Thursday, February 28, 2013

Sunshine by Nikki Rae Review

Blurb:

18 year old Sophie Jean is pretty good at acting normal. Sure, she’s not exactly happy, but happiness is nothing compared to being like everyone else. She can pretend she’s not allergic to the sun. She can hide what her ex-boyfriend did to her. She can cover up the scars she’s made for herself. Ignore anything. Forget anything. Then Myles enters her life, and he has more than a few secrets of his own. When accident after accident keeps happening to Sophie, she can’t help noticing that he’s everywhere. That he knows too much. That she’s remembering too much.

It’s one thing covering up her own dark past, but does she really need to worry about people finding out just how much Myles likes her? Or that despite how much she doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes, she kind of likes him back? Not to mention the fact that she now has to conceal that Myles drinks blood-that he says he’s about four hundred years old.

She almost forgot about that part.

But Sophie has no plans to ruin the normal life she has created for herself. She can deal with this little glitch, no problem. Even if word has gotten around to the wrong vampire about Sophie and Myles, even if she’s putting the few people she loves at risk. Suddenly, those who were monsters before are just people, and the monsters? They’re real. Now being a normal human being is the least of her problems. Now she has to stay alive.

Review:


     I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. First is that I haven't read many book like it. Yes, it does have vampires. But it has so many real life problems and great characters that it all seems like it is real, even the vampires. At first, I thought that Sophie was just over reacting and pushing people away. But the more I read, the more learned that she has been through a lot. Being allergic to the sun is a lot to deal with. Then add her mom and ex-boyfriend and annoying bullies, it starts to add up. I liked that there were things/problems we could relate to, like bullies and parents and then there were things that we couldn't relate to. I felt like it made me open my eyes to other people and their problems. Just because someone isn't the most friendly and welcoming person doesn't mean that they are rude and mean, they just have stuff going on in their lives. 
     I loved how much Sophie opened up to the readers and to Myles. I loved watch Myles slowly break through her walls and get her to love him! I really enjoy Jade, her brother, and her stepdad. They both were so great and supporting of Sophie. 
     One last great thing was the twists throughout the book. I was not expecting what happened to happen!
Overall, I think it's a great read!
4.5/5 Stars.


Author:

Nikki Rae is a student and writer who lives in New Jersey. When she is not writing, thinking, or reading, she is most likely hanging out with her gecko, Neil Gaiman, drawing in a quiet corner, or drinking tea by the gallon. Sunshine is her first book.
Website: 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Release Party: Crimson Flames by Ashley Robertson

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

Buy book 1 at Amazon or Barnes and Noble




Join Ashley Robertson as she launches Crimson Flames, the sequel to her amazing book Crimson Groves on Friday March 1st from 9-5 pst. We have tons of prizes and games!! Also, join early for a chance to enter the Twitter contest, tweet to #CrimsonFlamesRelease for a chance to win a signed paperback!


Ashley is also giving away an awesome necklace plus an ebook copy of Crimson Groves, and Crimson Flames! Enter below:)


a Rafflecopter giveaway




 Hope to see you all there!!










Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Book Tour: Laura's Light by Donna Gallagher Super Book Blast



BLURB: 

Forty-two- year- old single mother Laura Harris devoted more than half her life to raising her son. She remembered the concept of having sex but it had been aeons since she’s actually been a participant - especially with a real flesh-and-blood partner. But it’s time to reclaim her life. Her son is a man now. And the rising star of the Jets rugby league team. Their future is brighter than ever and, for the first time, financially secure. But Laura is starting to think agreeing to have dinner with Trevor Hughes could be biting off more than she can chew. Not that she can’t see herself taking a nice big chunk from the absolutely gorgeous thirty-four-year-old sports commentator’s rump, he’s one prime piece of masculinity! She just isn’t sure how or when the whole sex thing will become an issue. She can’t even get past the what-to-wear step. Let alone the when-to-take-it-off stage…

