New Release: Secrets by Alicia Michaels

New Release in The Bionics Series by Alicia Michaels

We are so excited to announce the official release of the newest book in The Bionics Series by 

Alicia Michaels! All three books are released through Crimson Tree Publishing (The Adult Imprint of Clean teen Publishing) in September 2013. 

SECRETS (Book 3 in The Bionics Series)

*These books are New Adult and rated Young Adult Mature for mature content. 

The Bionics (Book 1) 

FREE

(New Adult or YA Mature) 

The year is 4010.

Nuclear war and the wasteful nature of humans have all but destroyed the United States. A new government regime rules the day with strict laws, rationed food, and careful control. When those injured in the nuclear blasts that rocked many of the nations largest cities are offered another chance by the Restoration Project, how could they refuse?

Little do they know that the robotic additions to their body will paint targets on their backs once the government decides that they are dangerous. At the forefront of the resistance is a girl with a bionic eye, Blythe Sol, who wants nothing more than to be a normal girl. Blythe has yet to realize that normal will never exist again for her, or anyone else.

The Revolution has begun...

All I ever wanted was to be a normal girl. I had dreams of joining the ranks of the Military Police and making my family proud. But the nuclear war that laid waste to our country destroyed any hope I had of being normal ever again. They took everything away from me, including my humanity. I am now half-human, half-machine, part of the never-ending freak show that is the Restoration Project.

They hate what they created and they fear us for being powerful.

And so they hunt us, destroying our lives so that they can bury what they built. What they don’t know is this: there is a Resistance out there and The Bionics aren’t going down without a fight.

Titanium (Book 2) 

$2.99

(New Adult or YA Mature) 

We stand on the brink of a double rescue mission, a plan so foolhardy that even our bravest men are quaking inside with fear. Storm the capitol, free the prisoners, don’t get killed. It seems like a suicide mission, but not a single one of us has anything to lose.

In my past life, I was a scoundrel; a drug peddling street thug who cared nothing for anyone because I had no one to care for me. The nuclear blasts of 4006 reminded me of the value of life, and a girl with the saddest eyes I’ve ever gazed into gave me someone to care for. Now, as we embark on our most dangerous enterprise, I can only hope that we make it out alive and that those we have lost can be recovered.

Foolishness … fear … hope … These are the elements that threw our revolution into motion. As the momentum of the Resistance continues to build, we can only pray that hope continues grow larger than our fear.

Secrets (Book 3) 

$2.99

(New Adult or YA Mature) 

Before The Resistance, my life was one of privilege and comfort. Before The Resistance, mine was a mindset of naiveté and blind trust in a broken and corrupt government. Before The Resistance, I’d never stood up or fought for anything in my life.

Now, there is everything to fight for and everything to lose. All for a glimmer of hope in our future. It may seem a small thing but with the smallest bit of hope, men have risen against their oppressors with fists raised, even when they knew they stared into the face of death. Now that I have found something to fight for, I can only hope that my past will not become a roadblock to my future and that the secrets I've kept from those whose trust I've gained will not come back to ruin the new life I've made. If they do, I fear that I will not only lose my place as part of the Resistance, but the heart of the girl I am slowly coming to love. 

About Alicia Michaels:

Ever since she first read books like Chronicles of Narnia or Goosebumps, Alicia has been a lover of mind-bending fiction. Wherever imagination takes her, she is more than happy to call that place her home. The mother of two and wife to an Army sergeant loves chocolate, coffee, and of course good books. When not writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, shopping for shoes and fabulous jewelry, or spending time with her loving family.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6469080.Alicia_Michaels

http://www.amazon.com/Alicia-Michaels/e/B009CVNFXM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

https://www.facebook.com/fantasybyalicia

https://twitter.com/fantasybyalicia

http://www.fantasybyalicia.com/my-blog.php

http://www.fantasybyalicia.com

Monthly Wrap-up: September 2013

Books Reviewed in September:

The Doctor

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Angelfall

Bad Yeti

October TBR Pile:

Showcase Sunday #13

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

It's that time of the week again. And finally the strikes in my country are partially over so I got some of my books. Yay!!! Still waiting on four more books though. So let's see what I got this week.

Physical Books:

(There are no actual photos because I am bored...)

Spirit: Finally I got the third book in the Elemental Series. You can expect a review of this one real soon. I am dying to see what happens next. But I am a bit concerned that in Spirit Hunter is the lead male character. I love me some Merrick brothers!

The School for Good and Evil: What can I say? I wonder why it took me so long to get this one. I wanted it from the very first time I laid eyes on it and read the blurb. The book has some really cute illustrations too. Can't wait to read it

Free E-Book:

Terrorscape: The final book in the Horrorscape trilogy. I can't believe I got this one for free too. I got all three books for free and I can't wait to start reading them.

For Review:

Into the End: This book looks really creepy and mysterious. Kind of reminds me of Stephen King's books. Can't wait to start it.

Shadows in the Sand: An epic fantasy journey that I can't wait to begin. Michael Diack has a very unique way with words and I am really curious to see how he uses it in a fantasy book.

These are all the books I got this week. Leave me links to your new hauls in the comments.

Review: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee

I am finally one of the many that have read and loved Angelfall. I knew this had to happen eventually. I went in with great expectations (and I also believe this might be my first angel book) and the story met them all, or almost all of them, hence the 4.5 stars.

This is the story of our world after the invasion of angels. Don't get full angels are not the fluffy, do-gooders everyone thought they were, but instead they are warriors, blood thirsty and greedy (some of them are jerks too). Penryn and her family try to survive in this new world. With a crippled sister and a scary-crazy mother it's up to Penryn to keep them alive. Six weeks after the invasion Penryn and her family decide it's time to leave their home and venture into the unknown for better chance of food and shelter. That's when they see an angel getting attacked by others of his kind and having his wings clipped and that's when Penryn loses her sister to an enemy angel who just takes her of her wheelchair and fly away. So the rest of the story is Penryn's and Raffe's (the angel) way to the angel headquarters. One of them wants her sister back and the other his wings.

Angelfall was truly magical. Penryn and Raffe are one of my favorite lead couple. They are sworn enemies but still they know they need each other to get back what they want. So they use each other adn of course eventually fall for each other. Their story was the only sweet part of this book everything else is blood, sweat and tears. There were so many cruel moments and some very disturbing and creepy descriptions. I loved them all. They made this world Susan Ee created more believable and more real.

A lot of aspects of the book reminded me of post apocalyptic shows I watch, like the Walking Dead and Revolution. The people struggled to survive but also they are fighting against all odds to get their world back. I loved the Rebels of this book. Obi and the twins. And I am sure we will be seeing more of them in the books to come. I can't wait really.

What else can I say about Angelfall? Almost everyone has read it and loved it and with good reason. The next book is coming out in November so it's a great time to pick this one up.

Release Day Blitz: Angus MacBain and the Island of Sleeping Kings by Angela J. Townsend

A Clean Teen Publishing NEW RELEASE!!!

Let the magic begin...  

Angus MacBain and the Island of Sleeping Kings

by Angela J. Townsend

The Sleeping Kings Awaken on September 27, 2013

(Young Adult Everyone- Also, Middle Grade Appropriate)

Angus MacBain is unaware that his ancestral roots hail from an ancient sect of Scottish kings. When his dying grandfather gives him a dragon pendant, thirteen-year-old Angus learns of a legacy that will take him across an ocean to the island of Iona and thrust him into a heritage he did not know he had. He soon discovers that his mother, whom he had believed dead, is really a seal fairy, in hiding from a dangerous enemy. To save her, Angus must undergo a perilous journey of destiny and power to battle an evil Dacian knight and those who serve him. With only his family shield and the advice of a wizened vampire hunter to protect him, Angus must navigate dangerous terrain and dark enemies, in a land where the past and the present mingle, and sleeping kings wake.

Get the paperback today! 

(A great gift for fans of Harry Potter!)

READ AN EXCERPT

THE COMPANY OF KINGS

New York City, 2013

Gloomy shadows crept across the tired oak floor, stealing what little light peered in through a set of stained glass windows.  A dying fire crackled in the corner, its golden embers fading as quickly as the old man who lay near it.

Angus MacBain stood at the foot of his grandfather’s four-poster bed, his hope slipping away with every rattling exhale from the old man’s lungs.  Cocooned in a series of heavy plaid blankets bearing the family tartan, Duncan MacBain struggled to free a withered hand.  He motioned for his grandson to come closer.  Angus took a few stumbling steps, sank to his knees and grasped the thin hand in his.             

Duncan raised his head from the pillow.  His eyes seemed to glow in the dimness of the bedroom.  Gnarled fingers pressed something hard and bulky into Angus’ palm, then closed his hand around it and squeezed.  The object cut into the boy’s flesh, but he didn’t try to pull away. 

