Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 23

Release Day Launch: Tonic by Staci Hart

About the BookTitle: Tonic
Author: Staci Hart
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: October 13, 2016

Joel Anderson doesn't take anything seriously.

Not his relationships, which have been few and far between since his brutal divorce. Not the drama of working in a tattoo parlor, which seems to be around every corner. When things get him down, he smiles and cracks a joke. But he's not the kind of man you cross, or you'll find yourself at the wrong end of his fists.

Annika Belousov takes everything seriously.

Like her job as a reality television producer, given that she typically has something to prove. Or her love life, which is defined by a series of requirements — affluent, ambitious, accomplished, to name a few. Definitely her family, who worked their whole lives to afford her every opportunity, a sacrifice she doesn't take lightly. When she's tapped to produce a reality show at Joel's shop, she doesn’t think twice, just goes in for the kill, as if there were any other way.

The second Annika walks into Joel's shop, he makes it his mission to crack her open, but she's not having it. He's all wrong — too crass, too hairy, too un-serious. But it doesn't take her long to find out there's more to him than smirks and tattoos. And what she finds could put her career and his heart on the line.

Not that Joel cares. Because for the first time in a long time, he's found his tonic.
About the Author ​Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life: a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, even though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f and ends with k.

From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's sleeping, cleaning, or designing graphics.

Book Review: 1984 by George Orwell

My ReviewI'm 2 days late for the 6th anniversary of my reading this novel, but I've been meaning to review this book for forever, so why wait a whole 363 more days to get it right on the 7th anniversary when I can stop wasting time and review it right now?

Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) is perhaps my favorite, and most-disturbing, dystopian novel I've ever read is definitely this Orwellian classic. And what makes it most terrifying is that so many of the techniques and technologies of this authoritarian government are already here: big TV screens, cameras, etc. And given "the War on Terror" since 9/11/2001 and subsequent Islamophobia in America the Hour of Hate, unfortunately, isn't that hard to imagine like it once might have. Although, given this novel was published soon after the end of WWII, I suppose that it's never been that far of a stretch of the imagination (and that's pretty scary).
​What I liked most about this novel is that it shows the harsh reality that the individual doesn't always triumph over society (like almost all young adult novels show, especially YA dystopians like The Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies—not that I blame them, they'd be too depressing otherwise). This is also sentimental for me because this is one of the first five adult novels I've read on my own (not for a class) and definitely makes me feel more mature back then (9th grade). And, with such a chilling last line, how can this story not be permanently ingrained in my memory? I won't say it here because I hate spoilers as much as the next person.

As one of—if not the father—of the dystopian genre, 1984 is responsible for the long legacy that includes the two aforementioned series (among many others) and my own upcoming novel,  The Matchmakers . I'm so glad Orwell wrote this classic—even if it is banned for many reasons all over the globe.About the BookTitle: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: New American Library
Publication Date: July 1, 1950

Winston Smith works for the Ministry of truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent - even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101 . . .

Nineteen Eighty-Four is George Orwell's terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime.

The Belgrave Legacy: Meet God

Welcome to the Day 7 of The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series. The series spans from September 20, 2016) to November 1, 2016. Each week, there will be a theme with 2 blog posts (Tuesday and Thursday).

This week's theme is Powerful Giants.

Here are the past posts, in case you missed any of them:
The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series ArchiveMeet GodNo, not Morgan Freeman, although I secretly hope that—if there really is a God—he looks and sounds like Mr. Freeman. I'm talking about my version of God, who I picture to be Michael Gambon as Dumbledore (say he was bad in that role, and I will fight you). I made him a flawed, and morally ambiguous ruler. If you're looking for a perfect, kind deity with all the answers, you only get ⅓ of that in The Belgrave Legacy: the omniscient part. I don't even give him omnipotence, because then the whole premise of the story wouldn't be necessary.You first meet God in the prologue, where his somewhat unorthodox connection to Lucifer is revealed, and he breaks one of his own rules for the sake of the greater good. This is not the monotheistic god that appears in any monotheistic religion. But he doesn't quite tick all the crazy, capricious, emotionally unstable boxes to qualify as Zeus/Jupiter from Greco-Roman mythology either.

Now, maybe this portrayal is a reflection of my psychological issues—someone once asked me if I created him the way I did (as a jerk, or as an a-h*le as one reviewer said) because I grew up with a single mom. I get why the person suggested it, but I will admit, it annoyed me that this person assumed my problems with the infallibility of the almighty was due to not having a dad. I can assure you: it's not. It has more to do with the fact that I still can't reconcile how any monotheistic god could let any bad historical event happen.

At least my interpretation of him is merciful, even if he does have a penchant for manipulating people to do his bidding as much as Lucifer (just in a different, not as "evil" way). You can tell I'm not a huge fan of anyone "playing god" with other people's lives, but besides making him a human-like character, he is still the God people think of and see in media.

Want to see this humanized God in The Belgrave Legacy? Preorder it now, and if you're so excited that you can't wait until October 2016, then you can subscribe below and receive Part 1 (the first 11 chapters) of The Belgrave Legacy immediately.About The Belgrave LegacyTitle: The Belgrave Legacy
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-9864279-1-6
eBook Length: 403 pages

A Reluctant Heroine. A Snarky Angel. A Big Mess.

Fawn doesn't believe in magic. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of an ancient feud, she must learn to control her powers.

Caleb is sick of Hell. But when a simple seduction becomes complicated by real feelings, he is forced to pick between keeping his past or fighting for his future.

Can this young witch navigate a dangerous world with the dark angel assigned to romance and seduce her by her side?

The Belgrave Legacy is an upper-young adult paranormal romance novel with a feminist twist. Filled with magic, witches, angels, demons, Zara Hoffman's "coming of age" story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.Paranormal Book Boyfriend Giveaway

Release Blitz: The Fix Up by Kendall Ryan

About the BookTitle: The Fix Up
Author: Kendall Ryan
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Everafter Romance
Publication Date: October 11, 2016

From New York Times bestselling Kendall Ryan comes a sexy new standalone novel.

My tempting and very alpha friend Sterling Quinn is someone I consider off-limits.

It's not just that we're friends, he's also cocky, confident, and British, which means he's a walking aphrodisiac.

But lately he's been giving me the look. You know the one. When he thinks I'm not paying attention, and his gaze lingers for too long.

When we start working together, that's when the sexual tension between us gets so thick, I want to hack through it with a machete. I want to make all these deep feelings I've harbored for him disappear, because there's no way this can end well.

The lines between business and pleasure become irrevocably blurred, and I'm stuck between a rock, and Sterling's very, very hard place.

Rather than keep a level head about our growing attraction, Sterling wants to go all in, showing me just how explosive we can be together.

But I've been around long enough to know that this British bad boy is more than my heart can handle. I'm not about to be cast aside like yesterday's underwear when he's done having fun.

Sterling’s never been told no, and he's not about to put his ego aside and play by my rules. But I never thought he'd fight so dirty.

*This is a spin-off from the HITCHED series, but can be read as a standalone.
ExcerptI twist the doorknob, and finding it unlocked, let myself inside.

​Sterling's place is compact, but modern and classy. It suits him. After a quick glance around the living space, I spot him on the balcony outside, just beyond the glass doors at the far end of the living room. He's facing away from me, his hands gripping the railing, his head bowed.

My smile from moments ago is gone. Seeing him like this—looking distraught—brings the reality of our situation crashing back.

Sterling suddenly turns and we lock eyes. A thousand emotions are revealed in his eyes, but mostly there's anger. There's also a sadness in his gaze that I've never seen. It's haunting.

I swallow a lump in my throat, wondering what's going on. "Sterling?" I ask, slowly approaching the balcony.

It's beautiful—plush pillows and twinkling lights, and a chilled bottle of white wine all nestled together in a romantic picnic for two.

He lets out a heavy sigh and runs one hand through his hair.

"This is beautiful," I say since he hasn't spoken, hasn't even moved from the spot where he's rooted, and his stony silence is killing me. "Are you okay?"

"Just fine," he says curtly, his gaze looking past me.

He doesn't seem fine. He seems off. Why go through all the effort if he's just going to act sullen and withdrawn?

And what could have possibly changed in the twenty-four hours since we last spoke on the phone? He seemed so excited—like he hadn’t a care in the world. Now it seems he doesn’t want me here.
​“If this is a bad time, if tonight doesn’t work . . .” I trail off, my voice suddenly shaky.

"The meal's already prepared." He brushes past me, headed toward the kitchen.

Unsure what to do, I follow behind him.

He's acting like an asshole, and I suddenly feel so stupid for getting all done up tonight. I’m not going to stand around and embarrass myself by begging for his attention.

"You know what? Never mind. This was a bad idea, anyway. I’ll see myself out." I turn and head for the front door, anger and rejection dueling inside me.

It takes all of three seconds before Sterling's long strides catch him up to me by the door. His grip around my wrist stops me. "Wait."

I turn and face him. I’m halfway between wanting to flee and staying to hear his explanation.

He releases a heavy exhale. "I received a phone call just before you arrived."
​
With him so near, the combination of his clean soap and his spicy cologne intoxicates me. Memories of our intimate dinner rush back. But apparently tonight is not meant to be a repeat. Waiting to see what he’ll say next, I inhale and hold my breath

When he doesn't continue, I ask, "Is everything okay?"TeasersAbout the Author A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.

She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she appeared #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world.

Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her website for the latest book news and fun extras. The Other Books

The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series: Day 7

Welcome to the Day 7 of The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series. The series spans from September 20, 2016) to November 1, 2016. Each week, there will be a theme with 2 blog posts (Tuesday and Thursday).

This week's theme is Powerful Giants.

Here are the past posts, in case you missed any of them:
9/20: How I Got the Idea
9/22: The First Draft
9/27: Meet Fawn Belgrave
9/29: Meet Caleb Pearce
10/1: Book Boyfriend Giveaway
10/4: Tarot Reading
10/6: GrimoiresMeet GodNo, not Morgan Freeman, although I secretly hope that—if there really is a God—he looks and sounds like Mr. Freeman. I'm talking about my version of God, who I picture to be Michael Gambon as Dumbledore (say he was bad in that role, and I will fight you). I made him a flawed, and morally ambiguous ruler. If you're looking for a perfect, kind deity with all the answers, you only get ⅓ of that in The Belgrave Legacy: the omniscient part. I don't even give him omnipotence, because then the whole premise of the story wouldn't be necessary.You first meet God in the prologue, where his somewhat unorthodox connection to Lucifer is revealed, and he breaks one of his own rules for the sake of the greater good. This is not the monotheistic god that appears in any monotheistic religion. But he doesn't quite tick all the crazy, capricious, emotionally unstable boxes to qualify as Zeus/Jupiter from Greco-Roman mythology either.

Now, maybe this portrayal is a reflection of my psychological issues—someone once asked me if I created him the way I did (as a jerk, or as an a-h*le as one reviewer said) because I grew up with a single mom. I get why the person suggested it, but I will admit, it annoyed me that this person assumed my problems with the infallibility of the almighty was due to not having a dad. I can assure you: it's not. It has more to do with the fact that I still can't reconcile how any monotheistic god could let any bad historical event happen.

At least my interpretation of him is merciful, even if he does have a penchant for manipulating people to do his bidding as much as Lucifer (just in a different, not as "evil" way). You can tell I'm not a huge fan of anyone "playing god" with other people's lives, but besides making him a human-like character, he is still the God people think of and see in media.

Want to see this humanized God in The Belgrave Legacy? Preorder it now, and if you're so excited that you can't wait until October 2016, then you can subscribe below and receive Part 1 (the first 11 chapters) of The Belgrave Legacy immediately.About The Belgrave LegacyTitle: The Belgrave Legacy
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-9864279-1-6
eBook Length: 403 pages

A Reluctant Heroine. A Snarky Angel. A Big Mess.

Fawn doesn't believe in magic. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of an ancient feud, she must learn to control her powers.

Caleb is sick of Hell. But when a simple seduction becomes complicated by real feelings, he is forced to pick between keeping his past or fighting for his future.

Can this young witch navigate a dangerous world with the dark angel assigned to romance and seduce her by her side?

The Belgrave Legacy is an upper-young adult paranormal romance novel with a feminist twist. Filled with magic, witches, angels, demons, Zara Hoffman's "coming of age" story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.TBL Blog Series ArchivePNR Book Boyfriend Giveaway

Beautiful Books 2016: The Matchmakers

click to see the original post My two friends Cait (@PaperFury) and Sky (@SkyOfTheTiger) do this cool link-up every October (#NaNoPrep month for many of us writers) where writers can share their latest book projects. So, I'm going to do this for The Matchmakers (even though I should've had this done months ago and already be working on Shattered Glass  by now).

​1. What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

I've had this idea since senior year of high school when I was at a mandatory health seminar about the neuroscience of attraction. The lecturer was talking about dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, and an experiment where an injection of oxytocin caused voles to mate for life after being exposed to each other right after.

2. Describe what your novel is about!

It's a dystopian world where science has become law of the land. There's no more religion, superstition, or the worry about "falling in love." Through arranged marriages, the government maintains the post-WWIII peace and everyone gets Matched to someone without any heartbreak.
3. What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!

Very modern, kind of like The Hunger Games' Capitol meets Starfleet Headquarters. It's futuristic, more than a bit fascist, and a seemingly perfect utopia with lots of different types of technology depending on the country.

4. Introduce us to each of your characters!

Rosemary Katherine Young, also known as "Romy," is the main character. She is the daughter of a lawyer and politician. Unlike so many other dystopian heroines, she doesn't want to believe that anything is wrong in the society, and never fully takes up arms like Katniss or Tris.

Henry Alden Clark is the President's son, is next to be in line, and Romy's Match. He is a good son, is kind and understanding to Romy, and equally as ignorant as her of The Heartland's dark secrets at the start of the book.

5. How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)

I outline, research on the fly, and eat a lot of chips and chocolate. I'm a college student with a fast metabolism, what can I say?

6. What are you most looking forward to about this novel?

I'm just super excited about this story. The science, politics, the lack of magic. It's a change of pace I've sorely needed after working on The Belgrave Legacy and has been practically writing itself (whenever I actually find time to sit down and type it, that is).

7. List 3 things about your novel’s setting.

International, urban, futuristic.

8. What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?

Rosemary's goal is to clear her sister of high treason. Evidence, the government, and her own doubt stand in her way.

9. How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?

She's disillusioned, is more practical, and more assertive.

10. What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?

​The two main themes are emotions give us our humanity and knowledge is power (for better or worse). A third is everything is not what it seems.

The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series: Day 6

Welcome to the Day 6 of The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series. The series spans from September 20, 2016) to November 1, 2016. Each week, there will be a theme with 2 blog posts (Tuesday and Thursday).

In case you missed the last post, this week's theme is Magic in The Belgrave Legacy.

Here are the past posts, in case you missed any of them:
9/20: How I Got the Idea
9/22: The First Draft
9/27: Meet Fawn Belgrave
9/29: Meet Caleb Pearce
10/1: Book Boyfriend Giveaway
10/4: Tarot Reading
GrimoiresGrimoire. Book of shadows. Spell book. Whatever you call it, it's essentially the same thing: a witch's cookbook of magic. Warning: should not be handled by amateurs. It was a no brainer to include such an item in a story about a girl learning magic.

The grimoire in The Belgrave Legacy​ was inspired by a specific journal (left) that was just so pretty, I figured it would easily pass as a magical item. The company that makes this journal, Paperblanks, has since created another journal (right) that looks even more magical. Had this one been out when I was writing my novel, I probably would have used it as my model. Paperblanks Silver Filigree Journal Paperblanks Aubergine JournalBut what other spell books inspired the Belgrave heirloom? Well, there are a few that really stick out.Wicked: The Musical's (based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire) Grimmerie. In this case, the spell book is given a specific name because it is that special a book in Oz. In the musical, it turns normal monkeys into the infamous flying monkeys, and gives Elphaba the ability to fly and effectively gives us the song "Defying Gravity." I'd say it's earned its own title.The Bennett/Michaelson grimoires from the CW show, The Vampire Diaries, based on the book series of the same name by L.J. Smith, and the spin-off show, The Originals. Basically the reason for half of the problems on both shows, and the solution to almost everything, these two families are steeped in magic and forces to be reckoned with. No one, who is a fool enough to threaten either family or their friends, comes out unscathed—more often, they're just eliminated altogether. Damon Salvatore also mockingly calls it "a witch's cookbook" in "Children of the Damned," S1E13 of The Vampire Diaries.The Circle's multiple book of shadows in the CW's short-lived show, The Secret Circle, another show based on another of L.J. Smith's series. It was probably optioned after seeing the success of The Vampire Diaries, but apparently people love witches only if they're involved with vampire affairs. Anyway, a "book of shadows" refers to any spell book just like a "grimoire" does in The Belgrave Legacy and #2 on this list. Also like the previous entry, the book of shadows in this show is one of the most thorough props on the show—including beautiful script writing (sometimes in different languages), cool illustrations and diagrams, and a powerful presence within its show.At one point, I was considering creating a full Belgrave grimoire as an exclusive for my email subscribers, but realizing I didn't have enough artistic ability or patience to come up with over one hundred spells, I decided it would be more productive to instead keep writing my other novels and think of some other side projects (like a collection of short stories about some of The Belgrave Legacy's secondary characters).

​If you had a spell book, what would you call it? Comment below.About the BookTitle: The Belgrave Legacy
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-9864279-1-6
eBook Length: 403 pages

A Reluctant Heroine. A Snarky Angel. A Big Mess.

Fawn doesn't believe in magic. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of an ancient feud, she must learn to control her powers.

Caleb is sick of Hell. But when a simple seduction becomes complicated by real feelings, he is forced to pick between keeping his past or fighting for his future.

Can this young witch navigate a dangerous world with the dark angel assigned to romance and seduce her by her side?

The Belgrave Legacy is an upper-young adult paranormal romance novel with a feminist twist. Filled with magic, witches, angels, demons, Zara Hoffman's "coming of age" story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.TBL Blog Series ArchivePNR Book Boyfriend Giveaway

Blog Tour: Our Options Have Changed by Julia Kent and Elisa Reed

About the BookTitle: Our Options Have Changed
Series: On Hold, 1
Author: Julia Kent and Elisa Reed
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Prosaic Press
Publication Date: October 5, 2016

Having it all is a fantasy, right?

Chloe Browne knows all about fantasy. Fantasy is her job.

And she’s very, very good at what she does.

As director of design for the O Spa chain, a sophisticated women’s club that is trending its way into being the Next Big Thing, Chloe’s ready to take on the world.

One baby at a time.

Her home study’s done, and she’s about to adopt, a thirty-something single mother by choice. Who needs to put her life on hold for the right guy when the right baby is waiting for her?

Besides, talk about fantasy.

The right guy?

Pfft. Right.

And then in walks Nick Grafton, with those commanding sapphire eyes and wavy blonde hair and a sophisticated mouth that only smiles for her.

He’s perfect.

But the last thing Nick wants is to start fresh with a new baby as his college-age kids fly the coop. A single father for more than fifteen years after his wife walked out on her family, Nick finally tastes freedom.

But he likes the taste of Chloe more.

Our Options Have Changed is a standalone contemporary romance, the first in the On Hold series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent and journalist-turned-fiction-writer Elisa Reed.
Excerpt​“She’s good, isn’t she?” Andrew says.
 
And giving and game, apparently.
 
I give Amanda a look. She shrugs.
 
“Chloe?” I ask.
 
“Right. Smart, intuitive, an eye for design, and a great presenter. Gets three layers deeper than anyone in the room ever considered. She’s strategic and composed. Perfect face of O.”
 
Her O face sure does come to mind. Damn it.
​“You want to fund her?”
 
“The RV spa thing seems farfetched, but figures don’t lie.”
 
Chloe’s figure, bent over the edge of a bed, that sweet ass--
 
“Nick?” Andrew snaps his fingers. I shake myself like a wet dog.
 
“Right. How much should I put in her?”
 
Andrew’s jaw grinds, but before he can answer my garbled question, we’re interrupted.
 
Thank God.
 
“Twelve inches!” Gina exclaims from the doorway.
 
Timing really is everything.
 
“What?” Andrew sputters.
 
She’s holding a tray with three enormous white coffee cups in it.
 
“Twelve inches! The size of these coffees from downstairs. They’re so big!”TeasersAbout the Authors​New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.
​
​Follow her online and don't forget to join her Facebook Reader Group!
Elisa Reed is member of the National Press Club and an admitted degree candidate at Harvard University (savoring a slow and delicious quest for a master's in journalism). Her meticulous research and sophisticated eye for timeless passions combine to create fresh historical fiction. Her snappy, and at times irreverent, journalist prose combines with an irrepressible zest for the simpler, and often intimate, pleasures of life to produce smart contemporary romance. 

New England born and bred, when not studying in Cambridge,Elisa Reed lives, writes, and plays in New Orleans and along the sugar sands of the Gulf Coast.

The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series: Day 5

Welcome to the Day 5 of The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series. The series spans from September 20, 2016) to November 1, 2016. Each week, there will be a theme with 2 blog posts (Tuesday and Thursday).

This week's theme is Magic in The Belgrave Legacy.

Here are the past posts, in case you missed any of them:
9/20: How I Got the Idea
9/22: The First Draft
9/27: Meet Fawn Belgrave
9/29: Meet Caleb Pearce
10/1: Book Boyfriend GiveawayTarot Cards​When I had to start thinking about what types of magic would be included in ​The Belgrave Legacy, the first thing I though of was tarot cards. My mom has a friend who reads tarot cards, predicted my being adopted, and also taught my mom how to read tarot herself. There is also a woman in New York who we sometimes go to see for readings.

​There used to be a shop in Westfield, NJ (where my grandmother lived) that sold all sorts of mystical things such as incense, crystals, and of course, tarot cards. Another reason I probably love tarot cards so much is that its an art of interpretation. is less showy than other forms of fortune telling like crystal balls or tea reading. And besides, the cards are pretty. The deck I grew up playing with was my mom's: The Thoth deck, as pictured below (it's also the deck that Magnus uses in the Alternate Dimension in Shadowhunters S1E10 "This World Inverted"):Though I've had a few decks of my own (mostly because they're pretty), the one I really like was actually was the Showtime show, Penny Dreadful, which recently ended after three seasons. The main character Vanessa Ives (played by Eva Green) is a gifted woman who learned to read the tarot before the show started, and uses this talent throughout the show. click to buy on AmazonFawn's mother Stella, who is the main person in The Belgrave Legacy to read the tarot, is even less showy than even Vanessa Ives. Though I don't show any of Stella's professional readings for her clients, I do have her giving her daughter a phone reading to clarify Caleb's intentions toward Fawn. One thing I do regret not showing more of this magic in the story, but any more scenes like this would have slowed the plot too much.

Another author who features tarot cards in her books is Maggie Stiefvater, in her Raven Cycle series: The Raven Boys ,  The Dream Thieves ,  Blue Lily, Lily Blue . and  The Raven King . And, in addition to being a wildly talented author, she is an amazing artist. She does giveaways with custom hardcover books where she does illustrations on the cover underneath the book jacket, and here she has outdone herself: drawing a whole tarot deck that was initially only given out to people who preordered The Raven King from her local bookstore, but is now available for purchase online. click to buy on AmazonI, myself, have no visual artistic ability of my own, and therefore asked my book cover designer Jennifer Munswami of J.M. Rising Horse Creations to create character portraits of Caleb (The Fool), Fawn (The Star), and both of them (The Lovers). Currently, these are the only three tarot cards available for purchase. I had planned to have most of the other minor characters also turned into cards, but financial constraints have put that idea on the back burner. I may at some point decide to hold a crowdfunding campaign in the future for this to see if there is interest in expanding this collection. click to buyAbout ​The Belgrave LegacyTitle: The Belgrave Legacy
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-9864279-1-6
eBook Length: 403 pages

A Reluctant Heroine. A Snarky Angel. A Big Mess.

Fawn doesn't believe in magic. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of an ancient feud, she must learn to control her powers.

Caleb is sick of Hell. But when a simple seduction becomes complicated by real feelings, he is forced to pick between keeping his past or fighting for his future.

Can this young witch navigate a dangerous world with the dark angel assigned to romance and seduce her by her side?

The Belgrave Legacy is an upper-young adult paranormal romance novel with a feminist twist. Filled with magic, witches, angels, demons, Zara Hoffman's "coming of age" story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.TBL Blog Series ArchivePNR Book Boyfriend Giveaway

Book Blitz: Blood of Stars and Gods by Melissa A. Petreshock

About the BookTitle: Blood of Stars and Gods
Series: Stars & Souls, 2
Author: Melissa A. Petreshock
Genre: NA Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Publication Date: October 4, 2016

Add on GoodreadsForever does not go on unchanged.

Caitriona Hayden’s destiny as the Dracopraesi dragon’s North Star is no clearer to her than it was weeks ago. However, Cait’s eternal future seems a minor concern while the vengeful elves continue taunting the dragons, now using violence against the human population in their desire for war.

Battles of war aren’t the only ones fought.

King Corrin struggles to make peace with his coming end, and as his family bonds heal, stronger relationships and alliances form among Cait and her dragons. Theo may have won her heart, but Oliver fills a void long left by the passing of her uncle, and each dragon is a part of Cait’s family.

But a darkness bleeds through to change their world.

When faced with decisions of life and death, Cait, Theo, and demigod Dante must choose unpredictable paths, chance outcomes of eternal consequences, and make dubious promises. As Cait displays unexpected abilities, complications arise, more details of her destiny are revealed, and she discovers the inherent risks of fearing change.

Every era has a beginning and an end. There are things in the world no one is meant to stop.

Blood of Stars and Gods is book two in the exciting Stars and Souls trilogy, sequel to Amazon #1 Contemporary Fantasy: Fire of Stars and Dragons !
Excerpts​Excerpt 1: Cait's Family of Dragons
Cait's POV
“Oliver, I’d rather you not go alone,” I tell him, pulling away from Theo to approach the towering First Brother of the House of Pendragon, who looks more like a lost child than the most respected dragon of their house’s brotherhood. “At least, let Liam keep you company, even if he doesn’t stay too close.” Taking Oliver’s hand, I squeeze it, and he reaches down to wrap his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. After his little ‘catnip’ talk with me, I understand somewhat better why the dragons enjoy my nearness, the soothing effect within my blood, what makes me their North Star has, the irrefutable draw I have, and the danger I’m in. “Just be safe. I may have several of you hanging around, but that doesn’t mean I want to lose any of you.” Abnormal as it may be, this dysfunctional family we’ve become is all I have that matters. The way I hold his hand tightly for a moment longer, I’m sure he understands what I said goes, at least, double for him.

Nodding, he gestures to Liam, and the two head out the balcony doors, quickly shifting, taking to the sky in one fluid motion. “Well, it seems the second I return, everyone has somewhere else to be.” Claaron smirks, and I just shake my head. “I suppose with Clifford down, I should go check the security cameras. He’d rather have lost his arm completely than have anything happen to his dearest techy toys and gadgets.”

As soon as he’s gone, Theo looks around the empty living room. “Alone with my love. Why does it seem this has not happened in far too long?”
​
Returning to his side, letting my head fall against his chest as he engulfs me in his arms, I sigh. “Because it hasn’t. We’re never alone. Hell, I can barely walk through my own home without tripping over a dragon.”Excerpt 2: Yay Another Dragon
Theo's POV
​My GoSky vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out, examining the text message delivered, sending a brief reply before shoving it back in, taking a deep breath. “Agtos says Falcon reports he has already arrived at Evan’s ahead of schedule.”

Dante frowns. “As greatly as I appreciate Falcon’s timeliness, could Agtos not find someone more appealing?”

“What is wrong with Falcon?” Cait demands. “Theo doesn’t seem to like him either.”

Speaking carefully, Liam attempts to answer without earning Cait’s wrath for any misstep. “There is a reason he goes by that name, Cait. He’s an excellent flier, best in his house, and Falcon is also a merciless killer when attacking his prey, be it an enemy of war, a dark soul, or simply those he sees as threats to his wards.”

“Well, aren’t all dragons supposed to be protective that way, guarding their wards, destroying dark souls?” Her quick defense of a dragon she has yet to meet does not make explaining the situation easier for anyone. No one wishes to fall out of her favor, harming their relationships with Cait, the care and affection she gives so generously.

Clearing his throat, Oliver waits a moment until she looks at him. “On the most basic level of interpretation, that is essentially our purpose; however, I daresay no other dragon performs his duties with such ruthless zeal as Falcon. Nor is any other quite so callous in temperament.”

Cait narrows her eyes at my brother, but he and I both know we are the two she’ll listen to most reasonably. “You’ve told me before, that there are no ‘big bad dragons,’ Oliver, so what’s the problem?”

He chooses his words wisely before replying. “Caitie, if there were a ‘big bad dragon,’ undoubtedly, Falcon Kielgard would be that dragon.”
​
“Ooh, that sounds challenging,” Cait exclaims, her eyes bright, smile wide. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go.”​Excerpt #3: The Fear of What’s to Come
Theo's POV
Cait enjoys the freedom of the outdoors and the warmth of the sun on her face after too long caged within her apartment. She knows that once the elves find us, such freedom will be limited once again. Yet for now, I cannot resist the desire to indulge her, even as Falcon stands like a statue less than twenty feet away, expression stony, only his eyes moving, alert for any threat, and adamantly disagreeing with my decision.

“Then do you believe I am correct in this assessment?” I ask Agtos, holding the GoSky to my ear, trying to listen over the chaotic noise of Cait laughing as she dances around the yard, coercing Jai and Claaron into joining her, though it takes little convincing to get Jai to do anything, and Claaron would never allow himself to be outdone.

“Yes and no.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying not to sigh at his cryptic response, knowing he would hear that.

“They somehow knew of our intent but do not have an Oracle?” At times, his responses are more puzzling than helpful, taking a great deal of patience and thought to decipher. And raise far too many additional questions than often he adequately answers.

“An Oracle but not an Oracle. They have Valoin.”

“Valoin. Z’s brother?” I now know absolutely no more than when I called him.

“Yes,” he states as if this answers all the questions in the known universe.

Oh, my Goddess, I do believe I am developing a dragon-sized migraine. “How do you suggest I handle this particular problem?” I can only hope this might draw out a better explanation.
​
“You’ll find everything you need once you lose what you found.”
​
I blink, still perplexed, and then squeeze my eyes shut, a dreadful sense of fear shuddering through me. “I’m quite sure I will.” But I do not know if I wish to bear what loss may find me.Excerpt #4: The Heat Factor
Cait's POV
Hooking his fingers to slide them down together, Theo leaves a blazing trail of kisses on my legs as he moves my jeans and silk panties to the floor. My heart beating an erotic staccato and breaths coming heavy, I try to run my own fingers through his hair, guide him where I want him, where I need him now, but his strong hands grasp my arms.

“Not this time, Cait.” Something in my dragon’s demanding tone arouses me further. “Step out.” I do as he commands, and he moves my clothes away, reaching back for his discarded t-shirt. “Hands behind your back.” His voice is dark and dangerous, sending a heated thrill through me. Gently, but not too gently, he ties my wrists with his shirt, secure, yet not painful. Exciting. Standing again, he scoops my breasts out of the cups of my bra, perching them atop the lace, tweaking the nipples into pert, hardened, pink pebbles. The corner of his lip twitches, and he leans down, grazing the rugged stubble on his face over my soft skin, teasing my now sensitive nipples with his teeth and tongue all-too briefly before pushing my feet apart with his own then stepping back, admiring his handiwork.

“My wife… So provocative. You like this. I can smell it.” His lip twitches again, and he bites it. I can tell he’s trying to maintain the façade of perfect control, though I feel his raging desire, but something in him needs this, has to hold onto dominance in this moment. He kicks off his boots, keeping his eyes on me. “What do you want me to do to you, Cait?”

His hand drops to his jeans, thumb hanging on the waist, fingers stroking over the hardened length I see straining for freedom. I don’t know who he’s teasing more really, me or himself. “Maybe I want to do something to you, Theo.” I lick my lips, slow and sensual, watching his breath hitch just a bit. Control is a façade in every way.

“No.”
​
I try not to roll my eyes. Of course not. Tie me up and pleasure me, we’re just being kinky. Tie me up and pleasure him, we’re toeing the line of degrading women. No go with a dragon.
​
One of these days, Theo’s going to find himself tied up.Excerpt #5: SHIT JUST GOT REAL
Claaron's POV
“Enough,” Theo states, tone low, menacing, warning. “He failed. We failed. I failed. Who bears the blame for not seeing what we believed impossible? Which of us has known an Oracle, other than Agtos, to rush into battle? They are not warriors. They are seers. They are not fighters. They are mild-mannered mystics. How could we anticipate a Blood Mage? Not one has been seen in over two thousand years.” He exhales a great sigh, defeat inscribed on his every feature. “Corrin’s blood is tainted with great illness. Every drop in his body could not suffice to undo what has been done. I must call upon Dante.”
​
With that, he reaches over her body and picks up Cait’s right hand, rubbing her limp thumb across the ring she wears, the protection talisman given by the demigod. When I prayed for another path, a way to save her, I wasn’t asking for this sacrifice instead.
​
In a blinding flash of azure lightning and deafening crack of thunder, the demigod appears at Cait’s feet. “Caitriona.” His broken whisper fills the silent void as he steps around to kneel at her right side. “What has happened?”
​
“Agtos said the Oracle we suspected sided with Z was not an Oracle. He was all-too-right.” Theo’s eyes fall to Cait. “Valoin is a Blood Mage.”

Dante quickly moves his hands to her neck. “Was she bitten?”

“I cannot say,” Oliver replies. “He brought three others. Perhaps to distract us. We did not see every move he made toward Caitie.”

In a hushed tone, Dante curses in long-dead languages, a behavior I would find amusing from him in another situation. Worrisome is the only thing I can say it is now.

“The ring I gave her, I ensured it could heal the bite of a vampire, yet I can still detect the fresh healed punctures here on the left side. They are not of a depth with lethal intent. I do not believe he desired her death. Valoin wanted to sample the strength within her.” He pulls his hands away from her, staring at the blood on them. “Whatever Z’s desires in this war may be, his brother has other plans. Z cannot control such a vile-souled vampire and the darkest of magick that is a Blood Mage. Amassing blood-borne powers such as Caitriona’s would unleash an atrocity upon this world the likes of which have never been seen. My darkest days were a mild nuisance in comparison.”

“None of their intentions matter if she dies, Dante. You must save her.” Theo eyes him in a way that would run most men’s blood cold.

“Theo …”
​
“Do what you must.”About the Author Romance author Melissa A. Petreshock lives in the Greater Atlanta area, writing whatever strikes her fancy and submitting on unnatural doses of coffee, sarcasm, and music. Spending most of her time weaving reality and imagination into fantastical romantic tales, Mel often loses track of reality and is admittedly more than a tad eccentric.

Look for future works in the Stars & Souls trilogy as well as additional projects of contemporary romance and whatever else the muse sends Mel's way. Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway About Book 1Title: Fire of Stars and Dragons
Series: Stars & Souls, 1
Author: Melissa A. Petreshock
Genre: NA Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Publication Date: April 29, 2014

A dragon's fire cannot be tamed.

In 22nd century sovereign America, women should be seen and not heard. Unfortunately, twenty-one-year-old Caitriona Hayden didn't get that memo!

Determined to make her way in the world following the death of her uncle, being "seen" is the least of Cait's problems.

Someone's trying to kill her.

Ordained to guard and protect her, when Theo Pendragon claims Cait as his ward, he finds more than he expects as the flames of passion ignite within the dragon for the first time. But Theo is not alone in his desire, and he must learn to fight for what he wants, even if it costs him his best friend.

Dante, a powerful demigod and beloved friend to Theo, has spent centuries pursuing intellectual endeavors rather than indulging in the heat of desire. But everything changes when Cait arouses an attraction he cannot deny.

But Dante isn't the only one with a vested interest in Cait's future.

America's monarch, an ancient vampire named Corrin, puts no stock in the frivolity of love, and yet a proper queen would boost his approval rating amongst the people. Marrying Cait could hold the key to his survival.

Now, love, desire and need force Cait into an impossible situation with dire consequences.

Soon, Cait goes from studying for college exams to fighting for a future she never knew she wanted with a man she never imagined she could love. But the key to her future is held in the one secret she has yet to uncover.