Saturday, November 30, 2013

Tour Stop | Shattered Skies: Night Waves by Heather Linn

Title:  Shattered Skies: Night Waves
Author:  Heather Linn
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy
Released:  Mar 18, 2013

SYNOPSIS

Catalina, or “Cat” as her friends and enemies both lovingly and mockingly call her, continues her quest to free the human race from their dark Vampiric overlords. Confused by love, driven by hate, Cat finds out that the lines of good and evil aren’t as black and white as they once were, but deep and foreboding shades of gray. Just as she has begun to make peace with all of the changes her life has went through, fate shakes things up again. Her closest allies aren’t what they seem, while those who were once enemies may uncover the salvation of human race. This time will Cat land on her feet or fall to the will to those she thought she could trust. Will the lies that are uncovered turn her life inside out or will the truth be more then she can bear. As Cat is torn from her reality can she keep from being consumed by the night waves?

EXCERPT

Hiding in the shadows, barely visible, there stood Drake. All 6'4” of tall lean dark and deadly Drake. I wanted to tell Kira to run but everything happened too fast. I was too late. I heard her hit the ground hard.

“Kira are you alright?” She made no answer. I dared not take my eyes off Drake long enough to look. “Kira answer me please,” I shouted into the darkness, but still nothing. Then I did something that I knew could cost me my life.

I looked away from Drake and into the night, looking for some sign of Kira. She was lying there perfectly still, with a dart sticking out of her neck. I turned around to demand that Drake tell me what the hell he had done to her but with his amazing speed; he was already standing right beside me. I tried to side step him and get away, but it didn't do any good. Before I could move, his arm wrapped around my waist and his hand clasped firmly over my mouth.

“Silly girl! You aren't as smart as I was hoping you would be. I thought all you stupid humans knew never to take your eyes off one of us.” He had me and my heart sank.

I had known this monster was going to be the death of me from the first time I saw him. I wished more than anything I had just screwed him back in that basement. At least the few minutes of stomach churning sex with him would have ended in his death. Now he knew that I was alive after freeing Walker and that meant that I was as good as dead. It also meant that more than likely, Akia would find out I was still alive too. I shouldn't have been more worried about the second of these two situations, but in truth I was.

“I am going to let go of your mouth now bitch. We have a lot to talk about, but I am telling you right now, if you scream I will break your neck and enjoy the snap it makes. Do you understand me Ms. Kitty?” I felt my temper about to boil over, but I shook my head yes. It was all I could do not to bite him, not that it would have slowed him down, but old habits die hard. When his hand uncovered my mouth, I asked him what he had done to Kira.

“If you are a good little girl, I’ll remove the dart before more of the poison goes into her hot little body. If I take it out soon enough she will sleep for a day or two but will wake up fine. But hey, if you are a bad little girl, I will leave the dart in her and then she will die.” Drake was enjoying his power trip. I could see it on his twisted face.

“What is in the dart Drake,” I asked innocently. I didn’t know why that might be important to know. But I guess I wanted to make sure that he wasn't bluffing.

“It is a very diluted amount of Vampire blood. The stream is very, very light but if the needle isn't taken out of her body, she will die.” I knew I only had minutes if that, to make him take the dart out or I would have the blood of another woman on my hands. I decided one had been enough.

“Now the way I see it you are going to come with me. You are not going to put up any fight. For one, if you do it really won't do you any good, and besides I know you don't want me to kill your lover girl over there.” He had me boxed in and he knew it.

If it had been just my life at stake, I would have fought him. I knew that he was going to kill me anyway, so I would have at least made him work for it.

“Yes, you are right Drake, you are here just for me anyway. There is no reason for you to go after her.” My brain was still trying to figure out how to get away, but that could only happen after he took the dart out of her and I knew she was safe. I took a quick look around the area hoping to spot anything that might help me escape.
Book Links
Amazon
Goodreads

About the Author
I am a mother to three beautiful children, they keep me busy. I live in a small town that’s filled with monsters and really nice people alike. I love taking walks around the mountain trails where I live and I love taking trips to the Ocean, especially the South Carolina beaches. The ocean brings me tranquility and refreshes me, but I don’t get to go there often enough. Some mornings I listen to nothing but sad country songs for hours but when I write, I usually buckle down with my headphones and listen to something raw and angry like Seether, and Stone Sour. I can be shy around people but I’m mostly always honest within myself. In many ways, on many levels, I express different parts of myself through my characters. Someone told me once that you are only as old as you feel and I love that! In fact, I love that idea because personally, have no intentions of ever growing up! I want to be 18 forever no matter what they do to me. LOL!

Release Event | Surrender To Temptation by E. B. Walters @ednahwalters #FitzgeraldFamily #SurrenderToTemptation

Book Title: Surrender to Temptation
Series: The Fitzgerald Family
Author: E.B. Walters
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Suspense | Sensual
Presented by: As You Wish Tours
Banner Made by: Camelia Miron Skiba

BLURB

A playboy in hiding
A woman searching for answers
Will he let her in or send her packing?

After a tragic accident, Chef Chase Fitzgerald left his life in Los Angeles behind and moved to a ranch in Montana. He's convinced that all he needs to be happy are his horses, a few ranch hands and the Big Sky Country. Until one day, Nikki Savoy walks through his doors with her city clothes, sexy mouth, and a body designed to drive a man insane.

Nikki wants to know the truth about the accident that left her sister in a coma. Getting a job at Chase’s ranch is just the beginning. Throw in a crafty housekeeper, a cantankerous old cowboy, a few adorable horses, and an attraction that can’t be denied, and you have a recipe for disaster or romance. Will Nikki get her answers or will Chase offer her something better?

EXCERPT

“I have papers in case you’re thinking of firing me,” she said as though she’d read his mind.

“I was not thinking of firing you, Ms. Savoy.”

She laughed, and the effect on him was worse than her smile. The sound swirled around him, making him feel both excited and weak. His heart pounded in his chest like Thunder’s hooves sprinting through the meadow.

“Good, because you’re lucky I agreed to come out here,” she continued, oblivious to her effect on him. “There’s a long waiting list for my one-of-a-kind websites, but I managed to squeeze you in. For a hefty fee, of course. I don’t come cheap.”

“I meant, I’m not thinking of firing you,” he snapped. “I am firing you.”

She blinked then shook her head.

“No, no, no.” She wagged her finger like a schoolteacher reprimanding a student, though she looked nothing like any teacher he’d ever had. “You can’t,” she added, digging into her bag. “I have a contract. Right. Here.” She whipped out an envelope and waved it triumphantly. “It states that I’m here to set up your website. In exchange, I get room and board. It is very legal and binding.” She offered it to him and waited expectantly.

Chase hated the fact that she wasn’t easily intimidated. The women his uncle had sent before would be in tears by now, begging him to let them stay or to be taken to the nearest airport.

“I didn’t sign it, so technically I’m not obligated to honor it. I’m sorry you made the trip out here for nothing, Ms. Savoy.”

“Your uncle said you need me, Mr. Fitzgerald.”

Need her? Miss June, with her prefect lips, brought to mind a different kind of need. There was no room on his ranch for someone like her. She’d only remind him of what was missing in his life, the dream he’d meant to share with one woman.

AUTHOR BIO
EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at www.ednahwalters.com

Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. IMMORTALS is book 2. She is presently working on book 3, GRIMNIRS (To be Released Dec 2nd). Read more about this series and the world she's created here www.runestheseries.com

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six. You can visit her online at or www.ebwalters.com.

AUTHOR LINKS

BOOK LINKS 


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Cover Reveal | Shatter by @melissa_andreaa

Title: Shatter
The Discover Series
Author: Melissa Andrea
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release: Early 2014

To survive you have to sacrifice.

To sacrifice you have to Shatter.

Author Info
I find it hard to sum up my life in a paragraph, but I'll try. Reading has always been a passion for me and writing is as instinctive as breathing. Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. Flutter, The Discover Series was my debut release and since then I have written a contemporary romance, The Edge of Darkness. The only thing I do better than writing? Making beautiful, sassy and independent, girls. My daughter's will always be my greatest accomplishment, my biggest fans and my every inspiration. I live, breath and would die for them!

I've been married to one of the greatest men in my life for 7 years and I love him more than chocolate (you know shit just got real , Justin Timberlake and Friday's. Without him my website would be a mess and I would probably being paying more taxes than I should be. He is a jack of many trades and this is just my opinion but I like to think besides my daughters, I'm his second biggest accomplishment. (Does anyone else hear a horn tooting?)

I was born in Denver, Colorado -but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don't have a big family, but I'm close with my sister, brother & my mom. My mom is my hero, my inspiration, and I couldn't have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by. She has supported me throughout this crazy adventure and I'm lucky to have her on my side!

6 things you should know about me:
1. I'm a tornado with lipstick! Translation: I'm very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them.
2. I adore the color pink!
3. I love things that sparkle (including vampires!)
4. I like even numbers (hence 6 things about me, not 5)
5. I'm loyal to a fault but I like to see the good in everybody. Don't mistake my kindness for weakness though because my bark is not always bigger than my bite :))
6. I don't like calling readers 'fans'. When it come down to it, I am all YOUR biggest fan! MWAH!

I will never be able to thank every reader, every blogger or every author who has helped me in one or a million ways since I published but I will try every chance I get. Y'all are the reason I am here and every comment, every message, every review makes me feel like I have a reason to be. So to the moon and back, THANK YOU! Okay, so this was a little longer than a paragraph. My stalker links all in one super easy spot.


New Release | Charred Heart by Lizzy Ford

Title: Charred Heart
Author: Lizzy Ford
Release Date: November 22, 2013
Buy on Amazon

BLURB

Modern day retelling of "Beauty and the Beast"

***Recommended for ages 18+ due to multiple, creative, detailed, steamy, sexy-time adult situations.***

For a thousand years, Chace has searched for a way to break the curse placed on him by a jilted lover. He’s a dragon shifter, one who can’t control when the magic will force him into a different form. He’s already lost everyone he ever cared about a few times over and doesn’t know how much longer he’s meant to suffer.

At his wit’s end, he makes a deal with a mysterious figure that offers him what he wants most – an end to his misery – in exchange for everything that’s his: His life, his power. His heart.

The next day, he meets Skylar, a modern day dragon slayer whose mission is to cage him – or kill him. Sexy, witty and brave, she is the yin to his yang, the woman destined to break the curse, balance his magic and make his broken heart whole.

Except it’s too late. Not only has he sealed his fate, but an innocent one-night-stand with Skylar has dragged her into the middle of a deal with the devil, one she won’t escape, if he can’t convince her that dragon shifters aren’t her enemies.

Author Bio:
Lizzy Ford is the author of over seventeen novels written for young adult and adult paranormal romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling Rhyn Trilogy, Witchling Trilogy and the War of Gods series. Considered a freak of nature by her peers for the ability to write and release a commercial quality novel in under a month, Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring.

In late March 2012, “Damian’s Oracle” (Book I, War of Gods) was featured in USA Today, an indication that Lizzy’s career is just starting to take off!

In November 2012, Lizzy signed with Margery Walshaw of Evatopia, a literary management and production firm representing writers and their books to TV/movie studios in Hollywood.

Lizzy’s Social Media Links:

Series by Lizzy Ford
Witchling Trilogy
Dark Summer
Winter Fire

Rhyn Trilogy

Rhyn Eternal

War of Gods 

Damian’s Eternal

Foretold Trilogy

Incubatti Series
Zoey Rogue (Book 1)

Single Titles by Lizzy Ford

Friday, November 29, 2013

Tour Stop | Interview with Lance | Eternal Blades by @AuthorVSNelson

 
Eternal Blades
Sekhmet’s Guardian’s Book Three
By: V.S. Nelson


Our guest today is Lance, who is the eyes and ears for Guardians Incorporated. Over the past two months we have interviewed two other ancients associated with G.I.

I can’t wait to hear what secrets Lance is willing to share with us today. Currently, he is standing out in the hall to my office, but before I let him in, I wanted to share with you, what this hunk looks like. Needless to say, I’m drooling all over myself. I guess he stands about six foot four; has the most incredible blue eyes I have ever seen and he has long sandy blond hair which is pulled back into a pony tail. He’s dressed in black leathers and is wearing a black skull cap with the words, “bite me” written in red on the front, which also gives him the appearance of a biker…


And now, its time to open that door…

Julia: Lance, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to be here today. 

 
Lance: Thank you for having me. I’ve heard a lot of great things about you from my brethren.

Julia: Please have a seat. ..They say you are the eyes and ears behind G.I. What does that mean; exactly. 


Lance: As you know G. I. is a world wide protection agency who works openly in the human world. We have offices around the world and protect everything from dignitaries to world leader to rock legends when we are not fighting off Set’s Legions, our age old enemy who is dead set on destroying the human race. For the past thirty or so years, I’ve ran the computer control systems for the agency. Guess that is because I have a love for computers and modern day gadgets.

Julia: You don’t look a day over twenty five… I’m a bit confused here…? 


Lance: Guess you forgot what else we at G. I. are. I stopped aging at twenty six, and that my dear, was a very long time ago.

Julia: Oh yeah, Gabriel told me you are all older than dirt… It’s just so hard to visualize…You look so young.
 

Lance: Wish I felt it…

Julia: Don’t all of us. So what can you tell me about Ms. Nelson’s latest edition? I believe the title of the third book in the series is Eternal Blades which was recently released …
 

Lance: You’re right on that, Eternal Blades was released the first week of November. I’m happy and proud to say, it is my story… well mine and Tshering’s story.

(A broad smile graces blonde’s face.)

Julia: Think I’ve heard that name once before, but who is Tshering. I know nothing about her. 


 Lance: Tshering is the love of my life. The lady I have been waiting for…

Julia: Stop…. I’m a bit confused here. I was under the impression that you are quite the lady’s man… at least that is what I heard. If what I heard was true, how can you say, you’ve been waiting for Tshering. 


Lance: Just because a man plays the field, doesn’t mean he isn’t looking for something special? Believe me when I tell you Tshering is like no other woman I have ever met.

Julia: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend or imply… 


(Lance winks) 


 Lance: No biggy… I’m actually quite use to people giving me a bad time… Guess my reputation precedes me. But that is all changed now. I’m a one woman man from here on.

Julia: Really? Sounds like you got bit by the love bug? 


 Lance: You could say that.

Julia: So what makes Tshering so special? I understand the mansion is full of beautiful women.
  

Lance: It is, but looks aren’t everything. Tshering not only has an usual beauty about her, she is smart, funny and …. Well, maybe I shouldn’t tell you everything. Guess you’ll just have to pick up a copy of Eternal Blades and find out for yourself what a unique creature she is.

