Background of the Book by Luki Belle – Guest Post and Giveaway

June 26, 2023 By 11 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Luki Belle will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Background of the Book

The Delicate Affair of Colonel Baquiste (TDACB) is a story from a fictitious colonization era set within two fictitious nations, Hastan and Llehstanz, nevertheless, the human elements showcased in this novel are very real and pertinent to our current times.

I wrote TDACB because of my personal life experiences having been born and grown up in post-colonial countries, having been on the receiving end of hate, racism, and prejudice. Call it a means to self-heal with an aspiration to believe that it is possible to overcome prejudice if we recognize that in our human imperfections lie the opportunity for change and the power to choose towards a positive outcome. If we were perfect and absolute, change would not be possible, if we all put our anger out into the world it would be destructive. But, if we helped ourselves compassionately, we would inevitably help others positively. It all begins with self-healing and the means to do that is to learn to change our psychological masks by allowing ourselves to immerse in another person’s world, to view the world through a different lens, to take off, even if momentarily, any forced uniform and imposed roles and to disguise ourselves, if only to catch a glimpse of our own former self and to understand the world from a different perspective.

In TDACB, the Colonel goes under disguise to fulfill a military mission while immersing himself in the same society that was conquered by his nation, by the military of the Llehstanz Monarchy. Under the disguise of naturalist Gulaan Dasmire, is the Colonel able to see his actual self (Valstohl Baquiste) and begins to reconcile Valstohl’s tragic past. The persona of Gulaan and Valstohl are examined by the Colonel only in disguise which ultimately leads to Colonel Baquiste’s delicate change of heart and allows him to reconcile his past grief.

Things could have gone very differently for the Colonel if he chose differently. What I beautifully learned while writing TDACB, which holds true to my personal experience is that positive messages are never the loudest. They are usually the gentle nudges you get in the journey of life, coaxing you into choosing towards beneficial progress. I depict this in several ways throughout my novel (no spoilers), to nudge the Colonel into accepting something he has been consciously, subconsciously, and unconsciously denying or has been avoiding. In contrast, I have found from my personal experiences that negative factors scream the loudest and the Colonel sure had his share of tragic events that impacted him.

All the other characters in TDACB are also forced to choose. Master Jeshn Yervaan’s choice mattered the most and I have found myself asking many times how I would have chosen differently if I were him. Important to note that there were domino effects from decisions that were made by Colonel Baquiste and Jeshn Yervaan. This is also pertinent to our lives because we do not exist in isolation, and we must try our best to assess how our individual choices can affect those directly and indirectly connected to us. We are all empowered in some way or another to choose. Even a child is empowered to choose as is shown by the Hastana boy Chamcham who is at the center of the tense relationship between Gulaan (Valstohl) and Jeshn. While the boy is impacted by choices made by the adults around him, he too is empowered, and he makes a couple of bold and brave decisions.

Now to choose we must observe first, and this is another important aspect in TDACB. The act of observation is a key trigger to most events in the novel starting with a very subtle act of observation hinted at, at the very beginning, which is explained at the very end. I believe that what we observe is impacted as much as we who are observing are impacted. An observation does not have to last for minutes or hours, it could be in a matter of seconds, and it is about what gets transpired, in that split moment, by what observes you or what you observe. Our brain is super powerful, and it does make very fast decisions. See if you can identify the key observation trigger that started off the story for Colonel Baquiste when you get near the end.

Layering upon the theme of observation and in conjunction with the act of being in disguise, the Colonel is able to observe himself objectively as Valstohl while being in disguise as Gulaan. Many monologues are possible for the Colonel only through this means and it is ultimately his way to reconcile tragedy and prejudice.

Finally, in the path to self-healing and or reconciliation it is important to be empathetic to oneself as well as to others who impacted you negatively. To do this one must try to imagine. It is easy to create the negative story about what is unknown to fill in the gaps, the brain does not like gaps, and it will create its own story to be able to happily put away something that is nagging or is open ended. In TDACB, I intentionally create a latitude for the reader to be able to imagine the past of the characters and the events that could have led to an outcome, which the Colonel experiences. The reader can imagine Valstohl Baquiste’s military past, the Yervaans’ past, what led to Lieutenant Colonel Brune Farmagash’s decision in chapter 13. Even the Colonel is forced to imagine what happened to his father and what decisions could have led to the fateful night at the Yervaan palace many years ago from the present moment in the story.

