A Life Through Books

Monday, December 23, 2024

Teaser Tuesday: Dominic by Marteeka Karland #teaser #excerpt #motorcycleclubromance #comingsoon #romance #rabtbooktours @changelingpress @RABTBookTours
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(Grim Road MC)


Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap

Date Published: December 27, 2024

 

 

I’m sergeant at arms of Grim Road MC. When I decide a woman is mine? She’s mine.

 

Annie -- I’m seriously starting to question my life choices. The truth is, even though I was practically homeless and living on a meal a day most of the time, I’m vastly better off now than I had been. Unfortunately, stubbornness doesn’t pay for shelter. Or even food, if you can believe it. I have a job at a local diner, but it’s still hard to survive. Which is how I find myself in a bikini contest. If I make it out of this situation, I’m never doing this again. Yet somehow I end up in bed with the most wicked, dangerous man I’ve ever met. And why does he call to me like nothing else ever has in my life?

Dominic -- The things I let my vice president push me into… I’m not a people person on the best of days, but somehow Lemon talked me into being a judge at a the local bikini contest. She says it’s to give the club some positive community exposure, but I’m pretty sure she’s just trying to get me laid. Too bad every woman here’s young enough to be my daughter. I’m a protective guy by nature and have a bit of a soft spot for vulnerable women. It’s one of many reasons Rocket made me sergeant at arms for Grim Road MC. Unfortunately, my protective instincts kick in when my co-judge gropes one of the contestants. The shock on the young woman’s face and the panicked way she flees the stage prompts me to act without considering the consequences… and that’s how the fight starts…

 

 


EXCERPT


“I’m too old for this fuckin’ shit.” It was true, too. At forty-eight years old I was definitely too old to be judging a bikini contest. Especially not after as much beer as I’d consumed. Though I knew better than to touch without invitation, I was just as likely to say something equally offensive. But at least, maybe I wouldn’t get myself arrested.

“Me too.” The guy beside me was every bit my age and then some. He looked like the standard West Palm Beach retiree. Too much on the spray tan, too much on the hair transplants, and a little soft around the middle. He was also probably wealthy enough not to care about the going to jail part when he groped a young woman. Guy likely had a couple of the city’s finest in his pocket in the case of something so trivial as touching a woman inappropriately without permission. Like in the middle of a bikini contest. Fucking bastard. “Don’t mean I’m not enjoying every fucking second.”

A huge smile on his face, the guy reached out -- just as I knew he would the second he’d sat down next to me at the judges’ table -- and ran his hand up the inner thigh of one of the contestants. The girl sidestepped her way deftly out of reach and gave the guy a mock reproving look. Like it was all a big joke when I knew she’d reacted the way she had by pretending it hadn’t bothered her that a strange man had been headed to the promised land without her permission. I’d always thought it was disgusting what women put up with sometimes. This was a prime example.

“No touching,” I snapped at the guy. I was only here because I’d let Lemon bully me into participating. Something about acting as security near the stage and looking good for the club in the community… Oh. And about me needing to get laid. Which, while I didn’t disagree with her, I didn’t want a child in my bed. These girls were all supposed to be at least eighteen but were young enough to be my daughters. I thought back to Tina and my own daughter, Calista. Calista was married to my enforcer and was probably only a couple of years older than some of these girls. So, yeah. I knew grandparents who were my age. Tina was probably laughing at this whole situation from heaven. If she thought about me at all. I thought she might and I was determined to not do anything to make her ashamed of me. Which made this a colossal waste of time if Lemon was trying to get me hooked up. But I’d be Goddamned if I wouldn’t put this guy in his place.

“Fuck you, man.” The guy didn’t even look at me. Instead, he reached for another woman walking past our table. This one obviously wasn’t used to being in these sorts of things because she started when his hand slid up the back of her thigh to squeeze her ass before she could get out of his grip. She whipped around with a startled cry and the guy just laughed. “That’s right, baby girl!” he yelled up at the young woman to be heard over the whoops and hollers. “Come to papa!”

