4/23/19

Beauty of the Dark: The Complete Trilogy Paranormal Romance Spotlight & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I have Beauty of the Dark:  The Complete Trilogy in our book spotlight!  Check out this young adult, paranormal romance series, learn about the author & enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Beauty of the Dark: The Complete Trilogy
by Amanda Leigh
Genre: Mature YA Paranormal Romance

Delicious. Tantalizing. Mysterious."


For the first time, the Beauty of the Dark trilogy is bundled together, including an exclusive short story. Experience the intrigue, magic, romance, and heartbreak with Kiara, Trent, and Kaleib.

From a sinister demon to unthinkable betrayal to forbidden feelings...can they overcome their differences? Will Trent and Kiara give in to their connection? Find out who prevails in this epic battle.  


SCARRED – Book 1

A sassy witch, a vampire sworn to protect her, and a vampire that’s falling for her...? All bets are off.

Kiara was born with power. At eighteen, her powers are peaked, and she's destined to destroy the demon threatening her home town. But even with her power and the help of Kaleib, a vampire who’s like an older brother to her, they're not strong enough to stand against the evil. Enter Trent, a vampire with a secret past, and the tables turn, giving them a fighting chance.
Kiara shouldn’t feel anything toward Trent, especially since Kaleib hates him, but a strong attraction builds between them during their mission. Trent has successfully avoided caring about anyone for over one hundred years, and he plans to keep it that way. When Kiara asks for help, he can’t seem to deny her. Never would he imagine that he’d run into Kaleib, someone from his past--a vampire who knows his secret. Trent convinces himself he's aiding Kiara for his own selfish amusement, but the little witch seems immune to his charms and she's chipping away at his walls. To his dismay, he finds himself beginning to care for Kiara.
Between the demon that wants to kill her and two fighting vampires, how will things play out for Kiara and Trent? Will this demon let them live to find out?

BURNED – Book 2

Just when it seems things can’t get worse…they do.

When Kiara wakes up as a vampire, she knows things will never be the same. Her best friend is dead and the demon that killed her is still out there somewhere. They're back to square one and Kiara’s newfound thirst hovers over everything they do. The hostility between Trent and Kaleib still brews just below the surface. Will Kiara hold it together or will she lose control? Will her new thirst be too much?
Kiara blames Trent for Sarah’s death and hates herself every time she feels something for him. Their budding trust is tested. Despite everything, he tries to be there for her. By her bedside when she wakes, helping her figure out how to tell her godparents what she is now, even staying in her house when she can’t sleep.
When Kiara’s dreams are plagued with visions of Sarah threatening her, Kaleib and Trent say that it's coincidence. Her mind dealing with the loss. But as the visions come while she’s awake, it looks less like coincidence and more like something sinister.
Is it her anger over Sarah’s untimely death or is it something more? Something dangerous?

ANGEL – Book 3

The epic conclusion of Amanda Leigh's Upper YA Paranormal Romance trilogy.

With a battle close at hand, Kiara must face the darkness inside her.

The only way for Kiara to save her loved ones from a sinister demon is to turn herself over. But doing so would ensure the destruction of not just those she loves, but the whole world. When she refuses, someone close is taken from her in warning, sending her into hiding with Trent and Kaleib. While a battle looms, Trent and Kaleib must put aside their hostilities toward each other to protect Kiara. They help her navigate the impending fight, not to mention the hunger fighting within her.
As the final fight draws near, Kiara and Trent grow closer, the limited space ramping up tension and making their passion hard to deny. Will their feelings strengthen them or be their undoing?
When the time comes, will Kiara yield to the darkness within her to destroy the monster haunting her?


Amanda Leigh has had a love of words since before she could write them herself. Once she learned to read and write herself she just couldn't stop. She reads any genre as long as the book sounds interesting. Which may explain why she can't and never will be able to stick to one genre in her writing. From Contemporary Romance to Women's Fiction to Paranormal Romance to Poetry and more to come. When she's not writing or reading she enjoys getting swept away in a great TV show, going to the theater, listening to music, cooking and many different forms of art. She has a cat she adores and also loves Psychology, tea, coffee, chocolate and Elvis Presley. Not necessarily in that order. Feel free to get in touch with her.


Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

The Dead Planet Series Spotlight & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I have a science fiction series in our book spotlight!  Check out the books of The Dead Planet Series, learn about the author & enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


Exodus
The Dead Planet Series Book 1
by Drew Avera
Genre: Science Fiction
The future is darker than you think!


Serus is a killer. As a policeman he was recruited to be a weapon at the Martian government's disposal. Brainwashed into compliance, he’s lost the life he once had, but his memories remain. When a hit is placed on his sister's life, Serus is faced with the dark reality that in order to save Kara, he must go rogue and doing so will put both of their lives in danger. Forced into an unlikely alliance to save Kara, Serus discovers a truth that could bring Mars to its knees, but what if it's too late?

If you like fast-paced science fiction then immerse yourself into a world controlled by a militant force; where humanity's purpose is to make the rich richer.

If you enjoy cyberpunk novels with a noir feel, then grab Exodus, the first book in The Dead Planet Series, today!


**Get it FREE!!**

Verity
The Dead Planet Series Book 2

From Drew Avera, author of The Dead Planet Series, comes an all new vision of humanity's future.


VERITY is the second book in The Dead Planet Series
Twenty-five hundred years in the future humans have colonized Mars. The advancements in technology have taken humanity to a new world, but in that new society the problems of old have once again taken root. Corruption and murder are on the rise, but not from lowlifes on the streets. The real threat to civilization lies in the one world governing entity known as The Syndicate. 
Armed with money and power, The Syndicate rules with an iron fist. Their form of government has brought forth an era of humanity that has surpassed every empire in human history, but behind that veil of wealth is The Agency; an organization of Policemen who do anything except protect and serve.
Against incredible odds, Serus Blackwell, a Policeman within The Agency, is determined to save humanity from a horrible truth discovered by his sister Kara. In the crosshairs of The Syndicate, Serus fights to save the only member of his family he has left–and in the process, might end up saving himself.
After arriving on planet Earth, Serus and Kara are taken prisoner by a local group of soldiers. Knowing that The Syndicate will do anything to stay in power, Serus forms an unlikely alliance in order to stop The Syndicate from taking control of Earth and hope to find the answers they need in order to save the people on Mars. But it may be too late!
If you love fast-paced science fiction then take a peek inside a world controlled by The Syndicate. The future is darker than you think…



Endgame
The Dead Planet Series Book 3

Endgame is the third and final novel in The Dead Planet Series.

After returning to Mars, Serus discovers that things aren’t quite the way they were when they left almost two years before. Thanks to their efforts, the answer to Mar’s salvation has been safely delivered, but bad news travels fast. Serus learns that Harris has been abducted and Midican has been destroyed. Knowing what is at stake, he vows to return and save his friend before his enemies can take another life of someone he cares about.
With a renewed sense of justice, Serus and his friends must return to Earth to finish what they started; to stop The Syndicate once and for all.



Enjoyed the Dead Planet series?
Start the Companion series for only .99 cents for the month of April!!
Rise of the Syndicates
Syndicate Series Book 1
**Only .99 cents**

Drew Avera is a U.S. Navy veteran and the bestselling author of the Alorian Wars; a fast-paced space opera adventure series.

Born and raised in rural Mississippi, Drew longed to see the world and enlisted in the Navy at seventeen. With nearly twenty-years of service, four combat deployments, and countless miles traveled on the open ocean, it was only a matter of time before the worlds he created in his head sprang to life in a new venture. He began his writing career by participating in National Novel Writing Month 2012 and published his first book, Exodus, in March 2013. Since then, Drew has written more than twenty books. Additionally, he has had several stories featured in The Future Chronicles, The Expanding Universe, and the Pew! Pew! Anthologies.



Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

Here Comes the Sun: Outdoor Summer Maintenance Tasks for the Family


Putting aside as little as 2% of your home cost on yearly maintenance can help your home age more graciously, reports Forbes magazine. Ideally 5% would be a target to hit in budgeting toward a home maintenance fund, but whatever you can put back, the better, real estate experts at Forbes say. With kids at home in the summer, many parents don’t even know what home maintenance task to tackle first--or how to go about getting the kids involved. Whether you hire a professional or the DIY route, here’s some must-do summer home and garden maintenance tasks perfect to keep you and your kids busy this summer.

