Friday, December 16, 2016

Now & Forever by Simi K. Rao Book Review and Giveaway

About the Book:

Can Shaan and Ruhi face their biggest fears and unite together?

Shaan and Ruhi Ahuja, very much in love Indian newlyweds, discover each other in Simi K. Rao’s Now and Forever—the sassy and sexy sequel to Inconvenient Relations. After getting the scare of their lives while traveling in the Grand Canyon, Shaan and Ruhi go back home to one dilemma after another. Shaan’s job is in jeopardy, and one of Ruhi’s closest friends, Sunshine, needs her. How will Shaan and Ruhi handle life’s hurdles, while still trying to get to know each other as husband and wife? Will they be able to forsake all others and consolidate their relationship?








Book Links:

Goodreads * Amazon


My Review
I read Inconvenient Relations back in 2013 when I won the book from the author. At that time Inconvenient Relations was called An Incurable Insanity. I loved it. If I would have read Now & Forever back in 2014 I think I would have enjoyed it so much more. I enjoyed the book overall but was annoyed with Shaan and Ruhi a lot of the time. I give this book 3 stars.

About the Author:
Simi K. Rao was born and grew up in India before relocating to the U.S., where she has lived for several years. The inspiration for her books, and other projects, comes from her own experience with cross-cultural traditions, lifestyles and familial relationships, as well as stories and anecdotes collected from friends, family and acquaintances.

Rao enjoys exploring the dynamics of contemporary American culture blended with Indian customs and heritage to reflect the challenges and opportunities many Indian-American women face in real life.

Much of Rao's down time is devoted to creative pursuits, including writing fiction, poetry and photography. She is an avid traveler and has visited many locations around the world.

A practicing physician, Rao lives in the United States with her family.


Contact the Author:

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads


Other Books in the Series:

Shaan Ahuja found himself bowing to tradition and agreeing to an arranged marriage to the beautiful Ruhi Sharma. He went through the motions but had no intention of carrying through on his vows. His last foray into matters of the heart with an American girl had left him scarred and unwilling to try again. Thoroughly disillusioned and disgruntled he wasted no time in making his intentions clear to Ruhi on their wedding night. But, he was completely unprepared for what his new wife had in mind.

This multi-cultural contemporary romance story of an arranged marriage is a beautiful blending of showing the Indian and American cultures. Readers will learn more about the Indian heritage and the romance that happens behind closed doors in an Indian relationship in Simi K. Rao's Inconvenient Relations. This coming of age story about true love explores multi-cultural issues.






Giveaway:

1)  A $10 Amazon Gift Card 

2) A kindle copy each of Inconvenient relations and Now and Forever. 











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Saturday, October 22, 2016

The Paranormal Bar and Grille with Giveaway



October starts out warm and sunny, but this is the month when everything changes. Mornings grow frosty, leaves change colors, and the breeze takes on a bite.

 Summer dies.
It's a time for harvest celebrations. A boy loans a girl his coat. She snuggles a little closer and takes his hand. A riot of autumn splendor accompanies the farmer's market where they stroll.
But the vibrancy of daylight doesn't compare to the darkness of night. Is that chill on your neck the breeze or something else?
You walk a tad faster and look over your shoulder. The trees creak when the wind whips through their branches—at least, you hope that noise came from the undulating bows.
You check under the bed and inside the closet before climbing under the covers. Sleep doesn't come easy. The old house groans its complaints, and the night magnifies every innocuous noise until terror paralyzes you—because you know nefarious things go bump in the night.
Welcome to the Paranormal Bar & Grille Blog Tour
...where you can rub elbows with everyone from a gargoyle or vampire, to a creature from urban legend, to the ghosts from realms of myth. Step up to the bar, grab a booth. You never know what’s on the menu, or if you might end up there yourself.
Sound like your kind of hangout? Then you’ve come to the right place. We're a group of five authors who love nothing more than to trigger the chill that crawls up your back, the nervous glance tossed over your shoulder. We invite you to discover outstanding books and check out our awesome tour prizes.


Enter our $30 Rafflecopter giveaway here, then visit our blog StoryEmpire.com to participate in a scavenger hunt. Fifteen prizes are up for grabs on Story Empire, three from each author. You have the opportunity for 10 Amazon gift cards ranging in value from $15 to $10, plus ebooks from the participating authors. 

Just be careful of what the bartender serves you. That heady brew may not be a beer, and witches can't be trusted to provide effective antidotes.


 A Thousand Yesteryears (Point Pleasant Series)
by Mae Clair
Supernatural Suspense/Mystery
Date Published: April 26, 2016
Kensington Publishing/Lyrical Underground

“Masterful, bone-chilling fiction…one intense thriller. A Thousand Yesteryears will keep you guessing, gasping and turning the pages for more.” —New York Times bestselling author Kevin O’Brien

Behind a legend lies the truth…
As a child, Eve Parrish lost her father and her best friend, Maggie Flynn, in a tragic bridge collapse. Fifteen years later, she returns to Point Pleasant to settle her deceased aunt’s estate. Though much has changed about the once thriving river community, the ghost of tragedy still weighs heavily on the town, as do rumors and sightings of the Mothman, a local legend. When Eve uncovers startling information about her aunt’s death, that legend is in danger of becoming all too real…
Caden Flynn is one of the few lucky survivors of the bridge collapse, but blames himself for coercing his younger sister out that night. He’s carried that guilt for fifteen years, unaware of darker currents haunting the town. It isn’t long before Eve’s arrival unravels an old secret—one that places her and Caden in the crosshairs of a deadly killer…


About The Author
Mae Clair has been chasing myth, monsters and folklore through research and reading since she was a child. In 2013 and 2015, she journeyed to West Virginia to learn more about the legendary Mothman, a creature who factors into her latest release.
Mae pens tales of mystery and suspense with a touch of romance. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and numbers cats, history and exploring old graveyards among her passions.  Look for Mae on her website at MaeClair.net

Contact Information

Twitter (@MaeClair1)
The Glade
by Harmony Kent
Mystery/Thriller

Date Published:  November 2014

“Readers who like to curl up during the long winter evenings and feel the delicious chill of fear running up and down their spines need only turn to The Glade to have all their expectations fulfilled.


The Glade is a horror story in the mould of Stephen King, and rendered the more so by its faint echoes of Pet Cemetery and the even stronger resonance of the pervasive malignancy of It.”—Review by Brian O’Hare

This gripping, edge-of-your-seat mystery/thriller will have you thinking twice about booking that idyllic cottage in the country. Nothing in this woodland paradise within the Forest of Dean is what it seems. 

The Wenstrops have it all: health, wealth, and happiness. Until everything falls apart. Helen gets arrested for murder, and yet is either unable or unwilling to give a defence. During her detention, vital evidence goes missing and tensions run high.

Meanwhile, in the woods, malignant forces gather power. 

This sensational second novel by acclaimed author Harmony Kent will have you alternately laughing, crying, and gripping the edge of your seat as this roller-coaster ride of a plot unfolds. It will keep you guessing through its many twists and turns, and hijack your attention right up until you turn the final page. This book has it all: murder, intrigue, the supernatural, a broken marriage, a love affair, courage against impossible odds, suspense, and high drama. 

“Expertly written, the book keeps you guessing at every turn. What can I say? You really have to read this book ... if you're brave enough!”—Review by Fantasy Queen

The Glade is an IndieB.R.A.G.Medallion honoree, and an Official Selection for the New Apple Book Awards 2015.


Purchase Links

About the Author:
Harmony Kent is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She’s even won a few awards. Harmony lives in rural Cornwall with her ever-present sense of humour and quirky neighbours and refuses to admit to her age.
If you catch her at work, you’ll see that she also offers editing, proof reading, manuscript appraisal, and beta reading services. Not to mention being passionate about supporting her fellow authors.

Contact Links


Will O' the Wisp
by C. S. Boyak
Paranormal/Young Adult

Date Published: March 13, 2015
  
There is something evil up Bergamot Holler, and it's been targeting the Hall family for generations.
Patty Hall is fifteen years old. She loves stargazing, science fiction, and all things related to space exploration. This leaves her perfectly prepared for the wrong problem.
Patty is afraid her mother will send her to a care facility if she tells her what she's seen. If she doesn't figure things out soon, she's going to join her father in the Hall family cemetery plot.
Patty has to come to grips with her own physical handicap, survive the wilderness, and face an ancient evil all alone if she's going to survive.
Will O' the Wisp is suitable for young adults. It involves strong elements of suspense, and is set in the mid 1970s.

Purchase Links



About The Author:
I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I'm not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.
I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.
I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.

 Contact Links


Love Set in Stone
by Staci Troilo
Paranormal Romance

Date Published: April 2, 2016

A cold stone heart breaks more easily than it beats. Than it loves.
Damien was a loyal warrior, killed in battle in 1203. Because of his true heart, he was given the option to pass on to his eternal reward or exist in another state of being as a protector… until the time came when he could resume living the life he’d been cheated of.
A soldier by nature, he chose the latter. And he waited centuries—as a gargoyle—growing increasingly bitter about his choice. Then he sees her.
Rina is a hard worker and loyal friend. She just has the worst luck. One night, after saving her best friend from a violent assault, she finds herself at the attacker’s mercy. Then out of nowhere, a savior comes and rescues her.
With only an angel to guide him, Damien must make the right choices to win Rina’s heart, or be forever damned as a grotesque mockery of the guardian he once was.


Purchase Links

Book Excerpt:
He gasped but only succeeded in inhaling thick embers. “I hate it when you do that to me, Anael. What the hell?”
“Not what, Damien,” Anael said. “Where. It’s against the rules, but you needed to see.”
“Hell.”
“The first level.”
Damien choked on clouds of brimstone and looked around. Bodies hung on racks, some scourged by demonic creatures wielding whips of fire, others stretched until their limbs tore off only to reassemble and stretch again. Some souls were skinned and devoured, the torment cyclical, never-ending. Giant beasts with nine-inch claws and twelve-inch teeth tore people into bloody shreds. They gnawed on the bones of writhing beings, snarling and snapping at anything near them. 
There was no blessed retreat into unconsciousness or death. This was their other side, their ever-after, their eternity. The tormented endured each torture, alert and unprotected. Impossibly hot gusts of wind howled through the cavern, tossing the departed from one horror to the next. And the maniacal screeches of the tormentors were only overpowered by the anguished wails of the damned.
“I’ve seen enough.” Damien’s words were barely intelligible through his coughing and wheezing.
“Are you certain? This is only the first level. The second level hosts souls feeding on their own entrails, or having a myriad of sexual violations forced upon them. Rape. Sodomy. Bestiality. And then there’s—”
Damien clutched Anael’s arm. “Enough!”
“Do you understand now?”
Damien looked up and howled, his throat burning, his voice mingling into the sounds of all the other lost souls, an agonizing dirge melodic only to Satan himself. 
When he thought the devil’s name, the most sinister laugh echoed through the cavern, a shadow given voice and power. It sent chills down his burning spine. The demons cheered, their victims cowered, and Damien cringed, seeking escape that would only be denied him.


About the Author:
Staci Troilo has always loved fiction, ever since her parents read her fairy tales when she was little. Today, her interests are much more eclectic. She loves getting lost in sci-fi battles, fantasy realms, horror worlds, suspenseful intrigues, and romantic entanglements.
As goes her reading, so goes her writing. She can’t pick a single genre to focus on, so she doesn’t even try. She’s proud to say she’s a multi-genre author.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s spending time with family and friends, possibly cooking for them, or maybe enjoying an afternoon in the pool. To learn more about her, visit her website or connect with her on social media.

Contact Links


Vampire Island
by Sandra Cox
Paranormal YA
Date Published: October 18, 2015

My name is Zoe Tempest. Just let me say, I had no intention of becoming a vampire hunter. My world revolved around the trendiest clothes, the boy of the week and shopping. My parents were well-off and indulgent. I was the center of their universe. I’m afraid I took that for granted. My life was as close to perfect as a seventeen year old can get. I had everything. Then my parents were murdered and my world came crashing down.
After their funeral, I went to live with my uncle Julian Kilmer. That’s when everything changed. In a manner more terrifying than anything I could have imagined.

Purchase Links


About the Author:
Sandra writes YA Fantasy, Paranormal and Historical Romance, and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her  porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee or a latte and enjoying a good book. She's a vegetarian and a Muay Thai enthusiast.

Contact Links
Twitter: @ Sandra_Cox


Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Thursday, August 18, 2016

Book Review: The Art of Blissful Parenting by Sharon Ballantine






Book Description:
What if you had the ideal relationship with your children? This book is for every parent that wants to have a powerful bond with their kids. Parents have the opportunity for newfound freedom and joy when they teach their children about their Internal Guidance System. Tools and guidance are offered in this book for exacting the art of blissful parenting by practicing alignment.
It's fun and easy to work with the Universe and a short lesson in the Law of Attraction is part of this script. Parents-live and also teach your children how to manifest what they want by thinking in a more positive way and deliberately creating their lives.

My thoughts:
With so many parenting books out there it's so hard to decide which ones to read because not all of them will fit your life and parenting style. I decided to read The Art of Blissful Parenting because the book description uses the words Law of Attraction and that always attracts me. This book is great for all parents no matter what your parenting style is because it doesn't have any rules you should follow or one specific way to do things.What it does have is short stories on how the Law of Attraction works and tips on how to follow your own Internal Guidence System. The Art of Blissful Parenting shows you that with your love and positive thoughts towards your children, and also teaching them to use their own Internal Guidence System, your children will always make decisions that are right for them even when sometimes you might not agree with them. I enjoyed reading this book and I give it 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book to review.


About the author:
Sharon Ballantine has always felt that one of her missions in life was to be the best parent she could possibly be. She has raised three children and her greatest joy is being with them. She is a parenting coach, life coach and founder of the Ballantine Parenting Institute — her online course for parents. She has recently completed her first book, The Art of Blissful Parenting – Teaching Your Children How To Follow Their Internal Guidance (Balboa Press, January 2016, available now through Balboa Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and independent bookstores), in which she guides parents on the practical and spiritual aspects of raising happy, self-reliant kids. Her core message is that by following our own Internal Guidance System and teaching our children to follow theirs, parents have more freedom and ease in their relationship with their children.

 http://www.sharonballantine.com/
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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Book Spotlight with Giveaway: The Conscious Entrepreneur by Laura C. Cannon


Book Description:

In this profound introduction to conscious entrepreneurship, author and business coach Laura C. Cannon teaches you how to harness your unique gifts and the power of your own consciousness to maximize your satisfaction - and deepen your enjoyment - of your business and your life. Grounded in research from the fields of modern psychology, eastern philosophy, and personal development, this book explains six core principles necessary for radical, transformational change - personally and professionally.

By teaching you to use your business as the vehicle for your personal growth, The Conscious Entrepreneur delivers timeless wisdom and practical exercises to help you think, act, and live the path to your highest potential - without adding to your already-packed schedule. Forget work-life balance, get ready to shift into work-life integration for more happiness, stronger relationships, and a higher return on your investment in every sense of the word.

Get Laura C. Cannon’s free new video and workbook.


Buy the Book: ​Amazon  ~  Author Website


Author's Bio:

Laura C. Cannon is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and coach with a deep passion for bridging the worlds of spirituality and business. In her new book, The Conscious Entrepreneur, Laura showcases a collection of practices and perspectives for entrepreneurs and business-people to change their relationship with their working life.

​A member of the prestigious National Speaker's Association with more than 15 years of experience as a professional public speaker, Laura has a knack for delivering engaging and informative presentations. She's spoken to groups ranging from 12 to 1200 on a wide range of topics, from office productivity to motivation and empowerment to mindfulness and meditation. Her true passion as an author and speaker lies in bridging the gap between business and spirituality, finding practical, down-to-earth applications for timeless universal wisdom. She has been a guest speaker for colleges, civic organizations, businesses, and associations.

Laura holds a B.S. from Towson University and an M.A. in Human Sciences (Psychology) from Hood College with a specialization in Thanatology and Grief Counseling. A lover of all things that blend the practical and the spiritual, Laura is also a 200hr RYT yoga and meditation instructor.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Pinterest  ~  ​Instagram



Giveaway:​

Two winners will get a copy of The Conscious Entrepreneur and a $10 Amazon Gift Card (Open to USA & CAN)

Giveaway ends Aug 6, 2016



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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Character Interview with Giveaway: Blood Moon Magick by S.M. Blooding

BloodMoonMagicktourbanner2.3h Blood Moon Magick



Detective Paige Whiskey has a lot on her plate. A gate to Hell is permanently seared into her soul and she has no way of controlling it. She let a psychotic serial killing demon free in exchange for Dexx’s life. Her sister is about to have a baby and a whole world of crazy has opened in the Whiskey household. And, if that wasn’t enough, she and Dexx are trying to figure out their relationship.
They’re about to discover a world that has been hidden from the Whiskeys. A world of shapeshifters, werewolves, and vampires. A world that was hidden to end a bloody war. A war between shifters and witches.
Paige has to make a decision. Solve this murder and start a war? Or ignore it and keep her family safe?
But when Dexx is bitten, all everything changes. War? Or love?
Why is nothing ever simple?

Releases June 8

Goodreads/ Whistling Press Books / Amazon

(Free KU)

Interview:


Welcome to our blog tour for Blood Moon Magick. I hope you’re enjoying yourselves. Today, we have Leslie Mooney-Whiskey, Paige’s sister, with us. Please help me welcome her.

**Leslie waves to the audience, slightly slouched, her hands clasped between her knees**

Frankie: You look a little nervous.

Leslie: **chuckles** I am. I’ve never really been outside of your head like this.

Frankie: Well, don’t worry. People aren’t going to eat you or anything.

Leslie: Oh, thank goodness.

Frankie: Let’s start with something simple. What was it like being in Blood Moon Magick?

Leslie: Well, I was pregnant through most of it, so it was pretty miserable.

Frankie **laugh**

Leslie: I love bringing children into this world, don’t get me wrong, but I’m done. I could really be done.

Frankie: You have a unique gift in this series when you’re pregnant. Why don’t you share that?

Leslie: **holds up finger and straightens in chair** That’s what makes being pregnant miserable. I inherit the gifts of my kids.

Frankie: Oh, dear.

Leslie: Yeah. When I was, I don’t know, six months pregnant with Mandy, I set fire to something. I don’t even remember. I think it was bills, or something. I freaked out. Went screamin’ to Grandma to see what was wrong with me.

Frankie: How many things did you set fire to?

Leslie: We’re lucky we didn’t have to rebuild the house.

Frankie: But that’s a pretty cool ability, right?

Leslie: You say that when you’re the hormonal, cranky woman who sets fire to anything when she’s pissed, cranky, or balling her eyes out. We had to replace most of the kitchen stuff, my desk, a pillow, and some of Tru’s wardrobe.

Frankie: He could use a wardrobe change anyway.

Leslie: What? You don’t like his wrinkled Burmuda shorts and holy t-shirts?

Frankie: **laughs** No. I love them.

Leslie: You lie. You lie.

Frankie: Did you enjoy being in the story at all?

Leslie: Oh, heck yeah. I got to learn so much about shape shifters and other things. That was amazing. Shape shifters are cool! Did you know that wolfsbane really works? But only on the ones that were born that way.

Frankie: Did not know that.

Leslie: I Google while you sleep.

Frankie: I often wonder how you pull up information I don’t know.

Leslie: **smug look** I also really enjoyed getting into those old books. Grimoires. They were neat. And I got to go back to college to see my buddy who could translate them for me. Oh, boy. Made me remember some good times. And made me feel old.

Frankie: You’re younger than me.

Leslie: I think you need to math some more.

Frankie: Math is not a verb.

Leslie: I don’t care. You and I are the same age, dear.

Frankie: Oh. So…

Leslie: Those conversations between you and Mr. Dork? Yeah. You’re not too old to have a baby.

Frankie: If I wanted.

Leslie: You should use that argument more, then.

**Frankie sticks out tongue**

**Leslie smiles smugly**

Frankie: Fine. What’s it like being a witch in this book?

Leslie: Um, it’s cool. The magick is just very earthy and helpful. I love the connection we have through the All Mother, though that seems to have gotten stronger all of a sudden and I’m not sure why. But I like it.

Frankie: What can you tell us about the future books?

Leslie: Just…wow. The story just keeps getting better and better as we go along. Everyone’s going off in their own different directions. We’re all growing, and the other witches? They’re crazy. Just crazy. You’re—not you, Frankie, because you wrote it, but the readers—are really going to love it. I know I do.

Frankie: Thanks, Les. And thank everyone else for being here. If you have any questions for Leslie, please contact me on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments section of this post. And thank you to our wonderful host for letting us take over her blog. Everyone, blessed be and have a wonderful day! 


Giveaway
Win a Signed Paperback of Blood Moon Magick and Necklace


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