Be Warned: spanking, light BDSM, public exhibition
Sparks fly when two art lovers find common ground. When his ruthless life threatens to tear them apart, he must choose between all that he desires and keeping her safe.
Blurb
Life is passing Nadia Duskin by from her position in the mailroom. It only fulfills two necessities, keeping the repo man away and keeping her up to date on her sexy CEO.
Ethan Wright is prepared to frighten and fire the nosey girl who sorts his company’s mail. After engaging with her at one of his favorite places in the world, he digs deeper.
Together, they find the kind of pleasure that could keep them satisfied for a lifetime. Her love may be the key to putting both of their lives back on track, but to what end? When a man he’s been contracted to kill threatens Nadia’s life, he forces her to face reality. Either they’ll delve deeper into the desires neither expected or they may die trying.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
When I picture Ethan, James Bond comes to mind. He is mysterious, handsome, and has an aura that demands attention.
What a man!!
He also has a sweet side which can’t be resisted. Plus, the man likes Mexican food (my favorite cuisine) so I can see why Nadia fell for him. He is rather delicious, like the food he eats. 🙂
Nadia, she is also sweet in a naive sort of way.
She also wants to please him which makes her the perfect sub.
Tristan Pleasance is a ghost whisperer extraordinaire, but talking to his living father is another story. Family conflict prompts Tristan to bolt from his lifelong home in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to make a new life in New Orleans. But six months later, a family tragedy forces him to return home and he is thrust into a murder investigation where his past and future will collide.
Grace Lansing is a New Orleans columnist who yearns to write feature articles rather than puff pieces. To prove herself to her editor, she travels to the quaint town of St. Francisville to research their big Mardi Gras Krewe competition. But what seems an innocent cultural practice quickly turns into a web of intrigue—and getting too close to the handsome Tristan puts her in danger of becoming collateral damage.
Together, Tristan and Grace must find out who is responsible for the murders—before the Krewe of Souls is trapped forever.
Krewe of Souls is the third book in the Southern Ghosts Series by Elaine Calloway. The setting is in New Orleans and St. Francisville, Louisiana, a quaint town with a haunted reputation. The book is a romantic suspense for adults.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
I, myself, have never had my palm/tarot cards read or visited a psychic. I’m not sure if the gift really exists or if it’s a scam to pray on people’s hope and wallets. However, if the ability to see the dead exists, I think using it to help solve murders should be utilized every chance we can get.
In this story, Tristan uses his gift with the aid of a reporter to uncover the truth behind five murders (six if you count the beloved family dog).
As mysteries go, Elaine pretty much spelled it out who orchestrated the murders and why. However, I don’t think the murders were the main plot of this story. For me, I thought Elaine was showing us the reconnection of father and son. Maybe I’m wrong but their failed relationship was the bigger focal point for me. The death of Tristan’s mom was the reason why Tristan came home, why his father and him faced their differences, and why their severed bond mended — stronger than ever.
1.
Welcome, Diane Burton. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?
(Diane)My husband and I live in West Michigan, close to the Lake Michigan shoreline. We have two grown children and three grandchildren. I write action/adventure and romance in various sub-genres: science fiction romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries. When my children were getting ready for college, I decided it was my turn to do something for myself. Since I’m an avid reader, I thought it was time to write down those stories that were always running around in my head. It took ten years for my first book to be published then another ten for the next one. Since 2011, six more books have been published.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
(Diane) Good question. If I’m stuck on one story, I’ll work on another. I usually have more than one story going at a time. By stepping away from the one giving me fits, I can go back to it more relaxed. I also think about the story before drifting off to sleep. Somehow, the problem works itself out during sleep.
Contrary to what some people envision about a romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
(Diane)I’m retired from a job outside the home, so my favorite thing to do is play with my grandchildren. I like to read and watch movies. As much as I like to garden, bad knees make it difficult. Now I’m more of a “sidewalk” supervisor to my husband who puts a lot of effort into “my” garden. I also like to quilt. Time is my enemy, though, so I haven’t been quilting much. Recently, I hauled out my sewing machine to make clothes for my granddaughter and for her American Girl doll. We moved two years ago (for the last time!). I’m still trying to find places for our belongings.
4. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?
(Diane)I know what you mean. At first, I was embarrassed to say I was a writer. The inevitable question was “are you published?” and I’d have to say no. Then I would respond “not yet.” Now I’m proud to say I’m a writer. And, yes, I am published. My family is very proud of my accomplishments and like to tell others. My oldest grandchildren (5½ and 8) know I’m a writer. They also know they have to grow up before they can read my books. However, we do write stories together. They tell me what to type then we print it out and they illustrate. They have great imaginations.
5. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
(Diane) Wow. Ten? Usually, I have to limit it to one or two, which is so difficult.
Jayne Ann Krentz (Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle)
Linnea Sinclair
Janet Evanovich
Daphne duMaurier
Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb)
Linda Howard
Bob Mayer
Maris Soule
Marilyn Baron
Agatha Christie
6.
If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
(Diane) My first mystery, THE CASE OF THE BYGONE BROTHER. I’d cast Katherine Heigl as PI Alex O’Hara. For Nick Palzetti, I’d cast Bradley Cooper.
7.
Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.
(Diane) LOL Nothing secret about it. I’m working on the 2nd Alex O’Hara book, THE CASE OF THE
FABULOUS FIANCE. Alex is a PI in a small Lake Michigan resort town. She’s up to her ears in trouble again. It’s in the revision stage right now. Percolating in the back of my head is the 4th book in my sci-fi romance Outer Rim series THE SPY.
8.
Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?
(Diane)My books can be found at most online retailers. Here’s the link to my author page on Amazon, which lists all my books. http://amzn.com/e/B00683MH5E
The Outer Rim series can be read in any order as they are all standalone books that take place in the frontier of space. If you want to read them in the order in which they were written, start with The Pilot. The Switched trilogy is best read in order: Switched; Switched, Too; Switched Resolution. The Case of the Bygone Brother is the only Alex O’Hara book currently available. And One Red Shoe is a standalone.
9.
Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?
Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
(Diane)It’s never too late (or too early) to start a writing career. You have to have perseverance to be published. Since it usually takes a long time to find a home for your book(s), enjoy the process.
Thanks, Kam, for having me on your blog today.
Ladies and Gents, I hope you enjoyed my interview with Diane Burton. If you have any questions or comments for Diane, by all means, leave her a message below. But before you do, lets check out my review of The Case of the Bygone Brother (An Alex O’Hara Novel) first. Shall we? 🙂
Alex O’Hara finally gets a case that will give her bottom line a much needed boost. She might even be able to change her diet from ramen noodles to prime rib. All she has to do is track down a man who’s been missing for over ten years. Piece of cake . . . until an old flame arrives and a mugger roughs her up with orders to back off.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
I love detective stories and especially when it’s a woman in the sleuth role. What can I say…us chicks have to stick together. 🙂
This story wasn’t set back in the 20’s or 40’s but it had the vibe of those decades. Case in point: the usage of the word “dame” and some of the lingo. Ex. “Another fine mess you’ve gotten me into.”
Yes, when I read this, I didn’t visualize it in technicolor. No, in my mind, this story was classic black and white.
As with the classics from the time periods above, this story had tons of mystery, comedy, sexual tension, and a big DUN-DUN-DUUUUN!!!
Yeah, as you can tell, I totally dug this detective story and want to find out where Nick and Alex go from here. I’m sure you will too after reading it. 🙂
The second book in the new Southern Ghost Hunter mysteries.
A haunted library is no place for a girl who can see ghosts, but when Verity Long stumbles on a dead body in the middle of the main reading room, she has to believe someone…even a dead someone…must have witnessed the crime. Her ghostly sidekick Frankie warns her to stay out of it. The very alive, very handsome deputy sheriff, Ellis Wydell, inadvertently places her directly in the middle of it. And her ex-fiancé, Ellis’s brother, is back with an agenda of his own. Undaunted, Verity presses forward, uncovering scandalous secrets, long-forgotten ghosts, and a shocking trail of clues that places her directly in the path of a killer.
From the cover to the characters to the the mystery unraveling throughout the pages, this book screams….. FUN, FUN, FUN!!
And the award for FUNNIEST CHARACTER OF ALL goes to………Maisie. She reminds me of the Granny from The Beverly Hillbillies. (I attached the photo in case you are too young to remember the show or simply never watched it.)
See, “Granny” is packing heat just like Maisie. It makes me wonder if Angie had her in mind when she wrote the part.
Folks, trust me, you’ll be entertained by this story. It has ghosts, poltergeist, murder mystery, a scandal cover-up, and one pet skunk. 🙂
1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?
(Destiny) Hello! I’m a romantic suspense/thriller author, and oh boy, do I love saying that! My life is simple. I work hard, dream big, and play often. I live in Botetourt County, Virginia with my husband and son. I strive daily to be the best wife, mother, and writer that I can be. I want happily-ever-after. I want to believe in the basic good of the world. At the end of the day, I want to be proud of myself! That’s me. Pretty boring, right? I started writing as an outlet to horrible teenage hormones. Lol. It is, and has always been, my escape from reality.
2. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
(Destiny) I take a break and reread what I’ve written. Usually, I get lucky and that puts me back into the story. If that doesn’t work, I read something else and come back and try again.
3. Contrary to what some people envision about a romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
(Destiny) When not writing, I’m a chauffeur for my son to and from every sporting event imaginable. I clean house, wash clothes, try to exercise (ha ha), watch TV, and read. It is a rare thing to find me without a book in my hand. And, that is pretty much it. Like I said, I’m so boring! 🙂
4. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?
(Destiny) Yes, everyone close to me knows I write. I am fortunate to be surrounded by very supportive family and friends. My writing career began as a community journalist, and I have been lucky to have features about my novels in the paper I used to work for. Because I live in a small town, almost everyone knows I write. I hope their thoughts are something like: That Destiny Booze is one of the most talented romantic suspense authors I have ever read. **wink, wink**
5. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
(Destiny) Oh yes, it is a long list. Some of my favorites are Tami Hoag, Dean Koontz, Allison Brennan, Dana Marton, Debra Webb, J.R. Ward, Harlan Coben, Erica Spindler, Lisa Scottoline, and Lisa Gardner.
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
(Destiny) I would choose my newest book, Against the Game. I would love to see Theo James play Eric, because I’m crushing hard on him with the release of the Divergent movies. For the heroine, I would cast Brittany Robertson. I think she can come across as both vulnerable and tough, which fits Lacey.
7. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.
(Destiny) I am working on a romantic thriller about a deaf girl whose twin sister goes missing. I don’t have a title for this one yet. Be sure to throw any ideas my way! 🙂
8. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?
(Destiny) My books are available online at most stores. I have one series available, but those stories can also be read as stand-alones. I have them all listed on my website with blurbs, excerpts, book trailers, and more for anyone interested.
9. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?
(Destiny) Absolutely. There’s a contact page on my website, or you can email me directly at destinyboozeauthor@gmail.com.
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
(Destiny) Yes! I just had a book released on 9/4/15 called Against the Game. I’m excited to hear what readers think of it!
First, I want to thank Destiny for sitting down with me. It was a great pleasure learning more about you and your creations.
Next, for those visiting us, I hope you enjoyed the interview and took a moment to watch the trailer for Against The Game – the story I am reviewing today.
Below, Destiny and I have provided a SNEAK PEEK for the story of the hour.
Enjoy and, as always, comments – questions- or simple HOWDY is welcomed and appreciated. Come on, ladies and gents, lets show Destiny some love!!
Eric Teague is moments away from making history. Thanks to him, the world of gaming is about to experience technology like it has never seen before. When his new establishment, Against the Game, opens, playing video games will be a thing of the past.
At Against the Game, players experience the game as if it is real in a virtual reality. There is no TV, no console with wires and controllers. The game feels absolutely real. Kids get so much more than puppeteering cartoonish characters through a game of basketball. No matter the person’s health or physical ability, they will be the characters in a world without limits and they will experience what it is really like to compete as a pro ball player.
During test trials, kids called Against the Game “amazing,” “fantastic,” and “miraculous.” One kid declared it was the best experience of his life. Indeed, everyone knew it was going to be something big enough to alter the whole gaming industry. For Eric, it meant a long awaited dream come true.
But, all too soon, reality breaks into Eric’s moment when something goes terribly wrong. He and his best friend Lacey get trapped in the virtual reality of the supercomputer behind his establishment. It is definitely no longer just a game. The danger is real. The consequences are real. And, Eric and Lacey’s fight for survival is more than real.
To live, they must win, and to win, they must overcome the biggest challenge of all: to trust and to love.
There were more than a couple snakes, more than ten, upwards of even hundreds. There had to be thousands of them. The dirt of the tunnel was hardly visible beneath the reptiles. Indeed, the floor looked as if it moved.
It would be impossible to walk through them without getting bit. Would he have time to hit the button before he died in the game? He had to get out before the venom killed him. That was the only way he would survive.
He looked down at his bare feet and cringed. No matter, he had to do this! There was no other way out of there. He had to get to that red exit button so he could save Lacey and Paula. Nothing else mattered.
Why wouldn’t his damn feet move?
Taking a deep breath, he strived for courage. He pictured Lacey in his mind, reminding himself what he was doing this for. She needed him and he would not let her down.
After one more breath, he took one hesitant step forward, burrowing his foot slowly down between the snakes, feeling for the floor. He had to use his toes to ease in between them, even scoot a few out of his way. If he could manage not to hurt them, maybe he could avoid a bite. Maybe.
He had to force himself not to jerk away from the feel of the snakes sliding against his bare foot. This was absolute torture. It was hell.
Finally, he placed his foot to the floor and moved forward with the next foot. One step was down and he wasn’t bitten. He tried to move as little as possible, but he was helpless against the trembling that violently shook him.
Eric didn’t consider himself a coward. Only an idiot wouldn’t have been scared. He was smart enough to know he was probably one step closer to his death.
His foot hit the floor again, so he attempted step number three. He held his breath through the next few steps when he felt some very large snakes in the mix. It had to have been a python. At least that kind of snake wasn’t poisonous. The bite wouldn’t kill him. It would just cause a lot of pain.
Eric winced when he felt a sharp pain just above his left ankle. It was a snake bite. He tried hard not to jerk away, afraid that would cause more bites. It hurt so badly. This snake didn’t give a quick bite and recoil. No, it bit and started chewing.
Without any other choice, he ignored the pain and kept going, dragging the snake along. His next step was wobbly and he stepped down on a snake. It bit, a quick attack this time, not clinging to him like the other one. Then, he felt another bite. Maybe it was a different snake or maybe it was a second bite from the same one.
It was time to get moving. Going slow wasn’t working anymore.
He quit worrying about where his feet went and started moving faster. Leaping over the snakes and landing softly became the new strategy. He had to get to that exit sign as quickly as possible.
The snakes continued to bite him with just about every step he took. He kept close to the wall and used one hand for balance so he didn’t fall. If he went down, he wouldn’t get back up.
He started feeling nauseous. His head started swimming and he had to lean on the wall more and more as he went. Who knew what kind of snake venom he had in his blood stream by now? He knew one thing was for sure. He didn’t have much time or he was not going to make it to that button.
The distance seemed more and more impossible to him even though he was now three quarters of the way there. He didn’t think he would make it before he passed out. He hated damn snakes. He did not want to die this way!
His feet grew slick beneath him and Eric knew the moisture was blood, his blood. His hands began to tingle and he realized he had bites there as well. Were these stupid snakes jumping now?
Three more steps and he went down. He couldn’t help it. His legs just gave out. He had no choice but to start crawling.
The reptiles went into a biting frenzy, attacking him everywhere at once, and he let out a scream. Many of them stayed attached, flopping against him. The pain was everywhere now. He couldn’t distinguish one bite from the next. He hurt all over.
This was a terrifyingly for-real horror movie scene. He couldn’t think of a more horrific way to go out of this world, but he didn’t stop. He couldn’t. He had to keep moving! It was definitely a miracle that he made it to the end of the hall, but he did. The exit button sat above his head, ready for him to push it, but he couldn’t get up. He tried. The tingling that was in his hands had spread everywhere. He was numb, whether from a side effect of venom or from a state of shock, he couldn’t be sure. “Come on!” he growled at himself. He tried again, digging his fingers into the wall to pull himself up. Again, he thought of Lacey. He couldn’t let her die because of his creation. That was unacceptable to him. He shook violently, but his body did rise. He used his very last burst of energy to slam his fist into the exit button. Then, he let himself fall into unconsciousness.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
I’ve seen virtual reality plots played out in books/movies before but Destiny took the idea and cranked it up a notch. This world would most definitely be any true gamers’ wet dream; that is after version 2.0 comes out.
Original copy had some features that would scare most people. Ex. gigantic spiders, huge-ass ants, and pain.
See, no fun. That’s why 2.0 is needed, if not for others reasons……….
I won’t go into too many details because I don’t want to spoil the ending but there’s more potential to Against the Game (game) that even Eric had envisioned.
Eric is a brilliant man. This is a brilliant book and I am officially a FAN of Destiny Booze.