The look on her face said she hadn’t expected anything like this when she entered this contest and had no idea how to handle the situation. Which meant she’d probably either been tricked into entering, or she was desperate. I wasn’t sure which to hope for, and I wasn’t sure which made me more angry.

“Touch her again, I’ll rip your arms off. You damn sure won’t touch her after that.” I actually bared my teeth. Which wasn’t something I’d normally do. I prided myself on my cool head. I was methodical and planned each move as carefully as I could. I also listened to my instincts and factored them into my decisions. This time, however, I hadn’t even thought about my move; I’d just acted, practically snarling like a rabid wolf. Also, I meant every single word. If he touched that girl again, I’d follow through with my promise.

“What the fuck, man? Why else would I be here if not to enjoy the show?” He gave me a cocky -- if a bit nervous-looking -- grin. “They all like it or they wouldn’t put themselves in this kinda thing.”

It took all my restraint not to wait until he touched the girl again -- and I knew he’d at least try -- and just beat the fuck outta him right now. “I’m not repeating myself. You’ve been warned.”

“Fuck you.” The guy sneered at me before reaching out to run his hand up the same girl’s calf.

This time she jumped back, a panicked look on her face that sent a spike of fury through my chest. I reached out to the guy, fully intending to knock his hand off her. Instead, I grabbed the back of his head and shoved him face first into the edge of the stage. There was the crunch of bone, a spray of blood, and Mr. Handsy dropped to the ground and didn’t move.

The girl on the stage gasped, slapping both hands over her mouth in shock. She looked from me to him and back before turning and fleeing the stage.

“Fuck.” I hadn’t meant to scare the girl and, for some fucking reason, it made my chest ache worse than my anger at imagined reasons for her being in this contest in the first Goddamned place.

All around me, men were still cheering, either not noticing the interaction between two of the judges or not caring. I kept my eye on the fleeing girl so I could see exactly which way she went. I caught the number on her hip indicating her contestant number. I’d find out her name before I left this place, then I’d give that shit to Crush or Byte and they’d find her for me if needed. Oh, they’d moan and groan and tell me they needed more, then after a bunch of grumbling and even more pizza, chips, dip, chicken wings, and anything else they could get Evelyn and Gina to make them. Which meant, I’d be bribing the women to make everything all in one go so I got my information faster.

Making my way through the crowd of horny men in their twenties, I headed in the direction I’d watched her leave. Still, no one said anything about the guy I’d just dropped. Were these fuckers for real?

Wait. Of course they were for real. I’d just answered that question when I’d made the judgment they were horny men in their twenties. Every ounce of blood flow that should have gone to their brains had likely gone straight to their dicks. Given the link between sex and violence, those guys wouldn’t notice anything short of a bomb blast.

I hurried around the stage and saw her. Leaning against a concrete wall next to the women’s bathroom. She had her hand over her stomach, and then she leaned forward and vomited.

“Sweet God above.” Another woman emerged from the bathroom in a skimpy bikini like everyone else had on. She gave my girl a disgusted look, her tone of voice irritated in the extreme. “Girl, you’ve got to get a hold of yourself.” She snickered. “If I curled up in a pile of puke every time someone grabbed me on stage, I’d never get through even one contest.” She scrunched up her nose. “Not like you were ever going to win anyway.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder, then twisted her ass toward the back of the stage. My girl sobbed as she finished vomiting.

I froze where I was as she fell back on her ass. She was half naked -- her bathing suit didn’t cover much -- huddling on the ground in a protective ball as she cried.

“Girl? He hurt you?” I knew he hadn’t, but I had no idea what her mindset was.

She shook her head but didn’t say anything.

“Girl? Need a verbal answer.” I stepped closer to her, careful not to spook her. I wasn’t sure how long I had before someone realized Mr. Handsy at the judges’ table was unconscious, or worse, and came looking for me.

“No.” She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and stood to her feet. “I just wasn’t expecting anyone to touch me.”

“He shouldn’t have.”

She looked up at me with large, hazel eyes. “You hurt him.”

