Cover Reveal for Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty by Katie Hamstead

The end is nigh.

The end of the Kiya series by Katie Hamstead, that is. I am equal parts excited and sad about this. As you guys probably already know, this is one of my favorite series right now, which means that I am very reluctant to see it go. But knowing Katie, there is something awesome in store. And I already read the first book of her next series to be published, so that gives me comfort (hint: it's going to be AMAZEBALLS). ;)

Today marks the beginning of the end with the cover reveal of Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty, the last book in the trilogy. Take a look:

Title: Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty (Kiya Trilogy Book #3)
Author: Katie Hamstead
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Genre: New Adult Historical Romance
Release Date: February 25th, 2014

Blurb:

Tut has grown into his position as Pharaoh, but he is a wild young man. Naomi fears for him, not only because of his recklessness, but because he has put his trust in Ay–the man determined to destroy Naomi—despite her and Horemheb advising against it.

Meanwhile, death and slavery hang over Naomi and her family. With fear of the booming Hebrew numbers causing talk of enslaving them, conscription is reinstated and Naomi fears for the lives of her other children. Especially since Ay's children are now adults, and just as dangerous as their father. They threaten to take Itani, conspire against Tut, and pushing for power.

But Tut is in trouble. While Ay's daughter draws Horemheb's attention, and Naomi deals with the struggles of her family, everyone's distraction could spell death for the young Pharaoh.

Add it to Goodreads

About the Author:

Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.

After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.

She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She is currently at school studying English and Creative Writing.

Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She now works as a Clerk with a lien company in Arizona to help support her family and her schooling. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

Blog  Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads  Amazon 

Teaser Tuesday: Cover Reveal of Shattered Secrets by Krystal Wade

Do you remember that feeling you had when you were a kid, the one where two weeks just seemed like FOREVER? It's not a feeling we get often as adults, since most of the time we end up going "Two weeks just went by? How did that happen?"

But it is definitely a feeling that I have right now. Why? Because I just read the first three chapters of Shattered Secrets by Krystal Wade, and the full book won't be out until March 3rd. It's killing me. Right from the start, Krystal Wade hooks you with the love story between Abigail and Derick, and then she pulls you in even more with the tension and suspense, and it just increases with each chapter. 

This book is going to be huge. I am calling that now. And now I am going to draw you guys in as well with the cover, blurb, and trailer. Add this to your Goodreads now and read it as soon as you can. You're going to want to be with this one from the start, I promise. 

After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant.

She couldn't be more wrong.

The boy who saves her holds her heart.

But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.

Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.

Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own.

But has she put her trust in the wrong place?

And will the world survive if she has?

Want to keep  up to date on all things Shattered Secrets? Check out Krystal's website, add it to Goodreads, sign up for the release day blitz, and don't forget to vote for it as one of the Most Exciting Upcoming YA Books on Goodreads (along with her other book Charmed). 

Weekend Wrap Up & Giveaway: Review of Branded by Katie Hamstead

If you follow my reviews, you probably know by now that I both love and hate Katie Hamstead as an author. I adore everything she writes, but so much so that I'm left deflated at the end of each book and blowing raspberries at my To Be Read list (no offense to everyone who is on there). Branded is really no different. Before we get to the review, let me tell you a bit about the book and the author first. Oh, and then you can enter to win your very own copy (along with her two books from the AMAZING Kiya series and an Amazon gift card) using the Rafflecopter below. Or if you are impatient, you can order your very own copy on Amazon for just $2.99. You won't regret it.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I review First of Her Kind by K.L. Schwengel and Knights of Rilch by Rachel O'Laughlin. For now, Branded! Allons-y!

Synopsis:

Terrorists have invaded Sydney, and Allison King barely escapes her brother’s wedding reception alive. She and her siblings flee, but their parents are killed by firing squad.

Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.

But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.

Add it on Goodreads or purchase through Amazon

About the Author:

Born and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush", and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.

After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.

She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She is currently at school studying English and Creative Writing.

Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She now works as a Clerk with a lien company in Arizona to help support her family and her schooling. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

Follow Katie on Twitter, her blog, Facebook, and Goodreads.


My Review:
Branded by Katie Hamstead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In a word: Intense. Usually with stories that have a MC that is constantly hunted on a personal level by the enemy, it's all about the chase. You don't expect them to come face to face with the enemy several times over, and I love that Ali does. She turns into the white whale to the General's Ahab, as the characters refer to it. Only she has much more snark and spirit than a white whale, I'm sure.

Ali isn't the typical MC lusted after by an enemy. She's not weak at all, but not impenetrable either. She's genuinely scared for her life, especially when face to face with the General, and the author lets you feel that fear alongside Ali. What is brilliant about feeling that fear so strongly is that you feel her defiance as well. You rise up with her and feel just as indignant as she does.

Her romance with Damien happened fast, but I felt like that was really realistic given the circumstances. Everything about their way of life has been threatened, but there's still a hope that things can get normal and people cling to that hope. The normalcy of things like romance and marriage. And I do love that this is addressed later on, but that they continue to fight for each other. On the other hand, I really root for Nick. He's my favorite character. Without him, I feel like the war would have only gotten worse even after it all came to a head. In a way, I think he means more to the war than Ali does.

This was an exhilarating read, full of suspense, action, romance, and heartbreak on so many different levels. A very powerful and emotional read for people of any religion.

View all my reviews
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Thursday Takeover: Author LRS talks The Witches in Our Lives

Most of us have stories we remember of bullies from our younger years--those choice people from your past that you wouldn't have minded sending off somewhere far, far away just to escape their torment. Some of us might even still the pain from the scars those people left behind. Today, author LRS is here to chat with us about the lasting effects bullies can have on our lives by sharing her own personal stories. She's also giving away some prizes to celebrate the new release of Launching Sisters to Witchcamp:

Launching Sisters to WitchCamp

LRS 

Genre: Middle grade fantasy  

Publisher:  MuseItUp Publishing

Cover Artist: Charlotte Volnek 
MuseItUp Publishing 
Amazon  Kobo  iTunes

Book Description: 

Sixth-grader J.J. learns there are no easy breaks in life.

When J.J. discovers the opportunity to send his maddening sisters off to WitchCamp, he has fantasies of a delightful summer. However, J.J. and his friend are soon off on a ride they didn't anticipate -- one that lands them in a chilling mess of witch hunts and creature feasts.

With his creative ideas, J.J. utilizes their risky escapades to escape. But making deals with superhuman creatures just lands them in hotter water.

Now it’s up to J.J. to save them all from certain death by being more imaginative and daring than ever before.

The video trailer http://youtu.be/rKedRSdpmrQ

About the Author:

LRS has a master’s degree in psychology. For more than ten years she pretended to be working while she was on the floor enjoying playtime with kids. 

She has lived on the eastern and western coasts of the U.S.A, as well as abroad, and currently resides in Canada with her family. Wherever she is, she can’t pass by a toy store without going inside. 

When she's not writing, she can usually be found in her kitchen, where she’s either baking (and sampling) cookies or stirring a pot. (Unfortunately, she has yet to find a magical spoon.)
Website   Facebook  Twitter  

The Witches in Our Lives

Smashed between two sisters, J.J. is only too familiar with witches. And despite my own mercenary handling of my brothers, I can totally commiserate. Though as a sister I was an eligible candidate for WitchCamp, to the outside world I was a sweet kid. Thankfully, I wasn't bullied much, but I had my fair share of witches. The evil females in my history haunt me until today.

Blond tresses, brown eyes, Easter dresses, and a perpetual scowl. She was the first witch I encountered at the innocent age of three. I disliked preschool with a passion, and Isabella played a significant role in my aversion.

She was trouble from the start. I met her at the cubbies, as we put our little bags away. By nature a shy child, it was an effort for me to initiate an interaction. I clearly recollect the thought process going through my head; “Mommy said it’s polite to say good morning. I have to be polite.”

Hence, I summed up my courage, looked Isabella in the eye, and greeted her with a smile.

“Shut up,” she snarled, and then turned her gauzy blue dress with white frills to me.

So that’s what happens when you listen to Mommy.

Maybe that’s why I’ve never initiated a greeting to new people since then without some effort.

In elementary school there was Gail. I wasn’t her only victim; in fact one childhood friend recently confessed to me that she had dreams for years of murdering our witchy classmate.

For some self-punishing reason, I had play dates with Gail. I didn’t want to play with her though. For one thing, I had no hope if we engaged in anything competitive. Gail would win even if it meant eliminating her opponent eternally. A seemingly safe idea occurred to me. Since I loved stories (no surprise there), her advanced reading ability would enable her to read me a book I couldn’t yet read on my own.  

When my mom peeked into the room, Gail looked from the book to her with a cherubic smile and accepted the praise for her reading with a humble incline of the head. I enjoyed the story.

Not the payback.  

The cost of having been read to was public humiliation for me in the hallways of our school.

Maybe that’s why I won’t listen to audio-books.

In middle grade school I learned that witches don’t come only in kiddie form.

Mrs. N. walked into our sixth grade classroom trashing our class before she even met us. She had some choice words to describe our class based on her interrogations of previous teachers.

But I forgive Mrs. N. for her punitive discipline, and her manic depressive mood swings. I forgive her for trying to appease us with candy, and then lambasting students and shaming them in front of our peers.

Funny, but what took me years to get over was the way she put me down to rack up the status of her pet, the genius of the class—who just so happened to be my best friend.      

When Mrs. N. assigned us a creative writing project, it was only natural for Di and me to pair up.

“You’re creative, you brainstorm what we should do, and I’ll build the visual aids,” Di told me.

I hit upon an innovative idea, dictated to my friend the props we needed with full details, and composed the essay.

Friday rolled around, and Di and I stood in front of the class, teacher, and the principal. Toward the end of our presentation, I caught Mrs. N. leaning in to the principal with a smile “That Di is incredible!”

Maybe that’s why I won’t co-author.

Hoping you’re armed with anti-spells for the witches lurking out there,

LRS

Postscript: You do know who I’m referring to, don’t you? Would you care to share with us the witch types haunting your life?

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Teaser Tuesday: Seal of Awakening by Traci Douglass

Traci Douglass is touring her Seven Seals series, and has stopped by to give us an exclusive excerpt for the third book, Seal of Awakening. Check it out!

Seal Of Awakening

Seven Seals Series

Book Three

Traci Douglass 

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy 

Publisher: SpinTale Publishing 

Date of Publication: October 28th, 2013 

Cover Artist: Kim Killion 

Book Description:

Socially awkward geneticist Quinn Strickland has willingly forgone the pleasures in life to reach her career objectives. Alone and approaching thirty, she uses her independence to mitigate any risk of a broken heart. Her strategy works until the day a handsome stranger bursts into her lab and her orderly plans shoot straight to Hades. He claims to be her personal divine protector, a powerful, ancient warrior sent to defend a prophetic time bomb existing within her own genetic code. 

The Scion’s alpha-geek Wyck is offered the opportunity of his immortal lifetime as head of his own covert operation. He arrives at a Colorado lab expecting starched white coats and sterile surroundings—not a redheaded spitfire in charge of both his project and his libido. His skills have carried him from the battlefields of ancient England to the pits of Hell and he has no plans to be felled by one woman, regardless of her shag-worthy charms. Divine duty requires him to protect the apocalyptic Seal encrypted within Quinn’s DNA, but his heart has other ideas. When his personal feelings interfere with his age-old vendetta, he’s forced to decide between desire and retribution.

Amazon     Paperback 

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/dAJ9tKiiUOQ

About the Author: 

Traci is the author of paranormal romance/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters. 

She is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of the first book in the Seven Seals Series, Seal of Destiny, won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers. 

Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series, a new contemporary novella series due out in early 2014, and a new futuristic suspense series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.

Follow Traci online: Website and blog  FB Author Page  Twitter  Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Excerpt:

“Basta!” Kagan grabbed her by the arm and twisted slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to let her know he meant business as he directed her to a corner booth. He ignored the half-full beverages and coats scattered on the seats and shoved Mira into the confined space. When the booth’s original owners took issue with his hostile takeover, Kagan dispatched them with a lethal glare. He wasn’t sure where the girl had gotten the idea his mind was damaged, but he was damn sure he didn’t like it. He moved in behind her to block her escape.

“Oh, hell, no!” After several unsuccessful strikes to his muscled physique, Mira tried to slide out beneath the table. The angle proved too awkward. Defeated, she shoved as far away as she could into the corner and propped those killer boots on the seat in front of her in warning. “You better let me out of here, asshole, before I call the cops! I caught you stalking me, pervert!”

Kagan took a deep breath. He never lost his cool in battle, and he wasn’t about to start now. “Pervert? You’re of age, si?”

Mira glared. Kagan ticked through their earlier interactions, searching for a reason behind her intense hostility. His preternatural instincts sensed her intention before her hand reached his carotid. He blocked her quickly, locking her small hand within his and forcing it to the table beneath his own. Her pulse raced against his palm. He took another swig of beer then flashed his most endearing grin. “Let’s start over.” He released his bottle and extended his hand. “I’m Kagan.”

She refused to acquiesce. Kagan spoke in quiet tones meant to calm, to reassure. “I know I’m a stranger, but we have things to discuss.” He glanced around the crowded club, at the bodies packed tight. “We can’t do it here, though—no privacy. My apartment is close. Why don’t we go there and talk?”

Mira kicked him hard in the thigh.

“Merda!” Kagan grabbed his throbbing leg. “What’s in those damn boots? Marble?”

“Let me out of here, jackass, before I sideline your baby-maker!” Mira struggled within the tight confines of the booth. As she squirmed, the spicy scent of her shampoo wafted, and he was overcome with the strangest urge to plunge his hands into the riotous mass of her hair, to feel it curl around his fingers. She tugged on the hand pinned beneath his, and his thumb traced over her thudding veins. His heart pounding along with hers. The odd tingle sped through his torso, and his mouth turned to cotton. Her gaze blazed up at him, a swirling mix of green and golden brown. He noted the dark smudges below and wondered what kept her from slumber.

Dolce Cristo! Kagan looked away, fought for control. This was getting way out of hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bedded a woman, but apparently it had been far too long.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Falling by E Van Lowe

Cover reveals are always so exciting, don't you think? Today is the cover reveal for the fourth and last book in the Falling Angels Saga by E Van Lowe. And to make it even more exciting, E Van Lowe is also giving away some great prizes during his tour! Want to know more about the series? I've got the info on all the books following this beautiful new cover:

Falling

Falling Angels Saga

Book Four

E Van Lowe

Genre: Paranormal YA

Think twice before you agree to marry Satan. There’s no divorcing the devil.

The End is Near

Will Megan Barnett go falling back into the arms of dreamy earth angel, Guy Matson? Or, is she in fact, falling in love with the demon, Orthon?  Or, will her out-of-control abilities send her falling into Satan’s open arms?

In the final, heart-stopping chapter of the Falling Angels Saga, Megan Barnett is on a quest to rid her life of Satan forever, but Satan has other plans, including a lavish wedding, and he’s willing to destroy her family and everyone she loves to have his way.  To add to the drama, rogue demons have risen from hell with plans of their own.

Will Megan finally have her happily-ever-after, or is she doomed to an eternity in HELL?

As Amanda Ashby, author of Zombie Queen of Newbury High, writes, “E. Van Lowe is a writing force to be reckoned with and you are in masterful hands from the first page to the last.” 

Sounds exciting, am I right? And the best part is that you can enter to win your own copy of the series during this tour! E Van Lowe has some amazing prize packs to give away in the Rafflecopter below, including the beautiful jewelry pictured, an ebook prize pack of the entire series, and a paperback prize pack of the entire series. 

If you are looking to get started on the series, check out Boyfriend From Hell (book one), Earth Angels (book two), and Heaven Sent (book three) first:

Feature Friday: Leadership and Redemption Series by Michael Cantwell, CCIM

Soul Intentions

Leadership and Redemption

Book One

Michael Cantwell, CCIM 
Genre: Fiction, fantasy

Publisher: KSM Publishing

Amazon

Book Description:

Caeles Novo has lost count at how many times he has have taken a soul. He now fears his actions are not saving his existence, but damaging it. It is a painful transition when you question if your life has been a lie

Soul Directive

Leadership and Redemption

Book Two

Michael Cantwell, CCIM 
Genre: Fiction, fantasy

Publisher: KSM Publishing 
Amazon 

Book Description:

Caeles Novo continues his journey of seeking broken souls that he started in “Soul Intentions”. Caeles is now the leader of his disciples and must discover the mystery as to why so few soul stealers remain on earth. He learns the high cost of both leadership and success. Caeles is assigned to remove the soul of an internet blogger who is spreading false information for the President of the United States, a man who trains fighting dogs and others. He meets up with a Doctor about to cure cancer and a woman with multiple personalities. He does all this while attempting to lead his people and be a good husband and father.

Fortunate Soul

Leadership and Redemption

Book Three

Michael Cantwell, CCIM 
Genre: Fiction, fantasy

Publisher: KSM Publishing
Amazon

Book Description:

In this third installment, Caeles Novo has been removed as leader of the Council. He now seeks revenge for those who have taken away his power to remove souls and is on a journey to return his disciples back to their original mission

About the Author:

Michael Cantwell, CCIM (1958-present) is an author and commercial real estate agent in Florida as well as a published photographer. He was born in Ft. Campbell KY, raised in Trenton, NJ, graduated college at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. He now resides in Palm Beach County, Florida. He is married with three children and one dog. He loves music and is a Miami Marlins, Dolphins, Panthers and Heat fan. He also enjoys strolling Florida with his camera at hand. He has served on many board of directors and volunteered many hours as a coach for baseball and basketball as well as for Junior Achievement in many schools around South Florida.

Web  Blog  Twitter  Facebook  Goodreads 

Why I Write by Michael Cantwell, CCIM

Anyone who has written a poem or a short story understands how personal and rewarding writing can be. Maybe the hardest thing I had to learn to overcome wasn’t rejection but people being over critical of my work, or being plain nasty. I was speaking with someone about my books, keep in mind this was someone who had never read anything of mine, they asked me to name of any of my titles. They wanted to buy them “because they needed more toilet paper.” It was meant as a joke. I knew it right away, but it’s the lack of people’s understanding of how hard you work to produce what you hope is a good product that sometimes is difficult to overcome.

The first time I wrote a novel was because someone bet me I couldn’t write a best seller. I had never considered writing a novel before that day and had no idea the pitfalls and the highs of the journey I was about to begin. Yes, I wrote the book on a bet, but it was written for me. I had no idea about demographics or who my future audience would be. It was purely because someone told me it couldn’t be done. It wasn’t until the book was complete that I ever heard the words “query letter”, or cared.

There are roadblocks on every stop along the way of writing a book. But tell me anything worth doing that doesn’t have roadblocks. Over time, I know my style has changed. I now write far more dialogue then I did in my first book. Sometimes I even purposely go overboard with accents or create over the top characters. It’s not that I don’t have an audience in mind now when I write, but I still have to write for me. Years ago, when I was first starting out as a real estate agent, I had an instructor tell me that if you do your job and do it well, the money will come. Don’t do it for the money. Do it because you enjoy it and want to help others. Only then, will you be rewarded. I now have the same philosophy with my writing. The first time someone came to me and told me they enjoyed reading my book and I knew they were sincere, was one of the greatest highs I had ever experienced. There will be more lows in the future, but when they happen, I remind myself of one of my readers who keeps all my books on his phone, so he can read them whenever he is down. I make his day, he makes mine knowing I created something that touched a stranger so deeply. Keep living your dream. I do every day. 

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