Make-believe is more than a child's game!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

ACCELERATING CIRCUMSTANCES is out! Order today!

Jenny is different. She can read people’s minds.


At age seventeen, Jenny Reid was arrested for killing her own mother. There was no evidence that an intruder entered the house. No one believed her as a teenager when she tried to tell them how she felt the killer’s rage saturated within the walls, that she knew the presence of evil had been there. The police thought she was crazy, not psychic.

A conviction was never made in the case due to lack of evidence. Jenny is still the sole suspect, but now, she is doing something about it. She’s on the right side of the law, an FBI agent determined to finally find justice for her mom.

Two men stay by her side—William, her partner, a darkly intense agent with a scary past and Nate, a bad boy with too much charisma to be a good thing. But, no man will keep her from finding out the truth about her mom. The time has come to set things right.

Nothing will stand in her way. She’ll come up close with evil again and face the ultimate choice—kill or be killed in these ACCELERATING CIRCUMSTANCES.



Excerpt:

She didn’t remember telling the operator that she needed help, but she must have because the 9-1-1 dispatcher told her she needed to stay on the line until help arrived. Time held no meaning. People arrived, whether minutes or hours later, she had no idea.

Jenny placed the phone back on the receiver and physically dropped. The sofa was behind her and caught her, but she would have sat whether there was furniture there or not. She stared blankly at the wall, seeing nothing. The house got busy around her, people walking in and out. Lots of talking, lots of work.

Someone asked her if she needed anything. She said no. They told her to stay right there, and she did.
Jenny didn’t call anyone else—not her dad, not her sister, no one. She couldn’t move, couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. It felt like the room was closing in on her.

Her mom was dead. She hadn’t seen a body, but she knew. She knew.

Two men detached from the hustle and bustle to walk up to her. “My name is Detective Evans. My partner is Detective Crouse. We’ve contacted your dad. It will be a few hours before he can get here. May we ask you some questions?”

Jenny tried to focus. The detective that spoke was older with a deep receding hairline and clear piercing eyes. The other was an average middle-aged man that looked bored with his job. Both men stared at her.
She didn’t know what they were thinking or feeling. Her gift was strongest with touch. Regardless, it wouldn’t work now anyway. She couldn’t focus! She couldn’t think!

“Okay,” she said, her voice deadpan.

“Do you get along with your parents?” Detective Evans asked as he took a seat beside her.

“I guess.”

“The neighbors didn’t seem to think so,” he commented.

Too numb, too distanced right then, she didn’t immediately realize where the detective’s question was leading, but she wanted to cooperate. She needed to think about anything other than the horror in the room upstairs. What did Detective Evans ask, again? How she got along with Mom and Dad?

How could she possibly explain her situation? Most teenagers just thought their parents didn’t understand them. Well, Jenny really knew for a fact that they didn’t.

“Your sister is at school, and your dad is away on business, right?” Detective Evans continued.

“Yeah.”

“What happened here last night?”

“I don’t know. I was sleeping,” she said, still deadpan. This can’t be real. She couldn’t keep her thoughts from all the blood she’d seen. Then: “Mom’s dead, isn’t she?”

The detectives gave each other a look she didn’t understand.

She sniffed, feeling another round of sobs bursting to the surface. The house suddenly felt too small, too stifling, choking her with its intensity. Why didn’t anyone understand? A cry exploded from her, and she blurted it all out in such a rush that later, she wouldn’t remember saying anything at all. “There’s so much hate! Can’t you feel it? Don’t you see? No one could hate her so much!”

Detective Evans cleared his throat.

“Is that why you hurt your mom? You hate her?” Detective Crouse suddenly asked, his voice stern. He no longer looked bored.

Jenny should have been stunned by the question, but she was in shock. She said nothing. Her eyes fell to her lap as she continued to cry.

“Answer the question,” Evans demanded.

“I didn’t hurt her,” she managed between sobs.

“We know that’s not possible,” Evans said. “There’s no sign of forced entry. The murder weapon was a knife from your kitchen. Come on, Jenny. You didn’t plan this out very well. You really want us to believe you slept through that mess upstairs? You’re covered in blood. There are bloody footprints all over the place. Your footprints. You hated her, like you said. You guys had an argument of some sort, so you got rid of her.” He stood and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “Stand up. You are under arrest for the murder of Savannah Rice.”

As she was recited her rights and handcuffed, Jenny looked at her feet. He was right, she realized. She had blood all over her.

The room blurred around her, and she fainted.


Order today!

http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/destiny_booze/Accelerating_Circumstances.html

Friday, September 30, 2011

Win a copy of THE CURSE OF A MIND today!

What has been the happiest moment in my writing career so far? Find out in my interview with Kay Dee Royal today! We’ll be talking about me, my book and anything else you want to chat about, so come on by!
I’m also offering a chance to win a copy of my latest release The Curse of a Mind!




Thursday, September 8, 2011

‘True Fiction’ – What is it?

Has fiction gotten too realistic?

Is it time for fiction to get back to its roots? Read my guest blog at Ravencraft’s Romance Realm to see what I have to say on this subject! By the way, there’s probably an opportunity to win a free book for one lucky commenter! Hope to see you there! :)



http://ravencraftrealm.blogspot.com/?zx=79453b437c67984

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Chat with Destiny on Yahoo! Today!

All Day Author and Reader Chat!
August 24, 2011 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST


The kids are headed back to school. Celebrate with me, my fellow authors from Whimsical Publications and the authors from World Castle Publications in
some adult conversation at Joyfully Reviewed’s yahoo group! Chat about books, writers, publishing tips, or whatever comes to mind. :) I will be there from 9 AM to 1 PM! Hope to see you there!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chatting_with_Joyfully_Reviewed/

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Buy Any E-book at Whimsical Publications at 1/2 Off!

My publisher, Whimsical Publications has a huge book sale going on for the month of August! You can buy one of my e-books for 1/2 off! Wow, right?

Here’s the official announcement from Whimsical:

“With all the talk of budgets in the news, Whimsical Publications feels it’s time to do our part.

For the entire month of August, WP will have a Stimulus Relief sale. What does that mean to you, the reader? It means that all the ebooks on this site will be 1/2 price.

Combine a romance with a suspense, a historical with a young adult. Get all the ebooks in a series and add a few others for good measure. With the half price deal, you can increase your reading pleasure without taking a chunk out of your budget .

So, take this opportunity to discover a new author or reestablish with an old friend. Pass this information along so your friends and family can take advantage of this cut in price as well. With the price of everything going up, this is a way for Whimsical Publications to give back to the reading population. Check out http://www.whimsicalpublications.com for information on our books.”

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Which of my characters is my favorite?

I’m a featured author at Whispered Writings, a blog written by Rachel Kovacs. She’s written such a remarkable feature about me that I have to share with everyone! She’s truly a talented writer.

One of the questions I answer for Rachel is: which of my characters is my favorite? Interested to know? Here’s the feature: http://whisperedwritings.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/author-spotlight-destiny-booze/

I sure hope everyone will take a moment to stop by! :)

Friday, July 15, 2011

It's Time for Blogfest 2011! Come win prizes!

Blogfest 2011 is here and I'm giving away an autographed copy of one of my books! Which one? Well, that depends on you. I'm putting my book covers up for a vote. Which one do you like the best? The book with the most votes will be signed for one lucky participant in this year's blogfest!

Last day to vote will be Sunday, July 17th. The winner will be announced on Monday, July 18th. Come join the fun here: http://destinybooze.wordpress.com/!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

What I’m working on…Sound interesting?

I’m still looking for a title for this one, but here’s a glimpse of what I’m working on. :)


Eric Teague is moments away from becoming a very rich man. Thanks to him, the world of gaming is about to experience technology like it has never seen before. When his new establishment, Against the Game opens, playing video games will be a thing of history.

At Against the Game, players really experience the realm of virtual reality. There are no memory cards or chips, no controllers, not even a cord or a wire. It is really happening and the players are inside the game. If you want to play, you better get those legs running or you will lose.

As long as everything goes as planned, Eric will be set for life. He intends to make sure there are no unforeseen glitches during the upcoming test trials. Nothing will stand in his way of completing his creation.

Lacey Pruitt isn’t interested in playing games when she goes to Eric to ask him a huge favor. A terminally ill boy’s last wish is to try Eric’s new game. Will Eric say yes or will his greed cause him to deny a dying boy’s request?

Or, perhaps the supercomputer at Against the Game will make the call. Wait. Computers can’t work without commands, can they? One fateful game will determine everything. Lacey and Eric’s lives will be on the line, as will their hearts.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Chat with the authors of Whimsical Publications on 6/23/11!

Join me and my fellow authors at Whimsical Publications for a fun, exciting, even sizzling chat about all topics, including books and so very much more. Anything goes! The chat will take place at Coffeetime’s chat loop on Yahoo all day long on 6/23/11. Be sure to join in advance so you can participate in all the fun!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karenfindoutaboutnewbooks

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Fun Summer Giveaways Every Friday!

I’m having fun summer giveaways every Friday from June 21-September 23, 2011 on my facebook page!

Check out the details:
Happy Summer, friends!  I have a gift for you! Starting the first Friday of summer, I am giving away a free .pdf copy of one of my books every week to one of my Facebook followers. If you don’t follow me, be sure to go over and hit my “like” button. :) Winners will be announced every Friday! I will also be throwing in one or two signed print books over the summer! That’s happening every Friday, folks! I sure hope you go by and take your chance at winning!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Destiny-Booze/152893818389

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Beach Blog Party at Author Roast and Toast!

Join me for a virtual blog party! There will be sweets to eat, fancy drinks with umbrellas, gorgeous eye candy without shirts wandering around… Sounds great, doesn’t it? Come on over and celebrate with me. I just finished writing another book and I’m ready to chat and have a good time!

http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/


By the way, did I mention which book I finished? Have a peak!
Coming November 2011

Accelerating Circumstances
Book Three of the Outer Banks Suspense Series

(Read as a series, or enjoy each book alone.)

Destiny Booze

Jenny is different. She can read people’s minds.

At age seventeen, Jenny Reid was arrested for killing her own mother. There was no evidence that an intruder entered the house. No one believed her as a teenager when she tried to tell them how she felt the killer’s rage saturated within the walls, that she knew the presence of evil had been there. The police thought she was crazy, not psychic.

A conviction was never made in the case due to lack of evidence. Jenny is still the sole suspect, but now, she is doing something about it. She’s on the right side of the law, a FBI agent determined to finally find justice for her mom.

Two men stay by her side—William, her partner, a darkly intense agent with a scary past and Nate, a bad boy with too much charisma to be a good thing. But, no man will keep her from finding out the truth about her mom. The time has come to set things right.

Nothing will stand in her way. She’ll come up close with evil again and face the ultimate choice—kill or be killed in these ACCELERATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Only 8 Days Left! May’s Character Interview Blog Bash!

Win a signed copy of Altered Beginnings by Destiny Booze! Here’s all you have to do…Have fun reading this character interview, then email Robyn at promorobyn@gmail.com with the answer to this question: What does Jason Altarez think about while lying in bed at night?

This contest will be ongoing for the month of May only, so there are only 8 days left! Don’t forget to ask Robyn for the complete list of participating blogs in the May Character Interview Blog Bash for even more fun interviews and opportunities to win fantastic books! :)


Leigh Lawson (Of both African American and Caucasian heritage, she is attractive and pretty. She has a dark complexion, long black hair and dark eyes.) – Once a troubled girl with a drug addiction, she returns home a grown woman with her life back on track. Her life gets turned back up side down when the police recruit her to work undercover to bring known mobster and drug seller Freddie Garrett to conviction.

Jason Altarez (A gorgeous guy with light brown or dirty blond hair longer than his shoulders, blue eyes, and a large smile.) – He is a popular reporter in Nags Head. As soon as Leigh gets into town, he approaches her. He’s obviously chasing her, but is he really interested in her or just her story?

Emma Combs (With a fantastic figure, auburn hair and plenty of time invested into her fashion, she is absolutely beautiful.) – She thinks of herself as a perfectionist. She and Leigh were best friends in high school. It is uncertain whether they will be able to rekindle that relationship.

Shawn Branscom (He is very sexy with short and neat brown hair, blue eyes and a great shape.) – Known to let his temper flare at the drop of a hat, he is a cop with a new promotion to the narcotics team. He’s a little gruff, but he has a definite soft spot for Emma that he is unable to hide.

1. Let’s begin by having everyone tell us a little about him or herself.

Jason grinned and leaned forward in his chair. “Shall I go first? This is a little weird. I’m usually the one asking the questions.” He looked thoughtful as he ran a hand through his light brown hair, the front falling right back where it began. “Well, I’m a reporter. I work hard. At work, they call me Ice because I refuse to give up on a story, which happens to be my biggest strength, but probably my biggest weakness as well. In my free time, I spend time with my family. I like playing basketball, swimming and sailing.”

Leigh stood to pace behind her chair as she answered. “My life is really complicated. I’m not sure how much you want to know. I was raised by the Branscom family. My teenage years were pretty bad, and they eventually kicked me out of the house. I decided to leave town…”

“…without telling anyone. Everyone thought she was dead,” Emma added.

“When I got back into town, I wasn’t exactly well received. So, that’s pretty much it. I’m just trying to make things right, but I’ll be fine. I’m tough,” Leigh said in a soft voice.

Emma went next. “I’m the manager of my parent’s hotel. I love my job. When I’m not there, I’m usually working out. I’m very ambitious. My greatest weakness would have to be that I’m a perfectionist.”

Shawn sat with his back perfectly straight, looking gruff and uncomfortable. “I’m a cop. I don’t have much time for anything else,” he said, sounding defensive as if he dared someone to argue.

Emma turned toward Shawn. “Your strength is your confidence. Your weakness is you get arrogant and your temper, of course.”

He gave her a look that wasn’t easily defined.

2. Anyone currently dating?

“No,” Jason said, still grinning. “The last time I had a serious relationship was in college. She was older and graduated before me. I haven’t heard from her since.”

Leigh still stood. “I’m not dating now. My ex-boyfriend was a drug dealer, my drug dealer actually.”

Emma just shook her head in answer.

Shawn did the same.

3. Do you believe in love at first sight? What are your views on sex in a relationship? Does love and sex have to come together?

Jason actually laughed. “Wow, what a question. I do believe in love at first sight. That’s kind of embarrassing. And, I would hope that any girl sleeping with me has feelings for me, so yes.”

Leigh began pacing again. “No and no.”

Emma shrugged. “I haven’t really thought about it.”

Shawn fidgeted, looking absolutely miserable. “That’s really a crazy question. I don’t know.”

4. When you lie in bed at night, what do you think about?

For the very first time, Jason momentarily paused. “I think about what I want in the future,” he said, his eyes sliding over his shoulder to Leigh.

“I try not to think,” Leigh said with a voice that was a bit uneven. She sounded shaky or perhaps on the verge of laughter.

“That’s easy,” Emma said. “I think about everything I have to get done the next day.”

Shawn smiled slowly. “I can’t say what I think about.”

5. Last question guys: what would it surprise people to know about you?

“A lot,” Jason said and laughed. “If I had to pick one thing, it would probably be my family. It’s big. I have three brothers and two sisters. There are six of us all together. We’re a very close family, and most people don’t see me as a family guy.”

Leigh sat back down. “That I’m alive.”

Everyone laughed.

When things grew quiet, Emma said, “It would surprise people to know that I’ve made many mistakes in my past that I’m not proud of.”

Shawn just shrugged. “I don’t know.”

From the author: I hope you enjoyed getting to know the characters of this book a little better. I had a ton of fun doing this interview! To learn more about ALTERED BEGINNINGS, visit www.destinybooze.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

“…never experienced before…” Read the full review!


From Anna, Goodreads Reader, here’s a new review for The Curse of a Mind:

“Highly psychological in its whole, yet lighthearted and entertaining, this novel is highly worth the time it takes to snuggle up and read. As the story proceeds, there are twists and turns that all of the characters never expected to come across. I have to admit, at the end, there was quite the surprise awaiting me.


The character dynamics easily mesh together, yet each individual has the ability to stand on their own & be a strong lead. The continuing development of the “love interest” allows the story line to drastically deepen, despite the suggestion that this relationship will never fully develop.


The killer — well, that’s a whole different topic. Something that can only be described as both highly interesting and disturbing. Something that I have never experienced before within a novel.
As for everything else in between, you need to read it yourself to find out!”

Also, there’s exciting news! The print version of this book is on sale right now at Amazon for $9.37. It’s originally $12.95. It’s also eligible for super saving shipping! Here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Mind-Destiny-Booze/dp/1936167344/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305810686&sr=8-2

For more buy links, including this book in e-book format, click here: http://novelistdestinybooze.books.officelive.com/thecurseofamind.aspx

Thursday, May 19, 2011

ACCELERATING CIRCUMSTANCES is finished!

Whoohoo! I just finished writing Accelerating Circumstances! I’m so excited about this one, friends!
Let me give you a reminder of what this upcoming book is about!

Accelerating Circumstances
Book Three of the Outer Banks Suspense Series

(Read as a series, or enjoy each book alone.)


Jenny is different. She can read people’s minds.

