Giveaway and Important Announcement: Between Boyfriends by Sarka-Jonae

A few months back, I read and reviewed "Between Boyfriends" and loved it.  My only problem is with the typos and editing issues.

READ MY REVIEW HERE

So, why is this post?  Between Boyfriends got a makeover! 

Sarka-Jonae's chick-lit novel recently got a new cover, a new description, and a new book trailer. It also dropped a few pesky typos and is ready to show off its new svelte, flawless look. You may remember Books are Magic's review of Between Boyfriends last Halloween, where it received a 4 of 5 rating for its humor, well-formed characters, and snarky dialogue, yet some typos did affect the overall enjoyment of the story. This new, error-free version should be a welcome sight for anyone who previously bought the book. You can get the new version free from your Manage Your Kindle page through Amazon. For people who have not checked out the book yet, we hear there is a sale coming up April 14-16. Get the "coming of age novel narrated with humor" for only $0.99!

SYNOPSIS

At first glance, twenty-one-year-old Jan Weston has it all: a gorgeous boyfriend, fun friends, and wealthy parents who take care of all those pesky credit card bills.

Then her boyfriend dumps her, her friendships fall apart, and her parents cut her off. Suddenly without money, without a man, and without a plan, it's time for Jan to grow up.

Determined to get her life back on track, Jan decides it's time to make it on her own. Can she find her way as a single lady in San Diego? Can she fix her friendships, her job prospects, and her hair? And can she keep her vow that she'll never date again, even after she meets a guy who just might be perfect for her?

BETWEEN BOYFRIENDS is a sexy, hilarious story of living life, finding love, and growing up... but not necessarily in that order.

BOOK TRAILER

Get Between Boyfriends on Amazon and connect with the author on Facebook or Twitter.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

If you downloaded the original copy, you can update to the new version through Amazon, and if you haven't got the book yet, it will be on sale from April 14-16 for only $0.99.  Buy the book here.

GIVEAWAY

ATG Publicity and Sarka Jonae has happily provided "Books Are Magic" readers a e-copy of this chick-lit novel to give away.  The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Huge cash/Kindle Fire/Books Giveaway & Interview: Sacrifice by Coral Russell

Original Title: Sacrifice
Author: Coral Russell
Publisher: alchemyofscrawl
Release Date: March 1st 2013
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Buy Links: Amazon

When Mexican drug cartels fight for control along the border, Juarez becomes the murder capital of the world. In El Paso, Texas it's drug business as usual: a grifter sets out to buy her freedom, a car salesman runs drugs to make his fortune, a gang leader battles to rise among the ranks of the cartel, and a detective and his wife are ripped apart by a family secret. Everyone's fate lies in the hands of an old woman. Will she let the past die with her or take revenge the only way she knows how?

Sacrifice is a fast-paced, gritty story that'll keep you guessing, gasping, and gripping your eBook.

INTERVIEW WITH CORAL RUSSELL

1.  Is there an inspiration behind why you chose writing?

I got good grades in writing when I was in school. I figured I was pretty good at it so just kept doing it. This is where that old saying comes into play - "Success breeds success."

Interview & Giveaway: No Remorse by MaryLynn Bast

Original Title: No Remorse
Series: Heart of the Wolf #1
Author: MaryLynn Bast
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published Date: March 17th 2012
Genre: Fantasy

Book Links:  Goodreads | Amazon

Author Online: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Giveaway

Due to her unusual birth, Amber has abilities no other werewolf has ever possessed. On the run since childhood, the lone wolf avoids contact with other werewolves at all cost, continually moving, constantly looking over her shoulder and always alone. 

Everything changes when Amber saves a werewolf from the mere brink of death, Blake, the only werewolf to ever protect her. Love blossoms, but not without tribulations when Amber realizes she must help her new pack rescue a member who is being held hostage by a rival pack.

Warring with emotions of going from lone wolf to the pack leader’s mate, Amber must decide if she is willing to risk Blake’s life to know true family and friendship despite the fact that the Council is hell bent on locating her and will stop at nothing until she is found. Will Amber’s special abilities be enough to keep everyone safe?

BOOK TRAILER

INTERVIEW WITH MARYLYNN BAST

Is there an inspiration behind why you chose writing?
My inspiration as a kid was to escape from the problems in life and just go inside my head.  Now, I am inspired because I have so many stories bouncing around in my head that are struggling to be set free. Driving down the road I see something that gets me to thinking.  I wake up from dreams and think hey, that would be a good story.

I’m also told writing is in my blood…it’s rumored in my family that Mark Twain is my fifth great uncle. How cool would it be if I could prove that?

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
I wanted to be a truck driver so I could travel all over the country and see the sites. I got to travel all over the US, but thank goodness I didn’t do it as a truck driver. J 

Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is.... 
a funny little romance I had in my head as a kid. I actually wrote down my thoughts on it the other day and may just have to go back to write it.

