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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Blog Tour: Review of Nicole R. Taylor's 'The Devil's Tattoo' with Giveaway


 
The Devil’s Tattoo by Nicole R. Taylor
Publication date:  September 1st 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

 
Synopsis:

Zoe Granger picked up her first guitar the day her heart was smashed into a billion pieces. It was a way to keep her mind off her inevitable downward spiral, but music soon became her escape. She's been burned too many times to tell and is just happy to coast through life, never putting herself out there. That's until her best friend Dee suggests they start a band and suddenly she finds herself not just a part of it, but fronting the whole outfit.

They call themselves The Devil's Tattoo and when they release their debut EP, it rockets to the top of the charts and it's like an overnight fairytale. Contracts, photo shoots, royalties and interviews are heaped onto the shy Zoe and it's like she's finally found her place. Then comes the phone call that changes everything. They've been asked to co-headline a tour with one of the hottest bands of the moment, The Stabs and Zoe will never be the same again.

Will Strickland is one fourth of the hottest indie rock band to ever grace the airwaves. He's the bass player in The Stabs, hot as hell and could have his pick of any girl that flings herself at him. But he's only got eyes for Zoe and she has no idea why he'd bother. She's got one hell of a trust issue and an attitude to boot and Will seems to be the one who wants to tame her, but is he game enough?

The Devil's Tattoo and The Stabs go on the road and it's either going to be a highway to hell or a stairway to heaven. Only time will tell who will come out on top and Zoe's determined to do it without getting her heart broken… again.
Click here to view the book trailer for The Devil's Tattoo.


AUTHOR BIO:


Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser.
She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first.

The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is available in e-edition and print from March 20th 2013.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


My Review:
 
I received an advanced reading copy of The Devil's Tattoo in exchange for an honest review. 
I absolutely LOVED this book! I was initially excited to read it before I ever even read the synopsis because the cover is so pretty (silly, I know) and it did not disappoint. I know that rock star romances are not so uncommon in the book world, but somehow I have yet to read one until now. I really enjoyed the fantastical aspect it added to the story. The characters and emotions were very real, but they were set in such a fantasy (although not impossible fantasy like paranormal stories) world. It was an interesting contrast and fun to read about a world that's fantastic, but possible. 
 
The story starts out from Zoe's point of view. Zoe is a guitar player with a shaky romantic past and a shy, somewhat closed off disposition. She and her best friend Dee (who is a guy) start a band called The Devil's Tattoo with a couple of other guys and they become successful very quickly. They are soon invited to go on a big time tour with the huge indie rock band, The Stabs. Will is the bass player of The Stabs. He's ridiculously good-looking, talented, and totally enamored with Zoe. They go on tour together and their romance grows. Zoe is terrified of being hurt again, but Will is determined to win her over. 
 
First off I want to say that I really enjoyed both Zoe and Will (the story is told from both of their points of view). Their love story is sweet, sometimes awkward, REALLY hot (sexy time scenes aplenty), but most importantly it's realistic and true to life. I don't always love shy characters because they tend to get on my nerves and I find myself wanting to shake them and yell at them. This was not the case with this book. Both Zoe and Will are somewhat shy characters, but they managed to also be endearing. Their mutual shyness led to some hilariously awkward dialogue. Taylor managed to make their shyness and awkwardness an asset to both the characters and the story. 
 
Secondly I need to talk about how much I loved the friendship between Zoe and Dee. Their friendship is hilarious and fun, but also genuine and touching. I always tended to be friends with guys when I was younger and growing up (not sure why exactly, I love girlfriends too) and it is refreshing to read a story with a strong male-female friendship. I always felt kind of like a weirdo having mostly guy friends when most movies and books show girlfriends as the norm. I appreciate a story with a friendship that I can relate to. Not to mention Dee is simply a great, well-developed character with whom Zoe has awesome chemistry. 
 
The Devil's Tattoo is incredibly well written. The story is well paced and flows beautifully. I think the big standout in the writing, though, is the dialogue. I found it to be genuine, witty, and touching. Taylor definitely has a gift for words. 
 
This book really just had it all for me. The characters are wonderful and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. The story itself is fun, romantic, and steamy all at the same time. I loved all of the music references and getting a glimpse into this crazy world I've never really experienced before. The writing and pacing are perfect. This book book sucked me in and kept me wrapped up in its world. I cannot wait to read more by Nicole R. Taylor. I really hope she writes more stories in the world of The Devil's Tattoo. I'd definitely love to see more of some of the other characters and what comes next for them. 

My Rating:


 
Giveaway:
 
 
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Click here to check out more awesome blog stops on The Devil's Tattoo Blog Tour.
 
 
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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Cover Reveal: Lindsay Leggett's 'Wasteland'

 
Wasteland by Lindsay Leggett
(Flight #2)
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

 
Synopsis:
 
Wasteland, the next book in the FLIGHT trilogy, takes place a few months after the ending of book one.

Trapped in a cell and experimented on, Piper Madden’s only hope is remembering Asher. Then, Elder Corp President Rupert Elder gives her new orders: to be a leader in a war against the Harpies. Without a choice, Piper must obey Rupert’s commands or suffer from paralyzing and painful Nanomachines. But the war is just beginning, and Asher has gone missing. The resistance is slowly building, and the upcoming war will be larger and bloodier than anything seen since the Devastation that ruined the earth. Throughout all of this, Piper remembers the time before she ran to Ichton, when David was alive and her hope in Elder Corp was still strong.


Click here to view on Goodreads.


 AUTHOR BIO:
 

Nearly every writer struggles to put together information about themselves, perhaps because we’re so used to detailing the lives and ways of others. For the most part I am a writer, editor, photographer, and all-around artist living in the wilds north of Toronto, Ontario. I thrive on the juxtaposition of beauty and grit, enjoy urban crawls, indie everything, and time well-spent in the woods.

 




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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Sedona Venez's 'Breaking the Storm' Book Blitz: Excerpt & 2 Giveaways


 
Breaking the Storm by Sedona Venez
(Credence Curse #1)
Publication date: August 6th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance



Synopsis:
 
I wanted Knox. There was no need to deny that fact.

Knox was the type of guy you gravitated to, who stood out in the crowd. It wasn’t just his classically good-looking features and perpetual five o’clock shadow. It was his raw energy that entranced me, that made me feel like a giggly, fumbling high school girl, happy to be in his presence.

Yes, there’s no denying it, front man Knox Gunner was a sexy badass.

It didn’t matter that he initially thought I was some bored, rich girl trying to live out some wild fantasy of being with a starving musician. It was uncomplicated and that’s what we both wanted. At least that’s what I convinced myself. I wasn’t ready to admit to myself that my feelings for Knox were getting dangerously deep—waiting to lay siege on my heart. I was falling for him… and this was dangerous. The rules were clear: falling in love would obligate me to expose what I truly was, setting in motion his slow march to death.

AUTHOR BIO:
 


T.L. Clarke writing as Sedona Venez

TLC is a NYC girl (go Brooklyn!) and is obsessed with books. She also has a borderline unhealthy obsession with her iPad. Her favorite books… anything with rockers, hot alpha men and wolf shifters!

Her true love for writing blossomed when she began to write New Adult and Adult novels with romance, music, and sexy men as her alter ego "Sedona Venez".

Find me on pinterest to get some great Breaking the Storm inspiration!!http://www.pinterest.com/tlcauthor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SedonaVenez
Twitter: @tlclarke_tlc
 

Excerpt:

I instantly recognized the heavy, sensuous beat of the music as it thumped and echoed throughout the room. Damn those two. They picked Knox's hit single for me to dance to. I blew out anxiously, feeling like I was about to throw up. Damn, maybe I should just concede victory to Knox and go home with my tail between my legs. That's when I saw Knox with his wide muscular back deliberately turned away from me, in what I knew was an intentional you're not even worth paying attention to slap in the face. Okay, Mr. Gunner, it's time to wipe that fucking disdain from your face.
“Let's get ready to rumble… New York style,” I mumbled under my breath as I paraded about a bit before strutting my stuff. Releasing all of the tension, my body relaxed, fully taking in the magnitude of the utter power and sexiness of my captive audience. Unleashed dominance pulsed around me. Yep, I could do this. It was Seduction 101, and from the lustful hooded stares of the men that were now sitting up at attention, they were very interested in seeing exactly what I brought to the freaky boardroom.
Licking my lips seductively, I flipped my hair, strutting forward with a deliberate sway to my hips. Chest out. Head up. My gaze swept to every man as a hush filled the room. Knox turned around, giving me a blank stare.
The lights flashed while the music wove a hard rhythm around me. I loosened the tie, running it through my hands seductively, then over my shoulders. A man with sexy black hair peppered with gray at the temple beckoned me over with a nod. Placing one foot directly in front of the other, I strutted over, proud and sexy.
Twirling the tie in my hand a couple of times before leaning forward with my stomach in and ass out, I swung the tie around his neck to draw him close. Gracefully swaying my hips from left to right as his eyes followed my hips in perfect synchrony. Releasing my grip on the tie and with a simple lift of my leg, my heel dug into his wide, muscular shoulder. His eyes dilated, turning a light yellow. A tiger-shifter. Bumping my hips sensually, I glanced at the wide-screen. The bid was at $80,000.
“Absolutely beautiful,” he said with a sexy Texas drawl. He pressed the button, moving the highest bid to $110,000. “You, I definitely want.”
“Tiger, you might be asking for way more trouble than you can handle,” I responded with a wink before digging my heel deliberately farther into his broad shoulder, knowing that the pinch of my heel would give him what he wanted—pain. A growl rumbled deep in his chest, his hands clenching his glass. Just like I thought, the tiger was into pain. He pressed the bid button again.

 

Giveaways:

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Monday, October 28, 2013

Super Awesome Signed & Personalized Richelle Mead Book Giveaway




I am a HUGE Richelle Mead fan (like crazy fangirl status) so on November 23rd I will be attending her book signing in Seattle as a birthday treat for myself! I want to share the love with all of you, my loyal readers!! I have decided to run a giveaway for a personalized signed copy of your choice of one of the following books:
*Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy 1)
*Frostbite (Vampire Academy 2)
*Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy 3)
*Blood Promise (Vampire Academy 4)
*Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy 5)
*Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy 6)
*Bloodlines (Bloodlines 1)
*The Golden Lily (Bloodlines 2)
*The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines 3)
*Storm Born (Dark Swan 1)
*Thorn Queen (Dark Swan 2)
*Iron Crowned (Dark Swan 3)
*Shadow Heir (Dark Swan 4)
*Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid 1) 
*Succubus on Top (Georgina Kincaid 2)
*Succubus Dreams (Georgina Kincaid 3)
*Succubus Heat (Georgina Kincaid 4)
*Succubus Shadows (Georgina Kincaid 5)
*Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid 6)

*This giveaway is open internationally!!*
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Raquel Lyon's 'Kiss the Tiger' Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway


 
Kiss the Tiger by Raquel Lyon
Publication date: September 1st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult



Synopsis:
 
Amy’s love life sucks. At college, she thought she’d found the man of her dreams, but then she hadn’t planned on his brother’s sadistic intervention, and after that night, Amy’s life was never the same.
Deciding the only way to forget is to move on, she searches for comfort in the arms of other men, but the satisfaction she craves remains  elusive. No amount of one night stands can replace her lost love.

On a long awaited summer holiday, her sister hopes to change Amy’s luck, planning to find them both plenty of sexy fun on the hot summer nights. Sadly, an unforeseen turn of events threatens to drive a wedge into their sisterly love.
 

AUTHOR BIO:
 


Most of Raquel’s childhood was spent taking long walks in the beautiful English countryside with only her imaginary friends for company. She has lived around Pendle Hill, a magical mysterious place, all her life and has always been interested in the folklore surrounding it. Some of her favourite places have been the inspiration for her books’ settings.

She currently lives near Pendle Hill with her partner, two teenage daughters, and bunny rabbit Florence.


Excerpt:
 
The midday sun had heated the air to an unbearable level, and I understood why the word siesta existed in certain hot countries. In fact, it had turned into one of those days where the only thing you want to do is open the refrigerator door and stand in front of it. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I grabbed a quick bite to eat in the cool of the air-conditioned snack bar and returned to my room, intending to stick a film in the DVD player and chill out until the rays lengthened. The opening credits were rolling when there was a knock on the door. It couldn’t be the maid. When I’d returned, the bed was made and my top had gone to the big dumpster in the sky.
I pressed pause. “Who is it?”
“Manager.”
What? Why? Had someone reported my drunken antics? Had Nessie not cleaned up my mess properly and the maid had complained? Mum would love the excuse that we were forced to go home because I got us thrown out of the hotel.
“Just a minute.” I quickly tied a sarong around my bikini bottoms and opened the door, mentally preparing an apology, and totally unprepared for the sight that met me.
Casually leaning with an elbow against the door jamb and one ankle crossed over the other was a familiar figure. His dark head lifted with a crooked smile.
Our eyes locked, and for one brief moment I was too shocked to speak. A warm tingling radiated out from my chest, down my arms and legs, and my body weakened. What was he doing here?
I managed to find my voice. “Manager, huh?”
“Figured you might not open up if you knew it was me.”
I’ll open anything you ask me to.
Josh’s eyes flicked past my shoulders. “Are you alone?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Can I come in?”
I stepped back on shaky legs, and he squeezed through the gap, brushing my arm with his as he passed. His electric touch gave my nerves another jolt.
He walked over to the balcony access and slid it shut. “Are you going to close the door?”
Hadn’t he just done that? I faltered for a second before realising what I was holding. “Oh. Yeah. Right.” I let go of the handle. The door latch caught, and I leaned back against the fire notice. I needed to sit down before my legs gave way, but the only place to sit was the bed, and as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t go there. He might get the wrong idea. So I went to the dressing table and perched on the edge, hoping it was strong enough to support me. An uncomfortable silence ensued.
Josh stared leisurely through the glass at the view, and I stared at him. The white cotton of his T-shirt was fitted enough to show the contours of his muscular back, and his hands in the pockets of his beige, linen shorts stretched the material tight across his buttocks. My mouth went dry with an overwhelming need to touch him. I couldn’t believe he was here, in my bedroom. If I’d fallen asleep again, and was dreaming it all, I didn’t want to wake up.
Finally he spoke. “You stood me up.”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“Okay, walked out on me.”
“Yeah.”
“Girls don’t do that.”
I bet they don’t. “Did I dent your pride?”
He swung around, and with two slow, purposeful strides, he was standing in front of me, his nose six inches from my face. “No.” He angled his head. “I understand why you left. It was a shock for me too.”
I struggled to keep my breath even. “It was?”
“You were the last girl I expected to see.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” Why was I smart mouthing him when he’d done nothing to deserve it?
His lips curved into a smile. I’d never noticed his dimples before, but then I’d never been lucky enough to see them this close. “I wasn’t disappointed,” he said.
“Really? You’re not pissed you didn’t get the quick leg-over you were expecting?” Shut up, Amy, before your mouth ruins everything.
His eyes fell to my cleavage. “That’s Jacko, not me.”
The way he was undressing me with his eyes said otherwise.
 

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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Giveaway Saturday: 'Vampire Academy' Temporary Tattoos & Author Swag Grab Bag

This week's Saturday Giveaway is for a pack of Vampire Academy/Bloodlines temporary tattoos given to me by the amazingly awesome and lovely Richelle Mead herself. The giveaway also includes a grab bag of author bookmarks and swag (some signed, some not signed). It'll be a pretty AMAZING collection if I do say so myself. 
 


Not the greatest pictures of the tattoos, but you get the idea. :-)
 
 
*This is an International Giveaway!*
 
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Friday, October 25, 2013

Cover Reveal: Emma Meade's 'Beneath Manhattan Skies'


Beneath Manhattan Skies by Emma Meade
Publication date: November 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis:
 
November in New York is cold but full of possibility for college freshman Erin Harris. When her twin brother, Nick, shows up on her doorstep for a surprise visit, Erin is delighted. Unfortunately, Nick’s arrival coincides with the discovery of a body outside her apartment building, a body drained of blood. Right away, Nick assumes vampires are involved. He’s not exactly their biggest fan since Erin dated one in high school.

Juggling nosy roommates, a first date with a gorgeous guy from college and a brother on a Van Helsing kick is enough to keep any nineteen year old girl busy – And then Erin’s old flame walks back into her life.

Is Erin destined to be caught up in supernatural shenanigans, or will she choose a different path?

(A 45,000 word Novella).

Click here to add on Goodreads.



AUTHOR BIO:

Emma Meade writes paranormal fiction.
She lives in rainy Ireland and loves all things supernatural. Stephen King's The Stand is one of her most loved books and she's lost count of the number of times she's read L.J. Smith's trilogy, The Forbidden Game.

Books, DVDS & TV show boxsets take up lots of space in her home and she collects all the Point Horror books she can get her hands on.

She is not ashamed to admit that Dirty Dancing and Twilight make her top ten movie list but wishes to point out that The Last of the Mohicans, Reality Bites, Dead Poets Society, Stand by Me and The Goonies are in there too.

Writing supernatural stories & watching marathon re-runs of Buffy are some of her favourite ways of escaping reality.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


 

 
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Thursday, October 24, 2013

'Urban Harvest' Book Blitz: Interview & 2 Giveaways


 
Urban Harvest: Tales of the Paranormal in New York City
Anthology
Publication date: September 22nd 2013
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:
 
New York City–it’s home to 8 million people trying to make their way through the day–a crop of humanity seething with hopes and fears, dreams and nightmares. Autumn comes, and nine authors harvest nine tales from this unique setting and people. From stories of everyday life in an otherworldly light to nightmarish tales of human darkness, Urban Harvest has something for everyone.

Urban Harvest contains tales of the paranormal from Alex Shvartsman, Laurie Treacy, Donna Ansari, Tara Hill, Laura Wenham, Andrea Stanet, Don Corcoran, Saif Ansari, and Sean Sakamoto.

In keeping with the spirit of harvest, all proceeds from this anthology will go to support City Harvest, an organization that feeds NYC’s hungry.

 
 
AUTHOR LIST:
 



 Giveaways:
 
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