Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wicked Fate By Tabatha Vargo Cover Reveal!!

Wicked Fate By Tabatha Vargo

Blurb
What if you lived in fear of yourself?
For Mage McPherson being afraid of herself is just the norm. Thanks to that fear, being a loner in a small town never bothered the mysterious Mage. Once she received her secret abilities, she figured being alone was the safest way to be. That all changes during her sophomore year at Summerville High when Adam, her equally mysterious secret crush, starts to notice her.
Afraid that she might harm Adam, Mage must learn to either control or deny herself. With Adam by her side she's more powerful than she’s ever been, but is she powerful enough to defeat her worst nightmare? She learns a hard lesson about love and magic when her destiny comes to collect.




Author Bio
Tabatha has been writing since she could pick up a pencil. Her first publication was a little poem in her elementary school paper, from that point on she was hooked. When she was a teenager, she traded in her girly magazines for personalized writing notebooks.
At nineteen, she met her own personal prince charming and writing took a back burner for a while. She is now married to that prince and the mother of a beautiful Six year old princess/rock star. Once her daughter was born, writing came back into her life, and she finished her very first novel in May of 2009. 
She is pursuing a Bachelors in English and hopes to one day teach while continuing to write. 
As a stay-at-home mom and full-time student, Tabatha enjoys the freedom of spending a good bit of her days doing what she loves the most…writing.





Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wicked Fate by Tabatha Vargo

Wicked Fate

by Tabatha Vargo

Giveaway ends November 30, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Twelve Months By Steven Manchester Review and Giveaway


"Sometimes it doesn’t take much to experience per- fection...The simple things may actually be the greatest of all"

Twelve Months By Steven Manchester

Blurb
Don DiMarco has a very good life – a family he loves, a comfortable lifestyle, passions and interests that keep him amused. He also thought he had time, but that turned out not to be the case. Faced with news that might have immediately felled most, Don now wonders if he has time enough. Time enough to show his wife the romance he didn’t always lavish on her. Time enough to live out his most ambitious fantasies. Time enough to close the circle on some of his most aching unresolved relationships. Summoning an inner strength he barely realized he possessed, Don sets off to prove that twelve months is time enough to live a life in full. A glorious celebration of each and every moment that we’re given here on Earth, as well as the eternal bonds that we all share,Twelve Months is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit. 

Author Bio

 Steven Manchester is the published author of Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN’sAmerican Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of his short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. 



Review
Don DiMarco finds himself with a limited amount of time when he thought he would have all but time after retirement. His life was all set for him to do whatever he wanted until one day everything changed. With his twelve months left Don does what he loves most, what he didn't have a chance to do before. This book makes you really appreciate life and the time we are given. Be thankful for everyday we have and for the people around us. Do what you love and live with no regrets. I really adored this novel because it was enlightening. There were moments when I would write some of the wise words that were spoken such as the one above ."Sometimes it doesn’t take much to experience per- fection...The simple things may actually be the greatest of all".  

I believe that this is something that everybody should read because there are so many people out there that are not embracing life. They think that they have all the time in the world when maybe it isn't true. Why not do what we want? I know that money is a big issue, even in the book there is a part where they didn't eat at a restaurant because they just couldn't afford to use their money just to eat so they went to a different place for years. Ever since Don knew he didn't have time to waste, him and his wife ate at the restaurant only to find that it wasn't worth it and the food was much better at the other place. The whole time they thought they were missing out but at the end they were having exactly what they wanted. I am sure that everybody hears you only live once. There are even signs saying "what if you die tomorrow". We know that life can end abruptly yet we go on as robots. This may not be true for everybody but the point is to LIVE. LIVE the life you are given. This book has really made an impression on me. I hope it will do the same to everybody else who reads it as well. 



When I first read the blurb I knew this would hit home. I was a bit overwhelmed with how close I was to a similar situation. Each scene was as if I were reliving moments. It was a place that I did not want to look back upon but I thought maybe reading this would help me move on. So I thank Steven Manchester for writing this book. For me it was the healthiest way since books have always been my friends in a sense. <3

Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Booku

Giveaway



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Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Bird With The Broken Wing By D.L Richardson Interview, Review, and Giveaway. Peek at Feedback By D.L Richardson

The Bird With The Broken Wing By D.L Richardson
Angels may not reveal themselves to mortals…

...but when the mortal Rachael’s watching over is hurting, how can she stay hidden in the shadows?

Guardian angel Rachael becomes trapped with the mortal she’s been assigned to watch over. Unable to watch him suffer, she decides the only way to free him of his inner demons is to break the rules about becoming involved, revealing her true identity, and applying divine intervention. But what choice does she have? Without her help, his soul will be trapped forever. Then a stranger appears, giving Rachael reason to wonder if his is the only soul in need of saving...

Review
I first found this book when I was entering a contest for some goodies. I know that you aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover but I could not help but wonder what the book was about after I saw the stunning picture. I decided to contact the author and graciously let me review it. 

I have got to say this was a bit of a surprise to me. I did not read the blurb before diving into read but i guessed it had something to do with angels. I automatically thought it would be a romance story, forbidden love, but it was all together different. The Bird With The Broken Wing is told by three different characters. I love this aspect because it is like a puzzle that is slowly piecing itself together. The author did a great job at keeping me intrigued. Each character has their story, their purpose, and their secrets that they themselves cannot admit to themselves. How mysterious is that?!?!? This is a story that you do not want to miss. It will make you think, cry, laugh, and THINK! yes, two thinks. Think about your life, think about what you are doing with it, think of how you could make  it better. No regrets! We are all given one chance, one life, don'waste it. Look at me going all preachy with you lol bottom line, this is a great book. 


D.L Richardson

Interview questions

Thank you Alli for featuring me on Alli’s Nook. It’s always an honor to be asked to divulge a little bit about myself. I hope your readers enjoy this interview.


What inspired you to write The Bird With The Broken Wing?
With The Bird With The Broken Wing, my intention was to write a book that shows young adults that life can be terrible, maybe it sucks and you don’t always win, and maybe you even get broken along the way, but you can get fixed. When I was about 16 I found at that two friends from school had committed suicide. I can’t go back and save any one of my friends and that sense of failure is the compulsion behind my need to write great and moving young adult fiction novels.

Did you have a playlist you listened to while writing?
I wish I could write to music, like I’ve read that other writers can. But when I hear music it makes me wanna get up and dance, sing along or break out the acoustic guitar and play long to it. None of these activities are productive when it comes to writing 2,000 words. So when I’m writing, I put music on in the breaks only. The Bird With The Broken Wing is quite a profound storyline, dramatic with dark elements. I listened to more layered, in-depth music like Bruce Springsteen and  Faith No More. My second novel “Feedback” has a lot of action scenes it. So I listened to Guns N Roses and The Offspring. My third book I’m currently working on is a ghostly love story so I’ll be listening to Kelly Clarkson and Adele and love song compilation CDs.


Did you ever get writers block?
Not really. I may get stuck with a current project – for example, sometimes the characters just don’t want to come out and play. When that happens I write articles for the blog, which I’ve decided will be slowly converted into an e-zine. Or I write short stories. When you start getting really involved in the writing community, you begin to see that there is no end to the writing opportunities.

Why did you decide to write YA?
Well… I started writing Young Adult because the word count was less and I could write a book in six month as opposed to two years. But I fell in love with the genre. You know how you might say yes to a date and not realize till halfway through the date that the guy you’re with is the man you’ve been searching for. That’s what happened to me. I gave writing Young Adult a go and ended up falling in love with it. I’d have to think carefully about what sort of adult paranormal novel I’d write. I wouldn’t want to write an adult novel if the only difference was the age of the characters. That’d be like The Simpsons Movie if you know what I mean. There wasn’t anything you couldn’t get from watching the TV shows; it was just longer and not free.


What advice would you give to all those who are trying to get their books published?
The best piece of advice that I’ve ever heard was this: “Nobody asked you to write.” It’s what’s kept me sane this whole time. It’s like applying for jobs. You’re not guaranteed and interview, and if you do get an interview you’re not guaranteed the job. If you’re practical about it, you can separate the emotion from the rejection and learn to take people’s advice.