At age seventeen, Jenny Reid was arrested for killing her own mother. There was no evidence that an intruder entered the house. No one believed her as a teenager when she tried to tell them how she felt the killer’s rage saturated within the walls, that she knew the presence of evil had been there. The police thought she was crazy, not psychic.

A conviction was never made in the case due to lack of evidence. Jenny is still the sole suspect, but now, she is doing something about it. She’s on the right side of the law, an FBI agent determined to finally find justice for her mom.

Two men stay by her side—William, her partner, a darkly intense agent with a scary past and Nate, a bad boy with too much charisma to be a good thing. But, no man will keep her from finding out the truth about her mom. The time has come to set things right.

Nothing will stand in her way. She’ll come up close with evil again and face the ultimate choice—kill or be killed in these ACCELERATING CIRCUMSTANCES.



Accelerating Circumstances

In a moment of blindness,
She said yes.
Anticipation left her breathless.

That he was a stranger,
Added to the danger.
Excitement outweighed any wager.

With no thought or plan,
She went with the man.
Exhilaration heightened the night inside the van.

When they came to a stop,
He got on top.
Arousal masked the gun’s sudden pop.

Every thrust – a release of hate,
Coupling with a lifeless mate.
Disappointment was the murder, not perfect, not great.

Why did she have to die?
Her husband and son will later cry,
For a wife and mother that went goodbye.

The stakes accelerate for each kill,
Striving for the lust of that first thrill.
The disappointment and rage never-ending, until…

Destiny Booze

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Welcome to May's Character Interview Blog Bash!

Win a signed copy of Altered Beginnings by Destiny Booze!


Here’s all you have to do…Have fun reading a character interview on Destiny's blog http://destinybooze.wordpress.com/, then email Robyn at promorobyn@gmail.com with the answer to this question: What does Jason Altarez think about while lying in bed at night?


This contest will be ongoing for the whole month of May! Don’t forget to ask Robyn for the complete list of participating blogs in the May Character Interview Blog Bash for even more fun interviews and opportunities to win fantastic books! :)

Monday, May 2, 2011

“…emotional upsets that made me gasp…” Read the review!

Author Tamela Quijas read The Curse of a Mind. Here’s a tidbit of what she had to say…

“A Curse of the Mind was a spine tingling rollercoaster ride through my favorite subjects, murder and the unknown.  Ms. Booze provides an exceptional story filled with second-guessing, twists and turns, and emotional upsets that made me gasp.  This is the best novel yet to come from Destiny’s hand, and I recommend A Curse of the Mind to anyone looking for that novel that will make you wonder just who has insight into your thoughts….”

Read the full review at http://tamelaquijas.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/my-review-of-a-curse-of-the-mind-by-destiny-booze/

Monday, April 11, 2011

Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop

How about a fun contest to support a good cause?

April 11 - 14, 2011
According to http://www.autismspeaks.org/, autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Help me spread awareness about this disability by joining me and many others for a fun blog hop to support autism awareness! I am having a fun little contest for this event and giving away a signed copy of my newest release, The Curse of a Mind. It will all take place at my blog, so drop on by!http://destinybooze.wordpress.com/

Also...

Coming in May!

Character Interview Blog Bash!

ATTENTION ALL READERS: Who wants to join in some scavenger hunt mayhem and fun for the month of May? Learn more about me and your other favorite authors, our works and our wonderful characters in a Character Interview Blog Bash! Great prizes to be won, as well! Please email Robyn at promorobyn@gmail.com if you would like to participate and she will put you on a contestant list, or keep checking http://www.destinybooze.com for links and dates for this fun event!


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Friday, March 25, 2011

Could it be this character is too tough?

Chris Chambers, my heroine in The Curse of a Mind is tough and damaged and she has lots of spunk. Some of the things that happen in her past are not for the faint of heart. I love how she overcomes and prevails throughout the story despite such a rough beginning in life.

That’s one of the messages I love to pass on to readers. No matter what happens to someone in life, they can find a way to overcome it!

But…I realize writers can go overboard. Did I make Chris too tough in this story? Here’s one reviewer that seems to think so. Read the review and share your thoughts with me! I love the feedback!

http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-curse-of-a-mind-by-destiny-booze/



They can’t win. The perpetrator is using a marvel in the medical field known as techlepathy, a combination of technology and telepathy to produce a telepathic result. He’s reading their minds. How can they possibly get away when he knows their every move?

Chris Chambers is a private investigator with great instincts and a shady past. She works with a skilled team on cases that most P.I.’s won’t touch. She’s hardened to life, hardened to people and as tough as the military trained her to be.

