Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Heir of Thunder by Karissa Laurel -- Grand Finale

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Heir of Thunder
By Karissa Laurel

An epic fantasy about a girl who must face losing all to gain what is hers. We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Interview

1. What is your motivation behind HEIR OF THUNDER? Why did you want to write it?

Quite a few years ago (2008 to be precise) Cold Play released 'Viva La Vida', and I fell in love with that song, particularly the opening lines:

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

Listening to that song, I got a pretty instant vision of a character who was powerful, but lost her kingdom somehow. That idea evolved into HEIR OF THUNDER. Evie was never really the ruler of her kingdom, but she had always supposed that she would be. That possibility is ripped away from her before she gets the chance to find out what kind of queen she could be.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Excerpt

A rumble of thunder woke me. I shifted under my quilts, turned towards my window, and searched the sky for clouds. Storms always made me smile; made me feel a little less lonely.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

My bedroom door flew open, and Gerda rushed in still wearing her rumpled nightgown. The braid she wore for sleeping had slackened during the night, and stiff rust-colored curls sprang around her face. Fear and worry crackled from her like static from a wool blanket. “Evie, my dear, you’ve got to get dressed.” She pulled me to my feet and yanked my sleeping gown over my head.

Rockin' Book Reviews - Excerpt

Gerda backed out of my wardrobe, wide rump first, and turned to face me. A stern expression hardened her face as she clamped her hands to her hips, and in a sharp tone said, “You are our main concern, Evie. Let’s get you safely away, and then I’ll worry about myself.”

Live Laugh & Love Books - Excerpt

Another explosion rocked the floor, and Gerda stumbled against the wardrobe. She leaned on the heavy piece of furniture until she regained her footing. The house shook and groaned as something structural gave way. Yells and shouts carried up from the lower floors.

Beck Valley Books - Excerpt

I hugged her again and dashed out the door.
In the hallway, several of the house’s other occupants hurried past me in various states of dress. Tolick, the all-purpose houseboy, ran toward the stairwell. He had managed to button on his trousers but had neglected to remove his nightcap.

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Excerpt

Would we return before the ivy took over? Would the house survive long enough for it to matter?
I ran past the garden’s iron gates and my breath puffed in thin, vaporous spurts. Spring had arrived less than two weeks ago, and the mornings still lingered in the recent days of winter. I pulled up my hood and wrapped my cloak tighter around me as a shield against the cold.

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

“Evie, what are you doing?” Gideon’s unmistakable bellow interrupted my thoughts. My father’s young horse master waited at the gate of the small paddock beside the stables, clutching two reins in his fist. One leather line led to his giant black stallion, Gespenst—a Dreutchish name meaning specter, or ghost. The other tether led to my horse, Nonnie, a gray-coated mare with a dappled rump.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt

“Gideon, what’s happening?” I jogged toward him. Something exploded behind me, and the aftershock sent me stumbling, but Gideon’s free hand shot out and latched around my elbow. I locked eyes on his stoic face and refused to look back.


Don't forget to enter the fabulous giveaway below...

Heir of Thunder (Stormbourne Chronicles, #1)
Heir of Thunder
(Stormbourne Chronicles #1)
by Karissa Laurel
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
October 14th 2016 by Evolved Publishing

The Lord of Thunder’s sudden death leaves his daughter, Evelyn Stormbourne, unprepared to rule Inselgrau in his place. Weeks before Evie’s ascension to the throne, revolutionaries attack and destroy her home. She conceals her identity and escapes under the protection of her father’s young horse master, Gideon Faust. Together they flee Inselgrau and set sail for the Continent, but they’re separated when a brutal storm washes Evie overboard.

In her efforts to reunite with her protector and reach allies on the Continent, Evie befriends a band of nomads who roam the world in airships fueled by lightning. She also confronts a cabal of dark Magicians plotting to use her powers to create a new divine being, and she clashes with an ancient family who insists her birthright belongs to them.

If she’s to prevail and defeat her enemies, Evie must claim her heritage, embrace her dominion over the sky, and define what it means to be Heir of Thunder.



Karissa Laurel lives in North Carolina with her kid, her husband, the occasional in-law, and a very hairy husky. Some of her favorite things are coffee, chocolate, and super heroes. She can quote Princess Brideverbatim. She loves to read and has a sweet tooth for fantasy, sci-fi, and anything in between.

Sometimes her husband convinces her to put down the books and take the motorcycles out for a spin. When it snows, you’ll find her on the slopes.

Karissa also crafts, paints, draws, and harbors a grand delusion that she might create a graphic novel someday.

Midnight Burning (The Norse Chronicles, #1) Arctic Dawn (The Norse Chronicles, #2)

Tour Giveaway

2 winners will receive a signed copy of HEIR OF THUNDER (US only)
1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Ends November 19th
Grab Our Button!

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Not a Word by Stephanie Black -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Not a Word

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant

Published: November 1, 2016

ISBN13: 9781524401245

Paperback: 270 pages

FTC FYI: I received a complimentary copy, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Psychologist Natalie Marsh is a pro at keeping secrets. She not only guards her clients’ confidences but also expertly hides her own pain after being disinherited by her dying mother. As fresh personal challenges begin heaping on top of professional ones, Natalie’s best friend, Camille, confides that she thinks someone is stalking her. Natalie suspects that stress, not a stalker, is shadowing Camille—but Camille’s fear only continues to grow when the widow of a local businessman starts whispering that her husband was murdered and a new client of Natalie’s seems to be concealing something much more frightening than her inability to stand up for herself. Soon a shattering crime proves the danger is real. But when everyone has something at stake, is there anyone Natalie can trust? Or will she fall victim to a killer who will do anything to keep secrets hidden?

My Review

I love finishing a book with a headache.  I know that sounds weird, but it's true.  I will take a Stephanie Black "book headache" any day.  The action and suspense in this book does not stop until the last page.  There are so many twists that had me at the edge of my seat.  Stephanie truly is a master at writing books.  She plants the perfect seeds throughout, many times I was flipping back and forth to remind myself of things.  The POV switches in NOT A WORD are perfect.  It was the perfect way to keep me turning pages fast and to see differen't character views.  I can't even talk about characters in fear of giving the whole thing away.  I did really enjoy Natalie's character, Gideon too was a surprise.  I was also thrilled with the outcome of certain characters, too.  I can't say anything else! 

5 out of 5 stars.  Don't plan on getting much done until you finish reading!

Author Links 

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Schedule


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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

The Order of the Eternal Sun by Jessica Leake -- Grand Finale Blitz

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Order of the Eternal Sun
By Jessica Leake

There's something magical about mixing Edwardian England and magic, and even more so when the heroine is a debutante who is not only coming out, but also figuring out who she must hide her magic from. We hope you enjoyed this tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out... 

Launch - Welcome from the Author

Lucy’s story, The Order of the Eternal Sun, is a little heavier on the fantasy, which I had so much fun writing. With travels to Bath, England, visits to another realm, and threats from a dangerous enemy, I hope The Order of the Eternal Sun will satisfy both the old fan of Arcana and the new reader of the whole series. I’m excited to share it with all of you!



Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"From that point on the intrigue, mystery, action, and romance propells. . . . it was captivating and the characters the characters all “came to life ” and the scenes were easily visualized."

Mel's Shelves - Excerpt

“You needn’t leave on my account,” a voice calls out softly, and I stop. And stare.

Frozen, I can do nothing but stare as the beautiful man from my vision of my court presentation walks out of the shadows.



Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima - Interview

Brief description of the world or location you created for this series:

Sylvania is a realm outside of our own where its inhabitants practice an ancient magic called arcana. Their power is supplied by spirit animals—everything from the tiny ferrets to soaring phoenixes—and the Sylvani and animal form an unbreakable bond. When a Sylvani chooses to live in our realm, though, their spirit animal cannot follow, and they must seek out an alternate source of power—like our sun.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

Sylvania is an amazing world and the author totally immerses you in this book! . . . If you are a fan of fantasy with awesome world building and strong, believable characters, you are going to love The Order of the Eternal Sun!

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Lucy's Fashion in 1908



One of the fun parts about writing The Order of the Eternal Sun was doing research on the fashion in 1908. The Edwardian Era was sort of the last hurrah for the aristocracy as far as opulence and decadence went, and I think the fashion reflected that. While there were still gorgeous gowns and day dresses, simpler clothing items like blouses and skirts were making their appearance. The fashion was still very much modeled after the Gibson Girl, who was admired for not only her beauty but also her sportiness, competiveness, and freedom in look and dress—funny that she wasn’t even real! She was created by artist Charles Dana Gibson.

