Friday, September 21, 2012

Guest Post by Jaye Frances The Possibilities of Amy and Review/Giveaway




Thank you, Michele, for hosting me today on Insane About Books with my New-Adult romance novella,The Possibilities of Amy.

As a teenage girl going through adolescence (lo, those many years ago . . .), I remember the self-conscious uncertainty of dating—trying to figure out which shoes to wear with my sister’s sweater, how far on the left to part my hair, and whether the smoky blue or the glittery green shadow would best highlight my eyes. Frankly, as an adult, I still have many of these same concerns, though they don’t carry the same weight or consequences as they did when I was an insecure, wanting-to-be-noticed senior weaving a path through the crowded hallways of Washington High School.

Yet as chaotic and awkward as it seemed from my innocent perspective, in hindsight, I recently realized how painful it was for at least one of the guys. He told me about it during a high school reunion we both attended, and after putting myself in his shoes, I decided to put myself in his head—and heart—and “The Possibilities of Amy” was born.

The story of “Amy” is told from the point of view of Dave, a high school senior, who spends his days in the company of his two hormone-crazed buddies. In typical male fashion, they imagine themselves irresistible to the fairer sex, spending countless hours bragging about fantasized sexual conquests. But all that changes when Amy, an out-of-state transfer student, arrives on campus. “Amy” contains some suggestive language and is best suited for a mature/adult reader.

In the following excerpt, Dave is sitting in an empty classroom, thinking about the conversation he just had with his pals, Pete and Mark. After finding out that Pete is taking Amy out on a date, Dave begins to imagine the worst . . .

Here’s an excerpt: 

I had spent most of the lunch hour sitting inside an unoccupied classroom that would soon become Senior English. Outside, half the school’s population was milling around the campus, the constant drone of a thousand conversations in seductive contrast to the tomb-like quiet of the empty room.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Amy going out with Pete. I felt as if some malevolent specter had reached deep into my gut, indiscriminately ripping and tearing, mutilating the very fabric that held me together.

I looked across the sea of empty desks. Amy’s seat was toward the back. I sat six rows in front of her and three across. It was the worst possible arrangement for contact. We might as well have been living in separate cities.

“Maybe he’ll get sick.” I said it out loud, surprising myself. I turned around and checked, just to make sure I was still alone. I finished the thought under my breath, speculating about the probability of making Pete physically ill with sheer willpower: Maybe he’ll inhale some fumes in chem lab and puke his brains out.

I wondered if he would cut his afternoon classes and use the time to get ready for his date. I was sure he would use The Checklist. Last year he had given me a copy (for my own good, he’d told me), and then insisted we review it together. So I knew every detail, including item number eight: tucking a fresh Trojan (ribbed for her pleasure) in the picture slot of his wallet. A year ago, it had been fun, calling out item number six or thirteen, like it was some kind of code, then smiling at each other, knowing no one else had any idea what we were talking about. But this was different . . . Pete was getting ready to seduce Amy.

Number one on The Checklist was car cleaning. He would spend an hour vacuuming and washing his ‘62 Chevy Impala. Then he’d hand-polish the satin silver exterior until it gleamed, hoping to impress her with the last traces of an orange and yellow sunset reflecting off the deep luster of the Chevy’s metallic paint.

After arriving to pick her up, he would escort her to his car and open the door for her—not because he was a gentleman, but to watch her legs swing in. Before closing the door, he would wait until she sat back into the butter-soft tuck and roll, to see her reaction as she felt the leather against her skin. Pete believed all girls loved the feel of leather against their skin.

Number fourteen on The Checklist was to get her sitting beside him from the very beginning of the date. And if he sensed a bit of hesitation or shyness, he had devised a method to bring even the most reluctant into compliance. Feigning thirst, he would detour through McDonalds to pick up a Coke. He would order only one—a large—and then taste-tease, holding it back, making her slide over to take a sip. He’d often bragged about this technique—his “strategy” he called it.

After parking near the back of the drive-in, he would make idle chitchat, careful not to reveal his agenda with any sudden moves or accidental groping. He’d told me that keeping his hands to himself—even throughout the entire length of the first movie—would lull any girl into believing his intentions were trustworthy. Then, five minutes into the second feature, he would begin.

First, he would softly stroke her arm, his touch light and relaxing. Hypnotic, he called it. After several minutes, his other hand would fall easily, naturally to her thigh. He would rest it there, testing, confirming his presence was not a trespass. Then moving slowly, his fingers would inch their way closer.

I lowered my head until it rested on the desk. It was heartbreaking—knowing that tonight, my precious Amy would be with Pete. But the larger truth was downright crippling: She had accepted Pete’s invitation, which meant she probably would have accepted mine.

Here’s a brief synopsis:

Amy is the ultimate trophy girl—gorgeous face, killer body, and a vivacious personality. But there’s something else about her, something that makes her even more special. Amy is new. A transfer student from out of state, she’s starting her senior year without knowing a soul. And that means she’s up for grabs, available.

Infatuated from the moment he sees her, David is determined to meet Amy, and if the fates are willing, to spend the rest of his life with her. But his shyness prevents him from approaching her—until his friends devise a contest to determine who will be the first to prove their manhood by seducing her.

The Possibilities of Amy is available now on Amazon in kindle eBook


Meet Jaye Frances

Author Bio:  Jaye Frances is the author of The Kure, a paranormal-occult romance novel, The Possibilities of Amy, a coming-of-age story of high school romance, The Cruise-All That Glitters, a humorous adult satire about a single guy hoping to have a romantic encounter at sea, and The Beach, a sci-fi fantasy about a man who is given the opportunity to receive his ultimate wish—and lives to regret it. Her next book, scheduled for a November 2012 release, is titled Love Travels Forever, a collection of poignant short stories and essays.  She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA SUN magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye readily admits that her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent. When she’s not consumed by her writing, Jaye enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures—lots of pictures—many of which find their way to her website. Jaye lives on the central gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes. For more information, visit Jaye’s website at www.jayefrances.com, or Jaye’s Blog at http://blog.jayefrances.com



Thank you Jaye for guest posting on my blog today!!

My Review

Title: The Possibilities of Amy
Author: Jaye Frances
Publish Date: Published March 17th 2012

Synopsis:
Amy is the ultimate trophy girl—gorgeous face, killer body, and a vivacious personality. But there’s something else about her, something that makes her even more special. Amy is new. A transfer student from out of state, she’s starting her senior year without knowing a soul. And that means she’s up for grabs, available. Infatuated from the moment he sees her, David is determined to meet Amy, and if the fates are willing, to spend the rest of his life with her. But his shyness prevents him from approaching her—until his friends devise a contest to determine who will be the first to prove their manhood by seducing her. This coming-of-age story about high school dating and relationships contains mature language and situations, and is best suited for a Mature/Adult reader.
You would never know that The Possibilities of Amy was written by a female. Jaye Frances captures the inside of a teenage boy’s mind to a tee.

 This story definitely brings back high school memories. Everyone has that special “someone” that they admired from afar. The fear of gaining the courage to speak to them, to smile at them, and the fear of not being noticed plays throughout David’s mind. Everyone has been in this situation before, even if they don’t want to admit it. A first crush forever stays with you, even after the years of time. All of this is present with this story. It was refreshing to be inside a teenage boy’s mind for once, and experience his feelings.

 The story does have some adult content, but wouldn’t that be normal for a teenage boy? As David struggles with his courage to talk with Amy, fate takes over and he does land a date with Amy. I completely enjoyed this book, and found that Jaye has completely captured the emotions of David. That takes creative writing skills. Who knew that boys have feelings too? (haha)


My Over All Rating:



And here are some cool links to find Jaye Frances and The Possibilities of Amy

My website is:  http://www.jayefrances.com


My Facebook Page:

Link for The Possibilities of Amy on Amazon:

My Amazon Author Page:

Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13551398-the-possibilities-of-amy

Now for the Giveaway!!


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Saturday, September 15, 2012

Flicker by Kaye Thornbrugh Review

Title: Flicker
Author: Kaye Thornbrugh 
Publish Date: Published February 25th 2012 by Amazon Digital Services


Synopsis:
When sixteen-year-old Lee Capren is spirited away to Faerie, she is forced to serve capricious faeries as a prized portrait artist… and live as their prisoner. A chance encounter with the charming Nasser grants Lee a chance for freedom—but what felt like mere days in Faerie spanned years in the human world, and Lee no longer has a home to return to. Nasser is a Seer—a human with magical powers—and Lee is quickly plunged into his world: a sprawling city teeming with magic and mystery, where supernatural creatures walk hidden among humans. With the help of a rag-tag group of teenage Seers, Lee must master her newfound magical talent and outwit a cunning faerie determined to destroy her.
You see something out of the corner of your eye, and do a double take and nothing is there. Are your eyes playing tricks on you? On the other hand, could it be something more?

 Lee has a gift for drawing and always carries a sketchbook with her. She draws images of what she “sees” however never seems to be there when she looks back. Lee gets in a fight with her best friend when she wants to go to a party where all the popular kids will be. This just is not Lee’s thing. They say hurtful things to each other and Lee leaves.

 Lee is walking through the forest when she hears music and is completely drawn towards it. She walks into a field where there are strange beings everywhere and she is mystified.  She starts to lose the memory of why she is upset, and begins to paint…and paint…and paint…

 Nasser stumbles into this same field when he is out looking for his brother. He sees Lee, and bargains with a fairy to take her. When Lee returns, it is 7 years later, and her whole life will been changed. She learns that Magic exists, and all those images she was seeing before were real. Lee has to learn a completely new life. However, things are not going to be easy when the fairy that Bargained for her decides Lee needs to come back. With the help of Filo and the other magical humans, they are in a battle and adventure they will never forget. I immediately fell in love with this story.

 I was completely spellbound by the uniqueness of it, and a little freaked out by it because I CONSTANTLY see things out of the corner of my eye, but when I go to focus, nothing is there. One example is just the other night, I woke up for some reason and SWORE I saw a huge spider on my leg the size of my fist. I did the whole leg kicking and arm frailing ordeal to realize that nothing was there. My immediate thought was, “Stupid Fairies playing tricks on me.” This made me think of this story, Flicker, in the middle of the night. Now to me, that is some powerful and creative writing when it remains in your sub conscience that way and you do not forget it. Each character in this story has a heartfelt drama on how they ended up where they are. Without knowing it, they have become a family and watch out for each other. With the difficulties in this story, and the adventure with it, it is an amazing read and all should try it!

Overall Rating


Friday, September 14, 2012

Power Blog Tour and Giveaway






Title: Power
Author: Kristie Cook
Publish Date: Published August 24th 2012

Synopsis:
As the stakes rise, can she find her true power? As the Amadis prepare for war, Alexis returns to Florida with orders to relax, regenerate and replenish her depleted power. But her task list quickly grows—establish a new safe house, learn the art of conversion, find her AWOL protector, help a desperate fan, and protect her son. Oh, and figure out what’s going on with her husband, whose peculiar behavior just might get them killed. But most important of all, her primary mission: recover her stolen pendant. The stone in the pendant not only promises hope for the Amadis future, but its unknown qualities make it a possible weapon in the wrong hands. With guidance and power from an improbable source and an unlikely ally by her side, Alexis sets out to retrieve the stone before the enemy discovers its potential for mass destruction. But when she finds herself in the Daemoni’s lair fighting for her life, all hope seems lost. Will she discover the true power she holds in time? And is it enough to save herself, her family and the Amadis? Power, the next installment of the Soul Savers Series, takes you on a hot and edgy ride with twists and turns you’ll never see coming, leaving you breathless and once again begging for more.
Power packs a punch as the Soul Saviors continues in this fourth installment.

 The time has come to leave the Amadis Island. Alexis is ordered to try and relax to gain her strength, however she does not like to sit still. She buys a mansion to turn into a new safe house and has help to prepare it. Alexis is getting restless, feeling the over powering urge to try to find the pendant she so desperately needs to continue the Amadis daughters.

 When Alexis gets a lead on where Vanessa night be, her and Tristan take off to see what they can find. And boy did they find something they were not expecting.


 Okay, stop right there. I SO want to write an empowering synopsis of this book but as I sit here, I am finding it completely difficult to be spoiler free. There is so much action in this story, twists and turns that I totally did not see coming, I do not want to reveal anything that would spoil this spell binding story for anyone. Fans of this series will completely devour this book for all its creative plots and unexpected twists. Alexis’ character grows stronger as she becomes more confident in herself. Tristan’s love for Alexis proves how love can totally conquer and kick some booty. Favorite characters return to support Alexis and Owen will completely surprise you. Did I mention the “You Have Got to Be Kidding Me” moments? Power sure shows Kristie’s creative imagination. The story flows with ease even with the insane emotional connection. And, WOW, what a cliffhanger of an ending! As this series intensifies with each book, the anticipation for the next installment is going to be complete torture. The only plus side to that is that I have time to read the whole series OVER again!

 Unfortunately, I only have a “five” book review scale. Power makes me want to reevaluate that.

My Over All Rating:





Be sure to check out Kristie's blog for a great giveaway and how to enter

Tour information can be found here:


Kristie’s Links:
Kristie Cook’s Website: http://www.kristiecook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth



Purchase Power:




Power, the latest book in the Soul Savers series.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15777835-power


About Kristie Cook:
Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.


Tour

9/3 - The Indie Elite
9/5 - Living Fictitiously
9/7 - Sassy Book Lovers
9/8 - SPECIAL EVENT! Party on Facebook (8-11 p.m. EST, or later)
9/10 - Author Brenda Pandos
9/12 - Stitch - Read - Cook
9/12 - A Simple Love of Reading
9/14 - Insane About Books
9/18 - A Life Bound by Books
9/20 - A Bibliophile's Thoughts on Books
9/22 - Reading Lark After Dark
9/24 - Me and Reading
9/25 - A Life Bound by Books
9/28 - Good Choice Reading


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Under the Sea Blog Hop



I would like to thank I am a Reader, Not a Writer, and The Musings of Almybnener for Hosting this blog hop which runs from September 14th thru 20th.  Thanks for all your hard work!!

For this giveaway, I will be offering 5 ebooks of Florence by Ciye Cho.  These are being offered by the wonderful author of this book!!

I have recently reviewed this book, so I thought I would repost the review!



Title: Florence
Author: Ciye Cho
Publish Date: Published July 1st 2012



Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Florence Waverley is out of her depth. Literally. Kidnapped and taken below the waves to the mer world of Niemela, she is the ultimate gift for merman Prince Kiren: a human familiar tied to his side. But nothing is what it seems amid the beauty and danger of a dark ocean. Every Niemelan has a role to play, from the mermaids who weave towers out of kelp to the warriors who fight sea monsters. But in trying to survive, Florence will end up in the middle of a war between the mer and the Darkness. A conflict that will push her between two brothers: Kiren, the charmer inexplicably drawn to both her and the monsters; and Rolan, the loner who has been pushing her away since the day they met. But in order to take a stand--and find out where she belongs--Florence will have to risk it all: her life, her heart... and her very soul.
Florence finds a magical world that she never knew existed.

Florence is on a field trip. Never fitting in, she tries to blend in with her classmates and not draw attention to herself. As they reach Mermaid’s Reach, everyone decides to go swimming. Florence goes off by herself, snorkeling in the reefs. Florence is knocked out, and when she comes to, finds that she has been kidnapped and brought to a magical world called Niemelia, where the Mer people live.

The King is furious when he finds out that a Human has been brought to their world, to be a familiar for Kiren who is to be crowned the next King. The king orders Florence to be disposed of, but Yolee, the King’s daughter, talks him into letting her stay. Yolee is ecstatic to have a friend.

Florence begins to learn the way of the Mer people. All animals, mermaids, and mermen live in harmony, with each having a purpose to live peacefully. Kiren is nice to Florence, however, Rolan is cold and distant. Rolan makes it known that he does not want Florence in Niemelia.

Niemelia is attacked several times by the darkness. The darkness is the world outside of Niemelia, where monsters and volcanoes exist. Florence starts to get a sixth sense whenever danger is near.

This is my FIRST mermaid story I have read and I found it completely fascinating. The magical world created was completely visualized in my mind as I was reading. The vibrant colors, astounding lights, and harmony with the life of the sea are how I always envisioned the Mer people to exist. I was deeply drawn into the story as Florence learned the traditions and daily lives of the Mer people. The plot becomes so exciting as Florence learns more about the Princes, and I was completely shocked at the ending. I am SO hoping that Ciye Cho continues this story..I can see it going in an incredible direction. I highly recommend this incredible Mer fantasy!
My Over All Rating:


I really loved this story and I am sure you will too.

Please visit Ciye Cho at these spots.




Please enter for this giveaway by using the rafflecopter below!!  This giveaway is international, and I will be forwarding email addresses to Ciye for him to email the ebooks in mobi, epub or pdf formats.



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About this author

 Ciye Cho lives in Australia and works as a graphic designer. He writes YA novels in his free time--and his head is often lost in the clouds or some place far from reality...


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Beyond Review and Giveaway

Title: Beyond
Author: Mary Ting
Publish Date: Expected publication: September 12th 2012 by World Castle Publishing


Synopsis:

Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?


The Crossroads Saga continues with Beyond, the third installment in the series.

 Claudia is healing after the last battle and Austin has been taking care of her. She laughs at his teasing and flirting, but is ready to start training again with the Venators. Although she is physically healed, she feels there is something different. She does not remember everything and Austin explains to her that she has selective memory.

 Dark Shadows were released, who invade human souls and become demons. The Venators and Alkins team together on missions to right this horrible wrong. However, whenever Claudia finds herself in trouble, this person always shows up to save her. She never sees his face, but feels a deep connection to him.

Claudia becomes a little defiant when she decides to go off on her own seeking some answers. Through out the story, she find clues to her past, and tries to piece together those clues to trigger her memory.

 I must say the Crossroads Saga is one of my very favorites! Beyond takes the story a bit deeper and darker, with so much action that you will be unable to put it down. My heart would break every time Michael would show up to the rescue, but unable to be with Claudia the way they should. Davin as usual, is his funny self, and I were extremely excited that he had a bit of his own drama. Austin, well, words can’t describe how I feel about him, only that I hope that someday he finds his “Claudia”. Beyond is written differently than the rest, with a couple different stories going on at once, which collided at the end into a massive finale. The writing is beautiful, with the images so vivid in my mind that I could swear that I was there. Mary Ting without a doubt knows how to pull the emotions from your soul. With all the Crossroads books, they end with a cliffhanger, which leaves you begging for more.

Beyond will be released on September 12, 2012!



Tweet @maryting
email: thetings888@msn.com
Blog: www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/
Goodread: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11283685-crossroads
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crossroads+by+mary+ting
Barnes: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/crossroads-by-mary-ting?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=crossroads+by+mary+ting
Crossroads book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEIfaQdh_nk
Between book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01dbTNLcYzA&feature=youtu.be


Mary is giving away an ebook of your choice from the Crossroads Saga:  Crossroads, Between or Beyond


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