Sunday, March 31, 2013

#Giveaway for Release Day! For Range & The Magpie Bridge (I Am Just/Not Junco 4 & 4.5) by J. A. Huss

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RANGE
THE MAGPIE BRIDGE
I Am Just/Not Junco
J. A. Huss
Published: March 27, 2013
Genre: New Adult Science Fiction
RANGE INFO
Two years have passed since Inanna stole Junco away from Lucan. Two years of unimaginable pain. Two years of isolation, mutilation and torture. Two years of fear and loneliness in a morph tank. And that’s not something you just get over, even if you are psycho-assassin, Junco Coot. Now Junco has to learn to live with the consequences. Her Siblings are suspicious and angry, half her team is dead, Tier is wreaking death and destruction, Lucan is holding his secrets close, and she is spiraling out of control. There is only one partnership that matters anymore – only one person she will trust and take direction from – and only one way out of the Hell she’s been sentenced to. Junco is tired of fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all.
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MAGPIE BRIDGE INFO
Raubtier Aves, 039-1, a.k.a TIER Son of Lucan Ranking Officer of the Avian military Powerful Ruthless And devoted to Junco, no matter what
  Tier was left with one specific order and he’s not about to screw it up. He might lose all his allies, his brothers, his shot at defeating the High Order, and his own Eternal Salvation - but he’s willing to risk it all to keep one small girl alive. Tier reveals his part in the epic tale of The Seven Siblings, spilling secrets and motivations that will leave you breathless and wanting more. The Magpie Bridge paves the way for the final installment in the new adult Series, I Am Just Junco. The final book in the Junco Epic, RETURN, will be released on December 2, 2013.
New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction
New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction
Ashur Interviews Tier Hey everyone – Ashur here… Junco asked me to introduce Tier’s interview since I happen to know him best. I thought I’d spice things up a bit and add my take on his questions…enjoy!
Character profile: Raubtier, Aves 039-1
Physical Description: 6’1, 185 lbs. black hair, green eyes. I think this is a stupid question, let’s move on. No one cares what I look like, only how well I fight. (ASHUR: I look just like him, only smarter.)
Actor who could play you in a movie: Next… (ASHUR: I agree, that’s like a total chick question.)
  Job: Second in Command to Lucan, Captain of the 039. (ASHUR: So he thinks…)
Favorite gun: Whatever’s available when I need it, which isn’t often. (ASHUR: Tier only uses guns if they're handy, otherwise he’s all about slashing throats.)
Favorite MMA move: The flying knee because that throws them off every time. It’s like, splat, there goes your jaw. Bye… (ASHUR: Yeah, the flying knee is brutal. That shit totally hurts.)
Favorite Team Member: Ashur. (ASHUR: Awwwww…he loves me.)
Favorite vaca spot: Next… (ASHUR: Secretly, Tier loves Disney World)
Favorite food: I’ll eat anything, who cares? Food is food. Although Junco is an excellent cook and I enjoy her human meals. (ASHUR: Junco makes an awesome pineapple upside-down cake)
Age: In Clutch I’m 24. In Fledge and Flight I’m 25…Range takes place when I’m 27.
Birthday: I have no idea when my birthday was – sometime in the Clutch year of 2127 maybe. The only day that counts is your morphday. Mine is March 9, 2139 and since the 039 were all sent back from Earth at the same time, we all morphed together. So all the members of the 039 share the same morphday. (ASHUR: We have a raging fucking party every year. Invitation only.)
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Song: Everything by Metallica (ASHUR: Dude, do you remember that time we saw Ozzy and Metallica, and Van Halen and Metallica, and all those other times we saw Metallica? If you do, let me know – because they’re a little fuzzy in my memory for some reason….)
Words to live by: Trust me. (ASHUR: pffft.)
Perfect Saturday Night: At home with Junco. (ASHUR: Yeah, me too… except with Selia.)
Three traits that best describe me: Rational, ruthless, and loyal. (ASHUR: Well, I’d say asshole, asshole, and asshole. Is three all we get?)
What did you want to be when you grew up: A good guy. (ASHUR: Good guy? You don’t even come close, brother. Sorry.)
Day or night: Night. The best part of my day is sleeping next to Junco. (ASHUR: I got nothing for this one.)
Bad-Ass Junco is BACK!
(And-She's-A-Crazy-Bitch Giveaway)
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Win The Junco-is-Psycho RANGE Blog Tour $150 Grand Prize.
Or one of two runner up prizes! CUSTOM Silver Junco Angel Wing Locket Necklace from birdzNbees
ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label). She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.
New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction

Ten Fun Facts About J. A. Huss
  1. She owns two donkeys named Paris and Nicole.
  2. Her favorite color is green.
  3. Her favorite foods are popcorn and pancakes.
  4. Best place she ever visited was Stonehenge.
  5. Her favorite SF book is Woken Furies by Richard K. Morgan
  6. Her favorite literary book is Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley
  7. Her favorite new adult book is Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
  8. Movie she drops everything to watch no matter what is The Fifth Element
  9. Princess Leia inspired her to be a smart-ass
  10. She has five tattoos.


EXCERPT
Tier appears in front of me and his hands are on my shoulders. I swat them off and push past him.

"Take me back! Please, just take me back to Gideon. I don't want to be here." He simply stares as I point to the drawer that contains the demon Bible. "Is that who you guys worship? Some vampire thing with metal claws?"

Tier's laugh startles me and I step back so fast I trip over the edge of the bed and fall backwards. His dark imposing figure hovers over me, wings lifted and extended slightly, as his eyes glow green with—something. He grabs my arms and slides me towards the center of the bed, then crawls up, his knees on either side of my legs, until he's poised above me.

"Worship him? Darlin', he is High Order—he is coming to kill us. We don't worship him. We flee from him. We take flight like starlings. And if you're quite done stomping around like a baby, I'm going to enlighten you about exactly who I am and what we're doing here and then maybe—unlikely, but maybe—you'll stop your incessant whining and pouting and screaming and think of someone other than yerself for once."

He stops, maybe to see if I'll object to his insults, but I don't. Not because I agree with him, but because I just can't think of anything to say. He's wiped my mind of everything but his body, which at this very moment is lowering down on top of me. His uniform shirt rides up a little and I catch a glimpse of skin. It takes every molecule of willpower to pull my gaze back up to his eyes.

"Because this is not a fucking game I'm playing." His weight settles across my stomach, his face coming closer and closer until he's a breath away. His words come out as a whisper. "We're done playing, Junco." His hands are on either side of my head now, leaning on the bed, forming little impressions in the mattress so that the palms are brushing alongside my cheeks. I try to watch his eyes but all that registers is how with each passing fraction he is closing the distance between us.

"We're gonna set it straight, right now." His mouth dips down and caresses mine.

My eyes close as I respond, but he pulls back almost immediately.

I lie there. Waiting to see what he'll do next, not even caring that he just blamed that whole fight on me, because this man is heating me up in a way that makes me powerless to resist.


Saturday, March 30, 2013

#Giveaway ~ The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor Book Tour ~ Excerpt & Review


The Witch Hunter
Book One in the Witch Hunter Saga
Nicole R. Taylor

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal

ISBN: 978-1482061697
Number of pages: 300
Word Count:  72,000
Buy Links:


Book Description:

I was born into the world covered in blood, and that's exactly the way I left it.

Ever since, I have been damned to walk the boundary between life and death alone. Unwillingly turned and left to my nightmare, I have seen men commit countless horrors and committed many of my own.

My origins shall remain unknown, my true self hidden. I have been called by many names, but in this life I am known as the Witch Hunter. I have been asleep these past 150 years, until I was awoken by a haunting call.

Zachary Degaud was twenty three when he died. The problem was, he didn't stay that way.

Present day, he's just another vampire with another unremarkable story. That is, until he manages to provoke a two thousand year old witch named Katrin, who wants to make him pay in the most horrible way imagined.

Along with his brother Sam, newly made vampire Liz and their only witch ally, Gabby, his only chance for survival is to summon the ancient and unpredictable vampire known as the Witch Hunter.

Zac is just looking for a way out of his psychopathic witch problems, but instead will find himself falling head first into a blood feud that has stretched thousands of years.

Aya has been asleep for the past 150 years, until she was awoken by a haunting call. The witch she has been hunting for thousands of years, Katrin, has resurfaced and marked a young, annoyingly arrogant vampire by the name of Zachary Degaud. Unless she does something, he will die a slow and painful death. He has given her an opportunity to end the witch, but does she want to help him or leave him to his fate?

Zac will get under her skin like no one else has and she just might find herself making the ultimate sacrifice before he is gone forever.

They will both have to choose sides and look deep within themselves before the end. But, what Zac learns about himself, will surprise him most of all.

About the Author

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser. She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first. The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is currently available in e-edition and print.

Learn more about her writing at: www.nicolertaylorwrites.com

Author Links


The Witch Hunter Review

Dang, this was an awesome read! I loved it. It has all the things I love in a paranormal book. We have vampires, witches, werewolves and more.

Setting aside that the characters were very similar to the Vampire Diaries. Like for instance, Zak could be Damon, Sam could be Stephan, Gabby could be Bonnie, and it goes on. But, even with those similarities, I still loved it. I watch the Vampire Diaries show, and read all the books (well, the ones that Smith actually wrote, not the ghost writer ones) and I am a huge fan. I still loved this.  Because it has its own very unique story. Mainly because of Aya, who I just adored. She is such a strong character, and mysterious too. What she is, and where she comes from genetically is fascinating to me, and thought it was great. I won’t spoil it and tell you that, you can find out yourself.

The other characters were great too, Zac grew on my, in that bad boy way that Damon, and Sam was fine too, Liz I found weak, but she is a new vamp, so can’t really blame her. Gabby at first didn’t interest me much (she’s the witch) but she turns out great too.

I think this book can grow into a great series. I really see lots of promise in it.
Even if you are a fan of the Vampire Diaries, I don’t think it’s going to bother you with those similarities, it’s for sure its own story, and only the characters basic personalities and some looks are the similar parts.

If you never read or seen the Vampire Diaries, then its not even an issue, at all.
But I freaked at the ending, That part I didn’t like at all!! Why do that to us??

I give this book 5 big stars out of 5. It really is great. And I love the cover too!

If you like my review I would love your support at Amazon, by marking it as Helpful, Here.





Guest Post by Nicole R. Taylor

Sometimes inspiration comes from the most random places.

The Witch Hunter and it's following books were a product of a fantasy. That sounds rather strange, but I dreamt about it one night after becoming frustrated with the books I had been reading and the TV shows I had been following. They all had the same kind of main characters and most of the female leads were… boring and timid. I wanted to turn that on it's head and write the kind of book that I wanted to read. To begin with, I had no intention of publishing it, but the whole series became a beast that just wanted to get out.

What would happen if the first ten chapters of slow character development and unanswered questions was tossed on it's head? I wanted The Witch Hunter to read like each chapter was like a mini-episode of a TV show, minus the Christmas special. Like an epic action novel, but overall an Urban Fantasy?
The thing about the Witch Hunter is that something happens in each and every chapter and those somethings all happen for a reason. There's no purple prose, it's just BAM. If you don't turn the final page and go OMG WTF, then I haven't done my job properly!

There is a lot of mythology that's gone into creating this particular vampire world. From the beginnings to current day. Everyone has a story, even the bad guys. They all have reasons for doing what they do and nothing is as simple as being black and white. Everyone is in the grey area, though some are a little greyer than the next.

I was asked a while go by a friend (one of my beta readers) how I came up with the character of Aya.

It was when I was listening to one of my favorite bands ever, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, that I found her. I knew I wanted to write something new but had no idea where to begin. Then this song came on and when I listened closer to the words and it sounded like a character that I could write about. I wanted to write a strong female lead who kicks a$$. I had a scene floating around in my head for a while, but no ultimate story attached to it. (It was the scene where Zac and Aya first meet and what happens next - I won't give it away!) I was really into this album at the time and the song stood out and the rest is history. 
I don't really know who the Aya is in the song, but she inspired a band to write a song about her, who in turn inspired me to write a whole series of novels.


She's a patient killer, a timeless hand
The choke of the falling sands
She's a proven saint with a witches tongue
The gods of war at her command


It was those few words that I drew on and created a whole person, desire, history and purpose for. I don't know what she would have been like if I didn't hear this song. Take the time to watch to the video, it's a great song.




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Excerpt from The Witch Hunter
Aya opened the door and stopped just inside the doorway. In a split second she had surveyed the room. Three vampires, a witch and a werewolf. What a small town supernatural hub, Ashburton had really come up in the underworld. Perhaps her rude awakening wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all. This would be very interesting, but she had to be mindful of who these creatures were. The town would be claimed by one of the groups and by the intensity in the bar, she guessed it was up for contention.
She strode towards the bar at the far side of the large open room, aware that eyes were following her progress; human and vampire. The place was not that busy yet, still early evening, but enough that she brushed past her fair share of alcohol fueled young men. Young, human men. She pulled herself up internally. This was reconnaissance only. Fresh, warm human blood straight from the source was an indulgence that too often turned her into something darker than she ever wanted to be.
At the bar she ordered a triple scotch, straight up. The bartender eyed her with a little awe; she didn't have to read his emotions to know that he was a little turned on by the thought. On the house, he had said with a little compulsion. Strange enough, the alcohol helped with her control, but it took a lot of the stuff to make her drunk. 
As the scotch slowly disappeared from the glass, her inner compass took note of the lay of the bar behind her as she sat on a stool, seemingly studying the remaining contents. She listened to the conversations around her, trying to hear anything that would be of use. Assimilating into this slightly insane new era, or locating the source of the singing blood.
Two vampires were seated with the witch at the rear of the bar and were throwing out all kinds of emotions. Mostly she caught apprehension and anger. She couldn't help but notice the fact that they were staring at her and not making any effort to hide it, even if her back was turned. The third vampire seemed to be with them but was flitting around talking to many young humans. She felt young herself; almost newly made. The werewolf, a young testosterone fueled male, was standing to her left ordering drinks. He was unconsciously fidgeting and leaning towards her as if he could sense she was something else. And he reeked of sweat and blood.
To her annoyance, one of the vampires from the table at the rear was approaching in her blind spot. He leant against the bar with the pretence of ordering drinks, but she could feel the curiosity dripping from him. Tall, dark and handsome was such a cliché, but an apt description. He feigned a casual glance in her direction and caught her gaze. Green eyes assessed her from under his messy dark hair. Suddenly, she wondered how old he was. Certainly nowhere near her real age. No vampire in this country was, at least before she went to sleep. It was a new age and a lot more things seemed accessible even for the undead.
"Hi," he smiled at her.
She glanced at him nonchalantly and looked away, not wanting to encourage him.
He held his hand out, flashing a warm smile, ignoring her brush off, "I'm Zachary Degaud and you are?"
She turned her head slightly and looked him up and down, "And what am I going to do with a Zachary Degaud?" She could never help being a little smart.
The faint trace of a smile touched his lips, "Just rolling out the welcome wagon."
"Zachary is such an old fashioned name, is it not?" she prodded at the age card.
"What can I say? Old fashioned parents," he leant closer flashing a wicked smile. She could tell he was one for playing games. Asking casual questions to gain morsels of information. She grinned inwardly not giving herself away to him. In other circumstances she would have had a lot of fun with this one. "But you can just call me Zac. And your name is?" he continued, the smile never leaving his lips.
She pointedly looked him up and down, "You can call me Aya."
"Aya," he tried her name out, seemingly pleased that she had taken the time to assess him. "Aya, what?"
She smirked, "Just, Aya."
"I haven't seen you here before, Just Aya. Are you new to town?" he winked. "And your accent. Do I detect a hint of British there?"
She narrowed her eyes slightly, "Just passing through." Not new to town, I can remember being here long ago, she thought to herself. What a different place it was. She wondered if he knew how dark Ashburton's past really was. "I was born in Britain," she added before she cold stop herself. Well, her accent was unmistakable.
"Only passing? Sounds like you'll be gone soon. Do you mind if I join you for a drink? I'd hate to miss the opportunity to get to know such a beautiful exotic lady."
Aya unsuccessfully stifled a laugh at this. He obviously suspected she was more than human, but trying to glean information from her under duress of flattery? It was a manipulation she was well acquainted with and at least a little fond of. She was also aware that his vampire and witch friend had not stopped watching them, obviously listening in on every word.
"I don't think so, Zachary. I'm not one for falling for cheap flattery from strange men in bars," the lack of emotion in her voice was chilling as she shot him down.
His eyes widened ever so slightly, "Please, call me Zac." He wasn't used to being turned down. He was rather handsome in the dangerous kind of way; seduction was a weapon for him. Before he could retort, the door opened with a crash and a group of rowdy men burst in, laughing and seeming very pleased with themselves. Aya cursed under her breath. She couldn't help but breathe in their scent as the wind blew in around them. They stunk of human blood and sweat and violence. Werewolves. Werewolves that had obviously been on the hunt in their human form. Zac visibly stiffened.
Aya raised her eyebrow at him, "Friends of yours?"
"Not in the slightest," he glanced back to his friends, who were looking a little unsettled, but both groups kept their distance at opposite ends of the bar, giving away that they were currently on edge with each other. These were the groups fighting over the town, now she was sure about it.
Repulsed by the emotions emanating from the wolves, she scowled. Hunting was one thing, but killing innocent humans for sport went against all that she had worked for. She seethed inwardly; it would be so easy to tear them apart, to strew their body parts through the forest. It wouldn't take long. She felt her eyes clouding at the thought, blinking she cleared her mind and turned back to Zac. She had to be careful. There was still the issue of finding the one who had called her without revealing herself in the process.
"Well," she declared. "This town is flavorsome."


DiSemblance by Shanae Branham Book Tour ~ Excerpt & 5 Star Review


DiSemblance
Shanae Branham

Genre:  Techno-thriller (
Subgenres: Sci-fi, suspense, mystery, paranormal

ISBN: ISBN-10: 1477527761
ISBN-13: 978-1477527764

Number of pages:  272 pages
Word Count:  55, 894
Book Description:

Jason Tanner lives between two worlds. Problem is, only one is real.
 As a computer prodigy, Jason has spent his life with limited social contact due to his father’s secretive work on a hologram machine that can create digital immortality. When his father is murdered and framed as the Comfort Killer, Jason is targeted as the killer’s new fall guy. Having spent much of his youth living in the virtual world his father created, he must now go on the run if he is going to save himself, his brother, and the beautiful girl next door.


An exciting, action-packed ride to a future happening today, Shanae Branham's modern techno thriller is the perfect exhilarating adrenaline rush for a technosavvy generation. Expertly weaving cutting-edge technology with almost unbearable suspense, she crafts a wild, white-knuckled thriller that pushes the boundaries of science. Full of intensity and extraordinary vision, DiSemblance attacks the senses as it challenges the mind and imagination.

“Branham does a brilliant job creating suspense….She ramps up the tension by keeping readers guessing over the identities of Jason’s foes and about how Jason’s situation ties in with the hunt for the killer.”

“Jason’s love for his father and his motivation to find out what happened to him are particularly refreshing.”

“The characters of Jason and Isaac are … cool enough to rise to the occasion … making readers feel like they are rooting for real young men.”~  Jill Allen, Clarion Review (4 Stars)



Short Excerpt

The lines between reality and virtual reality are about to blur—and the result is murder.
Lloyd Tanner is a former MIT computer physics genius turned private sector visionary: he has created a hologram machine that can create digital immortality. This revolutionary technology is both a blessing and a curse. There are many who would steal the technology, and Lloyd’s family has had to live secluded from the world. But no matter how careful you are, there is no such thing as a well-kept secret, and there are those who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Lloyd’s.
Detective Bruce Durante has been handed the case of the Comfort Killer, a serial killer so named because he abducts terminally ill patients and returns their corpses to their families in refrigerated coffins. Picking up the trail, Durante finds it leading straight to the home of Lloyd Tanner.
When Jason Tanner’s father is murdered and framed as the Comfort Killer, Jason destroys all of the evidence in an attempt to save his father’s name. Trouble is, now Jason is in the crosshairs to become the fall guy. Having spent much of his youth living in the virtual world his father created, he must now go on the run for real if he is going to save himself, his brother, and the beautiful girl next door. But the secrets of his father’s invention run deep and Jason, his brother Isaac, Boston, the Comfort Killer, and Detective Durante hurtle towards one another on a deadly collision course that leaves everyone’s life hanging in the balance.




About the Author:

I am a professional writer with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and a minor in grammar. I have also attended several years of classes and workshops in screenplay writing at the Los Angeles Screenplay writer's Expo.

I love suspense thrillers and am a master at plot and character development. I enjoy stories with happy endings. I promise all my readers that when they put one of my books down or walk away from one of my movies, they will be enthused with excitement and joy. This does not mean there will not be some sad parts, because you have to feel the bitter in order to understand the sweet.

I was born and raised in a small town in Idaho. I am the second out of six children. When I was in my early 20's my mother was killed by a drunk driver. This one incident drastically changed my life. I have always had a passion for reading and writing fiction. Owing to a life long struggle with Dyslexia, early teachers discouraged me from pursuing a career in writing.

As I have spent over twenty years wrestling with my language disabilities-turning them into professional writing skills, God has honed my insatiable passion into an incredible vision.

My Christian upbringing has instilled within me the belief that "...with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). This has sustained me through the hard times. Because of my language disability, I have had to learn the structure of the English language like other people learn math - building block upon building block.

I am grateful for this experience because it developed in me a skill and love for diagramming sentences, which unfortunately is becoming a lost art.

I want my life to be a living testament that with God's help anyone can achieve their worthwhile dreams. What God requires is the humility to change, a childlike teach-ability to learn, and the patience and persistence to practice and work until their weaknesses are transformed into strengths.

Author Links



My DiSemblance Review

Wow, this book really can hook you in after you get into it, and it doesn’t take too long either. I am not really one to read the techno-thriller type books much, but have to say I did enjoy this one.

I found it to be really well written, and it kept me engaged and turning the pages of my kindle fast. The story is very interesting and the characters are well written, especially Jason and Bruce, who we get to see from their point of views.

It had that almost Star Trek vibe to it, but not in space, but in the technology of it, kindof. I ended up letting my mind think of it as fantasy, instead of trying to grasp the science of the technology, lol, it made my head hurt to think too hard on it. Just like when I read those time travel books, the technology, just goes over my head, but I still enjoy them, as I did this one.

When reading this book, you wonder what is real for the characters and what is not. But it’s not really confusing or anything, it’s the way it is supposed to be, I think.

It’s written like a mystery, and you follow detective Bruce Durante and Jason Tanner, while they are searching for the real Comfort Killer. I love seeing it from both of their eyes. It’s cool how one sees the real world and the other one is seeing an alternate one at times. What I loved is when the two collide and the truth comes out and we get a huge shock at which is actually the real world. The end will really shock you when you find out why the killer is killing its victims.

Overall I loved it, didn’t like Boston so much, to me, she is not very essential to the story, but that’s just me I guess.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a great mystery with some techno-thriller in there.

5 out of 5 stars for me. Give it a try!

I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

If you like my review, would love some support at Amazon, by marking it as helpful , link Here. Thanks.


You can see the rest of the tour stops Here.


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

#Giveaway ~ Bewitched by Mark Jay Harris ~ Book Tour


"Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!" - Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child series

Bewitched
By Mark Jay Harris
Inkspell Publishing


Blurb:

Is it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.

The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she's sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard? 

About the Author:

Mark Harris lives in Smithfield Utah, a small town located in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah. His wife, Shaundale, and he have four terrific children, two girls and two boys and a fifth one due to arrive in November of 2012. Mark has taught English and Special Education and currently works from home teaching English to people from all over the world. Writing has always been his true passion since he was a grade schooler writing about mushrooms. "Bewitched" will be his debut novel. He has two others underway and will soon start on the sequel to "Bewitched," called "The Return of the Familiar." He hopes you enjoy his work because he is working on several series geared toward younger audiences.

You can find Mark on: www.markjayharrisauthor.com

Book available on all major outlets: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and The Book Depository
Buy Links:


My Bewitched review

This is an amazing story. Full of Magic and twist and turns, full of action, and secrets and many surprises. It sure left me wanting more. It’s very well written too.

The complexities of the characters really make this story very intriguing for sure, and very exciting to read. The author uses great detail and history, which is twisted some, but made it all very believable too. That ending really made me wish book 2 was here now.
I think the world Mark created was very exciting, full of witches, demons, and also those that are after the witches too. I just loved it all.

The character development of Darren and Samantha was great, these two alone would have made for a great story, but the other characters just brought so much more, like Mike, Andrea, Serena and Atacus. They bring a little comic fun to the mix along with more background.

I think all lovers of paranormal books will love this book too.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and anxiously await book 2.

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
If you like my review, I would love some support at Amazon, by marking it as helpful, link is Here.
Or even like it at Goodreads, Here. Thanks for any support.






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Swoon #YABound ~ Great Swoon scene from Range (I am Just Junco #4)


Hosted By YA Bound. It's that time again! We (YA Bound) created a HOT meme, and if you're new to the game, here's how to join in the fun:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button at YA Bound (I made my own) and share it on your blog. We want to know.


Swoon Scene:

"This is not fair, you're trying to seduce me into telling you things!"His mouth teases my lips again as I momentarily forget what I was complaining about."Trying to? Darlin', this has gone beyond trying." He uses both hands to push my hoodie up, his thumbs dragging across my skin and sending shivers of delight up my spine as I whimper. He pulls me up off the bed for a fraction, slips the hoodie over my head, and then lowers me back down.And stares at me."What?" I breathe.His answer never materializes because his mouth is all over my body.I close my eyes and grab his hair as best I can, it's much shorter than it used to be, and pull his face towards my chest. He accepts with a low rumble from his throat and oh shit is coming out of my mouth.He stops.

Range (I am Just Junco #4)

Expected publication: April 1st 2013 by Science Future Press
ISBN13 9781936413171

Not a YA, but only is not because of some language and war type violence,  that's the case in all the previous books too. Its an exciting dystopian/fantasy/paranormal/adventure/sci-fi all in one, kindof, lol.


Two years have passed since Inanna stole Junco away from Lucan. Two years of unimaginable pain. Two years of isolation, mutilation and torture. Two years of fear and loneliness in a morph tank. And that’s not something you just get over, even if you are psycho-assassin, Junco Coot.

Now Junco has to learn to live with the consequences. Her Siblings are suspicious and angry, half her team is dead, Tier is wreaking death and destruction, Lucan is holding his secrets close, and she is spiraling out of control.

There is only one partnership that matters anymore – only one person she will trust and take direction from – and only one way out of the Hell she’s been sentenced to.

Junco is tired of fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all.

Here is link to the whole series at Goodreads so you can see which books are in which order, and about them, these are some of my all time favorite series. Go Here

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Book Tour: The Coven: Fire and Ice by Verdell Walker


The Coven: Fire and Ice    
The Coven, Book 1
Verdell Walker

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

ISBN: Print – 1481981080
Ebook - 9781301450695

Number of pages: 454
Word Count: 114,679

Cover Artist: Gabriela Miyares




Book Description:

After her clique's bullying causes a classmate's suicide, Kat Grey trades the vicious world of the California "in crowd" for the chance to become a better person in Massachusetts. But when she steps in to protect a classmate from being bullied, Kat sparks a war with Hannah, Milton Academy's resident Queen Bee. Kat's courage and compassion attract the attention of Blaze Ward, Hannah's ex-boyfriend. As they fall in love, Kat discovers that Blaze is more than the boy next door. He's a warlock. He is also the leader of an in-crowd like no other - the Brotherhood, five young warlocks charged with defending witches and humanity from a demonic adversary named Seth. Kat challenges Blaze to become a better man and leader while he helps her find redemption as she makes it her mission to stop bullying at Milton. But when Hannah teams up with Seth to destroy her, Kat becomes a hostage in the age-old war between the Brotherhood and their greatest enemy. Saving Kat will require more than Blaze's strength and skill; it will mean breaking one of his kind's most sacred laws. Blaze will have to make a choice: his honor or Kat's life.

About the Author:

Verdell Walker is the author of THE COVEN series. Born and raised in the South, writing has been her escape from reality for many years. Verdell is an avid sports fan and absolutely devoted to the Green Bay Packers. A gifted cook and baker, few things make her happier than making a meal for her family and friends. Except maybe writing about her favorite boys. 








This is an interview with Maximilian “Blaze” Ward, the hero of my novel The Coven: Fire and Ice. Blaze is a warlock and is the leader of the Brotherhood, five young warlocks charged with defending witches and humanity from a demonic adversary named Seth.  Blaze falls head over heels in love with Kat Grey, a ballsy gal with a smart mouth and a few demons of her own.
Enjoy!

First of all, why do they call you ‘Blaze’? Kind of an odd nickname.
You sound like my girlfriend Kat. It’s because of my speed – I’m faster than the speed of light. That’s my special power. I’m also a wide receiver on my school’s football team.

Boxers or briefs?
Wouldn’t you like to know.

What is your favorite book?
 Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. When I read it in English lit, it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I mean, yeah, there’s a monster in it, but it’s not a horror story at all. It has a lot of themes, but what I got from it was the importance of knowing what the limits of your power are. I think it has a lot of parallels for using magic and witchcraft. Just because you can cast a spell doesn’t necessarily mean you should.  We witches and warlocks can grow to be extremely powerful, but we can be twisted by that power if we aren’t careful. It can destroy everything that’s precious to us. It’s an important lesson that we all have to learn. I think that’s why I liked the book so much.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
Kat knows how much I love to draw, so she gave me a sketchbook once. But at the top of each page, she had written suggestions for what to draw, things that really challenged my skill or stuff I wouldn’t have thought of. My girl is thoughtful like that.
Also, I don’t know how she did it, but Kat managed to get me an autographed game ball from Tom Brady for my birthday. I almost died when I opened it.

Which Brother would win in fight with no magic?
Me, obviously. Etienne is strong but he’s stupid too, so…

What’s the most fascinating place you’ve visited?
Hands down, Cambodia. It’s a really amazing country and the people are so friendly. My family and I got to tour Angkor Wat. It was incredible. Kat’s never been, so I hope to take her one day to see it.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?
There aren’t a lot of places I haven’t visited but Machu Picchu is high on the list. It’s one of the wonders of the world, plus it’s really challenging to get to. And there’s nothing I like more than a challenge.

Do you have a recurring nightmare or dream?
Actually, we don’t dream like humans. Ours are more like visions, and they usually foretell the future or solve some sort of problem that we’re wrestling with.

What’s your favorite spell?
The cloning spell that I created. It basically splits the caster into several copies of himself or herself. It’s great for when the Brotherhood needs to cover a lot of ground, but it takes a lot of energy to maintain. My dad was impressed with it, so you know it was badass.

Who is your best friend?
It would definitely be Q [Quintavius Grier]. He’s a super genius and he’s my right hand man. I can talk to that guy about anything. You would think someone that smart would be weird and awkward but he’s the coolest dude I know.

If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?
[Sighs deeply] It would be Anna Thomas. She’s a girl I couldn’t save from Dark Ones when I first became a Brother. They ambushed her one night while she was running. I heard her screams because I was out on patrol near where she was, but I didn’t make it in time. I think of her almost every day. I was depressed for weeks after it happened, but I vowed she’d be the first and the last one they took without a fight.

If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be?
Nobody famous. It would be my great, great grandfather, Sherman Ward. He was a ‘station master’ on the Underground Railroad. He hid runaway slaves in his barn and his house as they escaped to Canada. 

What is your most prized possession? 
Definitely my black stallion Baltazar.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I love musicals. Please don’t tell Etienne or Sebastian. The Montgomery brothers have big mouths.


My Review of The Coven: Fire and Ice

I really enjoyed this book. Of course I love books with magic and stuff anyway, but I really liked the characters and the way the book was written too. I see a great future for this series, at least I hope so.

I was impressed with the writing for sure, as I said, its well written, the story just flows seamlessly and there is not a single part out of place, which was nice.

The characters were very well described, and could see them in my head. Kat, our heroine was a great friend to everyone, not a bit of evil intent in her at all. The Brotherhood and Bronwyn were great friends, their friendship with Kat and each other went to a high level, more like family.

I love how Kat is such an amazing, strong and independent person, who does not follow the crowd.

Now Blaze is a hot, and nice guy, but he finds out about himself that he isn’t perfect, and he does have some great friends. I really liked Blaze.

In a lot of ways this book does remind me of The Secret Circle, has those same elements, new girl to town, “circle” of friends, who are more than they seem, the magic of course. I read those books and seen the tv show, but I think in many ways this one is even better.

I do not want to spoil anything, but do highly recommend this book. I was on the edge of my seat, and think you will be too.

5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

If you like my review, would love you to mark as helpful at Amazon, link Here. Thanks Or Like it at Goodreads, Here.


Excerpt from "The Coven: Fire and Ice"


The body had left a spider web of cracks in Kat’s windshield. Still wrapped in her seatbelt, Kat clutched the sides of her seat, stricken with shock and fear.  A rational voice in the back of her head screamed at her to move, someone was injured, maybe even dead. Trembling, she forced herself to get out of the car. On wobbly legs she rounded the front of the Prius and scanned the area for the body. Spotting a large, still lump lying in the grass, Kat sprinted over to the person’s side. Kneeling, Kat placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. She couldn’t detect any signs of blood; there was also no blood on her windshield. Whoever he was, he smelled awful. Maybe it was a homeless person.
“Hello? Can you hear me?”
The man moved faster than the blink of an eye. One minute he was lying immobile on the ground, the next he had his hand clamped on her mouth and an arm around her throat. A shot of cold fear zoomed down Kat’s spine as she felt herself being hoisted up. She kicked and thrashed in a desperate attempt to get away, but the arm on her throat was like steel. Her cries were muffled by the foul-smelling hand, and the stench of the grave enveloped her. Kat thought she was going to faint until adrenaline and her fighting spirit came to her rescue. She bit down on the stony fingers and used all her weight when she stamped her foot on her attacker’s instep. The taste erupting in her mouth was worse than the smell and made her want to vomit, but she concentrated on wrenching herself free. The thing made no sound but jerked its hand back from her sharp teeth. Kat used the opportunity to let out an ear piercing shriek. Before it could silence her again, she tipped them both forward and sent them sprawling toward the ground in a heap. Kat aimed another kick at its stomach and managed to escape. It reached out and grabbed her foot but only pulled off her sneaker.
Kat shot off into the night, racing back to her car. She paid no attention to the gravel jabbing her shoeless foot as she ran. As she ran she continued to scream, hoping someone, anyone, would hear her. Her thighs burned as they ate up the distance, and she could hear her attacker gaining on her from behind. Fear and a desire to live propelled her onward despite the pain in her foot and throat, and tears ran down her cheeks from the biting wind. Soon the Prius was in sight, but her attacker had almost closed the gap between them. She could feel those disgusting fingers reaching out and trying to grab her. Kat pressed on, even though every muscle in her body screamed to stop.
Suddenly, a thick mist rolled in and enveloped the area, blanketing everything. Because of it, Kat couldn’t see the exposed root sticking up in her path. She tripped over it and pitched forward. As she fell, the attacker’s hand grasped her hair, yanking it violently. Kat thought her neck was going to break. She hoped it would, and that it would kill her before this person, this thing could. She thought of the mother she was just getting to know again, and felt sick. Then something hot streaked past her face, and the ground beneath her shook.
“Kill the mist, Q! I need to see!”
Kat’s heart lifted – was someone coming to help her? She didn’t want to believe, but then she heard another gruff, masculine voice.
“It’s not alone! Hold back till I clear this place!”
The mist receded, like water draining from a bathtub. Kat was on the ground, and through her watery vision she could see two pairs of boots racing toward her. Her attacker’s fist was still wound tightly in her hair and she could hardly breathe for the stench. She tilted her face upward and relief fled when she saw her saviors’ eyes cast an unearthly light in the darkness, the color of the glowing embers of a fire.
“Oh my God,” Kat breathed.
Another shot – of lightning?! – whizzed past her. The tension on her hair slackened. She heard a dull thud behind her as the blast of whatever-it-was nailed her attacker in the chest and sent him flying backwards. Her rescuers ran past her in a blur. One of them was a tall blond boy, the other African American with close-cropped black hair. Her attacker tried to crawl away from them but they surrounded him. The black boy brought his boot down on his ankle, pinning him to the ground. The blond kicked him savagely in the ribs, his body flipping over onto his back. He brought a knee down onto the attacker’s scorched chest and placed his hands on either side of its head. The blond boy’s hands glowed brightly as he twisted the attacker’s neck 180 degrees. A blinding white light filled the night, and the attacker’s body was gone.
If Kat thought she was scared before, she was absolutely terrified now. She pushed herself off the ground and tried to run away, but a sharp pain in her ankle brought her back down. She must have sprained her ankle when she tripped. Kat gritted her teeth against the pain and rose again. She would crawl the last few feet to her Prius if need be, but come hell or high water she was getting out of there.
“Hey, stop!”
Kat didn’t look back as she half ran, half hopped away. She was almost to the Prius. Impossibly, the blond boy was right next to her in an instant, blocking her path.
“Stop,” he commanded in a voice accustomed to being obeyed.
“Go to hell,” Kat spat back as she moved around him. She tried to evade the long, powerful arms that reached out for her, but she was too slow. Or rather he was unbelievably fast. On instinct, Kat fired her elbow into his ribs. The blond let out a grunt and she slipped halfway out of his grasp. He tried to regain his hold, but Kat reared back and scraped her nails across his cheek. This made him angry, but she didn’t care. She was pissed. If he took her, it wouldn’t be without a fight.
“Get away from me!” she screamed. Despite her best efforts, he caught her again. His arms were like stone pinions around her.
“Relax,” he said into her ear in a deep, rich bass. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
“You expect me to believe that! You just broke someone’s neck!”
“You’re welcome, miss. It was a pleasure saving your life.”
Without thinking, Kat spat in his face.
A low whistle sounded behind him. It was the other boy.
“A girl who is immune to Blaze Ward’s charms – I do believe this is a first.”
The one called Blaze lifted his right hand to wipe her spit away, while still keeping her imprisoned in his left arm. She struggled against his hard body uselessly.
“Do me a favor and hold onto her while I call Etienne.”
Oh no, there are more of them, Kat thought as she was passed like a ragdoll between the two of them. The other boy held her just as tightly. Her ankle throbbed. She thought about screaming again, but figured it was impractical as there was no one else around.
Her captor leaned down to her ear and spoke to her in a calm voice. “Don’t be afraid. We won’t hurt you. Just keep still and quiet. And please keep your saliva to yourself.”
Blaze stepped away from them and closed his eyes. He made no sound or movement, but he seemed to be reaching out to something or someone. Moments later, another huge blond appeared with eyes as green as hers. Out of thin air.
“Oh, good Lord,” Kat said aloud.
The new blond turned to look at her. “Crap – a norm. What’s she doing here?”
“Dark One had her,” Blaze replied. “We rescued her.”
“And she thanked Blaze with a nice, big loogie,” Kat’s captor said gleefully.
Mirth twinkled in the new blond’s eyes. “Did she see anything?”
“Too much. Which is why I called you,” Blaze said.
“You need me to wipe her?”
“Please.”
Kat stiffened with terror. Her captor felt the change, and rubbed her arm soothingly. “Calm down – he’s not talking about killing you.”
The new blond moved toward her. “No, baby. I promise this won’t hurt, and you won’t remember any of this.”
“Get away from me,” Kat said in a hard, angry voice. He said nothing, bringing his face closer to hers. Kat could make out the individual hairs of his prickly stubble. His green eyes flashed gold.
Something pricked at Kat’s consciousness. She closed her eyes and shook her head. The pricking continued, and some force deep within her mind resisted. Kat squeezed her eyes and opened them again. The pricking stopped, and she fixed him with a glare.
The blond frowned. “This one’s mind is strong. Most norms would be drooling wrecks by now.”
“Try harder,” the first blond said.
Suddenly, a feeling of tremendous calm washed over Kat. Her muscles relaxed, and the pain in her ankle drifted away. Those golden eyes mesmerized her, held her in their sway. If her captor hadn’t been holding her, she was sure she would have fallen to the ground. Her mind tried to fight back, but this time it was impossible.
“You’re calm,” he whispered. “You’re safe, and warm.”
“Safe and warm,” Kat repeated drowsily, in spite of herself.
“Give her to me,” the first blond said. His voice sounded far away and she nearly collapsed into his arms. He wrapped her arms around his neck. Reaching down, he slipped an arm behind her knees and lifted her off the ground. Cradling her to his chest, he turned to the others.
“Etienne, do something about her car. Q, conjure up another shoe for her, will you?”
If she had been alert, she would have thought their conversation was insane. But now all she could think of was sleep.
The one called Q stepped forward with her white and pink Puma sneaker. Kat wondered idly where he had found it.
“I wonder who she is, and where she lives?” Blaze asked Q.
“Never seen her before. Probe her mind for it,” Q suggested.
“No need,” Etienne shouted. “Got her license here. Katherine Grey, lives at 223 Shady Oak Lane.”
“Pretty sure she’s breaking curfew now,” Q said. “We should get her home before she’s grounded for life.”
A thought occurred to Kat. “Text Mom,” she murmured.
Blaze shushed her. “Etienne, is there a phone over there?”
“Yup. Texting her mom now. Man, there are like 10 messages from Momma Bear on this thing.”
“Q, go back to the others and make sure there are no more Dark Ones roaming around. Etienne, drive her car back to her house. I’m going to run ahead with her.”
Kat looked up at the young man holding her in his arms. His handsome face was angular and sculpted, with high cheekbones and a strong, masculine jaw. He must have felt her looking at him, because he peered down at her. His narrowed eyes were a translucent, shimmering blue. She breathed deeply, inhaling his scent. He smelled of sweat, dark spice, and pine. In spite of herself, she felt completely safe and taken care of. He stared at her for another second, and his eyes were inscrutable. The next thing Kat knew they were moving, the night rushing past them at incredible speed.
 
Copyright 2013 Verdell Walker. All rights reserved.

This tour is brought to you by Bewitching Book Tours, you can find the rest on this tour, Here.