Wishful Endings - Review

"...a story that pulls the reader into Edwardian England with a unique fantasy element and characters who come alive. There is a strong feel of family and friendship, some definite swoon-worthy romance, along with an ever-growing feel of danger. Recommended to those who enjoy historical fantasy with a strong heroine and plenty of romance."



Falling Leaves - Excerpt

The night is clear and dark as Alexander Radcliffe enters his motorcar, bound for his father’s—now Alexander’s—townhouse. He settles on to the buttery soft leather seat. Outwardly, he is perfectly calm and still as deep water. Inwardly, though, his thoughts and emotions are violently at war with each other. And all because of that girl.

Nicole's Book Musings - Surprising Technological Advances in 1908



So by 1908, there were planes, trains, and automobiles! Electricity was wide spread in households that could afford it, and messages were being sent across the ocean via the telegraph. With so many advances in technology happening so rapidly, I doubt the Edwardians would even be surprised by computers and smart phones were we to travel back in time.

Adventures Thru Wonderland - Review

"This second book can also be read as a stand alone. I am so glad a read both though, because I love Leake's writing style! This was another exciting read, and equally enjoyable!"

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - The Sylvani Series and Sisters



In Arcana, the main character was Katherine, a headstrong and passionate girl who reluctantly makes her debut into London society, all the while trying to guard her heart and her abilities from potential suitors she meets along the way.

Her sister, Lucy, is the focus of The Order of the Eternal Sun, and she’s quite different from Katherine in many ways. For one, she has always looked forward to her debut—also called a lady’s “coming out” in Edwardian society.

Jessica and Gracie's Tree - Excerpt

Lucy, a voice calls, and I stiffen. It’s not a familiar voice, and yet…

Lucy, it says again, and I slowly turn.

A snow-white fox watches me, its eyes the most beautiful shade of aquamarine, the tips of its fur shimmering silver. It’s the color of the Himalayas, but one glance at the ethereal creature and I know it’s from another world altogether.

Zerina Blossom's Books - Arcana in The Order of the Eternal Sun



In the Sylvan world, ancient magic is known by the name arcana. As half-mortals, Lucy and her sister Katherine derive their power from the sun, but as they both learn, in their mother’s realm of Sylvania, their power and arcana is derived from their spirit animals.

Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Order of the Eternal Sun: A Novel of the Sylvani
The Order of the Eternal Sun
(A Novel of the Sylvani #2)
by Jessica Leake
Adult Historical Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 308 pages
August 23rd 2016 by Talos

Lucy Sinclair’s debut will be a parade of everything opulent Edwardian London society has to offer. Most importantly, it will be nothing like her older sister’s dangerous experience—especially if her overprotective brother-in-law, Lord Thornewood, has his way. As if screening her dance partners isn’t enough, Thornewood insists that his brother, James, train Lucy in self-defense. She wouldn’t mind so much if her treacherous mind didn’t continue to replay the kiss they once shared.

But awkward defense lessons are the least of her problems. Her arcana, a magical talent that allows her to mentally enter any scene that she draws, grows stronger by the day. Again and again Lucy is compelled to draw a portal to her mother’s realm of Sylvania—and with each stroke of her pen, she risks attracting the attention of the Order of the Eternal Sun, the sinister brotherhood that steals the power of Sylvani blood for their own dark ends.

When a bold new suitor arrives from India, Lucy can’t help but be intrigued—though her family questions his mysterious past. But as Lucy’s own suspicions grow, and the threat of the Order looms larger, Lucy will have to learn to harness her unpredictable power or risk falling under the Order’s shadow forever.


Other Books in the Series

Arcana
Arcana
(A Novel of the Sylvani #1)
by Jessica Leake
Adult Historical Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook 288 pages
November 18th 2014 by Talos

Amid the sumptuous backdrop of the London season in 1905, headstrong Katherine Sinclair must join the ranks of debutantes vying for suitors. Unfortunately for Katherine, she cannot imagine anything more loathsome—or dangerous. To help ease her entrance into society, Katherine’s family has elicited the assistance of the Earl of Thornewood, a friend and London’s most eligible bachelor, to be her constant companion at the endless fetes and balls. But upon her arrival in London, Katherine realizes there will be more to this season than just white gowns and husband hunting.

Through her late mother’s enchanted diary, Katherine receives warning to keep hidden her otherworldly ability to perform arcana, a magic fueled by the power of the sun. Any misstep could mean ruin—and not just for her family name. The Order of the Eternal Sun is everywhere—hunting for those like her, able to feed on arcana with only a touch of the hand.

But society intrigue can be just as perilous as the Order. The machinations of the fashionable elite are a constant threat, and those who covet Katherine’s arcana, seeking the power of her birthright, could be hiding behind the facade of every suitor—even the darkly handsome Earl of Thornewood.

With so much danger and suspicion, can she give her heart to the one who captivates her, or is he just another after her power?



Jessica Leake has been in love with historical England ever since her first literary crush: Mr. Darcy. After embarking on a quest to bring her own intriguing and headstrong characters to life, she decided to quit her day job as a clinical therapist and spend her time weaving arcana with words. She lives in Greenville, SC with her brilliant husband, four painfully cute children, and two mischievous dogs.

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of ARCANA (open internationally)
Print copy of ARCANA plus swag (US only)
Ends November 11th
Grab Our Button!

Monday, November 7, 2016

How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison

How I Met Your Brother (Power of the Matchmaker)

Author: Janette Rallsion

Published: November 1st, 2016

Publisher: Rally Point Press

AISN: B01K7N51PI

ebook: 204 pages

FTC FYI: Received a complimentary copy from the author, all views and opinions expressed are my own. 

Goodreads Summary

Back in college, Marco Winslow never thought of Belle as anything more than a friend. If she crossed his mind on his wedding day, it was probably only to wonder why she hadn’t shown up to be a bridesmaid. After all, his new wife had been her roommate.

Six years have passed since then, and Belle just found out that Marco is divorced and vacationing with his parents in a Cancun resort. She’s not about to let the right man get away twice. She heads to the resort where she plans to casually bump into Marco and ignite some flames.

But Belle hadn’t planned on one thing: Flynn Winslow, Marco’s handsome, charming, and determined older brother. Flynn thinks Marco and his ex-wife can make amends and he’s not about to let Belle stand in the way.

Part Sabrina, part While You Were Sleeping, romantic comedy readers will eat this book up!
 

My Review

How I Met Your Brother is another fantastic addition to the Power of the Matchmaker series.  This time Pearl's presence is very minimal, but considering where the story goes, it would have been strange having her show up in Cancun after how she inspires Belle to go there in the first place.  As always Janette does an amazing job with her characters.  Flynn was instantly likable.  I really liked Belle too.  I loved learning more about design and fashion from her eyes.  She was very smart and savvy.  I thought the plot was executed perfectly. While reading, things would happen and I would think how great Janette moved the story along effortlessly, all while keeping me interested and wanting to see what happens to these great characters.  I read this book very quickly and was eagerly anticipating how it would end.  One character that I loved the most was Flynn and Marco's mother.  I was thrilled with some decisions she made at the end, I actually got teary over that part.  The romantic sparks between Flynn and Belle were perfect and written well, and their kisses were... WOW!

5 out of 5 stars. Great, great job Janette!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon 

Friday, November 4, 2016

The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright -- Spotlight

The Orphan Keeper

Author: Camron Wright

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: September 16, 2016

ISBN13: 9781629722245

Hardcover: 432 pages

Goodreads Summary

Based on a remarkable true story.
Seven-year-old Chellamuthu’s life is forever changed when he is kidnapped from his village in India, sold to a Christian orphanage, and then adopted by an unsuspecting couple in the United States. It takes months before the boy can speak enough English to tell his parents that he already has a family back in India. Horrified, they try their best to track down his Indian family, but all avenues lead to dead ends.

Meanwhile, they simply love him, change his name to Taj, enroll him in school, make him part of their family—and his story might have ended there had it not been for the pestering questions in his head: Who am I? Why was I taken? How do I get home?

More than a decade later, Taj meets Priya, a girl from southern India with surprising ties to his past. Is she the key to unveil the secrets of his childhood or is it too late? And if he does make it back to India, how will he find his family with so few clues?

From the best-selling author of The Rent Collector, this is a deeply moving and gripping journey of discovering one’s self and the unbreakable family bonds that connect us forever.


Author Links 

Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon 

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Memory of Monet by Robin M. King -- Giveaway

Memory of Monet

Author: Robin M. King

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Publish Date: October 15, 2016

ISBN13: 9781599921495

Paperback: 260 pages

FTC FYI: Received a complimentary copy, all opinions and views are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Alexandra Stewart thought she was born to be a spy. Her eidetic memory, the adrenaline rush, and the calling to help people was in her blood. But after her latest mission in Paris and her confrontation with a terrorist, Alex begins to question her role working for The Company, a secret spy organization that exists in the basement of Brown University.

When the CIA asks for her assistance on a mission only she has the ability to complete, Alex agrees to travel to Mexico City as an exchange student at an elite art school, leaving behind her comatose brother and her handler who has risked everything to keep her safe and would do anything to be with her.

In an attempt to prove to herself where she belongs, Alex throws herself into the mission, only to discover that her training may not be enough. As her perspective changes, she begins to realize that her memory isn't a canvas of realistic paint strokes, but an impressionistic landscape influenced by her own emotions. Scaling buildings and discovering secrets may not be as hard as finding her own heart. And the enemy she is fighting against could be the one person closest to her.
 

My Review

I have really enjoyed this series by Robin M. King.  The author does a great job of wrapping up the series and its characters, all while giving the reader a great adventure.  At times I thought I had it figured out, but Robin does a great job of planting seeds and tricking the reader into thinking they know what was going on.  Then delivering a great climax that is heart-pounding.  This time with Alex's eidetic memory flashes, though, I felt some were out of place.  The story would just get going, then she would have a memory for a page or two.  It was a great way to keep me reading, as I wanted to know what would happen in a particular scene, but at times, they felt misplaced.  The Mexico setting was very enjoyable and I loved Alex's journey into painting, like her mom.  Many fun surprises throughout and the ending was wonderful!  

4 out of 5 stars.  I love that these books are clean and I can pass them to my daughters.  The spy work is fun, intense and very entertaining.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

Monday, October 31, 2016

Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt

Walk of Infamy

Author: Sheralyn Pratt

Publisher: Self

Publish Date: October 21st, 2016

ASIN: B01M8P9V0W

ebook: 235 pages

FTC FYI: I received a complimentary ebook, all opinions are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Rhea Jensen has a date with destiny. A powerful, multi-national group calling itself The Fours considers her a threat. She doesn’t know why The Fours think this, only that they will destroy her life and the lives of everyone she loves if she doesn’t do as she’s asked.
Rhea knows where to be, when to be there, and that the odds are not in her favor for a happy ending. That’s it. What she’s about to learn is that the past seven years of her life were not what they seemed, and there is a 99.9% chance she will not live to see another day. Her date with destiny is rigged to become a date with infamy.
The question Rhea must ask herself is: Is she going to die on her terms, or on The Fours terms?
Her life, and the end thereof, has just become a game for the rich and powerful to watch play out live, and they’ve played this game many time before with other people more skilled than Rhea. The rules are designed so that the House wins every time. Rhea knows she can’t win—not without a miracle. But if she’s not going to get what she wants, well then, neither are The Fours. The clock is running, though, so whatever Rhea’s going to do, she needs to do it quick.
 

My Review

Wow, just wow.  Rhea Jensen is one of my all-time favorite characters.  She is amazing, and so is the lady that writes her.  I mean, WOW!  I have been texting Sheralyn over the years, sometimes with just one word, "Rhea". In hopes of reading more of her adventures.  This book does not disappoint.  It a non-stop action ride.  So much so, when I was done, aside from tears, I had a headache, but I will take a Rhea Jensen headache any day.  There is also heart, and painful scenes of love and goodbye, and some shocking revelations.  I have loved this series from the beginning and it was hesitant to even start reading knowing it is the last book.   There is an amazing twist that I did not see coming, and I enjoyed seeing another favorite character of mine make a cameo.   Honestly, this book is very close to perfect and the ending, is just, WOW! 

5 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page / Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Link

Amazon