Cover Reveal: Sleeping Beauty and the Beast by Melissa Lemon

31.5.14

When Melissa approached me to help with her cover reveal, I jumped at the chance. I mean, just read the title! It sounds and looks like an awesome read!
Trapped in a cursed sleep, the only experiences Princess Eglantine has are the ones in her dreams. There she meets Prince Henry of Fallund, a neighboring kingdom on the brink of war.
Meanwhile, Prince Henry's brother Duncan discovers a vicious beast imprisoned for murder. Captivated by her, he works to free her from both the prison bars she's locked behind and the ones surrounding her heart and mind. Sleeping Beauty and the Beast reinvents and seamlessly intertwines the classic fairy tales Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast.

Melissa Lemon has been writing stories since she could hold a pencil in her hand and she has a deformed, calloused finger to prove it. She began twisting fairy tales in the fifth grade when she wrote a story about George of the Jungle making his way to Neverland. Melissa enjoys writing, making music, reading, baking and running. She lives with her husband, three daughters and cat named Matilda.Add to Goodreads
Melissa's website
Facebook
Amazon

The Other Me by Suzanne Van Rooyen

30.5.14

Title: The Other Me
Author: Suzanne van Rooyen
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Release Date: 19 Dec, 2013
Length: 216 pages
Genre: YA, LGBT, contemporary

Fifteen-year-old Treasa Prescott thinks she's an alien. She doesn't fit in with the preppy South African private school crowd and feels claustrophobic in her own skin. Treasa is worried she might spend life as a social pariah when she meets Gabriel du Preez. Gabriel plays the piano better than Beethoven, has a black belt in karate, and would look good wearing a garbage bag. Treasa thinks he's perfect. It might even be love, as long as Gabriel doesn't find out she's a freak.
As Treasa spends time with Gabriel, she realizes she might not love him as much as she wants to be him, and that the reason she feels uncomfortable in her skin might have less to do with extra-terrestrial origins and more to do with being born in the wrong body.
But Gabriel is not the perfect boy Treasa imagines. He harbors dark secrets and self-destructive tendencies. Still, Treasa might be able to accept Gabriel's baggage if he can accept who she longs to be.
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Dreamspinner

"The Other Me is a story that will stay with me for a long time. This is what YA should be and Van Rooyen has that uncanny ability to wedge you inside the heads of her characters where you will feel all their pain, love, joy and sorrow. I cannot recommend this book enough if you’re looking for a story that will challenge your preconceptions.” – Nerine, You Gotta Read Reviews

"This book is a great new contemporary read, so different from everything else that's out there, and it is brilliant! Suzanne van Rooyen does a brilliant job of crafting a story that is not only entertaining and engaging, but interesting and unique too.”– Myra, Pieces of Whimsy

"I loved Suzanne Van Rooyen's writing style. It made reading her words so easy. Her characters came across as incredibly real. Add all of that into the uniqueness of the stories subject and The Other Me turned out to be a book that I absolutely loved. So much in fact that I would love to read more of these characters.” – Tracey, YA Book Addict"

Suzanne is a tattooed story-teller and peanut-butter addict from South Africa. She currently lives in Finland and finds the cold, dark forests nothing if not inspiring. Although she has a Master’s degree in music, Suzanne prefers conjuring strange worlds and creating quirky characters. When not writing you can find her teaching dance and music to middle-schoolers or playing in the snow with her shiba inu. She is rep'd by Jordy Albert of the Booker Albert Agency.
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest

GIVEAWAY
Must be 13+ To Enter | Open Internationally, but signed book pack will only mail to US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Impression: A Shadow Maven Paranormal by Pauline Creeden

29.5.14

First Impression: A Shadow Maven Paranormal by Pauline Creeden
Genre: YA Paranormal
Published: March 31st, 2014
Published by: AltWit Press
Goodreads
Amazon
B&N

Chira Kelly thought she didn’t need anyone…until she met Ben.
Because of one ugly rumor, Chira lives as an outcast at her school. Which is fine with her, because she works better alone. Always has, always will. And at least she has her one and only true friend, Tasha. When Tasha insists that they join a group to visit a possibly haunted abandoned old schoolhouse, she’s wary, but joins her friend. Because of that decision, their lives are in jeopardy as a malevolent spirit targets the group. Tragedies and accidents pick them off one by one, and Chira finds herself drawn to the one person who can see the truth. But can he protect her?

