Wednesday, July 31, 2013

RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY: Breaking the Rules by H.B. Heinzer

Growing up in small town Wisconsin, Carly Turner couldn't wait to escape when she graduated high school. Now, she's living the life in New York City, even if she isn't seeing her name in lights like she used to dream about at night. She's living paycheck-to-paycheck, working behind the scenes in small theaters off Broadway. When there's an equipment malfunction the week before opening night, Carly makes a call that winds up changing everything.

Life in the city isn't all it's cracked up to be. While she feels like she's getting closer to making the move from behind the scenes to center stage, she misses being surrounded by people who understand the quirks that come from living in a town of five thousand people. That, and the fact that he's sexy as sin, make Adam everything she feels like she's missing.

The only problem? He's her best friend's kid brother...

Adam Sanders wants to settle down, find a good woman and start a family like he sees so many of his friends doing. But how is he supposed to meet Ms. Right when he's constantly on the road for work? When he's sent to New York to handle a repair that would typically be contracted out as a favor to his boss, he's just about to his breaking point.

Everything changes when the stagehand sent to open the theater for him is none other than his big sister's childhood friend. The same girl he lusted after as a teenager. Could this be fate's way of showing him that he was looking in the wrong place for love?

As Adam and Carly's friendship develops, lines will be crossed and rules will be broken. Will they be able to come out the other side without destroying everything they had back in Brooklyn?

About the Author

With the exception of three years spent in the middle of Nebraska, H.B. Heinzer has called southern Wisconsin home. During that time in Nebraska, she imagined one of her favorite authors living on the far western edge of the county, just south of the highway. At the time, becoming a novelist was a distant dream for her. Now, she is the author living in that location. Ironically, she later found out that same favorite author lives just outside the town HB lived in for the first eighteen years of her life. Now, HB lives in the middle of nowhere but still close enough to the city to not feel isolated. It's the perfect place to let her two kids run and explore their huge yard, teach them about the food chain as they prepare their first-ever garden and debate building a chicken coop. It's one of those dreams that is only possible thanks to the amazing opportunities that have come through writing

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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

SPOTLIGHT: Fateful Eyes by Panos Nomikos

Fateful Eyes is a story about a life spent searching for love, accomplishments, and true fulfillment, within the world upheavals that, unfortunately, characterize the beginning of the new millennium. In his own life, Panos Nomikos (the author) has traveled in many continents, has been acquainted with many different people from different cultures, and he has also humbly attempted to comprehend the dizzying pace of events that are unfolding in such a frenetic tempo around us.

Panos aspires to share those experiences by narrating the story of “Peter”, a cosmopolitan who is traveling around the world at several exotic places, trying to solve a great puzzle, trying to locate a mysterious lady who came from his distant, youthful, and lustful past, and upset his life and his relationship with his affectionate lover. All the while, she is trying to fend-off by the threat posed by that mysterious rival in his heart.

Yet, the puzzle itself is not the essence of this novel. The puzzle is only a “pretext” to justify the exposure of Peter’s tortuous and twisted path in life, as well as to narrate the lives of everyone around him, as they all become unwittingly entangled into the rolling thunder of the world’s current upheavals, terrorism, wars, and economic crises. Like a modern Odyssey, the real essence of this novel is Peter’s long and tormenting journey towards his destination, towards the completion of his mission. Notwithstanding the mystery, the problems, and the upheavals, this story also celebrates love, affection, optimism, and the enthralling beauty of marvelous life.

Solve the puzzle and win a journey…

Read “Fateful Eyes”, try to guess the solution of the puzzle (that will be finally revealed in the forthcoming 2nd volume) and win a trip for two persons, for one week, all expenses paid, to the beautiful country that is the final destination of the protagonist in this story, and also win books and other prizes. Contribute your ideas at http://panosnomikos.wordpress.com/about or by email to pnomikos@ath.forthnet.gr

About the author


I am Panos Nomikos and I was born in 1961 in Athens, Greece, this beautiful country that has become lately the epicenter of the raging global financial crisis. During my carefree, youthful years, I roamed the idyllic islands of my home country having fun on the golden beaches under the sun with my friends and lovers. Later on, I studied for a Ph.D. in the UK and I started a career in Information Technology in the maritime sector, roaming again across the world on intercontinental business trips in faraway places in Asia, Europe and America. In the course of my career I have authored numerous essays and articles in professional publications.

I maintain a blog at http://panosnomikos.wordpress.com to write about my favorite themes related to my beautiful home country, Greece, its position within the world-wide socioeconomic transformations, and its current upheaval in the midst of the worst financial crisis that we are experiencing here. I am especially writing to talk about ordinary Greeks, those living within the country, but also those who live and distinguish themselves around the world, trying to understand their vivid pulse and their feelings of belonging to the world-wide Greek diaspora.

Fateful Eyes can be found on Amazon www.amazon.com/author/panosnomikos in paperback or e-book formats.

You can also follow Panos Nomikos here:
Blog: http://panosnomikos.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/panosnomikos
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/panosnomikos
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/panosnomikos

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The Agent's Daughter by Ron Corriveau

Ok, so I absolutely LOVED this book!! Like seriously loved it! It is technically a young adult book, but had enough drama and suspense to make me completely 100% interested from the very beginning right to the last page. I even found myself holding my breath a few times!!

I really liked Melina's character. She seemed very much a typical teenager on the outside, but has a strength hidden deep inside her that rivaled some UFC champions (literally and figuratively)!! And it really helped her cope with her mothers condition, as well as made her an excellent person to have around in certain other situations (ahem).

You need to read this book!! And even better, it is a book you can read and enjoy with your teens/tweens!! I know Ron Corriveau is an engineer by trade, but I think he has found his second calling! I would DEFINITELY read another one of his books. This one could easily turn into a series and become the next "Nancy Drew"!! (Did I just seriously date myself by that last comment?!)

Did I Say That Out Loud? by Kelly McDermott Harman

Are you looking for a light read? Something comical, and angst free? If so, this is the book for you.  Its full of short stories about Kelly and her husband Bob, as well as other comical stories about her co-workers and other random events in her life. 

She has a knack to turn an argument with her husband (that would have most of us wives arrested for murder) into a comical event! It is refreshing to hear that other marriages have many of the same arguments as mine…she just has a great outlook on them. (Who knows if she was really as calm in the moment though!)

This is a very quick read, and I would recommend reading a few stories at a time in between other books or on your downtime (like in a waiting room).  This way you can prolong the chuckles and it will give you just the amount of light-heartedness you need after that angsty romance novel that made you weep and scream at the same time.

Monday, July 29, 2013

SPOTLIGHT: Love of Truth by C.T. Oliver

For the next eleven days all Amelia Adler wants is a nice relaxing vacation on the beach. All she’ll do is drink pineapple margaritas and read sexy steamy romance novels. She doesn’t want to think about the stress of her daily life nor the fact that she doesn’t know what to do with her life.
Craig Patrice just wants to spend his last spring break catching wave after waves during the day in the Pacific Ocean, and relax as much as he can at night. This is his last break before finishing law school and starting at a firm this upcoming summer. He has no desire for a fling or a girlfriend. All he wants is to buckle down and finish this year off right. That is until he gets a glimpse of his vacationing neighbor, and for the life of him, he can’t look away.
Though Craig and Amelia are somewhat reluctant for a relationship, they seem to find comfort in one another and can’t let go of each other. Finding romance on vacation is one thing, but can their relationship withstand the demand of real life and once their past catches up with them will believing in each other’s truth save their future.

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C.T. Oliver is giving away four (4) $10 Amazon Gift Cards!  To enter fill out the Raffelcopter below.


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Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Occasionalist New York Author Signing

After our great day in New York City for the the Occasionalist New York Author Signing Jillian and I sat down (after getting the kids in bed and spending some QT with our husbands) and reflected on our day.  We thought it was a great way to share our experiances with you!  Check out the pics after!

Danielle

So what did you think about today Jillian?  I know I had a GREAT time!

Jillian

It was so awesome! I LOVED meeting Tara Sivec! And Jessica Sorronson was sooo down to earth and easy to talk to!!
And I loved how interested they were in our blog! Especially the ones who gave us stuff for giveaways!

Danielle

They really were! All the authors today were really personable. I had figured they would be tired by the time we got there since we were the third group, but none of them showed it!  
Seeing the interest in our blog was a big bonus for sure! I wish I hadn't been sick the last few weeks and was able to print out those business cards!

Jillian

I left with a to be read list longer than I though possible!! I'm gonna be busy! At first I was disappointed that I had only read one of the authors books but now I am kind of excited!! Now I get to read all these books and know where they came from.   

Danielle

Even though I thought I had read a lot of their books, I wish I had read even more too. But it was still exciting to meet the authors. I know I'll be reading Jassinda Wilder and Christine Zolendz books in the near future! They were so unbelievably supportive, generous, and friendly!  
I was really impressed with how organized everything was!  We never felt rushed or crowded at all, and we had time to see everyone!  I’m really sad that we forgot to get back to Karina Halle’s table, I hate that she had a long line both times we were over by her table.   And how did we manage to forget to take a picture with K.A. Linde?!?!

Jillian

Yes!!! Everything ran so smooth.  I would totally recommend going to an Occasionalist event to anyone. 
I know what you mean bout Karina Halle and K.A. Linde, but I loved that we had our very own photographer with us!!!!  Thanks again Jenn!!

Danielle

Yes, having Jenn with us was awesome. I wish we could convince her to join us. She has some great points of view and loves all the same authors as us!

Jillian

Maybe we can wear her down!! LOL

Danielle

We will have to work on Jenn for sure! 

Jillian

I can't wait until we reach 1,000 likes so that we can give away some of the awesome stuff we got today!!

Danielle

I know me too! We scored 4 signed books PLUS tons of signed bookmarks and some cute swag to giveaway! I LOVED the door hanger from Jassinda Wilder - "Do Not Disturb, I'm with my book boyfriend". And those bottle cap magnets from Gail McHugh were so cute, what a unique idea!  I can't belive I forgot to grab condoms from Tara Sivec!

Jillian

She had condoms?!? I'm bummed that I didn't even notice that.

Danielle

Our friend Valerie from Babe with a Book showed me hers from Book Bash; they say something like “Gavin tested vagina approved” and are just awesome!  I guess since we didn’t notice them we can’t be certain she had any left by the time we got there, but I really wanted one!

Jillian

OMG that sounds so cool!!  
So what book did you leave there wanting to read the most? I know I can't wait to read Watch Over Me by Tara Sivec and anything by Jessica Sorronson!!!

Danielle

Oh I'd have to say Plastic Hearts by Lisa De Jong. I loved that she started off as a blogger like us AND Falling Into You by Jassinda Wilder - its going to be a hard choice.

Jillian

Oh definitely!! We will chip away at them all slowly but surely! I did love hearing that Lisa De Jong started off as a blogger. That was very cool!

Danielle

See Jillian, there is hope yet for that book you want to write! Your toe is already in the door! 

Jillian

I know!!! I think I may have to start thinking about it more seriously!! 

Danielle 

How cool (and random) was it that there was a HUGE street fair right outside the Hilton? I wish I was up to walking around it more. It looked really awesome. I've never been to a real NYC street fair before.

Jillian

It was so cool. Only in NYC can you get purses, fried ice cream, sun glasses and $5 "designer" jewelry in one place!!

Danielle

Isn't that the truth!

Jillian

AND I liked being able to save your life a few times...

Danielle

Hey, I WARNED you I'm no good in the city! It's not my fault I'm used to pedestrians having the right of way! But thanks again, 'preciate that!

Jillian

Haha. Anytime! Glad I had quick reflexes or that first bus would have gotten you for sure!!

Danielle

At least I thought to plan our trip in "mommy travel time" so that when we missed our train into the city we still got there in time! 
Talking about the train ride, I’m pretty certain our conversations on the hour and a half train ride home was slowly clearing out our little section.

Jillian

Haha!  Yes!! I think your right, but it was so much fun to be able to talk to other mommies about our kids and the trials of being a mommy!!  So refreshing.

Danielle

Yeah, I think they were okay with the preemie talk. And the birth talk. And the kid talk. But when we broke out into period talk I think we really did that poor guy behind us in, he totally changed cars! 
I have to say though, the guy with the puppy on the train was kind of a cutie, don't you think?

Jillian

Hahaha!!!! You know, I didn't even notice the other people when we were talking. I think I was just so happy to talk to people that understood me I didn't care!!! (I don't even remember the period talk, LOL!!) But yes - him I noticed!! I couldn't not, his dog kept kissing my foot!

Danielle

It was wonderful having a “Moms Day Out”, but when I got home The Hubs was BEAT! I believe his exact words when I walked in the door were "Its so hard being alone with her for 12 hours strait, I don't want to do that again!"  But he said they had a great time and told me all about their day with a huge smile on his face! 
Baby Girl was SOOOOO excited to see me when I got home. She ran up to me and gave me a big hug and said "I missed you, Mama. I no like when you go work, doctor, work." I think she was a bit confused about where I went today! 
How were Hubby and Tiny Tot when you got home?  You know, after Hubby remembered to turn his phone on so he knew when to pick you up!

Jillian

Baby Girl is so cute!! My Hubby had some help (my mom and sister were around) so he wasn't as beat, but Tiny Tot was very excited to see me! She gave me a bunch of kisses and then insisted I take her in the pool!!  Hubby claimed he loved his day with her. Lets see how he feels after day 2 tomorrow (going to Cirque du Soleil!!)

Danielle

That is awesome!  The Hubs and I had an awesome time when we went!

It was a great day, we have to do it again next time there is an event in NYC. Hopefully next time I'll be able to wears shoes that actually match my outfit instead of those ugly seekers! And you know... it wasn't that bad, I ACTUALLY enjoyed being in the city today! I think it was the awesome company. There might be hope for conversion for me yet!

Jillian

Hahaha! Yes, all in all it was almost the perfect day (just wish you felt better!!) 
I think we may need to do Danielle school of NYC training before you fully convert!! Otherwise I’m afraid you might hurt yourself or someone else!!

Danielle

Or walk in front of a bus (again). 
It was a great day, so glad we went.   

Jillian

 Me too! Thanks for arranging it! 

Danielle

My pleasure!



The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This book was beautiful.  Its the only word I can think to describe this story.  I picked it up knowing nothing about it other than it won the Goodreads Best Book of 2012, was self published originally and got signed and that it was a bout a kid with cancer.  Based on this, I expected to cry, and I did, but what I didn't expect was to meet two incredibly intelligent kids falling in love, witty sarcastic humor, and raw honesty about life.

Hazel is 16, and living with cancer.  She goes to school, community college since she got her GED, comes home and is content to just be with her parents.  Her parents make her attend a support group for "cancer kids" where she meets Augustus (aka Gus). I loved watching Gus and Hazel fall in love and share their love of literature.  Gus is a pretty amazing guy and I just might love him myself!  His outlook on life is so refreshing and unique I loved every second of getting to know him.

As a parent, this book made me think about things I never wanted to, and I hope I never have to face them.  Put this on your TBR list and read it, it was a very empowering read.


Friday, July 26, 2013

The Journey by John Heldt

If you asked me a few weeks ago if I would be interested in reading a book about time travelling, I would have laughed and said no thanks.  Now, after reading 2 of John Heldt’s books, I might be a convert.  Seriously, The Journey was AMAZING!

This story starts out with Michelle in present day, mourning the loss of her husband (and somewhat unfulfilling marriage); and also mourning the life she could have had.  Michelle is now, 49, a widow with no children, and living a life she never wanted.  She needs to get away for a little while so she takes a road trip home for her high school reunion, in hopes of letting go and having a good time with her old friends.  While living it up with her friends she comes across a boarded up room.  Curious, she walked inside and stepped out into 1979!

This gives a whole new meaning to “if you could do it all over again, would you?”  Michelle has the opportunity of a lifetime.  Go back and fix all of her regrets, and help guide herself and her friends into a brighter more fulfilling future (and maybe even save her best friends life!!).  But will she? And if so, at what cost?? 

It was written beautifully, and held my attention from page one.  I would DEFINITELY put this on your list of books to read.  It is part of a three book series, The Mine (my review), The Journey, and The Show.  I just finished this one and can’t WAIT to see what The Show has to offer!
(Review by Jillian)

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: Love Love by Beth Michele

Gabrielle Willis is smart. She's funny. And oh yes, she's a bit klutzy.

When Gabrielle left sunny California bound for the energy of Manhattan, she was willingly leaving the life she had known for the new life she would create. But was she really leaving something behind or was she running away?

On the outside, Gabrielle Willis has it all under control. A new life in Manhattan, a great roommate, and a good job. But she is haunted. Haunted by a memory she's tried to forget and by a family who's abandoned her. But what happens when what's on the outside is only an illusion and in perfect contradiction to what's buried deep within?

Enter Dane Rhodes. He's gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. Just what Gabby wants, or so she thinks. But when she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, he begins to make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light.

**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**

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About the Author

Beth Michele is a wife, a mom, an author and a lover of all things chocolate, well, anything sweet really. While stuffing chocolate in her face, she enjoys reading young adult and new adult novels furiously, and spending time with her husband and two adorable children who keep her on her painted toes. Those same children who inspire her to tell silly stories that cause hysterical giggles to tumble from their bellies. Beth is a hopeless romantic and a happily ever after fanatic who loves to write about love.

GIVEAWAY


Signed paperback (US ONLY) and one eBook

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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Indelible by Bethany Lopez

I think may have just met my next book boyfriend!! Judd made my heart melt on more than a few occasions.  This book had the perfect mix of romance, humor and drama, with one twist that left my jaw dropped for a good few minutes!! I found myself holding my breath throughout the entire book just hoping Judd didn't screw things up, especially since Sam had a kid. You will just have to read it to find out whether or not he was able to stay on my book boyfriend list, or if he went onto another kind of list, you know...the one you don't want to be on.  :-)

This story was told from the POV of both Sam and Judd and it really allowed me to get insight into both of them which just made the story that much better. I really loved reading the development of all of their individual relationships with their family and friends, but I think my favorite was Judd and Karrie's relationship! They were so cute together.

I really LOVED this book, and it is the perfect summer read!!! Definitely add it to your TBR list. I'm already trying to decide which of Bethany Lopez's books I'm going to read next!!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Indelible by Bethany Lopez

After a year of partying, Samantha decides to buckle down and focus on college. Things are going great until a one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. Raising a child while going to school isn’t easy, but Sam is determined to be strong for her daughter. She doesn’t have time for guys or relationships, and takes great care to protect her child and her heart.
Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His long hair and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother?
Sam yearns for the fire that Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?


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Review

This book had me interested within pages. That is always the sign of a good book!!! I immediately liked the strength of will that Sam showed, becoming a teen mom and still managing to go to school and raise her daughter Karrie! Then she meets Judd and all of her will power gets tossed out the window. There is an immediate attraction between them but Judd is a bad boy who doesn't do relationships. Is Sam the one that will be able to tame his wild ways and make him a family man? I sure hope so!!!

Full review to come soon!

Edit 7/21 - Full Review (also posted here)

I think may have just met my next book boyfriend!! Judd made my heart melt on more than a few occasions.  This book had the perfect mix of romance, humor and drama, with one twist that left my jaw dropped for a good few minutes!! I found myself holding my breath throughout the entire book just hoping Judd didn't screw things up, especially since Sam had a kid. You will just have to read it to find out whether or not he was able to stay on my book boyfriend list, or if he went onto another kind of list, you know...the one you don't want to be on.  :-)

This story was told from the POV of both Sam and Judd and it really allowed me to get insight into both of them which just made the story that much better. I really loved reading the development of all of their individual relationships with their family and friends, but I think my favorite was Judd and Karrie's relationship! They were so cute together.

I really LOVED this book, and it is the perfect summer read!!! Definitely add it to your TBR list. I'm already trying to decide which of Bethany Lopez's books I'm going to read next!! 

About the Author

Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.


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Fill out the Raffelcopter below for your chance to win an Indelible necklace or a signed copy of Indelible (US only).

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Daughter of Mythos by Melissa Drake

There are so many amazing things I want to say about Daughter of Mythos that I don't know where to start!

You may have realized by now that YA Fantasy isn't exactly my typical genre.  However, there have been a few series that I just adore (just look at the Honor Roll), so when I was given the opportunity to read the first few chapters a couple of months ago I decided to give it a try.  I was immediately hooked and began to literally beg for more!  (Just ask Melissa Drake, I'm sure she'd verify that for you!)  I jumped at the opportunity to beta read this book for completely selfish reasons; I wanted at it before everyone else!  I was too impatient to wait to find out what happened next!

Nora has had some pretty horrific things happen in her life, some of which she can't even begin to explain.  When she discovers what has been destroying been at the root of her problems for last few years and why, she steps up to the plate and shows everyone just how strong she really is.  She is an awesome roll model!

Zane, oh Zane, what to say about you.  Zane is the type of boy who wears his scars on his sleeve just to keep everyone away.  His past is riddled with mystery and an obvious amount of pain.  He is bound to protect Nora but his past makes it difficult.

This is the perfect read to share with your teen/tween this summer.  You can find it right now on Smashwords and Amazon with other sites to soon follow!   I've already started begging for a second book, its up to us, as readers, to convince Melissa Drake that she needs to write it!
Review by Danielle

GIVEAWAY!!!! 


 Melissa Drake is hosting an awesome giveaway, you should check it out! a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Three Daves by Nicki Elson

Jennifer Whitney was the last American virgin. At least that’s what she felt like in 1986 as she began her sophomore year at Central Illinois University. She was proud of her decision to wait for the right guy, and yet she was getting restless. It seemed like everyone around her was doing it... and having fun doing it, too. She didn’t want to become the campus slut or anything, but surely there was a difference between a trashy skank and a nice girl with a little experience. Perhaps it was time to stop relying on fate to guide her and instead take matters into her own hands. And with that realization, Jen decided to find “the one” and lose her virginity, although not necessarily in that order...

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Where to buy?



Review

Coming soon!

About the Author



Writing wasn't something Nicki set out to do; it just sort of happened when she realized writing reports was by far her favorite part of her investment consulting position. She traded stock allocation and diversification for story arcs and dialogue and now weaves her creative writing time in with the other activities of her busy life with her family in the Chicago suburbs.

Nicki writes with two goals in mind: #1 to keep the characters realistic, even when their circumstances are anything but, and #2 to make the reader feel. Her published works include Three Daves, a light-hearted romantic romp through a 1980s college campus, Divine Temptation, a romantic novel of angelic proportions, and short stories “Sway” (available as a single), “I Don’t Do Valentine’s Day” (part of A Valentine Anthology), and “Impressionism 101” (included in the debut issue of Insatiable: The Magazine of Paranormal Desire).

GIVEAWAY!!!! 

 Fill out the Raffelcopter below for your chance to win one of three e-book copies of Three Daves!

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Let Love In (The Love Series #1) by Melissa Collins

Fantastic!  I could not pull myself away from Maddy and Reid!   Let Love In is full of heart warming take away messages, lots of angst, and tons of romance, it has some pretty hot moments too!

Reid is one of those guys that you just LOVE while at the same time constantly want to slap around because, well, at times he's just an a-hole!  The lengths Reid goes to for Maddy, OMG! *swoon*  Then he turns around and your like "Wow, what are you thinking Maddy, RUN!"

Maddy is sweet and spunky.  You can't help but love her as you learn her back story.  She has accepted what life has dealt her and has decide its time to choose to be happy when many (if not most) others would chose to dwell on what was taken away.

Let Love In is currently on sale for just $0.99 because Let Love Stay the must read follow up book is due to release on July 31st!!!!  (And I really mean must read, because there is no way you will get to the end of Let Love In without HAVING to read Let Love Stay!)
Review by Danielle


Sunday, July 14, 2013

RELEASE CALENDAR UPDATED!

Please send us a message if you see any incorrect info or to have your release added!


Remember - you can always find this calendar in the right hand sidebar!

Friday, July 12, 2013

COVER REVEAL: Off Course by Sawyer Bennett

Renner Caldwell has her life perfectly mapped out. She has the ideal relationship, the perfect job and all is right in her world. When a shameful turn of events happens, she boards the first plane bound for Ireland to lick her wounds and get her head back on straight. Cillian O’Braidagh is the sexy, front man to the Irish rock band, Over The Edge. His rising fame and sultry voice make him every woman’s fantasy come true. Not to mention his single-minded determination. To put it simply: what Cillian wants, Cillian always gets. And he wants Renner, because there’s just something about the flame-haired beauty he has to possess. If their relationship was just about sex and rock n’ roll, it would be easy for them to get lost in their desires. Only their relationship is anything but a hook-up. Will lies, deceit and hidden tragedy get in the way, making the path to true love uncertain? Or will the girl whose been knocked Off Course, find her footing with the man who is teaching her it’s okay to lose control?  

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg
   

Expected release date: August 4, 2013
Cover designed by : Vitalink

About the Author 

 photo SawyerBennett_zps59043f28.jpgUSA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

SUMMER READING - FOR THE KIDS!
Alexandra Fry, Private Eye: The Curse of the Lion's Heart by


Alexandra Fry is just your average seventh-grader. Or is she? Starting a new school, Alexandra hopes to leave her old life, and old reputation of “Loopy Lexi” behind. But it’s not so easy when Alexandra is the kind of girl who sees ghosts. And not just any ghosts, but history’s most famous. They come to her to solve mysteries, when things from their past life fall into the wrong hands.

Desperate to be normal and make some friends, Alexandra is devastated to be visited by none other than Queen Elizabeth the First during a lesson in school. But Queen Elizabeth doesn’t just have your average, run of the mill problem. The thing that was stolen was a locket– a cursed locket, and if it’s not returned to the museum, the entire world will be in danger. It’s up to Alexandra and her new friends Penelope and Jack, to find out who took the locket and why. Ducking security guards, breaking and entering, and finding out someone isn’t who they said they were is just your average day for this seventh grade girl.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds for Alexandra Fry, Private Eye series will be donated to the Tucson Alliance for Autism.Thank you in advance for your purchases and support of this amazing cause, and for any information please visit their website at www.tucsonallianceforautism.org or http://angellagraffbooks.wordpress.com/series-alexandra-fry-private-eye/ for details.


Add to your Goodreads TBR list!


Where to buy?

Barnes and Noble | Amazon  
(please note that at this time only the paperback is available on B&N)

Reviews from teens!

Because we are recommending this great read for your teens and tweens this summer, we thought - who better to review it for us?  We asked a few of the younger book lovers we know to read and review Alexandra Fry, Private Eye: Curse of the Lion's Heart and this is what they had to say!
Alexandra Fry, Private Eye is a perfect read for Tweens looking for a fun and suspenseful read. Filled with high stakes, mean girls, great friends, secrets, and just plain life, it gives a perfect world for young people to escape to when life is just to darn much. This is a perfect book for those who want to get into detective series with a kick! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and had a few moments where I was biting my nails and sitting on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend it!  ~ Laura S., age 15

This book is one of the best "teen-books" I have ever read.
It comes as a first in a series, and I am already waiting for the next book!
 The book grabs you from the first sentences, and you will have big troubles laying it down until you are finished with it. It is superbly well written, the plot believable and the main characters are interesting.
 The main person is Alexandra Fry, as she is starting seventh-grade in a new school.
She had a difficult time at her last school,  labelled Loopy Lexi by her fellow students.
 This nickname came from her sometimes strange behaviour, as she struggled with a normal teen school-life and at the same time seeing ghosts and having them follow her around.
The ghosts are trying to get her to help her solve mysteries of stolen antiquities, usually something they owned when they were alive.
We follow Alexis through her first steps finding two new friends, all the while solving a mysterious theft of Queen Elisabeth's locket. The new friends might be both friends and foes,  we follow them as Alexis, Penelope and Jack are getting to know one another, as well as finding the truth.  The friends have problems of their own, as Penelope has her own mother as a teacher, and Jack lives with his uncle as his parents are dead (or are they?)
There are so many layers to this book, for me as a teen the message of being true to yourself, that it is ok just to be you, and also that it is ok to do the right thing, are important- she makes it fun and interesting instead of boring. Also the importance of true friendship, that you have to stand up for each other, is something I find I also liked a lot.
I learned a lot of history while reading this book, the author makes the historical characters come to life, and we get to know them as persons.
Thank you for the super read :) ~ Synne Brunes, 14 years old. 


Interview with Angella Graff!

Thank you so much Angella for sitting down and taking the time to answer our questions!

It says on your website that you returned to school after having kids.  Was it hard? 

It was difficult trying to manage school, work, and being a parent, but at the same time, I’d only done a little school before my son was born, so going to college with kids was pretty much all I’d ever known. 


If so, in what ways?

My degree was very writing heavy, huge papers due every few weeks or so, so it was a lot of late night writing and trying to stay on top of things.  The one thing I can look back on and remember is not sleeping much at all haha!  But I can’t say it wasn’t worth it.

Are any of your characters based off your children?  If so, who, why and how?

Not one character specifically, but I use the habits and slang from my older two, and the way they interact with their friends when I write my YA series.  I like to think of my characters, although fiction, as sort of their own person.  I create them so intricately in my head that I can anticipate what they’d do if they were put into a random situation.  However being that it’s been a very long time (haha) since I was that age, I do have to rely a lot on observing how my kids are and the things they say, things they’re into.

What was your inspiration behind the Alexandra Fry Series?

My daughter and I came up with it together.  I grew up on paranormal series books, though at her age I was reading Stephen King and Anne Rice.  Paranormal is still really popular, and I wanted to create a character for kids today to relate to.  So Isabella (she’s my 10 year old) and I sat down and came up with the story line, and the things she wanted to read about.  My college degree was very heavily rooted in history, so I get to draw from that for the ghost characters in the story, and I try and make it as accurate as possible, while also making it fun, and leaving room for creative license. 


When can we expect the next book?

Well I’ve started writing it already, and we can definitely expect some more adventures, and more of the main plot to unfold that will cross through all of the books.  Alexandra and Penelope are in their last year of Middle School, Jack is off to High School, and with this new ghost comes a new twist, and a new character—though we won’t know if they’re friend or foe for a while. 


How many books are you planning in this series?

At the present time I’m planning six.  One for each year of her public education.


What is your motivating factor behind choosing to donate to the Tucson Autism Alliance?

My son is Autistic and the Autism Alliance was a massive help for me when he was young and I was trying to figure out the differences between raising a child with Autism and one without.  Their support was invaluable to me, and I always thought that if I ever had the opportunity to give back, I would. 


What is it like being the parent of an Autistic child?

At the base of things, it’s not much different than parenting any other child.  Being that each child is different, one style of parenting doesn’t work for everyone.  It requires a lot of literature, and understanding how an Autistic brain works in order to modify things like rewards and consequences in a way that will be effective. 

My son is very high functioning, he’s in mainstreamed education with occasional pull-out services like speech and occupational therapy, and he participates in peer groups in order to help him deal with the anxiety of social situations that affect a lot of Autistic kids.

But other than that, he’s like any teen.  Attitude, (haha!) loves video games, comic books—his favorite is Calvin and Hobbes—and chatting with his friends while playing MineCraft on Xbox. 

Sometimes there are things that get frustrating, but that typically comes from other people outside of the home not understanding how he works, and how to explain things to him in a way that will help him understand.  But I definitely wouldn’t have him any other way.


Do you think it’s affected your writing at all?

I would say so.  Honestly I studied a lot of basic psychology to help me understand how my son viewed the world, and in those studies, it helped me with developing characters for my book.  It’s allowed me to create distinct personalities for most of my characters that are organic and are less stereotypical than a lot of literature nowadays. 

How do you manage Family time?

Family time is super important, and I make sure to schedule in time every day, no matter what my schedule is like, to spend time with the kids.  We cook dinner together, homework, and in the evenings we all sit together and watch a show, or we go out back to the porch and chat.  We make sure to have a family day one day a week (usually a weekend day) and I will always pencil in school events.  It's easier for me as a mom now that all of the kids are in school, I can get my work done while they're getting their schooling, and when they get home, we can be together.  Sometimes deadlines get the better of my schedule, but the most important thing is to remember not to let things make you anxious and overwhelmed.

What about “Me” time?

I try and schedule in 'me' time when the kids are in school, or when they spend the night at grandma's.  I'll go grab myself a mani-pedi, or shop a little.  I also do zumba, turbo-kick (which is a kickboxing-style class) and yoga five times a week to get out of the house and stay as fit as I can since I'm at the computer all day.  I like to have hubby time, too, so once or twice a month the kids will spend the weekend with grandma and we'll go on a hike at the canyon or up the mountain, sometimes catch a movie.  Often clean the house, haha, without the little ones right behind messing it back up as we go.  I think it's very important to take a little time out of each day to center yourself.  I try and meditate in the mornings when the kids are still asleep.  A happy mommy makes it easier to deal with the rampant chaos that being an editor, writer, wife and mother of three brings!

Find Angella!

Monday, July 8, 2013

500 LIKES GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Thank you so much to each and every one of our followers.  Without you all there would be no reason to keep on blogging.  Jillian and I get so excited every time we see our numbers start to climb and now that we've hit such a huge milestone we want to give back a little bit.

We would like to thank you buy offering up an e-book of the winners choice (valued $4.99 USD or under) of any book we have reviewed here!  To enter to win just fill out the Raffelcopter below!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, July 7, 2013

All My Life by Rucy Ban

WOW.  That is one word to describe this book.  Just WOW.  Holy new book boyfriend!! Neil is HOT HOT HOT.  And the chemistry between him and Kari is electrifying. 

Kari is a girl who has been broken, used, chewed up, and spit out by a worthless piece of garbage.  He is prolonging his torture of her by blackmailing her with a sex tape he made without her knowledge.  A sex tape made during her first sexual encounter ever.  And it has completely messed her up.  It has made her feel unworthy of being loved and respected.  She feels like she did something wrong, and will be cast as the town slut if anyone ever found out.  So instead of going to her mom or the police for help, she succumbs to his blackmail.  During her last semester of college she is forced to get a job so that she can afford to pay off this “debt”.  That’s where she meets him...  Neil.  The man who has the ability to change every opinion she has of herself, if she would just let him in.  The man who can turn her insides to mush with one simple smile.  The man who calls her his angel. 


I picked up this book and literally couldn’t put it down.  Though I haven’t been able to find out any details about a second book, I really REALLY hope there will be one.  Read this book NOW! Seriously! It is only $0.99 and SO worth it.  What an awesome book, especially because it was Rucy Ban's debut! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her books from now on! 
Review by Jillian

Friday, July 5, 2013

Tangled by Emma Chase



It is always the sign of a good book when you finish it in 2 days, especially when you have a full day family party and a work day thrown into the mix.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting tangled in the web of frustration, lust and love with Drew and Kate.  It was a fairly predictable story line, but told in such a unique way that it held your interest and kept you completely entertained.  This story was told from the POV of Drew, however, Emma Chase was somehow able to channel her inner male in such an amazingly accurate way that if I didn’t know better I would SWEAR it was written by a guy.  A very cocky, arrogant man-whore of a guy!


In the blink of an eye, I went from hating Drew and wishing a very uncomfortable STD on him, to rooting him on and feeling some serious sympathy for him.  And I immediately wanted to become friends with Kate.  I loved her strong willed, motivated perseverance throughout the book.  Though she comes off as sweet and innocent, she can give it just as good as Drew can…just in a more subtle and dignified manner.  When the two of them get together the chemistry is AMAZING! Whether it is the angry, I hate you so much I am either going to kill you or %$# you type sex, or the sweet love making of two people who have found their soul mate…its HOT.  I think having it told from a guys perspective made it even hotter! Hats off to Emma Chase…this was a good one.  Definitely put it on your list of books to read…SOON! And keep an eye out for Twisted, book # 2 in the series.  Sorry folks - no ETA on it yet!
Review by Jillian

Thursday, July 4, 2013

RELEASE DAY: Mountain Charm by Sydney Logan

Today is release day for Sydney Logan’s novel, Mountain Charm! To celebrate, we have two awesome giveaways, including a signed copy of Mountain Charm and a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
At the age of thirteen, Angelina Clark followed in the footsteps of her ancestors by casting an Appalachian love spell, which promised she would blossom into a beautiful and gifted woman who would find her true love. A young Angelina had been thrilled to participate in the sacred ritual, but through the years, her father’s untimely death and her mother’s failing health have shaken Angelina’s magical faith to its core. As her twenty-first birthday approaches, she refuses to practice her supernatural gifts and no longer believes in the love charm. That is, until Dylan Thomas arrives on her front porch. Dylan, a Nashville writer, travels to the mountain town of Maple Ridge to unearth the family’s supernatural secrets. While her clairvoyant mother is convinced that Dylan is her daughter’s soul mate, Angelina refuses to see the nosy reporter as anything more than a nuisance. Despite their constant bickering, sparks fly. Dylan admits he feels strangely drawn to Angelina and is in no hurry to leave Maple Ridge or publish his magazine article. Fearful that his emotions are being influenced by the spell, a stubborn Angelina struggles to fight her own budding attraction to the reporter. The two inevitably grow closer just as her mother’s health begins to deteriorate, and Angelina is faced with the possibility of selling the family’s music shop to pay the mounting medical expenses. Desperate to help the woman he loves, Dylan explores his own family tree and finds support from an unlikely source. Can he finally prove his love is real—spell or no spell? A story filled with love, friendship, family, and just a hint of Appalachian magic, Mountain Charm will leave you spellbound.

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author and holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. With the 2012 release of her first novel, Lessons Learned, she made the transition from bookworm to author. Sydney has a very unhealthy obsession with music, and her iPod is filled with everything from Johnny Cash to Eminem. She is also the author of two short stories: “Mistletoe Magic,” available exclusively on Amazon Kindle, and “Stupid Cupid,” which is featured in the Romantic Interludes compilation. When she isn't reading or writing, she enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her front porch at her home in East Tennessee with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat. Visit Sydney’s website at www.sydneylogan.com