Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Phantom Summer Book Review and Giveaway


Tour Schedule
Title: Phantom Summer
Author: Amy Sparling
Publisher: 336Love
Date of Publication: September 5, 2013
Genre: contemporary YA with ghosts


Blurb:
Seventeen-year-old Taylor Gray moves to Sterling Island to get over her dead boyfriend. Mom’s cool with letting her crash on the couch, but Taylor needs to get a job before the lights are cut off again.

When the tall, dark and crazy Raine Tsunami offers her a position at his thriving ghost tour business, she figures it’s an easy way to make some cash. Taylor isn’t afraid of ghosts--that crap is as fake as her mom’s boob job. She loves their adventures on the historic island, especially the secret places he shows her when the crowds go home. So what if all the ghost stories are just legends?

When Taylor comes face to face with a ghost and Raine crosses the line between friend and boyfriend--Taylor’s new life collides with her haunted past. If murdered people end up as ghosts, then that someone she was trying to forget is probably watching her.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18463275-phantom-summer

Purchase link: Amazon | B&N

My Opinion:
If you are looking for a story with ghosts but isn't really scary then this is the perfect book to read. In Phantom Summer Taylor feels so guilty over her best friends death because she believes she caused the accident that killed him. Taylor decides to move away and try to forget all about her old life. She moves in with her mom and her life is getting better until she starts to believe in ghosts because she sees one for herself one day. That makes is hard for her to move on and be happy with Raine, the handsome ghost tourist guide she meets. I loved the characters especially Raine and Margaret. The ending was alright but I felt like there needed to be just a little more. I really liked this book but it's missing something I'm just not sure what so because of that I would give it 4 and a half stars. Actually more like four and three fourths if that's even possible (but yes it's possible because that's what I decided)!



About Amy Sparling
Amy Sparling is a native Texan with a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, sarcasm, nail polish and paid holidays. She lives near the beach with her daughter, one spoiled rotten puppy and a cat who is most likely plotting to take over the world. Amy Sparling is a pen name for YA author Cheyanne Young.

Website: http://www.amysparling.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorAmySparling
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amy_Sparling
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5841781.Amy_Sparling

Giveaway
$50 Amazon GC and a SIGNED paperback of PHANTOM SUMMER
Open internationally
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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Her's To Cherish Guest Post and Promo



Tour Schedule
Hers To Cherish
by Patricia A. Knight
Futuristic Romance
Date Published: 8/27/13


Book Description:
When Ramsey DeKieran, disgraced nobleman and accused murderer, was offered a pardon Ram knew there'd be a catch. The High Lord of Verdantia offered him a clean slate in exchange for the off-world rescue of a Verdantian noblewoman – a suicide mission that had already cost the lives of good men. The one redeeming feature was the assistance of the stunning captain of Verdantia’s elite mercenary team.

For Captain Steffania Rickard, assisting DeKieran in the rescue of a woman critical to the future of Verdantia would be difficult enough. The rouge tripped all her triggers – good and bad. Infinitely worse, to fit into the culture of Vxloncia, she must pose as Ram's sex slave. The sexually dominant Ramsey was nothing if not perceptive and Steffania doubts her carefully disguised and deeply hidden desires will remain concealed.

Their mission takes on new meaning when they unmask a heinous program of enslavement, long cloaked in secrecy. Together they must find a way to overcome their initial animosity and recover a woman vital to the future of their race. Together, they would have to bring a malicious entity to justice.

In the maelstrom of sex, savagery, domination and submission, Ram and Steffania will need all their wits and strength to survive.


Practical Advice For A Budding Author: 
10 Husbands & Still A Virgin

There’s an old joke that goes something like this:

A lawyer married a woman who had previously divorced ten husbands. On their wedding night, she told her new husband, "Please be gentle, I'm still a virgin."  

"What?" said the puzzled groom. "How can that be if you've been married ten
times?" 
"Well, Husband #1 was a sales representative; he kept telling me how great it was going to be.  
Husband #2 was in software services; he was never really sure how it was supposed to function, but he said he'd look into it and get back to me. 
Husband #3 was from field services; he said everything checked out diagnostically but he just couldn't get the system up. 
Husband #4 was in telemarketing; even though he knew he had the order, he didn't know when he would be able to deliver. 