Trevor Hughes usually avoids the woman with substance - he has enough of his own demons to deal without trying to care for anyone else. But there’s something about the upbeat, sexy, one-woman-dynamo Laura Harris. The woman is pure sunshine and happiness. And that’s surprising when you look at what life has handed her. Nothing seemed to dampen Laura’s spirits and she quickly becomes someone Trevor needs in his life…Until misunderstandings come between them. Can Trevor put things right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

“I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I’m sorry… I should have left hours ago. This isn’t what is supposed to happen these days, I suspect.” Laura caught sight of the light shining from the corner of the closed drapes. 

“The sun is up! I have no idea what time it is. What on earth is Mitchell going to think?” Laura started to struggle in an attempt to free herself from Trevor’s hold, tried to remove herself from his arms, his bed. Then, realising she was naked, she froze. How the hell was she going to make a gracious exit when she would have to hunt, completely naked in front of him, for her clothing? Any chance of her maturing body’s flaws remaining hidden in the room’s darkness was now fading as the sun rose. Not to mention the walk of shame she was facing, going home in the probably now rumpled clothing that she’d left home in last night. Laura groaned.

“Oh, this is so embarrassing. I’m not really up on the etiquette this sort of thing involves. You know, the morning after the night before. What the hell was I thinking?” Laura buried her face into the pillow, thinking that hiding from the world might magically make all her uncertainty and embarrassment go away.

She heard Trevor chuckling next to her, and anger was the first emotion to take hold.

“This might seem funny to you, but I’m not some young bunny that hops from bed to bed. This is my first one-night stand and I’m a mother, for goodness’ sake. What will I tell my son? ‘Yes, Mitchell, it’s okay for me to stay out all night without letting you know, but heaven help you if you do the same to me—I’m the only one allowed to worry in this family.’ Not to mention the fact I’ve never stayed away from home before. No, I’m sure Mitchell is feeling just fine that his accusations proved correct, that we did end up in bed together. My God, what must he think of me?” And if the embarrassment of admitting her lack of a sex life hadn’t been enough to completely humiliate her, then bursting into tears left her in no doubt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sydney-born Donna Gallagher decided at an early age that life needed be tackled head on.
Leaving home at 15 she supported herself through her teen years.
In her twenties she married a professional sportsman, her love of sport -- especially rugby league -- probably overriding her good sense.

The seven-year marriage was an adventure. There were the emotional ups and downs of having a husband with a public profile in a sometimes glamorous but always high-pressure field. There were always interesting characters to meet and observe and even the opportunity to live for a time in the UK.

Eventually Donna returned home a single woman, but she never lost her passion for watching sport, as well as the people in and around it.

Now happily re-married and with three sons Donna loves coffee mornings with her female friends, sorting through problems from the personal to the international. But she's on even footing with the keenest man when it comes to watching and talking rugby league.

Donna considers herself something of a black sheep in a family of high achievers. Her brother has a doctorate in mathematics and her sister is a well-known sports journalist.

An avid reader, especially of romance, Donna finally found she couldn't stop the characters residing in her imagination from spilling onto paper. Naturally rugby league is the backdrop to her League of Love Series, published through UK publisher Total-E-Bound, spicy tales of hunky heroes and spunky heroines overcoming adversity to eventually find true love.






GIVEAWAY:

Donna will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

The Promise by Kim Carmicheal Release Party

Demon Dolan Ciar exists on three simple words: desire, denial, and destruction. Every four years, he is allowed one night of earthly passion to punish a deserving female. By the time he is finished, his victims are left as willing receptacles for demons yet to come.
Since she was four, a demon has been the only constant in Leora Desmond's life. He taught her how to seize control, to never give up, and to take whatever she wanted. At twenty-four, her self-centered existence is focused on one thing. She wants Dolan, and she won't be dissuaded.
A mistake brought Dolan to Leora. A promise bound him to her. Returning once again to ask for his freedom, he is faced with Leora demanding to be his next conquest. The ultimate retribution would be to take from her the ultimate symbol of her selfishness.
Now, Dolan must decide if he can doom her to life in living hell or face his own set of unearthly consequences, while Leora must choose between her pleasure and her heart.
The Promise blurs the line between good and evil, desire and love, and promises and commitment.





Join us Tuesday February 26th from 5-8 pst!! You'll have a chance to chat up author Kim Carmichael, and play some fun games!!










 Hope to see you all there!!










Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

Friday, February 22, 2013

Book Tour: Insatiable by Emily Kimelman Blurb Blitz & Giveaway


BLURB: 

INSATIABLE is the third novel in my Sydney Rye Series of dark murder mysteries. This series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

INSATIABLE begins with private detective Sydney Rye living a simple, disciplined life in London, but when a dangerous man from her past calls, Rye finds she cannot turn him away. Robert Maxim explains that the daughter of a powerful friend has gone missing and he wants Rye to find her. In exchange he offers her something she had given up hope of ever having; freedom from her past.

With her dog, Blue, at her side, Rye meets up with her new partner, a handsome man she's not sure she can trust. Heading for Mexico City, they go undercover, posing as husband and wife. After meeting with the bereaved parents, Rye starts to sense that there is more going on than just a missing girl. But it isn't until they arrive in the Yucatan Peninsula, hot on the girl's trail in Paradise, that all hell breaks loose. Sydney has to reach out for help from old friends and deal with the consequences of her past, if she's going to find the girl and keep them all alive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

Around the next bend a chicken was in the road. Jimmy saw it and swerved into a rut to avoid it. It was a wild, out-of-control move and I grabbed at the door trying to steady myself. The Jeep jerked down and then up again as Jimmy powered us out of the ditch and back onto the road. "What the fuck!" I yelled.

"There was a chicken."

"Next time fucking hit the chicken!"

That's exactly what the guy in the black Jeep did. I turned around to see the feathers exploding with a mix of blood and guts against the guy's grill. He drove through the chicken into the shade of a tree and I saw him. I saw Blane. He was wearing wrap-around sunglasses - the kind douche bags think look cool. His mouth was a straight line, his face made of stone.

I rested my new gun on the shoulder of my seat and tried to steady my aim as we raced back past the Home Depot. Jimmy swerved around other cars, at times facing oncoming traffic, to further our escape. It was impossible to get a clear shot. I turned back around as we crested a hill and we could see the town below us.

Traffic became congested as we got closer to town. I turned around and saw that Blane was stuck several cars behind us. There was no way he could fire off any rounds with all these people around. We stopped at a red light and I waved to Blane. He raised a gun and I dropped down in my seat as I heard a window shatter. It wasn't our car but the one right behind us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Emily Kimelman lives on a boat in the Hudson Valley with her husband, Sean and their dog Kinsey (named after Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone). Kimelman has a passion for traveling and spends as much time as possible in the pursuit of adventure.

Her Sydney Rye series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

Website/blog: https://emilykimelman.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ejkimelman

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EmilyKimelman

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4832911.Emily_Kimelman

GIVEAWAY:

Emily will be awarding a hand blown pint glass that her husband (a third generation glassblower) made for the launch of her first novel, UNLEASHED, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.









The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/01/virtual-book-tour-insatiable-by-emily.html

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Book Tour: Jabin and the Space Pirates by Bev Allen Interview


Taylor Street Books 

Blurb:

In the space colony of New Wales, the pirate attacks are both relentless and merciless

Having lost both his parents, Jabin has been adopted by his austere and spiteful uncle and aunt who live in the space colony of New Wales which is riven with religious and political rivalry, and prey to the vicious maraudings of pirates whose cruelty and greed are beyond all imagination.

When Jabin volunteers to surrender himself to a pirate raiding party to save a friend, he does so believing that nothing can be worse than his current suffering.

 However, he is soon to discover that things can always get worse when the stakes are high, the rewards are vast and slave labour is there for the taking.

When the King of New Wales is assassinated, the colony threatens to collapse into total anarchy, leaving the pirates free reign to mutilate, kill and profit as they will, but the forces of law and order sent out from Earth are getting ready to fight back, and Jabin could have a vital part to play in the ensuing war if he can only stay alive.



Interview: 

What is your favorite thing about the writing experience and why?

Allowing the people in my head out to tell their story/stories. I do ordinary life so much better when they are not occupying most of my brain. It means when I go out for bread and milk, I come home with bread and milk and not smoked oyster in oil and a tin of peaches. That was not a good day.

What was the first moment you know you wanted to write?

I don’t think I can remember I time when I didn’t want to tell stories. Writing came later.

How do you handle bad reviews?

I try very hard to be grown up about it, but I have been known to sulk and mutter.

What book do you recommend everyone should read and why?

I don’t think I can recommend one book, but I do think everyone should have read a little Shakespeare, a little of the Bible, some Homer and Chaucer. So much of our everyday speech and verbal culture (if English is our language) has its bones in these I think it is important to have a nodding acquaintance with them.

Where is your favorite place to write?

In my sewing room. I make patchwork quilts when I’m not writing and I like being able to move from sewing machine to key board without having to do more than spin my chair around.

When you write, do you write for a long period of time or do you write in short burst?

I tend to work very quickly, writing enormous bursts of work, sitting up half the night to do it. I am then exhausted and have to spend the next two weeks editing and trying to make sense of it all. I very much admire authors who are disciplined and write to a plan. I never have a plan, I know how things start, I have an idea how they will end, but the journey from one to the other is often a complete surprise.

What words of advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Read, read and then read some more.

What is your favorite character in your book and why?

 I like my soldiers very much. The Colonel and the RSM are my favourites. Both are fine soldiers, but they are also good honourable men, who see their role as protecting those who can’t protect themselves.


If your book was turned into a movie who would you want to direct it?

Ridley Scott

What projects do you have planned for the future

I’ve recently submitted and had accepted an new action/ adventure story “Lucien and the Tattooed Tribes”. It is set on a forested world and  it has an eco-warrior theme. There are tribesmen and pearls, wicked politicians and gold, tribal maidens and strange rituals. It’s a lot of fun, even if I say so myself.


What do you hope to say to people with your writing?
If have kids, or are planning to have kids, bring them up to be the sort of people you want raising your grandchildren.



Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Book Tour: Savage Angel by Stacy Gail Interview & Giveaway



BLURB:

Book two in The Earth Angels

Feel nothing. Sara Savitch's personal mantra has been hard to live by ever since her torrid one-night stand with army doctor Gideon Mandeville. Descended from the Seraphim, angels known as heaven's soldiers, Sara may be an expert fighter, but she's an amateur when it comes to relationships.

Physically unharmed, but still battle-scarred, Gideon has returned to Dallas in the hopes of regaining his faith in humanity—and in himself. Instead he's walked into a nightmare. His father is on a serial killer's hit list, and has hired a personal bodyguard—the very woman who has haunted Gideon's dreams for a year.

As Sara works to build an impenetrable fortress around her client, she yearns to tear down the one around Gideon's heart. With his bitter rejection of warriors, will he ever be able to accept her true nature? Sara must find a way to trust Gideon with her secret as the killer closes in…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

“Let’s make this quick,” she announced without preamble, heading over to the desk and gesturing an invitation toward the chairs on the opposite side of it. “I have a meeting waiting for me, along with about a fifty other things that need to get done before noon. And in future, I’d appreciate it if you would call and make an appointment the next time you want a face-to-face.”

“An appointment? For me?” Refusing to even look at the chairs she’d indicated, Gideon kept his distance and stayed by the windows, his expression so remote he looked as unapproachable as the moon. “Do you insist all your lovers do that, or is it just me?”

She hoped her swift intake of breath was something only she heard. “You’ve made it apparent we don’t have that kind of relationship and after yesterday, I’m forced to agree with you. You’re not my lover, or boyfriend, or even acquaintance. We’re strangers, and I have no problem keeping it that way.”

“Except for the small fact that strangers don’t usually have mind-blowing sex up against the garage wall, do they?”

Her fingers curled into her palms, and she wondered if her face looked as neon-red as it felt. “And here I was, thinking you’d forgotten about that.”

“Something that hot is hard to forget.”

INTERVIEW:

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
SG:  The entire Earth Angels series came about through a conversation I have a long time ago with my brother.  We were gabbing about The X-Men, and how cool it would be if mutants actually existed. One thing led to another, and we got on the subject of angel-human hybrids, known in biblical mythology as the Nephilim.  How awesome would it be if there were still remnants of the ancient Nephilim in the 21st century?  That’s what The Earth Angels are all about.

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?
SG: Considering Sara Savitch’s name, SAVAGE ANGEL was a perfect fit. :)

3. Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it?
SG:  I absolutely LOVE paranormal! The only limit is one’s own imagination.

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
SG: I suppose that first contract offer is the best publishing memory I have.  I nearly fainted. :D

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?
I absolutely love “Don’t Bit The Messenger”, by fellow Carina Press author, Regan Summers. I’m in an urban fiction mode, and that satisfied in every way.

6. What is your writing process?
SG: I make myself write in sprints, every single day.  I refuse to give up until I have at least 2K words down, but I’m happier with 3K.

7. 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? 
SG:  Ugh, I have TERRIBLE handwriting (plus I’m a leftie, and I smear ink if I’m not very careful) so I have to keep it simple.

8. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
SG: Probably that I’m also a full-time figure skating coach.

9. How do you react to a bad review?
SG: Luckily I have a lifetime of figure skating judgments to fall back on. I was taught early on to look at skating results as “critiques” and opportunities to amp up my performance for next time around.  I carry the same mindset into writing.

10. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
I didn’t really celebrate the sale, but I DID celebrate the release of my first book!  At midnight on release day, it’s champagne and caviar. Then I got a gold charm that matched the theme of the book, then dinner out. It was like being queen for a day!

Thanks so much to everyone at Books and Other Spells for giving me the opportunity to chat a bit about SAVAGE ANGEL!  Question for readers: what is your favorite type of paranormal book?  Shifters, vampires, Fae, ghosts?  Your comments will enter you in my giveaway!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A competitive figure skater from the age of eight, Stacy Gail began writing stories in between events to pass the time. By the age of fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance writer, or a romance writer who was also a skating pro. Now with a day job of playing on the ice with her students, and writing everything from steampunk to cyberpunk, contemporary to paranormal at night, both dreams have come true.

Stacy Gail –Website:  http://stacygail.blogspot.com/





Buy Links for SAVAGE ANGEL:
 



GIVEAWAY:

Stacy will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a second randomly drawn commenter will be awarded a $10 Amazon GC. A $25 Amazon GC will be awarded to a randomly drawn host.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Book Tour: The Nymph's Labyrinth by Danica Winters Spotlight & Giveaway


Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Date of Publication: 12/31/12   
ISBN: 1-4405-6223-7
ASIN: B00AKERYRI
Number of pages:  300
Word Count: ~60k

Book Description:

A world shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the Sisterhood of Epione must not be exposed. 

A Shape-shifting nymph, Ariadne, is tasked with keeping the truth of her group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of an American archeologist and his troublemaking son.  When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced to make a choice—fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put everyone’s lives in danger.

Can Ariadne have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of the past keep her from her heart’s desire?


Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble  | Kobo | All Romance



About the Author:

Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. 

She is also the Marketing and Promotions Manager for Books To Go Now publishing.  When she’s not working she can be found in the wilds of Montana working on her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery and painting are not her thing).  She always believe the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Social Media Links: