Review - You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.



Our joint review for Janeal Falor's You Are Mine...

Magic combined with romance makes for a great read in Janeal Falor's debut novel, You Are Mine.

In a culture where women are valued by how much magic runs in their veins, Serena is taken on her 17thbirthday, for testing, to see just how much she is worth. Turns out she comes from decent magical lineage, and her father cannot wait to sell her off to the highest bidder. 

Thomas thinks he's the man for the job, but he has to wait until he finishes out the international magical tournament, and then they can get married. Serena is not so thrilled while Thomas can't wait to have his way with her. However, Zade, a barbarian from another country, wins ownership of Serena during the tournament.

Overtime, and her tendency to be a tad wishy-washy, Serena learns her new intended husband, Zade, isn't as bad as the rest of the warlocks. In fact, everything she's been raised to believe is false. Can she let go of her beliefs long enough to trust Zade and let him in? You'll have to read it to find out! 

As far as the writing of this book, we thought Falor did a good job, and we love the concept of magic weaved in throughout. We also adore the stunning cover!

Many thanks to Janeal for letting us read You Are Mine and for her patience with us. You rock, Janeal!

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Salted With Fire - Release

Blurb:

Black magic, murder, insanity, humor, honor and devotion. Salted With Fire is a journey of flash fiction and poetry that shows my writing transformation from worldly to wanting to please God.

Flash fiction is my passion; poetry is my release. I love creating a complete story, with a beginning, middle and end, with twists, humor, drama, compassion and horror, all under 1000 words. Salted With Fire isn’t just a book of stories and poetry, it is my journey as a writer, from writing only for the mere joy of it regardless of the message, to writing stories that highlight God’s will for people, even if the stories themselves are not religious in nature.

Inside are fifteen flash fiction pieces and twelve poems with full-color pictures, and short Biblical discussions after each story.

Meet the Author:
Nancy LaRonda Johnson is a passionate writer of Christian and other fiction and poetry. She has written short stories, poetry and personal journals most of her life, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Juris Doctorate.

Her first book, the literary Christian speculative novel, "Anticipation of the Penitent", reached the finals in the Indie Publishing Contest sponsored by the San Francisco Writer's Conference 2012, and is receiving high acclaim. "Salted With Fire", a book of flash fiction and poetry, is her second publication.

She is working on several projects, including a sequel to "Anticipation of the Penitent". Visit her website at www.nancylarondajohnson.com.

Anticipation of the Penitent
Amazon.com
Smashwords.com

Salted With Fire
Amazon.com
Smashwords.com

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30 Day Book Challenge - Jax Style

Have you noticed some blogs doing this 30 Day Book Challenge meme? We did (via Kelly @ Dandelion Dreams), and wanted to do it ourselves, but not actually blog for 30 straight days. We have other projects and posts coming up, so we decided to post all 30 Days in a survey-like post Monday and Wednesday.

Dani's survey was on Monday and you can read it HERE.

Jax's survey is below....

DAY 1. - A book series you wish had gone on longer OR a book series you wish would just end already. – While I enjoyed the House of Night series, it does seem a tad long.

DAY 2. - Favorite side character. – Adrian from Vampire Academy series and Cam from Fallen series

DAY 3. - The longest book you’ve read. – The Bible, but it took years of studying it in college to get through it. Stephen King’s Duma Key took me a few months.

DAY 4. - Book turned into a movie and completely desecrated. – Twilight. The way I envision this book is a whole lot different than the movie portrayed it.
DAY 5. - Your “comfort” book. – On Writing by Stephen King
DAY 6. - Book you’ve read the most number of times. The Notebook
DAY 7. – A guilty pleasure book. Twilight
DAY 8. - Most underrated book. IDK
DAY 9. - Most overrated book. IDK
DAY 10. - A book you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving. Marked by the Cast’s
DAY 11. - Favorite classic book. – To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee and 1984 by George Orwell
DAY 12. - A book you wanted to read for a long time but still haven’t. Hmm… I think Fracture by Megan Miranda. There’s more, but that’s the one that sticks out.
DAY 13. - A book that disappointed you. ???
DAY 14. - Book that made you cry. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
DAY 15. - A character who you can relate to the most. Hermione Granger
DAY 16. - Most thought-provoking book. See Day 11
DAY 17. - Author I wish people would read more. ???

