Archive for March 2012
Guest Post/Excerpt/Giveaway with authors April Fifer and Danielle Hylton-Outland
Title: Flesh and Feathers
Author(s): April Fifer and Danielle Hylton-Outland
Author(s): April Fifer and Danielle Hylton-Outland
Synopsis:
Azaleigh’s life was simple. Then she meets Kale and Gage, two very different and charming men – one she loves and the other she cannot live without. As she struggles with her feelings towards them both, she begins to realize they are hiding a secret – and to her surprise they are not the only ones. Soon after, Azaleigh finds herself running for her life from a bounty hunter that is far from human, and with every narrow escape, she begins to unlock the secret that will change her life forever. In a world of good and evil, angel and fallen, Azaleigh must choose between fate or the one she loves. What do you do when hell won’t let you win and evil just won’t die?
Azaleigh’s life was simple. Then she meets Kale and Gage, two very different and charming men – one she loves and the other she cannot live without. As she struggles with her feelings towards them both, she begins to realize they are hiding a secret – and to her surprise they are not the only ones. Soon after, Azaleigh finds herself running for her life from a bounty hunter that is far from human, and with every narrow escape, she begins to unlock the secret that will change her life forever. In a world of good and evil, angel and fallen, Azaleigh must choose between fate or the one she loves. What do you do when hell won’t let you win and evil just won’t die?
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Danielle Hylton-Outland was raised in Virginia. She grew up having a huge appetite for daydreaming; always wanting to live in the spectacular worlds she created in her mind. She now lives with her husband and dog where she is pursuing a degree in literature. Danielle is a strong animal activist. She is currently co-writing the second book in The Flesh Series, "Flesh and Flames".
April Fifer grew up in a small town in Virginia, where it was common practice believing that dreams could only be found in stories. At the age of seven she was diagnosed with dyslexia. She was told that she would struggle through life and would never pick up a book to read for pleasure. Although school was hard, she was able to find her way with the help of two teachers who taught her self-discovery. Ignoring what she was taught growing up, she turned it around and found that your dreams could become stories.
PRIZE INFORMATION
The authors will be giving away an autographed bookmark and $5 Amazon GC to one commenter at every stop, and one $15 and one $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour.
Author's feelings on Love Triangles in romances
Love triangles, lover quarrels and sexual tension, oh my! Love triangles are a writer's dream story. First off, who can turn down reading/writing a book with two characters fighting over one seemingly tragic character? The goal in a book is to somehow or another to relate the reader to the character, even if the situations are few and far between. Well, in life, most everyone has been involved in a love triangle. Don’t lie! You know you have! One woman being fought over by two men or two women clawing each other’s eyes out for prince charming. A love triangle has all the qualities for an interesting read like drama, hard choices, sex appeal and suspense. Did someone say scandalous? Yes ma’am! Give us the scandal, because we secretly want to be part of it. Everyone quietly pretends to be the heroine, waiting for the hero to come rescue her. This is how we relate to the characters. We like to feel the tension, make the hard decisions and embrace the love that is evitable to end in tragedy. Love makes you do crazy things… and I do mean crazy! We’ve stalked our lover (inspired by true events in Flesh and Feathers), we’ve driven miles away to be with them, we’ve even stood on a table in the center of a restaurant to announce our love for them. (Okay, neither of us have technically done that last one.) So when you have feelings that are that strong for two loves, the torn emotion is infectious. The best part of love triangle is that the two characters fighting for the win are usually always complete opposites. One will be winsome and romantic, and then the other will be a bad, sexy and a rebel. And who wants to choose between that? It’s like having the best of both worlds. Have you ever been curled up in your bed, so deep in your book that you are smiling and giggling uncontrollably? Then your partner shakes you on the shoulder and says, “Whatcha doing honey?” Automatically you get defense. “Nothing! Why do you ask?” This is why we want love triangles! They are our escape into a world we want to live in… even if it’s only for a little while.
Excerpt 1:
I opened my eyes, and I could see of all the shades of blue that made his eyes so brilliant. They twisted and interlocked, creating the most vibrant color. He leaned towards me, and I felt my legs weak and wanting to give way. He held my gaze, and I wanted so badly to look away; this was not something I was ready for. Finally, his lips were within an inch of mine. I forced my eyes closed as he whispered, “Azaleigh.” He pressed his lips zealously to mine. With each supple kiss, my lips fell in perfect formation. A surge of heat rushed through me. His hands reached up cupping my jaw line on each side, holding me in place. His last kiss gently pulled at my top lip and softly let go. He lingered inches from my face. I stood there with my eyes closed. I was too petrified to open them. I felt his thumb brush across my cheek in reassurance. I couldn’t speak. I was afraid my words would dissolve the moment, and I would never get the magic back again. But like all great things, the end was inevitable.
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Guest post,
"Goddess Interrupted" by Aimee Carter
Title: Goddess Interrupted
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Review Copy, Netgalley
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Review Copy, Netgalley
Synopsis:
Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.
Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.
As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.
Henry's first wife, Persephone.
Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.
As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.
Henry's first wife, Persephone.
Buy Links
My Thoughts
Kate thought the worst was over, but she will soon find out that things are about to get a whole lot more dangerous.
This book was even better than the last. I found myself anxiously turning each page dreading and yet anticipating what would happen next. Kate has grown a lot, but she still has a long way to go and I was ecstatic to be able to see how everything would turn out.
Henry has always been mysterious, but he has become increasingly more secretive the closer it gets to Kate’s coronation. I love Henry’s character so I was anxious to see what he has been hiding all this time and I was not disappointed.
Persephone was Henry’s first wife and she is also a big threat to Kate. I really liked how her character was done and even though she wasn’t my favorite character I really liked learning more about her and her side of the story.
This book has more action and some big surprises that fans will not want to miss. I highly recommend this series to lovers of romance and mythology!
A Marshal of Her Own by Linda LaRoque
Written for The Romance Reviews
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review Copy
Synopsis:
Despite rumors of “strange doings” at a cabin in Fredericksburg, investigative reporter Dessa Wade books the cottage from which lawyer Charity Dawson disappeared in 2008. Dessa is intent on solving the mystery. Instead, caught in the swirling mist that surrounds the cabin, she finds herself in 1890, in a shootout between the Faraday Gang and a US Marshal.
Marshal Cole Jeffers doesn’t believe Miss Wade is a time traveler. He admits she’s innocent of being an outlaw but thinks she knows more about the gang than she’s telling. When she’s kidnapped by Zeke Faraday, Cole is determined to rescue her. He’s longed for a woman of his own, and Dessa Wade just might be the one—if she’ll commit to the past.
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My Thoughts
This is a beautiful story about a woman named Dessa Wade investigating the disappearance of Charity Dawson. After renting a the mysterious cottage where Charity disappeared Dessa is thrust over a hundred years in the past to 1890 where she will not only find Charity, but possibly her true love.
Dessa Wade is definitely not some wilting violet and she doesn’t let anyone especially not some hundred year old marshal who tells her what to do.
Marshal Cole Jeffers is somewhat of a typical thought hunky, 19th century man who is used to more delicate and feminine women. Dessa wade is a strange, but wonderful surprise. He has always wanted a woman of his own and after meeting Dessa thinks she might be the one. In order for their happily ever after to happen he must not only keep her from getting killed, but convince her to stay in the past. Their relationship was really sweet and they definitely had chemistry. I think these two characters balanced each other out perfectly. The book had a really good flow to it and the scenes wove together very nicely.
Looking for some hot southern hunk then check out Linda Laroque’s “A Marshal of Her Own”.
"Perilous Light" by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Title: Perilous Light
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Source: Review Copy
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Source: Review Copy
Synopsis:
Would you sacrifice everything for a world you barely knew?
A year has passed since Charlotte and Kevin first stepped
through the gate into Energo and neither has been able to settle back into their normal lives. Charlotte tries to distract herself from thoughts of Calvin with the antics of James and her growing friendship with Liam. Kevin can’t seem to shake his feelings for Samantha as he adjusts to his new identity as a college basketball player.
When they unexpectedly return to Energo, both Charlotte and Kevin must face their fears and become the leaders they were always meant to be.
through the gate into Energo and neither has been able to settle back into their normal lives. Charlotte tries to distract herself from thoughts of Calvin with the antics of James and her growing friendship with Liam. Kevin can’t seem to shake his feelings for Samantha as he adjusts to his new identity as a college basketball player.
When they unexpectedly return to Energo, both Charlotte and Kevin must face their fears and become the leaders they were always meant to be.
Buy Links
My Thoughts
Perilous Light is action packed and full of twists and turns that will rival the previous book.
In this book we finally get to see more of my favorite couple Charlotte and Calvin, but we also find out that there are still a lot of surprises left for Charlotte and her brother on their journey. Charlotte has done a lot of growing up in the past year, but she faces even bigger trials that will test her abilities to the limit.
I highly enjoyed seeing Kevin finally meet his match in the last book and was very curious to see how or if that relationship would develop any further and I was not disappointed. While there were plenty of humorous scenes with Kevin he was also put to the test when he is sent out to find help. We get to see how Kevin adapts to the world of Energo in this book as he tries to find his way in this strange world while coping with his feelings for Samantha.
I highly enjoyed seeing Kevin finally meet his match in the last book and was very curious to see how or if that relationship would develop any further and I was not disappointed. While there were plenty of humorous scenes with Kevin he was also put to the test when he is sent out to find help. We get to see how Kevin adapts to the world of Energo in this book as he tries to find his way in this strange world while coping with his feelings for Samantha.
Calvin is without a doubt my absolute favorite character and I must admit to having a big crush on him. I liked that we got to see a lot more about him in this book. We got to see glimpses of his character before, but we get to see into his head a lot more in this one and he really is a sweet and noble man.
I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a unique new world with great characters and a bit of romance. For anyone who is already a fan of this series you are sure to love this newest installment!
Rating:
"The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter
Title: The Goddess TestAuthor: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Bought
Synopsis:
It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.
Buy Links
My Thoughts
The Goddess Test is a dark and alluring new tale full of danger and hope.
Kate is a relatable heroin with a big heart. I really enjoyed following her on her journey and found myself just as entranced by this new world as she was.
I really liked Henry’s character because I got to explore a whole new side to the character of Hades. He was a great character and I enjoyed learning more about him as the story progressed. He is definitely one of the more interesting and my favorite character from the series.
This story was full of twists and turns that had me anxiously turning each page. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves mythology with an epic love story.
Rating:
Help Someone in need and get a great book in the Process
Help Someone in need and get a great book in the Process
Title: Now I Lay Me Down To Die
Author: Terri Grimes
Synopsis:
Abby Morgan has an ability to hear the dead. Little did she know the Victorian she just rented came with it’s own ghost, Duke Rivers. Having died thirty years prior Duke needs Abby’s aid in solving his murder so he can cross into the light. Teaming up with Duke’s nephew, Owen, finding the killer seemed like a good plan until they uncover secrets that could blow Hunters Hollow wide apart.
Mother to five year old and 3 month old sons, Twenty-six year old Lindsay McKeever’s life changed forever on January 21st 2012 when she was hospitalized with toxic shock syndrome. With her blood pressure at 30/50, oxygen level 50%, kidneys incomplete failure and in a coma, she was given little chance of surviving. But miraculously one week later, against all odds, she came out of her coma and slowly made her way back to the living. Because most of her organs began to shut down during the week she was in the coma, her hands and feet turned black and she had to have all her fingers and toes amputated. She was released from the hospital March 13th and has to have care 24 hours a day. She is unable to walk, or take care of herself in any way, not to mention the care she needs for her children. With no insurance Lindsay needs help to pay for physical therapy to learn to walk again and to do small things like feed herself, etc. A care fund has been set up for her by US Bank in Iowa and a paypal account for donations. She shares her amazing journey on a facebook page set up for her called “Lindsay McKeever Care Fund.”
Now thru April 30th, paranormal romance author Terri Grimes will be donating 100% of the proceeds from both the print and ebook version of Now I Lay Me Down To Die to the Lindsay McKeever care fund. Help a deserving young woman and have a good read at the same time. Pass the word! Thanks!!!
Title: Now I Lay Me Down To Die
Author: Terri Grimes
Synopsis:
Abby Morgan has an ability to hear the dead. Little did she know the Victorian she just rented came with it’s own ghost, Duke Rivers. Having died thirty years prior Duke needs Abby’s aid in solving his murder so he can cross into the light. Teaming up with Duke’s nephew, Owen, finding the killer seemed like a good plan until they uncover secrets that could blow Hunters Hollow wide apart.
Buy Links
"Bewitched" by Karen Wiesner
Written for The Romance Reviews
Title: Bewitched (Woodcutter’s Grim Series Book 5)
Author: Karen Weisner
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Source: Review Copy
Author: Karen Weisner
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Source: Review Copy
Synopsis:
Glynnis Shaussegeny becomes bewitched by the mystery man who appears out of nowhere on the abandoned property across the lake from her family’s estate. But does Aric Sayer have even more dark secrets than she does?
Buy Links
My Thoughts
Not your ordinary fairytale.
Loosely based on “The Little Mermaid” this story is about Glynnis who is instantly drawn to the mysterious man that appears out of nowhere across the lake from her family’s home. She knows about curses all too well since her own family is plagued by one, but she may find out that Aric has an even darker secret.
This story is an amazingly dark fairytale laced with some romance making for a very intriguing story. The descriptive imagery helped me to imagine just what this world must be like for these characters and grow to love them for it.
These characters are very well written easily luring readers into this fantastic new world full of secrets, curses, and love. Glynnis is part of a family that is plagued with a curse and because of this she has to go through plenty of problems in order to make things right.
Aric was a mysterious character who I enjoyed figuring out along with Glynnis.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dark fairytale.
Rating:
Interview with Emma Daley author of The Propheticus
About the Author:
At only the age of three, you could find Emma perched in the center of the dining table, a tape player in her lap, while the other kids gathered to listen to her recite her own creative version of her favorite tales like "Jack and The Bean Stalk" or "Peter Pan". Her imagination was fueled when she signed up for a high school Greek Mythology class. It was there in high school Mythology class that Emma found her dream. Her teacher recognized her talent, and encouraged her to pursue a career in the one thing that brought her imagination to life, writing. As a military wife and with life's fast pace and strenuous demands, it wasn't until she was 26 that she finally decided to pursue those long forgotten dreams. She started her very first novel Propheticus in November of 2008, which will be released in December of 2010 and is working on the 2nd and 3rd sequels, with several other book ideas on the shelf waiting to be dusted off and put into words.
1. What would you consider a perfect day for you as an author?
Anything out in the sunshine; hiking, (my husband coaches track and field and I love going to their meets, especially when it's nice and sunny), playing in the park with my dogs or my nephew. Then go out to dinner and relax at home later with some kind of dark movie :), I'm a sucker for horror and thriller films. I always need some good inspiration.
2. What sort of research (if any) did you do for this novel?
I actually had to do some research for the title. I was trying to think of what to title my book when I was working on the first one, I woke up in the middle of the night with this whisper in my ear of the name Propheticus. I wasn't sure what it meant so I looked it up, I knew that I wanted Italian roots to be in my book because of Vampire myths where everything started in Rome. My purpose of this book, although not in the beginning, was to start a myth that existed even before any modern day myths started and in a way, where these Vampires might have even possibly come from. So when I looked up Propheticus and it had an Italian meaning that was ancient, I loved it! Then I had to research the subtitles to match. I actually researched some about tribes in brazil that depended on berries that were out in the desert. That was kind of after writing about this part in book one, but it may have helped me add in some things. As i went throughout the books, I researched ancient weapons and artifacts and animals and symbols.
3. Which character did you like writing the most?
I loved writing Novel. It was such a challenge to write form his point of view because he is male, but what I loved about it is that I could create this male that was just what I wanted (how many time do we wish we could do that in real life). He had so much potential for adventure which I loved, and I got to write Dyna and Aniah from his point of view which was just so fun. I like a lot of things form his male point of view.
4. Were any of your characters or events from the book based of real life people or experiences you have had?
I have thought a lot about this because essentially I didn't think that I was specifically patterning them after anyone, well some of them. Aniah was a piece of me but she was only a portion. I think everyone has different aspects of their character. I though of my naive, vulnerable side and that was how Aniah started out. Her mother was a portion of my Mom and also of how I might react if I were a mother. Novell was named after a friend of my husband that passed away years ago and his character is based off of my husband who is from London. He used to be a bodyguard with lots of experiences, but Novell was also a part of me that I fell like has the desire to be brave and nomadic, and wants to have adventures. Dyna, I felt like is the shy and mysterious part of me, the side that watches people and has a purpose no one knows about, not to mention I guess when everyone dreams of being a superhero or something that is who I dream of being, this person that is strong who can kick some butt, but perceptive. Essentially though, I felt like a lot of the character were just pieces of me that I wanted to be or felt like I was. That was the characters in the first book, after that the other characters just came to be because I had just imagined them, that they needed to be a part of this story. I did name some characters after friends and family, people that asked to be a character :).
5. Are there any other projects you are working on that you would like to tell us about?
I am working on a few projects right now that I am very excited about. One, is called "The Elaina Detrix Project", It is about a high society New York Socialite and trendsetter. She hangs out with New York's finest Doctors, Lawyers and Cosmetic surgeons. He love interest is a Dr. Brian Cole who is a Geneticist. One night they are joking around about some research that Brian is working on to alter human DNA. After Elaina convinces him, Brian agrees to experiment on Elaina to try and alter her DNA and test his theory on her that he could make a human being grow a pair of wings. It works! And when they realize that you can make the human body do anything i.e. breath fire, scale walls etc. they realize how dangerous this could be in thanes of the human race. But when they can no loner hide their secret, and everyone finds out what Elaina Detrix has, they all want it! The revelation of their secret could potential ruin the human race forever. It is a Sci-fi thriller.
6. Did any of your characters give you a difficult time while writing this book?
Novell was so complicated, his story had to be complex and precise, so it was really hard working out exactly who he was, where he came from and what he wanted in life. But, that was also what made him so fun to write.
7. Cappuccino or Coffee?
Anything with lots of sugar. I love the taste and smell of coffee, but I got have some cream and sugar in there. A little salted caramel :)
8. What do you like to do in your down time?
Write :( I'm a freak I suppose. I like to get out and do things; relax by the pool, go out and listen to good music. But I love putting all my ideas down on paper. It's so fun to be a part of that story world.
9. Was there anything in particular that inspired you to write about this world?
I had a dream when I loved in Alaska, a place that I felt was dark and ominous in the winter season. In this dream my characters lived in a place that was different, with clay ground and a scientific background. The rest I had to imagine from there. There wasn't much life around and things were still primitive in my dream. But as the story developed and the characters with it, i Imagined what types of placed they might come from.
10. Do you relate to any of your characters?
I had to relate to Aniah a lot to see how she would react to her destiny. We are all naive when we are born and even till we reach about the age of 'teenager', then we learn how harsh and cruel life can be. We love, we loose, we mature and gain responsibility. We are all destined to be something great and we have to choose to do that at any cost. We will loose loved ones and experience trials that will change us into the people we need to become to conquer that destiny. I grew up up with a naive perception of people and life, I used to think that I could kill evil with kindness. I know now how hard that can be, but it can be done. And we can be strong and keep going, even when it seems life has come down on us.
Blogspiration: Nonsense (3)
Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.
I believe that everyone needs a little nonsense in their lives every once in a while. It helps you to laugh and just enjoy yourself and life for bit.
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Blogspiration,