Husband #5 was an engineer; he understood the basic process but wanted three years to research, implement and design a new state-of-the-art method. 
Husband #6 was from finance and administration; he thought he knew how, but he wasn't sure whether it was his job or not. 
Husband #7 was in marketing; although he had a nice product, he was never sure how to position it.  
Husband #8 was a psychologist; all he ever did was talk about it. 
Husband #9 was a gynecologist; all he did was look at it.  
Husband #10 was a stamp collector; all he ever did was . . .God! I miss him!  
But now that I've married you, I'm really excited!"
"Good," said the new husband, "but, why?" 
"You're a lawyer. This time I know I'm gonna get screwed!
~ ~ ~

Now I know this joke is supposed to poke fun at the idiosyncrasies of different professions, but parallels can be drawn to the writing world. As writers, we become the husband and our unpublished manuscript, the virgin bride.
Too many times, authors can get caught in the trap of the ten-times married virgin. In our case, we have written ten books or twenty books – but never quite finished them. The manuscripts were never “perfect,” always needed some “tweeking,” some “adjustments” – more dialog, less dialog, more description, another scene. Oh, we talked about our books, in critique groups, to our friends, our family – but we never consummated the marriage. We remained writers – not authors. We never went “all in.”
So, my comment to all you budding authors is this: Do it! Get those manuscripts off the self and polish up your query letters. Don’t let your novel be a 10-Husband Virgin!


Patricia A. Knight

Author Bio: Patricia A. Knight is the pen name for an eternal romantic who lives in Dallas, Texas surrounded by her horses, dogs and the best man on the face of the earth – oh yeah, and the most enormous bullfrogs you will ever see. Word to the wise: don’t swim in the pool after I love to hear from my readers and can be reached at http://www.trollriverpub.com/ or http://www.patriciaaknight.com . Or send me an email at patriciaknight190@gmail.com . Check out my latest “Hunk of the Day,” book releases, contests and other fun stuff on my face book page: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.knight.71619


Website: http://www.patriciaaknight.com/

Twitter: @patriciaaknight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.knight.71619

Google+: https://plus.google.com/107036153653534517237/posts

Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/patriciak4394/

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Heartbreak Ranch Book Promo and Giveaway


Welcome to my stop on the Heartbreak Ranch blog tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!
Heartbreak Ranch
by Anastasia Ryan
Release Date: 10/15/13
Publisher: Swoon Romance
New Adult 17+

Summary from Goodreads:
Recent college graduate, Graysen Beaufort, resigns herself to two weeks of boredom at a dude ranch honoring her parents’ wishes for one last family vacation.

She doesn't plan on meeting Colt McCord, an irresistible cowboy who threatens to bring disorder to Graysen's ordinarily ordered life.

Dodging an overprotective family, an unwelcome suitor, and certain heartbreak, Graysen struggles to break free of her limitations and submit her heart to Colt’s love. But learning to let go isn't easy, even with a man like Colt.

Colt McCord, White Pine Ranch’s head horse trainer, loves the busy, back-breaking work of a cattle ranch.

But when he meets a beautiful and spirited woman from Iowa, she makes him forget everything he'd known before, and he risks everything to be with her.

Colt is accustomed to breaking horses, but can he tame Graysen’s wild heart before it is too late?

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18461601-heartbreak-ranch?ac=1

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Heartbreak-Ranch-ebook/dp/B00FV4J2AY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1381729416&sr=8-8&keywords=heartbreak+ranch

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/heartbreak-ranch?store=allproducts&keyword=heartbreak+ranch

About the Author
Anastasia Ryan is a native New Yorker, but lives in Iowa with her family. She loves the beautiful chaos of raising six children. She is her husband’s girlfriend, but is also quite smitten with the written word. As the daughter of teachers, she has had a love of both great literature and writing in her blood since she was a baby. At a very early age, you would have found her perched on her father’s lap as he typed out his Master’s thesis for English. She is addicted to great books she can get lost in, finds cooking relaxing, is a sometimes web geek, and loves spending time with family and friends. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Creative Writing.

