Monday, March 31, 2014

Blackness Takes Over Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Blackness Takes Over by Norma Jeanne Karlsson 
Official Blog Tour
March 18th Tuesday: This or That & Spotlight TTC Books and More
March 19th Wednesday: Review & Spotlight Racing to Read
March 20th Thursday: Review & Spotlight Literary Nook
March 21st Friday: Review & Spotlight Nocturnal Predators Reviews
March 22nd Saturday: Guest Post & Spotlight Mythical Books
March 23rd Sunday: Review & Spotlight Bookmarks, Spoilers and Happily Ever After
March 24th Monday: Review & Tens List Deal Sharing Aunt
March 25th Tuesday: Interview & Spotlight Movies, Shows & Books
March 26th Wednesday: Music Playlist Rose’s Book Corner
March 27th Thursday: Review & Spotlight Curling Up with a Good Book
March 28th Friday: Review & Spotlight Library of the Seen
March 29th Saturday: Dream Cast & 5 Random Things A Dream Within a Dream
March 30th Sunday: Review & Spotlight Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace
March 31st Monday: Review & Spotlight Insane About Books
Shannon Kelly’s life has been anything but typical.
Her life has been altered viciously at the hands of others twice.
However horrible they have been, it’s these changes that have given her a family and career…now possibly love.
The last thirteen years she has been supported and loved by her protector, her entertainer, and her comforter, but never a lover.
When Dylan Kellerman enters Shannon’s life he changes its course in more ways than one.
He gives her hope and promise of a future she was convinced wasn’t attainable.
Just as she begins to believe she has finally turned her life into something she can build a future on…blackness takes over.
You can purchase Blackness Takes Over at the following Retailers:
GOOGLE PLAY | KOBO
    
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Blackness Takes Over is Norma Jeanne’s debut novel. What began as an homage to the home town of a homesick Midwestern girl, unfolded a story of love, danger, humor, and trust. She’s currently working on her untitled sophomore effort. We can’t wait to see what thrilling saga she leads us through next!
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Norma Jeanne recently found herself relocating to the United Kingdom. Now living in Belfast, she took hold of the opportunity to kick the 9-5 job for a chance to become an author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to spend more time with her cast of crazy characters (written and real).
In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” –Dylan Thomas
Website
  
My Review

Norma Jeanne Karlsson...remember this author and her debut book, Blackness Takes Over because it will be one you will not want to forget. 

Shannon has dealt with a tremendous heart ache in her life.  Being raised by her Uncle, he taught her to be strong and to be able to protect herself.  He gave her the love she needed the only way he knew how.

After Shannon decided to go on her own to college, she met a group of guys that will later, become a huge part of her life....the extended family she never had.  Kavy, Cally and Sully each become an important part of Shannon's life, each one giving her different parts of themselves.  However, they all have one thing in common, to protect Shannon always.

Sometimes I find it difficult to write a review without giving away too may spoilers.  With a story like this, I find that less information given is best, because this story is so amazing, its best to dive in unprepared to get the full enjoyment from the story.

I am infatuated with the characters in Darkness Takes Over.  Each character has a unique personality that connects with the other characters, and reader as well.  Shannon is strong, spunky, and fun to get to know.  She doesn't put up with anyone's crap.  Kavy, Cally, and Sully, well, lets say it was entertaining to get to know them because all three are hot, and you just fall for the way they are constantly keeping their eye on Shannon.

The storyline...AMAZING!!  I had no idea what to expect, and was thrilled that it kept me on my toes to the very end.  There was never a dull moment, with the unexpected twists that kept you guessing to the situations that gets the guys all worked up.  Speaking of the end, well, lets just say that it was a cliff hanger of all cliff hangers...you know, the kind that makes you say out loud, "I can't believe she (meaning the author) did this to me!!",  however, leaves you excited in anticipation for the next story to come out. (which is in April)

Darkness Takes Over is packed with so many amazing stories all rolled into one.  There's how the four got together, Shannon has a love interest, Shannon's case that is close to her heart, the BIG secret...WOW, its just amazing.  There is serious subject matter and very humorous conversations.  It's the full package.

I can't wait for the next installment.  I'm not ready for it to end..at all!





GIVEAWAY



4 Winners will receive 4GB USB flash drives by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.
7 Winners will receive Postcard and Bookmark by Norma Jeanne Karlsson.

Must be 13+ to Enter
US Giveaway
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Friday, March 28, 2014

Halo City Cover Reveal and Giveaway


WELCOME TO DAY #5 OF THE CROSSROADS SAGA COVER REVEAL!

We have come to the last and final cover reveal! 

This has been so much fun! Cannot wait to find out who won! 


Missed the first cover reveals? Check them out below for a chance to win!

Day #1

Day #2

Day #3

Day #4

Don't forget, EVERY DAY we are adding more entries to the rafflecopter!




Thursday, March 27, 2014

Eternity Cover Reveal and Giveaway


WELCOME TO DAY #4 OF THE CROSSROADS SAGA COVER REVEAL!

Missed Game 1, 2, & 3?

Day #1

Day #2

Day #3


Don't forget, EVERY DAY we are adding more entries to the rafflecopter!




Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Beyond Cover Reveal and Giveaway


WELCOME TO DAY #3 OF THE CROSSROADS SAGA COVER REVEAL!

Missed Day 1 & 2?

Day #1

Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

We are giving away 2 Kindles!!

 The first one is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter in the rafflecopter.


  Kindle Fire HDX March
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)


    Giveaway Sponsors: I Am A Reader Feed Your Reader Inspired Kathy Ripple Effect Romance Series Author M.A. George The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl Meredith & Jennifer's Musings Owl Always Be Reading Author Jennifer Laurens Bonnie Blythe's Pure Romance Bella Street's Weird Romance Author Jennifer Faye Good Choice Reading Reviews from a Bookworm Barbara Silkstone Rae Z. Ryans, Author The Stubby Pencil Author David Pandolfe Hallowed Ink Press Author Louise Caiola The Reporter and The Girl More Than a Review Kathryn Jones Once Upon a Twilight Author Jason Parent Author Amanda Tru Author Cidney Swanson Paige W. Pendleton Claudia Burgoa P.M. Richter - author RoAnna Sylver Tigris Eden The Bloggers Nest J.L. Weil The Cheap Ebook Luthando Coeur Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke Author Alecia Stone KellysLuckyYou Rebecca Talley Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton Simple Wyrdings Tressa's Wishful Endings Paranormal book Club (PBC) Author Stephanie Faris Author Inger Iversen Author Theresa DaLayne Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer Bound 4 Escape Author Laura Diamond

  Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups  

  Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 3/31/14 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 and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Between Cover Reveal and Giveaway


WELCOME TO DAY #2  OF THE CROSSROADS SAGA COVER REVEAL!

Missed Day #1? Visit this link to enter yesterday's SECRET WORD.





Check out the FULL COVER....






As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life, but not for long. Having a special soul, she attracts danger. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out evil is lurking in the shadows and Claudia is no longer safe. As more secrets are revealed, Claudia learns about the venators--demon hunters--on Earth.

When two opposing angelic forces come together to protect Claudia, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?




PRAISE FOR BETWEEN...

"Between reaches a completely new level of storytelling.  Descriptive writing and heartfelt emotions captures your soul in this enticing saga of Angel lore, romance, betrayal, and the battle for good.  One cannot help but fall in love with the superb characters and the world Mary Ting has created." - Michele Luker , PageTurners Blog/Insane About Books


"When reading Between you feel that you are immediately wrapped up in Angel wings and taken for the flight of your life. At times you feel like you might fall but then your back up in the clouds feeling Heavenly again. This sophomore novel delivers everything that makes a book Great: Romance: check, Action: check and even heartache: check plus I can't forget to mention about those swoon-worthy Angels! Between will leave you on a celestial high!" - Yara, Once Upon A Twilight








REMEMBER TO LOOK FOR THE BLANK SPACE FOR THE MISSING WORD. 
YOU CAN GUESS THE WORD ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW.


“Ahhh!” I pressed my hands to his chest. “Why are you such an ass?” I couldn’t believe I’d said it, but it felt so good! Then I thought, How does he bring out the worst in me? I was not an angry person, and I didn’t normally shoot out cuss words. Mom and Gamma had taught me better than that.

Unexpectedly, he gripped my wrists, moving them behind me, and drew me into him. My heart heaved in and out from being a breath away from his lips and from being exhausted from all the energy I was releasing. He set his eyes deeply into mine and exhaled. “Everything was just great until you walked into my life. I know who I am and my purpose in life, but you are making me confused. For the first time, I want more. The worst part of this is that I can’t have you, even if you allowed it.” He paused, searching for words. “I want you to ____ me, ‘cause if I knew that you ever cared about me that way, I would give up everything just to be with you. I don’t know why. And that scares me more than anything I’ve ever known. So there is the answer to your question. Satisfied?”



FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!







Everyday while this giveaway is running we will be adding extra entries to the rafflecopter. :) 

Make sure to check back to see all the covers, collect each word, and enter daily! 

Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS at the bottom of the rafflecopter before entering.


a Rafflecopter giveaway








Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.



Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter † Instagram † Pinterest 



Mary Ting is also a featured author at Chapter by Chapter Book Rave happening in NY on September 20th! 100+ authors will be signing! There will be YA BOWLING, BILLIARDS PARTY, and more!



Tickets available today! www.cbcevent.com






Promotional Event | Runes by Ednah Walters @EdnahWalters #FREE #Amazon



Book Title: Runes
Series: A Runes Novel: Book 1
Author: Ednah Walters
Release Date: May 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Firetrail Publishing
Presented by: As You Wish Tours
Banner Made by: Camelia Miron Skiba


BLURB

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about him. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only is she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life

TEASER

As though aware of my presence, Torin looked up and stood. I swallowed, my senses soaking him as though I hadn’t seen him earlier. I walked toward them, my heart racing so hard I felt lightheaded.

“Did you finish your eulogy, sweetie?” Mom asked.

“No, I need help. Kate wasn’t very outgoing, so we know next to nothing about her,” I said absentmindedly, my eyes not leaving Torin’s. I wanted to look away, but couldn’t. His eyes held me spellbound. He watched me as though every expression on my face was of utter importance to him. “I didn’t know you two had met,” I added, my voice breathless.

“Your mother and I met a few days ago,” he said, cocking his eyebrows. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Why should I?” My face grew warm, the conversation we’d had in the closet at school flashing in my head.

“Torin wants to know if it’s okay for him to throw a party tomorrow night for the swim team. Isn’t that thoughtful of him to ask all the neighbors first?” Mom said.

“Just being neighborly, Mrs. Cooper.”


AUTHOR BIO
EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, was released April 2013. She’s currently working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at www.ednahwalters.com.

Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. IMMORTALS is book 2. She is presently working on book 3, GRIMNIRS [Book 2.5] was released in December 2013. Read more about this series and the world she's created here www.runestheseries.com.

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published five more books in this series. She's presently working on book seven. You can visit her online at or www.ebwalters.com.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://asyouwishtours.com/

Monday, March 24, 2014

Crossroads Cover Reveal and Giveaway


It's finally time!!

We are so excited to share the BRAND NEW covers to author Mary Ting's young adult series CROSSROADS SAGA.

Every day this week (March 24th - 28th) we will be revealing the covers to each novel in the series. The series has gotten a complete makeover. I love the new covers and think they fit the story perfectly!

Not only will we be revealing the covers, but we also have a little teaser from each book. Oh, and a game for you all to play along. ;)

Each teaser will be missing a word. You have to guess that word correctly on each reveal, and at the end you could win a $25 gift card or a signed copy of CROSSROADS.

So, are you ready? Check out book one, CROSSROADS below. Let us know what you think of the cover!






Check out the FULL COVER....






Protecting her from the fallen was his duty.
Falling in love was never part of his plan.
Loving her was forbidden.
Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity.

Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. Now that she's been there, fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.




PRAISE FOR CROSSROADS...


"Crossroads contains action, twists and romance that has you flipping through the pages so fast that you're at the end and ready for more before you know it." - Gabby, Nashville Young Adult Fiction Examiner/What's Beyond Forks

"Crossroads is an exciting debut book with a rich paranormal mythology, unique angel-lore, forbidden romance, action, suspense and plot twists. With her detailed writing and a plot that flow wells, Mary created a world I enjoyed visiting, and a story that was hard to put down." - Katie with Mundie Moms








REMEMBER TO LOOK FOR THE BLANK SPACE FOR THE MISSING WORD. 
YOU CAN GUESS THE WORD ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW.


“After I became your guardian angel, I never wanted to leave your sight. I wanted to protect you and keep you safe. If I were a mere human, I couldn’t do that. I found my purpose.” He paused, setting his eyes deeply into mine. “If I had to die to save you, I would. I would do it in a _________. Life isn’t worth living, unless you have someone worth dying for.”




FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!






Everyday while this giveaway is running we will be adding extra entries to the rafflecopter. :) 

Make sure to check back to see all the covers, collect each word, and enter daily! 

Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS at the bottom of the rafflecopter before entering.


a Rafflecopter giveaway








Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.



Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter † Instagram † Pinterest 



Mary Ting is also a featured author at Chapter by Chapter Book Rave happening in NY on September 20th! 100+ authors will be signing! There will be YA BOWLING, BILLIARDS PARTY, and more!



Tickets available today! www.cbcevent.com






Friday, March 21, 2014

The Fault in Our Stars Review

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publish Date: Published January 10th 2012 by Dutton Books

Synopsis:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.




So, I had to read this book. I have had it on my shelf for a LONG time, and my daughter wanted to read it. She read it in just a couple of days, and BEGGED me to read this ASAP so we could discuss.

 I was planning on reading it anyway before the movie came out, and I’m so glad that I did because it is such a powerful book that it’s good to be prepared for the movie version of it.

 Incredible story, amazing characters, and beautifully written, this powerful story will definitely put you on an emotional roller coaster. These teens, dealing with what life has given them, are wise beyond their years. Sometimes humorous and outspoken, they deal with life with amazing dignity.

My Over All Rating: