Saturday, February 8, 2014

Release Blitz: The Making of Nebraska Brown by Louise Caiola

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New Release

clip_image002Book Info ~
The Making of Nebraska Brown
Author: Louise Caiola

Genre: New Adult Mystery, Literary Fiction, Contemporary
Audience:  YA to Adult
Formats: eBook and Paperback
Publisher: Immortal Ink Publishing
Cover By: Rebecca Hamilton
Editor: Rebecca Hamilton & Rudy Kraul
Pages: 318
ISBN-10: 1938750772
ISBN-13: 9781938750779
ASIN:
Date Published: Feb. 6, 2014


Blurb ~
The last thing eighteen-year-old Ann Leigh remembers is running from her boyfriend in a thick Nebraska cornfield. This morning she’s staring down a cool Italian sunrise, an entire continent from the life she once knew. The events of the eighteen months in between have inexplicably gone missing from her memory.
All at once she’s living with Tommy, an attractive, young foreigner asking for her continued love. Though he’s vaguely familiar, she recalls a boy named Shane in America who she reluctantly agreed to marry. Juggling a new world while her old one is still M.I.A is difficult enough without the terrifying movie scenes spinning a dizzy loop in her mind: glimpses of a devastating house fire, a romance gone wrong, an unplanned pregnancy, and a fractured family – each claiming to be part of who she once was – a girl and a past somehow discarded.
Ann Leigh must collect the pieces of herself to become whole again, but she doesn’t know who to trust especially when Tommy’s lies become too obvious to ignore. And above all, her heart aches to discover what became of the child she may or may not have given birth to.
The Making of Nebraska Brown tells the story of one girl’s coming apart from the inside and the great lengths she’ll go to reclaim herself and find her way home.


Book Links ~

 
Excerpt ~
“Where am I, exactly? I mean . . . what is this place?”
He smiled. “The Palace of Portici.”
“A palace?” I squinted, then flipped the hair off of my face. I was Ann Leigh, wasn’t I? Ann Leigh, strawberry blonde, five-foot-four, dreadfully allergic to cats. I grabbed the ends of my hair again and looked down at it. It wasn’t yellow-red at all but more like brown butter pecan. My head hummed. Martino was still grinning, as if he was more amused by me now that he was sure I wasn’t dead.
He spoke again. “Orto Botanico.” “Botanical garden?”
“Si, yes. Ana, ora andiamo? La Pasticceria Tartoni?”
“Yes. We’ll go to the pastry shop now.” And I went with him. Even though, for all I knew, he could have been one of those freaks who got his jollies from attacking innocent young girls. But then, for all I knew, I wasn’t an innocent young girl.
The sky in Campania, Italy, looked familiar; the clouds were funny cotton ball shapes that could be giant sheep— pecore? If I were Ann Leigh from Nebraska, then how did I know those clouds, those words?

 
About The Author ~
clip_image004As a young girl who spent her allowance on Nancy Drew mysteries, Louise realized that one day, she might have a story of her own to tell. Maybe even more than one story. After years focused on raising her children she eventually reconnected with her passion for creative writing. She soon began to craft a large collection of short stories which were published in the inspirational online magazine, Faithhopeandfiction.com. Shortly thereafter, she authored her first novel, Wishless, a contemporary YA, released in 2011.
Louise devotes a portion of each day to honing her skills. She has several other novels currently in various stages of development. A confirmed bibliophile, Louise enjoys reading outdoors on a warm spring day and watching her pup chase leaves on a breeze. She looks forward to meeting others who share her love of the written word and invites you to visit her blog, her website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook


Media Links ~

Friday, February 7, 2014

Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop!


Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop
Featuring Young Adult & Clean Adult Romance
February 8th to 14th
Cohosted by Rachael Anderson

Welcome to my stop in the Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop! Romance is my favorite genre by far. Rather than choose for you, I decided to let one lucky winner pick their own book(s). After entering my $15.00 Amazon gift card giveaway, be sure to hop to all of the other stops for more great giveaways!

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Cover Reveal: Flawed Perfection by Cassandra Giovanni

Brown paper package with torn section


Flawed Perfection

Beautifully Flawed, #1

Cassandra Giovanni
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Show N'ot Tell Publishing
Cover Designer: Gio Design Studios
Release Date: March 7, 2014

Bobby Beckerson was the American All-Star hockey player--he was the spitting image of perfection to his family. Goofy, sweet and undeniably gorgeous, he had everything but the one girl he wanted: River Ahlers.
River Ahlers is successful in everything but love. She's been in love with Adam Beckerson since they were kids. Worst of all she's stuck right in the middle of the brother's dueling over everything and anything, and she doesn't even know she's the ultimate prize.
Adam Beckerson was a boy with a guitar, a smile that sunk girl's hearts and a stone wall around his own. He was anything but perfect, and no matter how hard he tried he was nothing compared to Bobby. Sweet, damaged, with boyish good-looks, nobody thought Adam loved anyone but himself.
Bobby loved River, River loved Adam and Adam only loved himself--or so everyone thought. Then one night everything changes, and as it threatens to destroy everyone involved a tragedy strikes that will break them all...


Flawed Perfection Cover

Flawed Perfection Paperback Wrap


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About The Author

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Cassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. In 2012 she became a published Young Adult author, releasing In Between Seasons (The Fall, #1) and the Amazon bestselling thriller, Walking in the Shadows. In 2013 she branched out by using her artistic illustrating talents to publish her first Children's novel, The Adventures of Skippy Von Flippy: Tales of Friendship (Skippy Tales, #1). Cassandra released her first New Adult novel, Love Exactly, which became an Amazon Bestseller overnight in June of 2013. She's currently working on her new New Adult Contemporary Romance, Beautifully Flawed. The first novel in the series, 

Flawed Perfection is scheduled to be published on March 7, 2014.
Besides being a writer, Cassandra is a professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is the owner of Gio Design Studios Photography and Gio Design Studios Publication Marketing . She is currently studying to receive a degree in Marketing. Cassandra is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with the other loves of her life their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

Cassandra can be found on:

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Cover Reveal: Knight Assassin by Rima Jean

Today Rima Jena and Entangled Teen are revealing the cover for KNIGHT ASSASSIN, releasing in March 4,2014! Check out the gorgeous cover, exclusive excerpt, and enter to win an eARC!


On to the reveal!



About the Book
Title: KNIGHT ASSASSIN
Author: Rima Jean
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pub. Date: March 4, 2014
Pages: 216


Seventeen-year-old Zayn has special powers she cannot control—powers that others fear and covet. Powers that cause the Templar Knights to burn Zayn’s mother at the stake for witchcraft. When a mysterious stranger tempts Zayn to become the first female member of the heretical Assassins, the chance to seek her revenge lures her in. She trains to harness her supernatural strength and agility, and then enters the King of Jerusalem's court in disguise with the assignment to assassinate Guy de Molay, her mother’s condemner. But once there, she discovers Earic Goodwin, the childhood friend who still holds her heart, among the knights—and his ocean-blue eyes don’t miss a thing. Will vengeance be worth the life of the one love she has left?




Exclusive Excerpt!

Earic emerged from behind a rosebush, his eyes glistening at her. He looked misplaced, this broad-shouldered monk-warrior, wandering amid the blooms of an Eastern garden. Even at night, the reds and golds and pinks were vivid and breathtaking. “Is Marguerite well?” he asked immediately, his brow creased with concern.
Zayn frowned as he sat beside her on the bench. “She has been better.”
“Her injury—”
“It is healing well. It’s not her leg that ails her so much.” Zayn looked down into her lap. How would she tell him what Marguerite should be telling him herself? This whole situation was terribly uncomfortable. “Lady Melisende has forbidden her from keeping your company.”
He exhaled, looked down as well. “I thought she might.” Zayn tilted her head to look at his profile. His hair was freshly washed and still damp, dark at the roots and shorter than before. Gone was the baby-faced Fair Boy she remembered; the man beside her had a network of scars on his sun-baked face and neck. His palms were like cracked leather, and the scent of sandalwood mingled with the musk of a man. She was surprised to find that it did not repulse her. In fact, it did quite the opposite. She glanced away.
“She never did approve of our friendship,” he said with a sad smile. “I was not good enough for her daughter. And I don’t disagree—I am not good enough for Marguerite.”
“Oh, stop,” Zayn said impatiently. “Just because you were not born into the right family doesn’t mean you cannot be friends.”
Earic looked at Zayn. “I suppose. But Marguerite is something special.”
Her expression softened. “Yes. I agree.” She hesitated for a moment. “She wanted me to tell you that no matter what, your friendship will endure.”
His smile was like a bolt of lightning in the dark. “Of course it will. Just like ours has.”
Zayn focused straight ahead, her blood beginning to hum. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Zayn.” His voice was hoarse with emotion, his hand gently brushing against hers. “I know it’s you. I knew it was you the moment I saw you.”
“Your enemy,” she heard herself say, turning to look at him.
His voice was barely a whisper. “God’s bones! What have you become?”
Emotion clogged her throat, made her voice rasp. “Forget you ever met me, Earic. You must forget. I must kill you otherwise.”
“You can try. You won’t succeed.” He moved his hand up her arm, sending sparks throughout her body. “I had intended to visit Monteferrand soon. I wanted…to find you.”
She shook her head, her breath coming quickly now. “Find me? Why? You are a Templar, have you forgotten? And I…I’m not the girl you remember, not even a shadow of her.”
“I follow no one’s law but my own.” His face was illuminated from within. “As for the girl from Rafaniya… She’s here, I can still see her.” He raised his hand to her mouth and touched her lips with his forefinger.
Her every nerve tingled in response, her brain woozy with realization. Was it possible that he had feelings for her? In the blink of an eye, her hand flashed out, seeking his throat. Before she could grasp him, he’d snagged her wrist in his powerful fist. Her other hand lashed out; he stopped it as well. Her body rose in fury, but he rose with her, twisting her forcefully against him. Locking her within his arms, he lowered his head. “I won’t touch you, Zayn, I swear it. Please, control your strength. I don’t want to hurt you.”
The roar abated; her strength retreated like a falling tide. She gasped and slumped against him. How was he so strong? She was surprised how far up she had to look to meet his gaze. “I don’t understand. How…?”
His lips were inches from hers. “Haven’t you realized it yet, Zayn? You and I…”
His breath mingled with hers, intoxicating her. “What?” she managed to whisper.
Rather than answer, he dipped his head just a fraction and touched her mouth with his. The spark his lips ignited was so very different from the one created by her power. A warmth spread throughout her body, turning her muscles to jelly. She felt completely, utterly human in Fair Boy’s arms, and it was too good to be true…
She pulled away abruptly, horrified. “I have to go. I can’t… You must forget about me, Earic. Or else you put your life in danger.” Before he could reply, she turned and hurried away, breathless with fear.





About Rima:
Rima Jean received a degree in archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania. After a dismal law school experience, she floundered a bit before accepting her calling: storytelling. She resides in Houston with her wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters, where she writes, edits, and dabbles in digital art.

Website/Twitter/Goodreads







Giveaway Details:


1 eARC of KNIGHT ASSASSIN International


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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Book Blitz: Almost Bad Boys by A.O. Peart - Excerpt



Almost Matched
Almost Bad Boys #1

A.O. Peart

New Adult Romantic Comedy

Available at Amazon * B&N * Apple



Would you take another shot at love? Or just settle on a friend with benefits?

THEIR HEARTBREAKING PAST WILL MOVE YOU. THEIR PASSION WILL MAKE YOU BLUSH. THEIR ANTICS WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD.

Twenty-five-year-old Natalie Davenport lugs substantial baggage. One boyfriend after the next has been a total disaster, leaving Natalie distrustful toward the male population in general. So when Colin Hampton crosses her path, she’s cautious. Her heart (and some other body parts!) nudges her to go for it, while her head wants her to run for the hills.

Colin is one of those gorgeous guys who attract women, no matter the age or marital status. With a successful career at a popular Seattle radio station, hard body, and charming personality, he is the complete package. But something dark lurks in the corners of his soul; some murky experience that has changed him—maybe for the better, but maybe for the worse.

Will he steal her heart and stomp over it like other guys did?

Will she let him into her heavily fortified world despite herself?

Or will they settle somewhere in the middle—establishing the emotional boundaries to protect them from falling in love?



This contemporary romantic comedy blends humor, sensuality, and angst, with zany characters and witty dialogue.
***Warning: contains sexual situations (some quite vivid!), profanity, and a high dose of sarcasm. Oh, and there is a lot of appletini and beer drinking.
May not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old. Not intended for prudes and killjoys with no sense of humor***


Almost Broken Up
Almost Bad Boys #2

A.O. Peart

New Adult Romantic Comedy

Available at Amazon * B&N * Apple


How far would you go to protect the one you love?

Edge-of-the-seat suspense and zany wit are key elements of this comedy-mystery that combines crime and mayhem with romance and humor.


The terrors of Colin’s past are revealed and accepted by Natalie. Her doubts about letting him into her life are finally disbanded and replaced by a sense of security and commitment. But Natalie doesn’t know that Colin’s past hides more dark secrets unknown even to him.

When a delusional psychopath threatens Colin’s life, things quickly become complicated. Natalie’s stubborn character and desire to kick ass won’t let her step aside and allow the authorities to handle the danger. She gets herself tangled up with street hoodlums, befriends a Russian mobster’s high-maintenance girlfriend, and becomes expert at picking locks and hiding evidence. 

This contemporary romantic comedy/mystery blends humor and sensuality with enough thriller elements to make you clutch the pages with terror. The offbeat characters and witty dialogue from Almost Matched are here to stay.
**Warning: contains sexual situations, profanity, and a high dose of sarcasm. Oh, and the appletini is still the drink of choice.
May not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old. Not intended for prigs and sourpusses who get easily affronted**

THE SERIES:
The Almost Bad Boys series are the stories of four feisty twenty-something women who refuse to let their past drag them down.

Excerpt

Colin's POV:

I don’t know how long I stand in the shower. Hot water burns my skin, evoking red splotches all over me. But I welcome the sensation, because it lets me concentrate on something other than Faith’s death. I put my palms on the wall and hang my head down under the water. I watch the water run down the drain by my feet. Someone pounds on the door again, but I ignore it. Maybe the same girl as before? Or maybe another girl. I don’t care, because the only girl that I want to see now is dead.


About the Author

Angela Orlowski-Peart is the author of the Young Adult and New Adult fiction novels, including YA paranormal/urban fantasy romantic thriller series, Forged. Angela writes in multiple YA and NA genres, including paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy, contemporary, sci-fi, and short stories.
She was born and raised in Poland. She now lives in the Seattle area with her family and a chronically curious cat.
Angela describes herself as European born, American by choice.




Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Blog Tour: Warrior's Moon by Jaclyn M. Hawkes - Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Warriors Moon Tour

Warriors MoonWarrior's Moon

Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Medieval Historical Romance

Never in all the kingdom has there been a more brave and protective champion. Nor such a loyal and capable maiden. And they loved each other desperately. But is their love strong enough to withstand all their dark age holds—danger, feudalism, disease, and unfair oppression?

Yes, they truly loved each other desperately.

They loved their kingdom more.  









Praise for Warrior's Moon

"This book has adventure, memorable characters, and tons of action. There is even romance! I absolutely loved it!!!" ~Laura (Goodreads)

"I loved this book! Great characters, I love a strong female lead. I really enjoy all of Jaclyn Hawkes books, but I must say this in one of my favorites!" ~ KMon (Amazon)

Excerpt

Later that afternoon, he wanted to trounce Chantaya himself when she tried to insist she could help carry bundles of reeds up the tallest ladder to his father, as he repaired the roof of the little village church.  ‘Twas far too high for her safety, but convincing her of that was a day’s work of itself, let alone the thatching.  Peyton’s father had had to tell her to stay down when she flat out ignored Peyton’s insistence.  She was so intrepid ‘twas absolutely frustrating sometimes.  Not a grain of fear in that silly child’s head!  And climbing a ladder with her petticoats fair rioting in the breeze!  It had been near scandalous.  There were days when Peyton had no idea how to deal with that girl in the slightest. 

He was still mad at her when the three of them walked back home together, and got even madder still when she laughed at him and his frustration with her.  At that, she fair got the giggles.  She put her arm round his waist to give him a light hearted hug at his obvious vexation and said, “Oh, come now, Papa Peyton.  I lived through climbing the tall ladder quite nicely.  No harm done.  Stop being such an old crone now and laugh with me.  ‘Twas an adventure, wasn’t it?  I’ve never been up that high even when we climb the old tree by the cliff!  Wasn’t it marvelous?  I could see clear to the cross roads!  ‘Twas fair refreshing!  Was it not?”

Tristan chuckled and Peyton gave her a look of disgust and sighed, “Refreshing?  One of these days you’re going to kill yourself, Chani, with the antics you attempt.  And I’m not going to be the one to pick up the pieces.  You’ll have to go and admit to your dear mother yourself how you ended your young life, because I haven’t the heart to break news like that to her.”

