Character Interview & Giveaway- Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick

Book Title: Stay With Me (With Me #1)

Author: Elyssa Patrick

Release Date: August 30th, 2013

Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance

Book Description 

With one look, I’m his . . .

With one touch, he’s mine . . .

With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .

I’ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.

Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same—or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.


Character Interview:

Raquel: Thank you both Hailey and Caleb for interviewing with me today. I really appreciate it!

Hailey: No problem 

Caleb: It's our pleasure

Raquel: For my readers, please state your full name: 

Hailey: Hailey Bloom 

Caleb: Caleb Fox

Raquel: What is your backgrounds? 

Hailey: Former rock star, actress—I was raised in Hollywood and was famous since I was a baby. My mother, Lorraine, was my manager and controlled everything. 

Caleb: I had a pretty typical background—I grew up where I was born (Burlington), went to school, my parents are still married, and I have four younger sisters.

Raquel: What is your place of birth?

Hailey: Little Hope, Kentucky (town is a made up name on author end) 

Caleb: Burlington, Vermont

Raquel: Do you have any siblings?

Hailey: None 

Caleb: I have four younger sisters: Daphne (18), Phoebe (15), Rhea (12), and Persephone “Percy” (8).

Raquel: What are your views on dating or marriage?

Haliey and Caleb: We both would like to get married someday.

Raquel: What do you most admire about the other? 

Hailey: His eyes. Loyalty. Kindness. And his big heart. 

Caleb: Her eyes, her smile, her strength, and courage. 

Raquel: What, if anything, would you like to change about the other? 

Hailey: Nothing

Caleb: Nothing

Raquel: Good answer!

Raquel: What are your greatest fears? 

Hailey: That I won’t be happy, or accepted or loved for who I am. 

Caleb: That I’ll end up alone.

Raquel: I totally understand that.

Raquel: What drew you to the other? 

Hailey: there was just something about him. I can’t even describe it. There felt like we were meant to be together on that deck that night. 

Caleb: Totally what she said. I just felt sparks when she stepped onto the deck that night.

Raquel: What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you? 

Hailey: um, I’m sure you’ve heard or read all that by now. 

Caleb: no comment.

Raquel: That's true, Hailey, my bad.

Raquel: You are the kind of person who: 

Hailey: I will go after something, no matter how scared I am. 

Caleb: will always be there for someone I love.

Raquel: Awwww, Caleb

Raquel: If you could do one thing and succeed at it, what would it be: 

Hailey: to have a really happy life full of love.

Caleb: Same as what Hailey said 

Raquel: (To Hailey and Caleb) I hope to see you both back here soon!

Raquel: (To readers): Make sure and buy your copy of Stay With Me to learn more about Hailey and Caleb.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Nook ~ iTunes ~ ARE ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords

Author Bio:

Elyssa Patrick writes sexy, emotional contemporary romances and New Adult. She is currently working on her next novel.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

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Book Trailer:

Organized by: 

Book Crush http://bookcrushbookreviews.com

Book Blitz & Giveaway- Don't Make Me Beautiful by Elle Casey

Release date: August 31st 2013

Self-Published

Synopsis via Goodreads:
A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL. No one knew a woman lived there or that she even existed. A monster, living in darkness...

At twenty-six, Nicole doesn't even look human anymore. The beast made sure of that. So she hides. A monster consigned to a life of fear and solitude. This is all she deserves, she is quite sure of that.

And then one day out of the blue, the autographed baseball caught by Brian Jensen at the latest Marlins game enters her prison and manages to turn her world completely upside down.

Temptation comes in the form of pity at first, and then perhaps something more.

Does she dare to believe the things she's told, that this is not the life she was meant to live? That being a monster is not her forever-fate? And will she be willing to risk everything, to reach out and accept the helping hands around her? She knows only too well that hands can hurt. Finding out whether they can also heal is a risky proposition, especially when the beast is still out there. Looking for her.

**This story was inspired by true events. If you liked the movie "Sleeping With the Enemy", then you might like this story too. CONTENT WARNING: Violence, foul language, and adult situations. Not meant for younger readers.**

About the Author:

New York Times Best-Selling author Elle Casey is an American girl living in southern France with her husband, three children, and several furry creatures. She writes in a variety of genre including YA Fantasy, YA Action/Adventure, New Adult Romance, and Adult Contemporary Romance. She's a little on the wild side, usually busy making people laugh, and always in the mood for adventure. There's not much in this world that she loves more than reader interaction, so feel free to drop her a line.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Wattpad

Excerpt:

Liam’s mother reverses out of the driveway, their young son strapped into the back seat and waving like a maniac out his window. “Bye, Dad! See ya later!”

“Bye, Li-Li! See ya Wednesday!”

“I’ll bring him back before school,” his ex-wife says. “I have early meetings.”

“Sounds good,” says Brian, still waving to his son. He waits until he’s out of Liam’s sight before he puts his hand down. It’s nice to be alone for a few days, but he already feels the pangs of missing his child creeping in.

Standing in the driveway, Brian considers his next move. There’s an antique armoire in his workshop that needs a final coat of stain and then some clear-coat to protect it. It took a week to repair and refinish, but he scheduled two. He could do something else if he wanted to…

It can wait. The issue of the monster lady is weighing too heavily on his mind to let it go. Ignoring the warning bells going off in his head, he walks to the bottom of the driveway and turns left to go down the street.

“What am I doing?” he mumbles under his breath. “The guy obviously doesn’t like visitors.” The fact that the guy also looks like a Bantam rooster spoiling for a fight is not making Brian’s misgivings any fewer.

“Hey there, Brian. Going for a walk on this fine morning?” Ethel, his next-door neighbor is out trimming her bushes again. They don’t need trimming; they’re just a prop to give her a reason to be standing outside, waiting for passersby.

Brian waves. “Yep. Just getting some fresh air, I guess. Seemed like a good idea.”

“Little Liam gone for the week?”

She must have seen him drive by. She sees everything that happens on this street. “Just for a few days. He’ll be back on Wednesday.” Brian keeps walking, although slower. If he stops, he’ll be stuck there for an hour and probably end up in her kitchen having an iced tea. She’s the nicest, most talkative neighbor he’s ever had. He doesn’t usually mind it; in fact, he’s happy to indulge in a neighborly chat now and again - it’s why he moved to this area - but today, he’s on a mission and he doesn’t have time for gossip or an hour-long discussion about the upcoming weather and whether Mrs. Grandston down the street will ever start recycling.

“Tell him to stop by and see me when he gets home,” she says, poking her clippers vaguely in Brian’s direction. “I bought some new cookies at the store and I think he’s going to like them. He’s my official cookie taster.”

“I’ll tell him. He’ll be really happy to hear that.”

She waves with a gloved hand as he reaches the far side of her property line, and he waves back.

Maybe I should ask Ethel about the guy around the corner. Brian’s not sure that Ethel knows anything beyond the business of those living on Lodi Street. She stays pretty close to home, taking care of her husband who’s slowly going downhill with dementia. Brian’s not looking forward to the day she’ll have to put him in a nursing home. He has a feeling it will take the spark from her, and she’s fun just the way she is, even if she is a little nosy.

The house comes into view. As he gets closer, he sees that the window is still broken, but now there’s a piece of cardboard taped over it. The house is still, with no sign that anyone’s home. The large black truck that was in the driveway last night isn’t there. Maybe it’s in the garage.

Brian walks up to the porch, taking the steps slowly as he looks around. He’s not sure what he’s looking for, but everything seems to be in order.

“What the hell am I doing here?” he whispers to himself. What am I going to say if that guy comes to the door again? I’ll ask him for the bill, that’s it. Tell him I want to pay right away. Be a good neighbor. Brian shakes his head at his ridiculous thoughts. He already told the guy to leave the bill in his box. Showing up again and ringing the bell when the sign on it says not to feels almost like harassment. He looks at the sign again, reading the heavy scrawl.

DO NOT RING BELL. DO NOT KNOCK. WE DON’T TAKE VISITORS.

Brian frowns. He can’t get past the feeling that it’s just a weird thing to do, to put a sign up like that warning people away. It’s like something he would have done as a kid on a clubhouse to keep other kids from discovering his secret hiding place. It’s so ridiculous it almost begs people to discover whatever it is he’s keeping inside.

Brian laughs nervously at himself. Don’t be stupid. You’re a grown man and so is he. This is his house. If you trespass he can shoot your stupid ass.

Brian steps back away from the door, prepared to leave and never come back. But then the sound of his son’s voice and the vision of him standing on their own front porch the night before comes back to him. “She’s not sick, Dad. She’s just really ugly.”

Brian doesn’t want to see a really ugly woman. That’s not what’s motivating him to stand her on this porch and risk pissing off this neighbor. It’s just that … he’s a math guy. Brian has always been strong in math, from the time he was Liam’s age. He uses it every day with his work at restoring furniture, both in the actual hands-on stuff and the figuring he has to do later when he does his billing. Everything always has to add up in his world, and this situation with the monster lady? It wasn’t adding up.

Brian glances over at the cardboard covering the hole. Maybe I’ll just take a look at the damage and make a call to a glass company myself. Then I can go get some cash out of the bank and be ready to pay the guy when he gives me the bill.

Brian takes a few tentative steps down the porch towards the front window. A car comes down the street and he freezes, waiting until it’s a few doors down before continuing. Once in front of the window, he looks around the neighborhood. No one is outside, and he sees no faces in any other windows. These people need an Ethel.

Turning to look at the cardboard, he notices it’s stuck to the still intact frame with duct tape. “That’s going to be a problem when the sun melts that adhesive onto the PVC,” he says out loud. He runs his finger along the edge, hoping he can find a loose spot so he can pry up the cardboard a little to see the actual damage. It’s stuck on too tight, though.

His eyes roam up. A set of white, gauzy curtains are right in front of him, obscuring his view of the house’s interior. This house has the same basic layout as his, so he knows there’s a large living room of sorts on the other side of the glass. He wonders what the woman was doing when the ball came through her window. Was she sitting in the living room reading a book? Was she in the kitchen making cookies?

He blinks his eyes a few times as they adjust to looking through the white curtain. There’s a couch in the center of the wall facing him with side chairs on its left and right, its dark, burry contours getting clearer the longer he stares. A small coffee table rests in the middle of the conversation area. His eyes roam the walls, wondering what the pictures in frames look like. It’s too difficult to see. He steps back and stands straighter, embarrassed when he realizes he’s being worse than Ethel, staring into people’s houses like this.

It’s then that something inside the house catches his eye. Brian stops moving for a moment as he focuses his attention on the dark shape on the floor. He steps closer to the window, going so far as to press his face up against the glass and cup his hands around his eyes, trying to see better. What is that? A carpet on the floor? No. It’s not a carpet. It’s too bulky. It looks like…

He bends down, a sense of urgency overtaking his good sense. He scratches desperately at the edge of the duct tape, finally getting a corner of it to peel away from the window frame. He draws it down, careful not to let it tear. Once it’s free on one side, he grabs the cardboard and pushes it sideways, like opening the cover of the book.

What the hell am I doing? This is nuts… He ignores his own concerns, needing more than anything else right now to just confirm that what he thinks he’s seeing on that floor is not what he’s seeing.

The hole in the window is finally revealed, and it’s big enough for his hand to fit through. Thank you, Liam. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he’d thank his son for breaking someone’s window.

Brian reaches through and grabs the curtains on the other side, using both hands to pull the bottom of them out through the hole. As soon as he has the entire bottom seam through the broken window, he lifts it up and looks into the small space that’s remaining. Now there are no curtains in the way and he can see into the living room as clear as if he were standing inside the house.

“Holy Mary mother of Jesus,” he whispers. He raises his voice. “Ma’am … ! Miss … ! Are you okay?”

There’s what he assumes to be a woman lying on the floor in the middle of the room. All he can see is the back of her head and blood on her one exposed hand. “Ma’am! Are you okay?!”

No response.

“Fuck!” he yells, hurriedly shoving the curtain back through the hole and pushing the cardboard into place. He cuts the back of his hand on the glass, but he ignores the blood, the pain, and everything else as he struggles to get his cell phone out of his front pocket.

“Nine-one-one, what’s your emergency?”

“Hello, this is Brian Jensen and I’m standing on the front porch of …” He leans out and looks at the number on the front of the house near the door, “…thirty-two Fresno Street, and there’s a woman inside her house who’s passed out and there’s blood. She needs an ambulance.”

“Are you the homeowner, sir?”

“No, I’m a neighbor. Can you please send someone quick? I’m afraid she might be … dead. I’m not sure. She’s not moving.”

“Can you check for a pulse?”

“No, I’m outside. But just wait a minute. I’m going in.”

“Sir, is there anyone else at the home?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Hold the line while I call the house,” the operator says.

Brian’s at the front door when the woman comes back on the line. “They don’t appear to have a home phone on record. Have you tried the doorbell?”

“No.” Brian realizes how ridiculous it is that he hasn’t bothered to do that first. Surely the guy who lives here needs to know his wife is passed out on the floor. She’s obviously sick. Maybe she hit her head or something when she fell.

Brian rings the doorbell several times and bangs on the door with his fist. “Is anyone home?!” he yells.

No one answers.

“I don’t think anyone’s home but her,” Brian says to the operator. He tries the handle, but the door is locked. “I’m going to see if they have another open door somewhere.”

“Sir, I don’t recommend you break into the home.”

“I hear ya, but I’m doing it anyway.”

Brian runs around to the back and tries the door he finds there. It’s locked up tight as well. “The back door’s locked too. I’m going back to the front.”

“The ambulance is on its way along with a police officer. Can you stay on scene until they arrive?”

“Of course.”

“Do you want me to stay on the line with you?”

“No. Thanks for your help.” Brian hangs up without waiting for a response.

Going back to the front, he scrambles to pull the cardboard off and the curtain through the hole again. He leaves blood on the curtains in his attempts to see inside.

“Ma’am, an ambulance is on its way, okay? Ma’am, can you hear me?”

He’s about to look away when he sees her first finger move. It’s just the slightest twitch, but he’s sure he saw it. “I see you moving! I know you’re alive! They’re coming, okay! They’re coming!”

A low moan comes from inside the house, from the woman. Brian’s breath catches in his throat as her hand moves again, this time to slide out across the carpet. It leaves a smear of blood behind.

She moans again, this time an agonizing sound that makes Brian’s skin crawl. “You’re going to be okay. I called nine-one-one.”

Her moaning turns to a strange keening, like a growl and a sob blended together into something almost animalistic. The sounds of a siren in the distance reach Brian’s ears. He’s frozen in place, holding up the curtains and peering inside, as her head slowly turns.

The ambulance turns into the driveway as her face comes into view. Brian needs only one second to take in the sight of the horror before him before the blood in his veins goes cold and the words fall out of his mouth unbidden.

“Oh my god … what happened to your face?”

You can buy this book from:

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Blog Tour: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard 

(The Danaan Trilogy #1) 

Publication date: April 30th 2013 

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Allison O’Malley’s plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she’s been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison’s mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn’t trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother’s sanity.

Author Bio:

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

My Review:

The Forgotten Ones is a light and entertaining read about a girl named Allison. Her mother is schizophrenic and her ultimate plan is to take care of her so that her grandparents won’t have to. Allison blames herself for her mother being schizophrenic because she was normal before her mother gave birth to her. Allison starts noticing strange things and all of a sudden her father comes and informs her that he will do anything he can to cure her mother.

The first part of the book was more a contemporary romance. We learn that Allison has always been in love with Ethan since they were children. Ethan also has feelings for Allison, but she has been keeping him at arm’s length, like everyone else in her life. I still don’t really understand why Allison kept pushing him away before she found out about her Fae heritage. I think the excuse was a poor one.

I thought Allison had some great qualities about her. She was brave in wanting to take care of her mother and trying to save her and the ones she loved. She did what she had to do in order to make sure everyone was ok. I also liked Ethan. I felt bad for him every time Allison blew him off. I liked the way he handled himself, he kind of made it into a game so that Allison would go out with him. But I have to say my favourite character would be Aodhan. He seems badass and I sensed he has some feelings for Allison and that’s one of the reasons he helped her. I liked how he doesn’t conform to anyone, especially not the king and queen of the Fae. He will do what he wants on his own terms. There is also this rare intensity about him. I hope we see him more in the second book.

The second half of the book is faster paced. Allison has to go the Tir Na Nog. The Fae she meets are definitely interesting to say the least. I would like to learn more about the history of some of the characters and how they got to be the way they are now. I would also like to learn more about the Fae customs and mentality. I thought the book was a little short and I found just when I was getting hooked, it ended abruptly for me. When meeting the fae, the names were hard to remember and I couldn’t remember who was who. I found I had to skip over most of the names.

The Forgotten Ones is an adventurous read with some romance. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves fantasy novels.

My Rating:

3 out of 5 stars

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Waiting on Wednesday (23)

Tandem (Many-Worlds Trilogy #1) by Anna Jarzab

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I love the cover of this book. As soon as I read the last line in the synopsis I knew I wanted to read this book. It sounds intriguing and I am looking forward to it.

Expected Publication Date: October 8, 2013

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Everything repeats.
You. Your best friend. Every person you know.
Many worlds. Many lives--infinite possibilities.
Welcome to the multiverse.

Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson has only ever known one small, ordinary life. When she was young, she loved her grandfather's stories of parallel worlds inhabited by girls who looked like her but led totally different lives. Sasha never believed such worlds were real--until now, when she finds herself thrust into one against her will.

To prevent imminent war, Sasha must slip into the life of an alternate version of herself, a princess who has vanished on the eve of her arranged marriage. If Sasha succeeds in fooling everyone, she will be returned home; if she fails, she'll be trapped in another girl's life forever. As time runs out, Sasha finds herself torn between two worlds, two lives, and two young men vying for her love--one who knows her secret, and one who thinks she's someone she's not.

The first book in the Many-Worlds Trilogy, Tandem is a riveting saga of love and betrayal set in parallel universes in which nothing--and no one--is what it seems.

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I would love to hear from you!

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Lick (Stage Dive #1) by Kylie Scott

Title: Lick (Stage Dive #1)

Author: Kylie Scott

Release Date: July 1, 2013

Publisher: Momemtum

Pages: 286

Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

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Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

My Thoughts:

Lick was an addiction for me the 2 days I read it. If I could have blown off work to read it, I would have but unfortunately I could not or else I would have finished the book in 1 day. I was reading this book all through work because I just could not get enough. It was so good.

We start off with Evelyn waking up in a strange place, hung over in Vegas. This is where she first meets David (well when she wasn’t drunk) and she notices a huge diamond ring on her finger. David then tells her that they got married. Evelyn doesn’t remember getting married and most of that night. Evelyn and David must decide if they should give the marriage a chance or get an annulment.

I think my favourite part of the story is the fact that after meeting Evelyn once and spending time with her, David knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her; something as romantic as that, hardly ever happens in real life. David blew my break away. When he cares about someone, he will do anything to make them happy. He is extremely hot, kind, sincere and persistent. Once he sees what he wants he goes out and gets it, no matter what. Also he is very romantic. I love that he takes Evelyn for what she is it doesn’t matter to him if she was fat, and have a big butt or curves. He will love her for who she is, not just her body. I liked Evelyn. She is kind, smart and knows when to stand up for herself. She is shy at times to voice her opinion but she knows how to take care of herself. I found the chemistry between David and Evelyn to be electric. Their sex scenes were HOT. They are the opposite of each other but they work. They make sense.

At about 65-70% in the book, a twist I didn’t expect happened and I was tearing up. Everything else in Lick was pretty much predictable but the book was still so good. I found that the book could also use a little bit of editing then it would be perfect.

Mal was another of my favourite characters in Lick. I found myself laughing out loud when he was around. I am really looking forward to his book and the woman that tames him. Lick is an unconventional love story that will make you swoon. I think everyone should read it.

My Rating:

4.5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Books To Movies Giveaway Hop

Hosted by BookHounds and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

I am giving away any (1) book that was made into a movie. Some of the books that comes to mind are:

Harry Potter series

The Hunger Games series

The Mortal Instruments

The Book Thief

Twilight series

If they are any other books that were made into a movie, I will get it for you as long as The Book Depository has the book. This giveaway is international. I am only giving away a book from The Book Depository, if it does not have the book you want I am sorry :( The Book Depository will be shipping the book. I am not responsible for any damaged packages. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget on my blog.

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Stacking the Shelves (18)

Welcome to this week's Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews. It is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual.

Bought from Amazon:

Present Perfect by Alison G. Bailey

Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

I have heard great things about both of these books and I am looking forward for the chance for me to read them. Thanks for stopping by.

I would love to hear from you!

Raquel xoxo

Blog Tour: Witchling by Ari Harper- Interview and Giveaway

Series: Curse of Kin #1

Released: November 29th 2012

Publisher: Lycaon/Breathless Press

Purchase: Amazon

Goodreads ~ Amazon 

BLURB:

Nera is a normal teenage girl living in Ireland-or so she thought. Her world is forever changed when she discovers that she is descended from a long line of witches. To her horror she finds she is the one that is supposed to stop the curse that has taken the life of every girl before her. As if that isn't enough, she must learn to use magic and her trainer is a man named Bones. He is the son of Mari, Queen of the Witches, and a god. It is Bones that has been entrusted to teach her the skills she needs to stay alive, which wouldn't be so bad if he didn't have an uncanny knack for pushing her buttons. Can Nera learn what she needs while staying immune to the charms of the man that gets under her skin at every opportunity?

About the Author

Ari Harper never wanted to grow up.

To offset the limitations of aging ungracefully, she created her own set of unique worlds where she can be and do whatever she wants.

Gods, witches and demons surround Ari while she spins her magic, doing mainly what they tell her to do. Given a chance, she prefers to work amongst chaos, which is good because she is constantly surrounded by children, all clamoring for attention. Some of them end up in her stories, some of them even get to die grisly deaths or be cast away to another realm.

www.ariharper.com

What inspired you to write Witchling?

The story or should I say the bare bones of it ran around in my head for months before I started writing. Never having written a book before, I had no idea how to start. I tried to ignore the scenes assaulting me on a daily basis before finally giving in and I wrote the first three books in quick succession.

What books have influenced your life most?

I couldn't pick out any one book because I have read since I could hold a book. One series does stand out for me though. Walt Disney put out a series when I was a small child, two stories to each book. They had pride of place on my bookshelf when I was growing up, always with a book in reach.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

With any book I find the middle the hardest. I don't plan my stories, they just happen. I generally get an idea that starts me writing and sometimes I know what the ending is but the middle, that is usually as much a surprise to me as it is to the reader.

Are you reading anything now?

I'm a big fan of Abbi Glines. I've just finished Twisted Perfection and can't wait for the next book.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If it is truly what you want to do, don't give up, ever. Follow other writers, ask questions and learn. Don't go into this thinking your writing is perfect and always be open to suggestions.

Who is your favorite character from Witchling and why?

Jasper, what can I say? I love the Irish accent and he is one dish of a man.

Final Hint #9:

Who was the first casualty in the battle?

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Cover Reveal: Give Me Strength by Kate McCarthy

Title:  Give Me Strength (Give Me #2)

Author:  Kate McCarthy

Genre:  Romantic Suspense 18+

Publication Date:  September 16, 2013

Cover Design:  Okay Creations

Event Organized by:  Literati Author Services

Synopsis

Quinn Salisbury doesn't think she's cut out for this whole living thing. Even as a young girl she struggled. Just when she thinks she's found a way to leave her violent past behind her, the only thing that's kept her going is ripped away, leaving her damaged and heartbroken.

Four years later, she is slowly rebuilding her life and lands a job as an assistant band manager to Jamieson, the hot new Australian act climbing their way to the top of the charts. There she meets Travis Valentine, the charismatic older brother of her boss, Mac.

From his commanding charm to his confidence and passion, Travis is everything Quinn believes is too good for her, and despite her apprehension, she finds their attraction undeniable and intense.

When her past resurfaces, it complicates their relationship. Instead of reaching out for help, Quinn pushes Travis away, until a staggering secret is revealed that leaves her fighting for her very life.

Torn between running and opening her heart to the man determined to have her, can Quinn find the strength within herself to fight for her future?

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Book Trailer

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsw6KX7kAjs

About the Author:

Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area.

She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing.

She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane.

When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha.

Connect with the Author:  Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

Blog Tour: Love in Darkness by E.M. Tippetts

Title: Love in Darkness (Shattered Castles, #2) 

Author: E.M. Tippetts

Release date: May 21, 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

Love in Darkness

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Castles on the Sand (Shattered Castles, #1)

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Book Descriptions: 

Love in Darkness (Book #2)

Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn't go away. After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave.

Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can't fight fate. He is what he is. Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more. When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in. 

Castles on the Sand (Book #1)

If there’s one thing Madison Lukas understands, it’s pain. The pain she feels when her mother ignores her completely. The pain her best friend endures as her parents starve her as punishment. The pain of a dangerous boy whose mother has to be carried away by law enforcement on a regular basis.

She gets it. She feels the pain of others as if it were her own.

But when a mysterious man claiming to be her long lost brother appears with promises of relieving her suffering, trusting him could reveal more truths than Madison is ready for. Because the truth can hurt, too.

About the Author
Emily Mah Tippetts writes romance under the name E.M. Tippetts and science fiction and fantasy under the name Emily Mah. Originally from New Mexico, she now lives in London with her family. Before she was a published author, she was an attorney who specialized in real estate, contracts, and estate planning, especially literary estate planning.

You can contact the author by:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

FIVE FACTS ABOUT LOVE IN DARKNESS PART 2

By: E.M. Tippetts

· The love of Alex’s life is Madison Lukas, one of the prettiest and most popular girls at their high school. He’s convinced that she’d never settle for a life with a mentally ill man, and feels he’s doing her a favor by letting her go.

· While I was writing this book, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) changed the ages that its members can serve missions. I had to rewrite the beginning accordingly.

· Kailie Beale was the character everyone loved to hate in Castles on the Sand, but in this book, she’s one of the heroes. Most people grow up eventually, and she’s no exception.

· This book, and every book I write, features an Evol Burrito somewhere in its pages. Evol Foods is owned in part by my sister and brother-in-law (and they’re fantastic burritos. I have a freezer full of them, and no, I don’t get them for free ;-)

· I’ve never deep fried an Evol Burrito like my characters do in these Shattered Castles books. Author Caisey Quinn says she may or may not have, and has warned me not to try it. Apparently they really are addictive. (Even a deep fryer is beyond my very limited cooking skills, though. Just rolling a burrito is about my limit.)

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You can follow the tour to see reviews, guest posts, and excerpts by clicking here