C.J. Burright's Blog, page 17
May 12, 2015
Release Day and Giveaway – The Artisans by Julie Reece
I’m freakin’ psyched to be a part of my agency sis’s release day – congratulations to Julie Reece and welcome to the world, The Artisans! There’s also a giveaway going on, so don’t forget to enter. 
Title: THE ARTISANS
Author: Julie Reece
Pub. Date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books
Pages: 300
Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads
They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.
Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad’s drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.
But Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse.
Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.
Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.
But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?
Praise for THE ARTISANS
“The Artisans has all the elements I love – spooky intrigue, strong friendships, and a romantic tension to be savored.” ~ Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.“Read The Artisans in the middle of the night with a flashlight if you dare. The perfect blend of romance and horror with a strong female lead kept me reading through the night.”~ L.S. Murphy author of PIXELATED Bloomsbury Spark and REAPERJ. Taylor Publishing
“Wowza!!!! That book was so freakin’ good! Intense, insane, freaky at parts and sooooo good! I haven’t had emotions like this about a book in a long time!”~ Mindy Blogger @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
“The first thing I thought when I finished this book was ‘dang, I would love to see this as a movie’. The Artisans has such an awesome and haunting concept to it plus I just adore all of the characters.”~Jena Blogger @ Shortie Says
“The Artisans was a unique modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast filled with mystery, romance and wonderful characters. From the first page I was completely lost in the wonderful setting that Reece created.”~Bridget Blogger @ Dark Faerie Tales
About Julie:
Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.
I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.
Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.
Then I thought I’d write one down…
Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Giveaway Details:
3 eBooks of
THE ARTISANS International
Ends on May
22nd at Midnight EST!
May 6, 2015
Elements of Chemistry: Heat – Penny Reid
Happy Hump Day, people! I’m at Geeks today with a spotlight on Heat by Penny Reid…there’s a giveaway too (in case you need an extra push getting there).
April 30, 2015
Book Blitz & Giveaway: Heat by Penny Reid
I’m psyched to be a part of Penny Reid’s book blitz for Heat, number 2 in her Elements of Chemistry series. Take a look and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Heat
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #2
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Romance
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iBooks
Elements of Chemistry: HEAT is part 2 of a 3 part series (65k word novel) and ends in a cliffhanger.
**Blurb contains spoilers if you haven’t read Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION**
Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?
Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants.
When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.
But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their newfound connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.
Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.
About Penny Reid
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).
By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.
Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads
April 29, 2015
Two Book Reviews: Dragons are People, Too by Sarah Nicolas AND Kilts & Daggers by Victoria Roberts
I’m over at Geeks today with tons of stuff going on: two book reviews, two awesome giveaways, a mini interview with Fagan Murray of Kilts and Daggers and an excerpt too! Hope you drop by!
April 26, 2015
Sale Alert – Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan
If you haven’t picked up your copy of Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan, what are you waiting for? Awesome story (hot men with powers), fabulous characters (hot men with powers–totally merits repeating–and women strong enough to tame them), and steam up the ying-yang (i.e. prepare the tea kettle). Take advantage of the 99 cent sale, people! Or take your chances with the giveaway, just don’t miss out on the fabulous first in The Eden Series.
Book Title: Unexpected Eden
Author: Rhenna Morgan
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
Paradise, love, power…and a prophecy with a price.
Most people believe Eden no longer exists. Lexi Merrill’s about to learn they’re wrong. A hard-working bartender with a self-sufficient backbone and a wary nature, she knows pickup lines like a second language. So, when Eryx Shantos barges into her world with too-smooth words and a body to back it up, she locks up her libido and vows to keep her distance.
Eryx has other ideas. As king of the Myren race, Eryx is duty-bound to enforce the laws preventing exposure of their existence to humans. Yet The Fates have led him through his dreams to Lexi, a temptation he doesn’t want to resist. The question—is she Myren, or human, which makes her forbidden fruit?
When Eryx’s nemesis tags Lexi as his next target, Eryx insists on taking her home where he can keep her safe. Lexi had no idea “home” would mean the one-and-only land of creation…or that she’d trigger a prophecy that could doom her newfound race.
Every good romance has its ups and downs, right? A particular hurdle (or multiple hurdles) the couple as to face to make the ending that much more satisfactory?
Well, in this excerpt, Eryx is beginning to realize he might have dug a hole for himself that’s not gonna be too easy to climb out of…
Eryx skipped another pebble across the lake’s surface, tiny ripples echoing out along the surface from the twenty or so others he’d thrown before it. Still a lot more peaceful than the chaos rattling around in his head.
A perfect Eden day. Sunshine, spring weather, an easy lakeside picnic…ideal for Lexi’s celebration day. He should be excited.
Still doling out information as you see fit?
Lexi’s comment still stung. He could only imagine the words she’d sling at him when the day was over—assuming she lived that long.
“Stop fidgeting, Eryx.” Orla’s snap matched her towel’s sharp pop as she shooed an eager fly from the food.
Ramsay, Graylin and Ludan stood beneath the frius tree’s tall branches, their voices void of the strain clogging his own throat.
“It’s perfectly normal for a woman to take her time getting ready.” Orla smoothed an unseen wrinkle along the vibrant blue linen tablecloth. “Especially when her man leaves her a beautiful gift.”
A deep sapphire gown accented by a platinum belt encrusted with diamonds, and cuffs to match. Bold, like the woman. Damned if he didn’t have the drive of a horny teen backed up with the lust of a seasoned warrior. He should be patient. More balanced.
A cool spring breeze floated across the water’s surface and brushed his face, but did zero to sooth his need to pace. “What the hell’s taking them so long? I sent Galena in there to help, not add hours to the process.”
“Perhaps Galena’s adding to her Myren education. We’ve already established Lexi knows nothing of mating, let alone that you want her for your own.” Orla tossed a hand towel on the chair he’d vacated and planted her fists on her hips. “From the sounds of things, she doesn’t even know you’re the malran.”
“She knows.” A petulant answer, but he was past the point of caring.
“But does she know what a malran is?” Orla tottered closer, insistent.
The smooth surface of the lake barely rippled. Too bad his patience didn’t match. “In a manner of speaking.”
“Whose manner, may I ask?”
Something snapped. One second the lake filled his vision, the next he towered over the woman who’d all but raised him. “I told her I was our leader. We’d only just met and she knew nothing of our race. Should I have explained I was her equivalent of a king right off the bat?” He threw his hands up. “Oh wait, you’d have me also tell her I want her as my baineann right after I’d carried her through a portal and thrown fire from my palm!”
He faced the lake and fought to calm his raging breath. Heavy gazes burned into his back, the peace of the spring silence awkward. He’d never advanced on Orla like that before. Ever.
“Forgive me.” Orla’s voice floated to him, consoling. “I was only thinking of Lexi. I didn’t consider the obstacles in your path.”
A sharp ache pulsed at his jawline, his teeth clenched tight enough to smooth his molars. Shame hung heavy around his neck. “I should apologize to you.”
Closing the short distance between them, he pulled Orla to his chest and kissed the top of her gray head. If he couldn’t keep his emotions in check, he’d never make it through the night. Not with the deception ahead.
A throaty chuckle rumbled from Ramsay’s direction. The grin on his twin’s face grew to a full-on smile as he crossed his arms. “You’re a lucky man.” He jerked his head toward the garden gate. “Prepare to walk the gauntlet, brother.”
Sweet Great One on High.
Lexi strolled along the winding path, Galena beside her. The flowers, the waving grass, the muted stones on the home behind her—all background details to her focal point. Midnight-colored hair, loose about her shoulders. Tanned skin wrapped in a body-hugging blue gown. Pride tried to get him to shut his slack jaw, but the rest of him was too shell- shocked to care.
The perfect malress.
Primal instinct pounded at him. Take. Protect. Indulge.
No. Not yet. She needed him to guide and teach her. Not sling her over his shoulder and stomp off to some hidden cave.
Rounding the last curve on the path, Lexi met his rapt stare. A blush stole across her face and her fingers fluttered at her sides.
Eryx pushed open the garden gate, his movements harsh and embarrassingly gawky. Galena slid past them, eyes diverted with a know-it-all smirk. He cupped Lexi’s elbow, drew her closer, and slid his hand until he’d circled her wrist. It seemed so small and vulnerable, the flutter of her pulse frantic beneath his thumb. He kissed the delicate spot. “I’ve seen many beautiful things, but nothing moves me like you, Alexis.” He pulled her close, the sweet scents of rosemary and mint clinging to her skin. No matter what it took, he wouldn’t give up. She was his mate…whether she realized it yet or not.
Rhenna Morgan writes for the same reason she reads—to escape reality.
Yes, her life rocks—two beautiful little girls, a great husband, a steady job, and the kind of friends that would take you out back if you hurt her. But, like most women, she’s got obligations stacked tight from dusk to dawn. So, when the world gets her down, she slips into something…less realistic.
Romance is a must. So is a steamy romp (or four). Nothing thrills her more than the fantasy of new, exciting worlds, strong, intuitive men, and the sigh of, “Oh if only that could happen to me.”
So, if you’re picking up one of her books, expect portals into alternate realms and men who’ll fight to keep the women they want. Romantic escape for the women who need it.
April 15, 2015
April 9, 2015
Book Blitz and Giveaway – Elements of Chemistry by Penny Reid
Attraction
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #1
Publication Date: April 9, 2015
Also in this series: Elements of Chemistry: Attraction, Heat, Capture
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, New Adult, Romance
Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION is the first part in a three part series; it is 45k words; and it ends with a cliffhanger.
Part 1 (ATTRACTION) will be released April 9, 2015
Part 2 (HEAT) will be released April 30, 2015.
Part 3 (CAPTURE) will be released May 16, 2015.
One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.
Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family’s billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.
When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?
About Penny Reid
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).
By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.
Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads
April 8, 2015
April 1, 2015
Finding Fisher Book Blitz
Happy April Fool’s Day, people! I should be playing a joke, but I’m slipping…next year, I’ll be more prepared. Instead, I’m over at Geeks with Finding Fisher by Dakota Madison. Hope you stop by (no joke).
March 25, 2015
Book Blitz – Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan
I’m hanging out at Geeks today with one of my favorite writing pals, Rhenna Morgan. Hope you swing by…there’s a $25 Amazon GC giveaway, if you need some extra encouragement.
