Emma Michaels's Blog, page 27
September 22, 2013
Kinetic Book Blitz and Giveaway
Kinetic by S.K. AnthonySeries: The Luminaries, #1
Publication date: September 2013
Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy
Synopsis:
Being strong is one thing. Being an unlimited source of power is quite another.
Genetically altered by the Organization, Annie Fox takes down criminals CIA-style with her luminary strength. With nothing to mend but her broken heart, she is relentlessly pursued by her boss Derek Lake. Just when Annie is about to give him a chance, her ex-husband unexpectedly comes out of hiding.
A wanted man, Nick Logan is a cold-hearted murderer who is considered enemy number one, and orders are clear: kill on contact. He is more powerful than ever and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. His plan? Get his hands on Annie and use her Kinetic energy to destroy them all. When Annie finds herself with an opportunity to end him, she pauses, horrified by the scars covering the face she once loved. A split second that will cost her everything…
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18072566-kinetic
Website | GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter
S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins.
She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict.
When she isn’t busy with her family she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination.
Well, either that or running away from spiders…she is convinced they are out to get her!
I knew what I had to do. Orders were clear… KILL ON CONTACT.
The thing is, it was Nick.
Before I knew what I was doing, I’d released my hold. He got up and rubbed his mouth.
“What did I tell you about giving second chances?”
“You won’t hurt me,” I said.
“Honey, you are so wrong! I wouldn’t even blink an eye, no pun intended,” he smiled. “Next time you won’t be so lucky. If you ever get the chance again, take it.” He shoved me down and gave me a hard kick in the ass. He started to leave but turned instead, his smile still plastered across his scarred face. “If you can.”
I watched him leave and took a deep breath. I had to give this some thought. I wondered if there was any excuse I could come up with that the Organization would believe. I was going to be in so much trouble. And it was possible they would even strip my abilities away. Although my job could be mentally exhausting, I knew that, deep down, I couldn’t give up what made me, me. I was a badass, I liked using my extensive training to bring down the bad guys of the world, and what had I just done? I’d let the worst of them walk away. I came into this Organization to serve a purpose, and I had never regretted it. Until now.
Nick had taken advantage of all the knowledge he’d gained when he was part of the Org. He was guilty of kidnapping, attacking government buildings, killing a lot of people, and was considered enemy number one for all Luminaries. But while I had no respect left for him, I couldn’t hate him. Not like the rest of them did. This was the man with whom I had exchanged wedding vows, the man who was once my whole world, and he had to be taken down. But he still had enough power over me that I’d let him go. Stupid heart. I never wanted to be one of those girls again, the ones who live for love or die for it. No, love no longer had any place in my empty chest.
The problem was, I’d found my heart staring at me through one eye, and I’d lost my shit.
September 20, 2013
Cover Love Affair 30
It is my day of the week to fan girl over other cover artists again! This week features different styles and compositions I absolutely adore!
Here are my favorite covers this week!
What cover are you currently in love with?
September 19, 2013
After the Fall
Lash by L.G. Castillo
Series: Broken Angel #1
Publication date: May 6th, 2013
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:
Decades after being banished from Heaven for saving a life he shouldn’t have, Lash is given a chance to redeem himself. His mission: protect Naomi Duran, a young woman who has lost her faith. The assignment proves to be anything but simple when his superiors, the Archangels, withhold key information about Naomi and refuse to restore Lash’s powers. When an unexpected source reveals centuries-old secrets, his trust is shaken to the core, and he begins to doubt those whom he had once considered to be his greatest allies.
Determined to avoid anything that would risk his chances of returning to Heaven, Lash struggles with the greatest obstacle of all—his growing feelings for Naomi. But when her life is threatened by an unknown source, Lash questions the wisdom of the Archangels and his ability to keep her safe.
Soon, Lash will have to choose where to place his faith—in the home he has fought so hard to regain or in the forbidden love he can’t bear to lose.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17306455-lash?ac=1
After the Fall by L.G. Castillo (Broken Angel #2)
Publication date: September 15th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Synopsis:
There’s a Spanish proverb that says, “From the thorn and the pain, a flower is born.” Naomi Duran never really understood what that meant until she became an archangel.
Finally reunited with the love of her life, Naomi thought she had everlasting love and happiness in Heaven. Even with the rebellious Lash by her side, she learns that life as an archangel isn’t easy.
When secrets of the past are finally revealed, tempers flare, brother is pitted against brother, and Naomi and Lash face the greatest threat to their relationship: choosing among love, family, or duty.
In the end, can this family of broken angels forgive past mistakes, or will they carry the thorn in their hearts forever, ripping their family apart?
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18217946-after-the-fall
PURCHASE LINKS:
–Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/L-G-Castillo/e/B00CLZWMP8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1378948369&sr=8-1
–B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/l.g.-castillo
Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
L.G. (Linda) Castillo wrote her first story when she was ten and has been writing ever since. She took a break from writing fiction and poetry to focus on obtaining her Ph.D. in counseling psychology. She is now a licensed psychologist and currently works as a professor at a Texas university. Although she has published her psychological research in several professional journals and books, her dream has always been to publish a novel. Lash is her debut novel and was written during the 2012 National Novel Writing Month event.
After the Fall Copyright © 2013 by L.G Castillo.
All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 1
Rachel’s cloak fluttered as she sped through the dark tunnel. He was there. She could feel him.
Shivering, her fingers fumbled with the heavy material as she drew it closer to her body. Puffs of white drifted from her mouth as she panted, trying to catch her breath. With each step she took, it was as if her angelic powers were being drained away. She stopped and slumped against the damp wall of the cave, unable to take another step. Could she do this? Even if she managed to reach him, would she have any power left to save him?
Gabrielle had warned her it would be like this, but Rachel had dismissed her, especially when she first stepped into Hell. It looked just like home! Lush grass and fragrant flowers lined the landscape as far as she could see. Snowcapped mountains stood as a backdrop against the clear blue skies—even the stream was located in the same exact spot as in Heaven. If it wasn’t for the unnerving feeling in the pit of her stomach and the hairs that stood on the back of her neck, she would have sworn she was home.
Considering Lucifer held his captives at the Lake of Fire, she had assumed Hell was a vast empty land of sweltering heat. It wasn’t until she found the cave hidden behind a waterfall that she finally understood what Gabrielle meant about not letting her guard down. The cave was frigid. The icy air seemed to seep into her pores and deep into her bones, causing her teeth to chatter uncontrollably.
She wished Gabrielle had given her more information about what to expect. She would’ve dressed warmer. Gabrielle had only gone once, and she had waited on the outer boundaries of the cave. According to her, one time had been enough. It had taken her days to recover from the experience.
Only Raphael knew what Hell was really like. He had made Gabrielle wait for him while he bravely went through the deepest depths of the cave to reach the lake. He was the only person she knew of who had gone down and returned—alive.
If only she could have asked Raphael about what to expect and how to prepare. She sighed. If she had, there was no way she could’ve slipped away unnoticed. She would’ve been reported to Michael and more than likely, would’ve been put on watch until it was too late.
A sob escaped her at the thought of his death. She slapped a hand over her mouth, horrified as the sound echoed in the darkness, bouncing off the walls. Her body shook as she wrestled with the thought of losing him. She had to pull herself together. If she were caught, it would be the end for both of them.
She took a resolving breath and pushed herself off the wall. I can do this. I won’t lose him.
Her feet scraped across the floor of the cave as she trudged forward in the darkness. As she rounded a corner, she came up to a pair of tunnels.
Which way should I go? Her eyes watered, and she bit down on her lip, frustrated. She was tired. So tired. If she chose the wrong one, she didn’t know if she would be able to make it down the second. Time was running out. She had to make a choice, now!
She was about to go down the tunnel to her left when she heard a moan from the right.
It’s him!
She raced toward the sound with renewed energy, and within minutes, she came into a large cavern. Heat slammed against her body, making her cringe in pain from the abrupt change in temperature. She stopped suddenly, her arms flailing out as she tried to regain her balance and not fall into the molten lava that appeared right before her eyes threatening to singe the tips of her toes.
The lake!
Immense heat blurred her vision, and she rubbed her eyes. All she could see was a sea of red heat. Where is he?
Searching through the haze, she finally saw a faint figure, motionless. She blinked again and gasped when her eyes finally focused.
No! It can’t be him.
Across the lake, chained to the wall, naked, was the one person in her life who she couldn’t be without. The one person for whom she would defy the orders of the most high of archangels just so she could save him.
Uriel.
Tears spilled down her heated cheeks as she took in his once magnificent body, scorched by the lava that splashed onto his skin. His beautiful downy-white wings were now a grotesque black. With each movement he made, feathers turned to ash and fluttered lifelessly to the ground.
“Uriel,” she croaked.
Uriel lifted his head, and pained eyes looked back at her, a startling blue against the black of his charred face. “No,” he groaned. “Leave. Leave now. He’ll be here—”
The cave rumbled, and lava sprouted into the air. A splattering of the searing liquid fell onto his chest. He arched his back and screeched.
“I’m coming, Uriel!” She tore off her cloak and flicked her wings open.
“It’s too late for me,” he rasped. “Don’t do this.”
“No, it’s not. I don’t care what the others say. You’ve redeemed yourself. You deserve another chance.”
He looked deep into her eyes. “Forgive me. I’m unworthy of you.”
“There is nothing to forgive. I love you.”
Desperate to find a way to get to him, Rachel looked around the cavern. She swallowed hard as she flit her wings and with all the strength she could muster, propelled herself into the air. She was only able to get herself a couple of feet off the ground. It was as if an invisible barrier was holding her down. Frantically, she looked around for another way to get to him and saw a narrow stone path with lava washing across it. There was no other way to him.
With all her might, she pushed herself upward, trying to get distance from the fiery liquid. The cave shook again, and a wave of lava slammed against the walls, sending droplets of lava flying into the air and onto her wings.
She wailed in pain and began to fall.
“No, Rachel. Go back,” Uriel moaned.
Before Rachel could tell him there was no way she was leaving him, she felt a rush of air on her back. An arm wrapped tightly around her waist and yanked her away from the lake, away from Uriel.
“Take her…Gabrielle,” Uriel gasped. “Keep her…safe.”
“You have my word,” Gabrielle said as she tightened her hold on Rachel.
“No!” Rachel screamed, struggling against Gabrielle’s steel-like arms. “Let me go. Let. Me. Go!”
Rachel stretched out her arms as if just by doing so, she could hold on to him. “Uriel! Uriel!”
Just as Gabrielle flew out of the cavern, a loud thunderclap rocked the cave, and the sound of his screams ripped through her, mixing with her own.
Then, silence.
He’s gone.
She fell limply into Gabrielle’s arms as they flew back through the frigid tunnel. The cold spread to her face, her hands, and then crept into her heart and the deepest part of her soul until there was nothing left except a dark numbness. It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered anymore.
When they flew out of the waterfall and into the sunlight, she stared lifelessly at the clouds drifting overhead. And though the sun shone down on her face, she couldn’t feel its warmth. She doubted if she would ever feel it again. The cold emptiness in her heart would be there forever because Uriel was dead.
September 17, 2013
My Own Mr. Darcy
My Own Mr. Darcy
After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough.
Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.
Author Karey White
Karey 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
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/8/13
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.
September 16, 2013
Fractured Legacy
Fractured Legacy by Skye Callahan Series: Darkness Bound #1
on October 22nd, 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Kaylyn Anderson's fascination with abandoned places and dark creatures kindled her work as a paranormal investigator. But when dreams begin to distort reality, she questions what is real and pulls away from everyone she trusts. The opportunity to investigate the Teague Hotel--a long-abandoned landmark that has always piqued her curiosity--provides a chance to redeem herself. Unraveling the hotel's secrets won't be easy, but Kaylyn soon finds herself the target of a dark entity that has been trapped in the building for decades.
If Kaylyn stands any hope of defeating the spirit, she'll have to accept that her fears are real and convince fellow investigators that she hasn't lost her mind.
Pinterest | Chapter 1 & 2 | Giveaway | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog
Skye Callahan was born and raised in Ohio and has seen enough unbelievable stuff
to feed a lifetime of paranormal stories. When not writing or working at the dayjob she hangs out
with her ethnomusicologist husband and pet ferrets, reads,
and takes long walks through the cemetery.
“Why don’t you tell us about the box?” Cole said, her voice calm and steady despite the marionette-like stare of Mr. Edwards.
“It’s my box.” He repeated.
“Fine. Alright. It’s your box. I just want to know more about it, like the carvings. Do you know what they are?”
Mr. Edwards cocked his head and squinted at the younger sister. “Carvings are something made by cutting wood. An object or design formed by cutting and shaping a material such as wood or stone—”
Kaylyn had heard enough, but as soon as she took a step forward, Cole glared at her.
“The guy has gone dark. His power ring has faded.” She kept her jaw clenched, wondering how much—if any—of the conversation the man actually understood by now. “Let’s just grab the jewels and get out before his head explodes.”
“There are no explosive devices in my head, Kaylyn.”
She bit her lip, she certainly hadn’t offered her name. “Okay, Mr. Edwards—”
“Gib.”
“Sure….” She choked on her words as the man’s lips turned up into what she assumed was supposed to be a smile. “Gib, what’s going on here?”
“You’re trying to take my box.”
“Yeah,” Kaylyn nodded. This conversation was getting redundant fast. “We got that part. We’re quick like that, you know.”
“I do know. You thought you could find my box and take it away. But, I won.”
“So you did, Gib.” Cole took a step forward, but marionette-man hunkered over the box like it was his heir.
Cole took another step. “Where’s Mr. Edwards?”
“He took a vacation. He’s probably sipping Mai Tais on the shores of Maui right now.”
“That’s a quick trip.”
“Yes, anything is possible when you use your imagination. You two are particularly familiar with that, aren’t you? Losing yourselves in a slightly altered unreality.”
Kaylyn shook her head and stumbled backward. For a dimwit, he had down the creepy intuition and dictionary memorization.
Loving Your Lies Blog Tour and Giveaway!
Loving Your Lies by Piper Shelly
Publication date: January 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Julian is drop-dead gorgeous, annoyingly provocative, and he’s fast becoming her best friend. But he also has a secret that makes the little hairs on her arms stand on end…
My name is Jona Montiniere, and that’s pretty much the only good thing to say about me.
I’m seventeen, I’m snarky, and I’m a crap-load of trouble. Or so they say. But what did they expect from me really, when they dumped me in an orphanage at age five? That I’d grow up to become the new first lady? Nah, I think it’s much more fun to raid Camden Market in London with my friend, Debby. She’s cool. She lives on the street. I learned so much from her.
The only thing she missed to teach me was how to tend to a vineyard. And yeah, that’s what I’m going to do for the next 6 weeks, courtesy to this darn judge, who sent me off to France after I was caught stealing again. Fair enough, the vineyards are okay, and so are my aunt and uncle, who I haven’t met up ‘til now. What isn’t okay, and I mean it, is that I have to live in the same house with my mother, that god-awful dragon, who spurned when I was only a child. And now she wants me back? Demands my forgiveness? Why, because she’s about to die of cancer? Uh-uh. Sorry, but that’s not gonna happen. I want no contact with that woman, thanks.
But what’s Julian got to do with all of this? About my age, he’s too young to be my mother’s lover. So why doesn’t he leave her side? Ever. He’s different, as in the paranormal kind of different, but he’s sa-woon-worthy gorgeous. He obviously has secrets, but he’s also get-under-my-skin charming. In short, he’s a riddle to me. But he likes me, and that’s scaring the shit out of me. I sure won’t let anyone come too close.
So now I’m wondering only two things: How did he manage to hold me in his arms after only three days? And how the hell do you keep an angel earth bound?
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288193-loving-your-lies?ac=1
Purchase:
–Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Your-Lies-ebook/dp/B00C5RKBXC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378749526&sr=8-1&keywords=loving+your+lies+piper
–B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-your-lies-piper-shelly/1115340665?ean=2940044521773
AUTHOR BIO
The quick-and-dirty:I’m a cool girl with a passion for writing.
The genres you’ll find me hanging out at are contemporary and paranormal YA, but I’m also snooping into some adult paranormal right now. All of them romances…of course.
The nitty-gritty:
I’m an Austrian lass—totally uncomplicated and up to anything fun.
I grew up in Vienna, not by free will but because my parents decided to move there when I was only 4 years old. I. Hated. The. City. Everything about it. So right after graduation I moved back to Upper Austria, where I settled down with a nice husband and an awesome laptop.
I’ve been a storyteller all my life. Already in kindergarten, I came up with the most exotic fantasies and tales. My teacher would call me a liar. I call it the cornerstone of my writing career.
People always told me you can’t make a living with being an author. So when my first novella PLAY WITH ME came out and shot straight to the stars within the first week, I was totally dumbstruck. Took me a while to realize what was happening, LOL.
And the personal stuff:
At the (awesome) age of seventeen, I met the love of my life. But he was a playboy, and I was so not going to be his next trophy. It took him another four years of fighting for me until I finally decided to give that “couple-thing” with him a shot. I’m now married to this man.
We have an eleven-year-old son, and together we travel a lot…although I sometimes wish the trips were shorter because I can’t wait to get back to my laptop and my many stories. Unless we’re in Disneyland. No stress to go home then…
If you still want to know more about me, my FAQ page is the right address for you.
http://pipershelly.com/faq/
Author Links:
Website: http://pipershelly.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6522373.Piper_Shelly
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpiper
Excerpt:
Julian landed softly like a cat. He straightened and rubbed his palms on his rear. “Job done.”
“Jeez, you scared the hell out of me.”
“Sorry about that. But you know,” he took a step toward me into my room, “I’m majorly proud of you. Climbing up that ledge was very brave.”
“You think?”
He nodded. For an awkward, long moment we stared at each other. When the silence became unbearable, I coughed. “So, what does it look like up there in the nest? Are there more young birds?”
“There are three. Why don’t you come out and see yourself?”
An outraged laugh ripped from my throat. “Very funny.”
“No, seriously. I think you should try to get over that fear.” His face was stern, meaningful, but encouragement shone in his eyes. He grabbed my hand and tugged me. “Come on. Marie gave you the prettiest room in the house with this beautiful balcony, and you don’t even appreciate it.”
“I—that’s not true.” I wanted to defend myself, to protest—to his statement and to how his soft touch on my hand made me move. “I love the room.”
Julian tugged a little harder. I stumbled one step forward, then another.
“Wait, I can’t do this.” My knees trembled when he tried to pull me out onto the porch engulfed by darkness.
“Of course you can. Just hold onto my hand and do as I say. I’m holding you.”
I couldn’t say what convinced me in the end, his gentle tone or his warm blue eyes. But before I could think straight again, my right foot shoved over the threshold and landed shakily on the dark painted boards. The wood felt warm against the bare sole of my foot, but it creaked eerily under my weight. Please don’t crack. Please don’t crack. My quavering left leg followed.
“Very good.” Julian smiled. I drew encouragement from it. He tightened his hold of my hand then laced his fingers gently through mine. “Now turn around. No need to look over the railing right away.”
“Huh?” My breathing went on high speed. I winced.
But he didn’t give me time to think. With a soft shove, he directed me around until I faced the outside of my room.
“Oh my god, what are you doing?” I squeaked out in panic.
“I’ll guide you. Trust me.” Julian switched on the dim balcony light. Then he took my other hand, too, and pulled me away from the wall. “I won’t let you fall.” His voice held the seal of a promise.
With some reluctance, I made one step after another to his subtle pull. Hysteria blurred my vision. I closed my eyes and followed blind.
“Breathe, Jona.”
Inhale. Exhale. Trembling breaths pushed out hard.
“You’re doing great. We’re almost there.”
“There? Where? At the slide to hell?”
One more step, then Julian stopped and wrapped both his arms around my middle. He leaned against the railing, feet planted far apart for a better stance. He cradled my back against his chest. “You did it. Just look what a grand first step you made.”
“Hopefully, it won’t be my last.” Reluctantly, I opened my eyes and face the façade of the house tinted in soft porch light some seven feet away. My jaw dropped to my chest as amazement washed over me.
Blimey, all I wanted was to get back inside. But Julian’s hold of me felt solid and secure. I knew he would keep his promise, and only for that reason I stood rooted.
“Now, eyes up there.” With my hand wrapped in his, he lifted his arm and pointed one finger to the top of the roof.
I zoomed in on the small nest right under the eaves. Three tiny round heads popped over the edge, the mother bird towering watchfully over her spawn.
It was lovely. Not just the sight of the nest built under the eaves, but also how much care shone in the mother-bird’s eyes when she hovered over her children.
“I always wished to have someone look at me that way,” I whispered without thinking.
“Like the bird?” I felt Julian staring at me from the side. “You might not have noticed, but there is someone in this house who looks at you exactly like that.”
I huffed and rolled my eyes. “Yeah, the dragon, right.”
“I’m not speaking of your mother.”
My brows knitted together, and I tilted my head to glance at him from only a few inches distance. “Who then?”
“It’s Marie who tries to pull you into her embrace.” Julian’s thumb drew small circles on the back of my hand, sending little shivers up my arm. “She’s pleading for allowance, don’t you see?”
“Allowance for what?”
“To love you.”
The truth tugged at my heart. Aunt Marie did everything possible to make me feel at home and welcome. But with so much hatred for my mother, I couldn’t let anyone else’s love intrude me.
Hypocrite. There I stood, dreaming of someone who’d replace my loneliness, and yet I was about to break the heart of the only person who’d tried to make this dream come true. But I couldn’t allow my aunt to break through my shield. Not when those who I opened up to tended to leave me in the end anyway.
“She offered to spend the day with me alone tomorrow.” It eluded me why I told him this, but suddenly Julian seemed like someone I could be honest with. Someone like Quinn. “And she gave me so many beautiful clothes.”
“Sadly, you didn’t put them on tonight.” He tugged at the hem of my T-shirt to mock me. “But she knows how to welcome someone, doesn’t she?”
“She does indeed.” A low chuckle ripped through me. “Very much to the contrary of you.”
Out of the corner of my eye I caught him arch a brow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
By his voice I could tell he was smiling.
“Well, you weren’t the most charming person in the world when we first met. With all the bantering and such, no wonder you don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Who says I don’t have a girlfriend?”
“Well…you. I mean, you said you weren’t my mother’s lover. And I don’t see any other girls around.” I bit my lip. Shit. There was probably another woman waiting for him somewhere. Someone nice and young, not god-awful like the dragon. Suddenly an invisible boa slithered around my chest and did what it was supposed to do best. It constricted.
When I spoke next, I sounded anything but confident. “So…do you?”
“No.” He dragged out the word and laughed softly.
No girlfriend! The snake evaporated and was replaced with a bunch of excited butterflies. I wanted to squash them with my fist. This really shouldn’t make me so happy. The pounding of my heart annoyed me something awful. Especially when he must have caught it with my ribcage pressed so snugly against his warm chest.
Out of a habit when I felt insecure, I resorted to my snappy tone. “See, that might be different if you were a little nicer to girls to begin with.”
“It might,” he whispered. And then his lips brushed my ear as he spoke. “And yet, here I stand, holding you in my arms after only three days.”
I sucked in a sharp breath and lowered my gaze to my bare feet. I shouldn’t be here, in this house. Nor in his arms. And most of all, I shouldn’t enjoy it as much as I did. Ready to rip out of his embrace, my spine stiffened as did every muscle in my body.
Julian’s arms wrapped a little tighter around me. “Shh,” he breathed. “You’ll just scare the birds.”
September 15, 2013
Darkest Worlds Anthology Book Blast and Giveaway!
Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology
An anthology that explores what humans are made of when society falls to its knees. Darkest Worlds includes six original novellas by award-winning authors and best sellers of Young Adult and New Adult Dystopia.
All proceeds go to Girls Write Now, a charity that promotes literacy of inner-city girls.
Amazon * Kobo
* Barnes & Noble
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French, author of The Breeders: Eighteen-year-old Nessa knows what it’s like to be an endangered species. Growing up in a dying world where nine out of ten babies are born male, she survives by trusting no one. When Marlin, the nineteen-year-old gunslinger, kills the man who has been keeping her enslaved, Nessa decides he might be her meal ticket. What she doesn’t realize is love is still possible, even in their decimated world.
MOON by S.K. Falls, author of World of Shell and Bone: Loyalty. Obedience. Patriotism. Moon Stewart has no doubt that the New Amanian way of life is the right way. The only way. But was there ever a time when she felt differently? In this companion novella to the dystopian bestseller World of Shell and Bone, the secrets of Moon’s past are revealed, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of their favorite antagonist.
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon, author of The Torturer’s Daughter: When a dissident working undercover as an interrogator is ordered to torture a confession from the only girl he’s ever loved, he chooses to defy both the totalitarian regime and the resistance by helping her escape—but she has an agenda of her own…
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge: a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award. Peree knows his duty as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel, is to make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects when the flesh-eating Scourge roam the forest. He will motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. He knows his duty is to his people and his people alone. What he doesn’t know is that he’s falling in love with her.
Survival Lessons by Kate Avery Ellison, author of Frost: A young Farther prisoner named Eva escapes into the monster-filled wilderness of the Frost with a band of fellow inmates, all of whom are harboring secrets…but little do they know that Eva has secrets of her own. Set in the world of The Frost Chronicles.
clean slate complex by Megan Thomason, author of the daynight series: Homeless Alexa Knight agrees to help the do-gooder non-profit The Second Chance Institute in return for medical care for her sick mother. The SCI is wooing the poor and downtrodden into their Clean Slate Complexes–where “everything is provided” from jobs to food, shelter, clothing, and education. Unfortunately, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there’s a catch…
Katie French
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Zoe Cannon
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A.G. Henley
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Kate Avery Ellison
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Megan Thomason
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Girls Write Now–charity
Website
The Girls Write Now mission is to provide guidance, support, and opportunities for at-risk and underserved girls from New York City’s public high schools to develop their creative, independent voices, explore careers in professional writing, and learn how to make healthy school, career and life choices.
BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 9/30/13
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 http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 14, 2013
Kindle Fire Giveaway
This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HD 7″.
Kindle Fire HD 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HD (US Only)
Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)
Sponsoring Authors & Bloggers
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
Feed Your Reader
Candace’s Book Blog
Every Free Chance Book Reviews
Author Lori Verni-Fogarsi
Ketch’s Book Nook
Author Rachael Renee Anderson
Author Karey White
Buku-Buku-Didi
Author Marcia Lynn McClure
Author Bella Street
Brooke Blogs
Author Anna Kyss
Author Ednah Walters
These are but Shadows
The Real Bookshelves of Room 918
Fae Books
Magical Manuscripts
Chair in the Shade
The Book Bellas
Page Flipperz
Romance Schmomance
A Bookish Escape
bookitty blog
Author S.A. Larsen
The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl
Jessabella Reads
Author Jennifer Laurens
Bea’s Book Nook
Books 4 Tomorrow
Meredith’s Musings
Libby’s Library
Author Deanna Roy
Word to Dreams
Bookhounds
Diva Book Nerd
Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf
Author Kim Cresswell
Author Inger Iversen
Author Elizabeth Isaacs
Lori’s Reading Corner
Author Lena Sledge
Author Kerry Taylor
Author Brinda Berry
Author Niecey Roy
Author Kary Radar
Author Josh Baker
Author Helen Smith
Author Annette K. Larsen
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7″ HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire.
Sponsor a future Kindle Fire Giveaway. Details can be found here.
Ends 9/30/13
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 participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Fated Truth Blog Tour!
When Ella Reese touched Jaxx’s hand for the first time she knew her life would never be the same, never had a touch between two seemingly ordinary finger tips spark a light so bright that Ella felt it ignite the embers burning deep within the withered flower that she called a soul, with the mere brush of a finger Ella bloomed, and Jaxx opened her eyes to a world where she could truly belong.
Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads
Tasha Gwartney is a Military wife and devoted momma to a handsome little man by day. At night she drops her domestic goddess cloak and becomes an avid writer. She lives in Central Louisiana with her family and two huskies. Tasha has been writing poetry and short stories since she was ten years of age. There wasn’t ever a time when a story plot wasn’t found somewhere in her head. Tasha has had several of her poems published. She is looking forward to publishing many more poems and novels as well.
Tasha has always enjoyed bringing the worlds that begin inside her head to the minds of others.
Tasha Gwartney started writing short stories when I was about ten years old. I would print them out on the sides of worksheets in school, basically write them on anything that was handy when the idea would pop up in my head. My elementary teachers would tell me to stop because it was disruptive and not pertaining to the subject that I was so post to be learning at the time.
All the way through school I wrote. My short stories got longer and I branched out into poetry. Some of my school teachers encouraged me to write. They even said they liked some of my work. But it wasn’t until I was a junior in High School that it really hit me that I wanted to do this. I wanted to write and reach people. To put the stories that were bouncing against the walls of my mind down on paper, and teleport someone into my own private world.
My Science teacher caught me writing a poem on the back of a test during class one day. That was a HUGE no-no in his class. You did not get side tracked. It was one of his major pet peeves. He asked me to stay after class that day, and I was literally shaking in my platform boots. He was majorly hard on people that ticked him off during his classes. Come to find out, I wasn’t in trouble. He wanted to talk to me about the poem that he had read on the back of my end of term test. He asked if he could give it to his wife for their anniversary. I was so happy that I wasn’t in trouble that I quickly said yes then shot from the room.
The poem that I wrote on the back of that test was about love and loss. I had read a novel the night before that really touched something hidden deep inside me. You have to remember I was sixteen. I was a teen that knew nothing of truly feeling emotions of love on this deep of a level. But the novel I read the night before had me enthralled. I fell into the main character and felt every emotion that she felt, celebrated her every triumph, and cried her tears when she lost the man she loved. That was how I was able to write a poem on the back of a test that touched even my grouchy Science teacher.
After that I wanted to be that author that transported readers and wrote something that made them feel every emotion that the characters I made come to life feel. This is the reason that I write.
September 13, 2013
Cover Love Affair 29
This week the cover artist in me is giving a big round of applause to all middle grade illustrators. Truly these extraordinary artists are always filled with such imagination and wonder that they continue to inspire me and make me want to continue to grow as an artist.
Here are a few of my current favorite middle grade book covers!
What is your favorite middle grade book cover?