(I can’t help but laugh, what a sales pitch!) 


Julia: Now you really have me interested… Why did you use the word creature? 


Lance: I’m not saying another word on the subject.

(He’s got the biggest smirk on his face I have seen yet. I look down at my notes and try to find another question that doesn’t relate to Tshering or his love life.) 

 
Julia: What can you tell us about Set’s Legions? I’ve heard they are a nasty lot. 


 Lance: Right again. They are the cruelest, soulless bastards on Earth. You don’t want to be messing with them in any way shape or form. They would just as soon drain you dry as to look at you… A few months ago we thought their tyranny was coming to end. Their numbers were dwindling fast and I felt it was only a matter of time before we would be able to return to our home world. Then one of the Legion’s soldiers discovered the art of resurrection. Four of Set’s Primes resurfaced and all hell broke out. It’s been all we can do to keep a lid on the chaos they have caused.

Julia: Oh my, I never knew things were that bad. 


 Lance: They are and from what I understand things are about to get a lot worst.

Julia: Really? 


Lance: Really, make no mistake about it… they are set on destroying your world and we are here to stop them.

Julia: Thank heavens for that… Do you think you really stand a chance against them? 


(I get one of those; “are you kidding me,” looks and know I have asked the wrong question again. It’s about that time; Lance pulls out his cell phone.) 


 Lance: Speaking of the devil incarnate… I’m sorry but I’m needed back at the compound asap.

Julia: I understand. I hope it isn’t anything too serious… 


 Lance: Serious enough… If you’ll forgive me…

…and with that, Lance disappears out of my office. Now, I don’t mean he walks out, the man or what ever he is, vanishes into think air. He’s standing there one minute, poof, gone the next! I tell my secretary to hold all my calls, cancel my appointments… I think I need a drink after witnessing that…

BLURB

Tshering Snow never meant to fall hopelessly in love with her savior, the Ancient, known as Lance, but she did. He seems to care deeply for her, spending every available hour with her, but will he be able to give up his past and settle down with one woman? After all, he has the reputation of a playboy.

Lance hates the personification he has created around himself. Afraid the others might not understand why; he has held back the truth from Gabriel and the other Guardians, he has waited for the right woman, the one Sekhmet prophesized so long ago. And now he has found her. When he is accused of fathering a child by both Gabriel and Tshering, how can he make them believe the child is not his, even if the boy is a spitting imagine of him?

After the women are attacked by Set’s Legions while relaxing on Jennifer’s new yacht, they come to the unanimous decision; they will train and join the Guardian forces. But that’s not as easy as it was meant to be. Old fashioned and hard headed, Gabriel is determined he will not having women fighting in their war.

When Tshering, Jennifer and Jessica are taken hostage by Set’s Legions all hell breaks loose on the Guardian’s compound. Lost without their mates, brother fights brother while they try save their women and put an end to the Legion’s terror. Will Sekhmet, the goddess they serve, step in and reveal the truth or will she leave them to find their own solutions to a never ending war as she has in the past?



After reading both Eternal Lovers & Eternal Nights, I knew VS Nelson would bring it once again with Eternal Blades!  Loving every scene, the characters, the romance...  The lure Lance has on you is too hard to resist.  I found myself half way through before I knew it, up wee hours of the night reading...  There's just no getting enough of Lance...  ::sigh::

Never expecting to fall in love, Tshering lacks the confidence when she finds herself deeply in love with playboy, Lance.  The attraction and chemistry between them cannot be ignored.  There's no denying it, they are meant to be with each other...  Though the obstacles the two must overcome will leave you with doubt.  The question you'll ask yourself, "Will Tshering and Lance come together in the end?"

I wanted nothing more than to rise and fall with the characters emotions, scream and shout when things didn't go my way, and yet it was great! I loved it!


Author Info
With a love for history, Native American author V.S. Nelson, instructed elementary, high school and college in the U.S. and abroad before launching her second writing career.

V has been a story-teller all her life, always creating stories about people discovering the courage to make a difference. This drove her into writing her paranormal series centering on strong relationships and led her to coin the term: Ancient Legends, New Worlds.

She is well known for her “time management and sprint style writing,” producing well over five thousand words daily - consecutively.

V is available for speaking engagements, appearances and is more than willing to share her methodology with others in a variety of workshops.

A member of three RWA chapters she sits on several committees and judges writing contests across the states.

In Jan, 2013, Eternal Lovers, the first book in her eleven book paranormal series, Sekhmet’s Guardians launched with a fury. Being a series reader herself, she has held true to her promise by releasing no less than two books in the series per year in addition to her other work.


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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Review | The Vision (The Fallen Star, #3) by Jessica Sorensen

Title:  The Vision
Author:  Jessica Sorensen
Genre:  YA, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Length:  305 Pages
Released:  Oct 22, 2011

Blurb

The Vision is book 3 in the Fallen Star Series.

Gemma thought she was trapped—that Stephan had finally won. But then time resets and she’s given another chance.

The clock is ticking as Gemma tries to figure out how to change the vision that ends the world in ice. If she can, then maybe she can save the world from Stephan and give her and Alex a chance at a real future. But changing visions can be dangerous, and sometimes one small mistake can lead to disastrous results.

Review

Amazing book, couldn't stop reading, and love the way the author details things throughout the book... I can't wait till  the last and final book of this series... :) I am not sure what to expect but it has to be good!

~ Reviewed November 18, 2011

- My Reviews -

About the Author
The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives with her husband and three kids in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Pre-Release Tour | The Souls of Rain by Diana Nixon

Title:  The Souls of Rain
Author:  Diana Nixon
Cover Design by: Jennifer Wieland
(J.M. Rising Horse Creations

Synopsis

The secrets of the heavens had always been carefully guarded. Until one day when the angels realized that what they used to believe in was nothing but a cruel game between heaven and hell.

And Claire’s life is a part of that game too. She is a guardian angel.

She always thought that her existence was perfect. But perfection is a very relative term, and no one is protected from making mistakes.

Everything changes the moment Claire gets a new assignment. Guarding humans has never been easy, and this time won’t be an exception.

Alan Rosenford is a spoilt party-boy, whose life is a hurricane of risk and adrenaline rush. His soul is damaged, his heart is bleeding, and there are so many things he prefers to keep private….

The words they have never said before …

The sins they have never committed….


How much does forgiveness of the heavens cost?

Or maybe even the heavens make mistakes?....


Trailing my fingers over the lines of your face,
Kissing your lips and melting in your embrace,
Enjoying the warmth and drinking in the moment,
Leading multiple lives feels like a pure torment.

Falling even deeper in love with you,
Discovering all the things I never knew,
Evolving into someone better and someone new,
I’ll stay for one more day, or maybe for a few,
To build up my strength to live centuries without you.

I’ll follow you to the deserts and across the oceans,
Desperate for changes and overwhelming emotions;
I’ll stay with you on the earth, or follow you to the sky,
Only with you can I breathe and feel myself alive.

Holding hands, we walk between the silver raindrops,
With the snow-white doves flying around us;
Leaving for the memories we shared, lives ago,
Can we put them back together? No one knows.

Look around and tell me what you see,
There’s no one else in sight, but you and me,
Chasing away the darkness and stormy clouds,
Just the way it was always meant to be.

Living like there’s nothing left to lose,
No one to forgive, no one to accuse.
When the bridges of hope come crashing down,
In the bewitching sounds of love we drown,
As we kiss away each other’s worst fears,
Banishing regrets, pains and bitter tears.

Take a breath and wait for the long tomorrow,
If I disappear in the shadows, find me and follow,
Rescue me in the midst of my endless night,
Turn the pale moon into bright daylight,
Make this heart of mine miss a beat,
Only with you is my soul complete.

The Souls of Rain Links:



About the author
Diana Nixon is a poet and the author of fantasy and contemporary romances.

She was born in Minsk, Belarus, where she currently lives. In 2008 she graduated from Belorussian state University. She has a Master of Law degree and speaks several foreign languages, including English, Polish and Spanish.




Stalker Links

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Review | Vampireville (Vampire Kisses # 3) by Ellen Schreiber

 Title:  Vampireville
Series:  Vampire Kisses #3
Author:  Ellen Schreiber
Genre:  YA Paranormal
Length:  192 Pages
Released:  October 2009

 BLURB

For goth-girl Raven, dating her dream boyfriend is complicated, especially because Alexander's secret means that they can see each other only at night.

And now the pair must be extra wary in the dark with Alexander's archrival, Jagger, appearing around town. As if Jagger isn't enough cause for worry, Luna, his strikingly pale sister, has also surfaced and seems to have her sights set on Raven's longtime nemesis, Trevor. Together, Raven and Alexander must begin a terrifying search for Jagger and Luna's hideout to drive them away -- that is, if it's not already too late to save Dullsville from becoming Vampireville.

In the latest installment of her popular Vampire Kisses books, Ellen Schreiber continues the startling story of two teen outsiders -- she from the mortal world and he from the Underworld -- who share a thrilling, extraordinary romance.

 REVIEW

Wen I read the first chapter I didn't want to go to bed.  It probably took me two days to finish it.  When Jagger's sister Luna and sets her sights on Raven's nemesis things get out of control.  When Luna goes after Trevor, Raven gets mad.  So far my favorite characters in this series are Raven, Alexander and Billy, Raven's brother.
About the Author
Ellen Schreiber was an actress and a stand-up comedienne before becoming a writer and moving to her own Dullsville. She is the author of Teenage Mermaid, Comedy Girl, and all of the books in the Vampire Kisses series. Vampire Kisses is an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, and an IRA/CBC Young Adults' Choice. 


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Blog Tour / Daughter of Zeus Series by Kaitlin Bevis



Title- Persephone 
Series- Daughters of Zeus Book #1 
By- Kaitlin Bevis 
Genre-YA Paranormal 

Blurb

There are worse things than death, worse people too.

The "talk" was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they're a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn't until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.


Excerpt

The branch crashed in front of me, scraping my legs. I ran for the parking lot as fast as I could. The frost closed in, surrounding me. I’d never been claustrophobic, but as the frost cut off my escape path with a solid white wall, I panicked.

Fog rolled in, like cold death, cutting off my view of the park. It curled around me, brushing against my face, arms, and legs. I turned back to the tree and ran faster, my dress tangling between my legs as the fog and icy wind blew against my skin.

The parking lot is the other way! my mind screamed. The other way was cut off by a mountain of ice. I felt as if I was being herded. By ice?

I slipped on the icy ground, falling face first into the frost. Ice crept up my toes and along my legs. I thrashed and screamed. I felt the fog becoming a solid mass above me, pinning me to the ground. The ice piled around me. Am I going to be buried alive?

I dug my nails into the frigid snow in front of me and tried to claw my way out of the frosted death trap. I was so panicked I didn’t feel it when my nails broke against the impenetrable wall of ice, leaving red crescents of blood welling up on sensitive skin. An hysterical sob worked its way out of my throat as I gouged red lines into the ice. The ice was above my knees, snaking its way up my thighs. I shivered.

Shivering’s good, I reminded myself. It means your body hasn’t given up…yet. The cold was painful, like a thousand little knives pricking my skin. A violent tremor went up my spine, sending waves of pain through me.

“Help me!” I screamed, knowing it was futile. I was going to die here.

Except I couldn’t die. Could I? Mom said I was immortal, but was that all-inclusive? Did I have a weakness? Was snow my Kryptonite? If I got hurt, would I heal or would I be trapped in an injured body in pain forever?

I suddenly didn’t know if immortality was a good thing or a bad thing. The cold hurt. I was kicking, screaming, and clawing my way out of the frost, but for every inch I gained a mountain piled around me. I thought I heard a man’s laughter on the wind, the sound somehow colder than the ice freezing me into place.

The ground before my outstretched hand trembled. The shaking increased. The earth lurched beneath me. The surface cracked and the sound was so loud that for a moment all I could hear was high-pitched ringing in my ears. The ground split into an impossibly deep crevice. My voice went hoarse from screaming as I peered into the endless abyss, trapped and unable to move away from the vertigo-inducing edge.

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Title- Daughter of the Earth and Sky
Series- Daughters of Zeus Book # 2 
By-Kaitlin Bevis
Genre-YA Paranormal 

Blurb

Some vows can never be broken.

Persephone thought she could go back to her normal life after returning from the Underworld. She was wrong. 

The goddess Aphrodite is born among the waves with more charm than she can control. Zeus is stalking Persephone and her loved ones, and Thanatos is no longer content with Persephone's silence.

He wants her soul.

Persephone can't tell anyone about Thanatos' betrayal, and it drives a wedge between her and Hades. Her mother is still keeping secrets, and Melissa's jealousy of Aphrodite threatens to tear their friendship apart.

Alone, Persephone turns to a human boy for comfort. But will their relationship put him in danger? 

Sacrifices must be made, and Persephone must choose between her human life and her responsibilities as a goddess. If she doesn't, she could lose them both.

But will either life be worth choosing once Zeus is through with her?


Excerpt

I'd been here before. My bare feet glided over the leaf-strewn path, unharmed by the rocks and twigs crunching beneath me. Massive live oaks draped with Spanish moss created a canopy above me, transforming the forest path into a tunnel of speckled sunlight. The air was heavy with humidity. The moist heat pressed against my skin and stole the breath from my lungs. By the time I reached the path’s end, my Eeyore nightshirt clung to my skin.

"Dungeoness." I came to a halt when I recognized the sprawling ruins of the ancient ivy-covered brick and stone manor.

Athens Academy took my class on a week-long trip to Georgia's coastal islands freshmen year. Cumberland Island was a major highlight because of the sea turtles, wild horses, and these ruins.

"Good job, Persephone,” I muttered, kicking at a branch. “You’ve figured out where you are, but how did you get here?" I knelt to pick up a smooth, white stone, tucking damp tendrils of hair behind my ears so I could see better. The rock looked and felt real. I ran my hand over the smooth stone, turning it over and tracing the shape. The weight of it in my hand reassured me.

I turned, hoping the path held some answers, but it was no longer there. I stood on the grass-covered shoreline looking out to sea. In the distance, a girl stood thigh high in the ocean, clad in a gown of strategically placed sea foam. Although her back was to me, I could tell she was perfect. The curly ringlets of hair cascading down her flawless cream skin matched the intense orange of the sky as the sun sank in the sea.

