Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.
Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.
Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.
A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.
She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.
Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.
Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.
Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?
Excerpt from A Shade of Vampire
I’d been walking along the sea shore for about an hour when I suddenly sensed that I wasn’t alone. Someone was approaching me from behind. My heart leapt. I was so sure it was Ben, that when a stranger showed up beside me, I couldn’t hide my disappointment.
He must have noticed, because a smirk formed on his lips. “Were you expecting someone else, love?”
I eyed him suspiciously, remembering how many times my father told me not to talk to strangers. I looked him over from head to foot, taking in his appearance. I held my breath. I couldn’t find words to describe how fine a man he was. He was almost beautiful. The first thing I took notice of was how his blue eyes were about three shades brighter than any I’d ever seen before. It was such a stark contrast to his pale – almost white – skin and his dark hair. I next noted how he was easily more than half a foot taller than I was. His height, broad shoulders and lean build reminded me of Ben, but he had a presence that was far more imposing than my best friend’s.
My gaze settled on his face.
I realized that he was inspecting me just as closely as I was him. His eyes on me suddenly made me feel uncomfortably vulnerable. I gave my father’s advice a second thought, but quickly canceled out all notions of heeding to his counsel when I reminded myself that he stopped caring a long time ago. I straightened to my full height and mustered all the courage I had to keep myself from running away from this stranger.
Big mistake.
The confident smirk didn’t leave his face for even a moment. “Like what you see?”
I frowned, annoyed by his audacity. “A bit full of yourself, aren’t you?”
He stepped forward, closer to me, and leaned his head toward mine. “Don’t I have the right to be?”
He knew he looked good and wasn’t about to act like he didn’t.
“Whatever,” was my oh-so-brilliant comeback.
My shoulders sagged with defeat as I took a step back, overwhelmed by how close he was. I rolled my eyes and did a one-eighty, not quite in the mood to play whatever game this stranger was proposing.
I would soon realize that I was about to play his game whether I liked it or not. He grabbed my arm and turned my body to face him. The motion alone made every single internal alarm I had go off in a frenzy.
This man was danger and I knew it. I tried to wriggle away from his touch, but I was no match for his strength.
“Tell me your name,” he commanded.
I was about to refuse, but was horrified to find myself blurting out my name in response. “Sofia Claremont.”
He traced his thumb over my jaw line. “Hello, Sofia Claremont. You’re one stupid girl for taking a walk alone at this time of night. You never know what kind of evil a pretty little thing like you could happen to come by.”
I found myself wondering exactly what kind of evil he was. But I was suddenly overcome by the sensations that were surrounding me. My senses took everything in at once. I heard the waves, felt the sand beneath my feet, smelled the ocean salt, tasted the flavor of cherry on my lips and saw the stranger’s manic appearance as he stuck a needle to my neck. The effect was instant. I was barely able to gasp, much less scream. I went from sensing everything to sensing absolutely nothing.
My last conscious thought was that I may never see Ben again.
LINKS:
1) A Shade of Vampire available now from Amazon:
2) Connect with Bella:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashadeofvampire
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AShadeOfVampire
Sign up for personal updates: www.forrestbooks.com
The Runner is the first book in a seven-part series that follows the life of Michael Knight, a young man who is conflicted about his future and who embarks on a long journey of self-discovery. In that sense, Michael is like many of us. I don't think anyone ever just "arrives." We all have to go through things in life in order to learn and grow.
Goodreads Summary
Michael Knight has the perfect life. The town loves him, everything is going well, and he’s loving the path he’s walking in life. He goes to a university and receives an opportunity of a life time. Wealth and power is offered to him, and the big choice is: Will he take it and everything will be home-free, or will the power he’s given be too much for him?
I really liked this book! The characters were great to read about. I honestly connected with Michael and wanted to feel his feelings at the beginning of the book. Everyone liking me, having a smooth path to walk on… all what I want. At one point or another people have big choices. Like what do you want for a career path? Should I ask her to marry me? And all of those questions that make you want to think long and hard. Michael has a decision to make, and the plot thickens. The side characters clicked well and I felt like they were nicely written. What I love about books is how the characters grow, and Michael does a superb job. He learns from his mistakes, and it’s great to read how he remedies that.
The plotline was fast pace and kept me on my toes. I really didn’t think this would be an action book, but there was some definite “omg” parts that came out of no where. It had many twists and turns, I never know what was going to happen! Sometimes I guessed “This is what will happen” but I’ll be proven wrong the next chapter. It’s an entertaining read and I loved how everything came together. The ride with Michael and everyone else is a fun one, and I recommend this book!
