Thursday 22 October 2015

T4T: Call Me Grim and Predator

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Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy, and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:
Call Me Grim by Elizabeth Holloway and Predator by Janice Gable Bashman

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
 
Call Me Grim
The truck should have turned Libbi Piper into a Libbi Pancake—and it would have, too, if Aaron hadn't shown up and saved her life. The problem? Aaron's the local Grim Reaper . . . and he only saved Libbi's life because he needs someone to take over his job. Now, Libbi has two days to choose between dying like she was supposed to, or living a lonely life as Death Incarnate. Talk about a rock and a hard place. And the choice goes from hard to sucktastic when her best friend shows up marked: condemned as a future murderer. Libbi could have an extra week to stop the murder and fix the mark . . . but only if she accepts Aaron's job as Reaper, trapping herself in her crappy town forever, invisible and inaudible to everyone except the newly dead. But, if she refuses? Her best friend is headed straight for Hell.
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WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
 
Call Me Grim is humor, brilliance and a success altogether.” – Paula, Her Book Thoughts
 
“Okay, just the story line over all was GENIUS. I have NEVER EVER read a book like this before. It was just so original and plain awesome. MEGA props to the author. I'm still grinning from what I've read.”Rachelann, Goodreads Reviewer
 
“Call Me Grim is one of those books that you do not want to put down. At the same time there is something about it that makes you just want to savor it - you want to know what is going to happen next but at the same time you do not want it to end.” – Mike, Goodreads Reviewer
 
about-the-author
Elizabeth Holloway
Elizabeth Holloway is a writer of young adult fiction living in Southern Pennsylvania with her two teen children and their growing number of pets.
In addition to writing, she is a registered nurse, an avid reader, an out-of-practice artist, a karaoke singer, and music lover. She is still trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
 
JBashman_M9B_Predator_REV2_900x1350
The hunt is on! Sixteen-year-old Bree Sunderland must inject herself with an untested version of her father’s gene therapy to become a werewolf in order to stop a corrupt group of mercenaries from creating a team of unstoppable lycanthrope soldiers.
When Bree went with her scientist father to Ireland, she thought it would be a vacation to study bog bodies. She never expected to fall in love with a mysterious young Irishman and certainly never expected to become the kind of monster her father said only existed in nightmares. Dr. Sunderland discovers that lycanthropy was not a supernatural curse but rather a genetic mutation. When they return home, her dad continues his research, but the military wants to turn that research into a bio weapons program and rogue soldiers want to steal the research to turn themselves into unstoppable killing machines.
Bree’s boyfriend Liam surprises her with a visit to the United States, but there are darker surprises in store for both of them. As evil forces hunt those she loves, Bree must become an even more dangerous hunter to save them all.
Bree will become the thing she hates, to protect those she loves!
'Predator' gives the werewolf legend a couple of new spins by introducing the Benandanti (an actual folkloric belief that certain families of Italy and Livonia were werewolves who fought against evil), as well as a modern scientific approach to mutation and the science of transgenics.
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WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
 
“Predator is a fast-paced, creepy page-turner! Bashman had me at the opening sentence and she's still got me. I want more!”Nancy Holder, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Rules
 
“Every twist and fascinating revelation fell into place smoothly, with an ending that will leave readers wanting more. With this kind of originality on the page, it is exciting to speculate at the surprises Bashman will unveil next.”Suspense Magazine
 
“Predator" by Janice Gable Bashman is clean-teen fiction at it's best. It's smart, scary and suspenseful. The main character Bree is a super positive role model for teen girls--no mater what shape she takes” Jennifer, Author
 
about-the-author
Janice Gable Bashman
Janice Gable Bashman is the Bram Stoker nominated author of Wanted Undead or Alive and Predator. She is managing editor of the The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers’ ezine). Janice lives with her family in the Philadelphia area, where she at work on her next novel. Visit her at janicegablebashman.com.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
 
Giveaway
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Wednesday 21 October 2015

Wishing for You Blog Tour: Excerpt and Giveaway

Today we're joining the WISHING FOR YOU blog tour by featuring books one and two in the series and taking a sneak peek at an excerpt from the book. First a look at both books. Don't forget to enter the rafflecopter at the end of the post.

I wishI Wish by Elizabeth Langston

What Lacey needs is a miracle. What she gets is a genie with rules.

Lacey Linden is hiding the truth of her life—a depressed mom, a crumbling house, and bills too big to pay. While her high school classmates see a girl with a ready smile and good grades, Lacey spends her evenings seeking ways to save her family. On a get-cash-quick trip to the flea market, Lacey stumbles over a music box that seemingly begs her to take it home. She does, only to find it is inhabited by a gorgeous "genie." He offers her a month of wishes, one per day, but there's a catch. Each wish must be humanly possible.

Grant belongs to a league of supernatural beings, dedicated to serving humans in need. After two years of fulfilling the boring wishes of conventional teens, he is one assignment away from promotion to a challenging new role with more daring cases. Yet his month with Lacey is everything that he expects and nothing like he imagines. Lacey and Grant soon discover that the most difficult task of all might be saying goodbye.
Praise for I Wish

From School Library Journal (I Wish #1)

Langston wisely limits the power of wishes, so there can be no easy fixes to complex problems. [The story] is all the better for it, putting the focus on the compelling and sympathetic characters.

… the denouement offers enough twists and unresolved questions to have readers wishing the next book was already available.

From K-books blog:

I Wish is a fantastic storyline, with a dash of romance that is perfect for any YA fan. I can't recommend it enough.

From Reese’s Reviews blog:

This is definitely one of the most beautiful and amazingly written books I’ve ever read. Elizabeth Langston has written a fantastic story that drew me in from the first page.







Wishing for You NewWishing for You by Elizabeth Langston

She’s a girl who can’t remember. He’s the guy she can’t forget…

It’s her final semester of high school, and Kimberley Rey is curious to discover what will come next. She needs to pick a college, but her memory disability complicates the choice. Will her struggles to remember make it impossible to leave home?

Help arrives through an unexpected and supernatural gift. Grant is a “genie” with rules. He can give her thirty wishes (one per day for a month) as long as the tasks are humanly possible. Kimberley knows just what to ask for--lessons in how to live on her own.

But her wishes change when a friend receives a devastating diagnosis. As she joins forces with Grant to help her friend, Kimberley learns that the ability to live in the moment--to forget--may be more valuable than she ever knew.




Excerpt

“Are you going to sleep on me, Sean?”

“If you’re talking, probably not.”

His words came out in a drowsy mumble. Had the photo shoot drained him that much—or had he already been tired before we started? “What do you do all day?”

“Read. Watch Netflix.”

I waited, but he contributed nothing else. “That’s all?”

“Pretty much.”

“You can’t just drift.”

“Yes, I can.”

I had to hope he was teasing, because otherwise, his responses would alarm me. “You’ve never drifted in your life. You said you want to act like nothing’s different.”

“So I lied.”

“Have you gotten sick of it yet?”

“Yes. Or I will be after I’ve finished my West Wing marathon.” He yawned noisily.

I let my head drop against his and listened for his breathing to even out and his body to relax.

This portrait session had been good for all of us, but his fatigue worried me. Even though I had homework, I would stay here until they made me leave. Spending time with Sean had become more important than anything else I had to do.

Strange how knowing our story had no happy ending had freed us to live in the moment. We weren’t guy and girl. We weren’t damaged and terminal. We were just now.




Author Elizabeth Langston

ElizabethElizabeth Langston lives in North Carolina, halfway between the beaches and the mountains. She has two college-age daughters and one old husband. When she's not writing software or stories, Elizabeth loves to travel with her family, watch shows on dance or Sherlock Holmes, and dream about which restaurant ought to get her business that night.







$25 Blog Tour giveaway
Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/11/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Tuesday 20 October 2015

Interview With Vanessa Barger Author of Super Freak



Hello, hello, hello! Thanks for stopping by. Today, we are joined by Vanessa Barger, author of Super Freak, a Middle Grade fantasy novel that has recently released. Here's a little tidbit about the book...

Super Freak by Vanessa Barger
Publication Date:  October 13, 2015
Publisher:  Tantrum Books
Genre:  MG, Fantasy

Thirteen-year-old Caroline is a freak. Her parents have uprooted her to a town full of Supernaturals.
You’d think she’d be thrilled. But, with someone without a magical bone in her body, this daughter of tree sprites feels like even more of an outcast than she has ever before.
To make matters worse, her new home is cursed. But when Caroline takes to investigating the mysterious and strange happenings of Harridan House, her BFF goes missing. Seems someone doesn’t want Caroline sticking her non-magical nose where it most certainly does not belong. Determined to prove herself, Caroline uncovers a plot to destroy her new hometown.

Undeterred, Caroline can’t give up. But what’s a human without magical powers to do? Caroline better figure it out fast, before she loses everything she has ever loved and the whispers she’s heard all her life prove true: Caroline is a useless superfreak.

           
               

Hi, Vanessa! Welcome to We Do Write. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello! Thanks for interviewing me! I guess first thing, I’m an MG and YA writer, and I also teach high school students. I love to travel, to bake (it’s a problem), and do crafty things. I’m married to a fabulous man, and we live with our Overlord, a cat named Molly, in Newport News, Virginia.

Tell our readers a bit about SUPER FREAK.

SUPER FREAK is about Caroline Bennings, who is the only person in the world who doesn’t have any type of supernatural ability. Her parents are dryads, but she is just normal. She loves puzzles and mysteries, and when they move to a new town, she gets a whopper of a mystery placed right in her lap. Her house is supposed to be cursed, which just seems silly at first. But then she finds letters hidden in the house, and when they get too deep into the story, her new best friend disappears. It’s up to Caroline to figure out what’s happened, or live with the fact that she really is normal and a total useless super freak.

Sounds amazing! How did the idea of the story come to you?

I was in a bookstore, looking for a new book and I had the thought that so many of them are a person with supernatural powers in the normal world. And then I thought, what about a story where the main character is normal, in a world where everyone is supernatural. What would be her “special Ability” then? And then I came up with the fact that she loved puzzles and mysteries, and it snowballed from there.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Sadly, I have to give my punster badge back now. I used to say I was a little of both, but this novel marked the end of my pantser ways. Writing a mystery required me to outline to make sure certain things happened in certain places. I am now a plotter. Mostly. I still get sidetracked, though.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part is a tie between the ending and making the time to write. I always end the book and mess with those last few pages and lines FOREVER. The only book I have liked the last lines of is one I have never finished yet (but I wrote the last three lines when I got about halfway through)!

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Tea. A lot of tea. And some kind of snack is always good too. Usually cookies or something else I shouldn’t be eating.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Psychic. Definitely.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Weirdest thing? Probably how to start a fire with just a battery and some wire. At least, recently that’s the weirdest!

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... Baking.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

First, to all the readers, because without you, I wouldn’t be able to be published at all. THANK YOU for reading and loving my books! To my husband, Randy, who is amazing and puts up with so much from me. To my BFF, Sammi, who is fabulous and my self-appointed PR consultant. My parents and grandmother, who are always willing to be my cheering section and help me out. My publisher and publicist there at Tantrum Books. I’m sure I’m forgetting people, but I think that covers it.
And, of course, thank you to lovely bloggers such as yourself!!!!

Thanks for stopping by the blog!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), the Virginia Writer’s Club, and the Hampton Roads Writers. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She is married to a fabulous man, and has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.

                 


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Monday 19 October 2015

Friday 16 October 2015

Fall into Cash $250 Giveaway Sponsored by iamareader.com

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Fall Into Cash $250 Giveaway
An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!

We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com eGift Code!

This giveaway runs from October 15th to November 15th. Enter via the rafflecopter.



Sponsor List - Thanks to these awesome bloggers & authors for sponsoring this giveaway!!

I Am A Reader
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
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Unshelfish
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Author Melissa Wright
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Simple Wyrdings
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Author Jennifer Peel
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Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 11/15/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or who can redeem an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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M9B Friday Reveal: Author Spotlight – Michael Gibney with Giveaway #M9BFridayReveals

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Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!
This week, we are spotlighting
Michael Gibney
author of
The Three Thorns (The Brotherhood and the Shield #1)
a Middle Grade title from Tantrum Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!


Physical books or eBooks?
Both.

Coke or Pepsi?
Coke (I’m a sucker for the original)

Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook.

Song you can’t get out of your head right now?
The Flamingos – I Only Have Eyes For You. (It’s such a cinematic song.)

Sweet or salty?
Salty.

Coffee or tea?
Tea.

Write on computer or notebook paper?
Computer. I’m left handed, so my handwriting is at a disadvantage, I’ve always felt.

About-the-Author

Michael Gibney began working in restaurants at the age of sixteen and assumed his first sous chef position at twenty-two. He ascended to executive sous chef at Tavern on the Green, where he managed an eighty-person staff. He has worked in the kitchens of Morgans Hotel Group, 10 Downing in Manhattan, and Governor in Brooklyn’s DUMBO, among many others. Over the course of his career, he has had the opportunity to work alongside cooks and chefs from many of the nation’s best restaurants, including Alinea, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, Bouley, Ducasse, Corton, wd~50, and Momofuku.
In addition to his experience in the food service industry, Gibney also holds a BFA in painting from Pratt Institute and an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Connect with the Author: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


Three brothers born to a once powerful King were abandoned at birth and cast out into the old world as orphans - alone and unaware of the other's existence or their royal heritage.

In the new world, by order of the false King, three of the most lethal assassins are sent to kill the children before they come of age and avenge their father’s throne.

But when the brothers find one another, Benjamin, Tommy and Sebastian must resist the temptation of magic and power if they are to defeat the unspeakable evil that has threatened them since birth.

The Three Thorns is book one in an exciting children’s fantasy series called The Brotherhood and the Shield from debut author Michael Gibney.
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Thursday 15 October 2015

T4T: The Red Magic Series by Jen McConnel

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Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy, and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:
The Red Magic series by Jen McConnel!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
 
JMcConnel_DaughterofChaos_eCover_900x1350
Witches must choose the path they will follow, and Darlena Agara is no exception. She’s been putting it off long enough, and in her case, ignoring it has not made it go away. In a moment of frustration, Darlena chooses to follow Red Magic, figuring she had outsmarted the powers that be, since there’s no such thing as Red Magic. But alas, Darlena’s wrong (again) and she becomes a newly declared Red Witch.
Her friends are shocked and her parents horrified by the choice Darlena has made. As a Red Witch, she now governs one third of the world’s chaos. She is the walking personification of pandemonium, turmoil, and bedlam, just as the patrons of Red Magic would have it to be. 
But Darlena believes there must be more to Red Magic than chaos and destruction, and she sets out on a journey to achieve balance. Only doing so puts her at odds with the dark goddess Hecate, who simply will not allow Darlena to quit. She encourages Darlena to embrace who and what she is and to leave good magic to the good witches. If only Darlena could, life would be simple, and she would not be the Daughter of Chaos.
DAUGHTER OF CHAOS is the first in a YA paranormal trilogy.

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WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
 
At the beginning, this novel is reminiscent of other popular fantasy novels like the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling and the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, but it quickly takes on a life of its own that will appeal to science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fans alike. Darlena’s struggles mirror issues that many teens face, making her a relate-able and likable main character. This is a title with wide appeal that will fly off the shelves.” – Voya Magazine
 
“Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel is a refreshing twist to the YA paranormal genre!”Dianne, Tome Tender
 
“Witches and Greek gods! This seriously couldn't get any better.” – Kelly Hashway, Author
 
Gods of Chaos
The gods of chaos cannot be trusted. 
Since battling her best friend, Darlena’s grip on Red Magic has been shaky. She heads to Scotland after the Winter Solstice in search of another Red Witch. 
On a sightseeing excursion with girls from her hostel, Darlena arrives at The Vaults, a mysterious underground city beneath Edinburgh. But there is something there that make Darlena’s instincts go haywire, as she lets loose a defensive burst of Red Magic, putting everyone around her in danger. 
If there was ever a time when Darlena needed the help of another Red witch, it was now. But beware the witch who wields Red Magic. 
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WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
 
“I think I'm in love. This book had a totally different ending than what i thought it was. I was honestly surprised.”Goodreads Reviewer
 
“'Gods of Chaos' is the phenomenal second installment in a young adult paranormal series.”Stephanie, A Dream Within A Dream
 
“There are many twists and turns in this book. The ending was totally unexpected and completely epic.” Intellectual Vixens
 
about-the-author
 
Jen McConnel
Jen McConnel now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches writing composition at a community college. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
 
Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
 
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