Anastasia Ryan's debut new adult novel HEARTBREAK RANCH will be released by Swoon Romance in the Fall of 2013.

Author Links:
Website: http://anastasiaryan.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7257287.Anastasia_Ryan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anastasiaeryan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anastasianryanauthor%E2%80%8E

GIVEAWAY:
1 ebook of Heartbreak Ranch and $10 iTunes Gift Card (INT)
3 ebooks of Heartbreak Ranch (INT)

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

What my daughter thinks of Qoileez!




Qoileez are a very small stretchy and twirly accessory that you can use for the hair, knitting needles, pencils and more. They come in many colors and designs like stars, dot, stripes and even animal print.

My daughter was so excited about trying Qoileez. These are her favorite way to use them:


  1. We decorated the pencil she uses to do her homework and she couldn't wait to show it off. She said her pencil was so pretty. 
  2. I tried to make a star in her hair. It didn't work out like I wanted but we were both still happy with this hairstyle. 
  3. I found and old headband that we never use so I asked my daughter if she wanted a new bracelet. Of course she loved that to.
What would you do with Qoileez?

You can get a pack of 7 for $4.99 and 14 for $7.99
Check them out on their website http://qoileez.com/
Like them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Qoileez
Follow on twitter https://twitter.com/qoileez

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

It Ain’t Easy Being Jazzy Guest Post, Playlist and a Giveaway

Jazzy secretly wants to get back together with her ex boyfriend, Curtis, so when he calls and reveals that he’s got something important to tell her, she’s got no idea that he’s about to propose—to her first cousin and bitter rival, Mercedes.

 The annual family dinner is coming up, and fearing that she will spend the evening seething while Mercedes flaunts her four-carat engagement ring in her face, Jazzy asks Reggie, an Adonis she met at the mall, to accompany her. As fate would have it, not only did Reggie and Mercedes used to date; that backstabbing, leopard print wearing cow is still carrying a torch for him! Revenge. It has never been so sweet. 

 But falling for Reggie? Holy crap! That wasn’t part of the plan! She has enough on her plate as it is with a mother who spies on the neighbors and a sister and best friend with men problems that could land them on Jerry Springer. So when Curtis comes sniffing around again—this time, with an accusation that sends her blood pressure shooting through the roof—the one good nerve that Jazzy’s got left has just about run its course. 
 Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Ten Random Things about Quanie


1. I have never seen the movie ET.


2. I love kickboxing.


3. I am addicted to television.


4. I get up at 5:00 am to write.


5. I was student of the year in fifth grade.


6. My next novel is called THE NEW MRS. COLLINS.


7. I love music.


8. I want to have my own movie production company someday.


9. I was in a rap group in high school.


10. I cannot touch my toes.



                                                                                
              It Ain’t Easy Being Jazzy – Music Playlist 

Chapter 1:  “Ex Factor” by Lauryn Hill

Chapter 2:  “Check on it” by Beyonce

Chapter 3: “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga

Chapter 4: “Bust the Windows out your car” by Jazmine Sullivan

Chapter 5:  “I’m Curious” by Midnight Star

Chapter 6: “99 problems” by Jay Z

Chapter 7: “Hate on me” by Jill Scott

Chapter 8: “A Family Affair” by Sly & the Family Stone

Chapter 9: “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson

Chapter 10: “Be with you” by Beyonce

Chapter 11: “Just be a man about it” by Toni Braxton

Chapter 12: “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette

Chapter 13:  “Girl Fight” by Brook Valentine

Chapter 14: “Caught out There (I Hate you so Much Right Now)” by Kelis

Chapter 15: “Mama Said Knock You Out” by L.L. Cool J.

Chapter 16: “Have you ever?” by Brandy

Chapter 17: “I Apologize” by Anita Baker

Chapter 18: “Now That We’ve Found Love” by Heavy D and the Boyz

Epilogue: “Crazy” by Gnarles Barkley


Quanie Miller grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana. 

She fell in love with reading at an early age and spent most of her time at the Iberia Parish Library discovering new authors like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike (she was often found walking back home from the library with a stack of books that went up to her chin). 

