Rae Lori's Blog, page 12
December 2, 2014
The Awakening by Dorine White Book Blast & $50 Giveaway
The Awakening by Dorine White
Nightmares really do come true, and for fifteen-year-old Kyler Birkwood, they are just beginning. Raised on a farm by his Aunt Martha, Kyler has no clue about the magical heritage swimming through his blood. When he discovers evidence of a mythical creature, a terrifying beast thought only to exist in fairy tales, his safe world shatters.
Left at a school of magic to hunt for clues, he is overwhelmed and disbelieved. As loved ones begin disappearing and Orcs roam the land, Kyler must undergo a journey that takes him from the High Courts of the King to the unknown forests of the East. His magic just awakening, Kyler is the lone hope for a world that will not listen.
Purchase Your CopyAmazon Kindle * Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Praise for The Awakening
"Dorine White delivers twists and turns to the plot that will keep you turning the pages." ~ Melanie Mason, author of the YA historical, The Line That Divides
"The Awakening is a clever blend of folklore and fantasy, perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. A furiously fun read!" ~ Laurisa Reyes, author of the YA thriller, Contact
Author Dorine WhiteMy name is Dorine White. I am a children's fantasy author and a book reviewer. I grew up back East in Maryland and attended BYU in Utah. I have a BA in Humanities with an interest in Art History and French. Currently I live in the beautiful, yet rainy Northwest with my husband and 6 children. My first novel was published in 2012 and is the beginning of the Cleopatra's Legacy series. The first two books are out, The Emerald Ring and The Ruby Pendant. Look for the third book, The Diamond Looking Glass in the summer of 2015.
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter
$50 Blast Giveaway
Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/29/14
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 and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Dia of The Dead Blog Tour & Dreamcast
Dia Of The Dead by Brit BrinsonISBN: 978-0-9907401-0-0
Publisher: Big Moon Press
Pages: 276
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal
Protecting Romero High from all things supernaturally spooky as Dia Muerto is a tough gig for sixteen-year-old actress Dia Summers, but it’s nothing compared to protecting the ones she loves from real, live—well, formerly alive—zombies. Unlike the zombies that shambled around on set, the real deal don’t follow a script. At the majorly important birthday party of her boss’ daughter, Dia experiences a series of potentially career-ruining social disasters. Before the night is over, she soon discovers that the possible cancellation of her show isn’t her biggest worry.
Armed with what they can find around Bixby Studios, Dia and her friends band together to find out why everyone they know has begun popping up as gray-skinned, black-eyed, limb-nomming zombies. With the ailment spreading, time is running out before Dia is swept up in Hollywood’s latest trend.
Now Available!
Amazon ~ Book Depository ~ Big Moon Press ~ Author Site
Add it to your Goodreads shelf!
About the AuthorBrit Brinson was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. After time away to attend college and graduate school, she returned home. When she’s not writing, she enjoys doing nerdy stuff with her friends. She lives for all things horror, paranormal, and sci-fi.
Dia of the Dead is her first novel.
Author Links
Website: www.britbrinson.com
Twitter: @britbrinson
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507189.Brit_Brinson
Author's Dreamcast
Dia SummersIdeally, I’d like Dia to be played by an Afro-Latina. She looks similar to Kiersey Clemmons.
Kaci MillerBella Thorne
Brendan BakerHonestly, Vintage Rob Lowe but I’ll go with Gregg Sulkin.
Mason JacksonTrevor Jackson
Reagan BixbyReagan looks similar to Maia Mitchell
Amber LaoNikki Soohoo
Missy BoltonMargot Robbie
Trish Summers
Sonequa Martin-Green
December 1, 2014
Meow If It’s Murder (Cozy Mystery) ~ Book Blast + $50 Giveaway
Meow If It's Murder by L.C. LoTempioNora Charles doesn’t believe in fate, even if she is a crime reporter who shares a name with a character from The Thin Man. In fact, she’s moving back to Cruz, California, to have a quieter life. But after finding an online magazine eager for material, and a stray cat named Nick with a talent for detection, Nora’s not just reporting crimes again. She’s uncovering them...
Back in her hometown, Nora reconnects with old friends and makes some new ones, like Nick, the charming feline who seems determined to be her cat. But not everything about Cruz is friendly. Writing for a local online magazine, Nora investigates the curious death of socialite Lola Grainger. Though it was deemed an accident, Nora suspects foul play. And it seems that her cat does too.
Apparently, Nick used to belong to a P.I. who disappeared while investigating Lola Grainger’s death. The coincidence is spooky, but not as spooky as the clues Nick spells out for her with Scrabble letters—clues that lead her down an increasingly dangerous path. Whether fate put her on this case or not, solving it will take all of Nora’s wits, and maybe a few of Nick’s nine lives.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Author Toni LoTempioWhile Toni Lotempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few! Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read! Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!). She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, debuts Dec. 2, 2014. She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York.
Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Website
Praise for the Book "Meow if it's Murder is an absolute delight and Nick and Nora make a purr-fect mystery-solving team. ! I couldn't put it down!" --Michelle Rowen, national bestselling author
“Meow If It's Murder is delightful! Readers will love the mystery and charming cat. You don't want to miss this new series” –Rose Pressey, USA Today Bestselling Author
"Nick and Nora are a winning team. The crafty feline manages to stay one paw ahead of his new owner - and the criminals in Cruz, California." –Rebecca Hale, NY Times Bestselling Author
"Namesakes Nick the cat and Nora the deli owner can teach Hammett’s amateur detective duo a thing or two. Meow if It’s Murder is a fast-paced cozy mystery spiced with a dash of romance and topped with a big slice of “cat-itude.” Enjoy!" ~Ali Brandon, NY Times Bestselling author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mysteries
"Nick and Nora are the purrfect sleuthy duo!" – Victoria Laurie, NY Times Bestselling author of the Psychic Eye Mystery Series
Blog Tour - December 8th to 16thExcerpt
My friend cut me an eyeroll, a sure indication she thought I was full of, as the French would say, merde. “The only other thing she saw was that this mission had to do with something that was switched.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Something switched? Like what? That’s not much of a clue.”
Chantal shrugged. “What can I say? Sometimes the images come over a bit...clouded, shall we say? We have to interpret them the best we can.” She hunkered over the pile of cards before her and flipped over the one closest to her. “Well, well,” she murmured. “On a much better note, it looks like there is love in your future, chérie.”
I let out a squeal and gave her arm a playful punch. “So now you’re reading my cards? Please don’t. I do so hate when you do that.”
“That is because you do not open yourself up to the universe.”
“I wouldn’t say that. I’m very open. Just not to portents and omens.”
She shook her curls. “You are practical to a fault. Just once I’d like to see you let yourself go – believe in the unbelievable. The world is a wonderous place, if you only open yourself up to all the possibilities.”
I hesitated, and then shrugged. “Oh, what the hell. Hit me.”
She plucked a second card from the pile. “The King of Swords crosses your card,” she said. “That means a dark handsome stranger will shortly enter your life and sweep you off your feet.”
I rolled my eyes. “You can tell that from one card?”
“Not just from the card – the vibe. And this is a strong vibe, very strong indeed.”
Uh-huh. I’d heard all this before from my friend, in many ways, shapes and forms, and a handsome stranger, dark or otherwise, had yet to make an appearance in my life. “Well, when he shows up you’ll be the first to know. I’m not holding my breath.” Chantal glanced at the clock on the wall and jumped up. “Oh zut – I am late for my shift at the flower shop. Remy will kill me.” She swept her tarot cards into their velvet pouch, tucked them inside her tote, and ambled toward the front door. Her French accent slipped a bit as she said, “Try not to work too hard, willya? You’ve been looking a little peaked lately.” She opened the front door and stopped still. “Well, well,” she murmured, accent back in full force as she shot a swift glance over one shoulder. “Come quickly, chérie. This will teach you to have more faith in my predictions. There is a dark, handsome stranger out here who wants to see you.”
“You’re kidding.” I moved forward and looked over Chantal’s shoulder. The street outside was deserted. I cocked a brow at my friend. “There’s no one here.”
Her tongue clucked against the roof of her mouth. “You are not looking in the right place.”
Chantal pointed down. I followed her finger and beheld her dark, handsome stranger.
A stocky, black-and-white cat.
$50 Blast Giveaway
Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/22/14
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 and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Beam N Read Blast #2 & $50 Giveaway
Here's a little different blast! This popped up on my radar from Kathy over at IAmAReader and I thought it was pretty cool! I thought since most digital readers already had their own lights via their screens that an internal light wasn't needed, but it looks like this can be used for those with low or no lights. It can definitely be used for folks who read paper and hardcovers in bed. Either way, it looks like a pretty handy device!
Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from AMAZON
Makes a great gift or stocking stuffer!
Beam n Read Hands-Free Light delivers a wide & bright light that lights up 2 book pages and doesn't disturb others. It's a true reading light that works with all printed books, Kindles and other eReaders (whether naked, skinned, or covered), PLUS newspapers, magazines, newsletters, loose documents, and other items that can't support a clip-on light. Worn around the neck, there's no need to shift it when reading paperbacks.
Included are two 2 special Relaxation Filters: BNR Orange for a softer, warmer light that blocks energizing blue light (especially useful when reading to relax in bed); BNR Red to block blue light and reduce ambient light for sensitive bed partners.
Standard alkaline AA batteries (not included) last an extra long 100 hours, far longer than flashlights and clip-on lights resulting in a lower cost to use (and fewer batteries in the trash). This light is still bright when others have gone dim. Save batteries for when you're on the go with the optional USB/AC Power Kit with 12 ft of cable that lets you plug into the included USB/AC adapter. Or plug into a USB car adapter/charger, or a computer USB port, or a USB adapter/charger for cell phones, etc.
In addition to reading, this 3 LED hands-free light is great for crafts, travel, and walking in dim or dark places such as an attic, basement, or around the house during a power outage. Use it for writing journals, working, camping, changing diapers at night, and a lot more.
Testimonials
"I am not sure how I lived without this product all these years. I am a massive reader, especially at night in bed… From the first moment I started using the Beam n Read light, I could read my books so much easier and it didn’t keep my husband awake...We give this 5 paws, and if my scale went higher I would rate it higher!" - Leslie, StoreybookReviews.com
"I've tried using other book lights before, but they have always been a real fail for me... the Beam N' Read Personal Light...met all of my expectations and more!... One of my favorite things about this product were the "Relaxation Filters". They come with an orange one that is a softer light that is perfect to help me fall asleep faster. .... This product is highly recommended for all readers and crafters. I like the Beam n' Read so much, that I'm buying one for my mom for Christmas." - Sheila, WhyNotBecauseISaidso.blogspot.com
"The Beam n Read personal light is much more than just a book light... I have tried so many different types of reading lights, several of the clip types, one head lamp, and a few that slide on your page like a paperclip. This has been the best light that I have tried to far." - Mary, BookHounds.net
"I really love this Beam n Read! It is very bright when you use it without the filters, but I love using the filters. The orange filter is my favorite. It really soothes me when I'm reading in bed. If you've got someone in bed with you who is trying to sleep, use the red filter as it also blocks ambient light. This is really convenient to use because it is totally hands free. You just hang it around your neck and start reading. I feel like it is really better for my eyes to use this too... If you are a reader, I highly recommend trying this product! I think you'll love it!" - Christy, ChristysCozyCorners.com
Features
For hands free personal light anywhere; extra bright light is easy on the eyes; doesn’t disturb othersWide light from 3 LEDs in a row lights up 2 book pages; works with ALL Kindles, eReadersBNR Orange Relaxation Filter softens and warms the cool LED light and blocks energizing blue lightBNR Red Relaxation Filter blocks blue light, reduces ambient light, & helps maintains night visionAlkaline AA batteries (not incl) last Extra Long 100 hours, 3-10x longer than most clip-on lights
Also AvailableBeam N Read USB/AC Power Kit
Save batteries for when you’re on the go or the next power outage by plugging in with the Beam n Read Accessory USB Power Kit. When you need portability, just unplug and go. It works with all Beam n Read LED Hands-Free lights (3 and 6 LED lights).
In addition to the adapter’s 6 foot BnR to USB cable, this kit includes an additional 6 foot USB extension cord letting you work up to 12 feet from a USB-A socket. Need a longer cable? – just add a standard USB extension cable.
Use the included USB/AC adapter or a USB DC car adapter/charger, or a computer’s USB port, or the USB adapter/charger for your cell phone, e-reader, etc.
You may leave batteries in the Beam n Read or take them out to make a super lightweight light.
Please note this kit is for external power and will not recharge batteries.
Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from AMAZON
Product Review Tour
November 10th to December 10th
$50 Blast Giveaway
Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/21/14
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 and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from AMAZON
Makes a great gift or stocking stuffer!
Beam n Read Hands-Free Light delivers a wide & bright light that lights up 2 book pages and doesn't disturb others. It's a true reading light that works with all printed books, Kindles and other eReaders (whether naked, skinned, or covered), PLUS newspapers, magazines, newsletters, loose documents, and other items that can't support a clip-on light. Worn around the neck, there's no need to shift it when reading paperbacks.
Included are two 2 special Relaxation Filters: BNR Orange for a softer, warmer light that blocks energizing blue light (especially useful when reading to relax in bed); BNR Red to block blue light and reduce ambient light for sensitive bed partners.
Standard alkaline AA batteries (not included) last an extra long 100 hours, far longer than flashlights and clip-on lights resulting in a lower cost to use (and fewer batteries in the trash). This light is still bright when others have gone dim. Save batteries for when you're on the go with the optional USB/AC Power Kit with 12 ft of cable that lets you plug into the included USB/AC adapter. Or plug into a USB car adapter/charger, or a computer USB port, or a USB adapter/charger for cell phones, etc.
In addition to reading, this 3 LED hands-free light is great for crafts, travel, and walking in dim or dark places such as an attic, basement, or around the house during a power outage. Use it for writing journals, working, camping, changing diapers at night, and a lot more.
Testimonials
"I am not sure how I lived without this product all these years. I am a massive reader, especially at night in bed… From the first moment I started using the Beam n Read light, I could read my books so much easier and it didn’t keep my husband awake...We give this 5 paws, and if my scale went higher I would rate it higher!" - Leslie, StoreybookReviews.com
"I've tried using other book lights before, but they have always been a real fail for me... the Beam N' Read Personal Light...met all of my expectations and more!... One of my favorite things about this product were the "Relaxation Filters". They come with an orange one that is a softer light that is perfect to help me fall asleep faster. .... This product is highly recommended for all readers and crafters. I like the Beam n' Read so much, that I'm buying one for my mom for Christmas." - Sheila, WhyNotBecauseISaidso.blogspot.com
"The Beam n Read personal light is much more than just a book light... I have tried so many different types of reading lights, several of the clip types, one head lamp, and a few that slide on your page like a paperclip. This has been the best light that I have tried to far." - Mary, BookHounds.net
"I really love this Beam n Read! It is very bright when you use it without the filters, but I love using the filters. The orange filter is my favorite. It really soothes me when I'm reading in bed. If you've got someone in bed with you who is trying to sleep, use the red filter as it also blocks ambient light. This is really convenient to use because it is totally hands free. You just hang it around your neck and start reading. I feel like it is really better for my eyes to use this too... If you are a reader, I highly recommend trying this product! I think you'll love it!" - Christy, ChristysCozyCorners.com
Features
For hands free personal light anywhere; extra bright light is easy on the eyes; doesn’t disturb othersWide light from 3 LEDs in a row lights up 2 book pages; works with ALL Kindles, eReadersBNR Orange Relaxation Filter softens and warms the cool LED light and blocks energizing blue lightBNR Red Relaxation Filter blocks blue light, reduces ambient light, & helps maintains night visionAlkaline AA batteries (not incl) last Extra Long 100 hours, 3-10x longer than most clip-on lights
Also AvailableBeam N Read USB/AC Power Kit
Save batteries for when you’re on the go or the next power outage by plugging in with the Beam n Read Accessory USB Power Kit. When you need portability, just unplug and go. It works with all Beam n Read LED Hands-Free lights (3 and 6 LED lights).
In addition to the adapter’s 6 foot BnR to USB cable, this kit includes an additional 6 foot USB extension cord letting you work up to 12 feet from a USB-A socket. Need a longer cable? – just add a standard USB extension cable.
Use the included USB/AC adapter or a USB DC car adapter/charger, or a computer’s USB port, or the USB adapter/charger for your cell phone, e-reader, etc.
You may leave batteries in the Beam n Read or take them out to make a super lightweight light.
Please note this kit is for external power and will not recharge batteries.
Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from AMAZON
Product Review Tour
November 10th to December 10th$50 Blast Giveaway
Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/21/14
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 and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 25, 2014
Book Review ~ Adrenaline Rush by Cindy Hogan ~ A Highly Recommended Read!
Adrenaline Rush by Cindy Hogan (Clean YA Suspense)Length: 360 Pages
A madman with a mission is kidnapping groups of thrill-seeking high school seniors across the country, and it’s up to Christy to stop him.
To do so, she must take on a fearless alter ego and infiltrate a group of adrenaline junkies bent on pushing life to the limit. Death-defying stunts are only the beginning: two groups fit the profile, and Christy must discover the real target before it’s too late. If she chooses the wrong group, more people will disappear. But choosing right puts her as the prime target—with no guarantee that she’ll get out alive.
Young Adults, teens and adults will love this exciting suspenseful adventure with a dash of romance. You won’t want to put it down.
~Rae's Review~Wow! I just finished this book and it's still on my mind and I'm still in shock! Bravo Ms. Hogan for such an awesome, pulse pounding read! This is the second book in the Christy series but I read it because it precedes Hotwire which I plan to read and post about for Cindy Hogan's upcoming blog tour.
There is a lot of suspense and mystery in this book and the amount of situations our heroine Christy gets into has you wondering how she will get out. The blurb description of the mad man is no joke. The villain Sterling lives up to his name as he kidnaps teens and brainwashes them to carry out his twisted deeds of justice to whomever he believes has violated his believe of " A world without smut. A world without indecision. A world without lawlessness. A world without greed.” He truly believes his convictions and will go through any length to carry them out. Christy is careful but makes a few mistakes as she goes undercover to infiltrate a few thrill seeking high school clique groups that love doing death defying stunts to chase danger and dodge death. She nearly falls for one and all through the book I couldn't wait to see how he will take knowing the truth about her when it comes out.
Although the book is indeed clean in the sense of no language and sex, there are a few cringe worthy scenes of violence involving the villain which adds to the visceral nature of his actions. Mature young readers would be able to take this but parents may want to give this a reader for younger suspense fans. You guys won't be disappointed! Adrenaline Rush is definitely has it all! I don't want to give too much away because the beauty of this book is not knowing much about it going in. Very little of it is predictable and each moment always has something going on. I was bummed whenever I had to put it down because I was always wondering how Christy is going to get out of her situation. Awesome job, Miss Hogan! Once I detach from this story, I'm going to hop right into Hotwire. First, I need a mental break from the rush!
Adrenaline Rush is available now!
November 24, 2014
Winter Wolf by R.J. Blain ~ Book Blast + $100 Giveaway
The cover to The Hunted Wizard caught my eye immediately! UF fans, this one looks right up your alley. The author offered an excerpt so you can sample a bit of the story below! I'm adding this one to my TBR wishlist. :-D
Winter Wolf (Witch & Wolf Book 2) by R.J. Blain
The Hunted Wizard
When Nicole dabbled in the occult, she lost it all: Her voice, her family, and her name. Now on the run from the Inquisition, she must prove to herself—and the world—that not all wizards are too dangerous to let live.
The savage murder of a bookstore employee throws Nicole into the middle of Inquisition business, like it or not. Driven by her inability to save the young man’s life, she decides to hunt the killer on her own. Using forbidden magic to investigate the past, she learns that the murderer is in fact a disease that could kill the entire werewolf race.
Forced to choose between saving lives and preserving her own, Nicole embraces the magic that sent her into exile. Without werewolves, the power of the Inquisition would dwindle, and she could live without being hunted.
Nicole’s only hope for success lies in the hands of the werewolves she hates and the Inquisition she fears, but finding someone to trust is only the beginning of her problems. There are those who want to ensure that the werewolves go extinct and that the Inquisition falls.
But, if she fails to find a cure, her family—including her twin sister—will perish…
Amazon * iTunes
~Excerpt~
Almost everyone in the store had a phone. Dormant devices, from reading lights to mobile chargers, littered the tables. One woman, browsing books nearby, had four battery-powered devices in her purse. One was a phone, and like mine, it hungered. Its need was strong; its battery waned to the point of failure.
If I wanted, I could charge it for her.
No one would notice if I did. Maybe the woman would wonder how her phone hadn’t died before she got home. It only had a few minutes left. It’d take me all of ten seconds to fix it for her. If I did, I wouldn’t be so aware of it. But to do so, I’d have to touch her—or her phone. Some things I could manipulate without having a direct conduit, but cell phone batteries were tricky, greedy things.
I cringed a little, setting the thriller book down. I picked up the next nearest title. I flipped it over, not reading the text on the back. Did I dare? Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the woman browsing through the books. All it would take was a few seconds. I could charge it without her noticing.
That was one thing I was actually good at.
I put the novel I held down and wandered to the same table, careful not to look at her. Book by book, I investigated the titles, circling to where she stood.
“You’re Nicole Thomas, aren’t you? The actress. You’re her.” My quarry appraised me with a pleased expression.
People normally recognized the mainliners, people with beautiful faces and voices to match, people who didn’t avoid crowds.
In short, people other than me.
I met her gaze, abandoning my perusal of novels. “I am,” I replied, wincing a little at the sandpaper-rough quality of my voice. At least I hadn’t been reduced to a whisper—yet. My fatal flaw was my rough, grating voice. Chronic laryngitis did that to a person. It ruined careers, as it had mine, though I hadn’t quite given up on being an actress. I’d already lost the ability to sing.
I wasn’t going to let a stupid disease take everything away from me.
The woman smiled, not seeming to mind talking to someone who sounded more like a zombie than a human. “You’re taller than I expected. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She thrust out her hand.
We shook.
I left her phone alone.
“They keep putting me next to giants,” I quipped. It was true. When I did manage to get on the silver screen, I worked alongside actors easily a foot-and-a-half taller than me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” I matched her smile. She didn’t tell me her name, and I didn’t ask for it.
It took all of my will not to fiddle with her phone. All it would take was a murmured word and a thought, and it’d be done. It would have been easy to charge the battery when our hands had been clasped together, but I hadn’t dared.
If, sometime later, she noticed her phone had magically been charged—literally—she might remember me. She knew my name.
And in true cowardice, I couldn’t bring myself to help her. If she connected the strange behavior of her phone with me, she might tell someone. If she did, I’d be as good as dead—or worse. I had dabbled in the occult, and the occult had dabbled back, and there were those who didn’t like when that happened.
The last thing I needed was them finding me.
Author R.J. Blain
RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband. She is currently on a quest for a new warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
Favorite Books & Series
In no particular order:
Anne McCaffrey's Pern
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar & Gryphon Series
Jim Butcher's Codex Alera & The Dresden Files
Brandon Sanderson's Elantris
Patricia Briggs' Alpha and Omega, Dragon Bones, & The Mercy Thompson series
Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest * Google+ * Goodreads
Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/14
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.
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Winter Wolf (Witch & Wolf Book 2) by R.J. BlainThe Hunted Wizard
When Nicole dabbled in the occult, she lost it all: Her voice, her family, and her name. Now on the run from the Inquisition, she must prove to herself—and the world—that not all wizards are too dangerous to let live.
The savage murder of a bookstore employee throws Nicole into the middle of Inquisition business, like it or not. Driven by her inability to save the young man’s life, she decides to hunt the killer on her own. Using forbidden magic to investigate the past, she learns that the murderer is in fact a disease that could kill the entire werewolf race.
Forced to choose between saving lives and preserving her own, Nicole embraces the magic that sent her into exile. Without werewolves, the power of the Inquisition would dwindle, and she could live without being hunted.
Nicole’s only hope for success lies in the hands of the werewolves she hates and the Inquisition she fears, but finding someone to trust is only the beginning of her problems. There are those who want to ensure that the werewolves go extinct and that the Inquisition falls.
But, if she fails to find a cure, her family—including her twin sister—will perish…
Amazon * iTunes
~Excerpt~
Almost everyone in the store had a phone. Dormant devices, from reading lights to mobile chargers, littered the tables. One woman, browsing books nearby, had four battery-powered devices in her purse. One was a phone, and like mine, it hungered. Its need was strong; its battery waned to the point of failure.
If I wanted, I could charge it for her.
No one would notice if I did. Maybe the woman would wonder how her phone hadn’t died before she got home. It only had a few minutes left. It’d take me all of ten seconds to fix it for her. If I did, I wouldn’t be so aware of it. But to do so, I’d have to touch her—or her phone. Some things I could manipulate without having a direct conduit, but cell phone batteries were tricky, greedy things.
I cringed a little, setting the thriller book down. I picked up the next nearest title. I flipped it over, not reading the text on the back. Did I dare? Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the woman browsing through the books. All it would take was a few seconds. I could charge it without her noticing.
That was one thing I was actually good at.
I put the novel I held down and wandered to the same table, careful not to look at her. Book by book, I investigated the titles, circling to where she stood.
“You’re Nicole Thomas, aren’t you? The actress. You’re her.” My quarry appraised me with a pleased expression.
People normally recognized the mainliners, people with beautiful faces and voices to match, people who didn’t avoid crowds.
In short, people other than me.
I met her gaze, abandoning my perusal of novels. “I am,” I replied, wincing a little at the sandpaper-rough quality of my voice. At least I hadn’t been reduced to a whisper—yet. My fatal flaw was my rough, grating voice. Chronic laryngitis did that to a person. It ruined careers, as it had mine, though I hadn’t quite given up on being an actress. I’d already lost the ability to sing.
I wasn’t going to let a stupid disease take everything away from me.
The woman smiled, not seeming to mind talking to someone who sounded more like a zombie than a human. “You’re taller than I expected. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She thrust out her hand.
We shook.
I left her phone alone.
“They keep putting me next to giants,” I quipped. It was true. When I did manage to get on the silver screen, I worked alongside actors easily a foot-and-a-half taller than me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” I matched her smile. She didn’t tell me her name, and I didn’t ask for it.
It took all of my will not to fiddle with her phone. All it would take was a murmured word and a thought, and it’d be done. It would have been easy to charge the battery when our hands had been clasped together, but I hadn’t dared.
If, sometime later, she noticed her phone had magically been charged—literally—she might remember me. She knew my name.
And in true cowardice, I couldn’t bring myself to help her. If she connected the strange behavior of her phone with me, she might tell someone. If she did, I’d be as good as dead—or worse. I had dabbled in the occult, and the occult had dabbled back, and there were those who didn’t like when that happened.
The last thing I needed was them finding me.
Author R.J. BlainRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband. She is currently on a quest for a new warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
Favorite Books & Series
In no particular order:
Anne McCaffrey's Pern
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar & Gryphon Series
Jim Butcher's Codex Alera & The Dresden Files
Brandon Sanderson's Elantris
Patricia Briggs' Alpha and Omega, Dragon Bones, & The Mercy Thompson series
Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest * Google+ * Goodreads
Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/14
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.
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November 21, 2014
Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner Book Blast + $50 Giveaway
Most of my spotlights feature romance and fantasy books. I was glad to see this cozy mystery come into my view. This one is for you cozy fans and for readers like me looking to add more cozy books to their TBR pile!
Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner
Molly Elliott's quiet life in Tallahassee, Florida, is disrupted when routine errands land her in the wrong place at the wrong time: the middle of a bank robbery. Accused and cleared of the crime, she flees both media attention and mysterious, threatening notes, to move across the country to Cranberry Cove, where she has inherited her Aunt Maggie's bed and breakfast on the Northern California coast. Her new beginning is peaceful - that is, until five guests show up at the inn for a weekend, each with a hidden agenda.
Mix together one blushing honeymoon couple, one flamboyant boutique owner, a deadpan traveling salesman, and a charmingly handsome novelist, and there’s more than scones cooking at Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. As true motives become apparent, will Molly's past come back to haunt her or will she finally be able to leave it behind?
Amazon
Author Deborah Garner
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.
Website * Facebook * Twitter
Blog Tour Schedule
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/23/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway --
Cranberry Bluff by Deborah GarnerMolly Elliott's quiet life in Tallahassee, Florida, is disrupted when routine errands land her in the wrong place at the wrong time: the middle of a bank robbery. Accused and cleared of the crime, she flees both media attention and mysterious, threatening notes, to move across the country to Cranberry Cove, where she has inherited her Aunt Maggie's bed and breakfast on the Northern California coast. Her new beginning is peaceful - that is, until five guests show up at the inn for a weekend, each with a hidden agenda.
Mix together one blushing honeymoon couple, one flamboyant boutique owner, a deadpan traveling salesman, and a charmingly handsome novelist, and there’s more than scones cooking at Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. As true motives become apparent, will Molly's past come back to haunt her or will she finally be able to leave it behind?
Amazon
Author Deborah Garner
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.
Website * Facebook * Twitter
Blog Tour Schedule
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/23/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway --
November 20, 2014
The Match Maker Blog Tour & Book Review
Blog Tour hosted by I Am A ReaderNovember 4th to 21st
Tour Schedule
The Match Maker by Karey White (The Husband Maker #2)(Summary contains spoilers if you have not yet read book #1 The Husband Maker)It’s been six months since Charlotte and Kyle broke up, and the Husband Maker strikes again. Kyle is officially engaged, while Charlotte is still nursing a broken heart.In an effort to get Charlotte out of her rut, she and her best friend decide it’s time for some good old-fashioned matchmaking. While Aleena arranges for Charlotte to meet up with a handsome Scottish tourist, Charlotte gets her two best friends together. But when sparks start to fly between Aleena and Angus, Charlotte is left feeling more alone that ever–at least until the charming Scotsman becomes more than just a safe, rebound guy and teaches her that maybe, just maybe, she can dare to open her heart again.~Rae's Review~The Husband Maker sounded intriguing when I first heard about it. The idea of a girl who somehow inspires her boyfriends to marry their next girlfriends made me curious not only for their situation but also the character's themselves. I didn't get a chance to read the first book before The Match Maker but I definitely hopped on this one.The Match Maker took me by surprise because I thought it would be more of a romancey romance but it turned out to be more of Charlotte's journey through her love life. I had a hard time connecting with Charlotte because she was like that friend who gave out good advice but never took her own which made you want to shake some sense into her. Kudos to the author for conveying this through much emotion because it made Charlote real to me. I found myself talking back to the story much of the way and I had a few surprise along my reading. I'm a huge fan of Scottish heroes in romances and that is one big reason this caught my eye. I don't want to say too much to ruin the surprise but although the targeted love interest may not be who I thought it was in the beginning, I couldn't help but start cheering the possible-to-be. I couldn't connect to the story at first, but the author's writing drew me in to continue reading. I liked the San Francisco sights (it made me miss the city!) but it may have been a tad too detailed for my taste. I did LOVE the Scottish sights and wanted to visit as I followed Charlotte's sightseeing. Ms. White had me glued to the end to find out Charlotte's choice and she has me on the wire waiting to see how it all turns out with The Husband Maker coming in February. Thanks for the fun story!
An Excerpt from The Match Maker
“Have you heard from Flynn?” Aleena asked between bites.“We talked last night for a while.”“You’re still talking to him?” Angus asked. He sounded surprised.“They’ve been talking a lot,” Aleena said.“I don’t know if I’d say ‘a lot.’” I really didn’t want to talk about this.“I think he really likes Charlotte,” Aleena said.“We’re friends.”“How much do you talk?” Angus asked.“A couple of times a week, I guess.”“Maybe at the beginning it was a couple of times a week, but hasn’t it picked up lately?” Aleena asked.I shrugged and kept chewing, even though I had already swallowed.“Have you seen that new Reese Witherspoon movie?” I asked.“Nice try,” Aleena said. “Let’s talk about Scotland. When are you going?”“I’m not,” I said.“You really should,” Aleena said. “What a great chance to see another part of the world.” Aleena turned to Angus. “He’s invited her over and over and she keeps putting him off.”“Why?” Angus turned to me.“I’m busy. I’ve got lots of projects going on at work.”“Oh please. That’s not why you’re not going.”I gave Aleena a pointed look, but she wasn’t looking at me, so she didn’t see it.“Why aren’t you going?” Angus asked.I took another bite of salad. “I think she’s not going because she’s afraid she’s falling for him and a boyfriend in Scotland is pretty inconvenient.”“I’ve never said I’m falling for him, but you’re right. Scotland isn’t convenient.”“Maybe he’ll move back here,” Angus said. “His brother did.”“And that’s why he won’t,” I said. “He doesn’t want to leave his mom and the family business.”“Maybe you could split your time between here and there.” Finally, Aleena looked at me and I gave her a “shut up” look. “What? I’m just trying to help you work things out. Maybe the fortune meant long-term romance.”“What fortune?” Angus asked.“Charlotte’s fortune cookie that said ‘romance will come to you from foreign lands,’” Aleena said.“First of all,” I said, “that was your fortune. Second, I don’t believe in fortunes. Third, let’s talk about something else.”“Why?” Angus asked. “He seemed like a nice guy.”I sighed. “He is a nice guy. A nice guy who lives in Scotland.”“Who’s invited you to come visit,” Aleena said.“I think you should go,” said Angus. I stared at him. When I realized my mouth was hanging open, I hurried and clamped it shut. “What?” Angus looked at my surprised face. “Has he asked you to marry him and move there forever?”I shook my head. For some reason, I had expected Angus to discourage me from going. I would have thought he would disapprove. I’d have imagined him saying, “Don’t follow a guy halfway around the world unless you mean business.” But instead he was telling me I should go.Angus and I looked at each other for longer than was comfortable. I could feel Aleena’s eyes on us, and I wanted to look away, but I needed to read what was behind Angus’s words. Finally, he lowered his eyes. “Just go. There’s nothing here to stop you.”What did he mean? My family was here. My friends were here. My job was here. There was plenty here to stop me.I laughed, but it sounded fake. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you want me to move to another country.”Angus shrugged. “Just want you to be happy, Charlotte, and you don’t seem to be happy with what you’ve got here.”Order your copy Now!Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Have you read the first book in the series?The Husband Maker by Karey White
Grab your copy from Amazon * Barnes & NobleComing Spring 2015The conclusion to The Husband Maker SeriesThe Wife Maker by Karey White
Author Karey WhiteKarey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads$25 Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/30/14
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 and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
November 18, 2014
How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes Book Blast + $50 Giveaway
I dashed out and bought this book as soon as I heard about it. It kind of reminds me of Stardust in a way only this is contemporary. I'm always eager to find and read sweet New Adult books and I can't wait to get to this one on my TBR list!
How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes
How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.
Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.
Then Brielle falls into his world.
She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.
And his whole world falls apart.
A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.
Praise for How a Star Falls
"Perfect for when you want a whimsical, heartwarming read, How a Star Falls is more than an inspirational romance...it's a wink and a smile."
- Joanne Bischof, award winning author of This Quiet Sky
"Amber Stokes has perfectly expressed the challenges of twenty-something life in her sweet contemporary new adult novella, How a Star Falls. Brielle and Derrick's journey reminds us all of the search to find ourselves in the midst of young adulthood. Their story is charming and wistful with emotions we can all relate to experiencing at some point in our lives. It is a tale about letting go in order to find yourself once again while never losing the importance of who you are...and who you can be."
- Cerella Sechrist, author of Gentle Persuasion and The Paris Connection
"Though not typically a reader of contemporary fiction, I found How a Star Falls to be a wonderfully told story of both sweet romance and coming to terms with the fact that even though life doesn't always turn out exactly as we dreamed it would, even our undesirable circumstances can lead to a bright future."
- Jaye L. Knight, author of Ilyon Chronicles
Purchase Your Copy Amazon
Excerpt
He led the way to the lighthouse, but instead of stopping at a bench, he headed down the stairs to the beach. When he finally reached the shore, he scuffed through the sand until he found a promising spot that didn’t look like it would get wet anytime soon. At the moment, they had the little piece of beach to themselves.
“This is really nice,” Brielle said as she clutched the paper bag to her stomach and gazed out at the boats bobbing in the choppy water. “A little cold, but nice.”
He glanced up from where he was smoothing out the towel. “Too cold?”
She offered him a cheeky grin. “Everything’s too cold for a star.”
That drew out a laugh from him as he sat on the towel and patted the other side. “I thought outer space was supposed to be freezing. Space suits and all that, right?”
She plopped down next to him and set the bag between them, turning her head at the screech of a seagull above them. As he brought out the food, she responded, “You’re thinking like a human. It’s not cold for the stars. They’re always shining, always warm. That frozen darkness could never touch them.”
Her words stilled his hand as he clutched an apple. Hadn’t he once told his dad the same thing, that stars would be warm to the touch?
Author Amber Stokes
Amber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.
Website * Blog * Pinterest * Goodeads * Twitter
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes
How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.
Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.
Then Brielle falls into his world.
She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.
And his whole world falls apart.
A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.
Praise for How a Star Falls
"Perfect for when you want a whimsical, heartwarming read, How a Star Falls is more than an inspirational romance...it's a wink and a smile."
- Joanne Bischof, award winning author of This Quiet Sky
"Amber Stokes has perfectly expressed the challenges of twenty-something life in her sweet contemporary new adult novella, How a Star Falls. Brielle and Derrick's journey reminds us all of the search to find ourselves in the midst of young adulthood. Their story is charming and wistful with emotions we can all relate to experiencing at some point in our lives. It is a tale about letting go in order to find yourself once again while never losing the importance of who you are...and who you can be."
- Cerella Sechrist, author of Gentle Persuasion and The Paris Connection
"Though not typically a reader of contemporary fiction, I found How a Star Falls to be a wonderfully told story of both sweet romance and coming to terms with the fact that even though life doesn't always turn out exactly as we dreamed it would, even our undesirable circumstances can lead to a bright future."
- Jaye L. Knight, author of Ilyon Chronicles
Purchase Your Copy Amazon
Excerpt
He led the way to the lighthouse, but instead of stopping at a bench, he headed down the stairs to the beach. When he finally reached the shore, he scuffed through the sand until he found a promising spot that didn’t look like it would get wet anytime soon. At the moment, they had the little piece of beach to themselves.
“This is really nice,” Brielle said as she clutched the paper bag to her stomach and gazed out at the boats bobbing in the choppy water. “A little cold, but nice.”
He glanced up from where he was smoothing out the towel. “Too cold?”
She offered him a cheeky grin. “Everything’s too cold for a star.”
That drew out a laugh from him as he sat on the towel and patted the other side. “I thought outer space was supposed to be freezing. Space suits and all that, right?”
She plopped down next to him and set the bag between them, turning her head at the screech of a seagull above them. As he brought out the food, she responded, “You’re thinking like a human. It’s not cold for the stars. They’re always shining, always warm. That frozen darkness could never touch them.”
Her words stilled his hand as he clutched an apple. Hadn’t he once told his dad the same thing, that stars would be warm to the touch?
Author Amber StokesAmber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.
Website * Blog * Pinterest * Goodeads * Twitter
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 13, 2014
Forget Me Not & Remember Me Blog Tour ~ Interview with Stacey Nash
Blog Tour ScheduleAuthor Stacey Nash dropped by AWD to share some insight into her series, characters and writing inspirations. Check out the interview below!
AWD: Tell us a little bit about Forget Me Not, Remember Me and what inspired you to write this particular story.SN: The Collective Series follows the story of Anamae, a teen who stumbles upon a pendant that belonged to her mother who’s been missing almost half of Anamae’s life. I’ve always been fascinated in conspiracy theories, in particular the illuminate, so I guess that together with the fact I have a family member with memory loss is what drove me to write this series.
AWD: Who was your favorite character to write and why?SN: Jax, because he was a lot of fun and often dragged the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting it to take. He’s a bit of a loose cannon at time, and definitely has a mind of his own.
AWD: Will there be any more books in the series?
SN: Yes. The Collective series was always planned as a four book series. I’ve just finished book 3, and am about to start working on book 4.
AWD: How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?SN: I’m pretty sure it’s not a genre, but I like to call it Urban Science Fiction. A real mix of advanced tech sci-fi in a setting secluded from public knowledge, just like must urban fantasy stories. Because it’s young adult, it has a fast pace and high tension.
AWD: What motivated you to start writing in this genre?SN: When I first started writing that’s where my heart lead me. I’ve always loved the type of science fiction seen in the TV shows like Fringe and Agents S.H.E.I.L.D, so I drew a lot of inspiration from there, which I combined with my love of YA urban fantasy.
AWD: How many books have you written so far? (Please include titles, publisher, date of publication and a brief description of the book/books.)SN: I’ve written a total of six books, only two have been published. Two more will be published as part of that same series and the other two are currently still works progress.
The published books are Forget Me Not and Remember Me, books 1 and 2 in the Collective Series. Both published by HarperCollins Australia in August and October respectively. (info and links below)
AWD: Do you write everyday? How much time do you spend on your writing?SN: I love writing and find that if I go a day without putting new words on the screen, I don’t feel complete. Also, if I want to build a career out of writing, I need to treat it like a job, so I make sure I invest at least 4-6 hours into writing every day.
AWD: What will your next book be about?SN: I’ve actually just finished a book (and am currently working on the sequel) that is a New Adult contemporary romance. It’s about a college student who has to realize the perfection she’s sought her whole life is not what will make her happy. I’m not sure if it will be published next or my YA sci-fi about a girl who wanders outside the dome of her colony on the planet Lucania only to realize she’s a mutant who can breathe the carbon dioxide rich atmosphere.
About the Collective Series
Anamae is drawn into a world which shatters everything she knew to be true.
Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother's favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. They're not just jewellery, they're part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewellery's power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device - and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she's Enemy Number One. She's forced to leave her father behind when she's taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends' lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt.
Forget Me Not
Anamae is drawn into a world which shatters everything she knew to be true.
Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother's favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. They're not just jewellery, they're part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewellery's power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device - and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she's Enemy Number One. She's forced to leave her father behind when she's taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends' lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt.
Buy links for Forget Me Not, Collective Series, book 1
HarperCollins || Amazon || Amazon Au || iBooks || GooglePlay || Barnes & Noble || Kobo
Praise for the Book
"Forget Me Not is a tension-fueled, adventurous and brilliantly written novel that shows the dangers and powers of a controlling environment . If you are a fan of George Orwell’s classic “1984″ you will LOVE this book." ~ Heidi, Amazon
"I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Aussie author Stacey Nash. The tension, the twists and turns throughout, the web of intrigue – all had me glued to the pages." ~ Brenda Telford, Goodreads
"Find a comfy spot to read Forget Me Not by Stacey Nash, I devoured this story in one sitting. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up the novel, however, I did enjoy the story. Technology, betrayal, and battle all shared equal parts in this debut novel." ~ Amazon customer
“I love the new world Stacey has created here which is right up with any other speculative fiction I have read. If you love a good conspiracy theory story, you will love this.” ~ Emmaly, Mundie Moms blog.
Remember Me
An exciting new adventure from Stacey Nash, set in the world of The Collective.
When all is lost, she must remember...
Anamae Gilbert managed to thwart The Collective and rescue her father, even though his mind is now a shell. Determined to stop Councilor Manvyke hurting her family again, she's training to become an active resistance member and falling hard for resistance fighter Jax Belfry. But things never sail along smoothly - Manvyke wants retribution and Anamae's name is high on his list.
After a blow to the head, she awakes in an unfamiliar location unable to remember the last few weeks. She can't believe the fascinating new technology she's seeing. She's the new kid at school, and although weapons training comes with ease, something feels off. Why does the other new kid's smile make her heart ache?
And why does her gut tell her to run?
Buy links for Remember Me, Collective Series, book 2
HarperCollins || Amazon || Amazon Au || iBooks || Googleplay || Barnes & Noble || Kobo
Author Stacey NashStacey Nash writes adventure filled stories for Young Adults in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She loves to read and write books that have a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.
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Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/30/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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