Saturday 30 March 2013

PROMO: I Kissed A Dog by Carol Van Atta - BLOG TOUR


Today I am sharing a paranormal/fantasy romance, I Kissed A Dog. Don't you love the title! Plus a giveaway at the bottom.


Title: I Kissed A Dog
Series: Werewolves of the West #1
Author: Carol Van Atta
Publisher: Charles River Press
Release Date: 20th October 2012
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Chloe Carpenter isn't like other women. She can communicate with animals. A gift she unwrapped following one of her frequent dances with death.

In her otherwise wacky life, she's finally found a semblance of sanity working at the Plum Beach Wildlife Park, where her unique talents can make life or death differences for the animals in her care. That semblance is shattered when a new veterinarian roars into the park in his spiffed up sports car and sets his golden gaze on her. If she had her way, he'd roar right back out.

Problem: He's her new co-worker and he's saved her life twice - in the past twenty-four hours.

Zane Marshall, Enforcer for the Pacific Pack of pure-bred werewolves, has a job to do - figure out who or what is mutilating the young men of Plum Beach.

With orders to find the woman who talks to animals, he accepts a position working alongside the fiery Chloe Carpenter, a female who ignites his interest far more than he ever expected. Remarkably, she's the one elusive female with potential to bring meaning and passion to his empty existence.

Problem: She despises him.

Together, they're forced to unravel a mystery of supernatural proportions, a murderous mystery with eternal implications for everyone. In the process, they discover opposites really do attract.

Major Problem: Zane is pledged to another woman, and she'll do anything to keep him from Chloe.



About the Author

Like most authors, Carol Van Atta is no stranger to the written word. She penned a short novel at age 12. (somewhat frightening illustrations included), and had a creative writing piece published in her high school newspaper (about David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs LP). Yes, she’s an ex-80’s rocker chick.

She has contributed to several popular inspirational anthologies and devotional books, and lives in the rainy wetlands of Oregon with one terrifying teen (another in college) and a small zoo of animals. She is taking an undetermined hiatus away from inspirational writing to delve into her darker side. It is rumored that this genre-jumping occurred after Carol discovered two suspicious read marks on her neck, and experienced an unquenchable urge to howl at the moon.


Giveaway


Two (2) eBooks of I Kissed A Dog
Open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Friday 29 March 2013

COVER REVEAL: Broken Gates by D.T. Dyllin




Paperback
Expected publication: May 24th 2013 by Dragonfairy Press 
 ***Genre - New Adult Paranormal Romance
P.J. Stone is a Seer who saw too little, too late.
In the past, her biggest worries were boys and school—but war has a way of changing things. Now, the alien Riders are trying to overrun the world. As the last of their kind, P.J. and her friends must find a way to save humanity before there’s nothing left to save.
After choosing a mate, P.J. hoped she'd have time to enjoy her love life. But with everything changing so quickly and major secrets revealed, who knows what the future will bring?




First Book in this series



Click on the photo above to learn more.



Thursday 28 March 2013

Book Review: There Comes A Prophet by David Litwack


Today I have the pleasure of reviewing this great young adult dystopian book, There Comes A Prophet by David Litwack.


Title: There Comes A Prophet
Series: n/a
Author: David Litwack
Publisher: Double Dragon Publishing
Release Date: 9th July 2012
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Format: eBook
Source: via Xpresso Book Tours from Author for an honest review on tour

Who among us will cast aside a comfortable existence and risk death to follow a dream?

A world kept peaceful for a thousand years by the magic of the ruling vicars. But a threat lurks from a violent past. Wizards from the darkness have hidden their sorcery in a place called the keep and left a trail of clues that have never been solved.

Nathaniel has grown up longing for more but unwilling to challenge the vicars. Until his friend Thomas is taken for a teaching, the mysterious coming-of-age ritual. Thomas returns but with his dreams ripped away. When Orah is taken next, Nathaniel tries to rescue her and ends up in the prisons of Temple City. There he meets the first keeper of the ancient clues. But when he seeks the keep, what he finds is not magic at all.

