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Monday, September 30, 2013

Review: KATRINA, THE BEGINNING (Royal Blood Chronicles, #1) by Elizabeth Loraine





As a Vampire being hunted was nothing new. 
Finding out that I had to save those that were hunting us was!

Katrina is thrust into something she never could have imagined growing up in the aristocracy of Europe.
Once the fashion of the day, and girlish gossip filled Katrina and her new friends days, but their lives changed the instant their race was threatened and they were chosen as the Five, and the protectors of not only the vampire race, but all the peaceful races of the world!

Katrina, the Beginning book one, chronicles the story of Katrina from the age of seventeen in the series - Royal Blood Chronicles - it's full of romance, friendship, adventure and betrayal in a fast paced, fun read. It's filled with strong female characters in a lush, beautifully drawn fantasy world built and wonderfully written by Elizabeth Loraine.










Katrina, the Beginning book one, chronicles the story of Katrina from the age of seventeen in the series - Royal Blood Chronicles - it's full of romance, friendship, adventure and betrayal in a fast paced, fun read. It's filled with strong female characters in a lush, beautifully drawn fantasy world built and wonderfully written by Elizabeth Loraine.


Elizabeth Loraine’s Royal Blood Chronicle series has a developing plot that digs deeper with each additional novel, and her creativity in the design of her characters is astounding. Whether her characters are vampires, humans, wizards or demons, there is always an unexpected plot twist to surprise the reader.
 
The Protectors’ fight to maintain control of the upper world is challenged by unforeseen characters and circumstances throughout the series. There are many authors in the fantasy genre, but Elizabeth Loraine is one of the best. She veers away from the usual supernatural storyline to produce works of remarkable interest to lovers of this genre. Cain is a prime example of her creative mind; he is a thread-climber that is unaware of his full potential as a powerful, magical vampire. Although he has a rather rough beginning, once everything has been righted, Cain becomes a leader no one could hate. His selfless acts and teaching ability are superb and give the reader an insight to his destiny. The same holds true for the other major characters of this series; their intertwined destinies leave the reader wanting more.
 
I applaud Loraine’s creative genius. She takes the myths of old and refurbishes them with pizzazz. I enjoyed reading Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, but I absolutely love Loraine’s Royal Blood Chronicle. Loraine’s plot is much better, and her story lines are more interesting. Bella’s relationship with Edward is lame compared to the love of Katrina and Quinn, two more protagonists of this series. For fans of the fantasy genre, this series is necessary read.
 
I have read hundreds of fantasy novels, and Royal Blood Chronicle ranks in the top five. I recommend this series for anyone that loves unexpected twists, great friendships, and terrific story lines.
 


Guest Review by: Karen Bryant Thompson This series receives four out of five.  












I grew up in a small northern Minnesotan town married my high school sweetheart, had two beautiful children and as soon as we could we moved to a warmer climate. I have worked with my husband building and decorating custom homes for years.


After loving every kind of vampire book, movie and series since I was a child, I decided that I wanted to know more. I can write a book I thought, how hard could that be? Well...it was not as easy as I thought, but I stuck to it, and finished my first book Royal Blood Chronicles Book One in August 2009. I now have six books in the series and am about to release book two of my new series Phantom Lives.  My parents always told me that I could do anything that I wanted, work hard, and do it right. I believe that, and live that every day.


I started writing this new vampire series for teens and their moms because I wanted something different to read. I was tired of all the modern versions of vampire books, there had to be more to these long-lived beings. Where had they been, what had they seen? I wanted; no I NEEDED to know more, so Royal Blood Chronicles was born!  As in Royal Blood Chronicles, Phantom Lives features strong female characters and action and adventure mixed with romance, friendship and a historical backdrop. I hope you enjoy them.








Cover Reveal: SABINE (Royal Blood Chronicles, #9) by Elizabeth Loraine



Book nine continues the Royal Blood Chronicles with Sabine. Sold to a Dark Lord by a powerful but greedy father, Sabine secretly is aligned with her friend and leader of the Protectors, Katrina. 

Sabine stays to learn all she can about the Dark arts and the goings on of the Dark Lords against the world of Light. After all this time her feelings seem to be changing, and her Dark Lord does not seem so Dark…is it possible his feelings have changed too?


Another twisting love story by Elizabeth Loraine…intrigue spun with romance. Characters you can’t help caring for…Fall in love with Sabine, but beware of secret backdrops of evil and betrayal as another segment of Royal Blood Chronicles draws you in.




Thursday, September 26, 2013

BOOK BLITZ: WATERFELL by Amalie Howard + Mega Giveaway #WATERFELL @AmalieHoward @HarlequinTeen

Waterfell banner

Welcome to the mother of all WATERFELL contests, where you can win 400 gorgeous swag packs of tattoos, signed bookmarks and bookplates, as well as one of THREE iPad Minis.

Yes, you read that right--in addition to the 400 prize packs, there will be THREE opportunities to make a super-awesome IPAD MINI yours.


First, a little about WATERFELL...


THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered.


Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.    Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do.
But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy.
Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?



A sneak peek into WATERFELL... "I’ve never wanted anything more than this moment. I smile and he does, too. He bends toward me, his fingers pulling upward drawing my face toward his. Lo smells of salt and sea, and everything else that I love about the ocean. His eyes are open and are a deep mesmerizing blue, staring deep into mine as if he’s searching for something other than my consent to kiss me. I don’t know what it is but his gaze makes me feel like I’m made of tingles and air.  At the last minute before his lips touch mine, his eyes flutter close.  The kiss is a shock of images and smells and feelings, hitting me all at once—my home, my friends, the ocean, the land, beauty, chaos, life, and this strange, infuriating, lovely boy. Everything about him flashes into me, and then there’s nothing else but Lo."

1. WATERFELL PRE-ORDER CONTEST

If you preorder WATERFELL by OCTOBER 28th 2013. 200 random winners will receive a signed WATERFELL bookmark, signed bookplate, and a cool WATERFELL tattoo. In addition to this prize pack, you will be entered to a super-awesome grand prize: an IPAD MINI (worth $350).

WaterfellSwagPackipadmini



Here’s how to enter: You must preorder Waterfell (physical or e-book) by OCTOBER 28th to be entered into the giveaway. 
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. No entries after October 28th will be counted. If your name is drawn for the grand prize, we will verify your emailed receipt that matches the date you entered (since this prize has a cash value). 

ALL ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED.


NOTE: The prize for this contest is not open internationally because of issues with taxes on mailing gifts. 
However, if you are an international reader, you should definitely still preorder WATERFELL. 
If you are one of the 200 prize pack winners, you will receive the signed bookmark, signed bookplate and tattoo. 
Every qualifying entrant (see prize rules) will receive a #WaterfellProm ticket for another chance to win an iPad Mini.



2. WATERFELL GET CREATIVE CONTEST

Jellyfish
Express Your Inner Sea Monster! Calling all creative types—painters, sketchers, graphic artists, costume artists—you name it, we want it.   The more creative, the better. Win an IPAD MINI (worth $350) for your artistic efforts. Take a look at my Waterfell Pinterest board for inspiration or read Waterfell and let your imagination go wild! 200 random winners will receive a signed Waterfell bookmark, signed bookplate, and a cool Waterfell tattoo just for submitting your entry in the WATERFELL GET CREATIVE CONTEST. 

NOTE: The prize for this contest is not open internationally because of issues with taxes on mailing gifts. But if you are an international contestant, you should definitely still submit your artwork/creative piece. If you are one of the 200 prize pack winners, you will receive the signed bookmark, signed bookplate and tattoo. Every qualifying entrant (see prize rules) will receive a #WaterfellProm ticket for another chance to win an IPad Mini.


The more creative, the better. Win an IPAD MINI (worth $350) for your artistic efforts. Take a look at my Waterfell Pinterest board for inspiration or read Waterfell and let your imagination go wild! 200 random winners will receive a signed Waterfell bookmark, signed bookplate, and a cool Waterfell tattoo just for submitting your entry in the WATERFELL GET CREATIVE CONTEST.


Here’s how to enter:

Over the next four weeks from September 24th to October 21st, show us what you think the Aquarathi in Waterfell would look like in fan art (drawings, paintings, photography, costumes), and email it to mail@amaliehoward.com. You must submit by OCTOBER 21st to be eligible, and the work must be yours. No entries after October 21st will be considered.


I will select the top 20 pieces and place them on my website (with full credit), where the public will vote for the final winner the week of October 21st to October 28th.

By submitting your entry, you approve of your work being displayed on this website. The grand prizewinner will be announced on the official Waterfell release date—October 29th.


3. WATERFELL “UNDER THE SEA” PROM

 Get officially invited to the #WaterfellProm and be crowned Prom King or Queen!


Here’s how to score a ticket:


Anyone who enters either of the Waterfell contests (preorder or creative) OR joins either of the official Waterfell Blog Tours from Harlequin TEEN and JKS Communications will receive an exclusive ticket to the invite-only online Waterfell "Under The Sea" Prom, just like Nerissa, Lo and all their friends in the book! Costumes optional.


Your prom ticket will entitle the bearer to one entry in the PROM KING or QUEEN drawing during the #WaterfellProm. Not only will the Waterfell Prom King or Queen be virtually crowned during the online prom, he or she will win an IPAD MINI (worth $350).


If you didn’t get a slot in either of the official Waterfell Blog Tours, but still wrote a blog post (review, interview, character interview, etc.) about Waterfell that you promoted on social media, you are absolutely entitled to a prom ticket.


Email a link to your post to mail@amaliehoward.com to qualify and receive your ticket.


NOTE: The prize for this contest is not open internationally because of issues with taxes on mailing gifts. But if you are an international attendee, you are still welcome. There will be several other international prizes like signed books, swag and jewelry for the homecoming court! So KEEP CALM and PROM ON!

3. WATERFELL “UNDER THE SEA” PROM

keep-calm-and-prom-on


Get officially invited to the #WaterfellProm and be crowned Prom King or Queen!
 Here’s how to score a ticket:
 Anyone who enters either of the Waterfell contests (preorder or creative) OR joins either of the official Waterfell Blog Tours from Harlequin TEEN and JKS Communications will receive an exclusive ticket to the invite-only online Waterfell "Under The Sea" Prom, just like Nerissa, Lo and all their friends in the book! Costumes optional. 
Your prom ticket will entitle the bearer to one entry in the PROM KING or QUEEN drawing during the #WaterfellProm. Not only will the Waterfell Prom King or Queen be virtually crowned during the online prom, he or she will win an IPAD MINI (worth $350).
 If you didn’t get a slot in either of the official Waterfell Blog Tours, but still wrote a blog post (review, interview, character interview, etc.) about Waterfell that you promoted on social media, you are absolutely entitled to a prom ticket. 

Email a link to your post to mail@amaliehoward.com to qualify and receive your ticket.

NOTE: The prize for this contest is not open internationally because of issues with taxes on mailing gifts. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



But if you are an international attendee, you are still welcome. 

There will be several other international prizes like signed books, swag and jewelry for the homecoming court! 


So KEEP CALM and PROM ON!

Cover Reveal: FULL THROTTLE by Chelsea Camaron










I wake up to an empty space beside me.  Jake never came back to bed last night.  We always sleep together, even with his nightmares, or when we are fighting.  After all the time spent apart with the deployments, we treasure the little things more, like being wrapped up in one another.  What is going on with him that he didn’t want to sleep beside me?

          I shower and dress for my day, trying to tame my irritation.  I descend our stairs, reaching the bottom; I stop and stare.  Jake is asleep sitting up on the couch, empty beer bottle still in his hand.  This gorgeous man is snoozing away in his boxer briefs.  Watching him breathe in such a relaxed state, I take in the man before me.

          Jake is built lean like a swimmer.  When standing, he is five feet ten inches tall.  He has a trim build with broad shoulders.  He is not overly muscular but he is toned everywhere, especially in the definition of his chest and abs.  He has dusty brown hair with deep green eyes.  For me, he is a perfect fit, and the sexiest man I’ve seen.

          As I take in the steady up down rhythm of his chest, I am drawn to the angel tattoo.  She is moving with him with his every breath, as he inhales and exhales.  This movement pushes the words around her, causing them to practically scream out to me.  I get teary eyed remembering that specific ink experience.

          It was right before his first deployment to Iraq.  He said I have always been his angel, saving him from himself since the day we met.  The angel on his chest was designed to resemble me in her facial features.  The script seems to dance around her.
‘Watch over me, carry me, bring me always safely through to my loves waiting arms’

          Mentally, I have got to shape up.  Jake does not need me as a distraction with all that is on his plate at the garage.  Dwelling on the marriage that will never occur isn’t going to help either of us.  I am Jake’s love, as he is mine.  I wait when necessary for the next opportunity to hold him close, and always carry him in my heart.

          I see Dina with Ryder, knowing their day is coming soon.  The desire for that level of commitment is evident in the way they look at each other.  Maggie has made it more than clear to Brayden (and everyone else) that she expects a proposal sooner rather than later.  Both of these couples are so in love and on the path to wedded bliss.

          Jake and I are still head over heels in love with each other.  Despite all the years together, I continue to get butterflies when I see him.  The honeymoon phase has never ended for us.


          Seeing our friends so happy and in love is wonderful.  I truly am overjoyed for them.  This whole wedding thing, where Jake and I are concerned, shouldn’t bother me so much.  Yet, it does.  What am I to do about it now?




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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Cover Reveal: RESTORE MY HEART by Chelsea Camaron + Mega Giveaway








Bad Boy, Ryder Davenport comes into Dina Fowlers life in the middle of her own personal hell. Still coming to terms with the death of her parents, she pushes everyone away.
 
When she trusts the wrong man, putting her in a bad relationship she felt she could not escape, Ryder comes along. Enjoying his playboy ways, fast cars, motorcycles and a new woman in his bed nightly, Ryder had no thoughts of settling down.
 
That is, until he sees the damage a man can do when he meets a very broken Dina. He changes in hopes of one day being enough for her.
But, can she ever feel safe with a man again?

Ryder has restored hundreds of classic cars can he restore Dina’s heart?







What is this girls name again?  Ah hell, she wants to feel special and I can’t even manage to remember her name.  Lauren, Lori, Laura, something like that, I think.  Brayden will find this entertaining once we arrive at the restaurant.  I text him to see if we can stop by for introductions, he said sure thin.  I am off to let some chick meet my roommate and best friend.  The things I do to get a new piece of ass. 

Girls are raised with a misconception of prince charming coming to take away all of their problems.  Thing is, prince charming doesn’t exist in real life, that is why they are in fairy tales.  Like Cinderella’s step sisters trying to make the shoe fit, women can’t form men into a certain fit, the way they want.  When it’s right, the slipper will slide right on.  Always remember it’s made of glass so it must be handled with care.  That is the reality of love right there, when its right you still have to be gentle and take care of it in all of its fragile states.

Add to that the balance of Daddy/daughter relationships and men don’t stand a chance.  You will either find the Daddy’s girl who’s first love is her Dad.  These girls are confident.  They are in no rush to accept anything less than real emotion, real love because their Dad gave them that security.  The flip side to that are the ones with Daddy issues.  The woman whose dead beat Dad walked away without teaching them real love; only abandonment.  These girls are usually easy and are just looking for a connection in any way they can feel it.  Even if it’s just a fleeting moment, a rush, they want to feel love.  After a few heartbreaks, they become real man haters.

Either way, from childhood, most little girl’s dream of the day they find their forever in a man.  This makes it easy for them to fall for the many lines a hormone driven dude, such as myself, will give them.  They strive so much for that connection, that security, they will believe just about anything you say.  What they know to be a lie, they convince themselves that they can change in you.  Overcome the bad boy, change the player into a one woman man, surely they can love you enough to change you.  Love conquers all, after all, that’s what they are told from the time they are hosting pretend tea parties.

I am young still, not ready to be tied down or deal with the delicate nature of love and a serious relationship.  I do believe in love, commitment, and forever.  I just know that now is not the time in my life for such seriousness.  Until that day comes I want to taste the variety of women that exist in my world.

I have spent a week texting this chick, making her feel special.  It’s not enough though and she says she wants to meet my friends.  Really feel like she knows me.  I love a challenge so fine you can meet my friends.

We walk into the restaurant where Brayden is having dinner with Maggie, his girlfriend, and Dina her roommate.  As soon as we enter I feel a charge in the room.  I see her sitting with them and I am immediately consumed.  She is a magnet drawing me over to her.  Never have I felt an instant pull to someone, like this. 
Dina is a downhome, gorgeous girl.  Her makeup is subtle, with natural looking hair, perhaps just some high lights she just carries a casual comfortable look.  To be honest, I would find her sexy in a paper bag.  She has on a black shirt that dips down just enough to hint at her cleavage.

She has curves, gorgeous curves in all the right places.  She is by no means a big girl, she is skinny, but with boobs and ass that are definitely enough for a man to enjoy.  Her flat stomach is calling out for me to run my hand up it to cup her very full breasts or down to her hips to slide around and scoop her luscious ass.  When she looks at me, I feel like she is looking directly into my soul.  The world seems to stop around us as I am pulled into Dina and everything that is her.

After we get beyond the hello’s some prick is manhandling my Dina out of her seat.  Whoa!  My Dina, where did that come from?  I don’t know why, but my adrenaline and instinct are now in overdrive.   I am burning with fire coursing through my veins.

Before any of us could react, they were gone.  Maggie is crying as Brayden is trying to quickly settle their check.  The blonde with me is grabbing at my arm.  I shake her off, leaving her there as I climb in Braydens car behind Maggie.

When we arrive at the apartment, Brayden escorts Maggie inside.  I stay out front searching for the prick so I can shove him around a bit.  Adrenaline, anger, disgust, rage, and an emotion I can’t manage to describe, all well up inside me.
Brayden comes out almost immediately.  The look on his face is horror and pure hatred.  My boy is a firecracker with a lit fuse about to blow.  The look on his face, his demeanor, it all sends me into overdrive.


Through gritted teeth, Brayden says, “His name is Michael and he’s roughed her up in the face.  Maggie swears this is the first time.  I don’t give a shit.  He needs to be taught a lesson.”








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Book Blast: NO ONE CARED by Author Chemistry + Giveaway



Title: NO ONE CARED
Author: Chemistry
Pub. Date: September 20, 2013
Find it: Smashwords
Genre: Fiction | Drama | African
"Have you ever wondered how life's perception can change a 15 year old girl’s life growing up in a world where she was abused, bulled and unloved?" 
Zaria Taylor lived and breathed this unbearable life. A mother’s love she never knew, and a group of girls that were dead set on making her life miserable, and the man she once trusted, battered and bruised her body and soul. Zaria seen no way out of this hell; until her life secrets started to unravel; and become exposed.
 
It was then that Zaria decided to no longer be a victim, but to put a stop to the abuse and the people whom had betrayed her. No one ever imagined that this small town in Alabama would be rocked off the very foundation it stood on.

Zaria Taylor now 15 years old is trying to find her place in this world after being raped at just seven years old, by a family friend.

Zaria’s life is only getting worse when she is now being bullied by the school bully, Lil Niecy.
 Just when she things could not get worse; the man that raped her has now resurfaced, and out to start back, where he finished. 

Her only friend in the world Tonika suddenly dies, and the house of cards in Zaria's life come crumbling down, and the truth, betrayal and revenge will be exposed!








Chemistry is a self-published author from Alabama, and a single parent raising two teenage daughters.
  
Chemistry has been writing for ten years now. She has had her writing published in Venus Divas Magazine, a popular online women magazine. Story Titled "The Daily Life Of The Other Woman". She has also recently had her story "The Big Boned Mistress" featured in "The Spirit of Big Boned Women" By Yolanda Zellous. 

Along with her writing she also is the Founder of Go Getta's Magazine; online. She has a very outspoken blog Titled "Ima Say It Anyway" where she voices her opinion and tells it like she sees it. 

 Chemistry hopes to be able to tour and talk to others about being in an abusive relationships and overcoming that situation. How writing became her way of escape. And raising kids in a single family home. 

 Chemistry is currently working on her upcoming novella "No One Cared" due to be release in September 2013.