Dariel Raye's Blog, page 14
September 8, 2013
Dariel’s Review: “Never Forget” by Catrina Barton
A fifteen year-old Christian girl, on the brink of losing her faith
in mankind as a whole.. until one old man’s kindness and
generosity changes her life forever.
Review
This is a short-story packed with heart-warming details. Based
on a true story, the main character not only regains her faith,
but offers the rest of us a glimpse of God’s mercy and
kindness through ordinary people.
In this cynical world, it’s easy to lose hope in goodness without
the expectation of reciprocal reward or immediate payment,
but Barton reminds us in this story that despite our trials and
suffering, God still supplies just what we need…eventually.
Good message about the power of “paying it forward,” and the
power each of us has to save a life.
August 25, 2013
“Untameable Heat: Kaden’s Reprieve” Excerpt
**Kaden’s Reprieve Blurb**
She needs a safe haven, he wants his freedom. Add a supernatural matchmaker and an unexpected mentor, and their lives will never be the same.
Tanya has been running for her life for two years, but when Ms. Lillian, owner of the exclusive “Heaven’s Touch” match making service, graciously gives her a week’s stay at her private bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, she seizes the opportunity to escape to a possible hideaway.
Kaden is of a rare and precious race prized for extraordinary abilities. He is also half-demon, remanded to Kushiel’s custody centuries ago. Allowed to leave Hell twice a year, three days each time – Beltane, and Samhain, his life thus far has been filled with slavery, torture, and despair, and he is nearly convinced that his soul is beyond redemption. Still, he longs for freedom. Can Tanya redeem him? Can Kaden dare hope for a reprieve?
Now only 0.99 at Amazon and Barnes and Noble!!
Kaden’s Reprieve – Barnes and Noble
Excerpt
Tanya smiled as she stepped onto the elevator. Room 333 – that should give her good fortune. She wasn’t counting on it. Ms. Lillian’s exclusive matchmaking business, “Heaven’s Touch,” was revered and respected by any and everyone with money and power – those who knew about it, that is. No matter how grateful she was, Tanya still hoped to God her benefactor wasn’t trying to hook her up with some clown.
She needed a man’s drama like she’d needed a bullet in her back a few hours ago. Plus, most men seemed intimidated by her…unless they were trying to kill her, that is. She was a big girl, and she’d always been a fighter, but right now, she was just tired and…lonely. The voice in her head that never kept silent long enough spoke up. “Matchmaking is what she does. Getting hooked up with a man is a hell of a lot better than running for your life.”
She blew an errant strand of hair out of her face. As long as there wasn’t somebody in her room, suite, whatever waiting to kill her, it was all good.
Just before the door closed, a huge hand slid inside, causing the doors to automatically stop. Heat rushed through Tanya’s body like a furnace. She glanced around to see if anyone else had been affected by the unseen force, but apparently she was just having a young adult hot flash. At least that’s what she thought until the elevator doors opened to reveal the source of titillating heat.
She covered her heart with her right hand as she gazed into the smoky gray eyes of very possibly the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen in her twenty-nine years. Not a pretty man, but breathtaking in his masculinity. Testosterone rolled off him in waves. Over six and a half feet tall, she had to look up at him. At nearly six feet herself, looking up at a man was a welcome rarity. Storm clouds brewed in his eyes, so dark they seemed to swallow the light, and his skin, dark bronze with muscles so massive his black short-sleeve T and sweats couldn’t begin to hide them.
Her heart kicked up a few notches and she immediately understood the hot flash, stifling the overwhelming desire to fan herself. Her rational side whispered, dangerous, but the other part of her, the part she hadn’t seen nor heard from since her father was killed, purred, Yum. Okay, I know what I said about men and their drama, not to mention my own situation being a little out of sorts at the moment, but look at him. Really? Am I really supposed to just…?
She realized she was still staring at him when he hesitated, giving her an odd look as he stepped onto the elevator. A moment of embarrassment came and went when she reminded herself she’d just survived a near death experience. Well, sort of, but whether she wanted to get technical or not, she deserved something for herself, and even though he definitely looked dangerous in a delicious kind of way, she felt connected to him somehow, drawn by more than his sex appeal.
Her instincts had never been wrong. In fact, it was her instincts that saved her life, the reason she wasn’t murdered along with the rest of her family. She’d sensed something wrong that day and called her family’s witness protection handler, refusing to go inside. Riddled with guilt for months afterward, she’d wandered, nearly walking into one of the henchmen Arardo hired to kill her. Right now, her instincts were all she had.
The dark-eyed god glanced at the control panel, probably to see if his floor number was selected, then stared at the floor. Tanya glanced at the buttons again. So he was either on the second, fourth, or blessed be, the third floor with her.
She planned to ride past her floor if necessary and find out where he was staying. Of course, what she’d do when she found out was anyone’s guess, but then she’d never been much of a planner, even before she started running for her life. One step at a time. She watched him from the corner of her eye, doing a mental happy dance when they reached the third floor and he stepped out.
She skipped off after him and sauntered down the corridor towards her room, feeling like stalker girl as she stayed a respectable distance behind him. He stopped, swiped his keycard, and opened the door to his room. Tanya nearly passed by him until she noticed the room number – 333. Hmm. Maybe it was good fortune after all.
July 31, 2013
Becca’s “Untameable Heat” Bash Winners
Contest
Prize
Winner
Who Invited You?
$5 GC
Dawn Froggy Saenz
Tweet & Share
Body chain
Karen Palmer Arrowood
Kaden’s music
Elastic gold loop bracelet
Dee Dee Symms Metallica’s “Turn the Page”
Caption This
Cherie Reich’s Nightmare Collection
Amanda Hervey
2. Like J.L. McCoy
J.L. McCoy swag
Kimberly Mayberry and Anny Hernandez
3. Wordgo
“Phantom” by Lindsay Randall
Heather Coulter
4. Share & 7 deadly sins pic
Branded by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki
Charlene M. Martin Author
5. Like & Caption This
PDF of “Chasing Earth And Flame” by Adonis Devereux
Sandee Love
6. Like Lori Otto
set of Emi Lost and Found Postcards
Sara Kinsella
7. BookGo
Signed Copy Of Not Today, But Someday by Lori L. Otto
Crissy Mackey
8. Paragraph
$10 Starbucks Gift Card
Tanya Conaway
July 25, 2013
Thank you! “Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” CBLS Tour Winners
The “Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” CBLS tour has ended, and it went so well I decided to add another winner for a total of three. Two received the $10 gift cards from Amazon, and one received the customized “Torin” shopping tote with signed post cards and cover flats! Special heartfelt thanks to the tour hosts and CBLS for making the tour so successful. Here’s the schedule again. It’s not too late to stop by and post a comment or just take a look at their awesome posts, and if you get a chance to play a few games or complete some fun missions to win prizes for yourself, join our “Untameable Heat” parties on Facebook. The party links and dates are in the event description.
Okay, so back to the “Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” CBLS tour schedule so you know exactly who I’m thanking 
Tour winners have been notified: Michelle Bledsoe ($10 GC), Sebella Blue (custom “Torin” shopping tote with signed swag), and Veronica DeLuna ($10 GC)
SCHEDULE:July 1: Books to Light Your Fire
July 5: Author Raine Delight’s World
July 9: Kelly P’s Blog
July 9: Triad Literary
July 12: Salacious Reads
July 13: Dalene’s Book Reviews (Review)
July 14: Crystals Many Reviews (Review)
July 14: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
July 15: Lindsay’s Scribblings
July 16: Booked & Loaded
July 17: Crystals Many Reviews (Review)
July 18: deal sharing aunt (Review)
July 19: Dawn’s Reading Nook
July 19: Romance on a Budget
July 21: Queen of the Night Reviews (Review)
July 21: Sweet n’ Sassi (Review)
July 22: Wicked Readings by Tawania
July 21, 2013
Last Day of “Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” CBLS Tour
Today’s the last day of the “Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” CBLS tour! There’s still time to visit the blog tour sites and enter the Rafflecopter for prizes. The schedule is posted below, and here’s the Rafflecopter link. Also, take a peek at our “Untameable Heat” Launch party and tour. We’ve still got three more Facebook parties filled with contests, games, missions, and prizes, and there’s another Rafflecopter for the “Untameable Heat” tour too. Hope to see you at both events
“Dark Sentinels Book One: Torin” CBLS Tour
SCHEDULE:July 1: Books to Light Your Fire
July 5: Author Raine Delight’s World
July 9: Kelly P’s Blog
July 9: Triad Literary
July 12: Salacious Reads
July 13: Dalene’s Book Reviews (Review)
July 14: Crystals Many Reviews (Review)
July 14: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
July 15: Lindsay’s Scribblings
July 16: Booked & Loaded
July 17: Crystals Many Reviews (Review)
July 18: deal sharing aunt (Review)
July 19: Dawn’s Reading Nook
July 19: Romance on a Budget
July 21: Queen of the Night Reviews (Review)
July 21: Sweet n’ Sassi (Review)
July 22: Wicked Readings by Tawania
LINK TO PROMO/SCHEDULE POST:
http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/06/booktour-torin-dark-sentinels-2-by.html
July 13, 2013
Dariel’s Satin Sheets Review: “Skye High” by LaVerne Thompson
Product Details
· File Size: 211 KB
· Print Length: 38 pages
· Publisher: Horny Devil Publishing (October 22, 2012)
· Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
· Language: English
· ASIN: B009V7JKUE
· Text-to-Speech: Enabled
· X-Ray: Not Enabled
· Lending: Enabled
“Who knew that traveling first class could be so…well…enlightening?” Reilly Greene thought as she watched her old teenage crush now fully grown, lick his fingers. Who the hell was she kidding? Traveling anywhere, anyhow with Ben Skye was enough to make her weak at the knees and a few other places in between.
Ben Skye thought the possibility of having a heart attack at 33,000 feet in the air just might not be a bad way to go – if Reilly was the one giving it to him. But could he convince her that once their feet hit the ground he could still take her to the heavens, and this time it would be for the rest of their lives.
Review
“Skye High” is a feel good book at its best. I usually don’t read much contemporary romance since my fave is paranormal, but I truly enjoyed this story. In fact, it took me back to my high school crush days and the joy of finding out he was crushing on me at the same time. LOL
Thompson has a way of pulling you in and dropping you right smack in the middle of the story. She ties the details together so smoothly, if I didn’t know better I’d think writing was effortless. The characters were both likeable and believable, the relationship satisfying, and you’ll find yourself just as excited about their reunion as they are – and they are VERY excited. Four and a half satin pillows.
July 10, 2013
Big Weekend Starts Tonight!
I’m so excited I can’t stop talking about the big weekend ahead! First, today (July 11) is the first day of the “Untameable Heat” launch tour! We’re starting things off at Mommasez, then tonight from 8 – 10PM EST is the first “Untameable Heat” Facebook party! Join now and turn your notifications on to make sure you don’t miss anything and get started on the Rafflecopter.
Here’s a brief rundown of the events this weekend. Every time you visit a blog and leave a comment with your email address, you add to your chances of winning the Rafflecopter prizes:
“Untameable Heat”- July 12 – Kelly P’s Blog
“Torin” – July 12 – Salacious Reads
“Untameable Heat” – July 13 – A.R. Von Dreamz of Dragons Blog
“Torin” – July 13 – Dalene’s Book Reviews Blog
Check-in here July 14th for my review of LaVerne Thompson’s “Skye High.”
July 9, 2013
July Happenings
The official date for our “Untameable Heat” party to begin was actually yesterday, but my co-host, author Kathryn Edgar played a really fun word game with everyone this weekend so we thought it might be good to give the notifications a rest. After the “Sizzling Summer Blog Hop” and Katy’s game, my e-mails nearly doubled. LOL All worth it though.
Now, we’re gearing up for the beginning of the launch tour starting with Mommasez all day on July 11th, and going strong through the release day bash that night from 8 – 10PM EST on our “Untameable Heat” event page. We’ve also got four more Facebook parties during the month of July. I’ll tell you more about those along the way. I might just surprise everybody and release “Kaden’s Reprieve” a day or so early, so keep your eyes peeled for updates and details. Oh, and when you stop by, make sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.
In addition to the “Untameable Heat” launch parties and tour, “Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” is on tour with CBLS Promotions, and visiting two blogs today: Kelly P’s Blog, and Literary Writings. Again, there’s a giveaway, so stop by, say hello, and throw your hat in the ring for another prize. I’d love to see you
July 6, 2013
Untameable Heat Launch Party and Tour Begins…
Nearly 200 people have joined the “Untameable Heat” launch party and tour already, and we’d love to see you there too! As you know, the more the merrier Official release day is July 11th, so we’re celebrating that day with a feature post at Mommasez (all day), but since patience is not one of my virtues, the Rafflecopter giveaway starts July 8th! Make sure to enter while you’re there (you can enter the giveaway at the party or from a hosted tour site). Then, join us from 8PM – 10PM EST July 11th for our first launch party at the “Untameable Heat” event page Notice I said our first because we have 4 more launch parties scheduled – July 19th, 25th, 27th, and 31st! They’re denoted by the word “contest” in the tour schedule below.
The parties are packed with opportunities to grab all kinds of fun goodies like signed cover flats, logo cards, hot books, and you’re gonna love our snazzy jewels! Here’s a bit about the books and you can find the schedule below…Oh, one more thing – to get Rafflecopter points, visit the host blogs below
Lilith’s Freedom by Kathryn Edgar
In the dark alleys of the St Louis riverfront sits a club known only to those evil enough to enter. The club is called The Master’s Lair. It is frequented by the evil underbelly of the supernatural world. Lilith is a beautiful succubus entertaining nightly in the Lair.
Lilith has grown bored with her life. She is ready for more. The Master has promised her release from her succubus bonds is possible, except the price may be higher than she can afford.
Alex is hell bent on revenge. An angel that watched his sister die in the clutches of a goblin drug ring, his main mission is to end their reign of death. Going undercover as a fallen angel he throws himself into danger going inside The Master’s Lair.
Meeting the beautiful Lilith wasn’t part of his revenge plan. Yet, something in him wants to be her redemption. Alex wonders if he can be the one to help Lilith attain the freedom she seeks or will he endanger them both?
Kaden’s Reprieve by Dariel Raye
Tanya has been running for her life for two years, but when Ms. Lillian, owner of the exclusive “Heaven’s Touch” match making service, graciously gives her a week’s stay at her private bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, she seizes the opportunity to escape to a possible hideaway.
Kaden is of a rare and precious race prized for extraordinary abilities. He is also half-demon, remanded to Kushiel’s custody centuries ago. Allowed to leave Hell twice a year, three days each time – Beltane, and Samhain, his life thus far has been filled with slavery, torture, and despair, and he is nearly convinced that his soul is beyond redemption. Still, he longs for freedom. Can Tanya redeem him? Can Kaden dare hope for a reprieve?
Tour Schedule
July 11 – Mommasez - http://ccclubbs.com
July 12 – Kelly P’s Blog - http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/
July 13 – A.R. Von DreamZ of Dragons - http://www.dreamzofdragons.blogspot.com
July 14 -
July 15 – J.M. Griffin - www.jmgriffin.co / Katy’s interview – From Mia’s Desk - www.miadarien.com
July 16 -
July 17 – Buffy’s Ramblings - kennedy.blogspot.com
July 18 – Kaden’s interview – From Mia’s Desk - www.miadarien.com
July 19 – Sapphire Kande Contest- www.sapphirekande.blogspot.com
July 20 – Sadrina – Books and Their Worldly Realm
July 21 – Butterflies, Books & Dreams - http://butterlfiesbooksanddreams.blogspot.com/
July 22 – Chantel Rhondeau - www.chantelrhondeau.com
July 23 – Susan Arden - http://www.eroticdreamscapefantasies.blogspot.com
July 24 – Krystal Shannan - http://www.krystalshannan.com/blog.html
July 25 – Ravenz Reviews Contest - http://www.ravenzreviews.blogspot.com/
July 26 – Danita Minnis - http://danitaminnis.danitaminnis.com
July 27 – The Romance Troupe Contest- http://www theromancetroupe.blogspot.com
July 28 -
July 29 – Jill Prand - http://jillprand.blogspot.com/
July 30 -
July 31 – Becca Edwards Contest- http://beccaannesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
July 4, 2013
Make the Most of Summer Sizzle: Three Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
Everybody’s got a lot going on this summer, so I’m inviting you to kick off your shoes, let your hair down and join in the fun!! First, starting today (during the US 4th of July celebration), enjoy The Romance Troupe’s Sizzling Summer Blog Hop. You could win an IPad Mini, one of two awesome swag packs, and over 50 other individual blog prizes!
“Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” is on tour with CBLS Promotions now through July 22nd. Click here to check out the schedule and visit the sites to enter the giveaway. I’ve got two grand prizes up for grabs – an Amazon GC and a custom “Torin” shopping tote with signed cover flat.
Yet another party that I’m really excited about is the “Untameable Heat” launch party and tour starting July 8th, right on the heels of the Sizzling Summer Hop. We’ve got mega giveaways during 5 Facebook parties and 16 blog sites on our tour. We’ll play games and offer prizes for completed missions including books, gift cards, jewelry, swag (cover flats, logo postcards, etc.).
Rafflecopter grand prizes include a T-shirt of your choice from my swag boutique, signed cover flats and logo post cards from Katy and me. Click here to check out the schedule and join the party. I could ramble on about it for days, so join now so you won’t miss anything. Official launch party is July 11th, and we’re having 4 more parties between the 11th and 31st of July. Rafflecopter giveaway begins July 8th and you can enter anytime during the tour by visiting the host sites. Hope to see you there
