Queekie Girl Reads

The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1)

2020-08-26T21:02:00.002+08:00

A groomsman and his last-minute guest are about to discover if a fake date can go the distance in a fun and flirty debut novel.

Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn't normally do. But there's something about Drew Nichols that's too hard to resist.

On the eve of his ex's wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend...

After Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she's the mayor's chief of staff. Too bad they can't stop thinking about the other...

They're just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century--or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want...

Author: Jasmine Guillory (Website, Facebook, Twitter)
Publisher: Berkley
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
EBook borrowed from the national library
(Actual) Rating: 1.5 of 5 stars

This book is initially not found in my to-read list and to be perfectly honest I am all about the synopsis which makes all sense plus witty. I knew I was in for a treat and got me hooked at a first glance because the lovely book cover screams - you gotta read it! The Wedding Date started off likable, easy and outgoing. It has the potential. Unfortunately, I was about at the middle of reading the book where Alexa and Drew were just drawn to each other physically and that was all there is to it. Their relationship failed to show me maturity in their own views or opinions. I was disappointed how it went repetitive especially with their weekends spent eating out and making out and the characters doesn't match their said profession in it. The plain jealousy was childish for me as well. I have no words.

Overall, this book really has the potential if only the main characters were sincere enough to know more about each other plus with no guessing who was going to be the one to admit first. Clearly, I could have read a better romance book than this!

Cover Reveal: Crave by Tracy Wolff

2019-07-22T10:57:00.000+08:00

Crave by New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff

Release Date: April 7, 2020

Crave is a romantic and thrilling tale of forbidden love, about the undying battle between feeling nothing and feeling so much, it could destroy everyone you love.

I am so glad to have been a part of this cover reveal with Entangled Teen and one of biggest YA titles of 2020! Please anticipate this a lot and I hope I can share more about the book soon! Happy Reading!

A Soul Reclaimed by Shayna Grissom (Excerpt)

2019-05-08T09:52:00.000+08:00

Hell is divided into seven regions. The first region is designated for the purest of souls, the seventh is for the evilest. There was once a king of Hell, but the steward family has ruled for centuries.

Nora, the stepdaughter of the steward is undone when her mother and step-father take away her beloved tutor, Peter. When Nora confronts the steward and her mother, the discussion is heated and ends with the steward in inexplicable pain.

Shortly after, Nora finds herself in the Starry Wood. Peter told her of the perils within the forest, and it’s not long before the inhabitants of the wood find her.

A giant hunter named Aegis comes to Nora’s aid. He is drawn to Nora, compelled to protect her from the steward’s assassins, the giants, and the evil souls who escape the seventh region.

Together, they travel the seven layers of Hell to discover why the steward is so threatened by a teenage girl.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42635100-a-soul-reclaimed?ac=1&from_search=true

Purchase:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DBjzcr
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-soul-reclaimed-shayna-grissom/1130943845?ean=9781988281698
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/a-soul-reclaimed/id1449634583?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-soul-reclaimed-1

A Soul Reclaimed Excerpt/Teaser

He assumed the corset was the culprit of my breathing problems and tried to remove it. At first, he attempted to untie it, but when the laces didn't free me from the stills, he resorted to breaking the strings. Being free of the corset helped some, but it didn't stop the hyperventilation.
A knock at the cabin door only made things worse for Aegis. "Hello, this is the second mate, Mr. Torres. Is everything all right in there?"
Aegis opened the door and brought the man in. "I can't get her to stop doing that," he said in a panic.
"What were you doing to her?" the man accused.
"What?" Aegis realized what the man thought. I was half dressed and hysterical.
"No, I didn't touch her—I thought the corset was hurting her. She was upset and started making that noise, and I didn't know what to do."
Mr. Torres swung into action. He stepped into the bathroom and produced a bag. Aegis watched him suspiciously as he held it over my mouth and nose. After several inhalations, I could breathe normally. Working intermittently with the bag, I caught my breath. The pounding in my temples was so loud all I could do was close my eyes and shield myself from daylight.
Aegis sighed in relief. "Thank you so much. I didn't know what to do." The second mate seemed confused by that statement. "You've never seen her hyperventilate? Are you newly married?"
"No, not married—I'm her escort," Aegis said.
Mr. Torres didn't seem convinced.
"I am employed by her family to take her to the third region to stay with her aunt. Normally, her mother accompanies us, but her mother was sick."
The second mate approached my bed and kneeled on the floor beside me. "Miss, is it as he says?"
"I'm so sorry," I said. "I've never done that before. It's as he says. Aegis would never do anything to hurt me."
Mr. Torres nodded in satisfaction. "It's all right. I have six girls at home, so it's an everyday occurrence in my house."
I laughed despite the looming exhaustion. "That sounds like great fun. I don't have any siblings."
"Oh, well, you're welcome to pay us a visit. Our house is the one that everyone avoids in the fourth region."
"I thought that was Abigail's bed and breakfast," I teased.
Mr. Torres laughed. "We are Abigail's ugly stepchild. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
I shook my head.
"All right. If you need me, I'll be on deck," he said.
Aegis showed the man out while thanking him profusely. He closed the door and rested his head against it. For all his worry of trackers and outlanders, it must never have occurred to him that his biggest battle would be to protect me from myself.

AUTHOR BIO

Shayna Grissom was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She currently resides in Seattle with her husband, two children, and her beloved pets. Shayna draws inspiration for her writings from binge-watching too many shows with far too much wine. She is a lover of the macabre, the strange, natural sciences, and films that feature vivid colors and imagery. Her favorite film director is Guillermo Del Toro, and her favorite books growing up were Anne Rice novels.

Author links:
https://www.sgrissom.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18387578?tab=author
https://www.facebook.com/ShaynaMightBeAnAuthor/
https://twitter.com/ShaynaGrissom/

Release Day: Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

2019-03-26T21:35:00.000+08:00

About the Author

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books...and kissing. Lots of kissing. Rachel's books have been featured in USA Today and Glitter Magazine, and her stories have been finalists in the National Reader's Choice Award, the Holt Medallion Award, and The Golden Quill.

For the latest news & exclusive excerpts, visit her website at www.RachelHarrisWrites.com and sign up for her NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/olH75

I had the privilege to read an advance copy of the book [click HERE for the review]!

Once again, happy book birthday Eyes on Me! Much love to the publisher, author - Rachel Harris and everyone reading my blog! Enjoy!

Stormy Kind of Love by Tia Lee

2019-03-23T21:39:00.000+08:00

It’s Rachel’s first day of Sophomore year at Oklahoma State University. The first day of school her biggest problem is getting to class late. Soon she finds herself in the middle of a love triangle, only one of the men who is a potential love interest is hiding secrets that put Rachel in danger. Will Rachel make the right choices or put herself in danger for love?

Author: Tia Lee (Goodreads page)
Publisher: -independently published-
Buy online: Amazon
**The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
(Actual) Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Stormy Kind of Love focus more about Rachel Stinger and her preferred boyfriend, William Steward while the story keeps pointing out to Asher Rider instead. With that in mind, readers will come to realize what lurks behind such preferences and secrets that are about to unfold.

Basically, I have come to notice that there are scenes that seems vague and disorganized. Rachel, for me was just being reckless in this whole situation because she just keeps relying on her feelings in a sense that if she feels good at that that would be her stand. I just wish she put in more thoughts of her actions.

Furthermore, I believe Rachel was pressured to have a boyfriend with a good reputation and just something to talk about with. She took a chance with someone else when there is already someone better for her who willingly wants her the way she is.

As for the ending and that alternative ending. Ending - it was proper and neat because it went straight to the point in a sense that I knew it is done. Alternative ending, however, it continued at length and in a tedious way - not my cup of tea. I'd rather choose the shorter conclusion over long-winded ending.

All in all, I hope I can give my appreciation to the book and the story it portrays to the readers. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. Thus, I can hardly say my positive views on it.

Meet Me in Outer Space by Melinda Grace

2019-03-16T21:00:00.000+08:00

Smart and unflinching, this #OwnVoices debut contemporary novel stars an ambitious college student who refuses to be defined by her central auditory processing disorder.

Edie Kits has a learning disability. Well, not a learning disability exactly, but a disability that impacts her learning. It isn't visible, it isn't obvious, and it isn't something she likes to advertise.

And for three semesters of college, her hard work and perseverance have carried her through. Edie thinks she has her disability under control until she meets her match with a French 102 course and a professor unwilling to help her out.

Edie finds herself caught between getting the help she needs and convincing her professor that she isn't looking for an easy out. Luckily for Edie, she has an amazing best friend, Serena, who is willing to stitch together a plan to ensure Edie's success. And then there's Hudson, the badly dressed but undoubtedly adorable TA in her French class who finds himself pulled into her orbit...

Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan's young adult imprint Swoon Reads, Meet Me in Outer Space is a sweet, heartachingly real story of love and college life by debut author Melinda Grace.

Author: Melinda Grace (Website, Twitter, Goodreads page)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Buy online: Amazon | Book Depository
**The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
(Actual) Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Meet Me in Outer Space fully understands the point of view how Edie Kits has to perceive her disability, trying to explain what or how it really is for her. Pure luck, as she has mentioned when she got through her French 101. With her mind set on spending the summer in Paris, her French will not be pretty without the essence of educating the language which can give her the anxiety she is avoiding. She may have struggled through it but fashion and Paris - her yes to everything has her heart yearning for more.

The initial part of the book has me focused and very much curious to Edie. I give respect to that her disability is not to be overlooked. The book would have been very pleasing if not only do the readers get an inside to Edie's POV, but I was very much hoping to get Hudson's POV as well because the relationship they both present and creating through the pages does not have much impact to me. It was not even clear for both of them although at the end they found closure and patched things up. I felt like Edie's feelings are not genuine or something like forced to like Hudson whilst she actually intended to like another.

Another problem is the friend of Edie, Serena, who is known to be her supportive friend. She also happens to be one with lacking the courtesy towards both the main character's with the said relationship. I do not know if it is just me but I am afraid I did not find anything significant in the story. A bit cliché and there were times I find such scenarios to be cringey, as if the relationship focused only on it. It gives me a slight distraction, honestly speaking.

I truly wanted to like Meet Me in Outer Space however it failed me to see her dream turned into reality to come and have the time of her life in Paris.

Blog Tour: Meet Me in Outer Space by Melinda Grace + Excerpt

2019-03-13T10:43:00.000+08:00

Welcome to my stop on the Meet Me in Outer Space by Melinda Grace blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Meet Me in Outer Space by Melinda Grace
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: March 12th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Smart and unflinching, this #OwnVoices debut contemporary novel stars an ambitious college student who refuses to be defined by her central auditory processing disorder.

Edie Kits has a learning disability. Well, not a learning disability exactly, but a disability that impacts her learning. It isn’t visible, it isn’t obvious, and it isn’t something she likes to advertise.

And for three semesters of college, her hard work and perseverance have carried her through. Edie thinks she has her disability under control until she meets her match with a French 102 course and a professor unwilling to help her out.

Edie finds herself caught between getting the help she needs and convincing her professor that she isn’t looking for an easy out. Luckily for Edie, she has an amazing best friend, Serena, who is willing to stitch together a plan to ensure Edie’s success. And then there’s Hudson, the badly dressed but undoubtedly adorable TA in her French class who finds himself pulled into her orbit…

Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan’s young adult imprint Swoon Reads, Meet Me in Outer Space is a sweet, heartachingly real story of love and college life by debut author Melinda Grace

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34033585-meet-me-in-outer-space?ac=1&from_search=true

Purchase:
Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/3GavzO?store=amazon
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meet-me-in-outer-space-melinda-grace/1128730295?ean=9781250154330#/
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/meet-me-in-outer-space/id1394082668?mt=11
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/meet-me-in-outer-space

Meet Me in Outer Space Excerpt/Teaser

“Hudson told Terrance he was my biggest fan,” I said, warming at the memory.
“It’s pretty goddamn obvious he is.” Serena snapped a picture.
I continued to pick at the cut threads.
“You like him, don’t you?” Serena broke the silence. “Paris,” I said instinctually, though it hurt this time.
Serena huffed. “Forget Paris for five seconds. Do you like him?”
“Forget Paris? Seriously?”
“Do you like him, though?” she asked.
I cleared my throat. “No,” I lied, lifting my head as I pushed the fabric to the side. “Only as a friend.”
“Liar,” Serena replied. “Admit you like him.”
I crossed my arms. I would not admit that. Admitting that meant there could be a reason to keep me from going to Paris. Admitting that meant the possibility of regret. No. Edie Kits didn’t do regret, at least not big-scale regret.
“I don’t.”
“You do,” Serena said. “But I’ll let you deny it.”
“You’ll let me deny it?” I asked with a chuckle. “Gee, thanks, boss.”
She snapped a few more pictures.
“Can we talk about you for, like, two seconds?” I asked.
“I know what you’re going to ask, and I don’t want to jinx anything,” she said, coming around the table so she was next to me.
I lifted the fabric, laying one piece on top of the other as I began to pin them together. These photographs were more than just an assignment; despite how Serena viewed her tal- ent, they had the potential to win her a spot in the annual student art showcase. “I know there’s a chance this project could win you some real attention,” I said, ignoring her comment. “Do you think you have a chance?” I asked, rum- maging through the pin box for all the yellow-tipped ones. “Like, am I enough to potentially win this for you?”
Serena set her camera on the table before adjusting her hoodie. She pulled at the cuffs, tucking her hands in, only her fingers poking out.
“Answer the question,” I said. “Is this”—I waved over the pile of fabric that sat on the table in front of me—“going to make it?”
“I mean, maybe . . .” Serena pushed her hands out of her hoodie and into the front pocket. “I’d like to think that if I have the talent, then the subject doesn’t matter.” She tapped her left toe into the floor several times.
“And you do have the talent,” I said.
She dropped her head back, her face toward the ceiling. “I don’t know. A girl can hope, right?”
I laughed. “Someone with your talent doesn’t need to hope.”
“Boss,” she said, righting her head. “I know you’re all woo-hoo, girl power about what you do, but I’m not nearly as confident.”
“I know you aren’t,” I said, putting down the chalk pen- cil I’d been holding. “But you are good at this. I would never bullshit you about that.” I put my hands on her shoulders.
She let out a deep breath, her shoulders sinking a bit. “Sewing machine.” I gestured with my chin toward the
bank of machines.
“I guess all I can say is that I’m going to try my hardest to make this project interesting and relatable,” she said as she followed me to the sewing machine. “I feel like that’s the most important aspect . . . that people can relate to it.”
I adjusted the chair to my height and threaded the machine. “Absolutely,” I said. “I’m just saying that I hope that this project is relatable.”
She shrugged, pointing her camera in my direction. “I think everyone can relate to hard work and dedication to something they are passionate about.”

AUTHOR BIO

Melinda Grace wrote her first piece of fiction in middle school, but didn’t write a complete story until an introduction to creative writing course at SUNY Oswego, where she earned a BA in human development. She went on to earn a MS E.D. in counseling and currently works as a school counselor. When she’s not guiding the youth of America, she’s planning her next vacation to Disney World, laminating anything she can get her hands on, and binge watching Netflix. MEET ME IN OUTER SPACE is her debut novel, publishing March 2019.

Author links:
https://www.msmelindagrace.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16358221.Melinda_Grace
https://www.instagram.com/msmelindagrace/
https://twitter.com/heymccabe

Giveaway

Tour-wide giveaway (US/CAN)
• Print copy of Meet Me in Outer Space

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251232916/

Follow the Tour

Check out the full schedule of the blog tour on the tour page - Click HERE or the graphic below.

Thank you for spending your time on this blog tour stop with me at Queekie Girl Reads! Happy reading!

Anastasia Phoenix Series sale book blitz from Entangled Teen!

2019-02-18T18:00:00.000+08:00

Proof of Lies (Anastasia Phoenix #1) by Diana Rodriguez
Genre: YA Spy Thriller
Entangled Teen

Summary:

On sale for just 99¢!

Some secrets are best kept hidden…

Anastasia Phoenix has always been the odd girl out, whether moving from city to international city with her scientist parents or being the black belt who speaks four languages.

And most definitely as the orphan whose sister is missing, presumed dead.
She’s the only one who believes Keira is still alive, and when new evidence surfaces, Anastasia sets out to follow the trail—and lands in the middle of a massive conspiracy. Now she isn’t sure who she can trust. At her side is Marcus, the bad boy with a sexy accent who’s as secretive as she is. He may have followed her to Rome to help, but something about him seems too good to be true.

Nothing is as it appears, and when everything she’s ever known is revealed to be a lie, Anastasia has to believe in one impossibility.

She will find her sister.

Add it to your Goodreads
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HW6Z1DK
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/9781633756076?name=Proof%20of%20Lies
iBooks: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781633756076?name=Proof%20of%20Lies&uo=8&at=1010lsQz
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Query=9781633756076&name=Proof%20of%20Lies

Lies That Bind (Anastasia Phoenix #2) by Diana Rodriguez
Entangled Teen

Summary:

On sale for just $1.99!

What do you do when you learn your entire childhood was a lie?

Reeling from the truths uncovered while searching for her sister in Italy, Anastasia Phoenix is ready to call it quits with spies. The only way to stop being a pawn in their game is to remove herself from the board. But before she can leave her parents’ crimes behind her, tragedy strikes. No one is safe, not while Department D still exists.

Now, with help from her friends, Anastasia embarks on a dangerous plan to bring down an entire criminal empire. From a fire-filled festival in England to a lavish wedding in Rio de Janeiro, Anastasia is determined to confront the enemies who want to destroy her family. But even Marcus, the handsome bad boy who’s been there for her at every step, is connected to the deadly spy network. And the more she learns about Department D, the more she realizes the true danger might be coming from someone closer than she expects…

Add it to your Goodreads
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074DYZGHL
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lies-that-bind-diana-rodriguez-wallach/1126190769?ean=9781633759039
iBooks: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781633759039?name=Lies%20that%20Bind&uo=8&at=1010lsQz
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Query=9781633759039&name=Lies%20that%20Bind

End of the Lie (Anastasia Phoenix #3) by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
Entangled Teen

Summary:

On sale 3/4/19!

With her harrowing tale of espionage and near death experiences finally out in the open, Anastasia Phoenix thought things would be better. That she and her friends had outsmarted Department D, the criminal empire her parents helped create.

She thought wrong.

Former friends have turned to enemies, causing more innocent lives to get swept up into the dangerous world her parents created. Now it’s up to Anastasia to stop the damage before anyone else gets hurt—or worse. She embarks on a treacherous trail from Poland to Prague, and old rivals emerge at every turn. But when the final confrontation occurs, will she be too late to protect the ones she loves...or even herself?

Add it to your Goodreads
Pre-Order Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Excerpt from Proof of Lies Book #1 in the Anastasia Phoenix series

On sale for 99¢!

My friends and I headed down a row of rectangular tables set in prison-straight lines. We sat near the windows on the outskirts, one of the few parts of the cafeteria untainted by the stench of meatless veggie burgers and drugstore body sprays.

I bumped the backs of carrot-colored chairs as we neared our seats. I could see a pack of baseball players headed from the opposite direction, which was unusual given that the popular table sat in the cafeteria’s center. It was like seeing Mickey Mouse in the parking lot of the Magic Kingdom.

“Hey, look who it is!” said Wyatt Burns in a voice so loud he was obviously working to draw an audience. He hovered over a male student seated alone with his tray, two empty plastic chairs beside him. “Where’s your Harley now, empanada?” Wyatt backhanded the guy’s head, not hard enough to be an actual hit, but too hard to be considered friendly.

What was strange was that I didn’t recognize the target. He was well-built, with black spiky hair, dark eyes, black T-shirt, and a tattoo of a bull with curved horns showing on his neck. Not exactly someone you could easily overlook.

I stopped en route to our table, twisting my head toward Regina. “Who are they messing with?”

“He just started here. Some exchange student or some- thing. I think he’s Mexican. Could you imagine moving to a new school in May? The year’s almost over.” She mindlessly flicked the part in her shiny black hair, which fell toward her waist like a silk curtain. I’d kill for hair like that. Instead, my hair reminded me of my mother’s every time I looked in the mirror—long, thick, and espresso brown.

“Sometimes you don’t have a choice,” I grumbled, as we continued to our table. I put down my tray, but I didn’t sit; I was too busy watching the scene.

“Oh, sorry. I forgot about your nomad days.” Regina made a whoops-my-bad face, though it actually was nice not to be considered the new girl anymore. At seventeen, I’d lived in nine cities, in five countries, on four continents, and spoke four languages—including upper-class Moroccan French. “I heard his parents work at Boston General, doing research or something. Hey, maybe your sister knows them?”

“Maybe he’ll be invited to your party?” Tyson added.

“Yeah, I’m sure Keira invited the entire hospital staff and their families,” I deadpanned, still gawking. Wyatt wasn’t letting up. I didn’t know what this kid had done to draw the ire of three hulking baseball players, but the entire lunchroom was now involved. Conversations lulled.

“You know, I think they serve tacos up there,” Wyatt pointed to the cafeteria line. “Did you grab a couple burritos, ese?”

The guy said nothing, and even in his silence, I could see he wasn’t Mexican. I’d traveled enough to recognize the basic physical differences between cultures. His features looked European—maybe Spanish, assuming all the politically incorrect digs were based on something other than idiocy.

“Maybe next time you cut me off on that stupid bike of yours, I won’t slam on the brakes.” Wyatt jerked like he was going to punch him, but the guy didn’t inch (good for him). Wyatt quickly covered by reaching for the boy’s untouched veggie burger. He plucked it from his tray, took a huge bite, and threw it on the dirty tile floor.

“Bon appétit!” he shouted, probably not realizing that was French, not Spanish, though I doubted he cared. He was laughing like he’d just told the best joke in the world, bits of food flying from his mouth as his buddies cackled beside him. Then they marched away, straight toward us, patting one another’s backs.

I’d watched a lot of TV in my seventeen years, and I’d heard theories about “crimes of passion,” people who claimed to pull the triggers of guns yet had no recollection. They swore there was no conscious decision made, it just sort of happened. That was me in that moment.

I stood watching the cocky smile on Wyatt’s face, his cheesy high fives to his buddies, his undeserved swagger, and I simply stuck out my foot. I wasn’t even sure my brain registered the action, but when Wyatt charged past my right side, my leather sandal wrapped around his ankle, just above his Nike, with perfect timing, and Wyatt tripped.

Wow, did he trip.

He stumbled forward in three awkward lunges, arms ailing for balance, until he fell splat on the gritty linoleum floor. Face first.

The roar of laughter that followed could rival any Comedy Central performer. I pressed my palm to my mouth, trying to hold in the giggles, but I’d just tripped the most popular guy at Brookline Academy.

Wyatt pushed to his feet and spun toward me, blue flames in his eyes.

“Sorry,” I sputtered, fingers covering the laughter spurting from my lips. “I didn’t see you.”

Regina and Tyson doubled over, crying with giggles, as Wyatt’s scruffy hands twitched into fists at his sides. His eyes darted around viciously, but after a few heated moments, he did nothing. He didn’t say a word. He just stomped off in the opposite direction, preserving what little dignity a teen who trips in the cafeteria can muster.

“I think I love you,” Regina choked. “Like, really love you.”

“Oh my God. That was awesome!” Tyson added, patting my back with his big sweaty hand. “You’re my hero.”

Everyone in the cafeteria was staring—the teachers, the lunch aides, probably the roaches in the walls, and especially the new kid.

Our gazes met for a second. His eyes were as dark as his hair, but when he smiled, they lit with the glint of a rock star on stage. “Gracias,” he said. With that one word, I could tell I’d been right. He was from Madrid. I’d spent only a summer there, but it was good to realize I hadn’t lost all of my nomad skills.

“De nada,” I replied, noticing the dimples in his cheeks. What was it about a guy with dimples that sucked you in, like you couldn’t look away, even if you wanted to.

And I didn’t want to.

About the Author

Diana Rodriguez Wallach is the author of the Anastasia Phoenix series, three YA spy thrillers set to debut beginning in March 2017 (Entangled Publishing). She is also the author of three award-winning young adult novels: Amor and Summer Secrets, Amigas and School Scandals, and Adios to All The Drama (Kensington Books); as well as a YA short-story collection based on the Narcissus myth, entitled Mirror, Mirror (Buzz Books, 2013). In 2011, she published a highly regarded essay in Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories (HarperCollins). It was the only essay chosen from the anthology by Scholastic to be used in its classroom materials. Diana is featured in the anthology, Latina Authors and Their Muses (Twilight Times Books, 2015), and she is currently on staff as a featured blogger for Quirk Books. In 2010 Diana was named one of the Top Ten New Latino Authors to Watch by LatinoStories.com, and she placed second in the International Latino Book Awards. She is an advisory board member for the Philly Spells Writing Center, and is a Creative Writing instructor for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University, and currently lives in Philadelphia.

Author Links:

Sale Blitz Organized By: YA BOUND BOOK TOURS

Valentine's Day Blast!

2019-02-14T08:25:00.000+08:00

WELCOME TO THE VALENTINE'S DAY BLAST!

Click on any of the below book covers to be taken to the page that has more information on the novel as well as the Buy Links!

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Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

2019-02-11T08:08:00.000+08:00

Look up the word “nerd” and you’ll find Lily Cooper’s picture. She’s got one goal: first stop valedictorian, next stop Harvard. Until a stint in the hospital from too much stress lands her in the last place a klutz like her ever expected to be: salsa dance lessons.

Look up the word “popular” and you’ll find Stone Torres’s picture. His life seems perfect—star of the football team, straight-A student, lots of friends. But his family is struggling to make ends meet, so if pitching in at the Torres dance studio helps, he’ll do it.

When Lily’s dad offers Stone extra cash to volunteer as Lily’s permanent dance partner, he can’t refuse. But with each dip and turn, each moment her hand is in his, his side job starts to feel all too real. But in dance, as in life, one wrong move and someone could get hurt.

Author: Rachel Harris (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Buy online: Amazon | Book Depository
**The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
(Actual) Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eyes on Me captures the truth about one's life through dancing in whichever the flow the song goes the body follows. Same goes to what the heart says. Lily Bailey, who has to cope up with her stress level she is going through, followed by the requirements she has to attain to be able to win her dream to enter a prestigious college. Be valedictorian - that is what she all aims and hopes for throughout her high school life but her dad suggested her to take up something other than stuck in academics - dancing. Then comes, the popular crush-worthy - Agoston Torres that will sweep her off of her feet and perhaps take the wonders of dancing on another level.

Firstly, I have to mention that I truly have the most respect and absolutely admire the cover! It attracted me and so is the synopsis to the book. Very appealing indeed! Then comes the word - dancing. I had flashbacks to the time dancing was one of the things I cherished the most and that was a year ago. I doubted myself because I thought I really have no talent towards dancing. It was certainly frustrating not to have the rhythm. Honestly, I felt the character's annoyance towards this fact. Another thing about dancing that made me change my thoughts towards it was, it is truly magical! Especially dancing with a beautiful handsome partner.

I am way out of topic discussing about the book but I will get on to that soon. I told this to one of my friend: 'The last time I remembered I have no interest in the art of dancing. Now I see how magical it can be, you know.' Romantic and elegant at the same time.

This is how I imagined it all to be: Dancing with him is better than the pigments of my imagination. The sun shines, I love Wednesdays with you. May it lasts for as long as time will allow. In the stillness of his breath, the water-like way he moves. He is making a dance. We are making a dance.

Describing my real experience compared with the book after reading Eyes on Me, it lacks the excitement I was searching and hoping to feel. The first part was not so bad. Although I am still expecting a meet-cute scenario, the sparks and tingling feelings. Towards the end, I have to say I was bored to the point that the scenes got predictable especially the one with Stone and Lily's dad issue. Lily suddenly upset and everything. That part got me all losing interest.

Eyes on Me has the potential to attract more readers that will sure excite them to take up dancing if not reading then dancing it is!

Cover Reveal: The Truth About Cowboys by Lisa Renee Jones

2019-02-09T13:01:00.004+08:00

I had my life figured out.

Engaged to a successful man.

About to make partner at my firm.

Bought a high-rise apartment in downtown Denver.

And then, poof, it’s all gone. Now, like in some cheesy romantic comedy, my car has broken down in the pouring rain on my way to “find myself” in The Middle of Nowhere, Texas. Cue hot guy coming to my rescue and changing my tire. This is the part where we flirt and have a meet-cute, right? That’s how it works in romance novels, and I should know—after all, I’m coming to Texas to write my own cowboy romance. But nope. This sexy cowboy lights into me about not being prepared for the country roads and how inappropriate my high-heeled boots are.

Little did I know, Michael Montgomery would tilt my world into a new dimension with his sinful smirk and his bad attitude. Every time I turn around, he’s there to reluctantly save the day. And every time, I think there may be something to that spark we ignite. But there’s a reason the majority of country songs are about broken hearts. The closer I get to this man, the closer I get to learning the truth about cowboys.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43593386-the-truth-about-cowboys
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Cowboys-Renee-Jones-ebook/dp/B07MYX888W/
Entangled Publishing: https://entangledpublishing.com/the-truth-about-cowboys.html

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About Lisa Renee Jones:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara's character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with. In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, Lisa has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa's other bestselling series include: DIRTY MONEY and WHITE LIES. She is presently working on her LILAH LOVE series to be published with Amazon Publishing/Montlake Romance. Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

Website: http://www.lisareneejones.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisareneejones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisareneejones/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/LisaReneeJones

Excerpt Blitz for Traci Hall's In The Dog House

2019-01-28T11:06:00.000+08:00

Ten years ago, Jackson Hardy joined the Marines, leaving behind a woman he still dreams about. When he's called home to care for his ten-year-old nephew, no one is more shocked than he to run into Emma again. Or to still have those same feelings. But Jackson isn't looking for love, and neither is Emma, especially not with him. His precocious nephew, though, and a retriever named Bandit, are about to change that.

So what if Emma Mercer is an overachiever? She has plans to get her doctorate in psychology and create a no-kill shelter for the EST dogs she trains. Which leaves absolutely no time for romance. She's fine with a furry family—dogs don't teach you to love and then rip your heart to shreds. But young Matty's situation tugs at her heartstrings and there's no way she can't help him…and Jackson.

She may have hotter-than-ever chemistry with the soldier, but forgetting the past isn't easy.

In the Dog House Excerpt/Teaser

She’d said she was proud of him—did she mean it? Her forearm brushed his leg, and her throat turned a deep shade of rose as she held his gaze. Sweet. She wouldn’t say what she didn’t mean.

He tilted to the right, wanting to touch her mouth with his. Sample a quick taste of Emma to add to his memories. Her lips slightly parted, the pulse at the hollow of her throat sped, her eyes dilated. They were so close to a kiss that all he had to do was move his head forward…

She stood abruptly, smoothing the yellow fabric down over her hip with an eye toward Matty, racing around the fountain. “I’ll get dessert.”

Jackson snapped back. Was she inviting him inside?

“I’ll help.”

She held the door open for him, and he followed her. The instant they were out of sight she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him to hold him tight—he couldn’t have broken free if he’d wanted to.

And he didn’t.

He buried his hands in her soft, soft hair and cupped her head so that he could study Emma and memorize each new line and freckle. He gently brought the pads of his thumbs to her smooth jaw and plump pink lower lip. Her eyes, swiped with copper, glittered sensually as she absorbed his touch. Auburn lashes at half-mast as she relaxed into him.
He dropped one arm to her hip to balance her, the other still cradling her head as he lowered his mouth. She lifted to him, their lips whispering across each other’s mouths before crashing together like surf against the sand.

She tasted different but the same. It was meeting his other half, something he’d been missing and suddenly needed more than his next breath.

“Em.”

“Jackson.” Her words were hot against his lips and brought the embers of desire flaming bright.

She entwined her fingers behind his neck and pressed in to him.

He clasped her tight, feeling the warmth of her feminine curves, the temptation she offered.

The smack of sneakers up the porch steps made them break away like guilty teenagers. Jackson’s chest heaved. They weren’t that anymore.

Em’s eyes flashed, the pulse at her neck fast as a hummingbird’s.

“Emma,” Matty asked, innocently entering the kitchen. “Can I have some lemonade?”

“Sure, hon. I was just getting the cannoli out. Are you ready for dessert?” Emma turned her back to him, and Jackson detected a tremor in her voice.

Jackson knew then that he’d never be over Emma Mercer, not if he lived to be a thousand.

All thanks to the author and Entangled Publishing for providing materials for me to share and enjoy In The Dog House excerpt + teaser! Have a pleasant read, everyone! ^^

A Land Apart by Ian Roberts

2019-01-27T07:47:00.002+08:00

A gripping story of adventure and courage set in a magnificent wilderness with the French, English, Iroquois and Wendat just starting to do battle for what would become Canada and the US.

“The flintlock releases with a click and then three powerful, exhilarating sensations hit him at once: the kick of the musket hard into his shoulder, the deafening roar, and the dense, acrid smell of burnt powder smoke. As the crashing echo of his shot rolls back from across the lake he knows the blow of the musket ball would be lethal to Wendat flesh. Totiri knew before lifting the musket that he wanted it. Now the desire consumes him.”

It’s 1634 in New France. Etienne Brulé has lived with the Wendat and helped them develop the fur trade with France for 25 years and fought beside them against the Iroquois. When the English sell the Iroquois guns, Brulé is the only one who can get guns for the Wendat. But he knows the price everyone will pay in the end.

Author: Ian Roberts (Goodreads page)
Publisher: Atelier Saint-Luc Press
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
**The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
(Actual) Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

The quote in the book that I find amusing: "Follow whatever silver of hope you find...to the end." Why, you might ask? This is just a food for thought. I think for me it weighs a lot when I truly want something so bad but the current is too strong and everything against me. It gets frustrating, right? Running away does not resolves things anyway so I press on.

I am glad to have been able to get an opportunity to read A Land Apart because it is part of Canada's history. I have a lot of respect when it comes to Canada because it is my dream country to visit one day. Aside from the fact that this book is truly an adventure book and art due to its writing style of vibrant details of certain events.

This review may be viewed as unhelpful and vague in a sense that I did not go beyond of what I really thought of the characters and whatnot because I felt that I lack a lot when it comes to reading that connects with history. But, I would certainly recommend this book to someone who is fond towards this genre. I personally have to say that it is probably my first encounter to have read one about really in depth and wide knowledge on its true event related to history.

Blog Tour: Fractured Magic by Emily Bybee (Promo Post)

2018-12-11T19:13:00.000+08:00

Fractured Magic by Emily Bybee
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Release Date: October 31st 2018
Wild Rose Press

Summary:

As the world’s worst witch, Maddie is mistreated by her own kind. She was born a Defect. Most of her spells blow up in her face, literally. While witches search for the long-lost power of the earth, Maddie spends her time in the science lab. There, she discovers a clue to the lost power. The only other witness is Jax, a smokin’ hot college bad-boy, who Maddie can’t decide if she wants to kiss or kill.

When she fails her magic final, the council orders her magic stripped. Maddie’s only chance to keep her brain intact is to find the power with the hope that it can fix her. Jax is her one true ally on the journey. The two of them must use their smarts to stay ahead of the witches while they follow a two-hundred-year-old trail to the power of the earth and the truth behind Maddie’s defect.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Fractured-Magic-Unstable-Book-ebook/dp/B07H9LW7WW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543984227&sr=8-1&keywords=Fractured+Magic
Barns and Noble- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fractured-magic-emily-bybee/1129524325?ean=9781509222803
Wild Rose Press- https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/6198-fractured-magic.html?search_query=Fractured+Magic&results=2

Fractured Magic Excerpt/Teaser

I pricked my finger and got the slide ready.

He dropped the solution on my blood, and we waited for the cells to start bursting. Nothing happened. Several beats passed. I glanced up to meet Jax’s confused look. Unsure what to say, I turned back to the microscope. Tiny lights began to appear inside each blood cell. In a matter of seconds, they glowed like miniscule stars flying through the solution. The light intensified, glaring out of the tiny cells.

“What the hell?” Jax asked. I couldn’t take my eyes off the blood. Finally, I straightened, tears running down my face from the blinding light. I met his wide-eyed gaze over the top of the gleaming scope. The slide cast pink light up to the ceiling, leaving the room in a rosy glow.

“How?” he stammered. I opened my mouth without a clue as to what to tell Jax. A loud pop saved me the trouble. Smoke curled up from the cracked slide as the light faded. A nasty burned-meat smell wafted up to my nostrils. Only one thought made it through the frozen neurons in my brain. Get out of here.

About the Author

Emily grew up loving to read and escape into stories. She began writing her own at the age of twelve. In college she focused on science and graduated with a degree in Environmental Biology. After college she began writing again but quickly realized she had failed to take a single writing or grammar class. Luckily, she’s a quick learner. Emily now lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband, three amazing children, and way too many animals. She still enjoys making up stories and can’t seem to leave out the paranormal elements because they are just too much fun.

Author Links:
Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook│Instagram

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Valiant by Merrie Destefano

2018-12-04T06:55:00.000+08:00

The Valiant was supposed to save us. Instead, it triggered the end of the world.

Earth is in shambles. Everyone, even the poorest among us, invested in the Valiant’s space mining mission in the hopes we’d be saved from ourselves. But the second the ship leaves Earth’s atmosphere, our fate is sealed. The alien invasion begins. They pour into cities around the world through time portals, possessing humans, forcing us to kill one another.

And for whatever reason, my brother is their number one target.

Now the fate of the world lies in the hands of me, a seventeen-year-old girl, but with the help of my best friend, Justin―who’s suddenly starting to feel like more―maybe if we save my brother, we can save us all…

Author: Merrie Destefano (Website, Facebook, Twitter)
Publisher: Entangled TEEN
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
**The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
(Actual) Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Valiant sums up with "save my brother, save the world". I have quoted from the book. This whole alien invasion makes me think about racing against time. With the invasion at the beginning, Sara came across a time traveler. Introducing himself to Sara and calmly tells her she could be one as well. Basically, Sara could not have said yes to the time traveler if not saving her brother. She agreed.

There are times when I read about the scene where Sara plans to save her brother, it kinda seem senseless to me because I don't really see him able to be that much of help to their situation. I rather felt that Sara was doing the impossible I hope she was realistic enough. Again, I appreciate her determination to what she sees best for her brother and everyone she loves.

Ultimately, Valiant is not to my liking as I was not engaged into it. The plot has that potential and needs more work of the things that are more important. I really hope to see the main reason to things and may it shine throughout the story.

BLOG TOUR (Promo Post): Shore by Enrique Rosado

2018-11-13T10:06:00.000+08:00

Shore by Enrique Rosado
Genre: YA Contemporary Fantasy
Release date: November 2017

Summary:

Lahar’s life was regular- college, work, then binge watch whatever was in her queue. That was until she woke up in a new land. She meets a young wizard named Arena, who has made a home on the beach. With the help of his massive dog and mystical creatures called wisps, she must find a way back home while she fights the forces of a monster who lives among them. Join this Fantasy adventure, with new creatures to see and adventures to be had.

"4.5/5 Stars ... a truly quirky and unique read that will be a new favorite for fantasy lovers." - San Francisco Book Review

"A parade of whimsical elements reminiscent of early, dreamlike video games" - Kirkus Review

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Guest Post – Inspiration for the Novel

What's up, everyone. I am Enrique Rosado, the author of the book “Shore.” Inspiration comes from anywhere, it really does. It can come from the music you listen to, shows you watch, a smudge on the wall you can stop staring at because all you can think of is how it got there and why hasn't anyone wiped it off. Anywhere. Well I want to share just that, what inspired my novel

I was working at Chilis at the time. I had the prestigious job of rolling silverware. All jokes aside, it wasn’t half bad. I got paid to listen to my music in the back while I did my job, which was extremely simple.

My mind always wondered when I was at work, not else for me to do. My first-year anniversary with my girlfriend was coming up. I already got her a gift, but like with everything I do, I started to overanalyze what I was doing. I felt the gift wasn’t personal enough, so I began to brainstorm ideas of what I could do.

Through a storm of thoughts, I landed on the idea of a short story. Then came the process what it should be about. I came up with a flurry of ideas, one of which was an early version of Shore. I know I wanted to expand it to a novel when I first tried to constrain it to a short story format, but I keep writing and writing.

What inspired the beach theme were my parents. They both were born and raised in Puerto Rico. They always made trips to the beach, and when I lived there for a bit when I was young, we would still go to the beach.

That didn’t stop when we moved to Texas. Even when I was young, my father signed up my Brother and me to take classes and become certified in scuba diving, just so he wouldn’t go alone. My mom may love the beach, but in her words, “I’m not crazy enough to do that.”

What inspired my writing was other users of fantasy in different mediums. How they use the surreal and strange to captures an audience in its world. How personal stories can be told in truly unique ways. My book was inspired by the works of Guillermo De Toro, Hayao Miyazaki, and Bryan Lee O’Malley.

These where just some of the influences that inspired this novel. Every day I found something that inspired a moment in my story, like a playlist of songs that helped me write this or something from my that happened on a specific day that just got my mind working. The ones I mentioned above are the ones that started this novel, stayed with me every day, and truly made this novel what it is.

About the Author

I'm Enrique Rosado, a Puerto Rican who grew up on the island for a bit before landing in Killeen, Texas, a town that cultivated me and made me who I am today. Now I find myself in New York City writing any chance I get.

Social links:
Website: erosado.com
Instagram: @thisonefellow
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Shore-Enrique-Rosado-ebook/dp/B077SXK5C9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534113343&sr=8-1&keywords=shore+enrique

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Toxic by Lydia Kang

2018-11-06T06:54:00.000+08:00

Cyclo, the first and largest biological ship of its kind, is dying. A small crew of mercenaries have handed over the rights to their life to document the death of the ship, but the abandoned ship is anything but abandoned—one girl has been left behind.

Hana has known nothing but the isolation of a single room and the secret that has kept her there for seventeen years. When she meets Fennec, the boy assigned to watch her, she realizes that there is a world she has yet to experience but she is doomed to never meet.

When crew members begin mysteriously dying, Hana and Fenn realize that they are racing against the death of the ship to find a way to survive—unless someone kills them even before Hana’s truly had a chance to live.

Author: Lydia Kang (Website, Goodreads author page, Twitter)
Publisher: Entangled TEEN
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
**The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
(Actual) Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Toxic is for sure a book that I really had a difficult time appreciating. Honestly speaking even reviewing the book for me is really not easy because the book as a whole was not something I thoroughly enjoyed.

First reason is that it started off as if the setting would have already been familiar to the reader beforehand. I was a bit confused but I really wanted to be immersed into the world that it is illustrating. Having said that my part as a reader requires knowledge on the scientific terms as well. I felt a bit drained while reading and not pleasure. I admit that I did not finish the book. My curiosity just faded finding out that different characters development is not for me.

If there's one thing I liked it is the Korean culture presented in the plot about Goryeo dynasty. I wish it was a bit focused more on that and Hana's genes. I would have suggested it be introduced that way before diving right in with all the chaos ahead. I wish the development was headed towards the preservation of her ancestor or simply her side of the family related to Korean culture. I would really find that more interesting.

I look forward to read Toxic when I received it to be such a cool, mind-boggling sci-fi let alone that attractive cover makes it even more appealing to readers. Unfortunately, I did not have that privilege to enjoy it as much as reading it.

Monster Mash Countdown Blitz Day #12: Beauty and the Horseman's Head by Holly Kelly

2018-10-27T21:00:00.000+08:00

I'm a mom who writes books in her spare time: translation--I hide in the bathroom with my laptop and lock the door while the kids destroy the house and smear peanut butter on the walls. I was born in Utah but lived in Kansas until I was 13, in Texas until I was 18, and attended college in Hawaii—studying marine biology. I'm now back in Utah--"happy valley". I'm married to a wonderful husband, James, and we are currently raising 6 rambunctious children. My interests are reading, writing (of course), martial arts, visual arts, creating Halloween props, and spending time with family.

I signed with Clean Teen Publishing in 2013. My first published book Rising, quickly hit the best-seller lists and has maintained its status on those lists since it's release in September 2013. The sequel in The Rising Series titled, Descending, was released in late March 2014. It also hit best-seller status--reaching all the way to #1 in Mythology on Amazon.

~ Amazon ~

It's 1792 and Hope is on the run. She finds shelter in a glen called Sleepy Hollow. Luck is with her as the town is unexpectedly looking for a new teacher and Hope is hired for the job.

Unfortunately, not everything is looking up for her. Not only is the mayor out to get her fired and the local witch determined to slice her up and brew her organs into potions, but hidden under the floorboards of her quaint little cabin, she finds a man. His name is Conall.

Conall is demanding, he's ornery, and though he has undeniably handsome features, he is missing something of vital importance...

His body.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~

Snippet:

Hopecried out as her fingers swiped at Conall's head. The surface of the water flew toward him. He barely had time to take a big breath when he tumbled into the
river. He could hear her muted scream as he rolled and bobbed away with the
current.

She’d dropped him!

Why was he not surprised? He would have been better off left under the floorboards.

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Monster Mash Countdown Blitz Day #11: When Stars Come Out by Scarlett St. Clair

2018-10-26T21:00:00.000+08:00

Scarlett St. Clair lives in Oklahoma with her husband. She has a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Studies and spends a lot of time researching reincarnation, unsolved murders and Greek mythology–all of which made it into her debut novel, When Stars Come Out (Oct 2018).

~ Facebook ~ Website ~

~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter ~

~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~

Anora Silby can see the dead and turn spirits into gold coins, two things she would prefer to keep secret as she tries to lead a normal life at her new school. After all, she didn’t change her identity for nothing.

As it turns out, hiding her weirdness is just one of many challenges. By the end of her first day, she’s claimed the soul of a dead girl on campus and lost the coin. Turns out, the coin gives others the ability to steal souls, and when a classmate ends up dead, there’s no mistaking the murder weapon.

Navigating the loss of her Poppa, her mother’s mistrust, and Roundtable, an anonymous student gossip app threatening to expose her, are hard enough. Now she must find the person who stole her coin before more lives are lost, but that means making herself a target for the Order, an organization that governs the dead on Earth--and they want Anora and her powers for themselves.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~
~ Goodreads ~

Snippet:

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Monster Mash Countdown Blitz Day #10: Second Sight (Book 1 Prescience Series) by Denise Moncrief

2018-10-25T21:00:00.000+08:00

Denise is a Southern girl who has lived in Louisiana all her life, and yes, she has a drawl. She has a wonderful husband and two incredible children, who not only endure her writing moods, but who also encourage her to indulge her writing passion. Besides writing romantic suspense, she enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking. Accounting is a skill she has learned to earn a little money to support her writing habit.

She wrote her first story when she was a teen, seventeen handwritten pages on school-ruled paper and an obvious rip-off of the last romance novel she had read. She's been writing off and on ever since, and with more than a few full-length manuscripts already completed, she has no desire to slow down.

~ Facebook ~ Website ~

~ Bookbub ~ Newsletter ~

~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest ~

Desperate to begin a new life, Jerilyn Bowman changes her name and goes off the grid. Sparks fly when Det. Nick Moreau confronts her about her identity and then seems to follow her wherever she goes. When a stranger dies while gripping her chin in his hand, passing to her the gift of prescience, she begins to witness awful crimes before they happen.

Jerilyn’s claim that she’s able to see the future both frustrates and fascinates Nick to the point he can’t get her out of his mind. Are Jerilyn’s claims of second sight a cover for her own crimes? Will Nick discover the truth before Jerilyn becomes the killer’s next victim?

~ Universal Amazon Link ~

Snippet:

Jerilyn broke their stare down, leaned away from the stranger, and mentally prepared to run.

“I love old buildings. They speak to me.”

His comment stalled her. She glanced sideways at the guy. “They speak to you?”

He nudged the camera around his neck. “I’m a photographer.” He pointed at the third-floor. “She was in that room.”

“Who?” Her question stuttered out of her mouth. Had he seen the face in the window just as she had?

“The woman.”

Without a doubt, he meant he’d found the murder victim. She glanced up at the window. Had she just seen someone staring down at her from the room where he’d found the dead woman?

“So why did you come back here?”

His eyes seemed to glaze over as he focused on the third-floor window. “I can’t get her off my mind. You look a lot like her, you know.”

Jeri had the strange feeling he didn’t mean the dead woman.

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Monster Mash Countdown Blitz Day #9: Artesans of Albia Box Set by Cas Peace

2018-10-24T21:00:00.000+08:00

Cas lives in the lovely county of Hampshire, southern UK, where she was born. On leaving school she trained for two years before qualifying as horse-riding instructor. During this time she also learned to carriage-drive. She spent thirteen years in the British Civil Service before moving to Rome, Italy, where she and her husband, Dave, lived for three years. They enjoy returning whenever they can. Cas supports many animal charities and owns two rescue dogs. She has a large collection of cacti and loves gardening. She is also a folk singer/songwriter and is currently writing and recording nine folk-style songs to accompany each of her fantasy books. You can listen to and download all the songs from her website: www.caspeace.com

See the video of her performing live at the King’s Envoy book launch here: http://www.caspeace.com/cas-peace/the-wheel-will-turn

~ Author Facebook ~

~ Facebook ~ Website ~

~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Reverbnation ~

Taran Elijah’s quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world...

Desperate to learn how to control his innate Artesan powers, Taran embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. The military backlash his action unleashes forces Albia’s High King to send Major Sullyan as an envoy to the Fifth Realm. But a dark and treacherous power is moving through the realms and all will feel its influence.

Captured and tortured by the power-hungry Lord Rykan, Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon. Aided by the unlikeliest sources, the major formulates a plan to defeat Rykan and end his quest for the throne. But Sullyan’s strength is fading fast and time is running out. The only thing that can save her is Rykan’s mysterious Staff, which lies buried in the ruins of Taran’s cellar.

Sullyan’s lover, Robin Tamsen, sets out to recover the artefact, but the enemy is two steps ahead of him. If Robin fails to secure the Staff, Sullyan’s life, the Artesan craft, and the very existence of their world is under threat.

Review:

"Cas Peace's Artesans of Albia trilogy immediately sweeps you away: the drama starts with King's Envoy, continues unabated in King's Champion, and climaxes in King's Artesan, yet each volume is complete, satisfying. The Artesan series propels you into a world so deftly written that you see, feel, touch, and even smell each twist and turn. These nesting novels are evocative, hauntingly real. Smart. Powerful. Compelling. The trilogy teems with finely drawn characters, heroes and villains and societies worth knowing; with stories so organic and yet iconic you know you've found another home—in Albia. So start reading now. I, for one, can't wait to find out what will happen next.

Janet E Morris: Bestselling Author of The Sacred Band of Stepsons series; the Dream Dancer series; I, the Sun; Outpassage; The Silistra Quartet;and editor of the Bangsian In Hell series. Famed contributor to the shared universe fantasy series, Thieves World.

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Snippet From King’s Champion:

Sullyan cantered Drum across the plains for the first mile or so, weaving through the trees, Robin and Marik at her back. Then she slowed the stallion to a brisk walk, allowing the other two to catch up. She made for the high road leading directly to the fortress gates, seeing with satisfaction that they were the only people on the road.

Warning Marik and Robin to keep their hands well away from their sword hilts, she rode confidently forward, eyes narrowed against the snow glare.

The Count nudged his horse up on her left side, a gloomy expression on his face. “I expect the sentries and outriders will see us soon.”

She gave a snort. “My dear Count, there have been loaded crossbows aimed at our hearts for the past half hour.”

Marik started and looked wildly about, but there was no one in sight. Sullyan continued in silence, highly visible on the coal-black Drum. Her borrowed longsword reared in its harness over her shoulder.

They were about a mile and a half from the gates when the sentries rode out of cover and confronted them. Sullyan immediately halted in the middle of the road, waiting for the twenty-strong patrol to approach. Marik and Robin flanked her. She studied the Hierarch’s men with professional interest. The purple and gold of his livery was evident on their combat leathers, and their leader bore a Lieutenant’s rank insignia, the equivalent of an Albian Captain. A medium height man in his middle thirties, he halted his men a few paces from Sullyan and rode forward alone. He sat his dark bay stallion easily and his hand never left the hilt of his sword, despite the ready crossbows behind him.

He ignored Robin, swept Marik a contemptuous glance, and then turned his attention to Sullyan. He regarded her for a few moments, his pale brown eyes taking in her gold insignia, her battle honors, and King’s Envoy shooting star. When he addressed her, his tone was barely respectful, the attitude of a confident man unused to dealing with armed women.

“Major.” He gave her a slight nod, the only sign of respect she would get.

“Lieutenant.” She accorded him the same bare courtesy, giving her voice an identical inflexion.

His eyes narrowed as he reassessed her, taking in her relaxed but alert attitude and the casual way she sat the huge black stallion with its light saddle and bitless bridle. His own mount bore the usual heavy cavalry saddle that could keep a dying man upright, and foam was dripping from the iron bit in its mouth.

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Monster Mash Countdown Blitz Day #8: Stutter Creek by Ann Swann

2018-10-23T21:00:00.000+08:00

Ann Swann was born in the small West Texas town of Lamesa. She grew up much like Stevie-girl in The Phantoms series, though she never got up the nerve to enter the haunted house.

Ann has done everything from answering 911 Emergency calls to teaching elementary school. She lives in Texas with her husband, Dude, a rescue cat named Oscar, and a part-time box turtle named Piggy.

When she’s not writing, Ann is reading. Her to-be-read list has grown so large it has taken on a life of its own. She calls it Herman.

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Stutter Creek (book one) is a romance, brilliantly hidden within a suspense-filled tale
of a psychotic serial killer with a chip on his shoulder. It is also a classic tale of young love lost, and a life of regrettable what-ifs.

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~ Publishers Site ~

Snippet:

SNIPPET 1:

Slowly, she raised her face. The top of her head barely grazed his shoulder. She had to stand on her tip-toes even though he was leaning down—then their lips met, and the brilliant rays of sunlight falling through the pines illuminated his face like that of a saint in a stained-glass window. “Saint John,” she laughed.

He laughed with her.

SNIPPET 2:

He looked up from unloading his truck just as Turk came crashing through the underbrush. The huge Shepherd was so excited to see his master that he stood straight up and placed his giant paws on John’s chest. On anyone else, the paws would have landed on shoulders, but John Stockton stood six feet four inches tall in his stocking feet. With his lug-soled boots on, he was easily six and a half feet.

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Monster Mash Countdown Blitz Day #7: BEFORE by Catina Haverlock / Angela Larkin

2018-10-22T21:00:00.000+08:00

Catina worked her way through college as a TV reporter and a dating game show host. She's a sucker for Young Adult romance stories (both real and make-believe). She has a panache for match-making and loves that many of her "set-ups" have resulted in marriages.

After spending most of her adult life in Las Vegas, Catina traded in tumbleweeds for earthquakes and now lives with her husband and four children near San Diego, California. If she's not home, chances are you can find her at the beach, Disneyland or In-N-Out Burger.

Angela Larkin writes clean teen romance and is a big fan of kissing (in life and in books). She's been a gold miner, a pool cleaner, a mannequin dresser, and a teacher. She's lived a true romance: meeting her husband in a case of mistaken identity. They recently moved with their four children from the sparkling city of Las Vegas to the shade of the North Carolina Pines. Chances are, she's reading past bedtime.

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True love doesn't always mean a happy ending. Presley and Landon finally have a chance at a real relationship when they travel back in time, but their leap backward to two months before his accident has altered reality: Landon has no memory of Presley.

Hurt and lonely, Presley is still determined to save his life, even as Landon's death-date looms. He's alive for now, but nothing is like it was . . . Before.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~

Snippet:

“Why don’t we just start from the beginning, bud,” my mom says. “But before we do, I just want to say that your dad and I are worried that the pressure is getting to you. You’ve just come off the X Games. The Olympics are around the corner. Nobody would blame you if you need a break. You’re more important to us than any of this.”

My dad cuts in, “Son, we want you to be happy, so if you want out, we can pull the plug today.”

A lump swells in my throat. I know how much my career has meant to my dad. He got me my first set of skis when I was two. All of the months and years we’ve spent on the slopes. All the places we’ve traveled. Sacrifices he’s made to make my dreams happen. And now, just like that, he’s willing to let it all go because he’s worried about me.

Could it be the pressure? Could the stress be causing me to imagine things that aren’t real or forget things that are? That doesn’t feel right.

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Release Day Blitz: Protecting The Wolf's Mate by Sasha Summers

2018-10-22T19:31:00.000+08:00

Protecting The Wolf's Mate

(Blood Moon Brotherhood, Bk #3)

by Sasha Summers

Blurb:

Ellen has one goal: vengeance. With little memory of her life before her imprisonment by a maniacal werewolf, her world has been full of pain, humiliation, and fear. But now that she's been rescued, her need for revenge is challenged by the urge to be part of a pack... and the unshakable connection to, Hollis, the man her wolf claims as their mate.

Hollis will do whatever it takes to protect his pack, and that includes looking after Ellen, who doesn’t need or want his help. He’s determined to keep her safe, even though she’s hell-bent on revenge, even if that means sacrificing himself. And it might come to that when the big bad comes back for the one woman he can’t live without.

Kindle | iTunes | Kobo | Nook

Excerpt

Blood Moon Brotherhood Series

Falling for the Billionaire Wolf and His Baby

(Blood Moon Brotherhood Series, Bk #1)

Available for purchase at

Kindle │Amazon Paperback│ Nook │iTunes│Kobo

Rescued by the Wolf

(Blood Moon Brotherhood Series, #2)

Available for purchase at

Kindle │Amazon Paperback │Nook │B&N Paperback│Kobo │ iTunes

About The Author

Sasha Summers grew up surrounded by books. Her passions have always been storytelling, romance, and travel. Whether it's an easy-on-the-eyes cowboy or a hero of truly mythic proportions, Sasha falls a little in love with each and every one of her heroes. She frequently gets lost with her characters in the worlds she creates; forgetting everyday tasks like laundry and dishes. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and helpful.

You can connect with Sasha at

Grab your copy!

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Presented By

Monster Mash Countdown Blitz Day #6: The Immundus by Christina Enquist

2018-10-20T21:00:00.000+08:00

I grew up in Salinas, California, the same hometown of John Steinbeck, one of America’s greatest writers. I loved to read (and still do) and frequented the John Steinbeck Library as a child. I discovered at an early age that I also enjoyed writing. In sixth grade, my teacher, Mr. Graham gave the class an assignment to write a story for a contest. The contest required that we create our book binding as well, which we did with cardboard, glue, and wallpaper. My book was called “Mully Mully” about a creature who lived in an underwater lake city. I was sad when I didn’t win, but I cherished my book so I kept it all these years. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to put other stories, roaming around in my mind, down on paper again, or actually, in my case, into a computer.

I took a non-traditional route to writing, considering I have a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Aside from writing, I work full-time as a Training & Development Coordinator at Kaweah Delta, a teaching hospital, and some semesters I also teach at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California, where I currently live. When I’m not at my full-time and part-time job, I enjoy writing, reading, watching TV, and spending time with my husband and pets (cat-Smokey, dog-Princess).

The Immundus is my debut novel.

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Would you sacrifice your humanity to save mankind?

IT’S THE YEAR 2828, and Domus is the last remaining country. Divided into twelve walled cities known as genuses, Domus spans what’s known as the purist lands—lands unaffected by the genetic modifications that killed all other species of mammals. But outside the walls of each genus the Immundus threaten the welfare of those within. From a young age, all citizens of Domus are trained for combat against these intruders.

At sixteen, Nia Luna knows little of the Immundus, except for the citywide alarms that ring any time an Immundus nears the genus walls. What she does know is that her own species is dying—their numbers dwindling as a mysterious disease called allagine kills many before their eleventh birthday. The same disease that ravaged her family when it took her sister.

When Nia is recruited into Genesis, a research company pioneering the path to a cure, she knows that her dream to find a cure for allagine is finally within her grasp. But within weeks of starting at Genesis, Nia witnesses something she shouldn’t have—something that changes everything. As she sets down a dangerous path that uncovers national secrets, Nia will have to decide not only what kind of person she wants to be but also how far she’s willing to go to save humanity.

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Snippet:

Just outside the door, a gray-haired but young-looking man, is speaking with Dr. Matus. Derek is by her side.

“Nia.” She puts her hand out to stop me from passing her. “This is Mr. Dyer. He would like to speak to you and Derek for a moment.”

“About?”

“A problem you may have experienced with an elevator this morning.”

“No problem,” Derek responds. “We made it to the lab on time. Didn’t we, Dr. Matus?”

“Yes, they did.” She shoots a concerned look at Mr. Dyer.

“I understand you went to the ostrich floor.”

“No. A man who was in the elevator went there. We were headed here,” I say.

“Nevertheless, I must take you to administration for further questioning.”

“Why can’t you ask them here?” Dr. Matus asks, her tone thick with confusion.

“That is beyond your level.”

She stabs him with a look of disdain. He walks us through the lab to the elevator. All eyes are on us.

On the administration floor, we’re directed to a room at the end of the hall, where the light appears dimmer than the light on the other end. The room is bare, with white walls and a table with chairs in the center.

“What did you hear and see on the ostrich floor?”

“Nothing.” The word bursts from Derek’s and my mouth simultaneously.

“Don’t lie to me.” His words were razor sharp, cutting into my conscience. “I have video.” The room begins to feel more like a cell.

“Then why are you even asking us?” Derek says. “You saw whatever we saw. Why are you questioning us like this?”

“I want to hear from you what you think you saw and heard.”

“I told you. Nothing. I don’t know what I saw or heard,” I say.

His eyes are deep and dark, shaped like pumpkin seeds, but with a

narrow lid.

“Tell me what you saw now!”

“We saw the man. He pressed the ostrich button and scanned his hand and arm. He got out on the floor. We heard a scream. There was a flash of color. That’s it. You know what we saw, and it was nothing, and we did nothing. Why are we here?! Tell us!” Derek explodes before snapping his mouth shut, breathing heavily through his nose.

Sweat forms in a single thin layer on my hands. “Are we in trouble?”

“Depends.”

“On what?” Derek asks.

“On whether you’re both true—” The media light on Mr. Dyer’s

temple flashes. “I need to take this call.” He steps outside and shuts the glass door. My father’s hologram appears. Derek and I watch the interaction. I’m unable to hear the conversation, but I catch one word—Immundus. Mr. Dyer notices we can see him and touches the door, changing it from see-through to white.

“He’s getting chewed out. I wonder who that is.”

“My father,” I admit.

“What floor does he work on?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know anything.”

“Well, he looks like he has more authority than Mr. Dyer. Maybe he’ll get us out of here.” Derek and I wait impatiently for Mr. Dyer to return.

He walks in, chagrinned, holding the door open. “You’re free to go.” He sends Derek a devious smirk. “For now.”

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