C.R. Everett's Blog, page 5
September 20, 2013
Book Review: Sometimes in Dreams by G.L. Helm
Sometimes in Dreams is a beautifully, smartly written story of a man torn between two loves. Daniel, still married, still loves his wife, despite falling for a much younger, Kit. The novel takes the reader on a leisurely, sensual journey of love at first site versus moral obligation. The struggle is set mostly in Italy, against a backdrop of disrupted military service life.It read almost like a Greek tragedy, only better. It kept my interest and had much to offer, a delight to read. G.L. Helm painted a clear picture of the human condition and pegged the irony of a man getting caught up in a no-win situation.
Helm did a superb job of setting the scene and evoking the feeling of the moment:
"Rain was running from the umbrella like a waterfall. It echoed in the narrow street with a pounding loneliness that caught at Daniel's throat."
That passage alone gave me the chills. I could hear the pounding rain and feel a sense of foreboding as if I was experiencing it too. There's more where that came from.
This is a short read, just 174 pages, but I suggest you take your time and savor. I highly recommend, especially for those who love tragic love stories or stories of military life abroad.
Five Stars.
In full disclosure, I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. While the story is wonderful, the editing needs some TLC, mostly dealing with punctuation.
September 18, 2013
Spotlight: Night Aberrations by JD Nelson
Night AberrationsBook One of the Night Aberrations Series
Mature 18+ for explicit adult situations.
Emelie is betrothed to marry a king.
Any ordinary woman would consider it a faerytale come true.
For Emelie, this is a nightmare made manifest.
When Emelie Andersdotter learns the outcome of a decades-long war hinges on her arranged marriage to an infamous royal known for his dark reputation, she sees no choice but to accept her fate. Resigned to her unavoidable destiny, she travels to her parents’ ancestral home under the protection of a trusted family friend, where she prepares to navigate a world ruled by dark magic, mystery, and intrigue.
Nothing can prepare her, however, for the surprising affection she feels for the man she has always thought of as her uncle, Soren Vidar - or for the alluring reality of her intended mate, Kristian Vasen. Powerful and darkly handsome, her betrothed is far from the nightmare she envisioned, and Emelie finds herself torn between the intense pull she feels for her fated mate, and her heart’s desire for Soren.
Night Aberrations is a romantic tale, set in a complex world, populated with interesting and entertaining characters sure to leave you cheering for the heroes while casting reproachful glares at the villains.
Buy links:Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Night-Aberrations-ebook/dp/B009IB8LX0/ref=la_B009IMWYCS_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357593435&sr=1-2
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/night-aberrations-jd-nelson/1113106453?ean=2940015539202
Excerpt:
We went inside after the fire started to die down and challenged Nils and Cedric to a game of billiards, boys against girls.I thought that this would be a good way to keep Nils at bay, but in typical Nils fashion he tried to show me the correct position for every shot I took by standing behind me and positioning my hands.
Katrine, amused by this, eventually asked if he was planning to hump me right on the table.
I blushed at her comment, but almost melted into the floor when he answered her, “If Emelie was game, I would do anything and everything to her on this table, under the table, against the table...”
I scooted out from under him and sat next to Katrine. “Okay, okay, that’s enough of that.”
Nils barked out a laugh and racked up the balls for the next game.
Katrine nudged me and whispered in my ear. “He is very beautiful, is he not?”
“Who? Cedric?” “Although he is scrumptious, I meant Nils.” She said with a growl in her voice.
“Yes, he is. They all are, really; Viggo and Jakob in their tall, dark, and delicious way, Nils in his rugged Viking warrior way, and Soren in his…” I trailed off thinking how to best describe Soren’s
beauty. “Being with Soren is like being immersed in the winter’s night.”
“That’s a very poetic description, Emelie; some might say romantic.” She arched her brow.
“I know what I’m here to do, Katrine. I just wish the circumstances were different. I really like Soren and I’d like to experience love just once before becoming my people’s Savior.”
About the author:
JD Nelson works in the entertainment industry, and is the author of the Night Aberrations Series and the Wicked Ways Series.When she's not spending time with her husband, you can find her writing, reading, or on her commute to work.
Author Links:JD Nelson's Goodreads Page -
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6060770.J_D_Nelson
JD Nelson's Facebook Page - www.Facebook.com/NightAberrations
JD Nelson's Facebook Fan Page - www.Facebook.com/JDNelsonsNightAberrations
JD Nelson's Super Secret Fan Club -
http://www.facebook.com/groups/269730583130725/
JD Nelson's Blog - www.NightAberrations.Blogspot.com/
JD Nelson's Google + - https://plus.google.com/u/0/115772111161122207827/posts
JD Nelson's Twitter - https://twitter.com/NightAberration
Official JD Nelson Merchandise - http://www.zazzle.com/nightaberrations
September 10, 2013
Book Review: A Swedenborg Sampler by Emanuel Swedenborg
Before I get into the book review, you may be asking, who is Swedenborg? I'd never heard of him until about three years ago. Here's his bio off the Amazon website:
Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, inventor, and theologian who made significant discoveries in many of the natural sciences, including astronomy, anatomy, geology, and mineralogy. At age fifty-five, his intensive search for answers to ultimate questions culminated in an awakening that gave him a unique insight into the workings of the spiritual world. He spent the remainder of his life writing about his experiences and how human beings can come to a deeper awareness of the divine.
Swedenborg's ideas have influenced people as diverse as Helen Keller, Johnny Appleseed, William Blake, Henry James, Ralph Waldo Emerson, D.T. Suzuki, Jorge Luis Borges, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. The continuing appeal of his thought undoubtedly lies in his insights into the afterlife, concepts of divine love, and focus on personal and social development.
Wikipedia has more on Swedenborg here.
Review:I bought A Swedenborg Sampler about two years or so ago and it has been sitting on my shelf, waiting. After reading the book, I see now that I wasn't ready for the book when I bought it and got more out of it having waited.
That said, I thought the book was quite fascinating. This is just a small sample of Swedenborg's work and I fully intend to read more. I've never been a fan of blind faith and I understand Swedenborg wasn't either. I always wanted to know why things were as they were and have the Bible explained in terms that made sense to me. Swedenborg presents his theological insights in a way that I found to make sense. I'll touch on a few.
Swedenborg asserts that the Old Testament, especially the first books, are not meant to be read literally, but that nearly every word has a metaphorical meaning. He says the story of creation is not the literal creation of the world and universe, but is instead essentially the process of development of the inner human spirit over time (sorry Swedenborgian's if I don't have the fine details exact, but this is the gist). The first six days of creation are not literal days, but time periods of a person's development from being born into selfish ignorance to being considerate of others to ultimately living a life of faith and love. He goes into great detail of the explanation of each of the six "days" or stages of "regeneration."
Without getting too lengthy, Swedenborg equates key words in the Old Testament like heavens, day, light, earth, darkness, night, water, fruit, plants, trees, birds, fish, and animals, etc. to concepts such as truth, goodness, faith and love, knowledge, ignorance, and other aspects of development with the goal in life of becoming more like God (not necessarily in that corresponding order).
This is just a small glimpse into Swedenborg's insights. Also discussed in the book are what happens to your spirit after your body dies, what it means to be human, how goodwill should be dispensed, what is heaven and what is hell, angels, spirits, the purpose of evil and so much more. There was so much packed into this book of deep thought that I can't even remember it all, but I do want to know more. I'm surprised that Swedenborg's writings are not more widespread.
Five Stars.
And guess what. The Kindle version of this book is only 99 cents! And many of his other works are FREE on Kindle.
Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, inventor, and theologian who made significant discoveries in many of the natural sciences, including astronomy, anatomy, geology, and mineralogy. At age fifty-five, his intensive search for answers to ultimate questions culminated in an awakening that gave him a unique insight into the workings of the spiritual world. He spent the remainder of his life writing about his experiences and how human beings can come to a deeper awareness of the divine.
Swedenborg's ideas have influenced people as diverse as Helen Keller, Johnny Appleseed, William Blake, Henry James, Ralph Waldo Emerson, D.T. Suzuki, Jorge Luis Borges, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. The continuing appeal of his thought undoubtedly lies in his insights into the afterlife, concepts of divine love, and focus on personal and social development.
Wikipedia has more on Swedenborg here.
Review:I bought A Swedenborg Sampler about two years or so ago and it has been sitting on my shelf, waiting. After reading the book, I see now that I wasn't ready for the book when I bought it and got more out of it having waited.
That said, I thought the book was quite fascinating. This is just a small sample of Swedenborg's work and I fully intend to read more. I've never been a fan of blind faith and I understand Swedenborg wasn't either. I always wanted to know why things were as they were and have the Bible explained in terms that made sense to me. Swedenborg presents his theological insights in a way that I found to make sense. I'll touch on a few.
Swedenborg asserts that the Old Testament, especially the first books, are not meant to be read literally, but that nearly every word has a metaphorical meaning. He says the story of creation is not the literal creation of the world and universe, but is instead essentially the process of development of the inner human spirit over time (sorry Swedenborgian's if I don't have the fine details exact, but this is the gist). The first six days of creation are not literal days, but time periods of a person's development from being born into selfish ignorance to being considerate of others to ultimately living a life of faith and love. He goes into great detail of the explanation of each of the six "days" or stages of "regeneration."
Without getting too lengthy, Swedenborg equates key words in the Old Testament like heavens, day, light, earth, darkness, night, water, fruit, plants, trees, birds, fish, and animals, etc. to concepts such as truth, goodness, faith and love, knowledge, ignorance, and other aspects of development with the goal in life of becoming more like God (not necessarily in that corresponding order).
This is just a small glimpse into Swedenborg's insights. Also discussed in the book are what happens to your spirit after your body dies, what it means to be human, how goodwill should be dispensed, what is heaven and what is hell, angels, spirits, the purpose of evil and so much more. There was so much packed into this book of deep thought that I can't even remember it all, but I do want to know more. I'm surprised that Swedenborg's writings are not more widespread.
Five Stars.
And guess what. The Kindle version of this book is only 99 cents! And many of his other works are FREE on Kindle.
September 9, 2013
The Search - Book Release Blog Tour
Book Synopsis:
The Search (Book 2 in The Descendant Vampire Series)
Allison Carmichael is thirsty for blood and hungry for answers.
Lured away from her illicit extracurricular activities by news about her kidnapped husband, Allison rejoins her adopted family that’s promised to help her find him. Allison's search is detoured, however, by sinister vampire politics, the seeming good will of her fanged family, and the return of her nemesis. Circumstances unfold that shatter the foundation of her world.
In order to successfully play the game she has been thrust into, Allison must battle loss and betrayal and accept unexpected love.
THE SEARCH is on for answers, but when answers are found, will they be what Allison was looking for?
Excerpt:
Chapter 14: The Battle
“Dear God,” I whispered. “This can’t be happening.”
There was a burst of white on the horizon that advanced toward the island with tremendous speed. It grew in size the closer it got, overtaking the pitch-black sky and then enveloping the summit. The cloud momentarily lingered overhead, several sets of wings thrashing in the air. The shape of a man emerged from the haze, wings attached to his back.
“What in the hell is this?” I said.
The winged man descended and hovered above the action, the wind not affecting his ability to fly. His wings were at least four times his size and flapped holding him in place. The cloud lifted and revealed twenty more winged humans.
“Angels,” I said, which attracted the attention of the bearded elder. He looked at me and gave me a partial smile. “But angels aren’t real.” And then I caught what I had just said. These were the same creatures that had appeared two nights ago when the Drakes and I attempted to protect the Lane family.
Jal looked up; his eyes narrowed to slits and his lip quivered. The three elders smiled and nodded at the army of angels. The angels swooped toward the ground and landed in the middle of the circle, their wings disappearing as soon as their feet hit the snow. They all reached over their shoulder, unsheathed a sword, and spread out over the battlefield.
Meet Kelley Grealis:
What do most people do when they go through a midlife crisis – buy a sports car or get a makeover? Not Kelley Grealis. Her career midlife crisis reignited her passion for creative writing.A worker-bee by day, writer by night, Kelley is the author of The Descendant Vampire Series. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two cats, riding her Harley, enjoying what few days of sunshine there are in Cleveland, and dreaming up the next story she wants to tell. Kelley is a graduate of both Baldwin Wallace College and Cleveland State University. Connect with her at http://www.KelleyGrealis.com
Author links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KelleyGrealis?fref=ts
Website - http://www.kelleygrealis.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KelleyGrealis
Amazon author page - http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Grealis/e/B008I3D9OA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1378226529&sr=1-2-ent
Purchase links for The Descendant (book 1):
Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/The-Descendant-Vampire-Series-ebook/dp/B008GET9KE/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Descendant-Vampire-Series-ebook/dp/B008GET9KE/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Purchase links for The Search:
Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/Search-Descendant-Vampire-ebook/dp/B00EP4F8FE/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378226535&sr=1-1
Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Descendant-Vampire-ebook/dp/B00EP4F8FE/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378226535&sr=1-1
Rafflecopter for Great Prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 5, 2013
Cover Reveal: The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp (a demon’s story) by Michael Siemsen
Look for this one in November followed by an in-store book tour early next year!
Samuel Beauchamp has been dead for twenty-seven years, but that hasn't stopped him from living... For reasons unbeknownst to him, Samuel's essence remained after his body was killed, and he discovers that the living emit an irresistible force, drawing him inside where he has the power to take over.
After surviving the great depression in the body of a young hobo, Samuel spends years studying the history of his condition, moving from body to body when necessary, and finally settling in New York City in the late 1950's. A few years later, his beautiful and brash girlfriend disappears, and his search for her uncovers answers to questions he never asked.
I hear this is a darker, more suspenseful story than A Warm Place to Call Home, and I daresay, grittier too. Hmm, now I'm even more curious!
You can read A Warm Place to Call Home right now. Here's the cover and links below.
A Warm Place to Call Home on Amazon
Frederick is a demon. Born in Maryland in the early 1980's, he hasn't a clue where he came from or why, but feels an irresistible desire to occupy a human body. Once inside, he finds the previous occupants' consciousness and memories forever erased, an inevitable side effect that gives Frederick pause when switching bodies, but not so much as to truly halt his ongoing enjoyment of human lives. In various bodies, he travels the world for decades--aimless--sampling cultures and experiencing life from the points of view of males, females, young, old, rich, poor.
Now, Frederick has an urge to return to his roots in America, explore the mystery of his origin, find someone to love, and settle down for a while. In his hometown, his mission bears fruit much faster than he expected, as person after person presents themselves, and following his impulses, he is lead directly to love, tragedy, answers, and the humanity he never knew he wanted.
*18+ Adult Content*
Contact Michael Siemsen:mail@michaelsiemsen.com
www.michaelsiemsen.com
http://www.facebook.com/mcsiemsen
twitter: @michaelsiemsen
Samuel Beauchamp has been dead for twenty-seven years, but that hasn't stopped him from living... For reasons unbeknownst to him, Samuel's essence remained after his body was killed, and he discovers that the living emit an irresistible force, drawing him inside where he has the power to take over.
After surviving the great depression in the body of a young hobo, Samuel spends years studying the history of his condition, moving from body to body when necessary, and finally settling in New York City in the late 1950's. A few years later, his beautiful and brash girlfriend disappears, and his search for her uncovers answers to questions he never asked.
I hear this is a darker, more suspenseful story than A Warm Place to Call Home, and I daresay, grittier too. Hmm, now I'm even more curious!
You can read A Warm Place to Call Home right now. Here's the cover and links below.
A Warm Place to Call Home on AmazonFrederick is a demon. Born in Maryland in the early 1980's, he hasn't a clue where he came from or why, but feels an irresistible desire to occupy a human body. Once inside, he finds the previous occupants' consciousness and memories forever erased, an inevitable side effect that gives Frederick pause when switching bodies, but not so much as to truly halt his ongoing enjoyment of human lives. In various bodies, he travels the world for decades--aimless--sampling cultures and experiencing life from the points of view of males, females, young, old, rich, poor.
Now, Frederick has an urge to return to his roots in America, explore the mystery of his origin, find someone to love, and settle down for a while. In his hometown, his mission bears fruit much faster than he expected, as person after person presents themselves, and following his impulses, he is lead directly to love, tragedy, answers, and the humanity he never knew he wanted.
*18+ Adult Content*
Contact Michael Siemsen:mail@michaelsiemsen.com
www.michaelsiemsen.com
http://www.facebook.com/mcsiemsen
twitter: @michaelsiemsen
September 3, 2013
Book Feature: The Billionaire's Obsession by J.S. Scott
About The Books
*****A NY TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER*****
****Limited Time $ 0.99 Promotion****
GENRE: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Once a serial trilogy, The Billionaire's Obsession is now complete with a bonus story in this complete collection about Simon and Kara.
This complete collection of The Billionaire's Obsession includes:
Mine For Tonight
Mine For Now
Mine Forever
Mine Completely
Heart Of The Billionaire ~ Sam and Maddie's story is now available on Amazon.
Down on her luck, nursing student and full-time waitress Kara Foster gets a massive blow to her already desperate financial situation that will surely find her living on the streets. Needing nothing less than a miracle to save her, Kara gets rescue from an unknown, unlikely and overwhelming source. Billionaire Simon Hudson makes her an offer that is impossible to refuse, but terrifying to accept from a man that she's never met. Will the handsome, alpha billionaire really be a solution to her problems, or will he end up being a major complication and a danger to her emotional sanity?
Reclusive billionaire Simon Hudson would rather be behind a computer creating computer games than rubbing elbows with the elite and he knows exactly what he wants...until he meets Kara Foster. Something about Kara touches Simon in ways he's never experienced and definitely doesn't like. For over a year, Simon watches over Kara, but stubbornly refuses to admit his desire to possess her, not even to himself. But when she ends up in a situation that could very well be her destruction, Simon steps up to help her, not realizing that in saving Kara, he might very well be salvaging his own soul.
(This is a erotic romance. It contains graphic language, very steamy love scenes and lots of emotion.)
Purchase Links
Amazon.com Amazon.uk Kobo
Goodreads Link - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17852872-the-billionaire-s-obsession?ac=1
Also due to be released on 8th September is her new book Billionaires-Salvation
Description
Billionaire Max Hamilton thought he was finally starting to find contentment, more than two years after losing his wife Mia in a tragic drowning accident.
He'd been reunited with a sister he hadn’t realized existed. Finally he had family again, a reprieve from the pain and loneliness that had haunted him since his devastating loss. Yeah…he was as happy as a man could be, considering he had lost the other half of his soul and most of his heart when fate had torn his wife away from him.
Or so he believed…until the day he rescued a mysterious woman in the park, a female who somehow had managed to reignite a part of him that he thought was long dead...
Suddenly, Max's protective, dominant, possessive male instincts flare to life, leaving him at a loss as to how lightning could possibly strike twice in one lifetime. Is he truly being given another chance at real happiness, or would it be dangled in front of him, only to be taken away once again?
Find out by reading The Billionaire’s Salvation, Book 3 in The New York Times Bestselling series, The Billionaire’s Obsession. This is a complete contemporary erotic romance novel with no cliffhangers!
You can Pre - Order it now on iTunes here is the link https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/billionaires-salvation-billionaires/id674555055?mt=11
Author Bio
J.S. Scott is a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary erotic romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way! She lives with her husband in the picturesque Colorado Rockies.
Contact J.S Scott On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorjsscottTwitter -
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August 30, 2013
Book Release: Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver
Great new cover! Here's what Dawna Raver has to say about the re-release of New Adult novel, Colour Wielders:
I'm happy to announce that Colour Wielders is back on the market with a pretty new face and updated content. It thrills me to be able to share it with you today. Thank you Jade Hart at Black Firefly for all her work, Michelle Johnson for my amazing cover, and Danielle Blanchard for all your hard work and help.
If you have time, please stop by Facebook tonight and party with us at 4:00 central https://www.facebook.com/events/314183782060128 hosted by the wonderful Leslie Whitaker.
Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess is hidden away. Quinn Sinclair lives an ordinary life with her less-than-loving mother in Conifer, Colorado, clueless of her true nature. On the night of her birthday, a staggering betrayal sends her life spinning out-of-control. As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she is transported into a Magykal battle-forever changing her life. Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks?
New Adult. Recommended for 18 and above. Mature themes, sexual situations, and profanity.
click to add to
Excerpt:
Gentle fingertips grazed the edge of her jaw, trailing down her neck to her collarbone. His citrine gaze stared deeply into her eyes, and her body heated at his tender touch.
Am I okay? She hardly knew. Though she had nothing to compare it to, this feeling was more than giving her virginity to him. Quinn felt like something bigger inside had stirred to life, wanting to escape.
“You know I love you. I’m sorry if it hurt.” He kissed her again, his lips caressing hers, as if he could take the ache away. “Say something, Quinn. Please.”
“I love you, Thaene.” She pressed herself into him, passionately returning his affection. As their kiss continued, Quinn wondered if he wanted more. She also wondered if she had more to give.
“I want us together, always. Do you want that, Quinn?” Thaene’s eyes danced with a mixture of emotions—love, passion, possessiveness, and something else she couldn’t name.
“We can have forever. You want that, don’t you?” Thaene asked.
“Yes,” Quinn answered breathlessly, before realizing what she’d agreed to. She smiled, finding his need for her exciting. “Forever is a long time. But I could do it with you.”
Thaene smiled back. Happiness lit his face. He looked like he’d just won a major prize—he looked triumphant.
“Being with you on your twenty-second birthday was very special to me. You’ve given me such a precious gift.”
“I love you. I can’t imagine my first time with anyone else.”
Besides, my gift of Sight showed you to me, over and over. How could I not give myself to you?
Her gift had shown her something else as well. Since she didn’t understand it, Quinn ignored it. She’d followed her heart where Thaene was concerned. Not even her mother’s dislike—or in spite of it— changed her mind. Following your heart always led you down the right path.
Thaene lightly brushed her hair from her face, then he rested his forehead on hers.
“There’s something else I’d like you to give me. Will you do that? Give me what I desire the most?”
The longing in his voice made Quinn squirm underneath him. Right now, she’d give him anything.
“It’s the most precious gift of all. One I’ll cherish forever.”
Oh my God. He wants to marry me.
“Yes,” Quinn said, drawing in a breath. “I’ll give you anything.”
“Good.” Thaene nuzzled her neck. “I want you to show me your Magyk.”
“What?” Quinn blinked at him, wondering if she’d heard him right.
“If you want us to have forever, you must show me your Magyk.”
Buy on Amazon
About the Author:
Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, Book One, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.
Contact Dawna at:
https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaver
https://twitter.com/DawnaRaver
https://dawnaraver.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261634-colour-wielders a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'm happy to announce that Colour Wielders is back on the market with a pretty new face and updated content. It thrills me to be able to share it with you today. Thank you Jade Hart at Black Firefly for all her work, Michelle Johnson for my amazing cover, and Danielle Blanchard for all your hard work and help.
If you have time, please stop by Facebook tonight and party with us at 4:00 central https://www.facebook.com/events/314183782060128 hosted by the wonderful Leslie Whitaker.
Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess is hidden away. Quinn Sinclair lives an ordinary life with her less-than-loving mother in Conifer, Colorado, clueless of her true nature. On the night of her birthday, a staggering betrayal sends her life spinning out-of-control. As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she is transported into a Magykal battle-forever changing her life. Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks?
New Adult. Recommended for 18 and above. Mature themes, sexual situations, and profanity.
click to add to
Excerpt:Gentle fingertips grazed the edge of her jaw, trailing down her neck to her collarbone. His citrine gaze stared deeply into her eyes, and her body heated at his tender touch.
Am I okay? She hardly knew. Though she had nothing to compare it to, this feeling was more than giving her virginity to him. Quinn felt like something bigger inside had stirred to life, wanting to escape.
“You know I love you. I’m sorry if it hurt.” He kissed her again, his lips caressing hers, as if he could take the ache away. “Say something, Quinn. Please.”
“I love you, Thaene.” She pressed herself into him, passionately returning his affection. As their kiss continued, Quinn wondered if he wanted more. She also wondered if she had more to give.
“I want us together, always. Do you want that, Quinn?” Thaene’s eyes danced with a mixture of emotions—love, passion, possessiveness, and something else she couldn’t name.
“We can have forever. You want that, don’t you?” Thaene asked.
“Yes,” Quinn answered breathlessly, before realizing what she’d agreed to. She smiled, finding his need for her exciting. “Forever is a long time. But I could do it with you.”
Thaene smiled back. Happiness lit his face. He looked like he’d just won a major prize—he looked triumphant.
“Being with you on your twenty-second birthday was very special to me. You’ve given me such a precious gift.”
“I love you. I can’t imagine my first time with anyone else.”
Besides, my gift of Sight showed you to me, over and over. How could I not give myself to you?
Her gift had shown her something else as well. Since she didn’t understand it, Quinn ignored it. She’d followed her heart where Thaene was concerned. Not even her mother’s dislike—or in spite of it— changed her mind. Following your heart always led you down the right path.
Thaene lightly brushed her hair from her face, then he rested his forehead on hers.
“There’s something else I’d like you to give me. Will you do that? Give me what I desire the most?”
The longing in his voice made Quinn squirm underneath him. Right now, she’d give him anything.
“It’s the most precious gift of all. One I’ll cherish forever.”
Oh my God. He wants to marry me.
“Yes,” Quinn said, drawing in a breath. “I’ll give you anything.”
“Good.” Thaene nuzzled her neck. “I want you to show me your Magyk.”
“What?” Quinn blinked at him, wondering if she’d heard him right.
“If you want us to have forever, you must show me your Magyk.”
Buy on Amazon
About the Author:
Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, Book One, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order. Contact Dawna at:
https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaver
https://twitter.com/DawnaRaver
https://dawnaraver.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261634-colour-wielders a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 27, 2013
The Sport of Reading
Do you ever notice how people who play sports always need extensive gear? I mean, baseball players need balls, bats, a uniform, helmet, maybe gloves, special shoes, jock strap, and more. Not to mention the associated laundry and transportation.
Then here's tennis for you. My daughter just took up high school tennis and she’s needed money for tennis clinics, two specialty rackets, not run-of-the-mill, play-for-fun rackets (or is that three now?), special strings, practice balls, a bag for all her stuff and for the rackets. What else? Uh, sports bras in all colors, a uniform, cute shorts and athletic shirts to practice in, supportive tennis shoes (and of course socks to sweat in), a water bottle, but not just any water bottle, an insulated one to keep her water cold. But water wasn’t good enough, so we need Gatorade too. Then working in the sun for hours, she needs sunscreen of course. I’m sure I haven’t touched on everything, but you get the drift: doing sports requires gear and not just ANY gear. It has to be perfect and precision.
So, I’m here to say ENOUGH! You sweaty sports people need all this perfect and precision stuff for your sport; I need it for mine too, so here’s the list.
Sports Gear for Reading (minimum requirements)
Assorted paperbacks, hardcovers, and ebooksAn ereader...or two to get the best performance depending on conditionsComfortable sweats or pjs. Probably both.Comfy chair, couch, or bed. Best to have all three and if the one you have now isn’t quite up to standard, get a new one.Slippers or warm socks. No, both. Can’t have any distractions if your feet are cold, taking your mind off the task at hand and reducing your performance.Coffee or tea. Probably both. Maybe some cool drinks as well.Coffee maker. Not just any old kind. Gotta have one that does cappuccino and the works to enhance the experience.Sometimes coffee at home won’t cut it. You need a steady balance on your Starbucks Gold Card, especially for those days you might have trouble getting into it and need an extra workout, reading in public and all.Library cardBook club membershipBookshelf to store your reading collectionSupply of snacks to keep your energy up. A variety of chocolates is recommended.Internet access to converse with other book lovers and exchange technique ideas. Hone your skills, people!A cat, or two. Better have two, in case one isn’t in the mood to cuddle, you’ll have a backup.
I may have forgotten something, if so, feel free to add to the list, below in the comments section!
One, Two, Three. Let’s Go Team! GO READ! (read with a long, drawn out ‘go’) Whoo hoo!
Then we all fist bump and hit those books.
Then here's tennis for you. My daughter just took up high school tennis and she’s needed money for tennis clinics, two specialty rackets, not run-of-the-mill, play-for-fun rackets (or is that three now?), special strings, practice balls, a bag for all her stuff and for the rackets. What else? Uh, sports bras in all colors, a uniform, cute shorts and athletic shirts to practice in, supportive tennis shoes (and of course socks to sweat in), a water bottle, but not just any water bottle, an insulated one to keep her water cold. But water wasn’t good enough, so we need Gatorade too. Then working in the sun for hours, she needs sunscreen of course. I’m sure I haven’t touched on everything, but you get the drift: doing sports requires gear and not just ANY gear. It has to be perfect and precision.
So, I’m here to say ENOUGH! You sweaty sports people need all this perfect and precision stuff for your sport; I need it for mine too, so here’s the list.
Sports Gear for Reading (minimum requirements)Assorted paperbacks, hardcovers, and ebooksAn ereader...or two to get the best performance depending on conditionsComfortable sweats or pjs. Probably both.Comfy chair, couch, or bed. Best to have all three and if the one you have now isn’t quite up to standard, get a new one.Slippers or warm socks. No, both. Can’t have any distractions if your feet are cold, taking your mind off the task at hand and reducing your performance.Coffee or tea. Probably both. Maybe some cool drinks as well.Coffee maker. Not just any old kind. Gotta have one that does cappuccino and the works to enhance the experience.Sometimes coffee at home won’t cut it. You need a steady balance on your Starbucks Gold Card, especially for those days you might have trouble getting into it and need an extra workout, reading in public and all.Library cardBook club membershipBookshelf to store your reading collectionSupply of snacks to keep your energy up. A variety of chocolates is recommended.Internet access to converse with other book lovers and exchange technique ideas. Hone your skills, people!A cat, or two. Better have two, in case one isn’t in the mood to cuddle, you’ll have a backup.
I may have forgotten something, if so, feel free to add to the list, below in the comments section!
One, Two, Three. Let’s Go Team! GO READ! (read with a long, drawn out ‘go’) Whoo hoo!
Then we all fist bump and hit those books.
August 26, 2013
Cover Reveal: In Love by Design
In Love by Design
The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod
(Volume III)
By Tracy Ellen
Cover Art by Samantha Prudhon Falkowski
In Love by Design welcomes you back to Northfield, Minnesota and the life of Anabel Axelrod.
Its official--the sexy, blonde bookstore owner with a sassy attitude, a brain that never stops, and a reluctant penchant for helping her family and friends out of trouble has fallen madly in love.
Anabel doesn't get to prove what a fabulous girlfriend she'll make for more than eight hours before Luke disappears out of town. Instead of getting to enjoy being a girl passionately in love, Anabel’s shiny new feelings and trust in her boyfriend are immediately being tested.
Who is the darkly powerful and charismatic Luke Drake? What are his secrets? Does he really love Anabel, or has he been manipulating her to further an intricate plan of cold revenge in the making for over twenty years?
This third book in the series finds the confident Anabel desperately needing her sense of humor and all her understanding of human nature to deal with life. But Anabel soon learns the hard way she has even bigger issues to worry about than family problems and an incredibly hot, but very tricky boyfriend.
She’s made some bad enemies recently and someone wants her dead. After the first attempt on her life, Anabel and Luke team up to solve this mystery, but Anabel is beginning to wonder if she can trust her Dark Prince. Or Is this one fairy tale where love does not conquer all?
Rafflecopter Below!! *Mark your calendars!
Monday, August 26: The first book in the series, A Date with Fate, will be free for downloadPublish date of September 12, 2013Release Day event on Book Enthusiast Blog, September 12, 201327 BLOGS TOUR, September 16-27, Author Interviews and Giveaways*
Meet Tracy Ellen...
When I was eleven, I got about a hundred bucks in cash between my birthday and Christmas presents. This was BIG money back then. I spent every red cent of it on five pair of darling shoes and a couple of heaving bosom / manly muscle romance novels. For all of my life, I've always had a thing for shoes that make me say "Oh yum", and a thing for reading books with plots centered on dangerously smart men and sassy, intelligent women. It's not an exaggeration to say I've avidly read everything I could get my hands on to find these jewels.
One day this past year or so, I realized that I spend more money on books now than I do on shoes. I was stunned. Should I be ashamed of this fact or proud? Then an even stranger thing happened. It was like a switch turned off/on inside me. All of a sudden instead of wanting to read about romance, I wanted to write my own stories about the building sexual attraction between a confident woman and a mysterious man.
So began my budding writing career. Then I made another happy discovery; I absolutely love writing! Since then, I've become a writing fiend. My self-published books include A Date with Fate and Courted by Karma in The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod series. I'm releasing the third book in this series, In Love by Design, in September 2013.
For those of you who may want to know some pertinent facts: Don't worry--I still adore yummy shoes and always will, even when I have one foot in the grave. Also, I was born in Indiana, the third out of five hellions. (My mother wanted to go to work every day.) I've always lived in the Midwest, except for six steamy months in Florida when I was nineteen. Currently, I reside in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota with my family. The college town of Northfield featured in Anabel's Adventures is just down the road a jaunt.
I love, love, love connecting with readers. Reviews, comments, posts, and emails are always welcome. Follow my blog (although, I’m sorry to say it's boring because I'd rather write books than write posts in my blog) or like me on Facebook to be aware of events, giveaways, new books I'm publishing, or a rare posting of something that strikes my funny bone. (Hmm, for a woman who loves to connect, I'm actually quite unsociable in the social media forum...)
Twitter: @_TracyEllen01
www.tracyellen01.com
facebook.com/tracyellen01
tracy.ellen@aol.com
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August 23, 2013
Book Review: This Girl: A Novel by Colleen Hoover
This Girl is the retelling of Slammed from Will's POV and then some. The "then some" is the part I enjoyed most.The majority of the book is Will telling his version of things from the day he met Layken. He tells this to Layken while they are on their honeymoon. She wants to hear it all. It's not just Slammed rehashed, but also tidbits of events that Layken knew nothing about at the time (and her sometimes immature response). It's also fun to hear Will's internal struggles with all the obstacles they had faced in Slammed. And he has his moments of frailty as well.
There's still poetry in This Girl.
"...respect the hand that I was dealt. And to be grateful I was even dealt a hand."If you haven't read Slammed, I highly recommend it. It was touching, sweet, and made me cry. And, essential reading before picking up This Girl.
I loved this line:
"Then this girl completely shatters the window to my soul and crawls inside."
The best part of This Girl was the last 6% of the book. It is written more "traditional Colleen Hoover style" than the rest. Will and Lake return from their honeymoon, and instead of waltzing down memory lane together, they are "real time" and making new memories together, not only them, but Eddie, Gavin, Kel and Caulder. They are all delightful and funny.
I loved this line too:
"I guess in a way, we all changed each other's lives."
While I loved the first two books in this series more, this is a great addition to wrap it all up. Worth the read.
Four stars.
Links:Colleen Hoover's Website
This Girl on Amazon
This Girl at B&N
More by Colleen Hoover
