Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Book Blast! Scents and Senses by Loren Secretts

Posted by BTS Rkive at Tuesday, April 29, 2014 0 comments
scentsSupernatural Friends. What the fairy tales didn’t tell you 

Playing the role of a knight in shining armor is more complicated than it seems in the storybooks, as sixteen-year-old Joy discovers when she repeatedly comes to the rescue of a fifteen-year-old human. But when she meddles in the girl’s social life, Starra sends her packing. 

Starra is determined to completely dissociate herself from the subterranean creature that has manipulated her life and cast her into the limelight. However, her resolve is soon tested when she becomes involved in a critical situation where supernatural assistance can enable her to carry out a daring plot. 

Eventually, Starra’s involvement with her new other-wordly friends extracts a heavy price when she is beset by challenges that range from the down- to-earth struggles of a typical teenage student, to the realm of the fantastic. Nothing prepares her, however, for the ultimate challenge. 
  

Excerpt

Joy 

Ever since I’ve been old enough to kick off on a condor with my own two chicken feet, I’ve been drilled to mind my own business. 

Mind your own business, the first of the American Ten Commandments. 

It’s not one I subscribe to, even though in our community, not minding my own business means more than social suicide; it’s a crime when we ascend above ground. 

For thousands of years we deeems have kept away from the creatures running over our heads with their five-toed feet. So if anyone in my community gets wind of the risky job I’m on these days, I’m practically a goner. But that doesn’t stop me from shadowing a certain teenage fivetoe. 

There’s also a totally different occupational hazard involved in this position I’ve created for myself, one I’m suffering from right now: this job occasionally makes school seem relatively stimulating. Yawn. I’ve played too many Angry Condor games to count since Starra got involved in some fantasy book a couple of hours ago and lost contact with the real world. Even if I knew how to become visible to the fivetoe eye and suddenly revealed myself, I bet she wouldn’t notice me, the cute teen perched on her windowsill. 

Time simply refuses to advance, and I have to resort to counting the spider eggs cocooned in their nest on a nearby tree branch. A sudden sigh interrupts my lame occupation. There’s a starry look in the big eyes, and I notice the novel is slipping out of Starra’s dreamy grip. This is my window of opportunity! I finger the starchy edge of the book jacket and coax the book forward. 

Thud. The book falls to the floor, and the movement seems to bring Starra back to her senses. At last she grabs a hoodie and sets out, probably for one of her night excursions on the Vista Del Mar Path. Are we running or biking tonight? 

Running it is. I jog behind her, finding the excursion by the shoreline an improvement to watching her read. At least we are moving

She runs for half an hour, at a speed faster than the sea turtle pace usual for fivetoes. Then she slows to a stop at a jagged rock, half-submerged in the ocean. I groan quietly and contemplate leaving. From experience, I know she’ll climb to the top of her rock and dream away. I start backing off, but when I’m some fifty feet away, I look back. Starra makes a pretty picture there, her silhouette perched high on the rock. Her long legs are tucked under her, and her head hangs back as she keeps her gaze on the stars above. If only she would let loose the heavy dark mane of hair she always twists up at the back of her neck, she would truly look like a mermaid risen from the sea. 

Something pulls me back to her. I can’t explain it, but I have a feeling trouble is lurking nearby, waiting to snatch her in its net. 

My chicken feet make an about face and follow Starra home as she takes the shorter route through town.

Scents and Scenses Blog Tour


Author Loren Secretts 

Loren Secretts was raised in a book-filled home, in a sleepy east coast suburb of the US. These factors are undoubtedly responsible for her early design of a number of exciting imaginary worlds that she could escape to from time to time during her childhood. 
In her teen years, between schoolwork and lending an ear to her friends, Loren had less opportunity to go AWOL. Instead, her experience as a confidant to others inspired her to major in psychology in college and earn her M.A. in the field on the west coast. 
As an adult, Loren has found fulfillment in her work with children and families for more than a decade. Her passion for writing was revived when she discovered that she enjoyed delving into the human psyche to write psychological reports. 
But clients' reports are safe with Loren, who guards secrets fastidiously. Indeed, one of her aspirations is to work as a psychotherapist for the CIA, but since she now lives with her family in Canada, that dream will have to await its turn…

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Blast Giveaway

 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/27/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 
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My Top 5 Swoon Worthy Korean Actors

Posted by BTS Rkive at Tuesday, April 29, 2014 0 comments
TOP 10 KDRAMAS is a feature here @ Jiha's file where I list 10 (or less) Korean dramas/Kdrama related stuff that I like.

5. So Ji Sub
I don't really know much about him, but his "get lost!" dialogue from The Master's Sun has captured my heart! Even though he's a bit older than the rest of the list, I really think he's handsome. I hope he makes more dramas!


4. Kim Hyun Joong


I love him in Playful Kiss, We Got Married and Barefooted Friends. He's handsome, funny and a nice guy. He has an angelic smile and I like that he works really hard! He's changed his style to look more manly, but I really miss his bangs!


3. Kim Soo Hyun


Who doesn't love Kim Soo Kyun? He's really adorable! I've been reblogging gifs about him since I've finished watching You Who Came from the Stars. He's drop-dead gorgeous and has a really cute smile. Kim Soo Hyun you rock!



2-1. Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jong Suk


Lee Jongsuk or Kim Woobin? Who do I like most? Well, I don't really know. I can't choose because I love them both!

Jongsuk is sooo cute and I love his personality. I've watched a lot of his interviews and have been fangirling about him since I Hear Your Voice.

Woobin on the other hand, plays really manly and tough roles in his dramas, and I'd like to see him in a drama where he plays the first lead.

I like their friendship and loved watching them in School 2013. I'm anxiously waiting for their next drama together which unfortunately, won't be coming anytime soon -_-



I love this fan-made video!



Actors that didn't make it to my top 5:

Lee Min Ho
I know a lot of you might be wondering why I didn't mention Lee Min Ho in my top 5 list. Well, I didn't add Lee Min Ho because even though he is one of the most famous actors in Korea and has swept many girls off their feet, he just wasn't able to get me under his spell. I think he's a great actor, but I don't really find him attractive? (no offence to fans of Lee Min Ho, I'm just stating my opinion). I've seen 2 of his dramas so far, Personal Taste and Heirs, but you never know, maybe if I watch his other dramas I might change my opinion ^_^

Jang Geun Suk
Jang Geun Suk was one of my favorite actors. I'd been fangirling about him since I saw You're Beautiful. I even watched his movie Baby and I, and I never watch Korean movies. That says how much I adored him! But my fangirling died off when I noticed that he doesn't really take different roles. Eventually I got tired of him and didn't even watch his latest drama, Pretty Man. But I still listen to his songs, I love his songs!

SIMILAR POSTS:
My Favorite Kdrama OST 2013
My Top 10 Kdramas for first-timers



Monday, April 28, 2014

Review: Romancing the Soul by Sarah Tranter

Posted by BTS Rkive at Monday, April 28, 2014 0 comments
Title: Romancing the Soul
Author: Sarah Tranter
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★   
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format Read: Paperback, Won
Description from Goodreads
Rachael Jones hasn't exactly chosen an average career path. She's a past-life regressionist and is now hoping to help her clients find their Soul Mates through reconnecting them with their past lives.

But despite her best intentions, there are problems. Rachael made the mistake of regressing her best friend, Susie Morris, who has since been haunted by events that occurred in her past life.

When Susie meets Hollywood actor, George Silbury in unlikely circumstances, she is completely unprepared for her reactions. There's an intense mutual attraction that neither can explain nor ignore. 

Can George help Susie to overcome the sense of desolation she feels as the result of her past life regression, or will history's habit of repeating itself ruin all chances of her finding happiness?

After the success of her debut paranormal novel, Sarah moves into mainstream contemporary with a twist—past life regression!

My Review:

I won this book on a giveaway months ago, and I'm sorry it's taken me this long to read and review it (I got distracted by other books ^_^). I'm particularly intrigued with stories about second chances, and I'm thrilled to say that I found this book really engaging and refreshing.

It's told from different points of view, and it's about two soul mates whose lives ended in a tragic way, but get another chance of finding happiness on their next life. I've never read about past lives before, so this book deals with themes that I'm not very familiar with, but it was great to read something new.

Susie is a schoolteacher who doesn't like being emotionally involved with any man. She's just an ordinary woman, so she is taken a back when the gorgeous Hollywood star, George Silbury gets interested in her. She's been a fan of him for years and when they meet in her best friend's office, they are instantly attracted to each other.
George on the other hand, is one of the most handsome men in the world and is also a gentleman. I could list all the things I love about him, but I'm going to save that for my "Swoon Worthy Saturday" post. 
I like how Susie and George's relationship grew, the author added a bit of drama which was interesting to read.

The only issues I have with this book are the author's writing and Rachel, the past-life regressionist. It took me a while to get into the story because the author's writing was a bit distracting. She has a unique and different style, but thankfully I got used to it after a few chapters. As for Rachel, I thought she was a bit maddening. She's one of the main characters, and at first I thought I could over look my dislike for her, but as the story goes on she truly annoyed me. She's a great friend of Susie though, and has good intentions.

Other than the issues aforementioned, I really like how everything unfolded. Even though I had a feeling of how it would end, the author was able to surprise me with some twists.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who love second chances and instant attraction/love.

$50 Book Blast! The Princess Fables by Marc Clark

Posted by BTS Rkive at Monday, April 28, 2014 0 comments
The Princess Fables by Marc Clark
Title: The Princess Fables 
Author: Marc Clark
Illustrator: Eric Hosford 
Publication Date: December 5, 2013
Publisher: Seven C's Productions 
Pages: 115 
Recommended Ages: 3+ 
Summary: The Origins of THE PRINCESS FABLES: When the author's daughter was just beginning the first grade, she was not happy about school. So when he would wake her each morning, whatever she would say to get out of going became the subject for a PRINCESS FABLE. If she'd say, "I don't want to," he'd make up a tale about The Princess Who Always Said, "I Don't Wanna". If she pulled the covers over her head, he'd tell her the story of The Princess Who Hid Under The Covers. By the end of each Fable he'd have her dressed and ready for school, with her eyes wide open and full of hope... THE PRINCESS FABLES are eleven inspirational stories for young girls who may still dream of being a Princess. Each Princess embarks on an adventure of self discovery and along the way, learns about the importance of trust, devotion, courage and the power of love. These classic tales transport little girls to a time and place where they are the heroines and can create their own happy endings. Every delicate pen and ink illustration reflects the classic fairy tale drawings of the late 19th century. Award: The Princess Fables was just awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2014 Los Angeles Book Festival.  

Purchase

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Print)

 The Buzz

In a recent review by the Island Waves publication, Trey Seal wrote, “The Princess Fables is a book that brings back the nostalgia of the classic fairytales from our youth and is highly recommended for young children.”

Excerpts From Amazon Reviews:


"Marvelously original, soulful, and witty tales! Modern fables with funny and moving twists. I hope these stories make their way to kids everywhere!"
"What a beautifully illustrated and well-written book."
"A charming and witty read, with stunning illustrations. The Princess is adorable and the book conveys a very positive image for little girls."
"Great read for the little princess in us all!"
 

About Marc Clark

Marc Clark Author
Marc Clark is the author of several plays and screenplays, a writer and producer of commercials, promos and television content. Marc is the father of two and currently resides in Manhattan.

Book Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card
Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) 

  Contest ends: May 27, 11:59 pm, 2014 

  Open: Internationally 

  How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

  Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Marc Clark and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. 


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Bookish Lyrics (1): Night and Day

Posted by BTS Rkive at Monday, April 28, 2014 0 comments
Photo: Public Domain CC0 from Pixabay



I've just finished reading 1932 by Karen M. Cox and can't seem to have enough of it! It's a wonderful retelling of Pride and Prejudice and just made me love Mr. Darcy all the more. 

There's this scene where Darcy pulls Elizabeth into him for a dance... it's my favorite part of the book. I thought it was so sweet and romantic! They dance as "Night and Day" plays on the radio, and Darcy actually sings along. Can you imagine Mr. Darcy singing? 

I haven't heard of the song before, it's really old and jazz (not truly my type), but the author included a part of the lyrics in her novel and I just love it!


Listen to the song:


Sunday, April 27, 2014

Book Blitz + Giveaway: Dancing on the Edge by Kit Bakke

Posted by BTS Rkive at Sunday, April 27, 2014 0 comments
Dancing on the Edge by Kit Bakke 
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult


Synopsis from Goodreads:
Twelve year-old Dot is not a dancer, but after her mother’s sudden and senseless death, she finds herself dancing on the edge…of everything.  After her whole world unravels in seconds, Dot is propelled on a voyage to discover the meaning of her past, and of her mother’s greatest gift to her.

With all familiar anchors swept away, Dot’s trip becomes a struggle between finding that gift and running away from a future that feels so bleak.  Pack your bags for a memorable, powerful journey into life in the wake of profound loss.




DANCING ON THE EDGE EXCERPT


The yelling was repeated, and it was coming from far below. Forgetting about the ladies hiking in long skirts, Dot planted her feet and leaned carefully across the top of the stone barrier to peer down the steep side of the hill. She heard the yell again, from straight down and slightly to the right. She could see a pile of rocks and some stubby, green bushes. Amongst the brown and green she saw something bright red and what looked like sprawled arms and legs. Suddenly dizzy, she turned away quickly. “Down there!” she croaked at Aunt Tab, who’d snorted herself awake.
Aunt Tab hitched herself over to where Dot was leaning with her back against the rock. “It’s okay. I’ll look,” she said, and wiped Dot’s sweaty forehead with her sleeve.
Aunt Tab peered over the rock and saw what Dot had seen. Looking more closely, the patch of red moved, and soon resolved itself into a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and the person in it appeared to be trying to wave. Aunt Tab waved back, and yelled down, “Do you need help?”
“Help!” came wavering back up the hill.
“I’ll go,” Aunt Tab said, clambering over the stone barrier in a very awkward, old lady sort of way. She immediately lost her footing and fell, tearing holes in the knees of her pants.
Dot reached for Aunt Tab’s disappearing shoulder. “You can’t do that. I’ll go.”
Aunt Tab gratefully grasped Dot’s hand and scrambled back to level ground. “Trails are one thing, downhill cross-country, something else entirely,” she apologized. “And it’s just a jacket—the red is just a jacket.”
Dot gave her aunt a crooked grin and looked at the bright blue sky above her. Fortified, she scissored her legs over the stones and prepared to make a controlled slide down the hill. “Here, take the water.” Aunt Tab tossed her the bottle as Dot dropped below the level of the path.
Dot’s free hand grabbed at branches as she traversed across the face of the steepest parts, trying not to tumble down on top of whomever was at the bottom. About half-way down she stopped to catch her breath and map out her next steps. She felt brave and scared and daring and kind. She was going to rescue someone!
She noticed that her feet gripping crosswise on the steep slope were kicking down sheets of pebbly landslides. She hoped they wouldn’t get bigger, like those helicopter snowboarders she once saw on TV, who skied right through their own avalanches as they zigzagged down vertical snowfields. It wouldn’t be good to bury the person you were trying to save.
She could hear Aunt Tab shouting directions from above—“go right” or “go left”—but she ignored them because she was switching back and forth so much anyway, and she didn’t know if Aunt Tab meant her own right or left, or Dot’s.
Signaling to Aunt Tab that she was doing fine, Dot took careful aim at a spot near but not on top of the person below. The red splotch was now clearly and safely just a jacket. She couldn’t make anything else out very well, blue jeans maybe, and possibly a green daypack off to one side. This was a game of Slip N’Slide in real life, she thought, as she got into the rhythm of moving her arms and legs from rock to branch to slippery foothold. A memory from a million years BT bubbled up—her mother laying out the plastic Slip N’Slide sheet and dousing Dot and Junie with the water hose, the water sparkling in the sunshine and cooling their summer-warmed skin. Not now, she said to herself. She didn’t want to be distracted from the present.
She waved at the red splotch below and yelled, “I’m coming!” She wished she had a walking stick to wave and point like Miss Wordsworth and Miss Wollstonecraft.
A few marginally controlled slides later and Dot was at the level of the bushes just above where the person lay. She could now see him clearly, for it was definitely a boy. Not only that, it was definitely the only boy she knew in England and not only that, it was definitely the one boy she disliked the most in the whole world.

About Kit Bakke

Kit Bakke spent the last half of the 20th century as a political radical (SDS and the Weather Underground), a pediatric oncology nurse, and an information technology consultant. In the 21st century, she became a published writer. Her MISS ALCOTT'S E-MAIL has led to further writing adventures, including being a founding member of Seattle7Writers (www.seattle7writers.org) and a chapter in HOTEL ANGELINE. Her latest book, DOT TO DOT, is a story of travel, discovery and possibly magic. Young teens, if they are good readers, like it, and so do adults.


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Thursday, April 24, 2014

$25 Book Blast! Skycastle, the Demon, and Me by Andy Mulberry

Posted by BTS Rkive at Thursday, April 24, 2014 0 comments

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me by Andy Mulberry

Title: Skycastle, the Demon, and Me 
Author: Andy Mulberry 
Publication Date: February 22, 2014 
Publisher: Paw! Print Press
Pages: 107 
Recommended Ages: 7+
Summary: Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is the first in a series of middle grade books for fearless, adventure loving kids. WARNING...this book contains a scowling demon, bad decisions, a skeleton key, not foul but hellish language, an ordinary boy and an extraordinary castle. You've been warned. Skycastle, the Demon, and Me: An unlikely friendship, a hellish adventure and cliffhangers aplenty to make reluctant readers turn the pages.  



Purchase

* Available as a 99 cent e-book through Amazon*

Amazon

The Buzz

"I bought this book to read with my younger brother and we both loved it. I always try to encourage him to keep up with his reading but he's usually not that big of a fan of books most of the time. To my surprise, he quickly became immersed into the story and I could tell that he was having just as much fun as I was reading it together. The story keeps up at a smooth and fast pace, which is of course very important in children's books, and it's adventurous and written really well. To say that I am satisfied with 'Skycastle, the Demon, and Me' would be an understatement, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more releases by the author" ~ 5 Star Review, Jane L., Amazon

"The characters are well created and the story is exceptionally good. My great granddaughter just started reading it this morning and she is already pretty engrossed in the story. Great book. I definitely recommend." ~ 5 Star Review, Beverly C., Amazon

"Very well written story. Witty and charming for both myself and my son who is in 3rd grade. A great creative adventure about a demon and a boy. Looking forward to more in this series. I would highly recommend this book for kids around the 3rd grade. It's action packed and holds my sons interest. Filled with the stuff he loves. Thanks!" ~ 5 Star Review, M. Harbin, Amazon

About Andy Mulberry

Andy Mulberry Avatar
Andy Mulberry loves to write stories filled with strange adventures, odd characters and mysterious circumstances. To say she was born holding a book in her hand reading would be a gross hyperbole. She lives in Southern California with her scowling teenager, a chubby blue cat-beast, an imaginary dog and one leaky roof.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

* Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card 
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: May 23, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Andy Mulberry and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. 
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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Review: The Noble Pirates by Rima Jean

Posted by BTS Rkive at Wednesday, April 23, 2014 0 comments
Title: The Noble Pirates
Author: Rima Jean
My Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★ 
Genres: Historical Fiction, Time Travel, Adventure, Romance
Format Read: Kindle, 443 pages

Description from Goodreads
A vacation in the Bahamas goes awry, and a woman from 2009 unexpectedly finds herself in 1718 - amidst pirates. Sabrina is so consumed with her present-day problems that the last thing she expects is to suddenly end up face to face with real pirates. The notorious bad boys of the Golden Age of Piracy, Edward England, Howel Davis, and "Black Bart" Roberts, become Sabrina's means of survival in the past, and ultimately, her key to returning to the future.The catch? Sabrina happens to be carrying a book about pirates when she is swept into the past, and that book contains biographies of the very men she meets. She forms relationships with them and learns that, contrary to what she previously thought, they are sailors, servants, and slaves who were pressed into service, victims of social and historical circumstances of the era. When Sabrina finds herself falling in love with Howel Davis, a sailor who becomes a pirate out of desperation, she begins to wonder: Can she use her knowledge to change the past?

My Review:

Firstly, I must say that I didn't know anything about this book when I dived into it. Well, except for the fact that it's about pirates. I didn't even look through the blurb because I knew I would love this book! Needless to say that I wasn't disappointed. I love historical stories, and if you add pirates, time travel and a bit of romance in the equation? Simply perfect. 

Our protagonist is Sabrina, a 31 years old lawyer from the 21st century. Due to a storm she's transported back to 1718 where she's rescued by a troop of pirates. While she tries to survive and find a way back to her family, Sabrina dresses like a man and meets several pirates: most of them are really cruel and barbaric, but there are some who are good and honorable, hence the title "The Noble Pirates". 

It's fun to read how Sabrina reacts to the weird events in her life. She has to cope with the old ways of the 18th century where women have no freedom and can't survive without being under the protection of men.
I like how the romance builds up gradually and unhurriedly. At first I thought there was something going on between Sabrina and Captain Edward, but as I learn more about Howel and his hazardous journey to becoming a pirate, I realized that Howel and Sabrina make a good match. Howel makes a great love interest and I think the author did an amazing job on portraying the righteous and caring aspects in his personality. 

There's a bit of mystery going on, and I was really curious to see if Sabrina would be able to change the inevitable. I truly hope there is a sequel because I got emotionally invested in the characters.

Overall this book is full of adventure and piracy. It's a quick read and if you love pirates and need your pirate fix then this book is for you.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Book Blitz + Giveaway: Ex-Factor by Elisa Dane

Posted by BTS Rkive at Tuesday, April 22, 2014 0 comments
Ex Factor by Elisa Dane
Release Date: 04/22/14



Synopsis from Goodreads:
Nevaeh Evan’s life is uprooted after her father’s death, when she moves in with her aunt and cousin, Livvie. Her plan to lay low at her new high school isn’t working. Her friend’s jerky boyfriend keeps asking her out, the guy she likes treats her like garbage, and the thought of tumbling again makes her want to hurl.


So when her aunt pushes her into joining the elite X-FACTOR cheer leading squad, Navaeh goes along with it.  But Nev feels she doesn’t deserve to be happy. Not after what happened the night her father died.

Bodie Scott knows about grief all too well. Critically injured in an alcohol related accident the year before, Bodie struggles with the fact that he’ll never play football again, and he’s so far behind in credits he can’t see straight. That is, until he meets Nev. Haunted by their bloody pasts and wary of a shared future, Nev and Bodie turn to one another for comfort and support, and realize they’re not so alone after all. And when the party scene at school threatens the life of a loved one, the two stop at nothing to keep the past from repeating itself.

EX FACTOR EXCERPT

The warm, squirrely sensation festering in my gut grew stronger with each second that passed. Despite my best efforts to ignore it, and him, I finally gave in and looked over my shoulder. I was immediately sorry I’d done so.

Jet eyes filled with what appeared to be a heavy amount of disgust regarded me coolly. I frowned and glanced down at my feet, insecurity smothering me like a thick blanket. Why was he mean mugging me? I didn’t know him. He didn’t know me. Why was he so pissed?
I took a chance and dared another peek in his direction. I was shocked to find him glaring at me still, his expression angrier if that were even possible.

He crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow. “Seriously? You’re just gonna stand there and look pretty the entire period? How ‘bout you at least move out of the way so the rest of us can get what we need?”

I blanched, unable to speak, let alone move. In another circumstance, I’d feel giddy about his reference to my “being pretty”, but as it stood, I felt sick. Clearly irritated, a healthy dose of sarcasm coated his deep voice. Why were there never any holes around when you needed them? I was ready to crawl into one and assume the fetal position.

“Back off, asshat,” Erin snapped. She brushed past me and opened the cupboard I’d been standing in front of, and pulled out a stack of aprons. With a huff, she snatched an aging blue apron from the top of the pile and flung it at my handsome hater, the soft cotton fabric hitting him in the face. “She’s new and doesn’t know where everything is yet.”

He didn’t say anything else; just scowled for what I assumed he felt was good measure before pulling a ball of pastry dough out of the small refrigerator below.

“Ignore him,” Erin said, as she handed me an apron. “Bodie Scott is a douche with a bad temper, and totally not worth your time.”

I mashed my lips together and gave her a nod, doing my best to ignore the pang of hurt whirling in my chest, and the odd tingling sensation skimming across my flesh. My short time at Grant High thus far had been anything but great. I’d been heckled by a group of Victoria Secret Angel wannabes. I’d flirted with a hot guy who turned out to be dating the one person who’d tried to befriend me. For reasons unknown to me, I’d pissed off the only other guy I’d come across in ages who’d had any sort of impact on me. If the morning’s events were any indicator of how the rest of my day would be, I was screwed.


About Elisa Dane

I'm a lover of books (YA & Adult romance), chocolate, reality television, and am a proud mother to three All Star cheerleaders. Woot! I write Contemporary YA romance with cheerleaders. Yep. I write what I know, and it's my hope that my stories will not only take you on a romantic journey that will warm your heart, but that you'll find a new respect and interest in the sport of Cheerleading you may not have had before.


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Monday, April 21, 2014

Book Blitz + Giveaway! Lore: Tales of Myth and Legend Retold

Posted by BTS Rkive at Monday, April 21, 2014 0 comments

Lore: Tales of Myth and Legend Retold
Release Date: 03/2014

Buy Links:
Synopsis from Goodreads:

A collection of six folklore retellings that will twist your mind and claim your heart.


SHIMMER: A heartbroken boy rescues a mermaid... but is it too late to save her?

BETWEEN is about a girl, a genie, and a ton of bad decisions.

SUNSET MOON: Eloise doesn't believe in Native American magic--until the dreamcatcher spiders spin her down an unknown path.

THE MAKER: An incapacitated young man bent on revenge builds a creature to do it for him.

A BEAUTIFUL MOURNING: The story of a Maya goddess torn between duty and love, and the ultimate sacrifice she must make to achieve true happiness.

THE BARRICADES: When a human girl risks everything to save the life of an Eternal prince, will their feelings for each other change the world they know, or tear it apart?

SHIMMER EXCERPT

Draven Manning watched the naked female wade into the inky waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Silent as a hermit crab, he sat on the sand hidden by tall sea oats and studied her petite body, long hair thickly draped to the waist. She held a backpack, an odd addition to her nakedness, which she dropped on the sand. He could have loudly cleared his throat or walked back up to the house. But he didn’t. 

Not that he was a total creeper. She’d appeared from nowhere like some magical mist formed in a female shape. The wind lifted strands of her hair away from her body increasing the otherworldly feel of the scene.

He continued to watch and acknowledged that wishing he could see better or had binoculars did fall into creeper territory. His friends always talked about what a nice guy he was. Maybe he didn’t want to be a nice guy. 

Being the nice guy had landed him here in this tiny Gulf Coast town with his dad for the summer. He had no choice, because he couldn’t stand to look at the people he’d trusted. They had betrayed him, and he’d pretended it was no big deal. He lowered his forehead to his bent knees and pulled air into his lungs. A deep exhale steadied the shaking. He was eighteen, not eight. It was time to man up. Move on with life. Forget what had happened and quit feeling sorry for himself.

For a week, he’d strolled the beach by himself. In the daylight hours, families cluttered the sand so he waited for nightfall. He always returned to this spot on the sand to sit and think. He could’ve sat on the deck with the same view, but that’s where his dad always sat and smoked cigars.

His dad would already be in bed at this hour.

The girl swam farther and farther out to sea. Her moonlight swim went beyond his seeing range. She was far enough out that he couldn’t tell if a glint on the water might be her head or a fish or a buoy. She had to be an excellent swimmer.

Clouds moved across the moon to dim his view of her even more. A gust of wind blew sand into his face. He jumped from his spot and ran, his bare feet pounding on the packed sand. He saw the crashing wave deliver her body to shoreline and teasingly pull her back. Why hadn’t he noticed that she was in trouble?

He stomped into the chilly ocean. “Shit.” His jeans sucked up the water and clung to his legs. “Shit, shit, shit.” Waves pushed against his thighs, whipping him off balance until he braced himself for the tide.
She floated face down with her hair billowing out in thin tentacles. He grabbed her upper arms, flipped her body, and pulled her to shore. Her lower body dragged in the sand, so he picked her up. She probably didn’t weigh much, but her limp body sagged as he carried her like a sleeping child.

Out from the tide’s reach, he placed her on the sand and pressed two fingers against her neck. Not dead. Not dead. Not dead. But not breathing, either. He couldn’t remember the steps. His heart slapped against his chest like paper caught in moving bicycle spokes. People learned CPR just in case. He never expected to actually need it. He squeezed his eyes shut, heard Coach Vorlosky’s calm instructions, visualized each step, and began chest compressions.

One push, two, three, four…one push a second how many times? Maybe thirty. He’d barely passed the test and wished he’d paid more attention. “You better not die. I’ve had a shitty week. Come on, come on.” Her head lolled to the side. He grabbed her chin, tilted her head back, pinched her nose, covered her mouth with his and blew.

He hovered above her mouth to see if she breathed. Strands of long, dark hair draped over her face. He brushed the hair out of the way and started again. On his fifth round of administering CPR, he glanced around for help, which wouldn’t happen at 2:00 a.m. on a deserted strip of beach in the middle of nowhere.

Her loud gasp, sounding like the reverse of a balloon losing air, startled him.

She turned her head to the side and coughed out water. “What…” She coughed again.”…do you think you’re doing?”

He barely heard her. The girl must be out of her mind, which would explain why she thought a night swim by herself was a good idea. “Saving you.”

“I didn’t need your help,” she muttered. 

He scooted back on the sand several inches—his heart starting to slam again—and rubbed his face. Sand coated his hand and clung to his eyelashes. “Not the way I see it.” His voice sounded strangled and loud. 

She sat up and pulled her knees to her chest. Anger flashed in her eyes. “What’s your deal?”

“You weren’t breathing.” He wiped dripping water from his forehead with the back of his hand. “I was scared that you’d…never mind that thought. You’re alive.” 

“Um hmm. Sure am. Back here on the shore whether I like it or not.” She was all hair and limbs with her arms wrapped around her knees.

Author Bios

Brinda Berry: 
Brinda Berry lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She's terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality.  She doesn't mind being called a geek or “crazy dog lady”. When she's not working the day job or writing a novel, she's guilty of surfing the internet for no good 
Find Brinda at www.brindaberry.com .

Karen Y. Bynum:
Dragons, unicorns, genies…oh my! NA/YA author, coffee-lover, olive-hater, tea-drinker, music-listener. Random becomes me. Easily distrac— Blog

Laura Diamond:
Laura Diamond is a board certified psychiatrist and multi-published author of all things young adult paranormal, dystopian, and horror. When she’s not writing, she is working at the hospital, blogging at Author Laura Diamond--Lucid Dreamer, and renovating her 225+ year old fixer-upper mansion.

Jayne A. Knolls:
Jayne A. Knolls lives and works in New York City.  The Maker is her first published work of New Adult Fiction. Jayne can reached at JAKnolls@optonline.net

Theresa DaLayne:
My name is Theresa DaLayne and I’m a new adult author with Bloomsbury Spark, an amazing digital imprint of Bloomsbury publishing. Website

Cate Dean:
Hi there - thanks for checking in. My name is Cate Dean, and I write romantic suspense and paranormal, with some action packed YA paranormal and fantasy thrown in. I love to write, and I have been doing it most of my life. I've made up stories in my head for as long as I can remember, and I am thrilled to be able to write them down and share them with you. If you want to be the first to know when the next book is released, or be in on some fun, exclusive contests and giveaways, join my list here: http://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list. You can learn more about me and my books at my website: http://catedeanwrites.com

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