Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan (Excerpt & Giveaway)

Release date: October 29th, 2013
Publisher: TSW Books
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Available in Paperback, Kindle (on sale 1.99)

All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn’t have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn’t believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it.

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.
A selfless romantic who’s had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya’s personality and hopes to develop something real with her-a connection so strong it’ll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.
Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

Rated G for everyone. No strong language. No raunchy sex scenes throughout. This is a New Adult novel about finding love and oneself.


Excerpt

The first kiss – Branden’s POV

Moya’s eyes widened when I spun her around to face me. It was obvious what I was about to do and I knew very well she wouldn’t let it happen without a fight. Her attempts at being freed were futile as my hold increased the more she squirmed in my arms.
      “Let go!” she demanded.
      I blew hard, eager to drown myself in the sweetness of her lips. Dismissing her protest—and the little voice at the back of my head telling me not to—I shoved my mouth to hers and kissed her hungrily.
      Moya lifted her hands to my chest and pushed tentatively, and just as fast they began to lower. I knew she couldn’t resist the deep passion evoking between us. Finally, she yielded, and I wrapped my arms even tighter around her as Moya parted her lips and allowed me to enter.
      We groaned as our tongues collided, touching each other wildly as if the kiss was not only our first but our last. Moya placed her hands on my lower back, touching me sensually with her fingertips as she worked her way up my spine. She caressed the back of my neck, and then combed her fingers seductively through my hair.     
      By the time the kiss ended, we were both panting, trying to breathe steadily.
      Moya wobbled as she backed away. “I have to get to class,” she whispered shakily as if under a trance.
      I released her with regret and watched as Moya turned and started up the path, staggering along the way.
      Afterwards, I dragged my thumb lightly along my lips, eyes fastened on Moya as she walked away. I could still feel the heat of her skin on mine, giving light to a fire of pleasure that threatened to make my hands shake in memory of her taste.

      Motivated by the promise of her presence, I walked up the path as well, following behind the girl I was indisputably falling hard for and fast.



About the Author:

Shane Morgan is a lover of "interesting" books. Her imagination is always running wild so it's best to collect and organize them into separate stories.

Shane's love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, delving into a variety of genres: from comedy and drama, to horror and contemporary romance. Shane's quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed "impossible." Well, in her opinion, people never really grow up, do they?


Website | Goodreads

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Very Superstitious Blog Tour (Review, Interview and Giveaway!)

Welcome to the Very Superstitious Blog Tour hosted by Chapter by Chapter. I'm really excited to be a part of the tour because first off, this book is perfect for Halloween. Secondly it's to benefit SPCA International. Today I'm featuring Michelle E. Reed who has her debut, Life A.D. releasing December of 2103 by Month9Books


Title: Very Superstitious
Publication date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9883409-4-7
ISBN eBook: 978-1-939765-75-8
Author: Delany, Jackie Morse Kessler, Stephanie Kuehnert, Jennifer Knight,
Marianne Mancusi, Michelle E. Reed, Dianne Salerni and Pab Sungenis

The stories are based on urban legends, myths, tribal tales and superstitions from around the world. A charity anthology to benefit SPCA International with stories by Shannon Delany, Jackie Morse Kessler, Stephanie Kuehnert, Jennifer Knight, Marianne Mancusi, Michelle E. Reed, Dianne Salerni and Pab Sungenis.





My Thoughts

So I have to admit I'm a lover of anthologies. Especially ones that are about the creepy, spooky and oh so scary. I love a good story that leaves me thinking about it way later. Definitely pick it up, the best part of an anthology is you can read a story in between other books you are reading or if you just want to take a mini break.

Michelle E. Reed writes the tale Midhalla which has it's roots in Eyptian Myths. Whoa, whoa I was like what, what is happening here ahhh. Ya it was good and I can tell you I will not be opening any umbrellas in the house any time soon. Ha. I really like Michelle's writing and I can already tell from the short story that I'm going to enjoy her debut.


Interview with Michelle E. Reed

How does it feel to have your debut novel hitting the shelves in December?

First off, thanks for hosting me here on the Library of a Book Witch!

Having my novel hitting the shelves in December (soon!) is quite an amazing mix of emotions. It’s extremely exciting. It’s empowering. It’s a little scary. I think most people are aware that the road to publication is long, but just how long is less common knowledge. Once you get a publishing offer, it is usually at least a year, and often much longer, before your book will hit the shelves. The publishing process is long because of all the work involved—editing, cover design, marketing, reviews, printing—the list goes on and on. It takes an entire team of talented people to make a book into a reality.

Once the newness and the excitement of landing a publishing deal wears off (although to be honest, I’m not sure it ever completely does), you have to get to work on all the rest. Time sort of slides along at a leisurely pace, interspersed with periods of hard, deadline-based work, until all of a sudden that dot on the horizon is a beautiful mountain. And you feel empowered. I (we) did this. This is really happening.

So here I sit, in the shadow of a mountain. It’s amazing, and while I’m so excited I can hardly stand it, I’m also a little intimidated. Very soon, people will be reading my book. People I don’t know; people I may never meet. This reality, while obvious—that’s the point of publishing, right?—is a bit scary. I worry about whether I worked hard enough to give my readers the book they deserve. Are my words good enough? Is my story strong enough? Will my readers find reason enough to love my characters? Will they see value in the time they spend reading?

But by far the greatest emotion I feel is gratitude. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to hold my book, my finished, printed book, in my hands.

You’re writing a short story for an anthology. How is that different than writing your own book?

Writing my novel, Life, A.D. and writing the short story, Midhalla both had distinct challenges. In writing your own book, there are more complex story arcs and character interactions to keep track of, and it’s a much grander scale undertaking, which I think intimidates a lot of new writers. You have to write a complete book without filler. The upside is, you have time to get to know your characters. Writing a short story is a different sort of challenge. Telling a complete, satisfying tale in twenty or thirty pages isn’t easy. You still need to meet the fundamental requirements of storytelling, but you have much less time to do it. You have to give your readers a reason to care about someone they only get to be with for a short period of time.

You were born in the Midwest, and still live here. How does this part of America influence your writing?

Not only do my protagonists hail from this part of the country, but also I think the notion of “Midwestern sensibility” colors my writing and my worlds. Midwesterners tend to be down to earth, practical people who lack pretense. There’s a friendliness and a comfort level here that I have really grown to appreciate. Throwing my protagonists out of this comfort zone, this idyllic upbringing, if you will, is a strong theme in my writing. Looking back at Life, A.D. I can see a definite “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” undercurrent. Here is this girl from small-town Wisconsin whose life ends abruptly, and her soul becomes trapped between worlds in a limbo of sorts, where nothing is practical. She scrambles to find logic and normalcy in a world beyond her comprehension.

When you were a child, you used to stay up late, and read under the covers with a flashlight. What were your favorite books as a child? Did any of them leave a lasting impact on the way you write today?

I could write a blog series just on this subject of my favorite childhood books…hmm, maybe I should! There were so many! If I had to pick the most influential authors and their books, I would probably go with Shel Silverstein, Walter Farley, and…well, the last book series on my list, I later discovered was written by a number of different house writers under a pseudonym, as was common for that type of story. It was a “girl detective” series about the title character, Trixie Belden. Trixie was a tomboy, tough and smart. I wanted to be just like her when I “grew up” (I think she was about thirteen in the books!). I do see a bit of Trixie in my own characters. I like girls who can stand up for themselves, find their way, be smart and savvy, and surround themselves with good friends to help them along the way.

Walter Farley wrote the famed Black Stallion Series. I was horse-crazy as a child, and spent many years learning to ride and, eventually, owned my own horse. His stories were pure magic to me. Escapism in its purest form. If I can capture that kind of magic in my own writing, I’d count myself very luck.

Shel Silverstein was my favorite, by far. His words are beautiful, funny, sad at times, and always wise. His poems and stories alike make for some of the best reading out there. Every child should memorize his perfect poem, Listen to the Mustn’ts. He will always be a strong influence in my writing, an icon who will always make me strive to be better.

How do you know what teenagers, and readers even younger than that, like to read about?
Times may change, but I think that some things are universal. Teens and younger readers want engaging stories that speak to them and who they are. They want to be transported to another world, but want relatable characters. They want an author who is honest, and who doesn’t pander to them. I have nieces and nephews who are teens. I listen when they talk; I pay attention to their interests and what matters to them. Young readers are quite smart, and it is wise to keep that in mind. I think I also have a pretty good ear for what my inner-teen has to say. One of the best things I’ve done is find myself a beta reader, who, at the time I was writing Life, A.D. was a high school student. She really gave me some great insight into what teen readers want and don’t want, and was great at pointing out when I was completely missing the mark.

What are you currently reading?


Right now, I’m reading The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness. I’m receiving strong peer-pressure from my husband to read World War Z, so that’s up next. I wish I were the type of person who can read more than one book at a time, but I just can’t manage it.


Michelle E. Reed

 Michelle was born in a small Midwestern town, to which she has returned to raise her own family. Her imagination and love of literature were fueled by a childhood of late nights, hidden under the covers and reading by flashlight. She is a passionate adoption advocate who lives in Wisconsin with her husband, son, and their yellow lab, Sully.



Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Other Authors Featured

Shannon Delany
Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Pab Sungenis
Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook
  
Stephanie Kuehnert
 Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Jennifer Knight
Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Mari Mancusi
 Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Jackie Morse Kessler
 Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Dianne Salerni

Connect:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Sunday Post: Book Haul


Hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

So because of my husband getting a new job he's had an unexpected 2 weeks off of work. So we've been doing a lot of unexpected trips and things. So some of my post have had to be scheduled. Right now I should be in Las Vegas enjoying a couple days of relaxation with no kids. Last night (Saturday) is the big Chicago Veronica Roth book signing. I've seen her a few times already but being a part of the excitement of the release of her third book made it worth going. Plus she's a Chicago native how can I not support. I'm all about local authors. I will do a post about the event when I get back with all the details. Lucky number 14 out of 1000.

Blog Happenings

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas Book Review
Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan Trailer Reveal
Off Chance by Sawyer Bennett Blog Tour (Review & Giveaway)
A Spark Unseen by Sharon Cameron Book Review

Book Haul

Paperback Origin signed, Virtro Arc signed, Keychain, Notebook, 4 magnets
Thanks to Jessica Khoury

Sweet Legacy Signed
Thanks to Tera Lynn Childs

Both Authors are Rockstars!

This isn't a book but my friend makes these awesome Poison Apple charms. Can you say fairytale magic. The skull part glows in the dark. I know I won't be able to get it out until after Halloween but I'm going to do a giveaway for one as soon as I match it with a book that I have. Hopefully I have one that works!

I also got a copy of Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield from the publisher. I was actually really mad because since it didn't fit in my mailbox the mail person put it on the outside of my mailbox! My mailbox is at the curb. I know that it's 30 degrees out but usually they put the packages by my door. I'm hoping it was a fill in mail person.

Last week I was moping around like I hadn't gotten any books. Which was so untrue. I got some awesome eArcs a week or so ago from Netgalley. Yay!

  



Ode to the Book Nerd (a poem by my husband)

My husband wrote me this poem a while ago and I thought it was cute and sweet so I thought I would share it.  A little Friday fun.

Book Nerd

Novels piled high from the ceiling to the floor
Nooks, Blackberries, Kindles, and more
When they met her, my friends concurred
I was dating a giant Book Nerd

She doesn’t like movies, or shows on tv
Her lack of pop culture knowledge rivaled nobody
It didn’t matter, I was not deterred
I was really attracted to a huge Book Nerd

Her friends would call, she’d let it ring
Going outside was not her thing
She didn’t want company, you haven’t misheard
So what, she’s a catch, this well-read Book Nerd

She went to book signings, and got autographs
She’d tell authors stories, and share a few laughs
When it came to her status, the lines were not blurred
I had gotten engaged to an undeniable Book Nerd

She connected with writers on Twitter and Facebook
They texted and emailed, and that’s all it took
To make sure her obsession would never be cured
It’s true, I had married an enormous Book Nerd

The kids ran around, and spilled on the floor
Yelled at each other, and drew on the door
But she barely noticed, her book she preferred
I was living my life with a humongous Book Nerd

Her literary delights will not be denied
She will not change, though how I’ve tried
But that is just fine, just in case you haven’t heard
I am in love with my beautiful Book Nerd


YA Reveiw: The Burning Sky

Title: The Burning Sky
Author: Sherry Thomas
Series: The Elemental Trilogy #1
Published: September 17th 2013 by Balzer + Bray
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Source: ARC


It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.

Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.

But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.

I was surprised that a book as sprawling and epic as this one is only book one in the series. It makes me giddy to think that we are going to continue on with the characters and world that I found myself instantly drawn into. The Burning Sky speaks well to the fantasy lover that I am and I loved how it mixed with historical fiction. Although it is a fantasy world there are elements of the real world mixed in. It was executed well as we drift between the two. There were a few points when I would get confused for a second but then as I continued reading my mind straightened out.


There are so many things I loved about the book but I especially enjoyed the character of Titus. He is not your typical prince. Rather than being unaware and protected in a bubble from the outside world, Titus is very well acquainted with the art of war. I’m not just meaning in the practical sense of the word but as well as political. He knows who and who doesn’t report to Atlantis and how to hold his cards close to his chest. He is also extremely clever and has not gone into action without having a plan and there is always a back-up plan brewing in his mind as well. I’m glad that he is also able to use mage powers and is not completely reliant on Iolanthe to save the world. He is able to add a little of his own contribution.


Iolanthe is also a character I enjoyed. It’s not often though that I like the main lead guy over the girl. Iolanthe is also clever and quick witted. We are talking about a girl who can fool a bunch of boys into thinking she is a boy. Not only that but be able to do things she had never even heard of before attending Eton college. Iolanthe is well aware of her powers but doesn’t quite understand the magnitude of who she is and who she has value to. In the book we see her really grow as she leaves her small town world.


The romance was completely adorable in this book. It made me smile at how adorably smitten the two of them are. There was just something innocent and pure about it. Like that first crush in high school. I love when the prince throws her off her feet or when she compltely astounds him.


I loved this book and I think if you are fan of fantasy mixed in with a little historical fiction you will love it too.

Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan Trailer Reveal




Release date: October 29th, 2013
Publisher: TSW Books
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Available in Paperback, Kindle

All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn’t have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn’t believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it.

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.
A selfless romantic who’s had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya’s personality and hopes to develop something real with her-a connection so strong it’ll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.
Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

Rated G for everyone. No strong language. No raunchy sex scenes throughout. This is a New Adult novel about finding love and oneself.



About the writer:

Shane’s love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, divulging in a variety of genres; from comedy, drama, to horror and romance. She’s quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed “impossible.”

Website | Goodreads

Off Chance by Sawyer Bennett Blog Tour (Review & Giveaway)

Welcome to my stop for the wonderful Off Chance Tour by Sawyer Bennett!! To check out the full schedule CLICK HERE


Title: Off Chance
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Expected release: October 21, 2013
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: New Adult
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours


He is seeking absolution.
Flynn Caldwell has a hero complex and it’s one of the reasons he joined the New York City Fire Department. He has spent his entire professional career trying to atone for that one person he failed to save. Because, if he can do that, then perhaps he can be worthy of love again.

She is seeking escape.
Rowan Page’s life is nothing short of a disaster. Always immersed in trouble, she has only herself to depend on. She’s determined to pull herself out of this mess and make something of her life, despite the hard years she has lived on the streets of New York.

Together, they have the chance to become complete.
Flynn and Rowan’s worlds exist miles apart, but when a chance meeting brings them together, neither of them can deny the instant pull that connects them to each other. What starts as a tiny spark eventually flares into a fire so hot, it refuses to be extinguished.

Both are willing to jump feet first into the flames to see where it takes them, despite the risk of being burned.


**My Review**

I became a huge Sawyer Bennett fan after reading Off Course and so I was super excited for Off Chance because I couldn’t wait to read Flynn’s story. I was by far not disappointed.

Flynn is a firefighter and it stems back from experience that he had when he was in high school. We learn about it in the Prologue so there is not guessing game with him. Which is nice, but after his loss he ends up with a hero complex and feels like he needs to save and fix broken people so when he rescues Rowan from a fire where she is chained naked to a bed, that really kicks in.

Rowan is struggling from a past that is both distant and recent. She has troubles from her childhood and then troubles from her relationship with Juice. Her story unfolds more as the book develops but we are not kept in the dark for very long for her guts to be spilled as well.

This book is more about Flynn and Rowans relationship and how it develops then really any outside threat. Rowan has issues with commitment and is terrified of losing Flynns friendship and therefore they go slow. Very slow. At first I think even Flynn might think his feelings might simply stem from his need to save Rowan but learns it is something deeper. That this friendship that they take care of and develop actually strengthens their possible relationship. If they had simply just jumped in but might not have last. Although Flynn really gets frustrated with Rowan’s resistance he really stands by her and tries. Over and over he tries and doesn’t give up which makes it a sweet story.

After first I didn’t like Rowan, she’s hard headed and doesn’t trust anyone. It makes her beyond sassy and refuses to accept help. She quickly grew on me and although at times I was frustrated with her as well. I also really liked how she is able to take care of herself and how she really didn’t let herself get absorbed in the easiness of just having a relationship with Flynn. I was impressed by how she stood her ground when she decided she wanted them to just stay friends. Even if you wanted to scream at her, why are you going to pass up the hunky fireman??

Which brings me to the hunky firemen Flynn. I’m so glad we get to experience his story. I loved his dedication and relationship he has with his sister Renner (Off Course is her story). So I was so excited to get to enjoy his sweet and loving nature. With his impeccable body and sexy fireman swagger...oh wait did I just drift off into dreamland? Well needless to say there is no way not to love Flynn.

Another great addition to the series. I really enjoyed this book. These are some of my favorite romance novels. I don’t think I can get enough of them.

Sawyer Bennett

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter



**Giveaway**


YA Review: A Spark Unseen by Sharon Cameron

Title: A Spark Unseen
Author: Sharon Cameron
Series: The Dark Unwinding (#2)
Published: September 24th 2013 by Scholastic Press
Genres: Steampunk, Historical Fiction, YA
Source: Netgalley

The thrilling sequel to Sharon Cameron's blockbuster gothic steampunk romance, THE DARK UNWINDING, will captivate readers anew with mystery and intrigue aplenty.
When Katharine Tulman wakes in the middle of the night and accidentally foils a kidnapping attempt on her uncle, she realizes Stranwyne Keep is no longer safe for Uncle Tully and his genius inventions. She flees to Paris, where she hopes to remain undetected and also find the mysterious and handsome Lane, who is suspected to be dead.

But the search for Lane is not easy, and Katharine soon finds herself embroiled in a labyrinth of political intrigue. And with unexpected enemies and allies at every turn, Katharine will have to figure out whom she can trust--if anyone--to protect her uncle from danger once and for all.

These books are definitely more about the Adventure and Mystery then they are romance. Which is not to say there isn’t swoonworthy romance because there is it just doesn't take precedence.

I loved Katharine, she is this unbelievable kick butt character but in a way her hands are tied to the extent that she can be kick butt. Just do the society standards. I also love her loyalty to Uncle Tully and how she has inherited some of his intricacies as well. She counts everywhere she goes, doing constant numbers in her I head. I kind of wonder if she were to help Uncle Tully with his inventions if she would not find that she has a knack for it herself. Katharine has inherited a great responsibility of having to take care of her uncle on her own, with Lane gone to Paris. She does her best but with evil doers trying to take advantage of his talents, she soon finds the best course of action is to flee for now.

The book picks up close to where we left off. Lane has been gone for months and presumed dead, even though Katharine does not believe that to be true. She is taking care of the vast estate on her own with assistance from Mr. Babcock. As with the first book the action and mystery picks up right from the start and we are sent on whirlwind adventure. I love so many aspects of these books. The historical infused with steampunk. The way things play out and how Katharine as much as she doesn’t want to, still has to try to play her role in society.

There are new characters introduce and even though there is not a strong threat of Aunt Alice, the gossip mill does not stop. Especially when Mrs. Hardcastle is only a door or wall away in her new home. There is also the introduction of Henri Marchand. There is no question of a love triangle, it’s obvious that Katharine only has her heart set to Lane, alive or dead but Henri brings a certain amount of intrigue. He seems to be very watchful and protective of Katharine but as a skeptic learned from extensive reading of mysteries, I wonder if he has sinister motives.

This book has a fantastic ending. I love how the plot plays out and especially how the characters play out. All is revealed and things you thought might not always be true. We see who are enemies are and those who turn out to be simple frenemies. Let me tell you there is a part with Katharine at the end that I wish I could share as in excerpt. I can see me rereading it in my future.

So if you enjoy your historical fiction with some steampunk this book is perfect for you. It’s definitely one of my favorites

Sunday Post


Hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Wow so life has been crazy. My husband got a new job, yay!! The nervousness and stress for the whole process was kind of driving me crazy for the last couple months. Not that he didn't have a job but this one is much better and we are very excited. Hooray!!

On The Blog....

Review: The Art of Disappearing by Elena Perez (Review)
Going Thru Hell by T.J. Loveless (Excerpt & Giveaway)
Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen Blog Tour (Review & Giveaway)
Garden of Eden by Kate Cowan Blog Tour (Review & Giveaway)
Sisters in Bloom by Melissa Foster (Giveaway)
Finding It by Cora Carmack Release Day!!(Giveaway)
Seven Day Fiance Release Day!! (Review & Giveaway)


Despite me stalking my mailbox (waiting for things I ordered or won) My haul is very small this week. I borrowed this from the librarian that works in school that my office is at. She is awesome!


Feature and Follow


Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that is designed to provide some much-appreciated exposure to the bloggers participating, and to expand their following. Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, each of whom feature a chosen blog for the week, it's an interesting way to get to know one another.

If you would like to follow me, you can do so by Bloglovin, Twitter, email or Linky .

Follow on Bloglovin


Q: What are some of your favorite magazines?




Then I have my magazines that probably seem old lady but I love the holiday decorating and food they have in them.


I also have Parents magazine and US Weekly (we get it for free we don't know why) but these are the ones I probably look at the most if I do. I'm not a huge magazine reader. It's usually only if I need a break from a book.

Review: The Art of Disappearing by Elena Perez

Title: The Art of Disappearing
Author: Elena Perez
Published: July 17th 2012 by Alloy Entertainment
Genre: Paranormal, YA
Source: eArc


Delia can see the future . . . but can she change it?

All Delia wants is to be popular. She has the perfect plan: join the cheerleading squad with her best friend, Ava, and rule the school from the coolest table in the cafeteria. But everything changes the day she watches a boy die—before it actually happens.

After dreaming about a classmate’s demise, she’s shocked when she witnesses his last breath—just like she dreamt it. Ava insists Delia stop acting so strange, but Delia worries her abilities are beyond her control.

Torn between who she is and who she wants to be, Delia wishes she could simply disappear. She doesn’t get her wish, but when someone close to her vanishes, Delia must use her gift to solve the mystery, before it’s too late.

The writing style of this book was really interesting to me. It’s not quite prose but it kind of has that same flow to it. Almost as if the sentences are shorter and it’s more of a haunting voice. He makes it a bit hypnotic. When I think back on the book it leaves me in that weird ghost like daze. It was difficult to put down.

Delia, what can I say about her. She starts off the book wanting to be popular. She is in the popular crowd actually but things take on a whole new light when she sees someone die before her cheerleading tryout. Not only does he die but she realizes she had a dream about him before, even though she had never met him. This sends her into a tail spin. She decides not to to tryout for cheerleading, which causes the first rift between her and her best friend Ava and then things start going down hill from there.

This story is not a romance there is none in there so if you are looking for a break from that this is a nice read. It is a story about relationships though. The ones that Delia has with her mother and the ones she has with her friends/classmates. There are so many things in this book that remind of real high school. Getting kicked out of one group finding a new one, going back to old group, changing your appearance and look twenty times over.

Delia has a very interesting family dynamic. She has a stern mother, a flighty aunt and an unusual cousin.

There is some paranormal to it. It’s actually very subtle and comes across as a power your friend or neighbor could possess without ever knowing it. Which makes it more of an interesting skill. Delia has a hard time figuring out exactly what is going on but as she discovers more hidden things about her family pieces fall into place.

I enjoyed the book and I felt it was definitely different than my normal reads. It was a fun book to break away with.

Going Thru Hell by T.J. Loveless (Excerpt & Giveaway)



Going Thru Hell by T.J. Loveless
Publication date: October 1st 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, New Adult

KYLIE RIPPONS is a SpongeBob pajama bottom wearing, Dodge Ram 1500 4×4 driving, USDA certified klutz, coffee-addicted mortal, seeking a normal life despite the constant harassment of gods and the ability to braid time.

Kylie sees actions and consequences as bright, shining timelines in her head. Born with the power to gather the strings and braid them into a new chain of events, she is the weapon of choice for many pantheons in their never ending wars. But using the ability requires fuel, and for a mortal, it means a piece of her soul.

One Mesopotamian goddess, the only forsaken Valkyrie, and a rogue, immortal, Berserker ally with Kylie. Constant harassment forces the group to take drastic action, and go on the offensive. She must braid time to save friends, and herself, as the gods drive them into situations in which she must choose: braid time, save her friends, and lose pieces of her mortal soul, or become slave to the pantheon of her choice.

Deception by an old friend sends Kylie fleeing to her parents’ home, where she hid her son, Riot. She’s too late, the gods found Riot and hold him hostage. Searching for him, Kylie experiences the most devastating betrayal of all.

Kylie faces her worst nightmare: kill a friend and permanently hide Riot, leaving him motherless, or become a slave in exchange for his safety, leaving her soulless and insane.

If only the gods allowed for personal choice.


**Excerpt**

The headache started, pounding to the rhythm of my heartbeat. I silently begged to faint, but the power demands payment. There is no credit card or forgiveness for changing the strings of time. It doesn't care I only braided a mere twenty minutes. The ledger must always remain in the black.
“Hey, good looking,” a masculine voice called.
                Bloody hell. I glanced around, hoping someone else pulled up and captured the guy's attention. No such luck. The truck and Ferrari remained the only two cars at the pumps. I cursed silently while ignoring him. The earthy smell surrounded me, filled with green things, sun and a summer's breeze. 
                “Do you ignore everyone?”
                I jumped. I turned to find a tall, muscular, handsome male. Long brown hair streaked with various shades of silver, and a well-trimmed gray beard carted streaks of brunette, giving the impression of a mature man. He wore a black, faded AC/DC t-shirt, shabby blue jeans and black boots. His ice blue eyes caught my attention and held it.

The last one disappeared, leaving Aki to stand in the middle, turning slowly, the image of a grizzly bear superimposed over his form. He fell forward, hands out to catch himself. Blood splashed upwards in a graceful and grotesque arc, covering his upper body and face. He sat on his feet, sword laid carefully over his thighs, chin resting on the massive chest.
“Do not mock me,” his voice low and tight.
“Mocking you? Me? Nooo. I genuinely disdain you and all you stand for.” The threads vibrated, the need to braid becoming almost impossible to resist. The secondary ability rushed to the surface of my skin.
Come on, you big bastard, touch me, I thought.
                “Do not doubt that I will hurt you for such disrespect!” Spittle landed on my cheek.
                “Can't disrespect what I never respected in the first place. Thought you guys were supposed to have a superior intellect.” My palms began to melt the plastic ties. 
Come on, come on, before I lose control.

                His hand wrapped around my throat and squeezed. My wrists popped apart and I grabbed his forearm, the power sliding over him as the heat from my palms burned his skin. He jerked, but it was too late.



T.J. Loveless has been reading and writing stories since the fourth grade. She writes predominantly in the Spec Fic genres. A former copy/content editor at a small pub house, she now freelances at Cliffhanger Editing.

She lives with The Writing Zoo, a Hubby who prefers her mood when writing, and a teenager who loves to tells stories of her mother on the floor trying to visualize "legs all akimbo" and how Writing Momma has long, often yelling, conversations with the computer screen.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Grand prize giveaway
Prizes (open internationally):
--4x 10$ Amazon Gift Card + Swag



Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen Blog Tour (Review & Giveaway)

Just Ella Tour
Just Ella
Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen

A Proper Romance

Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined.

I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me.

I write clean romance. Why? Because that’s what I love to read, but over the years I’ve discovered it’s quite a challenge to find good clean romance. I believe it’s a genre that many people are looking for and too few authors are writing. My first novel, Just Ella, took me many years to write because I wanted it to be more than just a cutesy love story. I wanted it to have depth, to feel genuine. Hopefully I succeeded, but you’ll have to be the judge.


**My Review**

The book happens over a period of 2-3 years which is definitely different from books I normally read. It gave the story depth and believability, that things weren’t just happening overnight. It was so well written and the descriptions of the world were perfect, especially the maze garden. I felt like I watched a movie instead of reading a book.

I loved Ella right from the start and she grows through the book you only grow to love her more. She is fierce and adventurous. She also has her eye on her people more than she realizes. The fact that she wants to know them as more than nameless faces shows how much of a great leader she could be but doesn’t even realize it. Although her relationship with Gavin makes her stronger and more aware she doesn’t need him to survive. She is strong in her own right and love how the story progresses to show us and her that. She comes into her own many times over as she learns through her experiences. Sometimes Ella screws up and sometimes she rises above all. That’s what makes her such a real character.

I did like Gavin but I didn’t need Gavin. I didn’t need her to be with Gavin because Ella shined so much on her own. Their relationship is so sweet and perfectly romantic and I love how it defeats the odds. There were times that I was mad at Gavin because he was capable of breaking Ella’s heart not only with his own actions but because of who he is. The part that makes this such a true love story is that he does make her cry, he does hurt her but it also makes them stronger. They fall in love with each other over and over again, which is the mark of a strong relationship. I also liked how their romance was central to the book but not all consuming. There was so much more to the story then just their relationship and it was not the only relationship that was important to Ella.

I love when a novel has a strong family in the wings. Ella’s relationship with her parents constantly changes throughout the book. Going from her father and her being close then drifting apart and finding a mutual understanding again. To her seeing her mother as being one way and then learning that really there is more to her actions, that there is more to her as a person. He relationship with her sister is always in flux much like a normal family.

There is a villain but in a tame way and some really great side characters. It amazed when a new character was introduced when I was about 85% through the book and I loved them!

I only have praise for this novel, it exceeded my expectations and don’t worry “clean romance” doesn’t mean there is no kissing. There is still plenty of that so I highly recommend this read.

**Excerpt**

I changed behind a couple of close-growing trees at the base of the hill, then squeezed the water from my hair and tried to restore it to some semblance of order. I wrung out my clothes before wrapping them in a shawl and putting them in my bag. I decided against putting on my shoes, instead walking barefoot back to the maze, enjoying the feel of the earth under my feet. A lightness filled me; whether from knowing the secret of the waterfall or from abandoning propriety and tromping around barefoot, it didn’t really matter. New life had been breathed into me. The looks thrown my way while entering the palace with bare feet and disheveled hair made me smile. I couldn’t find it in myself to be ashamed.
I bounded up the stairs to my room with no poise at all, and had to suppress a grin when I hurried past Lorraina, who stopped suddenly upon seeing me and didn’t recover before I passed her by. I slipped into my room and shut the door firmly, unable to keep a broad smile from my face as I considered my excursion. It was liberating.

Praise for Just Ella

"I fell in love with this book. Treat yourself to something wonderful. You can't go wrong with Just Ella!" ~Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

"By far one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Pulls you in with great, likable characters and keeps you going with a sweet and exciting love story--plus a good plot to give it even more substance. Full of those tender moments you want to go back and read again, plus exciting moments, clever humor, and some suspense as well." ~Jana Miller

"Annette Larsen writes a love story that takes time, is complicated, and yet still sweeps you up in the romance (without the cheese, thank you). It's compelling and emotional and sweet and you will love every page." ~Kimi


annetteAuthor Annette K. Larsen

I was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff Arizona and St. Louis Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended college at Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children.

I have Charlotte Bronte to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to sacrifice what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but it the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.

I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.


Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/5/13
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.






Click the upper right corner to leave a comment