Good Choice Reading

DARK KISS by Michelle Rowen Blog Tour--Guest Post & Giveaways!

2012-05-30T11:01:00.000-04:00

MY WRITING SPACE
by Michelle Rowen

Hey all! Big thanks to Good Choice Reading for hosting this stop on the DARK KISS Blog Tour! Woo hoo!!

The topic of the day is My Writing Space. Where do I write? How do I write? WHY do I write? MOST of these questions are about to be answered!

Okay, first up:

WHERE DO I WRITE?

While, admittedly, I have a perfectly good desk in my home office with a nice chair that helps me not get backaches, while surrounded by bookcases jam-packed with books and a few framed covers, I DO NOT USE IT. No, no. That would be too easy.

I actually do 100% of my writing, revising, and social networking, etcetera, via my crappy beige couch. It’s one of those microfiber things that looked really good when I bought it, but is now worse for wear, frayed, and kind of nasty. Where I sit is embarrassingly flattened by the SHEER AMOUNT OF TIME I SPEND SITTING ON MY BUTT. Which is a lot. From this vantage point I also watch television, talk on the phone, and eat all my meals. What? It’s a small apartment. Don’t judge.

So, this is where I SHOULD be writing:

But this is where I ACTUALLY write:

So, that couch is where I wrote DARK KISS, the first book in my Nightwatchers series with Harlequin Teen. It’s where I chewed my fingernails and pondered what difficulties to put my heroine Samantha through as she discovers a team of angels and demons (including the sexy, yet disturbed Bishop and the snarky, yet conflicted Kraven) sent to save her city from darkness. It’s where I did revisions, line edits, and proofread galleys. It’s where I first saw the AWESOMELY DELICIOUS COVER arrive by email from my editor. And it’s where I sliced opened up the box of author copies of the final book (FYI, one of the most exciting moments in any author’s life).

Enough said.

HOW DO I WRITE?

Some people have lots of exciting computer programs to help them plot or organize or whatever. I don’t. All I use is Microsoft Word. Anything else and I get all confused. I am a plotter, so I do start with an outline for any given book broken down into bullet points for scenes. I could NOT write as much as I do if I didn’t plot. I need a map for any journey. I might not always stick to the map all the time, but I do like to have it as a guide.

While I’m writing I keep a parallel journal, also in Word, where I angst over plot and characters, and I brainstorm different directions I could go. Just because I have the bullet point scene doesn’t mean that it’s enough. I need to figure out GMC: Goal, Motivation, Conflict, which are the building blocks for a scene that hopefully doesn’t suck.

I don’t write every day. I’m a binge writer, which means I like to spend (on the average) six weeks working on the first draft, then another six weeks revising that draft to something that I’m happy with. Lately I’ve been writing 4-5 books a year, so I need to be VERY strict with my personal and professional deadlines.

I have always written on an Mac. Currently it’s a 13” MacBook Pro, which I love. I replace my computer every three years since that’s usually when it conks out, since I’m on the computer up to 15 hours a day.

Normally, I would eat chocolate or devour Doritos to motivate me to get the words on the page. Lately, though, I’ve been on this healthy eating kick. So I eat an apple or drink a bottle of water. It’s not nearly the same. :(

I have two muses. Or, should I say, mewses.

Spike and Sammy don’t help me write. They just sit there staring at me, asking to be fed or wanting their tummies scratched.

I am their slave.

WHY DO I WRITE?

Writing is hard work. No question about it. DARK KISS is actually my twentieth published novel, which makes me sound really old, but, ahem, this is not the case. *shifty eyes* I always thought that writing would get easier the longer you do it. Bzzz. Wrong. But like they say, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

The thing is, though – it can be SO MUCH FUN to create characters and make them fall in love, solve mysteries, have adventures, and save the world. It’s seriously as close to magic as we mere mortals can aspire to.

So why do I write? Because I love this kind of magic, creating awesome new worlds, and having fun times through my characters. And if readers can experience those worlds and hopefully enjoy them, too? That’s even more awesome.

Happy reading!

Michelle Rowen
www.michellerowen.com

About Michelle Rowen - website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Michelle Rowen knows a book she’s working on is going well when the characters start talking to her when she’s not writing. She likes to believe this is a sign of a creative mind…and not something to be worried about. While she loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and travel, she also watches way too much reality TV for her own good. A prolific author of novels for both young and not-so-young adults, Michelle lives in Southern Ontario in a sky-high condo with two delightful cat familiars.

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About DARK KISS:

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back
Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me....
NIGHTWATCHERS
When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

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GIVEAWAYS!

Both giveaways are for US/Canada participants only. See the full contest rules here.

The first give-away is a daily one for the chance to win a copy of Dark Kiss!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The second give-away is for a grand prize pack: HarlequinTEEN Goodie Bag! All entries into the daily give-away count toward the grand prize!!

HarlequinTEEN Goodie Bag:

Review: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

2012-05-30T08:00:00.005-04:00

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Amazon † Author Page
Expected publication:
June 19th 2012
By Bloomsbury USA Childrens

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

My Review:

How would you feel if you go off to fight a war and end up losing your car and your girlfriend? And not to some random dude, but to your brother! What a way to honor our troops, huh? Well that's that happens with Travis. But as if losing his car and girlfriend is bad enough, he's also grieving over the death of his best friend. And has if losing all this is not enough, he's also going through post traumatic stress disorder. Doller created a huge dilemma for Travis and you can't help to feel his pain and sorrow.

Many times, I really wanted to jump into the book and get his Travis' brother's face so I can yell at him. So he can learn to appreciate what his brother did for his country. As for his ex-girlfriend, I won't mention what I wanted to do her. But most of all, I really wanted to console Travis. He's a character that makes you want to hold him, for all the pain in he holds inside. That's how emotional this book is. Doller achieved her job as an author to have her readers enthralled.

Something like Normal will take you inside a soldier's head. Doller gives you a front row seat to what the soldiers go through when coming home from war. This novel gives you a better understanding of what our troops go through in other countries while fighting in a war. Something Like Normal will have you rooting for Travis all the way. I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and a definite Good Choice for Reading.

Mirage by Kristi Cook Book Trailer Reveal + Giveaway!

2012-05-29T09:25:00.001-04:00

Hey GCReaders!

Today we're really excited to share with you the book trailer of Mirage by Kristi Cook! No secret we're huge fans and love Kristi to death so when we were asked to reveal the trailer we jumped with pure excitement!

Haven was one of our favorite books of 2011 and we cannot wait for the release of Mirage. You guys are going to love it! Violet's world gets a lot more interesting in Mirage and her relationship with Aidan has grown a lot! I loved every minute of it! You also get to meet new characters!

Ah! I will stop ranting now LOL! I hope you like the trailer!

And now a sneak peek into Mirage....

“So, you and Aidan Gray…” Dr. Byrne trailed off expectantly.

I swallowed hard, not quite sure where this was going. Or how much he knew. “What about us?”

“I was just wondering if you’re a hundred percent comfortable with the risks.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” I lied. My heart was pounding in my chest, thumping against my rib cage. His expression relaxed a bit. “I’m pretty sure you do.”

He had me there. I decided to try a different tactic. “He says you’ve been working with him in the lab. Are you a hundred percent comfortable with the risks?”

He shook his head. “It’s not the same.”

“It is,” I argued, sliding back into the chair behind me.

“It’s not, and you know it. Look, I’m fully supportive of Aidan’s work. I want to help him. This is…well, probably the most exciting work I’ve done in a long time. But I think someone here needs to be looking out for you.”

He obviously had no idea about the Sâbbat thing—and I wanted to keep it that way. “Mrs. Girard is looking out for me,” I offered. He must know that much. He stood and came around the desk, leaning against it, just inches away now. I could smell him—soap and aftershave. He smelled…nice. Clean, kind of like the ocean.

“Obviously I’m screwing this up,” he said, shaking his head. “So let me start over. I’m trying to say that I’ve got your back. That if you ever need to talk to someone—to an adult—about the…situation…I’m here. That’s all.”

“Just how much do you know about the…situation?” I asked, unable to stanch my curiosity.

“Not much, beyond the scientific details I’ve managed to put together. I get the feeling that he’s not really at liberty to share.”

“Not without…consequences.” Oh my God, we were talking in code, like spies or something.

“Hmm. Interesting.” He folded his arms across his chest, causing the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt to ride up, exposing the bottom of edge of a tattoo—something that looked vaguely like a dagger. Whoa, Dr. Hottie had a tattoo. Now that was interesting.

“Will you promise me one thing, Violet?” he continued. “Just this one thing, and then we can stop talking about it. For now, at least.”

“Depends on what you want me to promise,” I said with a shrug. Because some things weren’t negotiable, especially where Aidan was concerned.

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About Mirage:

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But when a violent and disturbing vision begins to haunt her, Violet suddenly feels unsure of everything: who to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.

GoodReads † Amazon

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Giveaway:

Good Choice Reading is giving away a PERSONALIZED signed copy of Mirage to one lucky visitor!

Rules:

US & Canada
Must be 13 or older to enter
Winner will be chosen at Random
Winner has 48 hours to respond to our email and claim their book
Giveaway ends one week from today!

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Review: Burning Emerald by Jamie Reed

2012-05-29T08:00:00.003-04:00

Burning Emerald by Jamie Reed
Amazon † Author Page
Expected publication:
May 29th 2012
By Dafina

Coping with loss, keeping secrets from friends, and juggling classes has kept Sam Marshall busy in her senior year. She finds comfort in her unlikely companion, Caleb, as their connection grows to where one cannot survive without the other.

But Sam’s biggest problem is a powerful enemy that wants her for himself and to destroy Caleb and his family. Determined to keep Caleb safe, Sam fights a battle where she is both the enemy and the prize, but victory will come at a deadly price.

My Review

Burning Emerald was a good read but it didn't lure me in like Living Violet. With Living Violet, I couldn't wait to finish reading the book. But with this novel, it took me more than a few days, which isn't usually the case. But I'm one of those girls that once I invested time into a series, I need to see it all the way through. So regardless how empty Burning Emerald left me, I will go forward and read her next novel Fading Amber. Which also sounds promising, so let's see.

In this novel you learn a lot more about "Lilith" the demon inside Samara. And you also get to meet "Capone" Caleb's demon. That's where the book got interesting. They kept me reading. They are not pretty. These demons are greedy little things, so when their claws are out. No one is safe. Samara goes through a lot with her demon inside. Also you get to meet a new character who turns out to be very complex. I wasn't sure what to think of him. So that was really interesting.

Ms. Reed wrote a good story. But it fell a bit short for me. I can't really say where it fell short because I'll be spoiling it. However, I do like the way she writes her characters. Especially Samara, she's a really strong character with an awesome personality. I give this book a 3 stars out of 5. Overall, I do recommend this series to those readers who are into demons, incubus' and succubus. So if that's your thing then I hope you enjoy this series.

Insanity by Lauren Hammond Blog tour -- Guest Post + Giveaway!

2012-05-29T07:50:00.000-04:00

Perfect time for writing: Day or Night, and why?

Thank you so much for having me on the blog today!

When it comes to the perfect time for writing, I try to do it early in the morning or very late at night.

There seriously isn’t enough time in the day for me to get everything down.I always make sure I have my iphone with me, no matter where I am because when inspiration hits, I have to write the words down or I’ll go back to the WIP a few days later and 9 times out of ten I forget what they were. I feel luck that there’s a little notepad on my phone and trust me when I say this, lol, it’s full.

Most people might not know that I’m also a literary agent. So I really try to separate my writing time from my clients’ time. They get most of my day.

So all in all, I’d say that my perfect time for writing is both day and night or whenever I get free time. I wake myself up at between 5:30 am and 6:00 am every day. Then at night I take a notebook up to my bedroom and write free-hand. I’ve come to discover that you never know when your character is going to have something to say, so it’s best to be prepared, lol.

Thanks so much for having me!

This was so fun!

If you get a chance, check out Insanity!

Author Links:
Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads

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About INSANITY:

Sometimes love...can drive you crazy.

Adelaide Carmichael and Damien Allen couldn't be more opposite.

Adelaide's mother abandoned her when she was ten years old, leaving her to be raised by her abusive and alcoholic father.

Damien on the other hand came from a wealthy family, was a local celebrity, and seemed to have a bright future ahead of him.

Despite their differences, Adelaide and Damien were young, wild, and fiercely in love.

And they had a plan.

They were going to run away.

Be together forever.

And their plan was set in motion, until tragedy struck and for some reason, Adelaide wound up in The Oakhill Institution for the insane.

Adelaide has no idea what she did to wind up at Oakhill, but she knows one thing for sure...

She wants out.

And after Damien follows her there to aid her in escaping, Adelaide slowly begins putting together the pieces of her memory that are missing.

And it doesn't take Adelaide long to figure out that sometimes...

That one true love never dies.

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GIVEAWAY!

1 ebook copy of INSANITY to one lucky visitor!

Rules:

Must Follow Rafflecopter below
Must be 16 or older to enter
Winner will be chosen at random
Winner has 48 hours to respond to e-mail and claim their book
Contest ends on June 6th

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Dreamless by Josephine Angelini Blog Tour + Awesome giveaway!

2012-05-28T09:47:00.000-04:00

Excerpt:

"No! I'm not here because of Daphne, you lunatic! I'm here because I think that what you're trying to do is amazing, and probably the most important thing any Scion has done since the Trojan War!"

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By: Josephine Angelini

Published by: Harper Teen

To Be Released on: May 29th, 2012

Pre-Order from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | IndieBound

Series: Starcrossed Book #2

Browse Inside Dreamless

Blurb:

Can true love be forgotten?

As the only Scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on.

Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out—a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies’ cry for blood is growing louder.

As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen’s sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos.

Author Links:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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EXTRA, EXTRA!

Browse inside Harper Teen
Dreamless Playlist
Dreamless e-book: Harper Teen | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Ebooks | Kobo | iBookstore (At participating ebook store links, you can purchase Dreamless for $0.99)!!
Follow the Dreamless Blog Tour & follow on Twitter under the #DreamlessDays & @Josieangelini
WEDNESDAY 5/30 Harper Teen is hosting a LIVE chat with Josie on Facebook

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You can follow the rest of the tour here: http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2012/05/dreamless-by-josephine-angelini-blog.html

Josephine Angelini is having an AMAZING blog tour giveaway! You can enter below to win a Kindle with a Starcrossed or Dreamless gel cover! This giveaway can be found on all TOUR blogs! :-)

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Review: Memory Boy by Will Weaver

2012-05-28T08:03:00.000-04:00

Title: Memory Boy
Author: Will Weaver
Paperback, 240 pgs
Published: March 18, 2003
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Series: Memory Boy #1
URL: http://www.willweaverbooks.com/

A Family in Danger

Ash is still falling from the sky two years after a series of globally devastating volcanic eruptions. Sunlight is as scarce as food, and cities are becoming increasingly violent as people loot and kill in order to maintain their existence. Sixteen-year-old Miles Newell knows that the only chance his family has of surviving is to escape from their Minneapolis suburban home to their cabin in the woods, As the Newells travel the highways on Miles' supreme invention, the Ali Princess, they have high hopes for safety and peace. But as they venture deeper into the wilderness, they begin to realize that it's not only city folk who have changed for the worse.

Homework, girls, zits and an annoying sister; these are usually the biggest problems of a 16 year old boy. That is usually the case, unless your name is Miles Newell, aka Memory Boy, and your family is attempting to get through the worlds largest natural disaster.

In Will Weaver’s novel Memory Boy, a volcanic eruption has threatened the entire world. Even two years since the initial eruption, volcanic ash is still falling. Everyone wears masks for breathing, gas and food are running low, and now people are leaving their homes as violence begins to increase in and around big cities.

Although this novel teeters on being about end of the world type natural disasters, Weaver’s message is much deeper. This is a novel about how dependent man has become on technology, and what that could potentially mean for the future of humanity. Memory Boy also looks into the relationship between family members. What happens when a family, after 16 years, is forced to really work together, learn from each other, and actually take time to talk to one another?

I enjoyed reading this novel. It was short and to the point. I enjoyed the fact that Weaver did not drag on the novel. I think it could have used a bit more action, but the novel was able to keep me engaged throughout the read. The ending of the novel really started to pick up energy, and I was sad when I realized the novel would have a sequel. However, I started reading the sequel, The Survivors and cannot wait to review that novel next.

I think this is a great read for anyone looking to pick up a short book that will keep you turning the pages. I do not think you will be disappointed.

I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars!

RELEVANT LINKS

Facebook / GoodReads / Twitter / Amazon / B&N / Website

Author Spotlight: Stacey Kennedy -- Guest Post & Giveaway!

2012-05-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Big thanks to Good Choice Reading for having me by today. I’d love to share my Frostbite series since it’s one of my favorites! Yes, I’m in love with a ghost, and I feel no shame!

So…you’re asking yourself, “how can a ghost romance have a happily ever after?” Well, it can’t. Or what I should say is, it won’t right now. Since this is an Urban Fantasy Romance at the end of book one you’ll get a happy for now. I know some people are going to want to kick me, but the truth is if I gave a happily ever after book one what would be the fun in that? And I have a nasty habit of loving to torture my characters!

Sure, I’m a cruel author and make my characters suffer a little before they reach that happily ever after, but really do any of us find happiness without a little trouble along the way? I’ve planned to write four books in the series, and each one will bring Tess closer to happiness. Will it come easy for Tess? Not likely. But I’m cheering her on that eventually she’ll get the happily ever after she deserves.

Book two in the Frostbite series, Demonically Tempted has just released. Trust me when I tell you, a lot of questions that come up in book one get answered and things take turns that even I wasn’t expecting. It was great fun! And more to the point, far too enjoyable to watch Tess be put through the ringer.

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(The cover has been a bit altered so that we are able to share it with you.)

Ghosts harass and annoy Tess Jennings to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice.

Kipp McGowen, a cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five year old cold case of Hannah Reid, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever or find the killer…

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~*~

EXCERPT:

An icy wisp of air swept in behind me, causing my heel to twist as I stumbled. To the other pedestrians striding along the downtown Memphis Street, the sensation would be brushed off as a cold breeze.

They were wrong. A spirit lingered here.

“Can you hear me?”

From the intrigue rolling in his voice, he hadn’t expected me to acknowledge him. Shit! I’d already given myself away. A mistake I’d rectify.

Without hesitation, I righted my stance and strode forward with purpose, forcing myself to remain deaf to the voice. If I ignored ghosts long enough, they moved on and searched out someone else who held the same irritating ability, who I had yet to meet.

Much to my annoyance, the ghost stayed right on my heels and his presence remained strong behind me. The cold air at my back remained a contrast to the warm morning air in front of me. Every hair on my neck stood up and goose bumps pimpled a trail along my skin. If only I could rub them away, but I didn’t dare. Ignoring him would make him go away.

“You can hear me, can’t you?” the ghost asked again.

Spirits were typically harmless, but annoying. I’m dead, what’s going on, why am I ghost―yada, yada, yada. I quickened my steps and made my way down Peabody Place in hopes he’d leave me alone.

“Wait.”

He sounded desperate, which meant a big headache for me. If I hadn’t worn my damn sling-backs, I would’ve tried to run and hide. But the three-inch Manolos and the tight tailored gray skirt around my knees restrained my movements.

I passed Miss Polly’s Soul Food Café, and the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs drifted along the air. My empty stomach complained. My only thought after I woke had been caffeine. Now I wished I’d grabbed a muffin with my latté at the Starbucks. With ten minutes to get to my desk, I couldn’t worry about such things.

My boss, Event Manager Dylan Cobb, would hand me my ass if I stepped into the office a minute late. Sadly, there’d never been a day I didn’t cater to his every need.

I approached Beale Street and sighed in relief, relishing the warmth surrounding me. Not only from the sun above—the spirit’s cold presence at my back had vanished. Pleased my dodge of him had worked, I took a sip of my energy in a cup and smiled. Coffee’s fantastic, the ghost is gone―life is good.

Another block passed under my heels before I reached the historical red-brick building. Randall Marketing, written in black block letters, decorated the striped green and white awning.

I opened the door to the office and strode in, greeted by a bubbly voice. “Good morning, Tess.”

“Mornin’.”

“Give me a moment here.” Doris shuffled paperwork around her desk, her auburn curls bouncing on her shoulders. The receptionist had always been messy, yet somehow organized. “There were a few messages on the voicemail for you.” She raised her head and held out the pink slips of paper. “A lovely day today, is it not?”

“Sure is.” So I lied. The ghost hadn’t kicked off my day on a high note. Not like I’d tell her about my interaction with spirits. My ability to converse with spirits remained on a need to know basis, and as far as it concerned me, no one needed to know. I grabbed the messages from her hand. “Did your weekend treat you good?”

“I spent the entire weekend knee deep in my garden.” Her cocoa colored eyes lit up. “My best year ever, I’m hoping. You’ll have to come out and have a look-see.”

“I’d love to.” Doris treasured her gardens, so I tried to appear interested, even though my green thumb looked black.

Her smile brightened, but when the phone rang, she waved a goodbye and answered the call. “It’s another beautiful day here at Randall Marketing, how may I direct your call?”

Leaving her behind, I strode down the hall toward my office and sipped my coffee. The warmth slid down my throat and provided an immediate rush to my energy levels. At the third door on the right, I entered my bleak workspace with its pale blue walls, closed the door behind me and approached the desk. I dropped down into the black leather chair and flipped through the messages. None were urgent enough to worry about now.

I powered up my computer, but a knock at the door, had me glancing up. Before I got a word out, the door swished open and I cringed, fully aware of the looming trouble.

Caley, the officer manager and my best friend since the age of four, looked like a typical Barbie. Perfect skin, long flowing blonde hair and a body men drooled over. I might have been jealous of her perfection since I couldn’t pull off her looks even with a makeover—so maybe a little envious—but her appearance had always been a front. She was the devil in disguise.

She scowled, shutting the door behind her with a slam. “Do you mind explaining where you were all weekend?”

“At home.” I batted my lashes. “Why? Did you try to call me?”

She pointed her finger, narrowing her eyes on me. “Don’t you try that shit on me. I called you all weekend and your phone went straight to voicemail.”

“Hmm…” I pretended to ponder. “The battery must have died.” She had enough gall to just come over, but the little hint had been a subtle way of telling Caley to leave me alone.

“Liar.” She plopped down in the seat across from my desk. “Where were you? I wanted to go out.”

“Nowhere. Honestly, I vegged on the couch.”

Caley snorted. “You lead such an exciting life.”

My mouth parted to offer a snappy retort, but a cold wisp of air brushed across my skin, causing my lips to snap shut. Damn! I thought I’d got rid of him.

“Hello.” Caley snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Leave the aliens behind and return to Mother Earth.”

I blinked, trying to force my attention back to her, yet failed. The ghost knelt right beside Caley—not kneeling, of course; more like floating, since ghosts were never able to obtain physical contact with the world around them—and my focus held strong on him, unable to stop myself from ogling. He stared intently, with one crystal blue eye, while the other was a chocolate color. His strong jaw, the muscles clenching along his cheeks, all spoke of power. But as he ran his hand through his untidy sandy colored hair, his expression showed playfulness. His black tank top left his arms exposed and muscles upon muscles layered those arms.

“Anyways,” she said, dragging my gaze back to her. “I had to go out with Susanne because you left me high and dry.”

I laughed. Caley’s horny, twenty year old stepsister had the body to fulfill her needs. “You did have the option to stay home, you know.”

Her eyes widened. “On a Saturday night?”

“Yeah, you know, get some popcorn, watch a movie and relax.”

She frowned. “If you don’t stop your grandma behavior, your va-jay-jay is going to shrivel up and die.”

The ghost chuckled.

His smooth laugh hit me like a cup of warm cocoa, causing my insides to melt. Nothing amused me. First off, Caley had been so wrong― maybe a little right―but I’d never admit to her accuracy aloud. Second, reacting in such a heated way to a ghost definitely didn’t hit my to-do-list today.

“Excuse me.” I spoke not only to Caley, but also to the irritating ghost. “My va-jay-jay is just fine.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’ve still got some spunk.” She stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Because we’ve got a double date tonight.”

“A what?” Dear God!

She grinned from ear-to-ear. “Yes, my dearest Grammy, we’re going out.”

“With who?”

“Two guys I met on Saturday night. You’re coming with me, either willingly or unwillingly, so suck up your hesitations, babe, because saying no isn’t an option.”

“But it’s a Monday night.” Not saying a date didn’t sound like fun. A month had passed since my last attempt at dating—which failed miserably—but a man Caley chose while drunk? No thanks. My sex life might have been as dead as the sexy ghost in front of me, but I’d still search for a way out. “I have to work tomorrow.”

She wagged her finger in classic Caley fashion. “You’re a Grandma.”

Most times, I respected her persistent personality. She never backed down, always dreamed big and went for the gold, but her grit hadn’t been all rays of sunshine. Her determination made her annoyingly tenacious. I had to agree or she’d never give up, and getting her out of my office sounded all too good. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”

“Oh, stop looking so pissy. We’ll have fun. Promise. I’ll come to your place at eight.” She opened the door, glanced over her shoulder and winked. “Leave the granny panties at home.”

~*~

Author Links:

Website | Blog | Facebook |Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com.

________________________________________________________

Giveaway:

To get started with Tess & Kipp, leave your email address with your comment to be entered to win the ebook Supernaturally Kissed (International).

1. Must be 18 or older to enter.
2. This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL as long as you have a way of reading the ebook.
3. Contest ends one week from today!
4. Winner will be chosen at randoom.
5. Good luck!

Review: For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund

2012-05-25T17:17:00.001-04:00

For Darkness Shows the Stars
By Diana Peterfreund

Hardcover, 398 pages
Expected publication: June 12th 2012 by Balzer + Bray

GoodReads † Amazon

Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

This book had a very slow start for me. It took me a while to really get into because there is so much back ground information to gather for the reader. Continuing it though, I was eventually pulled into the story and I have to say it didn’t really WOW me, but it was pretty interesting. It was different and not something I would normally read until the last page, but it grabbed my attention enough to finish it. Supposedly this book is a re-telling of Persuasion by Jane Austen, which is a book that I’ve never read before, so maybe that is why I had such a hard time really grasping everything.

Overall, the characters of the book were well written and well defined. It’s an edgy story with a classic and simple twist. And although this story wasn’t really for me, I still think others will enjoy it a lot. Especially Jane Austen fans.

2.5 out of 5 Stars!

Review: Dreaming Ivy by Rhonda Lee Carver (18+)

2012-05-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Dreaming Ivy
By Rhonda Lee Carver
ebook Page Count: 234
Published May 21, 2012
by by Lyrical Press, Inc
Ages 18 and over.

To view the cover of the book please visit this LINK.

Can a past love become their future?

The Thorntons' mansion is full of timeless secrets waiting to be unraveled. When small-town journalist Ivy and ghost hunter Max are stuck in the forgotten, dilapidated house, they find more than just a haunting. Ivy finds herself dreaming of the former owners, Marcus Thornton and his lovely wife, Elizabeth. Their profound love was once the talk of the town, and the cause their mysterious, untimely deaths never found. When Ivy's dreams begin to become reality, the mystery starts to unravel and sheds truth on more than just the past.

WARNING: Graphic language, naughty ghosts, a non-committal male, and a love that endures beyond time and death.

A deepening dark mystery laced with an awe sweeping romance. I find lately when I am not reading Erotica, I like a romance with a bit of mystery behind it. I like the whole what happened and who done it scenario. This story was like reading two stories in one, but both are intertwined. You got the modern relationship and lack of between Ivy and Max, while reading the amazing deepening love story of Elizabeth and Marcus all while trying to solve the past.

At first you learn of Ivy and Max who both have to spend 2 weeks in the run down house, she for a story and he for a new ghost adventure. Both are so physically attracted to the other at first sight. Yet both try to resist it for so long, not wanting to give in or cross the line while doing a job. Time and time again they are thrown into each other somehow and this deepens the desire. However one can only hold out for so long. Agreeing to keep in casual they just decided to enjoy what time they have with each other. When Ivy begins to dream of Marcus and Elizabeth’s life together, she begins to unravel the secrets of the past, with shocking results.

You see when Marcus and Elizabeth died over 100 years ago their home was left to rot away. As history has been lost townsfolk begin telling stories of the home's strange happenings. The towns people believe the house to be haunted. Some say Marcus who died after Beth died of a broken heart, but others feel there could be more to the story. Over the course of the book you get to see into their lives and what really happened.

I loved seeing into the past and what clues were revealed as I too tried to piece the mystery together as I read. What did Marcus and Elizabeth want Ivy to learn in her dreams and how does it change both Max and Ivy once they learn the truth? Great chemistry and balance between present and past lives!

5 of 5 Stars

Blog Tour/Excerpt & Giveaway: Spellbound Trilogy By Nikki Jefford

2012-05-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Graylee Perez’s Facebook Page:

When Graylee Perez wakes up the morning of April 1st, she has no idea she’s died and been brought back to life. Her sister is nowhere to be found and her mom has left a note that she’s out of town. Gray goes to school where things get weird when she finds her locker emptied out and people calling her Charlene – the name of her twin sister.

After the school counselor sends her home, Gray starts researching her death online and stops by her Facebook page.
WALL OF GRAY
RIP Gray. You’ll be missed. I can’t believe we won’t be sitting together in English anymore. Graylee Perez was one of the nicest girls I ever knew. Gone too soon.
A beautiful girl and a tremendous loss for all of Kent and McKinley High.

Gray flexed her fingers. She had to resist the urge to type: I’M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!

Find out how Gray died by downloading your FREE copy of Entangled during one of three amazon promo days this Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday (May 23, 24, & 27).

Book two, Duplicity, releases this week. And don’t miss the Cover Reveal of book three, Enchantment, at designer Najla Qamber’s review site: Unputdownable Books on June 7th. http://unputdownablebookies.blogspot.com/

Enter to win the SPELLBOUND SWAG PACK (International)

· Evil Eye Amulet and Bracelet: In Duplicity, Gray wears an evil eye pendant, also known as a nazar, to protect herself from a spell that’s causing havoc over the witches and warlocks in her coven. The evil eye (a Turkish amulet) is used for both luck and protection against envy.

· Two Headed Quarter: Two Grays are better than none and two heads are better than one, especially when flipping over who gets to choose which movie to watch with a trick coin. Adrian returns in Duplicity and opens a magic shop.

· Entangled bookmark

Extras:

Entangled book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZnDgYFCVVw

Duplicity book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCwY_Mj_Syk

Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Entangled-Spellbound-1-ebook/dp/B007BCORJK/ref=zg_bs_3017_15
(Entangled is available for ebook at amazon. It will return to Barnes & Noble and Smashwords once KDP select ends July 15, 2012.)

Entangled (Short Blurb):

Two months after dying Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body. As a witch, can anyone blame her mother for attempting to bring her back to life? Now Gray’s stuck sharing her sister’s body every 24 hours.

The race is on for Gray to find a way back inside her own body before Charlene purges her from existence.

About:

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who found paradise in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands where she is, once more, neighbors with Canada. She has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Alaska Anchorage and was a reporter before turning to her first love: fiction.

After a whirlwind romance in France, Nikki married Sébastien in March 2000. They reside with Cosmo the wonder Westie.

Find her at:
http://nikkijefford.com
http://twitter.com/NikkiJefford

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Fated by Alyson Noel Blog Tour: Guest Post!

2012-05-25T07:45:00.000-04:00

In the world of TheSoul Seekers, everyone is guided by a spirit animal (whether they know it or not!). These animal are mystical beings that guide us from their home in the Lowerworld. And in the first installment, Fated, Daire Santos must embark upon a magickal journey to discover who’s guiding her.

Our spirit animals speak not only to who we are, but where we are headed. Which spirit animal do you think is guiding you?

Raven: Raven represents mystery, magick, and a change in consciousness. Raven teaches us how to take the unformed and give it any shape we desire. By helping us to confront our failures and shortcomings, Raven reminds us that we have the power to transform anything we have the courage to face. Raven helps us to work the magick of spiritual laws to manifest that which we need and to bring forth light from darkness.

Coyote: Coyote represents humor, wiliness, and a reversal of fortune. Coyote teaches us how to strike a balance between wisdom and folly. As a cunning adversary, Coyote reminds us to understand circumstances surrounding a situation fully before developing a plan to achieve our goals and objectives, but as a survivor, Coyote will take extreme measures to insure the well-being of its off-spring and lineage.

Horse: Horse represents freedom, power, and enlightenment. Horse teaches us the benefits of patience, sensitivity and kindness, and that positive relationships are cooperative ones. Possessing great stamina and speed, Horse encourages us to awaken our own power to endure and reach the full potential of our abilities. A strong and powerful animal, the spirit of the Horse reminds us of our inner strength and gives us the courage to move forward and to head in new directions.

Wolf: Wolf represents protection, loyalty, and spirit. Wolf teaches us to balance our own needs and that of family and community, reminding us of the importance of ritual to establish order and harmony, while informing us that true freedom requires discipline. An extremely intelligent animal with keen senses, Wolf encourages us to go out of our way to avoid trouble and danger and fight only when necessary. A great teacher and pathfinder, the spirit of the Wolf urges us to listen to our own internal thoughts and words to help us find the deepest levels of self, inner knowledge and intuition.

Eagle: Eagle represents illumination, healing power, and creation. Eagle teaches us that while we are free to choose our own paths, we must respect the freedom of others and the path they have chosen, while its strong sharp beak informs us to mind our words and their impact on others. With its ability to soar to great heights and survey all directions, Eagle reminds us to see life from a higher perspective, for if we look with limited vision we may be blinded to what lies in front of us. As a symbol of great power, the spirit of the Eagle means taking on responsibility and power greater than yourself, using the gift of vision and clarity to help others through dark times.

Book Trailer:

Blurb:

The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

Links:
Website † Facebook † Twitter † Blog † Amazon † GoodReads

Splash Into Summer Blog Hop!

2012-05-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hey!!!

Welcome to our stop on the Splash Into Summer blog hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Page Turners Blog.

For our stop we are giving away three ARCs. (Click on photo for more information)

ONE winner will win all THREE copies.

Note: If you win and only want one or two books, please state in your e-mail. This way I can share the remaining copy(s) with someone else.

To Enter simply just follow Rafflecopter below.

**US ONLY

**MUST BE 13 or OLDER

**Winner will be chosen at random.

**Winner will be announced on Rafflecopter, Facebook, and Twitter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

2012-05-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo

Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: June 5th 2012
By Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

GoodReads † Amazon

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one unlikely refugee.Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life– a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha… and the secrets of her heart.

You know how some books you pick up and immediately fall in love with it and find that you just can't put it down? The book is your every thought and you want to freeze time so you can just read it all day? Shadow and Bone is one of those books!

I wanted to put everything on hold and freeze time so I can just read and read. Whenever I got a break in class, I read. Instead of taking my lunch break, I read. I was just so into this story and so in love with the world Leigh Bardugo created. The characters were fantastic!

Shadow and Bone was entertaining and had me glued to the pages until the very end. This to me makes a book a HUGE five stars. It consumed my every thought. I was very antsy waiting to see what would happen. The romance in the story is unbelievably beautiful and developed at the perfect time. It was just right and not super overdone.

Another great thing that stuck out to me was the opening chapter and the ending chapter. It's one of those before and after scenes, but the way the author did it was great. This is a book worth reading! I HIGHLY recommend it.

5 out of 5 stars!

TQOTD - Well Known Authors Venturing Into Y.A.?

2012-05-24T07:55:00.000-04:00

In last Saturday's book news, I told you about Fifty Shades of Grey author, E.L. James writing a Y.A. novel. And it got me thinking...what other authors out there have started in adult books and ventured in young adult?

James Patterson
John Grisham
Candace Bushnell

And that's just to name a couple!

Thursday's Question of the Day: How do you feel about popular Adult authors venturing into Young Adult territory? Are they in it just for the profits?

LET ME KNOW!!

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Crushed Seraphim by Debra Anastasia

2012-05-24T07:50:00.000-04:00

Crushed Seraphim By Debra Anastasia

Crushed Seraphim is One Holy hell of a year old! It’s been one year since I stayed up all night to watch my debut novel go live. When it finally popped up on Amazon, I peed my pants a little. I never knew I wanted to be an author, but holding that book was a huge tearjerker for me. I wrote this story as a way to tell the tale of a woman that was a cursing, smart-mouthed nightmare who also happened to have the courage to save the world. It was book one in the Seraphim Series and the conclusion, Bittersweet Seraphim, will be dropping in Fall 2012.

There was definitely a stand out gentleman from this book. His name is Satan Jack and in my head? He looks just like Johnny Depp. Jack even has his own Twitter (@Satan_Jack ) where he flirts with readers! He’s staked a claim in quite a few panties since his unveiling and he’s proud.

Here’s the summary:

How does a foul-mouthed angel end up as the last hope for all of Heaven and Earth?

When Seraph Emma is maimed and tossed from Heaven by a rogue angel who's taken charge, she fears she'll never be allowed to return. Tasked with the impossible job of showing the self-loathing (and not even human!) Jason his worth, Emma is sure she's doomed to fail.

Meanwhile, having wormed his way into Heaven, the corrupt Everett has trapped God in Hell and has designs on unleashing evil everywhere. Fortunately, if there's one thing Emma can't do (in addition to minding her language), it's give up. Determined to save Jason and get back to Heaven-even if it means going to Hell-Emma's plan is simple yet impossible: trick the Devil to save God.

What she doesn't count on is the devotion and, well, humanity she finds in Jason; the spirit, hidden compassion, and raw sex appeal within the Devil; and the vulnerability of her own heart. With the help of two unlikely allies, she'll wage the battle for Heaven. But will Emma be sidetracked by a new sort of heaven along the way?
What's truly more dangerous? Falling from Heaven, or falling in love?

Debra Anastasia has twisted a fast-paced tale of intimate relationships with literally universal impact. Rich with humor and electrified by attraction, this novel offers a playfully off-beat take on the good and evil that make up the world.

Here’s the trailer (featuring music by the insanely talented Ron Pope)

This One Holy Hell of a birthday party is being held from May 24th-26th and there are many chances to win a prize.

Giveaway:

On this blog, leave a comment. One of the commenters will win an eCopy of Crushed Seraphim in the format of their choice.

On my blog, http://debraanastasia.blogspot.com you can enter to win the grand prize and get linked to an excerpt from Bittersweet Seraphim. Looking for a home are two print, signed copies of my books! Poughkeepsie will come with a matching set of temporary tattoos and crystal bracelet. Crushed Seraphim will come with an angel themed crystal bracelet and an exclusive fifteen-minute gChat with Satan Jack! That’s right, you can ask him anything.

So thank you to Wanda and Good Choice Reading for letting me flash my goods here on this site today. Feel free to check out www.DebraAnastasia.com for more information on Crushed Seraphim.

Soul Savers Blog Tour: Guest post + giveaway with author Kristie Cook!

2012-05-23T08:40:00.001-04:00

Hey GCReaders!

Welcome to our stop on the Soul Savers blog tour. For our stop we have a guest post to share and an ebook giveaway of the third book in the series, Devotion! Plus, you can enter to win a NOOK SIMPLE TOUCH! Check it out below!

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

QUESTION FOR RINA: What do you think 'devotion' to someone or something looks like?

Rina: Devotion is always doing what is right by the person or thing to which you are devoted. Sometimes the choice is obvious, but others it is not. Sometimes we must choose between, how do you say, the lesser of two evils, no? Other times, we do what might appear as betrayal to others, but we know in our hearts it is the right choice. These are the difficult decisions, but we must stand strong and do what is right.

About Devotion:

With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge— protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

Someone’s keeping a secret. A big one. Faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight . . . who will?

About Kristie Cook:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.

Links:

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/KristieCook

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

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

GIVEAWAY:

O-M-G! Yes! You can enter to win a NOOK Simple Touch and more!

Here on GCReading we are giving away a copy of Devotion. All you have to do is leave a comment below telling us what you think 'devotion' to someone or something looks like? Do you agree with Rina?

Make sure to leave a way for us to contact you. It can be e-mail, Twitter, Facebook... anything!

By leaving a comment below you are also entered into winning one of the following prizes...

Grand Prize – Nook Simple Touch (US only)

1st Prize — Paperbacks of all 4 of my books signed (US only)

2nd Prize — Soul Savers Swag bag (US only)

International Prize — All 4 books as ebooks

Visit http://www.kristiecook.com/2012/05/on-tour-and-you-could-win-nook.html for more details and to check out the previous and rest of the tour dates for more chances to win!

This giveaway will end on the final day of the blog tour, May 31st. Good luck everyone!

Review: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross(18+)

2012-05-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Improper Relations
By Juliana Ross
ebook
Published April 23rd 2012
by Carina Press
Ages 18+

To view the cover of this book visit HERE.

Dorset, 1858 When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified -- but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

I have mixed feelings about this book. In the beginning I really didn’t like it. The book is set to be historical but some of the wording was too modern. But as the book went on I found it got better.

Hannah is so naive and so unsure of herself it is hard to believe a married woman could be that uneducated of her own body, but I guess it makes sense in that the time period women were considered lower class than the husband. I just could not get past some of the questions she asked and if being so naïve why jump all into something so quickly.

However as the story went on, I found I was enjoying the connection between Leo and Hannah and wanted to see them find a happily ever after. I think Leo was a very sexy character and I looked forward to what he could teach Hannah next.

This was a cute short story that in the end redeemed itself for me. The book was like reading a Sex Ed 101 manual in the 1800’s.

3 of 5 stars

Waiting on Wednesday-For Darkness Shows the Stars

2012-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Hardcover, 398 pages
Expected publication: June 12, 2012

Goodreads | Amazon

Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.
Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.
But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

Choose Maria's 100th Book Review!

2012-05-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hey GoodChoiceReading Followers!!

On August 5th, 2010, I published my very first review for GoodChoiceReading. It was for a book called The Queen's Daughter - which I really enjoyed, and which started me on this weird path down book-reviewing/blogger-hood, lol.

Since that fateful day, in two short years, I have written a total of 99 reviews! Now, that's not to say I've only read 99 books (Lord knows, there have been many a novel that had to be shut half-way through, or whos review was put up by another GCR blogger), but I am ready now to write my 100th review for GCR :)

And being that it's such a special occasion for me (I'm sure the other GCR girls have already surpassed this milestone!), I would love for you, our loyal and amazing GCR followers, to....

CHOOSE MY 100th GCR READ!!

That's right! I will go sight unseen into a randomly-selected book chosen by YOU! (Please, don't make me read something bad! LOL)

And, as one good turn deserves another, if your suggestion is the randomly selected book, I will send you a copy of a book that I think you should be reading! Sound fair?

So, leave a comment with the title and author of a book that you think I should read! Good Luck and THANK YOU!!!

Review: The Truce by Maxine Marsh (18+)

2012-05-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

** due to graphic cover we can not share on Good Choice Reading. However clicking the title link you can view cover.
The Truce.
by Maxine Marsh
ebook
Published April 23rd 2012
by Noble Romance Publishing

Sarah is next in a long line of women charged with preserving a precarious truce. Her township lies on the edge of the Split Forest, a sinister wood where an unknown threat to her people lurks. What it is exactly, no one speaks of, leaving her to face the unknown alone and vulnerable on the night of the full moon. On that same night, her faithful husband, Jonah, also finds himself face to face with the truth—that the dark curse of their people is not what it seems.

This was a bit of a strange story for me. I liked how it was two parts, her story and then his, both of the same events told from their own points of views. It was a quick read I was able to do in under an hour. This was a good thing to read while waiting around with nothing to do.

This is about a creature in the woods the town has made a truce with to protect their people from. When the moon cycle comes, a woman from the village is to be offered as a sexual sacrifice to the creature. Sacred and alone Sarah must face this duty as all the women before have done. But will her husband still want her in the morning? Will she ever be the same person?

Jonah watches his wife go off to be with the creature. With the help of the other husbands who have endured this before him he sets out to accept what the night brings. This is where a surprising twist makes it a good story. I have to say never saw it coming.

Short story with a big twist, a good combination!

3 out of 5 stars

Body and Soul by Stacey Kade blog tour: This or That with Alona

2012-05-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Metal Music or Pop Music: Actually, there’s this one super depressing indie band I just love…kidding! Give me something you can sing along with while you’re driving around with the convertible top down. Although, some screamo can really take the edge off a bad day.

Fake nails or a nice Manicure: Fake nails are so tacky. A good manicure is the only way to go. I recommend Elise over at Hand to God.

Cheeseburger or Vegetable Wrap: Veggie wrap. Do you have any idea how many fat grams are in a slice of cheese? And that’s not even counting all the grease from the burger. *shudder*

Soda or Water: Diet Coke. It’s my one weakness.

Coach or Louie Vuitton: Hello, BOTH!

Singing or Dancing: Dancing

Coffee or Tea: Neither. They stain your teeth.

Long or Short Dress: Short dress. I did not work this hard for this body to hide it under some Laura Ingalls Wilder outfit.

Heels or Sneakers: Heels.

Chick Flick or Horror Film: Ugh. Neither. We’re always supposed to find those girls in chick flicks all clumsy and awkward and cute. But seriously? With a little more planning and a better wardrobe, she wouldn’t have to fall out of a chair or get caught hanging upside down in a tree to get the guy. It’s just a matter of strategy and presentation. Easy. And don’t even get me started on horror movies—the pretty girl always dies first!

Links:
Website † Facebook † Twitter † Blog † GoodReads

Blurb:

The final book in The Ghost and the Goth Trilogy!

The Ghost
I’ve been trapped in the body of Lily “Ally” Turner for a month now. Talk about a fashion crisis on an epic scale. What worries me more, though, is sometimes I catch Will looking at me like he thinks I’m Lily...or that he wishes I were. Without the good looks of my former self, I don’t know who I am, or if who that is is good enough. I need out of this mess. Now.

Will and I have been looking for a solution, one that would separate me from Lily without killing her. But it’s not going well. Then, when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, we run into Misty, my former best friend and boyfriend-stealer extraordinaire, who claims she’s being haunted...by me. Seriously?

I’m determined to get to the bottom of who’s pretending to be the spirit of Alona Dare (while I’m pretending to be someone else) and then get the heck out of this body. Or die trying...

The Goth
I’ll admit it. It’s really weird to look at Alona but see Lily. I do know the difference, though, contrary to what Alona might be saying. And Alona is more than a pretty face to me, not that she would believe that.

Our one lead for some help in this messed up situation might be a page torn from the yellow pages-—the “Psychics” section-—I found in my dad’s stuff. One of the “fakes” seems a bit more real-—and odd-—than the others. Before I can investigate further, though, Alona is off and chasing a ghost that’s probably nothing more than a figment of Misty’s guilty imagination. Now Lily’s family is freaking out because she didn’t come home, my mom is ordering me to stay out of it, and something is definitely wrong with the person formerly known as Lily “Ally” Turner...

Review: Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer

2012-05-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Dead Radiance
By T.G. Ayer
Paperback, 354 pages
Published February 25th 2012
by Evolved Publishing

That day I knew for sure. I'd lost control of my tears then. They fell in huge, mocking drops. I stared at Joshua through those bitter tears, my heart missing beats as I tried to remember to breathe.

I finally knew what the glow meant.

I was a freak and Joshua was going to die.

Bryn Halbrook had always seen the glow. But it is only when her best friend dies that she discovers the meaning of those beautiful golden auras — Death. Alone, lost in the foster system, she struggles to understand who she is and why she was cursed with the ability to see the soon-to-be-dead.

The new foster kid, Aidan, isn’t helping any. Mr. Perfect seems to fit in no matter what, making her feel even more pathetic. But when his affections turn to her, Bryn finds him hard to resist. Impossible actually. A mystery himself, Aidan disappears, leaving behind a broken heart and a mysterious book that suggests Bryn might not be entirely human.

Bryn stands at the threshold of a journey of discovery. Will destiny help her find herself, find her purpose and her place in a world in which she’d never belonged?

I do not normally read YA. Most just don't appeal to me, however every so often a YA book has a cover that just begs to be looked at. Once I saw the cover of this book I had to know more and the blurb just really hooked me. This was a book I just had to read.

The first 1/3 of the book was so interesting I could not put it down! Aidan and Bryn’s first meeting set the pages on fire. I loved the chemistry between them. She such an outcast trying to get through life, he the bad boy that just fits in no matter what. What could they ever have in common? Yet the sparks are there every time they are near each other. Both have secrets to hide afraid of what it would do to them or their relationship. Only through extreme trust can either of them open up and share what they are hiding. But will it be enough? Will it save them? Or are they destined to fail?

The 2/3 of the book slowed down the pace and I just wanted to get through it, but I understood the importance of the information being given. That was the only negative I could give about this book. Some of the middle seemed to drag on as Bryn learned about her past and what her future held.

The final third totally picked back up the action and I was right back to page turning moments. I loved the journey Bryn had to take and the strength she found to do it. A real heroine destined to save those she cares about. But can she trust her instincts or those who are willing to help her? Will she succeed on the most important journey she has had to face so far in her new life?

The end of the book was a bit of a cliff hanger and I so cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next. Suspenseful, Mysterious, Exciting, Dramatic, a must read book for any super natural or mythology lover.

4.5 of 5 stars!

Review: One Moment by Kristina McBride

2012-05-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

One Moment by Kristina McBride

Expected publication:
June 26th 2012
By Egmont USA

This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

My Review

This book is one of those books that just leave you wanting more. I was hoping for a sequel because I wanted to continue reading about these characters but sadly this is a standalone. One Moment had me filled with emotions. I wanted to mourn with Maggie, cry with her and just plain have a fit when secrets were revealed. That is how good the author wrote this book.

I'm not sure how the McBride came up with this story. But she wrote this novel with such raw emotions, almost makes me think this novel was inspired by true events. She was so descriptive with every single event to the point that you grieved along with her characters. Every single moment in this book was realistic, from the second Joey died to the ending of the story. McBride takes you on a twister of events that'll have your eyes filled with tears and your heart filled with sorrow.

Hands down One Moment has been added to my favorite books of this year. You know a book is good, when you finish reading it yet you're still thinking about the characters. A blogger friend of mine read this book around the same time and we were texting each other back and forth about it. That's how good One Moment is. This novel has a perfect combination of characters you love to hate and characters you just plain love. One Moment get 5 golden stars and a definite Good Choice for Reading!

Links: Amazon † Author Page

Cover Reveal: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris + giveaway details!

2012-05-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hi GCReaders!

Today we are sharing with you the NEW cover to Rachel Harris's My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century. The book got a make over and here it is!

Blurb: On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore.

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Author website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Never-Before-Seen Excerpt from MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY:

“I thought I’d teach you a dance from where I come from,” I tell him. “One that’s much easier than that multi-step mess inside.

I place my left hand on Lorenzo’s shoulder and slip my right one into his. I pause to listen to the music floating over the tinkling voices and bubbling fountain, and begin counting the three-beat tempo. “One, two, three. One, two, three.”

I stand still, only my head moving, slowly nodding with my words so he can hear the rhythm.

When his head begins subtly bobbing with mine, I show him how to add his feet. He takes a tentative step forward with his left while I step back with my right, then we side step, close, and repeat the steps with our other feet, all while I lightly whisper the beat count.

The breeze picks up, blowing my skirt and skimming my veil across the back of my neck. Chills run down my spine, but the warmth coursing through my veins from being in his arms provides a delicious contradiction.

Lorenzo continues nervously darting his eyes to our feet, but he is dancing. As he relaxes into the movement, his shoulders rising and falling with the steps, the confidence he always seems to exude creeps back on his face, and he tightens the hold around me. Our faces are kissably close, our lips a hairs breadth away from touching. I stare into the chocolate depths of his eyes and the rest of the ball fades away. The only music guiding our steps is my light whisper and the erratic rhythm of our breathing. Time slows. Lorenzo grins.

“I think you got it,” I say breathlessly, running my hand along the soft fabric of his shoulder, feeling the rock-hard muscles underneath.

My body curls inward, pressing against his. The proper form for the waltz is a straight spine and shoulders back, but if there was ever a time to break the rules, this is it.

As a teen, I threw raging parties that shook my parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels.

As an adult, I read and write obsessively, rehash said embarrassing fodder, and dream up characters who become my imaginary friends.

When I'm not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, you can find me homeschooling my two beautiful princesses, hanging out with my amazing husband, or taking a hot bubble bath…next to a pile of chocolate.

MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY is my first novel. I did have my own fantabulous Sweet Sixteen in high school. Sadly, it wasn’t televised.

What are your thoughts on the cover?

Rachel Harris is also giving away an awesome prize pack over at YA BOUND. You can enter here below, or over at YA BOUND.

a Rafflecopter giveaway