She holds degrees from Louisiana State University and San Jose State University. She has been the recipient of the James Phelan Literary Award, the Louis King Thore Scholarship, the BEA Student Scriptwriting Award, and the Vicki Hudson Emerging Writing Prize. 
She loves writing humorous stories about strong willed, sassy women who can’t keep themselves out of trouble. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and is currently, as always, working on another novel. 
To find out more about Quanie and her works in progress visit quanietalkswriting.com.

Website |  Goodreads |  Facebook | Twitter
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Friday, October 18, 2013

No One Cared (Anti-Bully Official Book) Book Playlist and $25 Amazon GC Giveaway


Tour Schedule
Title: No One Cared
Author: Author Chemistry
Release Date: September 20, 2013
Genre: YA | Fiction | Contemporary | Tough Issues


Synopsis of No One Cared:
“No One Cared” the new novella by author Chemistry, to be in released October 2013. This read brings you heartbreak, anger, rage and betrayal.
This novella tackles the issues of abuse and teen bullying.
Zaria is a fifteen year old girl living in a small town trying to find her place in this world’ after a tragic night, when she was only eight years old changed her perception on life. Raped by a family friend; and bullied daily at school proved to be much more than she could bear.

Find it: Smashwords


Chemistry playlist:

1. Beautiful, Beautiful

2. Shout to the lord

3. Awesome God

4. When you believe...Mariah Carey

5. I need An Angel...Ruben Studdard


About Chemistry:
Chemistry is a self-published author from Alabama; where she resides with her two daughters.
Chemistry is the founder of Go Getta’s Magazine, an online magazine; it caters to the woman of size. She also has an outspoken Blog “Ima Say It Any-way”.
Chemistry is a young single mother on a mission; she comes from a combination of hurt, anger, heartbreak, joy, happiness, neglect and abuse.
Out of this element, Chemistry was formed and an element can no longer be broken down. Therefore, in her writing, she brings all these mixtures; catching the readers eyes and hearts.
Chemistry plans to tour the country talking to other young women whom have been abused and are victims of domestic Violence. Writing was her way of escape, and now she has a story to tell.
Chemistry just finished her new novella “No One Cared” that has recently been released in September 2013.
Chemistry has been featured in AAMBC, an online book club. She has also been featured in Kontrol Magazine as well as Venus Diva Magazine.
Recently Chemistry had her story published in The Spirit of Big Boned Women, by Yolanda Zellous out of Atlanta. Titled, “Big Boned Mis-tress”.

Go Getta Magazine | Website | Twitter
Facebook

Giveaway

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Elemental Enmity Series Cover Reveal and Giveaway


I'm excited to bring you the cover re-reveal for author Christie Rich and her Young Adult series, Elemental Enmity!  These books are all released and available for sale, so be sure to pick up a copy today, especially since Five, the first book, is available for FREE!


Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | Excerpt




About the Elemental Enmity Series:

Rayla Tate is an ordinary girl who wants a bit of freedom from her controlling aunt. When she leaves her hometown, the one place that could have protected her from the fae, to pursue her dreams in the art world, she discovers a new life full of adventure, just not what she expected.
When the world of the fae comes chasing after her, Rayla must learn what her role is in the age old battle for dominance between human and fae. The two worlds collide, bringing her step by step closer to her true destiny and the foe of a lifetime.


True evil rests in the shadows and will do anything to steal Rayla’s power. She must fight for her freedom and those she loves, both fae and human. Will Rayla overcome the odds and free a people enslaved by darkness, or will she find her world plunged into an unimaginable abyss of destruction?


Elemental Enmity is a story about free will, power, love, lust, overcoming inner and outer demons, and the ultimate battle of good versus evil that exists inside each of us. True power comes from within, a lesson, like all of us, Rayla must learn.
Join Rayla on a journey of a lifetime and discover what it means to be truly in love. Five, Elemental Enmity, Book One is FREE on all major e-retailers. I hope you’ll pick up a copy and enjoy a read on me!



About the author:
I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering
new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day, a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first
words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or
reading, I enjoy family time with my husband and two children. My family and I live in a quiet community in Northern Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.

