Volition by Lee Strauss Review

Title: Volition

Author: Lee Strauss

Publish Date: Published April 16th 2013 by ESB Publishing




Synopsis:

What doesn't kill you... Zoe Vanderveen is on the run with her captor turned rescuer, Noah Brody. They're in love. Or at least that’s what he tells her. Her memories have returned but her feelings are dreamlike—thin and fleeting. Her heart can’t be trusted. Just look at what happened with Taylor Blake. Senator Vanderveen’s new team of cyborg agents are in hot pursuit, and a reward for their capture is broadcast nationwide. Record breaking cold and snow hinder their escape. Someone dies helping them. And their fight for survival has only begun.

Volition is the second installment in Perception Series.

 Volition takes the Dystopia genre to a completely new level of government control with GOPs, Cyborg, and the desire to live free.

 Zoe and Noah’s adventure intensifies in this new installment. Zoe had her memories of Noah wiped away by her powerful grandfather in Perception, but has retrieved them after Noah kidnapped her and the pills started to wear off. However, she does not remember her feelings that she had for Noah. As the story progresses, those feelings start to emerge again. They are on the run, hiding from Zoe’s Grandfather who is running for Presidency. Zoe and Noah know too much of the truth for her grandfather to just let them go. However, wherever they go, Senator Vanderveen is not far behind. Zoe hides her GOP status to blend in with the outside world.

 OMDystopia!! I LOVE THIS SERIES. It is so difficult to not reveal any spoilers; however, if you love the Dysptopia, I feel that you really will dive into this one. The characters are amazing. Zoe and Noah come from different sides of the fence, literally. The plot, amazing. The action, suspenseful. It has everything that a good read needs. And let’s not forget the forbidden romance. I highly recommend this fast paced series that is incredible difficult to put down.


My Over All Rating: 

Sisters In White Book Blast and Giveaway

Danica and Kaylie Snow are about to celebrate the biggest day of their lives—their double wedding—on an island in the Bahamas. But no wedding is complete without a little family drama. The two sisters aren’t ready to face the father they haven’t seen since he divorced their mother and moved away to marry his mistress, and live with Lacy, the half sister they’ve never met.

While Danica has exchanged letters and phone calls with Lacy, Kaylie has fervently tried to pretend she doesn’t exist. Lacy is sweet, fun, and nearly a mirror image of Kaylie. To make matters worse, not only is Lacy looking forward to meeting her sisters, but she idolizes them, too. As the countdown to the wedding date ticks on, their parents are playing a devious game of revenge, and there’s a storm brewing over the island, threatening to cancel their perfect wedding. The sisters are about to find out if the bond of sisterhood really trumps all.

About The Author

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Join Melissa and the YaYa Writer Girls at their annual in-person event. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

November Kindle HDX Giveaway

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway

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)

NOVEMBER SPONSORS

1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
2. Feed Your Reader
3. Ripple Effect Romance Series
4. Dark Motive’s Books & More
5. Fae Books
6. Author Marianne Morea
7. Buku-Buku Didi
8. Author Camelia Miron Skiba
9. Author Stacy Claflin
10. Patchwork Press
11. Author Louise Caiola
12. Author Bella Street
13. Author Bonnie Blythe
14. Author Julia Crane
15. The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl
16. Author Kim Cresswell
17. A Bookish Escape
18. Author Talia Jager
19. Mother Daughter Book Reviews
20. Fiction Dreams
21. Book Angel Booktopia
22. Kelly’s Lucky You
23. Author Roxanne Crouse
24. Author Rachelle Christensen
25. Author Jennifer Laurens
26. Hardback Book Hotties
27. Lori’s Reading Corner
28. Author Misty Moncur
29. MyLadyWeb: Women’s History and Women Authors
30. Author Elizabeth Isaacs
31. Living, Learning and Loving Life
32. Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader
33. My Story That I Like Best
34. LeahSay’s Views
35. Christine’s Blog
36. Candle Light Reads
37. NESSAROX
38. The Demon Librarian
39. SMIBookClub
40. Author T.L. Clarke
41. Back Off My Books
42. Michael SciFan
43. Author Carole Brown
44. Coffee and Characters
45. No Thought 2 Small
46. Stanley and Katrina, Pet Authors
47. Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf
48. Love Bites & Silk
49. Kimber Leigh Writes
50. Author Rae Z. Ryans
51. Author Georgina Young-Ellis
52. The Reporter and the Girl
53. Fic Central
54. Like a Broken Vessel

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 11/30/13

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

Spell Fire by Ariella Moon Book Blast

Spell Fire, The Teen Wytche Saga #3 By Ariella Moon

  Summary 

 New school. New friends. New reputation. High school sophomore Ainslie Avalon-Bennett works hard to hide her Crazy Girl past. But as long as her best friend’s disappearance remains unsolved, she can’t shake the depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder that once landed her in a mental ward.   Ainslie’s tenuous control over her life shatters when her warring parents ditch her at Christmas. While they take a cruise to “work things out,” Ainslie must spend the holiday in Palm Springs with her aunt and uncle, owners of a struggling Mystery School and occult store. Plunged into the world of fire fortunes, dragons, entity eaters, and an ailing spell book, Ainslie is well beyond her comfort zone. Then she meets a boy who spikes her pulse and calms her OCD. But will she lose him once he discovers her past? Or will his deadly secret, hidden in plain view, be their undoing?

Author Ariella Moon 

 Ariella Moon writes about magic, friendship, secrets, and love in her Young Adult novels, Spell Check, Spell Struck, and Spell Fire, Books 1, 2, & 3 in The Teen Wytche Saga. Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students who mistook her for a leaning post, marred Ariella’s teen years. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. An author and shaman, she now lives a nearly normal life with her extraordinary daughter, shamelessly spoiled dog, and an enormous dragon. 
  
Spell Fire Excerpt 

My body elongated, and I swore I grew six inches. Inside the cafe, there was no line. Another miracle. I paused beneath the fern‑painted ceiling fan and scanned the wall menu. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but a weird craving fueled my search. The dragon exerted pressure between my shoulder blades, prompting me. "A Scorpion's Nest smoothie." Morningstar leaned over the high counter and gave me a once‐over. "You feeling okay?" I licked my lips. "Absolutely." I had never tasted an orange juice, vanilla ice cream, and peanut butter combo, but I slapped the countertop and said, "I'm fine. Hit me." Morningstar tilted her head to one side and studied me. Oh — crap. Maybe I'm dragon drunk. I wiped the drool from the corner of my mouth stood straighter. I could do this. I could act normal and in control. Behind me, the dragon blew on my hair. I clawed back the stray locks. "Strong ceiling fan." Morningstar glanced up. I held my gaze steady on her face and tried to remember if the fan was actually on. I couldn't hear the whir of its motor or feel the stir of cool air. I can't feel anything. I went for distraction and slipped a ten across the counter. Morningstar leveled her gaze, then handed me my change. "I'll bring the smoothie to your table." "Cool." My eyes crossed. I pivoted and fell out of my right flip‐‑flop. Fortunately, the place was almost empty, and I didn't think anyone saw me stumble. Still, my face heated as I chose a table with plenty of space behind it for the dragon and my invisible wings. "Mind if I join you for a minute?" Morningstar asked when she brought my drink. "Please." I giggled, giddy with dragon energy. I was a bright, beneficent angel among earthlings. I was — as crazy as my parents feared.

Blog Tour Schedule

 

  Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/20/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crashing Into You Cover Reveal

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Crashing Into You by B.D. Rowe

New Adult Contemporary Romance

Bookish college sophomore Sydney Baker wants Evan Taylor with every ounce of her being. The hottest stud on campus, Evan is six foot four, ripped, stacked with muscles. He’s even easy to talk to.

There’s just one problem: he’s her roommate Melanie’s boyfriend.

But when Melanie tragically dies after a night of wild partying, Sydney and Evan turn to each other in a time of intense grief. And it doesn’t take long for their close friendship to blossom into something more.

Unfortunately for Sydney, secrets from the past soon put her relationship with Evan to the test. Especially when a sexy blonde freshman makes her way into Evan’s life, and tries to rip away everything Sydney holds close to her heart.

You can purchase Crashing Into You at the following Retailers:
  

KOBO – GOODREADS – iTUNES

GIVEAWAY
5 Winners will receive a Copy of  Crashing Into You by B.D. Rowe.
12 Winners will receive an E-Copy of  Crashing Into You by B.D. Rowe.
1 Winner will receive a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card.
Must be 13+ to Enter
International Giveaway

About B.D. Rowe
Website
  

B.D. Rowe is a Sacramento native with a penchant for crafting tales of romance, mystery, and intrigue. Crashing Into You is B.D. Rowe’s New Adult debut.

Grishma and Ayla by Kelly Anne Blount Spotlight

In the world of Necoh, everyone fears Grishma, a hideous murderous beast responsible for ruining or ending the lives of anyone who dare cross her.

As a young boy, Ryder lived with his family, deep in the caves underneath the Kadin Forest, unaware of the horrors of the world. His simple world was turned upside down one horrible night when Grishma attacked his family, killing his father and kidnapping his mother and younger sister.

From that night on, Ryder devoted his life to killing Grishma. He tracked the monster from Necoh, to our world, and back again. Unfortunately, during his quest, he accidentally transported Brooklyn, a high school junior into his tumultuous world, where she is mistakenly identified as Princess Sophie, the missing princess of Sumner.

Days after Princess Sophie’s return, Grishma plots and manipulates the King into drugging and marrying off his only daughter to Prince Algid of Dratun. Desperate to save Brooklyn, who now believes she is the long lost princess, his mother, and his little sister, Ryder embarks on the deadliest part of his quest.

Will he save Brooklyn? Will she ever regain her memory? What will become of his mother and sister?

Through epic adventure, loss, and love, GRISHMA depicts the strength of the human spirit and the tight bonds formed by the unique creatures of Necoh.

In the blink of an eye, Brooklyn is torn from Ryder's arms and thrown back into her own world...

Vowing to find a way back to Necoh, she goes to dangerous lengths and embarks on a deadly mission to find her love and help him destroy Grishma once and for all.

Lives will be lost, trust will be shattered, and secrets will be revealed...

Will Brooklyn find Ryder?

Will they finally put an end to Grishma's murderous reign?

Ayla has just been recently released, and there will be a release party November 19th!

About the Author

I’m an avid writer by night and an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teacher by day. Through my work as a teacher, I am able to closely examine human behavior and tell made up stories on a regular basis. Both of these skills come in handy when I sit down to write my novels!

When I’m not at work or writing, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our five furry rescues (four cats and one dog), my friends, and of course my family!

​
What I Like...

Reading: I read just about anything, but my favorite genre is young adult fantasy. I’m a huge fan of Amanda Hocking, Cornelia Funke, Suzanne Collins, Brandon Mull, and Harlan Coben.

Movies: The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, and Elf.

Musicians: I listen to anything from hip hop to reggae!

Stalk Kelly 

Grishma Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BSG4XG2

Ayla Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FKH35MS

Website: http://www.kellyanneblount.com/

 

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/KellyAnneBlount 

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyAnneBlount (@KellyAnneBlount) 

 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16421118-grishma

 

Goodreads Best Fantasy Covers List (currently number two): http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3307.Best_Fantasy_Book_Covers#16421118

   

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kelly-Blount/e/B00BSKKA5Q 

The Prodigal Book Tour and Giveaway

Likes will be live the day of:

Sunday, October 27th: Me, My Shelf and I – Spotlight

Monday October 28th: Me, My Shelf and I INTERVIEW

Tuesday October 29th: Cabin Goddess REVIEW

Wednesday October 30th: CiCi’s Theories GUEST POST

Thursday October 31st: Tams Two Cents REVIEW

Friday November 1st: Bookworm Bridgett’s World REVIEW

Saturday November 2nd: Curling Up With A Good Book REVIEW

Sunday November 3rd: Dream with in a Dream THIS OR THAT

Monday November 4th: Brooke Blogs MUSIC LIST

Tuesday November 5th: Insane About Books REVIEW

Be Sure to visit Book Nerd Tours

Pride, betrayal, forgiveness . . . and the eternal sea. The Prodigal tells the mystical tale of four people on Ocracoke Island whose destiny is tied to an abandoned schooner, thought to have been lost at sea more than a century ago, that one day drifts ashore. Marcus O’Reilly, a renegade Catholic priest, must confront his inner demons. Ibrahim Joseph, a Bahamian fugitive, must face his past. Aidan Sharpe, a fallen lawyer, struggles with self-doubt and his growing affection for Molly McGregor, a fearless towboat captain who cannot find the courage to love. They will all be drawn into a 2,000-year-old mystery that unfolds with the reappearance of the ship.

The Prodigal is available at these retailers.

My Review

Prodigal will intrigue your imagination with it's heartfelt story of facing your demons and overcoming them.

Prodigal begins with learning the history of each character in the story, which later reveals how they all come together within the story.  Each character is unique in every way, except for the fact they each are battling personal demons of their own.  Their friendships unite for a common goal, to achieve forgiveness and the promise of adventure.

I was so excited about the direction of this story and surprised by the mystery of it.  Not only do you learn about four different people from all walks of life, you discover an ancient mystery that totally took me off guard.  It was brilliantly thought out and grasped my attention.  I didn't quite understand the prologue at first, but soon discovered how it all tied together.  Mixed in with all of this is the suspense of an adventure that leads to redemption in so many forms, it's difficult to explain.  It's emotional, heartfelt, and romantic in its setting on the tiny island of Ocracoke.

You won't be disappointed in this beautifully written novel.

One Winner will get their choice of:

*A 2 night stay at  Bluff Shoals Motel, Ocracoke, North Carolina + $25.00 towards your dinner
OR
a $100 Amazon Gift Card

*please review the Terms and Conditions in the raffelcopter form/at the bottom of this post before entering.

About the Author

Michael Hurley and his wife Susan live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born in Baltimore in 1958, he studied English at the University of Maryland and law at St. Louis University. Michael’s first book, Letters from the Woods, was a collection of essays, self-published in 2005, based on wilderness canoeing expeditions with his children. It was selected as a finalist in the Nature category for ForeWord magazine’s Book of the Year award. In 2013 Hachette Book Group published his memoir, Once Upon A Gypsy Moon, under their Center Street imprint. The Prodigal is his first novel.

   WEBSITE

Terms and Conditions for Motel Getaway Prize

1.            Motel prize is based on two person double occupancy at Bluff Shoals Motel, Ocracoke, North Carolina, at maximum rate of $75 per room per night for a two-night stay between November 1,           2013       and March 15, 2014.

2.            Motel prize applies to the standard room rate and tax for two nights, including tax.  All other charges are the sole responsibility of winner.

3.            Winner is responsible for contacting the motel to reserve accommodations.  Prize subject to room availability.

4.            Cash prize of $25 in spending money for the trip.

5.            Motel prize not redeemable for cash.

6.            Airfare and travel expenses are not provided.

TOUR SCHEDULE:

Sunday, October 27th: Novels They Wrote or Movies They Made REVIEW

Monday October 28th: Me, My Shelf and I INTERVIEW

Tuesday October 29th: Cabin Goddess REVIEW

Wednesday October 30th: CiCi's Theories GUEST POST

Thursday October 31st: Tams Two Cents REVIEW

Friday November 1st: Bookworm Bridgett's World REVIEW

Saturday November 2nd: Curling Up With A Good Book REVIEW

Sunday November 3rd: Dream with in a Dream THIS OR THAT

Monday November 4th: Brooke Blogs MUSIC LIST

Tuesday November 5th: Insane About Books REVIEW

Pretty Little Dreams by Jennifer Miller COVER REVEAL and Giveway

Title: Pretty Little Dreams (Pretty Little Lies, #2) 

Author: Jennifer Miller 

Release Date: January 13, 2014 

Genres: Contemporary Romance 

Photographer: Stephanie from This Modern Romance 

Cover Designer: Laura from Bookfabulous Designs

ADD TO GOODREADS!!

SYNOPSIS:

There is a place in all of us where our deepest secrets lie in wait for their moment to surface, and surface they will.

After living through a real live nightmare, Olivia wants nothing but to forget. Forget and move on. But how do you forget something that has stained your soul and forces you to lie to your loved ones? Even if your intentions are to spare them the horrors of the truth?

Luke knows Olivia is not as recovered as she would have him believe. He can see the pain she tries to keep hidden behind her eyes, and knows she has not told him everything. But how do you save someone who won’t let you in? Where shame holds Olivia captive, Luke suffers through the guilt of not protecting the one person he loves more than anything.

Can two people who have suffered so dearly find a way to come together or will they risk the dreams they have placed in each other’s hearts? Can love find a way where forgiveness cannot?

TEASER:

AUTHOR BIO:

Author Jennifer Miller was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but now calls Arizona home. Jennifer’s love of reading began when she was a small child, and only continued to grow as she entered adulthood. Ever since winning a writing contest at the young age of nine, when she wrote a book about a girl with a pet unicorn, she’s dreamed of writing a book of her own.

Quickly learning that dreams don’t just fall into your lap, she knew she had to chase them herself and not be afraid to dream a little bigger. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother, and is very lucky to have a family that loves and supports her in all things. She also has an unhealthy addiction to handbags and chocolate covered strawberries, neither of which she cares to change.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Email: AuthorJenniferMiller@gmail.com

Website: http://www.jennifermillerwrites.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenMillerWrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenMillerWrites

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7019978.Jennifer_Miller

GIVEAWAY:

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Dystopian Giveaway Hop

Many Many Thanks to I am a Reader, Not a Writer and My Shelf Confessions for putting together another amazing blog hop.....AND MY FAVORITE!!!  DYSTOPIAN!!  I can't get enough of these books.

This giveway is International...I will order your book from the Book Depository if you are international, OR order your book from Amazon if you are from the States.  However, Remember, it must be a dystopian book that you choose, UP TO $20 in US funds.

And speaking of Dystopia, Have you Watched Revolution???  My ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOW!!

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