"The Worst Kind of Love" by Jonah Evarts

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY

The Worst Kind of Love

by Jonah Evarts

The Worst Kind of Love by Jonah Evarts is currently on tour with Silver Dagger Book Tours. The tour stops here today for an excerpt and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well. And make sure you grab your copy for only $0.99!

Description

This is a love story. Just not the kind you're thinking of.

Jaden is dealing with some major heart aches as he enters his first semester of college. All he wants is to forget about his ex, find a new girlfriend, and get semi-decent grades. But life has much more complicated plans for him. During his first day of class, he meets Cole, probably the most attractive male human being on the planet. Jaden is immediately overshadowed, throwing a wrench in his plans to find a girlfriend. It doesn't help that the single girl he is interested in wants absolutely nothing to do with him.

That soon becomes the least of his problems, as old enemies of his mental health, family, and way of thinking begin to overtake his life. Jaden tells a story of friendship, learning, and love as he uncovers truths about himself and life. A journey of endurance and self-growth awaits him as he skates through the roller-coaster that is life with many movie nights and plenty of good food to help him get by.

He isn't trying to have a love story, but he's getting one anyway. With himself.

Excerpt

We reached the parking garage, and I led him through a labyrinth of Prii (the plural of Prius), until we reached my Corvette. Now, I know what you’re thinking. I seem to be complaining a lot about life, but I drive a freaking Corvette. But what you don’t know is that we got the money from life-insurance when my dad died. Now how do you feel? Be ashamed, ye judgmental heathen.

“Woah,” Cole said. “This is yours?”

I nodded, throwing my backpack in the back seat and unlocking the doors. Cole sat down carefully, so as not to ruin the already stained leather and cracked passenger side rearview mirror.

I never said I was a good driver, or a good holder of drinks.

“Where do you wanna go for lunch?” I asked.

Cole wrinkled his brow and rubbed at a non-existent beard. “McDonald’s?”

“Are you kidding me?”

He looked taken aback. “What do you mean? McDonald’s is never a bad choice.”

I opened my mouth to say something then shook my head and just started the car. Inside, I was shaking. You mean to tell me that underneath that rippling muscle and clear skin was a McChicken? I think not.

God, you gave all the good things to one person. Please stop.

We arrived a McDonald’s six minutes later, our backs drenched in sweat, and sunglasses plastered to our faces. We walked into the heavenly coolness of irresistible French fry smells, and I sat down as Cole ordered some food. He joined me in a booth just a couple minutes later.

“So,” he started, fanning his shirt. “Tell me some more about yourself. What kind of stuff do you like to do?”

I wasn’t sure if I should hate that he wanted to get to know me or be genuinely pleased that someone cared.

“I watch movies a lot. I sometimes play basketball. And I listen to tons of music.”

Cole sat up straight at the mention of music. “You make music?”

“What? No, that’s not what I said. Dear God, I’d be arrested for attempted murder if I sang in public.”

“Oh. Well, I make music sometimes. I play guitar and sing.”

Of course.

“Really?”

“Really. I’ll show you some of my stuff in the car.”

A number was called from the counter, and Cole went to get his food. I kicked at his seat when he left.

How? How on my first day, in my first class, had I met a guy so perfect that he would overshadow me in every way everywhere we went? I just wanted a girlfriend, man. God.

Cole came back with a tray full of food, multiple fries and chicken nugget boxes clustered together.

“Jesus, man. What are you eating, Ronald McDonald himself?” I asked.

“Well, no. Half is for you,” he stated matter-of-factly. He proceeded to rip open a box of nuggets and indulge.

“You got me food?”

He didn’t even look up at me. “Of course.”

I almost didn’t want to take any. I felt bad, taking food from a guy I’d just met. But then again, it’s not like he was suffering at the moment. I indulged in the mounds of nuggets with him.

At some point, I checked my phone. You know, millennial stuff. I scrolled through social media and lightly chuckled at something that wasn’t really that funny. I switched apps, and immediately, a picture of Maddie with her best friend popped up. I almost dropped my phone, which I guess wouldn’t have been so bad. I wouldn’t have had to look at her face for another half a second before I was able to close out of the app.

I choked on my food and had to force myself to swallow, then I put my head in my hand and held my breath. It stung. A lot. Seeing her face was hard for me. I shouldn’t have opened the stupid app.

Cole, true to his perfect persona, saw my moment of heartbreak and looked up at me concernedly.

“Hey man, you good?”

I closed my eyes, picturing her face again. “Yeah. I’m fine. Food just got stuck in my throat.”

If I was close with him then, I would have told him the truth. The truth about how my gut had just fallen out of my stomach, and how an aching need to be with her filled my body. I just missed her was all. It was like when I lost my dad.

“You sure?” He asked. I nodded, then opened my eyes and realized we had already decimated all the food he’d bought.

“Yeah. We should get going. I have another class in thirty minutes.”

[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]

  

About the Author

Jonah Evarts is only 18 years old and began writing his debut novel when he was just 15. He lives in Manhattan, Kansas, with two old people who gave birth to him, a twenty-something dude that lives in the basement, and two adorable canines. Growing up as a military child, Jonah lived in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Korea (yes, really), before coming to Kansas. He says that Kansas is boring. He may be correct. Jonah loves movies, music, and the occasional writing of a book. He hopes to combine these three activities in the future and make a career out of it. Support this poor man-child in his attempt to do something with his life.

Giveaway

Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card or an ebook copy of The Worst Kind of Love by Jonah Evarts.

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"Magickal Mystery Lore" by Sharon Pape

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY

Magickal Mystery Lore
(An Abracadabra Mystery Book 4)

by Sharon Pape

Magickal Mystery Lore is the fourth book in the Abracadabra Mystery series by Sharon Pape. Also available: Magick and Mayhem (read my blog post), That Olde White Magick, and Magick Run Amok (read my blog post).

Magickal Mystery Lore is currently on tour with Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The tour stops here today for an excerpt and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

Description

This spells trouble ...

The New Camel Day Fair is a fun-filled event for residents of this upstate New York town. Kailyn Wilde, a modern-day witch of ancient lineage, leaves her potion shop, Abracadabra - and her feline familiar, Sashkatu - to attend with her fortune-telling Aunt Tilly. Joining them is legendary wizard Merlin, who’s discovering new pleasures of time-traveling to the modern world, including curly fries and kettle corn - but the appeal of the Tilt-a-Wheel is beyond his mystical imagination.

The real wild ride begins later, when neighboring sweet shop owner Lolly rushes into Abracadabra with news about a dead body. The victim has one of Lolly’s fudge knives stuck in her back, but in spite of the sticky evidence, Lolly is only one of several suspects with ample motive and opportunity. Meanwhile, Merlin’s research into old family scrolls and electromagnetic ley lines is causing some unusual mix-ups. As the two investigations collide, Kailyn will have to do everything in her power to prevent disaster …

Excerpt

Travis dropped me off at home in the early afternoon and headed back to the Glen to anchor the evening news. All the cats but Sashkatu came to greet me. He was lying on the top ridge of the living room couch, regarding me with an expression that said Well look who’s here.

I walked up to him. “Would your Highness like to accompany me to the shop?” He seemed to be deliberating. I gave him a minute before adding, “The offer expires in fifteen seconds. If you want to go with me, you’d better hustle your bustle.” He got to his feet, stretched, yawned and took his sweet time descending the couch to his personal steps that he took to the floor. He could out-diva the best of them.

When we reached the shop, I went through the connecting door to Tea and Empathy to thank my aunt for helping out with the cats. Her shop was locked and dark. She rarely took off on the weekend. I called and found her at home. Her hello was rattled.

“What’s wrong?”

“We’re fine,” she said sounding anything but fine. “Of course I’d be a lot finer if our wizard friend would lay off the spells.” I heard Merlin protesting in the background that he didn’t know it was a spell.

“It sounds like you could use some help – I’ll be right over.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Tilly said. “I’ve got everything under control.” A loud crash punctuated her words. “On a related matter, I may have to kill Merlin.”

“I’m coming.”

“Hold it,” she said firmly, “You need to open your shop for at least part of the day. I’ve made up my mind. This can wait until you close.” But what if I couldn’t wait until I closed? What new trouble had Merlin wrought? Should I ignore my aunt’s wishes and run over there? Lately she got her back up if she thought I was trying to baby her. Pride was a big deal in my family. I decided I’d do my best to wait.

As it happened, I didn’t have long to dwell on those matters. Customers kept me hopping for the next three hours. It was a good thing I’d left a sign on the shop’s door and a message on the phone that I was away until Saturday afternoon. Most of the people who came in were locals, but there was a smattering of day trippers who were out for a ride and needed a destination.

Every last person who entered my shop wanted to know why Lolly’s place was shuttered and strung with police tape. And they wanted to know when she would reopen. Many a sweet tooth left disappointed.

I closed my shop at four thirty, a compromise between Tilly’s edict and my need to know what was going on at her house. I carried the sleepy Sashkatu home and fed the gang, before calling to let her know I was on my way.

She opened her door for me, her curly red hair limp and her face shiny with perspiration. “Brace yourself,” she warned me as I stepped into the foyer. Brace myself? Was I about to see something that horrific? A moment later her meaning became clear. I was thrown back against the wall by an invisible force that hit my chest with such momentum that it knocked the air out of my lungs. My face was slathered in sticky, foaming moisture. My hands flew out to fend off my attacker and my fingers sank into... fur?

Merlin ran into the foyer yelling, “Off beast – off I say. It took Merlin and Tilly pulling and me pushing to finally remove my assailant.

“What is that?” I was bent over, trying to catch my breath.

“A common mongrel,” Merlin said. “A cur, a mutt – take your pick.”

“A very large one,” Tilly added. “It’s best if we sit down. That way we won’t have as far to fall if he launches himself at us.” She and I took the couch in the family room and Merlin settled into an armchair across from us. They both seemed to be coping better than I was, but then they’d had more time to adjust to the situation. I kept scanning the room for the invisible dog, which made no sense and yet I couldn’t help myself.

Tilly understood what I was doing. “If he’s running at you, you can feel the air he displaces a few seconds before he’s on you. It helps to remember that he’s not vicious, just big and exuberant.” I had no problem with big exuberant dogs. I loved dogs of all sizes, shaggy and short-haired, enthusiastic and reserved. In fact before Sashkatu and I bonded, I’d been summoning a dog to be my familiar. It was that very spell that had plucked Merlin from his time and dropped him into my storeroom, highlighting the difficulty we Wildes were having with our magick.

I looked from Tilly to Merlin. “I need some answers, like why is he here? And why is he invisible?”

“Merlin was deep into reading the family scrolls again,” Tilly said. “He’s determined to figure out what’s playing havoc with our magick. It seemed like a safe enough activity for him to pursue, but I was wrong. Really wrong. He was reading a paragraph aloud, trying to make sense of its meaning, when this mountain of a dog appeared.”

“What Tilly dear is trying to say is that I didn’t realize I was reading a spell. And that spell inadvertently summoned a dog. A huge dog. An enormous dog. A — “

“Yes,” I interrupted, “that much I’m clear on. But why is he invisible?”

“I was trying to send the beast back from whence he came, but instead I somehow rendered him invisible.”

“Have you tried the spell to reverse spells?” I asked.

Tilly sighed. “It seems you can’t reverse spells when they’re layered as in this case,”

“So we have to make him visible before we can reverse the spell that brought him here?”

“Yes,” they said in unison. I felt a sudden rush of air, as if a high powered fan was blowing in my direction. I scooted back against the couch pillows to brace for the attack. A second later he was on me. Slobbery tongue, nails that needed clipping, fur up my nose and in my mouth. By the time he moved on to Tilly, I felt like I’d been tarred and feathered. I told myself things could be worse. He could have been ferocious, hungry for human flesh.

Isenbale, my aunt’s Maine Coon, yowled. I’d forgotten about him in the confusion. I followed the sound and spotted him on the top shelf of the built-ins that framed the fireplace. Tilly had set a bowl of water up there for him, and he appeared none the worse for his unhappy circumstances.

“My poor baby,” Tilly lamented.

“What of me?” Merlin said, disgruntled. “Am I not to be afforded sympathy? I had to carry him to the litter box – twice.”

“You’re the only one tall enough to keep him out of the dog’s reach,” she said.

“Do either of you remember the spell that made him invisible?” I asked.

“I do,” Merlin said. “Send —. Tilly and I yelled for him to stop.

“Please write it down for me,” I said more calmly. “Do not say it aloud.”

“Ah yes, I see your point.” He reached for the pad and pen on the table next to his chair, scribbled the few lines, and handed it to me. I read it silently.

Send this dog back where he’s from.

Spare no time; do not delay.

Keep him safe, let no harm come.

Take him from our sight today.

That was it – the last line of the spell was the culprit. Or rather Merlin was for not properly vetting the words before casting it. My mother and grandmother had drummed into me how important it was not to use words that could mean more than one thing. When I told Tilly that I’d discovered the problem, she was thrilled.  She wanted to go bake something for a celebration. I pointed out it would be easier to accomplish if she waited until the dog was no longer there to trample her. Merlin was understandably less thrilled. He didn’t like being told that he created the problem.

Now I just had to devise a spell to make the dog visible again. After that we should be able to send him back with the reversal spell. It took me more time than I expected and it wasn’t the most elegant of spells. In my defense, it was hard to be creative when I had to keep defending myself from the invisible beast. I repeated the words three times.

There’s a dog within this house

That nobody can see.

Make him visible again,

And safe we all will be.

I didn’t realize I was holding my breath, until it exploded from my lungs the moment the dog appeared before me. Tilly and Merlin had not been exaggerating. He was one of the largest dogs I’d ever seen. He had long white fur that would have benefitted from a bath. His black eyes in all that whiteness reminded me of a snowman. I told him it was great to see him, while fending off another slobbery attack.

I was about to reverse the spell that had brought him there, when Tilly jumped up and insisted on saying a proper goodbye by planting a kiss on his long snout. Merlin said a more formal farewell and apologized for having dog-knapped him in the first place with the ancient incantation.

I recited the reversal spell ten times and as the last word cleared my mouth, he disappeared. None of us dared move until we were positive he’d left and wasn’t merely invisible again. Then Merlin rescued Isenbale from the shelf. Tilly went off to the kitchen to bake away her stress, and Merlin followed her, throwing out suggestions. I went home to collapse on the couch with a pint of Rum Raisin ice cream.

Praise for the Book

“Sharon Pape crafts an enchanting story that is so engaging and easy to enjoy the reader may overlook the skill required to create this captivating read.” ~ Book

“I didn't read any of the previous books in the series but I still managed to follow along with the characters and their interests. The storyline was complex enough to keep me guessing until the end. There are surprises throughout the story too.” ~ Margie

“… magic is used both to advance the plot and for comedic effect. The spells that are shared in the text could easily be used as affirmations in the real world. Pape has created an engaging modern protagonist. I look forward to reading more of Kailyn's adventures.” ~ Coralee Hicks

“This is a delightfully funny witch cozy! […] Come along for the crazy adventure filled ride!” ~ Saundra Wright

“The mystery was very good and it kept me guessing till the end. A very enjoyable and entertaining book. Highly recommended!” ~ Annarella

About the Author

Sharon Pape describes her writing career as having two stages. Back in the dark ages, before computers were in every household, she had three paranormal books published. The first one was condensed by Redbook Magazine, the first paperback original they had ever condensed. Around the same time, Redbook published her first short story.

Then life brought her an unexpected challenge that went by the name of breast cancer. When her treatment was over, she became a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery Program and went on to be the program’s coordinator for Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. Several years later, with the help of her surgical oncologist and two other survivors, she started her own not-for-profit organization to provide information and peer support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Once the organization was running smoothly and didn’t require as much of her time, she returned to her first love – writing. During this second stage of her career, she’s been writing cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist and a splash of humor.

Giveaway

Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win one of three ebook copies of Magickal Mystery Lore by Sharon Pape.

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"Murder at the Marina" by Janet Finsilver

EXCERPT

Murder at the Marina
(A Kelly Jackson Mystery Book 5)

by Janet Finsilver

Murder at the Marina is the fifth book in the Kelly Jackson Mystery series by Janet Finsilver. Also available: Murder at Redwood Cove, Murder at the Mansion, Murder at the Fortune Teller’s Table, and Murder at the Mushroom Festival.

Murder at the Marina is currently on tour with Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The tour stops here today for an excerpt. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

Description

She’s got to solve this - or her friends are sunk ...

Kelly Jackson, manager of the Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast, is fond of the Doblinsky brothers, Ivan and Rudy, members of the Silver Sentinels, a crew of crime-solving senior citizens in their Northern California seaside hamlet. After she discovers a jewel-encrusted dagger - with what appears to be dried blood on the blade - on their fishing boat, they share their family history with Kelly, and she learns that the knife may be part of a set from their long-ago childhood in Russia. Its sudden reappearance is eerie, but the mystery grows much more serious when a body is found on the boat. The victim was staying at Kelly’s inn, in town for a Russian Heritage Festival, and some of the organizers were clearly harboring some bitterness. But the story behind this murder seems as layered as a nesting doll - and Kelly’s feeling completely at sea ...

Excerpt from Chapter 1

I looked at my watch and saw I was early but decided to see if the brothers had already arrived. They had given me directions, but what was crystal clear to them had me a little confused. I walked in the general direction of where I thought I was supposed to go, aware of the slight smell of fish.

I spied a man in baggy denim bib overalls wearing a dusty black Giants baseball cap, his gray hair curled up over its sides. He basked in the sun outside a small bait shop in a rocking chair. Fishing nets and tackle equipment hung on the building’s gray boards. Handwritten signs advertising live sardines and bait shrimp were tacked on the wall. An old, personalized fluorescent clock declared it to be Tim’s Place.

I approached him. “Hi, I’m Kelly Jackson.” I smiled. “Are you Tim?”

“Nope. He ain’t here no more. Done moved on. I’m Joe.” The missing front tooth didn’t mar the congeniality in his voice.

“I’m here to meet the Doblinsky brothers at their boat, Nadia. I’m wondering if you could help me with directions.”

“Sure. Glad to.” He pointed an arthritic finger in the direction of a gate. “Walk on through there. It ain’t locked right now. The boat’s down apiece on the left.”

A few minutes later, I stood in front of a large white vessel with black trim. Nadia in large bold black letters on the bow assured me I’d found what I’d been seeking.

“Rudy…Ivan…are you here?” I called out.

I didn’t get a response and decided to knock on the cabin door. I grabbed the metal rails next to an opening and boarded the boat. My knock brought no response. I could clearly see into the galley below. A tidy compact kitchen, a boothed dining area, and a small table filled the area. A living room with built-in couches along both sides of the wall occupied the right side. The dining table was in clear view, with a shaft of sunlight illuminating it. I caught a glimpse of a multicolored object sparkling in the sun’s bright light at the table’s edge. I stepped a little to the side and craned my neck to see better.

What I saw was the hilt of a dagger.

The handle glinted in the sun, but the curved blade didn’t shine like the rest of it.

A dull, rust-colored material covered the metal…the color of dried blood.

The cold hand of fear squeezed my heart.

[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]

Praise for the Book

“It pulls you in and has you gripping until the story is over. The group works fabulous and they get things done in their own way!” ~ Community Bookstop

“The eclectic mix of characters provides a nice balance topped with what sounds like delicious food that will the reader entertained. Perfect for fans of cozies.” ~ Booksa Plenty Book Reviews

“I like books that get me at the cover. This one drew me in. It latched onto me and I was intrigued.” ~ My Reading Journeys

“The well-plotted storyline flows at a steady pace, and the complex mystery and multiple murders keep the reader engaged and guessing. As with the other books in this series, there are multiple mysteries woven throughout the book, and in the end, everything comes together nicely.” ~ RO G’ma

“I enjoyed this book as I have the prior novels in the Kelly Jackson series. I look forward to the next novel. The characters are engaging, and there is always something interesting going on at Redwood Cove during the investigations. I would recommend this to fans of cozy mystery series.” ~ Bobbie

About the Author

Janet Finsilver is the USA Today bestselling author of the Kelly Jackson mystery series. She worked in education for many years as a teacher, a program administrator, and a workshop presenter. Janet majored in English and earned a Master’s Degree in Education. She loves animals and has two dogs – Kylie and Ellie. Janet has ridden western style since she was a child and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. One of the highlights of her life was touching whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon.

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