 Find the author: 

Giveaway:

I think these book covers are beautiful! I love them! What do you think?

Thursday, October 17, 2013

SUSY Asylum Guest Post/Playlist



About Provex City (Lorne Family Vault #1)
Fifteen-year-old Oliver Grain begins his school year fighting off bullies, learning about the boy who committed suicide in his room, and trying to understand why his history teacher, Mr. Gordon, has taken such a personal interest in him.

Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe you can make bullies simply disappear? Do you believe you can walk through walls?

Mr. Gordon tells Oliver: "When you truly believe anything is possible, you will be able to open doors where there were only walls." And one of those doors leads Oliver to Provex City, which puts him in far greater danger than he can possibly fathom.


About SUSY Asylum (Lorne Family Vault #2)
In SUSY Asylum, there is no release. There is no escape. No hope.

Oliver and Desiree are introduced to the writings of a mysterious blogger, Commodore Chaos, when they return to Provex City to indulge in what the sublime city has to offer. The blogger claims the Lornes are collecting people venturing between the higher planes of awareness and locking them away in a mythical asylum. But are these legitimate concerns for inter-plane travelers or just the ramblings of an anonymous conspiracy blogger?

Oliver looks to Provex City as his only connection to his father while Desiree looks to the city as an escape from the torment of losing her best friend—again. Provex City is a wonder of beautiful treasures, entrancing them to continue returning. But behind the beauty, wolves have continued hunting Oliver, a boy who is still unaware of his importance in the rebellion.

Oliver’s belief is waning. Desiree will not always be by his side. Mr. Gordon will not always come to his aid. Oliver finds himself alone, forced to confront his biggest fears, fight his inner demons, and face the very cold reality that no one is coming to save him.

Welcome to SUSY Asylum.

SUSY Asylum Playlist

Music is a big part of my writing process. I love creating playlists, or soundtracks to my books to help me find the tone and to bring out the feeling in particular scenes. These are the songs that helped me create SUSY Asylum. ***I tried to include as few spoilers as possible, but the playlist spans the entire book and many of the songs accompany certain scenes in the book.***

