Jan 31, 2014

Cover Reveal: Before You by Amber Hart & GIVEAWAY


Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it is both.

Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying in exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it’s all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn’t stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past—a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.

At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely. 

Love—it will ruin you and save you, both.    
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What other authors had to say:
"Beautiful and evocative!" ~New York Times Bestselling author Sophie Jordan
"Fresh and unique...will hook and hold you." ~Bestselling author K.A. Tucker

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Author Bio:
Amber Hart grew up in Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. She now resides on the Florida coastline with family and animals including, but not limited to, bulldogs, a cat, and dragons. When unable to find a book, she can be found writing, daydreaming, or with her toes in the sand. She's the author of BEFORE YOU, AFTER US, ECHOES, and ECHOES' sequel (untitled as of yet). Rep'd by Beth Miller of Writers House.

Links:
Website: www.amberhartbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberHart
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AmberHartBooks
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/AmbersShelf
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AmberHart
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/AmberHart



GIVEAWAY

Jan 30, 2014

Book Blitz: Carnelian by B. Kristin McMichael & GIVEAWAY

Carnelian by B. Kristin McMichael 
(Chalcedony Chronicles #1) 
Publication date: January 10th 2014 
Genres: Time-Travel, Young Adult

Everyone has a past, but for most it isn’t so far in the past as Seth Sangre. His past is literally from thousands of years ago. Seth’s past led him to the present seeking something that might help him save his country from destruction. He has been in the present for over three years now and just found exactly what he has been looking for.

Mari had dreams of college being a fresh start, one where she would start over and not fall for the good looking player like high school. Unfortunately for her that’s exactly what ends up falling into her lap on the first day she moves into the dorms. Now she has to hold to her promise to herself and not fall for the handsome Seth. But he doesn’t plan to make it easy for her. Seth has already marked her as his next conquest. As the semester progresses, Mari learns that Seth might just have a past of his own that’s literally in the past. Suddenly Mari finds her future along with her past put into question. She’s connected to Seth far more than she ever wanted to be and maybe the player isn’t who she thought he was. If Mari can trust her heart enough to follow him, Seth will lead Mari on an adventure of a lifetime and reveal family secrets she never knew existed.

Purchase:

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AUTHOR BIO
Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats. When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in biology as a scientist. In her free time she is currently hard at work on multiple novels. Every day is a new writing adventure. She is a fan of all YA/NA fantasy and science fiction.

Author Links:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6889132.B_Kristin_McMichael



GIVEAWAY
-A signed copy of Carnelian (INTL)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jan 29, 2014

Book Blitz: Starcrossed by Brenda Hiatt & Giveaway




Starcrossed
by Brenda Hiatt
Starstruck #2
Publication: January 24th, 2014
YA Sci-fi Romance


The Starstruck adventure continues…

Marsha Truitt spent the first fifteen years of her life as a nerdy nobody before discovering her true identity as the long lost princess of a secret civilization. Now M is dodging extraterrestrial paparazzi while trying to keep the truth from her adoptive aunt and uncle and everyone at school. At least she can be herself with her boyfriend and literal soulmate, Rigel. Whenever they’re together, it’s easy to forget the responsibilities that will eventually come with her new status. But when a new boy arrives at Jewel High, everything M thought she knew about herself and her future is turned upside down. Now the very destiny that lifted her from obscurity threatens to tear her away from Rigel and their happy ever after. But when two planets conspire against you, where is there to run?

Available on:


Welcome, Brenda! Starcrossed, the second installment of YA Sci-fi Romance series, is now released! How are you feeling?
Very excited, and I guess a little nervous. I love these books SO much that I’m super anxious to share them with as many readers as possible! With each release I feel a little like a new mom launching her baby out into the big, unpredictable world!
Describe Starcrossed in five words.
Romance, adversity, destiny, determination, adventure
Please summarize the Starstruck series in three sentences.
A nerdy nobody discovers she’s the long-lost princess of a secret underground colony on Mars. Together with the hot new quarterback, who happens to be her bonded soulmate, she works to save both that colony and Earth from unimaginable threats. But as events unfold, it looks like she may have to choose between true love and the fate of all humanity!
What inspired the idea behind the series?
When I was in elementary school, a girl I knew used to tell everyone that she was really a Martian princess. Of course, everyone made fun of her, but years later I remembered her and started thinking (with my weird writer brain), “What if her stories really were true?” The idea for the Starstruck series was born from that thought.
How many installments do you plan on there being?
At the moment, I’m expecting the series to be four books. Of course, as I was writing STARCROSSED (book 2), I thought it would be a three-book series, and I’m still revising the end of book 3 and haven’t started #4, so . . . who knows?
Tell us about the romance—what can readers expect?
The romance is strong with these books. (Nerdy Star Wars reference, sorry.) STARSTRUCK stands alone as a teen romance with science fiction elements and plenty of adventure. In STARCROSSED, M and Rigel have their happy-ever-after tested by outside forces, but that only strengthens their bond. Whether that bond can withstand future events, time will tell! (But I’m a diehard romantic at heart, which should give you a hint!)
So far, what has been the most challenging part of this series?
Though I’ve written linked books before, like my Regency historical “Saint of Seven Dials” books, this has been my first attempt to write a REAL series where the plot and characters continue over several books. Keeping all the threads straight has been a challenge (I keep lots and LOTS of notes!) It’s also my first time writing young adult fiction, so capturing the voices and sensibilities of my teen characters was a challenge, especially at first. But once I started channeling my own inner teen, it became way more fun than difficult!
Your favorite line or scene from the book?
My real favorite is near the end and would contain spoilers! But I love the bits where M gets weirded out by everything seeming so normal on the surface when really half the people around her are from Mars, pretending to be regular people for the benefit of all the Earthlings who have no clue.
More about you ...
What do you enjoy most about writing
I enjoy going back over a scene and making it better. And better. I most dread the blank page!
Besides writing, what other artistic talents do you have?
Over the past couple of years I’ve become competitive in Taekwondo forms, which is sort of an art.
Are you currently writing another book?
Oh, yes! I’m currently revising the last several chapters of book 3 in the Starstruck series (tentatively titled STARBOUND) and making lots of notes for book 4 (no working title yet).
Best piece of advice you've received and give to aspiring authors?
Read, read, read! Especially in the genre you want to write in, but also in other genres.

*** FLASH Q&A ***
Current Obsession:
My daughter’s upcoming March wedding!
Last thing you Googled:
How to keep berries fresh longer. (Answer: vinegar!)
You’re stressed. What’s the first thing you do or reach for?
I’d like to say I meditate when stressed but I’m more likely to reach for chocolate.
You write best with __music playing (mostly Muse)__ while __walking on my treadmill__ and __in comfy jeans or shorts__.
Inspiration hits, but you're not home or near your computer. You _____.
grab the tiny notepad I always keep in my purse and jot down enough to remind me later.
Best writing resource:
Nowadays, the internet!
Guilty pleasure:
I already mentioned chocolate, right?
Automatic buy-list author:
J.K. Rowling (wish she’d write more Hogwarts books! A prequel series would be so much fun…)
Favorite YA Sci-fi Romance novel or series?
So far, The Hunger Games, but I’m always looking for new favorites!


 



Brenda Hiatt

Her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Brenda Hiatt has published fifteen novels with Harlequin and HarperCollins, including six traditional Regency romances, one time travel romance and eight historical romances, most set in Regency England. She is now indie publishing her backlist as she continues to write in these and other genres, to include mystery/suspense and young adult romance. In addition to writing, Brenda is passionate about embracing life to the fullest, to include scuba diving (she has over 60 dives to her credit), Taekwondo (where she recently achieved her 2nd degree black belt), hiking, traveling, and pursuing new experiences and skills. She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and Novelists, Inc, an international organization of multipublished novelists, where she served as President in 2006. For the past dozen years, Brenda has also collected data on writers' earnings, which she shares at her website. http://brendahiatt.com

$10 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card {INT}
Event organized by

Jan 28, 2014

Book Blitz: The Hardest Part by Heather London

The Hardest Part by Heather London 
Publication date: January 5th 2014 
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance


Synopsis:
Emily Anderson and Reed Alexander are living with pasts they cannot escape.

Emily moved to New York City seeking a fresh start, intending to focus on her career and to keep a low profile.

Reed returns home to New York City after two years, haunted by the same things that pushed him away years ago.

When Reed and Emily meet, their connection is undeniable, but Emily keeps her feelings hidden. Falling in love is the last thing on her mind and she knows the danger it may bring not only to her, but to Reed as well. Reed isn’t as reluctant, but he knows that the demons he’s fighting could destroy Emily.

The harder they try to resist one another, the deeper they fall in love, and the more complicated their lives become.

In the end, they realize that truly loving someone may mean letting them go… and that’s the hardest part.

Purchase:

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AUTHOR BIO
Heather London is a young adult author who loves to write stories full of fantasy, romance, and science fiction. She is a lover of only the finest of coffee and premium craft beer, but will settle for anything chocolate, regardless of its quality. Heather lives with her husband in Dallas, TX where she is currently working hard on her next project.

Author Links:
http://heatherlondon.com/

Month9Books Book Preview


YouTube Trailer:

Trailer Summary:
Month9Books is proud to present a trailer for its 2014 list. This year's theme is Month9Books for everyone! From middle grade and young adult readers who love horror, paranormal, fantasy and whimsy, there's a Month9Books title for everyone in 2014. This video features 16 titles, 5 of which make their cover debut here. Visit www.month9books.com to learn more about our books and authors. 


Pre-Order Links:




Jan 27, 2014

Cover Reveal: Captivate Me by S.J. Pierce

Captivate Me by S.J. Pierce
Publication date: April 1st 2014
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
“My mom had always told me – when you meet “the one”, you’ll know; they’ll captivate your heart the moment you lay eyes on them. I had always wondered, though, if my mom’s words of wisdom were finite – if they applied to everyone. Maybe those who had found their one great love were the lucky few, and maybe the rest of us would have to settle for less than earth-shattering.”

Seventeen-year-old Kat Walsh is a Gifted – a human with paranormal abilities. With her mom a former Angel and her dad a dream prophet, it’s always been in her genetic make-up to be extraordinary. Unfortunately for her, the world can’t handle the strange or unusual. So when she slips up and uses her powers at her high school in Ireland, the entire student body treats her like a freak – even the ones she thought were her closest friends.

Broken, but hopeful for a fresh start, she allows her parents to enroll her in a boarding school buried deep within the forests of a small Colorado town. At Midland Pines, School for the Gifted, she feels as though she can finally be herself; she makes new friends and even has the attention of the most popular guy in school – Levi. Everything feels normal again… or does it?

Not long after her arrival, weird dreams of an alluring boy whom she’s never met surface during the night, and the eerie, shadowy trees encircling their school seem to call to her. As these disturbing, yet enticing developments intensify, other bizarre occurrences happen – students and staff turn up missing, and mystery visitors leave gifts while she sleeps. With all of these other things vying for her attention, a desperate Levi has to fight even harder to keep her interest. But with the dreams of the attractive boy slowly captivating her heart, Kat has to make a choice – will she settle for ‘great’ Levi, or will she search for her elusive dream visitor, possibly stumbling across ‘amazing?’

From the author of the Alyx Rayer Chronicles, comes a refreshingly different Young Adult series with plenty of love, suspense, and a new take on the Paranormal.

Recommended for readers 16 and up due to mature content.
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AUTHOR BIO
Susan James Pierce has a degree in Marketing Management, works for a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta, Georgia, and devotes her precious, spare time to writing Fantasy and Sci-fi novels. 

Even though her full-time career has nothing to do with books at all, she has always enjoyed complex storytelling with fascinating characters, and has had a penchant for the written word since grade school. As a matter of fact, her first publishing credit was a poem she wrote at the age of twelve. Why her love for writing never translated into a career, she can only attribute to 'life happens', but her wish is that she can redirect her career path into something that satisfies her creative inner-self.

Links:

Jan 26, 2014

Showcase Sunday #24



Inspired by Pop Culture Junkie and the Story Siren, the aim of Showcase Sunday is to highlight our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders each week. For more information about how this feature works and how to join in, click here.
~Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea


Hey guys! Welcome to this week's SS. I am currently waiting on a huge box of books, but that didn't stop me from buying even more.

Physical Books
I bought three more volumes in the D.Gray-man manga. I re-read #4 and #5 but I am waiting to get more volumes before I read on. I love this series so so so so so much :-)

E-Books
Feudlings in Sight & Feudlings: These are the prequel and the first book in the Fate on Fire series. I've been eyeing them for a long time and finally I cave in and bought both. I am really looking forward to reading them. Hopefully they won't disappoint me.

Freebie
Carrots: I have to admit I was sold just from the title and cover. I feel like this is going to be a fun read.

Those were all my new books for this last week. Leave me links to your new book hauls in the comments and I'll make sure to stop by.

Jan 25, 2014

Book Review: Goddess of the Night by Lynne Ewing

 

by

Goddess of the Night is the very first book in the Daughters of the Moon series, which I believe consists of 13 books. So, this book was more of an introduction to the world and the characters. Even so, Goddess of the Night was a delight to read and I flew through it.

The main character, Vanessa has a secret power, she can become invisible, she and her best friend Catty were always special but neither knows why. But lately Vanessa feels the shadows creeping around her and someone is always following her. When Catty goes missing, jumping through time, Vanessa has to figure out what she is and how she can use her powers in order to save her.

Vanessa was not my favourite character in this book, so since this is her story there were a lot of things that didn't really appeal to me. But still I have to admire Vanessa for her compassion, this is a trait I always look for in fictional characters. And even though she wasn't the most fun character to see through she was pretty decent. The one I really loved and can't wait to read from her PoV is Catty, she is kind of crazy, in a good way, and I loved her, even though we didn't get to see much of her in this book.

Another thing I liked was the bad guys right hand, or whatever he was supposed to be. I love it when there are dark characters that yet have such good qualities about them. I am all about saving the bad boys so I can't resist.

All in all, this book was good. Nothing extremely special but I liked the setting and the girls so I can't wait to read more.

Jan 24, 2014

Book Blitz: The Life & Death of Jorja Graham by Brynn Myers & Giveaway


The Life & Death of Jorja Graham by Brynn Myers
Publication date: January 21st 2014
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:
A dark paranormal romance.

Jorja Graham was the quintessential southern bell: blonde, stunningly beautiful, and overtly enchanting. That was the face she shared with the world and no one would ever know the hell she had endured.

After returning to Savannah, Jorja had everything she’d ever wanted: a new home, a handsome suitor, and the job of her dreams as an antique dealer. Little did she know that the choice to move on with her life would be the last decision she’d ever make.

THE LIFE & DEATH OF JORJA GRAHAM. Not every romance has a happy ending.


Purchase:



AUTHOR BIO
Brynn Myers is an adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy author. After considering writing a hobby for years, she's finally decided to turn her passion and talent into a career. She came into the paranormal book genre later than most but has always loved fairy-tales and all things magical. She uses that love to create her own charmed worlds by writing stories involving passionate, strong willed characters with something to discover. Brynn lives with her family in the Brevard County, Florida area. 

Author Links:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5391472.Brynn_Myers


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