I glanced down at my sun-kissed skin, self-conscious. She was really pretty. A movement caught my attention and I glanced up as she looked over her shoulder, aquamarine eyes meeting mine. Then she spoke. I was shocked to hear Boreas' cold voice roll off her tongue. "Zeus lives."

I stumbled backward. Boreas, the god of winter. My mind flashed back to that horrible day in the clearing last winter. Boreas’ cold laughter. His fingers digging in my hair as he pulled me across the frozen ground. Melissa’s eyes widening as she choked on her last breath. The rush of power that gave me the strength to put Death himself, and Boreas, under my control.

A soul for a soul. I’d bargained with Thanatos, the god of death, and killed Boreas without a second thought, saving my best friend.

Now images shoved their way through my thoughts: Cumberland Island, two sunsets, lightning cracking in the sky. My mind screamed against the onslaught. I gritted my teeth and forced myself to think the word that would make it all stop.

I bolted up in bed with a gasp. A weight in my hand made me look down. I unclenched my fist, revealing the white stone from Dungeoness.

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Title- The Iron Queen 
Series- The Daughters of Zeus Book # 3
By- Kaitlin Bevis
Genre- YA Paranormal 

Blurb

Life is hell for Persephone. Zeus will stop at nothing to gain access to the living realm and the Underworld, and as the only living god with a right to both, Persephone’s in trouble. Captured and tortured beyond the limits of her resolve, Persephone must find the power to stand against Zeus. But will she be strong enough? 

Meanwhile, Hades contemplates desperate measures to rescue his queen. Persephone never thought of herself as dangerous, but there’s a reason gods never marry for love. A being with the power to destroy all of creation shouldn’t place more value in one individual than the rest of the planet. But Hades...Hades would break the world for her.

To save the world and stop both Hades and Zeus, Persephone must make a difficult choice. One that may cost her everything.


Excerpt

Chapter II

Aphrodite

Persephone’s anguished scream echoed through the park. I’d rushed over as soon as she called me for help, but knew I was too late. The air hummed with energy, setting my hair on end as I jumped out of the cherry red convertible I’d “borrowed” from some random guy.

I sloshed onto the wet pavement, twisting my ankle in my haste, and made a mental note not to wear heels next time Persephone needed me.

Not that she made a habit of calling me when she needed something. She must really be desperate. I hurried up the wooded running path and almost tripped over a crumpled shape. Hades. What could knock Hades out?

“Aphrodite.” A voice as smooth as silk sent shivers up my spine.

I cast a shield and jumped in front of Hades. Zeus emerged from a grove of trees holding Persephone like he was some knight out of a painting. Her limp, dangling arms swayed as he walked. Golden hair, so bright against her corpse- pale skin that it didn’t look real, cascaded in waves toward the ground. He strode toward me, strong and radiant. Like the sun had reached through him just to get a little closer to earth. The scene would have been breathtaking, like something out of a storybook, if it wasn’t for the sinister expression on his face.

Damn it, I’d hoped it would never come to this. She was my sister and my friend, and I’d stabbed her in the back by pretending “Joel” was anyone other than Zeus. Yes, he’d forced me to help him, but that was no excuse. I never wanted Zeus to win. But now he had Persephone and, with her, access to the Underworld and the living realm. We were all doomed.

“You said you wouldn’t hurt her.” I’d meant to sound defiant, angry, but it came out petulant and scared.

“I said I didn’t have to. There’s a difference.”

I closed my eyes. Of course there was. “You’re leaving me here, aren’t you?” Zeus grinned. “I’m sure you’ll make yourself useful.”
I was surprised it still hurt. I’d known from the beginning I was no more

than a pawn to Zeus. He’d created me from the remains of Uranus to give me unprecedented levels of charisma and then abandoned me in the world without the knowledge to control the charm.

Charisma, or charm, is kind of like mind control if you know how to use it. I can smile at pretty much any human and make him do what I want, but uncontrolled it’s dangerous. Like, Trojan War dangerous. Used without direction, it steers humans toward their baser instincts. They become obsessed. Anything could have happened to me, but either way, it served Zeus’ purposes. He had backup plans for his backup plans.

Now he was leaving me with two very pissed off deities who would move heaven and earth to find Persephone. No telling what they’d do to me.

Did Persephone even know how lucky she was? I’d sell my soul for just one of the following she collected anywhere she went. To be someone worthy of worship instead of the obedient abomination Zeus created, stripped of my free will and forced into servitude.

Zeus shifted and grabbed the necklace Persephone wore. “Tell Hades”— he cast a knowing glance at the shield behind me with a smirk—“and Demeter I’ll take their realms in exchange for the girl.” The silver chain snapped, and he tossed the necklace toward me. “Give him that.”

Before I could answer, he vanished.

Plucking the necklace out of a puddle, I shook water off the small green plant that sat anchored in a wire basket and dried the pomegranate charm on my shirt. Oh yeah. Hades was definitely going to kill me when he came to.

I’d run, but it wasn’t like I had a choice. Zeus created me with an extra special tweak. I was loyal to family. Loyal to the point of obedience if they outranked me enough. That was why I was almost glad I was still “useful” to him; I had a feeling the minute he didn’t need me anymore, he’d ask me to swear fealty and give him all my power. Suicide by devotion. And I’d have no choice but to oblige.

If I swore over everything to him, would he release my soul to the Underworld? Would I finally be free? Or would he keep me, my thoughts and memories, and everything about me that was me locked in his head in case he ever found it useful?

I sat beside Hades and pulled my knees to my chest. Hollow. I felt hollow inside, like Zeus had carved out everything that mattered, everything I cared about, and left me empty. Hopeless. The rain dripped down my face, mimicking the tears I didn’t dare cry.

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Daughter of Zeus Series Reviews:

Persephone

Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis is an awesome modern day mythology book. The story line is very interesting and had my attention right from the very beginning. 

Persephone aka Kora, is a 16 year old high school girl living with her mother and working in the floral shop. Persephone is experiencing some strange occurrences in her life that she doesn’t understand. She sees things and has feelings of being watched and followed. While at the floral shop helping her mother, something bad happens to Persephone, and her mother tells her something that she didn’t know anything about before, that will change her life for good. How will Persephone react to what her mother tells her? Will she be able to accept whatever it is? 

Persephone’s journey has begun. She had no choice but to leave her home and go to a very strange place far away that she didn’t know really existed but will be safe there. While there, Persephone will have to adjust to her new surroundings, the people and strange things. She will find out more things that her mom didn’t mention about her family and herself. What will Persephone think about the strange place? Will she be able to accept it and stay there?

Kaitlin Bevis has done a fabulous job writing Persephone. It is book 1 in the Daughters of Zeus Series. I am looking forward to reading the sequels in the series and more of Kaitlin’s other books soon. Persephone is a must read so I definitely recommend this book to my friends.

Daughter of the Earth and Sky

I really enjoyed reading the Daughter of the Earth and Sky (Daughter of Zeus Series #2) by Kaitlin Bevis. It is a fantastic mythical book that continues right where book 1, Persephone ended and it had my attention right from the beginning.

At the beginning of this sequel, Persephone had a strange nightmare of herself being on some island but she didn’t know where until she recognized the ruin of an ancient building. That is when Persephone remembers that she has been on that island before. What is the name of this island and where is it located? As Persephone was walking, she sees a beautiful girl standing in the water and Persephone was shocked to hear the voice coming out of the girl’s mouth mentioning about her father being alive. All of a sudden Persephone wakes up from her nightmare and realizes that it is a message sent to her by someone but she doesn’t know who. 

Persephone’s nightmare startled her. She is shocked by the information about her father so she goes to the Underworld, tells Hades about the nightmare and asks him if someone can send a message to her in a dream. Persephone wants to find out who would be able to do that. Will she find out who and what that message meant? She asks Hades if he will go with her to this island to get answers and he agrees. She finally tells her mom what is going on but her mother doesn’t like her daughter getting involved but Persephone is determined to. Persephone also insists that her mom give Hades permission to go with her to find the answers that she is looking for. 

Persephone and Hades journey to the island has begun. They will find out that her nightmare is true. While on the island, Persephone sees the girl and meets Hades brother for the first time when he comes walking up to them. Who is Hades brother? Will Persephone find out more information about her father and who the mystery girl is? 

Thanks Kaitlin Bevis, you have done it again!! This book is awesome and it is a must read. I definitely recommend my friends to check it out. Now I am going to go read The Iron Queen (Daughter of Zeus #3). 

I give Persephone & Daughter of the Earth and Sky 5 Dandy's!!


The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen (Daughters of Zeus #3) by Kaitlin Bevis is an awesome book just like the first two books in the series. It began right where Book 2, Daughter of Earth and Sky ended and just like the first two it had my attention right from the beginning.

Persephone has been captured and now Hades has to explain to her mother, Demeter what happened. Persephone is in trouble. What are their plans to save her? Will Hades be able to find Persephone in time?

When Persephone wakes up, she finds herself in so much pain and being held in a room. Persephone realizes that she is not alone. Who is this mystery person? What does this person want with her? 

This is the beginning of Persephone’s difficult journey. It is going to be a rough road for her. The whole time during her captivity, she is badly tortured. Will she have the power to stand up for herself against this person? 

Thank you Kaitlin Bevis! You have done it again! Book 3 is a must read and I definitely recommend it to my friends to check out. I am really looking forward to reading more books from Kaitlin in the future. 


I give The Iron Queen 5 Dandy's!!


About the Author

Kaitlin Bevis spent her childhood curled up with a book, and a pen. If the ending didn't agree with her, she rewrote it. She's always wanted to be a writer, and spent high school and college learning everything she could so that one day she could achieve that goal. She graduated college with my BFA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, and is pursuing her masters at the University of Georgia.

Her young adult series "Daughters of Zeus" is available wherever ebooks are sold. She also writes for truuconfessions.com and Athens Parent Magazine.

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