Release Day Promo (Excerpt): The Edge of Darkness by Melissa Andrea

Happy release day The Edge of Darkness by Melissa Andrea :D! I am super excited to be part of this blog tour promo!

 

Title: The Edge of Darkness

Author: Melissa Andrea

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: May 31, 2013

Description from Goodreads:

After a tragic accident, Araya Noelle is left with a constant reminder that nothing is forever.

She is forced to give up her chance to be the youngest dancer accepted into Julliard & taking over their high society school by a graceful storm of determination is no longer an option. Instead of dwelling over her loss, she accepts the new future she’s been dealt. In a world as black as hers, there's no room for bitterness, no time for regret. Sheltered from the outside world, Araya has become suffocated by a life she has no control over. Until Ryland Dare comes crashing into her life.

You don’t know true darkness until you've felt light…

Like a firecracker, showering her with colorful sparks of freedom, Ryland quickly sweeps Araya away from her grey existence. For the first time since the accident, living in darkness is no longer something Araya wants to do willingly. Unleashed by the shadows of her reminder, being with Ryland, Araya touches light. Together they will learn what it’s like to feel alive for the first time.

At the edge of darkness, a ray of light, will dare them both to HOPE.

DARE them to LOVE
DARE them to LIVE

EXCERPT:

“Open,” when she did I fed her the bite.
Watching her eat the ice cream was the sexiest thing I had ever seen. Her eyes slid closed and her body went slack with pleasure. Little sounds of bliss spilled from her lips as she licked them.
“Well?” I asked when she was finished.
“Best. Thing.Ever.”
“Let me taste.”
I couldn’t control myself as my fingers closed around the back of her neck and I pulled her to me.

Don't forget to add The Edge on Darkness on your TBR shelf-->Goodreads

Where to find Melissa Andrea:

Goodreads 

Facebook ("Like") 

Twitter (Follow) 

Website (Keep Updated) 

Pinterest (Follow) 

Where to Buy The Edge of Darkness:

Barnes & Noble 

Kobo 

Amazon 

 

About the Author:

 I find it hard to sum up my life in a paragraph, but I'll try.

I am the author of Flutter, The Discover Series! Reading has always been a passion for me, and writing as instinctive as breathing. Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. The only thing I do better than writing you ask? Making beautiful girls. My daughter's will always be my great accomplishment.

I was born in Denver, Colorado-but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don't have a big family, but I'm close with my sister, brother, & my mom. My mom is my hero, my inspiration, and I couldn't have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by.

4 things you should know about me: I'm very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them. I adore the color pink and things that sparkle (including vampires), I am a firm believer that chocolate cures ALL and I like even numbers (hence 4 things about me, not 5). Okay, maybe I cheated a little with my list, shhhh.

 

 

Freebie Friday & Giveaway :D!

Each Friday I will be posting Freebies that I find on Amazon :D! Who doesn't love to get a free kindle book? If there are any price drops or bargain books that I find, I will also be posting them here on Fridays. The books I post are going to be YA and NA books. Hope you find something you like or been wanting to buy for a low price.

Free Books:

To Rise Again by Kelly Libsack 

The Princess Problem by Diane Darcy 

Hate Me by Leen Elle 

Angelfire by Hanna Peach 

Finding Eden by Camilla Beavers 

Awakenings by Hally Willmott

 

$0.99 Books:

Everything Changes by Shey Stahl 

A Different Blue by Amy Harmon 

One Tiny Secret by Adam Kunz 

Safe Word by Teresa Mummert 

Sins & Needles by Karina Halle 

Plastic Hearts by Lisa De Jong 

 

New Releases: (Decided to do New Releases instead of the Deals, because there are so many great ones this week)

Obsession by Jennifer Armentrout ($2.99) 

The Forever of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen ($2.99) 

Beauty From Surrender by Georgia Gates ($3.99) 

Private Message by Danielle Torella ($2.99) 

Stay by S. Mulholland ($3.99) 

Promise Me by Barbie Bohrman ($2.99) 

Jet by Jay Crownover ($2.99) 

Darkness Before Dawn by Claire Contreras ($3.99) 

Breathe Me by Alexia Purdy ($2.99) 

Take Care, Sara by Lindy Zart ($0.99) 

The Edge of Darkness by Melissa Andrea ($3.99) 

 

Giveaway!!!!  

Win one of the New Releases I posted above :D!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Nikki (Angels of the Knights Book 3) by Valerie Zambito

Angels of the Knights - Nikki (Book 3)

by Valerie Zambito

Coming Soon!

Summary not available yet...

***

I love the other covers in the Angels of the Knight series, but I absolutely LOVE this cover. What do you think of the book cover? Which cover is your favorite?  

 

If you haven't heard of the Angels of the Knights series, just keep scrolling down and read the description of the first two books. But wait there is more. At the end of the post there is a GIVEAWAY :D!!!

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

(Angels of the Knights #1)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.

The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.

E-book is currently free!

 

Angels of the Knights - Blane 
(Angels of the Knights #2)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.

Buy Links:

 

About the Author

Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

Website│Twitter│Facebook│Goodreads

***GIVEAWAY***

(1) Print or e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Swoon Thursday #3: Bound By Prophecy by Melissa Wright & Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts

It's Swoon Thursday, hosted by  YA Bound. This is a weekly meme, which I will be doing every single Thursday :D! Here is how it works:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog. We want to know!

I have both a New Adult and Adult Swoon today :). I finished reading Bound By Prophecy by Melissa Wright during the week and enjoyed it, you can read my review HERE.

New Adult:

 

Everything about her begged to be touched. And yet, even with her head against my leg, I hesitated. It seemed important somehow. My hand ached to wrap around her. I settled for an elbow, placing the length of my arm over hers to keep her warm, and she squeezed her arms tighter into her chest, and then snuggled closer.-p61

 

 "You shouldn't sneak up on people while they're sleeping," I said, snatching her wrist as she gasped and tried to jerk back from me.
She froze, free hand pressed to her heaving chest, and stared at me, wide-eyed. I pulled her closer. "What are you doing, Emily?"-p118

 

I re-read Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts, because I just LOVED it! I will be posting a review for Captive in the Dark next week :)!

 Adult:

  He raised his right hand, pushing my hair off my shoulder, and then caressing the back of my arm. A violent shiver ran down my spine causing me to move back. The cold porcelain of the sink grazed my skin. As if it were a dance, he stepped forward. His fingers speared into my hair, possessive, cradling my head as I continued to stare at the floor. He kissed my fingers; nibbling at them with his teeth.-p56

Have you read these books yet? What are you swooning over this week?

Review: Bound By Prophecy by Melissa Wright

Title: Bound By Prophecy
Author: Melissa Wright
Series: Descendants #1
Publication Date: April 2013
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy
Source: Won a paperback copy from the Author for an honest review.

Description from Goodreads:
Twenty-two-year-old Aern is done watching his brother destroy the only thing that matters. He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action.
What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.
Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.
Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.

My Thoughts:

 

They called it a thinning of the blood. Though most of our ancestors' magic had slowly weakened, it still left us the ability to hold sway over humans.

Bound By Prophecy caught my interest from the first few pages I read. From the very beginning there is mystery and action. The story is told from Aern's POV and he and his brother, Morgan, have the ability to "sway" humans. This sort of reminded me of the movie PUSH, because they can sway people to do anything they want just by touching them. I loved reading from Aern's POV and I loved Aern :D! Aern is charming, protective, witty, and a fighter.

For one brief instant, I considered leaving her. Touching her face, dropping her into a coma, and walking away.

When he meets Emily, Brianna's sister, he does not know what to expect from her. Emily hates Aern for kidnapping her sister, and she does not like what he is and what he can do. I loved Emily's character because this girl does not need a boy to fight her battles or defend her from the bad guys.

"Tell them anyone who touches her dies."

Emily and Aern stay together, because they both need each other. Emily needs Aern to find her sister, and Aern needs to protect Emily so Morgan won't use her as leverage to get to Brianna. Throughout the book they start getting closer to each other. Aern starts feeling a pull towards Emily, but he knows that nothing can happen between them. This does not stop his jealous outburst towards other man.

Knowing we had gotten lucky before. It wouldn't happen again. This time, people would die.

There is a battle going on and off throughout the book. The battle and romance are centered on the prophecy that has been passed down to Aern, Morgan, Emily, and Brianna. All four of them have a part to play in the prophecy. All the lives lost, the blood shed, and betrayal are unstoppable and can only be stopped by these four characters.

Bound By Prophecy was a page turner, I could not put this book down once I started it. I will definitely be reading the second book in the series. The only reason I did not give this book a five star review was because the pace slowed down a little, but after those brief pages it picked up again. 

Bound By Prophecy is full of romance, action, mystery, and there are a few twists in the book. Both of the main characters are strong, lovable, and they both stand on equal grounds-one is not seen as less than the other.

Final Verdict: 4 Stars

 Favorite Quotes:

I wished I could say her name. Distract her. Something. But all I could do was offer my hand, tell her with my eyes it would be okay.

"This is so unfair," she said. "You look like The Bourne Identity and I look like Big Trouble in Little China."

 She drew me toward her, gaze dropping as she pressed me back on the pillows to curl against my chest. The motion was tentative, she had done it nonetheless.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, "You will both be safe, Emily. I swear by it."-

 My hands braced her there as I pressed my forehead to hers and held her. Just long enough for a silent promise. I would come back to her.

 She slipped her arms around  my back, and we stayed there, unspeaking, as I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

*I won a copy of the book from the author for an honest review. 

About the Author:

Melissa is the author of the Frey Saga and Bound by Prophecy. She is currently working on book two of the Descendants Series, and when not writing, can be found on Goodreads and Pinterest. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com

 

Where to find Melissa Wright:

Goodreads (Add To Shelf) 

Website (Keep Updated)

Pinterest (Follow)  

 

Where to Buy Bound By Prophecy:

Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) 

Banres & Noble (Nook & Paperback) 

Book Depository (Paperback) 

Book Blitz: Angels of the Knight Series by Valerie Zambito

                 Thank you to the ladies at YA Bound for letting me be part of this Book Blitz :D!

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

(Angels of the Knights #1)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.

The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.

E-book is currently free!

Angels of the Knights - Blane 
(Angels of the Knights #2)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.

Buy Links:

About the Author

Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

Website│Twitter│Facebook│Goodreads

***GIVEAWAY***

(1) Print or e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

"Waiting on" Wednesday #3: Gamboard of the Gods & The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I decided to do a Richelle Mead edition post, because I am eagrly awaiting two of her books. These two books are:

Title: Gamboard of the Gods (Age of X #1)
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Age of X
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication Date: June 4, 2013

Description from Goodreads:
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense
  

I've read chapters 1-3 of Gameboard of the Gods on Richelle Mead's website HERE and I wanted to keep reading more. Can't wait to buy this when it comes out :). 

 

Title: The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4)
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: November 19, 2013

Description from Goodreads: 
In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

I need to get my hands on this book, because I need to know what is going to happen with Adrian and Sydney. Plus, we are going to be reading from Adrian's POV :D! 

 

Where to find Richelle Mead:

Goodreads (Add her Books)

Website (Keep Updated)

Facebook (Like)

Twitter  (Follow)

 

Buy the Books:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Book Depository

 

Cover Reveal & Book Trailer: Into the Deep by Samantha Young

CONGRATULATIONS SAMANTHA YOUNG FOR THIS NEW PROJECT :D!!!!

I was EXCITED to find out Samantha Young's new project was a New Adult book. I recently started reading this genre, because a lot of bloggers have become addicted to it. I must confess that I have become an addict as well lol. Without further ado I would love to present the COVER REVEAL of Samantha Young's New Adult book Into the Deep, which is due for a release in August 20th :D!

 

 For an unedited excerpt go here--->Natasha is a Book Junkie

Click on the image for goodreads link!

Description from Goodreads:

Live young. Live hard. Love deep.

Charley Redford was just an ordinary girl until Jake Caplin moved to her small town in Indiana and convinced her she was extraordinary. Almost from day one Jake pulled Charley into the deep and promised he was right there with her. But when a tragic incident darkened Jake’s life he waded out into the shallows and left Charley behind.

Almost four years later Charley thinks she’s moved on. That is until she takes a study year abroad in Edinburgh and bumps into none other than Jake Caplin at a party with his new girlfriend. The bad-boy-turned-good attempts to convince Charley to forgive him, and as her best friend starts spending time with Jake’s, Charley calls a truce, only to find herself tumbling back into a friendship with him.

As they grow closer, the spark between them flares and begins playing havoc with their lives and relationships. When jealousy and longing rear their destructive heads, Charley and Jake struggle to come to grips with what they mean to one another.

And even if they work it out, there is no guarantee Charley will ever trust Jake to lead her back into the deep…

 

All I have to say is "Look at this GORGEOUS COVER :D!" I  love the way the light hits the girls face, the black and white, exposure, and I love the blue color of the title. It really stands out :)!

What do you think of the book cover?

Teaser Tuesday #4: Bound By Prophecy by Melissa Wright

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

This week I am going to be sharing a teaser from BOUND BY PROPHECY BY MELISSA WRIGHT!

 

  

I decided to do two teasers this week :).

I wished I could say her name. Distract her. Something. But all I could do was offer my hand, tell her with my eyes it would be okay.-p43

My muscles unfroze and I was running for him before my mind could process anything further. He was touching her. He was touching Emily.-p154

Now it's your turn to share a teaser/teasers from your current read!

Leave a link to your post on the comments below :).

New Cover Reveal: Emerald Isle (Fascination Island #1) by Kate Hinderer

Today is the new cover reveal of Emerald Isle by Kate Hinderer! Personally, I am totally loving the new book cover :D! I hope you guys love it as much as I do, and don't forget to add Emerald Isle to your TBR pile!

 

Title: Emerald Isle (Fascination Island #1) 
Author: Kate Hinderer
Description: To escape a bad break-up and fighting parents Audyn takes a job as a lifeguard at Fascination Island. The posh five-star resort lives up to its name in every way, including the strange rules the owner has about entering the water at night. Despite declaring it a boy-free summer, it isn’t long before the shy, endearing Levi and the mysterious, tattooed Tristan begin vying for her attention. When Levi tries to push his advantage and Tristan comes to the rescue, Audyn realizes there is more to both these boys and the island they inhabit. Suddenly, she’s forced to acknowledge a reality she’d never considered and to pick a side in the conflict that has been waging for decades.  

 First let's check out the old cover:

   

And now lets take a the new and improved cover:

Excerpt

Beginning of the story… I never believed in love at first sight until I stood on the stage in the Moonlight Serenade. The uncomfortable churning of my stomach, that plagued me from the moment I boarded the plane from California, finally settled. The nerves that mocked me for taking this internship moved to the background as I stood looking out over the empty restaurant tables surrounding the stage and bandstand. I closed my eyes, envisioning the warm spotlights causing my skin to glow, the soft timbre of the band playing the melody, all eyes on me as I opened my mouth to sing. My heart swelled as my body swayed to the music in my head. It was love; I was meant to be here, to sing on this stage. “Ah! Collette, my singing song bird,” Jim Riche called, his arms out to embrace me as he walked into the empty restaurant. Minutes before, a Fascination Island staff member dropped me off at my worksite and left me promising to find the resort’s owner. Swallowing the fear that threatened to choke me in this moment, I offered the middle-aged millionaire a meek smile. “Mr. Riche. Thank you again for inviting me to sing here this semester.” “I should be thanking you. I had the privilege of hearing your mother on the stage three different times in New York. It was close to divine. I heard your demos and had to have you here.” I blushed and looked at my feet, embarrassed both by the compliment and the mention of my deceased mother. She’d been dead three years and still even the mere mention of her name or her renowned talent, caused my heart to break again. “It’s an honor,” I mumbled feeling the familiar shyness overtake me under his close scrutiny. I had hoped the decision to pack up and move to Fascination Island for five months would alleviate some of the utter fear I felt in a stranger’s presence. But it hadn’t worked any miracles yet. “Well, Paul Stein won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon. He took a little, needed vacation after the intense summer months. I’m sure you’re eager to start working with him on your repertoire and routines.” I simply nodded. Paul Stein happened to be one of the main reasons I took the job in the first place. Known over the world, Mr. Stein was considered by many to be the pre-eminent vocal coach and mentor for anyone considering a career on the stage. My mother had worked with him for several months at the height of her career and couldn’t say enough about how he had helped her. But now, he had relegated himself to this small five-star resort in the middle of the Fiji Islands and only worked with the select few lucky enough to claim jobs on Mr. Riche’s payroll. I was one such lucky girl.

About the Author

In a nutshell: Writer. Blogger. Journalist. Marathon runner. Social media enthusiast. Beer drinker. Avid YA reader. Traveler. Chicago native. Milwaukee resident. Music fanatic. Fashion lover. Oldest of nine.   Writing has been in my soul from the very beginning. In grade school I started my own local paper for the street I lived on. In middle school I wrote for the school paper and loved any English writing assignment. I started writing novels in high school. At the time my friends were the characters, the setting was almost always Regency England, and I scratched the story into lined notebooks. Now, I have a journalism degree and a dozen various business writing gigs under my belt. I’ve lived in a handful of US cities including Milwaukee, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis and New York. I pen a personal fashion and lifestyle blog, ModlyChic.com, and continue to write about commercial real estate. My first book, Aurora Undefined, was published in 2011. The Emerald Isle, the first Fascination Island book, came out during the summer of 2012, at which time I immediately began writing the second book in the series. Next up . . . stay tuned! I’m working on a new contemporary novel as well as the third book in the Fascination Island series.  

What do you think of the new cover?

Links  

Facebook Kate Hinderer Writes (blog) ModlyChic (fashion blog)  

Twitter: @kate_hinderer  

Goodreads 

Amazon profile    

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

I am excited to be participating in the Unbreak Me Release Day Blitz hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads & she runs Xpresso Book Tours :D! I will be providing an excerpt, and I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!

Title: Unbreak Me
Author: Lexi Ryan
Publication: May 27, 2013
Genre: New Adult Romance

Synopsis:
“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”

I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…

“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”

But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

  

         EXCERPT:

“How do you feel about weddings?” I hear myself ask.
“Proposing already?” He cuts his eyes to me. “I don’t know. Seems like we’re moving a little fast.”
I bite back my smile. “I need an escort.”
“To a wedding?”
“To my sister Krystal’s wedding. I mean, if you’re still in town or whatever. I’m not asking that you make a special trip.”
He quirks a brow. “I thought she already got married.”
“She wants a do-over. But don’t worry, she promises it’s going to be fah-bu-lous.”
He’s silent. Can you blame him? He didn’t want to sleep with me, and I think this is a more appealing proposition?
“Sure,” he finally says. “I’d be happy to accompany you.”
“Really? Because there’s a pretty good chance the twins might maul you at the reception.”
He chuckles and cuts his eyes to me. “I can handle a couple of fan girls. Anyway, I know you wouldn’t ask me if you didn’t feel like you needed to have a date. I’ve never said no to a woman in need.”
“Humph,” I snort. “My experience says otherwise.”
A block away, a pickup screeches forward at the traffic light, and a guy in a ball cap sticks his head and chest out the window and points at me. “Loooose!” he calls out into the night, drawing out the word. “Loooos-eeee!”
The word, once a sharp knife, is now the sawing of a dull blade against my calloused heart. The truck screeches down the road, and hatred clogs my throat and blocks any response.
“Lucy?” Asher asks. “Isn’t that your dog’s name?”
Suddenly, I’m overwhelmed by my own naiveté. I really thought I could come back to this godforsaken hole-in-the-earth town and live a normal life? New Hope will never offer me normal. If I live and die in New Hope, I imagine they’ll carve my tombstone with the word loose.
I swallow down my anger and shake my head. “Loose,” I explain. “As in loose woman. Promiscuous. Slut.”
Asher’s breath draws in with a raspy hiss and his nostrils flare. Those blue eyes burn as he looks after the offender. He’s long gone now, and I’m glad because the look in Asher’s eyes says what he’d like to do to them. It should scare me, given his reputation, but instead it helps the insult roll off my back.
I can handle the nastiness now. But I wish I could send Asher back in time to be indignant on behalf of my fifteen-year-old self. She wasn’t so hardened.
“Can you tell me a name?” he asks, his voice low and deadly steady.
“They’re just stupid townies from my high school.” I press my hand to his arm. “It doesn’t matter.”
He doesn’t call me on my lie, but we both know it does matter. What had he said in there? Words hurt.
He takes my hand and walks me to my car, toying with my fingers.
“Assholes notwithstanding,” I whisper, “I had a good time.”
“Me too.” He rubs the inside of my palm. Soft. Gentle. This man may look rough with his tattoos and piercings, but there is nothing rough about the way he treats me. And, where the violence that flashed in his eyes didn’t scare me, this gentleness does.
“Listen,” I say. “About the other morning, I just—”
He cuts me off with his mouth. He touches his lips to mine, and I feel frozen for a moment—I am the statue I once trained myself to be. But his mouth is soft and slow and patient. I melt into him, curl my fingers into his chest, slide my tongue against his.
It’s the kind of kiss I dreamed about as a girl and never got.
When he pulls away, he traces his thumb over my bottom lip.
“Come home with me?” I ask, breathless from his kiss, his touch.
“You’re so damn sweet.”
That gets me right in the solar plexus. Men call me hot. Men call me sexy. Men don’t call me sweet.
“For a woman who claims to be an open book, you hide so much.” He runs his thumb down the side of my neck, over the hollow in my collarbone. “Next time you strip for me, you’re taking off more than your clothes.”
I step back. “Goodnight, Asher.” I climb in my car and drive away—from him and from this aching inside my chest that feels a whole lot like falling.

Don't Forget to add it to your shelf on Goodreads --->Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

Go Buy Unbreak Me at:

Amazon 

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AUTHOR BIO

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and currently holds the title of assistant professor of English at her local community college. Lexi is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

Author Links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stacking the Shelves #2

Stacking the Shelves is a weekend meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This post is where bloggers get to show their followers what books they've added to their shelves-bought, won, borrowed from library or friend, or exchanged. It can be a physical book, audiobook, or kindle/nook books.

Kindle Books: 

  A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons ($0.99) 

Unraveling by Micalea Smeltzer ($0.99) 

There is No Light in Darkness by Claire Contreras ($0.99) 

 Ever Enough by Stacy Borel ($0.99) 

 

Thursday Nights by Lisa N. Paul ($1.99) 

 

Emancipating Andie by Priscilla Glenn ($0.99) 

                        

Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren ($2.99)  

Broken Promises by Belinda Boring ($0.99)

Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan ($3.99)

 

Searching For Moore by Julie Richman ($1.99)

 TRAGIC by J.A. Huss ($0.99)

Chaotic by C.A. Williams ($0.99) 

 The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy ($0.99)

Stripped by Brooklyn Skye ($0.99) 

Sudden Hope by Mira Garland ($0.99) 

Scornfully Yours by Pamela Ann (FREE)

Big Sky by Kitty Thomas (FREE) 

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler (FREE) 

   

Review:

 

Addicted to You by Krista & Becca Ritchie (Blog Tour) 

Breathe Me by Alexia Purdy (Thank you Alexia Purdy)

Bound By Prophecy by Melissa Wright (Thank you Melissa Wright)

Won & Bought:

 

Bound By Prophecy by Melissa Wright (Signed) (Thank you Melissa Wright)

Give Me Something by Elizabeth Lee (Signed) & Signed Swag (Thank you Amanda @Globug & Hootie Need a Book )

Naked by Raine Miller ($8.25)

Losing It by Cora Carmack ($9.95) 

Until I Break by M. Leighton ($9.70) 

Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for 1 of 3 kindle copies of Safe Word by Teresa Mummert

 

What books did you add to your shelf? Leave the link to your post in the comments section, or post the books in the comments section :).