Thursday, October 29, 2015

Falling Awake by Debrah Martin



FALLING AWAKE:

Magic or madness? Can your dreams really take over your life?

Falling Awake is the story of a book and the power of imagination to turn two lives upside down.

When Mary Parker finds an unusual book everything in her life changes. As she reads, she dreams, and the quiet, repressed woman is transformed.

She gives the book and the phenomenon a name, 'falling awake’. The existence of the book seems to make others act out of character too. Joe’s usually dour father gambles with the factory where Mary works, and Joe, the romantic daydreamer, engages in a sexual eternal triangle to keep the dull routine of the accounts department at bay. The dominant partner in the triangle is Clem; dark and dangerous.

Extricating himself from Clem, Joe meets Mary. They fall in love and marry in haste when Mary falls pregnant, but this is no happy ever after tale. Their joy turns to misery when Mary miscarries and she turns inward to her darkening 'falling awake' world. Then Joe's father dies, and he has to fight for control of the factory. He falls into Clem’s clutches again, and to make things worse, he believes Mary is going mad, and the people and places she remembers all just dreams dreamt inside her insanity. But then how can Joe remember them too?

Magic or madness?

For Mary and Joe, the impossible - or the deadly - might only be a breath away.


AMAZON KINDLE / PAPERBACK


Falling Awake is a brain teaser, an atmospheric mystery, an exposition of madness; an examination of the impossible, a fantasy, a ghost story, a psychological thriller, a love story, and a story of intrigue and sudden death. It will keep you awake at night, wondering, and pausing during the day, questioning …

One editor has already described it as:

“In the best traditions of Audrey Niffenegger and Carlos Ruiz Zafón…”

And others comment:


“…one of the most original, quirky manuscripts I’ve read for a long time…”

“…I especially like the fairy-tale and myth undertones that creep in from time to time throughout the novel: Sleeping Beauty clutching her book with echoes of Snow White in her glass coffin, the transformative red mac with its Red Riding Hood connotations, Mary’s Cinderella transformation from emotionally abused child to confident woman, the mermaid dress, Mariam’s Scheherazade dance, and especially the gambler as Rumpelstiltskin…”

“…a light, authoritative touch with both …story and characters.”



Debrah Martin is a British author writing under three different pen names and in three very different genres. She plots fast-paced thrillers as D.B. Martin, with the first in the Patchwork trilogy, Patchwork Man, having been recently awarded a coveted B.R.A.G. Medallion. Her YA teen detective series is penned as Lily Stuart – THE teen detective; irreverent, blunt, funny and vulnerable. Webs and Magpies are the first two books in the series. And as Debrah Martin she writes literary fiction. Her first literary fiction, Chained Melodies, a startling transgender story to rival The Danish Girl, and described pre-release as “…a beautiful book about love, acceptance and self-discovery…” was also released earlier this month.

Net Galley reviewers can access an ARC of Falling Awake there from 27th October, and all reviewers can obtain a copy and more information about Debrah’s other works by contacting her at the email address below.

For the first thirty reviewers to post a review of Falling Awake on Amazon, if you email Debrah with a link to the review, she’ll send you a bumper bundle (digital) of her other adult fiction books, including the award-winning Patchwork People series. Reviewers are also invited to contact Debrah for review copies of any of her books.








Debrah Martin can be emailed on info@debrahmartin.co.uk

Her website is www.debrahmartin.co.uk

And she is on:

Twitter: @StorytellerDeb



And Sign up to Debrah’s mailing list for news and special offers: http://eepurl.com/3-965

Book trailer:


Read an excerpt from Falling Awake –



‘What is life? An illusion, a shadow, a story.’


Pedro Calderon de la Barca


Prologue

No-one could sleep forever.

But apparently she could. It was the unusual challenge to the premise that had brought him here against the inclination to evade responsibility and slip home to his own dreams. She’d slept continuously for days now, without the need for water or sustenance; her only requirement, seemingly, a book. He peered curiously through the viewing panel as the attendant hovered behind him.

‘That’s her,’ the attendant announced as if pulling a rabbit from a hat. ‘Mary Parker.’

‘She’s very pretty,’ the tall young man declared, deep blue eyes narrowing to slits as he studied her. The woman’s long red hair cascaded over the side of the bed like blood streaming to the floor, her face a marble effigy of life. She reminded him of Millais’ Ophelia as she floated downstream on her layette of wild flowers – except this frozen beauty was merely asleep, not dead. He wondered what she was dreaming about. She seemed very familiar in a strange half-forgotten way.

‘Yeah, she is – and quiet now, but she weren’t once. Blimey – you should have seen her then, screaming and hollering. Wasn’t until we found that old book and gave it back to her that she shut up.’ The attendant picked at his nails and watched the tall young man lean in closer still. The corner of a book poked out from under the tightly clasped hands. ‘Then she just slept,’ the attendant added, shrugging his shoulders.

‘What’s its significance?’ the young man asked. He could just make out a title scrawled longhand across its spine. He wondered if the woman had written it on herself. He could only decipher the first word – ‘Falling’.

‘Not a clue, Mister; it’s just an empty book.’ The attendant shifted impatiently, as if tired of waiting, then asked, ‘How’d you know her again?’ He flipped the visitors’ page back to read the tall young man’s entry.

22nd Sept ’92: Time in – 5.45pm. John Hathorne, Director: Geo. Tooley & Sons.

‘I don’t really. She worked at the factory, that’s all. We have to be seen as caring employers so I’m here to check on her before we sign her off the books.’ He paused. Now he came to think of it he might have met her once. There had been a girl with bright red hair like hers the day he’d been shown round the factory. He’d been surprised by her scarlet mac because of the colour clash. He dragged himself from his reverie.

‘You said she had no family?’

‘Nope, apparently the mother died a while back and the neighbours say she’s been a bit odd ever since. Before they brought her in here she was wandering the graveyard down the road babbling about how she couldn’t find herself any more. Shame – when you got no-one.’

‘How do you think she can do it?’

‘What?’

‘Not eat or drink for so long – just sleep.’

‘Beats me. Maybe she’s not really there and we’re just imagining her.’ The young man stared at him. The attendant laughed. ‘Only joking. You done then?’ The attendant looked expectantly at him, and the young man found himself involuntarily offering his business card before collecting his briefcase and coat.

‘I suppose I could see if I can do something to help her if she comes back to the land of the living.’

The attendant turned the card over and read aloud, ‘Bespoke leisure wear and stage costumiers; themed event supplies a speciality.’ He studied the tall young man. ‘Versions of reality, huh? You’ll be getting a lot of custom soon, then.’ He sniggered. Outside the midweek rush hour traffic distantly hooted on its way home. The light had dimmed to the half-dusk of early autumn, but fallen leaves and skeletal trees said winter was already in the air.

The tall young man had spotted the now redundant leather straps on the side of the bed when he’d been trying to decipher the title of the book. The reddening round her wrists indicated where no doubt they’d been clasped until recently. ‘Halloween does tend to be a busy time,’ he agreed, suddenly uneasy. The place was oppressive and the sight of the comatose and confined woman depressed him. ‘Such a waste. Will she ever recover, do you think?’

‘Don’t know, mister. Not sure if she’s actually ill. Probably just the stresses of life – grief and disappointment. They do strange things to us, don’t they? Perhaps if she had someone to look after her, she’d get well again, but then who knows when anyone recovers from life.’ He laughed mirthlessly. ‘Maybe it’s better to just dream?’ The tall young man considered the idea for a while.

‘No, reality is always better, no matter how hard.’

He went back to the viewing window and studied the young woman for a few minutes more before gathering up the Essex County Gazette he’d brought with him and stuffing it under the arm carrying the briefcase. The pages creased and he made to flatten them, but stopped abruptly and tossed the paper back on the table the attendant had been sitting at when he’d arrived. He peered at his hand as if there was something wrong with it before shaking his head. The attendant cleared his throat meaningfully and opened the unit’s outer door.

‘I hope her dreams are sweet,’ the young man added sadly as the attendant ushered him out. The attendant flicked the light off and the room behind them sank back into shadow.

Neither saw the frozen figure thaw, stir, and open her eyes – deep green pools of luminescence. They fixed on the door and she listened intently to the low rumble of the tall young man’s voice as he made his goodbyes. The marble features creased to a frown and the slack body tensed. The book still clutched in her hand shivered.

‘No!’ she murmured. ‘No, no, no!’

------------------------------


GIVEAWAY:


Two (2) print copies of Falling Awake by Debrah Martin (INT)
Ends November 19th
Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible.



This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

11 Alpha Doms Box Set: Romance Anthology


11 ALPHA DOMS TO ROCK YOUR WORLD
From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors and more!

Are you ready for 11 alphas that will make you sigh, make your toes curl, and make your panties wet? You won’t be disappointed! We have military, menage, contemporary, and a dash of paranormal romance that will send you right over the edge.
Jump into the action and suspense and find out now how these alphas take care of their women!




Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo



In the Set:
***
Blushing Violet – Ann Mayburn
When a shy, curvy submissive meets two amazing Doms who want to win her heart, which one will she choose?

About Ann Mayburn
With over forty published books, Ann is Queen of the Castle to her husband and three sons in the mountains of West Virginia. In her past lives she's been an Import Broker, a Communications Specialist, a US Navy Civilian Contractor, a Bartender/Waitress, and an actor at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. She also spent a summer touring with the Grateful Dead-though she will deny to her children that it ever happened.
   From a young Ann has had a love affair with books would read everything she could get her hands on. As Ann grew older, and her hormones kicked in, she discovered bodice ripping Fabio-esque romance novels. They were great at first, but she soon grew tired of the endless stories with a big wonderful emotional buildup to really short and crappy sex. Never a big fan of purple prose, throbbing spears of fleshy pleasure and wet honey pots make her giggle, she sought out books that gave the sex scenes in the story just as much detail and plot as everything else-without using cringe worthy euphemisms. This led her to the wonderful world of Erotic Romance, and she's never looked back.
   Now Ann spends her days trying to tune out cartoons playing in the background to get into her 'sexy space' and has accepted that her Muse has a severe case of ADD.
  Ann loves to talk with her fans, as long as they realize she's weird, and that sarcasm doesn't translate well via text.
***

Bound By Desire - Desiree Holt 
He wanted her, but only on his terms.

About Desiree Holt
Desiree Holt has lived a life of excitement that brings the color to her writing. She was a summer fishing guide, a summer field hand where she was one of only three women working, a member of a beginning ski team that skied in competition (and no, no broken bones!). She spent several years in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Ward, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, a winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio, and is published by four different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling than the last.”
***

At Her SEAL's Command - Selena Blake 
He's got two weeks to win the woman of his dreams. She doesn't want to be tied down. Tying her up might be just what she needs. 

About Selena Blake
An action movie buff with a penchant for all things supernatural and sexy, New York Times bestselling author Selena Blake combines her love for adventure, travel and romance into sensual contemporary romances and spine-tingling paranormal romance. Selena’s books have been called ‘a steamy escape, and have appeared on NY Times, USA Today, Amazon and AllRomanceEbooks bestseller lists, been nominated for awards, and won contests. When she’s not writing you can find her by the pool soaking up some sun, day dreaming about new characters, and watching the cabana boy (aka her muse), Derek.
***

Tropic of Pleasure - Tina Donahue 
The one woman they shouldn’t want. Two Doms she can’t resist. A sizzling weekend beyond their wildest desires. 

About Tina Donahue
Tina’s an RWA award-winning, bestselling author who writes hot and humorous romances for Kensington, Samhain, and numerous other publishers. She began writing when she was nine, penning and illustrating a children’s book that she sold to her friends’ parents. Her first book tour! She’s featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before her writing career, she was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company. In addition to being an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, she’s flown a single-engine plane, rewired an old house using an electricity for dummies book, and has been known to moan like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally whenever she’s eating anything Mexican or Italian.
***

Romance Quickies (Encounter 9) - Monique Dubois 
Malia is introduced to the world of BDSM by a mysterious Army ranger. He captivates her body and senses, but does he have a secret side that leads her into danger? 

About Monique Dubois
Monique DuBois is a bestselling author who loves creating steamy romance stories about strong women and sexy men that she hopes will keep you up late at night...in more ways than one. Monique can be easily bribed with cupcakes and wine, and she really enjoys long bubble baths and a good book. She also loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted through her website. Monique is well known for her Jet-Setting Escort (A Curvy Girl Erotic Romance) and Romance: Quickies series.
***

Hollywood Spank - Shoshanna Evers
It's rumored that movie star Mark Cannon loves to spank -- and undercover tabloid reporter Andrea Landley is willing to do *whatever* it takes to get the inside scoop. 

About Shoshanna Evers
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Shoshanna Evers has over twenty-plus romance novels and novellas published, including I Am Not Your Melody, The Enslaved Trilogy, The Tycoon’s Convenient Bride…and Baby, How to Write Hot Sex. Reviewers call her books “fast paced, intense, and sexual,” with “scorching hot romance scenes, (and) beautiful writing.” Sexily “Evers” After…
***

Bound to the Land - Felice Fox
An inheritance he never wanted, for a love he could not deny.

About Felice Fox
Felice is a big fan of bluegrass and country music, and a lover of all things wild, woodsy and romantic. She wears bad girl boots and was once mistaken for a roller derby queen. Hold Me Together, the first Cameron Ranch story, was an Amazon #1 bestseller and Hot New Release. It has been described as a “danger to panties everywhere” (Herding Cats & Burning Soup) and “not for the faint of heart” (Fresh Fiction). Her fiction debut, Take Me for Longing, has been an Amazon bestseller since its release in 2012 and her second title, It’s Just Sext, became an instant Amazon #1 bestseller. Felice lives, loves and dreams of the country life from her home in Southern California.
***

Heidi and the Kaiser - Selena Kitt 
Kaiser hires Heidi as his assistant, and her “training” proves to be quite a test of surrender. 

About Selena Kitt
Selena Kitt is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and award-winning author of erotica and erotic romance fiction. She is one of the highest selling erotic writers in the business with over a million ebooks sold! Her writing embodies everything from the spicy to the scandalous, but watch out-this kitty also has sharp claws and her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths. When she’s not pawing away at her keyboard, Selena runs an innovative publishing company and erotica and erotic romance bookstore and two erotica and erotic romance promotion companies.
***

Mastered: Teagan - Krystal Shannan
Letting go will be the hardest choice she's ever made. 

About Krystal Shannan
Amazon Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan writes stories full of action, snark, magick, and hart-felt emotion. If you are looking for leisurely-paced sweet romance, her books are probably not for you. However, for those looking for a magickal ride filled with adventure, passion, and just a hint of humor. Welcome home.
***

Sophie's Menage - Jan Springer
It’s Ménage Night at the Key Club and Sophie is finally taking the plunge back into the spank scene... 

About Jan Springer
New York Times & USA Today Best Selling Author Jan Springer lives in Ontario, Canada on four acres of secluded wilderness. Jan enjoys gardening, hiking, kayaking, reading and writing. She is a member of the Writers Union of Canada and Romance Writers of America.
***

Going Long - Cari Quinn
This time, he'll need to hit all the right notes to win the woman he's always loved...

About Cari Quinn
USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn wrote her first story—a bible parable—in 2nd grade, much to the delight of the nuns at her Catholic school. Once she saw the warm reception that first tale garnered, she was hooked. Now, she gets to pen sexy romances for a living and routinely counts her lucky stars. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she can usually be found watching men’s college basketball, playing her music way too loud or causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.
***

Giveaway:

Undying Desire by Jessica Lee


Undying Desire
by Jessica Lee
Series: The Enclave, #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: April 21, 2014




Guerino Lombardi's world just went to shit. Vampire and second in command of the Warriors of the Enclave, he's put everything on the line to save his best friend from what has to be the worst blow a man can take. Kenric, his friend and master of the Enclave, has a daughter, something believed impossible in the vampire world, and word has it she wants her father and his Enclave dead. Guerin is determined to protect Kenric, keeping the secret from him until he knows for sure if this daughter really exists and if she wants revenge.

Eve Devonshire is a woman hiding in plain sight. Not completely human, but not quite a vampire, she's accepted by neither race but is more powerful than either one. Her life has consisted of half-truths and disguises, never belonging or living in one place for any length of time. But now some have heard rumors of her existence and want nothing more than to trap her and dissect her like a lab rat.

To stay alive, Eve can't trust anyone, including the alpha vampire with midnight eyes and a thirst for pain and submission. With her enemies nipping at her heels, Eve has Guerin cornered, and both are determined to get the answers they're looking for or die trying...if they can fight their desires long enough.







Book 1: Undying Destiny


Book 2: Undying Embrace


Book 4: Undying Hunger



Jessica Lee is an EPIC eBook Award winner and international bestselling author of paranormal romance. She lives in the southeastern United States with her husband and son. In her former life, Jessica was a science geek and spent over twenty-five years as a nurse. But after the birth of her son, she left her medical career behind. During that transition, she discovered her passion for writing romance and has never looked back. Jessica Lee is currently published with Entangled Publishing and Resplendence Publishing. Plus she has several self published titles available.