Release Blitz! [Excerpt + Giveaway!] Bleak Devotion By Gemma Drazin

Bleak Devotion - Release Blitz

By Gemma Drazin

Young Adult Futuristic Dark Fantasy

Date Published: March 31, 2014

Jessica doesn't know how long it's been, only that it seems like forever since she's allowed her feelings to show. Ever since they attacked her city. Monsters which appear human but are void of any expression, and seem bent on destroying all signs of sentiment in others. Their lethal blades shred anyone who shows even the slightest emotion.

After her only remaining friend is killed, Jessica flees the city hoping to find a place where emotions aren't fatal. A place to grieve those she lost and live out her meager existence. When she discovers the world of the emotionless creatures isn't what she believes, the love it leads her to may also be the path to her own death.

EXCERPT

Jessica clamped her teeth together and took a deep breath. “I can stay calm if he can.”

Zach shook his head. “I don't think—”

“Let her speak with me.” A deep male voice resonated through the crowded hallway.

Throwing on an emotionless mask, Jessica slowly shifted her body toward the voice. A tall male, whom she could only assume was the monster they called Blade, had managed to sneak down the stairs and stood mere inches from her. If she reached out, she would be able to touch him. The thought disturbed her and she struggled to maintain her composure.

The only thing she wanted to do was run screaming at this monster who had ruined her life. Every emotion that she'd been forced to hold in since the invasion begged to be launched at him. Grief. Torture. Outrage. Terror. All of it, she wanted him to feel. She wanted the rage to coat him inside and out, no matter what it would do to him.

Gemma Drazin

Gemma Drazin is the author of short stories and Young Adult Fantasies, sometimes mixing in a love story. She has a great love for cute shoes and can often be found outside with a book and a treat. When she’s not reading or writing she can be found enjoying time with her husband and children.

Author Links

Website | Goodreads

Giveaway

10 ebook copies of Bleak Devotion

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Virtual Book Tour [Guest Post + Giveaway!] The Zombie Next Door by T.W. Kirchner

The Zombie Next Door

The Troubled Souls of Goldie Rich

Book One

T.W. Kirchner

Genre: YA Paranormal

Publisher: Short on Time Books

Date of Publication: February 1, 2014

Cover Artist: Tony Bryson

Available at Amazon 

Book Description:

For the sleepy, seaside town of Vivian, life is usually just another day at the beach until a rash of bizarre robberies occur with one thing in common—the DNA lifted from the crime scene belongs to a dead man. Fourteen-year-old Goldie Rich is hardly concerned about that. She has enough problems dealing with her annoying guardian for the summer, older sister Gema. 

Goldie’s problems escalate when she finds a pendant necklace washed up on the beach. The pendant contains the souls of zombies created by an evil sorcerer. Goldie must wear the necklace until she frees the souls, but to accomplish this, she has to confront the zombies face to face. 

Goldie seeks help from her best friend, eccentric and free-spirited Rita. Although the pair’s zombie hunting exploits get them into huge trouble, they uncover the truth about the town’s robberies and how the secrets of Goldie’s past will define her future.

About the Author

After working an assortment of jobs which include a computer programmer, marketing director, and substitute teacher, T.W. Kirchner decided to concentrate on her second loves, writing and art. Her first loves are her husband, two children, and furry menagerie known as the Kirchner Zoo. Other published books by T.W. Kirchner include Pirates Off the Deep End and Pirates Off the Wall.

Website | Goodreads| Facebook | Publisher Author Page

Sometimes, when I’m watching TV or a movie, I’ll spot an actor or actress who would be perfect to portray a character in my book.  I’ve put together a Dream Cast for the Zombie Next Door.     

Fourteen-year-old Goldie Rich could be played by the cute, petite, curly-haired actress, Madison Pettis.  

She played The Rock’s daughter in the movie The Game Plan.  Perky best friend, Rita, who enjoys the Nature Channel and colorful hair gel, could be played by Olivia Holt who is best known from the TV series Kickin’ It.  Rita’s beautiful but seriously ditzy, sixteen-year-old sister, Bridget, could be played by Ariana Grande.  I’m having trouble casting Goldie’s 23-year-old sister, Gema.  Also, super-tall, dark and goofy Jonny, and dimpled Blake are evading my casting.

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Virtual Book Tour [Spotlight ~ Excerpt + Giveaway!] Understudy by Cheyanne Young

Understudy
by Cheyanne Young
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Date of Publication: Feb 15th, 2014

Cover Artist: GoOnWrite.com

Amazon Kindle         Amazon Paperback

Book Description:

The high school play is in two months and senior Wren Barlow just became director. Wren still isn't over the fact that she got stiffed as a stagehand instead of the lead role that she totally deserved. Now she is in charge of rehearsals, costumes, navigating around cast member hookups and managing the real life drama at home.

The principal counts on her to succeed because tickets have been sold and the money has been spent. But when he drops a gorgeous bad boy on her and wants him to help the play for extra credit, she falls hard for someone she knows she can't date.

With everything spinning out of control, the mysterious and secretive detention king named Derek has a few tricks up his sleeve and wants to help—too bad Wren is scared to give him a chance to prove himself

“Thanks for going with me,” I say because it’s the polite thing to do. What I really want is to tell him that I think about him all day, every day. That I would have been crushed to the core if he didn’t go with me to the fabric store and I would have probably curled up in bed all night thinking about him. Who am I kidding? I will do that anyway. 

I open the passenger door to get out and Derek opens his door as well. “What are you doing?” I ask slowly, my mind going into daydream mode about how he could walk around the car, press me against the hood and make out with me right here at school.

“I’m helping you put this shit-ton of fabric in your car,” he says, popping open the trunk.

I laugh. Right. Of course that’s what he’s doing.

Derek loads the bolts of heavy fabric from his trunk to mine and then he closes the trunk with one finger, commenting on how damn dirty the car is. 

“Stop whining and be grateful I’m not making you carry it upstairs to my bedroom,” I say with a playful smile. “Then I have to empty all the rolls and cut it to fit the stage. That’s way more work than simply using your man muscles to move stuff around a few feet.”

He stretches his arms up and over his head, making his muscles flex. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

“Huh?” I must have been transfixed by heart-stopping shadows dancing off his toned arms. He didn’t just offer to come to my house, did he?

He lowers his arms and shoves his hands in his back pockets, taking away my view. “So…I’ll just follow you to your place?”

Holy crap. That’s exactly what he just offered. 

About the Author: 

Cheyanne is a native Texan with a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, sarcasm, nail polish and paid holidays. She lives near the beach with her family, one spoiled rotten puppy and a cat who is most likely plotting to take over the world.

She also writes under the pen name Amy Sparling.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS

5 ebooks 

$20 Amazon Gift Card

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My 5 Hoot Review of Hidden (Dragonlands #1) by Megg Jensen

Hidden (Dragonlands #1)
by Megg Jensen 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The mystery enshrouding Hutton’s Bridge is as impenetrable as the fog that descended at its borders eighty years ago. Each year, three villagers enter the mist searching for answers. No one ever returns.

Then a dragon falls from the sky to the town square, dead—the first glimpse of an outside world that has become nothing more than a fairy tale to Hutton’s Bridge. Except to Tressa.

Tressa grew up with Granna’s stories of the days before the fog fell. When Granna dies, leaving Tressa without any family, Tressa ventures into the fog herself, vowing to unravel the foul magic holding Hutton’s Bridge captive.

What she discovers beyond the fog endangers the lives of everyone she loves.

If you look back at my “read” pile of books, you probably won’t see a handful if any fantasy books because they aren't usually the ones that I read. After reading HIDDEN 's synopsis I decided to give it a try. With the fog that no one can escape from, the dragons and the creepy lands outside the fog, I fell in love with HIDDEN and received a new love for fantasy books.

The prologue had me right from the beginning. An eerie fog surrounding the city and all the adults are gone. What? From that moment on I was drawn in. Tressa the main heroine was a very strong female character. She had been orphaned as a little child and raised by her Granna, the oldest living adult that remembers the fog rolling in that day. And because of that she was the leader of Hutton's Bridge. The story continues on with Sophia (Granna) dying and Tressa, Bastian, and Conner heading out into the fog to see if there was any way at all for them to get out and make it back and clear the fog. The village was getting sick and new medicine was needed.

From the very beginning I couldn't put it down. So much was going on with a fog beast, dragons, battles, an evil queen, the Black Guard, and some kind of tree creatures HIDDEN is exciting and entertaining. The romance between Tressa and Bastian was so sweet and I wanted them  together the entire time. Some scenes are for mature audiences only but it was tastefully done and in the right places. I can’t wait to learn more about what awaits Conner now. And what is Tressa and Bastion’s fate along with the fate of Hutton’s Bridge.

I give HIDDEN  5 HOOTS!!!

Blog Tour [This or That? & Trailer + Giveaway!] BIG FAT DISASTER by Beth Fehlbaum

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for BIG FAT DISASTER by Beth Fehlbaum!

Big Fat Disaster
By Beth Fehlbaum

Insecure, shy, and way overweight, Colby hates the limelight as much as her pageant-pretty mom and sisters love it. It’s her life: Dad’s a superstar, running for office on a family values platform. Then suddenly, he ditches his marriage for a younger woman and gets caught stealing money from the campaign. Everyone hates Colby for finding out and blowing the whistle on him. From a mansion, they end up in a poor relative’s trailer, where her mom’s contempt swells right along with Colby’s supersized jeans. Then, a cruel video of Colby half-dressed, made by her cousin Ryan, finds its way onto the internet. Colby plans her own death. A tragic family accident intervenes, and Colby’s role in it seems to paint her as a hero, but she’s only a fraud. Finally, threatened with exposure, Colby must face facts about her selfish mother and her own shame. Harrowing and hopeful, proof that the truth that saves us can come with a fierce and terrible price, Big Fat Disaster is that rare thing, a story that is authentically new.

“Colby’s life … is difficult enough, but it gets worse very quickly once she discovers a photo of her politician father kissing another woman. The fast pace, lively … dialogue, and timely topic make it a quick and enjoyable read.” – Kirkus Reviews (Starred)

Pre-Order this Novel From These Fine Retailers: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Print or Ebook? 

Print

Beach or Pool? 

Pool

Pizza or Pasta? 

Pizza

Horror or Romance? 

Romance

Coke or Pepsi?

 DIET Coke

Harry Potter or Twilight?

 Harry Potter

Gum or Breath Mints?

 Gum

Summer or Winter? 

Summer

Facebook or Twitter?

 Facebook

Chocolate or Vanilla? 

Chocolate

Spontaneity or Planning Ahead? 

Planning Ahead

Black or White?

 Gray

Hot or Cold? 

Hot

Night owl or early bird? 

Early bird

TV or Movies? 

TV

Truth or Dare? 

Truth, of course!

Text or Talk? 

Talk

Diet or Regular? 

Diet

Christmas or Thanksgiving? 

Christmas

Mountains or Ocean? 

Mountains

Spotlight or Shadows? 

Spotlight

BOOK TRAILER

About The Author In addition to writing Young Adult Contemporary Fiction, Beth Fehlbaum is an experienced English teacher who frequently draws on her experience as an educator to write her books. She has a B.A. in English, Minor in Secondary Education, and an M.Ed. in Reading. She is currently a Library Science student at Sam Houston State University.Beth is the author of Big Fat Disaster (Merit Press/F+W Media, March 2014); Courage in Patience (Kunati Books, 2008); and Hope in Patience(WestSide Books, 2010). Hope in Patience was named a 2011 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Truth in Patience, which rounds outThe Patience Trilogy, is as yet unpublished. The Patience Trilogy has been revised and is available for acquisition!

Beth has a following in the young adult literature world and also among survivors of sexual abuse because of her work with victims’ advocacy groups. She has been the keynote speaker at the National Crime Victims’ Week Commemoration Ceremony at the Hall of State in Dallas, Texas and a presenter for Greater Texas Community Partners, where she addressed a group of social workers and foster children on the subject of “Hope”.

Beth is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, like Ashley in The Patience Trilogy, and the day-to-day manager of an eating disorder much like Colby’s in Big Fat Disaster. These life experiences give her a unique perspective, and she writes her characters’ stories in a way meant to inspire hope.

Beth lives with her family in the woods of East Texas.
You can find Beth online at http:www.bethfehlbaumbooks.comon Facebook, and on https://twitter.com/bethfehlbaum.

One Winner will Get:
- a Signed Hardcover of BIG FAT DISASTER
- a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
- and a Surprise Pack of other titles from Merit Books

Must be 13+ To Enter | Open to US Only

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BLOG TOUR [Promo + Giveaway!] Eastland by Marian Cheatham

Tour Schedule

Eastland
by Marian Cheatham
Release Date: 02/14/14

Book Summary:
WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE FOR JUST ONE DAY OF FREEDOM?

For hardworking teen, Dee Pageau, the annual employee picnic will let her escape the drudgery of work and possibly find love with her best friend Mae’s older brother, Karel. But in 1915 Chicago, girls don’t go on picnics without their mother’s approval.

Unfortunately for Dee, Mama has had a premonition of disaster and forbids Dee from going. Forced to watch as Mae and Karel leave without her, Dee defies Mama and rushes off to join her friends.

But Dee’s joy soon turns to terror when the ship ferrying them to the picnic capsizes. Rescued not once but twice-by Karel and a mysterious sailor-Dee finds herself tested in unimaginable ways. What happens next turns out to be worse … and better … than anything Dee ever expected.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | B&N

About the Author:

Marian Cheatham lives in a suburb of Chicago with her family and their menagerie of pets. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Marian taught Special Education for many years before becoming a full-time writer.

Author Links:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

***GIVEAWAY***

 RULES AND RESTRICTIONS:
Contest is void where prohibited. Entrants must be 13 or else have parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond  or another winner’s name will be selected. Winning entries will be verified for authenticity.
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COVER REVEAL ~ The Wild Hunt by Ron C. Nieto

The Wild Hunt 

by Ron C. Nieto 

(Faerie Sworn #1) 

Publication date: June 2014

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:Magic still lingers in the mist-covered corners of the world, wherever the Old Ways are remembered. However, as civilization and reason scoff at the Fair Folk, the paths to power have been forgotten by all but a few.

Lily Boyd was meant to become a faerie doctor, a warden of humans and a keeper of balance, until disbelief and pragmatism led her away from the hidden world and into a mundane life. But truth has a way to be Heard and she will be forced to face it if she wants to save her family.

Armed with nothing but her childhood memories and protected by a debt of gratitude she doesn’t understand, Lily must decide who to trust while she navigates a world that is darker and more twisted than she is prepared for.

And should she make the wrong choice, should she mistake friend and foe… the eternal balance between the Faerie Courts may shatter, and then there will be more than Lily’s life on the line.

AUTHOR BIO

Ron C. Nieto is a fantasy and romance author who has been writing in her secluded fortress for the longest time. Recently, she had a talk with her cat and decided that she should share her creations, because it was selfish to hoard them all for herself.

If you would like to know more about her, please visit her website.

Author links: 

BLOG TOUR [Review + Giveaway!] ROANOKE VANISHING (Vanishing, #1) by Auburn Seal

ROANOKE VANISHING

Vanishing, #1

A New Adult/Adult Historical Mystery

By Auburn Seal

Released October 30, 2013

Published by Keys Publishing House

 What if the only thing standing between you and certain death was the spirit of someone long dead?

Avery Lane, a plucky grad student, is determined to discover the fate of the colonists from sixteenth century Roanoke. Nearly one-hundred twenty souls vanished without a trace in August 1597 and their demise has remained a mystery to world's historical experts.  Aided by a ghost from that time, Avery is certain that she is closer than ever to the truth, but soon discovers that some people will stop at nothing to keep the secret buried. Can Avery find the answers she seeks before it’s too late?

 Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

About the Author

Auburn's Website    Facebook    Twitter

(1) eBook copy of ROANOKE VASNISHING - International

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I like history.  It was always a subject in school that if the teacher was a good one and could tell it in story form, I never had to study. Auburn Lane made me look up the history of Roanoke and read about it. And after reading the book, I’m thinking Avery’s or Auburn's theory could be right on the mark. This book was history, mystery, a smidge of romance and the paranormal all mixed up in one awesome book. I was totally taken in from the beginning. And Auburn was the perfect storyteller as I sat and watched the history and mysteries of Roanoke unfold before me like a movie.

Avery Lane is a grad student who is very, very, interested in the vanishing of Roanoke and is preparing to present her theory of how and why it happened to her professor,  Jonas Allen. He doesn’t want her investigating any further. He's very adamant about it to the extent that he gets very ugly with her. She believes she can change his mind with more information and come back later. Soon afterwards things start happening. Avery is followed by a car going home and someone breaks into her house and paints a strange symbol on her shower curtain as a warning. Even though things keep happening she is determined even at the risk of not graduating on time, she will follow through with her research with her best friend and a ghost.

Roanoke Vanishing is told from Avery’s POV in the present and Elinor’s POV in the past. Elinor Dare is one of the first settlers in Roanoke and her daughter Virginia was the first born in Roanoke.  I really enjoyed switching between the two perspectives. It was telling Elinor’s story of Roanoke in the past as Avery was finding out the story during her research in the present.  Auburn did a great job in getting her point across in both time periods. The world building and the characters in both worlds were very well developed. And I really enjoyed learning what the settlers went through during this time.  It was very interesting.  I really loved the story from both sides and the ending - how could I not see that coming. I would recommend this book to anyone and history buffs would really enjoy it.

I give Auburn and ROANOKE VANISHING 5 Hoots!!

Tour Schedule

BLOG TOUR [Interview + Giveaway!] Before They Find Us by Michelle A. Hansen

Before They Find Us 

by Michelle A. Hansen 

Publication date: November 2013

Genres: Romantic Thriller, Young Adult

Synopsis:

I’m going to make you wish you were dead.

Just a text. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca Hales tries not to worry. Probably a wrong number. Not really meant for her, and definitely not related to the crime she witnessed six years ago. Right?

Then two states away, a bomb goes off in her best friend’s locker. Soon Ryan is labeled a terrorist and runs to the safest place he knows—Rebecca’s house in small-town Wyoming. It doesn’t take long for the FBI to show up asking questions. Rebecca lies, of course, and says she hasn’t seen him.

Now she’s neck-deep in it with him, whatever “it” is. The only way out is to return to Vegas, where Ryan is a wanted man. The city of lies and illusion tests Rebecca’s wits as she struggles to find the person who framed Ryan and why.

Is Rebecca’s text linked to the bombing? And what does it have to do with a six year old murder? Rebecca needs to find out before she loses Ryan—and her own life.

Purchase:

Amazon | B&N

Do you like the spotlight or lurking in the shadows?

I’m a spotlight kind of girl in the right circumstances. Among strangers, I keep to the shadows. Still, I enjoy public speaking, teaching and meeting new people. I just prefer to be introduced rather than having to strike up a conversation. 

How many books are in your TRB pile?

At least two dozen—books I’ve bought, books I want to buy and books by people I know that I haven’t gotten to read yet. My personal bookshelf is mostly unread books. Once I read a book, I usually hand it off to someone. If it’s good, I just have to share it.

What is next on your to read list?

 Mexican-Whiteboy by Matt de la Pena. 

I had the privilege of spending the day with Matt at Cavalcade of Authors in Pasco, WA, and I listened to him speak to groups of high school students. Matt is not only a great writer, but an all-around amazing person. 

What one item would you eat for the rest of your life?

Artisan bread with good cheese. I live on bread & cheese.

What is the last thing you bought?

I saw these shoes, and I had to have them. I’m going to wear them to the Before They Find Us book launch party next month. 

Anyone who has read the book can understand why I had to have them. 

Pet Peeves?

Really. Slow. Cashiers. It’s inevitable that you land in that line when you’re in a hurry. 

Pizza or Pasta?

  I love Pasta. 

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I like silence. If I’m alone, I don’t want music or noise. I love the sound of quiet. I have to wear earplugs when I write. I’m also a compulsive list-maker.  

If you had 24 hours alone how would you spend it?

Reading, writing and thinking. I wouldn’t be bored for a moment. I rarely have time alone, so that would be a vacation for me!

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?

My paternal grandfather. He died when my dad was five, and I’ve always wondered what he was like. I’ll look forward to meeting him when I move onto the next life. 

What do you do in your free time? 

I am a crafter/ DIY junky. I make jewelry, soap, lotion, wood projects. I love all things creative. I can’t draw, though. I wish I could. And speaking of crafts, don’t forget to enter the giveaway for the Before They Find Us necklace, which I made. 

Can you share a little about the current title you are working on? 

My work-in-progress is an exploration of what might happen if big business took over education in America. It’s my thesis for an MFA with the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, and I’m still trudging through the first draft. The book has been kicking around in my head for about ten years. It was time I tackled it in earnest. 

Thanks!

Thank you, Michelle, for having me on your blog! I hope you enjoy Before They Find Us. 

Michelle A. Hansen was raised in southeastern Washington. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in English teaching from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and taught high school English for six years.

Michelle loves Pepsi and Doritos more than chocolate. She loves summertime and hates to be cold. She has had three near-death experiences. She’s addicted to office supplies and has an irrationally large stash of pens and notebooks.

Author links:

Open INTL:

-- $25 Amazon gift card

-- Signed paperback copy of Before They Find Us

-- Before They Find Us charm necklace, bookmarks and signed postcard

-- Ebook copies of Before They Find Us & Painted Blind

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