Chantaya only laughed again and gave his arm a squeeze.  “Oh, yes you will, Peyton Wolfgar.  You’ll always pick up the pieces for me.  It’s well I know you.  You’ve been my champion always and nothing will change that.  It’s in the very soul of you.  Being a champion.  It’s fair branded onto your forehead.” 

She changed her voice to a deeper pitch to imitate him and cupped her mouth and went on, “I am a knight in shining armor who will rescue small children, grandmothers and damsels of all varieties.  If you are ever in need, simply call on Sir Peyton, the gallant!  I will never let one down.”  Peyton fair glared at her and she laughed and added, “Ever!”

They had reached the Kincraig cottage and Isabella opened the door to their voices, took one look at Peyton’s grimace and Chantaya’s giggles and said, “Gracious Pey, what’s she done this time to make you so sober?  Or do you have a toothache?”
        
       At that, Chantaya went off in a whole new spate of giggles, hugged him once again and walked up onto the porch. 


My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Warrior's Moon is a perfect example of a great cover sparking my interest. After seeing this beautiful cover and reading the blurb, I was hooked. As I started reading, I realized that this novel reads quite a bit like high fantasy. It starts out when main character Chantaya is three, and follows her as she grows into a young woman.

I loved Chantaya's character. She is so refreshing, free-spirited in a time that frowned upon such things. Perhaps she's like this because her mother is such a good person, or maybe because her best friends, Peyton and Tristan accept her for who she is. Whatever the reason, she is beautiful inside and out. Chani is a source of never-ending grief for poor Peyton who worries more and more as she reaches adulthood.

Peyton is an amazing male lead. At times he was just too good to be true, Loyal, handsome, brave, generous—these are just some of his traits. Peyton and Chani make a great couple. It's impossible to not root for them to find happiness in their lives. I almost cried when Peyton left the small village to become a knight. But some things are just meant to be, and Peyton was destined to be a knight.

This is not my normal read, yet I still enjoyed it quite a bit. The story is as old as time, but the characters really make this novel different. Warrior's Moon is a clean read, though some of the subject matter is more suitable for an older audience. My recommendation is high school and up. If you enjoy a sweeping fantasy romance set during Medieval times, add this to your TBR list.


Author Jaclyn M. Hawkes

jaclynJaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and any number of pets. (It was never boring!) She got a bachelor’s degree, had a career and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth and hearing her children laugh. She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.



Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/23/14 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, February 3, 2014

Blog Tour: The Howling Heart by April Bostic - Excerpt, Review & Giveaway


Welcome to my stop on The Howling Heart review tour, hosted by RBTL World of Books Blog Tours. Below you'll find an excerpt and my review. Don't miss the giveaway at the bottom of the post.

The Howling Heart

April Bostic

Paranormal Romance
Eternal Press

Available at Amazon * B&N * Books a Million



Blurb

Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She’s climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father’s death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.

Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv---wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.

Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.


Excerpt

I stood in the hardware section looking at flashlights, when I suddenly felt someone staring at me. I tried to remain inconspicuous as I glanced to my left without turning my head. At the end of the aisle stood a slender, young man at least six feet tall, wearing a red and black plaid, flannel shirt with cut-off sleeves. Lean muscles flexed on his bicep as he grabbed something off the shelf. His bare arms revealed a tattoo on his right shoulder, but I wasn't close enough to read it.

He must've felt my gaze on him, because he looked over at me. The sun gently kissed his skin with a golden tan, and his full lips spread into a charming grin. He had a clean-shaven, square jaw and sharp cheekbones that would make any woman envious. His sandy blonde hair flowed like waves and curled softly on the ends, brushing his ears and collar. A few, untamed strands fell in his eyes, making his hair appear disheveled. There was no doubt in my mind he was handsome.

Immediately, a heat wave crashed beneath my skin...and I knew it wasn’t due to the summer weather. I blushed under his steady gaze and looked away in an attempt to ignore him. For some reason, I couldn't control myself. My gaze kept finding his. A smirk played on his lips—the color of a summer peach—and I wondered if they tasted as sweet.


My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

The Howling Heart opens with a frequent memory that plagues main character Paige, an event that occurred thirteen years ago at the family cabin in the woods. Soon after she learns her father has died and she is now the owner of said cabin. She feels a strong pull to return, one that she can't rationalize or ignore.

Paige is emotionally fragile when she arrives in the Colorado small town. She just lost her father and also caught her boyfriend in the act of cheating. When she sees Riley in the general store, it's lust at first sight. Paige is a strange woman. One moment she seems so put together and practical. The next she's jumping into a strange situation with both feet. I almost died laughing when she finally began asking the town doctor life altering questions toward the end. I guess better late than never...


Riley fell in love with Paige the moment they met in the forest when he was a pup and she was a girl. When she arrives at the cabin, he wastes no time professing his undying love. He's another strange one. At times he's a dominant alpha-male type, at others a complete pushover. The love Riley has for a woman he doesn't know is sweet in that 'love at first sight' or 'instant soul-mate' sort of way. It was funny how they'd proclaim love for each other, and then Paige would lament how little she knows about him.


By the end of the story, it's obvious that Paige truly does love Riley—all of him body, heart, and soul. It's really rather sweet (in a somewhat creepy kind of way) that she feels this way. The entire time I was reading I kept wondering how a relationship could possibly work when they come from two very different worlds. But sometimes love really can conquer all, so why fight it.


I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. It gave the story closure as well as providing a decent laugh. The Howling Heart is for ages 18+ due to mature content. If you like paranormal stories featuring shapeshifters, add this one to your TBR list.



About the Author

April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled "A Rose to the Fallen".

Her first short story, "Right Here, Right Now", released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories: a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled "Eros, My Love", and a sexy romantic comedy entitled "Love Addiction".

After five years, she released her second novel, "The Howling Heart" in August 2013, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April will release her fourth short story in December 2013, a historical paranormal romance entitled "A Dark Scandal".

Author Links


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Book Blitz: Into the Darkness by K.F. Breene - Excerpt & Giveaway



Title: Into the Darkness
Author: K.F. Breene
Genre: New Adult Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publication: January 23, 2014

I’d always been different. I saw objects in the night where others saw emptiness. Large, human shaped shadows, fierce yet beautiful, melting into the darkness. I collected secrets like other women collected bells; afraid to fully trust lest my oddities be exposed.

Until I saw him. He’d been gliding down the street, unshakable confidence in every step. It wasn’t just that he was breathtakingly handsome with perfect features. Something about him drew me. Sucked my focus to him and then tugged at my body. As his eyes met mine, I was entrapped.

No one had noticed him. He’d been right there, just beyond the light, but only I had perceived.

I had to know if he was real. Or maybe I really was crazy. And even when my secret box was blasted wide open, dangers hurled at me like throwing knives, I couldn’t stop until I unraveled his true identity.

I just had to know.

“She was fated to live.”
“Then why must you save her?”
“Often Fate is struck down by dumb luck.”



Into the Darkness is currently FREE on Amazon, along with these other books by K.F. Breene!

 

       As I met his black eyes, his puzzled expression deepened. “You’re human…”
      “We established that, yes. What I want to know is, if I am human, what does that make you? And why do I notice you when others usually don’t?”
      His head cocked to the side. His easy balance, his lethal edge; he was like a blade resting on billowing silk. “Very few humans are able to withstand our pheromones. Fewer still to break a Kolma once it has been placed. You’ve not been trained, that’s obvious; so how is this possible when you’re definitely human? Do you possess the blood of another species?”
       I could barely think past the pounding ache of my body, begging to touch him. I needed to get a grip! He was revealing some very interesting factoids I needed to jot down in my mental notebook.
      His nostrils flared. “Charles was right; your arousal is a unique scent. Like a spicy, warm drink on a mid-winter’s night. It rises above other smells, entrancing the mind.”
      “Umm,” charged with questions, determination, anger, and demands, I thrust forward, “Listen, what did you mean about withstanding the…pher-thing? Or breaking the other thing? How can you trap someone’s head with pleasure? Because I’m pretty sure—not positive, but pretty sure—that Jared is straight. And also, I really think we should circle back to what the hell you are, and why nobody knows that you exist? Because this whole people scattering thing is not normal, and I think an explanation is probably in order.”
      He stepped closer, not hearing me, or not caring that I spoke. His eyes looked at me like I was a life-sized riddle. They delved, searching. He took another step, forcing me to retreat two steps to keep distance between our bodies. Another step back had my back to the wall. 
      A small smile curved his lips. “I exude pleasure, you run. I exude fear, you come calling. You want me, I can smell it. I can feel it, almost like a palpable thing. Give in to it. Yield to me.”
      Oh God I wanted to. His body was mere inches from mine, his intense eyes looking down into my soul from a face out of a Renaissance painting. The power of him, the sheer strength, had strange, primal fantasies running amok through my head. My core tingled, my chest surged, and my nipples were so hard they could cut this stone wall. 
      Why had I come here, again?


A wine country native, K.F. Breene moved to San Francisco for college just shy of a decade ago to pursue a lifelong interest in film. As she settled into the vibrant city, it quickly became apparent that, while she thought making and editing films was great fun, she lacked cinematic genius. For that reason, her career path quickly changed direction. Her next goal was a strange childhood interest, conjured at the dining room table while filling out a form. For some reason, her young self wanted to be an accountant. Thinking on it now, she often wonders how she had any friends. Regardless, it was the direction she finally took.

While she could wrangle numbers with the best of 'em, and even though she wore the crown as the most outspoken, belligerent accountant in the world, her mind got as stuffy as her daily routine. It was here that she dusted off her creative hat and began writing. Now she makes movies in her head, not worried about lighting, shutter speed or editing equipment. Turns out, a computer is much easier to manage than a crowd of actors. She should know, she was an actor at one time.



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Sunday, February 2, 2014

Book Blitz: Immagica by K.A. Last - Character Profile, Interview & Giveaway



Immagica

K.A. Last

YA Fantasy

Available at Amazon * B&N * Smashwords * Apple



Blurb

Immagica
Where anything is possible.
Enter at your own risk.


The night before her fifteenth birthday, Rosaline Clayton uncovers a deep family secret. She receives an amulet from her deranged father, and he tells her she must find the book in order to save him. Rosaline is used to her dad not making any sense, so she dismisses their conversation as another of his crazy rants.

When Rosaline’s brother, Elliot, drags her to their Nana’s attic to explore, they find the old leather-bound book tucked away in a chest. It sucks them into its pages, transporting them to a magical world. Along the way Rosaline and Elliot are separated, and the only thing she wants is to find her brother and go home.

The creatures of Immagica have other ideas. After years of war their land lies in ruin. Using the amulet’s power, they want Rosaline to defeat the dragon and restore Immagica to its former glory. But Rosaline is bound to Immagica in ways she doesn’t understand, and when she discovers the truth about her family, she must follow her heart to save them all.


Character Profile

Name: Lex.
Career: Keeper and Protector of the Eye.
Biography: Lex’s history is unknown.
Age: He looks around 17.
Height: Six-feet, one-inch.
Body Type: Tall and lanky.
Complexion: Normal, but it’s hard to tell because Lex blushes a lot.
Eyes: Lex’s eyes shift between hazel and green.
Hair: White-blond and messy.
Clothing: Lex wears thick-rimmed glasses, a faded red T-shirt, jeans, and rubber thongs (flip-flops).
Voice/Demeanour: Nervous and jittery. Lex is a bit of a geek, but he is also head-strong when he needs to be. He’s definitely not a push-over.
Prejudices: Since the dragon launched his war on Immagica, Lex has loathed everything about him.
Best Qualities: His kindness.
Weaknesses: Thinking he isn’t able to leave the Eye.
Hobbies: Reading, and cataloguing the books in the Eye, and oiling the cogs in the pupil.
Weapon of choice: His knowledge.
Talents: The ability to retain every piece of information that’s written in every one of the thousands of books inside the Eye.


Character Interview-Lex

Even though we don’t get to meet Lex until about half way into Immagica, he is quite a complex character. Let’s ask him some questions and see if we can get to know him a little better.

KA: Hi, Lex. Thanks for allowing me to come to Immagica to talk to you.
Lex: No problem. *adjusts glasses*
KA: Let’s start with something easy. Can you describe yourself in three words?
Lex: Um … Quirky? *scratches head* Jittery, and um … loveable?
KA: Loveable? I’ll bet there’s a certain girl who would agree with that.
Lex: *blushes*
KA: From what I’ve seen, Immagica isn’t exactly the sort of place you’d find a McDonald’s drive thru, or your favourite restaurant just around the corner. What do you eat?
Lex: Well, actually, I have my own food generator. So I can eat pretty much anything I want.
KA: Food generator? Like an automatic vending machine that makes whatever you ask for? That’s like something from a science fiction movie.
Lex: Um … *laughs* this is Immagica we’re talking about. Anything is possible.
KA: Yes, I guess it is. Do you have a favourite meal?
Lex: I don’t usually get the time to think about food, things have been so crazy around here lately. Fruit, I like fruit.
KA: Of all the things you could ask for, you choose fruit?
Lex: *laughs* Like I said, I’m busy. Apples are easy to eat on the go.
KA: At the moment you can’t leave Immagica, but if you could, where in the world would you want to go?
Lex: Oh wow, *rubs face* that’s a hard question. It’s been so long I don’t know where I’d want to go. I’ll bet things in the real world have changed a lot since I’ve been gone. Now that Rosaline has helped us, I think I’m pretty happy staying in Immagica. Things have been great since the dragon’s been gone.
KA: You don’t want to go and see Rosaline? *raises eyebrows*
Lex: Um … yes *blushes* that would be nice, someday. Rosaline changed my life. I guess it would be cool to see where she’s from.
KA: Do I detect some romantic feelings in the air?
Lex: *pushes glasses up nose* Rosaline is pretty awesome, but I don’t know. *shrugs* We’re from completely different worlds. It’s like a long distance relationship on steroids. I hope one day she comes back. Then maybe we’ll see. *smiles*
KA: Is there a book you’ve read that’s influenced your life?
Lex: *laughs* I’m surrounded by books all day, every day. I think I can safely say that every individual book within the Eye has influenced my life in some way. After all, they’re what I’m here in Immagica to protect. Each story is unique, and has something different to offer in its own special way.
KA: You’ve read all these books? *looks around at bookshelves*
Lex: Of course. It’s my job to know everything that’s happened since Immagica was created.
KA: Isn’t all that reading time consuming?
Lex: On a normal day, there’s not much else to do. *laughs* But I have help. Everything is connected, so a lot of it I just know. There’s a full catalogue in here. *taps temple*
KA: Then you could say you read using magic? *smiles*
Lex: Something like that, yes.
KA: Is there someone from your past you’d like to apologise to for something?
Lex: I try not to think too much about the past. What’s done is done, and you can’t change it.
KA: You make it sound like something happened that you’d rather forget.
Lex: Possibly. I like moving forward. Looking back only causes pain.
KA: What if you had a time machine? Would you go back and change anything?
Lex: *purses lips* No, I don’t think I would. Everything happens for a reason, no matter how much it may hurt us.
KA: What has been the scariest moment of your life so far?
Lex: You mean apart from watching my world crumble around me? *scratches head* It would have to be the moment Rosaline went limp in my arms, right after she defeated the dragon. She didn’t wake up for a while, and she was pretty beaten up, so that added to the scare factor. I don’t know what I would have done if she’d died. *looks at hands*
KA: Do you think you’ll venture out of the Eye more now the dragon is gone?
Lex: That would definitely be a yes. When the dragon first waged his war on Immagica, I shut myself in so I could protect everything. I’d forgotten what it was like to be outside.
KA: Well, thanks to Rosaline, now you know.
Lex: Yes. *nods*
KA: What’s the first thing you want to do when you go outside today?
Lex: The first thing I need to do is some maintenance. One of the clockwork birds went down somewhere near Shadow Crater in The Barren Lands, and has to be recovered. Then I think I might find Ira and Brynn, and see if they want to go for a fly.
KA: You’re not afraid of flying then?
Lex: *laughs* No. That would be Rosaline.
KA: You miss her, don’t you?
Lex: *shrugs*
KA: Okay, now for the fast five. No thinking about these. Favourite colour?
Lex: Red.
KA: Book or movie?
Lex: *snorts* Book, of course.
KA: Best qualities a person can have?
Lex: Honesty and loyalty.
KA: Cats or dogs?
Lex: Horses.
KA: *laughs* City or countryside?
Lex: Have you seen my backyard? I’m not even going to answer that.
KA: Well, Lex. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.
Lex: It was fun, thanks.
KA: I’ll let you get back to your books. *smiles*
Lex: Say hi to Rosaline for me.
KA: Is there a message you’d like me to pass on to her?
Lex: *rubs chin* Just tell her, anything is possible. *grins*

About the Author

K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney with her parents and older brother when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. K. A. Last is currently studying her Bachelor of Arts at Charles Sturt University, with a major in English, and minors in Children’s Literature, Art History, and Visual Culture. She resides in a peaceful, leafy suburb north of Sydney with her husband, their two children, a rabbit named Twitch, and a guinea pig called Squeak.

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