DAY 18. - A book you wish you could live in. Toss up between Hush, Hush and Vampire Academy
DAY 19. - A favorite author. Nicholas Sparks
DAY 20. - Favorite childhood book. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg 
DAY 21. – Book you tell people you’ve read, but haven’t (or haven’t actually finished). – Breaking Dawn. I purposely did not read the last few pages because I wasn’t ready for it to end. LOL
DAY 22. - Least favorite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise. – where the MC acts all helpless.
DAY 23. - Best book you’ve read in the last 12 months. There are way too many to name!
DAY 24. – Book you’re most embarrassed to say you like/liked. – I don’t get embarrassed to admit the books that I enjoy.
DAY 25. - The most surprising plot twist or ending. -----
DAY 26. – Book that makes you laugh out loud. On Writing  by Stephen King… amazing book, so much useful info in it, and he delivers it with his sense of humor.
DAY 27. - Book that has been on your “to read” list the longest. See Day 12.
DAY 28. - Favorite quote from a book. "She says nothing at all, but simply stares upward into the dark sky and watches, with sad eyes, the slow dance of the infinite stars." from Stardust
DAY 29. - A book you hated. I’m not going to “out” it on here, because I don’t agree with that, but I will say I felt duped by one book. The sample chapters were amazing, then I bought the book, and it went downhill with the editing and plot… as in non-existent.
DAY 30. - Book you couldn’t put down. Wait For You by J. Lynn

Thanks for reading! ~Jax

30 Day Book Challenge - Dani Style

Have you noticed some blogs doing this 30 Day Book Challenge meme? We did (via Kelly @ Dandelion Dreams), and wanted to do it ourselves but not actually blog for 30 straight days, We have other projects and posts coming up. So instead we have decided to post all 30 Days in a survey-like post today and Wednesday.

Today I (Dani) am going to share my answers. Jackie will post hers on Wednesday!

DAY 1. - A book series you wish had gone on longer OR a book series you wish would just end already.

I wish Skinjackers by Neal Shusterman was longer. I wish House of Night by the Cast’s would end already.

DAY 2. - Favorite side character.

Aphrodite from House of Night

DAY 3. - The longest book you’ve read.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

DAY 4. - Book turned into a movie and completely desecrated.

The Twilight Saga – the first 3 movies

DAY 5. - Your “comfort” book.

This might sound cheesy but I find comfort in each book while I’m reading. My comfort book is just having one in my hands.

DAY 6. - Book you’ve read the most number of times.

Nora Roberts The Circle Trilogy

DAY 7. – A guilty pleasure book.

See #6 – The Circle Trilogy has some very steamy, smexy, sexpot parts that make me blush.

DAY 8. - Most underrated book.

The Reapers are the Angels by Alden Bell

DAY 9. - Most overrated book.

The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyers – they were ok but I don’t think they were as good as they blew up to be.

DAY 10. - A book you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving.

Auracle by Gina Rosati

DAY 11. - Favorite classic book.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

DAY 12. - A book you wanted to read for a long time but still haven’t.

I’ve had Unwholly sitting on my shelf and I keep bypassing it and have no idea why! I loved Unwind!

DAY 13. - A book that disappointed you.

Legend series by Marie Lu – I really don’t know what all the hype was about.

DAY 14. - Book that made you cry.

Drought by Pam Bachorz … I have to admit, I teared up.

DAY 15. - A character who you can relate to the most.

Luna Lovegood – she just gets me, you know.

DAY 16. - Most thought-provoking book.

Ashfall series by Mike Mullins – Every time I read one of his books I think about them constantly. What would I do? Could I really do that? And so on.

DAY 17. - Author I wish people would read more.

Hmmm… I’ve mentioned as many different authors and books as I can on this survey cause I love them all but I guess… Cormac McCarthy. Yes he has had several of his books turned into movies but have you actually read the books?

DAY 18. - A book you wish you could live in.

Splintered by A.G.Howard – I want to live in Wonderland with Morpheus

DAY 19. - A favorite author. (Just one?)

Scott Westerfeld

DAY 20. - Favorite childhood book.

The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

DAY 21. – Book you tell people you’ve read, but haven’t (or haven’t actually finished).

See #3 – This book is long… and doesn’t have enough dialogue for me.

DAY 22. - Least favorite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise.

The damsel in distress a.k.a. “dumb-blonde syndrome”. Can’t a girl be in turmoil without being in perpetual “dumbass” mode?

DAY 23. - Best book you’ve read in the last 12 months.

