Cover Reveal ~ Speak Easy by Melanie Harlow

                                                  Title: Speak Easy

Author: Melanie Harlow

Expected release date: July 22, 2013 

Genre: Historical

Age Group: New Adult

Cover Designed by: Tom Barnes Design

  

 July, 1923. The ‘20s are roaring, and twenty-year-old Tiny O’Mara is desperate for a little anything-goes excitement. But when her father is kidnapped by a mobster in Detroit's exploding organized crime scene, she’s shocked to find herself caught up in the bootlegging wars of Prohibition—and torn between two gorgeous gangsters on opposite sides. To save her father’s life, she’ll have to choose between them. But deciding whom to trust isn’t easy in a world where everyone wants something—be it booze, money, power, or sex—and no one cares what it takes to get it. Temptation is everywhere.      

  About the Author

 

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. SPEAK EASY was inspired by her cocktail-culture obsession, her affection for good gin, and the view from the end of her street. She lifts her glass to NA readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.  


I can't wait to read this book - I've been wanting to read a book that takes place in the '20s. And look at that cover! Gorgeous! 

Melanie Harlow | Facebook | Twitter

 

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Feature & Follow #15 ~ Who would you like to meet?

I'm so excited to finally be joining Feature and Follow Friday!! This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger and ask a question which can be answered by participating bloggers. If you aren't already following the two hosting bloggers, please click the links above and follow them, the bloggers they're featuring, and enter your own blog post link in the linky. Hop around to other blogs - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. Mingle and make some new friends. :D

Q: What blogger would you most like to meet in real life? Tell us about him or her. 

This is a really tough question! There are a ton of bloggers I'd love to meet! 

I'd love to meet Robyn Jones from rob girl books. I met her through this meme, and it was like we instantly became good friends. She's a super talented writer, having published two books, Soul Bender and Soul Walker, which I devoured and highly recommend! :) No matter how busy her schedule is, she always takes time to comment on my posts, and we always have a great time discussing books and family. 

Is there a blogger you'd like to meet? :D 

Book Blitz ~ Angels of the Knights series by Valerie Zambito

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

(Angels of the Knights #1)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.

The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.

E-book is currently free!

Angels of the Knights - Blane 
(Angels of the Knights #2)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.

Buy Links:

About the Author

Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

Website│Twitter│Facebook│Goodreads

***GIVEAWAY***

(1) Print or e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Release Promotion Event: For Everly by Raine Thomas ~ Excerpt & Event Giveaway

Title: For Everly

Author: Raine Thomas

Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC

Release Date: May 27, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Event Organized by: AToMR Tours 

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~ Purchase ~ 

Amazon  

Barnes & Noble 

~ Book Description ~

Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She's consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs. 

Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn't fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything. 

In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind. When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life...not just for his career, but for Everly's love. 

~ About the Author ~ 

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer's Voice. When she isn't planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida's beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

~ Author Links ~ 

Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Pinterest / Linkedin / Website / Blog  

~ Excerpt ~

She folded her jeans and set them on the lounge chair. Taking one final deep breath, she pulled her top over her head, then set it neatly by her jeans.

Her gaze shifted to Cole, who was suddenly silent. She realized he was staring at her with a rather strange expression on his face. Had she somehow managed to shock the world-famous Cole Parker?

She didn't speak, but walked over to the stairs. His eyes followed her every move. He had yet to meet her gaze. He was honed in on her body. Something about that was empowering. 

Liberating.

Although she had no experience with playing the temptress, the situation felt right to give it a try. Dark, seductive lighting...clear, warm water...a hot, transfixed male. Yeah, she was pretty sure the circumstances were right. She just didn't know if she had it in her.

She slowly descended the steps into the water. "So, Mr. Parker," she said in a casual tone, "what shall we do in this magnificent pool of yours?"

"Um..."

He didn't move as she walked from the shallow end to where he stood with the water lapping at his waist. She allowed her gaze to move over the hard muscles of his upper body as she approached. Even as she fully appreciated his fine physique with a woman's eye, she felt pride for helping him maintain it.

"The water feels wonderful," she said. 

She walked to his side until the water reached her belly button, then came to a stop less than a foot from him. His gaze finally moved to hers. For the first time, she read stark desire in a male's gaze. Her pulse raced. 

What in the world was she doing? Temptress? Yeah, right.

"Everly," he said.

His voice was low. Ragged. He closed the distance between them. Her nerves shimmied.

Oh, God. Was he going to kiss her? What should she do?

He paused. His eyes swept over her face. Whatever he read there had him backing up. Once again, she felt both relieved and disappointed. 

Why was she so awkward with guys? With intimacy?

"You're not nearly wet enough," he said then.

Her mouth fell open. Then he grabbed her and leaped with her into the deep end. When they surfaced, she laughed and splashed him for dunking her. She realized the pool was filled with saltwater instead of chlorine as she pushed her hair out of her eyes.

"I'm totally getting you back for that," she said, fighting a smile. 

The chase was on. He was a strong swimmer, but she was lighter and sleeker. When he would have powered his way across the pool to evade her, she zipped along beneath the surface and paced him. After several minutes of pursuing him, she cornered him near the waterfall that spilled in from a spa off the far side of the pool. They were both breathless and laughing like idiots. 

"I think grabbing my swimsuit to drag me back was playing dirty," he said as he caught his breath. 

"Sure it was. Serves you right." 

"Remind me not to dunk you again unless I want to skinny dip."

She laughed again. His back was turned to her, the position in which she'd finally caught him. Only then did she register that her arms were still around his waist.

The feel of his body pressed against hers...his taut skin beneath her fingertips...it was-- 

"Tell you what," he said, turning around to face her. She didn't want to move her hands, and since he didn't try to escape her touch, she didn't. "That was too easy. I'll find you with my eyes closed."

"Oh, yeah? Marco Polo style?"

"Something like that. And when I do, I want a reward."

She could only echo him as she held his intent gaze. "A reward?"

"Yes, Ms. Wallace. I want a real kiss."

~ Giveaway ~ 

The author is hosting a Release Giveaway of (2) signed paperbacks of For Everly, a custom For Everly inspired bracelet worth $35, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card. This is open to the U.S. and Canada. 

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Cover Reveal ~ Steel Lily by Megan Curd

Title: Steel Lily

Author: Megan Curd

Expected release date: Fall 2013

Genre: Dystopian w/ hints of Steampunk

Age Group: Young Adult

Cover Designed by: Mae I Design

  

AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.

She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Three: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.

Or so she thinks.

That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Three. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued.

But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.

 …Which means digging deeper.

When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, it may make her wonder if she was better off being a government tool than searching for freedom.

Some secrets are better left concealed, but humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.   

  About the Author
  Megan began her journey into writing as a college junior during winter finals at the encouragement of a friend. What resulted was Bridger, Megan's first full-length novel. Since then she has written the second book in the series, Traitor, and a stand-alone novel (which will hopefully become a series!) called The Guardian Chronicles: Forbidden.

When not writing, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and Great Dane, aptly named Dozer. She enjoys snowboarding, playing xBox, and crocheting. Music is a huge part of her life and drives her writing. Her favorite bands are Muse, Bon Iver, Florence + the Machine, and The Civil Wars.

Megan resides in Kentucky, near two of her writerly tweeps Hope Collier and Beth Isaacs, and swears it's Hope's fault she's living in the land of the banjos, but wouldn't have it any other way.

Twitter |Facebook | Steel Lily Website

 

Cover Reveal The Cindy Chronicles by RaShelle Workman

Title: The Cindy Chronicles

Series: The Cindy Chronicles will be told in 6 Volumes

Author: RaShelle Workman

Genre: YA Paranormal 

Cover Designed by: Mae I Design 

Cover Reveal Organized by: Xpresso Book Tours

Add to Goodreads  

~ Synopsis ~

Life sucks. 

Possessing magic sucks. What doesn't suck? Fashion, Cindy's boyfriend Gabe, and her best friend, Snow White. 

Cindy (Cinderella...shhh, don't tell) was born a witch. It's part of who she is. But there's more to her than that. She loves deeply. And has a big heart. She'd do anything for those she cares about, including risk her own life to save theirs.

When her fairy godmother demands she leave Salem, Massachusetts and return to the land she was born to rule, she has two options. Tell her fairy godmother no, and seal a death sentence on complete strangers. Or, leave all she's ever known behind, including the love of her life, for an unknown land she's fated to save. 

~ About the Author ~ 

 

RASHELLE WORKMAN lives on a mountain with her husband, three children, and three dogs. From her back porch she can see the city lights and imagine... She's the bestselling author of the Dead Roses series (Sleeping Roses is being translated into Turkish, and will be available in print wherever Turkish books are sold in 2014), the Immortal Essence series, and the Blood and Snow series. 

~ Author Links ~ 

Website  / Goodreads  / Facebook  / Twitter   

Release Day Blitz ~ In Darkness We Must Abide: The Complete First Season by Rhiannon Frater

Title: In Darkness We Must Abide: The Complete First Season

Author: Rhiannon Frater

Genre: NA Modern Gothic Horror 

Publication date: May 24th 2013

Book Blitz Organized by: Xpresso Book Tours 

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~ Synopsis ~ 

In Darkness We Must Abide is the epic saga of one young woman caught in the dangerous world of the creatures of the night.

Already living in the shadows due to her albinism, Vanora is just a little girl when her older brother inadvertently unleashes a terrible evil from the family crypt that changes their lives forever.

As she grows up in a world where beautiful deadly beings hunt by night, one captures her eye and her heart. Yet, can she trust the mysterious Armando? For there is a powerful entity plotting to claim her when she reaches adulthood in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and her enemy has enveloped her in a web of deceit, casting doubt on all she believes to be true. Soon, she will have to fight not only to save those she loves, but also for her very soul.

Rhiannon Frater delivers a chilling adventure once again with this multi-part epic serial with a dynamic cast, old school vampires, bloody action, a smoldering forbidden love, and a terrifying villain set against the backdrop of a modern day vampire war.

This paperback includes all five episodes of the first season of the serial.

~ Purchase the Book ~

Amazon ~ Paperback
Amazon ~ Kindle
Kobo 
Nook
Autographed Copies at Author Store

~ About the Author ~

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of over a dozen books, including the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor), as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog), and other horror novels. Her next novel for Tor, Dead Spots, will be published in 2014. She was born and raised a Texan and presently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and furry children (a.k.a. pets). She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes. 

You can find her online at:

Website: rhiannonfrater.com & astheworlddies.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/astheworlddies 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rhiannonfrater 

Blog: http://rhianonfrater.blogspot.com/ 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rhiannonfrater/ 

Email: rhiannonfrater at gmail dot com

*Note: The below Q & A session was provided by Xpresso Book Tours.* 

In Darkness We Must Abide

Q & A

Q: In Darkness We Must Abide is a supernatural serial. What exactly does that mean? What is a serial? 

A: It means I’m crazy and just had to put more on my writing plate! Okay, in all honesty, In Darkness We Must Abide is sort of like a television show I’m writing for your brain. A serial used to be a very popular form of literature. It was an ongoing episodic form of storytelling much like popular television shows today. Each part builds on the one before it, creating a very rich story for the readers to enjoy. Serials followed pretty regular schedules for their installments (weekly, biweekly, monthly).

Q: So what genre is In Darkness We Must Abide? 

A: In Darkness We Must Abide is gothic horror set in modern times. It has all the classic gothic horror trappings like a big, gloomy mansion, the deep dark secrets, the tormented lovers, and terrifying monsters. It's an epic tale about a young woman who is caught up in the supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, witches, and ancient prophecies.

Q: This story is a bit different from most of your books though, right?

A: Though it's still a character-driven tale of horror, and has some truly scary moments, at its heart it is a very tragic sort of love affair between two people who are drawn to each other even though their worlds are tearing them apart. Upon reflection, I can definitely see how my love of Jane Eyre and other gothic romances influenced the central relationship. Armando and Vanora are wounded people that you want desperately to somehow be together, but you're just not sure if/when/how it might happen.

Q: We only see bits of Armando in the prologues of the first two episodes before he appears as a central figure in episode three. He instantly became very popular in the first season. Why do you think that is?

A: Well, he's delicious! LOL. Armando is not only very handsome and charming, he's very complicated. He's a man of many secrets and conflicting emotions. Though he's an older vampire (400 years old), he's eternally 22 years old and has a youthful spark to him. He's a bit sarcastic, naughty, and playful despite the fact that he's not all that he seems to be. Armando doesn't come across as cruel, so I think that adds to his appeal. Yet at the same time, he's dangerous in that he can totally break Vanora's heart and possibly betray her to his Master.

Q: Tell us a bit about Vanora, the heroine of the story.  

A: Well, we start our journey with her when she's ten years old and her life is altered forever when her brother has his ancestors from Romania transferred to the mausoleum on their estate in Houston, Texas. Immediately, a chain of events starts that sends her plunging into a very dark world. That being said, not all is bleak, because she has a much older brother and sister who take care of her and love her. They're a very strong family unit. As season one continues, we see Vanora grow up to be a charming seventeen-year-old on the verge of her adulthood. Of course, that's about the time when things between her and Armando start to significantly change.  

Q: Vanora is an albino. How does that affect her life?

A: Vanora's albinism affects her life quite a bit. She can't be out in direct sunlight, she's legally blind (though her sixth sense powers allow her to "see"), her appearance draws unwanted comments and negative attention, and isolates her a bit from others as she's growing up. That being said, the difficulties she has to overcome make her a formidable person. She doesn't feel sorry for herself, though she may not be entirely confident at times.  

Q: We finally got a good look at the villain at the end of episode 5, the first season finale. He's an albino, too, and quite imposing. Will he take on a bigger role in Season 2?

A: Armando's Master is definitely the villain of the story. In Season 2 we learn a whole lot about him and what exactly he's up to. We also learn why he's so fixated on Vanora and why he sent Armando to watch over her. That Vanora and the villain are both albinos is significant. 

Q: What can we expect in Season 2 that starts June 7, 2013? 

A: Well, the intensity of Episode 5, the season finale, is amplified. It becomes very, very intense and all the characters are in considerable danger. Of course, Armando and Vanora continue to be at the center of the storm. By the end of Season 2 the readers will definitely know where Armando stands and what exactly Vanora must battle against.

GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize Rafflecopter

One signed copy of In Darkness We Must Abide Season 1

(Paperback) and a bookmark. (US/Can)

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Feature & Follow #14 ~ 150 Weeks Record and Still Going Strong! :D

I'm so excited to finally be joining Feature and Follow Friday!! This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger and ask a question which can be answered by participating bloggers. If you aren't already following the two hosting bloggers, please click the links above and follow them, the bloggers they're featuring, and enter your own blog post link in the linky. Hop around to other blogs - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. Mingle and make some new friends. :D

Q: The #FF is 150 weeks old! And we want to hear from you! What would you change about the hop? What do you like about it? Or just suggest a question to be used for next week!  

It took me quite a while to join this meme, and I really regret waiting so long now. I guess it was mostly because I wanted to make sure I did it right - I didn't want to be the laughingstock of the blogger world. This is one of the highlights of my week in blogging - I love the questions, love meeting other bloggers and getting to know them and their book preferences. It's a really easy and stress free way to make new friends, find new blogs to follow, and gain some new followers as well. I don't feel so alone anymore! :D

There really isn't anything I would change about it honestly. I'm still crossing my fingers I'll get to be a featured blogger some week! :D 

Excerpt & Review ~ A Shade of Vampire (#1) by Bella Forrest

Title: A Shade of Vampire (A Shade of Vampire #1)

Author: Bella Forrest

Published: December 14th 2012 

Pages: 152 (Kindle edition)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy

Source: Received for review from author

Average rating: 3.87 / 5

My rating: 4.5 / 5

Add to Goodreads

~ Synopsis ~

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine. An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks? 

~ My Thoughts ~

This book had me at "island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine." The entire synopsis made me want to read this book; however, that line stayed with me, and I knew I had to read this!  I blazed through this story in just a few hours, caught under Sofia and Derek's spell and wishing I had my own Derek! What a sexy hunk of vampire! I'm not sure about the whole my-life-is-in-constant-danger aspect though - I think that might be a deal breaker for me. If you want a vampire in your life, though, danger is part of the package. :)  

I loved the way Sofia's character was written - I can't help but connect to a heroine whose very life is in danger yet is brave and smart with something about her, setting her apart from the other female characters. She sees her differences in a negative way while I see them as positive and even lifesaving. She surprised me with how quickly she captured Derek's heart and was definitely my favorite character. Sofia's emotions were realistic and raw, ranging from terror and anger to acceptance and affection. I sometimes found myself wondering if she was experiencing Stockholm Syndrome, where the abductee begins to feel sympathy and even affection towards the abductor. Then I realized while she was simply trying to survive, her feelings began to change along the way. 

There was something different about Derek, too, that set him apart from the other vampires. Derek even grew on me, which really caught me off guard. I expected to fully hate him but was relieved when I didn't, mostly because he's one of the main characters. It'd be difficult to hate a character who's so integral to the story, although I have done exactly that before! I even started crushing on him here and there. He has at least a shred of decency left but remains dangerous to be around - after all, he's still a vampire.     

Lucas, Derek's brother, is dangerous and vicious with no humanity left in him whatsoever. That "badness" about him just jumps right off the page. Since he found Sofia, he wants to claim her as his own though she was kidnapped specifically for Derek. The tension mounts, and I can see this situation pitting brother against brother over a human girl. There isn't anything I like about Lucas at all. He views Sofia as though she's a piece of property that should be his, which makes him a great villain to hate and root against. 

The dual POV made the story even more interesting. There was everything in this book - passion, violent vampires, action, suspense, solid plotting, and strong, believable characters. Forrest strikes just the right balance - by alternating Sofia's POV with Derek's, I gained insight into Derek's thoughts and actions without his mysteriousness being given away. 

I love the cover of this book - it's gorgeous and gives you a feel for the world you're about to enter when you turn to the first page. I also really love the title of the book and series. I'm highly anticipating the next book - I can't wait to see what's in store next for Sofia and Derek. 

~ Excerpt from A Shade of Vampire (#1) ~ 

I'd been meandering along the shore for about an hour when I suddenly sensed that I wasn't alone. Someone was approaching me from behind. My heart leapt. I was so sure it was Ben, that when a stranger showed up beside me, I couldn't hide my disappointment. 

He must have noticed, because a smirk formed on his lips. "Were you expecting someone else, love?"

I eyed him suspiciously, remembering how many times my father had told me not to talk to strangers. I looked him over, taking in his appearance. My eyes widened. I couldn't find words to describe how fine a man he was. He was almost beautiful. The first thing I took notice of was how his blue eyes were about three shades brighter than any I'd ever seen before. It was such a stark contrast to his pale - almost white - skin and dark hair. Standing beside me, he was easily more than half a foot taller. His height, broad shoulders and lean build reminded me of Ben, but he had a presence that was far more imposing than my best friend's. 

My gaze settled on his face. 

I realized that he was inspecting me just as closely as I was him. His eyes on me suddenly made me feel uncomfortably vulnerable. I gave my father's advice a second thought, but quickly canceled out all notions of heeding to his counsel when I reminded myself that he stopped caring a long time ago. 

I straightened to my full height and mustered all the courage I had to keep myself from running away from this stranger. 

Big mistake. 

The confident smirk didn't leave his face for even a moment. 

"Like what you see?" 

"A bit full of yourself, aren't you?" I scoffed, annoyed by his audacity. 

He stepped forward, closer to me, and leaned his head toward mine. 

"Don't I have the right to be?"

He knew he looked good and wasn't about to act like he didn't. 

"Whatever," was my oh-so-brilliant comeback. 

My shoulders sagged with defeat as I took a step back, unsettled by how close he was now. I rolled my eyes and did a one-eighty, not quite in the mood to play whatever game this stranger was proposing. 

I would soon realize that I was about to play his game whether I liked it or not. 

He grabbed my arm and turned my body to face him. This motion alone made every single internal alarm I had within me go off in a frenzy.  

This man was danger and I knew it. I tried to wriggle away from his touch, but I was no match for his strength. 

"Tell me your name," he commanded. 

I was about to refuse, but was horrified to find myself blurting out my name in response. 

"Sofia Claremont." 

As soon as I revealed my name, his eyes lit up with a kind of sinister approval. Then he reached for my face and traced his thumb over my jaw line. 

"Hello, Sofia Claremont. You're one stupid girl for taking a walk alone at this time of night. You never know what kind of evil a pretty little thing like you could happen to come by."

I found myself wondering exactly what kind of evil he was. But I was suddenly overcome by the sensations that were surrounding me. My senses took in everything at once. I heard the waves, felt the sand, smelled the ocean salt, tasted the flavor of cherry and saw the stranger's manic appearance as he stuck a needle to my neck. The effect was instant. I was barely able to gasp, much less scream. I went from sensing everything to sensing absolutely nothing.  

My last conscious thought was that I may never see Ben again.

You can also get an exclusive FREE "sneak preview" of the first 6 chapters by clicking here.  

(Make sure you check it out now because this preview will not be available for long).  

~ Buy the Book ~

Amazon US paperback 

Amazon US eBook 

Amazon UK paperback 

Amazon UK eBook 

Barnes & Noble paperback or eBook 

Smashwords eBook - any format  

~ About the Author ~ 

Bella Forrest loves reading and cookie dough ice cream. She often travels and is camera shy. Besides the Shade of Vampire novels, she's also the author of Beautiful Monster and, coming out in June 2013, the New Adult novel, Fall With Me.    

~ Connect with the Author ~ 

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Bout of Books 7.0 ~ My Wrap Up Post

I'm participating in my first read-a-thon, Bout of Books, organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal.

My Goal ~ Books to Read: 

• Finish The Garden by Paul T. Harry
• In Darkness We Must Abide by Rhiannon Frater
• Ink (Ink #1) by Holly Hood
• Taking on the Dead (The Famished Trilogy #1) by Annie Walls
• Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1) by Trisha Wolfe
• Delirium (Debt Collector #1) by Susan Kaye Quinn
• Comes the Night (The Casters #1) by Norah Wilson & Heather Doherty

I forgot to post my Day 6 and 7 posts, lol. I had a really busy weekend and was gone for most of it. I thought I should at least have a wrap up post. :)

I read Delirium (Debt Collector #1) by Susan Kaye Quinn. Look for my review coming soon. I didn't count this one toward the read-a-thon, however, since I read it in its entirety before Bout of Books began. 

I finished Comes the Night (The Casters Series #1) by Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty. I started this book before Bout of Books and finished it on the second day. 

I read Ink (Ink #1) by Holly Hood and finished it on the fifth day. 

I'm 70% finished with The Garden by Paul T. Harry and am also reading In Darkness We Must Abide by Rhiannon Frater. 

Challenges: I participated in the Acrostic Poem Challenge hosted by Harley Bear Book Blog  and now want to make one for every book I love, lol.
Twitter chats: I participated in a Bout of Books Twitter chat yesterday at 11:30am, talking about our progress with our goals. I could have kept going past time! :)

I didn't quite make my reading goals and wanted to visit more blogs than what I did, but I had a lot of fun and would do this again. Until next time! :D

Please click here to find the helpful template on the Bout of Books blog I used to keep track of my progress. :D

Release Event ~ Love in Darkness (Shattered Castles #2) by E.M. Tippetts Excerpt & Tour Wide Giveaway

Title: Love in Darkness (Shattered Castles, #2)

Author: E.M. Tippetts

Release date: May 21, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours 

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~ Purchase Links ~

 Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Smashwords 

~ Book Description ~

Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn't go away. After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave. 

Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can't fight fate. He is what he is. Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more. When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in. 

~ About the Author ~

Emily Mah Tippetts writes romance under the name E.M. Tippetts and science fiction and fantasy under the name Emily Mah. Originally from New Mexico, she now lives in London with her family. Before she was a published author, she was an attorney who specialized in real estate, contracts, and estate planning, especially literary estate planning. 

~ Author social media links ~ 

Website 

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Facebook

~ Excerpt Four ~ 

Madison falls silent and continues to look me over. 

I take a deep breath and will her not to stop. See me, I think, see that I'm not worth all these tears and all this effort. See that I'm just some overgrown loser with no future and no plan for my life. 

Only, her expression doesn't turn to disgust or enlightenment. She reaches up to stroke my cheek and I shut my eyes, unsure of what to say or do. I hear the rustle of her clothing as she leans in closer and feel her breath on my lips. I brace myself as she touches her mouth to mine, so gently that there's barely any contact. I sit still as stone, my hand gripping her shirt tighter and tighter. She holds the kiss until I feel her tremble, then she leans in and I taste her, the salt of movie theater popcorn and the barest hint of cherry lip gloss. 

She's in my arms now. I kiss and kiss and kiss her, running my fingers down her spine and hearing her familiar gasp.   

"She's clearly desperate," rings out one of the voices. 

"Pathetic." 

"She'll kiss anyone, you know?" 

"He doesn't even know what he's doing." 

I try to push them away, but this time, I have no control. They just laugh at my attempts.  

"Alex." Madison touches my cheek. We've stopped kissing, though I don't know when. 

"I'm sorry," I say. "I can't... we can't, okay?" There's enough adrenalin in my system to wake an elephant from a deep coma. I shake, and will the voices to be silent. They quiet down a little, but I don't have the control I did moments ago. 

"Are you okay?" she asks. 

I force my chest to expand and draw in the chill, humid air. I hold my breath while the air warms inside me, then expel it. "You should get inside," I say. "You'll miss the movie." 

"You're okay?"

"Yeah," I lie. "Yeah, I'm good. Go on."

"I... I'm not going to leave you here." 

I smooth my hair back, and, with a steadiness I don't feel, get to my feet. The cold from the sidewalk has soaked into my muscles, making me clumsy. We don't hold hands or even look at each other as we make our way back to the theater. 

~ Event Giveaway ~ 

Five (5) signed copies of Love in Darkness 

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