Monday, September 21, 2015

Miss Priss: On and Off the Court by Judy Phillips and Brenda Nichols

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the tween chapter book "Miss Priss: On and Off the Court" by Judy Phillips and Brenda Nichols from September 15 to 21, 2015.

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MISS PRISS: ON AND OFF THE COURT is book one in the new tween chapter series by Mom’s Choice Award winning writer-illustrator Team, ‘Brenjudy’. On and Off the Court introduces Priscilla Penelope Paxton (Miss Priss), a ten year old whose interests and curiosity land her in, sometimes, sticky situations. A unique coming-of-age story bound to bring giggles and enjoyment to all its readers as Miss Priss encounters and overcomes a slew of challenges, even the one that will continue to grow—self-awareness. The book features full color illustrations.

Miss Priss On and Off the Court

About the Book

Title: Miss Priss: On and Off the Court
Author: Judy Phillips
Illustrator: Brenda Nichols
Publication Date: August 20, 2015
Publisher: Tadpole Press ...4 Kids (a division of Smooth Sailing Press)
Pages: 230
Recommended Ages: 8 to 12


Summary: 

Priscilla Penelope Paxton is a witty ten year old whose inter-ests and curiosity land her in, sometimes, sticky situations. Dance classes, Girl Scouts, school assignments, friends and hanging out at her family's drug store, and the local Piggly Wiggly would leave any other person with no time for any-thing else. Yet, the thrill of basketball and joining the Little Dribblers finds its way into Miss Priss' heart. Though this interest will prove to be a dream that requires overcoming the greatest of challenges; Mom’s opposition. A task that will require ingenuity, perseverance and a little help from some loved ones.

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Excerpt

I go into the restroom locking the door behind me. I take care of business, if you know what I mean, and wash my hands really good since I’m working in the store and the sign reads: Employees Must Wash Hands Before Returning to Work. As I’m opening the door to return to work, the doorknob falls right off. I swiftly catch it in my hand before it hits the floor. Not knowing what to do, I panic. The restroom happens to be at the very rear of the back room, and even if I bang on the door, I don’t think anyone can hear me. Yelling is not an option, either. The air conditioning unit sits right beside the restroom and makes all sorts of racket the entire day. The worst part is the old, musty, moldy smells of that room. I begin to sneeze with all the smells crushing all around me, and then I begin to cry.

I hear the school counselor’s lesson in my head in the midst of my crisis, and it plays over and over again. You can handle this. You are okay. You can handle this. You are okay. You can handle this. You are okay. I take a look at my watch–fifteen minutes have passed. Surely, someone will notice I’m not cleaning those toy shelves anymore and come looking for me. I sit down on the yucky floor that looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in years, and decide to just wait. Eventually, someone will need to use the restroom and will rescue me.

Boredom sets in, so I decide it's time for some entertainment; for my opening act: The Paper Spinner. I start by putting the first few squares from the roll of toilet paper into the toilet and flush. That toilet paper spins fast on the roller. I flush again, 'and the crowd goes wild.' Bursting into laughter, I bow for my imaginary audience. Watching that toilet paper spinning while flushing takes my mind off the trouble I’ve gotten myself into and I start feeling better about the situation, but when the water in the toilet bowl begins to rise, things don’t look so funny anymore. Oh, no! It’s going to overflow! What to do? What to do? What to do?
I watch as the water flows over the top and down onto the floor. Then I notice a knob near the bottom of the toilet and give it a try. I turn it as fast as I can and slowly the water stops flowing. My heart is racing so fast I think I’ll faint.

I hear something. Footsteps. Hooray! I’ll be saved from this stinky, and now, wet place.
I begin to yell, “I’m in here. Help me! Open the door.”

No answer. No more footsteps.

“HELP! Get me out of here!”

Finally, I hear footsteps again. It has been thirty minutes since I got trapped.

Someone tries to open the door. “Help me! I’m stuck in the restroom.”

“Priss?” I hear Miss La’Merle say. “Are you okay in there? We’ve been searching all over for you.”

I am so happy to finally hear someone’s voice. “The doorknob in here broke off, and I can’t get out. And, something is wrong with the toilet,” I add with a bit of broken hesitation. Though, I conveniently leave out the part about my participation in the problem with the toilet. No need to share all the details.

“Just hold on, Priss, I’ll go get your dad.”

Footsteps walk away from the door. I begin to panic, again.

Footsteps finally return. I calm down. I’m hoping to get out of here fast, as I begin sneezing again.

“Miss Priss, what happened?” Dad asks from the other side of the door.

Oh brother, I have to explain all over again what happened as Dad begins to jiggle the outside doorknob. He then asks Miss La’Merle to bring him a screwdriver.

“Dad, I’m sorry I broke the doorknob; I wasn’t trying to do that.”

“It’s not your fault, Miss Priss. These things just happen. We’ve needed to replace this old doorknob set for twenty years, anyway.”

Jeez, Dad! Thanks... Leave it to me to get stuck in here. Somehow, I don't feel so bad about the toilet, now.
Sometimes, my dad can be so calm and cool about things.

(We chose this excerpt because it was so much fun to have Miss Priss trapped in a stinky bathroom.  Both Brenda and Judy had experiences locking themselves in a bathroom as a child, and recall the feeling of panic.  This excerpt reveals Miss Priss’ exuberant imagination as she attempts to distract herself from the reality of what has happened.)
 

About the Author: Judy Phillips

Judy Phillips
Judy Phillips is an educator with over twenty years of experience and is currently a counselor at Samuel Houston Elemen-tary School in Huntsville, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and a Master of Education degree in Coun-seling from Sam Houston State University. Phillips volunteers locally with university students through local ministries and mentor programs.

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About the Illustrator: Brenda Nichols

Brenda Nichols
Brenda Nichols was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and is an educator at university level, with over twenty years of experience. She is currently the Head Women's Basketball Coach and Professor of Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Nichols holds an Associate of Arts degree from Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas, a Bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, and a Master's degree from The University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. Nichols volunteers locally by mentoring students and through motivational speaking engagements at schools and various civic organizations.

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Miss Priss Blog Tour Schedule (2015)

September 15
September 16
September 17
September 18
September 19
September 20
September 21
 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: September 28, 11:59 pm, 2015 
  Open to: Internationally 
  How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. 
  Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, SmoothSailing Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. 



MDBR Book Promotion Services

Cover Reveal ~ His To Take by Katee Robert



HIS TO TAKE
by Katee Robert
December 7, 2015




Erin Robinson is having an epically bad year. Her blossoming career on Broadway tanked, forcing her to crawl back to home to Wellington. The icing on her failure cake? Her former on-again, off-again fling is in town, and the sexy Marine is taking up way too much space.  

Warren Davis always knew Erin was special, which is exactly why he can’t have her. A girl like her deserves something permanent—something neither of them wants. But now that they’re both back in town and she’s right there in front of him, a challenge in her eyes he’s never been able to resist, he’s questioning everything.  

That challenge quickly escalates into an epic game of Truth or Dare. Erin’s sure she’s got him on lock, but as the night progresses, Warren’s dares intensify, drowning her in lust. But with the past still breathing down their necks, there’s no way either of them can win... 


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New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa's knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. 

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99cent Sale! ~ The Con by Justine Elvira


.99cent SALE!


~ The Con by Justine Elvira is on SALE for 99cents all this week!

Get your copy here:

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Jagger had three rules for every con: 

1. Don't back out 
2. Don't forget the story 
3. Don't fuck it up 

I broke them all. 

I first met Jagger when I was just nine years old. He was an older boy who gave me twenty dollars to buy a new pair of ballet shoes after I dropped mine in the mud. That's when I fell in love with him. 

And love would be my downfall. 

I would run into Jagger over the years and I'd watch him as he'd hustle strangers out of their money with his latest scam. He lied, he cheated, and he took advantage of anyone he could. Most importantly, he never got caught. 

Well, until he needed me to help him pull off his biggest con to date. 

I thought I could do it. He told me it was easy to make money through deception, and I believed him because he had a lot of it. 

But I should have known that nothing is guaranteed. 

My name is Ronnie and now we're on the run. 

*Recommended for 17+ due to subject matter and sexual content








Switch by Jennifer Ryder




Title: Switch
Series: Spark #5
Author: Jennifer Ryder
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release Date: September 21, 2015



Blurb

With an ex fiancé leaving her in debt, breaking up with her girlfriend and struggling to find a place she can afford, Sophie McKenna has hit an all-time low. Everyone thinks she’s a lesbian, and she likes it that way, but her estranged parents know better.

