Thursday, January 31, 2013

Promo and Giveaway: Circle of Lies

In honor of the Circle of Lies blog tour starting tomorrow authors Sara Dailey and Staci Weber are giving away a e-book copy of Pack of Lies, the first book in the Red Ridge Pack series and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Book Description:

The last thing Allison Wright ever expected when she moved to Red Ridge, New Mexico was to come muzzle to muzzle with the wolf of her dreams.

Seventeen-year-old Allison Wright is convinced she’s losing her mind. Uncontrollable mood swings, hot flashes, and the urge to punch anyone who gets in her way are suddenly becoming everyday occurrences. Before her erratic behavior gets out of hand, Allison’s mother finally comes clean about her dark secret. Mom is a werewolf, and soon Allison and her brother Aiden will suffer the same fate. When Allison reaches her breaking point, the family leaves their life in Texas to move to Red Ridge, New Mexico where they rejoin the pack that Allison’s mother left behind almost 20 years ago.

Unfortunately, not everyone in Red Ridge is thrilled about Allison’s arrival, especially when she attracts the attention of the very handsome, very taken, soon-to-be alpha, Cade Walker. Little does Allison know, her mere presence is causing a rift in a once unified pack. Not only has Cade been forbidden from being with Allison by his father, the pack’s alpha, Cade’s girlfriend, Kendall Stuart, will stop at nothing to get Allison out of the picture. Well on her way to becoming the next alpha’s mate, Kendall expects to rule the pack by Cade’s side even if it means teaming up with a rogue werewolf with an agenda of his own. Determined to get rid of Allison permanently, when Kendall and the rogue join forces, all hell breaks loose and no one in the pack is safe, especially not Cade and his true mate.








YANR_BlogTour_COL

The Circle of Lies blog tour kicks off February 1st! Check out the schedule of the tour here.

Title: Circle of Lies (Red Ridge Pack #2)

Authors: Sara Dailey and Staci Weber

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group



Description:

Aiden Wright is trying to figure out who he really is, but the truth could cost him his true mate—or his life.


Life has always been easy for Aiden Wright. He’s smart, athletic, funny, and the ladies adore him. But when tragedy strikes, Aiden discovers the truth about who he really is, and his whole world comes crashing down around him. Aiden thought that being a teenage werewolf was going to be awesome, but it might just cost him the one girl who could make him whole.


Since her mother’s disappearance, Teagan Rhodes’s life has been littered with her father’s empty beer cans and his hollow promises to change. Convinced that others would only let her down, she keeps everyone at arm’s length—but resisting Aiden’s charm is proving to be more difficult than she thought. Throw in a psychotic werewolf hunter out to terminate the species, and one wrong move, one wrong decision could destroy everything.



Author Links:






Untitled
ABOUT SARA DAILEY & STACI WEBER co-authors of Pack of Lies & Circle of Lies - the first two Red Ridge Pack Novels

Both Sara Dailey and Staci Weber are avid readers, English teachers, friends, wives and soccer moms. They have been teaching together for the past ten years and writing together for six.

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Staci Weber is a graduate of the University of North Texas. Staci is a junior high school teacher with an addiction to reading romance novels. She considers herself incredibly lucky to have a close family, some good friends, a fabulous husband and two beautiful little girls.

Sara Dailey co-authored the Red Ridge Pack Novels with her good friend and co-worker Staci Weber. She has a degree in literature from U of H Clear Lake and is a graduate of The Institute of Children’s Literature. Sara is a native Texan and lives with her wonderful husband and son in League City, TX.


Book Blitz: The Voice



The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davi - YA Contemporary novel - Publication date: January 29th, 2013
During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she’s not going crazy, because after what she’s experienced, that’s the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.

Unfortunately, rescue isn’t all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate’s house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works—until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she’s worked so hard to build.

Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn’t know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it’s the same voice that she turns to—a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.

Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage. 

Book trailer: 

AUTHOR BIO
 
Jennifer Anne Davis 
Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her high school sweetheart, worked as a legal assistant, and taught high school English. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity. The Voice is her first novel. Visit Jennifer online at www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
Author Links:


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Book Blitz: Fighting To Survive


 
 
Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater (As the World Dies, #2) - Adult Zombie Series - Paperback Release: January 29th 2013 / Tor Books
 
It’s time to clear the hotel.

The fort has grown crowded as survivors of the zombie apocalypse have found safety between its walls.  Winter is coming; soon it will be too cold to live in tents and other makeshift shelters.  The leaders of the survivors—Katie, Jenni, Juan, Travis, and Nerit—decide it’s time for an assault on the zombie-occupied hotel that looms over the town square. 

A pitched battle in the banquet room is the start of a harrowing, room-by-room struggle from Reception to roof.  As the sun sets, the people of Ashley Oaks gather in the hotel’s rooftop ballroom and gazebo to celebrate their survival.  Gazing out over the beauty of the surrounding Texas countryside, it’s hard to believe that death and danger lurk around every corner.

The fort’s search and rescue teams have attracted unwanted attention from bandits who see the fort as competition for food . . . and as a ready source of women.  The first attacks are minor, but everyone knows there is worse to come.

And beyond the fort’s walls, the zombies shamble, moaning, eyes fastened hungrily upon the living.

 
Purchase: 

AUTHOR BIO
 
Rhiannon Frater
Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies trilogy (The First Days, Fighting to Survive, Siege,) and the author of three other books: the vampire novels Pretty When She Dies and The Tale of the Vampire Bride and the young-adult zombie novel The Living Dead Boy and the Zombie Hunters. Inspired to independently produce her work from the urging of her fans, she published The First Days in late 2008 and quickly gathered a cult following. She won the Dead Letter Award back-to-back for both The First Days and Fighting to Survive, the former of which the Harrisburg Book Examiner called ‘one of the best zombie books of the decade.’ Rhiannon is currently represented by Hannah Gordon of the Foundry + Literary Media agency. You may contact her by sending an email to rhiannonfrater@gmail.com.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Blog Tour: Murder on Mars

Blurb:
A paranormal force has lured Ava to New Orleans, where shadows lurk behind every corner and an unknown power has yet to be unleashed. There is a darkness in New Orleans, one that has brought sixteen year old Ava Lopez to the city in search of her best friend, Dyson. A dark crime has been committed, and there are supernatural forces involved. Three sisters who whisper "fate" are awaiting the arrival of the Guardian. Shadow People fiercely haunt the city, unchallenged, but Ava senses that Dyson may be involved with their crimes. She must discover the secret that the Shadows are so determined to keep hidden. Ava will have to risk everything, because where the Fates are concerned there are no second chances.

Author Bio:
M.M. Shelley is a storyteller, word smith and dreamer. She has traveled the world extensively in search of the magic which is often overlooked in every day life. M.M. Shelley is a native of southern California, and a student of mythology from which she gets much inspiration.

My Review: 
Yup, this was definitely a fun read. Clever writing, character's that are real, and a plot that pulls you in. I loved the story and enjoyed myself. There were a few format issues, but that could be on my end. *I only have an original nook* Otherwise, this was a great story, fun, quick read, and very unique. Ava is a fun character that anyone would love! Also, LOVE *love* the name Dyson! :P Tons of good paranormal elements that will satisfy fans of the Paranormal genres, and a good solid mystery too! Pretty much everything for everyone!

I recommend it very much! :)


Other Tour Stops:
January 30 - Andi's YA Books - Interview/PROMO
January 31 - Author Ever Leigh - Review
February 1 - Sitting with a Book - Review/Interview
February 1 - RABT Reviews - Review

 

HAPPY RELEASE DAY: Hooked By Liz Fichera


Blurb:
Get hooked on a girl named Fred…HE said: Fred Oday is a girl? Puh-leeze. Why is a girl taking my best friend's spot on the boys' varsity golf team?
SHE said: Can I seriously do this? Can I join the boys' team? Everyone will hate me—especially Ryan Berenger.
HE said: Coach expects me to partner with Fred on the green? That is crazy bad. Fred's got to go—especially now that I can't get her out of my head. So not happening.
SHE said: Ryan can be nice, when he's not being a jerk. Like the time he carried my golf bag. But the girl from the rez and the spoiled rich boy from the suburbs? So not happening.
But there's no denying that things are happening as the girl with the killer swing takes on the boy with the killer smile…

Book Details:


  • Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Harlequin Teen; Original edition (January 29, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373210728

*info taken from amazon.com's site...

Monday, January 28, 2013

Final Seeing Double Keurig Giveaway

Seeing Double! Keurig Vue V700 Event
Brew with a Vue. Keurig has done it again with an entirely new brewing system that gives you more of the tasty beverages you love, exactly the way you want them. Now, you can decide how strong you want your coffee to taste and how hot, no matter how big or small your cup is! From creamy hot chocolate to delicious iced teas and frothy cafe beverages, the Keurig Vue V700 delivers the size, strength, and consistency you love, with every single-serving.

Still deliciously simple. At just the touch of a button, Keurig's revolutionary Custom Brew Technology adjusts water pressure, timing, and airflow to deliver the perfect cup of coffee or tea every time. You'll love the Vue's quiet operation and shortened steep time, as it whips up cafe-quality treats in a matter of minutes. Plus, there's no grinding beans, measuring, or cleanup needed--just add water and enjoy.

Countertop coffee shop. With the Keurig Vue system, you get the single-serve brewer with interactive touchscreen display, 66 Vue packs and a water filtration kit. And, for your convenience, it comes with two 16-oz iced coffee tumblers to get you started right out of the box.

Well, if that isn't the pot calling the Keurig fabulous!




  • Includes Keurig V700 Vue Brewer, 10 Variety Vue packs, 12 travel-sized Breakfast Vue packs, 12 Vue House Blend Vue packs, 16 Donut Shop Vue packs, 16 Celestial Iced Tea Vue packs, two 16-oz tumblers, and a water filter kit




  • Variety pack includes one each of Gloria Jean Hazelnut Coffee, Timothy's Decaf, Tully's French Roast, Celestial Seasoning Southern Sweet Tea, Green Mountain Breakfast Blend travel-sized, Celestial Seasoning Sleepytime, Barista Prima Italian Roast, Cafe Escape Milk Chocolate, GMC Nantucket Blend, and Donut Shop




  • Tumblers: plastic/acrylic construction




  • Colored touchscreen user interface




  • Eight brew sizes: 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, and 18 oz




  • 74-oz water reservoir




  • Brew coffee from 187F to 197F




  • Strength selection for stronger flavor




  • Removable drip tray with adjustable plate




  • Vue packs are #5 recyclable plastic

  • One winner will receive a Keurig Vue V700 + V-Cups!

     

    Giveaway ends February 7th at 11:59pm, open to US & Canada, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
    Special thank you to our co-hosts: Penny Auctions Canada
    ,Homeschooling Mom 4 Two, Simply Sherryl, The Dragyn's Lair, Spend With Pennies, Sparkles and a Stove,  Freebie Spot,The Frugal BatavianCherished Handmade Treasures, Just Davey and Me, My Four Littles and Funny Postpartum Lady!

    Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. MUST READ FASTER is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact Mom Powered Media
    with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

    Promo: Safeword




    Erotic/BDSM
    Date to be Published: 12/29/12



    What happens when an introverted artist who only likes sex when it’s a one-night stand meets a computer-geek-extraordinaire with his own sexy secrets? Objectification, romance, pain, adoration, lots of kinky toys, and oodles and oodles of wonderfully imaginative sex.

