Thursday, January 31, 2013

Cover Reveal! Dressed In White by Jessica Gibson

Coming June 2013


Adult Contemporary Romance

About the author:




Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she's down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the "someday" section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write.
Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future.
Aside from writing, she runs an online event planning business called the Release Day Diva. In addition to novels, Jessica writes and maintains the blog Book on the Bright Side. Keep up with Jessica and her latest releases and events on her blog.


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Monday, January 28, 2013

The Lonely by Tara Brown

The truth is subjective, to what the lonely lets in.

 Emalyn Spicer has lived with the lonely for a long time. She thinks it goes back further than her memories do. She knows it goes back further than the OCD.
When she arrives at college, her OCD's and the lonely refuse to let her have her wish to be normal.
But how to you get away from something that is inside of you?
How do you escape yourself?
Just as she gives up, succumbs to the lonely, the unthinkable happens.
She finds herself once again in the dark, once again held against her will.
But there in the darkness, she meets the lonely head on. She discovers there is more to her world than she ever imagined.
She discovers the lonely was there for her, protecting her from herself

Sneak Peek:

His lip trembles, making his voice unsteady. "You have always been the girl who took my hand and trusted me to save her. The girl who saved my sister from a fate worse than any. The girl whose sadness matched my own. The girl whose face has haunted me my entire life. You saw Emalyn's eyes, well I saw yours. You are the bravest girl I have ever known."
...
I'm trembling and scared as he draws closer.

"I have thought of no one but you for fourteen years. I can't have a regular relationship. It isn’t you I'm punishing, it's me. I don’t deserve the kindness of love. I failed her and you. I should have fought harder and saved you both. I never should have left you. I'm so sorry. I never should have left you. You ended up there because of me."


My Review:

Dark, twisted and obscenely clean....That is what I think of when I read The Lonely by the awesomely fantastical Tara Brown.
Emalyn Spicer has over the top OCD with germs. It's stopped her from being a normal girl growing up. She's headed off to college with her best friend by her side and her mysterious benefactor a text message away. Things start to get a bit intense after meeting a drop dead gorgeous hunk of a college student named Sebastian. Will Emalyn's OCD be too much or will she finally become normal? There are so many dark and intense moments in this book that I couldn't believe that a) Tara Brown wrote it b) I would love it as much as I do and c) bummed that it's a stand-alone.
Tara has proved to be such a versatile writer. She completely blew my socks off with this one. Being able to capture my attention within the first chapter and not stopping until I read the very last word printed in the book, I am floored by how awesome this book is. It's dark, twisted, not for the faint-at-heart or under the age of 16. There are alot of intense moments (to put it nicely) where you wanna stop reading because it's HUGE but you need to finish reading it anyways cuz you need to see how it ends.
Being a huge fan of Tara's work, The Lonely adds a whole new genre for me to start reading. Check out The Lonely for yourself and we can compare notes!


As always, thanks for stopping by and checking out the blog =)

 

Cover Reveal! Crimson Flames by Ashley Robertson


Half-vampire Abby Tate is determined to learn more about the sorceress powers that were awakened inside her when she was turned into a vampire—making her a whole new hybrid species. There’s a group of rogue vamps banding together and forming a Resistance against the vampire governing body, The Head Council, and Abby’s newly discovered powers are the key to the Council’s victory. Now the Resistance will do anything possible to remove the hybrid threat, and with no other options, Abby is forced to rely on the aid of the Council, yet can she trust the very vampires that hunt for her human lover? And even worse, can she fight the unwelcome attraction that’s growing between her and one of those ancient vampire rulers?
Title: Crimson Flames (Crimson Groves Sequel)
Author: Ashley Robertson
Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Chapter One Sneak Peek:

The Deal
MY STOMACH CLENCHED as I sensed the vampire’s approach. He was close. So close I could feel the thrum of his power vibrating along my skin. The hairs on the back of my neck rose, and I knew if I was going to use my power for defense, then I needed to bring it forth now. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to breathe as deeply as I could—which thankfully had gotten easier with practice. I focused on the energy inside me, willing it to the surface, and as I felt it swelling, building like an approaching storm, I threw out my hand, gripped Stone’s shirtsleeve, and urged him to the floor. “Get down! He’s here!”
Stone raked me with a look that told me he was not too pleased, but then fear swept over his face when he realized just how little time we had.
The wooden door to the pub suddenly burst open—bits of wood and dust raining down from the force. Even though Stone should’ve cowered behind me—since his gift of reading blood wasn’t something he could fight with—somehow he’d found some bravery and boldly stood by my side. Though I appreciated it, I didn’t like it, and desperately wished he had listened to me. But I couldn’t think about that and call forth the fire within me at the same time. So I pushed Stone to the back of my mind with the silent promise of dealing with him later. Then I returned my attention to the power building inside me. One last deep breath and my heart shuddered to life inside my chest, making a rhythmic pattern with my faux breathing. A tingling warmth spread from head to toe, then settled on my awaiting hands. Seconds later, there was a glowing orb of fire (about the size of a basketball) cupped inside my palms. And just as the vampire appeared through the settling fog, I called out, “Not another step, Tristan, or it will be your last!”
“I think you should reconsider your threat,” Tristan shot back. “We are on the same side.”
That I sincerely doubted, but I knew killing a member of the Head Council would definitely put me on the “Most Wanted” list. Which I might already be on, since I’d helped the human this vampire was here to claim escape.
“She’s not bluffing!” Stone said through a snarl. I wanted to glare him into silence, but I refused to take my eyes off of the vampire standing in the broken doorway, wearing a black Armani-looking suit—now lightly covered with dust. It was a custom for all members of the Head Council to wear black suits, but each of them would wear shoes and an undershirt of their own choosing. I guess it was a way to express their individual personalities. Yet this one seemed to express himself through his spiked, platinum blond hair, not the basic black undershirt and matching boots—which were much more boring compared to what I’d seen a few of the other Council members wearing. But this vampire was far from boring. He was a tracker for the Council—one of the best hunters on earth. And he was after my human boyfriend.
“You know why I’m here, Abigail,” Tristan bit out. “The human was here.”
I felt my gaze narrow as I carefully took a step forward, the ball of flames growing hotter in my hands. “Yes, he was. It’s my fault he wasn’t captured.”
“That’s not exactly true,” said Stone as he moved up beside me.
I stole a few deep breaths, fighting the urge to throw my fireball at him instead of the blond vampire in the suit.
“Please explain!” Tristan ordered with impatience. But as Stone attempted a reply, he was cut off. “Not you! I want to hear this directly from Abigail!”
“Abby,” I corrected, feeling sweat forming above my brows and pooling between my breasts.
The blond vampire smirked, folding his arms in front of his chest.
“I did not restrain him because I do not believe he will be kept safe once in your hands,” I went on. “And until I can prove his innocence in all of this, I feel it’s best that he stay far away from you.”
A tinge of red formed a ring around Tristan’s irises as he scowled. “That is not your decision. He must pay for his involvement with those rogue vampires, including Bronx. He cannot get away with helping them try to destroy our stronghold.”
“I made an agreement with the other Council members,” I reminded him. “Doesn’t that count for something? Your word is nothing if your actions do not back up what you say.” My voice was getting louder, my patience thinning. And the angrier I got, the more difficult it became to control the fire in my hands.
“Yes. We have a deal,” Tristan assured. “We will not kill him or harm him—just as we told you—but that does not mean he won’t be punished some other way.”
“I don’t believe you,” I snapped.
Stone put his hand on my shoulder. “Abby, maybe you should—”
In a flash of movement, the vampire closed the distance between us and held Stone in a headlock from behind with his fangs hovering over my friend’s neck. And since it wasn’t to drink Stone’s blood, since Stone was also a vampire, then that meant it was a threat to rip out my friend’s jugular. From there it would be too easy to finish Stone by ripping off his head. And that’s when my patience snapped. There were only two ways to kill a vampire—burning to death or decapitation—and he was about to find out firsthand just how very dangerous I was. Sure, he could threaten to kill my friend, but he’d be burned alive before Stone’s head hit the ground. I placed all my focus on the orb of heat in my hand, willing it to retract to half its size while intensifying, growing hotter, then I thrust it at Tristan’s face. In a blur of motion, he ducked, throwing Stone to the floor as the fireball grazed over his head, singeing the soft tips of his hair. A snarl erupted from his throat as his fiery gaze locked onto mine. There was a brief hesitation, burnt hair and musk filling my senses, then something similar to curiosity flashed over his eyes and he was airborne, plunging straight for me. My body shuddered as heat blasted out of every pore, radiating from me like invisible steam. Throwing his arms over his face, the vampire faltered midair and fell sideways, then jumped back once he landed and retreated by the door from which he’d entered. Satisfied I’d made my point, I pulled all the heat back inside me, then rushed over to Stone and helped him up. “You okay?” I asked.
He nodded by way of an answer, then ran his hand through his coffee-colored hair—which was completely messed up now.
My eyes narrowing, I fixed my gaze on Tristan across the bar by the door. “Do that again and I’ll kill you,” I warned.
Tristan brushed some of the dust off of his pants. “Abigail, I’d rather not have to repeat that again. Hopefully I’ve made my point by now,” he said, his mouth curling into an amused grin that nearly reached his eyes. The hints of crimson were gone—for now anyway. “I would not have harmed your friend, as I’m sure Mr. Rayver here is already aware.” He glanced at my disheveled friend, a smirk still pulling at his lips; then his gaze slid back to me. “Your powers make you far greater than just any other Enforcer. You are an equal with us. We should work side by side, you making the sixth, and final member, of the Council. But you must not argue with our protocol. If rules are broken, there are, and will always be, consequences. There are no exceptions to this. Ever. The rules of our kind are ageless. It’s been that way for centuries and shall remain that way indefinitely.”
Well that was news to me. I knew the Head Council wanted my services, but I’d thought they just wanted me to be one of their many Enforcers. Enforcers were gifted vampires like me. Well, kind of. A few months ago I’d been kidnapped by an evil vampire named Bronx and turned against my will, which awakened the sorceress’s bloodline inside me, unbeknownst to me. But Bronx knew all about it, and he’d planned to use my powers to defeat the Head Council. Only I’d killed him before he got the chance. Later on, I’d learned about my real mother being an all-powerful sorceress and how she’d used her magic to impregnate her vampire lover—my father. So I never really was just another vampire. Or even an Enforcer. I was always more than that. A whole new species altogether, a hybrid, and a hot commodity among the vampire world—since there was no other like me. Yet if the Head Council really wanted my partnership, then I just gained a whole lot of leverage. Anxiety curled through my belly. “If you want me to work with you, and of course the others, then I will need you to be more flexible. Rules are always in place for guidance, but we both know they are not in stone. Especially when I believe innocence is a key component.”