 

About the Author

Marteeka Karland is an international bestselling author who leads a double life as an erotic romance author by evening and a semi-domesticated housewife by day. Known for her down and dirty MC romances, Marteeka takes pleasure in spinning tales of tenacious, protective heroes and spirited, vulnerable heroines. She staunchly advocates that every character deserves a blissful ending, even, sometimes, the villains in her narratives. Her writings are speckled with intense, raw elements resulting in page-turning delight entwined with seductive escapades leading up to gratifying conclusions that elicit a sigh from her readers.

Away from the pen, Marteeka finds joy in baking and supporting her husband with their gardening activities. The late summer season is set aside for preserving the delightful harvest that springs from their combined efforts (which is mostly his efforts, but you can count it). To stay updated with Marteeka's latest adventures and forthcoming books, make sure to visit her website. Don't forget to register for her newsletter which will pepper you with a potpourri of Teeka's beloved recipes, book suggestions, autograph events, and a plethora of interesting tidbits.


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Author on Instagram & TikTok: @marteekakarland

Author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/experiencethemagicmk

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

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Friday, December 20, 2024

Book Blitz: Craving of the Sands by Cearnach Grimm #folklore #fantasy #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
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A Runebreakers Novel

 

Folklore / Fantasy

Date Published: September 24, 2024

Publisher: NervousRocket


 

An Amazon #1 bestseller. A Barnes & Noble Bestseller. A Kobo Bestseller.

 

Wilhilm Grindtosser just wants to keep his rampaging magic under control, but when a gnomish gadget called the EyeStone broadcasts his latest magical disaster to the entire city, he becomes an accidental celebrity. Fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be—especially when it comes with dark whispers, sudden combustions, and shadowy villains.

Now, Wilhilm and his misfit crew must uncover the EyeStone’s secrets before it destroys everything they care about. Can they save the day? Or will Wilhilm’s magic go haywire at the worst possible moment—again?

 

For fans of Terry Pratchett and absurd, laugh-out-loud adventures, this fantasy romp promises a wild ride through a city where magic and mayhem collide.

 

About the Author

Cearnach Grimm is an author of fantasy and science fiction. He worked as an international journalist for more than ten years, writing more than 1,500 articles on things like rabbit breeding and Egyptian tombs. But, above all, he believes in the health benefits of chocolate cake.

 

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Thursday, December 19, 2024

Book Blitz: Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car by Pashko R Camaj #memoir #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
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Memoir

Date Published: August 15, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media


 

The memoir, Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car, recounts a story shared by many immigrants who are in pursuit of the American dream. Through intertwining his personal experiences with those of his ancestors, the author guides readers through his formative years and journey to adulthood. At the age of twenty, Pashko Camaj and his twin sister, Drita, travel from former Yugoslavia to Mexico with the goal of reaching the United States. They cross the border hidden in the trunk of a large American car into California, seeking freedom and opportunity. Locked in the trunk, memories flood in and dreams begin. Told in beautiful prose, the memoir portrays the heroic spirits of its characters, radiating rays of hope in a harsh world. As a first-generation immigrant, he grapples with feelings of guilt for departing from his motherland, the very land his predecessors had fought and labored for. The weight of his choice to leave lingers, prompting him to question whether he has betrayed his forefathers. Ultimately, he arrives at a resolution that liberates him from the burdens of the past, enabling him to establish a new legacy in his new homeland. 


About the Author

Pashko R. Camaj is a Montenegrin-born author, public health expert, and community leader whose life journey embodies the resilience and determination of the immigrant experience. Born in 1964 in Montenegro, he completed his high school education and mandatory military service before making a daring escape to the United States in 1985. Accompanied by his twin sister, Drita, Pashko crossed the U.S.-Mexico border hidden in the trunk of an American car, a pivotal moment that became the foundation of his powerful memoir, Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car.

Driven by a passion for education and personal growth, Pashko pursued higher learning, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in environmental and occupational health sciences from the City University of New York. He later completed his Doctor of Public Health at Columbia University, showcasing his dedication to improving lives through research and leadership.

