Where I share my love of books with reviews, features, giveaways and memes. Family and needlepoint are thrown in from time to time.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Book Blast: Deadly Trilogy Boxed Set



Buy the Book Tours is bringing you a Page Turner Tour for Deadly Trilogy Boxed Set by Alexa Grace.  With more than 600 five-star reviews, it's time for you to discover the three Deadly Trilogy books: Deadly Offerings, Deadly Deception and Deadly Relations.

Tour Schedule:





From bestselling new author Alexa Grace, The Deadly Trilogy, three books with non-stop suspense and a healthy dose of toe-curling passion will have you holding your breath from the first page to the last.

Deadly Offerings - Book One - Anne Mason thinks she’ll be safe living in the Midwest living on a wind farm left to her by her ex's mother. She may be dead wrong. Someone is dumping bodies in her corn field and telling Anne they are gifts—for her! And how can she be falling in love with the hot attorney who represented her ex-husband in their divorce proceedings? 

Deadly Deception - Book Two- Enter the disturbing world of illegal adoptions, baby trafficking and murder with new detective Lane Hansen and private investigator Frankie Douglas. Going undercover as husband and wife, Lane and Frankie struggle to keep their relationship strictly professional as their sizzling passion threatens to burn out of control. Can they keep passion in control long enough to take down two murderers? 

Deadly Relations - Book Three - Detective Jennifer Brennan, still haunted by her abduction five years before, devotes her life to serve and protect others. Love is the last thing on her mind, but will it find her after three young women go missing and are found murdered on her watch and she vows to find the killer — or die trying. 

Alexa Grace's Deadly Trilogy Boxed Set - With more than 600 five-star reviews, it's time for you to discover the three Deadly Trilogy books: Deadly Offerings, Deadly Deception and Deadly Relations







“Lane, I know you’re ready to do undercover work, but with this case I need two cops who can pose as a married couple. Unfortunately, we’ve got three women on the team. One is built like a linebacker and the other two are pregnant."

“Sir, for this case, why don’t we go outside the department? I know a Private Investigator who can handle herself on a job like this."

Newly appointed Sheriff Tim Brennan’s brows drew together in a suspicious expression. “What’s the PI’s name?”

“Frankie Douglas. I worked with her last year on the Charles Beatty serial killer case. She’s a former sharpshooter for the Army.”

“Is this the same Frankie Douglas you shot?”
Lane’s face flushed with the guilt he still felt about the shooting.
“Yes, sir. It was an accident. We were heading down the stairs of Beatty’s cellar to apprehend him when one of the steps gave way and when I fell my gun went off and hit Frankie.”

“Has Frankie Douglas done police work before?”

“I heard she’s a former detective.”

“I think I’ve heard about her. Isn’t she a pretty tall blonde woman?”

“Oh, she’s smokin’ hot. Think Victoria Secret hot.”

“Is that right? Do you have a personal thing going with Ms. Douglas?”

“No sir. Strictly professional.” Of course, if he’d had a chance, he’d have made in personal in 2.5 seconds.

Brennan glared at Lane then picked up his phone and dialed a number. “Hello, Frankie, this is Uncle Tim. I may have a job for you. Would you please drop by my office?”


Alexa Grace's journey started in March 2011 when the Sr. Director of Training & Development position she'd held for thirteen years was eliminated. A door closed but another one opened. She finally had the time to pursue her dream of writing books -- her dream since childhood. Her focus is now on writing riveting romantic suspense novels.

Alexa earned two degrees from Indiana State University and currently lives in Florida. She's a member of Romance Writers of America (national) as well as the Florida Chapter. 
Alexa Grace is listed in the top ten of Amazon's Top 100 Most Popular Authors in the categories Romantic Suspense and Police Procedural. She was recently named one of the top 100 Indie authors by Kindle Review. A chapter is devoted to her in the book Interviews with Indie Authors by C. Ridgway and T. Ridgway. Her books Deadly Offerings, Deadly Deception, and Deadly Relations have consistently been listed in the top ten of Amazon's Top 100 Bestselling Romantic Suspense and Police Procedural Books. All three books are available in Alexa Grace's Deadly Trilogy boxed set.

Her writing support team includes five Miniature Schnauzers, three of which are rescues. As a writer, she is fueled by Starbucks lattes, chocolate and emails from readers. 

