Interpretations of a Part-Time Bibliophile

Cover Reveal: Darkest Shadows by Allyson Gottlieb

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:39:00 +0000

I did a beta read for this book and it's so good! And the cover is absolutely AMAZING! Love, love, love it!

The missing story...

A would-be dictator has gone to prison. The dimension is safe from a tyrant's control. But not everything is as perfect as it appears on paper.

Tamara Kingsley is supposedly a hero. But she's about to discover that her good deed doesn't actually mean much when it comes to rebuilding a life for herself. No matter how hard she tries to escape it, the stigma of her past is always lurking, holding her back from fully embracing a new life.

And even in Alpha, Valentine hasn't given up. He'll spend the next twenty years planning and scheming, waiting for the opportunity to rejoin the world and have his vengeance. On the top of his hit list? Tamara, of course.

Also in Darkest Shadows, there will be an exclusive short story called

Darkest Before Dawn

that takes place after the ending of Darkest Legacy.

A fast-paced, high-stakes novella

Everyone has secrets they'd prefer stayed buried. But information wants to be free... and so does Tamara Kingsley's ex-lover, incarcerated on the maximum-security prison planet, Alpha.

Tamara has done things she's not proud of, but that was years ago. Now the headmistress of the Silvermist School of Magic for Girls, she has an honest life, one that makes her happy. For the last twenty years she's fought like hell to keep it that way, and she thought she'd succeeded.

She's about to find out just how wrong she was to think her past was dead and gone.

You can get

DARKEST LEGACY

book 1 of the series

FREE Thursday 10/31 and Friday 11/1

Cover Reveal: Two LIttle Lies by Adam Kunz

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:17:00 +0000

I'm super excited about this book. I can't wait to read it! The cover is awesome. Look closely do you see the skull and cross-bones?

Lies can be very dangerous and deadly little things.

Almost four years after Laney Matthews survived a brush with death by the hands of the serial
killer, Robbie The Prowler Jameson, she’s finally picked up the pieces of her life and started
over. She’s made new friends, began dating again, attended countless therapy sessions, and is
about to graduate in the spring from Blackburn University. Ever since that fateful night, Laney
has tried to surround herself with positivity, and so far she’s succeeded…but that’s all about to
come crashing down around her.

When news of Robbie’s release from prison, due to a technicality, is plastered all over the news,
Laney’s bubble of security bursts and she begins to withdraw from everyday life. Her friends
come up with an idea to pull her from this slump and plan a fun winter break getaway in order
to clear her head. It’s here that she comes face to face again with Brent Lyles, the one that got
away, and she begins to realize that maybe he’s the exact thing she’s been missing in her crazy
life.

Something’s amiss at the sprawling rental property though, and when things quickly take a
deadly turn, Laney and her friends are forced to fight for their lives. Has The Prowler returned to
finish what he started years ago? And is Laney prepared to stand up to her past demons once and
for all?

Expected Release Date – Late December (2013)/January (2014)

**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for 17+ due to language, violence, and sexual content.

Just one tiny secret has the potential to ruin everything.

Being the daughter of the sheriff in a small town like Holden Ridge means that eighteen-year-old Danielle "Dani" Marks' life is under constant surveillance. She's made a habit of staying under the radar by being a floater among social circles at school, which has kept her out of trouble--until now.

After a missing persons case stirs up the entire town, Dani finds herself caught right in the middle of the scandal. When she's labeled a possible suspect, things quickly go from bad to worse. The sudden return of her old flame, Parker Reed, manages to make her whole situation even more complicated.

When an elusive unknown person begins to blackmail Dani by threatening to reveal her deepest secrets, Dani refuses to play along. That is, until the person's actions take a violent turn. Holden Ridge loses its sense of quaint town security, and Dani is caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Who can she trust when anyone around her could be a suspect?

One thing's for certain though: Never underestimate the power of one tiny secret.

You can buy ONE TINY SECRET on Amazon for 99 cents

Sale ends Oct. 31st

Blog Review & Excerpt: Crest of the Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 13:36:00 +0000

This is a Young Adult paranormal romance with mild language and mild sexual situations.

Recommended for mature readers in grade 9 and up.

Inside a castle tower high in the mountains, Genevieve is being held against her will.
Can she escape her gilded cage and find the answers she seeks?
As her eighteenth birthday nears, time is running out. Who can she trust?
Peter? Dahlia? Or maybe a dark stranger Laszlo is holding in the dungeon?
Mistakes are made...
The race is on to reach Alaska. To gather the Adlet Wolves and find William.
Is their love enough to save them? Save their friends?
Laszlo is close, and on the night of the Blood Moon plans are made for the All Hallow’s Eve Ball.
The Ceremony.
The Sacrifice.
When the blood moon crests will Genevieve die?

Claw-fingered shadows shredded my skin in the darkness. I screamed out in terror as blood spewed everywhere. When I tried to fight back, my hands passed right through their bodies as if I merely sliced through air. Then, like almost every night since my capture, I woke up in a panic. Unable to catch my breath, I grabbed my chest and shot forward to a sitting position. Frantic, my eyes darted around the room, but I found nothing. It was just a dream, I kept repeating in my head.

Tears stained my face and I shivered, but my knees stopped banging together. I tucked wet tendrils of hair behind my ears and looked down at my soaking wet clothes stuck to my body.

I remained trapped in a castle tower under Laszlo’s watchful eye. He needed me, this he’d made abundantly clear. Actually, he needed my blood. Convinced, since I had become a Rafe, drinking my blood would renew his youth and give him the same power I held. Healing.

After showering, I sat on the couch staring out the window, my thoughts lost in the darkness. When the door slammed, I lurched forward, then slumped back against the couch and closed my eyes, too exhausted to argue with Peter. He’d entered carrying a tray topped with several blood bags. The same as he’d done each day since shortly after my arrival.

“I told you I won’t drink it,” I scoffed, not bothering to open my eyes and look at him. “You can drink it and just tell Laszlo I did.”

“I cannot do that, Genevieve. He is not stupid and will know I am lying.” Peter sounded frustrated.

I peeked from beneath one eyelid, watching him cut open the top of one of the bags. The smell made my mouth water. I was starving, but still refused to eat. “I’ll die before I let Laszlo drain my blood just so he can live forever.”

Peter’s muscles flexed when he placed the tray on the glass coffee table in front of the couch. I swear I felt my insides gnawing at each other. I grew weaker by the day, but I’d never let Peter know.

“I’m not doing this for Laszlo. I… I am worried about you.” He dropped his gaze.

I wanted to believe him, but couldn’t. Not with him being Laszlo’s “nephew.” “Get out! And take the tray with you.”

“You are so damn stubborn! I do not know how William put up with you.” Peter snatched the tray from the table. One bag slid off and landed on the floor. He didn’t even bother to pick up the stupid thing.

I remained frozen until after he’d stormed off and slammed the door behind him, then I scooted forward and focused on the bag he’d left. When I couldn’t stand it anymore, I snatched it up, bit off the top and guzzled down the delicious elixir. “Mmmm,” I moaned, closing my eyes while the last of the sweet nectar ran down my throat.

After I finished, doubt filled my mind. I’d spent the last several months believing I was strong.

Physically and emotionally. In reality though, I was a scared little girl who could throw cars and kill mythical creatures.

I read all three books of the series in two days! Fans of The Twilight Saga and The Mortal Instruments will love this series. There's suspense, action, lore, romance and betrayal. Genevieve is kick-ass and one smart cookie.

In CREST OF THE BLOOD MOON, Genevieve is locked away in a hidden castle. Although she tries to resist, her hunger becomes too much to handle, as does her feelings for Peter. As the blood moon draws closer, she grows more powerful everyday. She also becomes more resourceful as she tries to get back to her loved ones to protect them, and the world, from Laszlo. The secrets revealed in Crest of the Blood Moon leave you wanting more. I can't wait to read the next chapter of the Blood Moon Series.

Sanctuary by Pauline Creeden

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:15:00 +0000

Jennie is home on summer break from her first year at college when the spaceships arrive. After six weeks, she is determined to convince her parents, in particular her mom, that it is safe enough for her to return to college. After being turned down several times, her mother tends to the garden out back only to be attacked my an unknown being. As Jennie looks outside, she sees several of them. Her family's trip to the hospital begins Jennie's terrifying journey to protect her family.

Hugh Harris is trapped in his high rise apartment building. Being a high school biology teacher and working toward his master's in animal behavior, he takes a scientific approach to figuring out what is going on with the aliens and the beasts that have been unleashed. As the days go by, he wonders how long he will last as his food diminishes. When he sees a young woman and her child, he wishes to help them as they are being followed by several red, bloated wailers. If he makes the decision to leave the building, there is no going back.

Brad Harris only cares about Brad Harris. Luckily, with his ability to think quick and rely on this self-preservation skills he makes past the beasts and wailers only to be taken down by a set of railroad tracks. He is rescued by a church bus. He has no problem taking their help and using up their resources.

The military base is now open. Heading to the base is the only chance for survival. How will they make it? Will they run into the beasts? Will the wailers find them? Who will survive?

To be honest, when I agreed to read and review this book, I had no idea what it was about. I didn't even read the synopsis. But a book called Sanctuary couldn't be bad, right? I mean, the TV show Sanctuary on Syfy was one of my favorites. So, I had no expectations going in. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.

This books is sci-fi meets zombie apocalypse meets the Book of Revelations. Although this book has some Christian elements, you don't feel like you're getting a sermon preached to you. The theme of faith, whether it's in God, people or just that things will work out, is needed in stories to provide hope that the characters you love with make it through the terrifying ordeals they face.

The book starts off with the aliens already having invaded Earth. After six weeks, the beasts arrive. From there the book seems to be nearly non-stop action. Throughout the book the point of view switches between Jennie (the protagonist of the story), Hugh Harris (a high school biology teacher) and Brad Harris (Hugh's brother that stole his girlfriend). The varying point of views give us a pretty good understanding of everything going on with the beasts and the zombies, or wailers as they're called in this book. All their stories meet up at a church that promises to take them to the military base for shelter and protection.

Pauline Creeden does an excellent job balancing the genres of christian, sci-fi and horror. She keeps a steady pace and before you know it you've finished the book! I read this book in nearly one sitting in less than 6 hours (including potty and snack breaks).

If you're looking for something a bit different than your regular alien or zombie book, try this alien AND zombie book!

Awesome! Read it!

“Left Behind for the Hunger Games Generation”

Synopsis: In a heart-racing thriller described as Falling Skies meets The Walking Dead, Jennie struggles to find a safe place for what’s left of her family. But it seems as though there is no place sacred, no place secure. First the aliens attacked the sun, making it dimmer, weaker, and half what it used to be. Then they attacked the water supply, killing one-third of Earth’s population with a bitter contaminate. And when they unleash a new terror on humankind, the victims will wish for death, but will not find it…When the world shatters to pieces around her, will Jennie find the strength she needs to keep going?

Book Trailers

When Jennie reached the back door, she saw them. Four large dog-like creatures with pinched faces like bulldogs and lion-like manes. They snarled, and one of them leapt at the window on the top half of the door when it saw her. Jennie jumped back and fell hard on the cold tile floor. The bottle of painkiller bounced across the kitchen tiles. The creature slammed against the window a second time, cracking it. She blinked hard. Her heart sunk, and the hairs on her arms stood on end. A horrendous gargling howl rent the air, causing a shiver down her spine. She held her breath and waited for the creature to slam into the door again.

“What on earth?” she whispered to herself.

When the third attempt never came, she scrambled toward the door. Blinking hard, she used the door knob to help herself stand. Out the cracked window, her mother was still out of sight, but the last of the dogs headed across the field behind her backyard.

“MOM?” Jennie called out.

The rumbling faded, and the vibrations in her chest receded with the dogs. She pulled open the door and rushed onto their back deck. “Mom, where are you?”

When she reached the banister, she looked over the side. Her mom lay sprawled with one hand on the lattice. Blood gushed from Mom’s leg and her opposite arm. Jennie’s ears rang and flooded with every beat of her heart.

Jennie didn’t know how she got to the second floor of her house, but she found herself shaking her sleeping father. How had he slept through the rumbling? “Outside, it’s Mom…”

Her father leapt from the bed. Mickey, her little brother, lay asleep and undisturbed. Dad ran down the stairs and outside in his flannel pajama bottoms and white t-shirt. He scooped Mom up to his chest and carried her inside. Blood stained his shirt in crimson.

“Jennie, call 911!” Her father had said it at least three times before it finally registered in her brain.

She pulled the cell phone from her pocket, but it refused to connect. With a groan, she grabbed the cordless from the wall receiver, glad her heart stopped pounding in her head so she could hear.

“All operators are busy at this time,” a mechanical voice deadpanned, “Please stay on the line, and the next available operator will take your call.”

“They have me on hold, Dad. Should I hang up and try again?” She held the phone in both hands away from her face.

“No, just stay on the line.” Her father lifted the shredded jeans from Mom’s leg. “It looks like a shark bite. What on earth happened?”

Jennie took in the damage through tear-filled eyes. A huge chunk was taken from her mother’s calf, exposing the fibrous tendons that covered the bone in her leg. A bloodstain grew on the beige couch. Was she going to die? Panic rose up.

“What happened, Jennie?”

“I...I...They looked like lions, or dogs, or something. The rumbling shook the whole house…I tried to go outside to get Mom, but—” A sob blocked her throat.

Her father grabbed a throw pillow and held it against the leg. Mom’s exposed forearm laid across her chest in much the same condition as her calf.

“Grab me the duct tape.”

Jennie suddenly remembered the phone, put it back to her ear, and headed to the hall closet. She reached for the shelf above the jackets and grabbed the junk basket next to the toolbox.

“Please stay on the line. An operator will be with you shortly.”

She shoved the phone in the crook of her neck and fished through the box. Half the contents dropped around her feet. Who cares? When her fingers wrapped around the silver duct tape, a short-lived relief sent prickles down her arms. But the urgency gripped her chest in less than a heart beat, and she threw the junk basket on the ground with the rest of the items.

“Hurry, Jennie!” her father called from the living room. “And turn on the TV. Maybe they’ll have something about what’s going on.”

She handed her father the tape and turned toward the TV. The mechanical voice on the phone came through again, followed by more easy listening.

When she clicked on the TV, the shouting and wailing began before the picture warmed up on the screen. A sideways picture of New York City broke through, with the shaky voice of the newscaster voicing over.

“What we are watching now – I can’t believe it – is live footage of Times Square,” the newscaster’s voice paused for a deep breath. “We’ve lost our man on the scene and his camera man to what appears to be some kind of new alien creature. Just a short half-hour ago, the doors to the ship that hovered above Central Park opened and these dog-like creatures flooded out.”

Jennie couldn’t pull her eyes from the screen. She straightened and dropped the phone on the hardwood. The battery popped out and skidded across the floor.

In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.

Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.

Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been a #1 Bestseller in Christian Fantasy and been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine. Her debut novel, Sanctuary is scheduled for release September 30, 2013, and has already been nominated for two awards in YA Science Fiction.

One of Pauline's short stories has won the CCW Short Story contest. Other short stories have been published in Fear & Trembling Magazine, Obsidian River and Avenir Eclectia. An urban fantasy short will appear in The Book of Sylvari: An Anthology of Elves from Port Yonder Press, and a vampire short will appear in Monsters! from Diminished Media Group.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/PaulineCreeden

Twitter: http://twitter.com/P_Creeden

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/PCreeden

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

Why on earth did I write a Christian novel that has both aliens and zombies in it?

When I was a teen/young adult and my faith was wavering at best, there were several movies out with the likely design to shake faith even more. End of the world movies were in their hay day. Alien invasion was another big one. And I couldn’t help but wonder. If something like this actually happened, would anyone be able to maintain their faith?

And now today, Zombies are on the rise.

Could aliens be reconciled with the Bible? Zombies? This is the purpose of Sanctuary.

Because of its poetic nature, the book of Revelation lends itself to a plethora of interpretation. I am not saying that my book is the only true possibility, but it could be one. Could not demons be misinterpreted as alien life forms? Might not Satan use this mirage to his advantage to explain the bitter water or the blotting out of the sun, moon, and stars? And then there’s Revelation 9:6 - "And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them."

Zombies?

If anyone reading this book at least opens themselves up to the fact that yes, a biblical interpretation could resolve the problems between faith and an apocalyptic reality, then Sanctuary has completed its purpose.

PTB: How long have you been writing?
PC: When I was about 9 years old, my father bought me a typewriter for Christmas. It was what I wanted. I wrote a novel, can't remember much about it, but I know it had a unicorn in it. :) I was unicorn obsessed at the time. But my "novel" was only about 10 pages. And since then, I wrote short stories off and on for almost 30 years (aging myself). But my first full length novel was written in 2011.

PTB: What inspired you to write this story? How did it begin?
PC: This story actually began as a short story. I wrote it for Fear and Trembling magazine: http://www.fearandtremblingmag.com/2012/02/sanctuary/ - I got such a huge response from the short that I felt compelled by readers to give the novel a go.

PTB: What's the best advice you've been given since you became an author?
PC: Read. Never stop reading. And realize that EDITING is huge and takes a lot of time.

PTB: Who are your favorite authors:
PC: Neil Gaiman, CS Lewis, Edgar Allen Poe, Stephen King, Oscar Wilde, JK Rowling, and Suzanne Collins...to name a few

PTB: What are you reading right now?
PC: Through a Glass - by Y. I. Lee (Dark Fantasy), The Windgate - by Braxton Cosby (Bill Cosby's Nephew), The Absence of Mercy by John Burley (Suspense/Thriller), Judge by RJ Larson (Fantasy)
A Study in Silks by Emma Jane Holloway (Steampunk)

I read 5 books at a time because I have ADD and get bored easily - so I flip back and forth between them like a man with a remote control.

PTB: If you could only read 5 books for the rest of your life, what would they be?
PC: The Bible, CS Lewis' Mere Christianity, Pride & Prejudice, Jane Eyre, And do they have a Harry Potter Omnibus so I can count that as one?

PTB: What's your favorite thing to snack on while writing?
PC: I don't eat, but I bribe myself with Snapple - I only allow myself to drink the stuff when I'm writing or editing :)

Blog Tour: Revelations Coming by Glory Rabenaugh

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Warning: This book contains mature subject matter and may be inappropriate for some readers.

Not recommended for readers under the age of 17.

Summary:

A teen who has seen and experienced too much for her years, Venus is thrown into the dark and seedy underworld of the Vampyre Nation. Shocking revelations about the truth of Christianity, coupled with her coming of age romances aid Venus to discover more about her past and ultimately reveal what is to become of her future. Revelations Coming, the first installation in The Dark Truth Novel series, will terrify you with the sadistic nature of both Vampyres and Angels and entice you with the not-so-innocent and increasingly passionate sexual encounters Venus endures.

Available for Purchase At:

Amazon OmniLit

All Romance Scribd

Barnes & Noble Kobo

Goodreads

“Arias is here my lord,” Corbin spit out breathlessly.

“Come Venus,” Riken said already starting for the door.

She didn’t hesitate and all but plastered herself against him. Venus knew to be frightened from Riken’s earlier description of the other Dark Prince. He was enormous, dangerous, cruel. The embodiment of Satan himself. He led a bloodline full of sadist, bloodthirsty vampires and this was the one searching for her. She didn’t want to meet this creature. They rushed out of the office, down a back staircase and towards a back entrance. Venus slammed into Riken when he stopped abruptly. She peered around him to see what was going on and Venus swallowed hard as a warrior filled her vision…one that could only be Arias Hassan.She gasped, robbed of any breath. Lord, he was beautiful. Tattoos covered his massive arms and bare chest, his head was shaved bald. He was the color of chocolate sand and he emanated power and a call so strong and deep within her, her knees weakened immediately. He had nearly black eyes that started to swirl and twist like a turbulent ocean as soon as he saw her. His guards almost equally massive fanned out around him. It was clear that Riken and his crew were no match for these warriors.

“Come to me,” Arias growled to her.

Venus’ eyes widened as her body listened without hesitation. His command was like a direct line of energy to her chest, pulling her towards him. Riken pulled her against him creating havoc within her. Both of their blood was calling to her but Arias’ was stronger. He was older than Riken, by nearly three hundred years. Venus unconsciously struggled against Riken’s hold.

“No Venus, don’t leave me.” Riken pleaded.

“Come to me little one,” Arias purred again.

Venus started forward again when she heard the click of a safety being thrown off. She turned her head to the side and watched horrified as Corbin palmed an enormous gun in his hand and fired at Arias.

“No!” she screamed, her power billowing out of her.

Her entire focus was on the path of that bullet. If she failed that bullet would find its way into the Prince’s temple and while it wouldn’t kill him, it would incapacitate him enough for Riken and his men to destroy him by severing his head. She refused to let that happen, no matter how bad that man was in front of her. The bullet dropped to the floor feet from Arias. Venus was breathing hard from the mental exertion that she hadn’t used in over ten years, disbelief and relief flooding her body. Arias’ jaw dropped slightly and his lips parted. He raised his hand to beckon her to him again. But Venus realized too late that it wasn’t to beckon her to him, it was to stop her. Guns exploded around her from both sides, Venus trapped in the middle. She heard Arias’ roar and she heard Riken’s roar. Stop! She screamed in her head, thrusting her arms out. Her mental power that she had hidden and been ashamed of for so long, flooded out of her body, billowing her hair about her head.

Glory Rabenaugh is a mother of two wonderful children, a soccer coach, an entrepreneur, and a business woman. She can easily read two hundred books in a matter of months, whip up traditional Japanese stir fry while listening to “Holy Grail” by Justin Timberlake/Jay Z, run around with the youngsters for two hours at soccer practice, and still manage to take an hour out for herself each week to get her lashes done. Glory was born, raised, and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri. She has a bachelors degree in Business Administration and works in the healthcare industry.

You can find Glory online at:

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing stories probably since I was in fifth grade. I remember writing all the time, but never being able to actually finish the story. That's always been an issue for me as an author. I guess subconsciously I want it to keep going!

Writing runs in my family. My grandmother on my mother's side, who passed away this year at 99 years of age, was a famous peace activist and writer in Japan. She encouraged me to write to her on a daily basis when I was young and I think that fueled my passion for writing and storytelling.

What inspired you to write this story? How did it begin?

I've always been fascinated with the paranormal and obviously have a deep love for vampire stories. When I write a story, 99.9% of the time it has to do something with the paranormal. I started writing with just my main character Venus in mind. I was in a dark place at the time, and unfortunately for Venus she had to endure what my mind had to expunge.

I knew I wanted her torn between two vampire bloodlines. As the story progressed, I decided I wanted my vampire background story to be different than anyone else's. I was raised in a very strict Catholic household so I have a deep respect for religious teachings, theories, and beliefs of all kinds. I was researching the Descendents of Cain and realized that their history, along with my personal knowledge of Catholic teachings, I could make up a back story that Jesus and his disciples as the first vampires. I think vampires in general have always had that negative connotation of being damned and I wanted to put a different light on it.

What's the best advice you've been given since you became an author?

Have thick skin!

Not everyone is going to like your story but you are not writing it for everyone. I remind myself all the time that I write for myself. It gives me a tremendous amount of pleasure to spill my creative juices onto "paper" and live through my characters. If I am fortunate to have people in the world with a mind like mine, then they will enjoy it as well.

Who are your favorite authors?

Being from St. Louis, my number one shout out has to be for Laurell K. Hamilton.
I will also pick up and read anything from J.R. Ward, Colleen Gleason, Keri Arthur, and Charlaine Harris.

What are you reading right now?

I have been waaaaaay too busy to be reading anything right now. *Gasp* Right?
However...I do have a couple books that are on my "To Be Read" shelf:
MacRieve (Immortals After Dark, #13) by Kresley Cole
The Arotas Trilogy by Amy Miles
The Nightlife Series by Travis Luedke
Plus...I've read the Mortal Instruments Series before. Back when I read it, it didn't grab me. And come to think of it...I think I actually read it out of order. Anyway, since I've seen the movie I want to reread the series. Might make more sense now!!

If you could only read 5 books for the rest of your life, what would they be?

1) The Talisman by Stephen King - This was one of the first fantasy/paranormal books I read as a child and I still have it on my shelf today. Every few years I read it because it helps me remember why I fell in love with the paranormal world in the first place.

2) Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley - Also one of the first fantasy books I read and I remember it threw me into an obsession with everything King Arthur or medieval-times related.

3) The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks - I'm not much for a sappy romance but my god I think I cried for a week straight because of this book. So, if I was in the mood to be sad I would pick this book up. (I do the same thing with Dear John the movie)

4) Dark Lover by J.R. Ward - I've reread this book a million times. This book made me fall in love with the series but no other book stood out for me like this one did. I'm desperately in love with Wrath and if anything, reading this book would keep me warm at night.

5) The Killing Dance by Laurell K. Hamilton - I chose this one because I like the idea of torn between men and the dynamic of Richard, Jean Claude, and Anita. Hard to choose between all of the Anita Blake books but this one is my fave.

You're being abducted by aliens, but they allow you to bring only 5 things from home. What do you bring?

Well I hate to be parted from my kids but I don't know if these are good or bad aliens so I'll have to leave them home.
1) My hair straightener. I'm touched by the curse of post-pregnancy wavy hair syndrome. My hair used to be completely straight and now it's wavy and it drives me insane.
2) My pillow. I'm a pillow snob. It must be the right thickness, cushiness, and feel...otherwise I won't get any sleep.
3) My well-worn in flip flops. I'm so picky about how shoes feel. I rarely wear tennis shoes because my feet feel trapped and suffocated.
4 & 5) Tea and Nachos. I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure I will NOT like alien food. So, my staple will have to be freshly brewed ice tea with sweetener (the pink kind) and nachos...the spicier the better!

Does this book have a playlist? What song/songs best represent this book?

1) Madness by Muse - fabulous song to play for the beginning of the book as Venus relives memories of her childhood.
2) Radioactive by Imagine Dragons - great song, I have this as my ringtone still even though it's older. Good song to relate Venus to as she learns that everything she knows about life is a lie and that her future is darker than she could have ever imagined.
3) Adorn by Miguel - wow, what a sensual love song. Everything I would want a man to serenade me on. I envision Arias feeling this way about Venus.
4) Holy Grail by Jay Z & Justin Timberlake - Play this song for Riken...poor guy.
5) Escape by Muse - This is a great song to play after Venus leaves the Descendents of Cain compound and she feels like she doesn't belong anywhere.
6) Assassin by Muse - I could picture this song being played in any of the fight scenes when Venus is hunting Talmidim with Drake.
7) Set Fire to the Rain by Adele - near the end of the book when Drake leaves Venus
8) Uprising by Muse - this song foretells the mood of the story at the end of the book. No other hints besides that lol.

Which character in this book are you most attached to?

Arias Hassan - I don't know why I'm always in the love with the bad guy but I am and he is drool worthy enough to top my list. He loves without needing a reason to even though the feeling is foreign to him. He's a LARGE man and in my book that is sooooo sexy. I can even hear his deep baritone voice in my ear that's tinted with a slight middle eastern accent. He's a King so he definitely has an alpha male personality...another hotness factor in my book. But there is a war going on inside of him. He is born of darkness but being with Venus, it makes him want to be better.

What's for favorite thing to snack on while writing?

I'm not much of a snacker...just because I'm on a diet and I'd be in major trouble. As long as I have my iced tea by my side, I am good to go!

Blog Tour: Lucifer by Annabell Cadiz

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 15:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

Normal just got a deadlier definition.

Check out on Goodreads!

Purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I told you, we do not have it!”

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

“That sounds like Eric,” Becca whispered.

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

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

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

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

Enjoyed it.

This is my kind of book. It is action packed right from the beginning! It also has a lot of supernatural elements to it. I love it! And, although it has lots of paranormal characters and reflects briefly on some aspects of the lore behind each, it one doesn't take away from the main story.

So if it's my kind of book and I loved it, you're probably wondering why I only gave it three books and not four. Well, I'll explain below with my pros and cons.

Please be advised that there are some spoilers below.

CONS:

Although the story was great and mostly well written, I would advise another bout of editing. There were several places where words were missing or misspelled and some sentences didn't flow quite right.
Although I don't mind setting the tone of scene with the description of clothes, there was a little more description than I'd like. It slows the story in some places.
I was also surprised to find out that Zahara and Becca were 18 years old. I would have guessed that they were 16 by there mannerisms, they way they talked and acted. Additionally, their parents and their parents' friends seemed to act younger than I would have thought.
In the prologue we get to meet Margaret. Later, Zahara finds her journal and reads a few passages, but not much. We also hear some of Margaret and Lucifer's story from Bryan. But I would have loved to hear more from Margaret's journal.
And I couldn't determine if Zahara had powers or not. I don't remember hearing that Solomon didn't have powers, I guess I just assumed he did, but later found out he was human, a very well-trained ass-kicking human!

PROS:

First off, I have to say that I loved Rekesh. He so reminded me of a straight, less glittery Magnus Bane. He's so...swoon-worthy! I love how much he cares for Becca and how she will not let him give up on them. She's fighting for her man and I love that!
Zahara wasn't afraid of anything! She rocked and pissed me off at the same time. How can someone so well-trained and kick-ass get themselves into so much trouble? I love the relationship she had with her parents. Not a lot of teenagers have that, and it's good to read it in books.
Bryan...well, I noticed right away that Bryan seemed to get a little too friendly a little too quickly. I had my suspicions from the start. But I had hope.
Mia and Solomon...what can I say? They are the cutest most annoyingly perfect couple ever. Solomon's one-liners were great! I loved his sass!

Those weren't really pros as much as characterizations, but they were needed. I liked this story because although I've read a lot of stories with evil beings, I can't recall ever reading a story that actually had Lucifer in it, which is what intrigued me in the beginning. Well, that and witchy magic. I love witches. I do wish there was more of the witches' magic in the story. Also, the fighting scenes were good. Like I said, this book was action packed. If the story lagged, it didn't lag for long.

So, a little more of somethings, a little less of others and another edit run-through would move this book from a 3 to a 4. This was a good story. And I'm excited to see where it leads in the next book.

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

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

FAN GIVEAWAY:

Lucifer Inspired Swag Pack

**Must be 13 or older to enter**

**Opened to U.S. ONLY**

**Winner has 24 HOURS to respond before new winner is chosen**

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HELP ME WIN THE

REVIEWER GIVEAWAY!

Listen up fans and readers a-like!

Make sure to show love to your favorite blogger/reviewer

by leaving a comment on the Lucifer Blog Tour Post!

The reviewer with the most comments will win a $20 Barnes and Noble Giftcard!!

So... Please leave a comment below!

Book Blitz: Beautiful Experiment by January Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Warning: This book contains mature subject matter and may be inappropriate for some readers.

Not recommended for readers under the age of 16.

Title: Beautiful Experiment (Book One of Island of Defiance Trilogy)
Author: January Valentine
Genre: Teen Paranormal Fantasy
Release date: June 1, 2013

Synopsis:
Six unruly teens are abducted on their way to a juvie home. Dumped onto an uncharted island. Could things get any worse? Hell, yeah. Hostility and envy run rampant. Throw in some alphas, divas and demons, and what do you have? Beautiful Experiment. Book One of the Island of Defiance Trilogy.  The teens are referred to as waywards, informed their parents have sent them to the island for rehabilitation. While they struggle with their predicament, and each other, they come to a shocking realization ... for once in their lives, they have to follow rules.  Brook has lived on the Island of Defiance his entire life, with no choice but to believe everything he has been taught. As he approaches eighteen, the secret of who he is, and the ultimate fate he must face, begins to unfold. To complicate matters even more, Brook grows to experience something he has never known ... love.   How do you convince a stranger a dreadful mistake has been made? Gabriella Winslow is an honors student who has always helped others, but now has to fight for herself. Something unimaginable wants her as much as the beautiful island boy with whom she is falling in love.  

Beautiful Experiment is Book One of The Island Of Defiance Trilogy

(paranormal - fantasy - romance - for teens and adults)

Mature 16+ for adult language, drugs & alcohol, mild sexual situations & mild violence.

Buy links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

(Brook and Father are waiting on the beach for the skiff to arrive with a new delivery of wayward teens. This is Brook's first encounter with the supernatural force that will intensify until he eventually learns exactly what is attempting to overtake him, and why.)

The surging tide is tempting. I'm concentrating on the foam that is quickly erasing my footsteps. It's not the caw of gulls that alerts me, because the winged creatures have vanished. In their place, the air is filled with my name. I lift my face to something startling, and my heart begins to pound.

The sky has burst into flame. Red and gold, it's raging. The sun is the sky. Scorching. Shooting stars, like flaming spears, are dropping all around me. If I don't shut my eyes, I'll be blinded. If I do, I'll be nothing but a solid target. The wind wails like a mother who has lost her child. "When the third moon falls, the beast will devour the sky."

As suddenly as it started, it ends. I'm standing beside Father, totally disoriented. Am I standing? I look down at my feet, because I feel legless. I'm floating. Struggling to regain control of my mind, my body, the shock.

I grip the clipboard and pen with my knees, so that I can draw my palms across my twitching eyelids, astonished that I'm actually still holding onto anything.

"Did you see that flash? Did you hear that creepy voice?" I'm breathless, massaging my pounding temples with burning fingertips. "My head feels like it's about to split open." I rattle each eardrum with a pinky, then plug my ears to listen intently. Was the urgent whisper that turned me to stone inside my head? Phantom sounds? I've never experienced this kind of phenomenon before. "My eyes pain."

Father regards me with a mix of surprise and concern. "You have a migraine?"

"Migraine?" I scoff. What the fuck, loops through my head. I'm freaked out, left with a strange feeling this is not going to be like other days. I try to shake it off, like I shake him off.

The sky is now clear and so perfectly blue, it looks as though it's been painted by deliberate strokes of an artist's brush. It is a seamless dome of beauty. If we were not receiving today, I might be lying on the pristine beach, permitting my thoughts to wander far beyond my own boundaries. Maybe I'd be lounging on my bluff, or climb my watchtower tree, burrow into its welcoming arms where I collect my years, watch over all that is mine.

"Feeling better?" His voice is buffered, but coarse enough to jar me from thought.

Skimming Father, my gaze snaps back to the waves, the skiff that is almost upon us. "I'm fine." I don’t mention how bad my body aches, and feels like it’s being torn apart. I stretch my arms, then my neck, trying to pin down what I did to cause these muscle spasms. The bomb that’s about to explode in my head.

When the ocean is calm it's translucent, sparkling with sunlight as though it's coated with billions of precious gemstones. Today it's not much more than rolling waves and seaweed.

"I've never seen it this rough." Between wind and thunderous surf, I have to face him or my voice will be useless.

"Storms." His reply is blunt.

"You wouldn't know it by the sky." I bring my gaze to a more pleasant sight.

"There's one brewing out there. You'd feel it if you had my knees." Staring gravely at the ocean, his body is rigid.

"Are you in pain?"

"Nothing I can't handle."

"Let's hope the weather holds off until we've settled them."

"Rain or shine, we've got our work cut out for us, Brook."

"As always." My stomach rises to my throat as I watch their approach. I wonder if I'll ever get used to this way of life. Do I want to? Of course not. There are so many other things I'd rather be doing right now, like hopping onto that boat, and for starters, checking out the other side of this island.

Beyond the boat, a floating veil of mist rolls in like billows of steam from a tremendous boiling kettle. I am no longer able to see the large vessel from which the skiff was launched.

The atmosphere of the island is as such, inviting one moment, rejecting the next. Father calls it a gentle beast, with characteristics and charm like the women he has known. My glance shifts, falling upon the shoreline curve where a jetty, composed of rocks chiseled and stacked by nature, projects like the nose of a dolphin and the forest begins. This is as far as my eyes pan.

"Thank you for cutting your hair." For a moment his eyes wash over me, then his gaze refocuses on the others who are struggling against the relentless current. "I know it pains you."

"Don't you mean shearing?" I huff. "I don't understand why I can't grow it long. I have awesome hair, or so I've been told." I smirk.

He shoots me a phony glare. "You've been told, huh? No cozying up to any of these girls. I don't want another batch begging to stay."

"I'm not a womanizer. Just good company." I shrug.

"No nighttime jaunts to the lagoon, either. And I mean it this time." Now his glare is authentic.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. Stay out of the lagoon. Out of the forest. Out of the lockers. Pretend to like my boring life."

He almost looks sympathetic. "One of these days you'll understand."

"What? Why I can't swim at night?"

"You're impossible sometimes, and the reason I ask you to cut your hair is to set a good example."

I let out a tired sigh. My hand runs over my smooth scalp, the shadow of bristles so short and sun-bleached, my reflection in a mirror looks hairless. If not for my deeply tanned skin, I would look anemic.

"Seems a waste. Six or more inches of attractive dark hair again and again swept into the trash." My jaw sets as our discussion continues. "I like my hair long. It makes me feel ..."

"Like a rock star?" He chuckles, scrubbing my head playfully. "In so many ways you remain such a child, yet you desire to be worldly. Do you admire them?"

"Not as you might be thinking." My eyes lower, landing upon my anxious toes digging through a mound of sand.

I swing my gaze across the vast horizon which is now shaded with purples and blues, fantasizing about the places beyond. The order of the world not contained within this globe of existence called Defiance Island. I know the temperament of the waywards, but wonder what others are like. Are they beautiful? Intelligent? Kindhearted? Do they possess the nature that can make a man want to tear another to shreds?

January Valentine is the pen name of Victoria Valentine, New York writer and indie book publisher. See Victoria's Author pages: January Valentine & Victoria Valentine

I chose to use a pen name because some of my writing is steamy, and I wanted to separate Victoria, who writes contemporary fiction and children's storybooks. Since my birth month is January, January Valentine seemed an appropriate pseudonym.

I also host a blogtalkradio show: Away With Words, every Wednesday evening at 6 PM EST where I interview other writers and poets and discuss writing in general: Blog Talk Radio

In June, I released my first paranormal romance, Beautiful Experiment, book one of Island of Defiance Trilogy. Wheel Wolf was released on August 20th, and instantly became an Amazon bestseller in Horror/Suspense/Paranormal.

I've written three other novels: Love Dreams contemporary romance, Sweet Dreams in the Mind of a Serial Killer, and Head Over Wheels New Adult romance. All are available on Amazon and other booksellers, or will be shortly in ebook and paperback.

I publish books for other authors through Water Forest Press, which I founded some years ago. In the past I have written poetry and song lyrics, but now I focus on fiction. I've created multiple websites and blogs that I don't have time to manage very well.

My desire to be in a rock band brought me into a recording studio ... where my lyrics sprang to life with the help of a local alternative rock band. Together, we produced a CD.

I enjoy designing book covers and YouTube videos, and outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. I love all kinds of music. Watching horror flicks and Tyler Perry movies are my escape from reality.

I have an addiction to engraved pens that I buy to accompany each of my books. My office is filled with paperbacks, t-shirts, silver bullets, wolf head necklaces, crystals, and all kinds of swag.   My sites and pages.

Website: http://www.januaryvalentine.com
Blog: http://januaryvalentine.blogspot.com/
Blog: http://victoriaskyline.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictoriaJanuaryValentine
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaSkyline Blog Radio Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aww1
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/janvicval/boards/

Happy One Year Bookiversary to THE MODIFIED by CA Kunz!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 13:29:00 +0000

**GIVEAWAY** Today #TheModified by @AuthorCAKunz is 1 yr old! Enter the #bookiversary giveaway on FB! PLZ RT! https://t.co/ONVBigEu3O
— PartTime Bibliophile (@PT_Bibliophile) October 8, 2013

Book Trailer Blast: Lily of the Valley by Sarah Daltry

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Lily of the Valley

(A Flowering Novel)

by Sarah Daltry

Warning:

This is a New Adult Romance book.

It contains mature subject matter and may be inappropriate for some readers.

Not recommended for readers under the age of 17.

Synopsis:
You met them in Forget Me Not.

Now, hear Jack’s story.

Plagued by a dark past, Jack sees college as a way out. Desperate to escape the area where he grew up, the people who know his secrets, and his own family, he deals with his problems through alcohol and sex.

When he first sees Lily, she’s the epitome of everything he hates. Yet something about her makes Jack rethink everything he knows and assumes about other people. Now, with the help of his best friend and lover, Jack has to decide if he wants to pursue something that he knows will only end badly.

Can Lily be one of the few people who can see Jack for who he really is – or will his darkness be too much for her to handle?

Buy the Book:

Paperback ~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Apple

Smashwords ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo ~ All Romance

Book Trailer

Sarah Daltry writes erotica and romance that ranges from sweet to steamy. She moves around a lot and has trouble committing to things. Lily of the Valley is her third full length novel, although she also has several story collections and two novellas available. Her other novels are Forget Me Not, the story that tells Lily’s version of events, and Bitter Fruits, which will be released by Escape Publishing in December. When Sarah isn’t writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

Connect with Sarah:

Website: http://sarahdaltry.com
Email: sarah.daltry@gmail.com

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on tumblr

Fall Into UtopYA Day 5: Rivulet by Jamie Magee

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Book Description:

Unfathomable forces have always contested Genevieve Indiana Falcon, known as Indie. The curse of her cold touch entraps her just as the grief ignited in her past torments her. Yet, her mysterious ability to dream while awake saturates her in the belief that she was not always anguished. There is hope that one day a true peace in her soul can be found.

Foolishly, Indie assumes she has contained her life in an odd balance, and she cherishes the visions she sees of the enigmatic boy that held her in a lost time, but can never reach. She grieves for a life she fears she'll never possess, and that grief is a weapon she uses against her aunt who stands between her and her inheritance.Weeks away from her twenty-first birthday, the date where she would assume control over her family legacy, a night terror robs Indie of the balance she was clinging to. Like the dream she had before she lost her family, it predicts a fatal catastrophe on the horizon. The fight between life and death, good and evil, began the moment her thundering heart awoke her. Everything changed after that dream. The one thing that keeps her curse at bay is stolen, and then the enigmatic boy arrives in the flesh. Face to face with her fiery born-again lover Indie realizes that the only way she can prevent the tragedy before her is to surrender everything she was, is, and could be. Can she bend the laws of nature and fight the improbability that fire and ice could ever be one? As far as Indie is concerned, there is not a myth, spoken fate, or curse that is stronger than her stubborn desire to have it all ... including him.

Add Rivulet to your Goodreads shelf.

Rivulet is available on Amazon.com.

Jamie Magee has always believed that each of us have a defining gift that sets us apart from the rest of the world, she has always envied those who have known from their first breath what their gift was. Not knowing hers, she began a career in the fast paced world of business. Raising a young family, and competing to rise higher in that field would drive some to the point of insanity, but she always found a moment of escape in a passing daydream. Her imagination would take her to places she’d never been, introduce her to people she’s never known. Insight, her debuting novel, is a result of that powerful imagination. Today, she is grateful that not knowing what defined her, led her on a path of discovery that would always be a part of her.

Author Contact Links:

Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Amazon Author Page

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Fall Into UtopYA Day 4: Fire in the Darkness by Stacey Marie Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:16:00 +0000

FIRE IN THE DARKNESS

(Darkness Series #2)

It's been four weeks since Ember Brycin witnessed what her powers are capable of. The Electrical Current Storm has turned Seattle, Washington into a natural disaster zone. The death toll is in the thousands with countless others homeless and hungry. And Ember is the one who caused it. Something she will have to live with every day. Those people who were unable to escape either turned quickly into gangs or live in shelters. Ember, on the other hand, can’t do either. With a price on her head and a Dark Dweller on her ass, she is constantly on the move. Both Light and Dark are hunting her for their own purpose to use her as a weapon or a pawn in the war between the Unseelie King of the Dark and the Seelie Queen of the Light. Em needs help but doesn’t know who to trust: Lars, the mystery man Torin told her to find? Torin, the Seelie Queen’s personal knight, who has sworn to keep Em safe? Or Eli, who wants to turn her over to the Unseelie King, but whom she has an undeniable, intense connection with? No matter what she chooses she will probably lose—her life or everything and everyone she loves

Add Fire in the Darkness to your Goodreads shelf

Fire in the Darkness can be pruchased at Amazon.com

Stacey Marie Brown works by day as an Interior/Set Designer and by night a writer of paranormal fantasy, adventure and literary fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music or designing.

Author Contact Links:

Website ~ Facebook Author Page ~ Facebook Book Page ~ Goodreads ~

Amazon ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Google+

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Fall Into UtopYA Day 3: Burning in Water by Arielle Caldwell

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 14:18:00 +0000

Marya with Strong Image Editing, has done an amazing job with the cover!
She [did] each one for The Nerita Torlan Trilogy by Arielle.
Burning in Water is book one in the series.

The Nerita Torlan Trilogy, Book One Synopsis:

Nerita is the twenty-two year old daughter of a water goddess who was given to Cari, a fairy, to be raised by on land. Her memories are bound and shifted after Cari disappears. Gavan, her trainer, helps to strengthen her powers and helps her to realize her true potential. When she is old enough, he takes her to Camberton to meet the queen of the fairy folk, Rueh. While there, she learns the truth to her past and the future she is meant to have. The more time she spends around Gavan, the harder it becomes to deny her feelings for him. He is holding on to a secret that shocks and hurts Nerita. Can she forgive him for what he could never tell her? She is confronted by Ahlic, the shifter who has taken everything from her. Now that her powers are getting stronger, she sets out to find him and bring down his kingdom. Along the way, she discovers more about herself than she could ever imagine; forever changing her life. Can the daughter of a goddess be strong enough? Or will she falter; costing the lives of those around her? Follow Nerita on her journeys of love, sorrow, and vengeance.

Arielle Caldwell began writing in grade school but never pursued a career in it until early 2012. She started writing poetry in middle school and progressed to books a few years later. She is a proud Cajun from Louisiana but was raised in Pensacola, Florida. Shortly after graduating high school, she joined the US Navy where she met her husband and became the mother of two wonderfully crazy little boys. After separating from the military, she decided to go to college in Texas. A year later, she moved back to Pensacola when offered a job at the naval base as a civilian contractor. She is currently juggling college, work, family, writing, managing her website, Arc Indie Reviews, and being a columnist for APSS, the new Small Publishers of America newsletter. She loves going to the river with her family and friends or to the water park for a few hours. Her Kindle is overflowing with books, she loves rock music the most, and she loves to sing and dance with her children around the house. Her first series, The Nerita Torlan Trilogy, has two books currently released. “Burning in Water” is her debut book, also being book one in the series with “Drowning in Fire” book two, released as well. Book three is “The Awakening” and in the works. “After-Ending” is her dystopian novel that has a planned release of beginning to mid 2014. She resides in Pensacola with her husband, two kids, and their Great Dane, Scooby.

