Category Archives: reading
BOOK TOUR INTERVIEW: Carry Your Heart by Audrey Bell
Carry Your Heart
by Audrey Bell
New Adult Contemporary
Book Description
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 24, I live in New York, and I’m afraid of the subway. Basically, I’m the worst New Yorker you’ve ever heard of.
2. What made you want to become a writer?
There are so many books and writers that have really changed the way I feel or think, or just taken me out of my boring life and into this exciting other world. Those other worlds are why I write. They’re not real, but they are so much more fun! I’ve always felt like I’ve lived more of my life in books and in writing than in the real world.
3. Who or what gives you inspiration?
If I really can’t think of where I should go with a story, I’ll just walk around my block until I find someone who looks interesting. And then I’ll make up a whole fake back story for them. And then I’ll usually stick ‘em in my book.
4. Tell us about CARRY YOUR HEART.
CARRY YOUR HEART is about a competitive skier, Pippa, whose heart was shattered, and a hot professional snowboarder, Hunter, who makes her realize that she can put the pieces together again. And there’s drama in between.
5. What’s the hardest part of being a writer?
Believing in your story. It’s easy to imagine a great scene, or a great concept. Sitting down and laying it out is tough. And trusting that it’s worth writing is even tougher.
6. What do you need around you to write (special drink, lucky items, etc)?
Just my computer and an unhealthy amount of caffeine.
7. What are some of your favorite books?
I just read THE AGE OF MIRACLES, which absolutely killed me. But I love Abbi Glines and Colleen Hoover, and I’m a huge Harry Potter freak.
8. Are your characters based on anyone you know?
There’s a little bit of a lot of different people in them.
9. What, if anything, are you working on right now?
I’m working on a book called LOVE SHOW, which is about Hadley, a college newspaper editor whose too busy for a real relationship, and her no-strings-attached fling with Jack Diamond, a frat bro. When they start feeling something more, they both wonder about the implication of falling in love…especially with the unlikely person that they think they’re falling in love with.
10. Why do you love writing?
It’s exciting! I love creating my own world and my own characters and seeing what happens with them. I put a lot of myself into my writing, and I always end up learning something about myself too.
About the Author
BOOK TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Friends & Lovers Trilogy by Bethany Lopez
Friends & Lovers Trilogy
by Bethany Lopez
New Adult Contemporary Romance
*This book is an omnibus of the three stories in this trilogy. I will be reviewing each novella separately below.
Friends & Lovers, Book One
Book Description
In a small town, it’s hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That’s just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she’s on the right path, he comes back to town.
Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines, he’s forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.
MY THOUGHTS: 3 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
Colin breaks Briana’s heart when he breaks up with her just before leaving for college. So when he comes back into town four years later, she’s not too excited at the prospect of having to see him in their tiny town. But since time has passed, they’ve both become different people. Is it worth exploring if their love was true?
This was a very fast moving novella, that introduced a pretty large group of friends. Briana and Colin are both nice enough, but I found nothing particularly compelling about either of them.
I did feel that Briana was very quick to give Colin another chance. I know this was a novella but I would have liked to see a little more development in the relationship. The chemistry between Briana and Colin was very hot, however. The sex scenes were nicely written without being too explicit.
I did see a couple of things coming, but the end of the story was cute and made you want to root for these characters.
Friends & Lovers Trilogy, Book Two
Book Description
Up until now, Nicole’s life has been mapped out for her. She’d go to college, marry Jake and become the upstanding minister’s wife. When she leaves that life to begin again in a small town in Texas, she finally has the freedom to live as she chooses. There, she meets Kent, a guy whose charm and passion make it hard to stick to her morals.
Dodging his father’s fists and protecting his twin sister made Kent into the man he is today. He learned by watching his mother stay by his father’s side that it’s better to keep relationships simple. Then he meets Nicole. Her sweet smile and genuine response to him land like punches to his resolve. After a lifetime of learning to protect his heart, can he finally let down his guard?
MY THOUGHTS: 3 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
Nicole is the virginal preacher’s daughter who’s just moved into town from Dallas after disappointing her parents. Kent is the headstrong ladies’ man who moved from Detroit to escape the horrible childhood he and his twin sister had. Though the two seem to be opposites, there’s something about Nicole that sets Kent on fire, and he’s never wanted a girl this much before. Though they are different, is it worth pursuing to see if they can become something more?
This is another novella that revolves around a group of friends in a tiny Texas town. Nicole is rather dull as a character, but Kent is pretty cool. He’s been working hard since he was a child to pull himself and his twin out of poverty, and even tough he’s a young man, he’s accomplished a lot and still have big dreams to fulfill.
Though I did see one of the tropes I hate in this story, I thought it was good. I felt like the end was just the beginning of Kent and Nicole’s relationship, but it seems they are headed for happiness.
Friends & Lovers Trilogy, Book Three
Book Description
Roni’s dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer were smashed under the brutal rage of her ex-husband’s fists. Getting divorced and starting over at the age of twenty-two was never her plan, but maybe in Texas, she’ll find her path. When the town’s local player, Rich, opens a Rec Center, she sees a way to rekindle her dancing dreams…and maybe have a little fun with her sexy new boss.
Rich never expected to fulfill his dreams in the town he planned to leave behind, but that’s just what he’s doing. His reputation as a noncommittal ladies’ man might make it challenging to earn respect in the business world, but he’s willing to prove that he’s serious. In fact, when it comes to pursuing Roni, he’s more than willing. But she’s taking a page out of his book, not wanting to risk another relationship. Can he convince her that his playboy days are over and that she can trust him with her heart?
Rich is back in his hometown after graduating college, and between his trysts with girls is working on opening a rec center. Roni has recently come to town to meet her twin brother Kent, after escaping an abusive marriage, and just wants a fresh start. Roni understandably is trying to steer clear of all men, but Rich’s charms eventually begin to work on her. Can she open herself up for the possibility of love again?
The final installment in the Friends and Lovers trilogy, I liked this one the best. Roni has already been through a terrible childhood, an abusive marriage, and a divorce, and as such seems much more mature than the other girls we’ve met in the series. She’s damaged and wary of men in general, and it was refreshing that she didn’t fall in love instantly with Rich. Rich is a pretty playboy with a soft side, who loves his mama and wants to give back to the community. The main characters in this story definitely made it more enjoyable.
Rich and Roni and more sexually experienced, and it showed in the sex scenes. Their chemistry sizzled on the pages. But beyond that, they really connected as a couple and I feel they have the strength to last. The ending to this story was great, and I liked that it wasn’t sterotypical.
About the Author
Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult novel. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her contemporary Young Adult series, Stories About Melissa. Ta Ta for Now!, xoxoxo, and Ciao are available now. Bethany is currently working on a Contemporary Fantasy YA and a Contemporary New Adult Trilogy.
Bethany Lopez | Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | IAN
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BOOK TOUR INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown
Darkness of Light
by Stacey Marie Brown
New Adult Paranormal
Book Description
Freak. Witch. Crazy. Schizo.
Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.
When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.
Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Currently I am living in San Francisco, Ca. But I’ve also lived in Los Angeles, Boston, London, Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. I loved living abroad, but deep down I guess I am a Northern California girl at heart. I did some acting, set/interior design, and now split my time between staging homes and being an author. Writing and traveling are my two biggest passions. Other than that I am preparing to be that freaky cat lady down the street. Just need the cats.
2. Who or what gives you inspiration?
I’ve said this over and over, but it still is the truth. Reading does! Reading helps me so much in not only inspiring me with qualities I want in my stories, but also things I don’t want in my stories. I look at things while reading differently now. If a scene or character really captures me I ask why. If a book/scene/or character really makes me feel “ehhh, who cares?” I also ask why.
3. What’s the hardest part of being a writer?
Making an actual living off of it! Also sometimes reading reviews when the reader says something mean or clearly didn’t understand what you were trying to say or took it wrong. You automatically want to defend yourself and the characters decisions, but you have to take a moment, breathe, and understand that not everyone is going to like it. Those readers who really do get it, connect with it, and love it make you forget all the bad anyway. My readers make it all worth it . . . tenfold.
4. What do you need around you to write (special drink, lucky items, etc)?
Besides an IV of caffeine hooked up to my vein? I don’t have any particular item I eat or drink. The only thing, if I need to be serious about writing, is I need to leave the house and go to a café. As much as I love staying in my flannel pj bottoms, there are too many distractions at home. I tend to find “sparkly” things everywhere but in what I should be concentrating on.
5. What are some of your favorite books?
I am so terrible at these kind of questions only because I am really bad a narrowing things down. I love so many books for so many different reasons, and it could simply be based on my mood at that time. I really enjoy Richelle Mead, Kelley Armstrong, Ilona Andrews, Windy Higgins, S.M. Boyce, and the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. Seriously I could go on . . . and on . . . and on . . .
6. Are your characters based on anyone you know?
I think there is a little of a lot of people I know in them. Some are by name and some by personality. I can’t imagine a writer not writing at least a little off of what they know. I can honestly say there isn’t one of my characters that is fully someone I know. But that could always change. Friends and enemies of writers should always be aware!
