Review ~"Dead Embers" by T.G. Ayer

Dead Embers by T.G. Ayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: Received electronic copy from T.G. to review!
Genre: Mythology YA

Book Description:  Valkyrie-in-training Bryn Halbrook just can't catch a break. With her boyfriend stuck in Hel and the taunting laughter of Loki still ringing in her ears, she struggles to concentrate on her training and duties in Odin's realm. The last thing she expects or wants is more adventure—but then treachery, a shocking abduction and a chilling discovery send her forth on another perilous, globe-hopping mission.

As the ultimate battle, Ragnarok, draws closer, it's a race against time for Bryn, Fenrir and their team to discover who kidnapped her foster brother from the halls of Asgard and what's causing the mysterious deaths of so many of Odin's chosen warriors.

In the exciting sequel to DEAD RADIANCE, Bryn encounters dwarfs and dragons, new friends and old foes—but worst enemy of all may be the person she trusts most!


My thoughts:  I love Norse Mythology. (Ok, mythology in general.)  This book was a ton of fun for me to read.

Bryn is a Valkyrie. She is learning to fit into her role and adjust to the leadership and warrior attributes. I really like her spunk and attitude. She is trying to be her own person while living up to the legend of Brunhilde.

The first part of the book she is trying to save Aiden. There are surprises in store for her. Not all is as she would like it to be. There are clues that lead to betrayal that she doesn't pick up on.

She has a hard time figuring out who is her friend and who is her foe. It's not easy with the jealousy some feel toward her. Are they jealous, or are they on the other team with the impending war?

The book ends in a major cliffhanger. I think this is a particular talent of T.G.'s. She leaves us waiting and wanting more. I am really looking forward to the next book!

There is some violence in this one.  Other than that, no content warnings. :)

Promo for "6 Seconds of Life" by Tonya Fitzharris

 Maura has just jumped.

 Now she has precisely six seconds until she hits the water below her—just six more seconds until she is finally freed from her mundane and aimless existence.  Freed of all of the regrets and disappointments that have haunted her throughout her nineteen years.

 She just needs to be free.

 But as she falls, the most pivotal points of her life start to replay like a movie in her head: her family falling apart, her first love, her first heartbreak, her first true friends, and her first betrayal.  As she remembers these moments that brought her to this point, will she feel a sense of peace?  Or will her death be her greatest regret?

Read a short excerpt:

********************

            “I guess I’ll just know it when that time finally comes along,” he whispers. His lips graze my cheek and we stop waltzing. His hand comes up and brushes my flyaway bangs behind my ear, the tips of his fingers running along the back of my earlobe. An overpowering wave of desire and anticipation wells up from my stomach, causing my internal hurricane to erupt into a monsoon. I let his eyes lock with mine, restraining me like a pair of handcuffs. They inspect me, almost like they’re looking right through my skin and into everything that’s underneath, begging to learn anything and everything about me. I don’t move.  Maybe if I can manage to stay totally still, this moment might last forever.

            His face moves closer. My chest is caving in on itself.

            Is this it?

********************

About Tonya: Tonya Fitzharris is a writer, reader, blogger, mediocre cook, photographer, runner, Florida native, and cat lover. She used to be a Middle School English Teacher, but now she's trying out the whole novel writing thing. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and her Belgian cat named Waffles.

Her Links:

Website / twitter/ facebook

Where can you purchase the book?

Amazon / Barnes&Noble / smashwords

Going Under by Georgia Cates

Source: Recieved to review through ATOMR tours
Genre: Contemporary YA

Book Description: Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?

My thoughts:  Once again I haven't completed the story.  Fortunately tonight was the last night for two of my children reffing soccer.  One child had his last flag football game last night and my other son is starting tackle football playoffs.  I won't be at a sporting event every night now and I am very excited to get all of my obligations completed in full.  Because I haven't finished the book, I didn't give it a rating, one will be coming after it is finished.   Obviously, when I signed up for some of the tours, I had absolutely no idea how much time my kids were going to take up from my reading time.  I promise to do better....soon. :)

So, after only reading part of the book, this is my impressions.

Jessie comes to a new school from a very different viewpoint of life.  He is a poor kid who is in a school attended by students of wealthy families.  He feels that he has to prove himself in some way.  He has a complex and to compensate he gives quite a bit of  bravado.  He is tough.  He takes the starting quarterback position from Forbes, and both are playing to win.  It is instant rivalry.

Claire seems to be a nice girl.  She is a people pleaser.  She does her best to live up to the expectations that everyone else seems to have for her, but I'm not sure that she is doing what she wants.

The book is definitely for older YA readers.  It takes place the senior year of high school, but has sexual references that you don't want younger kids to read.  I really liked the snarkiness in the book.  The writing style is relaxed and flows well.

Follow the tour:

Giveaway:  There are two giveaways in this blog tour.  One is US only and the other is international.  This is sponsored through ATOMR tour.  They will be sending out the prizes and notifying the winners.  Pick the aprropriate form/forms and enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal and contest for "The King Series" by Tawdra Kandle

FEARLESS Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear others' thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly. FREE October 4, 5, &6 Download & Leave a review on Amazon for extra points in the Contest!   BREATHLESS Tasmyn Vaughn is not having the senior year she expected. Her boyfriend Michael leaves for college, she's being stalked by a suspicious preacher, pursued by the hot new boy at school and blackmailed by her chemistry teacher--who just might be a witch. Tas needs all of her many talents--and a little help from unexpected sources--just to keep her head above water. . .literally.    

Restless

When she agrees to allow Ms. Lacusta to help develop her powers, Tasmyn has no idea how deep and dark the journey will become. Trapped between fascination and fear, she moves farther away from friends and family, even her boyfriend Michael. Leading a double life forces Tas into decisions that will threaten her sanity and her future… and the very lives of those she loves.     Buy FEARLESS BREATHLESS RESTLESS   Follow Tawdra on FACEBOOK TWITTER or visit her WEBSITE   In celebration of the new covers for FEARLESS and BREATHLESS, Books One and Two of The King Series, Tawdra Kandle is giving away a Print set of all 3 Books AND bookmarks from The Book Swag Shop Open US/ Can Ends Oct 28, 2012 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Justice at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels - Review

Justice at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: ARC from Publicist for review
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense

Book Description: Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch…and trouble isn't too far behind.As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be.

My thoughts: Jordan Cardwell has returned to Montana to discover the truth of his best friends suicide twenty years prior. His contact is quickly murdered, opening up many new questions. He determines to find the truth among all of the lies.

Liza Turner is the deputy working on a murder case and Jordan is one of the suspects. Together they work to uncover the secret that haunts Jordan's High School classmates. It doesn't take long for them to realize that there is more than teamwork that draws them together.

This is the main mystery in the book, but there are a few other mysteries unravelling at the same time. Overall I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The plot is quick and grabbed my attention. With the subplots all working together I was kept guessing at what was coming next.

While this is a romantic suspense, the romance wasn't the main focus of the book. It was sweet and always present in the background. I really liked the tension between Jordan and Liza.

This is not the first book in the series, I haven't read any of the other books and felt like I was coming in on a fresh story. This is a stand alone book. I may give the others a try in the future. B.J. Daniels has caught my attention.  I don't have any content warnings on the book, other than a few murders. :)

About B.J. Daniels:  B.J. Daniels' life dream was to be a policewoman. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award last year for romantic suspense.

She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels, Jem and Spot, and a temperamental tomcat named Jeff. When she isn't writing, she snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis. (Taken from Goodreads author page)

My Merlin Series - Get to know the Characters (Giveaway/Blog tour)

Today I get to introduce you to the My Merlin Series with a Top 10 post.

Thanks to Priya Ardis for giving us an introduction to her characters!

*********************

What a fun post. I’ll tackle this from our three main character’s point of view to give you an idea of their tastes! But first, allow me to introduce you to the main characters of My Merlin.

Arriane, aka Ryan is our nice girl protagonist and King Arthur character. Matt, aka Merlin, is the greatest wizard who ever lived. Lastly, there is Vane, the hero’s brother and straddles the line of friend and foe.

Arriane, aka Ryan, is the seventeen year-old student president at a Boston-suburb high school. She has a quest—to pick the Prom theme and avoid any texting with the guy who dumped her. Little does she know that when the sword and stone crashes in the middle of London, she would find herself back in his arms.

Merlin, aka Matt, has an agenda. And he's completely screwed it up. To get close to Ryan’s brother, he chatted up the sister. Only to back off when he started to fall for her to the point he was having a hard time remembering his name or his mission—to save the world from disaster.

Vivane, aka Vane, has one mission—to get to the Candidate before his brother Vane. Always the second brother, the one in the shadow, he knows Merlin like no other. In his eyes, Merlin failed with King Arthur and lost Camelot. He’s going to make sure it doesn’t happen a second time.

1.    Favorite movie/actor/actress? Ryan: Secretly, it’s Pretty in Pink. Merlin: Sorry, doesn’t watch tv; Vane: Addicted to Scooby Doo.

2.    Favorite song/singer? Ryan: Teeth by Lady Gaga; Merlin: Secrets by One Republic; Vane: Down by Jason Walker

3.    Favorite place? Ryan: No place better than home; Merlin: Camelot; Vane: Glastonbury, England

4.    One item you cannot live with out? Ryan: cellphone/Dragon’s Eye; Merlin: visions; Vane: magic

5.    Who would you like to meet? (Dead or Alive) Ryan: her family; Merlin: the Lady; Vane: the Lady

6.    Favorite hobby?  Ryan: lacrosse; Merlin: reading; Vane: gaming

7.    Guilty pleasure? Ryan: ice tea; Merlin: his bike; Vane: coaching the lacrosse team

8.    Favorite author and/book? Ryan: Paul Revere’s Ride; Merlin: his grimoire ; Vane: Wizard of Oz

9.    Do you collect anything?  Ryan: pictures; Merlin: amulets; Vane: technology

10. Favorite color? Ryan: red; Merlin: blue; Vane: red

********************

My Boyfriend Merlin, Book 1, My Merlin Series

Book Description:

He was a little older than he was letting on. By a few eons…

In this modern day Arthurian, 17 year-old Boston high schooler Arriane, aka Ryan, DuLac just found out the guy she's been crushing on, hot biker Matt, is a little older than he was letting on. In fact, he is really Merlin—the Merlin, King Arthur's Merlin, the greatest wizard who ever lived. Frozen in a cave for over fifteen hundred years, he's woken for a purpose. But Ryan's not impressed. Tired of being a relationship loser, she'd rather kick his legendary behind.

                     

Sure, the world has been crazy ever since the sword and the stone fell out of the sky like a meteor. But despite gruesome gargoyles, a deadly new world of magic, and the guy driving her crazy, Ryan knows that family is everything. Will Merlin sacrifice hers to save the world? Will she be able to stop him?

***

 My Merlin Awakening, Book 2, My Merlin Series

Book Description: 

If you haven't broken the rules, have you really lived?

Two wizard brothers. One sword. One chance to make a difference.

                   

In this modern day Arthurian, Excalibur has been pulled from the stone, but what does it mean? 17 year-old Arriane (aka Ryan) DuLac has bigger problems—as student president, she's got to put on the Prom. While the Wizard Council debates their next move, she leaves the craziness behind and heads home. But she can't hide forever. Sooner than she'd like Merlin (aka Matt) has her chasing mermaids on the trail of the Fisher King. The wounded king defeated by Merlin's brother, Vane, in the past holds the key to save the future. 

                           

At a time of shifting alliances, she must decide whose side she's on—the brother who struggles to do right or the brother who dares to break the rules? And Ryan must decide who she is—a regular girl or a champion? One wrong decision and her family falls apart. One wrong decision and the world falls apart. No pressure.

***

Ever My Merlin, Book 3, My Merlin Series

Expected release: Late October 2012

Book Description:  He was the right one, the chosen one, but was he meant for her?

The end of the world. The day of reckoning. The final battle.

In the last chapter of the My Merlin Series, it is a time of great strife for Arriane (aka Ryan) and Merlin (aka Matt) as they struggle to stem the flood of destruction unleashed upon the world. Their only hope rests in the one object that can restore their greatest ally: the Healing Cup.

With every scrap of life hanging in the balance, Ryan must convince both friends and enemies that the key to survival rests in the plans of a sword-toting girl of only eighteen. She must reconcile a fifteen-hundred-year rivalry between two brothers, and be ruthless enough to break a heart—and a life—in the process. And at some point, she really needs to get herself to Prom.

***

About Priya: 

Priya Ardis loves books of all kinds—but especially the gooey ones that make your nose leak and let your latte go cold. She started her first book at sixteen, writing in notebooks on long train rides during a hot summer vacation in India. Her favorite Arthurian piece is the poem The Lady of Shalott by Lord Alfred Tennyson. A hopeless romantic, she's a longtime member of the Romance Writer's of America. When not living in her characters' world, she might be found at the local coffee shop—her nose buried in a book.

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links: 

Barnes & Noble:
My Boyfriend Merlin / My Merlin Awakening

Follow the Tour! Giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast ~ "The Reluctant Bachelorette"

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour.html

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?





The Reluctant Bachelorette Blog Tour - October 2012

About Rachael: 
Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She's the mother of four, can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.


Links:  Facebook/ Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

Giveaway Details:
$50 Amazon Gift Code compliments of Author Rachael Renee Anderson
Ends 10/31/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Blog Tour ~ "Benotripia" by McKenzie Wagner

Benotripia: The Rescue by McKenzie Wagner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to review
Genre: Children Chapter/Tween fantasy

Book Description: When her mother—the ruler of Benotripia—goes missing, Roseabelle knows she’ll need the help of her best friends and their combined powers to survive the perilous journey ahead of her, rescue her mother, and save Benotripia! Written by a young author, this exciting adventure story pulls you into a true fantasy world. A suspenseful and addicting read!

My thoughts: This book is written for a younger reader. I had to keep that in mind while reading the book.  It is written in a way that children would relate to and enjoy.  The sentence structure is simple and not complex.


McKenzie Wagner is eleven years old. The book lacks the detail of an older and more experienced writer, but gives enough that you can follow along with the story. It is more simplistic than the books that I usually read, but that is a plus for children. Too many details bog down the story for them. I really think that the target audience, children 8- 13 years old, will be fascinated by the story told the way it is presented.

Great job McKenzie. It will be interesting to see how this young author progresses given time and experience.

See what other reviewers are saying about the book ~ Follow the tour!

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
			September
		18	19	20	21	22
		Little Red Reads/
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
	Geo Librarian/				Book Adventures/	LDS Women’s Book Review/Min Reads & Reviews/
30
Andi’s Chapter Books/
			October
	1
	Bookworm Lisa/

About McKenzie:
Mckenzie Wagner is eleven years of age and has adored reading since she was four years old. Her love of books inspired her to write a book of her own and she completed the first book of “The Magic Wall Series”, “The Magic Meadow and the Golden Locket” at the early age seven and the second book “The Blue Lagoon and the Magic Coin” shortly hereafter. She has now expanded her writing to kids of all ages. She wishes to obtain an English degree and teach and continue in her pursuit of her love of writing. She currently resides in Utah, with her mom, dad, and her eight-old brother, Ty.  To find out more about Benotripia and the author Mckenzie Wanger, visit her website: http://www.channelsparks.com/mckenziewagnerbooks/index.htm.