Tawdra Kandle's Blog, page 60
July 23, 2013
LITERARY ADDICTS Weekly Wednesday Meme: What’s the next book in your to-be-read pile?
What’s the next book in my to-be-read pile?
Are you kidding me? There’s no simple answer to that, because I have different categories of reads.
For promotional work and just for fun, the next book is CUSPIAN by D.C. Hall. It’s not out quite yet, but watch for it!
When wearing my editing hat, I am working on the follow-up to Jesi Lea Ryan’s ARCADIA’S GIFT. It’s called ARCADIA’S CURSE. Wow, it’s fabulous!
Just for fun, I’m planning to read SWEET CONTRADICTION by Peggy Martinez.
What are YOU reading next? Join the meme or leave it in the comments below!
July 21, 2013
A Day in the Life of. . .Anna Cruise!
The first NEW ADULT SLEEPOVER WEEKEND will be held in beautiful Savannah, Georgia December 6-8, 2013. I can’t wait to be there, part of the fun and sharing my New Adult books!
To get us really excited about this weekend, the fabulous Dawn Pendleton has been posting A DAY IN THE LIFE interviews on her website, and I’m happy to share this one with you all. . .get to know Anna Cruise!
(Stay tuned for more fascinating NA authors. . .)
Anna Cruise has been writing and drooling over boys since middle school. Lots of years have passed but some things never change…
Her books include the best-seller IT WAS YOU (New Adult) and IF I FALL (Mature YA). Additional titles releasing in 2013 include MAVERICK (May 2013) as well as a follow-up to Abby and West’s story from IT WAS YOU. {Note from Tawdra: I LOVED these books. Devoured them. Awesome reads!}
Anna loves to hear from readers and authors, so stalk her here:
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Indie BookFest 2013–Free Signing Hours!
I hope you’re planning to attend the very FIRST Indie BookFest in Orlando on August 3rd. . .if you don’t have a ticket (they’re sold out!), don’t worry–you can still come for free to meet your favorite authors and have your books signed.
Be sure to stop by and say hello!
July 18, 2013
Within the Realm by Jillian Neal
The Gifted walk among us. They are unseen, but in plain sight. The Earth’s energies are as visible to them as the tangible world is to us and they can harness and bend these forces to their will. Atop the Pentagon resides the government of the Gifted Realm.
Rainer Lawson is set to join the ranks of Elite Officers in the Gifted Police force. With his fellow officers, they will work together, using their abilities, to try and end the most sinister criminal organization in existence. His parents fought and died to re-establish the Realm, and he won’t allow them to have sacrificed in vain.
The will to protect those he loves has always driven Rainer, but his desperation to protect Emily, the love of his life, consumes him. While passions ignite and vengeance is sought, Rainer may discover that all of his money, fame, and power, could cost him the only thing that has ever truly mattered. -
See more at: jillianneal.com
Buy: Hardback | Paperback | Kindle | B&N
Author Bio
Jillian Neal is the author of “The Gifted Realm” series of novels. She has a passion for telling strong, character driven stories that stretch the imagination. Her debut novel “Within the Realm” was released in 2013, with the next installments of the series soon to follow.
She lives near Atlanta with her husband and children. For more information, visit her website at http://www.jillianneal.com
Follow: http://facebook.com/jilliannealauthor
Twitter -@ jilliannealauth
Website – http://jillianneal.com
Prize: Gift Cards to Emily’s Favorite Stores
$25 Anthropologie Gift Card
$10 Victoria Secret Gift Card
$10 Bath and Body Works Gift Card
plus…….
Within the Realm Fan Pack
- Virginia Beach Travel Mug
- Cinnamon Discs (Emily’s favorite)
- A box of Emily’s favorite Tea
- Dr Pepper Lip Smackers
Enter to Win, fill out the form below
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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July 17, 2013
SAMSKARAS Review and Giveaway!
Samskaras by Melissa LummisWhen the universe conspired to bring Loti and Wolf together, it was just getting warmed up. After surviving Modore’s attempt to kill Wolf, the lovers want nothing more than some peace and quiet. But the universe has other plans. And Loti and Wolf are done waiting to find out what they are. All too aware there will be no happily-ever-after for them until Modore is dealt with, they form a dubious alliance with untrustworthy forces from Wolf’s past. While searching for clues to the homicidal vampire’s whereabouts, they uncover secrets that begin to unravel reality as they know it. Tangled up in the chaos of black ops conspiracies and fae treachery, they make a fatal mistake—overlooking the enemy in their midst. Can love and light survive a downward spiral into darkness?
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Join us July 16 – 18 for our Book Tour Social Event. Learn about Author Melissa Lummis, her books, and stick around for some fun Join HERE
About the AuthorMelissa Lummis considers herself a truth seeker, a peaceful warrior, a paranormal and fantasy writer, an avid reader, a thru-hiker GAàME ’98, a wife, a mother, and a free thinker. She believes the universe conspires to help an adventurer. And if we live our lives as if it is a daring adventure (and it is!), then everything we need will find its way to us.
The author lives in rural Virginia with her husband, two children, an Alaskan Malamute and a myriad of forest creatures. The nature of her mind dictates that she write to stay sane. Otherwise, her fertile imagination takes off on tangents of its own accord, creating scenarios and worlds that confuse the space-time continuum. Namaste, dear friends.
My review: When I read ENLIGHTENED, I was struck by how well Melissa Lummis writes urban fantasy. She takes a world–actually, several worlds–and plops them within a reality so close to our own that the juxtaposition serves to illuminate both the differences and similarities.
And SAMSKARAS, the second book in her LOVE AND LIGHT series, continues this intriguing journey. The author weaves together yogis, Vampires, light bearers, werewolves, witches along with other paranormal creatures in a believable way. We pick up the story of Loti and Wolf (sigh, Wolf!) as they find there is no rest for the two of them, even after the near-miss on Wolf’s life. They decide the best defense is a good offense and choose to join forces with some questionable characters. As they struggle to find the light, the couple encounters treachery in the most painful place. I hurt for them.
Lummis is a superb writer. SAMSKARAS transported me; I was completely lost in that world. And even more, it made me think not only about the characters and their situations (which I did. . .all the time. . .even after finishing!) but also about myself. It’s a story that makes the reader dig deeper. I like that in a book.
Now, when is book three coming out? Not sure I can wait!
Follow the Tour
Author Melissa Lummis is giving away a Love and Light Prize Pack for her book tour. Fill out the form below to enter (Open to US residents) 
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July 16, 2013
THE KEEPER AND THE RUNE Promotion and Giveaway!
The Keeper and the Rune Stone by Paige W. Pendleton
The Black Ledge Series
The secrets of the Red Paint People have haunted Maine for 7000 years. From the vast fjords of Norway to the shores of New England, ancient standing stones mark a trail of betrayal, greed, and murder…
The Keeper and the Rune Stone, Book One
An unholy ritual, a ticking clock. Four children discover there are things that go bump in the night …
Centuries ago a group of Elves committed an unholy ritual. But the ritual was a spectacular failure. It transformed the Elves into the Noctivagi – the beings we know as vampires.
Striving to maintain a fragile peace, the ancient Elves and Dwarves negotiated an Accord, which they’ve renewed every year on the Summer Solstice. The ceremony depends on the magical Rune Stone, but it’s missing. If it is not found—and quickly—the consequences could be dire, and not just for Elves and Dwarves.
Four children, Rob, Jack, Eleanor, and Flora, stumble into a world of magic and mayhem when they move into Black Ledge, the old estate on the Maine coast, and discover they aren’t the only ones who live there.
Buy The Keeper and the Rune Stone on Kindle
By The Keeper and the Alabaster Chalice, Book 2 on Kindle
About the Author
The secrets of the Red Paint People have haunted Maine for 7000 years. Paige W. Pendleton is busy writing those tales.
Follow Paige: Blog | FaceBook | Twitter Goodreads | Pinterest | Literary Addicts
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July 14, 2013
EMBRACING THE WOLF Review and Giveaway
Embracing the Wolf by Stephanie Nelson
For the first time, Anna Avery was looking forward to the future. She’s mated to her soul mate. The pack has become her new family, and she has friends she can confide in. She had every reason to look ahead, until a vision put her future happiness in jeopardy.
Someone is set on destroying her mate, Adam, and only Anna can prevent this possible future. While trying to unravel the hazy web of her premonition, she finds out the annual pack conference will take place on her mountain. And Adam’s parents will be attending. As only a “made” wolf, Anna will have to face their prejudice and possibly make the hardest decision she has ever had to make. Because saving Adam’s life might just mean walking away from him for forever.
Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble
About Stephanie
Stephanie resides in the Midwest with her husband and furry children. When she’s not cooking up Gwen and Anna’s next adventures, she enjoys reading, traveling and watching movies.
Follow Stephanie: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Join the Social Event on Facebook August 1 -3 to Get to Know the Author and for fun prizes
My review: I am very picky about werewolf books. It’s really not a subgenre I enjoy. However, Stephanie Nelson’s interpretation of the classic legend and the world she has created are the wonderful exception to my rule.
I read TAMING THE WOLF and liked the story. It had elements of a good mystery–murders were happening, and our heroine, a new wolf, was suspected–a love story–she was drawn to her Alpha, who was already mated–and the paranormal–werewolves, of course! It was a good beginning. But I have to admit that I enjoyed this follow up even better.
Anna has matured a bit, has, as the title implies, begun to embrace her inner wolf. She’s found love (I won‘t say with whom, in case you haven’t read book 1) and she is integrating into her pack. But of course, there’s still conflict. She has to deal with visiting wolves, including the family of her lover, who are pure wolf snobs. Someone’s trying to kill her. And her Chante, the mate chosen for her by destiny, might not be whom she thought it was. Well, the path of true love never did run smooth. Oh, and did I mention there might be. . .vampires?
The story here is solid, the plot intriguing and the characters continue to be well-drawn and complex. But what drew me in was the substory of Anna’s empowerment: in the face of those who see her as less than they are, she proves to be even more than she thought she could be.
I can’t wait for the third book to see the rest of this story play out. I hope we see Anna’s strength continue to grow. . .and I’m not entirely sure who I’m rooting for in the love story. We’ll just have to see.
Five stars for a thrilling and sizzling hot read. Don’t miss it.
Follow the Book Tour
The author is giving away a $50 Amazon or B&N giftcard (winner choice) and all of Stephanies paperbacks signed: Craved, Deceived, Coveted, Taming the Wolf, Embracing the Wolf, Cupid Painted Blind, Once Upon a Midnight Dreary and Eternal Summer. Open to US residents for Print or INT for Digital. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway
A Day in the Life of. . .MICHELLE LYNN!
The first NEW ADULT SLEEPOVER WEEKEND will be held in beautiful Savannah, Georgia December 6-8, 2013. I can’t wait to be there, part of the fun and sharing my New Adult books!
To get us really excited about this weekend, the fabulous Dawn Pendleton has been posting A DAY IN THE LIFE interviews on her website, and I’m happy to share this one with you all. . .get to know Michelle Lynn!
(Stay tuned for more fascinating NA authors. . .)
Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around two preschools all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.
Stalk Michelle!
July 11, 2013
CRUSHING Review and Giveaway!
CrushingAs a pampered and adored daughter of a wealthy Southern family Rory’s life was seemingly perfect until her troubled childhood crush moves back in across the street forcing her to choose between him and the life that has been chosen for her.
As if that isn’t enough, her quiet island town has turned dangerous. A good friend has gone missing, lending truth to the rumors of a serial kidnapper. In her quest to help she becomes a target and will have to make choices about love, friendship and the inevitable sacrifice that they both require.
Elena Dillon’s blog /Twitter /Facebook /Google+ /Goodreads /
Purchase on Amazon
Elena lives and writes in a suburb North of Los Angeles. She has never lived anywhere besides California which is probably a good thing since she hates being cold and is terrified to drive in the snow. She loves being a wife and a mother to her two kids and three dogs, although really the bulldog is the fourth child who has never matured beyond the toddler stage.
A self proclaimed nerd, she has been writing since she was a child. She has only recently, however, come out of the closet about this to her family and friends. They now understand better, but not completely, why she talks about characters in stories as if they are real people.
My review: This book covered my three favorite generes: romance, mystery and murder! I was completely transported from page one; the characters jumped to life, and I found myself thinking about the story when I was forced to step away, wondering what would happen next and how it was all going to come together and work out.
A blend of whodunnit, will the case be solved and who will she choose, I found this story reminiscent of Nora Roberts and Mary Higgins Clark. A perfect mix!
The love story was engaging without being too much. The pacing and characterization were spot-on, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Follow the Tour
Elena Dillon is giving away a beach basket and a $50 Amazon Gift card for her tour. a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 8, 2013
HUNKA HUNKA NURSING LOVE Promotion and Giveaway!
A Hunka Hunka Nursing Loveby Kathryn Maeglin
Imagine a visiting-nurse service with hot young guys as caregivers. What golden girl wouldn’t dig that?
Valerie Palka is a savvy businesswoman who is obsessed with keeping her elderly mom, Helen, safe from all the lethal disasters that can befall widows living alone. Helen thinks the workaholic Valerie should focus on having as much luck in the bedroom as she does in the boardroom. But when Helen takes a spill and is rushed to the ER, a handsome male nurse, Keith Nuber, strikes her fancy, and she tells her daughter, “If you could get a handsome devil like that to take care of me, I’d be willing to consider it.” So Valerie creates a care agency, Home Health Hunks, staffed by attractive younger men.
Valerie’s idea is filled with potential … and potholes. As she navigates the tricky road to satisfying her mom as well as her own ambition, she falls in love with one of her employees–Keith–and learns about the true meaning of success.
Buy on Amazon [ASIN: B00DMP7IC8]
About the Author:When Kathryn was a little girl, she wanted to be a nurse. However, she quickly discovered that was not a wise choice, since she couldn’t stand the sight of blood. Next she wanted to be an actress. Unfortunately, her only talent onstage was that she could be heard in the back row.
Finally she decided to become a journalist. Her original goal was to be Jane Pauley’s replacement on the “Today” show. Alas, she didn’t have Jane’s looks, poise, confidence, skill or wisdom. In fact, the only thing they had in common was that they were both corn-fed blondes from the Midwest. In Kathryn’s case, much more corn had been consumed.
So she ended up being a print journalist for 24 years. She worked for daily newspapers in Rock Island, Ill., and Madison, Wis.; for a Chicago-based trade journal that covered the radio and TV industry; and as special projects editor for the Indianapolis Business Journal. She started a couple of special sections for women, one of which won two state awards, while the other won a national award.
She now writes fiction for women. She’s happily married and has two overfed, underemployed cats. She loves to hear from readers, so you can e-mail her at kathryn@kathrynmaeglin.com You can also read her humorous current-event poems on Facebook and Twitter or visit her website at www.kathrynmaeglin.com
Prize: $50 Amazon gift cardFill Out the form below to Enter