Currently, Pashko serves in senior leadership at MTA-Bridges & Tunnels, a state transportation agency in New York, and as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University in New Jersey. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he actively contributes to the Albanian-American community as Secretary of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America (VATRA), the oldest American-Albanian organization in the United States.

Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car is Pashko’s debut memoir, a poignant and inspiring story that reflects his journey, honors his ancestors, and celebrates the indomitable spirit of those in pursuit of a better life. When he’s not teaching, working, or writing, Pashko enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in community service.

 

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Virtual Book Tour: Shioes and Cheese by Bobby Evers #humor #memoir #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours
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The Boonetown Chronicles

 

Humor / Memoir / Essays

Date Published: August 18, 2021


 

Boonetown is a small southern town with more limousines than taxis, more buggies than bicycles and more church signs than street signs. You'll meet the ladies who lunch and the men who drink morning coffee; the museum curator who keeps the dinosaur egg in the bank vault and the woman who runs the local tv station out of her garage. Through each story, you'll get to know the author, too, as he takes us on this journey through his hometown.

 


About the Author

Bobby Evers is a life-long Tennessean, a theater enthusiast, and avid traveler. Being a keen people-watcher, he has always been a storyteller, and now he brings those stories to the page in his first book. He has worked in the construction business, and as an interior designer and architectural consultant for over thirty-five years.

 

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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Book Blitz: Triumphing Over Impostor Syndrome by Dr. Michele-Vera Yonga #selfhelp #giveaway #newbooks #nonfiction #rabtbooktours @VeraYonga @RABTBookTours
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Self-Help / Behavior / Self-Esteem / Personal Transformation

Date Published: Date 12/13/2024


 

In "Triumphing Over Impostor Syndrome: A Personal Journey and Practical Guide", readers are taken on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The book offers practical guidance and support for individuals struggling with impostor syndrome. Drawing upon her extensive clinical expertise and personal experiences, the author, in this short story, explores the ins and outs of impostor syndrome, from its subtle manifestations to its profound impact on individuals' lives. She delves into the intricacies of impostor syndrome and offers eight practical strategies to help readers combat it effectively. She vividly shares her personal journey, detailing her own experience with impostor syndrome and illustrating how she successfully implemented these eight strategies to overcome her unique challenges. Her story serves as a powerful example of resilience and self-belief, illustrating how the proposed practical strategies can be applied in real-life situations. Through relatable anecdotes, insightful analysis, and evidence-based strategies, readers gain a deeper understanding of impostor syndrome and learn how to overcome self-doubt and embrace their true potential. Prevailing over impostor syndrome is a continuous journey, so readers are encouraged to be patient and compassionate with themselves and value the importance of seeking support, practicing self-care, and challenging perfectionism. By implementing these practical strategies, readers will cultivate a greater sense of confidence and self-assurance, ultimately walking with confidence in their abilities and achieving success despite their self-doubt.


About the Author

Dr. Yonga is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of healthcare experience. For the past 5 years, Dr. Michele-Vera has worked in a world-renowned clinical research organization, where she has gained firsthand experience with and managed impostor syndrome. Through her work in this demanding environment, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities associated with impostor feelings, both personally and professionally. Dr. Yonga's unique combination of clinical expertise and personal experience with impostor syndrome positions her as a knowledgeable and empathetic guide for those grappling with similar struggles. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of impostor syndrome and empowering them to overcome self-doubt and achieve their full potential.

In this book, Dr. Yonga draws upon her extensive clinical background and personal journey with impostor syndrome to provide practical guidance, support, and encouragement to readers. Her goal is to inspire and empower individuals to recognize their worth, embrace their capabilities, and thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

 

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Book Blitz: Secretary of Faith by K. C. Boyd #politicalthriller #thriller #dystopian #rabtbooktours @KCBoyd3 @RABTBookTours
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Political thriller, Dystopian theocracy, Corporate Oligarchy

Date Published: October 31, 2024

Publisher: Rebel Island Press


 

 

Lies, fear, and the Holy Bible are the country’s undoing in K.C. Boyd’s second, dystopian tale, a story that all too closely resembles an America in which Project 2025 rules. Vividly depicting the present-day racism, greed, and religious hypocrisy, Secretary of Faith serves as a cautionary warning to Project 2025.