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.
Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.
Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
An insular Amish town . . . A secret that won’t stay buried . . .Minneapolis’s star investigative reporter Riley Spartz is constantly in search of her next TV sweeps piece. When she hears that a young boy is trapped at the bottom of a sinkhole, she smells ratings. Little does she know just how big the story will be—not only does it involve a tragic murder, but the local Amish community as well. Once Riley is on the case, though, she sees that solving it will be anything but easy.
When Riley finds a clue the cops have missed, she uncovers a dark web of fraud and deception in the community—driven by motives as old as the Bible: sex and money. Riley will stop at nothing to bring the killer to justice, and she is determined to do so before anyone—including herself—becomes the next target.
When Riley finds a clue the cops have missed, she uncovers a dark web of fraud and deception in the community—driven by motives as old as the Bible: sex and money. Riley will stop at nothing to bring the killer to justice, and she is determined to do so before anyone—including herself—becomes the next target.
Goodreads Summary
Reporter Riley Spartz finds a note-worthy story out in Harmony ,Minnesota that includes a boy stuck in a well. Once on the scene, the boy has already been rescued, but another stunning outbreak happens: an Amish girl – about 18 years of age – was found dead while supposedly getting the boy out of the well. This news captures Riley’s attention and the readers are taken on a mystery thriller that everyone will love to get their hands on.
First off, I’ve never read books that have Amish-based plots; this was a new experience for me. I’m very glad I was given a copy because it’s a total page turner that had me glued to every word! Riley is a woman with courage, determination, problem solving skills, and is quick on her feet. The reader is taken on a journey with this lovely woman and once the reader gets to know Riley he/she will want someone like her as a friend. Kramer knows how to write a mystery and Riley is an example of a female lead that authors should be inspired to write. Shunning Sarah is the first book I’ve read in the series and a reader doesn’t need to read the others to understand this one. All of the characters really connected with me and their relationships with each other were nicely written.
I was glued to every page. There were many twists and turns and every guess I made about the ending was thwarted. The plotline was written in a good pace. Nothing was too fast or slow, everything moved the way it should have. I met this author at a Barnes & Noble event and I’m very glad I did! She’s an amazing author and I’ll read her other books in a snap. Actually, I requested most of them in the library after finishing Shunning Sarah so I can dive more into her work. You won’t be disappointed in this thriller/mystery. The plotline is superb, the characters are interesting and relatable, the mystery didn’t disappoint, and it was overall a book I would recommend 100%.
5/5 Stars
*Reviewed by Rachel*
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Synopsis:
In this heart-wrenching and suspenseful teen thriller, sixteen-year-old Sarah Meadows longs for "normal." Born with a port-wine stain covering half her face, all her life she’s been plagued by stares, giggles, bullying, and disgust. But when she’s abducted on the way home from school, Sarah is forced to uncover the courage she never knew she had, become a hero rather than a victim, and learn to look beyond her face to find the beauty and strength she has inside. It’s that—or succumb to a killer.
Tag Line:
Sometimes you have to be your own hero.
Release Date:
Nov 19, 2013
Publisher:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
From the author:
Like I did with SCARS and HUNTED, I drew on some of my own experiences of bullying, abuse, and trauma to write STAINED and to give it greater emotional depth. Like Sarah in STAINED, I experienced abduction, imprisonment, periods of forced starvation, mind control, and having my life threatened. And like Sarah, I tried hard to fight against my abuser, keep my own sense of self, and escape. I hope readers will see Sarah's strength and courage, and appreciate her emotional growth as she reclaims herself.
Available For Pre-Order on:
Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.
Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
While He Was Away Walmart-Exclusive Cover Reveal
One year--he'll be gone for one year and then we'll be together again and everything will be back to the way it should be.
The day David left, I felt like my heart was breaking. Sure, any long-distance relationship is tough, but David was going to war--to fight, to protect, to put his life in danger. We can get through this, though. We'll talk, we'll email, we won't let anything come between us.
I can be an army girlfriend for one year. But will my sweet, soulful, funny David be the same person when he comes home? Will I? And what if he doesn't come home at all?...
"A tender and honest examination of love, longing, and loyalty in the face of modern war."--Laura Ruby, author of Bad Apple
"While He Was Away is a wonderful love story with writing that is skillful and true."--Amy Timberlake, author of That Girl Lucy Moon
The day David left, I felt like my heart was breaking. Sure, any long-distance relationship is tough, but David was going to war--to fight, to protect, to put his life in danger. We can get through this, though. We'll talk, we'll email, we won't let anything come between us.
I can be an army girlfriend for one year. But will my sweet, soulful, funny David be the same person when he comes home? Will I? And what if he doesn't come home at all?...
"A tender and honest examination of love, longing, and loyalty in the face of modern war."--Laura Ruby, author of Bad Apple
"While He Was Away is a wonderful love story with writing that is skillful and true."--Amy Timberlake, author of That Girl Lucy Moon
and My Top Tips for Writing
Even When the Writing Gets Tough
By Karen Schreck
My birthday falls in January, just a few days after New Year’s Day. This January, I received an incredible gift from my publisher, Sourcebooks Fire. My young adult novel, While He Was Away, is being released nation-wide into Walmart with a brand new cover!
When my editor at Sourcebooks, Leah Hultenschmidt, graciously asked if I’d be open to this possibility last fall, I blinked, breathed deep, confirmed I wasn’t dreaming, and said, “Yes!” I held on to the possibility until it became a reality. Then, and only then, did I celebrate.
I won’t speak for all writers, but for me, writing is an act of faith. I love the work deeply, or I wouldn’t do it. I’ve generated a lot of pages that have never seen the light of day, written multiple novels that I’ve relegated to folders on my laptop. Keeping the faith in anything, especially writing, can be hard.
The fact that Sourcebooks believed enough in While He Was Away to bring it to life the first time felt like a much-needed confirmation of years of hard work. The fact that they are standing behind my book again in this way . . . well, it feels like a miracle. I’m truly grateful.
Without further ado, here are my Top Writing Tips (they’ve help me a lot; I hope they help you in some way):
1. Read a lot. Read voraciously. Read like a writer. Read some more. Read people who write in your genre or in a style that is similar to yours and take note of how they do what they do. Read people who write in a completely different way to keep your head clear and give you new ideas. Just. Keep. Reading.
2. Develop a ritual for your writing. I wouldn’t think of telling you what to do. You need to find what works for you, and sometimes that changes with your circumstances. This year, I’ve been working at an ad agency in the city. My ritual is to hunker down in the quiet car on the train and GET A LOT DONE. Previously I’ve written in the very same quiet corner of my local library. In basements. On couches. In bed. By candlelight. I’ve found that consistency and ritual can trigger my creativity. Ring the bell and I’ll salivate. Kind of like that.
3. Don’t be afraid to be messy in your work. Don’t be afraid to push forward even though it isn’t perfect. Nothing is perfect! Embrace that reality, and be kind to yourself. And forgiving of the words on the page.
4. Fall in love with revision. “I’m not a writer,” I once heard a writer say. “I am a re-writer.” I LOVE that. I love the word revision. Re-vision. Seeing again, anew, as if for the first time. Revision gives great perspective. And I think it’s where the real work gets done.
5. Never give up. Keep the faith. Years may pass. But the more you write, the more the very act of writing becomes rewarding. Writing is soul-work; it lends meaning to life. That’s what I believe, and that’s what sees me through. Publication—well, that a wonderful thing. But the writing—that’s where it’s at.
IT’S THE MOMENTS FROM OUR PAST THAT BIND US.
Branch Manager Emilie Davis is having a day like any other–until two masked men storm into WestOne Bank demanding cash. Her hopes of a quick end to her terror are dashed when she realizes one of the men has no interest in the bank’s money. Emilie is his prize, and he’s come to claim her.
When hostage negotiator Nathan Madigan and Las Vegas SWAT enter the bank on a rescue mission, Emilie’s captor makes a shocking escape into the abyss that lies beneath the city: the Las Vegas storm drains, a refuge for the downtrodden and the desperate.
HOW WILL IT END?
Who is the man the media has dubbed the “Taker?” Why is he after Emilie, and what is the connection he’s convinced they share?
Emilie can’t run from the Taker, and she can’t escape her own past. As her life closes in on her, she has nowhere to turn but to Nathan. The lines of professionalism blur as Nathan becomes determined to save Emilie. Together they venture into the depths beneath Las Vegas and discover a shocking piece of the puzzle.
But the Taker remains one step ahead. Desperate for the threat to emerge from the shadows, Emilie makes a bold move to reclaim her life, and it may cost her everything.
===
Thanks so much to Krystal for having me today! I’m excited to chat with her readers about why I write suspense, and to tell you all about my debut novel, INTO THE DARK.
First off, suspense. Where do I start? I write suspense because there is nothing like the anticipation of waiting to see what will happen next. The build-up is like a rollercoaster, rising higher and higher. Your heart is pounding, you’re sweating, fists are clenched because you know that at any moment, the bottom is going to slam right out. That’s what I love to read, and that’s what I love to write.
If I can generate half the excitement in my readers that my favorite authors have created for me, I will consider myself a success. I want to put my readers on the edge of their seats, and I want them to empathize and walk in my character’s shoes. I hope I’ve accomplished that with INTO THE DARK.
In the novel, a two-hundred-mile labyrinth of dark storm drains serves as a refuge for the delusional stalker who will go to any lengths to possess fragile, emotionally isolated Emilie Davis. To survive, Emilie will have to confront the secrets of her past she has kept locked away from everyone, including herself.
So how did I come up with all that? Well, INTO THE DARK started out simply: I wanted to write a story about a sexy SWAT officer saving the damsel in distress. I set the story in Las Vegas because they have one of the best full-time SWAT teams in the country.
I love writing creepy bad guys, so I knew my stalker had to do something to stand out. That’s when I got the idea to have him attempt a grand kidnapping with an escape route that would shock readers. Since Vegas was founded by the mob, I Googled “Las Vegas tunnels” in the hopes of coming up with some legends about bootlegging routes.
Instead, I learned about the 200 miles of storm drains beneath the city. Dark, stinking, and terrifying, these drains are home to hundreds of the city’s homeless. I was shocked. And intrigued. I started researching, and INTO THE DARK began to take shape. Instead of a simple romance, it became a book about three people–Emilie, Nathan, and the stalker known as the Taker–and their struggles to escape the pasts that have shaped their lives.
So why read INTO THE DARK when there are tons of other great books? Here are 7 reasons why I think you’ll enjoy it.
1) Characters. Nathan, Emilie, and the Taker are three very different people on a collision course and driven by the pasts they’ve been suspended in.
Nathan is a cop who can do it all, and he’s torn between his attraction to Emilie and his loyalty to the job.
Emilie is independent but vulnerable, stuck in a loop she doesn’t even realize exists until she’s forced to fight for her life.
2) Mystery. Into The Dark is different from traditional mysteries because the reader knows from the outset who the bad guy is and knows his identity long before Emilie or Nathan. But the mystery of what happened to him and his end game twists along until the final act.
3) Setting. Las Vegas like you’ve never seen it. The juxtaposition of the glitz, glamour and excess above ground against the dark, filthy, and poverty below ground.
4) The Taker. Although he’s certainly a bad guy, the Taker is also a gentleman whose personal heartache has driven him past the edge.
5) Suspense. The constant fear of the Taker reaching out and snatching Emilie burns throughout the entire book, and he does everything he can to keep her and readers guessing when he’ll make his final move.
6) Romance. The love story between Nathan and Emilie is a slow burn, complicated by his job and her fears. It develops organically, and that’s something I’m proud of.
7) Theme. INTO THE DARK is all about letting go of your past and not allowing it to ruin your present. That’s something we can all relate to, no matter what stage of life we’re in.
Thank you so much to Krystal for having me. I’m excited to offer a digital copy of INTO THE DARK to one lucky reader, and please enter my charity raffle for the homeless. The donation’s on me!
The homeless living in the storm drains of Las Vegas played a vital part in INTO THE DARK, and I want to give back. From November 1st until February 28th, participants will have several options to enter the raffle, including donating to HELP of Southern Nevada. The grand prize will be a $100 donation from me in the winner’s name to the homeless shelter of their choice.
BIO
Stacy Green is fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind and explores true crime on her popular Thriller Thursday posts at her blog, Turning the Page.
After earning her degree in journalism, Stacy worked in advertising before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her miracle child. She rediscovered her love of writing and wrote several articles for Women’s Edition Magazine of Cedar Rapids, profiling local businesses, before penning her first novel. Her debut novel, INTO THE DARK, is set in Las Vegas and features a heroine on the edge of disaster, a tormented villain, and the city’s infamous storm drains that house hundreds of homeless. INTO THE DARK is available on all digital formats and paperback November 30th.
Stacy Green is fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind and explores true crime on her popular Thriller Thursday posts at her blog, Turning the Page.
After earning her degree in journalism, Stacy worked in advertising before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her miracle child. She rediscovered her love of writing and wrote several articles for Women’s Edition Magazine of Cedar Rapids, profiling local businesses, before penning her first novel. Her debut novel, INTO THE DARK, is set in Las Vegas and features a heroine on the edge of disaster, a tormented villain, and the city’s infamous storm drains that house hundreds of homeless. INTO THE DARK is available on all digital formats and paperback November 30th.
Sign up for Stacy’s newsletter for exclusive excerpts and information!
Website: www.stacygreen.net
Follow Stacy online at her blog, www.stacygreenauthor.com
Twitter @StacyGreen26
Facebook Stacy Green, Author
Facebook Stacy Green, Author
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.
Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/
To help spread the word about the fact that Jeanette Battista's LEOPARD MOON, the first book in the Moon series, is available for free at Amazon for the Kindle until the end of the month we've invited the author to the blog to share a guest post about her experience writing the book.
The Moon series consists of four books - LEOPARD MOON, JACKAL MOON, HYENA MOON and HUNTER MOON - and is a series author Melissa Marr says, "... is filled with action and romance, shape shifters and strong heroines."
To check out all the books in the series on Goodreads, CLICK HERE.
The guest post follows below, but first here's some information about the awesome book and author and places you can find them both online!
About the Book
Title: LEOPARD MOON (Moon Series #1)
Author: Jeanette Battista
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release date: March 7, 2012
Pages: 204
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
***Kindle format free at Amazon - HERE***
Description:
How do you disappear when you come from a family of predators?
A wereleopard, Kess is forced to flee her home and family in Miami once her brother's obsession with her turns violent. She runs from city to city, trying to stay one step ahead of the investigators her family has dispatched to bring her home. Kess ends up in the mountains of North Carolina and attracts the attention of Cormac, a young man with a secret of his own. As she attempts to live as normal a life as her were-nature allows, her brother Sek continues to hunt for her. He believes she is the key to revitalizing their weakened clan and is driven to extreme measures to ensure their continued existence. As Kess' relationship with Cormac deepens, Sek closes in, threatening Cormac's life and Kess' freedom.
When the moon rises, the hunt is on….
Book Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/leopard-moon-jeanette-battista/1109751526?ean=2940014514774
Photo credit: Dimitri Williams Photography
Source: Author’s website
About the Author
Jeanette Battista graduated with an English degree with a concentration in medieval literature which explains her possibly unhealthy fixation on edged weapons and cathedral architecture. She spent a summer in England and Scotland studying the historical King Arthur, which did nothing to curb her obsession. To satisfy her adrenaline cravings—since sword fighting is not widely accepted in these modern times—she rode a motorcycle at ridiculously high speeds, got some tattoos, and took kickboxing and boxing classes. She gave up the bike when her daughter came along, although she still gets pummeled at the gym on a regular basis.
When she’s not writing or working, Jeanette spends time with family, hikes, reads, makes decadent brownies, buys killer boots, and plays Pocket Frogs. She wishes there were more hours in the day so she could actually do more of these things. She lives with her daughter and their ancient, ill-tempered cat in North Carolina.
Author Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Battista_j
Website: http://www.jeanettebattista.com
I'll be honest--I wasn't planning to write a book like Leopard Moon. I had an entirely different story in my head at the time, but it just wasn't coming into clear focus. That's the funny way writing works though: there I am, sitting at a red light on my way to meet my friends for a birthday martini and pedicure, listening to Florence + the Machine and WHAM! The song Howl comes on and this whole lovely scene just starts unfolding in my head. There was Kess, running through the woods, ripping off of her clothes as she triggered a change into a black leopard. And there was Cormac, standing in a different part of the woods being beaten mercilessly by the villain. I didn't know Sek was going to turn out to be Kess' brother, but I did know who he was as a character and what he wanted.
It was truly a gift: the entire final fight scene just unspooled itself along with the song lyrics. Each beat of the song matched a key point in the fight. The more I listened, the more I realized that the lyrics could apply to all of the characters in the main triangle at some point in the story I suddenly wanted to tell. And I wanted that story to be more than just boy meeting girl--I wanted that story to be about girl saving boy, but more importantly about girl saving herself. The song Howl gave me Kess first and Sekhmet second, so a lot of what I tried to do with them was to show them as two halves of a whole, two sides of a coin. Howl, at least to me, wasn't a love song at all--it was a song about possession and obsession and all of those things that show up in our animal drives. that we'd like to forget exists.
So when I began to craft Kess and Sek, Howl played on a continuous loop. And though the song speaks of wolves, I knew these two had to be cats. Wolves have a more social nature and are more easily understood by us--I think it comes from them being a a precursor to our beloved dogs. Cats are an unknown quantity, strange and separate, even if they choose to share space with us. I wanted real darkness there, not just a brief bit of danger that would be easily resolved. Obsession and mental illness gave Sek that scariness, but also--I hope--a bit of sympathy. He really does love his sister and wants what is best for her and his clan. I never intended to excuse his behavior, but I did want to try and understand it.
Just like the song made me understand that narrator of that story. I can only hope I did half so well.
***
To meet Kess, Cormac and Sek in this first book in the Moon series, head over to Amazon to download the Kindle eBook for free until January 31st.
It can be found HERE!
To help spread the word about the fact that Jeanette Battista's LEOPARD MOON, the first book in the Moon series, is available for free at Amazon for the Kindle until the end of the month we've invited the author to the blog to share a guest post about her experience writing the book.
The Moon series consists of four books - LEOPARD MOON, JACKAL MOON, HYENA MOON and HUNTER MOON - and is a series author Melissa Marr says, "... is filled with action and romance, shape shifters and strong heroines."
To check out all the books in the series on Goodreads, CLICK HERE.
The guest post follows below, but first here's some information about the awesome book and author and places you can find them both online!
Title: LEOPARD MOON (Moon Series #1)
Author: Jeanette Battista
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release date: March 7, 2012
Pages: 204
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
***Kindle format free at Amazon - HERE***
Description:
How do you disappear when you come from a family of predators?
A wereleopard, Kess is forced to flee her home and family in Miami once her brother's obsession with her turns violent. She runs from city to city, trying to stay one step ahead of the investigators her family has dispatched to bring her home. Kess ends up in the mountains of North Carolina and attracts the attention of Cormac, a young man with a secret of his own. As she attempts to live as normal a life as her were-nature allows, her brother Sek continues to hunt for her. He believes she is the key to revitalizing their weakened clan and is driven to extreme measures to ensure their continued existence. As Kess' relationship with Cormac deepens, Sek closes in, threatening Cormac's life and Kess' freedom.
When the moon rises, the hunt is on….
 |
| Dimitri Williams Photography Source: Author's website |
Jeanette Battista graduated with an English degree with a concentration in medieval literature which explains her possibly unhealthy fixation on edged weapons and cathedral architecture. She spent a summer in England and Scotland studying the historical King Arthur, which did nothing to curb her obsession. To satisfy her adrenaline cravings—since sword fighting is not widely accepted in these modern times—she rode a motorcycle at ridiculously high speeds, got some tattoos, and took kickboxing and boxing classes. She gave up the bike when her daughter came along, although she still gets pummeled at the gym on a regular basis.
When she’s not writing or working, Jeanette spends time with family, hikes, reads, makes decadent brownies, buys killer boots, and plays Pocket Frogs. She wishes there were more hours in the day so she could actually do more of these things. She lives with her daughter and their ancient, ill-tempered cat in North Carolina.
Find her: Goodreads | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
It was truly a gift: the entire final fight scene just unspooled itself along with the song lyrics. Each beat of the song matched a key point in the fight. The more I listened, the more I realized that the lyrics could apply to all of the characters in the main triangle at some point in the story I suddenly wanted to tell. And I wanted that story to be more than just boy meeting girl--I wanted that story to be about girl saving boy, but more importantly about girl saving herself. The song Howl gave me Kess first and Sekhmet second, so a lot of what I tried to do with them was to show them as two halves of a whole, two sides of a coin. Howl, at least to me, wasn't a love song at all--it was a song about possession and obsession and all of those things that show up in our animal drives. that we'd like to forget exists.
So when I began to craft Kess and Sek, Howl played on a continuous loop. And though the song speaks of wolves, I knew these two had to be cats. Wolves have a more social nature and are more easily understood by us--I think it comes from them being a a precursor to our beloved dogs. Cats are an unknown quantity, strange and separate, even if they choose to share space with us. I wanted real darkness there, not just a brief bit of danger that would be easily resolved. Obsession and mental illness gave Sek that scariness, but also--I hope--a bit of sympathy. He really does love his sister and wants what is best for her and his clan. I never intended to excuse his behavior, but I did want to try and understand it.
Just like the song made me understand that narrator of that story. I can only hope I did half so well.
***
To meet Kess, Cormac and Sek in this first book in the Moon series, head over to Amazon to download the Kindle eBook for free until January 31st.It can be found HERE!
Sweet Contemporary Story Set in an Old Order Mennonite Community
Amy Knackstedt moves with her children to Weaverly, Kansas, to escape the speculation surrounding her husband's untimely death.
She hopes the new location will provide a fresh start for them all. But her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have a Mennonite
family living next to his apple orchard. When the children try to befriend him, he resists. Tim left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn't want any reminders of his former life. Yet Amy and Tim find their paths colliding far more than either could have foreseen. Will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?
Amy Knackstedt moves with her children to Weaverly, Kansas, to escape the speculation surrounding her husband's untimely death.
She hopes the new location will provide a fresh start for them all. But her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have a Mennonite
family living next to his apple orchard. When the children try to befriend him, he resists. Tim left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn't want any reminders of his former life. Yet Amy and Tim find their paths colliding far more than either could have foreseen. Will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?
Goodreads Summary
I’m going to try to not be biased in this review because it’s highly based on God, Christianity, and finding oneself with the Lord. This review will be based on only characters and the overall plotline. The characters together were very nice to read about. There’s hardship between every character which makes them seem more real and I can understand some of the drama that’s going on, it felt very realistic. The book is about – once again – finding out who you are and how you can squeeze God into the mix.
The plotline was pleasant and easy to read. It flowed very nicely. The romantic aspect of When Hope Blossoms was great! It is rare to see the type of romance described in this novel in real life, sadly. I loved both of the main characters and how they reacted to each other. It wasn’t “insta-love”, so the reader sees them grow into their relationship. Their relationship, however, was not the defining point of the book. The plot itself had the ability to give the reader the “warm and fuzzy” feelings that everyone enjoys. This book was difficult to put down after the initial few chapters. When Hope Blossoms is recommended to adult readers.
4 Stars
*Reviewed by Rachel*
Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
The fifth in the exciting urban fantasy series featuring Persephone Alcmedi, a modern-day witch with a sexy werewolf boyfriend.
Persephone Alcmedi has helped her waerewolf lover Johnny unlock his powers. Now she must come to the aid of Menessos, the vampire overlord she has secretly marked. Beset by a trio of truth-seeking vampire sisters so dangerous their own kind keep them confined in stone, he now needs her more than ever...and she realizes her need for him. Seph has magical promises to fulfill for the waeres, multiple mundane family challenges to meet, vampire politics to confront, both the supernatural males in her life to balance, a dragon to deal with...and then a government investigator shows up to complicate matters.
Persephone Alcmedi has helped her waerewolf lover Johnny unlock his powers. Now she must come to the aid of Menessos, the vampire overlord she has secretly marked. Beset by a trio of truth-seeking vampire sisters so dangerous their own kind keep them confined in stone, he now needs her more than ever...and she realizes her need for him. Seph has magical promises to fulfill for the waeres, multiple mundane family challenges to meet, vampire politics to confront, both the supernatural males in her life to balance, a dragon to deal with...and then a government investigator shows up to complicate matters.
Goodreads Summary
Wicked Circle is the fifth installment of the Persephone Alcmedia series. I finally, FINALLY, was content with Seph’s and Johnny’s relationship. I honestly loved them together and couldn’t find two more perfect lovebirds than them. Once Johnny changed into his werewolf king position… he changed his personality, as well. Sadly, it wasn’t for the better. He says things that start ruining the lovely relationship and I’m really angered about it. This book has multiple POVs, not just Johnny and Seph, but others, too. At first, I was like “What. Is. This. MADNESS!?” but after a little while it was nice to see what everyone’s POV was and it wasn’t just one continuous outlook. I felt like I got to know the characters much better this way. When Seph and Johnny are having problems, Menessos comes swooping in to be a shoulder to cry on. This just complicates the love triangle and it’s harder on her already complicated life.
The plotline was great. Even though there are tons going on, I never felt lost or like something was out of place. I really think the different POV’s helped everything move along at a rapid pace. It always kept me on my toes. I wanted to yell at Johnny almost all of the time, but I was still interested in what everyone was doing and saying. This is definitely my second favorite book out of the series. The first was the last installation when Johnny was trying to get his memory and powers back. Sadly, he didn’t get his memory and only got his powers. I find that to be okay! Like I’ve been saying the whole series, I’m picking up the next one, and you should too!
4 Stars
*Reviewed by Rachel*
Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Why did God turn Lot's wife into a pillar of salt? Were there no other seasonings available? Why don't we know anything about the early years of Jesus? Did someone lose his baby book? Who reported the desert encounter between Jesus and Satan? Jesus-or Satan? And why does the Holy Spirit like to show up as a bird?
As irreverent as the musical The Book of Mormon, Joe Wenke's YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING: The Cultural Arsonist's Literal Reading of the Bible is an engaging, provocative and hilarious investigation into the bestselling book of all time. Written to "cause trouble" cultural arsonist Wenke, a keen observer of human gullibility, tempts readers to more closely examine the stories they think they know about the Bible.
Drawing upon the same pool of incendiary and cerebral humor as Bill Maher, Jon Stewart and the late, great George Carlin, YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING is a call for humor to restore our sanity and our ability to think for ourselves. Just as it was written in the Bible-or was it?
As irreverent as the musical The Book of Mormon, Joe Wenke's YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING: The Cultural Arsonist's Literal Reading of the Bible is an engaging, provocative and hilarious investigation into the bestselling book of all time. Written to "cause trouble" cultural arsonist Wenke, a keen observer of human gullibility, tempts readers to more closely examine the stories they think they know about the Bible.
Drawing upon the same pool of incendiary and cerebral humor as Bill Maher, Jon Stewart and the late, great George Carlin, YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING is a call for humor to restore our sanity and our ability to think for ourselves. Just as it was written in the Bible-or was it?
Goodreads Summary
You Got To Be Kidding is an hilarious adolescence take on the bible. The book consists of questions that go through peoples’ minds when taking a story that doesn’t really make sense in the 21st century into question. How did some of the miracles really happen? Why did G-d have to make the weirdest, most inexplicable decisions and ask people to follow them? This book takes these types of questions into account and gives people a dose of realism mixed with humor.
I found this to be one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a while. It’s very different from the typical fiction genre; I really enjoyed reading different takes on the bible and different perspectives on the stories. It doesn’t attack religions, so don’t think this book is a “hater” on anyone’s beliefs. The book follows more in the line of questioning some of the aspects that people sometimes feel is a little far-fetched. I’m a believer of the Torah and agree with many points in this book. I didn’t really laugh out-loud, but I giggled and smiled. The book itself was well-written and the author’s easy-going sense of humor came through in his novel. This book is for people who have a good sense humor about themselves and others around them.
5 Stars
*Reviewed by Rachel*
Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
between reading Tarot cards, writing her syndicated newspaper column, and kenneling werewolves in the basement when the moon is full -- even if witches aren't supposed to mingle with wolves. She really reaches the end of her leash, though, when her grandmother gets kicked out of the nursing home and Seph finds herself in the doghouse about some things she's written. Then her werewolf friend Lorrie is murdered...and the high priestess of an important coven offers Seph big money to destroy the killer, a powerful vampire named Goliath Kline. Seph is a tough girl, but this time she bites off more than she can chew. She needs a little help from her friends -- werewolf friends. One of those friends, Johnny, the motorcycle-riding lead singer for the techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, has a crush on her. And while Seph has always been on edge around this 6'2" leather-clad hunk, she's starting to realize that although their attraction may be dangerous, nothing could be as lethal as the showdown that awaits them.
Goodreads Summary
First off, I really enjoyed reading about the main character, Persephone. When I read the blurb I got all excited because that’s the name of my favorite Greek goddess. Yes, nothing about this book has Greek Gods in them, but nonetheless her name had me giddy. I loved reading about her, she’s kick-ass, smart, fun, caring, and an all-around good person. The guy who has a total crush on her is named Johnny… I don’t really like him. Not because he’s a bad guy, but he’s just a little too flat during the book as a character and not my type of werewolf. I guess it is personal preference. I’m not into tattoos all over a person’s body with piercings everywhere, so the hot factor goes out the window. Persephone doesn’t like him in the beginning, which is great because I didn’t “insta-love” him either and it made the relationship feel more real.
The plotline was set at a good pace. Sometimes, I felt like certain sub-stories were in the book just to fill some space because they didn’t connect with the rest of the book, but I liked reading about them anyway. I did skim a little, but it wasn’t too bad. The slow parts weren’t horrible and it was easier to just skim a few paragraphs. All around I liked this book and will pick up the next one without a doubt!
4 Stars
*Reviewed by Rachel*
Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
