Friday, July 10, 2015

New Release Alert: The Blind World by M.C. Rohweder

blindworldrelease



The Blind World
M.C. Rohweder

New Adult Urban Fantasy


Miranda Schaffer just wants a little freedom for the start of college. Having convinced her parents to let her live in the house left to them by her great-aunt Janine, she’s excited. That is, until her classmate, Cole, tries to convince her that the house is one of the tools needed by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to raise Hell.
Cole identifies himself as a Guardian, whose sole purpose in life is to prevent the gateway to Hell—supposedly Miranda’s basement—from falling into the wrong hands. Miranda brushes off his concerns, thinking he’s crazy.
On top of that, the cute real estate agent interested in the house is, according to Cole, one of the Four Horsemen, and she should stay away from him at all costs. That’s easier said than done when she can’t get him out of her head.
Will her indecision leave her with Hell to pay?


Author Bio

M.C. Rohweder is from Sin City, where The Brimstone Series takes place. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and hopes her readers love her stories as much as she loves writing them.

Twitter: @mcrohweder
Facebook: Facebook.com/MCRohweder


Thursday, July 9, 2015

Interview with W.R. Gingell, Author of Wolfskin + Giveaway


I am pleased to welcome W.R. Gingell, author of Wolfskin, to the blog today. Ready for a fun Q&A?

Tell us about the main characters. Who is Rose? Who is Bastian?
Thanks for having me! Rose is the main character in Wolfskin: she is young, determined and not always thoughtful. She has recently been apprenticed to the Witch of the Forest, and is hoping to be involved in lots of magic. She gets a little more than she bargained for with Bastian, who is a man in the body of a wolf. He was cursed to the form of a wolf by Cassandra, when the enchantress discovered that he hadn’t been faithful to her. Bastian is desperate, devious– and perhaps redeemable.

What are some interesting things you learned while writing/researching Wolfskin?
Writing Wolfskin was the point at which I began to learn a lot about characterisation. This was partly from writing Rose and partly from reading other authors, who (like Frances Hardinge) get their characterisation so beautifully right. Rose was incredibly difficult to get on paper, and the first draft of Wolfskin I finished had an entirely flat Rose. I learned a lot while writing her. By the end of the fourth or fifth draft of Wolfskin I had begun to feel that I had a three-dimensional character. Rose had developed her quirks, dislikes, and unique tone of voice. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the learning curve that I went through on the journey to publish Wolfskin.

Is Wolfskin part of a series or a standalone story?
Wolfskin is a standalone story, though I do have plans for a sequel of sorts. It’s set in the same world that my Two Monarchies Sequence is set in, but you won’t need to read any of the other books to enjoy Wolfskin. 

In the blurb you allude to Little Red Riding Hood. Is Wolfskin based at all on that fairy tale?
Wolfskin is based on the fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood, but even more than the fairytale, it’s based on an old, old Sam the Sham song of the same name. It goes something like: “Little Red Riding Hood, you sure are lookin’ good; you’re everything a big bad wolf could want”. I’ve always loved that song!

Is there anything you’d like to tell your readers about Wolfskin?
If you like strong, stubborn heroines who sometimes discover that they can be their own worst enemy, you’ll most likely enjoy Wolfskin. If you like good-looking but flawed heroes who start out with the wrong intentions and begin to develop a heart, Wolfskin is definitely for you!

If you could have any fictional character over for dinner, whom would you invite and what would you serve?
Probably Feste from Twelfth Night. He’d be such fun! I’d provide cheese and pies and a picnic blanket, and he could bring his lute and his funny face.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?
Wow, that’s really hard! I have so, SO many. Just one? Okay, I’ll cheat and have one of each! Leverage is one of my all time favourite TV shows, and Alice (technically a miniseries, but whatever) is one of my all time favourite movies.

What’s your favorite fairy tale?
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favourite Disney-style fairy tale. I mean, a girl who reads? Yes, please!
Older fairytales– Snow White and Rose Red. I’ve always loved that one.

I love Belle because she reads-- good influence on us all. Please, everyone, pick up a book. Now would be good :)

Wolfskin

W.R. Gingell

YA Fantasy
May 1, 2015

Amazon | Goodreads

‘If you want adventure, you have to march right up to it and kick it in the shins . . .’

At fourteen, barefoot and running wild, Rose is delighted to be apprenticed to Akiva, the witch of the forest. She thinks it will be all enchantment and excitement, and not so much fuss about baths. The reality is much more sober and practical- that is, until she meets a mysterious wolf in the forest and is tricked into stepping off the path . . .

In young, naive Rose, Bastian sees a way of escape. Cursed to remain in the shape of a wolf after running afoul of a powerful enchantress, he has lived many decades under a spell, and now he is both desperate and ruthless. But by breaking part of Bastian’s curse, Rose has caught the attention of Cassandra, the enchantress who cursed him: and Cassandra is by no means ready to forgive and forget.

Meanwhile, wardens have been disappearing from the forest, one by one. Rose is certain that Cassandra is behind the disappearances, but can she and Bastian get to the bottom of the matter before Akiva disappears as well? And are Bastian’s motives entirely to be trusted?

Sometimes the little girl in the red hood doesn’t get eaten, and sometimes the wolf isn’t the most frightening thing in the forest.

About the Author

W.R Gingell is a Tasmanian author who enjoys reading, bacon, and slouching in front of the fire to write.

Author links:




Tour-Wide Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Review- His Millionaire Maid by Coleen Kwan - Giveaway

His Millionaire Maid Tour Banner


His Millionaire Maid by Coleen Kwan
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
His Millionaire Maid Cover

AmazonAmazon UKAmazon CAB&NKoboiBooks


Synopsis: His new hire has a secret...

As far as Nina Beaumont is concerned, money ruins everything. Leave it to her wealthy family to screw up her professional life and her personal life. When she crashes and her car sinks, sending her identification and all her belongings spiraling into the watery abyss, Nina sees her chance to escape. And stumbles into a job with the hottest man she’s ever met…as his maid. Between running an inn, caring for his grandmother, and trying to keep the dirty-dealing Beaumont Corporation from stealing his land, Joe Farina's plate is full. He doesn't have time for romantic entanglements—especially not with the suspiciously bad maid he just hired, no matter how much he needs her…both in and out of his bed. Screwing with her life is one thing, but Nina’s not about to let her family screw with Joe. That is, if she doesn’t lose him when he finds out who she really is.

Add to Goodreads

Review- I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

His Millionaire Maid is a fun story with two rather likable characters. Add in some steamy scenes, and it is an enjoyable summer read, perfect for the pool or beach.

I really loved Nina, connected with her right from the beginning. Nina was hard working, intelligent, and sick of everyone assuming that she only advanced at work due to her father owning the company. She never had a chance to shine as an individual because she was always the boss's daughter. This is a prime example of how money can't buy happiness. Nina wanted to get away, to prove she could make it on her own.

Joe-- who wouldn't like him. Another sweet, hard-working guy who was fighting to keep what he loves out of the hands of the Man. Sparks fly between these two. There are lots of humorous scenes, along with lots of steamy scenes which really made for an enjoyable read. The story is fast-paced and moves along quite nicely. It's also on the short side which works great for the shorter summer attention spans.

If you're looking for a fun book with some heat, give this one a try!

About Coleen Kwan

Coleen Kwan

Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance. Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching TV shows like Criminal Minds and Masterchef.
His Millionaire Maid Giveaway Graphic

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Playlist for Half Faerie by Heidi Garrett


Music is my major inspiration when writing. I love sharing playlists, both the music inspiring the work and the music the author recommends to accompany the work.

Heidi Garrett, author of the Daughter of Light trilogy, joins us today to share the playlist for Half Faerie.

The (Mostly) Blues and Rock & Roll playlist for Half Faerie

(Isolt’s Enchantment) The Delphinus Choir—Euchari/Garmarna

Melia—Ch 1. Ylandria: All I Really Want/Alanis Morissette

Elynus, On the Matter of grey faeries and the muannai: Ch 10. The Siren Call: Don’t Fear the Reaper/Blue Oyster Cult

Pressina to Elynus—Ch 13. Spellbound: Back to Black/Amy Winehouse

Melia in the Enchanted Gardens—Ch 21. Pebble Rock: What a Wonderful World/B. B.
King

Ryder to Melia—Ch 28. The Priest of Idonne: Something About You/Boston

Flora to Melia—Ch 40. Flora’s Plan: You Learn/Alanis Morissette

Melia to Goring—Ch 45. A Dinner Party: Right Through You/Alanis Morissette

Plantine to Umbra—Ch 53: Umbra’s Influence: Going Under/Evanescence

Tatou to Melia—Ch 54 Regret: Guardian/Alanis Morisette

Melia to Plantine—Ch 56 True Love: The Gift/Lone Justice

What do you think? Evanescence is a huge influence for my paranormal and urban fantasy writing. I've been listening to them since I heard Bring Me to Life for the first time in 2003. There is just something about the sound that brings out the witchy side of me :)


Isolt’s Enchantment: the beginnings
Daughter of Light Trilogy #0.5
By- Heidi Garrett
Genre- YA Fantasy/Faerie Tales


Long before the half-faerie Melia was born in the mortal world, the god Vulcan married Isolt of the Waters. When she betrayed him, the seeds of a great war were planted in the Void.


In Idonne, a young scholar studies Isolt’s story, along with tales of dwarf magic and the birth of a malevolent entity in the Void, Umbra. The stories awaken his dream of a life filled with adventure and heroism.


  


Half Faerie
Daughter of Light Trilogy # 1
By- Heidi Garrett
Genre- YA Fantasy/Faerie Tales

She doesn’t believe in love, and she doesn’t believe in herself.

The crucible of her parents’ dark ambitions will forge her destiny.

Her consciousness will be transformed.

The journey will be epic.

Melia is an eighteen-year-old half faerie, half-mortal who longs to fly like the full-blood faeries. She also yearns for a life that's truly her own, which might prove more difficult than sprouting wings. Her faerie mother practices black magic, and her mortal father plots to bring war to the enchanted world. No matter how she tries to escape their long shadow, Melia is unable to distance herself from her parents’ obsessions.

After the half-faerie is accused of being her father's spy, her friend advises a trip to the Illustrator. The mysterious woman marks Melia's forehead with a strange emblem. She claims it will draw a young priest from distant lands who will come to the half-faerie's aid. Spooked rather than comforted, Melia dismisses the woman's words. Rather, she travels to the mortal world to confront her father.

Whimsical and edgy, Daughter of Light is a spinoff of the 14th century French fairy tale “Melusine.” A high fantasy with fairy tale elements and an intriguing cosmology, it's a great choice for readers who have loved Lord of the Rings.

   


Half-Mortal
Daughter of Light Trilogy # 2
By- Heidi Garrett
Genre- YA Fantasy/Faerie Tales
Expected Publication Date- July 30th, 2015

In Illialei, a light queen practices black magic.

In Tyrannis, the dragonwitch rises to power.

In the mortal world, Umbra pursues the half-bloods as vessels of incarnation.

Energies in the enchanted world are shifting and new alliances are forming; the battle between Dark and Light has begun. Melia is desperate to make things right with Ryder, the young priest from Idonne, but first she must warn the half-bloods in the mortal world that Umbra is coming for them—and face the powerful dragonwitch and her spectacular Dragon Carnivale.



Pre-Order Below!

  


About the Author-
Heidi Garrett is the author of the author of the Daughter of Light series, a fantasy about a young half-faerie, half-mortal searching for her place in the Whole. She's also the contemporary fairy tale novella collection, Once Upon a Time Today. In these stand-alone retellings of popular and obscure fairy tales, adult characters navigate the deep woods of the modern landscape to find their Happily Ever Afters.

Heidi also collaborates with B. J. Limpin. They've cooked up a yummy paranormal romance, Cupcakes & Kisses!

Heidi was born in Texas, and in an attempt to reside in as many cities in that state as she could, made it to Houston, Lubbock, Austin, and El Paso. She now lives in Eastern Washington state with her husband, their two cats, her laptop, and her Kindle. Being from the South, she often contemplates the magic of snow.

Signup for Heidi's newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/wWKUj

Links-


Monday, July 6, 2015

They Call Me Alexandra Gastone by T.A. Maclagan - Movie Poster Design Contest


Introduction for the contest:

Books can show us visions. Have you ever found your mind beginning to imagine the characters you meet within the pages? Have you experienced a film projector of scenes in your head as you read about the girl who travels to the fifth dimension, or the boy who’s trying to graduate from being a wallflower? When you read, your mind naturally creates images, almost like watching a movie.  Why not turn those images into a reality by making a movie poster?

Full Fathom Five and T.A. Maclagan are hosting a movie poster design contest to celebrate the release of T.A.’s debut, They Call Me Alexandra Gastone, a novel heralded by Booklist as “An intricate, debut spy thriller…” The contest will run from July 7th to August 15th.

One winner will receive a $100 gift card to the retailer of their choice, a book from FFF’s list of authors, and Alexandra Gastone swag! All participants will be featured on T.A. Maclagan’s blog and tumblr and the winner will be featured on the Full Fathom Five website! Artists may use any medium from crayon to photoshop.



They Call Me Alexandra Gastone
Release Date: 05/20/15
Full Fathom Five Digital
226 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

When your life is a lie, how do you know what’s real?

Alexandra Gastone has a simple plan: graduate high school, get into Princeton, work for the CIA, and serve her great nation.

She was told the plan back when her name was Milena Rokva, back before the real Alexandra and her family were killed in a car crash.

Milena was trained to be a sleeper agent by Perun, a clandestine organization from her true homeland of Olissa. There, Milena learned everything she needed to infiltrate the life of CIA analyst Albert Gastone, Alexandra’s grandfather, and the ranks of America’s top intelligence agency.

For seven years, “Alexandra” has been on standby and life’s been good. Grandpa Albert loves her, and her strategically chosen boyfriend, Grant, is amazing.

But things are about to change. Perun no longer needs her at the CIA in five years’ time. They need her active now.

Between her cover as a high school girl—juggling a homecoming dance, history reports, and an increasingly suspicious boyfriend—and her mission in this high-stakes spy game, the boundaries of her two lives are beginning to blur.

Will she stay true to the country she barely remembers, or has her loyalty shattered along with her identity?



Praise for They Call Me Alexandra Gastone:

"An intricate, debut spy thriller...readers will keep turning pages, and the surprise ending will have them anxiously awaiting a sequel." —Booklist

“…the intersection of action, espionage, and drama makes for solid…entertainment: readers will gladly sit back and watch Alexandra navigate the obstacle course that comes with playing her role too well. It's a strong debut for New Zealand author Maclagan.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“Death-threats, global takeover, double-agents, hidden files and a blown cover—by the time you get to the shocking conclusion of this cliff-hanger, you won’t know who to trust…” Girls’ Life


About the Author

T.A. Maclagan is a Kansas girl by birth but now lives in the bush-clad hills of Wellington, New Zealand with her Kiwi husband, son and four pampered cats. With a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Ph.D. in anthropology, she’s studied poison dart frogs in the rainforests of Costa Rica, howler monkeys in Panama and the very exotic and always elusive American farmer. It was as she was writing her ‘just the facts’ dissertation that T.A. felt the call to pursue something more imaginative and discovered a passion for creative writing. They Call Me Alexandra Gastone is her first novel.

You can find her online at:
Website: www.tamaclagan.com 

GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, July 5, 2015

New Release Alert: No Rest for the Weary by Leatrus Iversen



No Rest for the Weary
By- Leatrus Iversen
Genre- Women’s Fiction

Linette Sanderson is a single mother of two wonderful children. She works two jobs to make ends meet and her faith in God keeps her grounded and focused as she strives to make life better for her family.

Linette is faced with a dilemma when her past seems to make its way back into her already hectic and demanding life. She finds herself in a tug of war with her emotions and although she takes it to the Lord in prayer the answers still remain unclear as to how she should handle the situation.

When tragedy strikes her family several times, she finds herself questioning God and her beliefs. She fights with the temptation of giving up on hope and her life. Will Linette be able to remain strong through this tragic time and lean on the Lord for support or will she lose her faith?