Daily Archives: October 14, 2018

From Handguns to Paintbrushes: A Memoir of Self-Destruction, Rock Bottom, Hope, Change, and Loveby Joseph “Jeff” de Leyer

“Though Jeff de Leyer has never written before, he has a compelling voice and style, a talent for drawing vivid characters and description, and creating tension and momentum. And he has an amazing story.” -Christine Stewart

A Memoir detailing his life of crime and poor choices, with a truly unbelievable love story, that may reduce you to tears.

Jeff de Leyer is the grandson of a Dutch immigrant and equestrian champion, Harry de Leyer. This in itself, created an impression of a young man born into a world of privilege and entitlement. However, this could not be any further from the truth. His biological mother and father abandoned him on a doorstep when he was only three years old, leaving him with a void that was nearly impossible to fill. Jeff spent his teen and young adult years on the streets of New York making a name for himself as a drug dealer. This is where he not only found acceptance, but also a sense of family he so desperately wanted and needed.

In 1998 at 21 years of age, Jeff was arrested and later convicted of a gang-related murder, after a drug deal went horribly wrong. In prison, he was a high-ranking member of the United Blood Nation, involving him in gang wars, fights, and riots. Rock bottom came years later at the age of 39. At this point, the only thing he was looking for was redemption. He decided it was time to walk away from the only life he had ever known.

This is the compelling and true story of the rise and fall of a New York Ecstasy Kingpin. It is an eye-opening excursion through the pulse of the drug world, street life, drug addiction, prison, art and true love. Through his passion for art, desire for education and love, he rose above his circumstances to embrace a new vision of the world around him.

A Perfumer’s Secret: A Novel (From Paris to Provence Book 1)by Adria J. Cimino

Passion, rivalry and family secrets in the South of France…

Zoe inherits a perfume scent that could be the key to revealing her mother’s long-lost family and hidden past. It also might give her the edge she needs to win a prestigious fragrance contract–and defeat her rival, a passionate Frenchman named Philippe, once and for all. But when the formula is mysteriously stolen, Zoe embarks on a life-changing quest to reclaim her legacy.

Set in the fragrant flower fields of Provence, the “wonderfully drawn cast of characters” (Anne Girard, author of Madame Picasso) in this “beautifully written” (Readers’ Favorite) saga will send you on a sweeping trek across the South of France.

“Journey into a perfumer’s world where lush French scenery, long-held family secrets, irresistible romance, and magnificent scents are brought to life.” – Juliette Sobanet, best-selling author

Book club discussion guide included.

This novel can be read as a standalone or as part of the From Paris to Provence series. Each book in the series brings to life its own unique characters yet all books share the vibrant and captivating setting of France.

Interview with the Author

What was your inspiration to write A Perfumer’s Secret?
When I visited France after college, I “discovered” perfume. It seemed so glamorous and French, and the creation aspect fascinated me. To create perfume is to be an artist–and art has always inspired me.

The aspect of an inheritance and the fact that this story takes place in France make your novel sound similar to both A Paris Apartment and The Perfume Collector. What unique treasures will readers find in A Perfumer’s Secret?
My novel is a trip to Provence, set to the rhythm of scent. Zoe, the main character, is so passionate about perfume that she sees everything through that lens, offering a fresh perspective of the world around her. In the novel, you’ll also find plenty of flower fields, sidewalk cafés, romantic walks along the coast… And there is the excitement of competition, as Zoe tries to win a major fragrance contract.

Would you call this a French romance book?
Yes, it’s a South of France romance! There are actually a few love stories in this novel: mother-daughter relationships, first love, friendship. But the most prominent is the romance between Zoe and Philippe, two perfumers whose passion for perfume turns into passion for each other.

What do you hope readers will take away from A Perfumer’s Secret?
I hope readers will rediscover scent and how just a whiff can transport us to a feeling, a place, a discovery. And I hope they will enjoy this little trip to Provence and the world of perfume!

So this book is part of a series?
Yes and no. Each novel in the From Paris to Provence series brings to life its own unique characters and can be read as a standalone, but all books share the vibrant and captivating setting of France:
– A Perfumer’s Secret
– Paris, Rue des Martyrs
– Paris Jungle

If you like reading about passion, family secrets and romance set in France, you’ll enjoy A Perfumer’s Secret. Thanks for reading!

Ghost Bullyby Brian Corley

• "An absurdly humorous novel of the paranormal whose enthusiasm and profundity make it truly exceptional." — Kirkus Reviews

• "Corley has written a novel at once local color, supernatural adventure, mild horror, and coming of age. It's quite a feat for a first-time novelist and certainly worth your time." — Misanthropester

• "GHOST BULLY is a fun paranormal romp that balances witty humor with genuine heart." — IndieReader

When choosing a new home, Jonah Preston never signed on to have a ghost as a roommate.

Jonah knows the previous owner of the house killed himself there but doesn't think it will be a problem–he's just happy to own a new home and begin a new chapter in his adult life.

It ends up being an incredibly short chapter.

When Jonah wakes up dead, he knows exactly who is behind it. The house's previous owner, Willard Hensch, is unhappy with its new occupants and has been making his presence known. Like, really known.

The newly deceased Jonah finds his purpose in life and finds himself at odds with a supernatural army.

Will he be able to save his friends from a graveyard full of ghosts and an ancient evil?

Find out in this paranormal comedy set in the freakish underworld of Austin, TX!

Cold Sunflowersby Mark Sippings

‘Everything happens for a reason.’
It’s 1972. Raymond Mann is seventeen. He is fearful of life and can’t get off buses. He says his prayers every night and spends too much time in his room.
He meets Ernest Gardiner, a gentleman in his seventies who’s become tired of living and misses the days of chivalry and honour. Together they discover a love of sunflowers and stars, and help each other learn to love the world.
Ernest recounts his experiences of 1917 war-torn France where he served as a photographer in the trenches … of his first love, Mira, and how his life was saved by his friend Bill, a hardened soldier.
But all is not as it seems, and there is one more secret that will change Raymond’s life for ever.
Cold Sunflowers is a story of love.
All love.
But most of all it’s about the love of life and the need to cherish every moment.

Stones: Data (Stones #1)by Jacob Whaler

Alexander the Great. Genghis Kahn. Julius Caesar. Attila the Hun. Mao. Stalin.

For thousands of years, the Stones have been hidden among us, giving a privileged few power to rule over masses, destroy empires and create new ones.

It’s near the end of the 21st century. When Matt Newmark was ten years old, his mother was killed in a vicious corporate assassination. For the last twelve years, he’s been living off grid under the over-protective care of his father, running from dark forces, trying to stay alive. Now Matt finally has a chance to break away and start a new life. On the eve of a trip to Japan, he finds a dark rock in the shape of a claw. Life is never the same again. With the help of a Shinto priest, Matt discovers it’s a Stone, a piece of ancient alien technology that gives him a sweeping view of history and control over time, matter and energy.

But Matt is not alone.

Mikal Ryzaard has a Stone of his own and a burning vision to eliminate suffering from the earth and bring back Paradise. With all the resources of a massive multinational corporation behind him, he tracks down Matt and makes him an offer.

Join me or die.

Mind Machinesby Dima Zales

From New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Dima Zales, an intense new techno-thriller that pushes the limits of what it means to be human.

With billions in the bank and my own venture capital firm, I’m living the American dream. My only problem? A car accident that leaves my mother with memory problems.

Brainocytes, a new technology that can transform our brains, could be the answer to all of my problems–but I’m not the only one who sees its potential.

Plunged into a criminal underworld darker than anything I could’ve imagined, my life-saving technology might be the death of me.

My name is Mike Cohen, and this is how I became more than human.

Please note: This book was formerly titled Human++.

The Vampire’s Masqueradeby Kiersten Fay

A chance meeting…
In a world still recovering from the vampire/human wars, Kasima Wilder is glad to live in the safe haven of Riverstone, a town founded by vampires and populated by both mortals and immortals.

Largely, Kasima has avoided the town’s vampire-run establishments. Until one night her wayward boyfriend ditches her at Ever Nights Annual Masquerade Ball.

An unforgettable night…
As head of security, Lex Stirling’s job is to ensure the safety of those within Ever Nights’ club walls, especially on the night of the Masquerade, a night where lust reigns supreme and limits are tested.

After rescuing a woman from the unwanted attention of a persistent guest, he finds himself enamored with the little mortal. Soon, their chemistry turns combustible, and they are engulfed in a night of unforgettable passion. A passion that could consume them both as Kasima’s ex conspires against them.

Set the Night on Fireby Weston Parker

Trouble. That’s all I am, and I get into it far too often.

My last misstep took me off Search and Rescue and landed me in a f*cking ambulance.

With a guy that would make the nerds cringe.

If it wasn’t for the cute nurse at the hospital making life interesting, I might give up entirely.

But she’s got my heart racing, my hands sweating, and my mind dipping into the gutter each and every time I see her pretty face.

Her past haunts the hell out of her, but I’m going to help her heal and forget all of that shit. If she lets me.

And she hates my guts. With good reason, of course.

Too bad for her. Once I lock onto something I want, I’m relentless.

The world can burn down around us, but I’m not stopping until I make her mine.

And when I do?

We’re going to set the night on fire. Every night.

Every Good Girl Deserves a Bad Boy. ~ Weston