Margo Bond Collins's Blog, page 84

Bound by Blood by Margo Bond Collins ~ Blog Tour

Sometimes the monsters in the dark are real…

As a child, Lili Banta ignored her grandmother’s cryptic warnings to avoid children outside their Filipino community in Houston. When many of those other children fell ill, Lili ignored the whispers in her community that a vampiric aswang walked among them.

Years later, Lili returns to Houston to work for the Center for Disease Control—but she is plagued by dark, bloody dreams that consume her nights and haunt her days. When a strange illness attacks the city’s children, Lili is called in to find its source, and maybe even a cure.

But in order to save the city, she must first acknowledge the sinister truth: A monster stalks the night—closer than she ever expected….

 

 

Excerpt

Sitting straight up in bed, I gasped and threw myself back against the headboard, the thud dying away along with the remaining shreds of my dream.

But the word still ricocheted through my mind.

Aswang.

Until yesterday, I hadn’t thought of the term in years—not since I’d left Houston for med school in Maine, determined to get as far away from home as I could.

But this resurgence of the same, odd illness that had swept my city years before was apparently also dredging up the old stories from deep in my subconscious: the aswang, a vampiric woman who lived a quiet life by day and fed on children in the night, flying back home on bat-wings just before dawn.

My unconscious mind had clearly also expanded on the idea, casting me in the role of aswang and adding schizoid conversations with a chorus of internal voices.

Great. I’m insane in my dreams.

And I’m a monster.

Shuddering, I wiped my hand across my gritty, raw eyelids.

_____________________________________________

Buy Links 

Only $.99 via Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Blood-Night-Shift-Novella-ebook/dp/B00PB3AIGC/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Blood-Night-Shift-Novel/dp/0990743365/

_____________________________________________

About the Author  

Margo Bond Collins is the author of urban fantasy, contemporary romance, and paranormal mysteries. She has published a number of novels, including Sanguinary, Taming the Country Star, Legally Undead, Waking Up Dead, and Fairy, Texas. She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets. Although writing fiction is her first love, she also teaches college-level English courses online. She enjoys reading romance and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about heroes, monsters, cowboys, and villains, and the strong women who love them—and sometimes fight them.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Margo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins

Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com

Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.net

Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin

Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/

_____________________________________________

Join the Bound by Blood Blog Tour! Sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pu0cnZZqatuqOF4h1jZzI7FuGVIXwitiY5ri-eyL4zM/viewform?usp=send_form

_____________________________________________

 

 

Eleventh Elementum(The Primortus Chronic...

Eleventh Elementum
(The Primortus Chronicles, #1)
by J.L. Bond and

Val

Richards
Release Date: 12/14/14
Get Over It Publishing





Summary from Goodreads:




It has begun! Fourteen years

after a catastrophic disaster, the world has regained its balance with the help

of the Primortus. They have secretly walked amongst us since the beginning of

time, protecting the earth with the power of the elements. When a fourteen-year-old

girl is given two mysterious gifts from a father she never knew, she is drawn

into their dangerous world of magic.





She must learn to wield the power

of the Eleventh Elementum to survive. With the help of Will (her best friend),

his cousin and her new stepsister, she seeks out the evil that threatens New

Zealand. But a black-eyed stranger is watching their every move. Now, two

powerful beings will battle one another and the outcome will determine our way

of life.

Buy Link: Amazon

 

Excerpt

Skylee ran her fingers through the crumpled paper and found a smaller box. Her eyes widened as she opened it and peered inside. The box held a beautiful necklace, which appeared to be very old. Upon closer inspection, she realized its dark gray metal shone like new, reflecting tiny flecks of blue. She had never seen a lovelier amulet. Her eyes moved back and forth from the necklace to the carving on the book. They were exactly the same size and shape.

Plucking the necklace from the box, she held it up by its long silvery chain. The medieval looking amulet swayed and sparkled in the light as if it were covered in diamonds. Inside its circular center were four distinct etchings. She brushed her fingers across the symbols wondering what they meant, and then she turned the amulet over. On the back were more etchings. One looked like an inscription and the other was an odd symbol. They appeared to be in the same language as the lettering in the book.

Skylee didn’t know what to make of it, yet she had a strong urge to put on the necklace. Draping it over her head, she crossed the room and stood at the full-length mirror. Her blue eyes narrowed as she frowned at her reflection. She had tried to tame her wavy blonde hair into some kind of twist, securing it at the crown of her head in an attempt to look more mature. Now she wondered if it only accentuated her most embarrassing feature her protruding ears. She brushed an unruly curl away from her face and examined her pale complexion. Maybe the extra makeup was too much. She usually only wore a little mascara and tinted lip-gloss. She shrugged and made a face at herself in the mirror. Then her eyes settled on the sparkling necklace, which was resting on the soft green fabric of her dress.

“So, this is my inheritance,” she said, holding it up.

She curiously gazed at it and, to her surprise, white crystals were forming on its surface. Suddenly a sharp pain seared her fingers and she quickly let go, leaving it dangling from the chain around her neck. The amulet was as cold as ice. Confusion overwhelmed her. Her heart pounded loudly under the freezing metal. She took a deep breath and tried to calm down. But as if being driven by some force that she could not understand, Skylee walked to the book. She removed the amulet and, with icy cold fingers, placed it into the diamond shaped carving.

A brilliant glow grew from the heart of it, intensifying in brightness until its radiance held her gaze. Then without warning a jolt of energy surged through her fingers. She shrieked and tried to pull away from the book, but her hand wouldn’t budge.

 

About the Author

J.L. Bond and Val Richards met in college in

Clarksville Tennessee, where Val excelled in Math and J.L excelled in creative

ways to talk Val out of going to class. A few years later…okay, more than a

few, they found themselves living about an hour away from one another in Florida

and joined forces to write the Primortus Chronicles, YA fantasy- adventure

series.  Nowadays, J.L. likes to remind Val that Math isn’t necessary for

writing.

Author Links:
      GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

Spotlight On: Tainted Energy

Tainted Energy
by Lynn Vroman
Release Date: 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

For seventeen-year-old Lena,  living in the trailer park with the rest of town’s throwaways isn’t exactly paradise. Dealing with a drunken father who can’t keep his fists to himself doesn’t help matters either. The only good thing in her life, other than track, is the mysterious man who visits her dreams, promising to find her.


When a chair burns her arms, Lena chalks it up to stress-induced crazy. Yet as  bizarre incidents escalate, even being crazy can’t explain it all away… until  one day dream guy does find her.

Tarek lost Lena seventeen years ago after she was accused of treason and marked Tainted. He finally discovers her reborn on Earth into a life of suffering as punishment for her crime.

However, someone else has already found her… and wants her dead. Willing to sacrifice everything, he fights to

keep her safe so she can live the only life she’s ever known—even if that life doesn’t include him.

 

 

 

Excerpt

She reached for her coffee, brushing my hand with her fingers. I pulled back to let her take my hand warmer without opening my eyes. After a sip, her loud voice interrupted the silence. “What happened?”

Never thought of myself as transparent–except to Wilma. I didn’t even have to talk for her to know something weighed on me. Knowing me for…what…my whole life probably had a lot to do with it.

But no way would I tell her about last night. I didn’t need another person I cared about thinking I boarded the crazy train. “He hit her again.”

“That sadistic piece of garbage needs to be hung up by his balls.”

I snorted. She had a way with words, my lunch lady. “You volunteering?”

Her knuckles whitened on the steering wheel, and her face developed blotchy red patches across her pudgy cheeks. “You have no idea how much I’d love the job.”

“I’ll be out of there soon. No need to take his balls.” I slouched in the seat. “Besides, I’m sure those shriveled up a long time ago.”

She snorted this time, setting her coffee in the holder. Smoothing frizzy black curls away from her face, she said, “Found a place in town, looked decent. I’m thinking of taking it.”

The news didn’t surprise me. Wilma had lived in that double wide for years, but when I told her about my plan to move a week ago, she started grumbling about how much she hated her house and needed a change. Guess it didn’t matter hers was the nicest dump in the park.

With a grin, I looked her way. “I think that’s a great idea.”

She nodded, never taking her eyes off the road.

Buy Links:

 

Amazon│Barnes

& Noble















About the Author



Born in Pennsylvania, Lynn spent most of her childhood, especially during math class, daydreaming. Today, she spends an obscene amount of time in her head, only now she writes down all the cool stuff.


With a degree in English Literature, Lynn used college as an excuse to read for four years straight. She lives in the Pocono Mountains with her husband, raising the four most incredible human beings on the planet. She writes young adult novels, both fantasy and contemporary.









Author Links:
      GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

Character Interview: Devin, from Keeper of the Gate, by Paula Kennedy

Keeper of the Gate

Paula Kennedy

Evernight Teen

Paranormal Teen Romance, 63k

 

 

Anna, the girl with flaming red hair and attitude to match, always felt like an outcast. In her final year of high school, when she can’t even connect with the right guy, she meets mysterious bible-loving Devin and feels strangely drawn to him.

There’s more to Devin than good looks and his weird obsession with scripture, and Anna finally understands the emptiness she’s felt her entire life. Join Anna as she searches for answers about her past with Devin, struggles to accept her true identity, and begins an adventure into the City of Fire to reseal the gates of Hell.

 

Buy Links:        Evernight Teen    Amazon     All Romance eBooks

 

 

_______________________________

 

Character Interview: Devin (Keeper of the Gate)

Devin: Thanks so much for having me. I’m a little nervous as this my first interview.

What attracts you to Anna?

Without giving too much away, if you’ve read Keeper of the Gate you’ll be better able to relate to this, what I find most attractive about Anna is her stubbornness. I love a woman who knows what she wants and she definitely knows. Oh and the suit she wears certainly doesn’t hurt either. (Smiles and winks) But don’t tell her I said that.

What repels you about Anna?

(Gets more comfortable in seat and scratches at his temple.) I’m going to go right back to my last answer and say the same thing. Her stubbornness can be a real turn on, and I love her for it, but some times it’s also a huge turn off. (Looks around) She isn’t in the building is she? I know I’m going to get it later for saying this. (Clears throat). There are days when I want to tell her to chill out and let someone else take the reigns for a while. This rarely happens with her though and once she has her mind set on something, it’s pretty hard to change it.

What word best describes true love?

Perserverance. If you can stick it out with someone despite unsurmountable obstacles or odds, then you may just have found true love. More and more often I see couples give up without even trying to make it work. (Smiles and his eyes take on a far away look) Look at what Anna and I have been through – I don’t think a relationship can get any crazier than that!

What’s your ideal romantic evening?

A walk on the beach at night. It’s an opportunity to get close to nature and away from the distractions of everyday life. Anna and I have spent a lot of time exploring different beaches and we love to just sit in the dark and enjoy the sound of the surf. We have a strict no electronics policy, our attention is totally devoted to eachother. Actually, we’ve visited some pretty awesome beaches over the years. I’d love to share some of our beach stories another day if you’re up for it. (He winks) I’d have to run them by Anna first to make sure she’s okay with sharing.

What’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift?

Flowers and chocolates have been way over done so scratch those off right away. I like the idea of a quiet dinner in a cozy café somewhere. Anna and I have done that for the last few years actually. I like the challenge of finding a café we haven’t been to and that meets all our valentine day criteria. I’d like to share what that criteria is but I’ve been sworn to secercy. (Grins). Jewlery is another one of my favorite gifts to give and really, how can you go wrong? Women love jewlery. (Smiles widely) Guess I’m getting in good with the ladies saying that – the men probably not!

What is an absolute deal breaker in a relationship?

Wow, intense question. (Takes a sip of water and places the glass back on the table beside his chair). Relationship apathy. If both partners are remorseful and focussed on the same end, a serious committed relationship can survive a lot of hurdles – even cheating. Apathy, on the other hand, is a deal breaker for me. If my partner no longer cares about me or fails to show any interest in our relationship then I think it’s pretty much over.

Who made the first move you or Anna and what was it?

(Laughs loudly and runs both hands through his hair) I guess if you’ve read Keeper of the Gate you’d know the answer to that question! For those of you that haven’t had a chance to take a look at it, I don’t want to give too much away. (pauses) I think it’s probably fair to say Anna made the first move and that fits in well with stubborn personality. She is a woman who knows what she wants and thankfully I was one of those wants! I can’t really talk about the what though because I don’t want to ruin it for those of your that haven’t read the book yet.

Thanks so much for having me here! I would love the chance to come back and talk more about the beaches Anna and I have explored.

 

_______________________________

Excerpt

Backing away, I turned toward the wall. “Can’t you just leave me alone? All I’m asking for is time to say goodbye to my family. Why is that so hard?”

I could feel the heat of him directly behind me but didn’t turn. “You know the reason.” His tone was quiet and serious. “I am not going to repeat myself.”

“Go away, Devin.” Tears of frustration would not be held at bay any longer and my words were laced with hatred. “Just leave me alone!”

“No.”

Heat building in my chest suddenly exploded and I turned and shoved him as hard as I could. He staggered backwards a couple steps, but caught himself easily.

“That was pathetic,” he mumbled and moved back over to me.

“Stay back!” I demanded, fists held defensively forward.

He laughed at my threat and grabbed for both of my wrists. Arms flailing wildly, I avoided his hands but somehow he flipped me around to pin my body against the wall with his. He slipped his legs between mine and spread them wide.

“Get . . .off . . . me.” I huffed under his weight and struggled to pull away. He only dug his knees into the backs of my legs more forcefully. Laughing, he pressed his torso harder against my back before fumbling to grab my wrists.

“Make me leave, Anna,” he whispered breathlessly into my ear as he forced my hands over my head. His fingers dug into my wrists and this brought tears to my eyes.

“You’re hurting me!” I hissed through clenched teeth and leaned away from his face. “Get off me!”

He grunted with the effort and after a bit of a fight took both of my hands in one of his. With his free hand he took a fistful of my hair and yanked my head back.

“Ow!” I swore and blinked tears down my cheeks.

“You better hurry.” He hissed. “Make me leave before someone gets hurt.”

The heat of his breath in my face fueled the fire in my chest and I screamed in frustration, fear and anger. He laughed gratingly and this only ticked me off more.

“No one can hear you scream. It’s just us.” He pushed my knees painfully into the wall with his legs. “Maybe you like this. Huh?” he asked, pressing his torso harder against me. I cried out as the air was squeezed from my lungs. “I am in complete control, Anna. I could do whatever I pleased with you right now. What are you going to do about it?”

“Why are you doing this to me?” I sobbed and my anger fizzled. My words came out in a great shudder. “Get off. Please.”

“Come on!” Spittle sprayed my cheek when he yelled and I clamped my eyes shut. “You’re not Annalisa Harold.” He yanked my hair again and I whimpered.

“Stop crying,” he demanded and let up his grip a fraction.

“You’re a warrior. A Keeper of the Gate!” Air huffed from my lips as he pressed against me again. “Now. . .come . . .on! Make me leave!”

I wriggled and struggled to move away but it felt like he was made of iron. I sobbed breathlessly, my muscles spent. His suggestion I was some type of warrior was ridiculous.

Devin’s voice was laced with anger. “He will destroy your family. He will torture your friends. Is that what you want for them?”

I couldn’t breathe, could hardly think of anything but taking a lung full of air. My cheek pressed against the cold drywall and tears dripped like ice down my neck. I wanted to get away from him, wanted to breathe, but sorrow sapped my strength. Perhaps I should give in to him. Perhaps that was what I needed.

I cried then. Long, mournful sobs racked my trapped chest for what felt like hours. We stayed as we were for so long, in fact, the cold in the drywall started to eat itself into my brain. I pleaded, I begged, I screamed, but Devin refused to release me. His breath was like fire in my ear, his body a prison. He was never going to let me go.

Then the images started to come. I was desperate to save my mother, my father, my friends. Scene after scene of my life flashed like lightning in a summer storm and I knew I couldn’t sacrifice them. I didn’t care about myself, I wanted to die, but I couldn’t let my family suffer in my place. They were the innocent. They had loved me like their own.

Drawing what breath I could, I screamed from the pit of my stomach and pushed against the wall with all my might. This last effort created enough space to allow me to turn around. Anger flooded in then and I wanted to kill him. My heart raced, I couldn’t seem to draw enough air, and my body tingled with lightning.

Meeting his eyes, I didn’t miss the look of surprise that swept across his face. Glad I finally had the advantage, I drew a shaking breath before shoving him with as much strength as I could muster. As my fingertips touched his chest, the air came alive with pin pricks of electricity. Amazingly, Devin flew across the room, pulled by some invisible force, and I was left standing alone in shock. His body hit the opposite wall hard enough to knock my clock off the nail, but he

was right back on his feet and hardly fazed at all.

He adjusted his glasses and smoothed his hair. “That was good, but it wasn’t good enough.”

Recklessly, he charged at me again but this time I was ready. I lunged into a forward roll away from him, and got back on my feet, fast enough to send a roundhouse kick toward his head.

He blocked my foot skillfully, but I nearly missed a low kick from him toward my right shin and stopped it at the last second. In a flurry of movement, he threw a series of punches toward my head, all of which I blocked with my forearms. Unfortunately, as I was backing up I tripped over a book bag. He grabbed the front of my shirt as I collapsed backwards and my hair brushed the wall.

“Careful,” he said breathlessly, eyes wide with excitement.

“Thanks,” I grunted and wrenched my shirt free of his grip as I jumped back on my feet.

With every inhalation of air my body came more alive. I was electrified, invincible, and going to kick Devin’s ass.

 

_______________________________

 

Author Bio

 

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Paula has a B.A. in psychology, a B. Ed. in the primary, junior, intermediate and senior divisions, and a vivid imagination. She spent her early years listening to the stories of her father, a well-loved high school teacher and creating tales of adventure for her two younger sisters. She is a wife and mother to four amazing children. “I am a mother, a wife, a teacher and a writer. Life does not get any better than this!”

 

 

Paula’s contacts:

Website:  http://paulakennedybooks.wordpress.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/paula.kennedy.37

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PKennedyBooks

 

 

_______________________________

 

Giveaway: 1 Ebook copy of Keeper of the Gate

- Please leave a comment on this blog to enter,

say “HI” to Paula and tell her what you like to read!!

 

 

_______________________________

Spotlight On: Take Them by Storm, by Marie Landry

Take Them By Storm (Angel Island #3)


by Marie Landry


Release Date: 01/06/15





Summary from Goodreads:




This book is a standalone companion novel to Waiting for the Storm and After the Storm. The books do not need to be read together or in order, but please note that this synopsis contains mild spoilers for After the Storm.

Sadie Fitzgerald has always been different, and not just because she makes her own clothes and would rather stay home watching Doctor Who than party with kids her age. When it’s time to leave Angel Island for college, Sadie is eager to put her old life behind her. Small-minded people and rumors have plagued her for years, but with the love of her adoptive family, the O’Dells, Sadie has learned to embrace who she is. Now she’s not afraid to admit the rumors about her are true: she’s gay.

For the first time in her life, Sadie feels free to be herself. She dives into college life and begins volunteering at the local LGBT center, where she discovers her small-town upbringing left holes in her education about life outside Angel Island.

The world is a bigger and more accepting place than Sadie ever imagined. She’s finally found where she belongs, but with the reappearance of someone from her past, an unexpected new friendship, and a chance at love, Sadie soon realizes she still has a lot to learn about life, friendship, and love.

 

Book in this series:

(cover linked to Goodreads)

 

 

About the Author

Marie Landry is the author of BLUE SKY DAYS (contemporary YA—January 2012), THE GAME CHANGER (women’s fiction—November 2012), WAITING FOR THE STORM (contemporary YA—April 2013), and THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR (a new adult holiday novella-November 2013). Marie has always been a daydreamer; since early childhood, she’s had a passion for words and a desire to create imaginary worlds, so it only seemed natural for her to become a writer. She resides in Ontario, Canada, and most days you can find her writing, reading, blogging about writing and reading, listening to U2, wandering around with a camera in her hand, watching copious amounts of TV on DVD, or having grand adventures with her nephews and niece.






Author Links:

    

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Spotlight On: Creed, by Trisha Leaver and Lindsay Currie

SYNOPSIS:

By: Trisha Leaver & Lindsay Currie

Release date: November 8, 2014

Publisher: Flux

Genre: Young Adult psychological horror

ISBN: 0738740802

Three went in. Three came out. None even a shadow of who they once were.

When their car breaks down, Dee, her boyfriend Luke, and his brother Mike walk through a winter storm to take refuge in a nearby town called Purity Springs. When they arrive, the emergency sirens are blaring and the small farming town seems abandoned. With no other shelter, they spend the night in an empty house.

But they soon discover that not everything in Purity Springs is as it seems. When the town’s inhabitants suddenly appear the next morning, Dee, Luke, and Mike find themselves at the mercy of the charismatic leader, Elijah Hawkins, who plans to make Dee his new wife. Elijah’s son, Joseph, offers to help them escape . . . but the price of his help may be more than Dee and her friends can bear.

 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17720829-creed?from_search=true

INdieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738740805
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/creed-trisha-leaver/1118199822?ean=9780738740805
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Creed-Trisha-Leaver/dp/0738740802/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409936460&sr=8-1&keywords=creed+currie+leaver
 
Praise For CREED:

“Debut authors Leaver and Currie make an auspicious foray into YA horror…creating a believably desperate and terrifying situation for their characters, and Dee’s history of physical and sexual abuse adds another layer of terror to this suspenseful and sporadically gory thriller.” ~Publishers Weekly

Welcome to a town that makes “Children of the Corn” look like child’s play. There’s no shortage of scary shenanigans happening in “Creed” … We’d rather take a year-long gig teaching botany to the “Children of the Corn” than take a gas-and-bathroom break on a sunny day in Purity Springs.  ~Kat Rosenfield author of Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone/ MTV News

“This is: a straight-ahead, cover-your-ears tale of terror that grows more nihilistic and grueling by the page…. Leaver and Currie do the best thing horror authors can do, presenting protagonists who make smart choices, over and over, but to no avail. Now that’s scary” ~ Daniel Kraus/ Booklist

 
About The Authors

Trisha Leaver: Trisha Leaver graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Social Work. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband, three kids and one rather irreverent black lab. She is a member of the SCBWI, the Horror Writers Association, and the YA Scream Queens.

 

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | Instagram: @trishaleaver



Lindsay Currie: Lindsay Currie graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, IL with an English Literature degree. She is a member of the SCBWI, the Horror Writers Association and a contributor to the YA Scream Queens.



TWITTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

Instagram: @lindsayncurrie 

Spotlight On: The Spirit Heir (A Dance of Dragons #2), byt Kaitlyn Davis

The Spirit Heir (A Dance of Dragons #2)













by Kaitlyn Davis 




Release Date: 10/30/14





Summary from Goodreads:
From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes the second book in the thrilling A Dance of Dragons series–perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Game of Thrones!



Drenched in darkness and surrounded by the echo of screams, Jinji waits deep in the dungeons of Rayfort, haunted by the memory of the knife stabbing Rhen, plagued by a foreign voice whispering through her mind. A few floors above, Rhen rests trapped in a coma, about to wake to a changed world—a world where his best friend is a woman, his nephew is the king, and an enemy army surrounds him on all sides.

But human wars are insignificant compared to the darkness gathering unseen. Memories of lives she never lived flash through Jinji’s thoughts, hinting at a past that cannot be repeated. A mysterious phantom visits Rhen, carrying cryptic messages of the future. And somewhere out there, the shadow continues to lurk in silence.

Uncertain of their relationship and tempted by new feelings, Rhen and Jinji must find a way to work together. The fate of humanity rests on their shoulders and the real battle has only just begun…

Buy Links:

 

Amazon│Barnes

& Noble│iTunes│Kobo│Smashwords

Book One:

(Currently FREE!)

Excerpt: The Spirit Heir – Chapter 1  Jinji has just been freed from the dungeons of Rayfort and was brought into a finely decorated room to wait and see who ordered her release.

The entry swung open, and there he stood. Commanding. Taking up the entire frame of the doorway, hair just as bright as Jinji remembered, eyes just as sparkling.

All breath left her body and she stood speechless, still not sure if she was awake.

Rhen looked at her with an expression Jinji couldn’t read. Confusion. Horror. Sympathy. Longing. All of them or none of them, she couldn’t decide.

Jinji watched, waiting for him to disappear, to wink out of existence just like her illusions. But he seemed so solid.

Seconds ticked by but the room felt frozen in time.

Why was he just standing there? Jinji silently commanded he step forward, but Rhen didn’t move. Stubborn.

He must be real, she thought and bit her lower lip, almost afraid to find out the answer. But Jinji had waited a long time in the dark, and she would wait no longer.

Stepping cautiously forward, she approached Rhen. He watched on, impassive but not moving away. She stopped close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body, but far enough away to keep herself composed.

There were so many things to say, but her lips would not open. So many words that would not come.

Jinji wanted to collapse against him, to fall into his arms and let them catch her, protect her, convince her that it was all real. But she wouldn’t, no matter how much her body protested against her. If this Rhen were real, he did not trust her. He did not view her as a woman to comfort. He did not ache for her in the way she ached for him.

To Rhen, she was a liar. A stranger. Without Jin, he didn’t know who she was. In time, she might change that. But now was not that time.

Still, she needed to touch him, to feel his strength, his solidity.

So instead, Jinji simply reached her hand up, cupping his warm cheek—peachy against her dirty fingernails. To her surprise, his eyes softened and his hand followed, holding hers tightly against his freckles.

“You’re alive?” she asked, her emotions hanging by a thread. There was one thing her illusions could not do, one thing only a real person could create—noise.

Rhen smirked, left side of his lip raising slightly, and responded, “Barely.”

Joy flooded Jinji’s body, filling her up, and spilling over into tears that she could not contain. Just as she thought her legs could hold her no longer, that it was too much and she would fall against him just to feel his embrace, it was Rhen who faltered. Clutching his stomach, he slumped, stumbling as one leg gave out beneath him.

Against all of her predictions, Jinji was the one who caught him.

The Shadow Soul (A Dance of Dragons, #1)

by Kaitlyn Davis
Release Date: 02/20/14

Release Date:
GAME OF THRONES meets GRACELING in a new fantasy series by bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis.

Jinji has been haunted by the death of her twin brother for ten years. Now, on the dawn of her joining, the nightmare that claimed him has returned for her.

Prince Whylrhen is determined to prevent the past from repeating itself. His kingdom is expecting a new heir, and he will stop at nothing to keep the child safe.

Though they’ve never met, the two share a deep secret—magic. Jinji can weave the elements to create master illusions and Whylrhen can pull burning flames into his flesh. But neither of them knows what they are truly capable of until a chance encounter brings them together. For their story has played out before, in a long forgotten time—an age of myth that is about to be reborn…

Get your free copy!
Amazon│Barnes

& Noble│iTunes│Kobo│Smashwords

 

About the Author


I’ve always been a writer. I grew up duct taping my novels together, started writing complete manuscripts in high school and studied creative writing at Johns Hopkins University. Upon graduating, I decided it was finally time to actually give my dream career a chance. So, of course, I started writing a young adult paranormal romance series — and no, I’m not jumping on the bandwagon. I’ve been a true paranormal supporter for my entire life! I blame my obsession almost completely on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, my all-time favorite television show. And, before you ask: Yes, I own every season… even the post WB ones! I especially challenge anyone to watch the first three seasons and not fall in love with Angel, securing a lifelong love of vampires! Other culprits of my paranormal obsession are some of my favorite authors: JK Rowling, Raymond Feist, Meg Cabot, Richelle Mead, Lynne Ewing and Tamora Pierce.

 

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook│Pinterest│Tumblr│Wattpad│Youtube│Amazon│Newsletter

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

Spotlight On: Books, Blogs, and Reality, by Ryan Ringbloom

Books, Blogs, Reality by Ryan Ringbloom
New Adult Contemporary
Date Published: October 2014

Life can suck…

When reality becomes overwhelming, seeking comfort in fictional fantasies keeps hope alive.  And while this escape may be a little delusional, it’s also therapeutic.

Sharing secrets is daunting, but virtual friends don’t often judge and they are always ready to share a glass of wine…or three…while typing out life’s latest endeavors.

Brooke believes obstacles only add to romance, not detract. Rachael longs for a more intense relationship, or so she thinks. Lizzie misses the excitement in her life, but sometimes new situations find you when you’re not even looking. And Jess believes a tiger can change his stripes. It can’t.

Bound by a shared passion for blogging about happily ever afters, these four young women use keyboard therapy to work through their expectations, anxieties, and inadequacies, all with the hopes of achieving the perfection found in romance novels.

Completely blinded by what they think life should be, they navigate their unique paths in search of what they envision is right. But when reality taunts them with persistent curve balls, will they be strong enough to choose wisely? Or will their happy endings escape them?


*Mature content 18+


EXCERPT


It’s not uncommon for people to have two sets of friends. The

“real” friends; these are the ones who live nearby, the ones you see or talk

with occasionally (less and less as time goes on). Then there are the “virtual”

friends; these are the ones you talk to (well, type to) every day. The latter

group comes from all over. You’ve never actually met any of them and yet you

trust them with some of the deepest, most intimate thoughts and details of your

life. You share way too much information and in return, they over-share way too

much back.
On Brooke Bloomfield’s twenty-third birthday, she went to

lunch with her real life best friend, Lauren. The two girls had a very nice

time. They gossiped in between chews, catching up, because even though they

lived only ten minutes away from each other, they still hadn’t seen each other

in quite some time. When the bill came, Lauren grabbed it, insisting she treat

Brooke on her special day. They hugged goodbye at their cars and promised to

meet for lunch or a drink soon.
Later that same night, Brooke let loose and celebrated her

birthday in a much more exciting way, at a computer-generated party with her

three online BF’s, Rachael-XXOO, Lizzie1214, and JessRomance93. In a relatively

short time, all three of these girls had come to know more about Brooke than

anyone else.
Similar tastes in books kept connecting them through book

tours and blitzes. Comments on posts and reviews turned into discussions over

emails. Tweets bounced back and forth between the four of them endlessly, until

one day they discovered a social website designed for readers, where they could

all chat privately amongst themselves. Within no time, their virtual

discussions went from benign topics such as books they all loved, hated and/or

felt somewhere in between, to a hell of a lot more serious things.
It’s funny the things a person will share with people they

don’t actually have to face. Like a diary into which they feed their emotions

and it types back.

Brooke Bloomfield
ReaderGirlBrooke
NY  ~   Brookesbeenreading.blogspace.com
Blogger, dedicated romance reader, and reviewer. I spend a

lot of time with my many fictional boyfriends. Addicted to cherry ice pops and

cupcakes with pink frosting.
~
ReaderGirlBrooke: Hey guys!
Lizzie1214: Wine is open. Time to celebrate!! The big two-three!
JessRomance93: Hey, birthday girl! I just opened a beer. Does

everyone have a drink now?
Rachael-XXOO: Got mine. Happy Birthday Brookey!!!  Did you get the pic of Preston’s

package all wrapped up in a bow?
ReaderGirlBrooke: Thanks guys. I just poured a glass of red.

Yes, Rachael – great pic! *blushes
Rachael-XXOO: You’re not blushing. You love it. I’m sure you

saved it with all the other dirty pics I send you.
Rachael-XXOO: By the way, did you guys finish Fix My Heart

yet? I’m only 45% in.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Yes!! Loved! Five stars. A guy exactly

like Grant is what I wished for when I blew out my birthday candles today at

lunch.
Lizzie1214: I gave it five stars, too.
JessRomance93: It was good. Meh. Three stars.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Jess, are you serious? Only three stars?

How did you not fall in love with Grant? He was perfect!
JessRomance93: Yeah, Grant was perfect. But a little too

perfect, don’t ya think? Guys like that don’t exist.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Are you just saying that because of you-know-who?
JessRomance93: This has nothing to do with that asshole. I

just thought the way Grant rescued Cassandra was a little over the top.
Rachael-XXOO: Um, hello. What part of “I haven’t finished

yet” did you all not understand? Remember, we don’t discuss a book until

everyone is done reading.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Sorry! We’ll stop. Just make sure to stay

away from my blog until you’re done reading. My review is getting posted

tonight.
Rachael-XXOO: I’m probably reading slower than usual because

my own love life has been picking up lately.
JessRomance93: Nice, Rach! Do we get some dirty details

later?
ReaderGirlBrooke: Wah! The only love life I have lately

requires batteries.
Rachael-XXOO: Yes! I’ll give details later. And speaking of

dirty details, did you get my special little birthday care package, Brooke?
ReaderGirlBrooke: Yes, but I haven’t opened it yet. I

figured I’d wait till we were chatting.
Lizzie1214: Open it! Tell us what fun, twisted things

Rachael sent you.
Rachael-XXOO: Yeah, go ahead and open it up, birthday girl!
ReaderGirlBrooke: HAAA! I didn’t know they made so many

things in the shape of a penis. Lollipops, straws, a lipstick, pasta, and a

toothbrush! OMG! Where did u find a penis toothbrush?
Rachael-XXOO: I ordered everything online. Do you like the

theme??
ReaderGirlBrooke: I love it! Thank you!! I’m taking a pic of

everything right now to send you guys.
Lizzie1214: Will you actually eat the pasta and the

lollipops? I wonder what they taste like.
JessRomance93: Ew, yuck. What do you think it tastes

like?
Rachael-XXOO: Go ahead, Brooke, try a lollipop and tell us

if tastes like a pecker.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Yum. It does. ;)

 

About the Author



Ryan Ringbloom



Website


Facebook


Twitter: @ryanringbloom





Buy Link



Amazon





GIVEAWAY



Amazon Gift Card




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Character Postcard: Savannah, from Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow

At fifteen years old, Savannah is the youngest Diamond sister. Her older sisters have sheltered her for her entire life. Despite her rough upbringing, she’s optimistic and wants to think the best of people, although this can sometimes lead to her coming off as naïve. She wants to fit in at school, but has always felt like an outsider. She tends to feel overshadowed by the people around her. She trusts easily, and it sometimes leads to her getting hurt, but she’s always there for her sisters and friends when they need her!

Savannah loves singing, and has a fantastic voice, so it’s her ultimate dream to be a famous pop star. She’s been stage fright since a talent show disaster in middle school, but wants to record cover songs and post them on YouTube to try to get a following, like the YouTube stars she idolizes. She also plays guitar, but is self-taught, so she’s still learning how to improve. She mainly plays to accompany herself while singing. She’s athletic, and played on the JV volleyball team in her school in her hometown. She hopes to make Varsity as a sophomore.

She loves shopping and wearing anything that sparkles—dresses, nail polish, shoes, eye shadow, you name it! She loves reading fashion magazines and trying to duplicate the high-end styles worn by the models. Her favorite meal of the day is breakfast, and her favorite food is pancakes. Savannah has never had a serious boyfriend, and wants more than anything to believe that true love is possible!

Diamonds in the Rough (The

Secret Diamond Sisters #2)
by Michelle

Madow 
Release Date: 10/28/14
Harlequin Teen
448

Summary from Goodreads:
All-access doesn’t

mean no problems. The three Diamond sisters survived the summer in style after coming to live

with their long-lost billionaire father. But making a place for themselves at

their exclusive new Las Vegas private school is throwing them any number of

gold-plated curves. Savannah’s YouTube stardom turns into a Sweet Sixteen

reality show extravaganza—with complimentary enemies on the side. Dangerous

flirtations don’t keep Peyton from a gamble that will risk far more than she

planned to bet. And when Courtney and the sisters’ archenemy, Madison, uncover

two explosive secrets, it will rock even this town of glittering illusion—and

turn their lives upside down all over again.Sisterhood, first crushes, and scandalous secrets explode in book two of

Michelle Madow’s riveting series, The Secret Diamond Sisters.


















Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes

& Noble | Books

A Million| Book

Depository | iBookstore

Sequel to:
(cover linked to Goodreads)


Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Book Depository | iBookstore

 


































About the Author
Michelle Madow was inspired to write The Secret Diamond Sisters series while walking through her favorite hotel in Las Vegas. The next book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, launches in October. Prior to The Secret Diamond Sisters, she successfully self-published The Transcend Time Saga. A tireless promoter of her work, Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. A graduate of Rollins College, Michelle lives in Florida … but she loves going to Vegas.


To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, joinMichelle Madow’s Street Team on Facebook!

Author Links:

   GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

Spotlight On: Life of a Fool by CM Hutton

Title: Life of a Fool

Author: CM Hutton

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Honest Love Spin-off

Jason

I was a fool…

- for letting Lori Ann convince me that we were wrong for each other.

- for watching her walk away from me fifteen years ago and not stopping her.

- for not realizing she was in trouble.

- for thinking her nightmare, our nightmare was over.

I was a fool for letting my guard down.

And now, I’d do just about anything to keep her safe, including the most reckless, foolish thing a man — a cop, in fact — could do.

___________________________________

Lori Ann

Jason saved me, only to nearly lose me forever.

We’d been fools to think Antonio wouldn’t come after me. I was still his wife, after all. He’d hurt me, broken my arm and left me in pieces, but he wasn’t finished. He’d fooled me for years, made me believe he was a great man. Now that I knew the truth, I was going to fight like hell to save myself and Jason, to save the love we’d finally confessed.

I prayed that what I was about to do would be enough.

I was done being someone’s fool.

 

Purchase:
Amazon


_________________________________________________________


Excerpt
 
Prologue


My life had

been a nightmare.

My younger

brother, the former NFL player turned firefighter, had been severely injured

and on death’s door, as a matter of fact.  We’d been held

hostage at the hospital for weeks.  His bride-to-be,

Claire,was one of the strongest women I’d ever known…aside from my mom and Lori Ann.

Actually, they were probably all about equal in their feminine strength.

Damn…Lori Ann.  I needed to return

her call.

Thankfully,

Derek pulled through, married the love of his life, and they were expecting a

baby.  I was really happy for him.  My little brother had seen more hard times

than I cared to mention, and he’d finally found

happiness with a woman that was pretty incredible.  Claire had been through her own share of shit

and had risen above it.  I was in awe of

the woman and loved her as fiercely as I did one of my blood family

members. 

Truthfully,

seeing Derek find his soul mate, at the age of thirty-five, made me

jealous.  I was his older brother.  And although thirty-seven wasn’t that old, I felt ancient.

Perhaps, it was due to the stress of holding us all together these last

few weeks while we watched Derek struggle for his life.  Maybe it was the ache I felt seeing him so

happy. 

I’d dated plenty of girls.  They

were nice, kind…some a little kinky, but not one of

them held my heart…held my soul in their hands. 


Only one

had that privilege, and she was already taken.  
 


_________________________________________________________


About Honest Love
 

Starting over was never easy for anyone.

I’d heard the stories over and over.

But after the hell my ex-husband had put me through over the last year, over the last twenty years…well, I was ready to move on, repair what was left of my shattered heart and find someone to share my life with—someone who would put me first.

I deserved it. I’d done my time being in her shadow, being a cheap understudy, always second. For. All. Those. Years.

Never again.

Our move to San Diego provided a fresh start, a new place away from all the hurt and memories. Life as a single mom to three teenagers had its’ challenges, but we were adjusting and my kids were doing well.

It was time to focus on my happiness, for once. I had a huge capacity to love and I wanted to share my love with a man that respected it, accepted it and gave it in return.

It was just a matter of time before he found me and showed me what true, honest love was all about.

 

Purchase

Amazon | B&N

Excerpts
 
Claire

Every now and then,

during his session, I’d notice an odd glance or two from

him, but ignored it. I didn’t want his negative shit adding to my

own. This was my job. I was his physical therapist, not his friend or

counselor, and this job was what would keep me going while I learned to wrap my

head around my new life. 

Derek didn’t

say much. He grunted a few times when I pushed him harder, but other than that,

nothing.

It wasn’t

until we were just about done and I was giving him our customary mini

relaxation massage, that I took the opportunity to really take a good look at

him. Derek removed his shirt as he laid face down on the massage table in my

therapy room and an involuntary gasp escaped from me. 

Wasn’t expecting that.  

Most patients didn’t

remove their clothing as these massages were only meant to relieve the tension

built up in the body as a result of the stress from working an injury.  He’d apparently heard me because a small,

stupid grin turned up on one corner of his mouth. I ignored him.

He was tall and

lean, not too bulky, and his skin was tan and smooth…defined.

I noticed a few tattoos on his ribs. I’d never been much on body ink, but it

was sexy on Derek and I couldn’t stop staring at it as I slowly

rubbed the tension from his neck and shoulders.



Yeah, you could say

I was attracted to him. 

___________________________________________

Derek

Claire seemed nice.

Actually she seemed like she probably wouldn’t

take any crap from me. And I didn’t think she knew who I was…always

a good thing. 

She was good at her

job. I had a feeling I’d be back on the truck soon. My life

as a firefighter was about all I had to keep my mind occupied. Football used to

do that for me. 

Nothing but tainted

memories now.

I shook my head,

brushed off my thoughts and focused more on my new therapist. I’d

asked her a few questions, which she answered willingly. I was curious about

Claire, but my pissy mood made my questions come out way too harsh and nasty.

I just hoped I

could stop staring at her. She was shorter than me. Maybe 5’5” with

beautiful blonde hair and amazing brown eyes. Not who I would typically pay

attention to, but what the hell did I know? The only girl I’d

ever loved was Claire’s complete opposite with dark brown

hair, blue eyes and really tall.  She’d

also ripped my heart out and practically ate the damn thing right in front of

me. 

Maybe Claire was

just what I needed. 


But first, I had to

find out more about her past and what lead her to San Diego.
 

_________________________________________________________


About the Author
 


I’m a wife, a mom of three, a friend,

an aunt, a sister, a daughter and a teacher.  Now, I can add writer to my list!  I’ve always wanted to write and finally

found inspiration and support to do it.  
I live near Austin, Texas with my

family and love to read and travel.  Put me on a beach with a good book and the world just

disappears around me.
Paradise Taken

was my first novel and is a highly emotional book based on

true events.  Its sequel (Saving Us)

was released February 2014. 
I love that you are willing to take a chance

on a new writer and promise to keep striving to put out great books!  Be sure to check out

my newest releases, including Honest Love, which was released in

June 2014 and Life of a Fool, the second London

Brothers novel, will be available November 6, 2014.

I’d love to chat with you, so look me up on any of my

social pages.  
Happy Reading.  :)
CM Hutton
cm.hutton@yahoo.com

Amazon | B&N | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads 



_________________________________________________________


 
Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Good Choice Reading Blog Tours