Sunday, December 29, 2013

Back to Reality - Danielle Allen Review


18745238

Series: Back To Life
Book: Back To Reality
Author: Danielle Allen


Book synopsis:
Her past: Emanuel Mills was her first love. The guitar playing, adventure seeking, IT whiz was everything she ever wanted.

Her present: Tyree Barker was her last love. The cultured, educated, successful entrepreneur was everything she needed.

But when Sahara Lee’s past and present collided, a series of events occurred that changed her life forever, leaving her future up in the air.

As a college freshman, a tragic accident changed the course of Sahara’s life. Ten years later, just when she started putting her life back together, Sahara’s world was rocked again due to a similar accident. 

Heartbroken and guilt ridden, Sahara fell into old, familiar habits before quickly realizing that she wasn’t the same Sahara Lee anymore. Unable to live a lonely, loveless, isolated life anymore, Sahara decided that the way she coped before wasn’t going to work this time around. 

Time didn’t heal her wounds, but forgiveness might.


Book Review:
Holy Smoly my heart is still racing after finishing reading this. I didn't really expect any of this, I didn't even know what to expect after what happened at the end of book one.
Let me start at the beginning. Our favorite characters are back! Yay! And some new ones, and some not so favorite characters -.-. You don't know how much I love them. They're so real to me, I connect with them on levels I love and hate. Love because I adore being able to connect with great characters, and hate because they're not real and I really want them to be (if only in me dreams :p). They're growing even more in this book, and being with them every step of the way through the ups and downs feels like an honor to me (that sounds weird I know). 
Next up, we have a great plot. It was crazy, those plot twists sent me whirling. I was going insane trying to process this and that, and then when I finally felt I had a handle on things... Bam! I loved every second of it, being kept on my toes helps keep the book from getting boring. And this book was anything but boring, believe me. I wasn't prepared for how this book ended. If I had even had a glimpse of it, I would had fastened my seat belts. All I have to say is there should be a book three (and I want it right now) and I also want four, five, six, I think you see where I am going with this.

Favorite Quotes:

"'Well first of all, I did not say it was a date. Although he is a hot guy. I didn't say that either.'
'You said he was from London and had an accent. I filled in the blanks.'"

"Wait, wait so because I found a handsome doctor you had to one up me by getting a handsome doctor with an accent? You bitch!"

"The thing you said to me last Friday stuck with me: hurt people hurt people. I will never stop feeling like this if I'm always hurting others and then running. I can't keep running from the past."

"'Let me take your bag to get checked so I can talk to the baggage attendant over there with the tight skirt on.'
Laughing I retorted, 'I'm not checking my bag and I will not let my luggage be involved in whatever you have going on. Go talk to her - without my bag - and I will see you tomorrow'"

"'Now I have to go. The flight attendant just gave me a look.'
Emily scoffed, 'give that bitch a look right back.'"

"I wish life had a concealer you could just slap on and make everything pretty again."

"'I suppose you haven't changed your mind about Thanksgiving dinner with Bennett and his family?'
'I suppose if you're asking, Hell has indeed frozen over?'"

"Sometimes the questions are complicated but the answers are simple."

"'All I need you to do is let go and give yourself permission to I've your life.' She stood up, still looking at me. 'And to let me borrow that clutch you had last night.'"

"You make me feel like I'm dreaming with my eyes open."

All in all:
This was another fabulous installment to a fabulous first book. My heart was racing and I really didn't want it to end. I recommend this book very much. And if you haven't read the first one, I don't see what you're waiting for! 


Meet Danielle (Taken From Goodreads): 
Life is good! 
I have fabulous friends, a great family and a wonderful husband. One of my favorite things to do is curl up with a good book. I'm always looking for book suggestions so if you've read a good book, send it my way!
XOXO 

Connect With Her:

Friday, December 27, 2013

Giveaway & Book Blast: Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic - Meghan Ciana Doidge




Series: The Dowser #2
Book: Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic
Author: Meghan Ciana Doidge


Book Synopsis:

Three months ago, I lost my foster sister, Sienna, to the darkness. As in blood magic and chaos and general mayhem. No one saw it until it was too late, but I should have. Now, I have a wounded heart and soul that I can’t even reveal to anyone around me, because I’m supposed to hate Sienna with the fiery passion of the justified. And I do. I just wish I didn’t feel so lost without her, so unsure of the path I thought I had carved for myself, and so outclassed by the powerful Adepts constantly by my side these days. I’m not even sure if they’re with me for my own protection or because my shiny new powers are rare and valuable. Assuming I ever figure out who or what I am, and how my magic actually works.
Even chocolate can’t save the day every time … just most of the time. At least I’ve got that going for me.

Check it Out On

Meet Meghan
Meghan Ciana Doidge is an award-winning writer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She has a penchant for bloody love stories, superheroes, and the supernatural. She also has a thing for chocolate, potatoes, and sock yarn.

Novels – After The Virus, Spirit Binder, Time Walker, Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic – Dowser #1, Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic – Dowser #2
Novellas – Love Lies Bleeding

Connect With Her On:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Little White Lies - Jodie Esch Review






17835436

Series: The Girlfriends Series
Book: Little White Lies
Author: Jodie Esch

Book Synopsis:
In Little White Lies, Book # 1 of the Girlfriends Series –Eighth grader Rachel Scott finally has the perfect boyfriend. He’s good looking, athletic and wealthy. The only problem is he doesn’t actually exist. Rachel’s escape into her fantasy world worries her parents and they insist she meet with the school counsellor. Frustrated with her life and without her best friend’s approval, Rachel heads down a dangerous path, looking for love in all the wrong places.


Book Review:
I am BLOWN AWAY!
This book was fantastic! Not sure where I should begin with this so I'll start like I usually do. With the characters. They were awesome. So real with real world problems and drama, real word attributes that made them so easy to connect to. After all that helps make the best characters. Especially our main character Rachel. I'm like her in a lot of ways, not physically but as a person. If I looked like her it'd be kind of weird, like "hey someone wrote my book twin!" No wait. That's be freaking awesome!!!
Next, the plot. My heart, I could feel it thumping pretty much the entire time I was reading this. I was worried id have to somehow save my own life in the midst of reading this book. Because there is NO WAY I was going to die before I finished reading this. Every moment, every turn of the page was like a whirl wind of emotions flying through me. When things seemed to level out, suddenly an earthquake would hit and my whole would be rocked. I was experiencing the emotions of the characters like they were my own, like with every turn of the page I was being knitted closer and closer together with them. The love of family and friends, lies, drama, and so much more all wrapped up into a wonderful book that has rocked my world. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2 ;). 

Favorite Quotes:

"'I don't seem to have enough time.'
'Everyone has the same number of hours in the day, Rachel.'"

"You are my entire life. Without you by my side, my world is incomplete. I think if you from sunrise to sunset."

"Some secrets are too ugly to keep."

"Why do adults make high school seem like that Survivor game on TV?"

"In my dream last night something shifted in my world. I was at the edge of a waterfall. Nervously, I jumped. I tumbled through the rapids heading to my final destination. What lay ahead was shrouded in mist."

"I don't want to be a victim. I hate that word. I want to be a strong person."

All in All:
If you're looking for a read that'll keep your heart racing, with drama and danger (without someone dying) then you have found your read. I don't regret reading it one bit and I am pretty sure you won't either. 

Check It On:

Purchase It Here:

Meet Jodie: (Taken From Goodreads)
Jodie Esch—Young Adult author of The Girlfriend Series—lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, dog, cat, chickens and alpacas. When not living in her fictional world, she spends her time as the 'Waste Management Queen' picking up manure on the property. She is passionate about words and is obsessed with writing and reading.


Connect With Jodie:

Friday, December 20, 2013

Interview: Ramz Artso


 Ramz Artso

We managed to snag an interview with Ramz Artso. You can take a look at it below ^.^


1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy and dislike doing?
My name is Ramz Artso, I’m twenty-three years old and I grew up in Switzerland. I think that Red Bull and Capri Suns are the world’s best drinks, Inferno chips are to die for and Chinese cuisine is yummy. Speaking of my hobbies, I like jogging to keep fit, playing videogames to relax and camping as well as cross-country skiing. I really don’t like working out, but one’s got to keep his belly in check.

2. When did you first consider becoming a writer?
I have always been a creative soul, if you will. Since an early age, I’d make up stories in my head and then draw them. When I grew older I decided I wanted to be a movie director. But my dreams were a far cry from reality, and what with having developed an obsession with reading, I thought maybe I should try becoming an author of at least one book. I was fifteen back then.

3. What is the name of your latest book and how would you describe it in a few words? 
My latest written work is entitled Antonia Bells. It’s a young adult fantasy that has romantic and apocalyptic elements in it.

4. How long does it take you to write a book?
Anywhere from one month to a little over a year. It really depends on how many changes I decided to apply to a book’s plot and whether or not the writing process is actually working or I’m making it work.

5. Do you have a favorite out of the books you’ve written? And if yes, why is it your favorite?
I love my Peter Simmons series. I’ve done so much plotting and writing for it that I feel like the characters from those books are my friends. Also, I’m actually really proud of the whole series, they suck me in every time I read them.

6. How long have you been writing? Who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve been writing for eight years now, with breaks in between. My inspiration came from J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien, as they’re the reason why I fell in love with books in the first place.

7. What can we expect from you in the future? More sequels or something entirely new?
I think for now, I’ll go on writing about aliens, vampires, zombies, werewolves and humanoid elves. Perhaps as I grow older, my work will mature with me.

8. What genre do you write in?
Fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, hard sci-fi, young-adult, new-adult, romance and paranormal romance. These genres appeal to me most at this point in time, so it’s only normal I write in them. I must confess though, that lately, I’ve been seriously contemplating writing something Victorian. But that won’t be happening anytime soon, I’m afraid.

9. Do you have a treasured book that you place above all others?
I can’t think of any one book that I’d refer to as my favorite, but I’ve read To Kill a Mockingbird and Macbeth many a time. I also like The Outsiders a lot.

10.Do you have any favorite childhood books?
Absolutely, I, to this day, love Peter Pan and Winnie-the-Pooh. Also, The Wind in the Willows and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will forever remain in my heart.

11. Do you think eBooks will ever totally replace printed books? 
I certainly hope not! And no, I don’t believe they will be. It’s like playing the guitar, some people like acoustic and some electric. Both will probably live on forever.

12. What do you think makes a book good or a bestseller?
I believe the secret lies in creating realistic characters that readers will be able to relate you. If you’ll accomplish that, you’re half way there.

13. Have you ever had writer’s block? How do you deal with it? 
I have and not once. I recommend watching movies, reading books, listening to music and promenading. But, more importantly, just write. Write until you manage to make sense and turn your text into something eligible. If you don’t like the result, trash it and start all over again.

14. Do you read the reviews of your books?
I always do, without exception. Thank God, so far, all of them have been five-star. I love my readers!

15. Do you choose a title before after you’ve written the book?
I usually come up with a title beforehand, but I’ve been known to change it every now and then, if something better happens to pop in my head.

16. How do you go about your book covers? Does someone put them together for you?
I will sometimes work with a professional illustrator to get the job done, and at times I’ll buy a premade cover from some website online. My illustrator’s name is Igor Lukyanov, by the way. Go check him out; he has some great work available for display.

17. If you had to be one of the characters in your books, who would you be? 
I’d either be Rendlin Heldunk – a genius alien scientist who has a personal assistant – or Dominias Henderson – as he is immortal, virtually indestructible and not cowed by the notion of death.

18. If you could be anyone, who would you be?
I’d probably be an astronaut. No, come to think of it, I’d much rather be superman – he too can fly about in space, only he’s way faster and stronger.

19. Has any particular author or person had an influence on your writing, and if yes, who? 
Yes, my writing has been influenced by Stephen King, in that his books taught me to write a lot simpler than I used to at first. Also, Christopher Nolan had a huge effect on me, and I believe it shows in some of my stories.

20. Where do you see yourself in five years? (20)
That question always leaves me wondering, but if I had to answer it, I’d say I see myself on some best seller list – preferably as a #1 New York Time’s Bestseller (wink, wink; nudge, nudge).

It was a pleasure having you here with us! We hope to get a taste of your work new and old soon, especially with free time due to the approaching holiday (wink wink; nudge nudge). 


Connect with him on:


Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Paparazzi Project - Kristina Springer Review


16029639


Book: The Paparazzi Project
Author: Kristina Springer
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Book Synopsis:
Livvie Peterson thought taking Interpersonal Communications her junior year would be an easy A. But when the first assignment is given, her world flips upside down. Here’s the deal: the class is assigned a six-week project and is split into three groups— Paparazzi, Tabloid, and Celebrities. The Paparazzi follow around the Celebrities taking pictures and grabbing any kind of quotes they can. The Celebrities try to navigate being tailed on a daily basis. And the Tabloid receives all the information collected by the Paparazzi and decides what makes the weekly summary report. Sounds harmless…and it’s all just pretend anyway, right?

Livvie is assigned as Paparazzi and when she is matched up with the über-cute Chas Montgomery as her Tabloid boss she’s pretty sure things couldn’t get much better. Livvie’s uncanny ability to capture the Celebrities in compromising photos matched with Chas’s skill of exaggerating captions and editing the photos make them an unstoppable team. And the long hours working side by side with Chas aren’t a bad bonus.

Livvie simultaneously launches an anonymous blog, leaking the class’ photos and stories on the Internet. Her rising follower number quickly becomes addicting and she possibly spills too much information online. Once she finds her own celebrity will she be able to give it back? And will Chas be gone before she ever has the chance to find out?


Book Review:
This was definitely one refreshing book. Not only in he fact that I haven't read anything quite like this before but also because I'm seeing things differently. I mean who doesn't like learning a life lesson while doing something you love? Like reading!
The first thing I want to tell you I loved was the characters and how real they were. Livvie is a girl I can identify in some ways and in some ways not. She has the real world feel to her, like you can find a girl like her somewhere making it a lot easier for me to connect with her (that and the fact that I've got a bit of her inside me). She's a normal girl with normal problems shoved into a situation that isn't exactly run of the mill but run of the mill doesn't usually stem the fun, excitement and drama going on in this kick butt book.
The plot was definitely something new. I don't think I have ever read a book with a plot anywhere close to this, and I am also sure I wouldn't had thought of it anytime soon. Probably ever. I loved the originality of it. The humor, the drama, the romance. All of tied seamless tied together onto the pages creating an unforgettable story that will definitely be on my list of favorites for many years to come, probably forever. 
Now about that life lesson I was talking about earlier, I don't usually learn these kind of things from books. Well, except how to be witty and kick ass :3 What I learned from this book however is that silence really is golden. Not having people all up in your business really is a great way to live, because one small thing can ruin your life, or even worse someone else's. I've learned that some things just aren't worth sharing for the price of fame. Like your soul (okay I know she's doesn't sell her soul in here but the best way to get my point across is to be wonderfully dramatic!)

Favorite Quotes:

"Oh, Hail Mary, full of grace, I wished I'd listened better in religious education classes and could finish this prayer."

"No good can come from putting your whole life on display. Giving people access to judge your day-to-day life and relationships can only cause harm in the end. Pour vivre heureux, vivons cache - Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian. If you want to love happily, live hidden."

All In All:
I loved this book. A great original plot coupled with romance, humor & wit, drama and scandals at the end of every row of lockers and I was sold. If you're looking for a great read like the one I described and some more then you've come to the right review, because you have found your next read!

Cover Reveal: The Untold Stories - Rhiannon Paille



Series: The Ferryman and the Flame
Book: The Untold Stories
Author: Rhiannon Paille 
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Skeleton & Dust
In the First Era, before Kaliel and Krishani fell in love, Tor runs. He escapes the Land of Kings and the tyrannical Valtanyana. In the depths of Tempia he forges weapons– The Flames– strong enough to oppose the Kings he betrayed.
Aria, The Amethyst Flame, cannot touch the living or the dead and her kin are silent ghosts. Hidden in a cairn deep in the haunted forest, Aria becomes obsessed with the Ferryman, the only boy who can feel her touch.
Before Aria knows it, The Flames, The Ferryman and Tor are swept up in the first war against the Valtanyana.
Lantern & Poison
Hadwen is no more. The Daed have no choice but to travel to Avrigost to awaken Crestaos. They’re thrown into a whirlwind quest for the Flames, not knowing how ruthless and sadistic Crestaos can be.
Blood & Gold
The Daed are pawns to one of the most powerful members of the Valtanyana. Crestaos is insane, his hunger for the Flames insatiable. The closer the Daed get to achieving his goal, the more expendable they become.

Check It Out On:

Meet Rhi:
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Giveaway & Review: JUST A HOLIDAY FLING - Tiffany Marie





Series: Pine Lake Series Book One
Book: Just a Holiday Fling
Author: Tiffany Marie
Genre: Contemporary; Romance

Book Synopsis: 
She wants a fling. He wants forever.

Samantha isn’t feeling very festive as she heads back to her childhood hometown for Christmas—but being alone, homeless, and verging on jobless can do that to a woman. She has no interest in participating in the town Christmas celebrations and would rather just crawl into bed until the holidays are over. Determined to get back into the Christmas spirit, Sam plans on seducing her childhood best friend—and fantasy guy—Jack. A holiday fling will be just the thing to kick her Scrooge-like attitude.

Jack’s been in love with Samantha for years, but he didn’t make his move before someone else did. Now she’s finally single again, and Jack’s not going to waste any time. He has a little over a week to convince Samantha they belong together, and that moving back to their childhood town to be with him is the right thing to do. As he woos her with carriage rides and homemade desserts, he learns Sam has been offered a new job half-way across the country, and he fears he’s about to lose her all over again.
Purchase It Here

Book review: 
*sighs* this was just the book I needed to get me started on my holiday romance book rampage! I'm now ready to go over boarding reading a bunch more in holiday spirit. 
This was a sweet story about love that has been there forever but wasn't seen as clearly as it should. The characters were cute and endearing (one of the main characters has my name and that makes me really happy for some reason), with a real world feel to them. They delay with problems that I'm sure lots of people do, reacting in believable ways and spreading a love and joy to people in need. Even with the drama and heartbreak that was happening throughout, there was always some good old humor to her everyone smiling. I got really mushy when I was reading this, listening to romantic songs and reading about a love that seemed so pure. It was okay though, especially since these characters had wheedled their way into my heart in such a short time. 

Favorite quotes:

"Oh my gosh, by golly, I'll show you where you can shove that mistletoe and holly."

"They've been hovering over me since I got here. I've barely been alone long enough to pee without an audience."

"'Mitchell always knows what's going on in the world,' mrs. Lefen said proudly. 'I think he knows things about some countries their leaders haven't even learned yet.'"

"'Who made this?' 
'I did,' he said unable to keep the pride from how voice. Her face fell a little bit, and she looked over at him uncertainly.
'You? Have you ever baked anything before?'
'Well no.'
'Hmm.'
'What does that mean? You've never turned down desert before.'
'The dessert has never had the potential of killing me.'"

"He rolled his eyes and nudged his dad, giving him a can't-you-do-something-with-her look. His father responded with a been-trying-for-over-three-decades look."

All in all:
This book is definitely one a list of great holiday favorites! A great start to those trying to get into the mood for reading books during 'the most wonderful time of the year'.



Meet Tiffany
Tiffany Marie grew up in Michigan and currently lives in northern Indiana with her wonderfully supportive husband, rambunctious young son, and two rescued pets. She has worked in an elementary school, a bookstore, and a winery, and now she stays home with her son and writes whenever she has a few minutes to spare. She spends her free time reading too many romance novels, drinking too much Diet Pepsi, and taking too many naps.


Connect With Her On
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Last Guardian and the Keeper of the (Nikki)

Book: The Last Guardian and the Keeper of the Magi
Author: Ashland Menshouse
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Publishing: December 17, 2013 (That would be today)

Synopsis: Most say the rumors of ghosts and suspicious shadows are the figments of
childish conjecture or the product of juvenile delinquency. Some disagree.
Aubrey Taylor's list of enemies and critics is quickly surpassing the number
in his tiny band of compatriots. Maximillian Miller has recently been
elected to the head of the city council. Agenda number one -- making
sure Aubrey and his friends pay for the destruction they have brought to
their quiet town.
In addition, more than local eyes have noticed Aubrey's unearthly aptitude,
and ancient threats loom from near and far. But Aubrey's fight has a more
urgent front. An army of chupacabra have descended upon Lake Julian,
afflicting its residents with an inexplicable plague, and only Aubrey and
his friends, both old and new, with their unique array of supernatural
faculties, can save their town and prove that they are not at the heart of
this new menace

Review: The past few weeks, we've been reading a book by Annie Dillard in our AP Language class. So believe me when I say that this book was beautiful break from it, because I had no idea what in the world is going on in that book. But, this book on its own was a really well written one. It focuses on one character, Aubrey, but he has a group of friends who he fights ghosts with. I'm not going to tell you anything else about the book, for fear of ruining it for you, but it was amazing. For one, author Ashland Menshouse manages to balance the characters really well. He weaves them into the story. They're a team, kind of like the Scooby Gang from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or from Scooby Doo. Even the action scenes were great: they flowed, not becoming too choppy or messy. I even loved the mystery, and I hate not knowing things, or having to wait, which I'm sure Sam could tell you.

Favorite Scene: The first scene where they're just doing their job. It was so well written and immediately pulls you into the story, to the point where you can't get out afterwards.

Rating: Five stars out of five, of course! Go buy it and read it and love it! I mean, it did come out today.

Excerpt & Book Blitz: Tethered - Brani Leigh Hall



Series: BirthRight #1
Book: Tethered
Author: Leigh Hall 
Publication date: October 29th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:
No matter how hard you fight it—destiny has a mind of its own!
Since foreseeing the imminent death of her parents six years earlier, Chloe has lived a simple, not-so-charmed-life away from her remaining Wiccan family.
Zero magic.
No close friendships.
While struggling to bench-press more guilt than any nineteen-year-old ever should.
But fate intervenes and forces Chloe to return home. As if being an in-the-closet-Seer wasn’t bad enough, now she has to spend summer break with the snarky sister who hates her—and the magical birthright she was hell-bent on denying for all eternity.
Luckily, meeting Mr. Perfect takes the edge off her endless family drama. Hunter’s twenty-five, sometimes old-fashioned in a Jane Austen hero sort of way, and more delicious than molten-lava cake. But the more she tries to hide her family’s magical secrets from this ever-present stranger, the more quickly she realizes he’s hiding a few doozies of his own.
Will the lies and betrayal destroy their relationship before it really begins? Or will learning of their tethered future create an unbreakable bond neither can deny? Either way, their hearts will be forever entwined by destiny.

Excerpt

 Hunter grabs my arm, tugging me against his rock-hard-chest. His strong arms wrap around my waist at the exact second my hands encircle his neck. With our bodies plastered up against each other, it’s impossible to hide the shaking in my legs—or the insane ratcheting of my heart.
Each time I look into his molten-lava eyes, I fear I might melt right there in front of the entire crowd. Every few seconds, his arms wind around me tighter—convincing me just how unbearable it is to feel him against me.
Being this close to Hunter is pleasure—and pain—all wrapped up into one giant ball of confusion. My body’s experiencing things it never has, things I’m not sure it’s ready for just yet. He renders me powerless in every sense of the word. The one thing that scares me more than anything else does. Well, other than magic.
I’ve never imagined feeling vulnerable to a guy. But in this moment—on this night—I feel more helpless than I ever thought possible.
The heady, sweet scent of his skin is like an intoxicating drug. All I can do is inhale until my lungs are ready to explode.
I wrap the hair on the back of his head around my index fingers, as the goose bumps on his neck tease my palms.
We continue turning in circles in the center of the dance floor. I look up into his smoldering eyes, in the hopes of seeing some sign we’re on the same page. The instant I begin gazing, the strongest feeling of déjà vu washes over me.
I contemplate the familiarity of this moment, unable to maintain concentration as he leans down to rest his face on my cheek. His right hand slides up my back and under my hair, to find its resting place on the nape of my neck. His touch sparks electricity inside of me. I must be dreaming.
Why does this guy I barely know have to be so damn perfect? I don’t recall ever being held like this—not even when a guy has claimed to love me. Hunter acts like we’ve known each other forever. But we haven’t. In fact, we’re more or less strangers.
I don’t know if I should run away as fast as my feet will carry me, or take everything in until there’s nothing left. I never imagined a single person could affect me to the core this way. Part of me wants to cry. But the other part of me wants to freeze this moment in time—because I know it will eventually end anyway.
It has to.
He’d hate me if he found out who I really am. ‘What’ I really am.
I can’t get close enough to take that chance.
My eyes begin to fill. As I take a few deep, calming breaths, he pulls his head back to stare at my face. The pained expression in his eyes touches me.
Does he sense my hesitation?
But before I can debate it any further, he gently places his cool, moist lips upon mine.
Time stands still.
He leans his head back, as a single tear descends my cheek. But instead of looking surprised or upset, he simply wipes the drop away with his thumb. Gazing into my tear-filled eyes, he leans in again to take my mouth in a more forceful kiss. His soft lips massaging mine until we find a perfect, consuming rhythm.
My heart catches in my throat.
Numbness takes over my body—like I’m floating on a cloud. Is this what it means to melt? I’ve never felt anything like this. Not even close.
A first kiss like this only exists in fairytales.
And that’s all it can ever be.
My fairytale.

Check It Out On

Buy It On


Meet Brandi
Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation. 

Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults. 

Brandi hasn’t been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it’s okay to speak your mind and be independent, career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society’s mold.

In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.

You can follow Brandi at:

Monday, December 16, 2013

Cover Reveal: Stakeout - Nikki Jefford



Series: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.5
Book: Stakeout
Author: Nikki Jefford
Publication date: January 14th 2014
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:
Noel Harper got a second chance at life when the government recruited her as an undercover vampire informant. Since the day they brought her back from the good-as-dead, she has wanted to prove herself worthy.

When a member of her investigative unit is murdered, Noel is paired up with a vampire hunter named Dante to spy on a suspect in Fairbanks. The problem? They’re not the only ones on stakeout. Taking down murderous vampires is one thing. Dealing with the past is another. But this time, Noel isn’t letting fear win. She’s calling in help from the other side and learns a shocking secret along the way.

(STAKEOUT is an Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter novella told from Noel Harper’s POV. Approximately 40,000 words.)

Purchase Book 1:

Purchase Book 2:

----
AUTHOR BIO
Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who found paradise in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands (Wash.) where she is once more neighbors with Canada in a town without a single traffic light. She loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt.

When she's not reading, writing, working, or out on a nature walk, she's out riding her Suzuki DRZ400SM.

Author links: