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Friday, October 31, 2014

4 For Friday BLITZ

 
 

4 for Friday October Blitz – Presented by Month9Books with Giveaway



Welcome to the 4 for Friday Blitz for Predator by Janice Gable Bashman, Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake, Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman, and The Emissary by Kristal Shaff, presented by Month9Books!

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



“Predator is a fast-paced, creepy page-turner! Bashman had me at the opening sentence and she’s still got me. I want more!”

Nancy Holder, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Rules

The hunt is on!

Sixteen-year-old Bree Sunderland must inject herself with an untested version of her father’s gene therapy to become a werewolf in order to stop a corrupt group of mercenaries from creating a team of unstoppable lycanthrope soldiers.

When Bree went with her scientist father to Ireland, she thought it would be a vacation to study bog bodies. She never expected to fall in love with a mysterious young Irishman and certainly never expected to become the kind of monster her father said only existed in nightmares. Dr. Sunderland discovers that lycanthropy was not a supernatural curse but rather a genetic mutation. When they return home, her dad continues his research, but the military wants to turn that research into a bio weapons program and rogue soldiers want to steal the research to turn themselves into unstoppable killing machines.

Bree’s boyfriend Liam surprises her with a visit to the United States, but there are darker surprises in store for both of them. As evil forces hunt those she loves, Bree must become an even more dangerous hunter to save them all.

Predator gives the werewolf legend a couple of new spins by introducing the Benandanti (an actual folkloric belief that certain families of Italy and Livonia were werewolves who fought against evil), as well as a modern scientific approach to mutation and the science of transgenics.



 
 
About the Author
 
 
Janice Gable Bashman is the Bram Stoker nominated author of Wanted Undead or Alive and Predator. She is managing editor of the The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers’ ezine).  Janice lives with her family in the Philadelphia area, where she at work on her next novel. Visit her at janicegablebashman.com.
 
Author Links:  Website | Twitter Facebook | Goodreads












Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s life is a perfectly normal one until Logan Schmidt moves to Ashlan Falls. Cara is inexplicably drawn to him, but she’s not exactly complaining. Logan’s like no boy she’s ever met, and he brings out a side of Cara that she isn’t used to. As the two get closer, everything is nearly perfect, and Cara looks forward to the future.

But Cara isn’t a normal girl. She’s a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical phoenix bird, and her time is running out. Rebirth is nearing, which means she’ll forget her life up to this point—she’ll forget Logan and everything they mean to one another.. But that may be the least of Cara’s problems.

A phoenix hunter is on the loose, and he’s determined to put an end to the lives of people like Cara and her family, once and for all.





About the Author
 
Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.






Author Links:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads





Arabella Holmes was born different and raised different. After it became apparent she wouldn’t fit the role of a proper 1900′s lady, her father, Sherlock, called in some lingering favors, and landed her a position at the Mutter Museum. The museum was Arabella’s dream; she was to become a purveyor of abnormal science. What her father called a BoneSeeker.

Henry Watson arrives at the Mutter Museum with a double assignment–to become a finder of abnormal antiquities and to watch over and keep Arabella Holmes. An easy task, if he could only get her to speak to him instead of throwing knives in his general direction.

But this is no time for child’s play. The two teens are assigned to a most secret exploration, when the hand of a Nephilim is unearthed in upstate New York. Soon, Arabella and Henry are caught in a fight for their lives as scientific debate swirls around them. Are the bones from a Neanderthal … or are they living proof of fallen angels, who supposedly mated with humans according to ancient scrolls?

Sent to recover the skeleton, they discover they are the second team to have been deployed and the entire first team is dead. And now they must trust their instincts and rely on one another in order to survive and uncover the truth.
 




 
About the Author
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.

 

Author Links:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads






 
For hundreds of years, dark clouds covered the skies of Adamah, and an ageless king ruled. Those who emerged with one of six extraordinary Shay powers were forced into the king’s army, an unmatched force with inhuman Strength, Speed, Accuracy, Perception, Empathy, and Healing. With the army behind him, the king—a man who wields all six abilities—was invincible and unquestioned in his rule. To most, serving the king was an honor. But for others, it was a fate worse than death.

When seventeen-year-old Nolan Trividar witnesses the transformation of his brother from kind to cruel after entering the king’s army, he vows never to follow the same path.

So when his own power—the Shay of Accuracy—comes upon him at the Tournament of Awakening, Nolan conceals his emergence instead of joining the king’s ranks. For years, he traitorously hides his power, pretending to be only a gifted scribe. But when Nolan comes face -to-face with a deserter, the man discovers his secret.

To evade detection and a death sentence, Nolan escapes with the deserter and flees into a night filled with dark creatures who steal both powers and souls. He joins a resistance, a village hidden deep in the forest, filled with others who secretly wield a Shay. But his peace is short-lived when they discover that the dark clouds, undead creatures, their own decreasing powers, and even the king, are all connected.
 


 
About the Author
Kristal Shaff grew up with books (and used to drive her mom crazy when she wouldn’t leave the library); her first job was even shelving books at the library. She loves anything creative, and you can often find her exploring strange and fantastical worlds in her choices of movies and fantasy fiction. Kristal resides in Iowa with her farmer husband, numerous pets, and 3 awesome  kids (plus one more on the way though the journey of adoption). When she isn’t writing, she is a professional face painter who enjoys making children smile.
Author Links:  Website  | Twitter Facebook | Goodreads




 Giveaway!!!!!


Giveaway Information: – Winner will be drawn November 28, 2014

 

·         Three (3) winners will receive digital copies of Predator by Janice Gable Bashman, Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake, Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman, and The Emissary by Kristal Shaff (INT)


Direct Link: 

 



Thursday, September 25, 2014

Shadows Fall Away By Kit Forbes



Welcome to my stop for the Shadows Fall Away blog tour!!!  I do apologize for the late post.... I have been extremely busy... But lets get to this AMAZING book.


About Shadows Fall Away

Shadows Fall Away by Kit Forbes
Publication Date: September 23, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books

Mark Stewart is one incident away from becoming a juvenile delinquent, and his parents have had enough. They ship Mark off to London England to stay with his eccentric aunt Agatha who is obsessed with all things Jack the Ripper. After a strange twist of luck, Mark is struck by lightning, and he wakes to find himself in 1888 Victorian London.
His interest in a string of murders Scotland Yard has yet to solve make him a likely suspect. After all, why would a young boy like Mark know so much about the murders? Could he be the ripper they’ve been searching for? Convinced the only way to get back home is to solve the murders, Mark dives headfirst into uncovering the truth.
Mark’s only distraction comes in the form of the beautiful Genie Trembly, a girl who is totally out of his league and who may have already caught the attention of the infamous ripper. To save her, he’ll endanger both their lives, and risk being trapped in the past forever.

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters Indigo! | TBD
 
About the Kit Forbes
 
Kit Forbes has been a lover of books, history, and all things paranormal for as long as she can remember. She lives in Western Pennsylvania with her youngest daughter and an assortment of cats who give new meaning to the world bizarre.
 
Contact Kit Forbes
 
 
 
My Review:
 
When I first herd about this book I was so excited.  The Jack the Ripper mystery has been a huge love of mine for many years.  This being said,  Kit Forbes did not disappoint me at all.  
 
This book has everything!  Time travel, mystery, romance, and action.  This is a perfect book for any reader.   The character development is well done, and the settings are beautiful.  Mark is a typical rebellious teenager that drinks and gets into some trouble in current times.  Genie, is your rebellious teen in the past.  Which in 1888, rebellious was not supposed to happen, especially with a wealthy family.  These two characters make this book 100% love able.  The witty banter and the social faux paus that occur between the two are memorable and flirty :)
 
The entire idea of this book is perfect... There is really noting I can say except that this book is perfect!  The mystery is amazing!  This is a mystery that has had many people after it, however Kit Forbes creates a unique view. 
 
I will leave you with this....... This book is the SHIT!!!! Get it as soon as it comes out!!!!
 
5out of 5 stars!!


Don't forget the giveaway below.....

Giveaway!!!

· Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Shadows Fall Away by Kit Forbes (INT)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e231/      

Monday, September 8, 2014

Nest, By Esther Ehrlich

Nest Title: Nest
Author: Esther Ehrlich                  
Release: September 9, 2013
Publisher: Random House Children's
Purchase:  Amazon / B&N 

 In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi "Chirp" Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp's mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.
Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
My Thoughts:
Nest is a beautifully written story about friendship and love conquering grief and worry.  Ehrlich does an amazing job of writing the story from Chirp's point of view.  From the beginning I found myself engrossed in Chirp's play full imagination.  I was enthralled by the way Chirp and Joey could create a world all their own and immerse themselves into the adventure they created. 
I enjoyed every part of this book.  I was laughing and crying throughout this entire story.  All I can say is this book is perfect for middle grade and above.  Anybody could pick up this book and fall in love with the characters. The story is the perfect example about how children find comfort in wondrous and beautiful things.  I loved this book!!! 

5 out of 5 stars.

Frozen (Heart of Dread #1)

Frozen: Heart of Dread, Book OneTitle: Frozen (Heart of Dread #1)
Author: Melissa de la Cruz; Michael Johnston
Release: 9/17/13
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Purchase: B&N/ Amazon

WELCOME TO NEW VEGAS, a city once blanketed in neon, now covered by ice.  Like much of the planet, New Vegas only knows one temperature - FREEZING.
At the heart of the city is Nat, a sixteen-year-old blackjack dealer looking for a way out. She's heard rumors of the Blue: a hidden paradise buried somewhere within the barren icy wasteland of the world.  It's a place where Nat won't be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.  But passage to the Blue is treacherous, and Nat's only hope is a young ragtag crew who may be almost as unqualified as she is to survive the journey. 

My Thoughts:

The idea of the world being "frozen" is not an out of this world idea.  And the fact that New Vegas is still full with the worst of human desires, makes the story feel like it could be a near future reality.  These ideas make this book one I was excited to read. 
As I read through the first half, I was disappointed. The characters felt rushed, but the plot line moved very slow.   I felt the characters were not developed well.  I would have liked more dialogue and interaction between the characters.  This being said, the setting development is amazing!  I could picture the places the characters were, and could even get a good sense of what the world is like in Frozen. 
The first half is slow, but once the journey is in full swing the story explodes!  More character development as well as romance and action make the second half worth the wait.
Frozen, is a post-apocalyptic world filled with death, destruction, beauty and magic.  This is a story that leave you wanting the next installment.  Once you get through the beginning, the rest of the story is well written and gripping.  I would recommend this book for a quick fall read.

3 out of 5 stars

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Feuds, By Avery Hastings

Title: Feuds 
Author:  Avery Hastings                  
Release: September 2, 2014
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Purchase:  Amazon / B&N 
For Davis Morrow, perfection is a daily reality. Like all Priors, Davis has spent her whole life primed to be smarter, stronger, and more graceful than the lowly Imperfects, or “Imps.” A fiercely ambitious ballerina, Davis is only a few weeks away from qualifying for the Olympiads and finally living up to her mother’s legacy when she meets Cole, a mysterious boy who leaves her with more questions each time he disappears.
Davis has no idea that Cole has his own agenda, or that he’s a rising star in the FEUDS, an underground fighting ring where Priors gamble on Imps. Cole has every reason to hate Davis—her father’s campaign hinges on the total segregation of the Imps and Priors—but despite his best efforts, Cole finds himself as drawn to Davis as she is to him.
Then Narxis, a deadly virus, takes its hold—and Davis’s friends start dying. When the Priors refuse to acknowledge the epidemic, Davis has no one to turn to but Cole. Falling in love was never part of their plan, but their love may be the only thing that can save her world...in Avery Hastings's Feuds.
A NETGALLEY REVIEW


My Thoughts

I was excited to read this book.  After reading the Synopsis, I was intrigued and optimistic that the story was going to be original and well written.  The dystopian setting and the hostility between the Priors and the Imps makes this book interesting to a wide variety of readers. This book has so much potential! However, after a few chapters I began to lose hope..... There are things that make this book disappointing, as well as, aspects that make this book good. So.... Lets get into the details.......

This book is to short. Period. The plot, characters, and setting are underdeveloped.  The story moved so quickly that I was adding in my own interpretations and ideas into the story.  Don't get me wrong, this writing style works well for some books, but not this one.  I do feel that Feuds needed to be longer.  I wanted Davis and Cole to develop more.  I wanted to know more about their families, and the history of why the world is at its current state.  I feel the book is lacking in these details.   But, there is a positive for the story being short, it's to the point.  I got the minimum amount of details to keep the story progressing. Even though I feel the story could have been developed more, I still feel like I got what I was supposed to out of the book.  

This book also has alot of plot lines going on.  There are corrupt politicians, underground fighting, Olympiad trials, and a disease.  All of these are touched upon in the book, but i feel, are not developed well.  Please keep in mind that this is the first in a series.  There is a huge possibility that these lines will be developed.   

Bottom line is this;  This book for me had some issues, but the potential is so great that I will buy the book and buy any sequel.  Why will I do this you ask??? Because, I have attached myself to these characters and this story and I will see it through.  As should anyone who reads this!!  I would recommend this book to any age group.  I will purchase this book, but I will wait till it comes out in paperback.  

2.5 out of 5 stars

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Friday Cover Reveal!!!!

Ok, it's Friday..... and that means another MONTH9 Cover Reveal!!!!  Check it out below....

Cover Reveal: The Artisans by Julie Reece and Giveaway #M9BFridayReveals

 
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
The Artisans by Julie Reece
presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Title: The Artisans
Publication date:  May 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Julie Reece

 
They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old RAVEN WEATHERSBY gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.
To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.
Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad’s drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.
But Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse.
Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.
Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.
But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?
The Artisans is a delectably rich, layered and dark YA Southern Gothic inspired by Jeanne Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s classic Beauty and the Beast.
“The Artisans has all the elements I love – spooky intrigue, strong friendships, and a romantic tension to be savored.” ~ Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21944665-the-artisans?from_search=true 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.
I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.
Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.
Then I thought I’d write one down…
Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

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



GIVEAWAY

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Direct Link:   http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/YzA4YzllOGVhNjNmZDBjNGRjZjNjYzUwYzFhNDY1OjIyOA==/



I believe this cover is simple and elegant.... I cant wait to read the story.  Good Luck everyone, and thanks for stopping by.

xoxo 
Brandi

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Friday Cover Reveal.....

Cover Reveal: VESSEL by Lisa T. Cresswell and Giveaway #M9BFridayReveals

 Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
VESSEL by Lisa T. Cresswell
presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!



The sun exploded on On April 18, 2112 in a Class X solar storm the likes of which humankind had never seen.
They had exactly nineteen minutes to decide what to do next.
They had nineteen minutes until a geomagnetic wave washed over the Earth, frying every electrical device created by humans, blacking out entire continents, and every satellite in their sky.
Nineteen minutes to say goodbye to the world they knew, forever, and to prepare for a new Earth, a new Sun.

Generations after solar storms destroyed nearly all human technology on Earth, humans reverted to a middle ages-like existence, books are burned as heresy, and all knowledge of the remaining technology is kept hidden by a privileged few called the Reticents.

Alana, a disfigured slave girl, and Recks, a traveling minstrel and sometimes-thief, join forces to bring knowledge and books back to the human race. But when Alana is chosen against her will to be the Vessel, the living repository for all human knowledge, she must find the strength to be what the world needs even if it’s the last thing she wants.



Title: Vessel
Publication date: May 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Lisa T. Cresswell



About The Author



Lisa, like most writers, began scribbling silly notes, stories, and poems at a very young age. Born in North Carolina, the South proved fertile ground to her imagination with its beautiful white sand beaches and red earth. In fifth grade, she wrote, directed and starred in a play “The Queen of the Nile” at school, despite the fact that she is decidedly un-Egyptian looking. Perhaps that’s why she went on to become a real life archaeologist?
Unexpectedly transplanted to Idaho as a teenager, Lisa learned to love the desert and the wide open skies out West. This is where her interest in cultures, both ancient and living, really took root, and she became a Great Basin archaeologist. However, the itch to write never did leave for long. Her first books became the middle grade fantasy trilogy, The Storyteller Series. Her first traditionally published work, Hush Puppy, is now available from Featherweight Press.
Lisa still lives in Idaho with her family and a menagerie of furry critters that includes way too many llamas!

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

Giveaway!!!

<a id="rc-c08c9e8e225" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e225/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Sunday, August 17, 2014

Scorched by Mari Mancusi


ScorchedTitle:  Scorched
Author: Mari Mancusi                   
Release: September, 3 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Incorporated

Purchase:  Amazon / B&N 

Save the dragon. DESTROY the world.  Trinity Foxx is used to her grandfather's crazy stories so she doesn't believe the latest treasure he brought home to their failing West Texas museum is a real dragon's egg. Not until Connor Jacks, a dragon hunter from the future, tells Trinity that the world is about to be wiped out by a fiery dragon war- unless they find a way to stop it..  SAVE the dragon. Save the world.  But Connor's not the only one after the egg.  His twin brother Caleb believes dragons have the power to save mankind and must be protected.  Caleb has seen too many dragons destroyed in the war- scorched future- he'll do whatever it takes to save this one.  With a host of enemies hot on her heels, Trinity must decide who to believe.  Connor the brace solider? Caleb the cocky rebel?  Or the baby dragon that's starting to whisper to her... saying they are destined?  The fate of the world may depend on her choice. 

My Thoughts...

Scorched was a surprise to me. After reading the synopsis of the book I was worried it would not live up to my expectations.  After reading the book I was pleasantly surprised that it surpassed my expectations.  The characters, culture, and world created by Mancusi is filled with deceit, dragons, and wonders enough to sate any reader.

 The future IS filled with fire and death as the dragons have taken over the world. Two organizations are sending representatives back in time to stop the dragon Apocalypse.  Enter, Connor and Caleb.  Twin brothers from the future fighting for opposite sides of the war.  Connor is the dragon slayer.  His mission is to go back in time and make sure the Apocalypse never occurs by killing the dragon.  Caleb's mission is to save the dragon.

Trinity is not just your typical female heroine, she is much more.  Faced with a world changing decision, she must make the correct choice or damn the world to an eternity of fire and death.  Trinity must make this decision based on the opinions and prejudices of Connor and Caleb.  What decision will she chose? Save the dragon, or kill the dragon?

This book is packed with action from cover to cover.  The dragons in this world are everything I have ever wanted.  The culture of both sides of the war is filled with prejudices that rival "real world" issues.  The deceit and double crossing will leave you wondering who to trust, and have you on the edge of your seat!  Plus....... there is some swoon-worthy romance that will have you wanting both Caleb and Connor.... :) I just cant chose!!!

Waiting on the edge for the next book.....

4.5 out of 5 stars