Posts Tagged ‘YA’

4-for-Friday-Banner

Welcome to the 4 for Friday Blitz for Crown of Ice by Vicki L. Weavil, Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton, Avian by Nicole Conway, and Branded by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki, presented by Month9Books!

Usually I have a Cover Reveal and Giveaway for ya. Instead I have the 4 For Friday.

Just check out these spectacular books with their amazing covers.

Authors Abi & Missy have put together a super giveaway too so don’t forget to enter!

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Crown-of-ice-Cover

Thyra Winther’s seventeen, the Snow Queen, and immortal, but if she can’t reassemble a shattered enchanted mirror by her eighteenth birthday she’s doomed to spend eternity as a wraith.

Armed with magic granted by a ruthless wizard, Thyra schemes to survive with her mind and body intact. Unencumbered by kindness, she kidnaps local boy Kai Thorsen, whose mathematical skills rival her own. Two logical minds, Thyra calculates, are better than one. With time rapidly melting away she needs all the help she can steal.

A cruel lie ensnares Kai in her plan, but three missing mirror shards and Kai’s childhood friend, Gerda, present more formidable obstacles. Thyra’s willing to do anything – venture into uncharted lands, outwit sorcerers, or battle enchanted beasts — to reconstruct the mirror, yet her most dangerous adversary lies within her breast. Touched by the warmth of a wolf pup’s devotion and the fire of a young man’s desire, the thawing of Thyra’s frozen heart could be her ultimate undoing.

CROWN OF ICE is a YA Fantasy that reinvents Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” from the perspective of a young woman who discovers that the greatest threat to her survival may be her own humanity.

 

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

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Vicki Lemp Weavil was raised in a farming community in Virginia, where her life was shaped by a wonderful family, the culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and an obsession with reading. Since obtaining her undergraduate degree in Theatre from the University of Virginia, she’s gone on to acquire two masters degrees, living in places as diverse as New York City and rural North Carolina. She’s currently the library director for a performing an visual arts university. Vicki loves good writing in any genre, and has been known to read seven books in as many days. She enjoys travel, gardening, and the arts. Vicki lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.

 

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumbler

Fire-in-the-Woods-Cover

When a plane crashes in the woods near Jess’s home, the boy of her dreams falls out of the sky—literally. But David’s not here to find a girlfriend. He’s from another planet, and if Jess can’t help him get back to his ship, he’ll be stuck on Earth with nothing to look forward to but the pointy end of a dissection scalpel.

But her father runs their house like an army barracks, and with an alien on the loose, Major Dad isn’t too keen on the idea of Jess going anywhere. Ever. So how the heck is she supposed to help the sweetest, strangest, and cutest guy she’s ever met?

Hiding him in her room probably isn’t the best idea. Especially since her Dad is in charge of the squadron searching for David. That doesn’t mean she won’t do it. It just means she can’t get caught.

Helping David get home while protecting her heart—that’s gonna be the hard part. After all, she can’t really fall for a guy who’s not exactly from here.

As they race through the woods with Major Dad and most of the U.S. military one breath behind them, Jess and David grow closer than either of them anticipated. But all is not what it seems. David has a genocide-sized secret, and one betrayal later, they are both in handcuffs as alien warships are positioning themselves around the globe. Time is ticking down to Armageddon, and Jess must think fast if she’s to save the boy she cares about without sacrificing Earth—and everyone on it.

 

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

Jennifer M. Eaton

Corporate Team Leader by day, and Ranting Writer by night. Jennifer M. Eaton calls the East Coast of the USA home, where she lives with her husband, three energetic boys, and a pepped up poodle.

Jennifer hosts an informational blog “A Reference of Writing Rants for Writers (or Learn from My Mistakes)” aimed at helping all writers be the best they can be.

Beyond writing and motivating others, she also enjoys teaching her dog to jump through hoops—literally.

Jennifer’s perfect day includes long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but her greatest joy is using her over-active imagination constructively… creating new worlds for everyone to enjoy.

 

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Avian-Cover

What kind of power is lurking inside him?

After a year of training to become a dragonrider, Jaevid Broadfeather has been sent home to rest during a three-month interlude. But when he returns to find the king drake has chosen Beckah Derrick as his new rider, Jaevid realizes something big is about to happen. Every fiber of his being is pushed to the breaking point as Jaevid battles through his avian year, preparing for the final graduation test of the battle scenario. But there is more standing in his way than a few pushups and fancy sword moves.

Jaevid must face a new fear as he is tormented by a gruesome nightmare of a mysterious gray elf warrior murdering the royal family of Maldobar. It seems obvious to him that this is some kind of message about how the war started long ago—until Felix assures him the king is very much alive. With his strange powers growing stronger by the day, and that violent dream replaying in his mind every night, Jaevid no longer wonders if he will pass his avian year or not . . . he wonders if he will even survive it.

The truth will soon be set loose.

