WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF HOLLY BARBO
TENDRILS
Where ’What if’ becomes ‘What is’
AUTHOR: Holly Barbo
GENRE: Short story collection covering the following genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Sci-fi thriller, Sci-fantasy, Contemporary, Contemporary Thriller, Historical Fiction and Fantasy
Stories come from any number of places. One could start from a memory, a photo in a magazine or from pondering a news item and wondering, "What if?"
This collection arose from that sort of random stimuli. Some are pure imagination of science fiction or fantasy. Others developed from random historical facts or the disturbing news stories of war-torn regions.
This is a collection of stories for those who like to think.
Includes 4 award-winning short stories.
"I enjoyed every story in Tendrils! I am impressed with the versatility and well thought out environment in each setting. Obviously good research was put into writing these stories as well as a wonderful gift of empathy with a delightful touch of practical wisdom. In my opinion the last story would even make a good movie!" (Cynthia)
"An excellent compilation of short stories over different genres. I was highly impressed by the quality of the writing and her use of words, which dragged me in on every page." (Bookcollecter)
"I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I had a hard time putting the book down. Some stories are short, some long. All are suspenseful & of different genre. I am amazed at her extensive vocabulary and her overall knowledge on so many subjects. Her imagination takes you on a great trip every time with every story. None are ever boring. I highly recommend this latest book of hers. You will not be disappointed. Sit back & take yourself on an adventure. You will learn something too along the way." (Paul and Patti L. Jordan)
SAMPLE FROM THE SHORT STORY "A CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE"
Orion gave a quick scan of the room. He needed to make sure he had everything important. His backpack was stuffed and the computer case held so much that there were edges of paper sticking out of it in a haphazard manner. The slender young man slung the strap of the computer bag over his shoulder, grabbed the backpack and headed for the front door. His hand paused as he reached for the knob and he looked out the window.
It was dark and he could see the snow falling through the street lights. There didn’t seem to be anyone about, so he slipped from the house and walked casually to his trusty old Chevy, his breath coming out in rapid visible puffs. The nonchalance was an act. He wanted anyone watching to assume he was going to M.I.T. to get in some late night work. He scanned the shadows, hoping that no one was there. He threw his backpack on the passenger seat then wedged the computer case between it and the seat back. He wanted both within easy reach. Once buckled in, he allowed his nervousness to slip out and thoroughly checked the view from his mirrors.
He eased onto the street and when there was no sign of his tires slipping, increased his speed. Orion reached into the pocket of the backpack for the pre-paid phone that he’d picked up when he determined his cell had been tapped. At the stop sign, he punched in a number. The snow flurries were increasing and he switched on the wipers. Orion waited for his friend to pick up.
He smiled when he heard her voice and responded by saying, “I’m on my way and no one is following me. Just in case, I sent instructions to our safe place. Don’t worry about retrieving the envelope unless I don’t get there by morning. Okay. Gotta go. I’ll be at your door for breakfast with your favorite croissants. Have the coffee brewed.”
Orion laughed at the response. “Okay. I need to concentrate on driving in this stuff. See you soon, Chayse. Bye.”
Beyond the stop sign, the road sloped to a picturesque country bridge, one of many that dotted the New England states. He had to admit it was beautiful in the snowfall but with the driving conditions worsening, he focused on how the car responded to his small adjustments in steering. In the weak light, he didn’t notice the watcher standing in the shelter of some trees on the far side of the road. The muffled figure took a box out of his pocket, pointed it at the car and pushed a button. The loud sibilant schwuff of the slush hitting the car’s undercarriage drowned out the pop.
Without any warning, Orion’s power steering quit. Working to compensate on the slick road, he fought to correct the fish-tailing motion of the car. “Shit!” He tapped the brakes and was horrified as his foot went all the way to the floor.
Fighting the wheel and the momentum of the old Chevy on the slippery surface became his entire focus…and he was losing. He tried gearing down and applying the emergency brake, but the car went into a spin and he caught a glimpse of the bridge railing coming up too fast. “Shit!” The car broke through the wooden barrier and sailed into the darkness over the side.
SUNSTONE
AUTHOR: Holly Barbo
GENRE: Steampunk Thriller
The steam-powered civilization of Myrn is a thriving adolescent culture. But the rapid industrial development has given rise to greed, and the triumvirate of government, banks and industry leaders has lost sight of those it is supposed to serve and protect.
When a mysterious incurable illness sweeps through the impoverished masses, increasing the suffering to breaking point, rebellion seems unavoidable. Society is on the brink of revolution, and the planet is marked for destruction.
M'nacht, his son Kes, and his team of researchers investigate a legend about three sacred fossils that could save the people and rebalance Myrn. However, they are not the only ones looking. Where they see salvation, others see power, wealth and control.
Will the gifts from the goddess Navora be found in time to save their world, or will the sacrifice of innocents be lost under the weight of human depravity and corruption?
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Title: Liquid & Ash
Author: E.M. Abel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 1, 2016
Blurb
Love was my weakness.
In the light of the truth, no one can hide.
Derek had ignited a spark inside of my heart, a hope for a love I never expected to find. However, our connection lacked the substance it needed to burn. Weakened with resentment, our relationship crumbled under deception, slowly dissolving into ash.
I had sacrificed myself for him and paid the price.
By the time Brandon entered into my life, the longing in my heart had turned cold. But fate was not done with me. His crystal blue eyes and fluid touch revived a wish that had been frozen in time. He gave me hope once again.
Hope is a dangerous thing, especially when you dare to dream.
**WARNING: This book contains adult content and drug use.
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Author Bio
E.M. Abel was born and raised a Marine Corps brat. She spent a large portion of her life moving and living in her mother's home country, Japan. As a result, she gained independence and a unique perspective on the world. The youngest of three girls, E.M. Abel spent a lot of time alone in her room writing or sketching in her journals and dreaming up stories. Growing up, she wrote poems, short stories and articles for her high school newspaper. She also fell in love with art and discovered her deep need for self-expression.
Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in her life, she's always sure to do it her way.
Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in her life, she's always sure to do it her way.
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Title: Off Limits: A Bad Boy Romance
Author: Lauren Landish
Release: February 29, 2016
She’s daddy's little girl, but I’ll make her a rebel.
Well, I don't give a damn — In the end, I'll make her mine...
They call me a killer — a felon. I spent five years in a medium security sh*thole.
I swore I'd stay out of trouble, but when I met Abby Rawlings, all bets were off. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I had to have her.
But Daddy dearest is standing in my way. He thinks I'm no good for her, and he's declared her Off Limits.
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Lauren Landish is a young, best-selling author of Romance. Writing has always been her first love and she is happy to write for women who are thirsty for a little heat in the bedroom!Lauren lives in the sunny land of California with her boyfriend and her pet mini schnauzer.
Website - www.laurenlandish.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/lauren.landish
Other books by Lauren!
Title: Unwanted Sacrifices
Series: Russkaya Mafiya
Author: Sapphire Knight
Genre: Contemporary/Erotica/Mafia/MC/Romantic Suspense
Release Date: February 29, 2016
Blurb
Sabrina
Sold. I never imagined I would be grateful to be bought by the Bratva.
Sold. I never imagined I would be grateful to be bought by the Bratva.
One more year and i was set to marry evil. I've heard the gruesome tales of that family before.
I'm awarded with a new beginning when I'm given to the mafia, for Nikolai to keep.
He's unlike anything I could of dreamed of, especially after the screwed up way I was raised.
The problem? My betrothed isn't willing to give me up.
Nikolai
I’ve lost what I love; they were stolen from me, tortured and violated.
Nikolai
I’ve lost what I love; they were stolen from me, tortured and violated.
I feel like I’ve fought my entire life to fill the void left inside.
My heart is coated in sadness but I'm good at keeping it locked deep.
The Mafia saved me, but now I'm faced with yet another unwanted sacrifice. I won’t let her go. I have to save this one.
*Can be read as a standalone, but characters from Secrets & Corrupted are present in this book.
*Can be read as a standalone, but characters from Secrets & Corrupted are present in this book.
Also Available
#1 Secrets
#2 Exposed
#3 Relinquish
#4 Corrupted
#5 Forsaken Control
BUY HERE
BUY HERE
Author Bio
Sapphire Knight is the author of Secrets, Exposed, Relinquish, Corrupted, Forsaken Control and Unwanted Sacrifices. Her books all reflect on what she loves to read herself.
She is a Texas girl who is crazy about football. Sapphire has always had a knack for writing, whether it is poems or stories.
She originally studied psychology and that has only added to her passion for writing. Sapphire has two boys and has been married for ten years.
When she’s not busy in her writing cave, she’s busy playing with her three Doberman Pinschers.
She is a Texas girl who is crazy about football. Sapphire has always had a knack for writing, whether it is poems or stories.
She originally studied psychology and that has only added to her passion for writing. Sapphire has two boys and has been married for ten years.
When she’s not busy in her writing cave, she’s busy playing with her three Doberman Pinschers.
She loves to donate to help animals and watching a good action movie.
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LOOKING BACK FROM L.A.
accompanying novella to It Started in Texas
Name of cover designer – The Graphics Shed
Official genre of book - Contemporary Romance/Rockstar Romance
It Started in Texas, but as we all know, “…Gage Charles Weston will not start something without thinking about the consequences.” In this companion novella to the story that started it all, get a peek inside Gage’s head and find out what he was thinking and experiencing while Charlotte was turning his world upside down and vice versa.
“The banter between the girls is hilarious, they have such a beautiful friendship even though they all live countries apart from each other but they support each other so selflessly” – Natalie M (Amazon Reviewer)
“M B just makes all of the relationships within the group work, they feel real, I totally wanted to be in there with them! All characters were so laid back and relatable.” – Stacey G (Amazon Reviewer)
“I love how Charlotte came across as a ‘normal’ person. This author has a great talent of portraying her characters as real and she rocked it with this story.” – Philomena Callan (Goodreads Reviewer)
Leaving the familiar comfort of her UK home for a weekend in Texas is one of the craziest things Charlotte Evans has ever done. Celebrating her birthday with friends is the highlight of her year until she bumps into her favorite rock star, literally.
Gage Weston is used to having women fall over themselves at his feet … A rock star, an actor, he’s got his fair share of female attention, but what is it about the Brit that grabs his attention from the moment they meet?
Communication issues and crossed wires plague them as they try to work out what is going on with them across thousands of miles. Crazy friends and distance issues aside; can a relationship work, or is it a simple case of ‘a girl in every town’?
M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK with her other half, two kids and a dog. Currently at university studying for her BA (Hons) in primary teaching, she procrastinates on her assignments by listening to music of all genres and trying to get ‘just one more paragraph’ written on whichever WIP is open. She is also a serious doodler and chocoholic. Writing has been her one true love ever since she could spell, and publishing is the final culmination of her hard work and ambition. Her publishing career began with two novellas, and she currently has multiple projects under way whilst Honour, a compilation of her own military based shorts, was released in November 2013 and her short novel, The One That Got Away was released February 2015. Always having something on the go can often lead to block which eventually gets dissolved by good music and an even better book. Her main reason for writing is to not only give her readers enjoyment, but also to create a story and characters that stay with readers long after the book is finished, and possibly make someone stop and think “what if...”
Title: Divine Conspiracy
Series: The Divine Series #1
Author: Rose Hudson
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 1, 2016
Blurb
Before moving to southern Alabama, and before realizing my daughter was getting older and my life, devoted solely to her and my career, was in desperate need of change...I would've said that fate was a myth. Opening up to the possibility of needing more and admitting that loving someone could be worth risking my heart for capture, the chance I was taking only became clear after one look into his eyes...
I left that life behind and became a different man. One vigilant to keep others at arms length. One incapable of love. Letting someone in could prove dangerous, and could resurrect a past capable of killing us both. So why, after years of indifference to women or the possibility of more than a one night stand, would one look from her make me want to change it all..
Two souls lost to their pasts
Brought together by chance...
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Title: Blackout
Series: Lost Girls Collection
Author: Chris Myers
Genre: Romantic Psychological Thriller
Release Date: 2015
Blurb
No restraining order will stop Dare from protecting Teal.
The blackouts started happening when Teal was eight. There are long periods of her youth she doesn't remember. She has woken up in strange places, feeling disoriented and unaware of how long she's been out.
After two years abroad attending a private school and sessions with a top-notch psychiatrist, she's been deemed cured. The blackouts have ceased, or so Teal thought, until she wakes up in a ditch back home in North Carolina. Dare, the man pulling her broken body from the wreckage, has a restraining order against him. He’s no longer the clean-cut boy she went frog gigging with but road-hardened. His lean, muscular arms, riddled with tats, drag her out of the SUV. She should fear him, but instead, his touch sparks memories that tell her she once worshipped him with all her heart.
New Adult Romantic Suspense.
Steamy psychological thriller for 18 and older. Standalone and part of a collection.
The blackouts started happening when Teal was eight. There are long periods of her youth she doesn't remember. She has woken up in strange places, feeling disoriented and unaware of how long she's been out.
After two years abroad attending a private school and sessions with a top-notch psychiatrist, she's been deemed cured. The blackouts have ceased, or so Teal thought, until she wakes up in a ditch back home in North Carolina. Dare, the man pulling her broken body from the wreckage, has a restraining order against him. He’s no longer the clean-cut boy she went frog gigging with but road-hardened. His lean, muscular arms, riddled with tats, drag her out of the SUV. She should fear him, but instead, his touch sparks memories that tell her she once worshipped him with all her heart.
New Adult Romantic Suspense.
Steamy psychological thriller for 18 and older. Standalone and part of a collection.
Excerpt
“I dare you to kiss me,” I say in an emotionally flat voice, even though my stomach somersaults.
He glances at his heavily tattooed girlfriend Shannon, then his head swivels back to me. He chews on his lower lip, stares hard at me, and mouths, “We shouldn’t go there,” and continues walking away.
“You slept in my bed,” I mutter.
Shannon punches Dare in the jaw.
“I double dare you.” My voice rises. I’m about to look like a complete fool. Kami pushes me forward in encouragement. That’s what friends are for, making you look stupid.
Dare stops. He doesn’t turn around, but he unhooks Shannon from his waist.
“What are you doing?” she screams. When she goes to hit him again, he stops her.
“I’m tired of your shit, Shannon,” Dare says, holding onto her wrists.
His brothers stand around Dare’s racecar, unusually silent.
Jackson glares at me. “Keep walking, Darius.”
“She double-dared you,” Sam mocks. “Are you going to take that, little bro?”
Randy glances between Sam and Jackson, looking unsure whose side to pick.
Dare’s fists clench at his side, and I take a step backward. This was a bad idea. I should go now, but Kami latches onto me to wait.
Dare spins around and marches over to me.
“What the hell are you doing, Darius?” Shannon snaps. “You get back here right now.”
His gaze locks onto me, scraping the skin off my body so that I feel completely exposed. The intensity burns me from the inside out. My stomach revolts, tossing and turning while my heart winds up like a baseball pitch. I swallow hard, not knowing what will happen next.
He crushes his body against mine. I’m so nervous I can’t breathe.
“You better deliver, Teal.”
His hands cup my cheeks, and his lips slam so hard against mine that his beard burns my chin. He latches onto me, his solid chest pressing against my breasts. One hand lets go of my cheek and reaches around to my back to force my body into his. His groin molds into my hips, his cock stiffening between us. My body arcs toward his.
The pungent sweat on his skin indecently soaks my shirt, yet my body craves to feel his heat, his desire, and his eager kiss.
The kiss deepens, his tongue sliding into my mouth. His hand slips from my cheek to the back of my head. His mouth claims mine. My thighs tighten, and my panties moisten. No guy has ever made me this hot to the point I want him to take me. If he threw me onto the hood of his car, I wouldn’t stop him.
Several of the boys whistle and catcall. “Hey, take that behind the bleachers,” one guy calls.
Dare’s lips twist on my mouth and his tongue intertwines with mine. I’m melting into him, the world dissolving around me. My fingers slip into his fireproof suit rolled down and tied around his taut abs. His breath stops momentarily. He sighs into my mouth but doesn’t stop assaulting it with his tongue. His lips don’t move from mine. It’s the best kiss I’ve ever had.
My knees wobble, but Dare’s strong arms steady me, like he did that day in the swamp until he saw what I saw. He remembers something that I don’t.
His tongue reaches for mine. I want him inside me right now. My hands have moved to his well-muscled shoulders where they clutch onto him. I don’t want this to end. His heart races alongside mine, tearing up the tracks. I pant and it’s hard to catch my breath.
“Hey Darius,” Jackson says. “We have a race here. Get your head in the game, and put your dick back in your pants.”
He glances at his heavily tattooed girlfriend Shannon, then his head swivels back to me. He chews on his lower lip, stares hard at me, and mouths, “We shouldn’t go there,” and continues walking away.
“You slept in my bed,” I mutter.
Shannon punches Dare in the jaw.
“I double dare you.” My voice rises. I’m about to look like a complete fool. Kami pushes me forward in encouragement. That’s what friends are for, making you look stupid.
Dare stops. He doesn’t turn around, but he unhooks Shannon from his waist.
“What are you doing?” she screams. When she goes to hit him again, he stops her.
“I’m tired of your shit, Shannon,” Dare says, holding onto her wrists.
His brothers stand around Dare’s racecar, unusually silent.
Jackson glares at me. “Keep walking, Darius.”
“She double-dared you,” Sam mocks. “Are you going to take that, little bro?”
Randy glances between Sam and Jackson, looking unsure whose side to pick.
Dare’s fists clench at his side, and I take a step backward. This was a bad idea. I should go now, but Kami latches onto me to wait.
Dare spins around and marches over to me.
“What the hell are you doing, Darius?” Shannon snaps. “You get back here right now.”
His gaze locks onto me, scraping the skin off my body so that I feel completely exposed. The intensity burns me from the inside out. My stomach revolts, tossing and turning while my heart winds up like a baseball pitch. I swallow hard, not knowing what will happen next.
He crushes his body against mine. I’m so nervous I can’t breathe.
“You better deliver, Teal.”
His hands cup my cheeks, and his lips slam so hard against mine that his beard burns my chin. He latches onto me, his solid chest pressing against my breasts. One hand lets go of my cheek and reaches around to my back to force my body into his. His groin molds into my hips, his cock stiffening between us. My body arcs toward his.
The pungent sweat on his skin indecently soaks my shirt, yet my body craves to feel his heat, his desire, and his eager kiss.
The kiss deepens, his tongue sliding into my mouth. His hand slips from my cheek to the back of my head. His mouth claims mine. My thighs tighten, and my panties moisten. No guy has ever made me this hot to the point I want him to take me. If he threw me onto the hood of his car, I wouldn’t stop him.
Several of the boys whistle and catcall. “Hey, take that behind the bleachers,” one guy calls.
Dare’s lips twist on my mouth and his tongue intertwines with mine. I’m melting into him, the world dissolving around me. My fingers slip into his fireproof suit rolled down and tied around his taut abs. His breath stops momentarily. He sighs into my mouth but doesn’t stop assaulting it with his tongue. His lips don’t move from mine. It’s the best kiss I’ve ever had.
My knees wobble, but Dare’s strong arms steady me, like he did that day in the swamp until he saw what I saw. He remembers something that I don’t.
His tongue reaches for mine. I want him inside me right now. My hands have moved to his well-muscled shoulders where they clutch onto him. I don’t want this to end. His heart races alongside mine, tearing up the tracks. I pant and it’s hard to catch my breath.
“Hey Darius,” Jackson says. “We have a race here. Get your head in the game, and put your dick back in your pants.”
Dare pulls his lips away, his breathing staggered, and his forehead bumps into mine. “Happy Birthday, Teal.”
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