Blog Tour Stop and Guest Post: The Sweetest Thing You Can Sing by C.K. Kelly Martin

Book & Author details:

The Sweetest Thing You Can Sing by C.K. Kelly Martin 

Publication date: September 1st 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Losing weight over the summer gains Serena some popularity, but it also means discovering first-hand the pains of being a fifteen-year-old girl in a world that both sexualizes and shames young women. After narrowly avoiding exploitation in a shortlived relationship, Serena aligns with a new friend who was the victim of an explicit image that was shared at school. When Serena finds herself in a relationship with a new guy, she is surprised to find a different set of expectations. But have her previous experiences damaged her too much to make it work? As Serena struggles to find who she is as opposed to who she is expected to be, she begins sighting Devin – her older brother who disappeared months earlier.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22135341-the-sweetest-thing-you-can-sing?ac=1

Purchase:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sweetest-Thing-You-Sing/dp/1770864113/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405621934&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Sweetest+Thing+You+Can+Sing

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sweetest-thing-you-can-sing-ck-kelly-martin/1119684532?ean=9781770864115

AUTHOR BIO

C.K. KELLY MARTIN’s bestselling debut novel, I Know It’s Over, was published in 2008. It was followed by One Lonely Degree, The Lighter Side of Life and Death, My Beating Teenage Heart and the sci-fi thriller, Yesterday. A graduate of the Film Studies program at York University, Martin loves good books, movies, music, web design, and Ireland. She currently resides in Oakville, Ontario.

Author Links:

http://www.ckkellymartin.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3015727.C_K_Kelly_Martin

https://www.facebook.com/ckkellymartin

https://twitter.com/CKKellyMartin

The Importance of Book Covers

Apparently that old adage about not judging a book by its cover goes back to at least 1867 and while I’m sure most of us would agree with it, and realize a compelling novel can sometimes be found lurking under the drabbest of covers, it’s difficult not to be momentarily awed by an attractive cover. 

Obviously every writer wants a cover they can fall in love with. The trouble is that what an author might love, might not be the same cover the publisher’s sales and marketing departments or Barnes & Nobel rep prefers. The truth is, an author doesn’t always have a lot of choice in what appears on their book’s cover. Sometimes their publisher doesn’t even have much of a choice. For several of my young adult novels, I was told by my publisher that Barnes & Noble wanted a girl on the cover as a condition of their stocking the book. 

Now, of course there’s nothing wrong with having a girl on the cover of your book and Barnes & Noble must have found these sorts of covers sell copies. But having any single image as a default for a YA book doesn’t make sense to me when there are so many different arresting images and designs to consider. In practice, what this girl on the cover (and usually not a large variety of girls – mostly pretty white girls in attractive poses, which makes you wonder where the heck everyone else is!) preference has led to is a flood of novels that are fairly indistinguishable from each other visually. We could aptly call them ‘the pretty girl covers.’ 

But a good cover isn’t just appealing to look at; it should also faithfully represent the distinctness of the story inside. For example, for a novel which is a nuanced exploration of a teenage meth addict’s emotional state, Beneath a Meth Moon (by Jaqueline Woodson) is a stunning cover. On the other hand, the hardback cover of Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (the middle book in a series I absolutely loved by the way!) is pretty, but bland. It doesn’t reveal anything about the fascinating dystopian story within its pages. If I hadn’t already known something about the book, the cover certainly wouldn’t have made me pull the book off the shelf. 

It’s a tall order, isn’t it? That a book cover should ideally look intriguing, appealing AND be a genuine reflection of the novel it represents. But as an author that’s what I’m always hoping for. The last thing a book cover should do is misrepresent itself and look like a frothy romance when it’s really a hard-hitting book about mental illness, for example. 

It doesn’t escape me that the cover for my new young adult book, The Sweetest Thing You Can Sing, features one of the things I’m complaining about here—a girl on the cover—but I’m definitely not saying there shouldn’t be any girls on book covers; I’m arguing against being generic, like many of the covers in this photo I snapped of a collection of books on a Coles table back in 2011. 

This is a trend that’s had a fair amount of criticism over the last few years and as a result I hope it’s one that has finally begun to fade and give way to more distinct covers. Taste is incredibly subjective and opinions about individual covers will always vary 

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Blog Tour Stop and Giveaway: Curve by Nicola Hudson

Book Info:

Title:  Curve

Published Date / Expected Publishing Date:

 25th October 2013

Genre :

 New Adult Contemporary Romance – with a British sensibility

Appropriate for readers over 15 due to sensitive themes (sexual violence), language and sexual content.

Synopsis:

Cass is seventeen and never been kissed, let alone touched.  On one humiliating night, that changes when two boys become interested in her.  Flynn is the older brother of her best friend, yet Cass has never considered him as anything other than that.  Rob is the school sports star and becomes obsessed with Cass when he loses a bet because of her.  