Contact Arielle:

Facebook: AFCaldwellsBooks
Email: Arielle Caldwell
Twitter: @ArielleCaldwell
Publisher: Nevermore Press

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Blog Tour & Interview: Crest of the Blood Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:00:00 +0000

CREST OF THE BLOOD MOON

is the
3rd installment of the

Blood Moon Series
by Robin P. Waldrop

CREST OF THE BLOOD MOON
Book Links:

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Obsessive coffee drinker, unicorn enthusiast, batman devotee, video rock band guitarist, softball fan, rockin grandma, voracious reader, and award winning author of YA/urban fantasy and suspense/thriller novels and short stories.

PTB: How long have you been writing?

RPW: I've only been writing for a little over two years, but as far back as I can remember I loved telling stories. If my mother was still alive she could tell you how some of my story telling got me into big trouble...lol.

PTB: What inspired you to write this story? How did it begin?

RPW: This series began as a horrible nightmare. And, after sitting up all night and talking about it with my oldest daughter, a story was born.

PTB: What's the best advice you've been given since you became an author?

RPW: Three words: Never give up! That's what other authors kept telling me. If you love what you do, never let anyone talk you into quitting.

PTB: Who are your favorite authors?

RPW: I have too many to list them all, but a few of the ones I've read recently are, Rachel Higginson, Amy Plum, Aaron P. Lazar, Amanda Hocking-her earlier works.

PTB: What are you reading right now?

RPW: Vortex, by Lindsey J Parsons

PTB: If you could only read 5 books for the rest of your life, what would they be?

RPW: I have so many favorites I just couldn't pick only 5.

PTB: You're being abducted by aliens, but they allow you to bring only 5 things from home. What do you bring?

RPW: Coffee, Splenda, Creamer, Fruit Loops, and my lap top.

PTB: Which character in this book are you most attached to?

RPW: Genevieve is my favorite. I have watched her grow from a whiny, bratty, stubborn pain in the butt to a strong, beautiful, vibrant, and brave young woman. I love her and every one of my young characters like they were my children.

PTB: What's for favorite thing to snack on while writing?

RPW: Dry Fruit Loops

Myths.

Legends.

Fairytales.

For most people they are stories, but for one girl they are her history. Genevieve finds herself in a world she never knew existed. And she's not sure if she wants to be a part of it.

Genevieve Labreck is back with a score to settle. Her mom has been kidnapped by Zane, hybrid and all-around monster. Rumors fly that Gen’s mom is holed away in Prague, a city recognized by humans for its serene beauty and intense culture, but Gen and Will know something humans don’t. Prague is haunted by dark, evil forces.

Can Gen and Will save her mom, or will they be too late?

Some will live, others will fall. At what price do you walk away from those you love?

Be sure to check back on

October 28th

to see my review of

CREST OF THE BLOOD MOON

Fall Into UtopYA Day 2: Something Great by M. Clarke

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:48:00 +0000

* This is a New Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+

due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

Synopsis: She didn’t know what she was missing…until he found her. Maxwell Knight was positively trouble, dangerously good-looking, and seductively charming. He was everything Jeanella didn’t need in her life. Only Maxwell didn’t see it that way. His pursuit was relentless, making her even more determined to push him away. Fresh out of college, life was simple and plain for Jeanella Mefferd. Every part of her life was smooth sailing; her friends, her job, and even the guy she’d started dating. Then one night, while at dinner, she spotted someone who made her feel things she’d never felt before—dangerous, heart pounding and breathless heat. Thinking she would never see him again, she brushed it off, but when she started to run into him unexpectedly, all she could think of was how he made her feel with his sweet flirtations. Everything about Maxwell Knight screamed trouble, especially when she found out he was her new boss’s son. Now, heading to a New York fashion show, would she be able to focus on her career instead of Maxwell, who had been scheduled to attend with her? As much as she tried to forget their encounters, his good looks, smooth words and determination to win her over gravitated her toward him. The next thing she knew, her mind was utterly consumed by him. Would she be willing to ignore all the dangerous signs and jump into his arms? Or would she miss out on the chance of finding something great?

Add Something Great to your Goodreads shelf

Purchase Something Great for 99cents on Amazon.com

About the Author:

M. Clarke also known as Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Author Contact Links:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Website

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Blog Blitz: To Right A Wrong by A.C. Wilson

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Orphaned. Rejected. Ruined. How many wrongs can any one person take?

Miss Candace Green is orphaned along with her younger sister and sent to her paternal uncle's home. Intruding on his bachelor's status, he sends them to be "lady's companions" in Bristol.

A year in Bristol envelopes Candace in darkness and desperate to keep her sister from such a fate, they escape to find shelter with their mother's estranged family in London. Family that disowned their mother for marrying a man beneath their class, their father.

En route to London, Candace encounters many people who will change her life forever. She is stunned by their kindness, humbled by their understanding and overwhelmed by their love. As one such person, Lord Blackstone is determined to introduce Candace into polite society while securing her position in the arms of her family. All the while he must fight to hold onto her while trying to right so many wrongs. Is love enough? Can it heal such devastating wounds?

You can find

"To Right a Wrong"

at the following sites:

Goodreads
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
Kobo

"You may do what you like with me, but my sister is an innocent. I am taking her to London to our grandparents where she will be safe." Candace tried not to breathe, tried desperately to think.

"That is true." He searched her eyes, his lips inches from her own. "I should not like the idea of those brutes taking you with them. Such a treasure would be wasted on them." He made it a point of her seeing him sweeping her body with his eyes. Her breath caught as heat flamed through her. She should have been able to withstand such emotional assaults by now, but something about Blackstone made her feel as if she were feeling this all for the first time.

It might have been a novel idea if only she could forget all of the rest who had come before. She met his eyes again, stumbling once over his lips.

"You won't let us go, will you?" She received an affirmative nod. "What would you ask for keeping us hidden from those men?" Blackstone quirked a grin, tilting his head ever so slightly. Seconds seemed an eternity. Candace felt like she was drowning and a flame all at the same time. His warm breath touched her neck as he spoke.

"I would have settled for the truth, but now I want much more." His words settled in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't take her eyes from his. His meaning was absolutely impossible to mistake. She had made so many mistakes that accepting his help in exchange for her body didn't seem the highest price to pay. Blackstone waited for her to come to the conclusion that there was no other option. This blackmail wasn't his finest hour, he was a big enough man to admit that.

A.C. Wilson, is a pseudonym for Amanda Wilson Cornell. I felt that it would allow me more freedom as a writer. I live In Abilene, Kansas with my husband, Jesse and my two boys, Hunter (4 yrs) and Ty (1 yr). I grew up in Morrill, Nebraska where my family still ranches and farms in the panhandle. I have a Bachelors in Agri-Business and Finance as well as a Masters in Business Administration. I stay at home during the day with my boys and at night, I am an assistant manager for a local hotel in Abilene.

I started writing romance novels four years ago when Hunter was born. I have always loved to read and Historical Romance, mostly set in Regency England, was inspiring. Suddenly there were characters developing, evolving and speaking to me. I just started writing. I had no idea what I was doing. I let the characters tell their stories. I knew that I wanted my characters to be deeper than the flighty debutantes and random rakes of the time period. I wanted real problems to come to light.

My first novel is Rockwell's Lady, Historical Regency Romance, and was published July 2013. To Right A Wrong is another Historical Regency Romance, was just published September 1, 2013. I am currently working on a Contemporary Romance, Black Hills Angel, set to release December 2013.

I love to hear from my readers. Email or Facebook me!

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Fall Into UtopYA Day 1: Veiled Shadows by Morgan Wylie

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Today is the first day of the
Fall into UtopYa Party

and

It is RELEASE DAY for
Veiled Shadows
(The Age of Alandria: Book Two)!!

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: Red Cabin Publishing

Release date: Oct 1, 2013

Blurb:

Shadows linger where light is obstructed, and truth is veiled.

Evil is an untreated disease in the once beautiful realm of Alandria.

Kaeleigh is faced with a revelation that she must reconcile. She will decide if discovering the truth is worth the unknown consequences to both herself and her friends.

Daegan, the Ferrishyn warrior, is conflicted by more than his loyalties, and is confronted with emotions he doesn’t know how to deal with. A choice must be made. A choice… that may cost him more than he ever wanted to give.

The Droch-Shúil—enforcers and servants of the ancient darkness—continue to cast their shadow over Alandria seeking those who can be turned to their side.

The magic of The Orchids is growing, but not everyone will survive what is to come.

Veiled Shadows is the second installment in The Age of Alandria series: the story of the Sol-lumieth’s quest for freedom of self and the power to battle the evil of the Droch-Shúil.

Buy links:

Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo Smashwords

Add to Goodreads!!

Morgan Wylie, originally from the Pacific Northwest, now resides near Nashville, TN with her husband and daughter. She and her husband work everyday at their individual and combined creative pursuits while she learns to balance being “Mama”, wife, and mediator to the many voices and muses constantly chattering in her head.

You can find her and news on her books at the following:

MorganWylie.net

MorganWylieBooks on Facebook

@MWylieBooks on Twitter

Info@MorganWylie.net Email

Goodreads and Amazon (Author Bio)

Silent Orchids (The Age of Alandria: Book One):

A dying realm.

