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Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts

Thursday, May 2, 2013

[Blog Tour] Spotlight, Guest Post, and Giveaway - Real by Katy Evans




Book #1 of The Real, Raw & Ripped Series
266 pages
Published April 8th 2013 
Mature New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up.

A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?


Katy Evans grew up with book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love, married him, and now they are hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches "The End." Which, is hopefully, only the beginning...


To find more about her, look her up on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, she'd also love to hear from you!


Where to find Katy:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog  Goodreads


10 Things You Didn’t Know About Katy Evans:
  1. Is a health nut! Loves healthy living and going out in the sun.
  2. Will take dark chocolate any day over milk!
  3. Has been married for seventeen years to a man who still gives her little butterflies.
  4. Loves puppies with a passion.
  5. Wanted to have a zoo when she grew up.
  6. Always blames her mistakes on her “period”!
  7. She boxes once a week, and she sprints occasionally too.
  8. Reads only during the days when she’s not writing.
  9. Loves when it rains softly, but not when there’s lightning.
  10. Was compared to “Taz the Tasmanian Devil” in her high school yearbook because, apparently, her buddies thought her just a little bit restless?


 
Check out more reviews, guest post and giveaway on the REAL blog tour.
Click on the tour banner below.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

[Blog Tour] Review and Giveaway - Blood and Snow by Rachelle Workman

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Blood and Snow: The Complete Set by RaShelle Workman
Publication date: 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal

Synopsis:
Every thousand years the Vampire Queen selects a new body, always the fairest in the land, and this time she's chosen Snow White.


Snow isn't an ordinary girl. She doesn't know that yet.

When Snow gets bitten by a Hunter, her life is thrown into a whirlwind of change where instead of worrying about what to eat, she has to fight not to drink the blood of fellow high school students. She becomes a revenant - not quite human, not quite vampire.

With the help of an eccentric old Professor, his seven adoptive sons, and her best friend, Snow learns to control her blood craving. Sort of. She drinks a bloodlust tea, but she'd rather drink from her Hunter.

Or, a human.

She also discovers a whole other realm, one filled with fairies, dragons, and magic. And not only does the Vampire Queen want her, but there's a pendant called the Seal of Gabriel created for Snow by the Vampire Queen's twin sister. And Snow's supposed to use it to restore balance to all magical creatures. Including vampires.
Amazon | Goodreads 

RaShelle Workman lives on a mountain with her husband, three children, and three dogs. From her back porch she can see the city lights and imagine... She's the bestselling author of the Dead Roses series (Sleeping Roses is being translated into Turkish, and will be available in print wherever Turkish books are sold in 2014), the Immortal Essence series, and the Blood and Snow series. 


Where to find RaShelle:


While poking around on Amazon several months ago, I saw Blood Soaked Promises, episode four of this series. At the time, I thought it sounded interesting, but I am not a big fan of the 'episodic' novels - at least not until the series is complete. When Blood and Snow: The Complete Set  was released, I figured the time to read it had arrived.

RaShelle Workman has taken the Snow White fairy tale and turned it on it's ear. Blood and Snow is full of familiar (and not so familiar) fairy tale characters.

I really enjoyed Blood and Snow. The worldbuilding was well done, and I became fond of most of the characters. I say most because honestly - I would have no trouble smacking Snow's parents upside their heads. They were completely useless in my mind. Snow was much better off without them around.

Professor Pops and his seven sons were fun most of the time, but when the situation called for it, they could be serious and responsible. I was trying to decide if I have a favorite son, but I can't pick. I think it would depend where in the story I was. The cast of characters was rounded out by Snow's best (female) friend Cindy, Snow's Hunter, and Kenmei. Oh - and Abernathy. Dragons seriously rock.

I loved the way the story unfolded. Seal of Gabriel and Telltale Kisses were two of my favorite volumes. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the others, because I most definitely did. Those were ones that helped some things click for me, and RaShelle Workman did a phenomenal job with those two especially.

The bottom line here is that if you're into vampires, or fairy tales, or both, you should read Blood and Snow: The Complete Set.  Personally, I wouldn't read it any other way because the endings of each episode made me super happy I had the whole thing handy! Oh - I have a note in my Kindle that says "I love Snow's inner voice". There were plenty of moments that had me chuckling.


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Monday, April 22, 2013

Review and Giveaway - Echo by Alicia Wright Brewster

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Echo by Alicia Wright Brewster  
Publication: April 25th 2013
by Dragonfairy Press 
Genre: YA Sci-Fi

The countdown clock reads ten days until the end of the world. The citizens are organized. Everyone's been notified and assigned a duty. The problem is . . . no one knows for sure how it will end.

Energy-hungry Mages are the most likely culprit. They travel toward a single location from every corner of the continent. Fueled by the two suns, each Mage holds the power of an element: air, earth, fire, metal, water, or ether. They harness their powers to draw energy from the most readily available resource: humans.

Ashara has been assigned to the Ethereal task force, made up of human ether manipulators and directed by Loken, a young man with whom she has a complicated past. Loken and Ashara bond over a common goal: to stop the Mages from occupying their home and gaining more energy than they can contain. But soon, they begin to suspect that the future of the world may depend on Ashara's death.

Alicia Wright Brewster is a mild-mannered lady of average height and above average paranormal obsession. By day, she works in an office. At night she is an author, an electronics junkie, and a secret superhero.

In her virtually non-existent free time, she loves to read, watch movies, and eat food. She is particularly fond of the food-eating and makes a point to perform this task at least three times per day, usually more.

Where to find Alicia:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


Let me start with...I love this cover. Absolutely love this cover. Gorgeous. Perfect. Love it. I would have bought this book based on the cover and blurb alone. And I would not have regretted it.

10:04:21. Ten days, four hours, twenty-one minutes until the end of all things we knew - or so the vision said.  Echo  starts off with a bang and does not stop. The reader immediately finds out that four rewinds have already taken place, making this the fifth timeline. Ashara Vinn is summoned to the Council, where she's assigned to the Ethereal task force.

Ashara is understandably confused, since she's never shown any talent. But being a good citizen, she answers the summons. We're introduced to her best friend Rey, who is a Breather - an air manipulator. There are other practitioners we meet throughout the story, some of whom I would gladly have slapped.

When Asha reaches the Council, she comes face-to-face with Loken, someone she hasn't seen in a while and the person who will lead her task force. Loken and Ashara have history which makes for some fun interaction in stressful times.

The elders are the only ones who retain memories from previous timelines, so they are the people who dictate the next course of action for the practitioners. During previous timelines, new information became known, which changes the direction they will take in this fifth timeline.

I found Ashara to be a strong-willed, outspoken, and thoughtful heroine. As Echo  progresses, her history with Loken is revealed, along with a few other things from her past that had me feeling for this young woman.

While I realized the direction some plot threads were headed, there were several others that smacked me upside the head. Not because they didn't fit, but because I really had not seen them coming. At all.

Ms. Brewster did an amazing job telling this story. The writing is polished and clean. The pacing is tight, which encourages rapid page-turning. Before I knew it, I was being blown away by another of those little plot twists I mentioned. Echo had me smiling at some points, frustrated at others (with the situation, not the writing or the story!), and flat out cheering at the end.

Any book that makes me think and feel the way Echo  did is a winner. I'm not sure if this is a stand-alone or if there will be others in this universe. I would definitely read another tale of this world - if Alicia Wright-Brewster decides to write it!

There are two giveaways below. Both are open internationally - good luck!
Giveaway One: One (1) ebook copy of Echo
Giveaway Two: (1st prize) A print or ebook + $25 bookstore e-gift card
(2nd prize) A print or ebook + $10 bookstore e-gift card


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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Spotlight, Interview, and Giveaway - The Only Exception by Magan Vernon

Brought to you by SupaGurl Tours. Click the banner to see the complete tour schedule.

The Only Exception by Magan Vernon
Publication date: April 9th, 2013
by Beautifully Broken Books 
Genre: NA Romance

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.
**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+** 
Amazon Goodreads





Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman.

Where to find Magan:
Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Note: Due to my procrastination in providing the questions to Magan, she was sweet enough to complete this interview while in the hospital awaiting the birth of her daughter.


Congrats to the entire Vernon family on the new addition :)

Hi Magan! Welcome to Phantasmic Reads. It's great to have you here today!


Did you really get in trouble for passing around a V.C. Andrews book in school? Which book was it? :) It turns out that letting your friends read the sex scenes from The Landry series in sixth grade science class is highly frowned upon. Who knew?


You say you've never been to Disney World. Do you have any plans to change that someday? I have two little girls who I'm just waiting to be old enough and then I’m booking my first ticket there!


What was the inspiration to write a NA novel with political elements? I was a poli-sci major in college and always fascinated by the topic. It wasn't until an episode of New Girl in which Schmidt pretended to be Mitt Romney's son that it really came into fruition.


Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? I can write anywhere, literally, but usually I like sitting in the atrium at work and writing. No internet to distract me.


Do you have an interesting writing quirk? What is it? I don’t write linear. I write the beginning on my computer and the end on my iPad.

What are your pet peeves? People who don't capitalize "i"

What's your guilty pleasure? Teen Mom 2

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Play with my daughters

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? Uhhh...I have a talent for memorizing stupid movie quotes.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Ebooks, I can read anywhere and stop and start a new book right away.

What are you currently reading, or what did you recently finish? One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy. Cute so far.

Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point? By the time I get myself and my kids ready I barely have time to breathe let alone make the bed! Lol

What are three things you never leave the house without? Cell phone, keys, ID

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination? Central College is based around the college I went to, Illinois State University, so I had Monica's same classes and worked at the same coffee shop.

Who is your favorite character from your book and why? John Boy. I just loved every thing that came out of his mouth.

How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you? Joey and Josh were really hard to write for obvious reasons and I had to push through that to move the story forward.

Which character speaks the loudest, to you? Do any of them clamor to be heard over the others? John Boy. For some reason I just love the foul mouthed boy.

What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read? My creative writing teacher in HS told me a writer should always be a reader so I always find time to read. I’m a big legal thriller fan, actually. And of course NA.

If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why? oh tough one...um....Harry Potter probably. Hook up with Draco and do some magic...in more ways than one.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why? Lauren Myracle, Jodi Picoult, and Gayle Forman. Each woman writes grief and love so beautifully that I would love a dinner convo with them.

How do you get past writer’s block or distractions like the internet? I just keep writing. I’ll switch scenes or do word sprints and reward myself with twitter.

Favorite book from childhood? Little Critter

Do you ever write in your PJ’s? Every night :)

Do you have any pets? I have an American Staffordshire terrier named Snogs. A big baby.

Name a place you'd love to visit someday? So many. I always wanted to visit Sicily where my family is from and was blessed to be able to do that in 2010.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? Never quit!

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? Thank you so much for taking a chance on an indie author. You are all the reason that I keep writing :)

Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it? Just about everyday of my pregnancy, lol.

Speed Round:

The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less: Sexy, witty, emotional. The Only Exception is a must read.
Pen or pencil? Pen
Milk, white, or dark chocolate? White
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Pie or cake? Cookies :)
Plotter or pantser? Pantser
Coffee or tea? Coffee
If you could have any superpower what would you choose? Flying!

Thanks again for visiting with us today, Magan!

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Friday, April 19, 2013

Spotlight and Author Interview - Deadly to Love by Mia Hoddell



Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)
Mia Hoddell
ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA
ISBN: 9781291319170

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenceless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.



What people are saying:

“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action. As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn't reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5
“I found that it's surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5
“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.” ~Brianna 5/5


Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Where to find Mia:


Hi Mia! Thanks for stopping by and answering some questions today!


Tell us a bit about yourself (something that's not in your bio):
I love writing and always have weird ideas floating around in my head. On the rare moments where I am able to switch off though I enjoy photography so will go walking around the countryside/forests near my house. As well as this I am studying Drama, English Language and Modern Domestic History as A-levels (thankfully in my final few months) so my life is pretty hectic at the moment.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
At the moment my exams come first so I have to balance my writing around that. I try and do a bit every day but timings vary. Usually I work best at around 10pm until 3am as it’s peaceful with less distractions. As to where I write, that changes often. I get bored stuck in one place so need a change of scenery every now and then. If it’s nice weather I may write outside, otherwise I move from room to room.

Do you have any pet peeves?  If so, what are they?
My biggest one is time keeping, I hate being late or not meeting deadlines.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I either go out to take pictures, manipulate ones I’ve already taken, read, review or may do something sporty. Usually though, the last one doesn’t make it past the thought process anymore.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I’m good at netball and running (100m & 200m) and have competed at a regional level in both although I only play for fun now as I don’t have the time to train.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Why?
I think I will always prefer paperbacks, it feels as if I have got more for my money and that I actually own something. As well as this, they are easier for me to read and I like being able to hold/bend them. Ebooks are growing on me, especially for review purposes and convenience when out, but I would always choose a paperback if I had the choice.

What are you currently reading, or what did you recently finish?
I’m currently re-reading Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler. I’ve enjoyed this book every time I have read it but with the Deadly to Love tour, exams, reviewing and writing I am finding myself struggling to get back to it.

Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
It depends on how I am feeling, I’m not a morning person so it may take me a few hours to get around to it if I can be bothered but sometimes I don’t see the point to it so leave it.

What are three things you never leave the house without?
My iPod (for music and books), phone and some kind of food

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
In Deadly to love there are certain bits that are based on real life experiences or that I researched by doing them, however you will have to read it to find out what they were… Also, I always try and base certain aspects of characters on people I know as it helps me relate to them more.

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
I don’t think I have a favourite really. The book is written from Serena’s POV so I connected with her most but I think I had the most fun when Jack and Alanah were involved as they are a bit more unpredictable in their personalities.

How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?
Again, I don’t think I really have a least favourite. I dislike Ian most but I have written his character to try and gain that response so it’s hard to decide who is my least favourite. Kai did cause me the most trouble though as I just couldn’t find a name for him.

What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
I try and read most days but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to fit in. Normally I read to relax and take a break from writing so I think I will always be able to do it. Some of my favourite books include: Ringmaster, Cat Royal series and Dragonfly by Julia Golding, Skulduggery Pleasant books by Derek Landy and Girl Missing by Sophie McKenzie.

If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
I would probably pick one of the Skulduggery Pleasant books as they are action packed, include magic and I love the characters because they have a quick wit and make me laugh.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Julia Golding because she is my favourite author of all time and got me into reading, Derek Landy because he seems like a funny guy in his writing (even his acknowledgments make me laugh) and finally Rachel Vincent because I love every book she has written.

How do you get past writer’s block or distractions like the internet?
I’ve never really been faced with writer's block, however I do get distracted by the internet a lot. I’ve had to start switching my wifi off while I get into writing but after half an hour I am fine.

Favorite book from childhood?
I didn’t really start reading and enjoying it until I was fourteen. The book that hooked me though was The Diamond of Dury Lane by Julia Golding.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
I tried it once but I ended up falling asleep so have never repeated it. Generally once I am awake I can’t stay in my PJs, it just makes me feel tired.

Do you have any pets?  Got pictures you'd like to share?
I have two cats at the moment and love them to bits, although they are total opposites; one is incredibly needy and loving while the other is just a grouch. You can see one of them in my picture (the grouchy one) and the other looks exactly the same just smaller.

Name a place you'd love to visit someday?
Since visiting the Bahamas in 2003 I’ve always wanted to go back there but in general I want to travel to as many places possible.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Um…Well I’m still learning the ropes and figuring things out but the main thing I would say is write because you love it and it makes you happy. There are days where I question why I put myself through some of the stuff I do but when I go back to writing I am at my happiest.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
If you have read or taken a chance on my work thank you, I appreciate the support!

Speed Round:
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less:
The Elementals – Beautiful, Majestic and Deadly…
We need them to be able to survive, but what happens when we can no longer live with them?
Pen or pencil?
Pencil
Milk, white, or dark chocolate?
Milk or white
Dogs or cats?
Cats
Pie or cake?
Cake
Plotter or pantser?
Plotter
Coffee or tea?
Hot Chocolate
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Controlling all of the elements

Thanks so much for visiting, Mia!  It was nice to have you on the blog today!  :)

Thanks Reanna for hosting me on your amazing blog!

Remember to check out Deadly to Love and the rest of the tour stops HERE!