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

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

5 Stars for Altered Beginnings

In Altered Beginnings by Destiny Booze Leigh Lawson is finally free of the drug filled life she had led. She finally comes home to her best friend Emma Comb's graduation party and finds out the whole town hates her except Jason Altarez, a hot reporter who feels there is an even hotter story with Leigh being back in town. There is only one small problem he falls for his story.



Leigh's brother, Shawn Branscom, is a cop who wants his sister to go undercover to get evidence against one Freddie Garrett, a big drug dealer in town. As Leigh puts her life and the lives of her loved ones around her in danger by going undercover will she learn that she can trust Jason? Can she stay clean while being undercover?


I loved this story from beginning to end as well as everything in between. The characters were well developed and I could see and feel everything that they were seeing and feeling. I loved the scenes where Leigh is wondering if she can trust Jason.


***** 5 stars

Carol Langstroth, Manager

Mind Fog Reviews

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Meet the Characters of Predetermined Endings

Join the main characters of Predetermined Endings for their very first interview by Author Destiny Booze! The subject is ambitions and careers as seen by each character at the beginning of their story.



Angelica Chappell (Naturally beautiful and feminine with light brown hair and light blue eyes) – She is a single, young scientist with an exceptionally high IQ. Her greatest achievement is Krytonix, a drug proven to slow the spread of cancer cells. She works for Chappell Pharmaceuticals, owned by her wealthy grandfather, Bruce Chappell.



Bruce Chappell – Revered as a man with resources, influence and power, Bruce pushes Angelica to succeed in his lab as he searches for the cure to cancer.



William Pierce (Italian good looks) – Nicknamed Slick during his time undercover, he is now a rogue FBI Agent, looking for answers and redemption. The trail he follows will lead him to Chappell Pharmaceuticals.



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 is now a successful engineer working on a kids' fun zone. She currently resides with her boyfriend, Jason Altarez.



Jason Altarez (A gorgeous guy with dirty blond hair longer than his shoulders, blue eyes, and a large smile.) – He is a popular reporter in Nags Head. He wants to land a story about Chappell Pharmaceuticals, but so far, he has been turned down.



1. What is your definition of success?



Angelica smiled shyly. "Good question. I think..."



Bruce interrupted her. He placed a hand on Angelica's arm to stop her answer. Leaning forward, he said, "Our definition of success may sound like an unattainable ambition, but I believe it will become a reality at Chappell Pharmaceuticals. Our definition of success is finding a cure for cancer."



Jason challenged Bruce and Angelica with a pointed look. "Surprise, surprise. The personal measure of the rich and famous is to become more rich and famous," he said, his voice thick with disdain. "I think I have many different definitions of success. The most important is measured by my home and family. That's what matters most."



Leigh chewed a thumb nail as she waited for her turn to answer. "I guess I agree with Jason."



They all turned toward William where he stood stiffly in the back of the room, his face unreadable. His body stood tall, solid and alert, like a bodyguard. A toothpick stuck in the corner of his mouth. When everyone stared bluntly at him, he gave a small shrug. "Success is simple. It's survival of the fittest. That's all."



2. What is your greatest fear?



A polite smile stayed frozen on Angelica's face, a soft pink highlighting her cheeks. She didn't attempt to answer.



Bruce chuckled humorlessly, and said, "Nothing. Failure is the only thing I fear, and that's not an option." Then added pointedly, "Not even for the rich and famous."



Jason's eyes rolled upward for a beat, then returned. "My biggest fear is losing the people that matter to me," he said softly, his eyes sliding to Leigh.



Looking uncomfortable, and refusing to meet anyone's eyes, Leigh quickly mumbled, "Screwing up. Again."



A silence followed. Again, everyone turned to look at William. The toothpick slid to the other side of his mouth. Otherwise, he didn't move. "The land of the dead," he said. He didn't elaborate.



3. Who has influenced your life the most? Do you have a mentor?



Angelica's smile faded. Her face paled.



What looked like a quick, warning glare was shot at her from Bruce. He said, "Well, I'd like to think I have always provided Angelica with anything she needs."



Jason looked thoughtful for a moment. "There's been many different influences and mentors. My family in particular." He glanced quickly in William's direction. "Friends," he added softly.



Leigh shifted in her chair. Jason took her hand, and she settled back again. "I don't know. There wasn't anyone really. Not until... I guess Emma and Shawn are my answer. They couldn't make it today."



William moved, and the room grew tense in anticipation. He walked to the opposite wall and stood before the group, instead of behind it. He faced Jason. "My parents," he said. His eyes sharpened on Jason. "And friends," he added.



4. What are your dreams now? What do you want to happen in your life?



Angelica glanced at Bruce expectantly.



Bruce beamed. "There are so many things we want at Chappell Pharmaceuticals. We want to keep producing the drugs that save lives. There is so much we have planned."



Jason sighed a sound of disgust at that answer. "Bruce, if you want to talk about Chappell Pharmaceuticals, you should do an interview with me. These questions are meant to be directed at Angelica personally. Not you, not the lab. Why don't you try letting her answer for once?" Then, he visibly reigned it in and said, "Anyway, my dreams are of family. A beautiful wife, kids, happiness..."