7. What, if anything, are you working on right now?
I just finished Book Two of the Darkness Series, Fire in the Darkness. It is being edited right now. Until it comes back to me for changes, I have started working on Book Three. There will be four in the series as of right now. If people really respond to them and want more. Who knows?
8. Why do you love writing?
Writing is just a part of me. I can’t explain that one thing that makes me love it. I guess I love making worlds and escaping into them. Would a therapist have a field day with me on why that is? Well, that goes without saying. But, in everything I’ve done, acting, designing, writing . . . it has always been about creating worlds and living in them for a time. To me it is magic!
About the Author
Stacey Marie Brown works by day as an Interior/Set Designer and by night a writer of paranormal fantasy, adventure, and literary fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.
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BOOK TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Comes the Night by Norah Wilson & Heather Doherty
Comes the Night
by Norah Wilson & Heather Doherty
Casters Series, Book One
Book Description
How far would you go to escape your own personal teenage hell? Would you run away, break away from everything you know—even your own body?
Alex Robbins, Brooke Saunders and Maryanne Hemlock could not be more different, yet they all have something in common—deep and soul-searing pain. They are also all students at Streep Academy, a boarding school just one step away from juvie, where they’ve come to complete high school. The three have been relegated to Harvell House, the residence reserved for the hardest cases, the so-called Rejects from Reject Row.
In the forbidden attic of the old Victorian house-turned-residence, the girls discover the diary of Connie Harvell, a young woman who was confined and abused there some 50 years ago. In the end, Connie’s attic prison couldn’t hold her—not completely. She found a way out. At least a dark part of her did. And after reading her diary, the girls discover they can escape at will too. A terrifying, thrilling flight from their bodies and their troubles.
But God help them, their pain isn’t all they leave behind when they join with the night.
And God help anyone who’s wronged them…
MY THOUGHTS: 3.75 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
Comes the Night by Norah Wilson
Alex returns for another year at Streep Academy, where she will be joined by roommates Maryanne and Brooke in the sinister Harvell House. But before the school year officially starts, Alex wakes up in the attic of the house after being attacked but remembering nothing. She also finds an old diary that belonged to a girl their age who used to live in the house. Alex shares the secrets of the diary and the attic with her roommates, and they all learn of an exhilarating way to escape their troubles.
But before long they are abusing their new power, and must remind each other to withhold themselves before things get way out of hand. While they’re enjoying what they’ve found in themselves, there’s also the matter of what happened to the girl in the diary. The three girls’ school year is going to be beyond interesting, that’s for sure.
It did take me several chapters to really get interested in this book, but once I did I couldn’t stop reading. Alex and her roommates and all so different, each with their own internal pain they need to deal with. But the way they come together through something so unique was nice to watch.
The main thing I had trouble with was the language and diction, not only in the way the characters speak, but in the writing itself. I’m not sure the ages of the authors, but I found it very hard to believe that three 17 year old girls would speak in the way they do in this book. The writing style was just hard for me to get into, and some of it was very repetitive.
The story is told in alternating perspectives from all three of the girls, but is told in third person point of view. It takes a long while to get completely into the backstory of each girl, but once you do, it’s clear to see why each one is so hurt. Alex is the tough girl with a secret she wants no one to ever learn, because she doesn’t want their pity. Maryanne is the quiet one who may not have told the entire truth when it comes to the recent death of her baby brother. Brooke is the sassy city girl who may put up an attitude, but secretly harbors insecurities she can’t get over. Although the three girls start the school year barely talking to each other, they can all sense each other hiding something and it brings them closer together.
I really liked the unique supernatural themes of this book, and although it had many layers and different plot threads to follow, the complexity was not bothersome at all. The ending was fitting and sad, and although this is a series, I felt this book could have been left just as it is and be a complete story. I’m not sure what else the girls may have to get into, but I’ll definitely love to read more of their adventures together.
About the Authors
NORAH WILSON is a Kindle best-selling author of romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, with her husband, two adult children, dog Chloe, and kitty, Ruckus.
HEATHER DOHERTY fell in love with writing while taking creative writing courses with Athabasca University. Motivated by her university success, and a life-long dream of becoming a novelist, she later enrolled in the Humber School for Writers under the mentorship of David Adams Richards. Her first literary novel was published in 2006. While still writing dark literary (as well as not-so-dark children’s lit), she is beyond thrilled to be writing paranormal/horror with Norah. Heather lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick with her family. (No pets, but I swear Norah’s dog, Chloe, calls me Aunt Heather).
Together, Heather and Norah write dark, edgy, frightening young adult paranormal/horror.
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BOOK TOUR SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: The Sixth Power by Carol Nicolas
The Sixth Power
by Carol Nicolas
YA Paranormal
Book Description
Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.
Until her geneticist brother Tom was murdered, Tania lived an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom’s research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean. When Tania reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use her powers to help save Dan’s sister in time to keep Tom’s secrets safe.
FIRST CHAPTER:
Sometimes, even when you know that death is imminent, you just have to go ahead and complete your small task in the great plan, Tom thought as he glided through the still, dark room. His bare feet made no sound on the smooth, hardwood floor. He felt strange sneaking around like a thief in his own house.
Tom paused at the ornate chess set on the living room coffee table. His sister, who always played white because his dad insisted she have the first move, could lose in three moves if she wasn’t careful. Tom moved her bishop. There, that should buy her some time. Too bad his own problems weren’t so easily solved.
The grandfather clock ticked steadily in the elegantly furnished living room. He had to hurry. He used his Gift and sent out a mental sweep of the La Jolla neighborhood. None of El Calavera’s men were in the area, though he had spotted them following him earlier that day. He knew they were close and would catch up to him. He planned to be far from here by then.
Tom entered the study and sat down at the family computer where he and his sister had spent many hours playing on-line games. He accessed his email and opened a file he had sent earlier from Triumph Genetics Lab. At once the virus he had created began to destroy all the files in every system.
“Forgive me, Tania. You’ll understand someday.”
He opened the door to his father’s bedroom and moved noiselessly to the dresser. His father had set up a shrine there: a vase of gladiolas and lilies, his mother’s framed picture, her gold cross on a fine gold chain, and a pair of fat purple candles that illuminated the room and sent the fragrance of lavender through the air. Three sympathy cards stood open on the left. In the center was a bronze box with a plaque engraved with the words ‘Maria Valdez Walters Westing.’
“Mother.” He kissed his fingers and touched the words.
He glanced at the rumpled bed. His father must have taken a sleeping pill; his mouth was slightly open and his breathing hoarse and ragged. Tear stains glistened on the side of his haggard face. Tom bent down and kissed his father’s forehead. “Love you, Dad,” he whispered. Sorrow flooded Tom’s heart. He knew he was about to cause his father even more grief. He touched his father’s forehead and sent a specific command to his subconscious.
Next, he went to his little sister’s room. At fourteen years old, Tania was already a beauty: tall and slender, with straight black hair that fell past her shoulders, and smooth, light brown skin. She was so much like their grandmother. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slow and peaceful. Her favorite book, The Lord of the Rings, lay beside the pillow where it had slipped from her loosely curled fingers, and her bedside lamp cast a dim glow into in the dark room. He wondered if she ever turned it off at night now. Even in sleep, she looked a little sad. His heart ached.
He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams, little Sis. Remember me. Take care of Dad.”
Tania surprised him when she opened her large, dark eyes and grinned. “Gotcha! You thought I was asleep, didn’t you?” She sat up and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you home for the weekend?”
“No, I just stopped to say goodbye.” He squeezed her tight, memorizing her.
She sniffed. “You smell weird.”
He sighed, released her, and sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. Tania was much too observant, but he would let her play their game. “Go ahead. Deduce.”
Tania’s eyes twinkled as she studied him. “You’re wearing old clothes, and you smell like smoke, sea brine, and sweat. There are ashes in your hair. Your left forefinger and thumb are red. Your sleeves and cuffs are wet at the edges. Therefore, you and some of your fellow profs — no, make that your two buddies at the lab — those other dolts are much too stuffy to do something fun — had a hot dog roast at the beach before you came here. Whatever you used for wood had a lot of chemicals in it. You got a little too close to the fire. Try using a coat hanger next time.”
He grinned. “Very good, my dear Sherlock. The hot dogs were delicious. We even tossed the football around.” He was dressed in his darkest jeans, a faded black t-shirt, and a black wool coat, but it was more for camouflage than anything else. There hadn’t been time to clean up before he’d come from the lab. He wouldn’t tell her what he had really been doing there.
Tania reached out and tugged gently on his long, tangled hair. “It’s grown since I saw you last. If you stick around, I could cut it for you tomorrow.”
Tania looked so hopeful, but he shook his head. “No. I can’t stay.”
She frowned. “Where are you going?”
He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. Sorrow clenched his heart, but he didn’t let on. “Away.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she took his hand. “I love you, Tom.” Her words were underscored with a yearning for him to stay, as if those words were strong enough to bring him back home for good, strong enough to heal the rift between him and his father, and make them all a real family again. But nothing could do that now. Their mother’s ashes were three months cold, and soon he would be with her.
“I love you too, more than you know.” With all his heart he wished he could be there to see her grow up and fulfill her enormous potential. Like Tom and the others of their mother’s family, Tania had inherited many of the usual Gifts. But Tania was special. His genetic studies had revealed that not only did she have her mother’s DNA for the extremely rare gift to heal, but she also had the DNA that would signal the pituitary to secrete the hormone that would activate the Gift. Tania would become a great healer.