What are your current literary works?  Any sneak peaks?
Book two of the “Heart of a Wolf” Series – “Softest Touch” is in process. I am nearly halfway with the manuscript. Anticipated release date is early 2013.  If you insist on a sneak peak:

    Blood trickled into a dark red abyss where the woman sprawled naked on the floor. Enough time had passed that the blood was no longer pouring from her head. The part of her face that was not splattered across the floor and all over the white furniture was turned towards him with the one eye staring blankly, not blinking. The man was a couple feet away on his knees with trails of congealed blood that had trekked a path down his naked torso from the holes in his bare chest. His face frozen in terror, his mouth remained gaping where he had fought to suck in his last breath of air before slumping awkwardly against the cushions of the loveseat, his eyes staring wide at the high ceiling. His hands were hidden behind his back where they had been tied while he knelt on the carpet. 
Six year old Jimmie sat on the floor staring in horror at the gun in his hand. Even though his mind registered the shadows that shifted by the door, the boy could not force his muscles to react. He stared blankly at the horror in front of him. Not moving when the mob of dark clothed shapes swarmed into the room. Off in the distance, there were voices telling him to drop the gun. Still he sat there, frozen in place, not understanding what was happening around him; he stared at the lifeless forms.
    Suddenly, the gun was snatched forcefully from his hands. Jimmie vaguely felt the strong arms that lifted him from the sticky floor and snapped out of the fog that filled his brain and began to struggle. His eyes darted wildly around and he opened his mouth to scream, but no sound would escape. In his mind he shouted at the strange people to get out of his house and leave his family alone. Jimmie was lost in a world of silence and horror.

“A Justified Kill” is being released August 2012 and takes the readers back to when the main character of “No Remorse” Amber makes her first change and the chaos that ensues. Is she ridding the world of a predator is it going to be a justified kill?

I have quite a few other short stories for the characters of “No Remorse” that have been written. Once I make it through the No Remorse Blog Tour, I will settle down and begin writing on those again.

“One Bite To Passion” is a story that a publisher requested I write, a paranormal fantasy romance geared towards adults. Once the editors have done their magic, the novella should be released as an e-book mid-summer.

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future? 
Ha! I have always wanted a time machine! Thank you so much. Now that I can travel the world to any time period, I think I would have to visit the place I have always wanted to go, Ireland. Even though they faced famine across the country I can’t help but romanticize the late 1700’s. The men were warriors and like their castles, they stood tall and proud.

I would enjoy seeing how the people actually lived and survived during those times. But, I would be thankful for the time machine so I could get back to my time. I would have to be able to blog or write about my experiences and enjoy the luxury of having a good bed to sleep in, food on my table and the convenience of electricity. But between you and me, I would probably have made for a hearty little wench.

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why?
I think Aphordite would be my choice. Like her, I really didn’t have a childhood. I felt like I was born as an adult, I had to grow up really fast. She is often depicted nude and hum hum I would much rather run around the house with as little clothing on as possible. J However, I would have to change her attitude though. I am far from vain, usually very even tempered and don’t offend too easily.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
“No Remorse” will take the reader into a world like no other and is for those who love to read about paranormal, fantasy, werewolves, romance and suspense, all rolled into one story. 

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. 
The most rewarding for me is hearing from the readers that they absolutely love the story, they couldn’t put it down and when they ask how soon is the next story going to be released.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
At a young age I began writing stories but always kept them to myself, never sharing with anyone. I have always had a very active imagination, and always wanted to publish a book. Finally, one day, one of my stories took off and I kept writing and writing and then there it was; a full size novel and No Remorse had finally emerged. The moment my fingers typed that last word I was sitting in a hotel room in Japan and it was two o’clock in the morning. I had worked all day, wrote all evening and had to be to work at seven, but I was just too close to the end to stop! So, when I finally got there, I jumped from my seat and did a silly happy dance. Since the time zone was different, I had to celebrate alone, but that didn’t matter. I had actually finished my story and my dream was actually happening! I had a story that I could finally get published. The happiness was like nothing I had ever felt and that feeling could never be taken away. It is the most wonderful feeling in the world.

That being said, my advice to readers is:  If you have a dream, go for it. Don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way. It may not be immediate, but if you set your mind to it, with dedication and effort, you can get there. You just have to go for it!  

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?
I have loved Sherilynn Kenyons “Dark Hunter” Series from the first story I read. I would willingly jump into any of her stories and snag me a Dark Hunter anytime.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
“Rising Above It All”

What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?
My favorite scene in “No Remorse” is when Amber wakes up after her night of passion with Blake:

Amber stormed through the small cabin, wanting to grab something, anything, to throw it at him. The room just seemed too small for the two of them, where hours early it had been cozy. Every time she looked at Blake, she wanted to hit him, but also pull him into her arms and kiss him at the same time.
“What have you done to me!?” she demanded to know, running her hand agitatedly through her hair. She didn’t give him time to answer before she stomped off into the bathroom and slammed the door.
Amber stared at herself in the mirror. Her skin practically glowed and her dark chocolate eyes were misted with yellow specs. Her wolf was close to the surface, yet was no help to her at all. The wolf urged her to go to Blake, go to his wolf. Yet, her human instincts warned her to run, run as far away and as fast as she could from the man who had marked her.
“But you marked him, too!” She accused herself sharply in the mirror.
Thrusting herself away from the mirror, Amber spun and slammed the lid to the toilet down and plopped down on top of it. She wanted to cry, but hadn’t cried in years. It was a waste of emotion and she hated the useless feelings she felt after she did.
Amber knew she couldn’t just stay in the bathroom. But she didn’t want to go out there right now, didn’t want to face him. She could hear that he was still, not moving as he waited for her to come out. He was standing in the same spot she had left him when she had started ranting and raving like a mad woman ten minutes earlier.
Plopping her head in her hand she closed her eyes. Her wolf was quiet for a change. “Now you leave me alone,” she mumbled grumpily. She could feel her wolf nudging at her emotions, urging her to calm down.
Amber took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and stared at the door. Drawing another deep breath she could smell his scent, he was all over her, in her now, a part of her forever. With a resigned sigh, she stood and opened the door slowly.
Hearing the door open, Blake turned towards the bathroom to watch her come out. His caramel eyes followed her every move as she slowly walked towards him.
Amber wanted to laugh at the look on Blake’s face, like he was afraid that she might shoot him or something. But he stood his ground when she walked up to him and stopped right in front of him with her hands on her hips. Looking into his eyes, she frowned, staring at him hard. “I may be your mate for life, but that doesn’t mean you own me. I am my own person and I will do what I want,” she said adamantly.
Blake held his hands up, shaking his head. “You are the last person I would try to control,” he told her fighting the relieved smile.
“I have my life and you have yours,” she continued standing with her hands on her hips while she waited for him to deny it. Like any smart man would, he kept his mouth shut and listened. “You have your home, I have mine. I will stay here until I get ready to move on. Just because we are mated doesn’t mean we have to live together.”
Blake did his best to hold his temper in check. His wolf was pounding at him to mate with her again to dominate her. He fought the urge to grab and shake some sense into her, to make her see that he was in control.
Instead, he took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly and talked softly. “Amber, we are mated for life. That means our wolves will claw at us to be together. They will never want to be apart.”
“Well I can control my wolf. You’ll have to learn to control yours,” she stated flippantly. Even though deep down she knew didn’t have control over her wolf like she should have. She was adamant that she was not going to give up her freedom to control the relationship aspect of her life as well.
“My wolf is fully under control.” Grinding his teeth to keep from snapping at her, Blake continued to fight the urge to grab and shake some sense into her. Wisely, he turned and went into the kitchen instead.
Amber wanted to kick him in the ass as he stalked into her kitchen and began rummaging through her cabinets. Sitting the coffee can heavily on the countertop he grabbed the carafe and filled it with water from the water dispenser.
Forgetting she was supposed to be mad, Amber watched him move smoothly around her kitchen. No wasted movements, his every move made with efficiency. She loved the play of muscles in his back that stretched the thin t-shirt. Blake’s jeans fit snugly against his tight butt as he moved around the room.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
I’m pretty open to everyone and nothing that I watch or read would really embarrass me.

What is one book everyone should read?
“No Remorse” of course!! 

One food you would never eat?
Raw Oysters – for one thing, I am allergic to shell fish, and another I don’t like my food slimy!

QUICK ANSWERS

Favorite place?
By the Ocean, I love the sound of the waves lapping against the beach.

Best christmas present?
I was twelve and got a brand new coat, later found $50 in the pocket, can never forget that because we grew up really poor. When I got home I gave it to my mother.

Favorite book?
Anything by Sherilynn Kenyon, Christine Feehan and Laurell K. Hamilton

Favorite author?
Sherilynn Kenyon

Favorite smell?
Bread baking

Favorite series?
Do I have pick just one?  Being Human, Lost Girl, Dexter, Bones and NCIS

Nickname?
As a kid, Tammy…as an adult Mar

Favorite writing spot?
At the kitchen table

Favorite movie?
I used to watch Beatlejuice over and over, and still watch it when it comes on!

Favorite dish?
Fajitas with chips and salsa

Favorite color?
Aquamarine

Favorite quote?
“No Expectations, No Disappointments”

Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Pecan Praline, now if you ask what kind of ice cream:  Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen.

Your best trait?
Hardworking

Your worst trait?
When I want something, I want it now.

GIVEAWAY

FIRST PRIZE: One lucky person will receive:
-    A signed copy of No Remorse
-    A No Remorse Bookmark
-    $20 Amazon gift card 

SECOND PRIZE:  One lucky person will receive:
-    A signed copy of No Remorse
-    A No Remorse Bookmark

How to win First or Second Prize: 
-    Visit each site on the blog tour schedule
-    Click the link in the post below for the day of the tour
-    Post a comment on EACH DAY of the blog
-    Post your name and email address
-    Your name will be placed in the drawing
* All posts must be made no later than 11:59pm May 5th to be entered

OTHER PRIZES:
5 No Remorse ebooks are up for grabs

How to win:
-    Post a comment about werewolves on any of the blog tour websites
-    Post your name and email address
-    Your name will be placed in the drawing
* All posts must be made no later than 11:59pm May 5th to be entered

5 ebooks have been contributed from Elizabeth Kolodziej author of the Last Witch Series http://www.vampyrekisses.com/
How to win:
-    Leave a comment about witches or vampires on any of the tour websites
-    In the comment state which book you prefer:
- Vampyre Kisses or
- Werewolf Descent
-    Post your name and email address
-    Your name will be placed in the drawing
* All posts must be made no later than 11:59pm May 5th to be entered

Drawings will be held on May 6th, 2012. Winners will be notified by email and posted on http://www.heartofawolf.com. GOOD LUCK to you all!

ARC Bonanza: Wanna a super free book? (INT'L)

Title: Talisman of El
Series: Talisman of El #1
Author: Alecia Stone
Publisher: Centrinian Publishing Ltd
Publication Date: 20 May 2012

Hey readers!  Here is a free book, that if you like, you can get it.  Below is the excerpt from the ARC and trailer..enjoy it!  If you want more, request for the book and the publisher will mail you the book. (Courtesy: Centrinian Publishing)

SYNOPSIS

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?

One Planet.

Two Worlds.

Population: Human … 7 billion.

Others … unknown.When 14-year-old Char­lie Blake wakes up sweat­ing and gasp­ing for air in the mid­dle of the night, he knows it is hap­pen­ing again. This time he wit­nesses a bru­tal mur­der. He’s afraid to tell any­one. No one would believe him … because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago – the day before his dad died.
Char­lie doesn’t know why this is hap­pen­ing. He would give any­thing to have an ordi­nary life. The prob­lem: he doesn’t belong in the world he knows as home.

He belongs with the others.

EXCERPT

PROLOGUE

Manhattan, New York

January 25, 2013, 11:15 P.M.

DERKEIN ODESSA SAUNTERED INTO a study lined with bookshelves and a high ceiling of gold leaf and bas-relief sculptures. He stopped when he saw his father standing behind the large mahogany desk at the back of the room, rifling through the wall safe. A muscle in his jaw ticked. ‘You’re alive then,’ he said.
‘Not now, Derkein.’ His father closed the safe, covering it with a portrait of his wife.
Folding his arms across his chest, Derkein advanced on
him, his footsteps echoing off the hardwood floor. ‘Not now.’
He chuckled without humour. ‘Well, why don’t you give me your card, and I’ll book an appointment.’
‘I’m sorry I didn’t call, but I can’t talk right now. I have a
flight to catch.’
When his father turned round, Derkein stopped, his eyes widening. A blood-soaked plaster covered the right side of his father’s neck, red stains on the collar of his white shirt. Derkein hurried over to him. ‘What happened?’ he asked.
‘I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.’
‘You don’t look fine. Where have you been …?’ Derkein
paused, the strong smell of tobacco assailing his nose. He scrutinised his father – the purple bags under his eyes, scratch marks on his chin. ‘You’re still searching for it, aren’t you?’ He sighed, raking a hand through his shoulder-length black hair as he lifted his head back. ‘You gave me your word.’
‘I know you disagree with my decision, but you have to understand –’
‘Understand what? Dad, this is not normal.’ Derkein grabbed the bag at his father’s feet, lifted it onto the desk, and tipped it onto its side, scattering the surface with a collection of daggers and guns. He picked up a black leather sheath and pulled out a knife, its broad, stainless blade honed until the cutting edge was almost invisible. He dropped the knife and sheath among the other weapons. ‘You have to stop this.’
‘Luther’s dead.’
Derkein’s heart skipped a beat. ‘What … What happened?’
‘Natural causes. Apparently, his heart gave out.’
‘What do you mean "apparently"?’
With a hesitant glance at Derkein, his father opened the front pocket of the bag and pulled out a talisman, burnished in copper with an engraved steel band and a circular dip in the
centre. ‘Luther and I dug this up in the Roncador Mountains in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The earthquake that hit South America two months ago ... We caused it when we removed this from the earth.’ He looked down at the talisman then back at Derkein, distress clouding his features. ‘The moment the earthquake struck, we passed out. Two hours later, we woke up on Manhattan Bridge.’
‘I don’t understand what you’re saying.’
‘We didn’t fly to New York.’
‘Then how did you get here?’
His father started packing the weapons back inside the bag. ‘I don’t know. Three weeks ago, Luther called me and told me that someone was following him. I think whoever was after
him wanted the talisman, and when they didn’t find it, they killed him. Now they’re after me.’
‘So give it to them. Dad, this isn’t worth your life.’
‘I can’t. This is my only connection to Arcadia.’
‘Where are you going?’
‘England,’ his father replied. ‘Thomas might be able to help me. If what he told me about these beings is true, I can’t be around you. They got to Luther. I won’t lose you, too.’ He turned round and stared at the portrait covering the safe.
‘I miss mum, too, but it’s been five years. Give up before
you end up killing yourself. Arcadia doesn’t exist.’
His father looked at him. ‘It’s out there. I’m going to find
it. I will bring her back.’
‘Mum’s dead,’ Derkein snapped. ‘When are you going to get that?’
‘I have to go,’ his father said in a calm voice. ‘I’ll call you when I get there.’
‘Dad –’
‘I’ll be fine. I always am.’
‘Dad, please –’
An ear-piercing scream ripped through the building. Derkein
froze, his eyes the only things that moved. His gaze fixed on his father, who was rummaging through his bag. He took out a black pistol and turned to Derkein, a tortured expression on his face as he placed the weapon in his son’s trembling hand.
‘Shoot anything that moves,’ his father instructed. He placed the talisman around Derkein’s neck, tucking it inside his shirt. ‘Don’t let it out of your sight.’ Cupping Derkein’s face in his hands, he made him meet his gaze. ‘I’m so sorry I got you involved in this.’ He grabbed another gun from the bag.
‘What exactly have you got yourself into, Dad?’
His father looked at him with a solemn expression. ‘If
anything happens to me, you find Thomas. Tell him … Tell him he was right.’ He headed towards the door.
‘Dad, wait.’ Derkein went after him. ‘Dad –’
The double doors burst open with a bang.
His father opened fire. ‘Derkein, shoot!’ he yelled.
Derkein glanced around the room in panic and confusion. He saw no one but his father. Then he felt a sharp pain in his arm, heard his shirt tear, and cried out. Something warm dribbled down his arm. When he placed his hand on it and drew it back, he saw blood. His father screamed, and he
looked up and saw him flying across the room, crashing into a bookshelf that collapsed under him.
‘Dad!’ Derkein sprinted towards him but felt a powerful blow across his chest that sent him flying backwards, and he landed hard on the floor, his gun falling out of his hand.
Staggering to his feet, he glanced around for whatever had attacked him but saw nothing. His gaze landed on his father, who was groaning … and then he was gone. There were no bright lights or loud noise. He had just vanished.As Derkein stared wide-eyed at the spot where his father had been lying only moments before, something like a blast of electricity stunned him, and he felt an intense burning inside his chest. He let out a cry as his body lifted off the groundand hung in midair. Seconds later, he came crashing down …

BOOK TRAILER

ARC BONANZA

Book Barrage: In Love's Own Time

Title:  In Love's Own Time
Author:  Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Publisher:  Rebel Ink Press
Length:  71,000 Words
Sub-Genres:  Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Time-Travel

AVAILABLE AT: 

• Amazon
• All Romance eBooks
• Bookstrand
• Barnes & Noble

BLURB

There may be no place like home and nothing like love…..when history teacher Lillian Dorsey inherits a three story Edwardian brick mansion from the grandfather who banished her pregnant mother decades before, it’s a no brainer.  She’ll visit the place, see it and sell it.  Instead Lillian’s captivated by the beautiful home and intrigued by the ghost of the original owner, Howard Speakman.  Soon she’s flirting with the charming, witty gentleman who’s been dead for more than a century and before long, they admit it’s a mutual attraction.  Still, when she’s alive and he’s dead, any shot at being together seems impossible.

But where there’s a will, there’s a way….one afternoon while pretending to visit the past the impossible becomes a brief reality.  If they visited 1904 before, Lillian knows they can do it again and if so, she can prevent Howard’s untimely death.  With a combination of love, powerful hope, and stubborn will, Lillian bends time to her will and returns to the summer of 1904.  But Howard’s death looms ahead and if she’s to find a happy ending, she must save him from his original death.

VIDEO TRAILER

EXCERPT (SHORT)

    Here’s a little taste from the day they inadvertently return to 1904 and realize just what may be possible:

    “Lillian.” Howard sounded hoarse, his voice cracking with emotion although she wasn’t sure which one, fear, elation, or sorrow.  “This is 1904.”

    “How could it be?” Even as she protested, she knew it was true.  The old house was new.  The smell of fresh paint mingled with the Dutch cake aroma and as she’d noticed earlier, the book covers were bright.  Howard’s sheet music pages never yellowed but sparkled unblemished white.  It was true and if it was 1904, then Howard was alive.  He wasn’t a ghost.   

    Lillian reached for him, stretched out her hand to touch him, and closed her fingers over his arm.  Through the wool of his sleeve, his skin was warm, so alive, and tears formed in her eyes.  Her right hand stroked the curve of his cheek and she clasped his hand with the other.   He twined his fingers through hers, tight as if he might never let go, and pulled her right hand to his lips, brushing her skin with a faint, soft kiss.

    “Oh, Howard.”  Her voice broke.  “Howard, you’re real.”

    She could touch him now and she could smell him, a rich masculine aroma of soap and leather, and the outdoors.  Before, he’d been a ghost, not tangible, not touchable but for now, he was both and she reveled in him with every sense.  She touched his hair with trembling fingers and rubbed her cheek against his suit jacket.  When she lifted her face, his eyes blazed with emotion and she knew before he bent down they’d kiss.

    In her dream, the kiss’d been sweet but in reality, it was sweeter.  His lips heated hers, melted, and moved against her mouth until she couldn’t breathe.  She put her arms around his neck and he held her, one hand flat against her back.   Until now, he’d been unattainable, almost fantasy, but now he was a man, a man who held her in his arms, and she wanted him.  Desire burned like a wavering candle flame but without warning, Howard released her.

    “Lillian, I forgot myself.  You must forgive me.”

    Her lips, bruised from his mouth, stretched into a smile. “I’ll never forgive you if you don’t kiss me again, Howard.”

    “I shouldn’t.” His voice sounded muffled. “But I’ll, sweet Lillian, though I shouldn’t.  However, for the moment I’m alive. Carpe diem!”

EXCERPT (LONG)

“Damn!” The aggravation would kill her if the suspense didn’t.  Love relationships were hard enough with a flesh and blood partner but Howard’s disappearing act was beyond difficult.   There must be some way, she thought, to cross the boundaries of time so she and Howard could be together and Lillian resolved to figure out how.

Although she would rather bawl with frustration, she took action.  The local library was the only place which might have the materials she sought so she Googled Einstein’s theories on one of the public computers.  What she read led to her read about Goedal, the other Princeton scientist she mentioned to Howard and to others, everyone from Stephen Hawking to Igor D. Novikov.  A search of simply “time travel” linked to Washington Irving’s legend of Rip Van Winkle, King Arthur’s daughter Gwenth, to Carroll’s Alice, and even to Sleeping Beauty.  The mish-mash of information was confusing but as she sorted through it, reading and considering it all, a sense of excitement crept over her.  Repeatedly from very diverse sources, she read time travel might be possible, not from crackpots or harebrained pseudo scientists but from people at the top of their field.

No one explained how it worked but most acknowledged the possibility.   As she surfed the World Wide Web, she jotted down books to read and movies to watch.  Dean Koontz wrote a novel about time travel called Lightning and a woman named Diana Gabaldon penned an entire series of novels based on time travel.  Movies like Kate and Leopold and Somewhere in Time, the last based on a novel by Richard Matheson, intrigued her.

Lost in research, Lillian didn’t realize how long she’d been there until the librarian tapped her shoulder.

“I’m sorry but we close in fifteen minutes.”

Head aching with fatigue, mind whirling with information, she gathered up her copious notes and walked out to the parking lot.  Her car was alone beneath the vapor lights and although she was weary, Lillian was too restless to go home.  Instead, she drove across town and up the business highway to where Howard’s farm once existed.

The neat orchards she hoped to find were gone and instead a housing subdivision sprawled over the fertile ground, the foundation of Howard’s fortune.  Most of the ranch style homes dated to the late 1950’s or early 1960’s but on the far edges, newer homes ringed the original neighborhood.  The railroad track she recalled from her dream and the hills with a few gnarled old apple and peach trees were all remaining of the former fruit farm.  The idea brought sadness and Lillian knew Howard’d feel the same. As her headlights swept through the subdivision, she searched for any other signs of Speakman’s Farm but found none so she retreated to Seven Oaks.

In the humid summer night, her fatigue felt like a heavy blanket and Lillian was almost too tired to drag herself up the stairs.  As she wandered through the dark downstairs rooms, she called his name but Howard didn’t answer.  Missing him was an ache and so weary, emotions drained, she lay down across the bed, too tired to even undress and fell asleep.

Shadows of the tree branches made lacy silhouettes across the ceiling of the bedroom when she woke, moving shadows dancing with the wind.  Although she’d no clue what time of day it might be, Lillian felt too somnolent to rise so she lay, tangled in the bedspread and tried to sort her myriad emotions.  Joy at Howard’s declaration of love dimmed when she considered the difficulties of their unique relationship and a strange prickling delight came as she remembered visiting 1904.  As the wind rushed through the trees like whispers, she struggled to make sense of time travel, to figure out a way to make it possible on a permanent basis.

Details, theories, and thoughts warred until she sat up, limbs protesting the motion after too many hours of deep sleep, with a revelation.   They didn’t need the books, she wouldn’t have to know the properties of relativity after all, and there was no set format certain to succeed. It didn’t matter because she’d done it.  If they managed once to travel to the past without trying, they could and would by design.

“Elementary, my dear Watson,” Lillian murmured, stretching as she swung her legs to the floor.  “It’s simple, really.”

With one ear cocked for any sound to indicate Howard’s return, Lillian bathed and dressed, brushing her teeth to rid her mouth of an unpleasant film coating both teeth and gums.  She picked up her watch from the dresser and nodded.   It was just now noon; she’d not slept away as much of the day as she’d guessed, a good thing since she needed to handle many details.  Singing, she floated with elation downstairs to make coffee and a list.   Time travel was possible and she’d do it or die.  Either way, she’d end up Howard.

By the time, he appeared, dapper in a blue and white checked Madras shirt worn over dark brown trousers held up with suspenders striped the same colors as the shirt, she’d scribbled half a notebook full of things to do or buy or look up.  Intent on the next item, she didn’t realize he was with her until she felt his spirit caress, light as a breath, across the back of her neck.

“What are you plotting, my dear heart?” He asked, sitting down across the kitchen table.

“We can do it, Howard.” She put down her pen to reach out for his hand and then remembered she couldn’t hold it. “Time travel, I mean.  All we have to do is believe it and live it.  If we could do it when we were just pretending, we can do it.  Everything has to be just right and I’ve so many things to get and things to do but we can.  Isn’t it wonderful?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy is a full-time romance author.  A native of the old historic city of St. Joseph, Missouri, one time home to both Jesse James and the Pony Express, she now lives and writes in the beautiful Missouri Ozark region.  Her romance novels include Wolfe’s Lady (December 2010 Evernight Publishing), Love Tattoo, (March 2011, Evernight), Love Scars (June 2011, Evernight), Love Never Fails (May 2011, Rebel Ink Press), Kinfolk (July 2011, Champagne Books), The Marriage Cure (Astraea Press, July 2011), Love Scars, July 2011 (Evernight Publishing). Love Tattoo, Love Scars, and Love Knots, Love Shadows are the first four books of the six book Love Covenant series. Other novels include Witness Protection Program (Rebel Ink Press, A Time To Love (Champagne Books. Sing We Now of Christmas (Rebel Ink Press, December 2011).  2012  is already kicking off with more novel releases including A Patient Heart, Miss Good Samaritan, Guy’s Angel, In Love’s Own Time, Heart of the Ozarks)  In The Shadow of War, and a novella, Long Live The King (Champagne Books).  Her work also appears in more than twenty anthologies and she has multiple short story/non-fiction credits.

She is a member of RWA, Missouri Writers Guild, EPIC, and the Ozarks Writers League.

Her work also appears in multiple anthologies. She earned a BA degree in both English and History from Missouri Southern State University as well as an AA Degree in Journalism from Crowder College.  She worked in broadcast media for a decade and also has a background in education.  Her weekly column “Hindsight” appears each week in the Neosho Daily News.

She is married to Roy W. Murphy and the couple has three children, Emily, Megan, and Patrick Murphy.

If Lee Ann – or Lee as many of her writing friends know her – isn’t writing, she’s reading or spending time outdoors.

In Neosho, Missouri, the small town she now calls home, she serves on the local library board, is active in the annual Relay For Life fight against cancer, has worked with the local Arts Council, and is active in her parish.

Book Feature and Giveaway: The Unwilling Bride by Candy Ann Little

Title:  The Unwilling Bride
Author:  Candy Ann Little
Publisher:  Kingdom Kastle Publishing, Inc.
Length:  107,000 Words
Sub-Genres:  Historical, Inspirational/Christian
Available at:  Amazon
Book Barrage by: CBLS Promotions

BOOK TRAILER:

BLURB:

Set amid political unrest in 1789, Caitlin Gallagher finds herself in an arranged marriage. She hates the idea of marriage and loathes the man that is now her husband. With all the turmoil in her life, she starts to doubt her faith. Can Caitlin find faith in God and love in the arms of her enemy?

Dillon Cade’s quiet life is turned upside-down when he agrees to marry a young maiden to protect her. As he uses his newspaper to fight President Adams’ sedition acts and help Thomas Jefferson get elected, he must now also deal with an unwilling bride. Can Dillon tolerate her behavior long enough to win her trust?

EXCERPTS:

There are two great excerpts available for you, from this book.  You can find them here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candy-Ann Little grew up in a small town in Ohio, but now resides in Michigan with her husband and two teenage kids. She is a substitute for paraprofessionals and teacher assistants in the public schools, mostly working with the autistic program and kids with learning disabilities.

She also enjoys helping with church activities. Her favorite things to do besides writing is reading, cooking and baking. 

Find author Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

After reading the blurb and seeing the trailer, many would love to win this beautiful historical fiction novel.  Here is a chance for you to win the copy.  Enter the below Rafflecopter giveaway to win a PDF copy of The Unwilling Bride from the author.   Open INTERNATIONALLY.

To know about other blogs, which are featuring the giveaway, click HERE.

Book Feature: The Four Letters of Love

Here is a book to set up the pre-valentine thrill in the air!

Title: The Four Letters of Love
Author: Nadina Boun
Paperback: 78 pages
Genre: Poetry
Available at: Amazon

Blurb:

"The Four Letters of Love" describes love in various forms as seen by the poet; through a lover's eyes, a warrior's heart, a stranger's quest, a dreamer's mind, in the form of allegories, metaphors, quotes and fantasies.

Book Trailer:

Here is a beautiful trailer of the book - The Four Letters of Love.

The author also has given a couple of poems for the reader, in account of the valentine's week.

Bright Is Your Love

 I hear chimes in the air;

bells are ringing somewhere,

the wind blows a tune in my head

the birds greet this song, far ahead,

the sun shines still with warming rays

and a promise for much better days,

the sky is clear, the fog has gone,

clouds are near but the moon is strong,

shining bright in an endless starry night

your love takes me away in its flight;

the tender way you caress my heart

leaves me speechless from the start,

the sweet embrace where you hold me tight

lifts me to heaven where all is bright.

The Space Between Us

 The space between us

where our hopes and dreams lay,

where our emotions and feelings surface,

where our fears and insecurities stand.

The space between us,

where laughter echoes,

where tears fill the gap,

where love pulls us closer,

where pain keeps us apart.

The space between us

is where we stand on different grounds,

the thoughts we share combined,

the space between us

is you and I,

together and apart.

About the author:


Nadina Boun, "the rebel, the lonesome warrior and the butterfly" is a poet and a writer with an internet and multimedia design certificate from UNLV.

Her writing is influenced by classic French dramatists and authors. She has been writing for more than 12 years in genres including poetry, short stories and fiction. Her first publication is a satire short story called "The Thinking Man, Paralysis by Analysis." Her poetry rests in the collection of "A Heartstorm."

Author Website: http://nadinaboun.wordpress.com/

Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #4)

Original Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid #4
Author: Jeff Kinney
Publisher: Amulet Books
Published Date: October 12th, 2009
Genre: Funny, Children

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is the fourth book of the Wimpy Kid series, which tells about the middle school kid, Greg, and his daily chores.

While the previous books focus on Greg's life through school and home, this time, Greg is on holiday and in his opinion, the perfect way to spend the summer is to stay indoors and play video games.  While his mother have other plans to get him outdoors, Greg again is in a series of hilarious situations.

As always, it appeals to the readers through its cartoon and Greg's funny expressions and words.  While I myself enjoyed the book, I will think twice before handing this book to a kid.  Greg is so self-centered and lazy, that children tend to think that Greg is cool. :)

The book trailer for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days uploaded below:

Movie Info:

The third Diary of a Wimpy Kid film is based on Dog Days and the preceding book, The Last Straw.  A few of the scenes are from Dog Days, however most of them are from The Last Straw.

Series:

The New York Times, which rates children's serials collectively on a "Series Books" bestseller list, has included the Wimpy Kid series for 64 weeks as of April 10, 2010.

At the time of Dog Days publication, The New York Times Best Sellers had the book peaking at #1 for all 25 weeks of publication, making Dog Days the #1 Best Selling Book of 2009.

Series Order:

1.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Read review here
2.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules - Read review here
3.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw - Read review here
4.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
5.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
6.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever

Succubus On Top / Succubus Nights (Georgina Kincaid #2)

Original Title: Succubus on Top
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Georgina Kincaid #2

Georgina Kincaid series contains a total of 6 main books.  Succubus On Top / Succubus Nights is the second installment of this urban fantasy series, after Succubus Blues.  For books of Richelle Mead's usual standards and expectations, this book quite didn't meet them.

For those of whom, who are new to the series, our narrator and protogonist, Georgina Kincaid, is a succubus - a shape-shifting demonic creature from hell, who seduces men and gets the life force of humans.  Seth, a very famous mortal romance writer is Georgina's boyfriend.  Mead is a master in framing mysteries and let it unwind itself.  This time, the mystery is when an immortal crosses into the mortal world and ruins many of her friends' lives.  Georgina also has other things in her mind.  Her best old old friend and an incubus (the opposite of Succubus - a male immortal from hell, one who seduces and corrupts mortal women and lives on their life force), Bastien, is in big trouble and he needs Georgina's help to solve it.

Bastien, trying to get out of trouble, wants to make a "big hit".  He plans to corrupt a Christian talk show host, Dana, who is rallying against homosexuality and all the members of the society, who is not up to her high-minded expectations.  Bastien tries to bring her down and Georgina feels the need to help her friend.  Though I am angry with Dana, who herself is not up to her standards, but forces other people against their wills through her arrogance, public humiliation doesn't actually feel right, just for the sake of getting Bastien out of trouble.  Ah, people from hell!

Although Bastien's presence made the book more comfortable at first, when Georgina and Bastien's relationship turned more than friendship, I felt like slapping Bastien.  But what better can you expect from an incubus?

Although I liked the first book - Succubus Blues, I felt tired when reading this book.
Reason 1:  I am a huge fan of Mead's Vampire Academy series.  Her heroines are my favorite.  But though I liked Georgina, her disloyalty towards Seth disgusts me.  I really felt sorry for Seth.
Reason 2:  However hard Georgina and Seth tried, we all know their relationship is so doomed.  If Georgina thinks of more than touching Seth, his life force is going to be sucked out of him.  It felt like a deadlock.

I will definitely read the next book, but I am in no hurry.

Book Trailer - specially for you:

Series:

1.  Succubus Blues - Read review here
2.  Succubus on Top
3.  Succubus Dreams
4.  Succubus Heat
5.  Succubus Shadows
6.  Succubus Revealed

The series must be read in order, for proper understanding.

Cover Crush:

This book has so many covers, and I like to share them with you.  Just for your view:

What do you think?

My Rating : 2.5 stars

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

After a long time, I read a book that had a drastic effect on me.  Have you ever read a book, which makes you keep on thinking about it for the next few days?  Whenever you think of it, have you always felt exciting, glad and sad at the same time?  Have you felt your heart racing at every incident that take place in a book?  Did you find the need to realize that a book is not a real life and keep saying its a fiction, so that you won't be knocked out cold?  Well, THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins, is such a book.

The Hunger Games is set in a time in future (I hope fervently that its centuries later), where humanity is at its worst.  Our world, then, is ruled by a set of rich people, who live in comfort, in a place called Capitol.  We, the remaining population, occupy the 12 districts and work for the Capitol.  Life in the district is so bad, that people have to strive hard, to remain alive.

As if this is not bad enough, every year, two members of each district (irrespective of their age, is chosen and thrown into the Hunger Games.  The Hunger Games is a huge place, where there is various traps, vicious animals and life-sucking troubles, that the members have to survive.  The last member, who is alive, will be the winner and can live the rest of his life in his district in luxury.  In addition to the traps and stuff from the Capitol, the members kill each other like animals, to survive in that arena.  This entire action is cast live to all the world.

Katniss, our protogonist, a 16-year old from District 12, volunteers for this event in order to protect her 10-year old sister, who is selected for the Hunger Games.  After her father died, Katniss protects and feeds her mother and sister.  Katniss detests the Capitol and she is a girl, who is good in hunting.  Katniss is excellent with a bow and arrow.

Along with Katniss, Peeta Mellark, the boy who had a secret crush on Katniss since childhood, also is selected for the Hunger Games, from District 12.  Although the two try to be seen as a couple to get support from the audience, when the real action begins, Katniss is blind to Peeta's love and continues her "act".  Although romance is a very small part in the grand scheme of things in the book, it still feel unfair towards Peeta.  Unlike Katniss, Peeta is not much of a survivor.  He is a baker's son and the skills to survive towards hunger and other brutalities are not good for him.

When finally the Hunger Games begins, the violence and the stress of the kids to survive just moves you to bits.  In spite of all the violence and so much blood-shed and death, I don't feel repulsive, but felt hypnotized.  The plot seems challenging and not in one place can I guess or think about what will happen next.  The writing and descriptions are beyond awesome. 

This book is going to be a movie soon and I CAN'T WAIT..  The trailer below for you..

The soon-to-be movie, The Hunger Games, is a must-read for all and I promise, it would never disappoint you.

Series:

1.  The Hunger Games
2.  Catching Fire
3.  Mockingjay

The Hunger Games received a number of awards and honors. It was named one of Publishers Weekly's "Best Books of the Year" in 2008 and a The New York Times "Notable Children's Book of 2008".  It was the 2009 winner of the Golden Duck Award in the Young Adult Fiction Category. The Hunger Games was also a "2008 Cybil Winner" for fantasy and science-fiction books.  It also one of School Library Journal's "Best Books 2008" and a "Booklist Editors' Choice" in 2008.  In 2011, the book won the California Young Reader Medal.