Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 135
October 23, 2013
Battle for Arcanon Major: Blog Tour & Giveaway

The Battle for Arcanon Major “As daughter of our ruler I grew up in the crossfire of an ongoing war… All I’d ever wanted to be was a great warrior and ultimately lead my people into victorious battles.”With only a small army at her command Halíka Dacomé, a skilled warrior and daughter of the Elemental King, is ready to lead one final battle to save her planet. A battle against the savage, bloodthirsty Primords who want to extinguish the diminished race of Elementals once and for all.But before battle commences her father is given an ultimatum from the enemy leader, Arfron Uhnok. If the king agrees, Halíka Dacomé must marry Arfron Uhnok to prevent further bloodshed. If the king disagrees they, as a race, will all perish.Horrified by her fathers decision Halíka Dacomé leads her army onward regardless of the consequences. Because her heart belongs to another. A love that blossomed many years ago. A love that her father has forbidden.Halíka faces her toughest battle yet and learns that not all battles are those fought with a sword…
The Battle for Arcanon Major is an epic love story set against the backdrop of war and is the first Prequel to Elemental: The First.
Praise “Excellent story. Plot line is great, definitely 2 thumbs up. Couldn’t put it down, easy read, excellent prequel to the elemental. Would definitely recommend Alexandra May!!” “Amazing story had my attention the entire story it is hard to find a book like this, I definitely give it 5 stars.”
“Excellent short story. Plot line is great, definitely 2 thumbs up. Couldn’t put it down, an easy read. Would definitely recommend Alexandra May!!”





Elemental: The First, Elemental: Origin and The Battle for Arcanon Major draw in Alexandra’s love of strong women characters, sci-fi, history, romance and a little warmongering on the side!






Published on October 23, 2013 00:00
October 22, 2013
Rosewood Falls: Blog Tour

Forced to face each other at their friends’ wedding, Joe decides he’s let Lily run from the reasons their marriage crumbled long enough. Can he make her see that what they had was really worth fighting for?

Finding ‘Perfect’ Love
Forever clumsy, Iris constantly does things that keep the man of her dreams at arm’s length. And she can’t blame him. When her focus shift to the wedding and her friends’ happiness, will Thorne finally see she’s someone worth getting close to?

The One Who Said No
Finding a man has never been a problem for Heather. Until the one she’s really wanted to be with says he won’t sleep with her. Colum says he expects more than just a night of passion. Can he convince her it’s worth the wait?

Flower girl and ring bearer duties bring Sam and Daisy’s children together. Sam’s had a thing for Daisy since they met. Can Daisy let go of her fears long enough to realize Sam just might be the one she’s been looking for?

Never Again
Aster Lewis doesn't give her heart away easily. Her matchmaking friend Flora set up on a blind date with Evan. While not exclusive, the relationship held promise until she was swept away by Derrick. After being manipulated and utterly humiliated by him in front of her friends and family, Aster is done with relationships.
Evan has kept his distance, letting the woman who holds his heart marry another man. When the opportunity arises, Evan does his best to convince Aster not all men are like her ex. Goading her into attending their friends' wedding, he hopes she'll realize never is a really long time to be without love.

Author Bio:
Melanie has been writing in some form or another as long as she can remember. From songs to plays (a bad one) to poetry (not her forte) to romance, the urge to write has always been there. She read her first romance book at the age of 13 and hasn’t looked back. A voracious reader, Melanie has been making an effort to expand her reading horizons, thanks to forced college papers. Other genres have captured her imagination, but Romance will always hold her heart.
A native Californian desert rat, Melanie has lived over half of her life in Texas. Braving mosquitoes, humidity, and the occasional voluntary hurricane evacuation, she and her husband and their two 4-legged children – who have their own page on the blog – spend time with family, friends, and planning their next travel adventure. She writes in most of her spare time and always makes sure to take a pen and paper with her just about everywhere she goes.
Author Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Macek/e/B00B44HEPA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379434104&sr=8-1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelMacekauthorBlog: http://featherpenstartandreams.wordpress.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melanie_MacekGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6899613.Melanie_Macek
Published on October 22, 2013 00:00
October 21, 2013
Jack Templar and the Lord of the Vampires: Blog Tour & 25$ Giftcard Giveaway

In Book #3 of the Jack Templar Monster Hunter series, Jack embarks on a quest to track down and acquire the first of the five mythical Jerusalem Stones, an ancient power found by his ancestors the Templar Knights. Only the reunited Stones can stop Ren Lucre, the Dark Lord who holds Jack’s father hostage and prepares for an all-out war against an unsuspecting human world. But each Stone is held by a different Creach Lord and recovering them will not be easy. Jack and his friends begin their quest by seeking out one of the most powerful and dangerous keepers of the Stones, the Lord of the Vampires. The fate of the world rests on Jack’s shoulders and he will be tested like never before. But true monster hunters always do their duty…come what may.
Jack Templar and the Lord of the Vampires.






Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Prologue
As the man staggered into the narrow corridor of the castle, he knew the woman he left behind would be dead within minutes unless he did something. The thought of losing her gripped him by the throat as strongly as if a hand seized him and sought to wring the life from him. He tore at the tight collar around his neck and ripped it open, gasping for breath. His fingers brushed against the wound there, two deep punctures that seeped a slow trickle of blood. “Vitus!” he cried. “I need you!”His rushed down the stone hallway, bent over and running his hand along the wall to keep his balance. Since his birth in this castle, he had spent countless hours running through its many rooms. But tonight it felt as disorienting as one of the mazes the workers made out of the cornfields for Harvest Festival. “Vitus! Show yourself!” he bellowed.Stairs. Narrow and steep. The man half-ran, half-fell down them, growing more desperate with every step farther from the room where he had spent the last three days caring for his wife. Once the essence of life, she was now no more than a brittle husk, a frail body with a withered soul. He could still feel the damp on his clothes from holding her fevered body next to his as he gently rocked her, singing her the soft songs of their youth. But her breathing had only gotten worse, now a faint rasp of air, so strained that he feared each would be her last. Finally, as the shadow of death filled the room and hovered over her, something had broken inside of the man. The promise he had made to her—no, more than a promise, a solemn oath bound by the strongest words her dying mind could conjure—suddenly seemed a transparent lie. In a flash of clarity, it appeared so obvious that he lurched from the bed, calling himself a fool, and ran from the room. If she died, nothing else mattered.Even if she hated him for what he intended to do, he didn’t care. He could not let her die. The man came to the enormous oak doors of the banquet hall. He lowered his shoulder with a snarl and barreled into them. The doors flew open on well-oiled hinges, revealing a massive room with a soaring ceiling supported by rows of thick stone pillars. Tapestries and banners covered the walls. A long table, enough to seat dozens at a feast, filled the center aisle. Platters of food and goblets of wine sat atop the dark, polished wood. Fanciful flower decorations served as centerpieces, alternating the length of the table with candlesticks made of the finest silver. Every chair was filled with a gentleman or lady wearing the most fashionable clothing. Vests embroidered with gold and silver. Dresses assembled in layers of sheer fabrics. Cloaks of ermine and mink draped over the chair backs in case a draft should appear. But a draft would not bother any of the assembled guests. Even the coldest wind will not bother a corpse. The dinner guests were all frozen in a dramatic tableau of death. Some lay facedown on the table. Others leaned back, dead, open eyes staring at the ceiling. The worst ones, someone had propped up as if they were still conversing, but pale white skin accented the bright line of red blood across their necks. The room was dark, the candles long since melted into puddles of wax on the table. The only light came from a small fire burning in the giant hearth in the center wall of the room. A solitary figure sat in a wooden chair, rocking back and forth, keeping pace to music only he could hear. “Vitus, I know you could hear me,” the man shouted. “I need you.”Vitus cocked his head slightly toward the man as if picking up only the slightest creak of the floorboards in the middle of the night, but he continued to stare into the fire. Vitus’s beard grew down to his chest and stood in contrast to his clean-shaven head. The fire cast odd shadows across a weathered face, chiseled deep by time and pain. Vitus looked no different from any number of old men lost to his thoughts deep inside the flames of a hearth fire. No different that is except for his eyes and stains of blood that ran down both sides of his mouth. His eyes were black wells that seemed to suck the light from the air and give nothing in return. No reflection from the fire or glistening from moisture, just dead endless darkness that saw both nothing and everything. For the first time since leaving his dying wife, the man paused, terrified at what he intended to do.
Also Check out Book 1


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Published on October 21, 2013 00:00
October 20, 2013
Just Ella: Blog Tour & Giveaway


Website * Twitter * Facebook Amazon Paperback * Amazon Kindle
Praise for Just Ella“I fell in love with this book. Treat yourself to something wonderful. You can’t go wrong with Just Ella!” ~Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer“By far one of the best romance novels I’ve ever read. Pulls you in with great, likable characters and keeps you going with a sweet and exciting love story–plus a good plot to give it even more substance. Full of those tender moments you want to go back and read again, plus exciting moments, clever humor, and some suspense as well.” ~Jana Miller“Annette Larsen writes a love story that takes time, is complicated, and yet still sweeps you up in the romance (without the cheese, thank you). It’s compelling and emotional and sweet and you will love every page.” ~Kimi
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Published on October 20, 2013 00:00
October 19, 2013
Bronze: Book tour & Giveaway

About The Glister Journals series:The Glister Journals series is told from the perspective of a normal but not average teenage girl. It is not obvious, but Allison has a mild pervasive developmental disorder (autism spectrum). She thinks and experiences things a little differently from most of the other kids. In the past it has caused her to be alienated at best and bullied at worst. After the family moves, she becomes involved with a group of teens that open up new worlds to her. The four book series follows her through high school but is equally about her friends who have their own problems, fears, and aspects of their lives they’d rather keep quiet. There is action—mostly in the form of equestrian and extreme sports—and though there are only hints of it in Bronze, there is a love story which will play a more prominent part as the series progresses. The main story is about assumptions, acceptance, love, and friendship, though there are other themes running throughout the series.Amazon * Indiebound * Barnes & Noble
Praise for Bronze Allison narrates a gentle coming-of-age story that has a strong equine subplot…undeveloped plot points hint at future complications and will likely keep readers looking for the next entry. — Cindy Welch Booklist OnlineWritten with intelligent humor, this tale follows an awkward girl as she enters a new school…This is a strong first book, both for Shepherd and for the series. The friendships the characters build are realistic and lifelike, strong, and durable, just like bronze. — Beth VanHouten ForeWord ReviewsThe story is well-written and sweetly told. Allison’s anxieties and insecurities are true-to-life, and so affectionately and clearly portrayed as to make anyone who’s ever been through adolescence wince in sympathy. Dave, Robin and Chris are complicated, intelligent, three-dimensional characters whom the reader enjoys getting to know, and all of the minor characters are vividly drawn and believably real. The author is adept at setting a scene, both external and internal, bringing Allison’s mind and world to vivid life. — Catherine Langrehr IndieReader“Bronze: The Glister Journals” is a well-written novel of teenagers and their world. It is also a story of horses and teenage horsemanship. The main character Allison is a totally delightful fourteen year old girl whose innocence and awkwardness is refreshing. — Alice DiNizo Readers’ Favorite

Literary Fiction IndieReader Award Winner

Published on October 19, 2013 00:00
October 18, 2013
Starchild: Book Blast & Giveaway

In The Age of Akra, a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts brings together four children as an ancient prophecy is set in motion. Having triumphed against dangerous adversaries, Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib are now pursued by the melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. In the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, they are confronted with the challenge to find the Singing Soul.
But the underworld has other plans, and a beast so fierce is conjured to stop the children from finding anything that will add to the power to the prophecy of the seven nations.
“Strong and riveting start to what is sure to be an engrossing series for young readers keen on fantasy, mythology and sci fi.”
“Following in the footsteps of shamanic storytellers, the wizardess Vacen Taylor has delivered a winner! Mystical and magical, it’s a thoroughly engaging adventure that will delight both children and adults.”
ExcerptThe children were unaware of the dark forces that had gathered in the south. A force far greater than any seen before had grown into a power of unconquerable strength. From the very first night of Mai and Long’s journey, the eyes from which this force had grown had been searching for them. The search would not stop until the prophecy, its foreknowledge and the children were extinguished.
The four children had travelled a long way. The mountain had disappeared behind them and so had the crumbled Castle of Stone. Akra had been attentive throughout the whole journey, listening to Sahib talk about the City of Beams. Behind them Long listened in, but Mai sensed a twinge of jealousy was beginning to twist his thoughts. Sahib and Akra were friends now. Long’s ‘buddy for life’ had been yanked away from him—by a sealer of all things. Mai noticed the frown on Long’s face, pushing his eyebrows closer together as he watched Sahib and Akra talk. Every so often he stopped to rub his ankles. Mai knew the burns around them would not heal quickly. The wound left from the searing grasp of the invisible hands of the underworld, which had almost pulled him to his death, would soon blister. What she didn’t know was that two nasty red streaks were beginning to snake their way up Long’s legs, and with them came an unusual meddling in his thoughts.
When it was clear to Mai they had walked as far as possible for that day they found a place to rest. Long collected some dead wood, and with Akra’s fireruling skills a crackling fire soon spread its warmth as the darkness of the night settled over them. It was a clear night. A starlit blanket twinkled above them. Each of the children, too tired to eat, curled up around the fire and soon they were all asleep. Mai was happy to be back on her journey to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts. But as she slept her flickering eyelids told a different story. Her mind replayed memories of the last few days that had passed. It was a skill only thoughtbankers possessed: the ability to replay a memory as if it were a dream.

Giveaway$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal CashOpen Internationally
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Published on October 18, 2013 00:00
October 17, 2013
Egypt Rising: Blog Tour & Giveaway


Website * Twitter * Goodreads
Excerpt
“Do you have the book?”
I handed it to him. His hand ran over the book in a very loving way, and then he placed it on the table beside him without a word. I just stared at him.
“Doctor Gomar says it probably will be a couple more days. He wants to run some more tests, but he says I’m doing fine.”
Dad finally noticed my face. My jaw was set rigid and my eyes glared at him.
“What’s wrong? Did anyone give you a hard time?”“No. It’s not that. My whole life is a lie!”
My voice rose. I was sure everyone in the house heard me, but I didn’t care.
“What are you talking about? Keep your voice down!”
“You’re not my father!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Make sense.”
I took out the lab report and handed it to Dad without speaking. He picked it up and glanced at it. His face tightened. I waited for an explosion, but none came. He began taking rapid, short breaths. I worried he might have a heart attack. I noticed a couple of tears running down the corners of his eyes.
“You never were supposed to see that. How did you find it?”
Blog Tour Giveaway
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Published on October 17, 2013 00:00
October 16, 2013
~Twisted, Blog Tour & Giveaway~

KayCee is a 24 year old self-published author from Cleveland, Ohio. KayCee has always loved reading. After a re-occurring dream she decided to try writing about it. She wrote the first installment of Twisted when she was 20.
“I kept having this dream about these twins, and then I just decided to run with it. I wrote the beginning, the end, and then filled in the middle.”
KayCee finished the book in 8 months and then decided to share the book online. After seeing people get interested in the book and the characters, she decided to write another book and turn Twisted into a series.
KayCee has finished four novels in the Twisted series and is currently working on the fifth book.https://twitter.com/_KayCee_R" target="_blank">Twitter* https://www.facebook.com/pages/KayCee-R/210287519011804" target="_blank">Facebook * http://www.bookrix.com/-kayceer/" target="_blank">BookRix
Twisted Excerpts I held on to my memory of her as I took my last breath. Her wide bright smile and her beautiful green eyes sparkled as she looked at me. I stared into her eyes and, in that instant, everything was okay.
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
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Published on October 16, 2013 00:00
October 15, 2013
~Book Blast, Blog Tour & Giveaway~


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William Hazelgrove is the best selling author of five novels, Ripples, Tobacco Sticks Mica Highways and Rocket Man and The Pitcher His books have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly, Book of the Month Selections, Junior Library Guild Selections, ALA Editors Choice Awards and optioned for the movies. He was the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence where he wrote in the attic of Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace. He has written articles and reviews for USA Today and other publications. His latest novel Rocket Man due out May 1, 2013 was chosen Book of the Year by Books and Authors.net. He runs a political cultural blog, The View From Hemingway’s Attic. A forthcoming novel, The Pitcher will be out Sept 1, 2013. He lives in Chicago.
The Pitcher
“I never knew I had an arm until this guy called out, “Hey you want to try and get a ball in the hole, sonny?” I was only nine, but mom said, “come on, let’s play.” This Carney guy with no teeth and a fuming cigarette hands me five blue rubber balls and says if I throw three in the hole we win a prize. He’s grinning, because he took mom’s five bucks and figures a sucker is born every minute. That really got me, because we didn’t have any money after Fernando took off, and he only comes back to beat up mom and steal our money. So I really wanted to get mom back something, you know, for her five bucks.”
A boy with a golden arm but no money for lessons. A mother who wants to give her son his dream before she dies. A broken down World Series pitcher who cannot go on after the death of his wife. These are the elements of The Pitcher. A story of a man at the end of his dream and a boy whose dream is to make his high school baseball team. In the tradition of The Natural and The Field of Dreams, this is a mythic story about how a man and a boy meet in the crossroads of their life and find a way to go on. You will laugh and you will cry as The Pitcher and Ricky prepare for the ultimate try out of life.
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Published on October 15, 2013 00:00
October 14, 2013
~Something Great, Blog Tour & Giveaway~

Maxwell Knight was positively trouble, dangerously good-looking, and seductively charming. He was everything Jeanella didn’t need in her life. Only Maxwell didn’t see it that way. His pursuit was relentless, making her even more determined to push him away.
Fresh out of college, life was simple and plain for Jeanella Mefferd. Every part of her life was smooth sailing; her friends, her job, and even the guy she’d started dating. Then one night, while at dinner, she spotted someone who made her feel things she’d never felt before—dangerous, heart pounding and breathless heat. Thinking she would never see him again, she brushed it off, but when she started to run into him unexpectedly, all she could think of was how he made her feel with his sweet flirtations. Everything about Maxwell Knight screamed trouble, especially when she found out he was her new boss’s son. Now, heading to a New York fashion show, would she be able to focus on her career instead of Maxwell, who had been scheduled to attend with her? As much as she tried to forget their encounters, his good looks, smooth words and determination to win her over gravitated her toward him. The next thing she knew, her mind was utterly consumed by him. Would she be willing to ignore all the dangerous signs and jump into his arms? Or would she miss out on the chance of finding something great?

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Book trailer: Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Z9xL... Website: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com
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Published on October 14, 2013 00:00