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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Legend of the Inero Dragon by J.F Jenkins review!



Synopsis:
Twin brothers Jason and Matthias Inero are the favorite sons of the great dragon lord of fire. More often than not they get whatever they want. Matt wants to do great things for his people while Jason wants to go off and explore the world. Both can have what they desire, but not until they take a bride and enter into adulthood.

Enter Kat and Gwen, two girls from very different backgrounds. Kat is happy to leave her home when the royal guard comes to bring her to loving arms of her childhood sweetheart, Matt. Gwen on the other hand is livid to be taken from her farm only to be thrust into Jason's life, and he's not to thrilled with the idea either. They have one year to find happiness with each other, or else they will be placed at the mercy of the ruthless dragon lord Lynx. Favorite or not, dragon law must be obeyed.

As their nation begins to prepare for war against a neighboring tribe, the brothers find themselves as key components in the battle plans. A dark prophet has had a vision of Inero victory, but at what cost? Both must decide where their loyalties lie and what they're willing to sacrifice – including each other – to achieve their goals.


My Review:


Legend of the Oceina Dragon was one of my favorite books of 2011, so I was anxious to get my hands on this one. 

Legend of the Inero Dragon takes place at the same time book one does. It was fascinating to see the other end of things. The Inero Dragons are much different from any of the other nations. They do not fly, are smaller, and they are very aggressive and tricky. J.F did a wonderful job of expanding the reader's view of the different nations in this book. The character and world development is nice and never felt boring or slow. The story has equal parts romance and action. I just love the way Ms. Jenkins writes. I feel like I slip into the story and am watching everything actually happen. Third person really allows the reader to slip into each of the character's minds, allowing us to understand why decisions are made.

In book 2 we meet the Inero twins, Jason and Matt. They are complete opposites. I found myself slowly falling in love with Jason. Certain events has me questioning if I will like him in book three. They pick their brides through the Elite. That's a really interesting part of the story. Watching the two couples grow and change was a big part of the story as well as prophecy. I believe big things will come to pass in book three.

Lynx, the boy's father, is hard to figure out. It's unclear if he really does care for his sons, or if he is just using them as pawns for his schemes. It seems like everyone is being manipulated by him. Navi, his current wife, and Chris, her bodyguard, are great additions to the plot. Kat was slightly annoying, but I loved Gwen. I really do hope her and Jason will prevail!



This book was very good, not as good as book one, but still a great installment to the series. There was a lot going on, and I think is the partial calm before the storm.


This book was a fast read and really set the way for book three. It released today, so I'm very excited that I do not have to wait to find out what happens to all of these characters that I've grown so attached to. I encourage readers to pick it up if they liked book one, and if you have no read book one, I recommend it! I love this series because it is a breath of fresh air. It's a unique paranormal romance that has a wonderful new world, full of dragons, war, and love!


4/5


Happy Reading!
Kristina

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Rise of the Fallen Blog Tour Stop: Excerpt from Rise of the Fallen by Donya Lynne!




Excerpt from Rise of the Fallen

His face looked angelic now that his eyes were closed. Earlier, in the parking garage, when his eyes had been open, Sam had seen a lifetime of pain in their depths, a suffering that ran deeper than the beating he had just endured. It was a look she had seen in the eyes of some of the older soldiers she had treated in the Army, and it made her wonder what this guy had been through to hurt so deeply.


Biting her lip, she resisted the urge to run her fingers through his hair to see if it was as soft as it looked. But she did trace the tips of her fingers over his forehead then turned her hand so the backs of her fingers brushed down his cheek. Something about this mysterious man made her want to comfort him.


Suddenly she yanked her hand away. "Stop it, Sam. This isn't time for Florence Nightingale Syndrome." This guy was dangerous. Hell, why else would five thugs want to beat the crap out of him? He must have done something terrible to make them retaliate like that.
A nasty scrape on the man's shoulder seeped blood and he had numerous, angry lashes on both forearms which looked relatively fresh.


She sucked in her breath and frowned. "What the hell are those from?" There was no way those men in the parking garage had done that to him. His clothes hadn't been ripped, for starters, and they had been beating him, not knifing him. She had seen cuttings in the Army, and that's what this looked like. If she was a betting woman, she would lay down a hundred that this guy was cutting himself, which meant he was even more fucked up than she thought.


Sam looked more closely at Mr. Out-Cold's face and sighed. With a shake of her head, she grabbed an antiseptic wipe from her kit. "What have you been doing to yourself, Mister?" She ripped open the wipe's wrapper and the faint smell of alcohol permeated the air. "You're a troubled one, aren't you? Let's get you fixed up so I can be rid of you. You kind of freak me out."
As she touched the antiseptic wipe to the jagged scrape on the man's shoulder, the man's eyes shot open wide, his entire body contracting violently as he growled – growled? Yes, he growled as his head snapped around.


Animalistic, navy blue eyes met hers, full of fear and something else, something dark.

The rest happened so fast, Sam didn't have time to react. His unbelievably strong hands latched onto her arm, pulled her wrist to his mouth, and then fangs – Fangs? – pierced her skin as he bit her.


* * *


Micah had been in a semi-lucid state, aware of everything going on around him but unable to rouse himself. He had felt the woman cut off his shirt, had felt her sure, confident hands ranging his chest and torso before her gentle fingers caressed his face. She had talked to him, too. Well, not really to him, but sort of. Her voice was smooth and low, sultry. He just wanted her to keep talking. The sound of her voice was a balm, an audible salve to soothe his soul.
But then she had grown quiet and sucked in her breath. Micah touched her mind and realized she had seen his self-mutilation. Shame flooded him as his long-absent conscience reappeared, chastising him for what he had done. For some reason, he didn't want this woman seeing the damage he had done to his own arms.


And then everything shattered into white heat as fire stung his shoulder.
Intense hunger raged like wildfire. Micah couldn't recall ever needing to feed this badly. In an instant, his eyes flashed open and shot to the woman tending him. Terror erupted in her expression, but all he could see, think, feel, smell, and breathe was blood. Glorious, life-giving, hunger-sating, Heaven-sent blood. With graceless impropriety, Micah yanked her wrist to his mouth like it was a sandwich and he had gone way too long without food then bit down with unceremonious impatience.


When was the last time he had truly fed?


The woman struggled as he locked his hands around her arm and lurched upright with her wrist clenched in his mouth. Her blood flowed like a river of life into his belly, and he moaned in ecstasy even as he fought to restrain her. He had been too wrapped up in his need to feed to compel her into submission, and she grappled, squirmed, and struggled against him, gasping and protesting for him to stop.


Blood. All he could think about was drinking her blood. She swung at him with her free arm, kicking and trying to pull away, but he stayed with her, using one hand to deflect her haphazard punches, turning his body to avoid her kicks. All the while, his fangs kept her wrist locked in his mouth and her blood spilling down his throat.


He finally overpowered her and bent her back and down to the floor. Crouched like a man kneeling in prayer, his gaze ranged up her arm that stretched between them, linking her to him like an umbilical cord as she continued to struggle. His feral gaze locked onto the pools of clover green in her eyes as his chest and abdomen heaved lustfully. Blood lust. Strong and pure and all-consuming, it gnawed at him like a jackal on a bone.


The woman tried to cry out, but he slapped his hand over her mouth, stifling her scream, taking his fill of her blood as her body finally stilled beneath his.
It was only then that Micah realized she was crying. Tears streamed her cheeks as horrific sobs convulsed her chest. As his senses ebbed back into him, he gently lifted his hand from her mouth, keeping it close in case she tried to scream again.


"Please, please stop. Don't kill me."


Her fear smelled like sulfur as the words clubbed him. Kill her? He didn't want to kill her.
Where was he, anyway?


Micah's eyes flitted around the room and suddenly it was clear he wasn't in Kansas, anymore. What was this place? He had never been here before. Nothing was familiar. How had he gotten here? His eyes darted back to hers.


After releasing her wrist with a gasp, Micah fell back like he had just seen Jesus wagging a judgmental finger at him, and he ass-planted on her generic beige carpeting.


"Where am I?" he said.


The woman trembled in fear, too afraid to move as she clutched her bleeding wrist to her body. In his confusion, he had forgotten to release the dose of venom that would heal the bite.


"Where am I?" Micah's voice rose urgently as he frowned in dazed confusion.
"M-My a-apartment." The woman was shivering.
"What's your name?"


She paused like she was trying to decide whether or not she should tell him.
"Tell me!" He was freaking out.
The woman jumped. "S-Sam."
"Why am I here, Sam?"


The woman frowned at him like his question confused her.
"Why am I here?!" Why did he have to repeat everything to get her to answer?
She flinched. "You were hurt. I helped you. D-don't you remember?"


Everything flooded back into Micah's mind with such force he visibly wobbled as if he was in the ocean and a wave of storm surge had just rolled over him. He even sucked in his breath as if he was sinking underwater.


He remembered. Jackson, his fall into misery, his death wish, the drecks beating the shit out of him in that parking garage tonight. And then the crack of a gunshot and a woman's voice, followed by an image of…


"It was you." Micah's awed words whispered out of him as he sat back. She was the woman who had saved his life, even though he had only wanted death.
"Yeah. It was me, you asshole. I saved your life." Her fear morphed into anger.
Sam was a tough little doll. Micah approved.


Buy Links:






Coming May 25, book two of the AKM series, Heart of the Warrior

Happy Reading! 
Kristina

Monday, May 7, 2012

Author interview and giveaway with Jaidis Shaw!



First off, can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?

Hi! My name is Jaidis Shaw. I’m just a quirky author who spends her days working as a Book Tour Coordinator for Nurture Your BOOKS™ and helping promote authors on my own blog Juniper Grove. I’m also a stay-at-home mom to a very energetic four-year-old daughter so it probably goes without saying that I stay busy. J


Tell us about your book Destiny Awaits. 
 
Destiny Awaits is my debut paranormal romance novel and I’m so excited to be able to share it finally! It follows the life of Alayna Scott who decides to move to the small town of Juniper Grove after the tragic accident that claimed the lives of her parents. After the move, she catches the eye of a vampire and through a series of events, is brought into a world that she never knew existed. Jayden, her super sexy neighbor and love interest, will risk everything to ensure her safety and make sure that she is the one by his side.


What inspired you to start writing Destiny Awaits? How long did it take you to write it?

I have always loved the written word and had played around with short stories for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t until later in high school (2004) that I turned to writing as a way to escape and I knew that I wanted to try my hand at a book. That was when the inspiration began for Destiny Awaits. The story was moving along well when I was diagnosed with epilepsy and I put my writing on hold. I only recently started writing again within the past year or so. Of course by the time I got back to Destiny Awaits, it had been so long that I did a total rewrite so I guess you could say that I wrote it in about a year. J


How many books will be in the series? Do you have any other books planned that you'd like to write? 

I am not sure exactly how many books will be in the Juniper Grove Chronicles series. I am aiming to have at least three books in the series. I have the series set up so that each book is stand-alone and follows a different set of characters so you wouldn’t have to read book one before book two. However, those of you who do read Destiny Awaits will meet the main female lead in book two which I have already outlined and began working on.


Are any of the characters from Destiny Awaits a lot like you, or were they based on someone else?

I wouldn’t say that she is a lot like me but Alayna and I do share a few traits such as our love of water. We can also both be sarcastic at times, even when we know that we probably shouldn’t be.


What are you currently working on?

I have begun work on a new paranormal suspense/thriller series that I am super excited about! It will be for a more mature audience because it will contain a few elements that aren’t suitable for YA. Book one is tentatively titled The Stager and it follows the life of an assassin who uses her special ability to get revenge.

I don’t want to give too many details away yet but you can rest assured that it will keep you on the edge of your seat...or at least I hope it will! It will also be one of those books that keep you guessing until the very end.


Do you listen to music while you write? Do you have playlists for your books?

I do listen to music because I do most of my writing late at night and I’m so used to the sounds of my daughter playing during the day that the silence at night is creepy. Plus, I find that the right song can set the mood for key scenes.

I don’t have specific playlists though. I usually just turn on Pandora and if a song comes on that doesn’t fit the scene I’m writing I just skip it. Nothing can kill a scene faster than the wrong music.


Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

There are several people who have influenced my writing. I have several author friends who are always happy to offer me advice and allow me to run my ideas by them. My family has also been very supportive.


What is the best and worst part about being an author?

Hmm…that’s a good question. I think one of the best things about being an author is that we get to create a world that we can share with others. Plus, as an author, we are never really alone because there are always characters talking to us.

On the other hand, being an author is a job and in my opinion, needs to be thought of that way. You can create an amazing story but you still aren’t done because you have to find the time to network, promote and market your book so that people will learn about it and want to read it.


Are there any specific things you have to have while you write?

When I’m writing, the only things I usually have with me is the binder that I created for the story I’m working on and a cold glass of water.


Do you have a certain place/time you write?

During the week I always have my story pulled up so that if I get a break at work I can add a few lines. I do the bulk of my writing on the weekends because my husband is home and can help watch our daughter so that I can focus on my story. As for a place, I do all my writing in my office since I work from home as well.


What do you do when you're not writing?

When I’m not writing I am either working, promoting, updating my blog, cleaning the house or playing with my daughter. I’m always on the go so I don’t get a lot of down time.


Do you read all the reviews about your books? 

Since this is my debut novel I will read all of the reviews. At the time of writing this, there have been three reviews posted for Destiny Awaits from those who I allowed to read the book before it was published. As more reviews come in, I will read them because I am always looking for honest reviews to help me better myself and my writing.


What is the nicest thing a fan has ever done or said?

Do I even have any fans? I think I am best known for my promotion work and not really for my own writing yet, which I hope to change. J

Tell us about your journey to get published?

It has been super exciting! I decided to self-publish because I felt it was the right choice for me and thankfully I have several friends who have offered me advice and helped me along the way. I will probably self-publish my future books as well, though if a publisher ever came to me and wanted to pick up my book I would be more than willing to consider the offer.


Do you read? Who is your favorite author?
 
Of course I read! An author who doesn’t read shouldn’t write.

I would have to say my favorite author is Jean M. Auel. If you haven’t read her Earth’s Children series…you should!


Do you have any advice for aspiring authors like myself?

If you want to be an author you need to read, especially in the genre that you want to write in. Also, don’t rush to get your book published and skip things like professional editing. Don’t put out a product that you aren’t 100% proud of.
J


Where can fans find you?

I can be found at the following places:

Juniper Grove: http://junipergrove.net



Anything else you like to tell everyone?

Thank you so much for reading this interview! Authors would be nothing without amazing readers like you. Also, if you have read a book lately that you have enjoyed, please consider taking a moment to leave a review for the author to let them know.

Thank you Kristina for allowing me to visit your blog today! I had so much fun with this interview!!


Thanks so much for allowing me to interview you! :)

Kristina



Synopsis:

Twenty-year-old Alayna Scott receives visions around water, but even her foresight couldn’t prepare her for the tragic accident that claimed the lives of her parents. With everything she loves gone, Alayna packs up and moves to the small town of Juniper Grove in hopes of starting over.

Jayden McKnight can’t explain the attraction that he feels whenever Alayna is near, but he does know that he will do whatever it takes to win her heart. When a vampire selects Alayna as his next victim, Jayden will stop at nothing to ensure her safety – even if that means bringing Alayna into a world that she never knew existed.

Love blossoms, challenges are made and Alayna will find herself fighting not only to survive, but to understand what she has become.


Author Bio:
Jaidis Shaw currently resides in a small town located in South Carolina with her husband and her beautiful daughter. With a passion for reading, Jaidis can always be found surrounded by books and dreaming of new stories. She enjoys challenging herself by writing in different genres and currently has several projects in the works.
When not reading or writing, Jaidis fills the position of Book Tour Coordinator for Nurture Your Books™, maintains the Juniper Grove blog and loves encouraging her daughter to let her imagination run wild.

Purchase Link:




**One lucky commenter will win either a PDF or MOBI copy of Destiny Awaits! Please leave your email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner!**

Happy Reading!
Kristina

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Pulse of Heroes blog tour stop! Guest post with AJ Sweeny!


Music and my Writing.

Many authors have set routines and methods in their approach to writing. Since I am a relatively new novelist, I am still discovering if I do some things consistently to go along with my writing, and at this point I have picked up on a few things. The biggest part of my writing inspiration other than a neurotic need to tell stories, to teach, and self-express, comes from music.

I am a music lover by nature. It can be almost anything, instrumental or with lyrics; as long as it has a melody I will find inspiration in it. These inspirations vary in form and depend on other things outside of myself. I never drive without listening to music and as you can imagine much of my inspiration comes when I’m behind the wheel. It gets a bit frustrating because I can’t write down whatever it is I’m seeing, feeling, and thinking. There’s no pulling over in the middle of the freeway, and I’m usually in a hurry because I’m one of those constantly late people. Not TOO late - but I have a “hard time making it on time”.

So what is it about the music that inspires me? Obviously lyrics are a treasure of depth. The subject matter doesn’t matter, as long as I can truly feel the raw passion behind them. Good lyrics are powerful emotions concentrated into just a few powerful words. Sometimes I will hear one sentence in a song and it will remind me of one of my character’s memories, or their feelings, or even something that they might say in a dialogue. Sometimes a certain verse will play perfectly with the scenery outside and will give me a picture-perfect moment that I might include in one of my stories.

Music on it’s own, at least for me, is also a powerful meter of emotion and mood. Where lyrics might restrict me into a specific direction of thoughts, melody on its own is as fluid as water. It can be complex with many notes, or just a few strums of a guitar, even just a consistent beat. No matter what, music transforms my consciousness into another reality. It doesn’t have to be far removed, but it’s definitely enhanced. Music makes my lungs take in more air and relaxes my entire body. I think more clearly about the world when there is music playing, and I feel more deeply and in touch with my true emotions rather than the everyday buildup of fronts we present as ourselves. With this type of clarity I write best because I can hear my own voice above all the noise.

With all this in mind, I have found myself making a listening soundtrack to play either while I write, or before, so I can get back into the mood. The CDs that I burn for this purpose end up getting listened to daily while I am drafting the novel. I have released the names of several songs that inspired me while I wrote Pulse Of Heroes and a certain band even gets a credit in there. For Of Blood And Pulse I found my inspiration coming from many different artists, and it is now the same with the up-and-coming Pulse Genesis.



One lucky commenter will win a beautiful POH bookmark! Leave a meaningful comment, your email address, and your GFC!


Happy Reading!
Kristina



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Blog Tour: Charmeine by Emily Guido


Emily Guido is a new Paranormal Romance Author. She was inspired to start writing “Charmeine” because one day she got an idea of two characters who needed to have their story told. Not ever dreaming a week later she would have over a 100,000 words written.

When Emily writes, it is similar to you or me watching a movie. She pictures the characters in her head going through vivid descriptions of each scene. There are so many nuances going through her mind that she cannot type fast enough.

Emily is currently editing the second novel, in “The Light-Bearer Series,” “Ransom,” soon to be published in May 2012.

Currently working at a College full-time, Emily is pursuing her Master of Business Administration full-time also.



 “Her Blood and His Desire” – Fireball snippet from “Charmeine” the First Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series”
Preface:
Charleen doesn’t know she’s “Charmeine, the Queen of the Light-Bearers” here is a snippet of the first intimate moment she has with Tabbruis… a vampire, blood-hunter!




Tabbruis gently touched her head and said, “I can heal the cut and bump. Please let me heal you?”
Charleen said, “I trust you, but how?”
Tabbruis looked into her eyes and said, “Trust me, I will not hurt you.” Charleen not knowing what to expect agreed. Tabbruis took her head and leaned it over to him with her forehead on his chest.
Suddenly, Charleen felt a warm, wet bolt of lightning going through her which did not hurt. She grabbed Tabbruis around his waist to steady herself.
Tabbruis did not know why but her blood was exquisite. He had never tasted someone’s blood which fired his passion. He pulled her closer to him.
She could hear him softly growl as he licked the wound which thrilled her. She started to moan gently with feelings of pleasure.
He felt her chest swell and her heart race.
Tabbruis fought to keep his fangs in his gums. Her blood was like an answer to his hunger which had burned in him for centuries.
Tabbruis felt incredible power in her blood. The blood was intoxicating him with her sensuality.
Tabbruis’ feelings were intensifying, and he could not control the overwhelming urge to take her into his arms and never let her go until they both had sweet relief.
She moaned again louder digging her nails into Tabbruis’ back.



Tabbruis knew she was as excited as he was. His breathing became heavy, and her body hummed with desire.
At that moment, Tabbruis felt his fangs had appeared! He quickly moved away from her turning around and covering his mouth.
Charleen opened her eyes. She had a hunger she never had before, a hunger for this man in front of her. She said breathlessly, “Why… did you… stop? What’s the matter? Have I done something… wrong?”
Tabbruis’ fangs retracted and he took his hand down. Tabbruis turned around panting and saw her brown eyes full of desire; he knew she wanted him also.
Charleen could see the desire in his deep green eyes which had black rings of smokiness in them.
Tabbruis shook his head trying to catch his breath and said, “In my life, I have never tasted blood so powerful and intoxicating.”







“CHARMEINE BLOG TOUR”

May 1-Sarah’s Point of View- Review, Giveaway

May 2-BookGirl- Review, Giveaway
May 3-Worlds away book blog- Guest Post, Giveaway
May 4-Wendy Potocki- Review, Interview, Giveaway

YOU COULD WIN!

$50 Amazon Gift Card

2 – $25 Amazon Gift Cards

3 Charmeine eBooks

ENTER AND WIN HERE


Happy Reading!
Kristina