BOOK REVIEW - Sand Runner (Sand Runner, #1) by Vera Brook

Sand Runner

(Sand Runner, #1)

Author: Vera Brook

Genre: YA Sci-Fi / Fantasy

Book Description:

For fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner comes a gripping new novel of action and suspense set in the world of extreme sports... SAND RUNNER.

Welcome to the No Limits Race.

In the near future, 16-year-old Kaiden Reed makes a bold and dangerous decision to enter the most brutal sports competition on the planet. One in which he will undergo a radical upgrade and become a new kind of athlete and a new kind of hero.

Part human. Part machine.

All Kai wants is a shot at a better life and to impress the girl of his dreams. But the stakes in the Race are higher, and the choices tougher, than Kai ever imagined. The physical challenges are just the beginning.

Ten days. Ten contenders. One winner.

Does Kai have what it takes to compete? How far will he go to win? And should he trust the person who recruited him in the first place - or is she using him to carry out a bold and dangerous agenda of her own?

Don't miss this action-packed new series - read SAND RUNNER now.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Vera Brook's portrayal of a world where everything and anything is manufactured via 3D printing is equally as terrifying as it is plausible. I found the depiction of this dystopian reality to be a nearly accurate demonstration of the consciousness of our current reality, particularly when it comes to technological advancements (cybernetics, specifically), as we experience with the experiments undertaken by the atheletes competing in the No Limits Race, 16-year old Kaiden Reed being one of ten contenders. There are some very serious themes portayed througout Sand Runner that can, at times, be very thought-provoking, but there's also the adventurous, fun element of the race that lightens the load of these topics that I appreciated as the book is directed at teens, so an adventure of  a lifetime is a must, which this book does provide.

Kaiden (Kai) wants nothing more than to impress the girl of his dreams, Sara, who has promised to bestow a kiss on the winner of the local race. Naturally, he does his best to impress and comes up victorious, winning himself that long-awaited kiss. Kai not only manages to impress the girl, however, he also catches the attention of the Optimex Agency, the highest profile athletics management firm in the world, and they want him to run for them. This is no ordinary challenge, Kai realises, but his willingness to impress Sara and his lack of a promising future takes precedence over any potential dangers, and he quickly agrees to sign up with the agency. It's not long before Kai realises just what he signed himself up for, forcing him to challenge himself in ways he never imagined. Although he often jumps into things without much thought, Kai's left pondering just how much he is willing to sacrifice to win the race.

There was a lot about this book I liked and found promising. I found Kai to be an engaging character, Emily too. They definitely carried the story well and had complexities that allowed us to see different sides of their characters. The story is full action and features some serious threatening situations that propels the characters to take action. I did find the story to be very fast paced, moving a little too qucikly at times. There were certain things I would have liked to have been explored in more depth, as to better establish the reality and Kai's place in it. I didn't get what Kai found so special about Sara that he fell madly in love with her as we didn't get to know much about Sara. I wasn't particularly fond of his obsession with his dream girl, but it didn't annoy me. I just didn't care much for their potential romance, although it was the reason behind most of Kai's decisions.

This book has a lot going for it, and as much as I thought it was a fun read, I didn't engage with the story as much as I hoped I would. It didn't maintain my focus all the way through, and I found myself wanting to put it down a few times. Don't get me wrong, it's well-written and has a great premise, and I think many readers will enjoy the book; it just didn't connect with me. I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. I still recommend it as I feel it's worth the read.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Guest Post & Giveaway - The Pirate's Children by Michael Lloyd

The Pirate's Children

Author: Michael Lloyd

Genre: YA Adventure / Romance
Publisher: Austin Macauley
Pages: 333
Language: English
Format: Paperback and ebook

Book Description:
Eleanor Westerley is seventeen and lives with her aunt in seventeenth century England. Upon her aunt’s death she learns some startling information from the will. She decides to embark on a dangerous journey to the pirate-infested Caribbean in the ship which she has discovered belonged to her father, presumed dead. Leaving her estate in the capable hands of her trusted retainers, she takes her younger brothers and sister, who are all that remain of her family.  Headstrong and impetuous, Eleanor engages Jack Crawford, the young captain she finds in a debtors’ prison, to command her ship. Together with the children, whose courage is tested to the limit, they face many life-threatening situations at a time when England is at war with Spain and France and on the high seas it is every man for himself.

This is an exciting adventure story written by a master maritime storyteller blending fact and fiction of the age of piracy for children and the young at heart of all ages.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Publisher

CBY'S Saturday Current Reads - Dalysian Hope by Jamie Summer

 MY SATURDAY CURRENT READS IS:

Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: March 20th, 2016

Book Description: 
One night can change everything.

For seventeen-year-old Sophie Evans life is completely average. And she likes it that way.

Until one night, her apartment is attacked. Out of nowhere, creatures climb through her windows with only one goal in mind: to kill her. Only with the help of two handsome strangers and her next-door-neighbor does she make it out alive.

While the immediate danger is gone, Sophie finds herself thrown into a world she didn’t even knew existed — dealing with powers she knows nothing about and a race counting on her to save them.

How can she be the only hope of a race she never even knew existed? When pressure threatens to suffocate her, can Sophie fight the odds stacked against her, or will she lose herself in the process?

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

Blog Tour Spotlight & Giveaway - It Had To Be You by Melissa Kate

It had To Be You
Crystal Valley, Book Two
Author: Melissa Kate

Genre: Contemporary Romance / RomCom

Publisher: Fire Quill Publishing

Date of Publication: 25 April 2017

ISBN: 978-0-9984714-1-9

ASIN: B06ZZ2TPJ9

Number of pages: 200 pages

Word Count: 50

Cover Artist: Amy from Q Design

Book Description:

Emma Wyatt has had enough of her ex best friend and his lady killer ways. Gone was the sweet boy of her youth and in rides the womaniser. But this time he has ready gone and done it!

Oliver didn’t expect to be coupled with Emma. She was in an awkward situation and he couldn’t help the words that came out. She should be grateful, he saved her.

Now the whole town knows. And Emma is pissed! She’s going to kill him.

But a heated argument leads to a fiery moment of passion and suddenly the two are fighting an unlikely attraction that neither saw coming. But Oliver has a secret that could tear them apart…

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Kobo

Promo Blitz & Giveaway - Blood Phoenix by Alisha Costanzo

 

Blood Phoenix

Author: Alisha Costanzo

Genre: Urban Fantasy with satirical, horror, and romantic elements
Date Published: May 9, 2017
Publisher: Transmundane Press, LLC

Book Description:
With an old war raging between vampires and shifters, Ria must learn to refocus her life if she's going to survive.

Her renegade fight was just the beginning. The queen is recruiting new soldiers. Ria's going on vicious missions with her battle buddy. And her explosive abilities are malfunctioning at inopportune moments.

So now, Ria must forgo her selfish desires to compartmentalize her life, but what's she to do when she can't save everyone she wants to? One girl may not be capable of taking down an empire. Good thing Ria's got help.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Kobo ¦ Transmundane Press

Blog Tour Spotlight & Giveaway - Ahe’ey by Jamie Le Fay

 

Ahe’ey
Ange’el Series, Book One
Author: Jamie Le Fay
Genre: Epic Fantasy Romance
Date of Publication: 8th March 2017
ISBN-10: 0646969188
ISBN-13: 978-0646969183
ASIN: B06XF7T8P1
Number of pages: 625 paperback
Word Count: 155190
Cover Artist: Milan Jovanovic

Tagline: Morgan’s feminist books didn’t prepare her to deal with the dashing Gabriel and the land of Ahe’ey

Book Description:
"A thoughtful look at empowerment for women."

"A rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking."

"Highly recommended for all ages."

Morgan is a dreamer, change maker and art lover. She is a feisty, slightly preachy, romantic feminist full of contradictions and insecurities. Morgan uncovers a world where women have the power, and where magic is no longer just a figment of her wild imagination. Sounds like a dream, but it may, in fact, turn into a nightmare.

The world of the Ahe'ey challenges and subverts her views about gender, genes, and nature versus nurture.

The strong and uninvited chemistry between her and the dashing Gabriel makes matters even more complicated. His stunning looks keep short-circuiting her rational mind.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Books2Read ¦ B&N ¦ iTunes ¦ Kobo

Book Blast & Giveaway - Seeker by Veronica Rossi

Seeker

Author: Veronica Rossi

Series: Riders (Book 2)
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (May 16, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765382563
ISBN-13: 978-0765382566

Book Description:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Veronica Rossi's new fantasy adventure in the Rider series—Seeker .

When Daryn claimed she was seeing visions during her sophomore year of high school, no one believed the truth. She wasn't losing her mind, she was gaining the Sight the ability to see the future. If she just paid attention to the visions, they'd provide her with clues and show her how she could help people. Really help them. Daryn embraced her role as a Seeker. The work she did was important. She saved lives.

Until Sebastian.

Sebastian was her first and worst mistake.

Since the moment she inadvertently sealed him in a dark dimension with Samrael the last surviving demon in the Kindred guilt has plagued her. Daryn knows Sebastian is alive and waiting for help. It's up to her to rescue him. But now that she needs the Sight more than ever to guide her, the visions have stopped.

Daryn must rely on her instincts, her intelligence, and on blind faith to lead the riders who are counting on her in search of Sebastian. As they delve into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems and where Samrael is steadily amassing power, Daryn faces the ultimate test. Will she have to become evil to destroy evil? The very fate of humankind rests in the answer.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Book Depository

Blog Tour Spotlight & Giveaway - Lord of Shadows by Shania Tyler

Lord of Shadows

Author: Shania Tyler
Publisher: ColleenNorman Publishing House
Pages: 330
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Book Description:
The Power of Love and Darkness
How strong you need to be to face your sealed fate?

Kelly Green had plans for her senior year of college.
Graduate. Get a job. And hopefully find love.

What she didn’t include was:
1. Getting kidnapped by an arrogant vampire 
2. Getting swept into his world of eternal darkness
3. And she certainly didn’t plan on falling for him...

Mason is the leader of the Rebels, an army fighting in a secret war that is about to get real. Vampires have enslaved elves for centuries, and Mason’s men fight for their freedom.

He’s willing do anything to see his people as the victors… whatever it takes.

This includes kidnapping a woman who isn’t what she seems and doing whatever he must in order to keep her close…

including pretending to fall in love…

But all the magic in the world of Asea can’t protect the heart and sooner or later, they’ll both have to make a choice that could change the future of an entire nation.

In the world of Asea, destiny’s course is set like a dance.
Nothing in life has been left up to chance.

“Destiny must be fulfilled.”

*Are they ready?*

*Are you?*

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

EXCERPT

“Hey!” she called as he headed toward her. “What’s with the robe?”

A strong gust pushed her dress backward. She looked over her shoulder at the administration building and then back at the stranger, who stood only a few yards away.

He’d been so far away a moment ago.

Kelly did a double take, noticing for the first time that he wasn’t wearing a robe. The black was like a shadow that floated around him. The image of Pig-Pen from the Peanuts comic strip—the little boy with the cloud of dirt always circling him—stopped her from totally freaking out.

Then the image of Pig-Pen vanished and she freaked out.

“Kelly!”

She turned and saw the stranger from inside and frowned. How did he know her name?

He held out his hand, his green eyes wide and his dark hair windblown. “Come to me.”

She rushed to him, too afraid of the thing behind her to think about the consequences.

A peacefulness fell over her at his touch and then she was flush against him, chest to chest and thigh to thigh. “I—” Her body jerked and a fast wind stung her eyes. Her hair whipped in her face, and it was only then that she realized they were moving.

Her stranger, with his arm around her waist, held her with her feet off the ground and was running faster than humanly possible. “Hold onto me.”

Kelly’s jaw dropped, but her arms went around his neck to hold onto him for fear of being dropped; she could feel the strength in his body and knew he wouldn’t let her go.

What was happening to her?

Maybe she’d been drugged.

She tried to remember everything that had happened. Had she even attended the event? What if she was dreaming? It was the only explanation for the fact that she was being carried by a man who was speeding past buildings and trees like some sort of superhero. The street lamps’ rays splashed onto the sidewalk in quick patterns and everything about the dream felt real.

The man holding her certainly felt real. His thick muscles and the coolness of his leather jacket under her hands all felt real.

But then she looked up and saw they were being chased by the shadow. She thought it a dream again, especially as the shadow seemed to spread into the darkness around them, turning the already dark night into a blackness she’d never seen.

She closed her eyes and, like she did with any nightmare she’d found herself stuck in, told herself to wake up.

Her body jerked when they turned, and she heard the opening of a door before her body jolted again when they came to a complete stop.

The stranger set her down on her feet and then turned to close the door.

Kelly looked around and recognized the president’s house. She’d attended a few dinners at the house last year with her friend Amity, who’d been part of every major organization on campus.

“Come on,” the stranger said, holding out his hand.

She didn’t move. “What is going on?”

Something flickered in his green eyes, anger she thought, before he smoothed it away and said, “We have to go.”

“No.” Kelly shook her head. “I want to know what’s going on.”

The front door began to rattle, and she jumped.

“Come on!” the stranger shouted.

Kelly pressed her fingers to her temples. “Wake up, wake up, wake up.”

He grabbed her arms.

She looked up into the stranger’s eyes and the intricate shades of green began to dance.

“Ote-oun’a.”

Kelly blinked as a heaviness settled in her head and over her eyes. She grew tired instantly and the stranger wrapped his arms around her.

“Ote-oun’a,” he whispered again. His eyes held a touch of tenderness and then darkness claimed her. “Sleep,” she heard him whisper, before there was nothing.

About the Author

As a young girl, Shania Tyler has always been fascinated with the world of vampires, dragons, fairies, elves and angles. So strong was her fascination that she always felt there is indeed such a world out there. A world where creatures of supernatural powers can transcend beyond time and space, not confined to the rules of the human world, and being able to live for eternity.

In Shania’s writings, you will find an infusion of passionate romance, action and mystery, and sometimes with a touch of suspense. She enjoys creating a dark complex world containing entities of a supernatural or otherworldly nature and being able to bring a romantic flavour to the plot and amongst the characters. It brings her great joy to see her childhood fantasies becoming a reality through the pages that she wrote. Some of her inspirations of writings include Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series, J.R. Ward’s The Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton .

Shania’s latest book is the paranormal romance, Lord of Shadows.

You can connect with Shania on Facebook.

***GIVEAWAY***

Shania Tyler is giving away 7 paranormal romance paperbacks by Bella Forrest, JR Ward, I.T. Lucas, Dannika Dark, Karen Marie Moning, Patricia Briggs and Christine Feehan. BONUS: All entries will receive a free copy of FALLING INTO DARKNESS by Shania Tyler.

Terms & Conditions:
•    By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
•    One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive  a 7-pack paperback collection of paranormal romance novels by bestselling authors. All entries will receive a free copy of Shania Tyler's FALLING INTO DARKNESS.
•    This giveaway ends midnight May 31.
•    Winner will be contacted via email on June 1.
•    Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Organised by:

Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway - Refuge for Masterminds by Kathleen Baldwin

Refuge for Masterminds
Author: Kathleen Baldwin
Series: Stranje House (Book 3)
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (May 23, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765376040
ISBN-13: 978-0765376046

Book Description:
Lady Jane Moore has a secret. A secret that must be kept buried. For if anyone discovered the truth, her life at Stranje House would crumble. And with Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of England underway, everyone at Stranje House is already in danger. Mortal danger.

Jane knows it. She may not be like Tess, who has the advantage of prophetic dreams. Nor is she like Sera, who notices every detail no matter how miniscule and draws conclusions based on the smallest thread of evidence. She doesn’t possess Maya’s ability to soothe the tempers around her with a few well-spoken words. Neither is she a brilliant scientist like Georgie. According to Miss Stranje, Lady Jane Moore is a mastermind.

Nonsense!

Jane doesn’t consider herself a mastermind. Quite the contrary, she believes herself to be an ordinary young lady. It’s just that she has a rather excessive bent toward the practical. She tends to grasp the facts of a situation quickly, and by so doing, she’s able to devise and implement a sensible course of action. But that’s all there is to it. Well, there is the fact that she also organizes the players in her plans with quiet efficiency. So much so, that occasionally Lady Jane’s friends tease her for being a bit managing.

Do they expect her to sit back and do nothing when trouble is brewing? Not likely. Not when the people she cares about are at risk. Call it being a mastermind if you must, it is a trait that comes in rather handy in a world full of spies, sabotage, and double-dealing. Especially now that Lady Jane and Sera have rooted out the truth: There is a traitor at Stranje House.

Someone is sneaking information to Lady Daneska and Ghost, Napoleon’s spies. Jane is determined to find out who it is before the bonds of friendship at Stranje House are ripped apart by suspicions. Her desperate hunt for the traitor ensnares Robert Fulton’s nephew, Alexander Sinclair, a brash American inventor, in an ambush that puts his life in danger. Sinclair may well be the most maddening man in all of Christendom, a wicked-tongued rascal with boorish manners, but for some reason, Lady Jane cannot bear the thought of the golden-haired genius being harmed.

Is Jane enough of a mastermind to save Alexander, her friends at Stranje House, and possibly England itself?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Book Depository

Book Blast & Giveaway - Fractured Beauty: The Fairy Tale Five by Adrienne Monson, Lehua Parker, Angela Corbett, Angela Brimhall, Angela Hartley

Fractured Beauty: The Fairy Tale Five

Authors: Adrienne Monson, Lehua Parker, Angela Corbett, Angela Brimhall, Angela Hartley

File Size: 2835 KB
Print Length: 177 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Tork Media (June 1, 2017)
Publication Date: June 1, 2017
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B06XWNY5R7

Book Description:

Beauty and the Beast may be a tale as old as time, but in this collection by the Fairy Tale Five you’ll meet five newly imagined Belles and the Beasts they love.

Angela Brimhall’s beast is a terrifying sea monster cursed by a scorned gypsy. He must risk all to save the strong-willed princess before losing his last chance at love and redemption, becoming forever damned to the briny deep.

Lehua Parker’s Nani is trapped by Indian and Hawaiian traditions and a fiancé locked in stasis in a medi-mod. Cultures and expectations collide in this sci-fi futuristic world where nano-bot tattoos and dreams reveal the secret of Nani’s heart.

Angela Corbett’s Ledger is determined to find out more about the mysterious woman who saved him from certain death and uncover the secrets of Withering Woods, but some beasts are better left caged.

Adrienne Monson’s Arabella rushes to an enchanted castle to pay her father’s debt, but is met with a burly beast with a mysterious past. It’s a howling paranormal regency romp that will keep you turning pages well past your bedtime.

Angela Hartley’s Porta Bella discovers there’s more to Oregon life than taking care of her father when she finds herself rescued by Bigfoot. It’s up to Porta Bella to unravel the faery’s curse and discover who’s the real monster.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Kobo

Promo Blitz & Giveaway - When the Sky Falls by Joseph Bendoski

When the Sky Falls

Author: Joseph Bendoski

Genre: Thriller / Espionage / Conspiracy / Historical
Date Published: March 24, 2017

Book Description:
“What makes you believe a lie? I’m not asking how you know someone is lying. What makes you believe? Because if you don’t understand how that works, then you won’t know when you’re being manipulated.”