The foul-mouthed motocross mechanic, Rocco De Luca, only has his incarcerated brother left. Every day is a battle of the mind and of the bottle. Tequila and easy women soothe the pain, but they never fill the void.

Rocco doesn’t mind offering his spare room to the hot lesbian he refers to as ‘Suds’. She won’t be clingy, far from it, and he’s keen on the idea of getting to see a bit of girl on girl action.

With such volatile personalities under the same roof, and being in April and Spencer’s wedding party, they both have to learn to get along, even though they can’t stand each other.

He never thought he might actually grow to like her.

She never thought she might actually hate him less.








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Excerpt


If I poke him, will it be like waking an angry bear? I’m tempted, but I won’t. That’d be a bitchy thing to do. We might be living under the same roof, but we lead separate lives. And that’s how I want it. Completely separate. Removed. His business is his, and mine is mine.

I take a step backward and step on something metal. I crouch down and pick up a spoon. I look around underneath the coffee table, and find an empty glass bowl with remnants of green an inch below the rim.

Snatching up the bowl, the cruel absence of what I was planning to eat when I got home tonight mocks me.

The motherfucker ate my jelly.

“Hey,” I bark out with a hard shove to his shoulder.

Rocco grumbles and swings his head back violently, one eye open as he searches me out. “Who the ... what the fuck?” he hisses. Rolling onto his side, he props himself up and falls back into the couch cushions and runs his fingers down his face. His dark brown, almost-black eyes drill me, as he runs his tongue over his bottom teeth. The whites of his eyes are scattered with red, and beads of sweat lace his brow and down the sides of his face. He looks like shit. More accurately, he looks like someone who greedily smashed a bottle of primo tequila last night.

“You ate my jelly,” I say, shoving the bowl towards him.

He shrugs and his lip curls to the side. “I was hungry,” he says with a challenging gaze.

“You were fucking hungry? I haven’t been here even twenty-four hours and you’re helping yourself to my food?”

He scoffs, and I want to punch him in the face.

“It’s jelly,” he says, with a roll of his eyes. “It’s like a dollar or some shit. I’ll buy a packet. Bloody hell, I’ll buy two. No need to get your fuckin’ panties in a bunch.”

He sits up and rakes his fingers back through the longer strands of dark hair on the top of his head. He slouches farther into the couch, one hand scratching at the faded black T-shirt adorning his chest, the other hand sliding between his legs and adjusting himself.

Fucking men.

“I’m not pissed about the fact it costs bugger all. I don’t touch your shit and you don’t touch mine. Got it?”

I turn on my heel, flicking my ponytail over my shoulder. I couldn’t be arsed waiting for his response. I can’t imagine I’ll like it anyway.

“Fine,” he grumbles.

“And would it kill you to put the bloody toilet seat down?” I throw at him as I walk out the door.

His laughter echoes into the stairwell, right before the door slams shut.
Arsehole.


 Author Bio


New Adult and erotic romance writer, and author of the Spark series.

A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn't stifle her creativity any longer.

Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus. Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country.

Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.

Jennifer placed third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award 2013.




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Giveaway

The Trials Of Guinevere DeGrance by L.B. Dunbar




Title: The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance
Series: Legendary Rock Stars #5
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Genre: Rock Star Romance
 Release Date: September 14, 2015



Blurb

Don’t judge me. I know you want to, but let’s get some facts straight in my defense.

1. I love Arturo King

2. Arturo left me behind.

3. I was lonely.

4. Lansing was an old friend.

5. I love Arturo King.

Did you burn the fictional damsel in distress that cuddled and kissed her best friend when her fantastical boyfriend disappeared for months? No, you didn’t. You sympathized with her loneliness before you read ahead to make sure the boyfriend was coming back to her. Loneliness is not a crime. It’s cruel to be alone, but not a crime, the last I knew. If it is a crime, I’ll light the match to ignite myself for what I’ve done. Goodness knows, I’m burning up with guilt as it is. In my defense, I want my story to be told before I’m judged too harshly. Arturo King might be a rock legend, but he and I are human. We make mistakes. We made mistakes. Do we need to suffer for all of eternity because of them? I hope not. The jury still seems to be out, though. The greater question is: Is it possible to rekindle our love, when the past could burn us all?