“You’re thirteen now, almost a man.  You’ve got to be brave.  Remember, you’re a MacBain.”  The old man inhaled another ragged breath.  “The arrangements have already been made.  There will be no funeral.  I’m sending you to Scotland—to Iona.  You must leave now.”  His grandfather’s steely eyes pinned Angus to the floor.  “Strange things will happen—things that—just be careful, lad.”

“No, I won’t go.  Not without you.”  He buried his head in his grandfather’s chest. Angus’ throat constricted like a drawstring jerked tight. Tears sprang to his eyes.  

“Don’t cry for me, laddie.  I’ll be in the company of kings.” 

With that, Duncan MacBain heaved his final breath.

Angus squeezed his eyes shut.  After a weary moment, he opened them to gaze at his grandfather’s motionless body.  With the tension removed from the old Scotsman’s features, he looked relaxed, at peace.  Even so, a bitter rush of sadness swept through Angus and the hole in his heart his grandfather had filled when his parents died, now returned.  Angus’ chest tightened.  Every breath seemed to take more effort than it was worth.

The palm of his hand throbbed.  He unclenched his fist and examined an amulet attached to a heavy chain.  It looked old, perhaps even ancient, with a silver long-tailed dragon clutching a purple thistle in its talons.  Words scribed in a foreign language glistened on its wings.    

His father had worn a dragon amulet.  Angus frowned trying to remember what it looked like.  Did it also have a thistle? Could it be the same one?  He’d been so young when his father died, he couldn’t remember.  He slipped it around his neck, the amulet warm against his chest. 

 “I’ll take care of it,” Angus whispered.  “I promise.” 

Angus made his way down the narrow hallway to Grandfather’s study.  An antique clock ticked solemnly on the mantel.  Without grandfather, the room seemed so different. Barren. Unfriendly. Cold.  He fell into a cushy gray recliner that always reminded him of elephant skin and let it swallow him. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a few moments, he’d wake up and it would have all been some kind of terrible dream. But no matter how he tried he couldn’t keep his eyes shut.     

His gaze traveled over the towering bookcases lining the walls, filled with ancient volumes bound by his grandfather’s hands.  Silent rows of books stared back at him, like leather corpses resting in their tombs.  On a nearby workbench, marbled scraps of leather, paste, and a rounding hammer gathered around a dusty press. 

Angus’ throat burned.  He’d never be his grandfather’s apprentice again, never help him repair old books about castles, dragons and other tales.

Now he had no one, except Grandfather’s nurse, Vera. Even though she was very nice, he barely knew her.

Angus shuffled down the hallway to his lonely room and packed his things.  He made sure he had his games and the favorite collection of vampire tales his grandfather had bound for him.  He flopped onto his twin bed and glanced at his watch.  Angus’ heart twisted.  Very soon, Nurse Vera would take him to the airport and he’d fly to a strange place he’d only heard stories about. 

Angus scanned his bedroom for the last time, memorizing every detail so he’d never forget.  Bare spots on the wall stared back at him, places where his Dracula posters once hung.  In a fit of misery, he’d torn them down and ripped them to shreds. 

There was no such thing as vampires and other magical creatures. Life wasn’t about fairy tales, only heartache, despair and death.

Angus narrowed his eyes. If only death were a living thing—he’d destroy it. Make it suffer for ripping away all the people in his life that had loved him. Rage and frustration twisted inside of him.   

Angus grabbed an antique sword hanging on his bedroom wall and stabbed it into the center of his mattress. Sparks flew from the bed. Celtic swirls carved into the handle of the sword started to spin. A banging sound hammered into his head like being trapped in a giant bell. He fell to his knees covering his ears. The noise died down and a voice broke into his head.

“Are you all right, Dear?”

Angus uncovered his ears and peered up at Nurse Vera. She never called him by name just, “Dear.” Nurse Vera glanced at her watch. “I’ll help you pack your things then it’s off to the airport with you.” Nurse Vera placed a hand on Angus’ forehead.  “You look so tired and it’s such a long flight. Promise me you’ll try to get some rest on the plane, Dear.”    

Angus nodded. He waited for Nurse Vera to see the sword and scold him for messing with something so dangerous, but she just stood there, her eyes filled with concern. Angus glanced at the bed to look at the sword—but the sword was gone.

About Angela J. Townsend

Angela Townsend was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Missoula, Montana. As a child, Angela grew up listening to stories told by her grandparents, ancient tales and legends of faraway places. Influenced by her Irish and Scottish heritage, Angela became an avid research historian, specializing in Celtic mythology. Her gift for storytelling finally led her to a full time career in historical research and writing. A writer in local community circulations, Angela is also a published genealogical and historical resource writer who has taught numerous research seminars. Currently, Angela divides her time between writing, playing Celtic music on her fiddle, and Irish dancing. 

Angela's first novel, Amarok, was published through Spencer Hill Press in 2012. Her newest novel, Angus MacBain and The Island of Sleeping Kings, was signed for publication with Clean Teen Publishing in 2013. 

Angela resides on a ranch, in rural Northwestern Montana, with her two children Levi and Grant. 

Cover Reveal: RIDE by JC Emery

RIDE by JC Emery

Release Date: October 28

Cover Designed by Gonet Designs

Death comes in Armani. Salvation comes in leather.

Principessa to the Mancuso crime family, Alexandra knows a thing or two about living outside the bounds of the law. Suffocated by the life her father has laid out for her, she makes a choice she can't take back, changing the entire trajectory of her life.

Thrust into the dark and dangerous world of the Forsaken Motorcycle Club for her own protection, Alex finds herself faced with the last thing she needs right now: the man of her dreams. He’s sex in leather, the devil incarnate, and one hell of a kisser. But he’s also off-limits. Ryan Stone can be her friend, but he’s forbidden to be her lover.

Third-generation Forsaken, Ryan knows nothing other than life on two wheels, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys the many privileges that come with the patch, and the only laws he recognizes are the ones set-forth by his club. That is, until who he wants more than anything isn’t allowed on the back of his bike or in his bed. Balancing his desire for her body, and need to keep her safe, Ryan tries to keep Alex at a distance. Finally having made a choice for herself, she’s done hearing the word “no” and will push boundaries even Ryan himself doesn’t dare cross.

Author Bio:
As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor's degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can't imagine a climate more beautiful.

JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories-- and everything has at least a splash of romance.

Links:
Blog: http://www.jcemery.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jc_emery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-JC-Emery/301706559938830
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6902956.J_C_Emery
RIDE Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18462806-ride

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

 “Princess wants to have fun,” he says, leading me toward the kitchen, and past Ryan and that stupid bitch who still hasn’t let go of his neck.

With every step that brings me closer to Ryan, my heart rate speeds up little by little. Brushing past them, a calloused finger reaches out, wrapping itself around my pinky. His touch sends waves of heat and bolts of anger through my entire body. I don’t want him touching me, but my body craves it. The more distance I put between us the farther our arms must stretch to keep the contact.

And we do for as long as possible.

A quick look back and I find Ryan’s arm reaching out, his index finger slipping from its grip on my pinky. We lose contact and suddenly I’m not nearly drunk enough for this shit. Turning my attention toward the kitchen, I bring the bottle of whiskey to my lips intent on making everything so blurry I won’t be able to remember what Ryan’s touch feels like.

Giveaway

JC is giving away 2 eARCs with deleted scenes

INT

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

The novel narrates the story of a young girl named Griet, who is forced to work as a maid in the house of the painter Johannes Vermeer, after the work accident her father was into, which left him blind and consequently unemployed.

Griet, as a maid tried to be a discrete presence in the household, but she had big wide eyes that were hard to be left unnoticed. Even though she did not like the attention drawn to herself by others and minded her own business, as time went by, her intimacy with her master and his work caused tension in the household. While reading I felt sorry for her at times because she had very little control over her life.

Johannes Vermeer, the painter, was married to Catharina and was a father of 4 at the time Griet went to work for him. He didn’t participate in the upbringing of his children or in anything of importance inside the house. He did a little painting, which led his family to money issues, and with its members growing each year so did their needs. He was an idefferent person though sometimes I got angry with him for not fighting for his choices or his wants.

Catharina was the painter’s wife. A woman whose main part in the household was to give birth to more and more children and rise a bigger money problem to the family, because more mouths needed to be fed after each birth. From day one she disliked and disapproved of Griet and treated her badly. She is, by far, my least favorite character and kept getting on my nerves a lot during the book. She was the typical housewife, settled for a lifetime in misery.

Tanneke, was the other maid who worked there for many years before Griet’s arrival. She envied Griet and was a huge gossip.

Maria Thins, was Catharina’s mother and the house mistress. She was the one person that Tanneke was very loyal to and thought highly of. Also, in my opinion, she was the most fair and rationale of them all.

Many others were involed in the story and made it interesting and scandalous. In a few words the book, was very well written and the author is truly talented. The plot is unfolding slowing and though at times it may get boring, it still finds its way to intrigue you and keep you interested. Nonetheless, I find it a classic one and a pleasant novel to keep you company on your free time.

Cover Reveal: Wild Child by M. Leighton

Wild Child (The Wild Ones #1.5)

by M. Leighton

Jenna Theopolis has always known what she wanted. Getting out of her small hometown of Greenfield was number one on her list of priorities. Until she met Rusty Catron.

Rusty’s fun-loving personality was the perfect match for Jenna’s inner wild child. But what started off as a summer fling quickly turns into something more. At least it does for Jenna.

Rusty has lived with the ghost of his father’s abandonment since he was a child, but now he’s beginning to feel the crippling effects of his scars. He wants to trust in Jenna, but deep down he doesn’t believe someone so wild and free can ever be tamed.

But tragedy strikes, pushing Jenna out of Greenfield and leaving Rusty with a choice to make—face his inner demons or lose the love of his life. Forever.

About M. Leighton:
M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies. She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to romantic settings with sexy Southern guys much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.
For more about M. Leighton, visit her website at www.MLeightonBooks.blogspot.com or follow her on Twitter@mleightonbooks.

Links:
Blog: http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mleightonbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLeightonAuthor
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1152263.M_Leighton
WILD CHILD Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15766954-wild-child
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/M.-Leighton/e/B004LL0TAU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Book Blitz: Reluctant Guardian by Melissa J. Cunningham

by Melissa J. Cunningham

AVAILABLE NOW
Reduced price of $2.99 through September 27, 2013.

Guarding Brecken Shaefer—a dark and dangerous rebel—is harder than it looks. 

Death was nothing like sixteen-year-old Alisa Callahan thought it would be. Resting on pink, fluffy clouds for eternity with her gram and best friend sounded like a dream come true. After all, enduring one torturous experience after another in her short life deserved some kind of reward, right? Unfortunately, eternal rewards aren't given out so freely when you take your own life.

Required to pay the debt for committing suicide, Alisa must become a guardian. It sounds easy enough, but not when the boy she is forced to protect has a dangerous secret and wants absolutely nothing to do with her.

Brecken Shaefer isn't any normal teenager. He has special gifts that are sure to make Alisa's afterlife miserable. When feelings develop between them, everything spins out of control. Not only must Alisa face her own demons— but to protect Brecken, she must face an evil so heinous that it threatens to destroy their souls completely.

Alisa is tired of hiding from her past. When the easiest thing to do is run, can Brecken give her the strength to stay? 

Excerpt From Reluctant Guardian:

I should have realized that suicide was not my best option. But like most teenage girls, I hadn't planned ahead. I never pictured my parents and brothers picking up the pieces of my broken life, or the empty hole I would leave in my wake.

I honestly didn't think anyone cared that much.

The medication I'd been taking hadn't helped matters either. My doctor prescribed it after the death of my beloved grandmother who'd lived with us since I was a baby. Three months later, my best friend Natasha, died from a brain tumor. Nothing could have shattered me more. Not just because Natty and I were closer than Siamese twins, but because we shared a dark, horrifying secret.

Something I'd never told anyone. Not even my parents. Once she was gone I didn't know how to shoulder that weight on my own. I was drowning in sorrow. I'd fallen into a dark pit and had every right to take that antidepressant. My parents thought it would help too.

I should have been more open about my feelings. I should have confided in my mom and dad. Explained that the medication wasn't working. That in reality I felt worse. But I didn't. I didn't realize the drug was affecting me adversely . . . until it was too late.

The only thing I wanted that night was to not feel anymore, to not have my heart ripping in two, and to not cry so hard that my whole body ached.

Would it be painful if I rammed my car into the tall pine at the curve of the road? Would it do the trick or just turn me into a vegetable for the rest of my life?

I gambled. I took a chance and got what I wanted. Death.

About Melissa J. Cunningham

 

Melissa's first novel: Reluctant Guardian, was accepted for publication through Clean Teen Publishing in August 2013.  When Melissa is not writing you can find her spending time with her husband of eighteen years and her five children. Melissa studied music in college and loves to read all things fiction. Melissa lives in Northern Utah with her family, her horses, cats, dogs and chickens. 

Melissa's first novel: Reluctant Guardian, was accepted for publication through Clean Teen Publishing in August 2013.  When Melissa is not writing you can find her spending time with her husband of eighteen years and her five children. Melissa studied music in college and loves to read all things fiction. Melissa lives in Northern Utah with her family, her horses, cats, dogs and chickens.