    Join Cara and Travis on their journey to mesh their distinctive sexual tastes into a loving relationship with blow-your- mind kink.


     Ob·jec·ti·fi·ca·tion:


    1. Treating a person as an object for use, with no regard for a person’s personality or sentience.


    2. Regarding someone as a commodity; considering them merely an instrument towards one’s sexual pleasure.
    3.  Examples of OBJECTIFICATION:


      1. A woman is on her back at the edge of a tall bed with hands and feet bound together and restrained above her head. A curtain drapes from a canopy above and puddles on the backs of her thighs. The man about to penetrate her sees only female genitals available for use.


      2. A woman is dressed in a full latex blow-up doll costume with durable latex ‘pockets’ stuffed into her orifices. She is bound into a position giving easy access to all three holes at a party. Her face is completely covered excepting nose and mouth. The men do not know who is in the costume.

      3. Safeword: Quinacridone is a stand-alone book. You do not need to have read the previous books in this series.


        Warning: This title contains graphic language, consensual BDSM, extreme objectification, bondage, watersports (one scene), chemical play, fisting, temporary body modification with saline injections (one scene), and the use of toys including clamps, canes, plugs, paddles, whips, floggers, and zip-ties.


        About the Author:
         Candace Blevins is a southern girl who loves to travel the world.
        She lives with her husband of 15 years and their two daughters. When not working or driving kids all over the place she can be found reading, writing, meditating, or swimming.

        Candace writes romance books about characters who happen to have some extreme kinks. Relationships can be difficult enough without throwing power exchange into the mix, and her books show characters who care enough about each other to fight to make the relationship work.

        Each book in the Safeword series highlights a couple with a different BDSM issue to resolve. All books are standalone books and can be read in any order, with the exception of the two Davenport books, since Safewords: Davenport and Chiffon is a sequel to Safeword: Davenport.

        You can visit Candace on the web at candaceblevins.com and kinkyeverafter.com

        * Real Romance * Real BDSM *

        Contact Links:


        Purchase Links


        Follow Along With the Tour:


        VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR January 28 - February 8
        January 28 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet
        January 29 - Up All Night Reviews - Review
        January 30 - Sinfully Sexy Books - Review
        January 31 - What's On The Bookshelf - Review
        February 1 - Boyfriend Bookmark Blog - Review 
        February 2 - Sweet and Sassi - Review
        February 3 - Booklovin Mamas - Interview/PROMO
        February 4 - Book Reviews and More - PROMO
        February 5 -RABT Reviews - Review
        February 6 - Stressed Rach - Review
        February 7 - Steamy Side - Review

        Book Blast: Jack Templar Monster Hunter


        Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

        Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

        As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.



        Author Jeff Gunhus

        Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.





        Kirkus Reviews

        "Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set--sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy...Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. "

        Amazon Reviews

        Watch out Percy Jackson here comes Jack Templar
        Move over Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there's a new kid in town - Jack Templar, and he will take you on a wonderful adventure of good vs evil, with friends and enemies at every turn. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling and Rick Riordan. ~ Penny Brein

        Fast paced adventure through and through
        Written for middle school aged students, this book is action-packed from the beginning and will hold the attention of young readers. Not only that, as an adult reader, it was hard to put down, so parents will enjoy it as an easy read. ~ bluejellybean

        Kids will love it!
        Not only will kids love it, adults will too! I don't want to give the plot away but this is a book worth reading. This book is creatively written drawing in the reader to be a participant in the story. There is lots of action with enough blood and guts to be interesting without being gross. Girls will like it too with the strong female role models and the hint of romance. Even though this is a children's book, I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be adding this to my classroom library. I am looking forward to reading the book in this series and sharing it with my students. Awesome book! ~ pixiep


        Purchase


        Book Trailer





        WARNING

        Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.
             But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.
             First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.
             You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.
             I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.
             This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.
             But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.
             Make sure you understand what I’m saying.
             If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.
             And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.
             So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.
             Ever.
             Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.
             See you on the other side.
             If you’re brave enough.








        Book Blast $50 Giveaway
        Ends 2/15/13
        Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



        Release Day Blitz: The Undesirable

        YANR_BlogTour_Undesirable_RDB
        Today is the release day of the new book The Undesirable by S. Celi!
        Title: The Undesirable

        Author: Sara Celi

        Publisher: Lowe Interactive Media

        Pages: 225

        Book Description:

        *This book is Mature YA/ New Adult. It is recommended for readers 14 and over.

        What if everything you knew turned out to be a lie?

        Charlotte Walker knows how to live under the rule of The Party. She has managed for 18 years. She helps out her drunken mother and keeps life going at a familiar, steady pace. She doesn’t ask questions, even though she has many of them in her heart.

        Fostino Sanchez knows how to live under the rule of The Party, too. For 19 years, he’s worked to be the perfect Party member. He knows what must be done to keep Maxwell Cooper in power, and how find the The Undesirables that threaten to take away everything that matters.

        As the months go by, what matters most to Fostino is Charlotte Walker.

        While their love blooms, danger comes to Charlotte and Fostino’s small hometown of Harrison Corners, OH. Threats they never knew existed could take away all that they care about. And just when these two teens think they know what will come next, Charlotte learns the truth about a secret she has long suspected.

        What Charlotte finds out changes everything.

        EVERYTHING.

        THE UNDESIRABLE is Charlotte Walker’s story, from her point of view. It is a thrilling, suspenseful tale of love, curiosity, adversity, and maturity against the backdrop of a futuristic war.

        Should Charlotte trust Fostino with what she knows? Can she trust anyone? Will she find it in herself to rise up against terrible odds? What if the ultimate Undesirable is her?

        Excerpt
        CHAPTER ONE
        Fostino’s frown mixes with his tightened jaw. “Are you serious about this, Charlotte? Really serious? I just — I can’t believe you’re breaking up with me.” His eyebrows pull tighter than any seam I have ever sewn.“God. I’m so stupid.” His mouth sets in a hard line. My heartbeat jumps to my ears. I bite down hard on the inside of my bottom lip.

        Oh, God. Did I make the right choice? Will he understand? Will he always hate me?

        My breath quickens as the air constricts all around the two of us. I almost taste the awkwardness in the air. I pray my pain doesn’t show on my face.

        How do people manage to stay friends after something like this?

        I can’t. No, I won’t. Not this time.

        I stand in this apartment and know that I failed to make this breakup painless.My words cover this small dusty room. All the muscles in my back tighten and twist from the stress. We will never be just friends — ever.

        He gets up from the couch and pulls on his worn, muddy combat boots. He seems wounded, broken, and defeated. He radiates pain. He picks up my keys to the apartment from the coffee table. Awkward. My mind flickers to the beginning. I remember the moment in the town square when The Party transformed our lives. I want to go back and change everything since then.

        “I wanted to take care of you and shield you from—” He stops and gestures to the windows and the crumbling world outside this room. His soulful brown eyes glint with anger. “Everything.” Now he exhales. “I guess I’m not surprised. Not after all that happened.”His shoulders slump.

        Sweat beads on the back of my neck. I swallow some of my uneasiness. My plan just might work. I taste the hollow victory in the back of my throat.

        Good.

        “I—I’m sorry.” I have nothing else to say, no words to make this better. In minutes, I’ll leave the apartment and flee my life because I have no other choice.

        “I’ll never understand you. Or this.” Fostino shakes his head of dark waves. He fixates on the bare wall behind me.

        His words hurt, but Fostino can’t know how much he affects me. I push away the urge to reach out and hold him tighter than I ever hugged anyone. Instead, I shudder a little in my shapeless black dress — the one the government issued me last month. I hate this. I am not a cold person. I don’t hurt people on purpose.

        “Fostino, I—“

        In a few steps, I reach his side. My shaky hand reaches out and the keys link our hands together. I smell him through all the dust in this studio apartment with the Murphy bed in the corner. I inhale just remember how he smells. I’m so afraid I will forget it. Each second ticks by worse than the last. This conversation is hard, so very hard. I bite down on the inside of my cheek to stop myself from saying something I can’t back up. If only I could tell him the truth, share my terrible secret, and find a way out of my bleak future.

        If only.

        “Did you ever mean anything you said? I mean, even for one second. Did you ever even like me?” He balls his hand into a fist once I raise my arm to stop him. He keeps talking anyway. “I told you I loved you right here in this room, even though you didn’t say it back. I meant it.”

        My stomach twists and heart pounds while I keep up the lies. “Well — I did like you.” I emphasize my next words as my toes curl in my sandals. “I thought I loved you once. I wanted to say it, but—”

        “But, I’ll always love you. I will.”

        He mutters something else I can’t understand, and his words undo me. I give in and kiss him. His lips are a gentle push against mine, and the kiss is so good it hurts. His lips taste like a nectar I want to savor forever. But I can’t. This moment must stay cold and Fostino needs to know this is goodbye for good. Before the kiss intensifies, I pull away and remember my task. The black Humvee full of people waits around the corner. We all must leave soon. They gave me fifteen minutes to make sure this break-up is a clean one. Time is up.

        Now.

        His eyes lock mine. “Why won’t you tell me what’s really going on?”

        Oh no. He can’t know the truth.

        Hurt him.

        They told me I must end it.Loving me will destroy him. It will destroy everything.

        My teeth bite my lip hard on the inside as I search for the words. “It’s — well — we just…we aren’t right for each other. I don’t want you to come after me. We need to end this. This relationship—”

        “Whatever. It’s fine. You shouldn’t make stuff up.”Fostino sounds very weary and haggard with each sentence.

        I take my keys and slide them into the black wool satchel on my left shoulder. Then I take the deception a step further. “I won’t ever love you, Fostino Ahmed.” The words taste like rusted metal. “I just won’t.”

        My hands open the door with purpose. A few steps will take me through an ancient hallway that links this apartment with sixteen others. I push myself through the doorframe and pull the door shut behind me. Then I take the first steps of what I know will be a lifetime of solitary strides. With each step, I sever this connection.

        Once outside, I round the corner and slide into the alleyway as the armored vehicle hums a signal. The Humvee’s fat tires set off its flat black paint, tinted windows, silver chrome handles, and a large armored grill on the front and the back. This car is a fortress, made for combat and intimidation. All the cars the government owns mirror this one. I slip inside and sink into black leather.

        Soon, we will all leave Harrison Corners, Ohio. This small band of rebels will take me some place. And I don’t care where. I just want to disappear, and need to more than ever. After I close the Humvee door, Thompson speaks first.

        “Did he believe you?” Thompson throws the vehicle into gear and drives it down the alley. He gets irritated when I don’t answer right away and runs a thick hand through his long dreadlocks. “Well?”

        Author’s Links





        Add The Undesirable to your Goodreads list


        Sara Celi Twitter: @saragceli

        The Undesirable Twitter: @undesirablebook
        About Sara Celi
        6578895


        New Orleans born Sara Celi has lived all over the United States. She calls the Greater Cincinnati area and the Queen City home.

        She's currently a TV reporter and anchor in Oklahoma City, and has spent more than a decade working in journalism. She graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004.

        Celi is also a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive.

        The Undesirable is her debut novel.

        In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fundraise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.


        Sunday, January 27, 2013

        Read-a-thon: A Winter's Respite..Last Day and Wrap Up



        Well children, it's been real I've read a crapton and am now officially (thank you daynight!) at 5 books ahead of schedule! 2013 is starting off to be pretty read-tastic! Yes ma'am (and sirs..) I am happy with my progress for this 'thon. I'm not expecting to squeeze in another one, but the day is still young so who knows.

        So far the books I've read since starting AWR are:
        • The City of Earthly Desire
        • Wicked Wives
        • Unholy Testament: The Beginning
        • Daynight
        Today I have my bookmark in:

        One Grave at a Time ...which I'm not sure if I'm gonna be able to finish by the time this 'thon is over, but I'm super serial satisfied with what I've read so far! :)




        Blog Tour: daynight Review and Giveaway

        daynight by Megan Thomason

        Meet The Second Chance Institute (SCI): Earth’s benevolent non-profit by day, Thera’s totalitarian regime by night. Their motto: Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance™. Reality: the SCI subjects Second Chancers to strict controls and politically motivated science experiments like Cleaving—forced lifetime union between two people who have sex.

        Meet Kira Donovan. Fiercely loyal, overly optimistic, and ensnared by the promise of a full-ride college scholarship, Kira signs the SCI Recruit contract to escape memories of a tragedy that left her boyfriend and friends dead.

        Meet Blake Sundry. Bitter about being raised in Exile and his mother’s death, Blake’s been trained to infiltrate and destroy the SCI. Current barrier to success? His Recruit partner—Miss Goody Two Shoes Kira Donovan.

        Meet Ethan Darcton. Born with a defective heart and resulting inferiority complex, Ethan’s forced to do his SCI elite family’s bidding. Cleave-worthy Kira Donovan catches his eye, but the presiding powers give defect-free Blake Sundry first dibs.

        Full of competing agendas, romantic entanglements, humor, twists and turns, daynight is Megan Thomason’s debut young adult dystopian novel and first in the daynight series.


        Purchase

        Praise

        “Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” —Kirkus Reviews
        “Gripping young adult dystopian novel; compelling conflicts; high stakes; powerful narrative; surprises keep coming; strong writing; page-turner; engaging characters; Readers will be hungry for the sequels.”—BlueInk Review (starred review)

        “The writing is impressive and the story is a real page-turner. So many twists and turns… I’m hooked… I can’t wait for the next installment to come out…4.5 out of 5 stars”—Self-Publishing Review

        “Delicious humor, intelligence, and sparkling dialogue” —Amazon reviewer

        “Strangely brilliant and imaginative”—Amazon reviewer

        “Grips you from the first page and keeps you wanting more”—Amazon reviewer

        “Plot twists kept me reading till late at night”—Amazon reviewer

        “Every page a thrilling experience”—Amazon reviewer

        “Hooked from the first chapter and could not put it down”—Amazon reviewer

        “It's like a CW fantasy TV show in a book with a really interesting environment.”—Amazon reviewer

        “I'm a little tired of dystopian novels, but Daynight has a unique and fresh story line that didn't have any trouble keeping my interest.”—Amazon reviewer



        Author Megan Thomason

        Megan Thomason lives in paradise aka San Diego, CA with her husband and five children. A former software manager, Megan vastly prefers writing twisted tales to business, product, and marketing plans. When she isn't typing away on her laptop, she's reading books on her phone—over 600 in the last year—or attending to the needs of her family. Megan’s fluent in sarcasm, could potentially benefit from a 12-step program for road rage, struggles with a Hot Tamales addiction, loves world travel & fast cars and hates paperwork & being an insomniac. Daynight is Megan's first published novel, but fourth written one.








        My Review:
        This book was hard to resist and hard to put down. I enjoyed the world that was created and felt like this book laid down solid foundations for an AH-Mazing sauce series! Kira and Blake are immensely well written characters and the story just flowed. I think there were only a few times I had to double back and read again, but I think that was because of the unique way the book is written. The chapters alternate between the characters which to ME is a great thing, as it keeps the reader on their toes.

        So my score sheet looks like:
        Great Characters: CHECK
        Good writing: CHECK
        Awesome world building: CHECK

        Do I recommend it? YES..erm..Check!


        Blog Tour Giveaway

        $50 Amazon Gift Card
        Signed copy of Insurgent by Veronica Roth
        Signed copy of daynight

        Ends 2/7/13

        Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.




        Friday, January 25, 2013

        Blog Tour: Unholy Testament: The Beginning

         Gothic Romance/ Paranormal
        Title: Unholy Testament – The Beginnings
        Author: Carole Gill
        published by Tudor Rose Press



        Date Published: November 4, 2012

        Synopsis: 
        The day Eco first laid eyes on Rose Baines was the day she discovered (The House on
        Blackstone Moor) her family’s savage butchery at the hands of her mad, incestuous father.

        “I saw you leave the house that day, Rose, that terrible day you discovered your family
        butchered. I saw you…”

        Eco realizing he has fallen in love with her pens a confession documenting all of his sins
        committed in the course of his immortal existence. The one request is that Rose reads his
        confession.

        Rose, having become his captive, is forced to read this unholy testament of his.

        From Ancient Egyptian vampire cults to Roman vampire brothels to The Dark Ages, The
        Crusades, The Black Death of 1348 to his meeting with child murderer and Satanist, Gilles de
        Rais, concluding with his wicked affair with the Blood Countess herself, Erzebat Bathory.

        Eco is, if nothing else, frankly and brutally honest. The pages are filled with debauchery and
        vice and murder--yet, there is also love or what Eco swears is love.

        The story is continued in Unholy Testament – Full Circle, to be released in early 2013.

        My Thoughts:

        So I do have to admit that I was a bit lost in the beginning of this, since it IS part of
        a series I do think it's most likely best to start from the beginning..as per the title. I did enjoy this story though. I am a big fan of vampires and horror and as soon as said confusion evaporated..I was nose deep in this book, like literally my nose was pressed against my nook I probably left a dent in the screen!

        It's a quick read, with tons to keep your attention. Eco is quite a devious character. I like my vampires nice and well ...evil. YET this book does what most other books try and fail to do successfully...makes a vampire both menacing AND vulnerable and sympathy worthy. I really appreciated that.

        The only other con I found, other than needing to read the first book in order for the beginning make sense, you have the cover. To me (and I did love the book so don't take it the wrong way Mrs. Gill) the cover looks like a gothic metal band's first album cover.

        The old adage "never judge a book by it's cover"  applies here very well. What might be passed off as a cheesy vampire novel by someone basing their opinion SOLELY on the cover, would be missing out on a very well written story.



        Carole Gill

        Author Bio
        I wrote my first story at age 8. It was sci-fi but as both my parents were sci-fi fanatics it
        wasn’t a surprise.


        I continued to write however life got in the way as it often does, and it wasn’t until 2000 that
        I turned back to writing. I joined a local writer’s workshop and was greatly encouraged to
        keep up with my writing and to send things out.


        Shortly afterwards, I was selected by Northwest Playwrights of England for further
        development but found I preferred fiction writing.


        Widely published in horror and sci-fi anthologies, The House on Blackstone Moor is my first
        novel. It is a tale of vampirism, madness, obsession and devil worship.


        Set in 19th Century Yorkshire, its locales include Victorian madhouses as well as barren,
        wind-swept Yorkshire moors. The story is a marriage of horror and gothic romance. I think it
        can best be described as being gothic paranormal romantic horror.


        I suppose you could say I want to put the Goth back into Gothic.


        Living in the area the novel is set in, was very beneficial. Also, as a great admirer of the
        Brontes and frequent visitor to the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth, I found myself nearly
        obsessed with recreating the gothic romantic narrative.


        Having been employed in a hospital which had been historically a workhouse and
        asylum in Victorian times, I was able to add great realism to the depiction of the asylums
        as described in my novel.


        The next in the series, Unholy Testament – Full Circle is the continuation of Eco’s
        confession. It will be released in 2013.


        Book 4 in the series follows that.


        Link to Buy