As yet, Tania was untrained and barely aware of her Gifts. All their mother had been allowed to do was to teach her to how to hide her uniqueness, to blend in with the normal population. For her own safety, Tania would have to remain that way until Aunt Sarah decided otherwise. The research which he had conducted with DNA samples from those with the Gifts, including his startling discoveries which he had planned to share with Aunt Sarah, would have to remain hidden as well. He was out of time.
Tom took Tania’s hand and turned it so that the ruby in the delicate gold ring glittered in the lamplight. This ring was more than just a symbol of the powerful Valdez family; it would shield her mind from those who sought to probe her thoughts. In a few years, when Tania would begin training in her Gifts, she would learn to actively protect herself. Aunt Sarah and the others would keep her safe until then. “Promise me that you’ll always wear this ring.”
Tania squeezed his hand. Her eyes were sad. “I promise.”
The clock struck the half hour. Tom had to get out.
He picked up the book from beside her pillow, removed her bookmark, and opened it to the page he needed. The Lord of the Rings had been one of their favorite stories as children. They had spent so many hours playing together. He smiled. “Remember how we used to pretend to be Frodo and Sam on the way to Mount Doom?”
“Yeah.” Tania grinned.
“We also used to make up riddles for Bilbo to use on Gollum.”
“Those were great times.”
He looked out the window and blinked back tears. He would never see his sister again. His hand rested on the page as he recited. “‘All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.’ Remember that, Sis. Listen with your heart to find the truth.”
Tania’s eyes were on his face, so she didn’t see how he pulled a bookmark from his pocket, inserted it into the book at the passage he had just quoted, and then slipped her bookmark into his pocket. Keep it safe, he silently commanded. He looked down at her, wishing there was more he could do. Then he placed two fingertips at her temple and whispered, “Na dolen.” The command would keep her from remembering this conversation until she needed it.
Her eyes blinked in blank, sleepy surprise. “Tom?”
About the Author
Carol Nicolas lives in northern Utah (USA) with her husband. A native of Canada, she attended BYU-Idaho (formerly Ricks College) and obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah USA). A teacher, mother of five, wearer of silly socks, and fan of sci-fi/fantasy books and films, she enjoys growing herbs and vegetables, painting, and researching her family history. She likes rock, pop, Celtic and classical music. She has traveled throughout Europe; her favorite city there is Paris, though the romance of Venice is a close second. She speaks American English (with a Canadian accent after she has been talking with her Canadian family on the telephone for just a few minutes), as well a basic modern Greek, which she studied for 4 years to be able to communicate with her husband’s family on their bi-annual trips to Greece. Her deepest secret: she hides chocolate in her desk for emergencies!
Her latest book is the YA paranormal, The Sixth Power.
You can visit Carol’s blog site at http://carolnicolas.wordpress.com
Connect with Carol:
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BOOK TOUR SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: Lost in Time by Christie Palmer
Lost in Time
by Christie Palmer
A Fallen Novel
Book Description
Hidden in the shadows of the Infernos, Celeste is surrounded by the protection of Dante and her brothers. She is a Demon/Reaper, a being that should never have been. An elite fighter, Celeste has honed her fighting skills and is a deadly weapon for Dante. Her one weakness? A Fallen Angel she has loved for two centuries.
As she looked around, she found a beautifully decorated living room. She was amazed at the old world furniture and style she spent several minutes just cataloging all the old world beauty the room had to offer.
She hadn’t expected to be attacked and therefore, she didn’t see or hear the crazed woman who attacked. One moment she was running her fingers over a wonderfully cross-stitched pillow, and the next she was flying through the air. She hit the wall with a force that would have broken another person in half. Celeste allowed her body to crumple to the floor.
Her attacker came at her like a rabid wolf in female clothing and stilettos. As she closed in, Celeste rolled forward cutting the other woman off at the knees.
Her attacker let out an ear-splitting screech as she somersaulted into the air. The crazed woman landed on her feet and crouched down into an attack position just as Celeste swung the Black Sword stopping as it rested against the crazed woman’s carotid artery.
Celeste narrowed her eyes. “I don’t believe we have been introduced.”
“Demon,” the Lycan snarled her eyes feral. She scratched at the antique rug with her long fingernails, rending the coiled fabric down to the wood floor beneath.
“Lycan,” Celeste returned with just as much fury and rage.
“Get your knife off my throat.”
“You attacked me. Bitch,” Celeste said pressing the point of the Sword into the woman until a small drop of blood beaded on the edge. “So you’ll pardon me if I keep my sword exactly where it is.”
“You have no idea what bitch is,” the Lycan snarled. She backed away, rolling from the tip of the blade. Celeste matched her speed, but not her cunning and her Sword was knocked out of her hand, and she was tackled with the force of a raging bull.
Celeste threw her palm into the woman’s beautiful face smashing her perfect nose and sending blood spraying across both of them.
The Lycan screeched again bringing up a knee, she drove it into Celeste’s midsection. All the air was forced from her lungs and Celeste stumbled back a step. The Lycan must have sensed she was vulnerable and advanced. However, Celeste was anything but vulnerable and the Lycan stepped right into a round house to the temple and hit the floor like a ton of rocks.
The doors flew open and Marcus was the first one in followed by the Element and several Trackers she didn’t know.
She stood up refusing to show them any weakness. “Someone should keep that bitch on a leash.”
“If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times,”
About the Author
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11563672-christie-palmer
BOOK TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Afterlife Academy by Jaimie Admans
Afterlife Academy
by Jaimie Admans
YA Paranormal
Book Description
Even being dead isn’t enough to get you out of maths class.
Dying wasn’t on sixteen-year-old Riley Richardson’s to-do list. And now, not only is she dead, but she’s stuck in a perpetual high school nightmare. Worse still, she’s stuck there with the geekiest, most annoying boy in the history of the world, ever.
In a school where the geeks are popular and just about everything is wrong, Riley has become an outcast. She begins a desperate quest to get back home, but her once-perfect life starts to unravel into something not nearly as great as she thought it was. And maybe death isn’t really that bad after all…
Welcome to Afterlife Academy, where horns are the norm, the microwave is more intelligent than the teachers, and the pumpkins have a taste for blood.
MY THOUGHTS: 4 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
Afterlife Academy by Jaimie Admans
Riley Richardson thinks her life has been going pretty great up to this point…until she suddenly loses it when her slightly unbalanced boyfriend kills both Riley and the school geek, Anthony, in a car accident. Riley and Anthony are transported to the mystical Afterlife Academy, where they will learn how to deal with the fact that they are now dead.
Anthony seems to fit in right away, however, Riley makes it known that she doesn’t think she’s supposed to be there. Can Riley come to terms with the fact that she’s left her life behind for all eternity?
First of all let me say, I love love LOVE the cover! The grey juxtaposed with the stunning pinks and reds is not only beautiful, but has actual meaning within the story. The girl on the cover is also sadly beautiful, and this easily could have been how Riley looked while laying in her coffin.
Yes, the subject matter is a bit macabre, but once you get over that, Afterlife Academy is a cool, original YA tale. Riley was not the best person during her teenage years, even though she liked to think differently. She was a member of the popular crowd with a big shot boyfriend, and as such made it her mission to torment those she saw as lesser than her. Her favorite target was Anthony, a boy who lost his parents and takes pride in his geek status. It’s a matter of karma that the two die simultaneously, and have to enter into Afterlife Academy together.
Afterlife Academy itself is drab, but filled with such things as pet vampire pumpkins, and Narcissa, the demonic lunch lady with a soft side. Riley immediately hates the school, and goes about trying to find a way out.
Riley was pretty annoying for the first third of the book, but she quickly grew into a character who learned a lot about herself. Anthony was so cool, and even though Riley made his life miserable before, he never hesitated to be there for her after death. I enjoyed watching their friendship develop.
The end came on a little quickly, I thought, but it was just perfect. It’s so refreshing not to have to wait and wait for another book to come out to get closure on someone’s story. I’d love to read more from this author anytime!
About the Author
Jaimie is a 27-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, drinking tea and watching horror movies. She hates spiders and cheese & onion crisps.
She has been writing for years, but has never before plucked up the courage to tell people. She writes mostly chick-lit and young adult. Afterlife Academy is her third novel and she hopes you enjoy it!
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BOOK TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Savage Blue by Zoraida Cordova
The Savage Blue
by Zoraida Cordova
The Vicious Deep, Book Two
Book Description
A storm is coming…
The ocean is a vicious place. Deeper and darker than Tristan could have imagined. Beneath its calm blue surface, an ancient battle is churning —and no one is safe.
In the quest for the Sea Throne, Tristan has already watched one good friend die. Now he must lead the rest on a dangerous voyage in search of the trident that will make him king. But while Tristan chases his destiny, the dark forces racing against him are getting stronger, and the sea witch of his nightmares is getting closer.
Battling sea dragons and savage creatures of the deep, Tristan needs his friends’ support. But they each have their secrets, and a betrayal will force Tristan to choose between his crown and his best friend Layla — the only girl he’s ever loved.
MY THOUGHTS: 3 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
*SPOILER ALERT: This review is of the second book in a series, and will contain spoilers for the first book. There are no spoilers for the book I am reviewing, however. You can find the review for book one, The Vicious Deep, HERE.*
The Savage Blue by Zoraida Córdova
Well, the first book in this series, The Vicious Deep, left things with a cliffhanger so I was definitely ready to see what came next for Tristan after he found out the truth about what he was. Unfortunately, the second book in the series didn’t live up to what I hoped it would be.
This book starts off right after, and I mean RIGHT AFTER the events of book one. It had been several months since I’d read The Vicious Deep, and I didn’t have time to reread it before starting Savage Blue. But if you can, I definitely recommend you do so. The author doesn’t give much context onto the events of the first book. I really struggled to remember who some of the characters were, and for that matter I didn’t really recall the whole tournament of champions thing itself. There are very very few flashbacks or hints to help you if you don’t remember, and for a series that has books many months apart, I just appreciate when the book drops subtle hints to help me not feel as lost.
Tristan seems to have grown and embraced his responsibilities a great deal more than he had previously. He’s on a mission now to find Oracles that can lead him to the trident that will help him take rule of the sea. Even though he’s joined by his friends Kurt and Thalia, he’s still making slow progress. It doesn’t help that his nights are filled with disturbing visions of the sea witch Nieve who hopes to derail him from his journey.
Like many second novels in any series, that’s exactly what The Savage Blue was: a journey novel. To me, this was quite a slow journey though. I had a lot of difficulty getting into the story, and nothing really exciting happened until the last ten percent.
I wish I could have seen more from Layla and Tristan. Their romance seems promising, but Tristan is letting pretty much everything else in his life take precedence over her. I also barely heard from Thalia, who was one of my favorite characters in The Vicious Deep, and what she was doing I didn’t quite follow anyway.
The ending was explosive but I wish I hadn’t had to wade through 400 pages of slow moving plot to get there. Things are getting serious now, and I will be happy to join Tristan on the next leg of his adventure.
About the Author
Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She made her way up north and now works in the glittering New York City nightlife. She likes shiny things like Christmas, merdudes, and the skyline at night. She’s currently working on book #3.
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BOOK TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Playing Hooky by Rita Webb
Playing Hooky
by Rita Webb
Paranormal Investigations, Book One
Book Description
Valentine’s Day.
And my 21st birthday.
Whoop-de-doo.
Just another college day full of classes and more homework than is humanly possible.
…until Jason, my best-friend-since-kindergarten, shows up to take me out for the day.
Like old times: the two of us on a wacky adventure, playing hooky from real life. With his lopsided grin and tickets to a circus full of misfits and monsters, he introduces me to a whole new world—one full of magic and mystery—and turns my reality upside down.
Except nothing goes as planned, and we end up running through the city to find a missing siren before someone brews a love potion with her blood.
Sirens and love potions, witches and elves, and Valentine kisses. Nothing will be the same for me again.
MY THOUGHTS: 3 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
Adorable novella that revolves around best friends Emma and Jason. When Jason takes Emma out on her 21st birthday, she learns to expect the unexpected as they enter a magical world she never knew existed.
I thought Emma and Jason were both great characters, and I loved the banter and energy between them. For such a short story, you could really feel the chemistry between the two main characters.
I had a couple of problems: it didn’t seem realistic that it took Emma no time at all to accept that such things as unicorns, elves, and more were real. Other than that, I called the whole ending to the story about halfway through. But I enjoyed the ride.
I’d be happy to read more novellas involving Emma and Jason!
About the Author
Leaving the house to go to school, I had schoolbooks spilling out of one hand, the other holding my place in a Nancy Drew novel, and bunny slippers still on my feet. My mom was a wee bit upset.
I haven’t changed much. Still always have a book (or two) in my hand or creating stories in my head, and although I don’t have any bunny slippers, I love writing in my jammies and snuggly slipper socks.
When I grow up (maybe a hundred years from now), I’d like to be a superhero, but for now, saving the day, one page at a time, suits me just fine.
With my husband TJ (my own cuddly werewolf), I home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.
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BOOK TOUR SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: Visionary Unleashed by N. Dunham
Visionary Unleashed
by N. Dunham
Visionary Trilogy, Book One
Book Description
All of a sudden, a man runs into me and wrestles me to the ground. He covers my mouth and tries to grab my purse which won’t come off my shoulder for some reason. Everything is happening so fast.
“Take it,” I try to say while his dirty hand covers my mouth.
What is happening to me? I begin to think the worst. I begin to think that this man is going to kill me and that nobody will find my body because nobody knows where I am. My heart beats that I can feel it throughout my entire body. My body temperature is rising and I am stricken with fear. I am numb all over.