After an orchestrated victory, the newly elected President redefines the country by changing its name to the United Christian States of America. Next, he reduces the traditional number of seats in his cabinet to four, and adds a fifth, the Department of Faith, appointing his lifetime mentor, Christian Hillcox, as its first ever Secretary.

The rule of law is no more. Sanctioned by the administration, violent mobs take to the streets. Media is state-run; neighbors inform on neighbors; loved ones vanish, never to return. When a natural disaster strikes the West Coast, an already well-organized Resistance emerges and Secretary Hillcox finds himself in a battle to maintain both the administration’s narrative and his own position through evermore frightening means.

In a showdown between Good and Evil, the question is—will citizens rise to the occasion and save the Republic?

 



About the Author

After twenty years of visiting megachurches in Ohio and across the country, attending various 'Values Voters'' conferences, and watching untold hours of televangelists preach the 'Word', K.C. Boyd decided to use her flare for fiction to share the dangerous truths she saw. As human beings have always responded to story, Boyd felt the need to communicate the grave danger we face-particularly from religious extremists who now stand arm in arm with genuine fascists-through story.

 

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Virtual Book Tour: Logic's Dicatate by Steven Gibson #scifi #sciencefiction #guestpost #rabtbooktours @xGibsonlibris @RABTBookTours
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Science Fiction

Date Published: December 15, 2024


 

In a galaxy far from Earth, the advanced civilization of Merk extends a rare invitation to join their peaceful galactic continuum to worlds demonstrating true maturity. With Earth on the brink of a monumental transformation, all eyes are on presidential candidate Andy Brock, whose visionary policies promise unity and progress.

Earth has already made significant strides: the Koreas have united, NATO has dissolved following Russia's peaceful democratization, and the world stands on the cusp of unprecedented harmony. Yet, China remains a looming threat, with ambitions to seize Taiwan and a war with the U.S. on the horizon.

Amidst this turmoil, Rein, the leader of the Merkian delegation studying Earth, must decide if humanity is ready to join the Merk galactic community. However, her complicated feelings for Andy could either symbolize a potential new era of interstellar cooperation with Earth, or bring the whole mission to a grinding halt.

Through political trials, assassination attempts, and opposition from traditionalists, the path is fraught with challenges. Will the impending conflict with China derail Earth’s chance at interstellar peace? Can Andy Brock ascend to the presidency and implement his transformative vision for a brighter future?






Drug Legalization

Consistent with the philosophy that one should be allowed to do with one’s body that one would like, the policy proposal legalizes all drugs.  The policy proposal, however, also imposes severe criminal penalties on any drug-induced act that adversely affects another person.  So, if one drives under the influence (whether one hurts anyone or not), then a severe penalty is instituted.  Of course, any drug-influenced harm to another person would be the subject of an even more substantial penalty.

Drug usage would not be permitted in public.  If you want it, then stay at your place of residence and use it.  This would diminish transport usage and public exposure.  It is acknowledged that using drugs at a nightclub of similar venue risks driving under the influence.  Also, using drugs in a park environment or the like would risk harmful interactions and unnecessary exposure to youths.  As such, public consumption of marijuana would be prohibited, unlike today.

Drug sales would be taxed and monitored.  Taxes would, in part, help fund educational efforts at use minimization.  Taxes would, also in part, be allocated to public education and law enforcement.  All users would be required to undergo mandatory educational courses on the harms of drug use.

Legalization, however, would help reduce the involvement of criminal elements in the sales process thereby taking away gang revenue and funds for other criminal enterprises.  Legalization would also reduce the costs currently imposed on the court system by dealing with the range of drug-related crimes.  These cost savings can be reallocated to educational and law enforcement.


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