Showing posts with label Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tour. Show all posts

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Guest Post: Fractured Truth by Rachel McClellan







Fractured Truth
(Fractured Light #3)
Llona is determined to end the fight with the Vykens once and for all. All she needs is to find and destroy the Shadow–the ultimate source of dark power. But when she makes a startling discovery about someone she loves, Llona has to fight the toughest battle yet in this exciting conclusion to the Fractured Light series.
Amazon – Barnes & Noble
 Add Fractured Truth to your Goodreads list!






About Fractured Light (Book #1)

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.
As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.
Amazon – Barnes & Noble




About Fractured Soul (Book #2)

Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat.
This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!
Amazon – Barnes & Noble
 
 
 







Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she’s not in her writing lair, she’s partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel’s love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…
Website – Blog
Twitter – Facebook – Goodreads








5 Qualities to Teach Your Children So They Can Become Superheroes

A distinction needs to be made about what really makes a super hero. Is it the costume? Their ability to fly? Run fast? Lift a car over their head? Or is it their inner qualities such as bravery, compassion, their desire to make the world a better place?

What would happen if a superhero didn’t have these good qualities? Despite his super abilities, he’d just be an average person with some cool powers. But no one would look up to him and no one would want to be like them. It’s what a person does with their abilities that make them a superhero.

Superheroes know how to make others feel of value. And, fortunately, every quality a superhero possesses, our children can obtain, too. Let’s go over a few of these.

Courage

Life takes courage. Every single day. And it comes in different forms. For some, simply going to school takes courage, or for others, standing in front of a crowd takes courage. Courage is a kind of strength, power or resolve to meet a scary circumstance head on. Teach your children that even in small moments we can be heroes.

Compassion:

Compassion is the ability to understand the emotional state of another person or oneself. It gives a person a desire to reduce the suffering of another. Take your children on walks and point out an unhappy child or maybe a lost puppy. Look for ways for them to show compassion whether it’s to siblings or friends. Unfortunately, there’s suffering all around us if we we’re willing to see it.

Selflessness:

This is a hard attribute to teach children. Selflessness means we act without thought for how we will profit or be rewarded. One way to teach selflessness is to show our children how their actions will make other people happy. For example, having an older sister read to a younger sister, even though the older child thinks it’s boring. Teach the older daughter that her actions are to help bring joy to someone’s life. Also, give your children opportunities to help others whether it’s working in soup kitchens, donating their time at a second hand clothing store, basically anything that means they may have to sacrifice something that is important to them, like time or money, for the benefit of someone else.

Nonjudgmental

A superhero would never be a hero if they judged others. Can you imagine Superman choosing not to save someone simply because he didn’t like what they were wearing? We never know how a child was raised, and we never know what type of day someone has had. Teach your children to not automatically assume certain things about others. Teach them to treat others the same way they would want to be treated.

Humble

Superheroes are always humble. Win they win a fight, they don’t rub it into the criminals face, they don’t run up and down the streets claiming their victory. They quietly disappear into the night, knowing that tomorrow will bring another battle. Being humble means to do the best job you can, while also respecting those around here. Teach your children to always say “Good Job” to others and to even go as far as helping other kids achieve their goals all without expecting anything in return.

So the next time your child expresses a desire to be like a superhero, explain to them why they, too, can be a superhero – a Real Life Superhero.



Click on the tour banner below to hop on over to the Dark World Books site & enter the tour wide giveaway! Good luck everyone!



http://www.darkworldbooks.com/fractured-truth-tour/

Monday, October 14, 2013

Tour Stop: Declaration by Rachel Wade - Top 10 Fun


Declaration
Preservation #3
by Rachel Wade
Romance
Expected Publication October 15, 2013

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Carter Montgomery spent most of his life blending in, and he liked it that way. It was always better to be seen, not heard. And while a theatric streak and friendly demeanor might have fooled most people, he knew the truth—he was the shy one. The quiet kid most people forgot about. Some might have considered that a bad thing, but those people all wanted to be in the spotlight.

The only place Carter didn’t mind attention was on stage, with The Hellions. Once content in his comfort zone in Seattle, Washington, he only knew three things: confrontation was to be avoided, keeping the peace was priority, and the moment he lost Kate Parker to Professor Ryan Campbell, he had no clue what to do with his life. Playing gigs, working at Pike Place Market, and watching BBC after the love of his life sailed off into the sunset just wasn’t going to cut it anymore.

Desperate to escape his rut, he takes a cue from Kate and chooses a random place to relocate—a small island across the country, where no one knows his name and memories of unrequited love aren’t found at every turn. Just when he thinks he’s found the perfect place to unwind and sink back into the shadows, in bursts Whitney Sinclair, a saucy firecracker who loves life and refuses to settle for second best. Full of contagious energy, she dares him to be brave, convincing him that it might finally be time to tell the world what he wants.

It might be time to make a declaration.

Grab Your Copy of Book 1 & 2 in the series:







Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The Preservation Series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, The Keepers Trilogy. When she's not writing, she's busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment.

Connect with Rachel:   Goodreads   Facebook   Website   Twitter   








Top Ten Favorite Romances of All Time



As a romance writer, I have to admit that choosing only 10 romance novels to share as my favorites is a huge challenge! My tastes and what I consider to be romantic might seem a bit unconventional to the traditional romance reader. I love my romances intense, angsty, and edgy, as you can probably tell from some of the titles that made it on to my list. I’d love to say that my favorites are all classics, but truthfully, they’re not. I love a good classic as much as the next bibliophile, but my favorite romances are all relatively new to the literature world.



On that note, here are my top ten favorite romances of all time…for now.



  1. Sins and Needles by Karina Halle – Romantic suspense at its best. Edgy, dark, and passionate. Camden and Ellie have an epic love that cannot be surpassed by Javier’s obsessive love….or can it?                    
  2. This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas – Intense, provocative, and all-consuming. I fell in love with the Lord of the Manor and his Temptress from page one.
  3. The Edge of Never by JA Redmerski – This is not solely a romance, but the relationship between Andrew and Camryn is engrossing and the journey they take together is heart-warming and heart-breaking all at once.
  4. Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James – Love it or hate it, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a worldwide phenomenon for a reason. There is just something compelling about Christian and Ana’s story. I remember reading this series back before anyone knew who Christian Grey or Anastasia Steele were, and I still love their story as much as I did before all the hype.
  5. Frigid by J Lynn – This is a very new contemporary romance that hooked me from the start. It’s a classic friends-to-lovers story with sweet, sexy, and heart-warming moments. A light, feel-good read for the contemporary romance junkie.
  6. Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout – This is hands down my favorite YA paranormal romance. I’m even more excited about it since the recent news that it, along with the rest of the Lux series, will be made into a movie. I can’t wait!
  7. Edward Scissorhands – Okay, so this is a film and I’m cheating here, but seriously…this is one of the best love stories of all time. Wounded outcast meets normal, teenage girl with a kind heart? You can’t go wrong. :)
  8. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – Just for the record, I’m actually not a Nicholas Sparks fan. Don’t get me wrong, I like some of the movie adaptations of his novels. I like the themes of love, redemption, and loss his stories usually revolve around. But his books aren’t my cup of tea. The Notebook, however, is an exception. It’s a great romance about love that transcends all generations and the passage of time.
  9. Pure by Jennifer Armentrout (and the whole Covenant Series, for that matter!) – Another favorite YA paranormal romance series of mine. Pure is book 2 and is my favorite of the series so far. In my opinion, this is one love triangle I love to hate and beats the Twilight love triangle any day. The heroine is strong and independent and has some depth. I’m Team Aiden all the way!
  10. Les Misérables – While it’s technically historical fiction, Les Mis is rife with romantic plot lines—the best of the best. Unrequited love, young love, love between a father and a daughter, mother and a father, stranger and a stranger. It’s one of the most moving love stories of all time.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Dancers & Divas by Kathy Petrakis Tour & Giveaway! Could Win up to $1000!

I'm sooooooo excited to be a part of the tour for the Dancers & Divas Series today!!!!



For anyone who enjoys dancing, drama, romance, and cute boys (hehe),
definitely pick up this series!!!
 
To kick things off, I'm going to tell you about Passion & Pain (Book 1) & Bittersweet (Book 2)!
I'm also going to tell you a little about the author, Kathy Petrakis!
Dancers & Divas Book 1
by Kathy Petrakis
Published September 17, 2012, by Antartis Publishers
If you missed my review several months ago, go HERE to read it! 

Synopsis via Goodreads:
Does passion and desire guarantee success? Can friends really be trusted? Can true love be found beneath lust and deceit?

These are questions tenacious street dancer Elena Martinez faces as she struggles to compete against the most talented students at New York’s top Performing Arts High School. Along with her best friend, the carefree and mischievous Sebastien Duval, they are determined to make center stage.

But the singing diva Letitia has other plans. Beautiful, talented and popular, her desire for revenge could ruin everything for Elena and Sebastien. Now, they must fight against prejudice, treachery and deceit as Letitia sets out to destroy Elena’s friendships, her romance, her dignity and her dreams. Can Elena win the battle for true love, happiness and success?

*contains mature content - recommended for 15+*


Grab Your Copy of Passion & Pain:
On sale for $0.99!!!
Dancers & Divas Book 2
by Kathy Petrakis
Published April 28, 2013, by Antartis Publishers

Synopsis via Goodreads:
Can secrets stay hidden forever? Can people really change? Are some mistakes unforgivable?

As Elena and Sebastian embark on a fresh start, will Letitia keep his secret, or will she use it to destroy them?
As Veronika falls in love, Frankie is out of rehab and trying to make amends, but will it last for either of them?

Meanwhile, as Anya is torn between loyalty to her Nana and love for Darius, could Darius fall for the new temptress, Rosa? With her stunning looks, her powerful, sensual dancing and her desire to seduce, she has everyone nervous but what secret is she hiding?

Continue the roller-coaster journey with your favorite characters as they try to survive junior year at the country’s top performing arts school.


Grab Your Copy of Bittersweet:  




Kathy Petrakis was born and raised in Sydney Australia by Greek immigrant parents. She always had a passion for the performing arts - dancing, acting and singing but they were hobbies giving way to a traditional professional career in banking. Before this book, her writing was used to entertain friends with her unusual, and often disastrous travel adventures from around the world.

By the hand of fate, Passion and Pain and Bittersweet were born while living in London, heaven for lovers of the performing arts. After launching Passion and Pain, she returned to Sydney for the launch of the sequel, Bittersweet.

Connect with Kathy:   Website   Mailing List    Facebook    Goodreads    Twitter




Now, again, if you didn't catch my review of Book 1, Passion & Pain,
you can go check it out HERE.




I received an ARC of Bittersweet in exchange for an honest review directly from Kathy.


Wow... just... er-ma-gawd...wow. Now, I love each and every one of the characters in the Dancers & Divas Series (yes, even the "bad" guys because they're great antagonists). I became insanely attached to several of the characters when I read Passion & Pain. I couldn't wait to see what happened to them next. I became nearly addicted to some of them in Bittersweet. I couldn't wait for them to pop back up on the page in between scenes.

Bittersweet turned out to be an emotional rollercoaster that dealt with issues such as sex versus love, suicide, selfishness, let-downs, growing-up, loss, and going after your goals versus just settling for what you're handed or told to do. Each character deals with his/her own struggles and you get to see how they deal (or fail to really deal) with what they're going through. There's so many different characters and experiences with each, that there's bound to be at least one that each reader will connect with. I know that I connected with several of them and others, I stood in their corner (metaphorically speaking - Ha) and cheered them on.

So, do you like the show Gossip Girl? What about the movie series for Step Up? Have you seen the movie Center Stage? Seriously, if you say yes to any or all of the above, I really think you'd enjoy this series. I definitely recommend it to anyone who says yes to any of those. This series is like a favorite tv show! I can't wait to see what's going to happen as I turn each page!

Now, the plot: The plot moves pretty consistently through book 1 into book 2. I love that! I mean, seriously, this series would make such a great tv show! There are ups, down, in betweens, happy moments, angry moments, sad moments, laughing moments... Love it!

At the end of Bittersweet, I really had a flash back of when one of my fave tv shows ended their season until the fall. You know, that moment where you fall to your knees at the closing of the last episode of the season and squeal "noooo, that can't be the end?! I have to wait until WHEN before the next season starts?!!" That's exactly the moment that I had. There's soooo many possible endings for the characters before the curtain closes on the series. I can't wait to find out how issues and relationships are resolved.

Overall, I loved this novel! It was a great continuation to the series & I can't stress enough - if you like drama, dancing, competition, romance... get Passion & Pain now. You'll want to pick up Bittersweet as soon as you turn the last page of Passion & Pain! LoL

Overall Rating: 5 Stars!   I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!




 So, Kathy has som AMAZING Giveaways up for grabs as part of this tour!
One for everyone & one specifically for FANS of the series! How flippin' awesome is that?!?!
Use the Rafflecopters below to enter for your chance to win!





a Rafflecopter giveaway









a Rafflecopter giveaway












Go HERE for a detailed description of the FANS Competition!
The following are the terms and conditions for the Dancers and Divas FANS promotion.

1. The competition starts on June 1 2013 at 00.00 hours US EST and closes midnight, October 31 2013. Winner will be announced on the 4th November and has 48 hours to respond to validate entry and claim prize. Amazon reviews must be visible by the close date.

2. It is open internationally to entrants over the age of 14. Proof of ID will also be required to claim prize.

3. To enter the competition, purchase of either Passion and Pain or Bittersweet, by Kathy Petrakis is required. This is in the ebook format or paperback format.

4. Books bought as part of a free promotion are excluded from entries for purchase but can submit entries for the reviews posted. Proof of purchase is still required. Books refunded are also excluded. Books borrowed from Amazon library are excluded.

5. Bloggers writing reviews after receiving a free copy from the author (either directly or through Amazon), are excluded. They may enter for any book they purchase.

6. Proof of purchase must be provided and match the dates in the entry form.

7. Books can be purchased at any time before October 31 2013 but reviews must be live on Amazon between June 1 and October 31 2013.









Saturday, March 9, 2013

Spotlight & Giveaway: Arson & Ashes by Estevan Vega

 

 
Arson
Book 1
by Estevan Vega
YA Paranormal
First Published May 4, 2010
 
 
Synopsis via Goodreads:
 
ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. After years of living in fear, he will be forced to confront his haunting past and embrace the unknown as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Edgy, realistic, and breathtaking, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated teenager with unimaginable ability, is set to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

 
 
 
 
Ashes
Book 2
by Estevan Vega
Published September 11, 2011 by StoneGate Inc
 
 
 
Synopsis via Goodreads:
MORE THAN THREE MONTHS HAVE PASSED SINCE ARSON AND EMERY WERE SUDDENLY TAKEN. TAKEN AND THEN SEPARATED. AND EXPERIMENTED ON.

The minds running Salvation Asylum have abducted them for a dark purpose. A campaign has been set in motion to genetically alter mankind. Unknowingly, Arson has become the most vital instrument in this global scheme, initiated by a select group of brilliant scientists and cunning world leaders. Confused, trapped, and unable to fully manifest his abilities, Arson faces a new existence crawling with questions. Will he ever see Emery again? Is Grandma still alive? Can the fate of the human race really hang in the balance of one choice?

Nightmare and reality collide in Ashes, book two in the gripping ARSON trilogy. Love will be tested. Powers will shift. And the past will invade the here and now as Arson discovers a part of himself he has never before known and fights against his own shocking origins. Will this boy who once tempted fire be able to take on a fearful future? When the struggle intensifies and secrets come to light, will Arson be ready to accept the haunting revelation that there may be others out there, others like him?



Grab Your Copy: 


 



About the Author Per His Goodreads Profile:
I’m a writer. Well, technically an author, because they say that you magically become an author (i.e. true creative) if you’ve published something, and you’re a writer if you haven’t (you know those closet aspiring geniuses who just scribble stuff into notebooks and hide it from the world?). But I still call myself a writer. I’m one of 4 brothers. The middle son. I guess that’s supposed to make me uber weird and dysfunctional, but the jury’s still out on that one. I love mint chocolate chip ice cream. Like, really love it. Watching movies and going to rock shows are 2 of my favorite pastimes, and I am addicted to telling stories.



Connect with the Author:   Goodreads    Website   Twitter   Facebook




Excerpt from Ashes:



Arson’s abilities are gone. Since the terrible and powerful events of the first book, Arson has lost control of them. What’s worse is he’s been committed to an insane asylum called Salvation and is forced to undergo psychiatric therapy sessions with a certain Dr. Carraway, a doctor who is convinced that Arson is making up certain specific elements of his past and hell-bent on filling Arson’s head with things he believes are untrue.

Oh, and he’s been having dreams that contain memories that aren’t his. How much should Arson believe?

It sounded so simple coming out of somebody else’s mouth. But there didn’t seem to be any answers at all, only questions and equations with no values. Primes and confusion.

No absolutes. Another twenty minutes were spent toying with diagrams and complicated theorems that Dr. Carraway assured him had been covered in previous sessions.

“Have you completed the written assignment for today’s session, Stephen?” the doctor asked once they switched to English.

“Written assignment?”

“Yes, it was a writing prompt. I asked you to write about your dreams. What you recall specifically. Your grandmother, for instance, or your high school prom.”

Arson shrugged.“I didn’t go to prom.”

“So you remember? Good. That’s very good.”

Wait, how did he remember that? He thought back to that night, tried to remember what he did instead, but it was all hazy. Was he working? Hanging out with friends?

No, I don’t have any…except her.

“You look slightly nonplussed. That means confused, in case you didn’t know. Should be one of the vocabulary words I had you look into. But I’m guessing you didn’t complete that assignment, either.” Dr. Carraway sighed, making notes.

“Stephen, how do you expect to heal if you aren’t doing your part? There’s no reason your education should stop simply because you’re in here getting better.”

“Wait, stop this crap. Since when are you a teacher anyway, Doc? Just who are you!”

“Calm down, Stephen. I told you, I am your psychologist. I am also quite qualified to guide you through your basic studies. In addition to counseling you, I am your teacher, for the time being.”

“And how long is that going to be?”

“Well, I suppose that’s up to you. The overseers of this institution pay a lot of money to invest in the minds of those who need it. Play ball and they might let you go early. Your eighteenth birthday is approaching.”

“Wait. What month is it?”

“December. It’ll be Christmas in a few weeks.”

“How is that possible?”

“It begins here, Stephen.” The doctor nudged his index finger up against his forehead.“Once you realize this, the rest is cake.”

A short pause walked between them.

“Speaking of cake, why don’t we call it an afternoon? But I want those assignments, along with the reading, completed by the next time we meet. So keep busy.” The doctor signaled his guard to bring in a slice of cake. “I snuck one in for you. It was mine, but we’ll keep this our little secret.”

Arson’s face changed slightly. He nodded, slicing the fork through the moist triangle. “Your grandmother used to make carrot cake, didn’t she?”

Arson remembered the taste of something similar. His brain flashed pictures of one of his birthdays, when he was much younger. The bitter face Grandpa made when Grandma forced him to eat it, even though he didn’t want to. There weren’t kids around to celebrate, no party to speak of. He must’ve been four or something, but the image was so hazy, he couldn’t be sure.

The taste of this cake helped recreate the static images briefly.

“I think so,”Arson finally answered.

“Well, I wouldn’t dare compare your grandmother’s baking to this.” A grin climbed up the side of Carraway’s mouth, as he stood up. “But try to enjoy it. I’m not much of a cake person.”

Neither was Grandpa, Arson thought. He shoved another bite down his throat and took a sip of water. “Please tell me what happened to my grandmother, Dr. Carraway. I need to know,” he said sternly, eyes peeled and narrowed with anticipation.“How did she die?”

“I don’t think that’s something you’re ready to hear yet.”

“Please! Tell me.”

Dr. Carraway looked at the guard, an air of uncertainty mixed with deliberate pause. He placed his hands on his waist, locking eyes with Arson. “It was a fire. She was asleep, the police believe, when the house went up in smoke. I’ll spare you the details, but I’m afraid your grandmother didn’t make it out alive. In fact, there was nothing left of your home.”

Arson put his fork down. He suddenly felt very sick. A thick cloud hovered over his mind. He stared at the guard then back at the doctor. None of this was right. What kind of man would lie like that? Make up some kind of twisted story?

Was he toying with Arson’s emotions for the thrill of it? He couldn’t take this charade any longer. Enraged, Arson got up and grabbed Dr. Carraway by the throat. “Get me outta here!” he shouted. “I wanna see for myself.”

“Stephen, you’re choking me. I’m here to help you. Remember?” the doctor said calmly, face blistering red. “Let go of me!”

“No more lies! None of this makes any sense,” Arson said, his hands swelling hot around the doctor’s neck.

“It will,” the doctor struggled. “Your mind continues to remain unwilling…to accept…truth.”

“Liar!” Arson screamed, before everything suddenly went black.

Arson’s body thudded hard against the floor, unconscious.

“Thank you,”the doctor said, looking at the guard who had knocked his patient out. Gasping for air, he reached up to touch his throat. It stung. The skin was burned.

“No way,” the guard pointed out with big eyes. “Look at your neck. That little runt burned you.”

Carraway rubbed his throat one last time. It stung. “I think this afternoon’s session went slightly better than expected.” He grinned, torn between concern and unbelief. These sessions had no end in sight. He wondered how long the boy’s mind could take it all, if he could take it all.

The doctor reached down on the floor to grab his pen and notepad, staring one last time at the boy on the floor. “It seems the arson is back after all.”











***GIVEAWAY***

Grand Prize Includes:
Signed copy of Arson
Signed copy of Ashes
Custom Arson T-Shirt
E-books of Arson and Ashes (Nook or Kindle)
Custom Personalized letter from Estevan Vega telling you how classy you are ;)
$25 Amazon Gift Card
(US Only)


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