Gosh, I don’t know if I can remember them all too just pick one… what book haven’t I mentioned yet from the past 12 months… maybe This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers. I love zombie books!!

DAY 24. – Book you’re most embarrassed to say you like/liked.

Chasers by James Phelan – it received horrible reviews but I actually liked it.

DAY 25. - The most surprising plot twist or ending.

Probably The Reapers are the Angels

DAY 26. – Book that makes you laugh out loud.

Anna Dressed in Blood series by Kendare Blake. Kendare has a great sense of humor and so does her characters.

DAY 27. - Book that has been on your “to read” list the longest.

Probably books 4 & 5and so on from the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent. I started this a long time ago when the series’ first came out and I haven’t gotten around to reading past book 3.

DAY 28. - Favorite quote from a book.

“Actually it’s just a matter of time before I feed your balls to my dog.” ... “Remind me that I need to buy a dog.” - Kat from Alice in Zombieland

And pretty much anything that comes out of Aphrodites mouth is most likely spectacular.

DAY 29. - A book you hated.

‘Til the World Ends by authors Julie Kagawa, Ann Aguirre, and Karen Duvall. I was so amped up to read it and did not like what was inside.

DAY 30. - Book you couldn’t put down.

Most of them!

The Road by Cormac McCarthy, and most zombie themed books but only a few are stellar.

Thanks for stopping by,
~ Dani

Release Event: Fixed On You

Fixed On You by Laurelin Paige

Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Pierce’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out – move up at the nightclub she works at and marry the manager, David. He’s perfect for her because, although he’s attractive, he doesn’t get her all turned inside out and upside down like some other men have. It’s a safe plan, one that assures she’ll remain in control of her obsessive love disorder. 

       But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous – the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of his plans to seduce her. Avoiding him becomes impossible after he offers a business proposition Alayna can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull. 

       Soon Alayna’s charmed by Hudson in every way possible and the control over her old behaviors slip. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.

Author: Laurelin Paige

Publisher: Mandevilla Press

Release date: June 24, 2013

Genre: Contemporary romance

Age Group: Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author social media links: 

Website 

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter: @laurelinpaige 

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UPRISING Blog Tour Interview

To celebrate the UPRISING Blog Tour, Jessica Therrien is stopping by today for a brief interview. We had a blast getting to know her a little better and we hope you do too!

1.      What snacks/drink help you through your writing process?

Well…it used to be a good cup of coffee, but I can’t drink it anymore because I’m nursing. I had a baby four months ago J

2.      What inspired the idea behind Children of the Gods?

I read somewhere that certain places in Greek mythology really exist. I thought, what if there was a historical explanation for the gods as well? In ancient Greece, if there were people who aged at a slower pace than humans and had supernatural powers they’d likely be mistaken for gods.

3.      Was picking out your character’s names easy or hard? And did you change any during your process?

Some were easy. William has always been William. Elyse was harder. She used to be called Ruth. For some reason that is what came to me when I started writing. I called her Ruthie a lot. Pretty close to the release of Oppression I asked the publisher if I could change it. Ruth sounded to old for a YA book in my opinion, despite my connection to the name. The CEO of ZOVA sat with me and we listed name after name. Eventually we ran across Elyse (Ellie) and that was perfect. It made me think of Elysian Fields from Geek mythology.

4.      Did you struggle with any part of Uprising?

I generally struggle at some point with every book I write. For me the hardest part is getting the content out. That first draft always kills me.

5.      The covers are beautiful, how did you come about choosing those specific ones? And do the colors green and orange symbolize anything in particular?

I definitely can’t take the credit for choosing anything. My publisher designed both covers. I did get to brainstorm with them about the first one. It turned out even better than I imagined. The green color of Oppression isn’t as important as the black. She’s been in the dark, and in this book she’s coming into the light (being enlightened) about the world around her. The color of Uprising is significant, but I don’t want to spoil anything. Let’s just say the Lenaia caves play a part.

Thanks for the great interview!! J

No, thank you, Jessica, it was our pleasure! We are so happy and excited for you and your new book!!

Synopsis:

Jessica Therrien follows up her bestselling novel OPPRESSION with UPRISING, the second book in the Children of the Gods series.

OPPRESSION, translated and sold around the world, was one of the best selling YA novels of 2012. UPRISING continues the story of Elyse, William and the Descendants.

Elyse has been in hiding for most of her life. Only now she’s hiding with William, and she knows who she’s hiding from. The Council wants a child Elyse and William have yet to conceive, a child who will be the next oracle, and who will provide the final piece to a plan Christoph has been organizing for years. Charged with leading the rebellion against Christoph and his Council, Elyse feels well out of her depth. But she has good friends and strong allies who are willing to fight with her to the end, regardless of how far they have to go, and how many lives will be lost in the process. They have one goal: to live freely and openly with the rest of humanity, out from under The Council’s oppressive rule. The stakes could not be higher for Elyse and the Descendants longing for freedom. They'll have to learn to fight if they want to stand up against The Council, and to find allies in a world ruled by their enemies. The hardest part of waging a war is knowing who to trust. Elyse knows their uprising will change the world. She doesn’t realize it will change her, too.

 

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads Links to Oppression (Children of the Gods #1): Amazon | B&N | GoodReads | Facebook Links to Uprising (Children of the Gods #2): Amazon | B&N | GoodReads | Facebook

Bio:

Jessica Therrien is the author of the young adult paranormal fiction series Children of the Gods. Book one in the series, Oppression, was published by ZOVA Books in February of 2012 and became a Barnes & Noble best-seller shortly after its release. The second book in the series, Uprising, will be available in May of 2013.

Aside from her Children of the Gods series, Jessica’s work can also be found in a published collection of flash fiction stories called Campaigner Challenges 2011. Out of over 350 submissions her story, The Soulless, won first place for people’s choice and fourth place in the judging round of Rachael Harrie’s Writing Campaign Challenge. Her story, Saved, is also available as part of the anthology.

Jessica currently lives in Chula Vista with her husband and is working on book three in her Children of the Gods series.

Cover Reveal for This Time Next Year by Catherine Peace

Take a look at this beautiful cover! The blurb sounds like a great read. Cate was even nice enough to share an amazing excerpt for your reading pleasure.

BLURB for This Time Next Year by Catherine Peace:

Ever since surviving the vampire attack that killed her parents, Moira Curran has dealt with the resulting nightmares and abandonment issues the only way she could—by throwing herself into her education and then her biochemistry career, preferring a life of hermitude in her lab.

Kiernan Shaw has never forgotten the night twenty years ago when his maker killed a six-year-old girl’s parents in front of her. He’s spent the better part of the last two decades searching for her in order to make amends.

Madame Eve has managed to bring the two together. When they finally meet, will Moira be able to give Kiernan what he needs? Will Kiernan put her fears to rest? Or will old fears and guilt keep them apart?


EXCERPT

     For a moment, he thought back to Madame Eve’s email. If she trusts you, she will tell you her name. He understood the power of names, and so did Madame Eve. Something insignificant to a mortal meant everything to a vampire, in whose world names were both salvation and control. Remind a vampire of his humanity, or steal it away by forcing him to do something horrific, like watching a little girl’s parents be eviscerated right in front of her.

     “Kiernan Shaw.” Swallowing hard, he found his way back onto the coffee table. “And yours?”

     Would she tell him her name? Would she allow him that kind of power? 

     She took a deep breath, as though considering the same questions. “Moira Curran.”

    He rolled the name on his tongue and loved the way it felt. “Beautiful.” He reached to stroke her cheek, but she flinched. “Moira, I won't hurt you. I could never hurt you.”

     “I'm sorry,” she muttered. “Old habits, I guess.”

     He nodded, unable to speak at first. The cloying scent of her fear, like overripe peaches, almost strangled him. “Why did you ask me to stay?”

     “I don't know.”

     Neither did he, but he wouldn't leave until she asked him to.

     “I don’t want to be alone, Kiernan. Isn’t that pathetic?”

    He warmed at the sound of his name on her lips. His mouth watered at the thought of kissing her, exploring her, making his name come out of that gorgeous mouth again and again. He tamped down his desire. Nothing good would happen if he moved too fast. “Not in the slightest.” Willem had all but guaranteed him a life alone. Like he approached a scared animal, he moved next to her on the couch. She uncoiled, but didn't relax. “Talk, Moira. Please.” The silence hurt his ears as much as any scream.

     She shook her head. “It's too hard.” Tears spilled but she didn't move to wipe them away.

     Time to be bold, I guess. He brushed a hand against her cheek again. Instead of flinching, she eased into his touch. “I want to ease your hurt,” he said. “Will you let me?”