Are any of the characters based on people you know?
1.    The funny thing about characters is that they take on personalities of their own. You can give characters similar experiences to your own, or experiences from people you know, but they tend to jump up and down and want to do things their way. So when you write, you start to question whether this character would do that, and would this character say that. To get an idea of how Ben would act, think and feel, I read books written by soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. For Rachael, I read accounts of people’s experiences with guardian angels. Jet is the only character who has a little bit of me in her - I didn’t have a great relationship with my father either. But that’s about where the similarity ends.


What are 3 things that you really want to accomplish? 
Hike to base camp at Everest
Live where it snows
Work from home full time

If you could shift into any animal what would you be?
An eagle. I think it’d be amazing to soar through the sky.


Do you know any good ghost stories? Have you ever been told a scary story that haunted you?
Images and music from movies haunt me. After I watch a movie I can’t go near the shower and I sometimes leap into bed. I find I don’t get as scared through stories. There’s something about only the visual and audio aspect that works at scaring  me.

Favorites
Food – funny enough, when I think about favorite foods these days it’s dinners that I ate growing up. Silverside with mashed potato, cauliflower and white sauce; braised lamb shanks and mashed potato; mmmm come to think of it, potato is my favorite food. I was born in Ireland so that might explain it.
Music – hard rock, 80’s music, power ballads
Place – I love sitting and walking along the beach. It’s invigorating.
Vacation – driving vacations. Hotels are stifling. Planes are floating buses. I love the freedom that comes with a driving holiday. You can stop where you want, listen to whatever music you like.
Color – grey. For thos who say that grey isn’t a color, well a cashew isn’t a nut,
Pet – my pooch Teeka. She’s adorable (see photo) and very clever. Too clever. If there’s a plot to take over the sofa, she’s behind it.

Candy – anything musk flavored (do you have musk flavored). Or if its chocolates, it has to have gooey fruit flavored insides.


Links



FeedBack By D.L Richardson

Ethan James, Florida Bowman, and Jake Inala are three teenagers who receive much-needed organ transplants. Two weeks later they are inadvertently recruited by the CIA when a spy dies halfway through his mission. Three bacteria bombs are set to detonate, spreading illness and death across the planet, and it’s up to Ethan, Florida, and Jake to deactivate them. 

Except that they have no idea where the bombs are located.

Kidnapped for information they can’t possibly know, and fueled by the spirit of a dead CIA agent, Ethan, Florida, and Jake must look deep inside themselves if they are to finish the mission and save millions of lives. But they’re being held captive in a strange place by a man who believes in Feedback, the theory that information is retained in the memory of organs–in this case those of a certain dead CIA agent donor. And their captor will stop at nothing to get the information retained in their newly transplanted organs.

Links



Giveaway!!
So i tried posting multiple pictures on here side by side but it just wasn't working out and I don't want you scrolling down forever. I have them posted on my FB page HERE. While you are there please LIKE the page. 






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My FIRST signed book!

THANK YOU CAMEO RENAE!!!!


I just got this in the mail today!!! I posted a review of how much I love this book HERE, which by the way you still have a chance to win an ebook by entering the giveaway. I mentioned how much this book made me cry and thought if it could do that then it definitely needs a place in my shelf. I decided to buy a copy of the paperback directly from her that way it will be signed =D Luckily she has her own site where you can do just that and she will also throw in a signed bookmark and trading card. Just go HERE if you would like one =D Due to the holidays she has lowered her price so take advantage!!! I sure did ^_^ . 





Author Zoey Sweete has a Deal for you!


Author Zoey Sweete has offered a really great deal for all books lovers. The deal includes all three of her books signed, signed poster, and a custom bookmark. Blood Magic will be a Special Edition =D  I have read her books and became a huge fan. I will be taking advantage of this! ^_^ Please contact her HERE if you are interested.



A witch/vampire hybrid, Renee Draven was sent to fulfill her destiny. Hell-bent on destroying the Evil One that has tormented and defiled her lineage for centuries, she must take back the power that was stolen long ago. Racing against time to destroy the darkness that threatens her life and those she loves. She must confront her demons. Losing faith in herself, and her power, she stumbles across William Angelo, the one she was said to bring home and save. While on her dark journey she must find Dante Angelo, his blood is the key to awakening her vampire side and defeating Damaskeos. Struggling to stay alive, she is torn between wanting a normal life and her duties, Renee must learn to believe in herself and the magic that flows through her blood, if she is to save the lives of those she loves. Will she find the strength to defeat Damaskeos and end his reign once and for all? Or will she fall as all the other Draven Witches before her? Blood Magic will take you on a mystical ride into alternate dimensions, the magical world of the Draven witches, and the supernatural creatures that would give their life to protect them.




There is an evil rising that wishes to seek havoc….Renee Draven believed her battle was over but her nightmare is just beginning. There is a darkness lurking seeking vengeance; with vengeance comes loss and family secrets will be revealed. Renee will question her lineage and her power; while other Evils play on her doubts she must determine truth from lies. Or will the lies be enough to rip the light from our heroine’s soul? With the past revealed the future holds a shock conclusion. New heroes will be found and new allies will be made…lives will be lost and hearts will be broken…are you ready for the ride to hell and back?

















Before Renee Draven, there was another, the one who began it all. Before demons and mortals separated into their own dimensions, there was a girl sought out to begin the Draven Dynasty. She alone would stand with her Druid King and fight the forces of darkness to ensure the prophecy was fulfilled. 
Elena Draven, torn from her home, taken to a foreign land of Magick and creatures that she had only seen in her dreams walking around right before her eyes. With the gift of a magical ferrum, her power comes alive and her destiny lies before her.
Kilian, her savior, the Druid King who wishes to make Elena his bride and continue the Draven lineage which will destroy the Winged One, and ensure the Chosen One’s path. Will she learn to trust him and accept his love? Or will their time run out before fate takes their lives?
Every story starts somewhere….take the journey into a part of the Draven witches that has never been told and how their Blood Destiny began….. 








Thursday, October 18, 2012

Avenge By Sarah M. Ross



Avenge is now Available!!!
Sarah M. Ross, author of Awaken and Echo of an Earth Angel, has released the highly anticipated sequel, Avenge. This must-read book is now available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Book:
Six months ago, Lucy Donovan thought that being killed by a drunk driver was the worst thing that could happen to her.
She was wrong.
Now, the person she loves most has been ripped away from her, soul held hostage, and Lucy has vowed to stop at nothing to get it back.
Part of a new team with enhanced powers, Lucy and her friends begin a quest to avenge the souls that have been stolen. Enemies of the Patronus have united, however, and a spy from within the Patronus realm is feeding the enemy their every move.
When a mission goes horribly wrong, Lucy’s soul becomes compromised. It will take a strength she didn’t know was within her to escape the darkness, return to the light and avenge the soul she loves.

Price:
$3.99 for ebook
$12.99 for Paperbacks. (Autographed copies available at www.sarahmross.com)

To celebrate this release, Sarah has placed Awaken on sale for only $.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble!!


About the Author:
I started my obsession with reading at an early age, getting in trouble for sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class in elementary school. I would read any fiction book I could get my hands on. I knew it was an addiction when instead of grounding me from TV or music, my mom would take away my books as punishment (The Horror!). My love of all things paranormal was inspired by my good friend Laurie, who convinced me that books with vampires, witches, and all things shifter were amazing. After a little reluctance, I gave it a shot with the Sookie Stackhouse books, realized she was right, and the rest was history. 
I grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with my degree in English, and taught 8th graders to love reading as much as I do for several years. I will always be a proud member of the Steelers Nation, but I couldn't take the cold and moved my frozen tush to Florida where I now live with my family and two cats. You will find me now with my trusty Kindle in hand and toes in the sand!

When I'm not writing or reading, I am probably partaking in my favorite vice: sunbathing. I know it's wrong, but I love the feeling on the hot sun on my skin and could lay in it for hours. I do live in Florida for a reason!

Please feel free to contact me!

Website- http://www.sarahmross.com
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/SarahtheAuthor
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/SarahtheAuthor

Cover Reveal of Cameo Renaes Hidden Wings

Cover Reveal
Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae

Blurb:
   Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise.
   As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.
Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.
   A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday...things will change.


Cameo Renae’s website: www.cameorenae.com
Add Hidden Wings on Goodreads:
Release: January 18, 2013
Publisher: Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba / www.maeidesign.com



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

In My Dreams By Cameo Renae Interview, Review, and Giveaway




Blurb

It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown...dreams that would come true...detailed premonitions of how people would die. But this time, she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found... dead. 
Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now, his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she's safe. As a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he's still alive...still with her...and that gives her strength. 
But Lizzy must learn to pull on her own inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?
In My Dreams is a story of unconditional love. The kind of love that lives, even beyond the grave. It is a story that will grip you heart, break and re-mend it, and take it on a wild ride of emotion.
Warning: You might want to keep that box of tissue nearby... ;)

Interview

Why did you decide to write In My Dreams?
I knew I was ready to take on a novel and knew it wanted to be Paranormal, but I had no clue it would turn out the way it did.

The reactions that readers have had, is that what you wanted to accomplish?
Actually, the reactions from the readers have completely blown me away. Literally. I never thought that In My Dreams would have the impact it’s had. Countless readers have told me that they’ve cried and cried…with other readers it hit home, and gave a glimmer of hope. And, then there were those who said it made them think… I guess I’d say ~ mission accomplished!

When In My Dreams came out how did you feel?
At first I was elated that it was finished, but as soon as I pressed the “Publish” button, I was scared to death, and started second guessing myself. I had no clue what people would think. Would they like it, love it, or hate it? I still get nervous when I know people are reading my stuff. 

How long did it take you to write this book?
In My Dreams took one year. I had three jobs and two kids in high-school, highly involved in sports. I wrote every chance I had. It was craziness, and I was surprised I finished!

 Do you have a favorite character in In My Dreams?
I think my favorite character is Michael. He reminds me so much of my husband.

What was your inspiration to write this book?
There were a couple of inspirations. The first was the passing of my mother-in-law which made me questions…Do our loved ones really leave us and pass on, or do they hang around? The second inspiration would be the nightmare I had. It actually became the first part of Chapter 1. (Colored up a bit, of course.)

Did you have a playlist while you were writing, if so can you name some of the songs?
At the time I was writing In My Dreams I didn’t have a playlist, but I did have a few songs that helped inspire me. The first one is I’ll See You In My Dreams by Giant:
The second was Mad World sung by Adam Lambert:

Did you ever get stuck writing? (if you did what pushed you forward?)
 Actually, I didn’t experience writers block with In My Dreams, which was amazing!!!

What is your favorite book?
All-time favorite is C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

What is your favorite quote?
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. – Albert Einstein

Random Facts about Cameo Renae
Favorite Food: Lobster (with real butter)
Favorite Drink: Dr. Pepper or Coffee
Favorite Dessert: Mud Pie
Favorite Music Group: Maroon 5
Favorite Season: Winter 


Review
When I read that I would need a box of tissues close by, I thought it might be an exaggeration since I didn't think i'd cry a lot. Maybe a tear here in there just like in other books with intense scenes. Well, I really did need a box of tissues!I know what you may think, i don't want to read a sad book, well this isn't in that category. This was more about love going beyond the grave. It makes you wonder what happens to loved ones after they pass away. Would you want them to come say goodbye and contact you?Would that contact make it harder for you to let go? If you knew you were capable of seeing the one you love after they died would you want to keep in contact? These are all the questions that this book made me think about. I absolutely adore this story so much that i am getting it in paperback! It will forever hold a place in my shelf. I have never cried so much just by reading. Happy tears, angry tears, and mournful tears. Cameo Renae will bring them all out. There is no holding back your emotions with In My Dreams. 

You can find the books here

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Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Corpses of old Farm Hill Road The Arrogant Man By Tabitha Short



Blurb
He wakes up every morning knowing the world owes him something. Every woman was created for his demand, except for Vanessa Roundtree and her mother. Once lured onto their farm in the middle of nowhere he becomes their prey. As they torment his body, they break down his arrogance. Will he be able to escape? Or will he become just another of the corpses of Old Farm Hill Road?

Excerpt:
His face lit up as his hand gripped the handle of the car door. His entire body felt relief and his chest rattled with cries of happiness. He pulled the handle and the familiar sound of the car door opening that met his ears brought an unsurpassable amount of joy. He climbed into the driver’s seat, arranging his broken leg with his unbroken arm. It was excruciating, but he had to get through it to get away. He was almost there. Sweat beaded up on his forehead and he prayed he wouldn’t pass out again. He just needed a few more hours of consciousness to get out alive.
As his breaths slowed he felt his way to the ignition switch to start the engine. His heart sank when he discovered the keys were not in the ignition. No worries, I can hot wire it, he said to himself. The wiring was easy to find, hidden behind an access cover. Fumbling with the wires because of his swollen fingers, he quickly found the two he needed. Bending forward was agonizing, but he managed it and used his teeth to strip the wires. He twisted the copper strands together and found the purple wire. It gave him a little bit of trouble, but he was able to skin the plastic covering from it as well.
He heard a loud clunk on the hood of the car and his head jerked to attention. Standing in front of the vehicle was Vanessa. She was jingling the keys in her hand.
“You…are…one…stupid girl,” he said aloud, most of it coming out as nothing more than mumbles. He hit the wires together and the engine stuttered and then came to life. He laughed heartily, his chest rising and falling painfully. He glanced out the front windshield, ready to enjoy the look on the stupid girl’s face, but she was not there. His fingers quickly moved to lock the doors just as he heard her grip the handle. She was at his driver’s side window.
Her face grew angry when she could not open the door. She removed her shirt, wrapped it around her fist and began hitting the driver’s side window, trying to bust it. Mathew put the car in reverse, looked over his shoulder and began to back down the driveway. He was free! As the car rolled down the curved driveway, Vanessa ran after it. He laughed out loud and considered running her over, but thought against it as he neared the end of the driveway.


Author Bio

Tabitha Short is the writer of many horror short stories including The Roller Coaster of Death (found in the compilation titled Misery Loves Company) and The Please DO Feed The Animals ZOO. Her YA novel, Arena Games: Petrova's Legacy, is contracted and due for publication January 19, 2013. You can purchase her books at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and smashwords.com as well as at her author website at http://www.authortabithashort.blogspot.com. Tabitha also operates the literary blog The First Five Pages, which can be found at http://www.thefirstfivepages.blogspot.com


Contact information
Email: Tabitha_short@hotmail.com



Where to buy?







Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Conduit By Stacey Rourke Review, Interview and GIVEAWAY!!!

"Okay, little side note here. If a psychopathic killer asks if you want to see a trick, say no. That’s the smart thing to do. I, on the other hand, responded, 'Bring it'."

The Conduit By Stacy Rourke


Blurb
All 18-year-old Celeste Garrett wants is to head off to college and make those fun, yet ill-advised, choices college kids are known for. And maybe to spend some time with the hot cameraman she just met. Instead, because of a pact her ancestors made in the 17th century with a mythical creature, she has to save the world.

While normal kids are slamming energy drinks and cramming for exams, Celeste will get her adrenaline rush fighting a fire breathing dragon. She wants to meet friends in the quad to exchange lecture notes, but first she must exchange blows with a shapeshifting demon on the rooftop. Life isn’t always fair for a superhero, but at least she doesn’t have to do it alone. With her brother and sister as sidekicks, they alternate between saving lives and getting on each others’ nerves. Together the trio encounters unspeakable odds, mystical forces and comes face-to-face with an image that will haunt them forever—their grandmother in a leopard print bikini.

Interview with Stacey Rourke

What inspired you to write Conduit?

The first inklings of the idea came from me wanting to write a story for my two daughters about a strong female character that didn’t need a knight in shining armor to save her. Around that same time I had a dream one night that is actually a scene right out of The Conduit—where Celeste is creeping forward in the dark theatre and a hand shoots up out of the orchestra pit. It was such a realistic dream in which I could actually feel the power Celeste held. Those two elements combined and I had no choice but to follow where the story was leading.

Why did you choose a bird and a lion?

The Gryphon came first. I wanted to utilize a mythology creature that doesn’t get as much attention and stumbled onto (not literally because that’d be scary) the gryphon. When I learned he really is known as the protector of the divine that got my creative juices flowing and I went from there. I loved the idea of dividing these creature into his basic parts; the lion, the eagle and the strength of being a warrior for divinity itself.

Did you do a lot of planning before writing the book or did it just flow out?

My first draft I just let it flow…and flow…and flow. It ended up being over 110,000 words. It was insane. Then through feedback through others and researching I learned the fine art of storyboard to help keep the story clean and tight. After that I thinned it down to about 64,000 words. That’s trimming a whole lot of fat! Since then I storyboard every novel. (Novella’s I still just let it flow and let the story take me where it will.

Tell me something that is not mentioned in your Author Bio

I can touch my tongue to my nose.

Do the characters come from people you know?

I take pieces from people I know and mesh them together to form my characters Frankenstein style. But I will admit Celeste gets her sarcasm from me.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I never did. Writing picked me. Not the other way around. It’s always been a part of who I am, but I never really considered doing it as a profession until after I’d completed my first book and felt I owed it to the characters to try to get it published.

What advise would you give to all writers?

Read!! Any and all genres because you never know where you will find inspiration to further your voice! To have the tools to write you must READ!

Was there a character that you enjoyed writing about more than the others?

I love Celeste’s sarcasm, writing Gram’s wackiness is always a hoot, but Rowan—arrogant SOB that he is—gives me the opportunity to say all the things we aren’t “supposed” to say through him. I must have some deep-seeded resent I don’t know about because I revel in that!

If you had only one sentence to grab someone’s attention to read Conduit, what would it be?

Celeste Garrett could kick Edward Cullen’s ass, but she’d make him laugh while she was doing it.

Do you have a bucketlist? If yes what are your top three?

I want to recreate the lantern scene from the movie Tangled. The whole scene. I even want to sing right into someone’s face while I do it. Preferably someone not in the know about what it is I’m doing. I could die happy right then. I also want to go to Hawaii and Australia (although I refuse to travel on Oceanic Flight 815.) Last thing on my bucketlist? I’d like to make the New York Times Best Sellers list someday before I kick it.

What is something that you really loved as a child?

Play-doh. That stuff is delicious.

Happiest childhood memory?

Winning the fourth grade talent show by dancing to the song “Hey Mickey” with my friend Summer.

Favorite food-spaghetti

Favorite color-blue

Favorite book genre-fantasy, mix that with humor and it’s euphoric bliss

Favorite Music genre-a little bit of absolutely everything!

Random fact

Near the Carribean sea there’s a species of oysters that know how to climb trees. How creepy is that?

Review
The Conduit caught me by surprise. I am used to reading paranormal romance and this was more of a comedy and adventure. I have never laughed so much reading a book!! The character's personalities are clear. If i were to read one dialogue and had to guess who it was , i could easily get it right. Each character was awesome in their own way. I would have to say that the grandma was my favorite person. I really enjoyed reading this book. Since i was using my kindle i was able to see how far i was in the book and i tried dragging it out. The last time i glanced i was at 50% and was relieved knowing i had a lot more to go but then all of a sudden i was done! i was devastated. I have no idea where the other 50% went. That's how i hooked i was. Something that i really loved was being able to watch the siblings unite. 

I would hate to spoil the book so i am not going to try to explain what i mean, BUT you will have the chance to read it by entering the Giveaway Below! The lovely Stacey Rourke has donated 3 ebooks. How awesome is that!? I decided to end it on Halloween so you will have a chance to get more than candy(if you still go trick or treating, hey you are never too old for candy!). Good luck everybody!!

You can buy the book here =D
Amazon



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