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The Sacrifice - Book Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

6/15/2016

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​                                                 The Sacrifice
                                                      Author: Mia McKimmy
                                        Genre:
Paranormal Romance / Fantasy

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​Will their love survive the sacrifices that must be made?

Almost three hundred years ago, a race of immortals fled the planet of Sivadia and came to Earth. When a war divided their race, each side was led by twin sons of the Sivadian king.

From the moment Riana Martin meets Cy, the dangerously sexy Sivadian Protector, she knows it will be hard to resist him. From the first touch, Cy sets off a firestorm inside her heart and soul.

Cy knows Riana is his destiny, but since their father named him successor to the throne, his twin has been determined to destroy him.

Can Cy protect Riana from his brother…one of the most evil beings to ever walk this planet?

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​Riana returned from accompanying Cy on horseback to patrol the borders of the compound. This was their first time alone. Afterwards, she has her first of three, one-on-one fight sessions with Kyra, their instructor.

Riana changed her clothes before her fight session with Kyra, still hyped from horse-back riding with Cy. He was without a doubt, the sexiest male she’d ever met. Her womb had practically seized when she’d dismounted and slid down the length of all those hard muscles. At that moment, Tonka wasn’t all she’d wanted to ride. What would it be like to spend an entire evening with him? A smile quirked the corners of her mouth. It would be fun finding out.
The front door slammed and Riana went into the kitchen. Elle was bent over the sink guzzling water from the faucet, her face pink from exertion. She’d just returned from her fighting session with Kyra. “How did it go?”
Elle wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Well, I didn’t take her down. But, she didn’t take me down either. I definitely gave her a run for her money. She’s tough. She’s been doing this all afternoon and no one has put her on the mat. If you or the girl who’s with her now doesn’t, she’s going to be hard to live with. I can hear her running her mouth now.”
Dread curled in Riana’s gut. If Elle couldn’t beat Kyra, there wasn’t any hope for her. In the past, when she and Elle sparred, Elle could beat the crap out of her without breaking a sweat.
Riana put on her tennis shoes and left for the gym. When she entered, Kyra sat in the middle of the mats with her legs crossed, drinking a bottle of Voss water.
“Come on, Martin, let’s get this over with,” Kyra said.
Riana’s stomach somersaulted. What Kyra probably meant was, “Come on in. Let me beat you down so I can go home.”
“Are you still undefeated?”
Kyra’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah, why? You plan to change that?”
Riana squared her shoulders. If she let Kyra know how nervous she was, or how much she despised fighting, it’d only make her draw this out longer. Fear seemed to boost her ego. When it came to fighting ability, Kyra’s tenacious ego needed no extra fuel. Riana pinned her with a determined stare. “I guess we’re about to find out.”


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​ Mia McKimmy writes paranormal romance novels reflecting her belief that everyone has one great love, and when you find them, there’s no denying you have met your destiny.

Mia counts herself lucky to be married to her one true love. She is Mom to two grown daughters, and Nana to four grandkids who have her wrapped around their fingers.

She is a former hairdresser, and has a degree as a Registered Nurse from Georgia Highlands College. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, and Georgia Romance Writers.

If you’d like sneak peeks of future books and new release dates, please visit her website at: www.miamckimmy.com
She’d love to hear from you. You can find her at:
miamckimmy@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/MiaMckimmy
https://www.facebook.com/MiaMckimmy
https://www.goodreadscommia_mckimmy


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Wicked Whispers - Book Tour, Review and Giveaway

6/14/2016

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                                   Wicked Whispers
                                             by Tina Donahue
                                       GENRE: erotic historical

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​Follow the heart through darkness…

As the Inquisition gains force, even the faintest rumor can brand one a heretic. In this world it is Sancha's gift--or curse--to be blessed with the gift of healing. But the villagers are in need of her arts more than ever, and she feels it is her duty to help them at the risk of losing her life. And at the sacrifice of her heart…

Enrique has never wanted a woman as he does Sancha. Determined to have her love, he woos her with exquisite passion, giving her refuge to pursue her healing in secret. But their very desire and escape from the ruthless forces of the world may be their undoing. And together, they must pit themselves against a jealous rival and archaic tradition to secure their place in a hopeful new dawn…

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BUY LINKS FOR WICKED WHISPERS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Whispers-Dangerous-Desires-Donahue-ebook/dp/B014NWMH8I
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ebooks-Wicked-Whispers-Dangerous-Desires-Book-ebook/dp/B014NWMH8I
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wicked-whispers-tina-donahue/1122597547
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/wicked-whispers-3
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/wicked-whispers/id1052617270?mt=11
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Tina_Donahue_Wicked_Whispers?id=oiJ2CgAAQBAJ&hl=en
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​She circled the table and lifted a cage with mice inside. Three fat ones eyed her, noses twitching. “I experiment on these creatures wherever I am, testing what my books claim. Thus far, all holds true. The potions and treatments these men discovered centuries ago help us now. How can that be wrong? Would you have preferred I let Fernando die?”
“Of course not.” He threw up his hands. “But this…”
“This is the future. Spain may keep its people from knowing anything so miraculous but the rest of the world will never stand still. They will move forward as we mire ourselves in unending battles and for what? A piece of land? A castle? What about people? Do they have no value except for your family?”
He frowned. “You matter.”
“Then try to understand why I do what I must. How important this is to me.”
“I can see that. You rage like a madwoman.”
“Perhaps I am.” She turned away. “You should leave.”
“Without you? Never.”
She crossed to the other side of the room before he could reach her. “You have no claim on me.”
“Not yet.”
Frowning, she looked over.
“Study what you want.” He made a sweeping gesture to take in all her books. “Experiment on whatever creature appeals to you. Heal when you will.”
Surprised at his comment, she softened her stance. “Truly? You believe in what I do?”
“You give me no choice, and I give you none. From this moment forward whenever and wherever you heal, I intend to accompany you as your protector.”

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 This was a wonderfully enchanting read! Even though this is the second book of a series, the writer does a very fulfilling job of providing plenty of background information on everybody- making it an easily read stand-alone. I've never read anything set during the Inquisition time period, so I found Wicked Whispers to be extremely original and entertaining! The writing is of superb quality with very intricate details that form an exquisite picture in my mind while reading. The characters were very complex and realistic with very palpable emotions and unique personalities. And the romance was oh-so-spicy yet delivered with an elegance that made every touch and moan classy! I was completely absorbed with this book and found myself unable to put it down! The trials that Sancha faced during that time period were realistic and really made me feel for her. This was a sweeping story of love, lust, trials, and emotions that was beautiful to partake of! I recommend this book to anybody who has an even slight interest in either historical fiction or romance - you won't be disappointed! 

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​I’m an Amazon and international bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Kensington, Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Siren Publishing, Booktrope, Luminosity, Decadent, and indie. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised my work. Three of my erotic novels (Adored; Deep, Dark, Delicious; Lush Velvet Nights) were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. Sensual Stranger was chosen Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category) at the French review site, Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for my erotic romance Lush Velvet Nights. Deep, Dark, Delicious (erotic romance) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. Take Me Away (erotic romance) captured second place in the NEC-RWA contest. And The Yearning (erotic paranormal) was honored with an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. I’m featured in the 2012 Novel and Writer’s Market. Before my writing career, I was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company. Outside of being an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, I’ve flown a single-engine plane, rewired an old house using an electricity for dummies book, and have been known to moan like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally whenever I’m eating anything Mexican or Italian.

You can check me out here.

​Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/DonahueTina1
FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/TinaDonahueBooks
Email: tinadonahuebooks@gmail.com
Website/blog: http://tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/146988.Tina_Donahue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Triberr: http://triberr.com/tinadonahue
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Tina-Donahue/e/B001IZPJXO
TRR Page: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/mypageprofile.php?location=tinadonahue
EC Author Page: http://www.ellorascave.com/author/tina-donahue/
Samhain Author Page: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/author/1589/tina-donahue
Sweet ‘n Sexy Divas: http://sweetnsexydivas.blogspot.com/
Romance Books 4 US: http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/


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Genesis  Girl - Release Day and Giveaway

6/14/2016

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Happy Release Day to

Genesis Girl by Jennifer Bardsley!

Join us in celebrating this new release from Month9Books!

Enter the giveaway found at the end of the post.

 

Happy Book Birthday, Jennifer!

 

Genesis Girl Cover

 

Eighteen-year-old Blanca has lived a sheltered life. Her entire childhood has been spent at Tabula Rasa School where she’s been protected from the Internet. Blanca has never been online and doesn’t even know how to text. Her lack of a virtual footprint has made her extremely valuable and upon graduation Blanca, and those like her, are sold to the highest bidders. Blanca is purchased by Cal McNeal, who uses her to achieve personal gain. But the McNeal’s are soon horrified by just how obedient and non-defiant Blanca is. All those mind-numbing years locked away from society have made her mind almost impenetrable. By the time Blanca is ready to think for herself, she is trapped. Her only chance of escape is to go online.

add to goodreadsGenesis Girl by Jennifer Bardsley Release Date: June 14, 2016 Publisher: Month9Books

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

 

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About-the-Author2

Jennifer Bardsley

 

Jennifer Bardsley writes the parenting column “I Brake for Moms” for The Everett Daily Herald. Her debut YA novel, “Genesis Girl” will be published by Month9Books on June 14, 2016, with the sequel releasing in 2017. “Genesis Girl” is about a teenager who has never been on the Internet. Jennifer however, is on the web all the time as “The YA Gal” with over 20,000 followers on Facebook, and 15,000 followers on Instagram. On Facebook, she hosts the weekly instant book club called #TakeALookTuesday where YA Gal friends geek out, share pictures of what they are reading, and chat about books. Jennifer is a member of SCBWI, The Sweet Sixteens debut author group, and is founder of Sixteen To Read. An alumna of Stanford University, Jennifer lives near Seattle, WA where she enjoys spending time with her family and her poodle, Merlin.

 

 Website ● Twitter ● Instagram ● Facebook ● Goodreads

 

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Desolate - Release Tour and Giveaway

6/14/2016

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Title: Desolate
Series: The Existing Series #1
Author: A.M. Guilliams
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 14, 2016 Photographer: Cassy Roop Cover Designer: Pink Ink Designs
Magdalena DeLuca based her life around one sentence. Seven words that forever changed her outlook on life. She attempted and failed numerous times to remain hopeful. When her world came crashing down yet again, she just knew the one sentence that haunted her had finally become her reality.
Weston Corbin was faced with harsh consequences when the one person he believed would never leave suddenly walked away, leaving him with more questions than answers. With no other option, he went back to a place that he never should’ve left. Home.
Happenstance brought them together. Fears bound them for life. Can two strangers show each other how to live instead of merely existing? Or will what they think they know overpower any semblance of a normal life?
"This book may go down in history as being one of the most unexpected endings I've ever had the pleasure of reading! Fair warning .. tissues were required." -Diane at Wicked Tales of Racy Reads
"One of the best reads this year. The way the author spins the story line was magical." -International Bestselling Author A.M. Willard
"This story is so tender and heart-wrenching. I was totally blown away by the ending. One of my favorites this year." -Author Amy Stephens
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A.M. Guilliams was raised in a small town located in Southern Virginia and even though she moved to the city in her early twenties, she’s still a country girl at heart. She loves being in the outdoors, traveling to new places, and spending time with her family. As a teenager, A.M. Guilliams played around with writing, but it wasn’t until 2013 that she decided to put her criminal justice degree to work and publish her first Romantic Suspense Novel, Beautifully Tainted. If you can’t find her in the writing cave, she’s probably enjoying her time with her husband, two daughters, and son; or throwing the ball around in the river for the family German Sheppard, and Chocolate Lab.
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Songbird - Audio Book Blast and Giveaway

6/13/2016

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We're celebrating the audio book release of Songbird by Sydney Logan! I love this contemporary romance and I’m so thrilled to share it with you!! Check out the book and grab your copy today!   Songbird Synopsis: Songbird ebook One bridesmaid. One groomsman. One classic wedding hookup. But for Callie and Devin, their weekend of passion is anything but typical. Callie Franklin doesn’t do one night stands. Ever. She’s far too responsible and focused on her career to ever let herself give in to temptation. But, on the eve of her best friend’s wedding, she meets that temptation . . . And his name is Devin McAllister. Devin, on the other hand, has no problem with meaningless hookups. The very last thing he needs—or wants—is a relationship. Relationships come with strings. Relationships come with heartbreak. A late-night encounter in the hotel’s piano bar finds the two unable to resist each other. With her angelic voice and bright blue eyes, Devin’s sure he’s never met anyone as beautiful as his Songbird. Six weeks later, when two pink lines confirm Callie’s worst fears, she and Devin have to face the consequences of their wild weekend. And they have to deal with each other—whether they like it or not. With a love story that’s far from traditional, Callie and Devin begin to wonder if their one-night stand could turn into something neither of them anticipated. A happily ever after.   Buy Links: Audible | Goodreads     Exclusive Excerpt: Traffic’s insane, but I finally make it to Callie’s apartment just after two. I anxiously knock on the door, ridiculously eager to get my hands on her. Maybe she’ll be wearing some flimsy lingerie. Maybe she’ll be naked. My mind’s busy conjuring all the possibilities when she opens the door . . . wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. “Hey,” she says softly, stepping aside to let me in. “Hey. You okay?” She looks pale as a ghost. Is she sick? She looks sick. Maybe I should call an ambulance. Or my dad. “I’m okay.” Callie leads me over to the sofa. “Look, Devin, I know you probably have some plans for us for tonight, but that won’t be happening.” “Oh.” Disappointment floods me, but if the nauseated look on her face is any indication, it’s probably best. Besides, there’s the next night. And the next. “But we need to talk, so I’m glad you’re here. I have something I need to tell you.” She abruptly jumps to her feet and walks toward her kitchen. “Would you like something to drink?” I can’t tell if she’s being a good hostess or simply stalling, but I ask for a beer. It looks like I’m gonna need it. I hadn’t pegged her for the kind of woman who needs to talk about her feelings. When she returns to the living room, Callie hands me a bottle and sits down next to me. I notice she only brought one. “You’re not drinking?” She curls her feet beneath her. “Unfortunately, no. I won’t be drinking for a long time.” I’ve had it with the riddles. “All right, what’s going on? My brother and his girlfriend threatened to murder me if I make you cry. Something’s obviously up with you because you just want to talk.” Her forehead creases. “Don’t you ever just talk to a woman?” “Not if I can help it.” “Why not? The girls you usually date don’t have enough sense to carry on an intelligent conversation?” “I don’t date, Callie.” “I see. You just sleep with them.” “Sometimes. Is there something wrong with that?” “And are you careful?” “Careful?” “Safe,” she says softly. “We didn’t use protection. I just wondered if that’s typical for you.” Oh. It’d be easy to blame the alcohol, but honestly, using protection was the very last thing on my mind that night. “No, that’s not typical. I’m sorry about that.” “So am I.” Callie seems far more relaxed after my apology. Maybe this night won’t be an epic failure after all. I slide closer to her, but she raises her hand in warning. “We’re not finished.” I groan and lean back against the couch. “Devin, I need you to listen. Something happened that weekend. I’m almost positive you won’t want to sleep with me after you hear what I’m about to say.” “I seriously doubt that.” “I don’t.” Callie sits up a little straighter and squares her shoulders. “I want you to know I expect nothing from you. Our weekend together was a mistake, and I’ll deal with the consequences of it. I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do at this point, but I thought you should at least know what’s going on.” “What’s going on?” Her eyes flood with tears. “Devin, I’m pregnant.” Pregnant. Pregnant? I stare at her. She stares at me. I watch her closely, hoping that at any moment she’s going to burst out laughing. But she’s not laughing. She’s crying. I hear Lorie’s voice in my suddenly throbbing head. Don’t make her cry. “Why . . . why are you telling me?” She wipes her eyes. “What do you mean?” “You’re assuming it’s mine?” “Of course it’s yours!” I snort. “Really? How can you be so sure? Maybe it was that bartender in the hotel’s piano bar. Or maybe it was the guy who sat with you at the reception. Or maybe—just maybe—it was the photographer you were with tonight. You two seem pretty close.” Even as the bitter words drip off my tongue, I know better. Her face is just too furious . . . her eyes too heartbroken. Suddenly, Callie stops crying. Her eyes flash with fury just seconds before she slaps me across the face. Despite the ringing in my ears, I can hear my brother’s warning. Don’t be an asshole tonight. Too late.   Sydney Logan Bio: Sydney Logan Bio Pic jpgAmazon best-selling author Sydney Logan holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education. She is the author of five novels - Lessons Learned, Mountain Charm, Soldier On, Once Upon a December, and Pros & Cons. Sydney has also penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat. Visit her website at www.sydneylogan.com. Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads   Enter Sydney’s Giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
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Finding Ms. Write - Book Showcase and Giveaway

6/13/2016

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Ylva Showcase.JuneFinding Ms. Write, Jae and Jove Belle, editors

Finding Ms. Write500x800 Twelve authors of lesbian fiction bring you a collection of romantic short stories about “book people”—heroines who are somehow involved in the publishing industry. From a novelist with the world’s biggest crush on her editor to a beta reader connecting with her cabinmate on a cruise, from a woman seeking rare books who finds love instead to a bookstore owner who’s drawn to the shy writer sitting by the shop’s window every day, this anthology is full of stories guaranteed to have a happy ending. Step into our world of books and enjoy a glimpse into the lives of writers who are chasing deadlines…and finding love. Includes stories by A.L. Brooks, Anastasia Vitsky, Chris Zett, Cori Kane, Elaine Burnes, Hazel Yeats, Jacelle Scott, Jae, Jove Belle, Kathy Brodland, Lea Daley, and Melissa Grace.

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Order Up, RG Emanuelle and Andi Marquette, editors

cover_A_Order-Up_500x800Join Chef R.G. Emanuelle and sous chef Andi Marquette as they return to the kitchen to cook up another menu in their continuing quest to explore the sensuous qualities of food and illustrate how the act of preparing and eating it can engage much more than simply taste and smell. Food can become many things, from a gateway to greater intimacy to the creation or rediscovery of a connection. To help them in their quest, Andi and R.G. rounded up another group of cooks who created an array of dishes and meals, which they present to you here in a menu that ranges from sweet and romantic to sultry and seductive, from a relationship’s first tentative taste to the many layers of one that has simmered long and slow. Each story also ends with a recipe. Some require cooking implements while others are whimsical accompaniments that don’t require cooking at all—at least not in the traditional sense. After all, food serves as more than sustenance—it’s a trigger for love, laughter, sex, pleasure, and carnal and sensory satisfaction. Whatever your palate prefers, you’re sure to find something tasty here. Ylva logo

All You Can Eat, RG Emanuelle and Andi Marquette, editors

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Chef R.G. Emanuelle and sous chef Andi Marquette locked themselves in the kitchen to create a menu that would explore the sensuous qualities of food and illustrate how the act of preparing and eating it can engage many more senses than simply taste and smell. They gathered a great group of cooks who put together an array of dishes, and they present to you here a menu that ranges from sweet and romantic to sultry and seductive, from relationships enjoying a first taste to those that have moved beyond the entrée. Each story also ends with a recipe. Some of these require cooking implements while others are whimsical accompaniments that don’t require cooking at all—at least not in the traditional sense. After all, food serves as more than sustenance—it’s a trigger for love, laughter, sex, pleasure, and carnal and sensory satisfaction. Whatever your palate prefers, you’re sure to find something tasty here. Ylva logo

Don't Be Shy, Astrid Ohletz and Jae, editors

cover_A_Dont-Be-Shy_print_500x800 Sultry, sensual, kinky erotica with a smart, sexy twist: these twenty-five lesbian erotica stories that first appeared in Don’t Be ShyVolumes 1 and 2 are now available in one compendium. A woman talks her girlfriend into an arduous mountain hike, only to reveal a naughty al fresco birthday surprise when they reach the peak; a tempestuous opera diva finally makes her longsuffering servant remember why she continues in her mistress’s employ; in the shadow of a rocket launch, a bed-and-breakfast owner reaches new heights of sexual satisfaction from a guest she almost turned away; a woman takes a risk with a compelling stranger in a dive bar and is rewarded with an unforgettable night with an experienced dom. Celebrate the pleasures of the female flesh without having to check your mind at the door. Come, don’t be shy, take a peek inside—you won’t regret it. Ylva logo

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Grimm and White - Book Tour, Review and Giveaway

6/13/2016

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                                   Grimm and White
                                                   Heartless Book 1
​                                         By Emily Ann Hansen
                                     Genre: Fairytale/ Urban Fantasy
                               Date of Publication: January 26th, 2016

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​How far would you go to save your own life? Would you kill the one you love?

I want you to put your hand over your heart. Press down against the skin, meld your fingers into the flesh, and listen to the beats. Can you hear how that one organ is keeping you alive? One pump. Two pumps. Three.

Alice White Cabot would consider you lucky. She can press down in that same exact spot and she would feel … nothing. She is under the curse of the Heartless, and on her nineteenth birthday she will have to rip out the heart of the one she loves or she herself will die.

Kallin Grimm is a regular nineteen-year-old guy from the Chicago suburbs. He’s completely normal, except for the strength he can’t explain. Not to mention, Kallin is in love with a girl that he has never met. The only means of communication between the two of them is through an enchanted journal. Whatever is written in one can be seen in the other. For the past year Allie and Kallin have shared their secrets and their souls, which is why Allie knows they can never be together. It is the only way to keep his heart safe.

Enter the dark world of curses, secrets, and a history as old as time. The novel opens on Allie’s eighteenth birthday. With one year left, she, along with her best friend Miles set off from California to find out more about the curse, her past, and to stay as far away from Kallin Grimm as she can. Their first lead is in Chicago. Maybe this curse is stronger than she thinks. Tick-Tick-Tick.

Who would you choose?

Amazon

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​Prologue: “Happily Never After”


On Lighthouse Avenue, inside the house at the end of the street, lives a girl with no heart. This is not to say she is cold or unloving, but it is literal and true. If you peeked inside her pale skin, peeled back her veins and muscles, you would find a cavernous hole of sorts.
Her name is Alice White Cabot, and she is eighteen-years-old today.
A light turns on in the shed behind the Cabot house. Beyond the roses that line the aged rocks on the side wall of the large house, past the stepping stones, a few feet farther than the toad rot, gundly flax, and verbena flowers (I’m sure we will get to that later), and finally we reach a small wooden box. What served as a gardening shed, now is filled to the brim with papers, maps, pens, various supplies, two pictures, one knife, and the girl in question.
Allie sits at the window on a small black stool with the knife in her hand. Her dark hair and blue eyes are the only vivid colors in the otherwise grey shed. She is absentmindedly cutting her finger again and again. Three droplets of blood bead off of her fingertips and fall on to the white carpet. Not flinching, she stares out the window at the snow falling like feathers from the sky. Allie thinks she must have heard that somewhere, some time ago. When and where are lost to her.
It’s Christmas and almost time for dinner. She looks around the ancient space, with its empty flowerpots and cobwebs, and knows this is the last time she will be in this room that has given her solace for so many years. When her mother first died she hid under the desk in the corner and read every book she could find; mostly adventure stories, like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Robinson Crusoe. The ceiling leaked and mice occasionally set up house, but it was her special place.
The gash on her finger has closed and all that remains is dried blood crusted on the knife blade.
On top of the cluttered desk is a purple music box. She gets up from her seat and places the knife on a dilapidated shelf. She gingerly opens the golden latch. A ballerina springs to life, and a haunting song echoes throughout the four walls of her sanctuary.
She pulls out a note. On the front of the folded paper, the words Happy Birthday are scrawled in pretty script.
My darling Allie,
I wish more than anything I could have given this to you myself, but I know Gram will be there to do it for me. You must feel the time slipping away like I did. There is so much I want to say and so much that I, myself, don’t know how to explain. I cannot tell you what to do my love. Whatever you decide, no matter what, you are my sweet bean. I know you will choose to be better, to be good. You are so loved and that will never change.
-Mom
Her face is scrunched up, her nostrils flared and forehead taut, but she will not cry.
Allie grabs the knife again. She cradles it in both of her hands for several seconds before she takes the hilt and turns the blade towards her stomach, so close that the tip digs into her belly button.
Her breath mingles with dust in the unheated shed. Allie holds the knife like one would hold a brush or maybe a spoon—casually, yet calculated.
With no other thought she plunges the weapon into her stomach, causing blood to immediately pool onto her white sweater. She makes no sound, not even a whimper. Both eyes are popped open, wide and surprised, while her other expressions remain suppressed. As quickly as she put the blade in, she pulls it back out.
Allie drops the knife, and it clatters across the floor. She raises her hands and clutches them to her stomach, probing the area gently. 1 … 2 … 3 seconds pass.
“Damn it.”
She lifts her T-shirt revealing a smooth layer of skin, like the day she was born. The wound is gone; not so much as a scar to remind her of the pain.
Today, Allie White Cabot does not feel like celebrating because in one year’s time, she has to rip out the heart of the one she loves, or she will die.
“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!”
But, until then she is cursed to breathe and live and what she doesn’t want more than anything else, she is cursed to love and be loved.
The curse of the Heartless.
What do I know? I’m just the mirror who watched the curse come to life. I’m just a mirror who is trapped like the rest … destined to bend to the will of the curse or break under its power like so many before.
This is not just her story, but it is his as well. Kallin Grimm, the boy who loves the girl.
The boy who can save us all.
Allie walks over and snatches a map of Illinois from the clutter on the desk. There is a bold red circle around the city of Chicago.
“See you soon,” Allie says. She opens the door. A gush of cold air blows inside, causing the music box to slam closed. The melody stops abruptly. She wonders if that’s what it will sound like when she dies.
A snowflake lands on her lip and she licks it off. It will all be worth it. If she can keep him safe.
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 This was a darkly enchanting read! I adore fairy tale retellings and this one definitely did not disappoint me! The storyline was completely original and absolutely intriguing. The characters were very unique and complex with palpable emotions that just drew me in. This isn't a tale of fairy dust and glass slippers though! The premise of this story was darkly intriguing and touched that deep part of me that is cloaked in morbid fascination. I crowed with pleasure at some of the grisly parts, yet this book isn't too graphic and morbid, it all ties in nicely without being overpowering. The details she put into the characters and their own unique personalities was intricate and wonderfully executed. It's so refreshing to see a romance truly grow and blossom over time! I get so tired of books where the characters fall head over heels with each other within a minute of meeting each other! This book was much more realistic! I truly enjoyed traversing this dark and twisted tale and found it completely intriguing! It ends somewhat abruptly though, leaving me searching if there's a sequel coming out soon! (I hope so!!)
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​Emily Hansen is a writer currently living in Baltimore City. She grew up in Illinois and will always call Chicago home. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Fiction. She is a 9th grade English teacher. She became a writer because she thinks that people should not have to look far to find magic in their lives. Her obsessions range from depressing poetry to one or ten cups of coffee a day. Grimm and White is her first novel.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/City.Writer.Emily
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Emilyhansen5
Blog: http://emilyannhansen.weebly.com
Blog: http://itsnotyou-itsme.weebly.com
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27 Days To Midnight - Book Tour, Review and Giveaway

6/13/2016

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​                                27 Days to Midnight
                                                          by 
Kristine Kruppa
                                             Genre; YA Steampunk Adventure
                                                  Release date: May 3rd 2016
                                                           Giant Squid Books 

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​Everyone in Dahlia's world knows when they're going to die. Except her.

Her father has never shown her the pocket watch counting down the days she has left to live. When he sacrifices himself to save her from her scheduled death, Dahlia abandons her comfortable home and sets off after his murderer to uncover the secrets her father died to protect…and the time research that could bring him back to life.

Then she meets Farren Reed. She should hate him. He’s an enemy soldier, a cowardly deserter, and the most insufferable man Dahlia’s ever met. Still, she needs all the help she can get, and Farren is the only chance she has to find the man who murdered her father. But Farren has only twenty-seven days left on his watch.

In that time, Dahlia must recover her father’s time research, foil a psychotic general’s plot, and learn to survive in a world that will never be the same. But the research holds secrets more dangerous than she had ever imagined. She will have to choose what is most important: revenge, Farren's life, or her own. And time is running out. 



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Buy Links:
Amazon paperback│Amazon kindle


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​The cyborg towed Farren by the arm to the medical bay, Dahlia following in their wake. A standard physician’s operating table occupied most of the tiny space. The rest was filled with medical implements on shelves and a rusty service sink tucked in one corner. The cyborg stopped, lifting Farren onto the table with one arm.
“It’s only a cut, I don’t think this is really…” the aviator protested. But there was no reasoning with an eight-foot metal giant once he had put his mind to something.
“I used to be a surgeon. You’ll need stitches.”
Tiberius backed out of the medical bay long enough to propel Dahlia inside, then loomed in the doorway as if to block it.
“My hands cannot perform delicate work. Dahlia, I’ll instruct you.”
“You expect me to—”
“Wash your hands. Get the sterilizing fluid on the third shelf.”
Dahlia began rummaging through the storage drawers. Glinting surgical implements, bandages, gauze, and other medical objects were arranged meticulously inside.
Tiberius guided her through the process of sterilizing Farren’s hand and the suture needle. When the time came to stitch the cut closed, she was surprisingly unfazed. Actions that would have nauseated her a week ago seemed mere child’s play now.
This is nothing compared to being shot.
Hate squeezed her thoughts as she remembered Sebastian ordering his soldiers to kill her.
“I don’t think it’s bad enough to have damaged your watch,” said Dahlia as she worked. Her hand brushed the rough calluses at the bases of his fingers.
“Well, that’s good news, isn’t it?”
“It is. I don’t feel like taking your watch apart again.”
Farren’s breathing twitched as Dahlia made another stitch through his skin. She could feel his eyes on her.
“Thanks for that, by the way.”
“For sewing you up?”
“For fixing my watch back in that first town. ’Preciate it, sweetheart.”
“Oh, you’re welcome.”
It felt awkward, being so close to him under Tiberius’ watchful gaze. It felt awkward being close to him at all. Something about the warmth of his injured hand in hers, the unruly blonde hair falling over his eyes, and the way he looked at her when he thought she didn’t see. She wondered--
Dahlia forced her thoughts away.
Stop. He’s going to die in twenty-one days.
Why allow herself to get caught up in a childish fantasy when she knew how it would end? Farren was only a friend. Besides, she had more important things to worry about.
Like killing Sebastian Macall.


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 This was such a  fun and exciting read! This book just starts off by immediately pulling you into the action and is just non-stop all throughout! The storyline is absolutely original- I've never read anything like it! The author was absolutely brilliant coming up with this storyline and did an amazing job building a whole world around it with some very descriptive details. There were so many awesome steampunk gadgets that were incorporated into daily life that I yearn to live there myself! The characters were incredibly complex, each with their own unique personalities and style. I loved every single one of the quirky characters in their own way. The idea of Tiberius, a cyborg that's more machine than man was completely awesome!!The action was plentiful and I was completely swept away on this shattering adventure. I did not want to put this book down for a single second and eagerly sacrificed a night of sleep just to find out what would happen next! This was a truly awesome book that lingered with me for days after finishing it and I would recommend it to anybody and everybody - even if steampunk isn't your genre! 
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​Kristine Kruppa is a mechanical engineer, writer, and world traveler. Her days are spent
designing cool new car parts, but her evenings are filled with writing and cats. She has traveled solo to seventeen countries on five continents. Her other hobbies include hunting for the perfect cup of coffee, exploring used book stores, and accidentally climbing mountains. To keep up with her adventures, follow Kristine on Twitter @kskruppa.
(Author photo credit: Sunny Wong)

Author Links:
Twitter│Goodreads
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No Stranger To Love - Book Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

6/13/2016

1 Comment

 
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                                No Stranger to Love
                                                          Tavonesi Series #9
                                                   By: Pamela Aares
​                                         Released May 29th, 2016
                                                               SeaStar Press

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​With NO STRANGER TO LOVE, USA Today Bestselling Author Pamela Aares delivers another page-turning contemporary romance in the Tavonesi Series featuring love, suspense and adventure!
Juliet Cabot is no stranger to trouble, but she never imagined that her work defending endangered sea turtles on a beautiful Greek island would turn deadly. Threats to her life force her to call for help from the man who's haunted her dreams for years—wine country landowner and international polo star Parker Tavonesi.


Parker owes Juliet big time for getting him out of a fix in the past. Handsome, resourceful and fearless, she trusts him with her life but she vowed she would never trust him with her heart. When danger enshrouds them and warm island nights cause their bottled-up passions to flare, Juliet's every fantasy could become reality . . . unless the dark secrets of a sultry paradise prove fatal, not just for the struggling sea turtles but for Parker and Juliet as well.


Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/05/no-stranger-to-love-tavonesi-series-9_10.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27835929-no-stranger-to-love

Goodreads Series Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/120562-tavonesi



Buy Links:      Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/No-Stranger-Love-Tavonesi-Book-ebook/dp/B01FFZO5IW?ie=UTF8&keywords=pamela%20aares%20no%20stranger%20to%20love&qid=1463013968&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-stranger-to-love-pamela-aares/1123777019?ean=2940158387159

iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/no-stranger-to-love/id1058594121?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/no-stranger-to-love



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​Hot water drumming on Parker’s shoulders helped to melt away the thick fog of jet lag, but the pelting shower didn’t dissolve the truth that needled at him.
Two truths, if he was going to be honest with himself, which he always tried to be.
The first was that Juliet was definitely hiding something from him. He’d discerned that fact from her body language and the skittishness that laced through her words. Her campaign—and the party she’d dragged him here to orchestrate—had an underbelly. One that she wasn’t owning up to.
But the second truth was harder to admit.
Somehow, sometime since he’d last seen Juliet, the attraction he’d felt for her during the Sommelier shoot had morphed into something more, something unfamiliar. A more powerful fascination. He’d be a fool to ignore the warning signs.
He was no stranger to love, knew the power of attraction. But when Rachael had walked out of his life, he’d sworn he’d never again fall prey to delusions—his or anyone else’s. If he hadn’t been so smitten, he might’ve detected earlier that she didn’t truly love him. Out-of-control attraction could blind a man. Skew the truth and blur reality. It could lead to mistakes and pain. And he’d be damned if he was going to be duped by its power ever again.
He’d help Juliet with her party. Not only did he owe her, but he had a hell of a soft spot for ocean animals. He’d work with Juliet’s team and put together the best possible event. And the day after the party, he’d head back to California. End of story.
He shook the water from his hair and stepped out of the shower. A breeze blew in through the open doors of the balcony; he wrapped the towel around his waist and stood at the doorway. Blue. So much blue with sky and sea stretching to the curving horizon. He stared at the crescent of white beach, a ribbon of sand that was about to be the focus of a heated battle if the talk he’d heard on the ferry was true.
Juliet called up from the lobby. He dressed and met her at the front entrance. She didn’t protest when he insisted on driving the rental car he’d had brought over to the hotel, which was a plus. The last thing he needed if he was going to keep a cool head and careful guard was to wrap his arms around her and ride off into a balmy, sultry evening.

​

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​Pamela Aares is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance novels. Her contemporary series, The Tavonesi Series, explores the lives, loves, friendships and sizzling romances of the Tavonesi family.

Her popularity as a romance writer continues to grow with each new book release, so much so, that the Bay area author has drawn comparisons by reviewers to Nora Roberts. 

Pamela Aares writes romance books that she loves reading, particularly those that entertain, transport and inspire dreams while captivating and tugging at the heart. She takes her readers on a journey with complex characters in both contemporary and historical settings who are thrown in situations that tempt love, adventure and self-discovery. 

Before becoming a romance author, Aares wrote and produced award-winning films including Your Water, Your Life, featuring actress Susan Sarandon and NPR series New Voices, The Powers of the Universe and The Earth’s Imagination. 

If not behind her computer, you can probably find her reading a romance novel, hiking the beach or savoring life with friends. You can visit Pamela on the web at 
http://www.PamelaAares.com.




Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Website: http://www.pamelaaares.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PamelaAares
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/PamelaAares
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomPamelaAares
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Autofocus - Blog Tour and Giveaway

6/10/2016

1 Comment

 

Autofocus
by Lauren Gibaldi
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: June 14th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Adoption, Coming of Age, Family
Rate: INSERT YOUR RATE HERE

Synopsis:

Family.

It’s always been a loaded word for Maude. And when she is given a senior photography assignment—to create a portfolio that shows the meaning of family—she doesn’t quite know where to begin. But she knows one thing: without the story of her birth mother, who died when Maude was born, her project will be incomplete.

So Maude decides to visit her best friend, Treena, at college in Tallahassee, Florida, where Maude’s birth mother once lived. But when Maude arrives, she quickly discovers that Treena has changed. With a new boyfriend and a packed social calendar, Treena doesn’t seem to have time for Maude—or helping Maude in her search.

Enter Bennett, a cute guy who lives in Treena’s dorm. He understands Maude’s need to find her mother. And as Bennett helps Maude in her search, she starts to find that her mother’s past doesn’t have to define her own future.

Lauren Gibaldi has crafted a beautiful and timely coming-of-age story that poses the question: Is who we are determined at birth, or can we change as we grow?


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Follow the Autofocus by Lauren Gibaldi Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.



Public librarian and author of THE NIGHT WE SAID YES, MATT'S STORY (a Night We Said Yes novella), and AUTOFOCUS (out 6/14/16), all with HarperTeen / HarperCollins. Fan of dinosaurs and cheesy jokes. And you.




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    I'm a Texas gal with a wonderful husband, an amazing six year old son, and an adorable newborn baby boy!
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