Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Affaire de Coeur by Stephanie O'Hanlon - Review

Title: Affaire De Coeur

Author: Stephanie O'Hanlon

Genre: Historical Romance

First off, I am in love with the book's placement. It was placed in France, in the 1770. LOVE IT! I could not put this book down! This is a romance, and a good one at that. You will fall in love with the main character and Lucien! The book was extremely well written, and there was never a moment too dull. There was always something happening. Stephanie had a way of throwing things at you, and you never see them coming. I had my fair share of shocks when different things happened! I thought that was brilliant. At the end of the book, I was a bit worried that things weren't going to go my way, but it happens within the last 10 pages, which I was happy about. There is no doubt when I give this book 5 out of 5 book-a-saur paws!

I had the oppotunity to do an interview with Stephanie. Here it is:

Me: First question: What inspired you to write Affaire de Coeur?

Stephanie: Well, at first it was just a slight interest in the 18th century & my best friend. That only inspired the first ten pages, haha. Then I watched Marie Antoinette directed by Sofia Coppola and became more attracted to the era, which led to more research. And voila, Affaire de Coeur began to write itself.

Me: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Stephanie: Actually, I didn't. I went to film school hoping I would go into directing, but I wasn't very good at it. Writing was an accident, which turned into a passion.

Me: How long did it take you to write Affaire de Coeur?

Stephanie: Three months, from December 2010 to February 2011.

Me: How did you come up with the title?

Stephanie: Originally it was "Such is Life" because my best friend used to say it so much, she was the basis for Colette. I went back and forth between the English and French of it, then I scrapped it because it didn't feel right. Then it was title Cri de Coeur, which also didn't feel quite right. I was reading some French poetry and saw, "affaire de coeur". It sounded right.

Me: Is there going to be a second book?

Stephanie: Yes, actually! A lot of people who read the book want to know what happens with Madeleine & Lucien. I have about ten pages already written for it.

Me: YAY!!! *Ahem* Are you working on any other books?

Stephanie: I am, right now I have another 18th century romance. It's titled Let Them Eat Cake. It's more light hearted, a comedy. I'm having fun writing it!

Me: Is there any advice you would like to give to writers out there?

Stephanie: Keep writing. The more you write, the more you learn. Telling a story isn't easy, but if you keep at it, it'll love you back & you'll have something amazing to share with the world.

Me: Thank you Stephanie for your time! I really appreciate it!

Stephanie: No problem!

The interview was a blast! Read on to learn more about the book.

Paris, May 1770—in the midst of aristocracy—country girl, Madeleine Dumont is privileged to partake in social events while living with her friend Colette du Lorme, daughter of a Marquis. While following in the shadow of her popular and socially versed friend, she is caught up with her infatuation with a man—a Comte. Lucien de Laurent is one of King Louis XV’s favorites and established bachelor social recluse. How does a woman win such a man without playing the game?

www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615728688

Stephanie O'Hanlon graduated from the Toronto Film School with aspirations of starting a career in film, but found herself drawn to writing. After self-publishing her first novel, a vampire historical romance, she decided to narrow her sights on general historical romance, fuelled by her love for history, the 18th century in particular.

Now a full time writer, she lives in the city of Oshawa in Ontario, Canada. More information can be found on her Facebook page or her Blog.

Affaire de Coeur is available through Eternal Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, & Chapters Indigo, as well as many other fine online retailers.

www.facebook.com/stephanieohanlonwriter

www.stephanieohanlonwriter.blogspot.ca

www.twitter.com/sohanlonwriter

Monday, 3 June 2013

Breathe Me by Alexia Purdy - Release Day

Title: Breathe Me

Author: Alexia Purdy

Genre: Contemporary Romance/New Adult

Publisher: Lyrical Lit. Press

Release Date: May 31

Synopsis:

Sometimes the one who broke your heart, needs the most saving.

Piper Sandervale never thought she’d see Sasha Koval ever again. Not since he took her heart, ripped it out and obliterated it from existence. Now, six years have passed and she has run into him once more at the local fairgrounds in Las Vegas. He desperately wants another chance, and he’d do anything to get her back. She’s willing to give him a taste of his own medicine, if this is her chance for payback. But, will she find herself way in over her head?

Something has changed with Sasha and Piper struggles to justify the worth of past hurts to continue her quest for atonement.

Who needs saving now?

Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada–Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She loves writing paranormal fantasy and poetry and devours books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food.