The ancient evil of the Droch-Shúil has been unleashed.

The Orchids have been silenced… but for how long?

Daegan, elite of the Ferrishyn warrior tribe of Faeries, is charged with a mission to find the Sol-lumieth, a mysterious new power that could change the fate of all in the realm of Alandria. But he is conflicted by his purpose, and he cannot trust the motives of those he serves. He has too many questions and they must be answered.

Kaeleigh, a girl abandoned as a small child just outside Missoula, Montana, is now 18. She is trying to discover who she is and where she belongs. In her heart, she feels she has family out there… somewhere. Desperate to unravel the mysteries of her past, she embarks on a journey that will forever change her along with her two best friends, Finn and Chel—who have secrets of their own.

Amazon Barnes&Noble Smashwords Kobo iTunes

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Book Trailer Blast: Waking Up Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Available in 2013 from Solstice Publishing http://www.solsticepublishing.com/

Be sure to add Waking Up Dead to your Goodreads bookshelves

When Dallas resident Callie Taylor died young, she expected to go to Heaven, or maybe Hell. Instead, she met her fate early thanks to a creep with a knife and a mommy complex. Now she's witnessed another murder, and she's not about to let this one go. She's determined to help solve it before an innocent man goes to prison. And to answer the biggest question of all: why the hell did she wake up in Alabama?

When I died, I expected to go to heaven.

Okay. Maybe hell. It’s not like I was perfect or anything. But I was sort of hoping for heaven.

Instead, I went to Alabama.

Yeah. I know. It’s weird.

I died in Dallas, my hometown. I was killed, actually. Murdered. I’ll spare you the gruesome details. I don’t like to remember them myself. Some jerk with a knife--and probably a Bad-Mommy complex.

Believe me, if I knew where he was, I’d go haunt his ass.

At any rate, by the time death came, I was ready for it--ready to stop hurting, ready to let go. I didn’t even fight it.

And then I woke up dead in Alabama. Talk about pissed off.

You know, even reincarnation would have been fine with me--I could have started over, clean slate and all that. Human, cow, bug. Whatever. But no. I ended up haunting someplace I’d never even been.

That’s not the way it’s supposed to work, right? Ghosts are supposed to be the tortured spirits of those who cannot let go of their earthly existence. If they could be convinced to follow the light, they’d leave behind said earthly existence and quit scaring the bejesus out of the poor folks who run across them. That’s what all those “ghost hunter” shows on television tell us.

Let me tell you something. The living don’t know jack about the dead.

Not this dead chick, anyway.

Margo Bond Collins lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, several spoiled cats, and a ridiculous turtle. She teaches college-level English courses online, though writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and other monsters. Waking Up Dead is her first published novel. Her second novel, Legally Undead, is an urban fantasy, forthcoming in 2014 from World Weaver Press.

Connect with Margo

Website

Twitter @MargoBondCollin

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Novel Page

Blog Tour & Review: Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorensen

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Warning: This book contains mature subject matter and may be inappropriate for some readers.

Not recommended for readers under the age of 17.

Nova and Quinton are two young people dealing with great tragedies in their past.

Nova lives her life by the numbers, constantly counting. From the time she wakes up, she counts anything and everything throughout the day to keep control over her life, her emotions, her pain. After returning from school, which gave her a reprieve from her grief, she comes home to the source of her pain and falls ever more into despair.

Quinton just wants to be numb. He doesn't want to feel anything and doesn't think he deserves to anyway. After being kicked out of his home, he turns to the only person that will take him in. A place where he can get high and have sex with no emotion or responsibilities.

When their paths cross, Nova and Quinton find themselves unable to fight all the feelings that start to develop, no matter how hard they try. Nova discovers ways to ease the need to count, one of them is Quinton. And Quinton begins to feel...

Then, a trip with their friends changes everything.

Sometimes you read a book that you think about all the time. The characters and their stories constantly run through your mind. Breaking Nova is a story that haunts me. I had so many feelings that I sat down several times to write this summary and review. I've dealt with many things in my past similar to what Nova has gone through, and I know what it's like to feel lost. I think everyone does or has at some point in their lives. That's why this is such an amazing book. It shows you that even if things seem really bad, they're not always that bad. There is some good, even if for a brief moment. If you can string the little bits of good together, maybe you can make it back. Not always, but sometimes you can get close.

There's no way around it. If you read this book, you will cry. This story is filled with so much heartbreak, you can almost feel it. But there are also times that you will laugh or at least smile.

Breaking Nova is the perfect start to what seems will be an amazing series. I'm anxiously awaiting book 2.

On a side note: I've heard about some reviews criticizing authors for exposing and glamorizing sex, drug use, suicide and probably a hundred other awful things in their books. The sad truth is that all these things are a reality with our kids today. Even in small town Kansas, we have our drug use, teenage pregnancies, violence and suicides. It's not a pretty picture, but it happens. And more often than one might think. Jessica does an incredible job showing the actuality of what can happen to young adults who have lost their way. And how tragedy affects people differently, especially our youth.

This book is AMAZING! Go out and buy your copy RIGHT NOW!

Breaking Nova on Goodreads

Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she's getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn't want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he's done, what he's lost. He's sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he's too damaged to get close to her, yet she's the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

You can buy "Breaking Nova" at the following sites:

Amazon Barnes and Noble

Kobo iTunes

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Jessica's Website

Jessica on Twitter: @jessFallenStar

Jessica on Facebook

Jessica on Goodreads

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*Disclaimer: I have not been paid or compensated in any way for my reviews. Books are either my personal print or e-book copies, borrowed from friends, check out at my local library, ARCs or provided by the author or publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

Cover Reveal: Grimnirs by Ednah Walters

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Book Title: Grimnirs
Series: A Runes Novel
Author: Ednah Walters
Release Date: December 2nd 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Firetrail Publishing
Presented by: Twisted Book Tours and More & As You Wish Tours
Banner Made by: Camelia Miron Skiba

Grimnirs on Goodreads

One lost love.

One lost best friend.

One hot soul reaper.

Straight out of the psyche ward, Cora just wants her life to be normal. She doesn’t want to see souls or the reapers collecting them. The love of her life, the guy she’s loved from a distance for years, has moved away without saying goodbye. So yes, she’s nursing a serious heartbreak. It’s no wonder love is the last thing on her mind when Echo storms into her life.

The chemistry between them is mind-blowing. The connection defies logic. It doesn’t help that Echo is the poster boy for everything she hates in a guy—hot, beautiful, and cocky. A general pain-in-the-butt. Being around him makes her feel more alive than she’s ever felt before. But more important, the souls leave her alone when he is around.

Echo is perfect for her. Echo might even be her soul-mate. There is only one problem. Echo is a freaking soul reaper. A Grimnir. The very beings she wants out of her life. Maybe normal is overrated because Cora wants it all. Answers. Love. A life. You see, once you fall for a Grimnir, your life will never be the same again.

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at www.ednahwalters.com

Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. IMMORTALS is book 2. She is presently working on book 3, GRIMNIRS (Release date TBA). Read more about this series and the world she's created here www.runestheseries.com

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six. You can visit her online at or www.ebwalters.com.
AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook Twitter

Website Goodreads

Amazon Author B&N Author

Smashwords Kobo

Release Day Blitz: Moirai by Ruth Silver

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Moirai by Ruth Silver (Book 2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science-Fiction

Goodreads

Summary:

Olivia has been on the run from the government of Cabal since the marriage ceremony. Finally settling in and finding herself a place to call home, in Shadow, Olivia and Joshua are preparing for the uprising that they and the rebel alliance have been planning for months.

With new abilities and special talents, from Mindonsiphan, Olivia learns that she can do more than most ordinary eighteen year olds. Learning both to hide and perfect her skills will be one of the biggest challenges she'll be forced to face.

A constant rollercoaster of emotion and adventure await Olivia and Joshua, as they embark on a journey to the rebel city of Torv, and what was once home, Genesis.

“He wants her thrown in the dumpster.” I grimaced as I approached the mattress. “Help me.” I gestured towards the body. “I can't carry her on my own.” Even if I could, I wasn't doing this alone.

“I'm not throwing her away like garbage!” Lisa crossed her arms. “Think of something else, Jacqueline.”

“We could grab some wood, wrap her body, and burn her.” I glanced around the small bedroom. It was mostly empty, except for the dresser against the wall. There were no trinkets, no signs of another life outside of Genesis. I couldn't help but wonder if anyone missed her from back home.

“How are we going to do that without getting caught?” Lisa asked.

“I don't know. Craynor will know we did it.” We were the ones that were told to throw the body away.

“We could find a place in the far end of the lot and bury her.”

Lisa frowned. “No, I like the idea of burning her body. We'd be making a statement. Anita would have approved.”

“If we get caught, we'll be killed,” I reminded her. So much for staying out of trouble.

“He's killing his servants. You don't think that demands attention?” Lisa huffed. “I would have liked to know what I was getting involved in before I worked here.”

“It wasn't like you had a choice.” I reminded her bitterly. That was what we were fighting for: our freedom to make choices. Whether they were right or wrong, they were our choices to make.

“Even so,” Lisa scoffed, “she deserves more than being thrown away like a piece of trash.”

Footsteps clomped through the hallway, just outside the door. “Well whatever we decide, we need to do it fast.”

