This is the blog of Samie Sands, author of Lockdown. There will be many great books and projects reviewed here. For more, check out thelockdown.co.uk.

Saturday, 7 June 2014

Rex Randall and the Jericho Secret by Vince Carter


Rex Randall is the world famous author, known for his Incognito series of books and movies. His main character, Jason Hendrix, has a loyal following around the world, eager to read about his next exploits. This is especially so, since it is widely known that his life is modeled on the real lifestyle of Rex.

It is an unusual lifestyle, only dreamed of by most. That’s because, in real life, Rex lives with five beautiful women in a polyamorous, non-monogamous relationship. It is also a luxurious lifestyle, fueled by the enormous wealth generated by all those books and movies. They want for nothing and enjoy the many pleasures of life. They work hard, play hard, and rest easy.

In his series of thriller books, Rex’s alter ego, Jason, is a chameleon-like investigator that assumes numerous identities to pursue his assignments. In order to give the stories an increased level of realism, Rex spends countless months, himself, thoroughly researching key elements of the story concept by accepting assignments in real life and donning various cover identities.

Then, with exacting detail, Rex would be able to convert his actual experiences into an exciting series of scenes for Jason in the novels. It is the distinguishing factor that gives his books that air of authenticity, no matter how unusual the premise.

In preparation for his next novel, Rex and his five female loves, engage in their reality based research by going undercover and posing as security consultants to the U.S. Secret Service. In the process, they discover the Jericho Secret.

This secret, unknown even to the Secret Service, is so explosive that, if revealed to the world, could put the President of the United States in mortal jeopardy.


Note from Samie: "This book is fast paced and exciting - quite the intense read. For an avid reader like me it really made me sit up and pay attention, which takes a lot. At first you think it's going to be hard to keep up with all the activity, but the story really sucks you in and before long you can't put the book down! I highly recommend this book it definitely deserves 5/5 stars."

Friday, 6 June 2014

Do you love everything zombie? Would you like to get involved with a brand new, unique zombie anthology?  
Submissions aren't just for short stories. This anthology will also include artwork, photography, poetry and much, much more! If you would like to submit, have any ideas or would simply like to be one of the first readers of the book, please email lockdown@writeme.com.
The deadline is the 30th August and submissions that are accepted will be sent a contract form detailing all the terms of compensation. If you have any questions about this prior to submission, please email me.

Thursday, 5 June 2014

The Creative Imperative: The Secrets of Success in the 21st Century


Blurb: The Creativity Imperative is a clear, concise conversation about the necessity for organisations big and small and in-between to understand and embrace the sweeping wave of change that has engulfed the business world in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis. It begins with simple but comprehensive definitions of both ‘creativity’ and ‘innovation,’ and then proceeds to survey the context in which these concepts have evolved to occupy a central role, not just in the name of success, but also survival. Finally, an explanation detailing the many palpable benefits of creative principles and processes is offered.

Benefits
• gives the reader a clear and unambiguous understanding of creativity's central role in the sustainability of modern organisations
• offers the reader certainty that creativity and innovation are essential for achieving ongoing profitability, productivity, growth etc
• arms the reader with a persuasive argument, supported by research and statistics, to convince others of the necessity of creativity and innovation for organisations to not just survive, but to thrive & prosper
• sharpens the reader's professional edge in their quest for success and career advancement
Features
• clear, concise and reader friendly
• surveys and streamlines the most authoritative and respected Australian and international research into the importance and capabilities of creativity
• presents evidence and statistics that demonstrate that creativity is not just a supplement to success, it is the central pillar that holds up the long term structure of any organisation aiming for success.


Note from Samie: "This book is a must read for all those involved with business - the ideas, concepts and creativity within it's pages are innovative and will change the way you look at things. 5/5 Stars - highly recommended!"

Wednesday, 4 June 2014

THE THIN VEIL SERIES
by Jodi McIsaac


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THROUGH THE DOOR (Book #1)
It’s been seven years since the love of Cedar McLeod’s life left with no forwarding address. All she has left of him are heart-wrenching memories of happier times and a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Eden. Then, one day, Eden opens her bedroom door and unwittingly creates a portal that leads to anywhere she imagines.
But they’re not the only ones who know of Eden’s gift, and soon the child mysteriously vanishes.
Desperate for answers, Cedar digs into the past and finds herself thrust into a magical world of Celtic myths, fantastical creatures, and bloody rivalries. Teaming up with the unlikeliest of allies, Cedar must bridge the gap between two worlds and hold tight to the love in her heart…or lose everything to an ancient evil.
The first in the Thin Veil series, Through the Door is a pulse-pounding adventure that takes readers across the globe and deep into the hidden realms of Celtic lore



INTO THE FIRE (Book #2)
Cedar McLeod would like nothing more than to return to Tír na nÓg, help rebuild the mythical kingdom, and start a new life for herself and her daughter, Eden. But peace isn’t what Cedar finds after being reunited with her little girl.
Nuala—who kidnapped and terrorized Eden in her previous bid for power—has returned and is making a persuasive claim for the vacant throne. The devastation such a ruler would bring upon both the kingdom and the human world is unthinkable. With no one else to stake a convincing counter-claim, Cedar steps forward...but first she must prove her worth beyond a doubt.
Her opportunity comes when she is charged with finding an ancient treasure, the Stone of Destiny, and returning it to its rightful home. It is a quest that will lead her to question her beliefs, and push her loyalties to their limits. If she succeeds, Cedar could grant her new world and her new family a chance to flourish again. If not...destruction may be the only path ahead.
Into the Fire, the second book in the Thin Veil series, is a captivating blend of Celtic myth, mystery, and adventure that delves deeper into the ancient world first explored in Through the Door.


AMONG THE UNSEEN (Book #3)
Life just keeps getting more complicated for Cedar McLeod. As the recently crowned queen of Tír na nÓg, she’s trying to understand her magical new kingdom, even as she misses her life back on Earth. It doesn’t help that a dear friend has just betrayed her—a betrayal that almost cost Cedar and her family their lives. And things aren’t easy at home, either, as Cedar’s seven-year-old daughter, Eden, lost and lonely in Tír na nÓg despite her special powers, has become painfully distant.
Cedar vows to do whatever it takes to protect her family once and for all, and starts rounding up those who plotted against her. But then a new disaster breaks out: a mysterious sickness is plaguing the Unseen, Ireland’s magical creatures, including those Cedar knows and loves. With enemies still on the loose and not knowing whom she can trust, Cedar must race against time to reverse an ancient curse, in a journey that will take her from Tír na nÓg to Earth…and beyond.
Brimming with page-turning adventure, Among the Unseen—the exciting conclusion to Jodi McIsaac’s Thin Veil trilogy—weaves an enchanting, captivating spell.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THROUGH THE DOOR (BOOK 1) EXCERPT
“Shh, it’s okay,” Cedar said, rubbing Eden’s back. Tears were pricking at her own eyes, but she tried to hold them back. “Your father was a really good person.”
“But why isn’t he here?” Eden sniffed.
Cedar took a deep breath to steady her voice. “I don’t know, to be honest. I wish I did. He went away before he knew I was pregnant. He didn’t leave because of you, Eden. That’s really important for you to understand. When you came along, I tried to find him. But I couldn’t. I’m sorry.”
Eden pulled away, her face twisted. “It’s not fair!” Cedar tried to hug her again, but Eden yanked herself free and stormed down the hall. Cedar stood and watched her disappear around the corner. She’d give her a few minutes of alone time, and then go talk to her again. She listened for the inevitable slamming of Eden’s door. It didn’t come. Instead, Eden’s screams died off as suddenly as if she had run out of air. The apartment fell silent, a sharp contrast to the storm of six-year-old anger that had been raging only moments before.
“Eden?” Cedar called out. Nothing. “Eden?” she tried again, starting to walk down the hall.
“Mummy? Mummy!” came Eden’s voice.
Cedar quickly rounded the corner and saw Eden standing in the hallway outside her bedroom, staring open-mouthed through the gaping doorway. There was some sort of light reflecting on her face. It glimmered and shifted and created strange shapes and lines on her skin, casting her in an otherworldly glow. A slight breeze was lifting the edges of her sundress, brushing it against her legs. A small trail of fine sand crept through the doorway and was starting to collect around her feet.
“What is it, Eden?” Cedar asked as she moved to stand beside her daughter. Then her jaw dropped. “What the…?”
The two of them stood in shocked silence, looking into the room. The air in the open
doorway was sparkling with a thousand points of light, like the surface of a pond catching the mid-afternoon sun. They could still see what was on the other side, but through a film. In this case, the film glittered and moved. Even more remarkable than the way the air had changed in the doorway was what was on the other side.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Jodi McIsaac grew up in New Brunswick, Canada. After stints as a short-track speed skater, a speechwriter, and fundraising and marketing executive in the nonprofit sector, she started a boutique copywriting agency and began writing novels in the wee hours of the morning. She currently lives with her husband and children in Calgary.
The Thin Veil Series on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jodi-McIsaac/e/B0082T2DO2/




The Runaway Mail-Order Bride


BLURB:
She thought she’d met the man of her dreams. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
His letters had won her heart. Leaving everything behind, Lisa Hanlon is ready to start a new life in the West. Sheriff Donald Skroch is attractive, influential, and eager to wed his mail-order bride. Shortly after arriving in Tate City, Lisa discovers that he's also short-tempered, violent and possessive…and she’s soon fleeing for California, desperate to escape the man she’s promised to marry.
Arriving at a broken-down ranch in the middle of nowhere, Lisa is only seeking a place to hide. She’s dismayed to discover a rugged drifter, Pearce Folsom, in one of the outbuildings. Burdened with secrets of his own, Pearce hides the truth of his past but not his attraction to Lisa. When he steals a burning kiss during the middle of a midnight storm, Lisa knows this handsome cowboy wants more from her than she is ready to give. She can’t truly offer her heart until she is finally and forever free from Donald.
Then, one terrible day, a telegram arrives: FOUND YOU.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
On a different night, in a different setting, Pearce would have enjoyed making the acquaintance of this appealing stranger. She appeared to be exactly his kind of girl: beautiful, full of spirit, and revealing more of herself to a stranger’s eyes than any proper woman would rightly consider.
Apparently, she was also ready to shoot him on sight. This was something new. In his past experiences, it had usually taken a few weeks before the women he’d met had wanted him dead.
“What are you doing?” he asked. “Alone out here, on a night like this? You’re more than a little foolish, girl.”
“I’m twenty-five years old. I’m hardly a girl!”
“You’re right about that.” Again, he allowed himself the pleasure of viewing her. She was dark-haired, with brown eyes and a pale complexion. Her frame was small but nicely proportioned. Noting her attire, he realized his visitor had dressed modestly but the weather had overcome her good intentions.
For the first time in his life, Pearce felt grateful for an unexpected downpour.
The woman’s face colored under his gaze. Seemingly aware of the blush coloring her cheeks, she frowned. Her jaw tightening, she went from discomfited to angry in just a few seconds.
Having embarrassed and angered his share of the female population, Pearce had met with this type of reaction before. He said, “Aren’t you a firecracker.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
A collector of vintage Barbies and younger boyfriends, Anne Glynn currently resides in the American Southwest.
The truth is a little more complicated. I'm Anne and my S.W.P. (Significant Writing Partner) is Glynn. Together, we write as 'Anne Glynn'.
However, I am a collector of vintage Barbies and I have, on occasion, collected the younger boyfriend. Not so much these days.


*Don't forget a comment on this blog post will be selected at random to win a FREE copy of this book, so get your entries in now!*

Tuesday, 3 June 2014

The Eye Dancers


The Eye-Dancers
by Michael Fedison
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Seventh-grader Mitchell Brant and three of his classmates inexplicably wake up at the back edge of a softball field to the sounds of a game, the cheering of the crowd. None of them remembers coming here. And as they soon learn, “here” is like no place they’ve ever seen. Cars resemble antiques from the 1950s. There are no cell phones, no PCs. Even the spelling of words is slightly off.
A compulsive liar, constantly telling fantastic stories to garner attention and approval, Mitchell can only wish this were just one more of his tall tales. But it isn’t. It’s all too real. Together, as they confront unexpected and life-threatening dangers, Mitchell and his friends must overcome their bickering and insecurities to learn what happened, where they are, and how to get back home.
The answers can be found only in the mysterious little girl with the blue, hypnotic eyes. The one they had each dreamed of three nights in a row before arriving here. She is their only hope. And, as they eventually discover, they are her only hope.
And time is running out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
(End of chapter 12)
It seemed like hours before he got to sleep. The night-beast outside continued to howl, Duss continued to bark, and Joe had to keep getting up to hush him. But eventually, mercifully, the howling ceased. And then Mitchell just lay there, thinking—of worlds upon worlds, layers of existence, side by side. And he wondered. What was he doing in those other worlds right now? Did he have a sister? Were his parents the same? Did they get along, somewhere? Were there really worlds out there where his mom and dad didn’t fight with each other? Were there worlds where Mitchell was confident? Where he could talk with ease, and his tongue worked as fluidly, as effortlessly, as his mind?
“Good night, Mitchell,” he whispered, to himself, to all of his selves, in all of the worlds in existence. His last thought before sleep finally took him away was of a line of Mitchell Brants. They stood, single file, one in front of the other. He started to count them in his mind’s eye, but the line went on and on, forever. He was infinite, endless.
When he counted the two hundred sixty-third Mitchell Brant, the line began to melt away, disintegrating into the netherworld of his dreams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Michael S. Fedison was born in Rochester, New York, and now lives with his wife, Sarah, and regal cat, Luke, in the green hills of central Vermont. Michael has been writing creatively for as long as he can remember, and has had short fiction published in several literary magazines, including Iconoclast and The Written Word. He works as a full-time technical writer and also is a freelance proofreader and copy editor.
Michael has been a lover of imaginative stories his entire life. He enjoys any story that takes you by the hand, lifts you up, and transports you to another place, a new and creative way of looking at the world around us.

Buy Links:
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/The-Eye-Dancers/nKFZETbWWkyzV2QkaJWOjg

*Don't forget to comment to be in with the chance of winning a $25 Amazon Gift Card*


Monday, 2 June 2014

On Her Watch


On Her Watch
by Rie Warren
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
The year is 2071 and all hell has broken loose. As the government tries to control the territories that were once the United States, an armed rebellion erupts . . .
AWOL from her military post, Lieutenant Liz Grant will do anything for the rebels she now calls friends. Her latest mission: return to the Beta Corps army and obtain classified information that could turn the battle in the revolutionaries’ favor. There’s only one problem: Commander Linc Cutler.
Strong, coldly handsome, and always in control, Linc is perplexed by the beautiful soldier brought in for questioning. He doesn’t know if he believes her explanation for why she went missing. He only knows his intense sexual desire for her cannot be denied.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
The troopers backed away from me, out of the office, closing the door behind them. I watched Linc, releasing a smile. His guards had left me fully armed and operational with my two babes, chrome Desert Eagle 44 mag dates from hell, holstered on my hips. Seeing him unarmed—hands pressed behind his back--made me think he might be as foolhardy as the Freelanders, but I doubted it.
I didn’t have to doubt for long.
Sharp jaw, full lips, and his arrogant nose showed in profile when he calmly mentioned, “If you even think about going for your sidearms, you’ll be dead before you make a move, Lieutenant Grant.”
My gurgled laugh hurt my bruised ribs. “I might be willing to test that theory.”
Movements fast and liquid, he came at me and cornered me under one of the cameras. Hands braced on either side of me, Linc’s breath brushed across my temple. “You’re in no position to test me, Liz.”
Hot restraint rolled off him. Not a single muscle moved from the breadth of his chest held a scant space from my breasts to his rugged shoulders straining the seams of his shirt.
My gaze flashed to his, the burning blue brightness unraveling my protective shell. No man had ever affected me like this. My short fingernails tapped the holstered Eagles in warning. A warning that had no effect on Linc as his breath dragged deeper, filling out his chest until it came flush to mine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
A Yankee transplant via the UK and other wild journeys, Rie happily landed in Charleston, South Carolina, with her English artisan husband and their two small daughters--one an aspiring diva, the other a future punk rocker. After earning her degree in Fine Arts, Rie promptly gave up paintbrushes and canvas for paper and pen (because she decided being a writer was equally as good an idea as being an artist, of course it was). That was fifteen years ago, her writing career started! With a manuscript of super epic proportions! Safely stored under a lace doily in a filing cabinet. Possibly in England . . .
Since then she's done this and that, here and there, usually in the nonprofit arena, until she returned to her dream of being a writer. Even though Rie basks in the glorious southern sunshine as often as she can, she's mostly a nocturnal creature adjourning to her writer's atelier (spare bedroom) in search of her next devious plot twist or delicious passionate tryst.
No matter what genre or gender pairing she's writing, she combines a sexy southern edge with humor and heart--and a taste of darkness.
BUY LINKS:


Don't forget to enter the On Her Watch competition: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4550252/

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