Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Warrior and the Flower Book Spotlight and Giveaway



Welcome to my stop on the tour for The Warrior & the Flower by Camille Picott.  This is an adult high fantasy.

To celebrate Chinese New Year the tour is running Jan. 27th-31st with mostly reviews and only a few interviews and spotlight posts.  Be sure to check out the tour page with additional info and list of tour stops.


The Warrior & the Flower by Camille Picott


Yi, a retired soldier, has lost everything he loves—his wife, his daughter, and his home. He seeks refuge from his heartache by plunging into a secret mission for the World Emperor. The assignment takes him to the doorstep of a brothel, where he witnesses the madam beating a young girl. Drawn by the child’s striking resemblance to his lost daughter, Yi rushes to her defense and negotiates for her purchase—after all, how hard can it be to care for one little girl? But between the child’s inquisitive nature and the dangerous secret she carries, he gets more than he bargained for.



Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Smashwords  


Excerpt:
Cloud Shaman


Yi resisted the urge to whistle as he rode. Just because he was less than an hour’s ride from home did not give him an excuse to be a fool. Whistling could attract the attention of a menghai, the spiky bovine-like creatures that stalked this area of the mountains.

Sweet little Jian would be terrified if her papa arrived home covered in quills and bleeding from a tumble with a menghai. Sei, on the other hand, would be overjoyed to have the quills for her embroidery work, even if she did have to pull them from her husband’s backside. Of course, she would not be pleased if the beast managed to kill him. Damnable menghai could be harder to kill than cloud shamans. The last time he’d come up against a menghai—

Beneath him, Fire Foot hissed and shied sideways.

Yi snapped out of his reverie and drew his sword, scanning the evergreen forest on either side of the road.

“What is it?” he asked his kylin, pressing one hand to the beast’s scaled flank.

Fire Foot snorted and hissed again, his forked tongue flicking out to taste the air. His ears pricked forward beneath a bushy red-and-gold mane. He flared his nostrils, pausing to paw at the ground with a cloven hoof.

The kylin carried him forward another hundred yards before Yi caught the faint scent of smoke. The forest was tall and thick on this section of the road. He had little visibility beyond the trees on either side and the ribbon of blue sky overhead. He urged Fire Foot toward a rise up ahead. From there, he would be able to see more of the land.

The kylin broke into a canter, red-and-gold scales rippling beneath the afternoon sun. As they crested the rise, a thick column of smoke became visible in the northwest—from a small village comprised of tidy pine cottages.

It was Fen-li. His village. And it was burning.

Smoke obscured most of the houses and shops from sight, but great gouts of orange flame licked at the clear sky.

How could there be a fire? The earth was still wet from the spring snowmelt. Even when the elders did burn fields, they never burned this early in the season.

“Sei,” he whispered. “Jian.” He drove his boot heels into Fire Foot.

The kylin shrieked and bolted forward, galloping down the road and toward the village. Yi wrapped a free hand in the mane and leaned low over his neck.

A shadow flickered above them. It blotted out the light for a fraction of a second. Had he not spent fifteen years of his life as a soldier, he likely wouldn’t have noticed it. But in that split second, he knew exactly how the fire had started. More specifically, he knew who had started it: cloud shamans.

They can’t be this far east. They can’t be.

But they were.

Was this a supply raid, or had they discovered the location of the House of Liquid Steel? Very few knew the secret location of the house, but the emperor’s inner circle was fraught with malice and duplicity these days.

Looking up, he saw a lone cloud shaman bank sharply on his cloud. Dressed in a sleeveless leather vest and the tight-fitting leather pants of the Sky Kingdom, the man rode the cloud with his knees slightly bent. As he spun it around to charge at Yi, there were several heartbeats when his body was parallel with the ground.

Yi jammed his sword into its sheath and pulled out his bow. He snatched an arrow with black fletching from his quiver. It was tipped with a liquid steel arrowhead, the only metal in the Three Kingdoms that could obliterate a shaman’s cloud. The cold metal gleamed with a blue-gray hue.

The cloud shaman raised his hands, honey-jade bracelets winking pale yellow beneath the sun. Honey-jade rings adorned his fingers. The stone jewelry glowed, the honeycomb interior charged with lightning harvested in the Sky Kingdom.

Fire Foot screamed at the sight of the bracelets and rings, his mane fluffing with anticipation. The kylin craved lightning the way Jian craved sweets. Even from this distance, the beast smelled it. He reared and pranced, straining in its direction.

In that instant, the cloud shaman hesitated. If he fired at Yi, he risked hitting Fire Foot instead—and a lightning-charged kylin was dangerous, even more dangerous than Yi. A kylin in a lightning frenzy was deadly.

That hesitation was all Yi needed. In one smooth motion, he drew and fired. The first arrow barely left his bow before he fired a second one. Both shot forward in whistling arcs.

In his youth, he’d been the best archer in Emperor Chen’s army. Even in retirement, his shots flew true. There was the solid thunk of one arrow hitting flesh, and the telltale hiss as the other pierced the cloud and turned it to insubstantial mist.

The shaman cried out. As he plummeted earthward, he raised one bracelet and fired. Yi was blinded as lightning blazed forth from the honey-jade, flashing straight for him.

He threw himself against Fire Foot’s neck for protection. The kylin reared and hissed with excitement, his body guided by instinct. Yi felt Fire Foot take the strike square in the chest. It reverberated through his body like a gong, sending out shockwaves that made the beast quiver.

Lightning crackled across his scales, and he shrilled in ecstasy. The blast quickly disappeared, absorbed by his body. He glowed red-gold. His eyes emitted a white-hot light, and even his dark gold antlers glowed.

“Home,” Yi said. “Run, Fire Foot.”

The kylin took several dancing steps sideways, his neck arched in the direction of the fallen shaman.

“No,” he said, digging in his boot heels.

Fire Foot hissed, glowing eyes glaring at him. It was only at times like this, when he was charged with lightning, that he was difficult to control. Near frenzy, the muscles along his neck tensed as he once again arched it in the direction of the shaman—in the direction of the lightning-infused honey-jade.

“Home!” This time Yi gave him a rough kick in the ribs.

Fire Foot reared up, illuminated hooves scraping at empty air. Then he plunged to the earth and streaked down the road, a glowing red-gold beast that moved at three times the speed of a galloping horse. His stride ate up the distance, carrying them homeward.

Yi never once looked over his shoulder for the cloud shaman. If the man survived his fall, he’d be in no shape to come after them. Besides, no cloud could fly as fast as a lightning-charged kylin could run.

I’m coming, Sei, he thought. I’m coming.


About the Author: 

Camille Picott is a fifth-generation Chinese American. She writes science fiction and fantasy books with Asian characters and/or Asian settings. Camille grew up reading speculative fiction stories largely devoid of Asian characters and culture. This, coupled with a passion for her heritage, is the reason she strives to bring some aspect of Eastern myth, legend, culture, and ethnicity to all of her writings. To visit Camille, go to www.camillepicott.com.





Website | Facebook | Goodreads






Giveaway:

 Rafflecopter giveaway



This tour was organized and put together by CBB Book Promotions.


Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Mirror Deep Book Spotlight and Giveaway




Welcome to my tour stop for Mirror Deep by Joss Landry. This is an adult/new adult romantic suspense and the tour runs January 13-31st with mostly reviews.  Be sure to stop by the tour page for the list of tour stops.


Mirror Deep by Joss Landry
Genre: Romantic Suspense recommended for 16+
Length: 456 pages
Release date: Oct. 2012



Description:

Katherine Bonner with the golden eyes and a golden, enchanted life is well on her way to becoming a horse whisperer. Tall, athletic, she loves to ride, and she can usually exact good behavior from most wild steed, except from Pierce who bucks her at every crack of the whip.

Pierce is top honcho in charge of the fifteen hundred acre ranch, Bonner-Willow. Although he owns a Master’s in business administration, he loves to be around horses. He considers himself more of a cowboy than a CEO.

When Kat becomes the bearer of unexpected news about her past from ex-convict, ex-lawyer Victor Horn, she wonders how she will ever find her roots and manage to put the pieces of her life back together again. She turns to Pierce, the dark hair and blue eyed hunk whom Kat believes, thinks he is God's gift to women.

Pierce reluctantly agrees to help, partly for reasons of his own. He worries about his lawyerly father being involved with Victor's murder. As Pierce and Kat travel to Chicago together, they walk right into a criminal investigation headed by two bumbling detectives. Kat makes a date with a potential serial killer, and Pierce, whose affection for Kat is slowly changing to one of deeper commitment, worries about her safety. Meanwhile, Kat bumps into a doppelganger she believes is stalking her, only to discover that no one else ever sees her.

Mirror Deep uncovers many twists and turns designed to keep the reader guessing until the end. Through all the action, Pierce remains by Kat's side. Will he be able to hide from Kat his mounting desire? Will Kat find who this look alike is and why she is trying to warn her? Does Kat follow a stranger to Paris, France simply to put miles between her and Pierce or to avoid the threat of a potential killer?


Book Links: GoodreadsAmazon Kindle  | Amazon PrintB&N  |  Kobo  | ebookpie | Scribd

Excerpt:


Kat sensed Pierce’s whole attention riveted on her, which made her sorrow emerge stark and poignant, like a sharp dagger cutting a wedge through her shyness. She had never imagined Pierce might be this gentle, not with her, anyway. His sympathy burrowed a way through, and any vestige of awkwardness remaining in her melted away.

Warily, she bumped her forehead against his chest, looking down at the blue dress shirt he had donned for the evening—he was even wearing a tie. She fingered the edge of the blue crest on the front lapel of his jacket.

He may have been surprised, but he didn’t tease her about the gesture; instead, he placed a hand on her back, which was when he must have sensed her shivers. “You’re not cold, are you?”

She shook her head against his chest. “I’m so scared, Pierce. I don’t know who to turn to, who to tell,” she whispered in a tiny voice.

He flicked her chin up and smiled as he stared into her eyes. “Don’t be afraid, Kat. We’ll find your mother’s family.” He thumbed the tears rolling down her cheeks, cupping her face with both hands. “Please don’t cry,” he begged.

“That’s not why I’m scared,” she whispered. She tried to turn and walk away. She found it difficult to face her fear and Pierce’s glowing blue eyes at the same time.

“Oh, no, you don’t,” he scolded gently, barring her way with his hands on her shoulders. “You’re going to stay right here and tell me what is scaring you out of your wits. You’re trembling, Kat. That’s not like you.”

“Lauren was deliberately poisoned.”

About the Author:

Joss has worked as a consultant for more than twenty years, writing copy for marketing firms and assisting start-up companies launch their business. She recently made the switch from composing copy and promos, to writing fiction and prose. She is developing her style through courses and the support of other writers. A recent graduate of the Long Ridge Writer’s Group, she is a member of the Romance Writers of America and is presently working on honing three other novels for publication.

Blessed with four children and five grandchildren, she resides in Montreal with her husband, a staunch supporter, and enjoys spending her time biking, rollerblading, playing tennis and swimming. She loves creating stories, as she says that it fulfills her need to think outside the box.



Author Links:


Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway



This tour was organized and put together by CBB Book Promotions.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Tick to the Tock Book Excerpt and Giveaway


Tour Schedule
Tick to the Tock by Matthew Turner
Publication date: January 8th, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult


Synopsis:
Dante King is a young twenty something who discovers he’s dying. He won’t live to see his next birthday and time is ticking away to live life before it’s taken from him. With the help of his eccentric and wild-free friend, Wilbur Day, and stubbornly rational cousin, Ethan Knight, the three friends embark on a trip that takes them across Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond.

Dante clings to his past though and the many regrets he has, yearning for acceptance and finally understanding faith. He’s only loved once, and when Daniella Adams comes back in to his life, the pair realise how in love they are – but must battle what they previously did to one another.

This is a heart pulling journey of amazing scenery and adventurous ways, but built on a life that is soon to end. It follows the love of Danii and Dante, finally realising how much they mean to each other but having it ripped away before their eyes. It’s about love and hardship between friends, family, and a dying son’s regret of not being better.

It’s a roller coaster ride of laughs and tears and making the most of life before it’s too late.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18746537-tick-to-the-tock

Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/TICK-TOCK-Matthew-Turner-ebook/dp/B00HNELQK4/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389013991&sr=1-1

--Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tick-to-the-tock-matthew-turner/1117926301?ean=2940148853985

Excerpt:
"Are you ready?" Macca shouts, an inch from my ear.
I nod. He positions the goggles around my eyes and works me into position, and as he warned at the base, I hang free over the edge of the plane: no legs on ground, no clinging on, simply strapped to a stranger and waiting for him to execute his plunge.
This is the moment I've been dreading. I assumed my insides would fail me and nerves would take control, but hanging free like this is the most peaceful I've ever been. He said it would only last a few seconds, but I want more. The world is beautiful. The sea is bright and the land rich. In the distance are the mountains we worked our way up yesterday, and beyond them, the ranging vineyards with purple and green and dark red grapes.
Wellington is somewhere in the distance, as too is Australia and Cambodia and Tibet and Europe. York is just over the horizon, and my parents are at home watching TV or reading a good book. My past is out there somewhere, all my memories and good times and bad. The future, too, hangs in the distance, on a thread and ready to welcome me. Maybe this is heaven. Maybe being high and peering down like this is all the heaven we need. This is freedom. This is glee. This is life.
I want to hang like this forever, but then, suddenly, I fall and my stomach is in my throat, but quickly, I adapt, and I'm not falling at all. I'm simply laying down on a bed of air and wind. I'm a cloud up here, not a boy or a man or a human at all. We're not falling; we're existing in another parallel.
I didn't expect this. I anticipated an up-and-down ride like a rollercoaster or turbulence in a plane, but it isn't at all. The wind pounds my cheeks, but it isn't painful or uncomfortable, it's refreshing. My insides are calm and limbs are light. I'm falling but not. I'm flying and free.
The air is fresh and clean and exhilarating. I didn't think I would experience the air of Tibet or Uluru again, but here it is, more intense and powerful than ever. This is true tranquility, the kind the birds live with, the kind I've looked up at and dreamed about and wished I was part of. I'm one of them, finally. I'm high and gliding with abundant freedom. I see the sunrise at Uluru again. I feel that aura once more. I'm sitting at the foot of the Potala Palace, gaping up in awe with guilt and the desire to be better. All around me is honest and beautiful. There's no makeup up here presenting life in a different light. This is as a woman wakes in the morning, vulnerable and transparent. You cannot understand love until you see how honest it is, and you cannot appreciate life until you see it like this.
The land below approaches fast, the fields larger now and more distinct. In a few minutes, the trees will be trees, the houses, houses, and the beaches full of sunbathers and chairs and other gifts we're accustomed to. I don't want it. I want to remain here and look down on a patchwork quilt of greens and yellows and dirty browns. I want to see the blue with wisps of white dotted through, and the mountains that jut upward and cast shadows and patterns that can't be seen from the ground.
I'm mesmerised by everything below, and although I hear the whoops and shouts from Macca, they're nowhere near me. I'm alone up here, I'm free and on my own. This is how I want to depart, not in my sleep one night, going to bed like any other and lying helplessly as life slips away. I want to go out with a bang as the ground rushes towards me and reaches, pulling, bringing me towards the light. What better way to leave this strange and wonderful world than to crash into it at such speed. I won't open up and slow myself down and try and survive, I'll bundle up into a ball or tense into a straight and narrow arrow, screaming through the air, screeching through the sky, and then, just before I hit terra firma, I'll close my eyes, say goodbye to colour, and hang on to my final memory.
Alas, the chute will open. I have life left to live, and though it's short and fleeting, I have more memories to muster and more love to offer. I'm a bird for now, but falling closer to manhood. Maybe freedom will remain this time. Maybe I can finally accept acceptance. Where Tibet and Uluru and all other places failed, maybe falling from the heavens will succeed and help guide me into what's next. Maybe I finally understand, or maybe I finally will.

AUTHOR BIO

What would you do if you had three months to live? That’s what Dante King faces, the indecisive twenty-two-year-old who must finally learn to embrace life and love.

Tick to the Tock is a Contemporary New Adult Novel about Dante coming-of-age during turbulent times. A story inspired by love, but with the gritty realities of regret, missed opportunity, and understanding life’s meaning under dire circumstance. But a single mind isn’t affected on this journey, as an eclectic group comes to terms with the past, present, and what lies ahead.

Dante must confront and accept his fate, but can he let go of Danni: his lost love and kindred dreamer? With his rationally stubborn cousin, and eccentric best friend, Dante witnesses a life of dream and wonder: embarking across Europe, tackling Tibet, travelling Australia, and defeating each lifelong wish one-by-one.

Follow this coming-of-age roller coaster as four lives change forever. We’re only given one, but it’s never too late to understand faith, discover acceptance, and uncover the true meaning of love and happiness. Dante will die, but not before Danii, Ethan, Wilbur and he undertake an intense and heartfelt journey.

Smile… Cry… Ask yourself what you would do with three months left… Because Love & Living Begins Now.