Excerpt #2

My heart sped up thinking of the nights we’d spent together. Alone with him, I’d been in heaven, utterly lost to the world. Loving the way his fingertips had softly slid down my skin and sent goose bumps flaring throughout my body, it was searing and his scent, intoxicating. How do you get over someone like that? Especially after the day he turned me into a shadow in his midst, left in the cold, alone. It was no different than throwing me under the bus. At the time, it had left me empty, a hollowed mess that I had been left to clear away, bit by painful bit.

But I wasn’t eighteen anymore and definitely not that fragile, naïve and trusting girl I’d once been.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Author Page

Blog

Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale) Facebook Fan page

Facbook Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

Smashwords Author Page

Reign of Blood Series Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Unexpected Moments by Brandy Michelle - Review

Title: Unexpected Moments

Author: Brandy Michelle

Genre: Adult (Short Story)

Unexpected Moments is a wonderful little short romance story. It was simple and lovely. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters. I think is was really sweet! I give this short story 4 out of 5 book-a-saur paws.

blurb:

After an agreement that Michelle made with her best friend she

steps out of her comfort zone and tries something new. Only to find

out when she tries new things amazingly unexpected things may

happen.

Author Bio:

Brandy Michelle is a new author. She was born in Fayetteville, NC but was raised in Boiling Springs, SC. Brandy has spent her entire life with her head in a book reading every chance she gets. Her first work (an erotic short story) entitled "The Christmas Resolution" was published in 2013. She is also the co-owner and operator of Nevermore PR and Nevermore Press. She currently resides in Cincinnati, OH with her husband and family. She spends her time juggling all these and a beautiful family! She has decided to publish for a different audience...

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPPT0W2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CPPT0W2&linkCode=as2&tag=nev0e-20

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Brandy.Michelle.author

The Star by C. Warner Thompson - Release Day Blitz

Title: The Star

Author: C. Warner Thompson

Release Date: June 3rd, 2013

Genre: Young Adult, Dark Fantasy

Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:
Abbii had been afraid of the dark for four long years. She hated the eerie silence that filled the night.

She would often try to forget by closing her eyes at night, but she would always be met by dreams of Shadows that would attack her, dragging her into the Darkness. Most nights, she would simply lie there with her bedding wrapped tightly around her, staring at the light coming in through her window, hoping that she would drift off into a dreamless sleep.

Ever since that day four years ago, the dark had frightened her; she had thought it would be a curse throughout the whole of her life, but something changed when she met him.

The dark seemed to lose its power and the moon’s light brightened.

Her dreams didn’t stop; nightmares still stole her sleep, but there was always a figure of Light that would save her and allow her to wake.

He said the same thing every night in her dreams. Keep fighting, Abbii.

She thought that he was part of her imagination, someone that she had created to save her, until she met him and was drawn into his bright hazel eyes.

His name was Nate.

Author Bio:

I was born in England in the West Midlands in 1991 where I am still currently living, growing up alongside one younger and three older brothers.

Books and writing was an interest that I began to develop from the first years of secondary school, and on my thirteenth birthday, I began to plan and design the idea to write a fantasy novel. I finished secondary school with high GCSE's and then went on into further education to study English and all aspects of art and design. After six years of writing, planning and overall editing of the book, it was successfully completed, containing over 82,000 words, and self published in the first week of 2011.

With high expectations in myself, I immediately began to write a second novel in the series, while keeping my art and design a part of the process. The achievement of completing the first novel 'Purest Light,' allowed the ideas of the second to flow much easier and it was completed by early 2012. As I was writing the third and final book, New Beginnings, at the same time, the series was finished by its publication in 2013.

Writing is now a part of my everyday and I have started on my newest project, The Star, which is also planned to be the first of three. Only time will tell.

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/C-Warner-Thompson/104340679736336?ref=hl

Twitter @clemychum

Excerpt:
Nate signalled for her to move forward, watching as she did after a brief hesitation. She stopped several strides in front of him and waited for him to speak. “How many windows are there?”

Not really understanding the relevance of counting windows, Abbii turned to count them.

“No!”

Startled by Nate’s outburst, she glared at him, more out of shock than malice.

“Without turning.” He watched as confusion took over her face. “Close your eyes and focus on the energy of the sunlight beaming through the glass.”

Abbii shuffled in her place, not really understanding, but when Nate smiled, she did as she was asked. She closed her eyes, immediately feeling self conscious that Nate’s gaze was focused onto her.

“Clear your mind of everything else. Think of somewhere you feel calm.”

Keeping her eyes closed, Abbii took in Nate’s statement. She felt her heartbeat increase and her breath seemed shallow, but as she relaxed her shoulders, the rest of her body seemed to follow. She listened to the faint breeze that circled through the large space, hearing leaves pitter-pattering against the wooden floor.

“Anywhere you feel calm.”

Although her mind was full of questions and worries and a fear that she would lose herself, Abbii found that an image began to form in her head. Bursts of blue and silver light soothed her, and once the image had focused, she realised why. She could see the lake at The Everglades, with the moon reflected clearly upon its surface. The stars were shining brightly, and the air was still. The feeling of calm which enveloped her felt uplifting.

“Now keep that feeling inside of you and focus onto the light of the sun.”

Not at all distracted by Nate’s words, Abbii kept hold of the calmness inside of her and expanded her mind in some way, feeling the energy of the sunlight. She could feel its warmth and the way it passed through the glass of the bay windows. The years of dirt and dust made no difference; the power of the sunlight beamed through it without faltering.

“How many are there, Abbii?”

Realising that she could sense several different areas of the sunlight’s energy, Abbii realised that each one represented one of the windows.

There are eight.

Saturday, 1 June 2013

Broken Wings by Cameo Renae - Release Day

BROKEN WINGS (Book #2 in the Hidden Wings Series)

Blurb:

Emma’s world is falling apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must be made before it’s too late.

The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.

A perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld, where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself. Lucifer.

Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived.

Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected.

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17301746-broken-wings

Amazon Link: (I will send everyone the Amazon link as soon as I get it.)

Hidden Wings (Book #1)

On Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/HiddenWingsSeriesebook/dp/B00B27GAC2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3

On Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15757099-hidden-wings

Blurb:

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

Descent (Hidden Wings Novella)

Blurb:

Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise. As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm, and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered. Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is. A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

On Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Descent-Hidden-Wings-Novella-ebook/dp/B00CSEJ386/ref=la_B004X2PEH0_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1369536854&sr=1-3

On Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17794709-descent

Author Bio:

Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, CA, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved with her husband and children to Alaska.

She loved reading from as long as she can remember, and it was C.S. Lewis' - Chronicles of Narnia – which sparked a fire in her soul and made her want to create her own wondrous, magical worlds and characters to go on adventures with.

Her published books are In My Dreams (A YA Paranormal Romance Thriller), Hidden Wings (Book #1 in the HW Series), Descent (A HW Series Novella) and Broken Wings (Book #2 in HW Series).

One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe, and ride away on her magical unicorn... until then... she'll keep writing!

Cameo’s Links:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeFanPage?ref=hl

Website: http://cameorenae.com

Author blog: http://cameorenae.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4794993.Cameo_Renae

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CameoRenae

Broken Prince by Jen Wylie - Release Day Blitz

Title: Broken Prince (Book 2 of The Broken Ones)

Author: Jen Wylie

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Blitz Host:Lady Amber's Tours

Synopsis:

Sometimes, when you're broken, you can heal on your own. Sometimes, you need the help of your friends, your family, and the people you love. Keeping those pieces together when the world seems intent on ripping you apart is the greatest challenge of all. Especially when the ones you love, the ones who hold you together, start falling apart themselves.

Arowyn and her family continue on their journey to return the Elven Prince, Shael, to his homeland before he fades and dies. A journey full of triumph and horror, love and sorrow, rips them apart with every fighting moment, and yet brings them together as a family. They don’t allow the prophecy to rule their lives. Some don’t believe, some don’t care. Prophecies aren’t written in stone. Events can change. People can change. They are only words. From besieged cites, to the elusive Were and wild Fey, nothing quite prepares them to face their deadliest of enemies, one they didn't know existed.

Author Bio:

Jen Wylie resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her two boys, Australian shepherd and a disagreeable amount of wildlife. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.

Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.
Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories.

Links:
My website: www.jenwylie.com

My blog: http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @jen_wylie

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4499919.Jen_Wylie

Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Wylie/151266004895266

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Wylie/e/B004HQ9XD8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Excerpt:

Damon knelt before them.

"Will she get better? Will she…" Prince’s voice trailed off.

Her eyes locked on Damon’s face as he regarded her thoughtfully. His hand came up and she flinched as it rested on the top of her head. No pain came. She felt…nothing. If he tried to speak to her, she couldn’t hear him.

"No," he said finally. "There has been damage to the brain. There is bleeding and swelling inside."

Prince’s cry startled her, almost as much as the sudden clutching of his arms around her. "Can you do anything," he choked out. "Please, I am responsible. I can not…I will pay–"

Damon chuckled. "It is not your life that needs saving." He stared at Prince for a long moment. "I see." He shook his head. "Perhaps I was wrong and she isn’t the one. I read so few pages of the book." He turned to Kei.

"No," the Fey said. "I don’t remember."

"Pity."

"Dragos, I beg of you," Prince began again.

"The Elven prince begs, and for a human. How very far you have fallen." He looked down at her again.

Blinking up at him, she tried to get her scattered thoughts to work. She’d barely comprehended what he’d said past the inference she was dying. The words sent an icy chill through her body. Terror crawled through her, speeding her heart. Sweat broke out on her forehead and all she could hear was her increasingly frantic breathing.

Kei startled her, leaning forward over her to press a kiss to her forehead. She tilted her head back, trying to see him.

"I’m with you."

Damon’s fingers brushes her cheek, drawing her attention back to him. "Do you wish to live, young Arowyn?"

Words refused to pass her lips. Somehow she managed to nod. She didn’t know what the cost would be, certainly there would be one. Right then, she didn’t care. Rot it all, she wanted to live!

"Very well." He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment. "Dragos rarely heal others. I do know the magic, but it is difficult. Your story has barely begun. I find I would actually attempt it, just to see what you might become and how it will unfold."

He sat back and gestured to the pile of furs next to him. "Lay her down. This will take some time and I’ll need no distractions."

Prince carefully set her amongst the furs, arranging her arms so her hands rested on her chest, tucking stray locks of hair behind her ears. Leaning forward, he rested his forehead for a moment against hers.

"Get well, Arowyn."

Bo appeared next, smoothing the hair back on the top of her head and squeezing one of her hands. "You can do this, pup."

Garen pressed his wet nose against her temple. If he spoke, she didn’t hear him.

Kei pushed the wolf aside and took her face in his hands. His eyes glowed with that strange orange inner light. Tears streaked down his cheeks. Despite the awkward position he leaned down and held her close for a moment. "Remember our promises," he whispered in her. "I’m always with you." He choked on a sob and squeezed her tightly again. "I love you," he whispered fiercely before quickly pulling away.

She wished she could speak. More than anything, she wanted to tell him she loved him, too. She wanted to tell all of them she did. Tears filled her eyes and slid down her face.

Damon knelt beside her and turned her head to look at him. "I will do what I can," he said. "However I can’t guarantee it will work. I have never tried to heal a human before. Understand?"

She managed a faint nod and pressed her quivering lips together.

He glanced up and gestured the others away. "Stand back and be silent." His eyes found hers again. "Don’t fight me this time, little one. Fall into my eyes…"

Blinking once more to clear the tears away, she tried to do as he asked. Damon’s eyes were strange enough she found it not difficult to stare. They had vertical slits and no whites at all. The iridescent color was a wash of blue-green with streaks of gold and red. The colors began to swirl, making her dizzy as she tried to watch them. A comforting thrum emanated from his chest, soothing her as his power wrapped around her. Her thoughts drifted into nothing.

Vampire Elite by Irina Argo - Cover Reveal

Title: Vampire Elite

Author: Irina Argo

Genre: Paranormal

Release Day: May 31, 2013

Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Vampire Elite is a new vampire series

The first two parts will be release in one volume

Vampire Elite

Part 1. Prophecy

Part 2. Keepers of the Key

What will he do if saving his people means destroying the woman he loves?

A millennia-long war between two immortal races is about to come to an end. Long ago, the Vampire Elite began capturing the immortals called the Amiti, attracted by their unique blood properties. Now most Amiti live in underground cells, forced to serve as vampires’ bloodstock. The few surviving free Amiti, preparing a final strike, have declared their Queen a traitor. Her execution makes possible the rise of a new Queen, her young daughter Arianna, who will inherit her mother's mystical powers. Working with the Keepers of the Key, Arianna may be able to eliminate the vampires, once and for all, from the face of the earth.

The new Queen is the last hope to save her dying race

and she's ready to fight to the last drop of her blood.

But the King of the Vampires has other plans.

What neither expects

is the passion that erupts between them.

Vampire Elite is an epic story of a bitter conflict between two immortal races, and the effect of that conflict on everyone living in its grip. The characters are driven to love and betrayal, vengeance and sacrifice in a world without easy black-and-white answers.

Based on an ancient Egyptian legend, packed with action and intrigue, Vampire Elite will pull you into the entrancing world of immortals and open new portals into their hidden universe.

Readers’ Favorite reviewers on Vampire Elite:

You’ve managed to restore my hope in the future of vampire books ...

... a fascinating read and definitely a book for anyone who loves fantasy, romance and of course vampires.

… a spellbinding novel of action, suspense, romance, and conscience ... character development is superb ... the type of book that will make you read all day until you get to the end! It is deliciously addictive!