Deadly Holiday, published in November 2012, is her holiday-themed romantic suspense novella, featuring all her Deadly Trilogy characters. 

Profile of Evil, the first book of the Profile Trilogy will be available in spring 2013.

You can connect with Alexa at the following sites:
Website 
Facebook
 
Twitter
 
Goodreads
 






Monday, December 10, 2012

Gift Card Giveaway Hop (Dec 11 - 17) - International



It is that time of year for the Gift Card Giveaway Hop!  It is being hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Sweeping Me.  I am giving away a giftcard for $10 to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  Happy Holidays!



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Book Blast: The Homeschoolers by Henry Circle


A Bookmark Blitz Tour - The Homeschoolers
Tour Schedule:



The Homeschoolers: The Ballad of Squirtina
by Henry Circle

"Life is too big to squeeze into a weekend." That's what "half-heathen" public school misfit, Christina Begoni, learns after a bout of Spanish class diarrhea has her escaping into the arms of a holy-rolling homeschool group. With her mustachioed, evil genius brother and cute redneck bully in tow, Christina joins innocent homeschoolers, Sunny and David on a hilarious and often gripping adventure on the Mississippi River. Experience the thrill and romance of the never-ending weekend with The Homeschoolers.



Buy Links:
Amazon


Excerpt from The Homeschoolers:

When I get back to the stand, Sunny says, “You were gone awhile. Did you get lost?”

“I squirted myself!” I announce, quite abruptly.

“When? Just now?” Sunny asks with concern.

David chimes in, “Oh no. You must have stopped at the tamale stand. I could have told you that was going to happen. If you need, I’ve got some Pepto back in the truck.”

“Oh, no. Not right now,” I explain. “Something reminded me of a past incident. I was getting picked on at school because back around Christmas holidays I got really sick. The embarrassing part is that I diarrhea squirted in my freakin’ pants, right in the classroom, in front of everyone!” I’m hysterical with laughter. I have to admit, even though it was the worst thing that has happened to me thus far in life, it’s still hilarious when you hear it said aloud. Kip is still lying on the ground, with his back turned to us, pretending to sleep, but his body is quaking with silent laughter. Sunny and David are stone-faced.

Sunny looks especially puzzled. “I don’t see how that’s funny. You got sick, and then your peers taunted you about it. That is not very nice.”

“That’s what I’m thinking,” David says. “It’s like someone saying, ‘Ha. Ha. You have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma’. I don’t get it.”

“Oh, no. It is funny, but bless you both for thinking otherwise,” I say, pulling David and Sunny to my sides and kissing them both on the cheek. I’ve shared my shameful secret, escaped the hands of my nemesis, and have garnered two allies in Sunny and David. There's nothing Ricky Kelly could do to bring me down now.




Author Bio:

Henry Circle is a Mississippi native, a freelance writer, a sometime hermit and a most-times loud mouth. She attended homeschool for one glorious year.

Henry is the daughter of actor, John Turturro, a winner of the prestigious Caldecott Medal and former Las Vegas showgirl. None of which is true.

You can contact the author at:
Henry Circle: Writer's Loop
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads





Sunday, December 9, 2012

TV - Netflix - Popcorn - ONE WINNER! (U.S. Only) Dec 9 - 17



Sponsors: Netflix | Route 249 | Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | Tinkle Monkey | Country Stew | She Informed | S.O.S Mom | Inside My Head | Mom Does Reviews | As Mom Sees It | Giveaway Maven | Reel Mama

We have been thinking about getting Netflix - but I haven't been totally convinced yet that it is the way to go.  Do you have Netflix?  Is it wonderful?  Give me the scoop!

December 9th 12:01 am EST-17th 12:59 pm EST

Netflix revolutionizes the way people watch TV shows and movies

With more than 30 million streaming members in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Nordics, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world's leading internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV programs. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can instantly watch movies and TV programs streamed over the internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, internet-connected TVs, home theatre systems, digital video recorders and internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, over 800 devices that stream from Netflix are available. For additional information, visit www.netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.



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Let your TV do the adjustments for you. Intelligent Sensor automatically optimizes the picture to the lighting and color conditions in the room for a more enjoyable viewing experience.



POPCORNNOPOLIS

Six regular-sized of our most incredible gourmet flavors jostle for position, nearly bursting out of their cones in their eagerness to overwhelm those unsuspecting taste buds. Creamy Our wildly popular Zebra® Chocolate, Luscious Pecan Caramel, Classic Caramel Corn, Cheddar Cheese, Kettle Corn and Cinnamon Bun.



One lucky winner will be selected to win all three prizes. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. GOOD LUCK!

1 Winner USA ONLY
1 year Netflix subscription
6pk Popcornnopolis Gourment Popcorn
LG 32" Flat Screen TV


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Friday, December 7, 2012

Win an iPhone 5! (Dec 7 - 15)

html:





WIN AN IPHONE 5!


I would love to have an iPhone - any iPhone!  I have an iPad and my daughter has an iPod and we use Apple computers at work - so this would finally tie everything together!  What about you?  Is a phone on your Christmas list?


Sponsored by: Verizon Wireless |Route 249 | Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | Tinkle Monkey | Country Stew | She Informed | S.O.S Mom | Inside My Head |Mom Does Reviews


The biggest thing to happen to iPhone since iPhone.

iPhone 5 features a 4-inch Retina display, the powerful A6 chip, an 8-megapixel iSight camera with panorama, ultrafast wireless, iOS 6, and iCloud. Yet it's the thinnest, lightest iPhone ever.
  • 4-inch Retina display
  • Ultrafast wireless
  • A6 chip
  • 8-megapixel iSight camera with panorama
  • 1080p HD video recording
  • Siri - Your intelligent assistant
  • FaceTime video calling¹
  • All-new Apple EarPods
  • Over 700,000 apps on the App Store²
  • iOS 6 - The world's most advanced mobile OS
  • iCloud - Your content on all your devices

More Coverage Than All Other Networks Combined.

370+ cities and counting. Covering nearly 75% of the U.S. population. And we're committed to covering our entire 3G footprint with 4G LTE coverage by the end of 2013. That's the 4G LTE network you want for your iPhone.
Why Verizon 4G LTE?
  • You want real-time responsiveness. Download pics and flicks in a blink, seamlessly stream videos, and more. All at 10X the speed of 3G. Verizon 4G LTE is the fastest 4G network in America.
  • Video chat without a hiccup. Verizon 4G LTE gives you America's most reliable 4G LTE speed*.
  • Get rapid-fire access to iCloud and wirelessly push your music, photos and more to all your devices
One lucky reader will win an iPhone 5. Simply enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. GOOD LUCK!


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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Dailybreak

Dailybreak: I tried Dailybreak.com through Smiley360! You can join the fun and win rewards at http://bit.ly/O3cxhb #Dailybreakmission *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Book Blast: For What It's Worth by Karey White


For What It's Worth by Karey White

Twenty-four year-old, Abby Benson has dreams of owning her own wedding cake shop. An inheritance from her aunt gives her the ability to make those dreams come true. She hires Dane, a handsome contractor, to help her get the bakery up and running and soon they’re moving toward their own happy ending.

Unsure what to charge for her cakes, Abby has a crazy idea to let the customer decide what they think their cake is worth. This plan has its ups and downs, but the novelty of the idea makes her a local celebrity. When she is interviewed on television about the unusual idea, business booms and Abby has cake adventures she never dreamed possible. But as her fame grows, Abby is swept up in a whirlwind that threatens everything she values. With the challenges that face her, will she be able to determine what is worth the most?



Praise for For What It's Worth

Reading Karey White’s books, like eating chocolate cake, is always satisfying and brings a smile to my face. For What It’s Worth is light, romantic, and delicious. It’s a great pleasure read. Sit down and get lost in the charming world of wedding cakes and love. As an added bonus, each chapter  starts with a recipe, so it’s a novel and cookbook all in one. A fun read!

—Teri Harman, KSL columnist, Studio 5 contributor, and author of Blood Moon, available June 22, 2013

I just loved the book – loved it. Hated putting it down and hated finishing it. Karey White is my new Maeve Binchy, her writing as warm as the bakery her novel is set in. For What It’s Worth surprised me, made me smile, say “no” out loud in a public place. I love when a character feels like my sister. I didn’t want to finish it, so now I may try the recipes that began every chapter.

—Amanda Dickson, author and radio personality

This book oozes charm, romance, and mouth-watering recipes. If you want to escape reality and curl up with a darling story, For What It’s Worth is the perfect fit. Thank you, Karey White!

—Rachael Anderson, author

This is a book worth every penny of the price. In the business of baking wedding cakes, every detail must be perfection, but this story remembers that real life is oh-so-messy. White’s clear and honest writing left me hungry for good food, a close family, and a little romance. A beautiful marriage of food, family, and faith.

—Regina Sirois, author of On Little Wings, 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award



Purchase




Book Trailer







Author Karey White

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.








Links




Blog Tour December 2012
Tour Schedule
Book Blast Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash from Author Karey White

Ends 12/14/12

*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Karey and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Blog Tour: The Prophet by Ethan Cross - Interview


The Prophet
by Ethan Cross

OLD ENEMIES...
Francis Ackerman Jr. is one of America's most prolific serial killers. Having kept a low profile for the past year, he is ready to return to work – and he's more brutal, cunning, and dangerous than ever.

NEW THREATS...
Scarred from their past battles, Special Agent Marcus Williams cannot shake Ackerman from his mind. But now Marcus must focus on catching the Anarchist, a new killer who drugs and kidnaps women before burning them alive.

HIDDEN TERRORS...
Marcus knows the Anarchist will strike again soon. And Ackerman is still free. But worse than this is a mysterious figure, unknown to the authorities, who controls the actions of the Anarchist and many like him. He is the Prophet – and his plans are more terrible than even his own disciples can imagine.

With attacks coming from every side, Marcus faces a race against time to save the lives of a group of innocent people chosen as sacrifices in the Prophet's final dark ritual.

Please visit the PICT tour page to read the first chapter and see the blog tour schedule!

Mr. Cross was kind enough to answer a whole slew of questions for me!   Please take a moment and get to know him a little better. 

1. How do you typically write? Do you plot it all out beforehand or do you just let the story pour out?

It all begins with a cool idea and interesting characters, but there’s much more than that to a novel (in fact, those are the easy parts). I typically start by just thinking of everything I want to happen in the book (character moments, action sequences, etc). Then I begin to fit those pieces together. I have a dry-erase board and a cork board. I brainstorm on the dry-erase and then begin lining up notecards on the cork board. These cards contain just enough info to let me know the linear progression of the book and how the pieces fit together. Then I craft an outline.

I’m an obsessive outliner. For THE PROPHET, I wrote a 170 page outline that went through two major drafts with feedback from my editors. This outline contains pretty much everything that’s going to happen in the book, even thoughts, research, and snippets of dialogue.

For me, that’s the hard part. Once that’s done and the “writing” begins, things flow, and I’m able to focus on the intricacies. After the outline was done, I wrote the 125,000 words of the book in about a month and a half.


2. Do you have a favorite place to write or “must haves” while writing?

I typically write in my office while sitting in a big recliner. As far as requirements…laptop, heavy metal music, and caffeine.


3. Do you have much say in the title or covers of you books?

It depends. I come from a technical background, and so I’ve actually designed my own US covers. I also have input on the UK editions, but for other countries, they pretty much do whatever they want in regard to both. I usually have a title chosen before the book is written, but this can change depending on the publisher’s thoughts. In the end, they have the final say, but I can’t see any of my publishers going against me completely if I felt a title or cover would hurt the book. They’ve all been great to work with.


4. Is there anything that has surprised you about writing, publishing or touring with your books?

I’ve been very surprised at how wonderful, accessible, and supportive the writing community has been, especially an organization that is close to my heart, The International Thriller Writers. I consider some of the people I’ve met at Thrillerfest (ITW’s yearly conference) to be among my best friends. If you are a writer (or want to be one) and haven’t attended any conference or joined any organization like this, it’s time to start checking into it.


5. Do you have a favorite author/book or one that you always recommend?

I enjoy any book that’s action-packed, regardless of genre, and I've been known to read three or four books in a week. I love David Morrell, James Rollins, Lee Child, F. Paul Wilson, Dean Koontz, Jeffery Deaver, James Patterson, Douglas Preston, Clive Cussler, and many, many more.


6. Was there anything (or anyone) while growing up which helped you decide you wanted to be a writer?

The original idea for The Shepherd started out years ago as a short 40-page story written for a college English class. I was watching a movie called Frailty (great movie, by the way), and it got me interested in the idea of turning the tables on who we saw as the villain and the "good guy". The short story asked the question, "Do the ends justify the means?" and dealt with the abuse of power. The serial killer in the short story (the character that later evolved into Ackerman) was actually not a character at all, since the story centered upon the finding of the killer's dead body. I originally intended to use the short story as a starting point for the novel, but the book took me in such different directions that there is basically nothing recognizable left from the short story. The class was a senior level English course, and I handed in the story on one of the last days before graduation. On the following day, the teacher asked me to stay after class and urged me not to stop writing. Her words meant a lot and really stuck with me.


7. Do you have a job outside of being an author?

Writing is my “day job”, and so I try to treat it as such.


8. What would you tell a beginning writer?

The first step in succeeding as a writer is having a deep love of stories and then learning how to write. You can do that in many ways including reading (and doing it a lot), taking classes, attending conferences, etc. For me, the most significant and worthwhile experience was attending Thrillerfest in New York. While there, I took classes from some of the biggest selling and most accomplished writers in the world. I learned so much and have applied those techniques to my writing. I also made a lot of great friends and business connections while there. So I guess I could sum it up as: have an incredibly strong desire to write and a deep love of stories, learn to write well (and keep learning and improving), and get out there and make connections.


9. What were your favorite books growing up?

The Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine and anything by Stephen King. Honestly, the only books that I read all the way through in school were from one of those two authors. I faked my way through the rest.


10. Do you have any books on your nightstand right now?

I’m currently reading The Naked Edge by David Morrell (who is one of my all-time favorite writers).


11. If you could meet one person who has died, who would that be?

Possibly Nikola Tesla or Albert Einstein; two of the greatest minds in history. On a personal level, I would like to meet my grandfather who died long before I was born.


12. If you could co-author a book with anyone, who would it be?

James Patterson. It would pay the best :-)

Seriously, though, I would probably choose David Morrell, because I feel that I could learn a lot from him.


13. Do you have a favorite quote?

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” - Jack Kerouac


14. In one sentence, why should we read your book?

I try to write books that I would want to read, and I like stories that are fast-paced with a lot of action.


15. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

If I find a bug in my house, I try not to kill unless absolutely necessary. I try to capture it and release it. Several years ago, we had a mouse get into our basement. I would only allow my wife to purchase catch-and-release live-capture traps to go after it. And we caught him and released him into the wild. Kind of funny from the guy who writes about brutal serial killers.


16. What do you come up with first when creating your character- the back story, the plot, the characteristics?

It really depends. Sometimes I come up with an event from the past that would really shape a character. Sometimes it’s the character with certain attributes. Sometimes the character evolves from plot necessity. I can’t say which comes first, but for me, the most important thing is to make them a real person who I care about. Otherwise, my readers never will.


17. What do you do in your spare time?

I’m a huge movie buff. My wife and I religiously have date night every week and take in a movie. And if I’m not writing or watching a cool story, I’m probably reading one.


18. What does a day in your life look like?

Since I’m not much of a morning person, I start out with answering e-mails, conducting promotional activities, research, learning, etc…essentially the business side of things. Then, once I’ve got some caffeine in my system, I start to write/outline. I usually quit around 6:00, depending on when the kids have activities or we have plans for the evening. Then I usually have a little time to work some more once the kids and my wife have gone to bed.


19. How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?

Most of them read the books, and they are all extremely proud. We have cards that they can give out to their friends or people they meet that contain more info on me and the books, and I hear lots of stories about the cards being given to random strangers in lines at grocery stores and waiters in restaurants. It always makes me smile when I get a message or someone at a signing that says, “This lady gave me a card…”


20. Is there anything else that you would like my readers to know?

My goal is to make every book that I write the best book I’ve ever written and continue to grow as an author and storyteller. Hopefully, this will show through in my work, and I’ll have the opportunity to live my dream for many years to come. But that all depends on the support of the wonderful reading community, and so a big thank you to all the readers out there.



Silly questions –
1. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

1st Choice - Immortality, 2nd Choice - Telekinesis, 3rd Choice - Invisibility

2. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can play several different instruments including guitar, piano, drums, mandolin, bass, etc.

3. Night owl or early bird?

Night Owl

4. Favorite season?

Summer. Mainly because the best movies come out then.

5. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

The Walking Contradiction

6. Favorite sport?

To play: Basketball. To watch: Baseball.

7. Favorite music?

Heavy Metal

8. Talk or text?

Text. It’s funny, but it feels terribly inconvenient to actually call someone these days.

9. Cat or dog?

Dog, but I love all animals.

10. Favorite tv show?

All time - 24. Currently - The Walking Dead

11. Favorite holiday destination?

Las Vegas

12. Do you have a literary crush?

Hmm, probably Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or David Morrell.

13. If you could live in a literary world - what world would that be and why?

Probably the Star Wars universe…because I always wanted a lightsaber.

14. Most embarrassing moment?

Shooting a one and one free throw, making the first one, and turning and running all the way back down to the other side of the court before realizing that I had another shot.

15. If you could travel forward or backward in time, where would you go and why?

Definitely into the future. I would go at least a few hundred years. It would be fascinating to see how technology and humanity has changed (if we’re still around that is).


Thank you Mr. Cross!  There were some entertaining answers there.  I was also a huge Stephen King fan in high school and list Dean Koontz and James Patterson as some of my favorite authors. BTW - Did you ever make that second shot?  

Best of luck with The Prophet!  It has been a fascinating read so far and can't wait to get back to it!


AUTHOR BIO:
When a fireman or a policeman would visit his school, most of his classmates’ heads would swim with aspirations of growing up and catching bad guys or saving someone from a blazing inferno. When these moments came for Ethan Cross, however, his dreams weren’t to someday be a cop or put out fires; he just wanted to write about it. His dream of telling stories on a grand scale came to fruition with the release of his first novel, the international bestseller, THE SHEPHERD.

Ethan Cross is the pen name of a thriller author living and writing in Illinois with his wife, two daughters, and two Shih Tzus. In addition to The Shepherd and The Prophet, he has published two novellas––The Cage and Callsign: Knight (with Jeremy Robinson).

AUTHOR SITES:
  FaceBook  (https://www.facebook.com/EthanCrossBooks)                                 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Cover Reveal: Hover by Melissa West - with Giveaway!


Hover (The Taking #2)
by Melissa West


Pre-order Buy links:
BN.com- No link yet

About the author:  Melissa lives in a tiny suburb of Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter. She pretends to like yoga, actually likes shoes, and could not live without coffee. Her writing heroes include greats like Jane Austen and Madeleine L'Engle. 

She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. Yeah, her blood runs orange. 

Melissa’s links:
Goodreads




Entangled Publishing will be hosting an exclusive excerpt and official blurb for all participating bloggers closer to HOVER’s release date on August 6, 2013. Watch Melissa’s blog, http://m-b-west.blogspot.com/, for details on how to participate!


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Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Books Giveaway Hop (Dec 1 - 7)


Christmas Books Giveaway Hop is being hosted by I am a Reader Not a Writer and Laurie, Here.  Everybody on this hop will be giving away a Christmas Book!  I have two that I am giving away to one winner - 



















The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson - Eight-year-old Lucy Turnbull knew better than to wish for a pony that Christmas in 1937. Her mother had assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony was the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they needed at their boarding house were the paying kind. But when an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, Lucy starts to believe her Christmas wishes might just come true after all. 

The queen of the Christmas novel, Melody Carlson pens another magical tale of expectation and excitement as one little girl dreams big and the impossible becomes possible.


Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot -  Celia Anderson doesn't need anything for Christmas except a few more boarders, which are hard to come by in this small mining town. She certainly doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a wandering carpenter finds lodging at her boarding house, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle to get roses during a harsh Wyoming winter. But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .

There are over 100 blogs participating in this hop - so get hoppin!


Cover Reveal: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller




The Summer I Became a Nerd
by Leah Rae Miller

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.
Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

Links:





Leah Rae Miller
 Born and raised in northern Louisiana, Leah Rae Miller still lives there on a windy hill with her husband and kids. She loves comic books, lava lamps, fuzzy socks, and Cherry Coke. She spends most of her days reading things she likes and writing things she hopes other people will like.




Entangled Teen/Entangled Publishing will be hosting a Marked-to-Read contest on Goodreads in the weeks leading up to THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD's release on May 7, 2013. Watch Leah’s site, http://leahraemillerblog.blogspot.com/, for details on how to submit/enter to win. Spread the word!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Book Blast: Crossroads by Mary Ting (w/$100 Giveaway)

Crossroads by Mary Ting:

Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander.

There, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn't her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her.

Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should? The answer awaits you! Follow the exciting path to Crossroads!


Praise for Crossroads:

“Crossroads by Mary Ting has it all: danger, romance, suspense, incredible characters and an original plot that is sure to thrill. The action never stops as good and evil battle to the death. This well written and fascinating love story will keep readers entranced.”

~ReadersFavorite.com

"Love is in question. Trust is debatable. No one is safe. Between by Mary Ting is an enchanting, nail-biter that will leave you breathless from the exquisite cover to the thrilling end."

~Gabby, Nashville Young Adult Fiction Examiner/What’s Beyond Forks

"Crossroads is an exciting debut book with a rich paranormal mythology, unique angel-lore, forbidden romance, action, suspense and plot twists. With her detailed writing and a plot that flow wells, Mary created a world I enjoyed visiting, and a story that was hard to put down."

~Katie with Mundie Moms

“Beyond is an extraordinary story with unforgettable characters, passionately written by an author who clearly understands the true identity of love.  Compelling and exciting; this is a must-read for all hardcore fans of the paranormal romance genre.”

~Angie Edwards @ Books4Tomorrow

“Reading the Crossroads Saga has always put me in a very ethereal place while turning its pages. In BEYOND, Mary Ting takes it to another level and I embrace the new darkness with open wings just like Michael would with his heart-shaped wings”

~Yara, Once Upon A Twilight



Purchase:
Crossroads is FREE on Amazon






Crossroads Excerpt:


He held me gently with both of his arms and wings this time.  All I needed was his touch, for him to hold me that way; it made all the difference in the world.  I was safe again.  Without thought, I turned toward him.  The look in his eyes was so tempting, telling me that he wanted me too.  I knew it was impossible for him to want and need me the same way, but his eyes told me something else. The depth of my yearning and what I wanted to do at this very moment was undeniable.

I leaned toward him and tenderly placed a kiss on his supple lips to thank him.  It was an innocent kiss.  What was the harm in just one small kiss?  I was extremely surprised that he didn’t push me away.  I was even more surprised at myself.  I was never the type to make the first move.

“Thank you for saving me,” I whispered, looking straight into his soulful eyes, as something came over me.  Uncontrollable heat ran through my body.  He was right.  It was dangerous, but it was me who couldn’t control myself.  His eyes gave me permission to continue, so I gave him another kiss, but slower and longer this time.  He kissed me back, but with much hesitation.  His lips were warm and sweet like honeysuckle, just how I imagined they would be.  The warmth spread all over my body like a blazing fire.

Still holding me, he pulled me away with a sudden jerk, his eyes piercing into mine with anger.  His left hand was tightly wrung around my hair and the other gripping my shirt so I could feel the tightness from it.  Panting, wanting more of him, I forgot how to breathe, and so did he.  His eyes, still fierce with anger, gripped me even tighter as he slightly pushed and pulled me, fighting and uncertain of what he wanted to do.  Feeling petrified, I had to prepare myself for the consequence of my actions, for I knew I had crossed the line.






Book Trailer:








Also part of the Series:



 Between: 



As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God's first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia's soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside-a place between Heaven and Earth-he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators--nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?









Beyond:



Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?




Author Mary Ting:

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing Crossroads was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. It was inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl.






Links







Book Blast Giveaway:



$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/6/12

*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.



Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.







a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 26, 2012

Dreaming of Summer Giveaway Hop (Nov 27 - Dec 2)



Baby it's cold outside!  So what's more fun than a Dreaming of Summer Giveaway!  It is being hosted by I am a Reader Not a Writer and Me, My Shelf and I.  I will be giving away a copy of Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire.



When all you hold dear is taken away. . .

When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong's home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity.  A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start.  And nothing, especially not a hot, younger architect, is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality.

A second chance is the only thing you have left.

Love has already cost Clay Walker everything.  And if he's going to have any chance of picking up the pieces of his life, he needs the job as Lacey Armstrong's architect.  What's not in the plans is falling for the headstrong beauty.  Her vision of the future is more appealing than anything he could have ever drafted for himself.  Will Clay's designs on Lacey's heart be more than she can handle, or will she trust him to build something that will last forever. 



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