 

 

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

NicoleConwayPhoto

Nicole is the author of the children’s fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES, about a young boy’s journey into manhood as he trains to become a dragonrider. She has completed the first two books in the series, and is now working on the third and final book.

Originally from a small town in North Alabama, Nicole moves frequently due to her husband’s career as a pilot for the United States Air Force. She received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Classics from Auburn University, and will soon attend graduate school.

She has previously worked as a freelance and graphic artist for promotional companies, but has now embraced writing as a full-time occupation.

Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves watching children’s movies and collecting books. She lives at home with her husband, two cats, and dog.

 

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Branded-Cover

Fifty years ago The Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society.

To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.

Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home.

Constant darkness.

Brutal and savage violence.

Excruciating pain.

Every day is a fight for survival.

But I won’t let them win. I will not die in the Hole.

I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

 

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

 

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumbler

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway

Two (2) winners will receive a paperback copy of Predator by Janice Gable Bashman, Crown of Ice by Vicki L. Weavil, Into the Fire by Ashleyn Drake, Scion of the Sun by Nicola Marsh, and To Bear and Iron Key by Jackie Morse Kessler with some Month9Books Swag (US ONLY)

  • Three (3) winners will receive digital copies of Predator by Janice Gable Bashman, Crown of Ice by Vicki L. Weavil, Into the Fire by Ashleyn Drake, Scion of the Sun by Nicola Marsh, and To Bear and Iron Key by Jackie Morse Kessler (INT)

 

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

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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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A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.

It’s the tour Grand Finale for
The Cinderella Theorem
By Kristee Ravan

Did you enjoy this logical fairy tale journey? If you missed any posts, go back and check them out now! Be sure to enter the giveaway as well!!

Launch with Excerpt (click on the link to read the full excerpt)

“Right. Well,” she took a breath. “To begin, I should say that your father is not dead.”

“But, he is dead. You told me that he died–that the train he was on hit a cow.”[i]

“No, Sweetie.” She patted my knee. “He’s not dead. He is alive and he’s coming to dinner.”

“I don’t understand. The train wrecked, the cow died, Dad died. You showed me the news story.”

Mom sighed. (Why is she sighing? Did she think that I would automatically understand? Did I miss the Lily, your dad is not dead memo?) “There was a train wreck, a cow did die. And it was on the news. But your father was not on the train.”

[i] If I seem a little slow to understand what my mom is telling me, keep in mind that fifteen years of believing my dad is dead is greater than 3 minutes of hearing he is alive. (15 > 3.)

Kelly P’s Blog – Inspiration for The Cinderella Theorem

Once upon a time, in a library far, far away, I discovered the fairy tale shelf. I remember it was in a sunny area. The books were smaller than normal and were a part of a set. I checked them out over and over again. I’m sure my seven-year-old self had heard or had all these fairy tales read to her before, but this was the first time, I was able to read them for myself. This began a life-long love for fairy tales…

Coffee Books & Art – Anatomy of a Good Bad Guy

Confession: I love to write Levi, the evil villain in The Cinderella Theorem. He’s to develop, he makes Lily (and everyone else) squirm and lose their cool, plus he’s greasy. Let’s explore the qualities that make up a good bad guy…

The Wonderings of One Person – Interview

Is there a singular character that really touched your heart and why?

Lily has to make a couple of choices to be brave in the story. One of those is when she decides that she’d rather face facts and get to know her (previously believed dead) father than hold on to the nice, neat “story” of what she believed happened. I’m not always best at making hard choices, or being willing to do what is hard, so that aspect of Lily inspired me.

Bookworm Lisa – A Book About Math? Really??

I need to let you in on a little secret. There’s math in my book. Probably an above average amount. It’s not a math book, but there is way more math in it than you would find in a regular book. And while I don’t think I’m BFFs with math, I do think I’m friendly with math. Which is interesting because there was a time in my life that math and I were not friendly at all…

Shannon’s Blog – Review

“I liked the first-person writing style of The Cinderella Theorem; I thought Lily had a good voice. The characters were quirky and likable, and the ideas and world itself were delightful. The Cinderella Theorem is an enjoyable book, a fun play on the old fairy tales. Recommended.”

Simplistic Reviews – Promo

Skye Malone’s Blog – Fairy Tales You Aren’t Reading — But Should (Part One)

In my book, The Cinderella Theorem, a lot of the fairy tale world’s usual subjects show up: Cinderella, the Gingerbread Man, Sleeping Beauty. But I also got to shed some light on some of the rarer tales around, like the Erlking…

Wonderous Reviews – Interview

What is your favorite thing about writing a book partly set in a fairy-tale world?

Thinking up things like Marvelous Midas Creme—magical ice cream made by King Midas. From one carton, everyone will magically have whatever flavor is their favorite in their bowl. Creating the structure for HEA (The Office of Happily Ever After Affairs) was a lot of fun too!

Mythical Books – Why I Heart Beauty and the Beast

Everyone’s got a favorite fairy tale and mine is Beauty and the Beast. There are a lot of reasons this tale could be my favorite, but the truth is there’s only one reason that it is my favorite…

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Interview

2. This not only has a mathematical twist but a comical twist to the Cinderella theme? Will this become a series? If so, what type of theme will follow? If not, what will be your next project?

I am working on a sequel called Calculating Christmas. It will be a Christmas theme as Lily and her friends try to save Christmas. I also know what the third book will be about, but haven’t really planned it yet.

Sarah’s StoryLines – The Shocking Truth About Fairy Tales

They start with once upon a time and end with everyone living happily ever after and in between those two things there is singing, talking woodland animals and a good deal of magic. Everyone knows that’s how fairy tales go. But do we really know these tales?

Katy’s Krazy Books – Review

“I absolutely loved The Cinderella Theorem!! It was amazing. I thought it was so cool how Lily grew as a character and learned all these different lessons. The footnotes that the author added at the bottom of the pages were so great and helpful.”

Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima – Review

“This is definitely the most unique fantasy novel I’ve read in a long time (and I read a lot of fantasy)! I love the main character and the way she views the world in terms of math.”

My Devotional Thoughts – Interview

What kind of research (if any) do you do for your books?

Because math and fairy tales are so important in these books, I try to keep them in my mind by following blogs about fairy tales and math. I also read books about math and fairy tales. (Women in Mathematics and The Witch Must Die are what I’m working through now.) I’ve found that I’m faster at writing if I don’t stop to research in the moment, so I’ve started jotting down post-it notes of things to look up later. I’ve got some math friends that I ask questions of when needed. My friend, Kelly, helped me think of a math poster to be in Lily’s bedroom. I also use the internet quite a bit.

The Written Adventure – A Deleted Scene

Mom hadn’t mentioned what I was supposed to wear for the interview, but then again, Mom hadn’t mentioned the interview either. There were a lot of things going unmentioned in the Sparrow family these days. Like my dad isn’t really dead, like I’m a princess, like I’m having a ball in my honor. So in the grand scheme of things unmentioned by my mother, what was one reporter, showing up unannounced, knocking on my bedroom door…

Tween 2 Teen Book Reviews – Review

“I expected it to be okay, but it far surpassed my expectations. I picked it up and couldn’t stop! I was laughing out loud the entire time!… This book was SO much fun! I honestly loved every minute of it. The romance was fleeting, but promised more. I can’t wait for the next book!”

Mel’s Shelves – Review

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more! I felt that I learned more about both fairytales and math while reading it so I feel smarter now than I was before I started. The ending was great and left me wanting more, so I was glad to get a sneak peek into the next book, Calculating Christmas (which is hopefully coming soon). If you or someone you know loves math, this book is a no brainer! If you don’t enjoy math, you will still find plenty about it to love, so give it a chance!!”

My Life, Loves and Passion – Review

“This is a very interesting spin on fairy tales. I did truly enjoy the story. It was fun to think how I would feel as a teenager in this situation. She uses math to rationalize life. For a 15 year old girl I did not find her annoying. Most of the time the female character can be whinny and boy crazy. Lily was not like that and I was glad for a change of pace. A great fun read.”

Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review

“I’m not into math, but I love fairy tales. I passed my math classes, but it’s not my favorite subject, and I wasn’t sure how a story about fairy tales could possibly tie into math. But it worked! I thought it was very creative and the story was even written in a math book-type of format–little side notes and footnotes. It was interesting to see the way a logical girl could come to accept a fantasy world–almost like right brain meets left brain.”

Book Briefs – Review

“The Cinderella Theorem overall was a really great read. I had a few small issues with the book early, but they were minor things and I am so glad that I didn’t let them get in the way of enjoying the story, because this was a book that just kept getting better and better. I loved the concept of the story and the main character, Lily was a delight.”

Deal Sharing Aunt – Review

“What I liked the most is that the author had me laughing. A lot. I can not wait until the next book comes out and I read more about these characters!”

A Backwards Story – From The Fireland Flame

From the Fireland Flame, the daily newspaper of EG Smythe’s Salty Fire Land:
Tybalt’s Tales, Gossip from all the Genres

August 19th has finally arrived! The day we’ve all been waiting for, Fireland! Princess Lily turns 15 today and finds out that she’s really a princess. How will our secret Protector respond?

Coffee, Books and Me – What’s in a Name?

Even though no one ever spells it correctly, I love my first name: Kristee. It’s unique and special and though a Google search will reveal that there are other Kristees in the world. I personally have never met one, and I know there’s no one else named “Kristee Ravan” (Kudos to my husband for giving me a unique last name, that no one ever spells correctly either…). So when I began creating Lily’s world, I wanted to be intentional with the names of the people and places. Here’s the inside scoop on what some the names mean.

I Am A Reader – Fairy Tales You Aren’t Reading, But Should, Part 2

Snow White and Rose Red

First of all, this is not the Snow White who hangs with the seven dwarves. This Snow White and her sister, Rose Red, were named for rosebushes that grew in front of their cottage, where the girls and their mother lived a happy life in the woods. (The dad’s dead.)

Dividing by Zero – Review

“The characters are well developed (and fun!), the plot is entertaining and very creative, the writing flows well, the dialogue is natural sounding and true to the character who’s speaking, and it’s overall just a good, fun read. I was also geekily excited that Lily shares information about Pi Day (March 14th – 3/14 – because pi is 3.14159… get it?) I’m looking very much forward to The Lily Sparrow Chronicles Book 2: Calculating Christmas…”

Calling for Reviewers!

We’re looking for reviewers! You don’t need a blog to sign up, but you do need to at least post a review on Amazon. Other sites (blog, Goodreads, etc.) are also appreciated. Reviews must be completed by the end of November. To sign up, please fill out this form.

The Cinderella Theorem
(The Lily Sparrow Chronicles #1)
by Kristee Ravan
YA Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 367 pages
March 17th 2014

Fairy tales are naturally non-mathematical. That is a fact, and fifteen-year-old Lily Sparrow loves factual, mathematical logic. So when her mother confesses that Lily’s deceased father is (a) not dead, (b) coming to dinner, and (c) the ruler of a fairy tale kingdom accessible through the upstairs bathtub, Lily clings to her math to help her make sense of this new double life (1 life in the real world + 1 secret life in the fairy tale world = a double life).

Even though it’s not mathematical, Lily finds herself being pulled into a mystery involving an unhappy Cinderella, a greasy sycophant called Levi, and a slew of vanishing fairy tale characters. Racing against the clock, with a sound mathematical plan, Lily attempts to save her fairy tale friends while proving that normality = happiness.

Amazon

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Author Kristee Ravan

Kristee Ravan lives in Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, and pet fish, Val (short for Valentine). She wanted to be many things as she grew up including a general, an artist, and an architect. But she never bothered to say, “I want to be a writer when I grow up.” She was always writing stories and thought of herself as a writer anyway. She sent her first story to a publisher in the sixth grade. (It was rejected – in a nice way.) When she is not making up stories in her head, she enjoys reading, juggling, green smoothies, playing dollhouse with her daughter, and hearing from her fans. You can contact Kristee at the facebook page for her Lily Sparrow books: The Lily Sparrow Chronicles.

WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookAmazon

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Tour-Wide Giveaway

5 copies of The Cinderella Theorem

(print for US winners ,ebook for international winners)

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Ends August 31st

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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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Virtual Tour
Author: RJ Sullivan
Featured Book: Haunting Blue

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R.J.’s Bucket List (from the likely to the absurd)

 

My entire life I have always seen myself with one goal in mind–become a published author and build a reading audience. To that end, mission accomplished. So let’s just jump in and see what I can come up with.

 

10. To finally own a computer advanced enough that I don’t have to rebuild it every year. Come on, people. MS Word, Facebook, and the ability to watch YouTube videos, is this too much to ask?

 

9. “Six months on the New York Times Bestseller list.” Sigh. Sorry, what was I saying?

 

8. To live long enough to see Marvel re-acquire the rights to the film adaptation of Spiderman so that they can finally make a version that’s not for-gossakes an embarrassing atrocity. (And I’ll just add–a great Wonder Woman movie because the world needs a great Wonder Woman movie.)

 

Speaking of comics:

 

7. A comic adaptation of my own work: I’m a lifelong comic book fan. I grew up reading the adventures of Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and their SF and horror variants (Dracula, Star Wars to name two major ones) I would love to see Blue or Rebecca turned into a gothic comic book tale Black and white. With art inspires by Bernie Wrightson. Yeah! Or perhaps a full-color adaptation of Captain Sayuri Arai and the plight of her mining spaceship the Red Lotus. Hey, someone call me. Let’s do this.

 

6. Pay me for movies! Sure, why not? Or a TV series. Or neither. Maybe Haunting Blue becomes a Sy-Fy Channel original. Maybe they do an okay job. Maybe they completely butcher it. That’s okay. Notice this is not a wish list for a successful adaptation (though that would be nice, in spite of the odds against it) rather, to have an idea optioned by Hollywood that may or may never get made. A property that requires the studio to write a check every couple of years to keep renewing that idea. Or as I call it, living the life of Asimov. And I’ll be honest, should this unlikelihood come to pass, I will be a total mercenary. I will not be P.L. Travers, creator of Mary Poppins, who fought Walt Disney every step of the way (and in spite of the claims of the recent bio-pic, completely hated the result). Make the movie. Make the TV show. Make it good, make it bad. As long as my books are around, I don’t care. Just put the check in the mail promptly.

 

The rest of this is a “if money were no object” and gets a little silly.

 

Shut up, it’s my bucket list.

 

5. Travel to Japan–the language barrier has always been daunting to me, and I am by nature a homebody. But if I were to go anywhere outside of the country, it would be the place that brought us all the awesome genre goodness of Godzilla, Speed Racer, Ultra Man, (the components of) Robotech, Battle of the Planets, and so much more incredible media sci-fi.

 

4. Acquire the rights to build my own amusement park: Warcraft World–Where Orcs and Night-elves walk side by side across cobbled paths and over those funky wooden spiral ramps and staircases to rides, merchandise, and simulations all in tribute to the world’s coolest MMORPG on the planet. Warcraft World–for those who find The Magical World of Harry Potter too mundane.

 

3. The ultimate home theater. With big screen, THX sound, reclining theater seats, my own popcorn machine and pop dispenser, and room for a couple hundred of my best friends. I guess I need a bunch of great movies to show, too.

 

2. Media Producer– Create the movies geeks want, done right. Let’s start with a proper I, Robot and help people forget about the Will “Ah hell no” Smith movie, along with Dragonriders of Pern, Elfquest, and a for-gossakes version of Dune that’s not an embarrassing atrocity.

 

1. Cyndi Lauper performing at my birthday party.

 

Shut up, it’s my bucket list.

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Haunting Blue_Cover

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MY REVIEW

My favorite part of this story is Fiona Felicity Shaefer, aka Fi Fi, aka Blue. She’s spunky yet vulnerable, lethal yet loving. And she’s only 17 years old.

Blue’s mother is a successful lawyer with little time to play mom so Blue is left to her own devices, hanging with college kids in Broad Ripple.

A great opportunity for her mom has them moving to the small town of Perionne and Blue isn’t too happy.  With only 1 year left, she has to finish her senior year of school among strangers.

Her blue hair and attitude makes her the enemy of the school bully, but it doesn’t take long for the dark side of her nature to emerge and she pounds him good. That’s when she meets Chip, a computer geek with electrifying eyes and an easy-going attitude.

There’s an urban legend in Perionne. A local man, Gunther is purported to have robbed the bank and then disappeared without a trace. Most believe he’s dead and there have been numerous reports over the last twenty years of his specter being spotted.

When Chip coerces Blue into doing something crazy, they find out first hand if the legend of Gunther is real and they just might not survive to tell.

The author told this story in two different points of view. You’ll read Blue’s story, which takes place in 2010. And you’ll read Gunther’s story from 1990.

It’s easy to follow as the author flashes from present to past and present again. I would be reading about Blue and be totally engaged. Then I’d be reading about Gunther and be thus enthralled. Whether in the present or the past, I couldn’t wait to see what was coming and it made for twice the fun.

I was thrilled to learn this is the first book in the Adventures of Blue Shaefer. I’ll be sure to check out further adventures, and I hope the author writes about Blue’s years in Broad Ripple. I’d like to know how she became so lethal.

A great adventure, an urban legend, and a bit of clean romance await you. I’d recommend this book to all adventure lovers.

4 STARS

Haunting Blue Book Synopsis:

Punk, blue-haired “Blue” Shaefer, is at odds with her workaholic single mother. Raised as a city girl in a suburb of Indianapolis, Blue must abandon the life she knows when her unfeeling mother moves them to a dreadful small town. Blue befriends the only student willing to talk to her: computer nerd “Chip” Farren.

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Chip knows the connection between the rickety pirate boat ride at the local amusement park and the missing money from an infamous bank heist the townspeople still talk about. When Blue helps him recover the treasure, they awaken a vengeful ghost who’ll stop at nothing–not even murder–to prevent them from exposing the truth behind his evil deeds.

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Haunting Blue is Book One of the Adventures of Blue Shaefer.

Amazon Links for Haunting Blue:
Kindle Version ~ Print Version

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About RJ Sullivan

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Haunting Blue is the first book of the adventures of punk girl Fiona “Blue” Shaefer. This is the 2014 revised edition by Seventh Star Press. Seventh Star also released Haunting Obsession, a Rebecca Burton Novella, and Virtual Blue, the second book in Fiona’s tale. R.J.’s short stories have been featured in such acclaimed collections as Dark Faith: Invocations by Apex Books and Vampires Don’t Sparkle. His newest project is the Red Lotus series of science fiction novelettes.

R.J. resides in Heartland Crossing, Indiana. He drinks coffee from a Little Mermaid mug and is man enough to admit it. www.rjsullivanfiction.com

Author Links:
Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter

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Tour Schedule and Activities
7/14 Jess Resides Here Interview
7/14 Beauty in Ruins Guest Post
7/14 fuonlyknew ~ Laura’s ramblins and reviews Top Tens List
7/15 Deal Sharing Aunt Top Ten’s List
7/15 John F. Allen Writer Character Post
7/15 Armand Rosamilia, Horror Author Guest Post
7/16 The Rage Circus Vs. The Soulless Void Review
7/16 SpecMusicMuse Interview
7/16 Workaday Reads Post on Artwork of Haunting Blue
7/16 I Smell Sheep Character Post
7/17 Bee’s Knees Review Review
7/17 Library Girl Reads & Reviews Guest Post
7/17 Come Selahway With Me Guest Post
7/18 A Haunted Head Author Interview
7/19 Nerd With A View Top Tens Post
7/19 Coffintree Hill Guest Post
7/20 Willow’s Author Love Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

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I read The Harvesting and loved it so I was thrilled to hear the second book in The Harvesting Series, The Shadow Aspect, will be coming soon.

Before we get to the cover reveal, I’d like for you to check out the cover for The Harvesting, Book One.

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The Harvesting

The Harvesting Series, Book 1
Melanie Karsak

Genre: Horror/Urban Fantasy

Amazon Smashwords

Book Description:

When mankind finally consumes itself, can any spark of humanity survive? Layla fights to keep those she loves alive when the zombie apocalypse unfolds, but she soon learns that zombies are not the only problem. With mankind silenced, those beings living on the fringe seek to reclaim power. Layla must learn who to trust, fast, if she hopes to save what is left of our kind.

Go HERE for my review.

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And now the moment you’ve been waiting for!!

 
The Shadow Aspect
The Harvesting, Book Two 
by Melanie Karsak
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Publication date: Summer/Fall 2014
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Young Adult, Zombies

Synopsis:
When Layla took the final step through the labyrinth, she knew she was saving the ones she loved.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

The unwitting victims of a grudge seething for eons, Layla and the other survivors now find themselves in a war for our world. With vampires lurking and shapeshifters plotting vengeance, Layla must learn who to trust if humanity has any hope of survival: the carnie girl? The quiet doctor? The tarot reader? The stranger with alluring gold eyes? Or the man she loves? And then there are the voices. What does it forewarn if the dead can speak?

When the world burns, mankind’s shadow side rises. Do we deserve to survive?

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Author Melanie Karsak

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Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and earned a Master’s degree in English from Gannon University. A steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and zombie whisperer, the author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.
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Author links: Facebook ~ Blog
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Author Giveaway
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One Signed Paperback of The Harvesting (International)
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Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

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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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Have I got a cover to show you.

Check out Wasteland, the second book in The Flight Trilogy!

The way the woman is peering back over her shoulder makes me wonder what she’s thinking, or, did she cause the destruction.

I really like the way the ash and embers seem to be burning into the title.

An excellent cover. It represents the title and the story inside very well.

Plus, it’s visually appealing. It draws my eye.

What do you think?

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Wasteland by Lindsay Leggett (Flight #2)

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Synopsis:
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Wasteland, the next book in the FLIGHT trilogy, takes place a few months after the ending of book one.
Trapped in a cell and experimented on, Piper Madden’s only hope is remembering Asher. Then, Elder Corp President Rupert Elder gives her new orders: to be a leader in a war against the Harpies. Without a choice, Piper must obey Rupert’s commands or suffer from paralyzing and painful Nanomachines. But the war is just beginning, and Asher has gone missing. The resistance is slowly building, and the upcoming war will be larger and bloodier than anything seen since the Devastation that ruined the earth. Throughout all of this, Piper remembers the time before she ran to Ichton, when David was alive and her hope in Elder Corp was still strong.
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Lindsay Leggett
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wasteland Lindsay
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Nearly every writer struggles to put together information about themselves, perhaps because we’re so used to detailing the lives and ways of others. For the most part I am a writer, editor, photographer, and all-around artist living in the wilds north of Toronto, Ontario. I thrive on the juxtaposition of beauty and grit, enjoy urban crawls, indie everything, and time well-spent in the woods.
Author Links:
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BOD Cover reveal

When I first laid eyes on this cover I was thinking, OOH, flappers and some snazzy sequined gowns.

I pictured a crowded speakeasy, with jazzmusic blasting and couples twirling on the dance floor.

I discovered there are illusionists and psychics and a mystery to solve!

I’m in!

Check out this stunning cover art and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

YOu could win a signed ARC!

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Synopsis

Budding illusionist Anna Van Housen is on top of the world: after scoring a spot on a prestigious European vaudeville tour, she has moved to London to chase her dream and to join an underground society for people like her with psychic abilities. Along with her handsome beau, Cole Archer, Anna is prepared to take the city by storm.

But when Anna arrives in London, she finds the group in turmoil. Sensitives are disappearing and, without a suspect, the group’s members are turning on one another. Could the kidnapper be someone within the society itself—or has the nefarious Dr. Boyle followed them to London?

As Cole and Anna begin to unravel the case and secrets about the society are revealed, they find themselves at odds, their plans for romance in London having vanished. Her life in danger and her relationship fizzling, can Anna find a way to track down the killer before he makes her his next victim—or will she have to pay the ultimate price for her powers?

Set in Jazz-Age London, this alluring sequel to Born of Illusion comes alive with sparkling romance, deadly intrigue, and daring magic.

Book Links: Goodreads / Amazon
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Teri Brown
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I’m not sure who to tell you about here because I’m actually two people rolled into one. As a responsible mother of teens, I show one persona to the world. That person is driven, conservative and level headed. But the other part of me just never grew up. She is rebellious, impulsive and curious.

It’s hard being both these people. They’re often at odds.

The mother part of me knows I should put a cap on how many animals we take in. The teen part of me wants to save them all. We have five cats and two dogs. Who do you think is winning?

Even now. The mother part wants to make a meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and a tossed salad. The teen part wants to order a pizza, work on my website and check my Facebook.

Luckily, though my two halves don’t always agree, both of us live happily in Portland, Oregon, with a husband and too many animals. And we both love to write and write and write..
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Win a signed ARC of Born of Deception!
Giveaway is open to US Only. Must be 13+ to Enter
Sorry to my International friends.
Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Welcome to the reveal for these newly re-designed covers for the Valkyrie Series (Book 1-3) by T.G. Ayer, designed by Eduardo Priego.

If you’re like me, you’re a sucker for a pretty cover!

These are exciting and I love that they are all similar in theme.

I’m curious to see if how the protagonist is portrayed on the cover relates to the adventure inside each book.

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Dead Radiance (Valkyrie – Book #1)

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Dead Embers (Valkyrie – Book #2)

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Dead Chaos (Valkyrie – Book #3)

DEAD CHAOS NEW COVER Front x900

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Dead Radiance, Dead Embers, Dead Chaos  by T.G. Ayer (Valkyrie #1-3)

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Valkyrie Bryn Halbrook is broken and damaged…
Struggling to accept the loss of her wings, Bryn’s not sure if she can be a real Valkyrie anymore. But when a mysterious prophecy claims she will be the reason the All-Father dies, she is determined to ensure the prediction will not come to pass.
A visit to the three fates who live beneath the great Tree of life, sends Bryn racing against time to find the missing Heimdall and his horn. As Odin’s life hangs in the balance and Ragnarok draws ever closer, Bryn has to find a way to save Heimdall and Odin before she can discover the truth about who she really is.
In the thrilling conclusion of the Valkyrie series Bryn must battle not only the formidable frost giants and the hated God Loki, but she must also find a balance between what she will lose and what she will gain.

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T.G. Ayers

 I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each others loves – it works wonderfully…
My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain crosseyed.

Author links:

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

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Extra!  Extra! If you’ve been waiting for the next installment in the Jack Templar, Monster Hunter Series, It’s right here!

If you’re new to the series, read on and get into this exciting adventure!

Oh yeah, don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000031_00007]Jack Templar and the Lord of the Vampires

Jack is back.

After his adventures at the Monster Hunter Academy (which included fighting a goblin army, befriending an ancient werewolf, and battling two fire breathing dragons), Jack Templar was hoping for a rest. No such luck.

In Book #3 of the Jack Templar Monster Hunter series, Jack embarks on a quest to track down and acquire the first of the five mythical Jerusalem Stones, an ancient power found by his ancestors the Templar Knights. Only the reunited Stones can stop Ren Lucre, the Dark Lord who holds Jack’s father hostage and prepares for an all-out war against an unsuspecting human world. But each Stone is held by a different Creach Lord and recovering them will not be easy. Jack and his friends begin their quest by seeking out one of the most powerful and dangerous keepers of the Stones, the Lord of the Vampires. The fate of the world rests on Jack’s shoulders and he will be tested like never before. But true monster hunters always do their duty…come what may.

Jack Templar and the Lord of the Vampires.

Amazon

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Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy (Book 2)

After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his fourteenth birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past. Joined by his friends Will and T-Rex, and led by Eva, the mysterious one-handed monster hunter, Jack sets out for the Monster Hunter Academy where he hopes to find answers to his questions. Little does he suspect that the Academy is filled with dangers of its own, many of them more terrifying than anything he’s faced so far.

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Jack Templar: Monster Hunter (Book 1)

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack’s fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it’s great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend “T-Rex” from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he’s the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he’s destined to be in the family business. Second, that there’s a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits…until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren’t enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the “One?” Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

Jack Templar Monster Hunter was chosen as a Book of the Year Finalist by Foreword Reviews.

Jeff GunhusAuthor Jeff Gunhus

Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.

Social Media Website Social Media Facebook Social Media Twitter Social Media Website Social Media Goodreads

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BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ends 10/31/13

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.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Welcome to My Monday Minis.

This is where I review very short stories and flash fiction.

For today I’ll be telling you about Beginnings

The Prequel to The Guardians of Vesturon Series 

by A.M. Hargrove

Beginnings: Prequel to The Guardians of Vesturon

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You met the Guardians of Vesturon in Survival and Resurrection.  Now read about how their parents, Rowan and Annalise met in Beginnings, the novella Prequel to The Guardians of Vesturon.  Learn more about Rowan and how Annalise unwittingly captured his heart and how his chance meeting of her took him on a journey of forbidden love.

My Review

I was thrilled when the this book was released. I’ve read the entire Vesturon Series and this back story about Rowan and Annalise and how they met was like cheese cake with strawberries drizzled all over it. A sweet, tasty morsel to satisfy my craving for more.

When Rowan first lay eyes on Annalise, he was a goner. But when he approached her, she discouraged his advances.

First-Born and lower- born were not allowed to fraternize and Annalise could lose her job, or maybe worse if caught even speaking to Rowan.

But Rowan is not to be denied and sets out to change the out of date , prejudicial laws set by the Council of Elders, not just for him, but for everyone. Even standing up to his father, the Great Ruler of Vesturon.

I tore through this book in about an hour, not pausing until the end.

I admired Rowan and his fight for change. He was dogged in his determination and so tender with Annalise.

Annalise will melt your heart like she did Rowan’s when he gazed into her eyes. She’s gentle but not timid and supports Rowan’s fight.

It was also interesting to read about Rowan’s training as a Guardian. It was very brutal and reminded me of what soldiers go through in our special forces elite units.

I couldn’t imagine being tortured until I broke, and that’s knowing that they really won’t kill you. Scary stuff.

Now that I’ve read Beginnings I just may have to read the whole series again. I remember just how much I love this world and its many characters.

When you read The Guardian’s of Vesturon series you’ll see how these two loving people instilled their self-confidence and strong beliefs in their children.

4 STARS

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Other books in The Guardians of Vesturon Series

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My Review

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Reviewing soon

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Reviewing soon.

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A Praestani Series Novel

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My Review

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The Edge Series

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My Review

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My Review

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My Review

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About A.M. Hargrove

A.M. Hargrove

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the window.  She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job.  Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer. Her books include the following: Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge and Kissing Fire (The Edge Series); The Guardians of Vesturon series (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent and Beginnings); Dark Waltz and Tragically Flawed.

Other than being in love with writing about being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.

Author Social Media Links:

http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com

http://www.amhargrove.com

http://www.twitter.com/@amhargrove1

http://www.facebook.com/anne.m.hargrove

http://www.facebook.com/guardiansofvesturon

http://www.goodreads.com/amhargrove1

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Welcome to my stop on the tour!

My Ex From Hell is a fun romp with plenty to entertain for all ages.

Keep reading to learn all about it and enjoy my review.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1)

Publication date: April 1st 2013
Genres: Young Adult
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Purchase: Amazon / B&N
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Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following: a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.) b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.
Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation  at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.
Literally.
This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.
Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.
Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …
… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.
My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy.

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My Review

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I’ve always had a thing for Greek Mythology. Gods and Goddesses and fantastical beings, what’s not to love.
So, meet Sophie. A normal teenage girl, shuffled off to boarding school and dealing with all that goes with it.
She has two close friends, Theo and Hannah.
Theo is more like a big brother figure, being over protective. You’ll find out why.
Hannah is any girls dream friend. She’ll always have your back and never try to steal your boyfriend.
Can’t forget Kai. I’ll let you discover if he’s a good guy or bad guy.
The thorn in her side, her nemesis is Bethany. It’s not any one thing that started the bullying. Bethany just picked her as her target.
When Sophie eaves drops on a phone conversation between Bethany and some mysterious guy, she begins to form her plan of revenge.
As with all plans, Murphy’s Law kicked in, and her plans came back to bite her in the you know what.
If it weren’t for Theo, she’d be in a world, or worlds, of hurt. Now, she discovers she’s Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, trapped in a young girls body with no memories of her past. No longer your typical girl, she has to be careful who she trusts and get her memories back, quick, as the Gods are coming for her.
Sophie is terrific. She’s smart, funny, and not afraid to stand up for herself. Not a shrinking violet at all. She won’t be putting up with any bullying, neither humans nor Gods.
There’s plenty of action and a blooming romance to keep you turning the pages.
And the world building, both on the school grounds and in the underworld, is incredible and fascinating.
From middle graders, to teens, to mature adults, I’d recommend this book. It’s a quick read, and has lots of adventure, and fantastical beings, good and bad.
Set aside your belief and enjoy this story, It’s good, clean fun.
4 STARS
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A little tease from the beginning:
To: ????
From:  bloominggoddess@gmail.com
Subject:  Seriously?
Dear Your Royal Imperialness Demeter, Goddess of Grain and Fertility, Preserver of Marriage, and Bringer of Seasons.
Or can I just call you Mom?
~~~~~
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Author Tellulah Darling
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Tellulah Darling
noun
1. YA Novelist
2. Alter ego of former screenwriter and instructor
3. Sassy minx
Geeks out over: cool tech.
Squees for: great storytelling.
Delights in: fabulous conversation.
Writes about: where love meets comedy.
Awkwardness ensues.
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I have one ebook copy of My Ex From Hell to give away.
To enter, please leave your email address and answer this question.
“Who is your favorite mythological being?”
Giveaway ends October 4th.
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You can follow the tour for more fun posts by clicking on the banner below.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways go HERE.