Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Book Blitz: Black Atonement by Sasha Hibbs - Excerpt & Giveaway

I'm so excited about this new novella from Sasha Hibbs! It's on my Kindle, and my review is coming soon.
The first two books in the series are great. If you haven't read Black Amaranth & Black Abaddon, I highly recommend them.



Black Atonement

Release Date: 09/26/14
Evernight Teen

Summary from Goodreads:


The burden of Dave’s girlfriend’s death pushes Brandi, the Seraph of Love, to abduct David Howels hoping she can protect Dave from his murderous father, Ragnar, and also atone for all her sins. Leaving a trail of broken hearts, will Brandi be able to show Dave that all in life is not lost in death? Twists and turns abound as Brandi discovers her own shocking revelation: That Dave has been her soul mate all along.

Separating Dave and herself from their allies on the threshold of the apocalypse, Brandi turns to an old friend for help-a witch-to aid her in her quest to prepare Dave to face his worst fears and her own. Filled with curses, secrets that threaten to destroy everything, Brandi must find forgiveness from within before she can find love with a boy she’s forced to hate her. In the past, healing a broken heart would’ve been easy, but now faced with the task of healing Dave’s broken heart while not exposing her own, Brandi learns why love is truly the greatest gift of all.



Buy Links:

Books in this series:
(Covers linked to Goodreads)


Excerpt

“There is only one way to break the bonds that hold you, and it cannot be undone,” Brandi said.
“What?” Dave asked. “Why?”
Brandi stretched her hand out, spreading her palm against the invisible force that separated them. Dave looked at her for what felt like an eternity and then he placed his open palm over hers.
“Do you love me?” Brandi asked, not cloaking the sadness in her voice.
Dave looked at her, opened his mouth and then closed it, saying nothing.
Brandi gave a sad laugh, the sound that signaled her recognition of her love going unreciprocated. After Lucy died, in that horrifying moment, Brandi knew Dave was her soul mate. Over their time together, running and staying in motel after motel, at the Rathbone mansion, the dance they shared together, the tender kiss they shared together, Brandi knew she loved Dave. Brandi knew in her shattered heart, Dave was the only one who would ever reside there. She had braced herself for Dave not loving her back. She had made peace with that cold hard fact a while ago. But hearing his silence only sealed her decision to leave him and take comfort in knowing that what she was doing to him now was for the best.
Brandi lowered her hand, her fingers trailing slowly down the invisible wall. This was goodbye.
“The only way for you to get through is to love me,” Brandi gave a sad laugh, her heart breaking over and over again. “And I’ve made sure that will never happen.” Brandi’s voice was barely above a whisper, “You were perfect. Goodbye Dave.”
Brandi turned quickly, walking away toward the gate.
“Don’t do this, Brandi! I’ve not had the chance! You know this isn’t fair,” Dave screamed after her, but Brandi wasn’t listening.
She reached the gate. Placing the key in the lock, she heard the gate groan, the ground below rumbling, Dave’s screams diminishing.
She thought of Dave, touching her lips where his had been, and plunged herself into her worst nightmare.


About the Author

By age 5, Sasha Hibbs' favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.  

With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.

When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.  

Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters, Aeliza and Ava. She is currently hard at work on her next novel in The Vulcan Legacies series.

***Author Links***
 photo iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png  photo icongoodreads32_zps60f83491.png  photo icontwitter-32x32_zpsae13e2b2.png  photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png

GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

Release Blast: Home is Where You Are by Tessa Marie - Giveaway


HOME IS WHERE YOU ARE
BY TESSA MARIE

RELEASES SEPTEMBER 30 2014
FIND IT ON AMAZON: http://bit.ly/HomeAmazon


Anna’s life reads like a check list.
Straight A’s (Check)
Editor of the school paper (Check)
Volunteering time at the local soup kitchen (Check)
Ivy League (So close she can taste it)
Falling in love with a homeless boy (Not on the list)

Dean has a plan too. Survive. After being subjected to his foster father’s violent attacks, Dean made the hard choice to leave. Now he lives on the streets doing everything he can to get by, refusing to let people help him. But when he meets Anna, he realizes not everyone is out to hurt him.

Slowly, Anna and Dean let each other in, blending their two worlds into one. But when a series of events brings Dean’s world into perspective, he pushes Anna away. Not willing to accept the line that divides them, Anna sets out to bring Dean back to her. Her determination and faith in their future puts her on the tracks of danger, and he is the only one who can save her.

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS:  http://bit.ly/HomeIsGR




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Tessa Marie lives in the same town she grew up in on Long Island, NY with her long time boyfriend and their fish. Under her real name, Theresa Paolo, she released her debut novel (NEVER) AGAIN, a NA romance, in Fall 2013 with Berkley (Penguin) and (ONCE) AGAIN released this summer. She is also the coauthor of the Amazon bestseller KING SIZED BEDS AND HAPPY TRAILS and BEACH SIDE BEDS AND SANDY PATHS, a YA contemporary series. She has a hard time accepting the fact she’s nearing thirty, and uses her characters to relive the best and worst years of her life. She put her love of writing on hold while she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Dowling College. When she’s not writing, she’s behind a camera, reading, or can be found on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Blog Tour: Operation Owl by Tara Quan - Review & Giveaway

Hi, all! Welcome to my stop on the Operation Owl blog tour, hosted by Masquerade Book Tours. Below you'll find a review of this romantic comedy novella and a tour-wide giveaway.




Operation Owl

Tara Quan

Contemporary Romance/Humor Novella
July 15, 2014
Decadent Publishing

Five years ago, Maya Jain kissed her best friend only to have him run out of her dorm room and leave the state. When he shows up in Washington, D.C., a wanted fugitive sought after by every branch of the US government, she can’t bring herself to ignore his plight. As their physical relationship picks up where it left off, she decides it’s time to make him see her as more than the bespectacled, bookish girl he once called “Owl.”

After being accused of espionage and treason, Zack Strong needs a forensic accountant to help clear his name. Not knowing who he can trust, this white-hat hacker has no choice but to ask his former best friend and math tutor for help. Together they unravel a cyber conspiracy at the Barn, an NSA facility tasked to intercept electronic communications. But as they traverse the nation’s capital to avoid capture, Maya insists on letting their simmering sexual tension take its natural course. Even though he’s never been able to shake the memory of their one kiss, he refuses to let her give up her life for a man with no future.






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

Short and sweet, Operation Owl is a fast-paced romance with intrigue and adventure. I really liked that the story is character-driven, which is somewhat rare in novellas. The plot was modern and interesting... espionage usually is. The baddie is scum of the Earth who couldn't suffer enough in my opinion.

Maya is a breath of fresh air. Super smart, sassy, independent-- she's everything a reader could ask for in a heroine. Romantic interest Zack is also smart, but seems to be lacking in the social graces. Honestly, I'm rather surprised he managed to stay ahead of the government agents and mercenaries searching for him. He never quite lived up to to my expectations. He also had a bit of the "I know what's best for you" alpha thing going, which can drive me nuts.

The plot is fast-paced and very short from beginning to end. Unfortunately it never drew me in. I didn't feel anxious for the main characters as they fled capture. It was interesting, and I enjoyed the story, yet I never really felt it. The sexual tension between the two reached epic (and annoying) proportions. Some of Zack's thoughts about Maya were hysterical. Maya was interesting enough to make up for just about everything. Overall, I liked Operation Owl. It's a fun read, especially if you're looking for something quick and easy.

About the Author

Globetrotter, lover of languages, and romance author, Tara Quan has an addiction for crafting tales with a pinch of spice and a smidgen of kink. Inspired by her travels, Tara enjoys tossing her kick-ass heroines and alpha males into exotic contemporary locales, fantasy worlds, and post-apocalyptic futures. Armed with magical powers or conventional weapons, her characters are guaranteed a suspenseful and sensual ride, as well as their own happily ever after. Learn more at www.taraquan.com

Social Media Links
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest  |  Google+ | Amazon



Rafflecopter giveaway


Sunday, September 28, 2014

Character Blast: Bonded by Blood Vampire Chronicles by Arial Burnz - Giveaway

Midnight Eclipse - Character Reveal Tour 2014

Midnight Eclipse Character Reveal Tour

The Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles by Arial Burnz is the saga of Broderick MacDougal following the soul of his true love through the centuries. There are six books planned for the series and this tour highlights the characters featured in the first three books and in the upcoming release Midnight Eclipse - Book 4 - which features Norse shapeshifting pirates. AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER OCTOBER 8TH for VIP Club members, October 15th worldwide. CLICK HERE to see the full schedule of all the Tour Stops at Literati Author ServicesSpots are still available if you'd like to host one or ALL the characters at your blog! Join the party today!! Become a VIP Club Member?for FREE to get the VIP pre-order pricing of 50  for Midnight Eclipse!!  You'll also get Midnight Conquest, Book 1, for FREE if you join. CLICK HERE to read about the other benefits of being a VIP. Click to Tweet and help spread the news!

Bio: Angus Campbell

Villain or Tortured Hero??

Angus is the bastard son of Alyssa Campbell, who died when she gave birth to Angus's brother, Ewan. Raised by his spiteful step-father, Fraser Campbell, Angus has forever been reminded of his illegitimacy. Fraser made sure Angus never forgot who his father was, how he was abandoned and what he would never receive because Angus was not Broderick MacDougal. Wars between the Campbells and MacDougals have made Angus a war-toughed Scotsman with a heart full of vengeance...and immortality was his path to revenge. But he feels completely justified by his vengeance...for reasons slowly being revealed throughout the series.

Most Popular Quote from Angus Campbell

"Huz-zah!" Snapping his head toward Jasper, he said,  "What is this laudanum?" Said by Angus Campbell after feeding from a victim who had laudanum in his blood - Midnight Captive, Book 2 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles - Click to Tweet

Facts About Angus Campbell? NOT in the Books

SORRY!! Can't share these right now...or they would be major spoilers for the books!! I can say that green is his favorite color, because it was his mother's favorite color.

Midnight Eclipse - Book 4 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire ChroniclesBook Blurb

Broderick MacDougal follows the familiar yearning of his soul to a fierce warrior who is as seductive as a siren at sea - and she is just as deadly. The world of the supernatural opens to Broderick as he not only finds himself in the midst of an ancient war of shapeshifters, but the devious Cordelia Lynn Harley has re-entered his life and has a few of her own surprises. Born into a hated race of Norse wolf shifters, Celina Hunter knows all too well the dangers of trusting anyone other than her two brothers. And yet the survival of her family hinges on trusting the strangely familiar vampire, a natural enemy of her kind yet her tribes Shaman advisers confirm he is her soul mate. Enemy or not, Celina slips into the spell of Broderick's promises of eternal love, gambling with all she holds dear. Broderick and Celina are bound by a curse, but having come this far through the centuries, Broderick is not about to risk his chance at having his soul mate for eternity. The price, however, may be more than Celina is willing to pay as there is more at stake than just her immortal soul. Click to Tweet

Giveaways!

Bonded By Blood - Vampyre Mask

Arial Burnz is giving away a TON?of stuff during this tour! Please use the Giveaway Tools entry widget to be entered into the drawing. Each button will earn you more chances to win and you can keep coming back to earn more entries! All entrants will automatically become members of Arial's VIP Club, which is free to join and has many more benefits, such as exclusive contests like this one. These are the prizes for?the Character Reveal Tour featuring the characters in Midnight Conquest (Book 1)?- winners will be chosen on Sep 27, 2014:
  • Vampyre Mask -Arial will be adding ribbon ties, not shown in the picture. This mask IS wearable and surprisingly comfortable! Just in time for Halloween! This is an original design and hand-painted by Arial Burnz.
  • 1 signed set of Books 1-3
  • $10 Amazon, B&N or iTunes gift card (winner's choice)
   

Tour Grand Prize

Arial is also giving away a single Grand Prize of...
      • A $100 Amazon, B&N or iTunes gift card - winner's choice    
    • A signed set of Books 1-4 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles
      Winner will be chosen on 11/21/2014. Everyone who participated in any stops on the Midnight Eclipse tours (VIP Club members or not) will be entered for the grand prize drawing. The more you participate, the more chances you have to win. Use the Giveaway Tools buttons below to earn extra chances to win by tweeting, following and liking. For Official Contest Rules, click here.

Arial Burnz - Author Bio

Arial Burnz - Author of the Bonded By Blood Vampire ChroniclesArial Burnz has been an avid reader of paranormal and fantasy for over thirty years. With bedtime stories filled with unicorns, hobbits, dragons and elves, she succumbed to crafting her own tales, penning to life the magical creatures roaming her dreams. Having a romantic husband who's taught her the meaning of true love, she's helpless to weave romance into her tales. Now she shares them with the world. Arial Burnz lives in Southern California, with her husband (a.k.a. her romance novel hero) who is also, quite coincidentally, a descendant of Clan MacDougal.

Buy Links

Social Media Links