Pages

Justine's books

Last Sacrifice
My Soul to Take
My Soul to Save
My Soul to Keep
My Soul to Steal
Wings
Spells
Illusions
Sing Me to Sleep
Girl Stays in the Picture
The Eternal Ones
Beastly
Ash
Huntress
Secret Society
The Trust
Ascendant
Rampant
0.4
Fairy Tale


Justine's favorite books »

Sunday 31 March 2013

Blog Tour Excerpt and Bio: Textual Encounters- Morgan Parker



Synopsis:
Katie discovers an unlocked iPhone in the back seat of a taxi. But instead of turning it in to the driver as lost, she decides to keep it for herself. Outside of the usual clutter you would expect to find on a smartphone, what captures Katie's interest is the single conversation she finds on the phone's secure text messaging service, a three-month dialogue between a woman with an uncertain past named Christine and a single, eligible man named Jake. What starts out as a message intended for someone else ends up being the beginning of a relationship more powerful than anything Christine or Jake have ever experienced.

Excerpt: I’m sore, Jake. You’re an amazing lover, and not only because you can please me physically. The way you whisper my name in my ear, the way you kiss my neck while you’re on top of me and my legs are wrapped around your waist, the way you smile and trace your finger from the inside of my knee down to my butt (I love that!), and then seeing you when I wake up…!!! I’m smiling just thinking about it!!!

Author Bio:
Morgan Parker is the pen name of someone who thinks he is more important than he really is. At 38 years old, Morgan has two young children and is married to a woman who puts up with his self-diagnosed hypochondria and literary obsessions.


Links:

Author Links  
http://www.textualencounters.com

Saturday 30 March 2013

Book Blitz and GIVEAWAY: Reaper's Novice- Cecilia Roberts


Title: Reaper's Novice (Soul Collector #1)
Author: Cecilia Roberts
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Book Description:
17- year- old Ana Maria Tei’s life has always been perfect: loving parents, good grades, and a future so bright it outshone the sun. But now words like “separation” and “divorce” are sending her world plummeting to hell. Determined to keep her family intact, Ana plans a family-bonding trip from Vienna to Tuscany. Except fate has other plans. Ana’s parents and siblings are killed in a car accident on their way to pick Ana up from school.

Enter Grim, aka Ernest. He promises to relinquish the four souls if Ana agrees to trade her soul for theirs and serve a lifetime as his novice. In order for Ana to graduate from her Reaper’s Novice station to a Soul Collector graduate, Grim puts her to test. To her horror, she finds out becoming a Reaper’s Novice didn’t happen by chance. It was preordained, and she is forced to make a choice: save her family’s souls or come to terms with who she really is and complete the task set for her.


Excerpt 1

Zig and I settle ourselves opposite Grim. Doors burst open as servers roll out carts full of food. A man—I think—scuttles past me, hind legs trying to catch up with the front as he places plates, which look like they are made of gold, in front of the guests. A ghost sails above, humming and dropping what looks like rolls on plates with impressive accuracy. Across the table, a man with hypnotic dark eyes and mussed up hair winks at me. How does he look behind that Charm? Does he have big teeth? Bulging eyes? For a moment, Rikar’simage flashes through my mind. I shudder.
I nudge Zig with my elbow. “Who are all these—” Not certain what to call them, I gesture with a sweep of my hand. “Are they from the Afterworld?” Before I wrench my eyes from the veiled faces to Zig, I catch the man from across the table staring at me with glowing eyes. He smiles—or what I think is a smile. For a second, his Charm slips and I catch a glimpse of an old tree trunk with vines and grass, which look like tentacles covering his face. The Charm falls back into place like a curtain, barring my eyes from that hideous face.
“The Forest Lord,” Zig says.
I turn to Zig. “The what?”
Leshy, the protector of forests.” He leans closer to me. “Rumour has it he loves to haul pretty women to his lair.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
I clutch the table. “Really?”
Zig nods, his face serious. “And I hear he is really good to the women. In fact,” he says as he starts to rise to his feet, “I was thinking of getting some tips from him.”
Really?”
Zig’s mouth widens into a grin. He slumps back on his seat laughing. “Gods, you should have seen your face. Priceless.”
I exhale, trying to slow my racing heart. “Gosh, Zig, you’re a horrible person.”
“No, I’m not.” He wipes tears from his eyes. “Besides, you love my wicked humour, lovely.”
Unable to resist, I chuckle. I am sort of getting used to his humour.
His laughter fades. “You have to be careful, though. Most of the creatures here might be friendly inside the castle, but outside the gates, you are fair game. Grim enjoys playing host and invites anyone who can listen, and they flock in droves. Who can refuse a good, free dinner, right? One other thing, lovely.” His gaze is so intense fear buries itself in every crevice of my body. “Never ever get anywhere close to the partition we saw outside. It separates the two Realms. Shadow and Light.”
I swallow, unable to breathe.
“I’ve seen that wall suck people in, and believe me…” He blows out a breath. “…it’s not fun.”
Oh, I’m not in a hurry to go exploring anytime soon.
Something nudges my right arm. I turn and a well-toned hand places soup in front of me. As he withdraws his hand, it brushes along my exposed skin and I shiver. I look up and wish I hadn’t.
Black eyes, framed by equally dark lashes on a golden-skin face. And his lips. Sweet baby Jesus! Full lips curl into a smile, promising unimaginable things I’ve only read in those hot romances I usually “borrow” from Mom.
“Cut it out, Levi,” Zig growls. Levi’s eyes lazily drift over to Zig, then back at me. He bows and leaves without a word.
I breathe out, brushing a hand over my face. Are there more Levis hanging around? Because this place could easily resemble Sodom and Gomorrah. “Who is he?” My voice sounds breathless, and my body’s still trying to bottle some wild emotions raging through me.
“The resident chef and a Selkie to boot. Their powers of seduction are legendary.” He places a hand on mine. “Are you all right?”
“As long as he doesn’t come near me again,” I mutter. “Selkie?”
Before Zig can answer, the cacophony in the hall shrinks. Then snatches of conversation fade to coughs and throat clearing. I look around. Every head is turned to Grim, who leans forwards, his elbows on the table, with fingers steepled. His eyes sweep the hall. Silence shrouds the dining hall.
“Thank you for attending my Novice’s Unveiling. I hope you will extend your respect to her, as you do me. And Zig.” Everyone seems to be holding their breath. Was it like this withZig as well, when he was introduced to this world?
Not sure what I’m supposed to do exactly, I wave and nod, trying to maintain eye contact with the sea of eyes.
Grim tilts his body to face a woman on his right. I’ve been so distracted I didn’t notice the women bracketing him. “Ana, meet VerdandiSkuld, and Wyrd.” From the way Grim emphasizes their names, and of course the fact that they’re sitting on his immediate right and left, they are worth taking note of.
Zig shifts in his chair, leans towards me, and whispers, “Fates. Very unpredictable and not to be trifled with. Nod. More details later. Chin up.”
I nod, my mind reeling. Fates? The ones Grim mentioned during my family’s accident?Zaynab also mentioned them.
I wipe my hands on my dress and lick my dry lips. “It is a pleasure to meet you…” I freeze, unable to remember their names. They watch me with sky-blue eyes. Their blond hair cascades behind their backs. One has what seems to be a perpetual smile on her lips, another a pout, and the other a sneer.
Talk about different expressions sitting at the same table. It’s scary. Zig squeezes my hand in encouragement. I lift my chin, returning their scrutiny.
Right after the Fates is a man Grim introduces as Sinteler, and before my mind can process the intensity of the eyes studying me and where I heard his name before today, I’m introduced to the next guest. My heart leaps, excited and anxious, as he announces the Soul Collectors—Erik, Andrei, Sam, and another handful of names my mind fails to remember. Before I can catch which part of the world they are stationed, Grim has already moved to the next bunch of guests.
I’m overwhelmed. I wish he would slow down.
I give up any hope of catching names and follow him with my eyes, not wanting to appear rude. Does he mean to introduce every single one of his guests? Seriously? I glance at the rows of tables and back at him, smiling as he does the introductions.
I glimpse a flash of teeth. Shark Teeth, and beside him Rikar. Why am I not surprised?
I pick up the glass of some fruity smelling liquid, bring it to my parched lips, then halt. My eyes widen at the next guest.
Isn’t that Accordion Guy? He waves gaily as if I’m a long lost friend.
Two seats down, my breath stops altogether. The glass slips from my fingers.


Author Bio:
Cecilia Robert lives in Vienna with her two children, has an incurable obsession with books, anything romantic, TV and medieval architecture. When not working in her full time job, catching up with her two children, writing or reading, she can be found, knitting or crocheting, taking photos of old buildings.

Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Reapers-Novice-Soul-Collector-ebook/dp/B00AYPCP9K/ref=la_B005X9UR74_1_1_title_0_main?ie=UTF8&qid=1363650968&sr=1-1


Links:
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5263768
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CeciliaRobertBooks?ref=ts&fref=ts
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cecilia-Robert/e/B005X9UR74/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1363650960&sr=8-1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CeCeMR

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MTI4YzBiMzFiYzBlNGY4ODI1NTNlZjE3YmIxM2JmOjE5/

Friday 29 March 2013

Blog Tour Reviews and GIVEAWAY: Star Cursed- Ashley Lavering



Title: Star Cursed (Curse of the Beast book 2)
Author: Ashley Lavering
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance/ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours



Brayden held the door open for me as I climbed out of the car. I tried not to cringe seeing the movie house again, but I couldn’t stop my lips from pulling into a hard line. My wolf felt my unease and paced in my mind, adding to my nerves. I knew Brayden was different from Kyle. There was no comparison, but that night still haunted me, and seeing the place where Kyle had assaulted me left me a bit unnerved.
“Are you okay?” Brayden’s hand rested lightly on my lower back.
“Umm.” I shook the bad memories and turned a smile on him. “Yeah. Sorry. It’s been awhile since I was here last.” Like months. He looked confused, so I lied, “It just looks different. That’s all. Why don’t we get our tickets?”
“All right.” He still looked unconvinced, but let it go.
We arrived at the ticket booth and both spoke at the same time, “Two for Lights and Brimfire.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I looked off to the side of him. “I just thought, that well, since I asked you and all…”
He chuckled. “Tayla, it’s okay.” I looked up at him and the smile on his face tugged mine back into place. He continued, “And I always pay, even if the girl asked me.” He winked at me and my knees wobbled from the fuzzy warmth creeping into my stomach. A rumble of agitation pushed through from my wolf, but it only gave me more confidence that this guy was it.
We picked the seats right in the very middle. To me they were the best seats in the house. I wasn’t sure about the movie. It was some war movie. I felt bad that Beast had to be subjected to it. At least he hadn’t had to run here. He had insisted on drive his own truck.
I felt Beast slink in behind us. He was a few rows up, wearing his trademark black trench coat and kept his head low. As people filled into the theater, they gave him a wide berth. I didn’t blame them. Honestly, he looked like the grim reaper or something.
The lights dimmed in the theater and the previews started. I offered Brayden a licorice. He smiled, and my heart stuttered. Even in the dark, his smile lit the world.
“Thanks for coming,” I whispered.
“No problem.” He grabbed another licorice. “Thanks for the invite.”
“Hey.” I shouldered him. “That’s my licorice,” I teased.
He shoulder knocked me back. “Then you shouldn’t have given me the first one. Now I’ll eat the whole bag.”
I made a great show of hiding them in my jacket and we both chuckled. He was easy that way. I didn’t feel like I had to be someone else. Not like with Kyle.
Why am I thinking of him?
I mentally scolded myself and relaxed back in my chair, leaning close to Brayden. He didn’t scoot away and hope warmed my chest. I was careful to only breathe through my mouth and had practiced clamping down on my wolf senses, not wanting a repeat of the gym scene. The heat of his arm against mine was comforting, and the way he periodically gave me sideways glances made my heart flutter.
The movie started but I was too focused on Brayden to watch. That was until the battle scenes demanded my attention. My wolf was riveted to the carnage on the screen and, to my horror, was licking her lips. I almost dry heaved right then. I shrunk from the movie and from her. I covered my eyes with my hands, praying it would stop her blood lust and my rolling stomach. I’m sure I whimpered or something equally as embarrassing, because Brayden lifted the armrest and pulled me close. I snuggled into his chest.
“We can leave,” he whispered, tickling my ear.
“I don’t want you to miss your movie,” I responded, trying not to breathe as I was happily surrounded by his strong arms.
He squeezed me close. “All right.”
My nose pressed up against his shoulder, a potential happy place for me if it wasn’t for my wolf. I was too close and could taste the tang of animal blood on my tongue. I quickly closed my mouth. When I was forced to breathe, the smell of farm animals was strong, but not as strong as the metallic smell of blood. It all reminded me of the first time I met him.
The smell overwhelmed my senses and I felt my control slip. I closed my eyes, focusing on restraining the wolf struggling against her cage. She wasn’t going to ruin this for me. I refused to pull away, but the thought of dead animals was too disturbing, and the smell was stronger than that day in the gym. My mind wandered from its task. Had he killed an animal today? But the horror that should have washed over me was replaced with a heady need. I breathed deeply and pressed my body closer, quickly losing control. The smell was delightfully tantalizing and my stomach grumbled, transporting me to a childhood memory of Aunt Lily’s jello cake.
My mouth watered, as I pictured the cake. It smelled so real that I could almost taste it. I opened my mouth and skimmed the cake with my lips, biting down softly. My teeth met more resistance than I was expecting. I was about to bite down harder when large fingers slid between my teeth preventing me from my dessert. I growled and threw my head back, only to have Beast’s strong arms capture me in a vice grip around my torso.  
“What the—?”
Brayden’s voice snapped me out of my delusion of a childhood dessert. My eyes flew open and I took in his disgusted expression as he rubbed his neck. His hand came away wet with my saliva. His gaze darted to his left shoulder where his shirt was several shades darker, thanks to my drool. Horror washed through me, but before I could utter a word of apology, Beast tugged me out of my seat and hauled me out of the theater. I could still hear Chel and Brayden.
“Oh,” Chel said. “Eww. I’m so sorry. Maybe her blood sugar was low.”
“What?” Brayden’s disbelieving voice sliced me. How would he love me now?
“You know people do all sorts of weird stuff when their blood sugar is low,” Chel explained.
“Oh, like biting me?”
I could imagine his eyes narrowing in anger.
“Umm,” Chel hesitated, obviously surprised I had actually bit him. “Was it just a nip? I don’t see any broken skin.”
That news sent a trickle of relief over me. At least, I hadn’t drawn blood.
“That isn’t the point. She bit and slobbered all over me. My animals don’t even get me this bad!” he hissed back. His voice sounded like he had stood and was walking out of the theater as well. Chel didn’t respond. I’m sure she was trying to process the whole thing.
“And who was that guy?” Brayden asked.
“Oh, just a friend.”
“She has some stalker friend to pull her from dates when she starts biting them?”
“No.” She giggled nervously. “I guess you smell so good she just wanted a taste.”
I cringed, mortified even more than I already was. Way to go, Chel, now I really want to hide. The night air hit my face as we exited the theater house. Beast strode a few yards more before depositing me against the wall, where I slumped down to the ground and hugged my knees.
Almost too low for me to hear, Chel’s date, Dalyn, responded, “You can take a taste of me anytime you like, Chel.”
“You’re all nuts,” Brayden said.
“Wait, I’ll drive you home,” Chel called after him, her voice getting louder as they neared.
“Don’t bother. I’m safer walking.” He pushed open the door. Our eyes met for a moment before he stormed off.  
I hung my head. “Oh, Beast,” I whispered. “What have I done?”
To my surprise, he chuckled. “So you nipped him?” He shrugged his shoulders but the mirth was still there.
I glowered at him. “Then why did you swoop down and carry me off if you didn’t think it was a big deal?”
“The nip wasn’t what I was worried about, but the real bite you were going to give him next would’ve drawn blood, and then it was unlikely you’d be able to stop.” His lips hitched upward. “That would have really made your wolf crazy.”
“That meddlesome she-devil!” I ground out between my teeth. “She ruins everything.”
“If you’d learned to control her better, you would’ve smelled the animals on him and stayed far away from him in the first place.” His eyes twinkled as if laughing at an inside joke.
Before I could retort, Chel came out of the doors, her date trailing behind her. “Dalyn, will you start the car for me and bring it around?” She tossed him her keys before he responded.
“Sure.” He eyed me with a mischievous glint. I felt Beast vibrate with an inaudible growl. I agreed. Dalyn’s look sent chills up my spine, like he was assessing a hooker or something. Yuck! I was definitely telling Chel to stay away from that one.
With Dalyn in the SUV and out of hearing, Chel demanded answers. “What just happened?”
I scowled at my knees. “He must’ve slaughtered a cow or something yesterday because his stench was so much stronger today, and my wolf got the better of me.”
“But you bit him?”
“It’s her! I would never do that. Eww. He must think I’m a freak.” I groaned, placing my head in my hands. “He was so perfect, too.”
Chel patted my shoulder, but it wasn’t soothing; nothing was, with this wolf in my head.
“You know what the worst part is?” I ask, looking up to see Chel raise her eyebrow. “She tricked me. She used my memory of Aunt Lily’s jello cake to convince me to bite him. I didn’t even know she could do that!”
“Jello?” Chel asked.
Beast cleared his voice.
“What?” I demanded.
“That isn’t exactly true,” he said. I lifted a disbelieving eyebrow at him. “Just hear me out. The smell, it was delicious to you?”
“Only after she tricked me into thinking it was cake. If I had consciously thought of it as blood, animal, whatever, I never…” I couldn’t say the rest.
“That is where you are wrong.” Beast paused until I looked up at him. “To your wolf, animal scent and blood are delicious, and so the best way you could understand those feelings was to relate it to cake.” His voice lost its teacher tone when he got to the last word and turned more playful. “It must’ve been some delectable cake. Maybe my blood lust would curb a bit if you made it for me.” He winked.
“Shut up.” I smacked him in the leg, but couldn’t resist the smile that spread across my lips. I had my wolfish friend back and was determined to side-step as many rift-creating topics as possible.  
Chel bit her bottom lip. “I’m not sure I can fix this, Tay. A little drool I could explain away, but…”
My frown was back. I’d lost Brayden. “Thanks for trying. I guess we should stay away from cowboys.” I gave Chel a rueful grin.
Chel puffed out air and rubbed her temples. “Friday night is a cancel then.”
“Oh?” Why did things always go to crap?
“Yeah, one of Brayden’s roping buddies. But after he hears Brayden’s story, he’ll be canceling before I get a chance to do it.” She gave my shoulder a squeeze. “I’ll find a replacement.”
“Ah!” I buried my face in my hands. “Why did she have to bite him? Stupid wolf.” She growled at me and nipped at my mind, causing a throbbing headache.
Beast crouched down to my level and tucked a finger under my chin. His touch held soothing warmth, but I fought it. I deserved to feel the crushing weight of my actions. The pressure on my chin increased until I could no longer resist his strength. My face tilted up to him, but I refused to look him in the eyes. At least, in that I still had the power to defy.


“Stupid is the last word I’d use to describe you.” As if by its own accord, my gaze lifted and was met by the warmth coming from his eyes. His thumb grazed my jaw, and both my wolf and I trembled ever so slightly. He noticed my reaction, and his eyes lit with mischief. “And if he had been a werewolf, I guarantee you would’ve gotten a different response.”
I couldn’t breathe. What he implied was too direct to misinterpret. A horn blasted, and I jerked, breaking the spell. Beast lifted his head to look at Dalyn, giving me the needed release to breathe.


Title: Star Cursed
Author: Ashley Lavering
Pages: 277
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This series is so amazing! It is a definite must "to read". Star Cursed is the second novel in the Curse of the Beast series by the very talented Ashley Lavering. Book two starts exactly where book one ended, and it flowed effortlessly. I still love everything about this series, but sometimes I just wanted to smack some people upside the head because they weren't seeing what I was seeing as the reader.
I didn't like Tayla as much in this book, but that was because she wasn't following her heart. She knew she was attracted to Beast but didn't ever act on it. That really frustrated me because I could cut the sexual tension with a knife. Plus she wasn't finding love, she was willing to settle. Beast on the other hand got even hotter! If that's possible. He just sits back and waits for Tayla to realize that he is the one for her. I really wanted to jump in and snatch him for myself. I have the hugest crush on him. Every time I read about Tayla rubbing Beast's chest, I drooled a little bit. So yeah, new book boyfriend!
I was very excited to see that there will be at least one more book in the series. I can't wait to find out what happens now with the little twist. I would still recommend this book to all readers because its so good!



Summary: A dark shadow stalks the night, watching her—waiting to claim what is his.


Seventeen-year-old Tayla Jonas longs for a simple life, but after a traumatizing family loss, she is forced to be both mother and sister to her cousins while caring for her mentally unstable aunt. Moving to her grandma’s quiet town of Cody, Wyoming, Tayla finds some normalcy with her quirky green activist friend, Chel, who spends no time converting her to vegetarianism. 



A few weeks into her new school, Tayla catches the eye of Kyle Harrington—the high school quarterback and resident millionaire—who can seduce any girl with his charismatic charm, including Tayla. But Kyle is anything but what he seems.



Walking through City Park, Tayla is unaware that an ancient curse has her in its crosshairs. The silver moonlight illuminates the path to her van, sprinkling shadows like evil twinkling eyes. Tayla’s skin prickles, and she turns. Something—or someone—is watching her.



A powerful werewolf steps from the shadows. An iridescent blue cord shoots from him and slams into her stomach, dissolving instantly. Pain wracks her body, and she tries to scramble to safety, but his silver eyes freeze her in place as the curse binds them together. The cord settles deep inside her body, coiling with dread around her heart. 



Dismayed by the prospect of a werewolf for a shadow, Tayla fears for the safety of her friends and family. How will she keep the werewolf’s insatiable hunger in check? Her plans for a vegetarian lifestyle quickly dwindle away, and Tayla wrestles to fit her frazzled life back together—piece by piece. But what she didn’t expect was her attraction to the werewolf or the power of the full moon. 



Will Tayla be strong enough to survive the Curse of the Beast? Or will it consume her like so many before? Find out in the first installment of this unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast.(less)
Title: The Curse of the Beast
Author: Ashley Lavering
Pages: 260
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also wanted to say that I won a signed paperback woot woot!! Go me! I will attach pictures :) this book was friggin amazing!it was so well done that it took me agile to realize that it was a paranormal re- telling of Beauty and the Beast. Yes, I know it was in the summary but I rarely read those, I like to surprise myself when I read. I loved everything about this book! I loved the fairytale, I loved the werewolf twist, I loved the story of how the first werewolf was created, I loved the characters, I loved the romance, I loved the action, I loved the flirting and the sarcasm.and everything about this book. I could not put it down, I devoured it like Beast devours meat!
Tayla was a great character to read about,I could really see her growth over the course of this book.in real life I would totally be her friend, she seems like a fellow bookworm :) I just wish that she would have trusted her gut with that creep Kyle. Gah! He got my blood boiling and not in a good way. And I definitely have a little "beastiality" crush on Beast. I mean he cooks, he cleans, he's buff, he's good looking and best of all he is a hero. I can deal with the hair and he does  turn into a wolf in the day, but I'm willing to overlook that minor flaw :)
If this book is any indication of how the rest of the series continues, then "yes please!". I would recommend this book to everyone! Especially those who love fairytales and werewolves. And I'm extra special because my copy is signed :) also I received a picture of my lover ... I mean cruch, Beast ;) 




Author Bio:

A nomad at heart, I currently claim Nevada as my home. I have a wonderful husband and two young children that put up with my “writing time.” When she’s not pondering a spell that will magically calm the ferocious winds that plague the air around her, you can find her, with notepad in hand, frantically jotting down ideas in those short moments between caring for her girls and working full time at the Elko Institute for Academic Achievement.

Art and science have always been my yin and yang. Throughout my college career, I shifted between the two, but in the end I graduated with a Bachelors of Mathematics and Science from the University of Wyoming.

Charging into adventures and discovering something new has always been a passion of mine, but as a teenager I used to run screaming from a reading or writing assignment. Looking back, the irony isn’t lost on me. Now you can’t catch me without a book in hand or without an open word document. Every time a new idea pops into my mind my heart races and my hand twitch to write it. In that moment, I have my writer's high and pray it will sustain me through thousands of hours of revision.


Ashley's Links:

Amazon Author Page link:www.amazon.com/author/ashleylavering
Amazon Links for Ashley’s books:
Website/Blog Link: Creative Thoughts:http://www.ashleylavering.blogspot.com/
Goodreads Book link, for each book:


Available as E-book: KindleNookSmashwordsand paperback:Amazon





Raffelcopter Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thursday 28 March 2013

Review #103: Kasadya Hellhound Awakened- Karen Swart


Summary: In a constant battle between good and evil, evil is dominating the battle field and leading mankind to its destruction. With our Creator's intervention a creature destined to concur and destroy is created. He gives mankind hellhounds to fight back and reclaim freedom.

Join seventeen year old Kasadya Levourne as she fights against evil to protect us. With each step she faces destruction, and yet she has the talent to give it back tenfold. Stubborn and hardheaded she makes her mark in the fallen world and starts a battle none can escape. Not even her trainer, the very attractive Chax de Luca, was prepared for her presence.

Will evil prevail? Or will Kas and her fallen friends succeed in protecting us against it?

Hold on to your seats, this is going to be one hell of a ride.

Title: Kasadya Hellhound Awakened
Author: Karen Swart
Pages: 215
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review:  I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. At first I didn't know if I would enjoy this book or not but I quickly learned that yes I would enjoy this book, and not only like it but love it. And I am totally a sucker for a school/ academy setting, I just love it! I think it stems from my younger self always wanting to have gone to a French boarding school. Alas my parents never allowed it sigh. At the same time it was so different from any book I have ever read. It included hellhounds, which I always thought were hounds from hell but yet again I was shown otherwise. Plus there were a Ron of other creatures such as harpies, Fae, vampires, werewolves and many more. Karen Swart used such amazing descriptions that I could almost feel the fur on some of the creatures or feel them drool on me lol.
I loved Kas! She was so awesome. She is brave and an ass kicker, but she has a softer side as well. There were a couple of mini romances going on with Kas in the centre, but unfortunately she was pulled away and we never learned what became of them, but hopefully in book two we will. I'm thing from one of those romances, judging only on the sexiness of the kisses that one of those romances might be Kas's soul mate, and I can't wait to find out. There are a ton of other characters that also rocked and I can't wait to continue the series and learn more about them.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Well done Karen Swart, well done. Two thumbs way way up. You earned these 5 stars let me tell you. I will absolutely carry on with this series. I would recommend it to angel/ demon loves, paranormal/ fantasy fans and anyone who loves a good read!


About this author

Karen lives in small town in the North West Province of South Africa. She shares her live with her husband, two sons and daugter. If she isn't reading she is writing. Her preffered genres is Paranormal and Urban Fantasy.

Monday 25 March 2013

Review #102: Barbie Girl- Heidi Acosta


Title: Barbie Girl
Author: Heidi Acosta
Pages: 189
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book completely blew me out of the water. It was so not what I was expecting. I figured this book would be about the popular girl from high school using the nerdy smart guy to pass school then them falling in love. For the most part I was wrong. I really enjoyed every aspect of this novel, it is a perfect YA contemporary romance. There were so many emotions shown through out this read. At times I felt physically sick to my stomach, others I was almost in tears, but mostly I just wanted the two main characters to get over themselves and get together. 
Barbie was such an unexpected character, you go in to the book thinking one thing about her, and change you mind to something else based on her actions, but then when you get her story you fall in love with the real her. She was so caring and didn't give a crap what others thought of her. I did feel bad for her because she did have a rough life but she was a,art enough to wait more for herself and her little brother. I have a love/ hat relationship with Dylan. Sometimes I loved him and other times he made me so mad that I hated him. He was just a poohead most of the time. He better redeem himself in book two. I also really liked Third. He seems like an awesome friend to have.
This was a great read and I look forward to continuing the series. I would recommend this book to all YA readers. Can't wait to see what happens next. 

P.S. I LOVE YOU HEIDI!!!!!! <3 you rock my socks!



About this author


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.
Barbie Girl is the first Novel of Heidi’s new, four-book, Baby Doll Series: Barbie Girl, Barbie World, Doll Face, and Southern Sugar.
















Blog Tour Review and GIVEAWAY: Shattered Grace- K. Anne Raines


Title: Shattered Grace
Author: K Anne Raines
Genre: Young Adult
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Grace grows up knowing she’s different, but she always attributed it to a mother who didn’t want her, a father who abandoned her, and a curse that sets her apart. Despite those struggles, her grandfather remained her rock and confidant. Her life irrevocably shatters the day her grandfather dies.

The day of his funeral sets off a chain of events, making Grace question everything she’s ever known to be true, and as a result, who she can truly trust. She inherits his house, part of his money, his Guardian and something that ties them together.

Just before Grace’s 18th birthday, she is thrust into a world she couldn’t fathom existed and does everything she can to thwart the destiny suddenly forced upon her. She’s been chosen for greatness, but at what cost? With eyes now open, she must choose to either be Chosen, or watch those around her suffer the consequences.

Torn between the man who’s come to protect her and the one sent to destroy her, she teeters on the edge of decision, trying to come to grips with who she is, what she wants and what all of that means for her, those she loves and the rest of mankind.

Excerpt:
“It wasn’t your fault,” Quentin said softly as he came up behind her, touching her briefly on the shoulder before lowering himself to sit on the edge of the coffee table. He leaned toward her, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared into her eyes, his expression conveying his compassion.
Grace raised her tear-filled eyes. “It wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t in the car with them.” Tears spilled over her lower lids, blurring her view of Emily’s picture glowing from the cell phone she still 
gripped.
“Look at me.” Quentin lifted her face with a gentle finger. “It was my fault. It’s my job to keep you safe and I failed.”
She heard every word Quentin spoke, but couldn’t cling to them like he intended. Every one of her friends could have died—because of her, not him. Visions of caskets and grieving families had her pulse quickening. Worry festered in the center of her chest—circling and tearing at her until what rose forth was anger. With every beat of her heart, the anger pulsed stronger. No. In her head, she said it again. No. The word ricocheted like a war cry through her cerebral cortex until it owned her, heart and soul. Energy channeled through every inch of her body. A shiver chased behind it. Those she cared for and loved would not pay for what she was.
In that instant, Grace felt the power of her choice thunder through her like an electrical current. Just like Seth in the movie, she chose to be what she was meant to be, and not to shed what she originally thought was a burden. Newly determined, she leveled her gaze with Quentin’s.
“What do I need to do to make sure they never hurt anyone I love again?”
Quentin gazed back at her, his features rearranging themselves into an expression flat and cold—deadly. “You train and you fight back. You let me do my job. And we don’t letthem win. Ever.
Resolve steeled her voice. “We won’t.”

Title: Shattered Grace
Author: K. Anne Raines
Pages: 299
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I LOVE THIS COVER!!!! It's so gorgeous and fits the story perfectly. I haven't read an angel/ nephilim book in awhile, so this was a breath of fresh air. I like how it was a different kind of angel book, but still included the fallen and nephilim, but also included The chosen and guardians. I'm hoping with the whole Pandora's box that there might be a little mythology in the next book. I love all the romancing going on, hello? A love square! I still don't know who Grace will chose. They all seem like awesome
candidates.
I really liked grace right from the beginning, she knew she was different, but just didn't know why. She lays low in the dating department, well until recently. Plus she is a bad ass because she drives a sexy muscle car! I found her to be fearless, even when dealing with presumably her upcoming death. I liked that she was there for her friends no matter what, she is very loyal. Also she has three hotties to chose from, the protector, the rebel and the boy next door. I can't wait to find out who she picks.
This was a great read for YA and paranormal fans. Also for angel lovers and those who have a soft spot for romance. I will most definitely be continuing with the series. I can't wait!

Author Bio:

K Anne Raines is the author of Shattered Grace, book one in the Fallen from Grace Series. She is a Washington State University graduate and the senior accountant at a local firm in her home town. K Anne’s impassioned but regular commitment to chocolate covered raisins inspires creativity at home...where ever the raisins are, there she is with her laptop. A lover of great sushi and other fine food, K Anne prefers coffee in the morning, the right wine in the evening, and her fireplace at all times. A Northwest native, K Anne Raines is the mother of three, cat lover, avid exerciser, and blanket hogger.


Links:
http://www.facebook.com/raineskanne
http://www.twitter.com/kanneraines




http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MTI4YzBiMzFiYzBlNGY4ODI1NTNlZjE3YmIxM2JmOjE4/

Sunday 24 March 2013

Cover Reveals: Ann Masarik's Short Stories from her soon to be released novel The World Among Us.

Cover reveal's
All the covers are for Beth Ann Masarik's short stories that are all short stories based off her soon to be released novel, The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness which is YA Urban Fantasy. Check out the awesome covers and leave a comment below on your thoughts on the covers!

Murderous Regrets ( Short Story #1)





Leon Greene is accused of murdering his best friend, Jason Aysel, and the world wants to know if he really did it. Cue Elise Stevenson, the top news reporter for the Daily Gazette who gets the scoop. Will Leon tell her the truth and his motives behind the murder? 

Moon Spirit (Short Story #2)




Raul Blackoak's world is tossed upside down one evening when he stumbles upon a damsel in distress. What he wasn't expecting was that his life would be changed forever by her. Because he 

risks his own life to save her, he is caught between two worlds; the world to which he belongs, and the human world. Will he be able to balance being in both worlds? Or will he have to give up one to be happily ever after in the other?

Hell Bound (Short Story #3)




After impressing her boss with her interview with werewolf, Leon Greene, Elise is Hell Bound to an interview with the Lord of the Underworld himself. Mr. Murphy wants her to find the dirty scoop on Hades himself, and foil his plot to take over the world. Will she survive the clutches of Hell?


Hells Captive (Short Story #4)






As if interviewing Hades himself wasnt enough, Elise gets sucked into doing an interview with his son, Prince Damien. It turns out that the Prince of Darkness has a few tricks up his sleeve himself, and is head over heels for the girl he murdered. Will Elise uncover the Prince of Darknesss deepest, darkest secrets?




 
About the author:

 
Beth Ann Masarik was born on Long Island, NY in the year 1984 with an over-active imagination. She used to love playing make-believe games, and now loves creating her own fantasy worlds. Masarik has been writing since she was 15 years old, and had her first newspaper article published in her high school newspaper in her sophomore year. She has taken several creative writing classes, and started writing her very first novel in college, and is currently searching for the right literary agent. Aside from writing novels, Masarik enjoys bowling, gaming, and role playing online. She enjoys reading fantasy novels written by Richelle Mead, L.J. Smith, and J.K. Rowling, and looks to them for role models.

Beth is recently married, and when she isnt writing or role playing, she is found volunteering down at her church.

Masarik is also the founder of Literary Lunes Magazine/Literary Lunes Publications, a bi-monthly zine that is dedicated to promoting authors. You can find out more about Literary Lunes by going to its website at
www.literarylunespublications.com


You can find Beth at the following places:

Websites:



www.bethannmasarik.com

www.theworldamongussaga.com

www.literarylunespublications.com



Twitter: @theworldamongus and @literarylunes

Facebook fanpages:
https://www.facebook.com/bethannmasarikauthor