Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman Review

Length: 294 pages
  • Publisher: Magic Genie Books (July 9, 2012)

Blurb: 

Falling in love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer--it's all in a day's work for Audrey Oliver, seventeen-year-old witch-in-training. When her mother goes missing and her mysterious "cousin" shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something's gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it's up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother's secret past.
Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is more than just a novel; it's a book of spells, a collection of easy recipes, a charming coming-of-age story, an enchanting romance, and an action-packed adventure. As Audrey overcomes her insecurities and learns to protect herself against the wicked black magic of her nemesis, she grows into a heroine we can root for--a witch who knows that true power comes from deep within.

Review:


I thought that this book was great! It was fun and exciting. The characters were well written and easy to like. I love Audrey. I really like Julian too. They are so cute together. I loved the part where Sadie erases a bit of Audrey's memory (I don't want to go into it too much so I don't give it anyway). Some bits of this book made me laugh out loud enough for my sister to come see what was so funny! Some parts make you laugh, some giggle, some aww (in sweetness), some made your heart race but all of them make you keep turning the pages one after another again and again. 
I got through it so fast that I hit the end and was like "wait, it's over?!". I can't wait to see what happens next!
It is a great read! Perfect for Halloween! 
One of my favorite lines is "Nothing. I just like saying your name sometimes."
I love that her sister is in a band and is so different from her (reminds me of mine. Not the band part but the different from me part.). 
4.3/5 Stars. 

Don't just take my opinion on it, read it yourself! Paperback. Kindle. Free to Prime Members on Amazon!

Author:

From the Author- I've always been fascinated by witchcraft. Even as a kid, I sensed a palpable power running through the natural world. Witches have an ability to interact with that power, which is pretty amazing. Living in Northern California, I've been lucky enough to meet people who practice witchcraft, so it isn't that foreign to me. In writing this book I wanted to explore what I knew about real witches but also create a world where their power could be even more mind-blowing. That's part of why I set it in my hometown, Healdsburg; I loved the idea of adding paranormal elements to a place I know and love so well. I hope you enjoy this spooky tale, and that you'll join Audrey on her future adventures.
Jody Gehrman is a pagan at heart. She is a native of Northern California, where real witches thrive, and she has had the pleasure of knowing a few. She is also the author of seven novels and numerous award-winning plays. Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is her most recent Young Adult novel. Her other Young Adult novels include Babe in Boyland, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and Triple Shot Bettys in Love, (Penguin's Dial Books). Babe in Boyland has recently been optioned by the Disney Channel and won the International Reading Association's Teen Choice Award. Her adult novels are Notes from the Backseat, Tart, and Summer in the Land of Skin (Red Dress Ink). Her plays have been produced in Ashland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She is a professor of English at Mendocino College, where she can be found grading papers when she's not experimenting with spells.


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Book Tour: Black Creek Burning by R. T. Wolfe Interview & Giveaway


Black Creek Burning By R.T. Wolfe

BLURB:  

Brianna Chapman learns to handle just about anything. Witnessing the murder of her parents had that effect. Knowing the unsolved arson had been meant for her isn’t as easy to overcome. Instead, she stuffs her guilt soundly into her subconscious through diving into the teaching job she loves by day and the dirt of the landscaping business she owns by night. Her habit of remaining aloof to personal relationships is, well, working.

Will her guilt be as easy to keep buried if the killer comes back to finish the job?

In the midst of juggling a scorched yard, dead animals on her doorstep and her vandalized car, the one thing she didn’t count on was the staggering Nathan Reed. A nationally renowned woodworking artist, Nathan and his two priceless nephews move into the run-down historical house behind her and over Black Creek. They have a canny way of maneuvering around her aloof demeanor and into her heart. Will they still want to be part of her life when they discover she is haunted by past memories and hunted by present dangers?

