Friday, May 24, 2013

Die for Me (Revenants #1) by Amy Plum

I bought Die for Me on the Kindle a while back and when my moms book club decided to read it, I was excited that I already had the book!  I've wanted to read it for a long time but I just hadn't gotten to it yet.  I am so glad I got the chance to read it.  Here's the lovely cover and Goodreads blurb:


In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.
I know that this is another book/series where people are comparing it to Twilight.  I even thought about it being similar in places as I read it but really, if you are looking for similarities between books- you will find them.  Books have been unintentionally similar to each other all through history.  Deal.  I found Die for Me to be very unique and engaging.  I loved that the characters had short but interesting back stories that made them easy to love.  Vincent was a treat.  I really enjoyed reading about him.  Vincent was by no means perfect, but he was willing to open up to Kate.  He's romantic and sweet even though he hasn't had an easy life (or after life).  He's seen some awful things but something about Kate allows him to feel again.  Kate was a girl after my own heart.  I agree with her that I'd rather read than go out to loud clubs.  I was the same way when I was in high school.  I will warn you that there are mentions (a lot of them) of death.  If that is a trigger for you, be warned.  Kate has lost her parents and I could really understand her way of grieving.  I spent a lot of time reading and sleeping after losing my dad to cancer two years ago.  There are still times when something will open the wound and it'll all come back.  I really could identify with Kate.  The one thing about her that I took issue with was that she is so against anyone else she knows dying.  I don't know if it is because of her young age or what but I feel like we need to understand that death has to happen in life.  We should appreciate the time that we have together but death happens.  It is part of the cycle of life and those people we lose, they would want us to live and be happy.  Kate should be proud of all the good that Vincent has done in the world.  And even if he sacrifices himself, he will still come back.  So Kate's inability to deal with that... I find it annoying, a bit.  All around I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to order the other two books in the series.

You can find Die For Me and the rest of the Revenants books on Goodreads by clicking here.  Amy Plum can be found on her website, Twitter and Facebook.  You can also find tons of stuff on her YouTube- Revenants Central.  I give Die For Me 4 Fairies for a unique read with darling characters and beautiful imagery.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Trail of Bones By Chris Salisbury Blog Tour

trail of bones
Trail of Bones
Ready for a new adventure? Are you a fan of fantasy, young adult, science fiction and action stories?
“No mercy, No rules - Welcome to the Trail of Bones!”
Run with Purpose – battle cry of the Shade Wolves

Magnus, the runt of a litter of Shade Wolves, wants nothing more than to be a loyal, strong member of the pack. But when an ancient enemy threatens his friends and family, he faces a choice that could tear him from all he's known and loved.

Born in captivity, the giant panther Kelor knows nothing but suffering and loss. He struggles to find his place in this world of terror, and he battles to protect his family without succumbing to the darkness lurking inside him.

Falling captive to the evil Warden, the two are forced to fight in the battle of the beasts known as 'The Trail of Bones'. How will Kelor and Magnus learn to work together? How will they escape a fate of despair and death? How will their choices affect their comrades? Their enemies? And the forgotten magic that could doom all life of their world?

Let the adventures begin!

A fun, exciting, clean read for teens, young adults, adults and readers of all ages. Pick up your copy of this fantasy adventure today!
Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan, Orson Scott Card, Jim Butcher and other fantasy and science fiction authors? You’ll feel right at home with Trail of Bones. This fantasy story offers a strong moral message, suspense, action, and mystery, in a world full of magic, unlikely heroes, and devious villains.

My Review:


Amazon

Book Trailer

Editorial Reviews

Salisbury is a rising star in genre fiction. This book makes a unique and exciting contribution in the fantasy realm. The first of great things to come. --Jake Black, "The Authorized Ender Companion" "Smallville" "Ender's Game: Recruiting Valentine"

Amazon Reviews

Conclusion:
A fantasy adventure that features lots of action and intrigue that is geared to a YA audience.
There are moments in this tale that are especially well done... story telling at a level that I'd be interested to see what this author would do with an adult orientated fantasy work.
As a dedicated YA work... 5 Stars.
~ Ray Nicholson

The beginning of a great adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book of the Trail of Bones series. It is an unpredictable adventure, with heartwrenching acts of love and friendship. The story ended before I was prepared to put my Kindle down, and now I will wait anxiously for the second book to be published. In the meantime, I think I'll read it again with my eleven-year-old son; I'm sure he'll love it as much as I do. Give it a read!
~ HRL

Enthralling story line that really pulls you in
…The characters were some that I will not easily forget because he explains their background in a way that makes the reader really connect and believe they are real. He creates a world that I long to see. I really grew to both love and hate different characters. I think that is a sign of a really great author when they can make us feel so much emotion towards a character.
~ Janason

My Review:

This book was one of myth, fantasy, and elements of science fiction.  It reminded me of one of my favorite series- The Chronicles of Prydain.  The tone felt similar to me.  I really enjoyed this book but I think that my husband (a huge Tolkien fan) will enjoy it even more.  The characters are well written and engaging.  The story draws you in and makes you want to know how it will all work out.  I also really enjoyed the feeling of completion that the end of the book brought.  It had the great feeling of reading a one shot but you knew that there would be more so you didn't get the despair of a typical series book.  Love that.  My husband will be reading it next so we'll see what he thinks.  I recommend this one.

 

About Chris Salisbury
Chris Salisbury has been writing fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and action thrillers for years in independent films. Now he’s expanded his love of good movies, such as Gladiator, Counte of Monte Cristo, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Star Trek, to the world of books. Trail of Bones is the first book in a planned four part fantasy, young adult series targeted at readers of all ages.
The father of four enjoys a wide range of interests from scuba diving to softball, coaching basketball to playing Battlefield 3 on his Xbox 360 or NCAA Football with his sons. He is also a big advocate for literacy and reading for young boys. There seem to be few titles that appeal to young boys and young men to hold their attention, trigger their imaginations and create a love of reading. Chris is out to change that.
In addition to the Trail of Bones series, he also has a number of other titles in development including historical fiction, action, suspense thrillers, and several science fiction properties. There’s a lot more on the horizon, so enjoy Trail of Bones but be sure to look for more captivating titles from Chris Salisbury in the near future.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/31/13
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Trouble With Toads Book Blast!



trouble with toads
The Trouble with Toads

Once upon a time a young girl wanted revenge. But first, she wanted to be beautiful.

Twelve-year-old Bettony has read enough stories that begin with ‘Once upon a time’ to know what happens to the ugly stepsisters at the end, and she’s determined to escape that fate by any means necessary—even by magic.

Unfortunately, when it comes to magic, there is no place for regret, refunds, or exchanges. Even if you accidentally turn your older sister into a toad.

If Bettony wants her Happily Ever After to end well, she’s going to have to find a way to turn her sister back into a person before their mother finds out she’s been dabbling with magic and grounds her for life.

Tracking down the family magic turns out to be surprisingly easy. Now, if only it came with directions . . .

THE TROUBLE WITH TOADS (45,000 words) is the first book in a new upper MG series The Secret Stepsister Society. The second book will be released Summer 2013.


danyelleAuthor Danyelle Leafty

Danyelle Leafty writes upper MG and YA fantasy, and is the author of THE FAIRY GODMOTHER DILEMMA series. Danyelle has always loved fairy tales, and prefers stories where someone gets eaten, or at the very least, transmogrified. Much of her inspiration has come from fairy tales, because as G.K. Chesterton so aptly states, "Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."

In her spare time, she collects dragons, talking frogs, and fairy godmothers. She also collects books, and one day hopes to make a house out of them. She enjoys learning languages, fiddling with her harp, and perfecting the fine art of mothering. (It's a lot like trying to herd chickens during a lightning storm while a goat stampede is going on.)

One of her heroes is Albert Einstein, particularly for the following quote: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The most important thing is not to stop questioning."
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/10/13
a Rafflecopter giveaway




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. Prize value $50 US.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen By Sally Smith O'Rourke Book Blast!

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen
Was Mr. Darcy real? Is time travel really possible? For pragmatic Manhattan artist Eliza Knight the answer to both questions is absolutely, Yes! And Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley Farms, Virginia is the reason why!
His tale of love and romance in Regency England leaves Eliza in no doubt that Fitz Darcy is the embodiment of Jane Austen’s legendary hero. And she’s falling in love with him. But can the man who loved the inimitable Jane Austen ever love average, ordinary Eliza Knight?
Eliza’s doubts grow, perhaps out of proportion, when things start to happen in the quiet hamlet of Chawton, England; events that could change everything. Will the beloved author become the wedge that divides Fitz and Eliza or the tie that binds them?

Praise for Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

O’Rourke creates a world that defies cynicism and demands suspension of disbelief – even in this age of doubt and hyper-realism. Sheer escapism at its best. Clever, charming and affectionate.

~Jocelyn Bury
…the reader must tenaciously read on rather than put the book down to satisfy their hunger for the story to resolve, which it does in characteristically Jane Austen fashion.

~Erin Murdock


In Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen, author Sally Smith O’Rourke creates a compelling story that investigates what and who might have inspired Jane Austen. While the story line is certainly far-fetched, it is a truly unique idea, one that captivated this reader until the very last page.

~Meg Massey


Purchase



Author Sally Smith O'Rourke

Sally Smith O’Rourke is a surgical scrub nurse at the City of Hope national cancer research hospital in Duarte, California and resides in the near-by Victorian village of Monrovia.

With her late husband, author Michael O’Rourke (aka F.M. O’Rourke) Smith O’Rourke owned and operated a medical advertising company where she used her diverse talents to produce and co-write teaching films and videos. Working not only with major medical and surgical manufacturing companies but also network television. These endeavors ultimately led to a collaboration on two feature films (direct to video) and three published novels.

The wife and husband writing team of Sally Smith and Michael O’Rourke, being long-time fans of Jane Austen, wrote The Man Who Loved Jane Austen released by Kensington Books in 2006. Kensington followed that very successful effort with The Maidenstone Lighthouse in 2007 and Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage in 2009, both also collaborative projects by Smith and O’Rourke. Published after her partner and spouse’s untimely death in 2001, the publisher chose not to use the names Michael O’Rourke and Sally Smith (as the manuscripts were presented), releasing all three books under Sally Smith O’Rourke.

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen is Sally Smith O’Rourke’s first solo novel.
Yours Affectionately tour



Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/6/13
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, May 20, 2013

No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop!


Hello and Welcome!  I have a great giveaway for you all as part of the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.  I have one paperback copy of Book 4 in the Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs, Bone Crossed.  All you have to do is click enter of the Rafflecopter and that is it.  No Strings.  No nothing.  Due to shipping costs, this is open only to those with a US or Canadian address.  Thanks so much for hopping by!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Heart of Iron (London Steampunk #2) by Bec McMaster

I love the London Steampunk series by Bec McMasters!  I won the first book last year and LOVED it.  When I saw that the next two books were available for pre-order from The Book Depository for an insane price of $5.99 each, I had to order them.  Lady Quicksilver has actually gone down in price since I ordered so now it is only $5.24!  Kiss of Steel (book 1) is $6.99 and Heart of Iron has gone back to full price of $7.99.  Even at full price, the Book Depository has FREE SHIPPING so it is WORTH IT in my book.  They are paperbacks but they are THICK.  Here is the cover and Goodreads blurb:


In Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…

Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…

Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.

With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…
I loved this book!  It was easily as good as Kiss of Steel.  I love how this series is an amalgam of all the things I like.  It is kind of like a historical romance but there are paranormal creatures and lots of mystery.  I also enjoy the fact that the women in this series are so strong and independent.  This series is one of my favorites.  Truly.  I also really liked seeing more of Will in this book.  He was a supporting character in the last book so he really got his time to shine in this one.  If you are not sure if you will like Steampunk, this series is one to try! 


You can click here to the London Steampunk Series on Goodreads.  My Lady Quicksilver is set to release on October 1st and the fourth book in the series, Forged by Desire, is set for release in August of 2014.  I hope you will give this series a try!  You should also check out Bec McMaster's website.  She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.  I give Heart of Iron 5 Fairies for a second book in a series that does not disappoint.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Promo: The Soldier's Return by Ava Delaney


Celebrate Armed Forces Day with The Soldier’s Return brought to you by Breathless Press and Ava Delany

Blurb:

Hot and tight, Janelle has a surprise for her husband he is sure to remember.

Wet with anticipation, Janelle waits in her sexiest attire. She longs for her husband's return from deployment in Afghanistan. When he arrives, she has a surprise for him. But she isn't the only one with something to share.

Will this homecoming be as fulfilling as she desires?




Links

Breathless Press

The Soldier's Return on Amazon


YOU CAN ALSO FIND ON

ALL ROMANCE.COM



EXCERPT

The key in the lock sent her pulse racing, and she stepped into the hallway, wanting to be the first thing he saw. The door opened. His finely pressed military uniform accentuated the thick muscles of his chest and arms. His dark hair and swarthy complexion gave him the appearance of an Arabic sheik, and she wanted to be his harem girl.

A loud thump reverberated throughout the room as he dropped the bags he carried. Ignoring his widening eyes, she jumped into his arms, pressing her warm flesh to him. Ron's muscles rippled under her hands. He kicked the door closed behind them, and her lips covered his, her tongue desperate to discover the heat of his mouth.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ava Delany is the alter ego, the dark and erotic side of April Dawn. Come into her world and play in the dark.





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