Monday, October 29, 2012

Blog Tour: Ungaurded + Giveaway



UnGuarded





Title:  Unguarded

Author:  Ashley Robertson

Release Date:  July 1st 2012








Summary:

Guardian angel Selene was so close to becoming an archangel—the supreme of all beings—until she fell in love with Cole, a forbidden dark one. Once she discovers her vampire lover has been kidnapped and the only way to save him is by abandoning her number one priority—Caitlyn, her human charge—there really is only one answer in Selene’s mind, even though leaving Caitlyn unguarded will most likely cause Selene to fall from grace.

But her choice to save Cole doesn’t come without a price…and now Selene is racing against time to not only save her dark lover, but find a way to keep Caitlyn alive as well.

With the help of a new vampire ally, Luke, Selene will push her diminishing angel abilities to the point where her very existence lies in the balance. Now threatened with the chance of becoming a fallen angel or even dying, Selene can only pray she’ll have enough time—and good grace—to save the ones she loves.



Purchase your copy:



 
About the Author:



Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida and loves reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring new places, drinking fine red wines, and making gourmet coffees with her Nespresso machine.  



Follow Ashley Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Blog







Tour starts October 29
 
 
 

 
 

The author is giving away 3 paperback swag packs with $10 Amazon Giftcards.
 
 

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Review: The Three Lost Kids & The Death of the Sugar Fairy Plus Giveaway







Title: The Three Lost Kids and The Death of the Sugar Fairy
Author: Kimberly Kinrade
Release Date: October 2012








Summary:

Halloween is here and Lexie, Bella and Maddie couldn't be happier. But why does everything feel so different? Fewer houses are decorated and fewer kids are out trick-or-treating. Still, that's not going to stop the three girls from eating as much candy as they can before their parents can stop them, even if that means fighting each other for it.

When they finally discover a haunted house worthy of their favorite holiday, they forget their parents' warnings and go in alone, only to discover that the house really is haunted, and not only that, but they've been transported to a whole different world!

A dying Sugar Fairy in one of the abandoned rooms send them on a quest to find her Sugar Baby and the magic Sugar Flower in order to save her and Halloween. If they fail, Halloween will be gone forever, and they'll never return to their family.

But with Sugar Bug attacks, the Cavity Caves where they must face their deepest fears, and giant gummy bears armed with candy cane swords, the girls aren't sure they'll make it.

Their only chance is to work together, using each of their strengths to help each other. Can they stop fighting over candy long enough? Or will they be trapped in the dying Sugar Land forever?


Review:

The Three Lost Kids and The Death of the Sugar Fairy is a perfect book for young kids.  Lexie, Maddie and Bella dive into a new world to save Halloween.  They learn some very important lessons along the way.  They have to overcome their fears and learn to work together.  It was so wonderful seeing the three girls triumph.  This is a book that is great for all ages be it 5 or 50. 

I look forward to reading the next book The Three Lost Kids & The Christmas Curse.  It is set to release on November 26, 2012.


About the Author:

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for children, YA and adults and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal novels Forbidden Mind and Forbidden Fire and her illustrated children's fantasy chapter books Lexie World, and Bella World, all on Amazon.

She lives with her three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers, her two dogs who think they're humans and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner.


 
For a list of her books, check out: Amazon
For a fun fan experience, join the team at I.P.I. at IPI Academy

For kids and parents of young kids, join the Lost Kids at Three Lost Kids Website
 
 


 
 

 

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Review: Violet Midnight by Lynn Rush


 
 
 
Title:  Violet Midnight
Author:  Lynn Rush
Series:  Violet Night, #1
Release Date:  October 2012
Publisher:  Crescent Moon Press
Format: Ebook
ISBN: 9781937254810
 
 
 
 
 



Summary:

 
Let the Hunt begin….

Blending in with her college co-eds proves difficult for vampire Hunter, Emma Martin, considering the mystical tattoo on her wrist glows whenever Vamps are near. And after three months of silence, the glow is back with a vengeance.

Jake Cunningham witnesses Emma, a violet-eyed beauty, using unimaginable powers to fight off a fanged creature. Finally, after two years of searching, he may have found out what he’s become—a Hunter, like Emma.

Thankful for an ally in the fight against the Vamps, Emma finds hope and comfort in Jake’s arms. As she learns more about her new love’s family and its dark heritage, she may be forced not only to hunt them but to sacrifice her life to save Jake’s soul.



Praise for Violet Midnight:

“Rush hooked me from page one! Fast-paced, gripping, this tale of vampire hunters is full of action and suspense. A great read! Buffy had better watch out…Emma Martin is one hunter to watch!” -Cynthia Eden, National Best-selling Author


Review:

Violet Midnight was a quick and fun read.  It kind of took me back to my childhood days of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  You have this kick ass girl dusting vamps with little effort and a handsome college boy just trying to figure everything out.

Emma is a hunter who has lost everyone she has ever loved with the exception of her best friend.  She has all these awesome powers but no idea how she got them.  She simply woke up two years ago with a tattoo that glows when vamps are near and all these super human abilities.

Jake is a college student who has been trying to find his way.  He grew up in the foster system and has always moved around.  He woke up two years ago with a tattoo on his body with no idea how it got there.   

When these two meet it is instant chemistry.  The connection is strong and fierce.  They realize that they are both hunters and Emma begins to train him.  The vamp population begins to multiply and instinct tells them that something bad is coming.  Through a lot of research they find a prophecy that they have to stop from being fulfilled.

This book has got it all.  There are crazy humans, vamps, overbearing best friends and psychotic parents.  I loved the mix of action, love, betrayal and angst in this book.  It was a fantastic read. This is just one of those books that you do not want to miss.  I look forward to finding out what happens next!



Excerpt:





“What am I? You mean what sorority am I? Or—”

“No.” Jake crept forward until only three feet separated them. “I mean, what are you? Those three men…whatever they were—”

Emma let out the loudest, hopefully believable, fake laugh she could muster considering the circumstances. He’d seen everything.

Mind-wipe time.

“They were just drunk dudes, knocked me in—”

“No they weren’t. Look. It’s okay. I—things—I understand different.” Jake eyed the partially closed door across the room. “You can trust me.”

Emma huffed. Trust. Yeah, right. Two years ago, almost to the day, her life went bonkers. Strange things happened to her after the crash that killed her parents. She trusted no one, let alone a total and complete stranger.

No matter how drawn to him she felt.

He seized her wrist before she’d even registered he’d moved. Too distracted by his dominating presence in the small room.

She tugged at his grip, but he held fast.

Wait—was that warmth? He cuffed her wrist with his strong, able fingers. The same fingers that had caressed her spine so gently as she coughed half the pool from her lungs.

Damn water.

She hadn’t noticed any heat then, or when he had held her neck, maybe because of wet clothes and hair. But now, there was no clothing, no water to obstruct the direct skin-to-skin contact. It sent a dizzying heat up her forearm, over her shoulder and straight to her chest.

She’d not felt warmth—any fluctuation in temperature—in two years. Her lungs tightened, forcing her to take small gasps for air. God she missed heat. She missed cuddling. Missed human touch.

And he wasn’t even asking about her cold skin.

Probably assumed it was from the water. Didn’t matter. She let the tension roll out into his grip and absorbed the sensual feelings penetrating her barriers. Just for a minute.

“Interesting tattoo.” He turned her hand, exposing her wrist.

Damn, she’d lost her watch in the water!

He stood so close his breath whispered against her cheek. How could she smell a heady, earthy scent emanating from him through the chlorine saturating his clothing and hair?

“Does it mean something?” he asked.

Emma shook her head, too lost in his touch heating her blood to verbalize a response. Not that she’d tell him it identified her as a Hunter, a protector with kick-ass powers. Or that it appeared on her skin overnight, while she lay in a hospital bed after the crash two years ago.

With his free hand, he traced the arrow, and Emma’s legs morphed into wet noodles. She leaned against the desk, not having realized she’d backed up so far. Thankfully she had, because it kept her vertical.

What was happening to her?

His finger followed the pulsing blue vein to the crook of her elbow, up her arm until his hand cupped her shoulder, all the while, he held her wrist tight with his other hand. His already nearly black eyes darkened as the pupils ate up the dark irises. His gaze shifted, and his tongue moistened his plump, completely lickable bottom lip.

The heat that’d ignited in her heart suddenly pooled in her belly—very low in her belly.

He leaned forward, mouth only inches from hers. Even his breath on her lips was warm. Amazing. How could she feel warmth with his touch when she couldn’t with any other person?

Need more.

“I saw how strong you were. How you fought them off.” He stepped into her. “And this tattoo. I’ve seen it before.”

Oh, God.

“It’s a symbol of power. Apollo and Artemis.” His voice went husky.

“How do you know that?”

“I know a lot, Emma.” His hand followed the curve of her shoulder until he caressed the nape of her neck. “Why’d you pick this mark to put on your skin?”

A wave of heat stormed through her. “I didn’t choose it.” Emma licked her lips in anticipation. “Woke up with it two years ago.”

She stretched toward him, and the softest, warmest lips met hers. He tensed, probably at the cool temperature of her skin, but she didn’t care. She only craved his warmth. His touch.

So long she’d been without.







Book Trailer and Purchase Links:


 








You can purchase your copy of Violet Midnight at



A portion of all proceeds
benefits
cancer research and awareness

 
 
 About the Author:

 

Lynn Rush Author PhotoDriven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources – Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush – since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rush’s books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake, and a portion of the proceeds benefits cancer research and awareness.

Rush holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master's degree from the University of Iowa. Originally from Minneapolis, Rush currently enjoys living in the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of 16 years and jogging with her two loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

 

Connect with Lynn online


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Review: Bitten Shame with Excerpt and Giveaway

 
 


Title:  Bitten Shame
Series:  The Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy Book 2
Author:  Olivia Hardin
Release Date:  May 25, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 232
Words: 52,310



ISBN-10: 0615645380
ISBN-13: 978-0615645384
ASIN: B0085W2BAW




Book Description:

Jill Prescott returned from self-imposed seclusion to help save her best friend Devan’s life. Throwing herself into Devan’s problems and bringing an evil organization to its knees might just be the distraction she needs to keep living without the only man she’s ever loved. Her life changed forever when she was hired to spend a week with Doc Massey.
On the day she became a vampire her youthful innocence ended, but Doc’s love rescued her from being consumed by the darkness. The shadow of that former life continues to loom over her, keeping her from realizing her own self-worth. Running from her past only brings her closer to a destiny that is inextricably connected to what she is trying to escape…
Every gift has both a reward and a price, because All of it fits…

 
 

REVIEW:

Bitten Shame tells us the story of Jill Prescott.  Jill is a Vampire who is ready to end her life.  She has lost the love of her life and now the darkness is trying to take over.  Now she is on a journey to help her super witch friend Devan stop a horrible organization from abusing children.

What is so amazing about this story is the way that it is written.  Every other chapter we bounce from the past to the present.  At first I hated it but then I started to understand what the author was going for.  There is a pattern to the madness. 

In the present Jill is depressed, lonely and ready for everything to be over.  She is tired of fighting.  With each scene in the present we see her struggle to keep going.  I was eager to understand how she got to where she was. 

This was beautifully written so that every past memory was triggered at the right moment in the present.  I was able to understand her ideas, her grief and her overall sadness in life.  The story of the past was a wonderful romance with a devastating end.  Its no wonder Jill doesn't want to go on living.  She has nothing to live for. 

The past was as good as it was ever going to get.  The present is heartbreaking and the future..... well your just going to have to read the book to find that out!
 
This story is heart warming, breath taking and an overall beautiful romance that promises that love can stand the test of time. 


 
 
 
 
 
 
First Chapter:
 
Prologue
 
Jill stood in what had become her bedroom in her friend's house and watched as Devan walked away. As she murmured another goodnight, she felt a prickle run along her skin bringing her attention back to the fact that Langston was waiting outside her room for her. Her lips drew into a severe line when the giant man quietly opened the door and approached her with steps too soft for his massive body. His size was such that he should have sounded like a herd of elephants entering the room. He exuded calm and patience and she tried to draw from his composure but her stomach still turned into knots.  Even being a vampire, Jill experienced all the same emotions and feelings she’d had before she was changed. At this very moment she was both terrified and sickened.
 
Langston’s easy smile didn’t help soothe her any, but instead caused her to open her mouth and begin talking in short breaths. “I wish we had more time. I wasn’t prepared to do this yet. I don’t like doing this at all, you know? It’s not right. It makes me feel dirty…”
 
 
“It is not dirty when it is consensual. It is the best way to prepare you. We do not have time now, and we all need the rest,” Langston began to use his large hands to unbutton his grey shirt.
 
Horrified, Jill reached out and waved her hands to keep him from removing   his clothing any further. “No,” Jill shouted, “I can take just as well from your wrist. I can’t… I can’t from your neck. That’s too intimate… you know?”
 
He touched her chin in a gentle manner, not as a lover would do but more as a father might. “Shoulders back, Jill. Tomorrow you will be free, no matter if you succeed in your quest or not.”
 
It was an ominous sort of comment, because failure meant her death. Still, strange as it seemed, his words provided her with a sort of solace; an end to her life would at least stop her constant torment. Releasing the ball of tension in her gut, she laughed and shook her head. “Ah, Andre, you’re something else, ya’ know that?”
 
He showed little or no reaction to the pet name.  There was no denying the impressive stature of this tall and beefy guy. When they first met she’d thought instantly of Andre the Giant, and the name had just stuck in her mind.
 
She took his enormous hand in her small one, marveling at how warm he felt to her touch. As a vampire, her body was forever cold and although she could register the feeling, she couldn’t warm herself with it. The heat passed through her and disappeared just as quickly.
 
“The reverie,” she whispered, her lips trembling as she hovered them just over his skin. “Are you sure? There’s no reason not to. It isn’t right for you to feel pain for my benefit…” she trailed off as she felt his eyes bore into hers. They had discussed this, several times actually, since the moment he first suggested she should feed off his blood. Each time he refused the reverie which would hypnotize him and thereby allowing her to pierce his skin and suck his blood without pain.
 
Jill brought his wrist to her lips and closed her eyes. She willed her incisors to lengthen, and with a quick and sure thrust she dug them into his skin. Langston remained immobile. When the first metallic taste of his hot blood splashed her tongue, she tried to pull away, but he took the back of her neck and held her fast to his wrist. Giving in, she sagged against his side and began to suck like a hungry babe.
 
 
The taste of him was intoxicating. She hadn’t had fresh blood in such a long time. She was like an addict taking a hit after years of sobriety. And to complicate matters further, Langston’s blood was bursting with strength. His magic tingling her throat with each deep swallow of the luxuriously thick and decadent liquid. Her limbs began to throb and pulse with energy.
 
 
This was why she’d fought so hard against the idea of taking Langston's blood. She was afraid that getting just a taste of the real thing again would destroy her ability to resist in the future. She didn’t want to stalk hosts in the night and she didn’t want to take a supplicant; she didn’t want to drink the life-blood from a living creature again.
 
Most importantly of all, she didn’t want to remember that this was what had broken his will. She didn’t want to take the chance again that someone else would break her own will and give her a reason to forget him…
 




Author Bio:
Olivia Hardin realized early on how strange she was to have complete movie-like character dreams as a child. Eventually she began putting those vivid dreams to paper and was rarely without her spiral notebooks full of those mental ramblings. Her forgotten vision of becoming an author was realized when she connected with a group of amazingly talented and fabulous writers who gave her lots of direction and encouragement.
 
With a little extra push from family and friends, she hunkered down to get lost in the words. She's also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and is sometimes accused of being artistic, though she's generally too much of a perfectionist to appreciate her own work. A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband and their puppy Bonnie.
 
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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Winners

 
 
 


Fury's Kiss Swag Pack goes to
 
 
 
 
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

ARC Review: Angel's Ink

Angel's Ink (The Asylum's Tales, #1)


Title:  Angel's Ink
Author:  Jocelynn Drake
Series:  The Asylum Tales #1
Release Date:  October 16, 2012
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Format: Ebook
Pages:  368
Source:  ARC from publisher courtesy of Edelwiess






Summary from Goodreads:
 
Buyer beware . . .

Looking for a tattoo-and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using his unique potions-a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks-to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire. But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has its price.

No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practice magic. And if he disobeys, his punishment-execution-will be swift.

Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead-or the secrets of his own past. But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage just might make it through this enchanted world alive.



Review:


Angel's Ink is the first in a new series created by Jocelynn Drake.  She has an amazing talent when it comes to world building.  I don't think anyone does it better.  The layers that she creates in the world, the characters and the plot is unmatched by any other.  She keeps surprising me in this new series.  I never know what will happen next and I love it!

The main characters are Gage, Bronx and Trixie.  They are addictive.  I have grown to love each one of them.  Gage is a warlock, owner of a tattoo parlor called Asylum and possibly the most unlucky person in the world.  When he tries to do anything good everything usually gets messed up and he winds up with his life and everything he holds dear on the line. 

Bronx is a troll with the a heart of a teddy bear.  He is always there to back up Gage no matter what the cost is to him.  I wish there had been more Bronx in this book because I want to know more about him.  I just cant get enough!

Trixie is an elf and she is running from something.  She has worked for Gage for two years and has yet to reveal her secrets.  I loved seeing the interactions between her and Gage.  I look forward to seeing their relationship evolve.  I have a feeling things are going to get very interesting!

This new series has so many things happening that you never get bored.  I don't know how Jocelynn Drake comes up with everything.  The action and the depth of this book was remarkable.  There was never a dull moment.  This book has it all magic, tattoos, drama, fighting, mystery and romance!  You will be left wanting more!!

Angel's Ink was a great start to a new series and while the book doesn't exactly leave us with a cliffhanger we are left with plenty of questions to ponder while we wait for the next installment.  Thank you Jocelynn Drake for creating such an amazing story!!  I do believe that it is only going to get better with every book!





 
 
 

You can purchase your copy of Angel's Ink
at
 
 
 



 

 
 
 
 


 

Monday, October 1, 2012

Fury's Kiss Swag Giveaway

 
 
I have decided to celebrate the release of Fury's Kiss by Karen Chance which comes out tomorrow.

So that means that you guys get a Giveaway!



But first here is a little bit about the book!
 
 
Fury's Kiss (Dorina Basarab, #3)
 
 
Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. But so far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing... 

 Dory is used to fighting hard and nasty. So when she wakes up in a strange scientific lab with a strange man standing over her, her first instinct is to take his head off. Luckily, the man is actually the master vampire Louis-Cesare, so he’s not an easy kill.

It turns out that Dory had been working with a Vampire Senate task force on the smuggling of magical items and weaponry out of Faerie when she was captured and brought to the lab. But when Louis-Cesare rescues her, she has no memory of what happened to her.

To find out what was done to her—and who is behind it—Dory will have to face off with fallen angels, the maddest of mad scientists, and a new breed of vampires that are far worse than undead…



You can purchase your copy of Fury's Kiss
at
Amazon
Barnes and Noble


 
 
 
One lucky person will get a bookmark, button, magnet
and a
Louis-Cesare de Bourbon trading card!

 
 
 
Enter via the Rafflecopter below.
 
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