Teaser Trailer
First Impression Teaser Book Trailer from Pauline Jim Creeden on Vimeo.

In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. Her books have hit #1 on the Amazon Bestseller List and Armored Hearts won the 2013 Book Junkie’s Choice Award in Historical Fiction. First Impression: A Shadow MavenParanormal is her first mystery. It’s a dark urban fantasy and will be released March 24, 2014.
Website
Facebook
Twitter

The Giveaway:
Signed PB and swag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Love After Dark

29.5.14

I so need to get my hands on this book... full of awesome authors, I can't wait!!

Love After Dark features nine bestselling authors who create worlds and love within them. 
Not only will you find love between the pages but new content relating to their fabulous series! 
This bundle will include:
Brina Courtney, Ella James, Melissa Andrea, A.O Peart, Alivia Anders, Heather Hildenbrand, Julia Crane, Melissa Pearl and Beth Shelby
COVER REVEAL
Release Date: June 25th, 2014


Reveal by Brina Courtney ( Ignite Novella included )
Connect with Brina Courtney: Facebook & Twitter

Shay could be the key to ending a war that humans don't know exist. Of a race of beings that aren't real, or are they?

Shay Tafford's childhood has been fatherless, filled instead with memories of speaking to the dead. She is forced to hide her unique ability from those living around her. That's why it's been comforting to have Jeremy, a child ghost, as her confidante. But recently he's been absent, perhaps lost as her father is. When Shay meets Hugh, the guy she's had a crush on for weeks, and finds he can speak to ghosts too she's just starting to find a normalcy in her life.
But as Hugh reveals the truth to Shay, about who she really is and about what it is she can do, he erases all chances she had at a normal existence. Turns out talking to ghosts is just scratching the surface of her genetically engineered gifts. Shay learns she may be part of an age old prophecy that could save the entire race of cryptids. But can she?

Here by Ella James
Connect with Ella James: Facebook & Twitter

Milo Mitchell's life used to be charmed, but that was before her family dissolved, she went a little crazy, and her best friends started acting more like strangers. Spending Saturday morning in a treehouse with a stun gun for company and a herd of deer for friends is the only exciting thing in her life...until she shoots a fawn and finds her dart stuck in a guy.

Her gorgeous victim is dressed in a Brioni tux and armed with a hanky. He has no idea who or where he is. Afraid her dart caused his amnesia, Milo takes him in, names him Nick, and vows to help him solve his mystery. Soon the pair find Nick's face in a newspaper obituary, and Nick beings to have strange, ethereal memories of Milo--who is sure she's never met him. Suddenly Nick knows things he shouldn't know and is doing things he shouldn't do. When the Department of Defense shows up, Nick and Milo run--toward a shocking conclusion that could destroy both their worlds.

Illumine by Alivia Anders
Connect with Alivia Anders: Facebook & Twitter

For the past five months Essallie Hanley has been trying to forget about the frightening murder of her boyfriend. Haunted by vivid nightmares and hallucinations of the event she does anything she can to pretend she's like every other normal girl in High School. 

Only Essallie is far from normal. Able to conjure blue fire and a shimmering silhouette of wings from her body, she seeks the only known solace left to her name; her first home in Belfast, Maine.

But she soon realizes that her return home is only the beginning of a long and twisted road taking her as far from her humanity as possible, with Kayden, the demon originally summoned to slaughter her, leading the way. Unable to touch her but oddly curious, he joins Essallie in her search to find out just what she is. But neither of them were prepared for the secrets they've begun to unravel, secrets that will change Essallie and everyone around her forever.
Flutter by Melissa Andrea
Connect with Melissa Andrea:  Facebook  &  Twitter

Sara
Sara's life is forever changed -
Waking up, buried & hidden deeply in the last place anyone would want to be, will do that. She is determined to find out how she ended up there & why, but when the only person who can help her, continuously lies to her, she finds herself forced to suffer alone. She can't ignore the strange things that begin to happen to her nor can she hide from the nightmares that haunt her sleep. And when her world collides with Adan - the mysterious boy whom she can't seem to stay away from, literally - she is consumed by the familiar flutter that sparks whenever he is around and she is desperate to discover the reason why.
But the biggest discovery will come from the secret of what she is…

Adan
Adan’s mission to find Sara has finally approached -
It seemed simple: bring her back to the enchanted world that lives, breathes and survives because of her, but he quickly finds himself faced with an entirely new challenge. Immediately, Adan realizes that staying unknown to Sara is a task he will fail before even attempting. The pull to her is far too strong to refuse, and being with her will defy the very reason he existed. He was the key to her survival and loving her was not part of the plan that he had been born to follow. Can he find it in himself too resist the urge to be with her and follow through with their destiny or will he destroy everything that had been left to Sara to protect and defend -
And the kingdom she is unaware she rules…

Flutter
As Sara and Adan struggle to overcome their own separate battles - 
There is a far more determined evil that is stalking the shadows and waiting to annihilate them both. 
Sara will figure out that not everything is what it seems and knowing what she can and can not trust will be the key to finding out the truth to what happened to her, the reason why she had been buried alive and who she really is…

Sara and Adan will discover the hidden meaning to why she was the reason he existed and why he would be the reason she survived & together they will fight to change the rules and rewrite their fate.  

Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand
Connect with Heather Hildenbrand: Facebook & Twitter

I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up.

Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And Two, I was born to kill them.

Anna by Julia Crane - Spin off of The Keegan Chronicles
Connect with Julia Crane: Facebook & Twitter

Follow Anna from Keegan's Chronicles on her own adventure!

Seventeen-year-old Anna is an unskilled, natural witch still seeking a way to access her magick. When she moves to Seattle for college, she encounters two powerful witches who need her as much as she needs them. For the first time, Anna believes she's found someone who can help her explore her own magick. 

Her dream quickly turns into a nightmare. 

Creatures of the Light have gone missing, and the witches she admires so well are a part of the mystery.

Before she knows it, Anna is knee deep in the disappearances and trying to forge a relationship with a certain soldier named Tommy, all while trying to find her way. Will she have time to save the creatures of the light or will she become the next victim?

Forged by Greed by A.O. Pert
Connect with A.O. Pert: Facebook & Twitter

Two Seattle 16-year-olds, Jatred and Jasmira, are not your typical star-crossed lovers. They are not even your typical Shape Shifters. Sure, they try to live an ordinary life. At least, as ordinary as the Prince and the Princess of the rivaling ancient Races--the Winter wolves and the Summer leopards--can live. But eventually they learn that not much about their existence can be normal. Especially when the Races' two commanding Goddesses are involved. 

One of the Goddesses is on a quest to tilt the scale of power to her side. The other will never let it happen, even if it means kicking Jatred and Jasmira's love to the curb. Nothing is off limits, including removing Jatred's memories of Jasmira. 

To complicate things even more, there are the Universe's powers to consider. They are trapped in an ancient Amulet in order to protect the stability of the world. But the Universe has a mind of its own, and when the powers are unleashed, the forces of nature are disturbed; earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions shake the Earth. All Shifters of both Races are summoned by their respective Goddesses to fight in the name of, or against, the normalcy of the world.

Set In Stone by Anna Cruise
Connect with Anna Cruise: Facebook & Twitter

Fifteen year-old Valerie is used to losing things–she lost her dad to his job ages ago and her best friend moved with no warning...and hasn't been heard from since. During a weekend camping trip with her emotionally distant parents, she stumbles upon a hidden, mysterious stone and she finds herself desperate to keep it, to possess it. Two strange and beautiful boys have other plans, however. They follow her home–Leo, warm and seductive, who covets the stone and will stop at nothing to get it; and Noel, dark-haired and wise, who pledges to protect her and keep her safe.

As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this loss might involve more than a magical stone – this time, she just might lose her heart.

Golden Blood by Melissa Pearl
Connect with Melissa Pearl: Facebook   Twitter   Website
Gemma Hart never knows when her father is going to whisk her back in time. Her toes start tingling and she has a few minutes to find a secret haven where she can disintegrate and appear in another time and place. While “across the line,” her training and skills are put to the test as she completes a mission that will change history for the lucky few her father has selected. 

Gemma's parents are adamant that secrecy is paramount to her family’s safety. If people knew what they were capable of, they could be "used and abused", as her mother always says. Afraid she might accidentally utter the truth and break the ancient oath of her people, Gemma spends her school days as a loner. Only one thing can throw her sheltered life askew... Harrison Granger.

Harrison never expected to talk to the strange Hart girl, but after a brief encounter he can't stop thinking about her. He begins a campaign to chisel away her icy veneer and is met with unexpected consequences. As he slowly wins this girl over, he enters a surreal world that has him fighting to keep his newfound love and his life.

Phat Girl & The Sankara Parasite: The Anti-Bullying Manifesto

28.5.14

Written purely to help teens, author Andi Katsina is trying to drum up as much publicity as possible, to help get the word out. The book has a very powerful message....

Book Title: Phat Girl & The Sankara Parasite
Subtitle: The Anti-Bullying Manifesto
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Self-help

A dark fantasy tale about a girl bullied to the edge of suicide
If you or someone you know is being bullied, or if you are a bully trapped in a mode of behaviour, this book will set you free! Please help circulate this manifesto, it is GUARANTEED to help victims of bullying : Phat Girl & The Sankara Parasite
This book is expected to become a bestseller. But more importantly, it is already helping a great many teenagers and parents. The book takes a rather different approach to empowering bully victims, the result is ‘a dark fantasy about a girl bullied to the edge of suicide.’
Editions;; electronic, paperback
Purchase book link
Author Name: Andi Katsina
Website

The Dragon’s Egg, Relics of Mysticus by H.B. Bolton

27.5.14

dragonbanner

The Dragon's EggThe Dragon’s Egg (Relics of Mysticus- Book Three) by H.B. Bolton

Sure, the glass castle floating over Evan’s head makes him uneasy, but that’s the least of his worries. With each step inside the Dungeon of Dreadful Dreams, he must battle against his worst nightmares. One after the other, wispy smoke-filled bull sharks come at him — he must remember they’re only illusions pulled from his imagination by those dreaded shadowlike hands. If only the vengeful dragon circling above was also an illusion and didn’t have his mind set on destroying the one person who can control him: Emrys. Inside the castle’s glass tower, Emrys sleeps in an eternal slumber, and Evan’s uncertain whether he can save the great wizard. Especially now that Emrys’ former student, the Lady of the Lake, has joined forces with the cunning immortal Alamaz. Together they have already stolen the Dragon’s Egg, but their greed doesn’t end there. The Siren’s Pearl calls to them, and that means only one thing … Atlantis is in trouble. Join Evan, Claire, and Dunkle — along with a few other unlikely heroes — as they travel across the realm of Medieval Legends, float through the Ancient Isle of Avalon, plunge inside the Dungeon of Dreadful Dreams, and be there when Atlantis rises once again.  



      
The Serpents Ring

The Serpent's Ring (Relics of Mysticus- Book One)
Evan and Claire Jones are typical teenagers, forced to go with their parents to yet another boring museum … that is, until something extraordinary happens to make their day a little more than interesting. After following a strange little creature into a closed exhibit, Evan and his older sister, Claire, discover the Serpent’s Ring, one of the magical relics formed from the shattered Mysticus Orb. Purely by accident, they have awakened its powers and opened a portal to Sagaas, land of ancient gods. Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.      

tricksters-totem-cover-low-res-200x300The Trickster's Totem (Relics of Mysticus - Book Two)
Life has returned to normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with their unique mystical abilities, can help find it. Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends. Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.     

Author Interview
Can you tell us a little about your latest book, The Dragon’s Egg?
Evan, Claire, and Dunkle — along with a few other unlikely heroes — travel across the realm of Medieval Legends, float through the Ancient Isle of Avalon, plunge inside the Dungeon of Dreadful Dreams, and are in Atlantis when it rises again. This story, being the third in the series, dives deeper into the characters’ backstory. I believe readers will be surprised to discover a few secrets Dunkle has been withholding from Evan and Claire. There is so much I could say about this book, but I don’t wish to spoil anything.

What inspired you to write it?
Since childhood I’ve enjoyed hearing tales about Arthurian Legends: the Knights of the Round Table, the sorcerer Merlin, the sword Excalibur, the gallant King Arthur, the forbidden romance between Queen Guinevere and Lancelot, and honestly the list could go on for miles. According to legend, Merlin fell in love with the Lady of the Lake and trained her in magic. Although his power of foresight showed him that she would one day betray him, he ignored the premonitions and continued to teach her. In time, she locked him either under a rock, in a tree or inside a glass castle. For purposes in The Dragon’s Egg, I decided to have her place him inside a glass castle, where he sleeps in an enchanted slumber. I also liked how BBC’s show Merlin connected him to being a dragonlord.
It seemed the perfect fit for my story, but I still needed to add a twist. Merlin became the protector of the Dragon’s Egg, which helped him control the ruthless dragon Thrakon. That was until the Lady stole the Egg, thus rendering the wizard powerless against the vengeful dragon. As it turned out, Merlin was also a member of the Band of Unlikely Heroes. Of course, this legendary group of warriors can be found only in the Relics of Mysticus series ☺

If The Dragon's Egg were made into a movie, whom would you like to play the main characters?
For Claire, I think Brighton Sharbino could be a good fit, although Claire and Sharbino’s character, “Lizzy,” from The Walking Dead act nothing alike. I think it’d be fun to have the actor from my book trailers and audiobook portray Dunkle. His name’s Maxwell Glick. This video clip of him makes me giggle — he’s the mere mortal.
Obviously, he’d need to be in heavy makeup or work in CGI.
And I’m still unsure who could play Evan … thinking, thinking … sorry, but nobody comes to mind.

What is it about the fantasy genre that appeals to you so much?

I’m enchanted by fantastical stories: becoming whisked away into a world where anything is possible, magical beings dwell, and the fate of the world can be saved by unexpected heroes and heroines.

Why did you want to become an author?

Life’s interesting in how it twists and turns, and you never really know which direction you’ll end up going. I didn’t always plan to become an author. Before embarking on a career in writing, I majored in art education and taught AP art to high school students for eight years. Truth told, building fictitious worlds and bringing imaginary characters to life charges my creative spirit in much the same way as does telling visually a story on canvas.

I noticed you also write under the name Barbara Brooke. Can you tell us a little more about what you write under that name?
The stories for my new-adult series, Glimmers, are geared for the timeless romantic and quite a bit different from my Relics of Mysticus series. Just to save confusion, I decided to use my middle name, Barbara, and my daughter’s middle name, Brooke. A few years ago, I had imagined what it would be like to live in someone else’s memory and, voila, the premise for Glimmers was created. In the book, the lead character has the ability to touch an object that once belonged to someone else and become pulled into one of her memories.

How do you create your character names?
Usually the names I choose are simply names that I like. But sometimes I use names that are connected with someone I know. When my son was three, he decided to name his feet: his left foot became Barfel and the right Dunkle. You could say that I decided to name the two imps in The Serpent’s Ring (Book One) after my son’s feet.

Name one of your all-time favourite books?
As a child, I would dive into fantasy stories such as Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit and so many others. As an adult, I still feel the thrill and enchantment of such stories.

Who, or what, inspires you?
I always enjoy a good story about someone who had to overcome obstacles to achieve their success. I believe this theme resonates with most people who aspire for greatness — no matter what one’s definition of “greatness” might be.

Where is your favourite place to write?
My writing desk once belonged to my great-grandmother, my grandma, and then my mom. It was once an old, wooden organ that my great-grandfather had altered into a desk. I was so excited when my mom said I could have it. Now, it sits in the corner of my bedroom, right next to a window. It’s a perfect place for me to write.
WOW that is so amazingly awesome!! What a fabulous way to be inspired :)

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
The magical world of the Harry Potter series would be at the top of my list.

Name two of your favourite authors.
Photo credit: Nomadic Lass via photopin cc
Both J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien twisted, molded, and shaped the ordinary into something extraordinary. Their imaginary worlds are filled with mischievous creatures, magical trinkets, and wacky foods. Both authors spun entire worlds complete with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
Photo credit: phil dokas via photopin cc
I would love to chat with J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis inside the legendary Eagle and Child pub. Both men were passionate about the worlds they had created, and it would be inspiring to eavesdrop on their conversations.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
About a month ago, I had mentioned to my husband that I’d like to have a chicken coop. Well, let’s just say we ended up with a chicken manor built from scratch — my hubby’s an overachiever. We now have ten gorgeous hens who, I’m certain, appreciate their red farmhouse-style home with white trim and tin roof. And I’m thrilled because I get to enjoy rich, buttery eggs: eggs Benedict, eggs over easy, omelets, hard-boiled eggs on my salads and sandwiches, etc.
He he he... how awesome is that!?

Who would play you in the movie about your life?
Photo credit: b.m.a.n. via photopin cc
Jennifer Lawrence … albeit a younger version of me ☺

Tell us an interesting fact about where you live.
I live minutes away from more than a dozen attractions in Orlando, Florida. My favorite park to visit is Disney’s Epcot. Where else can one travel through eleven different countries, nibble delicious cuisine from foreign lands, listen to outdoor concerts, travel through time on Spaceship Earth, and ride through aquariums filled with sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins — all in one day?

Speed Round...
Hot sunny beach or snowy mountain log cabin?
 Sunny beach.
Tough cookie or cry baby? Tough cookie.
TV show or movie? Having a TV series marathon from Netflix.
Chocolate or cheese? Chocolate
Cat or dog?  I love my doggies.

About the Author:
A magical part of H.B. Bolton’s childhood was being swept into worlds of enchanting
characters, fantastical creatures and extraordinary powers—simply by picking up a book. As a mother and a teacher, she was compelled to create imaginary worlds of her own in order to share them, not just with her children, but with all children. H.B. Bolton lives in Florida with her supportive husband and two highly spirited children. Shh, can you keep a secret? Not only does she write books for the young-at-heart, adventurous sort who yearn to dive into a good young-adult fantasy story, she also writes spellbinding, heart pounding women’s fiction. These particular books are written under the name Barbara Brooke, but that’s another story, altogether.


Connect with H.B. Bolton here:


Giveaway:
$25 gift card (Int), paperback set of all 3 books (US), ebook set of all books (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grishma by Kelly Anne Blount

26.5.14

Grishma by Kelly Anne Blount 
Genre: YA Fantasy


In the world of Necoh, everyone fears Grishma, a hideous murderous beast responsible for ruining or ending the lives of anyone who dare cross her.

As a young boy, Ryder lived with his family, deep in the caves underneath the Kadin Forest, unaware of the horrors of the world. His simple world was turned upside down one horrible night when Grishma attacked his family, killing his father and kidnapping his mother and younger sister.

From that night on, Ryder devoted his life to killing Grishma. He tracked the monster from Necoh, to our world, and back again. Unfortunately, during his quest, he accidentally transported Brooklyn, a high school junior into his tumultuous world, where she is mistakenly identified as Princess Sophie, the missing princess of Sumner.

Days after Princess Sophie’s return, Grishma plots and manipulates the King into drugging and marrying off his only daughter to Prince Algid of Dratun. Desperate to save Brooklyn, who now believes she is the long lost princess, his mother, and his little sister, Ryder embarks on the deadliest part of his quest.

Will he save Brooklyn? Will she ever regain her memory? What will become of his mother and sister?

Through epic adventure, loss, and love, GRISHMA depicts the strength of the human spirit and the tight bonds formed by the unique creatures of Necoh.

Special Cover Reveal: The Summer Sacrifice by Holly Hinton

22.5.14


summerreveal (1)
I am so excited to share the cover process via images and the final cover for the middle grade fantasy The Summer Sacrifice by Holly Hinton.  I love learning about how the cover came to be. 
The book is scheduled for release on June 21st, 2014.
The cover artist has provided us with the images to show the process of creating the cover.
Thumbnails-a-b-c small
 These three concept images were the first pictures David created for The Summer Sacrifice. Thumbnail A evoked the atmosphere of a mysterious fantasy, B gave the impression of a teenage classic, and C was more poetic in tone. Holly settled on a mixture of A and B as the basis for David to start constructing the final cover.
Thumbnails-color-mood-d-e-f small
These drawings were 'speed-painted' by David. They are rough in nature as their purpose was to help decide the cover's general colour scheme.
Pencil-line-art-artwork small
David drew a detailed sketch of the friendship group. He used this as a guide for the final painting of the group on the cover. He kept the 'camera' low, almost on the floor, to make the characters look more heroic and the serpent bonfire bigger. He worked to get a sense of wind into the image to give it an outdoor feeling and to add dynamism, and also to break up the composition's symmetry.
06-work-in-progress-detail
David paid great attention to working out the many light sources in the painting, and particularly how they would interact with the faces and bodies of the five central characters. There is a strong backlight from the fire, a mix of bounced lights from the environment, and diffuse bluish light from the sky.
work-in-progress-global small
This version of the cover is close to the final one. The serpent and the title still required small changes, and David also did some other general polishing, including painting the moon's glow onto the vines and leaves framing the picture, and adding the stars.
Screenshot
This screenshot shows the front, back and spine of the cover from inside Krita, the open-source software David uses to create his work.
The-Summer-Sacrifice Paperback_export
The final cover for the paperback.
The-Summer-Sacrifice_cover
The final cover for the ebook.

Book Description: Three hundred years ago, the Great Goddess sent a storm to destroy mankind. She nearly succeeded. One island survived. These days, the Goddess stops the spread of evil by sacrificing the Island’s rotten teenage souls. Or so the story goes... . When Jamie Tuff survives her Taking, she thinks her worst nightmares are behind her. But then her soul starts wandering into other people’s bodies, and she discovers that the Island harbours a deadly secret. Now, she must save her little world from a fate worse than—well, worse than what the Goddess has already done to it. Join Jamie Tuff and friends on their adventures through land, sea and sky, in a world where stars walk and Halfhawks fly.


About the Cover Designer:
David Revoy (nickname Deevad), is a french artist living in the south of France. He has more than 10 years of experience working remotely as a freelancer. His skills and expertise includes illustration, art-direction, concept-art and teaching. In short: he's a 2D artist (he uses drawing, painting, digital painting techniques) and paints custom artworks for books, posters, board-games, video-games and movies. His clients are located all around the world.
Since 2009 he has painted using only free and open-source software. He uses Krita, Mypaint, and Gimp on Linux. This technical choice doesn't affect compatibility with his clients: he still provides industry standards and can work or open any regular files.
He can be followed on Google+TwitterTumblr or deviantArt.

About the Author:

hollyHolly grew up in a small, sleepy village in Suffolk. The acting bug hit her at age nine, when she was asked to play Baboushka in the school nativity. That same year she played the lead role of a naughty black poodle in a pet parlour themed ballet, and she thought she had made it. Years passed, but the acting bug didn’t. She went to Goldsmiths, University of London to study Drama, after which she completed her actor training at Arts Ed.
Writing a book was never part of the plan. But life’s full of swerves and surprises and ideas dropping into people’s heads. Holly had an idea drop into hers, and that idea became The Summer Sacrifice, and The Summer Sacrifice became the first book of the Master Game Series.

For more information please visit:  http://www.hollyhinton.com/

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Mortal Enchantment by Stacey O'Neale

20.5.14

MEBookBlast
“Mortal Enchantment spins a unique twist on elemental mythology. This series is not to be missed.” Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

In Kalin Matthew's world, elementals control the forces of nature. They are divided into four courts: air, woodland, fire, and water. At sixteen she will leave the life she's built with her mortal mother. Kalin will move to Avalon to rule with her father—the elemental king of the air court. Along the way, she's attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, a swoon-worthy elemental with a questionable past.
Worst of all, she learns her father is missing.
To rescue him, Kalin will have to work with a judgmental council and a system of courts too busy accusing each other of deceit to actually be able to help her. But, they aren’t her biggest challenge. With the Midwinter’s Ball only five days away, Kalin must take over her father’s duties, which includes shifting control of the elements—power Kalin has yet to realize.
As Rowan attempts to train her, a war looms between the four courts. If Kalin fails, her father will die and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more...
Available Exclusively at Amazon eBook for $2.99 and Paperback for $8.99
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Beast of Callaire by Saruuh Kelsey

20.5.14

The Beast of Callaire by Saruuh Kelsey
Published May 20th, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mythology

Yasmin is a descendant of the Manticore. A creature of Persian mythology. A Legendary.
But she doesn’t want to be. Unlike the Legendaries in The Red, Yasmin wants nothing more than an ordinary life. She tries to fool herself into believing that she doesn’t change into a beast every full moon and savagely kill innocent people.
But when Yasmin starts hearing a voice in her head and is drawn into dreams that aren’t her own, she is led to Fray—a girl who once saved Yasmin from hunters, who has shadowy memories that hint at her having Legendary magic—and Yasmin is catapulted into a life of Majick and malevolence.
Despite the danger around her and Fray, Yasmin might finally have a chance at being a normal girl with a normal girlfriend. But with Legendaries being killed, a war between the Gods brewing, and the beast inside Yasmin becoming stronger each moon, her mundane life is little more than a dream.
Goodreads
Amazon
B&N
Amazon UK
Smashwords

Can you tell us a little about your latest book, The Beast of Callaire? 
It’s a young adult novel about a girl named Yasmin who finds herself drawn back into a world of mythology years after she left it. Along the way she finds romance in a girl called Fray, who is having increasingly disturbing nightmares of a hidden past, and danger in an unexplainable wave of attacks that bodes badly for mythological descendants like Yasmin.

What inspired you to write it?
The Beast of Callaire came about because I couldn’t find a paranormal romance novel without a heterosexual couple in it. Not a single one. So I decided to write one. It expanded a lot from that initial idea, and took on a different shape when I started planning the setting and character’s back stories, ending up as a book heavily influenced by mythology.

If it was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
Jessica: cc. Andrich7777 
Adelaide: photo credit: gdcgraphics via photopin cc
I’m open to all kinds of fancasts for the characters, but I particularly like Jessica Sula for Yasmin and Adelaide Kane for Fray.

Why do you write YA sci-fi fantasy?
I was raised on science fiction films and TV shows, and have loved fantasy since I was a kid, so it was pretty inevitable that it would bleed into my writing. SF/F is the majority of what I read as well and shapes everything I write. I can’t see myself writing anything but sci fi and fantasy.

What made you want to become an author?
Writing, and reading, is what I’m most passionate about, so it was never really a choice to become an author. Writing was always what I would pursue.

Name one of your all-time favourite YA books?
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Haunting, beautiful, and a story that has stayed with me since I first read it two years ago.

Who, or what, inspires you?
Books mostly – Reading is always showing me new ways to tell stories. And music has always inspired me, and motivates me to keep writing when bad days strike.

Where is your favourite place to write?
I don’t know about my favourite place, but I write most productively in my living room.

What is your favourite film that was based on a book?
That’s a really tough call between Divergent and Vampire Academy, both of which I watched recently and adored. Such amazing films.

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
I could never name just one favourite author, but a few of my favourites are Tahereh Mafi, for her wonderful and unique style, Maggie Steifvater, for the lyrical, enchanting prose, and Sarah Rees Brennan, for the snark and the diversity.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?

Tough question. I’m gonna say Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J. R. R. Tolkein, Laini Taylor, and Terry Pratchett. Just for the hell of it, because that would be one interesting dinner party.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I have a slight Coca Cola addiction. Slight.

Who would play you in the movie about your life?
Photo credit: Steve Rogers Photography via photopin cc
I’d like to think Emma Stone would be a good me.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
I live pretty close to where the Bronte sisters lived, which is awesome!
Saruuh Kelsey is the author of the Lux Guardians series. Her debut and the first in series, THE FORGOTTEN, a YA science fiction set in Victorian London and London 25 years in the future, is out now for free. Book two, THE REVELATION, releases October 7th. THE BEAST OF CALLAIRE, the first novel of a new YA fantasy series, with a same sex paranormal romance, is out May 20th.
Website
Twitter
Tumblr
Blog

The Giveaway
2 Beast of Callaire paperbacks and one swag pack consisting of a paperback, postcards, stickers, and a tote bag open Internationally.

The Only Boy by Jordan Locke

19.5.14

only boy tou
The only boy 
The Only Boy by Jordan Locke
Mary is stuck in Section One, living with three hundred women in a crumbling hospital. She wonders what life was like two centuries ago, before the Cleansing wiped out all the men. But the rules—the Matriarch's senseless rules—prevent her from exploring the vacant city to find out. Taylor's got a dangerous secret: he's a boy. His compound's been destroyed, and he's been relocated to Section One. Living under the Matriarch means giving up possessions, eating canned food and avoiding all physical contact. Baggy clothes hide his flat chest and skinny legs, but if anyone discovers what lies beneath, he'll be exiled. Maybe even executed. Mary's never seen a boy—the Matriarch cut the pictures of men from the textbooks—and she doesn't suspect Taylor's secret. If she knew, she might understand the need to stop the girls from teasing him. If she knew, she might realize why she breaks the rules, just to be near him. Then again, she might be frightened to death of him. Taylor should go. The Matriarch is watching his every move. But running means leaving Mary—and braving the land beyond the compound's boundaries.
Praise for The Only Boy
Jordan Locke“It’s not a dystopia that does a good job—it’s a great book that happens to be a dystopia.” Rachel Miller, Editor “This book is one of the best of its genre I have read, it kept me gripped to its satisfying end.” Janet Love, Amazon UK Reviewer “If you like a different take on the dystopian genre then I would highly recommend this unique and amazing book.” Tamara Bass, The Avid Book Collector  

Author Jordan Locke 
Jordan Locke lives in Connecticut with his wife, two lively daughters and a well-behaved whippet. A graphic designer by trade, his creativity spilled over into the literary world. After years of writing, reading and learning the craft, his fifth novel, The Only Boy, brought him offers of representation from two well-known agents. Now, after the dog is fed and the kids are in bed, you will find him tapping away at the keyboard.

Blog Tour Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/8/14 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
 a Rafflecopter giveaway
Made With Love By The Dutch Lady Designs