Friday, February 27, 2015

Turbulent Desire Series Pre Cover Reveal


Are you ready? Six more days and the cover will be revealed!



Author bio: 

Ericka was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She was only a year old when her father died. His passing left her mother to assume the role of both parents. Her mother worked long, extensive hours to provide for her children. She was strict and demanded respect. She was both mother and father and often impatient with her children. Not understanding her mother's situation, Ericka grew to be afraid of her. But Ericka insists she had a happy childhood and isn't looking for sympathy.

When Ericka was nine years old, she found a firecracker. And as any curious and mischievous child would, Ericka found a way to light it. Thinking it was a sparkler, she held the firecracker right in front of her face. The firecracker exploded! The sound was so loud, she became dizzy. Afraid of what her mother might do to her as punishment, Ericka kept her own secret. The vibrating sounds of her footsteps sounded like canon booms in her head but she still kept her secret. She would stick her head out the window of the moving car; hear the wind whistle in one ear and not the other. But she still kept her secret. It was a year before she saw a doctor for her hearing problems. She was finally able to tell someone what had happened to her. The doctor discovered that her right eardrum had completely ruptured and her left one was severely damaged. Believing education would be easier to obtain for a slightly deaf girl in the U.S., her mother sent her to live with her sister. Ericka enrolled in public school and wore hearing aids throughout junior high. The hearing aids stopped working for her by the time Ericka completed the 10th grade. Feeling out of place and without any special needs support, she opted to drop out.

Ericka was eighteen when she became pregnant. Her passport had expired and rather than risk getting stuck in Mexico, Ericka decided to stay in Texas. She married her high school sweetheart, moved to Minnesota and had two more children. Life in Minnesota was difficult on a single income and the family hit hard times. After six years, she and her family moved back to South Texas.

We find ways of coping when life gets tough. Ericka chose to read books. She has accumulated over two thousand digital books and has read every one. It was through reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer that Ericka realized she wanted to write. She knew she had a knack for storytelling. Able to recount a story more than once and with the same precise detail, she started researching what she needed to do to become a writer. Eventually she began taking notes on the story she wanted to write. The plot and the characters started to flow.

Looking at Ericka, you would never know she is completely deaf or that she is reading your lips. Reading her writings, all in English, you would never know she only speaks Spanish. Ericka does not know sign language. She was never given the opportunity so she never learned. But none of this affects her spirit; it drives her dream.

She is married to her high school sweetheart Alex and along with their three children, resides in Brownsville, Texas. She is currently working on the next volume of her series, Turbulent Desire Series, available early 2015

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Dead of Night Review Tour



Title: Dead of Night
Author: Carlyle Labuschagne
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Romance
Publisher: Hallowed Ink Press

Blurb: 

In a dark and desolated After Earth, love still does exist, but the cost of bearing such a flaw is death.
World War III has left Earth in utter turmoil. People’s beliefs are said to be the cause of the worldwide destruction. After The Clearing new laws are set about - to show certitude in anything besides the law is weak and chargeable as mutiny. To be illogical and have faith in religion is illegal, to be limitless is dangerous. And Illness is seen as a defect – all flaws that are inexcusable.

But to love is the greatest betrayal of all mankind. It is a fault the world has long forgotten and punishable by death, a fatal risk Aecker and Opel are fully prepared to take - because in love there is freedom. But how far can they push back before it claims their lives and of those they care about?

My Review: I am at a loss of words. Dead of night literally blew me away. This book was so awesome I don't know how to put it into words. I truly enjoyed every last second of reading this story. I devoured it in 3 hours and now I wish I had stopped and savored it a little while longer. Aecker and Opel the two main characters in the story have such a bond a deep connection that just makes you want to hide them away from the rest of the world to keep them safe. They are so well written that they leap off the page as you follow them through out the story. I can not tell you enough about how much I enjoyed Dead of Night. I will be singing it's praises for a long time. to come. This book is one of the best I have read in a very long time. I won't tell you about the story for fear of giving it away however, I will tell you that if you haven't read it yet you need to. Carlyle Labuschagne is a very talented writer and I very much so look forward to reading what she next has in store for us next.





Carlyle Labuschagne is a South African award winning author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her first two books in the Broken Trilogy. Her first young adult dystopian novel "The Broken Destiny" reached top 3 in its YA debut Category. The Sequel Evanescent won YATR literary award for best Sci-Fi book 2013. 

Her become a published author prgramme for students launched Feb 2014. 
She is not only an author, but works as a marketing manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at College SA. 
Carlyle loves to swim, fights for the trees, and is a food lover who is driven by her passion for life. Carlyle also writes for IU e-magazine India, an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words. Carlyle is also the founder of the first annual book drive – Help Build A Library in Africa Project. And hopes to launch her very own Indie book festival in Johannesburg March 2015.
“My goal as an author is to touch people’s lives, and help others love their differences and one another.”

Author Links:
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Monday, February 23, 2015

Gideon's Promise Release Day Blitz


Title: Gideon’s Promise
Author: Morgana Phoenix 
Genre: NA Paranormal
 Expected Release Date: Feb. 23, 2015
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours


Blurb:His love will become her curse. For centuries, Gideon has kept his secret, knowing that it could mean the life of the woman whose very heartbeat was his reason for living. But when Veil Creatures are slaughtered in their homes by those sworn to protect them, it may be up to him to save those he loves from a fate worse than death. What he doesn’t expect is the betrayal and a choice that could leave his family devastated. Valkyrie Devereaux believes only in the power of justice, loyalty and obeying the laws of her people. Love was something to be feared and she had been taught long ago that anything that could make you weak, needed to be eliminated. But when she is assigned to join the Casters of the north in hunting down the creatures killing the innocent, even she can’t help the twang of longing for something that goes against everything she was raised to believe was wrong. Like fire and gasoline, passions collide. Heat erupts as they fight against their desires and their very nature. But a fire like theirs can never be smothered. It can never be stopped. It can only burn to unimaginable heights, but what happens when it careens out of control and destroys everything around them? And who is waiting for that exact moment to destroy the brothers? She will become his death.




Airicka Phoenix lives in a world where unicorns, fairies and mermaids run amok through her home on a daily basis. When she’s not chasing after pixies and rounding up imps, also known as her four children, she can be found conjuring up evil villains, bad-ass heroines and swoon-worthy heroes to play with. Airicka is singlehandedly responsible for her greatly anticipated collections, The Touch SagaThe Lost Girl DuologyThe Regeneration SeriesGames of Fire & Betraying Innocence. She also writes mature paranormal & contemporary romance under the dark guise of Morgana Phoenix. To date, she is responsible for The Sons of Judgment SagaIn The Dark SeriesForever His Baby & Bye-Bye Baby. For more about Airicka and the realm she rules with an iron fist—and tons of chocolate—visit her at:

Buy Links: (Octavian’s Undoing, Book One)
Amazon US *   Amazon CA  Amazon UK *  Amazon DE *  Amazon FR *  Amazon AU * Amazon IN *  iBooks * B&N *  Smashwords *  Scribd *  Inktera * Goodreads  

Gideon's Promise (Book 2): Amazon US *  Amazon CA * Amazon UK * Amazon DE * Amazon FR * Amazon AU * Amazon IN * iBooks * B&N * Smashwords * Scribd * Inktera * Goodreads



Thursday, February 19, 2015

A Lovely Dream Blog Tour

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Book Title: A Lovely Dream Author: Barbara Cutrera Genre: Contemporary Romance Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions























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Book Blurb
One night, Seneca Jones has a vivid dream in which a smart, handsome man loves her passionately and unconditionally. Seneca, a social worker, dismisses the dream as a manifestation of longing for what she fears she’ll never have. But she figures out shortly after meeting Michael Benedetto, a former Naval Intelligence Officer, that he is the man of her dreams. Both brilliant and haunted by their pasts, Seneca and Michael realize they were meant to be together regardless of their extremely different backgrounds and their individual struggles with PTSD. Despite their devotion to one another, however, Michael’s past as a spy and the horrific incident that Seneca witnessed as a teenager put their relationship, as well as their lives, in jeopardy. As their love and commitment grow stronger, Seneca and Michael vow to work together to help others who are fighting similar battles. Unfortunately while they attempt to deal with their own issues, they have no way of knowing that an even greater danger looms over their future.

My Review: This book truly touches on some very real issues that people are left to deal with daily. I truly enjoyed reading this book as it felt real not like reading a soap opera. Seneca and Michael both suffer from PTSD and yet reach out and try to help others with their own loss or problems. These two are meant for each other as sure as it was written in the stars. They both have a past that could risk their future but the love they share makes you want to cheer them on and hope that love will prevail in the end. A Lovely Dream is a beautifully written story that will let your heart soar and leave you wanting more. 
5/5

excerpt

“Do you mind if I swim?” Michael asked. “I’ll get my stuff out of the SUV and change while you’re inside. I can put my dry clothes back on afterwards.”
“Brrr. It’s fine with me, and there’s no one else around to care. We’re completely isolated here. So, be my guest.”
I made a trip to the bathroom, got two bottles of water out of the fridge, and headed back to the lanai. The moment I opened the door, I stopped. I thought my heart would stop, too.
From his position near the edge of the beach, Michael was unaware that I was standing in the doorway to the house. He slipped off his shirt and placed it on one of the chairs. He then undid his belt buckle, unbuttoned the top button on his shorts, and then unzipped them. Once those were placed next to the shirt, he took off his black boxers. I watched as he pulled on his swim trunks, slipped on his water shoes, then walked into the water and began to swim.
The image of Michaels naked body lingered in the forefront of my brain. His muscles were well-defined but not overly so. His butt was not flat but not too rounded either. And the glimpse I’d had of his….
You need to be very careful or else you know what’s going to happen. Then where will you be? What if he is really like the man from your dream and you have sex with him too soon and ruin everything?
Sighing, I made my way down to where our chairs were set up and took the same seat. I was so engrossed in watching Michael’s powerful body as he swam that I forgot about looking at the sunset.


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Meet the Author
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Born and raised in Louisiana, Barbara Cutrera was destined to be a storyteller. The author of contemporary romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, fiction, and mystery novels, she became addicted to reading and creative writing at an early age. She moved to Florida’s Gulf Coast with her husband, son, and Cairn terrier in 2004 and enjoys its relaxed, diverse atmosphere. Barbara, who is visually impaired, believes our minds are only limited by the restrictions we place upon them. She has a passion for writing, reading, family, friends, music, Nutella, and A & W Cream Soda.

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The Crystal Keeper Blog Tour




Title: The Crystal Keeper
Author: Laurisa White Reyes
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Expected Release Date: February 9th, 2015
Cover Design: Emma Michaels

Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours








Synopsis:

Exiled for loving a human, Jayson is sworn to protect the Seer's crystal from those who would use it to obtain power. Unbeknownst to him, his wife Ivanore searches for him, hoping to save him from the terrible fate she has seen in her visions. When she is captured, Jayson must make an impossible choice--should he save Ivanore or save the crystal?


My Review: Upon opening this book I was not sure where this story would take me. I quickly discovered that it would take me on a fantastical journey through lands unheard of and beautifully unique. I became caught up in this story fairly quick and began to devour every word wanting to know more. Jayson being the main character of this story rapidly won me over with his gallant ways. He tries very hard to his word and sworn protector role. He has some great obstacles thrown his way and some are not easily taken on but Jayson keeps on and takes each obstacle as it comes. Ivanore his wife tries like crazy to get to Jayson to keep him safe and from her visions that tell of a fate that would surely leave him in a terrible way only to be captured herself. As Jayson is left with a choice to break his sworn word or to save his wife things start to get tricky. How do you decide between your wife and your sworn word? Can Jayson protect them both? I was on the edge of my seat hoping that some how Jayson would come through and save the day. 
5/5

















Synopsis:

With the help of Teak, a local farm hand, Ivanore flees from the Vatéz into the forest. While recuperating from her injuries, she becomes an apprentice to an elderly enchantress who teaches her how to control her abilities. Unaware that Ivanore is in Hestoria, Jayson commits to working off the cost of Brommel’s passage to Dokur, where he hopes he and his young son will be safe. Though Jayson vows to avenge the death of Brommel’s wife and daughter, despair and guilt threaten to extinguish what little hope he has left of begin reunited with Ivanore.  

My Review:  The story just gets better and better! I fell in love in Exile and wasn't sure where Betrayal would take me but I was blown away by this book as well. The plot only thickens in Betrayal and keep me on my toes as Jayson is met with obstacles that tear him apart inside and leave him unsure of his want to be reunited with Ivanore. Jayson becomes caught up in helping Brommel trying to keep him safe only to be left with vengeance. Ivanore continues her journey to warn Jayson. While during her fight she learns how to control her abilities. I felt the heart break and despair as Jayson was left wondering if he would ever see his wife again. This book really pulled at my heart I felt the wanting of Jayson and the fight from Ivanore. My only hope was that true love would prevail in the end. Maybe that is just a little of the fairy tale in me. Sometimes true love is what does win.
5/5


  















Synopsis:

In the third book in The Crystal Keeper series, Ivanore sets off to rescue Jayson from the Vatez but soon finds herself their captive instead. Once Jayson learns that Ivanore is in Hestoria, he must choose between saving her and saving the Seer's crystal.


My Review: At last Jayson and Ivanore are aware of where one another are and both seek to find the other. On a path to rescue Jayson Ivanore is the one met with some challenges that keep her fighting to save Jayson. In the end though it all comes down to Jayson choosing to save the seer's crystal as he has sworn to protect it at any cost or saving his wife. This time love truly hangs in the balance and what Jayson is left with is his heart on the line. I am in love with this series and I am left wanting more. I won't tell you anymore of this story as I believe it is a journey you need to discover on your own. I will however, tell you that it is worth your time to discover for yourself. The Crystal Keeper series is wonderfully written and leads you into a realm of fantasy and magic. I loved how this series swept me away. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
5/5







Though written for adults, The Crystal Keeper series is the prequel to Ms. Reyes' fantasy series for children, The Celestine Chronicles.

EXCERPT:
Ivanore hunched over the parchment, the tip of her quill flicking above her hand like a trapped bird desperate for escape. The tallow candle cast a cramped circle of light across the table, hardly enough to see by. If only the night would last a little longer. Perhaps then she would have enough time to write everything she needed to. But alas, time was one thing she had too little of—that and light.
An older man with long, gray-streaked hair and piercing gray eyes, waited beside her. The stone bungalow, their most recent of many hiding places, boasted the barest of furnishings: the table, stool, cot—and a plain wooden chest, its key held tight in his fist.
A sudden thump sounded at the door, startling them both. A strand of Ivanore’s hair, gold as the candle light, fell across the page. She quickly tucked it back into place and wrote faster.
Zyll laid a hand on Ivanore’s shoulder. “They are here,” he whispered.
Ivanore finished the document and handed it to Zyll unbound. Turning to the chest, he carefully laid the pages inside.
“Wait,” said Ivanore. “Will you keep this as well?” A flat circle of pale green crystal lay in her open palm.
“But you will need it. I mustn’t—”
“Please,” she insisted, pressing it into his hand. “I can’t risk losing this one.”
Zyll reluctantly folded his fingers around the cool stone. “Of course, milady,” he said. Then, adding the crystal to the parchment, he laid a plate of thin wood atop them both, sealing the chest’s false bottom. He closed the lid and locked it.
The pounding at the door grew more insistent. Whoever stood outside was using his full weight against it in an effort to break through.
“We must hurry,” said Zyll.
Ivanore allowed herself a quick glance at the chest, offering the briefest of prayers that the gods would keep it safe until her return. Then, taking her by the arm, Zyll ked her through the low archway dividing the bungalow’s front room from the back.
A loud crash of splintering wood resounded through the bungalow. Their visitors had finally broken in.
“Find her now!” a deep voice bellowed.
Grateful for the trousers she now wore instead of her usual cumbersome skirts, Ivanore clambered onto a stool and through a narrow window, lowering herself as quietly as possible to the ground outside. Once Zyll had done the same, they stole away across the rocky field. Though the sky was black as ink, their path was illuminated by the amber glow of volcanic fissures scoring the area for miles around.
“There she is!” a man’s voice shouted behind them. The words sent spasms of fear through Ivanore. She glanced behind her and saw three soldiers emerge from the bungalow, wearing the gold and red cross of her father’s crest. They had tracked her even here, to the remotest corner of Imaness. Would Fredric ever let her be?
Ivanore stopped running. She looked at Zyll, her trusted guardian and ally these past months since she had fled Dokur, and knew her time with him had come to an end.
“You’ll watch over them until I return?” she asked, out of breath. “Keep them safe. Don’t let my father find them.”
“You have my vow,” Zyll whispered, his voice tight with emotion.
Ivanore’s eyes welled with tears as she pressed her lips against the calloused skin of Zyll’s hand.
 “Go,” said Zyll. “Go now before it’s too late.”
Ivanore released Zyll’s hand and sprinted forward alone. As she ran, she cupped her hands around her mouth and let out a loud, sharp call, much like that of a hawk or an eagle. She risked another glance over her shoulder and watched as Zyll turned to face their pursuers. As the soldiers neared, their swords glinting in the fireglow, Zyll held up his hands. A horizontal bolt of cerulean lightning shot out from his palms, striking the oncoming soldiers. The men recoiled, their bodies instantly singed and bloody.
Ivanore ran on. In desperation, she repeated her call, and this time another voice called back. A dark form appeared on the horizon, silhouetted against the light of the volcanic fractures and growing larger as it approached with tremendous speed. As it neared, the creature’s massive feathered wings moved the air around Ivanore in warm, powerful gusts. Ivanore saw clearly its eagle’s head with a beak large enough to break a man in two, paired with the muscular, furred body of a lion. As she ran toward it, the gryphon lowered its head, waiting.
Behind her, the soldiers reeled in pain, but they did not forget their duty. One man struggled to his knees, grunting from the effort. Reaching over his shoulder, he slid a short bow and arrow from his pack and swiftly took aim.
Ivanore reached the gryphon, and in one smooth motion hoisted herself onto its back, twisting her arms deep into the feathers on the creature’s neck. In that same moment, a single arrow found its mark in Ivanore’s shoulder. Ivanore cried out before her body slumped forward and her mind went dark. The gryphon took flight then, and in less time than it took to draw another arrow—or a breath—they had vanished into the night.



AUTHOR BIO:
Senior Editor of Skyrocket Press and Editor-in-Chief of Middle Shelf Magazine, Laurisa White Reyes is the author of several middle grade and young adult novels, including The Rock of Ivanore,The Last Enchanter and ContactThe Crystal Keeper is her first series for adults.

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