Author links:
Website: http://turndogmillionaire.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477140.Matthew_Turner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ticktothetock
Twitter: https://twitter.com/turndog_million

Giveaway:
The author has set a huge giveaway for the book launch and wants to combine with the tour (has over 50 prizes incl several authors).
You can see the list of prizes here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Nightmares of Caitlin Lockyer Book Review and Giveaway


Tour Schedule
Nightmares of Caitlin Lockyer
Nightmares Trilogy
By: Demelza Carlton


Blurb:
There are real monsters out there. The worst part is that they're human.

They took her away from me.
I mumbled a protest through the haze of pain and exhaustion that had turned me into little more than a zombie. I'll never be able to watch a zombie movie again without remembering this night, I thought.
"It's all right - we have to move her to take care of her. She's hurt worse than you," I was told. "We need to treat you, too. There's a gunshot wound in your shoulder."
One of the hospital staff looked grim and came over. She started firing questions at me.
"Name?"
"Nathan Miller."
"What happened?"
"I was shot."
"By whom?"
"A homicidal lunatic with a gun and bad aim."
"Her name?"
"Caitlin Lockyer."
"What happened to her?"
"Looks like someone tried to kill her."

Nathan found Caitlin on a beach covered in blood. Saving her life was just the start. Now he's the prime suspect and he has to find out who's really responsible. Both of their lives depend on it.

Who hurt her?
Why was he shot?
What did he promise?
Why doesn't his story add up?
Who was the dead man on the beach?
What will she remember when she wakes up?
Dark, disturbing and definitely scary - Nightmares of Caitlin Lockyer is the first book in Demelza Carlton's Nightmares Trilogy. The second book is Necessary Evil of Nathan Miller.

Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nightmares-Caitlin-Lockyer-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00E7KTEEW
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nightmares-of-caitlin-lockyer-demelza-carlton/1116335956?ean=2940045188265

My Opinion:
In the beginning of this book Nathans story to the cops about what happened to Caitlin and how he found her confused me. It didn't make any sense to me until I realized he had lied. The characters are so important to me that I most likely wont like the book if I don't like the characters. I didn't really like Nathan but I did like Caitlin. Caitlin is stubborn and doesn't like to ask for help but Nathan seemed clueless(like most guys are about girls I guess). I thought Caitlin story and the nightmares she had were heartbreaking but I would have preferred to hear her story from her. I think the second book will be in Caitlin's point of view so I can't wait to read her side of the story. I would give this book 3 and a half stars.

Author Info
Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.  She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below. Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all. 

Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The bestselling Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. If you'd like to know more about Demelza or the background behind her books, you can check out her website at demelzacarlton.com or any of the other places she frequents:

Author Links
Website: http://www.demelzacarlton.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DemelzaCarltonAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DemelzaCarlton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/DemelzaCarlton
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/DemelzaCarlton?feature=watch
Amazon: http://viewauthor.at/DemelzaCarlton

Giveaway ($10.00 Amazon Gift Card)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Indigo Incite Book Review and Giveaway ends 2/4


Tour Schedule
Indigo Incite by Jacinda Buchmann
(Indigo Trilogy #1)
Publication date: September 7th, 2013
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult


Synopsis:
There are no secrets

Sixteen-year-old Tyler believed that his extra-sensory powers were a secret, but when his twin brother, Toby, is kidnapped by a covert government agency, he realizes that he has no secrets, and he has nowhere to hide.

He’s not alone

Now, in order to save himself and rescue his brother, Tyler must call upon the help of four strangers. Unknown to each other, Eddie, Liliana, Grace, and Sarah share a common bond. They are Indigo Children. With extra-sensory powers of their own, they must unite with Tyler in order to maintain their freedom.

Unexpected romance

They’re on the run. They’re on a mission. Romance is a distraction that Tyler can’t afford. But sometimes, the heart has a mind of its own.

Time is running out.

Will they find Toby before the agency finds them first? Find out in Indigo Incite, Book One of the Indigo Trilogy.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18387423-indigo-incite?ac=1

Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Incite-The-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00CT9XL42
--Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/indigo-incite-jacinda-buchmann/1115381017



My Opinion:
My favorite thing about reading paranormal books is all the cool powers the characters have. In Indigo Incite they can read minds, see the future, heal and more. I felt like I really got to know the characters and liked them which is sometimes hard to do, when there is more than 2-3 I usually get confused at first. The author gave each character their own chapter so we can get to know their life, their family, and their powers. Tyler is my favorite. Since this book is a trilogy the ending leaves you wondering a few things. Mostly I wonder what happens to Sarah's husband and who Eddie will end up with. I guess I will have to wait and see/read. I give this book 4 and a half stars.

AUTHOR BIO
Jacinda Buchmann lives in Arizona with her husband and three children. She graduated from Carroll College, in Helena, Montana, with a B.A. in elementary education and later received a Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, in school counseling. After spending several years as a teacher and later a school counselor, she now spends her time writing, any free chance she can get, that is, when she’s not spending time with her family or creating a new concoction in the kitchen.

Author links:
Website: http://jacindabuchmann.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091467.Jacinda_Buchmann
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJacindaBuchmann
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacindaBuchmann

Giveaways
ebook copy of Indigo Incite
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour wide giveaway
Prizes: An Amazon gift card + a Signed copy (Open INTL)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, January 20, 2014

The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Typecast Christmas) Book Review

I want to thank Amanda Tru for the free ebook copy of her book The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to review.

The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Typecast Christmas)
by Amanda Tru
CLEAN ROMANCE

After one last performance, Calyssa Durant will be trading in her ballet slippers for an uncertain future.

Having sacrificed so much of her life to become a ballerina, Calyssa has met her goals only to long for something more. She will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the 'Nutcracker' one more time before quitting her traveling ballet troupe.

But, when a late-night rehearsal ends with surprising danger, Calyssa and theater owner, Nikolas Clauson, are caught in a battle with an unexpected villain. As the smoke clears, Calyssa finds herself on a journey to her own, real-life 'Land of the Sweets'. Will she also find her own Nutcracker Prince, or will his stormy past and current secrets be more than this ballerina can overcome?


Other books in the Typecast Christmas Collection:
Curtain Calls and Christmas Wishes by Cynthia Hickey
Act of Love by K.R. Jordan
Scrooge Falls in Love by Susette Williams

My Opinion:
The Romance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is a very fun quick clean romance. The characters Calyssa and Nik are very likeable and are attracted to each other right away and it seems like they pretty much fall in love at first sight but I know from experience that it does happen sometimes. This book brought back memories of when I went to see The Nutcracker and I loved it, I love ballerinas and I love this book! There are some sad parts and also some funny parts in this book, my favorite was the chapter "The Shoe". Amanda Tru is a very talented author. This book is a 5 star book for sure!

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon


Amanda Tru

Blog: http://amandatru.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandatru.author?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TruAmanda
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5374686.Amanda_Tru


Monday, January 13, 2014

Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder from Red Leaf Tea Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.



Recently I tried matcha green tea powder for the first time. I had a very fun experience trying out match green tea powder in different ways and recipes. Well today I want to tell you about Red Tea Leaf, another company that sells matcha green tea powder but in different flavors. They sent me a sample of their caramel flavored matcha. I made myself a latte and could taste the caramel flavor right away. It was so good! Even my picky boyfriend said he liked it and could taste the caramel flavor but he would add just a little bit of sugar. It is sweet without sugar though so it just depends how sweet you want it. If you haven't tried matcha and love caramel or if you are just looking for different flavors of matcha Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder is a good option.

They have so many flavors of fruits, sweets, drinks and more! I would especially love to try Coca Cola flavored matcha. I'm (sometimes) addicted to Coca Cola so it would be cool and probably better for me to drink this instead.


You can buy your Caramel Matcha here

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Tale Spins Book Review and Giveaway

tale spins banner
tale spins
Tale Spins
A trilogy of alternative fairytales and retellings. Discover the real Snow White story through the eyes of Creepy, the unknown 8th dwarf! Meet a teen princess who hires "The Frog Prince" witch to get revenge on a Mean Girl at school! And learn how the giant, boy thief and magic beans tale truly went down!






Praise for Tale Spins

Not usually enamoured of either re-tellings or poetry I was totally taken aback by just how much I relished this trilogy of alternative fairytales and re-tellings aimed at the Young Adult market. ~Tracy (Goodreads)

TaleSpins was like walking into a vintage store and finding a true treasure. This book takes the fairytales we all grew up on and gives them an interesting and modernized version that I enjoyed. ~Rose (Goodreads)

My Opinion:
I love fairytale retellings and I love when children's books rhyme but I wasn't sure how I would feel about it in a book meant for YA. I am a little surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. All three stories are real quick and it only took me one day to read this book. I liked Creepy's story the best and he was the main reason why I wanted to read this book. An 8th dwarf! That seems pretty cool to me so I wanted to read his side of the story. I thought his story made a lot of sense and helped solve some of the mysteries in the Snow White fairytale. I would give Tale Spins 4 stars.

mike mullinAuthor Michael Mullin

Michael Mullin is a native New Englander living in Pasadena. He is the author of TaleSpins, a trilogy of alternative fairy tales and retellings for YA readers. TaleSpins stories (in the 1-book collection) are "8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf"; "The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny"; and "Jack'd". Michael is also the co-author of the successful "Larry Gets Lost" children's book series. His screenplay "Zooing Time" was recognized by the WGA's Written By magazine. Before all this writing, he taught preschool and college, two positions he found disconcertingly similar.


Tour Giveaways

Giveaway #1 - Open to US only
Mike Mullin Giveaway


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Giveaway #2

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/21/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Friday, January 10, 2014

My Review of 5 Children's Books by Ally Nathaniel

First of all I want to say thank you to Ally Nathaniel for sending me free ebooks of her children's books to read and review. Also I want to apologize for taking forever to review them!



Book Description:
#1 BEST SELLERS AND OTHER STORIES BY ALLY NATHANIEL
Help your child gain confidence and self esteem by reading them empowering stories
'Sparkly Me', 'Who's Under The Bed?', 'Fabulous Me', 'Dancing With The Sun' and 'Once Upon A Pencil'.
5 children's books, by Ally Nathaniel that will empower your child and encourage her/him to be proud about who they are.



Sarah's Wishful Day (used to be Once Upon a Pencil)


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My Opinion:
This story is about a girl who finds a magical pencil growing from the ground that can make whatever she wishes for and draws come true. Whenever Sarah draws something for herself another pencil grows but when she draws something for someone else two pencils grow. I loved Sarah because she has a great imagination and reminds me of my five year old daughter. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

Dancing With The Sun


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My Opinion:
Dancing With The Sun is rhyming, fun and quick to read. It's about dancing of course and the pictures are all very similar but so beautiful. I loved this book and give it 5 stars!

Fabulous Me


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My Opinion:
Fabulous Me is about Emma and why she loves being herself. I think it shows that doing little things that you love or just spending time with your family can be fabulous. This is a 4 star book for me.

Sparkly Me


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My Opinion:
Sparkly Me is super quick to read. It is inspired by the authors five year old daughter and I love that because I also have a five year old daughter that loves sparkly things. The last page is my favorite I think it's so sweet. I give this book 4.5 stars!

Who's Under The Bed?


Buy on Amazon

My Opinion:
Who's Under The Bed is told in the monster's point of view. The monster is scared there might be a child under his bed. I think it is a great bedtime story for kids that are scared of monsters. I thought the story was so cute and it made me laugh. I loved it and I would give it 5 stars!

All five books are really good. My #1 favorite was Who's Under The Bed because the monster made me laugh. As a set I would give them 4.5 stars all together.



Ally Nathaniel

Author links:
Blog: http://www.playfulkitchen.com/#/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6940253.Ally_Nathaniel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playfulkitchen
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Playfulkitchen/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/playfulkitchen


Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Sorcery Code Book Review and Giveaway


Tour Schedule
The Sorcery Code by Dima Zales
Publication date: December, 2013
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance


Synopsis:
From the internationally bestselling authors who brought you the Krinar Chronicles comes a captivating tale of intrigue, love, and danger in a world where sorcery is entwined with science . . .

Once a respected member of the Sorcerer Council and now an outcast, Blaise has spent the last year of his life working on a special magical object. The goal is to allow anyone to do magic, not just the sorcerer elite. The outcome of his quest is unlike anything he could’ve ever imagined – because, instead of an object, he creates Her.

She is Gala, and she is anything but inanimate. Born in the Spell Realm, she is beautiful and highly intelligent – and nobody knows what she’s capable of. She will do anything to experience the world . . . even leave the man she is beginning to fall for.

Augusta, a powerful sorceress and Blaise’s former fiancée, sees Blaise’s deed as the ultimate hubris and Gala as an abomination that must be destroyed. In her quest to save the human race, Augusta will forge new alliances, becoming tangled in a web of intrigue that stretches further than any of them suspect. She may even have to turn to her new lover Barson, a ruthless warrior who might have an agenda of his own . . .


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18297486-the-sorcery-code?ac=1

Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HB8TGVS?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00HB8TGVS&linkCode=xm2&tag=anzfb-20

--iBookstore: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=4sl2lbWcdz0&subid&offerid=308294.1&type=10&tmpid=3909&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fthe-sorcery-code%2Fid748224494%3Fmt%3D11%2526uo%3D4

--B&N: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=4sl2lbWcdz0&subid&offerid=261457.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-sorcery-code-dima-zales%252F1117701223%253Fean%253D2940148880875

--Kobo: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=4sl2lbWcdz0&subid&offerid=314164.1&type=10&tmpid=9310&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.kobobooks.com%2Fen-US%2Febook%2Fthe-sorcery-code

--Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/384566

My Opinion:
In the Sorcery Code sorcerers have all the power and of course the magic. Some sorcerers even have their own territories. Blaise is different than most sorcerers because he actually cares about regular humans and wants to create an object that will help everyone do magic. Instead of an object he creates a woman! The woman's name is Gala and even though she is supposed to be very powerful she doesn't know her powers or how to control them. She is a very curious woman and that gets her into trouble everywhere she goes. This story is told in Blaise, Gala, Augusta, and Barson's point of view so you get to know the characters pretty well. I loved Blaise and Gala right away but in the beginning of the story I couldn't stand Augusta. As I got to know her I felt like I understood her better even though I don't agree with her way of thinking. Barson is just annoying! But anyways the story is really good and I would give it four out of five stars.

AUTHOR BIO

Dima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.

Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends. To read more, click here!

Author Links:
http://www.dimazales.com/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDimaZales
https://twitter.com/AuthorDimaZales
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210511.Dima_Zales

Grand prize giveaway
Prize (open internationally):
--The complete Krinar Chronicles by Anna Zaires and Dima Zales Trilogy paperbacks

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Friday, January 3, 2014

Organic Matcha- Green Tea Powder by KissMe Organics Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Product Description:
ORGANIC MATCHA - GREEN TEA POWDER
THE ANCIENT SECRET TO BEAUTY, HEALTH AND LONGEVITY


USED FOR: LATTES | SMOOTHIES | BAKING

ALL DAY ENERGY WITH INCREASED FOCUS

Matcha provides 4 to 6 hours of mild steady energy as it acts as both a stimulant and a relaxant. This is ideal for focusing on whatever the day throws your way.

METABOLISM BOOST

Consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis (the body's own rate of burning calories) from a normal 8%-10% of daily energy expenditure, to between 35% and 43% of daily energy expediture.

IMPROVED SKIN HEALTH

​Scientists have discovered that Matcha Green Tea helps protect the skin from harmful UVrays, while improving blood flow and oxygen levels lifting the overall quality of the skin.

137x THE ANTIOXIDANTS OF BREWED GREEN TEA

Antioxidants are essential as you age to boost your body's natural defenses against oxidation. Researchers have found that a high level of dietary antioxidants can prevent many age-related diseases.

My opinion:
This Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder is the first matcha green tea powder I have ever tasted so I have nothing to compare it to. The older I get the healthier I try to eat though so when I read the health benefits I thought I should at least try it. First thing I tried was a simple strawberry and mango smoothie. Out of 5 people that tried my smoothie only 3 of us liked it. I added a little too much matcha green tea powder so my smoothie tasted like mango and green tea. If you like green tea though I don't think you would mind the flavor. Since I also got a 70 page Organic Matcha Recipe Guide from Kiss Me Organics I decided to try some of the recipes. I tried the Matcha Butter Cookies and the Matcha Orange Cocktail. My family also didn't like my cookies but I thought they were so good. The orange juice though was my favorite! My daughter saw me drinking a glass of orange juice with matcha and she asked to try it, she liked it so much she asked me to make her a glass of orange juice with matcha too. Orange juice with matcha is yummy, yummy, yummy! My boyfriend hated this matcha green tea powder and he says it's because he just doesn't like the flavor, I have no problem at all with the flavor so it pretty much depends on your taste preferences. If you do not enjoy the green tea flavor I would not recommend this to you but if you do like it or don't mind the flavor I recommend this to you 100%.

Here's a picture of my matcha cookies and orange juice!


Check out their website
It is sold on Amazon for $25.
Buy matcha green tea powder

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.