Her team’s newest case is a construction worker by the name of Aidan Wolfe. Aidan is hardheaded and successful, a man with no friends and a long list of enemies. Someone is trying to kill him, someone with extraordinary gifts.

The investigative team and Aidan will be confronted with their worst enemies—themselves. They are cursed to face their own thoughts, inner fears, prejudices, and every private feeling or emotion they have as this man toys with their minds and hearts.

Can they survive? By the end, will they want to?

Monday, March 14, 2011

“It is her best book so far!”

New Review emailed to me Monday, March 7, 2011
“I have read about 3/4 of the book. It is so good! I started it Saturday and have read all my spare time. You know how some books you can figure out what is going to happen and who the culprit is, well, I don’t have a clue! So that makes for good reading. It is her best book so far!!” ~ Sandra, Reader


They can’t win. The perpetrator is using a marvel in the medical field known as techlepathy, a combination of technology and telepathy to produce a telepathic result. He’s reading their minds. How can they possibly get away when he knows their every move?

Chris Chambers is a private investigator with great instincts and a shady past. She works with a skilled team on cases that most P.I.’s won’t touch. She’s hardened to life, hardened to people and as tough as the military trained her to be.

Her team’s newest case is a construction worker by the name of Aidan Wolfe. Aidan is hardheaded and successful, a man with no friends and a long list of enemies. Someone is trying to kill him, someone with extraordinary gifts.

The investigative team and Aidan will be confronted with their worst enemies—themselves. They are cursed to face their own thoughts, inner fears, prejudices, and every private feeling or emotion they have as this man toys with their minds and hearts.

Can they survive? By the end, will they want to?

Saturday, March 12, 2011

I’m Chatting It Up!

Saturday, March 12…8 AM to 8 PM EST

Join me for a chat at Coffee Time Romance’s Yahoo Group! I’m there with many other talented authors from Whimsical Publications and Purple Sword Publications. The topics open for discussion will be books and…well,  just about anything goes. Come on by! I’ll be popping in and out and I would love to see you there!




http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karenfindoutaboutnewbooks/

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

New 5 Star review for THE CURSE OF A MIND!

Posted to Shelfari:

“Destiny has written a very good mystery here. The reader’s interest is engaged from the beginning and the flame is fanned skillfully, gradually enhancing the interest level through to the very end. Like all good mysteries this one has a twist that the author carefully develops, finally dropping the bomb toward the end of her tale.
I purchased Kindle version, rapidly becoming my favorite format because of the ease of reading.
I highly recommend Destiny Booze’s mystery, The Curse of a Mind, giving the book 5-stars; the reader will not be disappointed.”

J. A. Hunsinger

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Goodreads Giveaway: THE CURSE OF A MIND

Win a signed copy of THE CURSE OF A MIND by Destiny Booze on Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/8201-the-curse-of-a-mind

 They can’t win. The perpetrator is using a marvel in the medical field known as techlepathy, a combination of technology and telepathy to produce a telepathic result. He’s reading their minds. How can they possibly get away when he knows their every move?

Chris Chambers is a private investigator with great instincts and a shady past. She works with a skilled team on cases that most P.I.’s won’t touch. She’s hardened to life, hardened to people and as tough as the military trained her to be.

Her team’s newest case is a construction worker by the name of Aidan Wolfe. Aidan is hardheaded and successful, a man with no friends and a long list of enemies. Someone is trying to kill him, someone with extraordinary gifts.

The investigative team and Aidan will be confronted with their worst enemies—themselves. They are cursed to face their own thoughts, inner fears, prejudices, and every private feeling or emotion they have as this man toys with their minds and hearts.

Can they survive? By the end, will they want to?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Welcome to the 2011 Follower Love Giveaway Hop!

February 8-13
The 2011 Follower Love Giveaway Hop

Destiny is participating in a blog hop with over 220 other fantastic bloggers! There are going to be contests and giveaways on every site! Be sure to drop by http://destinybooze.wordpress.com/ for a chance to win a free copy of one of Destiny's books!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Sneak a Peek at ACCELERATING CIRCUMESTANCES

Blurb:
Jenny is different. She can read people’s minds.

Seventeen years ago, Jenny Reid was arrested for killing her own mother. There was no evidence that an intruder entered the house. No one believed her as a teenager when she tried to tell them how she felt the killer’s rage saturated within the walls, that she knew the presence of evil had been there. The police thought she was crazy, not psychic.

A conviction was never made in the case due to lack of evidence. Jenny is still the sole suspect, but now, she is doing something about it. She’s on the right side of the law, an FBI agent determined to finally find justice for her mom.

Two men stay by her side — William, her partner, a darkly intense agent with a scary past and Nate, a bad boy with too much charisma to be a good thing. But, no man will keep her from finding out the truth about her mom. 

The time is now to set things right.

Nothing will stand in her way. She’ll come face to face with evil again and face the ultimate choicekill or be killed in these ACCELERATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

Excerpt:
Prologue

11 Years Ago
Charlottesville, Virginia

A tear squeezed from her tightly closed eyes, and she hugged her pillow close for comfort in her sleep. A whimper escaped from her, but she didn’t wake up from the nightmare, where within, she felt like she was going to die—
Jenny’s alarm sounded at 7 AM. She smacked the snooze button. What seemed like mere seconds later, the buzzing sounded again. With a groan, she hit the snooze a second time. Two more snoozes went by before she got up to get ready for school.
Her brain felt like it was in a coma from the sleeping pill she’d taken last night. She hadn’t been able to sleep, yet again, so she’d gotten on the Internet and goofed off. Around 3 AM, the pills finally forced her eyes shut, and she’d gone into an empty, dead-like sleep, or thought she had. She didn’t remember dreaming.
She was sure she was the only seventeen-year-old with a prescription for sleeping pills, for real. And she was the only person on the planet she knew with her “gift.” It was more like a curse. Her parents made her promise not to tell anyone about it, not even her own sister, Nicole.
Mom and Dad were embarrassed by her. She didn’t need them to admit it because knowing how people felt was her “gift,” or her burden. She cringed at words like psychic or empathic. There just wasn’t a word to fully describe what she could do.
Jenny exhaustedly dragged her feet out of her rose colored bedroom down the stairs and into the kitchen. She didn’t want to go to school. She hated school! Too bad her parents wouldn’t let her skip class, she thought.
She needed coffee and a shower in that order, she decided. Or maybe she should go for an energy drink instead. Which had more caffeine? Well, it didn’t matter. She would do coffee first, then the energy drink as she drove.
It wasn’t until she started a pot of coffee that it occurred to her that her mom was mysteriously absent. An envelope sat on the table with her name on it, but the handwriting wasn’t her mom’s. It was her dad’s. Her allowance most likely, she thought. Like always, her dad was out of town on business, but at least she always got something out of him. $50 a week was the going rate for an absentee father. Not bad, huh?
Jenny’s sister was off at college. Most of the time, it was just Mom and her. So, where was Mom? She always got up early.
Jenny blinked hard several times, trying to clear the fog from her head. If she didn’t get her act together, she was going to be late. Like it mattered. Big freaking deal. It was just school.
The house was too quiet. Beyond the trickling of the brewing coffee, there was no sound, nothing. Either her mom was still asleep or she was gone. But there was no note on the table. Mom always left a note if she was going somewhere.
“Mom! You getting up or what?” Jenny yelled.
No response came.
Jenny groaned loudly. The coffee wasn’t ready yet. She climbed the steps, stomping to announce her frustration at having to go back upstairs without her coffee, or breakfast. She was hungry.
“Mom!”
How irritating that her mom wasn’t answering. She was the daughter, not the parent. She wasn’t supposed to have to wake up her mom. Jeez.
She burst through the bedroom door. “Mom—“
Jenny froze, the word on her lips fading into a quiver.
Blood was everywhere—a large puddle on the bed, splatters on the walls, curtains, ceiling, floor—everywhere. Jenny didn’t see her mom.
She felt like she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t move. She didn’t want to comprehend what she saw. This couldn’t be happening! This is not real. It can’t be real!
Where was Mom?
A scream so shrill and loud that it bordered nonhuman filled the house. Jenny realized it had come from her. She choked the sound away, a tremble spreading through her from head to toe.
“No, no, no! Mom! Mom!”
She needed to call for help! She turned around unsteadily, panic causing her to lose control, and her hand brushed against the door jam. A tingling feeling was her only warning that the sensations were coming through her medicated head.
No images came this time. Just thoughts, senses and feelings.
Jenny felt rage, but it wasn’t her own. The emotion was so strong that it momentarily brought her to her knees. She heard weeping. Heat rose within, burning her eyes. She felt her nostrils flare. The feelings were aimed at her mom. How could someone hate Mom so much?
It was too much for her. She felt sick. She forced herself back to her feet and forward, ran down the steps and to the phone.
The rage faded, dissipating to a memory. Her tears calmed, turning into slow trickles down her cheeks. Shock and total numbness took over.
She didn’t remember telling the operator that she needed help, but she must have because the 9-1-1 dispatcher told her she needed to stay on the line until help arrived. Time held no meaning. People arrived, whether minutes or hours later, she had no idea.
Jenny placed the phone back on the receiver and physically dropped. The sofa was behind her and caught her, but she would have sat whether there was furniture there or not. She stared blankly at the wall, just blank. The house got busy around her, people walking in and out. Lots of talking, lots of work.
Jenny didn’t call anyone else—not her dad, not her sister, no one. She couldn’t move, couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. It felt like the room was closing in on her.
Her mom was dead. She hadn’t seen a body, but she knew. She knew.
Two men detached from the hustle and bustle to walk up to her. “My name is Detective Evans. My partner is Detective Crouse. We need to ask you some questions.”
Jenny tried to focus. The detective that spoke was older with a deep receding hairline and clear piercing eyes. The other was an average middle-aged man that looked bored with his job. Both men stared at her.
She didn’t know what they were thinking or feeling. Her gift was strongest with touch. Regardless, it wouldn’t work now anyway. She couldn’t focus! She couldn’t think!
“Okay,” she said, her voice deadpan.
“Do you get along with your parents?” Detective Evans asked as he took a seat beside her.
“I guess.”
“The neighbors didn’t seem to think so,” he commented.
Too numb, too distanced right then, she didn’t immediately realize where the detective’s question was leading. She readily jumped at any chance to project her thoughts away from her mom to answering Detective Evans, or she tried. What was the question, again? How she got along with Mom and Dad?
How could she possibly explain her situation? Most teenagers just thought their parents didn’t understand them. Well, Jenny really knew for a fact that they didn’t.
“Your sister is at school, and your dad is away on business, right?” Detective Evans continued.
“Yeah.”
“What happened here last night?”
“I don’t know. I was sleeping,” she said, still deadpan. This can’t be real. Then: “Mom’s dead, isn’t she?”
The detectives gave each other a look that she didn’t understand.
She sniffed, feeling another round of sobs bursting to the surface. The house suddenly felt too small, too stifling, choking her with its intensity. Why didn’t anyone understand? A cry exploded from her, and she blurted it all out in such a rush that later, she wouldn’t remember saying anything at all. “There’s so much hate! Can’t you feel it? Don’t you see? No one could hate her so much!”
Detective Evans cleared his throat.
“Is that why you hurt your mom? You hate her?” Detective Crouse suddenly asked, his voice stern. He no longer looked bored.
Jenny should have been stunned by the question, but she was in shock. She said nothing. Her eyes fell to her lap as she continued to cry.
“Answer the question,” Evans demanded.
“I didn’t hurt her,” she managed between sobs.
“We know that’s not possible,” Evans said. “There’s no sign of forced entry. Come on, Jenny. You didn’t plan this out very well. You really want us to believe you slept through that mess upstairs? You’re covered in blood. There are bloody footprints all over the place. Your footprints. You hated her, like you said, so you got rid of her.” He stood and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “Stand up. You are under arrest for the murder of Savannah Rice.”
As she was recited her rights and handcuffed, Jenny looked at her feet. He was right, she realized. She had blood all over her.
The room blurred around her, and she fainted.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Basket Raffle – For a Good Cause! – Includes My Books!

You could win a copy of one of my books!

Whimsical Publications is holding a basket raffle to help support finding a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Please, consider checking this out. There are GREAT PRIZES and it’s all for a GREAT CAUSE!



How about this basket? Does it look good? I sure would like to win it! :)

There are four themed baskets – Romance, Sci-fi, Thriller and General – up for grabs. Many fantastic authors are participating and there will be plenty of autographs mixed in there! Winners will be announced on February 2, 2011, Groundhog Day.

Interested? I sure hope so! Go to Whimsical’s website for complete details. www.whimsicalpublications.com

Monday, January 3, 2011

5 Stars from Linda on Goodreads! :)

Linda reviewed The Curse of a Mind on Goodreads and rated it 5 stars! Whoohoo!

Here’s a highlight from her:

“WOW, Does Ms. Booze Grab You By The Throat At The First Page And By The End You Just Want More!”