Play With Me (A 30,000 words novella) By: Piper Shelly

Book Description Via Goodreads

Ryan Hunter's parties are legend. And tonight she's going to be there.

Liza Matthews anticipates the return of her best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp. But when Tony finally shows up, his mind is more focused on another girl. And worse, she's a soccer player. Fighting for the attention Liza craves, she's just a hairbreadth away from making a very stupid decision. But when extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, she's prepared to play ball to get her man.

The tryouts are hell, the first match ends bloody, and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible—in the arms of the captain of the soccer team. The hottest guy in school. Ryan Hunter.

Visit Piper Shelly's Website Here!

My Review

(Thank you Piper, for a Review Copy!)

I don't read many Novellas, but Play With Me, is such a good one, and I'm just really glad I read it. Yes, it's 30,000 words, and by the end, I wish there was more to this story, but it was nonetheless well written. I feel the characters were written to the point that they were believable, and I liked that. Liza wants to try out for the soccer team, because her best friend (Tony), who she's in love by the way, is on it, and she suprisingly gets on the team, with Ryan Hunter as the soccer captain. 

There's one of Ryan's big parties that Liza finally gets to go to, and there are some surprises for her, including waking up in the wee hour in the morning...in the same bed as Ryan. Now, it's not what you think, but I don't want to give too much away, so you're going to have to find out what happens at that party, that might set off some sort of spark between these two. In this story, you'll also see if Liza finally fesses up her true feelings to Tony, and if there is actually something going on between her and Ryan. I must say the scenes between Liza and Ryan were believable, including their conversations, and I just feel, even though this is not a full length novel, I learned a good amount about these characters, and with the different scenes, there was just a really good flow throughout, and as I said, I would have loved to read more about Liza and well the guy she ends up with, so yes, I really liked this novella very much! Piper Shelly is one great Author :)

My Rating: 4.7/5

I say a Sweet PG-13 Read (Some Language & Mature Content)

The Kiss Off By: Sarah Billington *Review*

This is an overdue Review from the Blog Tour I was going to participate in. I'm finally glad to share it wth all of you!

Book Description

(From Goodreads)

WARNING: Sexual references, occassional coarse language.
When sixteen year old Poppy Douglas writes a song about her ex-boyfriend Cam and ex-friend Nikki, she has no idea that her heartbreak is about to go global.

A local band picks up her song from Youtube and soon she’s along for the ride with her own fanbase as they blow up on the local club scene and hit the international charts. Though it turns out leaving Cam behind isn’t as easy as she had hoped.

Tangled in a web of unfinished homework, ill-considered sexting and a new lead-singer boyfriend, Poppy has a choice to make between the ex that inspired it all and the rock God whose poster lines the inside of half the lockers at school. But as she struggles to keep her emotional dirty laundry private, she learns that the truth can be hard to find when your life is in the headlines.

About The Author

(From Goodreads)

Sarah Billington is an Australian writer and editor who likes to write stories with love, laughs, suspense and zombies. Sometimes all in the same story.

She writes predominantly light Young Adult fiction under her name, Sarah Billington, but if you're interested in something a bit darker and scarier you could try out her other persona, Edwina Ray's writing. Edwina Ray is an Amazon best selling author. This makes Sarah Billington very jealous.

Sarah loves a variety of random things, which include Swing Dancing, Ice Hockey, Roller Derby and is a bit obsessive about paranormal investigation shows and channel E!. She has also become known as "the zombie girl" because of her fascination with all things zombie. She doesn't quite know how that happened, but she's going with it.

Author's Website

Author's Twitter 

My Review

I thought this was a nice story. There was a good concept of how misunderstandings can happen along with the media, and we see how those two things can really hurt a relationship. 

Poppy seemed like a cool character that has a knack for writing songs. I was interested to read more about her obvious talent, like more of her singing along with her lyrics; that would have made me believe her being a song writer, than just talking about it. I think Ty was also a good character, and it seems obvious that they may end up together, but I think from being a young man high school to an instant music sensation around the nation, even around the world, just went too fast, and I did not really believe it. I think what was written really well, were the misunderstandings and the media conflicting a relationship.  So anyway, Ty's transition was just a bit too fast for me and it didn't grab me.

I would have liked to read more scenes on just Poppy and Ty as a couple, before he and his band become very known, to grasp that they are a real couple. I do believe, all in all, that there was originality in this story, and that really made me read to the end. The concept of Poppy getting in trouble for sexting, and dealing with the pressure in having a romantic relationship with a now high profile relationship, was overall interesitng, and as said, grabbed my interest, to the end of the novel. I was a little confused about the location, but I believe it was in some suburb in America, but if there is another book written, I think I would deifnitely be interested in reading it.

My Rating: 3.5/5

I say Rated PG-!3 (Some Strong Language & Sexual References; 16+)

*Promo* Pulse By: Kailin Gow

*Click The Banner For The Tour Schedule!* 

Book Description

YA  Fantasy

Title: Pulse

Author: Kailin Gow

Date Published: 8/2010

17 year-old Kalina didn t know her boyfriend was a vampire until the night he died of a freak accident. She didn t know he came from a long line of vampires until the night she was visited by his half-brothers Jaegar and Stuart Greystone. There were a lot of secrets her boyfriend didn t tell her. Now she must discover them in order to keep alive. But having two half-brothers vampires around had just gotten interesting. 

·  Award-winning Finalist in Romance Fiction (2011 International Book Awards) 

·  Award-winning Finalist in Multicultural Fiction (2011 International Book Awards)

About The Author

Kailin Gow has appeared on top national syndicated talk shows such as ABC Radio, Barbara Dooley show, Chat with Women on KKNW Seattle, Broadminded on Sirius Radio XM, and more as a leading authority on YA and women's issues including self-esteem, body image, dating and sexual relationships, abuse, and bullying. Kailin has been a published author for over 10 years with over 100 titles published under her name and under pen names.

She is the founder of the community social site, The Saving You Saving Me Project,http://www.savingyousavingme.com which helps teens, young adults, and women deal with social issues like sexual abuse, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cutting, relationships, and more in a positive community environment. The Saving You Saving Me Project is an extention of her YA-mature fiction Saving You Saving Me.

Kailin Gow began writing books for tween girls to help them with self-confidence and self-esteem. Her book, Gifted Girls Activities Guide to 365 Days of the Week, became a reference book used in girls organizations across the U.S. As her tween fans grew to become teens and young adults, Kailin began writing engaging and entertaining young adult book series for them. The results are book series like the Frost Series, PULSE Series, Wicked Woods Series, Stoker Sisters, Phantom Diaries, The Fire Wars, FADE, DESIRE, and more.

All her books are inspired by personal experiences. Saving You Saving Me was inspired by her experience as a peer counselor for young women during college and from her psychology major college roommate's experience being in a relationship similar to the one portrayed by Sam and Collins in the book. Loving Summer was inspired by Kailin's experience growing up with a family consisting of a mother, two sons, and a daughter who went through a similar experience of tragedy in the book. Aunt Sookie is based on herself and some actor friends she knows. The Frost Series, Circus of Curiosities Series, and FADE Series came about through vivid dreams. Never Say Never was inspired by Kailin's experience as a radio host and working with and interviewing bands, as well as having college friends who were in bands. Kailin also played the drums and keyboard for a band she once started. A classically-trained musician, she was once led her school orchestra, playing first chair violin. Her experience in the music world and her love of Phantom of the Opera, inspired the Phantom Diaries. PULSE was inspired when Kailin was in the hospital suffering from heavy blood loss post surgery and needed several bags of blood to survive (like a vampire). Beautiful Beings was inspired by her college encounter with a young demon exorcist. A pastor once told her she had the gift of sight and that she was destined to become a prolific author, many times over.

She began taking her writing seriously when her daughter was diagnosed as being on the spectrum and her mother was fighting three types of cancer. Four years later, her daughter was no longer on the spectrum, and her mother became cancer free. Kailin believes in hope and miracles, after having been through several struggles and experiences herself. This is why she writes.

When not busy inhaling chocolate and drinking coffee by the gallon, Kailin makes time for writing fantasy books, blogging as an expert blogger for Fast Company, volunteering as an Emergency Responder and volunteering for battered women's shelters. For fun, she plays the electric violin, and puts together a music playlist for her radio and web shows.

Her Frost Series consisting of the Bitter Frost Series, The Wolf Fey Series, and the Fairy Rose Chronicles along with her other book series are being developed into worldwide MMORPG Games by SEE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, which is the world's leading game developer known for developing the top blockbuster films into games.

Her Contact Links

Facebook

Website

To sign up for news on new releases, contests, events, and more, join theEDGEbooks.com.

Twitter - @kailingow

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

*Book Blast* The Grimm Chronicles By: Isabella Fontaine & Ken Brosky

The Grimm Chronicles

200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm unleashed their stories upon the world. Literally. Now the characters of the Grimms' stories walk among us. With every day that passes, they grow more evil. They are the Corrupted, and only a hero can stop them.

For 18-year-old Alice Goodenough, that means taking precious time off from her summer vacation. In addition to volunteering at the local library, Alice must stop the Corrupted who are now actively hunting her down. With the help of her magic pen and her trusty rabbit friend, the world has suddenly gotten a lot more complex. The Corrupted are everywhere, and only Alice can see them for what they truly are.


This book contains the first 3 episodes of the critically acclaimed series:
Episode 1: Prince Charming Must Die!
Episode 2: Happily Never After
Episode 3: Revenge of the Castle Cats

Additional features for this special edition:
- An introduction
- Two special "Lost Diaries"
- A behind-the-scenes interview
- A collection of original Grimms' Fairy Tales

The Grimm Chronicles is intended for Young Adults aged 13 and up. The goal is to provide Young Adult readers with a strong, charismatic young woman in the role of the hero and provide readers with a positive protagonist who uses her brain to overcome obstacles life throws in her way.

Praise

“5 stars!” ~ Bookies Book Blog

"Highly recommended for all who love fairy tales and the YA genre." ~ My Cozie Corner

"All in all the books were excellent." ~ LilyElement

"If you love fairy tales and them being turned into modern day stories you will love these short stories." ~ Mom With a Kindle

5 stars (out of 5) ~ I Am, Indeed

“Isabella Fontaine and Ken Brosky’s incredible talent for storytelling takes the reader on an amazing action-packed ride fueled by endless creativity and limitless imagination. TGC is like a high-stakes version of Harold and the Purple Crayon meets a contemporary, above ground Alice in Wonderland. “ ~ Bookfetish

“I absolutely loved this book! No, let me rephrase that, I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK! Nope, that doesn't even do it justice. Vol. 1 has the first three stories from the 12 that will ultimately make up the chronicles.” ~ Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

Purchase:

The Grimm Chronicles: Volume 1

Book 1: Prince Charming Must Die!

Book 2: Happily Never After

Book 3: Revenge of the Castle Cats

Book 4: The Orphanage of Doom

Book 5: Blood and Thunder

About the Authors

Ken Brosky received his MFA in fiction writing from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He also teaches English at Madison College. This is his first Young Adult series.

Isabella Fontaine owns a farm in Wisconsin and enjoys reading weird books like House of Leaves. This is her first Young Adult series.

Website * Facebook

Book Blast Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/11/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Trickster By: Serafima Bogomolova *Book Feature*

*Click The Cover To Check Other Tour Stops*

When enigmatic Angela Moreaux, a woman he thought he had exorcised from his brain, calls and asks for his help, reluctant, but unable to resist, a hedge fund owner and an expert in stock market manipulation, Juan MacBride flies out to Moscow. On his arrival a bitter disappointment awaits him as he finds out that Angela fails to show up for their meeting in the Ritz. Instead, Juan is greeted by an elderly Swiss gentleman, who passes a mysterious note to him embarking Juan on a journey of discoveries that he wishes he never made…

 *****

‘A wonderful way with words. An extreme treat to read some of the descriptions. Amazing talent’ – Riia Celen, Finland

‘Interesting, cultured, action-packed – never a dull moment!’ – Sarah Coburn, UK

‘Beautiful book! Everything about it is beautiful from the cover to the very last word!’ – Mounia Khelifi, Hong Kong

‘A pure delight! Witty, sexy, suspenseful, intriguing, exciting, corrupt with twists & turns on each page. A must read!’ – P. D., Canada

*****

Buy now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre – Suspense / Psychological Thriller

Rating – PG13

Connect with Serafima Bogomolova on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://serafimabogomolova.com/

An AToMR Promo Event: The Crimson Hunt By: Victoria H. Smith

Title: The Crimson Hunt (Book One: Eldaen Light Chronicles)

Author: Victoria H. Smith

Release date: November 7, 2012

Genre: Science Fiction Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Buy Links:  Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Print 

Book Description

College junior Ariel Richmond is working on year three of Project Normalcy.

Her house reeks of keggers past and her bestie is just a slight bit vulgar. But the thing is—they both aid in making life refreshingly uneventful.

So much for hard-earned mediocrity when Luca Grinaldi appears on the scene.

Luca’s sudden presence on campus is hard to ignore. Those bright eyes act like a beacon to unsuspecting females, and with features like his, he’s got to be moonlighting for GQ. Luca hopelessly captivates Ariel with his confidence and charisma, but the mysteries surrounding him make him nearly untouchable. And just when Ariel grows close enough to unlock his secrets, a tragic event sends her life in a downward spiral.

That steady life is no longer an option and allies quickly become scarce. The mysterious Luca seems to be the only one willing to help her—but with that trust comes the burden of his secrets. He has a dark mission of otherworldly proportions, and is willing to sacrifice as many lives as it takes to see it completed.

Gone are the days of simply maintaining normalcy, and if Ariel isn’t cautious with her trust, so soon may be her future.

The Crimson Hunt is a New Adult Science Fiction Romance.

Book Excerpt

Grabbing my cup, I forgot myself and indulged in a sip.

Luca watched me, his gaze hard.

Note to self: brown tea + white shirt + GQ model = bad idea. I placed my cup on the table’s surface and wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans.

He continued to watch me. His stare was so deep it could be mistaken for analyzing.

Gosh, he stared hard. Like his eyes were trying to unearth some secret he wanted to know from mine. Since I wasn’t skilled in the art of mind reading, I figured I should make an attempt at formulating some sentences. “So, who is ‘I am Luca?’” I asked, mimicking his original introduction to me. Nice, Ariel, real nice. Making fun of him will definitely score you points.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, what do you do in your spare time? Besides helping girls save cute, baby deer in the middle of vacant woods, of course.” I laughed. It was getting easier to be more natural with him. I liked that.

He laughed, too, breaking his analysis. “School and work takes up the majority of my time.”

Something told me there had to be more to him than that. No one who looked like that graced the world with their beauty in such a mundane way.

“What about you?” he asked.

“I guess the same as you. Just work and school.”

“So why did you find my answer odd?”

Was he skilled in the art of mind eading? “What do you mean?” I laughed in nervousness.

He smiled and rested his finger to his delicious lips. “You looked a little underwhelmed by my answer, is all.”

By God, he got me. “I just thought that … I guess I didn’t know what I thought.” Oy vey.

He laughed gently. 

About The Author

Victoria H. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She puts it to good use writing romance all day. She resides in the Midwest with her Macbook on her lap and a cornfield to her right. She often draws inspiration for her stories from her own life experiences, and the twenty-something characters she writes give her an earful about it.

In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, blogging, reading, and sending off a few tweets on Twitter when she can. She writes new adult fiction romance in the sub-genres of science fiction, urban fantasy, and contemporary, but really, anywhere her pen takes her she goes.

Victoria's Social Media Links

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Details & Rules

- This is an International Giveaway!

- It Ends January 14th!

- The E-Book will be in mobi, epub, and pdf formats gifted from Smashwords.

- If there is one entry, that you did not do, but you did submit it as an entry, then all of your entries will not count, so please be honest. I will be checking regularly. 

- As you submit Entries, be sure to use an Email that you use daily, as that is how I will contact you, if you win. 

- You will have 48 hours to Respond, or I will have to choose a New Winner!

- And Good Luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway