Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Watcher by Lisa Voisin -- Book Blast



the watcher coverThe Watcher
Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.
Can he face her without falling again?
Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.
When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.
In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?
Ancient history is only the beginning.

From November 28th to December 1st The Watcher is on sale for just $1.99!
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Download your copy today!! 

Praise for The Watcher
“Voisin’s THE WATCHER blends paranormal mystery and romance into a book that is sure to keep readers turning the pages late into the night.”
– Eileen Cook, author of THE ALMOST TRUTH
“Perfect for fans of angels and demons, Lisa Voisin has created an uplifting tale of redemption, love, and spirituality that gives hope. Never preachy, THE WATCHER is the perfect answer to critics who claim Young Adult literature is too dark.”
– Stephanie Lawton, author of WANT and SHRAPNEL
“The Watcher is stunning! A paranormal romance that you won’t want to put down. Voisin will enthrall you until the very last page.”
– Stephanie Keyes, author, THE STAR CHILD series
“Grips the reader, pulls them in and leaves them cheering for good!”
– InD’tale Magazine
“The Watcher is my favorite angel fiction tale yet.”
– Katrina @Kindred Dreamheart
“This book is phenomenal! I was hooked in right away and didn’t want to stop.”
– Michelle @Michelle’s Paranormal Vault

Book Trailer
Excerpt
Instead of saying more, he brushed his fingertips along my cheek, and his halo glimmered. I could hear the waves slapping the rocks behind us, the wind driving them in. That same wind whipped against my skin, but the touch of his hand on my face was all I could think about. It sent a current through both of us and filled me with longing for something I wasn’t sure I understood.
“I’m sorry.” He stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets as the light around him faded. “You don’t know what it’s like. Being near you now, remembering those moments we had…” His hair blew into his eyes, but this time he didn’t move. I wanted to brush it back, but I didn’t know how he’d react. Would touching him be bad?
“You want to know who you were?” he asked. “You may look different, but you’re the same. I look into your eyes and see you.” He took in a deep breath, fixing his attention on the horizon. I’d seen and heard so much now that the logical part of my brain had long since given up arguing with me. I could feel what he was saying was true. All of it.
lisa vAuthor Lisa Voisin
A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction.
A self-proclaimed coffee lover, Lisa can usually be found writing in a local cafĂ©. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains to counteract the side effects of drinking too much caffeine!
Though she’s lived in several cities across Canada, she currently lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiancĂ© and their two cats.


BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/18/13
Open only to those 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 enter for you. 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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Believer by Stephanie Black -- Review/Giveaway


The Believer

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Originally published: 2005

Genre: speculative fiction

Kindle: 337 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy from the author in exchange for an 
honest review

Amazon Summary

There is a place where the threat of foreign terrorism is nonexistent, where there are no arguments about religion, and no battles over politics. Welcome to New America—a place where reading the wrong book can cost you your life!

Ian Roshek finally believes in something. The young history professor has studied a contraband copy of the Book of Mormon—and he knows what it says is true. But now his newfound convictions will be put to the test as he struggles to listen to the still, small voice, while society screams in his ear.

Ian’s sister Jill and her influential boyfriend, Daniel, only see Ian as a man with religious delusions--a man who needs help. And though her facade of brutality hides it, police interrogator Alisa Kent feels a trace of compassion toward this flawed, but courageous man who stays true to his faith--despite the fact that it’s contrary to both logic and public opinion. If only for selfish reasons, she wants to know more. But soon Ian’s choices will ignite a chain of events that he, and those around him, cannot escape.

A taut, must-read thriller, The Believer will cast a lingering shadow and leave you asking what you would give up in order to feel “safe.”

My Review

Words can not describe what a crazy-good author Stephanie Black is.  Her books take you to another place, a place that you are reluctant to return from.  Well, in the case of The Believer, that world was a pretty tough place to be, but you know what I mean.  When we first meet Ian Roshek, he is coming to the aid of a student being wrongly accused of having contraband.  He is taken into custody and tortured (don't worry, it's not graphic) by police interrogator Alisa Kent.  After the agonizing time spent in custody, Kent lets him go.  It takes time for Ian to feel safe again.  The only problem is, Ian really was guilty.  He is a believer, and he can't figure why Kent lets him go.  What happens next sets off a chain of events that will send your mind spinning and keep you reading this awesome book until you turn the last page.

Stephanie is a gifted author.  Her books are so well-written you feel as though you watching a movie instead of reading.  These characters go through a lot.  And by the end, you aren't sure who to trust.  There is so much going on, and not just for Ian, all the characters.  All their decisions affect each other in some way.  The character I found most intriguing was Daniel.  Without giving much away, he has a VERY though choice to make, and on top of that is given life-changing news that will/can affect so many.  Including, his chance to make himself happy.  Alisa Kent was fascinating too.  Every character was so well-written.  The last sentence of this book brought tears to my eyes.  

5 out of 5 stars.  This book made me grateful for freedom of religion.  The sequel to The BelieverThe Witnesses, was just released last month.  I will be reviewing The Witnesses next week!

Stephanie is the author of many fast-paced thrillers.  She won the Whitney Award for her books Rearview MirrorCold as Ice, Methods of Madness, and Fool me Twice.  I told you she was amazing!

Author Links


Purchase Links


Stephanie is graciously offering a Kindle copy of The Believer.  Fill out the Rafflecopter and you're entered.
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Friday, November 22, 2013

A Fantasy Christmas by Stephanie Fowers, Cindy C. Bennett, Sherry Gammon -- Spotlight



 What do Witches, Elves, and Greek Gods (Oh My) have in common? They are part of the romantic Christmas anthology, A Fantasy Christmas, written by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon






Banished from the South Pole, Kara tries to carve out a new life among the elves of the North. It’s not easy with a secret to protect—a secret she's cursed with by the unusual circumstances of her heritage: half-elf, half-fairy. In the North, she’s assigned to work with Seb on a special project. He's the most gorgeous elf she’s ever seen - and the orneriest. 
As if being banished wasn’t punishment enough. 
Seb introduces her to Trystin, a fairy from the nearby fairy forest. Trystin discerns her secret right away and promises to teach her how to use the powers given to her by the very thing she’s fighting to keep hidden.

Check out Cindy C Bennett's web page for more information on her.


Nothing is simple for Aphrodite’s daughter, especially love. 
Scorned by society in regency England, Affry longs for romance. Upon encountering a dashing nobleman at her aunty's Christmas' ball, Affry gets caught in a lovely intrigue with disastrous results. Worse, she wins the interest of the gods. 

Now the furies of the underworld and Hades himself are after her. When all is fair in war,  Affry must use love as her weapon—but only for the one who’s stolen her heart. 


Check out Stephanie Fowers' web page for more information on her.



Loving Marigold by Sherry Gammon

Author of Unlovable, Unbelievable, Not So Easy and more)


Young Marigold Yarrow has a secret. She’s also in love with Jack Mahoney. In the middle of her ninth grade year, Jack's family up and moves to Port Fare, New York, leaving the small town of Sugar Maple, West Virginia - and Marigold - far behind.

Nine years later Jack and Marigold meet again. They join forces to weed out the shady Abbott boys. The unscrupulous brothers are illegally selling moonshine near her home on Sugar Maple Ridge. And they'll do anything to get Marigold to leave the ridge. Anything. This time it may be magic that tears Jack and Marigold apart.



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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Dead Dreams by Emma Right -- Grand Finale


On Tour with Prism Book Tours...

The Excerpt Tour Grand Finale
Where the Prologue and first NINE CHAPTERS were revealed!


Dead Dreams (Dead Dreams, #1)Dead Dreams
by Emma Right
250 Pages

Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams--of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.

Dead Dreams, Book 1, a young adult psychological thriller and mystery





Each Stop Revealed another section of Dead Dreams

10/29: Colorimetry & Tressa's Wishful Endings - Launch & Prologue

     "I thought of my most favorite girl in the world: Lilly. At least Lilly’d have my dog, Holly, to remember me by."

10/30: My Seryniti - Excerpt #1
“Crazy driver. Brie, I just don’t know about this business of you staying alone here like this.” She walked back to her white Mercedes, leaned in the open window, and brought out a casserole dish piled high with something green. Make that several shades of green.
I followed her, admittedly winded.“Seriously, Mom. It’s just one of those things. Mad drivers could happen anywhere I live.”
She gave me no end of grief as to what a bad idea it was for me to live alone like this even though she knew I was going to get a roommate.
“Mom, stop worrying,” I said.
“You’re asking me to stop being your mother, I hope you realize this.”

10/31: My Devotional Thoughts - Excerpt #2
     I gulped down my hot chocolate. “Why all the secrecy? I hope your parents will at least know your address.” I said as I wrapped up the interview. I could understand not wanting parents breathing down her neck, but as long as they didn’t insist on posting a guard at the door, what was the harm of them knowing where she lived?
     Sarah glanced about the room as if afraid the neighbors might have their ears pinned to the walls, listening.
     She leaned forward and, her face expressionless, said softly, “My parents are dead.”

11/1: Mel’s Shelves - Excerpt #3
Having deceased parents at such a young age could have explained Sarah’s odd behavior. I sat up straight, and the hair at the back of my neck prickled, without my knowing exactly why. “I’m sorry.” I felt the blood draining from my face. Perhaps it was the thought of losing one’s parents that shocked me.

11/3: Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia - Excerpt #4
Mother called that night to find out who I’d settled on for a new roommate. I never mentioned I’d only had one viable candidate, and I didn’t specify details, either— just that I’d found someone not on drugs. “Nor on pot.” Mother was specific about using the word “pot,” just in case some junkie, or worse, Libertarian, didn’t consider pot a type of drug.
“How can you decide so quickly to take her in?” Mother seemed disturbed and spoke with a shrill voice, as was her practice when she felt thus. “Did you even run a credit check?”

11/4: The Bookish Fairy - Excerpt #5
“Do you live in there?” the lady officer, Sergeant. Charlene Twist, asked. She pointed to the entrance to my apartment building.
I nodded. “What’s up?”
“Do you know a Mrs. Marcia Mott?”

11/5: My Love for Reading Keeps Growing - Excerpt #6
“Mr. Mott said his mother thought she saw someone prowling a couple of days back and that gave her a scare. We don’t know how this is related to her present condition, but we need to ask neighbors if they saw anything suspicious.”
“Prowling? Where?”

11/6: Tressa’s Wishful Endings - Excerpt #7
That evening, Sarah came home with a patch on her arm. I thought she looked pale.
“What happened?” I asked, pointing at the tape on the inside of her arm.

11/7: Nocturnal Predators Reviews - Excerpt #8
“No. Mrs. Mott thought she saw prowlers. They just want to see if I saw anything out of the ordinary.”

“Just keep me out of it, whatever it is.” She slunk to her bedroom, but before she slammed the door, I hollered after her.

11/8: The Pensive Chronicler - Excerpt #9
So, Sarah stayed a loner, refusing my attempts to include her when I asked her out for ice cream with my co-workers one rare afternoon. 

11/10: kimberlyfaye reads - Excerpt #10
She shrugged. “That’s the thing with the heart. You can never tell its condition till it’s too late.”

11/11: Min Reads and Reviews - Excerpt #11
“Brie, wake up,” Sarah whispered as she shook my arm vigorously.
Who is she afraid of waking with all that whispering? I was the only one in the bedroom. I glanced at my bedside clock. The green light of the digital claimed it was three ten. Or, I should say, already three ten, since I always dragged myself out of bed at four thirty to brace myself for Stay Fit.
Then, even in the dimness, I noticed her eyes were glistening. “What’s wrong?” Was she ill after all?
“Shhh! They could still be here.”

11/12: The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl - Excerpt #12
My mind lingered on the patch on her arm. Was she really who she said she was? I began to doubt that the bank book was even legitimate. It was just as well that she paid everything in cash. And Todd, her brother…how was he involved? What was he? Some hit man?

11/13:  Buried Under Books - Excerpt #13
“There’s a safety catch. See?” Sarah pointed to the Glock.
No, I didn’t see. Big consolation, that safety catch. “I don’t trust safety catches. Or guns.” Or you, I wanted to say.
11/14: fundinmental - Excerpt #14

“Pete Salazar?”
“The guy at Stay Fit.”
“Ah, the guy who hangs onto your every word.” 
“He does not.”
“I saw him gawk at you the day I was there."

11/15: Bookworm Lisa - Excerpt #15
“Sure you’re going to be okay tonight? I could camp out in your living room.” He barked a short laugh, but his eyes spoke a concern I’d never seen before. Sarah could be right. He might have liked me more than I cared to admit. 

11/17: Sylv Jenkins Author - Excerpt #16
Assuming Mrs. Mott had spotted the burglar that evening, had he been checking to see if I were the girl to rob? But, it was dark, and no way could he have identified either of us from the window.
Still, something bugged me, though I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. 

11/18: The Wonderings of One Person - Excerpt #17
“See here?” He tweezed out a thin, dark brown hair, short and straight, and showed it to me. “Sarah’s?”
I shook my head. “She’s dark red, and curly. And, as you can see….” I twirled my straight mousey brown tresses in front of my face. “I’m too light to be its owner, either.”
11/19: Colorimetry - Excerpt #13
How had the burglar, a total stranger, known I always cracked that window a tiny gap every night? Or, would he have pried it open if it had been closed? The window had been ajar when Sarah and I had checked the place to see how he’d gotten in. My need to keep the air circulating had been a cause of contention between us since the day she moved in, and now I was filled with remorse for my pigheadedness.


Want to read all the excerpts revealed at each tour stop?
READ THEM NOW!! 




Emma RightEmma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast. Besides running a busy home, and looking after too many pets, she also enjoys reading aloud to her children and often has her nose in a book. Right was a copywriter for a major advertising agency during her B.C. years. B.C.meaning “Before Children,” which may as well have been in the B.C.era, as she always says. Please feel free to contact Emma. She’s always happy to hear from her readers.






Tour-Wide Giveaway:

October 29 - December 3
Paperback Copy of Dead Dreams (US Only)
5 eCopies of Dead Dreams (Int'l)

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Out of Tune by Michelle D. Argyle -- Book Blast

Twenty-year-old Maggie Roads’ parents are legendary in the country music world. She wants nothing more than to follow their example, but the limelight is not reserved for singers who cannot carry a tune, let alone keep a rhythm.

When her parents tell her they are getting divorced, Maggie decides it’s time to leave home and take her future into her own hands. Moving in with Cole, her best friend and sometimes boyfriend might not be the best of ideas, but she has to start somewhere. 

Their off-and-on romance gets even more complicated when Maggie crushes on her new voice teacher, Nathan, who unlocks her stunning potential. 

A sensational music career of her own is finally within reach, but Maggie might need more than perfect pitch to find what she is really looking for.

                                                                                                       
Cole’s steady beat on the drum relaxed her. She could feel his eyes on her as she played, but she did not turn around. He would never know what this meant to her. She had wanted and dreaded this moment forever. She could only imagine what tomorrow would be like, with an audience full of strangers.
She closed her eyes as the music flowed into her. Iza came in on her fiddle, her notes weaving in and out like bright threads in a tapestry. Justin started singing the first lines and she tapped her foot, counting like Nathan had taught her. “Every beat is a physical thing,” he had said. “See the music, feel it, just like you’ve done your whole life. Pearls on a string—let each one slide through your fingers. Measured.”
Mandolin line. Then the bass started. Maggie’s turn.
When she came in, her voice was louder and stronger than it had ever been. Justin’s voice filled her up like honey. She swam through it, adding her own to his. Maybe he was a womanizer and constantly looking at her like, he wanted to get her in bed, but he was an amazing singer. They smiled at each other as they melted into the song.
She had never been inside music like this before. The stage lights sparkled in her eyes and she understood for the first time in her life why musicians put up with all that travelling and recording, and the stressful nights like when her mom was puking her guts out with the flu—the real flu—but had to go on stage in five minutes. Maggie remembered her smiling as she wiped her mouth and shrugged. “It’s part of the singin’ life, hon. We don’t always get breaks when we need them.” She had patted Maggie on her twelve-year-old head and squared her shoulders as her makeup artist dusted some powder over her pale cheeks. Then she had left for the stage in a flutter of sequins and curls.

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Michelle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. She adores cheese, chocolate, sushi, and lots of ethnic food, and loves to read and write books in the time she grabs between her sword-wielding husband and energetic daughter.
She believes a simple life is the best life. 
Michelle writes contemporary Young Adult and New Adult fiction (and other genres when she feels like it).
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