Friday, December 4, 2015

Scavenger Hunt Giveaway: An Assassin's Holiday by Dirk Greyson


Title: An Assassin’s Holiday  
Author: Dirk Greyson
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Adventure
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: Dec 2015
Edition/Formats: eBook & Print

Blurb/Synopsis:

Brick Colton has been hired to kill Santa Claus—or at least the kindhearted accountant playing Santa for the kids in an orphanage. Brick grew up in an orphanage himself, but that isn’t the only thing bothering him about the contract on Robin Marvington’s life. The details don’t add up, and it’s looking more and more like someone has set Robin up. As Brick investigates, Robin brings some much-needed cheer into his life, the light in Robin’s soul reaching something in Brick’s dark one. But all of that will end if they can’t find the person who wants Robin dead.


Book Links

Thursday, December 3, 2015

$300 Holiday Cash Giveaway

Can you believe that it's December already? The weather is chilly here in San Antonio, and I can finally wear my warmer clothes and boots :) I'm happy to be a part of this great holiday giveaway. Who couldn't use a little extra cash during the holidays?


Holiday Cash Giveaway

$300 Holiday Cash Giveaway - December 1st to 21st

An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!! We’re giving away $300 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com eGift Code! Sponsor List – Thanks to these awesome bloggers & authors for sponsoring this giveaway!!  

  Sponsor List

Giveaway Details
$300 in Paypal Cash or a $300 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 12/21/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or who can redeem an Amazon.com Gift Code. 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 and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Interview with A.L. Davroe, Author of Nexis + Excerpt & Giveaway


I'd like to extend a warm welcome to A.L. Davroe, author of Nexis, a new YA Sci-Fi novel from Entangled Teen.


Tell us about the main character in Nexis. Who is Ella?
Ella is a “Natural” girl in a world of people who have been genetically customized, Altered, and Modified.  Everyone is perfect and Ella is not.  Ella only has fashion to keep up with everyone else and while her skills at designing clothes are top notch, she just can’t keep up!  She wants to be like everyone else -- especially now that her father’s new virtual reality game is doing so well and they’re now Elite.  She has a crush on the most popular guy in school, but he doesn’t even look at her.  Her best friend’s name is Delia and she, like Ella, is a Natural too; however, Delia is able to Modify and Alter herself while Ella cannot.  Ella also wants to be a Designer, not the Programmer she was born to be.  But, she’s soon going to learn that those programming skills are going to come in handy…

Nexis
is book one in the Tricksters series. How many novels do you have planned for the series? When can we expect book two?
Book two, REDUX, is already written and handed in.  I expect I’ll get content edits for it after NEXIS releases, but I’m not entirely certain when the release date for it is.  As it stands, I’m only contracted for these two books, but we are hoping to pitch at least a few more.  I’d like to write a third book for Ella and then I’d like to write a few companion pieces for some of the secondary characters in the series.

What inspired the series? Did you do any special research while prepping and writing?
Oh, there is a fun story behind this.  Believe it or not, the initial idea for Nexis came about when my agent, Louise Fury, was still part of the L. Perkins Agency.  She and Lori Perkins and I were eating dinner at a convention and they were talking about wanting a Steampunk Cinderella story.  I also write Steampunk, so the idea was intriguing to me.  On the spot, I came up with a Cinderella who loses her whole leg instead of just a shoe and ends up with some crazy Steampunk gadget for a leg instead.  I didn’t want to do another Steampunk story though, so I decided I’d try and do a futuristic Cinderella instead.  I’ve always been a huge fan of anime and, if you’re also a fan like me, you’ll probably be able to pick out some of my influences.  Anyway, I wrote this sort-of futuristic Cinderella story.  The initial set up in the original version was very Cinderella, but then, I sort of flew off the track with the whole virtual game idea and the ending.  The work and the character became so much bigger and better than its initial starting point.  After numerous edits and Cinder coming out in print (yes, I wrote Nexis that long ago), I decided to nix the Cinderella aspect all-together and really make Nexis its own story.  I really love what this story has become and the journey that the characters and I have taken.

As for prepping: I didn’t do too much of that with the initial writing process.  I did have to go back to check facts and flesh out some wobbly bits in the narrative but, for the most part, everything in Nexis came from what I already know.

I love your cover! Did you have any input in the design?
Entangled has you fill out a cover form to let the artist know what your characters look like, the summary, the setting, things you like and dislike, etc.  Beyond that I had no input on this particular cover other than to choose between it and another mock-up.  Both had the same setting, just different models and this one was perfect.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what songs were on your playlist for Nexis?
I actually have a Nexis playlist on YouTube.

Fun Question—If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would you entertain? What would you serve?
This is, like, the hardest question I’ve ever been asked!  In all seriousness, how can I pick just one?  I think that changes about every two minutes for me – depending on the mood and moment.  I think you’re asking book characters, but my brain wants it to be ANY fictional character.  So, we’ll go in between and choose a manga character.  And, at this moment, I’m inclined to say Vash the Stampede from Trigun, but I have no idea why.  I donno, maybe it’s the height?  Maybe it’s the cool hair and fun glasses?  Obviously, I’d feed him donuts.  Although, pizza is a fine choice as well.

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you or your novel?
Just that I hope they love it and I’m always available to talk if they have additional questions or comments about the book.  I’m very approachable, if not a bit flaky. ;D

Where can readers find you online?
I’m everywhere!
Author Email: ALDavroe@gmail.com
Author Website: www.ALDavroe.com
Author Blog: www.ALDavroe.com
Author Twitter: @ALDavroe



NexisNexis
Tricksters, #1

A.L. Davroe

Release Date: Dec. 1, 2015
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Published by: Entangled Teen

Goodreads
Amazon | B&N | Entangled

In the domed city of Evanescence, appearance is everything. A Natural Born amongst genetically-altered Aristocrats, all Ella ever wanted was to be like everyone else. Augmented, sparkling, and perfect. Then…the crash. Devastated by her father’s death and struggling with her new physical limitations, Ella is terrified to learn she is not just alone, but little more than a prisoner.

Her only escape is to lose herself in Nexis, the hugely popular virtual reality game her father created. In Nexis she meets Guster, a senior player who guides Ella through the strange and compelling new world she now inhabits. He offers Ella guidance, friendship…and something more. Something that allows her to forget about the “real” world, and makes her feel whole again. But Nexis isn’t quite the game everyone thinks it is.


ALAbout the Author: A.L. (Amanda) Davroe writes both YA and adult speculative fiction. She prefers revisionist tales in paranormal, romance, Steampunk, and fantasy. She is the author of Salvation Station (adult psych horror), The City Steam Collection (adult psych horror), For Your Heart (YA Paranormal Romance) and her YA Sci-Fi novel, Nexis, is coming out with Entangled Publishing December 1, 2015! By day, Amanda lives in Connecticut with her two feline hench-creatures and makes cheese. She’s a terrible blusher, has a weak spot for cuddly animals, loves Laffy Taffy and Cadbury MiniEggs, and she’s a huge advocate of alternative healing methods. Amanda also wears purple shoes and corsets…Though not always in the same ensemble. She’s a Capricorn, a Hufflepuff, a bit gothic, and a few nuggets short of a Happy Meal.

Author Website: www.ALDavroe.com
Author Blog: www.ALDavroe.com
Author Twitter: @ALDavroe
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALDavroeFanPage
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5212441.A_L_Davroe
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/RBlXP

 


Excerpt from Nexis, Chapter 5 (pgs 31-32)


Sighing, I stare down at the headband until a shadow falls over me. “That’s quite the contraption.”
                I close my eyes. It’s Zane. Great, he saw the spectacle, too. Will my shame never cease? Well, there goes the courting. He’ll never want to be with a pariah like me now. “It was a stupid idea to wear it.”
                He steps to the side and sits next to the headband. He picks it up, turns it over between his fingers. “Was it? I think it’s pretty revolutionary, actually.”
                “That’s my point. If I could do that with a simple holo-mask, then anyone could.”
                Zane purses his lips. He knows I’m right. If I was able to program a mask to make my face look just as Modified and Altered as any Aristocrat’s, then what’s to stop one of the Disfavored from doing it? A mask like that undermines the system. Eventually he smiles, apprehensive, and meets my eyes. “Well, they don’t have Programmers as talented and ingenious as you out there. So it’s a good thing you’re on the side of the Aristocracy, isn’t it?”
                I snort and look away. “I’m a threat to them.”
                He places a hand on my knee, and it makes my stomach go aflutter, despite my bad mood. “It’s good that you’re aware of it.”
                My floating stomach sinks, and I shake my head with a bitter scoff. “Is that supposed to comfort me?”
                His fingers tighten, drawing my leg open so that our knees touch and he leans closer to me. “Not at all,” he whispers in a spine-tingling purr, eyes alight with secret sparkle. “It should scare you. It should scare you and enliven you. It should make you want to start a fire. Because you can.”
                Confused by his words and what he’s doing to my body, I stare at him for a long time. He sounds like Dad, spouting nonsense like this all the time. But, unlike Dad, Zane has a wild and dangerous charisma on his side. His touch and tone stir my insides, make me want to get up and run, make me want to do what he asks me to do.




The Giveaway:
  • Fire HD 7, 7" HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB + Nexis Swag Pack (US/Canada)
  • $50 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
  • $50 Amazon Gift Card (US/Canada)
  • Nexis Swag Pack (US/Canada)
  • Opportunity to Name / Build the Look of a Character in the next book in the Trickster series with any of the Mods and Alts you can imagine! (INT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Sale Alert! Sophie's Quest by Sonja Anderson - Author Interview & Giveaway

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Blitz for
Sophie's Quest
By Sonja Anderson

Sophie's Quest is currently only 99¢ for Kindle!

Interview with Author Sonja Anderson

1. What is your motivation behind Sophie’s Quest? Why did you want to write it? 

The character of Sophie Topfeather popped into my head many years ago when I was teaching a multi-faith class at St. Mary's International School in Tokyo, Japan. According to many stories, owls are supposed to be wise, and it felt like we could use a wise owl in our class to help me answer all the kids' great questions about God. Then, about fifteen years ago, my five-year-old daughter got into heated discussion about God on the playground with two other students from different religious backgrounds, and my wise owl popped back into my head again. I wanted to write a story that would help her understand others better in our diverse community, and for her friends to also understand her.

2. What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it? 

I hope that first of all, they take away the feeling that they have made some special friends on the journey, and want to know what happens next! I also hope and pray that readers will have developed compassion for others who believe differently than they do, and an increased desire to know the true Sky Painter--Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.

3. Do you have a favorite scene? 

I love all the scenes with Sophie and Timley, but some of my favorite scenes are between the Great Wise Horned Owl and Timley's very frightened mother. Their love for their missing children helps them forge a strong bond that is very special.

4. What is something about you that is unique?

I write from home with a view of Puget Sound. While writing Sophie's Quest, I would watch container ships go by and imagine Sophie and Timley on board.

— Sonja

Sophie's QuestSophie's Quest
by Sonja Anderson

Middle Grade Adventure
Paperbook & ebook, 260 Pages
June 7th 2015 by Sunberry Books



Sophie Topfeather loves to collect people-things with which to decorate her life and home. When she finds a golden necklace, she is intrigued by its shape and shows it to her grandfather, the Great Wise Horned Owl of the Park. His reaction only stirs her interest even more; he calls it a holy symbol, and then a ‘t’ for ‘trouble’! All of which sets our young owl off on a Quest to learn its true meaning. Little does she know that a day-dreaming, over-protected, adventure-seeking Pirate – er, mouse – named Timley has leapt into the brim of her hat as Sophie flies off on her Quest! And suddenly, their adventure takes its own turn as they find themselves on board a ship bound for the Holy Land. Thorns and thistles! Has the trouble started already? Can Timley convince Sophie she should not—I repeat, NOT—eat him?

This is also the story of the mysterious Sky Painter, who seems to be with them—no, leading them—on their Quest. So, why is he always leading them straight into trouble? Was the Great Wise Horned Owl right all along? Come along on the Quest to find out! Cross oceans with Sophie and Timley to a land of mosques and synagogues, markets and Bedouin tents, and, like our unlikely friends, you may never be the same again!

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Amazon UK

Sonja Anderson

Author Sonja Anderson has a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in History, has worked as an elementary school teacher, a resident counsellor in a children’s home, taught Sunday School, and has served for 12 years as the Christian Formation Coordinator for the North Pacific Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the NW Christian Writers Association. Married with two daughters, she has called Seattle home for over 20 years.


Connect with the publisher, Sunpenny Publishing Group, on their website, Facebook, or Twitter.

Blitz Giveaway

$10 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends December 5th

Monday, November 30, 2015

Crystallum by Laney McMann - Playlist, Excerpt & Giveaway



Welcome to author Laney McMann with a playlist for her new novel Crystallum!

CRYSTALLUM by Laney McMann Playlist:

Phantogram ~ Black Out Days

Sleigh Bells ~ Bitter Rivals

Parade Of Lights ~ We’re The Kids

Until The Ribbon Breaks ~ One Way Or Another

Scars On 45 ~ Crazy For You

The Moth & The Flame ~ Young & Unafraid

Until The Ribbon Breaks ~ A Taste Of Silver

Dashboard Confessional ~ Stolen

Snow Patrol ~ Chasing Cars

SafetySuit ~ Life Left To Go

Bruce Springsteen ~ I’m On Fire

AWOLNATION ~ Run

Dave Matthews Band ~ Crash Into Me




Crystallum
Laney McMann
(Primordial Principles #1)

Published by: Booktrope Publishing
Publication date: October 25th 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Kadence Sparrow wasn’t born a devil’s child—she was turned into one. Now, she’s hiding from the truth, and running for her life.
For years, Kade’s true nature has lurked behind an illusion, so when her dad gets another job transfer, she knows the drill: no close friends, no boyfriends, and most importantly: don’t expose what she is. Ever. Keeping secrets is easy. Lies are second nature. So is the loneliness—and the fear, but when the Shadows attack, and Kade meets Cole Spires, she could expose everything she’s trying to hide.
As one of the Celestial Children, Cole lives by an oath: defend the Ward, protect the Primordial race, guard the gateways, and stick to his own. Everything else is a distraction, and besides, he’s lost enough. Cole’s job is clear, and no one his age does it better. So, when he meets Kade in a club downtown, he assumes she just wants his attention. Most girls do, but Cole soon realizes … Kade isn’t like most girls.
The children of heaven and hell are living among us, fighting an age-old war. And falling for someone from the opposition is not an option. But a chance encounter between Kade and Cole will blur the rules, as Kade’s journey to keep her truth hidden catapults them together and into a web of lies, forcing her to not only face the demon inside her, but to answer the hardest question of all.
Which is thicker—blood or water?

Are you a reviewer? You can request a review copy of Crystallum here!

CRYSprmo2

EXCERPT:

PLUMB STOOD in the driveway, hands on her hips, a piece of bright yellow paper in her hand. Cole groaned, exhausted, as he made his way toward her. The only light was a dim one above the door on the Brotherhood’s front porch.

Plumb waved the paper in the air. “It’s four fifteen in the morning, and I’m afraid to even venture why I received a notice for you to appear in front of the Warden later today. And Danny has nothing to say, which could only mean one thing—” Plumb looked him up and down. “With the condition you’re in, I’m not sure I want to know where you’ve been.”

“You probably don’t.” Cole held his hand out for the summons.

Plumb handed the paper over, scowling, and Cole slipped it, unopened, into his pocket.

“Are you going to tell me where you’ve been?”

“Thought you didn’t want to know.” He walked toward the porch. There was a time, when Cole was much younger, that he never would have spoken so bluntly to his Lead, but those days, buried by all of his new responsibilities within the Ward, had faded. They were close to equals now, even though Plumb was about fifteen years older.

“Cole.”

“I’m tired as hell. I’ve been up all night.” He turned to face her. “Okay? I need to get some sleep.”

“What were you doing in the middle of the night that the Principals couldn’t handle?”

“A girl.”

“Excuse me?”

“No…I, no, I wasn’t doing a girl. She just…never mind.” He headed for the door, flustered. The last thing he needed to do was think about Kadence like that. His brain already went into some kind of jumble every time her name was mentioned, and it was bad enough that she’d had her hands all over him.

“You were with Tiffany? Until four in the morning?” Plumb sounded like a disapproving mother.

“Cole, I understand you’re seventeen, and boys—”

“I was with Kadence.” He wished she would shut up.



Author Bio:
Laney McMann is the author of The Fire Born Novels (TIED, TORN, & TRUE) and The Primordial Principles series (CRYSTALLUM, book #1 ~ Fall 2015).
She is the product of very creative parents and the most imaginative grandmother ever. With an untapped passion for the supernatural and all things magical, her voracious appetite for reading fantasy started really young ~ and so did her love of words.

She writes young adult dark urban fantasy novels mixed with a spike of romance, a hint of history, a dash of mythology, and lots of paranormal.

On the non-writing side of life, Laney is a former classical dancer, music snob, chef, and a right-brained thinker to a fault. When she's not dreaming up new dead ends to torture herself with, she spends her time running.

Laney is published by J. Taylor Publishing and Booktrope Publishing

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