Codex, by Radiohead
This song was chosen for the original preface, with Desiree standing atop Lorne Tower and jumping off. I think it still works with the prologue that made the book, with the asylum escape attempt. What I see now with this song is the two scenes in slow motion, flashing back and forth, finishing with two seemingly hopeless situations.
White Lies, by RX Bandits
This song goes with the scene at the end of chapter one where Oliver and Anna are sitting in Oliver’s backyard, when they say they love each other for the first—and only—time.
Tomorrow Tomorrow, by Elliott Smith
This is the song Desiree and TJ are listening to in the first flashback, when they’re going over lines for Almost, Maine and share their first kiss. “They took your life apart / And called you failure’s art / They were wrong though / They won’t know 'til tomorrow.”
The High Road, by Broken Bells
This song doesn’t go with any specific scene, but I feel like the tone fits well with the book and with what Oliver’s feeling early on when he feels like he’s lost all his friends. “’Cause they know and so do I / The high road is hard to find / A detour in your new life / Tell all of your friends goodbye.”
We Are Young, by Fun
This song was chosen for when Oliver, Desiree, and Darius are enjoying themselves at the Provex City Fair.
Morning After Dark, by Timbaland
I think this song fits really well for when Oliver and Desiree are being lead into the club, Le7el, and up to their VIP platform.
Till the World Ends, by Brittney Spears
This may seem like a strange choice, but I love this song and think it fits well with Oliver and Desiree’s escape from Le7el. The teenagers running through the club. The music blaring. The lightning and strobe lights flashing. Oliver leaving a trail of blood as they frantically search for the exit. I think it works.
Hospital, by The Used
This song lends its beat to another chase scene—when Oliver, Eli, and Anna are being chased through the hospital. They’re caught one by one, and Oliver falls—literally—into Dr. Alexandria Lorne’s office. “You're hiding in your safe place / Hiding with your eyes shut tightly / All the way to the hospital.” Game over.
Reckoner, by Radiohead
This is a song that perfectly represents Oliver’s time in the asylum. The music is loud and chaotic, with Thom Yorke’s melody oddly ethereal. Oliver must find his peace and focus in the insanity of the asylum if he ever hopes to escape. he must find his ethereal melody amidst all the noise.
The Humbling River, by Puscifer
This song accompanies Oliver’s transition into the asymmetric plane, having to nearly drown in the river (forced to face his phobia head-on), with the faith that he will be pulled out in time. “Open your heart and hands my son or you’ll never make it over the river.” “The hands of the many must join as one and together we’ll cross the river.” Oliver goes in and Nero pulls him out—and together they cross the river.
Save Yourself, I’ll Hold them Back, by My Chemical Romance
This song plays when Oliver wakes in the asymmetric plane, not the Hell he was expecting, but unsettling nonetheless. “We can leave this world, leave it all behind / We can steal this car if your folks don't mind / We can live forever if you've got the time.”
Satellite Mind, by Metric
While Oliver is held captive by Nero, I heard this song while he tries to communicate telepathically with Desiree. “I send vibrations in your direction / Through the satellite mind.”
Chain, by The Fire Theft
This is the theme song for Oliver breaking his chains and conquering Nero; a powerful and positive song. “I’m amazed / Within the darkness a solution / We’ll never give in.”
Heavy in Your Arms, by Florence + the Machine
I heard this song for when Oliver saves Desiree. Originally, I pictured Oliver carrying her home. It didn’t end up happening that way, but the sing still fits and feels right.
Twilight, by Elliott Smith
This is one of my all-time favorite songs—so sad and powerful. This is the song TJ listens to in his final moments. “Because you candle burns too bright / Well, I almost forgot it was twilight.”
Kiss You Goodbye, by The Used
This song goes with one of the last scenes in the book with Oliver, Mr. Gordon, Desiree, and Jeremy. Oliver can’t go home because he unknowingly fused with his mirror and everything is about to change. Oliver has to say goodbye to the life he knew—what was safe and comfortable—and ready himself to meet his father.
The Catalyst, by Linkin Park
There are two catalysts at the end of this book. The first is Oliver fusing with his mirror, which doesn’t allow him to go home, so he can only go forward...to find his father. The second, is the first of four earthquakes, which leads us immediately into Book 3. “Lift me up / Let me go / Lift me up / Let me go.”



About Michael Pierce:
I believe in a future where I will be able to write full-time, a picture I already hold vividly in my mind. It all starts with my debut young adult novel, Provex City. I love Harry Potter & The Marbury Lens, Tool & Elliott Smith, Dexter & Donnie Darko, bold coffee & amber ale. I also love dabbling with writing music and recording, with no illusions of ever making it a career. I am ecstatically married and the lucky father to a beautiful baby girl.

Find the author: Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads



Giveaway:
$50 Gift Card (INT)

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                                   Tour Schedule


Now and Then Book Promo and Giveaway


Welcome to my stop on the Now and Then blog tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!
Now and Then (Now #1)
by Brenda Rothert
Release Date: 08/04/13


Summary from Goodreads:
Now Emmaline Carson is a sharp, settled graphic designer who loves painting, cooking and girls’ night out with her older sister Layla. But then – in the years before she went to art school in Paris – she was a shy, awkward teenager with frizzy hair, a flat chest and a massive crush on the boy across the street, Cole Marlowe. Too bad her incredibly hot neighbor only had eyes for Layla.

Cole is now a confident, laid-back attorney who’s even hotter than he used to be. He’s planning to stay single while working his way up the corporate ladder – until he’s knocked off course by a chance run-in with Emma.

Everything is different between Cole and Emma now. He finally sees her in a way she only dreamed of, and their hot chemistry is fueled by a growing friendship. But Emma’s deception of her sister – who wants Cole for herself – and the secret Cole’s been keeping for more than a decade threaten to tear apart what’s only just begun. Because sometimes the only thing standing in the way of now is then.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18210731-now-and-then?ac=1

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Then-Series-ebook/dp/B00EC197UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375991430&sr=8-1&keywords=now+and+then+brenda+rothert

Excerpt:
There was a pause, and Emma looked down at the pile of wet napkins on the table. Her heart pounded uncontrollably, and she tried to remember what her hair and makeup looked like. Probably not great, given the rush she’d been in this morning. Cole Marlowe’s effect on her was unchanged. She’d regressed into an awkward, stumbling adolescent.
“Do you have time for some coffee?” he asked. “It’d be great to catch up with you.”
How many times had she dreamed of Cole Marlowe asking her to get together? Hundreds. She’d played out so many scenes during her high school years where he realized that his dream girl was actually his neighbor from across the street, though she was three years younger than him.
The woman who had served Emma’s coffee walked out with a fresh tray, handing it over.
“I saw what happened and made you these,” she said.
“Thank you,” Emma said, reaching into her purse.
“No charge,” the woman said, waving.
“Thanks. At least take this,” Emma said, handing her a five. She pocketed it and smiled as she disappeared behind the counter.
“I’m actually just on a coffee run for my boss,” Emma told Cole, gesturing at the tray. “He’ll be upset if I don’t get back with it.”
“Sure. Do you need help with that?”
“No, I’m fine, thanks.”
Cole followed her to the door and held it open.
“Good to see you, Em,” he said. She nodded and grinned foolishly.
As she left the shop, she exhaled deeply, trying to calm her thudding heart. Cole Marlowe hadn’t crossed her mind in a while. But just one look into those blue-gray eyes and she was weak in the knees again. She thought of his broad smile and deep, warm voice the entire way up to her office.



About the Author
Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.
These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres.

Author Links:
http://www.brendarothert.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7010859.Brenda_Rothert
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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Lucifer (Sons of Old Trilogy, #1) Excerpt and Giveaway


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Lucifer (Sons of Old Trilogy, #1)
Author: Annabell Cadiz


Synopsis: Have you ever wondered what could be hiding in the shadows?

Well, for eighteen-year-old Zahara Faraday, she doesn’t have to wonder. You see she comes from a lineage of Light Witches, those who have chosen to help protect and serve between the supernatural world and the human world. The only problem is Zahara, like her father Solomon, is as human as a human being can be whereas her mother, Mia, and her Aunt Catalina, were born as Light Witches. As a family they hunt down rogue supernaturals—creatures who harm humans or who have committed an act against their kingdom.

Zahara’s hunting skills are usually kept dormant since her parents would prefer she live life as a normal human girl without knowledge of the supernatural world. She plans on doing just that—except when she finds a couple being attacked by fairies, she has no choice but to step in. Before she can return to pretending to be blissfully ignorant, Zahara encounters a problem she isn’t the least equip to handle: Bryan Hamilton, the good looking new co-worker she has to help train. In a heartbeat, her best friend, Becca King, has set her up on a double date with herself and her new crush, Rekesh Saint-Louis, who happens to be the most powerful leader of the biggest Imago Coven in South Florida –supernatural creatures with the ability to control water . . . and suck out human souls.

Zahara has no time to focus on how she’s going to explain her double date with her best friend and the enemy they have a tentative truce with to her parents because soon one of the members of Mia and Catalina’s coven is found murdered with a strange tattoo of a snake with wings carved into his arm.

Zahara is then thrown into a whirlwind battle with an angel determined to have revenge against God, an Imago coven she doesn’t think they should trust, and slew of dream-eating fairies and powerful Nephilims, hybrid children of angels and humans, more than happy to rip her to shreds.

Normal just got a deadlier definition.

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SNEAK PEEK
“Is that blood?” Zahara asked eyeing the ground a few steps in front of them.

Becca looked down toward the ground and moved closer to the gloopy stain of red. She bent down and tilted her head to the side. “Looks like blood.”

Zahara kneeled down beside the blood and looked down the hall on the left, which led outside to where all the dumpsters where found. “There’s more down that way,” she directed with a thrust of her chin.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Becca said grabbing onto Zahara’s arm.

“Becks, we have to check out what it is; someone could be hurt.”

Becca was already shaking her head no. “Are you stupid? Follow the path of blood down the dark hallway into the back alley where there can possibly be a body and some killer. It’s too cliché horror movie for my taste. We are not those stupid girls. Let’s go get your parents.” She yanked Zahara back toward the food court, but Zahara pulled her back.