If he reveals the truth, the words of the book of light might come to pass:
“If there comes among you a prophet saying ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light.”



My Review

This isn’t something that I would normally read and to be honest it took me a little bit to get into the fray. Mr Litwack is certainly a very talented author and has an easy way with his words, but this was a little religious for my liking. I really did enjoy the overall story and loved the world building, strong characters and the little romance thrown into the mix.

Nathaniel, Thomas and Orah have grown up together and are the best of friends. They are all around the same age, give or take a few months and are always joined at the hip. Growing up in a small town, in a world without technology, without electricity and with a religious vicar ruling them all; their lives are anything but easy and carefree.

Once a season a priest comes to visit each town to determine if any children have come of age and need a teaching in their Temple City. Any child with rebellious actions or thoughts are determined they need to be put in line and kept in the Light. This particular season, Thomas has come of age and is taken. Their teachings are never spoken about and for good reason. It inflicts fear in all the followers and keeps everybody loyal.

Thomas is gone for weeks and when he comes home, is a changed man. He is afraid and hurting and never wants to go back to the Temple. The next season, Orah is taken and Nathaniel cannot accept she has gone, determined to rescue her, he treks to Temple City. Upon waiting for the Vicar’s decision, Nathaniel is placed in a room next to an old man. This man confides in Nathaniel and tells him of a deep secret that can change their entire world. He is a Keeper and Nathaniel is to be the Seeker. There was a secret society that has all the information to save the world and bring down the vicar ruling. To keep the secret safe, a series of clues were left and this would direct the Seeker to the Keep.

Nathaniel and Orah are allowed to leave under conditions and secretly decide to follow this quest. They never want anybody to undergo the teachings again. Thomas finds out about their departure and tags along. The three head off on their adventure, trying to see if this century old secret is true or false.

Are the threats that the Vicar’s have spoken of all these years true? Is the Dark really as bad as they claim? Can they all survive the trials of the trek without being caught? What will happen if they find the Keep? What will happen to their world?

I loved the characters very much, Orah is my favourite with her sass and cheeky know it all attitude, she was fun to watch grow and become a woman. I really felt for Thomas, he went through a lot and felt horrible after his teaching, but really surprised me in the end. Nathaniel was the strength that kept them going and he discovered some things about himself along the way. This book was certainly surprising and I can’t wait to read more by Mr Litwack.

4 GREAT BOOKS

"I never doubted it. But now what I want to know is what happens when we get there? What do the keepmasters expect of us? How does it end? When a seeker finds what he seeks, what does he become?"
~ 52% on my Kindle



About the Author

The urge to write first struck when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter's editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.

Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned. There Comes a Prophet is his first novel in this new stage of life.

David and his wife split their time between Cape Cod, Florida and anywhere else that catches their fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.


Giveaway

One (1) eBook (open internationally) OR one (1) Paperback (Open US/CANADA ONLY) of There Comes A Prophet by David Litwack
ends midnight 3rd April 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday 25 March 2013

NO JOKE - win big April Fools Giveaway - KINDLE FIRE HD


No Joke - Win Big April Fools Giveaway
Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway



The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)






Sponsoring Authors


The Breeders by Katie French

"The Breeders is a YA dystopian read that's as gritty and dark as the cover and title suggest. It takes a look at how society might devolve if females were commodities: bought, sold, stolen, and traded to keep the dwindling human race going. Frightening concept. I loved it." --A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge








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Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas

Love between humans and androids is forbidden, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen...










The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

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Terra by Gretchen Powell

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After the Fear by Rosanne Rivers


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Entanglement by Dan Rix

A YA Dystopian Romance where every human is born with a soulmate, whom they meet on their 18th birthday...and the one boy who's the exception.










daynight by Megan Thomason

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Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 4/15/13

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 participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Thursday 21 March 2013

Book Review: Kat Fight by Dina Silver - BLOG TOUR


Today I have the fun pleasure of reviewing Kat Fight by Dina Silver; it's a fun, cheeky contemporary romantic read. Check it out!

Title: Kat Fight
Series: n/a standalone
Author: Dina Silver
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: 1st August 2012
Format: eBook
Source: Author for honest review via blog tour and AToMR

Readers everywhere will revel in this sharp-witted, well-meaning whirlwind in author Dina Silver's hilarious new novel, Kat Fight. In her quest for love, Kat makes every wrong turn, juggling two men, one best friend, and her own deeply confused heart's desires.

Kat Porter is a consummate romantic, eager for her chance to find love and commitment. But after her boyfriend of four years, Marc, begins to grow apathetic and sends her calls straight to voicemail one too many times, Kat finally musters the courage to confront her so-called sweetheart, who seems more interested in dodging her than courting her. Though she's no fan of ultimatums, Kat is at the end of her considerable wits, and lobs a massive one his way, completely confident that he'll make the right decision when faced with losing her. He doesn't.

With radio silence from Marc, Kat's lifelong dream of finding a husband and forging a family is decidedly on the skids. That's when her childhood friend Julie steps in, forcing Kat on a blind date to help her move beyond the break-up. Not only does Kat botch the setup, she instead finds herself in hot pursuit of Julie's love interest, Ryan Sullivan. A man who, in addition to literally taking her breath away, is the living, breathing personification of everything Kat wants in a husband.

Can Kat connect with the man of her dreams without hurting two of the people she cares most about? At the same time, she must also contend with the quips of her beloved catty coworker Adam, her bi-polar boss Brooke, and a string of comic, unpredictable plot twists. All the while, Kat's cheeky perspective and generous heart will leave readers adoring every moment of her journey while chuckling and cheering for the ever cute, razor-sharp Kat as she fights to land the love of a lifetime.


My Review

Kat Fight is a delightfully written and fun read that keeps you guessing throughout. With some contemporaries, you can sort of predict what will eventually happen, but with Kat Fight, Ms Silver kept you guessing. Her style of writing was so fun to read that I was kept intrigued and laughing until the end (and cried in a certain part). I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to pick up another of Ms Silver’s books.

Kat Porter is a typical 26 year-old woman, working and in a long-term relationship. She met Marc, her boyfriend, at College and has their future all planned. But it seems that Marc isn't on the same page and is distancing himself from Kat. Kat gives Marc an ultimatum, but he doesn't fall for it. After being in a relationship for four years, Kat is devastated and doesn't know what to do now she’s all alone. Relying on her best friend, Julie, Kat is set up on a blind double date with Julie and her current beau.

Let’s just say this double date didn't really go to plan either and after a very hasty exit, Kat is down in the dumps again. Continuing to work and carry on, Kat see’s Julie’s beau, Ryan at her place of work. Curious she asks what he’s doing and Ryan took a job with her firm. Ryan was extremely nice at their double date and ever so handsome that Kat’s breath is taken away.

After a while, Ryan and Kat become closer and closer and Kat doesn't have the heart to tell Julie. Ryan is adamant that he and Julie are no longer an item, but Kat is scared that Julie will hate her forever.

Now Marc, Kat sees him at a wedding for a mutual friend and is nervous. This happens before her first official date with Ryan. Marc and Kat have a very polite conversation and Kat is relieved. Later that night, lying in bed and thinking of Ryan, Kat gets a phone call from Marc and he’s downstairs wanting to talk.

Now Kat is totally confused, Marc wants her back, but she has feelings for Ryan. She told Marc about Ryan and now he’s upset too. Everything is a total mess and Kat doesn't know what to do. Not being able to go to Julie, Kat goes to her other best friend, Adam; a work colleague that quickly became her best friend.

Who will Kat choose, her old love Marc, whom she always thought she would marry OR the new beau, Ryan, exciting and handsome and extremely lovable? Will Kat tell Julie that she is with Ryan? How will Julie take the news? Secrets and lies never end well!

Follow along with Kat and her extraordinarily funny and entertaining life, where she has to become a big girl and make big girl decisions. See her grow and try to decide which man is right for her and take responsibility for her actions. Julie may not be the best person, but she is Kat’s friend and I couldn't really take to her much, but loved Adam, he was hilarious. This was such a fun read and once you got stuck in the middle of Kat’s life, you can’t stop reading.

4 FUN BOOKS


About the Author


A graduate of Purdue University, Dina Silver has spent the past fifteen years feeding her red wine habit by working as a copywriter in the advertising industry. After seeing the bulk of her professional prose on brochures and direct-mail pieces, she is delighted to have made the transition to novelist. Her debut, One Pink Line, was chosen as a 2012 Top Title by IndieReader and was also a finalist in their 2012 Discovery Awards. Silver lives in Chicago with her husband and son.


Giveaway


Two (2) signed paperbacks (US/CAN only)
Two (2) eBooks (International)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday 20 March 2013

GIVEAWAY & COVER REVEAL: The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram



Title: The Avery Shaw Experiment
Author: Kelly Oram
Publisher: Bluefields
Format: ebook
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Release Date: May 2013

Summary:

When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically.

The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can’t do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.

Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden’s older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He’s in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her “objective outside observer,” she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn’t need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there’s one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it’s living life to the fullest.

Teaser One - Avery

Grayson finally noticed Aiden and I on the couch. “What are you two dorks doing?”

“Learning about steroids,” I said cheerfully. “You should probably know that using them can cause acne, testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count, prostate enlargement and gynecomastia.”

Grayson looked rightfully appalled. “Gyneco-what-ia?”

“Enlarged breasts in men,” Aiden translated. “So you should lay off the juice before you have to start borrowing Avery’s bras.”

I gasped at the mention of my underwear and whacked Aiden’s shoulder hard.

Behind me, Grayson laughed. I knew he was about to deliver a comeback, but I refused to look at him. Seconds later his breath was warm on my neck. He whispered just low enough that his mother couldn’t hear what he said. “I like my bras colorful and lacey, Aves. Not sure your collection would do it for me.”

Total mortification. Grayson may be as close as family to me, but he was still one of the hottest, most popular guys in our whole school. Him discussing my bras in that low sexy voice that could stop a girl’s heart on the spot made my lungs constrict. Plus, he was right of course. My bras were all of the plain white cotton variety.

Teaser Two - Grayson

I started to leave the room but she stopped me at the door. “Grayson?” Her tone tugged at something inside me. “You really want to take me with you tonight?”

She sounded so small and unsure of herself. It was how she always sounded at school and around strangers, but never when she was at home with us. I think my brother had really broken her. I was seriously going to have to beat him sometime.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know I really freaked out on you earlier, but I promise I’ll be fine. Aiden’s right.” She swallowed back a lump in her throat. “I’ll manage without him somehow.”

“Aiden’s a tool. You can learn how to manage tomorrow. Tonight’s New Years Eve and for once in your life you’re going to spend it without Aiden or The Discovery Channel.

I knew I was making progress when she cracked a smile and asked, “What about Whootylicious in 7 B?”

I thought of the luscious booty I’d originally planned on seeing tonight and sighed. “That will be an unfortunate loss, but, like you, I will just have to deal.”

I winked and then decided I’d give her ten minutes before I came back and physically dragged her out of bed.

Other books by Kelly Oram





About Kelly Oram...



Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.




Giveaway

Win all four books by Kelly Oram in ebook format. This giveaway is open international, as long as you have a way to open the file.

Must be 13 or older to enter.

Enter via Rafflecopter below.

Good luck!


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