Imagination keeps us alive, and it can also get us into trouble, but it has the beauty and the potential to make us empathize with another when we do not know what led to another human’s actions and words. Imagination is a powerful tool if we can use it positively.

The setting: two fictitious nations, Hastan and Llehstanz, in a past imaginary era of colonization.

The Llehstanz Monarchy won its final battle over Hastan to colonize the nation after years of war. The battlefield charge was led by a reputable, young, ruthless, and handsome Colonel Valstohl Baquiste. Highly skilled but equally arrogant, he holds a prejudice against the people of Hastan. Tragically, Colonel Baquiste was unexpectedly attacked during the last battle leaving him physically disabled. Realizing his military life is over, the embittered Colonel Baquiste awaits his dismissal to return to Llehstanz. However, he is offered a second chance for victory.

Colonel Baquiste is called back to military duty on a secret mission. He must go alone in disguise to capture elusive thugs terrorizing the Llehstanzite regiment. In accepting the mission, Baquiste realizes he is no longer fighting an enemy on a battleground when he travels to stay at the palace of renowned Southern Hastana landowner, Sir Bojeshnomaan Yervaan. Yervaans’ sinister nature ensnares Baquiste while the delicate assignment compels him to confront his tragic past and his prejudice against Hastanas. If the ambitious Colonel wants victory, it will require him to use not just his grit but also his heart.

Enjoy an Excerpt

I would take your place if you ordered me Valstohl. You still have five hours to get on that ship and go home. Let Masim clean up this mess on his own reputation, this is not your problem. And if you fail then he will just find another officer and keep trying. Your life is not worth this! Go home, start a family, you are the only Baquiste heir. Don’t take this mission!

About the Author:Luki Belle works in the media industry. Storytelling was a fixture from childhood when she would listen to stories told by her grandparents, parents, sisters, and cousins who would read to her from diverse cultural fiction books. Growing up, Luki was fortunate to live in various parts of the world and experience beautiful cultures. During this time, she embraced and appreciated diversity among people while recognizing through love, overcoming pain, or grief, one can truly bond with others leading to unimaginable positive outcomes.

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Friday Five Writing Prompt Challenge for June 23, 2023

June 23, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Each Friday, Long and Short Reviews hosts a weekly five word writing prompt. For more details on how to participate, please click here.

Today’s five words to use as your prompt are:

equal, clear, return, producer, forget

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Balancing Life and Writing by L.A. Morton-Yates – Guest Blog and Giveaway

June 22, 2023 By 10 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. L.A. Morton-Yates will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Balancing Life and Writing

Like most people, my life is a balancing act. I have 3 kids, a wife, a house, school, a job, and my writing. I’d be at risk of understating if I simply said my life was “busy”. So how do I keep up with it all? Do I ever sleep? How have I not gone crazy?

Sometimes, I wonder that myself. It is easy to get overwhelmed with everything, and when that happens, something always starts to slip. Even if for a few days I think I’m managing everything ok, I soon realize that I’m only barely hanging on—and moving quickly toward burnout. It’s a constant struggle, but here are three things I’ve learned about how best to keep your head above water and do some writing, too.

1. Be Intentional with your Time

As things start to get crazy, it’s tempting to try to tackle things only as they come up—after all, if you keep treading water, you can’t drown. But if you want to do more than just survive—you want to create—you need to do better than that. It might sound like adding extra work, but deliberately scheduling your time (even your rest and recovery time) can go a long way to make space for the things you want to do. When you take a look at how much time you spend on everything in a given day, chances are you will find that you’re wasting more time than you realize on things that aren’t a) making progress on your goals or b) helping you relax and recuperate.

For a lot of people, a frightening amount of time goes down the drain by scrolling on social media or flipping through short-form video content. But what are you actually gaining from this time? It’s obviously not productive time, but for most people it isn’t actually relaxing either. I can’t remember how many times I used to get off of social media more irritated or stressed than when I got on. If this is you, I definitely recommend reconsidering this use of time. You could instead use this time to read a book, play a game, exercise, or write. So long as it’s something that you genuinely enjoy, you’ll feel a lot better about it and the time won’t have been wasted.

2. Find Regenerative Down-time

As I implied in my above point, this looks different for different people. Some people can read a book and feel recharged after doing so. Some people can exercise and feel energized by it. Some people can play a video game and feel their stress melt away. The point is that you need to find what does this for you and, importantly, to be honest with yourself about it. If something doesn’t actually help you recuperate, you can’t use it here.

For me, video games have historically been common means of procrastination. Even so, I’ve found that when I’m really stressed, sitting down with the right sort of game (one that actually relaxes me, instead of adding to my stress) for 20-30 minutes can make a huge difference in my mental and emotional state. This obviously isn’t always available—life comes first, after all—but knowing this allows me to use video games as a tool to de-stress when I do find the time.

3. Write at Every Opportunity

I don’t generally have the luxury of sitting down for an uninterrupted 2 hour stretch of writing. For me, writing happens one word, one sentence, and one paragraph at a time. I set myself a word-count goal at the beginning of the day, and through little bits here and there throughout the day, I do my best to get it done. If I set myself goals that are both ambitious and reasonable, it can really add up.

So what does this look like exactly? I use a standing desk at home, and in between chasing my kids around, I sneak in a sentence at a time. At work, I use those periodic quiet moments where others would be browsing Amazon or scrolling on social media to add a few new lines of dialogue. It might not sound like much, and it isn’t as exciting as making a lot of progress all at once, but when you look back on it, you’ll be surprised by how much you got done.

That’s about all I have space for (although I have been known to prattle on this particular subject). But what about all of you? Any tips or insights you’d like to share? Please let me know in the comments!

A Shade. A Storm. A Soul.

Cursed with forbidden knowledge, 19-year-old Dela must hide her secret from her nomadic tribe or face exile into the frozen wasteland of the Bitters. When she becomes separated from her people during a blizzard, a mysterious and dangerous wanderer named Talon promises to help her find her way back to them. She quickly learns that nothing is what it seems, that her curse may actually be a gift, and that the Bitters are far more dangerous than she could have imagined.

Packed with unexpected twists, Bittersouls is a mixture of survival, adventure, and slow-burn romance that is sure to get your heart pounding.

Enjoy an Excerpt

A Shade

Something moved at the edge of the horizon. It was like a shadow, black as a cloud but moving fast across the snow plain. Time seemed to stop, but Dela could feel herself sliding forward as if she were standing on a lake of ice. Freja was still yelling, but she couldn’t hear her. Her arms were flailing, but Dela hardly noticed.

A wave of lights moved in front of the thing, jumping and turning, quick as sparks. It was like a field of quails fleeing into the sky before a coming wolf, but the wolf—the shadow—followed them. The closer it got, the more the shiver racked her spine. She knew exactly what it was, though she’d never seen one. No one in the congregation had. There were no stories. No whisperings. Only a name.

“Shade.”

Freja stared at her, bewildered into silence. Perhaps she was going to speak, but then—

“Shade!”

About the Author:A life-long lover of the magic of storytelling, L.A. wrote his first story at the age of 7 and has been writing ever since. Speculative fiction, particularly fantasy, has always held a special place in his heart for the uniqueness of the places and the questions it can address. Though veiled by apparent strangeness, he has always seen it as capable of revealing deeper truth about our own reality.

L.A. graduated from Montana State University in 2015 with Honors in Biochemistry and a minor in Music Composition. This helped nurture his critical thinking and research skills which continue to be instrumental to his writing. During his collegiate years, he also met the love of his life, Julie, whom he later married. At once his greatest supporter and his staunchest critic (when he is wrong, which is more often than he’d like to admit), she has been an integral part of his creative process ever since.

In February of 2018, L.A. became the father of his first son, Griffin. His second son, Tiber, was born in December of 2019 and his third son, Malachi, was born in January of 2022. Though life has become considerably busier since he became a family man, L.A. continues to work on writing in what little spare time he can find. He hopes to one day pass on his love of literature to his sons.

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The Cobbler by Steve Madden – Spotlight and Giveaway

June 22, 2023 By 8 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Steve Madden will be awarding $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Everyone knows Steve Madden’s name and his shoes, but few are familiar with his story. Over the past thirty years Steve Madden has taken his eponymous shoe company from the fledgling startup he founded with a mere $1,100.00 to a global, multi-billion-dollar brand. But Madden’s mistakes, from his battle with addiction to the financial shortcuts that landed him in prison, are as important to his story as his most iconic shoes. In this raw, intimate, and inspiring book, Madden holds nothing back as he shares what it took to get here and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Readers are treated to the wild ride though his rise, fall, and comeback. But they will also walk away uplifted by a man who has owned up to his mistakes, determined to give back.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Jordan called me The Cobbler simply because I was obsessed with shoes. But to me it means so much more than that. A cobbler puts the various pieces of a shoe together: the upper, the lower, the lining, and so on. But a real shoe guy knows that shoes are made of more than just raw materials. The inspiration behind the style is just as important and includes references pulled from music, pop culture, and whatever else is going on in the zeitgeist. The result is a shoe that’s not just comfortable and well made, but that says something about the person who is wearing it.

I got a thrill out of pulling these various pieces together to create my most iconic styles, from the Marilyn to the Mary Lou, the Slinky, and, more recently, the Troopa. But I’ve used the same techniques to piece together a team of mostly outsiders, hires that make no sense individually but that are amazingly effective together. And though it’s hard to separate the company from my life, that’s been pieced together, too, and thanks to my kids and friends and the people I love, it’s now mostly whole.

So, which one am I: the egomaniac, the trend spotter, the entrepreneur, or the visionary? What about the family man? Honestly, they’re all true. I’m the same flawed person I’ve always been. In fact, the more successful I’ve become, the less sure of anything I have grown. When I was young and just starting out, I thought I had all the answers. Hard work and money were all that mattered. Success at all costs would be worth it. Now, I’m not so sure. I have money. I have success. And I’ve paid for it by losing years of my life and people I loved. Was it worth it?

About the Author:

A man who wears many hats-and shoes-Steve Madden cannot be described in one word. He is an entrepreneur, an award-winning designer, and a business titan whose eponymous company is currently worth 3 billion dollars. On the flip side, he is an ex-con, a recovering addict, and a devoted family man. Over the past thirty years, the provocative shoe designer built a booming brand and nearly lost it all to The Wolf of Wall Street, only to rebound by giving back and creating a global empire. Through it all, he hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings or his core consumer, resulting in millions of adoring fans worldwide. Considered the fashion footwear mogul of the twenty-first century, Madden has an innate sense of what’s hot, what’s next, what’s exciting, and more importantly, how this will translate to the customer. He is also an active philanthropist and mentor who supports a number of organizations that help those in need of a second chance.

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Curve Appeal by Lucy Felthouse – Spotlight

June 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Lucy Felthouse who is celebrating the recent release of Curve Appeal, a standalone contemporary reverse harem.

An exciting opportunity could solve all Brianna’s problems. But will it ultimately create more?

Brianna Denton is a primary school teacher at the end of her tether. Budget cuts, changes in legislation and a pandemic have left her feeling like walking away from the only career she’s ever wanted. The trouble is, if she did quit, what would she do next? Living in London is expensive, and keeping on top of her rent and bills while retraining would be nigh-on impossible. An offer to move in with her best friend, Joel Harris, is appreciated, but feels way too much like charity for her liking.

But then Joel throws her a curveball. On a complete whim, he’s bought a fixer-upper cottage on a remote Scottish island. He wants to transform it into an uber-luxury holiday home and rent it out. To do that, however, he needs a skilled, reliable workforce and a project manager to keep things running smoothly. A visit to the island in question provides as many questions as answers, but one thing becomes clear – Brianna is the perfect woman for the job. She’s smart, organised, works well under duress, and if she can handle a classroom full of young children, surely a bunch of skilled tradesmen won’t be a problem. Working and living in such a stunning setting is a massive plus point, too.

Brianna takes a leap of faith, leaving her home and beloved career behind to help turn Joel’s dream into a reality. It’s a steep learning curve, but Brianna is definitely up for the challenge. But when working relationships develop into something more, will it bring the entire project crashing down around her ears, or is it simply the beginning of a whole new life?

Enjoy an Excerpt

Brianna smiled as she caught sight of Joel, already waiting for her outside the pub. His job as a high-flying London City banker meant he put in some insane hours at work, but he ensured he was always available and on time for their last-Friday-of-the-month meet up at their favourite Thames-side establishment. Not only was it a lovely place, but the location was perfect for them both—it was just far away enough from Joel’s work it was unlikely he’d bump into any colleagues, and close enough to the primary school Brianna taught in that she could tie up any loose ends and scurry the short distance to meet her friend in no time at all. Today she’d had quite a few loose ends, which always seemed to be the way lately, and was a few minutes later than she’d planned, so was scurrying more quickly than usual, not wanting to keep him waiting any longer than necessary.

He hadn’t spotted her yet—he was leaning against the wall, one expensively-shod foot propped up on the bricks behind him, his head tilted up to the early spring sunshine, which even this late in the day was surprisingly strong and picked up the few lighter strands in his dark hair. He’d removed his tie—knowing him, the moment he set foot outside his office building—the end of which poked from the pocket of his black trousers, and rolled up the cuffs of his subtly-patterned shirt to expose most of his forearms. The look was casual, relaxed. Handsome.

In a parallel universe, she and Joel might be a couple, off travelling the world together, or perhaps married and getting ready to settle down and have a couple of kids. Maybe they’d have started early and had the kids already. And a dog.

In this universe, however, they were best friends—had been since their first day of senior school at the tender age of eleven. And while Brianna thought Joel handsome, it was in an impartial, stating a fact way. She wasn’t attracted to him, and it wouldn’t have made a difference if she was, because in this universe, Joel was as gay as they came—a fact she hadn’t realised she’d already known, until at eighteen he’d sat her down, his expression serious, and said he had something to tell her.

Her heart had pounded, and a sick feeling had taken over her stomach. Thoughts started racing through her head—was one of his parents ill? Was he ill? Was he moving away? Unable to cope with the internal onslaught of negativity any longer, she’d said, “For Christ’s sake, Joel, spill the beans, would you? You’re freaking me the fuck out.”

His seriousness had morphed briefly to annoyance, then resignation. He’d taken in and released a deep breath, then, “Bree, I wanted you to be the first to know… I’m gay.”

A sound somewhere between a squeak and a giggle had escaped her lips before she could stop it. She’d clapped her hand over her mouth for a second, then removed it and burst out with “Oh, you idiot!” before landing a playful slap on his arm. “Is that all? I thought you were going to say something bad. That something terrible was going on. Thank God.”

Joel had frowned. “So you… don’t mind?” He’d paused, narrowed his eyes. “You don’t seem surprised.”

She’d shaken her head. “Of course I don’t mind. Why the hell would I mind? I’m not a homophobe. If blokes float your boat, so be it. As long as you’re happy, I couldn’t give a toss. And, for the record…” it had been her turn to pause, “I think I’ve known for years.” She nodded as long-forgotten jigsaw pieces began slotting together in her head, then shrugged. “Yeah. I have. Years.”

And now, twenty years later, their friendship had endured—flourished, even. Weathered storms, and basked in sunlight—much as Joel continued to do as she grew closer. Her smile widened, and she was glad she had on flat shoes—not only did it make both her job and the short walk from the school easier, it also meant she had a good chance of creeping up on Joel, maybe scaring the shit out of him as he sunned himself. They might be approaching forty, but when they were together, they often acted as immature and idiotic as they had when they’d first met. Yes, they were getting older, but they sure as shit weren’t growing up.

Respective partners had come and gone, most of them never able to comprehend, much less tolerate, hers and Joel’s unique friendship, but as their jobs, and other friends and family kept them busy and fulfilled, singledom had never particularly concerned either of them. As far as she was concerned, at least, what would be, would be.

She enjoyed the sunshine on her skin as she closed the gap between them, then held her breath as she came within a couple of metres of Joel before flinging herself forward and grabbing onto his nearest finely-muscled arm. “Gotcha!”

He yelped, jumped, snatched his arm away and opened his eyes in a hilarious sequence, then clutched his chest and gave her a good-natured glare, his blue eyes glinting. “Fuck’s sake, Bree! You’re lucky I didn’t swing for you, then. I thought someone was trying to rob me.”

“That’ll teach you to wear ludicrously expensive watches,” she replied with a snicker.

He glanced wryly at his Patek Philippe, then looked back at her with a grin. “Touché. Come on,” he turned around, slipped his arm through hers and led her into the relative gloom of the pub, “for that twattishness, first drink’s on you.”

She couldn’t argue with that reasoning. It was still worth it, though, to see the look of pure panic cross his face. She stifled further giggles, not wanting to inspire her friend to order the most expensive drink he could think of, purely to get his own back. While top of the range watches were easily within his budget, she’d had to save up for a mid-range Fitbit.

A few minutes later, with drinks in hand, they sat down at a table on the terrace overlooking the river and took simultaneous sips of their chosen beverages. Brianna swallowed the mouthful of chilled white wine, then, without meaning to, let out a long, contented sigh.

Joel raised an eyebrow as he swigged his beer, then said, “Sounds as though you needed that. Tough week?”

“Hmm. You could say that.” She fidgeted in her seat, getting the uncomfortable inkling she’d opened a can of worms she’d have preferred was left undisturbed.

“Oh?” His other eyebrow jumped up to join the first. “Do tell.”

She stared out over the river, screwed up her nose and wafted a hand in his vague direction. “No, no, it’s work stuff. Boring, really. Not worth talking about.”

“Bree.” He grabbed her hand, drawing her attention to his face. His expression was earnest, his gaze intense. “Maybe it is boring, but it’s clearly bothering you, so I want to know about it. I’m your best friend, remember? If you can’t tell me, who can you tell?”

She squeezed his hand, then pulled hers away, picked up her glass and took a gulp. Swallowed, then groaned. There was no putting the lid back on the can—she might as well come out with it. “Oh, all right. It’s just… I don’t know… I think I’m getting a bit fed up of teaching.”

Joel spluttered into his pint, drawing querying glances from a few of the people at tables adjacent to theirs. Ignoring them, Joel put his drink down, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and gaped at her as though she’d grown a second head. “What? But you… you love teaching!”

About the Author: Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures, Eyes Wide Open, The Persecution of the Wolves, Hiding in Plain Sight, Curve Appeal, and The Heiress’s Harem and The Dreadnoughts series. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 170 publications to her name.

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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge for June 21, 2023

June 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Each Wednesday, Long and Short Reviews hosts a weekly “blog hop”. For more details on how to participate, please click here.

Today’s topic is: Things I Like/Dislike About the Romance Genre

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Rodeo Clowns and Showdowns by Trixie Silvertale – Spotlight and Giveaway

June 20, 2023 By 6 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Trixie Silvertale will be awarding a $75 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Front row seats to murder. Thousands of eyewitnesses. Can our psychic sleuth trust her own eyes?

Mitzy Moon is loving life after the honeymoon. And as part of their agreement to try new things, she’s happily whooping it up at the local cowboy competition. But the newlyweds get roped into yet another investigation when their date night ends with a dead rodeo clown.

As her new husband’s history with the prime suspect’s wife tests all loyalties, Mitzy struggles to balance jealousy with keeping her man out of the hoosegow. And now she’ll need saddlebags of extra help from her mentor, Ghost-ma, and her entitled feline to unhorse the ruthless culprit.

Can Mitzy and Erick wrangle all the clues, or will spurious accusations bring a deadly showdown?

Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns is the second book in the hilarious new paranormal cozy mystery series, Harper and Moon Investigations, a spinoff from the popular Mitzy Moon Mysteries. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s bucking brainteaser.

Buy Rodeo Clowns and Shakedowns to lasso a killer today!

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Grams, for the millionth time, I’m not going to wear a cocktail dress and Jimmy Choos to watch a parade at the over-heated, sweaty end of June!”

“You’re the one who said ‘no’ to the sundress and the strappy sandals. That outfit would’ve looked fantastic with your snow-white hair twisted into a few soft curls. Once you turned that one down, what did you expect me to do?”

I roll my grey eyes heavenward and sigh. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe I was living under the foolish fantasy that you would choose shorts, a T-shirt, and some comfortable canvas tennis shoes!”

“And waste all this gorgeous clothing?” Her apparition dims with disappointment.

Lying flat on the padded mahogany bench in my museum for fashion, I stare up at the cedar-lined ceiling and toss out my objection. “Look, Grams, I’m not looking to impress anyone. I’ve already landed my once-in-a-lifetime guy.”

Ghost-ma lived her life to the fullest, and that definitely included a laundry list of ex-husbands — with no regrets. She passed on her joie de vivre to me, but I prefer to keep my list to one.

“Don’t be so quick to judge, sweetie. No one knows what the future holds.”

“Grams! I feel like we’ve had this discussion more times than necessary. You know the rules! If these lips aren’t moving, you’re not allowed to comment. Absolutely no thought-dropping.”

Before I can continue my lecture, our resident fur baby slinks out from under the bench, rises on his powerful hind legs, and drops something on my bare leg.

The feel of it against my skin is unpleasant, and I tilt my head up from the bench to get a better look . . .

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About the Author:

USA TODAY Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries and Harper and Moon Investigations, and she’s thrilled to write them and share them with you.

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Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

June 19, 2023 By 53 Comments

Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Historical, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age
Rated: 4
Review by Rose

Michael’s story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.

This is the continuation of the author’s previous book A Reservoir Man (reviewed here) and was thoroughly enjoyable. Michael has learned through his life about living his authentic life, and now he has the chance to pass on what he has learned.

Ron is a young man who is drawn to Michael from the first. Even though it took a while on Michael’s side, he recognized a need in Ron. This is the story of their journey – not only in life, but throughout the United States and Europe as well. It’s part memoir, part road trip story told in a stream-of-consciousness style. Not only do we get to take a road trip with two interesting people, we get to see Michael relive a trip he once took, but we get to see Ron learn more about who he is as a human being. And, their platonic life together is bookended by the roadtrips.

I loved the relationship that develops between Michael, an older gay man, and Ron, a straight man. The lessons that Ron learned, that Michael shared, are universal in scope. Not everything is smooth sailing in their relationship, especially when things are discovered but, because of that, it’s a very realistic look at friendship, mentorship, and relationship.

Thanks, Mr. Ambrosio, for a further look into Michael’s life. 4 stars.

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Secrets of the Cozy Mystery Genre: A Journey into Whodunits with a Twist by Kirsten Weiss – Guest Blog and Giveaway

June 19, 2023 By 5 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kirsten Weiss will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Secrets of the Cozy Mystery Genre: A Journey into Whodunits with a Twist

My favorite genre to read and write is the cozy mystery—a world of charming small towns, clever amateur sleuths, and tantalizing puzzles that keep readers captivated until the final page. It all started when I picked up my first Agatha Christie, the queen of cozies.

Here are some of the secrets that make cozy mysteries so uniquely beloved among readers.

The Quaint Setting: One of the signature elements of cozy mysteries is the idyllic and picturesque setting. Whether it’s a cozy coastal town, a charming English village, or a quaint countryside, the setting becomes an integral part of the story, almost like a character itself. Readers are transported to a place where neighbors know each other, tea is always brewing, and a sense of community pervades the air.

The Amateur Sleuth: Unlike traditional mysteries, cozy mysteries feature amateur sleuths who stumble upon crimes and take it upon themselves to solve them. These relatable and endearing protagonists may be librarians, tearoom owners, Tarot readers, or even retired school teachers—ordinary people with an extraordinary knack for uncovering secrets. Their amateur status adds an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the stories.

Whodunit with a Twist: While the cozy mystery genre typically eschews graphic violence and gore, it compensates with intricate puzzle-solving and engaging plot twists. Readers are challenged to unravel the mystery alongside the amateur sleuth, sifting through clues and red herrings, until the final reveal leaves them gasping with surprise and satisfaction. Cozy mysteries are all about the intellectual thrill of putting the pieces together.

An Engaging Cast of Characters: From quirky best friends to eccentric town residents, cozy mysteries are populated with a colorful array of characters who add depth and humor to the narrative. These secondary characters often have their own secrets and quirks, creating a rich tapestry of relationships that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

Themed Coziness: Another secret ingredient of cozy mysteries is the incorporation of cozy elements that readers can’t help but fall in love with. Whether it’s the inclusion of mouthwatering recipes, tea rituals, knitting circles, book clubs, or gardening tips, cozy mysteries offer readers an escape into a world of comfort and relaxation, where everyday activities become an integral part of the narrative.

The Power of Connection: Cozy mysteries foster a sense of camaraderie and connection between the reader and the characters. As we follow the amateur sleuth on their journey, we become emotionally invested in their lives, their triumphs, and their struggles. We celebrate their victories and feel their heartache, forging a bond that keeps us coming back for more.

Whether you’re curling up on a rainy day or seeking a comforting escape from the hustle and bustle of life, cozy mysteries offer a delightful refuge where puzzles are solved, justice is served, and the human spirit triumphs.

My newest book, The Mysteries of Tarot, is experimental mystery fiction: part Tarot guidebook/part murder mystery. It’s a supplement to my Tea and Tarot cozy mystery series, which begins with Steeped in Murder. And it’s ostensibly written by Hyperion Night, the Tarot reading half of the series’ amateur detecting duo.

Happy sleuthing!

The Mysteries of Tarot: A Work of the Imagination

How to Read the Cards for Transformation
When Tarot reader Hyperion Night sent his manuscript, The Mysteries of Tarot, to a friend to edit, it was a simple guide to reading Tarot. Hyperion couldn’t anticipate that his editor’s notes would evolve into a murder mystery, or that his friend would go missing. Shockingly, the annotated manuscript eventually made its way back to Hyperion, who forwarded it to the authorities.

Now this astonishing Tarot guide is available as a book. The Tarot guidebook features:
• Tarot basics―How to manage different interpretations of cards in a spread, how to read court cards, and a clear and simple method for dealing with reversals.
• Detailed card breakdowns― Keywords, flash non-fiction narratives, and a deep dive into the symbols of each of the 78 cards of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
• Questions to apply to the cards for transforming your life―Insightful questions for each card to help you dig deeper into your Tarot reading practice.

Bonus feature: the guidebook also includes his editor’s comments on the more esoteric and philosophical interpretations of the Tarot, as well as his notes on the baffling mystery that engulfed him.

Gain deep insight from the cards, transform yourself, and solve The Mysteries of Tarot with this work of experimental fiction that’s part Tarot guidebook, part murder mystery.

Enjoy an Excerpt

The Moon

Messages from the unconscious. Mystery. Confusion. Dreams. Illusion.

Last night, I dreamt of a departed aunt I’d had a contentious relationship with. She walked down the hallway of my apartment and sat beside me in the living room.

Suddenly I remembered she was dead and understood I was dreaming. But instead of the dream ending, like it usually does when I become aware, we talked—the kind of talk we’d never been able to have when she was alive. She apologized for some things she’d said and done and helped me understand why she’d said and done them. And her reasons weren’t awful. They made a lot of sense.

I apologized too, because I hadn’t been innocent in the turn our relationship had taken. We forgave each other. I woke up feeling lighter. Free.

The Symbols

I’m still not sure if it was “only” a lucid dream or a visitation from my relative. I don’t know if it matters. It was all very lunar, very moonlike. And not just because the Moon card can represent dreams. Moons with their waxing and waning also represents illusion and confusion, messages from the subconscious crawling up out of the muck like that lobster creeping from the water in the card. A dog and a wolf, representing the refined conscious and the more primitive subconscious, howl at the moon’s light.

And all of those things had been at play in my life. I’d created a false—or at least incomplete—story in my mind of the cause of my estrangement from my relative (illusion/confusion). But the truth bubbled up from my subconscious in last night’s dream. If it hadn’t, I’d still be carrying that burden.

What Does This Card Mean for You?

When the Moon card appears in a Tarot reading, it suggests we may not be seeing things clearly. But the truth is out there — or in there, as the case may be.

How can you bring your subconscious impulses or knowledge into conscious light? The road between the two towers in the card is long, dark, and winding. Have patience. Be brave.

Notes: The Moon

44 As to The Moon, I feel like I’m swimming in it. At first my father’s death seemed like an accident, a fall from the balcony outside his bedroom. He’s been drinking more than usual lately. But the servants swear he wasn’t drinking that night. And the balcony railing is low. He could have fallen by accident.

I keep replaying our last conversation. Had he been thinking then of taking his own life? Was that why he’d come to see me? Because he knew I’d been a failure when I’d tried my hand at self-deletion? Maybe he wanted me to talk him out of it?

I don’t understand. But I’ll try to keep up with the daily edits, where I feel I have something to add. I need to keep my mind busy. -T

About the Author:Kirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries, and now a Tarot guidebook that’s a work of experimental fiction. Her heroes and heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop.

Kirsten is best known for her Wits’ End, Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, and Tea & Tarot cozy mystery books. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…

Twitter | Website

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AUTHOR PROMO OPPORTUNITY! Our 16th Anniversary Bash!

June 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews is having a big 16th Anniversary Bash!!

This celebration is for all fiction genres we feature and review (romance, erotic romance, YA/Middle Grade, Mystery/Suspense, SFF and mainstream fiction) as well as non-fiction books (memoirs, self-help, etc.) and poetry, and will run August 21 – 25, 2023. We expect a huge turnout, with thousands of visitors, just like we’ve had every year on our anniversary! It’s a chance for some significant exposure. We’ll also be heavily promoting on all our social media accounts. Additionally, this year we’ve partnered with Goddess Fish Promotions to help promote the event even more!

Along with several other prizes, we plan on giving away at least two $100 Amazon/BN GCs, and several smaller Amazon/BN GCs, all of which are sure to be a draw. Number and dollar amount of prizes will be based on participation. The more authors who participate, the more and bigger prizes we’ll offer and the more eyes on YOUR book! So… share this invitation everywhere 😊

To win one of the $100 GCs, we’ll be posting a blurb, book cover and buy link on a post, and in order to earn entries, our visitors must read the blurb and answer a question on a rafflecopter. The idea is that they’ll be intrigued by what they read and buy your book! Author participation will cost $5 per book, but you will receive a $5 credit toward any cover ad or service offered by Long and Short Reviews or by Goddess Fish Promotions. So, it’s practically free!

For the other $100 GC, we’ll be offering social media spots for participating authors. Our visitors may enter by visiting you (Facebook page) or following you (all other social media). Each social media link will be an additional $1 fee.

It’s easy to participate. Simply complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/41804468836160

If you have any questions, please email us at lasreviews@gmail.com

Thank you,

Marianne and Judy

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