“By the time we get to my parents, explain what we found and they come to investigate, the person in the back alley could be dead and it’ll be our fault for not helping when we could.” Zahara turned around and started walking down the hallway, taking out the dagger from her back pocket. She unclipped the can of pepper spray from the keychain clipped to her pants and tossed it to Becca. “You coming or am I going in alone?”

“Stupid best friend is gonna follow the stupid trail of blood down the stupid hallway with a stupid can of pepper spray and a stupid dagger and she expects us not to get killed,” Becca mumbled through tight teeth as she followed Zahara.

They walked slowly, sticking to the wall so as not to step on the blood. The door leading out to the dumpsters was shut. Zahara leaned back against it and looked at Becca. Becca swallowed hard and gave her a quick nod, shaking the can of pepper spray. Zahara threw the door open and twisted around on her heel as fast as she could. Becca ran outside with the can of pepper spray held high, but they found nothing more than blood on the ground.

Zahara tiptoed around the drops of blood on the ground, walking farther back into the alleyway and stopped as she heard voices.

“Tell us where you’ve hidden it!” a man snapped. Skin slapped against skin and another man cried out.

“I told you, we do not have it!”

Zahara felt her heart bang against her ribcage. She recognized that voice. She moved closer, staying beside one of the dumpsters, and knelt. Becca knelt beside her and took a deep breath.

“That sounds like Eric,” Becca whispered.

“You have one last chance to tell us where you’ve hidden the arrow, Jacobson,” the same male voice threatened.

Zahara had no doubt he meant what he said. She knew she would probably regret this later, but she jumped up and ran around the dumpster, hearing Becca’s faint curse as she did. Three sets of eyes turned to look at her. Eric, one of the members of Mia and Catalina’s coven, was on his knees, arms bound by the grip of another man standing behind him.

He was tall and slender, enough muscle to show he wasn’t lazy, but he didn’t look strong enough to be able to hold down Eric’s six-foot, four-inch frame, which was nothing but toned, hard muscle. Eric, on the other hand, looked to be in pain. He had slices across his face and his bottom lip was split open. Blood slithered from the open wounds onto the ground.

“Let him go, now!” Zahara demanded. She gripped the dagger handle more tightly, holding it pressed against her thigh.

About the Author
Annabell Cadiz was born in the sweltering heat of South Florida. She was raised surrounded by Puerto Rican chefs and band of siblings that weren’t all related to her. A self-proclaimed nerd and book-a-holic (her room does hold much evidence to prove her claims are justifiable), she created TeamNerd Reviews to showcase her EXTREME love for novels where, along with her best friend, Bridget Strahin, she hosts book reviews, interviews, giveaways and much more. She also had the pleasure of being published in three separate issue of Suspense Magazine. She is currently attending Trinity International University to attain her B.A. in Psychology. She also adores Cinnamon Teddy Grahams, has an addiction to Minute Maid Orange juice, and is a proud Jesus Freak. Her debut novel, LUCIFER (SONS OF OLD TRILOGY, #1) was published January 2013 and the second book, MICHAEL, will be out Fall/Winter 2013 and the third book, NEPHILIM, will be out Spring 2014.

Where to Stalk the Author: Website /Goodreads /Amazon Author Page/Twitter /Facebook /Pinterest /TeamNerd Reviews


Giveaway
Listen up fans and readers a-like! Make sure to show love to your favorite blogger/reviewer by leaving a comment on the Lucifer Blog Tour Post! The reviewer with the most comments will win a $20 Barnes and Noble Giftcard!!

FAN GIVEAWAY: Lucifer Inspired Swag Pack

**Must be 13 or older to enter**
**Opened to U.S. ONLY**
**Winner has 24 HOURS to respond before new winner is chosen**

Swag Pack Includes:
--An e-copy of Lucifer (Sons of Old Trilogy, #1) by Annabell Cadiz
--Lucifer Inspired Keychain
--Lucifer Inspired Button
--Beautiful Day Lotion and Body Spray
--Notebook
--Bookmark

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