No Regrets Blog tour ~ Melissa Andrea The Edge of Darkness

Title: The Edge of Darkness

Author: Melissa Andrea

Blurb:

After a tragic accident, Araya Noelle is left with a constant reminder that nothing is forever.
She is forced to give up her chance to be the youngest dancer accepted into Julliard & taking over their high society school by a graceful storm of determination is no longer an option. Instead of dwelling over her loss, she accepts the new future she’s been dealt. In a world as black as hers, there's no room for bitterness, no time for regret. Sheltered from the outside world, Araya has become suffocated by a life she has no control over. Until Ryland Dare comes crashing into her life.
You don’t know true darkness until you've felt light…
Like a firecracker, showering her with colorful sparks of freedom, Ryland quickly sweeps Araya away from her grey existence. For the first time since the accident, living in darkness is no longer something Araya wants to do willingly. Unleashed by the shadows of her reminder, being with Ryland, Araya touches light. Together they will learn what it’s like to feel alive for the first time.
At the edge of darkness, a ray of light, will dare them both to HOPE.
DARE them to LOVE
DARE them to LIVE

Excerpt:

Ryland’s hands moved over my hip and his fingers trailed a line alone the underside of my thigh, and down to the curve of my knee, pulling my leg up higher and wrapping it around his waist. He moved his hips against me and my back arched off the ground and he was quick to take full advantage. Slipping his arm under me he pulled me up to his open mouth. His breath was hot against my skin and his teeth closed over the curve of flesh that swelled against the edge of my bra. He took my hand in his and pulled it over my head.

Bio:

I find it hard to sum up my life in a paragraph, but I’ll try.
I am the author of Flutter, The Discover Series! Reading
has always been a passion for me, and writing as instinctive as breathing.
Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. The only thing I do better than writing you ask? Making beautiful girls. My daughter’s will always be my greatest accomplishment.
I was born in Denver, Colorado–but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don’t have a big family, but I’m close with my sister, brother & my mom. My mom is my hero, my inspiration, and I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by.

4 things you should know about me: I’m very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them. I adore the color pink and things that sparkle (including vampires), I am a firm believer that chocolate cures ALL and I like even numbers (hence 4 things about me, not 5) Okay, maybe I cheated a littlewith my list, shhhh.

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Book Trailer

The White Aura by Felicia Tatum Sale

Hey! So The White Aura is book of the week on Passionate about books (go like them, awesome page!) and Felicia's lowered the price to $1.99 for the week! : ) Also, there will be some giveaways on the page! Be sure and check it out all week.

Get it here: Amazon Barnes and Noble

How do you live with the gut clenching truth that the one you love will die if you meet them? Twenty year old sorcerer Scott Tabors is learning how. After seeing seventeen year old Olivia Whitehead outside of a coffee shop, his heart will never be the same. He longs for her, he wants her, and he knows she will be his. They are heart mates. …but due to a curse on his family, he can’t meet her. Not yet. So for now, he visits her in her dreams. Her dreams where he can tell her everything but his name.

Olivia Whitehead is a typical junior in high school. She and her best friend are having the time of their lives, but she can’t help but notice the changes happening to her. Especially the changes in her heart after she begins dreaming about a mysterious dark haired young man. But what will happen when the school heartthrob decides he wants Olivia? Will she realize the dream man is real or will she move on?

#1-Olivia’s POV

 I’m outside. The moon is high and glowing, there are trees all around. This is a new location. I look around for Mr. Sexy, but I can’t see him anywhere, it’s too dark. Looking around, I realize this place is familiar. Wait…I’m in the field I was day dreaming about earlier. The soft green grass is like silk between my toes. There are yellow daisies everywhere. Trees line the perimeter, it’s almost like I’m in a box. I’m wearing my shorts and cami, but I’m not cold. The wind is blowing just enough to ruffle my hair. “Hello?” I call timidly. Nothing. It’s completely silent out, not even birds are chirping. I glance around and walk forward. My arms are wrapped around the front of me, not for warmth, but for comfort. I know I’m dreaming, but this is still kind of weird. I see a deer to my left, just watching me. She’s beautiful and majestic. She starts to come towards me the moment I wish I could pet her. My hand slowly reaches out and touches her course coat. Huge brown eyes look into mine, there’s no fear.

“You’re beautiful,” I whisper.
“So are you,” a deep voice says from behind me.

I turn violently, scaring the deer off into the trees. Mr. Sexy is standing five feet in front of me. Jeans and a fitted white t-shirt clothe his fit body.

“You’re here.”

“Of course I am, where else would I be?”
“I thought…well I wasn’t sure if this was our dream or just mine.”
“It’s ours Livvie, it’s ours. Always ours.”

#2-Olivia’s POV

Aiden followed closely behind me. We sat and our hands brushed as we both reached for the same arm rest. I giggled with embarrassment and moved the opposite rest instead. I breathed deeply, trying to relax myself before the theater went dark. I moved my eyes slightly, trying to get a sideways glance at Aiden. His chiseled face looked as stormy and dangerous from his profile as his eyes did from the front.  As I studied him, he seemed to sense me and turned slowly. His eyes seemed to swallow my soul and I felt my hand moving toward his. Just as I was inches from gripping his fingers, J cleared her throat behind me.

My mind seemed to clear, like the fog lifting from the ground. I turned slowly, almost feeling like my mind and body were not my own anymore. I looked at J, my eyes looking deep into hers but my mind still felt disconnected. I felt like I was screaming inside, like I was trapped in my own body.
“Liv?”
The voice coming from mouth didn’t seem like my own. It sounded distant and disconnected.
“Yeah?”
She reached out grabbed my arm, gripping me tightly and shaking me slightly.
“Liv, what’s wrong?”
I glanced back at Aiden, still looking like a wild storm brewing, and I shrugged my shoulders in confusion.

#3-Scott’s POV

My reflection was much calmer than my inside. I was an absolute wreck inside, worried and scared about the events that would happen tonight at the dance. Wearing black dress pants and a white buttoned shirt, I looked dressed up enough to blend in if I had to go in the building for any reason. My pockets were loaded with stunning charms that would stun the attacker if I threw them at him. I had a knife in my back pocket, big enough to do damage if needed. I didn’t want this fight to become that violent, but I was prepared to protect Livvie if I had to.

Mark had similar charms and weapons to guard himself with. I had given them to him after he had left school. Grandma and Sadie were prepared with spells they had memorized. Immobilizing spells, memory erasing spells (for the dance goers), slumber charms, and they had found a few control spells that would be handy if we needed the crowd to leave without putting up a fight. Overall, I felt that we were well prepared. I couldn’t help the sinking feeling in the pit of stomach, a feeling that told me The Crimson Calamitous was much stronger and this may all be for naught.
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Branded Trailer Reveal

Title: Branded

Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Release Date: June 28, 2013

Genre: Mature Young Adult, Dystopian

Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Book Description:

Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 

I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 

My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Author Bios: 

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

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Book Trailer

Chapter One

I’m buried six feet under, and no one hears my screams.
The rope chafes as I loop it around my neck. I pull down on it, making sure the knot is secure. It seems sturdy enough.
My legs shake. My heart beats heavy in my throat. Sweat pours down my back.
Death and I glare at each other through my tears.
I take one last look at the crystal chandelier, the foyer outlined with mirrors, and the flawless decorations. No photographs adorn the walls. No happy memories here.
I’m ready to go. On the count of three.
I inhale, preparing myself for the finality of it all. Dropping my hands, a glimmer catches my eye. It’s my ring, the last precious gift my father gave me. I twist it around to read the inscription. Picturing his face forces me to reconsider my choice. He’d be heartbroken if he could see me now.
A door slams in the hallway, almost causing me to lose my balance. My thoughts already muddled, I stand, waiting with the rope around my neck. Voices I don’t recognize creep through the walls.
Curiosity overshadows my current thoughts. It’s late at night, and this is a secure building in High Society. No one disturbs the peace here—ever. I tug on the noose and pull it back over my head.
Peering through the eyehole in our doorway, I see a large group of armed guards banging on my neighbors’ door. A heated conversation ensues, and my neighbors point toward my family’s home.
It hits me. I’ve been accused and they’re here to arrest me.
My father would want me to run, and in that split second, I decide to listen to his voice within me. Flinging myself forward in fear, I scramble up the marble staircase and into my
brother’s old bedroom. The door is partially covered, but it exists. Pushing his dresser aside, my fingers claw at the opening. Breathing hard, I lodge myself against it. Nothing. I step back and kick it with all my strength. The wood splinters open, and my foot gets caught. I wrench it backward, scraping my calf, but adrenaline pushes me forward. The voices at the front door shout my name.

 On hands and knees, I squeeze through the jagged opening. My brother left through this passage, and now it’s my escape too. Cobwebs entangle my face, hands, and hair. At the end, I feel for the knob, twisting it clockwise. It swings open, creaking from disuse. I sprint into the hallway and smash through the large fire escape doors at the end. A burst of cool air strikes me in the face as I jump down the ladder.Reaching the fifth floor, I knock on a friend’s window. The lights flicker on, and I see the curtains move, but no one answers. I bang on the window harder.

 “Let me in! Please!” I say, but the lights darken. They know I’ve been accused and refuse to help me. Fear and adrenaline rush through my veins as I keep running, knocking on more windows along the way. No one has mercy. They all know what happens to sinners.

Another flight of stairs passes in a blur when I hear the guards’ heavy footfalls from above. I can’t hide, but I don’t want to go without trying.
Help me, Daddy. I need your strength now.
My previous desolation evolves into a will to survive. I have to keep running, but I tremble and gasp for air. I steel my nerves and force my body to keep moving. In a matter of minutes, my legs cramp and my chest burns. I plunge to the ground, scraping my knee and elbow. A moan escapes from my chest.
Gotta keep going.
“Stop!” Their voices bounce off the buildings. “Lexi Hamilton, surrender yourself,” they command. They’re gaining on me.

 I resist the urge to glance back, running into what I assume is an alley. I’m far from our high-rise in High Society as I plunge into a poorer section of the city where the streets all look the same and the darkness prevents me from recognizing anything. I’m lost.

My first instinct is to leap into a dumpster, but I retain enough sense to stay still. I crouch and peek around it, watching them dash by. The abhorrent smell soon leaves me vomiting until nothing remains in my stomach. Desperation overtakes me, as I know my retching was anything but silent. My last few seconds tick away before they find me. Everyone knows about their special means of tracking sinners.

I push myself to my feet and look left, right, and left again. Their batons click against their black, leather belts, and their boots stomp the cement on both sides of me. I shrink into myself. Their heavy steps mock my fear, growing closer and closer until I know I’m trapped.
Never did I imagine they’d come for me. Never did I imagine all those nights I heard them dragging someone else away that I’d join them.

 "You’re a sinner,” they say. “Time to leave our society.”

I stand defiant. I refuse to bend or break before them even as I shiver with fear.

 “There’s no reason to make this difficult. The more you cooperate, the smoother this will be for everyone,” a guard says.

I cringe into the blackness along the wall. I’m innocent, but they won’t believe me or care.
The next instant, my face slams into the pavement as one guard plants a knee in my back and another handcuffs me. A warm liquid trails into my mouth. Blood.
Their fingers grip my arms like steel traps as they peel me off the cement. The tops of my shoes scrape along the ground as I’m dragged behind them until they discard me into the back of a black vehicle. The doors slam in unison with one guard stationed on each side of me, my shoulders digging into their arms. The handcuffs dig into my wrists, so I clasp them together hard behind me and press my back into the seat, unwilling to admit how much it hurts. My dignity is all I have left.

 Swallowing hard, I stare ahead to avoid their eyes.

 Did they need so many guards to capture me?

I’m not carrying any weapons, nor do I own any. I don’t even know self-defense. High Society frowns on activities like that.

The driver jerks the vehicle around and I try to keep my bearings, but it’s dark and the scenery changes too fast. Hours pass and the air grows warmer, more humid, the farther we drive. The landscape mutates from city to rolling hills. They don’t bother blindfolding me because they escort all the sinners to the same place—the Hole. Twenty-foot cement walls encase the chaos within. There’s no way out and no way in unless they transport you. They say the Hole is a prison with no rules. We learned about it last year in twelfth grade.

To the outside, I’m filth now. I’ll never be allowed to return to the life I knew. No one ever does.

“All sinners go through a transformation,” one of the guards says to me. His smirk infuriates me. “I’m sure you’ve heard all kinds of stories.” I don’t respond. I don’t want to think about the things I’ve been told.

“You won’t last too long, though. Young girls like you get eaten alive.” He pulls a strand of my hair up to his face.

Get your hands off me, you pig. I want to lash out, but resist. The punishment for disobeying authority is severe, and I’m not positioned to defy him.

They’re the Guards of the Commander. They’re chosen from a young age and trained in combat. They keep the order of society by using violent methods of intimidation. No one befriends a guard. Relationships with them are forbidden inside the Hole.


Few have seen the commander. His identity stays under lock and key. His own paranoia and desire to stay pure drove him to live this way. He controls our depraved society and believes sinners make the human race unforgivable. His power is a crushing fist, rendering all beneath him helpless. So much so, even family members turn on each other when an accusation surfaces. Just an accusation. No trial, no evidence, nothing but an accusation.


I lose myself in thoughts of my father.

“Never show fear, Lexi,” my father said to me before he was taken. “They’ll use it against you.” His compassionate eyes filled with warning as he commanded me to be strong. That was many years ago, but I remember it clearly. My father. My rock. The one person in my life who provided unconditional love.

The vehicle stops, and I’m jerked back to reality. “Get out,” the guard orders while pulling me to my feet. The doors slide open and the two guards lift me up and out into the night. A windowless cement building looms in front of us, looking barren in the darkness.

The coolness of the air sends a shiver up my spine. This is really happening. I’ve been labeled a sinner. My lip starts to quiver, but I bite it before anyone sees. They shove me in line and I realize I’m not alone. Women and men stand with faces frozen white in fear. A guard grabs my finger, pricks it, and dabs my blood on a tiny microchip.

I follow the man in front of me into the next room where we’re lined up facing the wall. Glancing right, I see one of the men crying.

“Spread your legs,” one of the guards says.

They remove my outer layers and their hands roam up and down my body.

What do they think I could possibly be hiding? I press my head into the wall, trying to block out what they’re doing to me.

“MOVE!” a guard commands. So I shuffle across the room, trying to cover up.

One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five of us sit in the holding room. One by one, they pull people into the next room, forcing the rest of us to wonder what torture we’ll endure. An agonizing amount of time passes. I lean my head back and try to imagine a place far away. The door opens.

“Lexi Hamilton.”

A guard escorts me out of the room, and I don’t have time to look back. As soon as the door closes, they pick me up and place me on a table. It’s cold and my skin sticks to it slightly, like wet fingers on an ice cube. Then, they exit in procession, and I lie on the table with a doctor standing over me. His hands are busy as he speaks.

“Don’t move. This will only take a few minutes. It’s time for you to be branded.”

A wet cloth that smells like rubbing alcohol is used to clean my skin. Then he places a metal collar around my neck.

Click. Click. Click.

The collar locks into place, and I struggle to breathe. The doctor loosens it some as I focus on the painted black words above me.

 The Seven Deadly Sins:

 Lust ( Blue

Gluttony ( Orange

Greed ( Yellow

Sloth ( Light Blue

Wrath ( Red

Envy ( Green

Pride ( Purple

“Memorize it. Might keep you alive longer if you know who to stay away from.” He opens my mouth, placing a bit inside. “Bite this.”

Within seconds, the collar heats from hot to scorching. The smell of flesh sizzling makes my head spin. I bite down so hard a tooth cracks.

“GRRRRRRRRR,” escapes from deep within my chest. Just when I’m about to pass out, the temperature drops, and the doctor loosens the collar.

He removes it and sits me up. Excruciating pain rips through me and I’m on the verge of a mental and physical breakdown. Focus. Don’t pass out.

Stainless steel counters and boring white walls press in on me. A guard laughs at me from an observation room above and yells, “Blue. It’s a great color for a pretty young thing like yourself.” His eyes dance with suggestion. The others meander around like it’s business as usual.

I finally find my voice and turn to the doctor.

“Are you going to give me clothes?” A burning pain spreads like fire from my neck to my jaw, making me wince.

He points to a set of folded grey scrubs on a chair. I cover myself as much as I can and scurry sideways. Grabbing my new clothes, I pull the shirt over my head and try to avoid the raw meat around my throat. I quickly knot the cord of my pants around my waist and slide my feet into the hospital-issue slippers as the doctor observes. He hands me a bag labeled with my name.

“Nothing is allowed through the door but what we’ve given you,” he says.

I hide my right hand behind me, hoping no one notices. A guard scans my body and opens his hand.

“Give it to me,” he says. “Don’t make me rip off your finger.” He crouches down and I turn to stone. I don’t know what to do, so I beg.

“My father gave this to me. Please, let me keep it.” I smash my eyes shut and think of the moment my father handed the golden ring to me.

“It was my mother’s ring,” he’d said. “She’s the strongest woman I ever knew.” With tears in his eyes, he reached for my hand. “Lexi, you’re exactly like her. She’d want you to wear this. No matter how this world changes, you can survive.” I turned the gold band over in my palm and read the engraving.

You can overcome anything… short of death.

“You’re going to take the one thing that matters the most to me?” I say, glaring into the guard’s emotionless eyes. “Isn’t it enough taking my life, dignity, and respect?”

A hard blow falls upon my back. As I fall, my hands shoot out to stop me from smashing into the wall in front of me. The guard bends down and grabs my chin with his meaty fist.

“Look at me,” he commands. I look up and he smiles with arrogance.

“What the hell?” He staggers a step backward. “What’s wrong with you? What’s wrong with your eyes?”

“Nothing,” I respond, confused.

“What color are they?”

“Turquoise.” I glower at him.

“Interesting,” he says, regaining his composure. “Now those’ll get you in trouble.”

Reality slaps me across the face. I have my father’s eyes. They can't take them from me. I twist the ring off my finger and drop it in his hand.

“Take the damn ring,” I say. I walk to the door. He swipes a card and the massive door slides open to the outside.

“You have to wear your hair back at all times, so everyone knows what you are.” He hands me a tie, so I pull my frizzy hair away from my face and secure it into a ponytail. My neck burns and itches as my hand traces the scabs that have already begun to form. Squinting ahead into the darkness, I almost run into a guard standing on the sidewalk.

“Watch where you’re going,” he says, shoving me backward. His stiff figure stands tall and I cringe at the sharpness of his voice.

“Cole, this is your new assignment, Lexi Hamilton. See to it she feels welcome in her new home.” The guard departs with a salute.

“Let’s move,” Cole says.

I take two steps and collapse, my knees giving out. The unforgiving pavement reopens the scrapes from earlier and I struggle to stand. A powerful arm snatches me up, and I see his face for the first time.

Triad Awakening Blog Tour

Title: Triad Awakening

Author: Michael Grigsby

Genre: YA Horror

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Tour Organizer: B3 Tours

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Hagan Curtis's life is a total mess-alcoholic single father, recently deceased brother (Robin), and social invisibility-until an eerie encounter with a trio of ghostly sisters reveals he is part of the Triad. Armed with newfound battle skills and wielding his amazing split-staff, Hagan plunges headlong into training. But soon he discovers that membership in the Triad can be lethal as Spectrals, Necropeds, and Feeders from other realms show just how bloodthirsty they can be. As his team plummets deeper into their first mission, Hagan learns that his brother’s death resulted from Robin’s knowledge of the Triad, and those closest to him are keeping dark secrets. Will Hagan survive the terrifying mission to finally untangle the mystery of Robin’s death?Triad Awakening is the first book in the Triad Trilogy. The Young Adult Horror/Fantasy is Michael Grigsby's debut novel.

Triad ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Awakening is​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ the first book in the Triad Trilogy. The Young Adult Horror/Fantasy is Michael Grigsby's debut novel.

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Excerpt -The Friendship/Romantic Interests of the Triad

An hour and a half later, our trio is sitting on the Knoll, eating lunch. The Knoll is a small hill above the football field. We’ve eaten there every sunny day since our freshman year. Although many students eat outside, the Knoll is basically our territory. I am absently shoving grapes in my mouth. Naomi has her head leaned back on Charles’s lap as he munches on a peanut butter sandwich. I’m not surprised by our eating arrangement. It’s pretty typical.

Charles is flirtatious by nature. He can effortlessly wink, touch, and giggle in a way that girls really respond to, including Naomi. The two always seem to be finding an excuse to touch one another; be it a playful punch or a piggyback ride across the parking lot after a game. I glance over to see Charles lightly playing with Omi’s hair. For some reason, this totally irritates me. Maybe it’s my lack of sleep. Or maybe it’s something else. Something I’m not ready to think about yet. I’m rescued from my musings by the top of a dandelion hitting my forehead with a ‘plop’. 

“Wake up, sunshine,” Charles snips. “What’s with you today?’

“Nothing. Just thinking that it will be summer in just nine weeks.”

Naomi rises up from Charles’s lap and props herself up on one elbow. I don’t mind admitting I’m more than a little relieved that she’s ended their hair-stroking session. 

“Now there’s a great thought,” she says cheerfully. “What are we gonna do this summer, guys?” 

“Dunno,” I respond. “Maybe we could get jobs somewhere. I heard the movie theater hires high school kids. That could be fun.” 

Charles pipes in. “Hmm…free popcorn and ticket tearing. I think I could get on board with a summer of that. Of course, you know my days are spent at the mercy of Coach Riley.”

“No amount of summer practice could help your team,” teases Naomi, playfully pushing Charles’s broad shoulder. “What a bunch of losers!” 

Again, they’re touching. Why is this bothering me so much today? I’m really pissed about it. To snap myself out of my mood, I join Omi and punch Charles’s other shoulder. 

“Really!” I joke. Charles retaliates by reaching over and twisting my right nipple. I let out a little yelp and flick him on the crown of his head. 

“And as for you…” he says looking at Naomi mischievously, “SANDWICH BOMB!” He tosses the remains of his peanut butter sandwich, striking her on the leg. It falls to the grass, leaving a tiny peanut butter streak on Naomi’s jeans. She gasps in faked indignation and rises to her feet. Naomi turns and snatches up her belongings in an overdramatic fashion and stomps down the Knoll. She whips her head around and raises her left eyebrow.

“I’ll leave you boys to stew in your own testosterone! I’m headed to fourth.” And with that, she’s gone. As she walks away, I watch her ponytail, swaying from side to side, catching glints of sunlight in its loose curls. I can’t help but notice that the sway of her hips matches that of her hair, forming a perfect rhythm. Ashamed, I turn away, just in time to see that Charles is watching her, too. I swear to God, his pupils are swinging side to side with Omi’s steps. He glances my way and his eyes meet mine. He quickly diverts them to the grass beneath us. 

“So,” he stammers awkwardly, “working at the movies this summer? Sounds like a good plan.” 

Author Bio: 

Seems I've always loved to read. Growing up in rural Kentucky, the highlight of my summers was when the bookmobile delivered new books to my house each week. During the school year, I spent hours at the public library devouring horror and suspense novels.

​

As an adult, I've taught Language Arts for fifteen years. Reading and writing with my students has inspired me to finally write my own books. I love opening the door to a world I create and seeing what a spine-tingling events unfold!

​

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. I also read (of course) and watch horror movies. My obsession with all things scary led me to write the Triad Trilogy. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I have writing them for you!

Links:

Webpage

Blog

Amazon Author Page: Amazon

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Tempest : The Scribes of Medeisia Book II

 Tempest : The Scribes of Medeisia Book II
Drastona Cover Model: Jennifer Lowe
Photography: Audrey Welch Photography
Cover Art: LLPIX Photography
Stock Art: 123rf

BLURB

 
We must overcome and prevail ...

King Raemon is slaughtering tattooed scribes and mages, forcing them into hiding. All marked and those associated with them are destroyed. The people are desperate. Months after challenging Raemon, the marked rebels of Medeisia must rise against their bloodthirsty king or chance being annihilated.

Sixteen year-old Drastona Consta-Mayria is the prophesied phoenix of peace, desperate to be a leader for her people despite her reservations. Following the lead of a scarred and forgotten prince, Drastona will embark on a journey with an unlikely band of rebels and a dragon across a cursed desert to bring down a king and save a kingdom.

Excerpt

One corner of Kye’s lips quirked upward, his hand taking mine. He turned it over, his fingers playing slowly across my palm. I should have pulled away, but I didn’t.

“You will never change, will you, Stone? You will never accept that some must be lost for much to be gained.”

I shook my head, my eyes on his fingers as they traced the lines of my hands. It was a curious sensation, and warmth unfurled in the pit of my stomach, lighting a fire that heated every corner of my body.

“Should I change?” I whispered hoarsely.

Kye’s smile grew. “No, you keep us balanced. I keep the rebels fighting for freedom, and you keep us all humble.”

I forced my eyes away from my palm. How was I supposed to think when he was drawing shapes like that on my skin? I tugged on my hand. Kye refused to let go.

“You’ve forgiven me,” he stated.

It wasn’t a question, and his boldness with my hand made me bold as well. I lifted my free hand, reaching tentatively for his face. He watched me, his eyes alert, his breathing stilled.

My finger touched the scar on his temple, and he exhaled, his eyes closing. The fingers he’d been drawing circles with on my palm froze.

“So many scars,” I breathed. “You had enough without my hatred."

Author Bio
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, R. K. Ryals is a scatterbrained mother of three whose passion is reading whatever she can get her hands on. She makes her home in Mississippi with her husband, three daughters, a Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, and a coffeepot she couldn't live without. Visit her at www.rkryals.com .

Website | Goodreads | Smashwords 

Amazon Author Page | Twitter

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Through The Eyes Of Love Cover Reveal

Title: Through The Eyes Of Love

Author: Jenna Roads

Expected Release Date: August 2013

Synopsis: 

The love between Isabella and Logan intensifies.

Isabella, Logan and Cheveyo unite in their quest to seek out others who have become prisoners of fear after visiting the Petroglyphs.

They become captivated by a little boy. Having to see things through the eyes of a child changes everything. Will they unveil the clandestine significance of the spirit who chose the child in time?

Link Goodreads

About the author:

Jenna Roads

YA/ New Adult Paranormal Romance Author 

I am a Registered Nurse who is now devoting my time to writing fiction, reading, making scrapbooks, taking pictures, traveling and enjoying family and friends. I am a mother of two. When I'm not writing, I'm dreaming up characters for my next book. I love cotton nighties and comfortable shoes. My dream is to one day have an island of my very own where I can hold up there and write until my hearts content.

All of her hangouts:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Linkedin

Google Plus

Pinterest

Amazon

Smashwords

Happy Mother's Day with D. Love

I wanted to do something special for Mother's Day, so I am honored to have an ecopy of a book I just read and absolutely loved, Today Only by D. Love.  I am so excited for everyone to get the chance to read it, but I will warn you that you WILL cry.  It is so beautiful and I believe will be a best seller.  D. Love poured her heart and soul into this story and you can feel it with every word.  

Blurb:

In life, there are times you are granted a miracle. It may not be the one you wanted exactly, but it will be the one you need. It will prepare you for the next step in your journey and help you learn to accept the life you are given, even if that life can be heartbreaking.

Here is my review of Today Only:

Thank you D. Love for giving me an ARC copy of Today Only. I can honestly say this is the best book I have ever read and trust me I have read a lot of books. I do not think I will ever be the same after reading such a beautiful and heartfelt story. I am still crying and trying to type through the tears. Be prepared to have a huge box of kleenex with you when you read this book. D tried to prepare me and now I am passing this on to you.

Rye has an illness that will inevitably take her life. She lives with her mother Dee and young daughter Em. Together they focus on making beautiful memories for Rye and Em. The last thing on Rye's mind is meeting a handsome and caring man. In walks Jett who is tall, strong and everything Rye has dreamed of, but how can she begin a relationship knowing her time left is so short? Lucky for her, Em and Jett conspire to bring them together.

The love that this family shares is so beautiful and inspiring. The selfless acts each of the family members show each other has touched my soul. Dee reading to her daughter each night, Em writing down her memories, Jett trying to make each day special and especially Rye for always having hope. I can't express how deeply I have been affected by this story, but I will leave you with this question Jett asks Rye every day. "What is beautiful in your world today?" Reading Today Only made my world beautiful today.

Thank you D for writing such an astonishing book and for being my friend/sis!

About the Author:

D. Love lives in Maine. Her biggest passion is for her family and friends. She adores loving others as if it is the biggest gift life can offer. She is a read-a-holic, loves chocolate, cowboys and everyone on her Young Adult & Teen Readers Facebook page. Her dream is to travel to Australia one day.

I am nothing but simple. I do a lot of volunteer work. I have 2 beautiful daughters. 4 grandchildren, that constantly ask me if I lived in the black & white days.
My inspiration would be my daughters. Rita for her strength to keep fighting and constantly try to take care of me. Even though sometimes she cant get out of the bed. Kayla, for helping pick up
all the pieces that seem to fall, when times get rough. And the love they have for me.

Links:

Goodreads Author Page

Today Only - Goodreads

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Book Release Blast for Bluffing the Devil by CL Foster

Title-Bluffing the Devil

By-CL Foster

Expected Publication Date-May 2013 

Cover by the amazingly talented Regina Wamba of Mae I Designs <3 ~ 

https://www.facebook.com/MaeIDesignandPhotography

 Bluffing the Devil Trailer

Blurb-

After losing her fiancé to a freak accident, Alexia Riley decides to swear off relationships and focus her energy on conquering the male-dominated sport of professional poker.

When Alexia finds herself being visited in her dreams by a mysterious new man, she begins to wonder if her world is slowly starting to unravel around her.

Tested by a double-dealing nemesis on the tables and tempted by a mysterious "dream man", Alexia soon contemplates making a deal with the Devil to rid herself of these torments. What bargain will she strike with the Dark Prince to get what she wants? As temptation for a mysterious dream man weakens her resolve, a desire to defeat her greatest rival beckons her. Will she sacrifice her soul for victory? Love? Or does she want something else entirely?

The stakes have never been higher for Alexia than they are when she is bluffing the Devil.

 Goodreads 

About the Author-
CL Foster is a brand new writer with big dreams and lots of avenues she wants to travel.

Originally from Florida, she has lived all over the world, but has settled down in Pennsylvania.... for now! She has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in Psychology and Forensics. Which means you don't want to cross her because she knows how and where to hide a body so it's never found!

She proudly admits to hearing voices in her head, but at times, her characters' impromptu visits can be rude and annoying. Thankfully, she has adequate patience for their shenanigans and can out ninja them any day of the week.

Links:

Goodreads 

Twitter 

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Facebook Event 

Broken Strings Release Event

Book Title: Broken Strings
Author: Nancy Means Wright
Release Date: May 7th 2013
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: GMTA Publishing, LLC
Presented by: As You Wish Tours
ONE LINER BLURB
When puppeteer Fay finds a friend dead of poisoned yew and her sister hanging from a rod like a marionette, she races after the killer.
BRIEF SYNOPSIS
When puppeteer Marion collapses during a performance of Sleeping Beauty, her friend Fay Hubbard promises to carry on. But Fay already has her hands full with three demanding foster children, Apple and Beets, who have a fractious jailbird father—and sixteen-year-old Chance, who has a crush on a much older guy in a band called Ghouls. And now Marion’s husband Cedric seems more interested in a drop-dead-gorgeous French teacher than in any string puppets. And who is the mysterious Skull-man who warns of death if the show goes on with one of Marion’s offbeat endings? When an autopsy reveals that Marion had swallowed a dose of deadly crushed yew—and a friend finds her sister dangling from a rod like a marionette, a shocked Fay goes after the killer.
EXCERPT

“A vampire,” Cedric said. “A vampire to give Beauty the wakeup smooch? Ridiculous.” He tightened his hands around the witch’s neck as though this was what he’d like to do to his wife.

Neanderthal, Fay thought. Kids loved vampires—though personally, they weren’t her own cup of tea. She took a step back, a shivery breath. In the coming scene her fairy was to carry Beauty off the stage and Fay worried about dropping her. She signaled the puppeteer for help.

“Here,” said Marion, putting down her herb tea to show Fay how. It was all so easy when Marion did it. After all, she’d studied under a puppeteer father. Fay was merely a failed actress, substituting a puppet for her own face before an audience.

“Never mind Cedric, he’ll come round. I’ll work on him,” Marion said with more confidence than Fay could muster up. Fay had seen Cedric’s icy blue eyes – it was like staring into the eye of a hurricane.

“Places,” Marion was calling out. “Scene Two!” The children were reassembling. Fay saw her foster boy, Beets, squat in the front row with the cell phone his father had sent – it had better not ring!

The teachers were yelling, “No talking! No drinks in the assembly room!”

“We’re on, guys,” said Marion. Fay took a breath, and the four masked puppeteers moved along behind the stage with their stringed puppets.

It was Beauty’s eighteenth birthday. The marionette took her place in the center, a smiling creature with black flowing curls like her creator, a white organdy gown threaded with gold and glass. Balloons and paper lanterns floated overhead; blue, yellow, and pink paper flowers fluttered in the palace garden. The teachers made shushing noises again and the scene began.

One by one the fairies arrived with gifts of books, slippers, bracelets, flowered gowns;

Chance’s fairy dropped chocolates at Beauty’s feet. The taped music rose to a crescendo and the door swung open to reveal – Nightshade again! Nightshade, her ugly face almost hidden behind a bouquet of thorny red roses. The Queen scurried to shut her out but Nightshade prevailed. With deadly accuracy, she flung the bouquet at Beauty; the puppet squealed with pleasure – and then pain as she pricked her finger. Beauty slumped sideways over the embroidered arm of her chair.

“She will not die!” Fay’s fairy shouted. But out front there was an outcry from teachers and children. Fay looked down to see Beauty’s controller with its multiple strings collapse into a tangled heap, and puppeteer Marion gag, then stumble off the set, clutching her chest and throat, as if she, too, were headed for a hundred years of sleep.

AUTHOR BIO

Nancy Means Wright has published 17 books, including 6 contemporary mysteries from St Martin’s Press and two historical novels featuring 18th-century Mary Wollstonecraft (Perseverance Press). Her two most recent books are the mystery Broken Strings (GMTA publishing) and Walking into the Wild, an historical novel for tweens (LLDreamspell). Her children’s mysteries have received an Agatha Award and Agatha nomination. Nancy lives in Middlebury with her spouse and two Maine Coon cats.

AUTHOR LINKS
Website
Goodreads
Amazon
BOOK LINKS
Amazon (Coming Soon)

Reading For Fun 1200 Likes Giveaway!

I made it to 1200 likes!!

I would have never guessed how much I would love having my own  facebook page that is dedicated to reading and helping promote wonderful authors.  I enjoy it so much that I started blogging too.  I am still shocked that a very non-techi person like me is doing it.  I have had a great deal of help from friends in the book community and I am so grateful.  

NOW ON TO THE GIVEAWAY!!

Thank you to all the authors who have donated, I couldn't do this without you!  Hugs!!

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Show Your Support Kindle Blog Hop

Thank you for stopping by on my day to post during the 

Show Your Support Blog Hop.  

I will be featuring one of my favorite Indie Authors BC Morin.  Enjoy and make sure to enter the giveaway!

I want to first focus on the author who is a very dear friend of mine.

BC Morin

B.C. Morin was born in Miami Florida and has been writing since middle school. Starting with poetry she moved on to short stories and began her first novel by the time she graduated high school. It was actually in her late twenties that she developed a stronger love for reading and writing which eventually unfolded into her debut novel Mark of the Princess. B.C. is currently hard at work on the rest of The Kingdom Chronicles trilogy and a new Paranormal Romance named The Abiding.

Interview:

1. What's your next project?

I am currently working on Book 3 of The Kingdom Chronicles, The Abiding, and two secret projects that I cannot mention just yet. :)

2. Are you a morning or night person?

Usually a night person, but I can be a morning person with the right amount of coffee.

3. Someday, I want to _________ (What?) 

Be published by a major publishing house and maybe have one of my books made into a movie. (a girl can dream, right?)

4. What are your favorite hobbies? 

Writing and hanging out with my family.

5. List five adjectives to describe yourself. 

Strong-willed, determined, loyal, honest, helpful

6. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes

7. Favorite meal at favorite restaurant? 

WOW, this one is tough, but just because I had it recently, I would say the breaded steak and moro at Bongo's in Downtown Disney.

8. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why? 

Australia, because my best friend lives there.

9. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

hhhmmm, Teleportation ! Just think of the travel possibilities ?!?!!?!? ("Okay everyone, grab your bags and hang on to me, we are off to Bora Bora !!")

10. What is your favorite quote?

I have a few, but one of them is : “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss

11. What's your favorite song to sing in Karaoke? Why? 

I haven't actually done Karaoke, but I would love to do any musical or Disney songs, Adele, a couple of songs by Carrie Underwood, Black Velvet, I love Rock N Roll. All for the reason that they either tell a story, or are sung with a lot of heart and conviction.

12. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do? 

Hahaha, maybe rig the lottery so I'd be a winner.

13. If you could take five things to a deserted island, what would you take? 

Sun block, lip balm, water, a book on how to build a boat or raft, and the supplies to do it (LOL)

14. What's your favorite TV show of all time and why? 

Wow another tough one. I have a lot of favorite shows, but I would have to go back to my childhood and say Wonder Woman. Watching her show would spark my imagination, and teach me that a girl can kick ass!!

15. If you could have picked your own name, what would it be? 

Probably Emma. I really love that name.

Author Links:

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Facebook-The Kingdom Chronicles

 I am really loving this!  I especially love your answer about traveling to Bora Bora.  I am in!!! 

 Now on to a character from BC Morin's series, The Kingdom Chronicles.  He is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time.  I can't wait to see what he has to say!!

Meet Brennus!!!  I am honored to have you here Brennus.  I have to admit I have a bit of a crush on you!
Now on with the interview!
1. What is your name?

Brennus Aurelius Scollain, King of Anrad

2. What is your height, weight and build? 

I was under the impression that this interview would not be so personal, though I do not blame you for wanting to know. In your human world I would be between 6'4 and 6'6, probably 230 to 245 lbs., and all that would be muscle. I have a very broad build and due to my extensive training, I am very muscular. In your human world, I was compared to someone named Thor, though I do not know him.

3. Do you have any scars or tattoos? What do they mean to you? 

I believe that you humans would call the marks that we are born with and acquire, tattoos. They are all markings that stand for a certain skill. The more we master that skill, the more the Mark grows. I was born with twenty and have acquired more through my training. All have been mastered, so the markings expand down my arms, over my shoulders and back, on my legs and some around my ribs and hips.

4. Where did you grow up? How do you feel about it now? 

I spent most of my childhood in my Kingdom of Anrad. The Kingdom of the Warrior Fae. I have grown more of a respect for my Kingdom and it's people since I have begun my rule as King.

5. What is your current job title / social station / rank? 

King of Anrad; Rank? On what scale? 1-10 ? I would venture to say 99. I would say 100, but I do not want to seem too cocky.

 6. Who is your best friend? Describe them briefly.

In my life of training, I have not had time to spend creating a friendship of that sort, but I would say that one fae who knows me above all would be my love, Alannah.She is beautiful, loving, dedicated and loyal. There is none like her.

7. What is your most cherished possession? 

My Alannah.

8. How do you feel, generally, about the opposite sex? 

I feel that they are as worthy opponents on the battle field as they are off.

9. How would you define ‘power’?

Hhhmmmmm, I would have to say that true power comes from being true to who you are, what you are capable of, and what you can do for others without expecting anything in return.

 10. What belief / person / institution would you die to defend?

I would die for my God, my Alannah, and my Kingdom.

11. How hard is it  for you to admit when you’re wrong? 

I am never wrong, next question.

12. What was your first impression of Princess Alannah? 

That she was nothing more than a spoiled Princess.

13. How accurate was this first impression? 

It proved to be only slightly accurate. Her "spoiled" attitude was a result of her confines. She has grown to be the most amazing and powerful woman I have ever met.

14. How would you define the word ‘love’? 

A force unseen that can lift you up or bring you to your knees.

15. What adjective do you think Alannah would choose to describe you? 

Handsome, Brave, Courageous, Well Built, Extremely Attractive, Honorable, (voice comes from other room : Actually, I would say Stubborn!!)

16. Do you think if you hadn't met Alannah, a Princess, that you could have fallen in love with a blogger?

A blogger ? I have heard of your kind, B.C. has informed me. Considering the amount of love I receive from you, I do not see what would stop me.

 OMG, I love you even more!  *blushing   Thank you so much for allowing me to get to know you better Brennus.  I am beyond grateful.  I am so happy that you made the time to talk with a little ole' blogger like me .  I look forward to following your future adventures!

Check out more of Brennus in the Kingdom Chronicles!

Links:

Amazon-Mark Of the Princess

Goodreads-Mark of the Princess

Goodreads-Blood of the Sorcerer

Amazon-Blood of the Sorcerer Kindle

Amazon-Blood of the Sorcerer Paperback

Facebook-The Abiding

Goodreads-The Abiding

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