Thursday, December 4, 2014

Blog Tour-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: Song Magick by Elisabeth Hamill


 Song Magick
Elisabeth Hamill
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: Fire and Ice Young Adult
Number of pages: 304
Word Count: 104K
Cover Artist: Caroline Andrus

Book Description: 
In a realm where magic was thought to be lost, young bard Telyn Songmaker is able to cast powerful spells with her music. Exiled from home in the violent aftermath of her song magic gone awry, Telyn endures a solitary freedom…unaware of the price on her head.  
Bound to the Wood by blood and by oath, Mithrais is dispatched to protect her by the dying sylvan gods he serves. Only Telyn can perform the dangerous counterspell that may save them. But love may be the most unpredictable magic of all…
Available at Smashwords  FireandIceYA  Lulu  Amazon  BN

Excerpt:

She was breathtaking, lovelier than anyone Mithrais had ever seen. The white gown sparkled with silver embroidery on the velvet bodice and sleeves, and the neckline dipped gracefully to expose Telyn’s throat and shoulders. Her hair was swept into a knot that escaped in soft curls on either side of her face and down the back of her neck. Mithrais could see the blush rising in her cheeks as Telyn realized the effect her appearance was having on him. He shook his head in wonder, and Telyn gave a delighted laugh. 

“So you are the Green Man! I know that Riordan couldn’t have planned that in advance, despite his jokes.” 

“Perhaps he could have. The man is frighteningly accurate in his perceptions. Is he an enchanter?” Mithrais was unable to take his gaze from her. 

Telyn grinned. “Not to my knowledge, unless the future is revealed in the bottom of his wine cups.”   

“I fear that I’ve usurped someone else’s role, then. They are going to be sorely disappointed.”  

Telyn’s answering smile was hesitant, and she moved away from the window to pick up the mask on the dressing table. 

“I was rather put out with Riordan for making me lead the spring rites, but now, I think that he is back in my good graces.” Telyn shrugged, pretending great interest in the mask. “However, he’s all but engineered a woods marriage between us. Perhaps I should still be angry at him.” Her tone was playful, and Mithrais replied in kind as he deposited his own mask and the ivy crown upon the table, 

“I must admit that I’m concerned about the requirements of this rite. At home it would be a matter of gravest ceremony, but here, I suspect things are a bit more...enthusiastic.” 

“Well, I certainly wouldn’t want you to be shamed in front of Riordan’s guests,” Telyn laughed, her fingers toying with the ribbons of her mask and betraying her nervousness. “All that is required is a kiss.” 

Mithrais could feel the pull between them like the moon and the tide, but he held his ground, letting Telyn close the distance between them unhurriedly. They stood face to face, not touching, and he saw the pulse in her throat fluttering rapidly as she looked up at him, something akin to doubt in her gold-flecked eyes. 

“You’re certain that there were no misunderstandings this morning?” she queried. 

“With heartspeakers, the truth is always at the surface, whether we intend it or not. I regret that I might have given you reason to feel threatened.” 

Telyn looked surprised. “No, it isn’t that at all, Mithrais. I don’t know why I pulled away, and I don’t fear you—I know you saw what I felt before.” That lovely blush was rising in her cheeks again, and she turned away, embarrassed. 

“I’ve found it difficult to think of anything but you from the time we met, Telyn.” His confession caused her to turn back to Mithrais, an expression of delighted wonder in those tawny eyes. “But I’ve promised Lord Riordan that I will see you safely to Cerisild.” 
     
  Her expression changed, and Mithrais knew he had affronted her. 

“I’m not defenseless, Mithrais.” Telyn stalked away to stare moodily into the fire, the silk of the gown swirling around her. 
  
    “I know. Last night, we could hear the swords striking long before we could see you, and to have held off three enemies as long as you did is no small feat.” Mithrais moved to stand behind her. “You have the courage of a warrior, Telyn, but what follows you now deals in torture and death, not combat.” 

Telyn hugged herself. “I have heard rumors about The Dragon. Everyone in Belthil has.” 

“Believe them. I’ve seen his work.” Mithrais put a hand on her shoulder, turning her to look at him. “He is very close, Telyn, if he’s not already here. We’ll have to be very careful until we reach Cerisild.” 

“Do you really think that he won’t follow us into the Wood?” Telyn’s face showed that it was less a question than a mild accusation of folly. 

“No. I expect that he will. However, I think that once in the Wood, he will find more than he bargained for.”
My Review:

I have to say, I was totally enchanted by this story.  The author has crafted a truly fascinating world, and woven a moving tale featuring some amazing characters.  The world building is done so well, it was very easy to picture everything as I read and I found myself drawn in immediately.  The writing was flawless and descriptive, capturing my attention and keeping it the whole way through.  Lovers of fantasy books will find that the author has created a unique story that keeps the fantasy genre fresh and exciting.

The words that come immediately to mind when I think of Telyn are strength, grace, beauty and loyalty-she is a unique and awe-inspiring young lady who possesses courage and determination to do the right thing.  Mithrais is a strong protector who actually can feel deeply and is extremely loyal to the Tauron, as well as a great leader.  And all of the secondary characters we encounter in this journey are wonderfully written, full of richness and life...and all of them contribute to the story.

You will find plenty of action, a bit of drama, and some sweet young romance that will tug at your heart.  Even though the book is just around 300 pages, it felt like I was reading something bigger as the story is very full and well rounded-in a GOOD way.

If you love fantasy, you are definitely going to want to read Song Magick ASAP.  I loved this story, would be thrilled to read more about this world, and give it a fantastic 5 stars!

 About the Author: 
Elisabeth Hamill is a nurse by day, fantasy novelist by night. In seventh grade, she had “Famous Author” inscribed under her name on her yearbook cover – an aspiration that, while delayed, was never forgotten! Her first published work, SONG MAGICK, saw its first draft finished during recuperation from cancer treatment and surgery, and is the fulfillment of that lifelong dream of being an author. 
She lives in eastern Kansas with her family, where they fend off flying monkey attacks and prep for the zombie apocalypse.




Tour giveaway 
5 ebook copies (winner’s choice of format)

Release Day Launch-Excerpt and Giveaway: The Accidental Assassin by Nichole Chase

I just LOVE Nichole Chase's books!  Look what's released today!

TAA RDL Banner

We are so incredibly excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Nichole Chase's THE ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN! THE ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN is a New Adult contemporary romantic suspense novel and it was so worth the wait!! Read the excerpt, enter to win, then go grab your copy today!

The Accidental Assassin

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound & Kobo-coming soon! 

THE ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN will be $2.99 for the first week and then the price will rise to $3.99 after December 7th.

About THE ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN:

Ava McKenzie is a creature of habit. Life is passing her by and she has nothing to show for it. She’s had the same job since she started college, she orders the same dish every time she goes to her favorite restaurant, and only reads books from authors she knows. There is nothing new or surprising in her life… until her best friend marries a man from London. When her newlywed friend asks her to house-sit while she honeymoons, Ava jumps at the chance. She thinks this could be the very thing she needs to shake up her life. Ava throws herself head first into her new lifestyle; she wants to try everything, go everywhere, and never get stuck in a rut again. Of course, offing a man in a car garage hadn’t been one of the things on her list to try.

Owen Walker spends every day in a new place with a new case. As one of the most renowned assassins in the world, he has his choice of marks—and he’s never failed in a mission. When a new hit takes him back to his hometown, he looks forward to spending time somewhere familiar. What he isn’t expecting is to help an attractive, confused American woman find out how she’s ended up on a hit man’s list.

As Ava and Owen dodge bullets, will they be able to escape their undeniable attraction to each other? Or will all of that chemistry blow up in a shower of hot and dangerous sparks?




Excerpt:

I twisted the steering wheel sharply as I exited the garage and almost knocked over the doorman. But he was holding a large gun in one hand and to my shock he fired directly at my window. The glass shattered, but I didn’t feel any pain, which I hoped meant I wasn’t hit. I ducked in a belated reaction and the car swerved wildly, but the gun-toting hottie next to me steadied the wheel.

“I knew that doorman didn’t like me.” I gritted my teeth. “What an asshole. He’s almost as bad as you are.”

“I’ll drive now, if you’d like.” He said it like we were taking turns on a road trip, not running for our lives. Maybe he wasn’t running for his life. But I was still running for mine. I didn’t know what this guy wanted with me. Was I supposed to just let him drive me to some creepy kill room? An image of walls draped in plastic, knives on a table, and a bed with chains filled my mind. I didn’t think so.

“Now? You want to drive now?” My voice rose with each word. “Sure, I’ll pull over at the corner for a snack and let you take over. Holy sh*t! Are you crazy?”

“Has anyone ever told you that for such a beautiful woman you have a very dirty mouth?” He smiled at me as my mouth worked silently. “I think I like the odd combination.”

“F*ck you.” I glared at the road.

“So does that mean you don’t want me to drive?” He nodded toward the traffic that was growing thicker. “Do you have a plan for where to go?”

“The cops.” I didn’t mention that I had no idea where they would be located. I’d just stop the first one I saw. “And you told me to get in the driver seat.”

“You’re sure you want to go to the police?” He leaned back into his seat, getting comfortable. He looked, for all the world, as if riding around in a car with a bomb attached to it was normal. “You killed a man and fled the scene in his stolen car—which has a bomb attached to it. Oh, and someone was trying to kill you. I’m sure being locked in a tiny room with nowhere to run will make their job much more difficult.”

“Maybe they were trying to kill you. I can imagine why they’d want to.” I growled and turned down a street that was one way only. And I was going the wrong way. I muttered under my breath as I dodged cars and people honked at me. “I should’ve stayed in bed today.”

“Possibly. They were very sloppy.” He pointed to a street. “You should turn here and take the roundabout.”

“Roundabout?” My heart dropped into my stomach and I broke into a cold sweat. “That seems like a bad idea.”

Roundabouts were the devil. If you’ve ever tried to drive through a roundabout after years of driving in America, you’d understand. Everything was completely backward to how you instinctually drove. It gave me an ulcer just thinking about it.

“We’re being followed. We need to lose them.” He looked at me with serious eyes. “If you want to live, we need to put distance between us and the people in the black sedan.”

“Oh, Jesus.” I jerked the wheel and our car shot down the road toward the evil traffic circle of death.


Nichole Chase Bio:
Author Photo

Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, and several short stories. She is also the instructor of Say What? a dialogue class at the Romance Academy.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, superhero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | THE ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN Goodreads










 GIVEAWAY!


Blog Tour-Review and Giveaway: Conquer Me by Geneva Lee


Book Details:
Title:   Conquer Me (The Royals Saga Book #2)
Author:   Geneva Lee
Genre:   Erotica, Contemporary Romance, BDSM 
Release Day: November 11, 2014


Synopsis:
Alexander had the world at his feet and me on my knees...until secrets tore us apart.
I should stay away from him. I should run. But I'm addicted to him...to the pleasure and the pain.

He warned me about his dark side...about his past. But I have a past, too. Together we'll conquer our demons if we don't destroy each other first.

Check out Conquer Me on Goodreads

Buy Links
And be sure to check out the first book of The Royals Saga, Command Me!

 Command Me Synopsis:
When he kissed me, I was shocked. He was a stranger and still so familiar. It wasn't until I woke up to my picture splashed on the cover of tabloids that I realized I knew who he was.

Prince Alexander of Cambridge.

Royal bad boy.

Exiled heir to the throne.

He isn't Prince Charming. He's controlling. He's demanding. He's dangerous. And I can't say no to him.

We both have secrets—secrets that could tear us apart or drive us closer together—and as the paparazzi exposes each one, I have to decide just how far I'm willing to go for King and Country.

For readers 18 and up due to mature, erotic scenarios.

Formerly titled For King and Country

Check out  Command Me on Goodreads

Buy Links

Conquer Me Excerpt:

"Exactly," Belle said, pulling me from my fantasy. "You're drunk."

"And whose fault is that?"

"I just wanted you to loosen up, but I'm not sure—"

"I am," I interrupted her as we stepped to the front of the line. Behind us, I heard a mix of groans and cursing.

"Miss?" The bouncer crossed his arms, straining the seams of his already strained shirt. He tipped his head to the back of the line. Belle tugged at my arm while a few people whistled behind us.

I searched the man's face for a moment with a raised eyebrow. He was definitely the one that had opened the door for me when I fled from Alexander the night of our formal introduction. "I suppose you don't remember me. It's not wash day."

I smoothed my dress down suggestively and bit my lip for good measure. He studied me for a moment before slowly asking, "A guest of Mr. X?"

"You could say that." I fluttered my lashes, waiting for him to finally place me.

His eyes widened as he reached for the velvet rope that barred entrance to the club. "Of course. I'm sorry. Any guest of Mr. X—"

"I assumed," I purred. Sashaying past him, my hips swaying with my newly found confidence, I paused. "Is he here this evening?"

"I don't think so, Miss..."

"Clara," I corrected him. "Don't forget this time."

"I won't," he promised. His gaze traveled down my form one more time before he sighed and turned back to the line.

Belle grabbed my arm and spun me toward her, staring at me like I was an alien. "What the hell was that?"

"I've been here before," I reminded her.

She continued to gawk at me, but I saw the smirk playing at her lips. "You've never pulled that card before."

"What card?" I asked innocently.

"Don't be coy with me. The Alexander card. Or should I call it the X card?"

I shrugged. "Why shouldn't I pull it? I've had half of my life dug up and printed on the covers of magazines. I might as well skip the line."

"I'm not sure what to think of this new Clara Bishop," Belle said slowly. "Where did she come from?"

"Probably from half a bottle of bourbon," I said truthfully.

"Then let's get you another drink before she disappears." Belle laughed as she dragged me toward the bar. "I think I rather like her."

So did I. I hadn't felt this confident for a long time, but tonight I knew I was sexy and powerful and I wasn't afraid to show it. It could be the liquid courage, but the truth plucked at me from deep in my chest. I'd spent the last ten weeks believing that I'd been wrong about everything that had happened between Alexander and me. That it was all a lie. It wasn't reading his letters that made the difference now. It was knowing the truth. He wanted me. What happened between us had been real—might still be real. I wasn't still that stupid girl falling for a guy like Daniel, who had never cared about me. Although I wasn't sure my taste in men was getting any better.

Of course, Alexander's feelings were still up for debate. Maybe it was the bourbon heating my blood or the subliminal messages in his letters, but I had no doubt that he cared for me.

None of that meant that we could work things out. It just meant that I wasn't crazy. At least, I hoped it did.

Belle handed me a shot and I laughed to see her hair was already sticky on her scalp and her eyeshadow smudged. I probably didn't look much better actually.

"To the new Clara!" she shouted over the pulsing music of the club. I nodded and threw back the shot.

Belle grabbed my shooter and slammed it on the bar before pulling me out to the dance floor.

Brimstone took its name from hell, and it was nearly as hot in here. The floor was packed with a cluster of sweaty bodies fighting to the music, and every few seconds someone would crash into me. I didn't care. Belle and I danced closely together, drawing the attention of more than a few men around us. When a handsome blond pressed against me, circling hips into my backside, I grinded against him, lost to the music. It infected my blood and took control of my body. Belle stayed close, wrapping an arm protectively around my neck. I knew she wanted to let me know she was there if I needed an out, but that was the last thing on my mind. All I wanted to do was dance. I wanted to slip away into the pulsing storm of the music.

I wanted to be free.

How long would that last? I pushed the thought out of my head, refusing to let it affect my mood. The only thing that mattered was this moment, and it was nearly perfect.

It was only missing one thing.

I turned away from Belle and met the eyes of the stranger we were dancing with and waved to him, pushing back against Belle so that we could disappear into the crowd. He raised his hands, giving me a pitiful face, but I shook my head. He wasn't bad looking, but there was no way to pretend anyone could fill the hollow part of me. Suddenly, a hand yanked the man back.

Belle's fingers closed over my arm as Alexander stepped forward and shoved the stranger into the crowd. Before a fight broke out, a suited man appeared and guided the man I'd been dancing with toward the bar. The stranger threw glares over his shoulders but didn't resist.

If it weren't for Belle's fingers digging into my arm, I would have thought I was dreaming. I tugged away from her but didn't move toward him. Alexander and I stood there, separated by barely a breath, and stared each other down. His gaze pierced through me, igniting my already heated blood. Around us, strangers continued to dance and music pounded, but there was only him.

I glanced behind me, breaking eye contact for a precious second to allow myself a clear head. Belle raised her eyebrows and I gave her a reassuring smile. When I turned, he was still there. He wasn't a dream. He was flesh and bone. Blood and heat. Protector and tormentor.

My beautifully flawed X.

I was frozen to the spot. All he had to do was sweep me off my feet and throw me over his shoulder. I wouldn't resist him.

He didn't move. Instead, he extended his hand—a small gesture, but one laced with meaning. He was giving me a choice. I could accept his hand and walk out of here with him. Or I could turn away. But staring into his eyes, his hand outstretched and waiting, I knew the truth.

There was never a choice.



My Review


If you thought that Alexander was hot in Command Me, just wait until you read Conquer Me.  Hint-keep a large supply of ice nearby!  His powerful alpha personality shines through again here in Conquer Me, and this time I was thrilled to see how he stood up to his father.

Clara's character continues to strengthen and explore, leading to scenes in this book that are more erotic than the first book with Clara venturing into some new territory-even if she leads X there against his better judgement as he doesn't seem to trust himself, nor does he want to bring Clara into his racier activities.  Though in the end, everything works out-much to the pleasure of the characters as well as the reader.

You are going to find a LOT more sex scenes in this installment of the series-all very well done as they were in the first book as well.  These do not overshadow the overall story being told, and actually serve to enhance the deep connection that these characters share.  You will also find Pepper popping up again (ugh!), this time with unexpected results.

Several good plot points and continued exceptional writing make this another great read from Geneva Lee, and will leave you highly anticipating the next book in the series.  4.5 hot and sexy stars for Conquer Me!

CONQUER ME PLAYLIST


About the Author:
Geneva Lee prefers fantasy to reality, especially fantasies involving powerful, dangerous, and sexy men. You can find her devouring a good romance while avoiding the laundry and the children. She lives in Seattle with her family.





GIVEAWAY!

Blog Tour-Review: Bound by Melody Anne


Title: Bound

Series: Forbidden Series #1
Author: Melody Anne
Publication Date: August 25, 2014

Summary 

Relinquish Control has just opened its doors in Seattle, and already we are not shy for customers. Relinquish Control is an exclusive escort service catering to the most distinguished customers, from business magnates to foreign royalty. This proven and well-established international business offers an elite selection of women who are ready and willing to attend to your every need with no questions asked. Confidentiality is our special obligation.

Jewell Weston is homeless and desperate at age twenty-four. Two years ago, she quit her job to care for her ailing mother and her young brother; the medical bills incurred because of the cancer that killed her mother two months ago took everything the family had, and the state then took away her brother, now age fourteen. The only way for her to get the boy back is by finding a job and securing a home.

When she’s approached by a woman in cashmere and pearls who tells her she can change her life, and is handed a card with the business name Relinquish Control on it, she thinks she has nothing to lose by calling the phone number. Maybe this will be the answer to her prayers, a way to save her little brother from the nightmarish foster home he’s been placed in.

Blake Knight, known to the world as cold and without a heart, is given an exclusive membership to Relinquish Control by his devilish younger brother, who thinks it would be amusing to make his staid brother squirm. Little does this brother realize that Blake does indeed have unusual desires that Relinquish Control can cater to perfectly. What started as a joke turns out to be just what Blake needs. Though the world sees this man as deliberate and emotionless, it’s nothing but a façade. What lies underneath would shock all those who know him.

When he and his two brothers were six, eight and ten, they were tied up and forced to watch while their parents were murdered. The image has been burned into their minds, though they’ve tried to forget, leaving each of them guarded and unwilling to give their trust to anyone other than each other. No one is allowed to have their hearts. The brothers would never think of letting down their guard with anyone else, certainly not with a woman.

Follow Blake and Jewell’s journey and see if they can find a happily ever after… 



Excerpt

“Let me give you the tour of our facilities and tell you a little more about us, things that you won’t find on the website,” McKenzie said as she began leading him from the room. “We are particularly selective. Our women are, first and foremost, elegant. No one will know you are with an escort. They are trained to be anything you need. We have a list of questions for you to answer, and then we set you up with potential candidates, women who won’t question what you want from them. Not only that,” she said, pausing to look at him, “but they will also enjoy every minute of it.”

My Review

The premise of this story was pretty interesting, and I started reading already anticipating the fact that there would be a cliffhanger at the end (even though I normally avoid these types of series-which shows that the plot summary was enough to entice me to read it).

The characters of both Blake and Jewell fell a little flat for me-I actually liked Blake's brothers, Byron and Tyler, much more (especially Tyler-I can't wait to read his story!).  I understood that both Blake and Jewell had their own circumstances that shaped their personalities, but their trains of thought and their conversations just felt a little stilted to me.  I did find that this book didn't flow quite as well as others by Melody Anne that I have read, and I think it was due in part to this awkwardness between the characters.

The storyline though was intriguing and did keep me reading, and the way the book ended, I know I'll be reading the next one as I just have to find out where everything ends up.  

3.5 stars for Bound!

About Melody Anne

Melody Anne is the author of the popular series, Billionaire Bachelors, and Baby for the Billionaire. She also has a Young Adult Series out; Midnight Fire and Midnight Moon - Rise of the Dark Angel. She's been writing for years and published in 2011. She hold a bachelors degree in business, so she loves to write about strong, powerful, businessmen.

When Melody isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She lives in a small town that she loves, and is involved in many community projects.

See Melody's Website at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to all her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or at twitter: @authmelodyanne.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: The Awakening of Ivy Leavold by Sierra Simone


Book Details:
Title:   The Awakening of Ivy Leavold (Markham Hall Series Book #1)
Author:   Sierra Simone
Genre:   Historical Romance
Release Day:  January 12, 2015
Synopsis:
Yorkshire, 1879
I am alone.
When Ivy Leavold is left destitute by her brother’s death, she is taken in by her cousin’s brooding, tortured widower--Julian Markham.  Handsome and possessive, it’s not long before Ivy falls for him.  But Mr. Markham has dark secrets, secrets that may put Ivy in danger...
I am afraid.
As Ivy unravels the mystery surrounding her cousin’s death, she falls deeper and deeper in love with Julian, who opens her body and her mind to his indomitable will.  But even as he draws pleasure and desire from her night after night, Ivy can’t shake the feeling that their passionate affair may end in violence…

And I am completely his.



Excerpt:  
“You see?  You are completely virginal, though Lord knows those lips and eyes don’t look the part.”  Mr. Markham shook his head, as if to clear it.  “You have all of these firsts—kisses and caresses and more—left in front of you.  You are completely fresh to the world of grown men and women.”
He took hold of my hands and helped me stand to my feet.  “I think it’s best if we keep our distance from one another,” he said.  My whole body wilted in disappointment.  I wanted nothing less.
“Why?”
He pressed his forehead against mine just as he had this morning.  “Do you remember me saying that I had become a creature of needs after Violet’s death?  I wasn’t exaggerating and I wasn’t joking.  I’m accustomed to getting what I want.  And I want you.”
“What’s wrong with that?” I managed to ask.  “Why can’t we want one another?”
“You don’t understand what I mean.  When I say that I want you, I don’t mean your company or your conversation.  I don’t want to pine over you and write you poetry.  I mean,” he pronounced carefully, “that I want to bend you over this sofa and slide inside of you.  I mean that I want to pin you to the ground and watch you squirm as I drive into you over and over again.  I mean that I want to spend my evenings watching your pretty little head bob up and down on my c*ck.”

About the author:   

Sierra Simone is a librarian who writes unabashedly sexy books with brains, beauty and big words.  She lives with her hot cop husband and family in Kansas City.
You can stalk her on tumblr and pinterest.
You can also find her at authorsierrasimone.com or email her at thesierrasimone@gmail.com.

Author Links: 

GIVEAWAY!