Saturday, June 29, 2013

Cover Reveal - Fire

Title: FIRE
Series: The Hand of Kali Series
Volume: 1
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: (expected) July 2013
Format: Paperback, E-Book
ISBN-10: TBA
Publisher: Infinite Ink
Pages: 350
(Goodreads)

DESCRIPTION:

Normal people sneak out to a party and have fun. Maya Rao ends the evening by incinerating the guy who attacks her.

Nik Lucas, sexy, new in town and totally forbidden, happens to walk in on her. Normal guys would run for the hills. Nik knows a whole lot more than he's telling.

Maya doesn't believe the gods are real, doesn't waste her time with mere mythology. But when gods, demons and hellhound's become the new normal and wielding fire becomes her new skill, she must decide what it is she really believes.

Can Maya accept that normal is something she will never be because it isn't normal to be ...the Hand of Kali.

EXCERPT:

Fear spun Maya around on stricken feet. To defend her back perhaps. She just felt less vulnerable facing her attacker, where she could see his next move. He barreled straight at her. And for all her training in martial arts, she did the one thing her dad always said never to do. She ducked her head and hid her face with her hands. Hands out, as if she could fend off this vicious attacker merely with the soft skin of her palms.
Maya felt the heat before she saw it.

Byron was on fire. A living column of shimmering orange flames. She couldn't breathe. Was afraid to breathe. How did that happen? She glanced around the bathroom as panic filled her veins, her fear taking on a whole new level of hysteria. She had to put the fire out.

She turned to the faucet to fill her hands with water. And froze. In the mirror she saw the burning reflection of Byron disappear. Byron was there one moment and gone the next. Only a few burnt shards of fabric left to say he was ever there. But she remembered the last thing she'd seen before Byron became nothing: brilliant blue eyes turning a frighteningly blood-red.

And Nik, holding the doorknob, staring at the empty space on the floor behind her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…


My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.



CONTACT DETAILS:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads / Amazon / Shelfari



Email  tgayer@xtra.co.nz

Stacking The Shelves #51

Stacking The Shelves
Stacking The Shelves June 29th 2013

Stacking the Shelves is a meme by Tyngas Reviews that let's bloggers share their new books and swag, whether they are physical or virtual. I'll include books I've been sent, emailed, purchased, won and for review.

This week I've been shopping it up like always. One day I'm sure my hubby is going to say enough is enough but so far nothing yet. My cell phone was broken by the toddler and I haven't replaced my iphone yet because we aren't sure we want to renew with a 5 or go with a galaxy. So today I plan to take in my old iphone and get it activated.

Review Pile

Shudder by Samantha Durante (Goodreads) For upcoming tour
Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling (Goodreads)x2 For upcoming tour
Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles (Goodreads) Netgalley
Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon (Goodreads) Netgalley
Taste Test by Kelly Fiore (Goodreads) Netgalley
Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi (Goodreads) Netgalley

Purchases 
Legacy by Cayla Kluver (Goodreads)
Jemima J: A Novel About Ugly Ducklings and Swans by Jane Green (Goodreads)
The Perfect Game by J. Sterling (Goodreads)
Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood (Goodreads)
Written in Red by Anne Bishop (Goodreads)
Lucky Break by Kelley Vitollo (Goodreads)
Whispers in Autumn by Trisha Leigh (Goodreads)



Kindle Freebies

Angels of the Knights - Fallon by Valerie Zambito (Goodreads)
Halfway by Stephanie Void (Goodreads)
Savage by Willow Rose (Goodreads)
Shadow of Time by Jen Minkman (Goodreads)
Blessed Tragedy by H.B. Heinzer (Goodreads)
Guardian by Kassandra Kush (Goodreads)
A Charmed Place by Antoinette Stockenberg (Goodreads)
Angels Watching Over Me by Michael Phillips (Goodreads)
Waking up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly (Goodreads)
Chasing Justice by Danielle Stewart (Goodreads)

What did you get this week?






Daily Spotlight - Chic lit

Daily Spotlight - Chic Lit
June 29th 2013


I love the idea of having a daily spotlight post where I pick a book, genre, author or anything else bookish I want to share that day.

I love chic lit just don't have a chance to read it enough but I've been adding a large amount to my TBR list. I hope to read a few this summer. I've always been a big fan of the chic lit genre it's one that typically gives you a happy ending. I'm a sucker for a good love story and these tend to be clean fun books. 

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella (Goodreads)
The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin (Goodreads)
Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes (Goodreads)Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot (Goodreads)
The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne (Goodreads)
Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Skyes (Goodreads)
Jemima J: A Novel About Ducklings and Swans by Jane Green (Goodreads)
Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger (Goodreads)
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen (Goodreads)
Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter (Goodreads)
A Total Waste of Makeup by Kim Gruenendelder (Goodreads)
The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Strohmeyer (Goodreads)
From Notting HIll With Love Actually by Ali McNamara (Goodreads)
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff (Goodreads)
Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews (Goodreads)

I went through goodreads chic lit folder picking out several that sound awesome to me and hope to check out. Most of the above are less popular authors and I figured they could use a little extra publicity. 

Do you have a favorite chic lit author? or book? 
I'm always open to suggestions. 




Friday, June 28, 2013

Review: Blood and Mistletoe

Title - Blood and Mistletoe
Author - E.J. Stevens
Series - Ivy Granger #1.5
Genre - Urban Fantasy
Format - Ebook Review Copy
Publication November 20th 2013
Publisher - Sacred Oaks Press

Synopsis

Holidays are worse than a full moon for making people crazy. In Harborsmouth, where many of the residents are undead vampires or monstrous fae, the combination may prove deadly.


Ivy Granger, psychic private investigator, returns to the streets of Harborsmouth in this addition to the bestselling urban fantasy series. 

Holidays are Hell, a point driven home when a certain demon attorney returns with information regarding a series of bloody murders. Five Harborsmouth residents have been killed and every victim has one thing in common--they are fae. Whoever is killing faeries must be stopped, but they only leave one clue behind--a piece of mistletoe floating in a pool of the victim's blood.

The holidays just got interesting. Too bad this case may drive Ivy mad before the New Year. Heck, she'll be lucky to survive Christmas.

Blood and Mistletoe is an Ivy Granger series novella.


Review

I received Blood and Mistletoe from the author in return for an honest review. Ivy Granger is back to solve a holiday crime. When Ivy’s favorite demon Forneous shows up asking requesting she catch the killer targeting fae she can’t say no even if it is working for the demon. While Ivy’s boyfriend Ceff is out of town dealing with some negotiations between his people Ivy will have to reply on a young hunter and Jinx to catch the killer before it’s too late. A quick scan of the files reveals that the killer has taken several different kinds of fae only things found at the scene mistletoe and blood.  Forneous doesn't have much info so she heads to Kaye’s shop hoping to find more information about what she’s dealing with.

After looking over the list of fae that have gone missing she’s sure someone is creating a fae Christmas tree and after talking to Kaye she learns that the person killing fae is using the mistletoe and blood to enhance their magic.  Suddenly Marvin is missing and darkness is lurking around every corner will she be able to find Marvin, stop the killer and still make it to the winter solstice party?

I love Ivy she has issues but I think that’s what makes her so unique. She has the ability to see things when she touches an object or person so she always wears gloves which I would do if I was her. She has built a great group of friends, from her best friend and business partner Jinx who happens to be human but can pack a mean tongue lashing to Kaye one of the most powerful witches in the area. Plus what’s not to love about the super handsome Ceff the king of the Kelpie’s she’s dating.

Blood and Mistletoe is a novella in the Ivy Granger series that follows along after Shadow Sight but before Ghost light. A perfect fast paced short story filled with enough action, and suspense to keep you on your toes.  I love the concept for the series, it’s a normal city but with the paranormal community living together maybe not everyone knows about the paranormal but Ivy is well immersed in it. E.J. Stevens has created another brilliant story in the Ivy Granger series, her characters are easy to connect with and her plot intricate. I highly suggest anyone who likes an entertaining paranormal mystery should check it out. It’s also a series that I know teens as well as adults will enjoy reading. I can't wait to start Ghost Light lucky me I have advance copy! 

5 out of 5 stars

Diary Entry

Diary Update
June 28th 2013

I've been playing with creating my own daily feature and think I have it about figured out.

Happy Friday!!!! Yay for the weekend!

This morning i'm writing my blog posts, while drinking a iced coffee. The little one is watching disney and the puppy is hanging out on the floor. The rest of the house is asleep since the hubby has the day off from work. I have a weakness for using melted wax to make the house smell and it's cupcake this morning so my house smells good enough to eat. 

Currently Reading - 
Just finished Blood and Mistletoe Review should be up today. 
I hope to start and finish Ghost Light on my lazy friday!

Kindle freebies
So many freebies today on amazon I spent a hour browsing the selection adding a few dozen it feels like to my already large kindle freebie shelf. Link to top 100 freebies (Here)

Goodreads
I'm addicted to challenges but missed out the most recent bingo. However I've been playing around with the top shelves feature on goodreads it's interesting to see how people shelves books. (Here

Challenges 
I'm struggling with my goal of 90 books but I'm hoping to change that and make a dent over the next month. I'm currently 9% and 18 books behind my goal of 200 for the year. 

I also was looking at covers the other day and made a wallpaper for my computer of beautiful dresses. I've got a little bit of procrastination in my bones lately. 
I'm sure that I will be making many more because it was kind of fun plus I enjoy looking at all the pretty colors. Maybe next will my July reading list or review pile. 

Have a great day!

Follow Friday

Follow Friday
Hosted by:
&

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!
Each week a new question, new answer, and new blogs to follow. 
If you want to follow via GFC just in case it goes away I ask you follow a second way, email, Linky, Bloglovin'. 
Thanks
Featured blogs this week:

Paperbook Princess


Got Fiction

This Week's Question:


What is your preferred reading format? Hardcover, ebook, paperback etc?


Answer:
My preferred is hardcover or paperback only because I love the way a real book feels and smells. I love the way I can look at physical books on the shelves also because I'm a book hoarder. However I use my kindle's a lot. I have two the keyboard and hd fire they both are always close by. The fire is awesome the covers are so beautiful in HD but the battery just isn't long enough and I find myself surfing the web, or facebook creeping. So the keyboard is my main go to for reading ebooks. 

How about you?

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Feature - Champions of Power


Title - Champions of Power 
Author - Samuel Odunsi Jr. 
Series - Age of the Aura Phase 1
Genre - Science Fiction (Space Opera)
Published June 24th 2013

SYNOPSIS

The Blessed Galaxy has no other name. After being gifted with the Auras—five great powerhouses of celestial creation—the title was a suitable fit. For millennia, the governing bodies have ruled their respective reaches of the Galaxy while harnessing the might of the Auras. But now they face the threat of a calamity, from an unlikely source, that could shake the lives of all. Lowen Sars, a devout man of science, decides to take on the burden of saving the Galaxy’s people once he learns of the calamity. But he soon realizes that the role of a hero was a calling not meant for him, even with his sudden promotion. In his process of self-discovery, Lowen begins the fateful saga of not only the Blessed Galaxy, but also the kingdom in possession of the corrupt Aura. 

Read more behind the story! (Here)

Grab your own copy! 
Download Phase I for FREE on Amazon! (June 24th-28th ONLY!) (Here
Also
Enter to Win a Physical Copy of Phase I on GOODREADS!


Goodreads Book Giveaway

Champions of Power by Samuel Odunsi Jr.

Champions of Power

by Samuel Odunsi Jr.

Giveaway ends July 24, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Watch the Book Trailer!  

Book Reviews for Phase I
Check out what other bloggers are saying!

Daily Spotlight

Daily Spotlight - Fantasy
June 26th 2013


I love the idea of having a daily spotlight post where I pick a book, genre, author or anything else bookish I want to share that day.

Today I'm going to spotlight Urban Fantasy a genre close to my heart. I love the concept of paranormal/supernatural is a real-world setting it’s my favorite. I have read a nice selection of Urban Fantasy; it’s my go to when I’m looking for a non-review book. 

My Favorite Urban Fantasy 
Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs (Goodreads) I'm actually behind but plan to be caught up this summer. I just haven't read the first one but I have the ebook taunting me on my kindle. 

The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison (Goodreads) I started this series when it was just the first book and have been a die hard fan. I've let my review pile get out of control so I'm behind a few books. One day soon. 

Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning (Goodreads) I read the first one for a challenge a while back and after I make some way on my review pile I plan to finish the series. 

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K Hamilton (Goodreads) My introduction to the paranormal as a teen. I read the first three in a weekend and have been a huge fan since. I'm behind because I'm taking a break I got tired of being more about Anita and her men then the story but it sounds like she's moving in that direction again. So I plan to catch up. 

There are several I want to start and hope to in the near future. If only I had more time in the day. 

I want to start the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads). I'm always catching reviews and seeing the series in people's top ten but I haven't yet. I even have a physical and ebook copy because I forgot I had the physical copy. 

Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger (Goodreads). I picked up Soulless a while back with intentions of reading it for a challenge them opted for something else. It sounds like a awesome series. 

Dark Angels series by Keri Arthur (Goodreads) I've not read a lot of angel books but this is one of the ones I have on top of my list of angel series to read. Plus I love the covers for this series. 

The Bloodhound Files by D.D. Barant (Goodreads) This sounds like a great series I like the concept of the FBI profiler doing supernatural stuff. I have the first one just need to find the time. 

What are you favorite Urban Fantasy's? Any suggestions?

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Review: Something Strange and Deadly

Title - Something Strange and Deadly
Author - Susan Dennard 
Series - Something Strange and Deadly #1
Genre - YA Paranormal Zombies
Format - Hardcover
Published - July 24th 2012
Publisher - HarperTeen

Synopsis 

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.


Review

Eleanor has arrived at the train expecting to pick up her brother the last thing she expects is the alarm for the walking dead. She’s even more shocked that a zombie delivers a telegram from her missing brother explaining he’s delayed. After spending almost everything on a homecoming part her mother resorts to having a séance not that they really work but it will have to do. Later that night during the séance things start to get real when her mother contacts a spirit and not the spirit of her dead husband she was attempting to contact.

As if worrying about her missing brother and zombies aren't enough now she has the evil spirit that was unleashed at her mother’s party. Plus her mother is dead set on getting her married so that all their money issues will be solved but getting is the least of Eleanor’s concerns. Eleanor decides her best choice is to enlist the aid of the Spirit-hunters to help find her brother and deal with the evil spirit her mother set free on Philadelphia. She first meets Daniel the inventor in the team who is too busy to talk to her, than meets Joseph the one who has the ability to lay the zombies to rest. Daniel and Joseph are in town to take care of the Necromancer who has arrived in town and started raising the dead. Eleanor learns far more than she expected the more time spends with the Spirit-hunters the more secrets she starts to uncover.

I like Eleanor she has a good head on her shoulders when danger is lurking. I think she handles all the craziness in her life really well. She’s a character that is easy to connect with you can’t help cheering her own as she advances though the story. I can't imagine dealing with a mom who wanted to marry me off at 16 for money, much less the zombies running around town running amok. She has two potential suitors one an eligible bachelor all the girls want and the inventor who’s been down on his luck and not had the easy life. I really think Daniel is a perfect character for her; however I didn't like Clarence from the start and kept hoping the zombies would get him so maybe I’m a little biased. Though the story didn't have a lot of romance I do hope to see more in the next book with Eleanor and her guy.

I knew right from the start I would love Something Strange and Deadly, with a beautiful cover it’s hard not to be curious plus throw in a few zombies I’m sold. I was instantly drawn right into Eleanor’s story because right away she’s fleeing from zombies. I found the story to be a mix of action, mystery, and a little romance that created a perfect story for capturing the imagination.  I found the book fast paced hard to put down because I just had to know what was going to happen next. I actually started this book two weeks ago but didn't have time to finish it before I needed to squeeze in a few reviews so it’s been haunting me for weeks. I’m thrilled I had the morning to sit down and finish it’s a fantastic story. Susan Dennard has created a brilliant story mixing zombies into a steampunk story and we all know everything is better with zombies. The book is clean so teens as well as adults will be able to enjoy and it’s not a blood gore fest for the zombies either. I loved the book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series. 

5 out of 5 stars

Daily Spotlight: New Adult

Daily Spotlight - New Adult
June 26th 2013
I love the idea of having a daily spotlight post where I pick a book, genre, author or anything else bookish I want to share that day.


Today I'm going to babble a little about the new genre New Adult. I’m sure many of you are new to the New Adult genre like I am and might still wonder exactly what it is. Well New Adult is a crossover between YA and Adult. The characters tend to be still in late teens or early twenties dealing with more mature adult situations.

New Adult is relatively new, and I've only read a few books but I do have a large selection on my TBR list. My first was last year I read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire I instantly fell in love with Travis & Abby. I have a physical copy of Walking Disaster but I just haven't had a chance to read it yet, and I think part of me is torn with all the conflicting reviews I've read. I also just finished reading Tragicby J.A. Huss which I really enjoyed more than I expected.

I have picked up several with the intentions of reading them but with my monstrous review pile I haven't got the chance. Here are a few I plan to read before the end of the year. A few books I've got on my TBR New Adult List. 

Wait for you by J. Lynn (Goodreads) My cousin read this one and suggested I check it out.
Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire (Goodreads) I plan to read this one soon, but I've been torn for a while.
Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase (Goodreads) This one sounds amazing.

Have you read any New Adults? Any favorites?






Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

This week's topic is:
Top Ten Best Books Read so far 2013


1. Tragic by J.A. Huss (Review)
2. Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors (Review)
3. Reboot by Amy Tintera (Review)
4. PODs by Michelle K Pickett (Review)
5. The Selection by Kiera Cass (Review)
6. Deadtown by Nancy Holzer (Review)
7. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Review)
8. Always and Forever by Karla J. Nellenbach (Review)
9. Pitch Green by The Brothers Washburn (Review)
10. Veer by Alyssa Rose Ivy (Review)


What's your top ten this week?