Sunday, June 29, 2014

Read-A-Long: From Gods by Mary Ting


Hello everyone!
So after attending the Blog Your Face off panel at UtopYA, Tina and I have come up with a new idea to keep our blog and followers both involved and happy :) Plus there is a bonus of  getting some of those books that we (and probably you) bought at UtopYA read and reviewed. We decided to do some read a longs starting July 1st/14. We are going to start off with From Gods by the lovely  Mary Ting. We would love for anyone who has time to join us. And if you don't have time maybe give this a share ;) this is our first read a long and our guinea pig, so we aren't sure how long we will need for this first book. Also we have some fun stuff planned for after with Mary. So please join and stay tuned. Thanks for all of your support <3



Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1lCluz9
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1qWVcKP
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1yXG3LR

Release Event | Eruption by Christina Mobley @chrissy3680

Book Title: Eruption
Series: The Vangretta Curse #3
Author: Christina Mobley
Release Date: June 29, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Presented by:As You Wish Tours

To celebrate today's release of Eruption (book 3), Elementris (book1) is FREE on Amazon Kindle!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1496075970627222/

BLURB

When you love someone more than yourself, protecting them is all that matters; it is all there is...

Snow one minute and blazing temperatures the next, horrific storms everywhere, and Ava has no idea what’s causing it. Desperate for answers, she turns to the past. An ancient diary reveals the truth about Element Island and the true origins of those born of the Element. Everything she thought she knew is wrong. Destiny is coming for her unborn child.

Ava’s fairytale has quickly turned into a nightmare. No one can be trusted. Friendships will be tested, and lives will be lost. As nature and destiny collide, a child that will change everything is born. The eruption will mark the beginning and the end, and the battle has just begun.

 
EXCERPT

…Brea…

Caslan had drawn a strange symbol on the sand in front of her before moving around to stand at her back. “Say these words.” he instructed, the words whispering against her neck as his warm breath tickled the tiny hairs there. Her skin tingled and her heart started to race. “Rub the crystal with your thumb. You’re going to make that baby float,” he said.

Brea laughed, “Yeah, right.”

“You will,” he said against her ear. “Say these words. “Rise up, dance for me, Harinick awlet manicuine, and visualize it. Concentrate on the symbol.” The words rolled off his tongue, making him sound like he was from a different time.

Brea closed her eyes, feeling a strange prickling sensation in the palm of her hand. It felt like it had fallen asleep and was trying to wake back up. Caslan reached for her hand and pried her fingers open. She looked down at the crystal that lay in her palm. Colors flashed within it.

“Say the words and look at the symbol. Make the crystal weightless.”

Brea took a deep breath. “Raise up, dance for me, Harinick awlet manicuine.” She leaned forward and concentrated on the symbol. The symbol turned black and then caught fire. The crystal rose from her hand and floated above the flaming symbol. Brea wanted to scream. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The crystal spun higher and higher until it was right in front of her face. It hovered there, spinning like it weighed nothing at all.

Caslan took her chin in his hand and kissed her. His kiss was not careful it was all-consuming and feral. She knew she should fear the strange sensations he was causing her to feel, but it was so amazing. She’d never felt more alive; out of control, yet completely free. His hands moved over her body and suddenly she didn’t want there to be any space between them. She wrapped herself around him as he lowered her to the sand. She heard the crystal drop beside them. He was breathing fast, just like hers. He propped himself up on his elbow, looked at her, and grinned. “I told you that you could do it.”

“You did that.” She accused, a little disappointed that he seemed to want to talk.

“No,” he denied. “That was all you. You did that.”

“Did I really?” she asked, feeling a little better about the talking thing, amazed at what she had done.

He leaned in and, touching her lightly, slowly traced a path over her shoulder and down her arm before he responded, “You did.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Mobley is a married, mother of four, who spends her days caring for her children. She grew up in Florida, living on the banks of the St.Mary's river, and as a child always had a fascination for storms and the power they wield. The Vangeretta Curse series was inspired by that fascination.







AUTHOR LINKS

http://www.asyouwishtours.com/p/join-our-team.html

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

My trip to UtopYA 2014

I had the time of my life in Nashville for my second UtopYA convention.  This year it was held at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel.  I was expecting it to be similar to last years convention, but I was wrong.  There were so many authors, bloggers, cover models and all around book lovers that I didn't get a chance to meet everyone.  This of course gives me the excuse to get my tickets for next year.  HAHA  So please join me as I relive some of the highlights of my trip to UtopYA 2014.

Thursday
I was lucky enough to take my mom and sisters (Cassie & Terri) along with me.  We had an 8 hour drive, so we left at 5am.  The excitement was the only thing that kept our eyes open that early.  


After check in, we had the Reader Abduction.  Now picture this, you walk into the room and all you hear is cheering and see everyone lined up to greet you (Oh yeah, they handed you a head band with two little aliens on it). The energy was contageous and uplifting.  We played games for prizes and had raffles.  I was lucky enough to win a Quinn Loftis prize. Woot woot!

Thank you to Carol and Adam Kunz, Quinn Loftis, Tiffany King and everyone who made the party so much fun!   And I want to give Tonya Rupell from Stone Soup Designs a shout out!

Friday & Saturday
Opening announcements, then keynote speaker Sylvia Day.  I enjoyed her speech immensely.  I was fortunate enough to get her book autographed and my photo taken with her.
The rest of day 2 is a blurr.  I ran around all day, into the evening at the author signing and started all over on Saturday morning.  I met as many authors as possible.  I felt like I was 16 all over again.   My final book count was 169 books.  

Here are some of my favorite fangirl moments!!
Chanda Hahn
Brenda Pandos
Karice Bolton
Kristen Day & Nancy Straight
Cover Model Jesse Daniels
R.K. Ryals
And of course meeting my blog partner and friend Justine
Justine Vandale
The Awards
I was so happy and shocked to be nominated as blogger of the year. I had the honor of sitting next to author Mary Ting and N.L. Greene during the awards.  I may not have won, but I felt like a winner. 

Dance & Fun
R.K. Ryals
Brenda Pandos
Morgan Wylie
I even had my cards read by the wonderful Eva Pohler!!
There are so many others...I will be posting photos on other posts.

I would like to say a special thank you to Janet Wallace for hosting the UtopYA convention.  I not only met many authors and book lovers, but I had my first girls trip with my mother and sister.  It was a trip I will never forget.
And now for the GIVEAWAY!

Special thanks to Krystal Wade for donating the stuffed alien.

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Friday, June 20, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Hecate's Awakening by K.B. Miller


Title: Hecate’s Awakening
Author: K.B. Miller
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
Cover Design: Regina Wamba at Mae I Design Photography & Emma MichaelsHosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Synopsis:
Fifteen-year-old Sabella Grimes has never been normal, unless every teenage girl has recurring dreams of magic and goddesses. Unfortunately, devastation strikes Sabella when she loses both of her parents in a freak plane crash on her birthday. Suddenly, the word ‘normal’ takes on a whole new meaning.
A world she never knew existed is opened up to her. A life where Spellcasting 101, Mastering the Art of Hexes, and AP Potions replaces English, Geometry, and Biology at Sabella’s new school ─Crossroads Prep School.
Seventeen-year-old Cain Mera knew what he was and what he had to do ... he, like his father before him, was a witch hunter. His life’s mission was to rid the world of those abominations. However, when he meets the feisty, blonde-haired teen he’s going to have to choose between his feelings for a girl and his deeply ingrained hatred toward her race.
Sabella begins to understand that it’s not always what you know that could get you killed ... it’s what’s in your blood. Will she be able to harness her new powers and protect those she loves, or will she be burned at the stake by someone she trusts?
Author K.B. Miller is a proud native of Baltimore, Maryland. Currently she resides in a tiny valley nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Pennsylvania along with her husband and son (both Steelers fans ─ eww!), her energetic puppy ─ Cullen Edward, and her mouthy blue front Amazon Parrot, Poppy.
She’s also a huge football nut! That's right fellas, she’s a DIE-HARD Ravens fan living in Pennsylvania! How's that for ballsy?
She’s been writing for as long as she can remember, but two years ago her loving husband─ who believed in her talent, finally gave her a gentle push... actually, according to her, it was really more of a kick... in the lower back-upper thigh region. She claims it hurt. After a few restless nights she decided to allow everyone to meet all of the crazy characters in her head, and here we are.
K.B. has as her family calls it, a ridiculous addiction to hats, shoes, sunglasses, owls, and coffee. No problems there, right? That's what she said.
Welcome to K.B.-land, it's a lot like Disneyland only without all the endless lines, unnaturally happy people, and it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to enter! LOL
Author links:
Prologue
Hecate
“Are you quite certain this is the path we must take, Father?” I asked, peering up at the thumbnail that hung low in the night’s sky.
“It is unfortunate, Hecate, but I am.  I fear that if we do not act now, Cronus will wage his war.  He is desperate for your powers and those of the child in hopes of regaining dominion over all the lands.” My father, the powerful Zeus said placing his hand on my bare shoulder as my hair whipped in the wind.
“I don’t understand why he wants to regain control over the humans.  What would he stand to gain?” My voice quaked with fear.  Cronus, my father’s father had been the most powerful Titan to ever rule, until my father had grown up and banished him and all of Titans to Tartarus in the underworld.
“With the combined powers of yours and the child, he wishes to open the crossroads and unleash the underworld.  He seeks revenge against all those he feels overthrew his rule, and he will not be satisfied until he has the power to do exactly that.” my father paced the cliff’s edge, “As his son, his behavior saddens me greatly.  He has already begun recruiting spies to find your location.  Lamia, Mormo, and Empusa will act against us, and should you be found, they will take you to him.”
“Then so mote it be!  I do, however have yet another question.  The magic that I must undertake will put me into a deep slumber this evening when the moon is at its most potent.  How will I know when to rise?” I asked.
“The child, the one whose power will be far greater than any we have ever witnessed will call you to her when it is time.” He answered.
“Then it shall be done.  I have already taken the liberty of creating the potion that will assist us this night.  However, I do wonder why this child, who is not even born yet is of such importance to Cronus’ plan?” I tilted my chin to face my father directly.
He eyed me for a moment before he answered, “She is important, because she is of our blood.  By the time she is of this world, the power in her blood will decide all of our fates.  She will be both Goddess and Titan, the beginning and the end.  She will be both, living and dead, able to walk between worlds.  She will be the absolute power.”
“I understand, Father.” I said, tilting the tiny vial with the powerful potion into my mouth.  In a mere moment, the beautiful moon, my moon faded from my vision and all went black.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Brooklyn Case Files Cover Reveal

Cover-Reveal
Russian Roulette Cover
Genre: Crime Drama Serial
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Cover Design by: B3 Publishing
Blitz Organizer: B3 Tours
Synopsis-GIF
It's been two years and the DEA is no closer to breaking into the Russians smuggling operation today, than they were when the file first crossed his desk. Fuses are short and nerves are shot as the task force is forced to sit back and wait for a break in the case.
Amy Roberts is invisible. The quiet girl does exactly what she's told and wouldn't know trouble if it punched her in the face. One split decision changes all of that. Now, she may be the break the DEA is looking for, if she survives.
goodreads add
About-the-author-GIF
JMA new headshot
One day while slaving away at her monotonous day job, Jennifer Martinez found her true calling. Like a firefly in the night, the pages called to her. Once she caught the bug there was no stopping it. Her fingers flew furiously across the keyboard winding tales of love, mystery and anger. She snapped out of her reverie to find herself still behind the desk but at least she knew who she was… Author Jennifer Martinez.
I like to think of myself as a beautiful conundrum. When I am not writing, I can be found surrounded by my amazing family and 4 dogs or volunteering at a local animal rescue. I love who I am and don’t mind at all when I get strange looks from people. I am a tattoo covered, child and animal lover who looks forward to destroying peoples preconceived notions of what “someone like me” would be interested in. You only live life once… you may as well make it interesting.
I love to get lost in a good book and hope that everyone will get lost in mine.

Stalk Jennifer

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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Relinquish Release Day

       
 Release Day!
 
Release Date: June 17th 2014
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Fantasy
Book Two in the Lost Souls Series
Regan has a life in Georgia. She is going to school, has managed to make some friends, and has even found a new love interest in Colter. So what happens when she can’t hide what she is anymore? When do all the lies become too much to handle? And how much longer can she hold onto her sanity—while Agro pushes her closer and closer to the edge of no return—her ascension to Elite?

Colter is beautifully oblivious. Wanting so much to believe that Regan is safe, and Agro has been halted, he ignores Finn’s constant skepticism at the risk of their friendship. Overlooking what is so clearly right in front of him, Colter passes off Regan’s outbursts of emotion on her recent trauma. Colter can feel Regan—his one exception to his retribution—slipping out of his arms, but fighting her to stay with him may not be an option.

Colter and Finn are now at odds, and there is a newly formed alliance between Kaiden and Exile Max. Will this group of Collectors be enough to fight off the new enemies and old threats that emerge in the battle for souls when Regan is broken, and their group is on the brink of self-destruction?

The lost will be found, the Collectors will be exiled, and the Elites will reign.
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About Book One, Retribution
retributionRegan Edison has just moved from California, to enter her first year at Georgia Liberty College, the place where jacked up Chevy trucks and hunting are a way of life. Regan hopes to start a new life for herself and she thinks that Georgia is just the place to do it. That is until she meets an unexpected stranger.

Colter Hayes is a member of the Collectors, a group of wrongfully punished lost souls. Colter and the rest of his team, Finn, Kaiden and Devon, work for the Requiem Council who pass judgment on those souls that are neither tagged for Heaven nor Hell. The Council has charged the Collectors with finding the lost in exchange for a chance at redemption.

When an ex-councilmember known to pass Retribution on lost souls sets his sights on Regan, the Requiem Council dispatches the Collectors to Georgia to work as protectors for Regan. The Collectors must fight to save Regan from a fate they know all too well, but can they work to earn back their chance at redemption or are their fates sealed forever?

Who is meant for Heaven?
Who is meant for Hell?
And who is just lost?
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Start the series for just 99 Cents!
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My review of Retribution:

I am giving Retribution 4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book. I think it is an excellent beginning for this series. I honestly didn't want the story to end. I will definitely be reading book two.

Regan is just starting out at college. She is finally going to start a new life for herself, but an unexpected attack changes everything.

Colter is a collector who helps to protect lost souls. He is accompanied by Finn, Devon and Kaiden who are also working towards possible redemption. They have been sent to protect Regan from an ex-council member, who is the one that passed retribution against them.

I couldn't help but fall for Colter, even though he was moody and even cruel at times. As the story progressed I began to understand his behavior and the torment he had endured. I have a soft spot for tortured souls, especially hot ones.

I also loved each of the guys in the story. Who wouldn't want to be guarded by 4 handsome guys who each had their own charming qualities? Devon is sweet and the youngest of the collectors. Finn is the older fatherly type. Kaiden is the silly, fun loving guy. Then of course we have the brooding Colter. *sigh

I found Retribution to be quite an addicting story. The concept of having collectors to protect the lost souls was brilliant. Totally different than any of the books I have read to date. Action, mystery and did I mention hot guys? Great book!
About Amy Thompson

amythompson Amy Thompson graduated from college with her B.S. in Biology. She currently works as a high school mentor and has just earned her M.S. in Higher Education. Amy is a self-published author of Retribution, a new adult, paranormal romance novel that is the first in the Lost Souls Trilogy. She lives in Southern Virginia with her family and two lazy cats. Amy Thompson is currently working on the next book in the Lost Souls Trilogy, Relinquish and continues to be an avid reader of all things books.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Review: Adventure Time The Mathematical Edition Volume Three by Ryan North


Title: Adventure Time The Mathematical Edition Volume Three
Author: Ryan North
Pages: 144
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: This is the last of The Adventure Time books that I own at this point in time. This was again a fun read and entertaining read. It is great for readers of any age. I loved the artwork in this instalment too. I loved that most of the drawings were pixelated to show that the characters were in a video game lol.













About this author

Ryan M. North is a Canadian writer and computer programmer who is the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics, and co-creator of Whispered Apologies and Happy Dog the Happy Dog.

North grew up in Ottawa, Ontario where he studied computer science (minor in film) at Carleton University before moving to Toronto for his Master's degree in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, specializing in computational linguistics. He is a humorist, programmer and longboarding enthusiast; but also designs t-shirts as a day job.

Probably his most well known work, Dinosaur Comics, a fixed-art webcomic, has run for more than 1,500 issues and has been published by Quack!Media as The Best of Dinosaur Comics: 2003-2005 AD: Your Whole Family Is Made Of Meat. His creation of numerous web tools and Dinosaur Comics serve as a full-time source of income for North, making him one of a few self-sufficient webcomic artists. Before Dinosaur Comics, North created Robot Erotica.

North is currently editing and anthology of short stories about "a machine that could tell, from just a sample of your blood, how you were going to die" called Machine of Death.

Ryan North, it should also be noted, is awesome.

Review: Adventure Time The Mathematical Edition Volume Two by Ryan North




Title: Adventure Time The Mathematical Edition Volume Two
Author: Ryan North
Pages: 144
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I also grabbed this edition while at Comic Con. I think I liked this instalment better than Volume One. I like Princess Bubblegum the best lol and this edition had a lot of her story. Again it was a fast, easy read and I loved the artwork.

About this author

Ryan M. North is a Canadian writer and computer programmer who is the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics, and co-creator of Whispered Apologies and Happy Dog the Happy Dog. North grew up in Ottawa, Ontario where he studied computer science (minor in film) at Carleton University before moving to Toronto for his Master's degree in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, specializing in computational linguistics. He is a humorist, programmer and longboarding enthusiast; but also designs t-shirts as a day job. Probably his most well known work, Dinosaur Comics, a fixed-art webcomic, has run for more than 1,500 issues and has been published by Quack!Media as The Best of Dinosaur Comics: 2003-2005 AD: Your Whole Family Is Made Of Meat. His creation of numerous web tools and Dinosaur Comics serve as a full-time source of income for North, making him one of a few self-sufficient webcomic artists. Before Dinosaur Comics, North created Robot Erotica. North is currently editing and anthology of short stories about "a machine that could tell, from just a sample of your blood, how you were going to die" called Machine of Death. Ryan North, it should also be noted, is awesome.