Review & $75 Gift Card Giveaway: Golden Chariot by Chris Karlsen

Original Title: Golden Chariot
Author: Chris Karlsen
Publisher: Bookstogonow
Published Date: March 2012
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary Romance

The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy. Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her highly controversial theory about the Trojan War.

Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft...after they murder her.

EXCERPT

Shouts of “fire” came from all sides of the camp. The west wind blew sparks in the direction of the lab. They could lose the entire camp, but not the lab, not the artifacts.

Charlotte grabbed an empty barrel from the fire line. She ran with it and started climbing the stairs to the shower stall’s water tank. A man’s large hand covered her mouth. His other hand brandished a gun. With the cold barrel to her ear, he walked her backwards down the few steps to the ground.

“Don’t scream.” Little-by-little his palm came away from her mouth.

REVIEW

Charlotte is an American archaeologist, who wishes to prove an interesting theory about Trojan Wars.  She travels to the Turkish Coast and caught in a shipwreck..not only that, but also she becomes the prime suspect to the murder that takes place in that ship.  Atakan is the male, who is responsible to investigate that murder.  He was annoyingly suspicious on Charlotte at first.  But, when Atakan knows that Charlotte is not behind the murder, the attraction between the couple grow.  Yeah, there is romance and its good.  Will Atakan be able to bring the real murderers, saving Charlotte?  Is Charlotte's interesting theory true?

Charlotte and Atakan's adventures in undersea are really cool stuff and their discovery of Tron's and Trojan War's artifacts are really amusing.  The character formation and dialogue writing was so good.  Although I am new to the author, this author is one of those talents that I missed out.  The Trojan War facts are interesting to read and felt like reading one of Dan Brown's.

Romance and mystery combined, this book was a great read! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse. 

AUTHOR ONLINE: Website | Facebook

GIVEAWAY

Chris will award eBook copies of her paranormal romance series to one commenter at every stop, a $75 Amazon GC grand prize to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

JUST LEAVE A COMMENT TO THE AUTHOR WITH YOUR EMAIL ID TO ENTER $75 GC GIVEAWAY.  

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!  ENDS MAY 25TH 2012!

Find the Fact! Donna Grant Sooper Dooper Release Day Blog Hop!

From the acclaimed author of the Dark Sword novels comes a thrilling spin off series in which ancient magic in the modern world ignites a timeless passion…

A MYSTERY OUT OF TIME

Gwynn Austin has no idea why her father has disappeared on a mysterious trip to Scotland.  When she goes on a desperate mission to search for him she finds more than she bargains for in a ruggedly handsome, wickedly exciting Highlander who exudes danger and mystery. And when she discovers her own link to Scotland, she’ll have to trust her heart to help lead her….

A LEGEND IN THE FLESH

Propelled through time by powerful Druid Magic, Logan Hamilton uses his immortality and powers of the god inside him to help prevent the awakening of an ancient evil in the modern world. He never expects to find help in the form of a beautiful, alluring, and all too tempting woman whose passion and strength matches his own. Together, Logan and Gywnn must fight for their love—before a demon from the past destroys them both…

RANDOM INFO ABOUT THE NOVEL

About Logan

The youngest of the Warriors, he’s always ready with a smile. He’s the loyal one, the Warrior who will never abandon his brothers, but the secrets of his past won’t lossen their hold and the darkness threatens to swallow him.  So, this is your Warrior fact: "Name of Logan's god: Athleus"
Born:April 1470
Turned:1488God:Athleus, god of betrayal
Warrior Color:Silver
Abilities:Control over water

About Gwen

Gwynn
A Druid with extraordinary magic. That magic will draw her deeper into the forbidden world of the Warriors and pit her against her family. She’ll have to choose between her family and the man who captured her heart with one smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Grant is the bestselling, award winning author of more than twenty-five novels spanning multiple genres of romance.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.

Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as Druids Glen, The Shields, Royal Chronicles, Sisters of Magic, Dark Sword, Dark Warriors, and her new series, Dark Kings.

Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, four cats, three fish, and one long haired Chihuahua. She’s blessed with a proud, supportive husband who loves to read and travel as much as she does.

AUTHOR ONLINE

Donna's Website http://www.donnagrant.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/donna_grant

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141209.Donna_Grantand

GIVEAWAY

An autographed copy of Darkest Highlander AND a brand spanking new copy of Midnight's Master either in Print or eBook Form PLUS a 10.00 Amazon GC.. How do you win this prize? Read on..

Giveaway Rules

1. Follow "Books Are Magic" on Facebook, Twitter, RSS, email, Google+, Linky or GFC.. - atleast follow using any 3 ways and of course leave a comment with the IDs through which you followed..
2. NEXT you must travel along the Blog Hop gathering Warrior Facts.. 
3. When you have gathered all of them, email your answers to Shauni_qotu@innovativeonlinebooktours.com don't leave them in the comments sections.. cuz you will be giving away chances to win..
4. Whoever has the most correct answers will be eligible to win!!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Succubus Lost

Original Title: Succubus Lost
Series: From the files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency #2
Author: Tiffany Allee
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Someone is kidnapping and incinerating otherworlders beyond recognition, and Detective Marisol Whitman, a succubus, races to find the murderer before he claims another victim. But her pursuit is derailed when her responsible younger sister vanishes. Marisol suspects foul play and enlists support from an unlikely source: an agent from the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, Valerio Costa.

When the trail pointing to everyone from vampires to witches dries up, Agent Costa admits to knowing more than he’s shared. Marisol’s sister’s kidnapper harnesses more magic than she can imagine—and they’re running out of time. To find her sister before her powers are drained and twisted beyond recognition, Marisol must connect the dots between cases and put her trust in Costa, a salamander who may burn her before she can solve either case.

AUTHOR INFO

Tiffany currently lives in Phoenix, AZ, by way of Chicago and Denver, and is happily married to a secret romantic. She spends her days working in Corporate America while daydreaming about sexy heroes, ass-kicking heroines, and interesting ways to kill people (for her books, of course). Her nights are reserved for writing and bothering her husband and cats (according to them). Her passions include reading, chocolate, travel, wine, and family.

AUTHOR ONLINE: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

GIVEAWAY

The giveaway prize is a Salamander Pin and Succubus Lost ebook.  The giveaway is open to US Shipping.

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Interview & Giveaway: Straight to Heaven by Michelle Scott

Original Title: Straight to Heaven

Series: Lilith Straight #2

Author: Michelle Scott

Publisher: Urban Fae Publications

Published Date: May 1st 2012

Genre: Fantasy

Hell’s newest employee, Lilith Straight, thinks she’s got a handle on her job as the Devil’s temptress until she finds herself going horns-to-halo with a guardian angel who’s determined to rescue Lilith’s next victim. To make matters worse, William Darcy, the hottest demon in hell, is trying to undermine Lilith’s mission with a few temptations of his own.

INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE SCOTT

Is there an inspiration behind why you chose writing? 

I’ve always wanted to create my own endings to stories.  For example, when I was a kid, I would read Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella, and think of alternate endings that I liked better.  Now that I’m a writer, I get to not only come up with my own ending, but my own beginning and middle as well!

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

Well, this is kind of embarrassing, but in the 1970’s I used to love this TV show called The Love Boat.  The Love Boat was a cruise ship and every week, there were be three new stories about couples who fell in love while cruising through the Bahamas.  I really wanted to be Julie, the cruise director of the ship.  That was my big goal.  Never mind that I get seasick and am way too shy to talk to strangers.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year? 

I’m really into movies, so there are a lot of them that interest me.  I think my favorite will be Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer which is directed by Tim Burton.  For some reason, I think that the real Abraham Lincoln would find this very funny.

As far as books go, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment of Liani Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone series.  The book, Days of Blood and Starlight, is out, but I haven’t had a chance to read it yet.

What are your current literary works?  Any sneak peaks? 

Well, the third installment in the Lilith Straight series is scheduled to be released in December.  You can bet that things get out of hand now that Mr. Clerk is no longer running the office.

I’m also working on an urban fantasy involving a down-on-her-luck actress, a theater full of vampires, and a really gorgeous vampire killer who runs a comic book store.  I’m hoping to finish this one by early next year.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

I don’t have to cook, right?  Lol.  I’d go for Stephen King, Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Johnny Depp, Princess Di, and President Obama.  I can’t imagine what they would all talk about, but I’m sure it would be interesting.

Which authors have influence on you most.. how?

I jokingly tell people that Stephen King taught me how to write.  His were the first ‘adult’ novels that I ever read, and they not only scared the you-know-what out of me, they also taught me what it means to love a book so much that you think about it for days after you’ve finished reading it.  I’ve always wanted to write books that were so compelling that people would stay up too late at night to read them.  I also love the Canadian author Margaret Atwood and Joyce Carol Oates.  Both of those women write gripping stories with very strong female characters.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Since it’s about a woman stuck in an impossible situation, I wanted my readers to wonder what they would have done if they’d been put in Lilith’s place.  Hopefully, this book is a conversation starter.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Holding a copy of my book!  It is so exciting to spend a year laboring over a project and then, finally, having the evidence of all that hard work in your hands.  It’s something I never get tired of.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? 

Write every day, but at the same time, don’t let your writing monopolize your life.  It’s easy to become consumed with your writing, but you don’t want to isolate yourself.  We need to be out among our friends and family.  Or, at least, I do!

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

Here’s a clue, lol:

Yes, Hogwarts is where I want to live.  I see myself teaching magical runes or something.

What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?

I love the scenes with Lilith and Mr. Clerk.  I think the two of them have a lot of chemistry.  They frequently bicker, but they share a love of fashion and reality TV.  I like how Lilith has Mr. Clerk’s best interests at heart and tries to rescue him from his dull, little life as the demon overlord’s secretary.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

*blushes*  Dance Moms.  Yes, I know, I know…this is probably the worst show on television, but I’m fascinated by it.  My daughter and I have a standing date to watch it every Tuesday night.  I sometimes think those women bear a striking resemblance to Lilith’s demon overlord, Helen Spry.

What is one book everyone should read? 

Yikes!  That’s a tough one.  I guess I would say The Stand by Stephen King.  Not only is it one of the most fascinating books I have ever read (I’m a sucker for post-apocalyptic novels), but I love the interplay of good and evil, especially in the characters themselves.  I think that King is as fascinated with God and the devil as I am.

One food you would never eat?

Squid.  You can call it calamari if you’d like, but to me, it’s always going to be squid!

QUICK ANSWERS

Favorite place?
My backyard in summertime reading a book in the swing.

Best Christmas present?
Anything that my kids have made for me!

Favorite book?
The Stand by Stephen King

Favorite author?
Stephen King

Favorite smell?
Woodsmoke.  I love camping, and this reminds of camping.

Favorite series?
For TV, I’d say Lost.  For books, I’d go with Harry Potter.

Nickname?
Mom, lol.  That’s about it!

Favorite writing spot?
My attic office above my garage.

Favorite movie?
Donny Darko or American Beauty

Favorite dish?
Barbequed ribs

Favorite color?
Mango.

Favorite quote?
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” – Henry James

A bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?
Little presents!

Your best trait?
I share my chocolate with people.

Your worst trait?
I’m a workaholic.

GIVEAWAY

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