde and Terry must learn to trust each other. When wolves start to disappear, their bond is tested by the fear of a pack now balanced on the edge of destruction.

Amidst a web of lies, deceits and betrayals, Clyde must decide where his loyalties lie, and choose between a forbidden love and the ties that bind him to his brothers. Is Terry an enemy to the pack, or the saviour that will lead them out of the darkness?

EXCERPT

The feeling of creeping heat, pleasant at first, began at Terry’s feet. He was dreaming of summer in Mississippi, where his boyhood had been spent in the sultry air of the southern bayou. The sheet that clung to his naked chest felt clammy and damp, but in sleep was no more than the humid brush of a vine against his forearms. He was unconscious by the time the exterior propane tank blew a hole, clear through his kitchen wall.

The alarm from the volunteer fire department called the villagers to action, but the house was fully engulfed by the time they gathered and hooked the canvas hoses to the hydrant. Being a member of the crew gave each volunteer a tax deduction and some pocket change, but the frightened group had always hoped never to be called to a genuine blaze. The real thing was so different from the annual training, which simply involved setting someone’s decrepit barn on fire and laughing about it later over a beer. They turned their hoses on the inferno and bent their backs to ensure it didn’t spread to the nearby barn. None made any attempt to enter the house, and few believed anyone inside could be left alive.

So focused were the men on their labors that they didn’t notice the shadow that crept quickly from the edge of the pine forest. The figure bounded on soundless paws, a sliver of moon catching gray fur as it paused before a shattered window, smoke belching from the jagged opening. In seconds, the shadow had disappeared over the sill.

Terry was oblivious to the powerful jaws that tore away the bedding, and did not feel himself being clutched by two sinewy forearms to the beast’s massive chest. It leapt from the window as the structural beams began to crumble, leaving a trail of blood against the broken pane that ripped at the animal’s side. Running on its hind paws, the animal carried its prize to the edge of the forest and laid the unconscious form gently on the ground.

As he slowly regained consciousness, all Terry could feel was a raw burning in his lungs and he gasped at the pain of each breath. Rolling to his side, he pushed himself to sit, bewildered at his surroundings. He was wearing only his boxers, and began to shiver uncontrollably in the cool of the autumn air. In the distance, he could see the flames licking at the roof of his house, and a dozen frantic forms scurrying like ants around its glowing perimeter.

A scuffling to his left brought Terry’s attention abruptly to the shaggy form that stood immobile between the towering lodge pines. The wolf’s eyes were fixed on his own, and fear shot down Terry’s spine as he scrambled to get to his feet. The wolf remained unmoving, staring intently at the man he had rescued but content to keep his distance. Smears of blood spread across Terry’s thighs but he could find no injury to account for their presence. It was only when the wolf bent to lick his wound that Terry could fathom a connection between his sudden awakening and the animal’s presence. He knew without comprehending that the wolf meant him no harm.

When it was clear that the man had recovered his senses, the wolf rose on his hind legs and gave an unearthly howl, shattering the silence between them. A distant voice returned the call and it was taken up by a dozen others, echoing through the trees and filling Terry with a blind terror. Closing his jaws, the wolf turned abruptly and was gone, lost to the darkness which was quiet once more.

Terry began his slow and painful return to a house that was now a steaming mound of embers.

REVIEW

Overall, this was a great little book. The premise wasn’t new, with a werewolf falling for a warlock who was not welcome among the pack due to a cruel war that was over but not forgotten. There was, however, quite a bit that was new – like the wicked witch with a penchant for torturing werewolves, and the warlock himself, who isn’t what he seems.

The writing is fluid and the characters have depth and colour, but I found that the story stuttered a little and suffered from the shortness of the book. There were some leaps that left me shocked and unconvinced. If the story were extended and more time taken over unfolding the paranormal elements, especially in the last battle, it would be nudging an extra .5*.

Apart from that my only complaint is that the dialogue had a tendency to slip into preachiness at times of high tension, such as Terry’s speech to the pack and Beatrice’s speech at the end. It wasn’t a huge deal, but I think it distracts from the impact. On the other hand, there were some absolutely beautiful descriptions, like this one which describes what it feels like to go through the change.

Coming back to human form sucks the joy right out of your soul like your best friend just died or your lover walked out on you and you know he isn’t coming back.

I don’t intend the criticisms to be seen as huge flaws. A novella is what it is and the story is never going to be as full and fluid as a full novel, but there is a lot going on here for the amount of words. One thing I can guarantee, is that you won’t be bored. The book is full of action, with plenty of surprises. If you like shifter/paranormal stories you’ll love this little gem

~~ BUY IT NOW - http://amzn.to/2wcw630 ~~

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36068143-cursed

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kris Sawyer is the pseudonym of Sid Love, who has written several books in the M/M Romance genre but with the Alpha’s Warlock series, he intends to introduce a new world of supernatural beings that will intrigue the readers.

Sawyer grew up in one of busiest cities in the world, Mumbai, listening to the excerpts of Indian epics from his father every night. He is a Potter-head and loves a good mystery in the books he reads.

Alpha’s Warlock is Sawyer’s dream project that he’s been working on forever!

New Release: Honey and Heat by Rian Durant

Author: Rian Durant

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: September 4, 2017

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Category: MM, Romance, Contemporary

Word Count: 60400














Blurb:

Linden has only one thing on his mind a few days away from Christmas—his pending university exams. That is, until he meets his neighbors’ son who has returned for the holidays. Brice Stevens is gorgeous, but he’s insufferable.

It’s Linden’s first love, and he falls hard for Brice, despite Brice’s occasionally aloof and cool behavior. It’s an emotional ride for both of them while Linden takes a crash course in real love and Brice learns to trust in a relationship.

Buy links:

NineStar Press ||Amazon.com || Amazon.co.uk || Amazon.de|| Smashwords 

REVIEW

I was given this book by a friend to read as holiday reading. As such, I didn’t make notes so this review is perhaps not as detailed as others. I wasn’t asked to review but I have done so because I like this book very much, especially as it is not one I would have chosen myself.

There is little darkness in this lovely story of a sweet, shy boy crossing the path of the rich, jerk son of the couple he’s pretty much adopted as his own family. Linden is a lovely character to read. He’s sweet and caring but not overly so. He very much has his own mind and he’s no pushover. Even though Brice is older, much richer and more successful there is no real emphasis on a power imbalance because on a personal level there isn’t one. Linden is comfortable in his own skin (probably more so than Brice) and with his current life situation.

Both characters have their own loyal circle of friends, with their own lives, characters and issues, and they all blend together in a delightful tapestry.

Of all the characters, I have to say, I like Brice the least. Even though he is a MC, he is a complete jerk. Yes, there are reasons for it, and yes, he (kind of) redeems himself at the end, but to be honest I put up with him because Linden loves him so much. Personally, I don’t think he deserves Linden and I would have LOVED to see Linden end up with Kai. That being said, I’m sure everyone who reads will make up their own minds about all the characters as there is certainly enough depth to get your teeth into.

The author is not a native English speaker, although that is by no means evident in the writing generally. However, it might explain why the book reads a little oddly in places. This is not a major criticism but something that might flag up for some readers.

All in all, this was a lovely, story, full of fire and sweetness or, as the title says Honey and Heat. It doesn’t rock my foundations enough to be a 4.5 or 5 but it settles at a very well deserved 4. As a holiday read, you couldn’t get better, and it’s a perfect, easy read for the cold winter nights in front of the fire when you need something to warm the cockles of your heart.

Author Bio

Rian is one of those who are both blessed and cursed by the insatiable desire to write, primarily M/M (insert more Ms if you like) stories. Always having a plot in mind is hard when having a day time job but Rian manages them currently, assisted by the priceless support of her soul mate, lots of coffee and pure obstinacy. What makes Rian smile is anything that could be the reason for that spark in the eyes, accompanied by the exclamation: “Oh my, I just saw something!”

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