As the relationship between Cass and Flynn develops, Rob's interest becomes increasingly malevolent.  One terrible night changes Cass's life and threatens to destroy her relationship with Flynn, as well as her future.

Goodreads Link:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18299202-curve 

Amazon US Buy Link: http://goo.gl/onDGpi

Amazon UK Buy Link: http://goo.gl/TXr7t4

Author Bio & Details: (I don't have an author photograph) 

Facebook Author Profile Link: https://www.facebook.com/nicolahudsonauthor

Goodreads Profile Link:

 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211253.Nicola_Hudson

Twitter Link:

 https://twitter.com/NicHudsonAuthor

Author Bio:

 I’ve always been an avid reader and occasional writer, but only ever for my own eyes!  Then, last year, I read my first New Adult novel - and I was hooked.  After consuming a vast e-pile of NA, the burning need to write my own was overwhelming.  And so I started…

Fitting in writing around a demanding job and a wonderfully supportive husband has been, umm, interesting at times but the whole process has been a fantastic experience.  I have been blown away by the friendliness and support shown by the readers, writers and bloggers who make up the NA and Indie communities; online with them is one of my favourite places to hang out!

I have already started the follow-up novel to Curve, Heart, which follows Neve as she starts at university.

Excerpt:

Things like this don’t happen to me.

As we swayed slightly awkwardly in time with the warblings of a ballad being sung by one of those manufactured boybands, I tried to enjoy the moment for what it was: me, Cass Jones, dancing with Rob Meadows at the Sixth Form Christmas party. 

Rob Meadows, star of the school rugby team. 

Rob Meadows, blonde god of gorgeousness.

Me.

 The evening was coming to an end and, after the rowdy jump-dancing of earlier, the DJ was playing the compulsory slow numbers that signalled the end of the party for some but just the start of the evening for others.  And there I was, still dancing.

The Sixth Form Christmas party was a highlight of the school social calendar, especially as it usually provided significant fodder for the yearbook.  All of Year 13 had started to think about lives beyond school, our small town, even our friends, as part of the university application process.  Consequently, there was a sense of desperation to our attempts to create some happy memories to take with us.  There we were, on the cusp of legal adulthood, yet not really sure of our place in the world.

Neve and I had debated whether or not to even bother going to the party.  As habitual residents of the social periphery, we didn’t really belong to any of the usual cliques found in most high schools.  And we were OK with that, enjoying the sense of irony in watching those cliques shift and re-shape, occasionally even imploding. 

I’m not trying to suggest that the evening was some sort of Ugly Duckling transformation story. I am definitely not Cinderella.

But it was clear that others, as well as me, were surprised to see me there, doing that.  I was dressed in some black lace concoction that Neve had assured me was ‘a little bit sexy, but definitely not slutty’, opaque tights and a pair of ballet flats.  It had been a nightmare trying to find something to wear that looked dressy enough, covered enough and didn’t look like it should be worn by my mum.  Neve had managed to cajole my hair into a side sweep of loose waves and hide the couple of spots that had appeared, as if on cue, that morning. I knew I didn’t look like most of the other girls, especially those with their fake tans, fake hair and fake nails, but I was OK with that.

Usually I was happy with the office-wear rules that made up the dress code for Sixth Form: black trousers, a plain tee shirt and a cardigan had become my own unofficial uniform.  So maybe people were surprised to see me in a dress.  Or maybe it was because Rob was dancing with me. 

That was more likely the cause.

About half an hour earlier, Rob Meadows had come over to our table, drink in hand, sat down and started chatting like we were long-time friends.  He joked about some of the teachers, and recalled some of the funny moments from when we had lessons together in main school.  As the conversation continued, he had moved his chair closer to mine, as though he was struggling to hear what I was saying.  At one point, when he touched my arm to point out the drunken antics of one of the other rugby team players, I finally got the message.

Rob was flirting with me. 

When he asked me to dance, I looked across at Neve, who was bravely trying not to look like a fifth wheel.  I knew she was as surprised as me at what was happening; this had not even been considered in the endless discussions we had had about the evening before tonight.  She shrugged her shoulders and I got up to follow Rob to the area where a few couples were in varying stages of becoming physically acquainted with each other.  My heart was pounding.  I had never danced with anyone other than Neve, and never like this!  I decided that I just had to follow his lead; clearly this wasn’t going to be his first time.

As we moved together in time with the music, I felt the tautness of Rob’s waist beneath my hands.  I had worried about what to do with my hands but he had gently taken them and placed them on his hips before gathering his own around my neck, pulling me close.  His thumb was softly rubbing my nape, the tiny movement sending shivers up and down my spine.  My breath became shallower with each tingle. 

Was this what all the fuss was about?  If so, I finally got it. 

One sway brought us closer together and I was sure that I could feel him pressing into my hip.  I’d never been that close to a boy before, well, not in that way, and I didn’t have the foggiest about what to do.  I was sure that most of the girls would be able to laugh it off with some innuendo-laden joke, some might even have moved in closer.  But I wasn’t one of those girls and the last thing I wanted was to mess up what could be the best night of my life by handling it wrong.  What if he ended up laughing at me? 

Within seconds though his one hand ran down my spine, leaving a line of warmth that went straight to my very core.  Of course I’d been turned on before but never like this; never from the real-life touch of a real-life boy.  The tingling feeling spread through me, taking my disbelief hostage along the way.  Rob’s hand lingered at the curve of my bum and pulled me closer to him.  There was no way I could pretend not to know what it was pressed against me. 

 “Can I cut in?” What?  I was convinced it must be a joke; Neve’s brother Flynn was trying to ruin my perfect moment? I gave him a withering look and held on tight to Rob.  “Can I have this dance?”  Flynn persisted, like he was a character out of a bloody Jane Austen novel.

“Uh, sure mate.  I’ll go get us another drink, Cass.”  Rob gave me a long look, full of meaning I couldn’t decipher, and walked to the end of the room where his friends were rowdily clustered around the bar.  Meanwhile I was stood like a statue in the middle of the dancing couples.  When Flynn tried to take hold of me, in a bizarre repeat of Rob’s earlier move, I squirmed away.

“What the hell are you doing?” I demanded, unsure whether I was angry, frustrated or both.  Flynn’s shoulder shrug added to my fury.  “Can’t you see that the last thing I want at this precise moment is what has just happened?”  Flynn smirked and put his arms on my shoulders.  “I mean it, Flynn!” I didn’t want to make even more of a spectacle of myself but I couldn’t remember feeling that angry before.
“Just hold me and pretend that you’re having the best time of your life,” he whispered into my ear, so close I felt him inhale.

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Kiss Me in Paris Blog Tour Stop and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

If reviewers can be believed—and OF COURSE they can be—then Kiss Me in Paris is an epic tale of love, romance, family, friendship and forgiveness. For those of you who might think this book is just another insipid romance, not so my friend.

Not so.

You will pee your pants laughing and cry your eyes out weeping. You will become so angry you might need to punch something, and you will sigh in pure happiness. One reviewer even left part of her soul IN THE WORDS OF OUR BOOK.

Yes, this is the power of Kiss Me in Paris. It's SOUL STEALING, and we are not going to apologize for that.

You see, we are the authors, and we are married, living our own epic romance. So epic we even had a fan-following during the early days of our courtship. So we know love.

And we know you will love Kiss Me in Paris!

Here's the part where we tell you about the book, but it's really not enough to do it justice. So let us first say that there is just so much in Kiss Me in Paris. Layered themes and a sexy cowboy studying to be an architect, and a girl who's a dreamer with a dark past, and gargoyles and Notre Dame and mazes designed by futuristic architects (because that's an actual thing, and the sexy cowboy will tell you what that means), and heartbreak and love and happy endings and evil and just SO MUCH.

But here's the 'official' blurb about Kiss Me in Paris:

No one knows my secret. Ever since high school, ever since I started living in fear, no one has known the true me. But then I met him, and I couldn't hide anymore.

He became my hero, saving me from the villain of my past. He became my friend, his smile a blanket of warmth. And he scared me. Because he, this beautiful man, he might become more. Then he'd see the real me, and I couldn't let that happen.

My name is Winter, and what I desire most I can't have.

Flashes of the night I was drugged rush back to me. His strong arms carrying me through the streets of Paris. The feel of his heart beating as my head rested against his chest. The soft press of his lips against my forehead when he thought I was asleep.

Oh shit. I'm falling for the cowboy. Cade.

But we can't be anything more. He has his own secrets. His own darkness he keeps hidden, like the letter he keeps with him everywhere he goes.

The letter he refuses to open.

Here's what reviewers are saying about Kiss Me in Paris

5 stars "I experienced every emotion as each character felt it. Every tear, every laugh, all of the fear, anxiety, and stress, I experienced every last bit of it. And even though this is a romance, there are tears. I cried more times reading Kiss Me in Paris than I did watching Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song. Kiss Me in Paris left me hollow when I finally finished it. I feel as if a piece of me was left in the words as I read. And for once, I have a book to call my favorite." ~Merumei on Amazon

5 stars "A timeless and beautiful love story that will sweep you off your feet, but it's also much more than that." ~Amy Conley, Amazon

5 stars "Beautifully drawn characters and stunning pallets that bring you in to Paris itself." ~Stormy, Amazon

Here are some of our favorite quotes from Kiss Me in Paris

• "One star breaks off from the others, shooting across the sky, a bright light trailing behind it, and I finally understand why people wish on dying stars. Because something always has to die for life to give birth to a new dream. "

• "Paris is pregnant with layers of history, colored with the ink of artists who dared to dream of a world only they could see."

• "It's like I'm giving birth from my mouth." [You'll understand this when you get to chapter 5. Then you'll pee your pants laughing.]

• "It's the nature of being human that, in our own blindness, we lash out and blind others."

• "I think of Winter, of her smile, her eyes, her arms wrapped around me, and I know where home is. It's wherever she is, and right now she is too far away. My heart has escaped my body and is walking Paris without me."

• "She opened herself to him, and, in that moment, she opened herself to the world. Let it hurt her. Let it burn her veins, boil her blood and scorch her heart. For where there could be pain, there could be pleasure and love. She would be cold no longer. She would melt the hearts of others, and in turn, they would melt hers. She would feel the full spectrum of emotions and cry. She would be human. And she would be happy."

And this is just a SAMPLE. It's like hearing an inside joke if you weren't at the party. So go to the party, and by this stretched metaphor we mean READ THE BOOK. Then you can laugh and *le sigh* and cry and be a part of the cool crowd.

Kiss Me in Paris is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo. Add it your Goodreads to-read shelf here!

About Karpov Kinrade

Karpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife writing duo of bestselling, award-winning authors Kimberly Kinrade and Dmytry Karpov.

Together, they write fantasy, paranormal, mystery, contemporary and romance and hook readers into new and exciting worlds that will leave you laughing your ass off, crying your heart out and falling in love.

Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Kiss Me series, Seduced Saga, the Forbidden Trilogy and more coming soon.

They live with three little girls who think they’re ninja princesses with super powers and who are also showing a propensity for telling tall tales and using the written word to weave stories of wonder and magic.

Become a member of the Street Team for Karpov Kinrade.

Connect with Karpov Kinrade on Facebook.

Connect with Kimberly online: Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Amazon, Goodreads.

Connect with Dmytry online: Twitter, Google+, Amazon, Goodreads.

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Blog Tour Stop: Frontline by Alexandra Richland

Goodreads Summary:

When nurse Sara Peters treats celebrity billionaire Trenton Merrick for a mysterious injury to his forehead, she is blindsided by what follows: a passionate exchange in the examination room, followed by an invitation to Trenton's mansion the next night.

Trenton spins a web of deceit and seduction around Sara that both repels and attracts her. One part humanitarian, the other international financial mogul, his professional and public life are a curious contradiction. As Sara journeys deeper into her feelings for Trenton and begins unraveling the mystery behind his injury, she finds herself embroiled in a game of trust and betrayal, where the odds are stacked in Trenton's favor, and the outcome for the loser is too terrifying to conceive.

Publication Date: August 6, 2013

Smashwords ---> https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/344398

Amazon ---> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ED0EFSQ

About Alexandra Richland:

Alexandra Richland spends rotating twelve-hour shifts working as a registered nurse at a Toronto hospital, indulging in her love of science and medicine, and caring for patients with their own unique tales to tell. When she is not on duty, Alexandra escapes into her own imagination. Therein lies a fantasy world of thrilling adventure, gorgeous men, classic Hollywood glamour, exotic getaways, and a seductive dose of romance. Alexandra captures these stories in her popular novels, The Starlight Trilogy and Frontline, and her short story, Gilded Cage. Say hello to her on Facebook and on Twitter.

Connect with Alexandra:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5764902.Alexandra_Richland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ms.AlexandraRichland

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebelMissAlex

Excerpt:

“I meant it when I said we need to cool our physical contact. We need to start fresh––a proper courtship with boundaries that get removed gradually as we get to know each other better. That’s the only way I’ll agree to see you again.”

Trenton looks amused as he shakes my hand. “Courtship?”

I giggle. “Okay, so it’s a little old-school. The bottom line is I’d like to get back to basics.”

Trenton cocks an eyebrow. “No touching at all?”

“No inappropriate groping, how about that?”

“So you want me to court you?” His blue eyes blaze.

I blush.

Trenton brushes his lips to my ear. “In that case, wait here.”

He darts out of the room and returns a few moments later. My heart melts when I see what he holds: one of the long-stemmed roses from the bouquet at the nurses’ station.

“This is my proper and honorable good-bye, Sara. And please accept my sincerest apologies for leaving so abruptly last night.” Trenton extends the rose to me.

With just one look, he makes me feel as though I’m the center of his world.

I accept the flower with a gracious smile.

Trenton takes my other hand and bows his head to place a soft kiss on my knuckles––a gesture far sweeter and meaningful than anything we’ve shared thus far. He peers up at me with those bedroom eyes, his lips brushing my skin.

“I look forward to courting you, Sara. Thank you for giving me another chance.”

His eyes linger on mine for a few heart-stopping moments. Then he drops my hand, sweeps past me, and exits the room.

I exhale a big gust of air as he slides the door shut and the curtain falls back into place. My heart feels empty and I’m left craving our next encounter. I just hope I didn’t make a mistake by trusting him again.

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Branded by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki Blog Tour Stop and Review

Title: Branded (Sinners #1) by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded

Book Trailer: http://video214.com/play/PlssJogkXB4H85hKKomnOA/s/dark

Summary:

Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadliest sins were the downfall of our society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me.   I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

Now, every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Author Bio:

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Links:

Website: http://www.abiandmissy.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AbiandMissy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbiandMissy

My Review:

This book was intense! From the first page, there’s non-stop action in a dystopian setting. Although the pacing was off for me from time to time, overall this was an incredible book with a unique premise.

The beginning of the novel was a little rough for me and I think it was because readers are jolted from scene to scene too quickly. Within the first couple of pages, Lexi tries to commit suicide, runs from authorities, gets branded and is imprisoned within the Hole. I like fast-paced reads, but not to the point where I’m unable to grasp the world-building.

However, I kept with the book and I’m really glad I did. The authors created a terrifying world where “sinners” are separated from the rest of society and forced to survive in a dangerous prison. The book is very violent and I was feeling a little squeamish over a few scenes depicted. The authors definitely have a talent for descriptions.

The story is told from Lexi’s POV and I found her character interesting. She’s falsely accused of a crime and ostracized by her high-society family. She’s truly alone as she tries to survive the dangers of the Hole. Cole is the guard assigned to Lexi and probably the only empathetic guard working in the establishment.

The romance between Lexi and Cole is fast and passionate, which worked for the setting. Guards are forbidden from falling in love with a sinner and the couple must risk their lives in order to be together. Their relationship blossoms in the middle of an uprising that is simultaneously occurring inside of the Hole.

I thought I was over dystopians, but Branded was able to rekindle my enjoyment of the genre. Definitely a series to watch.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

I received a copy of this book as part of the tour from CBL Book Tours.

Destiny Gift by Juliana Haygert Blog Tour: Excerpt and Giveaway

Book & Author details:

Destiny Gift  by Juliana Haygert  

Series: Everlast, #1 

Publication: April 9th 2013

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Thirty years in the future, a sinister New York City exists in permanent darkness.

A student at the secured NYU, nineteen-year-old Nadine has visions of Victor Gianni, an imaginary guy she has real feelings for. Afraid of being truly insane, she explains the visions away as simple daydreams, but she can no longer deny them when she bumps into Victor in real life. But this Victor doesn’t know her, and turns her away. After the encounter, Nadine’s visions change to those of eerie fates, gods she’s never heard of, demons with sharp claws they are not too timid to use … and instructions.

To discover if she’s losing her mind, Nadine follows the vague directions—with the real, rude and reluctant Victor—leading to a man who knows it all: Nadine can restore an ancient creed by unveiling the clues on her visions, and bring sunlight and peace to the world again. But that’s only if the demons and the other evil forces behind the darkness don’t stop her first.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16217699-destiny-gift

Purchase: 

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Gift-Everlast-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00C4E1KE0

--Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destiny-gift-juliana-haygert/1114970477?ean=2940044425262

----

AUTHOR BIO

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.julianahaygert.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6609948.Juliana_Haygert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juhaygert

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliana_Haygert

_________

Excerpt:

Four of the bats landed before me and hobbled closer. Their talons scratched against the concrete surface of the sidewalk, making a dreadful screeching sound. Their fetid stench, of slobber and decay and rotting flesh, reached me and I fought the urge to puke.

I crawled a few feet away and watched in horror as three other bats landed behind me, blocking my only escape route. I was surrounded.

I recalled my pepper spray inside my purse. I had it for muggers and robbers, but my weapon had saved me from these creatures before. Of course, pepper spray hadn’t hurt the bats, just bought me some distraction so I could run away, and I had never been attacked by more than two bats at once, but it was worth a try.

With trembling hands, I reached inside my purse. But, as my fingers stroked the can, a bat lunged at me. Yelling, I covered my head with my arms. The animal clawed, tearing into my body.

I tried to roll over and crawl somewhere, anywhere, but was pushed down by a potent blow. I hit the concrete, hard, and gasped as the air flew out of me.

Tears brimmed in my eyes. I struggled to hash out a new plan. Nothing. My mind was blank.

I raised my head and looked over. Two more bats glided up to me. I could see in their crimson eyes they were done playing. This time, they would strike for real. There was nothing I could do. I held my breath and braced myself, feeling a slow tear trickle down my face.

Their talons scratched my already torn jacket. I waited, wondering if I’d die or be injured for life.

Then … Nothing.

My eyes shot open. Was I having one of my hallucinations? Were the bats really retreating? I sat up and rubbed my eyes. The bats withdrew, their wings folded behind them, but they seemed to be recoiling from something—or someone. I turned around and saw the back of a tall man. He stood about ten feet from me, his head held high as if a defiant attitude would send the bats away. The odd part was—it did. The bats avoided looking at him as they slowly retreated. Seconds later, the creatures unfurled their gargantuan wings and flew away.

I gaped at the back of the mysterious man.

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January Black by Wendy S. Russo Blog Tour Stop and Review

Tour Schedule

January Black

Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma.

More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple.

What was January Black?

It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He's been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost...or call the king’s bluff.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon Kindle

Praise

Refreshingly intelligent and loads of fun!

I lost a few hours as I read this book. It's a Young Adult novel that is refreshingly and astonishingly intelligent, and the love story is perfectly played out.

~Christine Ashworth, Amazon Review

The mystery was intriguing - I loved how Wendy Russo weaved in all her secrets throughout the book, how she incorporated just enough to keep you reading, while never actually divulging much of anything. I was guessing for most of it and that's pretty hard to make me do.

~Julie, Clean Teen Reads

Wendy Russo has created a masterpiece.

~Ivan Amberlake, Author


Book Trailer

Author Wendy S. Russo

Wendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, taken a course on short novels, and watched most everything ever filmed by Quentin Tarantino. A Wyoming native transplanted in Baton Rouge, Wendy works for Louisiana State University as an IT analyst. She’s a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.

FACEBOOK * WEBSITE * TWITTER

GOODREADS * AUTHORGRAPH

My Review:

I love when I come across a book that has the ability to not only surprise me, but surpass my expectations completely. January Black did this and I was so glad that I decided to venture out of my reading comfort zone and take part in the blog tour for this amazing book.

The premise of the novel sounds simple enough. King Hadrian gives young student Mattie a challenge in order to earn a Masters degree: What was January Black? Readers are then taken on a journey as Matty attempts to answer the King’s question.

I loved the characters of the book! Matty was my favorite, but I also adored King Hadrian and Iris. Matty was a complete sweetheart and his romance with Iris was adorable. Matty was so earnest, it was completely endearing. Matty is idealistic and his ideals play an important part of the underlying themes of liberty and civil rights.

There are so many mysteries presented during the novel, I found myself anxious to keep reading. Figuring out what January Black was makes up only a small part of the story. I was also trying to figure out the setting of the novel and how the kingdom was created. World building was phenomenal and the advanced technology was interesting to read about.

What I also loved about the book is the mass appeal of the novel. There are very few books that I read which I can imagine my husband also enjoying. I plan to recommend this to not only my husband but also my teenage stepdaughter. If you’re looking for something to read that’s unique and thought provoking, I highly recommend January Black.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

I received this novel as part of the I Am a Reader, Not a Writer Blog Tour.

More Information:

January Black 100th Amazon Review Giveaway

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/8/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour Stop and Guest Post: Starseed by Liz Gruder

Starseed
Author: Liz Gruder
ISBN: 978-1937178291
Publisher: WiDo Publishing
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY

Kaila Guidry has always known she is different. When she meets Jordyn Stryker at school, she finds out just how different.

Jordyn was born and raised far from Earth, a starseed, one of six new students sent to Louisiana's Bush High to learn human ways. But Jordyn didn't count on meeting someone like Kaila.

When Kaila is pushed to her limit by high school bullying and cruelty, Jordyn awakens her to a new reality—and to love. But to prove herself, Kaila must look the other way as the real purposes of the starseeds unfold.

As the horrific plan behind the starseed visit to Earth moves inexorably forward, Kaila and Jordan, caught in an impossible love, must determine where their true loyalties lie.


Praise

"You know from the opening paragraph that something very strange is going on… We see Kaila try to live the life of a normal teen, and we see her "otherness" pull her back into an increasingly tangled web of questions, deceit, and hidden intentions. Liz really shines as a writer, lining the closets and drawers of everyday life with spine-chilling suspense that springs out at you when you least expect it. Starseed is an entertaining read. I highly recommend."
--Patricia B. Smith. Author “What the Animals Tell Me” and “Fifty Shades of Santa” (clean romance fiction)

"Liz Gruder’s characters come alive through youthful, spunky narrative, and her headstrong heroine, Kaila Guidry, elicits a reader’s encouragement from the first page. Fans of Amanda Hocking will find themselves similarly transported into Gruder’s exploration of the dark sides of faith, love, higher dimensions, and, of course, high school." --Jadie Jones, young-adult fantasy author

Purchase

Publisher * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon Kindle

Author Liz Gruder

As a youth, Liz Gruder saw a series of UFOs with her best friend while riding bikes. Ever since, she’s held a fascination for the stars. An avid reader, she used to hide under her covers and read with a flashlight. She has degrees in English and Psychology from Tulane University, a nursing license and a yoga certification. After going through Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Liz realized how short life is and is now slowly fulfilling her bucket list: she’s been to the Egyptian pyramids (totally awesome and thought provoking) and is now teaching yoga and writing speculative fiction. Starseed is her debut novel.

Goodreads * Twitter * Website * Blog * Facebook

Guest Post: Tips for Writing a Sci-Fi YA Novel

It’s essential to do a lot of research no matter what you’re writing. So, in undertaking a novel about extraterrestrials, I devoured everything I could on ETs and UFOs. If you read about a vampire putting on suntan lotion in a beach scene, you’d suspect the writer hadn’t done her homework and that author loses credibility. Likewise, since most UFO sightings are of saucer or triangular shaped craft, you don’t want a rocket ship. That’s why we laugh at black-and-white 1950s alien movies—because the scriptwriters were trying to create ships and aliens based on imagination and a 1950s technology.

There’s debate about the propulsion systems of UFOs, but most people agree they are silent, that they can make right-angles while flying in the sky, that they can simply disappear from sight. Rocket ships can’t do this, so clearly alien technology involves knowledge of physics most humans don’t currently have. So most of the research I did on UFOs is considered “fringe” science. It took me through an incredible ride of other dimensions, teleportation, telepathy and a hybrid program (creating a race of people who are half-human, half extraterrestrial).

While research can be fascinating, it won’t fascinate your readers in a novel unless you create characters the reader care about and put them in precarious situations. Research alone equals non-fiction. Fiction, first and foremost, must have characters that evoke emotion in the reader. When thinking of your fave novels, isn’t it because the situation and characters aroused emotion? It wasn’t because of the science or fantasy itself, but because the characters were put into a credible situation due to the research and then suffered, feared, loved and grew. A lot of science fiction can seem cold or clinical and that’s why I think characters and emotion are essential in YA sci-fi.

This is also why I think that a lot of YA sci-fi features a strong romance element. When you have a teen girl who is half-extraterrestrial and home-schooled because her family knows she’s different, then put her in high school where she meets a boy who is half extraterrestrial, yet raised far from Earth, you set up immediate attraction. Who hasn’t, at times, felt different and like an alien? Especially in high school when the judging can be so harsh and we are struggling to know our true selves. If you were half-ET, who could better understand than a real alien? You’d probably look at all the high school “groups” with equal puzzlement. We dream of meeting that “other half” that understands, that is in sync, that doesn’t ridicule or mock because we are different. Ridicule and mocking are for bullies and less evolved beings . . . .

It’s important to maintain consistency. I had a scene where Jordyn teleports Kaila to Egypt for her birthday. Now how can it be afternoon and sunny in Louisiana, USA and then afternoon and sunny in Egypt? Wouldn’t it be night time in Egypt? Not if aliens can access timelines and teleport to times in the past or future. So to arrive in sunny afternoon Egypt, Jordyn explains time and that they are actually standing in Egypt the “previous” afternoon.

The word “starseed” is a generic term, meaning someone who originates from the stars. Though many characters in Starseed are hybrids (biological half-human, half-extraterrestrial people), there are starseeds whose soul originates from other star systems yet placed in a human body. This is the basis for the character Priscilla Snowden, who exemplifies the truer meaning of what many understand as starseeds here on Earth. These starseeds are benevolent and wish for the raising of human consciousness. Many starseeds don’t even know they are starseeds, but have always had an interest in the stars and instinctively know they are different. Science or science fiction? … you decide.

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Strength by Carrie Butler Blog Tour Stop and Review

Strength by Carrie Butler

Series: Mark of Nexus #1 

Publication: March 7th 2013

by Sapphire Star Publishing 

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15206714-strength

PURCHASE: 

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1938404351?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1938404351&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

--Barnes & Nobles: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strength-carrie-butler/1114599832?ean=9781938404351&r=1%2c+1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10%3a1&

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Ym7sk3zjo&feature=player_embedded

---

AUTHOR BIO

Carrie daydreamed her way through college—until they thrust a marketing degree into her hands, slapped a summa cum laude seal on the corner, and booted her out into a less-than-stellar job market. Instead of panicking at the prospect of unemployment, she used her Midwestern logic to steer into the skid and point her life in the direction she really wanted to go: writing out those daydreams.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.carrieabutler.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6265027.Carrie_Butler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrieabutler

My Review:

This was a great debut from Carrie Butler! I loved the characters in the book, especially Wallace (swoon) and I’m excited to see where this story ends up going in future novels.

Rena was a strong female lead. She was tough when she needed be, especially when it came to looking out for Wallace. I loved how she refused to be pushed away by him, despite his insistence that he was only trying to protect her. The only thing I wish was that the author provided a little more background on Rena. I think this would’ve helped readers understand her motivations a little better.

Wallace was my favorite character in the book by a mile. It was refreshing to read about a romantic lead that didn’t have a womanizing past or a bad boy reputation. The author wrote Wallace with plenty of depth and I loved the natural development from friendship to romance between Rena and him. When Wallace’s bad boy brother Cole comes into the picture, I was so relieved that the author decided not to have Rena fall for him too. Although I didn’t want a romance between Cole and Rena, I did enjoy his one-liners.

Most of the novel is centered on Rena meeting Wallace and learning about his supernatural heritage. I was looking forward to the paranormal aspects to come into play and I found it took a really long time until they were finally introduced. The last quarter of the book felt rushed and I found myself a little overwhelmed with the inclusion of the new characters and plotlines.  

That being said, I get that this is a series starter and I think the author did a good job of laying the foundation for future books. I’d imagine the action would start quickly in the next novel and not be focused as much on the development of Rena and Wallace’s relationship. I’ll definitely read the next book and I hope it’s released soon. I need more Wallace NOW!

Rating: 4/5 Stars
 

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3 Sides to a Circle by Jolene Perry and Janna Watts Blog Tour Stop and Review

Welcome to my stop on the 3 Sides of a Circle blog tour by Jolene Perry and Janna Watts hosted by YA Bound.  Click HERE to see the rest of the blog tour schedule!

3 Sides to a Circle

by Jolene Perry, Janna Watts

Release Date: 02/25/13

Paperback/e-book

205 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Love is the ultimate rush.

Freshman year of college isn't easy. But with a friend like Libby Patterson, it is unforgettable.

Libby is honest and fearless and adorable. She's the girl on campus that everyone knows. The life of every party. Infectious and addictive, Libby captivates all those around her. Particularly her roommate Honor and their boy bestie Toby.

But three isn't always a magic number. And there's more to this trio than what everyone sees.

When Honor finds herself falling for an artist, and Libby doesn’t approve, and Toby finds himself watching Libby more than he should...the sides of their circle become strained.

The three are suddenly stretched between friendship, love and taking sides. They must fight to hold on to each other. But the tighter the hold, the harder it gets. Especially when Libby's unpredictability turns dangerous. Now it's up to Honor and Toby to save her from the downward spiral that could break their circle for good.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16170372-3-sides-to-a-circle

Where to buy 3 Sides of a Circle:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Author Bios:

Jolene wears juvenile T-shirts, worn-out Chucks, and eats too much chocolate. She makes up words, drinks Shirley Temples, and suffocates a little without her iPod. 

Website / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Tumblr

Janna wears juvenile pajama pants, worn-out Chucks, and wakes up ridiculously early. Pen name abuser. Rule Breaker. Trouble maker. Corrupter of youth. In books.

Twitter / Goodreads

My Review:

This was a cute book about college friendships. I think the authors did a good job of showing how easily you can grow close to roommates and floormates in such a short time when beginning college. Honor, Libby and Toby become like a family within a few short weeks of meeting.

The characters were interesting. Libby was over the top and I kept thinking that I would’ve definitely been requesting a room switch if I ended up with her. Honor was portrayed as her exact opposite, reserved and quiet. By becoming friends with Libby, Honor feels she’s able to break out of her comfort zone and begin a relationship with a painter named Sawyer.

Toby was by far my favorite character and I loved the chapters from his POV. He could be my new nerdy book boyfriend—he was that adorable. I think the authors did an excellent job of making Toby’s inner thoughts and actions sound like a real guy and not what a girl would hope a guy is thinking about.

The relationships were okay enough, I didn’t feel a ton of chemistry between Libby/Toby and Sawyer/Honor. I probably would have preferred a Toby/Honor pairing.

The second half of the book really picks up and delves into some serious issues. There are a few heart-wrenching scenes where I felt myself fighting back tears. The drama kept me reading late into the night.

Overall, a great addition to the New Adult genre and a book I would definitely recommend!

Rating: 4/5 Stars

I received a copy of this book for review through YA Bound Book Tours

***GIVEAWAY***
1 Nook Simple Touch w/ Glowlight - US Only
2 paperback copies - US Only
3 ebook copies - international

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