Finding Favor Blog Tour and Giveaway

In the eight years since seventeen-year-old Favor Miller’s father died, she’s had to endure her reluctant, self-righteous guardians the Browns. Every day for eight years, they've reminded her that she doesn't fit in, that she’s not one of them. Every day for eight years, she’s eagerly awaited the day when she’ll finally be free to live her life her way.

On the eve of high school graduation, Mr. Brown ambushes Favor with the offer of college funding and a to-die-for summer internship–with the one stipulation that she must discontinue her friendship with his son, Ethan.

Accustomed as she is to sharing everything with her best friend, this is one secret Favor must keep in order to protect Ethan. The distraction of his new girlfriend, her growing friendship with his older brother, and her need to understand her family history, add in further complications.

As Favor debates signing the contract, she must decide if she’s willing to give up her best friend in order to pursue her dreams. Will she have to stay in the place she’s so desperately wanted to escape in order to make the right decision and get what she really needs?

4 Stars, 0 Flames

Volition by Lee Strauss Blog Tour

What doesn't kill you...

Zoe Vanderveen is on the run with her captor turned rescuer, Noah Brody.

They're in love.

Or at least that’s what he tells her. Her memories have returned but her feelings are dreamlike—thin and fleeting. Her heart can’t be trusted. Just look at what happened with Taylor Blake.

Senator Vanderveen’s new team of cyborg agents are in hot pursuit, and a reward for their capture is broadcast nationwide. Record breaking cold and snow hinder their escape. Someone dies helping them.

And their fight for survival has only begun.

3.5 Stars, 0 Flames

Bloodspell by Amalie Howard

The spell was simple...

Cruentus Protectum (Defend the Blood)

But what do you do if your blood is your enemy?

Victoria Warrick has always known she was different. An outcast at school, she is no stranger to adversity. But when she receives an old journal for her seventeenth birthday, nothing prepares her for the dark secrets it holds -- much less one that reveals she's a witch with unimaginable power.

What's more, when she meets the dazzling but enigmatic Christian Devereux, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. Enemies will hunt her. Friends will turn on her. The terrible curse that makes her blood run black will stop at nothing to control her. And Christian has a sinister secret of his own...

Without knowing whom to trust, can Victoria survive her blood's deadly desires? Or will she lose everything, including herself?

Four Stars, 0 Flames

After the tragic death of her parents, Victoria Warrick moved in with her grandmother's best friend, Holly. Starting her junior year in a new school with no friends and viewed as a freak isn't easy, especially since Victoria feels that she's different. On her 17th birthday she is given an old family heirloom from her grandmother, a music box and an antique amulet. Within the music box are letters, some of them obviously very old. But the one on top is from her grandmother, and the message is not what Tory was expecting to read. Traditionally, in the Warrick family, the women of the family experienced a great change at the age of 17, a beginning and end. Of what you ask? That's what Tory wants to know.

Suddenly strange things begin to happen around Tory. She can read people's minds, even her cat Leto can communicate with her. Of course, he is a supernatural being as well...a familiar if you will. Tory is a witch, descended from a long line of powerful female witches and part of a prophecy of doom. Then one day she meets a young man whom she feels an instant connection with. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to feel the same way, yet he can't seem to leave Tory alone.

Christian Devereux is much more than he seems; he is a vampire from the Royal House of Devereux, a prince who gave his throne to his twin brother Lucian. Christian is content to live a relatively peaceful life away from the politics and the Council in Paris. As far as he knows he is the only vampire in the area. When he meets Victoria he feels drawn to her, her blood seems to call to him. But she's a witch, and a union between a witch and vampire is expressly forbidden by the Council. Once he realizes who she is, who's descendant she is, he knows there can be nothing between them. If only he could stay away.

Ms. Howard engages the reader from page one and leads you through a world filled with intrigue, jealousy, betrayal and the ultimate sacrifice of love. I have read a lot of vampire stories, both young adult and adult. Bloodspell manages to add a new element to the genre. Victoria is a strong female lead who struggles with the knowledge that she was right, there is something different about her, while coping with the mesmerizing pull her magic has over her. The chemistry between Tory and Christian is hot without being cheesy or cliche. The internal conflict for Christian and how he decided to overcome his misgivings to be with Tory is sigh worthy. I like how Ms. Howard kept the flashbacks tidy and clear. Tory reads letters and a journal her ancestor kept detailing the powers she had and the consequences of using that power. A riveting tale of the constant balancing act we perform each day when trying to live a life on the right path. Evil is tempting and seems to be the easy way, but Tory fights...does she win? Read the book to find out! I promise you'll enjoy it! I give Bloodspell 4 Stars, 0 Flames. I cannot wait to read the next book in Ms. Howard's Bloodspell series.

I requested this ebook on NetGalley for an honest review.

posted by Emily

Cover Reveal and Excerpt of Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Twenty 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. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Excerpt of Branded, Chapter 1


Chapter One

I’m buried six feet under, and no one hears my screams.
The rope chafes as I loop it around my neck. I pull down on it, making sure the knot is secure. It seems sturdy enough.
My legs shake. My heart beats heavy in my throat. Sweat pours down my back.
Death and I glare at each other through my tears.
I take one last look at the crystal chandelier, the foyer outlined with mirrors, and the flawless decorations. No photographs adorn the walls. No happy memories here.
I’m ready to go. On the count of three.
I inhale, preparing myself for the finality of it all. Dropping my hands, a glimmer catches my eye. It’s my ring, the last precious gift my father gave me. I twist it around to read the inscription. Picturing his face forces me to reconsider my choice. He’d be heartbroken if he could see me now.
A door slams in the hallway, almost causing me to lose my balance. My thoughts already muddled, I stand, waiting with the rope around my neck. Voices I don’t recognize creep through the walls.
Curiosity overshadows my current thoughts. It’s late at night, and this is a secure building in High Society. No one disturbs the peace here—ever. I tug on the noose and pull it back over my head.
Peering through the eyehole in our doorway, I see a large group of armed guards banging on my neighbors’ door. A heated conversation ensues, and my neighbors point toward my family’s home.
It hits me. I’ve been accused and they’re here to arrest me.
My father would want me to run, and in that split second, I decide to listen to his voice within me. Flinging myself forward in fear, I scramble up the marble staircase and into my brother’s old bedroom. The door is partially covered, but it exists. Pushing his dresser aside, my fingers claw at the opening. Breathing hard, I lodge myself against it. Nothing. I step back and kick it with all my strength. The wood splinters open, and my foot gets caught. I wrench it backward, scraping my calf, but adrenaline pushes me forward. The voices at the front door shout my name.
On hands and knees, I squeeze through the jagged opening. My brother left through this passage, and now it’s my escape too. Cobwebs entangle my face, hands, and hair. At the end, I feel for the knob, twisting it clockwise. It swings open, creaking from disuse. I sprint into the hallway and smash through the large fire escape doors at the end. A burst of cool air strikes me in the face as I jump down the ladder.
Reaching the fifth floor, I knock on a friend’s window. The lights flicker on, and I see the curtains move, but no one answers. I bang on the window harder.
“Let me in! Please!” I say, but the lights darken. They know I’ve been accused and refuse to help me. Fear and adrenaline rush through my veins as I keep running, knocking on more windows along the way. No one has mercy. They all know what happens to sinners.
Another flight of stairs passes in a blur when I hear the guards’ heavy footfalls from above. I can’t hide, but I don’t want to go without trying.
Help me, Daddy. I need your strength now.
My previous desolation evolves into a will to survive. I have to keep running, but I tremble and gasp for air. I steel my nerves and force my body to keep moving. In a matter of minutes, my legs cramp and my chest burns. I plunge to the ground, scraping my knee and elbow. A moan escapes from my chest.
Gotta keep going.
“Stop!” Their voices bounce off the buildings. “Lexi Hamilton, surrender yourself,” they command. They’re gaining on me.
I resist the urge to glance back, running into what I assume is an alley. I’m far from our high-rise in High Society as I plunge into a poorer section of the city where the streets all look the same and the darkness prevents me from recognizing anything. I’m lost.
My first instinct is to leap into a dumpster, but I retain enough sense to stay still. I crouch and peek around it, watching them dash by. The abhorrent smell soon leaves me vomiting until nothing remains in my stomach. Desperation overtakes me, as I know my retching was anything but silent. My last few seconds tick away before they find me. Everyone knows about their special means of tracking sinners.
I push myself to my feet and look left, right, and left again. Their batons click against their black, leather belts, and their boots stomp the cement on both sides of me. I shrink into myself. Their heavy steps mock my fear, growing closer and closer until I know I’m trapped.
Never did I imagine they’d come for me. Never did I imagine all those nights I heard them dragging someone else away that I’d join them.
“You’re a sinner,” they say. “Time to leave our society.”
I stand defiant. I refuse to bend or break before them even as I shiver with fear.
“There’s no reason to make this difficult. The more you cooperate, the smoother this will be for everyone,” a guard says.
I cringe into the blackness along the wall. I’m innocent, but they won’t believe me or care.
The next instant, my face slams into the pavement as one guard plants a knee in my back and another handcuffs me. A warm liquid trails into my mouth. Blood. Their fingers grip my arms like steel traps as they peel me off the cement. The tops of my shoes scrape along the ground as I’m dragged behind them until they discard me into the back of a black vehicle. The doors slam in unison with one guard stationed on each side of me, my shoulders digging into their arms. The handcuffs dig into my wrists, so I clasp them together hard behind me and press my back into the seat, unwilling to admit how much it hurts. My dignity is all I have left.
Swallowing hard, I stare ahead to avoid their eyes.
Did they need so many guards to capture me?
I’m not carrying any weapons, nor do I own any. I don’t even know self-defense. High Society frowns on activities like that.
The driver jerks the vehicle around and I try to keep my bearings, but it’s dark and the scenery changes too fast. Hours pass and the air grows warmer, more humid, the farther we drive. The landscape mutates from city to rolling hills. They don’t bother blindfolding me because they escort all the sinners to the same place—the Hole. Twenty-foot cement walls encase the chaos within. There’s no way out and no way in unless they transport you. They say the Hole is a prison with no rules. We learned about it last year in twelfth grade.
To the outside, I’m filth now. I’ll never be allowed to return to the life I knew. No one ever does.
“All sinners go through a transformation,” one of the guards says to me. His smirk infuriates me. “I’m sure you’ve heard all kinds of stories.” I don’t respond. I don’t want to think about the things I’ve been told.
“You won’t last too long, though. Young girls like you get eaten alive.” He pulls a strand of my hair up to his face.
Get your hands off me, you pig. I want to lash out, but resist. The punishment for disobeying authority is severe, and I’m not positioned to defy him.
They’re the Guards of the Commander. They’re chosen from a young age and trained in combat. They keep the order of society by using violent methods of intimidation. No one befriends a guard. Relationships with them are forbidden inside the Hole.
Few have seen the commander. His identity stays under lock and key. His own paranoia and desire to stay pure drove him to live this way. He controls our depraved society and believes sinners make the human race unforgivable. His power is a crushing fist, rendering all beneath him helpless. So much so, even family members turn on each other when an accusation surfaces. Just an accusation. No trial, no evidence, nothing but an accusation.
I lose myself in thoughts of my father.
“Never show fear, Lexi,” my father said to me before he was taken. “They’ll use it against you.” His compassionate eyes filled with warning as he commanded me to be strong. That was many years ago, but I remember it clearly. My father. My rock. The one person in my life who provided unconditional love.
The vehicle stops, and I’m jerked back to reality. “Get out,” the guard orders while pulling me to my feet. The doors slide open and the two guards lift me up and out into the night. A windowless cement building looms in front of us, looking barren in the darkness.
The coolness of the air sends a shiver up my spine. This is really happening. I’ve been labeled a sinner. My lip starts to quiver, but I bite it before anyone sees. They shove me in line and I realize I’m not alone. Women and men stand with faces frozen white in fear. A guard grabs my finger, pricks it, and dabs my blood on a tiny microchip.
I follow the man in front of me into the next room where we’re lined up facing the wall. Glancing right, I see one of the men crying.
“Spread your legs,” one of the guards says.
They remove my outer layers and their hands roam up and down my body.
What do they think I could possibly be hiding? I press my head into the wall, trying to block out what they’re doing to me.
“MOVE!” a guard commands. So I shuffle across the room, trying to cover up.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five of us sit in the holding room. One by one, they pull people into the next room, forcing the rest of us to wonder what torture we’ll endure. An agonizing amount of time passes. I lean my head back and try to imagine a place far away. The door opens.
“Lexi Hamilton.”
A guard escorts me out of the room, and I don’t have time to look back. As soon as the door closes, they pick me up and place me on a table. It’s cold and my skin sticks to it slightly, like wet fingers on an ice cube. Then, they exit in procession, and I lie on the table with a doctor standing over me. His hands are busy as he speaks.
“Don’t move. This will only take a few minutes. It’s time for you to be branded.”
A wet cloth that smells like rubbing alcohol is used to clean my skin. Then he places a metal collar around my neck.
Click. Click. Click.
The collar locks into place, and I struggle to breathe. The doctor loosens it some as I focus on the painted black words above me.

The Seven Deadly Sins:
Lust ⎯ Blue
Gluttony ⎯ Orange
Greed ⎯ Yellow
Sloth ⎯ Light Blue
Wrath ⎯ Red
Envy ⎯ Green
Pride ⎯ Purple

“Memorize it. Might keep you alive longer if you know who to stay away from.” He opens my mouth, placing a bit inside. “Bite this.”
Within seconds, the collar heats from hot to scorching. The smell of flesh sizzling makes my head spin. I bite down so hard a tooth cracks.
“GRRRRRRRRR,” escapes from deep within my chest. Just when I’m about to pass out, the temperature drops, and the doctor loosens the collar.
He removes it and sits me up. Excruciating pain rips through me and I’m on the verge of a mental and physical breakdown. Focus. Don’t pass out.
Stainless steel counters and boring white walls press in on me. A guard laughs at me from an observation room above and yells, “Blue. It’s a great color for a pretty young thing like yourself.” His eyes dance with suggestion. The others meander around like it’s business as usual.
I finally find my voice and turn to the doctor.
“Are you going to give me clothes?” A burning pain spreads like fire from my neck to my jaw, making me wince.
He points to a set of folded grey scrubs on a chair. I cover myself as much as I can and scurry sideways. Grabbing my new clothes, I pull the shirt over my head and try to avoid the raw meat around my throat. I quickly knot the cord of my pants around my waist and slide my feet into the hospital-issue slippers as the doctor observes. He hands me a bag labeled with my name.
“Nothing is allowed through the door but what we’ve given you,” he says.
I hide my right hand behind me, hoping no one notices. A guard scans my body and opens his hand.
“Give it to me,” he says. “Don’t make me rip off your finger.” He crouches down and I turn to stone. I don’t know what to do, so I beg.
“My father gave this to me. Please, let me keep it.” I smash my eyes shut and think of the moment my father handed the golden ring to me.
“It was my mother’s ring,” he’d said. “She’s the strongest woman I ever knew.” With tears in his eyes, he reached for my hand. “Lexi, you’re exactly like her. She’d want you to wear this. No matter how this world changes, you can survive.” I turned the gold band over in my palm and read the engraving.
You can overcome anything… short of death.
“You’re going to take the one thing that matters the most to me?” I say, glaring into the guard’s emotionless eyes. “Isn’t it enough taking my life, dignity, and respect?”
A hard blow falls upon my back. As I fall, my hands shoot out to stop me from smashing into the wall in front of me. The guard bends down and grabs my chin with his meaty fist.
“Look at me,” he commands. I look up and he smiles with arrogance.
“What the hell?” He staggers a step backward. “What’s wrong with you? What’s wrong with your eyes?”
“Nothing,” I respond, confused.
“What color are they?”
“Turquoise.” I glower at him.
“Interesting,” he says, regaining his composure. “Now those’ll get you in trouble.”
Reality slaps me across the face. I have my father’s eyes. They can't take them from me. I twist the ring off my finger and drop it in his hand.
“Take the damn ring,” I say. I walk to the door. He swipes a card and the massive door slides open to the outside.
“You have to wear your hair back at all times, so everyone knows what you are.” He hands me a tie, so I pull my frizzy hair away from my face and secure it into a ponytail. My neck burns and itches as my hand traces the scabs that have already begun to form. Squinting ahead into the darkness, I almost run into a guard standing on the sidewalk.
“Watch where you’re going,” he says, shoving me backward. His stiff figure stands tall and I cringe at the sharpness of his voice.
“Cole, this is your new assignment, Lexi Hamilton. See to it she feels welcome in her new home.” The guard departs with a salute.
“Let’s move,” Cole says.
I take two steps and collapse, my knees giving out. The unforgiving pavement reopens the scrapes from earlier and I struggle to stand. A powerful arm snatches me up, and I see his face for the first time.

About the authors:

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

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.

Stalker Links~
Twitter@abiandmissy
Website
Facebook
Goodreads

Posted by Emily

Midnight Fire Series Blog Tour and Giveaway

5 Stars, 0 Flames


When I first started reading the Midnight Fire series I thought, oh no, this is starting out just like Twilight. A young girl new to the high school is told about the outcast kids who are pale, never hang with other people, and are "different." I mean the scene was even done in the cafeteria like Twilight. BUT, after that the similarities end (aside from the love interest being a vampire). I felt the premise of the book was new and unique. Kira is a strong, independent character who keeps a level head even when faced with weird and sudden changes. The two young men in her life are to die for, and I have my favorite, and for once it wasn't the vampire. Caleb is Kira's rock, always there to support her whenever she needs him. There friendship is platonic...or is it? Tristan is a kindred spirit, someone who understands what Kira is going through. The attraction between them is instant and consuming. 

The series is awesome, I loved the pace, the action and romance, and the twists and turns. Kira has a lot thrown at her and even with the two men in her life trying to direct her she maintains her independence. I like that Kira doesn't whine or have temper tantrums, even when she could have and I wouldn't have blamed her. She definitely rolls with the punches. For once I found a series that was already complete, and I am SO glad because I finished it in less than a week. Loved that I didn't have to wait a year to find out what happens next! Really enjoyed the Midnight Series and thoroughly enjoyed the ending. Kaitlyn Davis really keeps the reader on their toes! I highly recommend the series, and if you would like to start reading it today, the first book, Ignite is available free at any ebook retailer. Of course you can also enter below for a chance to win the ENTIRE series! Good luck!

I don't want to give away the whole series if you haven't read any of them yet, so I will just give the blurb to the first book, otherwise the other blurbs could spoil the previous books. While I admit I sometimes do that when trying to decide if the series is worth reading, the majority of the time I ignore the second book so I can be surprised. Without further ado, here is Ignite...I give the entire series 5 Stars, 0 Flames.

When Kira Dawson moves to South Carolina, she meets Luke, a blond goofball who quickly becomes her best friend, and Tristan, a mysterious bad boy who sends shivers down her spine. Kira knows they're keeping secrets, but when she discovers Tristan's lust for blood and her own dormant mystical powers, Kira is forced to fight for her life and make the heartbreaking decision between the familiar comfort of friendship and the fiery passion of love.

 
About the Author:

Kaitlyn Davis graduated Phi Beta Kappa
from Johns Hopkins University with a
B.A. in Writing Seminars. She's been
writing ever since she picked up her first
crayon and is overjoyed to finally share
her work with the world. She currently lives in New York City and dreams of having a cockapoo puppy of her own.

Blog – http://kaitlyndavisbooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KaitlynDavisB

Twitter – https://twitter.com/DavisKaitlyn

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/kdavisbooks/

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posted by Emily

January Black Book Blast and Giveaway

Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma.

More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple.

What was January Black?

It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He's been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost...or call the king’s bluff.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon
Kindle

Praise


Refreshingly intelligent and loads of fun! I lost a few hours as I read this book. It's a Young Adult novel that is refreshingly and astonishingly intelligent, and the love story is perfectly played out.

~Christine Ashworth, Amazon Review

 
The mystery was intriguing - I loved how Wendy Russo weaved in all her secrets throughout the book,
how she incorporated just enough to keep you reading, while never actually divulging much of anything.
I was guessing for most of it and that's pretty hard to make me do.

~Julie, Clean Teen Reads


Wendy Russo has created a masterpiece.

~Ivan Amberlake, Author

 

Book Trailer

Wendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, taken a course on short novels, and watched most everything ever filmed by Quentin Tarantino. A Wyoming native transplanted in Baton Rouge, Wendy works for Louisiana State University as an IT analyst. She’s a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.

FACEBOOK * WEBSITE * TWITTER

GOODREADS * AUTHORGRAPH

Tour Schedule

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash


Ends 5/5/13


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 http://
iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Katarina the Dragonslayer and the Foebreaker's Curse by Samuel Medina

Living in a world scarred by an ancient conflict between magic and technology, Katarina is a half-elven slave girl determined to find freedom and adventure. When she takes a pair of ancient swords from a cave, she is blamed for her master's death. Her frantic attempt to escape torture and death at the hands of a vengeful mob forces her to risk the nameless terrors of the King's Road, which is said to have been cursed because of a Foebreaker, a living machine of war that laid waste to the Southlands long ago.

3.5 Stars, O Flames

Three people are the deciding force for a land on the precipice of change, the Exponent, the Balance, and the Catalyst. The variable with the most influence for good or ill is the Catalyst. The Catalyst is sought out by both sides, each with their own agenda. One will use her to restart the dormant Foebreaker, a machine of war that nearly destroyed the planet. The other want her to fight with them, keep their planet safe. This is the Catalyst's story.

Young Katarina witnesses the murder of her master and when she tells the town a dragon did it, no one believes her. In fact they accuse her of doing the deed. But when the rogue dragon attacks the town, it is Katarina who defeats the dragon with 2 blades she discovered earlier that day in a cave. Escaping to freedom, she joins an elderly elf, Oren Kellmire, as he travels to the border lands seeking knowledge of a disease that is altering the dragons, turning them into mindless killing machines who have reverted to their basest instincts. They are joined on their journey by two arrogant, often comedic (not the dragon's intentions of course) dragons willing to assist in finding a cure. Under Oren's tutelage Katarina discovers there is more to her than meets the eye and Oren may know the secrets which will help her discover who she really is.

At times it was confusing trying to determine who was narrating the story, and the pace felt a little rushed in some points. However, the world is well thought out and the character interaction and development is great. Though the character was not in the book long, I liked Grey Ghost and hope to see more of him in future installments. As always with sci-fi/fantasy books I am amazed with the imagination of the authors and Mr. Medina does not disappoint. I enjoyed Katarina the Dragonslayer and the Foebreaker's Curse and look forward to continuing the series.

Posted by Emily
posted by Emily

The Conduit by Stacey Rourke

While normal kids are slamming energy drinks and cramming for exams, Celeste will get her adrenaline rush fighting a fire breathing dragon.

She wants to meet friends in the quad to exchange lecture notes, but first she must exchange blows with a shapeshifting demon on the rooftop.

Life isn’t always fair for a superhero, but at least she doesn’t have to do it alone. With her brother and sister as sidekicks, they alternate between saving lives and getting on each others’ nerves. Together the trio encounters unspeakable odds, mystical forces and comes face-to-face with an image that will haunt them forever—their grandmother in a leopard print bikini.

3.5 Stars, 0 Flames


After they experience multiple break ins in their home, Celeste, her older brother Gabe and younger sister Kendall move to Gainesville, TN to live with their grandmother. Before heading to college in the fall, Celeste plans to relax, sketch, and maybe go on a few dates with a certain cute reporter...
 
But that's before she finds a strange wooden figurine in the shape of a gryphon. Before she begins seeing a strange glowing bird that seems to want her to follow it into the mountains. Suddenly, she can feel the emotions of those around her. That's when she meets Alaina, an ancestor from 17th century Ireland. When Alaina's village came under attack by an evil army, a strange being came to their defense, the Gryphon. The Gryphon changed the people of the village, the women growing wings, the men becoming lions. In appreciation for his assistance, Alaina promises that she and all her descendants would come to his aid should he ever need them. An ancient enemy is returning, the Gryphon's need is great, so Celeste, Gabe and Kendall become his fighters here on Earth.

Gabe gains strength and the ability to shift into a lion.
Kendall receives impenetrable wings with feathers that heal.
Celeste is the Conduit of the Gryphon, and an empath.

With Alaina as their guide they must learn to harness their powers and prepare for war.

The Conduit is a great beginning to a series. Celeste is a strong character, and I liked how the character stays true to how a teenager would behave. When Celeste learns what her powers are in comparison to her siblings she feels cheated. Come on, she's this almighty being's conduit and all she gets is empathy?! Celeste doesn't suddenly become all knowing or able to handle everything as an adult. I liked that. I do wish there was more conflict with the villain before the big showdown. There's a background story that introduces him, you know he's the villain, and then he arrives in present time and they fight. Other than that, The Conduit is a unique story and I feel Ms. Rourke is a refreshing new voice in the young adult genre.

I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.


posted by Emily

The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare. Literally. Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder. Then Eli's dream comes true. Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

5 Stars, 0 Flames 

Nightmare Affair pulled me in from the first page and lingered long after I had finished. Destiny Everhart is a Nightmare, a mythical creature who feeds on people's dreams to fuel her magic. Dusty is a smart alec, impulsive, stubborn and defiant character. I love her! Like me, she tends to speak before engaging her brain, and often jumps the gun, landing her in some sticky situations. Open scene, Destiny Everhart, Dusty, is breaking into someone's home through there window and falls into a pile of dirty laundry...boxers to be exact. Pause for Eww! moment. Then she notices who's bedroom she's in, her crush from her previous high school, Eli Booker. You'd think she would just go back out the window and find someone else's dreams to invade. Dusty would leave if it weren't for one tiny detail, the Will. Enacted to stop the infighting among magickind, the Will controls how you use magic and who you can use it against. Hence the reason Dusty is climbing onto Eli's chest instead of leaving. She can't, the Will has chosen Eli for her to feed from. When Eli wakes up to Dusty on his chest, he freaks out and rightfully so. Normally in this situation Dusty uses a corrector spell that undoes her actions, effectively wiping herself from Eli's memory. Only this time, it doesn't work. Dusty soon finds out that not only is she the only half-human, half-Nightmare, but she is also a rare dream-seer. With little guidance, and even less time for mistakes, Dusty, Eli, and their friends try to decipher what little clues they garner to find a murderer.

Mindy Arnett has created a wonderful world filled with surprising little details that really made this world so rich. Like the trash trolls that consume garbage and recyclables. Also, since the school is saturated with magic, inanimate objects and electronics, like computers, chairs, or radios, tend to develop minds of their own. For example, the principal has a keyboard that as she types makes Three Stooges sound effects.Computers talk back to you or chairs move away or attack you.
Ms. Arnett is able to blend comedy, tragedy, romance, and mystery into a fantastic tale that deals with the a young girl who is struggling with new powers, unresolved issues with her mom, and a crush on a boy who dreams about another. Dusty has some growing up to do, and I like that she doesn't get a handle on her powers right away, in fact she struggles with her power even before she finds out she is a dream-seer. But she slowly gains confidence in herself, with a few mishaps on the way. Though I love when she melts Eli's girlfriend's face in a dream in an unconcious fit of jealousy! Hilarious! I loved this book and I will definitely be reading this one again, especially when the next book in the series comes out. Only bad thing about finding a great author at the beginning of the series is waiting for the next book! Five stars, 0 flames.


I requested this book for review on Netgalley.com
Posted by Emily

Timeless by Amy Richie blog tour and giveaway

Holy Wow.  This book had me guessing the whole time. Eva is a girl that was born into a world where vampires are everywhere. And to make things even funner the people that "saved" her want her to go back in time to kill a specific vampire. They have even been injecting her with vampire blood since she was four years old to make sure that she was strong enough. When she makes the jump things go screwy. She ends up stuck in the past with no memory and no way to get help. In comes Nickolas, the knight in shinning armor. He saves her and tries to help her. When she does get her memory back she explains to him what she is supposed to do and bears her soul to him about the man she was taught to hate. Now I'm jumpin back to the original time so I don't spoil anything and just saying, It Gets Better Still. I can't tell you anything else without ruining it so just read this book.

5 stars
1.5 flames

reviewed by Stacy

Blurb:

After the asteroid, Jewell, cripples the earth, vampires come to the aid of the survivors. Some only want to help, others merely want to protect their way of life, and some simply have to be stopped. Eva was created for one purpose … to kill notorious vampire Dominick Letrell. Neleh has devised a plan that cannot fail; travel back in time to when Dominick was his weakest and attack him there. Along with the help of David, the most intelligent vampire alive, the plan is set in motion. Unfortunately, everything goes wrong and Eva is trapped in the past with no memory of why or how she got there. What happens when all the rules change? Timeless is a story of betrayals, secrets, and a love that will change everything.

Excerpt #1

“Don’t you miss your family?”

            I thought about his words carefully. No, I didn’t miss them; I was really starting to wonder if I ever had a family at all. “I don’t remember my family. Right now, you are the only person I know.” I shrugged.

            “And that doesn’t scare you?”

            My eyes narrowed with confusion. I rolled over on to my stomach so I could see his face. “Scare me? You don’t scare me.”

            “I’m not trying to.” He chuckled lightly.

            “Then what do you mean?”

            “I mean,” he widened his eyes, “aren’t you afraid that you might be all alone now?”

            “Oh.” I felt my shoulders deflate and my chin fell to rest on his ribs. “Well, I’ll … ” my words faltered, “I’ll just … ”

            He brought his hand up to stroke the back of my head. “I shouldn’t have said that,” he said very softly.

            “No, that’s fine.” I tried to sound indifferent. Realizing several things at once, I sat up quickly. He didn’t want me here. I was burdening him and he was letting me know as kindly as he could. I couldn’t let myself think he cared for me. He was being nice, that’s all. I would be on my own when he got me to the Colony. I had to keep things in perspective.

            Tears pricked my eyes when I realized that it was too late for me; I already loved him. And he didn’t love me back, he just wanted to protect me.

 

Blog Schedule

Feb 25 Review with http://jennswiger.blogspot.com/

Feb 26 Review with http://paperrdolls.com/

Feb 27 Review with http://rmfabbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Feb 28 Review with Bawakas-bookfair.blogspot.com

March 1 Review With http://bookbroads.blogspot.com/?zx=8fc6cddeebda738f

March 1 Promo post with http://www.delphinareadstoomuch.com/

March 4 Review with http://kathryn-jacob-712.blogspot.com/

March 4 Promo spot with http://beanieboo78.wordpress.com/

March 5 Review with http://Www.alittlebitofrnrreviews.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Purchase links

Amazon-- http://www.amazon.com/Timeless-ebook/dp/B00AH2B1YA?&linkCode=wey&tag=phenoparanrev-20

Barnes and Nobles-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timeless-amy-richie/1105616453?ean=2940044233690

Smashwords-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timeless-amy-richie/1105616453?ean=2940044233690

Stalker Links

Facebook page -- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Richie-Author-Page/167413166631322?fref=ts

Amazon author page -- http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Richie/e/B009CG88CK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

GoodReads-- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157126.Amy_Richie

Website- - http://amyrichie.weebly.com/

Add to you TBR on goodreads --http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12451069-timeless

Breathe by Elena Dillon Release Day Event/Giveaway

Jasmine’s life wasn’t normal for a 16 year old girl.  It hadn’t been normal since the murder of her older sister, Daisy, two years ago. Her life had been changed forever. The monster that murdered Daisy was never caught.  That was the reason her family decided to move away from their hometown in Southern California, to start over.  Hopefully in a place where the last name Rourke wouldn’t bring on staring or judgment or morbid curiosity.

In Lafayette, Louisiana things are quite a bit different but in a good way.  Good manners, Cajun accents and a whole lot of Southern Hospitality all make her think things are going in the right direction.  On top of that the most gorgeous boy she has ever met is interested in her. Her new friends are better than she could have hoped for even if she is worried about what they might think when they find out who she is.  Life would be perfect if odd things didn’t keep happening.  Creepy phone calls, texts, and flowers in her locker start adding up quickly to something terrifying. Could the Monster have followed them to Lafayette? Was he coming after her this time?  Maybe she was just worrying unnecessarily…or not.

Tempted By Evil Blog Tour and Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

11/19/2012 Turning Pages
11/20/2012 Pretty in Fiction
11/21/2012 Urban Fantasy Investigations
11/21/2012 Page Flipperz
11/22/2012 The Book Vixen
11/23/2012 Debra's Book Café
11/24/2012 Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy 
11/25/2012 A Thousand Lives Book Blog
11/26/2012 Night Owl Reviews
11/27/2012 Promiscuous Diva
11/28/2012 Dear Restless Reader
11/29/2012 Pezz Rambles

12/1/2012 Book Lovin Mamas
12/2/2012 Pure Textuality
12/3/2012 My Hidden Bookshelf 



  "He eyed me wildly from the floor below, and I watched as an unmistakable shift occurred in his gaze―concern bled to ambivalence, then nothing at all. His expression was cold as stone. Within seconds I was sprawled on the floor, pressed heavily against it by the weight of his body.
Escape was futile.
I could not fight the Shadow away."


A sheltered girl.
The perfect boy.
A mysterious stranger.
Random messages delivering a sobering prophecy plague Aspen's existence. With every curious encounter, her sanity waivers further. Before long, Aspen finds herself balancing the fate of humanity on her shoulders, until a single act turns her world upside down. She finds herself alone, isolated from those she thought she could trust.
Alone to damn the world.


  This is a story of a girl who is loosing her mind. At least she thinks she is. Aspen was raised by nuns in a convent and moves out when she turns 18. That would normally not be a big deal except she has no money, no job, and no place to live. Plus talk about a sheltered upbringing. Then along comes Julian (love the name) and she has her prince. He is a rich guy who gives her a place to stay, a job, and has a thing for her. Plus he does all of this without any hanky panky. Go figure, a real angle. Aspen thinks that all is great until Merrick comes along she starts getting told messages by crazy homeless people about being the one to bring about the end of mankind. She is sure she is loosing her mind. Turns out that she actually is very sane. She is the child of prophecy born of light and dark that could bring about the end of life as we know it depending on rather she chooses good or evil. 
       The end of this made me want to throw my kindle. Don't worry I refrained. It was one of those that you scream at the top of your lungs that they can't end it there. She was starting to make her choice. The good and evil had been revealed and then poof. End of book. I need more. Please hurry with book two. It isn't fair to not know what is happening next and have to wait. So go out and buy this book people. Don't rent it or borrow it just buy it. That way you can read it again right before book two comes out. 

5 Stars
0 Flames

reviewed by Stacy


Guest Post
 
I initially wrote this blog as a joke, reflecting on the various types of female leads within the paranormal genre. It then took on a life of its own.
This is my “Heroines decoded” breakdown. It made me laugh. I hope it does the same for you!




1) The Only-Human-Chick-in-the-Crazy-Ass-World-of-Supernatural Heroine:
Queen of the inside scoop, this leading lady is the only one in creation who gets to be let in on all the finer points about things that go "bump" in the night.  Often smart, but unpopular, this brainy loner easily accepts her newfound reality, if for no other reason than to escape her old one.  She's driven primarily by external forces, exercising her own will as little as possible, especially if it puts her in mortal danger. Why do we love her still?  She gets the hotties, plain and simple.  And secretly, we kinda want to be her, too (don't lie, you know you do).
2) The Clueless Wonder/Damsel in Distress Protagonist:
Now, before I start, I should explain that I have an inexplicable soft spot for these girls.  Their "wandering into chaos" M.O. just does it for me even though it should annoy the piss out of me. The Clueless Wonder is the master of never knowing what's going on, even if it's blatantly apparent (like the building is on fire and she can't quite figure out why everyone is running out of it), which then leads to her other namesake: Damsel in Distress.  She's completely incapable of lifting a finger to save her own ass, but, luckily for her, someone is always willing to do the job for her.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for being rescued.  By a hot guy.  With great abs.  And tousled hair. Who's undoubtedly well endowed...
3) The Badass Without a Cause Heroine:
Probably my least favorite of all the heroine species, she's dangerous, but not in a good way. She's got all the right credentials: immortal/hard to kill, super strength, shady colleagues, looks killer in leather, and is always packing something illegal in her waistband. The problem arises when her lack of judgment leads to more problems than solutions. Throw shotguns and hand grenades into that equation and the death toll rises quickly.  If she were capable of packing as much brain power as she did ammo, she'd truly be a force to be reckoned with.
4) The Help Me, But Don't Help Me Heroine:
She's the Fickle Fanny of the bunch who just can't seem to decide if she wants to bear her burden alone or not.  She's a glory hog who can't acknowledge her team of minions (think Martha Stewart), who helped her get to the end of the journey. It's ALWAYS about her.  This character tends to make me insane because everything has to be on her terms.  She has an undying need to appear self-sufficient, but clearly lacks the tools to be.  She wants/needs the assistance of those more knowledgeable than her...right up until she doesn't.
Generally, this is the protagonist that I find myself wanting to punch in the face the most, but...when she gives into her moments of breakdown/weakness, I find myself begrudgingly cheering her on.  Until I want to slap her again.
5) The Bed Hopping Heroine:
Really...this one shouldn't require a whole lot of explanation.  She's the character that EVERYONE wants to sleep with, including, but not limited to: hot vampires, rugged werewolves, dark mages, sketchy sorcerers, questionable fae. your mailman, the creepy guy you always see at the coffee shop, and your Uncle Franklin.  ALL of them want to sleep with her because she's apparently the only woman in the world--and lucky for them, she's more than happy to oblige.  Don't get me wrong, there's always a reason involved as to why she needs to have sex with various sinister immortals.  In fact, the world's very existence may well be dependent on her ability to so.  We should really send her a fruit basket to thank her.
Maybe a candygram?
6) The Too-Torn-to-Function Heroine:
This girl (and yes, I mean girl), is the one who would get hit by a train as she straddled the track, trying to figure out which amazingly hot guy flanking her she should pick.  Her indecisiveness is all but paralyzing. What I really want to point out to her (being older and far more wise), is that she can't make a wrong choice.  Both boys are always stunningly beautiful, madly in love with her, AND willing to die for her.  Where's the problem here?  I'm happy if my guy is willing to unclog the toilet for me.
7) The Cannon Fodder Protagonist:
Unlike her cousin, The Clueless Wonder, Cannon Fodder takes a slightly different path.  Where CW seems to just happen upon chaos (and by happen, I mean land right in the middle of it), CF seems to genuinely try to NOT be what she is.  She often thinks she's doing everything right, only to find out that she's once again tightened the noose around her own neck.  I happen to really enjoy CF because her intentions are generally good or helpful, and she (usually) learns from her near death experiences.  The poor girl just can't catch a break.
8) The Dances With the Dark Protagonist:
Girl gone wild in all the wrong ways.  She's the one that you find yourself yelling out loud at in public places while you read because her "Warning: This man is likely to eat you" alarm is clearly broken.  She frolics in ominous alleys, willingly sleeps in creepy basements, and frequents nefarious establishments.  Why?  Because she's thinking with her heart (or not thinking at all).  She always falls for the baddest boy, or demon, in town.  The nice thing about D with the D is that she's redeemable, though it's usually a 50/50 split on that outcome.  I'll give her one thing...she always keeps it interesting.
9 )The Mercenary:
There's nothing heroine or protagonist about her.  She's an unbalanced cocktail of psychosis, rage, and vengeance, packaged up into one undoubtedly hot supernatural ticket.  She knows no rules but her own, and we all adore her for it. Willing to win at any cost, she mows down her adversaries without even breaking a sweat. Bad guys and good guys alike need to beware.  If you see the Mercenary coming, do yourself a favor and run.
10) The Girl I Wish I Was Heroine:
The perfect blend of flawed and fabulous, this leading lady knows how to milk emotion out of a reader, good or bad.  She's by far the most relatable character going, and one of the most interesting to watch grow over a novel or series. Believable, but fallible, she's the perfect blend of all the other heroines. 
The boys all love her, but don't want to do dirty things to her like the Bed Hopper. She has moments of Clueless Wonder behavior, but tends to pull it together when the chips are down.  Though equipped with an inner Badass in one way or another, she's far too aware of her shortcomings and wouldn't dream of wandering the streets with a sawed off, looking for trouble.  She'd probably shoot herself in the leg anyways.
She knows that she can't always go it alone, even if she dreams that she can, and though the sea of men that often surround her cause a temporary dilemma, she always manages to pick a team and stick to it.  Unlike D with the D, if her libido drives her to flirt with the dark side, her inner wisdom shines through...eventually.  CF is probably her greatest tendency, which usually reads as more endearing than annoying.  As for her inner mercenary... I think if you push ANY woman far enough, you'll see that crazy bitch pop out.  And you don't want none of that :)
No matter your favorite, these ladies bring a certain charm and entertainment to the page that keep us all wanting more.  I look forward to a day when my schedule is far more balanced, allowing me to reacquaint myself with the heroines that made me love the genre to start with.