My purse finally untangles and the man instantaneously takes off. Thank God! I didn’t know what to expect. I have never experienced anything like this before. I feel like my body is in a state of shock. You know that psychology lesson when they teach you about the fight-or-flight response? Well, I believe that my body chose its own response,” the fright response” because I can’t even breathe. I get up on my feet and look around frantically. I want to be sure that he is gone. I can barely stand. My knees keep buckling from fear.
Nervously, I try to open my car door but I can’t get into my car because my keys are in my purse and my purse is with the attacker. So this is what it’s like to be assaulted I think. What a horrific, invasive, terrifying feeling.
I run into the mall and enter the first store I see which happens to be an accessory store. I need a Security Officer. A young girl with a lot of makeup on is working behind the counter. She is on her cell phone. I run to the counter and begin to explain what happened while trying to catch my breath. I hold onto the counter as I try to get the words out. I must look like a psychopath myself by the way I’m breathing so hard. It’s like I can’t remember how to breathe. Just as I’m about to tell her that I was attacked, a male voice sounds behind me.
“Aislinn, I found your handbag.”
The voice startles me. Maybe it’s the attacker? I turn around and see a man holding my purse out towards me.
“My purse! But how did you-” I’m cut off by dark, lustrous eyes.
It’s that strange guy who left me that note at the Coffee Beanery. I am stunned. What is going on? Now I am really confused.
“It’s ok Miss. This is my sister,” he tells the girl who looks just as confused as I am. She stands there motionless chomping away at her gum not muttering a word.
“Let’s go Aislinn, let’s go,” he tells me. He puts his hand on my shoulder. Something in my gut tells me to go with him so I do.
We walk out of the store together and I look at him. “Who are you?” I ask baffled.
“We’ll talk about that in the car,” he says with a concerned tone.
In the car? What is he talking about? We walk out a different way then I came in. His car is parked right out front. It’s a very dark, sporty guy car. Looks like a BMW of some sort. Look at me, always paying attention to the material things that really shouldn’t matter.
“Get in,” he says.
And what do I do? I get in of course. What am I doing? I am in such a daze right now that I can’t even get my words straight. I’m in a car with a guy that I don’t even know. As he pulls out of the parking space, my brain is trying hard to register the events that just took place.
“I know you’re scared Aislinn, but there’s a lot you don’t know,” he begins.
He knows my name. He keeps looking in his rear view mirrors as he’s driving. It makes me nervous. My thoughts keep racing. My heart is pounding. I start to see black. I need air. I need to get out of this car.
I scream, “Pull over, pull over now!”
Without hesitation, he pulls over. I open the car door, jump out, and run. Where I am running to I do not know. I only know that I am scared. He gets out and watches me. I stop running and stand there for a minute bent over with my hands on my knees. I am panting. Could all this be real? If so, why am I having such a hard time accepting it? He walks up to me and looks at me.
As I stand up, he puts his hands on my shoulders and says, “I promise it’s going to be alright. I’ll explain everything.”
I look up at him and tell him that I don’t even know who he is. He nods in agreement and looks at me.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Sebastian Martinelli. I’m eighteen years old, favorite color is blue and well, we have something in common.”
I think I know what he is referring to but I choose to stand in silence. I bite my lip out of nervousness and stare at him waiting for an explanation.
“I know you hit your head and were hospitalized for a day. I think it’s time you know
the truth. But, we can’t talk here,” he says in a very appealing yet concerning tone of voice. He looks around anxiously and waits for me to say something.
I look at him. I look around. I decide to just go with him. There is something about him that feels right to me. I can’t explain it. During the beginning of our car ride I start to cry for a few seconds. I can’t hold it in. He hands me a shirt that he happened to have in the car.
“Here, use this,” he says.
How did he know I needed to blow my nose? He must be psychic. Then I correct myself and realize that most people, who cry, often need to blow their nose, genius. I blow my nose. I blow my nose some more.
“Sorry,” I say.
Yeah, that was a lot of nose blowing. Guess he won’t need his shirt back, lol. I guess the day’s events just caught up with me and I needed to release my stress.
“You ok?” he asks.
“I’m fine,” I say as I clear my throat.
After a couple of minutes I look at him and firmly say, “Ok. I’m ready, tell me everything.”
He nods and looks at me.
“Aislinn you are a Visionary!”
About the Author
N. Dunham’s interest in reading and writing didn’t come until early adulthood. She enjoys works of many genres and has a passion for the arts.
VISIONARY-UNLEASHED was inspired by New England’s natural beauty and wildlife (especially red-tailed hawks).
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