Again, Leigh wouldn't look at anyone when she answered. "Happiness is what we all want, I think. It's just too damn bad it seems so hard to find."



For the first time, William looked slightly uncomfortable. He looked to the floor. "Peace. I just want peace."



5. One last question: how do you cope with failure?



No one smiled this time.



Angelica said, "I try again."



Bruce firmly countered, "We don't fail."



"She's right. Try again," Jason said.



Leigh said, "Try something new."



William said, "Correct the problem."



6. Anyone have anything to add? Any advice to pass along?



Angelica quietly cleared her throat and said, "Thank you for the interview."



Bruce nodded his agreement.



Jason said, "My advice to anyone with a dream is to keep at it. Never give up. Persistence is the key."



Leigh said, "I think you have to learn to believe in yourself."



William said nothing.







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 PREDETERMINED ENDINGS, visit www.destinybooze.com

Monday, September 7, 2009

Release Day - Predetermined Endings!

It's release day for Predetermined Endings! It's available NOW! I'm so excited! I LOVE this book!

Here's where you can buy:

http://www.amazon.com/Predetermined-Endings-Destiny-Booze/dp/193616700X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252331888&sr=8-1

http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=Predetermined+Endings&box=Predetermined%20Endings&pos=-1

http://www.booksamillion.com/search?id=4487121972757&query=Predetermined+Endings&where=All&search.x=0&search.y=0&search=Search

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

Or...if you are interested in a signed copy, email me at destinybooze@gmail.com

Blurb:

Angelica Chappell’s story makes huge headlines. Only a few months ago, she released a new pharmaceutical drug called Krytonix that effectively slows the spread of cancer cells. She has no idea her story will attract the attention of a serial killer. Suddenly, she is a target whether she realizes it or not. This killer is interested in more than her life. He wants her reputation, too. His first mission is to sabotage Krytonix.


William Pierce worked undercover for the FBI for five years to bring down a ruthless mobster that he ultimately is forced to kill. Two months passes by since that assignment. Still, William saw things he couldn’t talk about. He did things he couldn’t talk about. He believes his soul is damned. Returning to “normal” everyday life isn’t an option. He isn’t the same man he used to be. He refuses to return to FBI headquarters. He becomes a rogue agent with an agenda.


These two characters literally collide when Pierce's agenda leads him to Chappell. It will take both of them to keep Angelica alive and to figure out who is trying to kill her. William soon finds himself developing feelings for Angelica. Too bad for her killer, William worked as a trained killer for the mob. Will he find her killer and hand him over to the legal system to see that justice is served or will he search and destroy?

Friday, July 31, 2009

Predetermined Endings will be released September 7, 2009


Predetermined Endings by Destiny Booze

Angelica Chappell’s story makes huge headlines. Only a few months ago, she released a new pharmaceutical drug called Krytonix that effectively slows the spread of cancer cells. She has no idea her story will attract the attention of a serial killer. Suddenly, she is a target whether she realizes it or not. This killer is interested in more than her life. He wants her reputation, too. His first mission is to sabotage Krytonix.

William Pierce worked undercover for the FBI for five years to bring down a ruthless mobster that he ultimately is forced to kill. Two months passes by since that assignment. Still, William saw things he couldn’t talk about. He did things he couldn’t talk about. He believes his soul is damned. Returning to “normal” everyday life isn’t an option. He isn’t the same man he used to be. He refuses to return to FBI headquarters. He becomes a rogue agent with an agenda.

These two characters literally collide when Pierce's agenda leads him to Chappell. It will take both of them to keep Angelica alive and to figure out who is trying to kill her. William soon finds himself developing feelings for Angelica. Too bad for her killer, William worked as a trained killer for the mob. Will he find her killer and hand him over to the legal system to see that justice is served or will he search and destroy?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Altered Beginnings Gets 4 Cups from CTR!

ALTERED BEGINNINGS
DESTINY BOOZE
ISBN 978-0-9787738-9-2
May 2009
Whimsical Press
www.whimsicalpublications.com
Paperback
$12.95
220 Pages
Suspense/Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

Leigh left her foster home and never looked back until she received an invitation to her best friend’s college graduation party. It is not until she attends the party that Leigh learns she is infamous for her disappearance, earning scorn from her step-brother and most of the town.

Jason is a reporter and feels there is a story about the beautiful woman who re-appeared and shocked the town. Soon though, he learns that not only is Leigh an interesting story, but she is in danger from a drug dealer and the police.

In the horrific world of child abuse, drug dealing, and small town "good ole boy“ politics, Leigh doesn't know who, if anyone, she can count on. While she feels for Jason, he may the biggest threat around her.

Leigh is fascinating, and Jason is intriguing as the intrepid journalist. The friendship she has with her brother and former best friend give the tale a warmth that the extremely serious mystery needs. The drugs, prostitution, and violence can be harsh, but the players' concern for others keeps the story encouraging. The dialogue is well done, and relatively clean for a book dealing with violence. While the bad guy is known early, the reasons are worth waiting for. Leigh's interaction with the villain and the police require a logic jump, but this is a very interesting book. The dual love stories added to the book and were a perfect platform for changing loyalties. The sequel is set up well, without being flagrant. I look forward to reading it when it comes out.

Anya
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More


This review came from http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/alteredbeginnings.html

Thursday, July 9, 2009

I was in the newspaper. Read the story.

Fincastle Herald/July 2009

For Destiny Booze, writing was a means of escape, an outlet, a source of fun and entertainment, and yes, a deep seeded passion above all else. But, it was never something to be taken seriously, until now.
After years and years of writing that began as soon as she was capable of holding a pencil, Booze's debut romantic suspense novel, Altered Beginnings was released May 15 from Whimsical Publications.
"It doesn't feel real," Booze said. "I've seen the book, held it, flipped through it, even signed a few copies for people, but the connection still isn't there. I need someone to pinch me." When she saw the final published paperback for the first time, Booze recalled thinking, "That's really my book? What kind of alternate universe did I wake up in this morning?"
The publication sure was a big shock to Booze and her family. "I remember my mom squealing with joy," Booze recalled. "Then, she said, I didn't know you knew how to do it." It was a statement that echoed inside Booze's head. She hadn't known either, but she did it.
Booze grew up at Jellystone Park Campground, a resort that her family managed. It was located a few miles out of Buchanan, in Arcadia. She described her childhood as fun, but a lot of hard work each summer. Along with her two brothers, she was expected to carry her own weight and help with whatever needed to be done for the camping season.
She saw herself as a small-town girl with dreams that didn't venture further than her front porch. "I always thought that I would take over at the campground. My brothers didn't seem interested, and I loved it there." She attended college, working toward a business degree, but the English classes were always her favorite. She loved the writing assignments.
A wrench was thrown into those plans when Jellystone was sold in 1999. The new owner was interested in a more hands-on approach to the business and took over the management duties. Booze's family found themselves searching for a new home, and moved to Roanoke. "My dad started working for UPS, but I felt utterly lost. The campground was all that I knew," Booze said.
She began writing more and more. It was more than a hobby. It was a coping mechanism. "I wrote my first book in high school, and though I can't say that it was good, I had loads of fun writing it. When I lost Jellystone, I tried writing a book about a girl at a campground, but it was too hard. I was too close to the situation. I must have started that story five times or better just to trash it every time," she said.
The next few years Booze described her life as an unconscious exploration to find herself. She job hopped from several different career paths. She tried day care, office work, even a couple positions in healthcare, but nothing settled her into a rhythm. "Nothing felt right," she said. "When I was at Jellystone, I felt confident in myself, and I was searching for that sureness again, but I just couldn't find it."
In between jobs, Booze wrote the book that would lead to her first publication. She began researching the publishing industry, and sending her manuscript to publishers. "I can't begin to tell you how many rejections I went through. All I can say is there were a bunch," she said.
Last year, she took a job as a community journalist with the Fincastle Herald. "Writing felt comfortable, and the restlessness within me instantly settled. I loved writing for the paper and it helped pay the bills, but writing books is where my heart kept leading me.”
Then, it happened. As she opened another letter from a publisher she thought, “probably another rejection.” But this time it was a legitimate offer with a real contract.
This year, for the first time, Booze became a fulltime novelist. "I know it's what I'm meant to do," she said. "It feels right."
Altered Beginnings is the first book in a series by Destiny Booze called the Outer Banks Suspense Series. It is available now through Barnes and Noble. Just ask for it at the counter, or you can order online at www.bn.com, www.amazon.com, www.waldenbooks.com, www.target.com, www.booksamillion.com or www.whimsicalpublications.com. The sequel, Predetermined Endings will be released later this year.
To find out more about the author or to find correspondence information, visit www.destinybooze.com.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

June 2009 Newsletter

Hello!

Do you want to be a hero? Join my contest!...
…and win a signed copy of Altered Beginnings!

I want to give my book away to an everyday hero – someone who really goes the extra mile for others. It doesn’t have to be anyone with superhuman powers. To me, a hero is someone that wears clothes from a thrift shop to save money for his or her family’s budget, someone that asks themselves what little thing he or she can do to make his or her spouse happy every single day, someone that smiles when he or she walks down the street to everyone – even the vagrant sitting at the corner. The list could go on and on!

So, are you a hero? Does this sound like you or someone you know?

Nominate an “everyday hero” by emailing me at destinybooze@gmail.com. It’s okay to nominate yourself! In the entry, include the reason that this person is a hero. This isn’t an essay. One or two sentences will do.

I will accept entries beginning today until Wednesday, July 1st. Be bold and give yourself a nomination! I dare you, double-dare you, or even triple-dare you!
Go to www.destinybooze.com for complete details!

What's New for July?

• For July's addition to the creative corner, I'm looking for an entry. Anyone have something they would like to add? Send me an email and let me know.
• I'm a featured author on Jenny Gilliam's website! Keep checking my website for the link!
• July 4th is my anniversary. My family and I are going camping, and I will be taking a few days off. How about you? Have you taken the time to relax any this summer? Don't miss the fireworks this year!