Friday, August 31, 2012

Cover Reveal: Tirade (Heven and Hell #3) by Cambria Hebert

Title: Tirade (Heven and Hell #3)
Genre: YA paranormal
Author: Cambria Hebert
Publisher: Cambria Hebert
Release date: November 30, 2012
Format: Ebook and Paperback
Synopsis:
Betrayal burns. Death hurts and the clock ticks…
Minutes and hours stretch into days. How long can Sam survive being confined in Hell? I have a plan… a plan with a lot of holes. I need someone who can make up for my weaknesses, someone who possesses the power that I lack. Riley is supposed to be off limits. He’s dangerous, he’s mean and he’s not to be trusted. But I do.
Beelzebub is on a tirade, bent on revenge. I took what he wants and sent him into the flames. I will wear the scars of his punishments forever. But scars don’t scare me anymore.
On my way to free Sam I find my true path, a secret place and new allies. But in Hell nothing is easy… and everything is cruel. The only thing left to do 
 is survive.


Book Trailer!

Eeep!  I am so excited to read this one, Cambria has once again done an outstanding job with the trailer and cover. I can't wait to read it!


 



Author Interview and Giveaway: All Things Different by Shawn Underhill

I am so excited to be able to share a wonderful book with you by author Shawn Underhill. His book All Things Different is exactly what it says, a different great read that you really don't want to miss out on.

Not only do I get to share this book with you today (as well as my thoughts on it) but I also have a very special interview with the author and if that wasn't good enough, Shawn also generously offered to do a giveaway for an e-book copy of his book to one lucky winner.

But before I get to all of that, a little but about All Things Different.  

 

Synopsis:
"I know that the night is not that same as the day: that all things are different, that the things of the night cannot be explained in the day, because they do not then exist."
~ Ernest Hemingway


Late in the summer of 2005, starkly independent Jake Thornton was on the verge of turning 16, expecting little more than his driver’s license in the fall, and the continuance of the quiet life shared with his father. So when 14-almost-15 year old Sara moved in next door and began vying for his father’s attention, Jake wasn’t exactly thrilled, and couldn’t quite understand his father’s motives for allowing it. But certainly he never anticipated the dramatic shift their lives would take as a result.

As the summer fades and autumn takes over, friendship between the two teenagers begins blossoming into a bond, until fate steps in once more, threatening to tear them apart as quickly as they’ve come together. The decisions that follow, and the emotive tale that results, opens Jake’s eyes to the simple yet life altering truth, a truth that Sara has understood all along: that love—not the feeling but the action—is the most powerful force in the world.

Author Interview:

MGO: "Thank you so much Shawn for being here today! I really enjoyed your book and I want to help get the word out about it so, in 20 words or less tell us about it."

Shawn: "Boy meets girl. Girl likes boy. Boy likes girl but doesn’t want to be bothered. Things happen. Outcome? Unsure."

 MGO: "When did you first truly know that you wanted to be a writer?"
 
Shawn: "Right around age 20. I was still angry about the ending of A Farewell to Arms, which I was forced to read for school and hated with a passion. I saw the film In Love and War and liked it, so I decided to give the book another try. Something just clicked. From then on I’ve been obsessed with Ernest Hemingway, reading everything I can by or about him, and trying to write my own stories, which seem quite pathetic in comparison. But I still love to try."

MGO: "What was your inspiration for coming up with the idea and characters for All Things Different? Are any of the characters based on people that you know?"

Shawn: "Many different people and circumstances inspired the story. The first was a Hemingway short story called My Old Man. I loved the flow and feel of the story, and I wrote a few pages (in 2005) and then didn’t know what to do.
A few years later, in ’09, I couldn’t sleep one night and started looking through some of the many abandoned story starts. I found the My Old Man start, and off I went, planning and typing until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I used memories, friends, family members, stories I’d heard, a variety of actual places, modified everything and put it all together to form the 3 major characters and the setting. The first draft took about 3 weeks.

Also, I love the book Great Expectations, which I quote twice in ATD. I love stories about kids that span years, where you can see them grow and watch who they become, and I wanted to try and write something along those lines."

MGO: "What made you decide to self publish?"

Shawn: "Necessity. Agents and publishers expressed interest in my books a few years ago, but ultimately they turned everything down. I figured with self-pub I could at least find out how it feels to sell a few copies, and maybe get the writing itch out of my system. It hasn’t gone away yet."

MGO: "If you could travel back in time, who is the one person you would love to meet and talk to?"

Shawn: "I can’t do just 1 if I’ve got a time machine! Jesus first. Then Alexander The Great. Two people that absolutely rocked the world. Talking with them might be awkward, though, as I’m guessing they wouldn’t understand English. :/ "

MGO: "Are you currently working on anything new?"

Shawn: "I have my old starts but I’m not writing anything at the moment. I’d like to do a comedy or a parody of some sort. Maybe a bumbling detective novel. Who knows!"

MGO: " Thank you so much Shawn for being here today and answering all of my questions and of course for agreeing to offer up a copy of your book for a giveaway as well! I really appreciate it!" 

Shawn: "Thanks for having me on your blog! And thanks to anyone that gives my book a try!"

My Thoughts and Review:
This is a beautifully written coming of age story that I think any lover of YA will really enjoy.

The author managed to transform the reader right into the world he created using rich detail that made you feel like you were right there breathing in the mountain air and walking along side the characters as their story unfolded.

The characters in this story felt very real to me. They were all loveable and endearing and made me wish I knew them too. I liked them all so much, I am not even sure I could pick a favorite.

Jake and Sara both grew a lot in this book mentally and emotionally. Nothing was ever completely simple or carefree, they dealt with problems that anyone of us could have. I love that even though Jake and his father were strangers to Sara in the beginning that they all grew to be very much a family unit.

And while the romance aspect wasn't all that I hoped it would be, I still really enjoyed the innocence and sweetness of it.

This story was very detailed and descriptive (sometimes a little too much so) but it was nicely written and I will be keeping my eye on this author for any of their future work because I think we can expect some great things from them in the future as well.

Overall I give this one a very well rounded 4 Stars!


Giveaway!!

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Witch Way To Turn Blog Tour, Author Interview and Book Review!!

Witch Way to Turn
By Karen Y. Bynum

Witch Way Series Book #1

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Date of ePublication: August 6, 2012
Print: October 1st

Number of pages: (epub) 237

Lyrical Press

Blurb/Book Description:

Can you give one guy your heart and another your soul?

The last thing eighteen-year-old Breena Cross needs in her life is more complications. It’s all she can do to balance studying, working, trying to keep her foster-sister safe and drooling over the new guy at work. But things go from complicated to crazy when a fit of rage ignites the dark magic inside her and she finds herself fending off the supernatural underworld.

Myles, Breena’s drool-worthy coworker and vampire convict, is carrying a load of secrets--one of which is that he’s fang-over-lip in love with Breena and in danger of violating the terms of his sentence.

Orin is a soul-hungry assassin sent to kill Breena. However, he takes one look into her eyes and sees his own lost humanity. For once thinking of someone other than himself, he chooses not to end her life, even though it means risking his own.

Despite a convict and an assassin fighting over her, all Breena wants is custody of her sister. But to do this, she will need help from both Myles and Orin. And if Breena doesn’t learn to control the darkness within, she could lose her sister…forever.

WARNING: Contains strong language and some graphic content.

Author Bio:

Karen Y. Bynum is an author of young adult paranormal fantasy.  Her novel Witch Way to Turn is published through Lyrical Press.  She grew up in Hickory, North Carolina where mountains and magic surrounded her.  Even as a child, she wrote her own faery tales and prattled incessantly to her imaginary friends.

After graduating from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Communications, she went on to become certified in culinary arts from The Art Institute of Charlotte.  But it wasn’t until her aerospace engineer husband accepted a job in Virginia and they relocated that she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.

With the support of family and friends, Karen embarked on a journey with the voices in her head.  They wouldn’t stop talking (yes, she does answer back) and their stories took shape.

Karen currently lives in coastal Virginia and enjoys reading, tweeting, writing and spending time with her husband and their spoiled rotten Vizsla named Rusty.










 Author Interview:

MGO: "How did you first come up with the idea for Witch Way to Turn?"

 KAREN: "Great question. It all started with a girl protecting her sister. I didn't know what was happening at first... I just knew there was this blue light and a power that couldn't be contained."

MGO: "Where any of the characters based off of people that you actually know? If so, care to tell us who?"

KAREN: "Hm. There are certain quirks my characters have that I picked up from observing people, but not necessarily based on anyone I know. The way the main character--Breena--internalizes everything is actually something I do though. lol"

MGO: "Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life?"

KAREN: "This is really hard to narrow down. There have been so many influential people in my life. I'm blessed to have family and friends who are great influences."

MGO: "If you could go back in time, who is the one person you would love to meet?"

KAREN: "William Shakespeare. It'd be so awesome to see what he was like in his every day life. Was he really all romantic and tragic? ;) "

MGO: "If you could have any supernatural power what would it be?"

 KAREN: "Can I have all of them if I only use one per day? Hmm? Okay, if I must pick only one... The ability to travel from one place to another just by thought. I'd never be late again! teehee"

MGO: "Are you currently working on anything now?"

KAREN: "Yup! I'm writing the second book in the Witch Way series. I'm a little over halfway through. And I'm also working on a grim reaper story about a girl reaper who hates death, ducks and dandelions."

MGO: "Hardback. paperback or e-book?"

KAREN: "Paperback releases October 1. The e-book releases August 6."


My Thoughts and Review:

If this novel doesn't suck you in right after the first non stop action that is the first chapter, well, then I don't know what will.

This novel is one of those books that just get you turning the pages because so much is happening and going on you don't want to miss a thing.

The characters are loveable and fun and swoon worthy and you just don't want the excitement or entertainment to end. It quickly becomes an addiction, getting absorbed into the storyline.

It has all those lovely elements I love in a really good paranormal, a witty heroine, two hot guys, one sweet girl, lots of action, a fast moving storyline, prenaturals, vampires, weres, witches...oh my!

Truly this was just a really fun read, it read so nicely that before I knew it it was over and I was looking at the last page wondering how it was over and wondering why the sequel wasn't out already because I wasn't done yet. I wasn't ready for it to be over.

If you want a fun action packed YA paranormal that will keep you on your toes and is different enough from others out there to stand out but still have all the good stuff you love in a paranormal, then this is the book for you.

I give this one a very solid 4 Stars!


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Review: Ember by Jessica Sorensen

Title: Ember
Author: Jessica Sorensen
Series: Book One in the Death Collectors Series
Published By: Borrowed Hearts Publishing (Aug. 29, 2012)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal
My Rating: 5 Stars!!

Goodreads Description:
  What if you knew when someone was going to die?

For seventeen-year-old Ember, life is death. With a simple touch, she knows when someone will die. It’s her curse and the reason she secludes herself from the world. The only person who knows her secret is her best friend Raven.

Then she meets Asher Morgan. He’s gorgeous, mysterious, and is the only person Ember can't sense death from. So when he pushes into her life, she doesn’t mind.

But when unexplained deaths start to haunt her town, Ember starts questioning why she can’t sense Asher's death and what he may be hiding.


My Review:
This is the first book I have read by Sorensen even though I own a lot of her work, which, I bought based on all the glowing reviews, I can promise you that this most definitely won't be the last one.

And while I haven't read her other books so therefore I can't validate the reviews, I can say this, from reading this one, I can totally see why all the others have had pretty amazing reviews.

This book rocked!

Seriously, it did. I loved everything about it. The dark slight, goth feel to it, the creepiness, the romance, the mystery, the absolutely fabulous characters. Everything.

Ember was a great character. I loved how independent and strong and just true to herself she was. She didn't have everything figured out, heck she had very little figured out but she pushed forward everyday and she sought answers. She didn't back down, to anyone..ever.

Asher and Cameron were both..well okay, they were both pretty fabulous, each in their own way and darn if this book didn't keep me on my toes about which one was good and which was bad or even if there was a “good” and “bad”.

I never quite had this one figured out, which I love. I hate it when I have all the answers and the story isn't even half way through yet.

I am not even going to say anymore because, quite simply, I don't want to give a single thing away. This is one book you just need to experience for yourself.

Angels, reapers, death, murder, mayhem, family secrets, love, sickness, betrayal. It has a little bit of it all and it doesn't lack for anything.

This is a must read!

Indie Book of the Week; Finding Angel by Kat Heckenbach







This weeks Indie Book of the Week goes to Kat Heckenbach's novel, Finding Angel!




Synopsis:
Angel doesn't remember her magical heritage...but it remembers her."
Magic and science collide when she embarks on a journey to her true home, and to herself.
Angel lives with a loving foster family, but dreams of a land that exists only in the pages of a fantasy novel. Until she meets Gregor, whose magic Talent saves her life and revives lost memories.
She follows Gregor to her homeland...a world unlike any she has imagined, where she travels a path of self-discovery that leads directly to her role in an ancient Prophecy...and to the madman who set her fate in motion.






My Thoughts and Review:
First I have to give a shout out to the cover of this book, it is just gorgeous! Something about it is just so appealing and eye catching. I love the details in the wood of the door and the heart charm, so pretty!
 

Heckenbach has managed to create a loveable, fun magical world in Finding Angel.

I normally don't seek out fantasy reads but this one has had such great reviews I decided I would give it a go and I am glad that I did because this really was a delight to read.

It did start off a little slow with a lot of world and character building but it didn't feel too drawn out and the characters and places were so much fun to learn about that you really weren't bothered by it at all.

Heckenback managed to merge our every day world into one that is very much like our own except for the use of magic and dragons and elves and, well, you get the idea.

And although this is a fantasy read Heckenbach did a wonderful job at making this feel pretty realistic and not too far fetched or unbelievable.

Angel was a great character that was very likeable and I liked how over time she grew into herself and her powers and really managed to hold her own.

The best part is that this really was a nice clean read (there is a part at the end involving animal experiments that is a little rough to read but truly nothing too horrible) that I think would be perfect for a younger audience as well, which is so nice to find in the YA genre since it seems like that just isn't something you find everyday anymore.

Overall I would give this one a very solid 4 Stars and I look forward to reading more of Heckenbach's work in the future.



Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Release Day Blitz: Serafina and the Silent Vampire by Marie Treanor!

SERAFINA AND THE SILENT VAMPIRE
Serafina’s Book One
By Marie Treanor

Coming 28th August

Silence has never been so sinful…

Welcome to Edinburgh's unique psychic investigation agency, Serafina's.

Serafina MacBride is psychic - but not strictly honest. While staging a hilarious vampire attack at a client's party, Sera is stunned to encounter a real vampire - annoying, gorgeous and inaudible to everyone but her. When her client's son is found dead with puncture wounds in his neck, she tracks the silent vampire to his lair.

But the amoral and seductive  Blair is also on a mission - to find and kill a nest of young vampires who've invaded his territory. Soon Sera is drawn into the bizarre world of the undead, where danger lurks in the shadows along with forbidden sensual delights - and a murderous conspiracy to flood the world with financially astute vampires who talk.

Supported and hindered by Blair's eccentric, undead friends, and by her own motley crew from Serafina's, Sera and Blair uncover surprising truths about each other and about the mysterious Founder from whom all vampires are descended.
In the end, Sera draws on powers she never knew she had in a frantic fight to defeat the forces of evil and preserve the strange, complicated being  she's trying so hard not to love.


 Author Bio:

Marie Treanor lives in Scotland with her eccentric husband and three much-too-smart children. Having grown bored with city life, she resides these days in a picturesque village by the sea where she is lucky enough to enjoy herself avoiding housework and writing sensual stories of paranormal romance and fantasy.

Marie Treanor has published more than twenty ebooks with small presses, (Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Changeling Press and The Wild Rose Press), including a former Kindle bestseller, Killing JoeBlood on Silk: an Awakened by Blood novel, was her New York debut with NAL.


Website: www.MarieTreanor.com  



Blog: Marie Treanor's Romantic Theme Party: 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Corpse Goddess Blog Tour, Author Interview and Book Review!

The Corpse Goddess
By Kristi Jones

Genre:Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Number of pages: 274

Blurb/Book Description:

Party girl Meg Highbury wakes up the morning of her twenty-first birthday with one hell of a hangover – and a walking corpse in her apartment.  Meg turns to her straight-laced neighbor Armando for help and together they discover that Meg is a Valkyrie. 

What’s more, her first duty is to trade places with the corpse.  But Meg is being sent to her Death Duty too soon. In a race against time, Meg frantically tries to find a loophole to her gruesome fate, but while Meg is determined to live whatever the cost, Armando's strict moral principles keep getting in the way of her plans for escape.

Can Meg walk the 'right' and narrow path, possibly sacrificing her mortal life, for love? And if she can, will Armando have the stomach to love a rotting corpse of a girl who is falling apart in more ways than one?

Evernight Publishing

Amazon

Author Bio:

Kristi Jones spent her childhood exploring European castles, crumbling manor houses and ornate cathedrals, always looking for secret passages and hidden rooms.  She holds a degree in European history and loves to throw ‘ordinary’ characters into extraordinary circumstances. 

She currently lives in south Texas with her husband and two children, who inspire her daily.  She is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and Romance Writers of America.  She loves old movies, being a Mom, the feel of paper in her hands and things that go bump in the night.

http://kristimjones.com/

http://authorkristijones.blogspot.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15724882-the-corpse-goddess

http://www.facebook.com/authorkristijones

 https://twitter.com/authorkristi


Author Interview:

MGO: "I think it is really fascinating that you got to spend a lot of time as a child exploring England and checking out castles. Do you think that because of that experience you had as a child, it may have helped push you into becoming a writer?"

Kristi: "Absolutely! It’s impossible to explore a dungeon, walk through the Black Forest, or climb the heights of a cathedral without imagining who walked there before you. Travelling also gave me the opportunity to learn a new language and read many different pieces of literature. Putting my experiences into words became a sort of obsession with me."

MGO: "Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life?"

Kristi: "My husband Bryan. Through his example, I learned that with hard work you can accomplish anything. He didn’t bat an eye when I decided to write full time, leaving us a single-income household. Also, he never gave up on me…even when I was ready to give up on myself."
 
MGO: "How did you come up with the idea for The Corpse Goddess?"

Kristi: "I’ve always been fascinated with the belief systems involving Mother Earth and the goddess. Spending a good chunk of my childhood in Germany probably led me to the idea of a Valkyrie. I used to love the Asterix comic books and tales of the Norse gods and goddesses. I started to wonder how Valkyries would manage in this modern world of ours. Suddenly Meg Highbury popped into my head and I built my Valkyrie world around her.
So I have to ask, if you could be any kind of supernatural being who would you be and why?
Oh, I’d be a Valkyrie, no question! You live forever, you roam battlefields looking for gorgeous heroes and you look awesome in armor…of course, there is that pesky Death Duty that Meg deals with in The Corpse Goddess…."

MGO: "Do you have a favorite genre that you like to read?
I love it all! Really, I read everything. The written word is how I make sense of the world."

Kristi: "What plans do you have next for writing? Anything new you are working on?
Right now, I’m finishing up a paranormal romance about Raine Cunningham, a no-nonsense scientist who is forced to seek the help of a hunky medium when her Dad’s ghost shows up and won’t leave. Then I’m diving into book two of The Corpse Goddess, to see how Meg handles her new adversary."

My Thoughts and Review: 
 
I made the mistake of starting this book while trying to eat lunch at the same time, lets just say that didn't go so well.

If you have a weak stomach, this may not be the book for you.

I admit, I haven't read very many zombie books because the premises doesn't always appeal to me but I can say that this book was very different from any of the other zombies books I have read.

And while it was a little gross at times, it was very unique in the whole zombie/Valkyrie approach as well. Very creative and imaginative and really a really good storyline that I couldn't help but be enthralled by.

My only big problem was that the main character Meg, was pretty hard for me to like. I just didn't connect with her and at times I didn't even care about her, she was that unlikeable. She came across as a little selfish, mean to those who were only trying to help and whinny and just, well, just not the character for me.

But, if you took into account her childhood, her parents and the secrets they kept form her, well her attitude and behavior made sense and I found myself sort of liking her despite it all. Sort of.

Really this book was not what I was expecting at all and while I found myself being grossed out by some of it, it really was creative and imaginative and for that alone, I have to give it 3.5 Stars!






Author Interview, Book Review and Giveaway: Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman!

Title: Audrey's Guide To Witchcraft
Author: Jody Gehrman
Series: Book One in the Adurey's Guides Series
Published By: Magic Genie Books (June 30, 2012)
Source: Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Parnormal
My Rating; 3.5 Stars!


Goodreads Description:
 Falling in Love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer—it’s all in a day’s work for Audrey Oliver, seventeen-year-old witch-in-training. When her mother goes missing and her twenty-one-year-old witchy cousin shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something’s gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it’s up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother’s secret past.

My Review:
I wouldn't be me if I didn't comment on the cover of this book first. It is pretty eye catching. It has a way of drawing you in and making you want to pick it up and stare at it absorbing the details. At first glance I thought the dress was blood and then I realized it was fire, which so happens to be very fitting and well done for this story.

This book started off like most first books in series do, a little slow with lots of setting and character development but nothing that made me feel like the book was dragging on excessively.

It is no secret that I love books with witches in it, I have always been fascinated by the idea. Maybe that goes back to my days of watching Bewitched on TV and wishing I could crinkle my nose up like Elizabeth Montgomery could. Whatever the reason, paranormal books about witches, are always something I am willing to read and try out.

This wasn't your typical YA book about witches. Some of the ideas and concepts were uniquely done and really did make this an interesting fun read.

I never really felt a connection with Audrey like I wanted but it didn't really seem like I had to either. It didn't distract me from the story like it sometimes can if you don't. She was a good character and her relationship with some of the secondary characters actually made her character better. I really liked Bridget and her made up words and eccentricities. Sadie was pretty outrageous with her circus of animals and even Julian was slightly endearing with his weird compulsion to be around Audrey. They really helped lighten up the book and made for some real laugh out loud moments.

This didn't have as much romance as I normally like and everything wasn't answered and cleared up but then again since this is just the first book in the series I wasn't really expecting it to be.

I think it will be fun to see where the second book takes the characters and where the story goes from here.


Author Interview: 
MGO: "What made you decide to become a writer?"

Jody: "I don't even know if it was a conscious decision. I just can't stop myself from writing; I feel less alive if I'm not working on a novel or a play of some sort. On the other hand, I definitely made a choice to pursue writing as a career, to seek publication. Even if I didn't do it professionally I'm pretty sure I'd do it for fun. The choice to get a book or play out there is pretty simple: I'm a writer, so I crave readers. I want to share the worlds that spring from my imagination."

MGO: "Why in the paranormal genre?"

Jody: "It's been a real challenge, taking on magic. All of my books before this have been realism, contemporary romance, coming of age stories--that sort of thing. Not a magical creature in sight. But I've always been drawn to witches, both in real life and in fiction, so it felt more comfortable to me than, say, writing about werewolves or vampires. I freely admit I'm new at taking on the fantastic. Writing this book took me seven years (crazy, right? Off and on, anyway). I think it took me that long because it was so totally foreign territory. I have all kinds of respect for writers who can blend paranormal elements into a very rich and believable "normal" world. It's super difficult to do well, and there are so many clichés one can fall into without even knowing it, especially now that just about every main character in YA fiction has some sort of paranormal power (or loves someone who does)."

MGO: "Vampire, witch, werewolf, fairy or other?"

Jody: "Witch, of course! I've always felt a little pagan, ever since I was little. But I do love me some fairies! Like the Tinker Bell kind more than the people-sized fey that have become so popular in Urban Fantasy. I've yet to come across a YA novel with tiny magical fairies, but I'd love to read such a book if it's done well. If anyone has suggestions they should email me! (jodygehrman at gmail dot com)"

MGO: "e-book, paperback or hardcover?"

Jody: "Ooh, hard choice. They all have their place. For me it's between paperback and e-book when it comes to actually reading, though hardcovers look nice on one's shelves. I'm leaning towards e-book lately, because I'm on the road a lot and I love knowing I have a massive library in that tiny, light object. Also, I'm such a moody reader. It's so incredible being able to download any book, anytime, anywhere. I sound like a Kindle ad or something!"

MGO: "Ice cream, candy, or cake?"

Jody: "Cake--the dense, rich, chocolate sort--especially magical cake like the one Audrey bakes."

MGO: "Tell us something about the next book in the series? What can we expect next for Audrey and the gang?"

Jody: "Eek! I can't. I'm very superstitious about letting any information out before it's done. Lately I don't even tell my husband what's happening until I've finished a whole draft. Only my cats know, and they're not talking."

MGO: "How many books do you have planned for the series?"

Jody: "It's a trilogy, so two more. My first trilogy! But three is my favorite number, so I'm excited."

MGO: "Thank you so much Jody for being here today and letting us get to know you better and of course for the great giveaway you are offering as well!!"

Giveaway!


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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Review: Silver by Talia Vance

Title: Silver
Author: Talia Vance
Series: Book One in the Bandia Series
Published By: Flux (September 8, 2012)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars


Goodreads Description:
 "As I step into the room, a silver flash blurs my vision. Before I can take a breath, the world falls away."

Brianna has always felt invisible. People stare right past her, including the one boy she can't resist, Blake Williams. But everything changes at a house party where Brianna's charm bracelet slips off and time stands still. In that one frozen, silver moment, Blake not only sees her, he recognizes something deep inside her she's been hiding even from herself.

Discovering she is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth, Brianna finds herself questioning the truth of who she is. And when she accidentally binds her soul to Blake, their mutual attraction becomes undeniable.

But Blake has his own secret, one that could prove deadly for them both.

Bound together by forbidden magic, Brianna and Blake find themselves at the heart of an ancient feud that threatens to destroy their lives and their love.

My Review:
It is always so nice when you find a book that just blows you away with just how great and unexpected it is.

When you get a storyline and characters that are completely unparalleled to what else is out there in the world of YA paranormal.

I loved that I didn't have all the answers with this one right away. That there was so much mystery involved in just what the heck was going on. That normally bugs me with stories, when I don't even have a clue who is good or bad or what is even happening with everyone but some how it just worked with this story.

It was filled was some pretty amazing male characters, Blake, Austin Joe. I have a hard time deciding who I liked more and if they were even good or bad. In fact I frequently changed my opinion about them from chapter to chapter. It was fantastic!

Even the main character Brianna was hard to pin point exactly. Was she really evil? Was she good? Was she going to turn evil?

This was a roller coaster of twists and turns and plots and myths and lies and half truths and....well, you get the idea.

Like I said, a completely unexpected read.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Review: Hacienda Moon by KaSonndra Leigh

Title: Hacienda Moon
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: TriGate Group (July 28, 2012)
Source: Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 Love, obsession, and betrayal, the most powerful human emotions, are spun together in this gothic novel. Tandie Harrison is a police medium who has just suffered a divorce after losing both her psychic visions and her daughter in a car accident. When she leaves New York City to start a new life near her hometown, she moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose, and falls for its charismatic caretaker, Eric Fontalvo. Their burgeoning affair ignites a centuries old curse, ensnaring them in a web of danger, deceit, and intrigue. Soon Tandie learns that in placid Bolivia, the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected.

Hacienda Moon is a seductive tale of one woman’s journey to confront the demons of her past and find the courage to face her future. It is a mesmerizing novel that explores the deepest depths of human nature, and the characters will hold and haunt you long after you have read the final chapter.


My Review:
 
I love a good dark gothic read once in awhile and that is exactly what I got in Hacienda Moon.

Leigh managed to weave an intricate tale full of intrigue, curses, ghosts, witches, possession, love and even death. All while sweeping you not only into the present but also into the past with creepy tales of murder and mystery and a deadly family legacy centuries in the making and a love that couldn't be killed with time.

And while this story may have moved a little slowly the first half, it certainly didn't lack for anything during the last half. The slow build up to not only the mystery but the romance was well worth the anticipation and craftily done.

Anyone that loves a good ghost story and romance, really needs to give this one a try.

This was very well executed and I give it a very solid 4 Stars!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Cover Reveal and Book Excerpt: Betwitched (Heven and Hell #2.5) by Cambria Hebert!

I am so excited to be participating in this cover reveal because not only is the cover beautiful but this series seriously rocks and I am so excited that a new novella will be out October 5! If you haven't tried this series then you are missing out and I highly recommend it. Cambria is amazing and her work is just wonderful. She truly is a talented writer and this is a series you must try.

So without further ado, I give you Bewitched!!


Title: Bewitched (Heven and Hell #2.5)
Genre: YA paranormal
Publisher: Cambria Hebert
Release date: October 5, 2012
Format: Ebook only (for now)
Bewitched Blurb:
For years, I accepted that Heven was more popular than me. I never liked it but I lived with it. I walked in her shadow, I stood by her when no one else would. When I finally thought her spotlight was mine things began to change. She began to change. Now she hardly ever calls me back, she spends all her time with her hot new boyfriend and everyone at school thinks she’s back on top. She had it all. But apparently she wants more. She wants Cole – my boyfriend. What’s worse is that it looks like she got him. I’ve had enough and she’s going to be sorry. Why?
Because I am bewitched.



 


 Sneak Peek into Bewitched!

Working out was for jocks. Homework was for nerds and I wasn’t a jock or a nerd. Yet, here I was, sweating through my favorite Victoria Secret yoga pants and tank with a headache the size of Macy’s. Learning about my powers was hard work. I thought it would come naturally. My brain was hurting from concentrating and my muscles were actually sore from effort. I thought longingly of the potion in the green bottle that Hecate had given me—a little sip would make it that much easier to use my powers, but she took it away. Apparently, I had all the power she wanted me to have. It kind of pissed me off.
In fact, I was feeling pretty disgruntled all around.
I was hot, I was sweaty, my head hurt and my hair was frizzy. Not to mention I had been wearing sneakers far too long. Thank goodness Hecate was gone. I actually had been glad not to be alone after the “bone incident,” but now I was ready for some alone time. I felt stronger.
Feeling strong plus feeling disgruntled equaled somebody was gonna get hurt.
I was standing in my yard near the lake and I glanced up at the moon before heading inside. It was low and swollen tonight—a haunting moon. It sent a shiver up my spine. I thought briefly about going to Heven’s and treating her to a little of what she deserved. I even looked toward the driveway as I walked, but I wasn’t going anywhere looking like this.
I went into the house and began climbing the stairs. Halfway up, I heard a noise in the kitchen and I paused. My parents were still out of town. It wasn’t the maid’s day to be here… unless she came early. Another thud in the kitchen had me spinning on the stairs to see what it was.
Mary?” I called out. “Is that you?” Maybe she switched her schedule around and I didn’t know about it. Maybe I could get her to make me a latté.
No one answered, and the noises in the kitchen fell silent. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and listened, wondering if I had heard anything at all. “Hello?” I called again, this time more unsure. This time a fine chill raced up my back.
Suddenly being alone in this big house was scary.
Clink, clink, clink.
Okay, I wasn’t hearing things. Someone was there.
I stepped off the stairs and walked through the foyer in the direction of the kitchen. I heard the cat hiss and I paused again. Clover was too lazy to hiss at a mouse. Something in my stomach turned cold and hard.
I looked over my shoulder at the massive front doors to the alarm keypad and the distress button.
But it was too late for pressing buttons.
Clover burst around the corner with a hideous screech and barreled into me, hitting me in the knees and causing me to stumble. The cat didn’t even stop. I could hear his claws scraping frantically across the tiles. “What the…” I began as I straightened, but then something lurched around the corner after the cat.
It was hideous.
It stood about a foot taller than me with wide shoulders that were uneven looking—one was lower than the other—and a wild mane of bushy orange hair that seemed to create a cloud around its pasty, white face. Its lips were black and it had a nasty row of teeth that had seen a lot of decay. It had large purple circles around its eyes, which seemed to have no color at all.
It looked like a psychotic clown.
I screamed and took a step backward, and the thing grinned. I went running but it lunged and caught me around the wrist, pulling me back. I struggled, kicking out, but it was no use, his grip was too strong.
Without any warning it reached up and snatched my silver pendant right off my neck. “Hey!” I screamed as it shoved me away. I fell onto my butt and stared up at the glittering silver heart as it dangled from the nasty clown’s hands.
Cole had given that to me. It was the last gift he had given me before we broke up.
Anger surged into my chest, making me hot. “Give that back.”
Freaky Clown gave me another frightening grin and ran back into the kitchen, disappearing from sight. I ran after it, running into a solid wall of… offensiveness.