Author Archive

The Weather Girl by Amy Vastine ~ April Showers Book Tour and Giveaway Grand Finale

Posted: May 4, 2014 in Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, giveaways
Tags: , ,
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To post this Grand Finale and add your Social Media to the Rafflecopter,
email us at PrismBookTours(at)gmail.com with “April Showers GF” in the subject line.

A themed tour with Prism Book Tours

It’s the GRAND FINALE for the April Showers Book Tour for
The Weather Girl by Amy Vastine

Did you enjoy getting to know more about Summer and Travis and their story?
If you missed any of the tour stops, you can go back and check them out now…

4/21 – Tour Launch – Interview
What do you hope readers will take with them when they read your book?
I hope people walk away with the idea that love doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice who you are for someone else. When you follow your heart and your dreams, everything else will fall into place.

4/22
Copywrite1985 – Weather Research
Summer tends to rattle off some pretty obscure weather facts when she’s nervous, so finding interesting tidbits took some time but made me a fan of Mother Nature. The photographs I saw while researching this story blew me away! From Texas hail the size of baseballs to lightning storms in Venezuela, there are some amazing stories out there.

Rhiannon Paille – YA Fantasy Author – Excerpt
“Summer Raines.” She left off her usual “pleasure to meet you.” She was madder than a wet hen but was determined to maintain her composure.

“Summer Raines, the weather girl,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s a good one. Who came up with that name?”

“My parents,” she replied flatly, turning her attention back to the suffering butterfly population. “And my title is meteorologist. Not weather girl.”

Angels With Attitude Book Reviews – Interview
What would you have done differently if you were the main character of your book?
Well, I have to say I love football, so I probably would have been one of those people who were fawning all over Travis in the beginning. In the book, Summer is also into lots of extreme sports. She bungee jumps out of a hot-air balloon. I can tell you I would never in a million years jump out of a perfectly good hot-air balloon if I didn’t have to. I hate the feeling that comes with free falling!

4/23
Mel’s Shelves – Review
“This is a fun, clean read!…I haven’t read a Harlequin in years, but this is now the second book I’ve read in the Harlequin Heartwarming line in the last couple of months and it won’t be the last. I love this clean line of romances and look forward to reading more!”

The Bookish Fairy – Character Description: Summer
What I love about Summer is the amazing way her brain works. She has so much information in her head related to the weather, she can spout of facts at any given time. Of course, she sometimes sees it more as a curse than a blessing. Until Travis Lockwood comes to town. Travis is the first person to show some interest in what she has to say. No wonder she falls for him – who doesn’t love a guy who actually listens to you?

4/24
Kelly P’s Blog – Interview
What are you working on right now?
I just submitted my second manuscript and am working on my third. These are two of three books I have been contracted to write for Harlequin Heartwarming . They’re part of series set in Chicago about three sisters, who each find love in the most unexpected places. THE BETTER MAN is set for release in September. THE BETTER PLAN is scheduled for February 2015 and THE BETTER FIGHT is due sometime in fall of 2015.

Getting Your Read On – Review
“There sure are plenty of bumps along the way. Like I said before, I love Travis. He is the one that made this book great for me. This was a fun, romantic read. A kick back and relax sort of book.”

Cherry Mischievous – Excerpt
“I don’t control the weather, I just predict it.” She turned her attention back to her monitor. Her soft-looking curls fell down like a curtain, shielding her face from him. He wanted to reach out and push them behind her ear so he could see those cheeks, those eyes. Her eyes really were amazing. They were big and blue like the Texas sky…

4/25
Brooke Blogs – Character Description: Travis
What I love about Travis is his pure heart. There isn’t a mean bone in this guy’s body. He’s been fortunate and lived a charmed life up until now but still has a wonderful humbleness about him. In fact, sometimes he can be darn right self-deprecating. But he’s strong physically and emotionally. Strong enough to make the tough choices when he needs to.

4/27
Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review
“Overall, this was pretty much a perfect romance. It’s light and heavy in all the right places. There’s tension and some sweet kisses and some difficult choices that these characters had to make. It all comes together in the end and left me with that happy-ever-after feeling that I love. I would definitely recommend it to romance lovers everywhere!”

Seasons of Humility – Review
“With clever characterization, relevant conflicts, and an ending that is adorable and absolutely perfect for the story, The Weather Girl is a sunny read for a rainy day. Harlequin Heartwarming at its finest!”

4/28
Kindle and Me – Excerpt
Summer sat up on her elbows. Just then, water shot out of the in-ground sprinkler, hitting her with a force she couldn’t have expected.

They both jumped up as the entire field came to life, showering the dried-up grass and the two friends with shockingly cold water. Travis protected his camera and ran for the track. The old groundskeeper shouted at the younger man, who must have accidentally turned the system on. He was now oblivious because of the music being pumped into his ears.

Instead of running, Summer stood in the middle of the field and laughed. Once she got used to it, the cool water felt nice. She lifted her arms and tilted her face up to the sky. She closed her eyes and spun around as if dancing in the rain like when she was little…

Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – The Book Cover
Since this is an April showers book blog tour and rain makes me think of umbrellas, I thought it would be fun to talk about the cover of the book. First, you should know that Harlequin authors don’t have too much say in what their cover will look like. We provide information to the art department regarding characters, setting, and some key scenes. However, it is the talented group over there then takes that info and creates the cover art.

JRRichardson Fics – Review
“She’s perky and driven. He’s broken and sexy. And there are not many writers that can pull off giving me heart fail and swelly hearts and steamy scenes without one ounce of sex in their story. Amy is one of those who can. She doesn’t need it either. The banter between these two is just one of the things I love about it. Their tender moments as they get to know each other are another.”

4/29
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
“Naturally, this was the perfect story for me. I love a clean romance that tells the tale of how two people meet and their course to falling in love. It isn’t easy; it isn’t always pleasant; there can be a lot of misunderstandings and assumptions that stand in the way. Take this sweet romance and add weather and it’s the perfect combination.”

Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – Excerpt
When they were alone and she had no menu to hide behind, Travis continued, with his dimples in full effect. “I think you’ve finally stopped hating me.”

“I never hated you. I tried to hate you, but you’re too likable.” He liked that answer. He liked that answer a lot. “I am, am I?” “Less and less by the minute.”

He wasn’t buying it. “Admit it. You like me.”

“I don’t know. You never return the things you borrow, you drive a pretentious car. The list of reasons not to like you goes on and on.”

“Your umbrella is sitting right by my front door. I never remember it because it hasn’t rained in weeks.”

“Don’t make me come get it,” she warned.

He laughed. “You aren’t as scary as you used to be, Weather Girl.”

The Written Adventure – Interview
1) What is your favorite thing about writing?
What I love most about writing is seeing an idea come to life. Sometimes the original idea is just this one scene or this one character that I love. To be able to take that one piece of the puzzle and put it all together into something rich and full is very satisfying.

4/30
Paulette’s Papers – Spring
The only thing I don’t like, that my heroine in The Weather Girl had the ability to predict thanks to a sort of sixth sense, is rain. I don’t really enjoy grey skies or wet, soggy grass. We have a dog who always finds the mud, no matter how hard we try to keep her away from it. And my weather girl may find tornados thrilling, but I only fear the damage they can do. I will admit that there are some very impressive pictures of tornados out there that I will happily look at from the safety of my computer.

Library of a Book Witch – Excerpt
“I should go inside,” Summer said for the twentieth time. She kept saying it, but never actually got out of the car. Not that he minded. He was waiting for the perfect moment to kiss her goodbye. He’d have to initiate this time, but he couldn’t help being smug that she had kissed him first, as he had predicted.

“Thanks for driving,” she said.

“You’re welcome.” He reached out and squeezed her hand, afraid they were getting close to really saying goodbye. His thumbs brushed the soft skin on the back of her hand as he tried to remind himself it would be wrong to kidnap her from her grandparents’ driveway.

“I should go,” she said again. He didn’t want her to go. He wanted to keep her forever…

5/1
The Wonderings of One Person – Top Ten Weather/Football Movies
I thought since the book is about a weather girl and a former football quarterback, it would be fun to share my list of the top ten weather-related/football movies with everyone. Maybe you’ll find something you can rent for next Friday night!

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Review
“This is such a sweet story of finding friendship that can turn to true love. Those are my favorite kinds of love stories. I enjoy when there is more to the relationship than the “insta” love. Travis and Summer connected as friends before they truly allowed themselves to be connected in a real relationship.”

I Am A Reader – How Amy Became an Author
I have been dabbling in writing as a hobby for about nine years. It started as a way for me to organize my thoughts and daydreams. I am a dreamer. I can entertain myself for hours by telling myself stories in my head. Music inspires me and drives a lot of the plots in there.

5/2
Lola’s Reviews – Review
“The Weather Girl is a sweet story and I really enjoyed it. Once I picked it up I didn’t want to stop reading, it was addictive and I just wanted to read more about the two awesome characters. Ir’s a sweet and heartwarming story about finding love and finding your dream.”

Deal Sharing Aunt – Excerpt
“Summer, we love you,” Mimi said, taking hold of her hands. “We want you to be happy. Tell me this job with Ryan won’t make you happy.”

“It will and it won’t.” She couldn’t ignore the way her heart ached when she imagined telling Travis about the other job. It would have been hard enough to leave her grandparents, but Summer had to go and fall in love with a man who had broken down all of her walls so effortlessly.

“Any of this indecision have to do with that mighty fine looking man who’s walking your dog with Big D right now?”

Summer shrugged, unable to speak around the lump in her throat. Maybe it had more to do with Travis than she wanted to admit.

The Weather Girl
by Amy Vastine
Clean Adult Contemporary Romance
January 1st 2014 by Harlequin

Turbulence is in their forecast.

Summer Raines knows when it’s going to rain. She can feel it. That’s why the local weather girl’s so good at her job. Too bad she couldn’t have foreseen the tumultuous arrival of Travis Lockwood, everybody’s favorite star NFL quarterback. Make that former star NFL quarterback. Sidelined back to Texas after an injury, the golden boy is trying to steal her precious on-air time. Summer is reduced to reporting from…football games. It’s enough to make her quit and become a storm-chaser like her parents. She’s stuck with a career that’s going nowhere and a man who delights in her refusal to be charmed. Falling in love isn’t nearly as easy as predicting the weather.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Harlequin

 

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read.In September of 2012, she saw a tweet about Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. She entered, hoping for nothing more than a little feedback from some people in the business. Amazingly, The Weather Girl made it into the semi-finals, thanks to the many wonderful voters out there! The manuscript didn’t make it to the finals, but the editors over Harlequin were still interested. A few revisions later and The Weather Girl was contacted for publication with Harlequin Heartwarming – a dream come true!Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Tour-Wide Giveaway

– Grand Prize: $25 Amazon gift card, red umbrella, signed copy of THE WEATHER GIRL, umbrella bookmark, and decorative box (US Only)
– 5 ebooks of The Weather Girl (INT)
– April 21 – May 11

Click on the link below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Are you a blogger and want to receive information about new tours? Go HERE.
Are you an author or publisher and would like to have us organize a tour event? Go HERE.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Finding Eden by Pembroke Sinclair ~ Three zombie novels and a chance to win a survival kit!

Posted: May 2, 2014 in Blog Tour, horror, YA, Zombies
Tags: , , ,
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Finding Eden Banner 450 x 169

I’m sure most of you are thinking, “More zombies!”

Yep, I have three more zombie novels to showcase today. I just can’t stay away from zombies! LOL

Check out Finding Eden, Life After the Undead and Death to the Undead by Pembroke Sinclair.

Enjoy the excerpt and book trailer.

I’m just getting started reading so I’ll be back later to review and tell you all about them.

Make sure you enter the giveaway. The author has some great zombie survival kits for you to win! Crossing my fingers and toes!

Finding Eden

Pembroke Sinclair

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Genre: Zombie horror

Publisher: eTreasures Publishing

Date of Publication: March 2013

ISBN: ISBN-10: 1937809285 / ISBN-13: 978-1937809287

Number of pages: 150

Cover Artist: Jared Rackler

Book Description:

 

Drunk womanizer Duke, spends his life selfishly taking care of himself and screw the rest of the world. After one particular black-out alcoholic binge, he wakes to find the world changed the dead are rising from their graves.

Lonely, guilt-ridden Hank is someone who minds his own business, and sympathetic but strong-willed Lana is on the receiving end of harassment by other students. Forced together for survival, the three misfits must confront their world gone strange. God said the people of Earth would be punished for their sins, and so the end has come. Duke, Hank, and Lana must walk their own paths to salvation, but they also must depend on each other.

Will their salvation lie in Finding Eden?

Amazon       Barnes and Noble     eTreasures print     eTreasures ebook

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Excerpt -DUKE’S JOURNEY

            Duke’s tires squealed as he slammed on the brakes, stopping inches from the garage door. He shut off the engine. The keys fell from his hands and clinked onto the floor.

            “Shoot!”

            He leaned forward, smacking his head on the steering wheel. Stars danced in front of his eyes, and he swore under his breath. Holding his forehead, he opened the car door and stepped out. He lost his balance and almost fell. Grabbing the top of the door, he chuckled.

            “Oooo!” he exclaimed. “Might have had too much to drink.” He laughed again.

            With shaky steps, he headed for his house. After two steps, he lurched to the right, almost falling into his hedges. He caught himself on the side of the garage. Footsteps sounded behind him. He turned, a little too fast. His vision blurred. Someone stood at the back of his car. The outline was distinctly female. Did he bring someone home with him? He usually remembered when he picked someone up. He usually focused on what he wanted to do with her.

            He blinked a few times, clearing his vision. The woman came into view. Duke smiled.

            “Heeey, Chanel.” He attempted to take a step forward, but swayed back and forth, almost falling on his face. He thought better of approaching her. “What are you doing out this time of night?”

            Chanel didn’t answer.

            Duke’s stomach clenched, the contents threatened to splash out. He swallowed the chunks back down. He needed some water, or another drink before passing out, but he didn’t want to pass up a chance of female companionship. Hopefully, she was just playing hard to get.

            “You wanna come in and have a drink?”

            In response, she gurgled. A low, rumbling sound that originated deep in her throat.

            At first, Duke though maybe she burped, and was taken aback. Chanel was one of those women who didn’t leave the house without every hair in place. Was she even capable of producing gas?

            His stomach lurched again. He barely closed his mouth before the vomit escaped. He covered his mouth with his hand and choked down the bile. He needed to get inside.

            “Well, I’m gonna head inside. That offer still stands if you want a drink.”

            He stumbled toward the stairs. His toe caught on the edge, but he caught himself before falling down. His face reddened, and he glanced over his shoulder. Chanel still stood at the back of the vehicle, watching his every move. Odd, he thought. What is she doing? But he didn’t have long to worry about it. His top priority was getting something to drink.

            Duke kept a bottle of orange Gatorade in his fridge for such occasions. Bathed in the white glow of the fridge light, he downed the entire bottle, liquid running down his chin. He gasped in air when he finished, then let out a long, rumbling burp. Something shuffled in the living room. He glanced into the darkness. A shadow moved. He smiled to himself. He knew she couldn’t resist his charms for long.

            Pushing the fridge door closed, he stepped into the other room. He contemplated turning on a light, but thought better of it. The hunt would be more fun in the dark. He took another step, and the floor rolled under him. He couldn’t regain his balance. His knee hit first. A dull ache throbbed up his thigh. He was going to feel that in the morning. Then his shoulder thumped onto the floor, followed by his head. He yowled.

            His expectation was that Chanel would rush to his side, maybe turn on a light, to find out if he was all right. Instead, she stood there. What was wrong with her? Didn’t she care? Duke rolled onto his hands and knees and crawled to his TV. He punched the button. The flickering light lit the room. He turned to Chanel.

            His breath caught. Instinctively, he crab-walked away from her. Her arms hung limply at her side, her skin pale. She stared at nothing, her eyes glazed white with dark circles underneath. Her normally flawless hair stuck out in various directions. Mud streaked her Capri pants. Her ripped white shirt exposed a lacy bra. He cleared his throat and struggled to his feet.

            “Chanel? Is everything all right?”

            She turned to face him, but stared right through him. That same throaty gurgle escaped her throat. It almost sounded like a growl. Duke’s stomach knotted.

            “You know, um, I’m pretty tired. Maybe, ah, we could reschedule that drink for another time.”

            She stepped toward him. He stepped to his right.

            “It was awfully great seeing you, though.” He glanced at the front door. How was he going to herd her toward it?

            She took another step, her mouth falling open. A hiss escaped her lips, and determination shrouded her face. The blood in Duke’s veins went cold. He froze. She lunged forward. She misjudged the distance between them, falling to the ground. Her nails caught his neck, and she dragged them down his flesh. He bolted to the right. Taking the steps two at a time, he ran upstairs. He slammed his bedroom door shut. What was wrong with his neighbor? Was she on some type of drug? The footsteps echoed up the stairs. Slow, methodical steps that thudded through the carpet.

            He locked the door and glanced around the room. His gaze fell on the gun safe. How would he explain to the cops the amount of alcohol in his system and his dead neighbor? Maybe just pointing it at her would scare her off. But what if it didn’t? What if she still came after him? He punched in the combination and took out the 300 Winchester and Smith and Wesson Model 629 revolver. Chanel pounded on his bedroom door. Crap! She was relentless! Why couldn’t she be that determined to get in his room before getting high? He glanced at the ceiling. It was his only chance. Pulling down the stairs, he scurried into the attic.

            Darkness surrounded him. He stared at the floor for a long time, waiting for the door to open. His head grew cloudy, his eyes heavy. Eventually, he drifted into an alcohol induced sleep, Chanel still pounding on his bedroom door.

 ~~~

Life After the Undead

Book One Pembroke Sinclair

13008385

1771e-addtogoodreadsblack

Genre: YA Horror

Publisher: eTreasures Publishing

ISBN: ISBN-10: 1937809013 / ISBN-13: 978-1937809010

Number of pages: 356

Cover Artist: Jerrod Brown

 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrgv7W9A_7w]

 

Amazon    Etreasures      Barnes and Noble

Book Description:

The world has come to an end. It doesn’t go out with a bang, or even a whimper. It goes out in an orgy of blood and the dead rising from their graves to feast on living flesh. As democracy crumples and the world melts into anarchy, five families in the U.S. rise to protect the survivors.

The undead hate a humid environment, so they are migrating westward to escape its deteriorating effects. The survivors are constructing a wall in North Platte to keep the zombie threat to the west, while tyranny rules among the humans to the east.

Capable but naïve Krista is 15 when the first attacks occur, and she loses her family and barely escapes with her life. She makes her way to the wall and begins a new life. But, as the undead threat grows and dictators brainwash those she cares about, Krista must fight not only to survive but also to defend everything she holds dear—her country, her freedom, and ultimately those she loves.

 

Death to the Undead

Book 2

Pembroke Sinclair

16177830

1771e-addtogoodreadsblack

Genre: YA horror

Publisher: eTreasures Publishing

ISBN-10: 1937809226 / ISBN-13: 978-1937809225

Number of pages: 286

Cover Artist: Jerrod Brown

Amazon eTreasures  eTreasures

Book Description:

The battle that began in Life After the Undead continues.

Zombies changed her life completely…

Tough teenager Krista escaped to the safety of Florida after her parents were killed by the zombie horde. She united with General Liet, a distant cousin, and moved with him to North Platte to help build a wall to keep the zombies in the West. Krista fell in love with Quinn, a survivor and fighter from the zombie-infested wildlands of the West, and together they freed the garrison at North Platte from the power-hungry Liet.

But zombies aren’t the only enemy they have to face…

Now, North Platte is free, but Liet was not the only one using the zombie apocalypse to control their people. Florida is ruled by five ruthless Families, who use intimidation and the threat of the zombie horde to coerce their populace. Krista and Quinn hatch a desperate plan to run guns into the state and help the people revolt. Krista and Quinn, labeled as rebels run for their lives when the Families attack North Platte. The Families want them captured, the zombies want to eat them, and other survivors want them dead. Caught in between powerful forces, they must survive long enough to devise a new plan and put it into action, all while trying to solidify their new relationship and trying not to self-destruct in the meantime.

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About the Author:

Pembroke Sinclair

 

Pembroke Sinclair is a literary jack of all trades, playing her hand at multiple genres. She has written an eclectic mix of fiction ranging from horror to sci-fi and even some westerns. Born in Rock Springs, Wyoming–the home of 56 nationalities–it is no wonder Pembroke ended up so creatively diverse. Her fascination with the notions of good and evil, demons and angels, and how the lines blur have inspired her writing.

Pembroke lives in Laramie, Wyoming, with her husband, two spirited boys, a black lab named Ryder, and a rescue kitty named Alia, who happens to be the sweetest, most adorable kitty in the world! She cannot say no to dessert, orange soda, or cinnamon. She loves rats and tatts and rock and roll and wants to be an alien queen when she grows up.

You can learn more about Pembroke Sinclair by visiting her at :

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook 

 

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Giveaway details:

 

I’ve recently completed my nonfiction zombie book.

To celebrate this accomplishment, I am giving away three zombie survival kits, which will include Life After the Undead, Death to the Undead, and Finding Eden, along with some fun zombie extras.

finding eden prize pic

 

If you don’t want to risk not winning one of these exciting survival kits, I am also taking orders for them. They will be $40, which includes U.S. shipping. If interested, please email me at pembrokesinclair[at]hotmail[dot]com.

Thanks ~Pembroke.

Three Zombie Survival Kits (US Only)

Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

Raffle button

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Cover Reveal and Sale ~ OUTSIDER : Book Two in the Flawed Series by Becca J. Campbell

Posted: May 2, 2014 in Cover Reveal, New Adult, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance, thriller
Tags: , , ,
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I’m excited to reveal the cover art for Outsider, Book Two in the Flawed Series by Becca J. Campbell.

I loved the first book, Empath and included my review further down in my post.

I’m really anxious to get my hands on this and look forward to reviewing it and sharing my thoughts at a later time.

Check it out!

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Welcome to the cover reveal for Flawed: Outsider (book number two in the Flawed series) by Becca J. Campbell! This gorgeous cover art was designed by the talented Steven Novak.

Outsider_CVR_SML

Is He Only Normal?

After a psychopath tried to kill his friends, Josh Schuyler figured ‘normal’ was far off. The real problem: Josh’s friends have all acquired supernatural abilities, while he’s still the same average guy.

Josh has always believed he was destined for greatness, but he’s been out of college for two years without a clue of his purpose. After watching his friends and siblings develop superhuman traits, he wonders if he might be meant for something grand, too. Can Josh even hope for an extraordinary event in his own future? And how long must he wait for this transformation – if there is one?

When Alex met the Schuylers, she was grateful for new friends to whisk her away from her lonely life in California and give her an escape from her divorced, bickering parents and aimless future. But Josh won’t drop his defenses, and Alex isn’t sure she wants to trade her old life for this new, uncertain one.

Nicodemus has an amazing ability he’s been milking for years to get whatever or whomever he wants. Things are going great until a young woman – Alex – inadvertently busts his latest swindle. Nic is furious when he discovers his power has been disabled, and he vows to find her in order to wreak his vengeance. She will be punished. All he needs is a little help from his friend, Ethan Black.

Josh has been waiting for his big break, or for the chance to be a hero, or just the opportunity to stand out in his own, extraordinary way.

Will Josh discover his purpose in time to stop Nic?

Outsider (Flawed, #2) Release

Add Outsider to your Goodreads to-read list here.

Outsider is expected out this August, so stay tuned! Want to know exactly when it’s released? Sign up for Becca’s Author Newsletter and you won’t miss a thing.

Oh, and if you haven’t read book one yet, now’s the perfect time because IT’S ON SALE!

A Celebratory Book Sale

To celebrate the cover reveal, Becca is running a discount on EMPATH (Flawed, #1) May 1st through 7th.

Grab the book for only $0.99 (normally $2.99) – this week only.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

More on Empath (Flawed, #1)

Empath eBook cover MINISupernatural empathy isn’t a gift, it’s a curse. Anywhere she goes, Jade’s emotions are replaced by those of the people around her.

Jade grew up in a suburb of Colorado Springs, protected from other people by her parents. Now she faces college—and the world—with nothing to shield her from unwanted feelings.

When Cam, a classmate with a major crush on her unintentionally hijacks her emotions, Jade struggles to keep from being carried away in feelings of attraction. When Ethan, a psychopath with a thirst for fear, fixates on her, the emotional impact could be lethal.

Caught in a deadly trap, Jade must untangle the emotions and find a way to use her empathic curse to overcome this killer or be overcome by him.

 

 

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My Review

I’ve read Gateway To Reality by Becca and really enjoyed it so I didn’t hesitate to read and review Empath! This is quite different from her other book and it has some intriguing slants on empaths and some other abilities that the characters have in this book, a new approach and way to look at them, which I found very refreshing.

It probably wasn’t a good idea for Jade’s parents to keep her isolated while growing up. Now she’s starting college and going to her first class and she’s not yet learned to put up a protective barrier between her and other people’s emotions. She doesn’t just feel their emotions, theirs become hers, she feels and reacts to what they are feeling.

One good thing is she meets Cam. Yes, his emotions become hers when she’s near him, but his are sunny and pure and it makes it easy to be with him. He’s like a shield between her and others. That is, until his feelings for her deepen and she has to fight her reactions when he becomes more passionate.

A chance encounter at the grocery store exposes her to the dark, evil emotions of a stranger. Unbeknownst to Jade, Ethan has her firmly in his sights and can’t wait to add her to his collection.

My thoughts

The thing that most intrigued me about Empath was how the author introduced each characters unusual abilities and made it uniquely her own. They are more like a human condition than a supernatural one.

Some of the characters gain their abilities through physical trauma, but some, like Jade and Logan, a professor and loner at her college, are born with them.

Logan doesn’t know why he’s like he is and keeps to himself so no one will learn his secret. A casual encounter with Jade has him wishing he were different. He’s drawn to Jade but not sure if he should act on his attraction.

When Jade bumps into Logan on a hike in the woods, she’s pleasantly surprised to not feel anything from him. She doesn’t feel his emotions, and enjoys being able to feel her own when they are together. This, along with his rugged good looks, stir up an attraction, plus she’s curious to see what he may be hiding.

Jade now has some new friends and a possible love interest or two, but she’s also caught the eye of a sadistic predator.

The author writes in several points of view so you can see what each character is thinking and understand their actions better. The switches in points of view are easy to follow as they are written in their own distinct voices. I liked this as I was further connected to the characters and came to care for them, or in one instance, loathe and fear one.

There are some fun scenes when Jade steps outside her comfort zone and tries some new things and some scary, suspenseful ones as her predator approaches.

Empath is a clean new adult fantasy romance. There are no sex scenes and the predators actions are not explicitly detailed, leaving you to use your imagination.

I’m into this series now and looking forward to what comes next. While this chapter of the series is wrapped up, there are some teases at the end which raise your curiosity and make you want to come back for more.

5 Stars

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More About Becca J. Campbell

IMG_9817 a lowresBecca J. Campbell is the author of the New Adult Romantic Science Fiction novels Foreign Identity and Gateway to Reality, New Adult Romantic Paranormal Thriller Empath (The Flawed Series #1), and Sub-Normal, a series of Science Fiction short stories.

An avid lover of stories that tiptoe the line between fantasy and reality (even when they plunge off one side or the other), Becca looks for new angles on bridging the gap between the two. She holds a special place in her heart for any story that involves superpowers or time travel. Her passion is defying the limits of her own creativity. You can find her on her Author Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Amazon.

 

 

 

Friday Cover Reveal and Giveaway ~ Tracy Tam: Santa Command by Krystalyn Drown

Posted: May 2, 2014 in Cover Reveal, Fantasy, giveaways
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Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Tracy Tam: Santa Command by Krystalyn Drown

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presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

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Tracy doesn’t believe that Santa can deliver all of those presents in one night with out a little help from science. A flying sleigh can only be powered by jet engines, and Santa’s magical abilities can only be the result of altered DNA. In order to test her theories, she sneaks onto Santa’s sleigh and ends up at Santa Command, the place where a team of humans monitors Santa’s big night. When Tracy attempts to hack into their computers, she accidentally introduces a virus to their system. As a result, three states get knocked out of sync with the rest of the world. Before the night is over, Tracy has to fix time and help Santa finish his deliveries. And she has to do it all with Santa’s magic, which she doesn’t believe exists.

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Title: TRACY TAM: SANTA COMMAND
Publication date: October 22, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Krystalyn Drown

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author

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Krystalyn spent thirteen years working at Walt Disney World in a variety of roles: entertainer, talent coordinator, and character captain. Her degree in theatre as well as many, many hours spent in a dance studio, helped with her job there. Her various other day jobs have included working in zoology at Sea World, as an elementary teacher, and currently as a support technician for a website. In the evenings, she does mad writing challenges with her sister, who is also an author. Krystalyn lives near Orlando, Florida with her husband, son, a were cat, and a Yorkie with a Napoleon complex.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway

One eBook copy of Tracy Tam: Santa Command and a

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Click the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

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(Winners will receive their book on release day)

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Let Loose by Rae Davies ~ A Dusty Deals Mystery ~ Giveaway and my cozy review

Posted: May 1, 2014 in Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
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Let Loose
by Rae Davies

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Let Loose:
Dusty Deals Mystery Series: Book 4
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Lead Dog Books (March 3, 2014)
File Size: 826 KB
Print Length: 215 pages
 ASIN: B00IROM6BC

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MY REVIEW

I knew Lucy was in trouble the minute she locked onto the warm, toffee colored eyes of Martin. What’s a girl to do? She already had a great boyfriend in Peter, a police detective.

Martin came to her rescue when she tripped and rolled down the hill in the minus 30 degrees cold while trying to find her Malamute, Kiska.  Before she could stop herself, she volunteered for the Silver Trail dogsled race, which was being held in her town of Helena, Montana. I could see all kinds of delicious trouble brewing.

Lucy owns Dusty Deals, an antique store, with her self-proclaimed partner Phyllis and employee, Betty, who actually run it more than she does. These two were hilarious. Always volunteering her for this and that, angling to make her a who’s who in Helena.

At the fundraiser, Lucy arrives sporting her new do, blue hair courtesy of an episode involving a matchmaking biddy at the hair parlor. As the trail route is revealed, Frank, a member of the Skyers, a snowmobile club, objects, claiming part of the route is theirs and the planned route will have to be changed. Red, the trail organizer, manages to deflect Frank until after the presentation, where they are seen in heated debate. Seems like trouble has arrived in Helena.

The next morning, Lucy’s morning coffee is interrupted by the howls of the hounds from hell. Rushing to the window, she spies a team of sled dogs running loose. Being a dog lover, she lures the team into her jeep with some hotdogs and heads to their kennels to return them safe and sound.

When she arrives at the truck, all the kennel doors are open. This couldn’t be an accident. After she stumbles upon Red, she’s sure of it. The bullet hole in the back of his head indicates murder has come to her town.

The rash of snowmobile thefts and the dispute over the trail route might be connected and Lucy’s previous job at The Helena Daily News comes into play with her nose for ferreting out stories. Let’s just hope her snooping doesn’t put her in the killers crosshairs.

Romance, dogs, murder, and humor. What more could I ask for in a cozy mystery.

The romance is interesting. Enter Martin, the ruggedly handsome musher, and Peter, the absent boyfriend. Hmm…While the cat’s away…

The mysteries were fun to follow. I was curious whether the snowmobile thefts and the dispute over the trail route were connected. Was there a saboteur and a murderer working together? Was there just one culprit? What there was, was plenty of suspects and a heck of a good time sorting them out.

Lots of local color and flamboyant characters along with comic relief made this a truly fun cozy mystery. I already knew it would be when I spotted the adorable cover art. You can be sure I’ll be reading more of this series.

5 STARS

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Synopsis

No good deed goes unpunished. The rule has kept Lucy Mathews out of trouble for most of her 29 years. That is until her part-time partner decides Lucy’s image needs a little polishing and shoves her in front of every do-good bandwagon she can find.

Luckily for Lucy, her dream charity runs right up to her doorstep in the form of a sexy Canadian musher who’s in town to help organize the local sled dog race.

Not so luckily for Lucy, sexy Canadians and detective boyfriends do not a happy mixture make.

One dead race organizer, a group of rambunctious octogenarians, and a team of sled dogs in need of a home later and Lucy is confident this punishment is more than anyone, much less one lone antique store owner, can handle.

Other books in the Dusty Deals Mystery Series…

Loose Screw
Cut Loose
 Loosey Goosey
Loose & Lethal: Dusty Deals Mystery Series Box Set: Books 1 -3

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Coming Soon….

Love on the Loose (A Dusty Deals Mystery Series novella)

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544752_332133136858752_1516498171_n About This Author

Rae Davies is the pen name of author Lori Devoti.

Lori Devoti worked for three different newspapers in two different states before deciding to stay home with her children and begin writing fiction. Lori has been a finalist for many awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award and is a member of Novelists Inc., a prestigious group for professional writers. She lives near Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and children as well as two dogs.

Like Lucy, Rae/Lori loves antiques, Montana and malamutes.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Purchase Links
AMAZON B&N Smashwords

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Tour Participants

April 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview
April 28 – Community Bookstop – Review
April 29 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Giveaway
April 30 – Kelly P’s Blog – Interview
May 1 – fuonlyknew ~ Laura’s ramblins and reviews – Review, Giveaway
May 3 – Darla King Series – Guest Post
May 5 – deal sharing aunt – Guest Post
May 6 – Back Porchervations – Review, Giveaway
May 7 – readalot blog – Review, Giveaway
May 8 – Traci Andrighetti’s blog – Interview
May 9 – Victoria’s Pages of Romance – Guest Post
May 12 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review
May 13 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review, Giveaway
May 14 – Chloe Gets a Clue – Interview

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Tour giveaway

A choice between the three e-book bundle, Loose & Lethal,

or a print copy of Loose Screw

Winner’s Choice

To enter please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

“Where is your favorite place to read?”

Giveaway ends May 8th.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Super Book Blast and Giveaway ~ careful by Randy Anderson

Posted: May 1, 2014 in Action/Adventure, Book Blast, Contemporary Literature, giveaways
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Welcome to the Super Book Blast and Giveaway for Randy Anderson’s careful.

Adventure and healing in South America.

careful

by Randy Anderson

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BLURB:

For two decades Tyler Gibbons has been keeping a secret from his family. At the tender age of sixteen, Tyler embarks on a student exchange program. Sent to the Andean city of Ambato, Ecuador, he finds daily adventure as he tries to fit in at school, connect with his host family, and navigate through a world of beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. But tucked deep inside this year are events so profound, so unexpected, they forever shape the man he will become.

Now, 25 years later, his mother pulls these soaring tales from her son, exposing, for the first time, the source of a deep unhappiness. While these memories contain the wounds of an unresolved past, they also possess the power to heal his painful present.

Thoughtfully crafted and boldly told, Tyler’s journey takes the reader on a wild South American adventure, while illuminating a mother’s unyielding power to heal her child.

Careful Book Cover Banner copy

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Excerpt

The boat came to a stop at a shallow riverbank. We were greeted by an olive-skinned man in his forties with shoulder-length hair and an unruly beard. He resembled a castaway, but with more muscle.

“Welcome to the Amazon,” he said, helping the ladies off the boat. “My name is Xavier. I will be your guide for the next two days. Please take only what you need for one night and leave the rest with the boatsman. He will take your things to camp by boat.”

“From here we will hike two hours to camp. There you can relax in the hammock, go swimming, and enjoy a nice dinner in the evening.” Xavier was very welcoming with his choppy English. We’d learn later that he was born in Bolivia and educated in Germany. His love for the study of biology would take him to exotic places all around the world. He was a charismatic free spirit.

“First thing first,” Xavier said. “Everyone needs to put on these boots.” He pointed to a line of knee-high rubber boots. “They are not the most ideal for hiking, but it’s been very wet, so the ground is soft. Do not be surprised if you sink one half . . . maybe one meter into the earth.” We were looking around in disbelief. “If this happens, do not panic. Just relax. Don’t wiggle. Signal for my attention. I will come and help you free.”

“Help us free?” I whispered to Peter.

“Yes, help you free.” Xavier’s ears were keen. “It is sometimes very difficult to free yourself from this earth, so use caution. Now we go.” He began walking up the bank and suddenly stopped.

“Also, you will see me eat things. Do not eat things unless I give them. If you do, you may die. I’m very sorry for this but it is your own fault. Don’t eat anything unless I give you,” he repeated. “I won’t give you everything I eat. Why? Because not all are good. Eating plant is not about good plant and bad plant. It is about good plant at good time. Not good plant at bad time. And there is never good time to eat bad plant. So no eating unless I give it. Okay? Now we go.” We all nodded and started following him up the hill. Once again he suddenly stopped.

“Also, do not touch things. Sometimes, plants have defenses that will make you very sick, or will make you die. Sometimes plants have insects on them that will sting or bite you. This can also make you very sick or die. Sometimes plant isn’t plant but insect. These are very cool and most won’t sting or bite you. If you see this, do not touch but alert me so that I can show you. Okay?” I was relieved that at least one thing wasn’t going to kill me.

“It’s like we’re marching into certain death,” Peter said as we laughed.

“Also,” Xavier said, “one last thing, and then we go. Sometimes, plants or bug touch you. This happens. Plants grow over trail, bugs fly through air and hit you. This will happen. Mostly you’ll be okay. Maybe, once in a while, this makes you sick or kills you. It’s very sad and I’m sorry. This is not your fault.” He paused for a second. “Oh, the animals. I almost forgot the animals! The jungle is full of many animals. Do not touch the animals. Some are very dangerous. Not as dangerous as the plants and bugs, but there is still danger. Watch where you step. The snakes and rodents will sometimes use our trail. The snakes are dangerous. The rodents are unpleasant. Either way, try not to step on them. Sometimes a snake will drop from the tree. This is bad. But not very often. If you feel pee, don’t look up. Monkey pee stings the eyes. Very bad. Okay, now we go.”

Finally Xavier’s disclaimer was over and we were off on our certain-death march. Whatever fear of the forest he’d put into our hearts vanished under the beauty of the canopy. The sounds of life we’d been hearing beneath the rumble of the bus amplified tenfold. The jungle was electrifying. Sunlight filtered down to the ground in ever-changing locations, spotlighting endless shades of green.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Randy Anderson

Randy Anderson is a novelist and playwright. His first book was published in 2011. On Making Off recounted his adventures running The Beggars Group, a downtown theater company that produced over two dozen productions at the turn of the millennium. He is also the author of several plays including; Kill the President, The Dwelling, and Yippie! Randy currently lives in Brooklyn where he writes, reasons, and reacts. You can contact him at www.onmakingoff.com, or on twitter @onmakingoff.

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Randy will be awarding an eCopy of Careful and a $25 Starbucks GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

So be sure to show some comment love!


Click on the banner below to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Book Reviewer Yellow Pages ~ Blast and Huge Giveaway!

Posted: May 1, 2014 in Book Blast, giveaways, reviews
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Book Reviewer Yellow Pages Blast and Giveaway

 

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages Front Cover

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Are you trying to promote your books? Are you a writer, publisher, or agent?

Promote your book with this bestselling author’s reference, the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages. Make your book promotion easier, and get the publicity you need from book reviewers. Learn how and where to submit your book for review. There are hundreds of new book reviewers listed in this book. Each listing details the individual book reviewer’s:

1.   Contact information,

2.   Pet peeves,

3.   Preferred genres, and

 4.  Submission guidelines

Reviewers are rated for quality and influence. This new edition includes several blog tour sites and their submission guidelines. Learn how to get the exposure that your book deserves! Authors and book reviewers can sign up for alerts at: http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net

*Note: This book is enrolled in the Kindle MATCHBOOK program. If you purchase the paperback from Amazon, the Kindle edition is free. The paperback has a genre index, which makes searching for accepted genres easy. The Kindle version has clickable website links (which is impossible to do in a paperback), so you can click directly to the reviewer’s site and contact page. The publisher of this book recommends purchasing the paperback and then downloading the Kindle edition for free using Amazon’s Matchbook program, and using both versions to maximize your promotion efforts.

PROMO TIP: This is a reference book with active hyperlinks in the e-book. It is easier to view and use the Kindle edition of this book on a computer using Amazon’s free Kindle app. That way, you can use the full screen to check genre preferences and submit your query right from your desktop.

 

Purchase

Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Amazon

 

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages EditorInterview with Christine Pinheiro, Editor, Defiant Press

The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages is a bestselling author’s promotional reference, designed specifically for authors who need book reviewers for their books.

Where did you get the idea for the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages?

At first, I did it purely out of self-interest! I wrote a nonfiction book in 2007, and I had a very difficult time finding book reviewers. It seemed like an impossible task. All of the regular outlets were closed to me—where do you go when you can’t get a review in the New York Times? Where do the “little guys” go when they need to promote their books? So I started the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages out of my own frustration. At first, the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages was just a big list on a simple website. I added to the list when I had spare time. Book reviewers started seeking me out, and asking to be put on the list, and it just grew from there. In 2009, I published the first “Book Reviewer Yellow Pages,” and the rest is history. The list just grew organically. Now we have hundreds of book reviewers on our list, and thousands of authors subscribe to the newsletter.

How about the book reviewers themselves, what do they get out of it?

Many book reviewers just do it for fun, and they get the benefit of free books and ARCs (advance review copies). Quite a few of them also earn money, either from sidebar advertising, blog tours, or other author’s services. There are so many self-published authors out there right now, trying to promote their books without the help of a traditional publisher, so there’s a lot of little business ventures cropping up to serve them.

Many reviewers list their “pet peeves,” is this something that the authors really want to know?

Yes! It’s the most popular part of the questionnaire—all the reviewers have their own horror stories. Sadly, many authors have terrible etiquette when they request book reviews. Many don’t take the time to even spell-check their queries, or find out if the reviewer is a man or a woman, so they can address them correctly! I used to review books myself, and it’s amazing how many times I’ve gotten a review request with nothing but a link to the book. No signature, no salutation, nothing! Why would I review your book, when you aren’t even willing to take a few minutes to send me a proper review request? We also added an “author etiquette” section to the front of the book, and that seems to help a bit.

Do Book Reviews really help sales?

They’ve helped my own book sales tremendously, and I know hundreds of authors who would say the same. Look, everyone knows that book promotion is boring work. Contacting dozens of book reviewers is time consuming, and you have to deal with rejection, but the payoff from a positive book review is enormous. That’s been the case in my own writing career. Reviews really help sales, and it’s nice to have a public testimonial that customers can refer to when they purchase. On the flip side, many of the reviewers accept ARCs and also work as beta-readers, so if you can get a few good reviewers to read through your manuscript before publication, they might be able to give you valuable feedback. I found a big plot hole in one of my novels that way—a reviewer found the problem, and I was able to fix it before the book went to publication.

Do reviewers ever drop off the list? Can authors get updates?

Yes, on our website. Reviewers get added and removed on a regular basis—and the list goes through a complete overhaul once a year. I do a formal update every April. That’s when we put out a new edition of the book, as well as update the reviewer list on the website. The abbreviated list on the website is free, and authors and publishers can sign up for updates to the list here: http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net. The newsletter is also free.

Do you have any advice for authors?

Be polite to book reviewers, always. Not everyone is going to like your book, that’s just the nature of game. But publishing is a business, and it pays to be professional. It’s just like any other creative business. Reviewers are our critics, and they give us valuable feedback that we need to improve. One of the best reviews I ever received on the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages was mildly negative. The writer gave me tons of feedback on how to make the book better. I followed his advice, and the book has been more profitable since. Book Reviewers really want to help authors—I’ve never met a single book reviewer that was interested in just tearing an author down. We are all in this business together!

 

For more information visit:

The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages

Website * Facebook

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Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

Raffle button

Ends 5/31/14

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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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Waiting on Wednesday ~ My Clarity by M. Clarke

Posted: April 30, 2014 in New Adult, Romance
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My Clarity

By: M. Clarke (Mary Ting)

Available May 12, 2014



** This is a New Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+
due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**

Still reeling from the death of her father, Alexandria hopes to find both independence and reprieve from her grief by heading off to college. However, life throws her a serious curveball when she discovers that her roommate isn’t quite the person she had imagined.

Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.

An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love—will it be enough?

 

 
 
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THE COUNT DOWN BEGINS!
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Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke is also a featured author at Chapter by Chapter Book Rave happening September 20th! Check it out! Click on the photo below.

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Almost more than I could bear ~ Dark Innocence by Madeline Pryce ~ Reviewing this addictive erotic series.

Posted: April 29, 2014 in Erotic, Novella, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Romance, Series
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I think I’m going to need a new Kindle. After reading Dark Cravings, my Kindle was in danger. Now that I”ve finished reading Dark Innocence, my Kindle is charging up again. I just hope the CPR works or I’ll be shopping for a new one!

I didn’t think I was a reader of erotic books, but I’ve changed my tune. I can’t imagine not meeting Madeline’s characters or immersing myself in their stories. Erotic it may be, but that’s only the icing on the cake. There’s so much happening in these books, you’ll be hoping for some hot sex to relieve the tension!

Check out my review of Dark Innocence. And I’ve also reposted my review of the first book, Dark Cravings, so you’ll see how much I loved these books!

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My Review

I had so much fun reading Dark Cravings that I was’ over the rainbow’ thrilled to get Dark Innocence!

In Dark Cravings I met Hannah and Dante, but they were not the main characters. In this second book, they are the stars and boy do they shine.

Hannah has a photographic memory and she’s so haunted by the memories of her abduction, rape, and torture. She feels worthless, so she drowns out her memories with booze, drugs, and loveless sex.

Her rescuer, Dante, is older than her, and dates super models. She can’t imagine he’d be interested in her.

When she desperately needs help, she reaches out to Dante, and the sexy lion shifter comes to her rescue again.

The sexual tension between the two could burn down a house, and it’s up to Hannah to seduce the lion, show him she’s stronger, more the girl she used to be, not a wounded lamb anymore.

They don’t get to savor their newfound passion for long. A vampire intrudes on their lives and Hannah’s enemies gather to strike again. She’ll have to draw on her new courage and strength if they are going to survive what’s coming.

When I read this was an erotic novella, I was thinking it would be a ‘wham bam, thank you maam’ read. Not so. Each time I thought it was safe to come up for air, I was sucked back in by several events that ripped out my heart, stomped on it, and left me begging for relief.

Dante’s travails had me crying and Hannah’s courage had me yelling, ‘give it to em!’

I’m giving you a heads up. This is not intended for young readers. There’s steamy sex scenes, violence, and strong language. If you don’t mind that, like me, you’ll love Madeline’s writing. Her characters aren’t perfect, which, to me, is a requirement if they are going to read as genuine. Without flaws, they’d feel flat, like paper dolls, and I wouldn’t be able to connect with them or care what happened to them. I cared so much it hurt.

Now, I’m bereft. Wanting more so badly. And I’ll have it. Madeline has a couple new releases coming very soon. Be sure to get started on this series now so you’ll be ready too.

5 Stars +

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Synopsis

Hannah Grey will do anything to escape the tortured memories haunting her. Every breath brings back the pain, the fear and the unbearable knowledge that she’ll never be the once-perfect girl everyone thought her to be. When the self-destructive fog of drugs, alcohol and meaningless sex starts to clear, Dante, a lion shifter sexier than sin itself, emerges through the darkness ready to rescue her for the second time in so many weeks.

In the safety of Dante’s embrace, Hannah allows herself to become the woman she’s always wanted to be—smart, sexy, capable and empowered. His every touch electrifies. His hot, hungry kisses set her senses ablaze. As Dante masters her body, Hannah finally finds the strength to master her fears.

Perfection shatters as a mysterious vampire escalates from anonymous phone calls to violent encounters. When Hannah’s enemies unite, placing both her and Dante in mortal peril, it’s going to take all of her newfound strength to face the coming darkness and save the man she loves.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

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I don’t normally rereview (is that even a word?) a book but when I heard about Dark Cravings I couldn’t resist. I adored this book when it was titled Blood Lust Rising and when I learned it was being released by Ellora’s Cave Publishing with a new title and new content, I had to read it.

I’m going to get right to it!

Dark Cravings

By Madeline Pryce

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MY REVIEW

I reviewed this story when it was titled Blood Lust Rising. Since then it has received a new title and cover art, the author has a new pen name, Madeline Pryce, and she’s added a whole bunch more to this story.

I mentioned in my review how the sex was so steamy it fogged up my Kindle! Well it did it again and yes, my Kindle survived round two! LOL

The characters are a bit older which makes it more appropriate as the sex is even steamier, more erotic. Don’t let that fool you though. There’s one hell of a lot of action and danger, much more to this than just romance.

The ending is different too but I can’t talk about it as it’ll spoil things and I don’t think you’d appreciate that much.

Here are my previous review comments:

This is one of the best first chapters I have read. I am not one to blush easily, but my whole face was rosy before I finished it.

You don’t have to kneel down and peek through the keyhole because the author leaves the bedroom door (or any door) wide open. The intimate, arousing sexual scenes fogged up my Kindle screen, they were that HOT!

About the story

They don’t get along at all. Micah and Ella are partners, working for the Shadow Agency. Their job, hunt vampires and demons.

A late night chase after a succubus through the cemetery does not go as planned. The Demon hits them with a spell that changes everything.

They awaken in a hotel 4 days later with no memory of how they got there. Both are exhausted and dehydrated, weak from a marathon of sex. Separating them is out of the question. The demon’s spell has awakened a yearning that can’t be ignored, an intense sexual need that was already there, just beneath the surface.

As their sexual desire deepens into something more, they join together, battling vamps, weres and numerous types of demons, while delving into Micah’s mysterious origins and fending off the unwanted and lethal attention of Julian, Ella’s sire.

What I felt

I feel a strong physical and emotional connection to Micah and Ella. I want them to be safe and I want a happy ending for them.

Characters

Ella starts out as a self-contained, don’t need anybody, kick-butt slayer. The author is able to show me Ella’s transformation, making me see all sides of her character, including her flaws. Ella is still tough as nails, but her fierce loyalty to family and friends, and her deepening love for Micah make her very real to me.

And Micah. I was already attracted to his oozing sexuality and sarcastic personality. As I read more, I was able to see his tender side, his love for family and his passion for and commitment to Ella.

Scenes to share – I want you to feel what I felt.

The green glow emanating from Micah’s eyes lit the night. Micah threw himself at Julian. The two men collided and rolled in the mud, a tangle of blood-smeared fists. They were both wearing black and, the more they coated themselves in mud, the harder it was to tell them apart.

Micah pulled his fist back, drove it into Julian’s face again and again. Crack. Crack. Crack. Julian threw Micah to the side, straddled his body. Blow after blow, they rolled and cursed, jockeyed for position. They pounded the holy living hell out of each other.

A body melting scene – Micah to Ella

“If you go upstairs with me. I’m not going to be able to stop from touching you, from stripping you naked. You’re tired and hurt and I can’t promise to be gentle. The Darkness.” He drew in a breath and corrected himself. “The demon wants you tied to my bed, wants you screaming and so drunk with pleasure you won’t be able to walk away from us. You are ours. The man and the demon. We need to claim you.”

Thoughts

It had to have been really challenging for the author to put her characters into very dangerous and compromising situations and make the conclusions believable and satisfying. She has shown that she can and has what it takes.

Blood Lust Rising took me by surprise. My connection to the characters was deep. The story was flush with sexual tension, grueling fighting scenes and compelling dialogue. I found myself immediately engaged and immersed in the book without even trying.

Quotes I loved. You will understand it’s significance once you read the book.

Slaughter. Defend. Obliterate.

Murder. Guard. Destroy

Something Funny:

I had Vampire ED, on top of everything else!

Something tender:

Micah pulled back, gave Hannah a smile that melted solid objects.

Warning:If your kindle starts smoking while you are reading this book, don’t be alarmed. Mine still works fine!

There you have it. I swear my Kindle was overheating. Either that, or I was!

When you think a book can’t get any better, think again. Dark Cravings did!

5 STARS Again!

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Synopsis

As a half-breed vampire, Ella Grey’s life sucks. She does her best to pass the time killing demons and secretly admiring her Shadow Hunter partner, Micah. He’s hot, dangerous and knows it. He’d be just Ella’s type if he weren’t likely to kill her the moment she put a toe out of line.

A chance encounter with a succubus changes everything. From the second the succubus’s spell washes over them, Ella and Micah are helpless to keep their hands off one another. The sex, when it’s not leaving them on the verge of death, is earth shattering and for the first time in ages Ella is connected with someone on a level she’d feared lost forever. But a dangerous prophecy has been set into motion, and if Ella’s not careful it’ll pull her straight from Micah’s arms and into the deepest bowels of the underworld.

A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published under the title Blood Lust Rising. It has been revised and expanded for EC.

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And the newest release by Madeline!

Claiming Ecstasy

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I’ll be reading this soon.

Synopsis

Jolie Dupree is prophesized to bring an end to the deadly war waging between the vampires and the Seelie court. Groomed from birth by a vicious mother, Jolie knows her future can only end in blood—and the murder of the one man she can’t resist. Consumed with guilt, Jolie can’t fight the lure of Nicolas Larkin, the vampire king. She returns to him over and over again, every caress of pain and every stroke of pleasure drawing her deeper into the darkness. She must decide between the concrete and the chaos, the light and the dark, for her choice will tip the scales between good and evil, and quite possible, cost Jolie her soul.
A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

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About Madeline Pryce and her books

Madeline Pryce wrote her first novel when she was ten, penned with neon-pink ink in a loose-leaf binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kinds of stories that inspired her as a teen.

Blog ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Ellora’s Cave Publishing

Madeline Pryce on Facebook ~ Madeline Pryce – Author on Facebook

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Teaser Tuesday’s #64 ~ if you find me by Emily Murdoch

Posted: April 29, 2014 in Contemporary Literature, Mystery, YA
Tags: ,
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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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My Teaser for today is from if you find me

by Emily Murdoch 

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My Teaser

Hoping I can protect Ness if an intruder enters our woods, or a hungry bear, or a hungry bear with cubs in tow, even worse. Hoping I can love Ness enough to grow her up healthy and normal, whatever that means. Hoping I can fill her growing mind and heart when I can’t fill her stomach…hoping she’ll forgive me for the white-star night, and keep on forgiving me every time I can’t fix things. Like now.

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Synopsis

There are some things you can’t leave behind…

A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.

Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.

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How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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