Victoria Danann's Blog, page 25
April 19, 2013
Charmeine FREE on Smashwords today…
FREE ON SMASHWORDS TODAY, APRIL 19TH.
Use Smashwords coupon code : HB94P
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/238502
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/238502
Author Emily Guido Official Website, Author of the Light-Bearer Series
Author Emily Guido Presents: The Light-Bearer Series.Tabbruis is a Blood-Hunter, he drinks blood to survive. Over millennia Tabbruis has wandered the Earth alone aimlessly living through many historical events. Charmeine is a Light-Bearer who just came to the Earth in 1997. When she meets Tabbruis,…
April 15, 2013
Angel Bait NOVELLA Featured Today
Angel Bait
Book 1 of the Angel Assassins Series
Tricia Skinner
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Crimson Romance
F+W Media
Date of Publication: February 18, 2013
ISBN 10: 1-4405-6515-5
ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-6515-1
eISBN 10: 1-4405-6516-3
eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-6516-8
Number of pages: 204
Word Count: 65,000
Book Description:
Saved by the angel sent to kill them, four half-angel boys are trained and employed as Heaven’s assassins. Jarrid and his nephilim brothers are raised as members of The Eternal Order, and must enforce Heaven’s laws by hunting down those who defy the Directorate.
His only shot at freedom is Ascension, but his employers won’t permit the ancient ritual. Then Jarrid learns a Renegade angel is in Detroit. Such a high-level takedown is the answer to his prayers—all the leverage he needs to Ascend.
For freedom, Jarrid is willing to do anything to lure his elusive enemy out of hiding.
Even use an innocent woman as bait.
News reporter Ionie Gifford has no clue an angel outlaw wants her dead. She agrees to help Jarrid, the enigmatic nephilim with penetrating silver eyes and a worship-worthy body, but only because he accepts her terms. He’s her all-access pass into the city’s supernatural underworld where she hopes to locate her mother’s killer.
Blindsided by Ionie’s beauty and tenacity, Jarrid soon finds the eternity-old glacier around his heart thawing. With duty and desire at war within him, he’s forced to make a choice—either save Ionie from the trap he snared and stay chained to Heaven, or allow her to become collateral damage.
About the Author:
After spending several years as a newspaper reporter and corporate communications director, Tricia Skinner cast off traditional journalism for the freedom of novel writing. ANGEL BAIT is her urban fantasy romance debut. Her reading tastes are all over the place, but she’s mainly drawn to fantasy (and its subgenres), paranormal, sci-fi, and history.
In those rare moments when she’s not writing, Tricia is a newbie “green” practitioner, a fitness procrastinator, and a technology geek. She is a mother and a wife. Her family includes two Great Danes.
Tricia stays active in various writing communities. She is represented by Laurie McLean of the Larsen Pomada Literary Agency.
She welcomes correspondence from readers. Visit her online at http://www.TriciaSkinner.com.
Website: http://www.TriciaSkinner.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTriciaSkinner
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/triciaskinner
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/triciaskinner
Twitter: @AuthorTrish
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kaziwren/
April 14, 2013
Resurrecting Harry FEATURE & GIVEAWAY
Resurrecting Harry Constance Phillips
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
ISBN: 978-1-939173-13-3
Number of pages: 270
Word Count: 91,000
Cover Artist: Lilliana Sanchez
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/2fWMcc8h368
Book Description:
Can the greatest escape artist ever known break the grim reaper’s chains to save the only woman he’s ever loved?
In order to save Bess from self-destruction, Harry Houdini puts his afterlife on the line by entering a wager with purgatory’s keeper. He gives Harry a younger face and body, and a new name: Erich Welch.
Bess clings to his promise to deliver a coded message from beyond the grave, determined to provide the bridge for him to cross, even if that means befriending her husband’s sworn enemy.
Erich needs to help Bess over her loss and put her on the road to healing, but will any good come from resurrecting Harry?
Amazon Kindle Amazon Print BN ARe
GIVEAWAY Tour wide giveaway $50 Amazon gift card.
About the Author:
Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, two ready-to-leave-the-nest children, and four canine kids. Her perfect fantasy vacation would involve hunting Dracula across Europe with her daughter, who also digs that kind of stuff. When she’s not writing about fairies, shifters, vamps, and guardian angels, she’s working side-by-side with her husband in their hardwood flooring business.
Constance is actively involved in her local Romance Writers of America chapter (MVRWA) and the Southeast Michigan chapter of the United States Pony Club. When not writing or enjoying the outdoors, she loves reality television or can be found at a Rick Springfield concert (just look for the pink Converse high tops).
Blog: http://www.constancephillips.com
Twitter: http://www.twiter.com/CPhillips
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConstancePhillipsRomanceAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470282.Constance_Phillips
April 10, 2013
Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves FEATURE & GIVEAWAY
Very pleased to present the latest release from my friend and colleague, Kym Grosso. This is the third book in the Immortals of New Orleans series and the one I’ve been pushing her for. I argued with her about cover choice, but have to admit – when seeing the final copy – I was wrong. The cover is perfect. – Victoria
TRISTAN’S LYCEUM WOLVES
IMMORTALS OF NEW ORLEANS BOOK 3
Kym Grosso
An erotic paranormal romance…
Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators.
Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she’s reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who’d kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit.
Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?
Giveaway at each stop is winner’s choice of ebooks for any of the three books In the Immortals of New Orleans series (Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves, Luca’s Magic Embrace, Kade’s Dark Embrace)
About the Author: Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. Both of her novels, Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1) and Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), are currently available via Amazon, digitally and in print. Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves is scheduled for release on April 1, 2013.
In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes autism articles on PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in the new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.
Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog, cat and guinea pig. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains. On any given night, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks
Twitter: @KymGrosso
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso
My Autism Website: http://www.AutismInRealLife.com
April 9, 2013
Hidden Gates FEATURE & GIVEAWAY
Hidden Gates (P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy)
by D.T. Dyllin
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Dragonfairy Press
Heat Level: Sensual
Length: 270 pages
Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Gates-P-J-Stone-Trilogy/dp/0985023058/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hiddengates-1048629-234.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hidden-gates-d-t-dyllin/1112239044
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Hidden-Gates/book-fA4GK-H11U2N5THEp9md6A/page1.html
GIVEAWAY Prize is 7 print copies of “Hidden Gates” (1 each to 7 winners). Due to nature of prize, contest is open to US residents only. Ends Apr 15. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
Blurb For P.J. Stone, being a “Seer” who has never seen anything is less than fun. And P.J. isn’t known for her patience.
To make matters worse, she must choose a suitable mate to continue the Seer bloodline. Duty always comes before her heart…at least that’s what her parents taught her. When she finds herself wanting someone who is considered off-limits, P.J. is forced to question everything she believes.
As if navigating her love life isn’t complicated enough, P.J. finally receives a vision—of a threat to her world that only she can perceive. But no one will believe a fledgling Seer’s warnings. With nowhere else to turn, she may decide to trust a stranger with her life, her world, and maybe even her heart.
Excerpt
“He was nice and all, like I said, but there didn’t really seem to be a spark with him, you know?” I raised my gaze to meet my mom’s, silently pleading that she would let the issue drop. But of course, I should have known better.
“Oh, is that all? You said he didn’t even kiss you yet. How can you know?”
“Because I don’t want to kiss him, that’s why. I also don’t need to kiss Jenna to know that there’s no spark between us. Should I just go around kissing everyone I see to find out who I have a spark with? Hell, why not go a step farther, why not—”
She scrunched her face up at me. “There’s no need to be crass, missy. I just think you should try kissing him before you dismiss him so easily.”
“I don’t want to,” I said.
“You’re going,” my mom said back, motherly determination etched into her face.
I narrowed my eyes at her. “No, I’m not. And you know you can’t make me.”
About the Author
D.T. Dyllin was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Black & Gold for life, baby!) And now she lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two very spoiled GSDs.
Connect with D.T. Dyllin
Website: http://dtdyllin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/D-T-Dyllin/258426047570107
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DTDyllin
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763250.D_T_Dyllin
Link to Schedule: http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/04/blogbarrage-hidden-gates-pj-stone-gates.html
April 3, 2013
24 Bones FEATURE & GIVEAWAY
24 Bones
Michael F. Stewart
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Thriller
Publisher: Non Sequitur Press
ASIN: B00BGCQGNG
Number of pages: 305
Word Count: 85,000
Cover Artist: Martin Stiff of Amazing15
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win one of two e-copies to be given away here.
Book Description:
Every five hundred years the phoenix dies.
Samiya, born-into-shadow, is soon to battle her born-into-light brother. Abandoned by their parents, neither wishes to play the preordained role of beast and hero. When their loved ones are taken hostage, they are forced to follow the path laid out in myth, culminating in a battle first fought six thousand years ago in ancient Cairo. A mythic clash where one defeats the other and both become gods.
To break free from their fates, Samiya and her brother must unravel a mystery twisted by cults, greed, and magic. But myth is a powerful force and failure to live up to it may not only destroy their lives but the lives of the ones they love most.
When the phoenix dies, the only certainty is flames.
“Terrific! A successful blend of genres, complex and fascinating characters, and loads of suspense make 24 Bones a must-read.” Nate Kenyon, bestselling author of The Reach, Prime, Bloodstone, and The Bone Factory.
“’24 Bones’ is a winning debut. It’s well-written and well-plotted, studded with drama, action, history and mythology. There’s even a little romance. The conclusion is thrilling with the final outcome of the battle between good and evil held over until the very end…leaving you guessing until that very last page.” SF Crowsnest.
About the Author:
After crewing ships in the Antarctic and the Baltic Sea and some fun in venture capital, Michael anchored himself (happily) to a marriage and a boatload of kids. Now he injects his adventurous spirit into his writing with brief respites for research into the jungles of Sumatra and Guatemala, the ruins of Egypt and Tik’al, paddling the Zambezi and diving whatever cave or ocean reef will have him. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers and SF Canada, and the author of the Assured Destruction series, 24 Bones, The Sand Dragon, Hurakan, Ruination and several award winning graphic novels for young adults.
https://twitter.com/MichaelFstewart
http://www.facebook.com/mikefstewart
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2969126.Michael_F_Stewart
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6567858-24-bones
THOUGHTLESS, Book One, Thoughtless
Before I launch into the critique, let me offer a foreword.
LOVED IT. LOVED IT. Even loved the parts that made me cringe. Maybe I especially loved the parts that made me cringe. The fact that I am spending so much of my (ahem, valuable) time on this series is a tribute.
PREFACE REGARDING DISCUSSION.
If you would like to reply to anything said here, please preface your reply with the number of the comment.
1. PURE FANTASY…
Just so we’re all on the same page, so to speak, I’m qualified as an observer of humanity and as a person who holds an M.A. in Psychology to say conclusively that the relationship depicted in this series CANNOT (let me repeat), CANNOT occur in real life. Why? Because people can be predisposed by genetics to be loving personalities, but anyone – A-N-Y-O-N-E – who suffered constant abuse as a child is going to be an abuser as an adult. Period.
Further compounding that, the protagonist in this book got the double whammy. He was not only abused, but love was withheld as well. He can’t love. He doesn’t know how. Don’t shoot me. I’m the messenger and the only one in the room who is telling the truth.
KELLAN, THE BEAUTIFUL UNICORN. So long as we agree that he is as much a fictional character of fantasy as a werewolf, vampire, or elf, then we can proceed to enjoy the books through the filter of fairytale and have a good time.
2. KELLAN…
Before they met, Denny told Kiera that Kellan was a figjam. (Fuck I’m good just ask me.) Well, fuck, he’s good just ask any one of us who’s in love with him.
How could we not be in love with him? Kellan is, well, everything. He’s a mythical beast who’s been carefully crafted as the ultimate lover with ultimate appeal and, damn, if he doesn’t hit every single note. We’ve been manipulated, victims of our own evolutionary psychology, to fall head over heels in love with this unicorn. Intellectually I know that. Intellectually I sort of resent that. Makes no difference. The heart wants what it wants – and that’s Kellan Kyle.
He…
…is a flawless beauty
…with sexual experience to play you like a xylophone and ring every single bell.
…turns male exhibitionism into an art form – literally.
…has enough bad boy going on to pull that trigger as well. Got a raging case of Dark Triad Syndrome. Seriously. That’s what “bad boy” is called by social psychologists.
…is the consummate “little boy lost” which is like a giant magnet pulling at the single most powerful instinct in women; that’s right, maternal instinct – our impulse to soothe, heal, and protect. NOTE: Kiera’s on the hook, but she doesn’t fall head over heels for Kellan until he cries.
…cooks for himself and does his own housework.
…uses words like “adore” and “adorable” which, of course, heterosexual men avoid like the plague unless they’re berating each other.
…is the unicorn. Once she gives him carte blanche to love her, he repays her with what most women want more than anything, a lover who only has eyes for her.
…is a snappy dresser. I saved this one for last because it is the least believable thing of all. Of all these traits this is THE one that makes you start hearing a Sesame Street tune going, “One of these things just doesn’t belong here. One of these things just isn’t the same.” Straight guy? Dresses himself in stylish, sexy clothes that fit him, look great on him, and match? Huh uh. Not happening in any reality. Any woman who has been in a relationship with a REALLY STRAIGHT guy knows that it would be easier to find a werewolf who doesn’t shift on the full moon.
3. KIERA…
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. She’s such a mess I don’t know where to begin.
How about this? She’s afraid to go to school by herself? Really? It’s not kindergarten. She’s a junior in college! This is not a charming or “adorable” trait. It’s a portrait of a young woman who is emotionally handicapped and everyone close to her (with the single exception of Jenny) is indulging that at the least and enabling it at the worst. Kellan is going to walk her to class? Good grief.
Regarding this character’s lack of character. It’s not just that Kiera can’t find the courage to do the right thing. It’s that she doesn’t even try.
She engages in what adolescent psychologists call “magical thinking”. She plans to practice avoidance behavior indefinitely with the hope that the problem will magically resolve itself. In the meantime, she is torturing one boy she professes to love and betraying another. I can’t relate to Kiera at this point. I don’t like her. In fact I think I hate her. Yet, I still don’t want her to have to watch Kellan parade sexual exploits through the living room, bedroom, and even (reaching past her) the refrigerator. At that point I hate him too. (Get the damned whipped cream if you have to, but wipe that smile off your face or prepare to get “smacked”.)
The final straw is that she doesn’t even pull herself out of the tangle she made. Her sister does it.
Anna is the ultimate rescuer. She picks up and moves to the opposite coast to become her Kiera’s solicitor, nursemaid, roommate, companion, and general caretaker. She even instigates the reunion between Kellan and Kiera. We have no reason to believe that they would have ever gotten back together had Anna not forced it.
Anna, God love her, even tries to make excuses for the train wreck Kiera has left behind her. She passes off abominable behavior saying Kiera is “young and inexperienced”. Now that’s unconditional love, folks. Anna, will you be my big sister? Please?
4. Denny the Dense…
I don’t know if good guys really finish last, but I do know that, in some ways, Denny was just as much a coward as Kiera. Of course he knew something was going on. He didn’t have the nerve to confront her so he set up a sting operation to catch the lovers red-handed. I understand why he did it, but I think it was a chicken-shit approach.
Did he deserve to lose her to Kellan? Well, yes. She moved to the opposite side of the country for no reason other than to accommodate his internship and be with him. When he left her in Seattle, he was asking for exactly what he got.
5. Asshole…
This is the title of one of my favorite chapters. Why? Partly because I know that hurt gets acted out with anger and I appreciate an author who understands that. And partly because this chapter caused me to respond viscerally. My solar plexus ached. (Like I haven’t had enough trouble in my own life? I have to go and borrow heartache from fiction that’s supposed to be entertaining? Ugh. Does this mean I’m a masochist?)
If I’m that engaged with the story, so much so that I feel it psychically, emotionally, AND physically – then I think that means that the author isn’t good. She’s great. By that point in the story I couldn’t have stayed away from that book if someone threatened one of my kids.
6. Why me?
Why did Kellan fall for Kiera and not one of the other 1500 girls he has “been” with? Would Kellan have fallen in love with her if she hadn’t come along with Denny and moved in?
The answer is no.
He recognizes that himself. Near the end of the book she asked Kellan, “Why me?” He replied, “It was you and Denny… your relationship.” In the world the author built for us, this was Kellan’s first look at what a loving relationship looks like. I’m not so sure he fell in love with Kiera per se. All I know is that he fell in love with love.
7. The proxy line…
When Kellan tells Kiera that “every girl is you”, it somehow doesn’t ring true for me. If every sexual encounter was a substitute for Kiera, then why did each one have to be traffic-stopping beautiful and, for that matter, why did they need to be one-time-stands? It would be just as easy to use a mildly attractive person and use them more than once. No doubt they’d be willing.
Love you, Kellan, but I’m calling pants on fire on this one. Lucky for you that Kiera decided not to examine that sentiment too closely.
8. The Culture of Smack.
No. Not cocaine. I’m talking “smack” as a verb. If I wasn’t so invested in the story, my irritation over all the “smacking” going on would have won out at some point. She uses the term “smack” to describe everything from a playful love pat to hitting someone hard enough to be very serious about getting their attention. If your attempt to correct someone’s bad manners involves a “smack” to the back of the head, what does that say about your manners?
My e-reader allowed me to count how many times people were “smacked” in this first book alone. FIFTY ONE!
I can only assume that this author comes from a world that is alien to my own. I don’t “smack”. I’m not “smacked”. And I don’t know people who go about their lives “smacking”. It was weird (to me) and entirely overused. If you weren’t annoyed, more power to you.
9. FORESHADOWING.
This trilogy moved me to a rare reread. If you haven’t read the entire series yet, you will have to take my word for it. The author does an excellent job foreshadowing things to come.
COMING UP… Book 2, Effortless
April 1, 2013
Violet Dawn FEATURE & GIVEAWAY
Violet Dawn
Violet Night Book Two
Lynn Rush
Release Date April 1, 2013
Crescent Moon Press
About the book:
In the darkest place, the Light shines brightest.
Emma’s love saved Jake from life as a vampire. But their happily ever after is threatened by a savage Vamp seeking retribution for destroying the Avenos Trinity of Evil.
A mysterious stranger enters the mix, coinciding with the first Vamp attack in months. Emma’s new friendship, and the suspicion and deceit surrounding it, further drives a wedge between her and Jake.
To complicate things, Emma is bitten by a Vamp with abilities no one has ever seen before, and that bite has left its mark.
A mark that might tear Jake and Emma apart forever…
~~~
Rafflecopter Giveaway (Kindle is the prize) Giveaway ends at Midnight (EST) April 23rd, 2013.
Book trailer: http://youtu.be/MZE8Yyv2ZGM
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17160459-violet-dawn
Website link: http://www.lynnrush.com Website is called Catch the Rush®
About the Author: Driven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources – Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush – since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rush’s books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake, and a portion of the proceeds benefits cancer research and awareness.
Connect with Lynn online
Catch the Rush™: www.LynnRush.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lynnrushwrites/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/f55fL
March 31, 2013
March 30, 2013
THOUGHTLESS Series Discussion Starts TOMORROW
Get ready. IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK 1, STAY UP LATE TONIGHT!!
As a new feature of the blog, I’m going to regale you with my thoughts and perspective on some of my favorite series and get yours.
As you probably know, authors are also readers. Like you, every now and then I fall in love with a story – so much so that I can’t stop thinking about it, so much so that it remains a distraction long after the last word is digested. I suppose that’s the definition of “haunted”.
In the next few months, I want to share some of these with you in the true sense of the word “share” – give and take.
The first series to be presented is Thoughtless, by S.C. Stephens. There are three books in the trilogy written just the way I like it – as an ongoing story. I will begin with this book on April 4th and continue with the second book the next week. Each Thursday I will post my thoughts and check back through through the weekend to participate in discussion and reply to posts.
You may be asking yourself why a fantasy author is choosing to begin with a contemporary fiction series. On April 4th you’ll find out. You have six days to read, or REread as the case may be, this book if you want to follow along with me. I have not received a free copy and am not in any way associated with the project.
The following links are provided as a courtesy. Hope you will join me.