In 1938 the War of the Worlds hoax panicked millions of Americans, then in 1988 another fictional media broadcast convinced nearly half of Portugal that sea monsters had risen from the ocean to destroy their cities. A team of CIA agents was sent to study the aftermath of this 6th Skyfall Event in the hope that they could turn it into a weapon of war. When the team consultant turns up dead, everyone scrambles to be the last man standing: the one who will decide if or when the sky falls.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson

This is the blog tour for author Hilary Thompson's new YA Epic Fantasy novel, organized by Itching for Books. Check out the awesome teasers and enter to win a hardcopy of the book. 

Shift of Shadow and Soul
Series: Soul Shifter #1
Author: Hilary Thompson
Release Date: May 22nd, 2017
Publisher: Star Shadow Books

Synopsis via Goodreads:

There are three kinds of magic in the world, and Corentine has the wrong one.

Long ago, the Restless King forced Corentine’s people into hiding as he scoured their blood for the SoulShifter. When Corentine learns she possesses some of the forbidden Shifter magic, she must hide her power or risk the same death her twin suffered.

Raised to trust no-one, she rejects the General’s son Sy, until she realizes his family secrets might be the key to unlocking hers. When his brother turns against them, they are forced to fight family to save what’s left of their home, or accept banishment to find a new future.

If Coren and Sy can’t convince their people to accept the light of Shifter magic, the growing Shadow will ruin everyone’s chance of freedom.

Travel this richly imagined world with a diverse cast that readers have compared to fantasy favorites like Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo.

Sulit Witch

Weshen Shifter

Umbren Shadow

When dark meets light, will all become Shadow?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo ¦ Google Play

Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway - Coming Home by Kimberley O'Malley

Coming Home

Author: Kimberley O'Malley

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 3-7-17
Publisher: self/ Carolina Blue Publishing

Book Description:
Dr. Elizabeth Abbott Fitzgerald has spent the last ten years of her life running; from tragedy, from family, from love. But now her mother’s failing health calls her home to Windsor Falls, North Carolina; to the place where her past awaits. Sam Bishop can’t believe his eyes when the love of his life returns after ten long years. All he wants is to clear his conscience and get back the family he lost when Connor, his best friend and Elizabeth’s husband died tragically. Could it really be true that time heals all wounds?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Kobo

EXCERPT

A pair of headlights turned into his driveway, surprising Sam. No one ever came out this way, especially this late. And he didn’t live in a place where people came to by accident. He grabbed an old pair of running shorts hanging off the back of a chair and put them on hurriedly. His heart was beating erratically, as though it might burst out of his chest. He crossed to the bedroom window and looked out into the darkness.
 

A summer storm had just started, and lightening split the sky. In its bright illumination, he could see the familiar outline of Diane's car. This was better than any fantasy. She had come to him. He didn’t know why, and he didn’t care. He ran through his house to the front door, throwing it open. The thunder that followed closely shook the house. Rain was now coming down in sheets.
 

Elizabeth stood in the driveway, hesitant and soaking wet. She appeared frozen, if not by the suddenly, violent weather, then by her own indecision. Her eyes were wide, and she twisted her keys in her hands. As he looked closer, Sam could see she was shaking. He met her half way as she walked to the porch, coming to a halt in front of her. The rain slashed down mercilessly, but neither seemed to notice.
 

"I'm so sorry, Sam. For so many things. I don’t even know where to begin. I just…"She broke off then. Her breathing was shallow and rapid. Her chest was heaving.

He knew that there were so many things that they needed to talk about, but for the life of him, Sam couldn’t think of a single one. He reached out and brushed her soaking hair behind one ear. Her clothing, what there was of it, was plastered to her body in the rain, and he couldn’t help but stare at her beautiful breasts. Her nipples were peaked and straining at the wet material of her tank top. He could easily tell that she wore nothing underneath.
 

Struggling to maintain control, Sam dragged his gaze upwards. His throat tightened, and his chest ached from the effort of breathing. She was so damned beautiful. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I had no right to start something we couldn’t finish. I had no right to speak to you that way either." He grinned at Elizabeth; a slow, sexy grin, trying to ease the tension between them. "Is that the famous cami I've heard so much about?"

Without a word, Elizabeth reached out, tracing a fingernail down Sam's bare chest. A shudder tore through him just as another burst of lightening split the sky. Sam drew in a ragged breath as her finger reached the taut plane of his stomach. He grabbed her hand in his.

"Elizabeth, you'd better leave now if you're leaving tonight." Sam held his breathe as he waited for her answer. The tension was palpable.

She met his gaze in the darkness. "The only place I'm going is inside, with you Sam." The storm raging around them was nothing compared to that which raged between them.

Without another word, he leaned down and swung her up into his arms. Pivoting on his heel, he bounded across the porch and into the house. He paused only long enough to kick the door shut with his foot, before continuing through the living area and his bedroom and into his master bath.

Once inside, he placed her gently on her feet and reached for a large, thick bath towel. He reverently dried the rainwater from her face and arms. There wasn’t one inch of either of them that wasn't soaked. His heart was pounding so fiercely he was afraid she could hear it in the quiet of the room. Sam hesitated once again, giving her a chance to change her mind. But all she did was smile tentatively at him.

Elizabeth took the towel from his hands and returned the favor, guiding it up his chest and across his broad shoulders. "Sam" she said in a whisper.

That was all he needed to assure him that she was here with him and only him tonight. There wouldn’t be room for ghosts. Something inside of him broke free. He leaned down and placed his lips in the sensitive hollow where her neck and shoulder joined. She sighed with pleasure. Encouraged, he trailed his mouth up the delicate line of her neck to the soft underside of her jaw and finally around to her ear. He took the very tip of her earlobe into his mouth and bit down lightly. Needing to taste more of her, he trapped her face in his hands and pulled her in for a kiss, his mouth plundering hers.

About the Author

Kimberley O’Malley is a recent transplant to Charlotte, North Carolina from the frozen North. She is learning to say y’all but draws the line at sweet tea. Sarcasm is an art form in her world. When not writing, she is a full-time nurse and part-time soccer Mom, but not necessarily in that order. She shares her life with an amazing husband of more than twenty years, two teenagers, and one very sweet Shetland Sheepdog, Molly.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter

***GIVEAWAY***

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BOOK REVIEW: In a Blue Moon (Blue Moon, #1) by R.A. Desilets

In a Blue Moon

Blue Moon, #1

Author: R.A. Desilets

Genre: YA Sci-Fi / Fantasy

Book Description:

When Effy stumbles down the rabbit hole, she discovers the wondrous fairy tale land of East Valley in chaos. Death and insanity reign after the release of the deadly blue moon curse. Teaming up with the only sane people left—Jack the giant killer, Hansel, and Cat from Cheshire—they traverse East Valley, desperately searching for an answer.

They know Effy’s the key to unraveling the curse, but everyone who remembers how to break the curse is… well, cursed. The murderous mob has Effy in their crosshairs. With Snow, Red, Rapunzel, Gretel, and Pinocchio on the group’s trail, Effy isn’t sure any of them will make it out alive.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

In a Blue Moon is quite the fun read, and one the whole family would enjoy. This is unlike the Alice in Wonderland we all know and love but is filled with as much magic and intrigue that the original tale had to keep readers glued to the pages. The story follows the tale of young Effy Camden, who, while out partying with her best friend, Alyssa, slips through a portal, otherwise known as a rabbit hole, and finds herself in the land of East Valley. Here, she is announced as the new Alice, the girl who has come to save East Valley from the terrible curse of the Blue Moon. Over the course of numerous days, Effy, along with her merry group of colourful characters, traverse the land in search of answers of a cure so they can save the residents of East Valley, who have all turned into lunar-tics (you get it ... right?).

I found all the characters to be amusing and engaging, even the crazies like Belle, Gretel and especially Pinocchio. As much as I wanted to strangle the puppet, I enjoyed his character and his chaotic antics. Considering that almost everyone in town was crazy, the characterisation could have gone south with everyone appearing too similar, but that's not the case here. These characters were rather distinct and were all entertaining. The sane characters were also a treat. I loved the portrayal of Cat, a slightly more zen verison of Yoda, I would say. Although not quite the charmer, Jack the giant killer was a satisfactory leading man. He and Effy shared a lot of similarities, so they were quite the match. While there was no doubt signs of romance between Effy and her saviour, Jack, I liked that it wasn't an insta-love situation. We got to watch as their friendship grew and saw how they came to trust each other. It was a believable union, not just the chemistry between them but also the friendship they formed.

I did feel the story went on for longer than necessary. It could have done with a few less chapters, particularly when each step of their journey resulted in the same outcome. It felt repetitive after about the first ten chapters. It was the same scenario being repeated before the characters actually found a semblance of a resolution. It also took some time before Effy and her companions found any answers as to how to break the curse. The story felt as though it was hovering in one spot for some period, which became somewhat tiresome. Thankfully, the cast of characters were so entertaining that I overcame the slacking plot development and got to the end, which I loved, by the way. That cliffhanging ending was a nice little surprise. I loved the twist. Very well done.

I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a fast-paced, humourous, adventurous tale with a cast of characters who have serious psychological issues - not always relatable, but nonetheless entertaining.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Ratings: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Blog Tour Promo & Giveaway - Blue's Prophecy by Emily Ross

Blue's Prophecy
Author: Emily Ross
Genre: MG/YA Scifi/Fantasy
Release Date: May 15th, 2017
Publisher: TitleTown Publishing

Book Description:
Two genetically altered dogs, two different fates. One is Robo, a beloved Great Dane, who is tricked out of the embrace of his human family and then is horribly altered by an evil scientist who rebuilds him with robotic parts, weaponizing the dog for money from the military. But that s not all the scientist does the experiments he conducts leave Robo a genius, almost immortal and with powers beyond explanation. But the horror Robo experiences at the scientist's hands changes him driving him insane with the sole mission to destroy all humans, especially those who have tortured and hurt dogs.

Meanwhile, a scrappy alley husky sits in a shelter, when she with her blue eyes and tough wolf-like features captures the attention of another group of scientists desperate to stop Robo from his path of destruction. This dog, called Blue, could be the chosen one to fight and defeat Robo. She is also genetically enhanced and left with glowing turquoise eyes before being released to face Robo s vicious dog army. Her mission: save human civilization and the packs of dogs she's grown to love.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

Indiesphere Feature - Ash Born (The Eternity Series, Book 1) by S.R. Crawford

Ash Born

(The Eternity Series, Book 1)

Author: S.R. Crawford

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publication Date: July 28th, 2016

Book Description:

Urban, Dark Fantasy.

Three worlds.
Seven species.
One war and one girl to change everything…

Letti Kane has always been an outsider. Perhaps this was why she foolishly fell for the dangerous Kaizen D’Anna at first sight. However, mingling with the D’Anna family will mean discovering the dark secrets of her own. Secrets of which are catching up to Letti’s mother, the infamous Bellemere Kane.

Unknown predators from her mother’s past are forcing Letti into the darkness that exists right under her nose. Once exposed, what will it mean for Letti though? What is her place going to be in this unforgiving world? Scared, betrayed and losing herself along the way, Letti must find her inner strength before it’s too late.

As she’s thrust deeper into these perilous realms, her mother has only one question on her mind: will the inferno of their world and the upcoming war consume Letti altogether, or will she rise from the ashes?

“The world isn’t big enough for all of us.”

Ash Born is a Young Adult, Paranormal Fantasy novel filled with mystery, romance and angst.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK