Wednesday 27 November 2013

(Teaser+Giveaway) Fragile Brilliance by Tammy Blackwell Blog Tour



Fragile Brilliance is available on November 26th!

Maggie McCray has worked her whole life for the opportunity to attend Sanders College. It’s her one chance at becoming a world-renowned artist, and she’s determined nothing will get in her way. But when a murder brings Maggie and her powers to the attention of the Alpha Pack and the tragically handsome Charlie Hagan, her carefully planned future hangs in jeopardy.
Charlie Hagan isn’t happy when the Alpha Female assigns him as Maggie McCray’s personal bodyguard. Just being near the Thaumaturgic threatens to unleash the primal instincts he’s been suppressing for so long. Charlie knows if the coyote is uncaged, then the person he’ll most need to protect Maggie from is himself.

Teaser

With every breath they were drawing closer and closer together. Maggie’s entire body buzzed and tingled in anticipation.
“Who am I, Maggie?”

“You’re Charlie Hagan. Stratego of the Alpha Pack.” She breathed in the scent of him. Cinnamon and male. “You’re a fighter of demons and protector of innocents.”Unable to stop herself, she finally did what she’d been dreaming of since she first met him and placed her lips against his. It was just a fleeting caress, but she felt it deep in her soul. “You’re beautiful,” she said, knowing it wasn’t a strong enough word to describe him.

Giveaway

About Tammy Blackwell

Tammy Blackwell

Tammy Blackwell is a Young Adult Services Coordinator for a public library system in Kentucky. When she’s not reading, writing, cataloging, or talking about books, she’s sleeping.



Cover Reveal - Waterproof by Amber Garr

Dying of thirst is the new reality.
Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart. A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof.

Disclaimer: Waterproof is a new adult dystopian with sex, violence, and language that may not be suitable for a younger audience.
Teaser
Vivienne yelled out and I whipped my head around to see what happened. The last man standing held an impressive hunting knife in his hand, while Vivienne had a fresh cut on her arm. Still, she held steady, sword gripped tightly in front of her, legs in a fighting stance.

Something stirred inside of me at the sight. Time slowed when I watched her wield the sword like an ancient warrior. It was hard to imagine that just a few years ago we were in high school worrying about football games and which party to go to on the weekend. Now we stayed in abandoned houses, scrounged for water, and spent most of our lives running. If things had been different, Vivienne and I would be graduating college this year. I had plans to go into medicine, and she wanted to be a vet. Funny how those dreams seemed so far away now.

A loud thump echoed through the now darkened night. She almost fell to the ground with the amount of momentum needed to decapitate the man. He dropped to his knees like a sinner begging for mercy, head rolling further down the hill. My stomach fluttered with admiration and annoyance.

“I didn’t need your help,” I said to her, getting up on my feet and trying not to wince at my injuries.

“Sure,” she huffed. Ripping her bandana off her face she tore it in two. “Here, wrap that up.” She nodded toward the tear in my sleeve and I stubbornly yanked the cloth out of her hand.

“I had everything under control,” I said between clenched teeth. It was the only way to mask the pain. “How did you know where to find me?”

“I followed the girly shrieks,” she said without missing a beat. I looked down at her in time to see a smirk pull at the corner of her mouth. “Let me do it.”

Once again, I allowed Vivienne to rescue me. It killed every part of that male ego inside, but I knew she’d let me do the same for her. In fact, I had. We always saved each other.

“Ow,” I said when she tightened the bandana a little too rough around my arm.

“Stop being a baby.”

“Stop showing off your man strength.”

She pulled even tighter but let a small laugh escape. I sucked in a breath at that sound, realizing how close I’d come to never hearing it again.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?” she asked, turning me around and patting her hands along my body. I froze, trying to ignore how comforting her touch felt. We’d been friends for years, and she was the only person in this world I trusted. Why had I risked so much for this run?

I stepped away from her, not liking where my thoughts were headed. “I’m fine,” I mumbled. “Stop mothering me.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you’d listen to me.” She stopped in front of my face and stared me down. I stood a little over six feet tall and she was just a few inches shorter. Together with that glare, almost any man would cower under her. “Was it worth it?”

“Huh?”

“The water. How much did you get?”

I hung my head in embarrassment. “I had eight, but they shot through one. So six, I guess.”

“Six bottles?” She looked impressed.

“No, six liters.” Silence.

“You just made me kill three men for six liters of water?”

I shuffled my feet. “You only killed two.”

She reached out so quickly, I couldn’t defend myself. Both hands pushed against my chest and I stumbled back, falling to the ground.

“I could make it three,” she hissed. “I should kill you for your stupidity alone.”
About Amber Garr
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Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of Waterproof, The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.



Monday 25 November 2013

300 likes giveaway!

300 likes!






Thanks so much guys!

To celebrate I'm hosting a giveaway.

Unfortunately seeing as it's nearly Christmas and I'm in the process of buying presents I don't have much money spare so I will be giving away a $5 Amazon.com gift card


as well as 3 e-copies of my novel Girl Meets Underworld


and 3 e-copies of my short story As We Lie Dying.




The Rafflecopter entry form is below.

Good luck!





Sunday 24 November 2013

My Week in Books 18th-24th November

Read:
Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins
5/5 stars
I just watched the film and loved it. Though Finnick might have something to do with that :)
Bought:
The Testing (The Testing, #1) by Joelle Charbonneau (Kindle copy, £0.99)
I had borrowed the copy I read of this a few weeks ago so when I saw it was on sale I had to buy it as I really enjoyed it.
Death Comes To Pemberley by P.D. James (Hardcover from a charity shop)

Currently Reading:
Ender's Game (The Ender Quintet, #1) by Orson Scott Card

All pics from Goodreads.
Hope you all had a good week.
J x


Saturday 23 November 2013

Cornerstone by Kelly Walker Promo

Epic Fantasy combines with Young Adult romance in this stunning new adventure set in a richly developed medieval world.
When Emariya Warren learns enemy forces have captured her father, she’ll do anything to save him. Anything. Even marry a mysterious prince she knows nothing about in order to rally the strength to arrange a rescue. During her journey to Torian’s foreign castle, Emariya comes face to face with her mother’s killers–and a deadly secret.

Not only does Emariya possess a powerful but unexpected magical gift passed down through each of her families, the prince she’s promised to marry possesses a third, and an ominous prophecy has warned the three gifts must never be combined.

If she breaks her promise to marry Torian, she won’t be able to save her father and if she keeps it, she may bring a curse upon everything she holds dear. Determining which choice is best won’t be easy, but when she meets the gorgeous prince who may desire more than just her heart, she realizes she will have to fight just to have a choice at all.

Her heart wants him desperately. Her head begs her to run. If she doesn’t want to share her mother’s fate, she’ll have to find a way to untangle the truth from the lies in time to save herself.
About Kelly Walker
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Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Jaded Stone by Kelly Walker Release Day Blitz





In Cornerstone, Valencia Roth died to protect her daughter. In Jaded Stone, she'll live for her.

 Twenty years before the events of Cornerstone, Valencia Roth is the Crown Princess of Sheas, as lonely as she is privileged. She wants for nothing, except a clear path toward peace for her land. She’s always known personal happiness might not be in The Three’s plan for her. As the future ruler of Sheas, and a Cornerstone, her life belongs to her people.

 But when Valencia meets the charming Reid Hendel, she dares to believe love could be within her reach. That is, if they can both survive long enough for it to blossom. A new threat prowls the land, and she’s their primary target. Armed with stubborn pride and all the resources of Sheas, she fears nothing—until her brother leads her intended directly into the fray and at least one of them doesn’t return.

Burdened with grief, Valencia must carve her own path forward. From the forge of chaos, a new era will be born.


Giveaway







 
About Kelly Walker

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Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.


Sunday 17 November 2013

My Week in Books 11th-17th November

Read:
The Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1) by Samantha Shannon

4.5/5 stars
More Than This by Patrick Ness

4/5 stars


Edelweiss Approved:

Me Since You by Laura Wiess




Currently Reading:

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins



I'm re-reading this before I see the film.

All pics from Goodreads.

I now have a working laptop again! So I hope to do some writing this week.
I saw Gravity and Thor: The Dark World. Both were very good and I would definitely recommend seeing Gravity in 3D.

Hope you all had a good week!
J x



Monday 11 November 2013

No One's Angel by Kelly Walker Promo




If you are looking for an intense, passionate love so wrong it is right, a story about losing your way but clawing desperately at any chance to find your way back, about hanging on to your last shred of sanity and trusting someone enough to let go of your fears, look no further. No One's Angel's angel is a New Adult (NA) Contemporary Romance about a girl learning to fight back and a boy learning to let go. 


Tess used to spend more hours than she'd care to admit playing her favorite computer game, using the nickname Angel. She could pretend her life was different, and she could pretend Arion was just a friend. But a girl needs more to keep her warm at night than pixels, and she traded her virtual heaven for a real-life hell. Now she's on the run from a past she won't talk about, and the only place she has to go is the doorstep of the friend she's never actually met. 

 When Angel disappeared from their nightly games, it nearly destroyed Arion. He threw himself into work and women, but he can't help knowing the one-night stands will never compare to the angel who haunts his dreams. At first, when she shows up soaking wet and scared-shitless on his doorstep, he thinks his prayers have been answered. 

 But the more Arion tries to keep Angel close, the more her fear drives her away. If they are ever going to have a chance for a future, they'll first have to deal with the past that hasn't forgotten her any more than she's forgotten it--and Arion will have to learn how to let her go.



CONTENT WARNING: Due to adult sexual situations and language, this novel may not be appropriate for readers under 18.
Excerpt
Arion reaches for my hand but catches only air. I freeze. And then Ishiver. Without the warmth of the blankets, I remember I'm not
wearing anything but his shirt, and given the look he's giving me now, I'm not the only one who's noticed. That expression I can
read just fine.

"You aren't going anywhere, Angel."

I suck in a sharp breath, hearing his words in someone else's voice. 
But I did. I'm here. I left. 
My eyes dart around the room like a moth fluttering against a light.  My pile of clothes, which should have been by the door, is missing. 
"Did you take my clothes?" The tightening in my chest makes my words breathless. I try to tell myself not to panic, but that's
like telling a dog not to wag its tail. Acknowledging it only makes it worse. I gulp for more air as my head starts to spin. 
"Would only seem fair. After all, you took mine." His tone is tense, but beneath it I can hear his familiar teasing. I try to tell myself I don't have to be afraid. This is Arion. The one person I trust. I know him. 
But I don't, and to tell myself otherwise is a lie. 
If he wants his freaking shirt he can have it. I've got to get out of here. My fingers begin undoing the buttons without me really
thinking about it, and then I'm shrugging my shoulders free. 
His eyes go from warm pools of interest to sexy oceans of desire in the time it takes me to remember I don't even have a bra on. 
I manage to catch the shirt just before it falls away from my hips, and I quickly wrap it around me, covering myself. I tilt my chin
toward him defiantly, daring him to say or do anything even as I want to beg him to let me go. At the same time I want to beg him to pull me close. My emotion is a giant see-saw, and I'm tottering on the edge with him in the middle. If he takes one step toward me, it will tip the balance.



About Kelly Walker

6546134

Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.



Sunday 10 November 2013

My Week in Books 4th-10th November

Read:

The Testing (The Testing, #1) by Joelle Charbonneau


4.5/5 stars


Aberrant (Aberrant, #1) by Ruth Silver


3/5 stars

Read my review here.


Netgalley Approved:

Deeper (Caroline & West, #1) by Robin York



Imposter (Variants, #1) by Susanne Winnacker



Witch Finder (Witch Finder, #1) by Ruth Warburton





Currently Reading:

The Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1) by Samantha Shannon



Hope you all had a good week!
J x

Friday 8 November 2013

Review - Aberrant (Aberrant, #1) by Ruth Silver

Blurb from Goodreads:


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.



Goodreads
Amazon UK
Amazon US


My Review:


* I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. Thanks to Patchwork Press and Ruth Silver*



3/5 stars



 The Day of the Chosen starts perfectly for Olivia when she is paired with, and marries, her childhood best friend and secret crush Joshua. 


Things take a turn for the worse when Olivia is thrown into prison quickly followed by her mother. Olivia's crime? She was conceived naturally in a time where all children are won by a lottery and made in labs because of a disease that resulted in women becoming infertile. With the help of Josh and his mother, Olivia escapes from Genesis and goes to Haven, a Rebel Alliance city, with Josh. 
Things become even worse when the rebels demand that Olivia have a child within the next three years with anyone except Joshua.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it is a dystopian novel with a unique twist but there were parts where the dialogue didn't flow well and the characters reacted oddly .e.g. When Olivia escapes from prison she doesn't say goodbye to her mother even knowing that she will probably never see her again.
Despite this I enjoyed the book overall.

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Cover Reveal + Giveaway - Soul of Flame (Imdalind, #4) by Rebecca Ethington

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000040_00014]


Today is the cover reveal for Soul of Flame (Imdalind #4) by Rebecca Ethington!

Soul of Flame

Soul of Flame is releasing on December 2, 2013
The Time for the final battle has come.

Edmund's armies have surrounded the Rioseco Abbey, trapping the few survivors inside. The sight that Ilyan was given a thousand years ago is about to come to pass.

If only Joclyn was able to fight.

Joclyn is tormented by the hallucinations that Cail’s mind has left her with, her magic an uncontrollable torrent that even Ilyan cannot control. Her moments of lucidity are broken by fears of dripping pipes and bleeding walls, and a desire to kill Ryland that she is trying to ignore.

Love may be the only key to her sanity, to her strength, and to Edmund's death.

But that love may stand in her way, and a single choice may tip the scales and secure their future, or destroy their fate.
Giveaway




About Rebecca Ethington

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Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn't found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Promo Post - Aqua Blue by Marian L. Thomas

Aqua Blue Sale
A friendship that begins to unravel. A young man fleeing the tragic loss of his mother. A romance that crosses the boundary of hatred and proves that love is stronger than the colour of skin. Find it all in, AQUA BLUE. It is now on sale for 99¢ November 5th- November 12th!
The Genre:
Clean Fiction for Women
Available on:



AquaBlue-FRONT-vWEB
In 1968 a child was born. Her father's eyes boast a beautiful green and her mother was born with hazel. Yet, Aqua Blue was brought into the world with neither.

Haley wishes her parents would forget her. Her mother wants to control her, her father constantly beats on her and Haley, however, just wants to dance on Broadway. Will her dreams cost her more than she ever expected?

Jonathan Jacob Benjamin Brown is running from the memory of a mother he loved. His journey will thrust him into a world filled with secrets so shocking, he must determine whether he will forgive or walk away.

As they each step foot into the intoxicating city of New York, their dreams are standing before them with open arms. Yet, in order to embrace the possibilities, they must first learn to live, love, and breathe.
What People Are Saying About this Book:

"Aqua Blue is an emotionally gripping story that will keep readers turning the pages as they travel back in time to the turbulent 60's to meet characters whose forbidden romance is sure to mark a place in their hearts, long after they close the book."

~ Rhonda McKnight, Author of Black Expressions Bestsellers, What Kind of Fool and An Inconvenient Friend.
“When I first opened Aqua Blue I was pulled in to the main character's desire to explore the world outside her small town. I won't give it away but right from the start you know something major is going to happen to the two best friends -- and their traveling companion -- that will change them and their relationships. Once you start reading this novel, you won't want to put it down!”

~ Faith Knight, Author of the Real Book on How to Cook
" Mrs. Thomas,I truly enjoyed reading your novel. The book always kept me wondering what would happen next. Please do a sequel.

~ Johnnie Stewart, Between Friends Literary Club, Memphis, Tennessee


Author Bio:

Author Marian L. Thomas, is no stranger to the world of fiction. With three dramatic and engaging books to her credit: Color Me Jazzmyne; My Father's Colors and Strings of Color, this award-winning author continues to weave colorful stories of emotion and realism, that crosses all boundaries and finds a home in the heart of today's female reader. This has become her trademark.
Author Website:

Let's Connect Socially:
Twitter: MarianLThomas01
YouTube:

Monday 4 November 2013

Review - You Are Mine (Mine, #1) by Janeal Falor


Blurb from Goodreads:

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.



My Review:

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley. Thanks to Patchwork Press and Janeal Falor*

3/5 stars



Serena lives in a land where men are warlocks and women are only useful because of the magic in their blood. The eldest of a large family, Serena is used to taking punishments from her father a councilman. When Serena comes of age her father sells her to Thomas. While at a tournament where sorcerers fight each other, Thomas is killed by Zade, an Envadi. Zade gains everything that Thomas once owned, including Serena. Will the barbaric Envadi treat Serena worse than Thomas did?

I liked You Are Mine. It was unique and I wasn't quite sure what would happen to Serena. However, despite being well-written the storyline did not grip me and I found my attention slipping several times. I love the striking cover though am not sure if I will read the sequel.