Photo Credit
 
Clear Out the Winter Buildup
An important home-maintenance tasks is gutter cleaning. Unfortunately, many of us lack the proactive approach in cleaning gutters and have to deal with the consequences of damage. Waiting to clean out gutters, avoiding the laborious task, can result in budgeting for the cost of a whole new gutter which can average nationally between $1000-$2400; save your back, your budget, and your time by opting to hire a professional. This is one task that isn’t worth the do-it-yourself attitude.
Another home exterior task needing your attention is your porches and sidewalks. Power-washing your porch, sidewalks, and entertainment areas not only gets rid of the dewy grime from winter but gives a whole new, clean appearance. You can rent a power-washing house from your local home improvement store and tackle this project on a sunny summer afternoon.

Give Your Garden a Facelift
Time to get down and dirty this summer giving your garden a much needed facelift. Take the time with your kids, teaching them how to weed flower beds and the importance of maintaining a healthy-looking garden. Although not the most glamorous of summer maintenance tasks, weeding a garden is the first step in a bountiful garden. Weeds are simplest to pull when they’re young and small - the more unruly they grow the more harm they cause. In addition, save yourself time from future weeds spreading by picking them when they’re small.

Next, make the soil richer by mixing in compost. Compost adds much needed and natural nutrients to your garden. Although a smelly task to complete, it’s an essential garden maintenance task. Finally, polish the look of your garden by adding mulch. By adding mulch you are keeping plants and their roots happy and protected, says Better Home and Gardens.

As summer approaches, it’s important to start planning out your weekends now on what maintenance tasks to tackle first. Get your whole family involved with these easy to complete tasks to give your a home a whole new summer glow.

Unconditional Love: Making Sure Your Dog Gets The Attention They Deserve

Even though you are doing the essential things to look after your dog, such as looking after their nutrition and taking them for walks as and when is necessary, do you still feel plenty of guilt? It's, unfortunately, a very normal thing. Let's face facts, we are very busy now, and as such, perhaps we're not giving our pets the love and attention they really deserve. So, when it gets to this point, we've really got to ask ourselves, can we do anything to give them more attention that they deserve? But also, can we find ways to ensure that we show them that we love them?


It's About The Little Things

What do you think about the essential dog maintenance, like brushing, or a quick play with them, they don't need to take forever. In fact, something like a massage can take 30 seconds. All you have to do is gently stroke and massage areas of their body, just as long as you avoid the paws, tail and backside areas and they will get blissed out.

Take Time To Focus On Them Properly

If we are always thinking away, they will very likely pick up on this. So, again, something that doesn't take so long, just take the opportunity to switch off your phone and the television, and just spend a little bit of time with them, one to one. It's not about the quantity of time, but it's the quality.

Getting Extra Help So They Are Looked After Properly

Maybe you are up too early in the morning to take them for a walk, or you're just too tired because you've been burning the candle at both ends. And this is not fair on your dog at all, but if you feel that you're not able to physically cope for whatever reason, you should hire a dog walker, or just get a member of the family or a friend in to do the basics. You can do the basics, but it's understandable that you will come across moments in your life where you're not really able to give them the attention they need.

Find Other Ways To Hang Around With Them

If you're doing errands, take them with you. And if you're going to work, is this possible? Some places are pretty good when it comes to this. But also, if this is not possible, see about working from home on occasion. Yes, you may have a lot of work to do, but they'll be grateful that you are with them. It's important that you remind them that you care about them, and dogs can get lonely. If you don't spend much time with them, they will constantly be yearning for you. So, make sure that you are engaged with them when possible. Because if a dog starts to feel depressed, or they start to show signs of stress, take this as a sign that you need to spend more time with them.

We can definitely feel the pinch as dog owners, but our beloved pets shouldn't bear the brunt of our stress. They love us unconditionally, so let's make sure that we reciprocate this.

The High Court Book Review and Giveaway

My daughter loves mythology and fantasy themed novels--and enjoyed The Sky Throne when we read and reviewed it a couple of years ago.  Recently, I had the opportunity to read and review The High Court from The Sky Throne series by Chris Ledbetter.  What did I think of The High Court?


Book Title: The High Court by Chris Ledbetter
Category: YA Fiction, 290 pages
Genre: Fantasy

About the Book

High atop Mount Olympus, dawn breaks on a new academic term. Normalcy has returned to campus following a harrowing expedition into The Underworld to rescue kidnapped students by Zeus and his fellow Olympians. Now, as they prepare to testify in The High Court, Hyperion will be tried for the attack on Crete and death of Anytos. Kronos will stand trial for the murder of Mount Olympus Prep’s Headmaster Ouranos.

As the trials draw near, Mount Olympus Prep students and faculty are besieged repeatedly by a race of gargantuan stone and earth giants. Under heavy assault, the Olympians are forced to flee to the volcanic island of Limnos to regroup. Meanwhile, a toxic poison Zeus has carried with him since a prior fight with a dragoness, creeps toward his brain.

In a race against time and beasts, Zeus and his friends must find a way to survive not only the toxin ravaging Zeus’ body, but also the giants who grow stronger after every attack, and somehow make it to the The High Court alive.

My Review

The High Court Offers New Characters, Connections, Adventures, and Questions.  In keeping with the series, this book will not disappoint young adult readers (or older adult readers) with interest in mythology.  The author continues to grow his series with some familiar characters from the first book, some new characters, and character connections.  Readers will follow the characters through new adventures that bring new resolutions but still leave readers with questions for the next (?) installment of the series.

The High Court Required Reader Patience for a While.  I had a tough time settling into this book for quite a few pages.  It had been a while (almost two years) since I read the first book in the series.    I wasn't sure if I was struggling to fall into sync with the characters because I was also trying to remember some of the connections and previous storylines--but, it took a while for me to settle into the novel's flow and pacing.  Once I "reconnected" myself to the series--and the plot picked up steam--I enjoyed this novel as much as the first.

Would I recommend The High Court by Chris Ledbetter? The High Court could be a standalone novel--but, I think it is genuinely best read as part of the series.  I also think readers are better suited to read the first two books a bit closer together in timing than I did!   The novel is a little slow to start--but, once the pieces come together--the scenes begin to build into a wonderful addition to the series. Mythology fans will love it--and the novel gives those of us who may have forgotten some of our myths an opportunity to make some connections in a unique and entertaining way.

To read more reviews, please visit Chris Ledbetter's page of iRead Book Tours.


Buy the Book

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Meet the Author


Chris Ledbetter is an award-winning author of short fiction and novels for young adults. “Jason’s Quest,” a short story retelling of the Jason and Medea Greek myth was published in the anthology, Greek Myths Revisited. His first full-length novel, Drawn earned him two awards, Library of Clean Reads Best YA 2015 and Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice Award Best YA 2015, as well as a USA TODAY “Must Read” recommendation. His second novel, Inked, concludes that duology. The Sky Throne is his newest young adult series. It includes, thus far, The Sky Throne and The High Court.

He's a proud member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and a strong supporter of the Need for Diverse Books. He now writes and lives in Wilmington, NC with his family, including three cats.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

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Ends May 7, 2019


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4/22/19

The Cat Who Pawed the Cultist Book Spotlight & Book Tour Giveaway

This morning, I have an urban fantasy in our book spotlight.  Check out The Cat Who Pawed the Cultist, learn about the author & enter for a chance to win an Amazon gift card in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


The Cat Who Pawed the Cultist
Sanctum Guardians Book 1
by Robert Hazelton
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Charlotte Barreau has tried to maintain a low key lifestyle but it isn’t easy for a young witch. As a student of the Holstrom Sanctum, she’s studied the intricacies of magic but never had to apply them to anything of importance. Her biggest concerns involve finding a movie she hasn’t seen, spending time with her friend Avery, and passing magical physics.All that changes when she meets a feisty orange cat attempting to foil the plot of a cultist opening a portal to another world. This magical beast comes to her with a calling, a duty to defend our world against denizens of a dangerous realm called the Umbra Oculus. Charlotte finds herself inextricably bound to her new friend, a partner in his crusade.As they begin to investigate, they find themselves dangerously outmatched. Their opponents are fully trained, adult wizards with serious zeal for their work. Even after enlisting the aid of two additional students, they discover they may not be cut out for the task. But with no one else working on the problem, these children and their cat must save the world, even as they risk their very lives in the effort.



Robert Hazelton has been writing short fiction, novels and music his entire life. As the founding member of Deadly Nightshade Botanical Society and a long time member of the band Abney Park, he has traveled extensively and performed countless shows in exotic locales.


Robert writes in a variety of genres but keeps drifting back to modern fantasy/horror. He considers Elizabeth Moon, Frank Herbert, and Steven Pressfield to be his biggest influences.


Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!