Cover Reveal: FADING by E K BLAIR

Genre: Contemporary, Coming of age

Publication: June 21, 2013

BLURB:

Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered. 

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens. 

At what point do secrets become lies?

Fading by E.K.Blair from Novel Idea Inc. on Vimeo.

Facebook Author page - https://www.facebook.com/EKBlairAuthor

Blog Tour and Review: ROCKED by GINA MARIE LONG

Rocked: A Chelsie Valdar Saga, 1 by Gina Marie Long
Publication: February 16th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Thriller/Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:

The Apocalypse is coming...in one week. Chelsie Valdar and her brother are modern-day Viking warrior teenagers. They must find a mystical sword belonging to their ancient ancestor and flee to safety at a secret shelter, if they hope to survive. As the clock ticks, several Bigfoot and an outcast werecat become invaluable friends helping with the search for the sword and offering supernatural protection. Misfortune haunts their every move. Conflicts delay their progress. Especially when a devious and deranged enemy is infatuated with Chelsie and hungers for the sword, desperate to escape to the shelter with Chelsie by his side. Time is running out.

PURCHASE: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rocked-Chelsie-Valdar-Saga-ebook/dp/B00BGV3LL2/

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/286467
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rocked-gina-marie-long/1114675802?ean=2940044323117

Review
Genre: shapeshifters,urban fantasy,YA,couldn't put down,just freaking awesome,romance

I have to admit that I was surprised by Rocked; Bigfoot? Viking Legends? the Apocalypse? Really??!! But I found Gina Marie Long's original style of storytelling and her animated characters absorbed me in and once I had started the journey with our travellers I was not prepared to finish reading until they had finished their journey.

I love Chelsie as a main female character as she is feisty and knows how to kick-ass with a sword and a dagger, as well as call upon the spirits of her ancestors! Chelsie is the one who binds the group together, although sometimes her plans can be a little muddled!

Gina Marie Long definitely hints at the idea of romance for Chelsie and it seems that her choice would be Bo, her friend and the Bigfoot who already has a very rude and obnoxious girlfriend. However, as their journey progresses she enjoys spending more time with his brother Lucas.

Alex, the rogue Bigfoot is certainly portrayed as the villain in the story, but I felt sympathy for his character. He explains he has a history of mental illness and is not from the secure family unit which Bo and Lucas are. I hope there is opportunity to learn more about his character in the sequel and understand him more, as I feel he has gone a step towards redeeming himself.

Although my rating for Rocked is 5 hearts I feel that I should really take half a heart away for lack of page time to my favourite character, Zane!! I am now starting a campaign to return Zane as a fully fledged main character in the sequel (*SIGH*)

Rocked has all the action of the end of the world looming; it is an exciting story with supernatural characters; there is wit, tenderness and pain. I loved it!

Rating:

AUTHOR BIO

Gina Marie Long is an author of paranormal thrillers, urban fantasy, and young adult novels. She has written the Unknown Touch-Werewolf Series and Rocked – A Chelsie Valdar Saga.

Gina's fiction stories are inspired from her interest in the supernatural, science fiction and fantasy world. She enjoys reading, watching evening TV shows, movies and listening to music. Writing indulges her passion for the entertainment arts, giving her active mind a playground of possibilities to explore. She stays active on social media sites and blogging, making connections with others who share the same interests.

She writes about werewolves, vampires, witches, werecats, Bigfoot, an occasional demon, psychics, Vikings, and riveting human characters. But not ALL in the same book! In addition, a light romance is included to spice things up (come on-every book, movie and TV show has some sort of a love story in it). The books do not fall under the romance category...just enough in the storyline to satisfy the girls. And the boys can breathe easy with the knowledge that they're not reading a romance novel but a paranormal thriller, instead. Depending on which series, the ages of the main characters are 16 through 30. Most are on the younger side.

"It's exciting to create strong characters that the readers fall in love with…or want to strangle! Writing books about other beings, such as werewolves and vampires, allows rules to be broken concerning life and the world as we know it. The idea to have these supernatural species living and breathing among us is so wickedly intriguing. Having close contact with them, developing relationships, and dealing with the good vs. the evil - it sweeps you away into another reality – an escape from real life. You wonder and worry about what the characters will stumble upon next. Or, what horrific tragedy knocks them flat on their faces."~~Gina

She lives in Highland, Illinois, with her husband and Jessie Cat.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.ginamarielong.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3202195.Gina_Marie_Long

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinaMarieLongFans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginamarielong

Cover Reveal: OFF THE RECORD by SAWYER BENNETT

BLURB

The sparks of dislike burn hot, but the sparks of mutual attraction burn even hotter.

Ever Montgomery suffered the ultimate betrayal by the one man who she should have been able to count on for anything. It has left her hurt, jaded and incapable of forming relationships, but it also means that she can spot a liar a mile away. These traits are earning her a reputation as a reporter with a keen nose for a good story and a complete understanding of the extreme power of the written word.

Lincoln Caldwell, is the hot goalie for the New York Rangers. At twenty-four and a rising star, he works hard and he plays even harder. He’s gorgeous and carefree—the ultimate charmer. Ladies fall at his feet and the single life has never been lived the way Linc Caldwell does it.

When Ever publishes an article about Linc containing information that she received off the record, she finds herself on the receiving end of the athelete’s fury. Rather than basking in the glory of exposing Linc as a shameless user of women, she finds herself at his mercy when he demands and receives retribution. Required by her editor to trail Linc for six weeks, Ever is forced to look at the real Linc Caldwell.

And she just might find that she has misjudged him.

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Hop to Sawyer Bennett's Blog to read more about her HOT but awesome cover model Jay Byars . . . . . .http://sawyerbennett.com/?p=280

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About the Author

Sawyer Bennett is the pen name for a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

www.sawyerbennett.com

www.facebook.com/bennettbooks

www.twitter.com/bennettbooks

 

Release Blitz: THE DO OVER by A L ZAUN

Title:  The Do Over

Author: A.L. Zaun

Release date: May 20, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group:  Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Book Description: 

Life doesn’t look like it’s supposed to for Dani Ruiz, a hopeless romantic.  After a painful and sudden break-up with Rick Marin—who  she thought was the One—Dani hides away from reality, retreating to a world of fiction, preferring book boyfriends over the hassles of a relationship.

After almost two years of watching Dani in a holding pattern, her friends stage an intervention and force her back into the real world of dating.

Unexpectedly, Dani meets Liam Lucas, a down-to-earth firefighter. He might be the person to show her she’s still worth something. Dani’s hesitant to trust her heart with another man, but their instant and electric chemistry is something she can’t deny.

As Dani starts to believe that she’s found her real-life book boyfriend, Rick decides that he’ll go to any lengths to get her back. Seeing Rick as a changed man makes Dani question everything.

Can Dani trust her patched-up heart with Liam? 

Or has Rick transformed into the man she’s always wanted?

Told from various points of views, The Do Over is a story of second chances and new beginnings.  

EXCERPT

What about my kiss?” She pouted with a hand on her hip.  

My eyes were trained on her lips. They were begging for my attention, and I wanted to give it to them. 

“Baby…” I took a deep breath. “If I kiss you now, I won’t be able to stop.”  

I wanted her. There was no doubt about it. She drove me insane and turned me on. There was nothing more that I wanted than to be with her. From the moment I saw her until probably the day I took my last breath, my desire would burn for her. 

She moved toward me with an exotic look in her eyes, almost like a tiger about to catch her prey. “I want my hello kiss.”  

My girl liked playing with fire. Good thing that was my specialty.  

“I warned you,” I said, keeping my eyes focused on hers.  

I could feel my heart beating faster in my chest. I had to clear my head. I could just kiss her hello. I could do this. Although I couldn’t stop thinking about the other night, feeling her squirming under my touch, I reminded myself that she deserved our first time to be special.  

Licking her lips, she smiled and let out a sexy laugh.  

I was a goner.

About the Author

A.L. Zaun graduated from Florida International University with a degree in English Literature a long time ago.  A degree she didn’t use at all in her professional endeavors.  She loves to read, write and take pictures.  She walks around with her camera, and most importantly she has her e-reader available at all times.  Healthcare Management by day, Mommy in the evening and most nights, you can find her sitting in front of her laptop with a bottle of Diet Pepsi, bringing the voices in her head to life on the pages of her debut novel, The Do Over. 

Author social media links:

https://facebook.com/alzaun01 

https://twitter.com/AnaZ01 

https://alzaun@blogspot.com          

Review: ROUGE by LEIGH T MOORE

BLURB

QUARTER FINALIST---Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, 2013

Romance, velvet, sequins, and murder... 

Hale Ferrer is the rising star of the hottest cabaret in New Orleans. And her one goal is escape. Escape from the lies, from the crime, and from her growing fear that one day she'll have to earn her living in the secret back rooms, where the dancers do more than dance.

But she won't leave behind Teeny, the orphan-girl she promised to protect.

Freddie Lovel is rich, handsome, and in love with Hale, and he's ready to sweep her away with him to Paris. But her heart is captured by Beau, the poor stagehand with eyes as blue as Louisiana iris flowers.

Denying her fears, Hale is ready to choose love and a life with Beau, until a predator hidden in the wings launches a chain of events that could cost her everything--Teeny, their one hope of escape, and possibly even her life.

REVIEW

Genre: couldn't put down,emotional,favourites,just freaking awesome,review copy,romance

I will go as far as to say Rouge is a perfect book, with a narrative that left me feeling fulfilled and a story that emotionally drained me, but I felt that turmoil because Leigh T Moore had put me in the position of caring so much for her characters. I knew once I had reached Rouge's climatic ending that as soon as it's sequel was available to pre-order i would be pressing that one-click button!

Leigh T Moore invites her reader into late 19th Century New Orleans where Hale's cabaret is popular for those escaping the reality of the Reconstruction outside. The author builds a vivid world of the theatre but a sordid picture of the ways in which the girls are used to earn more money after hours.

Hale is the cabaret's star who has taken orphan Teeny into her care. I admired Hale's survival instincts her strength and the way in which she tries to protect her 'theatre' family.

Hale's romantic relationship is problematic as she feels it should be governed by by her and Teeny's need to be free from the cabaret rather than her heart, so as Frederick  Lovel is rich she wants to continue their courtship. However, when Beau the stagehand arrives he confuses Hale as he arouses new feelings in her but he does not have the means for them to escape. 

Although initially I felt Hale's selflessness was a step towards martyrdom it becomes apparent that Teeny's life is in danger. Leigh T Moore builds Hale's desperation and the emotion os the situation to an unforeseen head.

Rouge is brilliantly executed, with an array of characters who all help to add to add to the drama of the story. Leigh T Moore allows her reader an insight into a very human world which I felt touched me for days after I finished the book. I look forward to reading more of her work.

Rating:

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: REQUIEM FOR BLOOD by ALEXANDRA HOPE

Requiem for Blood by Alexandra Hope

Publication: February 7th 2013 

Genre: Upper YA Paranormal/Dark Fantasy

Synopsis:

Marrying East Asian mythology with Western folklore, this novel has a surprising twist for fans of the paranormal genre!

Seventeen year old Olivia Cohen has also had an appetite for blood and an aversion to the sun as a human, and when she is killed by a mysterious young woman, she finds her appetite has heightened and her skin is now burned by the sun. Living her life in a colony with other people who live a "vampire-like" lifestyle, she has grown up hunting humans and believing there is a blood so powerful it will turn them from vampire-like into true vampires. On one of Olivia's final nights as a human she meets eighteen year old Troy Evans and is immediately drawn to the unique scent of his blood. Now as an actual vampire, she must learn how to suppress her need to hunt and kill for his sake and decide if his unique blood is worth saving from those who seek it.

16+ for dark themes.

PURCHASE: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Requiem-for-Blood-ebook/dp/B00BCMK5Z0

Review

Genre:mature YA,vampires,paranormal,review copy

Although Alexandra Hope chose to interpret the Vampire genre in an interesting and original way I was never fully convinced by the 'colony' and the ideals they held and felt they the story should have explained more about why and how they chose to live the way they did.

I could not help but like the character of Olivia, despite her natural flaws, as I felt that she struggles with her urges and fights to maintain some sense of humanity. Her relationship with Noah and Troy are the ones which provide her with some normality and stability. Noah is there as her friend and protector and Troy is a fighting partner and blood bond. I love the way in which Alexandra Hope develops their relationship as Troy begins to understand Olivia more and sees past the label of 'murderer' he has placed on her.

Requiem for Blood is a dark story with sinister characters and there are definitely painful moments for Olivia. She is asked to mature quickly and fight against everything she has ever known, along with being given the knowledge that there may be another Vampire on earth who is trying to compel her through her dreams.

Alexandra Hope leaves the story on a cliffhanger so I am hoping for a sequel and the continuation of Olivia's journey.

Rating:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTHOR BIO 

Alexandra Hope was born in New York, raised in Atlanta and has lived in Germany for the past three years. She writes pretty much whatever she feels like and for her debut novel she chose ninja-like vampires. She's a (Linguistic) Anthropology major, language lover, vocalist in a Japanese band and part-time bad fanfic writer.

Author Links:

Website: http://harlequin-ink.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6925698.Alexandra_Hope

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexandra-Hope/389766147771252

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nonkyannn

Release Day Launch: THE HAZARDS OF SKINNY DIPPING by ALYSSA ROSE IVY

BLURB:

This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Buy Link:http://www.amazon.com/The-Hazards-Skinny-Dipping-ebook/dp/B00CVBBHCQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369006830&sr=1-1&keywords=the+hazards+of+skinny+dipping

Barnes and Noble Buy Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hazards-of-skinny-dipping-alyssa-rose-ivy/1115373445?ean=2940016789118

Review:
So, I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Hazards of Skinny Dipping for review, and I finished it in the early hours of this morning after realising I couldn't sleep . . . at the moment I am still all rainbows, butterflies and unicorns so unable to write a comprehensive review for you . . . BUT I will!!!! Hopefully by later this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Links:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AlyssaRoseIvy

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5047249.Alyssa_Rose_Ivyhttps://www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/alyssaroseivy/

Website: http://www.alyssaroseivy.com/