~~♥Spotlight + Giveaway♥~~ NIGHTMARE INK by Marcella Burnard

Title: Nightmare Ink

Author: Marcella Burnard

Release Date: April 2014

Publisher: Intermix

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 91101630228

With the needle of a tattoo gun, Isa Romanchzyk has the power to create and destroy. In her shop Nightmare Ink, Isa helps those in need by binding the powers embedded in their Live Ink—the magical tattoos that can enhance the life of the wearer, or end it.  But binding tattoos has earned Isa the contempt of her fellow artists—including her former lover Daniel.

When a friend comes to the shop with a tattoo on the verge of killing him, Isa can’t turn him away. For the first time in years, she works Live Ink into someone’s skin—something she swore she’d never do again. But breaking her vow soon becomes the least of her problems.

Isa is horrified to discover her friend’s body in the shop, but the real nightmare begins when she’s abducted and inked against her will.  Now, as she seeks retribution from the man who betrayed her, Isa must figure out how to bind her Living Tattoo before it consumes her completely...

Marcella Burnard graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a degree in acting. She writes science fiction romance for Berkley Sensation. 

Her first book, Enemy Within won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award for Best Futuristic of 2010. The second book in the series, Enemy Games, released on May 3, 2011. 

An erotica novella, Enemy Mine, set in the same world as the novels was released as an e-special edition by Berkley was released in April 2012. Emissary, a sword and sorcery short story released in the two volume Thunder on the Battlefield Anthology in the second half of 2013. 

http://www.marcellaburnard.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcella-Burnard/

https://twitter.com/marcellaburnard

http://www.amazon.com/Marcella-Burnard/e/B003E75420

http://word-whores.blogspot.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3409619.Marcella_Burnard

http://www.marcellaburnard.tumblr.com 

“Hey, pretty lady. You look lonely,” a smooth, musical voice said as she strode toward her shop door.She glanced at the striking young man reclining against the back of the bus shelter that stood in front of the kitchen wares store two doors down. In the glare of the streetlights, the young man, dressed in skintight dark Levi’s, a shirt that outlined every defined muscle, and a beat-up leather jacket, raked Isa with a hungry glance.Had to be one of Patty’s “projects” if he was working her territory.“A couple of Ria’s gang tagged that shelter this morning,” Isa said, trusting he’d been on the streets long enough to know which gang claimed this part of Ballard Avenue. “Smear it and they’ll tag you.”He jerked upright, swearing.She smiled and reached for the door of Nightmare Ink.“Aw, chica,” he said. “You don’t want to go in there. The owner, she’s a bruja. A witch. People say she’s got a secret room down in the basement. You go in there and part of you dies.”

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Book News and Topics: Putting "Spoilers" in Reviews

I love reading other readers reviews for books. It helps me decide whether or not I should include this book in my life. Here is the problem....where some readers leave fantastic reviews of very good books (or unfortunately, leave very bad reviews of books they have read), they also ruin the book by telling me word for word what happens. I am guilty of it. I love a book so much that I can't stop talking about it and before you know it, I have laid the whole book out.

Here is the thing about spoilers....regardless of whether or not you tell me there are spoilers in your review, I am going to read it. I have to know whether I should read this book or not! I love that you can remember every single minute detail about a book and feel it necessary to tell everyone about it, but we don't need it. Why should I read the book now that you have told me everything that happens?!? I know I am not the only one who feels this way...right?

I have really gotten away from leaving reviews of this type. Where I might tell a summary of what the book is about, I typically leave out any major details about a book. I want to leave something for the imagination of the reader. Isn't that what it is supposed to be about? I think some reviewers have gotten away from that. And it's really bad for the reviewing community. What I mean by that is that readers are going to read reviews of books like this and not feel it necessary to read the book themselves. Not only are they getting away from reading, but the author will have lost sales. 

I think that all reviews should be cut down to 20 words and that's it. Who really needs more than that? Either it was good or it wasn't. Isn't that the just of it? Am I missing something or am I just lazy and don't want to write long reviews? I haven't quite figured that out yet. 

What do you think? Do you think spoilers are good or bad for a review? How many spoiler reviews have you written? I think you would be really surprised at how many you have written. 

~~♥Spotlight + Giveaway♥~~ THE FOUNTAIN OF THE EARTH by H.L. Le Roy

Title: The Fountain of the Earth

Author: H.L. Le Roy

Series: The Fountain of the Earth

Genre: YA Dystopian 

Publisher: Tranquille Press

Release Date: Nov 22 2013

Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Paperback 

The first in a planned series, The Fountain of the Earth is set on the West Coast following a catastrophic solar flare that has destroyed civilization, leaving only a few people struggling to survive. After witnessing the vicious murder of her mother, Terra Vonn (15) has a singular focus—exacting revenge on the killers. But before she can complete her plans, savagery intervenes and she is cast alone into a brutal post-apocalyptic world. As she trails the men south through a land filled with cannibalistic criminals, slave traders, and lunatics, the hunter becomes the hunted. Terra quickly learns that she is neither as tough nor as brave as she thinks she is. Worse, she may be the only one who stands between what little remains of civilization and destruction.

Tag Line

Terra Vonn is fighting to survive in a destroyed world,

Surrounded by unspeakable horror . . .

And things are about to get much worse.

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H. L. (Holly) LeRoy is an American short story writer and novelist, author of the award winning Street Crimes anthology and the novel The Fountain of the Earth (Nov. 22, 2013), first in a series of young adult adventures. Born in San Jose, California, LeRoy currently resides in Pioneer, California with his family.

Blog ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter

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~~♥Spotlight + Giveaway♥~~ DEFENDER'S BLOOD by A.K. Michaels

Title: Defender’s Blood Alex’s Destiny 

Author: A.K. Michaels 

Series: Defender’s Blood (#1)

Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Self Published 

Release Date: Nov 2013

Editions/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Alex has no idea her life is about to change beyond her wildest imaginings. She is the last in a long line of very special females born for a dangerous task, and she isn't sure she is up to it. Zach, her vampire protector, is just as sure she is. 

Demon attacks, angels and even the ultimate, divine intervention, shake Alex to her very core. Can she do this? Can Zach keep her safe? The alternative is unthinkable: demons once more ruling the earth. 

Zach has to ensure that Alex puts a stop to this - and quickly! 

PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE EXPLICIT SEX SCENES IN THIS BOOK - NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 18!

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A K Michaels was born in Scotland quite a number of years ago! She was married at a young age and is a mother to three much loved children. After the birth of her last child she went back to higher education and studied for a year before gaining employment in the banking industry. She worked in that role for a number of years before leaving, both the job and the country.

She lived abroad for a few years before returning to Scotland and finally taking up her dream - writing. 

She is the author of the Defender's Blood series of books and two other series, The Witch, The Wolf and the Vampire and also Sabrina's Vampire, together with a Wolf Erotica Novella, Lori's Wolf. Her books fall into the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy genre and she loves writing those particular kinds of stories where she can let her imagination run wild!

She now spends her time reading - everything from Sci Fi to Crime, Erotica to Fantasy, Thrillers to Paranormal Romance. She loves spending time with her family and, of course, writing!

She has Twitter, Facebook Page and a Website.

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Alex picked up on something he had just said “This time? You said you’ve only been here a few days this time? So you’ve visited Scotland before?”Zach confirmed that he had. “Yes I was here before but a very, very long time ago.”She was looking at his profile and questioned him. “When?”Zach’s face looked thoughtful as he answered. “Well, let me think, it was during the late 1800s I think, 1898 or thereabouts. It was a very different place then.”Alex could only stare at him. 1898 oh my God, that can’t be right, she thought. “Sorry but did you mean 1998?” she whispered and Zach’s head shook as he answered.“No, 1898 give or take a year – yes Alexina, I am very, very old.”

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~~♥Cover Covet♥~~ THE GATEKEEPER by J.A. Templeton

Title: The Gatekeeper

Author: J.A. Templeton 

Series: Otherworld Series #1

Publication date: May 1st 2014

Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had strange dreams that always came true, and experienced terrifying powers that set me apart from everyone else.

It’s not until my eighteenth birthday do I begin to understand what those dreams mean. When my grandfather is attacked and left for dead, I am thrust into the Otherworld—a medieval-like land of beautiful immortals with amazing gifts. One of these immortals has stolen the key between the realms, and it is up to me, Brynne Davies, the next gatekeeper, to reach the key before the power struggle that exists in the Otherworld occurs on earth.

Complicating my task are the members of the Royal House of Parthas, especially the king’s brother, the handsome Murdoc, Warlord of the king’s army, and then there’s the charming Fae prince who seems to always be one step ahead of me.

Time is running out for me to find the key and close the door. If I don’t, the world I left will never be the same…because of me.

The Gatekeeper (Otherworld series, #1) is a New Adult Fantasy/Paranormal Romance.

I wrote my first young adult novel over ten years ago, and took a slight detour from writing YA to publish nineteen adult romances. Now, I'm following my heart and writing in the genre I've been passionate about for so long, and about characters who don't exactly fit into any specific box.

Aside from writing and reading, I'm obsessed with history, love research, traveling, and riding motorcycles with my hubby, my first and only love, who stole my heart when I was fourteen and he was eighteen (yes, he robbed the cradle). I am also a medium, which gives me a unique perspective when writing about the paranormal and characters like Riley, who can see, hear, and feel spirits.

I'm passionate about books, and I'll never tire of writing love stories.

http://www.jatempleton.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JA-Templeton/124655067647202?ref=hl

https://twitter.com/JATempleton

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5005267.J_A_Templeton

~~♥Review + Giveaway♥~~ ATLAS by Becca C. Smith

Title: Atlas
Author: Becca C Smith
Series: The Atlas Series Book #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Red Frog Publishing
Release Date: Nov 2013
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Blurb/Synopsis: 

Kala Hicks never imagined she’d be fighting demons, angels and gods when she joined the Navy. But when her elite covert military team is on a mission aboard Air Force One and Kala is forced to shoot the President her life changes forever. The moment the President is killed the Titan god, Atlas, speaks to Kala, telling her that she has to do his job by committing one act of atrocity every four days… or the world will end. Kala faces off against creatures of legend; from demons determined to make her fail and plunge the Earth into chaos, to angels who don’t trust her to do the job and are willing to kill her to claim it for themselves. Pitted against the forces of good and evil, Kala must choose whether to save the world by doing the unthinkable, or sit back and let it burn. Four days later, she’ll have to do it again.

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Becca C. Smith received her Film degree from Full Sail University and has worked in the Film and Television industry for most of her adult life. In 2010 Becca published her first novel, Riser followed by the sequel, Reaper, in 2011, and the finale, Ripper in 2013. In 2012 Becca wrote the children’s novel Alexis Tappendorf and the Search for Beale’s Treasure. She is also the co-author of the teen graphic novel Ghost Whisperer: The Haunted. Becca currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, Stephan and their two cats Jack and Duke.

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End of Chapter 3:

Very carefully, Jack opened the door that led to the President’s office.
What awaited them was terrifying.
President Jareth Wilton stood behind his desk. He was wearing a vest that held five grey bars of C-4 wired into a bomb. Wilton was a tall man, well over six feet with stark black hair and a long face. He was a young President, only fifty years old, but he looked like he’d aged twenty years since the last time Kala had seen him at a press conference, with dark rings under his eyes and worry lines on his forehead.
But his smile was what made the scene surreal and horrific. His thin lips were grinning as if he’d just climbed Mt. Everest.
President Wilton stared directly at Jack as the door swung open the rest of the way. “I figured it out! I figured out how to break it! No one will ever have to do what I’ve had to do again! Do you realize what this means?”
Kala knew then and there that the man was cracked. Figured what out? Break what? He was rambling like a mad man.
But the more frightening moment came when Jack responded back to Wilton. “Killing yourself is impossible. People have tried that in the past.”
Not only was President Wilton talking crazy, but apparently Jack knew his language and was responding accordingly.
Kala noticed that Wilton’s eyes lit up when Jack spoke. “You’re the one they sent to replace me.”
Jack nodded.
What? Kala was seriously confused.          
Kala spoke up, “What’s going on Jack?”
Replace him for what?
Jack didn’t acknowledge Kala or the rest of the team, which was shifting uncomfortably behind him.
Wilton shook his head, serious. “You can’t do it. You have to let me detonate this bomb. We have to crash the plane! It’s the only way to stop it!”
“You can’t stop it!” Jack yelled back.
“I can and I will!” Wilton talked into an earpiece. “NOW!”
The plane nose-dived.
Everyone jolted forward and stumbled from the force of it.
Jack barked orders, “Lali get up to the Flight Deck and by any means necessary take over this plane!”
Lali paused for a second, she looked more confused than Kala felt, but after a moment to gain her bearings as the plane was falling fast, she managed to high-tail it out of the room and up to the Flight Deck.
Kala was sure they’d hit ground at any moment.
Jack aimed his gun at the President’s head.
Wilton was frantic. He ducked behind his large oak desk that was bolted to the ground.
“You can’t kill me! You’ll ruin everything!” Wilton yelled.
Jack turned to Kala and Derek. “No one shoots him but me!”
Kala kind of nodded, but she was in shock at the fact that they were about to flatten a part of the capital with Air Force One. She really didn’t care what Jack was saying. She couldn’t let President Wilton set off that bomb and kill thousands.
Jack shot at the desk, trying to hit the president, but he didn’t come close.
Only Kala could make a shot like that and not get them all killed from shooting a hole through the plane.
Kala and Derek made eye contact. Kala could tell Derek was thinking the same thing. He whispered so only Kala could hear, “Do it.”
Kala’s nod was barely perceptible.
Jack saw her and his eyes went wide. “Kala STOP!”
Kala shrugged. “I can’t let him do this, Jack. I’m sorry.”
Only the top of Wilton’s head was showing.
It was enough.
Kala took her shot.

My Review 

I have to say that I truly enjoyed this book! It was suspenseful, romantic, and kept me truly captivated. It was a definite page turner!

Kala Hicks is part of an elite military team that is sent to stop the President of the United States from killing the innocent people. Her commanding officer is none other than her secret boyfriend and soul mate, Jack Norbin. In a split second decision, the only way to stop the President is for Kala to take the death shot. As Kala goes unconscious, she is meeting with a supernatural Titan god, Atlas, who informs her that she is now his human form of the Atlas on Earth and has to commit one act of atrocity every four days or the world will end. If that isn't enought,  Kala is chased by Demons trying to capture her so the world will end and Angels are there to help her or try to kill her so they can become the new Atlas. Wow! So much going on in this book how can you not stay interested??

Then, she finds out her act of atrocity is to kill her soul mate Jack. Then, there is Talon who is trying to help her battle her enemies. 

So, does the world end in 4 days? You have to read to find out!

This book was very enjoyable and I am so glad I took the opportunity to read it! I highly recommend this book!!

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~~♥COVER COVET♥~~ MARKING HIM by Elena M. Reyes

Event Organized by ❤MaE Book Tours❤

Synopsis

The day Maya Owens walked into his tattoo shop, everything Talan knew changed. After officially starting a relationship, he has trouble managing Maya—a woman who consumes every part of his being and now owns his heart. His need to control her and everything around her drives Maya insane, but he has good reason. After all, Janice is still lurking around and she has a vendetta against his Bitty. In no time, Talan wants more, and it’s faster than Maya can handle, and things begin to get complicated.

Months of frustration and want take them for a ride neither wanted, but now yearn for. Will they make it through the turbulence? And if so, at what cost?

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica

Expected Publication Date: May 27, 2014

__________________________________________________________________

About the Author

 

Elena M. Reyes was born and raised in Miami Florida. She is the epitome of a Floridian and if she could live in her beloved flip-flops, she would. As a small child, she was always intrigued with all forms of art—whether it was dancing to island rhythms, or painting with any medium she could get her hands on. Her first taste of writing came to her during her fifth grade year when her class was prompted to participate in the D. A. R. E. Program and write an essay on what they’d learned. Her passion for reading over the years has amassed her with hours of pleasure. It wasn't until she stumbled upon fanfiction that her thirst to write overtook her world. She now resides in Central Florida with her husband and son, spending all her down time letting her creativity flow and letting her characters grow.

Connect with Elena M. Reyes!

The House | Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

 

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~~♥COVER COVET♥~~ WRECK YOU by Abby McCarthy

Title: Wreck You

Author: Abby McCarthy

Publication date: May 20th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

“My name is Maura McCafferty. I take men who love me and I destroy them. If there was a scarlet letter I could wear to keep the men at bay, it would be a W. I would wear it proudly, to let them know I am a wrecker. If you love me, I will wreck you.” Raised within the Devil’s Crusader’s, Maura has been exposed to many of life’s uglies and sheltered from any real relationships. She has all but given up on the idea of love. Until she meets Corbin Marx, a sexy beast of a Marine who refuses to back down from any challenge. He is the type of man Maura has craved, the type who might just be strong enough… This journey will be brutal, littered with violence, deceit and heartache. Maura must learn to navigate through the bumpy roads that life has paved and hope that at the end she will find her happiness. Warning: Due to Violence, language, drug use and sexual content this book is not suited for anyone under 17. If those things offend you, this might too.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20883069-wreck-you?ac=1

I am a reader and a lover of words. I am a blogger turned author releasing my first novel in May 2014. I am a mother of three, a wife and a dog person. I have always wrote, sometimes poetry, sometimes just to vent about failed relationships, however in parenthood I have found my voice to help keep my sanity. Words have flowed from me, to review and with the support of amazing friends in the Indie community I have decided to pursue my dream of writing! I love to write and read romance, because isn't that something we all yearn for? Weather it be flowers and hand holding or just the right tug on your hair. Isn't that what life is about? The human connection?

https://twitter.com/abbyemccarthy 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7872632.Abby_McCarthy

~~♥COVER COVET♥~~ HOLD ON by Hilary Wynne

Title: Hold On

Author: Hilary Wynne

Series: Alexa Reed #2

Publication date: April 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

The sizzling, second installment in the Alexa Reed series. Beautiful and successful Alexa Reed has dark secrets in her past that prevent her from trusting in love. Her fears start to fade when she meets charismatic, South Beach hotel owner, Julian Bauer, who is willing to put his extravagant playboy lifestyle behind him just to be with her. He’s a man who likes a challenge. Alexa’s newfound bliss is still fragile as she struggles to deal with the trauma of her ex-boyfriend’s death. Is Julian’s love for Alexa strong enough to heal her emotional scars and convince her their love is real? Alexa is not the only one with secrets and what’s to come threatens to destroy their future together. Now it’s Julian who needs Alexa more than ever. Will she be able to hold on? Hold On is Book 2 of the Alexa Reed series and is the follow-up from the hugely popular, Stay.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21482297-hold-on?ac=1

 

Have you ever woken up one day and said, “Today’s the day I’m going to do (insert thing here)?” Well, I did, and the result is my first novel, Stay. I always thought of myself as a decent writer, and then a trip down memory lane through my ninth grade book of poetry confirmed it. I realize that I have always had a romantic side and a way with words. With support from my husband and kids (and an unspoken agreement to leave me alone for a few hours every night), I embarked on this incredible writing journey. I’m originally from sunny Southern California and spent my summers in South Florida. I attended college at FSU and received my Masters in New Mexico. I finally settled in the Washington, DC area. My happy place has always been anywhere near the water. When I’m not writing, I help run a business with my husband, watch an inordinate amount of sports (my kids play something 365 days a year), indulge my competitive spirit on the tennis court, and spend time with my awesome family and friends. I am an avid reader, but find my characters feel neglected when I hang out with other author’s characters for too long. When I do read, historical fiction is my favorite genre. I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, places, and times. I feel so blessed that my love of books inspired me to finally do something that I forgot I had always dreamed about doing. My someday has arrived!

http://www.hilarywynne.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/HilaryWynneAuthor 

https://twitter.com/hilarywynne 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7431853.Hilary_Wynne