RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS - August Wrap-Up

Thank you so much Mary @SweepingMe! for giving me kindle copy of 

COVER REVEAL - The Modified

The Modified Cover Reveal & Giveaway!

 

What would you sacrifice to save the one’s you love? To save the one who holds your heart? To save the world?

Kenley Grayson is all too familiar with these questions.

After Earth is thrust into its first intergalactic war with an unknown race called the Bringers, our military forces begin to suffer heavy losses. Desperate for a solution, the Allied Federation issues a worldwide draft for every able seventeen-year-old to enlist. As Kenley turns seventeen, she finds herself thrown into the very war that took her older brother’s life.

This year’s draft is a little different than in the past though. A new program, known as the Magnus Project, has been introduced, and only the best and brightest qualify. Kenley is amongst a select few whom are chosen to join this elite group of soldiers, and as a part of this project, undergoes a modification procedure that leaves her and her peers endowed with powers beyond their wildest dreams.

As Earth continues in its struggle against the Bringers, Kenley is transported to a high-tech training facility, the Magnus Academy, to prepare for the major battle that lies ahead. It’s here that she meets the California heartthrob, and son of a legendary war hero, Landon Shaw. As unexpected feelings toward Landon begin to develop, Kenley wonders if this is the right time or place for romance to bloom, especially when those feelings start to interfere with her training.

With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Kenley is constantly reminded of how important she and the rest of the Magnus cadets are to the fate of humanity. She is one of the Modified, Earth’s last line of defense against utter destruction.

The Modified releases this Fall!

Like the cover for The Modified? Well then head over to Nathan Szerdy’s website and peruse his amazing collection of works. We guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!

The mom and son author duo, C.A. Kunz, thoroughly enjoys writing about things that go bump in the night and futuristic action-packed romances while drinking massive amounts of English breakfast tea and Starbucks coffee. To find out more about this duo and their books visit their blog, or find them on Facebook and Twitter!

THE GIVEAWAY

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AMATEUR ANGEL TOUR - Guest Post

Author Karri Thompson has stopped by with a guest post for the Amateur Angel Blog Tour

Hi, I’m Karri Thompson the author of Amateur Angel, a paranormal romance for young adults.  During author visits, I’m often asked about how I came up with the idea for my book, since it is about a girl who becomes the guardian angel for a famous rock star. The answer actually goes back to my own years as a girl in high school. Now don’t laugh, I realize these guys are almost 50 years old now, but back in the 80s, my favorite pop group was Duran Duran, and I had a huge crush on John Taylor, the bass player (Google him – he is still really good-looking), and just like it is today, it was practically impossible back then to get near one’s celebrity crush.  Front-row seats, back-stage passes, and meet and greets were and still are almost impossible to come by. So one day when I was thinking about writing a YA novel about a girl with a crush on a rock star, I thought about the different ways the main character could come in close contact with her idol, and as the list went on and on in my head, the ideas became increasingly more and more bizarre – winning back-stage passes from a radio station, getting a job with the concert hall’s caterer, breaking into his house, wearing Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak, being his guardian angel – yes! That was it! She could die in a car accident and end up being his guardian angel – and Amateur Angel was born. 

Author's Links:

Website

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on Barnes and Noble

Facebook

Twitter

About Karri Thompson

As a first-time author, I cannot express- not even in words- how excited I am about the release of my debut novel, Amateur Angel.  It took a lot of hard work and sleepless nights.  There were many disappointments and rejections along the way, but in the end, my persistence and determination eventually paid off.  In many ways, I think writing a novel is easier than finding an agent to represent it and then a publisher to buy it.  Two years ago, I almost gave up on my dream to become an author, but then my son, Kyle, wrote a special poem for me, and it inspired me to write a new book and try again.  The new book was Amateur Angel.

Here is his poem:

        You fail and you fail,

        You fix and you fix,

        You wait and you wait,

        Until you succeed.

