Thursday, 17 September 2015

Blog Tour: The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore!

THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS: A Novel
By Anna-Marie McLemore
St. Martin’s Griffin
On Sale: September 15, 2015


ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Night Circus meets Romeo and Juliet in this stunning young adult novel about two teens who fall in love despite the almost impossible odds against them.

The Palomas and the Corbeaus have long been rivals and enemies, locked in an escalating feud for over a generation. Both families make their living as traveling performers in competing shows-the Palomas swimming in mermaid exhibitions, the Corbeaus, former tightrope walkers, performing in the tallest trees they can find.

Lace Paloma may be new to her family's show, but she knows as well as anyone that the Corbeaus are pure magia negra, black magic from the devil himself. Simply touching one could mean death, and she's been taught from birth to keep away. But when disaster strikes the small town where both families are performing, it's a Corbeau boy, Cluck, who saves Lace's life. And his touch immerses her in the world of the Corbeaus, where falling for him could turn his own family against him, and one misstep can be just as dangerous on the ground as it is in the trees.

Interview:
1. What do you want most for a reader to gain by reading The Weight of Feathers? 
We are all both the same and not the same. We come from different experiences, different backgrounds, different cultures, but there are always things that bridge us.  

2. What are your three top suggestions on becoming an author, or being a pleasure writer?
   Take in as much art as you can—books, music, paintings, movies, and the many other forms out there. Taking in art fuels creating it.
   Know what you believe, what you value, what you care about. You won’t be thinking about it every minute you’re writing, but it will come through.
   Find those you feel like you fit with. Having people around you who inspire you is so important to making art. 

3. What or who in your life do you attribute to your imagination to the most? Why is that? 
My family—they’re so many of us, and we come at the world in so many different ways, that I learned early that there was depth and chaos and beauty to how many ways there are to see things. 

4. What was your favorite part of writing The Weight of Feathers?
I loved writing the descriptions of the Palomas’ and the Corbeaus’ shows. Immersing myself in that world felt like a kind of magic. 

 5.  To the youth of today, if you could tell them one thing, what would it be?
Tell your own stories, and listen to each other’s. Sharing our stories is how we find each other.  

Thank you so much for having me!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
  Anna-Marie McLemore was born in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and grew up in a Mexican-American family. She attended University of Southern California on a Trustee Scholarship. A Lambda Literary Fellow, she has had work featured by the Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West, CRATE Literary Magazine's cratelit, Camera Obscura's Bridge the Gap Series, and The Portland Review.  The Weight of Feathers is her first novel.
 Anna-Marie McLemore:

PRAISE:
“McLemore’s prose is ethereal and beguiling… The enchanting setup and the forbidden romance that blooms between these two outcasts will quickly draw readers in, along with the steady unspooling of the families’ history and mutual suspicions in this promising first novel.” —Publishers Weekly

“Readers beguiled by the languorous language—a striking mix of French and Spanish phrases, wry colloquialism, lush imagery, and elevated syntax—will find themselves falling under its spell. The third-person narration alternates between Lace and Cluck, doling out twists and building to a satisfying, romantic conclusion.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In this tale of magical realism, the magic is so deftly woven into the fabric of the story… Told with skillful poetic nuances, this Romeo-and-Juliet story of forbidden love will entice fans of Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle who wished for a little more romance.” —School Library Journal

“Anna-Marie McLemore's debut novel is a very imaginative modern-day romance akin to Romeo and Juliet and is infused with the whimsy of magical realism.” —RT Book Reviews


SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS 
St. Martin’s Griffin

BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://bit.ly/WOFAmazon         
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/WOFBN
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/WOFBooksAMil

Giveaway!!
Enter bellow for a chance to win 1 signed copy of The Weight of Feathers! (US + Canada residents only.)
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Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Book Blitz: Salvaged Soul by Desni Dantone!

 Salvaged Soul by Desni Dantone
(Ignited Series #3)
Publication date: September 19th 2015
Genres: Mythology, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:
Life in paradise isn’t exactly what Kris thought it would be. Treated like a prisoner and forced to keep her romance with Nathan hidden, she struggles to adapt to island life with the Kala. Worse, her specialties are coming in faster than she can control, and she fears the Skotadi within her will soon win the battle for her soul. Her only hope is to embrace her Incantation lineage, master the skills she’s supposed to have, and free herself of her destiny. If only she could figure out how to do it…
The ghosts of Nathan’s past still inhabit the island. Adapting to the Kala way of life again is something he will grudgingly accept, as long as they agree to help Kris. But falling back into the Kala system means being a Kala soldier, and when the gods ask for help, he cannot refuse. Sent around the world on a mission, he faces new dangers and stumbles upon a startling discovery that could change everything…
Together, they face their biggest hurdle yet and put their relationship to the ultimate test. When old temptations arise, new enemies emerge, and emotions run high, can their love survive?
From Amazon’s bestselling author, Desni Dantone, comes the third installment of The Ignited Series, where the danger is real, the stakes are higher, and nothing is as it seems. Continue the journey with Kris, Nathan, Alec, and Callie as they discover that when friends become enemies, enemies become friends, and the battles lines between good and evil blur, choosing the right side isn’t always easy.
Excerpt: 
I lifted a hand, and brushed my knuckles against the stubbly shadow on his jaw. “How long has it been since you shaved?”
“A few days.” He leaned into my touch. “Does it bother you?”
His tone suggested that he knew it didn’t, but I answered anyway. “Not at all.” In fact, I thought it was sexy. Not a full beard. But a few missed shaves’ worth of stubble? Hell, yeah I thought that was hot. 
“You sure about that?” 
The mischievous gleam in his eyes caused my pulse to jump. I didn’t know what he was up to until his head lowered to mine. I prepared for a kiss—and expected it to be another wonderfully glorious moment. But no. I didn’t get a kiss. Instead, I got roughed up by a stubbly chin against my cheek.
“Ah!” I screeched, and pressed my palms against his chest. My hands warmed from the sudden contact with hard, smooth skin. Of course, his chest was bare. And of course, I didn’t manage to budge him at all. 
And I wasn’t so sure I really wanted to now. Not with pecs like that at my fingertips.   
Nathan took advantage of my moment of weakness. Tossing the bed sheets to the side, he threw a leg over both of mine and rose above me, pinning me beneath him. At the same time, his mouth moved to my ear, his stubble mercilessly scraping against everything in its path. 
“Say uncle?” His breath tickled the sensitive spot behind my ear, causing me to squirm in I’m-being-tickle-tortured agony.  
“Never!” I pushed against him, harder this time, because I was really ticklish there—and the jerk knew it. 
He grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head. As if I ever stood a chance. He nuzzled my neck, continuing his stubble-faced assault as I twisted and squealed beneath him, completely at his mercy. 
“Uncle! Uncle!”
I felt the vibration in his chest as he chuckled. “That’s what I thought,” he murmured dangerously close to my ear. 
This time, his breath against my skin didn’t tickle so much as it . . . felt good. Really good. So good a tiny, barely audible moan snuck past my parted lips. Nathan stilled, and the rush of his breath stirred the hair that had pooled on the pillow beneath me. He paused there, for only a moment, before his lips were on the move again, trailing a line of soft kisses along my jaw, coming closer.



Purchase:


AUTHOR BIO:
   Desni Dantone is the author of The Ignited Series: Ignited (2013), Sacrificed (2014), and the upcoming Salvaged Soul and Avenging Heart.
   She resides in Everett, PA with her husband, 3 sons, dog and cat, where she can usually be found writing on her laptop or engrossed in a book, usually of the paranormal romance variety. She loves to hear from her growing fan base on facebook or on her website at: www.facebook.com/ignitedbooks or www.desnidantone.com
Author links:
Giveaway!!
Enter bellow to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
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Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Book Blitz: Queen of Always by Sherry D. Ficklin

Queen of Always by Sherry D. Ficklin 
(Stolen Empire #3) 
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: September 15th 2015
Genres: Historical, Young Adult
Synopsis:
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
If her time at court has taught Catherine anything, it’s that there is no room for weakness in Imperial Russia. With the Empress’ health failing and rumors of a change in the line of succession, her place in the royal line is once more in jeopardy. Tormented by her sadistic husband and his venomous mistress, Catherine must once more walk the fine line between pleasure and politics—between scandal and survival.
When her young son becomes the target of those rebelling against Peter’s reign, Catherine will have to rise up to protect herself, her child, and her nation from his unstable and potentially catastrophic rule. This means putting herself at odds with the most dangerous man she’s ever known, trusting those who once proved to be her enemies, and turning a nation against its sovereign. In the ultimate battle for the crown, new alliances will be forged, loyalties will be tested, and blood will be shed.
Don’t miss this breathtaking conclusion to the Stolen Empire series!
Queen of Always is a YA historical fiction based on the life of young Catherine the Great. Fans of the hit TV show REIGN will devour this scandalous glimpse into the life of one of the most dynamic women in history.



Excerpt:
Once everyone has filed in, Peter stands. 
“I have gathered you together to witness a momentous occasion.” The crowd hushes. “This week, my son and heir was taken by those who would seek to destabilize our beloved country. Those men have been executed. But before their deaths, it was discovered that one of them had ties to Danish court.”
I watch on in horror as his eyes lock on to Alexander in the crowd. “While I cannot prove he was acting on orders from Danish court, I have decided that a show of force is necessary. And so this week, I am dispatching troops to Demark. We will take the country and any who oppose us will be razed to the ground.” He lifts a glass as if to toast, but the room is silent. I stand, leaning over and whispering.
“Peter, you can’t declare war on Denmark with no evidence. They are our ally, if you attack them unprovoked—“
I don’t get to finish my thought. His hand shoots out, slapping me in the face so hard I pitch forward and roll down the small staircase. 
My ears are still ringing when he slowly climbs down and takes a handful of my hair in his fist, lifting me to my feet. 
“There may be some of you who question my decisions. But I am sovereign Russia. This country, and everyone in it, belong to me. I decide who we will be at war with and I will decide who to call my wife.”
He’s shouting, spittle flying from his mouth as he takes two steps forward, dragging me with him. When he finally releases me, I stumble but manage to keep my feet under me. 
“George, take her to the cells!”
I blink, steeling myself to be taken into custody. But to my surprise, George doesn’t move. He simply lowers his head. 
“Mikahil!” Peter yells, looking for support from his oldest friend. Mikhail rushes to Peter’s side and whispers furiously. Peter waves him off in an angry fit. 
“Guards, take her!” he orders. Two guards near the rear door move, only to be met with a line of Nobles blocking their path. My own guards rush in, swords drawn, and circle me.
I can feel the rage radiating off Peter in waves. Straightening myself I hold up my hands. 
“No, please. Let them through.” Then to Grigori, “Let them take me, that is my command.”
Reluctantly the Nobles step aside, and my guards retreat. But before his guards can touch me Peter screams and they freeze. 
“No! You will not obey her. You will obey me!”
For a long moment no one moves. Battle lines have been drawn and it’s as if the entire assembly might erupt into a bloody massacre right here in open court. My breath is coming too fast, I realize, forcing myself to still against the rising panic. Unsure what else to do to defuse the situation I turn to Peter and curtsey deeply. 
“Yes, we will obey our king!” I say, my voice as steady as I can make it. Around me, others do the same, some even dropping to one knee.
Finally, Peter takes a deep breath, seeming to calm. But it’s a menacing sound, one I know all too well, and goosebumps break out across my skin. It’s the sound the wind makes before it blows, the sound of waves an instant before they crash to the shore. The sound of inevitability. While I realize that nothing can stop him now, I know I must try anyway, I must try to contain the damage. 
“Punish me, if you will, but leave the others. It was only their deep sense of chivalry that drove them to defend me, nothing more,” I plead. 
The side of his mouth curls up as Peter nods. 
“Yes, you must be punished. You publically challenged my authority and your punishment will be equally public.”
I swallow hard. A flogging, if I’m lucky. Or perhaps simply a few days in the stockade. He will punish me, but he will not kill me, not even for this. I sag, a moment of relief washing over me, but he sees it, and in his eyes, I see something change. 
Moving slowly across the room he grabs a crystal flask of liquid, each step, each gesture exaggerated like a court fool might. When he moves back to me, he holds it close enough for me to smell, swirling the clear liquid inside. Vodka? My confusion lasts only a moment.
Slowly he begins pouring it down my shoulders, into my hair, and down my white feathered gown. The liquid is cold against my hot flesh, soaking into my heavy damask gown. The heavy odor fills my lungs, making each breath sting. Around me people watch, looks of shock and horror etched onto their faces. I find Sergei in the crowd and hold his gaze. His blue-green eyes are narrow, his hand hovering inches above the long knife attached to his waistcoat. I shake my head, imperceptibly, and he blinks, still not relaxing. He’s trying to decide if he’s going to come to my rescue, but I know that if he does, Peter will kill us both. His jaw clenches, but finally, he drops his hand. I feel myself relax, just a bit, as Peter begins speaking again, drawing my attention to his face. He’s excited, like a child about to play his favorite game. It’s then that the real fear hits me.
“My Aunt didn’t believe in executing her enemies. She understood that death was a privilege, that there were far worse things.” He pauses, sweeping the room with a glance. “Let me be very clear. I will not tolerate any disloyalty.” He replaces the now empty flask on the tray and picks a lit candle from the nearby candelabra. I hold his gaze as he walks slowly toward me, each footstep echoing in the deathly still room. The pulse beats in my ears so loudly it drowns out all other sounds, my heart flutters in my ribcage like a hummingbird. I will not let him see me afraid, I decide, steeling myself. I will not give him the pleasure. I would rather die in flames right now than to let him break me again. I lift my chin, refusing to falter.
Once he’s close enough he leans in close, whispering into my ear. 
“I have wanted to do this for a very long time, wife.”
He touches the flame to my gown. All I can do is scream as chaos erupts around me.

AUTHOR BIO:
   Sherry D. Ficklin is a full time writer from Colorado. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs. She is the author of over a dozen novels ranging from contemporary romance to science fiction. In her spare time she co-hosts the Pop Lit Divas radio show and is a contributor for Fangirlish.com. 
Purchase:


Monday, 14 September 2015

Cover Reveal of Blooders by Laura Catherine!

Blooders by Laura Catherine 
(Djinn #2) 
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Kyra knows a lot about herself:
She is a Djinn, a magical genie-creature.
She can move things with her mind, but only when she’s emotional.
She’s in love with Will, but he is forbidden to her.
But there are things Kyra doesn’t know:
Why are the Blooders after her?
What is her mother hiding?
Why is her best friend avoiding her?
The closer Kyra gets to the truth, the closer she gets to danger and devastation.
But nothing will stop her.


AUTHOR BIO:
   Laura Catherine is Young Adult author focusing on Paranormal Romance, Dystopia, and Fantasy.
   She writes stories full of action, secrets, and magic. She loves creating worlds where anything is possible and everyone has a story to tell. She has an over-active imagination, spends a lot of her time daydreaming, and wishes pokemon were real so she would have one.
   Laura Catherine lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Author links:


Sunday, 13 September 2015

Soul Corrupted (Of Demons and Angels #2) by Lisa Green (Review)

   The second installment of the Of Demons and Angels series, Soul Corrupted continues the battle between Heaven and Hell. Now both in heaven, Josh and Grace have a brand new set of problems to confront. With Grace's brother Noah getting deeper and deeper into evil Grace despairs, forbidden from interfering or revealing herself to him.
    This novel had my heart aching... a lot. I found Soul Corrupted to actually be a little better then it's predecessor, Soul Crossed. It's narration was intense and dramatic. Around each corner there was a new twist in the plot, to keep you emotionally invested. I truly found that this novel had a unique voice. It's narration and plot development felt different from stories I have read in the past, not in a good way or a bad way. The Of Demons and Angels series has some dark content to it so I do warn readers about that. I wouldn't go as far as to say I recommend Soul Corrupted to all readers, but I did find it interesting to read and give it FOUR STARS OUT OF FIVE!
*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Saturday, 12 September 2015

Getting to Know the Authors: Featuring Sharon Huss Roat!

Bio:
  She grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, went to college at the University of Delaware, and worked in public relations for 20 years before discovering what she really wanted to be when she grew up!
   Atop the dome of SacrĂ©-CĹ“ur Basilica in Paris (on a research trip for a future novel of course!)
When not writing books for children and young adults, you might find her planting vegetables in my backyard garden, sewing costumes for a school musical, or finding excuses to travel abroad (it's research!). She lives in Delaware with her husband (who makes fonts), her son (who makes music) and her daughter (who makes believe).
For more of her go to: http://sharonwrote.blogspot.com

What has she written?  
 Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat!
Synopsis:
   When Ivy Emerson’s family loses their house—complete with her beloved piano—the fear of what’s to come seizes her like a bad case of stage fright. Only this isn’t one of her single, terrifying performances. It’s her life.
   And it isn’t pretty.
   Ivy is forced to move with her family out of their affluent neighborhood to Lakeside, also known as “the wrong side of the tracks.” Hiding the truth from her friends—and the cute new guy in school, who may have secrets of his own—seems like a good idea at first. But when a bad boy next door threatens to ruin everything, Ivy’s carefully crafted lies begin to unravel . . . and there is no way to stop them.
    As things get to the breaking point, Ivy turns to her music, some unlikely new friends, and the trusting heart of her disabled little brother. She may be surprised that not everyone is who she thought they were . . . including herself.
   Debut author Sharon Huss Roat crafts a charming and timely story of what happens when life as you know it flips completely upside down.

Now on to the Interview!!
1) How old were you when you started writing, in your opinion?
I have been a writer most of my adult life, but didn’t start writing fiction until about six or seven years ago. I had worked in public relations and publications, as a writer and editor and publicist… but all of that writing was non-fiction (press releases, articles, etc.). After twenty years of that profession, I decide to try something new. Writing fiction is my 2nd career, and the most fun I’ve ever had!

2) What do you want a reader to gain from reading your works?
I’m happy if the reader simply enjoys the book, if it provides them that wonderful experience of escaping into a story. If they gain some additional insights into themselves and others, all the better!

3) What are your three top suggestions on becoming an author, or being a pleasure writer?
- Write what makes you happy, not what you think other people want to read.
- Don’t give up. Becoming an author requires persistence, lots of rewriting and revising. 
- Be open to criticism and keep pushing yourself. Some of the most exciting moments as a writer have come after a crushing blow of criticism when I’ve had a flaw in my work pointed out and then the lightbulb of discovering how to fix it. That is the best feeling.

4) What is your favorite novel, why?
I have always loved JANE EYRE, since I was a teen. I re-read it every few years, and always look forward to the day when I’ve forgotten just enough about it for that read to feel fresh again. 

5) Who is your favourite author, why?
J.K. Rowling. I was re-reading one of the Harry Potter novels when I decided to try writing fiction myself, and another author advised me to write what I like to read. That’s what led me to YA, and I’m so happy to be here!

6) What are your favorite pastimes besides writing?
I love reading, of course. I also have a big vegetable garden and I find gardening to be a great way to relax and think (also, fresh veggies!). In the past few years I’ve gotten involved in costuming for musicals at my son’s school. My daughter is a dancer and my son is a musician, so I also enjoy all of their activities.

7) Who in your life do you credit your imagination to the most?
I’m not sure a single person is responsible for that, but when my son was very young I used to make up stories for him at bedtime and the two of us would giggle our heads off. The stories usually involved some kind of magical ability to turn his bedroom into a spaceship and fly to an alien planet where the Googibundi people lived and they were only two feet tall and kept kissing his knees and trying to make him their leader. Or something. Hahaha. I haven’t thought of that in a few years. My kids definitely have been a great source of inspiration! 

8) What are the top five things on your bucket list?
I don’t really keep a bucket list, but here are five things I hope to do:
1) Write LOTS more books (and have them published).
2) Watch my kids grow up and become happy adults, doing what they love to do
3) Learn a foreign language and live in a foreign country
4) Take art/painting/illustration classes
5) Finish this draft of my next novel!

9) What is your funniest childhood memory?
I used to play the clarinet, and was performing a solo at the final concert of the year at my high school when I was a senior (accompanied by our entire concert band). In the middle of the performance, the music fell off my stand and dropped to the auditorium floor below. I had a rest in the music of only three measures (12 beats), and nobody was sitting right up front to hand the music for me. So I leapt from the stage to retrieve it. In a gown. Holding my clarinet. Then I leapt back up and continued to play without missing a beat. I didn’t realize how ridiculous that must’ve looked until it was over, but my nerves disappeared after that happened. Apparently, the best way to get rid of stage fright is to embarrass yourself spectacularly!

10) To the youth of today, if you could tell them one thing, what would it be?
Ah, hard question! How about, “Listen to your mother!” haha. (Well, that’s my advice for my own kids.) Today’s youth have so much information to process via social media and texting and the Internet, I think it can be overwhelming (it is to me!). My advice is to take the time to step away from all of that and establish personal connections with people you care about. Tweets and likes are great, but don’t let it replace face-to-face interaction.

Thursday, 10 September 2015

Cover Reveal of Darkest Dawn by Katlyn Duncan!

    I am super excited to share the amazing cover for DARKEST DAWN, the first book in a new series by Author Katlyn Duncan. DARKEST DAWN releases next week on September 17th and is available to pre-order now!
    In addition to the reveal of this gorgeous cover, the reveal includes an eBook giveaway for one of the author’s previously released titles. Be sure to head down to the Rafflecopter for a chance to win after you’ve checked out the cover!

The Cover Revealed!


Title: DARKEST DAWN
Author: Katlyn Duncan
Release date: September 17, 2015
Publisher: Carina
Format: eBook

Description:
One desperate journey for the truth
Returning to Willows Lake eleven years after her mother’s tragic death, Sloane Baker knows she will finally get the answers she needs! She always suspected that there was something more sinister at the heart of the accident that claimed her mother’s life, but a cryptic note could be the key to her past…
Two lives changed forever
The small town has always seemed safe to Brianna Taylor – until a mysterious new girl arrives who looks exactly like Bri! Now everything Bri knew has been thrown into question and Sloane’s arrival has changed the world of Willows Lake forever.
Strange things are happening in Willows Lake. But when they turn deadly, Bri and Sloane must find a way to save each other or risk losing everything they hold dear…

Pre-order it:


Add to GOODREADS


About Katlyn Duncan


Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.

Find her:

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | TUMBLR | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS


The Giveaway

There is a blast-wide giveaway for...
  • ONE (1) eBook copy of any one of the author’s backlist titles in Mobi or PDF format.
**Giveaway ends on September 17th at 8:00 AM Eastern. There will be ONE winner**

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