“When there is proof of one’s innocence, then we have a trial,” Tristan explained. “But there is no proof of that with this human.”
I thought about that for a moment. Sure, I didn’t have “proof” per se, but I had Tyler’s word. And though he’d lied to me about his alliance with Bronx, and the fact he’d known about my father’s death all along, for some crazy reason I believed him now. “Allow me the time to find the proof you require and I will consider partnering with you.”
Tristan shot me a lasered glare. His face softened but I had absolutely no idea what his thoughts were. Mind reading wasn’t one of my gifts—yet. Since no one could predict what other gifts I’d inherit.
“How can you possibly believe this human didn’t help those rogue vampires?” he asked at last.
Keeping my eyes on Tristan’s, I shook my head. “He was involved. I’m not saying I can prove that differently. He’s innocent of knowing what Bronx’s intentions were, what those rogue vampires’ intentions were.” I paused a moment to suppress some of the heat inside me, though I didn’t completely extinguish it just in case things got hostile again. “He thought he was helping them,” I went on. “He thought they were in trouble. He didn’t realize he was working for the bad guys until…until it was too late.”
Stone snorted in disbelief, but kept his mouth shut. Smart vampire.
Tristan’s eyes widened. “How can you possibly believe that? He must have you brainwashed!”
“That isn’t possible,” I told him.
“What are you speaking of?”—confusion in Tristan’s voice. “Bronx would have claimed you with his mind control had you not killed him first.”
“No, it’s not possible to brainwash me,” I explained. “And that is how I was able to kill Bronx.” Saying that struck a pang inside my chest: I didn’t want to be a murderer any more than I wanted to be a vampire, err hybrid. “I have the ability of blocking powers.”
A wave of surprise flashed over Tristan’s face. “There is so much to learn about you, Abigail,” he said.
“So do we have a deal?” I asked, taking a couple steps toward him.
Tristan raised a brow. “How much time are you asking for?”
“As long as it takes,” I replied instantly. “I have a feeling you and the others will delay me, since we are all curious to learn more about my powers.”
Tristan closed his eyes momentarily, presumably using his telepathic powers to confer with the other members of the Council. I stole a moment to look at Stone. He was shaking his head slowly, azure eyes with hints of red wide with shock. I shrugged my shoulders warily, knowing fully that to keep Tyler safe, I’d break this deal and the neck of anyone who attacked him. Obviously Stone knew that too.
“We have a deal,” Tristan finally announced.
I smiled. Relief flushed through me as the remnant heat within finally extinguished. Moments later, my breathing slowed and my heartbeat completely stopped. Oh the joys of being a vampire hybrid. “I have one more favor to ask,” I said, a whole new confidence exuding in my voice.
Stone called out, “Abby, what are you—”
“Silence, Mr. Rayver,” Tristan stated. “I am very interested in what Abigail will ask for now.”
“I want to speak to Madelaine. Will Elliott do that for me?” My real sorceress mother, Madelaine, had died long ago, and I’d never even had the chance to meet her. My father and one of his female blood donors, all the while believing she was my mother, had raised me. And though I’d love for Elliott to connect me to my father, I simply couldn’t risk giving away the fact he was dead too. Who knew how that little piece of info would affect the deal I’d just made, or the innocence I wanted to prove for Tyler. Bronx killed my father. But it was because of Tyler’s gift of premonition that Bronx was able to find my dad in the first place. So I guess you could say Tyler did carry some of the blame. But he’d sworn that he never thought Bronx would’ve killed him. And I believed him, hopefully not foolishly. So far I was taking the news of my father’s death okay. Maybe my estranged relationship with him was helping me through the mourning process. After all, he’d left me when I was ten. Fifteen years later, I’d finally gotten a phone call from him, warning me I was in danger. I never had a chance to thank him for trying to help me…or see him again.
“Abigail,” Tristan said, bringing me out of those thoughts. “You’re going to make a great addition to our team. You’re already very good at negotiations.” He chuckled lightly. “It will be our pleasure to call upon Madelaine for you and an honor to introduce you to your real mother.” Holding out his hand, he moved closer, giving me a good view of his violet eyes speckled with the deepest of cobalt, not a trace of crimson in them, which calmed me further. “So we have a deal?”
I nodded, taking his hand inside mine. “We have a deal.” Then I asked, “When do we leave?”
His answer was one simple word: “Dusk.”
I felt my chest tighten as he said it, even though I’d somewhat expected that to be his answer. Moving to where Stone was behind me, I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face against the softness of his tee, yet I could feel the ridged lines of muscle just beneath. “I know I just got back here, but I promise we’ll have more time once this is all over. I will miss you,” I told him, my voice muffled.
He gently grabbed my shoulders and pushed me back, just enough for him to look at my face. “What in the hell are you talking about? Do you actually think you can get rid of me that easy?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, feeling confused.
“I’m coming with you.”
“No, you’re not!” Tristan shouted from behind me.
I shrugged as a plan formed in my mind. “Wait a second. I think it’s a great idea for Stone to come.”
“No,” Tristan repeated.
“Actually, sir,” Stone said, “I can be of help to both Abby and the Council. I can help look for the information Abby seeks to clear her human while she is tied up with business affairs with you. It would make her that much more available.”
I felt my eyes widen. That was actually better than my plan. “But you hate Tyler.” And he did—with a passion.
“Oh I still hate him, but I think the world of you.” Stone gently gripped my chin, caressing it between his thumb and forefinger.
A lone tear I hadn’t felt before dripped from my eye as I smiled. Stone let go to wipe it and I glanced over at Tristan. “Please allow Stone to come with us. He would be a true asset. And he is my friend. Please.”
Tristan was quiet for a short moment, face hard, eyes studying us intently. “Very well.”
“Where are we going exactly?” I asked.
“Boston,” Tristan replied. “We have a few stronghold locations, but we are operating out of Boston right now. It’s good to move around. Staying in the same place for centuries can get quite boring. And it’s not as safe.”
I nodded. I’d never been to Boston before, but I’d heard it was an interesting place. A huge part of me was looking forward to seeing it, checking out all the historic monuments, buildings, and the statue of Sam Adams, if there would be any time for sightseeing. With Stone coming, we would certainly accomplish twice as much, twice as fast. I trusted that he would work diligently on finding a way to prove Tyler’s innocence. Though Stone despised Tyler, I was certain that he cared enough about me to do as he said he would. Yet Stone wouldn’t be upset in the slightest if he was unable to find the proof we needed to clear Tyler’s name.
There was also the uncertainty over what kind of situation I’d be getting myself into with the Head Council. Learning vampire politics and more about the new species I’d become when Bronx turned me…well, that could take more time from me than I could ever imagine. Plus meeting my mother for the first time and finding out more about her set my emotions swirling with anxiety.
I closed my eyes and let out a deep, long sigh. Just take one thing at a time, Abby. One thing at a time. Quit worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. Bronx was dead. Tyler was alive and pardoned for the moment. Lily, my closest human friend and old blood donor, was okay. Stone was here with me now and would stay with me at the Head Council’s stronghold. And I’d gotten pretty good control over my amazing, awesome, and insanely strong powers. I’d say my life, afterlife, whatever, was going pretty darn well at the moment. Yet, at the time, I had no idea just how quickly everything was about to change.
 

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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Without Consent Release Day and Giveaway!

                She found the first victim...Now she might be the next.

In South-Western Ontario a crafty, vicious psychopath is at work excising the kidneys of the women he abducts. Doctor Claire Valincourt, recently jilted, finds his first victim and assists with the autopsy. But little does she know the killer has his sights on her, too.
Relationship-jaded Detective Gerry Rosko desperately searches for a serial killer who is on a quest of his own—the hunt for a perfect kidney for the terminally ill mother he tends. Will Rosko track him down before Claire becomes his next victim?

 Where to Buy:

What an exciting day! And a contest too!

Another release day. Today is the day my medical / police thriller, WITHOUT CONSENT, comes out. So thrilled, I’m doing the happy dance. Glad you could come and join me.

What type of dance would you do? Jive, polka, rumba, or would you be refined and do a graceful waltz?
I’m doing a rock and roll. This is the fifth book in just over a year to be published which leads me to the today’s topic.

What to do while you are waiting for the train to stop at your corner?
The first thing you need to do is decide where you are going?

Do you have a specific genre you love to write and read? Or are you like me and like to genre hop?

I guess it’s my ADD but I like to multitask and I also like to flit from one writing project to the next. Not the most effective way to get the job done but it does keep things interesting.

Usually, I have several projects in varying stages of completion. Right now, in the romance genre I have a contemporary, a medical, and a suspense manuscript nearing completion. Another medical thriller with the same characters in WITHOUT CONSENT is partially written. I have three young adult novels in progress, one of them a sequel to my paranormal young adult, GHOSTLY JUSTICE with Daria and ghost, Amanda.

Now to just get them finished. But I have been so busy with edits and promotion for the books that came out this year that my writing time has been limited. I’m not complaining. It has been an amazing time. I’m so glad I’m ADD and had so many projects to pitch once the train stopped and let me get on.
So how did my journey begin?

It started with a pitch session with Savvy Authors in the summer of 2011. I pitched my medical romance, WHEN HEARTS COLLIDE to Debby at Soulmate Publishing and that book came out in December of the same year. At the same session, I pitched two books to Lauri at Black Opal Books and she contracted me for both of them! The first, my paranormal YA, GHOSTLY JUSTICE, was released in April, the second, a suspense with romantic elements, MISSING CLAYTON, came out in July.

Then, in October, Black Opal Books published IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS, a middle grade/ YA, adventure. This book is about a boy’s survival in Northern Ontario while he searches for his missing father.

And, now today, (I’m doing a drum roll) my medical / police thriller, WITHOUT CONSENT, is being released. Wow! What a ride it’s been.

Now to get back to writing and finishing all those other projects and pray that they also find homes.

But I’m digressing. The point I’m getting at is that while you are waiting for that first amazing contract, you need to be writing, revising, writing, revising... It’s always good when you get a contract to be able to say, “Well, if you like that one...I do have...”

And there you go, possibly not only published but multi-published.

You write, you write some more. Keep that pen moving. You take courses, learn your craft, join on-line groups, go to conferences, meet other authors, network.

Go to conferences in the genres you like to write in. There are a ton of them out there and at different prices and lengths. You can find some that are an afternoon, a day, or even a week. Remember they can be a tax right-off when you do get published.

For myself I really enjoy a good mystery or thriller so I tend to go to conferences like Bouchercon (for writers and readers), Sleuthfest, Book Passages.

Network at the conferences. You never know what will happen. For me one of the most thrilling thing was chatting with Lee Child and him offering to read my manuscript and giving me the book endorsement: “A fine medical thriller.” Now how cool is that?
I’ve met so many wonderful writers at these conferences. You don’t harass them, you chat about life and interests. Respect them and their privacy, but don’t be afraid to approach them and say how much you like their books or their characters.

Do all the prep work so that when the train stops you are ready to leap on board with your bags packed with a variety of the best you can write manuscripts.

And keep dancing. I know I hope to.

Enter the Giveaway Below for a chance to win an eBook of your choice of one of my novels. 
You can check out my other books and an excerpt of each one on my website:

Bev Irwin Website
Black Opal Books
Soulmate Publishing

About Bev:

Award-winning author, Bev Irwin, lives in London, Ontario, with two cats. One that hid in her car when she moved from the farm and one dropped off by her daughter when she moved to Northern Alberta. Her three children have flown the coup, but her granddaughter, Jasmine, is a frequent visitor.
As a registered nurse, she likes to add a touch of medical to her romance and mystery novels. She writes YA, children’s, and poetry. She prefers spending time in her garden, writing, and reading to being in the kitchen.
Her debut novel, WHEN HEARTS COLLIDE, a contemporary romance, came out in December of 2011 with Soul Mate Publishing under the pen name of Kendra James. Her YA paranormal, GHOSTLY JUSTICE, was released in print and ebook by Black Opal Books on April 14th, 2012. MISSING CLAYTON, a suspense novel, was released July 28th. A youth adventure, IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS, was released Oct 27th. A medical/police thriller, WITHOUT CONSENT, with a blurb from Lee Child as a ‘fine medical thriller’, will be released with Black Opal Books on January 26, 2013.
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Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Extractor by Emily Walker

A detective tries to solve the mystery of disappearances surrounding a dentist who is more horrifying then he could ever imagine.

My Review:

The Extractor is a first for me. It is the very first horror book I've read in a long time and I must admit that it was surprisingly good. I'm not a fan of horror only because I tend to dream about what I've read and would rather avoid nightmares LOL But I was asked for my honest opinion and so here it is.

Since there isn't really a synopsis for this book here on Amazon, I will try not to spoil it for the rest of you. Basically, The Extractor is a short story about a detective working a case of disappearances around a dental office. Little does he know that the he will find out exactly what happened to them.

Emily did a wonderful job of packing so much creativity and gore into such a short read. I was able to visualize everything and luckily I didn't have nightmares!(plus I read it during the day so that helped)The story wasn't rushed through or overly done. I would say that there was just the right amount of everything. She gave enough information on the main characters so that you aren't left wondering who they were or why they are doing what it is they are doing.

I think that I might start taking up horror a little at a time. But during the day of course =) Thank you Emily for opening me up to a new genre!
 

Buy Links:


About Emily:

Image of Emily Walker
Emily Walker writer with MidnightHour who writes as Lyra Mcken for GMTA Publishing and Jewels Moss for Midnight Fire! Also a Self Pubbing Maniac! My favorite author is Heinlein, but I also have a weak spot for Jane Austin.
My recent novels include The Reluctant Succubus with Midnight Hour Publishing, Why Yellow Jackets Can't Find the Hole with Midnight Fire Publishing and then a self published release Long Road Full Speed Ahead.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Long Road Full Speed Ahead Blog Tour & Giveaway

A young girl struggles with abuse, addiction, and abortion
all while trying to go to school. Somehow she hits rock bottom and
finds an unlikely love story.
 
Grace finds herself with a toxic friend and a brand new hobby
when she discovers meth. She had a promising future before Grayson
came into the picture. A wolf in sheep's clothing, he soon shows his
true colors and they are painted with black and blue. The drugs cause
more problems than they fix, but lost in the intoxicating world of
numbness she must find herself through abuse, addiction, and abortion.
Will she let the drugs take her out of the world, and be forever numb,
or will an unlikely love pull her out and make her feel again?

My Review:

This is not your traditional "happily ever after" ending-type story. The way Emily has written Long Road Full Speed Ahead makes it feel like I'm reading something from personal experience. She really got into Graces' character with all of the experiences from the snooty customer to the effects of drugs and alcohol. Having known people who were into doing drugs and drinkly heavily, this book brought back several memories from my high school days that I could relate with.
 I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it especially to those who are about to go to college as a guide of "what could happen should you choose the wrong road." It is refreshingly different for me and a definite eye opener. I would strongly recommend this book for high schoolers and older.
 

Buy Links:


 
About the Author
I live in the mountains of North Carolina and am writing between going
to Graduate School and working full time as an Office Manager at my
alma mater. I am a writer and editor with Midnight Hour Publishing. I
also write as Lyra Mcken for GMTA Publishing and Jewels Moss for
Midnight Fire! I am also a Self Pubbing Maniac! My favorite author is
Heinlein, but I also have a weak spot for Jane Austin.

My recent novels include The Reluctant Succubus with Midnight Hour
Publishing, Why Yellow Jackets Can't Find the Hole with Midnight Fire
Publishing and then a self published release Long Road Full Speed
Ahead.
 
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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Lola James Blog Tour

 
 

During a summer trip to Italy, Megan falls in love and is pulled into the world of vampires, witches, and magical powers. As she becomes more deeply entrenched, her nightmares begin to make sense, and she realizes that she’s been part of this new world since birth.

 

MY REVIEW:

Right from the beginning, I knew I would be hooked. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was reading.
Megan has dreams that sometimes, ok mostly come true. She has been labeled "the weirdo" because of them. Morgan is her identical twin sister who has an eye for fashion. And because of that eye, she has been given the opportunity to travel to Italy and study at the New Academy of Fine Arts of Milan. She drags Megan along for the ride and unbeknownst to Megan, it was fate that she comes along for the ride.
Follow along with Megan and Morgan as they explore Italy and all of it's treasures including Alberto and Alex. You'll meet an array of characters from sweet loving relatives to twisted and off-kiltered strangers who have it out for the twins.
Fate's Design is full of romance, action and a little heartache. You will not be disappointed with this series! Lola has created awesome characters who make you smile and will drive you absolutely batty! SO my suggestion for you is to get yourself a copy and start reading today!
 

Buy Links 


Amazon / Barnes & Noble
 
 
 
Does good always prevail over evil? What happens when the villain triumphs? You have A Villain's Fate.
This is a short (prequel) that can be read before or after Fate's Design.

 
A Villain's Fate is a short but entertaining read through the eyes of Nicoleta.

You learn her story and find out why she is the way she is. You also find out how she lured a trusted ally of Alex's to the dark side. Although A Villain's Fate is only a few pages long, it gives you a lot of insight and is surprisingly action packed. This is a great companion read for Fate's Design.

Nicely done Lola!

Buy Links



Amazon / Barnes & Noble
 
 
 


Lola James has been reading romance novels since her teens, and fell in love with the paranormal after discovering Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. Her love of the dark worlds of vampires and witches, as well as her fascination with Greek mythology led her to create the Spellbound Series, an ongoing Paranormal Romance combining all of the above into tales of suspense with a little bit of humor in an Urban Fantasy setting. 
A long time lover of reading and writing with a passion for a great story, James became discouraged by the complicated and arbitrary publishing process, James had initially set down her laptop and her hopes of being a writer. However, with the purchase of her first e-reader, James became re-energized by the new possibilities for an undiscovered author to reach the masses. Dusting off her keyboard she finally finished Bound to Remember, the first book of the Spellbound Series and self-published it. Energized and ambitious, James is now hard at work on both the Spellbound Series as well as the Fate Series, a paranormal romance about dreams and what happens if they come true.
 
Living in Southern California with her two beautiful children, James finds time to write in between her full-time job as a mother as well as her other full-time job as an HR manager, as well as her academic schedule as she studies for her Master’s degree which she hopes to complete in 2013. With the success of Bound to Remember, James hopes to continue to reach an audience that will allow her to leave her HR job and focus on her writing as a full time career.
 
 

Stalker Links

 

 
 




Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Creatura Blog Tour

"I cursed you for half my sleepless night and wished I had taken the doctor’s prescription. He says I have to make myself believe you are nothing and nothing you will become. It’s so easy for him to say that. The panic I feel in my sleep is all too real. I know I’m at fault for feeding it. How can anyone live like this…awake through the night?"

 
The sleeping aid did its job. I fell asleep within half an hour of taking it. I wish it hadn’t worked at all.
I saw you with a little more detail this time. You’re a muscular human etch with a darkness about you. My heart raced as I watched you in the distance walking toward me, snarling. I slept a full five hours before you ran toward me menacingly and I woke in a cold sweat.
The doctor wasn’t right about letting my dream play out. I’m more afraid than I had been in our previous encounters.
I fear you, but I won’t live like this anymore. I’m going to confront you tonight. Tear me apart if you want, but you will haunt me no more.
“Why don’t you believe I’m real?” He asked, somewhat disturbed.
“Because you’re not.”
“I’ll prove it, my precious.” His lips curled.
“I dare you.” I challenged him.
“Do you, now?” He chuckled. “You’re sure?”
“Positive,” I said without hesitation.
“I warn you, I am quite the competitor.”
“We’ll see who wins…” I smirked

“You haven’t even asked me what my name is,” he finally spoke.
“Oh. Sorry.” My face grew bright red. I didn’t have the guts to ask him now that he had put me on the spot.
We continued walking down the hallway. Right before we turned the corner he stopped walking.
“I see you’re the shy type.” He tried to analyze me.
“Not at all.” I threw my hair back over my ear.
He started advancing toward me and pinned me against the white hallway wall. My heart started to race.
“Well, aren’t you going to ask me what my name is?” he pressed.
“Don’t…don’t try anything. I can scream.” I could feel my throat drying up. “The security guards will come right away if you pull anything.”
His laugh echoed against the hallway walls.
“I just want you to know my name.”
I took a side step, but he was quick to follow.
“I’m going to tell you my name, since you’re too shy to ask.”
My heartbeat was at my neck, while my mind sounded off all the things I should do: “I should yell. I should punch him in the gut.”
I was frozen like a deer in front of headlights.
“It’s David…” He slowly leaned in toward my face, “…and I’m real.” I suddenly recognized that voice. I opened my mouth in an effort to scream at the top of my lungs. He pressed his hand over my mouth muffling my poor attempt at crying out for help.
“I win,” he grinned.
My entire body trembled frantically as I felt the blood plummet from my head and down to my feet. I was no longer breathing. I started to feel a cold numbness. Everything turned black. My legs caved in taking my consciousness with them.

My Review: Fran-fricking-tastic!!!

Creatura blends Greek Mythology with Dream Realms into one awesome adventure.
Here is our girl Isis. She has been having issues sleeping due to a demon-type being invading her dreams. It's been giving her nightmares. She is bound and determined to confront this invader to get him out of her head. But what she doesn't realize is she isn't dreaming... she's realm jumping.
Follow along with Isis as she confronts the nightmare maker and goes on a journey of self-discovery about who she is and what she thought was her life is just the beginning.And not to mention a love connection =)
The storyline is wonderfully written and Nely does an outstanding job of keeping you entertained all throughout Creatura. And the ending....there's a whole nother story waiting to begin!

And now for the fun stuff!



GRAND PRIZE: Signed copy of Creatura and Creatura Pen, Bookmark, Coin Bag, Lipgloss, "Property of Dahveed" Dog Tag Necklace

PRIZE #2: Creatura Bookmark, Lipgloss and Pen

PRIZE #3: Creatura Bookmark, Lipgloss and Pen

 

Rafflecopter Link:

*Hosted by Phenomenal Reviews in collaboration with Author Stacey Rourke and team.

Stalker Links:


 

Follow the tour:

January 17 http://bawakas-bookfair.blogspot.com/
January 18 http://booktimeforlife.blogspot.com/
January 19 http://rmfabbookreviews.blogspot.com/
January 20 http://www.curiositykey.blogspot.com/
January 21 http://jennswiger.blogspot.com/

 

Monday, January 14, 2013

James Saves the Moon by Wendy Nystrom

"Here within lies a tale of a young boy named James, which takes place in a far away island nation of Iceland."

Travel along with James up the mountain, soaring through the air with his friends he meets along the way to reach the moon.
 



James Saves the Moon is a must read before bed or during quiet time! The story is easy to read and the illustrations are cute.

I have a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old who love dragons and are fascinated with the night sky. This is perfect for them. Just the idea of being able to touch the moon and ride a dragon is more than enough adventure for most kids. And to meet a magical being...that takes the cake!!!

I definitely recommend James Saves the Moon to all parents! This story could help encourage their children to use their imagination, creativity and be adventurous!

Great job on writing such a wonderful book Wendy! I can't wait to see the new adventures James takes on!


Buy Links:
Amazon Kindle Edition
Amazon Print
Barnes & Noble

Stalker Links:
Facebook
Anchor Group
Goodreads
Twitter
Wendy's Blog



 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

New Series Alert: The Blackwater Witches by Tara Brown


SHARE SATURDAY!!!!!!!

Blackwater
'Danger Lorelei, he's coming'
Icy whispers brush against her cheeks when she's sleeping.
Most nights she wakes to the voices of her ancestors, always at 2:47 am.
Like all monsters, only the light keeps them at bay.
Lorelei Huntington knows what it means to fall for the wrong guy.
She knows what it's like to hide in the dark and wait for the light to save her.
She knows how it feels to watch while everyone you love,
and everything in your life, is taken.
After fifty years of looking over her shoulder and running for her life, certain she could feel his breath at the base of her neck, the icy voices come back.
Again their whispers find her vulnerable and exhausted, just as they used to.
Fearful of seeing him again, but desperate for answers, she goes home.
What she finds isn’t exactly what she left.
Who she finds, isn’t exactly dead or aged a day
But then again, neither is she.

Blackwater
 'Danger Lorelei, he's coming'
Icy whispers brush against her cheeks when she's sleeping.
... Most nights she wakes to the voices of her ancestors, always at 2:47 am.
Like all monsters, only the light keeps them at bay.
Lorelei Huntington knows what it means to fall for the wrong guy.
She knows what it's like to hide in the dark and wait for the light to save her.
She knows how it feels to watch while everyone you love,
and everything in your life, is taken.
After fifty years of looking over her shoulder and running for her life, certain she could feel his breath at the base of her neck, the icy voices come back.
Again their whispers find her vulnerable and exhausted, just as they used to.
Fearful of seeing him again, but desperate for answers, she goes home.
What she finds isn’t exactly what she left.
Who she finds, isn’t exactly dead or aged a day
But then again, neither is she.


Look for this awesome new series by the fantastically wonderful Tara Brown February 14th!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Death by Tara Brown

Death, Book 5 of The Devil's Roses by Wickedly Fantastic Tara Brown
Sadness looms over the old mansion at the end of the road where the massive oaks and willows line the street. With no one recovering from the losses they have experienced and D-Day creeping up on them, Ari decides to make a final push. Only this time she has a little help from O. Don't Miss The Finale. Now a completed series...

My Review:


Death has become my most favorite book in the whole Devil's Roses Series!
I was thrown for a loop with the Epilogue thinking there was a mistake because I remember reading it before but then quickly realized it was the start of an awesome book. Death is full of surprises that I so wasn't expecting. I cried and laughed so many times that I lost count. I wasnt expecting Lorri's huge secret to be coming out. No...not that she's gay cuz I figured that out a couple of books back. This one is so huge and fantastical that you'll have to read Death to figure it out yourself.
One bit of info I will share is that Tara definitely made The Devil's Roses a "must-read-over-and-over-again" type series. I can never get tired of reading this series. Death adds ALOT of heart racing action that will keep you on your toes and twists and turns that your eyes will bug out of your head. It is truly well written and I love that there are different POV's throughout the series now. I can not wait for Redeemers to come out! Look for Redeemers Summer 2013!!!
Outstanding job Tara on writing such an awesome series!

Where to Buy:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/269618

Check out the rest of the Devil's Roses Series and other great works by the awesomeness known as Tara:


http://www.smashwords.com/books/tags/tara_brown

Stalker Links:

http://tarabrown22.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/DevilsRosesSeries
http://www.twitter.com/TaraBrown22
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/TaraBrown

 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Book Review: Elfin by Quinn Loftis

Elfin by the Awesomely Fantabulous Quinn Loftis!

MY RATING : 5 FREAKING STARS!!!
Synopsis:
Before tonight Cassie Tate’s biggest concerns were whether she could pass Algebra and how she was going to keep Elora, her best friend, from dressing her in a skimpy fairy costume for Halloween. Her feet were firmly planted in suburban reality and she had no reason to believe her life would be anything but that of a typical teenager. That is until tonight, when Cassie saw something that no human was ever supposed to see; in the blink of an eye she was thrown into the world of the Light and Dark Elves.
He comes from a realm where light and dark have fought for millennia. He is of a race known to humans only in myths and legends. The darkness that lives inside him is a part of both who and what he is and it makes him the most gifted spy and assassin in the history of his time. His life is not his own; he lives in the service of the Dark Elf King. He slays who he must, has mercy on no one, is relentless in his hunt, and never tires of seeing his prey fall. He is Triktapic, assassin, spy, most feared of the Dark Elves.
Now, in the midst of his King’s complicated plans to expand the Dark Elves’ holdings into the mortal realm, for the first time, Trik finds his loyalties divided. For no Elf, Dark or Light, can turn away from their Chosen.
Unbeknownst to the mortal realm, the battle between Light and Dark is being brought to their doorstep. The only one who can keep it at bay holds darkness in his heart like a lover, and the one who can sway that heart must decide if she can look beyond his black past, beyond his evil nature and see the man he is destined to be.
The questions must be asked, does love really cover a multitude of sins? Can true love actually conquer all or will his darkness consume those around him until all that stands is an assassin with the blood of the mortal realm on his hands?
MY REVIEW:
Let's see...how do I start this review??!!! Quinn Loftis has created yet another smash series! Elfin, Book 1 in the Elfin Series, blew my socks off. I instantly fell in love with all of the characters especially Elora. She is quirky, speaks her mind and is fiercely protective of her best friend Cassie. Even though her part isn't very large, she definitely makes an impreesion in your mind. She reminds me of someone. Can you guess who =)
Trik is super awesome! His love for Cassie and his people is intense. He is a bad ass when he needs to be and a big softy when the moment calls for it. Cassie is such a sweet character. Her compassion and loyalty towards Trik is endearing. She believes with her whole heart that there is still good in him even though all there is...is Darkness.
Elfin is a great start to this new series by Quinn. It's similar to The Grey Wolves Series in some ways but yet different. I love how she hid Trik's real identity and how his secret come out. The way she describes the Elfin Realm is mindblowing. Bright, vivid colors and unique creatures inhabit the lands. The playful banter between Cassie and Elora from the get-go, drew me into this series and I knew that I would be laughing my head off. And sure enough... I laughed (Quiver Boy!)
SO on that note my lovey readers, I say that if you are a fan of Quinn or are interested in Elves or like what you see here, to pick up your copy of Elfin and enjoy! Elfin is full of surprises and is a great read anytime of day =)
Happy Reading and Happy New Year!!!!
XoXo
Where to buy your copy:
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
SMASHWORDS