I hung this poem in my closet and read it every day when I was getting ready to go to work and each night before I went to bed.  It is still there and always will be.  I know what I’m about to say will sound like a cliché, but based on my own personal experience, the best advice I can give anyone is to always believe in your abilities, hold your head high, swallow your pride, accept criticism and then learn from it, and most importantly, never give up.

I grew up in San Diego County and attended San Diego State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in education, and my teaching credential.  I am a high-school English teacher in the East County of San Diego where I also live with my husband, our son, and two dogs.

Being a lover of Victorian literature, my favorite author is Charles Dickens although I haven’t quite finished reading all of his books.  Someday I’ll finally finish David Copperfield- I promise.  If you are one of my students, you are either laughing or shaking your head at this.

I lead a very busy life, but when I’m not teaching, grading papers, or attending my son’s soccer games, I find time to write novels, my greatest passion. 

IT`S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING?

This is a new meme I´m joining in starting today. It´s a way to plan your reading and show other´s what you are reading... It is hosted by Book Journey.

This week I´m planning to finish two books that I began reading on the weekend. 

#1 The Host by Stephenie Meyer

I have had this on my bookshelf for ages. Now I finally got to reading it because I am participating on "TBR Twins" (to be read) on a Goodreads group. That is something we do on the group for every month. People who wish to participate get paired up quite randomly by a moderator and they together choose a book to read from their TBR lists. A good way to shorten the list instead of going for something new :) It is a big book but it has gotten me interested from the very first pages so I am hoping I can finish it this week.

#2 Five by Christie Rich

(Elemental Enmity series #1)

This is a book that I got from a Goodreads group called Making Connections YA Edition. It´s a book that I got for reviewing it. I am in the very beginning still but I am feeling quite good about it! And come on look at it! The cover is amazing.

STACKING THE SHELVES

(join at Tynga's Reviews.) 

for week 34

Free from Amazon:

PARTIAL TO THE PAST: HISTORICAL FICTION GIVEAWAY HOP

Author Diana Wilder is giving away two of her books, and there´s two others. You have a chance to win two of these books, paperbacks(cover might be different):

GIVEAWAY IS INTERNATIONAL AS LONG AS BOOKDEPOSITORY DELIVERS TO YOUR COUNTRY.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Here´s the list of the blogs participating on this hop so go and have a look at what else you could win!

BOOK REVIEW Chasing Fate

Chasing Fate

by Elle J Rossi

(novella)

Originally published 2012

Romance, paranormal

5 stars

This novella is funny, hot and something new..and I LOVED IT! Strange how much someone can put in to 86 pages! It was a really quick read with lovable/likeable characters that had spunk. There were some fun moments and very sad ones. I have to admit it made me tear up. And lets not forget HOTness. I was a little surprised of the descriptiveness of the sexual scenes just because I was not expecting it. It was intense. I want more of Attie and Dru! Which is to say the only thing wrong with this novella..well it was just too damn short! J I hope I will get to read something else by this author.

BOOK REVIEW Beg for Mercy

Beg for Mercy
by Shannon Dermott
(series: Cambion #1)
Originally published 2011
Published by Wicked Truth Publishing
YA, paranormal, romance

5 stars

Mercy is a soon to turn 17-year-old girl. After a little incident she has refused to be interested in any guys. But of course the day comes when she can not resist the temptation anymore..

I might have given it a 4,5 stars if possible, but I really enjoyed this book and it was really good. Sure there were some grammar mistakes, but not enough to really bother me. In the beginning of the book I immediately was interested but was a little expectant of something..and when that something started I could not stop reading. I think this book was a really good example of ya characters in a paranormal plot still staying quite teen in their behaviour. There is quite a lot of romantic drama going on so if you do not like that, this might not be a book for you. There are some hot making out going on as well. Definitely want to read more of this series, I have no idea how things could turn out on the next book which is quite exciting.

STACKING THE SHELVES

(join at Tynga's Reviews.) 

for week 33

Free from Amazon

To review

Giveaway winners chosen and new ones beginning soon..

#2 Classics Cleanup Giveaway has finished and the winners were chosen. Yes winners. Congrats Harvee for the original prize and Melissa for an added prize, I will contact you soon!

I also want to give you a heads up for things starting on my blog soon. On the 24th I will participate on a giveaway hop, there will be paperbacks to win internationally! And next month I will participate in a number of virtual blog tours on some really good books with giveaways. So remember to check in ones in a while :)

And of course a new Classic´s Cleanup Giveaway will start next month, I have not chosen the book so I thought maybe you could suggest them! You can see the list here http://mymiscellaneousbookshelf.blogspot.fi/p/classics-cleanup-giveaways.html

Chasing Fate Tour - Author Interview & Giveaway

 BOOK SUMMARY

She is forced to kill . . .

When a much-needed vacation turns into work for the third Fate, Atropos vows to sever the mortal’s lifeline quickly and get back to the sea and sand. Having her mysterious quarry offer a deal in exchange for more time is an unexpected complication. Always surrounded by darkness and death, Attie embraces the chance to toy with life and love and to help right an unjust wrong.

He refuses to die . . .

Dru spent months praying for death. Anger over the brutal killing of his family festered until those prayers turned to plans for revenge. Making a deal with the Death Fate was the only way to extend his lease on life. He only needed a handful of days to avenge those he lost, but within minutes of meeting Atropos he knew he’d want forever.

Buy Links: Amazon
                      Smashwords

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: ELLE J ROSSI

THE BOOK

Where to get the book/novella?

Chasing Fate is available at most E-book online retailers. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Diesel, Kobo…

How long did it take to write “Chasing Fate”?

This novella took about 2-3 months to write before it went to the editor.

When you wrote about the main characters, did you have in mind someone you know?

Actually, I tend to get my character inspiration from images. I typically stumble across a picture online that really speaks to me. Whether it’s their stance, attire, or something in the eyes, I make some sort of a connection that gives me glimpses into their personalities and past. The best part is discovering their whole story as it unfolds on the page. It’s even a mystery to me until those last words are written.

Who would you choose to play the leading roles in a movie based on “Chasing Fate”?

Fantastic question and one I hadn’t thought of until now. What fun! Well, Dru would most definitely be played by John Stamos. Attie is a little tougher, but I think Amanda Seyfried would do a great job.

If you could get anyone to read your book, who would you pick?

This is an easy one. I’d love for the author Heather Graham to read my book. She’s always been a favorite of mine, and to know she’d read my work would be an incredible honor.

An “Unspun novella”? Will there be more to this story?

Yes! Chasing Fate features Atropos, the death Fate. There are 2 more novellas in this series—a different author wrote each story. It was quite a unique project, and one I’m thrilled to have been a part of. Creating Fate by the amazing Rachel Firasek features Clotho, and Stealing Fate by the fantastic Berinn Rae features Lachesis. All three novellas are standalones.

THE AUTHOR

Is this the first thing you´ve written, or is there some unfinished books/novellas lying around in your desk drawers or other published work? What are they about?

Chasing Fate is my debut release, but not my first book. I’ve been writing for about four years and I’ve learned so much in that time. I have a couple of completed books under my bed. I’m not sure if they’ll ever see the light of day. But, I have a full-length dark, witchy paranormal titled The Luminary that will be released by Crimson Romance on September 10, 2012! This is the first book of a trilogy. I’m working on book two—The Soother—right now.

Here’s the blurb for The Luminary:

When Meera Brennan learns she’s a Luminary, one of the most powerful witches in existence, it rocks her already fragile world. The revelation explains the disturbing episodes that made her question her sanity, but does little to soothe the sting of discovering her life is now at risk. To save herself and keep peace within the veiled community, Meera will have to hone her powers and brave an ancient realm to destroy the slayer’s magickal source. She alone must dispel chaos and ensure the balance of good and evil for all mankind.

Banished and stripped of his guardian powers because of a witch, Ghanem Adamo, former prince of the Saharren realm, receives a chance at redemption when his estranged father reveals an immortal battle destined to alter all realms. In order to protect the innocent, regain his title and reunite with his family, Ghanem must destroy the slayers’ source of power and bring down their terrorizing leader.

Her life . . .

Or his throne . . .

When the war against the slayers force Meera and Ghanem to work together, more than magickal sparks fly. Challenged by fate, can love survive a nefarious battle that can result in only one prize?

Was there certain music that helped you write, or something else that inspired you?

Definitely music. I always have it on when I write. Who I listen to depends on the mood of the scene. Actually, Miranda Lambert and Rihanna were my go-to artists for this story. They both rock, but in completely different ways.

What was the hardest part in writing this novella? Did you have any help with like your book cover, editing..?

I think the hardest part was working with two other authors. Even though each Fate got her own story, we had to make sure certain aspects were consistent throughout the three novellas. The spice level was another concern. We couldn’t have one Fate in an erotica story and another in sweet romance. While funny to me, I’m not sure the readers would be pleased. However, working with Berinn and Rachel was awesome. We all got along really well and listened to each other. That’s so important when working on a joint project.

The three of us used the same editor. Theresa Cole is a doll and a real pleasure to work with.

Ah, the covers. I’m so happy with the way they turned out. We discussed what we wanted and didn’t want, and then Rachel and Berinn told me to go for it. The Unspun covers were designed by yours truly. I’m very, very proud of them!

THE PERSON

Have you always been writing stories or how did you end up writing “Chasing Fate”?

Writing was not always my thing. I was/am a singer. I sang for a living for many years. But then family came along and it didn’t really fit into my life anymore. I had to have a creative outlet. I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. Writing just sort of happened and now I’m hooked. Totally and completely.

In regards to Chasing Fate, Berinn had the idea to write about the Fates and thought it would be cool to have three authors, one for each Fate. I’m so thankful she asked Rachel and I to come aboard! I’m forever in her debt, but she knows that and holds it over my head daily! *Big waves to Berinn*

What sort of activities do you enjoy?

I still enjoy singing, I hit the karaoke joints whenever I get the chance, which is about twice a year. Sad, but true. My family and I love to hang out in the backyard playing Frisbee, baseball, kickball… Actually, they play and I prop my feet up on the table and sip frosty beverages.

What is your pet peeve?

Oh! I have so many, but I’ll keep it short. I’m not a fan of all the abbreviations. It’s fine for social media, but when I get emails and such, I’d prefer if people actually spelled the words out. My other big peeve is tardiness. I can’t stand when people are late. But then again, they probably hate the fact that I’m always early! And I spell out all my texts. That probably annoys the hell out of people.

Your favourite authors/books?

Too many books, too little time. Some of my favorites are Heather Graham, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione, Linda Wisdom, Kristen Painter and Elle Jasper. All these ladies are incredible authors with amazing voices!

Do you prefer reading paperback/hardback/ebook? Why?

All of the above! I have a Kindle Fire and love reading on that, except when I’m outside. The glare makes it nearly impossible. Paperbacks are fantastic and easy to loan out. I’ve discovered some great authors that way. If I can find a good deal on a hardback, I snatch it up—even if I’ve already read the book. Someday I’ll have a very large home with an enormous library. My books will decorate the shelves!

Thank you so very much for having me!

Wickedly yours,

Elle

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Chasing Fate Tour: Guest Post by Elle J Rossi

If I were…

I often think about how songs, movies and books relate to my life. I thought we’d have some fun today and talk about which titles suit us and why. I’d love to hear back from you so make sure you leave a comment!

If I were a song I’d be FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN by Miranda Lambert. There’s just something about small towns. I grew up in one and would move back in a heartbeat. Sure, everyone knows your business, but those same people are the first ones to offer a hand when needed. They’ll mow your lawn if you go on vacation. They’ll cook for you if you’re sick. And they’ll offer you a beer and shoot the breeze with you for hours on end. EVERYONE is important in a small town. At least it always felt that way to me.

If I were a movie I’d be GONE WITH THE WIND for no other reason than I’ve never felt content. I would love to move around from town to town, country to country, and everywhere in between. I’ve made great friends over the years and my family has put down strong roots. But my mind is always on what’s next. Where can I go from here? Give me an umbrella and call me Mary Poppins. I am so out of here!

If I were a book I’d be INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE. Oh, yes. I’m the reporter and I’ve just got to know the vamps deepest and darkest secrets. I’ll stop at nothing to get my story. Even if that means I must become a vampire. A girl can dream, right?

Now it’s your turn. Pick a song, movie, or book and tell us why the title suits you.

Wickedly yours,

Elle

AUTHOR INFO:

Elle J Rossi grew up in rural Indiana surrounded by great people, a huge family and more animals than she could count. But the sites and sounds of the world beckoned, so she left her small town to escape into a creative world full of music. As a full time singer she was able to lose herself in a thousand different songs in a hundred different places.

After meeting the love of her life and settling down, she yearned to find a new and fulfilling creative outlet. Overly fond of the happily ever after, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters lead her down dark and twisted paths. The very first word on the very first page sealed her fate. She'd found a new love. She'd found her escape.

Now along with weaving haunting tales about the journey to love, she's creating cover art for authors around the world and loving every second of it. For fun, she cranks country music to take her back to her roots, and sings karaoke anytime she gets a chance. Her husband, two children, and a cat that rules the roost keep her company along the way and guarantee she doesn't get lost in the enchanted forest. She wouldn't have it any other way.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook


Thank you Ellen for your post and a chance of reading Chasing Fate! I´m waiting to hear from your new book next month!

-Johanna-

BOOK REVIEW Left Neglected

Left Neglected
by Lisa Genova
Originally published 2011
Published by Simon & Schuster Ltd
Contemporary Fiction

Do you know what is left neglect? If you don´t, TRY imagining this:
Look at your keyboard and start typing something. Whoops. It ended up looking something like this: hllo my in. (hello my friend) That is because you do not notice the left side of your keyboard. That is what could happen to a person with left neglect. Now there is nothing wrong with their eye sight, they just do not notice the things on their left side, whether it is the left side of their body, the left side of the room, left of the page of a book, anything.

So that is what this book is about, a woman with left neglect. That is all I will tell about the plot to not spoil too much. I definitely liked this book! I don´t often read books like this, but from time to time one catches my eye. Thankfully this one did.

The beginning was just a little bit slow for me, basically because I was expecting the certain point of the story I knew was coming. But the author described Sarah´s life so that it was easy to imagine her everyday normal life, which is important to fully understand how it changes. Then it was all really good and I couldn´t stop reading. The author has written a well described story of a family´s struggle and succeeded in putting in the funny side of things that are not funny. A really quick read!

STACKING THE SHELVES

(join at Tynga's Reviews.) 

for week 32

To review

Purchased:

Free from Amazon:

BOOK REVIEW Fallen

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

(series: Fallen #1)

Originally published 2009

Published by Corgi Books

YA, paranormal, romance

4 stars

Luce is a teen girl who gets send to a boarding school after an incident..it just happens that the boarding school houses not just humans but something else as well.

This was a reread for me, I read this book few years ago, but I did not remember much about it. So four stars, even though there were parts in the beginning and the end that weren´t getting me really excited, the book in general did. I love love the character Arriane. I like the setting and the whole mix of characters. I liked the romantic moments between different characters. There were some really sweet stuff in there, but also, and quite surprisingly, some quite brutal ones as well. And what I really liked is the way the main character doesn´t just automatically believe everything she sees and hears! I will be reading Torment as soon as I can find the time, that will be a reread as well so I hope to make it quick so I can read the rest of the series that I have not read before.

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

This is a new thing I am participating for the first time this month. The idea is basically this: you create a wish list of books you´d like to have. You get on a list so others can see you and your list of participators for the month. Then you might get books as gifts from others who are participating on the RAK that month. But you also have to do some gifting yourself when participating!

Find out more at

http://booksoulmates.blogspot.fi/