Sunday, July 15, 2012

Review: Untouched by Sara Humphreys

                                       ABOUT THE BOOK:
RATING: ✭✭✭✭✭
SHE SHOULD BE SEEN, BUT NEVER TOUCHED...
Kerry Smithson's modeling career ensures that she will be admired from afar, which is essential since mere human touch sparks blinding pain and terrifying visions.
EVERY GOOD MODEL NEEDS A HEAVENLY BODYGUARD...
Dante Coltari is hired to protect Kerry from those who know who she is—or more importantly what she is—and want her dead because of it. Nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of keeping her safe. But, strangely, his lightest touch brings her exquisite pleasure rather than pain, and Dante and Kerry have an otherwordly connection that might just pull them through.

REVIEW:
Kerry Smithson is a supermodel with womanly curves that captures the eye of a body guard, Dante Coltari, hired by her friends to protect her while in the city of New Orleans. Dante is completely entranced with the plus-size supermodel, but quickly finds that having her requite his feelings will be quite the task to accomplish. All of her life Kerry has avoided every person's touch, and if she can help it, Dante, although beautiful and exhilarating, won't be the exception. Inexplicably, and much to Kerry's surprise, she finds herself eager to touch him. Kerry also finds that a secret that she's kept her entire life is easy to reveal to Dante, and while romance blooms between the two, little do they know that danger lurks in "The Big Easy". 

Kerry feels that she needs the support of her best friend, Samantha, to give her answers to changes with which Samantha has also had to deal, yet is hesitant to contact her. But when an anonymous note is left at the front desk for Kerry, she sends a pleading call to Sam for help. The pace of the story quickens as they try to figure out who could be threatening the lovely Kerry. Dante will not stand to lose her, but it's out of his hands when "The Punisher" outsmarts them all. Who will save the Amoveo now? 

In the second book of Sara Humphreys' series, "The Amoveo Legend", the author has again weaved an exciting paranormal romance and mystery in the exciting world of shape shifters. The feel of the French-Cajun environment is so realistically portrayed in Humphreys' descriptive scenes that you'll want to hop the first plane to New Orleans. The story is filled with clever quips and an unexpected ending that will leave you wondering which other characters in Sara Humphreys' series are privy to their true Amoveo dynasty.  

Untouched is a passionate story of love and need for the soulmate of which we all dream. 


Buy The Amoveo Legend Series:

                                            
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sara is a Goodreads Author
Unleashed, Sara’s first published novel and the first book in The Amoveo Legend series, recently won Best Book of 2011 in the Grave Tells Reader’s Choice Awards, beating out JR Ward for the top honor. Untouched (AL #2) is being released by Sourcebooks in April of 2012 and will be followed by three more books in the series.
Dead in the City, Sara’s urban fantasy vampire series was recently sold to Sourcebooks in another five book deal, with the first book slated for release in 2013.
Sara is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.A. Degree in English Literature & Theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.
Sara is the President of Taney Speaker Training, which specializes in public speaking, presentation development and communication skills training. She has trained executives at Verizon, Bristol-Meyer Squibb, Westchester County and the United States Navy.  Her speaking career began with Monster’s Making It Count programs, speaking in high schools and colleges around the United States to thousands of students.
Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV Series STAR TREK and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal; vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course shape shifters. Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in Bronxville, New York with their 4 boys and 2 insanely loud dogs. Life is busy but never dull.


Connect with Sara:

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

"A Day in the Life of..." Guest Schedule

Have you ever wondered how authors, bloggers, editors, publicists, etc., juggle their lives and find balance between their busy work schedule and their personal time? Well then you'll love this...


A new feature on my blog will kick off on Monday, July 16th, 2012. Every Monday and on the occasional Thursday, my guest will take you and me along for a stroll through one typical day. Not only will they talk about their day, but they'll give us an insight on their current projects, and if we're lucky, they might even throw in a surprise giveaway. So keep your eyes peeled and get ready for... 





Guest Schedule

July 16th - Author A Jacob Sweeny (Pulse Of Heroes Series)


                                   July 23rd - Author Sara Taney Humphreys 

July 30th - Author Gracen Miller (Road to Hell series)

Aug 6th - Author Madison Daniel (Ember Series )

AND MORE TO COME! 

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein 3 Chapter Critique Giveaway!


While perusing through Facebook, I came across this awesome giveaway by Lisa Burstein that I thought would be an excellent opportunity for aspiring authors. 

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL BLOG POST BY LISA BURSTEIN, AUTHOR OF PRETTY AMY



Contest update in yellow below!!!!!

I will be giving away 3!!! 3 chapter critiques 1 from my EDITOR(!!!) 1 from my AGENT(!!!) & 1 from ME. Any genre, not just YA!
&
A $25 gift card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  
All you have to do is complete any of the requirements below to be entered!

I do realize that chapters are only half the battle when you are trying to get noticed by an agent or editor, so if you *WIN* one of the chapter critiques and had a purchase for a paperback or E-book of PRETTY AMY as one of your entries you will also get a QUERY CRITIQUE!!!


Why would you want to win a critique from my editor?

Because it is Stacy Cantor Abrams! Editorial Director at Entangled publishing with 10 years experience in the publishing industry. Plus she's awesome and super smart!

Why would you want to win a critique from my agent?Because it is Susan Finesman! She began scouting books, plays and narrative non-fiction for Tri-Star Pictures in 1986. Five years later, she moved on to SAVOY Pictures followed by a long and award winning stint at HOME BOX OFFICE where highlights included an Emmy. Plus she has a great eye and provides amazing feedback- amazing enough to get my book published!

Why would you want to win a critique from me?

Um, I have been through the paces of an MFA program, managed to snag an agent and 2 publishing contracts! (I hope that means it looks like I know what I'm doing)
Why would you want to win a Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card?

Because you love to read, obvs.!
This is open internationally!!!!

TO ENTER THE CONTEST PLEASE VISIT 
LISA BURSTEIN'S WEBSITE: 



Read the first chapter here!



GOOD LUCK! 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

REVIEW: "Ember" by Madison Daniel




REVIEW:
RATING: ✭✭✭✭✭
Eighteen year-old Max Valentine has a blazing personality, and that's not figuratively speaking. The main character in Madison Daniel's novel, Ember, can literally ignite himself when his rage takes over, which unfortunately is quite often. Max can only hope that moving to paradise might calm his burning temper. Max takes up his uncle's offer to move to Hawaii to start fresh after his father passes. Upon arrival on the small island, Max is captivated by an exotic beauty named Asia and whisked off his feet by an assertive little blonde named Sam. Double girl trouble is any teenage boy's fantasy, but it becomes a nightmare for Max when Asia reveals her mystery and Sam's jealous ex-boyfriend wants to pound his face in. How will he ever control his temper?

Author Madison Daniel sets his novel ablaze by relating the story of a lonesome boy's struggle to bury his inner most demons while still discovering who he is and finding his purpose in a world where the elements are the embodiment of humans. Each character has a unique and likable personality with dialogue carefully formatted to fit their persona. Ember will be sure to leave you with a burning desire to read the next book in the series.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Find Madison Daniel on Goodreads
Music is LIFE and the written word is our SOUL. Music and writing have been my true ambition since I was a child. I have used music in every form possible; writing it, performing it, healing with it, etc. I call it my "life's soundtrack." I have always written in some form; from comic books to screenplays to short stories and now the new series "Ember." I have found a true passion for my stories and characters 
and am eager to share them with the world. See you on the next book tour...M.D.


LEARN MORE ABOUT MADISON DANIEL AND THE EMBER SERIES ON HIS SITES: 

BLOG: madisondaniel13.blogspot.com/

TWITTER: twitter.com/#!/MadisonDaniel13

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/Madison.Daniel.Author

 & www.facebook.com/EmberSeries




Thursday, June 14, 2012

Two Creatura Lethal Blog Tours?!

www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com
Today marks the anniversary of Creatura's one year in print. Also, as you might have or might have not heard, LedaBooks, the leading YA publisher in Romania, has recently acquired the foreign rights for publication. It's been a good year for Creatura, and to celebrate its one year anniversary and the foreign rights contract, there is not one but two blog tours that will be kicking off this weekend. How cool is that?!


An international blog tour, "The Lethal Book Tour", hosted by Kathryn V. Grimes and Shelley Bunnell of Tsk Tsk What to Read blog, will begin today, June 15, and run through July 9, 2012. This tour will make about 27 stops at different blogs. You'll find the  international Rafflecopter giveaway, along with a picture of the prizes as you read further.


www.creaturalovers.blogspot.com
The "Romanian Lethal Book Tour" is more of a scavenger hunt. The blog tour will take place, Saturday, June 16, 2012, making stops at about 16 Romanian blog sites. The tour will be hosted by Irinna, Oana and Alecsa of the very first  fan blog dedicated to Creatura -- Creatura Lovers. The girls are very excited that Creatura is coming to Romania, and I share in the excitement with them.


I'd like to thank the hosts and bloggers that are participating in both blog tours and who whipped them up at the spur of the moment. I also thank you for stopping by my blog. You can check out the events on the following sites:




Good Luck! 
-Nely


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Creatura's Foreign Rights Acquired by LedaBooks (Romania)








It was my dream from the age of 10 to be a published author. Today I'm ecstatic to announce that 17 days shy of its one year anniversary in the self-publishing market, my first novel, Creatura, has been signed to LedaBooks, the leading Young Adult publisher in Romania (an imprint of Corint Editorial Group) for translation rights and traditional publishing. It's an honor to work with you Leda!


In addition, I'd like to extend my undying gratitude to the Romanian bloggers that have expressed such a passionate interest in Creatura and took it upon themselves to campaign for my book. The mastermind behind the Creatura Campaign is a beautiful, sweet and intelligent young lady named Irina Mihaila of Gaesti, Romania. Irina and her blog partner, Oana, run the Rătăcitori în lumen cărÅ£ilor blog and actively sought out other bloggers to introduce them to Creatura. Your support means the world to me, girls!

But there are other Romanian blogger that have devoted much time to the Romanian book campaign, as well. Among a few I can name are  Claudiu, Simona, Bianca Alexandra, Vlad,, Oana, Ioana, Krisz, Alex, Gabi, Andrea and so many more! Guys, without you, I don't exist. "Vă iubesc mult!"

Thank you to my existing supporters, fans and friends for your continued support and encouragement. I hope that you've enjoyed our journey in conquering the world, so far. I'd be extremely happy if you'd stick around because I've only just begun.

As a way of introducing myself and my book to my new followers and to entertain my present readers, I gathered some of the people that helped me imagine the characters in my story and made a short video. I hope you like it. Enjoy!




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

My TV Debut on Televisa Mexico

Two weeks ago, I was contacted by Televisa Noreste (Mexico) and extended an invitation to film a short segment about me and Creatura. The segment has been running for six days between regular programming, like a regular television commercial, including during their prime time shows.

Because I live in the border region of South Texas, I'm fortunate to have this video reach viewers in border cities in both Mexico and Texas. I'm very excited to have had the opportunity to be featured on "Quien La Esta Haciendo" (Who's Making It) with host Luis Peña. A big thank you to Televisa Noreste and to Luis for making this possible.

By the way, the interview was conducted in Spanish.


Creatura Lip Gloss Giveaway!



Thursday, May 3, 2012

"Creatura", My Poem Set to Music

 Anisah on Facebook 
I've had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people since I published my book, Creatura -- painters, readers, bloggers, authors, singers, crafters and simply wonderful personalities all around. One of my first readers happens to be a young lady with a beautiful voice who teamed up with a gifted and skillful guitarist, becoming the duo named Anisah. Sylvia Alexia Hernandez (age 18, UTB college student) and Alvin Niño (age 18,  high school student), both from Brownsville, Texas have given me a gift that I will cherish forever. These talented young people have taken a poem that I've written for book #2 in the Creatura Series and set it to music. How they came up with this beautiful archaic sounding melody, I don't know. But I thank Sylvia and Alvin from the bottom of my heart and share with you their artistic talent and rendition of my poem in this simple video. Enjoy!









Visit Anisah's Band Page and become a fan! Thank you for listening! 




Saturday, April 28, 2012

Review: Pandora's Box by Gracen Miller


RATING: ✭✭✭✭✭

SYNOPSIS:

Where does the road to Hell begin?

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn’t believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn’t know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix’s aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind’s liberty has begun...


REVIEW:

Demons, fallen angels, succubus and adrenaline rushes, oh my! Gracen Miller delivers a phenomenal tale of the courage and sacrifice that a mother must endure for her only son.

In a small Alabama town, Madison Wescott is struggling to raise her son, Amos, alone. Her fight isn't just about bringing up a good southern boy. It's about keeping her five-year old son from slaughtering her like the many neighborhood pets that she's already buried in her backyard. Desperate to find a cure for Amos' sudden behavioral change, she seeks out the help of a psychic and her family, the Birminghams.

Phoenix Birmingham and his uncle arrive at Madison's door just as one of Amos' sudden attempts to kill his mother is in effect. As Amos' fiery eyes, glow with murderous intent, Phoenix realizes that he and his family are in for a long ride on the "Road to Hell". Will it be Evil that claims victory this time around?

Pandora's Box is a fast-paced and unpredictable work of art. Miller paints the story with the finesse of a renaissance artist's brush and the boldness of a warrior's deadly strike. This book will leave you scorching in anticipation for the next installment in the "Road to Hell" Series.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gracen is a hopeless daydreamer masquerading as a "normal" person in southern society. When not writing, she's a full-time basketball/football/guitar mom for her two sons and a devoted wife to her real-life hero-husband. She's addicted to writing, paranormal romance novels and movies, Alabama football and coffee…addictions are not necessarily in order of priority. She is convinced coffee is nectar from the gods and blending coffee and writing together generates the perfect creative merger. Many of her creative worlds are spawned from coffee highs.


Learn more about Gracen Miller and the Road to Hell Series on Facebook and on her Website.


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Video: Romanian Bloggers Campaign for "Creatura"

Romanian bloggers have captured my heart with this video, pushing for votes on their campaign to have Creatura available in their country. Will their plea be heard? Check out their video: 


Check out the poll on their blog: 

Rătăcitori în lumea cărţilor


(Da = Yes)


And as if that weren't enough, they've also made a blog dedicated to Creatura! AND they're holding A BOOK GIVEAWAY! Check it out here: 

WINNERS of the "Twisted Fairy Tales Vol. II" Giveaway

Congratulations Winners!


Friday, March 23, 2012

Review, Interview & GIVEAWAY: Jaidis Shaw & "Destiny Awaits"


RATING: ★★★★★
Soon To Be Released! 
Synopsis:



Alayna Scott always knew that she wasn’t your average twenty-year-old. The visions she receives around water were a dead giveaway. But even her visions couldn’t prepare her for the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of her parents. With everything she loves gone, Alayna packs up and moves to the small town of Juniper Grove in hopes of starting over.

Jayden McKnight can’t explain the sudden attraction that he feels whenever Alayna is near but he does know that he wants her for his own. So when a local vampire selects Alayna as his next victim, Jayden will stop at nothing to ensure her safety – even if that means bringing Alayna into a world that she never knew existed.

Love will blossom, challenges will be made and Alayna will find herself fighting not only to survive, but against what she may become






Review:

After surviving a terrible automobile accident where she loses her parents, 20 year-old Alayna tries to gather the pieces of that shattered past by starting anew in the town of Juniper Grove. Alayna finds comfort in a a handsome and friendly young man named Jayden who assists her in refurbishing the garden in the fixer-uper home that she has purchased. One night, as Alayna strolls back home and ignorant of the town's curfew, she is viciously attacked by a mysterious man with a craving for blood. When Alayna questions Jayden about the attacker, Jayden has no choice but to open the doors to his mystical world. While Jayden nurses Alayna to health, both discover that the spark that ignited during their friendship has flourished into a burning flame, and in the end it is love that will conquer.

Author Jaidis Shaw has created a magical world in present time, where mythical creatures live undetected among humans. Shaw captures the essence of this mystical world by developing a cast of characters that works well to deliver the reader a wonderful and innovative plot.

Filled with thrills, love and the unexpected, Jaidis Shaw's "Destiny Awaits" will unconsciously absorb you into the realm of your untapped imagination. 


Author Jaidis Shaw


Author Interview: 

Q: How long did it take you to write this book?



A: I started writing the original draft back in 2004/2005 but then had to put it on hold when I was diagnosed with epilepsy. After my first short story had been accepted for publication, I decided that it was time to get my book done.



 
Q: What was your inspiration to write this book?

A: I spent my childhood growing up in MI and then we moved to SC when I was in the 10th grade. I was bullied relentlessly for being a ‘Yankee’ and had no friends that I could turn to and so I took to my writing and the idea for this book for formed.

I will be talking more about why I started writing my book next week when I make a vlog as part of an upcoming Charity blog hop that begins on March 30th.


Q: What genre do you find the most difficult to write in and why?

A: I have only tried my hand in paranormal romance, suspense and western genres. I have a story idea that I have been wanting to work on that is a high-tech sci-fi (or could even have a Steampunk flair) but I just can’t seem to tell the story that way I think it should be. I’ve actually considered trying to find a co-author for it who knows more about the genre to help me.


Q: Do you have any writing projects you are currently working on?
 
A: I started book two of the Juniper Grove Chronicles before book one was ever finished. It is all mapped out and ready to go when I have more time to sit down and pull the pieces together. Although it is the second book, it is not a sequel and instead takes a closer look at the life of Violet who readers will meet briefly in Destiny Awaits.

Q: If your book became a movie, who would be your first choice to play the lead roles?

A: I have spent a lot of time thinking about this question, as I’m sure that most authors do. There are two actresses that I think would be great for the role of Alayna. The first is Kate Mara. I think she has the look down and could pull off the serious side of the character.
    



The other actress is Emma Stone. She also fits the look but I think she would be better suited to pull off the snarky attitude that Alayna has throughout the book. Her eyes are better for the part as well.


I’m still on the search for the main male lead.





Q: Do any of your characters have qualities/characteristics that are similar to yourself?

A: I bestowed my love of water to Alayna. There is just something about water that I connect with and it often helps calm and rejuvenate me. I have been known to stop whatever I’m doing and go sit on the porch and watch the rain. Oddly enough, the only form of water that I can’t stand is ice. It hurts me to see water constricted like that.

Odds & Ends:

Q: One food you would never eat?

A: I refuse to eat anything that lives in water. Probably has something to do with the above question.

Q: What was the scariest moment of your life?

A: The scariest moment was probably when I had a seizure while taking my Biology exam in college. The teacher refused to give me the medication as the entire staff was instructed and that one seizure turned into Status Epilepticus which means that I had a grand mal seizure every few minutes for the next 6.5 hours. It was pretty scary when I finally came too and didn’t know who my family was.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Either an author or a veterinarian. You can see which option won out.

* I'd like to thank Author Jaidis Shaw for this interview and for giving me the opportunity to read and review her debut novel due for release, tentatively, in the months of April/May of 2012. It's an honor to be the first to present her literary achievement to the public and a privilege to know her.

About the Author:

Jaidis Shaw currently resides in a small town located in South Carolina with her husband and her beautiful daughter. With a passion for reading, Jaidis can always be found surrounded by books and dreaming of new stories. She enjoys challenging herself by writing in different genres and currently has several projects in the works.

When not reading or writing, Jaidis fills the position of Book Tour Coordinator for Nurture Your Books™, maintains the Juniper Grove blog and loves encouraging her daughter to let her imagination run wild.



Learn more about Author Jaidis Shaw on her sites:


Juniper Grove: www.junipergrove.net







GIVEAWAY!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

She Writes Again: Crazy in Love

She Writes Again: Crazy in Love: **Occasionally, I write short stories. This particular one is not for the faint at heart. For those of you wondering, the book is nothing ...

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Saturday, February 25, 2012

REVIEW: Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler

RATING: ★★★★
Coming May 1, 2012! 
REVIEW: 
Recai Osman is a handsome and wealthy businessman in the city of Elih, Turkey, living every man's dream. But his life turns into a hellish nightmare the day Recai opens his eyes to find himself buried in sand, beaten and hanging on to the last string of his life. Someone has left Recai to be swallowed whole by the desert and never to be heard of again.


Recai is saved by Hasad, who hides the stranger in his home, though fearing that the monopolized community police, known as the RTK, is linked to the man. After a brutal attack to Hasad's daughter, Rebekah, Recai swears upon her memory to seek vengeance on the RTK and their leader.


After three years of wandering through the desert in search of answers, Recai returns to the city of Elih, where he was thought dead.  When Recai attempts to reincorporate himself into society, he finds himself defending a victim from the sickening attack by an RTK soldier. It is then that Recai becomes known as "The Sandstorm". 


Author Pavarti K. Tyler has risen a "Muslim Superhero" from the sands of the desert. Tyler touches controversial topics which only a woman would dare to brave. The author's style of writing holds a poetic flare in her sentences, which add to the appeal of the story. 


Do be wary readers, as this book is not for the faint at heart and includes scenes of cruel violence against women. For those bold readers, you might want to fasten your reading glasses because you're in a for a thrilling ride. 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pavarti K. Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing Company Fighting Monkey Press.


Follow Author Pavarti K. Tyler on Twitter:
@PavartiKTyler
Connect with Author Pavarti K. Tyler on her website:
www.fightingmonkeypress

Pre-order Shadow on the Wall on Amazon!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Eric Unseen Debut Album Giveaway!


I thought my fans and readers might enjoy listening to one of the newest additions to my "Muse Playlist." So here's your chance to win this scorching hot debut album, "Meat and Razorblades" by the English breakout band Eric Unseen! 

Be sure to check them out on their Website!