Omnific Angels Tour! Carol Oates' Favorite Quotes!

Event Description:
Omnific Publishing is celebrating all things Omnific, Romance, and Angels! August 5th-10th, participating blogs will be featuring different guest posts, interviews, and excerpts by the authors of The Omnific Angels. Don’t forget to enter the giveaways and visit the other stops by clicking the linky list below. Omnific and the authors would like to invite you to join the Angel Goodreads Group! Head over to Goodreads and see what’s going on: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/100102-angels-in-romantic-fiction.

Thank you for stopping by on our stop along the Omnific Angels Tour! On our stop, we'll be spotlighting Carol Oates and her books!! (Scroll to the bottom to visit the other stops along this tour!)

"Some of my favorite quotes from the books." ~ Carol Oates

Check out the interview with Sebastian and Draven!!

About the Books!

Ember (Ember #1)
Published: July 11, 2011
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal Romance)
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Check out my review!

The Blurb:

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago. Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.

The Book Trailer:

Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal Romance)
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Published: October 16, 2012
Check out my review!

The Blurb:

Candra Ember used to dream of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in the battle against ultimate darkness.

Falling for a Nephilim wasn’t part of Sebastian’s plan. Distraction is something he can’t afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has.

Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens in Acheron. The Arch is missing from Heaven, and a demon is intent on claiming the city. At a time they should be growing closer, grief and paranoia is driving Candra and Sebastian apart.

If the price of restoring the Watchers to Heaven is a human soul, who deserves to be saved?

The Book Trailer:

About the Author:
Carol Oates has never been one to remain still for long. After her mother’s mad dash to the hospital through the empty city streets of Dublin, Ireland, Carol made her debut into the world in the early hours of Christmas morning. Since then her pace has not slowed down in the least.

Carol was introduced to the world of supernatural books when, as a child, her family moved to a coastal suburb of north Dublin known as Clontarf; famous as the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the prolific author responsible for breathing life into the legendary story of “Dracula.” This stirred in Carol an early passion for reading about all things supernatural. When that passion was combined with a deep interest in the history and folklore of Ireland, as well as an active and vivid imagination, Carol Oates, the author, was born. Carol’s love of writing about anything not entirely “human" emerged.

To learn more about Carol Oates and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

The Giveaway!!
The publisher/author is offering a YA Event Giveaway of (1) Print Copy of Ember and Iridescent, (1) Beaded angel wings bookmark, (1) Angel wings earrings (gold toned, hypoallergenic, nickel free). Please use the Rafflecopter code below if you would like to offer the event giveaway. – US Only Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Book Review: The Deepest Night by Shana Abe

Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal/Fantasy Romance)

Expected publication: August 13, 2013
Publisher: Bantam

Pre-Order Now!!

The Blurb:

A rich portrait of post-Victorian England, The Deepest Night seamlessly blends thrilling romance with riveting history and adventure—perfect for fans of Libba Bray and Lauren Kate.

It’s 1915, and sixteen-year-old Lora Jones is finishing up her first year as a charity student at Iverson, a prestigious, gothic boarding school on England’s southern coast. While she’s always felt different from everyone around her, now she finally knows why: She is a drákon, a rare, enchanted being with astonishing magical abilities.

As war hits Britain’s shores, and Lora reels from an unimaginable loss, she finds that her powers come with grave and dangerous responsibilities. At the request of Armand Louis, the darkly mysterious boy whose father owns Iverson, Lora will spend her summer at his lavish estate. To help the war effort—and to keep Lora by his side—Armand turns his home into a military hospital, where Lora will serve as a nurse. For Armand is inescapably drawn to her—bound to her by heart-deep secrets and a supernatural connection that runs thicker than blood.

Yet while Lora tries to sort out her own feelings toward Armand, fate offers an unexpected surprise. Lora discovers there is another drákon, a prisoner of war being held in Germany. And that only she, with her newly honed Gifts, will be able to rescue him.

With Armand, Lora will cross enemy lines on an incredible mission—one that could bond her to Armand forever, or irrevocably tear them apart.

Beautifully written, deeply romantic, and filled with daring adventure and magic, The Deepest Night is a mesmerizing novel of the enduring pull of destiny, and the eternal strength of love.

My Review:

The Deepest Night is the sequel to The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe. While I wasn't as enamored with this one as I was with the first book, it was still pretty darn good. In fact, this is fast becoming one of my favorite series. Lora is still learning how to use her new gifts and function as a Drakon. I enjoy watching her grow more and more into her character. Armand really grew on me through this book. He feels everything so deeply and passionately. I really felt for him. I love where this story seems to be going. I only hope that we aren't building up to another love triangle. WWI is still going on around this story, so you get glimpses into the effects of the war on the soldiers, civilians, and every day life at this time. I want to know more about Drakons, and why there are so few left. I'm anxious for more books in this series! The author is truly gifted in her story telling abilities. She draws you in so much that you feel like you are a part of this world. This is what I would call a versatile read in that there is so much going on and so much that would appeal to a wide variety of readers. I'm ready for the next book. Pre-Order Now!!

Check out my review of Book One, The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe!!

The ARC of The Deepest Night by Shana Abe was provided to me by the publisher through Net Galley for review. The opinions are my own.

About the Author:
Shana Abé was born in Texas. She spent much of her childhood living in Colorado, with a brief stint in Mexico as a foreign exchange student, and, at age seventeen, lived in Japan as a model. Throughout her childhood, Abé wrote, completing what she calls "The Silliest Romance Novel Ever" during her free time during modeling shoots. Her writing focused on romance, as those were the types of books that she most enjoyed reading.[1] She later attended college in Los Angeles, graduating with a degree in drama.

Her second novel, also a contemporary romance, took third place in a writing contest. She sent the book to several prospective agents, many of which responded with questions similar to "Nice voice — but what line are you writing for?" Unwilling to try to fit her writing into some of the rules that governed contemporary romances, Abé chose to concentrate on historical romances. For her first attempt at a historical romance, the newlywed Abé chose to tell the story of her own romance with her husband, set in medieval times. The manuscript was purchased by Bantam Books and published as A Rose in Winter.

Many of Abé's subsequent novels have also been set in the medieval time period. Abé chose the time period because of its "great sense of dichotomy....It inspires thoughts of grandeur, of courtly grace and chivalrous knights — but at the same time there's a gritty, raw aspect to the period that just cannot be denied."

Abé has received the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, and has been nominated six times for Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, winning twice

To learn more about Shana Abe, visit her website. You can also find the author on Twitter & Facebook.

Manic by J.A. Huss Tour!! A Review & Giveaway!!

Genre: Adult Fiction(Contemporary Romance) *Mature Content* Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language usage

Date Published: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Science Future Press

The Blurb:

TRAGIC is over and Rook is ready for the future—Spencer Shrike and the STURGIS contract!

It’s three months of body art modeling! That means three months of Spencer Shrike’s paintbrush all over her body, three months in front of Antoine’s camera, and three months of twenty-four hour filming for Spencer’s Biker Channel reality show.

Wait a minute…what reality show? Maybe she should’ve read that STURGIS contract a little closer? ;)

Sure, Rook’s bank account is almost overflowing, but Ronin is angry, Clare is trying to escape rehab, Antoine is a worried mess, and Elise is just trying to hold everyone together. Her new family is about to fall apart before she even gets the chance to enjoy them.

Add in a mysterious man from her past, a road trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a final show in front of the entire world where all her goods are on display, and you’ve got Manic—a new adult contemporary romance that will definitely make your summer sizzle!

New Adult Contemporary Romance *Mature Content* Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language usage.

My Review:

Manic is the second book in the Rook and Ronin series by J.A. Huss. If you haven't read Tragic yet, I highly suggest you do so, and check out my review of Tragic too! Rook is having some regrets about signing the Sturgis contract. I think Ronin's heart is in the right place, but he still needs to work on his priorities. He has a completely unexpected side to him too. As far as their relationship is concerned, they still have a lot to figure out together. Spencer is still my favorite. He was more down to business in this book. We also met a new character, Ford, who I'm very curious about. He's an interesting and odd character, but I think I like him too. At least so far, I like him. Manic seemed more drama based this time around. There was less romance and less anticipation, but more suspense and more has been added to the plot. It was a good, strong story all around. I enjoyed it very much.

The ARC of  Manic by J.A. Huss was provided to me by the Xpresso Book Tours for review. The opinions are my own.

About the Author:
J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers. Check out my interview with J.A. Huss!

To learn more about J.A. Huss and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Giveaway!
-Signed copy of book 1 & 2 -A custom necklace -Open internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Omnific Angels! Interview w/ Draven & Sebastian from Carol Oates' Ember Series!

Event Description:
Omnific Publishing is celebrating all things Omnific, Romance, and Angels! August 5th-10th, participating blogs will be featuring different guest posts, interviews, and excerpts by the authors of The Omnific Angels. Don’t forget to enter the giveaways and visit the other stops by clicking the linky list below. Omnific and the authors would like to invite you to join the Angel Goodreads Group! Head over to Goodreads and see what’s going on: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/100102-angels-in-romantic-fiction.

Thank you for stopping by on our stop along the Omnific Angels Tour! On our stop, we'll be spotlighting Carol Oates and her books!! (Scroll to the bottom to visit the other stops along this tour!)

  Character Interview:

Arriving early to a penthouse suite Inferno Hotel in Acheron for today’s interview, I’m surprised to find both Draven and Sebastian are waiting. It’s more surprising to find them both relaxed and engaged in civil conversation.

Draven stands from the red velvet couch, wearing casual jeans and a fitted white shirt. His sleeves are rolled up over taut forearms. With his designer clothes, dark hair and movie star smile, he looks right at home in the opulent surroundings.

“Hello. I’m so glad you made it here safe and sound. I’m Draven and this is Sebastian.”  He gestures to the man behind him and immediately moves to one of the Queen Anne chairs and pulls it nearer to the table for me where afternoon tea is set out complete with miniature sandwiches and scrumptious cakes on a silver stand.

“Jenna Asher, Acheron Globe Weekender.” I don’t offer to shake his hand since I’m aware Draven doesn’t like to be touched. Sebastian nods in acknowledgement and throws his arm over the backrest of the couch.

“I’m glad to be here.” I blush despite myself and reach into my bag to grab my recorder, hoping the color will fade fast.

Apart from disarming good looks, these two couldn’t be more opposite if they tried.

Sebastian’s clothes appeared worn, his blond hair ruffled and in need of a trim, giving him a fresh from a California beach look. Easy confidence rolled off him.

“How about we let Draven play mom and pour the tea while we get started on your questions,” Sebastian smirks, scratching a glass-cut jawline.

Draven rolls his eyes and goes about serving us. I clear my throat and refer to my notes to avoid direct eye contact with Sebastian. It feels strangely like the man can peer into my soul.

“There’s been a lot of speculation on the gossip sites about the relationship between you two.

Nobody seems to know much about you, Sebastian. How did it happen that a man with no past to speak of is holding secret meetings with one of the most powerful men in the city?”

Sebastian barks a laugh. “Appearances can be deceptive.”

Draven shoots him a warning glare and I already get a sense I won’t hear many answers.

“What Sebastian means,” Draven tells me as he places a delicate white china cup in front of me, “is he’s not at all mysterious. Our relationship is merely that our families go back a long way. Sebastian is helping me with an on-going project.”

Sebastian is watching him talk, his lips pressed taut. He clearly wants to say more.

“Oh.” My journalist spidey senses tingle. I sense a scoop. “Is this a project we’ll be hearing about soon?”

Draven’s face is a perfect mask of calm, too calm. He’s hiding something. “I certainly hope not.”

“What about the sudden upsurge of violent crime in the city. Are you concerned your project may be affected?”

Sebastian scoots forward on the couch and lifts his hand to indicate he’s got this one. “While this “Project”,” he makes air quotes and smiles in a way I’m sure in meant as a distraction, “is ongoing, security in the city is a premium concern. We’ve both brought in extra guards to help the authorities.”

“You mean mercenaries?” I ask, confused but positive this is a scoop. They’ve been protecting the city with their own people.

Sebastian suddenly commits his expression to the same blank mask Draven wore a moment ago. “I mean individuals who are exceptionally experienced in protection. It’s not something we are free to discuss further.”

Cut off again, I refer to my notes and change direction. “Given that there will be photographs accompanying the article, I’m sure our female readers would love to know if there is a special lady in either of your lives?”

“Yes,” the young men say in unison.

Tension cuts through the air all of a sudden and my china cup rattles on the saucer as I attempt to lift it. I seem to have crossed into unwelcome questions again. Neither will look at the other.

“Care to elaborate?” I chance the question hoping for a reply against all odds.

“I’m seeing someone,” Draven answers somewhat smugly. “But I prefer to keep my private life private.” His eyes finally settle on Sebastian and an eyebrow arches.

Sebastian releases a lungful of air and smiles like the cat that got the cream. He sits back and settles his ankle across his knee. “There is someone I’m spending a lot of time with. I think you could say we’re closer than friends.”

Draven’s eyes narrow almost imperceptivity and his careful mask drops for an instant. I’m about to ask if Sebastian would like to offer the lucky girl’s name when Draven stands.

“I apologize, Ms. Asher, I’ve just remembered I have something I need to attend to.”

“Oh, yes.” I haven’t made it half way through my questions. I stand anyway, sure the interview is over.

“Please feel free to make use of the hotel. Stay and have lunch if you wish. On me of course.”

“That’s very kind,” I reply but Draven is already out the door.

Sebastian grabs a handful of tiny cakes and smiles. “That was interesting. Nice to meet you.”

Then he’s gone too and I’m left alone and wondering if it was something I said.

About the Books!

Ember (Ember #1)
Published: July 11, 2011
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal Romance)
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Check out my review!

The Blurb:

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago. Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.

The Book Trailer:

Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal Romance)
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Published: October 16, 2012
Check out my review!

The Blurb:

Candra Ember used to dream of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in the battle against ultimate darkness.

Falling for a Nephilim wasn’t part of Sebastian’s plan. Distraction is something he can’t afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has.

Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens in Acheron. The Arch is missing from Heaven, and a demon is intent on claiming the city. At a time they should be growing closer, grief and paranoia is driving Candra and Sebastian apart.

If the price of restoring the Watchers to Heaven is a human soul, who deserves to be saved?

The Book Trailer:

About the Author:
Carol Oates has never been one to remain still for long. After her mother’s mad dash to the hospital through the empty city streets of Dublin, Ireland, Carol made her debut into the world in the early hours of Christmas morning. Since then her pace has not slowed down in the least.

Carol was introduced to the world of supernatural books when, as a child, her family moved to a coastal suburb of north Dublin known as Clontarf; famous as the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the prolific author responsible for breathing life into the legendary story of “Dracula.” This stirred in Carol an early passion for reading about all things supernatural. When that passion was combined with a deep interest in the history and folklore of Ireland, as well as an active and vivid imagination, Carol Oates, the author, was born. Carol’s love of writing about anything not entirely “human" emerged.

To learn more about Carol Oates and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

The Giveaway!!
The publisher/author is offering a YA Event Giveaway of (1) Print Copy of Ember and Iridescent, (1) Beaded angel wings bookmark, (1) Angel wings earrings (gold toned, hypoallergenic, nickel free). Please use the Rafflecopter code below if you would like to offer the event giveaway. – US Only Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

An Endless Summer Blitz!

The Boys of Summer (Summer, #1) 

Genre: Mature Young Adult/New Adult (Contemporary Romance)

Date Published: December 17, 2012
Publisher: Self
My Review of The Boys of Summer

The Blurb:
It seemed only natural to nickname them the ‘Onslow Boys’. Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week’s work, their laughter was loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition, a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him ... Toby Morrison.

Quiet seventeen-year-old Tess doesn’t relish the thought of a summertime job. She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before the dreaded Year Twelve begins.

To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fireworks at the Onslow Show and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets.

How did she let her friends talk her into working?

After first-shift disasters, rude, wealthy tourists and a taunting ex-boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come of working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love and heartbreaking chaos.

All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.

It will be a summer she will always remember.

Warning: sexual references, and occasional coarse language.

An Endless Summer (Summer #2)

Genre: Mature Young Adult/New Adult (Contemporary Romance)

Date Published: July 11, 2013
Publisher: Self
My review of An Endless Summer

The Blurb:
Sean looked out over the lake, squinting against the sunlight. He turned to me, his expression sobering as his eyes flicked over my face in a silent study.

“Come on Amy, I saved you once, I’ll save you again.”
I met his stare unflinchingly. “I don’t need saving.”
A wicked grin formed slowly. “Don’t you?”

After a rebellious summer night that almost claimed her life, Amy Henderson – the Onslow publican’s only daughter – is sent away to suffer a fate far worse than any other punishment:

Boarding School.

Three years on, a now nineteen-year-old Amy returns to Onslow for the summer. What once was a cauldron of activity with live bands, hot meals and cold beers, the Onslow Hotel now lies dark, deserted and depressing. All fond childhood memories of loitering on the hotel stairs and eavesdropping on customers’ colourful conversations are in the distant past.

How had her dad let it come to this?

With the new threat of putting the Onslow up for sale, Amy reluctantly turns to a local tradesman for help: Sean Murphy, the very same Onslow boy who saved her life all those years ago. With his help and that of some old friends, the task is clear: spend the summer building the hotel back up to its former glory or lose it for good.

In an endless summer, Amy soon realizes that sometimes in order to save your future, you have to face your past, even if it’s in the form of a smug, gorgeous Onslow boy.

About the Author:
C.J Duggan is an Australian author who lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales, Australia.

The Boys of Summer is Book One in her Mature Young Adult Romance Series.

To learn more about C.J. Duggan and her books, visit her blog and website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter. 

 

Amanda Havard's Body & Blood Tour!! A Review of Body & Blood Plus a Giveaway!

Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal Romance)

Date Published: July 23, 2013
Publisher: Chafie Press
Tour Coordinator: InkSlinger PR

The Blurb:

How many answers you seek are just a part of you, waiting to be found?

The game has changed.

Fresh from her first brush with mortality, a fragile Sadie Matthau is playing human with Cole Hardwick while the Survivors endure unimaginable tragedy. Wrought with the first deaths of their own kind, a tyrant who will torture them, and an opponent more terrifying than anyone could have foreseen, the Survivors are facing their end.

Told from three points of view, The Survivors: Body & Blood is a bloodcurdling, mind-bending, heart-stopping ride. As Sadie and the Winters uncover more enemies, more history, and more answers, they find themselves brought closer together and ripped further apart. And all the while, a haunting Alexander Raven lurks at the edge of Sadie s lifeline, at the darkening fringes of her mind.

As the Survivors descend into chaos, Sadie realizes a painful truth: the deepest of secrets leave the darkest of marks.

Caught between a terrifying fantasy and her own grim reality, Body & Blood is the story of Sadie's dance with her demons, future, past, and present.

Check out my reviews of Book 1: the Survivors and Book 2: Point of Origin

My Review:

Body & Blood is the third book in the Survivors Series by Amanda Havard. This book is different from the previous two in that you're given Everett and Marc's point of views along with Sadie's. I have to say, I enjoyed seeing life through their eyes quite a bit. I've been an Everett fan from the beginning, but now Marc is growing on me too. In the last book, you get the impression that there is more to Marc than what is shown, and now I know for sure there's more to him. I really like him. I didn't like the ending at all, but I know this isn't the last book in the series, so I'm not too worried. I just hope what happened is reversible. I love the amount of information you are given throughout this series, and how everything builds more and more. There is so much thought and detail that must have gone into writing this series. It's pretty amazing. This is definitely one of the most unique and interesting series out there.

The ARC of Body & Blood by Amanda Havard was provided to me by the publisher for review. The opinions are my own.

The Body & Blood Soundtrack Sessions follow Amanda Havard as she talks about each song found on the soundtrack for the third book in THE SURVIVORS SERIES, Body & Blood, and performs exclusive acoustic versions of each song. Want more Survivors soundtrack music? Check out the rest of the B&B Sessions, the original songs written exclusively for the series, and the full soundtrack!

About the Author:

Amanda Havard thinks in stories. She writes books and songs, tells stories to people over coffee or in elaborate iPad apps, in short films or subtle photographs. Stories are her life. THE SURVIVORS: BODY & BLOOD is her third novel, and is an amalgamation of all of her storytelling love combined. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, a place where creativity drips from the sap of the trees, radiates from the attitude of the population, and seeps from the concrete. The inventor of the Immersedition™ interactive book app, Havard is always looking for the next best story-- and the most innovative way to tell it. Check out my interview with Amanda Havard!

To learn more about Amanda Havard and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Giveaway!!

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Book Blast & Giveaway! In Defense of the Queen by Michelle Diener

Adventure, intrigues and assassins, a wild ride against time. Historical fiction with a flair is what Diener does best! - Nocturnal Book Reviews

Genre: Adult Fiction (Historical Fiction)

Date Published: August 1, 2013
Publisher: Self

The Blurb:

An artist never betrays her patron . . . especially one of the world's most powerful kings.

Susanna Horenbout has learned this lesson from the cradle. But when she receives a letter from her father telling her to do just that, she faces a dilemma. Betray Henry VIII, or carry out the request of her father’s employer, Margaret of Austria, and pass secret information to Henry’s queen, Katherine of Aragon.

Caught between the machinations of her husband and her nephew, the Emperor Charles, Queen Katherine needs all the allies she can get. But what can Susanna really do to help her, and even if she does, will it be enough?

Susanna and her betrothed, Parker——one of Henry's most trusted courtiers—— balance on the knife’s edge of treason as they try to make sense of both international and domestic conspiracies. Sometimes, it's better the enemy you know . . .

Praise for the previous books:

With its richly detailed historical setting and intrigue-filled plot, “In a Treacherous Court” is simply irresistible. Chicago Tribune

“Awesome! History woven flawlessly into riveting fiction.” - Tammy J. Schneider (Special Features Editor and book reviewer at Affaire de Coeur Magazine)

“Just when readers think there is nothing new to be learned about Henry VIII, debut author Diener delivers a taut suspense . . . that will keep you turning the pages.” - Kathe Robin (4 star review in RT Magazine August 2011 issue)

Diener’s writing style is beautiful, to the point, vivid and exciting. This author is one to watch if you love the likes of Philippa Gregory or Anne Easter Smith. The characters are going to hook you first, and the intrigue will keep you turning the pages. - Reader’s Entertainment</ span>

Keeper offers a compelling, page-turning mystery packed with unexpected twists and turns, solid prose, always-fascinating court intrigue, and a unique story that feels like a classic mystery wrapped in a Tudor setting. - Book Addict Diary

About the Author:
Michelle Diener writes historical fiction. Her Susanna Horenbout and John Parker series starts with IN A TREACHEROUS COURT. Set in the court of Henry VIII, it features the real historical figures of artist Susanna Horenbout and Henry’s Keeper of the Palace of Westminster and Yeoman of the King’s Robes, John Parker. It was followed by KEEPER OF THE KING'S SECRETS, also featuring Susanna Horenbout and John Parker, and DANGEROUS SANCTUARY, a short story with the same characters, set between the two books, is currently available as an ebook only.

THE EMPEROR'S CONSPIRACY, set during the Napoleonic Wars in London in 1811, was released on November 27th, 2012.

DAUGHTER OF THE SKY, set at the outbreak of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, was released on March 1st, 2013.

Michelle also contributed a short paranormal story to the ENTANGLED Anthology entitled BREAKING OUT. All the proceeds of the sale of ENTANGLED go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Michelle grew up in South Africa, and now lives in Australia with her husband and two children.

To learn more about Michelle Diener and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Bookblast with Prism Book Tours

On SALE for $.99 
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes *

Giveaway!!
* $50 Amazon Gift Card. International
* 2 Print copy sets of In a Treacherous Court, Keeper of the King's Secrets & In Defense of the Queen. USA, Canada & UK only.
* 10 eCopies of In Defense of the Queen. International.

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Tour! A Review and Excerpt of Scarred Love by M.S. Brannon

 

Scarred Love (Sulfur Heights #1) by M.S. Brannon

Genre: New Adult (Contemporary Romance)

**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content**
Date Published: June 6, 2013
Publisher: Self

The Blurb:

Darcie Claiborne spent several years of her young life living with a monster, always fearing what he would do next. Clasping onto her last ounce of hope, Darcie releases a scream. It’s her final attempt to live; to survive the villain of her reality. Sweeping her up in his arms, Darcie’s knight in shining armor rescues her from the hell she’s been living; from the stepfather she's feared for all those years.

Reggie Evans has been forced to grow up before he’s ready when his mother dies of an overdose, leaving him responsible to raise his younger brothers. One fateful night, Reggie jogs by an old, run down house and discovers a young girl clinging to life as she screams for help.

Three years later, Darcie is healing and always protected by the man who saved her, but now she's fighting with something she isn't prepared to face. The growing love for the man who saved her life three years ago, the same man who’s nine years older. All the while, Reggie fights to protect Darcie from the demons of her past and new ones of her present.

**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content**

My Review:

Scarred Love is the first book in the Sulphur Heights Series by M.S. Brannon. Darcie's story is emotional. She has a lot of anger, and rightly so. It's helped her cope and survive. The book pulls you right in by the heart from the very beginning into Darcie's dangerous situation.

Though I enjoyed this story, there are a few thing that I think would have happened differently if this were real life, and took away from the believability factor for me. The feelings between her and Reggie, her rescuer, grow very gradually over the 3 years she lives with them. They don't even realize their feelings are changing right away. Reggie is quite a bit older than her which doesn't bother me. She'll be 18 soon enough, and they had something big happen that would create a bond like no other. So, I get it, and I like them together. What I wonder about, is the other hormone driven guys that are her age that she lives with. None of them developed crushes on her in three years? They all just automatically thought of her as a sister from day one? I think someone would have felt something along the way.

Also, she starts dating this moron of a guy to make Reggie jealous, but by dating him she's betraying/insulting all of the guys who are her new family. Why? Couldn't she have picked another guy if she wanted to make him jealous so bad? Some might say this shows her flaws and makes her human. We all do stupid things. She is young still, so this also shows that despite having to grow up fast, she still has some immaturity to her.

Lastly (I'll try not to give too much away with this one), someone hurts/violates her, and no one goes the the police. She was sliced up pretty bad and isn't taken to the hospital. One of the other guys was taken to the hospital when the same someone knocked him out cold the same night, so why wasn't Darcie taken? This bothered me a lot.

As a whole, I enjoyed the story. I loved the relationship between Reggie and Darcie. They are definitely intense and very addictive to read about. It's completely understandable that she would fall in love with him over time. He saved her from hell. Literally. Her new home life, is unconventional, but it works for them. They all protect each other. Darcie is a fighter and a survivor. That's what this story is about...Surviving and not giving up. It's easy to get swept up in the emotions of this story. It really grabs you.

 Scarred Love by M.S. Brannon was provided to me by Reading Addiction for review. The opinions are my own.

The Excerpt:

Darcie

It’s about one in the morning when we pull into the driveway and park next to Reggie’s Camaro. I am wasted. Unable to walk, shitfaced, wasted. I can’t form a single thought and my lips are numb. All the guys are pissed at me. Apparently, I was running my mouth to Vanessa during the entire race and ended up chucking my empty tequila bottle at her head. I can’t remember if it hit her or who won the race for that matter.

Jeremy runs around to the passenger seat and hoists me out of the car. I climb onto his back and he carries me up the back steps into the kitchen. I’m attempting to sing “Creep” by Radiohead, but butchering the song with every syllable when Jeremy sits me down on the counter. Jake avoids me as he makes his way down to the basement. Screw it! I could care less right now. I achieved my goal; I’m drunk as hell and it’s amazing!

I swing my feet back and forth while singing the lyrics to “Creep.” “I wish I was special. So special...”—a little louder now—“…but I’m a creep!” Jeremy’s hand comes across my mouth, quieting me. I jerk my head back smacking it on the cupboard and shout, “Hey! I’m singing, Jer!” 

Jeremy hands me a glass of water and a couple of Advil. I swallow the pills and let out a loud burp. He rolls his eyes, trying to hide the smile across his face. 

“Do you want me to help you to bed, Darcie?” he asks.

“Ahh, Jer. That’s so sweet. Where’s Presley? She can help me. It might be weird seeing your sis in her underwear.” I laugh obnoxiously at my strange comment. God, I’m wasted. 

Jeremy blushes. “She’s with Drake and I’m not going in there. If you need help, then I’ll help you.” 

To Jeremy’s relief, Reggie walks around the corner, glaring at both of us. He looks sexy as hell, wearing only a pair of black basketball shorts that are slung low on his hips. I’m practically drooling as I look at the slight trail of blonde hair below his belly button and the defined V of his abdomen. His hair is loose and tousled from sleep. Oh shit. There go my hormones again. I want to rip his clothes off and suck on his…lips? I let out a small giggle followed by a hiccup from my dirty thoughts.

Jeremy’s angry as he looks over at me. “She’s wasted, Reg. She drank a pint of tequila and started running her mouth to that girl she beat up at school. Everyone else bailed on me. I’m trying to get her to bed.”

Reggie rolls his eyes and shakes his head in disgust. “I’ll put her to bed.”

Relief passes over Jeremy’s face. He smiles then sprints out of the kitchen and flies down the stairs, heading for the basement. Man, I didn’t think I was that much of a pain in the ass. 

Reggie walks over to me and puts his hands on either side of my thighs. My breath hitches at our closeness and flashes of last night play in my mind. 

I press my forehead to his and whisper, “Always my knight in shining armor.”

“Always.” His lips stay close and I’m hoping he will crash them into mine, but he doesn’t.

“I’ve had a bad day.”

He lets out a small sigh and says, “Yeah… I know.”

Reggie slides his hands behind my butt pushing my core against his waist. Butterflies are swarming in my stomach as I wrap my legs and arms around him. I plant my face in the crook of his neck and that familiar smell of salvation engulfs me. It’s divine, a combination of soap and Reggie. Lifting me off the counter, he walks down the hall toward my bedroom. I look into his eyes where I find fierce, ocean blue pools, drowning me in desire. My body is warming with pleasure as I feel his hard muscles constrict with every movement. 

Reggie kneels on the bed hovering over me. I let go of my grip and push myself to the top, lying on my pillow. He lifts one of my legs and pulls off my leather boot. It drops to the floor and he repeats with the other. He’s sitting up on his knees between my legs and my body is rushing with excitement. His hands slowly slide down the zipper of my jacket. I can’t believe this is going to happen. I don’t want anything more than to give him the innocent part of me. Now, I wish I was a little more sober. 

“Sit up.,” Reggie demands, never taking his eyes off mine.

I comply. His hands skim over my shoulders, moving my jacket down and the heat from his touch is sending me over the edge. Reggie tosses my jacket to the floor and then he leans down and puts a faint kiss to the cigar burn on my left shoulder. My breath hitches from his gesture and I wish he could take all of it away. Using a gentle touch, his hands guide me to lie down. I’m panting with want. All the familiar feelings of our storage room make-out floods my body. Moving off the bed, Reggie pulls the comforter over my body then leans down and places a gentle kiss on my forehead. 

“Goodnight, Darcie.”

Wait. What? He’s leaving me?

The door clicks shut. Embarrassed and rejected, I roll over onto my side and cry for the second time in twenty-four hours. 

About the Author:
M.S. Brannon was born and raised in the Midwest. She still resides there today with her wonderful husband and son. When she is not writing or reading, M.S. Brannon spends time with her family, watching movies, and discovering new music. She writes romance because she believes love and heartache is the rawest emotion one can experience.

To learn more about M.S. Brannon and her books, visit her blog.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Torch by Cambria Hebert Cover Reveal!!

 Genre: New Adult (Contemporary)

Release Date: August 23, 2013
Publisher: Self
Cover Design by: Mae I Design

The Blurb:

***This is a new adult contemporary novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers.***

If you can’t take the heat… stay away from the flame. Katie Parks has been on her own since the age of fifteen. All she’s ever wanted is a place to call her own—a life that is wholly hers that no one can take away. She thought she finally had it, but with the strike of a single match, everything she worked so hard for is reduced to a pile of smoking ash. And she almost is too.

Now she’s being stalked by someone who’s decided it’s her time to die. The only thing standing in the path of her blazing death is sexy firefighter Holt Arkain. Katie’s body might be safe with Holt… but her heart is another story.

As the danger heats up, sparks fly and the only thing Katie knows for sure is that her whole life is about to go up in flames.

(Click image to view larger)

About the Author:
Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book.

Check out my review of Recalled by Cambria Hebert!!

To learn more about Cambria Hebert and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.