EXCERPT:

“I’m not above doing that. You should know that. I can take care of my own car.” Brie turned as she thought of just how she was going to do that, and reached up to pull out a single tea bag and mug. “And there is no you and me. It was just a kiss. Now, we have to move backward for Andy’s sake.” And mine, she thought.

He made his way to her in three long strides, picked her up by the shoulders and plopped her on the kitchen counter, smashing his mouth to hers. Framing the side of her face with one hand, Nathan laced his fingers in her pinned up hair with the other.

She couldn’t think and for the first time in her life let go. Slipping away from her blessed control, she blocked out the possible consequences and surrendered to the now. Her skin nearly ignited from the feel of his body as she pulled him in closer. She held onto his lanky back, his strong arms, feeling his rough hands on her face, in her hair. His mouth and his tongue emptied her mind. She clamped her eyes shut and wanted to stay right there. As he’d done at the midnight hour in her basement, he pulled away as quickly as he took her.

Nathan whispered close to her face, “Just a kiss my ass.”

INTERVIEW:

First of all, let me thank you for having me today on Books and Other Spells. I’m truly honored.

  1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
I have to be honest with where I came up with the idea for Black Creek Burning…I have no idea. Sometimes when I’m editing and revising my work I ask myself, “Where did I come up with this?” I blame the characters. They seem to drive the plot all by themselves with me to keep them on the up and up.

  1. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?
I came up with the title Black Creek. My publisher wanted to add another word and after a few suggestions, we decided on Black Creek Burning…which turned out to be perfect because this book is the first in a trilogy that is now named the Black Creek Trilogy. Each title has a ‘dark’ connotation with goes along with the mysteries twined throughout. Book two, To Fly in Shadows, will debut in February and Dark Vengeance, book three, will follow in July.

  1. Which came first, the title or the novel? 
Wow, I’ve never been asked that question, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have been through a lot of interviews. Here goes the honesty again, my answer is the title. You have me completely scratching my head now. I’ll have to come back later after I go psychoanalyze that one. Okay, I ‘m back. Who cares? J

  1. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
Sometimes I ask crazy questions figuring I’ll get a, ‘no’ and be no worse off than I was. Stevie Nicks, for example, said, ‘no’ when I asked if I could use her lyrics on my book trailer. I was just excited to get an email from Stevie Nicks! (okay, her publicist) LOL However, I’ve been thrilled with all who have agreed to read Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) of my novels. For Black Creek Burning, I’ve had the 2010 EPIC Award Winner, master gardeners and a talented gal at Sawbridge Studios in downtown Chicago. I’m big on accuracy and authenticity. I want my work to be intelligent and believable. How else will my readers lose themselves in my books? For To Fly in Shadows, I’ve had the folks over at Operation Migration as well as the East Coast Center for Conservation and Biology read ARCs. So exciting!

  1. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?
I am currently reading The Chase by Nora Roberts. Wow. It’s smart, unique and fascinating.

  1. What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?
Black Creek Burning was my first. Seriously. I didn’t originally write it for publication. It was my readers who made me do this. They are ruthless and I’m so lucky to have them.

  1. What is your writing process?
Steal, cheat and grab any moment I can to squeak out some writing time. I have a notebook I keep with me always, even by my bed when I go to sleep at night. I write on bleachers at my sons’ swim meets, in the car driving all over the Midwest to said meets, in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep. My record is 7 ½ hours in the same seat at a Panera. So fun! My motto is, “You have the right to remain silent, what you say and do might be used in one of my novels.”

  1. Who are your favorite authors of all time?

I know this is cliché but I am a Nora Roberts fan (freak?). I also love James Patterson and Janet Evanovich…cliché and cliché, but we love what we love.

  1. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 
I am anxiously awaiting the print version of Black Creek Burning which comes out near the holidays. I could definitely use some suggestions!

  1. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I raise Monarch and Swallowtail caterpillars in the summertime on my kitchen counter. Metamorphosis is truly an amazing thing.

  1. How do you react to a bad review?
I have an author friend who received three 1 star reviews on Goodreads before her book was even published. Another who had a 2-star review from a reader who said she had too much kissing. There was no kissing in her book. It’s part of the business. I have a pact with an author who is a great friend. She reads my bad reviews and I read hers. If there is something we deem a useful suggestion, we share it with one another, if not we ignore it.

  1. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
The week I received my contract offer from Crimson turned into other publishers wanting my book. It was the craziest week I can remember. I chose to sign with Crimson because they chose me for my book, not because someone else wanted me. After I signed, I did the thing that feeds my inner addiction, I wrote. J


AUTHOR INFORMATION:

R.T. was born and raised in the Midwest, the youngest of six children. She married at a young age and decided early on she wanted a family herself. With three small boys in tow, she and her husband flipped two houses with R.T. in charge of the landscape design and install. Now, she is rooted in the final home they designed inside and out.
Now that her boys are nearly grown, R.T. spends much of her time on the road traveling from one sporting event to another serving as mom and cheerleader. When at home, she enjoys Pilates, working with her Golden Retriever and digging in the glorious dirt of her landscaping plots.
During one of many busy and restless nights, R.T.’s first novel began to pluck its way onto her laptop. It was a drug, an instant addiction that only grew with time. Moments borrowed and stolen at her laptop are, now, between all of the travel and work and many of those busy, restless nights. After several edits, revisions and versions later R.T.’s first novel, Black Creek Burning, will debut September 24th.

LINKS:

website: http://www.RTWolfe.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.RT_Wolfe 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RTWolfe2012
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15776211-black-creek-burning

GIVEAWAY:


R.T. will be giving away a $40 Amazon or BN.com Gift Certificate, winner's choice, to one randomly drawn commenter at the conclusion of the tour.






The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/virtual-book-tour-black-creek-burning.html




Monday, October 29, 2012

Book Tour: Finding Summerland by Paige Bleu


Book Blurb:
After his brothers recent disappearance Wesley Rochester wished he could just fade into obscurity. Searching for closure, he's haunted by visons. Consumed with decoding the messages, he begins turning dangerously deeper inward. Enter an intriguing, 'not quite' human stranger, who mysteriously arrives just as he feels all hope is lost. Together they begin to realize that their destinies are intricately tangled in a drama reaching far beyond the realms of the wold they know. Discovering the secrets plaguing Wesley since childhood are no coincidence, and everything he believes is shattered.

Captivated by her, he must decide between the life he has and the one he'd forgotten.

'Finding Summerland' is like 'Twilight' in the sense that it is a supernatural, coming of age romance—but has a genre bending, metaphysical element and a much deeper rabbit hole. Follow the journey of two star crossed souls as they explore who they are and the ties that bind them. Enter a world intentionally forgotten. A place buried by history, where only the chosen are aware of its existence. A place covenants are made and broken, where myth leads to truth and forbidden love threatens to destroy or be destroyed, becoming just another casualty in their shadow war. The introductory novel in a series of five, called 'The Ameryn Chronicles'—but compelling enough to stand alone—'Finding Summerland' is sure to be savored by anyone craving to stretch the bounds of ordinary imagination, edgy enough to engage readers who enjoy unraveling a mystery, and sweet enough to grab onto the hearts of the romance lovers! Where legends breathe and dreams are alive. A 'trippy' journey to a new reality.

Interview:


1) Where did you get the idea for the novel?
I know this will sound very cliché, but it's true so I'm saying it. I dreamed about it until it finally got the best of me and I started writing it down. It would keep me up at night!

2) Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?
I came up with the title but it did change. 'Summerland' was always set in stone, as was the name of the series 'The Ameryn Chronicles', but originally it was 'Losing Summerland'. About half way through I had a change of perspective and changed Losing to Finding. I guess I was in a more optimistic place.

3) Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
Without a doubt the fan support. I have gotten so much wonderful feedback from my readers. They make it all more joyous for me. Hearing they get it.... sharing my world with them. That's what it's all about. It makes it feel real. Now if I could just start getting some reviews I'd be EcStAtIc!!

4) Which came first, the title or the novel?
Well apart from the title change above, it all happened in one giant swoosh.

5) What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?
Now that I actually have a second to read someone else's work, I'm looking over an unfinished version of 'God's' by my girl Samantha Steele. I read her 1st two (The Alaska Teen series) and they were awesome. I also started 'Butterfly Porcupine' by Susan Francis. I love them both so far! But you guys will have to wait on 'God's' cuz I got the bootleg version from Sammie. It won't be live for at least a few months.

6) At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?
I'm being embarrassingly honest when I tell you I am terrified of signings! I have yet to do one. I even refused to sign my mothers copy of the book as of yet. I'm freaked out I'll mess it up! Guess I better start practicing.

Author Info:




Links :


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Book Tour: Hands On Me by Kim Carmichael Interview & Giveaway




Hands On Me by 
Kim Carmichael


Tramp Stamp Series Book One


Genre:  Contemporary romance with some suspense elements.

Publisher:  Keith Publications

ISBN: 978-1-936372-46-1
ASIN: B0098LICZ2

Number of pages: 17
Word Count: 5000

Cover Artist: Elisa Elaine Luevanos

Book Description:

Agent Gwen Fredricks is a living target.  Captured after a failed mission, the code to crack a safe has literally been permanently hidden on her.  To free herself, she must retrieve a final key.  

All Agent Colin Alexander has to do to avoid a desk job is get a code said to be on an enemy agent.   He never dreamed it would actually be on the agent, especially Gwen.

The simple shoot-and-swoop mission takes a turn for these two sometime-lovers and full-time rivals when they call a truce to give into their desire.  Now with the promise to keep both hands on each other at all times, they share a night together.  Loyalties are tested when Gwen manages to swipe the key away, and Colin discovers the code carefully embedded into Gwen's tramp stamp tattoo in a glow of UV light.  When morning comes they must decide if what they feel for each other is worth betraying their agencies.


Excerpt:


"Stop!" A man yelled.
The barrel of another gun met her inches from her face. She tensed, not from the gun, but from the familiar inflection in his voice. The position of both their weapons hid the man's face.
"Get in and lower your gun, or we'll both lose."                 
"Back up and lower yours, or you won't have a hand left." No one told her what to do, not ever again. The click of her cocking her weapon echoed around them.
He stepped back. "Get in and close the door."
With her gun still raised, she stepped and waited for her opponent to flinch first.
"Now." He moved a fraction of an inch.
She did the same, and with the silent acknowledgement they would both comply, they lowered their guns in unison. She almost shot herself in the foot at the sight of the man who greeted her. Before she made a mistake, she de-cocked her gun and shook her head. "Colin?" Her body betrayed her by trembling. Was this her punishment?
"Gwen." He shoved the gun in his waistband. "You're the one. I would have never guessed."
Think. She screamed at herself to remember her training, and not allow him to best her or distract her. She glanced around the room, giving her time to not look at him. Agents were supposed to be everyday people and blend in, but Colin Alexander stood out. From the moment she quite literally fell into his lap through a two-story ceiling three years ago, she wasn't sure why his agency chose such a standout. She supposed his combed-back black hair and golden eyes were some bizarre form of female torture.


Interview:


1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
The call for submissions asked for a Tramp Stamp Tattoo to be part of the story.  I wanted the tattoo to be a functional part of the story and I love spies, so I put the two together.

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title? 
The title has always been Hands On Me, I came up with it out of the story line.

3.  Which came first, the title or the novel?  
The story came first.  I always write the story first and then name it.

4.  Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it? 
I love romance because I love a happy ending!  Everything in life should end like a romance novel.

5.  Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? 
The day my novel, Closure, got picked up by my publisher the day after I sent it, a close second was seeing the cover.  It made me cry.

6.  What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read? 
The last book I read was Curtain Call by Nathan Squires. I am excited to be beta reading the sequel, its one of the perks when you know the author J.

7.  What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?
Oh, I don't ever talk about that. It is not hiding under my bed; it is in the backyard buried.  It was a 300,000 word story that had no plot, it was literally a loose string of scenes that I thought were the best things ever.  I broke every rule of writing fiction.

8.  What is your writing process? 
I write completely out of order.  I write the scenes that come out in my head first and then fill in.  I have written novels almost backwards.  When I get close to finishing I tend to become obsessed with writing the words "the end" and will focus on nothing else.  After it’s complete, I have it go through two editors before submitting.

9.  Who are your favorite authors of all time?
V.C. Andrews and Johanna Lindsey

10.  At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 
I write something, even if its just a thank you, a heart or a smile.  Maybe one day it will be worth something!  It is hard to think of what to say so just something so its not only my name makes it good.

11.  What is something people would be surprised to know about you? 
I crochet!  Not only do I crochet, but I am fast, and come up with my own patterns.

12.  How do you react to a bad review? 
Cry, then look to see if there was merit to what was said, and then go back to writing.

13.  How did you celebrate the sale of your first book? 
A lot of jumping around, dinner and clothes shopping which involved telling everyone within a five mile radius that I was a published author.



About the Author:

Kim Carmichael began writing eight years ago when her love of happy endings inspired her to create her own.  She has a weakness for bad boys and techno geeks, and married her own computer whiz after he proved he could keep all her gadgets running.  When not writing, she can usually be found slathered in sunscreen trolling Los Angeles and helping top doctors build their practices.


Giveaway:



 


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Book Tour: Surrounded By Temptation by Mandy Harbin Review


Surrounded by Temptation by Mandy Harbin
Woods Family Series Book 3


When Krista needs Ariel’s biochemical expertise because her new boyfriend can turn into a mountain lion, Ariel thinks her sister has lost her mind. But the possibility of a major discovery like this is too much of a temptation to ignore. Create a drug to stop a shifter from forcing a mating? Only if she got to test his sexual limits herself.
Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?
WARNING:  This book contains a shifter who must resist his feral need to mate and a biochemist who is hell-bent on testing his sexual limits. You’ll never look at science the same way again.
Reader advisory: This book contains graphic language and explicit sex.



Surrounded By Pleasure (Book 2):


Krista Owens is an attorney who works too much and plays too little. When her colleague, Mikaela, requests her assistance for a month on the Woods estate, hinting that her brothers-in-law are all hot with commitment phobias, Krista agrees to tell the guys she has a boyfriend, hoping to finally lose her virginity.
Toby Woods doesn't want anything to do with Krista, but watching his brothers fight over her ignites his feral side. He wants her, and he'll stop at nothing to have her.
He knows it's temporary, but will he be able to let her go when it's time?




Surrounded By Woods (Book 1):


When Mikaela Patterson takes on a client with specific requirements that no single women be allowed on his property, she keeps her broken engagement a secret. She doesn't realize her client and his sons are mountain lion shifters whose instinct to mate with any available woman can turn deadly.
Josh Woods knows his father would never allow an available woman on the property, so he doesn't understand why he is immediately drawn to Mikaela. Their passion ignites, but when the truth comes out about Mikaela's true availability and Josh's animal instincts, their desire has consequences neither wants to face.
Warning: This book contains a shifter who will make you sweat and a feisty heroine who can take him on. Get a cool drink when you read this one!


Review:


Whoa wee. HOT is what this story is! I read all three and I love stories that are like this. One book is about how one couple get together then the next is about another couple which are characters that you were introduced to in the first one. Then the third is about another couple! I think that I loved the third the most. Because Ariel had to "test" her drug on them. When I say "test" I mean seduce lol. It was really interesting to see how she "tested" him while holding herself back, because man he is hot and wants her but she has to say no. Which she does, until she says yes then Bam the heat get turned up some more. I thought that the thing that happens with the other brother (no, im not telling you what happens) was really interesting. It added more to the story than just the couples getting together. 
I think the third book is my favorite then the first book then the second. 
I really liked the first one because it really draws you into the story, characters and location. Mikaela is very interesting, she had just broken up eight her fiance but doesn't tell anyone otherwise she wouldn't be able to help her client. I love the way she pushes at Josh and his mountain lion. 
The second one was pretty good too. Krista is different most main female characters. She is shy and not quite as strong as most women. I think that is why Toby is the perfect brother for her. He is caring and not overbearing. And very protective. 
4/5 Stars.



Excerpt:


Copyright © MANDY HARBIN, 2012
All Rights Reserved, Amira Press, LLC.

When Krista opened the door and they stepped in to Rob’s cabin, Ariel kept her expression even…with great difficulty. Rob was shirtless and bound to a wooden chair. His worn jeans hung low and showed how cut he actually was. His legs were tied to the chair, too. God, his bare feet even looked sexy. But what was the hottest thing about him was his gaze. The way his eyes peered into her. Like they were already alone and he was ready to pounce.
Rob growled, showing fangs, and she gasped. She didn’t know they had fangs like that unless they’d already shifted. Maybe she should’ve gotten some additional information from Krista and Mikaela before walking into the lion’s den. Literally.
“Come,” Rob rasped. “Now.” His arms flexed within their bindings and Ariel went rigid, wondering if they’d hold.
Toby growled next to him, his eyes focused solely on his brother.
“We should get started,” Josh said.
“I-I have the medication right here.” Ariel started to step forward, but Josh threw his hand up, stopping her progression, and moved toward her, blocking her view from Rob.
And apparently Rob didn’t like that because a blood curdling roar came from his direction.
Krista squeaked and jumped next to her at the same time Josh stepped to the side, allowing Rob to see his fill. Toby’s head snapped in Krista’s direction at her distress, then whipped toward Rob. He crouched in front of his brother, a menacing growl slipping pass his lips. Ariel shivered. For some reason the softer growl from Toby sounded more deadly and a hell of a lot more terrifying than the loud roar Rob made.
Rob hissed at Toby and wiggled in his chair, struggling to get free.
Josh stepped up and took the syringe from Ariel. “I’ll do you. You stay here.”
When Ariel starting giving Josh the instructions, Rob’s gaze flew to her, snarling. She quickly finished the steps Josh needed to administer the medication and watched as he approached Rob from the side, making sure to not to block his view of Ariel.
She watched as Josh bent in front of Rob and blindly handed the needle over to Toby. When Josh grabbed the hem of Rob’s jeans, Ariel swallowed. There was no turning back now. She watched in rapt fascination as Josh unfastened Rob’s jeans and slowly slid the zipper down so he could get to the injection site.
“Damn,” Ariel breathed when Rob’s rock hard erection sprang free. He was freaking huge!
Rob had been making low growls and hisses at his brother as he worked the closure on his jeans, but when Ariel spoke, his attention snapped back to her. His growl got softer, broken. What the… Is he purring?
“I think he likes that you find his, um, member impressive,” Krista whispered.

About the Author:

Mandy Harbin is the author of several books across multiple genres that range from young adult to erotic romance.
Her novels include Season’s Change: Summer, a young adult romance, and Darkest Sin, an erotic romantic suspense, both being the first in new series. Mandy also continues to work on her Possession series, which explores BDSM elements with Digital Possession being the series starter, and the ever popular Woods Family series, which began with Surrounded by Woods. She lives in a small Arkansas town with her family and can be reached via her website at www.mandyharbin.com
https://twitter.com/Mandy_Harbin

FREE BOOK:
The first book in the series, Surrounded by Woods, is free on All Romance Ebooks and will remain free during the length of this tour the prequel to the series, Surrounded by Death, is also free on All Romance Ebooks right now.