Summer Giveway Hop! {INT}

2nd Annual Summer Giveaway Hop

Co-Hosted by Mary from BookHounds & Forever Young (adult).

So since I'm going to be soaking up the sun this coming weekend at my cottage lakeside, I thought I'd offer a beachy type read.
My prize for the hop is one E-copy of:


I've heard absolutely wonderful things about this novel and I mean just look at the cover! It screams summer read :)


The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as long as you can revieve e-books from Amazon.

Good luck to everyone!

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Don't forget to enter the other fabulous giveaways the other blogs are holding!:

*[Cover Reveal & Giveaway] Colonization: Book One of Paradise Reclaimed by Aubrie Dionne

Summary:

Finding a new home has never been so dangerous.

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius's ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus.

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to protect her new home. What she didn't expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus.

Can she save the colony and discover her true love?

Publiction Date: November 17th 2012

Author Bio:

Aubrie Dionne writes science fiction fantasy with romantic elements. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Inkspell Publishing, Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She’s also a professional flutist in New England.

Please visit her website: www.authoraubrie.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2964057.Aubrie_Dionne

Twitter: @authoraubrie

Blog: http://authoraubrie.blogspot.com


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It's Monday! What are you reading? #24

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Book Journey and is a great way for others to find out what you are planning to read this week and, best of all, see what others are reading.

Last week I read and finished:

Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9) by J.R. Ward

Moonlight Road (Virgin River #11) by Robyn Carr

Chasing Fate (Unspun) by Elle J. Rossi

Darkness Rising (The Supernaturals) by Elle Chardou

Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter #2) by Nalini Singh

Lost (Amelia Jones Private Detective Series, #1) by Pandora Richardson Reviewed Here

Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson #5) by Patricia Briggs

Currently Reading:

  

This Week I Plan To Start Reading:

   

What are YOU reading this week?

What do you think about what I'm

reading?

The Dragon's Harp (Era Of Dragons: The Lost Tales Of Gwenhwyfar) by Rachael Pruitt

Summary:

ARTHURIAN HISTORICAL FANTASY FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Before Gwenhwyfar became Queen - before Arthur met Merlin - a tribal Welsh princess met a young Heatherlands Mage. Together, they will create a legend.

Inside a mist of beauty and brutality waits the Arthurian legend as you’ve never heard it before. Enter the world of THE DRAGON'S HARP, a realm of blood lust and vengeance, of spellbinding magic from the beginning of time. The realm of Princess Gwenhwyfar: a young girl torn between magic and desire, born with magical powers she can either wield to save her people from destruction - or deny to save her soul.

IN AN ERA OF DRAGONS A YOUNG GIRL COMES OF AGE

First in a five book series of historical fantasy, Rachael Pruitt’s unique take on a beloved legend reintroduces the mythic characters of Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, and Vortigern against the gritty backdrop of sixth century Wales, where scenes of shape-shifting and heartbreaking romance vie with torture, murder, and battle in a dragon-haunted land.
Summary taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 366 pages
Source: Review Copy from Author
Publication Date: February 16th 2012 by Createspace

A few months ago I stumbled upon this book while reading one of my favourite blogs The Owl Bookmark Blog which is run by Siobian one of my Goodreads friends. Since my first love is history you can imagine that I frequent her blog a lot. Anyways, one day I stopped by and found her review (click the link to read her lovely review!) of this book and instantly added it to my wish list. Luckily for me, author Rachael Pruitt saw my tweet on Twitter and generously gifted me with a copy.

As soon as I started the book I knew I was in for a rare treat. Rachael Pruitt gives readers a unique take on the classic Arthurian legends. This time the story is told from Gwenhwyfar's point of view. I n this book we follow Gwen from childhood to the time where she's in the in between world, that of womanhood and being a young girl.

I think I well and truly fell in love with the way that Rachael wrote her novel. The characters especially those of Gwen and Merlin as well as her grandmother really made the story for me. Their mannerisms, personalities and their struggles made them all the more endearing.

The setting was fabulous I think that the author did a wonderful job in world building not that it needed much but she certainly knew how to write scenes. Every time the scene changed I felt as if I were there along side Gwen, it was a feeling that I've only felt when I've read my favourite authors. As you can probably guess Rachael Pruitt has gained a place on that list with her spectacular writing style, imagination, and creativity. She has a rare gift one I haven't seen very often and one that I'm glad to have discovered. She made me fall in love with her story and her characters and for that I'm truly grateful.

This is a tale woven like a spectacular tapestry, one that will make you cringe, laugh, and cry as you experience life through one of the most famous female characters in history. I could not put this book down once I started it it was so good and since I've finished it I've gone back and re-read the last half several times just to make sure I had everything figured out.

This is a book you will not want to miss. With a strong female character and a unique voice Rachael Pruitt is an author to watch out for. I for one cannot wait until the next book comes out (I hope it's soon!) because I'm going crazy wanting to lose myself in Gwen's world again and reconnect with her and her Uncle Merlin. This was an excellent start to what I think will be a promising series.

I would recommend this book to everyone because it's so well written and though it does have some minor aspects of fantasy (minor compared to true fantasy novels) and historical fiction I don't feel it will alienate readers in the slightest because Gwen's character is so likable. I think the mix of the two is done in a tasteful way and in away that the book will be accessible to almost all readers. I hope  if you do buy it that you drop me a line and tell me what you think!

*I recieved a  free copy of this book for my FREE and HONEST review.

To "Like" Rachael Pruitt on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Rachael Pruitt on Twitter CLICK HERE

To visit Rachael Pruitt's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

Awesome, I loved it!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

IMM #17

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme from The Story Siren where you can share your new acquisitions. They can come from anywhere: through the mail, via the library, purchased from a store, or downloaded as ebooks.

This week I won a physical copy of:

 

From a giveway Lucy from Enchanted by Josephine and the author Christina Croft

 This week I revieved review copies of:

     

This week Mr. Turning The Pages bought me:

   

Don't forget to enter my INTERNATIONAL giveaway!

Click the button below to enter :)

What did YOU get in YOUR mailbox?

*[Book Feature] Hacienda Moon by KaSonndra Leigh

Summary:

Love, obsession, and betrayal, the most powerful human emotions, are spun together in this gothic novel. Tandie Harrison is a police medium who has just suffered a divorce after losing both her psychic visions and her daughter in a car accident. When she leaves New York City to start a new life near her hometown, she moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose, and falls for its charismatic caretaker, Eric Fontalvo. Their burgeoning affair ignites a centuries old curse, ensnaring them in a web of danger, deceit, and intrigue. Soon Tandie learns that in placid Bolivia, the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected.

Hacienda Moon is a seductive tale of one woman’s journey to confront the demons of her past and find the courage to face her future. It is a mesmerizing novel that explores the deepest depths of human nature, and the characters will hold and haunt you long after you have read the final chapter.

Summary & Photo provided by Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Length: 280 pages

Publication Date: July 28th 2012 by The TriGate Group

Author Bio:

KaSonndra Leigh was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. She likes to write about people doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Her two sons have made her promise to write a boy book next. She holds the MFA in creative writing, and loves to play CLUE, Monopoly (the Indiana Jones version), and Pandora's Box (good writer's block therapy). She lives in an L-shaped house with a garden dedicated to her grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, Venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.

To "Follow" KaSonndra on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" KaSonndra on Twitter CLICK HERE
To visit KaSonndra's Website CLICK HERE
To visit KaSonndra's Blog CLICK HERE

*[Blog Tour Review & Guest Post] Lost Amelia Jones Private Detective Series, Book 1 By Pandora Richardson

Summary:

Amelia Jones finds her world turned upside down after meeting a wealthy client who needs evidence of her husband’s infidelity. Even though Amelia's offered a lot of money to go undercover in order to catch him, the situation is more than she can handle and unlike anything the young, virginal detective has ever experienced. Deep down Amelia knows that she should not accept the case, but the allure of money is too hard to resist. Distracted by a series of mysterious events and delicious eye candy, Amelia is lost with choices that threaten to reveal secrets that should remain hidden.

Summary & Photo provided by Bewitching Book Tours

Genre: Mystery, Paranormal

ASIN: B00802VL80

Number of pages: 172

Source: Review Copy

Word Count: 61,000

Publication Date: May 4th 2012

Sorry for posting my stop on the tour late folks, last night I was like a zombie and couldn't post it then. Now on to the review!

Alright Pandora Richardson, I have a request for you. PLEASE release the next book in this series soon! Pretty please? Pretty please with a cherry on top? I really can't wait to read more about Amelia. Congratulations, you succeeded in gaining a new fan!

When I first got the invitation to host a stop on this book's blog tour I was immediately drawn to it because of the cover. I mean look at it, isn't it great? I love how dark and sinister it looks and it's probably one of my favourite covers of the year and it certainly fits in with the book.

While the book starts off a wee bit slow it doesn't take long for the story of Amelia, the virgin werewolf private detective. This is a theme I've been noticing showing up more and more in novels and let me tell you it's a nice change from the others where the characters are a little less virginal shall we say.

I loved learning about Amelia's back story I thought it was interesting and it certainly helped round out the whole story worked out well. There was enough mystery and danger in the novel so that I didn't find this to be a fluffy werewolf read but one that was strong enough to truly stand on its own. Plus the writing was pretty darn good, even though there were a couple of times in the book where there were spots where the timeline went a little fuzzy and all of a sudden I jumped ahead in the book due to rapid scene changes.

I think that this book was a strong debut by the author as she has her own unique writing style. The writing itself is strong and helps support the characters who were also well thought out. I thought the whole book worked out wonderfully and as you can probably tell I can't wait for the next one to be written.

I would recommend this one to lovers of paranormal novels with a mystery twist.

This title is FREE on AMAZON July 27th - 29th!

GUEST POST WITH PANDORA RICHARDSON

My Top Ten Stephen King Books that I’ve read so far…

I wanted to write a top ten books article, but the reality is that if I had tried such a feat, King would dominate the list. Therefore, I decided that a top ten King list would be more appropriate and fitting to any proper discussion as it relates to really good books. Stephen King in my opinion is who every writer wants to or should want to aspire to and who every reader can’t wait to hear from again. With so many books in the world King in my opinion stands out for his storytelling ability and his flexibility. He can go from writing about a weird girl in hand me down clothes whose telekinetic powers came into being during her first period to an engaging tale about a prison called Shawshank and never miss a beat.

Kings diverse portfolio and gift of crafting worlds through words surpasses anything I can hope to aspire to as an author and long for as a reader and fan. That said, if I were on a deserted island and could only take 10 King books with me from among those I have read my list would have to include, in no particular order the following:

The Drawing of the Three – This is one of my favorite in the Dark Tower series. Being introduced to characters as memorable as Eddie and my all-time favorite, Detta Walker makes this book one of the best.

The Stand – This book, makes most post apocalyptic books look like amateur hour. Deep, rich, and engaging this tale especially the complete uncut edition is long, but the story is so good, you never notice.

11.22.63 – A new entry into the King lexicon, 11.22.63 is the only King book that left me in tears at the end. I won’t ruin it for you, but if you haven’t read it, you definitely should. It’s not what you think it is.

It – I remember watching the mini series as a child and freaking out due to Tim Curry’s magnificent portrayal of Pennywise clown. I still don’t like clowns to this day thanks to him. The film was just a glimpse of the novel. The actual book will freak you out in ways the live production could only guess at.

Under The Dome – Funny and a pretty good ride until the very end by most accounts, if you forget the ending, one of the best in the King Collection.

Pet Sematary – Where It was able to induce a life long fear of clowns, this novel makes my a life long avoider of gray cats. This book is creepy through and through.

Misery – I hope I never have any number fans. I’m going to be forever scarred as a writer wondering if there are Annie’s in the world reading my books.

Rose Madder – I remember in the office we used to discuss who we thought were King’s most disturbing characters. Hand’s down, I believe Norman takes the cake. Don’t believe me, read it for your self. Yeah I know Junior in Under the Dome is freaking off the rails, however I believe that since his lunacy wasn’t innate it doesn’t count.

Wizard and Glass – Easily one of the most disturbing of the Dark Tower Books and at the same time the reason why I added it to my list. To this day I can still hear the phrase charyou tree!

The Long Walk – Granted, this isn’t even a full novel, but where it lacks in length, it more than makes up in the hebbie jebbie arena. The plot is over the top even for King and the disturbing nature of the story along with the drawn out feeling of dread it invokes, makes it a compelling read.

Now there are plenty of books I could have added and I know some will think this list insane, but I had to choose something didn’t I? Besides, I did warn that I haven’t read every King novel…yet.

- Pandora

Author Bio:

Pandora Richardson grew up in Northern New Jersey with a pen and a pad stuck in her hand. Throughout her childhood she was either writing the next great American Novel or painting the next Mona Lisa. She always imagined that she would be famous as a writer, an artist, or both. However, life eventually got in the way of her dreams and Pandora found herself working as a consultant in Washington, DC where she now resides with her canine familiar, Loki. The past several years have found Pandora once again committed to writing, this time with her fingers glued to a keyboard. When she’s not creating the next bestseller or engaged in the thrilling misadventures of the Rat Race, Pandora loves to curl up on her sofa reading the next Vampire, Shape-shifter, Wizard, Zombie or Romance novel from one of her favorite authors.

* I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my FREE and HONEST review as part of a blog tour.

To "Follow" Pandora on Twitter CLICK HERE

To "Like" Pandora on Facebook CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Pandora on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Pandora's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

Really Liked it!
★ ★ ★ ★

.

*[Blog Tour Review] Darkness Rising (The Supernaturals) by Elle Chardou

Summary:

A Pureblood...
Julien Gasquet belongs to the notorious Lycan clan, the Gasquet Pack based in New Orleans. After a vicious argument, he storms out of the compound and decides to spend the night with his sister, Jolie, in Baton Rouge.

A Half-breed...
Martina Beauchamp is considered an abomination to the Lycans as she isn't a pureblood and doesn't have a pack to call her own. She meets Julien after a horrifying incident forces her to flee her home and her car breaks down in the parking lot next to his truck.

Destined...
The attraction Julien and Martina experience from the moment they meet isn't about lust or a one night stand. However, when the pack is involved in every decision a werewolf makes, is a happy ending at all possible?

WARNING: This is paranormal romance novella with sexy good times, smokin' hot werewolves, toned bodies and explicit language. Blood, gore and closed door sex scenes? Not this time. (Novella Word Count (not including excerpt): 23,000)

***Includes an excerpt from The Dawn of Darkness, book two in The Supernaturals series, out now!***

Summary & Photo provided by Innovative Online Book Tours

Length: 106 pages (E-book)

Source: Review copy

Publication Date: June 21st 2012 by Midnight Engel Press         

Seriously why was this book only 106 pages long?! I enjoyed it so  much it felt like it was a much longer read it the story really sucked me in. You see, lately I've been trying to branch out in my reading and I'm starting to delve more into the world of novellas and novellets so when I saw this one come up as available for reviw from  Innovative Online Book Tours I thought there was no better time to start that process than the present.

Now, since I haven't had the best streak with these sorts of books but I really came to enjoy this one. I think it had a lot to do with Martina (I really like that name, too bad it's a name you don't see very often).

While I admit the fact that the romance between the half lycan Martina and that of the pureblood lycan Julien is rushed I still enjoyed it because the characters actually worked well together. Something that I find in cases of these shorter novellas is way off. I loved how these two came together and they certainly seemed to have chemistry.

I also enjoyed how the couple themselves weren't perfect. I mean how could they be? Both came from families where drama was an every day occurance so it makes sense that they have their faults. I also enjoyed how the writer wrote a fair amount of the couples family's backgrounds in such depth considering this was a short read.

All in all the book was pretty darn good and it impressed me. The book had just the right amount of detail, paranormal romance as well as good writing. It wasn't overloaded and bogged down with details it was just right. I would probabl  recommend this one to anyone and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

* I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my FREE and HONEST review as part of a blog tour.

 Author Bio:

Danielle Blanchard Benson is a world traveler and author of several different series.

Ms. Blanchard Benson is the author of Beginnings: Book I (The Plague), Death Wish: Book I, Better off Dead: Book II and Death Lair: A Novella (all from The Vamp Saga), The Catalyst: Book One (The Pop Stars) and The Beautiful People series.

She is currently working on Love Voodoo: Book I (DeGeneration), Apocalypse 2012: Book II (The Plague), Hart Attack: Book I (The Hart Family Saga), The Making of a Star: Book Two (The Pop Stars) and Queen of the Undead: Book III (The Vamp Saga).

Ms. Blanchard Benson has lived abroad in Stockholm (Sweden), Manchester (England), Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Blog: http://thebeautifulpeopleawritersjourney.blogspot.com/

Follow Danielle Blanchard Benson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/dblanchbenz007

Like Danielle Blanchard Benson on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/Author.Danielle.Blanchard.Benson

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4883227.Danielle_Blanchard_Benson

Email Me: mzdanibee007@gmail.com

Ten Things About Danielle

1. Your genre(s)?

My genre will always be romance or some form thereof though I have been known to do contemporary, erotic (not erotica as there is a difference), paranormal, dystopian and even -- grasp! -- horror. I am an artist so I don't limit myself and as a reader you don't have to buy everything I write. I assume most of y'all will cherry-pick anyway.

2. How many books have you completed?

I love serials and series so I have completed one long damn serial, The Beautiful People (which consisted of eight novellas), Death Wish and Better Off Dead in The Vamp Saga (and a novella, Death Lair), Beginnings inThe Plague series, Love Voodoo in the DeGeneration series, The Catalyst in my other serial, The Pop Stars, and Forever 27, a novelette in The 27 Club series. 

3. How many books are you working on now?

*Breathe* Okay, I am almost finished writing Queen of the Undead in The Vamp Saga (72k and counting),Hart Attack, the first novel in The Hart Family Saga (another paranormal series), Apocalypse 2012 in The Plague series, The Making of a Star in The Pop Stars serial and Love Game in the DeGeneration series. Plus, I am co-writing a novel with a writer friend of mine, a horror-thriller, Ties That Unbind. I'm tired just thinking about my year...

4. Are you a linear or chunk writer?

I try to work on one project at a time so it makes it easier for me to maintain consistency. That list above, that is the order of the books with the exception of the one I am co-writing. I write that one when I get it back from my co-author, write my part and then send it to him via email and Drop Box.

5. The POV (= Point of View) you’re most partial to?

I'm not. I love first person though it can definitely have its limitations. I usually stick with third person though. The HUGE exception to this rule is The Vamp Saga. The first novel is written in first person but the rest are a mix of first and third person. There are some people out there this irks but what can I say? I love Manon and I *can't* write her in third but I also love some of the other characters and thought they should get a word in too. Hence the bastard project it has become involving both POVs.

6. The themes that keep cropping up in your books?

Female empowerment, strength, change and staying true to one's self. None of these are ever easy but nothing in life worth fighting for ever is so there you have it.

7. How many days a week do you write?

Everyday. There is no such thing as writer's block for me. I began Apocalypse 2012 but my Vamp Saga muse didn't want to let go so I began the third novel. Due to my schedule, I write at least 2k each day and can finish a first draft in anywhere between four and six weeks. 

8. What time of day do you get your best writing done?

The evening. I have two children under the age of ten so when they are sleeping or are about to go down, I find myself most creative. Plus, I can have a glass of wine while I write... yes, I sometimes write toasted but I do all my revisions dead sober and I have an editor just to make sure she catches all the mistakes I don't. Plus, I have some great writers who act as beta readers and guinea pigs for those other pesky mistakes neither of us catch. I will upload and re-do a book that isn't perfect countless times. I do it all the time as it is a bit easier with the e-books than print but there is no such thing as "done" for me if mistakes are found.

9. What kind of music do you listen to when you write?

I'm a child of Generation X and I listen to everything but when I write paranormal/horror, I need some hard rocking music. My favorites: Deftones (Diamond Eyes and Best Of albums are classics), Marilyn Manson (Mechanical Animals, and Eat Me, Drink Me are two of my faves but I have every album ever made), Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein...I also listen to a lot of French hip-hop (Sinik, Diam's, MC Solaar) and French music in general (too many artists to count!). And I love some good pop music so Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Madonna are never far away...neither is Mylene Farmer for the matter, my favorite French pop star.

10. What the hell is up with your love affair with France?

Yeah, la Belle France gets mentioned a lot in a myriad of my novels. Better Off Dead and Queen of the Undead take place there as does most of Beginnings and Apocalypse 2012 will be a revisit (yet again). TheDeGeneration series takes place almost entirely in France. My other love affair is French influenced even if it is in the States. Hart Attack takes place in New Orleans. 

I just love France, French culture, the language and desperately can't wait until I can live there for a couple of years and write. I have lots of French friends and am partial to the Ile-de-France area of the country (though it is often cold, rainy and overcast). Plus, who wouldn't want their children to be bi-lingual? And did I mention the wine and the cheese and the food? Everything is better with a French accent! ;-) 

Really Liked it!
★ ★ ★ ★