Nanna Three and Counting: Books

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Stormfront Blitz

Book & Author Details:

Stormfront by K.R. Conway
(Undertow #2)
Publication date: August 15th 2014

Synopsis:
Not long ago Eila Walker’s choices were limited: death by a bullet to the head, or at the hands of her beloved bodyguard, Raef. Now, five weeks after Raef triggered her power and she nearly leveled a historic mansion, Eila is dealing with the fall-out of her decisions. While she doesn’t remember dying in the arms of the soul thief who loves her, she knows that Raef remembers everything about the night he nearly killed her.

Now on the mend and attempting to keep one step ahead of the FBI, Eila and her team of misfits are desperate for a bit of normal. Eila is trying to navigate high school, while her BFF Ana is cautiously hanging with past-boyfriend and soul thief, Kian. Shape-shifter, MJ, is trying not to piss off his mother, while Raef is coping with his fears that Eila will never be safe.

But just as “normal” seems within their grasp, a powerfully built newcomer arrives. Raef knows the scarred man as a Blacklist Dealer – a soul thief, who peddles the names of humans who deserve to die. Eila, however, knows him as the protective hunter from the woods, who she nicknames Thor. Before long, Raef and Eila realize they’ve met the same killer, and he has one hell of a story to tell the five friends . . . if Raef doesn’t murder him first.

STORMFRONT is the second book in the Bestselling UNDERTOW series.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22069799-stormfront?ac=1

Purchase:
Will be found here come release day:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=K.R.%20Conway%20stormfront
B&N: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=K.R.%20Conway%20stormfront

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AUTHOR BIO

K.R. Conway has been a professional writer for most of her adult life. She has been a journalist since 1999, an editor, graphic designer, critique partner for other writers, novelist, and book reviewer. She teaches the devious art of telling lies for money to various impressionable young people (i.e. she teaches fiction craft classes for teens and adults). She is also on the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Writers Center, a PAL member of the SCBWI, and the driver of a 16-ton school bus. She tweets her random thoughts @sharkprose and is on Facebook, because even her BFF’s dog is.

K.R. Conway is the author of the UNDERTOW series, which includes last year’s Amazon bestseller, UNDERTOW, and this August’s release, STORMFRONT.She lives on Cape Cod with her two children and husband, two weird dogs, and a cage-defiant lovebird that sleeps in a miniature tent.

Author links:
http://capecodscribe.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/KR-Conway/510814265666213
https://twitter.com/sharkprose
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7212275.K_R_Conway

BIO:
K.R. Conway has been a professional writer for most of her adult life. She has been a journalist since 1999, an editor, graphic designer, critique partner for other writers, novelist, and book reviewer. She teaches the devious art of telling lies for money to various impressionable young people (i.e. she teaches fiction craft classes for teens and adults). She is also on the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Writers Center, a PAL member of the SCBWI, and the driver of a 16-ton school bus. She tweets her random thoughts @sharkprose and is on Facebook, because even her BFF’s dog is. K.R. Conway is the author of the UNDERTOW series, which includes last year’s Amazon bestseller, UNDERTOW, and this August’s release, STORMFRONT. She lives on Cape Cod with her two children and husband, two weird dogs, and a cage-defiant lovebird that sleeps in a miniature tent.
Q & A / Interview for Blitz
Q: How did you come up for the idea for the series and how many books are there total?

A. Ah! The idea for the series . . . I get asked that a lot. UNDERTOW is a combination of the war stories of my grandfather (who was a WWII Marine and landed on Iwo Jima), my obsession with Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of Peter Benchley’s novel, JAWS, and my love affair with Cape Cod and its “everybody knows everybody” vibe. As for the number of books, there are 4 main novels, and one novella. Only the first 2 novels are out right now – UNDERTOW and STORMFRONT (as of August 13, 2014). UNDERTOW is now on summer reading lists for high schools.

Q: The local kids from Cape Cod are saying the stuff in the books is REAL! They are messing with me, right?
A. The series is based on a REAL version of Cape Cod. In fact, one of the characters owns an ice cream shop named The Milk Way. While “The Milk Way” is fictitious, it is 100% based on Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville (a REAL town, were fictional Eila lives). Four Seas knows they are in the book and they host book signings. Other things in the book that are real to Cape Cod (so you can basically visit here and do all the things that Eila and her crew do) are:

1. Eila’s house – The home the main character inherits, and thus sets off the chain of events for UNDERTOW, does exist in the historic area of Centerville, not far from Four Seas Ice Cream. It used to be owned by a friend of mine and we hung out in it all the time when we were young. She now resides in Hong Kong as a pilot, so we catch up on Facebook and she gives me more secrets about how the house was built. FYI – don’t go knocking on the door, because someone else owns the house now. 2. Barnstable High School – Totally real and totally cool public high school that does some crazy thing. The students and faculty know they are in the novels (and even decided to begin building their own book trailer based on the series), so they allow me to come in and walk the halls as needed to make sure I stay true to the story. And yes – it is so huge that I need a GPS to find my way out. 2000+ students go there. Their award winning theater department became part of a major TV network series known as High Drama a few years ago. American Idol contestant Siobhan Magnus was a student there. 3. The Jeep Subculture – Again, totally real. On Cape Cod, Wranglers are the most beloved vehicles of all. Most families have one, and if you drive one, other Wrangler drivers will wave to you when you pass each other – like Harley riders do. And yes – you can drive them out onto some of the beaches (MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHICH ONES!)
4. Witch Balls, The Crimson Moon, and Eila’s Bracelet – All real. Witch Balls are made at any one of our beautiful, glass-blowing shops (and yes – you can watch them actually blow glass, which is so cool). The Crimson Moon was based on The Lavender Moon, which is no longer in business. It was owned by a real coven of witches and when you would go in there, you could buy healing stones, herbs, crystals, oils, etc. Don’t worry – Dalca didn’t work at the real version! Eila’s bracelet is a staple of Cape Cod and there are several variations, though the original is simply called a Cape Cod Bracelet. They come in various sizes, so having a two-year-old with one is not unusual. The ball screws the bangle together, which means that sucker ain’t coming off, so don’t get it caught on anything or your arm may go with it.
5. Town Neck, the Bonfire party, and the infamous bridge – All real, though I did take a few creative liberties. So, Town Neck beach is part of the town of Sandwich. It has the boardwalk, just as described, and the long beach at the end, AND, yes, the river. Kids can jump from the bridge (yup, I’ve done it too, and IT IS FREEZING). However, you cannot drive a car out on Town Neck and you are not supposed to bonfire there – all those things can be done on SANDY NECK or NAUSET (where Raef hunts), so I kinda sorta blended the two beaches. 6. Barnstable Harbor and the Ferry – Totally true and yes, you can sit and people watch. You can also catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game in the nearby field. The Cape Cod League is famous because so many players get called up to the Majors.

More of Cape Cod appears in each new novel in the series and I do blog often about the Cape, writing, and the series on my blog at http://capecodscribe.com

Q: DUDE! I saw Raef at the mall!!! Like – REALLY HIM! I was totally fangirling!! How is that possible?

A. Because all the cover models are real kids from Cape Cod and none were professional models. We found them through Facebook (yes – I stalked teenagers on Facebook). They needed to match the characters that were already written and their parents needed to agree to let them become the faces of the characters. I have a fabulous, young photographer named Alex, and a full television studio that we use when we do photoshoots. Each shoot takes about seven hours. It is weird to be there during the shoots as ALL the characters are hanging out, laughing and sharing music. The kids also come to book signings and sign as their characters and pose with fans. They have been on TV, in newspapers, and on blogs. Their complete profiles and who the real kids are behind the faces can be found on my blog, CapeCodScribe.com.

Q: How can I contact you? Enter to win Swag? Find out when the next book will launch? Meet you in person?
A. My blog is a great place to start (CapeCodScribe.com), but I also have a Facebook Page, Instagram (K_R_Conway), and Twitter. On Amazon, you can sign up to get an email when a new book releases. Fans who post Facebook statuses about the book, tweet, Pinterest, Instagram and what not can win swag from me.

Excerpt from STORMFRONT:

The smell of cinnamon and coffee lured me out of my warm cocoon of sleep. I blinked into the early morning sunlight filling the parlor and listened to the echoing quiet of the house. The soft drip of Mae’s coffee maker confirmed that the power had returned and the brilliant blue outside the window revealed a crystal clear sky. I realized I must have nodded off in front of the fire last night, because I was still camped out on the floor, but somehow I had acquired what felt like a pillow. It was a bit too firm though.
I moved slightly and realized the pillow was attached to a perfectly sculpted forearm . . . and hand, which had my long hair gently woven through its fingers. Something warm and solid tightened around my waist and my eyes widened as I realized Raef was tucked against my back, one of his arms supporting my head and the other clasped around my waist.
Sweet baby dolphins everywhere, Raef was SPOONING me, pressed firmly against my back.
Now acutely aware of my surroundings, I could feel his warm breath on the back of my neck as he slept. I wanted to turn to him, but I was terrified he would wake and realize he had jumped headfirst into those revisions we had briefly mentioned last night.
Heck, he was WAY MORE than touching me. He was holding me as if I would disappear - as if I would fade into the molecules in the air. I swallowed and stayed still, taking inventory of his hard body against mine, and how we seemed to fit so perfectly together.
A metal pan scraped against something in the kitchen, breaking the silence of the house, and I felt Raef take a deep breath and stretch ever so slightly.
Then he froze.
Crap.
I stayed still, hoping he would think I was asleep. Hoping he wouldn’t suddenly shoot across the room, taking with him the warmth and safety I felt in his arms.
He didn’t move for what felt like forever, keeping his arm around my waist, but then I felt him softly spread his fingers out over my stomach. It took everything I had not to spontaneously combust.
I felt his forehead touch the back of my neck and he drew a slow, deep breath against my shoulder blade. It sent electricity fanning out from my skin and down my arm. All ability to control myself fled my body and I dragged in a shaky breath.
He loosened his grip and I rolled onto my back, his arm still behind my head and his hand just below my belly button. His fingers grazed the area of my skin that was now exposed thanks to a too-short tanktop.
God bless the discount rack at Abercrombie.
“Uh . . . Good Morning,” I said, my voice a little dry.
“Good Morning,” he replied, quietly. “I didn’t mean to wrap myself around you like that. I don’t even remember doing it.”
Pfft . . . no worries!
“You just needed a snuggle-buddy,” I replied, flashing him a knowing grin, but my face started to flush. Oh my god . . . that was so lame.
Raef’s gave a soft smile and was about to reply, but a paisley pillow shot up from behind him and wacked him in the back of his head. “HEY!” he protested.
“Will you two SHUT UP!” moaned Ana who was sprawled on the floor as well. “I think I might actually throw up in my mouth. Will you be my snuggly-swuggly pooh bear? UGH! Seriously – I’m gonna barf.”
I blushed hot and sat up as Raef’s hand fell away from my tummy. He slowly got to his feet, tossing the pillow that attacked him onto the couch. He stretched, looking really well rested for the first time in weeks, and his black t-shirt rode up just enough to torment the heck out of me.
He looked down to where I sat on the floor, scrambled hair and silly PJs most likely making me quite the sight to see. “I’m going to go bring in some more wood and see if Mae needs anything,” he said, taking his fine self and walking into the kitchen. I heard him greet Mae, though Mae returned a clipped Hello, and then the side door closed.
I turned to Ana who was still sprawled on the floor with pillows and blankets. “What the hell woman?”
“SNUGGLE BUDDY? That’s all you can come up with after not having your hands on him for how long?” laughed Ana.
“Hey – at least I could speak. I was so shocked that he was with me, I thought I was hallucinating. Did you fall asleep down here too?”
“No. I went to my room, but was freezing by one in the morning. Kian and Raef were down here talking while keeping the fire going, and you were drooling on the floor, so I figured I’d camp out too, minus the unsexy drooling of course.”
“I do not drool!” I laughed, horrified.
“Well, maybe not, but you do have a line indented on the side of your face from however you were sleeping,” she said smiling.
“I do not!” I protested, but then felt my cheek. Sure enough I had a long groove running the length of my face.
Terrific.
Mae appeared in the parlor doorway, her arms crossed over a stained plaid apron. “I
need to talk to both you girls. Now, please.”
That didn’t sound very promising. I glanced at Ana, who gave me a curious look, but we followed Mae back into the kitchen where feast preparations were in full swing.
“Sit,” Mae instructed as she poured herself a fresh cup of coffee. She added some sugar and slowly turned to face us as she stirred the caffeine. The soft clink of her spoon against the cup seemed to echo ominously in the silent room. What was she up to?
“Um – did I forget to take the trash out or something?” I asked, daring a nervous glance to Ana. Mae cleared her throat, a sure sign of whatever she was about to say was not going to be enjoyable.
“Raef and Kian are lovely young men. They’ve helped me out enormously while the two of you have been laid-up, and I am very grateful for all they have done. However, what I am about to say is non-negotiable.”
Oh please – don’t say it. Don’t go there.
“Sex should be between two people that are in love and are mature enough to understand the ramifications of such an activity.”
Yup. She went there. I bet the deed to the house it was because Raef had been curled around me, too.
The color drained entirely from Ana’s face.
“Mae – you really don’t . . .” I started, but she raised a hand to silence me. It was very possible I would never recover from this conversation. I was sure Ana’s ears were shriveling off her head as Mae spoke.
“I am not so naïve that I do not see how you four act around each other. It’s obvious that there are feelings that go far beyond friendship between you two and the boys. All I ask is that you girls are careful, use your head. Don’t do something you’re pressured into. And for heaven’s sake, if you are determined to do it, DON’T do it under this roof and always, always be protected.”
Silence descended on the room, as if a black hole had opened up on the table, sucking all gravity and sound from the kitchen. Mae stood there, glancing at the two of us. I was so mortified. I slid my eyes to the kitchen door that Raef had passed through minutes ago. If he was still anywhere near the side of the house, his supernatural hearing would have just offered him an earful. Kill. Me. Now.
Ana, no doubt ready to perform a self-inflicted mental exorcism to erase the past few
moments, hopped up from her seat as if she had been scalded. “Right. Good talk. Will keep it under advisement. Gotta get dressed,” she declared, bolting from the room. I think her little feet actually left a smoke trail in their wake. Her leg was definitely all healed.
I glanced at Mae and she eyed me over her steaming cup of coffee as she took a sip.
Somebody save me.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Starchild book series by Vacen Taylor

About the Books

Book 1: The Age of Akra

Title: Starchild: The Age of Akra (Book 1) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date: March 6, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 135 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother)

Summary: When Mai is chosen to take a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts to train with the oldest and wisest master of their people, an ancient prophecy is set in motion. The events to come have been predicted but are not unchangeable. When the Starchild returns to the planet of Sage, the foreknowledge of the prophecy begins to gain strength. Four children come together and become linked to the events that lie ahead. In The Age of Akra, the first stage of their journey has them facing the deadly spiderflax, only then to be confronted by a creature of the underworld, an evil Dementra called Amual. The struggle to bring peace to the world of powerful energies lies in the hands of these four children and a strange little lizard. And it will not come easy. This journey is only the beginning.

Buzz About Book 1

"The Age of Akra is a riveting, well-written, and imaginative story featuring an intricate plot and stellar cast of characters that is sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by tweens, teens, and even adults who love a great science fiction tale. This is a real page-turner and I highly recommend this book to children aged 10 and older. I just loved it and to think the author has seven books planned for the series ... I'm salivating." ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"What an imagination!! Absolutely fabulous. What a great read. The characters came to life so easily. Their physical descriptions have me a visual idea but their personalities evolved and developed quickly so they were my friends and heroes before very long. I cried when Mia was selected and was on the edge of my seat when it looked like Long wouldn't make it. I couldn't put it down. A very clever story with wonderful likable characters in amazing places with fascinating skills and weird animals. I went through a range is emotions with these characters where I wanted to hug them, love them, give them a good slap, protect and spend time with. I cannot wait for book 2. Highly recommend this series of books and hope they make a movie from it would be a blockbuster!!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Dannielle S., Goodreads

"Masterfully told from different viewpoints, Starchild is neither a "boy" nor "girl" book, but rather an everyone book. Struggling readers will enjoy the simple truths of the characters, and more advanced readers will delight in the journey of Mai, Long, and Akra. A journey that introduces multifaceted characters, whom I hope will make an appearance in subsequent titles in The Starchild Series, because I'm already attached to them. Even the slightest of creatures was placed in Starchild with the greatest of skill, care, and thought. Outstanding job, Ms. Taylor, and I look forward to continuing my journey through the series." ~ 5 Star Review, C. Bullard, Amazon

Purchase Book 1

*Available as a 99 cent E-Book through Amazon *

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Ganxy | iTunes | The Book Depository

Book 2: The City of Souls

Title: Starchild: The City of Souls (Book 2) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date:October 14, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 137 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother)

Summary: In The City of Souls, the pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts continues. Having already triumphed against dangerous adversaries in The Age of Akra, the four children -- Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib -- now face the evil melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. When they reach the safety of the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, the children are confronted with the challenge of locating the Singing Soul. But the underworld is searching for it too, and will do anything to stop the young pilgrims from finding it. The prophesy is at risk of being extinguished unless the children succeed in their quest.

Buzz About Book 2

"The City of Souls is the second book in a science fiction fantasy featuring an intricate and engaging plot, well-developed characters who are faced with new challenges, a well-described setting reminiscent of Star Wars with a hint of Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones-style action and suspense. I’m in this series for the whole haul as I feel completely invested in what happens next as the prophecy continues to roll forward. I highly recommend this book as well as the series to science fiction aficionados ages 10 years and older looking for something a little different. ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"The author graciously sent a signed copy of this 2nd book in her series to my daughter Emily. Emily read Vacen Taylor's first book in the Starchild series: The Age of Akra. She very much enjoyed the adventure and getting to know the characters. Emily eagerly anticipated the next book! Emily was thrilled when her copy of The City of Souls arrived and did what she could do to avoid her homework so that she could sneak and read The City of Souls. She read the book with much interest and said that she loved every bit of it. As a parent, it's a big comfort and joy to me when my kids find stories written for their enjoyment! The Starchild series captured the heart and imagination of my daughter. And she very much looks forward to book three." ~ 5 Star Review, Vonda N., Goodreads

"Ms Taylor provides masterful descriptions that don't bore the reader. Thank you. I think the writing is at its best in the action, but the character building, backstory and forewarning is all there and relevant to the overall building of good storytelling. I'm assuming the introductions to some of the other multifaceted characters will have relevance in future books. I do hope so. Overall, a great read for children who are looking for something refreshingly new and unique." ~ 5 Star Review, Kirt T., Amazon

Purchase Book 2

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | The Book Depository

About the Author: Vacen Taylor

Vacen Taylor is an Australian author, writer, occasional artist and amateur photographer. She loves creating stories for children and reading to her young readers. She is a happy person with a zest for life and exploring the world at large. Vacen collects comics and loves superheroes. Her favourite superhero is Spider-Man. Vacen also believes in expressing the uniqueness of self. She has had several short stories published for adults online. Starchild is her first novel for children and is the first book in a series of seven.

Book Website | Author Website | Twitter

Facebook | Goodreads | Google+

* Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: August 1, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Vacen Taylor and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric Academy by Teddy O'Malley July 1-July 3, 2014

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating this Book Blast on behalf of author Jourden Cleghorn who writes under the pen name of Teddy O'Malley.

Jourden was recently involved in a serious automobile accident resulting in severe injuries just days after her new book, Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric Academy, was published in May 2014. The indie author community has come together to support this young author/illustrator during this challenging time. Please read below to see what you can do to help in a small way.

About the Book

Title: Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric Academy | Author: Teddy O'Malley | Publication Date: May 11, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 62 | Recommended Ages: 6 to 10

Summary: Destiny and Faith are going into second grade and their mom has a great idea. She's going to send them to a school for twins! They're not sure whether to be excited or terrified. Come join them and see what happens!

The Buzz

"Anyone who's tried to buy a book or birthday card for a child who isn't white will know how few are available. Golden hair and blue eyes rule. I was delighted by Destiny and Faith, who are mixed race/bi-racial, perfect for some children very close to me. However, let me quickly say that this is a story for all children. A school for twins is such a great idea and Destiny and Faith's adventures have a universal message about friendship and learning how to get along with each other. This would also be a good book for actual twins as some of the issues that arise in twin relationships come up in the story." ~ 5 Star Review, Mary Josephina Cade, Amazon

"I just finished reading this book. I got it for my daughter and decided to read it myself. It is so ORIGINAL and totally ADORABLE! A MUST READ for young children looking to read their FIRST CHAPTER BOOK! My daughter LOVES it!! I highly recommend this book!! " ~ 5 Star Review, radams, Amazon

"A great story for young girls, with lots of fun dialogue. Accompanied throughout by black and white drawings. These capture the body language and expressions of the different characters perfectly. Looking forward to more in the Destiny and Faith series." ~ 5 Star Review, M.J. Kinsman, Amazon

About the Author: Teddy O'Malley

Jourden Cleghorn, who writes and illustrates children’s books under the pen name Teddy O' Malley, was born in in Saint Louis, Missouri. She has traveled all over the United States and enjoys learning about new things and other cultures. She dreams of visiting a foreign country. She has enjoyed studying Spanish, German, and now Italian as well. Jourden paired her language skills with pictures of puppies to write Tell Me How You Say Good Night, a bedtime story. And a childhood friendship with a biracial girl named Hope influenced Jourden to make the Destiny and Faith characters biracial in her series about twins. Many of her books include a thread about friendship and acceptance of others. Jourden previously worked part time as a nurse assistant helping the disabled and elderly.

Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

How You Can Help

On Thursday, May 15, 2014, Jourden was the passenger in a small car when a much larger truck turned in front of them. She suffered severe injuries as a result of this accident including a cracked sternum, punctured lung, broken arm, and broken foot. Unforutnately, the nature and severity of Jourden's injuries have limited her ability to promote her books effectively. I was very moved when I was approached by a member of the Facebook group, "Fun-tastic Children’s Books " (of which Jourden is an active member) to help this young author. This wonderful group took it upon themselves to promote Jourden’s books on her behalf. They bought, reviewed, tweeted and shared her books throughout social media and are sponsoring (along with MDBR) the giveaway below.

If you should choose to enter the giveaway below (open worldwide), you will see an option to earn 10 extra entries in the giveaway by purchasing a copy of Teddy O'Malley's latest book, Destiny and Faith Go To Twincentric Academy from Amazon for only 99 cents. I hope you will consider helping out the author in this small way.

Of note, during her recovery, Jourden found the inspiration for another children’s book. It will be about a child recovering from a car crash and having to cope with learning to write with the opposite hand, and other hardships that must be overcome during the healing process. Jourden usually writes with her right hand, but plans to illustrate the book using her left. She wants to show that hardships can be overcome if one does not give up.

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: July 30, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by author PJ LaRue/Fun-tastic Children’s Books and Mother Daughter Book Reviews, and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Monday, June 30, 2014

Barely Undercover by Sarah Castille‏

When private investigator Lana Parker follows a dangerous biker into an underground sex club, James Hunter is the last man she expects to see. But there he is, all dark looks and chiseled charms, ready to break her heart all over again.
Danger is the name of the game for an undercover cop. And the last thing James wants is for the fiery beauty to come anywhere near the notorious biker gang he’s trying to take down. Yet Lana has no intention of giving up her case, which means he’ll have to keep her close to keep her safe. A risky proposition-especially when their blazing sexual chemistry reignites an unforgettable passion.
But when a dark terror emerges from the past, Lana goes on the run…and James gives up everything to save her. Backed into a corner, Lana must face her fears, including the one thing that frightens her most…her overwhelming feelings for the man whose searing glance sparks her most hidden desires, the man she should not trust, but cannot resist.
Two years ago Lana met James and they had an instant connection. Lana fell in love with the gritty, stand-up cop but she woke up one day and he was gone – never to be heard from again. She was heartbroken but with the help of her friend and business partner, Jackie, she was able to get back to living. Lana is a PI and her case is a strange one and one that is a bit closer to home than she likes. The client is trying to get dirt on the leader of a bike club so that his wife can get full custody of their child and restart her life somewhere else. Lana takes the case but it brings back very bad memories. She had been in a BC at one time and though she was an old lady she was beaten repeatedly with her man doing nothing. She finally escaped and never wants to go back.
Unfortunately the man she’s following, Rex, sees Lana when she follows him into a club and wants her. When she tries to escape the club and Rex she runs smack dab into James who is working undercover in the BC to bring it down. He immediately claims that Lana is “Roxie” and that she’s his old lady. This should have meant hands off to anyone in the club but Rex is relentless and this bring Lana to the clubhouse time and again – each time with Rex trying to get to her. When Rex realizes that Lana is “property” of another club he cashes in on that.
James left two years ago because he was not only scared of his own feelings but he wanted to keep Lana safe (as he couldn’t do with a previous woman) from his job. When the undercover op came up he jumped at it but after two years he’s frustrated. Everything he’s done and said should have had him out of the BC long before two years but it seemed like his bosses weren’t looking out for him. When Lana comes on the scene he tells himself that he needs her gone but he can’t seem to get her out of his head or to stay away from her. He doesn’t know Lana’s past so when shit starts to hit the fan he just wants to protect the woman he loves.
What a great book! This was fun and exciting, sexy and gritty and kind of kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading.
Lana was a woman on a mission. She was tough but also soft and beautiful, inside and out. She had a job to do and wasn’t going to let anyone stand in her way – no matter what the cost. She had lived a very hard life but came out to be a better woman and I so admired her for her strength. She’d loved James to pieces when they were previously together so was devastated when he left her. She was right to try to stay away from him at first as she wasn’t sure if she could trust him to stay – or trust herself to not throw herself at him.
James had had to play a part for two years and he was about done. He had more than enough dirt on the BC but yet he was still undercover. He actually liked being part of a club – just not the one he was in as they were dirty through and through. He had tried to keep Lana at arms length when he first saw her again but as Rex was determined to have her in the clubhouse James had no choice but to bring her. He protected her and in doing so his feelings, that he’d never lost for her, came to the forefront and he was once again faced with an option. Keep her away or keep her close. He chooses to keep her close and I loved that he did. I think Lana was good for James – though the major shit hit the fan when her past came calling – and he finally realized that and determined to never let her go again. He was an admirable man and I loved his character.

Chrysoprase by B. Kristin McMichael Blitz

Book & Author Details:

Chrysoprase by B. Kristin McMichael
(Chalcedony Chronicles #2)
Publication date: February 1st 2014
Genres: Time-Travel, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Mari’s return to the present was not exactly what she expected. As the goddess predicted, there are always consequences to going into the past. Now, with the help of her friend Ty, Mari must find a way to get her loved ones back. Unfortunately, it may require the assistance of an ex-boyfriend whom she never wished to see again. He just might be the key to learn how to time travel on her own, or he might have another motive. Mari is left to decide, can he be trusted to help?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20798572-chrysoprase?ac=1

Purchase:
-Amazon: www.bkristinmcmichael.com/chrysopraseamazon

A new player is introduced into Mari’s already complicated world:

I looked up. It felt like someone was watching me. I glanced around the room. The door was still closed, and no one was around. I hadn’t heard anyone enter. Their maids were silent, but not that silent. I looked back around the room. The feeling was still there, but I was alone.
My focus went back to the documents scattered around the room in glass cases. One toward the far window caught my attention. The carnelian lines around my hand pulsated as if to tell me I was going in the right direction. The tingles in my arm felt much like they did when I was around Seth. I missed him so much, and I was nowhere near knowing how to get him back. It was like Seth was sending me a sign even though we were far apart. I moved slowly down the line of books. Something was calling to the stone that was now imprinted into my arm. I stopped at each book as I passed. Why was one calling to me and all the others not? As I got close to the one I really wanted to see, I paused again. I still felt like someone was watching me. I looked down at the words on the page in the box in front of me. They weren’t the ones calling to me, yet were pretty all the same.
“Figured this would be where you ran off to,” Logan said quietly from somewhere in the room.
I was sure I didn’t hear him enter, and I had no clue how long he had been there. He stepped out of the shadow he was hidden in and slowly slunk across the room. Logan had always puzzled me. Around everyone else, you would think he was just another very friendly jock, but alone, he was completely different. His movements were always perfect and graceful, but he kept that hidden from everyone else. I remember the first time I was alone with him. Logan was exciting, and he made me feel like I was the one he had spent his life hunting. I still felt that vibe from him, but now it was just confusing. I didn’t have feelings for him anymore, beyond the annoyance I still felt about our last date. That would probably last forever. The reason I didn’t trust guys in general, and rightfully so, was standing in front of me now. Having him slowly analyzing me was strange. I still got butterflies in my stomach—anyone would get that when someone as hot as him was looking at you. But I didn’t have the loving feelings that once went with those butterflies.

And new mysteries to be solved:

I was going to do it right this time. I pictured the Jones house library, and the book that called to me at the party over Thanksgiving. By the time I finished thinking of the book we were there, standing in front of it. Ty took a breath and moved a few feet away from me.
“I’ve never done that more than a once in a day. That was a bit weird,” Ty commented, shaking out the hand that had been touching the stone.
I nodded and looked down at the book with the ancient text. I still felt a hum coming off the book. I wanted to touch it and see if the pages were humming like I felt they would be. I peered into the box and looked at the weird lines. It was nothing I could understand. I looked up and around the room. Logan wasn’t there. I really wanted to touch the book.
“What is it?” Ty asked, stepping behind me and looking over my shoulder.
“I don’t know. Something about the book makes me feel like I should touch it. Like if I touched it I would know the secret it’s trying to tell me,” I explained. “Gosh, that sounds weird,” I added as I turned around.
“Weird? Yes. But I’ve seen a lot of weird things happen since we first found these stones,” Ty said, holding his up. The glow I normally saw off the stone was gone. I looked down to my arm. The lines were faded around the edges. We were going to have to wait until the power returned, or for Logan.
I looked up at Ty. I really wanted to see why I should touch the book. Ty nodded to me. It didn’t matter how weird it was, I was going to try. I looked around the room one more time. Ty stayed right behind me, he was so big that if anyone was in the room they would be blocked from actually seeing me while I touched the book. It felt like I was stealing, or doing something wrong. These texts were old and priceless. Oils from your hands could damage the paper, but I still had to know. The longer I stood there, the more the book pulled at me. I lifted the glass case only enough to get a finger in to touch the text. I slid my finger in and felt the shock as I touched it. I quickly pulled my hand out in surprise.
I turned back to Ty to tell him what happened when the shimmer of Logan traveling into the room caught my eye.

And true love to reunite with:

I leaned forward and pulled his head down to meet mine. I kissed him again. I needed to. I needed to feel that he was real. Each time he went away, and my memories changed, it felt like I lost a part of him. In losing him, I was losing part of me. He was everything I ever wanted. It was scary to feel that way about one person, but it was true. Even Logan and our past couldn’t compare with the feelings floating around inside me at just the touch of Seth’s lips to mine. He was everything I needed.
“And you?” he asked as he pulled back a little.
“Me what?” I asked, looking up into his eyes. The desire I saw there was surely mirrored in my own.
“How long has it been in your time?” Seth asked as he eyed me over, looking for any change in me.
“Five weeks,” I replied, watching his eyes roam over my body. When most men looked at you like that it was creepy, but the way he looked made my stomach tumble.
“And Ty was with you there?” Seth asked, finally bringing his eyes up to mine.
“Yes,” I answered, looking up at him. Did he really want to just talk after all this time apart?
“But he didn’t come with you,” Seth replied to my answer.
He balanced on the wall with only one hand, allowing his free hand to reach up and touch my face. I closed my eyes and tried to memorize his touch. No matter how I was with him now, it would never last. I had a feeling we would always have to fight to be together.
“No,” I responded, feeling his body press up against me. His lips met mine again, and I rested my hands on his bare chest. There were a few perks to the Egyptian military clothing, or rather lack of clothing.
“Why,” Seth began as he moved his kisses to my ear. “Are.” He kissed down my neck, sending tingles to my toes. “You.” He reached the indent where my neck and shoulder met. “Here?”
He finished asking his question, but the kisses continued as he pushed the fabric of the multiple tunics I wore out of the way to continue kissing down a line. He began moving back up my neck slowly as he waited for a response, but I was having trouble even remembering the question. It was hard to carry on a conversation when we couldn’t keep ourselves apart.

AUTHOR BIO

Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats. When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in Biology working as a scientist. In her free time she is hard at work on multiple novels; as each day passes, she has more ideas for both current and future novels.

Connect with B. Kristin McMichael and join the mailing list for exclusive fan updates.
e-Mail: http://www.bkristinmcmichael.com/list
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Saturday, June 28, 2014

Dangerous Dozen Romantic Suspense Boxed Set‏

Description:
The Dangerous Dozen–heroes who make danger sexy… These alpha male heroes know how to protect their women–and how to love them. This romantic suspense boxed set stars TWELVE smoking hot heroes in TWELVE full-length novels by TWELVE bestselling authors.
The Dangerous Dozen–heroes who make danger sexy… These alpha male heroes know how to protect their women–and how to love them. This romantic suspense boxed set stars TWELVE smoking hot heroes in TWELVE full-length novels by TWELVE bestselling authors.
To Catch Her Man by Charity Pineiro, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author. Investigative reporter Sylvia Amenabar must decide between friendship, love and discovering the truth behind a cop’s murder… Undercover detective Carlos Ramirez nearly lost his life protecting Sylvia, but he knows it’ll be a fight to reach her heart. . . Can they learn to trust one another and find out the truth about a failed assignment that nearly killed Carlos? Or will the secrets of the past and family issues cost them the things they hold most dear.
I’ll Be Watching You by Tina Wainscott, New York Times Bestselling Author. Kim left her Everglades town under a cloud of scandal. Her grandmother’s murder brings her back to reclaim her home and unearth the truth…while a killer watches her every move.
Bedeviled by Maureen Child, USA Today Bestselling Author. A *faerie* funny paranormal.
Protective Custody by Paige Tyler, USA Today Bestselling Author. Someone is stalking reporter Paisley McCoy, and police detective Gray Beckham is the only man who can protect her. While the chemistry between them is undeniable, there’s no way he’s going near the captain’s daughter, and she had a hard and fast rule that says she doesn’t date cops. Can they both survive the stalker who’s coming after them long enough to realize how good they are together?
There’s a New Witch in Town by Tawny Weber, USA Today Bestselling Author. Her magic, his town, their love… is it enough? Or will a witch just regaining her powers have to choose between saving a cursed town, or giving up everything she’s come to care about?
In His Control by Nina Bruhns, International Bestselling Author. A rogue detective will do anything to catch the sexy international thief he’s fixated upon. When their titillating game of cat and mouse grows shockingly intimate, he must make the impossible choice between honor and duty…and the notorious woman he has unwittingly come to love.
Chosen by Sin by Virna DePaul, International Bestselling Author. A wounded alpha werebeast bent on revenge… A female vampire trying to save her adoptive dragon-shifter family… Can they stop a group of rebel shape-shifters from unleashing every demon in hell? Only if they relinquish their secrets, face their fears, and open themselves to love.
Imposter: The Protectors Series — Book One by Karen Fenech, International Bestselling author. Chemist Dr. Eve Collins, wrongly accused by the CIA of developing a chemical weapon, learns someone has set her up as a scapegoat. That “someone” wants her dead. To save her life, she must join forces with CIA Operative John Burke–the man who doesn’t believe her claim of innocence and the man she’s falling in love with.
Dark Tide Rising by Kristin Miller, National Bestselling Author. Police Sergeant Mark Thurgood is all work and no play, but he’s harboring secrets that tie him to the vengeful sea. Free-spirited Emily McAllister is haunted by premonitions, and the latest shows her death in a dark coastal cave. Can they put their desires aside to focus on the task at hand and find the killer before he finds her?
Big Bad Wolf by Gennita Low. On the run from shadowy enemies, a secret agent finds sunlight and love while working undercover for a female roofer.
Found Wanting by Joyce Lamb. She’s been on the run for 14 years. He’s been sent to bring her home, dead or alive. A boy’s life depends on what happens next. Can they overcome betrayal, lies and violence to find what they’ve always wanted?
High Tide by Maureen A. Miller. A couple locked in a struggle to protect the coast…and their lives.

I’ll Be Watching You by Tina Wainscott, A small town in the Florida Everglades, creepy gator country, was the backdrop for this murder mystery that had so many suspects you were dying to get to the end to finally figure out who it was. Kim Lyons left Cypress long ago after turning on the town’s most reared family leaving behind her beloved grandmother. Kim’s always dreamed of owning her own bar someday and now that she has her BA in business she is hoping that happens soon but when she gets a call that her grandmother died and left her house and her bar the Southern Comfort to Kim she decides to go back to the only place that ever felt like home even though the town ostracized her. Right off the bat its made clear she isn’t welcome and some people in town do their best to run her off. The most unlikely ally keeps coming to her defense – the son of the man she accused of murdering her father. Love these backwoods mysteries..
Bedeviled by Maureen Child, Humorous look at when a woman finds out she is destined to be the new Queen of the Faeries. Maggie Donovan has a smart mouth who’d argue with anyone. When she walks in on seeing her ex-fiancé getting eatin by a demon this triggers her Fae powers when she manages to kill the demon. Culhane is a Warrior with the current Queen who he wants de-throwned. He’s been protecting Maggie her whole life without her knowledge until she came unto her powers. He and his Pixie friend try and train her for her showdown with the Queen.
Protective Custody by Paige Tyler, Paisley is a headstrong twenty-eight year old who writes reviews of the local nightclubs for the San Francisco Bay Beat. When her office is broken into and someone tries to break into her home while she’s in it her father who is the Captain of the police department decides she need round the clock protection and assigns one of his officers, Gary Beckham. Gary is a by the book cop and it isn’t long before he is having to show the headstrong Paisley how serious he takes his job by putting her over his knee. These two have instant chemistry but when things escalate to murder Gary knows he needs to find Paisley’s stalker and quick before the woman he’s come to care about gets hurt. This is a quick read that full of suspense, sexy loving and mild domestic discipline.
There’s a New Witch in Town by Tawny Weber, Loved this story.. Mika Davenport was born to a magical family. She’s never thought she was as good of a witch as they were. She settled for marrying a mortal man which meant being stripped of here powers. When her husband shocks her with wanting a divorce Mika’s esteem takes a hit along with (now that she’s no longer bound to the mortal) getting her powers back. Her magic isn’t the same though. She’s unable to control it and needing time away she decides to go to Idaho to try and get her mojo back. What she doesn’t know is the town has a history with magic but it turned its back on it and has fallen on hard times. This was a humorous, quirky, magical second chance at love story.
In His Control by Nina Bruhns, A thief in Paris who robs from the rich to pay for rent, food and education for 5 street kids (orphans) goes out undisguised one night at club and unknowingly has a fling with the with the detective that has made it his mission in life to catch the “ghost” thief who he believes is a man. It was quite the game of cat and mouse until he figures out it’s her and then he tries his best to catch her in the act. These two were explosive in bed but yet neither would give up their job professions. There is a big caper at the end in the fashion of Ocean’s Eleven that was quite the setup with a twist for the ending. Nina’s alpha men are defiantly like no others..
Chosen by Sin by Virna DePaul, As this is the third book in a series and one it seems that has world building going on I didn’t connect with this one as I haven’t read the other books. Two children are removed from their clans when they are young due to a preconceived prophecy. The werewolf suffered torture in the orphanage he ended up in, the vampire was adopted by a dragon shifter clan and was loved deeply. Now the werewolf, Dex Hunt, is part of a Para military group and he is bent on revenge. The vampire Jesmina Martin trying to find a way to save her adoptive dragon-shifter family as their typical life span is just 30 years. She is looking for a way to give them immortality.
To Catch Her Man by Charity Pineiro, Sylvia Amenabar does not believe in happily ever after, but after detective Carlos Ramirez put himself in front of a bullet for her she is willing to try and give a relationship with him a try. But she is also an investigative reporter who cant let a story go and is determined to find out who killed another cop. Sylvia has many issues to work through and at her side is a man who does believe in a HEA and tries his best to show her that love is a possibility.
Imposter: The Protectors Series Book One by Karen Fenech, This was a good fast paced suspense that kept you in the dark on who the bad guy was until the author chose to reveal it. Eve Collins life hasn’t gone the way she expected it to. After losing her child in an accident then her marriage imploding she also lost her job with the LAPD as a forensic specialist. She is now a chemist that makes perfumes along with her partner, Richard. What she doesn’t realize is that Richard has created a deadly chemical weapon and is selling it to the highest bidder. When he dies while driving them to a conference, Eve’s life is changed when she is accused by the CIA of being his accomplice. She is taken into custody by a CIA Operative named John Burke. John is pretty rude for the first half of the book thinking Eve is a traitor and terrorist and doesn’t believe a word she says when she tries to tell him she’s innocent. But after attempts are made on her life he realizes she has been set up and the two of them have to work together to figure out whom the real partner was.
Dark Tide Rising by Kristin Miller, An eerie murder mystery. From the opening haunting death your taken on a mysterious and at times supernatural search for the killer. Emily McAllister dreamed of her best friend’s death in a watery cave but when the police determine it’s an accidental drowning she goes to the police to try and convince them it was a murder without sounding like a crazy person. But what she gets is a straight laced police sergeant Mark Thurgood who is still haunted by the death of his partner in the same sea that took the victims life. Even though I figured out early on who the killer was it was still a great plot leading up to the ending that threw in a twist.
Big Bad Wolf by Gennita Low. Jaymee Barrow is running her father’s roofing business until she can get it out of the red out of a sense of guilt over a mistake she made eight years ago. When a stranger walks onto the job site looking for work she know’s he isn’t who he says he is but give him the job. Nick (Killian) Langley is a Covert operative who’s hiding out after someone tried to kill him. As he doesn’t know who to trust and has no money he decides to find some labor work for a couple months so he can find out who put a hit out on him. Little disjointed at times maybe because it was an earlier work from the author.
Found Wanting by Joyce Lamb Found Wanting by Joyce Lamb. This was a completely engrossing suspense from start to finish. Alaina Chancellor has been running from the man who fathered her child 14 years ago. As the book starts she finds out the FBI has found her and she makes a run for it to get to her son and get away. What she doesn’t know is a man, Mitch Lane, which her son’s father hired has been watching her for weeks and has every intention of taking the boy back to him. Insert craziness from here on. She is hit by a car, her son is taken, Mitch takes her into custody not believing her lies when she tried to tell him his employer is not who he thinks he is. As the story progresses we find out the truth and the amount of betrayal by so many people is staggering. Mitch’s character goes through quite the transformation from who he was in the beginning as he is a very bitter and emotionally shut off man due to betrayals of his own. Really liked this one..
High Tide by Maureen A. Miller. The visuals the author gives during the course of this book of Oahu – Hawaii are nothing short of stunning. From the moment the two main characters meet on the beach you are swept away. There is so much more than just the beautiful location. Even though Nick and Briana meet as strangers on the beach and are instantly attracted to each other once they find out who the other is that’s nipped in the bud. Nick McCord is a U.S. Geological Survey expert and he is on that beach because strange things have been happening off the coast and he concludes that it has to do with the developer of a new housing development being built right off the shoreline. Briana Holt is the lead contractor for the new development called Manale Palms. She works hard to make it in a position that many women don’t hold and she isn’t going to let some guy even if he’s sexy as all get out from the USGS threaten her project. The attraction between these two even though they are on opposite side in the beginning was powerful – even as a reader you could feel the heat between these two. Both being stubborn continue to try to find out what is causing all the anomalies which ends up putting them in danger. This book just flowed from beginning to end – stunning location, hot romance, lots of peril and great secondary characters. Highly recommend it.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Starchild book series by Vacen Taylor Review July 3- July 5th