L.L. Hunter's Blog, page 38
September 30, 2015
Soulless by Jacinta Maree - Release Day Blitz
Title: Soulless: The Immortal Gene, Book 1Author: Jacinta MareeGenre: Dystopian / Supernatural New AdultHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb:Welcome to Soulless. We are the generation that laughs at death. Reincarnation; what was once considered a gift of immortality has become an eternity of nightmares. Nadia Richards lives in a world plagued by reincarnation, a system of recycling souls where all past memories, personalities and traumatic events are relived daily in disjointed sequences. Trapped within their own warped realities, not even the richest and most powerful are saved from their own minds unraveling. Madness is the new human nature, and civilizations are crumpling beneath themselves trying to outrun it. Within a society that ignores death, Nadia appears to be the one exception to the reincarnation trap. Born without any reincarnated memories and with printless eyes, the hot tempered 19 year old quickly becomes the ultimate prize to all those wishing to end the vicious cycle, or for some, to ensure they could evade death forever. Facebook Release Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/148595475478773/
My Review
Soulless is a fresh take on the dystopian genre. It is exciting and full of action. If you like Divergent or Taherah Mafi's Juliette Chronicles, then you'll enjoy Soulless! Some parts really grossed me out but I think that's an estimate of Jacinta's talent as a writer. Jacinta is a fantastic writer with an amazing imagination and I cannot wait to read more from her.
Born in Melbourne Australia, Jacinta Maree considers herself a chocoholic with an obsession with dragons, video gaming and Japan. She writes a variety of genres including YA paranormal, steampunk, horror, new adult, dystopian and fantasy. Winner of 2014 Horror of the year and bestselling author, Jacinta writes to bring enjoyment to others while fulfilling her own need to explore the weird and the impossible.Author Links:Site: http://jacintamaree.wix.com/jacintamaree Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jacinta.maree.10Deviant art: http://jacintamaree.deviantart.com/Twitter: jacintamaree6.comGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/showBuy Links: Pre-Order - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014ONKO9K
The world had turned to waste; immortality was never meant for man and it drove humanity to the edge of destruction. There had been plenty of stories about how the human race would end. Unlike the movies from Hollywood, there was no big bang like a sun exploding; there was no catastrophic moment where our world was flipped upside down like in a nuclear war or zombie virus outbreak. It was gradual, like a seeping virus that withered everything within its path until it ground us down into brittle, hollowed cores. It wasn’t out to destroy our bodies; it destroyed everything we once treasured. Hope, love, compassion, joy… even our mortality. It was all gone. And now it mocked us with a peace we could never achieve, death.
September 29, 2015
Second Nature by AE Watson - Release Day Blitz
Title: Second Nature (Crimson Cover Mysteries, Book Two)Author: A.E. Watson Genre: YA romance, horror, mystery, and thrillerHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb: Flirting, first love, fighting for your life.All the things that represent a spectacular fall in Crimson Cove, named after the sight one sees when the trees all turn red in the crisp autumn air.When school starts and the events of the summer no one is likely to forget haven't been solved, the five girls decide to take matters into their own hands.But the problem with lifting stones to find the secrets hidden under them is that you never can tell just what lies beneath.For the five unlikely friends, what lies beneath involves each and every one of them.And as the story twists and turns, they start to see they are each connected to the murder and the disappearance still rocking the small sea side community.Don't miss the exciting second book in The Crimson Cove Mysteries. Facebook Release Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/1045098982201871/
I am the mother of two beautiful girls who are growing up so fast, the wife of a cute guy in a uniform (my own personal hero), and a writer.My family will tell you it doesn't exactly fall into that order. Especially around dinner time when I "Cook" from a takeout menu with my face plastered to my computer. I also have two cats who I adore more than I should, like more than people I know, and a dog. He is a beagle who is naughty but just so darned cute. He gives you that little beagle face and then steals your slice of pizza.I have a busy mind and even busier fingers. I can write fast and keep track of a large cast, but I can't remember why I'm at the grocery store. I try to write lists but they always end up being notes for books or indie bands. I LOVE INDIE MUSIC! I talk to myself in the car and sing too loud for my skill level. The invention of Bluetooth has made talking in the car less awkward but if you hear me singing, run. I love writing. I love my characters like they are my friends and I am telling their version of the truth.My worst flaw is the horrid English accent which I read everything with. If I read aloud it comes too. I'm not English, so I can't even do the accent which makes it awkward for anyone who is nearby.My favourite authors are Robert Jordan and Jane Austen and Robert Mccammon and Jim Crace. I think Stephen King and Dean Koontz have the most unique imaginations. I have the hardest time not LOVING Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger. I know all the serial killers have a copy but I adored that novel. It made me feel a thousand different things and one of them was more alive. (And not in the least bit serial killer-ish) When I grow up I want to be James Patterson or Nora Roberts. I aspire to be like them, always trying to hone my skills and work harder. My genres are all over the map. I have Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, Science Fiction, Erotica (under Sophie Starr my porn name so my mom doesn't know), Thrillers, and even some Romantic Comedies. If you would like to reach me for whatever reason, please visit me at my facebook page -facebook.com/TaraBrownAuthor. You can also email me at tarabrownauthor@hotmail.com Thanks for checking me out and I hope you got lost in something I wrote or it made you so HAPPY/SAD/BLISSFUL/TURNED ON/ANGRY/EXCITED/FRIGHTENED/HORRIFIED/MAD that you couldn't believe it. The list of what is coming out this year is not completed. I will keep my Facebook page as up to date as I can. Here is a short breakdown of my genres and pen names. TARA BROWN- My main page and essentially my brand. Books published under Tara Brown will be adult and mostly suspense and romance. The Lonely and Single Lady Spy Series are among those. Not intended for young readers, at all. 18 and over. AE WATSON - My pen name for Young Adult books. Born, HERE, The Seventh Day, White Girl Problems, etc. This is my page that is safe for YA readers of a mature reading level. ERIN LEIGH - Adult Romance and Chick Lit. 18 and over recommended reading level. TL BROWN - Adult Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy. NOT FOR YOUNG READERS AT ALL!! SOPHIE STARR - Adult Only Erotica. NOT FOR YOUNG READERS AT ALL!!!!!!!! Hope you have a great day and of course, happy reading! Remember to read at your comfort level. Not all books published by me, Tara Brown, are suited for everyone.Author Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aewatson22Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4466023.A_E_WatsonAmazon: http://amzn.to/1Jz2usjTwitter: https://twitter.com/TaraBrown22Web: http://tarabrown22.blogspot.ca/
Halloween ScreamOctober 31, 2015SierraThe noise of the creaking stairs, the ones I had just crept up, sounded like it echoed in my ears. Someone had followed us here. “Jake,” I whispered, hoping he was messing around. If he was, I would be angry. I lifted one leg after the other and slipped my high heels off, holding them both so I could tiptoe through the half-constructed mansion without making noise. Jake didn't answer, but the footsteps had stopped from the moment I whispered. The scary movie marathon we’d had before Rachel died flashed through my head, bringing ideas and memories with it. I tiptoed around the corner, brushing my Frankenstein’s bride dress on the rough edge where the unfinished walls met. The drywall scraped against me, making me wince as I hurried along the corridor to the back deck. Whoever was in the house with me was either moving silently too or they were standing still, listening. Either way, I had a terrible feeling this wasn't a game. That meant one thing: Jake was injured or hiding. And I was alone. My heart raced, my eyes burned from not blinking—fearful I would miss something—and my mouth was as dry as a mouthful of popcorn. The floor creaked. I froze. “Sierra,” someone whispered into the dark. My skin crawled when I realized it wasn't Jake. It wasn't his whisper. I’d heard that enough times, always in the dark, to know it wasn't him. “Sierra, don't be scared.” It sounded like something it couldn't be, but I didn't believe. I stayed perfectly still, waiting for the moment I needed to run to the back deck and jump down onto the sandy beach. What had the girls in the horror movies done wrong? What could I avoid? My mind raced, remembering the runners always got caught. They always got stabbed. Usually in the back. The thought of it made my skin burn where I imagined the knife would slice. The hiders always got caught. They were the ones breathing too loudly or hiding in stupid places. “Sierra, I won’t hurt you if you come to me.” I squeezed my eyes shut for half a second and waited for the answer, the right choice, to pop into my head. A dog barked, making me jump and open my eyes. The sound was joined by the creaking of the floorboards again. With gentle breaths and controlled movements I crept along the hallway, entering the spot where the kitchen or master bedroom would likely go. The house was freshly sealed with windows and doors, but it was still in the drywall stage with plywood floors. The massive back deck was through the white French doors, facing the beach and open ocean. The moon offered light, enough to make shadows move with me. I hurried to an alcove I assumed would one day be a nook for a breakfast bar or maybe the ensuite soaker tub. I pressed my back against the wall and stared at the bright white French doors. If I could make it to them, I was free. If only I had my cell phone, I could call the police or Jake or Vincent. Someone would come and help me. Even Ashton might answer. But that wasn't an option. I scolded myself for my weakness in me and forced my focus to be on the doors. They were my answer. They were my hope. As I exhaled and plotted my moment to run and everything I would do from that point on, the floor creaked in the hallway behind me. It was now or never. Live or die. I took one more breath and pushed off from the wall…
The Garden of Fate Release Day Blitz
Another month, another release.
This isn't just any release though. This is the end of a much beloved trilogy. Now, i don't want to sound egotistic, but i think this series is one of my best, so readers have told me.
Ever since i introduced Eden in The Chronicles of Fire and Ice, i knew she would have her own series.
But this book isn't the last you'll see of Eden. Oh, no. She'll have many more adventures in the last 2 books of The Legend of the Archangel series, and a new spin off series, An Angel in London - detailing the lives of Michael Academy (The London Angel Academy) students 5 years into the future. You'll see Eden become a woman, earn her wings and even get into a bit more trouble ;) You'll also get to know Eden's cousin, Gabe, and Kat's (From The Legend of the Archangel series) brothers better.
I hope you'll enjoy The Garden of Fate. I had so much fun writing it.
Title: The Garden of FateSeries: The Eden Chronicles book 3Author: L.L. HunterGenre: YA paranormal fantasyRelease Date: 30th September 2015
BlurbJazmine had evaded capture for two thousand years, so she wasn’t about to let two teenagers ruin her plans.With Jazmine on the run, Eden and Asher have a new threat to worry about; the fact that their relationship was doomed from the beginning.Even with the law and all kinds of supernatural forces against them, will love conquer?In the thrilling conclusion to The Eden Chronicles, from the author of the bestselling The Legend of the Archangel series,Can Eden and Asher stop the Angel of Fate from changing their lives forever?
Purchase Links: 1. The Garden of EdenAmazon: http://amzn.com/B00EWCD0LSiBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-garden-of-eden/id713337117?mt=11Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-garden-of-eden-ll-hunter/1116974166?ean=2940045284752Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-garden-of-eden-152: The Garden of DeathAmazon: http://amzn.com/B00KOAMBSKiBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-garden-of-death/id869356486?mt=11Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-garden-of-death-ll-hunter/1119477771?ean=2940045919463Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-garden-of-death3. The Garden of FateAmazon: http://amzn.com/B014OWEWCGiBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-garden-of-fate/id961199593?mt=11Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-garden-of-fate-ll-hunter/1121107528?ean=2940046532807Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-garden-of-fate-1
L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Eden Chronicles. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction, to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.”
Social MediaFacebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/578667812172906/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooksAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/L.L.-Hunter/e/B00B2B701I/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379386637&sr=8-1Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_HunterBlog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au Instagram: @llhunterGoogle +: google.com/+LLHunter
Keep watching my instagram and facebook pages for the The Eden Chronicles contest!
September 25, 2015
Redeeming Angel by J.L. Weil - Release Day Blitz
Title: Redeeming Angel (Divisa Series, #5)Author: J.L. Weil Genre: YA Paranormal RomanceHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb: The war between Hell and Earth is about to commence.But first, Chase must save the girl he loves.Hell should have killed Chase Winters when it had the chance. Now, it’s too late. He is coming for them—all of them. And he won’t stop until he gets what he wants. Angel. Chase will be damned before he lets Hell take the only thing that matters in his life.Angel Morgan is as feisty as ever—more so. She is embracing the darker side of being other than human. The line between good and bad has blurred, and even if Chase can find a way to bring her back, that kind of betrayal leaves nasty scars.In the most sensual and action-packed installment yet, the world is crumbling down around them, and the stakes are higher than ever. They must do whatever it takes to rid Earth of demons. One thing is clear. Their love will either save them or destroy them all. No matter the outcome, lives will never be the same
Award-winning and Bestselling author J.L. Weil writes Teen & New Adult Paranormal Romances about spunky, smart mouth girls who always wind up in dire situations. For every sassy girl, there is an equally mouthwatering, overprotective guy. Of course there is lots of kissing. And stuff. Most of her books are for ages 16+. They usually have what she considers the good stuff - sexual content (oh yeah) and swearing. You have been warned ;) An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, (yum!) and Jensen Ackles (double yum!). She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers. Author links:Blog: http://jlweil.blogspot.com/Website: www.jlweil.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferlweilTwitter: https://twitter.com/JLWeilGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5831854.J_L_WeilWattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/jlweilAmazon Buy links:Saving Angel (FREE): http://tinyurl.com/o765n62Hunting Angel: http://tinyurl.com/ozfdnhrChasing Angel: http://tinyurl.com/ofqlpo2Loving Angel: http://tinyurl.com/okcvth4Redeeming Angel (preorder): http://tinyurl.com/oamx764
Deep down, I knew everything wasn’t hunky-dory. She wasn’t magically better, but how convenient the mind worked to get what it really wanted. And oh, I wanted her.There was no denying that every fiber of my body wanted this. It had been weeks since my lips had touched hers, and the hunger came on swift and strong. I ached inside. Ached for the physical touch of her skin, of her soft, berry-flavored lips.Using my tongue, I parted her lips and plunged, deepening the kiss. A thousand fires ignited inside me, joining into one flame I couldn’t contain. I was drowning in the sweetest fire. My hands inched under her shirt, splaying over her lower back. The world didn’t seem so screwed up when Angel was kissing my brains out. It was the greatest buzz.She pulled back just slightly, her eyes capturing mine, and then she cupped the back of my neck, reclaiming the distance. Damn. She kissed me in a way that put all others to shame. It would have made the Angel I loved blush. There was nothing innocent or sweet as she nipped my lower lip, and I swore I tasted blood.Her breathy moan nearly undid me, yet it was the wiggling of her hips that sent me over the edge. Our hearts sped up. I totally took the kiss there, throwing every worry and fear into it. It was then I felt the sudden change in her, but I was powerless to pull away. My demon was screaming, “Yes, yes, yes!” He loved the darker side of Angel, and it was tearing me in two. The struggle between my demon and me was the hardest I’d ever had to deal with.I gripped her hips and pushed back. Her eyes. They were dark in the shadowy light, but the glimmer of red was undeniable.They were wrong. So very wrong.
September 24, 2015
Blue Baby by Carolyn Arnold - Review Blitz
Title: Blue Baby (BRANDON FISHER FBI SERIES)Author: Carolyn Arnold Genre: Mystery/ThrillerPublisher: Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc.Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb:
Where light meets darkness…
Happiness is elusive for many, but from the killer’s standpoint, it’s something he creates. And he’s determined to get it right…at least one more time.
The murders were one year apart, but the similarities have the interest of the FBI. Both victims were found in their tubs, dressed in their wedding gowns. But that’s not the worst of it. When a third body is found, Brandon Fisher and his team make the chilling discovery that more than the killer’s method of operation connects the women.
My Review:
This is the first book of Carolyn's i've read, and i was pleasently surprised. I love crime novels, especially the ones with gritty forensic details. Having studied Forensic Science myself, it's very rare to find one with forensic details. Carolyn's a master story teller. This book was very well written and i enjoyed it so much i had to go and buy book 1.
Author Bio:
CAROLYN ARNOLD is the international best-selling and award-winning author of the Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher, and McKinley Mystery series. She is the only author with POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.™
Carolyn was born in a small town, but that doesn’t keep her from dreaming big. And on par with her large dreams is her overactive imagination that conjures up killers and cases to solve. She currently lives in a city near Toronto with her husband and two beagles, Max and Chelsea. She is also a member of Crime Writers of Canada.
Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:Website - http://carolynarnold.net/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Carolyn_Arnold Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynArnold
And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.
Buy Links:
Amazon US – http://amzn.to/1Ioo47d Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1BRlDbP Amazon CA – http://amzn.to/1NumqQH Amazon AU – http://ow.ly/PblCU Barnes & Noble – http://ow.ly/PEBhW Apple iBooks – http://ow.ly/PEBL4 Kobo – http://ow.ly/PEC11
Excerpts: (Choose One)
#1 EXCERPT FROM BLUE BABY, Prologue:
PrologueTHE WHITE SILK WAS DRAPED over the porcelain of the tub like angel wings. She was beautiful, radiant. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were open and staring at him.He took the set of fake lashes from his pocket and applied them. He coated her eyeball with glue before delicately using both hands to pull her eyes closed. The extensions fanned against her flesh.He applied the eye shadow and stepped back to appreciate the hues of brown and gold.Next. Lipstick.He smeared the tube across her lips. The bright red was an exquisite touch of color against her fair skin. He put the veil in place and wisped back the nylon until it framed her face and ensconced her shoulders. He stood back to admire his work thus far.Divine.The blonde sat with her back against the end of the tub, her dress spilling down her frame and over the ledge. Her hair was a bed of curls beneath her veil. Her makeup appeared professional, and he was pleased with his hard work. He wasn’t nearly as perfect with the first one.Her mouth carried a hint of peace. Of happiness.The Big Event was under way.“Almost.”His gaze went to her left hand resting in her lap.How could he have been so foolish? Was he rushing things? He moved swiftly through her apartment and found what he sought on her dresser.“There you go, beautiful.” He slipped the wedding ring on her finger, leaving him with one final task.He took the cigar cutter from his pocket, slipped her ring finger into it, and squeezed. As he had the first time, he marveled at the ease of it, how such small blades were able to cut through bone. He let the severed finger fall against her ivory dress.Stepping back, he took in her beauty.She was pleased. It was in the way her lips were set.He smiled. “Now, you can just be happy.”
#2 EXCERPT FROM BLUE BABY, Chapter 1:
Chapter 1HER SNORING HAD KEPT ME up for most of the night, but I wasn’t cruel enough to wake her. While I had considered pinching her nose to quiet her, I mustered the restraint not to. I didn’t really want to deal with a sleep-deprived and pissed-off woman.The solution wasn’t in getting sleep myself—it was already five AM—it would be in downing a pot of coffee. I’d need that much to function today. But thanks to technology, I’d have to repeat the coffee-brewing process twelve times since I’d upgraded to one of those single-serve makers. I put in the pod, and after some protest in the form of moaning and gurgling, the machine sputtered out the black nectar into my waiting cup. While the brew finished, I rested my eyes. I’d have to be alert soon enough.The text message had come in overnight, bathing the bedroom in a white glow. I had read it, careful not to tug the sheets and wake my female companion. The gist was that another sicko had decided to use the world as his demented playground. I didn’t know the details yet, but the summation was always a variation of that fact, and my presence had been requested in the briefing room first thing.I breathed in, eyes closed, my nose appreciating the robust aroma that filled the air while my mind drifted to last night. It might have been a bad idea inviting her over, but it had been fun. I’d have to wake her soon, but I’d put it off for as long as possible.The puttering of the coffeemaker came to an end, and I added two lumps of sugar and some milk to my cup.“Brandon? What are you doing up so early?”She was in one my shirts, her hair tousled over her shoulders. The way she was winding one strand around her finger would drive any man mad.Forget the coffee. Forget the snoring. There were some sacrifices worth making.“There’s a case.” God, she looked good, but I dared not touch her.She slipped her arms around my waist, and I continued to fight the impulse to scoop her up and take her back to my bed. “But you had the day booked off. We had plans.”“I know, but sometimes these things happen.” Maybe a little embrace wouldn’t hurt anything. I wrapped my arms around her and slapped her butt.She let out a yelp. “Be careful what you’re starting.” She snuggled her face into my neck, her tongue teasing my flesh.“We’ll have to take a rain check,” I said, then cupped her face and tilted it upward until her mouth met mine. My jaw was tight, determined, and hungry. I took her without mercy. She reciprocated with as much as I gave. Slipping my hand under the shirt she wore, I found her breasts and teased her nipples with the pads of my thumbs. She let out a moan and arched her head back.God, I loved giving her pleasure as much as I loved receiving it. I parted from her only long enough to clear a space on the counter and then lifted her up.Her perfume filled my head, diluting all logic and intoxicating my senses. I trailed kisses from her neck down to her chest and slid a taut nipple between my teeth.Her deep breathing encouraged me, and the hardening of her nipple reciprocated what was happening in my pants.Forget work.As I parted her legs, my cell phone rang. “Son of a bitch!”“I had a feeling it was too good to be true.” She tapped a kiss on my cheek and hopped down from the counter.The caller ID flashed PAIGE DAWSON. I took a deep breath. No big deal. Paige was a beautiful redhead with electric-green eyes, who had me straying from my marriage while at the training academy. It was only by a strange twist of fate that I had wound up on the same team as her within the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. When my divorce had been finalized in December, Paige and I had determined that a relationship between us wasn’t going to work. The age difference between us had never mattered. She was in her early forties, and I was twenty-nine. What had interfered were our careers.I answered with my gaze on the new woman in my life—Becky Tulson. We’d met last fall when I was working on a case in Dumfries, Virginia. The attraction had been instant and the conversation between us stimulating, but until recently, the situation had been complicated.“Brandon,” Paige said, “there’s been a change of plans.”A banging came from the front door immediately after, and Becky nodded to me before heading off to answer it.What the hell? The place was becoming Grand Central, and all I needed was another twenty minutes to fit in a quick one. Apparently I was asking for too much.“What’s going on?” I asked into the receiver.“Brandon,” Becky called to me, “Jack’s here.” She stood behind the opened door, shielding her body from Jack’s line of sight.“We’re outside,” Paige said.“It’s a little too late to tell me that.” I hung up, wondering how it was possible for this day to descend downhill any faster than it already was.I hurried to the front door, experiencing a moment of awkwardness. My boss and my lover, face-to-face. My lover wearing only a shirt. My shirt.“Don’t stand there, kid. We have a flight to catch. Grab your go bag.”“One second, Jack.” I closed the door on him and worked to get my house key off the ring. I handed it to Becky. “Leave when you’re ready.”She pouted but nodded. She understood. She also worked in law enforcement and could appreciate that if the job called, one had to respond.“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. Heck, I’m not even sure where I’m headed.”“No worries.” She smiled and kissed my lips. I lingered. She pulled back. “You better get going. Jack doesn’t strike me as the patient type.”“You have no idea.” I grabbed the bag I kept by the front door—for the very purpose of last-minute trips like this—and opened the door. Jack was still standing there, and I jumped, having expected him to be in the car by now.“I thought we were meeting at—”Jack shook his head. “There’s a new development.”A “new development” meant the case we were going to discuss had become urgent. It meant someone else was dead. And our cases rarely involved run-of-the-mill shootings or passionate kills in the heat of the moment.We hunted psychotic unsubs.
#3 EXCERPT FROM BLUE BABY, Chapter 3:
Chapter 3TARA DAY LIVED IN A three-story apartment building near the Columbia Mall. The pattern of its brick facade made it appear as if it were freckled. The redeeming aspect to the property was the lush greenery, and each unit had either a balcony or patio. Tara’s apartment was on the second floor.A couple of crime scene investigators were working over her residence, and I suspected they’d be there for hours yet. Collecting evidence in a murder case wasn’t a quick job as it was portrayed on TV. It took time and diligence.The case file told us Tara’s time of death was placed between midnight and three AM yesterday. Police found her at nine AM after receiving a call from her coworker, just as Nadia had said.A man I pegged as the lead detective met us at the door. His attention went straight to Jack. My boss just had a way about him. His aura demanded acknowledgment. To those on the outside, there would be no mistaking he was the one in charge.“Supervisory Special Agent Jack Harper?” the detective asked.Jack nodded and didn’t initiate a handshake. Neither did the detective.“My name’s Detective Russell Powers and—” He looked behind him, searching for someone.A man in his early thirties hurried over, and I recognized something of myself in him. I had a tendency to run late for things, too, and sometimes it felt as if I was constantly playing catch up.He smiled at us, his eyes shooting straight to Paige. Maybe we were too much alike. As his gaze settled on her, he bit his bottom lip, as if he thought it made him attractive. His nose was bulbous and too big for his face, and his hair was cropped short and came to a point in the middle of his brow. He extended his hand to Paige.“This is Sam Barber.” Powers made the introduction, but it seemed Barber was getting around fine by himself.He ended the rounds with me. His shake was firm, and the glint in his eyes told me he was interested in staking claim to Paige. I pressed on a grin, doing my best to make it appear sincere.“So fill us in. What are we looking at here?” Jack asked. It was part of his tactic. He preferred to be briefed at the scene. He didn’t like relying on what came to us secondhand through reports. He liked to hear it from the detective’s mouth.“We’ve got a female victim. Tara Day. I assume you know most of what we do at this point.”I fought a smirk. Powers wasn’t one to play the game, either. He and Jack must have been separated at birth. Like Jack, Powers had a hardened gaze and scowl lines around his mouth. Powers seemed to be in his forties while Jack was in his early fifties. Powers’s hair was receding on the sides, leaving a rounded patch of hair in the middle of his head. Jack had a full mop of hair.“Hmm.” Jack brushed past Powers into the apartment. The rest of us followed. It was clear that Jack wasn’t impressed with Powers’s lack of cooperation.The layout of the place was simplistic with a galley kitchen to the left of the entry. A living area was straight ahead. The furniture was basic and low-end. Maybe even used.Powers guided us down a side hallway. “She was found in the bathroom.”The bedroom was on the left, and the bathroom on the right. Powers stopped outside the door. It was compact with the sink and toilet squeezed next to a regular-sized bathtub.“It’s a tight space,” I said, verbalizing my observation.“It is. The killer didn’t have much room to work with, but as you know, she wasn’t killed here,” Powers said.“She was suffocated in her bed,” Zachery pitched in. He knew this from the case file.“Based on the state of the bed—the sheets were all tangled up—that’s the way we’re leaning.”“So, afterward, he dragged her lifeless body to the tub?” I asked.“Your name again?” Powers’s eyes were sharp and lasered in on mine.“Special Agent Fisher.”The hint of a simper twitched Powers’s lips. It wasn’t hard to surmise what he was thinking—possibly career envy. After all, detectives never had special added to their job titles. It wasn’t just that, though. In this case, there was derision and judgment painted on his expression. Too bad if the man thought it was egotistical. I had worked hard for the title and had two months before my probation period was over and it was officially mine.“Well, Special Agent Fisher, first he dressed her in a wedding gown, then he placed her in the tub.”“And the dress was hers?” Paige asked.Barber entered the conversation. “It seems to be. We found the box it would have come in.”“While the gown and ring were hers, the veil wasn’t a match to the dress,” Powers said.“Something borrowed?” Paige asked.“I noticed that in the case file. Its design was different from the dress,” Zachery said.“That’s right. The veil had a rosebud wreath, and while her dress had intricate lace rose patterns, there were no buds. It also had a tinge of yellow to it.”I glanced at Paige. “Sounds more like something old. It also goes back to what was mentioned about him recreating what he had seen.”Jack shot me a look to keep quiet. There would be plenty of time to discuss the case once we left here.Powers looked between Jack and me. He caught Jack’s glare but didn’t bother pressing for more about what I had said. I was thankful to him for leaving it alone.“Have you found her fiancé?” Paige asked.“Not yet, but we are looking into that,” Barber answered.“We’ll take it from here,” Jack said to the detectives. “Has the family been notified?”“They will be this morning. We weren’t able to get in contact with them yesterday,” Powers responded. “The medical examiner is expecting you tomorrow for the autopsy. He’s quite confident on the cause of death, though. The killer got on top of Tara and suffocated her.”“Compressive asphyxiation,” Zachery added.Powers appeared about as pleased to be interrupted as Jack did when it happened to him. “That’s right. He’ll also have all the forensic evidence cataloged for you then.”“Detective?” An investigator came toward our group, her gaze on Powers. She held a plastic bag with a slip of paper inside. “We just found this.” She paused, acknowledging the rest of us. Her cheeks flushed, seemingly shy around new people.“These people are special agents with the FBI.” Powers looked at me as he gave the generic introduction. He wanted to make sure I didn’t miss the special part. “This is Tammy.”“Hi.” Tammy rushed to continue. “This receipt was found in her kitchen garbage can. It’s dated for last night at seven.”Powers took the bag from her and examined the receipt. He then extended it to Jack, and Jack passed it on to us.I read the name of the bar, Down the Hatch. The cashier number was 007. Tara’s tab came to fifteen dollars. It was a detailed receipt showing two apple martinis. The time stamp, as Tammy had noted, was seven o’clock at night. Early by most standards. Did she meet the unsub at the bar?I handed the evidence bag back to Tammy, and she left to file it.Jack addressed me and my colleagues. “Let’s see what we can find out at that bar.”
Blurb:
Where light meets darkness…
Happiness is elusive for many, but from the killer’s standpoint, it’s something he creates. And he’s determined to get it right…at least one more time.
The murders were one year apart, but the similarities have the interest of the FBI. Both victims were found in their tubs, dressed in their wedding gowns. But that’s not the worst of it. When a third body is found, Brandon Fisher and his team make the chilling discovery that more than the killer’s method of operation connects the women.
My Review:
This is the first book of Carolyn's i've read, and i was pleasently surprised. I love crime novels, especially the ones with gritty forensic details. Having studied Forensic Science myself, it's very rare to find one with forensic details. Carolyn's a master story teller. This book was very well written and i enjoyed it so much i had to go and buy book 1.
Author Bio:
CAROLYN ARNOLD is the international best-selling and award-winning author of the Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher, and McKinley Mystery series. She is the only author with POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.™
Carolyn was born in a small town, but that doesn’t keep her from dreaming big. And on par with her large dreams is her overactive imagination that conjures up killers and cases to solve. She currently lives in a city near Toronto with her husband and two beagles, Max and Chelsea. She is also a member of Crime Writers of Canada.
Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:Website - http://carolynarnold.net/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Carolyn_Arnold Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynArnold
And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.
Buy Links:
Amazon US – http://amzn.to/1Ioo47d Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1BRlDbP Amazon CA – http://amzn.to/1NumqQH Amazon AU – http://ow.ly/PblCU Barnes & Noble – http://ow.ly/PEBhW Apple iBooks – http://ow.ly/PEBL4 Kobo – http://ow.ly/PEC11
Excerpts: (Choose One)
#1 EXCERPT FROM BLUE BABY, Prologue:
PrologueTHE WHITE SILK WAS DRAPED over the porcelain of the tub like angel wings. She was beautiful, radiant. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were open and staring at him.He took the set of fake lashes from his pocket and applied them. He coated her eyeball with glue before delicately using both hands to pull her eyes closed. The extensions fanned against her flesh.He applied the eye shadow and stepped back to appreciate the hues of brown and gold.Next. Lipstick.He smeared the tube across her lips. The bright red was an exquisite touch of color against her fair skin. He put the veil in place and wisped back the nylon until it framed her face and ensconced her shoulders. He stood back to admire his work thus far.Divine.The blonde sat with her back against the end of the tub, her dress spilling down her frame and over the ledge. Her hair was a bed of curls beneath her veil. Her makeup appeared professional, and he was pleased with his hard work. He wasn’t nearly as perfect with the first one.Her mouth carried a hint of peace. Of happiness.The Big Event was under way.“Almost.”His gaze went to her left hand resting in her lap.How could he have been so foolish? Was he rushing things? He moved swiftly through her apartment and found what he sought on her dresser.“There you go, beautiful.” He slipped the wedding ring on her finger, leaving him with one final task.He took the cigar cutter from his pocket, slipped her ring finger into it, and squeezed. As he had the first time, he marveled at the ease of it, how such small blades were able to cut through bone. He let the severed finger fall against her ivory dress.Stepping back, he took in her beauty.She was pleased. It was in the way her lips were set.He smiled. “Now, you can just be happy.”
#2 EXCERPT FROM BLUE BABY, Chapter 1:
Chapter 1HER SNORING HAD KEPT ME up for most of the night, but I wasn’t cruel enough to wake her. While I had considered pinching her nose to quiet her, I mustered the restraint not to. I didn’t really want to deal with a sleep-deprived and pissed-off woman.The solution wasn’t in getting sleep myself—it was already five AM—it would be in downing a pot of coffee. I’d need that much to function today. But thanks to technology, I’d have to repeat the coffee-brewing process twelve times since I’d upgraded to one of those single-serve makers. I put in the pod, and after some protest in the form of moaning and gurgling, the machine sputtered out the black nectar into my waiting cup. While the brew finished, I rested my eyes. I’d have to be alert soon enough.The text message had come in overnight, bathing the bedroom in a white glow. I had read it, careful not to tug the sheets and wake my female companion. The gist was that another sicko had decided to use the world as his demented playground. I didn’t know the details yet, but the summation was always a variation of that fact, and my presence had been requested in the briefing room first thing.I breathed in, eyes closed, my nose appreciating the robust aroma that filled the air while my mind drifted to last night. It might have been a bad idea inviting her over, but it had been fun. I’d have to wake her soon, but I’d put it off for as long as possible.The puttering of the coffeemaker came to an end, and I added two lumps of sugar and some milk to my cup.“Brandon? What are you doing up so early?”She was in one my shirts, her hair tousled over her shoulders. The way she was winding one strand around her finger would drive any man mad.Forget the coffee. Forget the snoring. There were some sacrifices worth making.“There’s a case.” God, she looked good, but I dared not touch her.She slipped her arms around my waist, and I continued to fight the impulse to scoop her up and take her back to my bed. “But you had the day booked off. We had plans.”“I know, but sometimes these things happen.” Maybe a little embrace wouldn’t hurt anything. I wrapped my arms around her and slapped her butt.She let out a yelp. “Be careful what you’re starting.” She snuggled her face into my neck, her tongue teasing my flesh.“We’ll have to take a rain check,” I said, then cupped her face and tilted it upward until her mouth met mine. My jaw was tight, determined, and hungry. I took her without mercy. She reciprocated with as much as I gave. Slipping my hand under the shirt she wore, I found her breasts and teased her nipples with the pads of my thumbs. She let out a moan and arched her head back.God, I loved giving her pleasure as much as I loved receiving it. I parted from her only long enough to clear a space on the counter and then lifted her up.Her perfume filled my head, diluting all logic and intoxicating my senses. I trailed kisses from her neck down to her chest and slid a taut nipple between my teeth.Her deep breathing encouraged me, and the hardening of her nipple reciprocated what was happening in my pants.Forget work.As I parted her legs, my cell phone rang. “Son of a bitch!”“I had a feeling it was too good to be true.” She tapped a kiss on my cheek and hopped down from the counter.The caller ID flashed PAIGE DAWSON. I took a deep breath. No big deal. Paige was a beautiful redhead with electric-green eyes, who had me straying from my marriage while at the training academy. It was only by a strange twist of fate that I had wound up on the same team as her within the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. When my divorce had been finalized in December, Paige and I had determined that a relationship between us wasn’t going to work. The age difference between us had never mattered. She was in her early forties, and I was twenty-nine. What had interfered were our careers.I answered with my gaze on the new woman in my life—Becky Tulson. We’d met last fall when I was working on a case in Dumfries, Virginia. The attraction had been instant and the conversation between us stimulating, but until recently, the situation had been complicated.“Brandon,” Paige said, “there’s been a change of plans.”A banging came from the front door immediately after, and Becky nodded to me before heading off to answer it.What the hell? The place was becoming Grand Central, and all I needed was another twenty minutes to fit in a quick one. Apparently I was asking for too much.“What’s going on?” I asked into the receiver.“Brandon,” Becky called to me, “Jack’s here.” She stood behind the opened door, shielding her body from Jack’s line of sight.“We’re outside,” Paige said.“It’s a little too late to tell me that.” I hung up, wondering how it was possible for this day to descend downhill any faster than it already was.I hurried to the front door, experiencing a moment of awkwardness. My boss and my lover, face-to-face. My lover wearing only a shirt. My shirt.“Don’t stand there, kid. We have a flight to catch. Grab your go bag.”“One second, Jack.” I closed the door on him and worked to get my house key off the ring. I handed it to Becky. “Leave when you’re ready.”She pouted but nodded. She understood. She also worked in law enforcement and could appreciate that if the job called, one had to respond.“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. Heck, I’m not even sure where I’m headed.”“No worries.” She smiled and kissed my lips. I lingered. She pulled back. “You better get going. Jack doesn’t strike me as the patient type.”“You have no idea.” I grabbed the bag I kept by the front door—for the very purpose of last-minute trips like this—and opened the door. Jack was still standing there, and I jumped, having expected him to be in the car by now.“I thought we were meeting at—”Jack shook his head. “There’s a new development.”A “new development” meant the case we were going to discuss had become urgent. It meant someone else was dead. And our cases rarely involved run-of-the-mill shootings or passionate kills in the heat of the moment.We hunted psychotic unsubs.
#3 EXCERPT FROM BLUE BABY, Chapter 3:
Chapter 3TARA DAY LIVED IN A three-story apartment building near the Columbia Mall. The pattern of its brick facade made it appear as if it were freckled. The redeeming aspect to the property was the lush greenery, and each unit had either a balcony or patio. Tara’s apartment was on the second floor.A couple of crime scene investigators were working over her residence, and I suspected they’d be there for hours yet. Collecting evidence in a murder case wasn’t a quick job as it was portrayed on TV. It took time and diligence.The case file told us Tara’s time of death was placed between midnight and three AM yesterday. Police found her at nine AM after receiving a call from her coworker, just as Nadia had said.A man I pegged as the lead detective met us at the door. His attention went straight to Jack. My boss just had a way about him. His aura demanded acknowledgment. To those on the outside, there would be no mistaking he was the one in charge.“Supervisory Special Agent Jack Harper?” the detective asked.Jack nodded and didn’t initiate a handshake. Neither did the detective.“My name’s Detective Russell Powers and—” He looked behind him, searching for someone.A man in his early thirties hurried over, and I recognized something of myself in him. I had a tendency to run late for things, too, and sometimes it felt as if I was constantly playing catch up.He smiled at us, his eyes shooting straight to Paige. Maybe we were too much alike. As his gaze settled on her, he bit his bottom lip, as if he thought it made him attractive. His nose was bulbous and too big for his face, and his hair was cropped short and came to a point in the middle of his brow. He extended his hand to Paige.“This is Sam Barber.” Powers made the introduction, but it seemed Barber was getting around fine by himself.He ended the rounds with me. His shake was firm, and the glint in his eyes told me he was interested in staking claim to Paige. I pressed on a grin, doing my best to make it appear sincere.“So fill us in. What are we looking at here?” Jack asked. It was part of his tactic. He preferred to be briefed at the scene. He didn’t like relying on what came to us secondhand through reports. He liked to hear it from the detective’s mouth.“We’ve got a female victim. Tara Day. I assume you know most of what we do at this point.”I fought a smirk. Powers wasn’t one to play the game, either. He and Jack must have been separated at birth. Like Jack, Powers had a hardened gaze and scowl lines around his mouth. Powers seemed to be in his forties while Jack was in his early fifties. Powers’s hair was receding on the sides, leaving a rounded patch of hair in the middle of his head. Jack had a full mop of hair.“Hmm.” Jack brushed past Powers into the apartment. The rest of us followed. It was clear that Jack wasn’t impressed with Powers’s lack of cooperation.The layout of the place was simplistic with a galley kitchen to the left of the entry. A living area was straight ahead. The furniture was basic and low-end. Maybe even used.Powers guided us down a side hallway. “She was found in the bathroom.”The bedroom was on the left, and the bathroom on the right. Powers stopped outside the door. It was compact with the sink and toilet squeezed next to a regular-sized bathtub.“It’s a tight space,” I said, verbalizing my observation.“It is. The killer didn’t have much room to work with, but as you know, she wasn’t killed here,” Powers said.“She was suffocated in her bed,” Zachery pitched in. He knew this from the case file.“Based on the state of the bed—the sheets were all tangled up—that’s the way we’re leaning.”“So, afterward, he dragged her lifeless body to the tub?” I asked.“Your name again?” Powers’s eyes were sharp and lasered in on mine.“Special Agent Fisher.”The hint of a simper twitched Powers’s lips. It wasn’t hard to surmise what he was thinking—possibly career envy. After all, detectives never had special added to their job titles. It wasn’t just that, though. In this case, there was derision and judgment painted on his expression. Too bad if the man thought it was egotistical. I had worked hard for the title and had two months before my probation period was over and it was officially mine.“Well, Special Agent Fisher, first he dressed her in a wedding gown, then he placed her in the tub.”“And the dress was hers?” Paige asked.Barber entered the conversation. “It seems to be. We found the box it would have come in.”“While the gown and ring were hers, the veil wasn’t a match to the dress,” Powers said.“Something borrowed?” Paige asked.“I noticed that in the case file. Its design was different from the dress,” Zachery said.“That’s right. The veil had a rosebud wreath, and while her dress had intricate lace rose patterns, there were no buds. It also had a tinge of yellow to it.”I glanced at Paige. “Sounds more like something old. It also goes back to what was mentioned about him recreating what he had seen.”Jack shot me a look to keep quiet. There would be plenty of time to discuss the case once we left here.Powers looked between Jack and me. He caught Jack’s glare but didn’t bother pressing for more about what I had said. I was thankful to him for leaving it alone.“Have you found her fiancé?” Paige asked.“Not yet, but we are looking into that,” Barber answered.“We’ll take it from here,” Jack said to the detectives. “Has the family been notified?”“They will be this morning. We weren’t able to get in contact with them yesterday,” Powers responded. “The medical examiner is expecting you tomorrow for the autopsy. He’s quite confident on the cause of death, though. The killer got on top of Tara and suffocated her.”“Compressive asphyxiation,” Zachery added.Powers appeared about as pleased to be interrupted as Jack did when it happened to him. “That’s right. He’ll also have all the forensic evidence cataloged for you then.”“Detective?” An investigator came toward our group, her gaze on Powers. She held a plastic bag with a slip of paper inside. “We just found this.” She paused, acknowledging the rest of us. Her cheeks flushed, seemingly shy around new people.“These people are special agents with the FBI.” Powers looked at me as he gave the generic introduction. He wanted to make sure I didn’t miss the special part. “This is Tammy.”“Hi.” Tammy rushed to continue. “This receipt was found in her kitchen garbage can. It’s dated for last night at seven.”Powers took the bag from her and examined the receipt. He then extended it to Jack, and Jack passed it on to us.I read the name of the bar, Down the Hatch. The cashier number was 007. Tara’s tab came to fifteen dollars. It was a detailed receipt showing two apple martinis. The time stamp, as Tammy had noted, was seven o’clock at night. Early by most standards. Did she meet the unsub at the bar?I handed the evidence bag back to Tammy, and she left to file it.Jack addressed me and my colleagues. “Let’s see what we can find out at that bar.”
September 23, 2015
Riverbend by Ciara Knight - Release Day Blitz
Title: RiverbendAuthor: Ciara KnightGenre: Contemporary RomanceHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb: RIVERBEND by Ciara Knight, Amazon Bestselling Author Five years after the death of his wife, Dr. Mitchem Taylor is ready to share his life with someone. Only one thing stands in the way of giving love a second chance--the strictly enforced "no dating" rule. A rule that pierces his heart every time he thinks about his university assistant, Cynthia. When a handsome man shows interest in her, Mitchem must choose between love for his career or love for his beautiful assistant. Since the day she saw her boss, Mitchem, care for his son’s knee at a little league game, Cynthia Gold has been in love with him. Pining away over a love she can never have forces her to make a drastic change—a new job thousands of miles away. But can she walk away from her life she enjoys and a boy who’s like a son, or keep her heart bound to a man who may never love her. Facebook Release Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/601623936607514/
Ciara Knight writes with a ‘Little Edge and a Lot of Heart’ with her contemporary and paranormal romance books. Her most recent #1 Amazon bestselling series, Sweetwater County, has topped the charts and received acclaimed reviews. Her international best-seller, Pendulum scored 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, accolades from InD’Tale Magazine and Night Owl Top Pick. Her young adult paranormal series, Battle for Souls, received 5 stars from Paranormal Romance Guild and Night Owl’s Top Pick, among other praises.Author Links:Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads * Amazon Buy Links:Amazon
September 17, 2015
Steam by Stacey Rourke - Review Blitz
Title: STEAMAuthor: Stacey Rourke Genre: NA Paranormal ThrillerHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb: Time passes, sins forgotten.
The bodies of the victims long since rotten.
Trapped within the essence of the Headless Horseman by the guilt of slaughtering her best friend, Ireland Crane follows the father of science fiction, HG Wells, in search of freedom from the curse that binds her. Instead, she discovers even he has a hidden agenda. A dark, relentless passion to be reunited with the woman he loves has driven him to manipulate time and a murderous Horseman.
Yet heed my warning, as the Raven flies,
The Hessian will come … and you will die.
All that prevents Ireland from abandoning Wells’ twisted pursuit, or introducing him to her sword, are the undead witches haunting her. Begging for freedom from a vile succubus, the ghoulish coven leads Ireland and her crew on a journey through Salem’s sordid past. There, they learn there is more to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s history than a scarlet letter, and the secret they’ve uncovered seeks to destroy them all.
My review:
Crane
I liked the concept of the series and this book, and some of the characters were interesting, like Rip and Ichabod, but i just couldn't connect with Ireland and this made for a frustrating read. 4/5 stars.
Raven
This book was a little better. I loved that they investigated the tattoo parlour where Ireland got her strange ink. I do love Ireland with Noah - he's a hottie. But again i just couldn't really connect with the dialogue. That is just me though. I need instant chemistry with a person or book to connect. 4/5 stars
Steam
The whole idea of the book and the series is interesting. I love the spin on the classic tale of the Headless Horseman and Sleepy Hollow, and the witches of Salem, and the twist with the main character. Unfortunately i just couldn't connect with her and her humour was really dry - too dry even for me: an Aussie with dry humour. 4/5 stars.
Author Bio:
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series NovelYoung Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Adapted for Film. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
Visit her at www.staceyrourke.comdiaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.comFacebook at www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthoror on Twitter or instagram at Rourkewrites.
Buy Links:Amazon US - http://tinyurl.com/nv2znzu
Amazon UK - http://tinyurl.com/qxml2dt
Smashwords - http://tinyurl.com/p4mv9j3
Excerpt:
Cradled in his strong arms, Peyton’s eyes snapped open. Her welcoming pools of blue had been stained to inky black voids of nothingness. Fat cerulean veins wriggled beneath the surface of her skin, like roused and ravenous serpents. Malachi pulled back, Peyton’s body floating upright as if hooked by the ribs and dragged. Bones audibly snapped, and her head contorted at a freakish angle to gape in Ireland’s direction.To the cantankerous Horseman, that was the equivalent of throwing down the gauntlet. Feeling her senses sharpen, Ireland braced herself with one hand on the back of a booth. Catapulting over Malachi’s head, she landed beside him in a low crouch and forcibly shoved him aside. The lights continued to flash, each illumination revealing another grisly contortion of Peyton’s body: knees bending backward, arms twisting in countless joints, her spine seemingly liquid as she rolled head over feet in Ireland’s direction. The motion appeared more arachnid than human.The window to their right shattered in a spray of shards, Ireland’s sword sailing in to settle into her waiting palm. While everyone else shielded themselves from the shrapnel, she struck a defensive pose with her sword by her ear in an overhand grasp. “Don’t make me stab a nun,” she growled. “I mean, I’ll do it, but I won’t feel good about it.”Again, the nun’s body rotated in an inexplicably spineless back walkover that ended with her feet being planted directly in front of Ireland.Chest rising and falling with the yearning for bedlam, Ireland hissed out a simple warning, “Don’t do this.”Peyton’s body retracted board straight, the ends of her hair brushing the floor before she flung forward as if on a spring. Her fingers darted out to encircle the wrist of Ireland’s sword wielding hand. Blood trickled from her nose, staining her lips with ruby droplets. Leaning in, cheek to cheek, her breath singed Ireland’s nostrils with the foul, rotten-egg stench of sulfur.“Take … her … to … hell,” Peyton rasped against Ireland’s ear.The lights beamed back on. The ghouls gone.Letting her sword fall to the ground with an ear-piercing twang, Ireland caught the full weight of Peyton’s body as she fell limp against her.“I’m pretty sure we’re already there,” she rumbled and eased the girl to the ground.
Blurb: Time passes, sins forgotten.
The bodies of the victims long since rotten.
Trapped within the essence of the Headless Horseman by the guilt of slaughtering her best friend, Ireland Crane follows the father of science fiction, HG Wells, in search of freedom from the curse that binds her. Instead, she discovers even he has a hidden agenda. A dark, relentless passion to be reunited with the woman he loves has driven him to manipulate time and a murderous Horseman.
Yet heed my warning, as the Raven flies,
The Hessian will come … and you will die.
All that prevents Ireland from abandoning Wells’ twisted pursuit, or introducing him to her sword, are the undead witches haunting her. Begging for freedom from a vile succubus, the ghoulish coven leads Ireland and her crew on a journey through Salem’s sordid past. There, they learn there is more to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s history than a scarlet letter, and the secret they’ve uncovered seeks to destroy them all.
My review:
Crane
I liked the concept of the series and this book, and some of the characters were interesting, like Rip and Ichabod, but i just couldn't connect with Ireland and this made for a frustrating read. 4/5 stars.
Raven
This book was a little better. I loved that they investigated the tattoo parlour where Ireland got her strange ink. I do love Ireland with Noah - he's a hottie. But again i just couldn't really connect with the dialogue. That is just me though. I need instant chemistry with a person or book to connect. 4/5 stars
Steam
The whole idea of the book and the series is interesting. I love the spin on the classic tale of the Headless Horseman and Sleepy Hollow, and the witches of Salem, and the twist with the main character. Unfortunately i just couldn't connect with her and her humour was really dry - too dry even for me: an Aussie with dry humour. 4/5 stars.
Author Bio:
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series NovelYoung Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Adapted for Film. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
Visit her at www.staceyrourke.comdiaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.comFacebook at www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthoror on Twitter or instagram at Rourkewrites.
Buy Links:Amazon US - http://tinyurl.com/nv2znzu
Amazon UK - http://tinyurl.com/qxml2dt
Smashwords - http://tinyurl.com/p4mv9j3
Excerpt:
Cradled in his strong arms, Peyton’s eyes snapped open. Her welcoming pools of blue had been stained to inky black voids of nothingness. Fat cerulean veins wriggled beneath the surface of her skin, like roused and ravenous serpents. Malachi pulled back, Peyton’s body floating upright as if hooked by the ribs and dragged. Bones audibly snapped, and her head contorted at a freakish angle to gape in Ireland’s direction.To the cantankerous Horseman, that was the equivalent of throwing down the gauntlet. Feeling her senses sharpen, Ireland braced herself with one hand on the back of a booth. Catapulting over Malachi’s head, she landed beside him in a low crouch and forcibly shoved him aside. The lights continued to flash, each illumination revealing another grisly contortion of Peyton’s body: knees bending backward, arms twisting in countless joints, her spine seemingly liquid as she rolled head over feet in Ireland’s direction. The motion appeared more arachnid than human.The window to their right shattered in a spray of shards, Ireland’s sword sailing in to settle into her waiting palm. While everyone else shielded themselves from the shrapnel, she struck a defensive pose with her sword by her ear in an overhand grasp. “Don’t make me stab a nun,” she growled. “I mean, I’ll do it, but I won’t feel good about it.”Again, the nun’s body rotated in an inexplicably spineless back walkover that ended with her feet being planted directly in front of Ireland.Chest rising and falling with the yearning for bedlam, Ireland hissed out a simple warning, “Don’t do this.”Peyton’s body retracted board straight, the ends of her hair brushing the floor before she flung forward as if on a spring. Her fingers darted out to encircle the wrist of Ireland’s sword wielding hand. Blood trickled from her nose, staining her lips with ruby droplets. Leaning in, cheek to cheek, her breath singed Ireland’s nostrils with the foul, rotten-egg stench of sulfur.“Take … her … to … hell,” Peyton rasped against Ireland’s ear.The lights beamed back on. The ghouls gone.Letting her sword fall to the ground with an ear-piercing twang, Ireland caught the full weight of Peyton’s body as she fell limp against her.“I’m pretty sure we’re already there,” she rumbled and eased the girl to the ground.
September 16, 2015
Riverbend by Ciara Knight - Cover Reveal
Title: RiverbendAuthor: Ciara Knight
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Release Date: Sept. 23, 2015
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb: RIVERBEND by Ciara Knight, Amazon Bestselling Author Five years after the death of his wife, Dr. Mitchem Taylor is ready to share his life with someone. Only one thing stands in the way of giving love a second chance--the strictly enforced "no dating" rule. A rule that pierces his heart every time he thinks about his university assistant, Cynthia. When a handsome man shows interest in her, Mitchem must choose between love for his career or love for his beautiful assistant.
Since the day she saw her boss, Mitchem, care for his son’s knee at a little league game, Cynthia Gold has been in love with him. Pining away over a love she can never have forces her to make a drastic change—a new job thousands of miles away. But can she walk away from her life she enjoys and a boy who’s like a son, or keep her heart bound to a man who may never love her.
Ciara Knight writes with a ‘Little Edge and a Lot of Heart’ with her contemporary and paranormal romance books. Her most recent #1 Amazon bestselling series, Sweetwater County, has topped the charts and received acclaimed reviews. Her international best-seller, Pendulum scored 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, accolades from InD’Tale Magazine and Night Owl Top Pick. Her young adult paranormal series, Battle for Souls, received 5 stars from Paranormal Romance Guild and Night Owl’s Top Pick, among other praises.Author Links:Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads * Amazon
His Lullaby Baby by Airicka Phoenix - Cover Reveal
Today we are revealing the cover for HIS LULLABY BABY by Airicka Phoenix. This novel is the 5th book in The Baby Saga and it will be released on September 28th.Add HIS LULLABY BABY to Goodreads
HIS LULLABY BABY BLURB: Nothing ever happens by accident. Ex-combat search and rescue officer Toby McClain had seen all aspects of humanity in his ten years of service until friendly fire took him out of action. But bitterness was something Toby could never do. He was alive. He had his family and, after being ambushed by a door, he had his eyes on the sexy new innkeeper. Adelaide Nixon had felt the burn of love once already. It was a mistake that cost her six years of her life. It was a punishment she never wanted to feel again, especially when there were two little people who depended on her to keep them safe. The last thing she wanted or needed was the attention of a guy whose family kept the gossip mills turning. But no secret ever stays hidden in a place like Willow Creek. Even as Toby breaks through Addy’s walls, a new threat comes to town, leaving her no choice but to put more than her heart in Toby’s hands and trust him not to destroy her.
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00005]](http://www.inkslingerpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/His-Lullaby-Baby-Wrap.jpg)
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
BIO:Airicka Phoenix is a romance junkie with an incurable addiction to chocolate. She is also a prolific author of several novels written for young adult and new adult romance addicts who love bad boys, hot kisses and a gritty plot. Airicka prides herself in producing quality material her readers can fall in love with again and again.When she's not hard at work bleeding words onto paper, Airicka can be found cuddling with her family, reading, watching TV shows, or just finding excuses not to do chores.Be the first for giveaways, teasers and upcoming releases by joining Airicka's newsletter on her website www.AirickaPhoenix.com AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: www.AirickaPhoenix.comNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/VgLqDFacebook: http://goo.gl/eYXrrhTwitter: http://goo.gl/yoVWYF (@AirickaPhoenix)Goodreads: http://goo.gl/HGVszfGoogle+: http://goo.gl/wgdslQInstagram: http://goo.gl/QRmqdyPinterest: http://goo.gl/Y5AOQqAmazon: http://goo.gl/Nq57nJ
September 15, 2015
Saving Mim by Nan McAdam - Cover Reveal
Saving Mim by Nan McAdam - Cover Reveal
Charlie Kadabra feels like the biggest loser ever born. A foster kid, abandoned as a baby, picked on by the bullies at school, he thinks his life stinks, until he tries to save the little rabbit and accidentally blows up his science teacher, who’s a robot! Running for his life, he follows the new girl, Emily, through a shiny curtain in the woods, and lands in the magical world of Mim. Charlie discovers he is the last of the Magicians, who are guardians of the land of Mim. Can Charlie find all the jewels of power for the Magician’s staff his father left him in time to save all his new friends from Dr. Pi’s destruction? This humorous fantasy tale will delight readers of all ages as they find out, there is a little Charlie in all of us. “The story of Charlie Kadabra is an explosive tale of excitement and intrigue that finds new and creative ways to tie in old fantasy myths and creatures to our simple, mundane world." James B. Hoke, author of The Ark Brothers "Highly recommended!" - Midwest Book Review Children's Bookwatch April 2015
“McAdam can capture readers from all ages and sizes to her great m/g book that I was shocked I found myself turning the pages so fast to see what might happen next or what might change. I cannot wait to read more books from this series’ and even by the author.” - Quirky Book Reviews
“In this book they will take a journey with Charlie through the halls of school into a fantasy world. They will find a hero they can root for. I am definitely looking forward to the second book in this series.” The Musings of a Book Addict
Nan McAdam has had a prestigious career in the sales arena. She trained, coached, and mentored individual sales people, as well as sales teams, for 20 years.
Nan is the author of two blogs: http://www.selfimprovementinformation.com.com. She is, also, the author of an elder care blog: http://www.caring4youragingseniorcitizen.com. She has been published 78 times in different publications.
In 2013 Nan published, Surviving the STRESS of Your Parents’ Old Age, a non-fiction book from her experience as a caregiver. In 2015 Nan published her first children’s book, Saving Mim, a middle grade fantasy for young adults.
Nan lives across the pond with her husband and 2 furry four legged family members.
Purchase Saving Mim:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon AU
Charlie Kadabra feels like the biggest loser ever born. A foster kid, abandoned as a baby, picked on by the bullies at school, he thinks his life stinks, until he tries to save the little rabbit and accidentally blows up his science teacher, who’s a robot! Running for his life, he follows the new girl, Emily, through a shiny curtain in the woods, and lands in the magical world of Mim. Charlie discovers he is the last of the Magicians, who are guardians of the land of Mim. Can Charlie find all the jewels of power for the Magician’s staff his father left him in time to save all his new friends from Dr. Pi’s destruction? This humorous fantasy tale will delight readers of all ages as they find out, there is a little Charlie in all of us. “The story of Charlie Kadabra is an explosive tale of excitement and intrigue that finds new and creative ways to tie in old fantasy myths and creatures to our simple, mundane world." James B. Hoke, author of The Ark Brothers "Highly recommended!" - Midwest Book Review Children's Bookwatch April 2015
“McAdam can capture readers from all ages and sizes to her great m/g book that I was shocked I found myself turning the pages so fast to see what might happen next or what might change. I cannot wait to read more books from this series’ and even by the author.” - Quirky Book Reviews
“In this book they will take a journey with Charlie through the halls of school into a fantasy world. They will find a hero they can root for. I am definitely looking forward to the second book in this series.” The Musings of a Book Addict
Nan McAdam has had a prestigious career in the sales arena. She trained, coached, and mentored individual sales people, as well as sales teams, for 20 years.
Nan is the author of two blogs: http://www.selfimprovementinformation.com.com. She is, also, the author of an elder care blog: http://www.caring4youragingseniorcitizen.com. She has been published 78 times in different publications.
In 2013 Nan published, Surviving the STRESS of Your Parents’ Old Age, a non-fiction book from her experience as a caregiver. In 2015 Nan published her first children’s book, Saving Mim, a middle grade fantasy for young adults.
Nan lives across the pond with her husband and 2 furry four legged family members.
Purchase Saving Mim:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon AU
