Author Interview and Giveaway: A.B. Shepherd

Today, I'm joined by A.B. Shepherd, author of Lifeboat and The Beacon. Not only is A.B. a friend of mine, she's a fabulous author (If you like sci-fi, you must read Lifeboat. I haven't read The Beacon yet, but I'm sure it's just as good!)

First the fun stuff:

Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Coke - I used to be completely addicted and drank little else, but I’m trying to be a bit healthier and only allow this indulgence on weekends now.

Review and Giveaway: The Soul of the World by Joshua Silverman

by Joshua Silverman

The ancient powers lost to Potara have returned. The Brotherhood of the Black Rose rises to bring Thoth into disorder. And, while the Brotherhood reclaims their power, chaos reigns among the survivors. Six individuals have emerged from the aftermath struggling for control over their lives and a divided land. Kem and Shirin, who abolished the five thousand year reign of the Amun Priests, rule from the golden throne of the Oracle’s Chair in the Hall of the Nine. Dio and Axios struggle to piece together a resistance worthy to challenge the ancient magic which resides in the Great Temple of Amun, and Leoros and Atlantia try to remain true to their hearts and their cause despite tragedy. But when the Book of Breathings is discovered, the path to immortality is revealed. Leoros and Kem race to capture the Soul of the World unaware of the challenges awaiting them. This time, the gods themselves will intervene. In a tale where boys become men and girls become women, where treachery and deception are around every corner, and where primeval mysticism finds its way back from the grave, victory is reserved for neither the good nor the evil, but the powerful.

Book Blast and Giveaway: Wanted Vampire by Lisa Rayns

Wanted: Vampire - Free Blood

 

Book 1 in the Wanted: Vampire Trilogy

Released: Aug 24, 2012 Genre: Paranormal Romance Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Three years ago, death blew out the candle in Alexis Hall’s life and left her devastated. Nothing could replace what she’d lost, not even the sexy stranger she awoke married to. Still, she finds it hard to ignore the dangerous sparks he triggers within her. She knows Bradley Cox took advantage of her. What she doesn’t know is he holds a secret that will change everything.

 

But Bradley isn’t her only concern. In a moment of desperation to somehow reclaim what she had lost, Alexis made an offer to a vampire––free blood. Her blood.

 

In a story of heartbreak and obsession, a simple ad changed Alexis' life forever and on one fateful night her dreams and her nightmares will collide. Can she trust Bradley? Or is he her worst mistake? Can she retract her offer to the vampire? Or will she fall under his deceptive spell?

Book Blast: Sweet Magic Song by Olivia Hardin

Belle Bittner was sold to the highest bidder when she was just a child, sought for the magic lying dormant in her blood. She grew up as the adopted daughter of a wealthy vampire couple, and serving the child-trafficking Org seemed her only option in life. But Belle has other plans, and she won’t let anyone get in the way of her escape, even if it means betraying those who try to help her. Desperate to stay free of an evil vampire who means to possess her no matter what, Belle decides she can use the protection of the flirtatious faery named Roon. The two of them flee to the faery realm where Rooney believes he can better protect her. What he doesn’t know is that taking the bea utiful siren through the golden door will set off a cataclysm of events that will threaten the fabric of both the human and the faery worlds. Separating myth from fact to decipher the truth about her powers could mean the destruction of the new life Belle’s trying so hard to build.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

iTunes and Kobo coming soon.

About the Olivia:

When Olivia Hardin began having movie-like dreams in her teens, she had no choice but to begin putting them to paper. Before long, the writing bug had her and she knew she wanted to be a published author. Several rejections plus a little bit of life later, and she was temporarily “cured” of the urge to write. That is until she met a group of talented and fabulous writers who gave her the direction and encouragement she needed to get lost in the words again. Olivia’s attended three different universities over the years and toyed with majors in Computer Technology, English, History and Geology. Then one day she heard the term road scholar and she knew that was what she wanted to be. Now she “studies” anything and everything just for the joy of learning. She's also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and she’s sometimes accused of being artistic. A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband, Danny and their puppy, Bonnie.

Connect with Olivia and Get information about releases, contests, news and more here:

Website

Blog

Newsletter

Twitter

Facebook Fan Page

Book Blast: Love by Deception by Debra Elizabeth

Love by Deception

Book 2, Age of Innocence

Blurb:

Content with her life as a lady's maid, Isabel Knott learns the father she never knew has left her a fortune. The news comes with one restriction--she can never reveal his name. Isabel falls in love with Colby Tisbury, but with her nonexistent pedigree his father, Lord Tisbury, will never accept her as his daughter-in-law. Colby Tisbury must marry, and soon. If he doesn't find a bride before the end of the Season, his father will supply one. Then Colby meets sassy Isabel Knott, and everything changes--but can he go against his father's wishes and marry a girl utterly lacking in family and connections? Isabel is forced to make an impossible choice - reveal her secret identity and bring shame to her true father or lose Colby forever.

Review and Giveaway: No One Cared by Chemistry W. #ABP2013

Tour Schedule

About the book

Title: No One Cared  

Author: Chemistry W.

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release date: Oct 9, 2013

Pages: 84

Where I got the book: Free from the author in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Zaria is a fifteen year old girl living in a small town trying to find her place in this world’ after a tragic night, when she was only eight years old changed her perception on life. Raped by a family friend; and bullied daily at school prove to be much more than she could bear.

Book Blast: The Unholy by Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D.

The Unholy, a novel by Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D.

Distributed by Ingram

(Sunstone Press)

“A young curandera, a medicine woman, intent on uncovering the secrets of her past is forced into a life-and-death battle against an evil Archbishop. Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, the Unholy is a novel of destiny as healer and slayer. native lore of dreams and visions, shape changing, and natural magic work to spin a neo-gothic web in which sadness and mystery lure the unsuspecting into a twilight realm of discovery and decision.”

Book Blast and Giveaway: From Gods by Mary Ting

From Gods by Mary Ting

Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny day? It’s not from Mother Nature. It is most likely from Mason Grand, swoon-worthy demigod, one of Zeus’s descendants.

Skylar Rome is supposed to be having the best summer ever before she heads off to college. Little did she know, her whole life was about to change while visiting her cousin.

Nearly drowning at the beach due to unknown forces, one of the Grand brothers she’d just met, Mason, saves her life. Cool, collected, mysterious, and dangerously good-looking, Skylar is drawn to him from the start. Though she knows he is the type of guy good girls stayed away from, it seems he is always saving her life, and the attraction was inevitable.

Excerpt and Giveaway: Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen

“What you’ve got is a tale that boils down to the most universal yet riveting themes: affection and obligations versus the most profound kind of love, a meeting of the minds…A bewitching, vivid trip into the heyday of American literary society.” –Oprah.com

“Readers can expect a page-turning tale exposing the transgressions, antics, and heroics behind a literary icon. Literary fiction fans and readers who loved Paula McLain’s The Paris Wife will relish another novel based on historical scandal and romance.” —Library Journal, starred review

Mrs. Poe had my heart racing… Don’t miss it! —Sara Gruen, New York times bestselling author of Water for Elephants and Ape House

Review: Homecoming Ranch by Julia London

About the book
Title: Homecoming Ranch (Pine River)
Author: Julia London
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release date: August 13, 2013
Pages: 312
Where I got the book: I received an e-copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

Madeline Pruett has made up for a lonely childhood and being raised by an irresponsible single mom by creating a solitary world where timetables and highlighters are essential for the predictability she craves. But Madeline is shocked out of her carefully constructed life by word that a father she never knew has died and left her an inheritance and, surprisingly, two unknown sisters. Madeline hopes that she can fly to Colorado, meet her sisters, discover her inheritance, and return to Orlando in a few days to close the biggest deal of her budding real estate career and get back to what she knows best: a quiet life.

For years, Luke Kendrick has juggled school and career and rescuing his family from illness, death and financial crisis. But he has never lost sight of his goals: building and selling his own dream homes. Just when it seems that dream might finally materialize, Luke is called home to Pine River, Colorado to reclaim the ranch his father lost in a gentlemen’s agreement. He is not surprised—Luke’s family knows he will put his life on hold to rescue them...again. But Luke is surprised by a sexy yet uptight button-up woman in impractical shoes who thinks his ranch now belongs to her.

Madeline isn’t sure how to put order to a sprawling, rundown ranch, not to mention a pair of sisters who are nothing like what she imagined or hoped them to be. The only thing she’s sure of is that careful planning is useless in a place where roads have names like Sometimes Pass and men as ruggedly handsome as Luke Kendrick behave so unpredictably.

As Luke and Madeline go toe to toe over the future of the ranch, sparks fly as hot and fiery as their kisses. Madeline thinks she’s the expert, but it’s Luke who teaches her a thing or two—about breaking down walls, finding home, and the true meaning of family.

My review

As a huge fan of the romance genre, I rarely see new ideas. "There is nothing new under the sun." A great author (and there are so many!) can take any plot and make it her (or his) own. That's what London has done with Homecoming Ranch. Fans of Nora Roberts will have flashbacks to her trilogy about three sisters who inherit a ranch. I loved that series, but I'm thrilled to report that London's series is nothing like it. 

First of all, London absolutely hit the jackpot with Leo. I'm completely in love with this guy, and he's not even supposed to be the star of the show. He sweeps in and steals the whole thing, though. Aside from his personality, choosing to have Leo narrate parts of the book was a unique and original idea that sets this one apart from other romance novels. (Did I mention I've read a few thousand?)

Madeline's mother drove me crazy, but Madeline handles her like a pro. Over her mother's harping, and aside from her relationship with Luke, Madeline has to decide if having a relationship with her sisters is more important than having complete control over every aspect of her life. 

There is plenty of humor in this book, too. Along with Leo's narration, Madeline's new experiences with animals are pretty entertaining. Definitely a book you don't want to miss.

Cover Reveal: Under the Bed Across the World by Rose Candis

Under the Bed Across the World, Rose’s poignant account of her journey from incest and addiction into recovery, is both tragic and humorous. Her account of how her sexually abusive Jewish father divided her loyalty between him, her mother, and herself provides a microcosm for how sexual abuse and addiction destroy the human family. By confronting her past, Rose sheds her loyalty to her abusive relatives and creates her own unique family unit through international adoption. The memoir raises the question: Can contentment be found after departure from the quagmire of toxicity?

Under the Bed Across the World by Rose Candis will be available in September 2013.

Excerpt and Giveaway: Zaremba by Michelle Granas

Summary: In Warsaw, a shy and high-minded polio victim lives a life of seclusion caring for her odd family until a chance encounter plunges her into the intrigues of dirty politics; Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, is about to be arrested on trumped-up charges and only she can save him. Swept along by events, Cordelia finds her feelings increasingly involved with a stranger for whom she is both rescuer and victim. When Zaremba disappears, Cordelia must overcome surveillance, corruption, the media, and mounting humiliations and difficulties to learn the truth. Although set in Poland, this is a story that could happen anywhere, as young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.

Release Day Blitz and Giveaway: Mountain Charm by Sydney Logan

July 4th was actually the release day for Sydney Logan’s novel, Mountain Charm, but I was enjoying my holiday and forgot to post!

To celebrate, we have two awesome giveaways, including a signed copy of Mountain Charm and a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

Review and Giveaway: Legends of Amun Ra-The Emerald Tablet by Joshua Silverman

About the book
Title: Legends of Amun Ra-The Emerald Tablet
Author: Joshua Silverman
Publisher: Enchanted Forest Press
Pages: 408
Release date: Sept 15, 2012
Where I got the book: Free from the author in exchange for a honest review

Summary
Leoros doesn't have many friends. As the son of a scientist and archaeologist  he is constantly on the move. When his parents discover the mythic Emerald Tablet in an ancient city buried beneath Egypt’s desert sands, his world is suddenly turned upside down. He decodes the ancient text which leads him to a distant world. 

Author Interview: Sherri Hayes

Sherri is the author of Hidden Threat, Behind Closed Doors (A Daniels Brothers’ Novel), and a short story, A Christmas Proposal. She lives in central Ohio with her husband and three cats. Her mother fostered her love for books by reading to Sherri when she was a child. Stories have been floating around in her head for as long as she can remember, but she didn’t start writing them down until five years ago. It has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found helping her husband in his woodworking shop.

Book Tour and Giveaway: Legends of Amun Ra: The Emerald Tablet

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Leoros doesn't have many friends. The son of a scientist and archaeologist, he is constantly on the move. But when his parents make a startling discovery in Egypt, Leoros' world is turned upside down. Do you wish you could have the power of a god? Would you use it for good…or for evil? When an archaeologist discovers the mythic Emerald Tablet buried beneath Egypt’s desert, her son decodes the ancient text leading him to a distant world. On that world, a slave girl begins a journey towards a destiny she cannot imagine. But when an ancient foe rises from the ashes, they will be brought together by forces neither understands. Leoros, who dreams of being like the heroes in the comic books, must fight to unlock the secrets of the universe to save a people he never knew existed. Atlantia, whose bloody visions wake her in the night, senses the darkness coming. Together they will face an enemy with the power of dark energy, lose a mentor to the assassin’s blade, and be betrayed by someone they trust. Their fight for the future is just beginning, and before it is over, a final sacrifice must be made. When the darkness comes, will they stand and fight or will they join it? There is darkness in everyone.

Author Interview: Sydney Logan

Welcome Sydney Logan, author of Lessons Learned, Mistletoe Magic, and the upcoming Mountain Charm.

Tell us a little about yourself.

How are you like and unlike your main character?

I’m like Angelina in that I love music and I’m fiercely loyal to my friends and family. I’m unlike her in that I’m not an Appalachian witch. :-)

What/who do you read for pleasure?

Nicholas Sparks, JK Rowling, Lissa Bryan, Alice Clayton, John Green.

How long have your been writing? Was it a dream, a goal or is it just a hobby? 

I’ve been writing since I was a young. It was just a hobby until last year, when one of my online stories was noticed by an editor at my publishing house.

Release Day Giveaway: Annealed by Lynne Cantwell

Today is Release Day for the 5th and Final Book in The Pipe Woman Chronicles by Lynne Cantwell!

Naomi Witherspoon lives in interesting times. At the winter solstice, she was Seized by a Native American goddess to mediate a power-sharing agreement between all the pagan gods and goddesses and the Christian God. Then, as her relationship with her new boyfriend Fissured, she Tapped a wellspring of strength – her Native American heritage.

Now, Gravid and due any day, she must conduct the mediation of her life. Will she succeed? Or will it all go up in smoke?

The answers to those questions, and more, can be found in Annealed, the final installment in the Pipe Woman Chronicles, an urban fantasy series by Lynne Cantwell.

It began at the winter solstice

And it ends

Now.

Win Robert B. Parker Books in the May There Always Be Books Hop!

This hop is hosted by Literary Addicts and is from May 20 at 12:00am – May 31 @11:59pm EST.

I've given away several books through Paperbackswap, but my shelves are still overflowing. I'm giving away eight Robert B. Parker hardcover novels. These are all Book Club Editions. You can choose one, all eight, or any number in between. There will only be one winner.

I'm also giving away John D. MacDonald books on Living, Learning, and Loving Life.

Book Blast and Giveaway: Fern by Amy Richie

Summer is coming and you need start putting together your reading list.

Young adult paranormal fantasy author Amy Richie hopes you will pick up her Blood Vine series.

She's offering a Prize Pack to one lucky reader, which includes a signed paperback copy of Fern.

Join Amy Richie for a Twitter Party

May 10 at 11 am eastern

Use the hashtag #Fern

Connect with the author: website  *  Facebook

It's strange how fast life changes. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a councilman hands you six werewolves to take care of.

Willow and her pack had barely settled into their new town when the council shows up again. Only this time it's to ask for their help - to save Gage. How can Willow refuse?

Suddenly, Willow is thrust into a world of childhood nightmares. The Ancient City. But it isn't at all what she thought it would be. In fact, Willow soon realizes that not many things are what she thought they would be and she has to figure out for herself which things are worth fighting for.

Buy the book at Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by Anchor Group Publishing. Giveaway is sponsored by the author.

Win Dean Koontz Books in the Spring Into Books Giveaway Hop!

I'm trying to declutter, and that includes getting rid of a hundred or so books I scored from Freecycle more than a year ago. Unfortunately, I don't have as much reading time as I used to, and having all these books around is stressing me out, because I feel as if I must read them just because they are here. So they will no longer be here. :-)

I'm taking advantage of this giveaway hop hosted by Literary Addicts to get rid of a few. I'm giving away three Dean Koontz books here and 19 Ed McBain novels on Living, Learning, and Loving Life. (Don't forget to check out the other blogs! You'll find the list below the Rafflecopter form.)

You can choose all three books, or just the one or two you want. There will only be one winner. Any remaining books will be used for future giveaways. This giveaway is only open to those with a valid US mailing address.

The hardcovers are Book Club Editions.

Review and Giveaway: Sacrifice by Coral Russell

Book summary:

When Mexican drug cartels fight for control along the border, Juarez becomes the murder capital of the world. In El Paso, Texas it's drug business as usual: a grifter sets out to buy her freedom, a car salesman runs drugs to make his fortune, a gang leader battles to rise among the ranks of the cartel, and a detective and his wife are ripped apart by a family secret. Everyone's fate lies in the hands of an old woman. Will she let the past die with her or take revenge the only way she knows how?

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: The Mirror of the Moon by Travis Simmons

Book Cover Designed by the Author

The Mirror of the Moon by Travis Simmons 

Book Details
With the death of one of the companions, Grace must answer for the secrets she’s kept. The path before them is ever lengthening in their quest for Amber. There are changes they all must face, and when Joya enters her trials of sorcery, danger lurks around every corner. The power within Angelica and Jovian is strengthening and with it comes confusion. What are they? It is painfully obvious nothing like them has ever existed before. Why is it at times they seem more one person than two separate people? With all the mystery surrounding their latent power, Angelica stumbles upon a passage in a book of sorcery indicating she is evil. Could she be the Mask prophecy speaks of? Is she destined to turn against her own flesh? To make matters worse, the Well of Wyrding (a giant well that controls all sorcery) has been breached and wyrd itself is spiraling into chaos. 

Valentine's Day Promo: Get 27 Books for 99 Cents Each!

27 books dropped to $0.99 for Valentine's Day. Get yourself a little something!

   

Click on the books to read more about them and buy.

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