Aberrant by Ruth Silver (Book 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science-Fiction

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Summary:

In the future Dystopian society of Cabal, the government instills equality for all and offers its citizens the perfect system. There is food, shelter and jobs for everyone. The one requirement is to follow the rules without question, including the government's match in marriage and "The Day of the Chosen", a lottery that randomly selects families to conceive children as natural means hasn't existed in generations. Following her eighteenth birthday, Olivia Parker accepts her requirement to marry her childhood best friend, Joshua Warren, and is eager to start her work assignment and new life when it all comes abruptly to an end as she's arrested and thrown in prison. The only crime committed, her existence. Olivia is unlike the rest of the world born not from "The Day of the Chosen." The truth haunts the government and puts her life in grave danger as one simple fact would destroy the perfect system.

With Joshua's help, Olivia breaks free of prison and is forced on the run. Together they set out to find the promised rebel town in search of a new home and new life together. Their situation seems less than promising as they reach the town of Haven. New rules and customs must be adhered to in order to stay. Leaving would mean most certain death in the large expanse of the Gravelands. Time is running out as the government mounts an attack to destroy Olivia and bury her secret with her. Thrown into a world unlike their own, they must quickly adapt to survive.

Ruth Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories. Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories. Her debut novel published by Lazy Day Publishing, ABERRANT, was released April 2013. The second novel in the series, MOIRAI, continues the saga. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

You can visit her online at http://writeawaybliss.com.

Author Follow Links:

Website: http://writeawaybliss.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/writeawaybliss

Facebook: http://facebook.com/writeawaybliss

Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/ruthsilver

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Winners: 10 Blogs in 10 Days Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 03:04:00 +0000

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Winner of the e-book copy of

is....

Marilyn O.

AND

the winner of the

AWESOME SWAG PACK

from UTOPYA 2013

is...

Kim P.

Congratulations Ladies!

Thanks for participating in the

10 Blogs in 10 Days Event!

Unfortunately...

there were

no winners

for my

2nd Chance Drawing!

If you commented, let me know,

and I'll send you something out!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

DARKEST LEGACY Review & Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:50:00 +0000

Last week I did an author spotlight on Allyson Gottlieb and her novella DARKEST LEGACY. There were all kinds of fun things going on: author interview, excerpt from the book, Tamara's playlist, a book trailer and cast pics and bios. If you missed any, check them out in the ARCHIVES.

Today, I'm giving my review and announcing the winner of the giveaway! But, first, lets take a look at the book.

Book Summary:

A fast-paced, high-stakes novella

Everyone has secrets they'd prefer stayed buried. But information wants to be free... and so does Tamara Kingsley's ex-lover, incarcerated on the maximum-security prison planet, Alpha.

Tamara has done things she's not proud of, but that was years ago.

Now the headmistress of the Silvermist School of Magic for Girls, she has an honest life, one that makes her happy. For the last twenty years she's fought like hell to keep it that way, and she thought she'd succeeded.

She's about to find out just how wrong she was to think her past was dead and gone.

Review:
This novella is a quick read and not just because it's only 51 pages. The story draws you in and before you know it, you're right there in Tamara's world. The story begins with Tamara, the protagonist, as the headmistress of the Silvermist School of Magic for Girls. She soon learns some very disturbing news that sends us into a flashback of her as a young girl at Ravenwood Academy for Dark Magic. The book goes between the present and the past as we find out about her relationship with Valentine, the irresistible boy that taught her how to channel her magic, and the decisions she made to bring her to where she is today.

This novella is a cross between a couple of my two favorite series, Harry Potter and The Mortal Instruments. There's some characteristics of both within the story. Of course, there's the magic, schools for magic and the magic prison, like Harry Potter, but there's also where the story leads which is similar to that of Jocelyn and Valentine Morgenstern and The Circle in The Mortal Instruments.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I got into the story right away and was fully engulfed. There were elements that just about anyone can relate to. First loves, friendships lost then rekindled. Making decisions we may or may not regret. Or, going down roads we wished we hadn't. And although coming back from those places can be agonizing, doing the right thing will always pay off in the end. (That's as much as I can give you without spoilers.)

My only complaint is that with the material present I believe the story could have been presented differently to flow a little bit better. Although knowing the outcome of the story before it's fully realized can be painstaking, remember this, it's not the destination, but the journey that makes the story. There are more books to come that will fill in the gaps missing in the first installment of the Darkest Legacy Series. The next one gives us more insight to Valentine. I'm always interested in reading a story from another characters perspective.

Darkest Shadows is estimated to be released sometime in December.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner...

Well, they didn't win a chicken dinner, but a couple of e-books will do right?

The winner of the DARKEST LEGACY GIVEAWAY is....

TRISH R.

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I'm being featured on 10 Blogs in 10 Days Giveaway Event & 2nd Chance Drawing!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Thanks

Ramblings of an Author

for including me in the awesome event!

Oooh! And there's a giveaway too!

Look at all the awesome stuff you could win!

I've got some awesome swag

from UtopYA 2013 to giveaway,

so be sure to enter!

**2nd Chance Bonus Giveaway**

If you checked out the 10 Blogs in 10 Days Event

and entered the Giveaway,

let me know in the comments

and I'll enter you in a drawing to win

some of that awesome swag from UtopYA 2013!

I've got bookmarks, pens, bracelets, tattoos,

and lots of other stuff!

A winner will be picked at random at the end of the

10 Blogs in 10 Days Event!

Good Luck!

Guest Review by Sydney: Remembrance (Transcend Time #1) by Michelle Madow

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 16:34:00 +0000

Today is an especially exciting day on the blog for me. I had this idea of having teenagers read books from indie authors and write reviews on them. The response from the authors was amazing. I had several authors offer up their books for the cause.

I finally found a young girl more than willing to help. She's an avid reader and an aspiring author. She's already written some short stories (which someday I hope to share with you all, if she'll let me) and submitted them online.

I'm very excited to have Miss Sydney share her thoughts with us. Let's give her a round of applause!

Without further ado.

Remembrance (Transcend Time #1) by Michelle Madow

Book Cover & Summary:

Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy.

Sydney's Review:

The book Remembrance by Michelle Madow is a very thrilling romance novel. Everything about this book draws you in. It’s a well written book, and the author describes every little detail perfectly. You get a real grasp on how the characters are feeling throughout the story.

The book starts off a little slow, but, as you progress, everything starts to fall into place. Lizzie is dating the soccer star Jeremy; they’ve been dating for three years, and everything is perfect. Except one thing ― Drew. He’s new to their school and right when Lizzie lays eyes on him, something just clicks. Maybe it’s the fact that he just seems so familiar. Lizzie can’t seem to get her mind off of him, but she knows deep down that nothing can happen between them. She’s dating Jeremy, and Drew is dating Chelsea, her best friend. Even though she knows it’s wrong, she can’t help but fall for Drew. He’s keeping his distance though, and nothing seems to be going the way she planned. Maybe she just needs to get him out of her head, but is that possible? Everything about him brings back small memories, but from where? All of her memories of him are from the 1800’s, but this is the 21st century. How is that even possible? She’s only a junior in high school. She wasn’t alive then, was she?

Remembrance is an excellent story. If you’re looking for an addictive book to read, here it is. I think anyone who’s into romance and mystery should definitely give this book a try. I absolutely love it, and so will you. Remembrance is book one of the Transcended Time Saga by Michelle Madow. She did a brilliant job of adding suspense to such a laid back book. The ending leaves you hanging, and makes you want to read more.

I have not been paid or compensated in any way for my reviews. Books are either my personal copies, print or downloaded, borrowed from friends, checked out at my local library, ARC’s or provided by the author or publisher for free exchange for an honest review.

Sydney Rain

You can find REMEMBRANCE by Michelle Madow on...
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

and you can get Transcendence (Transcend Time Bonus Packet) with lots of goodies and extras.
It's FREE on Smashwords

Be sure to stop by and say HI! to Michelle on Facebook.

I want to give a special thanks to Michelle Madow for volunteering her book and making it free on Amazon! :)

And another ginormous Thank You to Sydney for agreeing to help me out!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Author Spotlight - Allyson Gottlieb: Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Lisah Cervantes) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 15:19:00 +0000

This was a great week. Allyson was super amazing. If you missed all the goodies we had to offer your in luck. I'm going to recap the entire week right here.

Day 1: Cover, Blurb, Excerpt, Giveaway Day 1 was all about the book. Book cover, book blurb, book excerpt. I love the cover of this book. It's mysterious and draws you in because you want to know what it holds inside. I, also, thought the excerpt was excellent and I'm really glad she chose that one to share with everyone.

Day 2: Author Bio & Interview Day 2 was all about the author. I had a bio and interview with Allyson. We learned when she started writing, her favorite authors and what she'd take with her if she was abducted by aliens.

Day 3: Top 10 Day 3 had a little more insight to Allyson by revealing her Top 5 favorite male characters and Top 5 favorite female characters. I know this is really hard to do. I think it would take me a while to figure this one out. She did great! (Plus, one of MY favorite male characters was included, so I was super stoked!)

Day 4: Playlist & Book Trailer Day 4 we got Tamara's playlist and reasons why these songs were chosen. We also got to see the book trailer for DARKEST LEGACY. These two a great insights to the Tamara and her story.

Day 5: Cast Photos & Bios Day 5 was all about the main characters. Tamara, Valerie and Valentine. We got flashback photos of them and little tidbits on who they are. I love seeing character photos chosen by authors.

Well, that pretty much sums up the week. Don't forget to enter the giveaway! It ends on 9/16/13, Monday night at 11:59 p.m. CST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway