Red Series

Thursday 28 February 2013

Getting Personal: February 2013

Another month has ended and I am grateful to have this blog and all of you here with me. Life is full of choices and one I'm very happy about today is the fact I created this blog. So thank you to everyone who has joined, commented, read and become one of my dear blogger friends.

This month I also went to the movies for the first time in 2013. The newest version of the Hansel and Gretel movie rocked and 3D only made it more awesome. I also planned to see Warm Bodies and Beautiful Creatures but Warm Bodies just premiered in theatres yesterday and B.C. is still on the way.

In writing news I had a positive critique from Carrie Butler for chapter one of my novella For My Country (Book 3 in The Sacrifice Series). In book news I bought a copy of Beautiful Creatures on Saturday Feb. 23. Look below to see this amazing cover. Until tomorrow everyone.


Wednesday 27 February 2013

Review Tour: Time's Twisted Arrow


Today I'm reviewing Time's Twisted Arrow. This tour is hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.




Time's Twisted Arrow by Rysa Walker 
Publication date: October 1st 2012
Genre: YA Science Fiction
"Sharp writing, a flair for dialogue and a big, twisting imagination." - Kirkus Reviews.

They weren't panic attacks. Of that, seventeen year old Kate is certain, no matter what the shrink told her parents. But it's even harder to accept the explanation offered by her terminally ill grandmother - that Kate has inherited designer DNA from the time-traveling historians of CHRONOS, who were stranded in the past by a saboteur. Kate knows that her grandmother's story could easily be the brain tumor talking, but that doesn't explain the odd medallion or the two young men - one of them hauntingly familiar -- who simply vanish before her eyes on the subway. It doesn't explain Trey, the handsome stranger who now occupies Kate's assigned seat in trig class. And it definitely doesn't explain why Kate is now in an alternate timeline, where leaders of a previously unknown cult hold great power and are planning a rather drastic form of environmental defense.

In this new reality, Kate's grandmother was murdered at age twenty-two on a research trip to the past, which means that Kate's mother was never born, her father doesn't know her and, for all intents and purposes, she doesn't exist. The only thing keeping her from disappearing entirely is the strange blue medallion around her neck, and the only thing keeping her sane is her burgeoning relationship with Trey. To restore the time line, Kate must travel back to 1893 and keep herself and her grandmother clear of H.H. Holmes, the serial killer who is stalking young women at the Chicago World's Fair. But that choice comes at a price - she'll remember the past few months with Trey, but when he looks at her, he'll see a total stranger.



Purchase:



AUTHOR BIO
RYSA WALKER grew up on a cattle ranch in the South. Her options for entertainment were talking to cows and reading books. (Occasionally, she would mix things up a bit and read books to cows.) On the rare occasion that she gained control of the television, she watched Star Trek and imagined living in the future, on distant planets, or at least in a town big enough to have a stop light.

When not writing, she teaches history and government in North Carolina, where she shares an office with her husband, who heroically pays the mortgage each month, and a golden retriever named Lucy. She still doesn't get control of the TV very often, thanks to two sports-obsessed kids. 

Author Links:




Review

Times Twisted Arrow is a riveting time traveling ya novel that has seventeen year old Kate visiting alternate time lines to correct mistakes and right wrongs/sabotages. While she starts as a typical teen with 'panic attacks' things change not only when she discovers she DNA linked to the time traveling historians of  CHRONOS. As she learns the truth and realizes she's in an alternate timeline, she decides to work with her two love interests, one from a past she can't remember and another who will be forgotten if she fixes what's been corrupted. Learning that her grandmother was a time traveler trapped in the past by her evil husband only increases the stakes as he's created a cult bent on world domination. The time shifts keep both readers and Kate on their toes and when you finish this book you'll want to read what happens next and see how she can possibly fix this crazy mess.

There are a few issues. The time jumping can get confusing when you want to keep the timeline and story lines straight. Also it gets kind of annoying when time travel seems to at times only cement things she's trying to change or avoid. So while this is a really good read, be prepared to read this book closely as it's not for the lazy or a quick beach read. Still if you enjoy time travel and science fiction, this book is right up your alley.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Monday 25 February 2013

Review Tour: Frost Fire


Today I'm reviewing Frost Fire as part of the review tour hosted by Xpresso Tours.




Frost Fire  (Tortured Elements, #1)
Author: Olivia Rovers
Publication date: November 20th, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
“Magic is just like love, Allai. It won’t wait for permission before it destroys you.”



Like sand in an hourglass, Allai’s future is dwindling away. She’s spent her entire life fighting the Mages who threaten humanity, and dreams of someday eradicating magic. But all it takes is an anonymous phone call for the truth to spill out: Allai is the one thing she despises most. 



She’s a Mage. 



Though ancient law mandates Allai’s death, she still has one last chance of survival. His name is Drake Rhaize, and he swears he can lead Allai to a sanctuary for Mages. Allai hasn’t seen Drake in years, but she remembers him as the Demon boy who used to hold her close and softly whisper that he’d keep her safe. But Drake has changed since then: He’s now suspected of murder, and has been out-casted for betraying his own kind. 



While Allai doesn’t trust Drake, she has no choice but to put her life in his hands and hope he can get her to safety. Because Allai’s father has hired a pack of Demons to bring her back to him, dead or alive–and Demons never stop the hunt.  



PURCHASE LINKS



Review

Frost Fire starts with just the right tone. Allai is dealing with nightmares resulting from being attacked by Drake. As Luke tells her she is the one who needs to stop them so starts the story of a girl who has no idea the insane turn her life is about the take. She goes from fighting Mages to protect humans to discovering she is one. She has to decide whether to leave or die and her decision takes her on an odyssey that includes reuniting with a boy she no longer trusts.

This book is a real page turner. If you enjoy the paranormal this book is for you. Olivia builds a rich complex world that you'll want to dive into. But on the flip side for  someone who's been so well trained Allai can be a bit too much a damsel in distress sometimes. Yet this doesn't overshadow Drake or make Allai unlikable. Luke is also another character who cares about Allai even if he does it in his own snarky superior way. Drake the demon boy who's willing to protect her and her nemesis including her own father keeps the excitement level high. Frostfire is an exciting book and if you want to read more go out and buy a copy.


Rating: 4 Stars

Sunday 24 February 2013

Friday 22 February 2013

CassaStorm Cover Reveal, The Prophecy Book Blitz and Celebrate the Small Things

I am happy the reveal the cover for CassaStorm by Alex Cavanaugh. Alex is both a talented author and wonderful blogger who helps anyone he can across the blogoshere. So today view the cover to the last of the trilogy and read more about this exciting novel coming out later this year.



CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh
A storm gathers across the galaxy…
Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, his only struggles are occasional rogue pirate raids and endless government bureaucracies. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, shaking Bassan to the core and threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could be on its way back. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
Release date: September 17, 2013
Science Fiction - Space Opera/Adventure
Print ISBN 9781939844002
E-book ISBN 9781939844019



The Prophecy Book Blitz


Today I'm taking part in The Prophecy Book Blitz which is hosted by Xpresso Tours.




Book & Author Details:

The Prophecy by Rachel Deagan  
Publication date: February 8th, 2013
Genre:YA Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction
“The cards tell me of the children of the stars.”

Jacey thinks her life is worthless, when she finds herself in a psychiatric hospital after a failed attempt to end her life; her wounds miraculously healed. Devin, who claims to kill on touch, is also there. When Michael arrives, bearing telekinetic powers, he insists the government, and an even darker, more powerful force, wants them dead.

In a desperate attempt to escape for their lives, the three teens find they must confront an even greater adversary, themselves - and with a prophecy forced upon them, they must find a way to accept their fate, or rebel together, as one.


PURCHASE: 



AUTHOR BIO
Rachel Deagan 
Rachel grew up in small town Massachusetts where she spent most of her time writing about strange paranormal creatures instead of paying attention in class. She has always been considered the 'dreamy' one with her head in the clouds. She now lives in Nevada with her two sons, a cat, and a rat named Sam.


Celebrate the small things


I forgot to post last week. But I'm here this week and these are the small things I'm celebrating.

1. Getting a positive first chapter critique from Carrie Butler.

2. Pain meds, been having some bad headaches lately and finally caved in buying some.

3. My kindle. I have borrowed some really great books lately including Hollowland and What a Boy Wants.

4. God. He is the grand master of everything.

Thursday 21 February 2013

The Truth about Letting Go Cover Reveal and She Said What Bloghop

Today I'm taking part in the The Truth about Letting Go Cover Reveal which his hosted by Xpresso Tours.


The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore
Publication date: February 21st 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary
Ashley wants to smash everything in her once-perfect life.
Charlotte wants to walk in Ashley’s seemingly charmed shoes.
Colt wants to turn Smalltown USA on its ear—with Ashley at his side.
Jordan wants to follow his heart…
But Ashley’s the one sacrifice he never expected to make.


Up until now, Ashley Lockett’s followed the rules. She’s always done the right thing, played it safe, gone to church. Then her ideal life is  torn apart when her dad dies suddenly.

Now she’s miserable and furious, and she makes a vow not to believe in anything. She’s on a mission to do everything opposite of how she lived before—rejecting safety, the rules, faith…

And then she meets Jordan.

Jordan has big dreams, he’s a great kisser, and he wants to help her through her grief. He also believes in everything Ashley now claims to hate.

Then she meets Colt. He is not safe. And he’s ready to help Ashley fulfill her mission.

Purchase Links:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Truth-About-Letting-ebook/dp/B00BHRY07Y/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_2_3FRN
--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-truth-about-letting-go-leigh-talbert-moore/1046031574?ean=2940016256580
--iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-truth-about-letting-go/id604565709?ls=1 


AUTHOR BIO
Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a freelance editor when time permits, a chocoholic, a caffeine addict, a lover of any great love story, a beach bum, and occasionally she sleeps.

Leigh’s debut novel The Truth About Faking is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Kobo.

Her second book, Rouge, is a mature YA/new adult romantic suspense novel set in New Orleans. It’s available on Amazon.

Author Links:




Elise Fallson and her blogging buddy Michelle Wallace have a  fun hop to celebrate their  blogger anniversaries.


Bonus Words: twist, cheek, buzz, honour, grey, champagne, tango, vomit


Panel 1:

E: Oh crap, I think I released the balloon too soon.

M: Seriously? Get your ass cheek in here! This stupid balloon rise was your idea.

Panel 2:

E: Um...I think we might have a problem. And I twist my ankle.

M: I should just let your stupid ass die right now. And wear some underwear when we're adventuring!

Panel 3: 

V: Hey ladies need some saving? Can I take you dancing, the buzz is all about the tango.




Panel 4:

(Crash)

Panel 5: 

M: No wonder you dumped that idiot!

Panel 6:

E: We drop in a lake, thank goodness. And yeah, his IQ made me want to vomit.

M: This wasn't so bad. I always wanted to go skydiving.


Dragon: Pour the champagne! Grey Dragon's going to eat well today.

M: Now I'll do you the honour of taking you to lunch. V's buying, I took his wallet.

----

So there you have it folks. Until tomorrow.



Wednesday 20 February 2013

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Today I'm going to share with you a website that spreads awareness about Teen Dating Violence. In a month of love we need to remember not everyone is safe and that includes some of the most vulnerable among us. Please visit the site and show some support.

Website: Teendvmonth

About page: Click here

Facebook: Break the Cycle

Tuesday 19 February 2013

The Protector's of Aidensdein Blog Tour - He Came For Mine, C.M. Brown‏ and Express Yourself Meme


Today I'm doing a blurb for He Came for Mine by C.M. Brown. Dark things are ahead for the main characters and you can only find out more by reading on and going out to buy a copy.



Blurb: Desperate to save the life of a child he never knew he had, Sebastian returns to Earth to find Jazz in the arms of another man. A man he knows all too well. One who cannot be trusted! Sebastian worries if Jazz’s feelings for him have fleeted in his absence and he vows to win her back.
Jazz struggles to find ground between Sebastian and her new life, unsure who to trust and still holding resentment for Seb’s abandonment. She seeks solace through someone who was there for her when she needed to pick up the pieces.
After coming to terms with her new life, Jazz is struck down with confusion and longing when Sebastian suddenly returns.
However, a dark battle is forthcoming, one that is bound to bring bloodshed.

LINKS TO HE CAME FOR MINE:

SMASHWORDS            BARNES AND NOBLE

SONY              KOBO              AMAZON



And don't forget Book One in the series.



Blurb - He Came For Me, Book One in The Protector Series
Jazz, lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia. She leads a normal teenage life busy with friends, TAFE College, a part time job as a waitress, surfing and searching for a boyfriend! Until one day driving on her way to TAFE she is passed by a red Mazda Rx7. The driver holds her attention and as they both wait at a set of traffic lights to change to green, a sexual tension passes between them. In the days that follow she finds that this guy moves into her life as she befriends him, his friends and family! But are Seb and his friends what they seem to be? A fantasy novel revolving around a love story between two young people, who should not by rights, come together. Crossing the dimensions of two worlds, this story embarks on a journey of love, duty and togetherness as the two young lovers fight to be together and keep each other safe. Overcoming many obstacles while fighting to protect one another this story will leave the reader intrigued and wondering what will happen next!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIe-DAw65zOM1rvylReS1pgb9dINmgNpaCmBQAQmw8ugtOkrCP7001vvkn3MiwhpfzUn5N1H2c5G8F4JVUwp1Q9nsyrl4b5QiCNfd8dBDxiDwUu2GylN8k8DDLsTC25eXVafbw0bw7qfA/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png

SMASHWORDS            BARNES AND NOBLE

SONY              KOBO              AMAZON

Express Yourself Meme: Favourite Love Scene




My favourite love scene comes from a book and a movie. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (Part Two for the Movie) had one of the steamiest scenes in both the book and the movie with Ron and Hermione. The movie did them some really good justice. Just look below (but beware spoiler photos).



So haters of this couple can buzz off this page. This couple is forever and besides they've come a hell of a long way.









See? Destiny.

Monday 18 February 2013

Review Tour: Barbie Girl By Heidi Acosta


Today I'm reviewing Barbie Girl (Baby Doll #1) as part of the Review Tour for Xpresso Book Tours. Get ready to read about a different type of contemporary romance. 



Barbie Girl by Heidi Acosta (Baby Doll #1)
Publication date: November 1st 2012
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

The only thing that 17 year old Barbie Starr wants to do is graduate high school so she and her little brother, Everett, can get out of Alabama. She doesn’t care about the rumors that are spread around about her like wild fire. Rumors are nothing new to her. Sure, maybe she could change her reputation, but why bother. She is leaving Alabama as soon as she can. That is, if she can pass algebra and graduate.

The only thing Dylan Knight would like to do is go through high school unnoticed; he has had enough of the drama that is high school. He took the whole of last summer to bulk-up: finally he is not being called names or being shoved into lockers. He wants to remain on the outside of the circle of constant rumors that surround the so-called popular kids who get all the attention. He would not, however, mind if his long time crush Katie took notice of him.

But it is Barbie who notices Dylan and she offers him a deal he can’t pass up: if he helps her pass algebra, she’ll help him get the girl of his dreams. Dylan agrees, but, as it turns out, nothing is simple when it comes to Barbie. Somehow, she can’t help but draw attention to herself — and to him. Soon Dylan finds himself tossed into the whirlwind of rumors that seem to follow Barbie everywhere. Can he save his reputation and still get the girl of his dreams? Or will Barbie be the one to break through his carefully-built facade?



Purchase:



Review

Barbie Girl takes the boy meets girl motif and throws it in a blender. Straight laced Dylan Knight just wants to be with Katie in a fairy-tale romance. But what he gets instead is love advice from the school slut Barbie in exchange for tutoring her in algebra so she can pass and graduate. Things get intense when he starts having feelings for her. Will he still go after Katie, the girl of his dreams or defy convention and chase the rebellious girl that never even entered his fantasies?

Barbie and Dylan are two characters I had to fall in love with. One they come right off the page as real life teenagers. Heidi doesn't try too hard to make us believe they're teens, she lets the story speak for itself and boy does it. These two teens just want to get through high school in one piece. Dylan does it by bulking up so he won't get bullied anymore and Barbie by becoming the 'pretend' school slut to escape the reality of an alcoholic mother and dependent younger brother. Two Dylan isn't written like a lot of guys in contemporary fiction, he's neither a ladies man or some super nerd minus the glasses. He's a regular guy who is smart and just wants to get the girl of his dreams. He ends up starting to like a girl he at first thought could only enter his nightmares but young love can get strange. Three Barbie shows that hooking up is not always about the pleasure but also hiding insecurities and numbing yourself to reality. I learned quite a bit from reading her character's perspective and will look at girl's stereotyped as sluts a little differently. Four the story is absolutely engaging and page turning. The dual perspective that go from chapter to chapter keep you clued in as to what both Dylan and Barbie are thinking. If you like romance, contemporary or just a really good story that defies convention, this is for you. I don't go running down romance so I can testify to this truth. I only picked this book because the summary interested me and a fellow blogger gushed about it. Guess what though? No regrets! I need the sequel. NOW.

Before I go I have to give a shout out to an awesome secondary character. So many times they get left in the dust but chubby best friend of Dylan, Third is always front and center. Whether in Barbie's or Dylan's perspective, he makes a great appearance and offers both comedic relief and great insight in his fun teen boy way. Despite some lewd remarks and questionable fashion sense Third is a nice person and excellent best friend. He starts off ogling Barbie but comes to see her as a fun person to hang out with while she helps Dylan get his dream girl by pretending to be his girlfriend. He still gets teased unlike Dylan but that doesn't kill his spark as he witnesses Barbie and Dylan's love/hate relationship. Also he single-handedly keeps the tight budget Barbie fed during lunchtime. What a modern day gentleman. *Grins*

So in short get a copy of this book. The characters and storyline are fun, unique and engaging from beginning to end. You will be screaming for a sequel. Yes Heidi Acosta. We are waiting.

Rating: 5 Starts!!

Author Bio:



Heidi Acosta was born on Long Island, New York. Moving around a lot when she was younger, she has lived in New York, Arizona, New York (again), Washington, Georgia, and Florida, in that order. Each place offered her something special, but she will always consider New York her home.

Heidi started writing as soon as she could spell. When she was three, Heidi’s mother gave her a copy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods; thus beginning her lifelong love affair with literature.

Writing soon also became a form of therapy for Heidi, when she realized that no matter what was happening in her life, she could find emotional escape while writing. Some of her earliest stories featured her as a princess who explored new worlds with her horse Buttercup. If it sounds romantic, it wasn’t, there was no prince charming in those fairy lands (boys where yucky).

Heidi now resides in Florida with her husband, very active daughter, one hyper Chihuahua, two sweet cats, and one very fat moody cat.

Author Links:






Thursday 14 February 2013

Vampire Bite Bloghop

Today I'm taking part in the Vampire Bite Bloghop. My post will be about the 5 sexiest vampires I've seen grace movies and television. Oh and Happy Valentine's Day!



5. Jeff from Fright Night (2011 Movie)






Jeff might not be a popular vampire name but one look at this one makes you not care. He was a wicked one but aren't some of the sexiest vamps just real dark inside? How can I not add such sexiness to the list?


4. Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt from Interview with the Vampire

 Louis

 Lestat

Couldn't just pick one. These vampires were among the best on screen in the 90's before sparkling Edward and sexy Damon came along in the 21st Century.


3. Eric Northman from True Blood


Are you able to see? No? Then just listen to the sexy.... Oh yeah, even the blind know he's deliciously hot.



2. Selene from Underworld


Yes, she is so bad ass that she'd actually knock Eric to third place. While I'm still all for the males when it comes to any kind of sexy, Selene makes my list because both her looks and attitude just blast you out the water. For any man or woman, that oozes sexy. Especially for a vampire who can handle herself in a fight. The males on this list would have a real challenge fighting her.

1. Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries


I can hear the screams of the Eric Nothham fan girls from here. Yes Damon tops my list. He's not only hot but also not all broody like his brother Stefan. Hey I like a good guy but Damon takes life by the balls, Stefan's too busy considering if he should go downstairs and get a life in my opinion. Damon lives unashamed about his vampire lifestyle and despite his bad side shows some good too. Plus look at this grin in the photo, you know a smirk like that leads to a good time.

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Accession Cover Reveal and Waiting on Wednesday

Today as an Xpresso Book Tours host I present you with the eye catching cover for the Accession Cover Reveal.




Accession by Terah Edun (Sarath Web, #1)--Publication date: September, 2013
Blurb Teaser:

She will be more powerful than the Blood could have ever imagined. 



He will not claim a mortal Queen and will do anything to stop her.

Their battle will begin in September 2013.
--

Topics: Magic, Fantasy, Romance, High School

Studio: MacBook Pro 13

Director: Terah Edun

Cast: Amelie Thompson, Richard LeCross

Genre: Witchy Romantic Thriller

Book Release Date: In stores Friday the 13th, September 2013

Rating: PG-13



AUTHOR BIO
Terah Edun
Terah Edun is an international development professional and author/lover of all things Young Adult Fantasy fiction. She is a native Georgian, adoptive Washingtonian, unrepentant expat currently living in South Sudan, brilliant dreamer, lover of dogs and not-so-closet geek. Her first novel, Red Madrassa, was released on November 8th and her second novel, Sworn to Raise, comes out in March 2013.




Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Publication Date: May 1, 2013

Summary: Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn't giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

I'm very excited about this book. And the family dynamic is a great touch for me. Too many times in young adult fiction the adults/parents are all but absent minus brief appearances. An invisible girl trying to live a real life is a great basis for a novel. Hope it lives up to all the hype across the blogosphere.


Waiting on Wednesday: Reconnected

Please Note: The final WOW on this blog as I take my final bow this month. I want to thank all readers of this post and all my blogging. I r...