Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Christy Sloat's Story Entry for America's Next Author


Please, take a moment to read this story by Christy Sloat author of The Many Lives of Avery Snow, Ianni and The Brown House and then use the link below to go and give her a vote! She would love and appreciate your help!!!!



It was only 7:15 when Keelie arrived at Graham’s house. The  night was so dark already  that she could barely see her own hand in front of her face. It wasn’t a normal night without all of the stars looming over their heads. The night was so unusual and almost scary it made Keelie feel even more excited to attend the circus with her friends. They went every year the circus came to town, they made it an annual thing. Keelie, Graham, Carver and Hope. Who knew that they would all end up dating each other by senior year? Carver and Hope started dating first. Adam Carver the ultimate ladies’ man, had fallen for Hope. Who wouldn’t? She was tall, slim and had the tan skin every girl died for. But with Keelie and Graham it had been much different. They liked each other for years, but neither had the nerve to ask the other out. Finally last summer as they walked together on a nightly stroll he asked her out for dinner. That was that. Now the four did everything together as couples. So that is what made this circus trip even more exciting. That and the new circus event called, The Illusionist. Keelie loved magic tricks and anything to do with disappearing acts. She had once been on a cruise and saw a woman disappear on stage right in front of her. The magician then had been really good and she hoped for an even better show tonight.
Graham opened the door once Keelie reached it. His blue eyes looked her up and down and he stroked his chin, “Looking very nice tonight Ms. Hayes. I think I may have to take you upstairs for an impromptu make out session first.”
“No way! We are not going to be late picking up Carver and Hope,” she admonished. Though Graham looked pretty hot himself tonight, Keelie had to remember Hope told her to be on time. She didn’t want to miss the acts and Keelie wanted to see the new show.
“Fine, but may I have a little kiss?” Keelie jumped in his arms practically knocking him over and planted a big kiss on his lips.
“How is that?” she asked as he set her down.
“Makes me only want you more.” He grabbed his coat and they got in the car. Luckily Hope lived a few blocks away. Once they pulled up she noticed Carver and Hope looked upset with each other. Hope stood with her hands crossed across her chest and Carver sat on the grass.
“Uh oh I guess they’re fighting again,” Keelie said.
“Great what a way to ruin the night,” Graham sighed.
Hope got in the car and Carver got in a few minutes later looking sullen.
“Is everything okay?” Graham asked Carver.
“Yeah I suppose. Someone I knew died today,” he mumbled. “Olivia Grant, she was battling cancer remember?”
They all knew very well who Olivia was and that she was sick. Carver and Olivia had dated sophomore year. It was a sore subject because Hope was jealous of their closeness. She felt awful for her having cancer, but it seemed Carver spent a lot of time by her hospital bed lately. Keelie knew it wouldn’t be long until she passed once the cancer got to her bones. It wasn’t something any of them hoped would happen but Hope still looked upset. The car ride remained quiet until they reached the circus entrance and the guys got out.
“So what’s wrong Hope?” Keelie finally asked her. Hope unfolded her arms finally and tears spilled down her cheeks.
“It’s like life for him is over now that she’s gone. He acts like I was nothing and she was his one true love.” Hope wiped her face and sighed. “He said he wants a break after tonight. That he needs to mourn her loss. Keelie they only dated for six months.”
Keelie reached across the seat and held her friends hand. She knew Carver was taking this hard, but it was true, Olivia and he only dated for a short time. But then again when someone passes it can be hard to focus on anything else. Keelie knew this all too well. She herself had lost her brother two years ago. He had disappeared seemingly into thin air. And they never found him again. She and her parents knew in their hearts he was dead.
“Come on Hope let’s see if we can’t cheer you both up. The circus is our thing, and it’s the last time we will be here all together.” It was true they all would be off in college by fall. Hope and Keelie got out and meet the boys by the entrance to the tent.

By the end of the circus show the girls were exhausted from laughter and the boys were ready to move on. Carver’s mood had gotten a little brighter but not enough to improve the nights now ruined plans. Keelie wanted to see the illusionist badly but the others wanted to check out the new Fat Lady show. “Fine,” she said finally. “I’ll go check his show out and you go see the fat lady then.” She left them all and walked off. She wasn’t mad at them more disappointed. Especially with Graham he knew how much she loved that sort of stuff. Sitting and making fun of an overweight lady wasn’t fun to her.
“Hey Keelie wait up,” Carver called to her. “I want to go see the magician with you.”
“Really?” She was happy he came along and all, but he didn’t seem like the type to like a show like this.
“Yeah why not.” He smiled. They walked across the grounds and looked for the tent. They spotted it in the far corner finally and made their way to it. Once they got close enough they noticed it was surrounded by an odd fog. A fog that only lurked around the tent. Keelie got goose bumps across her arms and Carver pulled his coat tighter. It wasn’t that cold outside but for some reason they both felt a chill. No one stood outside to accept tickets nor was there anyone waiting for the show. They were the only two people there.
“Maybe we missed it,” Keelie suggested.
“It says the show starts in ten minutes. Maybe we are just early that’s all.”
Keelie shrugged and got closer to the entrance hoping to sneak a peek inside. But as she got closer she noticed a sign in front; What is the real illusion? Come inside to find the answer.
It was alluring that was sure, but by the looks of the tent it screamed darkness. Sure she saw the ones on T.V. who did daring acts that would scare her. But this wasn’t a freak show it was a family circus in the suburbs. This only made Keelie want a look inside even more so. She got closer and closer to the opening. Her breath catching in her throat as she touched the velvet rope holding the curtains closed.  “Stop!” Carver shouted.
She turned to a frightened Carver, “I only want to peek inside Carver calm down.” When she turned back around a woman stood in front of her holding a burning cigarette in her hands ever so delicately. She looked like she came from another time and place. Her hair was glossy black and pulled up on the sides by clips with black roses on them.
“Oh sorry, nice costume,” Keelie said nervously.
“It is not a costume. Boy aren’t you pretty, what are you doing here?” The woman asked as she took a drag.
“I came for the show,” Keelie answered. What else would she be doing here?
“And you boy, you came for the show too?” she asked Carver. He nodded and his mouth fell open when the woman smiled and winked at him. She was beautiful in a gothic sort of way. Keelie eyed her suspiciously. There was something strange about her for sure.
“Once you enter there is no going back the way you once came. I need to make that clear,” the woman said.
Keelie laughed and rolled her eyes. She knew this was a trick to scare her and it wasn’t going to work. She wasn’t some little kid entering a haunted hayride. She knew there was an exit just like there are ways out everywhere. It was dark and eerie outside, but she knew this had to be part of the act.
“Do you understand?” The woman asked again. They both nodded and the velvet rope fell to the ground and the curtain opened. Keelie strolled in with Carver right behind her. Once she saw the stage in front of her she was shocked. The inside was almost as big as the circus show tent. The stage in front of her was lit dimly by a small light on the center.
The gothic woman circled them a few times looking them over. Carver stood tall while Keelie shrunk in her nervousness. There was something about this whole place that didn’t feel right.
“You know maybe we can come back to another show, I think we need to find our friends,” Keelie lied as she grabbed Carver’s arm.
“I believe I just told you that you must stay. By the way I am Arianne. Please find your seats.” Arianne gestured towards the rows of seats that circled the stage. Keelie let go of Carver and turned to walk away. “I’m out of here something’s not right. This isn’t the Ringham’s Circus. You are totally fake and I am not staying here.” Once she turned around to walk out she noticed the curtain they  just walked through was gone. All that was there were velvet walls. She reached out to find the exit and Arianne laughed wickedly. She searched but couldn’t not find a way out of there.
“What brought you here? A flyer perhaps? Not a sign on the Ringham Brothers Circus entrance, am I correct?” Arianne pulled another cigarette out and lit it gracefully.
“Yes a flyer I saw. I don’t even remember where I saw it,” Keelie admitted. “What does that mean? You’re not part of the circus are you?” Arianne’s shook her head and snickered.
“You’re here for a purpose aren’t you my dear? And you boy, you came to find answers about the dead girl you hope to see again. Every breath you take makes you feel guilty about her not being able to do the same.”
Carver’s eyes welled up and his fists clamped down. If she wasn’t a girl Keelie was sure he would have hit her. One thing she knew about him was do not press his buttons.
“How do you know about Olivia? Who told you?” he spat. Arianne only shrugged and turned towards Keelie. “And you,” she pointed to Keelie. “You don’t feel bad about the brother you lost. You may mourn him sure. But you were ignored before he died. No one cared about you or your accomplishments. Now without him here you get the college money that was meant for him and the brand new car too.”
“No that’s wrong. You don’t know that!” Keelie screamed. “This isn’t a magic show this is something evil.”
“Your right, this is no magic show. The illusionist does not deal with magic. He brings back those we wish we could see once more. He has the power to raise the dead. But you don’t want to see your brother again, right?”
“I want to leave,” Keelie cried. Arianne laughed at her expense.
“This isn’t a show or trick of light. This is real. And you’re here for a reason. Now sit and wait for the illusionist.” she pointed to the seats in the front row that were now lit up by light. They watched as a single candle lit itself on the edge of the stage. Once it was lit several candles ignited themselves all the way around.
“What sort of place is this?” Keelie asked Arianne, but when she turned Arianne was gone. Keelie felt cold and terrified. She had not expected things to turn out this way. She had only merely been hoping for a good show, not to be scared. She grabbed onto Carver’s arm and yanked on his sleeve, “We need to get the hell out of here, now!”
Carver’s now pale face read no expression. He had heard her but didn’t want to leave. He was enticed and Keelie could see it. She had no idea her friend was so in love with Olivia. If she had she would have told Hope to give him time to grieve. Hope! She remembered that she had her cell and pulled it out of her purse. The phone lit up once she touched it but read, no service.
“How is that possible?” she asked herself. She dialed anyway and nothing happened. It was like she was in the Twilight Zone all of a sudden.
“Cell phone’s won’t work in here my dear Keelie. And I do not allow them,” a voice from the stage grabbed her attention. “Be seated and I will let you out of here once you see.”
“See what?” Carver demanded. But the voice did not answer him. Carver held Keelie’s hand and led her to the front row. She could feel his hands tremble slightly. He was scared just like she was, but he was interested, while she was not.
As soon as they sat a man appeared on the stage. He had a distinguished look about him that drew Keelie in. His hair was an auburn brown mixture and his eyes were piercing green. He wore a black velvet coat with tails that he took off and laid over a chair that she didn’t notice on stage. He had an ivory shirt on now with suspenders. Keelie noticed he had a European look to him and she liked it. It settled her mind to be with him and to see he wasn’t scary. He looked kind and gentle but he still had an edge. He was of course older than Keelie, by far. But Keelie didn’t mind. She shook her head trying to think of anything else but wanting to kiss the man on stage. Her thoughts of him consumed her momentarily but she would have to get a hold of herself. It was easy to get lost in your thoughts in a place like this. The red velvet walls held the reflection of the candles and made a soft glow about the room. It helped to make her feel at ease.
“I am Holden Dexter, the illusionist. The igniter of flames and deliverer of souls. I will play your mind and win its bet. I will show you how the illusions are met. Are you an illusion? One will find out, the other will stay and live in their doubt.”  Once he was done Keelie was stunned and shocked. She didn’t understand. One will stay, one will leave? If that is what he was saying she couldn’t believe it to be true. Holden held his pose on the stage waiting for them to reply it seemed. Keelie clapped and Carver joined in, although neither one knew why they did.
Holden bowed slightly then the room went completely dark. Keelie let a slight scream and the candles relit themselves and instead of Holden in the middle of the stage, there sat a fair haired girl with doe eyes. She wore a white nightdress and slippers. She looked terrified until she saw Carver. Once she saw him her smile rose and her eyes twinkled.
“Oliva?” Carver asked stunned. Olivia smiled and waved but did not move from her spot on stage. Holden joined her and held her hand. It was impossible for Keelie to believe what she was seeing in front of her very eyes. But it in fact was Olivia. Keelie didn’t understand how Holden had done it but then she thought of his rhyme, deliverer of souls. Did he bring back the dead? Arianne had mentioned it earlier.
“Now she is someone you know correct Mr. Carver?” Holden asked. Carver nodded vehemently. “She is yours to have. You know you love her. Come on stage and claim her.” Carver stood and Keelie grabbed his arm. “Carver, she’s dead. What are you doing?”

“She may be dead Keelie but that’s her right there. I love her. I always have.”
“What about Hope? Do you not love her? She’s alive and Olivia, well she’s not.” Keelie was desperate. She didn’t want to see her friend make a mistake and get his hopes up. Once he went on stage it wouldn’t be Olivia, it would be a mirage.
“I am not in love with Hope. Not like I am with Olivia. If there is a way for me to be with her, I will.” He yanked his arm from her grasp and walked onto the stage. Olivia reached out for him and he reached for her. Once their hands met they disappeared altogether. Keelie shouted and Holden held his hands to his lips motioning for silence. Keelie was shocked. Where did they go?
“Do not despair my dear Keelie. They are not gone forever. He will return shortly, hopefully.” Keelie was angry now. What the hell did all this mean? She grabbed her hair and pulled. She was upset with herself for bringing this on to her friend. How did this happen?
“Why are you talking in riddles and where is my friend?” she screamed. Holden held his hand up and stopped her mid scream.
“I am not talking in riddles my dear, I am only trying to assure you that your friend is not gone, he is merely, not here at the present time.” A grin spread across his handsome face.
“That is the same thing!” Keelie raked her hands through her hair and felt the frustration flood her body. She knew something wasn’t totally right with this situation. Alarms had gone off in her head at the entrance of this tent, and now they were screaming at her, ‘Get out now’.
“I want to leave, now. And I want my friend back,” she said boldly. Holden came down from the stage slowly and before she knew it he was standing in front of her. His hand reached out and softly touched her cheek. Strange as it was she let him. There was something very comforting about his touch.
“Keelie, before you can leave you must answer the riddle. One must stay here and the other can go. I played your mind; do you have what it takes to play back?”
His voice was velvety and thick. She felt entranced in his gaze, but the buzz in her pocket snapped her out suddenly. Her phone was ringing. She had to get to it, but how? It seemed like she was not allowed to be part of the outside, since she was trapped here in this lair.
“I have to think, give me a moment?” she said as sweet as she could. In a breath he was gone and she was alone. She sighed heavily and ducked down in the dark to answer.
“Hello.”
“Keelie where are you?” It was Hope.
“Hope I am in this terrible scary tent. It’s at the edge of the grounds. It was supposed to be the illusionist tent, but I think there’s something wrong,” she said in a rush.
“What tent, Keelie? We walked the whole place and we can’t find anything. Carver said maybe you would come find us, so we are waiting by the car.” Carver? Keelie didn’t understand. How could Carver have told her that while he was here? Maybe he got out and he wasn’t trapped after all.
“When did you see him?” Keelie asked. “Is he safe?”
“What do you mean is he safe, Keelie? He has been here with us the whole time,” Hope said. “I am really worried about you now.”
 The phone went dead suddenly and left Keelie scrambling for her friend to save her. But one thing Keelie knew was Carver wasn’t with her. Then who was with her?
This whole thing was an act! It was an illusion. She thought of the rhyme Holden had told her;
‘The igniter of flames and deliverer of souls. I will play your mind and win its bet. I will show you how the illusions are met. Are you an illusion? One will find out, the other will stay and live in their doubt.’
He was an igniter of flames that was how the candles were lit on their own. Either that or he was the igniter of her flame, he made her feel helpless with desire.  As far as the deliverer of souls, maybe it was really Olivia standing on stage. She shuddered at the thought that he was able to bring the dead back. She kept thinking trying to solve the puzzle. If Carver wasn’t with her, then who was? An illusion no doubt, but how did Holden know so much about Keelie? He knew of her brother as well. Things she never told anyone. Was she an illusion? He had asked the question hadn’t he? Was she even real? That couldn’t be, he had her doubting things now. Things that were not real.
One thing she knew in her heart, if she didn’t answer the question soon she would be stuck here. Forever maybe.

“Time is slowly draining my dear, do you have an answer for me?” Holden asked as he was standing on stage, now accompanied by Carver and Olivia once more.
“I do,” she said with ease. “You’re not an illusionist, which is clear. You are more than that. You said you’re the deliverer of souls, so you are either dead yourself or you have awesome power.” He nodded and a small smile spread on his lips. “But the question was am I an illusion. The answer is no, I am not, but Carver is. He is not the one standing on the stage with Olivia.” Holden applauded her and Carver’s shape started to turn. Keelie watched in awe as Carver turned into another boy, her brother Kevin.Keelie could not believe her eyes.
“Why play this mean trick on me? I only came here to see a magic show. Why is my brother acting like Carver? Why is my brother even here?” she asked Holden.
“You are very smart Keelie, I admire you for that. I really do. Your brother is here with me to do my bidding. You see I need more stagehands and my dear Arianne felt so alone. She saw your brother here two years ago and had to have him for her own.” Keelie watched as Arianne joined Kevin on stage and held his hand. “I feel alone too. I saw you on the street and I just had to have you for my own. I learned about you, over the last few days. Kevin told me all about you. I reeled you into my tent, so that I may have you for my own.” He trailed down the stage and meet Keelie as her knees grew weak. He held her by her shoulders tightly. “You have answered the question, but you cheated.”
“No I didn’t! How could I possibly cheat?” she asked feeling sick to her stomach. There was no way out now. He gripped her shoulders tighter and his sweet breathe grew hot on her face.
“You got a phone call. Phones are not allowed in the show. If your friends didn’t tell you he was with them you wouldn’t have known. So without their help you would not have answered correctly. One will find out Keelie, the other will live in doubt. You found out the answer now your friend Hope will forever live in doubt of what really happened to you.” She could throw up, she was terrified. The thought of Hope never really knowing what happened to her hurt more than anything. Her family, her friends they would all be looking for her. Keelie knew they would never find her. “No…I can’t stay here. Please…” she begged him now. But his eyes transfixed her and she fell silent. There was something about him that did that to her. Something magical in his stare.
“But you must, you entered knowing once you did you may not leave the way you came. You will be leaving Keelie, but with me. We will travel the world my love, and you will love every second of it.” And as he said it, he took her in his arms and she fell into the darkness with Holden Dexter, The Illusionist.


 Come vote for her story here!!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Unguarded Promo Post Tour Kick Off and Giveaway by Ashley Robertson

UnGuarded

Guardian angel Selene was so close to becoming an archangel—the supreme of all beings—until she fell in love with Cole, a forbidden dark one. Once she discovers her vampire lover has been kidnapped and the only way to save him is by abandoning her number one priority—Caitlyn, her human charge—there really is only one answer in Selene’s mind, even though leaving Caitlyn unguarded will most likely cause Selene to fall from grace. But her choice to save Cole doesn’t come without a price…and now Selene is racing against time to not only save her dark lover, but find a way to keep Caitlyn alive as well. With the help of a new vampire ally, Luke, Selene will push her diminishing angel abilities to the point where her very existence lies in the balance. Now threatened with the chance of becoming a fallen angel or even dying, Selene can only pray she’ll have enough time—and good grace—to save the ones she loves Buy on Kindle / Paperback



Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida and loves reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring new places, drinking fine red wines, and making gourmet coffees with her Nespresso machine.   Follow Ashley Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Blog Tour starts October 29 The author is giving away 3 paperback swag packs with $10 Amazon Giftcards a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Melissa's Review of The Haze by Janine Olsson and Giveaway!


Book Description

The legend of the most powerful coven of vampires began in a very unconventional way. Fifteen hundred years ago, a holy man living in Rome was viciously turned inhuman by a blood thirsty vampire. Lucius’ purity was ripped from him and he was left to struggle with his lamentable misfortune, although unknown to him or the evil powers that turned him, fate played a great hand in Lucius’ new found reality.

We all have a purpose in this world and Lucius’ was significant, yet he fought against his fate, against his hunger for human blood, and against the predator that now festered within him.

The fates stepped in again and offered him a skillful advocate. They sent him Sulla, a two thousand year old mystical vampire, who had foreseen Lucius’ purpose in a vision and was determined to help him accept his fate as a gift, not a curse. With her help, Lucius recognized his task, and it wasn't to be a predator but a guardian. He was to change the ways in which vampire’s treated humans. His intuitive mind and holy beliefs pushed him to create a new form of vampire that wouldn't compromise compassion for lust. He set out and succeeded in creating a powerful new coven of highly gifted vampires he named Elite. The Elite were conceived to follow his beliefs and fight for a new purpose, yet with great misfortune Lucius reached his final death before his vision was completed. The Elite continued to follow his laws, but foolishly believed their purpose died with him, and accomplished little in fulfilling his destiny.

Now, fifteen hundred years later, his great granddaughter, Natalia, struggles to keep the balance between her vast gifts, her understanding of her inherited purpose, the return of a highly skilled warrior she’s always desired, the consuming distraction of her sexual awakening, and a fascinating connection to a gifted human which can destroy everything.


Melissa's Review
5 Stars

Natalia is a fourth generation vampire Elite. She resides on the island of Hemlee with her twin Maddox, coven, and family. For all of her life Natalia has been living in a bubble. Believing that she is a great warrior, when she has had no experiences outside of the island of Hemlee.
Finn is a great warrior. His love for Natalia was present even before any sort of bond made an appearance. He is a world traveler whom has has many opportunities to learn everything that is not taught to the Elite.

This book is a story of love, betrayal, and fate. There are points in our lives where we think that certain circumstances are brought to us by fate. In this story fate is all there is for the characters. For everything that happens they trust that fate has brought this to them.
 The love in the book is absolutely beautiful. We could only hope to find a bond with somebody that is as strong as the ones the characters in the book find. The love between Natalia and Finn radiates from the book.
The story and characters are entrancing. You can't help but want more while reading this story. From people who are believed to be dead, to a web of lies that is slowly being unraveled  The Haze will leave you wanting more as you get to know what is truly going on with the people who reside on the island of Hemlee. I honestly cannot wait for the next installment  What will fate bring to these characters who have already fought against so much?And will love truly conquer all? Let me tell you I can't wait for the answers to those questions





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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Amanda's Review of Phoenix Rising by Lisa C. Morgan, GIVEAWAY TOO

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Maggie has lived the last ten years with a woman who isn't her mother and carrying the label "Daughter of John Henning", a man sentenced to live out his days at Sunnyview Psychiatric Hospital after his conviction of fire bombing a church...

and killing the 8 people inside.

What Maggie learns will change her life. 
She is the last of a race of creatures known as "The Phoenix", a race of supernatural beings with the ability to wield and control fire.

And she will need that power now...

Revenants- walking, living, skeletal creatures who have waged a war against an unseen, parallel world known simply as The Realm- need Maggie's blood to bring them to a full power...a power that will give them an unbeatable edge and offer the deciding weapon in this war.

Maggie is not alone as she learns not only what she really is, but what it is her destiny to become...



AMANDA'S REVIEW
5 Stars

Mind = BLOWN! Wow, just wow. I was speechless when I finished this book, except for the sniffling! This book is packed full of the supernatural; Fae, Witches, Vampires, Revenants and a Phoenix, a little something for everyone to enjoy. Lisa sure pulls out all the stops on this emotional ride. Maggie has lived a terrible life full of bullying because of her fathers poor decisions, causing him to be placed in an asylum most of her life. At least, she thinks it was bad decision making. One visit to her dad and her world changes. She learns all about other worlds that exist and how they need her to save them...she's something special. What a refreshing paranormal book! I was hooked from page one and stayed up late and ignored house chores just to finish it. Maggie was such a strong character even if she doesn't realize it ... yet. Michel is every girl's fantasy...seriously, hot wow. Then of course we aren't complete without the snarky bad boy, we get our fill of that with Luc. Not everything is all serious and we get our humor and fluffness from Maggie and her new friends, Seatha and Autumn.


Buy it here on Amazon!



facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-C-Morgan-Author/322116171151749
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twitter: @iluvvikingvamps
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Monday, October 22, 2012

Avenge by Sarah Ross Review, blog tour stop and GIVEAWAY!!




 Release date: October 11, 2012


Book Description:

Six months ago, Lucy Donovan thought that being killed by a drunk driver was the worst thing that could happen to her.

She was wrong.

Now, the person she loves most has been ripped away from her, soul held hostage, and Lucy has vowed to stop at nothing to get it back.

Part of a new team with enhanced powers, Lucy and her friends begin a quest to avenge the souls that have been stolen. Enemies of the Patronus have united however, and a spy from within the Patronus realm is feeding the enemy their every move.

When a mission goes horribly wrong, Lucy’s soul becomes compromised. It will take a strength she didn't know was within her to escape the darkness, return to the light and avenge the soul she loves.


Review by Jennifer:
Well, I am one of those who just loves book covers and this one does not disappoint me! I love it!  Now for the book.

I was a big fan of Awaken, her first book in this series. As a matter of fact Awaken was the first Indie book I had read! (This news Sarah Ross is just now finding out as she reads this) Now, I pretty much only read Indies books or small publisher authors so.....bows down and thank you Sarah for bringing me into the world of indies! Yep, okay I trailed off track there! OOPS!! As I was saying, I was a big fan of Lucy and Max's story from the start. I read Awaken in one evening and Avenge had me just as hooked. Lucy and Max's story continues on in Avenge full force! The name of the book is just perfect for what you will be reading. 
I was not left one moment without something exciting going on and avenge will be had! 

Lucy is still on a mission to save her sister's soul however it can't be her main priority! Her and her friends have been assigned a whole new project that is hush hush with other Patronus and it's proven to be a very positive assignment with a huge success rate however, her sister has yet to be found. On top of this we have Lucy and Max's relationship developing further as their love blooms, discovering just how strong their souls are tied to each other, learning that among the Patronus there is a traitor in the midst (can you figure out who), their team is sent on the mother load of all assignments and using the help of another Patronus team! This does not even TOUCH what Sarah has in store for you! Members are attacked and taken....Sooooooo much action you won't want to put it down! I seriously can not keep going in this review because it's to easy to give you a spoiler and I don't want to do that so I will end this with a simple statement, The Patronus series is a wonderful YA Paranormal story with a little bit of romance and a whole lot of.......Ooooooooooo I want more!  If you have not picked up your copy yet, you are truly missing out! 

5 Stars! Love it!

If you want to view my review on her first book Awaken click HERE. Don't forget to enter the giveaway though!

US AMAZON LINK~

 BARNES AND NOBLES~

GIVEAWAY IS US AND CANADA ONLY!
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INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY


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Friday, October 19, 2012

Avenge by Sarah Ross BOOK BLITZ!!!!!!!!!!


Avenge is now Available!!!   My Review for this will be posted as part of a blog tour on the 22nd!!! So, stay tuned!

Sarah M. Ross, author of Awaken and Echo of an Earth Angel, has released the highly anticipated sequel, Avenge. This must-read book is now available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble





About the Book:
Six months ago, Lucy Donovan thought that being killed by a drunk driver was the worst thing that could happen to her.

She was wrong.

Now, the person she loves most has been ripped away from her, soul held hostage, and Lucy has vowed to stop at nothing to get it back.

Part of a new team with enhanced powers, Lucy and her friends begin a quest to avenge the souls that have been stolen. Enemies of the Patronus have united, however, and a spy from within the Patronus realm is feeding the enemy their every move.

When a mission goes horribly wrong, Lucy’s soul becomes compromised. It will take a strength she didn’t know was within her to escape the darkness, return to the light and avenge the soul she loves.


Price:
$3.99 for ebook
$12.99 for Paperbacks. (Autographed copies available at www.sarahmross.com)

To celebrate this release, Sarah has placed Awaken on sale for only $.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble!!







I started my obsession with reading at an early age, getting in trouble for sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class in elementary school. I would read any fiction book I could get my hands on. I knew it was an addiction when instead of grounding me from TV or music, my mom would take away my books as punishment (The Horror!). My love of all things paranormal was inspired by my good friend Laurie, who convinced me that books with vampires, witches, and all things shifter were amazing. After a little reluctance, I gave it a shot with the Sookie Stackhouse books, realized she was right, and the rest was history. 
I grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with my degree in English, and taught 8th graders to love reading as much as I do for several years. I will always be a proud member of the Steelers Nation, but I couldn't take the cold and moved my frozen tush to Florida where I now live with my family and two cats. You will find me now with my trusty Kindle in hand and toes in the sand!

When I'm not writing or reading, I am probably partaking in my favorite vice: sunbathing. I know it's wrong, but I love the feeling on the hot sun on my skin and could lay in it for hours. I do live in Florida for a reason!

Please feel free to contact me!



Upcoming book Sacrifice by Stacey Rourke, Review in Amanda's eyes this time!

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Available in November 2012
Celeste Garrett has finally found a happy balance in her life as the Chosen One, thanks in large part to a certain hunky Irishman. But if there’s any lesson she should heed since receiving her calling it’s that everything can change in the blink of an eye. Soon a terrible new threat, unlike anything she’s ever encountered, causes her to make a gut-wrenching choice that will strip her of someone she holds dear. 

As much as she’d like to have a pity party for one, there’s no time for that now because wedding bells are ringing in Gainesboro! In between dress fittings and rehearsal dinners Celeste will have to fend off attacking demons and leering pirates. As if the Dark Army wasn’t scary enough our heroine is faced with the horrifying trauma of attending a bachelorette party with her mom and watching Grams do Jello shots. Is a walk down the aisle even possible for a member of the Garrett family when the Dark Army is out to destroy them? More importantly, will the Dark Army Glee Club sing at the reception? 

Raise your glass to the happy couple, and get ready for a wedding…Conduit-style.


AMANDA'S REVIEW

*blows horn* Gryphon series fans…do you have your torches lit? Your pitchforks at the ready? Good, after you are done with Sacrifice you are gonna need them! 

Wowzers! I don’t think I will ever get enough of this series. Stacey didn’t disappoint that’s for sure! I laughed, I cried, I laughed, I yelled, I laughed and I almost threw my kindle…yeah I have emotional whiplash! 

We get a few new characters this book…Bernard, the grouchy gnome, we gain our own girl on fire as well as Big Mike. Lots of demon activity happening when the Titans get involved and Celeste can’t go all gryphony on them because Caleb is still linked to one of them. The Countess isn’t going to give him up without a fight. Rowan saves the wedding (not saying who’s) but we all know he doesn’t do anything without himself in mind; he is afterall, a pirate. 

Tough decisions have to be made and a sacrifice that may destroy our chosen one. You’re going to need a Kleenex as we suffer a loss with Celeste.  Kendall channels her inner angst and needs a good wallop to bring her out…it may be a bit more than we see on the surface. Boundaries are tested as everyone prepares for a big day and the attacks just don’t stop. 

Once again Rourke will take you on a nail biting, eye popping, side-splitting journey you won’t soon forget. A well written plot with lots of twists, tons of action, love … and heartache, and we can’t forget the humor! The Dark Army Glee club is back folks!!! Alec makes a return and he does it with a bang. Big shocker coming your way there! Stacey secures her title as Cliffhanger Queen with the HUGE one she leaves at the end of Sacrifice. 

If you haven’t read this series yet, (what are you waiting for, seriously?) well … I feel sorry for you because you are truly missing out


NOT YET RELEASED BUT GO AHEAD AND ADD TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR LIST!!!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16048393-sacrifice-gryphon-series-book-3





The Protectors Damon by Teresa Gabelman Reviewed by Melissa!

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Damon DeMasters is a vampire warrior who has taken an oath to not only protect his own kind, but humans as well. Crimson Rush is the new drug and it’s their duty to find who is behind the selling of vampire blood and stop it. As a social worker, Nicole Callahan fights for the right of every child placed in her care. There’s a war now as vampires have stepped out into the spotlight taking their place in society and the children are at the heart of it all. Damon and his fellow warriors have been ordered by the Vampire Council to train Nicole and her colleagues against the dangers they now face in their new world. Even as sparks fly and tensions mount, Nicole and Damon depend on each other to protect the children of both races.

MELISSA'S REVIEW
5 Stars
I want to start off my saying that this book definitely took a different turn from the usual vampire books. The story centers around Nicole, who works as a social worker. Now when you hear social worker your head travels to the usual place of somebody who places kids without homes. Yes that is the case, but with a twist. Not only does she place human children,, but vampire children as well.
Now enter Damon. A sexy as all get out warrior vamp who is hired to help the humans better prepare themselves for dealing with the vampire race. He is a man of few words, but when he speaks you can't help but fall in love with the tough as nails vamp.
The chemistry between Nicole and Damon is very strong. Honestly I had tingles during a couple of parts, because the love that neither of them want to acknowledge is so strong.
This book has a phenomenal story line, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I absolutely loved reading this story and cannot to see if there is more to come for Damon and Nicole.

You Can purchase this book here on Amazon


Teresa Gabelman is a working mother of a 17 year old son, wife to her high school sweetie and peacemaker of her two mischievous mutts. She is a fan of mixed martial arts, is a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and watches way too much reality TV. She loves books that are fast reads filled with romance, humor, butt kicking men and women who can keep up with them. Her first book, Damon (The Protectors Series) is now available for download.