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Excerpt

Prologue

Guinevere

If I ever wondered what the pits of hell felt like, I sensed my current position was similar to being in the fiery depths. The orange-yellow glow danced before me; blinding me to the man I knew was on the other side of the flames. His face was melting, fading in the fumes that surrounded and flowed from the heat. I sensed the wooden walls of the barn structure were crackling and eventually would crumble, but I continued to stand as if frozen. There would be no chance to freeze under the circumstances. If anything, I should be melting slowly to form a puddle on the floor. My skin felt as if it would peel off of me, one droplet of sweat at a time.

The blaze started in an attempt to gain Arturo’s attention. The boy wanted to impress his father: a rock god who stubbornly ignored his son, as he had done over a year ago in this same barn. The Barn. The place of inspiration for Arturo King and his band, The Nights. The place where they performed their magic through music. The place that marked where history was made.

I continued to stare through the flames that separated us. I could see that his lips were moving; calling or shouting out to me, but I couldn’t hear over the roar of the fire. His face was warped in my vision, drifting with the bright light that framed his head filled with dark waves and a jaw covered thicker than before. His brown eyes looked black as they stared back at me. I was trapped. The flames formed a wall between me and my beloved; a man I loved more than anyone. A man who I hurt more than I ever intended. A man who hurt me with his mysterious disappearance and lack of communication.

I didn’t move. Allowing the heat to consume me, I decided this might be my fate. Death by fire was how the adulteress was punished in ancient times. Of course, in romance novels a hero comes to the aid of the persecuted. My mind flashed to another man. He had been a hero to a little girl trapped within a burning building. He had been my hero, as well, when I was kidnapped in a drugged induced haze. He was someone I should not have been thinking of.

I continued to watch the movement of Arturo’s mouth. The roar of the flames was all that I heard. It made music to my ears, drowning out the accusations.

How could I do it? How could I be with another man?

The world seemed to stop as I struggled to give my answers. In contrast, it came alive in an orange glow that spread rapidly along the old wooden floor. My back was now against the warmth of the stones behind me. It was almost like I imagined a brick oven would feel. The ancient fieldstones were absorbing the heat and reflecting it back within the cramped space. Wood crackled above my head. The ripping sound only assured me that my end was eminent. The walls were catching and the barn was doomed to collapse.

Suddenly, I heard my name. The voice that screamed to me was clear, familiar, and not the voice that should have called for me.

“Guinie, turn around and reach up your hand,” he shouted down to me. It was like an angel spoke to me from the heavens. I couldn’t break my gaze on Arturo, but he was gesturing above me. His expression showed he clearly recognized who was over me, who was calling me. His eyes found mine through the flames and he nodded once. Then he looked away and I quickly spun reaching upward blindly. My eyes were dry, boiled orbs within their sockets. The smoke so thick, I confused it for fog. Stretching, my fingers connected with those reaching down for me. One hand was clasped, the opposite wrist encircled, and up I went into the freshness of the cool summer afternoon air. The scent of pine and lake water burned my smoke encrusted nose and I gasped for more oxygen. It was like I’d been drowning. A brief sensation I’d had a year ago in the water of that lake below.

My mind was clouded, but a passing image flashed of Arturo and me spinning in the blue water. He’d kissed me for the first time on that day then rolled us off the boat into the water in distraction. We were playful then. Not today. I heard his voice ringing in my head; his words enflamed with his bitterness.

How could I do it? Didn’t I love him? 

I balanced on hands and knees in the dry earth near the burning barn. My throat was hoarse from gassy fumes and screams. I called out his name one more time, and then the inevitable happened. The wooden structure collapsed.







Author Bio


L.B. Dunbar loves the original legend of King Arthur. Inspired by this classic tale, she pulled over to the side of the road to take notes when it hit her that if King Arthur lived today, he'd be a rock star. A lover of fairy tales, myths, legends, and anything with happily ever after, she loves to read and write contemporary romance. Her Legendary Rock Stars series is complete with the final tale: The Trials of Guinevere DeGrance, but the story began with The Legend of Arturo King. She also wrote The Sensations Collection, which includes five stand alones based on the five senses in a small town setting near Lake Michigan. Raised on one side of that lake, she grew up in Michigan, but now lives on the other side, in Chicago. Mother to four, wife to the one and only, and teacher to hundreds of former students, she looks forward to sharing more stories in the future.



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