Posted in Blog tour, fiction, romance on January 24, 2013

secondrate

 

Synopsis:

Sam wakes up in the hospital expecting to find his girlfriend by his bedside. Instead, he finds a bleached-blond diva, claiming to be his fiancée, hovering over him. When he learns that he’s just woken up from a coma and has lost the last three years of his life, any semblance of stability he thought he had falls down around him. All he wants – all he needs – is Lil.

After countless visits with her shrink and too many sleepless nights waiting for the one man she loves to walk back through the door, Lil wants nothing more than to separate herself from the life she used to have. But the moment Sam smiles at her, Lil knows it’s going to take more than self-restraint to stay away.

Second-Rate Chances is about a young man fighting to regain his memory, and the one thing in his life that felt real. A modern-day Samson and Delilah, it’s a look at what it means to love and be loved, and to fight though it seems hopeless.

hollystephensAbout Holly:

People have often told me that I live in a fantasy world. Little did they know, I was building an empire of stories in my head to one day share.

I’m a mother first, a wife second, and a writer third. I’m so thankful to have been given this chance to get my stories out of my head and onto paper.

When I’m not writing, I sell plumbing (no I’m not kidding) and read romances that leave my heart a flutter. I know a ridiculous amount of pop culture information and can quote certain movies word for word. Music drives me to write and to also sing off key.

goodreads-badge-add-plus

 | 
Comments Off on Spotlight: Second Rate Chances by Holly Stephens
Posted in End of the world, fiction, Review on January 23, 2013

the_end_of_all_things

Synopsis:

After a terrible virus ravages the planet, Carly Daniels, one of the few survivors, hides in her apartment in Juneau trying to survive the best she can with only occasional forays to gather food. With her is Sam, a wolf puppy she found starving on the streets. He becomes her companion and a reason to continue when giving up sometimes seems like the more attractive option. Still dazed with shock and grief, she hopes for the world to go back to normal soon.

She is discovered by Justin, an ex-soldier who is intent on making his way to Florida before the winter sets in. Justin coaxes her out of her hiding place and convinces her to join him on his journey, because a warmer climate will be their best chance  against the extremes of Mother Nature.

Together, they begin a perilous journey through a nation laid to waste by the disaster. Challenges abound along the way. The weather, injury, and shortage of supplies all help to slow them down. In time, they discover that they aren’t the only survivors. Some are friendly but some have had their minds destroyed by the high fever. Then there are those who simply take what they want, leaving Carly and Justin with no choice but to defend what is theirs.

But their journey is not without joy and love. Together, they face every struggle, including an unplanned pregnancy. Despite the perils of bringing a child into a world of chaos, their baby is a new beginning for themselves and a symbol of hope for the other survivors they find along the way.

This is the story of their journey to find a place to begin a new life, and a home in each other.

 

Review:

I’m not even sure how to sum up my thoughts on this book…..WOW is what comes to mind but that seems so understated.  I normally don’t read this genre (end of the world/apocalypse) but had read Ghostwriter by Lissa and thought I would check out this book too.  The characters are very real and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next.  Now I was a little surprised that Carly’s “dog” was so protective since it was a wolf and you would have thought other instincts would have come out, but this is fiction so anything can happen.  I was rooting for Justin and Carly hoping that there wouldn’t be a sad ending.  I don’t want to give it away (so I won’t) but the ending is good…but left me wanting more!  However, there is supposed to be a sequel to this book called The Beginning…I sure hope so because I want to know what happens to all of the characters!

I give this book 5 paws and suggest picking it up as soon as you can!

pawprintpawprintpawprintpawprintpawprint

 

lbryanAbout Lissa:

Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete’s foot…. though only in her head.

Real life isn’t so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing.

Her first novel, Ghostwriter was released October 11, 2012, and her second, The End of All Things, will be released on January 24, 2013.

You can find her here:  Facebook * Goodreads * Her Blog

 | 
Comments Off on Review: The End of All Things by Lissa Bryan
Posted in excerpt, suspense on January 23, 2013

the end blog tour button

Excerpt:

Two days later, they were out of food again, and Carly was faced with the prospect of trying to make it out to the store.
Sam swatted his metal bowl with his paw, and then stared down at it with a hint of expectation, as if rattling it would make food appear. Perhaps, in his little doggy head it did, because Carly had always filled it whenever she heard the bowl clatter on the floor.
Carly went over to the window to peek out at Biker Guy. Still there.

Yesterday, she had gathered all of her courage and gone down to the lobby door again, but he had met her there with another Hello, and she’d panicked and darted back upstairs.He was looking up at her window. He waved and reached down beside his bucket to pick up something that looked like a large white sheet of poster board. He held it up, and she could see the words he’d painted on it in black: PLEASE DON’T BE AFRAID. I WON’T HURT YOU.

He dropped the top poster to reveal another beneath it: I JUST WANT TO TALK TO YOU.
Carly thought that was highly unlikely. Whatever this guy wants, it isn’t just a scintillating conversation. 
He held up another sign: I’M REALLY A NICE GUY. HONEST.
Yeah, like he’d tell me if he wasn’t.
He grinned as he held up the last board: SURRENDER, DOROTHY.
Carly had to giggle, but it faded as she realized it was the first time she’d laughed since the Crisis. She retreated and let the curtain drop. Indecision gnawed at her. She had to get food, and that meant confronting Biker Guy, whether she liked it or not
Purchase the book

lbryanAuthor Bio:

Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete’s foot…. though only in her head. Real life isn’t so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing.

Her first novel, Ghostwriter was released October 11, 2012, and her second, The End of All Things, will be released on January 24, 2013.

 

Author’s Webpage

Author on Facebook

Author on Goodreads

Posted in Blog tour, contest, Giveaway, Historical, romance on January 19, 2013

Heart of the Ocean Tour

About Heather:

Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ’s Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler).

Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).

Author Website * Author Blog * Timeless Romance Anthologies Blog * Heather B. Moore Amazon Page

H.B. Moore Amazon Page * Facebook * Facebook “Fans of H.B. Moore” page * Twitter – @heatherbmoore

Synopsis:

A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost  . . . a handsome stranger  . . .
What more could Eliza Robinson want?
Except for maybe her life.

In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza’s life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt’s death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.

Review:

I read this book while on a cruise over Christmas and it was the perfect book to read, just enough mystery to keep it interesting, but not an intense story for the reader.  I enjoyed many aspects of this book including Eliza dealing with her aunt’s death, several suitors (but not the one she liked) and how the lives of several characters intertwined so tightly.   I thought that some of the characters got their just rewards for their actions and good prevailed in the end.  I give this book 4 1/2 paws and suggest checking it out the next time you are looking for a historical light mystery to read.

pawprintpawprintpawprintpawprinthalfpaw

 

Excerpt:

“She was banned from sight?” Eliza asked her aunt.

“Helena’s shame was so great, she couldn’t even accept visitors,” Maeve said, her expression grave. She sipped at her tea, closing her eyes briefly. “The poor dear lived alone—couldn’t face her own family or any of the townspeople for the disgrace of it.”

A pang twisted inside Eliza. Alone. Pregnant. Disgraced. “Wasn’t there anyone she could turn to?”

“Oh, some took pity and left baskets of food at her doorstep, but only on the darkest of nights.” Maeve looked past Eliza as the candles in the room flickered. “The night of her son’s birth, there was a violent storm—the townspeople had never experienced such a one. By morning, Helena’s place was hardly recognizable, yet she’d delivered a healthy boy despite it all. She stayed away from town for the first year. Her mother never came to visit the baby.”

What sort of mother refuses to see her own grandchild? Eliza wondered. The madness of Mistress Talbot must have been a mixture of grief and guilt.

“I still remember his dark locks and black eyes . . . He was only three years old when his mother disappeared.” Maeve stared at the fire as if seeing it all in her mind. Her voice quavered, and after a deep breath she said, “Someone found the boy wandering the edge of the cliff all alone, looking for his mother. Many think his mother drowned.”

 

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


 | 
Comments Off on Blog Tour & $25 Amazon Giveaway: Hearts of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore
Posted in Blog tour, contest, Fantasy, Giveaway, Young Adult on January 16, 2013

rise of the fire tamer graphic

 

Today’s highlight is for a YA/Fantasy genre book called Rise of the Fire Tamer by author Kailin Gow.  This is the second series I have ready by this author, the first being the first two books of the Alchemists Academy which I reviewed here and here.

Synopsis

After winning a contest for a popular game called Wordwick Games, five teens Gemma, Sparks, Rio, Kat, and Jack, are invited to stay at Wordwick Games inventor Henry Word’s mysterious castle and play the newest level of Workwick Games. Little do they know, the castle is the doorway to a wondrous world call Anachronia where words can be used as weapons, power, and commodity. There is unrest in Anachronia, and if the five teens can follow the rules of Wordwick Games and prove to be the best player, one of them will be crowned Ruler of Anachronia.

Review

I am quickly becoming a fan of Kailin Gow!  I loved the first two books in the Alchemist Academy series and this one was just as enthralling.  It reminded me very slightly of Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, but just slightly.  Must have been the game aspect.  The characters each had their own strengths and weaknesses and I really thought it was clever to have weapons be words…and having to know the meaning of those words as well.  What a great way to get kids to look it up in the dictionary!  I have to give this story 5 paws and cannot wait for the second book in the series to come out!

pawprintpawprintpawprintpawprintpawprint

 

Book Trailer

 

Author Kailin Gow

Kailin Gow is the award-winning, international bestselling author of over 80 distinct books.

Kailin Gow is also the President of a media company, a media personality, and has been writing full-time since she was first published. Holding a Masters in communications management and leadership positions in Fortune 500 corporations, she puts her leadership abilities, her experience, and desire to help others into her fiction books. As a result, she has written the forthcoming, Finding the Heroine in You book which is also a national tour. She is a mother and spends whatever spare time she has volunteering at the Red Cross, Battered Women’s Shelters, and other organizations.

Currently her Frost Series is in development for a major international MMO Game, and she has over 14,000 and growing Frosters on her facebook fan page.

Links:

 

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Cover Reveal, romance on January 15, 2013

Two new books due out soon from Entangled Publishing…they look like fun reads!

 

FallingForHerFiance_cover_FINAL-500About Falling for Her Fiance: Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, and so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. But neither expects the feelings that develop. Putting their friendship on the line is dangerous, but so is passing up a chance at true love…

Buy Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

 

LuckOfTheDraw_cover_FINAL-500 

About Luck of the Draw: Rowan McKinley isn’t looking for one wild night while vacationing in Vegas, but she gets it anyway when she meets professional poker player—and professional ladies’ man—Breck Wilder. Breck’s easygoing charm and lighthearted banter draw in the reserved Rowan, and though she’s always dreamed of the kind of forever love her best friends Sidney and Kade share, she’ll settle for one night with the charismatic player.

After their crazy one-night stand, Breck never expected to see the mysterious redhead again. So when he shows up at a Shamrock Falls B&B looking to get away for a few weeks and Rowan answers the door, he’s floored. Breck’s rolling-stone lifestyle and ill-fated history with women means he’s not interested in anything long-term. But the longer he stays at the B&B, the more he considers dropping the poker face and putting all his cards on the table…for Rowan.

Buy Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

 

 | 
Comments Off on Cover Reveal: Falling for her Fiance and Luck of the Draw
Posted in contest, Giveaway on January 15, 2013

I have had the opportunity to give away a lot of books and Amazon gift cards and such and thought I would post all of the links in one place so that you don’t miss any!  Some are open internationally (mostly the e-books or Amazon) so check each giveaway.  Some of the giveaways have a form to fill out and others there is a Rafflecopter giveaway.  Either way the information is usually at the end of the post, so make sure you scroll down and fill everything out!

$50 Amazon cash giveaway in conjunction with Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Copy of Cracks in the Sidewalk by Bette Lee Crosby (excellent book!)

$10 Amazon cash giveaway in conjunction with A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr

Kindle Fire hosted by various authors

5 e-books and 1 paperback copy of Taste by Kate Evangelista

$50 Amazon giftcard by author Heather B. Moore for her book Heart of the Ocean

$100 Amazon giftcard or Paypal cash from author Milissa Bailey for her book Gracier

$50 Amazon giftcard or Paypal cash from author Kailin Gow for Rise of the Fire Tamer

$50 Amazon giftcard or Paypal cash from author Janis F. Kearney for her book Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

$25 Amazon gift card or Paypal cash and 3 sets of iFrogz earbuds and armbands

Posted in Book Blast, contest, Fantasy, Giveaway, Young Adult on January 15, 2013

 

Starflower

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission…and a race against his rival for Gleamdren’s favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren’s rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?





Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Christian Book

Excerpt
The Kiss by the River:
The girl did not stir when Eanrin lifted her into his arms; her sleep was profound indeed. Her head lolled over his arm, and he was obliged to part her thick hair to uncover her face. It was an uncommonly beautiful face for a mortal.
However, this girl’s beauty was different from any he had ever before seen. For one thing, her skin was rich dark brown, and her hair glossy black. For another, she was imperfect. Her teeth, visible between gently parted lips, were a little crooked. Mud stained her skin, making it darker still, and her brow, even in sleep, was puckered with anxiety or fear. Her dreams must be wicked indeed.
Eanrin grimaced at the sight and almost put her down again. After all, a princess with dreams like those probably had a tale of woe to match. She would certainly wake with expectations of a handsome hero to aid her. As far as Eanrin was concerned, a dash of heroism was one thing, but commitment to a cause? Never. Rushing off to the rescue of Lady Gleamdren was different, for he had determined that she must be his wife and the sole inspiration to his life’s work. Besides, he loved her.
This creature meant nothing to him.
But blood oozed from the abrasions on her wrists. And her body, mortal and vulnerable, lay in his arms. Eanrin rolled his eyes heavenward as though to seek some holy aid. Then he braced himself and wiped the mud off her lips with the edge of his cloak. She frowned in her sleep and stirred, but did not wake.
“Nothing for it,” he muttered. Closing his eyes and trying not to smell her any more than he must, he leaned in and kissed her . . .

 

 

Author Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of HEARTLESS, VEILED ROSE, MOONBLOOD, and STARFLOWER, with DRAGONWITCH due to release in 2013. HEARTLESS and VEILED ROSE have each been honored with a Christy Award.

 

 

Blog Tour Schedule


BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Monday, mystery on January 14, 2013

This is a new series to me and I have the first two books to read in this series, so it should be interesting!  The First Rule of Ten is by authors Gay Hendricks and Tinker Lindsay.

firstrule of ten

Synopsis:

Tenzing Norbu (“Ten” for short)—ex-monk and soon-to-be ex-cop—is a protagonist unique to our times. In The First Rule of Ten, thefirst installment in a three-book detective series, we meet this spiritual warrior who is singularly equipped, if not occasionally ill-equipped, as he takes on his first case as a private investigator in Los Angeles.

Growing up in a Tibetan Monastery, Ten dreamed of becoming a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. So when he was sent to Los Angeles to teach meditation, he joined the LAPD instead. But as the Buddha says, change is inevitable; and ten years later, everything is about to change—big-time—for Ten. One resignation from the police force, two bullet-wounds, three suspicious deaths, and a beautiful woman later, he quickly learns that whenever he breaks his first rule, mayhem follows.

Trailer:

 | 
Comments Off on Mystery Monday – The First Rule of Ten by Gay Hendricks & Tinker Lindsay
Posted in Cover Reveal, Fantasy, paranormal, Young Adult on January 14, 2013

Woman in fairy forest

 

Title:  Awaken (Patronus, #1)

Author:  Sarah M. Ross

Original release date: January 27, 2012

Age Group and Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal

Cover Designer:  Donna Dull of Sharp Cover Designs; http://www.sharpcoverdesign.com/

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Purchase the book here for $0.99Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * Kobo * iTunes

 

goodreads-badge-add-plus

 

Book Description:

Lucy Donovan was supposed to have a weekend of fun in the sun, celebrating her upcoming graduation from college. In a split second, everything changed. A drunk driver ended Lucy’s mortal life. Lucy opens her eyes to a world she never imagined possible and a new destiny: as a Patronus, a guardian of spirits. Adjusting to her new role and abilities while negotiating this confusing realm will test her limits and push her further than she ever dreamed she would go. From wayward spirits who don’t want her help to soul stealing vampires, and even a stuck-up British royal, Lucy must brave them all to save one spirit she can’t bear to lose. Further complicating her confusing life is an inexplicable yet growing connection she feels to a member of her team, Max, whose mysterious behavior leaves her both confused and intrigued. Waking up dead was just the beginning of her problems. Lucy’s death is about to become the greatest adventure of her life.

 

sarah rossAbout the Author

I started my obsession with reading at an early age, getting in trouble for sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class in elementary school. I would read any fiction book I could get my hands on. I knew it was an addiction when instead of grounding me from TV or music, my mom would take away my books as punishment (The Horror!). My love of all things paranormal was inspired by my good friend Laurie, who convinced me that books with vampires, witches, and all things shifter were amazing. After a little reluctance, I gave it a shot with the Sookie Stackhouse books, realized she was right, and the rest was history.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with my degree in English, and taught 8th graders to love reading as much as I do for several years. I will always be a proud member of the Steelers Nation, but I couldn’t take the cold and moved my frozen tush to Florida where I now live with my family and two cats. You will find me now with my trusty Kindle in hand and toes in the sand!

Sarah M. Ross| Facebook| Twitter

 

 

 

AToMR 2

 | 
Comments Off on Cover Reveal: Awaken by Sarah M. Ross